Community Blog

Everyday Heroes

Super heroes exist beyond the comic books and movies. Many of us consider sports figures, celebrities, or rescue workers in our list of heroes. But there are heroes amongst us…everyday people who go above and beyond to make this world a better place for others. We encounter them every single day! From our parents and school teachers, to firemen and police force - heros come in many different ways.

In today’s Express Yourself!™ program, teens Youngjoo, Katelyn, Lora, Caie, and Mason tell us what it is to be a hero and offer insights into the unheralded good works of ordinary individuals who are truly champions and deserve to be recognized. Many teens are truly unsung super heroes. Find out how and why!

Listen at Voice America Kids:

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/68252/everyday-heroes

DD 4-13

Digging Deep with Cynthia Brian-Weed, Seed, Feed!

By Cynthia Brian

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."

Robert Louis Stevenson

When is the right time to plant seeds? This is a question I have often been asked as I travel throughout the country speaking on gardening issues. Over the years I have embraced the age old farmer’s timing technique for planting seeds in any climate, anywhere: if you can sit on the ground with your bare bottom and not feel too cold or wet, it’s warm enough to sow! 

This year the ground was especially warm earlier than usual and already I have tomatoes, peppers, and squash sprouting. Winter seemed to skip by Lamorinda as we went from autumn to spring. Weeds are not as ubiquitous as they have been in the past, yet before we sow our spring seeds, it is imperative to carefully edit and amend our gardens. If you planted cover crops such as vetch, clover, or fava beans, turn them over to add the much desired nitrogen and nutrients to the soil. Other weeds need to be manually pulled and either added to compost piles or put in the green bin.  Once we have made sure our soil is rich and ready, it’s prime time to buy the seed packets or six packs and start digging.

Arugula was my top pick for growing greens this season. I have planted runway serrated, rustic organic, true Italian organic, and, of course, my very favorite…wasabi. A jewel-toned blend of beets as well as purple and rattlesnake pole beans are already in the ground. A healthy crop of radiant radishes garnish our plates and butter lettuce is already curly and luscious. To add a bit of pretty to the scene, I have sowed nigella mulberry rose, larkspur Parisian pink, Echinacea purpurea starlight, and rainbow poppies. They are not yet large enough to photograph but I anticipate a compliment of colors.

Naturally, it’s also important to plant pollen plants to attract the pollinators and help them thrive, which in turn helps our gardens grow. Did you know that bee pollinators provide one of every three bites we take? Honeybees have been disappearing in record numbers and butterflies have also suffered significant population declines. It is essential to eliminate pesticides and insecticides while planting flowers of varied shapes to bring the bees and butterflies.

Here are pollinator plants that can easily be grown from seed. Plant them as succession plants for three seasons of enjoyment that will also support a range of bee and butterfly species.

For Early Blooms:

Baby Blue Eyes

California Poppy

Chives

Clover

Larkspur

Lupine

Osteospermum

Pea

Poppy

Viola

For Mid-Season Beauty:

Bachelor’s Button

Basil

Black-eye Susan

Borage

Calendula

Cilantro

Cosmos

Foxglove

Lavender

Squash

Thyme

For Late-Season Color:

Agastache

Amaranth

Cleome

Dahlia

Marigold

Salvia

Sunflower

Zinnia

Once you have sowed your special selections, you’ll want to add a bit of organic

fertilizer to feed the seed. A brew of homemade compost tea is recommended although

you can purchase organic plant food at your local garden center. A regular fertilizer

program is needed to keep plants growing well and attractive all season.

The choice of fertilizer analysis will depend on the kinds of plants you are growing.

High nitrogen sources is perfect for plants grown for their foliage while flowering

and vegetable crops prefer lower nitrogen and higher phosphorous types.

With your spring garden planted, you may now begin dreaming of the delicious crops to be harvested in the future. Water, tend, and wait!

Happy gardening to you!

©2013

Cynthia Brian

The Goddess Gardener

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.goddessgardener.com

925-377-7827

Cynthia is available as a speaker and consultant.

Read the article and see photos at

https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0702/Digging-Deep-with-Cynthia-Brian-Weed-Seed-Feed.html

Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio is produced by Cynthia Brian of Starstyle® Productions, llc as an outreach program of Be the Star You Are!® charity. For information on being a guest email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . To make a tax-deductible donation to keep this positive youth programming broadcasting weekly to international audiences, visit http://www.bethestaryouare.org/donate.htm. Thanks for supporting teens!

Modeling and Teen Fashion Blogging

April 9, 2013

Hosted by Youngjoo Ahn, with the Express Yourself! STAR On-Air Team

[itunes] [Bookmark Episode]

What does it take to be a professional model? How do celebrities make fashion choices? Does blogging influence the modeling and fashion world? Hosts Youngjoo Ahn and Katelyn Darrow are joined by reporters Caie Kelley and Hannah Li to delve into the glamour, glitz, ups, downs, and “photoshopping” of models as well as the fashion blogs that are providing ordinary individuals an opportunity to shine. UK fashion sensation and Elton John protégée, Tallia Storm is the special guest from Scotland talking about her unique fashion choices styled by her sister that are landing her on the cover of major magazines worldwide. Tallia is turning the world of fashion upside down and literally taking the teen styles by storm. From Cynthia Brian’s book, The Business of Show Business, you’ll learn some concrete tools that are required for the modeling profession.

Listen at Voice America Kids:

Co-hosts Youngjoo Ahn and Katelyn Darrow are feminists believing that both genders are equal and deserve to be treated equally in every situation. The male-female pay gap is still unequal with women earning 72 cents for every dollar that a man earns doing the exact job. Reporter Alex Pawlakos suggests that more women ar being recognized in the economic arena today. You Can! Reporter, Lora Galoyan gives an historical perspective asking if Gender roles are reconstructed by society itself, or are they a biological construction? In our final segment a big surprise appearance by the Sir Elton John’s prodigy rising super star, Tallia Storm. Dubbed ‘Tiny Chancer’ by the UK press, Tallia Storm had been singing for some 3 years when she was propelled to the international limelight last year when Sir Elton asked her to open his concert in Falkirk Football Stadium to a sold out audience of 17,000 people at the tender age of 13 yrs.

Listen at Voice America Kids:

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/67961/gender-roles-and-scottish-teen-singer-fashionista-tallia-storm

Photos Descriptions and more at Express Yourself!™, http://www.ExpressYourselfTeenRadio.com for April 2, 2013

The Human Magnet Syndrome, The Typewriter Girl, Coffee Primer

Why are men and women irresistibly drawn into romantic relationships, not so much by what they see, feel and think, but more by an invisible and irresistible magnetic-like force? Psychotherapist and author, Ross Rosenberg, of The Human Magnet Syndrome - Why We Love People Who Hurt Us, Ross Rosenberg, describes a revolutionary way of conceptualizing dysfunctional relationships.

In Alison Atlee’s historical debut novel, The Typewriter Girl , a girl in turn-of-the-century England struggles to be viewed on her own merits—but in a man’s world, that’s an unforgivable sin. The Typewriter Girl expertly navigates readers through the struggles of finding love, independence, and strength in life in a harsh world. 

In the specialty coffee world, the level of obsession over how to brew the perfect up has reach maddening levels of complexity. The choices seem infinite and former barista, Heather Brittany provides a cheat sheet of coffee flavors and roasts to help you decode and brew the perfect cup of java!

Photos will be available at http://www.StarStyleRadio.com under April 11, 2013

Listen to the show at http://www.worldtalkradio.com/worldtalkradio/vepisode.aspx?aid=68372

Title: Teens to Talk Writing, Publishing with Lamorinda Weekly Author, Cynthia Brian

By: Laurie Snyder

On April 30, budding writers will have the chance to get up close and personal with Lamorinda Weekly author, Cynthia Brian, in a special event at the Orinda Library from 7 to 8 pm. Brian, who has been active in coaching teens in the Lamorinda community for a number of years, edits this newspaper’s “Teen Scene” and produces “Express Yourself! Teen Radio.” 

She has also written two books, “The Business of Show Business” and “Be the Star You Are! For TEENS,” a collection of 38 inspirational stories which she believes will help readers “learn how to cope with courage and face challenges with humor and self-confidence.” Proceeds from the sale of the latter are being used to support Be the Star You Are! – an organization dedicated to “empowering women, families, and youth through improved literacy and positive media."

"Being the teen coach for the Lamorinda Weekly for the past few years has been an extremely enriching and rewarding experience,” says Brian. “It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to give our young people a voice. We are blessed with so many talented teens with opinions and ideas.  As a gardener I nurture plants, as a coach I grow people. I look forward to meeting more teens who are interested in joining our Lamorinda Weekly star team."

Pre-registration is not required for Brian’s free program, which is being sponsored by the Friends of the Orinda Library. Teens who are interested in writing for Teen Scene in the Lamorinda Weekly may also email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information. 

Brian and the Lamorinda Weekly “are seeking responsible, dedicated individuals who can follow directions, meet timelines, and want to write and report about issues important to teens in the Lamorinda community. If you have something important to say, adds Brian, “We want to hear it!  And we'll work with you to hone your skills."

https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0703/Teens-to-Talk-Writing-Publishing-and-Broadcasting-with-Cynthia-Brian.html

THE APP RAP

By Alex Pawlakos

Apps:Virtual SAT Tutor by Ivy Standard

Ace the SAT by Emrecan Dogan

SAT Vocab - MindSnacks by MindSnacks 

For:iPhones and Android phones

Price:Free

For many high school students, the arrival of spring is a reminder that the SAT’s are coming and preparations must begin. Luckily, there are some very useful apps that enable the dedicated student to get in a little extra studying in their spare time without having to lug around bulky SAT practice books.  Although it is hard to find a good SAT study app that works on both iPhones and Android smartphones, there are good apps for each.  For the Android phones, Virtual SAT Tutor-Vocabulary and Virtual SAT Tutor-Math are both excellent apps for SAT vocabulary words and math problems.  For the iPhone, Ace the SAT is excellent for math and Mind Snacks does the job for vocabulary.  In the free versions of Virtual SAT Tutor, there are over 100 different vocabulary words and over 75 advanced math problems all of which have been used on actual SAT tests.  The MindSnacks app uses really fun games to help you learn vocabulary, and Ace the SAT shows detailed step-by-step solutions for their math problems. For a small charge of $1.99, the Virtual Tutor apps can be upgraded to include many more words and problems. For $4.99, MindSnacks can be upgraded to include 25 lessons. Although studying for the SAT tests may not be fun, these apps definitely make it more interesting!

As the editor and teen coach forTeen Scene for the newspaper, Cynthia Brian has had the opportunity to work with talented teens with attitude and opinions. She shares selected published works. To read numerous articles shepherded by Cynthia, visit www.BTSYA.com

Alex Pawlakos enjoys biking, weightlifting, and tutoring in his spare time. He is a reporter on Express Yourself!(tm) Teen Radio.

https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0703/THE-APP-RAP.html

By Caie Kelley

How often do you hear, “you know, my favorite part of college is studying. I love all the textbooks and the tests.”?

When cousins and friends discuss their first semester away from home, they don’t talk about the academic side of college or grad school. Instead, it’s all about the social scene, endless stories about those crazy nights, sorority and frat parties, and of course, the fashion statements on campus.

Since I’m in high school and plan on going to college, it’s fun to find out from friends who are already there about the wardrobe rules. Winnie Yoe, a junior at Dartmouth College, said East Coast schools were about being preppy. Leggings, Northface jackets, and fur boots were the most common items worn. My cousin, Derek, who is at

William & Mary, describes the fashion at his school in one word, “J. Crew”. It’s a bit of a generalization, but it appears that East Coast style is more conservative, with an emphasis on sophistication, classic styles, and layers.

Lamorinda friends at UC Davis, UC Berkeley, and UCLA testify that West Coast style is relaxed. Probably because of our moderate to warm weather, flip-flops and shorts rule in California.  “I think people here put effort into making sure they look like they didn’t put any effort into their clothes,” remarked Kari, a sophomore at UC Davis.

     Ultimately, the consensus about fashion was the same. “You wear what you want, at any college”, I heard over and over again. College logo sweatshirts and jeans are the unofficial uniform everywhere.

As Sam, a family friend explained, “Sure, there are the trends at universities but there is no one size fits all look.  Be yourself –that’s the most important”.  

Although it’s cliché, remaining true to yourself is always fashionable.

Caie Kelley is a junior at Miramonte High School and the Pop Culture reporter on the teen show, Express Yourself!™  In her free time, she enjoys swimming, piano, and volunteering.

As the editor and teen coach forTeen Scene for the newspaper, Cynthia Brian has had the opportunity to work with talented teens with attitude and opinions. She shares selected published works. To read numerous articles shepherded by Cynthia, visit www.BTSYA.com

https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0703/Is-She-Really-Wearing-That-Comments-on-College-Clothing.html

Peter Eisner, author of The Pope’s Last Crusade weighs in on the selection of Pope Francis; the implications of the election of the first Latin American and the first Jesuit pope from a socially progressive nation such as Argentina, and what it means for the future direction of the Catholic church. The Pope’s Last Crusade tells the story of how Pope Pius XI enlisted an American Jesuit Priest, John LaFarge in 1938, to help him commission a papal encyclical condemning Hitler and the Nazis.

The Goddess Gals spent a week celebrating life on the beach in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Cynthia Brian and Heather Brittany share tips on how to relax and rejuvenate in paradise without breaking the bank. They also have a cautionary tale about renting a car in Baja!

Have you ever studied the architecture of a tree? Cynthia Brian branches out with information on trunks, bark, limbs, and pruning.  Learn about pollarding and the trees that benefit from it.


Listen at World Talk Radio: http://www.worldtalkradio.com/worldtalkradio/vepisode.aspx?aid=67936

Listen at Starstyle® Radio: http://www.starstyleradio.com/RADIO_SHOWS/Starstyle_Radio/Entries/2013/3/28_The_Popes_Last_Crusade%2C_Cabo_Celebration%2C_Branching_Out.html

Today is the final day for voting, in face we only have 3 hours left.  It's been challenging because the site doesn't work that well, especially not with Safari. Had lots of emails from people who thought they voted, but it turns out they were never logged in.  It's best to use Firefox or Chrome, log in with FACEBOOK is fast and then you don't have to register. After you are logged in, click on ENTRIES, then find CYNTHIA BRIAN. It's easiest if you use the pull down menu under Prizes and click on Top Rated. Cynthia Brian is on the top in 4th. Click on that picture of the Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio stars of Be the Star You Are!® charity and THEN, click on VOTE FOR THIS ENTRY. Thanks again...:-)
http://lurapparel.com/leaders/#!/entry/1847513
HELP Be the Star You Are!® charity win $500! in the 2013 lur® apparel Female Sustainable Leader Awards!
We are in 4th place, but YOU can change that toFIRST!  We need you to VOTE today before 5pm ET for Cynthia Brian http://lurapparel.com/leaders/#!/entry/1847513
Cynthia Brian has been nominated as a female sustainable leader by lur® apparel.VOTE NOW!
Through March 29th at 5pm ET, you can vote once a day to recognize Cynthia Brianfor her positive efforts in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others through her work with the 501 c3 charity,Be the Star You Are!®
The lure® apparel 2013 Sustainable Leader Award recognizes female leaders who are going above and beyond in the service of an organization's mission.
Help Be the Star You Are!® win a $500 cash prize.
Click on this link: http://lurapparel.com/leaders/#!/entry/1847513
Easiest way to log-in is via Facebook, Click on ENTRIES,  Browse for  CYNTHIA BRIAN, Click VOTE for this Entry! http://lurapparel.com/leaders/#!/entry/1847513
Thanks and Have Blessed Good Friday

DD 4-13

Digging Deep with Cynthia Brian-Weed, Seed, Feed!

By Cynthia Brian

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."

Robert Louis Stevenson

When is the right time to plant seeds? This is a question I have often been asked as I travel throughout the country speaking on gardening issues. Over the years I have embraced the age old farmer’s timing technique for planting seeds in any climate, anywhere: if you can sit on the ground with your bare bottom and not feel too cold or wet, it’s warm enough to sow! 

This year the ground was especially warm earlier than usual and already I have tomatoes, peppers, and squash sprouting. Winter seemed to skip by Lamorinda as we went from autumn to spring. Weeds are not as ubiquitous as they have been in the past, yet before we sow our spring seeds, it is imperative to carefully edit and amend our gardens. If you planted cover crops such as vetch, clover, or fava beans, turn them over to add the much desired nitrogen and nutrients to the soil. Other weeds need to be manually pulled and either added to compost piles or put in the green bin.  Once we have made sure our soil is rich and ready, it’s prime time to buy the seed packets or six packs and start digging.

Arugula was my top pick for growing greens this season. I have planted runway serrated, rustic organic, true Italian organic, and, of course, my very favorite…wasabi. A jewel-toned blend of beets as well as purple and rattlesnake pole beans are already in the ground. A healthy crop of radiant radishes garnish our plates and butter lettuce is already curly and luscious. To add a bit of pretty to the scene, I have sowed nigella mulberry rose, larkspur Parisian pink, Echinacea purpurea starlight, and rainbow poppies. They are not yet large enough to photograph but I anticipate a compliment of colors.

Naturally, it’s also important to plant pollen plants to attract the pollinators and help them thrive, which in turn helps our gardens grow. Did you know that bee pollinators provide one of every three bites we take? Honeybees have been disappearing in record numbers and butterflies have also suffered significant population declines. It is essential to eliminate pesticides and insecticides while planting flowers of varied shapes to bring the bees and butterflies.

Here are pollinator plants that can easily be grown from seed. Plant them as succession plants for three seasons of enjoyment that will also support a range of bee and butterfly species.

For Early Blooms:

Baby Blue Eyes

California Poppy

Chives

Clover

Larkspur

Lupine

Osteospermum

Pea

Poppy

Viola

For Mid-Season Beauty:

Bachelor’s Button

Basil

Black-eye Susan

Borage

Calendula

Cilantro

Cosmos

Foxglove

Lavender

Squash

Thyme

For Late-Season Color:

Agastache

Amaranth

Cleome

Dahlia

Marigold

Salvia

Sunflower

Zinnia

Once you have sowed your special selections, you’ll want to add a bit of organic

fertilizer to feed the seed. A brew of homemade compost tea is recommended although

you can purchase organic plant food at your local garden center. A regular fertilizer

program is needed to keep plants growing well and attractive all season.

The choice of fertilizer analysis will depend on the kinds of plants you are growing.

High nitrogen sources is perfect for plants grown for their foliage while flowering

and vegetable crops prefer lower nitrogen and higher phosphorous types.

With your spring garden planted, you may now begin dreaming of the delicious crops to be harvested in the future. Water, tend, and wait!

Cynthia Brian’s Gardening Guide for April

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you. “ Frank Lloyd Wright

Greener environments cut the time it takes to recover from surgery, improve the way the immune system works, and help diabetics achieve healthier blood glucose levels. Just like eating greens provides essential nutrients to the body, so does just seeing and being around green according to researchers. While we are happily planting our spring gardens, it is essential to savor the surprises that are already smiling on us. Sweet, fragrant stock is often overlooked, yet it is a stunner with its heady scent of clove in a variety of hues. Tulips and hyacinths top the charts as they reach for the Easter spotlight while daffodils and freesias maintain their sunshine through the end of May. Strawberry plants blossom as a harbinger of the sweet red treats to come. Give your garden a lift! It's easy to introduce exquisite beauty, luscious colors, rich perfume, and nutritious food simply by planting what you love to eat and see in your spring landscape.

AMEND soil with compost, manure, and organic matter before preparing garden beds.

MAKE marmelade with a variety of citrus.  It’s so easy using both the rind and the juice. Mix tangerine, tangelo, Meyer lemon, and orange. For a healthier jam, use less sugar and check online for recipes.

EIIMINATE snails and slugs now by plucking from plants or drowning in beer before April showers .

MIX perennials and annuals to extend the blooming season. Many specimens marked “annuals” are really perennials in Lamorinda including snapdragon, lobelia, primroses, and fibrous begonias. Pansies sometimes return annually.

DISCARD fallen blooms from camellias and rhododendrons. Do not compost or leave them on the ground.

RECHARGE spent daffodils by allowing the leaves to yellow and wither. The bulb is nourished for next season by leaving the leaves attached to the bulb. Inter plant colorful annuals as a cover.

DIG holes for summer blooming bulbs including tuberous begonias, gladiolus, lilies, and dahlias.

WEED, weed, weed before you seed and feed. While the soil is still moist, roots can be plugged more easily. Don’t let the seed heads scatter or next year you’ll have double or triple the problem.

WATER weekly the bare root roses, vines, and fruit trees planted earlier in the year.  Stone fruit trees will bare fruit in two to three years as long as the roots are kept moist and there is plenty of sunshine.

FERTILIZE all blooming and fruiting bushes and trees with an all-purpose organize mixer.

BE AWARE of late season frosts that can damage tender plants.  Keep blankets or sheets ready to cover your pots when warnings of cold nights are announced.

BOOST your levels of vitamin A and C by planting orange colored vegetables and fruits including cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, carrots, peaches, orange bell peppers, citrus, and persimmons. Oranges and tangerines are ripe and ready now.

ENCOURAGE pollinators to your yard with swathes of salvia, sunflowers, black eyed Susan, Echinacea, borage, dill, and thyme.

MOVE your containers to sun or shade areas to maintain the desired conditions for peak performance.

BUY organic, free range eggs in a plethora of colors laid by chickens who eat natural greens, worms, and insects.

SPEND time in nature and enjoy the health benefits.

PLAN a butterfly habitat with sedum, purple coneflower, iris, prairie grasses, bee balm, nicotiana, butterfly bush, and parsley. The flowers are nectar to the adults and the leaves nourish the larvae. Don’t forget to offer a restful vista of stones and a cool drink with a fountains, bird bath, or pond for the flying visitors.

CREATE a fire safe barrier around your home by removing debris, dead branches, fire wood, or other flammable substances before summer. It appears we may have a hot, dry season ahead with high fire dangers.

TURN on automatic lawn irrigation for a few minutes every two weeks to make sure that grass has not grown over sprinkler heads. Grass grows quickly and thickly in spring and can easily cover sprinklers making it more difficult for you to water when necessary.

ENJOY Easter and Passover with a picnic in the backyard with family and friends.

May the Easter bunny hop through your garden and the forest fairies sprinkle dandy dust on all your seedlings. In plain English…Joyful Springtime and get growing!

Happy gardening to you!

©2013

Cynthia Brian

The Goddess Gardener

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.goddessgardener.com

925-377-7827

Cynthia is available as a speaker and consultant.

Read the article and see photos at 

https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0702/Digging-Deep-with-Cynthia-Brian-Weed-Seed-Feed.html

With the recent boom of technology, the way we buy

products has changed. Instead of going to a physical

location, we now have the option of ordering everything

from clothes to computer products to home furniture online.

Websites such as Yelp.com offer invaluable services to

compare different restaurants and other businesses for

optimal quality. Applications like RedLaser and Price Check

from Amazon allow users to compare prices for the cheapest

buy.

The prevalent use of social media has increased the

potential for success and flop for businesses, museums, and

even movies. Technology has enabled us to find the best

product in the least amount of time at the lowest price. Why

waste time in a terrible restaurant when Yelp.com is telling

you that there's a fantastic Italian restaurant down the

street? There are websites or apps for book suggestions,

clothing and style suggestions, and even dating suggestions.

These websites may be incredibly helpful in everyday

life, but when is technology going a step too far? There have

been online dating websites like eHarmony or Match.com,

where one can create an online persona and meet people

through the web. However, the app Lulu goes one alarming

step further by labeling men as one would label and rate a

business or a movie. The categories for ratings include

attractiveness, intelligence, manners, and more - all

accompanied by a picture and basic information, like

relationship status gathered from Facebook. Scarily enough,

any guy who has a Facebook account has automatically

been downloaded onto this program without any prior

permission.

"I didn't even know my information was a part of this

app. I don't understand how they could just access my

Facebook profile like this," one male student commented.

This app has disregarded the fact that people deserve to be treated like people and not objects that can be

bought and sold. I understand the usefulness of comparing restaurants and different types of rugs, but comparing

people is a form of bullying. Whatever happened to the connection that people get from meeting face to face? This

app is creating rumors about people and could possibly ruin relationships and reputations based on statements that

may or may not be true.

First impressions are very important and have always been important, until now. Lulu introduces a person

based on what other people think about them. With the simple search of a first and last name, the opportunity for a

first impression is erased.

"Although I wouldn't base my opinion of an individual on a rating, Lulu takes away the power of the first

impression," junior Arianna Tong said. "Because even though we're taught not to judge people we've never talked to

or met, we can't help but base our opinions off general opinions. It's human nature."

On blog.onlulu.com, the makers of this app state that finding love is complicated and time consuming. This

app would allow women to narrow down their choices quickly and efficiently, like scouring Amazon.com for the best

camera case. Love and relationships should be built on personal connections that have nothing to do with ratings.

Relationships should take time and effort. This app and apps like this will cause nothing but idle speculation, gossip,

and the loss of personal connections.

The Lulu App takes away the element of surprise and the excitement of a first meeting with a male. How far

will we allow technology to invade our private spaces before saying no? Humans are not simple products that come

with a bar code and a list of features. How reliable is an app that chooses our friends and lovers?

I rarely say this, but to me technology has crossed the line.

Teen Scene is YOUR voice. If you have something to say or have writing skills and want to be part of our Teen

Scene team, email our Teen Coach, Cynthia Brian, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

As the editor and teen coach forTeen Scene for the newspaper, Cynthia Brian has had the opportunity to work with talented teens with attitude and opinions. She shares selected published works. To read numerous articles shepherded by Cynthia, visit www.BTSYA.com

Read the article at https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0702/Technology-Crosses-the-Line-with-Lulu-App.html

Stress is something we all experience, but in today’s fast paced techno-centered world, teens are topping the charts with stress levels. In a study conducted in Baltimore, Maryland, the top five sources of stress for teens were: school work, parents, romantic relationships, friends' problems, and younger siblings. Co-hosts Youngjoo Ahn and Courtney Cheng tackle the stressors with hands on, practical ways to reduce this epidemic. Reporter Rachel Glass adds her personal experiences from the University of Oregon in Eugene, and high school junior, Hannah Li chimes in on the stresses of summer. Do young adults ever get a break?

Tune in to Express Yourself!™ for remedies, true tales, and plain old common sense from young people who are living in the now!

Breathe…tomorrow is another day!

Be the Star You Are!® charity brings you this life changing young adult program. Help keep us on the air. DONATE TODAY at www.BTSYA.org

Read the Be the Star You Are!® and Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio technology blog 

Listen at Voice America Kids: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/67845/stress-relief

Listen at Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio: http://starstyleradio.com/RADIO_SHOWS/Express_Yourself%21_Radio/Entries/2013/3/26_Stress_Relief.html

Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio is produced by Cynthia Brian of Starstyle® Productions, llc as an outreach program of Be the Star You Are!® charity. For information on being a guest email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . To make a tax-deductible donation to keep this positive youth programming broadcasting weekly to international audiences, visit http://www.bethestaryouare.org/donate.htm. Thanks for supporting teens!

App Rap: Google Googles

by Eric Pawlakos

App: Google Goggles, by

Google Inc.

For: All smartphones

Price: $1.99

Google Goggles is a clever vision recognition app that

can analyze pictures taken with your phone to give you

some very useful information. For example, travelers use

Google Goggles to take pictures of anything written in a

foreign language and have it instantly translated. This is

very useful if you are in a foreign country trying to decipher

a menu, read a street sign, or understand information in a

museum or store. Just take a picture and read the

translation. You can also take pictures of any landmarks that

interest you. This app will not only identify the landmark, it

will give you details and historical facts. This feature is

terrific for art lovers because Google Goggles will identify

the piece of art and tell you all about the piece. Of course,

you don't have to be an art lover or a traveler to find a use

for this app. For example, if you take a picture of someone's

business card, a contact profile will be automatically created

in your phone's database. You can then add the information

on the card to your contacts. When shopping, you can take

a picture of a bar code and instantly access a product search

on the web. Google's vision recognition technology makes

this app very useful for a wide variety of users and innumerable circumstances.

Read on-line at https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0702/THE-APP-RAP.html

As the editor and teen coach forTeen Scene for the newspaper, Cynthia Brian has had the opportunity to work with talented teens with attitude and opinions. She shares selected published works. To read numerous articles shepherded by Cynthia, visit www.BTSYA.com

Beginning at midnight 3/15/13 through March 29th at 5pm ET, you can vote once a day to recognize Cynthia Brian for her positive efforts in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others through her work with the 501 c3 charity, Be the Star You Are!®

The lure® apparel 2013 Sustainable Leader Award recognizes female leaders who are going above and beyond in the service of an organization's mission. Help Be the Star You Are!® win a $500 cash prize.

Click on this link: http://lurapparel.com/leaders/#!/entry/1847513

Since 1999 when Cynthia Brian founded Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity, she has worked tirelessly as a volunteer to empower women, families, and youth through the numerous programs she's implemented to increase literacy and improve positive media.

Thanks for your help and Be the Star You Are!®

VOTE HERE: http://lurapparel.com/leaders/#!/entry/1847513

The books by Australian author, Nola Hennessy, have won more awards as she embarks on a year of new beginnings. Nola will talk about from PMS to PMA and No Boxing Allowed and her upcoming autobiography and publishing opportunities. Forgiveness is the key to happiness and harmony and Nola will share how we can bring more of both into our lives.

Studies show that being satisfied with your romantic relationship is one of the best predictors of happiness - even more important than education, income, or having a high-status job. Resolve to make 2013 your happiest year yet with these bond-strengthening pledges. Cynthia and Heather give helpful tips to heal and help your love relationship.

Planning a landscape demands patience yet the wait is worth the struggle. With a cup of hot cocoa in hand, push your pencil from your project, unplug the tech toys, and let your dreams design as you discover love potions in your garden with Goddess Gardener, Cynthia Brian
Starstyle Be the Star you are - program of positive book talk with your hosts Cynthia Brian and Heather Brittany.  We have you on our radar and want to reveal to you that dreams come true because you have the power.  Fix what’s broken, heal what hurts and become the person you were born to be.


VOTE for Cynthia Brian as a 2013 Sustainable Female Leader everyday through March 29! http://lurapparel.com/leaders/#!/entry/1847513

Listen at World Talk Radio
Listen at World Talk Radio:
http://www.worldtalkradio.com/worldtalkradio/vepisode.aspx?aid=67848

Listen at StarStyleRadio: http://starstyleradio.com/RADIO_SHOWS/Starstyle_Radio/Entries/2013/3/21_Hennessy_Harmony%2C_Love_Relationships%2C_Nature_Love_Potions.html

What do Ferragamo, Guess, Prada, Louis Vitton, Fendi,Chanel, Michael Kors, Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Valentino, and many more have in common? If you said they are all high profile fashion designers, you’d be right. Fashion is a favorite topic at Express Yourself!™, and today’s entire show is focused on the trends. Co-hosts Youngjoo Ahn and Katelyn Darrow speak with a real fashion designer, Brittany M. Davidson from BM Designs. Katelyn talks about her press junket to NYC for Fashion Week where she met Kendell and Kylie Jenner as well as many models and designers. Caie Kelley’s What’s Poppin’ brings us an inside look at the fashions of celebrities, award ceremonies, fashion magazines, and the impact these personalities and icons bring to the trends of teens. Both Katelyn and Youngjoo debate the catwalk, runways, and fashion on campus. A fun, flirty, fashion forward hour!

Listen at Voice America Kids:

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/67717/fashion-forwrad

Listen at Express Yourself Teen Radio: http://starstyleradio.com/RADIO_SHOWS/Express_Yourself%21_Radio/Entries/2013/3/19_Fashion_Forward.html

VOTE for Cynthia Brian as a 2013 Sustainable Female Leader everyday through March 29! http://lurapparel.com/leaders/#!/entry/1847513

Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio is produced by Cynthia Brian of Starstyle® Productions, llc as an outreach program of Be the Star You Are!® charity. For information on being a guest email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . To make a tax-deductible donation to keep this positive youth programming broadcasting weekly to international audiences, visit http://www.bethestaryouare.org/donate.htm. Thanks for supporting teens!

Beginning at midnight 3/15/13 through March 29th at 5pm ET, you can vote once a day to recognize Cynthia Brian for her positive efforts in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others through her work with the 501 c3 charity, Be the Star You Are!®

The lure® apparel 2013 Sustainable Leader Award recognizes female leaders who are going above and beyond in the service of an organization's mission. Help Be the Star You Are!® win a $500 cash prize.

Click on this link: http://lurapparel.com/leaders/#!/entry/1847513

Since 1999 when Cynthia Brian founded Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity, she has worked tirelessly as a volunteer to empower women, families, and youth through the numerous programs she's implemented to increase literacy and improve positive media. 

Thanks for your help and Be the Star You Are!®

VOTE HERE: http://lurapparel.com/leaders/#!/entry/1847513

Tallia Storm-Teen Sensation, A Journey Begins, Saving the Seas,

Meet Tallia Storm: UK Fashion Sensation and Elton John Prodigy as she comes across the pond from Scotland to speak at the TEDxTEEN NYC Conference hosted by Chelsea Clinton. Dubbed ‘Tiny Chancer’ by the UK press, Tallia Storm is a 14 year old soul/jazz singer hailed as the new ‘teen style icon’ by leading fashion bibles in London and New York.

Every once in a while, a story comes along that stays with you forever.
Penned by Brooks Olbrys, The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob: A Journey Begins is the first episode of a colorful, early chapter book series that provides children of all ages and specifically targeting first to third graders with an introduction to timeless principles of achievement derived from the teachings of Bob Proctor, Earl Nightingale, Napoleon Hill, Wallace D. Wattles, and others

The oceans occupy nearly 71% of our planet’s surface and more than 97% of our water is contained in them.   99% of the Earth’s living space is inhabited by organisms living in the sea. Why then do we not take better care of our precious oceans and seas? Heather Brittany and Cynthia Brian take a plunge into the waves to help us understand why saving our seas needs to be a priority.

Starstyle Be the Star you are - program of positive book talk with your hosts Cynthia Brian and Heather Brittany.  We have you on our radar and want to reveal to you that dreams come true because you have the power.  Fix what’s broken, heal what hurts and become the person you were born to be. 

Listen at World Talk Radio: http://www.worldtalkradio.com/worldtalkradio/vepisode.aspx?aid=67951

Photos, links, descriptions and more at StarStyle® Radio: http://starstyleradio.com/RADIO_SHOWS/Starstyle_Radio/Entries/2013/3/14_Brooks_Olbrys%2C_Saving_the_Sea%2C_Tallia_Storm-Teen_Sensation.html