Sigma Tau Delta celebrated Indigenous voices in literature by holding an Indigenous Peoples Read-In last Wednesday afternoon in Smith Hall 267.    This was the English Honor Society’s first ever Indigenous Peoples Read-In. Students and faculty members were all invited to attend.   “I thought the read-in was a great way to bring attention to Indigenous writers,” said Emma Arnold, a junior English education major from Slocomb, Alabama. “I feel like that's a pretty marginalized 

Anais' Annotations Real talk: getting along with your in-laws can be really hard. You may love them, but sometimes, you just wish they would do literally anything else than what they are doing. It is in-law relationships that spark the events of E. M. Forster’s “Where Angels Fear to Tread” (1905). This novel is a whiplash of drama, tragedy and romance, so buckle up.  I have heard some mixed opinions on this work, but for myself, I quite like it, and one reason for my approval

Every single semester, whether it seems like it or not, stands as the end of some seniors’ experience as bachelor’s students. Reagen Simmons, a senior music industry major from Jacksonville, Alabama, is one of those students this semester.   Simmons, a saxophonist, said when she first started as a Troy student, she never expected herself to be where she is today as a musician.  “Troy has helped me grow immensely in my knowledge of many different styles of music, as well as my

Christmas is just over a month away, and while most Troy University students won’t be on campus for the holidays, Troy’s Theatre and Dance department is putting on a traditional Christmas performance with a modern twist before campus empties for winter break.  “Clara’s Nutcracker” is the 1940s adaptation of the Christmas ballet, “The Nutcracker,” featuring a 16-year-old Clara (rather than the traditional young child) living in post-World War II America. After being gifted a n

Troy’s History Club held a trivia night to raise money for a local veterans’ charity last Wednesday. Students were asked to bring a donation, either via CashApp, Venmo or cash.   The winner of the trivia for the night would then have the pool of money donated in their name to the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization.  Quang Le photo Students play a few rounds of Kahoot for trivia. “We wanted to do something special for Veteran’s Day,” said Keira Tessalone, a junior European

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

The fifth consecutive year of the YellowHammer Film Festival was a chart-topper, becoming the first year the competition has been an international affair, with record breaking attendance.   According to Assistant Chair of Art and Design Chris Stagl, this year’s film festival was extremely successful.  “It was a phenomenal day,” Stagl said. “I would say, perhaps, one of our most successful YellowHammers yet.   “We had a record-breaking audience, both in person and online. We s

The Gunn doesn't jam Superhero movies have become one of the most popular genres of this century. The creation of the critically acclaimed Marvel Cinematic Universe started a chain reaction in Hollywood, creating other superhero movies and universes.  One attempt was Warner Bros. trying to start their own cinematic universe with the DCEU. While there were a few good movies in this extended universe, the majority of the films flopped at both the box office and with the fans. 

Horror and thriller movies are key staples of October. With spooky season in full swing, people are breaking out the classic scary movies to get in the Halloween spirit.  One of these movies is Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film, “The Shining.” I went into this movie with high expectations because it is considered one of the greatest thrillers of all time.  The movie, unfortunately, did not live up to these expectations. While it can be argued how influential it is, the movie felt d

Sorority Hill was the site of an annual Halloween tradition for the community and the university last Thursday, as local families and students alike gathered for Haunted Hill.  Emma Wadsen photo Children grab candy from the table as they are dressed up as characters For the event, each sorority house was decorated for Halloween with themed games and activities, photo booths with spooky props as well assorority members handing out candy outside. They weren’t just there to set

Troy’s University Activities Council and Freshman Forum put together a Pumpkin Painting event on the main quad last Wednesday night.   Pop music played in the background while students painted their creative ideas on their choice of a pumpkin.   “I painted Hello Kitty because I grew up with Hello Kitty, and she’s my favorite character,” said Taliyah Stenson, a sophomore nursing major from LaGrange, Georgia. “She's just so cute.   “These types of events bring everybody out so

Spooky season has started, and on Troy’s campus, that means it is time for Troyapalooza, the annual Halloween bash for students. The event willtake place at the amphitheater and the plaza behind the International Arts Center (IAC) on Oct. 28, once again.   Troyapalooza is a free arts festival with a student focus that will kickstart at 6:30 p.m. This is a unique event that happens yearly before Halloween.Troyapalooza is also included in Troy’s Homecoming Week of events.  “Tr

The International Student Cultural Organization (ISCO) puts on a yearly festival to showcase students’ cultures from all over the world. Next week, ISCO will be holding auditions for this year’s festival.  “The ISCO festival itself is meant to be a showcase of international talent and international food,” said professor and Faculty Advisor for ISCO Dr. Jay Holt Valentine. “It’s, in part, to expose domestic students to culture from around the world, but then likewise, it honor

Anais' Annotations If you like a flair for Southern drama, I have a story that may interest you. Eudora Welty’s “The Optimist’s Daughter” (1972) is a novel that the author developed based on an existing short story, and it is packed with family drama, crazy coincidences and never-ending plot twists.  This is not a book that I would call action-packed, as all of the conflicts are truly interpersonal. It moves at a much slower pace than readers may be used to, but unlike most s

People from around the community gathered at the Troy City Recreation for a Halloween Spooky Movie night held by Truly Chosen. This is one of the many events put on by the organization to help bring community members together.  Truly Chosen is an organization with a mission to promote inclusivity within the community, specifically working with the disabled community. Themembers aim to have an event once a month ranging from hands-on activities, serving the community or events

After nearly a decade and a half of being kept off streaming services, Death Grips’ debut mixtape makes a triumphant return to the limelight of the experimental hip-hop scene. But do the unorthodox samples, cryptic lyrics and oppressive soundscapes still hold up in 2025?  For some background, Death Grips is an experimental hip-hop trio from Sacramento, California. The group consists of Zach Hill on drums, MC Ride on vocals and Flatlander on keyboard. The three work collaborat

Troy’s 101 ELITE Men held “Splash an E.L.I.T.E. Member” on the Trojan Center patio last Thursday to raise money for development events. This event was a fundraiser for the organization. Students could pay $3, $5 or $7 to soak an ELITE member with a small bucket, cooler or 15-second spray down of water, respectively.   “We just want it to be fun,” said Isaiah Daniel, a junior sports management major from Calera, Alabama. “We’re paying for each other to get splashed and everyth

Movie lovers have been blessed in 2025 with some fantastic films. There were superhero films like “The Fantastic Four" and "Superman” and horror movies like "HIM” and “Weapons.”  Few movies this year have received as much love from both critics and fans as the movie “Sinners.” This love for the film set the record for the highest-grossing original movie of the 2020s, earning over $366 million at the box office.  After watching the movie, it deserved every single dollar it got

Recipe of the Week There is truly nothing that gets you in the mood for fall like pumpkin spice. Pair it with a big, fluffy cinnamon roll, and you might as well be in an autumn paradise. The thing about cinnamon rolls, though – they are a lot of work. If proofing yeast and rising dough just is not your thing, these quick and easy pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls might be just what you need to kick off the fall season!  Ingredients:   - 1 can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (the b

Sigma Tau Delta held a read-in centered around banned books last Wednesday. Students and faculty alike were encouraged to bring excerpts from their favorite banned books and read them aloud.   Topics included themes such as anti-war, racism and profanity. The Banned Books is an annual read-in.  “We’ve been doing this in conjunction with the National Council of Teachers of English,” said Associate Professor of English as well as Co-Sponsor for Sigma Tau Delta Dr. Theresa Johns

Troy’s M.I.S.S. Elite Society and Sparkle Mentoring Club partnered up to put on a Mocktails and Paint Night event in Patterson 105 last Wednesday.  There were two stations where students could choose to get supplies to create a vision board for this year and next year or other art supplies for painting activities. Music played in the background as students worked on their pieces while sipping on fun drinks.   “I found on Pinterest a love bird singing some hearts or whatever o

Anais' Annotations For readers and fans of “Frankenstein” (1818) by Mary Shelley, Alasdair Gray has a twist for you in his 1992 novel, “Poor Things.” This may be a familiar title, as it was recently adapted into a film in 2023 starring Emma Stone. The movie is great, but as always, the book is better.  This novel is a collection of letters, diary entries and medical notes. All of these elements come together to create a collage of different perspectives. Overall, it creates a

An interesting new take on a classic Troy’s Department of Theatre & Dance and College of Arts & Humanities is performing William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” For those who are unfamiliar with the production, “Twelfth Night” is one of Shakespeare’s comedy plays.   ] The title refers to the eve of the Feast of Epiphany in Christian holiday. This play explores themes of love, grief and chaos as it follows Viola, who has recently lost her brother in a shipwreck, disguising hers

Taylor Swift’s new album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” has garnered some pretty polarizing opinions from all fans. The general consensus:...

I am a sucker for animated movies. The way each movie can have its own sketch of characters who are then put into the visual perspectives...

Recipe of the Weeks October is upon us and that means everything pumpkin! So, break out the flannel, grab your warm apple cider and dig...

History Club partnered with Political Science Club to hold a “Jeopardy!” night in Patterson 202 last Wednesday. The night consisted of...