Category: reviews
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Reveiw: Leesville first semi-formal Homecoming dance
The 2025 Homecoming Dance was a huge success with about 500 tickets sold. The theme, Luau at Loonieville, allowed for tropical decor and a Hawaiian touch. In previous years, the Homecoming Dance was casual…
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A retrospective review of Riverdale
When Riverdale came out in 2017, it was the talk of all pop culture. The first season was widely considered a success—a mystery plot with twists, romance, and suspense. People like the idea of…
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Movie Review: The Long Walk
Pictured above, Stephen King, author of The Long Walk novel which was recently turned into a 2025 film. King is shown at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival which is held in Toronto, Canada.…
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Thunderbolts Movie Review & Analysis: Marvel’s Most Unlikely Team-Up
The latest addition to the Marvel Universe, Thunderbolts*, premiered on April 22, 2025, and fans are not disappointed. As a long-time Marvel fan, I didn’t know what to expect when I sat down in…
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Top Ten Horror Movies According to a Teenage Girl
Looking for something to watch that’ll spike your heart rate and is a favorite of one random teenage girl? Then look no further; this list has slashers, thrillers, and movies with the best final…
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The Angus Barn: an honest review of Raleigh’s “Favorite” Steakhouse
If you have lived in Raleigh for more than 20 minutes, someone has likely told you “you HAVE to eat at the Angus Barn.” Maybe it was your neighbor. Maybe it was your coworker…
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Mean Girls Lied to Me About Prom
Today’s prom feels more like a flashy photoshoot than a magical milestone. The more we try to make prom “perfect”, the less magical the night feels. (Photo courtesy of Kevin O’Brien)
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THE BEST Party games to fill the silence
When you and a group of friends finally get together it can be hard to figure out what you want to do to make the time pass. While party games have slowly died down…
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Reviewing self-titled Malcolm Todd’s album
About Malcolm Todd Malcolm Todd is a young and upcoming singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, California. He began self-releasing music in 2022, at the age of 18. In 2023, his music began going viral on…
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What is the best bathroom on campus?
Leesville’s bathroom issues first started in May of 2023, and two years later, they still haven’t been fixed. It all first started in the summer before the 2022-23 school year when the new fire…
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Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins: Book review
Sunrise on the Reaping is the much anticipated fifth installment of Suzanne Collins’s bestselling series The Hunger Games. The book follows Haymitch Abernathy, a side character from the original trilogy, as he attempts to…
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Should you take the SAT or the ACT?
Test scores have historically been an important part of college applications. Even though they were made optional during Covid-19 years, some colleges are making it mandatory again. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the…
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Best beverages to keep you cool in the summer
Frozen drinks are both delicious and refreshing. Follow along to discover the best ways to beat the summer heat. (Photo by Kaylee O’Brien)
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Solo Travel as a Teen: Is It Really Possible?
When I first decided to fly solo as a 14-year-old, from booking the flight to navigating the airport I never imagined how accessible and empowering solo travel could truly be. It wasn’t just about…
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Is The Body Keeps the Score a good book?
The front cover of The Body Keeps the Score, and is next to a flipped version of the cover. (Photo created by Abby Crawford)
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Binge-Worthy or Bust: What Students Are Watching Right Now!
For a long time now, television has been a main source of entertainment for the general population. With hundreds of shows released yearly, people have many choices of shows to indulge in. Teenagers in…
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Is Playboi Carti’s “Music” a masterpiece or business strategy?
On March 14, 2025, the rapper Playboi Carti released his third studio album, MUSIC, which his fans had anticipated for almost half a decade. Featuring 30 songs and appearances from other well-established artists like…
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How good is Hillsborough St tattoo and piercing shop?
Hillsborough St Tattoo and piercing shop logo, and as seen, established in 2014. (photo courtesy of Hillsborough St Tattoo website.)
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The love for Wordle
Every weekend, I know my morning will start the same way: my parents and I lounging on the couch and completing the NYT daily Wordle. We tease one another, providing clever clues and competing…
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Sabrina Carpenter’s “short n’ sweet” is Playful and Bold
Sabrina Carpenter From her debut in the public sector as a popular teenage actress in Girl Meets World, Sabrina Carpenter has always been a household name. Transitioning from her career as an actress to…
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Mastering AP Biology: Ultimate Class Review
AP Biology is one of the most unique classes offered at Leesville Road High School. The course is a yearlong commitment; only a single class is offered each semester, and it is exclusively taught…
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A review of the new Bad Cat Coffee Shop
Signs from the road, their loyalty punch card, and one of their coffees. (Photo courtesy of Abby Crawford.)
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Viewing Bojack Horseman through the eyes of The Great Gatsby
Just like every other high school junior, I had the opportunity to read The Great Gatsby in my English class. During this time, I happened to be watching the Netflix show Bojack Horseman. Processing…
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Hurry Up Tomorrow
The Weeknd just dropped his new album Hurry Up Tomorrow, and it already is making waves. This album is the final part to his trilogy following After Hours and Dawn FM — it marks…
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Roller Rabbit Pajamas: Are They Worth The Price?
Roller Rabbit pajamas are super cute and preppy, but they are expensive. Are these pajamas worth the price? (Photo Courtesy of rollerrabbitofficial’s Instagram)
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Christmas Songs that Take it to Far
Scan the Spotify codes to listen to “Dominick the Donkey (the Italian Christmas Donkey)”, “Grandpa’s Gonna Sue the Pants Off of Santa” and “You ain’t getting diddly squat” if you think it is worth…
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Are Sun Tan City’s Spray Tanning Booths better?
Spray tanning at Sun Tan City is the perfect way to achieve a bronzed glow for a special event or simply for a confidence boost. Whether you’re preparing for a big occasion or just…
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TrenLend provides Cost-Friendly Dress Rentals for Every Occasion
TrenLend is a local, trendy dress rental company. They believe everyone deserves access to a diverse wardrobe without the need to own it. (Photo courtesy of TrenLend’s Instagram)
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Are Gel-X nails becoming popular?
Acrylics and press-on nails aren’t the only options for extensions. Gel-X is a newer nail extension style that offers customers many benefits. (Photo Courtesy of Kaylee O’Brien)
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How good is the 50th season of SNL?
Saturday Night Live’s views over the past few seasons have been down majorly. Is the newest season of the show on the rise again? (Photo courtesy of Creative Commons)
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Raleigh’s unique holiday musical comedy: A Christmas Carol review
Fifty-one years ago, Ira David Wood III debuted his musical, A Christmas Carol. His comedic imitation of the Charles Dickens classic fosters Christmas spirit in Raleigh and Durham every holiday season. The novel, A…
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SHAWN, Shawn Mendez’s new album
Shawn Mendez is pictured in his concert film: SHAWN. That aired in theaters for one night only on Thursday, November 14, 2024 (Photo Courtesy of Daniela Plata)
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Crush, Leesvilles 2024 Fall Play
Crush, a comedy-drama, was a more obscure decision for Leesville as their fall 2024 play, only four high schools, including Leesville, ever performed Crush. Written by Stephen Gregg, Crush showcases a play with love,…
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Beow’s Books and Brews in Raleigh Review
Taken outside in the front of Beow’s in the parking lot. Beow’s title has a medieval font with a sword striking through. (Photo courtesy of Abigail Crawford)
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“homebody” by Rupi Kaur : Book column review
The cover of the book with natural colors reminiscent of nature. The title reading with no capitals, “homebody” by Rupi Kaur. (Photo courtesy of Abigail Crawford)
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The Good and Bad of Getting a Conch Piercing
In the left ear a healed conch piercing. Fit with a triangle stud and a matching circle stud for the third lobe piercings. (Photo courtesy of Abigail Crawford)
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The interesting past of the NC State Fair
The NC State Fair is an annual event that North Carolina residents look forward to. Each year food vendors, farmers and entertainers come together to put on an iconic event. The Fair will run…
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Art Service Club first interest meeting
On Thursday, Sep 26, 2024 the new Art Service Club officers held the club interest meeting in Room 1204. During the meeting, the officers presented a short slide show explaining the club’s mission, activities,…
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The Only One Left by Riley Sager: A Book Column
A collage of The Only One Left with the red cover and a mansion on top of the cliff with a steep drop. Meant to depict Hope’s End and the drop that several characters…
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Why is dress-to-impress so popular?
A look at what users see when they Play Dress to Impress. Winners are recognized on a podium at the end of every round. (Photo by permission of Sophie Key)
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Is astrology accurate
When brought up in conversation, media, or literature, astrology has always been a controversial topic. Astrology is “the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on…
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Highschoolers on new Starbucks Fall drinks
On August 22, Starbucks’ fall menu made a return to all stores around the United States. This seasonal menu features ten drinks along with a variety of food items. Customers can get a…
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Should I go to the Vintage bazaar?
Two thrifters browsing one of the racks from a booth that sold mainly vintage t-shirts. The booth pictured is Pallbearer Vintage and found on Instagram as @pallbearer_vintage, with a new flagship store located at…
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Why you should watch Love Island
Love Island is a reality TV show that involves a group of attractive singles who move into a luxury villa in hopes of finding love. The contestants on the show are named Islanders. Throughout…
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Sakamoto Days Anime
A promotional image for the “Sakamoto Days” manga. The protagonist Taro Sakamoto (second from left) fights powerful assassins from his previous life to protect his family. (Photo courtesy of Shueisha)
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What is One D&D?
“D&D” players are excited for the upcoming edition “One D&D.” Wizards of the Coast has been very public with the development of the new release and has even allowed fans to playtest it. (Photo…
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Billie Eilish Album Review
The official album cover shows Eilish plunging into deep blue water. There seems to be an open horizontal door that Eilish has been flung out of and into the water. (Photo Courtesy of Spotify)
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Review of Take a Bite Song by Beabadoobea
The official song cover with a blue background that makes Bea’s dark hair and complexion stand out. She seems to be singing part of her song. (Photo Courtesy of Spotify)
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Mary and George: a review
Mary & George, a new British period miniseries that has just been released on Starz and Sky Atlantic for American audiences starring Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine as the main protagonists. Based on the…
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Mrs. Batten’s social studies movies
Mrs. Batten, a social studies teacher here at Leesville, has movies she plays for all of her classes to enhance the learning experience. Batten teaches AP US Government and Politics, AP Psychology, and Economics…