Which is better, Leo’s or Buffalo Wild Wings?

By: Clark Kinney

It’s an American staple to go out with your friends to eat chicken wings and watch a game or even to just go have a good meal together on a weekend. In Sumter, your options for this are somewhat limited with 2 real options: Leo’s and Buffalo Wild Wings.

Now Leo’s is likely a little farther away from most people but is it worth the drive? The wings at Leo’s are very good and pretty big compared to the wings at Buffalo Wild Wings. Leo’s ranch is also very, very good along with their raw fries and cheese balls. All of these are top tier. I’m giving those 4 food items a 8.7 out of 10 which is very high. The service at Leo’s is good and your order is always correct or at least I have never received the wrong order. The atmosphere is somewhat lacking because, even though it is newly renovated, it is kind of dark and not a ton of TVs but enough to watch a game on from almost anywhere in the restaurant. They also have many more good options other than wings including wraps and sandwiches that are solid. 

Buffalo Wild Wings is closer for many people and is bigger. The wings themselves are pretty good but usually not very crispy and small. Their fries/tots, ranch, and cheese curds are all good but not as good as those at Leos, resulting in them receiving a 6.8 out of 10 which is still good. The service at Buffalo Wilds Wings is usually good and the orders are usually correct; however, they have been known to sometimes take long. The atmosphere is sports filled and very good along with tons of TVs with any and every important sporting event on. There’s always much better lighting than Leo’s and they, like Leo’s, do have more good options other than wings including burgers, wraps, and sandwiches.

Overall, I’m taking Leo’s any day of the week. I think it is just much better food which outweighs the other factors. It is worth the 10 minute longer drive. 

Why Driving 378 Everyday is a Nightmare!

By: Joseph Bauman

Living far away from Sumter and school has many downsides, but nothing is worse than making the drive to Sumter and back everyday. Something must be clearly wrong with driving classes because no one can drive on an open road. I’m not going to act perfect and say I always drive like how the law expects me to, but I can not fathom the reasons people drive like they do. In November, I had to stop in a long line of traffic because some person was going twenty mph on their tractor on a main road resulting in the entire left lane being backed up. In December of last year, somebody was going so fast that they almost caused two accidents within three minutes, still not slowing down after both. Even worse than the drivers is the road itself, because it is littered with bumps and holes that make every drive bumpy and overall unpleasant. Going over the bridge to go into Columbia is worse because people are racing each other to be in the left lane ahead of others even if there is only one person in the lane. People are incapable of driving regularly, regardless of traffic and weather conditions.

Worst NFL Team v Best College Football Team

NFL or College Football – which is better – Smoke Signals Student ...

By: Sam Tristan

Worst NFL team vs Best College team

The question of whether the best college football team could defeat the worst NFL team is a subject that has fueled debates and discussions among sports enthusiasts for years. While college football teams exhibit exceptional skill and talent, there are several reasons why the top collegiate team would likely fall short against the lowest-ranked NFL team.

The sheer disparity in talent and experience between college and professional athletes is substantial. NFL players are among the elite in their sport, having honed their skills at the collegiate level and then further refined them in the professional arena. The best college football team may have standout players, but they lack the depth and experience that characterize an NFL roster.

NFL teams are composed of athletes who have not only excelled in college but have also undergone the rigorous demands of professional training, coaching, and competition. The transition from college to the NFL involves adapting to a faster, more complex game with a higher level of physicality. While the best college team may have a few players with NFL potential, the overall roster may struggle to match the physicality and speed of their professional counterparts.

The strategic and tactical aspects of the game in the NFL are on a different level when compared to college football. NFL coaches, many of whom have years of experience at the highest level, employ complex game plans and strategies that take advantage of their players’ strengths and exploit opponents’ weaknesses. The best college team, while undoubtedly well-coached, may not have encountered the level of strategic complexity and adaptability present in the professional game.

Another critical factor is the difference in size, strength, and athleticism between NFL and college players. NFL athletes, conditioned by elite training programs and nutrition regimens, generally possess a physical advantage over their college counterparts. The linemen in the NFL, for instance, often outweigh and outmuscle their college counterparts, making it challenging for a college team to compete in the trenches.

The notion of the best college football team defeating the worst NFL team seems improbable due to the vast disparities in talent, experience, and strategic complexity. While college football showcases exceptional athletes and intense competition, the NFL represents the pinnacle of the sport, with players and teams operating at a level that transcends the collegiate game. The transition from college to the professional ranks involves a significant leap in all aspects of the game, making it unlikely that even the best college team could overcome the challenges posed by the lowest-ranked NFL team.

The Irresistible Charm of Jones DesChamps

In this week’s edition of “A Sneak Peak into the Irresistible Charm of Jones DesChamps”, we dive into one of my personal favorite pickup lines. This line is good for many different situations such as introductions and even conversations over the phone. This pun is flattering, light hearted, and funny, but will surely capture the heart of your crush. This pickup line can be used to make a strong first impression, but can also be shrugged off if it is unsuccessful. Versatile pickup lines such as this one serve to light the spark between you and your future partner in an enjoyable and engaging way. 

I’m no photographer, but I could definitely picture us together. 

This unique line takes on a distinct role because many other pickup lines involve questions. This statement is short and sweet. When you are straight to the point and confident in what you are saying, it draws attention to your delivery. If said properly, this line is charming yet simple and can be a quick way to politely hit on the person you are attracted to. By using this phrase, you take the first step on your journey to becoming an “occupied” man. Once again, if you are ever in desperate need of contact information for the girl of your dreams, never hesitate to use this reliable line.

Cooking with Luke B: Orange Chicken

By: Luke Banar

How to make Orange Chicken. 

  • 2 Eggs
  • ¼ cup of Flower
  • ½  cup of Cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 2 lb of chicken breasts
  • Oil
  • 2 Cloves of Garlic cut up
  • ½ teaspoon of Ginger 
  • ½ crushed red pepper
  • ⅔ cup of orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar 
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
  • Juice of half of a lemon 

In a small bowl add the eggs and beat them until they are blended and in another bowl add the ¼ cup of flower,½ cup of cornstarch,salt, and pepper. Put the chicken into the egg bowl first then take it out and cover it in the flower mixture. In a pan add some oil and heat it up to cook the chicken. After cooking place the chicken on for a couple of minutes until the chicken is light brown. After taking the chicken out, place it on a plate with paper towels to remove any excess oil. After cooking the chicken start to make the sauce. In a small pot add oil and heat it until medium. Then add garlic,ginger, and red pepper and cook it for about 2 minutes. After add orange juice, soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and lemon juice, and bring down the heat a little bit. While it is cooking add the rest of the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Slowly add into the sauce and stir for about 5 minutes. Then add the sauce onto the chicken and have it with rice. 

Shining a Light on Baron Care

By: Alexis Dawkins

This week I would like to talk about the impact of Baron Care to Wilson Hall. For those who do not know, Baron Care is an after school care for the children whose parents cannot get to the school to pick up their children at regular pickup. If you ask me, I would tell you that this is a fantastic program. It allows parents the ability to work or get their things done while also not stressing about their children’s safety and keep them from worrying about care for after school. 

The children get out of school and go straight to snack so they will not be too hungry when the parents come and pick them up. After snacking, the staff tries to make sure all of the students get their homework done. This can be difficult due to children’s little attention span but they try their best. When the kids are done with homework we usually take them outside to the playground until they get picked up. If it is raining then we split them up and some children go upstairs Randal and some in the cafeteria or in the gym if possible. 

This is also a great opportunity for a little more socializing for the kids without them worrying about recess being over soon.

My Top 10 Things

By: McKenzie Gray Mills

On the second week of top ten things, I’m going to be talking about my favorite fast food restaurant. Which is obviously Chick-fil-a. Chick-fil-a is very popular for their good food, but also for their family friendly atmosphere. From breakfast to dinner they sell a variety of options to satisfy their customers. While they continue to strive with quick service and good food they also continue to stay true to their roots. Their purpose is “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.” The phrase “my pleasure” is commonly connected to this restaurant. Their website says, “Over the years, “my pleasure” has become much more than a phrase – it embodies Chick-fil-A’s commitment of creating remarkable experiences, one interaction at a time.” This phrase is just another example of how this fast food place has created such a great reputation. There’s also a rumor that if a worker doesn’t respond to thank you with my pleasure that the customer receives a free ice cream. This is why Chick fi la is one of my favorite places. 

The Fuel that Keeps Us Going

By: Logan Mims

   This week’s scripture deep dive comes from Proverbs 2:3-5. “ Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as your forbidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”

    God is all knowing, all powerful, and all mighty. We should seek God’s guidance in all that we do and long to know him and have him in our hearts. Everyone knows that we need food to live, you can’t live a good, healthy life without food, it’s just not possible. Being a christian is exactly like that if you think about it. We can’t live out a good, healthy relationship with God without fueling our bodies with God’s word. Being a follower of God and spreading his word gives us the gift of eternal life with him and there is nothing else we should want more than being with him forever. 

   Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the gift of simply being able to know you. Help us to long to follow you and show your love through us in all that we do. You are the fuel that keeps us going and I pray that we can use what you have given us to do what you put us on this earth to do. Amen.  

Creating the Perfect Upper-Body Workout 

By: Luke Pedersen

When it comes to creating a good upper body workout, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out. Start by warming up your body with some light cardio exercises, like jogging or jumping jacks. This helps increase blood flow to your muscles and prepares them for the workout ahead.

Target all major muscle groups: A good upper body workout should include exercises that target your chest, back, shoulders, and arms. Some examples include push-ups, pull-ups, shoulder presses, and bicep curls. Vary your exercises to keep your workout interesting and challenge your muscles, try incorporating different variations of each exercise. For example, you can do the bench press or cable flys to exercise your upper chest/middle chest.

Don’t forget about rest: It’s important to give your muscles time to recover and grow stronger. Make sure to schedule rest days in between your upper body workouts to allow your muscles to repair and rebuild.

It’s always a good idea to consult with a fitness professional or trainer to create a personalized workout plan that suits your specific goals and fitness level. And always listen to your body and adjust the intensity and frequency of your workouts as intended.

Which is better, Yucatan or Mariachis?

By: Clark Kinney

It’s the age old debate of the two staple Mexican restaurants in Sumter: Yucatan or Mariachis? Now I really do like both and go to both often, but one is sightly better overall in my opinion. 

Mariachis has a very friendly staff who are always looking out for you and your table. Despite not usually writing your order down (which worries me), they do get them right most of the time. The atmosphere is solid with lots of TVs especially outside where there are fans and heaters to regulate the temperature. The chips and salsa are pretty good along with the queso but could be a little better. The food is good overall but there is room for improvement. I would give the food a 7.1 out of 10. A couple things they really do have going for them is their homemade ranch which is fire and their blue smurf drink which is sprite mixed with something blue and topped with whipped cream. I haven’t had it since probably 6th grade but it’s good bumped their score up a point or so. One thing they don’t have going for them even though I understand why is that they are not open on Sundays which is sad because people with go there after church or to watch NFL football.

Yucatan has a nice staff but not as caring as Mariachis. They have always gotten my order right other than one time, and they gave me my meal for free. The food also comes out in no time so it feels like you’re never waiting. The atmosphere is solid with music and TVs but not as many TVs as Mariachis. The chips and salsa are so good along with the queso. Yucatan’s queso is what makes the restaurant better than Mariachi’s. Their queso is just better like I don’t know how else to put it. It makes every meal at Yucatan good. It brings their food rating up to a 7.9 out of 10. They are also open on Sundays which is a plus.

In my opinion, Yucatan is simply better than Mariachis based on their better tasting food and shorter wait times. It is close though but Yucatan takes it, it is the best Mexican restaurant in Sumter.