Volume 38 Number 5

Norseman

The

Bryan High School May 2009 Volume 38, Number 5

Students advance to region

On Saturday, April 4, the UIL Academic Team and UIL Speech and Debate Team competed with 8 other high schools in the District 12 UIL Spring Competition at Belton High School. Bryan High placed 4th overall for Academics, Speech and Debate and One Act Play. The following individuals placed at the meet: •Chelsea Downey 1st Place in Feature Writing*, 2nd Place in News Writing* •John Fuller 1st Place in News Writing* 3rd Place in Headline Writing* •Logan Kickham 2nd Place in Editorial Writing* 5th Place in Feature Writing •Brandon Nichols 2nd Place for Informative Speaking* 2nd Place Lincoln Douglas Debate* •Reed Williams 2nd place in Current Issues and Events* •Tammy Davis 3rd Place for Poetry Interpretation* •Lance Graul 5th Place in Spelling and Vocabulary •Clint Lanham 5th place in Computer Applications •Kelley Montgomery 5th Place Informative Speaking •Mallory Goehring 6th place in Computer Applications •Bobby Putz 6th Place in Computer Science •Courtney Bosquez 6th place in Ready Writing •Jonathan Cullen 6th Place in Social Science Team awards: •The Current Issues and Events Team of Reed Williams, Jonathan Cullen, Rebekah Morris, Meghan Green received a 2nd Place Team Award •The Journalism Team of Chelsea Downey, John Fuller, Logan Kickham, and Courtney Y'Barbo received a 2nd place Team Award •The Spelling and Vocabulary Team of Lance Graul, Rebekah Morris, Sabrina Rowan and Reed Williams received the 2nd Place Team Award •The Computer Science Team of Clint Lanham, James Moncivais, Bobby Putz, and Ryan Gates received the 2nd place Team Award *Indicates students advancing to regional competition at Baylor University

UIL Team Members: Jamie Berthold, Rhiana Blackshear, Courtney Bosquez, Federico Burch, Trevor Conant, Amanda Cuellar, Jonathan Cullen, Brian Cune, Kathy Davila, Chelsea Downey, Joseph Fields, John Fuller, Ryan Gates, Jacob German, Mallory Goehring, Lance Graul, Maegan Green, Tyler Green, Jessica Harlin, Joseph Haven, Steven Hering, Luis Hernandez, CJ Jackson, Jean JutilaLogan Kickham, Rebecca Kleppel, Ulrich Kocurek, Clint Lanham, Justin Luther, Jonathan Lynch, Hassan Mahmood, Alex Mendez, Nico Milanes, Catherine Miller, James Moncivais, Rebekah Morris, Jennifer Perez, Cody Ponzio, Will Powell, Bobby Putz, Eulalio Ramirez, William Rhodes, Christina Romero, Sabrina Rowan, Chris Scarmardo, Chelsea Stiller, Brentney Stringfellow, Tyler Varisco, Claudia Wang, Reed Williams, Courtney Y'Barbo, Taylor Zapalac

Page 2 - Chelly-Belly’s Space Dandy Candy Faves

7. Conversation Hearts: Everyone says they’re chalky but they’re actually a tangy sweetness, and yes, the sayings are cheesy because it’s Valentines Day and EVERYTHING is cheesy. 6. Fun Dip: The best part is actually not the powder, but the sticks, they’re almost sickly sweet, yet still taste great. If the sticks were sold separately the company would make a killing, the powder’s just too much of a hassle most of the time, but the combo of crunchy candy stick and tangy powder is yummy. 5. Mentos: Chewy. Mints. Need I say more? These ‘50s candies are good in any form-except the chocolate, surprisingly they’re just gross- be it mint, fruit or sour. The only disappointment with Mentos is the fact that there are so few candies per package.

Flashback to Fun

Everyone remembers the good old days. Every time you went grocery shopping with your parents, if you were a perfect angel, or whined the right amount, you got a toy. And oh what fun toys we had. Tamagotchi, Power Rangers, Skip-It, Furby, GameBoys and GameBoy games,Yo-Yo’s, and so much more. Of course, many of us were stuck with the McDonald’s knock-offs. Along with these awesome toys, every Saturday morning we WANTED TO WAKE UP EARLY. That’s because cartoons were worth watching-and they also couldn’t be found on YouTube that afternoon-and with our cereal and favorite toy we were mesmerized by so many shows. Sonic the Hedgehog, The Animaniacs. Pinky and the Brain, VeggieTales, The Big Comfy Couch, Power Rangers, Pokemon, Sailor Moon, and others that my aging mind forgets right now. These shows and toys kept us entrtained and unaware of all the troubles around us. Sometimes it is good to revisit that world and be a child, even if its just for a bit.

4. Candy Corn: Surprisingly, to me, I have heard that this extra-sweet “corn” is disgustingly chewy and just gross tasting. A fruity-sweetness combined with a yummy chewiness, this Halloween candy is delicious anytime of the year. 3. MintoGreen Lifesaver Mints: A tingling minty-sweet flavor that coats your mouth in cool flavor. Many people are unaware of this other side to the classic Lifesavers-which are just a stomach turning sickly sweetness that’s just despicable-and some consumers even choose to go for the PeppoMint flavor, which is a mistake. 2. Spree: First of all, this candy is NOT meant to be chewy. It initiates upchucking and it’s just plain wrong. But the Original Sprees are tangy and delicious. The fruit flavors coat your tongue in flavor and color. The flavor is yummy and the colored tongue is just fun for everyone. 1. Dark Chocolate- Most people say it’s bitter, I think it contains a rich, deep sweetness. Dark chocolate covered cherries, chocolate truffles filled with chocolate, dark chocolate candy bars, dark chocolate frosting...I’m getting hungry.

What is your favorite childhood toy? “Anti-freeze.” Andy Hurley, 12

“My bicycle, or a BB gun.” Christian Thomas, 12

“Legos, defintely” Taylor Olsen, 12

“My Super Nintendo.” Lauren Hamburg, 12

“Tickle Me Elmo, of course!” Mariah Marquez, 12

“My teddy-bear, Teddy.” Lauren Ybarra, 12

Anti-College 101•••••Anti-College 101•••••Anti-College 101 Like most seniors, I have recently applied to colleges. The applications, the essays, the interviews, the visits and the mountains of flyers and hordes of emails sent every day from so many schools. But there’s another way. You see, parents, teachers and society raise us on a diet of “you won’t succeed unless you get a good job and you won’t get a good job if you don’t go to college.” Now in most cases that’s true, but not all the time. 1. Travel: now if all my college choices had rejected me, I would now be preparing to move to Ireland. Traveling abroad for a summer, or even a year can give you a whole new perspective on life and make

you appreciate your own more. 2. Work: many of you, like me, already have jobs, and probably despise them, because, as a full-time student you cannot really land a good job. But after high school there are still plenty of jobs out there that pay well and keep you happy. 3. Military: serving your country is always an admirable occupation, and the armed forces can also serve as a pause button on your decision-making. The military will train you in a useful skill and, if you choose, they will pay for you to go to college. Not bad. Just remember, you may be shot at. While college may not fit some people, for others it is a lifelong goal. Personally, I am looking forward

to the new experiences and opportunity to learn a lot more about my field. But for the other half, enjoy! I envy the lack of homework! FYI: I decided on the University of Wyoming. AKA: Narnia.

By Chelsea

Downey

jamie’s page - Page 3

Yumm! Fast Food!

Many people rely on fast food, especially Americans. There are fast food restaurants on pretty much every corner. So it makes it easy for people to grab food on the go. For example, by our school we have a cornucopia of fast food places. Just some of these delicacies include, McDonalds, Sonic, Chick-Fil-A, Quiznos, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, Taco Cabana and Subway. All of these places make it easy for students, when they have to spend extra time at school due to extracurricular activities, to grab a bite to eat. Fast food places make it quick and easy to get a good, cheap meal on the go. Especially, for teenagers who are always on the go and their parents who are just as busy or just too lazy to cook their kids a meal; so I disagree with the people who say it is bad. Even though these places may not be the healthiest choices, they definitely makes it easy and fast to get the food you and your tummy love. Also, for the most part it is cheap. So, personally I would rather be fat and happy. At most fast food restaurants, you can get any meal, any time of the day. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can all be taken care of. One of my favorite places to eat is Sonic. You can get all three meals anytime you want. For breakfast, I would get a breakfast burrito with bacon, egg, and cheese for a cheap price. For lunch and dinner I would get either a burger or popcorn chicken and tater tots, and of course you can’t forget the Vanilla Dr. Pepper. Last but not least, dessert. They have a variety of goodness. I would either get the sundae, or blue coconut cream slush. My point is, fast food places, in fact, do benefit you. They provide an easy, fast and cheap way to get the food you crave. I am not saying to eat fast food everyday, because that would be unhealthy and disgusting, but every now and then it can help people out. I think the people who say that we need to get rid of fast food places are wrong and need to come up with better ways to use their time. It is not the food that makes us fat, but the person who eats it, anything that anyone over uses is dangerous. Everything in moderation is ok. Therefore, fast food is beneficial and we should keep things the way they are and people who disagree can get over it, because I like my french fries and Dr. Pepper.

My Top 5 (and what I get)

1.Sonic

Sonic burger with cheese, tator-tots and a vanilla Dr. Pepper

2.Chicken Express

Chicken tenders, corn nuggets, fries and a sweet tea

3.Chick-Fil-A

Original chicken sandwhich, waffle fries and sweet tea

4.Pizza Hut

Large pepperoni pizza, bread sticks and cinnamon sticks

5.Jack in the Box

Sourdough burger, curly fries and a Dr. Pepper

What is your favorite fast food place? “My favorite is Taco Cabana, because they have really good breakfast burritos that I eat when I am late to school.” Nicole Kuder 9th grade. “McDonalds, because there are nice people and the food is really good. Plus, I’m at fat kid who likes to eat.” Britney Billingsley 11th grade “Chick-Fil-A is my favorite, because it is a clean place and the food is marvelous.” Debra Borski 9th grade

“Double Daves, because they have really amazing pizza rolls.” Madison Hoover 9th grade

“I like McDonalds, because it makes me gain 10 pounds in 5 minutes.” Curtis Orozco 9th grade

“McDonalds, I’m lovin it!” Guellano Tucker 10th grade

“Dairy Queen, because they make good burgers and the ice cream is amazing.” Cody Ponzio 10th grade

“Chick-Fil-A, because nothing is better!” Denzel Brown 9th grade

“What-a-burger, because of its name.” Wilson Wood and Chris Thomas 9th grade

Page 4 - Jessica’s Paige

Who can beat the Man of Steel; No one can of course! Everyone is obsessed with the battle of superiority; Batman or Superman? Obviously, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I just happened to end up being the lucky one who’s opinion is correct. Superman is no doubt superior to Batman. I have loved Superman since the first day I discovered him. I mean come on; would you rather be a bat, or super amazing. SUPER AMAZING OF COURSE! Superman is the most amazing superhero because; one, he is the strongest man alive; two, he flies; and three, he is undoubtebly a good guy, he never questions his morality

They are the kind of friends that laugh at your jokes when they’re not so good, and sympathize with your problems when they’re not so bad!

They are the kind of friends who will very bluntly tell you you have something on your face!

They are the kind of friends that wish life was like a musical and that everyone would dance and sing simultaneously.

They are the kind of friends who when your house is burning down; they are roasting marshmallows and hitting on the firemen!

The People Speak:

They are the kind of friends that will bust out in laughter in dead silence because of something that happened yesterday!

MAD GAB!

Directions: Find out what these phrases are really trying to tell you?

(Hint) What happens when you kill

What you get when you lie to your

someone:

girlfriend:

WON’T HID DEBT ORAL HIVE

HUSTLE HAPPEN THIEF ACE

What you say when entertaining children:

MAD GAB:

PEA CUB WHO ICY HUE

in love with Lois Lane. Superman has astonishing taste. His love is not just some damsel in distress, she is an intelligent woman who tackles life head on. Batman, on the other hand, is in love with the not-soamazing Rachel Dawes. Although many picture her as Maggie Gyllenhaal off of the most recent Batman, she is just an average girl simply proving the lack in taste that Batman has in women. So how could anyone ever question who is better out of these two public heroes. If you need help deciding, let me tell you the truth, Superman beats Batman hands down.

They are the kind of friends who know everything about me and still choose to love me!!!

THIN HEY MUFF THICK AIM

Who is your favorite Superhero? Samantha Shepard Eleventh Grade

Mad Gab Answers: Wanted dead or alive; A slap in the face; Peek a boo i see you; The name of the game

y m der be i s on s to c y I riend e :) h W st f som be awe

of good and evil. What kind of hero is scared of the symbol of what they base their identity on? In my opinion, Batman is just a child who became extremely rich and when he found out how boring his life is he made up this “Batman” to fill up the rest of his useless time. Superman on the other hand is just naturally amazing. Although he could easily just remain secretly amazing, he chose to devote his life to protecting Earth against all of the terrible terrible evils of the world. Superman-in his primary colors-simply dominates this “competition” with Batman because, unlike his inferior oponent, is loved and

“Superman”

Shay Turney Eleventh Grade

“Spiderman”

Maritza Munoz Nayeli Lugo Tenth Grade

Winston Portillo Eleventh Grade

“Wonder Woman”

“Dr. Manhattan”

Christina’s Page!!! - Page 5

Gotham Guardian vs. Metropolis Marvel

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s not Superman because he is not cool! Throughout my life there has always been this never ending argument about who is the better superhero, Batman or Superman. I’m about to set the record straight; the best superhero is Batman! Batman is way cooler than Superman. Superman isn’t even from this planet! Batman towers over Superman. Batman’s one goal is to fight injustice in Gotham. He uses his fear of bats to help him instill fear into his enemies and Batman uses his fear as selfmotivation. Superman may have heat vision and be able to fly, but Batman has the coolest gadgets. He can instantly travel from the ground to the top of a building with the shot of a gun and soar to the ground below using his cape. His belt has everything from mini-smoke bombs Lifescribe Pulse Smart Pen This is a pen and a computer all in one. When writing on special paper the pen digitally captures writing and links the notes to audio recording at the same time. However this is an expensive pen. 1GB - $149 2GB - $199

to the classic batarang. And don’t lie, you know you wish you had his car. His gadgets are extremely useful since he has one rule - don’t kill anyone. Superman has no awesome gadgets. All he has is his man power and weird alien skills. Superman also has one weakness, kryptonite. Batman has no weaknesses. Many people say that Batman, or Bruce Wayne, is nothing more than a stuck up multi-millionaire, but Batman is more than that. Batman puts his life on the line every time he goes out into the city. He is 100% mortal. Superman’s life can be taken by kryptonite. Superman has already died from kryptonite once and was brought back to life. Batman has never died. Superman has all these “amazing” powers yet he still dies, while Batman has nothing more than

gadgets and martial arts and still ends up victorious. Batman also has the greatest rival ever. The Joker is an insane heartless criminal. His unethical ways lead Batman to his greatest challenges. Superman’s greatest enemy is Lex Luther. He isn’t even in the same league as the Joker. Batman also faces other amazing criminals such as Harvey Two-Face, the Riddler and Mr. Freeze. Batman is not the only one involved in defeating these criminals and saving Gotham. Robin is Batman’s partner in crime. Saving Gotham is not an easy task. So Batman acquires help from Robin. Batman is all about the team work. Superman has no one to help him. No superhero can compare to this amazing Dark Knight. Without a doubt Batman is the best superhero ever!

Great Gadgets to insure superhero status The Sharper Image’s MP3 player key chain This is a regular MP3 player that is conveniently made to be put on a key ring. Music can also be played wirelessly in a car stereo. The cost is about $60

LG Touch watch Phone This watch can do everything a regular cell phone can. It’s features include Bluetooth, text messaging, still and video camera and a built in speaker to play music. The price is around $1500

Polariod Instant Digital Camera This is a regular digital camera with the classic polariod function of instant pictures. This camera prints out 2x3 inch pictures from a built in printer. The pictures are a little grainy, but they have a sticky back, which is convenient for scrapbooking. The camera will cost about $200 and a 10-pack of print paper will cost around $5

iRiver Wave-Home networking device This gadget is an alarm clock, stereo, laptop, video-conferencing phone and a digital photo frame all in one. The price is expected to be under $400

Who is your favorite Superhero? “Ironman”

“Batman”

“The Green Lantern”

“Batman”

Troy Howell, Senior

Lester Banks, Faculty

Ryan Thompson, Junior

Samantha Spell, Junior

Once upon a time there was this girl named Eunice (U-NUS) and a boy named Arnold Peebody. They have always shared a deep love for one another, but could never be together because they both worked at Cinemark and there was a no dating policy. They had each thought about quitting, but it was such a sweet job. All-you-can eat popcorn and coke or whatever other leftovers they could find on the theater floor was theirs at the end of each night. Life was good, except for their unrequited love. So they devised a plan. Eunice would continue working at the theatre to bring home supper while Arnold would steal a box of Goobers from behind the counter to get fired and draw unemployment. The plan was working. Arnold did steal the Goobers and did in fact get fired. It all fell apart though when the unemployment office told him that his offense was too severe and he could not receive any money from them.

Mary Godfrey “I would say, “Oh myy goodness,”then I’d hug him.”

Kayli Clay “I’d ask him to pull up his pants.”

Arnold then became very bitter toward Eunice for still retaining her awesome job and he began to covet it and yearn for it above even her. If he couldn’t have left over parts of a hotdog, then neither could she. He had to find a way to get her fired too. Arnold devised his second plan, one that would surely have Eunice fired from the theatre. One day after having to purchase his ticket to a movie like a common urchin, he snuck into the back room and planted a box of Goobers in Eunice’s purse along with a note he forged about how Eunice hated him. His plan could not have worked out any better. When the manager found the box of delicious chocolate covered peanuts in Eunice’s purse along with the note, he assumed that Eunice had framed Arnold. In turn the manager fired Eunice and rehired Arnold.

Leah Karkoska “I would ask for his grill and ice and to make a rap about me and go platinum with it.”

Ashlyn Palasota“I’d take him hunting then bring him to China King Buffet

What would you do if lil’ Wayne rang your door bell?

DON’T BE A GOOBER

Page 6 - Courtney Makes Heads Turn

Fashion Faux pa

Okay, so I’ve noticed throughout the school year the fashion statements that have been made at one point might have been considered “cute” are now completely obnoxious. Sorry if this offends people, most likely if this offends you then you are guilty of one of these fashiondon’ts. For instance, hot pink and the zebra print. I have to admit I thought it was cute too when it first came out and everything had accents of zebra or the hot pink on things but, some people have taken it too far. It starts to look tacky when everything you have is zebra and hot pink, and I’m sad to say that it’s not going away. The color is only changing to other obnoxious colors such as purple, lime green, yellow, teal..yeah it’s horrible. Another fashion statement that urks me is the stupid tights/leggings, under jean skirts! It’s ugly! You’re not a ballerina so take them off! They are not there for you to make your skirt an acceptable length for school dress code; so pick a longer skirt, or don’t wear one. Not done yet, Uggs and shorts are another fashion problem. Yes, I said it. If you’re cold then wear pants with your Uggs, but if you’re hot, then wear shoes. Not both! To add to that, Texas is way too hot for Uggs in the first place, but if you do feel the need for Uggs, do not wear with shorts. I know you girls that say they just wear them because they are comfy and that you just don’t care. If that were true, you wouldn’t wear the exact same “I don’t care” outfit as every other girl around you. It’s not just the girls. The guys are just as bad. Capris, the devil of guy’s clothes. Yes, I have witnessed this fashion disaster. Please guys, never ever is it okay for you to wear capris. They are hideous, it’s either pants or shorts, sorry that’s your only option. So last on my list is the Crocs. I thought they would die out, but no. They are still around and I see them all the time. It makes me sick. They are so ugly. Then I heard that they are bad for your feet, it’s proven that your feet will flatten out...yes, you will end up with duck feet and ugly shoes!

Fun Facts; Yahooo

- The pronunciation of my last name is Y’Barbo [Y-BAR-BOW] - I did in fact live with Logan Kickham - No, for the 2358th time, I am not hispanic in any way. - It’s official; I’m going to Blinn after B-high. - I have one group of close friends, and I’m perfectly okay with that - I quote movies. It’s what I do. - When I go to Marble Slab I get Cheesecake with cookie dough; just thought you’d like to know. - Your eyes dilate when you look at someone and your have a strong emotion about them (ie love or hate). Try it, now. -Facebook is the new Myspace, it’s official. - Cucumbers are disgusting they, make me want to throw up. -There is only one Madison Elaine Franze the 1st (thanks goodness). -I hate the color orange, it’s ugly. Sorry if that offends anyone whose favorite color is orange. - I did go to SAC and it was one of the most horrible experiences of my life.

Once upon a time there was this girl named Eunice (U-NUS) and a boy named Arnold Peebody. They have always shared a deep love for one another, but could never be together because they both worked at Cinemark and there was a no dating policy. They had each thought about quitting, but it was such a sweet job. All-you-can eat popcorn and coke or whatever other leftovers they could find on the theater floor was theirs at the end of each night. Life was good, except for their unrequited love. So they devised a plan. Eunice would continue working at the theatre to bring home supper while Arnold would steal a box of Goobers from behind the counter to get fired and draw unemployment. The plan was working. Arnold did steal the Goobers and did in fact get fired. It all fell apart though when the unemployment office told him that his offense was too severe and he could not receive any money from them.

Mary Godfrey “I would say, “Oh myy goodness,”then I’d hug him.”

Kayli Clay “I’d ask him to pull up his pants.”

Arnold then became very bitter toward Eunice for still retaining her awesome job and he began to covet it and yearn for it above even her. If he couldn’t have left over parts of a hotdog, then neither could she. He had to find a way to get her fired too. Arnold devised his second plan, one that would surely have Eunice fired from the theatre. One day after having to purchase his ticket to a movie like a common urchin, he snuck into the back room and planted a box of Goobers in Eunice’s purse along with a note he forged about how Eunice hated him. His plan could not have worked out any better. When the manager found the box of delicious chocolate covered peanuts in Eunice’s purse along with the note, he assumed that Eunice had framed Arnold. In turn the manager fired Eunice and rehired Arnold.

Leah Karkoska “I would ask for his grill and ice and to make a rap about me and go platinum with it.”

Ashlyn Palasota“I’d take him hunting then bring him to China King Buffet

What would you do if lil’ Wayne rang your door bell?

DON’T BE A GOOBER

Page 6 - Courtney Makes Heads Turn

Fashion Faux pa

Okay, so I’ve noticed throughout the school year the fashion statements that have been made at one point might have been considered “cute” are now completely obnoxious. Sorry if this offends people, most likely if this offends you then you are guilty of one of these fashiondon’ts. For instance, hot pink and the zebra print. I have to admit I thought it was cute too when it first came out and everything had accents of zebra or the hot pink on things but, some people have taken it too far. It starts to look tacky when everything you have is zebra and hot pink, and I’m sad to say that it’s not going away. The color is only changing to other obnoxious colors such as purple, lime green, yellow, teal..yeah it’s horrible. Another fashion statement that urks me is the stupid tights/leggings, under jean skirts! It’s ugly! You’re not a ballerina so take them off! They are not there for you to make your skirt an acceptable length for school dress code; so pick a longer skirt, or don’t wear one. Not done yet, Uggs and shorts are another fashion problem. Yes, I said it. If you’re cold then wear pants with your Uggs, but if you’re hot, then wear shoes. Not both! To add to that, Texas is way too hot for Uggs in the first place, but if you do feel the need for Uggs, do not wear with shorts. I know you girls that say they just wear them because they are comfy and that you just don’t care. If that were true, you wouldn’t wear the exact same “I don’t care” outfit as every other girl around you. It’s not just the girls. The guys are just as bad. Capris, the devil of guy’s clothes. Yes, I have witnessed this fashion disaster. Please guys, never ever is it okay for you to wear capris. They are hideous, it’s either pants or shorts, sorry that’s your only option. So last on my list is the Crocs. I thought they would die out, but no. They are still around and I see them all the time. It makes me sick. They are so ugly. Then I heard that they are bad for your feet, it’s proven that your feet will flatten out...yes, you will end up with duck feet and ugly shoes!

Fun Facts; Yahooo

- The pronunciation of my last name is Y’Barbo [Y-BAR-BOW] - I did in fact live with Logan Kickham - No, for the 2358th time, I am not hispanic in any way. - It’s official; I’m going to Blinn after B-high. - I have one group of close friends, and I’m perfectly okay with that - I quote movies. It’s what I do. - When I go to Marble Slab I get Cheesecake with cookie dough; just thought you’d like to know. - Your eyes dilate when you look at someone and your have a strong emotion about them (ie love or hate). Try it, now. -Facebook is the new Myspace, it’s official. - Cucumbers are disgusting they, make me want to throw up. -There is only one Madison Elaine Franze the 1st (thanks goodness). -I hate the color orange, it’s ugly. Sorry if that offends anyone whose favorite color is orange. - I did go to SAC and it was one of the most horrible experiences of my life.

The World According To Logan Kickham Prepare yourself for the greatest idea of all times: a playlist for life. I’m pretty sure this is the epitome of greatness because I know that everybody has been in those situations where a song playing in the background is absolutely essential. Awkward silences. Perfect moments. Intense high speed pursuits down Briarcrest. Whatever the situation may be, moments are just never complete without the song. I mean if you just happen to be out for a walk and

Allison Kallinek “Dunkaroos”

As my quest to become the host of a hit prime-time Fox News show continues, I have been searching for new and innovative ways to express my oh-sohumble opinions to those of you who truly care, and seeing as how I am not currently the host of a hit prime-time Fox News show, you, my faithful readers, will have to be subjected to my outlook on the problems currently causing a rift in America today. For now, I must be satisfied with the Norseman as the only outlet for my riveting commentary on today’s society. Now, being the betting person that I am, I’m sure all of you appreciate my wonderful assessments of all of the world’s issues and I know that after reading this you will in fact have a feeling of enlightenment sweep over you. So here’s where I stand: Children: Children are officially the spawns of Satan and have turned into creatures that need to be reckoned with. Much like the Ninja Turtles, children have mutated. The only difference between chil-

you see a mass of red balloons flying into the air, “99 Red Balloons” (but only the German version) is the only thought that comes to mind. Maybe a friend is telling you a very intriguing story and randomly gets distracted. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone at the lunch table busted out in song and dance with “Tell Me More” from Grease? I think so. Or what if the Star Wars’ theme song came on every time there was a Battle Royale in the B-High cafeteria? Or the country western “showdown” music came on when two frenemies collided at the same loca-

Kayli Clay “Rectangle Pizza”

Page 7

tion? If none of these situations, or situations slightly more realistic, have ever happened to you maybe the more universal problems like getting broken up with for the first time have. You can’t deny a little Bon Jovi’s “Shot Through the Heart” does the soul good. And for all you hopeful romantics out there Celine Dion’s contribution to the Titanic sets the world right. If none of this sounds like it would complete life’s most epic situations than here’s what I have to say to you: “What are you good for? Absolutely nothing.”

Jordan Cumton “Kidz Cuisines”

Stephanie Bergland “Kenan and Kel”

Mary Hicks “Doug”

Michelle Wolf “Light Brights”

Sally Clark “The Little Mermaid”

dren and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, however, is that children are ruining the world-not saving it. As I walk past children, store after store, day after day, I think to myself: “Self, why are children running and screaming everywhere I go?” Then the answer hits me like Chris Brown hit Rihiana. It’s because parents cannot turn around and smack their children in public anymore without having CPS called on them. It’s because schools are no longer allowed to beat a child with a paddle for being completely obnoxious. Children have no consequences these days. People really wonder why kids don’t listen and act like heathens. Maybe it’s because you can’t scare a child with “a talk”. But that’s just a thought. I guess I may be old school but kids have absolutely no reason to go bananas in the

middle of a store when they don’t get the toy they want. I just have a fundamental issue with parents who take their children out in public and refuse to discipline them when they act up. They make everyone around them miserable because they don’t want to deal with it. So the next time it happens to you do the world a favor and yell loudly until the parents eventually do something about it. Think of it this way: they clearly don’t see a problem with it or they would keep their kids from irritating the world. The tube: I’d really like to know when all cartoons became little boys with a super power or dragons taking over the world. I’m pretty sure cartoons are required to be animals that are in a perpetual cycle of chasing their arch-rival without a

single victory. I miss the never-ending chase between Tom and Jerry, Sylvester and Tweety and Wile Coyote and the roadrunner. The madness doesn’t stop with cartoons though. Regular people shows are changing too. Now we are subjected to Hannah Montana and Wizards of Waverly Place; which I must admit are decent for any 7-year-old girl, or even myself when I’m feeling depressed about the loss of my adolescence, but seriously what ever happened to Boy Meets World or Even Stevens? These are the classics that were enjoyed by middle age men with nothing to do during the day (that could potentially be considered creepers) or any 13 year old girl waiting to find a love like Corey and Topanga-without embarrassment. I mean I just can’t sit through another Hanny episode without feeling the slightest amount of guilt and guilt is just not what Disney Channel is all about. Come on Walt!

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Sprinter: A game of mental fortitude and finger strength There is a game that rules all, this game is known as...Sprinter. It is a challenging game that tests not only the speed of your fingers but the courage and strength of your inner self. Sprinter is not your average computer game. It’s not really a game at all. Some people actually study sprinter in college as their major. This game is no joke and for those of you that are laughing right now, you won’t be laughing when you put your hands to the test in the greatest computer game ever. You start as an regular athlete facing different levels of competition running the 100m dash - tapping the left and right arrow keys to run faster. On the first level you face evil spirited crazy kids who would love nothing more than to beat you in the 100 yard dash, but if you use skill and determination you can win with ease. The next level is a little more dif-

ficult, but nothing one should stress over. You race against a pack of angry women running with terrible running form, but it’s still not very difficult if you have been practicing and run full speed. The third level is against high school athletes who run good times for students, but taking sprinter so seriously and practicing the speed of your fingers everynight you should have no problem beating the local athletes. The fourth level is the National Sports Festival where you compete against the fastest athletes in the Nation. This level is not easy and can end the game for many. In order to win you must run no

What country or continent would you run away to? Taylor Tumlinson “Japan.”

Mikerria Figgers “Georgia.”

Colton McCulloch “My own country.”

Andrew Wilson “ Germany.”

slower than a 9.3, which is pretty fast compared to the other levels. Many people lose this level attempting to run as fast as they can causing them to tap the keys out of order and tripping their sprinter, causing him to fall. This level tests how good you really are and if you are lucky enough to win you do not only win the respect of the students in the class room, but you advance to the next level, the olympics. You probably could have guessed that the olympics isn’t going to be easy. It’s against the best atheletes in the world and people are watching from all over the globe. The race consists of super fast runners in Jamacian uniforms that are expecting to win.

Winning this race or even doing good enough to place would be an honor for you and your country. In order to win this race you have to tap as fast as you can and if you fall you have no chance of winning. The athletes are way too fast for any kind of mistake. If you lose, the game is over and you have to start from the beginning, but if you win you will be the Olympic winner of the hundred yard dash and will represent your country with pride. Now if for some absurd reason you win the Olympics and prove you are the best in the world you have one more test. The next and last level is against no one from your planet, but against runners from a different planet. Yes, you are about to run against blood thirsty aliens who are ridicously fast. If you win this level you have won sprinter.

Canada, greatest country of all

There is a country that rules all other countries. This country also posses magical lands and flamboyant unicorns with heavy amounts of pizzazz. This country is know as none other than Canada. A beautiful place with an amazing landscape and insanely nice people who are always happy for no apparent reason. A country where people say “a” just to confuse you, and crime doesn’t exist. Canada occupies most of North America and extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and northward into the Arctic Ocean. Canada is a parliamentary democracy with Queen Elizabeth the II as the head of state. English and French are spoken in Canada and many citizens of the country are bilingual. Canada is considered a very peaceful place and rarely involved in violence or war. Hockey is seen as the nation’s passion, and is as popular as football is in the United States. There are few Canadians who haven’t played the game of hockey; and it has become a part of Canada. Although Canada may not seem to ever be involved in war, Canada joined the Organization of American and has deployed troops to Iraq to fight next to the United States.

Page 9 - The Awesome Page: Seth Wells How I Met The Best Show Ever Alright everybody watch your step when you get up from reading this article, because I’m about to drop some serious knowledge on you. This knowledge will affect your life in ways that you didn’t even know possible, it will make you smile more, sleep better at night, and even live longer. This knowledge that I’m speaking of is the existence of the greatest television sitcom ever created: How I Met Your Mother. The show is in it’s fourth season and is a love story told in reverse. Basically, the plot is that the main character, Ted Mosby, is telling his kids the story of how he met their mother. However, it’s not as simple as it sounds because Ted is actually telling them everything that happens in his life instead of just telling them how he met their mother. Many of the episodes don’t even have anything to do with trying to meet their mother. There is much more to the show than just Ted however. There is Marshall and Lily, who are married, who Ted has been best friends with since college. Then, my personal favorite character Barney (played by Neil Patrick Harris aka Doogie Houser) who is Ted’s womanizing other best friend, and Robin who is Ted’s ex-girlfriend with whom he could never work things out with. Over the four seasons, Ted has been in several relationships including an engagement to doctor named

Stella (played by the girl on the show “Scrubs”). However, none of these relationships ever work out and Ted is continuously on his search for the woman of his dreams. His best friend Barney, however, wants Ted to be single and be his wingman. Barney is by far the funniest character on the show because of his continuous pursuit of women. He is pretty much the polar opposite of Ted because he doesn’t believe in marriage and wants nothing to do with a relationship. Barney is also a man shrouded in mystery. For instance, every time that anyone asks what he does for a living (they ask because he is very wealthy) he simply responds by saying “please” while fixing his tie. He always wears suits because he says that suits are “full of joy” and “distinguish yourself from the rest of the pack”. Barney has even written his own book called “The Bro Code” (available for sale on amazon. com) which outlines the laws by which “bros” should behave themselves. Every bro should invest in a copy of this so that they never make any of the mistakes outlined in it, which could result in having your dude license suspended for a period of time. However I’m getting off topic and need to focus back on the show. Like I was saying, Barney is the funniest character, but coming in a close second is Marshall, played by Jason Segal, the same actor who stars in the movies

Hayley Ask (pronounced Aw-some)

Hayley Ask (pronounced aw-sk) is the most awesome person I know. Nobody can really put a finger on just why she’s so cool, and when asked about it, even she doesn’t know and says that “you just have to see it to believe it”. In my mission to find out why she’s so aweseme, I found one doubter, senior Cash Conrad, who said simply “she’s okay I guess”. But, Cash’s twin brother Jackson said “Cash literally has no idea what he’s talking about, Hayley is super awesome”. Just why is she so cool though? For starters, she’s one of the funniest people I know and is always making me laugh. Another awesome thing about Hayley is that she’s really smart and always has something cool to talk about. She doesn’t spend all her time studying though; she also runs “eight to twentyfive miles a day” to “deal with the stress of being so awesome”. This is also what keeps Hayley incredibly fit and looking so beautiful. I could sit here rattling off every great thing about Hayley that makes her so awesome, but there just aren’t enough hours in the day, so your just going to have to take my word for it. She is the coolest person at Bryan High.

“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “I Love You Man”. Marshall is hilarious, but in a much more innocent and sometimes childish way. He is a hopeless romantic, which is shown by his marriage to another character Lily. Marshall and Lily are the kind of couple that other people sometimes don’t like to be around, you know, that couple that’s always all over each other and make their relationship very public. Yeah, that couple. But instead of being repulsive like most of the other “lovy” couples you know, their’s is often times funny and amusing. Senior James Thomas, whose favorite character is Ted Mosby, says that How I Met Your Mother “not only blows every other show out of the water, it blows the water out of the water”. I know what many of you must be thinking when you read that comment, that James is just an idiot. How I Met Your Mother is so much better than every other show on television because it’s so different and fresh. It has been nominated for, and won, several awards including Emmy’s and People’s Choice Awards. Neil Patrick Harris was even nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting actor, proving how awesome he is in the show. The main point of this article: watch How I Met Your Mother!

Wusssuppp?

I’m sure that many of you have heard, while walking down the hall, the phrase “wusssuppp”. Here’s an interview I did with the creater of the the phrase, senior Matt Little. Q: Matt, where did you get the inspiration for the phrase “wusssupp”? A:Well Seth, this football player named Chap (Jayshon Trussell) called my house one day looking for something. Q:How do you feel about the rapid growth in popularity of the phrase? A:Seth, I’m very proud of the way this has been successul throughout the school. Q:What are your plans for the future of the phrase? A:Well Seth, it’s successful now and I hope that it spreads throughout all of America and Africa. Q:Matt, did you expect the phrase to become this popular so fast? A:Well Seth, when it comes out of my mouth, yeah I expected it. Q:What exactly do you mean since it “came out of your mouth” A:Well Seth, I mean I’m a beast, so what did you expect? I mean everybody wants to follow in my footsteps so...

Page 10 - Caitlin’s Page

The Closing of One Chapter and the Opening of Another

All my life I have been waiting to graduate, but now that the time is here it’s honestly not that big of an accomplishment. Four years of your life, comes down to one moment, walking across the stage and you’re done, you never come back, you move on to something bigger and, hopefully, better. When you were a freshman and sophomore, it seemed like all this would be so far ahead, but time really does fly. The hardest year, junior year, can be rough. It’s your first year taking those AP classes. Senior year is the best year of course, but it can be stressful, waiting on replies from colleges, and even picking a college. For me, I applied to two colleges, and got accepted by both. My choice was University of Missouri or University of Houston. All my life I always thought I would attend Mizzou, but I then I visited U of H and found that I really liked the campus, and their business school is one of the best in the nation. Moving to a new city is scary, most people attend colleges where they know at least one other person, I

just kind of know of people. Also moving to a new city means no parents to

watch over me. Houston is still close enough where I can go home without a terribly long drive (if I don’t leave during rush hour). That’s one thing I am not looking forward to, but at the same time anticipating, the big city. I am going to be approximately one of 2.2 million

Where are you going to college?

“Texas A&M” Allison Ricke

“BYU” Fono Vakalahi

“Puerto Rico” Rico Suave AKA Victor Castillo

“SHSU” Jennifer Hall

people. Living in a city bigger than the state of Wyoming is a little intimidating. This college is just like Bryan High, lots of people from different back ground. After you have chosen your school, there are still many more decisions to make and housing is just one of them. Living on campus is one of the best options, and you meet tons of people. You can either live with someone or go pot luck. Without knowing who my roommate is, I know it can turn out one of two ways: really great or really awful. Leaving high school also means leaving friends, but one thing I won’t miss is all the lame drama. Going to college forces you to grow up, though, again no parents, you have to do things for yourself, such as: laundry, cooking, cleaning and the list goes on. Even though I am scared, I can’t wait! If you told me today I was leaving tomorrow I would be packed in an hour.

009 Things to do in College! 1. Join a club or organization during your first week of college 2. Go Greek, rush, even if you don’t pledge it’s a great way to meet people 3. Live on campus 4. Have an on campus job, or any job for that matter, you know you’re going to 5. Don’t procrastinate, and have your priorities right, so you can avoid all night cram sessions 6. Try new things, most likely no one will know who you were back home, so explore doing things you never thought you would do, and don’t worry about being embarrassed 7. Attend sporting events 8. GO TO CLASS!!!! You came to college to get an education in the first place and its one less way to not make your parents mad, besides the fact that you might actually learn something 9. The night before your final, stay up all night and study at The Kettle, IHOP, or Denny’s, and don’t forget to order the bacon, cheese fries (delicious! according to Mrs. Dominy)

Growing Up Fast

Isn’t it funny how the younger years of our life seemed to drag on and on, but as we age, things seem to speed up? Seems like before you know it, you’re a junior, and it’s time to prepare for your senior year. I remember the days of begging my parents just to go to the mall without them and with my friends instead, and when my dad threw a fit when I bought my first bikini. Now, all of a sudden, I’m in high school, and those days seem so juvenile. So swiftly, these past three years have gone by. In a little over a year, I will have graduated and I will be moving out of the house.

It’s so strange, and it makes me want to savor the last little bits I have left of my child -hood. Now don’t get me wrong, I am super stoked about moving out. I can’t wait to have my own place and be able to do what I want, when I want. The responsibilities are huge, though. There will be no one to make sure I’m going to my Blinn classes and there will be no one to make sure I remember my doctor appointments, to do my taxes, and to not drink milk that’s been in the fridge way too long. I’m sure I can handle it, though. I’m already working fifteen to twenty hours a week at Raising Canes,

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and I buy my own food, clothes, medicine, and any other necessities I may require. The only problem is making a car payment, gas, and rent. Things will all work out in the end, though. Right now, I’m just going to enjoy my summer and the last semester of my high school years. The key is to just enjoy being a kid as long as you can, because eventually it will all slip away. In the back of my mind however, I feel that no matter how old I am, I will always have a piece of my childhood with me. Growing up isn’t so bad, it’s more like a doorway to new opportunities.

Favorite CDs 1. Crystal Castles- Crystal Castles 2. Fleet Foxes- Fleet Foxes 3. In Rainbows- Radiohead 4. The Shepherd’s Dog- Iron and Wine 5. We Started Nothing- The Ting Tings

Most Wished-For Top Unsmooth Moments from This Year asleep in Mr. Wert’s 3rd period class, and not waking Car 1.upFalling until twenty minutes after the 4th period bell rang. 2. Slipping on a rug at work and falling onto my bottom, ruin ing the screen of my brand new iPhone, which just so conveniently happened to be in my back pocket. 3. Coming to school late in Mrs. Dominy’s 5th period class, only to look in the mirror to see a huge chocolate ice cream stain on the back of my favorite yellow pants. 4. Skipped lunch to go off campus for the first time, got caught. 5. Wore my halloween costume to school in protest for not being allowed to, no one else did. 6. Forgot I was hiding my nose ring from my parents, so I didn’t remember to hide it. When my dad picked me up early from school for my dentist appointment, the first thing he said was, “What’s that thing in your nose?”

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Dot-to-Dot

Sudoku

We Got Jokes

1. What’s black and white and red all over? 2. What do you call a zipper on a banana? 3. What do lazy dogs do for fun? 4. Why was 6 afraid of 7? 5. Why don’t African animals play games? 6. Why does the cake like to play baseball?

Answers Order your 2009 yearbook now for $65. Less than 50 books remain. Go to www.smart-pay.com to order by credit card or go by room 6160 to pick up an order form from Mrs. Dominy. Don’t miss out on the most amazing yearbook BHS has ever had. It is a book loaded with memories for the 2008-2009 school year.

1. The newspaper 2. A fruit fly 3. Chase parked cars 4. Because 7 ate 9 5. Because theirs too many cheetahs 6. Because it was a good batter

Yearbook Order Deadline Extended