Evaluating the Knicks and Timberwolves Trade

By: Knox Buxton

The New York Knicks and Minnestota Timberwolves just made a blockbuster trade right before the start of the NBA season. The Timberwolves traded their center, Karl-Anthony Towns, in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop, and a future first round pick from the Detroit Pistons. The Knicks made this move because they needed to add a center due to Mitchell Robinson getting foot surgery over the summer and having to miss the beginning of the season. The Knicks gave up a lot of depth to acquire Towns by trading DiVicenzo and Randle. Both players were big contributors to the Knicks last season and were a big reason why they made it to the second round of the playoffs. The Timberwolves added more pieces to help their young star, Anthony Edwards. In my opinion, the Knicks won the trade for now, but it could quickly turn around depending on how Towns plays this season and how deep the Knicks go in the playoffs. New York’s biggest problem is the depth, they can try to solve that by giving Deuce McBride more minutes off the bench and trying to add people in free agency or they could see who has the ability to step up early in the year. On paper, the Knicks have one of the best rosters in the league, but like last year, that does not matter if no one can stay healthy. They were missing Julius Randle, OG Annunoby, and Bogdan Bogdanovic. They ended up losing to the Pacers in the second round, but Jalen Brunson proved to be one of the best players in the league. Their lineup this season looks like it will be Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Annunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns. When asked about the trade, Knicks fan Jackson Bonser stated, “I think it’s a fair trade. I also think that we will know within the first ten games whether the Knicks really won the trade or not.” Bonser is very high on New York’s all star pint guard, Jalen Brunson. When asked about how Brunson will fit with Towns this season Bonser said, “It’s a match made in heaven, and both will be on an All-NBA team this season. Additionally, I believe that Jalen Brunson will be in the MVP conversation this season.” The Knicks have a lot to prove by making that move, but Knicks fans like Jackson have a lot to be excited about for this upcoming season.

Top 5 Fast Food Restaurants

By: Addie Griffin

We all know that while you’re on a family road trip or on the way home from a game, all you want to do is get to where you’re going as quickly as possible. There is no time to sit down at a restaurant, but no one wants to go hungry, right?  The solution to this is fast food and today, I will be ranking the top 5 best fast food restaurants. 

5.Starting off with number five is Sonic. 

This could be a controversial choice considering most people don’t particularly love Sonic, but I believe it deserves a spot on this list. Sonic has amazing milkshakes and slushies which makes getting sweet treats fast and easy. 

The mozzarella sticks also deserve an honorable mention and might even be some of the best I’ve ever had. The only downside is how expensive Sonic is and how slow service can be. 

4.At number four we have Mcdonald’s. Some people think McDonald’s is overrated, but I think otherwise. Mcdonald’s is open all twenty four hours of the day which makes it a great option for a midnight snack -particularly the fries, which are some of the best in the fast food industry. However, Mcdonald’s can be very slow sometimes and this is why it is at number four. 

3.Now for number three we have Chick-fil-a. This may cause an uproar, as many people would probably expect this to be at number one. While I think that Chick-fil-a is very good, I don’t think they have enough options and this is why I am putting it at number three. 

2.For the second best fast food restaurant, we have Zaxbys. Zaxbys deserves the number two spot because of the amount of options they have as a fast food restaurant. As someone who goes to zaxbys often, I have tried a lot of their food, and I have enjoyed every single thing I have gotten. Zaxbys is also relatively inexpensive which is another great thing about it. 

1.Now in the number one spot is Canes. All that is served at Canes is not even in competition with other fast food restaurants. Their chicken is some of the best I have ever had from any restaurant, not even just fast food restaurants. The food along with the unbeatable Canes Sauce is what makes everyone love this restaurant so much. 

Country Songs That Are Mandatory For Beach/Lake Days 

By: Lucy Buxton

In no specific order, I will be naming and going into detail about country songs that are necessary for a ten out of ten beach day. 

Starting off strong, “Summertime” by Kenny Chesney. Yes, This can be a little bit cringey but it fully embraces the excitement and joy that summertime brings. In the first few seconds of the song Chesney says, “School’s out and nights roll in. Man just like a long lost friend.” Isn’t that the truth? In my opinion, there is no better feeling than being able to be out late with all your friends and not worry about what’s to come. As years go on this song will probably make me think about the “good ole days” spending spring break at Litchfield with the people I love.

Another song that makes a day out on the boat even more enjoyable is, “Toes” by Zac Brown Band. When this song came out it quickly became a number one hit and it is very obvious why. This tune is about escaping a nine to five job and going on vacation, which is very relatable for lots of people I know. My favorite line in this is simply, “Life is good today”. It’s so easy to remember how good life is when you go on vacation but very important to remember how lucky you are to wake up even when you aren’t on vacation.

Coming in at number three is, “Long Hot Summer” by Keith Urban. Amongst the famous country singers it is said that “Nobody knows summer like Keith Urban does”. My favorite line from this absolute masterpiece is “Just waiting’ on the sun to go down”. As I said before, when you’re young and it’s summer, you’re just waiting for the sun to go down. This is also a song I can see myself fifty years from now reminiscing on being young and dumb. 

Last but not least an obligatory song for a say in the sun is “Springsteen” by Eric Church. This is an anthem for the summer. If you don’t know this song yet, I suggest you take a break from reading this and turn this jam on as soon as possible. My favorite line is “When you think about me, do you think about seventeen”. I’m eighteen now…so old. This song already makes me reminisce.

This Week’s Crumbl Cookie Breakdown

By: Morgan Aycock

My ratings are:

  1. Cookies and cream milkshake ft mini Oreo

Crumbl Cookies’ description: A chilly cookies & cream milkshake-inspired cookie bursting with OREO® cookie pieces from the base to the creamy vanilla buttercream, and finished with a MINI OREO® cookie.

I have tried this cookie and it is really good and chilled is my favorite. The cookie and the frosting both are cookies and cream flavor and it has pieces of Oreo in them. Cookies and cream is one of my favorite flavors so this is number one for me. 

  1. Brownie sundae

Crumbl Cookies’ description: A gooey brownie cradled by crisp chocolatey edges, topped with velvety vanilla mousse, smothered in warm fudge, and finished with rainbow sprinkles and a cherry on top.

I think it would be better if it was served warm and not at bakery temperature. I like the vanilla mousse on it and I think this is a good idea to have. 

  1. Pumpkin cake cookie

Crumbl Cookies’ description: A warm and fluffy pumpkin spiced cookie layered with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

I like how this is not too much pumpkin and I like the chocolate chips added on top. I also think it was a really good idea to add cream cheese frosting.

  1. Semi sweet chocolate chip

Crumbl Cookies’ description: Chocolate chip, but make it chunky—a delicious cookie filled with irresistible semi-sweet chocolate chunks and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

This is served usually every week so I think it could get old for people to keep buying. I don’t think it’s a good idea for the sea salt to be there, but overall a pretty good cookie.

  1. Oatmeal chocolate chip

Crumbl Cookies’ description: A thick cinnamon oatmeal cookie filled with layers of melty milk chocolate chips.

I think they have too many cinnamon flavors. I like oatmeal cookies, but I don’t think they had to add cinnamon.

  1. Ultimate peanut butter

Crumbl Cookies’ description: A peanut butter cookie stuffed with peanut butter and topped with a drizzle of melted peanut butter.

Immediately no. Way too much peanut butter and it’s the only flavor that is in the cookie. I think without the peanut butter drizzle on top it could be good, but I think the flavor is way too overpowering.

Why Dexter is the greatest show ever

By: Wyatt Meyers

Definitely one of the greatest shows ever made, “Dexter” works mostly because of its characters and script. Besides being a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department, the main character Dexter Morgan also has a terrible secret. He is a serial killer. Dexter is an interesting character because of this singular duality.  He struggles with values, which keeps us interested and makes us wonder if he’s a hero or a villain all the time.

The book “Dexter” has excellent writing. The writers of the show did an excellent job developing smart dialogue and exciting storylines that keep fans hooked to their screens. As Dexter manages his everyday existence with his need to kill, the suspense in each season grows. The plot is made more complex by the supporting cast, like his sister Debra and John Lithgow’s scary yet smart Trinity Killer. Debra and Dexter’s relationship displays a complex sibling connection that is defined by stress, love, and loyalty.

Deeper problems like right and wrong, and the root cause of evil are also shown in the show. The complex plot of “Dexter” sets it apart from other normal crime dramas. It forces viewers to consider the true meaning of justice and the rightness of Dexter’s acts. Even if his decisions are questionable, the audience may easily relate to him because of the actual internal battle he meets. 

 Overall, the engaging screenplay and iconic characters of “Dexter” make it a great show. What really sets the show apart is how it keeps viewers pondering while going inside the protagonist’s mind. It is deserving of the title “best show ever” because it finds a perfect balance between action and daring subjects.

NFL Breaking News

By: Owen Meyers

NFL Breaking News!!! 

Rookie quarterback for the Washington Commanders, Jayden Daniels pulls off an incredible upset win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night. The second pick out of LSU faces another former LSU quarterback, Joe Burrow. Jayden did not only show off his scrambling skills and his elite mobility in Monday night’s game; but also his ability to be a great, in the pocket pass threat as well. Daniels completed 21 of 23 pass attempts, threw for 254 with 2 TD passes, and 1 rushing TD. Daniels also broke a rookie record with the best completion percentage(91.3%) ever. Daniel saved his best throw for last, completing a dime to Terry McLaurin in the endzone on 3rd and 7 with the game on the line. 

Injury Updates!!!

Jordan Love is expected to play in the game against Green Bay on Sunday. Love sprained his MCL late in the game against the Eagles, in week 1. Green Bay surprisingly went 2-0 without Love, but it is still huge for the Packers that Love is back this week. 

Dolphins star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffers his 3rd concussion in week 2 against the Bills. This was devastating for the Dolphins, because Tua was just coming off his first complete season without an injury. There have been serious conversations about his retirement ,but the Dolphins placed Tua on IR, leaving him 4 weeks to recover. 

Broncos star linebacker Alex Singleton suffered an ACL tear during week three’s game against the Buccaneers on Sunday. This hurts the Broncos significantly as Singleton averaged 10 tackles a game in his first three games this season. Singleton tore his ACL during the 1st quarter and ended up playing the rest of the game. He reported he had soreness in his leg but that soreness ended up being a season ending injury. 

Christian McCaffrey, running back for the 49ers, still suffers with a calf, achilles injury. McCaffrey is expected to miss 2 more games and maybe more. 

Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle

By: Andrew Howle

To begin with, people worldwide often find it challenging to live the ideal healthy lifestyle. However, it’s important to remember that this lifestyle, while it may seem daunting, is entirely achievable. The journey towards a healthier life is not only beneficial but also rewarding, leading to a longer life expectancy. This positive change results from altering one’s diet and habits, which is within everyone’s reach.

The first crucial step in leading a healthy lifestyle is maintaining a balanced diet. This is not just a part of the process, but the cornerstone of a well-rounded lifestyle. A balanced diet equips the body with the necessary nutrients to function at its best. A mix of white meats, red meats, fruits, and vegetables is a great way to promote overall well-being. By understanding and implementing this, you are taking a significant step towards a healthier you.

Another giant step in living healthy is consistent nights of sleep with at least eight hours or more. Sleep is vital for our bodies to function correctly because it is our natural repair system. It rejuvenates our cognitive functions and prevents mental blocks during the day. It heals the body from illness by giving it adequate rest to heal itself in the anabolic state. Sleep cannot be a more important driving force in a healthy lifestyle.

Physical exercise is the last step in proposing that you live a healthy lifestyle. The necessity of physical exercise speaks for itself. With exercise, pursuing a healthy lifestyle is worthwhile. It can be achieved in more ways than one, like weightlifting, running, participating in sports, and exploring other outdoor activities. The amount of exercise an average person needs is vastly underestimated worldwide.

In conclusion, the ideal world where everyone is living a healthy lifestyle is far in the future. However, with the right motives of diet, sleep, and exercise, anyone can achieve it.

Was 2019 LSU the greatest College Football Team ever?

By: Carson Wilsey

For many reasons, the 2019 LSU football team has been recognized as one of the greatest in college football history. The Tigers won a national championship versus Clemson with an outstanding 15-0 record under head coach Ed Orgeron’s coaching. This group not only changed the way collegiate football is played, but they also showed amazing talent and teamwork.

LSU’s exceptional offensive performance, led by Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, was a major contributing factor to their excellence. With a record-breaking season people witnessed him throw for over 5,600 yards and 60 touchdowns, Burrow showcased off his ability to read defenses and deliver insane throws. Joe Brady, the offensive coordinator, created an offensive scheme that prioritized a fast-paced, dynamic approach that combined explosive passing plays with a powerful rushing game. LSU’s attack was difficult to stop because of its variety; they outscored their opponents every game and regularly put up incredible numbers.

LSU’s defense, which was essential in their championship run, was just as excellent. Throughout the season, the defense, led by players such as Derek Stingley Jr. and Grant Delpit, demonstrated both talent and grit. They frequently forced turnovers and made crucial stops, which gave the offense strong field position. This amazing balance between defense and offense was essential for LSU to maintain control of its games and adjust to the diverse challenges that different opponents presented.

Lastly, LSU’s outstanding schedule serves as more evidence of their dominance. The Tigers demonstrated their ability to execute under pressure by defeating several highly regarded teams, including Florida and Alabama. A strong defense, a difficult schedule, and historically high offensive output all work together to solidify the 2019 LSU football team’s legacy. Their accomplishments not only represented the height of college football, but they also established a standard that other teams would have to meet, motivating a new generation of players and supporters.

Caterpillar truck?

By: Tyler Jordan

Caterpillar this year has introduced a new truck coming. When people think of “Cat” or caterpillar many people think of the big dump trucks, excavators,and heavy machinery.

But this year, caterpillar surprised everyone with this new truck. Cat is teaming up with Ford on this project. The body of the truck will be based on the F-150 chassis and a few other components. They are planning on releasing three variants of the truck. One is straight gas, next is a hybrid between gas and electric, and last is a fully electric truck. The gas variant is supposed to have the 5.0 liter V-8 supercharged engine that is a replica of the ford mustang coyote motor. Caterpillar says they plan to expand on engine variants throughout the designing process. Although it has that very nice engine the truck they say is meant for work related stuff. They plan on having the starting price for the base model of the truck to be around 40k so they can keep up with all the other big name industries and have a competitive market.

Personally I could see this truck being really good. Caterpillar has an outstanding reputation with their company and teaming up with Ford Motor Company is big because both have been in the mechanic services for decades. I hope to see this truck come to the market soon. It looks really nice,but nice isn’t the only thing I hope this truck is reliable. I feel that almost everything mechanical wise is upgraded to some extent. But it is still in the early development stages and isn’t supposed to be released till mid 2025 so a lot can change from now to then. BUt overall I think the Caterpillar truck will be a solid truck and will be in competition with the other big brands on the market. And it will be unique to see a Caterpillar truck around the world.

Team Dipper Kupp Stats from Week 3 

By: Cooper Scott

I’m in a ten man point per reception league with my friends, and after week three. My record is two and one. First player is Patrick Mahomes, my Quarterback, Patrick threw for two hundred seventeen yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Mahomes was projected to have 20.0 fantasy points and he fell short of that with only 16.38 fantasy points.

Starting off with my running back one, Jonathan Taylor. Taylor had 26 fantasy points on twenty three touches for one hundred ten yards and two touchdowns. He bombed this week with a projection of 18.1 points and he finished as running back 5 in week three. My running back 2 was James Connor. Connor had 9 touches for 17 yards. Connor was also involved in the passing game with one target, one catch, and eight receiving yards. Connor was projected 15.3 fantasy points and he busted this week with his projection of 3.5 fantasy points. 

Now onto wide receivers, My wide receiver one last week was Rashee Rice.

Rice was projected to have 18.1 fantasy points, but Rice bombed with only 29.1 fantasy points.

Rice was targeted 14 times with 12 catches for 110 yards and one touchdown. Malik 

Nabers is wide Receiver two, and Nabers had a monster week. Nabers was projected 14.7 fantasy points, and Nabers boomed with 28.1 Fantasy points. Nabers was targeted 15 times, and came down with 8 of the 12 targets with 78 yards and two touchdowns. Nabers finished as the wide receiver 1 this week!

I started J.K. from Los Angeles as my flex this week. Dobbins was projected to have 13.0 fantasy points this week, and finished with 44 fantasy points. Dobbins had 15 carries for 44 yards and 3 receptions for 10 yards. Dobbins was one of my sleepers going into this year, and my friends called me an idiot but I am proving them wrong.

Onto with the defense and the kicker, I started the Bucs defense. The Bucs were projected to have 7.9 fantasy points and they ended with 1 fantasy point. The Bucs defense gave up 26 points to the Denver Broncos and the defense had 1 fumble recovery. My kicker was Cairo Santos, he was projected 7.8 fantasy points. Santos finished with 5.0 fantasy points, and Santos had 1 field goal on 2 attempts and 1 extra point. That is a wrap for team Dipper Kupp Fantasy breakdown week 3. We will see you in week 5.

Overall my team played decent but not up to their full potential. Getting a win in fantasy will always make my weekend, and I put way too much research and time into fantasy to not have a good year. I play the number one team this week, but I feel confident my team has what it takes to beat Team Ford.