Vol 56 Iss 19

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

CNUCLOG.COM

VOLUME 56, ISSUE 19

FEBRUARY 27, 2025

Scary Carrie:

Brooke Martin holds her “Carrie the Musical” playbill before the show starts, taken by Brooke Martin/TheCaptainsLog

Staff writer reviews TheatreCNU’s Opening Night for “Carrie The Musical” BROOKE MARTIN BROOKE.MARTIN.21@CNU.EDU

Christopher Newport University operations may have been hindered last Friday Feb. 21st, but the snow did not prohibit the TheatreCNU cast from their killer debut of “Carrie the Musical.” At 7:30 p.m. in Peebles Theatre, the Department of Theater and Dance and a troupe of 18 actors performed their presentation of the iconic 1974 Stephen King horror novel, “Carrie.”

The spoiler-free summary of the plot entails a high school outcast named Carrie

What’s Inside News 2-3

Sports 4-5

President’s Day

Stafford speaks with other teams

Plane crash in Toronto International Affairs

Yankees change facial hair policy Wembanyama out

White, who is relentlessly bullied at school by her peers and is abused at home by her extremist religious mother. Through these social struggles, she learns that she possesses telekinetic abilities which primarily act upon her heightened emotions. When her classmate, the popular do-gooder Sue Snell, who wishes to amend her mistakes on how she treated Carrie convinces her jock boyfriend to take Carrie to the school prom, chaos ensues on the supposed ‘best night of their lives.’ “Carrie the Musical” is based off of the eerie Stephen

Snapshot 6-7 Snow at CNU

A&E 8-9 “Carrie the Musical” “The Women” review “Captain America: Brave New World” review

King narrative and the famous movie adaptation in 1976, now transformed to fit elevated Broadway standards with a few songs thrown in the mix.

The cast truly did a phenomenal job bringing the acclaimed story to life. I, as a horror cinema fanatic, believed that the musical adaptation and the stellar performances by fellow CNU students would make Stephen King proud. The vocals and emotional ability of the performers were next level, and it felt as if I were watching Tony Award winning actors.

(Story continued in A & E, page 8)

Lifestyle 10-11

Opinions 12-13

The Farmer’s Table reivew

The angler fish story

Studying abroad Cheap places to reavel in Sex advice coulmn VA Claires Corner

NEWS

PAGE 2

International The 2025 White House Affairs Governors Ball Update: The U.S. Army Chorus speculated to have BRE DORRIAN BREANNA.DORRIAN.23@CNU.EDU

performed a subtle protest

Construction accident in South Korea leaves four The 2025 W hite dead House Governors Ball

BRE DORRIAN BREANNA.DORRIAN.23@CNU.EDU

Reuters reported on Feb. 25 that the collapse of a highway construction project in South Korea left four people dead with six injured and five in critical condition.

Reuters stated that the “concrete structures supporting the highway bridge collapsed one after another after being hoisted into place by a crane, the Yonhap News Agency reported.”

The construction workers were working on installing the deck of the bridge when the collapse took place in the early morning.

The acting President Choi Sang-mok initiated rescue teams to provide resources and help search for missing individuals.

Pope Francis in critical condition Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, is reported to be in stable, but critical condition as he deals with a double pneumonia lung infection.

AP News reported that Pope Francis completed a follow-up CAT scan on Tuesday, however stating that the Vatican’s update “provided no details of what the scan showed, suggesting the results weren’t back yet.”

The Vatican’s update also suggested that Pope Francis has been able to complete necessary work from the hospital.

Russia-Ukraine War CNN reported on Feb. 24 that the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated in a press conference on Feb. 23 that he was willing to resign in exchange for Ukraine joining NATO. Zelensky is also opposing the United States’ push for a “$500 billion share of Ukraine’s deposits of rare earths and other minerals as part of a draft “deal” Trump said would reflect the amount of aid the US has provided to Ukraine during its war with Russia.”

was hosted on Saturday, Feb. 22, with United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania in attendance, as well as other government officials.

However, the performance during the event has sparked controversy across the internet.

The U.S. Army Chorus performed “Do You Hear The People Sing” from the musical Les Miserables, a story about the French Revolution of 1789.

Members of the choir also sang “Master of the House” directed towards the President.

The officer in charge of the choir is Captain Bonnie Alger, the first female director of the ensemble.

The significance of both of these songs is that they highlight people’s disdain and anger towards the government and standing against oppressive tyranny. Many people across social media, such as Instagram and TikTok, as well as outlets such as The Philadelphia Inquirer and the news and media outlet People have speculated this as a form of protest.

This performance also comes relatively shortly after the offi-

Image depiction of U.S. President Donald Trump, photo from the official White House Instagram account, @whitehouse.

cial White House Instagram account posted a photo depicting President Trump in a crown with the words “LONG LIVE THE KING” on the photo.

The caption read, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!” President Donald J. Trump.”

The Constitution of

the United States of America states in Article I, Section 9, Clause 8, “No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.”

On Feb. 24, news outlet People quoted Democratic Representative from Massachusetts James P. McGovern from a post he made to social media about the event.

“They picked Les Mis—a musical about standing up to tyranny. They protested you at your own event and you were too stupid to get it,” McGovern wrote

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Thousands fired, Protest on Warwick including high ranking military officials

Protestors at the intersection of Warwick Boulevard and University Place, photo taken by Chloe Grell/TheCaptain’sLog

Members of the CNU commnity hold protest United States President Donald Trump (right) with Presidential Senior Advisor and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Elon Musk and his son (left), photo from WikiMediCommons.

BRE DORRIAN BREANNA.DORRIAN.23@CNU.EDU

On Feb. 22, members of the ChristoJoint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown pher Newport UniverJr. and Chief of Naval Operations a part of list sity community held a protest on the corner BRE DORRIAN at the intersection of BREANNA.DORRIAN.23@CNU.EDU Warwick Boulevard and University Place Thousands of federal employees, result in termination. including high ranking military ofThe OPM advised agencies to outside of campus.

A passerby reported ficials, have been fired with more to fire probationary employees, anybe laid off under executive orders one serving less than two years in from United States President Donald a particular federal employee poTrump. sition, to help cut numbers.

On Nov. 12, 2024, President Trump 21st Chairman of the Joint selected billionaire Elon Musk to lead Chiefs of Staff and principal milithe Department of Government Ef- tary advisor to the President, Secficiency (DOGE). retary of Defense and National SePosted to Truth Social, the presi- curity Council General Charles Q. dent wrote that he felt Musk was do- Brown, Jr. was fired on Friday Feb. ing a “great job,” but he would like to 21. The Chief of Naval Operations see him get “more aggressive.”

Lisa Franchetti was also fired FriOn Saturday, Feb. 22, the Office of day along with the leading Judge Personnel Management (OPM) re- Advocate Generals (JAG). leased an email to government emGen. C.Q. Brown Jr. previously ployees requesting a list of things visited Christopher Newport Unithey did the previous week, failure to versity on Oct. 3, 2024, speaking respond would result in termination. with members of the community According to the National Public Ra- and the CNU ROTC program. dio (NPR) “officials at the departPresident Trump then nominatments of Defense, State, Homeland ed Air Force Lieutenant General Security and Energy told workers not Dan ‘Razin’ Caine to serve as the to respond.” next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs However, Musk stated he would al- of Staff. low employees a “second chance” to respond, reiterating that failure to respond the second time would also

that the intent of the protest appeared to be in relation to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, as well as making comments about anti-facism.

The protesters held flags, banners and used a megaphone for

their chants.

The Captain’s Log does not presently have enough information on the situation, however more information will be released as it is investigated.

SPORTS

PAGE 4

Matthew Stafford speaks with other teams The beginning of the end?

TREY GREENWELL

TRAJAN.GREENWELL.21@CNU.EDU

Matthew Stafford with the Detroit Lions during a 2020 regular season game against the Washington Football Team. Matt Stafford Chase Young by AllPro Reels is licensed under the CC By Attribution Sharealike 2.0 Generic Deed.

The Los Angeles Rams may be moving on from quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Recently, the team allowed Stafford and his agent to speak with other teams to discuss his market value.

While he had been discussing a reworked contract with the Rams, Stafford is more inclined to want his contract extended.

After the Rams won Super Bowl 56, Stafford signed a four-year contract extension with the team. Stafford currently has two seasons left on the deal, with $4 million guaranteed in 2025 and $0 million in 2026. A reworked contract would likely give him more guaranteed salary for both seasons, insuring Stafford of adequate compensation if he were to get

injured or traded at any point next season.

Last offseason, Stafford and the Rams agreed on a reworked contract. However, the details were not finalized until the beginning of training camp. If a reworked contract is not worked out soon, Stafford may find himself traded to a new team.

A trade would have to happen within the next month.

Stafford is due a $4 million roster bonus by March 19, a number the Rams would have to pay if he is not traded by that day. Stafford also has a $23 million cap hit for next season, an amount that would change if he were traded as the team acquiring him would likely extend his contract.

While the Rams have not

ruled out the possibility of keeping Stafford, giving him and his agent permission to speak with other teams makes a return less likely.

Even at 37 years of age, Stafford is still one of the game’s best quarterbacks as he led the Rams to the divisional round of the playoffs. Last season, he completed 65.8% of his passes for 3,762 passing yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Yankees change facial hair policy TREY GREENWELL

TRAJAN.GREENWELL.21@CNU.EDU

For the first time in several decades, the New York Yankees will not be honoring a longstanding tradition.

Last week, managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner announced that the team had amended their facial grooming policy. The amendment stated that players, coaches, and others who dress in uniform were allowed to have wellgroomed beards in the future.

In the announcement, Steinbrenner said that the policy was outdated and he had been contemplating a change for a few years. After talking to star players such as team captain Aaron Judge, righthanded pitcher Gerrit Cole and desig-

A sudden change

Yankee Stadium before a 2013 regular season game. New York Yankees Stadion by dronepicr is licensed under the CC By Attribution 2.0 Generic Deed.

“The amendment stated that players, coaches, and others who dress in uniform were allowed to have well-groomed beards in the future.”

nated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, Steinbrenner felt that a change was necessary as all three players were in favor of updating the policy.

The policy was created when George M. Steinbrenner, Hal’s father, bought the team in 1973. When Steinbrenner watched the Yankees play Cleveland on Opening Day, he was unable to identify players by their faces as he had just purchased

the team. Instead, it was their long hair or unkempt mustaches that he noticed. This led to a policy made where all facial hair except for mustaches were banned as well as any hair grown below the collar.

However, several star Major League Baseball (MLB) players have expressed their discontent with the policy. This includes players the

Yankees signed this past offseason, with closer Devin Williams expressing an unwillingness to shave his beard. Steinbrenner indicated that he thought there would be a time where players would not want to sign for the Yankees because of their policy on facial hair. As a result, Steinbrenner believed that his father, the late George M. Steinbrenner, would have approved of this change.

This change was an announcement nobody saw coming. The Yankees are a franchise based on tradition and their facial grooming policy was one of the many the team had. However, many traditions evolve over time and the policy is not exempt from change.

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Victor Wembanyama out for season TREY GREENWELL

A huge blow for basketball

TRAJAN.GREENWELL.21@CNU.EDU

The National Basketball Association (NBA) lost one of their most promising stars to injury.

In a statement, the San Antonio Spurs announced that All-Star center Victor Wembanyama will be out for the remainder of the season.

The news came after the team discovered deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, a blood clot that was discovered after Wembanyama returned to the Spurs after the NBA All-Star Victor Wembanyama attending the 2023 NBA Paris Game.

Game. Victor Wembanyama NBA Paris Game by Despite the setback, Thomas Savoja is licensed under the CC By the Spurs remain opti- Attribution Sharealike 2.0 Generic Deed. mistic about Wembanyama’s health for the beginning of the 20252026 NBA season. Acting head coach Mitch Johnston indicated that his long-term health would not be affected by the injury.

This season, Wembanyama has averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and a league-leading 3.8 blocks in 46 games be missed as the Spurs jury, Wembanyama played for the 23-29 look to reach the playwill not be eligible for Spurs. His presence on in tournament.

All-NBA or Defenthe defensive end will As a result of the in- sive Player of the Year

“In a statement, the San Antonio Spurs announced that All-Star center Victor Wembanyama will be out for the remainder of the season. ”

awards as he did not reach the 65-game minimum needed to be eligible for them. He had been the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year as his ability to protect the rim made him stand out from other defensive stalwarts.

This injury is the second biggest loss for the Spurs this season. In a year filled with unfortunate events, head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a mild stroke earlier this season.

This forced him to take an indefinite leave from the sideline, leaving many wondering if Popovich had coached his last game.

This announcement was devastating for the game of basketball. Wembanyama was labeled as a generational talent entering the NBA and has lived up to that in every way possible. Basketball fans around the world are hoping that Wembanyama makes a speedy recovery and can return to the Spurs in time for next season.

Here’s What You Missed!

1) The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid are considering alternative options for treatment on his injured left knee.

2) Former Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal has announced his retirement after eight seasons.

3) Fresno State men’s basketball players have been accused of placing bets on games they played in.

4) ESPN and Major League Baseball will be ending their television deal after the 2025 season.

Coming soon in CNU Sports: *Games listed are happening at CNU March 1st: *Men’s Lacrosse CNU v. Grove City College Location: Newport News, VA Time: 12:00 PM *Women’s Softball CNU v. York College of Pennsylvania Location: Newport News, VA Time: 3:00 and 5:30 PM March 5th: *Men’s Baseball CNU v. Roanoke College Location: Newport News, VA Time: 2:00 PM *Women’s Lacrosse CNU v. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Location: Newport News, VA Time: 4:00 PM To look at events off campus and for future weeks, visit cnusports.com

SNAPSHOT

PAGE 6

Snow at CNU

Forbes Hall lit up in the snow at night, taken by Samuel Ellyson

Editor-in-Chief, Katherine Zickel, Lifestyle Editor, Claire Hall, and Emily Sarar participating in a snow ball fight, courtesy of Claire Hall/The/CaptainsLog

The Torggler Fine Arts Center covered in snow, taken by Claire HallTheCaptainsLog

East Campus covered in snow at night, taken by Amanda EachoTheCaptainsLog

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Snow Continued

The fountain in the plaza covered in snow, taken by Claire HallTheCaptainsLog

Lifestyle Editor, Claire Hall, poses for a picture in the snow, courtesy of Claire HallTheCaptainsLog

Trible Library lit up and covered in snow at night, taken by Amanda Eacho/TheCaptainsLog

McMurren Hall and the Bell Tower lit up at night in the snow, taken by Samuel Ellyson

A&E

PAGE 8

Scary Carrie:

Story continued from cover BROOKE MARTIN BROOKE.MARTIN.21@CNU.EDU

It is insane to know these talented individuals walk among us, fellow students in our classrooms harbouring this talent until it’s time to walk on stage and transform into another character. I was so engrossed in the believable performances, I momentarily forgot I was watching a fictional show and not the events of real people unfolding before my eyes. Shoutout to the costuming and prop designers for teleporting the audience back in time to the high school hallways and gymnasiums of the 70s.

Sorry fellas, but the ladies really lead this strong show. The main character, Carrie, is the limelight stealer, along with her uber creepy mother Margaret, the sweet Sue Snell and the bratty trustfund baby Chris. Their stage presence transcended the Peebles theatre and their voice belts were flawless… I could easily hear them from the second level seating.

Kylee Monroe Bates, class of 2027, plays the titular role of Carrie White so hauntingly beautiful. Her lamenting voice as she sings of her dreams and oppression is so powerful and moving to watch. At one moment in the play, which you have to see for yourself, she screams so viscerally raw that it made the audience shiver in their skin.

In an interview with The Captain’s Log, Bates stated that her favorite aspect of playing Carrie is the character arc she develops through the narrative. “I love her character arc! She learns to stand up for herself! The songs are also so fun to sing,” she said.

This musical is not for the faint hearted, as “Carrie The Musical” is still classified as a horror thriller story.

CNUTheatre offers a disclaimer in the program for those sensitive to blood, violence, extremist religious themes, child abuse and more. On Friday Feb. 28, the cast is hosting a sensory friendly performance for those who want to experience an environment with lights on and less violence, find additional info (if there is ASL, etc). However, this musical still can be enjoyed by nonhorror lovers, as the inclusion of fun songs and characters serve as comedic relief.

One of the memorable amusing characters who you love to hate is Christine/Chris, played by freshman

A recap of the NAACP Image Awards A celebration of Black achievements ALYSSA TILLMAN ALYSSA.TILLMAN.22@CNU.EDU

“At one moment in the play, which you have to see for yourself, she screams so viscerally raw that it made the audience shiver in their skin.”

Jocelyn Yoder. “Chris is such a challenging character in that it’s made me get out of my comfort zone.

Playing a ‘mean’ character isn’t something I get to do often, but it’s been so much fun getting to bring her character to life,” Yoder says.

Even Bates agrees that Chris’s character brings a comical tone to the show with her songs. “I love ‘World According to Chris.’ That song is so fun and it’s a great showcase of our company,” she said.

I truly enjoyed my experience watching the musical and strongly urge any student with a free weeknight to head to the Peebles Theatre and support our talented fellow students in the arts! My only suggestion: more blood! Fill that bucket to the brim for maximum splash! I overheard in the crowd that the mysterious liquid they use for blood is beetroot extract.

Don’t just take my word for it, for the best assessment of the performance comes from the actors who witness the audience as well as the backstage chaos. To sum up the night, Bates perfectly puts it, saying, “I think the opening night went really well!! The audience was great and it was a bloody great time!”

Did you catch the 2025 NAACP Image Awards? The award show aired on BET on Feb. 22, with many moments that have the internet talking. The 56th NAACP Image Awards, which were hosted by comedian Deon Cole, were held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles. The awards are considered the top entertainment honors focused on Black actors.

Saturday marked the end of a week of celebrations for the 56th NAACP Image Awards, with “The Six Triple Eight” being honored with Best Motion Picture Ensemble and Outstanding Supporting Actress and Outstanding Break through Performance for Ebony Obsidian earlier in the week. The film won Outstanding Motion Picture and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for Kerry Washington, who thanked “‘The Six Triple Eight, who proved to us how extraordinary Black women are, how extraordinary we have always been.” Also at Saturday’s ceremony, Martin Lawrence won the Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for “Bad Boys: Ride or Die”.

Six-time nominee “Nickel Boys” won three awards earlier in the week and “Wicked” won best soundtrack/ compilation album on Saturday night and for costume design in a non-televised ceremony on Tuesday.

In the TV categories, Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson won best actress in a comedy series, but wasn’t present at Saturday’s ceremony. Earlier in the week, “Abbott Elementary”, which received 10 nominations, won Best Comedy Series. Saturday night, Damon Wayans won best actor in a comedy series for his work in “Poppa’s House”.

Among the special honors Saturday night, former Vice President Kamala Harris received the NAACP’s Chairman’s Award.

Harris was cheered on throughout her 4 1/2 minute acceptance speech, which she concluded by saying, “While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this

speech, which she concluded by saying, “While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter of our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office — nor by the wealthiest among us.

The American story will be written by you, written by us — by we the people. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States.”

Comedy icon Dave Chappelle was also honored at the event Saturday night with the NAACP President’s Award, while the Wayans Family— Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr.—were inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame. “One of Them Days” actress Keke Palmer took home Entertainer of the Year and gave a high-pitched shout out to “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, who was also nominated. “Oh my gosh!

Guys! I didn’t think I was gonna win because,” she then pointed directly to Erivo in the crowd, before delivering an impression of the famous “Defying Gravity” riff from the musical film.

Kerry Washington accepting Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture. Image from @ kerrywashington on Instagram

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A review of “The Women”

A story that will stay with you

“Captain America: Brave New World” review A solid return for Sam Wilson ALYSSA TILLMAN ALYSSA.TILLMAN.22@CNU.EDU

KATE MICHAELSON KATE.MICHAELSON.24@CNU.EDU

There are certain books that leave me staring at the wall, completely unable to reconnect with reality. The story envelops my headspace to the point where the plot feels tangible and real life feels utterly uninteresting.

The best sort of books toy with my emotions, making me feel so connected with the characters that I feel their highest highs and their lowest lows. If you’re looking for a five-star read that will pull at your heartstrings, requiring at least 3-5 business days to recover from its beauty and emotion, try “The Women”.

“The Women” is a historical fiction novel published in February of 2024

by Kristin Hannah that spans from the 1960s to the early 1980s and centers around the Vietnam War. I’ve read plenty of historical fiction books over the years, but I was immediately struck by the uniqueness of the topic, as many historical fiction authors tend to discuss World War II. The story is told from the perspective of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young woman who decides to leave her comfortable, sheltered life in Southern California to join the Army Nurse Corps in Vietnam. Frankie must deal with the chaos and bloodshed of the war in Vietnam and confront her equally tumultuous return to the states in a nation divided by war and protest.

The story highlights Frankie’s complex friendships, relationships, and family dynamics that develop out of the war and her struggle to build a future for herself in a society that offers little support. Ultimately, “The Women” is a poignant reminder of the largely unrecognized heroism and sacrifice of the women who served in the Vietnam war and of the forgotten female heroes throughout history in general.

I absolutely adored this novel and finished it within the span of 24 hours. Kristin Hannah is an incredible writer and has such a skill for engulfing the reader in the story. The first half of the novel is especially fast-paced, as it takes place in Vietnam while Frankie is serving as a nurse in a combat zone (be advised,

there is some graphic content surrounding the war). The second half focuses on her return to the states. This structure made the book such a page-turner and kept me truly invested in the plot.

Throughout the novel, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about a period of history that I had not explored before, but I especially appreciated the friendship and romance subplots throughout the novel. These plots facilitated Frankie’s character development and ultimately characterized her as more than just strong, but also strikingly real.

Overall, this novel is worth your time! But don’t just take it from me.

Freshman Ashley Gingerich, another avid reader, says that while she hasn’t experienced what Frankie endured, “her strength and journey moving through trauma throughout the novel were deeply moving.” She says that she found “The Women” to be bot h beautiful and heartbreaking, yet ultimately filled with hope.”

Reading is an opportunity to see outside of yourself and gain new perspectives. “The Women” certainly does this and so much more and is a perfect book to add to the top of your reading list!

“The Women” book cover.

Image from @ kristinhannahauthor on

“Captain America: Brave New World” released in theaters this month as part of phase five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film stars MCU veteran Anthony Mackie as Captain America, who took on the mantle in “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019. I was highly anticipating Sam Wilson’s return after “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” and was expecting some returning characters from the 2021 miniseries.

Danny Ramirez returns as Sam’s new partner in crime Joaquin Torres.

Their dynamic of Joaquin wanting to follow in Sam’s footsteps as Falcon was a highlight of the movie for me and I hope to see him return in future Avengers films alongside Captain America. Carl Lumbly also returned as Isaiah Bradley, who was introduced in the miniseries as a victim of the United States government’s attempts to replicate the Super Soldier Serum, living out the rest of his days in anonymity.

I was pleasantly surprised with Sebastian Stan’s brief appearance as Bucky Barnes, but honestly had hoped to see more of him after the bromance developed with Sam in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”.

I also missed Shannon Carter, who played a big role in the miniseries. I think that having her present in this film instead of Sabra would have been more appealing to fans. Sabra’s character felt like a random addition to the Black Widow storyline and I wasn’t very impressed with Shira Haas’ performance.

An issue I’ve had with the past couple of Marvel films released has been the somewhat corny dialogue and this film is no exception. A lot of Sam’s lines were one-liners or jokes of some kind. This stripped away the authenticity and vulnerability I love most about his character. Most of his one-liners were loaded within this first half of the movie though. The second half felt a bit less corny as the plot picked up.

The action in this film was outstanding. There are a couple Marvel projects where the CGI is less than impressive, but this movie did a great job with it. There’s one scene in particular towards the end where Joaquin rides on a missile that I

“I’m sure they made a conscious choice to not mention race, as this film would reach a much wider audience than the miniseries did.

This is a choice I’m disappointed in.” thought looked insanely cool. The Red Hulk’s scenes also looked really good. Harrison Ford took over as Thaddeus Ross after the tragic passing of William Hurt. This was an excellent casting choice. I really enjoyed watching Ross grapple with his presidential duties. I was hoping to see a bit more of Ford’s Red Hulk in this movie, but hopefully he will return in upcoming movies.

The most compelling part of Sam’s journey as Captain America is watching him grapple with being a Black man in America taking on this role. This was explored a lot in the miniseries, but not so much in the film. I’m sure they made a conscious choice to not mention race, as this film would reach a much wider audience than the miniseries did.

This is a choice I’m disappointed in.

Overall, I would rate this film a solid 7/10. It was hard to get past some of the corny dialogue, as well as the characters talking us through the plot. The action and storyline definitely made up for it though. I hope to see much more of Jaoquin and Thaddeus Ross in future Marvel films and I hope for more character exploration for Sam. This film is worth the watch and got me excited for the upcoming Avengers films.

LIFESTYLE

PAGE 10

Spring specials:

The Farmer’s Table:

Fun recipies to try during spring break

Staff writer reviews burger restaurant in Newport News

CLAIRE HALL CLAIRE.HALL.22@CNU.EDU

Spring break is the perfect time to unwind, explore new places and enjoy some much needed relaxation.

Whether you are lounging on the beach, road-tripping with friends or just enjoying a staycation, having some delicious and simple recipes on hand can make your spring break even better. These spring break recipe ideas are quick, easy to make, and perfect for a laid-back getaway. No need to worry about complicated meals, just fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and good company to make your break unforgettable. Let’s dive into these tasty dishes that will keep you fueled for your adventures and impress your friends along the way!

(Note: both recipes were found on delish.com)

1. Lemon Bars Ingredients: - Cooking spray - 1 cup butter, softened - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup powdered sugar, plus more for garnish - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 6 large eggs - 3/4 cup lemon juice - Zest of one lemon

Steps: Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray a baking pan with cooking spray. Line with parchment paper and spray paper with cooking spray. In a large bowl using a hand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, two to three minutes. Add flour and powdered sugar and beat until combined. Spread dough into the prepared baking pan and press to flatten. Bake until lightly golden and just set for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 30 minutes.Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest and mix until fully combined.

Pour filling over

the crust, return to the oven, and bake until firm for about 25 minutes.

Remove from the oven and refrigerate, three to four hours. Slice and garnish with powdered sugar.

2. Strawberry Upside Down Skillet Cake Ingredients: - 1 lb. strawberries, thinly sliced into rounds - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 2 Tbsp. cornstarch - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour - 2 tsp. baking powder - pinch of salt - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted - 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract - Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Steps: Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease a 12” oven-safe skillet, add a parchment circle, then grease again. In a large bowl, stir together strawberries, brown sugar, and cornstarch until fully coated and juicy. Add to the skillet and spread in an even layer.

Make cake batter: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, eggs, sour cream, butter, and vanilla. Add in the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour the cake batter over the strawberry mixture and spread as evenly as possible with a rubber spatula. If you need to after use wet hands to spread batter over berries.

Bake until the cake is golden and a toothpick comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Let the cake cool in the skillet, about 15 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter or large plate and gently remove parchment paper.

Let cool completely or refrigerate before slicing. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

JANELLE PINEDA JANELE.PINEDA.22@CNU.EDU

Farmer’s Table is a charming hidden gem located in Newport News, serving up classic comfort food made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From the moment you walk in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere makes you feel right at home.

Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, a crispy chicken sandwich, or ice cream, this spot has something for everyone. The menu offers a variety of crowd-pleasers, with their ‘Farmhouse Burger’ being a musttry. Made with locally sourced, grass-fed Angus beef, Farmer’s Table goes above and beyond to make sure that the quality of their food is excellent. If you’re in the mood for chicken, the ‘Southern Fried Crispy Chicken Sandwich’ is another standout, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Pair your meal with a side of their crispy fries, onion rings, tots or cheesy mac and cheese and a milkshake, you’ll be sure to have the perfect experience.

Beyond the food, one of the most adorable details was the friendly

little cat outside the restaurant.

The owners clearly cared for him, they had a small bed and even left out food for him. He was super sweet but kept his distance.

As if that was not enough, the restaurant is connected to an incredible little store packed with homemade traits and locally made goods. They have homemade ice cream, freshly baked desserts, potato salad, homemade candles and even some merch. Every food item sold is made with fresh, highquality ingredients, making it even more convincing to pick something up on your way out.

The service is friendly and efficient with the staff, making it very known that they genuinely care about your dining experience.

Whether you’re there to dine in or take you, Farmer’s Table delivers on both quality and atmosphere.

Overall, I would rate Farmer’s Table a 10/10. If you are looking for a laid-back spot with a friendly vibe and fresh, delicious food, Farmer’s Table is definitely worth the visit.

FEBURARY 27, 2025 | LIFESTYLE | CLAIRE HALL

Break on a budget

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Claire’s Corner

Cheap places to travel in Virginia Your go-to advice column for college CLAIRE HALL CLAIRE.HALL.22@CNU.EDU

CLAIRE HALL CLAIRE.HALL.22@CNU.EDU

How can I budget my money while in college?

money.

Being in college, our bank accounts will fluctuate a lot. Some of us have to work during breaks to have enough money for an entire semester whereas others are working two to three jobs on campus just to make ends meet. Budgeting and spending money can be a nightmare, but students should not be afraid to spend a little bit of money here and there. Down below, I have listed some tips on how to budget your money to make sure it lasts the entire semester.

Shenandoah National Park

Thrift over retail

Shenandoah National Park is a place located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. This park, stretching 805 square kilometers, is home to many nature trails, including the Appalachian Trail.

Being mostly forested, this park is home to many wildlife species including deer, squirrels and black bears. This park also has many features including wetlands, waterfalls, and rocky peaks such as Hawksbill or Old Rag Mountains.

Entry into the park is free and is perfect for college students who are looking for a fun adventure and a breath of fresh air!

While in college, sometimes we need a new outfit here and there.

However, instead of going to a retail store to find an outfit, try going to a thrift store. The prices on clothes are significantly cheaper and will save you so much money. Even if you are looking for something specific, chances are a thrift store will have the exact thing you are looking for but at a lower price point.

Maymont Goose, Photo courtesy of Claire Hall /TheCaptainsLog

Spring break is the perfect time to escape the daily grind of college and explore new places. However, the idea of spending a fortune on a getaway can often hold us back.

Luckily, Virginia offers a variety of affordable destinations that combine stunning natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture, all without breaking the bank. Whether you are a college student looking to unwind or you want to step outside of your comfort zone. Virginia has something for everyone. This article will showcase some of the best budget friendly spots in Virginia to visit during spring break so you can have an incredible time while keeping your wallet happy.

Maymont Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park located in Richmond, Virginia. When you enter the park’s main entrance, you have the opportunity to tour the Robbins Nature Center for only eight dollars.

This center has a variety of animals including sea life, reptiles, amphibians and their famous otters.

When you come across the actual park, admission is completely free.

You can walk around the entire nature trail, spotting some of nature’s beauty along the way. If you enjoy farm animals, then you can walk up to their petting zoo where you can feed goats, horses, and sheep. If you love the beauty of plants, then you should visit the Japanese Gardens or the bamboo forest. Maymont has so much to offer, the best part being that it is completely budget friendly for college students trying to save

Luray Caverns Luray Caverns, located in Luray, Virginia, is a cavern system adorned with speleothems such as columns, mud flows, stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone and mirrored pools.

Visiting the caverns cost about 22 dollars for a group tour and around 10 dollars for those who are students. These tours take about two to three hours and run through a majority of the cave system. This place is perfect for individuals who want to indulge in new and unique experiences.

If you aren’t doing anything for spring break, make sure to check these places out with either your family or friends! All these places are fun and budget friendly!

Plan out your meals Make sure you are planning out your meals. I am on the 80 block meal plan, which means I need to strategically plan out my meals for the entire week. What I usually do is look at the menu of the two dining halls and if I do not like anything on the menu, I will usually order food. However, if you choose to order food on a daily basis, your money will start to run out.

Strategically deciding when to eat in the dining hall and eating out will help you with spending too much money on food.

can make your item even more expensive. Online shopping can also become addictive because of how easy it is, making you spend even more money. Going to the store to pick up an item is much more convenient and ensures that you won’t be tempted to spend too much money.

Create a spending plan Spending plans don’t have to be some fancy Google spreadsheet. As long as you are finding some way to organize your expenses for the week or month, this will help you understand how much money you are able to spend before reaching a red zone. Having this resource available will also lower your stress about finances, which can become a burden for many college students.

Document expenses with receipts Remember to always keep the receipts you get from the stores.

This will help you document your expenses and how much money you spend weekly or monthly. That way, you can adjust your spending habits if need be. This also helps you see what stores you might be spending a lot of money in and how you could narrow your spending there.

I hope these tips help you with budgeting your money in college.

The college experience can be expensive, but should not be something to stress about.

Avoid shopping online too much if possible I know online shopping is so convenient and so much fun.

However, shopping online makes it really easy to spend money as it is easy to put something in your cart and checkout. Not to mention there are so many underlying fees such as a shipping and delivery fee that

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

An Anglerfish Story:

Seeing a light for the first time that wasn’t self-created LAUREN DOBSON LAUREN.DOBSON.21@CNU.EDU

Known for its beaches, volcanic environment, and year-round mild weather, Lanzarote is one of the Spanish-run Canary Islands off the coast of West Africa, photo from Unsplash

Amidst the world’s problems, a female anglerfish was spotted off the Canary Islands by a Spanish shark research group. The dark sea creature was first reported a month ago on Jan. 26 and has gone viral ever since. The fish’s popularity stems from the rarity of its finding, as it has never been detected this close to the ocean’s surface. This rare fish is also known as a black seadevil angler-

fish, and was caught on camera for the first time 11 years ago in 2014 by scientist Bruce Robison, Time Magazine reported. This famous sighting has increased attention not only by scientists but also by heartfelt audiences across the globe.

After being sighted off the coast of Spain and only two days before Valentine’s Day, the anglerfish made her additional famous

appearance on TikTok. National Geographic was one of the first to cover the sighting of the anglerfish, and then additionally created a TikTok video that deeply inspired others. A small creator on TikTok, known as @animalcrew.13, also released their version of the video the same day but with a different song. I believe that the song, known as “Outro” released by French artists M83 in 2011, helped boost the fish’s heartfelt popularity. This song brings us back to feelings of nostalgia and forces us to feel victoriously inspired.

With this inspiration, many creators in the comment section of the video even added their opinions on the meaning behind this event, such as “the anglerfish story” -@sarzy.xoxo, “born in darkness, died in the light” -@ itss.haylie.._ and “after all these years in darkness, I found a light brighter than my own” -@victoriakarella.

Many people also believed the fish was much bigger than expected. In reality, the anglerfish is just six inches in size. I think this is due to our previous negative notions of the fish based on the most famous portrayal of anglerfish in the Disney film “Finding Nemo,” directed by Andrew Stanton in 2003. In one of

the scenes of the film, there is an anglerfish who serves as an antagonist and is represented as a scary sea creature that chases other fish. This representation adds a sense of suspense and danger to the story as the main characters move through the deep depths of the ocean.

This relates to our beloved black seadevil anglerfish which is also known as the black sea monster according to National Geographic. However, I would argue that while this creature is considered a deep-sea predator, it has more to offer than its menacing look. This fish made a courageous journey to come up from the depths of the ocean to the surface just before its death.

Whether she was being pushed by undersea columns created by the volcanic activity of the Canary Islands or decided to swim to be closer to us, she made it.

The beautiful black seadevil anglerfish died just after coming up to the surface. Her time in our lives may have been short, but she has inspired new positive representations for all anglerfish across the world.

F E B R U A R Y 2 7 , 2 0 2 5 | O P I N I O N | K AT H E R I N E Z I C K E L | PA G E 1 3

Why you should study The Naked Truth: “College, curiosity, and Queer chaabroad:

os: So you’re thinking about experStaff writer shares her experience in imenting?”

South Africa

By Guest Columnist, in collaboration with the editorial team

LAUREN DOBSON LAUREN.DOBSON.21@CNU.EDU

Coast of Cape Town, courtesy of Lauren Dobson /TheCaptainsLog

As a college senior, I am currently reflecting on my experiences at Christopher Newport University.

Last semester as a junior, I decided to sign up to study abroad with Dr. Sean Connable and Dr. Molly Camaioni for South Africa’s Pursuit of Social Justice class, that would count for credit towards my degree in Communication. What’s great about this class is that it fulfills a Communications credit, but also a Leadership one as well if you aren’t doing Comm. I also studied abroad with three other girls in my sorority (Phi Mu) where we made great memories together.

These memories have stayed with me since and have inspired me to continue to travel. One of my favorite memories was when we embarked on our safari! We saw so many incredible animals, the lions being my favorite. The biggest part of our trip was experiencing new things as well as learning about social justice 30 years post-apartheid South Africa.

We were able to learn from the great professors at Stellenbosch University, which I think is one of the best universities in South Africa! We also travelled to Robben Island, which

is just off the coast of Cape Town.

This is where Nelson Mandela was held for many years before his release. In this prison, he was able to continue his efforts and education to help end the harsh apartheid regime in 1994, despite the harsh prison conditions. We were able to learn and experience new things outside of just a normal American classroom environment, which has allowed myself and others to experience something we are learning in real life. Studying abroad allowed me and other CNU students to further engage our minds, even across the globe. These real-life experiences have stayed with me and I heavily encourage you to go with fellow Captains across the world together to learn!

Ah, college—the magical time of bad decisions, existential crises, and realizing that maybe, just maybe, that intense admiration for your same-sex lab partner isn’t just about their perfect titration skills. Welcome to the era of self-discovery, where experimenting with same-sex relationships is as common as pulling all-nighters and pretending you understand your student loan situation.

First things first: You’re not alone. College is literally designed for growth—academically, socially, and yes, sexually. Plenty of people take this time to explore their attractions, whether it’s a one-time kiss at a party (thanks, tequila) or a deep-dive into what truly makes their heart (and other things) race. Curiosity isn’t a crisis—it’s just curiosity. And no, you don’t need a label for it.

That said, let’s talk about how to navigate this without a total identity meltdown.

1. Go at your own pace.

Just because you have a hmm, interesting moment doesn’t mean you need to update your Instagram bio overnight. Take your time, figure out what feels right, and don’t pressure yourself into an immediate answer. Sexuality isn’t a multiple-choice test; you don’t have to bubble in one option forever.

2. Communication is key.

upfront about where you’re at.

Are you just exploring? Open to something more? Unclear and just going with the flow?

Honesty makes ever ything easier (and way less awkward).

Plus, nobody wants to feel like someone’s “experiment” without knowing the terms and conditions.

3. Ignore the peanut gallery.

People will have opinions— whether it’s your roommate, your ex, or that one girl in your psych class who suddenly became an expert on your sexuality. Spoiler alert: Their thoughts are irrelevant. This journey is yours, not theirs.

4. Be kind to yourself.

Sexuality is messy, fluid, and sometimes a little confusing.

One experience doesn’t mean you have to redefine yourself overnight. Maybe it was just a moment; maybe it’s something more. Either way, you’re valid, you’re normal, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation.

So, whether you’re just dabbling or on the fast track to your first queer situationship (we’ve all been there), remember this: Your journey is yours.

Explore, question, and most importantly—have fun. And if that “fun” includes making out with your cute classmate during a game of truth or dare?

Well, welcome to the club.

No membership required.

If you’re testing the waters with a same-sex partner, be 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 13 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.

F E B R U A R Y 2 7 , 2 0 2 5 | PA G E 1 4

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

“The Social Dance” By: Tori A.B

Why couldn’t you just tell me?

I know I messed up I know I tripped over words I messed up the dance I’ll admit it I’m that bad At this unsaid Social dance But I’m new You know the steps

“Mail Room Voyage”

You know the rhythm I’m tripping Over feet here So why When I found Solid ground Did you Stop your moves Just as I Thought that I Was doing Ok Previously run Mar. 13 2024

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

F E B R U A R Y 2 7 , 2 0 2 5 | PA G E 1 5

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THE CAPTAIN’S LOG is the official student newspaper of Christopher Newport University. It is a public forum, which is published on Thursdays throughout the academic year.

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F E B R U A R Y 2 7 , 2 0 2 5 | PA G E 1 6

“All Your English Professor’s Favorites”

All Your English Professor's Favorites ACROSS 1 ___-fi 4 Famously slow animal 9 Quagmire 12 Proton's place 13 Frequent target of international manhunts 14 A fruit, a bird, or a person (all from New Zealand) 15 Tournament, informally 16 Long-time obsession of Scrat (the squirrel from the Ice Age franchise) 17 Aware of the joke 18 Shakespearean comedy classic featuring twins who impersonate one another 21 Big letters in standardized testing 22 Originals 23 Barely scraped (out) 26 Handshake alternative 28 Yapped 30 F. Scott Fitzgerald classic set in the roaring twenties 36 Homie 37 Largest city in Nebraska 38 Purple yam 39 William Golding classic that, let's be honest, says less about the nature of humanity and more about the nature of a bunch of rich English boys when stranded on an island 44 Prototype 45 Cool, in a way 46 Animal rights org.

47 Archeology site 50 Is no longer 52 John Steinbeck classic about two migrant workers struggling to find a ranching job during the Great Depression 57 Pearl Harbor's island 60 Total legends 61 Retired Cowboys quarterback Tony 62 "When is a door not a door? When it's ____!"

63 Clownfish, perhaps, to small children 64 Similar (to) 65 Give it a go 66 Dog motivator 67 May or may not be a characteristic of water, depending on who you ask DOWN 1 Store overhead 2 Arrives 3 Collapse in upon itself 4 Whack, as a fly 5 You can't have any of this cheese, it's mine! It's _____ cheese!

6 On the edge of 7 Actor Elba 8 "That's the ____ and short of it" 9 A Brit's trash can 10 Alternative to "uwu" 11 London liquor 12 Play part 14 "Gimme a Break" candy 19 One piece of the Color Guard's equipment 20 Wife and sister of Zeus 24 Follow

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Wade 27 Teacher at Uni 29 Bill, the Science Guy 30 Scout unit 31 Mass 32 CPR expert 33 Ooh and ___ 34 Most common English word (paradoxically not used in this clue) 35 Theater tape, slangily 36 Civil rights movement, for short 40 Bypass 41 Frozen's loveable anthropomorphic snowman 42 Greatest part of CNU?

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43 How an unsatisfying match may end 47 Kitchen chopping gadget 48 "Ready or not, here ___!"

49 Italian city known for salami 51 Sign of fire 53 Only acceptable flavor of Crossword created toothpaste

by Patrick Wood, 54 Helper (Abbr.)

55 Give off patrick.wood.21@cnu.

56 Opposite of "oui" edu 57 Common meal?

58 American indy band named for the initials of the trio of brothers who started it Answers will be 59 Horse feed posted

on our Instagram @cnucaptainslog!