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What are the strengths and weaknesses of The Grill? Photo from Online Through the combination of the tasty battered crispy chicken and the salty fries, the chicken tenders and waffle fries from The Grill form a culinary masterpiece deserving of three Michelin stars. Let’s take a step back: What is The Grill? Well, for those living under a rock, it’s the official snack bar of Middlesex, open Wednesday through Saturday. It serves all manner of things, like sweets, soda, and smoothies, and it also serves hot food from burgers to quesadillas and prevents many students from starving. Unlike the dining hall, where the tuition includes the cost of food, The Grill charges students for their Snickers, Arizonas, and fries through either a credit card or a student account. Overall, the food is good, and most of the prices are reasonable, but the hours of operation are a problem. The best dish at The Grill is arguably the waffle fries because they come out perfect with a nice crispy bite, a generous amount of salt, and a secret seasoning that all combine to form a treat for hard-working students–it is a true staple of MX cuisine. Furthermore, the waffle fries are a great deal; they are very filling and cost only $2.50, while other fries like Chick-fil-A’s fries cost $4.15. While the waffle fries may be the best dish, the chicken fingers are the most ordered and a close second with their perfect chicken-to-batter ratio that allows the taste of the chicken to shine while complementing the crispness of the battered exterior. Combined with the waffle fries, they form a culinary masterpiece, though sometimes the portions may be a bit too large. While the drinks are great, the smoothies and Arizona ice teas, in particular, are a bit expensive. Overall this issue is one of the main complaints of the Grill, everything else has a fair price, but the drinks feel a bit expensive. The other main problem with the Grill is the hours and days that it’s open. It should be open every school day because it is an excellent place for students to socialize, and it allows students to get snacks if they have a small lunch or miss it entirely. Furthermore, slight changes in hours should be made: on Friday, the Grill should open at 7:30, allowing underclassmen to get snacks before study hall. Also, if there is no Sunday shuttle, The Grill should be open for a few hours on Sunday, but the root of this problem is the lack of a Sunday shuttle. Although drinks are too expensive and the hours are not ideal, The Grill’s waffle fries, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, and smoothies are fantastic. Furthermore, The Grill is a central part of the community, but with a few minor tweaks to modify the strong base, it can bring the beloved restaurant from good to great. Timmy Hale

The latest theater production wowed audiences with captivating acting and irreverent language: join Nik as he evaluates the show. The Wolves, a 50-minute production directed by Dennis Canty and Patti Lonergan, was a riveting display for onlookers. On both nights of the play, the cast and crew garnered support from Middlesex students and faculty alike, the Fortmiller Theater’s intimate structure creating an immersive experience for the audience. The cast blended humor with melancholy as the characters developed and the plot unfolded. The play portrayed the growth of a semi-dysfunctional soccer team as they attempted to win a prestigious tournament. The wide variety of races, classes, and personalities led to exciting dynamics between loathsome and lovable characters, an entertaining mix of audacity and kindness. One cast member, Charlotte Davis-Jeffers, played the mother of the best soccer player on the team and loved the cast's camaraderie. She used that affinity for her fellow actresses to perform her character’s heart-wrenching speech after the untimely death of her daughter: DJ perfectly captures the mother’s struggles to articulate her disorderly thoughts, frantically cataloging her qualms of being a mother and her undying love for her daughter. When I watched the play, one scene that struck me profoundly was when Madi Brobbey’s character, struggling with her internal problems, took her intense anger out on the field by shooting penalty kicks, too shy to reveal her struggles to her team. The conflicts between the players seemed natural, as the emotion of the lines was fine-tuned through intensive rehearsal that brought the cast closer together. I admire that, even when the actresses were conversing, the play still held our attention, as we were so deeply invested in the volatile plot. Despite their character being insulted, the actors kept composure and feigned sadness or anger as if it were real. The few scene changes highlighted the actors’ versatility in utilizing their consistent surroundings. The undeniably insufferability of some of the characters strengthened the hatred of the audience, prompting one invested onlooker to say, as DJ recounts hearing, "She's such a b****,” attesting to the actress' impressive acting ability. The actresses appeared immersed in their roles in part because of the parallels between their real-life personas and their characters in the play, as both are teenage girls with teenage girl problems. Many audience members shared this perspective; however, to many, this play provided a window into the experiences and journeys of people of different ages or genders than their own, thus demonstrating the unique interpretations for all audience members. Ultimately, this play was a worthwhile experience for all––cast, crew, and audience––and future productions will certainly enchant the Middlesex community in the coming months. Nik Rizvi

AZN has big plans for Lunar New Year, promoting a plethora of traditional Asian practices for the greater Middlesex community As the Lunar New Year draws near, the streets of China come alive with red lanterns emitting an ardent glow and bustle from excited pedestrians. Children’s faces light up with joy upon receiving red packets from elders. Over the round table brimming with steaming delicacies, families embrace each other, extending tearful greetings after prolonged separations. A cessation to the painful distance that separates relatives, this holiday allows loved ones to reunite and forge everlasting memories. Because of the holiday’s importance in Asia, especially China, what activities and events can students on campus come February? Last year, AZN transformed Stufac with red lanterns and paper decorations, hosting activities ranging from dumpling wrapping to boba making to calligraphy. The previous leaders promoted the tradition of giving and receiving red packets by distributing red envelopes containing dollar bills or homework passes, much to the students’ delight. The event culminated in a grand dinner featuring delectable Chinese cuisine. Given the success of last year, AZN will no doubt conjure up yet another spectacular cultural festival this year. In interviewing AZN head Ema Edwards and faculty advisor Starry Zhu, I learned that this year AZN intends to build off of their traditional celebration by providing an immersive cultural experience for the entire Middlesex community. A week before the first day of the Lunar New Year, AZN will hold an event in the Terry room with different activity stations, including calligraphy, couplet making, paper flower cutting, origami, Mahjong, and other traditional Chinese board games. Since the whole school is welcome to join, this is a great opportunity for Asians to appreciate their identity and for non-Asian students to learn about a new culture. Food, a unifying element in many Asian cultures, will remain an integral component of this celebration, as emphasized by Starry when she remarks that “food brings people together.” There will be Asian food for lunch, provided by our wonderful FLIK Team, and a special dinner banquet exclusive to members of AZN. Furthermore, the Lunar New Year Gala on February 9th will showcase the beauty of different cultures through the diverse talents of Middlesex’s Asian students. According to Starry Zhu, when she first came to Middlesex a year ago, she was shocked to hear that there were only 15-20 Chinese students in the whole school. The small Chinese student body can, at times, leave Chinese students feeling disoriented as members of a minority. Reflecting on my personal experience, I have celebrated the Lunar New Year with my family for the past fourteen years, and the idea of appreciating this cultural event alone in a foreign country is undeniably disconcerting. Celebrating traditional holidays has a profound significance for international students, as it offers a source of solace and a means of consolidating cultural roots. In our conversation, Starry beautifully articulated this sentiment: “When you’re here in boarding school, your community is your family. To celebrate traditions together is what families do, and to be with a group of people so eager to share this experience with you is extremely powerful.” In Middlesex’s small yet diverse student body, events that promote the celebration of cultures are crucial to fostering an inclusive community. It is only when we experience other cultures that we can truly appreciate and embrace diversity. Jessica Wu

Sweet sweat streaks sticky slopes Sliding slowly south I stingily savor the sour smell of a swarming storm Swimming into the sea’s sphere Soon you’ll sit on the stone stump Staggering swiftly in stuttering steps So sorry Savage scandals stole my swollen soul Sorry to sugarcoat I sacrifice my satisfaction for safety— Though scared of sacred sadness You save me, singing Songs of shushed simplicity like soft seas upon my scalp, Soothing while still searing, In search of a secret. Seeing scalding solutions for a setback Sensitive shadows shall shave our shame Skimming sounds of screams from our skulls Silence the shot. Slipping into sudden sleep Skin shines sudden silver through the smoke Smoothly slithering into snakes. Something solar, somewhere in soil, We stamp our sorrow into soiled space Amelia Deng & Fiona Fittante

Murder on the Dancefloor, Running up that Hill, and City of Stars are all songs that gained wide popularity once introduced to the world of cinema. Are these songs popular simply because of their sonic appeal, or is there something deeper about the emotions that the films evoke that captivates listeners? Throughout cinema history, soundtracks have been a fundamental part of any good film. From City of Stars in La La Land to Don't You Forget About Me in The Breakfast Club, songs included in famous movies can often reach more audiences than the films themselves. Perhaps this is simply because they are catchy songs that are redistributed over and over through different mediums like TikTok or other forms of content creation, but I believe there is something more to these timeless soundtracks than their mere sonorous effect. Interstellar is the main example that comes to my mind when thinking of movies that utilize sound to deepen the film, rather than a simple post-filming addition. Its most popular track, Cornfield Maze, has been adapted and worshiped by pianists around the world for its ability to combine a seemingly simple back-and-forth sequence of recurring notes, yet cast listeners into a state of deep sorrow and remorse, much like the main character in the film. That is what makes a great soundtrack––not catchy, forgettable tracks but songs that immerse you in the film on a personal level; it is that connection that draws listeners back time and time again to relive that same feeling. Even songs like Murder on the Dancefloor, the upbeat hit that has finally been rediscovered in its feature in Saltburn after 23 years, have distinct personalities that catch viewers' attention. Sure, Tiktok has an immense appetite for flat, trendy songs, but with the platform’s inherent fast-moving nature, and its content that rarely engages the viewer deeply, these songs’ fame is often short-lived. It is songs featured in longer forms of media like Murder on the Dancefloor and Running Up That Hill that effectively combine catchy beats with lyrics and true meaning that find a way to succeed, as they have the sonic appeal that catches viewers' attention and the story in which they are featured, connecting the listener more profoundly to the scene and bringing them back to the same songs again and again. One of my favorite directors, Wes Anderson, is a master at using music to enhance the peculiar qualities of his films. In The Royal Tenenbaums, the song These Days by Nico immerses the viewer in the strange yet endearing moment in which Richie meets his adopted sister Margot at a bus station. The visual point of interest––the slow motion shot of Margot stepping off the green bus in her outrageous fur coat––paired with the nasally croon of Nico’s voice sends the viewer straight into this world of indie romance that completely captures the oddities of this film, while still portraying the lovable strangeness of the characters themselves. While on its own this song might have been grouped with the other unusual, experimental songs of its time, its endearing peculiarity is so striking within the film because, as this tale of a dysfunctional family unfolds, the soundtrack charms the viewer as they begin to fall in love with these characters that are so flawed and yet so lovable. Without the music, this scene would be quite bizarre as their dialogue is often brief and ridiculous, but the tale of bittersweet and unreciprocated love that the song evokes captivates the viewer in this moment––music describes the oddity of their relationship in a way dialogue never could. Movies and film aside, even one’s favorite songs can reflect this idea of a story being told through the lyrics. The reason why many people listen to music is because it describes the emotions that they feel through the usage of sound and lyricism; each time a song is played, the memories attached to that moment build one’s own story that the song begins to reflect. Indeed, it is the ability to involve one's experiences in listening to a song in a film that makes it so meaningful, as songs can engage and relate the viewer to the true feelings of the character in a way that cannot be implied through dialogue or action. Without music, many scenes would feel unnatural, impersonal, and empty; it is music’s job to fully envelop the viewer in a scene’s emotional depth. Catherine Bain

Examining the repercussions of a joke that left more than just laughter in its wake From stand-up to stir-up, the 2024 Golden Globes Ceremony took an unexpected turn when American actor and comedian Jo Koy, known for his stand-up comedy and hosting roles, expressed his contentious remarks in the limelight of hosting the event, receiving mass backlash as a result. Indeed, the Golden Globes has been no stranger to controversy, and Jo Koy’s scathing commentary on audience members and even the royal family has since amassed heated debate on the ethics of his hosting gig. Jo’s nuanced speech reveals greater implications for award ceremonies at large. Informed of his role as host ten days before the event, Jo Koy planned to use the center stage to poke fun at and critique celebrities like popstar Taylor Swift and actor Margot Robbie. However, following a series of failed jokes and satirical remarks, the room fell into awkward silence and stilted laughter: Jo Koy’s series of jabs had fallen flat. Beyond being lackluster and drab, Jo Koy’s jokes also carried great controversy regarding his propriety at the ceremony. Jo’s jokes ranged from rude comments about The Color Purple and it being “what happens to your butt,” to political satire on the royal family, claiming that “Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will still get paid millions of dollars for doing absolutely nothing––that’s just Netflix;” Koy even made sexual comments about Saltburn star Barry Keoghan. While many of the victimized celebrities brushed off Jo’s comments with nonchalant smiles and unfazed demeanors, almost everyone in the audience expressed visible repugnance towards his sadistic comment on Barbie. Serving as the nadir of his humorless monologue, Jo acknowledges that “Oppenheimer is based on a 721-page, Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the Manhattan Project,” and that “Barbie is on a plastic doll with big boobies.” The joke not only raised eyebrows but also garnered mass criticism for its sexist misrepresentation of the film’s intended message, seemingly contradicting the whole point of the movie. Jo attempted to account for the insensitivity of his joke by claiming that he “got the gig 10 days ago” and arrogantly questioning the audience: “You want a perfect monologue? You’re kidding me, right?” In these defensive remarks, it is clear that Koy acknowledges his failure and seemingly imputes the fiasco to his writers. In this age of digital media, the backlash was swift and intense but interestingly had a diverse range of responses. Firstly, Jo Koy’s remarks towards the white community had left many viewers criticizing his monologue, with some even boycotting the next Golden Globes for allowing Jo’s comments to be aired. Moreover, many celebrities have since taken to social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram to express their disappointment with Jo Koy’s remarks. Yet many celebrities went on to defend Jo Koy, empathizing with him in the challenging nature of his job and acknowledging the sensitivity of the Golden Globes. Most importantly, social media has since given rise to a rampant questioning of these controversial and “woke” speeches and their necessity in driving viewership for award shows. While Jo’s quips and contentious monologue sparked great opposition, they also provoked important discussions on pressing social issues that go beyond the celebrity world. Although not intended, Jo has seemingly leveraged the Golden Globes as an influential platform to elevate awareness and engagement for the underlying issues behind his humor. With this, he has highlighted another facet of award shows beyond their superficial prestige: their propulsion of social change. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve and address social issues, instances like these stand as reminders of the responsibilities that come with being in the spotlight, even in the realm of comedy. Bryan Dong

Since its founding in 1901, Middlesex has accumulated many traditions, each of which enrich our school culture, and add to our unique community. Some of these traditions are small and seemingly nonsensical, such as the curse of walking through the first arch when entering the Athletic Center; some are rooted in seniority, including the upperclassmen half of the circle, or the senior stage in the dining hall; and some are highly anticipated events, such as St. George’s Day, or Cash Night. While I enjoy every Middlesex tradition, I believe that the most valuable are the ones that bring the community together. One of my favorites of such traditions is, of course, Random Dance. The night includes crazy neon outfits, taking pictures with friends outside the Chapel, and fun dancing in the Dining Hall, but most importantly it provides the community with a night to bond with each other and to get to know one another at the beginning of the new school year. Each upperclassman is paired with an underclassman, and they spend the first half of the evening playing games together, such as musical chairs and limbo. I find that this event is the perfect way to connect older students with younger ones, and allow everyone to get to know each other when the new school year starts. Dorm Wars is another one of my favorite traditions at Middlesex, and it also plays a crucial role in bringing our community together. Dorm Wars ignites an exciting wave of school spirit through the student body, as each dorm spends the morning cutting up their matching t-shirts and covering themselves with glitter and paint in the dorm’s color in order to prepare for battle. Although I have never won Dorm Wars in the four years I have spent at Middlesex, I truly do believe in this case that it is the taking part that counts, as I always end the day feeling deeply connected to my friends in the dorm and to my Middlesex community. Finally, although the decision is not easy to make, my favorite Middlesex tradition would have to be the Senior Chapels that are presented to us every Thursday. Not only are Chapels something that many Seniors have been looking forward to having the opportunity to do ever since their freshman year, but they are also an incredible way to make an impact on the Middlesex community and to bring us closer together as a school. Chapels allow students to share pieces of their lives and their high school experiences with the community that are crucial in the formation of our close knit environment. Each Chapel talk that is given provides us with valuable insights, useful advice and funny anecdotes that undoubtedly resonate with students and change Middlesex for the better. Middlesex is already rich with traditions, but there is always room for new ones. I’m sure that as our school continues to learn and grow in the future, our traditions will evolve, and new traditions will emerge. While I’m not sure what Middlesex and its traditions will look like years from now, I am certainly excited to find out. Florence Morlock

The Anvil: the gritty story of a flailing newspaper Over the past three years, the content of The Anvil has greatly changed as various student editors and writers have attempted to develop the paper and cater to student, parent, and faculty interests. I have written for the opinions section, which has most likely seen the greatest degree of change over the past few years. The content has largely shifted from topics covering political and current events to content that focus on Middlesex students’ views to inward-focused opinions on the Middlesex community. This issue’s opinion’s section topics list includes coverage of pricing and portions at the Grill and recent upperclassmen class trips. One such list from 2021 asks for opinions about “Money Laundering in the Arts Industry” and “Kamala Harris’ Voyage to France.” Although some students are surely interested in the latter topics, The Anvil seems like an odd spot to cover them in. The new array of topics provides Middlesex parents more insight into their children’s activities and life at school. It can also provide valuable feedback for faculty on student opinions. Middlesex-focused topics are also easier for students to write about, hopefully inviting more student participation; unlike current events, few people are better qualified to write about the Middlesex experience than students. One fundamental challenge to the newspaper’s past coverage of current events was the fact that other writers cover the same topics. It’s hard to compete with the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times for coverage of the pressing issues of the day. However, some students are interested in thinking and writing about these topics, and the removal of such topics removes an opportunity for students to practice their analysis and writing. Luke Power, News section editor, has also taken his section on a new course this year in order to improve readership and interest in the paper. Luke hopes to “spice things up” this year, tabloid-style. He encourages his writers to write eye-catching, edgy, and sensational stories. Creativity and even satire have found their way into The Anvil’s pages under Luke’s wise and cutting-edge approach to journalism; his writers have since investigated whether Pickleball is a legitimate sport or crime syndicate, and a deep dive into Davis Hale’s taste buds. He hopes to prop up readership, which Section Editor Power alleges has “flatlined.” However, aside from the fun and intrigue of Luke’s sensational articles, the news section maintains balance with a steady flow of high-quality articles about serious topics. For example, an interview with new Head of School Mrs. Speers provided genuine insight not only to students and faculty, but to parents who have limited opportunities to interact with school life and faculty. This is an overall trend of The Anvil this year: greater insight from students to teachers and students to parents about Middlesex happenings, issues, and daily life. The Anvil naturally changes a lot year to year: every group of editors has new ideas about how to make The Anvil better, more interesting, and more popular. Some changes work; some don’t, but this year’s changes have largely been for the better: the news section strikes a balance between sensational content and serious journalism, maintaining The Anvil’s serious reputation while introducing a playful element. The opinion section has honed its topics into highly relevant Middlesex opinion. However, something which seems to have changed for the worse is new student participation. New students ultimately form the future core of the paper, and it seems like participation is down this year. Not only are freshmen the future of The Anvil, but the insights and ideas of genuinely new members of the community could be very valuable and interesting. Jack Elworth

What does Nailah, a head of BSU, think about the MLK Jr. day events? This past month, I was fortunate to host a panel alongside Kwame Alexander ‘25 with three notable Black alum panelists. I met the panelists before our program during a pre-panel meeting. As I listened to each panelist’s stories and what they were up to today, it was apparent that, despite their unique experiences, they could still connect through their time at Middlesex. The stories about their journey during and after Middlesex were hopeful, as they all found themselves heading in a different direction than they had intended after graduating from Middlesex. The comfort they expressed in the unknown of what life would bring them was encouraging, yet it was evident that they could still use skills and maintain relationships gained at Middlesex. While hearing from the panelists was powerful, I felt that the panel did not reference Dr. Martin Luther King even though our programming was for his national day. The panel perfectly reflected Black excellence and experience, characteristics of Dr. King’s work; however, our failure to connect to him throughout the programming sometimes felt unfocused. Nevertheless, I was excited that the community had the opportunity to listen to three young but successful alums of color who could offer knowledgeable advice and connect to the current struggles of many students, specifically Black students. Kwame and I asked the panelists various pre-made questions about identity and experiences at Middlesex. These questions led to insightful answers that many Black students and students, in general, could relate to and provided a glimpse into what life could be like in five to ten years. I am immensely grateful to all of our panelists who were able to come to Middlesex in person and to the school for allowing us to connect and listen to the alumni. The sentiment of the panel after was that there was more to be said, as is always the case, and I hope that Middlesex continues to invite young alums and encourage conversations about identity and race at Middlesex with those who have experienced Middlesex and the world beyond. Nailah Hamilton

A window into daily decision-making in the Middlesex Dining Hall in a time of unusually high food prices. Have you ever gotten to the dining hall and found no delicious, albeit expensive, raspberries left for you? It’s no secret that Middlesex students play favorites when it comes to the meals served in the cafeteria. They pounce at some offerings and pass on others. So, how does the dining hall team predict our uneven food consumption every week? How do they mitigate food waste and overspending in an economy of rising prices? Precedence is key. “We use guides from previous years,” said Dave Peterson, the head of Flik dining services on campus. Still, it’s not an exact science. I interviewed some Middlesex students to find out if (and what) items run out quickly in the dining hall. “The pasta is always gone, especially at lunch,” says Grace Fundaro, 27’. One of the few supplementary meal items offered consistently in the cafeteria, pasta is a product the dining hall needs a lot of and also something that the students want. Another key item glaringly missing in the cafeteria multiple days a week is Lucky Charms as brought to my attention by Elizabeth Welles 27’ and multiple other students. “With 118 new students, the volume changes,” Peterson added. For example, on January 19th during our interview mid-lunch block, Peterson explained, “We made 100 pizzas today and we just ran out” leaving the second half of the lunch crowd disappointed. Sometimes, it’s the opposite problem. “Say we have a whole pork loin unused, we will make soup with it the next day,” says Peterson. Repurposing the previous day’s meals helps to reduce waste and cut excess spending in a time of unusually high prices. “Food prices increased 2.9% for the year ending in November,” according to a CNN Business article from December. Though 2.9% may sound insignificant, this comes on the heels of an 11% increase from 2021 to 2022 as reported by the Government Accountability Office. Flik benefits from some cost-effective measures such as volume pricing, a structure that offers discounts for bulk purchases. Food pricing for Middlesex is also standardized amongst all Flik locations which helps to balance Middlesex’s individual spending. Still, Peterson acknowledges these are expensive times. “Food over the past few years has been out of control but we still have to feed you,” he said. Though food price inflation is no longer outpacing general inflation according to CNN, some products are still especially pricey. Yahoo Finance reported that bread prices, oranges, and beef are three of the most pricey items of this year. The dining hall continues to observe student food consumption and adapt to student behaviors in order to waste as little food as possible and spend conservatively. Diana Davidson

What led to this incredible win? On January 8th, the stage was set for the first national championship game without an SEC school since 2015, when Ohio State, starring Ezekiel Elliot, defeated Oregon. Similarly, this game highlighted a star rusher in Michigan’s Blake Corum, juxtaposed by the Huskies’ high flying offense led by Quarterback Micheal Penix Jr. Although both of these teams headed into the national championship undefeated, their journeys could not have been more different. Michigan was a dominating force in the BIG 10 East where they destroyed almost all of their opponents. They led every single game at halftime for the entire season due to their unrelenting, mistake-free, hard-nosed, classic BIG 10 football. Washington, on the other hand, faced skepticism throughout the season after barely surviving close game after close game against other PAC-12 rivals. Entering the championship game in Houston, Michigan was a 5.5 point favorite after beating Nick Saban’s Alabama in a classic overtime game in the Rose Bowl. Washington, however, barely survived Texas but managed to sneak by through annihilating the Longhorns’ secondary. To begin the game, Michigan ran the ball down Washington’s throat setting the precedent for Michigan's complete domination at the line of scrimmage. The beginning of the game was topped off by a massive 40-yard touchdown from Michigan’s second running back, Donovan Edwards. When Washington got the ball back they marched down the field; however, as Washington entered the red zone, the Michigan defense stood their ground, only allowing a field goal. When Michigan got the ball back, viewers experienced deja vu as Donovan Edwards ran for yet another 40-yard touchdown, making the game feel almost out of reach for the Huskies. However, as the game moved into the second quarter, Washington’s run defense buckled down, allowing for only a field goal. As the quarter was about to end, Micheal Pennix threw a 3 yard touchdown to Jaylen McMillan. We finally had ourselves a game. The third quarter was primarily marked by punts and strong run defenses as both teams allowed very few big plays. However, when the fourth quarter began, Michigan unleashed a total assault on Washington’s defense as tight end Colston Loveland made a 40-yard run after a terrific catch. Then, to seal the game, Mike Saintrisil intercepted an underthrown ball from Micheal Pennix. For the first time in 25 years, America hailed to The Victors: The Michigan Wolverines. As a fan of the blue, this moment was indescribable. After years of being destroyed time after time against Ohio State, experiencing heartbreaking losses- such as the muffed punt game against Michigan State- the moment was surreal. In 2024, Michigan was a team of destiny, centered around returning big-name players like Blake Corum and Zak Zinter. This team was on a mission, and they achieved it. Even SEC die-hard Paul Finebaum said that Michigan would’ve beaten Georgia, proving that everyone in the college football world knew the Michigan Wolverines were the true victors. Despite the sign-stealing allegations, Harbaugh criticism, and hate for Team 144 as a whole, Michigan stuck to its mission: Win it all. And on January 8th, The Victors were once again Valiant. So to close, I have one thing to ask. Who’s got it better than Us? NOBODY. Will Cohen

How good is Bronny James really? In a much-anticipated debut for the USC Trojans, Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, has captured the attention of basketball enthusiasts after a challenging summer marked by a sudden cardiac arrest. The young athlete's journey back to the court is nothing short of inspiring, as he defies the odds and works towards solidifying his place in the world of college basketball. This past summer, Bronny James faced a serious health scare when he experienced a cardiac arrest. The specifics of the heart condition that led to this episode have not been disclosed, but the incident cast a shadow of concern over his promising career. Bronny's resilience, however, became evident as he underwent treatment and embarked on a rigorous recovery process. The cardiac arrest episode undoubtedly raised questions about the impact on Bronny's career trajectory. Many wondered whether he could make a successful return to the court, let alone meet the high expectations set for a player of his pedigree. Nevertheless, his debut with the USC Trojans has proven that Bronny is not just back; he's here to make a statement. In the first few games with USC, Bronny James has showcased his skills and versatility on the court. While some doubted his ability to perform at the same level after a health setback, he has proven himself to be an integral part of the team. The question of whether he lives up to the hype seems to be answered with each game played. Critics have questioned whether Bronny's potential NBA prospects are a result of his talent or merely a product of nepotism. As the son of LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players in history, Bronny has undoubtedly faced scrutiny. However, his performances with USC demonstrate that he possesses a genuine skill set and determination to forge his own path. The timeline for Bronny James to enter the NBA remains uncertain. While he has shown promise, predicting the exact number of years until his NBA debut is challenging. It will depend on his development, performance in college, and potential draft opportunities. LeBron James has faced criticism for suggesting that Bronny could play for the struggling Lakers. Valid or not, this notion adds an extra layer of pressure and scrutiny for the young player. Whether Bronny ends up with the Lakers or another NBA team, his journey will undoubtedly be closely watched. To expedite his path to the NBA, Bronny James will need to continue honing his skills, maintaining a strong work ethic, and proving himself in college basketball. As a player with a famous surname, the expectations are high, but if his performances with USC are any indication, he has the potential to navigate the challenges ahead and make it to the professional league. Bronny James' debut for USC has not only marked his triumphant return to the court, but has also ignited discussions about his future in the NBA. Only time will tell if he can live up to the expectations and carve out his own legacy, separate from his famous father. Danny Cai