Category: opinion
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3 Things About College Applications I Wish I’d Known as a Freshman
Many students spend years preparing themselves for the college applications that loom ahead like the final boss in the epic journey that is school. However, very few know much about the college application process…
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How We Are an Interrupting Culture
Interrupting has become a common practice in everyday conversation. It has a very frustrating effect on anyone when they get interrupted. (Photo courtesy of Isabel Weld) Most people raise their family with the idea…
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1619 Project & 1776 United: Dueling Sides of the Same Coin
American history books and teachings are criticized by some as white-washed, factually incorrect, and little to none in-depth information on non-white American’s journeys throughout the centuries. As a product of the criticism, people created…
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Busywork, an Unnecessary Burden
Frustrated student with her head in hands. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Piacquadio, pexels.com) There is nothing more frustrating than finishing an assignment and realizing how useless it really was, knowing I’ll never get those…
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The Best and Worst Books of High School English Classes
For a person in search of thought-provoking, multilayered reading material, the richest mining ground may be as inconspicuous as a high school English class. There, a bookworm can find a variety of texts to…
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How has COVID-19 changed Christianity?
As COVID-19 hit the United States, the way churches were able to gather shifted: How did that change the religion itself? Table of Contents: As the Schedule Changed… Attendance and Tithing Soapstone Church Young…
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That Vegan Teacher Exposed
@thatveganteacher makes videos to persuade others to follow the vegan lifestyle. These videos attract a lot of hate and controversy. (Photo courtesy of @thatveganteacher on TikTok) @thatveganteacher (Miss. Kadie) is a TikToker with…
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“Hubie Halloween” Review
The comedy horror Hubie Halloween is now available to watch on Netflix in honor of the upcoming spooky season. (Photo courtesy of Alexis Mast) Alexis Mast, engagement editor, 2022-23Hi! I’m Alexis Mast, but I…
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Claud’s New Single “Gold”
On October 13, indie artist Claud released their single “Gold” on Saddest Factory, the record label launched by Phoebe Bridgers in partnership with Dead Oceans earlier this month. Claud, or Claud Mintz, formally known…
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Trump and COVID-19: A Twisted Affair
U.S. President Donald J. Trump at his desk in the Oval Office signing papers on December 21, 2018. Donald Trump has been President since January 20, 2017. (Photo used by permission of the White…
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What is Among Us?
The game Among Us has recently reached its peak in popularity. With imposters, sabotages, and different tasks it is easy to see why people find it so entertaining. (Photo courtesy- Amelia Collado) People have…
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Vice Presidential Debate Highlights
In a contentious debate Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris squared off Wednesday night. The debate included topics ranging from the pandemic, to transparency, to court-packing. Coronavirus Kickoff …
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Chip Chrome & the Mono-Tones Review
The Neighbourhood is an alternative rock band that has been creating music since before their first EP release in 2012. They leave their identity behind to take the form of Chip Chrome & the…
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UNC Charlotte Virtual Tour
With in-person college tours suspended, colleges have had to adapt by creating virtual tours for students so they can get a feel for the campus. UNC Charlotte has created an amazing virtual tour that…
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mxmtoon’s new “dusk” EP
Bedroom pop artist mxmtoon, also known as Maia, released her EP dusk on October 1. Since starting her music career in 2018 with her self-released EP Plum Blossom, she’s amassed a sizeable following. She’s…
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Can Face Masks Be Functional and Fashionable?
From left to right, Alexis Mast, Ally Fuhrer, Lauren Rousos, Savannah Mudd, Olivia Heany, and Maren Jones, all wearing their mask. Some of their masks match their outfits, others are wearing them just for…
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What Do Teenagers Actually Do On Their Phones?
My screen time average per day. I spend most of my time on social media apps such as Tiktok and Instagram. (Photo courtesy of Isabel Weld) Many people, especially older adults, claim that teenagers…
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Which is Better: Dogs or Cats?
This dog and the cat are both part of the Weld family. They are both very special to the family and loved. (Photo Courtesy of Isabel Weld) Many people own pets; the most common…
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The Value of Real Reading
During this technological age there are many kids, youth, and adults that are forgetting the importance of reading tangible books. People can read everything on their electronic devices. From short news articles to whole…
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Fall TV Preview Sampling
The Child (dubbed Baby Yoda by fans) gazing into the distance. This is featured in the trailer for the Madalorien’s second season. (Photo Courtesy of Sydney Kaelin) A few months ago, Fall entertainment looked…
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Book Review – Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah is a compelling and well written autobiographical comedy book that gives the reader an insight on life during Apartheid South Africa. The rustic, detailed imagery and thrilling short…
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The Social Dilemma Review
In this day and age practically everyone lives on their phones. The Social Dilemma discusses how that is not entirely the consumer’s fault. (Photo used with permission of Jakob Owens) A lot of good…
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Why Betta Fish?
Caption: Cosmo, happy and healthy, swimming in his bowl. Betta Fish have smart and curious personalities, and love to interact with their owners. (Photo Courtesy of Viviana Straniero) During the COVID-19 lockdown, some students…
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Fall Feels in Music
The feeling of fall is specific to individuals, so other people may have a completely different opinion on these songs. This is my interpretation of autumn in music. Picture this- you’re driving to…
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What About the Teachers?
Leesville teachers are learning how to properly adjust to remote learning for the first nine weeks of the 2020-2021 school year. Staff are trying to plan their tests, quizzes, and assignments around the remote…
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Brye and Cavetown’s “LEMONS” Duet
On September 9, the teen indie-pop artist Brye released an evolved version of her song “LEMONS” in a collaboration with Cavetown, aka Robin Skinner, another popular indie artist. The original demo of “LEMONS” gained…
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The NC State Fair Drive-Thru
The inside of a fried oreo, one of the things sold at the Drive-Thru. (Photo used by permission of benzado) When I went to the NC State Fair Drive-Thru, I was excited and intrigued,…
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The Versatility of Virtual Learning
Caption: Viviana Straniero relaxing in the sun while virtually learning. Sitting steps away from the beach during math class is definitely one rad way to do school. (Photo Courtesy of Viviana Straniero) I recently…
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Live-Action Mulan Review
The live action Mulan premiered last week on Disney +. In the photo, Hua Mulan confronts her foes. (Photo courtesy of Sydney Kaelin) Twenty-two years after Disney released the animated musical Mulan, the fan-favorite…
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A Different Freshman Year
The freshmen at Leesville already have a tough time transitioning into high school. Now, they have to learn how to adjust to remote learning as well. Wake County Public Schools have been doing remote…
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“Candace Against the Universe” Review
Five years after the hit TV show “Phineas and Ferb” stopped airing on Disney Channel, creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh got to make a revival-type movie that premiered on Disney + on…
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Does the Pumpkin Spice Latte Deserve the Hype?
Caption: Starbucks unleashed its annual run of the Pumpkin Spice Latte on August 25th. Ever since it’s release in 2003, it has gained more popularity every year. (Photo courtesy of Viviana Straniero) As the…
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Students’ Opinions on Homework
High school students spend hours a week on homework and have a variety of opinions. “Homework affects me both positively and negatively,” said Jordann Smith-Burgess, junior, in a text. Students know that homework is…
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Review of Karate Kid Spinoff Show Cobra Kai
YouTube sold Cobra Kai after deciding to move away from scripted T.V. shows. KARATE KID AND COBRA KAI SPOILERS AHEAD The spinoff show became a Netflix original when the streaming service bought the rights…
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girl in red “Rue” Review
Last Wednesday, on August 26, girl in red, the popular Norwegian artist, premiered her new song “Rue,” along with a music video. This is the second song this year that Marie Ulven Ringheim, known…
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The Black Lives Matter movement
What it is and why it was started Many of you may have heard the saying, “Black lives matter” or “no justice no peace”, these chants are heard at nearly every BLM protest. Alicia …
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Legend of Korra Review
Although this summer was… a bit terrible, one upside was Netflix adding one of my childhood favorite shows, Avatar: The Last Airbender. In the midst of everything bad happening in the world, it’s…
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Lucifer– Season Five Review
On August 21, Netflix released the long awaited, originally final, season of Lucifer. After waiting for over a year for a new season, fans are ecstatic at the release of season five, and the…
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Regular classes vs. online classes.
It’s easy to see why online classes are different from regular classes. In online school, you are in a virtual meeting with a bunch of other students who want to participate, not show their…
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Make masks mandatory
The News and Observer wrote an article in mid April regarding people wearing protective masks in NC, and the truth is that we aren’t wearing any. Even now in May, if I walk into…
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Netflix’s Self Made review
Self Made, based on the true story of Madam C.J. Walker, aired on Netflix in 2020. This four-episode series covers her life from rags to riches. (Photo Courtesy of Ellie Thompson) Madam C.J. Walker:…
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Internet horror’s hold on social media
I know I’m not alone when I say cheesy ghost-hunting shows are my guilty pleasure. Ghost stories and horror movies were made to rile up the animalistic fight-or-flight instinct in every person. Clowns, spiders,…
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Quarantine brings new opportunities
Being in quarantine has put a stop to many things that we’ve taken for granted. We no longer go to school and meet up with friends. We no longer can go to the movie…
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Netflix Suggestions For Your Quarantine
Below are some binge worthy series that you can find on Netflix to pass some time: Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness: If you are into docuseries, Netflix recently dropped a new one that…
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dawn: mxmtoon’s elevating EP
mxmtoon — aka Maia — is a musician from California who took the internet by storm in 2017. Her self-produced EP plum blossom blew up in 2018, and her cult following grew exponentially. Her…
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Why Universal Health Care is Necessary
Photo from Bernie Sanders 2017 Ohio rally, Don’t Take Our Health Care at Live Express. (Photo in the public domain) Universal health care is a system that provides quality health care for all citizens…
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True Crime Documentaries
Documentaries are interesting especially ones focusing on true crime, it forces views to think while watching and keeps them intrigued. (Photo in public domain labeled for reuse by PeakPx) While in quarantine, I have…
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A twisted world: Ender’s Game book review
Ender’s Game, written in 1985 by Orson Card is a fascinating book that I have enjoyed reading in my recent free time. The novel focuses on young Andrew “Ender” Wiggen and his journey as…
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Coronavirus split: open up or stay shut?
When news first broke about the Coronavirus in December 2019, I personally wasn’t super worried. I think I speak for a lot of young people when I say I didn’t think 2020 would start…
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Why “quarantine” is beneficial for everyone
Most of us have been social distancing or in “quarantine” for a little over a month. The media has provided no comfort as to when we will be able to return to the normal…