BMS Bulldog Times

The Junior livestock show allows 4-H and FFA youth to further their Agriculture, leadership, and higher education goals. Its purpose is to select the best animals to participate in the San Antonio Southwest Texas Fat Boys Stock Show. The Birth of the Bandera County Junior Livestock Show took place in 1936 when the Medina Future Farmers of America also known as “FFA” had the first stock show in the county. Then in 1937, Howard Schlemmer hosted a 4-H organization and used that to start the junior show. By that time it was 1938, there were 23 pens of sheep, several goats, some hogs and chickens participating in the county show. 23 boys took part in the show, revealing over 140 animals. This show used to move its location every year by alternating between Bandera to Medina and repeated that until it found its permanent location and home at Mansfield Park in Bandera.

Stock Show Beat Writer, Rehnahta Gomez

Gypsy Rose, born on July 27, 1991, was made to believe that she had several diseases and that she was allergic to many things by her mother. Her mother, Clauddine Blanchard, forced Gypsy to use a wheelchair and take a variety of unnecessary medication that she didn’t need to be taking. These medicines made her even more sickly looking. Eventually Gypsy realized that her mom was making her sick on purpose (Munchausen syndrome by proxy). She began breaking her mom's rules. She bought a phone in secret and used it to communicate with people. She also stole her mom's computer and used it to video call her boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, even though she wasn’t allowed technology and she wasn’t allowed to date. Gypsy and her boyfriend made a plan to kill her mother so that they could be together. So, on June 10, 2015, Gypsy and her boyfriend stabbed her mother while she was sleeping. Claudine's body was discovered on June 15, 2015. The two went to jail in 2016. Gypsy got 10 years and Nicholas got life. However, on December 28th 2023 at 3:30 a.m., Gypsy was released from Chillicothe Correctional Center in Chillicothe, Missouri. She was greeted by paparazzi when she was released. Now, she is on social media and has many followers and supporters. She has attended many interviews since her release and will most likely continue to be interviewed and asked about her time in jail.

Feature Writer, Paisley Mears

Willis Gibson is the first person to beat tetris. His screen froze and read 999999 as his score. The “infinite” game that is not-so infinite anymore was beaten by a kid who was only 13. This feat has been beaten by artificial intelligence, but never by human hand. He had reached level 157 before it became unplayable due to the coding of the game. Many have “beat” the game by hacking into the software, but Willis managed to do it all on original hardware. We’ve all heard of the game released on the original Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989. The best part of this story is he did it to honor his dad. His father, Adam Gibson, who sadly passed away on Dec 14, 2024 at 39 years old. Willis’s run was almost 40 minutes, at only 38. Explaining why he remarked after he reached the end of the game, “I can't feel my fingers”. This is certainly a huge accomplishment for all of gaming with how popular and old the game is. The question is will this feat ever be accomplished again?

Gaming Enthusiast, Levi Osteen

Reading is a fundamental source of knowledge but kids don't read as often as they should. According to a study by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the average American reads up to sixteen minutes a day for fun, but watches television for 2 hours and 50 minutes a day. That is a significant difference. Why do we watch more tv than reading? TV is a great source of entertainment and there is some educational learning in watching, but reading is more beneficial than TV. Reading can transport you to another world, wrap you up in fantasies and educate your brain. TV also produces blue light which is bad for your eyes, but you decide.

Lead Editor, Kara Melton

Volkswagen announced on Jan.8 that they will be adding ChatGPT to their new line of vehicles. The new 2024 vehicles include the ID.4, ID.7, Tiguan, and the Golf. The ID.3 is a small battery electric car with a futuristic design and even a digital cockpit. The 2024 ID.4 is an electric SUV that is the second generation of the ID.4. Volkswagen offers rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive for the ID.4. The ID.4 has a range of 263 miles with all-wheel drive, and 291 miles with rear-wheel drive. It includes a 12.9 inch touchscreen and a nice interior design. If you are looking for a car that has plenty of space both for passengers and cargo, is fairly priced, and is eligible for a federal tax benefit of up to 7,500, the 2024 ID.4 might be a good choice for you. The 2024 ID.7 is an electric sedan and the first of its generation. Like the 2024 ID.4, Volkswagen offers rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive for the 2024 ID.7. The 2024 ID.7 has a range of 291 miles with rear-wheel drive and 250 miles with all-wheel drive. The 2024 ID.7 includes a 15 inch touchscreen infotainment system and an aerodynamic and sleek design. If you are looking for a car that is spacious, comfortable, and eligible for a federal tax benefit of up to 7,500, the 2024 ID.7 might be the right choice for you. The 2024 Tiguan is a powerful SUV and the second of its generation. Volkswagen offers front-wheel drive or 4MOTION all-wheel drive for the 2024 Tiguan. If you want a car with reliability, comfortability, space, and a strong turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine the 2024 Tiguan is the way to go. The 2024 Golf is a compact hatchback and the eighth of its generation. Volkswagen offers front-wheel drive or 4MOTION all-wheel drive for the 2024 Golf. The 2024 Golf includes a modern design and a rear spoiler. If you are looking for a car with space, efficiency, good price, a federal tax credit of up to 7,500, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the Golf might be a fine pick for you. These are not the only new Volkswagen vehicles that include ChatGPT, the ID.3, ID.5, and the Passat additionally include ChatGPT. However, these models are exclusively sold in other countries, and most likely will never be sold to American markets. Volkswagen added ChatGPT in their vehicles in order to improve the Volkswagen driving assistant IDA (Intelligent Driving Assistant) included in the yet to be released ID.1, yet to be released ID.2, the China exclusive ID.6, Jetta, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Taos, and Arteon. WIth the addition of ChatGPT, IDA will now be able to do more than just control vehicle infotainment, climate control, and navigation, IDA will now be able to answer any question that comes to mind (excluding questions that are inappropriate or about any car companies other than Volkswagen). Nowadays, nearly all companies have artificial intelligence incorporated into them in some form, so it comes as no surprise that Volkswagen did this. Fortunately for some and unfortunately for others, this trend won't be stopping anytime soon.

Tech Analyst, Luis Chavez III

People today have increased thoughts of self harm and many people don't know the solution to it. Studies show that animals reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. One of the healthy ways to decrease these thoughts is to get a pet.

A loyal companion can help you increase exercise and your overall mental and physical health. For example, people with dogs tend to have lower blood pressure and are less likely to develop heart disease.

Every animal is great, but dogs are shown to help improve mental health. Since a lot of animals are dependable on their owner, animals can make you feel needed, in a time of anxiety or depression and that is what some people need to feel better overall. There are many ways to deal with mental issues but this one is definitely one the best and healthiest. Plus having a cute animal is amazing on its own.

Co-Editor, Katelyn Moore

Scientists have discovered that the true extent of the deepest parts of our oceans might be larger and unexplored than we think. The deepest parts of our oceans are 6,000 to 11,000 meters deep. Many studies of the hadal zone focus on the conspicuous, gigantic, trenches formed by shifting tectonic plates, known as subduction zones. There have been many theories of what is down there like megalodones, giant squids, aliens and more. Only 20 percent of the ocean has been explored leaving lots of people with the question of what could be down there?

Deep Sea Expert and Conspiracy Theorist, Carter Hanks

What's up with Coach Keane?

Did you know Coach Keane graduated from Bandera High School in 2017?

Coach Keane's favorite color is blue because it looks cool.

Coach Keane coaches football, basketball, and soccer.

In 10 years, the coach sees himself as 34-year-old Head Soccer Coach at Bandera High School.

He has been coaching for 3 years and played soccer in college.

Coach Keane also likes to play various sports on the weekends or after school during the week.

He has a dog named Duke, and enjoys spending time with his family.

Interviewer: Madison Frazee

Valentine's Day is about celebrating the day of love. The history behind it is that originally the day did not come out to be a day of romance until about the 14th century. Although there were several Christian martyrs named Valentine, the day may have taken its name from a priest who was martyred about 270 ce by the Emperor Claudius II Gothicus. Saint Valentine of Valentine's Day was one of the two saints preaching the good word in Rome during the 13th Century.

Historian, Paloma Mendoza-Ornelas

Zach Bryan was born April 2, 1996 in Okinawa, Japan. He's 27-years-old and he started playing music in 2011. He started his singing career in the US NAVY where he served for 8 years. He makes country music that everyone likes and loves. He has four studio albums, one live album, three extended plays, and eight singles.

Why did he start singing? He started singing from his past, with all the things that happened. He wanted to share what happened and for it to be okay to share with people about your past.

What is one reason Zach Bryan writes his songs? He says “I write because it's just like how I deal with life.”

Zach Bryan's inspirations are, Meryll Haggard, Townes Van Zandt, and Jason Isbell.

Zack Bryan's song that made him famous is Heading South.

Zack Bryan has a wife named Rose Madden and he also has a dog named Dustin.

Music Fangirls, Lexie Amaro and Kadynce Duckworth

Dear Abby,

I've been tuning into the broadcast and your advice column, so I have decided to write to you about one of my own problems. I go to Bandera Middle School and I was wondering if you had any advice about reading and comprehension. Even since I was younger, I've always had an issue with forcing myself to read and understand the words. I am a straight A student, but it's really difficult to keep my reading grade up. Sometimes, I have to re-read over and over again just to remember the beginning of the book. I hope you have time to write back and can help me out.

-Frustrated in Fiction

Dear Frustrated in Fiction,

I understand your struggle, and I used to have this same issue. When I first came into middle school, reading was difficult because I felt I had no time for it even though my teachers told me to read for 45 minutes every night. I really didn't think it was that important. Now I love reading and sometimes I use reading as a source to clear my head and relax. If you are looking for a way to get better, the best advice I have is to make time for it. You can annotate while you read along with having a journal where you can write about each chapter of the book. This helped me with my comprehension issue and it made me look at the smaller things in books. Reading is definitely a skill you need in life, whether in math or science, we use reading every day (even when passing notes in class). So, if you really want to make a change in how you read, grab a good book and jump in.

-Abby (AKA Madison Frazee)

Glitter still clung to Chloe's sneakers from the New Year's Eve party, a sparkly counterpoint to the rain-soaked sidewalk. January air nipped at her nose as she huddled next to her locker, her heart heavy with the weight of unwritten resolutions. Unlike the shimmering confetti, they sat stubbornly in her notebook, untouched.

There was "Ace Science," a daunting mountain after last semester's disastrous test. "Befriend Maya," scrawled next to a clumsy sketch of the shy girl with the paint-splattered jeans. And the ever-present "Stop being invisible," a wish whispered more than written.

Just then, Maya's locker slammed shut, startling Chloe. Maya's head swiveled, her brown eyes widening. "Hi," Chloe squeaked, a blush creeping up her neck.

"Hey," Maya mumbled, looking towards the floor. But before she could retreat, Chloe blurted, "Do you, uh, want to walk to class together?"

Maya's eyes widened again, surprise flickering before melting into a hesitant smile. "Sure," she whispered.

The walk was awkward at first, filled with nervous silences and shuffling feet. But as they talked about the new art teacher and the latest graphic novel release, a spark ignited. Chloe discovered Maya was witty and insightful, hiding a vibrant personality beneath her quiet exterior.

Science class, usually a torture chamber, transformed into a shared study session. Chloe, energized by Maya's encouragement, explained confusing concepts with newfound clarity. Maya, emboldened by Chloe's faith, dared to raise her hand in class, her answer earning applause.

Weeks flew by, marked by paint-splattered notebooks and whispered jokes in hushed libraries. Chloe aced her Science test, not just for herself, but for Maya who helped her understand those pesky chemical reactions. They walked to and from school together, a constant in the ever-shifting middle school landscape.

One afternoon, during a particularly dull math lecture, Chloe scribbled a new resolution on a corner of her notebook. It wasn't about grades or popularity, but about friendship, courage, and being more than just invisible. It read: "Shine brighter, together."

That night, under the same star-strewn sky she'd watched glitter rain down months ago, Chloe smiled. This year, her resolutions weren't just words on a page, but a friendship taking flight, two stars shining just a little bit brighter, side by side. And she knew, with a certainty that warmed her from the inside out, that this was just the beginning.

Confetti confetti, wishes in the air, January whispers, resolutions bare. Lists we scribble, goals we yearn to chase, Promises to self, etched upon our face.

Gym bags gather dust, diets fall by noon, Early mornings missed, beneath the rising moon. Procrastination's song, a siren's sweet despair, As resolutions dwindle, like castles built of air.

But pause, dear dreamer, let not hope resign, For journeys, not destinations, make us shine. Stumbles are a path, not proof of failure's sting, Each step, a testament to growth on silver wing.

Forgive the faltering heart, the mind that slips and strays, Embrace the gentle grace of learning all your ways. Let kindness be the compass, guiding every stride, And celebrate the progress, in victories you hide.

Unfurl your flag of courage, with each new dawning day, Pick up the brush of purpose, paint your fears away. For resolutions whisper not of perfect, polished things, But seeds of possibility, on hope's bright wings.

So dance with imperfection, raise a glass to what might be, This year, dear soul, may you be kinder, wilder, free. And as the chimes of December ring, anew you'll stand, Not haunted by past failures, but dreams held in your hand.

Coming Soon......the Student Snack Store! During your school store visit on Thursday or Friday, you will have the opportunity to purchase candy for 50 cents! This will be available during your advisory time only when you come with your class to the student store. Live school points cannot be used to purchase candy!

Only quarters and bills will be accepted for payment (so keep those pennies at home). You can choose from Blow-pops, M&Ms, gummy bears, and airheads!

FCA (Fellowship of Christian Anybodys) is back on for this Wednesday morning from 7:30-8:00 a.m. in RM. 228. Bring a friend! Donuts and OJ will be provided. :)

ALL UIL Speaking:
Please make plans to meet after school this week at 3:45pm on THURSDAY, Jan. 18th, to prep for our UIL Academic Meet on the 27th.

Don't forget to buy your yearbook! On sale through 3/20.

buytheyearbook.com ID: 715652