Aries : You’ve already named yourself “head chef,” burned the rolls and are somehow STILL bragging about it, but the meal is fire, though.   Taurus : Maybe let's not pregame Thanksgiving food this year. You shouldn’t be halfway through your third meal by the time the actual dinner starts.  Gemini : Sure, family and food are great, but free time is even better. No school, no stress, no problems.  Cancer : You’re feeling lots of mixed emotions about Thanksgiving. Crying tears o

Since Oneohtrix Point Never’s (OPN) new album “Tranquilizer” is releasing tomorrow, I thought it would be a good idea to write about another album of his in anticipation. When finding an album  I knew would be a good introduction to him as well as be a great listening experience in general, I looked no further than “Replica.”  When I first heard “Replica” and OPN in general, it was from listening to a different album from one of his aliases. Chuck Person’s “Chuck Person’s Ecc

Four students had the unique opportunity to present their findings at the South Atlantic Modern Language Association (SAMLA) conference last week.   The students were accompanied by professors Dr. Ben Robertson, Professor Anna Orlofsky and Dr. Ekaterina Kobeleva.   “It’s really good public speaking experience and looks good on a CV or resume,” Robertson said. “They did very, very well.  “I’m just so proud of them for having done this.”  The four students who had the opportuni

It’s not a game; it’s a ride. Troy’s Theatre and Dance department showcased four performances of “Ride the Cyclone” last weekend, and I was fortunate enough to be able to get tickets to the sold-out show.  I knew about “Cyclone” long before the showing this past weekend. My freshman year roommate introduced me to the cast recording from the official production. We saw it together on Sunday. Talk about a full circle moment, huh?  For those who don’t know, “Ride the Cyclone” is

Thankful for this Tradition Thanksgiving is fast approaching, but it is typically overshadowed by Christmas. This is evident at retail stores that are starting holiday deals, radio stations that are starting to play Christmas songs and houses putting up decorations.  There is nowhere that shows the shadow cast by Christmas over Thanksgiving better than in film. Hundreds of movies and specials to watch about Santa coming to town or a Hallmark movie where the big-shot corporate

Most people know the immigrant journey is one filled with ups and downs. However, it is one thing to be aware of and entirely another thing to come face to face with the emotions of such a process. “How the García Girls Lost Their Accents” (1991) is a novel by Julia Alvarez that has a clear focus on this subject.  My favorite thing about this work is the subtle portrayal of traumatic repression. The story is told in reverse, following the four García sisters from adulthood to

Troy University’s History Club and the Latino Student Alliance  held a Latin American History Roundtable last Wednesday in Patterson Hall.   “It was a really exciting partnership with Latino Student Alliance,” said Carmen Cruz, treasurer of History Club and sophomore American history major from Huntsville, Alabama. “We had a huge turnout, which was really exciting.  “I think it’s always good for people to learn about this, but it is also great for a social aspect. I think it’

Students showed out through their creativity with markers and paint brushes at Troy University's Activities Council’s Paint Night last Wednesday in the Trojan Center Ballrooms.  Refreshments were offered, and pop music bopped in the background while students talked amongst themselves as they were painting and drawing.  “I am painting Naruto and Spider Man since I just saw them and like them,” said Ryhein Fuller, a freshman geology major from Bainbridge, Georgia. “I like conne

As the seasons and temperatures are changing outside, so is the selection of flavors students can choose from inside of Blenz, as it has plans to release new seasonal flavors.  “As far as seasonal items, admin has been developing some new flavors; however my knowledge as to what they’re developing currently is limited,” said Amelia Fronckowiak, Blenz’s student manager who is a junior exercise science major from Madison, Alabama.  Although the new flavors have not yet been rel

The Troy University Percussion Ensemble drummed its way into the evening last Sunday in a concert that drew a crowd.  The concert, prepared by professor of music Dr. Timothy Blackstock, featured five pieces, some with multiple movements:  Telisi Odyssey – Russell Hartenberger  Kumansi  Kerala  Toccata – Carlos Chavez  Not Far From Here – Blake Tyson  Willow* – Michael Burritt  *Zytori Conner, marimba  G-Spot Tornado* – Frank Zappa, arr. Doug Wallace  *Special Guests: Dominiqu

Students had the opportunity to wear their best boot-scootin' shoes and line dance in HAL Hall last Friday. TRIO and the Troy Student Unity and Service Council teamed up to put on a night of good music and dancing.  “It’s just a positive way to reach out to people that might be stuck in their dorms, people that don’t have a lot of friends or people that just love to dance,” said Trey Brown, a sophomore physical education major from Eufaula, Alabama. “You can come out with lik

Opera Workshop presented scenes from three ballad operas this past weekend as part of its fall semester course. Opera Workshop has two performances per academic year to help students learn the history, techniques and styles of opera.  Unlike other ensembles, which are purely performance-based, Opera Workshop takes an academic focus. In the fall semester, students learn a particular style of opera and its history. In the spring, they focus on opera production, performing a ful

Recipe of the Week While spooky season may have ended, pumpkin season most certainly has not! Try this simple, one-bowl recipe that will give you tasty pumpkin chocolate chip bread in no time. Pair it with a pumpkin spice latte or a hot chocolate for the perfect study break snack!  Ingredients:    3½ cups flour  2 tsp. baking soda  1½ tsp. salt  1 tsp. cinnamon  1 tsp. nutmeg  3 cups sugar   4 eggs  1 ½ cups canned pumpkin  1 cup oil  ⅔ cups water  1 cup chocolate chips  Dire

Millions around the world have been exposed to K-pop in some way, whether through a trending Tik Tok sound, a steamy scandal or one of the many brand collaborations produced by companies such as Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel or Gentle Monster.    The K-pop industry is similar to a perfectly golden apple with a beautiful lustrous exterior and a promising sweetness. However, once bitten, a rotten core releases a taste of bitterness unlike any apple before.     My love for K-pop began

Students took a trip back to the Medieval Age on Monday, presenting each other with medieval meals in ye olde Smith Hall.   Each student in the Medieval Literature course selected a recipe and prepared it using ingredients and methods that were as close to 14th-century France as part of the Medieval Cooking Project.  “The dish I made was the Medieval version of a Vietnamese dish, which I am very familiar with, so it was really fun to make it,” said Tsai Suynh, an internationa

When people talk about the greatest horror movies of all time, one of the first ones mentioned is “The Silence of the Lambs.”  This slow-burning horror film has turned into a cult classic with its characters, Hannibal Lecter and Buffalo Bill, remaining iconic, recognizable characters in pop culture even after the movie has been out for over 30 years. While it is a cult classic, it does not mean the movie was unappreciated when it was released.  The movie is one of a few to co

The Troy University Gospel Choir filled the Johnson Center of the Arts Thursday for a night of Worship to celebrate Black spiritual music.  The concert consisted of strictly spiritual music composed by Black musicians, with the pieces “Every Time I Feel the Spirit” by Moses Hogan, “Alpha and Omega” by Israel Houghton, “The Question Is” by Marvin Winansand “Deliver Me” by Donald Lawrence, featuring solos by various group members.   Autumn Griffin photo Troy's Gospel Choir sing

Half jokes and quarter smiles With his 2024 release “Manning Fireworks,” alt-country-rock-ish artist MJ Lenderman paints portraits and vignettes of characters both pathetic and vicious through lines equal-parts witty and sincere.   On his fourth studio album, Lenderman takes note of the tired Southern stereotypes illustrated in the typical country song – men obsessed with living simple and religious, brazenly beer drunk alone, wondering where their lost love went – and both s

Saturday marked the day of the Homecoming football game, starting the day of celebrations at Troy downtown with the Homecoming parade.  At 10 a.m., South Three Notch Street and roads surrounding the square were closed off for this parade. The sidewalks were filled with community members and Troy students celebrating the Homecoming season.  Tilley Dromboski photo Anna Grace Tucker and Grace Shellhouse wave to the Troy Community. “I really like watching the bands,” said AnaGrac

A Troy University student, that’s been in a band for the past two years, was finally able to play a show in Troy last Saturday for Halloween night.  The band, ViCTORiA, is comprised of vocalist Bryson Bishop, a Troy student and a senior communications minor from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, guitarist Chandler Brewer, drummer Cody Foster and bass/keyboard playerHenley Phillips. They’ve been a band for two years and in that time, they’ve played numerous shows around their hometown,

Troy’s University Activities Council held a roller-skating night outside of Hawkins Hall on the side lot last Wednesday night. Although the night was chilly, students overlooked it for an enjoyable night of skating.  UAC skate nights are normally held inside with black lights for the neon effect. However, this skate night was held outside, and the neon lights shone just as bright after the sun went down.  Alex Ford photo Students take on roller skaing outside while listening

Anais' Annotations “House of the Dragon” is a spin-off of the hit TV series, “Game of Thrones,” which has had massive success over the last few years. It has taken over TikTok thirst edits and Wattpad fanfic accounts alike. Many people do not realize this addition to the “GOT” universe is based on a prequel novel written by George R.R. Martin, the creative mind behind both the original books and television show.  “Fire and Blood” (2018) is a unique history of the world of Wes

Troy’s National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations put together a tailgate on the Shackleford Quad Saturday afternoon for the Homecoming football game.   The music was curated by DJ Redd and DJ Cree.  “I came out to have a good time and enjoy my subordinates,” said Kendrell Corbitt, a freshman physical therapy major from Hayden, Alabama. “I got to show love for the school and see Troy students have fun.”  Alex Ford photo Students pose for a picture before heading to the Homec

Troy’s International Student Program held its final international student tailgate of the semester Saturday afternoon before the Homecoming football game.  Each international tailgate has been partnered with a different international student organization, Saturday’s being with the Indian and Nepali student organizations. This means all of the food and activities were provided by those two organizations, allowing the students to get a taste of their specific cultures as well a