Author: The Hudsonian Newspaper

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

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.

Opinion Review: Tetris Deserves More Attention

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Kelly Nguyen || Issue 10 || December 3rd, 2024

Tetris is an iconic puzzle game created by Alexey Pajitnov in 1984, having solidified its place in gaming history through its interesting premise. While it is often overshadowed by more complex or visually stunning games of today, Tetris deserves far more recognition for its profound influence and
enduring appeal. At its core, Tetris is a game about spatial reasoning and quick thinking. Beneath the surface, it’s quite simple: falling shapes (tetramine’s) must be rotated and re-arranged to complete rows. Whether you’re playing casually or working towards a high score, Tetris engages the mind.
It forces players to remember shapes, work on their reaction time, and even logical planning. Funnily enough, Tetris is an example of a game that evolves without losing its essential identity. The game has been re-imagined countless times from the original Game Boy version to mobile games and even VR! Each iteration brings something new to the table, but the essence of the game remains the same. Tetris also offers surprising psycho logical benefits. Studies have shown that playing Tetris can improve cognitive skills like spatial awareness and even reduce stress. Its repetitive, meditative quality offers a brief escape from the complexity of modern life, making it both entertaining and therapeutic. In conclusion, Tetris deserves more love because it’s a game that has stood the test of time by focusing on what truly matters: accessible, engaging gameplay. It’s simple yet deeply satisfying, culturally influential, and endlessly repayable. For these reasons, Tetris will always be more than just a game—it’s a legacy that continues to impact the world of gaming.

Farm Groups urge Trump to prevent deportation of Key Workers

The Hudsonian Newspaper

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

Farm groups across the U.S. are calling on the Trump administration to spare their workers from deportation, warning that sending them home could disrupt the country’s food supply. These workers, many of whom are undocumented, are a vital part of the farming industry, making up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce. If the government follows through with deportations, farm
groups say it could create a serious labor shortage and lead to higher food prices for consumers.
Agriculture has long relied on immigrant workers, especially those from Mexico, to help plant, harvest, and process crops. The National Farmers Union (NFU), which represents thousands of family farmers, has spoken out about the situation. Rob Larew, the president of NFU, says that these workers are crucial to keeping farms running, stating, “Our agricultural system depends on these workers. Without them, we’d see serious disruptions in food production and increased prices for consumers.”
The main concern is a possible end to the Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a program that lets workers from certain countries stay in the U.S. temporarily if their home countries are facing war or natural disasters. Many farm workers currently benefit from TPS, and if the program is discontinued, it could affect thousands of people working in agriculture. The Trump administration has
shown interest in ending TPS for several countries, and farm groups are worried about the consequences. Chuck Conner, president of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives,
says losing these workers would be disastrous for the agriculture industry. “We risk losing our ability to feed America,” he said. “There’s simply no other group of workers who can replace them.” Farm groups are asking for a solution that would allow workers to stay, at least for the time being. They’re not
looking for permanent amnesty, but rather a temporary fix to prevent a mass exodus of workers that would hit the farming industry hard. Bob Stallman, a farmer and advocate for agriculture, points out that these workers have been trained and have built lives in the U.S. over the years. “It doesn’t make sense to remove them when we’re already struggling to find enough workers,” he says. There’s also concern about the broader economic effects. Some experts worry that losing a large portion
of the farm labor force would make fresh produce more expensive and
harder to find in stores. While the Trump administration has pushed for stricter immigration policies, many in agriculture are calling for more flexibility, especially when it comes to workers who are already part of the system. The debate over immigration and farm labor is likely to continue, as
the Trump administration weighs its options. On one side, some argue for stronger border security and stricter immigration laws. On the other, farm groups say that without the workers already in place, the country could face serious consequences, from labor shortages to rising food costs. The outcome of this issue could have a lasting impact on U.S. agriculture, and many are hoping that the administration will listen to the concerns of farmers before making any final decisions.

Donald Trump’s Cabinet Picks

The Hudsonian Newspaper

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

As President-elect Donald Trump announces his picks for key Cabinet positions, the nominations have quickly sparked debate and concern, particularly given the controversial figures selected to serve in high-profile roles. The incoming administration’s choices are drawing criticism from progressive voices, who see many of Trump’s picks as a continuation of his previous administration’s trend of favoring wealthy elites, media personalities, and individuals with questionable pasts. On Tuesday, Trump revealed several eye-catching selections, including Dr. Mehmet Oz, a celebrity physician and
TV personality, nominated to lead the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Alongside Oz, billionaire financier Howard Lutnick was selected for commerce secretary, and Linda McMahon, the former WWE executive, and longtime Trump ally, was tapped to head the Department of Education. While Trump has long advocated for bringing in outside business and media figures, these appointments have drawn heavy scrutiny. Dr. Oz, known more for his TV shows than his medical credentials, will now oversee one of the nation’s most critical health agencies. Critics argue that Oz’s lack of government experience and controversial stances on health, such as promoting suspicious alternative treatments, make him unqualified to manage Medicare and Medicaid at a time when millions rely on these programs for healthcare. Lutnick, a billionaire whose company Cantor Fitzgerald has a history of financial scandals, is slated to manage the U.S. economy in the role of commerce secretary. His appointment raises serious questions about whether Trump’s administration will continue prioritizing the interests of the wealthiest Americans over working people, especially as Lutnick’s wealth is largely tied to the finance sector, an industry often criticized for exploiting the economic system to its benefit. Trump’s focus on financial elites and corporate interests seems to be setting the stage for a Cabinet more concerned with protecting the wealthy than addressing the needs of the general population. McMahon’s appointment to head the Department of Education is another
source of contention. While McMahon has spent decades in the business world, overseeing the WWE empire, her limited background in education raises alarm for critics. Trump’s push to give states more control over education has already sparked concern that it could lead to the defunding and dismantling of public education. As someone with no real educational experience, McMahon’s selection is seen by many as a sign that Trump may double down on policies that prioritize privatization and undermine public schools, further exacerbating inequality. Another controversial pick that has raised eyebrows is Trump’s nomination of Rep. Matt Gaetz for Attorney General. Gaetz, already under investigation by the FBI for his alleged involvement in sex trafficking, continues to be a polarizing figure. The public release of hacked documents that included serious allegations against Gaetz only added to concerns about his suitability for a role that demands the highest standards of integrity. Despite these revelations, Trump has shown no signs of reconsidering Gaetz’s nomination,
raising questions about his commitment to accountability and justice. Other nominees, such as Fox News host Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, and former presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, are similarly attracting scrutiny. Hegseth’s ties to conservative media and his involvement in inflammatory political rhetoric have led many to question whether he is fit to lead the nation in defense, while Gabbard’s controversial views on foreign policy have raised red flags for those concerned about the direction of U.S. intelligence and military operations. Perhaps most concerning is Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of vaccines, to head the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance is a serious public health
risk, especially after such a life-altering global pandemic. His selection underscores the broader question of whether the Trump administration will continue to prioritize fringe, right-wing viewpoints over scientific evidence and public health. As these nominees head toward Senate confirmation, many progressive lawmakers and activists are already calling for intense scrutiny of each candidate. With several of these picks facing public scandals or controversies, there are growing concerns that the incoming administration may be more focused on rewarding political allies and business interests than on governing in the best interest of the American people. The pushback is likely to intensify as the Cabinet nominees move through the confirmation process. Senate Democrats, who hold a narrow majority, will need to carefully consider whether they can support these individuals given their
controversial pasts and positions. Some moderates may be forced to weigh the political fallout of supporting figures who are widely seen as unqualified or harmful to public welfare. As Trump prepares to take office for a second term, it’s clear that his approach to Cabinet appointments will prioritize loyalty and conservative credentials over experience, expertise, or ethical considerations. For many Americans, these nominations signal a troubling continuation of the administration’s disregard for qualifications and transparency in favor of rewarding political allies and corporate backers.