The Captain’s Log
THE VOICE OF CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
@CNUCAPTAINSLOG
VOLUME 56, ISSUE 10
Pride and Prejudice in a fresh new light
Theatre CNU’s successful opening weekend
ALYSSA TILLMAN
ALYSSA TILLMAN.22@CNU.EDU
The story that has captivated readers for over two centuries comes to life on the Christopher Newport University stage! With its witty dialogue, vivid characters and sharp social commentary, “Pride and Prejudice” portrays Jane Austen’s world in a fresh, dynamic way. Whether it’s the charming tension between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy or the spirited dynamics of the Bennet family, this stage production offers a new opportunity to experience the classic tale of self-discovery and romance. Pride and Prejudice is adapted from
Austen’s 1813 novel and centers around the life of Elizabeth “Lizzy” Bennet, one of five sisters in a respectable but financially modest family. Set in rural England during the early 19th century, the story explores love, class, marriage and personal growth. Lizzy is played by the wonderful Cora Barr, who brings the role to life.
The story begins with the arrival of a wealthy and eligible bachelor, Mr. Charles Bingley, played by Gwen Hawdon. He rents a large house nearby and becomes quickly infatuated with Lizzy’s older sister Jane Bennet, played by Emma Philpot. Their banter on stage is amazing to watch. It is Mr. Bingley’s friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, who
Georgia slides in polls TheatreCNU: Pride and Prejudice
S.T.R.O.L..L 12 Pride and Prejudice
S.T.R.O.L..L 12
Top five book to screen adaptations
initially draws the most attention. Darcy is played by Brayden Crickenberger, who portrays the rich and aloof gentleman in such a humorous and compelling way.
The dialogue, already sharp and clever in the novel, becomes even better when delivered by these great actors, creating an engaging experience for the audience. Moments of tension, humor and vulnerability are heightened on stage, particularly in scenes like Darcy’s proposal, Elizabeth’s rejection and their eventual reconciliation. The actors’ chemistry is fantastic and their physical presence adds new layers to Austen’s famous characters.
Ayna Thai review
Traveling fun facts
Claire’s Corner
On the importance of hope
Having empathy for others:
To tip or not to tip
(L to R): Photo of Charlotte Lucas as Oliva Hargest, Emma Philpot as Jane Bennet and Cora Barr as Elizabeth “Lizzy” Bennet, taken by Amanda Eacho/TheCaptainsLog
U.S. 2024 Presidential Election
Kamala Harris concedes the election
MICHALAH BECK
MICHALAH.BECK.22@CNU.EDU
Associated Press (AP) called the results of the 2024 presidential race in the early morning of Nov. 6, 2024, after Donald Trump won the battleground states of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. By that evening, he had 295 electoral college votes, far over the 270 threshold he needed to win. Before Kamala Harris’ speech, she had called the Republican president-elect to congratulate him on his victory and to concede the race.
That afternoon, Harris stepped onto the platform built for her victory speech at Howard University, her alma mater, that instead served as the site for her concession speech. Harris marched down the stage with a smile on as she waved to the crowd of adoring supporters. Tears flowed and people chanted as Harris reached the podium and thanked everyone who attended, supported and voted for her.
A notable quote from this speech that has gained momentum on social media and throughout the news that Harris stated was, “while I concede this election, I do not concede the fight.”
Throughout the six-minute long speech, Harris encouraged supporters to continue the fight for their agenda, that being “the fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people. A fight for the ideals at the heart of our nation, the ideals that reflect America at our best.”
A little over a week after the election, social media has swarmed with Harris supporters who have expressed their concerns over presidentelect Trump’s victory, noting a fear of loss for bodily autonomy, increase in gun violence and even a threat towards democracy.
“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for,” Harris said.
While the numbers show a consensus of support for a Trump administration over a Harris administration, even in the midst of loss, Harris concluded that she and the Biden administration will ensure their help in a smooth transition of power.
Trump re-elected to be the 47th president
MICHALAH BECK MICHALAH.BECK.22@CNU.EDU
On the night of Nov. 5, 2024, the entire nation awaited for the polls to close and numbers to begin rolling in. Former president Donald Trump was the candidate for the Republican party and led the electoral college numbers by a landslide in comparison to Democratic party candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. Two impeachments and 34 felony convictions later, and Donald Trump was to be elected for a second term, writing a series of “firsts” for a president-elect.
Time Magazine reports that Donald Trump took the stage at 2:24 a.m. in West Palm Beach, Florida at his campaign’s election night watch party to declare his victory. This speech came hours before the Associated Press officially called the election results.
In this speech, Trump highlighted the agenda for his administration, including the promise he made in regards to border control.
“We’re going to fix our borders. We’re going to fix everything about our country,” he stated.
Prominent issues relevant to the American people that he has brought forth include a mass deportation of undocumented citizens, leaving abortion matters up to the states and making efforts to tend to the economy.
Reuters reported that at 5:45 a.m. on Nov. 6, Trump’s victory in Wisconsin, a swing state, managed to push him comfortably over the 270 electoral votes he needed to win. Trump had 279 to Harris’ 223. He still led the popular vote by over 5 million. The Republican party also gained control over the House and the Senate.
Calls rushed in from members of the Democratic party, including President Biden, former President Barack Obama and even his opponent, Vice President Harris, to congratulate the president-elect on his victory.
In his victory speech, the president-elect stated, “this will truly be the golden age of America.” Only the next four years will tell if the Trump administration’s legacy will be the golden age of America.
Images of the Democratic party logo (left) and the Republican party logo (right). Photos from WikiCommonsImages.
CNU receives $3 million donation
The Redekop Family Endowment aims to fund sustainability efforts
BREANNA DORRIAN
BREANNA.DORRIAN.23@CNU.EDU
On Nov. 8, Christopher Newport University President Bill Kelly announced the university will be receiving a $3 million donation to fund its sustainability efforts.
The donation is the largest reported single donation toward sustainability to the university. Kelly stated in an email to CNU students and staff that the endowment is on behalf of Leadership Studies professor Dr. Benjamin Redekop and his brothers in honor of their late parents.
The endowment acts in $1 million disbursements over the course of three years to support programs and infrastructure at CNU to pave the way for a net-zero environmental impact.
The donation in particular is aimed to benefit the ‘Going Greener Revolving Fund,’ a key part of CNU’s ‘Going Greener ‘24’ initiative.
The initiative focuses around keeping a clean environment through proper waste disposal and recycling. CNU has implemented this predominantly at campus events through creating ample places for patrons to dispose of their waste.
“May this gift inspire each of us to take whatever steps we can, every day, to protect our environment and enhance the quality of life for us all,” Kelly said in his email. “Whether it is recycling a soda can, turning off a light or carpooling to a destination, let’s keep on Going Greener in ‘24 and beyond.”
CNU has continued to make efforts towards environmental preservation, including the implementation of the reusable to-go boxes in the dining halls, which have a 95% return rate according to the university. Other implementa-
tions include, but are not limited to, sustainable landscaping designs and groundskeeping practices.
“Whether it is recycling a soda can, turning off a light or carpooling to a destination, let’s keep on Going Greener in ‘24 and beyond.”
The initiative also focuses to counter climate change and create a more sustainable environment on campus.
“We here at CNU owe it to all of our constituents to be good stewards of our natural and financial resources, and I am thrilled that the Redekop Family can play a role in making CNU more sustainable, with sustainability defined as ‘the ability for social and ecological systems to thrive together in perpetuity,’” Redekop said.
International Affairs Update:
Archbishop and head of the Church of England resigns amidst sex abuse scandal
AP News reported Nov. 11, that the Archbishop of Canterbury, head of the Church of England, Justin Welby resigned due to involvement in a child sex abuse scandal by a Christian summer camp volunteer in which the Archbishop failed to report to police.
This isn’t the first abuse scandal Welby has been involved with, in 2013 he also failed to take “responsibility for his failure to report the abuse in England and in Africa” in another case. This rightfully upset many over the “lack of accountability at the highest reaches of the church.”
Welby stated in his resignation that he was taking “personal and institutional responsibility” and that resigning would be the best choice for the Church of England.
Russia readies for counter attacks
ABC News reported Nov. 11, that Russia is preparing counteroffensive attacks of approximately 50,000 troops, with the potential inclusion of North Korean troops as well. Russia intends to utilize this counterattack as a means of pushing “Ukrainian forces out of their positions in Russia’s western Kursk region.”
The United States Department of Defense is still analyzing how exactly the North Korean troops will be integrated into Russia’s operations.
Earthquake in Cuba
ABC News reported on Nov. 10, that after weeks of natural disasters, eastern Cuba was hit with a 6.8 magnitude earthquake this past Sunday. ABC News also stated that despite the strength of the earthquake, there have been “no immediate reports of major damage or injuries in Cuba.”
BREANNA DORRIAN BREANNA.DORRIAN.23@CNU.EDU
Portrait of the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Wleby, head of the Church of England. Photo from WikiCommonsImages.
Recycling bin oustide of the David Student Union building at Christopher Newport University. Photo by Patrick Wood/TheCaptain’sLog
Joel Embiid suspended three games
TREY GREENWELL
TRAJAN.GREENWELL.21@CNU.EDU
An ugly altercation
By Attribution 2.0 Generic Deed.
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been suspended for three games after shoving a columnist.
Following the 76ers defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies on Nov. 2, Embiid was seen yelling at Hayes following a column he had written the day before. The column highlighted Embiid’s resistance towards playing in back to back games as well as his overall conditioning. It also included information about Embiid’s son and late brother, both who are named Arthur, to criticize Embiid’s work ethic.
After Embiid expressed his anger towards the column the day before, Hayes deleted the references to Embiid’s son and brother. After the game, Embiid refused Hayes apologies and shoved him, following with threats directed at Hayes if he wrote another article about Embiid’s family.
Following the incident, the NBA announced that Embiid’s actions were being investigated. After completing the investigation, the league decided on Nov. 5 that Embiid would receive a three game suspension. This prolongs
Embiid’s long-awaited return to the court which is now expected to be on Nov. 12 against the New York Knicks in the first group game of the NBA Cup.
Embiid’s suspension raises a larger question as to what forms of criticism are valid and which ones are considered out of line. While Hayes may have been right in evaluating Embiid’s lengthy recovery from a knee injury, he should not have used Embiid’s family as a way to strengthen his argument. Athletes are also human beings and should not be susceptible to information about their personal lives being published online when it is not acceptable to do so.
The 76ers have not had an ideal start to the season. As of writing, the team sits last in the Eastern Conference with a record of 1-7. Other key members of the team such as forward Paul George and guard Tyrese Maxey have also missed time which has only
Commanders acquire Marshon Lattimore
TREY GREENWELL
TRAJAN.GREENWELL.21@CNU.EDU
Marshon Lattimore lining up against Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin during a 2021 regular season game. NFL 2021 - Week 5Washington vs. Saints by All-Pro Reels is licensed under the CC By Attribution 2.0 Generic Deed.
The Washington Commanders acquired cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints. In exchange for Lattimore, the Commanders gave up a third, fourth and sixth round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft while also receiving a fifth-round pick from the Saints. The deal was made prior to the trade deadline, which saw other notable players such as wide receiver Mike Williams and edge rusher Za’Darius Smith
A bold move
switching teams.
With the Saints having endured a sevengame losing streak ahead of the deadline, Lattimore’s name had been rumored in trade discussions for quite some time with teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers believed to be the favorites to acquire him. However, the Commanders ended up being the team that acquired Lattimore’s services.
For the Saints, this trade was imminent. The team is currently rebuilding as a result of
“In exchange for Lattimore, the Commanders gave up a third, fourth and sixth round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft while also receiving a fifth-round pick from the Saints.”
the firing of head coach Dennis Allen and receiving three draft picks for a star player was a good return that would not be matched. As for the Commanders, this signals the beginning of a new era. With the team currently off to a 7-3 start, the acquisition of Lattimore improves the team’s chances of winning the NFC East. The Commanders sit just one game behind the first-place Philadelphia Eagles for first place in the division which would all but guarantee a spot in the postseason. While Lattimore did not play in the team’s most recent game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, his return will bolster the Commanders defense.
Ever since Lattimore was drafted by the Saints in 2017, his skillset has made an immediate impact. This has been recognized by many thanks to his accolades which include four Pro Bowl appearances. While Lattimore has dealt with a hamstring injury this season, he is still considered one of the best corners in the game. The Commanders will be hoping for a stellar campaign from Lattimore as they gear up for a playoff push.
Joel Embiid dunks a basketball during a game against the Washington Wizards on February 25, 2018. Joel Embiid 2018 by Keith Allison is licensed under the CC
Georgia slides in newest AP polls
GREENWELL TRAJAN.GREENWELL.21@CNU.EDU
For the first time since the 2020 season, Georgia has moved outside of the top ten in the Associated Press top 25 poll.
After a streak of 52 wins against teams not named Alabama, the Bulldogs have fallen to the No. 11 spot after losing 28-10 to Ole Miss. The defeat puts Georgia fourth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one game behind the three programs above them.
Other changes in the poll have added to the unprecedented levels of chaos seen this season. One key change was from the Indiana Hoosiers, who continue to move up in the polls after a 20-15 victory over Michigan. This brought them up to the No. 5 spot which was helped by Miami’s loss to Georgia Tech. This upset also propelled Ohio State, Texas and Penn State into the top four.
Near the bottom of the AP poll, Colorado contin-
The chaos continues
turnaround for a team that only won one game two seasons ago. Led by head coach Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes are looking to continue their upwards trajectory.
Coming soon in CNU Sports:
“After a streak of 52 wins against teams not named Alabama, the Bulldogs have fallen to the No. 11 spot after losing 28-10 to Ole Miss.”
ues to move up after a 41-27 victory over Texas Tech. The Buffaloes moved to the No. 18 spot and are now second in the Big 12 with a 5-1 conference record. If the Buffaloes finish the season at second place, they would be playing for a chance to win the Big 12 in Arlington, Texas on Dec. 7. This would be a huge
With the season coming close to an end, the AP polls are a good indicator of seeing who the best teams in college football are. With College Football Playoff rankings being released on Tuesdays, the AP polls can offer suggestions to the committee members who determine the fate of several teams. The margin for error is becoming very thin for several programs in college football as one loss could knock a team out of the playoffs entirely. As a result, it will be very interesting to see how the rest of the regular season unfolds.
Here’s What You Missed!
1) Former NFL head coach Jack Del Rio resigns as Wisconsin senior advisor after being arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
2) Japanese star pitcher Roki Sasaki will be joining the MLB for the 2025 season after being posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines.
3) Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren will be sidelined for eight to ten weeks with a hip fracture.
4) The Kansas Jayhawks were ranked No. 1 on the season’s first Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll. TREY
*Games listed are happening at CNU
November 15th:
*Men’s Football CNU v. The College of New Jersey
Location: Newport News, VA Time: 6:00 PM
November 16th:
*Women’s Soccer CNU v. John Jay College NCAA Tournament
Location: Newport News, VA Time: 1:00 PM
*Men’s Basketball CNU v. Wilson College
Location: Newport News, VA Time: 7:30 PM
Women’s Basketball CNU v. Johnson & Wales University N.C. Wesleyan Jean Edge Classic
Location: Rocky Mount, N.C. Time: 4:00 PM
To look at events off campus and for future weeks, visit cnusports.com
A 50 yard line view of Sanford Stadium, the home of the Georgia Bulldogs. Sanford Stadium- University of Georgia by Kehudgin is licensed under the CC By Attribution 4.0 International Deed.
S.T.R.O.L.L. 12: Survival
Members of the Latino Student Association performing first at S.T.R.O.L.L.
All photos taken by Amanda Eacho
Sisters of Alpha Phi performing at S.T.R.O.L.L.
Members of NU Kappa Epsilon performing at S.T.R.O.L.L. for the first time
Sisters of Alpha Delta Pi performing at S.T.R.O.L.L.
The Upsilon Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha performing along with other members of the NPHC at S.T.R.O.L.L.
Sisters of Alpha Sigma Alpha performing at S.T.R.O.L.L
TheatreCNU Presents: Pride & Prejudice
Sisters of Phi Mu performing at S.T.R.O.L.L.
Members of the K-pop Choreo Club performing at S.T.R.O.L.L.
Sisters of Gamma Phi Beta performing at S.T.R.O.L.L.
Sisters of Gamma Phi Beta celebrating after winning ST.R.O.L.L. for the third year in a row
Ella Greer, Kate Bentov, Emma Philpot, and Cora Barr playing the Bennet Sisters Lydia, Mary, Jane, and Lizzy.
Cora Barr and Brayden Crickenberger playing Lizzy Bennet and Mr. Darcy
From page to stage: Pride and Prejudice in a fresh new light
Story continued from cover
ALYSSA TILLMAN
ALYSSA.TILLMAN.22@CNU.EDU
The best part about Pride and Prejudice is its ability to bring the novel’s sharp wit and emotional depth to life in a dynamic, live setting. The cast captures the spirited exchanges between characters extremely well, while also emphasizing the humor and tension that arise from societal expectations and class differences. The physicality of the stage adds a layer of energy, whether it’s in the quick-paced dialogue or the playful choreography of ballroom scenes, enriching the audience’s connection to Austen’s world.
Another standout feature is the way the stage crew uses minimalist
sets, lighting and movement to quickly shift between scenes, allowing the audience to be transported from grand ballrooms to intimate family drawing rooms with ease. These creative choices highlight the play’s central themes—like the contrast between social appearances and true character.
So gather your friends and go see Pride and Prejudice Nov. 15-16 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 2:00 p.m. Student tickets are free and the show is right here on campus. Tickets can be found at bit.ly/ CNUPandP. You don’t want to miss it!
2025 Grammy nominations
The artists and albums dominating music this year
ALYSSA TILLMAN
ALYSSA.TILLMAN.22@CNU.EDU
The 2025 GRAMMY nominations are here! The nominations for the 2025 Grammys were announced last Friday, and Beyoncé led with 11 nominations for her landmark country-themed “COWBOY CARTER” album, becoming the artist with the most Grammy nominations of all time, with 99 in total. Other top nominees from Friday’s nominations ceremony included Charli xcx, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar and Post Malone with seven each. Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and Taylor Swift follow closely behind with six apiece. The 2025 Grammys will be held Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Crypto. com Arena in Los Angeles. A host for the ceremony has yet to be announced. Here are the highlights:
Best New Artist
Benson Boone
Sabrina Carpenter
Doechii
Khruangbin
RAYE
Chappell Roan
Shaboozey Teddy Swims
Song of the Year
“A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” Billie
Eilish
“Die With a Smile,” Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
“Fortnight,” Taylor Swift
“Good Luck, Babe!,” Chappell Roan
“Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
“Please Please Please,” Sabrina Carpenter
“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” Beyoncé
Record of the Year
“Now and Then,” The Beatles
“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” Beyoncé
“Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter
“360,” Charli xcx
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” Billie
Eilish
“Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
“Good Luck, Babe!” Chappell Roan
“Fortnight,” Taylor Swift (feat. Post Malone)
Album of the Year
“New Blue Sun,” André 3000
“COWBOY CARTER,” Beyoncé
“Short n’ Sweet,” Sabrina Carpenter
“BRAT,” Charli xcx
“Djesse Vol. 4,” Jacob Collier
“HIT ME HARD AND SOFT,” Billie
Eilish
“The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” Chappell Roan
“THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT,” Taylor Swift
Best Pop Solo Performance
“BODYGUARD,” Beyoncé
“Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter
“Apple,” Charli xcx
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” Billie Eilish
“Good Luck, Babe!,” Chappell Roan
Best Pop Vocal Album
“Short n’ Sweet,” Sabrina Carpenter
“HIT ME HARD AND SOFT,” Billie
Eilish
“eternal sunshine,” Ariana Grande
“The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” Chappell Roan
“THE TORTURED POETS
Best Country Album
“COWBOY CARTER,” Beyoncé
“F-1 Trillion,” Post Malone “Deeper Well,” Kacey Musgraves “Higher,” Chris Stapleton “Whirlwind,” Lainey Wilson
Best Rap Performance
“Enough (Miami),” Cardi B
“When The Sun Shines Again,” Common & Pete Rock Featuring Posdnuos
“NISSAN ALTIMA,” Doechii “Houdini,” Eminem
“Like That,” Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
“Yeah Glo!,” GloRilla
“Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
Best Latin Pop Album
“Funk Generation,” Anitta
“El Viaje,” Luis Fonsi
“GARCÍA,” Kany García
“Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” Shakira
“ORQUÍDEAS,” Kali Uchis
“Love Me JeJe,” Tems See the full list of nominations on Grammy.com.
Cora Barr and Brayden Crickenberger playing Lizzy Bennet and Mr. Darcy, photo by Amanda Eacho/TheCaptainsLog
Dancing for a cause at STROLL
Gamma Phi Beta wins big
AMANDA EACHO AMANDA.EACHO.22@CNU.EDU
Last Saturday, huge crowds made their way to the Ferguson Center for the Arts to watch one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, STROLL. For the past 12 years, the Upsilon Beta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha has hosted this event as a way to spread voter awareness and to fundraise for a nonprofit organization. The money that was raised by the organizations competing and ticket sales went to the March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization that strives to help the physical well-being of mothers and children. $4,500 was raised in order to help this nonprofit continue their work.
STROLL is a fan-favorite among CNU students and Staff alike. It’s one of the most anticipated events of the year. This year, the Ferguson Center was packed and the energy was contagious. Members of the organizations who did not perform made signs for their friends and showed their support by cheering them on as they performed.The cheers were so deafening that my watch gave me a volume warning multiple times throughout the evening. The constant support being shown for organizations, even if it’s not the one the audience was there for, is what makes the event so popular and successful each year. The theme is typically influenced by what has been going on during the year and the political climate. This year’s theme was entitled “Survival”. The organizations really showcased this theme within their dances and outfits. For example, during their performance, the YB Alphas along
with other organizations within the “Divine Nine” of the NPHC showcased surviving a plane crash. Gamma Phi Beta wore blindfolds during a part of their performance, referencing the movie “Birdbox” where they had to wear blindfolds in order to survive. Alpha Phi started their performance wearing masks before taking them off, referencing the pandemic.
Typically, the organizations performing are a part of Greek life. Sororities such as Phi Mu, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Alpha Phi, Gamma Phi Beta and Alpha Delta Pi are competitors each year. However, there are also some non-greek life organizations that compete including the Latino Student Association and the K-Pop Choreography club. This year, a new organization competed, Nu Kappa Epsilon, a music sorority.
The organizations prepare for weeks ahead of this event, and it really shows. Each organization brought their best from choreography, to costuming, to music. Even the judges were really impressed, many stating how they do not know how they would make a final decision. However, in the end a final decision was made based on judges and audience’s participation.
Phi Mu finished the competition in third place. K-pop Choreography came in second, much to the excitement of the group and the whole room. This organization had been performing at STROLL for years and had never placed. Gamma Phi Beta won the competition for the third year in a row.
Top five book to on screen adaptations
Is the book better than the movie?
ALYSSA TILLMAN ALYSSA.TILLMAN.22@CNU.EDU
Adapting a book into a film is no easy feat. The challenge of translating beloved characters into a visual medium while staying true to the essence of the source material can be very difficult. In some cases, the adaptation is better received than the original work, whether through creative reinterpretation or the added power of cinematic visuals. From the feminist twists in Little Women to the emotional depth of Forrest Gump, these adaptations offer compelling arguments for why, in certain instances, the movie might just be better than the book.
1. “Little Women”
Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film adaptation of “Little Women” offers a feminist take on a classic. Louisa May Alcott’s character Jo March is a revolutionary for her time, rejecting traditional standards for women and pursuing a life of her own. In the book, Jo marries Professor Bhaer. The ending of the film differs from the book by allowing Jo to remain unmarried and advance in her writing career, giving her the “literary spinster” ending that Alcott originally wanted for her character but was pressured to change due to societal expectations.
2. “Daisy Jones & The Six”
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s 2019 novel gained much attention from young adult readers across the country when it first came out. A significant part of this story is the music, as the plot centers around a 70s rock band. There are moments in the book where characters communicate through song, which is hard to convey through written words alone. The rivalry between Daisy Jones and Billy Dunne is captured beautifully on screen and serves as a compelling adaptation of Reid’s novel.
3. “Forrest Gump”
The 1994 film “Forrest Gump” directed by Robert Zemeckis is often considered a rare example of a movie that surpasses the novel it was based on, written by Winston Groom in 1986. While the novel is itself an enjoyable read, the film takes several creative liberties and makes key changes that improve upon the
source material in ways that resonate more deeply with audiences. Through Tom Hanks’ iconic performance, Forrest has a much greater emotional depth. Hanks imbues Forrest with warmth, innocence and a subtle wisdom that feels genuine and emotionally resonant.
4. “Me Before You”
Jojo Myers 2012 romance novel is a gut-wrenching read. The main characters navigate their love for one another while one of them is considering physician assisted suicide due to his condition. The tone of the book is occasionally heavyhanded or over-dramatized when discussing this topic. The movie, directed by Thea Sharrock, handles these emotional themes with a certain elegance, giving it a more universally accessible tone. While it still addresses the difficult themes of disability, assisted suicide and the right to choose one’s own fate, the film frames these topics in a way that feels more organic to the love story.
5. “The Godfather”
“The Godfather” (1972), directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on the novel by Mario Puzo, is an epic crime saga about the powerful Corleone family and their rise to dominance in the American mafia world. The film spans several years and deals with themes of family loyalty, power, revenge and the cost of living a life of crime. The telling of this story through a different medium is done excellently. This is a story that is greatly enhanced by movie magic.
Gamma Phi Beta winning first place, photo from Amanda Eacho/ TheCaptainsLog
Daisy Jones and Billy Dunne, photo from @daisyjonesandthesix on Instagram
LIFESTYLE Anya Thai review:
Editor reviews local Thai restaurant
CLAIRE HALL
CLAIRE.HALL22@CNU.EDU
Going through the stresses of life with one another, my friend and I have made it our ultimate mission to try as many different food places around Newport News as we can before the end of the semester. Because we both had a desire to try Thai, we decided to drive to Anya Thai, a place only three minutes away from Christopher Newport University. When we first arrived, it was around 5:30pm and the place was incredibly empty. We assumed that people probably take out more than they dine in, especially being so close to the university. The place was nicely decorated and the menus had many different options that we had trouble making up our minds. When we went to order our food, we were torn between the basil rice and the pad thai. After pondering forever, we both got the pad thai with a side of spring rolls to share. The spring rolls came out very quickly and they looked incredibly delicious. They were served with a side of peanut sauce and sweet and sour sauce. I’ve never
tried peanut sauce before but it was so good. The sauce had a nutty but slightly sweet flavor that paired well with the vegtables in the spring rolls. Afterwards, our pad thai came and it also looked incredibly delicious. The portion size was massive and I knew right off the bat that we were going to be taking home leftovers. The pad thai came with noodles, bean sprouts, scallions and crushed peanuts. For my first time trying pad thai, I would give it a 9 out of 10. The total for our meals plus the spring rolls was around 19 dollars for both of us. We would say for the quality and quantity of the food, the price was amazing. I ended up being able to get two more meals from my leftovers. I will definitely be coming back whenever I am craving Thai food. The place is just so cute, the waitresses are so friendly and the food is very good.
Chocolate pumpkin pie smoothie recipe
From Spoonful of Plants
Ingredients:
2 cups of frozen banana
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup of greek yoghurt
1 1/2 cup vanilla almond
milk
2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
A pinch of seasalt
Shredded coconut, shaved chocolate, and granola
*optional as a topping
Instructions:
1. Blend all of the ingredients together in a blender
2. Serve immediately or refridgerate up to one day
3. Top with coconut. chocolate, or granola
Traveling fun facts:
Editor shares what her traveling experience
has taught her
CLAIRE HALL CLAIRE.HALL.22@CNU.EDU
Having a parent who immigrated to the United States from Germany, I’ve traveled quite a bit in my life. I’ve been to Germany every year so far since I was two years old, and don’t plan on stopping. Alongside Germany, I have also been to Denmark, France and Iceland. With all the traveling experience that I have, I’ve learned quite a few things along the way. With that being said, here are some interesting facts that I’ve learned from my experience with traveling.
TSA is different in every state and country
Traveling to so many different places, I learned that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is different in every state and country. When flying out of the USA, my family and I usually fly out of the Dulles International Airport in Washington DC. When we’ve approached TSA, they don’t make you take anything out of your bag and even let you keep your shoes on. However, when I was at the Charles-de-Gaulle Airport in France, they made you take ALL electronics out of your bag, anything liquid, and even your shoes and sweaters. When I was at
the TSA in Louisville in Kentucky, they made you take ALL liquids out of your bags but you could keep your shoes on. It just goes to show you that TSA is different in all states and countries which can be pretty unpredictable when traveling.
Airplane food is not as bad as people think
I know that when you see influencers traveling on TikTok or Instagram, they usually have negative things to say about airplane food. Especially allegations regarding that airplane food is infested with E-coli and other bacterias. However, I’m here to debunk this. After traveling for 18 years, I have never had a problem with airplane food, but I guess that could vary depending on what airline you travel with. My family has been using airlines such as Lufthansa, IcelandAir and United and we’ve never had a problem with their food. When I traveled to Germany over the summer this year, I was served a chicken meal which consisted of chicken and noodles, yogurt, a salad, bread and a cookie. I ate the majority of my meal and did not get sick from it and surprisingly, the meal was actually pretty good. The chicken
Plane Window View courtesy of Claire Hall/ TheCaptainsLog
and noodles were cooked correctly, the bread and salad was decent. The yogurt and cookie were packaged individually, which made me feel better but nonetheless, the meal was actually fine.
Items are not taxed in airports
Did you know that items in airports are actually not taxed. This is known as Duty-Free shopping and it’s literally so awesome. When I’m bored, I like to roam around the airport and browse all the stores. In fact, there was a point where I found a makeup and fragrance store that carried one of my favorite makeup brands, Benefit. Usually they’re makeup is so expensive in Sephora and Ulta, their blush usually costing around 30 dollars in stores. However, when I found their blush at the airport, I was beyond excited. Not only was it 27 dollars but it wasn’t taxed, making it about three dollars cheaper. Now, I know three dollars isn’t a whole lot of money, but I decided since I was on vacation, I would purchase it to use in Germany. I just think it’s so cool that items are not taxed. However, if you exceed the 800 dollar limit within a 31 day period, you will have to pay taxes on additional items after. Nonetheless, I still think that this is pretty cool.
Wearing makeup on the plane is actually really bad for your skin
One of the things I try to do before getting on the plane is to wash off my makeup. Now I get it, you want to be someone’s airport crush. That’s fine, but there’s a reason as to why
when you get on the plane, your environment will be changing. The dry air in the cabin can further increase skin dryness and oiliness, making your makeup potentially clog your pores and further irritate your skin, especially on flights that are very long. Removing your makeup will help your skin be able to breathe better. I highly recommend washing off your makeup before you get on the plane, only because plane bathrooms are very germy and cramped.
If you sit near the window,
wear sunscreen
Did you know that you can get sunburned on airplanes? You especially run the risk of being sunburned if you sit next to the window on the airplane on a day flight. The sun emits UVA, UVB, and UVC rays but only UVA and UVB rays reach the Earth’s surface. Both UVA and UVB rays can penetrate glass and polycarbonate plastic which can lead to sunburn and skin damage. Plane windows have been designed to block UVB rays, however, they do not block UVA rays. Prolonged exposure to these rays can give you a sunburn and sun damage. Therefore, making sure to wear sunscreen can be helpful in this situation.
I hope you enjoyed these little fun facts I learned in my experiences of traveling! If you or someone you know has traveled around the world and has a fun experience to share, email claire. hall.22@cnu.edu for a chance to be featured in The Captain’s Log!
Claire’s Corner
Your go-to advice column for college
CLAIRE HALL CLAIRE.HALL.22@CNU.EDU
What are some little things I can do to take care of myself mentally?
Sometimes we find ourselves struggling from the weight of the world, which is totally understandable. Sometimes things happen that can bring us at the edge, worried that we can’t hang on for much longer before we fall. If I’m being honest, this week has made me feel exactly that way. It’s so easy to get lost in today’s world with all that’s going on in the news, especially when you have other stressors involved such as school, living independently, etc. Below, I’ve listed some tips on how to better take care of yourself mentally when things become rocky. I hope these tips will help you as much as they’ve been helping me.
Journal
No, you don’t have to be an excellent writer to journal. Journaling can be for self healing and writing all the things down that you don’t want to share with others. Every night before I go to bed, I like journaling, as it helps me navigate through a difficult day I was having. You can buy a variety of journals in stores. Places like Target and Five Below have themed journals with prompts that you can buy for very cheap. But if you want a plain journal, pretty much every store has one that you can buy. I recommend adding journaling to your nightly routine as it helps you wind down before bed.
Go on walks
One of my favorite things to do when calming my mind down is to go on long walks. For me, I enjoy walking at night when it’s very peaceful outside. I know safety-wise that isn’t everyone’s favorite time to walk but I like to tell people to walk whenever they feel the most comfortable. I like going on walks because they help with a variety of things. They improve your cardiovascular health, increase your mood, and improve your sleep and mental health. I highly recommend
taking nightly walks as they will improve your quality of life.
Watch a comfort show
I’m not sure about you, but when I am struggling with grasping the weight of the world, I love to dive back into my childhood. Recently, I’ve been watching iCarly and Victorious, which are two shows that I enjoyed watching when I was younger. I think everyone needs to dive back into their comfort shows because it gives you a sense of closure that you cannot find anywhere else. I recommend grabbing your favorite snack and drink, changing into your coziest PJs, and turning on your favorite show. It will make you feel so much better.
Immerse yourself in your hobbies
Many of us have hobbies that we enjoy doing, but did you know that if you immerse yourself in these hobbies, you will mentally feel so much better. One of my favorite things to do when I am feeling stressed is to make some jewelry. When you are doing something that is genuinely making you happy, you will feel so much better.
I hope these tips help you to take care of yourself! Just remember to be kind to yourself and take each day at a time. Stay safe Captains!
Photo courtesy of Claire Hall / TheCaptainsLog
OPINIONS
PATRICK WOOD
12
“The Captain’s Log is free to write anything it pleases and CNU fully respects the Freedom of the press.”— CNU Chancellor Paul Trible
On the Importance of Hope: Post-election thoughts on the next four years
PATRICK.WOOD.21@CNU.EDU
Making a wish on a dandelion, from Unsplash
Like many Americans, I was greatly disappointed when I awoke last Wednesday morning. I fear for our country; I am terrified of what we will be in four years, but also who we are now to have elected Donald Trump again. In case you have forgotten the last 12 years, Trump is a convicted felon (see The People of New York v. Trump), rapist (see E. Jean Carroll v. Donald J. Trump), fraudster (see a different case titled New York v. Trump), insurrectionist (see United States House Select Committee on the Jan. 6 Attack), and the only president to have ever been impeached twice. Suffice it to say that my opinion of his leadership is not particularly high.
So what can we do? We voted in a fair and honest election, and we lost. Despite how incompetent he may be, he will be the president for the next four years. When our leaders fail us, where does that leave us?
At the end of the day, it falls to us to be the person that we believe our leaders should be. If our leaders don’t love and accept the people around us, it falls to us to do so. If our leaders don’t respect and sup-
port the rights of others, it falls to us to do so.
Remember that America is a people, not a president. America is your teacher and your classmates, your teammates and your coach. America is the friends who support you through everything you’re going through. America is the passersby you smile at on the walk to class, or that person you help with directions even though you’re in a rush. At the
“Remember that America is a people, not a president... it is our decision what America is, not his.”
end of the day, it is our decision what America is, not his. Am I basically saying “the real America is the friends we made along the way?” Yeah, I am. Sue me.
“Remember to be kind and patient with one another, because ultimately, it now falls to us to do so. Hold fast to hope.”
I know that some of you, maybe even most of you, will disagree with my sentiment. You may think I’m overly idealistic and that I have too much faith in the people of a country who voted Trump into office a second time. Sure, I get it. I am overly idealistic. But here’s the thing: change begins with you. If you like the dream I presented and wish that it could be a reality, remember that all it takes is kindness and patience; why not be a source of the kindness and patience you want to see in the world? The first step towards a better future has to be taken by someone, it might as well be you.
The assignment is not over. “We’re not going back” isn’t just a campaign slogan, it’s a state of mind and a rallying cry. Maybe you’re still hurting from the results of the election. Maybe by now, you feel the numbness of apathy creeping in. Fight it! Don’t let them kill your spirit! Hope is special in that it can never be taken from you, it can only be given up. Even if you’ve given up hope, it can be taken back again.
It is imperative that we hold on to hope in these coming years. Yes, hope can make you vulnerable to feeling worse. You may have heard the sentiment “it’s the hope that kills you.” But hope also gives you the drive to carry on. Hope gives you the strength to keep smiling at the people you pass by, it gives you the patience to still stop and give directions even if you’re in a rush. The glue that holds America together is the hope that we can be a people who care about one another. The first step to making a community that is kind to all its members is to be kind yourself.
I know it’s hard, believe me I do. It can be so hard to be kind and caring when so many people can be mean and cruel. It takes incredible courage and strength to carry on in such times. Remember that there are other people who love and support you. We stand together. If you feel like you’re faltering, spend time with the people you care about most, the people who offer you the same patience and kindness you give to the world. Let other people’s hope give you the strength to hold on to your own.
Remember to be kind and patient with one another, because ultimately, it now falls to us to do so. Hold fast to hope. We will get through this together.
“Hope is special in that it can never be taken from you, it can only be given up.”
Having empathy for others:
Why shaving your head for the 4B movement is incredibly offensive
BRE DORRIAN BREANNA.DORRIAN.23@CNU.EDU
The act of shaving one’s head for the ‘4B Movement’ is by far one of the most offensive trends. It was born out of hatred and continues to perpetuate hate the longer it continues. For those not aware, the movement is a result of Trump’s win of the 2024 United States Presidential Election. Many women, primarily including those of the Democratic Party, have expressed growing fears and concerns for their safety since the election results.
To which, ladies, I get it. I voted for Harris-Walz in this election and Trump’s win was devastating. However, having hatred for one does not afford you the liberty to be blindly hateful to other people.
The trend is a slap in the face to any person with alopecia, going through chemo-therapy or any individual who has personal reasons for shaving their head. Using your critical thinking skills before speaking and doing is not all that difficult to say the very least. Taking into consideration how your actions may affect others is also not all that difficult. We all make mistakes, especially when it comes from a place of strong emotions, but there is no reason to let those emotions negatively impact innocent bystanders.
To tip or not to tip Tipping
culture is getting out of hand, literally.
The movement is a slap in the face to feminism as a whole. Hair should not be a defining factor as to what makes or breaks whether someone is beautiful. Or any physical trait for that matter. Beauty is subjective, and while there are going to be conventional standards for what we as society deem “beautiful,” we also need to be mindful about who our anger affects.
Change is not born from malice, but instead calculated efforts. Again, I get it, but failure to take into consideration the way our actions and words impact other people makes us no better than those we are angry at.
“...having hatred for one does not afford you the liberty to be blindly hateful to other people.”
BRE
DORRIAN BREANNA.DORRIAN.23@CNU.EDU
On Nov. 12, I went across Warwick Boulevard to get myself lunch from Panera. As I stood waiting for my food, I noticed that not a single person, including myself, ordered from the main registers. Everyone either placed a mobile order from their phone or the self-serve kiosk off to the side of the door. I made my purchase from my phone and at the end of the order it asked me if I would place a tip. Typically, I’m a pretty big tipper. When I pay for my nails, I’ll tip $20 on a $45 set. When I go out to sit down at restaurants, I’ll tip roughly 20-35%, even if the service wasn’t all that great. I even tip at coffee shops, roughly 20%.
At Panera, if you order a fountain drink, you’re expected to fill the drink up yourself. Now this practice is fairly common at other places, however it got me thinking. I’m placing the order on my own, I’m filling up my own beverage and I’m cleaning up my own table, why am I tipping for service?
Now as someone who worked in the service industry and heavily relied on tips, I completely understand on behalf of the worker. They don’t set their wages and if anything they often deal with the most frustrating customers known to mankind. Anything to
make their jobs just the slightest bit easier, I will happily do so. The problem mainly comes down to the state of our economy and corporations not paying their employees a living wage. However, in my opinion, there should not be a heavy expectation on the consumer to leave a tip for self-service. If you have the desire to leave a tip, please do so! What we must stop doing is expecting individuals to tip for every minor transaction, especially when it’s self served.
“What we must stop doing is expecting individuals to tip for every minor transaction...”
Person shaving their head, from Unsplash
Tip jar, from Unsplash
By Tori A.B
Sudoku
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More Than You Bargained For
“More than you bargained for”
1 Customer to a software developer 5 Trades romantic remarks
Fish often paired with chips
Fizzy drink
______ Borealis
Palindromic kawaii emoticon
Mythological container that was opened out of curiosity, releasing many unspecified evils
19 Farmer's little helpers
20 Pamplona's country
21 Aromatic additive to natural gas
23 Dept. of Educ. area of expertise
26 Genetic code
27 W. W. Jacobs horror tale about being careful what you wish for, because malevolent forces will knowingly misinterpret your wishes
33 Elementary school drug prevention program
35 Treat with contempt
36 Honest President, colloquially
37 Regrets
38 2015 Platformer "___ and the Blind Forest"
43 Up the ____ (raise the stakes)
44 Traditionally worthless and unwanted gift often exchanged during the holidays
48 Santa's helpers
49 Meter alternative
50 Contempt (for)
54 Develops software 58 Pseudonym letters
59 Suspiciously large wooden equine that you definitely shouldn't bring inside your besieged city and leave unsupervised overnight
63 Stitch
64 Fancy property
65 Competition
66 "Solo" protagonist
67 Sound decision?
68 Disney's owner DOWN
1 Santa's helpers
2 Necessity for clean hands
3 Mode from The Incredibles
4 Pink and white crunchy vegetables
5 A ways away
6 Scripting language notably featured in Roblox
7 Tax collecting org.
39 Viral kind of list 40 Off-road transport, for short 41 _____ nova (musical style)
8 Automaton prefix
9 Walked over
10 Dresden's state in Germany
11 Largest island in the Caribbean
12 Lightning McQueen actor Wilson
13 Song for two
18 Fairy tale opener
22 Dorm authorities
24 U.K. equivalent of U.S.S.
25 "That's awesome!"
27 Famous fountain of Rome
28 Like Thor or Loki
29 _____ Kreme bakery
30 "Like watching _____ dry"
31 Aid and ____
32 Used to be
33 "Pick a card, any card..."
34 Writer: Abbr.
39 Indian cooking style named for an oven
41 Win, in a race
42 "Take On Me" Band
45 Big name in talks
46 Overjoys
47 St. Lewis monument
50 Sprint
51 Store renowned for its meatballs
52 Cut, like logs
53 Do, re, or mi
55 RuPaul's expertise
56 Suffix with fluoror lumin-
57 Prophet
60 Cookie container
61 Consumed
62 Protagonist of The Matrix