Volume 54, Issue 16

The Captain’s Log

THE

OF CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

CNU Students Attend Virginia21’s

On Feb. 8, students from all over Virginia traveled to Richmond for the Student Advocacy Summit, hosted by Virginia21. While there, these students attended a skills workshop, networked with legislators (or their teams), and entered the offices of the General Assembly to lobby on specific issues relevant to all Virginia college students. CNU was one of these attending colleges, of which there were seven attendees, including myself.

Virgina21 is a nonprofit organization whose mission (as listed on their website) is to “empower college students and young Virginians to be engaged citizens and advocate for issues important to them and Virginia’s future”. This organization works year-round to provide opportunities for College Students with the chance to voice their needs and concerns directly to the members of Virginia’s government. For this organization, the Student Advocacy Summit serves as the tip of the iceberg for college students interested in how anyone can affect the Legislative process. Out of the seven attendees that went from Christopher Newport, none of us had any experience with VA21 and only two of us had ever lobbied before.

For this event, space was limited to eight attendees from each participating college, seven CNU students attended.

When asked about their expectations for the event, CNU freshman Nyla Robinson said, “I saw that there were limited spots and knew this was an opportunity I

may not have again. I would get to witness senators and legislators in action during a critical time in our life, thinking that just meeting with them could make a difference in higher education”. Others, when asked, gave a similar response - and all to the point of:

“What power do I have, and how can I use it to make a difference?”

Lobbying isn’t as complicated or exclusive as one might think. All that is required to lobby is a person and their compelling interest, the only thing separating a regular citizen from lobbying is to be equipped with the tools and know-

how to do it effectively. Attendees would learn through the workshop and the following day of lobbying that while anyone can do it, to have real impact is another matter entirely.

On arrival, attendees were given plenty of time to adjust to the new accommodations, setting themselves up in their hotel rooms and getting to know one another. After about an hour and a half of this, all attendees were set to meet at the first and only workshop to discuss lobbying generally, and items of specific importance to our group. Some of these had to do with procedure, the broader political picture,

or the specific bills we were lobbying for. All of this information, all at once, was quite overwhelming but all very necessary for the work we would be doing for the whole rest of the conference.

After the workshop had concluded, the conference moved to a reception with members of the General Assembly. Students had the opportunity to intermingle with legislators, their aides, and each other. Many actually took this chance to clarify their understandings about the legislative process, the specific bills we were supposed to lobby for, and even took the chance to.

After a brief breakfast, at-

tendees traveled over to the Pocahontas Building, which houses the legislative offices for the entire General Assembly. There groups of students, each a ‘delegation’ from their respective universities were set to meet with the delegate and senator for their college’s district. Navigating the different floors, sitting down with Senators and Delegates, and commanding their attention towards specific issues - all in just a couple of hours.

Virginia21 as an organization was well known, with many legislators either actively participating in it or having prior experience with them. When the CNU delegation arrived in those legislative offices we were patiently heard and well received, our delegation specifically assigned to meet with our local Delegate Michael Mullin and Senator Mamie Locke’s policy expert - also a local. Both times we approached for support on these specific bills, they agreed to support in their full capacity.

By the time ‘Lobby Day’ was over, it was the afternoon and the conference had formally concluded. Coming away from this experience, there was a prevailing sense of accomplishment and power that the attending students didn’t feel before.

One of them, Ben Stoke, a freshman at CNU, said, “I loved the event, I would absolutely recommend it to others. It was eye opening to see how the lobbying process actually works and I could not thank Virginia21 enough for that opportunity.”

CAMERON TOMAINO CAMERON.TOMAINO.22@CNU.EDU

Captains in front of the Virginia State Capitol taken by Staff Writer, Cameron Tomaino

Editor and Clog Staff Contact Information

Editor in Chief

Grace Griles grace.griles.20@cnu.edu

News Editor

Evelyn Davidson evelyn.davidson.20@cnu.edu

A&E Editor

Fiona Sullivan fiona.sullivan.20@cnu.edu

Photography Editor

Savannah Dunn savannah.dunn.21@cnu.edu

Business Manager

Justin Heller justin.heller.21@cnu.edu

Sports Editor

Trey Greenwell trajan.greenwell.21@cnu.edu

Lifestyle Editor

Savannah Dunn savannah.dunn.21@cnu.edu

Head of CNUTV

Allison Silverman allison.silverman.21@cnu.edu

Staff of the Week Justin Heller

Justin Heller has earned the title of Staff of the Week for his relentless work on the crosswords. Also because he planned for CLog to go to a conference in New York City over the spring break! Heller has really put his blood, sweat, and tears into planning this conference, and it is about to pay off. Keep up the good work Heller!

Staff Writer of the Week Alex Noth

Alex Noth has been on top his game recently writing for news almost every week. He took a break this week, but it was well deserved. Your hardwork does not go unnoticed Noth. Keep pressing on!

Super Bowl Crossword

Answers will be posted on our Instagram @cnucaptainslog!

(all past crossword answers are in our Instagram highlights)

The Rhianna Performance with the Super Bowl Before and After

On Sunday February 12, 2023 many made the joke that there was a Rhianna concert with a football game before and after. While the Superbowl game was exhilarating Rhianna’s performance definitely was showstopping. According to Sporting News Rhianna had not performed in five years, so this halftime show was a must see event. The anticipation around the halftime show grew as it got closer, but then when Rhianna was revealed on her soon to be floating stage she appeared to be pregnant. Everyone was buzzing with confusion and shock. Like many others I was quick to swoop in and defend her for gaining weight since she had her first baby. A quick glance on Twitter proved me wrong. My guess is that Rhianna thought ahead and told news sources they could announce her pregnancy as the halftime show was happening because many pop news sources immediately tweeted about her being pregnant the minute she hit the stage.

Now fans are tweeting concerned that Rhianna will never make a new album. The Super Bowl halftime performance showed that Rhianna does not need to make another album to stay relevant. Her entire performance was only 13 minutes long and contained twelve songs (Sporting News). The following is her set list from The Atheltic:

1. “B---- Better Have My Money"

2. "Where Have You Been"

3. "Only Girl (In The World)"

4.

5.

6.

7.

Rhianna ensured she was the star of the show by only having back up dancers with her at the performance.

The promo picture of Rhianna performing at the Super Bowl was a much more editorial look than what she wore on stage. However, considering her pregnancy the weather, and Super Bowl dress in general Rhianna’s outfit fit in perfectly. According to Rolling Stone Rhianna wore a Alaïa red puffer with a Loewe jumpsuit and bustier. What I noticed was that Rhianna leaned into the low waisted pants trend despite her pregnant belly. This is an amazing message to send to women right now as fashion trends are cycling back to the early 2000s style when body positivity was not in its finest hour. So far the only people that have been shown wearing low waisted things have an almost perfectly flat stomach. Rhianna showing off her pregnancy in the latest trends shows women that you do not have to look a certain way to wear what you love.

Overall Rhianna’s performance at the Super Bowl was iconic and full of surprises. It will certainly be hard to top next year.

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“The Captain’s Log is free to write anything it pleases and CNU fully respects the Freedom of the Press.”

CNU Chancellor PAUL TRIBLE

1. B---- Better Have My Money” 2. “Where Have You Been” 3. “Only Girl (In The World)” 4. “We Found Love” 5. “Rude Boy” 6. “Work” 7. “Wild Thoughts” 8. “Pour It Up” 9. “All of the Lights” 10. “Run This Town” 11. “Umbrella” 12. “Diamonds

GRACE GRILES GRACE.GRILES.20@CNU.EDU

Photo of Rhianna performing at the Super Bowl from Rolling Stones

Rhianna’s Super Bowl Trailer with Apple from Apple World Today

"We Found Love"

"Rude Boy"

"Work"

"Wild Thoughts"

"Pour It Up"

"All of the Lights"

"Run This Town"

"Umbrella"

"Diamonds

You Season 4 is Different and I’m Not Sure I Like It

GRACE GRILES

GRACE.GRILES.20@CNU.EDU

You season 1 was beautifully and simply, complicated. The story drew you in with its true crime like charm and made you stay because you were now questioning all of your morals and a part of you is rooting for the main character who is a serial stalker and murderer. You season 4 seems to have a goal to redeem the serial stalker and murderer all together. Joe, or as known in this season Jonathan, was constantly saying how “he didn’t want to do this anymore,” and “is not that person.” While this could be a commentary on how he lies to himself in order to convince himself he is a good person despite all the murders he has committed. At first glance this aspect of the season makes Joe seem out of control of his actions. As if deep down he wants to change, but can’t. Even though he could consciously choose to not murder someone everyday.

Season 4 is wildly different for a couple reasons. One being the director has changed. Penn Badgley, the star of the show, made his debut as a director this season. The other change was that the scheme of the entire season was changed. Normally the audience is completely in the know with all the murders because Joe is the culprit. However, this time it was a “whodunnit” theme. Call me crazy, but haven’t we seen this recently? Does the title Knives Out and its sequel that came out this year Glass Onion ring a bell?

The entire season was building up to find out who was the stalker that

was stalking Joe. It seemed that he had finally met his match. However, that aspect was not teased out enough. The stalker did not make Joe do anything heinous. The most that happened was him finding himself in some awkward situations.

Then it seems that Joe finally found a reasonable suspect towards the end of the show, but then the real culprit is revealed within the last twenty minutes. This left me rather disappointed because none of the clues that were left behind or inner motives that were revealed were resolved. The entire last episode was rushed and ended with Joe’s inner monologue of him wanting to stop the murderer’s evil plans.

According to Economic times part two of this season will be released on March 9, 2023. I am hoping that this will save the season; however, I have a feeling I will be disappointed.

Promo Photo of You Season 4 from Collider

Community Engaged Learning Courses

A unique opportunity for CNU students and faculty to collaborate with local Newport News partners

EVELYN DAVIDSON EVELYN.DAVIDSON.20@CNU.EDU

CNU recently received a $15,000 Community Engaged Learning (CEL) Initiative Grant from the National Bonner Foundation. The National Bonner Foundation partners with over 70 different colleges and universities to promote civic engagement and encourage community service efforts.

This will be the second time in a row that CNU has received the CEL grant, the first time being for the 2021-2022 academic year. The grant will be used for CNU’s Tidewater Faculty Fellows Program. Faculty who participate in the program integrate the elements of CEL into one of their courses and offer the opportunity for students to work closely with a community partner from the Newport News area. Three of these courses ran in the Fall 2022 semester and five are currently being taught in the Spring 2023 semester.

The Captain’s Log interviewed Dr. Brooke Covington and Vanessa Buehlman, who created and developed the Faculty Fellows Program. Buehlman has been at CNU for 10 years and is the Director of the Center for Community Engagement and the Bonner Service Scholars Program. Covington is in her third year at CNU and is the Academic Director of the Center for Community Engagement. Covington also directs the minor in civic engagement and social justice, as well as the Ferguson Fellowships for Community Engagement.

When asked how she would define CEL, Covington emphasized the importance of the courses’ focus on mutual benefit or reciprocity, “Community Engaged Learning is really an effort to bridge the university and

we’re doing work with them. We’re doing work alongside them,” Convington said.

While CEL courses have been available at CNU in previous years, this is the first time that training and other support have been offered to participating faculty. This support includes learning workshops, monthly dialogue sessions and a $2000 stipend to support extra work that professors will have to do outside of the normal academic schedule. Buehlman and Covington also facilitated community partner networking events where faculty could meet with a variety of local community partners. Buehlman noted that the Center for Community Engagement has fostered relationships with more than 100 local non-profits, thus many groups showed enthusiasm towards community partnerships.

shifting away from an emphasis on logging hours and more towards values.

Buehlman said, “Beyond the traditional idea of service learning that people think of… We definitely want to get away from that and into this community engaged learning, the reciprocal relationship.”

“Changing a mindset from numbers, quantifiable numbers, to more qualitative things, like values… that’s changing a culture, changing a mindset,” said Covington

Dr. Jessica Kelly, who is currently teaching a special topics course in mathematics, has partnered her students with the Newport News Fire Department where they will conduct research on relevant issues.

the experts! As the projects continue and groups make progress on answering the questions posed in the project proposal, it is exciting to hear the confidence of the students grow.”

Dr. George Kuster partnered with Yorktown Elementary school for his HONR 100 course to create a math mentoring program.

“The real crucial part to this is the resources and support provided by the community partner, without those resources it’s just service learning. Community engaged learning changes the whole dynamic, I wish I could make all of my classes like this,” said Kuster.

As for students who may feel hesitant to sign up for a CEL course, Buehlman said, “Growth happens exponentially in those areas of discomfort. So those that may worry about getting off campus, they will gain so much experience from doing that and will learn in a way that just cannot be done in the classroom.”

Junior marketing and management major, Matthew Birken, took ENGL 353 with Dr. April Cobos last semester. In Cobos’ course students worked with the DeGood Foundation on marketing and outreach programs.

the community in meaningful learning opportunities.

She described the relationship between community partners and students as a “respectful partnership.”

“I’ve been trying to emphasize both with the fellows and with my own students, that when we’re doing community engaged work, we’re not doing work for community partners,

Currently, eight faculty members are a part of the Tidewater Faculty Program. Each has to apply, but they have full creative freedom in who they partner with and how they shape their course. Applications for the next year’s faculty’s cohorts open on April 3.

Covington and Buehlman explained that faculty training focused on taking a different approach to community service,

Kelly described the most rewarding aspect of her CEL course, “Once the groundwork is set, it is rewarding to see the students take ownership of the projects. They become

Birken said, “The most interesting part was learning how to market for a non-for profit, and learning more about social media marketing, which is what I want to do when I graduate. So this project had a lot of real world application, which got me even more excited about my future.”

Another CNU student, senior management major Will Yaglou said, “It has been one of my most rewarding classes at CNU. I feel like I am doing real world work, and that it actually makes a difference other than a grade in my grade book.”

Yaglou is taking BUSN 442 with Dr. William Donaldson where students partner with the Peninsula SPCA.

Photo from Unsplash

“We’re not doing work for community partners, we’re doing work with them. We’re doing work alongside them.”

“I feel like I am doing real world work, and that it actually makes a difference other than a grade in my grade book.”

“Once the groundwork is set, it is rewarding to see the students take ownership of the projects. They become the experts!”

Local and International News Recaps

Catch up on recent developments around the world

Chinese Spy Balloon Shot Down Amid Rising Tensions Between the U.S. and China

KATHERINE ZICKEL KATHERINE.ZICKEL.22@CNU.EDU

Turkey and Syria Earth- quakes

Early morning on Feb. 6, the citizens of Turkey and Syria were awoken by two earthquakes hitting Gaziantep, Turkey, a major city on the Southwestern border of Turkey and Syria. NPR reported that the first quake registered 7.8 magnitude out of a 10 point scale. The second earthquake was registered at a 7.5, both disasters causing massive amounts of damage.

Still days after the natural disaster, rescue efforts have not stopped. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in opening remarks to the press on Feb. 9, that, “we haven’t yet seen the full extent of the damage and of the humanitarian crisis unfolding before our eyes.” To read his full remarks, visit un.org.

The estimates from the World Health Organization suggest up to 23 million people could be impacted by the natural disaster. Reports from the International Federation of the Red Cross say the affected area is the size of France.

The United Nations, including Austria, Germany, and other allies around the world are continuing to support the Turkish and Syrian governments with supplies, rescue teams, and monetary support.

Fighter Jets to Ukraine from Poland, Poland is doubtful

War is still raging in Eastern Europe between Ukraine and Russia, after Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ukraine President, Volodymyr Zelenksy, has expressed a need for fighter jets to win the war with Ukraine.

Poland President, Andrzej Duda, spoke to BBC news regarding the decision saying it “was very serious” and “not easy to take.” Since Russia’s invasion, Poland has been one of Ukraine’s strongest allies. Poland was one among several nations that promised to provide more tanks, ammo, and equipment to the front line last month.

BBC News presenter, Laura Kuenssberg, stated that with less than 50 of these aircrafts in the Polish air force, Duda told her that sending F-16 fighters would be a “major difficulty” and that “we would need many more of them.” He further emphasized that sending a few planes is insufficient because combat aircraft, such as the F-16s, have a “very urgent requirement for maintenance.”

Humpback Whale Found Stranded Near Virginia Beach

On February 7th, 2023, 13 News Now reported that the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Team received a report about a dead humpback whale floating in the waters off Virginia Beach.

The Response Team, the Coast Guard, and Army Corps of Engineers retrieved the whale by First Landing State Park. They then brought it back to shore for examination and a necropsy.

Joe Harris told 13 News Now, “We were just driving and smelled an awful smell, then we came here and found it,” he continued, “It’s just very interesting.”

According to The Virginian-Pilot, tourists and beach goers were asked not to interfere with the process and to remain a safe distance from the whale, as the animal is under protection by the marine Mammal Protection Action.

Since the end of 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reported two other whale strandings in Virginia.

Carly Thompson with the Virginia Aquarium told 13 News Now that there were no signs of entanglement or ship encounters for this particular whale stranding.

On Feb. 8, crews examined the whale and took samples, but information, such as how the whale died, won’t be known for a while.

On Feb. 4, after a Chinese spy balloon sailed across the United States for three days, the balloon finally went over the Atlantic Ocean, and President Biden deemed it safe to shoot the balloon down.

In an interview with Time, a senior defense official said, “Our number one concern was how can we take this down, while not creating undue risk to people or property.” However, the amount of time it took for the balloon to be taken down also allowed it to fly over nuclear missile silos and military bases, some of the nation’s most sensitive sites.

According to an article from the U.S. Department of Defense, The Air Force sent F-22 stealth fighter jets from Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton VA, along with F-15 fighter jets from Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, MA. By mid-afternoon, the F-22 fighter jet shot it down off the coast of South Carolina.

Three Hampton Roads-based ships were also recruited to help recover the balloon, the USS Oscar Austin and USS Philippine Sea, both from Norfolk, and the USS Carter Hall from Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach.

Time reported that the Chinese government did claim the balloon, insisting that it was simply there for “weather research,” and had gone astray.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Saturday concerning the balloon, saying, “The U.S. use of force is a clear overreaction and a serious violation of international practice. China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the company concerned, and reserves the right to make further responses if necessary.”

USA Today reported that new information released last week by the State Department revealed the balloon was

most likey being used for an espionage mission, and was carrying devices to intercept sensitive communications.

The balloon’s spyware payload was the the size of a regional jetliner, and had “multiple antennas to include an array likely capable of collecting and geo-locating communications,” according to a spokesperson’s statement.

CNN reported that the remnants of the balloon are currently at the FBI laboratory in Quantico, VA, for further examination. They followed up with Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon Press Secretary, who said that the Chinese balloon was part of an extensive global surveillance program that the Beijing government has been conducting for several years and over at least five continents. He added that for the Department of Defense, “China remains the pacing challenge, and something that we’ll continue to stay focused on.” He had “no comment” on what kind of intelligence they might be collecting, including the one shot down on Saturday.

The balloon crisis also prompted Secretary of State Antony Blinken to cancel an important trip to Beijing to talk about reducing U.S.-China tensions according to news source USA Today. This would have been the first trip in six years from a high-profile government member.

According to Politico, over the past week, there have been four different occasions where the US military has shot down “unidentified objects,” the most recent one being over Lake Huron. Defense officials currently have declined to say what these three objects were, however, they did assure people there were no signs of aliens or extraterrestrial activity.

MAGGIE GAMMONS MARGARET.GAMMONS.21@CNU.EDU

LINDSAY DEYTON LINDSAY.DEYTON.22@CNU.EDU

Map, photo from Unsplash

China, photo from Wikimedia Commons

Tom Brady Announces Retirement

MAGGIE GAMMONS MARGARET.GAMMONS.21@CNU.EDU

With 7 Super Bowl wins, 3 NFL Most Valuable Player awards, and 23 seasons in the National Football League, Tom Brady’s spectacular career is officially coming to an end. Tom Brady, widely considered to be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, officially retired from professional football in February of 2023, ending a career that spanned over two decades. Brady announced his second retirement via an emotional social media video. This time, he stated that his retirement is ‘for good.’

Throughout his 23 year career, Tom Brady has been widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks the sport has seen. He became the 199th pick in the 2000 NFL Draft out of Michigan to the New England Patriots. Despite being one of the last picks in the draft, Brady overcame this and began starting in 2001, just one year after

Is it for Real this Time?

entering the National Football League. He spent most of his career with the New England Patriots and helped them win six Super Bowl titles. This made Brady a key part of one of the greatest dynasties in professional sports. Brady has also rewritten most of the NFL record book, with professional and personal achievements. He holds the record for most touchdown passes (649) and most passing yards (89,214). Arguably the most impressive record he holds is the number of Lombardi Trophies he has helped win. He spent twenty years with the New England Patriots and his last three with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2020, he led the Bucs to their first Superbowl win since 2003 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Tom Brady also led the team to the Divisional Rounds in the 2021 season. Brady and the Bucs then finished the 2022 regular season with a 8-9 record, good enough to win an NFC South division championship. However, they

then lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card Round 31-14.

Brady is the co-founder of Autograph, BrandyBrand, and TB12Sports. All of these brands are looking to incorporate fans on a personal level into the lifestyle of a professional athlete. In November 2021, Brady released a documentary titled Man in the Arena discussing his career and 10 Super Bowl appearances. It can be streamed on Hulu and all episodes are currently available. However, Brady and his team have not confirmed any post-retirement plans, but supporters have many theories. Will he start a podcast, become a reporter on ESPN+, or plan another return to football in the future?

King James Gains Another Crown

LeBron James Breaks All-Time Scoring Record

JARRETT CONNOLLY JARRETT.CONNOLLY.20@CNU.EDU

On February 7th, LeBron James broke Kareem AbdulJabar’s all time scoring record in the NBA during the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the Lakers may have surprisingly lost the game 133-130, Lebron’s breaking of a 39 year record was the highlight of the evening.

With 10.9 seconds left in the third quarter of the game. James sank a fadeaway jumper from the left elbow, scoring his 36th point that game, and the 38,388th point of his career, exactly one point over Abdul-Jabar’s record. When James made the shot, the entire Crypto.com Arena, went wild for him, chanting a deafening “MVP!” at him. James celebrated moments after the shot with his family, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and Kareem Abdul Jabar himself. LeBron thanked the Lakers fans and all who have supported him in his career.

2023 will mark Lebron’s 20th year with the NBA, and 20 years since Sports Illustrated deemed him “The Chosen One”. In that career he has immortalized himself as one of the greatest players in basketball history. His career has also been highlighted by the successful endorsements in advertising, stints in movies, philanthropy, and activism.

Abdul-Jabar wrote about his feelings on Lebron James breaking his record on Substack, “In the months leading up to LeBron breaking my record, so much was written about how I would feel on the day he sank that record-breaking shot that I had to laugh. I’d already written several times stating exactly how I felt so there really wasn’t much to speculate about. It’s as if I won a billion dollars in a lottery and 39 years later someone won two billion dollars. How would I feel? Grateful that I won and happy that the next

person also won. His winning in no way affects my winning…LeBron makes me love the game again. And he makes me proud to be part of an ever-widening group of athletes who actively care about their community.” Commissioner Silver praised the “towering achievement” that LeBron accomplished. Magic Johnson expressed his own awe, expressing that he had not expected anyone to break the previously held record. Thousands of NBA stars past and present, athletes, and friends of LeBron took to social media to praise him for the accomplishment. US President Joe Biden also congratulated James on becoming the all time scorer.

LeBron isn’t stopping here either. He scored two additional points later in the game with the Thunder, bumping his total record to 38,390. An apparent issue with his ankle has kept him on the sidelines during the Lakers losing game against the Bucks on the 9th and the Warriors win on the 11th.

Tom Brady image taken from Wikimedia Commons.

“When James made that shot, the entire Crypto.com Arena went wild for him, chanting a deafening “MVP!” at him.”

LeBron James image taken from Wikimedia Commons.

“This time, he stated that his retirement is ‘for good.’”

Historic Puppy Bowl Ends in 87-83 Team Fluff

Victory

A Fantastic Event Raises Awareness for Puppies

FIONA SULLIVAN FIONA.SULLIVAN.20@CNU.EDU

While millions of people look forward to the Super Bowl every year, some people enjoy watching an entirely different ball game. The show that can have you yelling at your television while also cooing at how cute these animals are. This event is known as the Puppy Bowl which is an annual television program on Animal Planet that is similar to an actual football game but with puppies instead. Shown every year prior to the Super Bowl, puppies play inside a model stadium while commentary describes their hilarious actions. Since 2015, there has been Team Ruff and Team Fluff where puppies play against each other while wearing different colored bandanas to distinguish them.

The rules are simple. A dog must drag a chew toy into the end zone in order to score. However, only a couple of puppies are allowed onto the field at the same time and several penalties can be issued as well. Penalties are usually when puppies relieve themselves on the field, napping, and howling. Timeouts are for when the water bowl needs to be refilled or if puppies begin to fight.

This year, there were many antics with one puppy peeing during the na-

Coming soon in CNU Sports:

*Games listed are happening at CNU

tional anthem as well as several pups getting aggressive and not wanting to give up chew toys. It was a tough battle to the championship with 120 puppies going snout to snout and both teams heading into overtime for the first time in history. However, Team Fluff came out on top with a final score of 87-83.

Pomeranian Pickle who was on Team Fluff was named MVP for being the first pup to score two touchdowns of the game and run for over 300 yards without an interference towards the end zone and into the tunnel. Other puppies on Team Fluff were basset hound Asiago, Australian cattle dog Marshmallow, and besties Bacon and Eggs who are border collie mixes and have been together for years.

While the game is fun to watch and laugh at, the ultimate goal of the Puppy Bowl is to find these cuties their forever home through adoption. According to the referee Dan Schachner, the game has had a 100% adoption rate since its inception in 2005. People love to cheer on the shelter dogs who mostly come from poor backgrounds and have to be nursed back to health. By having them play in the Puppy Bowl, it raises awareness to prevent animal cruelty and highlight the importance of shelters. The Puppy Bowl also displays

why each animal should have a happy home. If you are ever interested in adopting your own superstar puppy, you can do so through their website on Discovery. Every year, 11 other shelters display their puppies for adoption as well.

Here’s What You Missed!

1) The Kansas City Chiefs Defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 to win Super Bowl 57.

2) Kevin Durant was traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, and four first-round picks.

February 15th

*Women’s Basketball

CNU v. Mary Washington

Location: Newport News, VA

Time: 5:30pm

*Men’s Basketball

CNU v. Mary Washington

Location: Newport News, VA

Time: 7:30 PM

February 16th

*Men’s Baseball

CNU v. Marymount

Location: Newport News, VA

Time: 2:00 PM

Februrary 18th

*Men’s Lacrosse

CNU v. Grove City College

Location: Newport News, VA

Time: 12:30 PM

*Women’s Lacrosse

CNU v. Grove City College

Location: Newport News, VA

Time: 3:00 PM

Headlines from the Wacky World of Sports....

2019 Puppy Bowl image taken from Flickr.

“While the game is fun to watch and laugh at, the ultimate goal of the Puppy Bowl is to find these cuties their forever home through adoption.”

Review of You Season 4

The chilling first half of the final season

GRACE GRILES GRACE.GRILES.20@CNU.EDU

SPOILERS AHEAD

You Season 4 aired on Netflix on Thursday February 9, 2023. This season answers the questions that the audiences have had from You season 3 which aired October 15, 2021.

The third season left off with the main character Joe killing his wife, abandoning his son, and fleeing the country, quite a cliff hanger to leave people on for over a year. So far it seems that some of the audience members may not be so satisfied with the way those questions were answered. The critic score on Rotten Tomatoes is 90% while the overall audience score is 66%.

One major change that separates this season from the previous seasons is that Joe is solidified as the main character. In past seasons an episode or two in the audience would get to see that story from Joe’s lovers’ point of view. However, in season 4 Joe is the only point of view the audience receives which admittedly made the season pretty boring.

murderer.” Hopefully comments like these will help the audience to not misinterpret Joe’s character; however, the writers continuously have Joe say lines about trying to be a better person which admittedly makes his character a bit confusing.

Besides the somewhat “redemption arc” the writers did rush the ending. There was a huge plot twist with twenty minutes left in the last episode. This did not leave a lot of room for loose ends to be tied up or for an audience to receive a satisfactory reason for the plot twist.

Season 4 ended with a cliffhanger that will be addressed during the second part of season 4. You season 4, Part 2 will be available to stream on Netflix on March 9 so you don’t have much time to wait, thankfully. According to movieweb.com a fifth sea has been confirmed, and it will likely be the last season.

Knock at the Cabin New horror for the new year

JARRETT CONNELLY JARRETT.CONNELLY.20@CNU.EDU

“Save your family or save humanity. Make your choice.” Knock at The Cabin, the new apocalyptic horror from M.Night Shayamalan, debuted February 3rd and was met with a $21.9 million box office opening and positive reviews.

Based on the novel The Cabin At The End of The World by Paul Tremblay, it follows a young girl named Wen (Kristen Cui) and her fathers (Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge) who get held hostage by a group of four armed strangers (played by Dave Bautista, Rupert Grint, Abby Quinn, & Nikki Amuka-Bird) who say they must sacrifice one of themselves to stop the impending apocalypse. Does this terrifying concept meet its own expectations in the movie?

their moments of agony and bliss, are some of the most empathetic queer characters in recent media. Dave Bautista once again shows his immense versatility in acting as the polite and regretful leader of the armed group holding the family hostage.

This film shows how Bautista can adapt extremely well to whatever role he is given and he isn’t just a big strong action hero. Rupert Grint also notably shines as playing the unstable and malicious member of the group, the level of intensity he brought to his very little screen time was stunning.

The film definitely has its downsides, most of them being with the film’s inaccuracies with the novel. The film ends with Groff’s character Eric dying to end the apocalypse, while in the novel their daughter Wen is accidentally killed and the two greiving fathers decide that if the higher power can’t accept that as enough, then the world deserves to end. The novel also did a better job of creating ambiguity around this apocalypse, you don’t even know if the apocalypse is real by the time you close the book, the movie is more definitive in that.

SAVANNAH DUNN

SAVANNAH.DUNN.21@CNU.EDU

Season 4 opens with Joe being a professor at an unnamed university in London, England. There he has already made acquaintances with the local aristocrats. He goes out to a club with them, and wakes up to find one of the aristocrats laying on the kitchen table stabbed in the chest with his kitchen knife. Joe determines he was not the murderer, and receives an anonymous text from someone blackmailing him about the murder he did not commit confirming his suspicions. This event sparks the whodunit plot that follows the rest of the season.

This is a rather different approach from the rest of the seasons. The previous three seasons the audience is in the know because Joe or his lovers are the murderers. However, this season Joe was in the “hero” position a lot which made the audience forget how awful he was established to be in the earlier seasons.

Penn Badgley himself who plays Joe has openly discussed how he hates his character. On February December 26, 2021 he told Vanity Fair, “We can’t lead ourselves to believe that if Joe would simply find the right person he would be happy—- because he is a f****ing

Shayamalan has had an interesting film career, he’s wowed audiences with films like The Sixth Sense and Split, but also had tremendous flops like The Happening and The Last Airbender film. This film feels like a return to the kind of high pressure anxiety that made him successful. Your heart rate starts to speed up minutes into the film with the way he presents the situation. The film doesn’t rely on an excessive amount of violence or jump scares to elicit fear but instead close up camera shots on the actors faces, terrifying score, and the constant feeling like something horrible will happen.

The film will smoothly cut to sweet flashbacks of the family that make you really feel for the characters and the intense dread a choice like this brings. The film connects well with the novel’s themes of religion, destiny, doomsday anxiety, and being different (in this case a member of the LGBTQ community) in a world that hates you

The actors all do a fantastic job. Groff and Aldridge both capture being a terrified husband and parent and you feel for this family with their performances. The pair, who the flashbacks show have had both

However it is worth noting that some of the changes are understandable as book and movie audiences are different and killing off a child character is still a taboo and would understandably upset the audience too much. But M.Night has pushed boundaries, so I was disappointed he didn’t really tackle the concept of rejecting this cruel choice placed upon this family and rejecting the destructive doomsday dogma that the four strangers have been scared into believing it.

Overall, it is a great watch and a good addition to M.Night Shayamalan’s filmography and probably one of the best films to come out this year thus far. Knock at the Cabin is currently #1 at the box office and will be in theaters if you wish to check it out.

Left poster from Fandango and right poster from IMDb

Poster from Netflix

From Video Game to Film The Last of Us

ALLISON BILLIE ALLISON.BILLIE.21@CNU.EDU

Recently, there have been a lot of new tv show adaptations. In a previous issue of the Captain’s Log, the new show, Velma, an adaptation of the childhood favorite Scooby Doo on HBOMax, was a topic of conversation, and not in a good way.

Though there was an attempt at making the source material more diverse in its cast, it ended up being overshadowed by the poor writing that didn’t mirror the charm of the original. It’s difficult to have a good adaptation that can stay true to the original while attempting to do something new with the story, and also be possible in the limitations of filmography.

In the cases where the show is taken almost directly from the source material, the directors still exercise creative liberties, which can lead to a show’s downfall. After considering this, I was doubtful

when HBOMax was set to release another new show right after Velma that was an adaptation of a video game. However, ever since the first episode of The Last of Us aired on Jan. 15 this year, the show has exceeded all of my expectations.

If you haven’t watched the show or played the game, The Last of Us is a story that takes place in an post-apocalyptic Earth where the majority of the population has been infected into a zombie state by a fungus, cordyceps. This fungus takes over the brain, and proceeds to force the host body to go after other people so it can spread. So if you’re a fan of zombies, this is the right show for you.

Even if you’ve never heard of or played the game, this show follows the storyline of the game from the beginning, giving you all the exposition you need, in other words the perfect story mode.

Grammy’s 2023 Recap

Lights, camera, action on the music industry’s biggest night

AMANDA EACHO AMANDA.EACHO.22@CNU.EDU

This isn’t just another show about zombies, though. It’s more than that. The Last of Us explores the relationship between Joel, a man trying to get to his brother, and Ellie, a girl who holds the key to stopping the fungus, and the journey they take together to get to their goals.

Joel is played by Pedro Pascal and Ellie portrayed by Bella Ramsey. Unlike the game, the show is able to take more time building the story and really let you get to know the characters. It’s the kind of show where you care about the main characters, but you also sympathize with the enemy. In this show, it’s all about human connection and what someone is willing to do to survive.

The 65th annual Grammys award show aired live this past Sunday, February 5th for the first time since COVID-19 shut down the world. It was hosted by comedian, Trevor Noah and was filled with history making moments and shocking twists.

To start off the show, Bad Bunny got the audience up and dancing with a performance of his songs “El Apagon” and “Después la Playa”. Bad Bunny ended up taking home his third Grammy with his win for Best Música Urbano Album with his newest album, Un Verano Sin Ti. Other performances include Brandi Carlisle, Steve Wonder with Chris Stapleton, Lizzo, Harry Styles, Sam Smith with Kim Petras, Mary J. Blige, and DJ Khaled with Jay Z, Fridayy, Lil Wayne, John Legend, and Rick Ross. Also, Steve Lacy and Luke Combs both had their first Grammys performance.

The annual In Memoriam tribute had many heartwarming performances including, Kacey Musgraves playing the late Loretta Lynn’s Guitar and Quavo honoring his nephew and fellow band member, Takeoff. Other performers include Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, and Mick Fleetwood.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Pop, there was a star-studded performance from some of the most popular artists from each decade. These performers included, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes with Spliff Star, Ice-T, Lil Uzi Vert, Missy Elliot, Nelly, Queen Latifah, The Roots, and many more. History was made more than once at this year’s Grammys.

Kim Petras became the first transgender woman to win Best Duo/Group Performance with the song “Unholy” Even though Sam Smith is the main vocalist on the song, they allowed Petras to accept the award and give a very heartwarming speech.

Along with that, Beyonce broke the record for the most Grammy wins of all time after winning 4 awards this year. She tied the record with a win in the Best R&B Song category with her song “Cuff it”. Later, she won Best Dance and Electronic Music Album with her album Renaissance which put her on top with 32 overall Grammy wins.

Two new awards were introduced this year including, the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and Best Song for Social Change. The Dr. Dre Global Impact Award was awarded in partnership with the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective. It “recognizes contributors, creatives, and professionals with a proven track record of uplifting Black music”. It was given to its name-

sake, Dr. Dre.

The Best Song for Social Change was presented by the First Lady, Jill Biden. It recognizes songs that promote awareness and inspires change. This year’s recipient was Iranian singer/songwriter, Shervin Hajipour. His song “Baraye” is a song of protest with a powerful theme of “women, life, and freedom” according to the First Lady.

Harry Styles’ album Harry’s House for Best Pop Vocal Album and Willie Nelson won Best Country Album for his album, A Beautiful Time. Kendrick Lamar’s new album Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers won Best Rap Album. Adele won Best Pop Solo with her song “Easy on Me”, and Lizzo was awarded Record of the Year for “About Damn Time”. Samara Joy won Best New Artist.

However, it wouldn’t be the Grammys without a little controversy. Sam Smith and Kim Petras shocked viewers with their performance of their song “Unholy”. It has been described by some as anti-christian and offensive, with satanic imagery, BDSM and adult images. Along with that, many viewers felt that some of their favorite artists were snubbed this year. Song of the Year was awarded to Bonnie Raitt for her song “Just Like That” over more mainstream artists such as Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and Beyonce. Many viewers did not agree with this choice and flooded Twitter with their disappointment.

Along with that, one of the most prestigious awards, Album of the Year, is almost always surrounded by controversy. The nominees this year were all seen as very deserving of the award and nobody knew for sure who it would go to. The award went to Harry’s House by Harry Styles.

During his acceptance speech there were audible cries of outrage from fans who believe Beyonce should have won. Many viewers took to Twitter to express their outrage, feeling that Beyonce and Bad Bunny were more deserving. However, there were also many in support of Styles. It’s still a hot topic of conversation even days after the show.

Another important moment that happened this year is Viola Davis earning EGOT status. She has officially become the 18th person and 3rd Black woman to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. This is a highly coveted status that is referred to as the “grand slam” of show business. Overall, this Grammys will definitely be one that won’t be forgotten in a while.

Top left photo of Beyonce from People, top right photo of Viola Davis from CNN, bottom center photo from USA Today

Flourish CNU

Learn all about CNU’s multidenominational Christian ministry

JARRETT CONNOLLY JARRETT.CONNOLLY.20@CNU.EDU

Chances are if you’ve been in the DSU around lunchtime during the week, you have probably seen the Flourish table. But what is Flourish?

Reverend Michael Burnett describes Flourish as a ecumenical (meaning denominational)multi and affirming Christian ministry on the Christopher Newport University campus that is open to people of all races, creeds,backgrounds, neurotypes,abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. The ministry’s purpose is to provide a place where all Christians are included and welcome and where people can serve each other and their communities in love.

Flourish is a new name, but the organization has been active for years now on campus, formerly known as United Campus Ministries. Reverend Burnett, a 2011 CNU graduate, has been involved in ministry his entire adult life. He returned to CNU about four years ago and has overseen the regrowth and rebrand of Flourish in the post pandemic era on campus. The group went from one active member to now having an active student leadership team and members from the student body and faculty who are enthusiastic about the ministry. Reverend Burnett is hoping to get their active membership numbers up into the double digits in order to build their presence on campus and help the community.

Flourish has made its openness to LGBTQ+ Christians a central part of their message. Their table is adorned with rainbows and they hand out free affirming stickers. Their five core values are Inclusion,

Community, Loving-kindness,Nurture, and Reconciliation. They are currently the only ministry on campus that does not limit the full participation of LGBTQ+ persons including in leadership positions. Reverend Burnett says on Flourish’s inclusivity “For us, it’s part of following the example of Jesus, who had folks from all walks of life as part of his ministry. That sort of radical welcome and radical hospitality that says anybody really can come…Everybody deserves the opportunity to meet and journey with Jesus and we can’t think of any boundaries that would keep folks from that journey.”

Flourish also maintains that students who are neurodivergent and have disabilities are welcome as well and that the accommodatesministry and affirms their needs.

When asked on what he wants the CNU community to know about Flourish, Rev. Burnett said “Part of what we try to do is look at the core message of the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth when he says ‘All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments, to love God with all your everything and to love your neighbor as yourself. When it starts with love and when love of neighbor is right there at the forefront, one of the things we try not to do is to put love of theology over love of neighbor and so much of what I see as a problem in the modern church is we have made an idol of our theology and said if these folks don’t cohere with my ideas of who God is that we exclude ourselves from loving them or convince ourselves that the harm we do to them is love… we’re very much about the little things, the everyday love...”

Flourish has their table ministry in the David Student Union around lunch time on Wednesdays and Thursdays. They host weekly worship gatherings in the Pope Chapel every Thursday at 630 PM. For more information on the ministry, follow their Facebook and Instagram @ flourishcnu .

Coming Up Around Campus

DG Desserts

When? Thursdsy, Feb. 16, 6:00-9:00 PM

Where? DSU Ballroom

Thursday Night Trivia

When? Thursday, Feb. 16, 8:00PM

Where? Crows Nest

Theme: Music

Entrepreneurship Club Business Fair

When? Friday, Feb. 17, 4:00-6:00PM

Where? DSU Breezeway

Photo from Flourish CNU Instagram

Dancing Into CNU Ballroom Club

Spotlight on CNU Ballroom Dance

FIONA SULLIVAN FIONA.SULLIVAN.20@CNU.EDU

The CNU Ballroom Dance Society is a fun and engaging club where students can learn the ins and outs of ballroom dancing and have the chance to not only dance in social settings but compete as well. The club is open to students of all ages and no experience is needed in order to step out on to the ballroom floor. According to their profile on The Compass, they state that “the goal of the Ballroom Dance Society of CNU is to provide a space for students to learn various style of dancing and make friends with others interested in the world of ballroom dancing.” Some of the styles include the salsa, rumba, waltz, mambo, and cha- cha just to list a few. Students are taught by instructors weekly and also have a weekly free dance to just practice

and meet new people and forge those connections because in order to ballroom dance properly, you must be comfortable with your partner and trust in them. If you are interested in joining, follow their Instagram @cnu.ballroom.official because the monthly schedules are posted there, and you can also see all the exciting pop- up events they have throughout the year. For example, CNU Ballroom held a swing dance night in the Peebles Lobby with music performed by the CNU Jazz Band. In October, they had a joint salsa lesson and social with William and Mary hosted by USA Dance. Competitions also occur often and are an amazing way to test your techniques, bond with fellow dancers, and live out your dreams of being on Dancing with

the Stars. These are just some of the ways you can improve your dancing skills while also interacting with people from other schools and organizations who have the same passion for this beautiful art form. CNU Ballroom is always accepting new members so do not be afraid to stop by during their practices that usually take place in the Freeman Center or in the multipurpose rooms in the gym. Ultimately, ballroom dancing is a skill that is extremely useful because you never know when you might have to dance at a wedding or in a show. It also teaches selfdiscipline, confidence, trust, and allows for people’s emotions to be expressed through dance. It’s also just a great way to bring people together and teaches the history of the different

dance styles. If you have even the slightest curiosity in ballroom dancing and want to gain all of these skills while also having fun, then I highly recommend joining the CNU Ballroom Dance Society.

Future of CAB

CAB’s new E-Board speaks on experiences and what is to come

The NewportChristopher

University Campus Activities Board, or CAB, is always prepared to host exciting events for students. From Fall and Spring Fests to the crowd favorite Build-a-Buddy, CAB works to make sure that students always have fun things to do on campus. With the new switch in E-Board this semester, CAB is already planning out events for the next year. CAB President Erin Sample said, “As we plan our events for the upcoming academic year, we strive to embrace traditional events that students come back for every year, such as Homecoming and Fallfest, while looking to push the

boundaries of our creativity through new, innovative concepts.”

Sample said that CAB has been surveying at each of their events to ensure that the crowd favorites are kept for the coming years. “As students planning events for representingstudents, the CNU community is important to us! We seek to plan a variety of events that appeal to people of all interests,” Sample said.

Connor Butterworth, Vice President of Recruitment and Retention said, “Stay glued to our social media platforms to hear about all the wonderful events that have yet to come.”

When asked why students should apply for CAB, Sample said,

“Event planning is incredibly rewarding. An idea you have could turn into a huge campus event with hundreds of students in attendance!” She also said that CAB can give opportunitiesstudents for professional and leadership “Throughdevelopment. CAB, I have found my passion and plan to pursue corporate event planning as my career when I graduate.”

Butterworth said, “I am most excited to meet all the new members applying to CAB this year! Everyone has so many new ideas, and it is so great to see of these ideas come to life in the coming Butterworthyear.”also said, “[CAB] has given me life-

long friends as well as countless amounts of professional experience.” Sample and Butterworth want to encourage readers to apply for CAB.

“Please apply by 11:59 PM on February 22nd through the Compass to join our 2023-24 general

board,” Sample said. For questions on applying and other CAB related topics, you can find them in the DSU suite 378 or contact by emailing cab@cnu.edu

SAVANNAH DUNN

Photo from CNU Ballroom Instagram

Photo courtesy of Connor Butterworth

SNAPSHOT Build-A-Buddy

All photos taken by Katherine Zickel

grace.griles.20@cnu.edu