The Bowling Green Anime-Fest took place in the Corvette Museum on Sunday, Oct. 20. The space was small, but packed wall-to-wall with vendors of every kind. There were people selling figurines, prints and stickers and surprise bags. Anything nerd-related a person could want, they could surely find at this convention. 

The energy throughout the convention was palpable– vendors were excited to share their work, while con attendees were excited to find cool items related to their favorite interests. Everywhere I looked people were buzzing around, excited to be in the presence of so many like-minded people. 

One of the vendors I was able to speak to was Clint Lindsey, owner of Miniclicks. Miniclicks specializes in creating LEGO minifigures one wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else. Lindsey said he loved the convention experience for the “wow factor.”

“People walk up to our booth and their eyes light up,” Lindsey said. 

Another vendor I spoke to was Garris. L. R. Coleman, author of the Curse of Crowns book series. Coleman came to the convention hoping to share his book series with more people.

As I wandered the convention and learned more about the vendors and their stories, I found myself falling more and more in love with this small-town convention. Everyone there was devoted to their art, whether it be vendors or the cosplayers. Clearly, the other attendees felt the same. 

Echo Frausto, one of the attendees, shared she came to the convention for the culture.

“[I like] to see all the craftsmanship and creativity that people put into their cosplays,” Frausto said.

Throughout the day, the convention hosted fun activities to get people involved, such as anime-based trivia and a cosplay contest.

Cosplay is when people dress up as characters from various forms of media. It can be seen as performance art; some cosplayers work on their costumes for months at a time to make them as screen-accurate as possible.

The cosplayers at Bowling Green Anime Fest were incredible. As they walked across the stage displaying the costumes they had carefully put together, their passion for their craft was evident. 

All in all, Bowling Green Anime-Fest was a wonderful convention to attend, whether it be for the con newbie or the well-weathered convention veteran. I would highly recommend attending to support both the community and the local artists in the Kentucky area. 

Commentary Writer Emma Hardesty can be reached at emma.hardesty162@topper.wku.edu.

Gender-based discrimination in political spaces has been an issue for years, dating back to the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal and even further. However, sexism reared its ugly head the highest for the first time in the 2016 election. 

Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign for president brought her lots of backlash, most of which often manifested itself in the form of one word: “bitch.” “Trump that Bitch” was a slogan often proudly displayed on everything from t-shirts to coffee mugs. The demeaning of Clinton to little more than a dog was an unfortunate side-effect of her campaign. 

And it revolved completely around her being a woman.

When viewing the 2024 presidential candidates, it is impossible to not take a look at one of the key things that divides them and their campaigns; their gender. The disgusting behaviors that plagued Clinton in her campaign have come back to haunt Harris.

Her lack of biological children is one of the things that have been held against the presidential candidate. Harris was criticized by the governor of Arkansas, who said Harris was unable to be humble due to her lack of biological children.

Claims from some conservative commentators about how Harris rose in the political sphere say she “slept her way to the top.” 

Fox News Host Jesse Watters commented that the generals in the Situation Room would “have their way with [Harris].”

Trump himself has done things such as reposting disgusting sexual remarks about Harris on his social media platform, Truth Social. 

People online continually obsess over the prices and types of clothes Harris wears while not once blinking an eye at the repeated, expensive suits and watches Trump wears. 

Clinton and Harris’s campaigns have shown not just the worst side of Republicans, but the worst side of men in the modern era. It’s an almost proud display of disrespect and hatred for people whose only crime is being a woman. 

With the constant sexist behavior towards these, and many other women in politics, it must be asked– what does this show to future generations?

Do we as a society want young children to think it’s okay to proudly display signs saying “Trump that Bitch” in their yards? Do we want the next generation to think it’s okay to demean a woman’s entire career by saying she “slept her way to the top”? 

The fear of the unknown is often a defense for people who are against these women in power, however that cannot be an excuse. There have been numerous female presidents, prime ministers, and other various chief executives across the entire world. The world kept spinning, even with these women at the helm. Women are leaders around the world, yet some Americans act as if that idea is asinine. 

Another fear of having America’s first female president is a fear of what comes next for her. How will the country react to having a woman in such a powerful position? Will the onslaught of sexism she faces only become worse as she guides the nation? Will her every movement be criticized simply because she wore the wrong pair of shoes that day?

At the end of the day, it shouldn’t matter what type of earrings she’s wearing. It shouldn’t matter that she chose to put on an expensive necklace she bought with her own money. It shouldn’t matter whether she wears dresses or suits, heels or flats, glossy or matte lips. None of it matters. 

What matters are her goals for the country. Her policies matter. Her ambition, her knowledge, all of that matters so much more than whatever she decides to wear on that particular day. They matter so much more than the fact that she is a woman.

If you’re going to criticize Harris, criticize her for things that relate to her policies. Criticize her for her platforms. But don’t criticize her for the one thing that she has no control over; her gender. Have enough respect to see her for what she is: a human being.

Commentary Writer Emma Hardesty can be reached at emma.hardesty162@topper.wku.edu. 

This is my first year in Bowling Green, which has given me an entirely new town to explore. Of course, there’s Target, TJ Maxx and Barnes and Noble, which are great, don’t get me wrong. However, on my autumnal adventures, I’m searching to shop smaller. 

Below, I’ve compiled some of my favorite underrated beauties of Bowling Green.

Hard Copies

What it sells: Vinyl Records, CDs

Hard Copies was the first place I found here in BG that gave me the cozy vibe I was searching for. Nothing screams aesthetic quite like flipping through vinyl and CDs while bundled up in a warm sweater. My love for Pinterest-perfect moments aside, Hard Copies is an all-around incredible place to visit. 

Located in Greenwood Mall, this store has a host of different vinyl and CDs spanning multiple genres. It also hosts listening parties for new albums, which is advertised on its Instagram. The people who work there are all so friendly and excited to talk about music or any of their upcoming events. 

One of the best things about the store, however? The prices. Collecting any type of physical music is an expensive hobby, and I’ve seen records marked up for prices that make me nauseous. At Hard Copies, they sell their vinyl and CDs at reasonable prices that can let you come in again and again to check out what’s new. In addition to that, WKU students get a discount on their purchases. 

From the welcoming environment, friendly employees, to the unbeatable prices, Hard Copies is a place sure to make even the newest vinyl enthusiast feel right at home.

St. Teresa Thrift Store

What they sell: Donated clothes and homeware

I love shopping, but as I get older, I’m becoming more aware of the impact the clothes I buy have on the environment. I have turned to thrifting more and more, as being able to repurpose someone’s old clothes and get more use out of them makes me feel so much better. 

When searching for great places to find some thrifting, I was introduced to St. Teresa Thrift Store, located in Fairview Plaza Shopping Center. 

The inside of the store is clean and all the clothes are organized in neat rows. Every time I have gone in, I’ve found at least one thing I couldn’t leave without. I’ve gotten a chic leopard print bodysuit and an adorable pair of Mary Janes for a Halloween costume. In addition to clothes, they offer a variety of housewares.

If you’re searching for a new place to thrift with some of the cutest items, St. Teresa is the place for you. 

Just Love Coffee Cafe

What they sell: Artisanal coffee, breakfast and lunch

A long day of shopping is not complete without stopping for coffee and food.

Just Love is located on Scottsville Road. When I stepped inside the building, my eyes were immediately drawn to the art lining the walls. That, and that the line to order was out the door. I knew immediately whatever I was waiting for was going to be good.

The menu was expansive, with all sorts of different meals and types of coffee. I got a chocolate chip waffle and a latte, and both were heavenly. My waffle was stuffed with chocolate chips and came drizzled in sticky sweet syrup. My latte was delicious and gave me all the energy I needed to complete my day of shopping. The line to the door had been telling the truth– my meal was wonderful.

If you’re searching for a delicious bite to eat on a cool Sunday morning, I would point you immediately in the direction of this joyful cafe.

Replay Toys

What they sell: Collectible figurines, vintage toys, action figures

Deep in my heart, I am a nerd. One of the hardest parts about leaving my hometown was realizing that I’d also have to be leaving my local “nerd store” behind. When I moved to Bowling Green and found Replay Toys, all that sadness was gone. 

Replay Toys recently opened their new location in Greenwood Mall. It offers such a wide variety of things to browse and has sections full of items related to Star Wars, Power Rangers, and Star Trek. When I went in, they had an entire horror section dedicated to the upcoming spooky holiday. 

Browsing the anime figures was another favorite of mine; I was practically planning my upcoming purchases as I looked. Yet another area of the store was dedicated to vintage toys. I saw some things I’d longed to play with when I was a child. 

If you’re ever wanting to see some of the coolest nerd-related things, wander over to Replay Toys.

Vette City Vintage

What they sell: Vintage clothes

Vette City Vintage is located in Downtown Bowling Green and let me just say, the vibes of this place are immaculate. The minute I walked in and took in the racks of clothes set against the brick wall, next to the TV playing old music videos, I had only one thought:

“Dang, this place is cool.”

Cool is the best word to describe Vette City Vintage. This store has a supply of mainly mens clothes, but when I visited, the owner shared with me that he hopes to expand the women’s collection. The owner is such a friendly and personable character, chatting with every customer that enters the store as if they were an old friend. 

Vette City Vintage frequently restocks, posted on its Instagram stories almost every day.

Even if I weren’t to be shopping, I could see myself sitting at the sofa in the window, hanging with friends and soaking in the good energy. 

Commentary Writer Emma Hardesty can be reached at emma.hardesty162@topper.wku.edu.

Lights and Garlands
Everyone knows the big overhead light is one of the most atrocious parts of the dorm room. That fluorescence is doing no one any favors. However, that gives you a chance to go crazy with some alternative lighting. My favorite way to add some fall fun to my space is through the use of mini string lights. Walmart currently sells spooky-themed lights for less than six dollars. A brilliant orange or haunting purple can truly turn your room from bland to glam. 

Small Decor

The space in the dorm is so limited, so when picking out decor for the holidays, you need to maximize whatever space you have. Small desktop or shelf decor are some of my personal favorite things to add a little something related to the holidays. Places like Michaels currently sell tons of little, affordable objects that will fit right at home beside your books. Nothing like a tiny ghost friend to make you smile and feel the Halloween spirit!

Blankets and Pillows
Instead of buying entire new comforters and sheets for every season, you can always add fall accents! Everyone needs blankets and pillows in their room, so you might as well give them some spice. TJ Maxx has an incredible selection of throw blankets and pillows that are perfectly cozy and add the most delightful touch of Halloween to any dorm. Nothing is better than snuggling up under a plush Peanuts blanket to watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.

Stuffed Animals

Maybe this is a hot take, but I still love having stuffed animals in my dorm room. They’re a cute decor item and something nice to have when the horror movies get too scary. Items like festive Squishmallows can bring a touch of the season to your bed. Or if you happen to be lucky enough to have the elusive Pumpkin Kitty Build-A-Bear plush, which I totally am not insanely jealous of, that would be a perfect addition to your Halloween bed.

The Scent

The dorms smell musty sometimes! The scent you choose, whether through an air freshener or essential oils, can greatly add to the fall ambiance of your room. The Glade scented oils are a delightful addition to dorm decor, any time of the year– but the autumn ones are especially wonderful. Walking into a room that smells like Grandma’s apple pie is the perfect thing to add to your space and give it the fall atmosphere. 

Wall Decor

Wall decor is one of your best opportunities to add some fun to your space. Maybe it’s a tapestry or a painting, or even these cute bat wall decor found on Amazon, but it can add a fun ambiance to your room that captures the spooky vibes of Halloween. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can get some fall leaf garland and string it across your walls to give your dorm some extra finesse. 

Commentary Writer Emma Hardesty can be reached at emma.hardesty162@topper.wku.edu.

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Let’s keep it real– psychology and education majors need some songs to sit and be sad to. This playlist has lots of Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey and Olivia Rodrigo to help keep the tears flowing when you just need a good cry. Start with “Summertime Sadness”, a classic Lana song, and be hit right in your feels with “lovely” by Billie Eilish featuring Khalid. End it out with the sucker punch that is “The Beach” by The Neighbourhood and you’ve got the perfect concoction to get all the emotions out. You deserve it, CEBS.

Mahurin Honors College

Dark academia was giving all the vibes for this one. MHC, you guys are the ones studying late into the night, taking those extra hard classes and probably drinking way too many cups of dark coffee. You deserve a playlist that reflects that and, hopefully, this can fulfill those studious feels you all emanate. Start with one of the best songs of all time, “Welcome Home Son” by Radical Face and keep the autumnal atmosphere going with lots of Hozier. The Lumineers rounds out this mix and makes it the perfect playlist for anyone hard at work until 2 a.m.

Potter College of Arts and Letters

Let’s be honest– this was a dive straight back into the Tumblr archives. With artists iconic to 2014, such as Troye Sivan, Halsey, and Panic! At the Disco, this playlist is a slightly edgy mix that is sure to bring you inspiration on any poetry or history papers you may write. “Cool Kids” by Echosmith is a perfect ending to a mix of some great alternative hits from our youth. Just don’t blast them too loud through your wired earbuds.

Ogden College of Science and Engineering

Older rock was the inspiration for this one: music with some noise to it that’ll keep you motivated through endless experiments. “American Idiot” by Green Day is the perfect song to create something to, whether that be the newest development in engineering or a creature in a test tube. “Zombie” by the Cranberries is a slower song that still has the guitar to get your heart racing. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes is the perfect thing to jam to in the lab, with a beautiful bassline that’ll keep you awake deep into the night. 

Gordon Ford College of Business

Future wolves of Wall Street– this one’s for you all. This blend of old and new hip-hop and rap is the perfect thing to fuel those future CEO daydreams. Kick off this mix with “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1” by Kanye West and the vibes are already golden. “No Role Modelz” by J. Cole is the next absolute bop on this playlist that’ll have you dancing in your dress shoes. Throw it back to the 90s with “Foe Tha Love of $” by Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony featuring Eazy-E for you accounting folks, and you’ve got the best recipe to survive a day up in Grise.

College of Health and Human Services

It’s no secret that the healthcare industry contains some of the hardest workers in our country. The pop girlies are all over this playlist to give these future heroes something to dance around to between clinicals. Some classic Katy Perry, such as “Teenage Dream”, dominates this playlist, along with worthwhile inclusions like “Beauty and a Beat” by Justin Bieber featuring Nicki Minaj. “Umbrella” by Rihanna and Jay-Z is a toe-tapping-worthy song to end this playlist.

Commentary Writer Emma Hardesty can be reached at emma.hardesty162@topper.wku.edu.