Created originally by a group of college students, and produced by Valved (who also made Left 4 Dead), Portal 2 is the sequel to the beloved original first-person shooter/ puzzle game Portal. When Portal was originally made, it was not expected to be very famous and as successful as it truly is now. Portal 2, though, was made with the extra attempt to create a fantastic game. From personal experiences with this game, I can personally say that their attempts did not go wasted. Portal 2 is a masterpiece among masterpieces. Its art style is superb, the campaign is a mix mysterious, funny, and emotionally gratifying, and there are many little spots that anyone who played the original portal would remember. The game is made with even more heart and will from the creators than the first game was created with. Portal 2 also comes with a multiplayer campaign as well, where you take the roll of two robots built by the antagonist of the game, Glados, in order to “test”(I will leave the rest to the reader to experience for themselves).

As for the single player campaign, the player takes the same roll as the protagonist from the first game, Chell. Along this theme of reminiscence, you find yourself in Aperture Science Labs again, as well. You also rediscover the antagonist from the first game, Glados, still in Aperture Science. The game is covered in twists and turns, some betrayal and alliances. Its single player campaign is one of the most memorable I have played and will hold a special place in many people\’s hearts for years.

A tip for those who do buy this game: I would suggest playing the first game before the second. Personally, I found that this made the game much more enjoyable.

There are few cons that are obvious in this game. Unfortunately, though, once you beat the two campaigns, there is not much else to do, other than play it again. Otherwise, I would highly recommend buying this game.

The Battle for the Bell continues for the 32nd year in a row! This year, the Fountain Valley v. Edison game will be held on Friday, November 5th at 7:00 PM. The game will take place at Cerritos College in Cerritos. Hang tight Barons, ticket information will be heading your way shortly.

Even if you\’re not going to the Bell Game (you should!), here are 10 facts you can impress your fellow Barons with:

1.       In 1975, the activity coordinators from both schools had originally planned to have a cannon stay at the winning school instead of a bell – a howitzer from World War II. They scrapped the idea once they found out it could actually fire. (Not to mention “The Battle for the WWII Howitzer” just isn\’t as catchy.)

2.       Two AC, Dave Hagen (FV) and Ben Garrett (Edison), discovered an old, rusty train bell at an antique store in Mission Viejo and purchased it with student funds. The bell was so large that it didn\’t fit in Hagen\’s VW bug, so they had to find a bigger vehicle for the drive back.

3.       Shop classes from both schools came together to put the bell back in mint condition.

4.       The first game between FV and Edison was held in 1969 before a crowd of 4600 fans at Huntington Beach High School. To accommodate larger crowds, the game was moved to Orange Coast College, and has since then moved between various locations each year.

5.       One game held at Anaheim Stadium was rumored to have been packed with some 29,000 fans.

6.       Edison was the first school to officially “win” the bell in 1975, defeating the Barons, 19-6.

7.       The one and only tie in Bell Game history was on October 4, 1974, with a final score of 0-0. Fountain Valley missed two field goals, the last one coming in with no time left in the game, and Edison had a 66-yard touchdown nullified by a penalty. Bummer.

8.       The last time the bell made its way home to Fountain Valley High was after the Barons\’ thrilling 21-20 victory over Edison in 2004.

9.       The bell has a large crack running down the side, much like the famous Liberty Bell.

10.   In the past 31 years, there have been 14 wins for Fountain Valley, 26 wins for Edison, and 1 tie.

Now that you\’ve got the 411 of it all, come November 5th to cheer your Barons on to victory. Bring your parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, cousins — even that creepy neighbor from across the street.

Don\’t miss out on our school\’s annual tradition. Always proud to be a Baron – this is our year!

On May 4th, boys volleyball played their last home game against Edison.

[Show as slideshow]

Baron Banner: How do you feel about the bell game?

Kyle Le (\’12): I\’m really excited because I\’m going to be singing the National Anthem there with concert choir.

Tim Heuss (\’11): I\’m excited because it is my first bell game, since I am a foreign exchange student from Germany.

Carrie Ly (\’11): I\’m excited because Edison is going down. Ashley Ho is cool, NOT.

Reed Chorn: I\’m excited because we are going to own!

Corey Porter (\’10): I think we finally beat Edison because they got rid of their good players and we have a chance to win.

Melissa Le (\’12): I\’m excited because I think we have a chance to win.

Amanda Hsu (\’10): Super excited for it this year but unfortunately I have SAT 2\’s on Saturday but I really hope the Barons will take home the bell.

Beau Barlow (\’13): I think they will win and I think it will be exciting and will be very memorable.

By Sarah Kari, Staff writer

On Friday, September 11, 2009 at OCC. Barons defeated Tesoro by 35-14. This game was one of the most anticipated Baron football games and sure enough the wait was worth it. The players and the audience were tensed not knowing what would happen, but were relieved to claim the final victory.

The first touchdown was made by senior, Dominic Ragland. At the end of the first quarter the score was 6-0, Barons in the lead. By halftime Tesoro was in the lead by 14- 13. Barons were just waiting for the halftime to show Tesoro what the Barons were made of. And they completely did.

The game was turned around and by the end of third quarter with senior, Ryan Steadman’s touchdown, the Barons lead 21-14. With full determination and goal of winning the game, senior, Kyle Middlebrooks didn\’t make not only one but two touchdowns within 10 minutes. But credit does not only go to the recievers, but to the whole football team.

Sadly, Tesoros\’ audience started leaving with 5 min left on the clock seeing no hope of their win that day.

This year The Varsity Football Team is showing everybody that this year they are going to be tough and nothing is bringing them down. This was their game into the season with no losses yet. This year the football games are going to be exciting and regretful if missed.

GO BARONS!!!!!

Friday, March 27^th marked the second annual Staff and Alumni football game. Teachers and coaches shared the gridiron with graduating players from the Varsity football team for an energetic match-up.

Last year, the Staff won. “We are the defending champs,” explained Principal Herzfeld, “We have our pride at stake.”

The competition was intense. Neither side gained headway until senior Nyko Gonzales broke the ice with the first touchdown, thrown by quarterback Steven Santana.

The Students maintained the lead into the second half, with Santana shooting another scoring pass to Dylan Itkoff. Itkoff shared his thoughts on the competition, laughing that, “The old guys try.”

The Staff rallied with a score by soccer coach and teacher Jason Smith, passed by Football\’s Head Coach Shipp. Girls\’ soccer coach and teacher Alyson Spencer tied the game scoring a second touchdown in the final minute.

The tie led to a strong finish by the Students in Overtime. Coach Shipp threw an interception, and it was caught by Steven Santana and returned for a score. Santana quickly followed his goal on the next drive with a touchdown pass to senior Hayden Toney.

The Students won 4 touchdowns to 2, despite the valiant efforts of the FVHS Staff. 

The Barons won the first match 29-27 against the Rams.  Junior Raffi Contreras-Geck, playing in for senior Matt McCoy, did wonders for the team.  Constantly running, Contreras-Geck sent everything directly to the hitters. Captain Dillon Emery (‘09) had four kills, and senior Chris Gierhart had two kills.

Public Notices: LOVE LETTERS

Thank you to those who purchased “Love Letters” from the Baron Banner. Your contribution makes our publication possible!

Cindylamchopper <3  Binh the Bunny

Miss Taylor: You are, and always will be The One. –Dr. Poff

Courtney Garrity, I think you are scrumpdiddlyumptious and you are a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious friend. I love you! Mari

All to of my “kids”: Have a great Valentine\’s Day! Make good choices. Mama M.

To Bert without a mustache. I love you so much. You\’re amazing. I can\’t wait until Valentine\’s Day. Love Raychl

To Bert with a mustache— I like you. I\’m so glad I met you, hun. Happy Valentine\’s Day. -Love Anonymous.

Albert Nguyen, age is but a number to me. Swim your way to your heart! –Your most ardent admirer

Trevor & Niles Marquez,
Happy Valentine\’s Day! I love you! –Mom

Madame Jones— Nous vous aimons! Merci beaucoup. Vous êtes très chouette ! – Love votre AP classe, period 3

Rachel Lynn London White: You\’re just amazing. –Andre P.S: I love you more.

I would write you a letter,
But I\’ve got something better.
Love. Happy Valentine\’s Day, Brina.

Mrs. Henderson! Woof Woof (I love you!) Happy Valentine\’s Day! –Love Scout

Boo! Happy Valentine\’s Day, Joseph Pham! Jennie\’s cool. You\’re not. Just kidding. I love you babe. 101107 <3 -Love always, Jennie

Well, I don\’t have a Valentine, so I\’m celebrating S.A.D. – Singles\’ Awareness Day. :] But I guess I\’ll take this opportunity to give a shout out to my cat—I love you!

H.T.H. – you are purely AMAZING! I will never forget “Warner & Magnolia,” cleaning the janitor\’s closet, and almost getting arrested with you. I\’ve had the time of my life with you. <3 L.L

Dearest Ellen Akashi,
You warm my heart.
You\’re as cool as Sweettarts.
I like Sweettarts. *hint hint*
–Love, Casey Odd

I miss you all Baron Banner kids! Hope to be back soon! Love, Amanda

Kara, el amor de mi vida. Tu piel es porcelana. Pero cuando no estás conmigo, siempre pienso en ti. –Tu admirador secreto

Happy Valentine\’s Day from your favorite librarian.

Annette, these past months have made me realize that I love you and hope to never lose you. –Your BF, David

Claudia, Nesli, Annie, and Sophia, we\’ve been through so much together since Masuda. I hope we stay friends Forever. Love ya!

Dear Valerie: You make my life miserable, but I would not have it any other way. Love, Kara

From one lover to another, keep me in your heart. I love you, Tiffy! –Vinson

Dearest Kimmie,
So, we wanted to give a secret something away, but I got this ‘cuz I felt bad. -Ellen

Chikapoo! Too many more good times and adventures! -Dustin Vu

Ian Leo, you\’re sooo sweet!
Going out with you would be a treat!
Love your Secret Admirer

Ms. LaFramboise, thanks for everything. Your class was challenging, but very fun. Thanks for all your support and enthusiasm.

Kyle Sugitan, this is for you:
My heart to you is given:
Oh, do give yours to me;
We\’ll lock them up together,
& throw away the key.
- Your Opposite

To the sweetie whom I love so much (don\’t deny it). I haven\’t felt happy like this in awhile. ~ Cutie <3

Aarushi—I\’ll be waiting in New York City!
— J.F.

Good luck in college, Ricky! You were great, and Mock Trial will miss you! And…the Game. — Matthew

Wendy, you are the epitome of the female persona, all in a petite package!
Love, Alan

Valerie, I owe you so much for the things you have done for me, and I will make up the debts. I promise.
— Anonymous

Dear Jaime,
I have twenty words to express my feelings. So, here it is. I love you, always and forever.

Happy Valentine\’s Day Beckaffanayah! I love you! — Sarah Yoo

Julie, I simply cannot put into words how I feel for you. There\’s just not enough words…

NECAS= the best group EVER! All the laughs, sleepover(s), hangouts — it\’s impossible to erase the memories…thru thick & thin — love you guys <3 C.

Hey Kyle, even though I scare you, I hope this Valentine’s Day gives you enough courage to stop running away.

Tim: Never gonna give you up. Never gonna let you down. Never gonna run around and desert you.
Love, Rick

Ms. Ziller, I didn\’t enjoy the subject you taught, but I definitely enjoyed the class and way you taught it. — former student

Peter Nguyen & Sean Goebel,
Hope this brings a smile to your faces. Study hard; don\’t let the squirrels beat ya!

Señor Yarton. No me gusta usted mucho. ¿¿Por qué tocómi ipod?? Usted es loco y no quiero estar en su clase.

El mensaje de arriba no es serio y pensamos que Señor Yarnton es un maestro magnífico. = )

To Mr. Fitzpatrick and Mr. Penhall, admit it already: you guys are like two peas in a pod! = ]

Miles part, I\’ll remember how your random twitching made me smile,a nd your sleeptalking made me laugh. I love you.

Aboo, I hope your Valentine\’s Day is as sweet as you are, because you\’re my sweetheart. –Honey bee