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Duck Hunting

By: Cooper Scott

Duck hunting has been my favorite hobby since I was a toddler. The first word I ever said was duck, and I am so grateful that duck hunting has been my family’s tradition for 50 plus years. I remember when I had this Shirt with ducks on the back of the shirt and I used to wear it backwards so I could look at the ducks all day. I went duck hunting for the first time when I was 6 years old, and I shot my first duck when I was 7. I look forward to the opening day of duck season every year, and as soon as duck season is over duck depression sets in. My dad, brother, and I travel all throughout the midwest to go duck hunting. Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Arkansas, and Kansas are usually the states we make it too. We usually get three or four trips out west anywhere from 3 to 6 days. We hunt public land so we are constantly battling other hunters to get to the hunting spot so we have to wake up very early or even spend the night sleeping in the spot the night before. Ducks are surprisingly smart so it takes a lot of preparation and hard work to have a successful hunt. First we have to find the spot we are going to hunt, typically a main lake point, an open hole in the woods, or the back of a cove or slough. Then we make sure we can wade the hunting spot and put out anywhere from 40 to 80 duck decoys which is very time consuming. Then we usually cut a few branches or bushes to blind up the hide so we are hidden better from the ducks. Next we have to get our guns, blind bags, and stools out of the boat and set all of this up where we are hunting. Then you have to go and hide the boat pretty far away from where we hunt and cover the boat in burlap until it looks like a big bush. After you do all of this you are waiting for shooting time and enjoy the hunt. Duck hunting will be my favorite hobby as long as I am alive.

Jurassic Park Review

By: Wyatt Meyers

o one has ever made a better blockbuster than Jurassic Park, which was directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1993. It changed the film industry with the combination of suspense, adventure, and ground-breaking special effects, making it the greatest blockbuster of all time.

First of all, the story is both thrilling and scary. In the film, John Hammond, a MultiBillionaire, builds a theme park with actual dinosaurs. Before releasing it to the world, he asks his grandchildren and a group of professionals to look at it. Everything appears to be OK at first, but then the dinosaurs escape as the power goes out. All of a sudden, the park becomes a nightmare where people must fight to survive. From beginning to end, the film keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The special effects in Jurassic Park are a big factor in the film’s quality. The dinosaurs were brought to life in the movie using a mix of CGI and animatronics, and they still have a realistic appearance today. In 1993, this was amazing. The effects in the majority of those films are out of date, but Jurassic Park is still good. One of the most well-known scenes in film history is the one in which the dinosaur, T. rex, escapes its cage.

The film is also excellent because of its characters. Each of the three doctors—Drs. Grant, Sattler, and Malcolm—have a unique personality, and their responses to the dinosaurs seem genuine. Instead of being annoying like in some movies, even the children, Lex and Tim, add to the plot. Of course, there is John Hammond, whose dream goes very badly. Every character contributes something significant to the story.

And last, the soundtrack to Jurassic Park is amazing. John Williams’ songs are amazing. The primary theme lends the film a sense of adventure. You most likely still recognize the soundtrack even if you haven’t seen the film in a long time.

Jurassic Park is the ultimate blockbuster because of its excellent music, unforgettable characters, spectacular effects, and thrilling story. It remains one of the greatest pictures ever made and established the benchmark for action movies.

Why we need Physical Fitness

By: Owen Meyers

With more and more people becoming overweight every year, obesity is becoming a bigger problem in the US. Nearly 42% of American adults are obese, a percentage that has gradually increased over the previous few decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Poor food choices, inactivity, and irregular exercise are some of the causes of this concerning trend. To fight obesity and advance better health, it is imperative that we as a country place a higher priority on fitness and include more physical exercise in our everyday routines.Due to a lack of physical activity, many Americans gain weight and develop other health issues. With the development of desk jobs, technology, and convenience-based living, the average American lifestyle has become progressively less active, contributing to the obesity pandemic.Preventing chronic diseases is one of the main reasons we should exercise daily. Numerous health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, are associated with obesity. Exercise reduces the risk of these illnesses by strengthening the heart, lowering cholesterol, and assisting in blood sugar regulation. Regular exercise also increases metabolism, which makes it possible for the body to handle food more effectively and avoid gaining too much weight. Enhancing general quality of life is another compelling argument for making fitness a top priority. Engaging in physical activity boosts energy, improves stamina, and strengthens bones and muscles. This makes it possible for people to age independently and carry out everyday duties with ease. Exercise also enhances memory and sleep habits, which guarantees a clearer head and greater attention all day long.Americans need to strive to include exercise in their everyday routines in order to fight the obesity pandemic. Simple adjustments like walking or bicycling rather than driving short distances, using the stairs rather than the elevator, and scheduling time for organized exercise can have a big impact. Communities, workplaces, and schools should all support active lifestyles by offering resources and encouraging fitness programs.To sum up, America needs more exercise to boost public health and fight the rising obesity rates. People can improve their quality of life, lower their chance of developing chronic diseases, and help create a healthier society by making a commitment to regular physical activity. It’s time for us to put fitness first and do something about this worrying trend.

What is the Best Fast Food Spot in Sumter

By: Braelen Lewis

What is the best fast food spot in Sumter South Carolina is a very hard question to answer to someone who is not very knowledgeable on the subject but to me it is just blatantly obvious. The fast food locations in Sumter South Carolina are split into the burger joints, chicken joints, and Mexican American places. Of the Burger joints in Sumter i would have to say that the top three are surprising the Habit because yes it is not very popular for being a newer restaurant in the area the burgers are quite delicious. In the number two spot I would have to say belongs to Five guys because their fries, milk shakes, and burgers are absolutely heavenly but to me it falls short of number one for one reason: the absurd price. At number one unsurprisingly is McDonald’s because it’s cheap and their quarter pounders and wide variety of options make this the absolute go to burger spot in Sumter. Of the chicken joints in Sumter I would have to say the big contest is between either Bojangles, Zaxbys, or ChicFila but to me it’s not even a close debate. Bojangles is obviously the best option for chicken in Sumter. Its prices are low, they have great chicken, and they have the absolute best breakfast biscuits in the South. Between the Mexican Fast food options in Sumter there is the classic Taco Bell which is cheap and always reliable, Chipotle which offers some of the best authentic Mexican food in Sumter, and then there’s Moe’s which has almost the same options as Chipotle does. In my opinion however one of these far surpasses the others, Moes is the absolute best option out of these three because of the stack, their queso, their guacamole, and their perfect selection of beverages. Therefore the best fast food option in Sumter is between Mcdonalds, Bojangles, and Moe’s. Now although these places are all equally great to me, one stands out further than the others and that place is Moes because yes it is a more pricey option than the others the atmosphere and the absolute assurance that the food will always be fresh and delicious makes it my number one fast food choice in Sumter.

The Sopranos Review

By: Braelen Lewis

The Sopranos is a HBO original series which aired on January 10, 1999 and is a show centered around Tony Soprano who is the new head of an Italian mob gang. Now although this might sound just like any other classic mob show it is very different because instead of just an action packed mob series it goes deeper into mental illness awareness. This is done by giving the main character severe depression and erratic panic attacks while also giving the fans the action and plot they want. Personally, one episode that stuck with me and had a great impact was “TheTest Dream” where Tony has a severe battle with his mental illness and mixes reality with a surreal dream. Another thing I love about this show is how they were not scared t depict the realism of how cruel life can be like how it shows in the earlier seasons how Tony interacts with his son and then later on in the later seasons it reveals the consequences of his words when his son attempts to end his life. The show even depicts how in the early 2000s it was thought an act of weakness to speak out about personal struggles to even just a friend much less of a therapist which Tony has and it shows the struggles he has with trying to maintain his secret from the world. This is crazy to me because in today’s day and age it is much much different from these beliefs with thousands of people who see therapists openly not having to hide it all. To me the Sopranos is one of the perfect shows because the plot is extremely well written and the characters are very likeable while also implementing these indiscreet messages of real world problems with the world ultimately facilitating the watches with these problems. In all the Sopranos is one of if not the greatest original made by HBO close behind the Game of Thrones but certainly it was for its time one of the greatest pieces of television in the world for its openness to extremely controversial topics ultimately spreading awareness to these problems.

The Sopranos (TV Series 1999–2007) - IMDb

Flying Cars?

By:Tyler Jordan

Once called an unreal event , flying automobiles are now becoming a hot topic of discussion and interest. Although it may seem exciting to fly over traffic, I am adamantly opposed to their widespread use. Even with the latest advances in technology, flying automobiles still pose too many risks to be deemed safe or useful for daily use. To start by thinking about the safety issues. Even though they happen infrequently, aviation accidents nowadays are significantly more devastating than auto accidents. New laws, structures, and completely different safety procedures would be needed for the start of flying automobiles; they may take decades to develop. The risk of flying cars outweighs any potential advantages unless we can guarantee that they are as safe as conventional cars. Another issue is how complicated flying is. Most people are not trained pilots, and flying is far more difficult than driving on the ground. The possibility of human error whether due to weather, technical malfunctions, or bad judgment becomes a significant concern even with strong autopilot systems. The thought of inexperienced individuals operating vehicles through congested airspace is extremely scary, and even a minor error may have devastating consequences.Then there is the traffic problem. Flying cars would cause a completely different kind of traffic if they were allowed to operate in urban areas. Consider an airport with thousands of cars pushing for access like airplanes. It is horrifying to consider having to deal with flying debris or collisions in populated locations. It’s hard to think that traffic control would be handled any better in the air when we’re already having trouble with it on the ground.Lastly, it is impossible to overlook the effects on the environment. Flying automobiles would demand a huge amount of energy, and the environmental impact might be disastrous unless we can create clean, environmentally friendly energy sources.In the end , flying cars may seem like a step into the future, but the potential dangers far outweigh the benefits. Until we can ensure safety, environmental responsibility, and effective regulation, they should be a project. I personally don’t like the idea of them or foresee them coming around in full effect in my lifetime. There’s so much you have to learn to operate and control them and how to go about controlling air traffic.

Why is Everyone Suddenly Moving to SC?

By: Henry Jones

While I believe that South Carolina is a great state to live in, I wish it wasn’t so great that everybody suddenly wants to move here. From an outsider’s point of view however, there are many tempting reasons. One of them is the mild climate we have. South Carolina has a generally mild climate, with warm summers and mild winters. It’s particularly appealing to those wanting to escape harsh winter weather in the North. Also, we have an affordable cost of living and various tax benefits. Compared to many other states, South Carolina offers a lower cost of living, especially in terms of housing, which is attractive to people looking to save money or get more for their dollar. While on the topic of taxes, South Carolina has some tax advantages, such as no tax on Social Security benefits for retirees, which makes it appealing for those looking to retire comfortably. Next of course are the sunny beaches. The state is home to popular coastal destinations like Charleston, Hilton Head Island, and Myrtle Beach, making it a great spot for people who enjoy beach life. Another one of my favorites is the amazing food. South Carolina is famous for its Southern cuisine, especially barbecue and lowcountry specialties like shrimp and grits. The state also has a rich cultural heritage with music, festivals, and a vibrant arts scene. Another thing that might look good to some people are the southern hospitality and rich culture. With its rich history, South Carolina offers beautiful historic towns and cities, particularly Charleston, which is known for its cobblestone streets, historic homes, and Civil War landmarks. South Carolina also is known for its friendly atmosphere, slower pace of life, and strong sense of community. Many people appreciate the laid-back lifestyle and strong family-oriented values. In conclusion, South Carolina is such an appealing state to many due to various reasons.

How Crucial is Ohtani to the Dodgers Success this Year?

By: Henry Jones

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2025 MLB season with high expectations following their 2024 World Series championship. Analysts project the Dodgers to achieve a remarkable 104.5 wins, the highest preseason win total since at least 1990. The Dodgers also made many off season pick ups by adding Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki to their bullpen. Sensational player Shohei Ohtani is also coming back from arm injury and will be able to pitch this year. The Dodgers’ lineup remains formidable, featuring stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Teoscar Hernández. The addition of Hyeseong Kim from the KBO adds depth to the infield. The Dodgers are heavily favored to repeat as World Series champions, with odds of +250, reflecting their strong roster and successful offseason. While the Dodgers’ roster is exceptionally strong, the unpredictable nature of baseball means that success is never guaranteed. However, the combination of a deep roster, strategic acquisitions, and high expectations positions the Dodgers as strong contenders for the 2025 season. Also, Shohei is projected to win the National League MVP. This is not a shocker to most people due to his ability to make big plays at the plate and be a reliable starting pitcher. Assuming he stays healthy (a big factor for any prediction), Ohtani’s two-way success will continue to set him apart from the rest of the league. There could be some load management for his pitching, especially given his dual role, but as he continues to push boundaries, the Dodgers may work with him to ensure his longevity while still maximizing his impact both at the plate and on the mound. Also, his hitting will probably maintain his offensive production at an elite level. After a strong 2024 season, he will continue to be a powerful presence in the lineup, hitting over 40 home runs and driving in around 100 RBIs. His batting average could hover around .270-.280, with his on-base and slugging percentages remaining among the best in the league. Expect him to also be a consistent threat on the base paths, stealing around 10-15 bases. While some people say the Dodgers already have enough stars to win it without Ohtani, I believe he is such a generational player that they just couldn’t achieve greatness without him.

Why Is Block Blast So Addicting?

By: Andrew Howle

What is Block Blast? Block Blast resembles Tetris, where you match awkward-shaped blocks in a grid. The goal when matching them is to destroy the column to free up space. However, Tetris has blocks that drop from above, putting a time limit on the player to make a placement. At the same time, Block Blast blocks appear at the bottom with no time limit. Mobile puzzle games such as Block Blast uniquely pull us into the common phrase “one more round.” This causes us to spend almost endless time playing the game, which causes us to lose track of time completely. The game lacks a simple undo button to replace your blocks. This causes the player to think ahead and strategize their next moves to reach a new high score. Unlike many other games, the player only has one life. This can drive many people crazy when they make a costly mistake. Several people, especially Coach Rip and Cooper Scott, are very competitive at the game. People fully addicted to the game spend countless days in a row addicted, earning scores like 50000.

I refuse to download the game on my phone because I do not want to get addicted. However, I will play it on the computer during my free time. I admit that the game is really fun and one of my favorites. It is also a popular app for my friends. Although the game is not super complicated, it does a great job of using simple mechanics. These simple mechanics make the game so enjoyable for many users worldwide. The game’s bright, vibrant colors also appeal to the minds of many users. The other reason Block Blast is so popular and addicting is through promoting TikToks. It has lifted the game to new heights with the fanbase that originated particularly from the TikTok app.

In conclusion, Block Blast has taken the internet by storm and amassed a large fanbase. It is potentially the most addicting game out right now online. I recommend not downloading it on your phone unless you’re okay with being on it all day.

Caffeine In Today’s Society

By: Andrew Howle

To begin with, caffeine is a highly effective central nervous system stimulant to the body. It affects the methylxanthine class of the body and is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance globally. It is found in many widely consumed daily drinks, such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks. Even eating substances like chocolate contains amounts of caffeine. Caffeine has become such a staple in so many American lives today. It is almost impossible to fathom a world without caffeine. I love caffeine, but I try not to drink too much daily. It can be very harmful to someone in improper amounts.

Typically, most teenagers my age drink excessive amounts of caffeine a day. This caffeine is most commonly in energy drinks and soft drinks. There is an obsessive taste factor and stimulant feeling that makes these drinks so irresistible to the average teen. I am not a fan of energy drinks or soft drinks in general. They can cause teeth to decay as well as heart complications later in life. There have been way too many people hospitalized due to an overdose of caffeine, making potential heart complications appear. Some people are not as lucky and pass away from continuous overdoses of caffeine.

However, drinking adequate amounts of caffeine a day also has some positive benefits. These benefits can include awakeness and alertness. This can be traditionally helpful during early mornings. I love to drink coffee in the morning to caffeinate my body for the tasks ahead. It helps hugely when coming off a stormy night of rest. I probably drink coffee four days a week to get through tough mornings at school. However, too much coffee can cause a person to crash, resulting in extreme tiredness to the body. A person’s senses all diminish during this period of crashing.

To conclude, caffeine is a prominent staple in today’s society. It just needs to be used in the right amounts to prevent harm to others. I enforce the safety of the right amount of caffeine to drink. There should be no health complications from the use of this psychoactive stimulant.