Review of the Charlotte Hornets first three games of the Season

By: Knox Buxton

The Charlotte Hornets have started 1-2 in the first three games of the season. They have played the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat where they won the first game against the Rockets and dropped the next two against the Hawks and Heat. I was honestly surprised by the Hornets performance on opening night in Houston against the Rockets. I knew it would be a close game, but with Mark Williams and Josh Green out it would be a tough one to win. Brandon Miller who is arguably the best player on the Hornets got injured after playing the first eleven minutes of the game and did not return. Lamelo Ball and Tre Mann ended up carrying the hornets to a 110-105 win after they went down by as much as eighteen. Ball nearly had his first triple-double of the season with 34 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds as Tre Mann came off the bench and added 24 points and 6 rebounds.  Two nights later the Hornets played in Atlanta against the Hawks without two starters in Brandon Miller and Mark Williams. The Hawks led most of the game even though it was close, but the Hornets could not pull ahead as Atlanta won 125-120. The game seemed like a back and forth between Lamelo Ball and Trae Young as Ball scored 34 points with 9 three pointers and Trae Young finished with 38 points and 10 assists. On Saturday night, the Miami Heat came to Charlotte for the Hornets’ first home game of the new season. Miami took a double digit lead, but the Hornets came back and made it a one score game for most of the fourth quarter. Miami was able to pull away in the final minutes and leave Charlotte with a 114-106 victory. Lamelo was the leading scorer for the Hornets once again with 27 points in the loss. In conclusion, I know the Hornets are 1-2 right now and that does not look good but they have also had 3 of their starters out with Josh Green, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams. Both of the games they have lost were close without those three so I don’t think there is a need to worry too much. One of the main problems for the Hornets is Rim Protection and when Mark Williams comes back that should be fixed. I have been very happy with the way Lamelo Ball and Tre Mann have started the season as Lamelo has averaged 31.7 points per game and Mann has averaged 18.3 off the bench. If those two can keep it up once Williams, Miller, and Green come back the Hornets could surprise a lot of people in the Eastern Conference this season.

Drawing Processes for Charcoal

By: Lottie Bynum

To draw in charcoal, people should have a few things:

  • Charcoal pencils (2-6B to start off with as well as white charcoal)
  • Blending stumps(if you can’t get them blending with your fingers is okay!)
  • Sandpaper (to clean the blending stumps)
  • Paper that works with charcoal (a thicker more textured paper, not like printer paper)
  • Various kinds of erasers(kneaded, normal, electric, and any other you would usually use)

Other than that there are other decisions to consider: the way to sketch your drawing or if you are going to sketch in the first place. I like to sketch in graphite pencil to get all of my ideas and shapes down before going into darker charcoal because pencil is easier to erase for mistakes in the first iteration. Also from the list above it lists blending stumps which are kind of soft rolled pieces of paper to help blend out the charcoal. Blending stumps are very helpful in drawing with charcoal, however blending with your fingers if you don’t have blending stumps still works! Unlike with graphite, charcoal is less impacted by the oils on skin and doesn’t cause the drawing to yellow over time, like it does with graphite. Another alternative is using paint brushes to blend. Although that is a different method of drawing in charcoal, it usually involves powder charcoal on paper where the artist “paints” with charcoal to create beautiful images. Sandpaper, as stated above, can be used to clean blending stumps and get them back to a fine tip, but isn’t totally necessary(I don’t use it, I never learned how to haha). Paper which works with charcoal is usually a more textured thicker paper to hold onto the charcoal as something smooth like printer paper or notebook paper could cause the charcoal to not adhere to the page correctly and cause it to smudge easily. Erasers are a crucial part of charcoal drawings as they cover up mistakes but also add to the ability to add value to the drawing and fine details. 

To draw in charcoal try and stick to small lines as charcoal spreads far so, a little goes a long way! For charcoal pencils I almost never use the 2B as I find it hard to blend but try it for yourself and see how it works with the style you are going with. Since charcoal is so dark, work with the considerations for your lights in the drawing as to not become too dark where it will become hard to lighten it back up. White charcoal can be used to lighten places but it often adds a cool tint to wherever it is added to so keep that in mind. Another thought for the pencils is to keep a good sharpener or X-Acto knife on hand to sharpen the pencils for a fine tip. Charcoal is brittle so it can easily break and X-Acto knives are great for handling the pencils when a sharpener is too rough(on this note try not to drop your charcoal pencils too much because of their brittleness their charcoal core can break inside the wooden exterior and cause it to be hard to draw or sharpen them). After that, just have fun drawing!

Best Cereal

By: Bryce Hanson

      What is the best cereal? The answer to this question is extremely simple and non debatable. To answer this you must consider some factors just like my past articles. These factors include dry taste,mixed with milk flavor, and the flavor the milk turns to after the cereal is gone. 

       Dry taste means how it tastes if you just take the cereal out of the box. A lot of cereals come to mind when I think about this such as Trix, Reese’s Puffs, and Coco Puffs. But we all know there is only one right answer which is Fruity Pebbles.. I know that some people may disagree on that front, but I am a professional cereal eater, so I would know. 

        Next is mixed with milk flavor, and this just basically means what cereal tastes the best when you combine it with it’s dynamic duo milk. I could argue that Cookie Crisp get better with milk, but like my previous comments on dry taste, Cookie Crisp just lacks the taste before milk. Now it does turn into a whole new Cereal when you mix it with milk. But the best milk/cereal combination is going too be Fruity Pebbles yet again, with its combination of candy like dry taste combined with rich milk,  there’s nothing that can stop this cereal from being the best. 

         Lastly, the fatter flavor of the milk that the Cereal leaves, and all my cereal eaters know that drinking the milk after your done with your Cereal is a vital part to every bowl that you consume. Now I know you’re  expecting me to say Fruity Pebbles again, and I’m seriously considering it m, but no. There is only one cereal that does this right. Yes there are som copy cats of this Cereal like Coco Puffs but that Ceral just lacks the energy we need to be brought to the bowl. The best Cereal milk flavor is Coco Pebbles. After you’re done eating the amazing flavored Cereal, it leaves you with a complimentary glass of chocolate milk to enjoy to leave you with a memorable bowl of cereal. 

            After analyzing which cereals have the best dry taste, best combination with milk, and best milk flavor. There can be only one right answer which is Fruity Pebbles. The one that leaves you wanting more after you’re done.

Outer Banks

By: Owen Meyers

One of the most engaging shows on Netflix right now is Outer Banks, which has captured viewers all over the world with its exciting mix of mystery, adventure, and drama. The show provides viewers with a stunning visual experience, with golden beaches, beautiful marshes, and the deep blue waves of the Atlantic, all set against the beautiful scenery of the North Carolina coast. But the attraction extends well beyond the scene.

The exciting treasure hunt for a long-lost fortune at the center of Outer Banks has viewers on the edge of their seats. As the Pogues, a group of teenagers, search for the treasure while dodging risks at every turn, each episode is full of exciting twists and turns. It’s difficult to turn away from the action because of the high anticipation and ongoing sense of danger. Not only does the treasure search serve as a plot device, but it also generates a sense of excitement for each new episode.

The success of Outer Banks is also greatly influenced by the character dynamics. The Pogues are a group of friends from the poor side of the island, led by the outgoing John B. Their relationship is realistic, charming, and frequently humorous. Their friendship balances out all of the action and adventure by adding depth to their feelings. Also, the rivalry between the wealthier elite Kooks and Pogues offers a compelling sociological reflection on class warfare.

Outer Banks is a thrilling binge-worthy series because of its blend of adventure, strong character relationships, and stunning settings. It has become one of the most popular shows in recent years because it skillfully blends mystery, romance, and drama, providing something for everyone.

Alex Pereira

By: Wyatt Meyers

One of the best athletes in the UFC, Alex Pereira is notable for his amazing skills, beginning, and special combat sports excitement. Pereira, who was born in Brazil, first gained fame in kickboxing, where he won many world titles and enjoyed amazing success. His transition to mixed martial arts was made possible by his striking skill, which was demonstrated by his strong kicks and accurate punches.

Pereira’s ability to strike is one of his most important talents. He is a dangerous opponent in the cage because of his amazing knockout power. This was seen in his championship match against Israel Adesanya, where Pereira won the UFC Middleweight Championship by showing both his striking power and strategic thinking. His many talents and commitment to learning new skills are shown by his ability to change his striking style from kickboxing to mixed martial arts.

Pereira’s success is largely due to his experience. He brings plenty of skills to every battle because he has competed at the highest levels of both MMA and kickboxing. His vast experience in combat sports is evidence of his ability to maintain calm under stress and carry out his strategy. Pereira’s battles usually display an excellent sense of distance and timing, which enables him to take advantage of his opponents’ mistakes.

A unique trait of Pereira’s career has been his stamina. He has demonstrated a solid commitment to grow and learn from every event, even in the face of difficulties. His constant search for greatness not only confirms his place among the UFC’s top fighters but also serves as motivation for both viewers and aspiring sportsmen. Alex Pereira continues to prove that he is not only a fighter but a true champion in a sport where every match is bound to be a turning point. He reflects the UFC’s spirit of talent and toughness.

Top Places I’ve Visited: Guatemala 

By: Logan Mims

   Number 2 on my top 5 places I have  visited was Guatemala. Guatemala was not just a normal trip, it was a mission trip that I went on with my mom. We went with Christ Community Church through an organization called 4:10 Bridge. Guatemala was absolutely beautiful! The place we visited in Guatemala was a community called El Triunfo. It was a very small community, and they all knew each other very well. They were so kind, welcoming, and grateful for what they had. While visiting we performed many different tasks. We farmed, played with the children, cooked and many more things. 

 The farming in Guatemala was different than any farming I have seen. Their main crop was coffee bean plants which was also what Guatemala is known for. Guatemala is very mountainous, and they plant their coffee plants up the mountains and it is just so interesting to see how they do it let alone do it yourself. The people in El Triunfo were so kind to let us plant some of their coffee plants and they were just so patient with us and it was just such an amazing experience!

 Another thing we did while we were in the community was simply bonding with the children. This was my favorite part because the children were so kind and grateful. The kids never looked unhappy, anytime you looked over at them they were smiling and laughing with each other. We colored and played soccer with the kids and we also did some fun Bible games with them as well that they absolutely loved. 

 One of the last things we did was help the ladies cook a meal. They cooking there is way different than it is here. There kitchens are nothing like ours are back at home so it was so interesting to see these people cook in such a different environment then we are used to. When the ladies cook they are just cooking for their family. They all get together and cook a meal together for almost all the families in the community and it was so awesome to see that. 

 Overall Guatemala was such an amazing trip and I would highly recommend going on a mission trip to Guatemala. It will change your life. Overall I give this experience a 10/10!!

Why Breaking Bad is the Best Show Ever Made

By: Braelen Lewis

Breaking Bad is easily the best television show ever created. Yes it’s a bold statement but it is true. This show single handedly revolutionized the television industry. Here are just some of the achievements that the show has. It is in the Guiness Book of World Records for being the most critically acclaimed show ever. It was nominated for 248 awards, and won 92 of those in the time since its running. This is due to the great story and plot designed by Vince Giligan and the great actors that participated in the project. Some of these actors are Brian Cranston, Aaron Paul, and Giancarlo Esposito who are all now extremely famous actors even though they were all already well known prior to Breaking Bad, but Breaking Bad has a special place in most of their hearts, Brian Cranston has even said that he will never play a role as important than Walter White. Although the actors definitely made an impact on why the show did so well, the most important reason why the show succeeded so much is due to the storyline. The storyline was written beautifully about a normal man who was told he had only a few months to live and he wanted to get enough money by the time he passed so his family would be able to live on. So he, like any person, resorted to cooking meth but truly the reason why the show did so well is due to the fact that it was action packed with extremely well written antagonists and fun side plots. Another extremely prestigious award the show holds is that it is the only show on IMDB to have a perfect 10 rated episode, which is Ozymandias. Certainly Breaking Bad is the single handed best show on earth and is a perfectly crafted masterpiece.

Electric or Nah?

BY: TYLER JORDAN

Many people personally hate all the new electric cars and so they are more charming than most people think. Although I am against electric vehicles, I am going to show a little of both sides. First I am going to talk about the pros and cons of them. The biggest one is electric cars reduce emissions and they don’t pollute the air which is a good thing. Second, they don’t require as much maintenance as normal cars. And they are”fuel efficient” with being charged at 100% they range from 250 to 400 miles to “empty”.

Now some of the cons: First off, most electric cars batteries are horrendous and cause great hazards to the victim and first responders since they like to blow up. They are also so expensive, some ranging near 50 thousand dollars which I think is ridiculous. They say it cuts down on admission  but that’s not completely true. You see what the battery has to have in it. A battery need nickel-cobalt-aluminum cathodes and lithium-iron-phosphate cathodes, which all this stuff is a natural resources and will run out eventually but also this products have to be dug out the ground and guess what does that heavy equipment which takes gas and burns of carbon monoxide. So although your car may be “ efficient emissions” just think what it takes to make your battery car. Also the prices on these electric cars are ridiculous. No battery car with a full surveillance system should be near 100 thousand dollars when the battery cost 50% of it. Another big con is autopilots now just think if your car can drive itself then what if somebody hacked your car and went on a rampage. Auto pilot is still very new and still very deadly with all the mishaps in it. I would never put my life in the hands of a computer system. This is just my side on this many people are back and forth on this but i’m telling you electric cars are going to be a big mistake.

Who Will Win the Heisman Race?

By: Henry Jones

I usually talk about the NFL regarding my favorite team, the Arizona Cardinals, but in this blog I will be answering the question of who I think is most favored to win the Heisman award this year in college football. For a long time, the Heisman award has been seen as a quarterback award, such as the MVP Award in the NFL. However, that narrative has a chance to change this year because of two generational players : Ashton Jeanty and Travis Hunter. Both are spectacular athletes and put up video game number statistics. To begin, Ashton Jeanty has been amazing his year. He is putting up unbelievable rushing amounts every game and is on pace for 2,912 rushing yards, shattering Barry Sanders’s college rushing record of 2,628. This record has been standing for a very long time and some thought of it as unbreakable. Paired with these mass amounts of yards, Jeanty also has 19 touchdowns. Keep in mind that Jeanty has only played 6 games. This means that he is also on pace for 38 total touchdowns breaking the touchdown record for running backs as well.

Next, Travis Hunter is another guy who can’t be talked about enough. His main point of argument of why he should win the Heisman is that he plays both sides of the ball. This means he plays offense and defense. Not only does he play offense and defense, but he plays both of them extremely well. Hunter has 604 yards receiving and six touchdowns this year. Now normally people would look at that and see an above average receiver at best, but when you watch the film and see him making these spectacular contested catches over defenders heads, then you will see him as the player he truly is. This paired with the fact that he is also tied for the third best corner in the nation with a coverage ranking of 81.2 and two interceptions on the year proves why he is a solid contender for Heisman.

To wrap up, I do think that the race will be extremely close this year because the two players are very competitive and both want it very bad. However, due to Jeanty’s immense aura when carrying the ball, I have to think that he is the favorite to take home the trophy.

Which is better Athlete Lifting or Hypertrophy Weight Lifting

By: Ford Wilder

To start, there are many types of weightlifting which have different focuses.

The main two are athlete training and hypertrophy aka bodybuilding training. Hypertrophy training focuses on improving the physical appearance of one’s body, while athlete lifting focuses on improving a person’s physical abilities. I believe that athlete training is better and here is why.

First, many athletes don’t receive the correct guidance and lift in the best way possible. This is because they either did not listen to their school’s strength coach on whats best, or they don’t realize they should be training for athletic abilities and not just their appearance. I fell victim to this before I understood the importance of training like an athlete. I did athletic lifts my school strength coach had us do and I listened to him. But outside of school lifts, I found myself at the local gym lifting purely for aesthetics(appearance). I firmly believe in going the athlete lifting route because I saw the changes in my athletic performance once I started to train like athletes are meant to. Not only that but my physical appearance even got a lot better. I would more than likely be more filled out if I kept training for appearance, but I would not have gotten any more athletic.

Next off, I also think that training to become more athletic is more enjoyable than bodybuilding. I can do many more dynamic movements that include plyometrics, med ball slams, sprints, etc. By doing this my body is a lot more flexible and my range of motion and explosiveness continue to increase unlike those who train for aesthetics. Hypertrophy weightlifting consists of many isolated movements where a person is sitting down in almost every exercise. This is because it allows for a greater stretch and isolation of the muscle which will allow for muscle fibers to more efficiently tear and grow back bigger. But by doing this I noticed I was a lot stiffer, and my athletic movements were about as fluids. This is why athletes should stick to training for abilities and not appearance. Also, many people believe you do not build muscle unless you lift for hypertrophy. This is completely false. Athlete training consists of many exercises to build muscle and become more explosive at the same time. I saw the results myself being on an athlete-based training program. I built plenty of muscle all the while becoming more athletic.

Ultimately, if you are an athlete I do not think it is even a question of whether a person should hypertrophy or athlete train. The benefits of athlete lifting far outweigh those of hypertrophy training. I believe lifting in the correct style can make or break an athlete’s performance.