Category Archives: Columns
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft
By Rachael M. Shugars, Entertainment Columnist
Hearthstone is a game developed by Blizzard Entertainment that has climbed its way to popularity since its release in 2014. Similar to something like the card game, Magic the Gathering, Hearthstone is a free-to-play online card game that allows players to build their decks and battle both computer-generated opponents and other players from around the world. Hearthstone is an offshoot of the wildly popular PC game, Warcraft. The characters you get on each card or the feats you draw all come from gameplay for the Warcraft world.
FORTNITE To Save The World
By Rachael M. Shugars, Food and Entertainment Columnist
If you looked up the definition of the word fortnight, you would find something referencing the time within a 14-day period. Then you might think to yourself, “What the heck does a fortnight have to do with the game Fortnite?” I’m here to answer that question for you the best that I can.
The Great Chicken Battle: A Look At Fast Food Sandwiches
By Rachael Shugars, AAP Columnist
The chicken wars have been waging for months. People have been debating since Popeyes released its chicken sandwich just which sandwich deserves the title of the greatest. I decided to investigate this battle a bit further. I’ve tried Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, and Burger King. I’ve taken my own opinion, along with the feedback of people that I pulled in to be taste testers, into account for this trial and rated the sandwiches on freshness, crispiness, bun quality, and overall appeal. The following are the results.
To, what I’m sure will be, the disappointment and shock of many, the Popeyes chicken sandwich came in last. All across the board, it fell short of what I expected. The same proved true for the other people I had try it.
Coming in fourth was McDonald’s. The bun looked good but wasn’t fluffy and soft with some sturdiness to it like I’d hoped. The chicken was fairly crispy and had a decent flavor, but for the price I paid, it wasn’t a deal.
In third place was Burger King, mostly because the sandwich alone is almost $7. It was fresh, crispy, the taste was great, and the bun was pretty much perfect; but the price point had me scratching my head.
Second place goes to Wendy’s. A basic crispy chicken sandwich can be as low as .99 cents. This is a stellar price for your standard chicken sandwich. The flavor is really good as well. You can amplify your order with a spicy version of the sandwich, along with added veggies, which will, of course, raise the price above a buck.
First place goes to Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A chicken tastes amazing and the fries aren’t terrible either. Service is spectacular and everything down to the bun is great. The plain crispy chicken sandwich with nothing but pickles and mayo goes for about $3.75; but the quality of the item makes it well worth that price to me. If you add anything extra, the price goes up.
I’m not a huge fast food person, so this trial was performed over a few months. I do not recommend anyone go out and eat five fast food chicken sandwiches all at once. What I DO suggest is that you give some of these a try over time and let me know which one is your favorite. As always, stay safe, wear a mask, and enjoy your Food Adventures.
Spotted Lanternflies And Damage Caused By Non Native Invasives
By Kathleen Harvey, AAP Columnist
Over the last few decades, our world has become more interconnected. People, food, and plants travel around the globe on a daily basis. Despite customs agents inspecting cargo, non native plants and insects hitchhike on shipments, landing on foreign shores to wreak havoc. The latest of these is the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive plant hopper native to China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. This year, the Spotted Lanternfly has fully established itself in densely populated South Jersey counties like Camden, Gloucester and Burlington.
Taking A Freedom Ride On The Fourth Of July
By Bob Wagner, AAP Columnist
I’ve been locked up long enough! My cars have been spiffed up during the down time, and yearn to show off. Since you all can’t come to me, and all my car nut friends, I’ve developed a plan! On the Fourth of July, around mid morning, I’m taking to the streets. A few like minded (or whatever passes for a mind, with car nuts) aficionados will be driving through town in our cars and trucks, beeping horns and showing off.
Cherishing A Very Special Phone Call
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
It was early December of last year. I was getting into my car, rushing to my next appointment, when I noticed I had a voicemail. It was from Rick Taylor. He’d occasionally give me a call to let me know that he just finished reading the newest issue of All Around Pennsauken and shared with me how much he enjoyed it. Seeing I just missed it, I gave him a quick call back. It was a brief call, but it was very good to hear his voice. He reiterated his message. I thanked him for his kind words and let him know that coming from him, it was high praise. I told him that his thoughtfulness meant a lot to me.
It would be the last time we talked before his passing.
Cleaning Up For The New Year Using Hydrogen Peroxide
By Kathleen Harvey, AAP Columnist
Another year has come and gone, and it’s time to clean up from the holiday parties and begin anew. But how to begin? One of the most versatile items in your medicine cabinet is hydrogen peroxide. A combination of hydrogen and water, it comes in a variety of concentrations. Hydrogen peroxide at three percent is designed for household use. For the purpose of this article, this is the type of hydrogen peroxide referenced.
The Twelve Days Of Christmas Plants
By Kathleen Harvey, AAP Columnist
Christmas trees, evergreen boughs, poinsettias, and Christmas cactus are the plants of the season, livening our homes with wonderful fragrance and pops of color. Of these, the Christmas cactus can be the longest-lived, providing a greater bounty of flowers with each successive year. Some people have a green thumb getting these cacti to grow and thrive, but all too many of these plants that are either received as gifts or purchased for their cheerful seasonal color, languish and eventually die.
Swapping LEDs For Luminaries: A Historic Take On The Holidays In Pennsauken
On Friday, Dec. 6, starting at 6:00 p.m. in the evening, a holiday tradition returns to historic Burrough-Dover House off Haddonfield Rd. in Pennsauken, when St. Nick himself visits the old house which will be all decked out in holiday finery!
