The South Carolina International Auto Show, sponsored by Motortrend Auto Shows, LLC, is held at the TD Convention Center every year.  This incredibly popular show features new cars, exotic collectables, and old favorites.  Spectators are able to compare and contrast almost all vehicle makes and models in a non-obligatory atmosphere.

This year the auto show’s atmosphere was more geared towards the newer models. Four 2013 models were featured; specifically, the Chevy Malibu, as well as Ford’s Mustang, Taurus, and Escape.  Many 2012 models were also featured.  These cars were picked and chosen carefully.

“…the manufacturer decides… the different lines of vehicles [that] they want in [the show],” explains Scott Perkins, General Sales Manager at Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep, who prepares Big O for the show every year.  Big O was just one of the many dealerships that contributed to the show.  Toyotas, Chevys, Fords, Hondas, and many others were also featured next to each other.  Yet not only local dealerships contributed, but many collectors did, also.  I, along with many others, was able to ogle at six classic Ferraris, multiple models of Mustangs, and even a newer Maserati.  In turn, there were many unique vehicles, including the American Pride Camaro.

“…the American Pride Camaro… is a vehicle that’s been painted with a mural of all of the wars that the US has been in,” explains Sarah Thomas, Public Relations Coordinator with Motortrend Auto Shows.

The American Pride Camaro seemed to be one of the ‘prides’ of the show, as it was sectioned off and captured much attention.  The artwork on the car was beautiful and truly moving.

Though the auto show featured many different popular and attention-grabbing vehicles, the show was more focused on the consumer unlike much flashier productions such as the famous Detroit Auto Show.

“…our shows are more geared towards people looking… to buy a car,” says Thomas.

This characteristic of the show was very convenient – one could compare each and every vehicle to the other without the pushy dealership atmosphere.

“…there’s no pressure to buy…” says Thomas.

I myself was not in the market to buy a car, so my experience was akin to window-shopping. I personally enjoy looking at a vehicle’s design; its aerodynamics, its appeal, even its personality. Yet attendees could also sit in the vehicles; after all, sometimes the interior of a car can be a huge game-changer. For example, I really liked the look of Honda’s CRZ from the outside. But the car was just as gorgeous on the inside, as my favorite aspect was the clean, sleek look of the console and dash.

Another model whose look impressed me was the new Fiat 500. The Fiats seemed to impress a lot of people; these sporty little cars were constantly mobbed, and I had to wait just to sit in one! This European car looked like a cross between the Mini Cooper and the famous Smart Car. To me, it seemed like a more practical alternative to the Smart Car.  It’s small design would allow for good gas mileage and safer features. I mean, I’d rather not get hit while riding in a car as small as the Smart.  The interior of the Fiat 500 was nice, but the vehicle wasn’t as roomy as some would prefer.

As for preferences, my favorite cars were the Honda CRZ, the Fiat 500, and many of the exotic and collectors’ cars. After the show, I spoke with Brashier Sophomores Will Raley and Jacob Helvey, who also attended the show and gladly shared their favorites with me.

“I’m an avid Acura fanatic [so] my favorites were all of the Acuras,” says Raley, who attends the auto show annually.

“I liked all of the classic cars… I [also] liked the… Honda Civic VTec,” says Helvey.

Yet though the show featured many popular favorites, some makes and models were missing from the line-up. Volkswagen, Mazda, Audi, Hyundai, BMW, Nissan, and others were not featured. My dream car being a white 2011 or 2012 Nissan Maxima, I was mostly disappointed in Nissan’s not being at the show. I was also surprised by the fact that there were no BMW’s featured, as BMW has a huge presence locally.

“…BMW should have been there,” says Raley.

Thomas explained to me the reasons behind whether or not a company participates.

“…we invite all manufacturers to participate in the show, however, it is up to them to allocate their auto show resources,” explains Thomas.  “…many manufacturers like to concentrate their resources on bigger shows like Detroit.”

Though many companies did not participate in the South Carolina International Auto Show this year, the show floor was still filled with a variety of new vehicles as well as old favorites, and was worth attending.  All in all, the show was a great experience.  I highly recommend this show to anyone who is looking to buy a car or who just loves cars in general.  You might just fall back in love with an old favorite or even find a new obsession.

According to www.gametruckparty.com, Game Truck was originally founded in 2006 by Scott Novis. They are designed to bring the party to you. It is a truckload of entertainment that seats a maximum of 20 people at a time and is filled with games and consoles. There are 5 flat screen TV’s. It is the ultimate mobile arcade.

Lisa Hall is an associate at Game Truck in Greenville, SC, which has only been open for 5 months. She works for this new franchise.

“We are a mobile video game theatre. We do parties, we go to schools, and we cater,” says Hall.

According to www.gametruckparty.com, they offer multiple games from ratings of E to M, and use 3 main consoles: Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. This website also says that Game Truck is climate controlled and self-powered.

However, to manage any party or event, there comes a price. Parties on a smaller scale for 16-20 people cost $2.99 for 2 hours. For corporate parties, prices can go up to $200 for an hour.

Some months out of the year are busier than others. According to Hall, spring and fall are the busiest for the business, like October and November. However, summer and winter are usually slower for them.

But for a big event such as a truck with a lot of gaming equipment, there has to be some supervision.

Each truck has a game coach who sets up all the games and manages the time spent and keeps the kids constantly playing.

Sophomore Lydia Frady says, “College classes are definitely a challenge, and some take a lot more work than high school classes, but it’s definitely worth it. It helps prepare you for life after graduation.”

Back in 2001, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney came together to become the band known as The Black Keys. Since their humble beginnings doing covers of old blues songs, The Black Keys have made a name for themselves in the world of alternative music by producing an interesting sound, mixing the both the blues and that garage band sound and vibe. Imagine the late great Ray Charles doing a show with the band The Arctic Monkeys. It’s like that. The Black Keys have been able to most show this style in their newest album: El Camino.

I started listening to this album like any rational person: at the beginning. That first song gave me goose bumps. The first song on their new album is also their first single of their new album, “Lonely Boy.” The beginning of that song told me that they had knocked it out of the park. The next song to stand out was called “Little Black Submarines.” To be honest, the first half of the song left a lot to be desired. It was one of those old timey blues acoustic pieces that I’m usually not really a fan of. I was about to skip to the next song when I got the most pleasant surprise.  At around the half-way point, I almost jumped out of my chair. They did a pump fake with this one. It switches from acoustic to an amazing electric guitar piece! Other great songs include “Gold on the Ceiling” and “Hell of a Season.”

All in all, The Black Keys pulled it off again. They continue to bring to the table music that I not only enjoy, but that also gives me new experiences. While there are songs that are similar to their style, like Lonely Boy, also there are those precious gems that literally make you do a double take at your computer or iPod to make sure you’re still listening to the same song. All in all, I give this album an A-.

Sophomore Student Austin Walker said, “I’m sad Mrs. Stafford is leaving, but I don’t know if I’ll like the new teacher or not.”

Release Time is a Bible study class that takes place during school at Sandy Springs Baptist Church. Stafford will leave soon, and the new teacher will take her place for the rest of the school year. According to Walker, the new teacher has not been determined yet, but will be soon.

Release Time Teacher Megan Stafford said, “It’s bittersweet, I’m that I’m going to be a mother, but I love my students, and I’m sad to leave them.”

“The diversity week that we are in the process of developing is to spread awareness,” says Ambassador Leader David Kessinger.

There will be many different activities that show wide diversities of things during the diversity week. Student Ambassadors are planning a talent show, movie night, open mic, coffee house, and a diversity dance, which would be a  combination of charter high schools [Greenville Tech Charter high, Greer Middle College, and Brashier Middle College].

The Student Ambassadors have already started their work with the diversity of needs within the community by boxing food for Gods Pantry, boxing over 100 boxes and working in the soup kitchen. They have also kicked off a canned food drive at Brashier for God’s pantry. The Student Ambassadors are offering a free dress day to the grade level that brings in the most non-perishable foods.

“By bring differences together people will start to realize that there are needs to be met at all times,” says Student Ambassador Caity Tollman.

Students Ambassadors are still working on getting all of diversity week finalized, but will keep Brashier up to date on all of the upcoming events.

Yet, I’ve seen some interesting changes in the music industry lately. Adele seems to be competing with Lady Gaga for popularity. Artists such as Ellie Goulding and LIGHTS are steadily becoming more well-known. It’s common knowledge that bands with strong female vocalists such as Evanescence and Florence & The Machine are making huge comebacks. Could it be that talent now counts in the music industry?

My hopes for the music industry rose higher last fall when I was able to listen to Florence & The Machine’s new album, Ceremonials. I’d been a fan of the band for quite a while, but hadn’t really heard much more than their three biggest hits.

However, the new album still caught and held my attention. The first song, “Only If For A Night,” didn’t feel like a song that would start an album. But in this case, it worked. The song builds you up, captures your attention, and prepares you for the rest of the album. Its whimsical harmonies, trance-inducing beats, and dreamy vocals set the tone for the whole album.

Florence Welch’s powerhouse voice seems more natural throughout this album. While the band’s first album, Lungs, had more of an alternative rock edge to it, Ceremonials feels much more calm and laid-back. Instead of singing catchy little songs like “Kiss With A Fist” (I love that song, but come on, she’s done so much better), Welch belts out truly powerful songs such as “What The Water Gave Me” and “Heartlines” (two of my personal favorites). Songs such as these reminded me of “Cosmic Love”, one of my favorite songs from Florence & The Machine’s debut album.

Ceremonials has its fair share in both powerful ballads and slower, more laid-back melodies. However, three of the most powerful songs are at the beginning, which makes the rest of the album seem to drag. I’d recommend listening to this album on shuffle instead of listening to every single track in order. That way, you’ll more than likely get an even mix of songs.

All in all, Ceremonials is an excellent album; it’s truly a unique gem. Florence Welch’s raw talent shines brighter than ever. I predict even more success for this alternative rock goddess – but I also have a feeling that she’ll start a solo career eventually. With all of that talent, it would be more than easy for her to ditch her band in order to compete with artists such as Adele, Ellie Goulding, and the like. (But who says she should?)

Click here to check out Florence & The Machine’s website and their new album Ceremonials.

2011 has seen its ups and downs on many things, and movies has been one of them. Throughout the year there have been many great Block-Buster movies that have had fans returning to the theater several times over. However, there have also been movie disappointments.

For Junior Tim Wortman, one disappointment was a movie called The Tree of Life. The movie totaled $54,303,319. The movie is about 5 kids losing their innocence as they deal with certain situations. The movie stars  his favorite actor, Brad Pitt. “He was great, but the movie wasn’t,” said Wortman.

One thing Wortman didn’t like about the movie was that “there was too much symbolism. It made it confusing.”

Luckily, near the end of the year, the much anticipated Sherlock Holmes movie, which grossed 404,206,000, hit theaters and did not disappoint. This movie was a favorite of Junior Katie Tollman’s.

In this sequel, Sherlock Holmes and Watson are on a race against time to prevent Professor Moriarty from committing under the table dealings that may start a war between Germany and France.

“It was really well made. It was one of the better action movies, and it improved on the last one,” said Tollman.

Tollman stated that the plot line was a little hard to follow at times, but that it was still a great movie. “My favorite part was when he fake killed Watson’s dog. I recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries, action, or Sherlock Holmes.”

Junior Shannon Forehand says; “New Year’s is one of my favorite holidays, because of the new start everyone takes at once.”

 When people think of New Years the first thing that comes to their minds is the ball dropping, followed shortly after is the making of resolutions. Common resolutions include weight loss, debt management, recycling, quitting smoking, and many other smaller goals such as watching less television.

Making a resolution isn’t something to take lightly, it takes determination. Keeping a resolution of any sort involves hard work, a light spirit, and sometimes a personal trainer.

Senior Heath Duncan says, “Some of the past resolutions I’ve made have been: eating less chocolate, and gaining more muscle.”

Some people just like to have a resolution for the fun of it, and then it is soon forgotten after a couple weeks into the year. But others are serious about their resolution and see it as a goal they want to accomplish.

Senior Jonathan Cummings says; “I’ve made several resolutions throughout the years, and have managed to keep every single one of them.”

Different tips for keeping a resolution include: planning ahead, tracking your progress, talking about it with an accountability partner, and if you fall behind to not beat yourself up and just keep trying. Another useful tip is to be realistic when deciding on your resolution.

This is a holiday shared among friends and family. New Year’s is enthusiastically celebrated. Whether it’s a countdown, noisemakers, fireworks, or any other mean of celebration, everyone is excited to greet the New Year.