baronmedianetwork

The Making of the Horror short:

By: Joey Robertson

I had the idea for a spooky horror short since the beginning of the year. In fact, I want to do a skit for every holiday probably (with the exception of a few here and there), so expect one for Thanksgiving and Christmas as well. Getting back to it, the general idea for this one was to be short and sweet, but kind of suspenseful. Just a nice little film really.

The biggest problem I faced was when I could film, since I needed the school empty, quiet, and dark. The only time this would be much later after school, when almost all of the staff was gone. This was complicated more so by the presence of Cinderella rehearsal everyday after school. This was solved however since I had Tabletop club Thursday, and Cinderella practice would be over by 4pm. This was also better, since the actor I used, Cliff Bath, would also be present for then. As of writing this, the skit has yet to be filmed, so there may be some inaccuracies in this blog, and I do apologize for that.

One unfortunate thing about the film was the appearance of the figure, played by Torien Byrd, who was meant to have a mask and hood. However I left them at home and its not like I can just drive back home to grab it since:

I don’t drive
I lived 15+ minutes away from Wilson hall and its just not convenient at that point

Now after filming I can reflect on some things: there wasn’t supposed to be as much comedy as there was, but honestly I’m pretty happy with it. Also the blooper reel at the end was definitely a good idea.

The timeline of the video

Bryant Wesco Jr. breakdown

By: Griffin Jones

Bryant Wesco Jr. is a sophomore wide receiver for the Clemson Tigers. Coming off an incredible high school career with 109 catches, 1,903 yards, and 29 touchdowns, he followed it up with a great freshman season with the Tigers. Recording 41 catches, 708 yards, and 5 touchdowns.

Coming into his sophomore year, he was seen as a superstar by many people around the country, seen as a major part of the three headed monster of the elite Clemson receiving room. Surrounded by a top 5 roster along with two other preseason All-ACC receivers, he was expected to thrive.

In the first game of the season, Clemson faced number nine ranked LSU, Wesco tracked in 4 receptions for 66 yards almost getting in the endzone in the second quarter and making a miraculous catch in the third quarter in a Clemson loss.

Coming off a disappointing loss Clemson faced a weak Troy team, with seven minutes left in the second quarter, Clemson was trailing 16-0 and Wesco hadn’t recorded a catch. In the final three quarters Bryant hauled in seven catches for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns in a comeback victory for the Tigers.

The following week versus the Yellow Jackets, Wesco had 7 catches for 126 yards and a touchdown within this was a huge 73 yard slant to the house to keep Clemson in the game in an eventual 21-24. The next week home vs Syracuse was not much of a game as the Tigers lost 34-21, although they took a L Wesco still had 6 catches for 79 yards hauling in 2 touchdowns.

The following week, the Tigers faced a horrible UNC team in which they destroyed, due to this Wesco was taken out of the game early only getting 2 catches for 42 yards. In a game versus Boston College, he bounced back with 5 catches for 106 yards and a touchdown including an incredible touchdown catch in a 41-10 win. However, in the most recent game versus SMU Bryant Wesco was returning punts as he has all year and was hit low, flipping him on his neck and tragically ending his great start to the season early. His final stats being 31 receptions for 537 yards for 6 touchdowns.

Why South Carolina Football Fans are so Upset

By: Cooper Hill

This has been a disappointing year to say the least. As I am writing this, the Gamecocks currently sit at 3-5. The Gamecocks are struggling to even make a bowl game at this point. They have had so many chances to win certain games like Alabama and LSU. Whether it was a bad play call, fumble, or just not finishing games, this team has thrown away opportunities. Many people believe that many coaches such as the offensive coordinator, Mike Shula, and the head coach, Shane Beamer are on the hot seat. The Gamecocks also still have to play number 7 Ole Miss and number 3 Texas A&M. Both of these games are also away games which does not help our chances. I really do not know if we can make a bowl game because we would have to beat one of those teams. We also have to finish the year with a decent Coastal Carolina team, and Clemson who is struggling, but it could still be a toss up. This was one of the favorite teams at the beginning of the season to make the playoffs. Carolina fans, including me, need to see something change, whether it is play calling or staff changes. We need something to be different. This team has so much potential to be a playoff caliber team, but those dreams are now crushed. The Gamecocks do not have any chance anymore to make the playoffs. At this point, do everything it takes to make a bowl game and regroup for next season. To be honest, this is what it is like to be a South Carolina fan every single year. It is just let down after let down. Hopefully next year is our year, just like I say every year.

Why Golf is the Best Hobby

By: Ben McLaurin

Golf is one of the best hobbies as it combines solid physical activity with a significant mental component. Making it enjoyable to hang out with friends and have a good laugh or play a competitive round for money. Golf is a once-in-a-lifetime game and can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. Golf uses balance, coordination, and flexibility, and is good for older people. Walking across the beautiful green landscape and spending hours outdoors is also excellent for your well-being, leading to improved health and reduced stress.

Apart from the physical aspect, golf is also a game of the mind. Each round challenges people, and especially myself, to stay composed after bad shots and not have a snowball effect after one bad shot. The ability to stay calm after missing a putt or the ability to think ahead before a tricky shot helps to acquire patience and discipline—attributes which can be transferred well outside the course. Perseverance is also acquired through the game, with improvement through consistent practice and many rounds of golf.

Socially, golf encourages relationships. Whether played among friends, family, or random people met right before you head out for a round and decide to pair up, business partnerships and long-term friendships have developed on the course, as people are allowed to connect in a relaxed setting.

One of the things that makes golf such a fulfilling activity is that it is available and can be played in all countries, unlike many other sports. From small neighborhood courses to famous championship courses, it is easy to play almost anywhere. Technology has even branched out the activity into virtual golf simulators and online competitions. Golf is the perfect combination of relaxation. It’s a sport that calms the body, forces laser focus from the mind, and strengthens social bonds. While enabling players to work with what nature gives them on the course, from bad lies to perfect gaps between trees. These are qualities that make golf more than a hobby. It is a passion and one of the best hobbies anyone can experience.

Why Mormonism Is Not a Denomination of Christianity

By: Olivia Russell

Mormonism was started in the early nineteenth century by a man named Joseph Smith. He claimed that he was experiencing visions from God, one in particular of an angel by the name of Moroni leading him to ancient golden plates buried in a box on a hill in Manchester, New York. In 1830, he published what he claimed was written on the golden plates, and that is what is now known as the Book of Mormon. He established the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fayette, New York, though it originally had a different name. The church was relocated multiple times over the next decades due to persecution and violence toward the group. In 1844, Joseph Smith was murdered by a mob in Illinois, and Brigham Young led members of the church to what is now Salt Lake City, Utah–over one thousand miles away.

Two hundred years later, the Mormons now have four books that they consider legitimate works of scripture: the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and the King James Bible. In this, they consider the Bible to be the least legitimate of the four, as Joseph Smith writes in the Pearl of Great Price that much of the Bible was misinterpreted or corrupted in translation after the death of the apostles. While Mormons respect the Bible, they more often look to the Mormon holy books, which do not align with Biblical beliefs on many accounts. For instance, they believe in salvation in two senses of the word: “individual salvation” or “exaltation” refers to the idea that a person is saved through works. “General salvation” refers to the idea that all men are inherently saved by belief alone in Christ.

In Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV, Paul writes, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” This verse alone goes against both of their definitions of salvation. Salvation is not through works, like individual salvation claims, but through faith. General salvation refers to belief, not faith, and therefore, this verse contradicts this idea too. Mormons do not believe in the idea that faith is what saves, even as there are multiple verses throughout the Bible that claim this is true (Luke 7:50, Hebrews 11:1-6, Mark 11:22-24, 2 Corinthians 2:5).

It is also believed that God was once a man and became God. They believe that God has a physical body, as does his wife, whom they call “Heavenly Mother.” To believe that God has a beginning and was initially a man before the Lord is a major misunderstanding and ignorance of scripture. Psalm 90:2 KJV reads, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” God has no beginning. He has existed for all of time, and He was not yet a man before Christ, but instead created man and the earth. This verse says that before the mountains were formed, God was there. The idea that the Lord was first a man and became God aligns more with Buddhist beliefs and goes against every aspect of scripture.

Finally, the Mormons believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct Gods. They will say that Jesus is a separate being created as a result of the sexual relation between Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother, made to be an “elder brother” of all people. Jesus was married, and His death did not pay for the sins of everyone on the cross but provided resurrection for everyone. In the Bible, several verses state the idea of the Trinity, claiming that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are of one being (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 45:5, James 2:19). It also explains that Jesus was not born of a sexual act, but of a supernatural circumstance (Luke 1:35, John 1:14, John 10:30).

The Bible alone is the Word of God, and it is without error (2 Timothy 3:16, Revelation 22:18-20). The Mormon church is drastically separated from Biblical beliefs, and they claim to be a Christian denomination. This is not written out of judgment for the members of the church, but for the official doctrine and ideology behind it.

LaNorris Sellers is Him

By Milling Galloway

Let’s just say it loud and clear: LaNorris Sellers is HIM. Like, if you’ve watched this man play, you already know that he’s not merely good, he’s different. He’s got that special blend of talent, poise, and energy that just makes you stop whatever you are doing to watch him cook.

First of all, the arm talent is ridiculous. Guy throws lasers down the field as if it’s nothing. Off-platform, tight windows, in pressure situations, none of those things matter. He throws in ways that leave you wondering how that actually occurred. Then, just as the defense has him figured out, he trucks someone and takes off. Not only is he agile, he’s a threat in movement. But what sets LaNorris Sellers apart isn’t simply the physical skills; it’s how he conducts himself. Calm, assured, level-headed. Not too hot, not too cold. You can tell he’s made for big games. Pressure? No problem. It’s exuding “QB1 energy” every day.

Also, talk about leadership. Players gather around him. Coaches believe in him. Fans love him. There’s just something about the presence, you know, he’s going to be something special. The funny part is, he’s just getting started. We have not even seen him at his best yet, though. Give him some time, give him some practice, and then watch out. The rest of America needs to wake up because LaNorris Sellers is going to be trouble. So yeah, go ahead and remember the name. LaNorris Sellers. Star in the making. Future legend. He’s already so good it’s terrifying. This year, he has not really looked the part. The Gamecock O-line might be working at Target next week if they keep this up. LaNorris needs to hit the draft and become a household name. If I were him, I would for sure not be a Gamecock next year.

My Top Five Favorite Flavors of Ice Cream

By: Madison Grace Hanson

My number one favorite flavor of ice cream is cotton candy. I love the pink and blue swirls that the ice cream consists of. The sweet cotton candy flavor always hits the spot when I am in need of a sweet treat. Baskin Robbins has the best cotton candy ice cream. Everytime I go there, I make sure to get the ice cream in a waffle cone— it makes it better. I know this tends to be an unpopular opinion for most people, but I truly believe that cotton candy is one of the most delicious ice cream flavors to ever exist.
Next, I find mint chocolate chip to be one of the best ice cream flavors. The light green color adds a nice touch while eating the ice cream. I like that the chocolate chips within are thin and flakey. This makes the ice cream texture more enjoyable when eating. Baskin Robbins also has the best mint chocolate chip ice cream in Sumter. I prefer to eat this flavor in a cup rather than a waffle cone.
Continuing, I really like birthday cake flavored ice cream. The best kind of birthday cake ice cream is the kind with rainbow sprinkles within. The rainbow colors are fun and make it visually appealing. I am not sure which store has the best birthday cake ice cream, but I do know that Sweet Frog has a good version of it. Although Sweet Frog is frozen yogurt, I still consider it ice cream. You can add in the sprinkles when you get the ice cream from Sweet Frog which I like because then I can add as much as I want. Overall, birthday cake ice cream has a simple flavor that you can not go wrong with.
Furthermore, the superman ice cream flavor is very delicious even though it is simply just vanilla. I learned that it was just vanilla ice cream last year and my perspective on it has greatly changed. It does not taste the same now. It is still good, but I do not enjoy it as much anymore. The blue, yellow, and red colors are a fun addition which add to the theme of the ice cream— superman. No place in Sumter offers this flavor, but there is a store in Garden City that serves it, and it is tasty. All in all, this is a mediocre ice cream flavor.
Finally, chocolate chip cookie dough is a great flavor that you can’t go wrong with if you get it. Having the chocolate chips and cookie dough bits throughout the vanilla ice cream adds a great touch to the texture. Baskin Robbins serves a yummy chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and I like to get it in a waffle cone. This is a classic flavor that most everyone enjoys. Although this is not my first pick, I do get it sometimes.

Should the Cardinals Bench Kyler Murray

By: Henry Jones

What can I even say at this point? The Cardinals are the best, worst team I have ever witnessed. We truly figure out a new way to lose every week. If you were to add up all the points we’ve lost by, it would add up to 13. 13 points! This team is tragic and I’d rather watch cheese get moldy over a period of time than watch us play in the 4th quarter. We need to fire Petzing and fire Gannon. Both of them run 4 tight end formations which makes our stud receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. look like a bum. I know he is good. Whenever I turn on the TV regardless of what day it is, I know for a fact I will be disappointed. Overall, Jacoby Brisset has been slinging it. Our offense has been more electric than I have seen in the past couple of years and I think he fits our gameplan more than Kyler. However, while this is true, I think the real problem lies with the offensive coordinator. I think with a quarterback who I believe has not reached his ceiling yet, a team needs a coordinator that can allow a quarterback as athletic as he is to spread his wings. This being said, if we were to receive an offer for Murray before the deadline that is suitable, I wouldn’t be mad. Don’t get me wrong I’m one of Kyler’s biggest supporters, but I want to see him go somewhere that fits his scheme and will allow him to ball out. I just don’t think that place is Arizona. So regarding the topic of benching, I think when he returns he should get the starting job back to prove his worth and play some winning football.

King Of Hearts Concert

By: Hannah-Grace Hagood

If you like Christian music, the Brandon Lake “King Of Hearts” concert is the right one for you. It starts with Franni Cash and her amazing voice. After Franni Cash, Brandon Lake comes in and sings songs like “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” “Graves Into Gardens,” and “That’s Who I Praise.” My personal favorite being “That’s Who I Praise.” Lets just say I lost my voice a little bit and my hearing no longer existed. Every now and then Brandon Lake read verses from the Bible that related to certain songs and prayed which I thought was fun. However, I would not recommend this concert if you do not like flashing lights and loud noises; right as the concert started the lights were flashing and the music was loud. At the beginning of the concert, they give you bracelets that light up and flash at a certain time during the concert.

As a person who plays guitar, I can personally say it was amazing. Brandon Lake is also from South Carolina, which I found interesting because I am too. The concert started at 7 and ended at 11 so I was so tired after. I slept on the car ride home. However, it was hard to sleep with all of the songs I had stuck in my head; I still have some songs stuck in my head. Overall, the concert was a ten out of ten for me and I would love to go to another one. So if this sounds interesting to you, I would definitely recommend going to the “King Of Hearts” concert; unless you do not like loud noises and flashing lights. Other than that, I would one hundred percent recommend going and checking his tour dates and places. It was one of the best concerts I have ever gone to.

Why In-Season Lifting is Crucial?

By: Ford Wilder

In-season training is crucial for athletes to maintain their strength and speed across a season without diminishing their performance. Along with this, a crucial point many athletes fail to realize is that they can actually continue to get stronger and faster through a season if they train properly and at the correct times and frequencies. Most only think they should train intensely in the off-season, and once a season starts, they can just stop lifting. This is so far from the truth, and there is a reason why all pro athletes lift to some capacity during their season. I am a huge fan of in-season lifting, and I lift throughout my entire year whether I am in football, basketball, or track season. I tailor my training based on how many games I am playing and how my body feels so I do not overtrain or fatigue myself.

A main benefit of in-season lifting is better recovery and load management. Controlled strength training enhances circulation and mobility, which helps muscles recover faster from practices/games. I have noticed that my body has been able to recover at much quicker rates and feels great by the time I play football games on Friday nights. By lifting just two to three times a week, with two being the most efficient, I am not only able to get stronger and faster, but I am also able to withstand big hits and prevent nagging injuries from occurring. My body has a much greater tolerance for impact.

A second crucial benefit is long-term athletic development. While you may not get as strong or as fast as you would in off-season training, and the results may not come as quickly. In-season training gradually builds up, and you will peak in performance near the back half of your season when it counts by simply just lifting heavy two times a week. One upper body and one lower body lift per week will do it. I have stuck to this method the past year, and I have seen my body peak during the playoffs, and the work has paid off.

Ultimately, in-season training is a must-do for athletes, and you are missing out if you do not take advantage of this method. It is not about doing the most; it’s about doing what’s smart and sustainable. Consistency, even in small doses, can separate good athletes from great ones over time. If you want to stay competitive, durable, and perform at your best when it matters most, in-season lifting should be a non-negotiable part of your routine.