5 | Th e Stat e N e ws | t h ur sday, jan uary 9, 201 4
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Hollow Mountain Comics fills gaming void MSU alumnus releases new
rap single featuring Twista
By Casey Holland cholland@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS
Comic and game lovers could have a home in East Lansing once again with the establishment of Hollow Mountain Comics, 611 E. Grand River Ave. Hollow Mountain Comics, located below Cottage Inn, aims to be a haven for comic book lovers and offers a variety of role-playing, board, trading card and miniature games. The bright purple walls in the front of the store are lined with DC and Marvel editions, image comics and graphic novels. Co-owner Gabriel Cooper, a theatre senior and a former graphic designer at The State News, said they receive weekly editions of comics every Wednesday. Past the archway that divides the store, a plethora of games provide contrast to the front room’s comic theme. Wooden tables are set up for Pokémon and board game nights hosted at the store. The owners’ own interests are the reason for the store’s split. Cooper’s specialty is comics, while co-owner Aaron Solon’s main focus is on games. Although Cooper and Solon, an MSU alumnus, have different areas of expertise, both of them are connected by the common goal of filling the hole left behind by the now-closed 21st Century Comics & Games. After 21st Century’s owner closed the store at 515 E. Grand
ajones@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
Erin Hampton/ The State News
Co-owners Gabriel Cooper, left, and Aaron Solon converse while waiting for customers Wednesday at Hollow Mountain Comics. The store opened New Year’s day and offers a variety of comic books and games.
River Ave. to pursue other job opportunities, Cooper said he, Solon and the rest of East Lansing’s comic book and gaming community lost a valued sanctuary. However, Hollow Mountain has risen from the ashes left in the wake of 21st Century Comics & Games and presents a new beginning for the community. The store had its grand opening on Jan. 1 while students were still away from campus. Cooper said he was initially concerned people would not
come in. However, he was proven wrong. “We ended up having a big turnout,” Cooper said. “Everyone either knew we were gonna be here or wandered by and were surprised we existed.” Game nights at Hollow Mountain also have caught the interest of East Lansing residents. Solon said their first Saturday tournament was packed with as many gamers as they could possibly fit inside.
statenews.com ST Y L E F I L E
different designs on phone cases can show personality In a digital-based world, cell phones typically are an object people turn to often. When battling an awkward
“I’ve taken a lot of hits over the years, and this is my way to fire back.”
By April Jones
nn
situation, it’s safe to say a cell phone always will be in your hands. One thing I have found to
be helpful in understanding a person’s personality is to take a peek at their cell phone case.
“We could barely even move,” Solon said. “It was really exciting.” Solon added Hol low Mountain plans to have a focus on hosting as many interesting events within the store as possible. Cooper said he hopes their store will be a comic book and gaming destination for many years to come. “I just want it to keep existing,” Cooper said. “I want it to always be a welcoming place for people.”
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By April Jones
MSU alumnus Blake Selby made his childhood dream come true by releasing the first single and music video for his upcoming album “Ammunition,” featuring famous rapper Twista. Selby, a 2012 graduate, said when he was growing up, he used rap as a way to release his frustration during a discouraging childhood fraught with fights and bullying. After years of fooling around with lyrics, he decided it was time to get serious and make a name for himself in the music world. While at MSU, Selby did his first rap performance at the Eppley Center and the venue sold out. “From there I started taking it more seriously,” Selby said. “I started perfecting my sound and getting my fan base up a little bit (and) dropping a few mix tapes.” After performing at multiple venues around the Lansing area, he created the record label Nor t her n Hy pe and reached out to famous Chicago-based rapper Twista. “We have the same delivery of rapping style,” Selby said, referencing their fast paces. In 2012, Selby asked Twista if they could join together for
Blake Selby, MSU alumnus
a concert with a possibility of a single and music video. Twista decided to give him a chance and sent him a beat to try. “I sent him something back and he hated it,” Selby said. However, that didn’t stop Selby from trying again. T he famous rapper sent Selby another beat and after spending three weeks in his basement writing lyrics and recording, Selby sent it back to Twista. He fell in love with it. The lyrical beat is now Selby’s first single, “Never Let Go,” featuring Twista, on Selby’s 18-song album “Ammunition.” After two years of recording, the rapid-fire paced album, which also features the metal band, 3 Years Hollow, is set to release this year on April 26. “I’ve taken a lot of hits over the years (from doubters), and this is my way to fire back,” he said, explaining the title of the upcoming album. Selby will have a release party in his hometown, Traverse City, Mich., and will return to Lansing in May to perform in the Lansing Hip-Hop festival.
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2014 EXPANSION $15.50 base customer sales/ service. Flex sched. around classes, no experience nec. we train. Call today 517-3331700 or apply at workforstudents.com
WORK ON Mackinac Island this summer – The Island House Hotel & Ryba’s Fudge Shops are looking for: Front Desk, Bell Staff, Wait Staff, Sales Clerks, Kitchen, & Baristas. Housing, bonus, & discounted meals. (906) 847-7196. www.theislandhouse. com.
AVAIL AUG ‘14 Studio Apartments. Heat/water inc. Downtown EL, Top cond. Check out our visual tours at hudginsrealty.com Call 517-5750008, no pets.
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926 SEVER 2014-15 school year, licensed for 4. Sign a lease by 12/31/13 for special rate of $537/person. No app fee. CRMC 517-3377577. www.crmc1.com
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Horoscope By Linda C. Black 10 IS THE EASIEST DAY — 0 THE MOST CHALLENGING
HIRING COOKS and servers at Reno’s East Sports Bar. Apply in person, 1310 Abbot Road. SMALL OFFICE seeks p/t clerk, $12/hr. File, copy, phones 8-10 hrs/ wk. Send resume + hrs avail to clawoffice-clerk@ yahoo.com THE STATE NEWS distribution department is looking for responsible, reliable drivers to deliver The State News between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. MonFri. Pay is $20/route/day. Applicants must be a full time MSU student: have a reliable vehicle & good driving record. To apply go to: www.statenews. com/work (under distribution link) or pick up an application at 435 E. Grand River Ave.
Apts. For Rent $300 off Jan rent. 2 bdrm, 2 bath with garage. 1208 sq ft. Huge living areas, washer and dryer in apt, vaulted ceilings, pet friendly, 24 hour fitness, and more. Call today 517-351-9400 4 BEDROOM for next school year $325 per person! 3 bedroom $415 per person. (517) 5070127. ABBOTT POINTE - Large 2 bdrm apts for Fall 2014! Best deal in East Lansing. Remodeled kitchens, free heat, fitness center, cats + dogs welcome. Call 507-3267.
BOGUE/GRAND RIVER 2 bed, 1 bath d/w, a/c on site w/d. Lic. 2. 3510765. hrirentals.com BRAND NEW 3 bed, 3 bath and 4 bed, 4 bath for fall 2014. Full-size washers & dryers! Walkout patio or balcony! Fitness studio, lounge, and more! Waterbury Place 517-833-9064 GLENWOOD APTS– Beautiful 2 bdrm remodeled apartments avail May & Aug 2014. Gorgeous insides! Heat & water paid. Fitness center & more! 517-5075570. Jan move in specials. 1,2 and 3 bdrm apts. Covered parking, in apt laundry, spacious living areas. Pet friendly. Call today. 517-351-9400. NEAR FRANDOR. 611 N. Francis. Nice 3 bdrm, new inside. $900/mo. 332-7726.
ST ANNE Lofts Downtown EL. Luxury studio avail Fall ‘14. Partially furnished, dog friendly, in-home washer/ dryer. 517-224-1080.
Houses/Rent 1816.5 MICHIGAN 201415 school year, licensed for 4. Sign a lease by 12/31/13 for no app fee and free washer/dryer. No app fee. CRMC 517337-7577, www.crmc1. com 526 VIRGINIA 2014-15 school year, licensed for 4. SAVE $1160 if you sign a lease by 12/31/13. No app fee, reduced rent, free washer/dryer. CRMC 517-337-7577, www.crmc1.com
ABOVE AVERAGE 220 N. Harrison Lic. 4, Eamon Kelly 714.654.2701 or enkellyjr@gmail.com CUTE HOUSE, 251 Gunson. Lic. 2.$650 per person. No smoking, hot tub, a/c, w/d, 333-9595 LIC for 5. Close to campus. Excellent rates. Call 517-410-1198 or 989799-8947. SPACIOUS 4 BDRM Lic. 4. d/w + w/d. security deposit + utilities 517599-5731
Textbooks COLLEGEVILLE TEXTBOOK Co. is your source for used books! 321 E Grand River 517922-0013
Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is a 9 — The next few weeks include a social whirl. Go ahead and assume authority ... shift to plan B and delegate. Family comes first. Your team supports the game. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 7 — Set goals and get into studies over the next month. It’s easier to travel, too. Speak out for what’s important. You have the energy and funds you need. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Today is a 9 — It’s easier to save money this month, which is useful with unexpected expenses. Get an elder’s advice, as others inspire action. Find a great deal. Get into local culture. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today is an 8 — This is Partnership Month: set new goals, rely on each other for support and to advance. Compromise is the magic elixir. Clean up messes immediately, and acknowledge accomplishments.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 9 — Invest in your own business. There’s more work this coming month, and it’s fun. Friends help you advance. Prioritize spending, and study with a passion. Keep digging. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 9 — Artistic efforts pay off professionally; love and beauty come naturally this month. Keep a deadline that suddenly looms. You’re lucky for the next three weeks ... don’t push it. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 9 — You’re impatient to get started. For four weeks, focus on home and family. Get into home improvements and feather your nest. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is an 8 — Pretty up your workplace, and work smartly. You’ll love learning this month. Pay a debt. Ask for a fringe benefit. Let the process unfold, and trust your heart.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 9 — Create an inviting entry. The next four-and-a-half weeks can be quite profitable, so rake it in. Spend a little on comfort. Share a feast. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 7 — You’ll feel especially loved and lucky for a time. Invest in your business after careful consideration. Provide motivation. You’re sharp, and your team is with you. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 9 — You won’t wear your heart on your sleeve quite as much this month. Put your passions into your studies. Fix up your place. Entertain quiet thoughts and fantasies. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 9 — It’s a public month, and your charm is appealing. Fit everyone into your schedule. Social activities benefit career. Send a reminder about a promise not yet received. Share resources.