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Pokemon

By: Lottie Bynum

Pokemon’s popularity has ebbed and flowed during its time. With shows, movies, and games, the company has a wide range of audience from adults to young children. This year has been declared the year of the eevee/eeveelutions, a pokemon that has several different evolutions and is quite popular because of its cute appearance. With this declaration they have released special card packs with full art cards which can sell for over a thousand dollars, however due to the popularity of the cards many people have taken to buying as much as they can and reselling the cards for more than they have sold from if bought directly from the pokemon website. Some can double in price. Pokemon the company has commented on the bulk buyers and tried to crack down on them so consumers can buy their cards at fair prices. The wider child audience or casual collectors try to find fair prices during this time.

Some of the ways pokemon bulk buyers make so much money is that they buy the newest sets of cards out of all their local stores as well as on the pokemon website. While pokemon does say they are cracking down on bulk buyers their limit for the amount of the same packs bought is twenty-five. It is a limit but it’s still quite a lot for some people to buy. For example Pokemon Surging Sparks and Prismatic Evolutions, two recent packs, sell for over $5.30 and $10 versus what a regular price of $4.50 per pack.

People love pokemon and their continued interest drives bulk buyers because of the value of some of these cards. Old or new, cards can be valued over hundreds or thousands of dollars. For example an ungraded mega lucario can go for $55, or a full art card whether EX or just a full art can go for$ 50-70 or even over that cost. Foil art or reflective shiny cards are usually 32 cents a card, but that can build up over time amassing large sums of money.

My Favorite Things: Springtime

By: McKenzie Gray Mills

This week I’ll be talking about springtime at Wilson Hall. This is definitely my favorite time of the year. It is warm outside and there are so many fun things going on. Track season is at its peak. We have practice everyday and meets once a week. At the end of a hard practice on Friday we get popsicles. It’s such a rewarding treat.

Then spring break. Everyone from Wilson Hall goes to Litchfield. It is such a bonding experience. We go to the beach all day and play spike ball, tan, and swim in the ocean. My favorite activity is to play volleyball on the beach. We all make a huge circle and see how long we can keep it from hitting the ground.

The week after spring break is prom. This is the most stressful but fun night. You go to school for the day then rush to get ready. You take pictures for what feels like hours. Then go to dinner. The seniors have a sit down dinner. Next is the actual prom. The juniors decorate it to a certain theme and surprise the seniors. After prom you have about 30 minutes to change into more casual clothes and then go to breakfast. This is a fun tradition. Prom will always be a night to remember.

It’s also just fun to attend the baseball and soccer games. After a long day at school and track, then go home for a little then go to a game with all your friends. Getting food from the concessions and cheering on your friends. The stands are full of laughter.

Those are just a few of the reasons I love springtime. I’ll miss pretty much everything about Wilson hall. The things in the spring time I’ll cherish the most. From being in the sun all day with friends to ending the day with friends. In the spring the flowers bloom and it starts to warm up. This is just the preview of how summer will be.

Cats v Dogs Debate

By: Campbell Cromer

The never ending debate between dog lovers and cat lovers continues with which pet is better, dogs or cats. The answer is, it depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and what you’re looking for in a pet.

Dogs are often known for their strong loyalty and affection towards their owners. They are known as “man’s best friend,” they thrive on companionship and form deep bonds with their owners. Dogs are very trainable and do great in tasks like fetching, guarding, or even providing their owners emotional support. Their energy makes them great for active people who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and running. Many dog breeds also can be a security to homes, due to their protective nature. However, dogs require a lot of time and effort to own. They need regular walks, a lot of training as a puppy, grooming, and they need to have social interaction to remain happy and healthy.

Cats on the other hand,are known for their independence and being low maintenance. They’re best for people with busy lives, as they’re more than happy being alone for hours at a time. Cats are clean animals, and are trained to use litter boxes and they groom themselves regularly. Their playful yet calm personalities makes them excellent indoor pets, especially for people who live in apartments. Cats can also be loving, often cuddling up on your lap or purring to show that they are happy. However, they can be more antisocial compared to dogs, and their independence may not appeal to everyone.

Deciding between a dog and a cat comes down to your personality and life. If you’re looking for an active, loyal pet who lives off of attention and adventure, a dog will be your best choice. If you prefer a pet that’s independent, low-maintenance, and enjoys quieter owners, a cat could be the way to go.

Both dogs and cats bring a lot of joy and unique features to a home. Whether you walk into your house and are greeted by a happy dog or a purr, one thing will always remain: pets will always make your life better. It all comes down to which one fits your personal needs.

Eagles vs Rams Game Review

By: Knox Buxton

The Philadelphia Eagles hosted the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. The game started off with a long touchdown run by Jalen Hurts and the Eagles led 13-6 at the end of the first quarter. The game started off cold with clear weather, but the snow started coming down slowly. The Rams cut the Eagles’ lead to only three points at the end of the second quarter before Philadelphia drove down the field and got into field goal range right before the half. The Rams came up with two big sacks that pushed the Eagles back and out of field goal range so they could only go into halftime up 13-10. On the first possession of the second half, the Rams drove right down the field and tied the game up with a field goal. The Eagles answered with a field goal right after that and took the lead 16-13. Towards the end of the third quarter, the Rams sacked Hurts for a safety to trail by just one point. The Eagles got two more field goals and then Saquon Barkley broke loose for a long touchdown run to make the lead 28-15 with four minutes left. Even though it seemed like the game was over, the Rams did not give up and quickly drove down the field and scored a touchdown to cut the Eagles lead to six. The Rams used up their timeouts and stopped the Eagles to get the ball back with two minutes left. The Rams drove back down the field and looked like they were about to score before getting sacked on third down. Stafford threw an incomplete pass to Puka Nacua and the Rams turned it over on downs to end the game. In my opinion, that game was one of the best NFL games I have watched in a long time. The game became very interesting once it started snowing at the end. You could tell that it was hard for both teams to play in the snow so there was a lot more running the ball. The only player that didn’t seem to be affected by the snow was Saquon Barkley. Saquon rushed for 205 yards and scored 2 touchdowns. After that game, it is clear to me that he is the best running back in the NFL. After all the excitement from that game, the Eagles have to get ready to face Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders in the Conference Championship. Both teams are hot, but I think it will be the Eagles who get the job done and go to the super bowl. If Philadelphia keeps playing like this, I still believe they will win it all this year.

Bang Energy Drink Review

By: Olivia Cogswell

Bang energy drinks were released in 2012 as a low sugar, but carbonated energy drink. Since its release they have created several different flavors. They are typically sold in 16 ounce cans, and have 300 mg of caffeine. The top five flavors are:

At five is citrus twist flavor. They taste more like a sprite than any other citrus flavored energy drink does. It has the sweet component without being overly sweet. However it does not met that tangy component that is expected when reaching for a citrus drink. It is overwhelmed by the sweet, so it is not enjoyable to drink the whole can.

At four is cotton candy flavor. This flavor tastes exactly like its name. On the first sip it tastes like you are swallowing a spoonful of sugar. This is why it is ranked so low. The flavor is there, it is just too overpowering. If the sweetness was toned down it would be more enjoyable to sip on, but the more you drink it the more your taste buds get used to it. However due to the oversweet component, cotton candy flavor is not the best.

At three is the candy apple crisp flavor. This flavor hints more at a green apple flavor, although the name makes it seem as though it would be more of an apple pie flavor. It has a very refreshing taste to it. The sweetness unlike in cotton candy is not too overpowering but just enough so that it is good to drink. However due to the name not really matching the taste is why it is ranked at number three. The flavor is definitely there and noticeable but not enough to make it higher on the ranking.

At two is peach mango flavor. This flavor tastes exactly how it sounds. It has both the peach and mango flavors that are strong enough to recognize but do not overpower each other. The sweet variable is there as well to make it enjoyable but there is also a bitter taste that tones it down and makes it enjoyable. However it is not number one because it is more of a summer and warmer weather drink. It would be much more enjoyable on a hot day rather than a cold one.

At one is the blue razz flavor. This flavor also tastes exactly as it sounds. It’s almost like a blue raspberry Jolly Rancher, but is not as sweet. It has a tart flavor which tones down the sweet parts, making this a refreshing drink.

Places to Travel to in the U.K.

By: Grayce Osgood

The UK is a very popular place for many different people to visit, and for good reason. It has a long history that you can learn about if you travel there, with many destinations relating to historical events, such as where the Magna Carta was signed, or where past Kings and Queens have visited. The UK also has beautiful scenery, from the English countryside with cozy cottages to the lochs of Scotland. I myself have travelled around parts of the UK while I was there for a couple months over this summer. Overall the UK has much to offer for people willing to travel there.

Probably the most popular place to travel to in the UK is London, England. London is a centuries old city located in the south of England. Its history can be traced back to when the Romans had power in England. Because of its hundreds of years of history, there are many monuments to visit while you are there. One of them is the Tower of London, which is one of the most popular monuments in London. The tower has been used for multiple things, such as executions, a prison, a zoo, and houses the Crown Jewels. You can also visit other historic buildings such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, or Kensington Palace. There’s also many shopping areas, such as Oxford Street or Covent Garden.

Scotland is a beautiful country, known for its beautiful landscapes of lochs and highlands. One of the most popular lochs in Scotland is Loch Ness, which is said to have a sea monster in it called Nessie, with many people claiming to have seen her. You can also travel through the highlands by walking, train, or by car, and also visit the many old castles they have there, such as the Urquhart Castle or the Eilean Donan Castle. Another place to see is Edinburgh, which is a dark academic city that is hundreds of years old, you can see the Edinburgh Castle, Cathedrals, and museums.

Ireland has many beautiful places to visit, including the beautiful and unique landscape and old castle ruins. You can also visit the capitol city, Dublin, which has multiple historical areas, Dublin Castle, museums, and shopping areas. Another popular place to visit in Ireland are the Cliffs of Moher, which are stunning cliffs in Clare, Ireland, where you can also see lots of birdlife. You can also visit the ruins of Rock of Cashel, which is centuries old and has been visited by many historical figures such as saints and kings.

Wales is a country that borders the west of England, it is a country that also holds beautiful scenery and years of history. I was lucky enough to get to travel there for a couple days over last summer while I was in England. St. Briavels Castle is located near the Welsh-English border, and is known for its many ghostly hauntings and a place where royalty once visited. It’s now a youth hostel that you can stay in. Also in Wales is the River Wye, which is a beautiful river that you can canoe on with a tour guide. Wales also has many castles that you can visit, such as the Caerphilly Castle or Cardiff Castle.

Overall the U.K. has much to offer for people that want to travel there. It holds many historic places including cathedrals, castles, palaces, or prisons. The U.K. also has vast amounts of beautiful landscape that is different from any other place in the world. And is great for people who are interested in the great amount of history it has.

21 Jump Street Review

By Owen Meyers

When it comes to movies that always make me laugh, 21 Jump Street has to be one of the best. It’s absolutely hilarious, and the way it mixes ridiculous humor with a smart script is just perfect. Honestly, it’s one of those movies I can watch a hundred times and still crack up like it’s the first time.

The comedy in 21 Jump Street is next-level. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are an amazing duo, and their dynamic as Schmidt and Jenko is so ridiculous but somehow feels totally natural. Schmidt is the awkward nerd trying to act cool, and Jenko is the dumb jock who’s suddenly not on top anymore. Watching them try to survive undercover in high school—and fail miserably most of the time—is hilarious. Their attempts to fit in, deal with teen cliques, and balance their own insecurities are just endlessly funny.

What makes the movie even better is how self-aware it is. It doesn’t just rely on cheap jokes—it’s clever about how it plays with high school and action-comedy clichés. Like when Schmidt ends up being popular for being sensitive and eco-friendly, while Jenko struggles to find his place in the nerd crowd—it’s a brilliant twist on typical high school dynamics. Ice Cube as Captain Dickson is another highlight; he’s always yelling and roasting them, and it’s impossible not to laugh every time he’s on screen.

The script itself is one of the reasons 21 Jump Street works so well. The humor feels effortless, and the crazy situations the characters get into—like their drug trip scenes or the chaotic prom finale—are so well-written that they stay funny no matter how many times you watch. It’s not just dumb comedy; it’s smart in the way it handles its ridiculousness.

Overall, 21 Jump Street is just a great time. It’s hilarious, sharp, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you’re into movies that make you laugh out loud and leave you quoting lines for days, this one’s a must-watch. There is also a second one that people say is just as good as the first one. The second one is a similar style movie with the same actors but instead of them going undercover in high school they go to college. In my opinion you can’t beat 21 Jump Street but 22 Jump Street comes real close.

Is Following Fitness Influencers from Social Media Beneficial?

By: Andrew Howle

As far as we know, social media has taken over the world. It is everywhere around us, and there is no escaping it. Everything you do can be posted online and shared with everyone. This may be potentially a good or bad thing in this generation. Many people have taken up the habit of following social media influencers, especially those who promote fitness. This begs the question: Is following people like fitness influencers beneficial for people to do?

Following these influencers can have positives and negatives. One positive of following a fitness influencer is knowledge. I gain a lot of expertise personally from watching people like Sam Sulek perform workouts. These workouts can educate people very well on the basics of fitness. These videos teach new gym goers how to properly lift without causing an injury. So many clueless people in the world have no absolute idea how to lift properly. I know several people have torn pecs or biceps from lifting. Another huge positive to watching influencers is motivation. Many people are inspired daily by pages on social media of people lifting. When I first started lifting, I was motivated to go to the gym by seeing workouts on my Fyp on TikTok. These videos let me know what was achievable by living a healthy lifestyle. This helped me focus on myself a lot. I considered the gym a therapy to escape my problems in the world. Enough about the positives of social media pages. There are a precise amount of negatives that come with social media fitness. The most notable one is self-comparison or body dysmorphia, which is when people compare their bodies to the bodies of social media influencers. This causes people to be hard on themselves and their appearance. This can be very bad for their mental health. Which is why scrolling through social media should be moderated.

In conclusion, there are immense pros and cons to following fitness accounts. People should follow the accounts for the right reason, not the wrong one. They should actively gain knowledge and motivation from the videos. Following social media influencers is beneficial in moderation.

How do I Leave High School?

By: Morgan Aycock

Although you may be thinking, “why is she talking about graduating high school when it’s the third semester of her junior year,” there is a simple answer to it: Everyone is talking about it. Growing up, I have always been a homebody. I’ve never wanted to go on any vacations besides the beach and truly don’t ever want to leave the state. Let’s just say I’m not a big traveler. And that is the reason I have come to ask myself: How do I leave this place? How am I about to graduate? I have kept mostly the same friend group my whole life. The whole junior grade is overall very tight-knit. So, how is it that we will all be going our separate ways? How is it that I am going from seeing my best friends everyday to maybe not seeing some of them ever again? I was always told that junior year is the most difficult and the most important. They are right. So much talk about college and careers makes me think: Wow I’m only sixteen and everyone is asking me what I want to do when I get older and what I want to major in college. Don’t get me wrong, I am so thankful for this school and all it has prepared me for, but can’t someone slow down time? There is so much overthinking and wondering about graduating. For me, my concern is how I am going to transition from a small town where everyone knows everyone to a huge college and a big city where I basically know no one. There are so many memories I will forever cherish over the last eleven years I have spent at Wilson Hall, so many friends and places. For example, I can remember the fifth grade Washington and sixth grade Kanuga trip like it was just yesterday. Now, we will be going back to Kanuga in a few short months as juniors. I am so thankful that the place and people I call home to me make it so hard to say goodbye to soon.

The Upcoming NFL Divisional Playoff Round

By: Stirling Tindal

This weekend the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs starts. There will be two games on Saturday and Sunday. The Texans against the Chiefs will kickoff at 4:30 PM on Saturday followed by the Commanders against the Lions at 8:00 PM. Sunday starts off with the Rams against the Eagles at 3:00 PM and then the Ravens against the Bills at 6:30 PM.

My pick for the Texans Chiefs game is the underdog. I believe because the chiefs haven’t played in two weeks they will not be fully hot coming into this game. The Texans will also be looking to get their revenge for earlier in the year. This game will show to people that Patrick Mahomes is not the same this season and the Chiefs will expose themselves as frauds. I expect the game to be very close and a final score of 31-28 after overtime. For the Commanders-Lions game I have to take the Lions. The Lions are just too unstoppable right now for the Commanders. The Commanders are a great, young team but the Lions are too big of an obstacle in their way. I believe the score will be 38-21 Lions. In the Rams against the Eagles I have to take the Eagles. The Rams just don’t look like an NFC Championship team to me. I don’t believe the Rams defense will be able to stop Shaquon Barkley from running all over the field. The Eagles probably will go behind first because they think it will be an easy game but come back for a 28-17 win. For maybe the best game this weekend, the Ravens against the Bills, I am going to pick the Bills to win. Josh Allen will show that he is the real MVP and took the ravens defense. Lamar will also show his magic too and keep the game close. My final score is 42-38 Bills move on.

I expect this weekend’s football games to be pretty spectacular. These games will be filled with many electric moments and big plays to remember for years to come.