VETERANS DAY
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VIRGINIA TECH STUDENTS TURN OUT TO VOTE AT SQUIRES ON ELECTION DAY
Jonathan Mususa | news writer
Virginia Tech students voted based on the three precincts their residential spaces were located in.
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Virginia Tech students turned out to vote at one of the voting spots on campus at Squires Student Center. Students were able to see their voting location through a page on the Virginia Tech website according to VT Engage.
The election was for 2024 elections for President, Senate, and House of Representatives.
According to the Montgomery County Registrar’s Office, thousands of Virginia Tech students voted in the election.
Virginia Tech students who live on campus voted in precincts A-3 (Johnson Hall, Miles Hall, Newman Hall, Whitehurst Hall), E-3 (Ambler Johnson Hall, Campbell Hall, Cochrane Hall, Harper Hall, Hillcrest Hall, Hoge Hall, New Residence Hall East, New Hall West, O’Shaughnessy Hall,
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Payne Hall, Peddrew-Yates Hall, Pritchard Hall, Slusher Hall), and F-3 (Eggleston Hall, Oak Lane Community, Pearson Hall, Sigma Phi Epsilon House, Special Purpose Housing, Upper Quad Hall North, Vawter Hall).
Virginia Tech has been nationally recognized in the past for its efforts to get students to the polls. The university has been named as a Voter Friendly Campus for the 2023-24 academic year as part of a joint initiative of the Fair Elections Center and National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).
“What that means is that we are a campus that has an action plan in place,” said VT Engage Coordinator Jessica Davis. “My department and our Hokies Vote Caucus students work together to identify different initiatives that they’re doing throughout
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the year (and) work towards finding a goal to hit a voter registration numbers as well.”
Student organizations, including partisan clubs, were involved in getting students registered in the run-up to the election and canvassed in front of the College Avenue entrance to Squires on Election Day.
“We don’t even try to tell people who to vote (for) person to person,” said Dawit Sheckler, voter education chair for the Virginia Tech Young Democrats (VTYD). “We tell them to come out and vote because we believe that every vote matters and the most important office is the office of citizen.”
Owen Rush, a canvasser with the Virginia Tech College Republicans (VTCR), said that he has seen the greatest amount of outreach from this election compared to others.
“I think we’ve gotten a decent amount of reception,” Rush said, whose pre-election outreach efforts consisted mainly of tabling and canvassing in the community. “We’ve seen a boom of members, so I think that’s probably the biggest thing we’ve gotten from outreach.”
In an election that has been widely regarded as one of the most polarized in
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recent memory, some students like junior Taylor Norris, who is studying biological sciences at the university, took note of the national tension.
“Whatever happens, I feel like there’s going to be some kind of violence or rioting or something like that,” Norris said. “It feels more dangerous than what elections are normally supposed to be.”
On a campus level, however, assessments of the atmosphere surrounding the election were more positive.
“It’s been very calm, very welcoming, very encouraging, getting people out to vote,” said sophomore Julia Molodow, Virginia Tech student studying agricultural sciences. “It’s been pretty chill.”
In any case, students showed up to vote to fulfill their civic duty, with many — including freshman Caleb Drake — doing so for the very first time.
“I think one of the most important things you can do as an American is vote for your elections, both local and presidential,” Drake said.
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OPINIONS THE TRAGIC PRICE OF PERFECTION
Mohib Amjad | opinions contributor
Humans have detrimentally affected pugs to preserve their once-praised looks. Dog, aka a man’s best friend. Most people have interacted with a dog in their lives. Dogs have been our companions for a considerable period of human history. More specifically, the earliest signs of dog domestication are from around 34,000 years ago. Dogs have played a major role in human history and who we are today. A lot of dogs have made their name in history: Hachiko, Laika and Balto. Our love for dogs has transcended into fiction as well, with characters like Snoopy, Scooby-Doo and Toto, to name a few. There are some amazing dog movies like “101 Dalmatians,” “Lady and the Tramp,” “A Dog’s Purpose” and “A Dog’s Way Home;” it’s safe to say we love dogs. There is even a rising trend of young adults who opt out of having babies and instead have dogs or “fur babies” to keep in their stead because of the emotional comfort dogs provide. Human desires tend to mold everything to their preference and comfort. We started as hunter-gatherers; then, we realized agriculture is a more secure way to maintain a diet. So, we shifted to an agrarian society. Then, we realized unity is power, so we became larger communities and this is the general trajectory of human civilization. The same is the case with dogs. We started domesticating them for hunting, then we realized they could act as shepherds as well. Later, we realized the emotional comfort that these animals provide is also very valuable, so we made them into companion animals.
The earliest traceable ancestor of pugs can be traced back to ancient China, where the flat-faced, small-sized dog, Lo-Sze, used to be loved by the people and was highly prized due to their distinctive appearance and affectionate nature. They were exclusively bred to be companions for Chinese emperors and nobility and their families. The Lo-Sze were given high status in the imperial court and were often kept under the surveillance of guards and servants. Lo-Sze were highly pampered and were exclusively bred to provide joy to the aristocracy. Unfortunately, we have lost a lot of records regarding Lo-Sze due to Qin Shi Huang’s burning of records during his reign. The pugs reached Europe when the Dutch
East India Company brought this breed over to the Netherlands due to their flat and wrinkled facial features. They became one of the favorite pets of the House of Orange which made them popular within the other nobilities of Europe. When William of Orange became William III of England, he brought over these dogs, and within no time, they were adopted by the English noble gentry. Once again, they became the symbol of status and wealth as they were adorned with jewelry and elaborate collars because it suited their small size and wrinkled face. The features that once made them unique and prized like having a flat and wrinkly face eventually became a curse.
As dogs approved by the Kennel Club became a status symbol, a race emerged to have the perfect dog. This is why breeders conducted mass selective breeding programs on their stock. Due to this selective breeding and line breeding processes, we have seen a rise in problems in pugs that typically occur due to inbreeding.
Pugs now suffer serious health issues due to these breeding programs. One of the biggest problems they face is brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Due to the obsession with a flat face, they do not have properly developed nostrils, which causes intense breathing issues. They suffocate because of it. To top it off, the only way that dogs regulate their body heat is through panting. Due to panting, they can’t breathe properly, which makes the dog unable to properly regulate their body temperature. This means they are always hot or cold and can’t do anything about it because they were born with this curse.
Another health issue that they face is that their jaws don’t develop properly, and their teeth don’t get the proper space causing overcrowded jaws. This causes misaligned teeth, gum diseases and difficulty chewing. These conditions lead to tooth decay, which puts them in constant pain throughout their lives. Furthermore, this also prevents them from exercising their jaw muscles properly and causes them to have weak jaws, which becomes a big problem as they get older.
We’ve all seen the puppy-dog face,
which symbolizes being cute and loveable. We tried to make our pugs have that face as well. One of the characteristics of the puppy-dog face is having big eyes. So, we began breeding them to have shallow eye sockets, making their eyes bulge to look cute. This not only makes their eyes susceptible to injuries, but it also makes eye ulcers common in this breed. To make the most out of their eyes, we bred them to have eyelids that roll inwards, which causes their eyelashes to irritate their eyes their entire life. Because of our attraction to having chubby animals, we bred pugs to have skin folds. These skin folds trap dirt, moisture and bacteria in between their folds, which causes problems like irritation, foul smell and chronic skin diseases. Because of this, they need regular cleaning of their skin folds, but most pug owners are unaware of this fact causing them to suffer immense pain due to this negligence. Finally, due to problems associated with heat regulation in their bodies, most pugs cannot get proper physical exercise. This causes obesity in pugs. Obesity creates all sorts of problems like cardiac diseases, diabetes and reduced joint movement. Due to the harmful breeding practices that occur to conserve the perfect gene, pugs now have an incredibly weak immune system, which causes them to contract diseases more readily.
Chase Bonniville, a freshman majoring in business, gave his opinion on why he would buy a pug.
“It is because they are small, so they can easily fit into an apartment and they would be considered low maintenance,” Bonniville said.
This idea that they do not require much attention must change, as they already are suffering from a plethora of problems and pug owners must be attentive to that. Due to our selfishness, we have made these once majestic and beautiful pieces of art into walking piles of problems. We need to solve this issue. The first solution would be to boycott this fantasy of having the perfect animal. Every animal has its own unique beauty and charm, and while it may sound a bit cliche, it is not just about looks. They
have their own personalities and that is what you should adopt them for. In my opinion, if you choose your dog based solely on their looks, then you are not doing it for yourself but rather to appease others. This craving for gratification needs to end.
But if one insists on buying a pug, we must know how to care for them, to give them the best life possible with all the problems we have given them. We should give them a diet high in protein but not high in calories, to promote muscle growth and retention. They always need access to fresh water so they can utilize it when their body heat is at elevated levels since they cannot regulate it properly. They need to have daily exercise, which means walks and playtime, but we must ensure not to overexert them, especially during hot and humid days. They need regular brushing, at least twice a day, to control the shedding and keep their coat healthy. We also need to clean their skin folds with a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth, to prevent skin diseases and infections. They need to be monitored for their joint movement, eyes and brachycephalic airway by a healthcare professional, and their diet must also be supplemented with the proper micronutrients, which promote a healthy lifestyle. In short, they require a lot of work.
I would like to call for a change in how we view things. Pugs are just a small part of the plethora of problems we have created due to us chasing our desire. We need to change our perception and stop chasing perfection amongst dogs like pugs. One day, we might start prioritizing our happiness over societal expectations, embracing individuality and appreciating people for who they truly are, rather than viewing them through an objective lens. We need to promote responsible ownership amongst ourselves, so that if we take the responsibility of adopting a dog, we must be ready to give it the best life possible because we are now responsible for another life. We need to stop tinkering with nature to make it suit our needs.
LIFESTYLES LEARNING FROM THE BEST: TA-NEHISI COATES SPEAKS ON LIFE AS PROLIFIC BLACK JOURNALIST
Benjamin Gozzi | lifestyles staff writer
A review of the professor’s discussion at the Moss Arts Center.
Author, journalist and professor Ta-Nehisi Coates presented a riveting discussion on his life and work in the Moss Arts Center on Friday, Nov. 1. The presentation, which lasted for just under 90 minutes, was given to a sold-out audience comprised of students, Virginia Tech faculty and members of the Blacksburg community.
Coates has written for the New Yorker Magazine, the New York Times, The Atlantic and more during a career that has spanned over two decades. Through works such as “The Water Dancer,” “Between the World and Me,”and his most recent work “The Message,” the Baltimore, Maryland, native weaves personal experience with profound messaging for audiences across the world.
“I thought Ta-Nehisi Coates was mesmerizing,” said Katie Gehrt, director of marketing and communications for the Moss Arts Center. “He is just as eloquent when he speaks as he is in writing. I could have listened to him all night. With both humor and deep insight, he was able to bring his perspective to some of the challenges we face today ... a lot of what he had to say resonated with the audience.”
The evening began with a reading of excerpts from Coates’s new book “The Message.” The novel, which takes readers on a journey through the bestselling author’s trips to Africa, South Carolina and Palestine, is crafted to “explore how the stories we tell — and the ones we don’t — shape our reality,” according to the book’s inside cover.
It was evident that Coates poured his heart and soul into what is now his most recent release. Reading from the top of the book, the journalist painted a picture of when he first discovered his hunger for journalism. At the age of seven, Coates recounted how he labored over a story of New England Patriots wide receiver Darryl Stingley who, after absorbing a massive
hit from then-Oakland Raiders linebacker Jack Tatum, was rendered paralyzed from the dislocation of two vertebrae. “I was haunted. Journalism, now, was meant to captivate. To haunt,” Coates said.
Moments later, moderator Menah Pratt, vice president for strategic affairs and diversity at Virginia Tech, was welcomed on stage. After a moment of thunderous applause for Coates’ excerpt, the conversation began.
Pratt’s first question was one of origin, asking Coates how he found the courage to write about the content he does.
“The tradition of Black writing is a particular one,” Coates said. “Black writing is not an inert thing. It is contested. My consciousness is my ancestors.”
“What right do I have to my fears?” Coates said.
Later in the evening, Coates was asked to share the questions we should be asking
in a changing society. Coates revealed that the focus should be on the questions that children are asking adults.
“Writing and books are dangerous technology. Getting to the questions makes me happy,” Coates said.
One of the most profound moments of the presentation was one that garnered a break of applause that lasted for what felt like hours. Pratt inquired about what students should be doing in a world that tends to beat them down for simply existing.
“Language has failed them,” Coates said regarding children. “They are looking for a new language. Advice (from an older generation) is cloaked to hide resentment.”
“Kids are figuring out a fucked-up world,” Coates said.
Coates fielded questions submitted by audience members to end the evening. One of his most poignant answers came from the question: “How do you avoid despair when
writing about the content you do?”
To the audience’s surprise, Coates stated that he often writes in despair. “I fall into despair all the time. The idea of writing in despair...life is not the absence of painful things.”
A thundering round of applause and a standing ovation escorted Coates off the stage. It was obvious that every member of the audience reveled in the Black journalist’s eloquence and poise when speaking about even the most difficult topics.
Students interested in learning more about what the Moss Arts Center has to offer should visit their website, where future performances, experiences and exhibitions can be found. Information about Coates’s work can be found at his online website.
LEV BIRMAN / MOSS ARTS CENTER
Ta-Nehisi Coates speaks in the Moss Arts Center on Friday, Nov. 1.
HOW TO HELP: ATTAINABLE WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE TO HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF
Ella Winterling | lifestyles contributor
Students at Virginia Tech find ways to help those affected by Hurricane Helene.
A month ago, Southwestern Virginia and Western North Carolina faced unprecedented flooding and damage as a result of Hurricane Helene. Since then, an outpouring of support has followed. While a lot of progress has been made, there is still work to be done.
“We have now transitioned from what’s considered the disaster response to disaster recovery portion of what they call the disaster life cycle,” said Megan Parks, executive director for United Way of Southwest Virginia. “The efforts that are going on right now are more focused on long term recovery.”
As a college student, it may be difficult to figure out what exactly you can do to help. There are many ways to support from volunteering to donating supplies or financial contributions.
Drives
Donating to supply drives is a great way to help assist in hurricane relief. Many small businesses or local organizations are currently conducting drives, such as the Pulaski County Free Store and Holler to Holler. Even if you are unable to find a drive site local to Blacksburg, it is possible to create one yourself.
Caroline Garcia and Alex Frank, both students at Virginia Tech, organized a Halloween drive for Western North Carolina. The drive included making Halloween-themed goodie bags complete with candy, games and hand-written notes. Garcia discussed the importance of picking something attainable when helping with hurricane relief.
“I would just say to start small,” Garcia said. “There’s no pressure to feel like you have to do something huge, because any small act of kindness can be life changing.”
Students in Susan Stinson’s Communication and Issues of Diversity class have the opportunity to organize efforts to help aid in Hurricane Helene efforts, as well. Stinson’s final assignment for her class includes making or executing a plan to help with hurricane relief, accompanied by a constructive conversation about climate change.
“I really think that enabling students to have an opportunity to have a direct impact is really important,” Stinson said. “I think that doing a project like this can show students just how involved people within those communities (Southwestern Virginia and Western North Carolina) are.”
Students are tasked with creating and executing a plan to aid in hurricane relief efforts, with ideas ranging from planning a specific drive to organizing a donation fund. If students are unable to execute a plan fully, they are required to submit a plan of action to VT Engage and communicate with organizations aiding in hurricane relief efforts in order to better understand the current needs of the areas affected.
These are just a few examples of how Virginia Tech communication students are getting involved. However, you don’t have to be in a specific class to help.
For students not in Stinson’s class, she recommends looking into Appalachian Voices, an organization that has a variety of resources and opportunities across Southwestern Virginia and Western Carolina.
“They put out a newsletter which has connections throughout the Appalachian region, from recommending direct action for things as different as the Cattlemen’s Association to a knitting and crocheting organization for winter wear, to all different kinds of opportunities for students to get involved,” Stinson said.
Volunteer opportunities
Another great way to get involved in hurricane relief is through volunteering, if driving to a location affected by the hurricane is possible. Many organizations have ongoing in-person volunteer opportunities, like Samaritan’s Purse and the Helene Rebuild Collaborative. Volunteer sign-ups are available on their respective websites.
Another way to find volunteer opportunities is through social media. Many organizations in Southwestern Virginia, Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee are utilizing social media to promote hurricane relief efforts.
RISE Erwin is one account on Instagram, which focuses on Erwin, Tennessee, a community heavily affected by flooding. The account has been consistently posting volunteering information and ways to help. Following accounts such as these gives power to the communities to express their needs directly. Small businesses throughout those areas may individually post with any help they may still need as well.
Donation
Making financial contributions is a great way to help out as well if traveling to volunteer or donate supplies is not an option. There are many organizations currently taking financial donations including the United Way of Southwest Virginia, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
Donations allow organizations to appropriately allocate funds to specific areas of need. No large donation is necessary. Even a small donation the price of a daily coffee can go a long way.
Organizing a GoFundMe and advertising it on social media is another possible way to help. Donations can go to a specific business or a national organization helping with disaster relief.
In addition, purchasing a ticket to an event or show is a simple method of contributing to hurricane relief efforts. Towns throughout Virginia and North Carolina have several upcoming benefit concerts, featuring music ranging from classical to bluegrass to rock.
Friends of Blue Ridge is organizing the Blue Ridge Holler concert series. The concert series runs in late November and some venues are located in Roanoke, just a 30-40-minute drive from Blacksburg. More information can be found on the Friends of Blue Ridge website.
If volunteering or donating in some capacity is not possible, just reaching out to the areas affected can make a difference.
“Even texting people or writing notes or donating five dollars to a small organization can make a large impact,” Garcia said. “It’s really the thought that counts and any small
action can have an immeasurable impact.” When looking to volunteer or donate, it is important to get in contact with the organizations prior to taking action. Many organizations may have shifted gears from supply donations to financial donations, volunteering opportunities could be full or drives may only need specific items. Overall, make sure to check in and get confirmation from organizations about what help is actually needed.
“Education is the biggest part,” Parks said. “It really does pay off to call in, ask the questions and really show up where the need is most prominent, just to ensure that people are getting what they need when they need it and where they need it most.”
There are so many ways to get involved and any help goes a long way. While the effects of Hurricane Helene may not be at the forefront of the news, recovery is still ongoing.
“It’s a continuous effort,” Garcia said. “It’s important for people to keep (people affected by the hurricane) in mind. This is a long-lasting impact that the hurricane had.”
“What we’ve seen is everyone in our region is so willing to get involved, to help, to show up for their neighbors,” Parks said. “That’s been incredible to see.It’s been incredible to be a part of it.”
GET LOST IN A GOOD BOOK: LOCAL BOOKSHOPS FOR FELLOW READERS
Cat Pizzarello | lifestyles staff writer
Blacksburg’s local bookstores provide students and locals with books galore.
Few environments can be likened to that of a bookshop. No matter their size, bookstores are home to fantasy lands, stories of starcrossed lovers or even chilling murder cases. In a digital world, bookstores are popping up less frequently. Kindles and e-books have risen in popularity, but the permanence and connection to a physical book differ from any digital alternative.
College students may go an entire college career only ever reading textbooks online, when all around there are opportunities to explore passions through the art of reading. Here are some local bookstores that can open students’ minds to the wondrous world of literature.
Blacksburg Books
Just a 15-minute walk from campus, Blacksburg Books holds new and used books that are primarily tailored to the needs of the Blacksburg community. Up until quite recently, Blacksburg did not have a local bookstore to call its own. In 2020, owner Laurie
Kelly decided that something had to be done.
With the help of now-manager Ellen Woodall, the two jointly opened what is now Blacksburg Books.
“The store used to be a clothing store and it was really sterile and white,” Woodall said. “So, we painted everything and built all the shelves ourselves.”
Originally, the store was intended to only sell used books.
“As we were hearing from people in the community, we realized that people really wanted a space to find new books as well,” Woodall said.
Blacksburg Books offers a trade-in program for books. Customers can bring up to 20 books at a time in return for store credit. These credits can be used for books among other knickknacks such as bookmarks, puzzles and unique items supplied by local vendors.
“It’s a place to, when you have time, find something to read for fun or personal pleasure or to pursue your own interests,” Woodall said. “And more than that I just think, you know, we’re a good place to hangout.”
Among bookselling, Blacksburg Books loves to connect with the community. “We have a big section of local authors,” Woodall said.
Blacksburg Books also hosts nationally known authors. They will be hosting Betül Tunç on Nov. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. where Tunç will be signing and discussing her book “Turkuaz Kitchen.”
“We sell stickers from a local artist and all of the proceeds are going to Hurricane Helene relief in Appalachia,” Woodall said. Blacksburg Books has also partnered with the Virginia Tech Prison Project to provide inmates with reading material during their terms. “That’s the kind of partnership we love,” Woodall said.
Old New River Books
Located in Christiansburg, Old New River Books is a used bookstore that shares a space with Cambria Station Antiques.Originally an online business, Ken Vaughan and his wife, Heather Vaughan, sold books as a way to support their reading hobby.
“I had a full-time career in software,” Vaughan said. “My wife said, ‘why don’t you just quit and try this?’ so I did.”
The small business originally started as a small booth inside the store Vaughan now owns.
“The community hadn’t had a used bookstore in a long time,” Vaughan said. “So, the inspiration was just really out of necessity.”
Vaughan expressed that the majority of their revenue now comes from the store, and he much prefers it over online selling.
“Everything you see in the bookstore here were books that weren’t suitable for online because they’re cheaper,” Vaughan said.
Vaughan expressed that when pricing books he triesto keep them all under ten dollars. Old New River Books also buys books and does trade-ins for store credit.
“For me, it’s really important that they are cheap,” Vaughan said. “I remember being a student and having no money.”
Vaughan wanted the store to be a place where students could explore their passions at a reasonable price point.
“I really try to have books for everyone,” Vaughan said.“John Grisham and Patricia
Cornwell, you can get anywhere.”
The store stocks a lot of vintage and antique books, leather-bound classics and even oddities like old boy scout manuals from the 1950’s. “But my main thing is I try to stock things that are weird and unusual,” Vaughan said.
“You all are at an age where your mind is open,” Vaughan said regarding students interested in reading. “You don’t necessarily think you are looking for a book on a specific subject, but it catches your eye. Suddenly you have this new passion about knitting or who knows what.”
Vaughan is excited to get more involved in the community as the bookstore continues to grow in popularity.
“Readers are such interesting people,” Vaughan said. “I love hearing what people are excited about.”
Other options
Blacksburg Books and Old New River Bookstore are the two main bookstores close to campus that are tailored to students reading needs. For younger kids, the Little Bookworm opened just around the corner from Blacksburg Books.
If you are seeking used textbooks, BookHolders sells and distributes used textbooks online and through their store. One of their three stores in the Virginia area is in downtown Blacksburg, where you can also find used clothing, donated knickknacks and Hokie apparel.
For a greater selection of new books, there is always Barnes & Noble. The closest one is in Christiansburg, and they frequently offer discounts on books for students.
Final Note
College is a time to explore and discover passions. Literature has the ability to open one’s eyes to what they love. Whether it’s science fiction, historical fiction or even a book on how to make a paper airplane, books are the exploration of knowledge.
CAT PIZZARELLO / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Old New River Books is home to the infamous book arch. The arch has secret books that can be removed from the arch to reveal a surprise. A great photo location, Vaughan expressed that people even have come to take their wedding photos under the arch.
ALBUM REVIEW: ARDEN JONES’ “AGE TAPE 0”
John Garlow | lifestyles contributor
Lifestyles contributor John Garlow gives his opinions on Arden Jones’ debut album.
Arden Jones is an indie alt-pop musician based out of Los Angeles, popular for his eclectic meshing of acoustic and electronic elements. His album, “age tape 0”(ATZ), released in November of 2022 to high acclaim. Jones usually releases one to four tracks in a format somewhere between a single and an EP on a monthly schedule. ATZ is the 10th and only album-length entry in his “age tapes” series. Since the release, many of his most streamed tracks have been from ATZ, two of which eclipsed his original breakout hit single “Parallel Parking.” Jones recently released his newest album, “the acoustic tape,” comprised of eight of Jones’ greatest hits reimagined in an acoustic style on Nov. 7, 2024.
ATZ is comprised of 10 total tracks: five remastered tracks from the nine previously released age tapes and five new tracks. The album explores the emotions of the early adult psyche: happiness, hope, animosity, depression, love and the eventual melancholic event of growing apart.
“not afraid at all”
“not afraid at all” starts the album strong with an upbeat feeling, high tempo and optimistic lyrics. The track is about Jones being in a newfound relationship and the two exploring life together. This song serves as a great example of Jones’ vocal style for first-time listeners; Jones often belts and uses his falsetto, as opposed to traditional tenor styles. This creates an effect of tension in the track. Lyrics like “How we gonna see the world / Stuck here at home?” convey a sense of adventure and cheer.
“mr. sunshine”
“mr. sunshine” is Jones’ most streamed track, and for good reason. The slow hook and intro leading into the energetic, pounding bass of the first verse is a sonic experience most listeners will start bobbing their heads to. The song is about the struggle of mental health and depression, and how the narrator, presumably Jones, cannot always be the “Mr. Sunshine” those around him want him to be. The sun is a common symbol throughout the album and in some of Jones’ other works; “not afraid at all” follows the couple as they are “Chasin’ the sun while it rise(s),” and in “mr. sunshine,”
Jones mentions those around him wanting him to be a source of happiness with the lines “I know that you want Mr. Optimistic / That ain’t realistic.” The sun is frequently utilized as a symbol of joy, often one that people search for but can never find.
“bad 4 me”
“bad 4 me” is about reflecting on old times, both good and bad. The chorus of the track reads “They say that you’re bad for me / Like alcohol and cigarettes / And I’d agree.” Jones expounds further that despite this person being bad for him, they still provided the most fun times for him with the lines “They make me feel the best / Help me clear the head.” He could also potentially be referring to past troubles with using alcohol and nicotine, but the former is more likely.
“call it even”
“call it even” is yet another song about love, and it’s the first song on the album to utilize the clean sound from his famous ukulele. The song also has some group backing vocals done by Jones, which is a technique he rarely uses, but it works well with the theme and relatively chill feeling of this track. This track serves as an interlude between “bad 4 me” and the next track, “horror story.”
“horror story”
“horror story” is Jones’ second most streamed song. The track has a melancholy quality that draws listeners in; it feels moody, imperfect and almost lo-fi inspired. The song’s topic is looking at a depressed friend’s emotions from an outside viewpoint. The track shows Jones’ perspective and his deep willingness to be there for his friends. This relates back to “mr. sunshine,” where if he can’t be “Mr. Optimistic,” he can at least try and help others around him be their happiest.
“starstruck”
“starstruck” is Jones’ fifth most streamed track. It started out as Jones recording an idea he had for a ukulele riff in a voice memo. He molded it into the track we know today
COURTESY OF ATLANTIC RECORDS Arden Jones’ album “age tape 0” was released in November of 2022.
and released on his single “age tape 7.” The song is one of five tracks later rereleased on ATZ. The song is about Los Angeles, and specifically Jones’ experience with showing someone significant to him around the city for the first time.
“indifferent”
“indifferent” encompasses Jones’ style extremely well: it hooks the audience in with some somber ukulele, keys and vocals, and then heightens the liveliness going into the first verse. When compared to the rest of the album, “indifferent” is relatively simple, but still loved by many; the track remains in Jones’ top ten most streamed songs.
“love on u”
“love on u” is a relatively slowsong about love with a catchy chorus. While it isn’t lyrically groundbreaking, it taps into familiar and nostalgic feelings of a young person yearning for connection. The track’s light, laid-back feel and syncopation allow for the chorus to shine and stick in the brain after listening.
“daisy”
“daisy” is in Jones’ top ten most streamed tracks, and it’s easy to see why. The opening feels nostalgic due to the chords’ tension and release. It’s slow, subdued, and the shortest song on the album, only lasting a minute and 23 seconds, making it the only song on the album under two minutes. Short, but sweet.
“the ringer”
“the ringer” is a song about Jones reflecting on his choices to chase his dreams with music. The music industry is tough, and Jones talks about his experiences with the lines “They gon’ put you through the ringer / They gon’ choke you / They gon’ hold you ‘til you’re down.” Jones reflects on how his luck was an important factor in his success with the lyric “You may spend your whole life waiting / What you want may never show.” A perfect blend of reflection, personal storytelling, and melancholy to end the album.
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SPORTS WEAKENED HOKIES OFFENSE FALLS FLAT IN 24-14 LOSS TO NO. 19 CLEMSON
Javier Mico-Crump | sports staff writer
Virginia Tech’s offense was as hobbled as it was ineffective.
Riddled with injuries in key positions, the Hokies (5–5, 3–3 ACC) were unable to produce an offensive score until the final two minutes of the game in a 24-14 loss to Clemson (7–2, 6–1 ACC).
Having both missed last week’s matchup at Syracuse with injuries, Kyron Drones and Bhayshul Tuten made their return to the starting lineup on a sunny Saturday in Blacksburg. While their return energized Hokies fans, neither appeared to be fully healthy, and they were unable to make significant contributions before they were forced out with injury.
“We have to get healthy,” said Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry. “Neither one of those quarterbacks [Kyron Drones and Collin Schlee] are healthy right now. Obviously, Bhayshul was limited, and I’m proud of him for giving his best effort.”
Perhaps the best way to understand the Hokies’ run game on the day is to point out their top rusher: Collin Schlee. Despite subbing on with only 13 minutes left to play, the backup quarterback’s 28 yards made up the majority of the Hokies’ 40 on the ground.
Tuten — three games removed from his record-breaking performance against Boston College — logged four carries for zero yards rushing.
On Clemson’s first drive of the game, quarterback Cade Klubnik led the Tigers down the field with a trifecta of third down conversions in the air.
Looking to move the chains on third and 16, Klubnik was hurried outside the pocket by Keonta Jenkins and threw a jump ball intended for his tight end Jake Briningstool. The pass was broken up by Mose Phillips, and safety Jaylen Jones arrived to make the interception — his second in three weeks.
The Hokies’ defense kept them in the game early, and turnovers became a common theme in the half for the Tigers. In addition to the pick, Clemson turned it over on downs when Cole Nelson got to Klubnik for a 10-yard sack on fourth and two. The Hokies sacked Klubnik a total of three times in the half, including one by the FBS sack leader Antwaun Powell-Ryland. With both offenses stalling, the play of the half came from Virginia Tech’s special teams. After a Drones fumble put the Tigers in field
goal range, Clemson was primed to get the first points of the game as they lined up for the kick.
As the ball was snapped, protection for the kicker collapsed as Keyshawn Burgos rose up and blocked the kick. The ball was fielded by true freshman Quentin Reddish who sprinted down the left sideline into the end zone, celebrating with his arms extended in front of a hyped student section. The 77-yard return was Tech’s first from a blocked field goal since 2016.
“I probably hit 25 [miles per hour] on that one,” Reddish joked after the game. “Obviously it was the first touchdown of the game, so we just wanted to keep building off it.”
The Hokies led 7-0 going into the break. It was the first time the Tigers had been shut out in the first half since they played then-No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs in the first week of the season.
“It’s just our mindset and the way we practice,” Jones said on the defensive effort in the first half. “We know that we have to be a stout defense.That’s Virginia Tech Football and that’s who we are.”
In a complete turnaround from their early offensive struggles, the Tigers were seemingly unstoppable in the third quarter.
Coming out of the locker room, Klubnik led an eight-play, 75-yard drive resulting in a 29-yard touchdown strike to Cole Turner.
After a quick three-and-out for the Hokies, Klubnik once again capitalized on good field position.
Klubnik took the shotgun snap on third and seven and was instantly hurried by Mansoor Delane from a corner blitz. The pressure got to Klubnik but the Tiger spun free, staying on his feet and firing to a wide-open T.J. Moore at the seven-yard line. Moore dodged a tackler and ran into the endzone on the 41-yard score.
The Hokies tried to fight back, activating the passing game after Tuten was forced off in pain.
Drones looked to Da’Quan Felton — who was lined up wide right — on two consecutive go routes. They connected on the first,
a 30-yard gain as Drones dropped it right into the bucket. The second, however, was picked off in an incredible display of athleticism by Ashton Hampton: a falling, one-handed interception as Felton tried to get back to the ball.
The pick set the stage for another Clemson score. This time Klubnik found Briningstool in the flat — a 12-yard catch-and-run touchdown that capped off a 93-yard drive.
Klubnik ended the game with 211 yards and three passing touchdowns. The Tigers went on to score 24 unanswered points before the Hokies could respond.
At this point in the fourth quarter, what was once Drones and Tuten leading the offense was now Schlee and Jeremiah Coney. This damaged offense took time to warm up, turning over on downs and throwing an interception on consecutive drives.
With a Clemson win all but secured, Schlee led the Hokies on a 75-yard scoring drive. Schlee impressed on the possessions’ final play — looking, waiting, stepping up in the pocket, spinning out of pressure and finding Ayden Greene open for a 14-yard touchdown pass.
Despite the late score, Saturday’s matchup was the biggest loss for the Hokies this season.
Dabo Swinney improved his record to 7-0 against Tech, Clemson’s seventh consecutive win against the Hokies dating back to 2011.
“The goal here at Virginia Tech is always going to be to get to the [ACC] Championship game,” Pry said. “We’ve clearly fallen short, but there’s a lot of things our group can be proud of. We have a great opportunity. Let’s get to postseason play, and let’s continue to try to be the team that we can be.”
At 5–5 (3–3 in conference), the ACC Championship is out of the question, but Virginia Tech will be bowl-eligible with a win in one of their final two games.
Heading into a much-needed bye week, the Hokies will look to rest and recover before traveling to play Duke on Nov. 23.
HAMAD ALHENDI / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones (1) passes the ball, Nov. 9, 2024.