Features

Vanderbilt Beat Alabama… Now What?

Vanderbilt Beat Alabama… Now What?

Photo taken by Ezra Wang “This is a whole new team. We got a team full of dogs who prepare every week like they wanna play on Sundays … the only person that knows who’s gonna win on Saturday is God.” That’s what Diego Pavia said in a press conference, just days before Vanderbilt shocked the world.  Before Saturday October 5th, Vanderbilt was 0-60 against AP top 5 opponents (which are the top 5 performers in a weekly vote taken by 62 broadcasters and sportswriters). Next on their schedule was number one ranked Alabama, which many analysts called the best…
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Research at Vanderbilt: The Money behind the Innovation

Research at Vanderbilt: The Money behind the Innovation

Totojang via iStockPhoto At Vanderbilt, students are constantly surrounded by the effects of research funding. From posters advertising new breakthroughs, emails detailing newsworthy projects, or even the paragraph-long official titles of professors. The research ecosystem of elite universities like Vanderbilt is constantly publicized. At innovative universities like Vanderbilt, research is a business. With national academic research expenditures totaling more than $75 billion, universities race to obtain maximum funding from as many sources as possible. Research success at universities attracts both students and faculty. Research experience is a critical component of many graduate applications, such as those for medical school and…
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Vanderbilt’s Sushi Kitchen: A Talk with Wasabi

Vanderbilt’s Sushi Kitchen: A Talk with Wasabi

Photo taken by Sabrina Liang One day, when I had finally finished my classes, I dropped by Wasabi and bought a tray of sushi: late night snacks with low calories. The cashier lady smiled at me like she always does, and I suddenly realized that I never knew her name. What is her name?  More questions came into my head, and that’s when I decided to learn about Vanderbilt’s sushi kitchen: Wasabi. Wasabi is a family business. The sweet and warm couple we see in the store, Vum and Khen, bought the place and have run it diligently since then.…
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Maintaining Net Neutrality: Just the First Step 

Maintaining Net Neutrality: Just the First Step 

Image generated on OpenArt.ai With the greater purpose of sustainability and addressing the causes of climate change, achieving net zero carbon emissions is a benchmark that organizations, companies, and countries around the world have pledged to achieve. Many have given themselves a goal of hitting carbon net neutrality by 2050, while others shoot for 2040 or even sooner. On Earth day in 2019, Vanderbilt University aligned its sustainability aspirations with those of other world-class higher education institutions by aiming to attain net zero carbon impact by 2050. By 2021, the university delivered on their sustainability pledge 29 years ahead of…
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Mitchell’s Delicatessen: Gourmet Sandwiches and a Recipe for Winning Business in East Nashville

Mitchell’s Delicatessen: Gourmet Sandwiches and a Recipe for Winning Business in East Nashville

gerenme via iStockPhoto In the heart of East Nashville, where trees are plentiful, the vibes are hip, and flip-flops are never frowned upon, there lies a sandwich shop that is as rooted in the community as the quirky art murals. I’m talking about Mitchell’s Delicatessen, where the simple sandwich transcends into a gourmet experience so memorable, it makes you question every ham-and-cheese combo you’ve ever slapped together. At Mitchell’s, you’re not just grabbing a bite to eat - you’re participating in something bigger. Their philosophy revolves around fresh, locally sourced ingredients that make your taste buds want to throw a…
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Exercise in the Wake of Construction at the Rec

Exercise in the Wake of Construction at the Rec

Photo taken by Jake Seo In mid-June of 2024, the main courts of the Recreation and Wellness Center were shut down due to new construction efforts underway “for maintenance and repairs to mechanical equipment and the roof of the main gym of the facility,” as stated from Vanderbilt’s official news. Currently, the auxiliary court upstairs and the main fitness area with gym equipment are the only places at the Recreation center open for student use.Many returning students were disappointed to find out the beloved main gymnasium at the rec had been closed for construction, as many had used the area…
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Scooters and Sidewalks: A Look at How Scooters Occupy Space but Save Time

Scooters and Sidewalks: A Look at How Scooters Occupy Space but Save Time

Image generated using Midjourney AI The sidewalks of Nashville are fighting a war for space against the invasive yet beneficial commercial scooters. Legislation against scooter companies continues to be an evolving issue amongst Nashville judges and councils. Issues that people are concerned with the include user age identification, sidewalk riding, sidewalk parking, and so on. Over the last few years, scooter companies have fought hard to dominate the emerging market and expand across as many cities as possible but their battle is far from over. Currently, only three companies are allowed to put out and make business off scooters in…
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Expanding the Vanderbilt Thrift Store: Future Growth through Digital Platforms and Community Partnerships

Expanding the Vanderbilt Thrift Store: Future Growth through Digital Platforms and Community Partnerships

Photo taken by Yixin Qian The Vanderbilt Thrift Store, a Vanderbilt Student Government (VSG) initiative, was launched in November 2021 to offer free clothing to the Vanderbilt community. The store operates on a donation-based model, aiming to promote sustainability and inclusivity on campus. The store, located in Sarratt Student Center, is open to all students, faculty, and staff, providing clothing for all seasons at no cost. The store has two main objectives, which are promoting sustainability by encouraging the reuse of clothing and fostering equity by ensuring that no one has to face financial stress when acquiring clothing items. The…
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Why Vanderbilt Will Play Texas for the First Time in Nearly a Century: A New Era of Commercialized College Sports

Why Vanderbilt Will Play Texas for the First Time in Nearly a Century: A New Era of Commercialized College Sports

Art Wager via iStock In October 1928, the Vanderbilt Commodores football team edged the University of Texas Longhorns 13-12 for what would be the last time they played each other in nearly 100 years. They are finally slated to cross paths again on Oct. 26, 2024. While this matchup may seem strange, there’s a reason why the two teams are now playing again after nearly a century spent apart - money. In 2021, the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma stunned the college sports world by announcing their intentions to leave the Big 12 and join the SEC.…
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