April 2005 Vol. 34, No.

Environmental Awareness Month

Jennifer Haynie Co-editor April is the beginning of spring and a time to show our appreciation for our community. Around Bryan-College Station this month, many organizations are sponsoring events to clean and protect our area. Bryan High students have been called upon to aid in Keeping Brazos Beautiful. Here are some ways you can help: Telephone Book Recycling: Collect as many old phone books as possible and bring them to your school to be picked up. Cash prizes for the most books overall include: 1st-$500; 2nd-$300; 3rd-$200. Trash Off: April 23rd is Bryan/College Stations extreme cleanup. Bio-Bitz: A 24 hour survey of organisms that occupy Lick Creek Park is to be held on April 1& 2. For more information contact Heather Prestridge at 979-845-5783. Blanket the Brazos Wildflower Tours: Tours of the area wildflowers during the A&M Horticulture Plant Sale will be held on April 9th. Contact Laura Tankersley-Glenn: [email protected]. A&M Big Event: April 16th Texas A&M will hold the annual one-day service project for the entire community. For more information please call 845-9618. Brazos Trash Bash: April 16th a multi-illegal dump clean up along area creeks and tributaries. Illegal Dumping Workshop: Classes to insure proper education for code enforcement and other law enforcement regarding the illegal disposal of trash will be held from April 6-8, contact Candilyn McLean. Household Hazardous Waste: Collect, dispose, recycle, and reduce household waste products used in our community. Next collection: April 30th. Contact Shelia McQueen at 764-3806. Planet Earth Celebration: Participants will enjoy enviromental games/activities to provide environmental information on a variety of issues on April 16th at Sue Haswell Park. The many opportunities available during April make it easier to volunteer time to give back to the community and the environment. BHS is geared toward serving the community through service learning and other service organizations. The events in April provide opportunities for all students.

Mrs. Cune tastes some of the presidential recipes prepared by Alyssa Medina and Ashley Freeman in Mrs. Thornes Gourmet Foods class.

Building a New Bright Future

David Shirley Staff writer The crowded hallways of Bryan High are soon to be thinned. The overcrowding of Bryan schools is becoming an irrefutable problem and now BISD is making some necessary changes. Recently Bryan voters Callie McCullum, Britney Kocman, Cheyanne Woodward - 2nd runner- passed a bond (A bond up, Amanda Hayes - Queen, Amanda Smith - 1st runner-up, and Ashley being a loan from the Muchinski competed in the 2005 county-wide Queens contest. community in this case) with around two-thirds majority ruling for funds, amounting to approximately $105 million, to improve the scholastic environment. $98.75 million will be used for renovations of existing facilities, paying off previous debt, and the addition of new schools, one of which will be a 1500 student capacity high school. The new campus will be located on 90+ acres on Old Reliance Road, next door to Sam Rayburn. The remaining $5.5 million will be used on athletic facilities such as a competition indoor swimming facility in the new high school. This restructuring of BISD comes from concerns of overcrowding

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April 8, 2005

The Norseman News

Future Continued
with elementary schools at 94% capacity and secondary schools at 97%. With an average growth in overall attendance of 2% each year, the need for expediency is pressing. Tech Academy and Hammond Oliver will each be relocated, with Tech residing here at BHS and Hammond Oliver located at the new high school campus. When all is said and done the additional space will give students some additional breathing room. Although BHS will lose some students it will retain its 5A classification while the new school will be classified as 3A. The first year of the planned high school will admit only freshmen. The next year freshmen and sophomores, and so on and so forth until the school is fully grown. This will allow students at BHS to finish their high school careers in the school that they started. As a result of the $100 million loan from Bryan residents, taxes are expected to increase by only $0.13 per $100, therefore, the burden will not be largely felt by the community. The new schools are expected to be finished in 3 years, so the freshmen of 08 will enter the new campus. In the interim those suffering from the excess crowd will have a brighter horizon to look forward to, whether its hope for better school conditions, or saying good-bye to BISD forever on the stage.

Marketing: Whats Hot and Whats Not in 2005

WHATS HOT ! FlyaDISK is a smart invention that works. It keeps CDs clean and scratch free while being transported. Throw it, mail it, or hand it out FlyaDISK is innovative packaging that takes flight. - Jacob Liebengood M: Robe is the digital music player that can take pictures. A little pricy at $500, but a good looking product with a touch screen. It has a massive storage similar to the popular Ipod, but with an added camera. - John Juett The new Oakley Thump sunglasses are hot. They are a pair of Oakley sunglasses with a built in MP3 player. They come in 7 different colors. Designed by Lil Jon himself, theyre the krunkest sunglasses you can buy. Starting at $600. - Evan Julson Chamillionaire. This rapper is not like the others. Hes from Houston, TX, AKA Koopa. This guy is taking over the mixtape scene. Chamillionaire has sold more than 40,000 copies of his new CD the first month. Yall aint ready for him, but be sure to get his album this summer on Universal Records. - Joe Castillo Phat Farm footware is hot. Very attractive when worn with matching clothing. $80 at Footlocker. - Sholanda Garner X Box 2. Games are looking more real than ever. Popular with the young and old alike. - Cyril Sanders Hot Cars - The Bently, 06 Corvette - Juan Tirado, Fred Burrell Dickies and Ben Davis pants. Classic and still in fashion. - Rolando Garza WHATS NOT ! Mini skirts and fluffy insulated boots. If its so cold that some girls must insist on wearing these faux-sheep skin lined boots that go half way up their shin, then why wear a tiny skirt with it? Clashing clothing made for specific seasons doesnt look intelligent! If the purpose of this trend is to look cute and attractive, I guess common sense isnt in fashion! - Meagan Johnson Earpieces for cell phones. It makes you look like youre talking to yourself! Not to mention theyre ugly! - Keisha Harriman When your speakers cost more than your entire car. Thats not hot. No one wants to hear you bumping so hard that your doors fall off! - Chance Okonski

***article contributed by Mr. Stanleys marketing class.

Around the Campus

TAKS Testing
Nineth, tenth and eleventh grade students will be TAKS testing the week of April 18. The BHS auto tech class participated in the VICA competition in Beaumont last in February. Roberto Gonzales placed 1st in the motorcycle skills competition and 2nd in the auto skills competion. The entire team qualified for state: Clayton Beal, Roberto Gonzales, Heath Hausenfluck, Logan McCann and Marcus Turek. Congradulations to all new National Honor Society inducties.

VICA Skills Awards NHS Inductions UIL Academics

BHS students participated in the district UIL academic meet on April 2. Current Issues: 2nd place

team, Nathan Krueger 3rd (advances to regionals), Charles Harrmann 6th. Computer Science: 2nd place team, Matt Moss 4th, Roger Harris 5th, Joseph Tracy 6th. Social Studies: 2nd place team, Nathan Krueger 4th, Eric Ponizo 5th, Jennifer Caragan 6th. Math: Charles Harrmann 6th. Editorials: Hilary Francis 3rd (advances to regionals)

Features: Hilary Francis 6th News: Jennifer Haynie 2nd (advances to regionals).

Spring Show
The Shy-Annes Spring Show will be held at Rudder Auditorium April 28.

Baccalaureate
Baccalaureate Services for graduating seniors will be held May 22 at 6:00 pm at St. Anthonys Church .

Battle of the Bands

The Battle of the Bands will be held April 30th at Shadow Canyon at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $2.00 per person.

FFA Banquet
BHS FFA will hold their annual banquet April 28. This banquet will also mark the 75th anniversary of FFA.

Astroworld
The annual Physics Day at Astroworld will be April 29.

Features The Norseman

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April 8, 2005

A Whole New Meaning to Mans Best Friend

Jennifer Haynie Co-editor Amanda Ray, a 15-year-old freshman at Bryan High, and her 7-yearold English setter, Teddy, have a special bond that draws the two close together. Amanda and Teddy met in 2003 when Amandas godmother, Tracy Wiles, rescued the dog from a California animal shelter. Ever since, Amanda, an amateur dog-handler for ten years, and the setter have paired up for over one hundred dog shows. Together the two have won several top ranks in the junior class division. Teddy is in the top ten percent for over all breeds and is ranked 13 for all breeds in the sporting group. All this hard work eventually paid off when they were invited to the 129th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the Hollywood equivalent to the Oscars, in New York City The show, held at Madison Square Garden was televised on the USA network Monday, February 14th and Tuesday, February 15th. The soft-spoken Amanda was feeling anxious before the Westminster show but was thrilled to experience such an impressive event with her beloved Teddy. What impresses me most is not what shes done with the dog but what missing 5 days of school to attend Westminster, Amanda has to really buckle down with her school work. Fortunately her teachers are very manages her school work with her time spent showing dogs is remarkable, Mr. Richards said. Obviously Amanda enjoys her work with Teddy, but just like people there comes a time when he must retire from the work. The Westminster show was Teddys last run as a show dog. Im sad because this is our last show together, Amanda said. He loves doing this, and hell miss it. But hes my buddy no matter what. Teddy will retire in California, where he will be treated as nothing less than royalty. Though Teddys time has come to an end the two will find time to spend together, even if its not training for competition. Amanda has been working with Grisham, a bearded collie, to eventually take the place of Teddy. Even though Amanda will no longer be working with Teddy the two will remain in contact with each other. Amanda wants to make sure she is still a part of Teddys new life as a retired show dog. This is more than just an extracurricular activity, it is a major part of Amandas life. Amanda plans to continue showing dogs in the future.

Bryan High Senior Running for Miss Deaf Texas

Hilary Francis Co-editor Shenita Hester, a senior at Bryan High, is striving to show all Texans that she is more than just another high school student. Hester, a partial hearing student in the BHS deaf education program, is striving to prove deaf people have bright futures and are equal to those that have the ability to hear. When told about a Miss Deaf Texas pageant for young ladies around the state by her deaf education teacher, Hester was eager to participate. The prerequisites are few: you must fill out an application and obtain a sponsor to fund $200 for entry fees and necessities. The participants must also have a chaperone willing to attend the pageant. Hester, at this time, is looking for a sponsor to help her go to the Miss Deaf contest held in Austin on June 23-25. She needs a sponsor before May 1st. To participate in the contest, all girls must have a evening gown for one portion of the event and display a talent for another. Hester, who learned sign The first place winner at the pageant will receive $20,000 and a chance to run for the position of Miss Deaf America. If she wins, Hester plans to use the prize money for future needs in her college career. Im exited about this opportunity and hope I can win; Ive always wanted to do something like this, Hester said. Hester, active in the BHS cosmetology program, is considering a career in cosmetol-

shes done for herself, Wiles, Amandas godmother, said. She knows she has to focus on her education or Teddy doesnt show. Because of the weekend shows and

supportive and feel that for Amanda to excel she needs to maintain her responsibility as a show dog handler. Amanda is a young girl with much responsibility and the fact that she

language when she was four, will sign praise songs as her talent.

ogy. Also interested in art, Hester creates her own works of art outside of school. All who know Shenita are proud of her accomplishments and her desire to participate in this state wide contest. Shenita is a good student who always keeps up her grades--she always has As or Bs. Im happy that shes willing to participate in the pageant, Sharon Hawkins, a teacher who often works with Hester said. Good luck Shenita as you compete this summer in Miss Deaf Texas.

4 The Norseman Opinions

April 8, 2005

London, France...Underpants
Recently, the Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill authorizing a $50 fine for people who choose to wear their pants saggy and show their underwear in a lewd or indecent manner. One delegate, Lionell Spruill Sr., explained the droopy drawers are a fashion statement for teens and directly opposed the bill. We, as the Norseman staff (except for Matt Shirley, who doesnt really care) feel the idea isnt outlandishly strict or violating. As individuals, we feel violated when people flash their undergarments inappropriately to the world. Although this bill seems restricting to personal rights, we view this law as a form of public indecency, an act already illegal in public. To some, $50 seems like a large fine for a small violation, but indeed, a $12 belt would be a much wiser investment, saving time, effort, and money. Teens feel that if people are allowed to wear bikinis at the beach, they are free to show their intimates while in the general publics eye. However, swim suits in a place where swimming is involved is fine, panties and boxers are not to be shown in the cafeteria line or at the mall. Younger generations are less likely to agree with this bill, as they enjoy their freedom of dress. All people like to express themselves, but this is a matter of decency and respect for oneself and others. So we ask the youth of America to pull up their pants, get a belt, and give respect back to those around you. On February 10, the Virginia Senate unanimously voted against the $50 droopy pants fine. --Norseman Staff

Stresses of Everyday Life

As the y e a r draws to a close each one of us takes a closer step to college Blair Whitley and a life- Staff writer style unlike what any of us are accustomed to. As high school students know, the stress level here is increasing everyday as the expectations of teachers, advisors, parents, and peers push us to be the best that we possibly can in every possible way. The spring time is filled with extracurricular activities, both academic and athletic. Baseball, softball, soccer, track and field, golf, tennis ACADEC, UIL, and FED Challenge take up a majority of students valuable time. The choice not to participate may in fact hurt your chances at getting into the college of your choice. As each students level of activity increases, the amount of homework seems to rise as well and as we move into our last years of high school the possibility of our GPA slipping is not an option. This begins to build great stress in students lives be-

O v e r the past year, new fads have come and g o n e . However, one that Matt Shirley looks like it Staff writer will last awhile is badminton. Ever since STAR TV started covering the sport more last spring during late night when nobody is watching, popularity has expanded

Badminton: New Craze?

dramatically. Home games and tournaments have developed across high school and college campuses. Legendary players such as Gong Zhi Chao and Rudy Hartono have started to creep into amateur enthusiasts vocabulary. The game is played over a net between two opponents. Players attempt to gain points by serving the birdie across the net using only underhand serves without a return from their opponent. The first to fifteen points wins the match.

cause they stay up late to finish their abundant amount of homework. As each weekend of activity packed agendas and littleto-no sleep passes we get closer and closer to graduation. Students begin to battle trying to do everything and having a meltdown. So now more than ever we long for the days of recess, naps, and activites that deter us from our responsiblities and commitments. We long to be youthful and carfree with the primary choice of the day being what finger paint to use instead of what college to attend.

Usually, the winner of two out of three matches wins the game. The popularity of the sport has risen to a largely overlooked underworld of badminton. Often, games are accompanied with underage drinking, loud rap music, and other rift raft police officials are trying to discourage amongst Americas youth. Badminton gambling is also becoming a problem and is illegal in most states.

Volume 34, No. 5

Co-Editors Hilary Francis & Jennifer Haynie Staff writers Tricia Beifuss, Shakayla Brownlee, Ashten Harris, Robert Huerta, Elisa Santana, David Shirley, Matt Shirley, Blair Whitley, Travis Whitley Adviser Rebecca Dominy
The Norseman is a publication produced by the Advanced Journalism Newspaper Production class at Bryan High School. The opinions expressed are those of the author and may not represent the opinion of the faculty, staff or administrators of Bryan High School. Signed letters to the editor are welcome and may be delivered to Rm. 6160 or the Blue Campus Office. Member-UIL Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) Winner of the ILPC Award of Distinguished Merit 1998-99, 1999-2000 Silver Star, 2001-2002.

Blockbusters No Late Fees?

It seems that everyone alw a y s wants to rent movies for the weekend S h a k a y l a b e c a u s e Brownlee there is Staff writer never anything on TV or they just want to see a new flick. Blockbuster stated that they had a new no late fees policy, but as consumers soon found out there was more to the story than that. People finally realized the scam they were running and Blockbuster is having to explain themselves. In a brief statement Blockbuster representatives said that they were surprised and disappointed by the lawsuit. Blockbuster has revised their no late fees policy and is now paying back consumers for their misleading advertising. Although there are no actual late fees, there are restocking fees after a week and after a month they charge your account for the full price of the movie. Buyer beware. Moral: When something seems to good to be true, it probably is. Ask questions and stay informed.

Locks of Love: A Hair Raising Experience

This summer I met a lot of new and interesting people when I went to Washington, D.C. One night we all had an in-depth discussion about Locks Elisa Santana of Love; a non-profit Staff writer organization that provides hairpieces to children who suffer from any type of medical hair loss. One of the girls, Jamie, has shoulder length red hair and said that she had donated her hair to this organization. If you watch television several of you may have seen the organization featured on Oprah, 20/20, Jay Leno, and many other popular shows. Publications such as The New York Times, People, Seventeen, and CosmoGirl magazines have published stories on this organization as well. I learned that children and teenagers that have hair loss from diseases (one of the most common diseases be-

Opinions The Norseman 5

April 8, 2005
doing this because imagining how you would feel if you were ten years old and began to lose your hair is not pleasant. I received an e-mail the other day from another girl I had met in Washington who wrote that she had donated her hair to Locks of Love. Hopefully by these examples and others people in our community will make a positive choice and donate their hair. (Want more information on Locks of Love?, go to www.locksoflove.org)

Lifes Reversals
It never ceases to amaze me how backwards our world is. I was thinking just Travis Whitley the other Staff writer day about how tired I get during the school week and how nice it would be to have a Nap Time during high school when we need it most. So, why is it that kindergartners, who have all the energy in the world and have no desire for a nap, are blessed with the privilege, while us high schoolers who are functioning on little to no sleep and would kill for some shuteye dont even have the option of a Nap Time. This idea of our countries irony applies to many things other than Nap Time. For instance, why do athletes and musicians who put in 3 or 4 hours a day make unneeded millions a year, while the typical, hard-working male or female who works from 9 to 5 makes just enough money to support themselves and their family. Another example of the theory is when teenagers try

to get jobs. At many jobs when you apply for the first time they will refuse you, saying that you need more experience. Well, that makes no sense seeing as how to get experience you have to have a job and to get a job you have to have experience. You see where Im going with this? Why is it that when you go out for the football team and dont make it they tell you to try again next year. Well, if your not on the team how are you going to get any better for the next year. What are you going to do, hire a private coach so you can make the team next time? Correct me if Im wrong, but you would think that all those big name actresses who make millions a year could afford more than half of a dress, which so many of them wear to award shoes. Why is it that actresses pay thousands of dollars for a dress that doesnt cover much more than a bathing suit? At times life can make absolutely no sense whatsoever, but we just have to accept life the way it is and learn to live with it, because the strangeness of our country is what makes it so great.

T h e death penalty has always been a controversial issue in this nation, but Tricia Beifuss never more Staff writer so than in the recent months when the age limit for criminals to be able to receive the death penalty was moved up to 18 years of age when they commit the crime. Millions of taxpayer dollars go to keeping the criminals in prisons alive, even if they have committed murder and deserve the death penalty. Which brings me to another point. If anyone is aware that they are committing a crime

Death Penalty Creates Controversy

by murdering someone else, they should automatically receive the death penalty, regardless of their age. A six year old running with a pair of scissors and accidentally stabbing and killing his younger sibling is an exception. A twenty year old accidentally setting off his gun while on a dear hunt and killing his friend is an exception. A twelve year old stabbing his parents repeatedly and killing them is not an exception. A lawyer can argue for hours that the child was too young to realize the situation, but its not true! At least not anymore, with all the violence on and off the television. This child should receive the death penalty for his crime just like a thirty year old would if he were to commit the same type of crime. The law is too lenient when it comes to minors, but the fact is, they are just as aware of their surroundings and capabilities as most people over the age of 18. What if someone committed murder on the day before their 18th birthday? How can you say that one days difference will actually make the person realize that murdering someone is bad? The whole thing is plain ridiculous! The death penalty is a good idea, but only if its going to be used correctly as it should be.

ing Alopecia) have to deal with looking in the mirror everyday and reliving their disease. Between ages five and eighteen the most hair growth in peoples lives occurs making high school students prime candidates for donation. Thinking about all I had heard, seen, and read I decided last summer to grow my hair out so I could donate. Most girls have beautiful long hair that can be grown to any length whenever they want. I think that every girl (and even the guys) should consider

Another year and it seems like the difficulty in school is increasing along with Robert Huerta the failure Staff writer rate. It seems like something new is added each year to make life more difficult.

TAKS Testing Causes Woes

TAKS has become just one more obstacle to clear. It becomes problematic when students get little sleep or something drastic happens that distracts them and causes them to fail the TAKS test, which defines your high school career. This leads to a question of how we are supposed to do well in college if we can barely pass high school.

For now it is the hardest thing in the world to wake up and go to school. At times you can be so tired that after one day of dozing off you are behind an entire week. Then the final week of the six weeks comes and your rushing to turn everything in, then you fail and no college will take you. Overall though, school isnt that bad.

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April 8, 2005

The Norseman Sports

From the Coaches

Boys Soccer
The boys soccer team finished district play March 24 with a victory over Waco to take home the District 13-5A championship. Bennetts scores contributed to the win. Fellow senior Stephen McConnell placed third on both Pommel Horse and Parallel Bars. Dale Taylor tied for the first place medal on Rings and was runner-up on Polmmel Horse, placing 4th in the All-Around. Taylor led the team with five of his six scores supplying the team with points for the win. Junior Jonathan Cadarette added strong showing on Rings, Parallel Bars, Horizontal Bar and Vault. He placed in the top ten in five events and earned 8th in the All-Around. The remiang points came from McConnell and junior Justin Crabtree whose performance on FLoor earned him 6th in District. The JV team demonstrated their abilities during the meet as well. Chris Cowley placed on Pommel Horse while Isaac Rodriquez and Matthew Kelly excelled on Horizontal Bar. The Regional meet will be April 13 and 14 at Kingwood High School. Round Rock last Friday. Sophomore Alyssa Zawieja took the District All-Around Champion title. Senior Kaily Chapman placed 3rd All-Around and Daniela Hart placed 6th. Other awards: AlyssaZawieja: 1st-Vault, 1st-Bars, tied 2nd-Beam, tied 2nd-Floor. Kaily Chapman: 2nd-Vault, 6th-Bars, tied 9th-Beam, tied 2nd-Floor. Daniela Hart: tied 4th-Vault, tied 2nd-Beam, tied 5th Floor. Ashley Emola: tied 4thVault, 8th-Floor. Mary Reedy: tied 8th-Vault. Regionals will take place April 13 and 14 in Kingwood.

Water Polo
Seniors Nathan Belford and Flor Beckmann were selected to play in the 2005 Texas Water Polo All-Star Game to be held at Katy High School April 9.

Boys Gymnastics
The varisty boys gymnastics team held on to their District title by winning three of six events at the District meet hosted by Round Rock last Friday. Leading on Parallel Bars was Clifton Bennett, who posted the teams highest Floor routine and placed 8th in the All-Around. Four of

Swimming
Four BHS swimmers earned Academic All-American honors: Flor Beckmann, Nick Lee, Grant Quimby and Sarah Rayburn. Grant Quimby also swam in the state meet in February, placing 10th.

Girls Gymnastics
The girls gymnastics team won their district meet in

Childhood Beliefs Carry Over to Adulthood Traditions

Hilary Francis Co-editor Although the days of elementary school have passed, all high school students can easily recall the childish myths and superstitions they based their playtime upon. Children, in their gullible ways, found their own society of rules and regulations, almost a secret code every child lives by. When walking down a sidewalk, it was forbidden to step on the cracks in the concrete. Violators of this offense were quickly accused of breaking their mothers back. In the car, it was necessary to follow all road laws, just as the driver of the car followed. Touching a screw and yelling, SCREW! as loud as you could when crossing a railroad track was vital to ward off bad luck. When whizzing through an intersection on a yellow light, kissing your hand and touching the top of the car helped get the vehicle through the light with being stopped by a policeman. Passing a cemetary was an indication to hold your breath so the dead couldnt get you as you intruded upon their domain. Even as weve matured and dont truly believe in these tall tales, we still follow some of these superstitions and myths as part of our daily routine. It is comm o n knowledge that seven years bad luck will arrive with the breaking of a mirror as well as from crossing the path of a black cat. Whenever someone makes a comment about something never happening to them (for example, receiving a speeding ticket) they often knock on wood to keep that statement true. No matter how old we get, it seems that we always pick up pennies (heads up of course) to bring good luck all day long. Of course, if the tail side is u p , leave

In-Depth The Norseman

it there for another passerby to collect. A common myth at many slumber parties as guests spin around and look into a mirror to see Bloody Mary before them. Health and science myths are constantly displayed in the media. Adolescents are frightened to eat chocolate, as they believe this sweet treat will cause acne and skin problems. Our society revolves around false stories such as these as well as for the wacky world of celebrities. Rumors of Hollywoods hottest stars fly through the air, but are most likely twisted and completely inaccurate. So no matter what myths or superstitions youve grown up with or continue to believe in, make sure youve got your facts straight before broadcasting them.

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April 8, 2005

Quiz on Myths
True or False?
_____1. Burning wood in the fireplace can make it colder in the house. _____2. When making ice cubes, hot tap water rather than cold water will make them freeze faster. _____3. Storing batteries in the refrigerator will make them last longer. _____4. Goose bumps serve no biological function. _____5. If you sit too close to the TV, you will ruin your eyes. _____6. If you crack your knuckles, they will get bigger. _____7. If you stare at the sun, even during an eclipse, you could go blind. _____8. If you swallow a watermelon seed, it will grow in your stomach. _____9. Hostess Twinkies never go

Superstitions & Myths

bad; they have an indefinite shelf life. _____10. Some red food colorings are made from ground-up beetles. _____11. Actor James Caviezel was struck by lightning while filming the 2004 movie The Passion of the Christ, in which he portrayed Jesus. _____12. Walt Disney arranged to have his body cryogenically frozen so he could be brought back to like at some point in the future. _____13. A computer keyboard harbors more germs than a toilet. _____14. A dogs mouth is cleaner than a humans. _____15. Getting your tongue pierced can lead to heart problems.
1. True 4. False 7. True 10. True 13.True

What superstition do you believe?

If you leave the house with one shoe on, youll walk half as fast. John Wooderson, 9

If you break a mirror, you have to throw it in a river or youll have 7 years of bad luck. Debra Brooks, 12

Check your answers here!

2. False 5. False 8. False 11. True 14. False 3. True 6. False 9. False 12. False 15. True

If you find a penny, it means an angel is looking out for you. Margo Jackson, 10

No sleep before a game is what helps win soccer games. Robert Ramirez, 11

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A[ro; 8, 2005

Flight of Phoenix Rises Again

Travis Whitley Staff writer Hollywood seems to like the idea of remaking movies. Flight of the Phoenix was a remake of the 1965 original, only this time starring Dennis Quaid (Frank Towns). The movie begins with Quaid flying in his cargo plane to what seems to be the middle of nowhere. However in the middle of nowhere lies his mission: shut down Mirada Ottos (Kellys) oil rig. Otto and her entire crew load up in to the plane and head for home. Just minutes into the flight, however, they encounter a sandstorm, and Quaid decides to keep flying. This decision turns out to be wrong as they are unable to fly through the storm and moments later find themselves in the middle of The Mongolian Desert. After they recover from the crash and realize that no one is coming to help them, they decide to rebuild the plane. They take an inventory of their supplies and realize they have the tools to build another plane, but only have enough food to survive thirty days. Giovanni Ribisi (Elliott) takes charge of building the airplane claiming to be the chief designer of an airplane company. As if the task of building an airplane in the middle of the desert was not challenging enough, the crew has to face violent windstorms, heat, and desert smugglers. Perhaps the climax of the movie was toward the end when the crew finds out that the chief designer of the plane, Elliott, works for a company that builds remote control airplanes, not real flying machines. The crew has to trust Elliotts design though because their food and water supply is running low and the desert smugglers are after them. Just as the desert smugglers discover their location, the plane is ready to take flight. To everyones surprise liftoff is a success. Dennis Quaid flies his crew out of the desert just in the nick of time. For those of you who enjoy inspirational, action-adventure flicks, this is the movie for you.

The Norseman Entertainment

Sandra Bullock Armed and Fabulous Once Again

Tricia Beifuss Staff writer The latest Sandra Bullock movie, Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous is, unlike many other movies these days, worth the price of a ticket. Released on Friday, March 25, Armed and Fabulous came in second in the boxofffice its first weekend, topped only by Bernie Mac and Ashton Kutchers Guess Who?. The movie began picking up three weeks after where the first one left off. Gracie Hart (Bullock) was back with her team, but once again managed to flub an undercover operation, due to her now being a pageant celebrity. This time, she is given a job promoting the bureau, and becomes the new face of the FBI. Ten months later, she has lost all trace of her tomboyishness and is deeply concerned about her hair. Then the FBI receives information on a kidnapping involving Gracies friend and pagent queen, Cheryl (played by Heather Burns) and pageant M.C., Stan Fields (William Shatner). With the help of her bodyguard, Agent Sam Fuller (played by Regina King), Gracie makes a fighting comeback to save the day once again. Due to the whole turning into a Barbie girl at the beginning of the movie, it started off a little slow and was a little irritating that she took so long to revert back to her old self. Once Gracies own undercover projects got underway, however, the movie was a blast. It was hilarious and had me and my friends laughing every three to five minutes. This movie was definitely worth seeing, if not in the theater than absolutely when it comes out on DVD and VHS. If you are unfamiliar with Gracie and her team, check out Miss Congeniality first to see how the story begins.

The Color Purple: A Classic Rental

Ashten Harris Staff writer Movies come and go now days, but its nice to reminice about the classics like The Color Purple, a Steven Spilburg production. As a young teenager, Celie is raped by the man she takes to be her father, and both of her babies are taken away from her. She is told that she cannot have more children, and is given to a brutal farmer named Mister who beats her, uses her as a servant and convinces her that she is ugly. There is one beautiful thing in her life, her sister, Nettie.

When their father tries to assault Nettie, she flees to Celie for comfort. Mister comes after her, and when she fights him off he throws her off of the land. Thus begins a long separation between the two sisters; Nettie, through a rather improbable coincidence, goes to Africa with the missionary couple who have adopted Celies children. Mister has a son, Harpo by his first marriage, and one day Harpo brings home Sofia, the woman he loves, who is with child. Sofia will not allow herself to be addressed in the way Mister is used to speaking to women, and gives Harpo a choice between Sofia and him. Harpo cannot choose and spends

most of his life trying to keep everyone happy. This sparks the idea of juke joint down by the river, within close distance of the church.There is one person Mister cherishes in his horrible life, and that is Shug Avery a jazz singer who remains his one and only true love. When she arrives at their home on rainy night, sick and in need of care, her first words to Celie are: You sho is ugly! But Shug is able to see Celies fear and helps her to realize the beauty in her life. Its nice to see a classic movie once in a while and this one is a definite rental.