Opinion

The Adirondacks are only about an hour and a half from Hudson Valley’s campus, and they are the perfect vacation spot for college students who are looking to get away! Loon Lake is a smaller lake in the area, but it is the perfect addition to put on your bucket list for next summer. Whether you are searching to disconnect from the business of life or if you are looking for adventure, this is the place to go.

There is something for everyone to do at Loon Lake. There is kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and swimming if you’re looking for something relaxing to do in the water. If you are looking for something more action-packed on the water, there is fishing, tubing, and waterskiing. 

If not having your own equipment is what is holding you back, there is a local shop, The Crossroads, that rents out kayaks and paddle boards. They also sell fishing poles and all the tackle you could imagine! 

If you like land activities more than being out on the water, many hiking trails lead to breathtaking views and a calmness that college students search for. No matter what you choose to do, Loon Lake provides the perfect opportunity to reset, connect with nature, and take beautiful photos.

Loon Lake is the perfect spot for college students to take a getaway because it is cost-effective and close by. You can spend time on the lake making memories with your family and friends without breaking the bank.  It is close enough to go for a weekend trip, yet far enough to feel like you’ve escaped the daily grind. This summer, skip the crowded tourist traps and spend time reconnecting with nature at Loon Lake.

Teen drug overdoses are on the rise. These overdoses are mostly driven by fentanyl. Some are speculating that teens are being targeted by drug traffickers on social media. Compared to prior years, the overdoses among the ages from 14-18 the deaths skyrocketed because of overdoses. You might be wondering why this must be happening. On social media, there’s a lot of misinformation about people “using these drugs,” but a lot of creators use fake pills resembling some of the drugs they’re seen taking.

  F1: The film explores the world of Formula 1 racing in great detail and is a documentary/drama. This film emphasizes both the competition’s genius and the love of engineering. The movie chronicles the Williams Formula One team’s career, including its setbacks, triumphs, and behind-the-scenes romance. The film’s racing footage and cinematography were just stunning. It was incredible to see the various vehicles on the circuit, the pace, and the uncut video of the team’s sincere emotions as they considered whether or not they would place on the podium.

The camera work effectively conveys the sport’s excitement and peril, giving you the impression that you are competing in the race. Beyond the racing sequences, the film was outstanding because it showed the team’s hardships, sacrifices, rivalries, and vulnerabilities, all of which gave the film greater emotional depth. I would strongly suggest viewing the F1 movie if you’re an F1 fan or simply want a fantastic film to watch because it captures the sport’s greatest moments, challenges, and riches. 

J. Cole released 2014 Forest Hills Drive in December 2014. He had no clue how influential his album would end up being. He created the album with no guest features, just 13 solo tracks that he named after the address of his childhood home. The album became a body of work that has been known as one of the defining rap albums of the decade. The album is still so popular that on December 16th, 2024, J. Cole played a sold-out, one-night-only show at Madison Square Garden to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the album.

The album plays like an autobiography, especially when you listen to it in order. He begins with rapping about his crushes and early mistakes on “Wet Dreamz” and “03’ Adolescence,” then begins to rap critiques about life and culture on “Fire Squad.” He also raps about nostalgia and hard lessons, but he never drifts far from his message that growth comes with self-awareness. By the time he arrives at the final track, “Love Yourz,” He delivers one of his most influential lines, “No such thing as a life that is better than yours.” If you have never listened to this album from start to finish without interruption, I would definitely recommend it.

Now, more than a decade later, 2014 Forest Hills Drive still sounds new, partly because it was never designed to be a “trendy” piece. It is a timeless work of art. J. Cole gave listeners a personal history that many also see as a shared one, proving that sometimes the most powerful stories are told without drama.

Tired of the same old boring routine? Tired of working for some mega-corporation that does nothing but drain your energy?

Well, you sure deserve some rest and relaxation.

Stardew Valley is the perfect game to pick up if you enjoy a medium-past cozy farming sim.

Without spoiling too much of the game, after inheriting your totally not deceased grandpa’s farm and accepting the offer to quit your job and move to the countryside you soon introduce yourself to the fellow residents, about 28, including the happy-go-lucky mayor.

And after playing for a couple days, earning resources and recipes you learn that the town community center has been out of service for many years.

Made by a single developer Stardew Valley has been a huge staple in indie games ever since it came out and with its newest, there are even more life improvements and a new farm to choose from on the main menu, again without spoiling too much.

One thing I will spoil is that your avatar now has the option to drink mayonnaise. Which is absolutely not an instrument.

Also game mechanic-wise there are daily seasonal events per year, so there are multiple opportunities to get special items for your farm. 

I absolutely adore this game and have been getting back into it after the long wait for the update for the console and I highly recommend it. It’s a really really great way to pass time as well, with managing said time for each day in the game.

The 2009 horror-comedy Jennifer’s Body, written by Diablo Cody and directed by Karyn Kusama, is a film that’s evolved into a cult classic, largely because it takes a refreshing, if grim, look at the lives of teenage girls, their friendship dynamics, and the way society tends to objectify them.

When the film was released, its marketing was heavily focused on hypersexualized imagery and promoting lead actress Megan Fox as a sex symbol. This choice of marketing, brought about by men, was ultimately ironic because it clashed with the core themes of the film, which critiques how women are viewed, used, and consumed by society.

In Jennifer’s Body, Jennifer (Megan Fox) is a high school “It Girl” who becomes the victim of a ritual sacrifice gone wrong. The ritual, performed by a sleazy indie band, is intended to grant the men fame and success, but it backfires, turning Jennifer into a demonic figure who begins preying on her male classmates.

At the center of the film is Jennifer’s complex friendship with her best friend, Needy (Amanda Seyfried), whose loyalty and compassion often clash with Jennifer’s self-absorbed and manipulative behavior.

Jennifer’s sudden, violent transformation serves as both a literal and symbolic depiction of how she’s been “devoured” by others, first by the band and then by society.

One of the film’s main strengths is how it addresses the objectification of women. Jennifer is initially portrayed as the “Hot Girl” character, an image society has projected onto her. However, her monstrous transformation becomes a powerful metaphor for the toll that objectification takes on women. She literally turns into something that consumes others after being violated and sacrificed for male gain. This transformation underscores a powerful commentary on how society feeds on young women’s sexuality, often without their consent or consideration. Jennifer’s “monstrosity” isn’t so much about being evil as it is about embodying the rage and trauma that come from being reduced to an object.

The film’s exploration of Jennifer and Needy’s friendship is just as significant. Their relationship is marked by a deep, if twisted, bond that goes beyond the superficial. There’s an underlying tension and sense of rivalry that reflects the complexity of female friendships, especially those formed in high school. Needy’s love for Jennifer is evident in her willingness to put up with her friend’s possessive and sometimes cruel behavior, and Jennifer’s manipulation suggests a desire to control Needy while also needing her approval.

Their relationship plays out as a blend of admiration, envy, and co-dependence that feels very real and raw, especially against the heightened backdrop of horror.

The film suggests that these friendships aren’t always simple or purely supportive, they’re often layered with conflicting feelings that make them as challenging as they are meaningful.

A big reason Jennifer’s Body initially flopped with audiences and critics is that it was marketed almost entirely as a standard teen horror flick, focusing on Megan Fox’s sex appeal rather than the film’s underlying themes.

The marketing campaign, led by male executives, pushed images of Fox in suggestive poses and ignored the film’s actual message.

Instead of framing Jennifer’s Body as a nuanced look at female friendship, power, and rage, it was advertised like a generic slasher movie, meant to excite rather than challenge.

This misrepresentation did more than just hurt the movie’s box office performance, it also highlighted the very issue the film criticizes: how women, and their stories, are often manipulated and simplified to fit male-dominated narratives. In this sense, the marketing approach unintentionally underscored the film’s point about how women’s identities are commodified and stripped of complexity.

Over time, however, audiences have begun to recognize Jennifer’s Body for its clever way of remixing common horror tropes and its sharp commentary on girlhood, trauma, and rage. The film has become a feminist horror staple, precisely because it examines these issues in a genre that has historically objectified women. It’s now celebrated for its wit, dark humor, and the way it highlights female voices, in the narrative itself, and through the work of Cody and Kusama, who fought to bring an authentically female perspective to a genre where it’s often missing.

In the end, Jennifer’s Body is more than just a horror movie; it’s a critique of the way society treats women, the complexity of female friendships, and the horrors of adolescence. Perhaps ironically, the film’s mishandled marketing only serves to reinforce its message.

When you think of Mario, who is basically the mascot of the gaming world, his countless platformer adventures likely come to mind. Those have relatively simple stories. However, in 2024, Mario is just as much of a story-driven RPG powerhouse as he is a platformer powerhouse. The most recent of these RPGs is Mario & Luigi: Brothership, a grand revival of a handheld-exclusive RPG series that was thought to be dead for many years due to the bankruptcy of the studio that made it, AlphaDream.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership is an absolute masterful return of the series, bringing a fountain of charm that was admittedly missing from more recent entries in the series such as Paper Jam.

You aren’t going into this game to see familiar toads and goombas, no, you are going into this game to see entirely new species full of energy and cartoony slapstick charm. The story is just as entertaining as it is touching, with its theme of the importance of connecting with others (humorously outlined via the visual theming of electrical cords and outlets all over the place, even in the new characters introduced.)

On top of a delightfully heartwarming story, this game brings back the series’ classic gameplay in full force, allowing you to play both Mario and Luigi in a twist that remains just as enjoyable as it was 20 years ago. The simple concept of using the A button to control Mario and the B button to control Luigi makes way for delightfully clever gameplay that never gets old in the game’s meaty 30 hour runtime.

As if fantastic story and gameplay weren’t enough, the game also boasts a brilliant art style that feels like you are playing through a cartoon in real time. Each character is bouncy, lively and full of cartoonish expression. One of my favorite gags is that every time you plummet to an island out at sea (by launching yourself out of a cartoonishly large cannon, no less), Mario will land gracefully, striking a heroic pose, while Luigi will hilariously fail, leading to a plethora of laugh-out-loud slapstick moments that only a character like Luigi could pull off.

If you’re looking for a large, expansive experience with both familiar characters and new faces, alongside an absolutely stunning art style and gameplay that you just won’t want to put down, Mario & Luigi: Brothership is for you.

EPIC: The Musical has been slamming the iTunes charts for every released album, skyrocketing to the Number 1 played album on iTunes within a week of release. EPIC: The Vengeance Saga, is no different. The Vengeance Saga is the eighth album of the nine-album concept musical based on Homer’s The Odyssey.

EPIC: The Musical, is a concept album that released its first album on December 25, 2022, by now-renowned artist: Jorge Rivera-Herrans. EPIC is based on the Greek Mythological Tale of the Odyssey, where Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, sails back home after the Siege of Troy (popularly known for the Trojan Horse plot). On his way home, he encounters monsters, storms, and even the wrath of Gods, most commonly, Poseidon, the God of the Ocean.

The Vengeance Saga, released on October 31, 2024, takes place where the Greek Mythology tale places Odysseus on the island of the Goddess Calypso, who imprisons and abuses Odysseus for seven long years.

Odysseus is then released from this island after Zeus’ judgment is decreed. The peak of this album is when he is on the shores of Ithaca, within eyesight of his home that he longed for 20 years when suddenly, Poseidon blocks his path.

Poseidon is unhappy and ultimately condemns Odysseus to death. But, using a bag containing a mighty storm, Odysseus jetpacks off the ocean floor Poseidon pinned him to and begins to fight the God of the Ocean. Using the anger of Odysseus’ 600 dead comrades and the rage that Poseidon induced into him for 10 years, he immobilizes the God of Tides by flying at the speed of sound and striking him incessantly, disarming him of his almighty trident.

Odysseus calls for Poseidon to remove the storm that now blocks him from returning to Ithaca. When Poseidon refuses, Odysseus uses his trident to stab him repeatedly, and since Gods cannot die, Poseidon only feels the unending pain from each strike.

The album ends with Poseidon calling off the storm and taunting Odysseus as he returns home.

The music in this album is jaw-dropping and intense, as Jorge can depict a literal fight between man and God through musical motifs and harmonies.

My favorite part of the album is the usage of Poseidon’s screams harmonizing with Odysseus’ rage-filled rant about how much pain Poseidon has caused him.

Overall, especially if you’re into theater or Greek Mythology, I’d 100% recommend this album, as it’s been playing on repeat for me for the last week.

The popularity of true crime media is undeniable, with fans diving into documentaries, podcasts, and articles about real-life cases. True crime gives us insight into criminal psychology, police work, and sometimes even social justice issues. However, the ethics behind turning tragedies into entertainment is a debate that grows louder each year.

As a fan of true crime myself, I get the appeal. These stories are compelling, and there’s a strange comfort in feeling like we’re learning how to avoid danger or understand the minds of criminals, mostly the latter for me. True crime often sheds light on injustices that might otherwise go ignored. Some stories help reopen cases, bring attention to neglected victims, and remind viewers and listeners of the importance of safety and justice. Shows like Making a Murderer and podcasts like Serial have even impacted real court cases, sometimes leading to retrials or new investigations. In these cases, true crime can serve a purpose beyond just entertainment.

But it’s hard to ignore the ethical concerns. Critics argue that true crime media often capitalizes on real people’s suffering and loss. Victims and their families may relive painful memories when their loved ones’ deaths are discussed in great detail on TV or podcasts. Some critics worry that creators prioritize shocking content over sensitivity, turning real trauma into a spectacle. Families sometimes report feeling like their loved one has been reduced to an episode, losing the humanity of their story.

The ethics also get murky when creators prioritize entertainment over accuracy. Details are sometimes exaggerated or dramatized for dramatic effect, potentially skewing public perception and creating misunderstandings about the criminal justice system. There’s also a risk of misinformation spreading as viewers accept a polished documentary as fact without questioning what’s been omitted or changed.

However, some creators are addressing these concerns by striving for a more ethical approach.

Podcasts like LA Not So Confidential aim to keep true crime respectful and educational by focusing on psychology and societal impacts rather than just the “shocking” elements of cases. Other creators are working with the families of victims, donating proceeds to charities, or using their platforms to raise awareness for causes linked to their stories. These efforts show it’s possible to present true crime in a way that honors victims rather than exploiting them.

Ultimately, true crime has both risks and benefits. It can educate and expose truths, but it also walks a fine line between storytelling and exploitation. As fans, we can be more thoughtful about the content we support, choosing shows and podcasts that approach stories responsibly and considerately. By supporting ethical creators, fans can enjoy true crime responsibly and ensure that real lives aren’t reduced to mere entertainment.

Photo credits: Columbia Records

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.

This past Monday, October 21, Voices held an event spotlighting Dr. Monica Debro, a speaker, author, and certified mental health coach. Her narrative was to encourage others to embrace
their authentic selves regardless of their past and to overcome the troubles of being S.A.D. (stress, anxiety, and depression), welcoming a brighter future. Sharing her personal journey, she detailed troubles with domestic violence, brokenness, and suicide which made her message even more sincere. I may not speak for everyone but myself when I say that she definitely captivated ears.

Going deeper into her presentation titled “Rewriting the Script”, she challenged us to think about our thoughts and what’s in our hearts. Self-talk, the way in which we talk to ourselves, is very important in determining what we really believe about our identity. The negative things we say about ourselves do nothing but bring us down. It is a terrible habit and is the opposite of self-love.

Isn’t it enough that we already deal with the negative words that others have to say about us?

However, when it comes to speaking about other people, it’s far easier for us to say positive things about them. So why not ourselves? Why not tell yourself ‘I am loved, I am important, I am worthy’? Why continue to stone yourself? Put down those stones
because you have enough of them to build a wall and that’s something you don’t need. You don’t need isolation when you already feel deeply cast out. In a time like that, you need someone
you can trust to confide in. Someone to help steer you straight so you’re not like a reckless driver on the road. Yet, the most impactful person who has the power to turn it all around is you. It is your choice to stop tearing yourself down and you must decide.
Will I continue on with harming or participate in my healing? Nobody can do it for you. You need to “love yourself to life” as she stated.

To conclude, the auditorium may not have been filled, but she certainly filled the room with her spirit. Being actively engaged with the audience, she prompted us to speak positive affirmations and to repeat them loudly. Asking questions and giving gift cards to those who answered. But most of all, her transparency and vulnerability lit up the room. It was a beautiful and encouraging message, well worth the 50-minute lecture.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to travel down to Daytona Beach in Florida to watch the Daytona 400 NASCAR race.  Held at the same venue as the famed Daytona 500, this event is 100 miles shorter, and hosted at night.  The race attracts over 75,000 people, and unlike the 500, most of them are local to the area.  As a result, a much higher percentage of race-goers drove to the track rather than flew.  This made things difficult when it came to grabbing dinner after the race.

The checkered flag was taken at 11:46 PM after the race had gone to overtime.  We stuck around for roughly 25 minutes to watch the post-race events, then made our way to the car.  Being past midnight at that point, most dinner establishments were long past closed.  After a bit of looking through as we sat in traffic, we found a Buc-ee’s located just 4 miles from the Speedway that we set our sights on.  The drive from our parking spot to the gas station took about 40 minutes, and once we arrived the place was packed.  Being right off I-95 and one of the few places still open we knew it would be busy, but when we arrived there were already thousands of people getting gas or pursuing the store.  It was my first time ever at a Buc-ees, and I would be judging the store under the harshest of conditions.

Upon entering it was clear that they had anticipated the rush and had brought their A-game. 

Photo Credits: David Zalubowski/AP

Every part of that store ran like a well-oiled machine, which was instantly clear as we walked in and saw the cashiers making quick work of the line that was hundreds of people long. 

The store was virtually shoulder to shoulder the whole way through, but I made my way to the center in hopes of obtaining their famed brisket sandwich.  When I reached the station what I saw was nothing short of amazing.  The way the food station ran was almost like a performance, with everything running flawlessly.  In just 10 minutes of finding a space in the mass horde of people, I was able to obtain the three sandwiches for my group and make my way to the checkout.  All-in-all, my total time in the store was less than 25 minutes.

     So after just this one experience, I buy into the hype for Buc-ees.  It seems odd to have brand loyalty to a gas station, but once you visit it for the first time it all makes sense.  

     When you’re a kid, nothing excites you more than free candy and that’s exactly what Halloween is. However, as an adult, you realize that the cost of a bag of candy is scarier than any horror movie. This year particularly, the price is astronomical to supply treats for your trick-or-treaters. With the price of cocoa being extraordinarily high, let’s look at alternatives to ensure a great Halloween without breaking the bank. 

When shopping for treats, stay away from chocolate, as its prices are the highest. Instead, opt for a bag of candy, as they tend to be on the cheaper side. If chocolate is too important to you, consider purchasing a variety pack that contains both candy and chocolate. Sam’s Club and BJ’s have a membership fee to shop, but if you are a member, you can buy candy in bulk, significantly lowering your unit price. 

     If looking for the cheapest way to enjoy Halloween, consider purchasing treats that aren’t food-related. This has become more popular in recent years as the Greenbush YMCA hosts the Capital District Teal Pumpkin Party which offers a food-free Halloween experience for all kids. The purpose of the Teal Pumpkin Project is to include kids with food allergies in trick or treating. If you choose to pass out treats like this it can be way cheaper as Target Dollar Spot and Dollar Tree offer items

-like fake tattoos and Halloween pencils.

This type of treat tends to come in bulk and is a much better value than chocolate. 

With the cost of candy skyrocketing, creative ideas for Halloween are a must. Be selective in where you buy your candy so as to get the best deal and keep in mind alternatives to keep trick-or-treating not only fun but budget-friendly as well. Happy Halloween!

The 4th Gen IT Girl Group did it again! AESPA had their 5th Mini Album “Whiplash” comeback earlier this week. Here’s an overview:

     Whiplash (3:03): This song, in my opinion, is the ultimate club song. It’s such a fun song about confidence with lyrics like “One look, give ‘em whiplash,” and truly this is such a good dance song. I will say though, it felt a little lackluster to me, but that might be because I’m not all too big on EDM or techno type of music. After Drama, Supernova, and Armageddon, I was expecting something similar so Whiplash was definitely new to me but maybe it just needs to grow on me. I will say though a lot of Aespa’s songs and their concept is about how they don’t conform to the norm and how they are who they are, so I’m here for it!

     Kill It (3:20): This is by far my favorite from this album! I love the vibes and vocals of this song, it felt very on-brand for SM (aespa’s entertainment agency). It also reminded me of NCT 127, a boy group from SM. Personally, this song would’ve been a better title track but nonetheless, Kill It is also about confidence and essentially being amazing at being yourself with various lyrics like “The more you try to block me/ The more advantageous it will be for me, I’m better,” and “I’m so good at it, uh/ I’ll shake you up.” The pre-chorus makes me ascend! It’s so enchanting.

     Flights, Not Feelings (3:02): This song was very interesting when I first listened to it. At first, I actually didn’t like it at all, but after a couple listens, I was starting to vibe with it. This might be my second favorite! The way the chorus in a way ran after the beat felt like an addition to the song rather than a takeaway. Their vocals and tones are so soothing. It is a bit hard to discern what this song is about but I will try my best! The title suggests the idea of “catch flights, not feelings,” which means discontinuing developing relationships and going on various trips to distract from that lack of personal relationships. This song has lyrics like “Oh, I tried to warn you/ Now I’ll do as I please/ Let it flow, oh,” which makes me think this is another type of situation like Kill It, with the idea that nothing you do to make me feel bad will work, and I love that! 

     Pink Hoodie (2:26): Another song with a similar vibe to NCT 127 but I love it! It’s such a fun song, the beat during the chorus feels sploinky, if that makes sense.

Another song with the same idea of confidence with lyrics like “Grab all the attention/ I’m wearing my new clothes/ I’ma give you my, my, my, my passion,” and “The more you see, the more you fall for it, fabulous.” The bridge really cements this idea of confidence and how I like who I am. Lyrics like “See me now/ I’ll change endlessly/ Crumbling borderline/ Breaking free from the stereotype/ Headlines pouring in/ I even like the chaos/ I like myself better like this.” 

Flowers (3:11): This is very different compared to the other songs in terms of meaning, a sort of love song. I adore this song so much because of how it feels; to me, it feels like the sun shining through clouds, a slight breeze, and the autumn leaves falling. With lyrics like “I don’t wanna wait/ I throw myself into your scent that no one else knows,” and “You’re my dahlia, tulips and daisies/ A slowly spreading fragrance/ Violet sunset, it seems like it doesn’t exist in this world,” it is clear this is indeed a love song. Something about this song feels very sad though, I can’t place my finger on it. 

     Just Another Girl (3:04): Another love song but with a twist! Just Another Girl seems to be a breakup song with lyrics like “I been obsessed with you/ All these clumsy feelings, I’ll stop them,” “Falling apart, you and I, you and I,” and “You have no more chances, one shot/ I was too good for you.” Personally, this song doesn’t exactly fit in this album with the other songs but on its own, it’s a good piece. With a pop-rock type of vibe and lyrics like “Looking at you, caught red-handed, shh/ Secretly smirking, you love it/ Did you think I’d just be sad? No excuses, shh,” this song gives mid-late 2000’s vibes and I really enjoy it!

Off The Grid is a new cyberpunk third-person battle royale game co-created by Neill Blomkamp, known for his work on the movies District 9 and Elysium. The game takes place in a dystopian world where 60 players (150 players by full release) compete in PvE or PvP modes. The world is ruled by corporations where participants fight over valuable cyber augmentations. 

     A part I found particularly interesting was the short films directed by Blomkamp, which added very interesting depth to the game’s lore.

The game combines elements of battle royale and extraction shooter formats, with unique mechanics like jetpacks and cyberlimbs that can be swapped at will during a round. Players can engage in both PvP skirmishes and PvE storyline missions on the same map. The game is visually impressive, however, it does have some issues with optimization.

The most surprising aspect of this game is that it includes optional NFTs.

Players can gain in-game “loot boxes” called Hexs that need to be taken to a node and submitted. The node will then verify that the Hex is genuine and assign a unique virtual signature to every item contained within, thus minting them as legitimate NFTs. or a new crypto token called GUN. However you need to subscribe to “Off the Grid+” to use it in the player marketplace, which also has a lot of pay-to-win features.

This game is currently in Alpha on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X. In the future, Off the Grid is expected to receive more updates with additional maps, multiplayer modes, and customization options.

     Overwatch 2 is the sequel to the smash-hit game from 2016, Overwatch. It was a team-oriented game which heavily relied on team coherency and communication. This was in order for players to be successful in climbing the ranks and building their skills. In 2022, the original game shut down. In its place came Overwatch 2 the anticlimactic sequel, which players had too high of expectations for. 

    Overwatch 2 brought a lot of new updates, such as new characters, new maps, new game modes, and new cosmetics. However, with the new updates, some old features were removed as well. Features such as loot boxes, game cards, and medals. One of the most critical changes that came with Overwatch 2, was the addition of a Battle Pass.

  Battle Passes have been added to many games as rewards for players to receive as they play the game more. Battle Pass rewards would include character skins, in-game currency, and more. 

We are now on the 13th Season and the 13th Battle Pass of Overwatch 2, both of which are leaving players indifferent with the changes of this new update. As of October 15, 2024, Season 13 brought character ability changes, a new ‘mythic skin’ and map reworks. While many people are happy that a character famous for being overpowered was finally debuffed, or ‘nerfed,’ many were confused as to why some changes existed. 

    “I would rather eat soup with a fork than play the newest update,” one of many avid Overwatch 2 players, Richard Weatherly says. Richard was disappointed with the changes that came with this new update. “They nerfed my favorite character, I’m very upset,” An anonymous former ESports team captain for Overwatch 2, states. 

     This update has left many upset, most confused, and very few satisfied. Blizzard Entertainment, the studio that created Overwatch 2, has nothing to say at this time about the recent backlash they have received in light of the changes. 

  Just this past Saturday was the third annual WagenFest, held by an organization called WOLFSGART. A little meetup of a collection of some of the most easily identifiable vehicles ever made! On Saturday, October 12,I had just woken up and today was laundry day, but on the way to the laundromat, a sign caught my eye! That sign said, “Wagen-Fest 2024” with the date stated as today. While I’m not the hugest car guy, I still knew I had to check it out, since Hudson Crossing park is so close by. So on the way back into Schuylerville after laundry I walked down the little gulch, and headed into the event. At the opening there was a setup of small tables, with merchandise such as shirts, stickers, and keychains (I bought a sticker, pictured below), and beyond that were the main attractions! The most memorable of which being the classic vans, as well as the cute little beetles! Generally I would see maybe 1 VW van every few months, but here there were 10+, and that was only when I was there. Nearly all of the participants were friendly and excited to have someone to talk to about their beautiful vehicles, and towards the latter half of the event I was able to speak with the event organizers Anthony, Lasey, and Stella Fitzsimmons. Who brought their very own car to the event for display too, a 1961 all original pastel blue beetle, shown front and center below. 

    From friendly vendors to cool cars, I’d say I had a pretty good time, but I really don’t feel like the event had nearly any promotion prior to the day of; living close by, and passing by the venue nearly every day, I would’ve expected to have know this was going on prior to the day of, but there was no signage, and no notice freely available to me. So in future iterations I’d like to see a little more effort go into generating hype around the event, as well as maybe a few more vendors there. Which seems entirely possible given the size of the main field in the park. If you’d like to find more on them, and their events you can search up either Wolfsgart, or WagenFest on social media.