Buzz Articles by the Numbers: Most Viewed Stories of 2016

New Year’s week is always a time to look forward to what the new year holds and a time of reflection of the past year. Once again, we have rounded up the most viewed Buzz stories of the year. This list is solely by the numbers, found in Google Analytics. 

1. Sunday Mornings with Rania: Sloane G. Soler - When They Disappear: 

When Lamar High School student Sloane Soler disappeared, it greatly affected our communities. Many Buzz residents were worried for Sloane or felt like the situation hit a little too close to home. Rania Mankarious, executive director of Crime Stoppers of Houston, wrote about the situation and what to do if kids like Sloane disappear. She implored any students with information to please share. We were all relieved when Sloane was found safe.
 
2. Restaurant Memories: A look back at Houston’s dining past: 

LOOKING SHARP Restaurateur and community leader Sonny Look, owner of Look’s Sir-Loin Inn and other restaurants, was also known for his flamboyant jacket collection. Family members still treasure this “throne” from Look’s Sir-Loin Inn. (Photo courtesy of Carole Look)

Russell Weil wrote this article in Nov. 2014 and it’s no surprise to us that it was still one of the most popular articles in 2016. We received so many comments online, via email and in person about this story. One letter in particular, from Andrew Biar, shared that his mother-in-law Carole Look was married to the late Sonny Look, who owned several iconic Houston restaurants. Ultimately, Carole shared many incredible photos and stories with us and this letter, along with many others we received, sparked a second story, More Restaurant Memories, published in Nov. 2016. 

3. Bellaire High School Grad Takes Center Stage at the Golden Globes:

Michael Zakin, a 1988 Bellaire High School Grad, is one of the producers of the TV show “Mozart in the Jungle,” which won two Golden Globes including Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy. Michael said participating in K-BEL, Bellaire’s TV station, provided an incredible opportunity for students to gain experience. 

4. One percenter:

Bellaire High School student Logan Shiller made waves this summer. The 16-year-old qualified for the 2016 Olympic Trials. According to Swimming World Magazine Logan has since verbally committed to the University of Texas.  

5. Soul Survivor: Music, prayer and laughter ease cancer treatment:

Claire Frazier and her husband Joe celebrate Claire being cancer-free, along with their children, (from left) Robert, Annie and Stephen.

In this beautiful article, writer Jennifer Oakley shared cancer survivor Claire Frazier’s story and how she coped with cancer. This was part of a series of articles published in our May 2016 issue profiling cancer survivors from Buzz neighborhoods. Be sure to read the other stories: Facing Cancer, Dear Cancer Love Stacy and Confronting Cancer. Plus, see a list of their personal resources for surviving cancer.   

6. Breaking the Chains: How two Buzz residents battled addiction: 

Writer Cathy Gordon captured these Buzz residents’ intensely difficult battle with addiction in this powerful story. Don’t miss this important read. 

7. Mother-Son Reunion on Mother’s Day:

This group of moms and sons had been friends since the kindergarten years. On Mother’s Day – not long before many of these boys were to graduate high school and head off the college – the group reunited. 

8. And They're Off: Parent groups for the college years:

GROWNUP PLAYDATES The Hotty Toddy Mamas group of Ole Miss parents gather for an “Off to College Kick-Off” at Joni Fichter’s house. Pictured: Colleen Colby, Sallie Alcorn, Kari Alvarez, Audra Parrish, Gina Thomas, Linda Smith, Laurie Boeh, Meg Wilson, Lori Tieken, Holly Willis, Wendy Burks, Beth Barton, Earlene Stewart, Lisa Ganucheau, Deanna Barton, Karen Acton, Jana Ames, Andy Blitzer, Sheri Thomas, Joni Hruska Fichter, Lauren Dyer, Dacia Rowe and Laura Mudd. (Photo:lawellphoto.com)

The kids are off to college. Now what? These Buzz-area parents, who have kids at the same colleges, participate in groups here in Houston to socialize and share helpful information. Read about groups such as the Hotty Toddy Mamas and the Mama and Papa Dawgs. 

9. Sunday Mornings with Rania: A Look at University of Texas Student Haruka Weiser and Campus Safety:

Buzz-area residents as well as UT students and alum were devastated to hear about the death of UT freshman Haruka Weiser in April. Rania Mankarious talked about it on her Sunday Mornings with Rania blog and provided campus safety tips to keep in mind. 

10. Sunday Mornings with Rania: A Look at the Home Invasion on Del Monte:

Earlier this month, a man dressed in a UPS uniform approached a Buzz-area home with a package. A family member answered the door, and the man fought his way into the home, with several other men and weapons. Thankfully, the family survived, but this is such a scary situation. Rania Mankarious talked about it on her Sunday Mornings with Rania blog and provided reminders of what to do to minimize risk for a home invasion. 

The above list only includes Buzz stories. Some of our top-viewed pages this year include our School Buzz blog, our event calendar, our high school graduates database, private school directory and, as always, our Pet of the Year Contest page. Voting for Buzz Pet of the Year continues through midnight, Dec. 31 so be sure to vote if you haven’t already. 

Take a look back at the most-viewed articles of 2015 too. 

Share your favorite stories of 2016 with us by commenting below. Happy New Year!