Duck Hunting

By: Cooper Scott

I have a lot of hobbies, but I would have to say my favorite one is duck hunting. Most people don’t understand how much hard work and critical thinking goes into duck hunting. There are many factors that have to align to have the perfect hunt: wind direction, cold weather, right water levels, equipment, traveling, and scouting. There is no better feeling when a hard thought out plan comes together for a successful hunt when we all reach the limit. This is one of the reasons why I love duck hunting. Not only do the right factors have to align, but it takes certain qualities to be an avid hunter such as patience, dedication, diligence, awareness, preparedness, and optimism. These are all qualities that make me who I am today.  

Another main reason I love duck hunting is the fellowship. When I duck hunt, it is usually a family affair. I get to spend quality time with my dad, brother, uncle, cousins, and friends doing what we all love. One of my favorite memories of duck hunting is last year when my older brother and I had to hold a spot or “hole” for us to hunt. We woke up at midnight, got in the boat and drove to the spot we were hunting. The land we hunt is public so many other local hunters tried to go to that exact spot, but we were there first. My brother and I bonded in the five degree weather waiting for our fellow hunters to come in the morning to hunt. It was very worth holding the spot because it was one of the best hunts we have ever had. We all killed the limit and I killed my first canvasback. Needless to say, all of our hard work paid off. I have been going out west to duck hunt since I was 8 years old, and I have made so many countless lifelong memories.

Fitness Watches

By: Andrew Howle

To begin with, fitness watches are a tool to help individuals monitor and improve their health and wellness. These devices track various metrics, including heart rate, steps, calories burned, sleep patterns, and, most specifically, stress levels. Many fitness trackers are equipped with GPS to record distance and pace during outdoor activities such as running, walking, and cycling. These watches link to smartphone apps to help people set personal fitness goals. Ultimately, fitness watches are not only about tracking physical fitness. They are an accurate tool for encouraging a healthier lifestyle to enhance performance and overall well-being. Fitness watches are one of the most underrated things a person can have.

There are many brands that people tend to buy in hopes of finding the right watch for them. These include Whoop, Garmin, Apple, Fitbit, Samsung, and Amazfit. Each of these offers unique tracking experiences for the user. My personal favorite is the Whoop 4.0. I have had this watch for a little over a year. It is a fantastic watch for people trying to get into a fitness lifestyle. Some standout features are blood oxygen monitoring, sleep coaching, five-day battery life, waterproofing, and dustproof. These features are unique to Whoop in terms of the watch’s accuracy. It strives to give accurate readings of athletes’ health and fitness to help them perform to new levels. Unlike any other fitness watch, Whoop is incredibly durable and can be used to perform daily exercises. I have personal experience playing football games, building roofs, and many other strenuous activities performed with the watch. I cannot recommend the watch further for athletes trying to reach personal goals.

In Conclusion, fitness watches are a staple of modern society, improving fitness worldwide. The Whoop 4.0 is a great way to get involved in fitness. I highly recommend buying one from the store. 

Football

By: Owen Meyers

American football is more than just a game—it’s a symbol of strength, strategy, and teamwork. From Friday night lights in high school to the roar of NFL stadiums, football captures the heart of America like no other sport.

One reason football stands out is the life lessons it teaches. Teamwork is everything. No one player, no matter how talented, can win a game alone. The offensive line protects the quarterback, the running backs rely on blocks, and every player depends on their teammates to succeed. Football also teaches discipline and hard work. Players spend hours training, practicing plays, and learning from mistakes to improve every week. It’s about pushing through challenges and showing resilience when things get tough.

What makes football even more special is the strategy involved. It’s not just about brute strength—it’s like a chess game on the field. Coaches plan every play, deciding when to pass, run, or go for it on fourth down. Defenses study their opponents, figuring out how to shut down the best players. Quarterbacks have to read the defense and adjust on the fly. It’s a mental battle as much as a physical one, and the smartest teams often come out on top.

Football also brings people together. Whether it’s families cheering in the stands, friends gathered around the TV for the Super Bowl, or teammates bonding in the locker room, the sport creates connections. It’s about community, tradition, and passion.

In the end, football is more than just touchdowns and tackles. It’s about learning to work hard, think ahead, and trust your team. Millions of people sit down to watch football every weekend in the fall season. Millions of people put money on the games and it is the spark to their day. From the tailgates to that comfy couch, at your house, football is loved and admired. Football teaches valuable lessons like having grit and how to be an honorable man or woman. That’s why football isn’t just a sport—it’s the best sport in America. 

Peaky Blinders is the Best Show on Television

By: Owen Meyers

Peaky Blinders stands as one of the finest television shows of the 21st century, catching audiences with its strong storytelling, powerful performances, and rich character development. Set in post-World War I Birmingham, the series revolves around the Shelby crime family, with the uniqueTommy Shelby at its core. What truly sets Peaky Blinders apart is its ability to build together complex characters, historical events, and a deep sense of atmosphere, creating a world that feels both familiar and entirely unique.

Peaky Blinders is a remarkable show because of its characters. One of the best examples of a flawed anti-hero is Cillian Murphy’s character, Tommy Shelby. Tommy is a cunning strategist and brutal leader who is incredibly appealing due to his internal conflicts with desire, loyalty, and PTSD. Despite his frequently morally dubious choices, viewers are compelled to support him because of his complex character, which is only surpassed by his emotional sensitivity. 

Supporting characters like the fierce Polly Gray (Helen McCrory), the remarkable Arthur Shelby (Paul Anderson), and the fiercely independent Polly Gray bring their own distinct energy to the show, making each one unforgettable. Polly, in particular, offers a maternal yet fierce presence, contrasting Tommy’s cold pragmatism with wisdom and emotional depth. Each character’s backstory is fleshed out, giving them motivations and desires that make them feel real.

The uniqueness of Peaky Blinders lies not only in its characters but also in its ability to juxtapose historical accuracy with fictional drama. The post-war setting, the rise of fascism, and the presence of real historical figures add layers of depth to the narrative. The blending of stylish visuals, contemporary music, and raw performances makes Peaky Blinders a standout show that consistently elevates the gangster genre. It’s a masterclass in storytelling, where each character is as layered and complex as the world they inhabit.

Tom Aspinall: UFC Fighter

By: Wyatt Meyers

One of the most cool fighters in the UFC heavyweight class is Tom Aspinall. He was born in England, and his great abilities, athleticism, and whole fighting style has helped him move through the ranks fast.   At a young age, Aspinall started practicing martial arts, following in his father’s footsteps as a ju-jisu instructor. He has grown into a skilled fighter over the years who can win in both stand-up and ground fighting.

Aspinall is a threat to anyone in the division because he is quick and practical for a heavyweight. While most fighters in this division depend on size and power, Aspinall combines speed and accuracy, giving him an advantage. He is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, so he is able to defeat his opponents if the fight goes to the ground. He also has violent boxing skills and is known for finishing fights quickly.

The match between Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones is one that fans dream about. Aspinall could be able to beat Jones, who is known as one of the best fighters of all time. First, Aspinall may be able to outpace Jones since he is younger and faster. Second, he can adjust to any plan Jones presents because of his quickness. Aspinall’s aggression may be too much for Jones, who has had trouble handling boxers who put pressure on him.

Aspinall has a chance to defeat a superstar like Jon Jones and win the UFC heavyweight title if he continues to improve while keeping his focus. Aspinall is the division’s future because to his combination of speed, skills, and drive. He has a chance to rank among the best fighters in the sport.

The Best Way to Structure a Workout

By: Ford Wilder

You can structure your workout in many ways, whether you are a bodybuilder or an athlete. You can do one exercise at a time or superset exercises to be more efficient and quicker with your workout. It is important to note that many factors play into what may be the best way to structure a person’s workout. I believe supersetting workouts with at least 2 different exercises per superset is the best way to build a workout plan. I also believe you should have 3 or 4 supersets per workout and here is why. 

By having 3 or 4 supersets per workout, you can fit in a heavy workload in quick time.

If you do not superset and focus on one exercise at a time then your workout can last almost double the time than if you were to superset. Bodybuilders typically do not superset, so they can focus on the muscle group(s) they are targeting while athletes will superset their workouts, so they can become the best athletes they can be in the quickest amount of time possible. Focusing on one exercise at a time will allow for better muscle growth ,but not everyone has an hour and thirty minutes to work out each day. Also, supersetting allows people to only have to work out 3 or 4 times a week while those who go the bodybuilder route have to work out six to seven times a week to effectively hit each muscle group. I believe that fitting in the most work possible in the fewest amount of workouts possible is the best possible route.

Another important factor is deciding what muscle groups to pair with each other. I believe pairing muscle groups with one another in a workout is the greatest way to become as fit as possible. An example of pairing muscle groups would be lifting weights for your back and biceps. Instead of doing a separate workout for each, you can combine them into one workout by supersetting, which would allow you to only have to do one workout instead of two.I superset all my workouts and I have seen great results in performance and muscle growth. I can get in and out of the weight room very quickly and get adequate work in. 

Additionally, making sure to fit in compound lifts, band work, and core work all in a workout is extremely important. I have noticed having a variety of exercises is the most efficient way to build muscle and grow in performance. Also, having an array of workouts limits fatigue while being able to put in great work. Pairing weighted lifts with banded lifts allows for muscle growth and explosiveness which ensures why you should make sure to use different types of exercises throughout a workout.

Ultimately, I am a firm believer that people should always have a workout structure that benefits them and fits their schedule. Without a proper workout structure, a person can not see the results in an effective way. I believe all people should sit down and create a workout structure and plan ,so they can benefit from it.

Stranger Things Review

By: Cooper Scott

Stranger Things is honestly one of the best shows I’ve ever watched and one of my favorites. To start off, the old school vibe attracted me to the show. Stranger Things is a very action packed netflix series with 4 seasons and the show will not let you down. The show consists of a group of teenage kids with supernatural powers that try and defeat vecna and the upside down. The characters are what really grab my attention as well. I can’t help but love the friendship between Mike, Dustin, and the rest of the group, this is what makes the show so good. Although we could never experience what they did in the show in real life, They feel like real people, and their struggles with growing up, dealing with school, and handling the insane situations they’re in are easy to connect with. Plus, Eleven, my favorite character, helped the friend group defeat the upside down with her telepathic super powers.and her journey of figuring out who she is really hits hard. The monsters and the whole Upside Down thing make the show never get boring ,and made me be addicted to the show. But what makes Stranger Things stand out for me is how it mixes all these intense, scary moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. With a cliffhanger after every episode I Just could not get enough of Stranger Things.  One minute, you’re scared out of your mind, and the next, you’re laughing or getting emotional over a scene in the show. The show doesn’t just rely on the things that make you scared; it actually makes you care about what happens to the characters. It’s rare to find a show that can balance all these details so well. I have watched all four seasons twice, but the second time I watched all four seasons in three days.

Rating Call of Duty Black Ops 6

By: Wyatt Meyers

One of the greatest games in the Black Ops series could be Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Having played every game in this series, I think the creators have a great opportunity to use all they’ve learned from previous games to create something really amazing.   Fans like this franchise because of its exciting campaigns, exciting multiplayer, and creative zombie modes. If Black Ops 6 improves on all of this, it may become an online favorite with players.

The chance to improve the plot is one of the main reasons why Black Ops 6 might be great.   The Black Ops campaigns are usually complicated and if the game developers create an affecting narrative, it surely will leave a statement.   The campaign has the potential to become one of the most memorable in Call of Duty history by showing stronger characters and improving a sense of connection between the player and them.

The possibility of an improved multiplayer choice is another issue.   Multiplayer games in Black Ops games are known for being entertaining and fast-paced. It will keep players interested for hours if they include more imaginative maps, unique weapons, and cool rewards.   Additionally, balancing weapons and enhancing the matchmaking system would make the game more fair and fun for all players.

Finally, if the zombie mode grows, it might become a classic.   It might be the greatest version yet with new maps with great themes, better Easter eggs, and harder challenges. Zombie fans would be happy to see something that mixes nostalgia with fresh concepts.

All things looked at, Black Ops 6 has all the makings of a great game. This may easily score as one of   the greatest games in the entire Black Ops franchise if developers take fan remarks seriously and work to make improvements in every area.   I’m excited to see what they create. 

My Favorite Things

By: McKenzie Gray Mills

This week I’ll be talking about how special my friends are to me. Growing up in a small town can be hard at times, but there’s a lot more ups than downs. Having the same friends from elementary school to highschool is one of the ups. Being able to grow up side by side with my best friends is one of the biggest blessings in my life. 

Some of the most memorable times together have been on school trips. In the fifth grade we all went to Washington DC. This was such a fun trip. We got to see a lot of cool things while being with our friends and parents. As close as all the kids are is just about how close our parents are too. My favorite trip has to be Kanuga though. Kanuga can either be someone’s favorite or least favorite trip ever. I think it has to be my favorite because of how close we all seemed to get. After being with each other for such a long time people would think we can’t get much closer, but it somehow happens. We first went to Kanuga in the sixth grade and then again our junior year. It was pretty fun the first go round but the last time definitely takes the cake. We went on hikes, made our own little movie, and spent quality time together. My favorite part of this trip had to be when we all had pieces of paper taped on our backs and we wrote something we liked about someone or our favorite memories together. I think this was so special to me because none of us had trouble thinking about what we would write. It just came so easy. 

It’s crazy to think that after this year we won’t all move on to college together. Some of us will go to the same college, but it won’t be the same fifty people that have been together since preschool. It will be a big change for all of us. We all know deep down that these are the friendships that will last forever. 

Top 5: Vegatables

By: Addie Griffin

Vegetables; not everyone’s usual favorite dish, but can be a staple if you let it. There is such a wide variety of vegetables to eat, but today I will be ranking my top five favorites! 

5.  Starting off the top five list is asparagus. It is fancy but still really good. It’s got a nice flavor that goes with everything, and it feels kind of special when you have it on your plate. It is even better whenever it has a little lemon on it.

4. At number 4 are green beans. Green beans are simple but so good. They’re crunchy and taste great with just a little salt or butter. They’re perfect for eating as a snack or adding to a meal. Green beans are just plain reliable and tasty!

3. Now starting the top 3 list is Corn. Corn is sweet and juicy. Eating corn on the cob is messy but totally worth it. My favorite way to have it is with my mashed potatoes. It’s weird I know, but it just shows how good it tastes with many different things! 

2. At number two, we have broccoli!  It’s crunchy and tastes good with almost anything, especially with cheese on top. You can dip it in ranch, mix it in with your pasta, or just snack on it raw. Broccoli is one of those veggies that’s very diverse which deserves the number 2 spot! 

  1. At our number one spot  we have brussels sprouts. This definitely will come to a shock to most because they are usually thought of as the worst vegetable, but they’re awesome if you give them a chance. When you roast them, they get all crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re like little bites of magic once you get used to them, especially if you cook them with bacon.