Benson Elmore – Baron Media Network

Why Christmas Is the Best Holiday

By: Benson Elmore

Let’s be honest — every holiday has something fun about it. Halloween has candy, Thanksgiving has food, and New Year’s Eve has parties. But when it comes to pure happiness and good vibes, Christmas is the best holiday out there. Nothing else even comes close.

The Whole Vibe Is Amazing

As soon as December starts, the world feels different. The lights go up, Christmas songs play everywhere, and everything suddenly feels cozy and cheerful. You can’t help but smile when you see houses glowing with decorations or smell cookies baking in the kitchen. Christmas doesn’t just happen on one day — it’s an entire season of excitement.

It’s All About Giving

One of the best parts of Christmas is the giving. Sure, getting gifts is awesome, but giving them feels even better. There’s something really nice about finding the perfect present for someone you care about. Plus, people seem kinder this time of year — donating to charities, helping neighbors, and spreading positivity.

The Food Is Next-Level

No holiday feast beats Christmas dinner. There are cookies, hot chocolate, roast dinners, and desserts that only come around once a year. And the best part? You can start eating “Christmas food” weeks before the actual day. No one judges you for it — in fact, they’ll probably join you.

The Music Never Gets Old

Christmas music is a whole genre on its own. From Mariah Carey to Michael Bublé, these songs never fail to make you feel festive. Even if you pretend to be tired of them, once “Jingle Bell Rock” starts playing, you’re probably humming along without realizing it.

It’s Full of Memories

Christmas is also about tradition — decorating the tree, watching classic movies, and spending time with family. Every year feels a little different, but those small traditions always make it special. It’s a time when people slow down and actually enjoy being together.

At the end of the day, Christmas stands out because it brings people closer. It’s cozy, it’s joyful, and it reminds us what really matters — love, kindness, and connection. That’s why, no matter how old you get, Christmas will always be the superior holiday

Why Phones Should Be Allowed in School

By: Benson Elmore

Phones are often not allowed in schools because many people think they distract students. While phones can sometimes be distracting, I believe they should be allowed in school because they can actually help students in many ways. As a 17-year-old student, I know phones are a big part of our lives and can be useful if we use them the right way.

One important reason phones should be allowed is because they help with learning. When students don’t understand something in class, they can use their phones to look it up quickly. There are many websites and videos that explain things better than textbooks sometimes. For example, if someone doesn’t get a math problem, they can watch a short video to help them understand. Phones also have tools like dictionaries, translators, and calculators that help students learn faster and easier.

Phones also help students stay organized. School means keeping track of a lot of homework, tests, and projects. Using the calendar or reminder apps on a phone makes it easier to remember when things are due. Instead of writing everything on paper planners that can get lost, phones keep all the important dates in one place and remind students. This helps students not forget their work or be unprepared for tests.

Another big reason phones should be allowed is safety. Having a phone means students can call their parents or get help if something bad happens. Whether they need a ride home or there is an emergency, phones help students stay connected and safe. This is very important because being able to talk to someone quickly can make a big difference.

I know phones can be distracting if students use them to text or play games during class. But instead of banning phones, schools should teach students how to use them responsibly. Knowing when and how to use phones the right way is an important skill that will help us in college and later in life.

In conclusion, phones should be allowed in school because they help with learning, staying organized, and safety. With clear rules and help from teachers, phones can be useful tools instead of distractions. Schools need to accept that phones are part of our world and learn how to use them in a way that helps students.

South Carolina v Virginia Tech Preview

By: Benson Elmore

On Sunday, August 31, The Gamecocks travel to Mercedes Benz stadium to play the Virginia Tech Hokies, so here is a breakdown of how I think this game will end up going.

In this game, Carolina is the heavy favorite here by seven and a half points, which I think is pretty valid. I think that Carolina’s offense will be very hard to stop with Heisman candidate Lanorris Sellers, stud wide receivers Nyck Harbor and Mazeo Bennet, and new transfer Rahsul Faison. Also defensive studs like sophomore Dylan Stewart, Jalon Killgore, and Brandon Cisse are going to give Virginia Tech a very hard time moving the ball.

With Mercedez Benz stadium being closer to South Carolina then Virginia, I think that more Carolina fans will be in attendance than Virginia tech. I think the energy will not be as high as a normal college football game, since the location is at a neutral site, and I do not think that this game will be entertaining at all if you are a Virginia Tech Hokies fan. I seriously think that Carolina is going to light Virginia Tech’s defense up and I do not think that Virginia Tech will move the ball well against Carolina either.

Now, a little bit about why Carolina’s stud QB Lanorris Sellers could win the Heisman this year. Lanorris Sellers has a real shot at winning the Heisman this year. He’s got everything you need like crazy arm strength, fast legs, and the ability to make big plays when it counts. Sellers can make all the throws, but what sets him apart is how he moves in the pocket, avoiding pressure and creating chances out of nowhere. He’s a dual-threat QB, so defenses can’t just focus on one thing. If he keeps putting up big numbers and leads his team to wins, he could definitely be in the mix for the Heisman this season. He’s got the tools to be special.

Atlanta Braves 2025 Preview

By: Benson Elmore

The Atlanta Braves are getting ready for the 2025 MLB season, and there’s a lot of excitement around the team. Last year, the Braves finished with a decent 89–73 record and made the playoffs as a Wild Card team. But they got knocked out right away by the San Diego Padres, which was a huge letdown. This year, they’re hoping to bounce back and go further in the playoffs.

The Braves made a few changes over the offseason. They lost some important players like Max Fried, Charlie Morton, A.J. Minter, and Travis d’Arnaud, who all signed with different teams. In return, they traded for pitcher Griffin Canning from the Los Angeles Angels. Canning had a rough 2024 season, but the Braves are hoping he can help their pitching staff. They also signed outfielder Jurickson Profar to a three-year deal. Profar had a solid year in 2024, and he should add some extra depth to the Braves’ lineup.

A big part of the Braves’ 2025 season will be getting some of their star players back from injury. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider both missed time last season because of injuries, but they’re expected to be healthy this year. Having them back should be a huge boost for the team, especially for the offense and the pitching staff.

The Braves also have some cool events lined up this season. One of the biggest ones is the MLB Speedway Classic on August 2, where they’ll play the Cincinnati Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee. It’s going to be the first-ever regular-season MLB game in Tennessee, and it’s expected to draw a huge crowd. On top of that, the Braves will host the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 15. It’s going to be the third time the city has hosted the All-Star Game, with the last two being in 1972 and 2000.

Looking ahead, the Braves are expected to be one of the top teams in the National League East. Even though they didn’t make a ton of moves over the offseason, a lot of people think the team will improve in 2025. With their key players back and some new additions, the Braves should be in the mix for the division title. If they can stay healthy and play well, they could definitely make a deep playoff run this year.

Top 5 Candy

By: Benson Elmore

When it comes to candy rankings, this list is pretty solid, and each candy has its own charm. Here’s my breakdown of why I think these five deserve their spots, starting with the top choice.

**1. Flips Chocolate Covered Pretzels** – These are hands down the best. The combination of the salty pretzel and sweet chocolate is just perfect. The crunchy pretzel pairs so well with the creamy chocolate coating, and it’s not overly sweet, which makes it super addicting. You get the satisfying crunch and saltiness from the pretzel and the smooth chocolate, making each bite a balanced treat. Honestly, once you start eating them, it’s hard to stop.

**2. Nerds Gummy Clusters** – Coming in at number two, Nerds Gummy Clusters are a fun, fruity treat. The outside has a crunchy coating of Nerds, and the inside is a soft, chewy gummy candy. The mix of textures and the fruity flavors make them a great candy to munch on. They’re not as rich as the Flips, but they’re still super fun and flavorful, with just the right amount of sweetness and tang.

**3. Sour Patch Kids** – Sour Patch Kids are a classic candy that almost everyone loves. The sour coating gives you an intense burst of flavor at first, followed by the sweet, chewy candy inside. They’re a lot of fun and have that sour-sweet combo that’s hard to resist. However, they do lose a bit of their charm after a while. The sourness can get overwhelming, and once it fades, the candy doesn’t have as much excitement left, which is why they’re ranked third.

**4. Jolly Ranchers** – Jolly Ranchers are great for when you want something long-lasting. These hard candies have bold, fruity flavors that pack a punch, and they last a while, which is nice if you’re looking for something to suck on. The downside is that they’re not as fun to eat as the others. They’re hard and can be a bit tough on your teeth, especially if you bite into them too soon. While the flavors are strong, they don’t offer the same excitement as the others above them on the list.

**5. Hi-Chews** – Hi-Chews are a chewy, fruity candy, but they just don’t stand out as much compared to the others. The texture is great, and they have solid fruity flavors, but there’s not much else to make them more exciting. They’re reliable and tasty, but when placed next to candies like Flips or Nerds Gummy Clusters, they don’t have that same wow factor. They’re a simple, safe choice, but they don’t bring anything extra to the table.

In the end, this list mixes different textures and flavors that appeal to different tastes. Flips take the top spot, followed by the fun and tangy Nerds Gummy Clusters. Sour Patch Kids, Jolly Ranchers, and Hi-Chews round out the list, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Why baseball is the hardest sport to go pro in

By: Benson Elmore

When you think of the hardest sport to go pro in, you might think of football, basketball, soccer, etc. In reality, the hardest sport to go pro in and be successful in is baseball. Baseball has many levels where you have to be very good to even make it to the next one. First you have to go through the Rookie leagues, which is where most rookies start out. Next you are sent through A, AA, and AAA, with each one being tougher than the last.These leagues also have MLB veterans that are recovering from injuries dominating, making your climb up the leagues even harder. It’s hard to move up because the competition is tough, and only a few players make it to the MLB. Many players spend years working their way up, dealing with injuries and pressure, and even then, it’s not guaranteed they’ll get called up. Making it to the big leagues is a long and tough road. There are many MLB prospects that do not live up to the hype, and eventually get forgotten about. Also, many people give up playing baseball professionally, because the pay that minor league players get is not liveable. There have been many times where players are working other jobs along with playing baseball. Also, there have been some players that have spoken on their experience in the minor leagues, where they speak about living in their car, due to the underwhelming pay. In other sports, like football, you are drafted, then sent to the league. I am not saying that it is not tough to get sent up from the practice squad, but it for sure is not half as hard as working up the farm system in the MLB. I feel the same way about basketball. These guys have to work their way up from the G-League or overseas, but the routes are pretty straight forward. In the MLB, you have to work so hard, just to get sent up and down and back and forth. There are so many draft picks that are super hyped up in the draft, and are lost in the minor leagues and never heard from again. Usually in the NFL, those huge draft busts are usually at least seen in games with the actual team, unlike many draft picks in the MLB. That is one of the reasons there are so many draft picks in the MLB compared to other sports. Also, the roster size is so much smaller than a football team for example. That is why I think that baseball is the harder sport to go pro in in today’s world.

NFL playoffs rundown (1\13\25)

By: Benson Elmore

The NFL has been downright crazy this year, and its not cooling off anytime soon. Teams are going crazy like the Detroit Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs. The playoffs are now starting and the pressure is getting high and the excitement for a potential title is rising. Here’s a rundown of the playoffs and my predictions for this week.

Rams vs Vikings

The Rams and Vikings have an exciting matchup going on this week, with Sam Darnold going crazy and the Rams keeping composure. In this matchup I think it is gonna be a good game, but ultimately, I think that the Vikings are going to come away with the dub. The vikings have too many weapons to lose this game, like JJetas and Jordan Addison. I am taking the vikings 28-24.

Commanders vs Buccaneers

The buccaneers have a high seed in this playoff picture, and dominant players like Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, and Baker Mayfield. On the other hand, the Commanders have Jayden Daniels and Terry Mclaurin. In the end, I am gonna take Baker and the Bucs with the win in this one 21-14.

Eagles vs Green Bay

In this one I do not even think I have to give a rundown. The eagles are one of the most dominant teams in the league as of right now, and they are coming into this thing hot. Saquon Barkley almost set the single season rushing yards record for the regular season in his first year with the Eagles. The Eagles are gonna kill the Packers and it is not even gonna be close. When the Eagles win 22-10, remind everyone that Benson told you so.

Texans vs Chargers

In this matchup, I do not really see any team dominating this game, but I love me some CJ Stroud, even though he is not having a career defining season. In an absolute dogfight all night long, I am taking the Texans 14-10

Ravens vs Steelers

In this matchup, I am seriously not even going into depth about this one, because if you really think that the Steelers are even going to come close to winning this one, you are biased and do not know ball. Ravens 31-14.

Broncos vs Bills

In this game, I really want it to be close, because Bo Nix has made a statement that he is ready for the playoffs and he can be a franchise QB. Even though the Bills have Josh Allen and the higher seed and spread on their side, I am going to choose the Denver Broncos, though I would never see myself saying this. The Broncos this year have just surprised me too much not to take them. Give me the Broncos 24-21

Why Home Alone is the best Christmas movie ever

By: Benson Elmore

When you think of great christmas movies you probably think of the classics like Elf, and A Christmas Story, or other great movies. But when you really think about the greatest movie in Christmas movie history, the answer is obviously the undisputed greatest of all time, Home Alone.

This movie is one of the greatest and most comedic movie experiences you can get, not to mention this is only the FIRST ONE. Even though the second and third movies are not as good as the original one, these movies are on the S tier (which is the highest one) of christmas movies.

As a professional movie expert myself, I have seen the classics that everyone argues is better, but in all reality, we all know that the home alone trilogy take spot one, two, and three. If you do not agree with this take then you are simply biased.

When it comes to the acting skill, Macaulay Culkin really shows off his raw talent. His character and acting skills carry the trilogy to greatness.

Another reason this movie is the greatest of all time is because of how creative the directing crew was in the making of this pure masterpiece. Who in the world would think of all of the creative traps that Kevin set up in the movie. I mean, how does anyone on this planet not enjoy this movie. When it comes to the directing crew and the creativity of this movie, the proof is in the pudding. This movie is top tier.

“Home Alone is a timeless holiday classic that blends heartwarming family moments with slapstick comedy and thrilling action. The film’s humor, memorable performances, and iconic scenes, combined with a strong message about family and the holiday spirit, make it a beloved movie that continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Its charm and humor have solidified it as a Christmas favorite.” New York Times Magazine states.

Overall, this movie is the greatest movie of all time. There are unlimited reasons why it is better than any other movie, and if you honestly think that any other movie is better than you are not a true holiday movie fan.

Why South Carolina will make the playoffs

By: Benson Elmore

South Carolina’s path to the College Football Playoffs is not the easiest, but it’s definitely possible with the right combination of clutch wins, good matchups, and the power of the team. Here’s how Carolina can and will make the CFP

1. Raw Offense

South Carolina’s offense has been stacked lately, with Lanorris (him) Sellers, Nyck Harbor, Mazeo Bennet, and Joshua Simon, giving them a dangerous passing offense. The Gamecocks have been able to put up points against top-tier competition, and if they continue to develop their offense under Beamer, they’ll have the firepower to compete with any team in the SEC. And let’s not forget about Rocket Sanders who knows how to blow right through top tier defenses

2. Strong Coaching

Shane Beamer is a rising star in the coaching ranks. His energy, leadership, and ability to develop players have already shown results in his first few seasons at South Carolina. He’s built a solid foundation for the team and has proven that he can win big games, which is shown by South Carolina’s stunning upsets over a couple of ranked teams. With Beamer continuing to grow as a head coach, the Gamecocks could make a crazy statement in the future in the SEC.

3. SEC Scheduling Advantage

South Carolina plays in the SEC, which is without a doubt the most competitive conference in college football. While the schedule is tough, it also provides the Gamecocks with opportunities to get some big wins. If they can thrive in a tough schedule and pick off the last couple of teams on their schedule, it would give them no reason for the committee to keep them out of the playoffs.

4. Defensive Improvement

South Carolina’s defense has been raw at least lately. People like Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart have dominated O-lines. Don’t even get me started on the defensive backs. This defense can beat any team in the league, no doubt about it.

5. The College Football Playoff Expansion

The most important factor for South Carolina’s playoff chances in the future is the expansion of the CFP to 12 teams. With a larger field, the chances of South Carolina making them increases significantly. If they can keep winning games, they will make the playoffs.

Why Aaron Judge does not deserve the hate he received from this postseason

By: Benson Elmore

Aaron Judge was coming off of a phenomenal regular season with a Yankees team who won 94 games, which ranked first in the AL East. But as soon as the postseason began, Judge went into a terrible slump, batting .184 in the whole postseason with nine hits in forty-nine at bats. Though Judge did not have a great postseason, he does not deserve half the hate from anyone, including the Yankees fans who began booing the legend during a game. Here are a few reasons why Aaron Judge does not deserve this outrageous hate

His Exceptional Regular Season

Aaron Judge had an outstanding regular season, showcasing his incredible talent on the field. He led the league in home runs, setting him apart as one of the supreme batters in baseball. Judge consistently delivered clutch performances, contributing significantly to his team’s success with key hits and lockdown defense. His combination of athleticism, determination, and leadership solidified his status as a fan favorite and a legend of the franchise, making the season one to remember for both him and the fans. A player who leads the league in home runs for the season does not deserve all of this hate.

His huge leadership role

Aaron Judge has emerged as a very important leader for his team, embodying the qualities of a true captain both on and off the field. His work ethic and commitment set a high standard for his teammates, inspiring them to improve their own performance. Judge’s calm clutchness in high-pressure situations and his ability to rally the team during tough moments have created a strong sense of brotherhood and leadership. Additionally, he is always willing to mentor younger players, sharing his insights and experiences to help them grow. His leadership not only contributes to the team’s success but also keeps a positive and competitive atmosphere within the clubhouse.

He was not the only player who performed poorly this postseason

During the postseason, Aaron Judge wasn’t alone in facing struggles. Several other Yankees players also ran into difficulties. Giancarlo Stanton, who had been a key power hitter, struggled to find his rhythm at the plate, contributing to the team’s lack of production. Gleyber Torres had moments of potential but often crumbled under pressure, leaving runners stranded in critical situations. Additionally, the pitching staff did not do great, with key pitchers failing to deliver in must-win games. These collective struggles just made the challenges the team faced worst as they fought in the World Series, highlighting that Judge’s performance was not the only player that sucked this postseason for the Yankees.

It’s baseball

When you play a sport where you get millions to hit about .240, you cannot expect production 100% of the time. None of these players deserve half of the hate they are getting because of how good the pitchers were this postseason. At the end of the day, it is just baseball