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Who Will Win the CFP?

By: Henry Jones

This year, with the introduction of the twelve team playoffs, the race to the beloved National Championship is more exciting than ever. The favorites to win right now are Oregon and Ohio State. They each have a sixteen percent chance to win. While this isn’t very high, it adds a sense of suspense between the race. Other teams like Clemson, Arizona State, and SMU are seen as dark horses to make a run. This new playoff format is almost comparable to College Basketball during March Madness. Meaning that any team has a chance to upset anybody because all of these teams have very strong teams. A team I am looking forward to making it all the way to the chip are the Boise State Broncos. With their stud running back, Ashton Jeanty, and their strong fanbase I believe they have a chance to go all the way. The only doubt I have is whenever they go against an extremely strong defense such as Oregon or Georgia. Each team has a very elite run defense and it will be interesting to see how Boise State’s run heavy offense performs against us. Another thing that may prove to be a problem is their quarterback. Maddox Madsen is a very mid level quarterback who piggybacks off of Jeanty all season long. Another matchup I will be waiting to watch is Arizona State versus Penn State. Penn State is one of the most overrated teams every year and I will be watching to see how they try to stop Arizona State’s breakout star running back Cam Skatebbo. To end, in my opinion I think that if Carson Beck stays out of the quarterback position and their stud sophomore backup stays in the game, there is no team that will beat a locked in Georgia team.

Christmas Joy

by: Owen Meyers

Because it blends joy, significance, and spending time with loved ones, Christmas is the greatest holiday. Every year, millions of people treasure this unique time of year.

Christmas is profoundly spiritual. It brings love and hope to Christians as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s an opportunity to think and express gratitude. The season is made more peaceful and meaningful by religious customs like attending church or watching the Christmas lights with your family. The holiday’s message of love and joy makes everyone feel included, including those who are not religious.

Being together is another aspect of Christmas. In addition to sharing food and gifts, families and friends get together to celebrate traditions like baking cookies, singing songs, and decorating the tree. People get closer during these times and make priceless memories. This time will never be forgotten because of the warmth, stories, and laughter that were shared.

This day encourages charity and kindness. People promote love, volunteer, and give to those in need. Giving, no matter how tiny, serves as a reminder of the value of taking care of others. Communities unite during this time to encourage one another and share happiness.

The delight is increased by the magical environment. Everything is made extra special by the scent of gifts, holiday music, and twinkling lights. Everyone loves to sit by the fire and open presents, and children eagerly await Santa Claus. The feeling of wonder is heightened by the splendor of snow-covered scenery and luminous decorations.

Because it’s all about love, happiness, and spending time with one another, Christmas is the greatest holiday. It’s a time to spread compassion everywhere and rejoice with the people who are most important to you. Christmas brings out the best in everyone, whether via customs, deeds of kindness, or just taking in the attraction of the season. It is a festival unlike any other, honestly deserving of its particular place in our hearts because of its unique blend of joy and meaning.

Video Games v Board Games

By: Campbell Cromer

In a world where screens are everywhere, board games stand as a refreshing way to build real connections and creativity. While video games may draw people in with their graphics and interesting storylines, they often fall short in having genuine human interaction. Board games bring people together in ways video games cannot.

The experience of rolling dice, moving pieces, or shuffling cards intrigues our senses in a way that screens never can. Board games are a bare way of creating face-to-face interaction and encouraging genuine conversation. Whether you’re pretending to make your way to victory or planning to team up to take someone down, these games encourage skills like negotiation, teamwork, and real-world abilities that go beyond video games.

Video games, despite all the technological wonders, are very isolating for kids. Even in multiplayer mode, players often play at home, interacting through headphones. The atmosphere of online gaming can create toxicity, whereas board games create real friends and you can share laughter.

Above all, board games are ageless. They don’t go away throughout the years whereas when the next console comes out or a new software update it’s all about the next best thing. They are good for all ages and skill levels, offering an equal chance for you to win when you or someone else plays with families, friends, and also strangers.

In the decision between video games, board games are the best way to build a genuine connection and have fun face to face.

Is it better to live in Urban or Rural?

By: Ford Wilder

This is a pretty broad opinionated question asked worldwide, but I am here to give my opinion on this matter. I believe that living rural is the better choice and here is why. Many pros and cons come with both, but I feel the pros outweigh the cons when living in rural areas. I grew up in what is considered an urban city, Sumter, but I have also spent lots of time in the rural countryside of Turbeville, SC which has a small population of about one thousand people. I love both points of living about the same, but when it comes to costs, peacefulness, etc. I would say that living in the country is superior.

The costs of living in Urban areas are much greater than those of rural areas. Most everything like taxes, food, bills, and other things tend to be of higher costs in the city. The cheaper lifestyle means you have more money to spend on the things you may desire. Also, homes are much cheaper in rural areas since there is lots of land to build on in the countryside. For example, a five-bedroom home in rural South Carolina may cost $400,000 while it would cost around $500,000-$1,000,000 in urban South Carolina. I believe that having lots of land and a huge home is a pretty great asset and it comes at a much cheaper price in rural areas.

I believe in saving money and the more you can save by living in rural areas the better off you could be.

To follow up, the peacefulness of living in the countryside is much greater than that of the city. Rural areas are very calm and peaceful due to the long stretches of farmlands and woods with very little amounts of people inhabiting them, This allows for lots of personal space to do what you want to do. Whether it’s building, fishing, hunting, having family over, etc. I think the greater peace you have in your life then the greater life you will live. There is very little road noise and chaos out there. When I stay out in the countryside of Turbeville with my grandam all I hear is the birds chirping and the breeze blow by.

Ultimately, the rural lifestyle provides a cheaper and calmer way of living. Some people love the fast and tight-spacedrural urban lifestyle which makes complete sense because you are closer to many stores and other things. But I firmly believe that living rural can lead to a better life.

My Favorite Things

By: McKenzie Gray Mills

This week I’ll be talking about Wilson Hall bowling. This has to be one of my favorite things about my school. It is such a unique experience to be a part of. I started doing this activity junior year and it soon became one of my top hobbies.

Every week is different, but most of the time we have one practice and two matches a week. Some weeks we get to leave school a little early when we have a match in Columbia. There is a girls, boys, and coed team. The coach decides the team based on how you perform the week prior and at practices.

It is like getting to bowl for fun and still doing a winter sport. We get to work on techniques like aiming, spinning, and timing. We also learn about strategy, like picking the right ball and adjusting to lane conditions. Matches are so exciting with everyone cheering each other on. It’s a good mixture of individual and team work. The coach sets time apart for each player so he can make sure we are improving the most we can.

When I first joined the team I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it. I soon realized just because it was different from the usual activities I chose that I still needed to give it a chance. After the first two weeks I knew I loved it. Everyone there is so accepting and supportive. When someone exceeds it truly is exciting.

Bowling has made me a better person. It has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. Although this is only my second year doing it. I can’t wait to reach new goals this season. When I go to college, I’ll be sure to find something that brings me joy like this activity does.

Gossip Girl Review

By: Morgan Aycock

Gossip Girl is a series streaming on Netflix, Hulu, Prime and many more. I recently started watching it because they added it to Netflix. I have only been watching it for a few weeks, and it is already my favorite show that I’ve watched in a while. It is the perfect show to watch because you feel like you are actually there and can escape reality. There are 6 seasons and I’m only on season 1, but there is always something going on. It is located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York. Every episode features a fancy, rich party, usually leading into a scandal or fight between everyone. Although it seems like their rich lives are picture perfect, watchers quickly find out they are far from perfect. The actual Gossip Girl is a secret narrator and blogger that shares all the gossip by sending everyone text messages with gossip and pictures. The two main characters, Serena Van Der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf are complete opposite “best friends,” but have petty fights and rivalries all the time, causing their friend group to separate. Serena recently came back from boarding school when the series started because she got kicked out of boarding school for partying too much. Nate Archibald is Blair’s boyfriend, but secretly in love with Serena. Mostly everyone is from an extremely wealthy family, except Dan and Jenny Humphrey; Dan is Serena’s boyfriend. Serena and Dan’s parents had a secret love affair that no one knows about, but found out at the Thanksgiving table. Dan’s mom was present, which recently came back in town from “leaving for the summer,” but actually had an affair. Chuck Bass is another character, the richest of them all. He truly doesn’t care about anything except getting with girls and money.

Top Red Bull Flavors

By: Olivia Cogswell

Red Bulls which were first created in 1987, grew in popularity as an energy drink. The company since then has released several different flavors, proportions, and health options. They even implemented seasonal flavors to provide consumers with more interest in the brand. These energy drinks are low in carbonation which make them more enjoyable to drink. They also provide the much needed caffeine kick that consumers look for when investing in this company. These are the top six Red Bull flavors in my opinion.

The Blue Edition Red Bull, which is flavored as blueberry. The flavor of this drink does not stand out within the first couple drinks, but does become more prominent as you continue drinking it. Unlike a lot of the flavors, it does not have a super sour taste, and it is very low in carbonation, so it is very enjoyable to drink. However, due to its weak flavoring it is not the best Red Bull flavor.

The Winter Edition Red Bull, which is flavored as pear-cinnamon. Although the flavor of this drink sounds weird, it is surprisingly tasty. The pear provides the sweet and slightly tart flavoring. The pear and cinnamon flavors are both very strong in the drink, allowing for an almost sweet and spicy taste, which is very enjoyable.

The Amber Edition Red Bull, which is flavored strawberry and apricot. This flavor tastes smoother than the rest. It does not give off a candy flavor as most strawberry flavors do. It does not have a tart flavor and is not overly sweet. However you can taste both the strawberry and apricot flavors in this drink without either completely overpowering the other.

The Yellow Edition Red Bull, which is tropical flavor. Although it does not specify which fruit exactly is in it, it provides a very refreshing flavor. It gives off an almost pineapple flavor. It also provides a citrusy flavor. It is not too sweet and has a tart taste to it, which allows for more enjoyment.

The Summer Edition Red Bull, which is flavored curuba elderflower. This Red Bull tastes almost like a green Jolly Rancher. However, it is not too sweet and provides a tropical and fruity mix of flavors. It also does not have the energy flavor taste but is almost similar to a fruit soda, making it more enjoyable. Although the elderflower flavor is not very present, it is still one of the top flavors of Red Bulls.

Red Bull Coconut edition, which has the flavor coconut berry. The coconut flavor is very strong and provides a very refreshing and delectable taste. The berry flavor is very slight but it is what makes the drink. This flavor is very unique and addicting.

My Favorite Christmas Movie

By: Logan Mims

This week, in honor of the Christmas season I will be writing about my top 2 favorite Christmas movies. Christmas movies are the best part about the holiday season and my favorite 2 are Home Alone and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Home Alone is definitely the best Christmas movie ever made and a lot of people would have to agree with that statement. It is a classic and it’s funny and suspenseful at the same time. The movie is about a kid named Kevin who accidentally got left home alone by his family when they went on vacation for Christmas. The whole movie these two guys, Marv and Harry, are trying to rob his house. He finds out they are coming and sets up tons of traps and pranks around the house to keep them from robbing him. This movie is overall so entertaining and I would have to rate it a 10/10.

My next favorite movie is, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This movie is also another classic but my favorite version is the newest version by far. The story line is the same but they change up the songs and I thought they did a great job. The movie is about this character named the Grinch and he hates Christmas. His plan was to ruin Christmas for all the Who’s in Whoville. So what he does is on Christmas night he dresses up as Santa Clause and goes to steal all the presents and Christmas decorations from all the houses. While he is doing this he runs into a little girl and he realizes that what he is doing is wrong and he apologizes to everyone. After this the Grinch becomes nice and loves Christmas and he becomes friends with all the Who’s in Whoville. Overall I rate this movie a 8/10.

Top Christmas Movies

By: Addie Griffin

Christmas movies are one of the best parts of the holiday season. They are one thing you can always count on to bring the whole family together. Today I will be ranking the top 5 christmas movies.

5. Starting off at number five is Rudolf the Rednosed Reindeer. This movie deserves to make the list because it is a famous movie that everyone loves. It is traditional and the songs are classic. However it is a bit of a slower and older movie which is why it is in the number five spot. It is perfect if you are searching for that nostalgic Christmas feel.

4. At the number four spot is How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This movie is funny for all ages and teaches us what Christmas is truly about, rather than just receiving gifts. The Grinch’s spirit at the beginning of the movie makes it a little less fun which is why it is at the fourth sport. However this movie teaches us a great lesson which is why it deserves a spot on this list.

3. Starting off the top three list is The Polar Express. This movie is magical and really puts you in the Christmas spirit. The adventures they go through make you feel like you’re in a dream. It shows how important it is to believe in Christmas even as you get older. It is not as funny as the top two, but still deserved a spot on the top three list.

2. In second place is Elf. This movie is hilarious and full of Christmas spirit. Buddy’s excitement for the holidays is contagious. No matter how many times I watch this movie, it always makes me laugh. This movie also teaches us to stay positive and to keep believing in the magic of Christmas.

1.First place obviously goes to Home Alone. This is the funniest Christmas movie and the most exciting. Kevin’s traps are so creative and watching the burglars fall for them never gets old. It has the perfect mixture of comedy and heartfelt moments, especially heartwarming when his family comes back. It reminds us Christmas is about being with the people you love no matter what animosity there might be.

My Favorite Places to get a Sweet Treat

By: Anna Kate Coker

Creamy Eggless Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe ...

When it is late at night, I fall into the trap of craving a sweet treat. Whether it is ice cream, a yummy drink, brownies, chocolate, candy, or a milkshake, I love to indulge into a good sweet. I will be listing my favorite places to buy a delicious treat for myself.

Sweet Frog

They are so underrated and have literally anything you can desire. They have different fruit frozen yogurts, cake batter, cheesecake, oreo, cotton candy, and so many more. You can pair this with any toppings of your choice. They are not open too long at night so you have to be quick with your decision making of when you want to go. They are luckily open in the winter and summer. I love Sweet Frog even if it is not as popular as it used to be.

Cookout

It is a great place for food, but I will specifically be talking about their milkshakes. Cookout has sixty different flavors and even on top of that, you can mix them too. Paired with a side of fries, their milkshakes are served very thick so it is preferred to eat it with a spoon. My personal go to is the chocolate chip cheesecake milkshake. It is truly a taste of heaven.

McDonalds

This place has everything, but if I am wanting a sweet treat at night, their ice cream machine better be working. I love a good m&m mcflurry because these will always satisfy me. The parking lot at night is a little scary, but if you can get past that then you have got yourself a scrumptious snack on your hands. If I am feeling a little adventurous, I also enjoy the oreo mcflurry as well. Additionally, if I want a more day time sweet treat, I also think their mango smoothie and strawberry banana smoothie have a great taste.