The Captain’s Log
@CNUCAPTAINSLOG
VOLUME 56, ISSUE 20
CNU races into spring break:
Stepping into spring break, Christopher Newport University (CNU) students and faculty took part in the Newport News, VA 11th annual One City Marathon races on Feb. 28, March 1 and March 2. The races included the One City Marathon, halfmarathon, Maritime 5k and the Nautical Fun Run.
The full marathon track took runners through parks, water ways, historical
neighborhoods and concluded downtown near the Newport News Shipbuilding Yard.
On March 1, CNU President Bill Kelly posed for one of his iconic selfies with students and faculty runners after running the Maritime 5k. He wrote in an Instagram post, “Chilly morning but our Captains showed up in style to run the One City 5k. Best wishes to all the Captains running the ½ and full Marathon tomorrow. Go Captains!”
Clog Editors’ spring break “Shrek” coming to theaters
New movies this year
Lady Gaga returns to SNL
For senior Alek Paulson, the Maritime 5k on Saturday, March 1 was her first race since being a fifth grade elementary school student. She and a group of her friends, including senior Kaleigh Branum, along with juniors and avid runners Patrick Miele and Rachel Williams. Miele competed in the marathon last year.
“My mom told me in college I would be peer pressured into drugs and illegal activities. My mom was wrong, because I got peer pressured into a 5k,” Paulson said.
(Story continued in A & E, page 8)
Zodiac signs and spring break
Green flags in friendships
Seniors Anthony Berry (left) and Dylan Frederick (right) cross the Lions Bridge running in the One City Marathon together on March 2, photo courtesy of Anthony Berry.
International Affairs Update:
ELLORA
HOUCHINS
ELLORA.HOUCHINS.24@CNU.EDU
New Canadian Prime Minister
Just shy of a decade later, Justin Trudeau has officially resigned as Canada’s Prime Minister. Mark Carney, formerly the Bank of England governor, was elected leader of Canada’s Liberal Party on March 9, BBC reported a day later. Carney, 59, has never been previously elected to public office and does not currently have a seat in Canada’s parliament. BBC reported this is not unprecedented, but he will not be able to participate in debates or votes.
Rising Syrian Civil War
On March 6, a Syrian security patrol was ambushed by gunmen loyal to former leader Bashar Assad. It escalated into attacks that killed more than 1,300 people over four days, AP News reported on March 9. The ambush reopened the discussion of Syria’s thirteen-year-old civil war and created the worst violence Syria has seen since December, when Assad was overthrown. Reciprocation against Assad loyalists has led to the destruction of cities and towns in the Alawite coastal region.
Israel Cuts Electricity in Gaza
Earlier this week, on March 10, Israel Energy minister Eli Cohen signed a mandate to cut off the Gaza Strip from receiving power from the Israel Electric Corporation. BBC News reported Cohen’s announcement came a week after Israel cut off all aid supplies to Gaza in an effort to pressure Hamas into releasing any remaining Israeli hostages. On March 1, the first phase of Israel and Hamas’ ceasefire expired—six weeks after the initial ceasefire was declared. CNN reported a week earlier, on March 6, that Israel will continue to prevent the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza to coerce Hamas into accepting new agreements for an extension of the ceasefire agreement. Hamas has agreed to move forward.
Newport News holds 11th annual One City Races
BRE DORRIAN BREANNA.DORRIAN.23@CNU.EDU
Story continued from cover
Paulson said that although she got little sleep the night before, it felt great to finish the race.
“It felt like a big accomplishment and I had a severe running high after,” Paulson said.
Paulson also said that it was “so nice” to see people cheering her and her friends on as they crossed the finish line, greeting them with snacks and water.
Paulson and her group celebrated their accomplishments by getting lunch afterwards, and stated that she was proud of all of them.
Seniors Anthony Berry and Dylan Frederick, who are active athletes and rugby players, ran the One City Half-Marathon on Sunday, March 2.
“Running the half-marathon gave me another goal to strive for outside of school and rugby,” Berry said. “Training took time, discipline and discomfort. [It] was a transformative process.”
Berry and Frederick prepared themselves for facing the 16 degree cold at the 6 a.m. race by going to Brickhouse Tavern the night before to drink several pitchers of water and load up on carbs before getting to sleep early.
Berry finished with a time of 2:35 and Frederick finished with a time of 2:32.
This marathon is a Boston marathon qualify-
ing race, having an 18% qualifying rate in 2024, according to Newport News Parks and Recreation.
Next year’s races will take place from Feb. 27, 2026 through March 2, 2026; including a marathon, half-marathon, the Maritime 5k and the Nautical Fun Run.
CNU Board of Visitors to hold public hearing Discussion on proposed tuition and mandatory fee range
BRE DORRIAN BREANNA.DORRIAN.23@CNU.EDU
According to an email on March 10 to students, faculty and staff from Board of Visitors Rector Christy Morton, “The Christopher Newport University Board of Visitors will receive public comments on the proposed tuition and mandatory fee range for the 2025-26 academic year. The
proposed range is zero to 4.2%.”
The hearing will take place next Monday, March 17 in room 202 of the Freeman Center from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Speaking opportunities are first come, first serve and can either be registered for via a form distributed to the CNU commu-
nity (within the email) or in person from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Speakers are allotted three minutes for their comments on the proposed budget, but there is potential for this time to be shortened due to the number of possible speakers.
The email also stated that “Speakers wishing to have their com-
ments entered into the public record must bring a printed copy of their remarks.”
People who wish to send in written comments will have until tomorrow, March 14, at noon via the link embedded in the email or mailed to Secretary to the Board of Visitors Amie Dale.
Seniors Anthony Berry (left) and Dylan Frederick (right) pose for a photo after completing the One City Marathon together on March 2, photo courtesy of Anthony Berry.
TREY GREENWELL TRAJAN.GREENWELL.21@CNU.EDU
DK Metcalf traded to Steelers
A quick turn of events Raiders extend Maxx Crosby
Two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf has been traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The trade occurred just days after Metcalf had requested a trade from the Seattle Seahawks. He was beginning to enter the final year of a three year, $72 million contract extension signed in 2022 and was looking for a raise. With the Steelers in need of a playmaking wide receiver, they worked quickly to complete a trade for Metcalf. Following the trade, the Steelers immediately agreed to a five year, $150 million contract extension with Metcalf.
In exchange for Metcalf’s services, the Steelers gave the Seahawks a second-round pick in this year’s National Football League (NFL) Draft. Both teams also agreed to exchange picks in the sixth and seventh rounds of this year’s draft.
With an average annual value (AAV) of $30 million per season,
A major deal
TREY GREENWELL
TRAJAN.GREENWELL.21@CNU.EDU
The Las Vegas Raiders have given four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension.
The exact terms of the deal included $91.5 million guaranteed, tying Crosby to the Raiders through the 2029 season. This extension puts him at $35.5 million per season. With other edge rushers such as Micah Parsons and Trey Hendrickson seeking extensions this offseason, Crosby’s deal sets a standard for what they will be looking to receive from their respective teams.
Crosby’s extension was of most importance to the Raiders as he is seen as a franchise cornerstone. While he had a 2025 base salary of $22.2 million and a 2026 base salary of $18.8 million, he did not not have any more guaranteed money left from the four-year deal he signed in 2022.
Metcalf has become one of six wide receivers to have contracts valued at that number or higher. This was also the most the Steelers have spent on an outside free agent as the previous record was when they signed linebacker Patrick Queen to a three year, $41 million contract last spring.
With Metcalf, the Steelers have now added a star wide receiver that can play opposite of their 2022 second-round pick George Pickens. Last season, Metcalf recorded 66 receptions, 992 receiving yards, and five touchdowns in 15 games played. While the statistics were not quite as good as it had been in years past, Metcalf did suffer a knee injury which plagued part of his campaign. With this trade, the Seahawks are beginning to add more cap space and draft capital to retool the roster. With this trade, the Seahawks now have five picks in the first three rounds of this year’s draft as well as $68 million in cap space.
Last season, Crosby recorded 45 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 12 games played before his season ended due to an ankle surgery. With his recovery progressing since having surgery in December, Crosby should return to his dominant ways next season.
With the Raiders having made the playoffs only once in Crosby’s six seasons with the team, Crosby had considered asking for a trade to a contender this offseason. However, the hirings of general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll have energized Crosby as he looks to lead a new era of Raiders football.
As the Raiders begin to overhaul their roster, extending Crosby was the first step in improving the team. Other questions will need to be addressed such as their starting quarterback and running back room for the Raiders to contend in the American Football Conference (AFC). With the third-most cap space in the league as well as
the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft, the Raiders will have several resources to boost their chances at a playoff spot.
“As the Raiders begin to overhaul their roster, extending Crosby was the first step in improving the team.”
DK Metcalf warming up before a 2020 regular season game against the Washington Football Team. DK Metcalf by All-Pro Reels is licensed under the CC By Attribution Sharealike 2.0 Generic Deed.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end, Maxx Crosby, in a game against the Washington Football Team in Allegiant Stadium on December 5, 2021. Maxx Crosby Las Vegas Raiders 2021 by All-Pro Reels is licensed under the CC By Attribution Share Alike 2.0 Generic Deed.
Panthers acquire Brad Marchand
Right at the buzzer
Near the end of the National Hockey League (NHL) trade deadline, Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand was traded to the Florida Panthers.
In return for the longtime stalwart, the Bruins received a 2027 secondround draft pick that will become a first-round pick in 2028 if the Panthers win two rounds of this season’s Stanley Cup Playoffs and Marchand plays 50% of the games.
Marchand is currently in the final season of an eight year, $49 million contract. While he had initially wanted to stay with the Bruins, contract negotiations stalled after both sides could not agree on his yearly salary. This, paired with the Bruins hesitance to offer a contract that ran for longer than two years, led to Marchand’s departure.
Marchand is currently sidelined with an upperbody injury that will likely keep him out until the postseason. Once Marchand returns to the ice, the Panthers will have an experienced forward who can play big minutes if called on to do so as the team battles with the To-
“Once Marchand returns to the ice, the Panthers will have an experienced forward who can play big minutes if called on to do so as the team battles with the Toronto Maple Leafs for first place in the Atlantic Division. ”
ronto Maple Leafs for first place in the Atlantic Division. This trade was the final move in a Bruins firesale as they are currently on the outskirts of playoff contention. As a result, the team has dealt both Charlie Coyle and Justin Brazeau to the Minne-
sota Wild, Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Trent Frederic to the Edmonton Oilers.
Meanwhile, the Panthers are hoping to put themselves in pole position to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. Marchand was the fourth player the team has acquired over the past week as they have also added defenseman Seth Jones, goalie Vitek Vanecek and forward Nico Strum. During his 16 seasons with the Bruins, Marchand scored 422 goals with 554 assists in 1,090 games with the team. He is the Bruins’ all-time leader in playoff goals scored with 56 and has the second most playoff points with 138, 23 behind Ray Bourque for the most in team history. Marchand was also the last remaining Bruin from the 2011 Stanley Cup championship team that defeated the Vancouver Canucks in seven games, signaling the end of a memorable era in Bruins history.
Here’s What You Missed!
1) Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett has become the highest-paid non quarterback in NFL history with a four year, $204.8 million contract.
2) Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is expected to be sidelined for 1-2 weeks with a groin strain.
3) Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry has accepted a role with his alma matter Davidson College as an assistant general manager.
Coming soon in CNU Sports:
*Games listed are happening at CNU
March 14th:
Men’s Lacrosse CNU v. Gettysburg College Mustang Classic
Location: Owings Mills, MD Time: 6:15 PM
March 15th:
*Men’s Baseball CNU v. Oswego State
Location: Newport News, VA Time: 1:00 PM March 16th:
*Women’s Softball CNU v. George Fox University Cross Bay Bash
Location: Newport News, VA Time: 1:30 and 4:00 PM
Men’s Tennis
CNU v. North Carolina
Wesleyan University
Location: Rocky Mount, N.C. Time: 2:00 PM
To look at events off campus and for future weeks, visit cnusports.com
Brad Marchand and Philipp Grubauer during a 2023-2024 regular season game between the Boston Bruins and Seattle Kraken. Grubauer Marchand by Jenn G is licensed under the CC By Attribution Sharealike 2.0 Generic Deed.
CLog Editors’ spring break
Lifestyle Editor Claire Hall feeding a Giraffe at the Metro Richmond Zoo, courtesy of Claire Hall/TheCaptainsLog
Snapshot Editor, Amanda Eacho taking a group photo in front of Mont Saint Michel on the Medieval Art and Photography Study Abroad Trip, courtesy of Amanda Eacho
Sunset in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, over spring break, taken by Trey Greenwell/TheCaptainsLog
Spring break
Snapshot Editor, Amanda Eacho poses in front of the Eiffel Tower with the Medieval art and Photography Study Abroad Group, courtesy of Amanda Eacho/TheCaptainsLog
L to R: Editor-in-Chief Katherine Zickel, News Editor Breanna Dorrian, Digital Media Manager Lindsay Deyton and A&E Editor Alyssa Tillman pose in front of Radio City Music Hall, courtesy of Katherine Zickel/ TheCaptainsLog
Snapshot Editor, Amanda Eacho poses in front of the Notre Dame with the Medieval art and Photography Study Abroad Group, courtesy of Amanda Eacho/TheCaptainsLog
L to R: A&E Editor Alyssa Tillman, News Editor Breanna Dorrian, Digital Media Manager Lindsay Deyton and Editor-in-Chief Katherine Zickel pose of a picture at the College Media Association conference in NYC, courtesy of Katherine Zickel/TheCaptainsLog
CLAIRE HALL
Get out of my swamp: Shrek’s fifth installment coming to theaters
CLAIRE.HALL.22@CNU.EDU
Our beloved swamp-loving ogre is set to return to theaters on December 3rd, 2026 with a fifth installment of the “Shrek” series. There have already been sneak peaks released on social media platforms sharing the news with fans everywhere.
Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz will reprise their roles as Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona. Zendaya has already been announced as playing Shrek and Fiona’s daughter.
DreamWorks CEO, Jeffery Katzenberg decided to end the franchise after the fourth installment of “Shrek: Forever After,” but eventually decided to start working on it again.
The first-look cast announcement was released on Feb. 27, 2025, and introduced a new animation style which updated the characters’ appearances.
As you can imagine, this didn’t sit well with many “Shrek” fans. The issue falls similarly to what happened in 2019 when the live action of “Sonic” was released. Many people were upset with the way that Sonic was depicted and demanded it be changed. Eventually, Paramount Pictures listened to the demands and altered the character design.
Similarly, people are calling for DreamWorks to revert the fifth installment of “Shrek” back to its original style.
Either way, many are excited that another installment of “Shrek” is coming back to theaters. While it may take a while until it is released in theaters, we are excited to see where the movie goes. Hopefully DreamWorks is able to look into the animation style before releasing it in December of 2026.
Shrek, Donkey and Fiona from the “Shrek” series, image from GoodFon.
Exciting movie releases this year
New movies to keep your eye out for
CLAIRE HALL
CLAIRE.HALL.22@CNU.EDU
We aren’t even four months into 2025 and the entertainment industry is already releasing so many exciting new movies for us to look forward to. Here are a few movies to keep on your radar:
“Snow White” (Mar. 21, 2025)
In two weeks, this live action Snow White is set to release. Fans are excited that one of their beloved Disney Princesses is coming to life on the big screen. Actresses Rachel Zeglar and Gal Gadot are starring in this live action, playing Snow White and the Evil Queen. This film has also sparked intrigue, as many are wondering how the dwarves will remain lifelike throughout the film. I guess we have to wait three weeks and stay tuned.
“A Minecraft Movie” (Apr. 4, 2025)
This is an exciting release for Minecraft fans everywhere. This movie was first announced in 2014, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and actor and writer strikes, the movie was scheduled for release on April 4th, 2025. This movie stars Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks and Sebastian Hansen. Black is set to play Steve, the main character in Minecraft. The plot of this movie follows four individuals who get pulled into a portal that leads them into the Overworld of Minecraft. In order for them to get back home, they have to embark on a quest with the help of Steve. Fans are interested to see the movie but fear that the animation style might not be up to par.
“M3GAN 2.0” (June 27, 2025)
Everyone remembers the freaky robot that took over theaters on Jan. 6, 2023. This film received numerous positive reviews from critics who like a blend of horror and humor. The end of the first movie, “M3GAN”, ended on a cliffhanger, leaving many questions unanswered. Now, a second installment of
“M3GAN” is taking over where the first film left off. Jenna Davis and Amie Donald are back to play M3GAN. Violet McGraw and Allison Williams are playing Cady and Gemma. Since the first film went very well, people hope that the second movie will hold up to those standards.
“Freakier Friday” (Aug. 8,
2025)
Everyone remembers one of Lindsay Lohan’s most successful movies, “Freaky Friday”. Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are back for a second installment of the film. The second film continues where the first film left off, where characters Tess and Anna discover that the lightning might strike again and have to overcome the challenges that come when two families merge. Not much has been said about the movie yet, but we are excited to see Lindsay Lohan all grown up on set.
“Wicked: For Good” (Nov. 21, 2025)
“Wicked”, the first film, just came out in November, grossing about $729 million dollars worldwide. The film instantly became popular, as merch and collabs started popping up everywhere. Now, there is already a set date for a second movie, hitting theaters in November. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are set to star as Elphaba and Glinda once again. In short, this film is about Elphaba, and how she is being declared as an enemy of the state by the Wizard and Madame Morrible. We can’t wait to see how this film does in theaters.
As we can see, theaters will be seeing a lot of action in 2025. These movie releases are super exciting and I can’t wait to see what films do the best in the entertainment world. What movies are you most excited for?
Lady returnsGaga to SNL
ALYSSA TILLMAN
ALYSSA.TILLMAN.22@CNU.EDU
Lady Gaga returned to the Saturday Night Live stage last Saturday as both host and musical guest. Gaga has appeared as a musical guest three times on SNL, but she only did double duty once back in 2013 when she was promoting “Artpop”. Here are some highlights from the episode: Gaga opened the show by reminding the audience that she’s an amazing actor now, then going on to compare herself to other “aging” pop stars (“Tate McRae is my biological grandmother”). She also acknowledged the unfortunate guest performer (R. Kelly) from the last time she hosted. From there, she joked about the performance of “Joker: Folie à Deux” and its Razzie wins, even promising “to act, to sing, and to not do Joker 3.”
The first sketch of the night was a Dan Bulla short, presenting the story of a mouse named Pip who decides to participate in the weightlifting competition at the human high school he attends. The lighthearted story turns dark when the roof collapses on all the kids who bullied Pip. It’s up to Pip to save them, but at the last moment he lets Marcello Hernandez’s jock bully die, leading to a shocking spray of blood as the bully gets crushed. Gaga plays the empathetic classmate who starts to doubt Pip at the end.
Bowen Yang got to duet with Gaga twice in this episode, the first time being to a version of Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight” on a date at a fancy restaurant. The second duet happens in a later sketch that tackles the overuse of the term “slay”, as Yang and Gaga sing a musical plea to stop just repeating the same slang words over and over.
In a Funeral Home sketch, Gaga and Heidi Gardner are consoling a grieving Ego Nwodim at a funeral home. Her dad has passed away (it’s an unsolved murder actually). They ask about themes for the show, and decide on the Roaring 20s, treating it like party planners. Gaga and Gardner double down on the deranged and inappropriate 1920s idea, reappearing as flappers in bobs. And Nwodim’s boyfriend, played by Andrew Dismukes gets into it as well, asking if he can dress like Gatsby.
Yang energetically introduces Gaga’s pulsing performance of “Abracadabra.” The music video for this electro dance anthem premiered during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony last month. Nwodim, Kenan Thompson and Sarah Sherman later introduce the ‘70s-inspired funk jam “Killah”, which starts in the backstage Studio 8H hallway.
On Weekend Update, Mikey Day plays British aristocrat Lord Gaga, husband of Lady. He condescends his wife’s “hobby” and is shocked to learn of her apparent success. The peak is the Jost-roasting (Joasting?) conclusion, when the lord takes aim at Colin Jost himself by suggesting it would be a “living nightmare” for a man’s wife to make more money than him.
Sherman, Gaga and Nwodim introduce Little Red Glasses - they help you read! They are not fashionable, but intended for specific kinds of women, like uptight Buddhists and the mom from Bob’s Burgers. “All my dress-up clothes are a little bit Asian,” confirms Sherman, who wants tapas. “I was ahead of the curve on gay marriage and that’s where it stopped!” Is your profession ‘very bad therapist’? This is the look for you! This is a sister sketch to “Big Dumb Hat.”
Lady Gaga sitting down for an interview. Image from Wikimedia Commons
Zodiac signs during spring break
What does your sign say about you?
CLAIRE HALL
CLAIRE.HALL.22@CNU.EDU
Capricorn
You felt that a whole week at home was just too boring to you. You also dislike change and disruptions to your normal everyday routine. Despite this, you did have a relaxing spring break which was much needed for your burnout. Your sleep schedule got very messed up and you desperately wanted to fix it before coming back to college but was unsuccessful.
Aquarius
You weren’t able to cross everything off your spring break bucket list before heading back to college and you are not happy about it. While everyone was out traveling and having a fun time, you stayed at home googling how much a flight to Costa Rica costs. By the time you figured out how much a four day vacation costs, you slammed your laptop shut and went to sleep.
Pisces
You spent your spring break helping your family out with their spring cleaning. Your parents finally realized that they had way too much clutter in the house and you wanted to be helpful by helping them get rid of it. This task took the entire week, but your parents were grateful for your help and gave you some spending money to use.
Aries
During spring break, you decided to conquer one of your fears and try something new. Usually, you are comfortable doing the same thing for spring break every year but wanted to step outside of your shell and do something different. Despite trying something new, you still do not like it, but can say that you accomplished something.
Taurus
You most likely worked during your entire break to pay for more Starbucks and Subway when entering the final stretch of the spring semester. Despite wanting to use spring break to relax, you woke up every morning at 8am to go to your 9-5 job you’ve had since you were 17. While you didn’t have the time of your life, you now have enough money to reward yourself with Starbucks and Subway for two weeks before you run out of money again.
Gemini
You most likely have done the craziest things during spring break. You crave adventure and new experiences, most likely partaking in a crazy activity such as mountain climbing or skydiving. When that wasn’t satisfying enough for you, you most likely tried to beat some sort of crazy world record. Either way, you had a good spring break and are not looking forward to heading back to college.
Cancer
You were so excited to return home to see your family. You didn’t travel anywhere during spring break unless your family came with you. In all the pictures you took with your family, one person is either making a silly face or not looking at the camera. You still post the photos on social media anyway. When spring break was over, you were very sad to leave your family.
Leo
You most likely wanted your spring break to be big. You spent months preparing for spring break by renting the perfect AirBnB and planning the perfect itinerary. You want to go somewhere where there is a beautiful
beach so you can take Instagram pictures in all your nice outfits. You don’t worry about the cost until after hitting the purchase button, knowing that you can work during college to replenish your bank account.
Virgo
You used spring break as a week to organize. You went through 3,000 emails in your inbox and finally replied to people. You also organized paperwork for your classes and edited your Google Calendar. Even though you promised yourself you would not do any college work on break, you felt that getting organized doesn’t break that rule. Everything may be organized now but you are aware that it might not stay that way as you get closer to finals week.
Libra
You most likely indulged in one of your hobbies during break. Whether that be painting or sewing clothing, you have a very creative mindset when in a different place. Sometimes, you indulge a little too much and end up forgetting what time it is. Your sleep schedule is definitely messed up and you attempted to fix it before going back to college.
Scorpio
During your spring break, you decided to spend it with friends back at home. You don’t see them very often and want to catch up with them. However, catching up with them somehow ended with you going on a shopping spree as you dropped hundreds of dollars on new spring clothing. At least you had a fun gossip session with your besties.
Sagittarius
You didn’t waste your time googling flights and hotels. Instead, you opted to venture to local places for a cheaper cost. To save a good sum of money, you decided to visit the nearest national park and take a hike around a mountain. You loved the adventure until you tripped and got hurt. Now you understand why people google flights and hotels.
Scorpio zodiac sign, photo from Wikimedia Commons.
Realizing true friends
Five green flags in friendships
LINDSAY DEYTON LINDSAY.DEYTON.22@CNU.EDU
Everyone has a different type of friend group with a variety of people in their circle. Personally, I have different types of friends for different things. For example, I have childhood friends, friends from work, friends who I meet in classes, lifelong friends and built-in best friends. All of these friends have things in common, and these are the reasons why I keep them around.
They root for your success
True friends love to see you succeed and achieve your goals. They help you reach those goals and will do anything they can to help you. Friends who may not have the best intentions will act jealous, shut down when you mention a milestone in your life or just flat out don’t care. So, don’t let go of those friends who celebrate your small and big wins.
They remember the small details
Someone who really cares for you and your wants and needs will remember what it takes to fulfill those wants and needs. These kinds of friends will remember that you like your crust cut off of your sandwiches or that you prefer to sleep on the left side of your bed. The best kinds of friends know the smallest, and seemingly insignificant, details about you and actually care about them.
They stick with you when you’re struggling
I’ve seen too many friendships
end because one friend abandoned the other when they were at their lowest. Too many times out of 10, a bad friend will only hang around someone when it’s convenient for them and when they can get something out of the hangout. True friends, however, stick with you when you’re at your lowest and your worst. Whether you’re having the time of your life or are in a dark spot, real friends will be there no matter what it costs.
They defend you behind your back
Gossip breaks up too many relationships. Even the smallest negative comment behind someone’s back can ruin a lot. A friend who will hype you up when you’re not in the room, or defend your reputation when people are trashing it are the friends you absolutely want to keep around.
They go out of their way to see you
I am a firm believer that someone will make time for what they want. No matter how busy I am, if I want to see them, I will find a way. The friends that go out of their way to invite you to places, or include you in plans, are friends you are lucky to have. They won’t make you their second choice or an afterthought, nor will they make plans right in front of you without inviting you. With good friends, you won’t always have to initiate plans or ask. They will go out of their way to start the conversation about plans too.
Claire’s Corner
Your go-to advice column for college
CLAIRE HALL CLAIRE.HALL.22@CNU.EDU
What are some activities I can do with friends on the Great Lawn in the warmer weather?
If you are looking for things to do outside, whether you need to stretch your legs after a long class or spend time with friends, the Great Lawn is such a fun place to be. Now that the weather is getting warmer and Earth Day is right around the corner, spending time outside is such a good way to kill some extra free time. Down below, I’ve listed some fun activities you can do with your friends on the Great Lawn -just don’t forget to wear SPF while catching those sun rays.
Host an outdoor movie
You don’t need to have lots of people or a large screen to have an outdoor movie night. Simply grab a blanket and your computer and you and your besties can watch movies together outside. If this is something that interests you, I would recommend that you either find a shady spot in the middle of the day to avoid the sun’s glare on the laptop or watch a movie when the sun sets.
Plan a picnic
Picnic’s are super fun and easy to plan. First, you should make sure you have enough towels for everyone to sit on. Then, purchase some finger foods that are easy to eat such as cheese, crackers, fruit and chocolate. You can get even more creative and give the picnic a theme.
Find an outdoor workout
Outdoor workouts are incredibly therapeutic, especially when you are surrounded by nature. This is also something you can do with larger groups of people. Just play a workout video on YouTube and set a timer for how long you want the workout to be. This workout is sure
to make you break a sweat and boost your vitamin D levels.
Watch the sunset
One of my favorite things to do with my friends is to watch the sunset. The sunsets on the Great Lawn are always so beautiful and picture worthy. However, it might still be a bit chilly once the sun sets since it’s still March. Just make sure to have a sweater on you.
Have a book club
If you and your friends love to read, something fun to do outside would be to have a book club. Everyone can read the same book and then talk about it outside. All you would need to do is find a book everyone wants to read. Then, just put down a blanket and start talking about the book. The outdoors can be so therapeutic and boost creative thinking.
I hope I have given you some good ideas of things you can do on the Great Lawn when it is warmer outside. Remember, you don’t have to do anything big to have fun. Sometimes being around those who make you the happiest makes any situation fun.
Photo courtesy of Claire Hall /TheCaptainsLog
Digital Media Manager, Lindsay Deyton and Lifestyle Editor, Claire Hall posing for a picture, courtesy of Claire Hall/TheCaptainsLog
OPINIONS
“The Captain’s Log is free to write anything it pleases and CNU fully respects the Freedom of the press.”— CNU Chancellor Paul Trible
Daylight savings doesn’t save us
In short, that one hour does make a difference
CLAIRE HALL CLAIRE.HALL.22@CNU.EDU
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I hate daylight savings time with a passion. For those of you who don’t know, daylight savings originally started over 100 years ago, in 1918, as a way to conserve power and have people be able to work later in the day, CBS8 reported. This year, the one hour time change occurred on Sunday, March 9th, and just had to fall on an inconvenient
day; the day where Christopher Newport University students had to return to campus post spring break. During the early hours of the morning, the clock on our iPhone, which changes automatically, jumped from 1:59 a.m. to 3 a.m.
However, now most people aren’t doing jobs like farming that require the extra light and thus this time change seems
outdated and unnecessary for us to continue making people do. I don’t know anyone who likes losing an hour of sleep, even if the sun does stay up longer during the day now. The only possible good thing about this change happening today is technology updating for us, instead of everyone having to remember to manually change every clock in their household the night before. Though I bet that some of you still slept through your morning Monday classes if you forgot what day it was or only looked at the clocks in your dorm room kitchen.
Losing that one hour made me very upset. Being a night owl, I could’ve done so many productive things in that hour, like play another round of Fortnite or bother my friends by spamming text messages. Not to mention, it doesn’t matter what time you go to bed, you will end up feeling tired the next few days no matter what as your body takes the time to readjust. I had to get my butt back to CNU to attend classes on Monday, and let me tell you, Interstate 64 is a whole different ball game when you are lacking sleep. It seems like everyone’s mission is to just make you mad. I had to chug a diet coke before I hit the road, and in all my years
of living in the United States, I have never ingested a diet coke before.
Before I go on another tangent, that one hour of sleep would have made a difference. I’m not saying that an extra sleep would solve all my problems, but at least I wouldn’t wake up and give everyone the side eye. Not only is waking up early difficult, but I could barely fall asleep on Sunday night. I had to ingest two melatonin gummies instead of my usual one in order to fall asleep. I never understood daylight savings and I never will. I think it’s just very dumb and makes everyone, especially college students, suffer more than they need to. Every person you run into will talk about how tired they are and the finger points straight to daylight savings. In short, that one hour that was disrespectfully taken away from us needs to come back. Daylight savings needs to leave the Earth and go somewhere else. Go bother people from a different planet and leave us alone.
Sunrise in New York City a week before daylight savings occurred, photo courtesy of Katherine Zickel/TheCaptainsLog
The 2025 NHL trade:
Dear Don Sweeney, Boston hates you.
Boston’s a bitter city, but the Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney really poked the bear this time. The 2025 National Hockey League (NHL) trade deadline was a dumpster fire of devastation after devastation for Boston fans, like myself.
First on the chopping block was the poster-child for Massachusetts athletes, Forward Charlie Coyle in exchange for Colorado Forwards Casey Mittelstadt and William Zellers. One would think it’s about quality over quantity, but I suppose they only ask how, not how many.
Next, the Bruins picked up Defenseman Henri Jokiharju from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick. Forward Marc McLaughlin was sacrificed for New Jersey Devils Defenseman Daniil Misyul.
The next trade for the Bruins wasn’t the last, but it certainly was the worst. Sweeney pulled a Julius Caesar on his captain and his city by trading Captain and Forward Brad Marchand for a 2027 conditional second-round pick from the Florida Panthers.
Last to go was Defenseman Brandon Carlo for Toronto Maple Leafs Forward Fraser Minten along with a 2026 first round pick (top five pro-
tected) and a 2025 fourth-round pick.
Let’s talk about loyalty. Boston fans are loyal to a fault, if it was about winning not many people in Boston would even be a Boston fan. We still root for the Patriots without Brady, don’t we?
All of these trades were probably not the best use of what little critical thinking skills Sweeney possesses, but Coyle and Marchand were by far the most devastating.
Even New Englanders who know nothing about hockey are pissed. My best friend and Massachusetts native, who barely knows what the puck is going on when watching the ice, called me after the news broke.
Just a few days before getting the same treatment as those of Henry VIII wives, Marchand said he’d retire as a Bruin.
Shoulder injuries and age aside, loyalty matters. Hockey players don’t play for the name on their back. They’re playing for the logo on the front and the community of people it represents. Hockey team managers are politicians to us fanatics and we, the fans, are their constituents.
What the hell happened to respecting those you represent?
The Naked Truth:
Bored in the bedroom? Here’s how to set your college sex life on fire
By Guest Columnist, in collaboration with the editorial team
Look, college is supposed to be a time of passion, bad decisions, and unforgettable extracurriculars—so why is your sex life starting to feel as dull as your Monday morning lecture? If your bedroom escapades have lost their spark, it’s time to bring the heat. And no, I’m not talking about that suspicious dorm radiator. Here’s your step-by-step guide to turning your college sex life from meh to mind-blowing (without traumatizing your roommates).
1. Ditch the Dorm Room, Find the Thrill
If you and your partner are doing the same three moves in the same twin XL bed, it’s time for an upgrade. Try the floor, the shower, the laundry room (late at night, please), or get adventurous with a semirisky public spot (but don’t get caught—The Captains Log does not need that headline).
2. Unlock Your Inner Kink God/Goddess
It’s 2025—missionary-anddone is canceled. Time to explore. Roleplay? Restraints? Power dynamics? A little spanking? The key is open, enthusiastic consent and finding what makes you both breathless. If it excites you, try it. If it terrifies you just a little, definitely try it.
3. Master the Art of the Slow Burn
Foreplay isn’t just a warmup; it’s the main event. Teasing texts all day? A whispered
CORRECTION:
fantasy in class? Making your partner beg before they even get a taste? That’s the energy we’re going for. Anticipation turns a good night into a legendary one.
4. Say Goodbye to Predictability
If your usual routine feels more like a checklist than a thrill ride, it’s time to change it up. Switch roles, add toys, experiment with temperature play (ice cubes, candle wax, you get the idea). The wilder, the better.
5. Turn Up the Volume (But Maybe Not Literally)
Great sex is all about connection—so talk dirty. Praise, demands, deep moans? Yes, yes, and absolutely yes. If you’ve been keeping quiet, it’s time to let loose. But also... be mindful of those paper-thin dorm walls unless you want an audience.
6. Remember: It’s Not Just About the Destination
Sex isn’t a race to the finish line—it’s about enjoying the ride. Less “Did we check all the boxes?” and more “Was that the hottest thing we’ve ever done?” If it’s not fun, stop, switch gears, and find what makes you both crave a repeat performance.
Bottom line? Your sex life is only as exciting as you make it. Get creative, get bold, and for the love of all things good— lock the door, unless you want your roommate to need therapy.
Disclaimer: Over the coming four weeks, this column will be introducing you to a new voice as we explore innovative approaches to advice-giving. Our March 20 issue will give a full introduction to this up-and-coming resource. In the meantime, if you’d like to take a guess about the identity of today’s columnist, please email us at clog@cnu.edu.
Boston Bruins logo, from Wikimedia Cmomons.
Student poetry and short story submissions
Email clog@cnu.edu to be featured in the paper
“Loving
You Through Life:”
By: Tori A.B
Like lipstick gliding
On a mirror
Or a dragonfly flying
On the water
Being with you always Feels so weightless
An effortless glide
Through life And Laughter “Worth the Rush?”
Like dewdrops shining
On a lily Or puzzles sliding Into place
The peace you give me When I’m with you Makes me always cherish My heart’s race
Sudoku
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1 Greek goddess of youth and wife of Hercules
Sculptor's medium
Wing motion
Bring in the dough
Avoids the seekers in a childhood game
Suffix with flex 17 Rescue mission, for short
18 "Does it smell like _____ in here?"
19 "When is a door not a door? When it's ____!"
20 Brick-based sci-fi franchise featuring a "Complete Saga" that hasn't been complete since 2015
23 A deer, a female deer
24 Get 100% on
26 Bethesda's fantasy RPG franchise featuring "Morrowind" and "Skyrim"
35 Gruber of "Die Hard" 36 Awaken
Nascent
38 Gradually slowing, in music (abbr)
39 Give credit (to), in slang 40 "___ had it up to here!"
41 Greek letter 'H'
Awoke 43 "Take ____" (Catch some z's)
44 The second of Nintendo's athletics-based party games, taking place on Wuhu island and featuring fencing, canoeing, and dogfighting
“It’s Game Time”
48 Pass again in a race
49 Flightless bird in Australia
50 The latest installment in Bungie's sci-fi FPS franchise and the first where Master Chief can experience an open world environment
58 Sonic's game company
61 Sun Tzu's "The ___ War"
62 Beginning of a new day
63 Dangerous kind of pressure
64 Reduce, _____, Recycle
65 Old-timey shout of surprise
66 ____ Mater
67 Newspaper opinion piece
68 One of the "Friends" friends DOWN
1 Achilles' notable feature 2 Roof overhang
3 Say, for example, "I'm super humble! I'm the most humble person ever!"
4 Uses a cipher to hide a message
5 Went down a slide
6 "Levitating" singer Dua
7 Formal abbreviation for a place of residence
8 "Ouch! That hurts!"
9 Complete trainwreck
10 President after JFK
11 In the style of
12 The 'p' of mph
15 University class governing body
21 Scientific name for our sun
22 Like a steak not well done
25 Pacific weather phenomenon with a Spanish name
26 Purposefully lost a game
27 Dominican Republic's neighbor
28 Involve
29 Mistake
30 Fowl place
31 Slang for heroes in "The Boys"
32 HTML styling language
33 Burton of "Reading Rainbow" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation"
34 Won every game
39 Not an amateur, for short
42 The Last Airbender's flying bison
43 (Torn) to pieces
45 African desert named "desert" in Arabic
46 Officiated a game
47 Famous U.K. record label
51 Ancient Roman household god
52 Cookies 'n' Creme cookie
53 Words after live or give
54 It smells
55 "Othello" villain
56 "____ the night before Christmas..."
57 Concludes
58 Relaxation destination
59 Snakelike fish
60 Precious stone