Vol 56 Iss 17

The Captain’s Log THE VOICE OF CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY STUDENTS @CNUCAPTAINSLOG

CNUCLOG.COM

VOLUME 56, ISSUE 17

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Student Town Hall meeting:

McMurran Hall (MCM), a CNU academic building, is viewed from the Great Lawn. The Town Hall meeting occurred in MCM on Monday night, taken by Savannah Dunn/TheCaptainsLog.

Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) focuses on student learning and outcomes KATHERINE ZICKEL KATHERINE.ZICKEL.22@CNU.EDU

A student-focused Town Hall meeting was held at Christopher Newport University (CNU) on Monday, Feb. 10. The meeting was in collaboration with the Student Government Association (SGA)

What’s Inside News 2-3

Town Hall meeting CNU Strategic Compass D.C. plane crash update

in order to focus on student learning and outcomes with its next Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Many members of CNU administration were in attendance, including Lynn Shollen, QEP Director and Associate Professor, Brian Larson, Associate Dean of Students, Per CNU’s website, a QEP “serves as a way

for our accreditors to ensure that we continue to grow our commitment to enhancing CNU’s quality and effectiveness in the realm of student learning and/or success.” The six QEP topics were brought up during the meeting to gather thoughts from students on them, which are: College Readiness & Academic Support, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy & Information Fluency, Career & Workforce Readiness, Civil Discourse, Experiential Learning and Interdisciplinary & Systems Thinking. “[CNU administration] wanted to know which of the topics stuck out to us the most and which topics could be combined,” CNU freshman Nia Davis explained.

Per a handout given at the meeting, which gives a more in depth explanation of each topic, College Readiness & Academic Support will emphasize “the initial preparation students need for academic, social and personal success at CNU while also providing them with ongoing assistance to succeed.” This topic will work on helping students be ready for college, both socially and academically, with examples including CNU having summer programming and more focus on mental, physical and emotional health of students while attending CNU. The AI Literacy & Information Fluency will work on “equipping students with skills to navigate, interpret and apply information effectively in the data-driven world accompanied with various digital technologies and artificial intelligence,” as well as empowering students to make responsible decisions with AI. (Story continued in News, page 2)

Sports 4-5 CNU Hockey’s success Warriors aquire Butler Jordan arrested

Snapshot 6-7 100 Days Till Tassel Turn

A&E 8-9

Lifestyle 10-11

Opinions 12-13

Kendrick Lamar’s halftime Nostalgic DS games show Chappel Roan’s Grammy Local coffee shop review speech Lego dupe sets

Trump’s danger to free press

“Wolf Man”movie review

Sex advice coulmn

Hook-ups on the first date

NEWS

PAGE 2

Student Town Hall meeting:

Historic steps Story continued from cover towards the future KATHERINE ZICKEL KATHERINE.ZICKEL.22@CNU.EDU

CNU’s Strategic Compass homepage cover image from its website.

Photo taken by Breanna Dorrian/TheCaptain’sLog

Board of Visitors vote unanimously to adopt CNU Strategic Compass BRE DORRIAN BREANNA.DORRIAN.23@CNU.EDU

On Feb. 7, Christopher Newport University President Bill Kelly addressed the CNU community in an email detailing a historic step the University would be taking. This step included the Board of Visitors voting unanimously to adopt the CNU Strategic Compass.

This site is to provide a space for the CNU community to connect and serve as a vision of shaping the future of CNU. The Compass will be shared with the student body at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 25 in the Torggler Presentation Hall.

“I look forward to the opportunity to share our Vision and the Compass, as this has been a collective effort, and it is important to ensure we share the work broadly and listen to your questions and concerns,” he said.

The Compass will be shared with the student body at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 25 in the Torggler Presentation Hall.

“Congratulations and thank you to all who made this day possible,” President Kelly stated in his email to the CNU community on Feb. 7. “Because of you, the future of this University we cherish is bright and our direction is clear.”

Career & Workforce Readiness “focuses on preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving job market and for graduate-level education” which could include “providing opportunities for expanding leadership abilities, teamwork capacity and cultural competence.” For example, students would have more opportunities to participate in community-engaged learning, studying abroad, internships and supervised leadership roles.

Civil Discourse will focus on “teaching students how to constructively engage with others on controversial issues in a way that promotes expansion of knowledge, understanding and mutual respect.” Possible ways to do this include welcoming speakers from diverse backgrounds and promoting collaborations among student organizations.

Experiential Learning will “[provide] opportunities for ‘learning by doing’ with a heavy dose of reflection…[through] interactive exploration, experimentation, cooperation and problem-solving.”

Finally, Interdisciplinary & Systems Thinking deals with preparing students to “tackle complex, interconnected problems by leveraging skills from multiple

academic fields, applying a systems-level lens, and engaging in meaningful, collaborative learning experiences.” This could include “building upon existing interdisciplinary collaborations and developing new ones, providing opportunities for more (and more meaningful) interdisciplinary experiences in academic pathways and fostering students as systems thinkers.”

“They wanted to know which of the topics stuck out to us the most and which topics could be combined,” CNU freshman Nia Davis said.

Davis is also a member of SGA and The Captain’s Log. She further explained that College Readiness & Academic Support seemed to be the most popular [QEP topic] and the one that a majority of people felt was the most important.

Various students

who attended the Town Hall meeting were able to share their thoughts and concerns about each topic, with some stressing the importance of students coming from different backgrounds and ways to continue to set CNU apart from other universities.

Lynn Shollen, QEP Director and Associate Professor, added that all six of these topics are important, but “QEP is designed to be a kind of targeted, focused thing.”

She added that the Board of Visitors has also recently approved a strategic plan as a way for all these topics to get more attention, whether or not they will be chosen as the QEP topic.

Scan the QR code below to fill out a survey by tomorrow, Feb. 14, to help the QEP identify answers to six preliminary topics to help the student body.

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D.C. plane crash under investigation International

Remains of all 67 victims recovered from Potomac River AMANDA EACHO AMANDA.EACHO.22@CNU.EDU

As of Saturday, Feb. 8th, The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that all major pieces of the American Airlines plane and Black Hawk helicopter that collided over two weeks ago near Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. have been recovered.

According to CNN, investigators conducted an overnight scan on Feb. 8 between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. of the Potomac River using advanced imaging technology to map the riverbed and locate debris.

The NTSB said that the survey “identified multiple underwater targets that could be additional aircraft debris.”

These parts of the plane will help investigators try to find out what happened.

According to CBS News, officials announced on Feb. 4 that the remains of all 67 victims were recovered.

The NTSB confirmed that the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, more commonly known as black boxes, have been recovered but had some “water intrusion.” Investigators say that they’re confident that the data can be salvaged so they can piece together what led up to the collision.

Affairs update:

BRE DORRIAN BREANNA.DORRIAN.23@CNU.EDU

‘Let all hell break out’

The Coast Guard, local, state and federal agencies respond to an aircraft collision in Washington D.C., Jan. 30, 2025. (U.S Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Giles), from WikiMediaCommons.

Reuters reported on Feb. 10 that the United States President Donald Trump stated that Hamas has a deadline of Saturday, Feb. 15 to release all hostages or he will revoke the IsraelHamas ceasefire deal.

“As far as I’m concerned, if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 p.m., I think it’s an appropriate time,” Trump told reporters on Monday.

“I would say, cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out. I’d say they ought to be returned by 12 p.m. on Saturday,” he said.

Under Trump’s proposal of taking over the Gaza Strip, Trump told reporters there would be potential to make a deal with Jordan and Egypt to take in the displaced Palestinans, saying they would have “no right” to return to Gaza.

World responds to U.S. tariffs

Associated Press (AP) News reported 11 that European Union chief Ursula What is the Department of Government onvonTheFeb. der Leyen promised to implement countermeasures to U.S. President Donald Trump’s Efficiency? imposed tariffs since returning to office.

Trump’s new federal organization tasked with ensuring government efficiency MICHALAH BECK MICHALAH.BECK.22@CNU.EDU

In early Nov. 2024, President Donald Trump announced he would open a federal organization tasked with ensuring government efficiency. Now, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been founded with billionaire Elon Musk and former Republican presidential nominee Vivek Ramaswamy as the department’s co-chairs.

CBS News reported that on Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump officially created DOGE to cut government spending. Since Congress needs to approve the creation of new government agencies, DOGE is considered an executive committee. It is unclear whether or not DOGE will become a federal agency.

The Department of Government Efficiency hit the ground running with cutting initiatives and grants and government spending already.

On Feb. 10, 2025, DOGE reported on social media platform X, that 29 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training grants were cut from

the Department of Education, totaling $101 million.

Controversy has risen regarding this issue as DOGE has initiatives to cut grants and spending from vital federal programs, such as DEI programs and grants. DOGE has also taken the initiative to cut specific components of government agency websites, such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website of “LGBTQI+ Community Resources.”

There have been questions regarding why Elon Musk was chosen as co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency as the richest man in the world. While the answer remains unclear, President Trump has referred to Elon Musk as a “special government employee.” While Elon Musk has been viewed as a key component of President Trump’s campaign, it comes as no surprise that he was asked by the president to co-lead a governmental organization.

On Feb. 2, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a televised press conference announcing that Canada will be implementing retaliatory tariffs in response to the United States’ 25% tariffs on Canadian exports and 10% on Canadian energy.

Speaking directly to Americans, Canada’s “closest friends and neighbors,” as Trudea stated, pointed out that while the tariffs will harm Canadian citizens, it will have “real consequences” for Americans.

“They will violate the Free Trade Agreement that the president and I along with our Mexican partner negotiated and signed a few years ago,” he said.

He said Canada’s response to the U.S. Trade Action will include 25% tariffs against $155 billion worth of American goods.

“As I have said before, if President Trump wants to usher in a new Golden Age for the United States, the better path is to partner with Canada, not to punish us,” said Trudeau.

For more information on either of these topics and other global and national updates, The Captain’s Log encourages readers to check out Reuters, AP News and other outlets.

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SPORTS

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Turning the tide:

BRE DORRIAN

The secret behind CNU hockey’s success

BREANNA.DORRIAN.23@CNU.EDU

Players on the CNU Club Ice Hockey team.Photo taken by Katelyn Marie (@ThePhillyKat on Instagram).

In the 2023-2024 season, the Christopher Newport University club hockey team lost 15 of the 16 games they played in. This season, the team has won 11 of the 13 games they have played as of Feb. 3, with more games scheduled to finish off the season.

The newfound success of the team can be accredited to the addition of a new head coach, Kyle Pettoni (KP). In the previous season, the team practiced and competed without a coach.

The former head coach reportedly attended the first two games of last season before ultimately “giving up” on the team altogether.

The players stated that he allegedly “took the money [they] were willing to pay him” and stopped showing up altogether.

Senior Daniel Simons, a defenseman on the team, said the change in coaching has been a drastic change in not only the team’s performance, but the overall dynamic as well.

“Coach KP has stepped up and given me a figure to rally behind.

Without a coach last year it became hard to find ways to get better and work for the success of the team,” he said. “Now, it’s been easy to play and win with the boys.”

Although this is Coach Pettoni’s first season with CNU, he spent his

past three seasons serving as the Assistant Coach to the Villanova D1 Men’s Hockey team.

A majority of Coach Pettoni’s life has centered around hockey.

“My dad had me on skates as soon as I could walk, and the sport has been a cornerstone of my life ever since,” he said.

He has played hockey at the AA and AAA levels, Prep School level, Juniors level and high level club hockey.

“These experiences not only shaped my skills on the ice, but also fostered my growth as a leader,” he said. “I credit my development to the support of incredible teammates and coaches who inspired and challenged me throughout my playing career.”

As an assistant coach at Villanova for three years, Coach Pettoni worked under two head coaches with very different teaching styles, to which he accredits for shaping his own personal philosophy when it comes to coaching. For the CNU team, Coach Pettoni says he has “blended the best of both styles” and works to add in drills that resonated with him during his time on the ice.

“It’s a combination of creativity, discipline and adaptability tailored to what works best for the team,” he said.

Before moving to the Virginia Beach area to support his fiancée as she pursues her Doctorate in Audiology, Coach Pettoni began researching college hockey programs to continue his own career as a coach. After reaching out to offer assistance in the upcoming season, he was offered the position as head coach.

“This is my first head coaching role, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to grow with this program,” he said.

Although his time at CNU thus far has been short, the impact he’s made on the players has become starkly evident.

“It’s been a full 180,” Simons said.

“Coach KP is a hero, and we’ve become almost a hive mind working as one to perform under his systems.”

Senior and Forward Zach Adra shared similar sentiments to his teammate, stating that Coach Pettoni “is very welcoming and took the time to get to know us on and off the ice, it’s just way more involved than [the old coach] was.”

From almost no structure to complete unity, the team has been completely revitalized. According to Coach Pettoni, this season’s practices have been structured around balance, skill development and team systems. Monday’s practices focus around fast-paced, skillintensive drills to “keep the players sharp.” Whereas Thursday’s focus around systems, meaning covering face-off strategies, special teams and positional play. Thursday’s practices, Coach Pettoni said, also remain light to help keep the team fresh for typical Friday games.

“I also make it a point to end every practice with a fun, competitive game that reinforces what we’ve practiced and keeps the energy high,” Coach Pettoni said.

Although the team has grown in a multitude of ways, not just limited to their physical capabilities on the ice, Coach Pettoni claims that the most remarkable thing he has seen with the team is its overall unity.

“There aren’t any cliques; the players genuinely support and challenge one another to grow individually and as a team,” he said. “They strike a great balance between

having fun together and staying focused on their goals. Watching this camaraderie develop has been one of the most rewarding aspects of coaching this season.”

Coach Pettoni stated that the biggest challenge the team experienced at the start of the new season was receiving penalties. He said it seemed the team was harboring frustrations from the previous year, to which he has worked to mitigate.

“I’ve emphasized discipline and character, and the players have responded incredibly well,” he said.

The team has gone from averaging roughly a third of the game in the penalty box to just two or three penalties per game, which has only improved as the season has progressed.

“This turnaround shows their commitment to improvement and to playing smarter hockey,” Coach Pettoni said.

On Nov. 8, the team skated their way to a 3-1 win against the College of William and Mary, whom they had lost to in the previous season.

Coach Pettoni stated that during the duration of that game, including many others, the team has grown in finding a “new level of grit and determination” in each player.

“It was the first time this season I saw the team play a full 60 minutes of disciplined, hard-fought hockey.

They minimized penalties, supported each other and left everything on the ice,” he said. “Seeing their smiles in the locker room after the game, knowing they had earned that win as a team, was an incredible moment as a coach.”

The team is currently striving to win in the playoffs and qualify for nationals. However, despite the physical accomplishments, Coach Pettoni prides himself in his efforts to make each player a more well rounded individual on and off the ice.

“Beyond wins and losses, I want the players to enjoy every moment on the ice – whether it’s practice or a game,” he said. “It’s also important to me to help them build character and work ethic that will serve them well beyond hockey. These qualities can drive their success in academics, careers and life in general.”

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Warriors acquire Jimmy Butler A lengthy saga reaches its ending

TREY GREENWELL

TRAJAN.GREENWELL.21@CNU.EDU

The Miami Heat have traded disgruntled star forward Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors.

After weeks of turbulence between Butler and the Heat, a resolution has been reached. In exchange for Butler, the Heat received Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a first-round pick.

The Heat also acquired guard Davion Mitchell from the Toronto Raptors as part of the deal.

The Warriors also Jimmy Butler shoots a three-point shot during the 2022 NBA moved guard Dennis All-Star Game. Jimmy Butler by Erik Drost is licensed under the Schroder and Lindy Wa- CC By Attribution 2.0 Generic Deed. ters III, while P.J. Tucker was sent to the Raptors “The trade came after a monthafter briefly being on the Heat. Tucker was initially long saga of Butler becoming on the Utah Jazz prior to unhappy with his role on the the trade, who received guard Josh Richardson Heat, expressing that he wanted and forward KJ Martin.

The trade came after a to play anywhere but Miami.” month-long saga of Butler becoming unhappy with his role with the team which included after the team announced Heat, expressing that he his recent performances he was being benched for wanted to play anywhere and actions. The team forward Haywood Highbut Miami. Following his suspended Butler two smith. The reasoning for request, the Heat sus- more times, once for the final suspension was pended him for seven missing a team flight that the star was “intengames as a result of con- and the last one for tionally withholding serduct detrimental to the walking out of a practice vices.”

The actions from Butler came as a result of the Heat refusing to agree to a contract extension last summer. Following his trade request, Butler sought a better fit with a team that would consider signing him long term. Following his move to the Warriors, Butler agreed to a twoyear, $121 million contract extension that will keep him with the Warriors until 2027.

With this trade, Butler will join guard Stephen Curry and forward Draymond Green in their quest to take the Warriors to the playoffs. The Warriors currently sit at 11th place in the Western conference with a 25-26 record, tied with the Phoenix Suns for the final spot in the play-in tournament. This move gives the Warriors a chance to move up the standings and become a contender in the last few years of Curry’s prime.

Marcus Jordan arrested TREY GREENWELL

A misdemeanor drug charge

TRAJAN.GREENWELL.21@CNU.EDU

Photo of Marcus Jordan from CNN.

Marcus Jordan was arrested in Maitland, Florida earlier this week.

Jordan, the son of legendary basketball player Michael Jordan, had been arrested after police of-

ficers found his car stuck on a railroad track minutes before a train was scheduled to pass.

Jordan’s car had been stuck on the truck after being buried in dirt and rock. This occurred moments after he had been stopped in a nearby county. There, police officers noticed Jordan’s slurred speech, confusion and a bag in his pants that was described as a white, powdery substance which later tested positive for cocaine.

In the criminal complaint, the officer noticed the tires being halfway buried as well as the vehicle front bumper being covered in rocks from the railroad tracks, causing it damage. They also noted that Jordan had been aggressive towards officers both

physically and verbally which included calling his arrest a joke.

At around one a.m. Eastern time, Jordan was arrested and charged for possession of cocaine, a second-degree misdemeanor. He was also charged with a second misdemeanor as he resisted an officer without violence. Jordan was released at 11:38 a.m. that morning on a $4,000 bond.

Currently, Jordan is the founder of Trophy Room, a store that sells Jordan brand gym shoes and other apparel. Jordan previously attended Whitney Young High School and played college basketball at the University of Central Florida, around ten miles away from where he was arrested.

Coming soon in CNU Sports: *Games listed are happening at CNU February 14th: *Men’s Baseball CNU v. Messiah University Location: Newport News, VA Time: 2:00 PM *Men’s Tennis CNU v. Rhodes College Location: Newport News, VA Time: 4:00 PM February 15th: Women’s Basketball CNU v. University of Mary Washington Location: Fredericksburg, VA Time: 1:00 PM *Men’s Basketball CNU v. University of Mary Washington Location: Newport News, VA Time: 6:00 PM To look at events off campus and for future weeks, visit cnusports.com

SNAPSHOT

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F E B R U A R Y 1 3 , 2 0 2 5 | S N A P S H O T | A M A N D A E A C H O | PA G E 7

100 Days Till Tassel Turn

University Advancement and Alumni Relations attendees pose for a group photo, taken by Patrick Wood/TheCaptain’sLog

Graduating sisters of ASA pose for a group photo, courtesy of Maggie Gammons/TheCaptain’sLog

Graduating students of CNU, President Bill Kelly and his wife, Angie Kelly, dancing to “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”

By Whitney Houston, taken by Katherine Zickel/TheCaptain’sLog

Student-led toast honoring the graduating seniors, taken by Katherine Zickel/TheCaptain’sLog

A&E

PAGE 8

Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl: A review of Kendrick’s cultural commentary

ETHAN GOODMAN ETHAN.GOODMAN.24@CNU.EDU

On Sunday, Feb. 9, an average of 127.7 million people tuned into this year’s Super Bowl halftime show. This marks an all-time historical high in viewership, with an increase of 3% from last year’s record, CNN reported.

As such, one of the most well-regarded emcees, Kendrick Lamar, was selected to perform following a highly tumultuous year feuding with singer Drake and rattling hip hop culture with records such as “Not Like Us” and his album “GNX.” It’s clear Kendrick is no stranger to making cultural statements and infusing meaning into every ounce of his work (“To Pimp A Butterfly” being a prominent example; a multilayered concept album that, through a narrated story of personal struggle, sheds light upon broader political and social issues which affect A f r ic a n A mer ic a n s w h i l s t emphasizing the importance of selflove and community empowerment).

It’s a common sentiment I’ve heard across social media: With K.dot, “Nothing is an accident.” “Everything is intentional.” Was his deliberate nature absent for this performance?

Anything but—it’s on full display.

To begin, four geometrical icons appear reminiscent of the buttons on a Playstation controller. Samuel L. Jackson, portrayed as Uncle Sam, promptly introduces us to what he terms the “Great American Game.”

After a performance of “Squabble Up,” he continues to scold Kendrick for being “Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto!” Surely, one can “win” the game by playing it safe and not being too disruptive? It’s implied we must play by the rules to make it somewhere in life and in regard to the entertainment industry, remain faithful to these guidelines so as to not risk losing it all. Ideally, we do what the government says without question even if injustice or corruption is present. Being “too ghetto” is ultimately a downside, even if it’s purely authentic as it is for Kendrick Lamar. Because authenticity isn’t prioritized when playing “The Game”—obedience is. Cognizant of his warning, Lamar performs “HUMBLE.” with an all-black entourage forming the American flag,

Kendrick Lamar performing at the Super Bowl Halftime show, photo from @nfl on Instagram

potentially symbolizing the country being built off African American contribution. Despite this, the words “Sit down, be humble,” ring out as a commentary on subservience.

Eventually, the doo-wop rendition of “Man at the Garden” (a song where Lamar pridefully claims all fruits of his labor as rightfully deserved), provokes Uncle Sam to “deduct one life” as he comments on the presence of his homeboys—“the ol’ culture cheat code!” Kendrick cannot seem to reach a place of complete, unadulterated authenticity onstage without backlash if he goes “too far.”

And if he were fully transparent and vocal with his experience, lifestyle and culture; he would’ve fallen off the tightrope and lost the American Game by now. As a Black man who is no stranger to welfare and gang culture growing up, inevitably some things he does or represents will not be immediately appreciated or even necessarily understood by many viewers, especially the 66 thousand attendees watching in person. I say this in light of the recent videos showing a dead silent crowd in some areas. Simply put, they are not the target audience.

Moreover, Uncle Sam exclaims “Oh, you done lost your damn mind!” after Lamar contemplates performing his biggest hit, “Not Like Us.” The song was tactfully hinted at throughout the show, which I believe did it justice for such a controversial

yet culturally-shifting record.

However, it also poses a risk for Kendrick Lamar to lose The Game, given its fundamental theme of hate.

“Not Like Us” is the last straw. A mention of it reappears just after Sam commends Lamar for his obedience so far, with “Luther” and “All the Stars” being performed (SZA’s vocals never failing to disappoint—”Luther” is a song I now play to get out of bed). “That’s what America wants, nice and calm!” he assures.

But Kendrick thinks otherwise: “There’s a cultural divide” just as there’s one in his mind. Should he pursue his instincts, further solidify his (rightful) Drake hatred and perform a beloved record for the people? Or should he impede hatred from seeping into the Super Bowl LIX halftime show and keep it “nice and calm” like America prefers it?

This is the artist’s dichotomy.

Needless to say, Lamar wears a demonic grin directly into the soul of Aubrey Graham (Drake) through the camera as he accuses the celebrity of pedophilia on live national television. I’m convinced they purposefully amplified crowd noise for the “a minor” line (it’s worth mentioning Kendrick Lamar’s prominent “a” chain, which many believe to be another jab for “a minor,” yet I believe represents his media company pgLang as it’s the same font). Serena Williams, former

American tennis player and one of Drake’s many ex-partners, also makes an appearance as she crip-walks to the chorus.

We finally end on “TV Off,” where the beloved DJ Mustard pops out to perform with Lamar. Note how a major motive underlying each of Lamar’s actions recently has been to spread and share the West Coast hip hop sound, effectively putting them on the map again. “Who put the West back in front of shit,” he raps on the title track “GNX.” Even more, it’s Kendrick Lamar representing his hometown and the place he came from. He’s single handedly brought the West Coast to millions of viewers while refusing to detach himself from the environment and culture of his youth. To Lamar, having integrity rests in showing respect to the culture and rap as an art form in general. It means giving back to those who made you who you are.

The communities that deserve respect and empowerment just as everyone else. The people who’ve gone unnoticed or mistreated but are just as worthy of the top conditions.

Likewise, Lamar’s message almost serves as a meta commentary of what he’s participating in, because without Uncle Sam, perhaps there’d be no vehicle to land him in a position such as a Super Bowl halftime performer to begin with. But that doesn’t mean he stops delivering a message and switches lanes automatically. Unlike other artists such as Drake, he maintains integrity rather than play comfortably within the confines of America’s guidelines, forever producing hits destined for smooth sailing. As heard on the “Euphoria” diss, “I make music that electrify them, you make music that pacify them.” There’s a wild difference.

But as Uncle Sam makes clear, sometimes unapologetic authenticity isn’t understood nor completely accepted. And at its worst, it’s a crime.

Still, Kendrick is going to do it anyways and knowingly receive a “GAME OVER” by the end. Similarly, I hope we can continue to move with integrity in a similar fashion even if it means pissing off the government sometimes a bit too. Surely that’s a sign we’re doing something right—power exists in the tension. And often power is only attained through it as well.

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Chappell Roan’s Gram- A werewolf tale that my speech sparks indus- lacks bite: try debate Editor reviews “Wolf Man” Celebrities put their money where their mouths are ALYSSA TILLMAN ALYSSA.TILLMAN.22@CNU.EDU

Former artist manager Jeff Rabhan criticized Chappell Roan’s Grammy acceptance speech in a guest column for The Hollywood Reporter last Wednesday. After accepting her first Grammy win in the best new artist category, Roan called out record labels for failing aspiring musicians by not offering livable wages and healthcare benefits. She shared she felt betrayed and dehumanized after being dropped from her first label in a system that regularly fails smaller artists.

Rabhan argued music labels bear no responsibility over an artist’s health care or well-being. He argued that labels do not need to provide funds beyond advances and royalties and urged Roan to use her success to support struggling artists herself “rather than just talk at it.” Roan responded by challenging Rabhan to match her in donating $25,000 USD to help struggling artists who had been dropped by their labels the way she was in 2020.

Rabhan published an open letter to Roan on the social media platform X, claiming that he doesn’t make enough money as an educator to give away $25,000 and has already “given away thousands of hours to artists in need.” He also called out Halsey, who called his op-ed a “ranting, seething tantrum”. He argued that his op-ed wasn’t a personal attack on Roan, but he’s now being victimized by fans of hers and Halsey’s. “If you and Halsey had directed your fanbase to donate $1 to your Living Artist Fund for every hate filled slur sent to me — you would have enough funding in ONE DAY to cover health care for every single artist and writer in need for almost 2 years,” he wrote.

Roan’s community of fellow artists are clearly on her side, with both Noah Kahan and Charli XCX pledging to match her donation over the weekend.

“Happy to help get the ball rolling,” Kahan wrote on his Instagram story.

“Money where my mouth is!” Charli added, “Your speech at the Grammys was inspiring and thoughtful and from a genuine place of care. Happy to help get the ball rolling too.”

In another Instagram Story post

“Roan responded by challenging Rabhan to match her in donating $25,000 USD to help struggling artists who had been dropped by their labels the way she was in 2020.” on Sunday, Roan doubled down on the demands she made during her speech. She wrote, “My mind will not be changed about artists deserving more than what’s standard in the industry.” “Random dudes are allowed to criticize my Grammy speech, but they best put their money where their mouth is, otherwise MOVE out of the way.”

Roan proceeded to clarify that the charitable organization she’s supporting with her donation is Backline, sharing a screenshot of the receipt and letting fans know that they “don’t have to donate a damn penny,” adding, “This is one of many opportunities for the industry powers to show up for artists.

Chappell Roan accepting her Grammy, photo from @chappellroan on Instagram

movie

ALYSSA TILLMAN ALYSSA.TILLMAN.22@CNU.EDU

“Wolf Man” hit theaters last month, giving audiences a pretty dull addition to the werewolf genre. The film was by no means hard to sit through or unwatchable, it was just full of plain characters and predictable plot points. I left the theater feeling underwhelmed and unshaken by the horror aspect.

The film centers around Blake and his family, who are attacked by an unseen animal and in a desperate escape, barricade themselves inside a farmhouse as the creature prowls the perimeter. The farmhouse belongs to Blake’s dead father. As the night stretches on, Blake begins to behave strangely, transforming into something unrecognizable that soon jeopardizes his wife and daughter.

To start, I wish the film had dove a bit deeper into the characters.

Charlotte and Blake have an interesting dynamic with their daughter that is worth exploring.

Charlotte feels as though their daughter, Ginger, relates more and is closer to her dad. She feels like she is not good at being a mother, with her work keeping her busy. We never see Ginger say or do anything to confirm this belief. It could have been more interesting to watch Charlotte fight for her daughter or watch Ginger lose her father if this dynamic was explored further.

The horror aspect of the film was decent. Seeing Blake gradually transform into a monstrous, wolf-like creature was unsettling. However, I wish there had been more scenes of him behaving strangely, as the buildup to Charlotte discovering his transformation lacked excitement.

The use of point-of-view shots during Blake’s transformation was a cool concept that I don’t often see in horror films.

From Blake’s point of view while transforming, his wife and daughter’s voices become distorted and muffled while everything around him shifts to a bright blue-tinged tone. His face shows utter disbelief and exasperation as he cannot understand why he can’t communicate with his own family. Unfortunately, the effect was not utilized to its full potential, as it looked cheap and gimmicky at times–but the idea of experiencing

horror through the eyes of the victim is something truly unique.

What I enjoyed most about this film was that Blake is not immediately antagonized and his wolf form is not villainized. Instead, the audience is meant to feel sympathy for him as every fiber of his humanity is slipping away during this uncontrollable change. The final wolf look is mildly scary. I wasn’t exactly cringing at it, but it was disturbing enough.

The big reveal is that the wolf attacking Blake and his family is his dad, who we learn in the beginning of the movie had a complicated relationship with Blake. I found this reveal to be extremely predictable, since the Dad was the only other major character. If the wolf man had to be someone we already knew about in the movie, there was only one option.

“Wolf Man” mostly lives up to the potential of its premise, but some of its elements could have been fleshed out better. The characters themselves remain flat and the plot is predictable, leaving little room for excitement or genuine horror. Though there are moments of creativity, the overall experience is more underwhelming than unsettling. Wolf Man ultimately misses the mark, offering a horror film that doesn’t fully embrace its chilling potential.

“Wolf Man” movie poster, photo from @wolfmanmovie on Instagram

LIFESTYLE

PAGE 10

A nostalgic journey: Cure Coffeehouse re-

Revisiting classic DS and 3DS games view: Editor reviews local coffee shop CLAIRE HALL CLAIRE.HALL.22@CNU.EDU

The epiphany of every 2000’s child was to play on our DS or 3DS and you cannot convince me otherwise. Ever since iPhones and Nintendo Switches have been released, people have spent less and less time on DS’s and 3DS’s.

However, I still remember some of my nostalgic games from my childhood. These were some of my favorite ones growing up below.

you love. Players race through different environments and use different power ups such as shells and bananas to surpass their opponents. This game also supports multiplayer gameplay, which is perfect when wanting to play with your friends.

Zhu Zhu Pets (DS)

“Luigi’s Mansion” is a spooky yet action packed game that follows Luigi on a quest to rescue his brother from the haunted mansion. The entire premise of this game follows Luigi being trapped in a house with a bunch of different ghosts. Players must solve puzzles, explore different rooms and face off against powerful boss ghosts in order to save the day.

If you love creepy games with a touch of adventure, this one’s for you.

“Zhu Zhu Pets” was a fun and interactive game based on the popular toy franchise. In this game, players take the role of a pet owner, caring for and guiding their pets through various adventures. This game also lets players customize their pets and take them through fun mini games.

This style of game was perfect for anyone who loves pets and wanted one of their own.

My Sims Kingdom (DS) The older “My Sims” games were always such classics, especially when it came to the style of the characters.

This game, known for its charming life simulation, lets players create, customize and build their own kingdom. The game tasks you with helping to restore a kingdom by completing challenges and quests.

This game was a pure dose of nostalgia for those who grew up loving the “My Sims” franchise.

Super Mario Bros (DS) This classic game brought the Mario Bros. franchise to life. In this game, players control Mario or Luigi as they navigate towards a series of challenging obstacles, such as enemies and obstacles. This exciting gameplay retained the core mechanics that fans know and love. This game was a staple for anyone who grew up in the 2000’s, as the Super Mario brothers were everywhere.

Mario Kart (3DS) Another game from the Mario Bros. franchise, this game was loved by all.

This game, being the first of its kind, featured a fun and face paced game with all the original characters that

CLAIRE HALL CLAIRE.HALL22@CNU.EDU

Luigi’s Mansion (3DS)

Animal Crossing: New Leaf (3DS) “Animal Crossing: New Leaf” has to be one of my favorite games of all time. In this game, players take the role of the town’s mayor and take care of all the townsfolk. In this peaceful and immersive world, you move into this new village with a house of your very own and meet the other villagers. Players have the ability to customize their own character and work on projects such as bridges and buildings. Overall, if you want a game that is very calm and relaxing, this game is perfect for that.

Paper Mario Sticker Star (3DS) My favorite DS game of all time, “Paper Mario Sticker Star,” is a game that takes you on a colorful adventure.

This game combines traditional Mario gameplay with sticker mechanics, giving the game a unique reputation. Set in a world made of paper, Mario sets out on a mission to rescue Princess Peach and restore the shattered sticker star. Along the way, players have to explore vibrant environments, complete challenges and fight enemies. If you are a very creative individual, this game would be perfect for you.

Digital Media Manager Lindsay Deyton poses with her iced coffee, taken by Claire Hall /TheCaptainsLog

Cure Coffeehouse is a quaint coffee shop located in Oyster City Center in Newport News. They are known for their down-to-earth aesthetic and delicious coffee.

Upon walking in, you are greeted with friendly smiles by the staff.

The place is decorated with plants, pride flags and paintings, creating a very welcoming and relaxing environment to indulge in your favorite beverage or pastry. The shop also features a variety of seating options such as tables or booths if you are a larger party.

Cure has a variety of drinks including tea, coffee and specialty drinks. Their specialized drinks feature a strawberry chocolate coffee, black forest cake coffee and more. Cure also has a variety of food options to choose from, such as breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads and yogurt parfaits. When ordering an iced coffee, your drink will come in an aesthetically pleasing glass featuring the Cure logo (see right photo). The coffee shop also has a free water station for when you need to quench your thirst with something other than coffee.

The drinks and food we ordered were brought out in a timely manner by perceptive employees.

The pricing for the food and drinks aren’t too terrible; a sandwich and drink will cost you around 12 dollars.

Overall, Cure is a wonderful place to get work done while sipping on your favorite beverage.

I would definitely rate this shop a 9/10. The atmosphere is lovely, the staff is very friendly and it’s overall a wonderful place to hang out with your friends.

Coffee from Cure Coffeehouse, taken

by Claire Hall /TheCaptainsLog

FEBURARY 13, 2025 | LIFESTYLE | CLAIRE HALL

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Do you really need the Claire’s Corner Your go-to advice column for college real thing?

Rating different Lego dupe sets at Five Below CLAIRE HALL CLAIRE.HALL22@CNU.EDU

Post Covid, Lego sets started becoming more popular with adults, especially the flower bouquets that were popping up on everyone’s “for you” page. You can purchase these flower sets anywhere, including chain stores such as Target, Walmart, Best Buy and The Lego Store.

However, one thing that isn’t a secret is that these Lego sets are expensive, often costing around 50-100 dollars.

While these are so much fun to build and pretty to display, that price point is very steep. If you love Legos but don’t want to pay that much of a price, I’ve found a cheaper alternative at Five Below. Below, I’ve rated all the kits I have done and if they are worth your money.

1. Block Tech: Block Bouquet Flowers I first heard about these flowers through my mom, who gifted my sister a couple of them. I wanted to buy some for myself and test them to see if they were as good as they look. When I went to Five Below, I was shocked with how many options of flowers there were for your bouquet. The options included at many different types of popular flowers, such as marigolds, hibiscus and lilacs. Due to all of these options, you’re able to make your bouquet exactly how you want it. Not to mention, the price point on these are affordable. Each flower costs about three dollars and 25 cents, so making a bouquet of eight costs about 26 dollars. Now, while the price point is cheap, how easily do they construct?

I’ve found that starting on kits with the least amount of pieces was easiest for me since I haven’t built legos in years. Despite being meant for ages six and up, the instructions are sometimes a bit difficult to follow along, but overall not too bad. I will say, some of the flowers have a difficult time holding on to pieces, such as the lily and lilac. However, for only being about three dollars and 25 cents, these flowers are very much worth it. I would give them an 8.5/10, since some of the flowers are

a bit annoying to build.

CLAIRE HALL CLAIRE.HALL.22@CNU.EDU

How can I make sure not to fall behind in my classes?

2. Block Tech: Succulents The same brand that makes the bouquet flowers also makes succulents that you can build and display. Compared to the flowers, the succulents are much smaller and can fit in the palm of your hand.

While these are much less popular than the flowers, they’re still fun to make. These did take me less time to make compared to the flowers, as they come with less pieces. I think if you’re looking for a more therapeutic experience with Lego building, then these kits are for you.

I’ve only made one of these so far, but they’re more relaxing than the flowers and quicker to build. They’re the same price as the flowers, three dollars and 25 cents. I would give the succulents a 8/10. I just wish they were a bit bigger.

3. Micro Brix Flower Trio 3-Pack These come in a pack of three at Five Below and contain either succulents or flowers. I had bought the flower one to test out since this brand is different from the other two I’ve mentioned. I’ve only built one flower in the pack, but I felt that these ones were the most annoying to build. First, the pieces are so small that they keep getting lost or buried into my fingernails. One tip I have when building these is to empty the bag out in an area where all the pieces are visible and cannot get misplaced. Secondly, the instructions also weren’t very clear at times, which made it difficult to piece things together, but you’ll eventually get the hang of it. Building one flower took me about two hours to do since they’re very small. I would give this kit a 7/10 so far because while I felt it was difficult to build and the pieces kept getting misplaced, I thought the end product was very pretty.

Now that the semester has picked up quite a bit, classes are throwing more and more of a workload on you. Especially with midterms right around the corner, it’s important that you make sure to stay on top of your assignments so they don’t pile up on you. Here are some tips I have in order to succeed with that.

Create a task tracker One of the most important things you can do in order to stay on top of your assignments is to be organized. Find some way to track your assignments to easily see what assignments you have due that day.

This can then help you organize your assignments and prioritize what assignments are most important. If you Google “task tracker templates,” you’ll get a variety of templates that you can download to Google Spreadsheets and use to your own merit. If you don’t want to do this, simply writing stuff down in a planner will also get the job done, especially if you’re more traditional.

Space out all you r assignments Once you know how much homework you have to do, then you have to space it out. You shouldn’t, physically and mentally, do more than five assignments in one day.

Spacing things out is important, as it helps you feel less overwhelmed.

Once you’re stressed and overwhelmed, it can be more difficult to complete assignments, as you start to feel burnt out. Burn out can cause you to fall behind, so make sure you space assignments out accordingly.

Do not do homework in your dorm I know that doing homework in

your dorm is more convenient and cozy, but it’s not beneficial at all.

There’s so many distractions in your room that could prevent you from getting work done. Do yourself a favor and find another location besides your room to get work done.

Limiting distractions is important because it keeps you on task and therefore won’t make you fall behind on work.

Go to office hours If there is a class that you are particularly struggling in, make sure to visit your professor’s office hours. Office hours are held for this very reason, to ask questions and/ or receive clarification on a certain topic. I always tell people that it is so important to go to office hours because it can really help you stay on track in your classes.

I hope these tips are helpful when wanting to stay on track of your coursework. Remember that work will pile up if you don’t stay on top of it. With that being said, make sure you are staying organized and confident. Midterms will be right around the corner. Good luck Captains!

Photo courtesy of Claire Hall /TheCaptainsLog

OPINIONS

“The Captain’s Log is free to write anything it pleases and CNU fully respects the Freedom of the press.”— CNU Chancellor Paul Trible PAGE 12

Donald Trump is a danger to the free press: How Trump’s attacks are shaping the future of journalism

ALYSSA TILLMAN ALYSSA.TILLMAN.22@CNU.EDU

Glasses and coffee cup sitting on top of a newspaper, from Unsplash

I was reading an article from the Guardian about Trump’s plan to take over Gaza. I get to the end of the article and there is a lengthy message from the Guardian. It reads: “With the new administration boasting about its desire to punish journalists, and Trump and his allies already pursuing lawsuits against newspapers whose stories they don’t like, it has never been more urgent, or more perilous, to pursue fair, accurate reporting.” It continues, “The Guardian has neither a selfinterested billionaire owner nor profit-seeking corporate henchmen pressuring us to appease the rich and powerful.” This frightened me, not just as a journalist, but as someone who relies on the news to be an accurate and unbiased source of information.

When Donald Trump was inaugurated in January of 2017, nine journalists were arrested while covering protests in Washington, D.C., with several facing rioting charges. This marked the beginning of a troubling trend over the next four years, during which more than 200 reporters encountered criminal charges for reporting on protests. The bulk of these charges occurred in

2020, following the police killing of George Floyd, as journalists raced to cover the nationwide racial justice demonstrations. The Freedom of the Press Foundation reports that 2020 saw a record number of attacks on the press, with 640 assaults on journalists and nearly 150 arrests.

A free press is fundamental to democracy, ensuring that journalists can gather and share information, media outlets can operate independently and that the public has access to diverse ideas, opinions and information.

Any pressure that undermines journalists’ ability to work without fear and restricts editors’ freedoms to make editorial decisions also limits the public’s access to information and thus weakens the overall freedom of the press.

Columbia Journalism Review reported that Trump has publicly referred to the media as “the enemy of the people,” a “threat to democracy,” “fake” and crooked bastards,” and has vowed to prosecute them. His deeply held belief that independent media is “truly the enemy of the people” and should be replaced with sources that align with his personal

views and are controlled by him and his allies is dangerous. Even in his interactions with reporters, Trump further normalizes the idea that journalists who merely ask him questions are legitimate targets for criticism.

Media organizations are increasingly giving in to pressure.

Jeff Bezos and Patrick SoonShiong, billionaire owners of the Washington Post and L.A. Times, respectively, both withdrew their papers’ editorial endorsements of Trump’s opponent, Kamala Harris. Since Trump’s election victory, both newspapers have faced additional editorial challenges.

For instance, in early January, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes resigned from the Washington Post after the paper blocked her cartoon about Bezos and other tech billionaires submitting to Trump. This week, a freelance contributor to the L.A. Times claimed his submission was altered just before publication to misrepresent his opinion on the potential threat posed by Trump’s nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for the Department of Health and Human Services.

CNN reports that Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS News, is currently in discussions to settle a $10 billion lawsuit filed by President Trump against the network last November. Trump’s lawsuit accuses 60 Minutes, the network’s flagship news program, of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by editing an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris to make her appear more appealing.

The lawsuit is meritless. Editing interviews is a standard journalistic practice, as seen with networks like FOX News, which frequently edits interviews to remove Trump’s rambling responses. These editorial decisions are protected by the First Amendment, which ensures broad freedom for the press to make content decisions.

Trump has also launched legally questionable lawsuits against any media outlet that angers him. Before the 2024 elec-

tion, he filed suits against multiple publishers, broadcasters and platforms, including Meta, ABC, CBS and the Des Moines Register. CBS reported that Meta recently settled with Trump for $25 million, ABC for $15 million and CBS’ parent company, Paramount, is reportedly in settlement talks this week (potentially aiming to win Trump’s support for a merger with Skydance Media).

So what happens to freedom of the press when the president can bully media outlets he doesn’t like into paying big money to end his meritless lawsuits against them? Media organizations may feel compelled to selfcensor or avoid critical coverage to avoid costly legal battles, even when the claims are without merit. This undermines the press’s ability to hold those in power accountable and weakens its role as a vital check on government actions. When media outlets are financially burdened or intimidated, it can diminish the diversity of opinions and reporting that are essential for a healthy democracy. Trump and his administration are sending a clear message, which is to cross him at your own peril.

So pay close attention to attacks on journalists and lawsuits targeting publishers, broadcasters and platforms. These actions signal the growth of a hostile media landscape that undermines the press’s ability to report independently. Don’t overlook the clear direction of these developments: a wholesale effort by Trump and his allies to dismantle the free press and create an information ecosystem controlled by those who share his views.

Going out with a bang:

Is hooking up on the first date okay?

BRE DORRIAN BREANNA.DORRIAN.23@CNU.EDU

One of my biggest ‘icks’ in dating culture is this idea that “a guy won’t want to be with you if you put-out on the first date” or that “he’ll find you easy.” To be totally blunt, someone who just wants to hook up with you is going to keep that mindset whether you sleep with them on the first date or not. Also, it takes two to tango, so they’re also sleeping with someone on the first date. If they think you’re ‘easy’ and suddenly ‘undesirable’ now, that not only is more of a reflection of them than you, but it also makes them a hypocrite. If this endeavor changes their opinion of you, I’m sorry to say but they are not meant for you. If that’s their mindset on day one, it’s going to be their mindset everyday following.

Secondly, we’re all adults. Your life, especially the privacy of your sex life is your business and yours alone.

This stigma around sex perpetuates negative stereotypes that harms both men, women and everything in between. From a femininity standpoint, it pushes the idea of purity culture and that feminine presenting individuals must act holier than thou.

For masculine presenting people, this villainizes them under the assumption that “they’re only after one thing.”

Expectations and boundaries are important and should always be communicated effectively. There’s no shame in having a one-night stand.

Your business is your business and sometimes you just have to get what you need and move on with no strings attached. However, it’s important to note that this is really only the case if both individuals know this ahead of time.

On the flip side, just because you sleep with someone or even just kiss them on the first date doesn’t mean there’s not still potential for things to end in a great big happy wedding or a life long relationship full of side quests and pretending to laugh at their jokes. Compatibility is important. What if you go weeks dating someone and you find out that they’re terrible in bed? Or a bad kisser? Or maybe they’re into some really weird stuff, and while you’re open to trying anything once, there’s gotta be a line in the sand somewhere,

right? It’s okay to enjoy someone’s company without being compatible in certain areas!

That being said, don’t go around touching tongues with everyone you see to find your soulmate. The end point here is that you shouldn’t feel ashamed in whatever you choose to do. Your life, your body, your choices. It’s scary and hard, but I promise taking the time to have those uncomfortable conversations about boundaries and expectations from the get go will save a lot of time. As long as the other person is just as into it and consenting, do whatever feels right.

Or if it’s not going well, do not be afraid to put up that boundary and say “no!”

Don’t worry about the social repercussions of doing what feels best for you and your partner. It’s your life, live it. No one’s opinion of you matters except your own.

Be safe, make smart choices and be kind to yourself and those around you. We’re all figuring this life out one failed situationship at a time.

Don’t be afraid to tell someone to mind their own biscuits!

Fishing hook, from Wikimedia Commons.

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The Naked Truth:

“The Situationship Struggle Is Real”

By Guest Columnist, in collaboration with the editorial team Ah, the situationship—the ultimate no-man’s-land of modern dating. Not quite a relationship, but definitely more than a booty call. It’s that weird middle ground where you send memes instead of love notes and getting introduced to their dog is basically a commitment ceremony.

Sounds chill, right? Well, not so fast—because while situationships may seem like a stress-free alternative to relationships, they can actually be a total emotional rollercoaster.

First up, let’s talk anxiety.

If you’re in a situationship, chances are you’ve spent more time decoding texts than actually enjoying the person you’re with. “Are we exclusive? Are they seeing other people? Should I even ask, or will that make me look ‘too serious’?” This endless guessing game can turn even the most secure person into a ball of stress. Research shows that uncertainty in relationships can send our brains into overdrive, and let’s be real—no one has time for that when midterms are already wrecking our mental state.

Then there’s self-esteem, which often takes the first hit in these noncommittal love traps. In a real relationship, you get clarity. In a situationship, you get... vibes. And vibes aren’t enough when you’re secretly hoping for something more. If one person wants commitment while the other is just here for the casual, drama-free fun, it’s a recipe for disappointment.

You end up waiting for them to “see the light” and realize you’re perfect, when in reality, they’re probably just vibing their way to the next non-

relationship.

Situationships are also emotional quicksand. You’re not moving forward, but you’re too stuck to move on. You tell yourself you’re fine with it, but deep down, you’re secretly hoping that things will “just naturally evolve.” Spoiler alert: They usually don’t. Instead, you’re left in a constant state of almost, like watching a Netflix series that gets canceled before the season finale.

Frustrating? Oh, absolutely.

And let’s not forget the emotional whiplash. One minute, they’re blowing up your phone with heart emojis; the next, they’re MIA for days.

This hot-and-cold nonsense can seriously mess with your head, making you crave their attention even more. Sound familiar? That’s because it mimics trauma bonding— your brain is literally getting addicted to the unpredictable highs and lows. Yikes.

So what’s the move? Communication. If your situationship is taking a toll on your mental health, have the talk.

And if they hit you with the classic “I’m not ready for anything serious,” ask yourself: Do you really want to be a placeholder until they are ready? Newsf lash: You deserve more than that.

Love should be exciting, not emotionally draining. If your romantic life feels like an endless game of emotional Jenga, maybe it’s time to pull the plug and find something with a little more structure— and a lot more peace of mind.

So, handle your situationship wisely. And if all else fails, remember: Your degree will never leave you on read.

Disclaimer: Over the coming four weeks, this column will be introducing you to a new voice as we explore innovative approaches to advice-giving. Our March 6 issue will give a full introduction to this up-and-coming resource. In the meantime, if you’d like to take a guess about the identity of today’s columnist, please email us at clog@cnu.edu.

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Student poetry and short story submissions Email clog@cnu.edu to be featured in the paper

“The Guise of the Moon” By: Rory Sanders

Basking in the light of the Sun, gleaning life from her light, it is taken for granted what she provides.

She is glared at and cursed for her intensity and shouted at when she is not enough.

Yet it is only when she is a reflection, her spirit diluted, is she called beautiful.

The guise of the Moon.

“Rebranding”

Audrey Johns | audrey.johns.23@cnu.edu

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Classic Movies ACROSS 1 NBC sketch comedy show since 1975 4 One of the three remaining stars of Impractical Jokers 7 Herb that cures all wounds?

12 Heckler 14 Not singular (abbr) 15 Hottest Greek mythological figure?

16 Rome's most important Via 17 Sleep letters 18 The 'Gram, informally 19 Spielberg classic in which "life finds a way" 22 Letters shared by two Greek organizations on campus: one for theater and one for service 23 Destroy, in cringey gamer slang 24 Cards to get into a bar, for example 25 Expensive tuna 28 Classic movie ending with the iconic song "Don't You (Forget About Me)" 32 Tranquil rustic scene 33 Setting for the witch trials 34 Affirmative 36 Scorches 39 Fuel 40 Turns white

“Classic Movies” 42 Opposite of everybody 44 Classic movie featuring the line "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya.

You killed my father. Prepare to die."

48 Daft Punk's genre 49 Colony worker 50 BBC rival 51 Primary click on a computer (abbr.)

54 Lucasfilm classic franchise featuring an archeologist who fights Nazis and finds major religious artifacts 57 Great fear 60 Pounds, shortly 61 "Missed it by _____" 62 Scenic view 63 Also 64 Title with a tilde 65 Canned tomatoes and chilis brand 66 Luke, to Vader 67 ___-Sequitur DOWN 1 Absorb like a sponge 2 "Piece of cake!"

3 Star Wars Princess 4 Cake or ice cream topping you'd be disappointed to have just one of 5 Actor Baldwin 6 Filipino spring rolls 7 Ardently desires 8 Crash Course science host 9 NFL 10 Was introduced to

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45 Finale 46 Circus props that'll put you head and shoulders above everyone else 47 Pacific climate pattern 52 Fruit served in balls 53 Liar, informally 54 "My outfit slayed!"

55 Peek-___ 56 Sign of things to come 57 Old-timey device for taping TV shows 58 ___ Grande 59 More than -er

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by Patrick Wood, patrick.wood.21@cnu. edu

Answers will be posted on our Instagram @cnucaptainslog!