December 5, 2017

VOLUME 81, ISSUE 8

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2017

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Santa makes an appearance in downtown Bay City

NEWS PG 2-4 Eye on Alumni: Cordal Morris elected commissioner

COLLEGIATE LIFE PG 5-7 Larry Ramseyer retires after 33 years

A&E PG 8-10 Artist lecture touches on unforgettable subject

OPINION PG 11-12 Our View: Holiday inequality is religious inequality

See on page 2 Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus sing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” with a child volunteer from the audience. Nov. 24, 2017. Bay City, Mich. (Delta Collegiate/Jaylie Dice)

SPORTS PG 13-14 Trump on Sports

2

New lifelong learning classes come to Delta

NEWS “What classes are you excited to take next semester?”

JAYLIE DICE

Looking to deepen your knowledge and expand your interests in the New Year?

Delta College is offering 17 new courses for continuing education and online learning.

Whether you are hoping to acquire a valuable skill, pick up a new hobby or simply broaden your friend circle, Delta has something for you! Here are the top-five highly recommended courses for you to consider enrolling in for January-June 2018.

Kickboxing: Self-Defense for Women Get in shape and learn how to protect yourself in an attack? Sign me up! This class will increase your chances of avoiding and surviving violent attacks. We are always seeing news reports of rape, murder, kidnapping and muggings. In this day and age, it’s a necessity for women to know how to defend themselves.

• • • • • •

$99 Section 1: Feb.17-24 Section 2: March 24-31 Section 3: April 21-28 Saturdays; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Course Number: CDS-1192

Parti-Tizers What better way to bring in the New Year than learning how to be a great host at your parties?

In this class you’ll learn how to easily impress your guests with quick homemade appetizers and snacks.

• • • •

$129 Jan. 30 Tuesday; 6-9 p.m.

Course Number: CFF-1204

Homebrew 201: Intro to AllGrain Homebrewing Let’s be honest: Michigan is known for its passionate love of beer. What Michigander wouldn’t want to learn how to brew their own beer from scratch? This class goes perfectly with Delta’s Homebrew 101: Intro to Homebrewing where

students learn how to make their own craft brews along with the different beer basics. Homebrew 201 will teach you the more intricate steps of brewing and take your beer knowledge to the next level!

• • • • •

$79 Section 1: March 7 Section 2: May 9 Wednesday; 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Course Number: CFF-1060

Couponing 101 with Priscilla After all that Christmas shopping, you’re going to need to start saving up money to pay off your credit card debt. In Couponing 101, you will learn from an instructor with over 10 years of experience who has personally saved more than $15,000 at one store in a year’s time.

• • • • •

$59 Section 1: Feb. 10 Section 2: April 14 Saturdays; 1-3 p.m.

Course Number: CFH-1303

Technical Writing for the Workplace When interviewing for a job, technical writing is a highly desirable skill that employers are looking for in possible candidates. Effective workplace communications is a must to advance and be successful in your career.

• • • •

“Introduction to engineering because it’s my first engineering class that I will have taken, so it will be interesting to learn what it’s all about.”

Caitlynn Renner, 19, Burt

“Peggy Barber’s class.

I’ve taken three of her classes now, and she’s always exciting. Keeps you moving.”

Jessica Hook, 19, Mayville

“I am excited to take my biology class, because I’m very interested in science.

It’s one of my better subjects.”

Santa makes an appearance in downtown Bay City

$299 April 6-May 11 Fridays; 5-8 p.m.

Course Number: CBE-1297

Registration is now open.

Decide which courses interest you the most, they fill up quickly!

You can register via online, mail or in person at the LifeLong Learning Office. For more information on the classes Delta offers for continuing education and online learning, visit www. delta.edu/lifelonglearning.

WWW.DELTACOLLEGIATE.COM

Grant Koehler, 18, Kingston

Local businesses donated their services and money to help place a 32-foot Christmas tree in Downtown Bay City for the public to enjoy this holiday season. Nov. 24, 2017. Bay City, Mich. (Delta Collegiate/Jaylie Dice) Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus sing” Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” with a child volunteer from the audience. Nov. 24, 2017. Bay City, Mich. (Delta Collegiate/Jaylie Dice)

TO SEE VIDEO COVERAGE VISIT WWW.DELTACOLLEGIATE.COM

3

NEWS

Eye on Alumni: Cordal Morris elected commissioner ADAM PRZESLAK Bay City native and Delta College alumnus Cordal Morris recently became the first African American commissioner elected in Bay City. He ran unopposed in the city’s ninth ward, which mainly consists of the area referred to as the Banks.

Before being elected to office, Morris has participated in charity events and volunteered with local charities including Toys for Tots, Kicking Cans for Cancer, Kickball for Cancers and various sports tournament fundraisers for children who go the Bay Area YMCA. Morris has also done some small work with the Sacred Heart Foundation.

Morris has been looking for a more direct way to get involved in his community than what he was already doing when he ran into an old friend he had not seen in awhile, Jesse Dockett.

Dockett, a then-candidate for the commissioner of the city’s first ward, informed Morris that there was a position open for commissioner. “[Dockett] asked me where I lived and

he said that there’s no one running in the ninth ward. He asked if I’d be interested in running,” Morris said.

From there, Morris began attending more city meetings, talking to other ward commissioners and candidates running in other wards.

As the commissioner of the ninth ward, Morris’ responsibilities include serving his constituencies and serving as a middleperson between the citizens of his ward

and the city. He will also be participating in meetings of ward commissioners and city officials that involve voting on a city budget and discussing upcoming projects, such as the Wenonah Park Pavillion.

Morris earned an Associate Degree in Marketing Management from Delta in December of 2015. He was part of a tuition reimbursement program through his former employer but when he left that job for another, he was forced to start paying out-of-pocket for his continued schooling. Morris has been attending classes at Delta off and on for the past few years, finishing up his three plus one program where, once he is done at Delta, he will transfer to Northwood University.

The ninth ward commissioner had high praises for his alma mater and loves that the community he lives in, works in and now represents has a great, affordable institution of education within it.

“I love that they offer quality education for a reasonable price. A lot of colleges can’t necessarily say that they have that,” Morris said.

“Every professor I’ve had has also been in the field that they teach in. At Delta they have actually worked in their field of study. I want more people to go to Delta because they are a top-tier community college,” Morris said.

Cordal D. Morris makes his term as Ninth Ward Commissioner official with his signature. Nov. 20, 2017. Bay City, Mich.

(Delta Collegiate/Jaylie Dice)

TO SEE VIDEO COVERAGE VISIT WWW.DELTACOLLEGIATE.COM

Sundays in the City AUBRIE SMITH Take a day to stroll in the Bay with Sundays in the City, a Bay City event running now through Dec. 17.

Enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides, 12-3 p.m. throughout December, weather permitting. The event also hosts strolling carolers, free gift wrapping and various free treats throughout downtown businesses.

The State Theatre will also hold a variety of holiday films for families to enjoy, including: “The Santa Clause 2” and “A Christmas Story” on Dec. 3, “The Santa Clause 3” and “Polar Express” on Dec. 10 as well as “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “White Christmas” on Dec 17.

For more information, visit downtownbaycity.com

Beomyoung Sohn (MFA 2012)

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NEWS

4

Multiple powerful men face accusations for sexual misconduct JOE THORNTON Within the last couple months more than 30 powerful men who are household names in the United States have been accused of sexual misconduct. All of these men were in positions of power over the people whom they have allegedly assaulted.

Some of the names amid the accusations are as follows: Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Ben Affleck and Louis C.K. The responses and results stemming from these accusations have varied heavily.

Rumors circulated for years about Weinstein and what he did to women, but he was only recently put under a microscope when The New York Times published an article that included multiple accusations against him. The article led to more victims coming forward and as more voices poured in, it became harder to believe the American film producer. Weinstein was recently fired from The Weinstein Company, a company he cofounded with his brother.

Actor Kevin Spacey has been accused with sexual assault of a minor with actor Anthony Rapp who is accusing Spacey of making sexual advances toward him. At the time of the alleged incident actor Anthony Rapp was only 14 years old, while Spacey was 26. Spacey has been in relationships with both males and females but identifies as a homosexual man.

Spacey has apologized via

Twitter following the accusation from Rapp.

“I’m horrified to hear Rapp’s story. I don’t remember the encounter, as it was over 30 years ago. But if I did act as he describes, I sincerely apologize,” says Spacey.

Following the accusations, Netflix has cancelled production for season six of “House of Cards” in which Spacey is the lead actor.

Actor and director Ben Affleck was accused of groping actress Hilarie Burton. Affleck apologized publicly via Twitter saying, “I acted inappropriately toward Ms. Burton and I sincerely apologize.”

Comedian and actor Louis C.K. has been accused of sexual misconduct by five women.

He reportedly asked women, on separate occasions, to masturbate in front of them.

Louis C.K.’s comedic material often centered around his flaws and his perverted nature. Louis C.K. commented on similar accusations on nonconsensual acts in the past as recently as September of 2017.

“They’re just rumors,” said C.K. The comedian admitted the truth a month later in October.

As more women came forward Louis C.K. eventually released a statement in which he admitted that the accusations were true.

The TV network FX immediately stated they would not distribute

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the film “I Love You Daddy” in which C.K. starred. Netflix also announced they would no longer be partnered with C.K for a second stand-up special.

These multiple accounts and accusations have led to a Twitter movement from actress Alyssa Milano under the hashtag #MeToo in hopes of bringing attention to the overwhelming abundance of sexual assault and harassment.

“If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted, write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet,” Milano posted in her tweet.

Within 24 hours the hashtag had more than half a million tweets.

All of this comes after the shock that came from Bill Cosby being accused by multiple women of nonconsensual sexual activity. Cosby was once an idol and was instantly denounced by the public when women began to speak out against his actions.

Since then there has been a substantial increase in the amount of women speaking out against men in power.

As movements like #MeToo continue to gain traction and more women speak up, participants in the movement hope to erase the stigma against victims of sexual assault, encourage victims to speak out and let them know they’re not alone.

“What are your thoughts on the amount of sexual assault allegations in the media?”

Collin Anderson, 19, Vassar “I think that it should be addressed and we should do something about it to try to prevent sexual assault, especially with movie stars or famous people.”

David Root, 21, Saginaw “I feel like we often forget the mantra that is a huge part of American society, where it’s innocent until proven guilty, however we do need to take sexual assault very seriously.”

Ashley Horton, 22, Hemlock “I think it’s shocking that so many people are coming out about it. I guess you don’t realise how prevalent sexual assault is until all these people start coming out about it, so it’s definitely kind of scary.”

COLLEGIATE LIFE

5

Delta students speak about body image MICHAEL PIWOWARSKI

Students from Professor Barb Handley-Miller’s COM-214W class present to an assembly of middle school students at John Glenn High School about self body image and the pitfalls of social media. Nov. 30, 2017. Bay City, Mich. (Delta Collegiate/Michael Piwowarski)

BAY CITY – A group of students from Professor Barb HandleyMiller’s COM-214W Small Group Communication class spoke to an assembly of middle school students from Christa McAuliffe Middle School at the lecture theater in John Glenn High School Nov. 30, 2017. The class was assigned to do a group service learning project for the fall term.

The presentation encompassed body image and the pitfalls of social media.

According to Handley-Miller, approximately 600 middle school

students from sixth, seventh and eighth grades attended the presentation entitled “Love Your Body, Love Yourself: Creating a Positive Body Image.”

The students shared their own experiences about being bullied and shamed about the way they looked and offered advice on how to deal with these issues in life. They also used videos, celebrity quotes and factoids to aid their presentation.

Student Simone Vaughn recalled being bullied and being ashamed of her own body.

“I just did not love myself,”

she said to the assembly. “I didn’t like the way I looked, I didn’t like my skin color and I didn’t like my hair.”

Vaughn continued by explaining how this mindset can be challenged.

“Identify someone in your life who is confident in their own skin,” she said. “Someone who does not need anyone to tell them, ‘You’re so pretty, oh my gosh, you’re so cute.’ You should not need to have somebody tell you that.”

Other ways to challenge this, as Vaughn stated, include confronting those who perpetuate body shaming and to find one or more things that you like about yourself.

“It could be your eyes, your skin color, your hair; anything,” said Vaughn. “I think my skin color is the best thing about myself, other than my personality, of course.”

Another group in Professor Handley-Miller’s class did a presentation to an assembly of elementary school students at Shields Elementary about cutting back on technology. They taught the children yoga, meditation, sign language and helped them connect with pen pal students at Washington Elementary in Bay City.

DECEMBER PLANETARIUM SHOWS “Stars of the Pharaohs” Every Thursday from Dec. to Jan. 7-8 p.m.

“Life Under the Arctic Sky” Every Saturday 3:30-4:30 p.m.

“Let it Snow” Every Saturday and Sunday 2-3 p.m.

“Season of Light” Every Saturday 7-8 p.m.

Shoes in style

MICHAEL PIEPER

While we have looked at many fashion tips and tricks throughout the semester, I felt it would be appropriate to talk about one of the most subtle, yet impressionable ways to show your sense of fashion: shoes.

Shoes sometimes go unrecognized as a staple for fashion. You may have picked out that perfect outfit, but if your shoes don’t compliment your attire, you’re throwing away fashion creds! While those sixyear-old pair of shoes that you found at Goodwill might be dear to your heart, you deserve better.

Treat yourself to some of the new releases that are coming this holiday season.

The Sneaker My pick for sneakers would be the Air Jordan 1 High G8RD “Orange Peel.” These will pair with jeans for a typical day out or khakis for your next interview.

You’ll be able to show style and sense while wearing this new release.

Price: $175

The Formal Date, interview, party or just dressing up, these dress shoes can go formal or casual and will compliment most outfits. UGG Australia “Leighton” Chukka Boots are a great choice for a business casual look or full on formal.

Price: $160 The Budget As college students, we know the struggle when it comes to balancing money and college.

Sometimes we need to grab a cheap pair of shoes that don’t look like they came from a trash can. For this category, my pick is Amazon’s Hawkwell Men's Hightop Sneaker. Available in brown and black, these can easily be used as an everyday pair of shoes that will still get attention but will satisfy your wallet as well.

Price: $19.99 Make sure to check out @_DeltaLifestyle on Instagram for more trending fashion tips and tricks.

DONUTS WITH THE DEAN

Special Event: Showers of Fire – The Geminid Meteor Shower Friday, Dec. 8 7-8 p.m.

Ticket Prices: Adults: $7 Seniors, kids, Delta students, military: $5 For more information or questions, please call 989-667-2260 or visit www. delta.edu/planetarium

Matthew Bluer, 19, pours a cup of coffee before talking with Jonathan Miller,Dean of Students. Nov. 28, 2017. University Center, Mich. (Delta Collegiate/Jaylie Dice)

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6

COLLEGIATE LIFE Merry Petmas

AUBRIE SMITH

During these holidays, don’t exclude your four-legged friends.

If you’re looking for more reasons to be extra this season, here are some pet-tivities.

Bake them some treats There are Pinterest boards for days about homemade animal treats. Break out your baking skills and give your pet a healthy snack they can open under the tree.

Treat launcher Treat giving has never been so easy. Grab a treat launcher, sit

PIZZA WITH PUBLIC SAFETY

back and watch your pet love you with minimal effort.

Cat Crinkle Sac This is the cat toy you didn’t know you needed. Splurge on your baby and get them a blanket sack to make them cool, calm and comfortable.

Grooming appointment One of the most underrated petmas gifts has to be a nice grooming appointment. A clean pet is a happy pet.

Students line up to get their free pizza during Pizza with Public Safety in the lower commons area. Nov. 29, 2017.

University Center, Mich. (Delta Collegiate/Michael Piwowarski)

Larry Ramseyer retires after 33 years JESSICA SIEROCKI

Larry Ramseyer, Director of Facilities Management, is retiring after working for Delta for almost 33 years. Nov. 30, 2017.

University Center, Mich. (Delta Collegiate/Jessica Sierocki)

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Dec. 31 will mark the retirement of Larry Ramseyer’s 33 years as Director of Facilities Management at Delta College. Growing up only four miles from Delta, Ramseyer’s interest of architecture was sparked while helping his carpenter father build houses.

Ramseyer attended Delta College when he began furthering his education before attending the University of Michigan. While studying there, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture.

“It was a great resource for me. Without Delta I probably would not have been able to both afford college and help me get my grade point average to where it needed to be fresh out of high school,” says Ramseyer.

From college, Ramseyer dived into the architecture industry by working for Alden B. Dow Associates in Midland, Mich.

“Interestingly enough, this firm was a design firm for Delta College, so while I was working there, I had opportunities to see drawings and files of the college,” says Ramseyer.

The Bay County native never thought that his journey would lead him back to Delta College until one day, while flipping through the newspaper, Ramseyer came across a position opening on the campus in 1984.

“I had already considered possibly changing from a private architectural practice and moving toward fields that were related. I saw the opening and asked thenDirector Will Reading if he would consider an architect for the job instead of an engineer. He said yes, so I applied and ended up being the assistant director for two-and-a-half years,” says Ramseyer.

After Reading retired, the college administration

offered Ramseyer the title he currently holds – Director of Facilities Management.

“It’s been a great job. It certainly was a change from working in an architecture office. Coming to Delta in the beginning was primarily maintenance of the buildings instead of building anything new,” says Ramseyer.

Ramseyer has been involved in countless projects, small and large, throughout Delta, totaling an estimated $160 million dollars.

“Even though I haven’t been involved in the designing process, being involved with all of the projects has been just really rewarding,” says Ramseyer.

“Trying to maintain or create spaces and facilities that meet the needs of the students and staff has been the most enjoyable part of what I’ve done.”

Ramseyer is excited at the prospects of what he will be able to do once he retires.

“My wife and I are really looking forward to traveling and having the ability to do spontaneous things.

Volunteering in the community is another exciting thing,” says Ramseyer.

Ramseyer says that he will miss working with his staff when he leaves.

“I have just been blessed to have a wonderful group of people. They are the success of the facilities organization that keeps the college functioning. I was always fortunate to work with people who care about the college.

“Delta has been such a great place. The people are one of the main things I’m going to miss. Interacting with all of the faculty and staff over the years has just been a rewarding experience,” says Ramseyer.

COLLEGIATE LIFE

Delta professor gives perspective on life outside classroom

7

JOE THORNTON

Crystal Starkey, associate professor of English, says that her greatest accomplishment in her life was raising her son.

(Photo Courtesy: Crystal Starkey)

While scrolling through the Delta College class catalog, multiple professors’ names flood the page. “C. Starkey” sits among those teaching English along with

various other subjects in the field and seems to be simply another name on a page.

Anyone who knows Crystal Starkey is aware of her role in the Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa and study abroad programs; but there are multiple sides of Starkey that we don’t see. While professors are passionate on campus and doing their job, that doesn’t define who they are outside of the classroom. Among Starkey’s passion for English and writing there are various talents and hobbies that shape who she is, both in and out of the classroom.

Even though it is difficult to juggle work and play, Starkey is often able to find time to spend with her son and pursue her hobbies when she is not teaching a class or in meetings.

“I’ve been a ski patroller for 15 years now. I ski and snowboard all winter long, constantly grading papers when I get a break on the slopes and trying to juggle these two sides of my life. In the past I also did a halftriathlon, four marathons… Oh, and I used to be an MMA fighter,” says Starkey.

While discussing Starkey’s accomplishments in further detail, her athletic accolades only became more impressive. When asked to list her top-three accomplishments, her response was shocking.

“My largest accomplishment above all else is my son. I don’t say that because of his grades or his athletics, I say that because of his genuine kindness and great heart.

“Second would be my ability to remain composed while coping with the loss of my father. A friend told me, ‘You lost both of your parents before the age of 40 and have still kept it together,’ and I feel like if my parents could see me right now, they’d be proud.

“Third would be completing my Ph.D. It was so difficult. I set a goal for myself when I was five years old to be the best writer in the world,” says Starkey.

As she ranked her top accomplishments, there was an abundance of awards she was neglecting. Even with Starkey’s past as a talented athlete in multiple sports, those achievements didn’t crack the top three.

“If there were a fourth place, that’s where I think I’d put all of the athletics,” Starkey said nonchalantly.

Talking to Starkey offered a great deal of perspective on how the definition of “success” varies throughout society. Though she has been written about and highly renowned for her MMA skills while also succeeding in many different athletic events, those aren’t the accomplishments that Starkey is most proud of and doesn’t want to be defined in that way.

Starkey warns others to not lose sight of what is truly important while pursuing their career.

“Make sure that you can maintain balance. I know I struggle with it myself, but it is so important to find the balance between work and all your other priorities in life,” says Starkey.

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8 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Artist lecture touches on unforgettable subject JACK RECHSTEINER

UNIVERSITY CENTER – Jacquelynn Sullivan Gould has opened two galleries at Michigan State University and has now brought her artistic talents to Delta’s Art Galleria.

Known to many as the main area of the S-Wing, Delta College’s Galleria routinely features art from many different contemporary artists. Gould’s current exhibition, titled “Unanswered,” is on display for all of November through December and was introduced with a reception that was held Nov. 28 in the main hall of the Galleria. A full room of Delta College art students and teachers gathered together to hear Gould speak about her work.

Gould thanked Delta College art professors Andrew Rieder and Ben Clore for helping her not only set up the exhibit but also helping to get Gould’s work displayed at Delta College.

The trio attended graduate school together and Rieder had reached out to Gould about the opportunity to display her work at Delta College.

“This is the first time I’ve gotten to exhibit this many pieces from this work, so I’m very happy to get the chance to do it here. The setting works perfectly,” says Gould.

Gould comes from a small town less than one square mile large and is now the current director of galleries for Michigan State University’s four art galleries. Gould has also had her own artwork exhibited nationally and given art lectures nationally and internationally.

The exhibit, “Unanswered,” is an exploration of the day to day interactions with someone that has Alzheimer’s. (Delta Collegiate/Jack Rechsteiner)

“If I walked exactly 563 steps, I would be at my grandma’s front door… My grandma shows up in my work a lot because I am pretty much her doppelgänger; we’re very similar. We have this lost and distant connection with each other,” says Gould.

When Gould went away to college, the time she had spent away from home had caused her grandmother with Alzheimer’s to forget her name. The exhibit, “Unanswered,” is an exploration of the day-today interactions with someone with Alzheimer’s.

“Unanswered” is a combination of a year’s worth of sealed and dated envelopes on display behind glass along with acetate photographs superimposed on top of each

other that look like ghostly apparitions.

“I compiled these images together because with Alzheimer’s you lose your memory going backward, so as my grandmother’s memory dissipated all the different figures in her life blurred together, so the photos are representative of merging memories,” says Gould.

Gould says that her goal was to create something that evolved out of a point of self-reference. When she started, she had no idea what the finished product would be or why she was doing it other than it felt natural. The only external information displayed on the envelopes is the date which it was opened and closed. This is meant to be a physical representation of having a conversation with someone who has Alzheimer’s. Every interaction is sealed away and put on a shelf, like an unopened envelope.

“It’s the idea of repetition and the cycle of knowing and then unknowing,” says Gould.

The art is Gould’s response to having one of her peers call her work “too depressing to look at,” so Gould used the envelopes to put that sadness out of sight. The envelopes are an unbreakable barrier that is frustrating and intangible in much of the same way that you cannot break through to someone experiencing Alzheimer’s. It is important to Gould that the viewer is unable to see anything in the envelopes at all.

“All of it ties together really well. It perfectly illustrates the point,” says Cat Millard, Delta College student.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 9

What to play for the holidays JACK RECHSTEINER

Every year the holiday season brings with it a sleigh-load of Christmas music that ranges from a few diamonds to a whole lot of coal. Personally, I am someone who gets excited every post-Thanksgiving to start giving into that annual seasonal cheer that comes with Christmastime.

This is also the time of year I start dreading the overplayed choruses of carols that come belting out of every radio station and supermarket’s overhead speakers.

I know plenty of people who swear they cannot stand the sounds of the season, but I feel like they’re really just sick of hearing the same five Christmas tunes over and over. In the spirit of giving the gift that keeps on giving, I have put together my lists of holiday hits: the worst, the best and the criminally underrated.

Songs we'd rather forget: Star Wars Christmas Album by C-3PO Yes, you read that correctly.

Coming in as the worst Christmas song of all time is the entire album of Christmas songs sung by C-3PO with guest vocals from R2-D2 and Chewbacca. The whole album belongs in the trash. It sounds like an animatronic dumpster fire. I imagine if you committed arson at a Chuck E. Cheese around Christmastime this is what the house band would sound like as it burns. That’s not to say you can’t enjoy it, but it’s the same sort of enjoyment you get from watching the Star Wars Christmas special. You know it shouldn’t exist, but the terrible campiness and silliness of it is why it’s so much fun.

Who Would’ve Thought by Boyz II Men This one gets a little less of an excuse from me. Sure, Boyz II Men does a very soulful rendition of Silent Night, but this song gets a little too… intimate with its soulfulness. When your original Christmas song sounds

like you’re using the holiday as an excuse to make the moves on your cousin’s fiancée because you’ve had a little too much of the spiked cider, then I think it’s time to rein in your “seasonal cheer.”

Christmas Party by Keith Sweat And here we have Keith Sweat doing the same thing! There are a few things as uncomfortable as an overtly sexy Christmas. This song is more along the lines of getting drunk at the company party and possibly getting into the closet with someone from HR that you really shouldn’t have. When your leading line is about getting it on like Santa Claus would, you’re not where you should be. Christmas is a time for love, not sexual harassment. Keith Sweat is simply too sexy for Christ.

The best of the best: All I Want for Christmas Is You

by Mariah Carey This song is catchier than the common cold. Originally released in 1994, this pleasing plea to be with a loved one has everything you need: sleigh bells, poppy choruses, the right amount of schmaltz and uplifting feelings strong enough to launch a jet.

Last Christmas by Wham!

Last Christmas and for many Christmases past, Wham! gave us their heart in this song. This iconic song from the English pop duo sounds so classic and has been covered so many times over that you can usually surprise people by knowing that this song was released in 1984. This year, listen to this song with someone special.

Santa’s Beard by The Beach Boys The Beach Boys have the songwriting capability to turn Casimir Pulaski Day into a party (but they passed on it to let Sufjan Stevens write that one.) So you know that they’re definitely going to knock it out of the park with Christmas. They’ve got

AS SEEN AROUND CAMPUS

smiles and sweaters all over their playful Christmas album, but the best of the album’s original songs is the darkly funny “Santa’s Beard.” The song involves a kid pulling the cotton right off Saint Nick’s face in a lifealtering moment of mall-bought demystification with the same vocals that led to the definitive “Pet Sounds” album.

The criminally underrated: Christmas in Hollis by Run-DMC This is the most slept-on Christmas song of all time. This song is a blast of crisp, fresh holiday air, spitting verses about the holiday season in Hollis, Queens, where mom’s cooking chicken and collard greens. This song is a cultural force to be reckoned with and an essential addition to any holiday playlist.

Father Christmas by The Kinks This song stomps all over the sleighing bells and tinkling pianos of most festive tunes.

While still being in the spirit of the season, this song is a brutal commentary on classism and poverty. Gone are the days of wanting to open up shiny toys on Christmas morn, these jaded punks are looking for Santa to get some real presents like money to help pay the bills or getting Dad a job so he can feed the family. Nothing like a nice dose of holiday-themed cynicism to make the late-stage capitalism go down more smoothly.

Paige Raymond, 18, reviews over her class notes for an upcoming test in one of the many study areas within the library. Nov. 28, 2017. University Center, Mich. (Delta Collegiate/Jaylie Dice)

Ain’t No Chimneys in the Projects by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings Sharon Jones is PREACHING on this Christmas album. The only problem with this song is that it doesn’t last nearly long enough. That groove could go on straight through Christmas to New Year’s Eve and the rest of the year too.

Greg Jennings, 19, waits for his next class to begin while working on his laptop in the library. Nov. 28, 2017. University Center, Mich. (Delta Collegiate/Jaylie Dice)

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10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The best and worst of holiday films

What’s your favorite Christmas movie?

Ashley Viers, 19, Port Austin “My favorite is ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas,’ just because of Jim Carrey.”

Darrick Taylor, 21, Bad Axe “I like ‘Elf’ because Will Ferrell is in it. He’s hilarious.”

Viviano Garcia, 23, Bridgeport: “‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.’ It’s an old movie, it’s original, it’s very funny and it’s a classic.”

AUBRIE SMITH

Looking for some good holidaythemed entertainment this season?

Grab an old Christmas classic that’s sure to make you feel warm and cozy or a holiday season stinker that will make you choke on your eggnog with laughter.

Top five holiday favorites 5. White Christmas You can’t go wrong with this holiday classic. Nothing will put you in the Christmas mood faster than this feel good musical.

4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation This movie is a guaranteed laugh.

The jokes will get you every time, and you will be quoting this movie every day until the end of the year.

Join the Griswold’s on their always entertaining Christmas adventure.

3. Elf Arguably the best Will Ferrell movie ever made, this feel-good movie will make you laugh, pour some syrup on your spaghetti and love

your family more than you already do. Grab a raccoon and get ready to have a snuggle party with Buddy the Elf. 2. A Christmas Story Don’t forget this iconic film that has been quoted by everyone from your uncle to Fall Out Boy. 1. Home Alone Who doesn’t love this classic tale around the holidays? Grab a cup of hot chocolate and watch Macaulay Culkin kick some adult butt.

Worst five holidays season stinkers 5. Jingle all the Way If you’ve ever wanted your father to abandon you to work, only to recognize you when he’s trying to buy your affection with your favorite childhood toy, this movie is for you.

With an amazing combination of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s bad acting and awful CGI effects, this movie is a guaranteed laugh for your whole

family.

4. Home Alone 3 Who decided to make a Home Alone film without Macaulay Culkin? In fact, who decided to make a third and fourth Home Alone?

3. Christmas Story 2 On the topic of awful sequels, why was this ever made? This play on a classic tale is a guaranteed laugh on the stupidity that is this unnecessary film.

2. Star Wars Holiday Special Star Wars was never meant to be a holiday film. That is all.

1. Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever Whoever booked Aubrey Plaza to voice Grumpy Cat in this deserves an award. This movie induces vomit in the worst of ways. If you’re looking for an awful holiday movie to laugh at with the family, pick up a copy of this one – if you can find it.

The effect of streaming services on the music industry JACK RECHSTEINER

How do you listen to music today? Probably Spotify or Bandcamp or Google Music or YouTube.

Gone are the days of listening to physical copies of music. Sure, some musical diehards (myself included) still purchase vinyl or cassettes to hold onto, but the majority of people only listen to music on digital formats.

They don’t even make cars or laptops with CD players anymore. So the question on the mind of many musical artists is, what impact are streaming services having on the careers of aspiring musicians?

“You do make money from it, but just not as much as you would make back in the day when people bought physical albums. There is a market of people who still buy physical albums, such as people who really want to support the artist or people who like vinyl, but the majority of plays these days definitely come from streams,” says Josh Cowdrey, guitarist and vocalist for Detroit band You Rest You Joy Life.

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On one hand, streaming is better than having Lars Ulrich yelling about Napster (if anyone remembers that court case about music torrenting in 2000.) That's a lesser-of-two-evils answer, but it shows an industry shift that is hopefully moving in a better direction for the future.

“I see the good and bad on both sides. I think for younger bands it can be good as there's now a market for everything, even the weirdest stuff. With the touch of a button you can find some random band who made a self-recorded EP in a basement in China. There’s also no pressure to make ‘mainstream accessible’ music because of this,” says Cowdrey.

In the context of how people listen to music today, I don't think the industry could survive without streaming.

Anytime I buy a physical copy of music, it’s usually after I’ve listened to it online. Even though I love having physical copies of my music, I listen to all my music digitally and I can think of very few ways that digitize music as effectively and successfully as streaming services.

“Back in the day the only route to get exposure was to sign to a label and then you were at their mercy. This is not the case anymore. Take Chance the Rapper for example, who is now a three-time Grammy-winning artist that has produced all his music independently and released his latest album on Spotify,” says Cowdrey.

Streaming has helped many small bands get their

names out to people who may not have listened to it otherwise, but it makes significantly less money for the artists than if people were purchasing the music for a few dollars. This makes it a lot harder for musicians to pay for recording and touring. Because of the accessibility of streaming, it has given artists more exposure without people having to worry about paying for a copy of the album, so there’s good and bad.

“There is a reason a lot of artists have held out on streaming for a long time or still refuse to do it. The main way to get paid as a musician is through touring and merchandise, as well as licensing and syncing,” says Cowdrey.

If I still had to buy music to listen to it for the first time, there would be an uncountable amount of bands that I love that I would have never heard of otherwise.

It’s a terrible thing that music is getting bought less and less, but it gives more people an opportunity to discover smaller artists and then come to watch you perform. It’s a form of give and take, which is now seeing the music industry push toward generating more money from show experiences and merchandise that isn’t CDs. It's now easier than ever to earn a living wage with music, due to social media and streaming, but it is harder to get beyond that point. Streaming is a double-edged sword for the music industry, but until the industry makes a shift toward supporting artists the pros are going to evenly outweigh the cons.

Dealing with their family

11

OPINION

Holiday inequality is religious inequality

AUBRIE SMITH

When the holidays hit, everyone in a relationship seems to groan about spending time with their families. We dread seeing our weird relatives, explaining our majors ten more times and explaining why we still haven’t graduated. Then, we also complain about the inevitable – our significant other’s family.

Meshing with your significant other's family can be tough. You’ve had your whole life to learn what to say and what to avoid at your own dinner table, and you may not be so well acquainted with theirs.

Be respectful – air on the side of caution. You and your significant other may mesh extremely well, but family can be full of surprises.

Keep your jokes and personal stories at bay until you can get a feel for the family as a whole.

Don’t take digs on your bae. People at the table will generally be telling at the expense of various family members, but that doesn’t mean you should jump in. Unless you’ve been around for a few years, laugh politely at the stories and gather fuel for the car ride home.

Enjoy their company. These people are your family now too, or at least a piece of your life. These people helped form the person that you love. Enjoy every minute of company you can get from a dysfunctional family that’s not yours.

As our plates fill with turkey and stuffing, employees all over the world make sure that shelves are stocked and displays are set. At what point do we let the workers rest and enjoy their families?

Employees work around the clock, braving the Black Friday crowds, their stomachs untouched by their family’s turkeys. They look ahead to a time where nearly all retailers close – Christmas.

Why do we allow employees to rest on a religious holiday but not a national one?

The United States was born out of imposed religion

and high taxes, so why do we not acknowledge the other religions the way we recognize Christianity? We do not shut down our retail sector for any national holiday, for the first day of Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, or any other day except for Dec. 25.

America is overworked, we need more days off, not fewer.

Why not do what was intended by the “melting pot” and enjoy a bit of each holiday? We need a new system in place. A better amount of holiday days per employees, shut down of all retail on national holidays or something of the effect.

America need to take a

DELTA COLLEGIATE STAFF Aubrie Smith Co-Editor-in-Cheif aubriesmith@delta.edu Twitter: @DCAubrieSmith

Kellen MacGregor Page Editor kellenmacgregor@delta.edu Twitter: @DCKellenMac

Jessica Sierocki Co-Editor-in-Cheif jessicasierocki2@delta.edu Twitter: @DC_JessicaS

Cody Wiedenbein Page Designer codywiedenbein@delta.edu

Jack Rechsteiner Managing Editor jacobrechsteiner@delta.edu Twitter: @DCJackRech Adam Przeslak Sports Editor adamprzeslak@delta.edu Twitter: @DCadamprzeslak

Tylla Hahn Page Design & Illustrator tyllahahn@delta.edu Michael Piwowarski Photographer michaelpiwowarski@delta.edu Michael Pieper Videographer michaelpieper@delta.edu

Jaylie Dice Photographer jayliedice@delta.edu Joe Thornton Reporter josephthornton@delta.edu Kevin Lazzaro Videographer kevinlazzaro@delta.edu Crystal McMorris Advisor crystalmcmorris@delta.edu Twitter: @CrystalMcMorris

chapter out of the books of Switzerland with written law of four weeks vacation and holiday preferences. We need to let our employees and customers breathe. The United States needs to reevaluate the proportions of holidays, close shops on national holidays and respect the holidays of the minorities.

What are your thoughts on the subject? Let us know at deltacollegiate@gmail.com

COLLEGIATE DISCLAIMER Since 1961, the Delta Collegiate has been written and produced by Delta students for students without any input or oversight by administration. The paper does not represent the views of Delta College, its faculty, staff or administration. Stories are selected by the student staff members to bring reliable information and entertainment to our readers.

For any comments about specific articles or to voice other concerns, please contact us at deltacollegiate@gmail.com.

Did you want a special event featured in the paper? Do you have questions or comments for the Collegiate staff?

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OPINION

12

Delta Discourse: Does pineapple belong on pizza?

Pineapple: A sweet and spiky abomination JESSICA SIEROCKI A soft but crispy, buttery crust. Gooey cheese with a sweet and tangy sauce. Honestly, there is nothing better than a perfectly hot piece of pizza. It is one of the few foods that one can never tire of because there are so many different ways to customize it.

There are endless amounts of toppings and no one can go wrong with the choiceless., except for one. Pineapple should in no way, shape or form be associated with the perfection that is pizza. Don’t agree with me? Well, you are wrong and here is why.

1. Pineapple is a fruit. Now, I already know what you naysayers are thinking, “But tomatoes are a fruit and they belong on pizza.” To that I say what a weak comparison. Tomatoes are a savory fruit that are still confused for vegetables on a daily basis. Plus, pineapple has

a very unique, very prominent sweet taste that tomatoes do not possess. Fruit does not belong on pizza, period. Would it be normal to eat apples, grapes or even strawberries on superb, melty cheese? Does any of that repulse you? Well, it should because just the idea itself is repulsive.

2. When anyone eats a pineapple, they are consciously eating Spongebob’s home. How low can anyone live with themselves after such a heinous act?

3. Did you know that when you eat pineapple it eats you back?

The enzyme bromelain in the pineapple breaks down proteins, which is why you feel the tingly sensation on your tongue while chewing. Why would you want to bite into a perfectly fine slice of heaven only to have your tongue tingle? The only feeling

that should be happening, besides euphoria after tasting that first bite, is the scorching pain of the hot cheese burning the roof of your mouth because you simply couldn’t wait to dive in.

4. If none of these reasons are enough for you, consider that prestigious chef Gordon Ramsay himself tweeted that, “You don’t put f–––ing pineapple on pizza.”

So there you go. Even a culinary genius like Ramsay understands my point of view of this hot button topic. As if that was not enough validation, readers of the Collegiate voted on Twitter and Facebook and the overwhelming majority agreed that in no universe in the cosmos does deplorable pineapple belongs on pizza.

What did our readers have to say?

The Collegiate took to Facebook and Twitter to see how our readers reacted to whether or not pineapple belongs on pizza.

79 people responded to our poll and here are the results: Absolutely!

43% No, are you crazy?

55.5% Who eats pizza?

1.5%

In defense of pineapple on pizza JACK RECHSTEINER AND KELLEN MacGREGOR Mamma mia! How overwhelming and overwrought is this current attack on pineapple lovers? Woe is me! How pessimistic and prejudiced have these anti-pineapple policers become?

Since when did the pressure of ordering a party pizza turn into such a polarizing point? To each their own, said a wise person. Beauty is in the eye of pizza-holder, said me. Let’s be honest: these naysayers are probably the same people who found the mayonnaise at Thanksgiving too spicy.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let me give a few points to try and sway some people to come over to the good side of pineapple pizza.

1. If you don’t like the combination of sweet and savory, then you are rejecting a majority of the cultural food of the world. Mexican cuisine. Honeyed ham. All different kinds of Asian dishes. There is an entire world of flavors that’s all about exploring the interplay between sweet foods like pineapple, mango, pears and different savory foods, like meats and heartier vegetables. How can you live with yourself now, knowing how xenophobic your argument is?

2. There is SCIENTIFIC BACKING for why pineapple belongs on pizza. Our bodies naturally crave sugar because when we were foragers it provided a boost of energy and as such we have developed taste buds that enjoy multiple flavors at once through layering. This is especially true with sweet and salty combos. It’s why so many people love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, salted caramel and chocolate-dipped pretzels. Pineapple on pizza is just another one of these things.

3. Pineapple is a fruit. That means it’s GOOD for you.

Throwing some pineapple on your pizza means you just added vitamin C, manganese and vitamin B2 to your slice. This means you’ve turned your pizza pie into a superfood loaded with antioxidants, immune system boosters and vitamins that help with energy and reaction times. (DISCLAIMER: We are not doctors or nutritionists. Do not take our advice as a replacement for professional medical advice.)

believe in it wholeheartedly based completely on faith and assumption? Absolutely! So don’t delay and become a better person today! Start being more accepting and tolerant of the sweetness of life and the differences in others by putting some of that tangy pineapple on your zesty ‘za.

Whether you are for or against pineapple on pizza, let me say that my choice to put pineapple on pizza is a constitutionally guaranteed right of expression given to me by the First Amendment. No offense, but if you oppose my human liberty to exercise putting pineapple on pizza, then you are basically a fascist.

Sorry, but we don’t make the rules. Alton Brown makes the rules and in his words, “If somebody wants pineapple on their pizza, let them. I don’t think anybody should be a pizza Nazi.”

4. Liking pineapple on pizza makes you an all-around better person. Do we have scientific backing for this?

No. Is it objectively true though? Probably not. Do we

Do you have a topic idea for our Delta Discourse? Let us know at deltacollegiate@gmail.com

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SPORTS

Delta Pioneers defeat Lansing to remain undefeated JOE THORNTON

The Delta Pioneers men’s basketball team came prepared for their game against the Lansing Stars from Lansing Community College on Dec. 1. Delta came out with energy and aggression storming out to a 10-0 lead.

Momentum continued to build and then the cathartic moment arrived; Jalen Fykes slammed down a monster alley-oop that left the Stars stunned and forced Coach Mark Ingram to take a timeout to recover.

With the Pioneers’ stamina and athleticism on full display, they were able to outpace LCC and leap out to a 55-42 lead at halftime.

Throughout the second half the Pioneers made sure to keep their foot on the throttle as they steamed forward to a victory. Delta was able to finish in authoritative fashion with a final score of 110-78.

This win over Lansing Community College keeps Delta’s men’s basketball team undefeated with a record of 6-0.

The players performed as a team and made note of that with a tweet on the Delta men’s basketball Twitter account: “Great win yesterday, true team effort, six players in double digits. E.P.I.C.” E.P.I.C, standing for “Every Play Is Crucial,” is a motto that coach Carlos McMath has trained this team with, and it shows in their execution on the court.

After the victory over LCC, Coach McMath expressed his intent to put a win in the column against such a The Delta College men’s basketball team won 110-78 against reputable team.

Lansing Community College. Dec. 1, 2017. University Center, “This win means a lot for the team and for our Mich. (Delta Collegiate/Tylla Hahn)

13

program. It’s been some time since we’ve been able to beat LCC. Their team is coached by Mark Ingram who is a great coach and a guy that I respect a great deal. This performance justifies all our work this offseason and it’s great to see it all pay off,” says McMath.

McMath credits his players in their performance and having the leadership skills to execute the strategy that was implemented.

“In a game like this, I made sure to not overcoach.

My players were playing a great game and there was no reason to get in their way. It showed us, as coaches, that this team is capable of putting our game plans into effect,” states McMath.

While dwelling on a loss for too long is dangerous, McMath recognizes the same is true when it comes to a win.

“We tell our players that they have 24 hours to celebrate. At 9:33 p.m. tomorrow I expect all of my players to be preparing themselves mentally for the next game against Lake Michigan College. We can’t bask in the glory too long and lose the hunger. There is a long season ahead and we need to take it one game at a time,” says McMath.

With the Pioneers off to such a hot start, their season is certainly shaping up to be epic if they can continue to perform the way the did against Lansing Community College.

For anyone looking to learn more about the Delta College men’s basketball team their schedule is available online at www.deltapioneers.com/sports

Lady Pioneers fall to Lansing Community College ADAM PRZESLAK Delta’s Lady Pioneers took on the Lansing Community College Stars on Dec. 1 in the Pioneer Gym. The Pioneers had it rough from the jump when they were outscored 27-16 by the Stars in the first quarter. However, a second quarter rally would put the Lady Pioneers up at halftime 39-36.

A slow second quarter start would burn the Lady Pioneers, though. Delta’s 13 points scored in the third were not enough to rival the Stars’ 26 points. Despite the team’s best efforts and having the better of the two team field goal percentages on the court it was the Pioneers who ended up on the losing side. The Lady Pioneers made it an exciting one to watch but it was Lansing that escaped with the 79-72 win.

Delta managed a 40.3 percent field goal percentage but fell short with a 30.4 three-point

percentage. Lansing was able to make more threes on less attempts than the Lady Pioneers and finished with a 44.4 threepoint percentage. Delta struggled with free throws, making 11 of the 21 free throws awarded to them, and were killed by Lansing’s nearly perfect free throw percentage. The Stars finished with 92.6 percent of their free throw attempts being good while Delta’s percentage was 52.4, just a little more than half of the team’s total attempts.

It was Brianna Herner and Harmany Williams who had break-out performances for the Lady Pioneers. Herner, a small forward, led the team in rebounds and scoring for the game with 23 points and 10 all purpose rebounds. She also shot for nearly 67 percent from beyond the arc. Williams led in both steals, with six, and assists,

with five. She also chalked up 20 points of her own, all of which came from inside the paint or free throws. Kyla Breckenridge also put up 11 points for the Lady Pioneers. Delta now stands at 2-3 overall record.

Next up the Delta squad travels to Lake Michigan College on Saturday, Dec. 9 for a 1:00 p.m. game. Then the team faces a marathon of home games beginning on Dec. 19 when the Lady Pioneers look for revenge against the JV of Rochester University whom they lost to in their season opener 84-72.

That game is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. start time. Muskegon Community College comes to the Pioneer Gym on Dec. 21 and that game will start at 3:00 p.m.

Glen Oaks Community College will also face the Lady Pioneers on Dec. 30 at noon for Delta’s last game of 2017.

The women’s basketball team faced Lansing Community College Dec. 1, 2017. University Center, Mich. (Delta Collegiate/Jaylie Dice)

To view video of the basketball game highlights, visit www.deltacollegiate.com WWW.DELTACOLLEGIATE.COM

14

COMMENTARY REVIEW

SPORTS

Trump on Sports

ADAM PRZESLAK

To understand why the president’s relationship with sports is the way it is, we must first dive into Trump’s history with the sporting world, specifically football. Trump attempted to purchase an NFL team in the 1980s but was outbid. He then purchased the New Jersey Generals, a United States Football League team, and immediately kick-started a campaign within the USFL to compete head-to-head in the fall with the NFL. At the time the USFL held their regular season in spring as not to be overshadowed in viewership by the more popular NFL in the fall.

The USFL was not prepared for such an uphill battle and failed miserably within a few years.

From the very beginning Trump’s USFL endeavours were less about the USFL and more about the NFL. Trump wanted a gold-paved path into ownership of an NFL team, and he saw an unclear path within the USFL by way of a merger that would either result in a buyout or owning a USFL-turned NFL team. His efforts resulted in pushing the USFL to extinction after an antitrust lawsuit filed against the NFL. A judge found the NFL guilty of violating antimonopoly laws and awarded the USFL a whopping $3. That’s right, a single dollar bill was to be rewarded as restitution but was then tripled because of antitrust regulations.

This left Trump furious with the NFL because, despite his best efforts and millions of dollars spent, he could not get what he wanted. I think these feelings are still harbored away in the back of Trump’s mind and finally emerged in the public eye when he decried Colin Kaepernick’s protest.

Colin Kaepernick and Marshawn Lynch Kaepernick has spearheaded a series of protests by NFL players and some athletes of other sports by first sitting then kneeling during the playing of the national anthem. Kaepernick

made it clear from the very beginning that his protests were regarding police brutality and unfair treatment toward minorities by police and not disrespecting veterans or the United States Armed Forces.

Trump and other conservatives still took Kaepernick’s purpose and ran away with it, making it all about something that it was not.

First of all, no. Just no. The protests had a clear motive and reason from day one, none of which included disrespecting the flag. Forced patriotism isn’t really patriotism anyway – just ask North Korea.

As the 2017 NFL regular season continues to play out, and other players continue to protest, another player has stepped forward into the scope of our

Illustration by Tylla Hahn On the campaign trail thencandidate Trump said, when asked about Kaepernick, “I think it’s a terrible thing, and you know, maybe he should find a country that works better for him. Let him try it, it’s not gonna happen.” Trump really drew from the voice of his conservative colleagues on this response by utilizing the old “if you don’t like it, get out” argument.

He further planted his feet in the ground when, as the sitting president, he cut into other players in support of the nowjobless Kaepernick’s cause when he said, “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now, out, he’s fired.’”

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president: Marshawn Lynch.

Lynch, in the NFL’s annual game played in Mexico City, sat for the United State’s national anthem but stood for Mexico’s. Lynch’s actions are justified. Why would he sit for the national anthem of a country that he doesn’t live in and, obviously, doesn’t have a problem with police brutality, like the African American community?

Bounding after basketball players Trump doesn’t just focus on football, however. One of his most recent sports moments included three college basketball players. Three UCLA players recently got caught stealing from a high-end fashion store in

China and were in the custody of the Chinese government.

Trump claimed to have talked with authorities in China on negotiating the release of the young men. However, many experts on US-China relations stated that even before Trump’s intervention the Chinese government had planned on releasing the players.

Once the players were released and stateside again, Trump took to Twitter to berate the already embarrassed players about whether he’d receive a thank you or not. The Nov. 15 tweet read: “Do you think the three UCLA Basketball Players will say thank you President Trump? They were headed for 10 years in jail!” They most certainly were not headed for 10 years in a Chinese prison. Trump’s cries were heard and the three players held a press conference the same day where they did indeed thank President Trump. One of the UCLA players was LiAngelo Ball, the son of famous sports dad LaVar Ball who is known for his outlandish behavior and also being the father of NBA rookie Lonzo Ball and high school standout LaMelo Ball.

LaVar, in an odd interview with CNN, questioned that the Trumpster even helped his son get out of China and refused to thank him at all. The President then responded with an early morning tweet storm.

Here’s my favorite quote from said tweet storm: “It wasn’t the White House, it wasn’t the State Department, it wasn’t father LaVar’s so-called people on the ground in China that got his son out of a long term prison sentence - IT WAS ME.” Yes, that’s real and yes, that’s from the president of the United States. How selfcentered and fascist of him to discredit the White House and State Department so quickly while glorifying himself as this god-like figure that swooped in to save the day. This is far from traditional behavior of a typical sitting president.

Speaking of traditional, it has been a tradition in our

country for championship sports teams and athletes to be invited to the White House for a sit-down and photo-op with the presiding President. This has been no different during Trump’s presidency except that some teams and athletes have refused the offer. The 2017 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors were offered such a visit by the Trump administration and Warriors player Stephen Curry spoke on the topic during a press conference.

“That we don’t stand for… the things that he said and the things that he hasn’t said in the right times,” Curry said when asked on what statement the Warriors were trying to make by hesitating to accept the president’s offer.

In typical Trump fashion the president then tweeted that because of Curry’s hesitation the Warriors had been uninvited.

NBA players across the league united with Curry to combat the president’s ferocious tweet.

Well, as a member of the sports media, I think it’s nice to actually have a President so involved with sports. I must say, I doubted then-candidate Trump was going to be THIS involved in the sporting world as president.

“I’m going to be working for you. I’m not going to have time to go play golf,” said Trump on the 2016 campaign trail.

Obama played basketball in his free time and “played golf on the taxpayer’s dime” as Fox News, other conservative outlets and even Trump himself cried aloud for eight years of the Obama presidency, yet all remain silent on Trump’s plethora of golf trips during his short time in office.

According to Politico, by Nov. 13 in the first year of their presidencies Obama had golfed 24 times and Trump had golfed 35 times. Oh, and those were just the times the Trump administration openly admitted that the president was on the green. This White House has gone to extreme efforts to hide the president’s golf habits from the public eye.

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