Issue 63-5 by Erie Square Gazette

Erie Square Gazette 63.5 Volume

November Campus...2

Serving the Blue Water area since 1931. A public forum by and for the students of SC4.

2013

Community........8

Sports.......17

Editorial..........................................15

Bakker ruffles feathers pg. 2

Bootleggers and flappers. pg. 5

Entertainment. 12

STEM Conference pg. 4

Calendar

Campus

Nov. 8 – SC4 Deck Art Exhibit SC4 Fine Arts Galleries 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Editor-in-Chief

Erick Fredendall Production Editor/Designer Zack Penzien Copy Editor Emily Mainguy Spider-Managing Editor Nick Wedyke Webmistress Rebecca Kelly Photo Editor Liz Whittemore Sports Editor Brendan Buffa Adviser John Lusk ESG Contact Info: Email: eriesquaregazette@gmail.com Address: 323 Erie St Port Huron MI 48060

Nov. 15 - SC4 Potters Market SC4 Citizens first Michigan Technical Education Center - 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

St., Port Huron - 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Nov. 9 - Taste of Port Huron McMorran Place, 701 McMorran Blvd., Port Huron - 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are $1 to taste signature dishes from many of the area’s restaurants.

Nov. 8 - CMH play: “Miracle on 34th Nov. 10 - “Fifth Avenue” Performance Street” - SC4 Fine Arts Theatre - 7 p.m. Nov. 16 SC4 Potters Market Lynch’s Irish Tavern, 210 Huron Ave. Cost - $7 SC4 Citizens first Michigan Technical EdPort Huron - 5 p.m. ucation Center 12 p.m. 4 p.m. Nov. 9 – NASR Natural Science Museum Nov. 11 - Veterans Day Ceremony Open House - SC4’s Clara E. Mackenzie Nov. 17 SC4 Potters Market Allied Veterans Cemetery, Gratiot Ave. Building -11 a.m. – 2 p.m. SC4 Citizens first Michigan Technical and Krafft Rd., Port Huron - 11 a.m. Education Center - 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Nov. 12 – Purple Hair Fundraiser Nov. 15 - Play: “The Music Man Jr.” SC4’s College Center Café Nov. 21 Short Play: “1926” Port Huron McMorran Auditorium, 701 McMorran 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. - Cost - $10 Junior College presents ‘The Dover Road’ Blvd. Port Huron - 8 p.m. by A.A Mine - College Center Atrium Cost - $15 adults, $10 students Nov. 12 - Family History Workshop 12 p.m. 12:30 p.m. Room 203, SC4 Citizens first Michigan Nov. 16 - Play: “The Music Man Jr.” Technical Education Center McMorran Auditorium, 701 McMorran 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Blvd. Port Huron - 8 p.m. Cost - FREE Cost $15 adults, $10 students Nov. 8 - Marine Corps Ball Elks Lodge 343, 3292 Beach Rd., Port Nov. 12 - ‘Bully’ Movie Screening Nov. 20 - Film: “Harvey” Huron - 6 p.m. - Cost - $30 per person SC4 Fine Arts Theatre Raven Cafe, 932 Military St., 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Port Huron - 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 - ”Atomic Hope” musical performance - Raven Cafe, 932 Military Nov. 14 - SC4 Faculty Performers

Community

Zebra Lounge & Bowl - O- Drome Lanes

Editor’s Note: All views expressed in editorials and columns contained within the ESG are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ESG or any of its advertisers. We welcome feedback!

Find us at esgonline.org

Concert SC4 Fine Arts Theatre 12 p.m. - 1 p.m., 7 p.m - 8 p.m. Cost - FREE

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Fundraisers Birthday Parties Cosmic Bowling

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Campus

Giant feathered killing machines

Dr. Robert T. Bakker’s lecture changes the way we see dinosaurs Nicholas Wedyke Managing Editor

Dr. Robert T. Bakker, a man who is known all over the world for his work in modern paleontology, took the stage on Oct. 25 as the keynote speaker for the STEM conference hosted by SC4. Bakker put on an evening lecturing about the history of paleontology as well as his recent work at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. A reception followed the presentation in the College Center Atrium where Bakker sold and signed copies of his newest children’s book, “The Big Golden Book of Dinosaurs.” During the presentation Bakker spoke of the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Paleontology section and their crown jewel exhibit, Dinosaur Mummy CSI: Cretaceous Science Investigation. In the exhibit a triceratops skeleton is displayed with actual skin remaining on the specimen. “A really neat thing about our triceratops in Houston is it has skin all over it, and the skin isn’t naked. It has big bristly things growing out of it. This isn’t the only plant-eater with feathers growing out of it ever found, there are several others.” Bakker told the crowd. Bakker was one of the first paleontologists to theorize that dinosaurs had feathers, decades before such fossils were unearthed in China that proved his theory correct. Bakker also theorizes that

Doctor Robert T. Bakker answer a question during a Q and A session.

Tyrannosaurus Rex was not only a scavenger but a full blown hunting predator. “When scientists speculate whether T-Rex was a scavenger or a hunter the answer is almost certainly: yes.” Bakker said comically. Bakker wasn’t shy when it came to mentioning that he was also one of the many advisers to the Jurassic Park films directed by Steven Speilberg. In the films he was not only cited but also had a character based off of him, who in a slight “tip

of the hat” to his theory regarding T-Rex, was subsequently eaten by a Tyrannosaurus Rex in the film, The Lost World: Jurassic Park. Throughout the lecture Bakker had many questions from children, always responding with “that is a great question!” and being very charismatic with his responses. Bakker has published many children’s books on dinosaurs and lead an activity Oct. 26 at SC4’s STEM conference where children drew dinosaurs and he told them facts about the dinosaurs they drew.

Photo By Hannah Eppley

A strong proponent for education about paleontology, Bakker added some advice for budding paleontologists. “Some people still think if you want to have a career in paleontology you have to have a beard, but if you want to become one and don’t have a beard or are of the female persuasion, come to our museum in Houston and we’ll give you a clip-on beard.”

Contact Nicholas at Nwedyke@gmail. com.

3 History and its present day impact Angie Stoecklin Staff Writer

As part of the International Education Week of 2013, SC4’s Global Diversity Advisory Council and the Global Awareness Task Force will be hosting a free public event in honor of the 16th annual Global Awareness Day. The event is scheduled for Nov. 12 through Nov. 13. The first day features Family History Workshops, providing hands on tools for those interested in tracing the history of their family. The first workshop will be held from 10-11 a.m. with another

workshop to follow at 2-3 p.m. Both workshops will be in room 203 of SC4’s M-TEC building. On the second day, several events will take place in SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre. From 1011 a.m. SC4 professor Rob Richardson will present a summary of an archeological excavation recently conducted at Draper Park. The second event of the afternoon is titled, “Eureka: The Discovery of Archimedes,” and will be held at 3-4:15 p.m. “Eureka: The Discovery of Archimedes” will be presented by SC4 professors Kraig Archer

A movie for a cause

GSA shows the PG-13 film “Scary Normal” Angie Stoecklin Staff Writer

Despite the various campus and community events that took place on Tuesday Oct. 22, the Gay Straight Alliance’s (GSA) showing of the independent coming of age film “Scary Normal” managed to attract 20 people to the SC4 Fine Arts Theatre. The movie was inspired in fall of 2004 when writer/director Jennifer Bechtel was struck with the thought that most films centralized around homosexuality were rated R. According to scarynormalmovie. com, the idea to create a PG-13 movie about a young girl who

befriends a fellow student who happens to be gay seemed to the director like a great way to raise awareness of the gay community, since most teens and pre-teens have limited or no access to rated R films. The movie’s rating played a huge role in GSA President Amber Lee’s selection for the film showing. “It’s a PG-13 movie that was inspired through a GSA. That was really interesting to me so that’s why I chose it,” Lee said. Tickets for Scary Normal were sold at $3 a person or 2 for $5. The GSA raised $32 which will go towards a trip to Kansas City for the annual Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College

Campus

and Paul Bedard and is a learning experience about the Archimedes Codex, a recently discovered book that has revised previous knowledge of Archimedes, science, mathematics, and history. SC4 professor Cliff Johnson will host an in depth presentation of the Bible and it’s translations from 4:30-5:30 p.m. The fourth event is an International Reception in SC4’s Fine Arts Galleries. From 5:307 p.m., attendees of the event will have a chance to meet the international students of SC4 as well as foreign exchange students

from local high schools. For this event, refreshments will be provided. The fifth and final event will feature former executive editor of the Times Herald and author of Don’t Retire, Reinvent Yourself: Mike Connell. Connell will delve into local history and how it affects the issues of today. The floor will be open to questions at the end of Connell’s presentation. He will be speaking from 7-8:30 p.m.

Conference. “One of the purposes of the conference is to reaffirm the identity of people living in the LGBTQ community and give people that chance to see ourselves in numbers and have that confidence rebuilt,” Lee said. “Oftentimes in our everyday lives we find ourselves alone and don’t have a place where we can just be ourselves and be praised for it.” A handful of the visitors who came to see the movie and support the GSA were members of the PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) group in Sarnia Ontario. “I enjoyed the movie very much” Said PFLAG member Norm

Galliford. “We like to support GSA groups in both Canada and Port Huron, so it was a pleasure to be able to come here tonight.” Any students are interested in learning more about the GSA are invited to attend the GSA meetings, which are held bi-weekly in the North Building, Room 201, from 12:15-1 p.m. The next meeting will be held Nov. 11. For more information on SC4’s GSA, contact Amber Lee at sc4gsa@ gmail.com or by phone at 810-8871419.

Contact Angie Stoecklin at angelastoecklin@yahoo.com

Contact Angie at angelastoecklin@ yahoo.com.

Campus

Robots, Dinosaurs, and the Solar System STEM Education Conference attracts people of all ages

to give them some perspective of the solar system. “When we take a walk they realize how tremendously big the solar system is” said Charuba. While workshops like astronomy were filled primarily with adults, other workshops such as Metal and Soul Robotics’ demonstration were so flooded with parents and little ones there weren’t enough chairs to seat the whole room. However attendees of the Metal and Soul workshop wouldn’t have to sit long, as they followed the children into the hallway where they caught Frisbees being shot out of a robot. The robot used in the demonstration was built in six weeks with wheels on the bottom and a shooting mechanism on top. It could shoot Frisbees and various distances and speed, providing plenty of room for each child to get a chance at catching one. The robotic demonstrations began with students and adults affiliated with Photo by Angie Stoecklin the program providing information to Abbey Essenmacher, 9, and her sister Ella, 8, watch as Melissa Beery shows their sister Rosa, 5, different coloring sheets and the games that go with them. parents and their kids, with the goal of encouraging future involvement. Angie Stoecklin According to the Capac students Staff Writer involved with Metal and Soul, the program helps with areas of education such as math, physics, and calculus. Robot enthusiasts, dinosaur aficionados, and chemistry nerds felt right It also improves public speaking, and problem solving skills. “One of at home at the STEM educational conference held on Oct. 26 in SC4’s CEM the benefits of this program is giving kids different things to look at.” said building. Metal and Soul mentor John Antilla. Workshops offered at the Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) While many of the workshops were demonstrations, others took a education conference accommodated a wide range of interests. more informational approach. “Lions and Bears and Carp, Oh my!” by The conference was split into three sessions from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) gave those who session featured at least two workshops that were dubbed in the program attended an overview of recent issues including pollution and controversy as “kid friendly.” over Michigan’s wolf hunt. “They told us a lot of really interesting things In the astronomy workshop, Gross Point Schools teacher Walter and good things to know” Said STEM attendee Ann Gieche. Charuba, gave attendees of STEM a demonstration of the vastness of the As the sessions wrapped up, those exiting SC4’s CEM building were solar system by laying out cards with different planets on them in the happily conversing with their families about the event that accommodated hallway. The number of steps between each note card was then scaled a wide range of ages and interests. down distances between the planets. Despite being condensed, the entire demonstration would have required a longer hallway. Charuba normally shows these demonstrations to classrooms of kids

Contact Angie at angelastoecklin@yahoo.com.

5 Red Carpet Affair definitely roared

Campus

Roaring 20s’ Red Carpet Raises $1.3 Million, Pollock on board for another year Gregory Garofalo Staff Writer Saturday night took people back in time as bootleggers and flappers flocked to SC4’s College Center as the SC4 Foundation held the annual “SC4 Red Carpet Affair” which this year was themed: “Roaring 20s’ On the Red Carpet.” The evening event celebrated the passing of a two year goal set at raising $1 million for the college. The funds raised an excess of $300,000 making the final cut $1.3 million. Attendees showed up dressed for a blast from the past, and enjoyed a trip back in time upon entering a college center, which had been transformed into a swinging speakeasy for the occasion. The event included a taste fest of taverns and eateries, provided by twenty-one restaurants and caterers. Four live mannequins also took part in the festivities. Courtesy of Salon PiZazz, each girl was sponsored by one of the following: Alexander Fine Jewelers, Coughlin Jewelers, Lamplighter Gifts, and Mosher’s Jewelers. The talented models were dressed like a page out of history, and stood so still that the one would take a double take upon seeing the girls change into a new pose. “We’ve all been doing live modeling for some time, usually at Boat Night. This has been a fun and new experience,” said Sheena Roberts who represented Alexander Fine Jewelers. All four of the girls were very enthused about participating in the event and were all too eager to try some of the provided food after about two hours of posing.

Flapper Girls, Katie Wheatherly, Lizzy Grorge, Avery Bolt, sell raffle tickets while guests get settled in their seats.

“People are giving pledges to their favorite mannequin, and the winner will receive free Red Wings tickets,” said Martha Pennington, SC4 communication specialist, who was helping manage the mannequin event. The winner was not announced during the event. It wasn’t merely a night for investors and benefactors, a number of alumni also appeared to participate. “I enjoyed my time at SC4, and I am always looking for ways to show support.” said SC4 alumni Peggy Reagan. One of the highlights of the evening was the SC4 flapper dancers: Lizzy George, Katie Weatherly, Avery Bolt, Jessyca Fye, and Alexis Craig. The dancing was just as one would

Photo by Emily Mainguy.

imagine flapper dancing, the number was performed with elegance, style, and just a dash of flirtatiousness. “It was just like the movies, fun and different.” said Beth Belange, one of the directors of the SC4 Foundation. “Whenever we can have students involved in the things we do it’s always the icing on the cake,” said Dr. Pollock regarding the student dancers. “Students are the whole reason we’re here and if we can have them help out and be a part of this it’s all better.” That wasn’t

the only thing Dr. Pollock had to say, as the evening progressed Dr. Pollock admitted to turning down a presidential offer at Lake Superior State University. “I spent some time with my family this week, and had a long talk with them about lots of things… The college here is doing so many amazing things, and it’s just the beginning of what this college can do…Yesterday I talked to the search committee at Lake Superior State University and I told them to scratch my name off the list. I want to stay here at SC4 another year.” The president was met with thunderous applause to which Dr. Pollock responded with: “Looks like you’re stuck with me.” The evening finished off with an emotional speech from the SC4 Foundation Scholarship award winner Shelly Coburn, and a fun acoustic performance by Cliff Erikson, who played requests such as: “Old Time Rock and Roll,” and “I’m a Believer.” Everyone was thrilled about the evening, and raising the financial need to continue better the school. “It was a lovely evening, and a great experience,” said SC4 Foundation director Bob Moak.

Campus

‘The Science of Things’ Nasr museum opens to the public Kristopher Reynolds Staff Writer

the museum has been done on a volunteer basis,” said Suzanne Doherty, a geology instructor at Altruism is defined as the act of SC4. “It’s been a lot of work, and giving or dedicated some kind of very time consuming. But it has material, support, or service for no completely been worth it to see this reason other than to do it, expecting realized”. absolutely nothing in return or The museum was named after retribution. The Nasr Science Bassam Nasr, a doctor in the Port Museum exemplifies something built Huron region. He donated $76,500 on the foundation of altruism, being dollars to SC4’s “All Aboard: constructed solely on a volunteer Campaign for Talent, Technology and donation basis. and Tomorrow”, a campaign which On Saturday, Nov. 9, from 11a.m.raised money for five capital 2p.m., the museum will open to the projects for campus improvement, public for the first time, located including the construction of the on the first floor of the Clara E. museum. McKenzie building where the Math A vast majority of the exhibits Center was formerly located. were donated by Michael Sinchak. The museum’s focus is on Sinchak met Doherty at a science paleontology. Exhibits consist of conference, and after discussing various fossils, bones, and petrified Doherty’s wish to have a fully organic compounds, both real and functioning museum at SC4, he replicated. offered her $4,000 worth of exhibit “All work that has gone into material. When all was said and

Photo by Kristopher Reynolds.

Various Paleontology exhibits at the new Nasr Science Museum.

done, according to Doherty, Sinchak made donations strictly “out of his own heart”, and donated well over $100,000 worth of exhibit material.

Much like the support given by the various volunteers, Doherty urges the public to come out and join in the museum’s first public debut.

Artists band together to raise money for the arts Potters Market returns to SC4 Emily Mainguy Copy Editor

potters this year and 11 are either SC4 current students or alumni,” explained Celeste Skalnek. The eleventh annual Potters There are many different styles Market will be coming back to the ranging from functional, to MTECH building. decorative and even crystalline or The market will be open Thursday, raku. Nov. 14 from 3-7 p.m.; Friday Nov. A portion of the sales from this 15, Saturday Nov. 16, and Sunday event will benefit the artists and Nov. 17 from 12-4 p.m. the SC4 arts programs. “In our first The Potters Market is an annual year, 2003, we sold just over $3000 event which exhibits work which is in pottery. Last year’s total was over either handmade or wheel thrown $12,000,” Skalnek said. with clay for sale. “We have 23 For questions on this event call

(810) 989-5709 or check the website: www.sc4.edu/arts. Contact Emily at emainguy@att.net.

Photo by Celeste Skalnek.

Pottery on display in last year’s Potters Market. Photo used with permission

Community

Homecoming for We Came As Romans Brendan Buffa Sports Editor

On Nov. 3, We Came As Romans came to St. Andrews Hall in Detroit, MI for a homecoming concert that set the city ablaze. We Came As Romans is a melodic metalcore band formed in July 2005. They originally started their career in Troy, Michigan and the surrounding areas. Fronted by Kyle Pavone and David Stephens, We Came As Romans has made monstrous steps in the metalcore music scene. Their third studio album, Tracing Back Roots, was just released and is the basis of their tour with the likes of Silverstein, The Color Morale, Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!, and Dangerkids. We Came As Romans brings guests along with them as they tour the United States and end the tour in the city that molded their talents. Tracing Back Roots, peaking at number eight on the US chart, has their hit single ‘Hope’ which

blasted over alternative radio waves in the Detroit area. “We couldn’t be any happier to end the tour in a place that we call home,” said Stephens, “thank you, Detroit.” Opening act, Dangerkids kicked off the show in a blast of a performance with tracks from their premier album, Collapse, off the label Rise Records. Garret Rap, lead singer of The Color Morale showed his excitement for the final show by climbing on top of the speakers and giving a speech that couldn’t be forgotten. “That’s what it’s all about,” said Rapp, “having fun and sending a positive message.’ During the show Shane Told, the front man of Silverstein, leaped 10+ feet into the air above the crowd (ending directly in this reporter’s arms). We Came As Romans ended their set list with an encore of ‘Hope’, and ‘To Plant A Seed’, a song that made We Came As Romans a rising blip on the radar of metalcore in 2009. Contact Brendan at Brendan.buffa@yahoo.com.

Pet of the issue Rusty

Angie Stoecklin Staff Writer

beginning of December. He would make a perfect Christmas gift for someone looking Rusty is a 4 to 5 year old Labrador for an active and loving larger dog. and Bulldog mix. He gets along great Rusty’s adoption fee will be $125. with other dogs, kids, and even To help cover the costs of adoption, cats. He is a very active dog and an anonymous supporter has absolutely loves going for walks and offered to help cover the cost of car rides. any pet featured in the Erie Square When Rusty arrived at the Gazette. Blue Water Humane Society, he For more information on Rusty, was diagnosed with heartworm contact the Blue Water Humane disease. He recently received his Society at 810-987-4357. final treatment and is now a happy and healthy animal, but due to the Contact Angie at angelastoecklin@ heartworm condition, he will not yahoo.com be available for adoption until the

“Rusty.” Photo by Angie Stoecklin.

Community

For the love of art

SC4 president’s performance raises $3,125

Matthews. All donations from the event are going into the art programs or events or to student scholarships. According to Pollock, prior to the performance $40,000 had already been raised for SC4’s Friends of the Arts, $34,000 of which was specified for student scholarships. “We’re going to be upgrading the rooms and the facilities, probably this upcoming summer redoing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units in the Fine Arts building,” said Pollock. “We have practice rooms where you can’t even hear yourself play because the ventilation systems are so old.” According to David Goetze, Michigan native and singer Karen Newman has agreed to donate $2 from every ticket sold from her annual holiday concert Fri. Dec. 13 at McMorran Place in Port Huron. “Hopefully we’ll get a great attendance from the event. It’ll Photo by Liz Whittmore SC4 Registrar Carrie Bearss and Adjunct Theatre Instructor Thomas Kephart dance on stage during Dr. benefit everyone in the community,” Pollock’s acoustic performance at Lynch’s Irish Tavern Oct. 24. said Goetze. To donate to SC4’s Friends of the to expand SC4’s Natural Science SC4’s Friends of the Arts is a group Liz Whittemore Arts or student scholarships go to Museum. of local businesses, community Photo Editor Total donations for the night were members, and SC4 staff that support sc4.edu/donate. calculated to $3,125 according to the arts at SC4. In the spirit of fundraising, SC4 Contact Liz at lizphotosesg@gmail. David Goetze, director of college “It’s essentially a support President Dr. Kevin Pollock took to com. advancement, foundation, and organization for art projects,” said the stage singing and playing his alumni relations at SC4. Goetze acoustic guitar to SC4 faculty and community members Thursday Oct. was present at the event collecting 24 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Lynch’s donations and pledges. Allen Matthews, a board member Irish Tavern on Huron Ave. to raise money for SC4’s Friends of the Arts. of SC4’s Friends of the Arts and Theatre Manager at SC4, was also in This was Pollock’s second attendance during the performance. performance raising money to benefit the school, a follow up to his Matthews made sure there were first performance at Lynch’s in Feb. no difficulties with the audio for 2013 where over $5,000 was raised Pollock’s performance. 1810-984-2233 231 Huron Ave

9 Bring out your dead

Editorial

The Bitstrip’s plague hits social media, few survivors Erick Fredendall Editor-in-Chief

participate in “Mafia Wars.” Alas, the rabbit hole doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon The advent of the Facebook app and a new app has emerged center in 2009 heralded some as the comic creation platform of the most terrifying blights on called “Bitstrip.” social media in the form of game For those who have yet to hop apps like Farmville, Castle Wars, aboard the fad-train, Bitstrip is a and Candy Crush. Facebook application developed In my foolishness, I believed by Bitstrip Inc. that allows that I had seen the worst of users to generate pre-designed social media fads when my templates and place avatars grandmother spammed my of the user acting out various wall with multiple requests to scenes in a single panel frame.

The Facebook application boasts over 10 million users worldwide and is currently ranked the #1 top free app by Appdata, a website following mobile app trends and usage. But why do I find the app so appalling? Two reasons. Reason one: people really aren’t that funny. Bitstrip is an insta-comic equivalent of a “grow-your-owngirlfriend,” but instead of adding water, users add poor attempts at

humor. While the experiences you encounter in life may be entertaining to you, they often fall flat on the broader audience. Case in point: a caption that reads “Mike looooves pizza” accompanying the image of a poorly designed caricature of a man eating pizza. Yes, that was an actual comic. The poor quality of the content is aggravated when realizing that the users are only required to create text: the avatar and background are already laid out. This leads to reason two: Bitstrip took an artistic medium and drowned it in a sea of

mediocrity. A very similar form of resentment is felt by journalists towards bloggers and photographers towards Instagramers. Artists who sacrifice time and effort towards a form of expression usually bear resentment towards copy and paste content creation, and rightly so. Comics have always reserved a special place in the hearts of many in my generation for the artistic quality they carry. This includes a combination of dialogue and graphic images coming together to paint a story which is usually fast paced and engaging. Bitstrip is a poor substitute, allowing the untalented majority to create poor quality single panel comics about their lives, many of which are just not that interesting. There is a simple way to freedom from these incessant posts: in the right corner of the Bitstrip post is a drop down bar that offers the option to “hide all from Bitstrip.” Click it. Then we can all return to browsing Facebook for hours upon end in relative peace… for now.

Editorial

Yelling about comics Enough with the crossovers!

Zachary Penzien Production editor

reading the title because of annoying feature. Events usually have a large Events and crossovers are a effect on the status quo of the big part of comics these days: universe, but with the frequency the market is saturated with of events a status quo has not them. Events are when different had time to be reestablished. I’ve characters appear and play a found that when a story’s stakes part in a story told across several are constantly being ratcheted books. While some of them have up, it’s much more difficult to been awesome, one example keep interested in it. being “Batman: Court of Owls,” If a wide spread event has a a lot of them lately are feeling large effect on the universe it’s unnecessary and forced. cool to see how it effects the For example, I have been loving different characters. But when an Brian Wood’s run on X-men. The event interrupts the books own new character dynamics being narrative it accomplishes neither set up are great. I’m excited for of the goals of either story. the return of one of my favorite The best books I have been X-men alumni, Jubilee. But the reading recently have been story that had been built up was, utterly devoid of events or I feel, undercut by the “battle of crossovers. Hawkeye by Matt the atom” event. Fraction has been superb since “Battle of the atom” is based issue one. The title has so far not around Cyclops, Gene Gray, and taken part in a crossover. It has time travel. Quite frankly I just been left alone to build its story don’t care about the characters uninterrupted. getting the spot light, at all. It Events and crossovers are not may very well be a solid story but going anywhere, and I don’t think I just don’t care for it as I wish I they should, but I think they did. need to ease down the thrusters The other problem with this for a bit, or at least make them event is that it just starts with no integrated better. warning. Unless you’ve read all the other X-men titles you will Contact Zack at zpenzien@yahoo. have no idea what is going on com or follow him on Twitter at @ because it starts midway through testsubject777. the story. I almost stopped

Editorial

Customer service slump A dying bearing in business

Brendan Buffa Sports Editor

Brendan Buffa yells at his cellphone.

dealt with disrespectful, rude, and unprofessional customer service representatives. It is often said that a good April, the peach that was assigned experience with a company will be to me during my journey through shared with a handful of people, yet the deepening bowels of Imprint a terrifying experience will spread customer service, hung the phone through your friends like wildfire. up three times on me during I found myself with my blood conversation. boiling and one mother of a As I asked to deal with a migraine as I dealt with the supervisor, she said that I couldn’t Netbrands Media Corporation be connected because she does not based out of Houston, Texas – have a direct line, and I would have otherwise known as Imprint, a to wait for a call back. company that controls the web page Two days. No call. I call back, and 24hourwristbands.com. was hung up on again. With a total of 18 calls made At this point I was yanking at my to this company in a range of 4 collar trying not to blow my lid days, I found myself continuously while I was on the phone. slamming my head into a wall as I I got creative and had my mother

Photo by Liz Whittemore

call in posing as a representative who had placed a multi-thousand dollar purchase. Immediately, my mother got on the line with the supervisor, Stacey. Within 15 seconds of Stacey realizing she was set up as I got on the line to address my situation of

my misplaced $128.63 – she hung up. After that call, I never got an answer from the customer service line. First, I would like to come right out and say, never deal with the company, Imprint, otherwise known as 24hourwristbands.com. The one star Yelp rating should have been a red flag. Secondly, customer services current decline is an atrocious realization to any businessman. While selling a product or service, there should be no lash of anger while dealing with a customer. If a consumer is gracious enough to spend money with you, a metaphorical place in your heart should be reserved for that person. It’s shocking that within the past month, I have had customer service that was less than satisfactory from Verizon, Apple, and Imprint. If a business is looking to invest, one thing that should never be on the bottom of the list is an efficient and friendly customer service agent. Contact Brendan at Brendan. buffa@yahoo.com.

Entertainment

#1 Bad Grandpa! Liz Whittemore Photo Editor

sent to jail. Instead of video clips of semidangerous stunts and pranks, “Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa” unique to this Jackass presentation stands true to Jackass reputation for is a story line, though it is more like “Oh my god!” moments. The film had a thread. me peeking through my fingers and The estranged grandfather and squealing in horror throughout the grandson grow closer through male movie. bonding and questionable childParamount Pictures’ “Bad rearing and ends as predicted. Grandpa” follows dirty-minded Background details are feathered and recently widowed Irving in and are confusing at times, (Johnny Knoxville), the 86-year-old though getting Billy to his father’s is grandfather of the 8-year-old Billy consistent. (Jackson Nicoll) and their road trip Although the ending is predictable, to North Carolina to take Billy to his the usual amount of vulgarity, dead-beat, money-hungry father strippers, and questionable after Billy’s drug-addicted mother is decisions that accompany the

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“Jackass” title still gives ample opportunity for a good laugh. Rated 61% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72% by the audience, a majority of the complaints seem to stem from bad-taste of the “pranks” that are incorporated into the story. I would with those statements considering that is the basis for Irving being a “Bad Grandpa”. Real-life reactions of the unlucky “Jackass” victims are a strong point to the film and allow the audience to empathize. Parents keep in mind, even if it gets sentimental at moments; “Bad Grandpa” is a Jackass film. Leave the Contact Liz at lizphotosesg@gmail. kids at home. com. FerriS Online Degree prOgraMS

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Entertainment

Gypsy’s “Under the Weather” A new album for a new band Emily Mainguy Copy Editor

for about four to five years. “Well the name is a bit strange, there was a song Caleb had written Port Huron’s small but years ago and one of the lines was unique culture has created an about a gypsy that would work environment for musical and artistic for gasoline to keep traveling development. Right in the center the world,” explained Robin of this expansion a group of local Schweihofer. SC4 alumni formed a rising band, They have an album in the works Gasoline Gypsy. titled, “Under the Weather” which The band’s music style is has eight tracks. It is currently being considered, by the members, as recorded by Lee Hoffman, owner of loose rock and roll because they Scholar’s DJ’s and is also a DJ and write their own songs and play Producer with Frat Boyz. covers of many different styles. The band is working on signing The current line-up for the band with a record label. “As far as the Gasoline Gypsy band members. Photo used with permission from Gasoline Gypsy. is Robin Schweihofer, Steve Briere, record company goes we’re not able Caleb Malooley, and Joe Makowski. to disclose that information yet,” When they lost one of their drum and I remember wondering Briere and Malooley have been stated Schweihofer. last band members they started what we got ourselves into,” recalled playing together for close to ten To keep up with Gasoline Gypsy like jamming with Schweihofer; who Briere. years and have been a part of three them on Facebook. later introduced them to their The band’s current members have other bands. Malooley and Briere current drummer, Joe Makowski. only been together for about nine first met Schweihofer in SC4’s very “He came to the first practice with months according to Caleb Malooley, Contact Emily at emainguy@att.net. own music theory class. crayon marks all over his snare but the band’s name has been in use

WWE 2K14: Does not “Bring It” Alex Olson Staff Writer

When a gamer plays a wrestling game, they expect it to do two things: “layeth the smackdown” and “just bring it.” It is unfortunate that WWE 2K14 does neither. 2K14 does nothing new as far as controls are concerned, taking the same control scheme from WWE ‘13. The wrestling mechanics are solid, fluid, and realistic. Back from last year is the ability to knock opponents out of moves, which

comes in handy when a friend is about to be hit with a devastating finishing move. Customization, always a highlight of wrestling games, falls short. Players can create a monstrosity with chicken legs and giant arms, but the selection of options is very much the same from previous games. One new feature this year is the “30 Years of WrestleMania,” which is a nostalgia trip for any life-long wrestling fans. Fans can recreate, via quick time events and actual footage, Hulk Hogan versus The

Ultimate Warrior or Razor Ramon versus Shawn Michaels which are arguably some of the greatest moments of WrestleMania. Also included in the game is a slobber-knocker mode in which you can try to extend The Undertaker’s 21-0 WrestleMania win streak. You can also take on The Deadman and end the streak. 2K14 focuses heavily on presentation and nostalgia, but the in ring action is dull and repetitive. The only plus is a more aggressive artificial intelligence, making fights against AI controlled opponents

more fun. With a large roster with some of the biggest names, old and new, 2K14 was set to deliver something special; however it falls short in originality. Prospective players may want to rent this game for the 30 Years mode, but pass on the $60 buying price. And that’s the bottom line, ‘cause Stone Cold said so. Contact Alex at alexolson51@ yahoo.com.

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Worth the agonizing wait

Final installment of Divergent trilogy stacks up to predecessor Rebecca Kelly Webmistress

I was absolutely crushed when I left the theater back in 2003 after viewing Matrix Reloaded. To my 12 year old self, I believed the first Matrix was flawless and was highly anticipating the sequels. My pal and I concocted a plan for her brother to sneak us in to the rated “R” film, so my mom would never find out. The third one would be better, I lied to myself. I betrayed my mother for a pile of crap masquerading as a follow-up to my favorite movie. This October I picked up Divergent for my Kindle to read while dogsitting at my parent’s house. The husband was away and my sole companions were not known to speak human and with seasonal work dying down I was left with plentiful hours to just read. After the second chapter of Divergent, I was thankful for the extra hours. I ate the words on the page so fast it might as well have been popcorn. Analogies of eating this book aren’t even enough: I poured the words directly into my brain; they couldn’t get there fast enough. After finishing in a matter of a day – breaking only to sleep or raid my parent’s fridge – I bought the sequel, Insurgent, and engulfed that too. The highly anticipated third installment to the series, Allegient, came out recently. Seeing Amazon’s customer rating on the book made

me nervous I would experience the same crushing blow to a series I had loved a decade earlier. I dreaded loading page one. Would my torturous wait for this book leave me in a sad puddle pretending it didn’t exist? Twenty hours later and over halfway through the book, I’m elated to report I committed myself. Veronica Roth employs a writing technique that was the reason I fell in love with Dean Koontz’s stories: she changes viewpoints almost ever chapter between the two main characters, instead of her previous static. While the ending frustrated my possibly-over-emotional attachment to fictional characters, I adored this book. Already the first page of the first book has graced my kindle, and my National Novel Writing Month novel is calling me, albeit late. Contact Rebecca at rebeccakellyfifteen@gmail.com.

Entertainment

Lizzie, Red, and terrorists oh my!

Why you should be watching the new NBC action-thriller “The Blacklist.” Jennifer Gibson Staff Writer

Action, drama, and fantastic writing matched with brilliant acting propels this new series to the top of this fall’s “must see” TV. James Spader plays the role of Raymond “Red” Reddington, who after 20 years of being an elusive global broker for the world’s most dangerous criminals turns himself over to the FBI. Red became one of the infamous “FBI’s Most Wanted” after he worked as a government agent, abandoning his country and family, only to rematerialize as a narcissistic, well-connected mastermind of mayhem. Enter Megan Boone, the rookie FBI profiler Elizabeth “Lizzie” Keen, whose seemingly perfect home life, is about to collide with deception, life-threatening, fast paced confusion as she finds herself in the impossible situation of listening to her heart, her mind, or her gut.

Ryan Eggold, plays the innocent, trustworthy, loving husband, Tom Keen, who is just your average, everyday elementary school teacher wanting nothing more than to create the embodiment of the perfect family with his beautiful wife, “Lizzie”. But does this book match its cover? There is a very “Hannibal and Clarice” feel to the relationship between Red and Lizzie. Spader does a phenomenal portrayal of the sarcastic, witty, and ruthless Red. He is, like Hannibal, a villain you find yourself drawn to, even admiring. Boone’s performance reflects the contrast between the way Keen sees herself - tough, intelligent, independent, and the person everyone else sees- young, inexperienced, and naïve. The internal struggles she is dealing with are a subtly obvious rendering which endears the audience to her plight. Red’s “blacklist” of the most

dangerous terrorists in the world comes with a catch; Keen is the only FBI agent he will disclose the information to. This causes tension among the ranks, as Harry Lennix, who plays the head agent for the FBI, Harold Cooper, and agent Donald Ressler, played by Diego Klattenhoff, question the true connection between Red and Lizzie. These questions breed trust issues within the agency and those involved, forcing Cooper to bring in the hardnosed, innocent-faced CIA agent Meera Malik, who is portrayed by Parminder Nagra, to gather information and keep an eye on the odd pair. Each week there is a new name from the list that is the epicenter of the episode. While the mysteries surrounding the characters swirl about the perimeter, adding more questions, clues, morsels of insight, and intrigue to the story within the story. The wrong choice could leave

one precariously perched on a crumbling cliff with the person one thought could be trusted as the only hope. Will it be a helping hand that reaches out or a callous push sending one plummeting to a deceitful demise? Tune in Monday nights at 10 p.m. on NBC to find out who ends up on the blacklist, who can be trusted, who the true criminal is, who is being set-up and who will fall. “The Blacklist” will not disappoint; this show challenges the “know-it-alls” who think they have it figured out, as well as those feeling as lost and confused as poor Lizzie appears to be. Check out NBC.com for episodes, bios, and more information on this exciting new series, you can also catch-up with past episodes on Hulu. com. Contact Jennifer at justjennee@ gmail.com.

Entertainment

Last stop, Last Vegas

New Turteltaub film a witty and lighthearted comedy Mairead Warner Staff Writer Last Vegas stars Michael Douglas as Billy, Robert De Niro as Paddy, Morgan Freeman as Archie and Kevin Kline as Sam. Last Vegas starts with showing this group of guys when they were in their pre-teens and the friendship that they have. Some of the scenes show a more serious side of the movie and characters. The movie is about a group of older gentlemen who get back in touch for their friend Billy’s bachelor party. The character Billy is marrying a younger woman who is in her thirties. The film’s storyline is very easy to follow, and it shows a group of older male friends that go to Las Vegas. The serious side tackled issues like broken friendships, losing loved ones, and growing older. The movie showed a real relationships, issues and friendships. The characters were extremely likeable and are extremely real. The humor was somewhat dirty and witty. All four of the characters had their own storylines that connected together. The characters had their own personalities. Billy was the ladies’ man, Paddy was the tough

guy who is very sensitive, Archie is the guy who is wise and very independent, and Sam is blunt and goofy guy. The characters were all on a mission to do something new and different – expect Paddy, who just wanted to go home. The films only female lead is Mary Steenburgen as Diana, a lounge singer who sparks the romantic interest of Paddy and Billy. She helps the men learn more about life and love. The comedy and the dramatic scenes were spread equally. The actors never outshined each other and they worked

well together. The four leading males looked like real friends. The ending of the movie was a little predictable. The characters grow and learn though watching the different things that they are going through together and

independently. The movie carries a theme that can be summarized best by a quote from Robert De Niro: “Time goes on. So whatever you’re going to do, do it. Do it now. Don’t wait.”

17 The terrible twosome a radiant tandem reunites Brendan Buffa Sports Editor

The 2012-13 season was an eventful year that resulted in a continuous streak of wins along with the Skippers going undefeated on their home court, an eastern conference championship, and a MCCAA championship

with a NJCAA national title. With a 32-3 overall record, the Skippers made enhancements to the team that would increase their chances of taking the national championship this year, as they finished in fourth place last season in the NJCAA tournament. Haley Rutledge, a Jackson Community College transfer, joins the team for the 2013-14 season at guard with a special set of skills. Rutledge, being named second team MCCAA west and the western conference all freshman team, is surely to bring a newly established talent to the team. Averaging

Sports 11.3 points per game, Rutledge and smiles, “she’s got that.” not only joins a newly branded The team has few returning championship team – she joins a players and Kehoe notes that it is former high school teammate – an interesting mental battle when it forward, Rachel Kehoe. comes to finding her own leadership “These ladies have great qualities. leadership qualities,” said MCCAA “I’m trying to be a leader,” says coach of the year recipient, Michael Kehoe, “being at nationals last year Groulx, “they do what needs to be and being so close, it’s tough.” done, always being the first ones to Coach Groulx noted that he is practice and last ones to leave.” looking forward to this season and Rutledge and Kehoe, both being the newly discovered talent. St. Clair High School graduates, “The goal is to get to nationals and reconcile on the court after a year of expand on our finish,” said Groulx, being apart. “but at the same time we have a “Even though we didn’t play with lot of maturing to do and a lot of each other last year, we still have growing up.” that sync,” says Kehoe about her The home opener for the women’s past with Rutledge, “it’s crazy.” basketball team is Nov. 15 against Rutledge notes that even after a Vincennes University at 7 p.m. year apart, the flow of the play has not disappeared from the dynamic Contact Brendan at Brendan. duo. buffa@yahoo.com. “You can tell in practice that we have played on a team, and this is our fourth year together so we know how each other Nov. 7 – Nov. 21 plays.” Standing at an Men’s Basketball impressive 6’4”, Nov. 13 – Concordia University JV Kehoe plans to utilize 8p.m. Rutledge’s talents in Nov. 19 – Marygrove College - 7p.m. the team’s effort to take the national Women’s Basketball championship. Nov. 8– Monroe CC -2 p.m. “I know that when she is Nov. 9 – Mercyhurst North East - 2p.m. open,” Kehoe Nov. 15 – Vincennes University winks at Rutledge 7p.m.

Sports Calendar

(bold denotes home games)

Rachel Kehoe, left, and Haley Rutledge, right, reunite once again on the hardwood to dazzle their way the MCCAA championship. Photo Credit: Brendan Buffa

Sports

NJCAA tournament closes out Skippers volleyball

Photo Credit: Kirk Bearse (Catsden Photography)

Brendan Buffa Sports Editor

Heather Griffis (left), Alex Shell (middle) and Katie Bearse (right) cram the net as they intimidate Oakland in their last game as a team.

the first day of the tournament with a win under their belt. Day two was a spectacle of Greatness awaited the Skippers volleyball as the girls lost in five to volleyball team as the NJCAA District Columbus State CC (25-20, 25-14, E Volleyball tournament in Grand 12-25, 25-16) and turned around Rapids, Michigan began on Nov. 1. to stay alive in the rankings as they The team knew it was a possible won against Schoolcraft CC (25-15, last hoorah if they came out of the 25-15, 25-22) and Owens CC, (25tournament unsuccessful, and they 21, 25-16, 25-21) to close out the would be sent home packing as the day. 2013 season came to a close. The Oakland CC Raiders stood in Conference rival, Mott Community the way of the Skippers on day three College, was first up on the schedule of the NJCAA tournament and with to duke it out against the Skippers. a conference rival history, the game The game ended in favor of the drew much attention. Skippers in three games, (29-27, 25Oakland, who led the conference 20, 27-25) and the Skippers ended ahead of the Skippers the majority

of the season, won both meetings in four games against the Skippers. The match was taken all the way to a fifth game, where a controversial call by the line judge was the proverbial nail in the coffin for the Skippers season. The game ended, and the Skippers lost in game five, (12-25, 26-24, 25-22, 22-25, 12-15) and were reluctant as their 30-win and 13loss season disappeared. “We played our hardest against Oakland,” said sophomore captain, Katie Bearse, “We may not have been playing our best but it was the hardest we worked all season, and we really made Oakland work for it.”

Bearse states that although she would have loved to win the game, she “regrets nothing about the way we played.” Freshman, Taylor Hornbacher was awarded All-Region team, AllMCCAA team, Eastern Conference First Team and Eastern Conference Player of the Year. Alex Shell (FR), Rachel Cooper (SO), Heather Griffis (SO), and Bearse (SO) were also named AllEastern Conference Second Team. The Skippers end on a high note, yet still strive to excel in their talents in the next season. You can contact Brendan Buffa at brendan.buffa@yahoo.com.

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