Author Archives: Shelby Johnson

A Virtual Island Getaway

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Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an island-themed adventure filled with cute villager friends and fun holiday events. This wholesome Nintendo Switch game is an exciting game for all ages. Not only are there lots of things to do in the game, every few months Nintendo releases new updates for the game and they’re free! 

The past few updates have been very fun. With the Fall update, players received a handful of new items as well as getting to meet with Jack, the Czar of Halloween, on Halloween night to exchange tricks and treats. The recent update which was made available on November 18, also came with lots of exciting additions to the game. This winter update included the exciting addition of several Thanksgiving and Christmas themed items as well as the NPCs such as, Franklin, who leads the Thanksgiving day event, and Jingle, the reindeer that leads the Christmas event. 

Additionally, after the game came out on March, 20th of this year, it has become one of the top games released this year and garnered record sales for Nintendo. I believe that the pandemic had an influence on this. The island simulation really keeps the player busy with crafting tools, catching all kinds of fish and insects, and creating the perfect little island. Not to mention finding the right villagers to invite to the island of course. It has certainly helped keep me distracted. Not to mention the game has also been nominated for game of the year for the Game Awards. 

New Horizons is running up against Doom Eternal, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Ghost of Tsushima, the indie hit Hades and The Last of Us Part II. According to Liam Doolan at NintendoLife.com. Additionally, it is a running nominee for the best family game, as well as for the best multiplayer game. The award show will air live on December 10, at 6 pm, and is free to watch on all major streaming services. 

All in all, this game is excellent for those that are looking for a game that is fun, adventurous, and creative. It can be played with friends as well through Nintendo Online or by playing co-op on the same Nintendo Switch system. I have certainly had a great time with this game playing solo, and with friends. Overall, it’s a great game to try out. 

To find out more about Animal Crossing: New Horizons check out the links below.

https://www.animal-crossing.com/new-horizons/
https://www.nintendo.com/
https://thegameawards.com/
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/11/animal_crossing_new_horizons_nominated_for_game_awards_2020_goty

A Month Dedicated to Writing

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Around 500,000 people are beginning writing projects this November as part of National Novel Writing Month. So far, participants are two weeks into Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month) and about 20,000+ words deep into a messy manuscript or other writing projects. So far, the nonprofit organization has raised $1,065,768 from over 16,965 donors. These donations help to fund the organization and contribute to the wonderful writing community that Nanowrimo has helped to establish. 

The famous challenge during Nanowrimo is to write 50,000 words in 30 days. With the full support and encouragement from other determined writers around the world. 

Since 1999, Nanowrimo has served as a platform for writers of all ages to come together to write and create. You may be wondering why 50k? Well, according to the organization, “We’ve found that 50,000 words is a challenging but achievable goal for many people, even folks with full-time jobs and children. And, though on the shorter side, it’s definitely long enough to be considered a novel: 50,000 words is about the length of The Great Gatsby.”

Not to mention, the list goes on for writing projects that can be started during Nanowrimo. Like a film script, graphic novel, essays, etc. will do for Nanowrimo. The word count goal doesn’t necessarily have to be the intimidating 50k either. Basically, writers set their own goals and Nanowrimo helps to keep them on track with that goal with the help of around 900 volunteers to help aspiring writers.

According to their website, “NaNoWriMo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides tools, structure, community, and encouragement to help people find their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds — on and off the page.” Additionally, since 2006 “NaNoWriMo is a nonprofit organization that supports writing fluency and education. But it’s also a social network for writers…” It is this social networking and writing community that really makes Nanowrimo what it is. The organization also aims at “… creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community of writers.”

This makes Nanowrimo an excellent experience for young writers as well. “Each year, over 100,000 young writers under 18 enjoy our youth-friendly writing space, progress tracking tools, and Young Novelist Workbooks.” Around 80,000 of those being students and educators who share their stories in the classroom through the Young Writers Program.

It is important to mention that Nanowrimo isn’t limited to the month of November. The nonprofit organization also holds a similar event called, Camp Nanowrimo every April and July for all ages. 

Additionally, Nanowrimo might have also served as the foreground for one of your favorite novels. According to Jill Grunenwald of OverDrive.com, Erin Morgenstern’s, The Night Circus and Marissa Meyer’s, three novels Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress all began as Nanowrimo drafts to name a few. Just think, you could be the next bestseller!

For more on Nanowrimo check out these links: 

https://twitter.com/NaNoWriMo?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
https://nanowrimo.org/
https://nanowrimo.org/what-is-camp-nanowrimo
https://ywp.nanowrimo.org/
https://nanowrimo.org/about-nano#contact
8 bestselling books written during NaNoWriMo

Meet A&M Student, Tommie Ringo

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 Tommie Ringo, a junior here at Texas A&M University – Texarkana, is a Psychology major with a minor in Sociology. Originally from the small town of Pineland, Texas, he was encouraged by a friend who was looking into coming to A&M. Ringo was initially undecided on where to go to college, but his friend and the A&M campus life made it an easy pick. He mentioned in an interview that he admires our campus and appreciates how clean and well kept the buildings and the grounds are. Ringo has had a wonderful time since starting college at A&M. However, this semester has been particularly challenging for Ringo.

   Ringo looked forward to returning to campus for the Fall semester after working hard all summer. He anticipated getting back into the rhythm of day-to-day life before the COVID-19 outbreak, however, he is yet to see that happen. Due to Coronavirus, he says that the atmosphere is “A bit different than usual. A lot has changed in the UC.” The university looks vastly different without its many students heading to and from their classes. Like Ringo, most students are now taking online or hybrid classes this semester.

     For Ringo, he mentioned that online classes can be a bit difficult for him. He would rather have all face-to-face classes, but says, “I understand the necessity for it…” With Ringo not being much of a fan of online classes, he has had to accept the impact COVID has made on the university concerning how classes are being held this semester. He is currently taking four classes, three of those being online and one face-to-face. It is the one face-to-face class with Dr. Murray that has made all the difference for Ringo.

      Ringo is taking Intro to Sociology with Assistant Professor of Sociology, Dr. Murray. Ringo is enjoying the class very much. He mentioned that Dr. Murray has done a great job of handling the class amongst the challenges that the pandemic presents. He also says that she has helped to create “a sense of normalcy in the classroom” which he appreciates. He says that the interactions with his peers and the hands-on learning in the classroom are the highlights of going to class. Currently, Ringo is taking each day as it comes, which is probably the best way to handle a time such as this. Once classes return to normal he plans to get back to campus and enjoy being around other like-minded students.

City Councilmember of Ward 3, Betty Williams

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A member of the local City Council, Mrs. Betty Williams of Ward 3, has been determined elected for another term. Williams was unopposed for her seat on the council for the November 2020 election. She will be serving another three-year term on the council.

     Williams, a retired public school teacher, was selected by a previous council member to join Texarkana’s City Council. She has held the position since January of 2017. This is when the City Council term-limits were changed from two years to three. She says her time on the council has been, “a learning process. I’ve never done anything like this before.” Although her educational background has helped with her current position. She says, “Being a former educator has helped me to be a good listener to understand the needs of others.”

        In the interview, she emphasized what a pleasure it is to be a part of the City Council. She says,” I will say that I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. I’ve only missed one meeting in four years and that just shows you that I care about this position and it is a pleasure to serve my community.” She is excited to be serving another three years on the City Council. She especially emphasized how excited she is to be able to do more for her ward. 

     Williams works hard on the council taking calls from her constituents and determining anything regarding her ward and anything that is brought forth to the council. The City Council determines policies, plans, enacting local legislation, and the city’s budget. These topics are discussed at the local city council meetings. 

     According to The City of Texarkana’s website, “City council meetings are normally held the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of Texarkana, Texas City Hall, 220 Texas Boulevard, Texarkana, Texas.” 

     These meetings are open to the public so anyone is free to attend. Williams encourages citizens to get involved in the community in any way they can. She says, “It’s the only way to bring about change.” Anyone can get in contact with the local councilmembers. The contact information is available on the city’s website.   

     Williams is currently spearheading the removal of substandard housing in Ward 3. She mentioned, “This will encourage new development, help our tax base to grow, and help maintain property values.” Williams also mentioned what she would like to see for the city of Texarkana by saying, “My wish for our city is that everyone would take pride in their property by removing litter from their curbs and alleys.  We also need to have a push to discourage littering. Our schools and community organizations could certainly help raise awareness and educate people to be more environmentally responsible.”

     Soon the city council will begin discussing the budget for the next fiscal year. Williams mentioned, “It will soon be time to start the budgeting process for the next fiscal year. Every city has an unlimited number of needs and a limited amount of resources to meet those needs. Developing a budget is a process of ascertaining your needs, prioritizing your needs, and reaching a reasonable compromise with the resources available. Because of the impact the Coronavirus has on the local economy, it’s made it more challenging to project revenue from sales tax and etc. Every aspect of the budgeting process will be more challenging for the coming year. It should be noted that we also solicit the help of leading business people, in our community, with the budgeting process.”

   Additionally, Williams has dedicated much of her time to the community after her family relocated in 1980. Coming from a family of teachers, she has an impressive 34 years of experience working in the public education system as a teacher herself. Williams has spent 20 years working at Highland Park School. She soon began volunteering at Highland Park right after her retirement in 2000 and has continued to do so until this year due to COVID. She mentioned how the school feels like home to her. Adding, “I just love going to that school.” Additionally, she is a member of the Literacy Council. She says, “I’ve been involved with the literacy council for 20-25 years. I still have a student I read with every weekend.” 

Find out more about Mrs. Betty Williams here.

Learn more about the Literacy Council here.

Find out more about The Texarkana City Council here.

Get in contact with a Local Councilmember here.

See what’s going on in Texarkana here.

Before Buying Your First Guitar

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Finding the right guitar can be a fun and exciting experience. However, there is so much to consider before you purchase your first guitar. Whether you want an electric guitar or an acoustic, it is important to know what sound you want to achieve. Acoustic guitars are soft and mellow in sound. It is the type of guitar you play around a camp fire, for example. Electric guitars are raw and more vibrant in sound. If you want to shred some riffs and rock, an electric is the guitar for you.

In addition to knowing what sound you want to achieve, you will have to consider purchasing oil for the neck of the guitar, picks, extra strings, pedals, and amps, all the things you will need for guitar maintenance to make your guitar last longer. These vary depending on the type of guitar that you purchase, but know that you will be spending quite a bit when you get started.

Something to consider is the cost of the guitar and additional gear that you will need for maintenance. The typical guitar costs as low as $300 and as high as $3000. Something to remember here is the quality of the guitar. You will typically see quality reflected in the price of the guitar. The best thing to do is shop around because you might find a great guitar in a pawn shop or you can find a reasonably priced guitar at a local music store. Definitely don’t be afraid to check out the higher-end guitar sellers, such as Fender and Gibson because they might be able to give you a better idea of what you are looking for. A cool place to check out, especially if you are ever in Chicago, Chicago Music Exchange. They have a great selection of guitars to choose from, in addition to other musical instruments.

If you want an electric guitar, keep in mind that you will be spending more on additional items for your guitar. Electric guitars rely on amps to amplify their sound. You can also change the sounds of your electric by hooking up pedals to your amp, such as the wah-wah pedal or an overdrive pedal. That being said, the acoustic is a great first guitar because it tends to be a little less costly than an electric, nor does it require as many accessories.

Something to also consider in the process of purchasing your guitar is the playability of the guitar. Definitely go for a thin-necked guitar with good flexible strings so that you will have a more comfortable time playing. Go and play around with the different guitars in person to find what feels right to you. Something to consider as well regarding playability is whether you are left-handed or right-handed, but no worries! They make guitars for both lefties and righties.

After you purchase your first guitar, whether acoustic or electric, remember that practice makes perfect. You might not sound like Van Halen or Slash from Guns N Roses right away, but with time you can achieve that level of play. Ultimately, guitar is one of the coolest instruments to learn to play, and is one of the most popular instruments on the market today.

Is Technology Becoming a Threat?

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The potential for technology has dramatically improved in recent years. We now have Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. Video games are becoming more realistic. Robots are becoming more human-like. Driverless or self-driving cars are being tested. The possibilities are endless in the age of technology. However, these new developments make some question whether the benefits truly outweigh the potential for these advances to be used for something more sinister. Peyton Gregory, a mother-to-be, said, “These dangerous aspects of technology are really terrifying for parents when considering the safety of their children.” Lauren Johnson, a local high school student, said that such technologies really freak her out and she would never want to use such technology if it were offered to her.

In recent months we have been introduced to deepfakes, and voice cloning technology. Deepfake technology is used to create fake videos by taking images of a person’s face to create a moving image. Initially it was designed for film production in Hollywood. Although revolutionary, deepfakes are being used to create revenge porn, which started to surface on Reddit in 2017. Many young female actresses such as Selena Gomez, Emma Watson, and Scarlett Johannson have fallen victim to having their faces placed into these inappropriate videos. This form of technology has also plagued the lives of everyday women. Not only does it lead to fake porn and silly memes, but the creation of fake news reports and government videos. This is very dangerous to the safety of the nation, taking into consideration military and governmental use of such technologies. It could become very dangerous and even disastrous. It has the potential to lead the way to another World War if it were used strategically.

Voice cloning technology can use one’s voice to create a computerized voice avatar that is supposed to sound just like their very own and can be used to say anything that is typed into the computer. A program designed by Adobe Voco has this same concept, which was never released to the public because of these scary scenarios. However, an app available to the general public called Lyrebird can be used for those willing to share their voice. Regardless of the revolutionary aspect of these new developments, the potential for them to be used in a negative way still stands a risk if it were to land in the wrong hands.

T-Town’s Unsolved Murders

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Horror films are great, but it’s never fun to find out the film is based on a true story. The people of Texarkana might be interested in learning about a horror film based on an event that took place in their very own hometown. The film, The Town That Dreaded Sundown, premiered in 1976, followed by a sequel. The world premiere was held in Texarkana on Dec. 17, 1976, before it was released in theaters on Dec. 24. These films are loosely based on the horrific moonlight murders of the Phantom Killer.

The attacks occurred in the spring of 1946, from late February to early May. The murderer attacked young and middle-aged couples. The first two victims, Jimmy Hollis and Mary Larey, survived an attack that occurred on February 22, 1946. The second attack occurred four weeks later, ending the lives of Richard Griffin and Polly Ann Moore. Three weeks after that, the Phantom Killer struck again, this time taking the lives of Paul Martin and Betty Jo Booker. Three weeks later, on May 3, 1946, Virgil Starks was shot and killed in his home by the Phantom Killer, and Straks’ wife Katie was left severely wounded.

As in the films, the real Phantom Killer was never identified. However, the prime suspect in the case was Youell Swinney, who was never convicted of the murders. The case remains unsolved, which has left the town of Texarkana in suspense.

For more information on the murders click here or here.