The Hudsonian

It’s winter and nothing is worse than having to make multiple stops on the way home from class to get your week’s necessities. Shopping in bulk is not a new concept. BJ’s and Sam’s Club are both located within the capital region. However, with the chance of Costco starting construction in Guilderland this year, it’s important to be informed on the benefits and downsides of buying in bulk. Membership costs are a common fee when attempting to shop at a warehouse. Sam’s Club is running a new year offer until May 31st. New joiners get 25% off their membership meaning instead of a $50 a year card, it’s now only $25. Not a bad deal. A standard BJ’s membership is regularly $60 a year but their website is currently promoting a deal for new members with the card being only $20. The details of this promotion are unclear on the website.

Is it worth the membership fee? Buying in bulk is known to be a cheaper alternative to the grocery store. Where can you buy a family-size pack of pencils and a rotisserie chicken? If you shop for a large amount of people, this may be the place for you. Rather than buying multiple packs for the same thing, these places are best for people who need a lot of the same. However, this is not the place to try something you might not like, unless you try the free samples, as you’ll be stuck with an entire pack of it. Perhaps the best deal at warehouse stores is their cafes. Sam’s Club’s meal deals include a hot dog and a drink for just $1.50, a slice of pizza and a drink for $2.50, and frozen yogurt for $1. Buying in bulk is a great option to find a large quantity of all your favorites, if you’re interested in joining a warehouse club now is the time as the membership fee is reduced.

Fear is an inseparable part of human nature. It serves as a natural defense mechanism that protects us from danger, yet it can also become a restricting barrier in our lives. Humans experience anxiety in the face of the unknown because anything unfamiliar may be perceived as a threat. However, fear is not merely an emotion to be avoided; rather, it presents an opportunity for growth and empowerment. If we can manage
our fears appropriately, they can guide us beyond our limitations and shape us into more courageous individuals. Although fear is often perceived as a negative emotion, it plays a crucial
role in our lives and provides certain benefits. Fear safeguards us from danger and triggers instinctual responses necessary for survival. Particularly in the presence of physical threats, it activates our bodies to react swiftly. Furthermore, fear encourages us to surpass our limits and learn to be braver. Despite our hesitations about stepping into new experiences, fear enhances our awareness and caution, serving as an essential guide on the path to success. It also contributes to our personal development; every time we summon the courage to overcome a fear, we feel stronger and more self-confident. This process transforms us into more resilient individuals who can navigate life’s challenges. In essence, fear acts as a companion that helps us explore our boundaries, develop courage, and realize our potential. Perhaps the greatest virtue fear can grant us is this ability to discover our own strength. Facing our fears may cause discom
fort, yet it is deeply rooted in psychological factors. Fear is often associated with the unknown or uncontrollable, which generates a sense of insecurity. The less predictable an event or situation is, the greater the fear it evokes, as uncertainty fosters vulnerability. Confronting fear necessitates experiencing this uncertainty firsthand, forcing individuals out of their comfort zones. This situation can trigger anxiety about potential physical or emotional harm. Addressing fear also means confronting past traumas, vulnerabilities, and weaknesses. Thus, fear frequently emerges as a mental defense mechanism, as the human brain, consciously or subconsciously, seeks to protect itself. However, while these confrontations may be challenging, they also facilitate personal growth. Facing fears ultimately allows individuals to discover their inner strength and mature, though this process may initially be unsettling, as change always occurs outside the comfort zone. Therefore, fear persists both as a protective force and as a catalyst for development.

Overcoming fear and embracing a transformed identity enriches our lives in numerous ways. First and foremost, self-confidence increases, enabling in dividuals to confront challenges with
greater courage. This positively impacts personal relationships, professional endeavors, and overall quality of life. As individuals become more self-aware, they gain a clearer understanding of their desires and values, fostering inner peace and balance. Overcoming fears enhances adaptability and resilience, better preparing individuals for life’s fluctuations. As we assume new identities and roles, our perspectives on the world evolve, making us more open-minded and empathetic individuals. This transformation not only fosters self-acceptance but also serves as an inspiration to others, providing them with courage. Ultimately, reconciling with and overcoming fear renders life more meaningful, fulfilling, and rewarding. The success stories of prominent scientists, educators, and innovators are filled with examples of individuals who confronted their fears and achieved remarkable accomplishments. For instance, Thomas Edison, despite experiencing numerous failures and disappointments, invented the electric lightbulb. Edison viewed each failure as a learning opportunity and remained undeterred. The fears and uncertainties he encountered only strengthened his determination and resilience. Another example is the renowned scientist Marie Curie, who challenged both societal perceptions of women and the limitations of the scientific field. Despite the risks and uncertainties of her research, she became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and revolutionized her discipline. By discovering and embracing their potential, these individuals confronted their fears and overcame them, transforming themselves into symbols of courage and perseverance. Their journeys illustrate how fear shaped their lives and propelled them toward meaningful
achievements. In conclusion, for individuals ready to confront their fears and undergo transformation, the first step is to trust in their inner strength. Fear often originates from deep-seated subconscious anxieties, making it a process that must be gradually overcome. Progress should be made step by step, as each small victory fosters significant confidence. Understanding and confronting fears is the initial and most crucial step toward overcoming them. Additionally, developing mental awareness to counteract negative thoughts is essential. When thinking about fears, it is important to acknowledge the emotions they evoke and approach them with kindness. Learning to trust oneself is a critical component of this journey. Rather than comparing oneself to others, individuals should celebrate their own progress. One must accept that fear is not a hindrance but
a force that strengthens and empowers. Ultimately, overcoming fear will cultivate a stronger, more resilient individual. While this transformation takes time, each step forward leads to greater freedom and inner peace.

With thirteen Oscars nominations, a Rotten Tomatoes critics score of 72%, and a Golden Globes winner of multiple awards, you’d expect Emilia Pérez to be a great movie. You’d be unpleasantly surprised. After watching the
film, the 17% audience score makes sense. Emilia Pérez is a musical crime drama following the journey of Juan “Manitas” Del Monte aka Emilia Perez (played by Karla Sofía Gascón), a Mexican cartel leader who decides to go through with a gender-affirming surgery in order to escape her criminal past and then attempts to make up for the atrocities she committed while operating in the cartel. The film aims to explore themes related to redemption and identity in the midst of transitioning all while attempting to showcase
Mexican culture. However, all of these attempted feats go highly undone. The film does little to properly delve into these heavy subjects, leaving much to be desired, and it is as if they were only included to check a box rather than genuinely explore any of these subjects. The exploration of the trans-identity is lackluster, and it does not seem to delve seriously enough into the complicated nature of how a redemption arc is even possible for a former cartel leader. There is also the issue of the stereotypical depiction of Mexican culture, which has led to many Mexican actors and individuals boycotting the movie altogether or walking out of a viewing. So much so, that the major movie theater chain in Mexico, Cinépolis, had to clarify their policy from the sheer number of people requesting refunds due to their dissatisfaction. There is a decent amount of controversy surrounding this movie, not only concerning the general distaste towards the movie from the respective communities they attempt to tailor to. But the director himself is French, failed to cast any Mexican actors, and has made rather rude comments towards the Mexican and Spanish-speaking communities. Not only that but the main actress Karla Sofia has received major backlash for comments that she’s made. These only enhance the shallow way the film approaches its social themes.

Karla Sofia Gascón does alright playing Manitas/ Emilia. Zoe Saldana and Selena Gomez also star in the movie. Zoe Saldana plays a lawyer trying to clear “Manitas” past and aiding in transitioning the main character. Meanwhile, Selena Gomez plays the main character’s ex-wife. Zoe Saldana does a decent job with the role she’s been given. Selena Gomez does seem to try her best here, but she is not fluent in Spanish and allegedly had minimal time to learn, so her dialogue’s cadence in the movie appears off, even to the un
trained ear. There is also the fact that this movie
is a musical. However, most of these musical numbers come off as poorly written and choreographed, with off key singing more often than not. It comes off as gimmicky at times and almost feels like an SNL skit of a musical
at some points rather than a serious film. Perhaps it would come off as more entertaining had it been made to be a comedy. Look up any of the
songs if you’d like to see for yourself. ‘El Mal’ or ‘La vaginoplastia’ will do. Perhaps a bigger blunder is that even with all the plot lines, music, and failed thematic exploration, the film begins to feel rather boring the longer it drags on, it becomes a struggle to even sit through one viewing. The overall filmmaking exudes a sense of being erratic. The writing comes off as surface-level and messy. So many plot threads come up that all just feel rather pointless in the end.