Letter from the Editor
Dear Patriots,
I am extremely happy to say that the first bi-term is officially over. I hope you all did so well on your finals or midterms. Iām sure you all worked very hard to get all your final assignments in. For me, having some of the last four classes for my major in eight weeks while starting a second job hasnāt been easy. I am so grateful for the friends and professors around me that have helped me get through these extremely trying eight weeks, especially my friend and roommate Abigail who has to hear me cry every night. Sorry, Abigail. Fall is officially here and is slowly creeping up on UCās campus. However, the weather canāt decide on if it wants to stay cold or not. We are officially at the weather where you leave your dorm with a sweater or a longsleeve shirt on and you regret it by about 1 p.m. when the 80-degree weather comes back. Fall will come to us in all its spookiness eventually, it just might take a while thanks to Kentucky weather.
I know you all will nail this next bi-term even more than you all succeeded with this one. This fast-paced schedule hasnāt been one thatās been easy to handle and adjust to, but I feel like we do pretty alright with what weāve been given. I long for the day that UC will go back to the 16-week format, even if itās after I graduate. UC seniors are the only people on campus who have been able to experience what a ārealā college experience is, even if it was only for one whole year. I know things arenāt ideal, but maybe someday they will be better. Enjoy the fall while it lasts, Patriots. All too soon we go from blistering heat to the bitter cold. We donāt get much of a fall season around here. Crunch those leaves, bust out your flannels, buy your Halloween costume, and drink that pumpkin spice latte. Enjoy each season as it comes and goes. This may be your last fall at Cumberlands, do something to make it count, and while youāre at itā¦
Do the good things,
Haley Bullock
Haley Bullock, Editor-in-Chief
Editor-In-Chief
Haley Bullock
Managing Editor
Abigail Fletcher
Faculty Adviser
Jeremiah Massengale
Staff
Nathan Evans
Cassidy Howard
Alyssa Morningstar
Elizabeth Spires
Maranda Young
Front cover by Archery Media
Back cover by Archery Media
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Pathfinding: Where to Now?
The importance of trusting Godās direction
BY CASSIDY HOWARD Staff Writer
On Earth, our physical direction is certain: North is, and will always be, north. Even though the routes we take are relative to the obstacles of our surroundings, we are able to navigate with the help of such directional constants. But what happens when we canāt see our compass? Or the map is upside down? Does our distorted perception change the reality of the truth? Simply, no. Until the day when a cataclysmic event leads to a shift in the Earthās poles, we can trust north, south, east and west to remain consistent in their respective positions.
The same applies to life beyond the physical. When we allow circumstances to skew our view of God and His plans for us, things get hot, sticky and not-so-sweet (unlike the subject of a Def Leppard song). The only predictable characteristic of life is its unpredictability; so, what hope do we have to remain afloat?
āJesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.ā - Hebrews 13:8 (NLT).
This is our unwavering assurance. We can rest in the confidence that God and His word will never change. Knowing this, we have the ability to decide how we handle even the least predictable situations life throws at us. As long as we are working toward the ultimate goal of oneness with Christ, we have a reason to keep on. Taking our eyes off this glorious and everapproaching horizon leads us down paths of turmoil, pain and confusion since we are not in any way self-sufficient.
Imperfection is the cornerstone of humanity; the introduction of sinful nature fully inhibited us from ever achieving uprightness and reliability. This is where the gift of life in Christ is found. When we accept salvation through Jesus, the Holy Spirit radically transforms us from the inside out. With Jesusā righteousness then woven into the fabric of our being, we are held up by the faithful power of God to accomplish everything beautiful thing that He has planned for us.
āFor we are Godās handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.ā - Ephesians 2:10 (NIV).
When we focus on the parts of life that are and will always be changing, we are sure to be overwhelmed. This is why itās crucial to fasten ourselves to the steadfast heart of God, who will remain even when everything else has passed away. He goes before us, preparing our steps, leading us into prosperity and protecting us from harm. So, when things seem out of control and you canāt make sense of where you are, look to Him, our eternal north star and you will find your way back.
āThe grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.ā - Isaiah 40:8 (NLT).
Photo by Cassidy Howard
Shooting for Nationals
UC archers reflect on regional shoot
BY HALEY BULLOCK Editor-in-Chief
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY ABIGAIL FLETCHER Managing Editor
UCās coed archery team of 53 participated in a regional shoot at Union College and hosted a conference shoot at UC on Oct. 1 and 2. Since the archery team is currently in 3-D season, which means that the archers shoot lifelike foam targets from a considerable distance rather than the traditional circle targets. Archers can earn a range of 14, 12, 10, 8, 5 or 0 points depending on which part of the target that is hit. The archery team was led to union by coach Kris Strebeck and assistant coach Caleb Kirby.
Brookelyn Miller, a UC senior and compound shooter on the team, is heading on to nationals in Foley, Alabama after placing third place at the conference and fourth place at the regional shoot. In terms of what this competition meant to her, Miller says, āAs a member of the UC Archery Team, competition means a lot. I really want my whole team to do great. It is a lot of fun to see everyone compete, especially when it comes to team rounds.ā
As a senior, Miller has had plenty of experience when it comes to archery competitions. Not only does she hope that she performs well in the competitions, but she is also cheering for the entire team as they compete. Elliot Cross, UC junior and bowhunter, recovered after having COVID-19 at the start of the semester and was very optimistic about the competitions. Cross says, āShooting at regionals did not go as well as I had hoped due to some issues that were magnified when I was nervous and under pressure. I still managed to shoot a 413 and finish fourth in my class which allowed me to make it to the top five shootdown for conference, which is always the goal for us. As we prepare for nationals next week, Iām working on some things to elevate my shooting. After being able to place third my freshman year and take home the National Championship last year, I have high expectations. Although usually the main goal is to shoot well, my main goal is to enjoy it and have fun. If youāre having fun while shooting it makes the weekend a whole lot better!ā
Another student, Ceridwyn Salyers, a UC freshman and Olympic Recurve archer, also had high hopes from the competition. As a freshman, this was one of her first times being able to compete with the UC archery team. Salyers says, āTo me, this competition was a great way to really show that Iām ready to represent the team. Iām so happy to be able to wear the team jersey and display my pride for my school. Being my first collegiate tournament, it was my way of saying that I was ready to be a part of the team.ā
As with any competition, there are some highs and lows. Miller knows this for certain. In reflection on their most recent competitions, she says, āI feel like I do good on supporting my team through the whole competition. Iām good at keeping focused when shooting, and not letting the nerves get to me. I can also make good, strong shots when needed. Practicing more 3-D will help me get better all around. Getting more familiar with the targets will also help me during nationals.ā
It is no small feat that Miller made it onto the podium during the competition as she had a major setback that could have been detrimental to her score.
Miller says, āAfter a miss and had to shoot 3 14ās in a row to make the podium. It was an amazing comeback to be third. I was a part of team rounds with Hannah Moose and Marissa Harding to win the conference.ā During the competition, Miller had shot a miss, giving her a 0. However, she was able to make a comeback with an impressive stream of scoring 14 points three times in a row which landed her a spot on the podium.
After this competition, members of the team are looking forward to what nationals will look like in Alabama, like Carson Sapp, a UC senior and compound shooter.
Photos by Archery Media
Pictured Brookelyn Miller
Pictured Elliott Cross
When it comes to preparing for nationals, Sapp says, āThe biggest personal goal for me is to dedicate the time to make sure my equipment is prepared. It is critical in 3D archery that your equipment is on point and can make the difference in success or not. Just knowing that will give me confidence going into the weekend.ā Where the targets in 3D archery are much different than the targets used in traditional field archery, it is extremely important for the equipment used in 3D archery to be complimentary of the targets they are shooting. It is optimal for getting hiring scores and shooting better in competitions.
This year is bittersweet for compound shooter Brookelynn Miller. As a senior, she is ready to go, but will also miss her teammates and classmates at UC. Miller says, āAs a senior it is going to be hard to leave this team and campus. I have made so many amazing friends on the archery team and in my classes. I have loved my team every year I have been here. Archery has been a big part of my life since I was little, but I am ready to start an accounting job after school.ā
Itās safe to say that the archery team has been a place where many of the members have found a new home and people to call their friends. Many archery members push for other students and archers to make a home for themselves on UCās team. In terms of what UCās archers would tell someone thinking about getting involved in the team, or archery in general, Miller says, āI would tell them that they really need to join a team. You make such amazing lifetime friends. Archery is a sport you can do forever, and you meet so many amazing people. This team at UC has been my family for four years, and I am going to miss it a lot.ā
Cross seconds Millerās encouragement by saying, āIf anyone is thinking about joining or shooting archery, there are lots of opportunities. There are lots of ways to try out archery equipment and talk to people if you are interested. Over the years, I have met a lot of people through archery whom I call good buddies now.ā
Sapp also agrees by saying: āAdvice I would give to anyone looking into the archery team is to just come try it! There are ways to just try archery and see if there is any interest there before spending a whole lot of time or money. There are many programs and businesses that give lessons and classes, including one right here at Cumberlands. You may get hooked!ā
The idea of the team being your family and community is an idea that many of the UC archers identify with. Even Ceridwyn Salyers, a freshman on the team, can identify with that and she has only officially been a member for about two months now. Salyers realizes this importance of this and encourages others to get involved on the team as well. She says, āSomething I would tell a person considering joining archery is that archery is a team sport in college. Itās so important to not just do your best, but to be there for your fellow archers. Thatās what makes archery that much more enjoyable, as you really feel like youāre part of a family.ā Though the team may be considered small compared to some of UCās other sports teams, it allows them to grow a bond together to push and encourage their fellow teammates. This is a group that truly looks out for each other during practice and competitions. As the archery team looks forward to going to nationals and other competitions, you can follow @uc_archery on Instagram or look up their schedule on www. cumberlandspatriots.com.
Pictured Carson Sapp
Pictured Ceridwyn Salyers
Best restaurants to visit around Williamsburg
BY HALEY BULLOCK Editor-in-Chief
Picking a good place to eat can be hard. Maybe youāre a freshman thatās unfamiliar with the areas around and including Williamsburg. Maybe youāre really picky or you donāt like branching out with your restaurant choices. Maybe youāre pressed for time and trying to find a nice place to take your visiting family to. Maybe your significant other is doing the āI donāt know. Where do you want to go?ā spiel. Whatever the occasion, this listicle is right for those who may not know where to go. This list (in no particular order) gives you the liberty of having at least four options to choose from that will more likely impress yourself and/or your dinner guests.
Torres (Williamsburg, KY)
Supporting local businesses while also getting some great Mexican food is always a good option. I canāt say that Iām as big of a Mexican food fanatic as some people, but Torres has really changed my mind on that. Their queso is some of my favorite that Iāve ever had. Chicken quesadillas with queso poured over top with Mexican rice is my absolute favorite thing I have tried from there. The service is always wonderful, even when the restaurant is busy. All in all, you canāt beat going for Mexican.
Butcherās Pub (Williamsburg, KY)
Another great option in Williamsburg, nestled right in on Main Street would be Butcherās Pub. Between Taco Tuesday, live performances, drinks and pub food, you canāt beat this place. Itās also right next to other businesses like Brick Oven, Cumberland River Coffee or Moonbow Mercantile in case your group canāt all agree on one place. This recent addition to Main Street has proven to be one of the things that have been missing from Williamsburg that people had been looking for. The service is always great when Iāve been, even on some of their busier nights. Butcherās Pub is a great place to go if you havenāt been there yet. There arenāt many sit-down restaurants in Williamsburg, and this is definitely a good one.
Brooklyn Brothers (Corbin, KY)
Moving up a little north, weāve got Brooklyn Brothers in Corbin. I will admit that Brooklyn Brothers can be on the pricier side, but I can guarantee that it is entirely worth the price. If youāre looking for unique gourmet pizzas, pastas, garlic bread, salads, sub sandwiches, or calzones, Brooklyn Brothers might be the spot for you. I would even argue that they beat out Olive Garden or any other Italian type of restaurant. Even though this restaurant could be more expensive than some of the other options, the quality, and portions more than make up for that. You could have plenty to take home for another meal, which further justifies spending a little more.
Wah Weng Garden (Corbin, KY)
Discovering Wah Weng Garden has been one of the highlights of my college career. I have always been a sucker for good Chinese food, and Wah Weng Garden has some of my favorites. Whether itās dining in for the buffet or getting some takeout, I am never disappointed with what I end up choosing. You can never go wrong with a buffet because there is always something for everyone. Thereās seafood like Sushi and crab. There are noodles. Thereās rice. There are many variations of chicken served with sauces (and I love absolutely all of them, especially the coconut chicken.) Thereās also dessert on the buffet too, so you really get the feeling of getting a three-course meal. The food is always very fresh, and you absolutely canāt beat the prices on takeout or the buffet.
Thereās a little bit of something for everyone on this list. Mexican, burgers, Italian, and Chinese. Whether youāre branching out, finding the perfect first date restaurant, or just plain indecisive, you have four great options to choose from. Each restaurant is in Williamsburg or around 20 miles north of Williamsburg, meaning that you donāt have to empty your gas tank to fill your stomach.
Photo courtesy of Butcherās Pub
Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Brothers
āVenom: Let There Be Carnageā Review
A better version of what came before
BY NATHAN EVANS Staff Writer
When the first Venom film, simply called āVenom,ā was approaching its release, there was a lot of talk surrounding the film, most of that talk being quite negative. People were saying that without Spider-Man, a Venom movie would not work. The movie was released to the critics, and most of them did not like the first film, evident by its 30% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Then the film was released to the general public, and to everyoneās surprise, the movie became a smash hit. It has an 81% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and made over $800,000 at the box office. With that kind of success, Sony Pictures had no problem green-lighting a sequel which brings us to today with āVenom: Let There Be Carnage,ā directed by Andy Serkis.
āVenom: Let There Be Carnageā stars Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock/ Venom and Woody Harrelson as Cletus Kasady/Carnage, and these two actors are what make this sequel great. Eddie and Venomās dynamic produces some of the most unique content in a superhero movie that I have ever seen. It took what worked in the first film and ramps it up to an eleven in this movie. It is a joy to watch these two characters, who are both played by Tom Hardy, interact with each other. Their relationship is one of a dysfunctional couple, and that makes for some great comedic scenes in this film.
On the flip side of that, you have the relationship between Cletus Kasady and Carnage, who are both insane murderers that just want complete chaos. Woody Harrelson does an excellent job at playing this extreme serial killer that makes you uncomfortable whenever he is on screen. The character can just be standing there, but he gives on the presence of unpredictability that puts you on the edge of your seat, scared of what he might do next. Then the Carnage symbiote itself is scary in its own right. The things that Carnage does in this film push the bounds of the PG-13 rating. You put together Woody Harrelsonās
performance with the people who are behind the CGI for this film, and you end up with one great villain.
We end up with some pretty memorable action scenes as well. The action could be hard to follow in the first film due to some poor CGI that made it look like goo was just flying around. In this film, you can clearly see the characterās actions, and the symbiotes are a blast to watch. The way Carnage morphs his tendrils into different weapons is ripped right off the comic book pages, and it is amazing to watch it in fluid motion. And Venom is no slacker himself, some of the things he pulls off are great to watch as well, but we wonāt get too deep into that for the sake of spoilers.
Speaking of spoilers, we wonāt get too deep into the plot of this movie, but you should know the plot of this movie is a lot better than the first. And while being better than first is definitely a good thing, that does not mean this movieās plot is a masterpiece. Donāt misunderstand though; the plot is enjoyable. Itās just not going to knock your socks off. The movie moves at an extremely fast pace, so some things that could have been a little more developed get a little overlooked. There are no gaping plot holes are anything that outright makes the plot hard to follow itās just a pretty standard story for a comic book movie. Venom and Carnage more than make up for the standard plot, though.
To close things up, I would like to state that if you watched the first film and enjoyed it, you will have a great time with it. āVenom: Let There Be Carnageā is basically just a better version of the first film. This film doubles down on what the first one presented, and itās better for it. Also, if you are someone that has not seen the first film and are looking for something fun to watch in the October season, I would say go ahead and get yourself a ticket. You can watch this without seeing the first one. This film is not a film that is made to compete with the likes of āIron Manā or āThe Dark Knight.ā This was a film that you were just meant to have some fun with, and I think we all are due for some fun at the movies.
