Review: BioShock Infinite

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
May 8, 2013
Filed under Entertainment, Our Picks, Recent Stories

In 2007 “BioShock” revived the first-person shooter (FPS) genre from a stale, repetitive state by offering interactive gameplay mechanics along with an engrossing, unconventional storyline. “BioShock Infinite” continues to uphold the eccentricity, delirium and blood-crazed hysteria which made... Read more »

Review: The Strokes- Comedown Machine

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
April 14, 2013
Filed under Entertainment, Our Picks, Recent Stories

As an avid Strokes fan I eagerly awaited the release of “Comedown Machine,” hoping the band could recapture the past glories from previous records such as “Is This It.” But as I listened to the album, it dawned on me the band reached its peak long ago, and has slowly lost relevance in the current... Read more »

Facing the Issue: Confronting the Bullying Problem

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
April 1, 2013
Filed under Features, Recent Stories, Top Story

"Hey loser." "Did you see what was posted about you on Twitter?" "Don't trip." Everyday 160,000 students miss school because of the fear of being bullied. Frequently verbally harassed LGBT have lower percentages of planning to go college than other students. Bullied students may lose their self... Read more »

Junior Athlete Defends School’s Name

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
March 11, 2013
Filed under Recent Stories, Sports Stories, Sports Top Story

With only a few yards away from a clear shot, the opposing team advances closer to Legacy’s goal. As Lakeridge mounts an offensive play in an attempt to turn the tide against Legacy, junior Ravyn Gilbert races against time to counteract her opponent. Dashing across the field to meet her adversary straight... Read more »

Classic Albums: Music Defining an Era

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
March 4, 2013
Filed under Entertainment, Our Picks, Recent Stories

“Something happened with me during that period. I felt the strong urge to write music and to write lyrics that would touch the souls of men. And in that way I thought I could help ” - Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye defines his mindset when creating his landmark “What’s Going On,” while indirectly... Read more »

Crayden Goh

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
February 26, 2013
Filed under Personalities

Senior Crayden Goh unlatches the hood of his Civic LX Sedan and inspects the complex metal structure underneath to ensure everything works properly. Working through rainy and chilling weather, he endures the conditions to spend time with his car. As he inspects the vehicle, he remembers and admires the... Read more »

Jazz Band Offers Live Concert and Dinner

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
February 14, 2013
Filed under News, Recent Stories

Jazz Band will perform for their annual Jazz Dinner Bash Feb. 23 at the Center of Performing Arts. Senior Thomas Kee and his fellow band members practice every day in class to ensure a quality performance. “We just want as many people to get up there as they can and to be dancing and just have a... Read more »

Owen Cook

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
February 13, 2013
Filed under Personalities

Reading the complex code closely, Senior Owen Cook examines the process as he attempts to figure out an algorithm. Trying to identify the type of code for his program, he circles the answer he believes to have the most merit. “Time is up, put your pencils down and turn in your papers to the front... Read more »

Finding My Way

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
January 25, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Entertainment Blog, Recent Stories

For many of my school years, I have been riddled with an aptitude of shyness and eccentricity constantly inhibiting me from fully expressing myself. When it comes to meeting new people, I’m quite a nervous wreck. My tendencies of blushing at the slightest amount of attention received, avoiding eye... Read more »

Review: Les Miserables

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
January 25, 2013
Filed under Entertainment, Our Picks, Recent Stories

I generally dislike musicals with a passion. They are usually over the top, cheesy and flashy with no substance. But the trailers, hype and widespread publicity became a black hole- dragging me into the local Cinemark. I went into the theater with low expectations, expecting a pretentious cesspool of... Read more »

Celebrities Influence Students’ Decisions

John Hoang and Jesse Wright
January 2, 2013
Filed under Features, Recent Stories

Sitting on the couch after school, senior Hannah Matula stares absently at the TV watching Jersey Shore. Ever since the show first premiered on MTV, the cast has gathered widespread popularity among teens across the nation. With the advent of modern technology, namely the TV and MP3 players, the ability... Read more »

Review: Lincoln

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
December 18, 2012
Filed under Entertainment, Our Picks, Recent Stories

In Steven Spielberg’s historical biopic, Abraham Lincoln struggles with the grand task of reuniting the country during the American Civil War and passing the Thirteenth Amendment, affecting generations to come. The authentic costumes, eloquent dialogue, intense acting, beautiful cinematography and... Read more »

Review: Soundgarden- King Animal

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
December 6, 2012
Filed under Entertainment, Our Picks, Recent Stories

Releasing its first album in sixteen years, Soundgarden appeals to both a new generation and its original fans. Soundgarden arrived into the mainstream along with fellow grunge/alternative rock contemporaries during the 90s, with popularity dying down following it’s 13 year hiatus. Although “King... Read more »

Moore Pursues Career in Art

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
November 28, 2012
Filed under Features, Recent Stories

With a brown colored pencil in hand, senior Caitlyn Moore smiles as she adds shades of color to her piece. She makes the final strokes to the drawing she started a year ago. "I try to focus on one thing at a time, but sometimes I have to put a project aside and work on something else,” Moore said.... Read more »

Fall TV Premieres 2012

John Hoang , Entertainment Editor
October 24, 2012
Filed under Entertainment, Our Picks, Recent Stories

With the arrival of autumn, several television networks premiere both recurring and debut shows. The 2012 fall season has a variety of genres, appealing to fans of comedy, action, thrillers, dramas and horror. The Walking Dead: With feral reanimated humans rising from the dead to prey the... Read more »

Review: Owl City- The Midsummer Station

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
October 19, 2012
Filed under Entertainment, Our Picks, Recent Stories

Owl City’s third album, “The Midsummer Station,” consists of eleven catchy electronic pop songs featuring famous guest artists such as Carly Rae Jepsen and Mark Hoppus. Branching out musically, Adam Young consulted outside co-writers and producers to help create a new unique style. The “Midsummer... Read more »

Upcoming Fall Events

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
October 9, 2012
Filed under Entertainment, Our Picks, Recent Stories

Both large and small scale events are scheduled for the autumn season. Kooza- Cirque Du Soleil: Sept 19 - Oct 28 Kooza presents an eccentric circus portraying “The Innocent.” This is a story featuring a troubled young man trying to understand what purpose he has in the world. Acrobats perform... Read more »

Review: Circa Survive- Violent Waves

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
October 1, 2012
Filed under Entertainment, Our Picks, Recent Stories

Circa Survive released their fourth album Aug 28. The anticipated record presents long-time fans a satisfying but familiar experience while giving newcomers a unique perspective on music. Entirely self produced in eight days with no major label, Violent Waves does not fall short of expectations. Style: “Violent... Read more »

New Coaches Accepted into Bronco Nation

John Hoang, Entertainment Editor
September 24, 2012
Filed under Recent Stories, Sports Stories, Sports Top Story

Walking through the vast brick halls of Legacy, Israel Stephens admires the unfamiliar layout of his new workplace. As the new Men’s Soccer coach and Social Studies teacher, Stephens adjusts to both a new sports team and school. “I was first struck by the eagerness with which everybody seems to... Read more »

Digital Textbooks a Positive Move

John Hoang, Staff Writer
May 18, 2012
Filed under Our Opinion, Recent Stories

For years the utilization of technology in education has become more prevalent in schools. Apple’s iPad will benefit both students and teachers tremendously by providing more resources for students, increasing test scores and boosting the overall efficiency of schools. The school board will make... Read more »

Classic Movies

John Hoang, Staff Writer
May 8, 2012
Filed under Entertainment, Recent Stories

The phenomenon of cinema has brought people together for unforgettable experiences in the wonders of film. Movies not only provide entertainment but profound insights into different eras, cultures and struggles of humankind. The following films are widely praised by fans and critics and have all stood... Read more »

Internet Influence: How the Web Changed Us

John Hoang, Staff Writer
May 7, 2012
Filed under Features, Recent Stories

Staring at the computer screen, sophomore John Swanson checks his facebook messages and statuses for any new updates. Internet websites and popular social networks have connected people worldwide behind faceless computer screens. The creation of the Internet revolutionized the way people communicate,... Read more »

Anticipated PC Games of 2012

John Hoang, Staff Writer
April 10, 2012
Filed under Entertainment, Recent Stories

Sequels to some of the largest computer games are scheduled for release during the 2012 year. Several of these games have the potential to redefine the genre of MMO and action based games. PC games have always differed vastly from their console counterparts being more complex and modifiable. The modern... Read more »

Iconic Video Games

John Hoang, Staff Writer
April 3, 2012
Filed under Entertainment, Recent Stories

Video games have been a place where people can escape the outside world and enjoy themselves. Whether the player enjoys engrossing stories, mesmerizing graphics or just blowing things up, people have seen video games as a source of entertainment. Several games have gathered a large, loyal fan-base over... Read more »

Ranking Star Wars

John Hoang, Staff Writer
February 16, 2012
Filed under Our Picks, Recent Stories

Ever since the first Star Wars movie arrived in the motion pictures in 1977, it became a landmark in cinema history. Fans have long debated on the best Star Wars movie, with it usually being one from the older trilogy. In my opinion, the following list is how I would rank the Star Wars movies based on... Read more »

Veteran Runners Help Freshman

John Hoang, Staff Writer
February 13, 2012
Filed under Recent Stories, Sports, Sports Stories, Sports Top Story

Standing on the track, senior Benjamin Ramsey looks around and sees many new faces on the team. There are several freshmen who need to be shown the basics of running track. The more knowledgeable athletes help the novice runners get started for the first meet of the season. “They still got a lot... Read more »

Ms. Hatley

John Hoang, Staff Writer
February 6, 2012
Filed under Personalities

English as a Second Language (ESL), teacher Elizabeth Hatley arrives to her new classroom, surrounded by an environment completely different from those of her previous years teaching World History. While having to adjust to teaching a new course was difficult at first, she enjoys the experience. “I... Read more »

Review: Star Wars: The Old Republic

John Hoang, Staff Writer
January 25, 2012
Filed under Our Picks, Recent Stories

From the creators of the Mass Effect series and Dragon Age: Origins, Bioware has released a new Star Wars MMORPG (Massive-multiplayer online role playing game) The Old Republic on Dec. 20 2011. Set thousands of years before the original Star Wars trilogy, this game takes place during the war between... Read more »

Mood Music

John Hoang, Staff Writer
January 19, 2012
Filed under Features, Recent Stories, Top Story

As junior Crayden Goh studies for his next test, he listens to his favorite Hip-Hop artists. Listening to his favorite rappers helps him calm down and focus on his work. Studies on music show several affects on the brain and body. Music can change peoples’ moods and physical movements at the same time.... Read more »

Ronnie Castillo

John Hoang, Staff Writer
January 9, 2012
Filed under Personalities, Recent Stories

Junior Ronnie Castillo studies the pages of her Vietnamese book as she teaches herself on how to speak the new language. Castillo works to achieve her dream as an English as Second Language teacher in a different country by studying new languages. As she meets native speakers of the languages she learns,... Read more »

Callie Jo Davis

John Hoang, Staff Writer
December 6, 2011
Filed under Personalities

Junior Callie Davis decorates the room by splattering fake blood across the wall. She works to make the haunted house as scary as possible. Each room has its own horror theme and a name. Davis volunteers at the Chaos Haunted House at the Texas Scaregrounds in Kennedale. “I still won’t go in [to... Read more »

Sophomore Takes Position on Varsity

John Hoang, Staff Writer
September 30, 2011
Filed under Recent Stories, Sports Stories, Sports Top Story

Squatting into position, KJ Amous prepares himself for the next play. Being one of the few sophomores on varsity, Amous has to work to stay on the team.  “We’re good, we won’t be beat, we will work hard, ” Amous said. Even though varsity has lost their first three games of the season... Read more »