The Captain’s Log
@CNUCAPTAINSLOG
VOLUME 56, ISSUE 21
Christopher Newport University Hall at sunset. The Board of Visitors meeting was held behind CNH in the Freeman Center, photo taken by Savannah Dunn/TheCaptainsLog.
A recap on the recent Board of Vistors meeting
MICHALAH BECK
MICHALAH.BECK.22@CNU.EDU
The Board of Visitors (BOV) met on March 17, 2025 to discuss the proposed increase in tuition and fees for Christopher Newport University’s 2025-2026 fiscal year (FY). This hour-long meeting explained the tuition increase was open to CNU students to give their thoughts on the matter.
The Code of Virginia assigns responsibility to the University’s BOV to set the tuition and fees. Four main factors contribute to the changes in tuition and fees, including anticipated funds from the state, student affordability, market position and competitiveness and the impact on the budget and ability to deliver quality services.
Sarah Herzog, CNU’s Chief Financial
Officer, opened the meeting with the 20242025 University Operating Budget, highlighting the two major sources of revenue: General Funds (State tax dollars) as 30.5% of revenue, and Non-General Funds (Tuition, comprehensive fees, room and board fees, sales and services, commissions, federal stimulus funds and gifts, grants and contracts) as 69.5% of the revenue.
(Story continued in News, page 2)
Trump admin and campus protests Board of Visitors meeting
CNU Rugby Lady Gaga’s “Mayhem”
The rise and fall of Ruby Franke
CAB and CSE’s Sustainability Pagent
Airline travel
Chat GPT and therapy
Sex advice coulmn
International Affairs Update:
ELLORA HOUCHINS
ELLORA.HOUCHINS.24@CNU.EDU
Devastating fire in North Macedonia
A small Balkan nation experienced a tragedy this past weekend, as an overcrowded nightclub was set aflame, AP News reported on March 16. The massive fire killed 59 people, injured 155 and is now North Macedonia’s deadliest tragedy in decades. The fire caused the roof of the single-story building to partially collapse. The ongoing investigation noted videos taken from inside that showed pyrotechnics on stage hitting Club Pulse’s ceiling as an unnamed band played. North Macedonia’s Interior Minister Panche Toshkiviski disclosed to officials that 15 people have been detained for questioning after an inspection revealed the club operated without a proper license. Toshkiviski also mentioned the number of people inside the club on Sunday was at least double its official capacity, 250.
North Korea denies G7’s nuclear demand
On Monday, North Korea vowed to “steadily update and strengthen” its nuclear capabilities, which showed its firm rejection of G7’s request for Pyongyang to stop its nuclear journey. The statement came after last week’s meeting with G7 foreign ministers in Charlevoix. In Sept. 2022, North Korea passed a law declaring itself a nuclear weapons state and gave itself the right to conduct preemptive nuclear strikes to protect itself. ABC News stated that year, Kim Jong Un called the decision “irreversible” and later amended the country’s constitution to enshrine the permanent growth of Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal. On Monday, North Korean diplomats announced their nuclear ambitions “will not change according to the recognition of anyone.”
Attacks in the Suez Canal
President Trump formally accused Iran of supplying weapons and funding to Yemen’s foreign terrorist group Houthis, who targeted a US aircraft carrier near the Suez Canal. The Pentagon disclosed it had struck 30 targets in Yemen since Saturday, BBC writes. In a letter to the UN Security Council earlier this week, Iran’s UN denied it violated a UN arms embargo on Yemen and any involvement in destabilizing activities. On the morning of March 16, the Houthis launched drones and missiles at the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea. A US official told BBC’s US partner CBS the aircraft shot down 11 drones. The Houthis declared they would continue to target Red Sea shipping until Israel lifted its blockade on Gaza. Since Nov. 2023, the Houthis have sunk two vessels, seized a third and killed four crew members.
CNU Proposes Increase in Tuition and Fees
Story continued from cover
MICHALAH BECK
MICHALAH.BECK.22@CNU.EDU
52% of CNU’s revenue goes toward instruction, undergraduate research, public service and academic and support services. 40% of the revenue goes towards auxiliary services, 6% to student financial assistance and only 1% goes towards faculty and staff-sponsored research, which is different from undergraduate research as it contributes specifically to a faculty member’s personal research.
Key factors also contributing to the FY 2026 budget include internal CNU affairs such as the dependency on state funds, the cost of the new building coming online, enrollment projections and federal and economic uncertainty.
Changes in these key factors affected the difference in total in-state tuition for the 20242025 fiscal year was $29,288, which was a substantial increase from the previous year (FY 2023-24) at $28,711 and 2022-23 FY at $27,415.
The University Operating Budget reported that CNU ranks 6th out of 15 Virginia public four year universities for total in-state cost, falling behind the College of William and Mary, the University of Virginia, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Commonwealth University and Longwood University. This ranking demonstrates that CNU is more expensive than larger institutions like Virginia Tech and James Madison University.
March 24 marks Governor Youngkin’s hard deadline to take action on the state budget bill, which is then proposed to the Virginia General Assembly. Following this, the CNU BOV will meet April 24-25, and again June 5-6 to set the tuition and fees for FY 2025-26, with the fiscal year beginning July 1.
The BOV meeting April 24-25 will be an open committee meeting, allowing for the CNU community to attend.
Stepson commits arson in exchange for his freedom
Man held captive in his stepmother’s basement
ELLORA HOUCHINS
ELLORA.HOUCHINS.24@CNU.EDU
On Feb. 17, in Waterbury, Connecticut, a house was set ablaze by an unnamed 32-year-old man. The man, only identified as MV-1 in the affidavit, alleged to have been forcefully detained in his stepmother’s basement for more than two decades. According to NBC News, when authorities responded to the fire, they found the 32-year-old severely emancipated, allegedly not having access to proper nutrition or medical and dental care. After being asked by a first responder how he started the fire—a lighter, hand sanitizer and paper—the man replied, “I wanted my freedom.”
His stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was arrested Wednesday, March 12, on charges of assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment and cruelty to persons, NBC writes. She was held on a $300,000 bond, which she posted on Thursday. Sullivan appeared in court briefly the next day and declined to make any statements. The judge denied the prosecution’s request to place her under house arrest. Instead, she’s allowed to travel within Connecticut, though she’ll contact probation officers regularly.
According to the affidavit, the last time the man recalled leaving the property was nearly 20 years ago, when he was 14 or 15. Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo looked into state
records and found that officers went to the home in 2005, acting on behalf of social workers contacted by school officials concerned about the then-child’s absences. The officials found an adequate home-schooling plan. The Sullivan family accused the school district of harassment. Spagnolo added that an uncle grew concerned for the boy. When he tried talking to Kimberly’s stepson, she intervened.
The father died in Jan. 2024, according to state officials, and had been ill for some time, using a wheelchair by the time he died. His father used to let him out on the weekends, the man stated in the affidavit, but after he died, the captivity grew more intense. He told authorities he was only let out in the mornings to do chores and given two sandwiches a day, along with the equivalent of two small water bottles. NBC writes that state officials noted the room was secured from the outside with a “number of different styles of exterior locks.” Spagnolo noted that it appeared the locks increased in security levels through the years. “He would urinate in a bottle, and he had straws connected to the bottom of the bottle, and he found a hole in the storm window frame that he was able to put these straws through,” Spagnolo said. At the time of Sullivan’s arrest, her stepson weighed 68 pounds while standing 5-foot-9 inches tall.
Trump administration cracks down on campus protests
Columbia student activist arrested and detained
ALYSSA TILLMAN
ALYSSA.TILLMAN.22@CNU.EDU
President Trump is threatening to pull funding from schools that allow what he calls “illegal protests,” as his administration launches a review of Columbia University’s federal contracts. “All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests,” Trump posted on social media on March 4. “Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on the crime, arrested. NO MASKS!”
Trump did not specify what would constitute an “illegal” protest. Broadly speaking, the right to protest is protected by the First Amendment of The United States Constitution. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, also known as FIRE, condemned Trump’s announcement. “Colleges can and should respond to unlawful conduct, but the president does not have unilateral authority to revoke federal funds, even for colleges that allow ‘illegal’ protests,” the statement said.
The First Amendment of The U.S. Constitution protects the right to peaceful assembly, allowing individuals to protest in public spaces such as streets, sidewalks and parks. However, certain actions can render a protest unlawful. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), individuals may not block access to sidewalks or buildings, disrupt counter protests, or engage in speech that is obscene, makes knowingly false statements of fact or incite immediate violence or dangerous disturbances. In some areas, permits are required for large gatherings that obstruct vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
Tensions have remained high at Columbia University after pro-Palestinian demonstrators
set up encampments last year on the university lawn. Some took over a building on campus, prompting the NYPD to make hundreds of arrests. The university canceled its main commencement ceremony, and the university president, who had been called to testify before Congress, stepped down.
It’s been a tumultuous week at Columbia as the Trump administration has already canceled $400 million in federal grants and contracts to the school, claiming that Columbia failed to police antisemitism on campus in the wake of proPalestinian demonstrations last spring, National Public Radio (NPR) reports.
The high-profile arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, who was involved in those protests, continues to keep the school in the public eye. Presi-
dent Trump on social media described Khalil as “a radical foreign pro-Hamas” student who engaged in “pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity.” His detention, Trump warned, “is the first arrest of many to come.”
The Trump administration also revoked the visa of Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian citizen and doctoral student at Columbia, for allegedly “advocating for violence and terrorism.” Srinivasan opted to “self-deport” on March 11, five days after her visa was revoked, AP News reports.
While Columbia and its students have been targeted so far, concerns extend far beyond the Ivy League school. College students and educators across the US are closely watching the Trump administration’s escalating crackdown on campus protests.
CNU student arrested on four felony charges
NEWPORT NEWS, VA - Today, former Christopher Newport University student, Chase Sudki, is attending the second preliminary hearings in his court case. Sudki was arrested on four felony charges on Oct. 28, 2024.
According to the General District Court Online Case Information System provided by the state of Virginia, accessed on March 18, the charges include rape by force/threat, sodomy of a helpless victim/force, strangulation and drug possession. Sudki was released on recognizance after his initial arrest.
The Captain’s Log will provide a further analysis in next week’s issue of the paper.
United States President Donald Trump at the 2025 Address to the Nation on March 5, 2025, photo taken from WikiMediaCommons. BRE DORRIAN BREANNA.DORRIAN.23@CNU.EDU
Maradona medical staffers put on trial
TREY GREENWELL TRAJAN.GREENWELL.21@CNU.EDU
An Argentine court has begun a trial of seven healthcare professionals.
The statement indicated that the healthcare professionals were responsible for negligence in the death of legendary Argentinian soccer player Diego Maradona, who passed away at the age of 60 nearly five years ago. He had died of cardiac arrest in a home outside of Buenos Aires.
Three judges will hear the case and decide what the appropriate outcome should be.
The healthcare professionals consist of a physician, a psychiatrist and other medical staffers who are all facing manslaughter charges. In the prosecution, it stated that the healthcare professionals did not provide adequate medical care to Maradona in the days
An unlikely outcome Selection Sunday recap:
leading to his death. Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari offered an addition to the statement by elaborating that he will prove on the days of Nov. 11-25, 2020 that Maradona was taken to a house in a private neighborhood located in Tigre, outside of Buenos Aires, against his own will. He thinks that Maradona lacked the mental capacity to decide if he wanted to receive treatment at his house or in a hospital. According to Ferrari, the situation was a reckless hospitalization that lacked control. He believes that in Tigre, the healthcare workers cruelly decided the fate of Maradona, leading to his death shortly after.
The family of the 1986 World Cup winner were in attendance including Maradona’s
Let the madness begin!
The madness is about to begin.
Last Sunday, the annual hour-long bracket show occurred where several college programs await their fate as they look to see if they have made the tournament. While other programs know that they have made the tournament, they are looking to see which region they will play in as it will determine their path to a deep tournament run.
The North Carolina Tar Heels rising into the First Four was one of the biggest surprises of Selection Sunday as their inclusion raised several eyebrows of college basketball fans across the country. With a 1-12 record against Quad one teams, the justification for including them was difficult. However, their history as a program as well as their ability to compete with the best teams was a key reason for including them.
St. John’s was another program that viewers kept their eyes on during the show. Under the guidance of hall of fame head coach Rick Pitino, St. John’s has rebounded greatly and became the No. 2 seed in the West region. The program will face Omaha in the first round before playing the winner of Arkansas and Kansas if they were to avoid the upset. This appearance marked the sixth different program Pitino has taken to the tournament in his hall of fame career, adding another chapter to an already illustrious resume.
History was also made during Selection Sunday. The number of programs the Southeastern Conference (SEC) were able to get into the tournament was a record as they were able to put 14 teams into March Madness, six more than the Big 10, who received the second highest number of bids for a conference. Two SEC programs were
daughters, Dalma, Giannina and Jana as well as his former spouse, Veronica Odeja. Odeja had shared a video on social media of Maradona’s son Diego Frenando wearing a t-shirt with his father’s face on it and the word “justice.”
The trial could last up to four months with hearings expected to be held three times per week. In Argentina, the maximum jail sentence for anyone charged with manslaughter is 25 years, a lengthy sentence for anyone who is found guilty.
also top seeds, with Florida being the No. 1 seed in the West and Auburn being seeded No. 1 in the South. It will be interesting to see how each program does in the tournament as not much can prepare a team for the unpredictability of March Madness.
“Last Sunday... several college programs await their fate as they look to see if they have made the tournament.”
Diego Maradona in December 2017. Diego Maradona 2017 is licensed under the CC By Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Deed.
The Xavier vs Virginia Sweet 16 matchup as part of the 2008 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament at the U.S. Airways Center on March 27, 2008. US Airways Center 2008 NCAA West Regional by Jeff Turner is licensed under the CC By Attribution 2.0 Generic Deed.
College Football Playoff expands
What do fans need to know?
The world of college football is changing, and the 2025 season will mark the second year of the College Football Playoff 12-team format. This expansion focuses on creating more opportunities for schools nationwide to be able to compete for the national title, while also being able to amplify the excitement for fans.
The new format for the playoff was introduced back in the 2024 season. This included 12 teams which were selected based off of the College Football Playoff rankings. The format was designed to balance conference representation and at-large bids, giving both dominant programs and rising teams an opportunity to have a path to the National Championship.
The top five conference champions with the highest rankings automatically secure a spot in the playoffs. Seven additional teams are selected based on their performance regardless of conference affiliation. Teams ranked five through 12 face off in early matchups that are held at the home stadium of the higher-seeded team. The quarterfinals and semifinals take place at the New Year’s Six bowl games, which include the Cotton, Fiesta, Orange, Peach, Rose and Sugar Bowls. The Nation-
stronger motivation to fight for a prized playoff spot. Additionally, fans can expect more high-stake matchups throughout December and January, adding more intensity and excitement to the college football season.
Coming soon in CNU Sports:
*Games listed are happening at CNU
March 21st:
*Women’s Tennis
CNU v. Case Western
at a neutral site to crown the ultimate champion.
The expansion has tackled a long-standing frustration among college football fans. In recent years, several teams that seemed deserving of a playoff spot were left out under the previous four-team system. Critics claimed that factors like strength of schedule, conference politics and selection committee decisions often overshadowed teams that had legitimate claims to contend for the national title. The new playoff format aims to reduce these controversies by offering more teams a fair opportunity to compete on the field.
The 2025-2026 season schedule closely mir-
rors the structure of the initial 12-team playoff. First-round matchups will be played on December 19-20, 2025, at campus sites. The quarter finals are set for December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026, hosted by major bowl sites. Semifinal contests will follow on January 8-9, 2026, taking place at the Fiesta and Peach Bowls before the season’s conclusion with the National Championship Game being played on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
For teams beyond the traditional power conferences, the expanded format provides a genuine opportunity to chase national success. Schools that once felt sidelined now have
Notre Dame, who is known for being in an independent conference, is now facing a unique situation under the new structure. Without a conference title opportunity, the Fighting Irish will need to maintain a high ranking to earn an at-large bid. However, despite this challenge, Notre Dame has made it clear that they will not pursue conference affiliation just to secure an easier path to the playoffs.
The expanded format has sparked excitement across college football, offering more thrilling matchups, greater representation and unforgettable moments. As the 2025 season approaches, fans can expect fresh storylines, unexpected underdog victories and potential new dynasties on the journey to the National Championship.
Location: Newport News, VA
Time: 1:00 PM
*Women’s Lacrosse
CNU v. Rowan University
Location: Newport News, VA Time: 3:00 PM
March 22nd:
*Women’s Softball
CNU v. Tufts University
Location: Newport News, VA
Time: 12:00 and 2:30 PM
*Men’s Tennis CNU v. Kenyon
Location: Newport News, VA Time: 2:00 PM
March 23rd: Men’s Baseball
CNU v. Lesley University
Location: Montclair, N.J.
Time: 2:00 PM
To look at events off campus and for future weeks, visit cnusports.com
2024 College Football Playoff National Championship venue NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas hosting the Michigan Wolverines and the Washington Huskies. College Football Playoff National Championship 2024 by 2C2K Photography is licensed under the CC By Attribution 2.0 Generic Deed. al Championship Game is played
SNAPSHOT CNU Men’s Rugby
Ryan Nagel puts the ball into play during a scrum down, taken by Katelyn Buhler
William Webb passing the ball under pressure, taken Katelyn Buhler
CNU player takes the ball into contact against Newport News Men’s Rugby Club, taken by Trinity Tompkins
CNU huddle breakdown between periods, taken by Trinity Tompkins
Rugby Continued
Anthony Berry and Aiden Burke lift their teammate for a throw in , taken by Katelyn Buhler
Anthony Berry stiff arms a defender after picking the ball, taken by Katelyn Buhler
Lady Gaga’s “Mayhem:” reinvention or reiteration?
A review of Gaga’s new sound
REX FRITZ
REX.FRITZ.24@CNU.EDU
Lady Gaga is known for her variety of avant-garde, controversial and quite simply—weird pop music from her early career (“Bad Romance,” “Judas” and “Applause” all come to mind), but it hadn’t been since 2013’s “ARTPOP” where she put out the music to match that image. After the aforementioned “ARTPOP” failed to meet expectations, Gaga pivoted and reintroduced herself with the stripped-back “Joanne” in 2016. She simultaneously expanded that sound and furthered her acting career with “Shallow,” the biggest hit from the film “A Star is Born” in 2018. She made a return to pop with the house-inspired “Chromatica” in 2020, but it still wasn’t the electro dance pop style that Gaga was known for. Truly, it seemed that the “old Gaga” had been retired and left as a relic of the past.
I still remember exactly where I was when Gaga teased her seventh album for the first time. It was May 25, 2024 at a table in the dimly-lit Hotel Madison ballroom during my
senior prom when those cryptic words flashed on my phone screen: “LG7. Gaga Returns.” No release date, no tracklist, not even a title. Only a confirmation of its existence and a seconds-long snippet of a thenunnamed track, but that was all it took to send me spiraling.
The snippet used had sounded closer to her synth-pop sound from the past, but it was too short to confirm. Many questions immediately started swirling around in my head as I was processing everything: “When is it coming?” “What was that song she used?” “What is it going to be called?” However, the biggest question that I and many others had was about its sound: “Is the old Gaga coming back?” Would she bring forth a new style, or would she repeat the sound that hooked her fans all the way back in 2008? Could “the old Gaga” truly be returning?
Earlier this month on Mar. 7, 2025, Lady Gaga finally unleashed her seventh solo studio album, “Mayhem,” onto the world. True to its name,
“Mayhem” is a record bursting at the seams with diverse genres and styles, never sticking to one sound longer than it needs to. The first five tracks lure listeners in with their industrial and grungy electropop sounds, harkening back to Gaga’s days of gyroscope dresses and male alter-egos, now with a new edge.
Just as listeners begin to settle into their expected dance pop album, the Gesaffelstein-produced “Killah” delivers a right hook to the face with its Nine Inch Nails-esque electro-funk industrial sound, complete with an instrumental breakdown as Gaga lets loose an expertly controlled scream. The following track, “Zombieboy” brings in a fresh disco groove with a funky bass while paying tribute to her friend, the late Rick Genest.
From there, the album breaks into full-on 80’s synth that evokes that of David Bowie, Prince and Michael Jackson. Just as listeners think this is how the rest of the album will go, “The Beast” slows the beats down to make way for “Blade of Grass” to introduce organic instruments into the mix through a synth-infused piano ballad. Finally, the dark edges melt away, leaving the soulful soft-rock instrumentation of “Die with a Smile” to close the album on a sentimental note.
As an album, “Mayhem” represents a full-circle moment for Gaga. Influences by all her previous works can be found throughout the record. The dungeondeep industrial production of “Disease” paired with the earworm-inducing vocalizations bears strong resemblance to those from “The Fame Monster,” the house-inspired keyboards of “Chromatica” can be heard throughout “Abracadabra” and the subtle EDM touches of “ARTPOP” have been injected into the very DNA of the album itself. Despite these influences, “Mayhem” seems to have drawn the most inspiration from Gaga’s debut album, “The Fame.”
From the dance pop and 80’s glam rock tributes to the diverse-yet-cohesive genre-bending throughout the album, “Mayhem” displays Gaga returning to the beginning of her career with the experience and knowledge gained throughout her time in the music
industry, paying tribute to the artists that inspired her to create music and reinventing herself in the process. Despite the comparisons to previous works, “Mayhem” is not a retread of old ground; it is the culmination of her artistry thus far that further pushes craft into new grounds. “Mayhem” is messy, crazy and chaotic. One might even say it’s gone gaga. It is Lady Gaga through-andthrough.
That all being said, one question remains unanswered. Earlier, I had asked myself if the “old Gaga” would return. After the release of “Mayhem” and listening to it over and over for several days straight (in a healthy way, I promise), I found my answer. Put simply, the “old Gaga” did not return, because she never left. She has always been there, constantly deconstructing and reinventing herself, pushing her art to the limits to see what she can create. Gaga’s refusal to stick to one specific style is one what makes her music so interesting; she can be a messy partygirl one day, a grungy rockstar the next and then an intimate jazz singer in a dive bar the day after. No matter where her artistry goes, she’ll always be distinctly Lady Gaga.
“No matter where her artistry goes, she’ll always be distinctly Lady Gaga.”
Lady Gaga glambot, image from Wikimedia Commons.
How TikTok is reshaping the music industry
Has
it helped or hindered artists?
ALYSSA TILLMAN
ALYSSA.TILLMAN.22@CNU.EDU
What started as a lip singing app, TikTok has emerged as a significant platform for the discovery of new music and plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary pop culture. New artists are being discovered daily and the music being used for trends on the app have contributed to many new artist’s success on the music charts.
NPR reports that TikTok users are more likely to spend money on music, and be more invested in it–40% of active TikTok users pay a monthly subscription for music, compared to 25% of the general population. Users might lip-sync a song, make up a dance or try to sing it, leading to more exposure for the artist. It has transformed music listening from a one-sided experience, where a song is released and listened to individually, into an interactive activity in which users actively engage with the song and artist.
The latest example is American rapper Doechii’s hit “Anxiety”. TikTok users have been re-creating a moment from “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” between Will Smith and Tatyana Ali, when Will walks in on his cousin Ashley jamming to music on her Walkman. At first, Ashley doesn’t notice Will, who then begins to copy all her moves. When Ashley turns around, she’s met with Will hitting some fierce moves of his own. In recent weeks, Smith, Doechii and Ali have hopped on the trend and drawn millions of eyes. On TikTok, more than 725,000 videos have been posted using the song, with many incorporating the dance from “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”
It’s not just new artists benefitting from the app. Songs from years ago often reemerge as viral trends, spotlighting artists from different eras of music. Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” came out two decades ago but set one-day streaming records on Spotify and YouTube in early 2022 after lipsyncing the most dramatic part of the song became a viral TikTok trend. Or take the song “Snowman” by Sia. That came out in 2017, but the TikTok challenge came in 2020, where people posted videos of themselves trying to
sing the entire chorus in one breath.
The downside here is that artists or their record labels will try to create songs specifically for TikTok and use strategies such as paying influencers to promote a song, posting short clips to see what people respond to or trying to get a dance challenge going. These strategies aren’t inherently bad, but it’s difficult to come across as an authentic artist when doing this. Artists are more prone to make music for the algorithm instead of using music as their creative outlet.
TikTok can feel like a burden for artists. For years, artists such as Halsey and Florence Welch have complained about label expectations that they should use the platform to promote upcoming music. Other artists have suggested that labels are prone to holding songs hostage until they have enough TikTok buzz. “It’s true all record labels ask for are TikToks and I got told off today for not making enough effort,” FKA twigs wrote on the app back in 2022. In March of that year, Welch posted a video of herself letting out a big sigh before singing an a capella rendition of her song “My Love.” Below the video, she wrote, “The label are begging me for ‘low fi tik toks’ so here you go. pls send help.”
The rise and fall of Ruby Franke: from family vlogger to convicted abuser
JANELLE PINEDA
JANELLE.PINEDA.22@CNU.EDU
Ruby Franke once appeared to be the representation of wholesome family values. As the face of the widely popular Youtube channel “8 Passengers”, Franke built a loyal following by sharing a glimpse into her life as a mother of six. However, behind the carefully selected image existed a deeply troubling reality that shocked viewers worldwide.
Launched in 2015, “8 Passengers” documented the day-to-day lives of Ruby Franke, her husband Kevin, and their six children. The channel had a mix of parenting advice, family outings and personal stories that resonated with audiences, boosting it to nearly 3 million subscribers at its peak. Viewers were drawn to Franke’s firm yet seemingly loving approach to raising her children. However, some of her parenting tactics sparked controversy, with critics accusing her of being excessively strict and controlling.
The disturbing details of the Franke family’s downfall are examined in Hulu’s documentary series “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke”. Released in February 2025, the documentary offers an intimate look into the toxic dynamics that filled the Franke household. Featuring interviews with Ruby’s divorced husband, Kevin and their two eldest children, Shari and Chad, the series sheds light on the emotional toll inflicted on the family.
One main controversial moment happened when Franke was filmed refusing to deliver her daughter Eve’s lunch to school after she forgot it, claiming it was a “lesson learned.” Another incident involved her second oldest, Chad, who was grounded after a prank he played on his younger brother. His punishment involved him sleeping on a bean bag chair for 7 months instead of his bed. These moments grew concern over her parenting methods, leading to a decrease in posting and eventually a removal of the channel in January 2022.
Ruby’s daughter Shari moved out at the age of 20, distancing herself from the family. Chad also stopped posting on social media and reportedly no longer lives with the family. Ruby and Kevin’s marriage
faced significant strain. By 2022, it was revealed that they had been separated for over a year, with Ruby spending long periods of time away from the children and staying at her business partner, Jodi Hildebrant’s home.
It was rumored that Ruby and Jodi’s relationship was more than a friendly one. According to Shari, in her memoir, “The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom”, Ruby and Jodi were “lesbian lovers”. It seemed highly unusual to many that a therapist like Jodi would move into her client’s home. Shari was preparing to leave for college and said, “I hadn’t even left the house yet, and she is in my room and in my bed.” Despite Ruby’s efforts to be secretive, Shari could sense something was off. “The vibes I was getting was that something strange was going on between them,” she claimed. Shari’s suspicions were later confirmed when she found messages on Ruby’s laptop after her arrest, where Ruby expressed frustration about having to “cater to Jodi’s need for physical affection without receiving anything in return.” Also in the documentary, Shari talks about one night around 5 a.m. when she witnessed her mother sneaking out of Jodi’s bedroom with messy hair, flushed cheeks and a tied robe. Ruby had a strange smile on her face, one that seemed mischievous, which later deepend Shari’s concern.
In August 2023, Franke and Jodi Hildebrant were arrested on multiple counts of aggravated child abuse. The case unfolded after Franke’s 12 year old son escaped from Hildebrant’s home, appearing weak and showing clear signs of injuries. Soon, investigators discovered disturbing evidence of ongoing abuse, including reports that Franke’s children had endured severe punishments, starvation and emotional manipulation. Both Franke and Hildebrant were sentenced to up to 30 years in prison.
Critics have applauded “Devil in the Family” for its raw storytelling and its commitment to amplifying the voices of those affected. The series not only details the troubling events but also inspires wider conversations about the impact of online family influencers and the blurred lines that the public doesn’t see since they hide the private reality.
Record player being played, image from Unsplash.
LIFESTYLE
Trader Joe’s necessities
10 things to add to your shopping list
ALYSSA TILLMAN ALYSSA.TILLMAN..22@CNU.EDU
At Trader Joe’s, you won’t find a lot of branded items. Instead, you’ll discover a store full of unique and interesting products that are sure to fit into your budget. There’s such a wide variety of options to choose from. Whether you’re trying to eat healthy or want a sweet treat, Trader Joe’s has something for you. These are some of my favorite and most frequently bought items from Trader Joe’s that you can add to your shopping list!
Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
This dip has the ideal blend of artichokes and spinach, with swiss and parmesan cheeses as well as just the right combination of herbs and spices. This dip is versatile, delicious and incredibly convenient to make. After just six minutes in the microwave, you have a dip that goes well with tortilla chips, or a spread for a burger or quesadilla.
Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
Why squeeze your own lemonade when you can enjoy a sweet, refreshing and delightfully tart glass of lemonade from Trader Joe’s? Made with only three ingredients (sugar, water and lemon juice), this beverage is perfect after a long day of classes.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is an easy and affordable way to enhance the aesthetic of your room and it smells so good! I like to put it in my bathroom and in my shower. Steam releases the aromas of the eucalyptus to make showers more relaxing. The exact varieties Trader Joe’s offers varies from season to season, but they usually always have some in stock.
Roasted Garlic & Pesto Pizza
In Naples, Italy, pizza fritta can be found everywhere. Pizza fritta translates directly to “fried pizza.”
Trader Joe’s Roasted Garlic and Pesto Pizza is made authentically in Naples, where the supplier takes great care in replicating the lengthy, artisanal process of this particular pizzamaking method. The pizza is topped with mozzarella, provolone, Parmigiano Reggiano and—most importantly—dollops of burrata and fresh pesto with roasted garlic.
Mac and Cheese Bites
These bite-sized, breaded balls of mac and cheese are the perfect appetizer. The mac and cheese features a blend of Cheddar, Havarti, Swiss and Gouda. Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese Bites made their way onto many media outlets and food blogger’s lists of favorite frozen appetizers following their debut in 2010, so you know these are the real
deal.
Lemongrass Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner
Formulated with lemongrass oil, argan oil and vitamin E, treating yourself to this sweetly citric shampoo and conditioner will leave your hair feeling refreshed and revitalized. It doesn’t contain any sulfates, phthalates, parabens or silicone. It’s also safe for colortreated hair.
Avocado Ranch Salad Kit
This salad kit offers a super quick and convenient way to add a side salad to practically any meal. The bag is full of fresh, crisp, shredded leafy greens and veggies, savory, grated Cheddar and crunchy, lightly salted corn chips. To top it off, the bag includes a creamy ranch dressing made with a base of buttermilk and avocados.
Sweet Potato Fries
Trader Joe’s has the best sweet potato fries you can get out of a freezer. They’re steam-blanched and par-fried before being frozen, so they retain their fresh flavor and
vibrant color. They bake to a crisp exterior that yields to a creamy-yetstill-slightly-firm interior. They’re mildly sweet (naturally), making them an excellent companion to all kinds of dips and sauces.
Citrus Jute Bag
Whether it’s groceries, books, board games or beach supplies, this tote bag is the perfect size to bring on your little adventures. The bags are made out of the hardy, durable fibers of the Jute plant, a tremendously tall flower that grows almost exclusively in India and Bangladesh. Each one is decorated with a fetching, swirly Citrus design on each side: a vibrantly yellow lemon on one, and an alluringly green lime on the other.
Creamy Cauliflower Jalapeño Dip
This Creamy Cauliflower Jalapeño Dip will be a spicy, creamy, dreamy addition to your fridge. With cauliflower as the base, this dip also includes cream cheese, light cream, ricotta and Parmesan for a truly creamy feel. There’s also a small touch of Jalapeño peppers for some extra, contrasting flavor.
Chocolate Blueberry Bark
Trending healthy snack recipe
Ingredients:
- Fresh Blueberries
- Any chocolates to melt (I found that chocolate chips worked the best for me)
-Additional toppings such as coconut shavings, nuts, etc
Steps:
- Cut some parchment paper to fit baking sheet
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave until fully melted
-Spread melted chocolate onto the parchment paper (Thick layer)
-Add the blueberries over the chocolate on the parchment paper
- Add any toppings over the spread
- Press toppings down gently and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until hardened
Trader Joe’s Tote Bag, photo taken by Alyssa Tillman/TheCaptainsLog.
CAB and CSE’s first annual Sustainability Pageant
Zeta Tau Alpha takes the win
MICHALAH BECK
MICHALAH.BECK.22@CNU.EDU
Captain’s Activity Board (CAB) and the Center for Sustainability Education (CSE) hosted their first annual Sustainability Pageant on Mar. 14. The pageant presented the theme of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals list, with each contestant choosing one goal out of 17 and presenting that as the theme of their talent.
Each contestant presented their talent to compete for the prize. Talents ranged from singing to rapping to juggling to creating clothing and accessories. The panel of judges consisted of Dr. Benjamin Redekop, Dr. Alex Hamed, CSE advisor Dr. Linda Manning, and CAB president, Julie Stonier.
Senior Anna Sine took home the
“It’s about finding new ways to be fashionable and expressive using what you have... [it] is the driving force behind creation.”
win for Zeta Tau Alpha for her talent for crocheting and knitting. When asked about what the pageant meant for her, she said, “It’s about finding new ways to be fashionable and expressive using what you have, and as someone who has been heavily involved in fiber arts since she was six, challenge is the driving force behind creation.” She hopes that by participating in the pageant, she has encouraged more people to see sustainability as a form of expression rather than as a chore. She represented the United Nations Sustainability Development Goal 12, responsible consumption and production.
Senior Audrey Riley competed representing Eta Sigma Phi. Her talent, sewing, was displayed through medieval and Greek-styled costumes she created. Audrey stated, “I loved helping the CSE figure out how this event will work and flow and I hope it goes even better next year! It taught me more about sustainability and the different ways my actions can impact the world around me!” She represented the United Nations Sustainability Development Goal 16, peace, justice, and institutions.
CAB and the CSE are hoping to make this an annual event for the two organizations, and also bring together numerous organizations across campus.
Claire’s Corner
Your go-to advice column for college
CLAIRE HALL CLAIRE.HALL.22@CNU.EDU
How can I keep my dorm organized and pleasing to the eye?
Having an organized space is very important, especially when in college. There is always so much going on and assignments start to pile up further and further into the semester. The last thing you want to worry about is having a messy room where you are constantly losing important things. Here are a couple tips to give you a clean and well organized space.
Find designated places to put things
Make sure you have designated places to put specific items. For example, I have a drawer in my room just dedicated to anything medicinal, such as cold medicine or bandages. That way, when I need those things, I know where to look for them. I also have specific drawers for snacks, that way I can easily find them when I’m hungry. It is very important to do this before you move into your new room, but if you decide one day that you want to organize your stuff, make sure you have a plan of where you want everything to go.
Find a theme for your room
Rooms tend to look a lot more organized when they are following a specific theme. For example, find a color palette that works well for your room. Mine is shades of grey, green and beige. These colors go together to give me the perfect earthy theme I wanted for my room. Sticking to specific patterns can be easier on the eyes and make you look like you have your life together.
Less clutter the better
Remember: the less clutter the better. Before you go out and buy more decor, make sure that you have room to put it somewhere.
Decorating shelves and desks can be very fun, but you need to limit the amount of items you place on there, as it can give the appearance of being very cluttered. Not to mention, things get very dusty easily. Therefore having so many items just creates an environment for more dust to form. Buy only a couple decorative items for your room and then you can go from there.
Minimal wall decor
Keep wall decor very minimal. Adding so many different things to your wall can be very overwhelming on the eyes. Not to mention, sometimes it is difficult to find wall decor that matches your aesthetic. A couple of things to note is that Christopher Newport University has a rule on how high decorations can be on the wall. Not to mention, a majority of dorms on campus have brick patterned walls. Make sure to keep these things in mind when decorating your room.
Never place anything in the center of the room
When laying out the furniture for your room, make sure there is nothing in the middle of the room. Having everything against the wall makes it look like your room is bigger and has more space. There are a couple exceptions. A fan or stool is fine to put in the center of the room, as long as you don’t trip over it. However, try to avoid filling the center of your room with furniture.
I hope these tips help in making sure your room is comfortable and well maintained. Having a clean room while in college is an absolute must, as it takes stress completely off your shoulders.
Left to Right: Anna Sine, Abbie Domingue and Bennett Grewe on stage, taken by Michalah Beck/TheCaptainsLog.
“The Captain’s Log is free to write anything it pleases and CNU fully respects the Freedom of the press.”— CNU Chancellor Paul Trible PAGE 12
How safe is the “safest way” to travel?
“The skies now carry an undercurrent of anixety.”
CLARE ROSSOMONDO
CLARE.ROSSOMONDO.24@CNU.EDU
The skies over the United States, once symbols of efficiency and convenience, now carry an undercurrent of anxiety. After a series of high-profile airplane incidents and crashes in recent months, travelers are questioning whether flying is as safe as it once seemed.
From emergency landings to mechanical failures and near-catastrophic accidents, each new headline fuels growing fears about the reliability of air travel. Experts say that while these incidents are concerning, flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation. Majority of the students’ of Christopher Newport University expressed discomfort or outright fear about boarding a flight in the U.S. right now.
In just the past few weeks, several major airlines have faced mechanical failures mid-flight, forcing emergency landings, along with mid-air collisions and catastrophic crashes. The most alarming of these incidents involved an American Eagle en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA), The aircraft, almost on the runway, collided with a military army black hawk helicopter causing both aircrafts to plunge into the icy Potomac River, killing everyone in the aircraft, ABC News stated.
Other recent incidents—including engine failures and landing gear malfunctions—have added to a growing sense of unease. While airline executives and government officials insist that flying remains one of the safest ways to travel, many passengers aren’t convinced.
Students I spoke with described feeling uneasy about airline safety protocols, with some saying they would opt for train or car travel instead. “I’m slightly more shaken since the recent accidents,” senior Corynne Rittner said.
Despite reassurances from officials, the decision to book a flight now feels different for many Americans. “I’m so comfortable with fly-
ing, but obviously I’ll be a little more skeptical with the recent events,” sophomore Adelaide Langford said. Beyond the emotional response, the discussion on aviation safety has turned to specific concerns about the industry.
“My biggest concern is [what] happens before you get on the plane,” junior Philip Sherrill said. Whether it’s mechanical issues, air traffic control errors, or TSA safety check concerns, different people prioritize different risks when considering their safety in the skies.
Media coverage also plays a significant role in shaping public perception. Freshman Katie Scharlat shared her thoughts, saying that she thinks the media overplays travel safety concerns, especially when it comes to influential people in power who take advantage of media access and tragic situations in order to gain the public’s trust. “They almost like creating a fear within the public,” she said.
Some believe that increased transparency from airlines, stricter FAA oversight and technological advancements could help rebuild confidence. “Policies coming out increasing plane safety, the plane companies recognizing and assuring customers that they are investigating and trying to fix issues would make me feel safer,” junior Anna Harrington said. Others emphasize the importance of emotional healing and time, as the nation processes the recent losses.
Despite everything, many still argue that flying remains the safest way to travel compared to cars, trains or buses. Statistically, air travel remains incredibly secure, but in times of uncertainty, perception can be just as powerful as reality.
Whether through improved transparency, stricter regulations or enhanced pilot training, the industry must prove that safety remains its top priority; because while flying may be the safest mode of travel, feeling safe is just as important as being safe.
Chat GPT in therapy:
Do we rely too heavily on technology to solve our problems?
KATHERINE ZICKEL KATHERINE.ZICKEL.22@CNU.EDU
The issue surrounding Chat GPT has become especially prevalent in the news lately, specifically how people have been using it for therapy. Instead of spending time with a real person, people will type in the questions they have, such as treatment suggestions and how to solve certain scenarios into the bot and have answers to their problems generated within seconds. How reliable is it though? Even if it does give wrong advice that people follow, the same could also be said when people get bad advice from a human therapist.
Most people online said they used Chat GPT instead of a human therapist due to the instant results it can give. In an article published in Nature, Paolo Raile reported that “ChatGPT can engage in positive conversations, actively listen and provide validation and coping strategies.” These seem to all be good traits to have for doing therapy, but are normally ones you would find in people. Does this mean we should use Chat GPT for therapy? One should be curious, yet remain cautious of the advice it could give, which could prove inaccurate. It’s always important to fact check your information you read in any article to make sure it’s not biased and incorrect.
Are Christopher Newport University students aware of the potential problematic uses of Chat GPT? We asked several people their thoughts on this, and received unwavering opinions on the matter.
“I didn’t think we had to clarify this,” sophomore Bre Dorrian said. “You would think one would be a little skeptical of the solidity of said advice. Human interaction may just be what these people need” she added.
Senior Maggie Gammons had a similar thought. “Using Chat Gpt as therapy is unnecessary, as you’re trusting technology
with your mental health and that is severely dangerous,” she said.
COVID 19 caused the world to go into a shutdown, where we had no human interaction for months besides who we were living with. Could this be why people are turning to robots instead of in person meetings? We got so used to depending on technology for things that had previously been conducted in person, such as school, jobs and social interactions. COVID 19 shifted our society in many ways, and this could very well be one of them.
Vice reported that Chat GPT has multiple concerns for people using it for therapy, such as the accuracy, reliability and jurisdictional impact of using it. Be weary of using Chat GPT for your life problems, and maybe consider talking to a human professional with a degree instead of a robot. One thing’s for sure –Chat GpT should not be replacing your therapist for advice.
AI robot, from unsplash
SAVANNAH DUNN SAVANNAH.DUNN.21@CNU.EDU
The Naked Truth:
AI in the Newsroom
Active readers of The Captain’s Log (CLog) may have noticed the articles published in this column over the past few weeks with the attached disclaimer, “Over the coming four weeks, this column will be introducing you to a new voice as we explore innovative approaches to advicegiving. Our March 20 issue will give a full introduction to this up-and-coming resource.” Well, I am here to tell you that this anonymous author may not be who you thought it was.
Over the course of five weeks, The CLog has published four column articles regarding sex and relationship advice for college students. These articles included mental health risks of situationships, signs of a healthy sex life, experimenting with same-sex relationships and how to spice up your sex life. What you may not have known is that these articles were completely AI-generated.
Throughout the first half of the semester, Katherine Zickel, Captain’s Log Editor-in-Chief, Cynthia Davis, Captain’s Log Content Advisor, and myself, have worked together to create a series of AI-generated advice columns to be published in The CLog Opinion section. This column served as an experiment to test AI in the newsroom, the ethics that go along with that and as advice to readers to be curious, yet cautious about the information they are receiving from the media.
Since 2023, there has been an uptick in the use of generative AI as these resources
are becoming more advanced through trial and error. This rise in generative AI has opened the door to conversations about the ethical implications of the use of AI in newsrooms. Many news outlets have created ethical guidelines that they refer to when AI use becomes a part of the conversation. Some use generative AI to help assist with story ideas while other news outlets have a strict policy against the use of any generative AI.
The risk of relying on AI for different types of story creation is the chance for mis-information (simply false information) to be spread. Generative AI is not always accurate in the information that it pulls and can’t do hard-hitting research as well as an experienced journalist can.
The purpose of this AI study published by The CLog was to bring awareness to how generative AI can create stories that sound human-written, creating somewhat of a false reality for readers if there is not proper transparency present.
The four articles published by The CLog included a byline that said, “By Guest Columnist, in collaboration with the editorial team.” Now, while this byline is technically true, it can be seen as misleading as readers may not assume that this meant the article was AI generated. This is why the disclaimer was posted at the bottom of each article.
When creating these articles, we wanted them to be more attention grabbing every week, with the final week being so over-the-top that there would be a noticeable and strong reaction from readers. This reaction proved true after the final article, as The CLog received many DM’s, emails and personal comments related to the details of the article as well as many posts on YikYak, an anonymous posting platform used by students on campus. Many comments expressed concern over the advice given by the articles, particularly the most recently published one on how to spice up your sex life in college. The goal of being more “attention grabbing” with each story was simply to test the limits of generative AI and ChatGPT, not to intentionally harm the well-being of any individual. One of the comments The CLog received stated, “The advice here is borderline dangerous to be giving people.” While our intent was never to promote dangerous activities, we understand that some readers may have been emotionally affected by this information
as they were deeply personal topics and we do take responsibility for the content that we publish.
While The CLog does not promote all of the advice given by the articles, it was important to the study to leave in all that ChatGPT had included in order to show what it is capable of creating. None of the comments or feedback that The CLog had received about the articles mentioned anything about the use of AI, which makes it safe to assume that readers assumed that it was an anonymous, human staff writer creating these stories.
This study serves as a strong learning experience for The CLog staff as well as journalism students on campus. Following this study, The CLog will have a strict no-AI policy in story writing as the stories will be more authentic and truthful with real reporters. The advice to readers from The CLog and this study is to be careful with what you are reading online or with any news/media outlet as you may not know how that outlet obtained the information. Do your own research outside of what you have read and don’t rely on one source for all of the information.
If you have questions, comments, or concerns about this study please contact clog@cnu.edu.
Chat GPT app icon, from unsplash
Student poetry and short story submissions
Email clog@cnu.edu to be featured in the paper
“A Silent Prayer:”
By: Tori A.B
Whisper thin flakes of paper are held between hardened hands flipping through stories that had long past hoping for piety to rub off on them. Those same fingers clasp together
so tight they fear they’ll almost break. A breath A plea Not in silent devotion, but in hopes of contentment for their soul. Previously run April 2, 2024
Sudoku
THE CAPTAIN’S LOG is the official student newspaper of Christopher Newport University. It is a public forum, which is published on Thursdays throughout the academic year.
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Vegetable Puns
Structure made with pillows
5 Color of U.S. dollar coins
Awesome, in slang 13 Incorporate new territory
15 Boo-boo
16 Midterm, e.g.
17 What kinds of furniture are a broccoli's favorite?
19 Religious season between Mardi Gras and Easter
20 Single-stranded genetic molecule
21 Journalist Crimm, the Independent, in Ted Lasso
23 Ideal study conditions for Gregor Mendel, perhaps?
29 Massive
30 Expendable
34 "Milk's favorite cookie"
35 F and G, but not H
36 Time off, in mil. slang
37 Wager
38 "Silly" musician of internet fame for "McDonalds in the Pentagon"
40 Computer coding application, for short
41 Pseudonym letters
42 Smash Bros. character with blue hair and a sword. No, not that one, the other one. No the OTHER other one. No-- whatever, you get it
“Vegetable Puns”
43 Mr, Mx, or Mrs
45 Gulp from a flask
46 Capital city of Australia
48 Automaker with a four-ring logo
49 Another name for a 'corny' joke?
53 Christian denomination popular in the Enlightenment period
55 Brit's bathroom
56 Water under the drawbridge
57 Punny response to "Oh no, I lost my radish!"
64 The greatest of all things
65 Wise guy
66 Born yesterday, so to speak
67 Raised, as livestock
68 Atop
69 Heartfelt request DOWN
1 Top choice, casually 2 United 3 Luck of the draw, in video games 4 Casual top 5 Spoil 6 Duo, for one 7 Gaslight, put simply
8 Written in the stars 9 Remove 10 The yoke's on them
11 Breathe heavily
12 First responder, briefly
14 More, commercially 18 ___ Arbor, Michigan
22 Candymaker famous for his Cups
23 Irrationally afraid
24 "I've found it!"
25 When you're about as smart as a fifth grader
26 Online marketing metric: abbr
27 Status ___
28 Loosen, as a knot
31 Make, as in a plan
32 Gilgamesh's friend, whose death prompts the events of "The Epic of Gilgamesh"
33 Bring back against one's will
35 ___-Grain
38 Arises (from)
39 Italian dessert made with espresso
44 ___-Boy recliner
45 Give under pressure
47 Put a worm on
50 Controversial talk show host DeGeneres
51 Smart home device letters
52 Person, place or thing
53 Way in or out
54 Gutter site
56 Big letters in baseball
58 Keg attachment
59 "It is what it is" letters
60 Kendrick's genre
61 Nada
62 "___ had it up to here!"
63 Shade of green