Author: The Hudsonian Newspaper

The Hudsonian is the student newspaper of Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY.

Bills Beat Previously Undefeated Chiefs

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Alan Conklin || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

Heading into the Sunday night
matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, all eyes were on Bills quarterback Josh Allen
as millions hoped he could
continue his regular season
dominance of the Chiefs
and give them their first loss
of the season. Heading into the game, Josh Allen was 3-1 all-time against the Chiefs in the regular season, seeming to be one of the only QBs that can consistently take down the defending back-to
back Superbowl champions.
And his performance in this
game certainly added to that
legacy. The Chiefs were 9-0 heading into this game, the only
undefeated team in the NFL. It has not come in typical Chiefs fashion though, as their defense has been winning them games, while their offense has been rather pedestrian. This includes a few down to the wire matches, one actually coming the previous week against
the division rival Broncos, where a blocked field goal as time expired was the only thing saving them from
going 8-1. They knew that this week was going to be their biggest test yet though. Going up against the hungry 8-2 Bills in New York certainly wasn’t going to be a gimme game. In fact, the
Bills were actually favored by two and a half points, despite holding the worse record.

The Bill’s would proceed to immediately begin proving the bettors right though by picking off Chiefs quarter back Patrick Mahomes on his first pass of the game. They would utilize this good field position and score a touchdown eight plays later, missing the PAT though, so only going up six. This score would hold for the entirety of the first quarter, but the Chiefs scored a touchdown of their own on their first drive of the second quarter to put them up 7-6. The Bill’s countered with a touchdown drive of their own. That drive was followed by a Chiefs three and out, and the Bills got the ball back and a chance to go up by two scores. They would not capitalize on this however as Josh Allen threw an interception that led to a Chiefs touchdown to put them back down by one. In the few minutes they
had left in the half though, the Bill’s marched down the field and made a field goal right as time expired to send them into halftime up 16-14. Coming back from break, many expected another entertaining quarter of scoring, but that is not what we got as the third quarter was an all-out defensive battle with each team punting twice. Then the first drive of the fourth quarter saw the Bills punch it in for a touchdown to make the score 23-14. This did not seem to faze the Chiefs though, as down nine they rallied for another touchdown to pull within two again. But with the pressure on and another
miraculous Chiefs win within reach the Bills marched down the field for their second touchdown in as many drives. Going back up nine with dwindling time all but sealed it for them, but a Patrick Mahomes interception five plays later truly ended things. This moved the Chiefs to 9-1 and the Bills 9-2. Being just a half game out of the number one seed, and holding the tiebreaker, the Bills hope to see the Chiefs drop at least one more game before the playoffs to give them the chance at a first week playoff bye as the number one seed, something not accomplished in the Josh Allen era in Buffalo.

Photo Credits: The Associated Press

Jake Paul VS. Mike Tyson

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Adem Jones || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

It actually happened. Jake Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer, defeated the legendary Mike Tyson in an
eight-round heavyweight fight on Friday night at AT&T Stadium in Texas. Let that sink in for a moment, Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson. All three judges gave Paul the win in a unanimous decision,
scoring 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73. For anyone who thought this fight would be a quick Tyson knockout
or an embarrassing mismatch, the result was nothing short of jaw-dropping. The fight, sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, had its share of oddities. The rounds were shortened to two minutes, and both fighters used 14-ounce gloves instead of the standard 10-ounce
gloves typically used for heavy weights. These changes undoubtedly played a role in the pacing
and tone of the fight. Tyson, 58, is far from his prime. Once the most feared man in boxing, he holds an incredible 50-7 record with 44 knockouts and remains the youngest heavyweight champion in history. But Tyson, the one who unified the belts and dominated the sport, hasn’t been in the ring for decades. Paul, 27, entered the match with an 11-1 record, having built his career in boxing by fighting a mix of former MMA fighters and social media personalities. While his journey into the sport initially seemed like a publicity stunt, he has undeniably put in the work, and Friday’s win over Tyson proved he’s more than just a gimmick. This fight was originally scheduled for July but was postponed after Tyson experienced health issues, including an ulcer flare-up. Even with the delay, Tyson’s age and long layoff from competitive boxing were evident. Meanwhile, Paul came in sharp, using his youth and conditioning to outpoint the older fighter

For boxing fans, this fight raises a lot of questions about the sport’s direction. The line between real competition and spectacle is getting blurry with events like this. Tyson, who once revolutionized boxing with his brutal power and ferocity, faced off against a social media star whose claim to fame
were viral videos. Many fans argue that fights like this cheapen the sport. While celebrity boxing attracts massive audiences, some fans worry that it undermines the skill and discipline that define traditional boxing. This trend, where entertainment value often outweighs athletic merit, has left many questioning the future of the sport. Yet, there’s no denying the fight’s massive appeal. Whether fans tuned in to see Paul silenced or Tyson recapture some of his old magic, the pairing drew a crowd. Netflix’s broadcast captured every moment of the bizarre spectacle, cementing its place in pop culture, if not in the history of competitive boxing. Tyson, who seemed reluctant about the whole event from the start, is likely feeling the sting of this loss. It’s not just the defeat itself but the fact that it came at the hands of someone with far less experience and pedigree. For Paul, though, this is a career-defining moment. Love him or hate him, he’s now beaten one of the most iconic figures in sports history.
The fight also shed light on how far boxing has shifted in recent years. Once a sport dominated by traditional champions, it now sees influencers and re tired legends stepping into the ring for million-dollar paydays. For better or worse, this is boxing in 2024, a mix of athleticism, entertainment, and spectacle. In the end, the result may be shocking, but it reflects the era we’re in. Tyson’s legacy as one of the greatest fighters ever remains intact, but Paul’s victory is another reminder that in today’s world, almost anything is possible in the ring.

The Pink Envelope

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Samarun Suhana || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

This was one of the most graphic out of the four envelopes found in the Mason Kim case, containing details from his crimes. This appears to be a diary entry, rather than a poem like the first two envelopes found. This letter has dates on it. Once again, signed off with “MK.” 07/25/2021 I see you sitting in your room at your
desk, your hair freshly washed and glistening in the low light. What are you doing, honey? I hope you’re thinking of me, but a part of me sincerely doubts it. I don’t understand why you don’t love me; I’m everything you’d want. Why won’t you recognize me?! I did something to make you see me, but it doesn’t seem to have worked.

pants could shield them from the public. Why don’t you see me? You could’ve helped me, but it’s okay, I understand that you couldn’t have possibly known. I probably should’ve scratched his car, huh? We’re destined to be together; don’t you get it? You are mine. Maybe I need to do that “thing” again. Tonight.
07/26/2021
I did it for you, my love. I hope you’ll like it! She looked just like you, it felt right. She had the same hair, the same eyes, the same lips, she was practically identical. I hope you know how much I love you. Watching the pink speed and twist in terror was exhilarating. She couldn’t run very far so it was relatively easy. I decided to keep a little something from her. I think you’ll like it a lot, sweetie. The way her blood splattered and shot into the midnight sky was beautiful, that mix of deep red and navy blue being illuminated by the moonlight. Her husband was out cold in the car, so he didn’t see anything that happened. I need to find something that will make you notice me. I made sure not to scratch the car this time. It was nice being able to tinker with the car, watching it grow faster and faster, seeing them get scared. I need you to see me. Now.

Fragmented Unreality-CH 3

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Tyler Dinuzzo || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

I stared in disbelief at the gruff face in front of me. Hair protruded out of half of the man’s skin, as he stared at me, emotionless as can be. I would kill him in a few moments, but first, I must gain knowledge. “Tell me, what do you know about humans?” he began. He had an odd voice, a strange mixture of silky smooth and gravelly. “I know that you tried to destroy us.” I started, stoic as possible. “I know that you tried to end this world.” “Me? I could never do such a thing.” he chuckled. “It’s funny, you claim you were oppressed by humanity, but really, you’re struggling with the same things we were.” I gazed at him, surveying his face. He was being serious. “You see, years and years ago, we
humans would do the same thing. We saw someone different from us, and blamed them for their ancestors’ supposed misdeeds.” “But you are to blame. You are a human. You worked with them to try to destroy us.” “Me? I had no part in that. I was a toddler when all that went down, hundreds of years ago.” he laughed heartily. “Little me had absolutely no idea what was going on, half the time. I… I lost a lot with my eyes closed…” He trailed off. I wanted to reply, but I hadn’t quite processed my thoughts
yet. “Listen. I know a good person when I see one. You are a wonderful soul trapped in the body of a machine that has to do an atrocious thing.” he started. “Stoicism will only get you so far, my friend. One day, you’ll need to show your emotions, or they will devour you from the inside. You need to
let that wonderful soul of yours out of its cage.” “…I wish I could.” “Why not?” My mind screamed and begged at my mouth to stop moving, to stop speaking at all, but my heart poured. “My chief… she- she practically raised me. She taught me everything I know. Sparing you would be disobeying her, and I- I can’t do that.” My voice quavered peculiarly. “I’m nothing without her.” The human’s eyes narrowed, something like frustration pouring onto his face. “Monster.” he gruffed. “What?” “That chief of yours. It sounds like it’s quite the opposite of what you say.” he started. “She is nothing without you. She’s manipulating you, because she can’t afford to lose her most valuable chess piece.” My eyes widened.
“H-how could you say that!? She raised me! I would not be where I “Do not speak of such ideas!” he shouted. “She is abusing you and the skills you have! You are everything without her!” I flinched as his voice towered to disturbing volumes. Fear coursed through my veins, and unfortunately my heart was open enough to show it. “You’re right.” he gasped, “You would not be where you are without her. You
would be further. So much further. The heights you would have achieved if not for her restrictions is immeasurable.” As he finished speaking, I noticed my body in a strange position of defense, my body slightly crouched, and arms prepared to guard. He stared at me in what looked to be pity. “There. That is the most telling sign of all.” he spoke softly. “I shouted, and you guarded. You are haunted by her,
aren’t you?” No, no, no. Everything felt wrong. My world began spinning. I don’t understand. I was supposed to kill this human, but instead I spoke my mind to him. If he is right, then everything I’ve
ever known isn’t true. I can’t. I can’t live with that. I can’t adapt to that quickly enough. My world is falling apart. My breathing quickened, and my thoughts clouded. The world around me faded
away. I fell unconscious.

Values for Vikings: Panera Bread’s Gift Guide

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Molly Graiff || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

It’s the end of November and that means that the holidays are right around the corner. It may feel impossible to find something for everyone on your list while also staying on budget. Taking advantage of Black Friday deals are a must but if looking for additional ideas, you may want to consult Panera Bread’s Gift Guide. Panera offers a lot of deals; you just have to look over offers on their app for the best bargains. The Unlimited Sip Club at Panera that allows patrons to order free fountain drinks with the purchase of a member ship is one however they are running a
special offer regarding their gift cards. Gift cards make a great gift as they don’t require the challenges that shopping on Black Friday
brings and they allow the user to purchase whatever they
would like from that store. Currently, a purchase of $50 in gift cards gifts you an additional free $10 card at Panera. They allow you to break up that $50 in your order so you could buy 10, $5 cards, 5, $10 cards or any other combination to accommodate your shopping list. With the additional $10 card you could give another gift. This offer is valued until 12/31. Panera’s holiday menu is extensive with French ciabatta dippers, cranberry orange bread, chocolate coconut macaroons, a spicy fiesta chicken sandwich, and more. Panera is offering plenty of new sandwiches and soups to try over this winter. New MyPanera signups receive a free mitten cookie as well. Panera has a lot of deals this holiday season, be sure to check them out and stay tuned for offers from them!

Movie Review: Alien-Romulus

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Olivia William || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

Minor Spoilers Ahead!

The Alien Franchise has seen its ups and downs over the years. After the release of Aliens in 1986, the franchise has been on a general downward trend. The revival of the franchise with Prometheus and Alien: Covenant was met with generally mixed reception. But Alien: Romulus has reinvigorated
excitement and interest in the franchise with its release last summer. Between its premise, effects, and cinematography, it is definitely worth a watch if you haven’t gotten a chance to see it yet. The cinematography is breathtaking with its use of perspective and color. And that is only heightened by the extensive use of practical effects and sets. It gives the film a more grounded feeling and naturally pulls the viewer into the film’s environment. The practical effects are very well done regarding the extraterrestrial antagonists of the film. The costuming, puppetry, and animatronics are all utilized very
well and make for more frightening scenes. It enhances the scare factor of the film. However, this does make the few occasions CGI is majorly used, to appear a tad uncanny.
The horror aspect is carefully crafted within the film, combining classic scares and introducing new techniques of danger for the characters to experience that haven’t been explored in prior movies. The
face-huggers and xenomorphs are really given a chance to shine here. There are many callbacks to the
earlier films of the franchise. Some may find that overbearing, but they can serve as a bit of nostalgic fun. Although it should be said, having seen the previous movies of the franchise adds to the enjoyment of the film, it’s not necessary. This film can be watched on its own, and still be
followed along and enjoyed. The acting is decent all around, but the standout is David Jonsson as Andy.
He plays a synthetic and brings his A-game to the role. He’s able to capture both ends of the spectrum from childlike naivety to cold and calculating, and he makes it all believable. It’s additionally interesting to watch his dynamic with the main character Rain (played by Cailee Spaeny). The manner in which their relationships ebbs and flows is intriguing. Cailee Spaney plays her character well, as
does Isabela Merced as Kay, who perfectly captures the horror of the situation these characters are thrown into. The underlying themes seem to hint at the relationship artificial intelligence may have with humans and where that nuance lies regarding benefits versus dangers; especially now
as we move forward, and AI becomes increasingly prevalent. In addition to that there does seem to be a commentary on capitalism, as there often has been especially in the first Alien movie. This is made evident when these labor workers in the film strive for a better future, but are met with the harsh
reality of the corporation-controlled world they live in. That causes them to resort to drastic measures in hopes of a better life, which has disastrous results. There is debate about the final act, which may make or break the movie for some. The final act does throw in something unexpected and shocking.
In my opinion, the final act only adds to the fun of the film. The movie doesn’t exactly subvert
expectations or dwell on deep psycho logical themes. It may follow the formula of the first film of the franchise closely, but it’s a well-made movie with constant thrills and great bouts of growing suspense that’s enhanced by its musical score. Between all the various reboots, revamps, and revivals
that Hollywood has put out for various intellectual properties this year, this counts as one of the good ones.

Movie Review: Wired For Chaos

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Jonah Flanagan || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

Wired For Chaos is a film about Harley Flanagan, a Hardcore musician whose roots start from the enclave of the Lower East Side to a proud musician, husband, and father. The film isn’t mostly about his music shockingly, it is about how someone grew up in a troubled life filled with violence, depression, drugs, and abuse, but somehow, he still managed to persevere and become a fantastic man with a fiery personality. The movie starts with his early years (obviously) talking about how he was raised by a single mother and his struggles of living on the lower eastside of NYC during the 70s, it was filled with gangs, drugs, and other stuff that I am not allowed to discuss on a newspaper, he talks about this experience with some form of nostalgia but with some disdain as it was a rough time. Then, it finally gets to his introduction to music with his aunt’s band, The Stimulators. At the ripe age of 11, he became a drummer, which would finally turn into the founding of the hardcore band The Cro-Mags. Alongside great
visuals and its stunning story, there are great interviews/stories from Harley’s friends like Flea, Ice-T, Henry Rollins,
members of the Bad Brains, Jocko Willink, and many others that give more depth and character to him. The movie centers more on Harley’s trauma and how it affects his present life, on how he had to raise himself in a world that was constantly against him. He confronts his past hoping it can bring him peace and bring others
a lesson. Even though he is in a better spot now he still is in a battle with his prominent PTSD. Overall, the film is a new and refreshing watch, with no filter every viewer is entitled to a raw, grunge-esc, and serendipitous experience.

Game Review: The Legend of Zelda – Echos of Wisdom

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Tyler Dinuzzo || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

The Legend of Zelda is a video game franchise that has been around for about as long as video games themselves. Each new entry proved to be an incredible accomplishment in the video game industry, with revolutionary scope unlike anything seen before. Ironically, despite the name of the franchise, these incredible adventures were actually undertaken by a green fairy boy named Link, not the princess Zelda. That is, until now. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the newest entry in this renowned franchise, finally allows the princess Zelda to be the protagonist of a Legend of Zelda
game. Echoes of Wisdom does a fantastic job handling Zelda’s character. It would have been quite easy to simply have it play like any other Zelda game, forcing Zelda to uncharacteristically swing a sword around maniacally like Link would. However, the developers cleverly chose against this, instead opting to give Zelda a unique play style unlike anything else in the series, in the form of “echo game play”. This unique style of gameplay allows Zelda’s more magical side to show. The player, instead of slashing a sword around, can now “echo” enemies they defeat and objects they discover. As a result of this, the game tends to be far more puzzle based, fitting for the “wisdom” element of the title. You might think that this mechanic would get old fast, but thankfully the game is always giving you new
enemies and objects to take down and echo, all with shockingly clever uses that you really have to use your brain to figure out. Once the solution to a certain puzzle click, the satisfaction is unmatched.
The story has always been a key element to a Zelda game, and while it may not seem like it at first, this game has some of the more unique and heavier story elements in a Zelda game yet. This is not just a filler game, and I greatly appreciate that. It would have been easy to diminish Zelda’s debut as a playable character by making her adventure some unimportant side journey, but this adventure pits you against one of the most lore-heavy enemies in series history–no spoilers though! The game does occasionally suffer from bad performance, likely due to running on a console that is now on its way out, but despite the occasional lag, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a blast from start to finish that continues to innovate like the Zelda series always has. Hopefully this will open the door to future entries starring the titular princess. Only time will tell.

Album Review: Enhypen Romance-Untold

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Saima Syeda || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

Romance Untold by ENHYPEN is a gripping examination of love, introspection, and the range of human emotions, all encased in an evocative pop, R&B, and alternative soundscape. The group’s record, which follows the worldwide success of their earlier releases, feels both mature and creative, advancing their craft while preserving the emotional depth and narrative that have come to define their sound. The production of the album, which features dark synths, smooth beats, and dramatic vocal performances, demonstrates ENHYPEN’s flexibility by blending genres seamlessly. A calm,
synth-driven ambiance greets you from the first track, setting the mood for the emotional trip that follows. The members’ vocals can shine through the tight, precise, yet flowing beats with out overpowering the listener. With its layered harmonies and opulent instrumentals, songs like “Lost in the Moment” evoke a calm, reflective mood, while “Parallel Heart” bursts into a more energetic, electro-pop chorus that manages to maintain a sense of sorrow. Lyrically, ENHYPEN’s earlier themes of identity, desire, and longing are both continued and expanded upon in Romance Untold. The word itself alludes to untold tales—emotions and experiences that have not yet been thoroughly examined. Unrequited love, the pursuit of purpose, and the bittersweet moments that characterize adolescence are among the issues that the album addresses. While “Through the Stars” is a hopeful, almost cinematic call for connection despite distance, songs like “Echoes of You” convey the eerie impression of a love lost in time. The lyrics achieve a sophisticated yet approachable balance by being moving
without coming across as unduly theatrical. Each member of ENHYPEN contributes a distinct quality to the group’s vocal performance, which keeps developing. The album’s more atmospheric passages gain depth from Sunghoon’s silky voice and Jungwon’s emotive delivery. The voices of Sunghoon and Heeseung blend in perfectly with both gentle ballads and upbeat songs, while Jay and NI-KI provide
powerful vocals and a wide spectrum of emotions. The group’s harmonies are especially striking, showcasing their development as a cohesive whole. The members have a strong rapport with one
another, and each is given plenty of opportunity to play to their strengths while also blending in with the overall sound. Romance Untold demonstrates ENHYPEN’s artistic development and evolution as a band. It improves and broadens the ideas and sounds that have struck a chord with fans, even though it doesn’t create anything completely original. The album embraces both the melancholy and the thrill of youthful love and personal development, feeling like a logical evolution. Romance Untold is a moving meditation on the intricacies of love and the stories we construct around it, featuring memorable songs, outstanding vocal performances, and evocative production. This is a strong album that will appeal to ENHYPEN’s current fan base and provide strong evidence for their status as one of K-pop’s most vibrant and exciting acts.