Tennis perfection
By Nikki Bonner, Reporter
Junior PJ Greenbaum has a very busy day. In addition to his difficult school classes, Greenbaum still takes the time to enjoy himself by playing tennis. He has been playing for about seven years now and stated, “I was lucky enough to discover the sport as a young child. Getting an early start in tennis is absolutely crucial.”
Boiling Springs does not currently have a high school tennis team so Greenbaum is forced to travel and play competitors from local high schools without being on a team himself. His goals include continuing his tennis career in college. “Ideally, I want to play Division I collegiate tennis and competing at a high level in college is a must.” To work toward his high goals, Greenbaum places tennis as a high priority and will devote anywhere from four to six hours of his day to practice. The time commitment can be difficult, however, due to homework which he manages to find time for late at night.
The junior said, “Tennis is like the unattainable pursuit of perfection. Every day you try to play as well as possible, but every day there is always something you can do better. There is never a day where you are playing 10/10, and there is never a day where you are playing 0/10.”
Greenbaum makes the time and commitment due to his love for the sport, he seems determined to do anything to further his tennis career. The junior even attempted to start a team at BSHS but was unable due to not enough people interested in joining. He said, “The best part of tennis is the thrill you get from hitting a perfect shot. Beating down on a bad opponent is pretty fun too.”
Junior PJ Greenbaum has a very busy day. In addition to his difficult school classes, Greenbaum still takes the time to enjoy himself by playing tennis. He has been playing for about seven years now and stated, “I was lucky enough to discover the sport as a young child. Getting an early start in tennis is absolutely crucial.”
Boiling Springs does not currently have a high school tennis team so Greenbaum is forced to travel and play competitors from local high schools without being on a team himself. His goals include continuing his tennis career in college. “Ideally, I want to play Division I collegiate tennis and competing at a high level in college is a must.” To work toward his high goals, Greenbaum places tennis as a high priority and will devote anywhere from four to six hours of his day to practice. The time commitment can be difficult, however, due to homework which he manages to find time for late at night.
The junior said, “Tennis is like the unattainable pursuit of perfection. Every day you try to play as well as possible, but every day there is always something you can do better. There is never a day where you are playing 10/10, and there is never a day where you are playing 0/10.”
Greenbaum makes the time and commitment due to his love for the sport, he seems determined to do anything to further his tennis career. The junior even attempted to start a team at BSHS but was unable due to not enough people interested in joining. He said, “The best part of tennis is the thrill you get from hitting a perfect shot. Beating down on a bad opponent is pretty fun too.”
Keep it local
By Elyse Brockman, Reporter
Next time there is a need for food or materials in the household try going to small businesses and supporting them instead of a large company. There is a lot that people do not realize about, like just giving a little bit of money to a locally-owned businesses returns money back to the community, franchise give very little back. Also, small businesses give the town personality which is special to the residents. There is a ton of advantages for supporting local stores that people do not realize.
People love when they know they can save. By going to local stores, most of the money goes to supporting the town, which means supporting your community’s social services, schools, public library and local non-profits. Locally-owned businesses return about 80% of each dollar to their community. Each dollar spent at a local business will return up to five times that amount within your community through city taxes, employees’ wages, and purchases of materials, supplies, and services at other independent businesses.
Chains and franchises contribute roughly 40%, and as little as 20% of sales back to your community. Many larger stores, such as Walmart or Home Depot, are given tax-incentives by local governments which cost more than the discounted price.
Compared to chain stores, locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community. Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally and provide better wages and benefits than some chains do as well. Local stores in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure and make more efficient use of public services relative to big box stores and strip shopping malls.
A bonus to having local stores help to sustain vibrant, compact, walkable town centers. Having this reduces automobile use and air and water pollution. It also adds character to the town, making it special to the residents. It might save time as well, going to closer locally owned stores rather than going to larger company stores.
So next time there is a need for food or materials in the household try going to a local town and supporting them because it just might make a bigger difference than people think.
Next time there is a need for food or materials in the household try going to small businesses and supporting them instead of a large company. There is a lot that people do not realize about, like just giving a little bit of money to a locally-owned businesses returns money back to the community, franchise give very little back. Also, small businesses give the town personality which is special to the residents. There is a ton of advantages for supporting local stores that people do not realize.
People love when they know they can save. By going to local stores, most of the money goes to supporting the town, which means supporting your community’s social services, schools, public library and local non-profits. Locally-owned businesses return about 80% of each dollar to their community. Each dollar spent at a local business will return up to five times that amount within your community through city taxes, employees’ wages, and purchases of materials, supplies, and services at other independent businesses.
Chains and franchises contribute roughly 40%, and as little as 20% of sales back to your community. Many larger stores, such as Walmart or Home Depot, are given tax-incentives by local governments which cost more than the discounted price.
Compared to chain stores, locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community. Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally and provide better wages and benefits than some chains do as well. Local stores in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure and make more efficient use of public services relative to big box stores and strip shopping malls.
A bonus to having local stores help to sustain vibrant, compact, walkable town centers. Having this reduces automobile use and air and water pollution. It also adds character to the town, making it special to the residents. It might save time as well, going to closer locally owned stores rather than going to larger company stores.
So next time there is a need for food or materials in the household try going to a local town and supporting them because it just might make a bigger difference than people think.
Freedom to create
By Caroline Farrell, Editor
Three-dimensional printing, 3D printing, is a technological advancement that is revolutionizing the way products are being manufactured. The 3D printer uses the additive process to create a solid three-dimensional object from a digital file.
The object is first designed with a Computer Aided Design (CAD) file. The CAD file is then put into a modeling program with slices the model into hundreds or thousands of horizontal layers. The file is then loaded into the 3D printer and the object is created layer by layer. The layers are so thin that they all blend together with no sign of layering visible.
A wide range of materials are able to be used to create various objects using 3D printing technology. The most popular of these materials is plastic. Some metals are used such as steel, stainless steel, titanium, gold, and silver. There are few limits on the types of materials that can be used. Chocolate, bone material, hot glue, sandstone, glass, and skin are some of the more obscure materials that have been used.
3D printing technology has been used for many different purposes. The manufacturing and health care fields are some of the largest uses for this new technology. 3D printed organs, car parts, aeronautics, guns, and prosthetics are some of the most innovative uses of the 3D printer.
This new technology has not been brought about without some controversy. The Liberator, a blueprint for the first 3D printer gun, was distributed on the internet for free. On May 5, 2013 after eight months of development the gun was able to fire its first bullet. These blueprints were able to be downloaded and accessed around the world, providing potential US enemies with a blueprint for a gun. Senator Charles Schumer called for a renewal of the Undetectable Firearms Act, which would specifically ban 3D printed firearms.
3D printing can revolutionize the way that objects are manufactured. 3D printers have a wide range of prices depending on the size of the objects that can be created, from $500 to over $5000. Advanced technology is causing the price of the printers to go down, allowing access to the everyday person. Only the imagination can limit what people can create using the innovative 3D technology.
Three-dimensional printing, 3D printing, is a technological advancement that is revolutionizing the way products are being manufactured. The 3D printer uses the additive process to create a solid three-dimensional object from a digital file.
The object is first designed with a Computer Aided Design (CAD) file. The CAD file is then put into a modeling program with slices the model into hundreds or thousands of horizontal layers. The file is then loaded into the 3D printer and the object is created layer by layer. The layers are so thin that they all blend together with no sign of layering visible.
A wide range of materials are able to be used to create various objects using 3D printing technology. The most popular of these materials is plastic. Some metals are used such as steel, stainless steel, titanium, gold, and silver. There are few limits on the types of materials that can be used. Chocolate, bone material, hot glue, sandstone, glass, and skin are some of the more obscure materials that have been used.
3D printing technology has been used for many different purposes. The manufacturing and health care fields are some of the largest uses for this new technology. 3D printed organs, car parts, aeronautics, guns, and prosthetics are some of the most innovative uses of the 3D printer.
This new technology has not been brought about without some controversy. The Liberator, a blueprint for the first 3D printer gun, was distributed on the internet for free. On May 5, 2013 after eight months of development the gun was able to fire its first bullet. These blueprints were able to be downloaded and accessed around the world, providing potential US enemies with a blueprint for a gun. Senator Charles Schumer called for a renewal of the Undetectable Firearms Act, which would specifically ban 3D printed firearms.
3D printing can revolutionize the way that objects are manufactured. 3D printers have a wide range of prices depending on the size of the objects that can be created, from $500 to over $5000. Advanced technology is causing the price of the printers to go down, allowing access to the everyday person. Only the imagination can limit what people can create using the innovative 3D technology.
Is prom too pricey?
By Olivia Baumgarten
Some may think prom is just one silly dance that is not very important. Some, however, disagree and may choose to spend over $1,000 on just that one night.
According to a 2013 survey by Visa, American families on average spend about $1,078 on prom. This includes the clothing, transportation, food, and tickets. The survey also found that parents cover a greater share of the price than the teens themselves. Parents on average pay up to 61% of the cost.
When it comes to girls, they tend to be slightly more spoiled. Many girls think of prom night as the next best thing to their wedding. They want to be pretty and pampered.
The cost of prom for girls consists of several different areas. There is, of course, the dress, alterations, the shoes, the accessories, beauty products, getting their hair done, getting their nails done, boutonniere for him, and maybe even tanning for the special occasion.
The cost for all things involved with the preparation for prom varies. Prom dresses can range from $100 to over $1,000. The alterations, if needed, can be from $20 to as much as the cost of the dress. The shoes, accessories, and beauty products vary depending on the style and brand or what type of products one buys. A hair appointment costs approximately $20-$60. Having one’s nails done costs between $20-$40, depending on what type of manicure and pedicure one chooses. The boutonniere, probably the cheapest item involved in the prep for prom, costs around $10.
Although all these expenses seem necessary for the perfect evening, there are definitely ways to save some cash and still look great. Instead of buying a brand new dress for hundreds of dollars, borrowing a dress from a friend is always an option. If getting your hair and nails done is out of budget, have a friend curl your hair and paint your nails. Cutting costs will not hinder your enjoyment of the evening.
Some may think they need to spend an exorbitant amount of money on all these amenities, but no matter how much you spend you will still have an unforgettable time with your friends.
Some may think prom is just one silly dance that is not very important. Some, however, disagree and may choose to spend over $1,000 on just that one night.
According to a 2013 survey by Visa, American families on average spend about $1,078 on prom. This includes the clothing, transportation, food, and tickets. The survey also found that parents cover a greater share of the price than the teens themselves. Parents on average pay up to 61% of the cost.
When it comes to girls, they tend to be slightly more spoiled. Many girls think of prom night as the next best thing to their wedding. They want to be pretty and pampered.
The cost of prom for girls consists of several different areas. There is, of course, the dress, alterations, the shoes, the accessories, beauty products, getting their hair done, getting their nails done, boutonniere for him, and maybe even tanning for the special occasion.
The cost for all things involved with the preparation for prom varies. Prom dresses can range from $100 to over $1,000. The alterations, if needed, can be from $20 to as much as the cost of the dress. The shoes, accessories, and beauty products vary depending on the style and brand or what type of products one buys. A hair appointment costs approximately $20-$60. Having one’s nails done costs between $20-$40, depending on what type of manicure and pedicure one chooses. The boutonniere, probably the cheapest item involved in the prep for prom, costs around $10.
Although all these expenses seem necessary for the perfect evening, there are definitely ways to save some cash and still look great. Instead of buying a brand new dress for hundreds of dollars, borrowing a dress from a friend is always an option. If getting your hair and nails done is out of budget, have a friend curl your hair and paint your nails. Cutting costs will not hinder your enjoyment of the evening.
Some may think they need to spend an exorbitant amount of money on all these amenities, but no matter how much you spend you will still have an unforgettable time with your friends.
The Science of the Cosmos
By Taren Swartz, Reporter
The zodiac is an ancient word derived from Greek meaning circle of animals. The zodiac is believed to have begun in Egypt when then the Babylonians adopted it into their culture. The zodiac is derived from the 12 lunar cycles or 12 months. They then identified the 12 constellations that were observed and linked to the season progression. Finally, they assigned them animals.
The zodiac signs are divided into four groups. There are fire signs, water signs, air signs, and earth signs. The fire signs consist of Aries, Sagittarius, and Leo. The water signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. The air signs are made up of Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini. The earth signs are Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo.
A horoscope is a map of the zodiac circle with Earth as the center. The top of the circle represents the sun at its highest point throughout the day. Left and right of the sun are the eastern and western horizons. A horoscope is based off of the relative positions of the sun, moon, planets and stars at a specific time and place which is most often your birth date. If the horoscope chart is properly done it can expose personality insights and current trends.
In modern day society, everywhere from newspapers to magazines have adopted the traditional idea of horoscopes brought about the ancients. Today, horoscopes are mainly used for the pleasure and entertainment of those who read them.
By Taren Swartz, Reporter
The zodiac is an ancient word derived from Greek meaning circle of animals. The zodiac is believed to have begun in Egypt when then the Babylonians adopted it into their culture. The zodiac is derived from the 12 lunar cycles or 12 months. They then identified the 12 constellations that were observed and linked to the season progression. Finally, they assigned them animals.
The zodiac signs are divided into four groups. There are fire signs, water signs, air signs, and earth signs. The fire signs consist of Aries, Sagittarius, and Leo. The water signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. The air signs are made up of Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini. The earth signs are Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo.
A horoscope is a map of the zodiac circle with Earth as the center. The top of the circle represents the sun at its highest point throughout the day. Left and right of the sun are the eastern and western horizons. A horoscope is based off of the relative positions of the sun, moon, planets and stars at a specific time and place which is most often your birth date. If the horoscope chart is properly done it can expose personality insights and current trends.
In modern day society, everywhere from newspapers to magazines have adopted the traditional idea of horoscopes brought about the ancients. Today, horoscopes are mainly used for the pleasure and entertainment of those who read them.