Solar Powered Waste Compactors on Our Campus!

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Paige Sanford & Gerald Purcell || Issue 13 || February 19, 2025

Do you recall the beloved Pixar film Wall-E? Wall-E is a compactor robot, tasked with the job of cleaning Earth. Wall-E compresses garbage in small cubes and he’s energized by a solar power unit. Wall-E isn’t unlike the Solar Powered Waste Compactors, or SPWC for short, that are throughout
our campus. Solar Powered Waste Compactors are an environmental container for garbage. The compactor can hold around five times the normal capacity of a traditional trash bin. A Solar Powered
Waste Compactor is equipped with solar panels powered by the sun to operate. SPWC are usually supplied with a battery to store the solar powered energy to continue operating regardless of the weather conditions or time of day. A signal is sent to the workers when the compactor is full to be emptied. The existence of Solar Powered Waste Compactors reduces our carbon footprint and garbage trucks don’t have to monitor waste levels on a daily basis due to the signal notification. The invention of Solar Powered Waste Compactors has the economic advantage of reducing costs by up to eighty percent. The cost is less due to decreased workers wage hours, gas fuel, and vehicle maintenance from unnecessary trips to check the status of traditional trash bins. The SPWC condenses trash into smaller cubes, minimizing the size of landfills and fits more garbage into the container. On our campus, there are Solar Powered Waste Compactors that are passed daily by faculty and students. The knowledge of understanding the benefits and use of SPWCs’ is equally as important as their location at Hudson Valley. At the Marvin Library at the Borrowing desk, Admissions Office in Gunther, or the PDF attached to this announcement are Scavenger Hunt sheets to find six of the Solar Powered Waste locations on the main campus! Participants should fill them out by Thursday, February 28, of which 5 people will be randomly selected to win free HVCC merchandise!!! Send the forms to [psanford2@hvcc.edu], [g-purcell4@hvcc.edu] or slip them under the door of Amstuz 314 to be entered into the giveaway!!

How Much Money Does Valentines Day Bring In?

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Adem Jones || Issue 13 || February 19, 2025

Valentine’s Day remains a major economic driver, with businesses across multiple industries seeing significant profits during the holiday. In the U.S., consumers are projected to spend over $25 billion on Valentine ’s-related purchases this year, according to the National Retail Federation. This spending includes gifts, dining, travel, and experiences, making it one of the most lucrative holidays for retailers and service providers. Jewelry stores, florists, and confectionery companies see some of the biggest spikes in sales. Jewelry alone is expected to bring in nearly $6 billion, while spending on flowers is projected to reach $2.5 billion. Chocolates and candy remain a staple of the holiday, generating over $3 billion in sales. Restaurants and entertainment venues also benefit from the holiday, with many couples choosing to celebrate with a night out. Data from
the National Restaurant Association shows that Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest dining days of the year, with a large portion of consumers opting for fixed menus and themed dining experiences. Additionally, travel spending has increased as more couples plan romantic get aways, boosting hotel and airline revenue.

Retailers and online marketplaces capitalize on the demand by offering Valentine’s-themed promotions. E-commerce platforms see a surge in sales as consumers purchase gifts ranging from traditional items to personalized experiences. Subscription services, including meal kits, streaming platforms, and flower delivery services, also see an uptick in customers around the holiday. Marketing plays a key role in driving Valentine’s Day sales. Companies
use targeted advertising, limited-time deals, and influencer partnerships to encourage spending. Social media campaigns promoting “Galentine’s Day” and self-love gifts have expanded the market beyond traditional couples, appealing to single consumers and friend groups as well. Despite the high spending, consumer habits continue to evolve. Surveys indicate that
younger generations are prioritizing experiences over material gifts, leading to increased spending on concerts, trips, and spa services. Meanwhile, budget-conscious consumers are taking advantage of discounts and planning celebrations at home to reduce costs. Valentine’s Day continues to be a profitable occasion for businesses across various sectors. With consumer spending trends shifting, companies are adapting their strategies to meet changing demands while maximizing revenue during the holiday.

Monkey In Sri Lanka Causes Power Outage!

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Jacob Stark || Issue 13 || February 19, 2025

In Sri Lanka, a single monkey is responsible for the entire nation’s loss of power. The monkey broke into a sub-station on the nation’s electrical grid, where it neutralized the island’s power.
According to Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, “A monkey has come in contact with our grid transformer, causing an imbalance in the system,”. The blackout occurred on Sunday, February 9, 11:00 am local time, when the monkey intruded upon the power station. 22 million residents were left without power, forced to rely on generator power and thermal power stations rationed electricity. The blackout was said to have lasted 7 hours before power was fully restored. While it is not explicitly stated whether or not the monkey survived, it’s reasonable he was terminated by the transformer. Sri Lanka’s energy security is known to be in a state of weakness, with experts consistently warning that its power grid is outdated and prone to disruptions.

“The national power grid is in such a weakened state that frequent island wide power outages may be expected if there is a disturbance even in one of our lines,” stated an unnamed senior
engineer. This isn’t the first time Sri Lanka has experienced nationwide blackouts either. In the summer of 2022, Sri Lanka residents had to endure months of rolling blackouts when the country was plunged into an economic crisis. Fuel stations ran out of petrol and diesel, forcing thermal power stations to ration electricity to 13 hours each day. If a single monkey truly caused an entire nation to lose power, Sri Lanka might be in more trouble with a monkey population of around 2-3 million. Sri Lanka is already facing issues with these monkeys. With people encroaching more and more onto forested areas, monkeys are raiding nearby villages in search of food resulting in the destruction of crops. Perhaps the only way for Sri Lanka to resolve these issues is with a truce with the monkeys, or they may have bigger issues on their hands.

Short Story: Errent Quest

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Liam May || Issue 12 || February 4, 2025

It was dark in the woods. Not tar pitch black or grey fog, but a frosty darkness. A crisp full moon hung low over the trees, a pale bloated orb, like an engorged whale swimming a sea of stars. The perfect dark was cracked only by the celestial lights, and a single lone campfire. In a small clearing of ever greens, a man and his steed huddled next to the burning logs. It wasn’t a cold of deep boreal winter, but it was a night that was chilly with the death of summer. The man wore a simple half plate, with a pelt draped across his shoulders for warmth. His weapons were simple, on his back was a Longsword, engraved
on its hilt a rampant rooster. At his side rested a mace. Leaning against the log he sat on was a shield, with a similar design of a rooster, gold on a black field. The horse was average in size, perhaps some 14 hands high, but sticky and covered with shaggy hair. A well-worn saddle with bags rested on its back, and no rope tied it, but it stood patiently by the fire, ears flicking around the clearing. It nuzzled the man’s arm and snorted. The warrior sighed and reached into a pouch at his waist, drawing out
a small carrot, which he promptly handed to his mount. The horse happily took it from his hands and shuffled away, chewing contentedly. The knight looked up to the sky, tracing constellations and the path of the moon. He sighed, expelling a visible cloud of vapor into the cold air. Snow was not on the ground but it would be soon, and by then he needed to buy out of this valley. He poked the fire with a
stick, sending a quick shot of sparks into the sky. The knight shifted a log closer to a split-open potato that rested near the embers. As he leaned closer to the fire, the warhorse pawed the ground and shook
its head nervously. The knight looked up sharply and scanned the edge of the firelight, his eyes straining to sort shadows from monsters. His hand rested on his mace with a careful, practiced ease.
“Who goes there?” He asked, voice level and calm. “If you are but a solitary bandit, you will not survive the first exchange, and if your numbers have surrounded me, choose the first to die.” From the edge of the forest stepped a figure in brown and green, his mottled cloak blending into the foliage. His hands were raised but his cowl hid his face. The knight looked at the newcomer warily, still ready for another to rush from the trees. “I mean no harm friend,” the stranger said, pulling down his hood. A ghost of a smile was on the new man’s face, his short scraggly beard and hair were black. A scar on his cheek looked more like the work of a blade than an accident, and the way he carried himself quietly stated capability. The knight’s hand never left his weapon. “How do I know your friends aren’t waiting for me to get comfortable before stabbing me in the back.” Slowly the other drew open his cloak, showing a wineskin hanging from his belt. The knight’s eyes did not miss the short sword that hung above it either. “A bandit wouldn’t share his mead before robbing a mark.”

Value For Vikings: Discounted Regal Movie Tickets

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Molly Graiff || Issue 12 || February 4, 2025

Welcome to the spring semester! If you’re new to HVCC, welcome! The Hudsonian is your source for the latest campus news, current events, and interesting stories. Values for Vikings is a column that highlights the deals around campus giving you the most bang for your buck. One of the best on-campus deals is the discounted Regal movie tickets at the Student’s Activities office. Located in the Siek Campus Center in Room 210, the Student Activities office offers amazing events. Each Tuesday from 10 AM-3 PM and 4-5:30 PM (Evening students only) Regal movie tickets are sold for $5 each. There is a limit of two tickets per week per student. You must show your current HVCC ID to get this deal. A typical Regal ticket for an adult is about $15 meaning buying yours at HVCC saves you $10.

Some exclusions apply. I used my tickets bought at HVCC to see Inside Out 2 and Wicked and both times I had a $1.50 upcharge per ticket once I got to the theatre. There are upcharges on new releases or specific movies so you must note that when planning. Even with the upcharge, it was such a better deal to get my tickets at Hudson Valley. If there are no ticket sales for the week that should be reflected in Brightspace as well as the college’s website so, look out for those posts. Consider purchasing your Regal movie tickets at HVCC saving you money while also conveniently grabbing them after class.

Opinion Review: Can You Be the Obstacle on the Path to Success?

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Hamide AK || Issue 12 || February 4, 2025

success a matter of fate? Or is it a legacy passed down from one person to another? No! Success is tied to the goals a person sets for themselves. Success is a concept that varies from person to person and is often defined as achieving a goal, gaining personal satisfaction, or creating a positive impact on society. Achieving a predetermined goal or completing a planned task also constitutes success. However, success involves utilizing one’s abilities and potential to the fullest. It is not just about external results but also the sense of fulfillment a person feels internally. For instance, helping others, leaving a positive mark on society, or making a difference in others’ lives. For some people, success is not
about money or career but a happy and peaceful life. Finding inner peace and achieving personal happiness is also a form of success. Naturally, this
concept of success, which leads us to the most beautiful points in life, is not easily achieved. As the saying goes, “You cannot climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets.” Isn’t this a profoundly true statement? Now, I want to ask: how high is your ladder to success? If we consider each step of that ladder as an obstacle, how many steps of obstacles do you have on
your path to success? Have you faced all these barriers? Moreover, what is your determination to overcome them? Factors That May Hinder You on the Path to Success: On the journey to success, the obstacles you may face can be personal, environmental, or psychological. Here are some examples: 1. Lack of Self-Confidence If you do not believe in your abilities, you may hesitate to take risks or try new things. 2. Lack of Clear Goals The absence of specific and achievable goals can reduce your motivation. 3. Poor Time Management Failing to plan, prioritize, and use your time effectively can slow down your progress. 4. Negative Thoughts like “I can’t succeed” or “I have no chance” can hold you back. Negative thoughts drain your confidence and energy. 5. Environmental Factors An unsupportive environment, critical family members, or unmotivated friends can make your journey difficult.

  1. Lack of Discipline Without consistency and determination, achieving long-term success is challenging.
    1. Fears and Anxieties Fear of failure, reluctance to make mistakes, or worrying about what others think can prevent you from taking steps forward. 8. Health and Mental State Physical or mental health issues can affect your motivation and focus. Solutions:1. Set Goals: Define specific, measure from small but consistent steps. 3. Believe in Your Potential: Encourage yourself with positive affirmations. 4. Seek Support: Spend time within spiring people and seek guidance from mentors or professionals if necessary. 5. Manage Your Time: Create daily, weekly, and monthly plans. Determine your priorities. 6. Take Care of Your Health: A healthy body and mind are crucial for success. Factors Shaping Success: Personal Goals: Success depends on the goals a person sets for themselves. With each goal you achieve, your belief and confidence in yourself will growable, realistic, and time-bound goals .

When you reach a goal, your self-confidence increases. This enables you to approach bigger goals with courage in the future. The thought “I succeeded, I can do it again!” motivates you. Values and Beliefs: Success is often defined as achieving what is important to individuals. This does not necessarily have to be tangible. Filling in whatever is missing on your path to being your true self (even if it is abstract) is
also, a form of success. You begin to appreciate your abilities and efforts. This enhances yourself respect and helps build a stronger character. Societal Perception: Sometimes, society defines success through wealth, status, or social acceptance. However, this definition is not always accurate. People around you notice your successes and appreciate you. This leads to greater respect and support in
your social circle. Your achievements can also inspire those around you, including your children, friends, or colleagues, making you feel more valued. In conclusion, success is subjective; what matters is creating your own definition of success and progressing accordingly. Living a life aligned with your values and dreams is the foundation of true success. Remember, success is a journey. Making mistakes or slowing down occasionally is a natural part of the process. What matters is not giving up and continuing on your path. Overcoming challenges, persevering, and refusing to give up
are critical elements that define success. Success positively impacts you not only through external results but also through the internal changes you experience. Whether big or small, what matters is achieving a goal that is meaningful and valuable to you. Success is the courage to keep going despite the obstacles encountered in life. When you take steps toward your dreams, remember that the road may not always be easy; but difficult paths create strong travelers. Success is born not just from great victories but also from the small steps and perseverance you show every day. If you have a goal and are working toward it, you are already successful. Remember that even your mistakes and failures are lessons that make you grow and strengthen you. Believe, be patient, and take one more step toward your dreams each day. Because success is the reward for those who do not give up. Trust yourself because what you can achieve in this world is limitless!

Opinion Review: Nostolgia in Pop Culture

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Adem Jones || Issue 12 || February 4, 2025

I’ve been obsessed with Tate Mcrae’s new song, “Sports Car,” lately. There’s something about it that feels so familiar that it’s almost a little lackluster, yet just fresh enough for me to keep coming back. Then, I saw the perfect comparison and it all made sense. Tate Mcrae is trying to reheat Nelly Furtado and Timbaland’s nachos.
The problem is that she’s missing the cheese, but it’s 3 am, and you’re a little drunk, so you eat them anyway, and in that moment, in that context, they’re the best nachos you’ve ever had.
Nostalgia, as we experience it today, is like reheated nachos, oftentimes I’m perfect, but still a satisfying relic of the past. A flawed recreation that feels just right because of the context. It’s messy, it’s missing something, but strangely, it’s exactly what we need. It’s this longing for a time we didn’t fully live through or experience that
has become a driving force in pop culture. It’s not about perfection, it’s about the comfort of familiarity, even when it doesn’t quite hit the mark. This desire to revisit and repackage
the past is evident in today’s music, fashion, and media. Sampling in pop music has become one of the clearest manifestations of this trend. Artists like Dua Lipa and The Weeknd have embraced the sounds of the ‘80s, reviving synth
heavy melodies and larger-than-life production. Songs like Dua Lipa’s “Physical” or The Weekend’s “Blinding Lights” don’t just evoke memories of a past era, they reinvigorate them. These tracks don’t just sample old music, they create a bridge between generations, giving listeners access to a soundscape they may not have experienced firsthand but can still resonate
with. It’s the musical equivalent of a retrofit, borrowing familiar elements to craft something that may be new but will always be a bit reminiscent. But not all nostalgic moments hit the mark as seamlessly. The TikTok discourse around Mcrae’s attempt at recreating Furtado and Timberland’s early 2000s magic is a perfect example of the tension between the old and the new. Reheating the past may bring comfort, but it often lacks the raw, unrefined energy that made the originals stand out. It’s like trying to capture lightning in a bottle, sometimes, the magic just doesn’t translate. The unfortunate reality is that while nostalgia can be a powerful tool for connecting with an audience, it can
also stifle creativity when it’s not used
thoughtfully. This brings us to Hollywood’s obsession with sequels, reboots, and remakes. Everywhere you look, there seems to be a fixation on revisiting the past. Classic films and TV shows, from “Ghostbusters” to “Full House,” are being recycled for new audiences, with mixed results. On one hand, these reboots are a chance to revisit beloved characters and stories, offering a comfort we can cling to in an ever-changing world. But, on the other hand, it raises the question: Where are the bold, groundbreaking stories that once defined cinema? Are we so consumed by nostalgia that we’ve forgotten how to innovate? In a world where streaming platforms often prioritize remakes over original works, it’s hard not to wonder whether we are just chasing echoes of the past rather than creating something truly fresh.

This obsession with nostalgia has even seeped into fashion, where the Y2K aesthetic has seen a resurgence. Gen-Z, the current youth generation, is embracing the early 2000s despite not having fully lived through it. Many Gen-Zers, myself included, were mere toddlers or not even born
during this era. Yet, here we are, sporting cargo pants, chunky sneakers, and butterfly clips like they’re an original part of our style DNA. It’s a fascinating paradox: the generation expected to push culture forward is instead looking back to find their identity. In this context, TikTok plays a pivotal role, not just as a trend-setting platform but as a time capsule. The viral nature of TikTok makes it a space where the past and present collide. A song from the ‘80s or a trend from the 2000s can explode into the mainstream, not because of any inherent artistic value, but because it resonates emotionally with a generation in search of identity and connection. What does this all mean for culture? Why does nostalgia have such a hold on us? Psychologically, nostalgia serves as a coping mechanism, a way of dealing with uncertainty and distress. Research suggests that nostalgia can boost self-esteem, inspire confidence, and connect us to others in meaningful ways. In an era defined by technological change, economic instability, and social uncertainty, the past becomes a comforting anchor. But it’s also more than just a psychological crutch, it can be powerful
tool for reconnecting with deep emotional truths.
The challenge, however, is not to
fall into the trap of just “reheating nachos.” When done right, nostalgia can enrich culture by creating connections across generations, but when overused, it runs the risk of turning into a
form of escapism, a retreat from the challenges of the present. So, where does this leave us? Are we trapped in a cycle of recreating the past, or can nostalgia be a steppingstone to something new? To me, it’s both. Nostalgia serves as a bridge that links generations through cultural standards. But if we’re not careful, we might end up so absorbed in what has been that we forget to create the future. In the end, nostalgia is a powerful tool, one that can either stifle creativity or fuel it, depending on how we use it. The challenge is to balance honoring the past with building a future that is just as rich, bold, and meaningful. Much like those reheated nachos at
3 a.m., nostalgia may not capture the original magic, but in the right moment, it’s the imperfect comfort we crave. Sometimes, the best things are the ones we revisit, even when they’re a little worn around the edges.

Album Review: Epic: The Ithaca Saga

The Hudsonian Newspaper

Christian Rasmussen || Issue 12 || February 4, 2025

Jorge Rivera-Herrans, Director and

Producer of EPIC: The Musical has just released their 9th and final edition of their concept album. EPIC: The Musical, is a concept album that encapsulates the events of the Greek tale, The
Odyssey. After 20 years of fighting Trojans, sea creatures, monsters, and even the God of the Ocean, Poseidon, Odysseus finally makes it home, only to find his palace ransacked by suitors. The Saga
starts with “The Challenge,” a song that captures the emotions of Penelope, Odysseus’ wife, who has waited 20 years for his return. This song also captures her struggle when the suitors demand she pick a new king, believing that Odysseus is dead or lost. She comes up with a challenge: a suitor must string the old King’s bow and shoot through 12 axes. Only he who can string the bow and make the very
precise shot can be crowned King of Ithaca. The second song in the Ithaca Saga is “Hold Them Down”. In this song, the leader of the suitors, Antinous, claims that Penelope’s challenge is a ruse to further delay them from claiming the throne. Having enough, Antinous plots to kill the Prince of Ithaca, Telemachus – Odysseus and Penelope’s son. When that’s said and done, the suitors plot to take
the throne by force, but Antinous is struck by an arrow to the neck before they can act. The third song, “Odysseus” is the final ‘Boss Battle’ of the Musical. Odysseus, during his 20-year journey, fought
many of these ‘Boss Battles’, including a cyclops, a witch, a sea monster, and Poseidon. The final boss battle though, is Odysseus. One by one Odysseus slays the suitors. While the bloodshed commences, the suitors find the weapons room, where Telemachus, the Prince of Ithaca, returns home and helps Odysseus defeat the suitors. With ease, Odysseus slays all the suitors and reunites with his son, who he hasn’t seen since infancy. The fourth song, “I Can’t Help But Wonder” is a shorter song, where we
can feel the bonding between father and son. For one, it is a reunion, and for the other, an introduction. After the long hug they share, Odysseus tells Telemachus to inform Penelope that he’s home. When Telemachus leaves, Odysseus finally reunites with Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, and his mentor. Athena claims that all the troubles Odysseus went through were her doing, and wonders if it would be different had she stayed with him. Odysseus forgives her, and Athena leaves. Telemachus returns and tells Odysseus that Penelope awaits him in their bedroom. The fifth and final song, “Would You Fall In Love With Me Again” is a duet between husband and wife. Odysseus finally sees Penelope and instead of melting into her arms, he claims that he is not the man she once fell in love with. He claims that the 20 years away have changed him in ways he believes she would hate him for. With this information, Penelope tells Odysseus to move their wedding bed out of the bedroom. Saddened by this, and slightly enraged, Odysseus claims that the bed cannot be moved, as it was rooted into the olive tree where they had met. Penelope claims that only her husband would know that, so he must still be her husband. Seeing he was tricked; Odysseus gives in and the two finally reconcile. The musical ends with the two harmonizing on the words “I love you”. This musical as a whole has been a very genius and emotional piece of music, all 40 songs have their unique artistry behind them. Overall, I give this musical a 10/10.