Funny Stories5/3/2016

2016Musselman Messenger

Spring

BARN HUNTERSby Gage S.

The air was cold, the winds were rough. As I trudged across the rough green plateau, we heard loud, thundering, booms. I glared outside and saw not one, but two giants. There was a tall blue one, and a small red one. They burst open the great immovable doors, and searched around briefly. The red one spotted me, and alerted the blue one. They dropped a large black

box in the corners of the area. I smelled a captivating scent. I ran toward the black box and peeked inside. There was a sliver of turkey and bread. I reached in, but the box snapped shut! As I struggled to free myself, I heard the giants coming. They walked in and quickly found me. I tugged one last time, and I was free. The blue giant threw a canister at me. It released an exact clone of me, but it was robotic. The machine took off after me, and so I ran for my life! I hid behind an anvil, and when he got close I pulled out my trusty hammer. WHAM! He bounced up and down like a spring, before falling into a million mini pieces. I took to my instinct and hid in a barrel. However, they must have seen me, because before long I was rolling down the side of the mountain. I saw a bucket of butter, and so I shifted the direction there. SPLAT! The barrel stopped rolling, as it

was stuck in a thick pile of buttery mush. I darted out, up the hill, and into the wooden house. A yellow giant entered the room, saw me and then I heard a loud EEEEK! The other two giants re-entered and instantly chased me. I handed them a present, and they stopped and unwrapped. It sang and did a dance until...SPRONG!!! A boxing glove flew out of the box and hit the blue giant square in the face. He fell over, and the red one darted after me. They never learn, as I led him into a wall. Then an

orange giant came into the room. He had a giant cart with a nozzle attached to it. VROOM! The nozzle blew everything towards it, and it was coming for me. I grabbed a cork and shoved it into the nozzle. It sputtered,

and the orange giant realized what was happening. BLAM! The cart exploded and sent the orange giant through the ceiling. A pink giant walked into the room, and set her cat beside me. It licked its lips and gave a devilish smile. It grabbed me and jumped out the window dragging me into the woods. I started blabbering to the cat, and it got mad and started hissing at me. It forgot to keep its eyes on the road, because she ran into a tree. CRACK! I pulled myself out of its grasp and walked back into the wooden house. I charged into my mouse hole, avoiding the giants as they cowered in fear. I figured I’d scare them more so at midnight, I dialed the blue giant’s phone. “Turkey Sandwich,” I said, and I listened to him scream in terror. I laughed to myself before falling asleep.

(Image is from Heathers Animations)

Great Treats for the Winter

by staff

Salted Caramel Mocha- Most of you know this amazing drink from Starbucks. You need: Hot coffee, Chocolate Syrup, Milk, Caramel, Whipped cream and Sea Salt. Mix the coffee with the chocolate, milk and caramel. Then, top it off with whipped cream. Drizzle some more caramel, and then sprinkle the sea salt on the top.

Fun Dipped Oreos- This is a fun take on the original Oreo cookies. It tastes amazing, and is very easy to make. You need: Oreos, White Chocolate Candy Dip, Candy canes. First, heat up the white chocolate. While that is heating up, take apart the Oreos, and scrape out the cream inside. Then smash your candy canes into little pieces. Then take your Oreos, and dip them into the white chocolate. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top, for a great, peppermint flavor to go with the white chocolate!

Marshmallow Snowmen- This is a very sweet, fun treat to make on a cold day. You will need: Three Jumbo Marshmallows, Clear Sprinkles, Different Colored Sprinkles, Toothpicks, Mini Oreos, Rolos and Frosting. First, stack the three big marshmallows together with toothpicks to make the snowman’s body. Then, put frosting on the body and sprinkle the clear sprinkles on, because it looks like snow! Put more tooth picks on the side for the arms.

After that, put sprinkles on it so it makes a face. Then put frosting on the top, and stick the Oreo there, and then put the Rolo on top of that.

(image: computer clip art)

L.I.C. (Life inside an Infected Computer)

by staff

Hello world. My name is Torn and I’m one of many soldiers of Norton Internet Security, we are known as the N.I.S.A. (Norton Internet Security’s Army). We stop viruses from destroying people’s computers. It’s not an easy job, as the fact that I am in the front lines is always there. Things are slow, not much for us to do. We tend to play cards across the motherboards. I was just playing our version of poker, when things got chaotic. “Attention all of N.I.S.A, there has been a major breakthrough on the third system! All troops report immediately!” the intercom screeches. Everyone runs to wires. We hop on our transport ship and leave the area.

When we get there, viruses and allies are already on the ground, fading away, with viruses zooming by the windows of the ship. We already see files burning and our ranks are deformed. It was like we were being hacked ourselves. Within the battle field, we had to call for backup. Special units called the N.S., Norton’s Specialty, joined the war. My fellows and I hide behind some rubble. A virus turns the corner and we jump. His large red eyeballs are staring you down. The 250 teeth he has are drooling with electricity. It would make any man a whimper. I was frozen in fear. My buddies have deserted me and I have nowhere to run. I think desperately for what I learned in programming. Viruses’ weaknesses are task manager, Norton, and the special weapons that all of N.I.S.A. is equipped with. I search into my pockets and find something pointy. I pull it out and shove it into the monster’s mouth. It poofs into electricity and I pick up this weird object.

This item looks like a vampire stake, but made of metal, has our logo on it, with some ads. Everything in here is filled with ads. I rush back to the chopper and look at my surroundings. “This computer is a loss,” I hear the commanding officers speak; “We need to retreat and call someone more powerful.” I decide to go into the front lines. On the way there, I found a spear thing that looked like my stake. I pick it up and find myself a shield. I rush into the battle, earning my pay as a soldier.

When I come out of the battle with all the viruses gone, the helicopters are ready to go. The generals are getting into their seats. At home, I am awarded a medal for bravery and honor. All of us troops head back to our poker games, before being called to the next battle. It’s a repeating cycle, for it’s all we do. It seems that Norton might try to replace us soon. I have seen their projects of something better. It’s something that looks like a mech. I might not be around much more. We could be cut from the program, for good. I’ll see you next time, possibly.

(Image from Heathers Animations)

Reasons Why Winter is Great

by Staff

Many people could express their joy during the summer or fall, but here, I would like to tell you reasons why winter is great to me! First of all, you have a winter break from school. This also means New Years and the holidays for many. What would be better than staying at home around wintertime with your family? Secondly, snow during winter is what makes nature beautiful. With snow, your imagination can go wild. You can build snowmen, make snow angels, have a snowball fight, make snow forts, anything! Nothing could go wrong in such a beautiful, exciting environment.

All of the pros of winter outweigh the cons. If you’re chilled, you can have a steaming cup of hot cocoa. If you’re “bored”, you can go and enjoy the outside. The possibilities are endless. These are only just a bare minimum of reasons that winter is a great season. I can’t even start to scratch the surface or explain in proper words of why winter is such a magical time, but these are some of the few reasons I have as to why winter is great. (Image from Heather’s Animations)

How to Make This Winter the Best

by staff

If you are struggling to make your winter a good one, then try to make it the best with these ideas. First, try to learn something new. Maybe you could learn to knit a scarf or blanket to keep you warm. First, you should try to find a yarn that you really enjoy. If you like it fuzzy, warm, colorful, or just one color, pick the yarn that speaks to you. If you don’t want to make anything, then go out and buy some! Support local stores or your community and purchase blankets, scarves, gloves and more from your winter selection!

Maybe you are not into working with yarn. If that isn’t the way you want your winter to go then try something else. You could try baking. Winter themed treats are everywhere. It is also very easy. If you can’t find a recipe that inspires you then get creative and do it yourself. Make your favorite treats whether it is little cookies or big cakes. Decorate it the way you like. If

you bake a cake, then you could decorate it like a snowman, or like a winter wonderland. Any way that you like is the way that you should do it.

If you don’t like baking or working with yarn, then you need to think outside the box! Get crafty and do it yourself (DIY). These go from the smallest craft to the biggest craftsmanship. If you want to surprise a friend with a small gift, then offer them some homemade soap in a jar or some candies that has been decorated by you. If you want to go above and beyond, then try going far out. Make a box of cookies or craft with chocolate. No matter how you gift, there is not a right or wrong!

Image: N/A. Snowflake. Digital image. Northveiw Community Church. Northview Community Church, 26 Nov. 2015. Web. 8

Jan. 2016

Things You Can Do in the Snowby Madison Gray

Are you bored and cold inside your house on a snowy day? Well, here are some ideas that can help you can change that. First, you could have a basic snowball fight, to take it up a notch; you could make little walls to defend yourself from the other player(s). You could also create an Igloo, to make it even better; you could take water and

food coloring in a spray bottle and spray it on your Igloo to make it even more beautiful. Next to your Igloo, you could make a family of snowmen. To add your physical features, you could add carrots, sticks, scarves, hats, and rocks. If you’re starting to sweat under all of that clothing you’re wearing, you could make snow angels. Another use for your food coloring and water is that you could make regular snow graffiti. You can write and draw anything and everything. For a little treat in the snow you could add orange juice to the snow and make a nice little slushy. If you have a large hill you could go sledding. If you are playing with others, you could play Tic Tac Toe with pine cones and sticks. To make a quick and easy scavenger hunt you could freeze water fully pigmented with food coloring. Just hide these blocks of color in the snow and go from there. Those are just a few general ideas that you can do if you’re really bored on a cold snowy day.

"20+ Fun Activities to Do in the Snow." Parents.com. n.p., n.d. Web. 08 Jan. 2016.

Winter Things by Nathan

Well in the winter around here it takes forever to snow. So you just sit outside in the cold with no snow and that’s not very fun. I’m going to tell you some of the things that I do in these cold times.

To start off, I go outside in shorts and maybe a sweatshirt, because I love the cold. My friends wear coats and pants, but not me. I enjoy running around in the cold. If that’s not for you, sometimes I just sit around and play Madden 16 when I’m bored. My favorites are Ultimate Team and Franchise modes. In Ultimate Team, you start out with a terrible team; and from there you have to beat people, collect money and get new players to build up your team. Then when you don’t need your players, you sell them or auction them you get good money from this.

Then in Franchise mode you make your own character. My character is the starting halfback for the Detroit Lions. It has a story mode where you can drive around and talk to teammates. When you play games you only play your position it’s still really fun. Franchise mode in between games you can practice and earn experience and you can then level up things like catching, trucking, carrying, strength, and so much more. That is my favorite game.

My second favorite is Batman Arkham Knight. Ii that game scarecrow releases fear toxin over Gotham, but the city was warned and most people got out except

for criminals and police. The criminals try to destroy everything while you play as batman and try to stop scarecrow, the criminals, and save your friends. Robin, Night Wing, Penguin and so many more people are in this game. I recommend getting these two games because they are really fun. If you’re not in to any of that stuff, then watch TV. The football playoffs are on, so watch that. Not into that? Play board games and spend time with family and friends.

My Winter Break by Grant C.

How was your Winter Break and Christmas? Mine was great and I had a lot of fun with what I did. The first thing that I did was open presents for Christmas. I received many things that I liked. I got books that I wanted, Japanese candy and snacks, and a drone along with night vision goggles. One of my favorite things was my drone. My uncle got it for me and I had a lot of fun with it. At first it was hard to control but I am getting better and better at controlling it. Something else that it can do is take video and pictures while it is flying. It is a quad rotor drone and is pretty strong. Trust me, when I first got it it crashed a lot.

I also got a night vision scope, and it’s not some cheap pair that’s a toy. They work really well and are really clear at night. I haven’t gotten to use them much for anything, but they are still fun to have.

I got Japanese candy and snacks. Some were very good and interesting, but some were the opposite and tasted awful. It

always made me smile to get my dad to eat those ones. I couldn’t really tell what a lot of them were because they were in Japanese and I can’t read it.

I also went to the National Geographic Museum in Washington D.C. I went with my mom and some friends, we had to take the Metro to get there and it took a while. When we got there, we had to wait about 2 hours to get in a line to get to the Indiana Jones exhibit that we were going to see. After the wait, it was a pretty fun exhibit and I enjoyed it.

I hope that you had a fun Winter Break, Happy Holiday, and a Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays. Digital image. RCAP Solutions. RCAPSolutions, 2013. Web. 8 Jan. 2016.

What Does the Winter Break Mean to Me?

by Trenton Davis

When you get out of school during the winter, most people call this Winter Break. During Winter Break, most kids say, “I want this and this.” This means they think it’s the season of getting. That’s not the true way it’s supposed to be. I feel like the Special Holiday is more about giving, then getting. Some people never get to enjoy the Special Holiday. When families are homeless or very poor, they don’t get any presents and if they do, it would only be one. Some people on the other side of the world in Africa or Europe don’t have enough money to buy anything, and they have to handcraft things instead of buying presents from a supermarket. I feel that a lot of people aren’t thankful enough and when they get stuff like clothes they say “I hate this, you should’ve gotten me something better,” which isn’t thankful at all. It means a lot to me because I can give stuff, such as shoes, to other people who aren’t as fortunate. Some people are nicer than others. You can be a nice person and donate stuff and be thankful for the stuff you get or be someone who won’t do anything for nobody. Then you have the people who don’t give anything to the less fortunate. Winter Break means excitement and spending time with family and friends. It’s sad that people miss out on the wonders of playing in the snow and playing with friends.

During Winter Break people mostly talk about celebrations. You can also play with your friends and enjoy the wonders of the cold days. Spend time with family and friends and enjoy some nice hot drinks while it gets colder each day. Also, during Winter Break you have New Year’s which is where everyone celebrates the New Year of course. On the television it looks like the ball in Times Square is big, but it’s actually smaller than it looks. Even 12 hours before it happens at midnight, it’s still crowded. If you wait until one hour before, you won’t even be able to see the ball. People also make resolutions, however, most people don’t keep them. When school starts after Winter Break you will be relaxed. The way Winter Break feels to me is that you can spend time with your family during the holidays and New Year’s. Maybe next Winter Break, you can have fun.

(Image from Heathersanimations)

ReviewsBy Nate Huff

FNAF 4

Description:The fourth chapter in the Five Nights at Freddy’s game series, takes place in a child’s home, and the classic animatronics are in their nightmare form; this game is popular because of jump scares and enthralling fright.

Tomorrowland

One of the newest Disney films, Tomorrowland takes place in the future, and the past. All together, it has a magnificent storyline, as well as pretty good animation. This movie stars George Clooney, Britt Robertson, and Hugh Laurie.

ANT-MAN

Ant-Man is the most recent Marvel movie to slam into theaters. It tells the story of how Scott Lang, a former criminal, came to be a superhero through obtaining a super-suit from billionaire Hank Pym. This movie stars Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, and Corey Stoll. This movie follows along the Marvel storyline that leads up to the final battle with Thanos.

How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube

by Conlan T.

I’ll show you how to solve the Rubik’s Cube. First of all, you need to learn the notation. It’s not that hard, but people think it’s challenging. The prime means to turn counter-clockwise and no prime means to turn clockwise. The prime is ‘and yes it’s that and 2 means to turn that face 2 times clockwise.

So, let’s do this. The top face is U for up. The down face is D for Down. The right face is R for right and the left face is L left. The front face is F for front and the back face is B for back. This is the notation and the way to turn it and F’ meant to turn the front face counter-clockwise. And after you learn the entire notation, it’s time to actually solve it.

First, get the white cross on the white side. That’s easy, but you need to make the other color on the edge to match that color

on the center. It takes time to do that, but practice to do it better.

Second, get the right white corner on the right place and its permuted ( The white corner is in the right place and the white face of that corner is on the white side.) on the right place by doing R, U, R’, U’ and keep on repeating to get every corner to get them on the right place.

Third, get the middle edges. I have one easy step and to do that is to find a middle edge, place the color facing you, look at the other edge and place the color facing you on the right center with the other center on your right or left face. If it’s on the right, the algorithm is U, R, U’, R’, U’, F’, U, F. And for the left it’s U’, L’, U, L, F, U’, F’. After you learn those algorithms, do that for all four edges and if one edge is reversed, do one algorithm and it doesn’t matter and do the opposite algorithm to fix it. After you get all edges, it’s time to do the yellow cross.

Fourth, get the yellow cross. There are four cases to get and two algorithms and I’ll tell you each case and algorithm.

First case it. You already have got the yellow cross and you need to do nothing and go to step five. Second case is you get a yellow line and put the line so that’s

horizontal and do F,R,U,R’,U’,F and that will get you the yellow cross. Third case is when you get two adjacent edges that are yellow and two that are not so put both correct yellow edges on the top left and do this algorithm: F,U,R,U’,R’,F’ to get the yellow cross. Fourth step is where you have just a yellow dot and no edges are correctly flipped and to get the cross, you need to do one of two algorithms, do a U2 and do the other algorithm and you got the cross.

Step five is to get the yellow edges permuted correctly (To get them correctly on both centers). First if you all edges permuted correctly go to step 6. If not, look for one edge and keep on doing U to put both centers matching on that edge and do R,U,R’,U,R,U2,R twice to correct all four edges

Final step is to permute and orient all corners. Find one corner permuted (all 3 colors are in the right place) and put that corner on the bottom right corner on the U face and do L’,U,R,U’,L,U,R’ until all corners are permuted. Then orient the corners by picking a corner with yellow NOT on the top and do R’, D’, R, D until the yellow face of the corner is facing yellow then turn U to find another un-oriented corner do that algorithm until the yellow is facing the yellow and keep on doing it until every yellow face of the corner is on the yellow side and turn the U face to put every color on the right center and you’ve solved it. CONGRATULATIONS!

Multiple Rubik's Cube Images. Digital image How to Solve the Rubik's Cube- Stage 1 Rubik's Brand Ltd., 18 June 2014 Web 08 Jan. 2016.

How to Make Outstanding Clay Figures/Sculptures

by Grant Lemon

Have you ever wanted a figurine from a video game, movie, or show, but you can’t find merchandise anywhere on the market? The simple yet effective solution is to make a figurine out of clay! I’m going to teach you the basic essentials to making high quality sculptures that will be sure to get you recognized.

For starters, you will obviously need the clay. There are different brands and types of clay, and you can choose any kind you feel will work best for you. I prefer to use “Premo” by the Sculpee brand. You can find it at Michael’s or any of your local craft stores. Keep in mind, clay is not cheap. Buying the amount, you need could cost up to $40, so be sure to save some extra money in your wallet.

Second of all, you need tools. The better quality the tools, the better your sculptures will be. You need to start off with ball tools (different sizes, of course), cutting tools (or just a simple box cutter) and a needle tool (or a thin nail or something similar). The professional tools can cost anywhere from $10 to $20.

( Image by Author )

Next you need a nice workspace. A marble tile or countertop may be a fitting surface to work on, but be sure to wash off any dirt or hair that may be on it. To wipe it down you can just use a wet paper towel or some Windex. Having a spot to store your clay is also important. You want to have a good storage place where your clay will not be disturbed. I advise you to find a container, a drawer, or a cabinet that can hold numerous amounts of clay at a time.

Now that you have the majority of the things you need, you can start working on your sculptures. There is no specific way to make things, but my advice is to be patient and work with the clay before trying anything too complicated. It took me about a year or two to get to the skill that I have now. Just keep working with the clay and find a style that works for you. If you don’t want to make clay sculptures yourself, and want something simple, if you’re lucky maybe I could even make it for you! But I highly recommend giving this hobby a try. It’s a lot of fun once you get the hang of it and it’s a good way to pass time. If you have decided to actually follow this article and give it a shot, I hope you have fun with your possibly new hobby!

The Ant Goes Running by: Colman Martin

Hello I am the little ant from the annoyingly addictive song, The Ants Go Marching. Let’s go on a tour of the ant hill. Currently we are down in the feeding chambers to feed the children “Hey wait ant, where do you think you’re going with that

larva?” wait a second, that’s not an ant that is an ant mimic spider! “Stop them guards,” The eggs are in danger! Eeeeepp! The ants are dead and I am the only survivor. Luckily we lived near a colony of Leaf cutter ants so I can go to them for help. Hello leaf cutters is anyone home? I guess no one is home. Uh, why is it an ant? Not again, the spiders got to them too!

I ran to the African safari ants, also known as the unstoppable parade that was extremely close to us! The spiders are behind us please help! Yes, they heard us. The gates are opening and the safari ants are coming out. R run into the middle of the crowd and stay there. Finally, we have over thrown the spiders and I have a new colony.

"North American Bugs, Spiders, and Insects." North American Insects, Bugs and Spiders. Insectidentification.org, 2016. Web. 08 Jan. 2016.

Image..Black Carpenter Ant. Digital image. Insect Identfiation. Insect Identfiation.org, 2016. Web. 8 Jan. 2016.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF

YELLOWSTONE ERUPTED?

by Cole and William

If Yellowstone erupted today it would be a cataclysmic event. Everything for about 930 miles would be covered in ash. Everything for about 200 miles would be destroyed. The super volcano was found after a team of Scientists confirmed the existence of a large lake of magma buried deep beneath the national park. It is believed that this magma deposit is even more immense than the one that caused Yellowstone to erupt about 640,000 years ago.

It would also cause problems for more than just America, as Canada and Mexico would be affected too. Also the world economy would take a massive hit.

"In essence, the eruption makes its own winds that can overcome the prevailing westerlies that normally dominate weather patterns in the United States," Larry Mastin, a USGS geologist and the first author of the study said. Despite this not sounding very large, only a couple centimeters of ash can reduce traction on roads, Ash could also affect people's crops and livestock in Midwest America, and the pyroclastic flow (superheated ash as hot as lava, moving 60 miles per hour) would hurt many.

“Over the past two million years, trends in the volume of eruptions and the magnitude of

crustal melting may signal a decline of major volcanism from the Yellowstone region,"

researchers said. “These factors, plus the 3-in-2.1-million annual frequency of past events, suggest a confidence of at least 99.9 percent that 21st-century society will not experience a Yellowstone super eruption. In summary, if Yellowstone erupted today, it would be a disaster.

Ted Ranosa. “Experts Discover Yellowstone's Colossal Magma Deposit: What Will Happen If This Super volcano Erupts?” Tech Times TECH TIMES.com. April 25, 8:00 AM 2015 web, Google images, np, na, nd, web,

The Never Stopping Snow by Gage Farley

I hadn’t been to school for what seemed like years because of the snow. It seemed the snow would never stop. There was so much snow that we couldn’t get out of the front door. They eventually started to send me out the upstairs window to go get groceries, but even that was beginning to be difficult because of the snow. Everything was covered in several feet of snow. I believed that I was starting to go insane. If you look out any of the windows downstairs, all you can see is snow. One day

my parents said they were going out to see if anyone else was alive, but that was the last time I saw them. I was the only child so I had no company while my parents were gone. At first I thought they were coming back, but I soon realized that they were gone forever. There was only a little food left in the house, so I ran out to go get more food. I hadn’t seen another person in weeks. I was on the brink of madness, but then one day out of the corner of my eye I saw what

seemed like a human figure. I ran as fast as I could to the figure,

and when I finally caught up with it, I realized it was only the shadow of the top of one the buildings. At that point I realized that I was probably the only person left in the town. The fact that I was the last one, drove me over the edge. I went absolutely insane. I don’t remember what I did, but when I woke up, I was in a grocery store with all of the shelves knocked over. One of the shelves was blocking the only exit. I tried and tried to lift it, but eventually I gave up. I knew there was no way out but I still had to try. What if my mom and dad got back to the house and I wasn’t there? What if there were more people out there? After what seemed like the 100th attempt to move the shelf I went insane again. This time when I woke up I saw a bright light. I was so afraid. Then all of a sudden I heard my mother’s voice. Then the bright light turned off and I saw my mother and father standing next to me. They told me they got back to the house but I wasn’t there so they looked everywhere for me. They also told me that they were able to push the door open from the outside, but while they were tell this to

me I fell asleep. When I awoke I was in my house in my bed.

2015-16 Maryland Crab Bowl by James Foy III

Last and this year, I was able to play in the Maryland Crab Bowl. If you don’t know what that is, it is one of the most popular bowls on the east coast. Do you know Tavon Austin? He played in this too, and he is now in the NFL! This is my chance to essentially get my name out in the public so colleges will know my name. I imagine a scout walking up and asking me if I would like to go and get a sports scholarship from one of my favorite colleges like Oregon University, Virginia Tech, Auburn, or Clemson. I know you might think I’m crazy but I don’t like WVU. Maybe it’s because my dad went to Virginia Tech. But anyway, I will tell you how I did in the Crab Bowl.

So I played on team NoVa, The Northern Virginia War Eagles, and we did okay, but we lost twice. The first team we played was Eastern Pennsylvania and we beat them 33-6. The second team we played was Northern Pennsylvania and we lost 14-0. Then we played Southern Maryland and we lost 16-13. Finally, we played Eastern Pennsylvania again and we won 48-0. So overall, we didn’t do too badly. In the first game I had four tackles and a sack. That’s when you tackle the quarterback behind the line. The next game, I got two sacks, four tackles, and 1 touchdown. The game after that I got six tackles, three sacks, and a safety. The final game I played quarter back and threw the ball for a few and had an eighty-yard scramble and a touchdown. I

didn't do too badly in front of the college scouts.

The games were played at McDaniel College. The college is really nice, and it’s really big. The buildings were made of bricks. McDaniel College is a private four-year college in Westminster, Maryland. When we played, we got to go inside the locker rooms and it was awesome. We drew on the white boards, threw the footballs around, and just had fun, at halftime it was more serious.

One of our coldest games was 20 degrees, and there was snow on the field! When I got to the college and got out of the bus, I realized how cold it was. I put on my pads and went for a run. Then I went to the locker room and found my whole team in there, and they said “Where have you been?” I started to laugh and I fell on the ground, and the whole locker room started cracking up and even the coaches laughed!

So now its game time and it is still twenty degrees outside, so we had to suffer through that, and trust me, it was colder than you think. I got out there and started to run and I felt like I was slower than a sloth, I knew I was actually running pretty fast, considering I was running forty yards in under five seconds.

And I got to play quarter back for a series in our last game, four plays, and I was so scared. I did one pass play and ran for the

rest. The first play was a ten yard out, then I ran for an eighty yard scramble. So there we are, on the ten-yard line, my palms were sweating so much. I said "Green nineteen Green nineteen set hut!" He snapped the ball and I got it, but it slipped through my hands because it was raining. I picked it up and I see someone open but the corner gets him right in time, there's a whole in the 8-Gap so I run. I go up to the line and no one is there so, I ran it in for a touchdown. My coach

was so proud. He asked if I wanted to be full time tail back, and I said yes. That’s how the Crab Bowl went.

Crab, Maryland flag, Maryland, Maryland Crab Bowl. Digital image. Maryland Crab Bowl to Be Played at McDaniel’s Gill Stadium. McDaniel College, 13 Dec. 2013. Web. 8 Jan. 2016.

Katz, M. Butterflies. 33 Tips for Vegans from a 33 Year Vegan. Digital image. VEGANISM: A TRUTH WHOSE TIME HAS COME. N.p., 11 Mar. 2012. Web. 10 Jan. 2016.

Top 5 Teen Appropriate Anime Series!

by: Alayna S.

There are many TV series out there, but not all of them are kid friendly. I can agree with that statement from my experiences with anime. I thought it would be cool to share my top five teen appropriate anime series with you guys! So sit back and relax, and take some notes if needed, and enjoy my personal favorite anime series!

Number five is Glitter Force! Glitter Force is basically a rip-off of Sailor Moon; but, that’s not the only reason why I love the show. I love it for its bright colors, great animations, and of course, the music! The

show is basically about this young girl named Emily, who moves to a new school. On her way to school, she meets a pixie, and she becomes a member of the Glitter Force. Now, her mission is to find the rest of the Glitter Force and save the world from evil! I believe this show is definitely recommended for teens who don’t like violence, but love wonderful music and a good laugh! In all, this show is absolutely amazing and I bet after you watch it, you’ll be thinking it too!

Number four is Ouran High School Host Club, also known as OHSHC. Host club is basically about this boy named Haruhi who gets in a sticky situation when he breaks the Host Club’s prized vase. Now, he has to serve as a member in the Host Club. The only catch is that “he” is a “she”! Honestly, Host Club is one of the cutest anime I have ever seen! If you love cute, then you’ll definitely love this! Once you start, you’ll never want to stop! This show is cute, funny, and just plain amazing.

Next, is the Free! Iwatobi Swim Club! This anime is basically about a teen, named Haru and his friends who form a swim club and have a bunch of goofy adventures together! I honestly recommend this show for single girls who basically think they’ll never find love. This show is absolutely incredible and is great entertainment for us single girls.

Next is Kuroshitsuji, also known as Black Butler! Black Butler is basically about this bratty kid named Ciel and his demon butler, Sebastian. And, their mission is to avenge Ciel’s parents, by of course, killing the murderers. This show is very entertaining and I recommend this anime to people who can take a lot of violence and people who aren’t afraid to mourn over the

deaths of fictional characters. In all, this anime is incredible and absolutely exciting!

Last but not least, my favorite anime of all time is Tokyo Ghoul! This anime is a about a shy boy named Kaneki, who falls for a girl named Rize. He soon finds out that she’s a ghoul after she bit his shoulder. Suddenly, Kaneki wakes up in the hospital with new kidneys transplanted into him. Ghoul kidneys. And, now he has to survive CCG investigators and ghoul turf wars. This anime is just plain awesome! This anime will definitely make you cry and die slowly in inside. I recommend this anime for teens who can take tons of gore and love a good cry (more like bawling your eyes out).

In conclusion, anime is very entertaining for teens all over the world! Hopefully in your free time, you watch a least some of these series. In all, anime is radical, but not all of them are suitable for teens.

Ebry33. Tokyo Ghoul Title. Digital image. Bukatsuanime.wordpress.com. Esbry33, 02 Aug. 2014. Web. 08 Jan.2016. C., Niki. OHSHC Title. Digital image. Huamulan03.blogspo.cm. Huamulan03, 07 Sept. 2006. Web. 08 Jan. 2016.

Years of Fun! by Michelle A.

Hey there! Ever been on the first day of school without few friends? Maybe you just moved to a new school and had a boring first day! You know what will make your day much better? Friends! I started my year off with only a few friends, and that’s all you need! Too many friends could probably be more stressful because you can’t give a lot of people the same amount of attention and people get jealous. Maybe you’re able to do that! If so, the more friends, the happier you’ll be!

I’m a pretty socially awkward when it comes to talking to new people and meeting them. Hopefully, you aren’t like me and you find it easy to make new friends! Friends can be the highlight of your day. I can remember several times where I’ve been having a bad day, and my friends made me forget about it or made me laugh! I’ve had the best school year THIS year with my friends and plan to finish my middle school experience with them.

If you’re a shy person and don’t really have a lot of friends, I encourage you to go make some! For all you know, there could be a person in the same situation and they’re probably waiting for someone to go up to them and say hi! I also do want to point out that not all people are as nice as others. Be careful who you are friends with

because one small mistake could become a big problem.

Also, most people like it when you’re yourself! If you try to pretend to be someone you aren’t, they won’t get to see the real you! I know, it’s probably difficult to make friends that are going to like you for who you are, but try! Real friends like you for your personality and don’t really mind when you totally embarrass yourself!

When you start getting close to your friends, that’s when you have the best times. I have multiple close friends and have the funniest moments together. When I leave school, I always look forward to seeing them again!

So start making some friends! It will definitely change your whole middle school experience! If you’re going to a new school, or starting at a new school, make it count! Don’t take your friends for granted.

Global effects on Marine Life by Staff

New research has lead marine biologists to pay close attention to the changing of the climate. The main focal point is on the coral reefs in Australia. Many believe global warming is the cause of this sudden change. With global warming heating our oceans, the polar bears are not the only endangered species. Many of the endangered species include the life under the water. Co-author, Professor John Pandolfi from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at the University of

Queensland says, “Global patterns of species richness will change significantly, with considerable regional variability.”

The study gave the scientists a little hope that species could keep up with the changing temperatures of the waters, but also raised concern as strong biodiversity losses were predicted. One of the most noticeable factors of rising ocean temperatures is coral bleaching. This is a “…stress response caused by high water temperatures that can lead to coral death” (“Climate Profound”). Many scientists predict that rising sea temperatures may cause wild and unpredictable weather. Also, different weather can make species life cycles, metabolism and behaviors different. Furthermore, when oceans envelop toxic waste and other human waste products, oceans can become acidic, causing mass destruction of species living there.

Local fish such as cod, are being affected widely by warmer waters. The temperature of the water defines when fish can reproduce, eat, and migrate. Higher temperatures in the water will mess up their whole survival system that they have perfected over the centuries. Scientists all around are trying to figure out ways that they can help the fish. Being humans, we feed on millions of fish every day. If some groups of fish go instinct, a whole menu will be wiped out. Not only are fish used for food, but they also help scientists’ research on many occasions. Currently, the Atlantic’s temperature is already at the maximum of the Cod’s tolerance. If nothing can be done soon, we might have to avoid eating the fish for good (“Marine Problems”).

Finally, an animal that has been on the brink of extinction for many years now, is the polar bear. Everyone already knows that higher temperatures melt the polar caps, the place that polar bears call their home. Though that is not the only thing that’s happening; seals, the polar bears favorite prey, are highly affected by the rising temperatures. Seals use the ice as a platform for their young and for resting when they’re not in the ocean. Without any off spring, the species cannot survive, thus getting rid of the polar bear’s most common prey (“Climate Change”). Studies showed in 2008 that there are about 20,000 to 25,000 polar bears left in the world, so one could imagine that there are even fewer since that time (“Polar Bears”).

NA. “Climate Profound Impact On Marine Biodiversity.” Science Daily. ARC Centre of Excellence in Coral Reef Studies. 2015. Web. 9/14/2015. WWF. “Marine Problems: Climate Change.” WWF Global. World Wide Fund for Nature. 2015. Web. 9/15/2015. New England Aquarium. “Climate Change: The Effects On Ocean Animals.” New England Aquarium. 2015. 9/16/2015. Polar Bears International. “Polar Bears FAQ.” Polar Bears International. 2015. Web. 9/29/15.

Many Uses for Bacon (Other than eating)

by Dennis Jennison, Zachary Spiggle, Gage Shepherd

1. Lure a Sasquatch out of the woods2. Boiled Bacon Skateboard3. Making Bacon Pancakes4. Bacon soda (See the pun?)5. Hotel sized Bacon wrapped

Donuts™6. Bacon Furniture7. Bacon Hang Gliding off a Giant

Milkshake and Fries

8. Bacon Bobsled9. Bacon Burger Bounce House10. Radioactive Bacon Boy11. Bacon Boom Box12. Bacon Bubble Bath Time!13. Bacon-Powered Robot Boxing14. Bacon Beach Ball15. Trap Zombies from the Apocalypse

New Teacher Interview Ms. Raines

by Madison Gray, Emma Miller, Lauren Stowe

1. Question: What got you into teaching Science? “I love science, biology, and chemistry,” exclaimed Ms. Raines. She said that she wanted to be a doctor, but substituted once for a school class. She realized that the county was desperate for a science teacher. “Everything happens for a reason,” said Ms. Raines.

2. Question: What do you do to make the best out of bad days? “I don’t think there is such thing as bad days every day is a good day. You always have something to be thankful for, there is always someone dying to be you.”

3. Question: What was a big interest for you in college? “I played on the school tennis team.”

4. Question: Why did you go to Shepherd University? “I got a tennis scholarship, and it’s not too far away from home. It was referred to as Harvard on the Potomac because it was a good school.

My peers were from all over the world.”

5. Question: What is your favorite thing in science? “The anatomy of the human body is interesting and applicable.”

6. Question: How it does feel to be a very young teacher? ”It has its pros and cons, but it’s fun because I can relate to you guys better.”

Lauren, Burke. Lady Scientist. Digital image. Burkevector.com. IStock, 2016. Web. 18 Feb. 2016.

7. Question: Did you play any sports? If so, what did you do? “I played Tennis and Soccer; I also did Show Choir, Student Council and was Class President.”

8. Question: What is your favorite book and why? “To Kill a Mockingbird, because there is lots of history and it has a good story.”

9. Question: What is your favorite store? “T.J Maxx”

10. Question: What do you like to do outside of school? “I love to shop, hangout with my family, and run.”

Terrific Tongue Twisters by 6th grade staff

If popping popcorn pops on Piper will Piper punch the popping popcorn?

Big blue balloons bursting bundles of bananas.

Little Lucy licked a little lime lollipop.

Suzie successfully started stitching surgery on Sally.

Tigers tracked twenty tiny tremendously terrifying teletubbies.

Corey Cotton caught a catch of cool cucumbers.

Mitchell made metric millions of money.

Sam slurped some stringy spaghetti.

Patty petted a pretty popular pouty puppy.

Russia rushed over to Rome with rushing, ranting rain.

Fred fetched four fabulous fajitas for Flo.

Herb has hundreds of happy Halloween hats.

Mark made maliciously magic mischief in Minnesota.

Bob’s boot belonged to Billy’s bothersome, bratty brother.

Charming Charlie checkmated his chess championship chap.

Tory tasted twenty-two tangy tough tacos.

Parker parked perpendicular past the people parking place.

Billy’s brother Bobby bothered Billy until Billy boomeranged blue bananas.

Silly Sally slid down the super slip’n’slide.

Mary’s majestic marbles maimed Mark.

Darrel drew dogs on the dusty doors in the dark, deranged dungeon.

Bart’s black boots bounced beneath the bumbling bees below the bouncy blue bridge.

Reasons Behind Greece’s Economic Crisis and What We

Can Learn from It by J. R. Sloan

Recently, Greece’s economy hit an all-time low, so low the country ran out of money

entirely. For a time, people couldn’t withdraw more than sixty euros because the banks ran out of money, like a well runs dry

in summer. If you are like me, you’re thinking along the lines of, “How the heck

does a country run out of money”. Well there are many reasons. Reasons we can all

learn from.

Greece has the highest pension payments. A pension payment is the money you get after you retire. These pensions aren’t always fair though. If you were in the military or government, you may get better benefits. Some people were even paid by businesses for showing up to work on time. However, not all Greek pensions are generous. Tax Unions, like Unions that support the military, can receive higher benefits. Government pensions were the best of all, in which case a daughter can receive benefits from her dead father’s pension, who worked for the government.

Early retirement is also a problem. The average Greek woman retires at fifty-

nine, but mothers that are employees of a state bank, with children under the age of eighteen can retire as early as forty-three. The average Greek man retires at an average of sixty-three, slightly older than the average woman.

Another problem is tax evasion. Greece is notorious for people not paying taxes, especially the wealthy. The Greek government is trying to fix this problem, and is especially targeting the rich. However, the Greek government is having issues coming up with a plan to solve the problem.

A fourth problem is the high unemployment. According to ABC News, the unemployment rate is about 25.6 percent in Greece. To further add to these problems, many people worry about their bosses not have the money to pay them. However, a positive shop worker named Apostilis, says “it will give him an excuse for not paying his bills on time.” John Challenger, a CEO of a global company, says “he is not surprised by the Greek man’s response.”

In conclusion, there are a lot of things we can learn from the Greek economic crisis. Inflation is another problem. Inflation is when prices go up and the value of your money goes down. However, there are many more things that I didn’t mention, such as spending money freely. We should save money and increase value.

Kim, Susanna. “Some of the Reasons Greece got into it Economic Crisis”. abcnews.go.com. 2015 ABC News Internet Ventures; 6/30/15; Web; 8/21/15