Why TikTok shouldn’t be banned 

By: Braelen Lewis

TikTok, the best social media app which is known for its short videos, has become an important part of today’s world. While some have called for its banning, particularly due to concerns over privacy, security, and its potential impact on younger users, there are compelling reasons why TikTok should not be banned. First of all, TikTok has become a significant platform for creativity, providing people with the tools to express themselves in creative  ways. It pushes people to create art, music, dance, and share unique perspectives, fostering creativity in ways that traditional media platforms cannot match. Through its algorithm, TikTok promotes a level playing field where both amateur creators and established stars can gain visibility. This media production allows for diverse voices to be heard, particularly marginalized communities, who might otherwise be overlooked on more conventional platforms. Furthermore, TikTok has fostered an important cultural exchange. Users from different countries and backgrounds interact and learn from each other, creating a shared global experience. Although the official date for the ban is set to be on January 19th the newly elected president has said that he will do everything that he can to save it. This is due to the fact that he believes that the app helped him win the majority vote of young voters due to his large following. I hope that president trump will do what is right and save it from being banned because I do not want to move to instagram reels because on TikTok there is a sense of community that is missing on every other social media app. I will also miss the app due to the streak feature where I have multiple TikTok streams over two hundred with many other people. I also believe that it is not in the government’s interest to ban the app because although they believe that it does all these bad things, if they end up banning it without solid proof the people will be in outrage with large protests and riots to occur. Certainly TikTok does not deserve to be banned because it will ruin many small businesses and hurt many civilians and Jo has used the app for many years.

Will TikTok get Banned

By: Henry Jones

As of January 2025, the question of whether TikTok will get is still uncertain. However, there are multiple factors that could make a difference in the final outcome. To begin, TikTok has faced scrutiny in multiple countries, particularly the United States, due to concerns over its data collection practices and its ties to China. Governments have raised alarms about the possibility of the Chinese government accessing user data, leading to national security concerns. Also, several U.S. states and other countries have already banned TikTok on government-issued devices for security reasons. There have also been discussions in Congress about a potential nationwide ban, however, no sweeping federal ban has been implemented yet, and legal challenges would likely make such a move complex. In TikTok’s defense they have worked to address security concerns by shifting its data storage practices. For example, the company has started storing some U.S. user data in the U.S. and Europe, in an effort to mitigate concerns about Chinese government access. They have aslo made efforts to demonstrate transparency by establishing independent oversight boards and opening up their operations to external audits. These measures aim to show regulators that they are addressing concerns about user privacy and content moderation. 

In terms of how it will effect the users of the app, Banning TikTok would have economic and cultural repercussions, especially for creators, businesses, and advertisers who rely on the platform. It has become a global  force, with millions of active users and a significant influence on entertainment, trends, and social media marketing. In conclusion, the possibility of TikTok being banned is still a subject of debate, it faces significant legal, political, and economic challenges. Whether TikTok gets banned will largely depend on the political climate, national security concerns, and ongoing efforts by the company to address regulatory issues. However, given the app’s massive global influence and user base, it’s also possible that governments might choose to regulate TikTok more heavily rather than implement an outright ban. While a TikTok ban isn’t off the table, it’s also not a certainty in 2025, and the outcome will likely depend on a mix of political, legal, and diplomatic factors. In my opinion, I don’t think it will get banned, but mostly because I want it to stay.

CFB Playoff finale

By: Carson Wilsey

Although this college football season has been crazy and messed up, a national championship is now the only thing left to watch and win.  After falling to Northern Illinois, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are playing for everything after going on a run but the Buckeyes also look to carry on their incredible playoff run by stopping the Irish. Who will win?

The 12-team playoff also makes it clear that ND deserves to be here. They outplayed the formidable SEC Champions, crushed Indiana, and defeated the Big 10 runner-up. Ohio State also went on an incredible run blowing out Tennessee and Oregon but then keeping it close with Texas until pulling away in the end. That’s only the past three weeks. Having said that, many are looking forward to seeing two very hot teams compete for a national champisonship because this season has been a journey to say the least. 

Is it impossible to beat Ohio State, no not at all shown by their horiffic lost to Michigan. Are they now playing as well as the top team in the country, yes probably so. Winning the turnover battle is Notre Dame’s greatest chance of winning. The Norte Dame secondary will most likely double team and attempt to lock down Jeremiah Smith but also have to shut down two of the best backs in the country with Treyvon and Quinshon Judkins, neither will be an easy task. Ohio State will also have a tough job in stopping the Norte Dame run game alongside another great back in Jeremiah Love. Osu and Norte Dame contain two of the best defenses in the country so everyone is looking forward to a defensive battle. 

Regardless of the outcome, it won’t be their first time, Ohio State is competing for its second championship of the CFP era, while Notre Dame has won 11 national titles, but none since 1988. So who will come out on top will it be Jeremiah Smith along with his amazing freshman season or will Jeremiah Love show why he is truly one of the best running backs in the country.  

Rating the Dogs I Have Known

By: Alexis Dawkins

In my lifetime, I really haven’t lived in more than one place for a long period of time. I have grown up in Sumter, but I bounce between grandparents’ houses and visit my mom or my dads sometimes. This leaves many ways for me to encounter many dogs, seeing that everyone I know has at least one. I have always been a dog person so I am going to rate the dogs my family has or has had.

Starting with my childhood dogs. One set of grandparents had a springer spaniel, Katie, and a dachshund, Polly. Katie was the hunting dog and by far one of the best dogs you would ever meet. She was well trained and was my papa’s best friend so I rate her a 9.7/10. Polly on the other hand was mean, especially towards kids. That may have been my fault because I was not the nicest to her but she was never a really nice dog. As I grew up she liked me more so she was nicer but overall I rate her a 7/10. Both of them have passed now and we have two more dogs, both being yorkies. Sadie is the older one and I picked her out. She is sweet but does not like to be picked up. She wants you to lay on the floor and play with her toys. She is a 9.7/10 also. Zoey is the other yorkie and she is the opposite. She loves people and to be held but does not want to play on the floor. She would rather lay down and sleep. She is also a 9.7/10. 

At my other grandparents house they have a french bulldog, Conan. He is my best friend and sleeps with me every night. He does not like the car or the boat or when it’s hot or when it’s too cold, but he does love everyone he meets. He loves other dogs and going to daycare. He is definitely my favorite at a 9.9/10. 

My dad has three dogs, Willow, Penny, and Ellie. Willow is a boykin spaniel and she is attached to my dads hip but she’s a good dog. Penny and Ellie are both old but sweet. I will rate all of them a 9.5/10. 

I have always been a dog person. So much so that I would choose a dog over a person any day. There are many more dogs that have been in my life but I’ll save them for later.

Why Flying Offers an Exciting and Financially Pleasing Job

By: Wyatt Meyers

For people who enjoy flying, being a pilot may be an exciting and financially rewarding job with many benefits. Flying for commercial airlines, passenger service, or even a private plane is just one of the many chances that come with becoming a pilot. Also being cash pleasing, this work offers a sense of adventure and passion that a lot of other jobs cannot match.

For those without a normal four-year college degree, piloting is one of the highest-paying careers in terms of income. The usual yearly pay for commercial pilots is above $80,000, with experienced pilots making a lot more, according to the statistics. The salary for airline pilots can be much greater; senior pilots at large airlines often earn six figures. Pilots are able to travel the world, live comfortably, and possibly save money for the future because of their financial stability. Also, there will likely be a large number of job openings in the upcoming years due to the projected rise in demand for pilots.

In addition to the financial rewards, being a pilot is a fun and exciting career. Pilots get to experience new places and cultures by traveling to other cities and even nations. Whether it’s flying to a new place, meeting new people, or flying through difficult weather, there is something new every day. It also keeps the work exciting and keeps it from being boring. Piloting offers a lot of personal enjoyment in addition to a sense of responsibility. It’s satisfying to know you’re in charge of a big airplane and making sure your passengers are safe.

In conclusion, anyone searching for a career that combines a sense of adventure and a paycheck may find that piloting is a great fit. It offers competitive benefits, the chance to learn and develop in a job that is always changing, and the thrill of travel. Being a pilot is definitely a career worth considering for people who have a strong love for flying.

Top Mexican Restaurants 

By: Logan Mims

On this week’s blog, I will be ranking Mexican restaurants in Sumter, South Carolina from my favorite to my least favorite. The restaurants I will be ranking are Yucatan, Mariachis, and El Paso. 

Coming in at number 3 is Yucatan. Overall, I personally think Yucatan is the worst by far mainly because of how bad it makes you smell after eating there. The food also is not as good as the others because it’s just not as fresh. I do think that Yucatan had the best salsa out of the 3 restaurants but the queso is the worst. It just doesn’t have as much flavor. Lastly, the food at Yucatan is nowhere near as good as the food at Mariachis and El Paso. Overall I would rate this restaurant a 4/10. 

Coming in at number 2 of my ranking of Mexican restaurants in Sumter is El Paso. A major negative to El Paso is the price. El Paso is extremely expensive for no reason, but El Paso does have really good food and really good cheese dip. El Paso also does not make you smell really bad after eating there. Everytime I go to El Paso I get the ACP and it is rice and grilled chicken with cheese dip on top and it is so good but it’s just so expensive. Overall I would rate this restaurant a 7/10. 

And lastly, number one out of the top 3 Mexican restaurants in Sumter is Mariachis. Not only is Mariachis my favorite Mexican restaurant, I would have to say it is my favorite restaurant overall. I absolutely love Mariachis and since it’s my favorite I will be sharing my top 3 favorite dishes. My number 1 favorite dish is their soft tacos with everything on them,  they are just so good. My number 2 favorite dish is their grilled chicken quesadilla dipped in sour cream, it’s simple but delicious. Mg number 3 favorite item off their menu us their enchiladas with a side of rice. Mariachis also has the best cheese dip out of the 3 restaurants as well. Overall I rate this restaurant a 10/10!!!

Ranking Celsius Flavors- Livefit Edition

By: Anna Kate Coker

CELSIUS ESSENTIALS, Sparkling Sunset ...

3. Fruit Burst

This flavor was extremely underwhelming in comparison to the cosmic vibe, claiming the flavor to also be fruit punch. It tasted like a sugar free version which is terrible because it’s not even sugar free. It tastes like a watered down version of Hawaiian Punch. The only thing it has going for it is that it is bigger so it has a larger caffeine amount. Even with that main factor it doesn’t matter because you would not finish it regardless so the caffeine amount will not affect you. The packaging is ugly so it does not even make up for the lame taste. The pattern is not cute and it just makes me miss the original packaging.

2.Orangesicle

This flavor is alright. It tastes more flavorful than the original orange but a little too sweet. It is a weird flavor to make when they already have Fantasy Vibe and Orange, so are they just running out of ideas? This one is more tolerable so it does come in clutch that the packaging is bigger. Ultimately, I would rather just buy the normal orange flavor with the normal can because that is already enough for me. They could have made the cans more appealing with fruits and designs instead of just the color stripe because it no longer stands out. 

1.Mango Tango

This drink scores number one out of this pack but would not place high at all in comparison to the other celsius flavors. The only reason I genuinely like it is because it reminds me of two other drinks — Monster Mango Loco and Arizona Mucho Mango. I do enjoy a good mango flavor and they did somewhat get it right. I would not put it over the other flavored mango drinks I listed but it also would not be the worst alternative choice if all else failed. The con is that it is easy to get sick of and I feel like the amount that it comes with really is the main factor of this outcome. Overall it is a decent drink but still never a podium one when it comes to the whole variety.

Why Pregame Lifting is Beneficial for Athletes

By: Ford Wilder

To begin, one of the most vital parts for an athlete to perform at their max capabilities is being fully warmed up. This allows an athlete to not be sluggish during their game but fully activated and ready to go. Without preparing your body properly, you are setting yourself back in terms of performance. Many people view warming up as just solely stretching. In some cases, this is true but stretching is not enough stimulus for your body to be game-ready. This is where pregame lifting comes into place. 

Pre-game lifting is not a typical lift. You are not working out to get faster, stronger, or bigger. You are lifting lightly with lower reps to activate your muscles so they are ready to fire. Pre-game lifts utilize a low rep and set range so you do not fatigue your body before game time. Using resistance bands and light weights are great methods to activate each part of your body. I believe resistance bands are great because I use them before every game to activate my legs, core, and upper body and my body always feels great and ready to perform before game time. Not only are there physical benefits to pregame activation but there are cognitive benefits. Many people feel confident and energized after completing a pregame lift because it wakes their minds up and gives them a dopamine boost like a typical lift does. I also feel that when I pregame lift my mood is boosted and I feel fully ready for the game. I have noticed when I do not pregame lift my mind is not locked in on the game, and I start the game slow and not at full capability.

I am a firm believer in pregame lifts because ever since I began to do them I have noticed a slight boost in my physical capabilities and a major boost in my mental state. I have watched various videos and have seen many collegiate and professional athletes who do pregame lifts. These athletes’s videos have given me lots of insight into some proper exercises and things you can do within the lift. But what I have found is most important in the lift is becoming game-ready. This is different for many people so you should do the exercises you find activate you and make you the most comfortable. You shouldn’t follow a strict strenuous lift you find online but you should follow your tendencies and what gets you ready.

I have been very lucky to have coaches who believe in the same concept and have a pregame lift for my team and me to complete. I find this lift to be extremely beneficial to my performance.

Ultimately, I believe pregame lifts are what many athletes are missing to be able to play at their best. I have found through basketball and football season that activating my body and mind before the game through these lifts has given me the confidence and strength to perform.

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

Wilson Hall Dances

By: McKenzie Gray Mills

On this week’s blog, I’ll be talking about Wilson Hall dances. This is such a fun time to be a Baron. When school begins in the fall there is usually a dance to start the year off strong. Most times it is after a football game in the Nash center. This is such a special dance after a game you just won and get to celebrate all together. 

Then this year we added a homecoming dance. We’ve always had the week where we dress up, decorate the halls, and have a football game. This year we changed it up a little. We did all those normal traditions, but added a dance on Saturday to end with a bang. 

Our next dance is the winter chill. After exam week, we usually have this dance. Except this year because a Friday night basketball game landed on this night….and you can miss one of those. So this year we are having it on January 11th. It is just a fun night to dress up with your friends, and not have to worry about having a date. What is also special about these nights is that we always do something after. I feel like our grade is especially close. So it’s a good time to get all together while not being at school. 

Next is prom. This is the big dance of the year. The one everyone looks forward to. Once winter chill is over, it is full of chatter of who’s taking who to prom. Our prom takes place after spring break. The Friday right after we get back. This week at school practically doesn’t even count since nobody can pay an ounce of attention. The day starts off with a full day of school…then the rush of getting ready. Next is our dinner. The juniors go to a kinda chill dinner. Then the seniors get a nice sit down dinner. Pictures are taken. Then off to prom. After that, we have breakfast. This is such a fun tradition. 

Dances will always be special in my heart. When I’m off at college and at a dance. I’ll remember dancing in the cafeteria and smile.