Staff Writer 

Alix Earle and Tom Brady, two names that have been on everybody’s tongues if they are involved in Pop culture. Are they together? Will they announce it? As well as comments on how odd the pairing is, the age gap, another football player, odd timing for both of them, and what else is going on in their lives with their ex-partners.

What we know so far about the possibility of their relationship is that they were first spotted together in Saint Barths during the New Year’s parties happening there, just a few months after Earle had left her partner, Braxton Berrios, wide receiver for the Houston Texans, and Brady’s ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen, was having a baby with her new husband. When the news broke that the two were sports all cuddled up together, many thought it was a midlife crisis on Brady’s half, and for Earle, this was a one-off thing after the end of her prior relationship. 

Since they were spotted in Saint Barths during the new year, both pirates have been dancing around the fact that they have been spotted together and in the same area on multiple occasions. There have been many sources confirming their relationship, but many think there will never be a confirmation. 

There is also the possibility that the relationship will be confirmed in Alix Earle and her family’s new reality TV show, which has been filming during this rumor cycle. Although not much is known about this relationship, one thing is for sure: the sightings of the two of them in the same area are never just a coincidence.

Staff Writer

In 2011, computer scientist Andy Weir self-published his first book “The Martian.” Three years later, the novel was traditionally published by Crown Publishing group. “The Martian” was an enormous success and was adapted into a movie in 2015 with Matt Damon as the main character. The movie had box office and critical success, including Academy Award nominations for Best Picture. Weir would achieve success again with his third book; “Project Hail Mary,” which was released in 2021.

“Project Hail Mary” is a science fiction novel following science teacher Ryland Grace. The term “Hail Mary” refers to the spaceship in the novel, the main setting. The chapters of the book alternate between the present day and the past. In the present, Grace wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of why he is there or where he is going. He also does not recognize the two dead crewmates that are on the spaceship with him. Throughout the story Grace will regain his memory and remember why he is on the spaceship and what his mission is. In the past chapters, Grace is a middle school science teacher. He learns that something is happening to dim the sun’s brightness and is hired to study material from the sun.

“Project Hail Mary” debuted at number three on The New York Times bestseller list. It has risen in popularity due to the anticipation of the movie release and is currently number two on the “Combined Print and E-Book Fiction” list on The New York Times.

The movie adaptation is set to release on March 20. It has been filmed for IMAX screens, so the viewers will be completely immersed in the space setting. Early reviews are already positive, with Rotten Tomatoes boasting a 96 percent average score from 115 ratings. Critic Tasha Robinson from Polygon praised it for staying true to the novel; “It’s everything fans of the book could want” and for its funny and emotional tone; “funny, strange, heartening, and completely satisfying.”

“Project Hail Mary” is expected to be a hit amongst fans of the novel and casual moviegoers. It will be showing in theaters across the United States and internationally.

Staff Writer

In 2023, two of the biggest cinematic events of all time occurred. Barbie directed by Greta Gerwig and Oppenheimer (2023) directed by Christopher Nolan released on July 21, 2023. Both movies dealt with very political themes and sparked discussions amongst people who participated in the “Barbenheimer” event.

Barbie shows Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) going to the “real world” where they discover the trials and tribulations as well as the joys of being human. The movie deals with themes of female empowerment with America Ferreira’s character delivering an inspiring monologue to Barbie about the unfair and bizarre standards women are held to. Part of the monologue states, “It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough. Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow, we’re always doing it wrong.”

The movie also critiques the patriarchy by contrasting the female -led Barbie world which is joyful and inclusive with the male -dominated Barbie world that objectifies women and forces men to commit to “macho-man” interests and attitudes, which aims to show how the patriarchy limits both men and women.

Oppenheimer follows the journey of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) and the creation of the atomic bomb and its implication of the dangers of nuclear weapons, knowledge and political manipulation (McCarthyism). An overarching quote of the film which Oppenheimer states is, “Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds”, which originates from the Hindu text, the Bhagavatd Gita. The film also follows Oppenheimer’s hubris and guilt following the creation of the bomb, and when the United States dropped the bomb on Japan, subsequently ending World War II.

Both films comment on the dangers of unchecked and powerful systems, which for Barbie is the patriarchy, and Oppenheimer is the military-industrial complex. Both films also comment on male dominated power as well. In an interview with Associated Press, Robert Downey Jr. Who played former U.S Atomic Energy Commission chair, Lewis Strauss said, “Men start wars and the entire planet should be a matriarchy.” Barbie similarly comments on the dangers of a male dominated political system with the takeover of “The Kens”.

Both movies created a buzz online about both films, with viewers resonating with the female empowerment of Barbie and the dangers of knowledge and unchecked power in Oppenheimer. Of course, this discussion led to politics. Writer and critic Emily St. James put it best in her article, “What we discourse about when we discourse about Barbenheimer”:

  At some point in the past decade, we became aware that all art is political – because it exists within the political realities of the society and artists who created it – but that led to what feels like an increased insistence that art’s primary reason for existing is as a political object. This belief does a disservice to art and to politics. The predominant goal of politics is persuasion, and while it must make room for nuance, it usually does so in the name of sanding that nuance off of a more strident position. To me, art is at its best when it begins from a position of nuance and keeps going. There is plenty of art that has as its first goal political persuasion, but this art is rarely the kind that lasts beyond its specific moment. Art that speaks to us across time usually has a broader aim, a goal to explore the nuances of human behavior in ways that go beyond the didactic.

Staff Writer

We all have regrets. You, there, reading this paper…I know you do. Does it bother you? Does it eat at your soul? Perhaps your mind wanders to the test you barely passed. Barely because you should have studied more, and scrolled Instagram less. Maybe you think to your loved ones; how much time have you spent with them lately? And I’m not talking about time spent mutually in a house together, but genuine time spent—laughing, talking, and making memories with. Instead you spent that time in your room, or at school, or anywhere where they weren’t, ‘cause “I’ll spend time with them later.” Did you?

You think to your friends and colleagues and the many texts to them you haven’t sent, and the messages you haven’t read…you have good intentions, but life gets in the way sometimes. You should have taken that opportunity. You could have been a star. Would’ve. Could’ve. Should’ve. The trips you wanted to take but never did; the book you wanted to write but never started; the friends you wanted to make but never found…the future you crafted for yourself was supposed to be bright, but what you have now is nowhere near as illuminating as you had imagined. You think you fell short, but did you?

These are the questions I ask myself. These are the regrets, the worries that occupy my mind sometimes. I had such a plan when it came to my future. I wanted to be a star of my own, like we all do, and make my mark on this planet like a big, fossilized footstep in the earth. When I survey the past four years I have spent at this University, someone may call me crazy: I have amassed some great accomplishments. I have filled my calendar with meetings and my walls with certificates. I have shaken hands, met deadlines, stayed up late, and woken up early. I have been busy. Productive. Efficient. And yet, I regret a great many things. I should’ve studied more. I should’ve networked better. I should’ve spoken up, why am I so quiet sometimes? Every achievement I have made felt smaller than it should have, because somewhere in the back of my mind, there was always a version of me who had done it better.

And then, I read “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig

The story starts with Nora Seed. At first glance, she can only be described as ordinary. Perhaps even plain. She works a small job (which she later loses), lives quietly (by herself), and carries a long list of regrets. She believes she has disappointed everyone—her parents, her brother, her former fiancé, and even herself. Her life then takes a turn for the worse, and when she reaches her lowest point, she finds herself stuck in the Midnight Library, a place between life and death. In this library, each book on the shelves represents a different version of her life based on a different choice she could have made.

With the help of Mrs. Elm, the librarian, Nora begins opening these books. In one life, she becomes an Olympic swimmer. In another, she is a famous musician. Her lives range from being a glaciologist studying climate change in the Arctic to having a family, a husband and daughter whom she loves. Each life seems impressive in its own way. Each one represents a “fix” to a regret she has.

At first, Nora believes she simply needs to find the “right” life—the one where everything falls into place. But as she moves from life to life, she realizes something important: no life is perfect. The successful athlete still faces pressure and isolation. The famous musician still struggles with the past. Each and every version of her life includes challenges, compromises, and unexpected consequences.

Eventually, she realizes that her original life, the one awash with regret and disappointment, was not empty or meaningless after all. It was full of things she didn’t realize were there, like connection, influence, and a quiet impact. Throughout her time in the Midnight Library, Nora begins to see how even the smallest actions in her original life mattered, and how her simple presence shaped other’s futures in ways she never even knew.

I recognized myself in Nora Seed. For most of my life, I had been treating my regrets as proof that I had chosen wrong—that the life I was given I had not used correctly. Like Nora, I believed there must be a better version of my life just beyond reach. A version where I said yes more often. Where I was more confident in class discussions. Where I studied harder, networked smarter, planned better, was better.

But watching Nora move through her alternate lives forced me to question that thinking. In each new life, she fixed one regret—only to encounter new ones. She achieved dreams she once believed would solve everything, yet she still faced doubt, conflict, and uncertainty. The pattern became clear: regret does not disappear simply because circumstances change.

Nora eventually realizes that her original life was not a mistake; perhaps it was simply where she was meant to be. To let her speak to you, “we don’t have to do everything in order to be everything, because we are already infinite. While we are alive we always contain a future of multifarious possibility.”

The Midnight Library does not tell us to ignore regret. Instead, it encourages us to look around it. It reminds us to zoom out and look at the bigger picture of life, and when we do that, we may see that our lives are fuller than we give them credit for.

You are where you are meant to be. I still catch myself wondering about the “should’ves,” but they no longer control me the way they once did. Rather, I remember that my achievements and choices have led me to being the person I am today, and that that person is enough, and exists within something much larger than herself. I may never see the full pattern of what my presence has altered, but that does not mean the pattern is not there.

We all have regrets, but as Nora’s story shows, life is so much more than its missed chances. When we step back and look at the bigger picture, we might realize that, perhaps, we may not have fallen short after all.

Editor in Chief

Few animated franchises have managed to capture the imagination of multiple generations quite like Toy Story.

Since its groundbreaking debut in 1995, the series has combined humor, emotional storytelling, and technological innovation to become one of the most beloved film sagas in modern animation. Now, audiences are preparing for the next chapter with Toy Story 5, a film that is already gaining excitement among longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.

Produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, the upcoming installment will once again return audiences to the world of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the toy box crew.

While plot details remain largely under wraps, early announcements suggest the film will explore how classic toys fit into a world increasingly dominated by technology and digital entertainment. The premise explored what it means to remain meaningful in an era where children’s attention is often captured by screens rather than imagination.

Fans can also expect the heart and humor that have defined the series since the original film. Returning characters such as Woody and Buzz Lightyear have long served as the emotional core of the franchise, and their friendship has provided some of the most memorable moments in animated film history.

With each installment, the series has managed to balance adventure and comedy with surprisingly mature reflections on change, loyalty, and growing up.

While the previous film, Toy Story 4, seemed to offer a heartfelt conclusion to Woody’s journey, the announcement of a surprising fifth installment signals that Pixar believes there are still meaningful stories left to tell. If the franchise’s history is any indication, audiences can expect another visually stunning and emotionally resonant chapter when the toys return to the big screen.

Staff Writer

A new adaptation of Wuthering Heights will be hitting our screens just before Valentine’s Day starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. This adaptation is set to bring a modern take on the classic novel written by Emily Brontë which follows the tragic history and romance between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff as it explores themes of class, race, and the relationship between love and revenge through the gothic lense.

The cast of Wuthering Heights contains many notable names including Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Robbie, an Australian actress, most known for her roles in Barbie and The Wolf of Wall Street is set to star as Catherine Earnshaw while Heathcliff is played by Jacob Elordi. Elordi is a nominee for an Academy Award for his recent role as the Monster in Frankenstein and is well-known for his role as Nate Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria. In addition to Robbie and Elordi, the cast involves Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif, and Hong Chau.

The gothic novel has been brought to life through film many times with many differing adaptations, most notably with William Wyler’s adaption in 1939 and Peter Kosminsky’s in 1992. Now, the film is being produced and directed by Emerald Fennell, the Oscar-winning director. Fennell is most known for directing Saltburn and has worked alongside both of the leading actors in the upcoming film. Fennell acted alongside Robbie in Barbie as well as directing and writing Saltburn which starred Elordi.

Whether or not Fennell is remaining true to the novel has been a highly debated point surrounding the film. Kharmel Cochrane, the casting director for Wuthering Heights in an interview with Deadline addressed the rumors of the film adaptation not following the story line of the novel as she said “there’s definitely going to be some English Lit fans that are not going to be happy.” However, this should not discourage any of the classical novel’s fans to not go to see the new film as Cochran in the same interview told fans, “But just wait till you see it [….] you really don’t need to be accurate. It’s just a book. That is not based on real life. It’s all art.”

Early screenings of the highly anticipated film have seen positive reviews from movie-goers. According to reviews in The Guardian, Wuthering Heights “expertly captures the breathtaking ache and essence of desire” and “is a god-tier new classic.” Seemingly, many fans are not too upset about the adaptation straying from the novel as one fan told the Guardian to “Throw the book away and step into the madness of undeniable chemistry and explosive toxic desire.”

You too can be the judge of if the adaptation did the beloved classical novel justice and go see Wuthering Heights in theaters as it premieres globally on February 13, 2026.

Staff Writer

What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than with your girls having a movie night? There are plenty of great movies and snacks to choose from, but I’ve found a few of the best options to share with you for all your planning and inspirational needs! Coming from a self-proclaimed rom-com hater, there’s no way you can go wrong with Pride and Prejudice, specifically the 2005 version. Titanic is always a fan favorite and features our long-time Hollywood best friend duo, Kate and Leo. Toss on your favorite yellow satin dress and watch How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, bonus points because Matthew McConaughey (duh). If you’re in the mood to laugh (and maybe cry), put on 50 First Dates and enjoy two hours of rom-com duo Barrymore and Sandler.

No movie night is complete without snacks, so check out these fun recipes straight from Pinterest to couple with your favorite beverages!

1. Heart-Shaped Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Grab some strawberries and cut a V-shaped notch in the top, removing the stem and leaves. Melt some chocolate, milk, dark, or white, your preference! Use lollipop sticks or short skewers to pierce the bottom of your strawberries, then dip them in melted chocolate. Leave them to dry on a plate lined with wax paper and enjoy once cooled!

  2. Tomato Heart Caprese Skewers

Get grape tomatoes, small mozzarella balls, and some fresh basil. Take a toothpick and skewer a piece of basil, then a mozzarella ball. Cut your grape tomatoes at an angle and match two sides together to form a heart. Place them on the skewer, then finish the stack with another mozzarella ball and a piece of basil. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve. For added sweetness, drizzle balsamic glaze over the skewers.

  3. Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Take your favorite bread and cheese; personally, I love the sourdough and cheddar combo, and make grilled cheese using your favorite method. Typically, I butter both slices of bread before layering my cheese of choice between them. Make a sandwich, then cook it in the pan until golden brown. Once both sides are golden brown, use a cookie cutter or knife to carefully shape the sandwich into a heart (eat the crusts, of course). Heat up your preferred tomato soup. I like the Pacific Foods Tomato Basil Soup! Serve together and enjoy!

Copy Editor

Famous actor and director Rob Reiner tragically passed away on Dec 14th, 2025. He was 78 years old.

With his Father being Carl Reiner, who was known for creating The Dick Van Dyke Show, acting alongside Mel Brooks in “The 2000 Year Old Man” skits, and directing many Steve Martin films, Rob Reiner grew up in show business, and ultimately, followed in his father’s footsteps.

Starting in the 60s, Reiner made many acting appearances on television shows, but his role as Mike “Meathead” Stivic in All in the Family made him a household name. Reiner’s liberal character constantly clashed with his on screen father-in-law’s conservative views, which always created a hilarious scene on the show. In typical Norman Lear fashion, the popular sitcom dealt with both humorous moments and serious topics.

Reiner went on to have a very successful career as a director. From This is Spinal Tap, a mockumentary about a struggling heavy metal band, to When Harry Met Sally, a romcom starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, Riener’s films spanned across many genres. Other notable films of his include, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, Misery, and A Few Good Men.

He also had small acting roles in Postcards from the Edge, Sleepless in Seattle, The First Wives Club, The Wolf of Wallstreet, New Girl, and many more films and television shows.

Reiner, along with his wife, Michele, were murdered by their son, Nick Reiner. They were found dead in their California home.

Following the shocking news of his death, many of Reiner’s friends, family members, and fans paid tribute to him. Robin Wright, who played Buttercup in The Princess Bride, told The Hollywood Reporter, “‘It is truly heartbreaking. Rob was one of the most loving, compassionate, and kind people I have ever known. He was an extraordinary director and the impact he had on me has stayed with me throughout my career.’”

The Hollywood Reporter also released a statement from Kathy Bates, who, in 1991, won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Misery. “‘I loved Rob. He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist. He also fought courageously for his political beliefs. He changed the course of my life,’” she said.

Back in January, during the Golden Globes, host Nikki Glaser made references to Reiner and his films. According to Page Six Hollywood, it is now said that Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan will pay tribute to him during this year’s Oscar Awards Ceremony.

Opinion Editor

Despite being in the middle of what feels like an endless tundra of winter, for country music fans across the country and world there are still some glimpses of a summer to come. A name that has grown bigger and larger on the country music scene in the past few years, Luke Combs once again is exciting all with another album release. Dropping 5 albums to date and a 6th shortly on the way, country fans are pleased to have a ray of sunshine in a time that can be so gloomy.

With “The Way I am,” set to drop on March 20th, Luke Combs has begun gearing up his fanbase to be ready for major levels of streaming once it does release. “Sleepless in a Hotel Room,” was released on January 9th and discussed his loneliness in missing his girlfriend during COVID, the song blew up on TikTok with high expectations. Using the power of electric guitars on top of his own booming voice, Combs giving his fans a taste of what is to come is surely making them want more.

On top of “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” releasing 5 other singles apart of the 13 track album, one being a Summer of 2025 classic, “Back in the Saddle” alongside Bailey Zimmerman, Combs is dropping just at the right time. In a lull between the holidays and the spring, this uncertain and sometimes challenging period requires the need for some uplifting and exciting music. Something Combs is known for, especially in albums like “Gettin’ Old,” the artist has been revolutionary in his interpretation of country music. A storyteller at heart that allows the audience to visualize and relate to the situations he has faced in his life, coming right from the heart Combs has everyone wanting more.

A powerful voice and a powerful personality, as Luke Combs continues to grow in name and popularity, there is only upside to the potential he has as an artist. One of the best in the game currently and only trending up, make sure to tune in on March 20th for country music’s first true album of the summer!

Staff Writer

The holidays can be a particularly tense time and it is easy to get caught up in accusing your siblings of being “cotton-headed ninny muggins.” I am a firm believer that a good movie can really assist in bringing the family together, even for 90 minutes of sharing some popcorn and Christmas cookies. However, I did not expect the hot debate over the best Christmas movie that ensued at Tay’s when I brought it up to my lunch table. Unexpectedly, simply choosing a movie to watch can turn into an argument! Despite potential disagreements, in the words of famous Christmas-loving movie dad, Clark Griswold, “Nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas.” So, here are some safe bets that the whole family can enjoy:

“Elf” (2003)

While the concept of Will Ferrell running around New York City in an elf suit is questionable (and almost did not get made due to its unseriousness), “Elf” can undoubtedly make the whole family laugh out loud year after year. This flick is perfect if you are looking for something silly and light!

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989)

Nothing captures the occasional chaos that occurs during family Christmas events like “Christmas Vacation.” The film’s quirkiness is what makes it relatable, making it one of the most classic Christmas movies of all time. 

“Home Alone” (1990)

“Home Alone” serves as a great reminder to not wish for your family to disappear, even if your cousin needs to “go easy on the Pepsi” and your brother’s tarantula kind of freaks you out. And if you cannot get enough of Kevin McCallister, the sequel holds up!

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (1966)

While Jim Carey’s live-action version of the Grinch may scare some little viewers and the 2018 animated version may not be old enough to invoke sentimentality (yet), the 1966 version is perfect for a quick movie to put on while decorating the tree or wrapping gifts. 

“The Polar Express” (2004)

To the current generation of college students, “The Polar Express” is reminiscent of elementary school pajama days, hot chocolate in hand, surrounded by friends on the last day before Christmas break. You better believe that this movie holds so much nostalgia, and get on board for any plans to watch it!

These movies cannot fail when trying to stop your family from acting like a bunch of “filthy animals,” but this list is not exhaustive. In fact, it’s the films that foster family tradition that become the closest to our hearts. Every Christmas Eve, my mom and I wake up before everyone else in the house to watch the 1951 version of “A Christmas Carol,” starring Alastair Sim, in the quiet of the early morning. I have yet to come across any other current college student that shares this movie as one of their favorites, but to me, there is no other movie that feels more like an “old-fashioned family Christmas.”