M.M. Stephens || Issue 8 || November 12th
Cabin Fever
Author: The Hudsonian Newspaper
The Hudsonian is the student newspaper of Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY.
Student Senate Elects Freshman Senators
Christian Rasmussen || Issue 7 || November 4, 2024
On October 21, 2024, the Hudson Valley Community College Student Senate elected the Freshman Senators and Freshman Class President for 2024-25. The following students were elected as Freshman Senators: Jane Y Htet, Htet, Keegan Brady, Matty P Keller-Haller, Kelly Nguyen, and Kercel Montes. Then voted Freshman Class President: Amanda Palmar!
“I’m really excited for what’s to come with the senate and all the events we’re going to plan this year,” Amanda said. The Freshman Senators went through the election and voting process in the weeks leading up to the Senate Meeting on October 21, and all have great aspirations for student advocacy. Congratulations to our new Student Senators!
Washington Commanders Spectacular Hail Mary
Alan Conklin || Issue 7 || November 4, 2024
Heading into the Sunday evening game between the Washin-gton Commanders and Chicago Bears, it had all the markings of must watch football. A matchup between two teams led by rookie quarterbacks, and the first and second pick at that. Both offenses have exceeded expec- tations and this game was shaping up to be a barnburner with playoff implications for both above .500 NFC teams. But that’s not what we got. In fact it was almost the opposite. Both teams struggled to move the ball, and the game was filled with plenty of punts and field goal attempts. In fact, the first touchdown was not scored until there were 43 seconds left in the 3rd quarter when the Bears running back D’Andre Swift broke off a 56 yard run. It was the Bears first points of the night. So with the end of the game in sight, it seemed that this game would be forgotten right after the last play wrapped up, but that could not have been further from the truth.
Photo Credits: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Even after the Bears put points on the board, the Commanders were still in the lead by five, as they had kicked 4 field goals throughout the day. And at the conclusion of their first drive of the 4th quarter they attempted a 5th, but their 51 yard try was blocked by the Bears.
The Bears did nothing with that break from their defense and special teams however, going 3 and out their next drive. The Commanders followed that up with a punt of their own. But then the Bears marched down the field with the minutes winding down, going 84 yards in 8 plays. But as they were about to punch it in for a touchdown on 3rd and Goal at the Commanders 1 yard line, Caleb Williams made a costly fumble that was recovered by the defense.
But after being gifted a stop once again by their defense, the Commanders went 3 and out and punted the ball away after taking just two minutes off the clock.
This left plenty of time for the Bears, and this time they would make the most of it by going 62 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, aided by a defensive pass interference call committed in the end zone by Washington’s Benjamin St-Juste.
They then tried and succeeded with a two point conversion to put them up by 3 with just 25 seconds left, the first lead they had all day.
This put their win probability at 97.9% according to ESPN as the Commanders only had one timeout left to go down the length of the field in an attempt just to try and get a field goal to force overtime. But after 3 plays they found themselves at their own 48 yard line with no time to attempt another play to reach field goal range. That’s when quarterback Jayden Daniels threw up a hail mary pass that came down right at the goal line, was tipped by a Bears player then fell right into the hands of wide receiver Noah Brown for a touchdown. According to Amazon’s Next Gen Stats this pass only had a 24.2 percent chance of being completed, which just adds to the insanity. The pass was caught when time expired, so the Commanders won 18-15 to improve their record to 6-2. As for the Bears, the shocking loss put them at 4-3 in a very competitive NFC North. If they ended up missing out on the playoffs, this historic loss will certainly sting even more.
Newell and Schroeder Take the Crown: Athletics Name Athletes of the Month
Izzie Holt || Issue 7 || November 4, 2024
The Hudson Valley Community College Dept of Athletics recently announced the official duo recipients of the October Viking Student-Athletes of the month. October recipients are Drew Schroeder (men’s cross country) and Abbigail Newell (women’s volleyball).
Above: Abbigail Newell (women’s VB)
Photo credits: HVCC Athletics Dept.
Newell is from South Glens Falls, NY, standing as a two-year starter and a vital player on the women’s volleyball team. She has had a phenomenal season on the team, entering the NJCAA Region 3 championships with a total of 190 kills in 707 attempts. Newell is one of the team’s best defensive players with an accumulated 276 digs this year.
As a two-time All-Mountain Valley Conference member, she continues to lead the women’s program to new accomplishments as they secured the fifth seed in the 2024 NJCAA Region 3 Championships. This occurred after finishing the regular season with a 10-4 regional record, which is the best in over two decades of the Vikings women’s volleyball program.
Schroeder, from Ghent, NY, has been one of the team’s lead runners this season as he has accumulated several personal-best times in meets across the season. He set a personal-best time in an 8K race last weekend, a second place finish at the NJCAA Region 3 Championships. He finished with a time of 28:40.8.
He recorded three different top-10 finishes, including multiple second-place finishes at regionals and the Mountain Valley Conference meet (held on Oct. 19th). This gave him an All-Region and an All-Conference recognition. Also, In his very first run of the year, he placed 12th overall. This was at the SUNY Oneonta Airfield Invitational 6K meet, finishing with a personal-best time of 21:16.1.
Above: Drew Schroeder (Men’s XC)
Photo credits: HVCC Athletics Dept.
Poem: A Morning in Autumn
Olivia Henry || Issue 7 || November 4, 2024
A morning in Autumn
It’s cold outside
dawn has come, dew covers the city
fog floods the air
making the world unclear
as if it wasn’t hard to see already,
it is a quiet morning
until the sounds of creation begin
the wind blowing, cutting through the trees
the birds chirp and caw,
some whistle, others tweet
as if they were natures morning alarm
humans wake and rise
grab a cup of coffee, maybe tea
to help keep the eyes wide
enough to catch a glimpse of the sunrise
as it warms the earth and our faces alike
pulling ourselves together, we head out
walk, stumble or zipline
on time, maybe early, possibly late
but as we get through the door
we are met with a cold breeze
one that reminds us to dress warm,
warning us that winter isn’t far away
we inhale this chilly reality
and exhale misty clouds
stepping into the day
Short Story: City of Grey
Liam May || Issue 7 || November 4, 2024
My mind raced. I could never beat him in a fistfight, I had to improvise. I scanned the crowd, looking for a gap to escape through, but as soon as I saw one, Thrash’s cronies filled the gap. Finally, I saw my chance, a kid in the middle of eating a tubie. If you didn’t know, a Tubie is named for its shape, a kind of dessert that’s like a tube of cake filled with cream (all synthetic of course), and what happens to children when they eat it. I didn’t care about the tubie. However, the plastic wrapper caught my eye. It wasn’t gray like everything else here, it was purple.
Perfect.
See, I had one thing 87% of the other humans didn’t, I was a Weaver, of the Polychrome variety. Most people don’t like us, Weavers in general that is. The Keepers make sure I have absolutely nothing colored, not that rules have ever stopped me.
I backed towards the kid with the snack (who I now saw was a boy named Slip) as Thrash and his gang taunted me.
“Come on Azul! Fight me! Or are you too chicken?” Thrash yelled.
“Crush him, Thrash!”
“Make him pay T-man!”
“Smoke him!”
Thrash had enough of taunting and decided to charge. I stepped nimbly to the side as he crashed into the wall of onlookers. Slip well, slipped, and the Tubie, still partially wrapped, went flying. A couple of steps to the right… and I caught it.
Why is that so important you ask? Polychromes can absorb color from objects, and use it in a form called chróma. Most are dangerous, all are useful in this situation.
I felt the color drain out of the wrapper and into my hand. The feel of chróma staining my skin was beautiful, nearly as good of a feeling I got when I saw Thrash’s face when he saw me drop the tubie, now in low contrast mode, to the ground.
“You’re not allowed to do that here!” He said, his eyes widening in fear. “You’re right,” I said, “but, then again, so is fighting.”
His mouth shot open and he tried to shout for a Keeper, but it was too late. I fired from the hip a burst of purple chróma at his head, and it sealed to his face like a suction cup. Bullies were so easy to deal with when you had superpowers.
I turned away from his struggling form. The jeering crowd hushed as they saw Thrash trying to pull the chróma from his face, only getting his hands stuck to the chróma as well.
I raised my arms to the crowd and said, “Well?” There was a short pause, then one kid started clapping, then a roar and the whole crowd started cheering. I closed my eyes and soaked up the adoration. Being awesome felt so good.
Suddenly a cry of, “Keepers!” and my adoring crowd scurried like roaches to get away. The fight had lasted longer than I thought and our ever-vigilant Keepers had finally noticed. I ran away, hoping to hide in the mob, but I was too slow and a Keeper shot me in the back with a Sleeper Slug.
My last thought as I stared at the fast-approaching ground was, That’s gonna hurt.
Cabin Fever
Values for Vikings: Walmart Black Friday Deals Dropped
Molly Graiff || Issue 7 || November 6, 2024
November is every bargain shopper’s favorite month for one reason… Black Friday! With Black Friday being on November 29 and Cyber Monday following on December 2, shoppers have many deals in store for them. Black Friday is the time for some of the best deals of the entire year especially on technology and toys.
Walmart has officially dropped its Black Friday and Cyber Monday selections which will become available for purchase before the Thanksgiving holiday! Walmart has dropped prices in three events, the first taking place Monday, November 11 at 5 PM the
second on Monday, November 25 at 5PM, and the last on Sunday, December 1 at 8PM. It’s advertised that prices will be up to 70% off online.
To snag these deals early, it’s recommended to shop online as they drop 5 days sooner than in-store. The sales events lineups are impressive with $200 off an Apple iPhone 13, a 65-inch Samsung TV for $398, and a Lenovo Laptop for merely $399.
Technology is not the only thing dropping in price; there are deals for everyone allowing for early Holiday shopping on a budget.
A LEGO Friends set can be found for $30 and a Dyson Cordless Vacuum for $399.99. Looking for headphones to best focus during your study time? Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones are listed at just $69.
Online shopping is the way to go this sale season as its benefits expand further than earlier offers. Gone are the days of fighting for the last item on the shelf; however planning before making purchases is still crucial as items sell quickly online.
Opinion: Addison Rae’s Leap into Pop Music
Adem Jones || Issue 7 || November 4, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of pop culture, few names resonate as loudly as Addison Rae. Best known for her infectious energy and viral dance videos on TikTok, Rae has captured the hearts of millions and transcended the confines of social media to embark on a new journey: pop music. As she steps into the spotlight as a musician, it’s essential to reflect on the whirlwind of her rise and the emotional depth she brings to this new chapter.
Addison Rae Easterling first emerged as a digital sensation in 2019,thanks to her charismatic TikTok performances that quickly garnered her a massive following. With her charm, stunning looks, and undeniable talent, she became a household name, racking up billions of views on her videos. However, the internet can be a double-edged sword, and amidst the fame, there lies a pressure that few can understand. Rae’s transition from social media star to pop artist isn’t just a career move; it’s an exploration of her identity, creativity, and desire to be seen beyond the 15-second clips that initially made her famous.
Her debut single, “Obsessed,” released in March 2021, marked a significant turning point. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus showcased Rae’s vocal potential, but it also told a story of vulnerability and self-empowerment.
Critics were quick to weigh in on her transition. Some praised her for courageously venturing into a new realm, while others questioned the authenticity of her musical talent. But what stands out is Rae’s determination to craft a genuine sound that reflects her experiences and aspirations. In an age where many celebrities rely on industry connections or established songwriters, Rae has taken the reins of her musical journey, co-writing songs that feel personal and relatable.
It’s an act of bravery that showcases her willingness to be vulnerable and share her truth with the world.
Addison Rae’s debut EP, AR, released in 2023, showcases her diverse musical style, featuring catchy melodies and personal lyrics that resonate with her generation. One standout collaboration on the EP is with Charli XCX, an established pop icon known for her innovative sound. Their track “2 die 4” perfectly blends Rae’s youthful energy with Charli’s edgy hyperpop sensibilities.
Rae and XCX collaborated again for Charli XCX’s smash album, “Brat.” The album took social media and the summer by storm and listeners praised Addison Rae for her catchy contributions to the remix of “Von Dutch” with hyperpop legend A.G. Cook.
In August of 2024, Rae cemented herself as a force to be reckoned with in the pop music landscape with her single, “Diet Pepsi.” The song has garnered over 140 million streams on Spotify and is her best-performing song so far. The production is vibrant and infectious, showcasing Rae’s growth as an artist while appealing to her dedicated fan base. Some fans have compared the sound of “Diet Pepsi” to that of Lana Del Rey, noting the carefree Americana aesthetic, similar to Lana’s aesthetic in the “Born To Die” era.
Addison’s most recent release “Aquamarine” explores themes of self-love, exploration, and the beauty of fleeting moments, with Rae’s smooth vocals painting vivid imagery that resonates with her audience.
The music video further enhances the song’s themes, featuring stunning visuals and fluid choreography that evoke a dreamy atmosphere as she poses and vogues, smoking cigarettes through the dimly lit back alleys of Paris. The video emphasized the emotional and reflective nature of the lyrics. Overall, “Aquamarine” solidifies Addison Rae’s place in the music industry as an artist who can blend fun with heartfelt storytelling.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that Addison Rae’s foray into pop music is just the beginning. With each new release, she challenges herself to grow, both as an artist and as an individual. The path ahead may be challenging, but if her journey thus far is any indication, Rae is going to leave an undeniable mark on the music world. Her evolution is a testament to the power of authenticity, reminding us that it’s not just about the destination but the journey we take along the way. In the end, Addison Rae is more than a TikTok star. She’s an artist with a story to tell and we’re all eager to hear it.
Movie Review: The Founder
Olivia Henry || Issue 7 || November 4, 2024
The movie documentary, The Founder, tells the story of Ray Kroc, a salesman struggling to be successful in business. That is until he meets the McDonald brothers, Mac and Dick. Drawn to the brothers’ business model of fast food, he is given a tour of their restaurant and told all the details of how they put it all together. Ray’s mind starts shifting gears and he sees an opportunity to take them and their company to the next level. Hungry to make something of himself, Ray doesn’t just take a bite out of their burger, he takes measures to own the entire business.
This film reveals so much about human nature. Selfishness, greed, lust, desire, power and corruption. The slyness of evil.
Ray Kroc started out what seemed to be an ambitious man. But the emptiness of his unfulfilled desires led him down a selfish path as he sought to fulfill them at any cost. While he may have fallen prey to greed in the beginning, he was very aware of all his actions and decisions that came as his power and influence grew.
This man knew exactly what he was doing. Aside from being humiliated and disregarded, he is not a victim of evil. As soon as he got the power he desired, he abused it.
He divorced his wife because he lusted after another man’s wife. Knowingly giving his ex-wife, the house and the car, but nothing to own in the company. She did nothing but support him in his endeavors. All she wanted was some time spent with her husband, quality love and he repaid her with a divorce. In my eyes, she’s free. Free of a man that did not respect or value their marriage.
He disrespected the McDonald brothers by making deals without their consent out of selfish ambitions.
Creating more franchises, getting rid of real milk and using a powdered substance for milkshakes. Going into real estate to buy the land so he could have more power over them and be ‘free’ from his contract. Stealing their idea of the golden arches for his own business logo. Even taking their last name. He was blatantly disobedient towards them and didn’t care because he was so focused on acquiring more and more. Recognition, respect, riches. His ego was steadily increasing, and this man became full of greed.
The nature of greed is to want more than what you need. Greed whispers “what I have is not enough” even if you have enough, or more than enough. It’s easy to become greedy when you are ungrateful.
Truth be told, he had no moral reason to divorce his wife, and he didn’t have to betray Dick and Mac to succeed. His choices following his gains expose the dark side of his human nature. Yes, he was ambitious, but he was also desperate, ungrateful and corrupt. Yes, he was successful, but at the expense of stepping on others. The measures Ray took may not look evil because nobody was abused or murdered, but that doesn’t negate the actions and choices he made that were clearly immoral.
The Hudsonian 