Volume 84 • Issue #3
February 5, 2019
DELTACOLLEGIATE STUDENT-RUN SINCE ‘61
International tennis stars face off in Dow Tennis Classic
Zehnder's 23rd Snowfest brings world-class sculptors and family fun >> P. 13-14
>> P. 10
Eye on alumni: Delta graduates find success with multimedia business >> P. 2
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COLLEGIATE LIFE
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FEBRUARY 5, 2019
Power couple finds success in multimedia Steele Wynne • Reporter
Matt Brown and Harper Skrzypczak, Delta alumni and seasoned media specialists, have benefited from their Delta experience in the utmost capacity, both pursuing an entrepreneurial field in providing multimedia services through their own business called First Matter Media. During Brown’s time at Delta, he sought and obtained three degrees: general studies, electronic media broadcasting and journalism. Meanwhile, he worked as managing editor for the Delta Collegiate, where he found his niche in media alongside Skrzypczak (his now fiancée), who was editor-in-chief at the time. Skrzypczak holds degrees in journalism and emerging media. Both of them began First Matter Media with the tools gathered from producing the newspaper. “We had employees, deadlines, schedules and everything it takes to run a business. We found that a lot of the skills we had used for the newspaper transferred directly to running a media business,” says Brown, stating what prepared him the most for his co-ownership of First Matter. Skrzypczak recalls that, although she and Brown had obtained valuable skills from their degrees, they were hesitant to pursue a career in journalism, seeing a need for multimedia services in the Great Lakes Bay Region. “We saw a hole that needed to be filled in terms of video work in [the Great Lakes Bay] area, and we figured we would take a chance and pursue [multimedia instead],” remarks Skrzypczak. “We liked working together at the newspaper so much, we wanted to try and create an avenue that would allow us to continue working together.” The couple’s company offers audiovisual media services, including film, photography and audio
correction; the two of them credited their days on Delta’s campus for where they are now. “Delta is one of those things where you get what you give. If you’re willing to put in the effort, teachers will notice, and that’s how I got involved with the newspaper. Teachers and advisors will find your [effort and passion] and help you find a better place to use your talents. Delta fostered my interests almost directly. If I didn’t go there, I probably wouldn’t have started First Matter,” says Brown. Skrzypczak particularly gave credit to her time with the Delta Collegiate for taking her to where she is today. “Delta helped me to build on a lot of skills I had already started working on in my high school's newspaper and yearbook classes. I loved a lot of Delta classes, but I think the thing that helped me prepare the most was actually working and being paid for my contribution at the Collegiate. It was a great opportunity,” says Skrzypczak. Their passion is palpable, and has taken them both far in their careers, although Brown claims if he had not been so successful, he would still be doing this type of work for free. “I get to make art for a living,” stated Brown. “It’s something that I have to show gratitude for. Even today, when I was working with child actors, I got to use a camera. I was filming — using the principles of cinematography. I can’t be upset that I’m doing what I love.” Most students attend Delta for an education, unaware that they will also be leaving with a treasured experience that will likely drive their future. In the case of the power duo that is Matt Brown and Harper Skrzypczak, they found an education, love, a way to chase their creativity and an opportunity to bring it all together.
Photo courtesy of First Matter Media
Harper Skrzypczak and Matt Brown, the owners of First Matter Media.
Photo courtesy of First Matter Media
Matt Brown, co-owner of First Matter Media, uses his camera to shoot the surrounding wildlands.
COLLEGIATE LIFE
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Improve your online dating fortune Kendrix Szilagyi • Collegiate Correspondant
Yes, dating now in the 21st century is harder than anything your grandma ever faced. Not only was initiation almost exclusive up to the clueless pre-pubescent boy, but your granny also never had to translate the confusing gesture of the Facebook ‘poke’. Even though every situation is different, there are several tricks for the empowered student to land themselves a significant other.
Do your research
To start off, let's clear things up: some people think internet stalking is “creepy” or overthe-top. Some people are dumb. There is no harm in checking for red flags in the future love of your life's social media. Nowadays, if you know someone's first and last name, you can find at least two of their accounts on various applications. Staying creepy and becoming educated is important to any relationship.
Keep it cute
After this, the most important thing is to make sure your photos are clean, fresh and cute. Ask yourself, “does this photo express my fun personality?” or “Would someone smile to themselves about how cute I look in this picture?” If the answer to either is no, delete it. We know it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but unless he's a mind reader (or blind) your social presence is the most important thing right now.
The friend request
After some true introspection about the quality content you're providing, it's time to finally follow or request friendship with your cutie. NEVER REQUEST ALL SOCIALS AT ONCE. This is one of the many golden rules of social media. If done properly, you can pretend that your crush just casually came up on your timeline of cool and creative people, and that you don't already know the gruesome
details of his past break up via Facebook posts. The best order to request socials on is: Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter, with Facebook sprinkled somewhere (no one really cares about Facebook friends anymore). Stay fresh, respond quickly Once you've achieved interaction, keep things fresh by sending a brainless Snapchat or posting a cute picture on Instagram when you know your target – er, crush - is online. “When a new boy adds me on snap, I always post a good picture of me from memories,” says Kendall Frost, 17, from Bay City. “It’s important to show off to your story or that one person in particular that you look good.” Keep up on your Snapchat and try to respond within 10 minutes, otherwise the conversation is sure to die out. However, if they send a blank snap or a Snapchat with no text, either ask an easy (but relevant) question or send a blank snap back. Don't continue a dead conversation -- this looks desperate. When posting a photo on Instagram, avoid “themes,” filters, captions or photos that have nothing to do with you or your life. Try and keep things colorful and, if all else fails, reciprocate the kind of content that they are posting! This is what I call Gatsbying. Gatsbying is when you post something for all your followers, in hopes that one special someone will see it and notice you. If you guys like the same thing, produce content that exemplifies that, that way they are sure to notice, and maybe even message you about your post.
Desperate? DM
If all else fails and they're not adding you back, there's never shame in direct messaging (or “dming”) first. Keep things casual, but flirty, by sending a question. You can ask about other social media, like if they have a snapchat or if they know someone
who you both follow in common. You can also try asking about photos or messages that they've posted; just make sure to keep questions open ended and be not so much as inquisitive as flirty. If you want to seem interesting (but not obsessed), try replaying their snapchats and then leaving them on read for a while. This gives them the notification that you opened their snapchat, but then leaves them waiting for you to respond. Be careful not to overuse; you can seem like you aren't interested.
Show Emoji
Another commonly misconstrued aspect of social media dating is emojis. Here is the rule:. try to keep your emojis unique. There are thousands of emojis, and if you use the same emojis as every other person on the internet since 2015, you are forgettable. Try to stay from the eggplant, vertical laughing/ crying face, blushing/ blowing-a-kiss head, all of the monkeys, the three water drops, purple devil faces and the “100%.” Never use the red heart unless they have explicitly shown feelings towards you that are not only platonic, or have, like, donated you a kidney. Bitmojis are ALWAYS okay, as long as they look like you!
1 > 2 : Staying single has its upside Alexandria Wilber • Collegiate Correspondant
Society finds it excruciatingly important to be in a relationship. Singlehood is frowned upon, while couplehood is everything. The question is just why is it so important for our society to be in a relationship? Why is it so important for our society to romanticize this poisonous ideology that happiness stems from the concept of having a significant other? Self love and self reliance are just as, if not more beautiful than, love for other people. And yet it is often portrayed that being alone is unnatural, sad and unhealthy. However, that’s changing. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, the number of unmarried people in America age 18 and older in 2017 has skyrocketed to 45.2 percent. That’s 110.6 million millennial singles. And many
are finding self-love is the best love. “You don’t need to be in a relationship to be happy, despite what our world says,” Ruben Sandoval, 26, has decided. “It’s nice to be in one, but you don’t need it.” Sandoval has been single for the past three years, in which he’s learned a lot of the advantages. “You learn to rely on yourself,” Sandoval states. “You don’t have to check in with anyone else, or be questioned after a night out — it’s just you and your happiness.” A 2017 study published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that single women had lower BMIs, waist sizes and had less risky smoking and drinking habits than their married counterparts. Plenty of popular artists are using their platforms to preach the beauty
of singlehood. For example, in the recent chart-busting single “Thank U, Next,” Ariana Grande took hold of her influential status to sing gratitude to her exes for putting her where she stands now and learning the importance of self-love from her previous struggles. That motivates young women like Rayanne Scarmeas. “I like hearing songs on the radio that revolve around single, happy lifestyles like mine,” Scarmeas explains. “There’s an ultimate rush of joy as you belt out the lyrics to an upbeat tune idolizing singlehood vs screaming along to some depressing song about being in love when you’re not!” Let us, as a society, put away our small-minded cultural idea that singlehood is unhealthy and depressing. Loneliness is not destruction. It is strength, it is power and it is happiness.
According to Bustle Magazine, the most popular dating apps for millennials in 2018 were:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Tinder Bumble OKCupid PlentyOfFish CoffeeMeetsBagel Match
Have you tried any of these dating sites? Share your experiences and advice by emailing us your photo and online dating story to deltacollegiate@gmatil.com.
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COLLEGIATE LIFE
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FEBRUARY 5, 2019
TRI-CITY HOTSPOT Cashman’s Comics brings superheroes to Bay City
Food pantry dedicates time to helping college students
Michael Piwowarski • News Editor
Maddison Godi • Reporter
BAY CITY − Batman. Superman. Spiderman. Wonder Woman. All of your favorite superheroes and much more can be found at Cashman’s Comics in Bay City. Heading into its 23rd year in business, Cashman’s Comics is owned and operated by the namesake John Cashman and caters to both veteran comic collectors and newcomers alike, offering a massive selection of both new and used comics. “It’s a little overwhelming when you first walk in,” states Cashman. “Especially if you don’t know much about it. It probably looks a little confusing [at first]. But to comic collectors, they come in and they breathe a sigh of relief because I have such a huge selection.” For newcomers, Cashman advises that you don’t have to know a lot of back story to get into reading comics; for example, you could pick up a Batman comic that looks good and enjoy reading through it. “There’s a lot of other ways to get them other than the direct market now than when I started 23 years ago [...] like eBay, Amazon, even Facebook,” says Cashman. Although there are some used comics for sale, Cashman says he gets a shipment of brand
new comics every Wednesday. He also provides comics and graphic novels to several public libraries in Michigan. “The majority of my sales are new books because new comics come out every week,” says Cashman. “[However], we do buy, trade and sell newer and older stuff. I mean, we don’t buy everything that comes through the door, but we’re always willing to take a look. Aside from comics, Cashman’s also offers plenty of action figures, as well as novels, trading cards and other collectibles. Even if you aren’t a fan of Marvel or DC superheroes, there is a chance that you will find something that you like, as there are products related to other franchises as well, including Star Wars and Doctor Who. There are other comic book stores located in Midland and Saginaw, with Cashman’s being the only one of its kind in Bay City. Cashman states that customer service is the main thing that sets his store apart from others. “I [want] people to feel comfortable when they’re in my store [...] especially if you’re a new reader or don’t know much about [comics],” states Cashman. “[...] When people come in, I don’t say, ‘What do you want
to buy?’ I ask them, ‘What are you interested in?’ And then we kind of go from there.” Another unique service that Cashman’s offers is comic subscriptions, where customers can come in once a month and get discounts on comics that they subscribe to. Moved by his personal love of comics and the foot traffic his store gets from both local citizens and tourists, Cashman plans on staying in business for the long term, not going anywhere any time soon. “Obviously, my online presence helps out a lot. People search me out [...] through my website or [...] on Facebook and stuff. I don’t do a lot of advertising, because comic collectors and readers [...] look for stores. People that are on vacation or might be working from out of town will stop in and they continue to do so. [...] They’ll stop in once a month just to see what’s new or what’s old,” remarks Cashman. If you are a collector or a newbie who is interested in collecting, Cashman’s Comics is an ideal destination. Located at 1018 S Madison Ave in the south end of Bay City, Cashman’s can also be followed on Facebook. To learn more, you can also visit their website at cashmanscomics.com.
The Delta College food pantry is a charitable organization open to all registered Delta students. This organization utilizes staff and student workers’ help to put together free bagged meals for Delta College students, and all a student needs to use the food pantry is their student I.D. For those interested in using the food pantry, there is no need to feel any type of embarrassment. Food is essential for brain growth and alertness. Whether you are going class to class throughout the day and need a snack, or are struggling to fill the cupboards at home, stop by the food pantry.
The staff will assist you and make sure you are well taken care of. If you are taking the time to attend your classes it is important to retain what you are learning, and that’s impossible on an empty stomach. If you are interested in donating to the food pantry to help Delta College students, donations of non-perishable items (non-expired foods) such as canned goods, waters, teas, noodles and soups are welcome. Anyone willing to donate can always check with staff at the food pantry to see what items are in need. The donation of money is also appreciated. For any additional information about the Delta College food pantry, the organization can be found in A-003, or contacted by phone by calling 989-686-9474.
Lindsay Lang • Illustrator
Follow us on Facebook to see when we post new articles online Michael Piwowarski • News Editor
John Cashman, owner of Cashman’s Comics, works at the front desk of his store, which is fully stocked with a wide variety of new and used comics. Feb. 2, 2019, Bay City.
NEWS
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RETAIL ROUNDUP Is Super Bowl the most super shopping season? Mchael Piwowarski • News Editor
The Super Bowl is one of the most watched sporting events in America. With each game since Super Bowl XLIV having attracted more than 100 million viewers according to Nielsen ratings, it should be no surprise that it also draws in one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year. An annual survey done by the National Retail Federation (NRF) for the 2019 Super Bowl shows that approximately three out of four Americans planned on watching the Feb. 3 showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and the victorious New England Patriots. Nationally, these same adults were projected to spend (collectively) $14.8 billion on the big game this year, with each individual spending approximately $81.30. Unsurprisingly, most of these spenders (79 percent) were intent on buying food and beverages for Super Bowl parties. In their inaugural U.S. Snacking Index, Frito-Lay North America reported that nine out of 10 viewers plan on having at least one snack while
Lindsay Lang • Illustrator
watching the Super Bowl. Additionally, the Super Bowl is a big season for television sales, which also makes sense as the game is massively popular as a televised event. In the NRF survey, seven percent of consumers planned on buying a television before the Super Bowl. A 2016 report from MarketWatch.com states that pre-Super Bowl is the best time to buy a new television in contrast to Black Friday, because retailers tend to offer better deals for better TVs. Ben Arnold, an industry analyst for The NPD (National Purchase Diary) Group, told MarketWatch that the affordability for higher resolution TVs tends to drive up demand during this time of year. Apparel is also a big part of retail traffic during the Super Bowl shopping season. Matthew Catacchio, community marketing manager at Dick’s Sporting Goods, told RetailDive. com in 2018 that stores in Philadelphia opened after the Philadelphia Eagles won the 2018 NFC Championship — cementing their spot in
the 2018 Super Bowl — to sell Eagles merchandise to the excited fans, who could not wait to see their team beat the Patriots for that Super Bowl trophy. Although spending on apparel is mainly limited to certain regions — those where the Super Bowl teams are based — this drives home the point that fans are eager to show their support for their favorite teams when the game comes on. Back to the 2019 NRF survey, 10 percent of consumers planned on spending money on Super Bowl apparel this year. With a satisfying 13-3 win, Patriots fans currently have all the more reason to show some team spirit, while fans of other teams will have to put their jerseys away for now and wait until next season, hoping to don their apparel for the next Super Bowl. Did you take part in the Super Bowl festivities? What items did you buy: some finger food, a jersey for your favorite team or a nice new screen to view all the action on? Drop us a line on Twitter (@DeltaCollegiate) and write about your Super Bowl bash with the hashtag #RetailRoundup.
You can sign up for emergency notifications by using your mobile phone, text DELTAMG to 888777 January 15, 2019
Delta College Public Safety took a complaint regarding a closed account check issued to the college. The incident remains under investigation.
January 23, 2019
Delta College Public Safety took a complaint regarding a lost military identification card. Public Safety is requesting that anyone who may have found the card turn it in to the Public Safety office. Delta College Public Safety responded to five traffic crash reports in the parking lots, including one hit and run report. Delta College Public Safety also responded to one medical or injury report.
Professor reports execution event in 1937 Maddison Godi • Reporter
On Wednesday, history buffs gathered in Room N 007 for a Brown Bag presentation from John Mulloy, adjunct instructor in history at Delta College. Mulloy delivered the history of the Midland bank robbery and how the events of that day show the repetition of history. The discussion began with the social calendar at the time of the robbery. During the day of the robbery, Anthony Chebatoris and Jack Gracey attempted to rob the Chemical State Savings Bank. In doing so, Chebatoris killed innocent bystander Henry Porter. Jack Gracey was killed by town hero dentist Dr.
Hardy. Anthony Chebatoris was taken prisoner and sentenced to death under the new bank robbery laws. Throughout history, Midland has always been a close-knit community. At this time, there was a population of around 9,000 people. Midland has always been a very conservative and religious town. This is why they did not take kindly to Anthony Chebatoris, especially when learning he was an ardent socialist, atheist and not an U.S. citizen. “We fear what we don’t understand,” Mulloy remarked. “The only way to change is to understand those around us.”
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SCIENCE, HEALTH & TECH
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Illustration by Lindsay Lang
Game Guy: How Does Resident Evil 2’s Remake Hold Up? Colton Carrier • Reporter
Released way back in 1998 for the original PlayStation, Resident Evil 2, to this day, remains a contender for the title of best horror game of all time. So, knowing that, it’s obvious to see why long-time fans of the series were apprehensive when news of a remake came around in 2015. While a new rendition of a classic can revitalize a game, turning it into an amazing work on its own, a remastering holds the risk of destroying the original’s charm
and completely ruining the formula that made the original game work. Like most remakes, the significant changes are not to the story but to the overall design of the game. It keeps its dark, cramped atmosphere. But, whereas Resident Evil 2 (1998) relies on jump scares and cheesy shocks, the remake builds on the winning formula by working with the technology provided by the PlayStation 4, rocketing the graphics quality far past what was possible on the original hardware. Past that, the developers have moved past the clunky, purposefully awkward
controls of the original, where every action had clumsy inputs and delays, to match controls more fitting of a typical action game, with movement, aiming and combat being swift, responsive and accurate. While this instantly changes how the game is played, it also alters how the game designs its strongest moments. Gone is the deliberate bumbling clumsiness of the 1998 release; when every action works directly as intended, the remake lets loose on any technical and design limitations that previously held it back, allowing the game to deliver on every heart pounding, hair-raising scare. Of course, one of the most dramatic shifts in design comes in the form of the technical advancements. Way back in 1998, the blocky, pixelated characters, still-image backgrounds and MIDI soundtrack of Resident Evil 2 were beautiful. However, set against our current standards, they look antiquated and (frankly) pretty basic. With all of the advancements in how games are developed, from graphic technology to sound design, every aspect of the game’s presentation is elevated to a point far beyond what was even believable back in 1998. This all culminates in an important detail to consider; despite being a major hit during its original hayday, Resident Evil 2 is a relic of the past. Considering this, Capcom, the developers of the series, faced a tough task of adapting the game to not only satisfy long-time fans, but also draw in new players by incorporating
modern horror game design philosophies. Besides shifting how the game plays, the team behind Resident Evil 2’s remake took efforts to shift the tone and presentation of the game. While most aspects of the original are dated, including how tension is brought into the game, the remake strives to build a truly tense, frightening environment, fully distancing itself from the cheesy, B-movie vibe of the original. By slowing down the pacing and allowing the game to establish an overwhelming sense of unease, as opposed to spacing out the horror between specific significant moments, the game’s tone is changed completely. The developers strive to break from what players expect from Resident Evil (cheesy action and cheap scares) and hit the mark by looking at what really sells a modern horror game. Frankly, it’s not easy to compare a classic video game to a remake of the same game. The look of a game does nothing to detract from the impact it has, after all. But in this situation, the 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 glows as a grand reimagining of the PlayStation classic, reworking a poorly aged masterpiece into a brand new experience. Both are worth enjoying on their own, but for someone unwilling to dive into a decidedly retro game, the new release will satisfy anyone looking to experience one of the best horror games ever developed.
Seasonal Affective Disorder: How the seasons impact our mental health Steele Wynne • Reporter
Michigan is a state that is arguably most alluring during the turn of each season rather than in the middle; with its cool autumn having fulsome, color-changing leaves and cordial spring, when everything is in bloom and everyone feels a newly found sense of vigor. While it is true for most that these transitions are refreshing, there are several people who suffer from what is called seasonal affective disorder or SAD; an onset of depressive episodes brought on by the change of seasons. With a prolonged winter and the sun still setting four hours too early, it is no surprise that this is an issue for Michiganders. According to Mayo Clinic, the telltale signs of SAD include feeling down or melancholy more often than not, difficulty falling asleep, lethargy and losing interest in hobbies that one used to entertain. Inadequate amounts of sunlight and vitamin D are said to be leading causal factors in SAD, as stated by the National Institute of Mental Health, in addition to inactivity and staying indoors. “Sunlight helps us to regulate our circadian rhythms, allowing us to remain on a approximate 24 hour cycle. When we do not get enough exposure to light, our brain often begins to produce more melatonin,
tricking us into feeling tired and less energetic.” says Dr. Susan Harvey, professor of psychology at Delta, explaining how lack of natural light affects the brain. “Less sunlight also means less Vitamin D, which has been linked to serotonin levels in our brain. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that impacts mood.” Harvey went on to say that the change of seasons can impact one’s mental health in a number of ways. “This disorder can cause low energy, concentration difficulties, loss of enjoyment in life and changes in eating and sleeping habits— a person may be eating or sleeping more or less than usual. When one suffers from seasonal affective disorder, they may have suicidal thoughts or actions. People with SAD often isolate themselves, exercise less than usual and even have thoughts of death.” Depression of any kind is not something one has to confront alone and seeking professional help is highly encouraged. Liz Davis, a supervisor at Community Illustration by Lindsay Lang
Mental Health For Central Michigan, lists some of her tips for coping with SAD. “Exercising, eating healthy, cognitivebehavioral therapy (an evidence-based treatment for depression), as well as full spectrum light therapy are all ways of handling this condition,” responds Davis, who holds masters degrees in educational psychology and social work. Mayo Clinic also explains that although most prevalent in fall and winter, SAD is not exclusive to those seasons; it also occurs (albeit less frequently) in the spring and early summer. In contrast to the symptoms of fall and winter (such as oversleeping and weight gain), symptoms of spring and summer consist of weight loss, trouble sleeping, as well as irritability. No matter what time of year it is, if you or a person you know is suffering from seasonal affective disorder, please don’t hesitate to consult a mental health professional for help.
SPORTS
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FEBRUARY 5, 2019
Frustrated Fan See no evil, call no evil Joe Thornton • Editor-in-Chief
Dear Roger Goodell, Hey buddy! Long time no see! Maybe that’s the same thing I should say to the refs that are being paid thousands of dollars on Sundays. You know, the ones who really only work one day of the week, and have one task, but still can’t seem to get it right? And your response to it all? “They’re human beings.” Yeah, we get it. You’re not the type of guy to say “Hey, some people make mistakes” if your steak came out medium well instead of medium rare, so why would you do it when it comes to the outcome of a football game? We can all agree that this issue is way bigger than the temperature your dinner is cooked. You’re all about the finances, Roger! You should know how much one missed call (against a certain Tommy Lee Lewis) can cost both the Saints’ franchise and the city of New Orleans. When talking about how humans make mistakes, I think this is a prime example to start a conversation that we should have started long ago. Why do we even have on-site referees for football games? Admittedly, the margin for human error is massive, and that is why instant replay was introduced. Currently, when there is a difficult call to be made, it is sent
to the NFL’s GameDay Central in New York where multiple technologies are used to ensure the right call is made. Why don’t you just create a few more satellite officiating stations and call it a day? That way we don’t have to worry about people “being human” and making mistakes, and we could give Brees his fair shot at having another championship ring. I mean, how could you sit idly by knowing how much the referees ruined this game, and say nothing? How could you ruin the chance for Sean Payton, Brees and the Saints to compete in another Super Bowl? I would go as far to say they’re the true America’s team. When looking at a map showing who the country was rooting for in the NFC Championship game, according to geotagged Twitter data, only seven states in the United States were rooting for the Rams. Also, what have the Rams done to deserve a Super Bowl? They
abandoned St. Louis by moving to Los Angeles, they bought their way into having talent, and apparently they bought off you and the refs to get to the Super Bowl. In the end, it was evident the Saints deserved to be in the big game, as they certainly would have put up more than three measly points. But, setting aside the financial costs, having a Rams v. Patriots Super Bowl cost the NFL tons in terms of viewership. You’re slipping up, Roger! With this being a game pairing two of the highest-scoring offenses against one another, viewers were forced to glue their eyes to the screen for three hours to see only a single touchdown scored. A single touchdown. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I loved every moment of it! This was a game showcasing the importance of special teams and defense. But, for the average viewer, this was the worst Super Bowl they’d ever seen. Pathetic. I’m just glad the commercials were better than the year before.
"Were there any impressive Super Bowl commercials?" "Did you think the halftime show held up to previous halftime shows?"
SPORTS EVENTS NEAR YOU •
Birch Run, known as a shopper’s Mecca in the state of Michigan, is holding their annual Hunting and Fishing expo from Friday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 10.. This event will be held at the Frankenmuth Credit Union Event Center, right off of I-75, just north of Birch Run. Admission is priced reasonably, at $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages six to fifteen, and free for children five and below.
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The Dow Event Center is hosting the WWE “Live Road To Wrestlemania” Sunday, Feb. 10, at 7:00 pm, with doors opening at 5:30 pm. This event feature big names in wrestling, with matches between Ronda Rousey and Nia Jax, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, as well as Braun Strowman and Baron Corbin; and several more! Ticket prices vary, and can be found at www. ticketmaster.com.
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Attention hockey fans! The next Saginaw Spirit home game will be Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Dow Event Center. Come out to support the Spirit in their effort to defeat the London Knights; tickets can be bought online at www.saginawspirit. com, or in person at the Dow Event Center box office.
Truly yours, A Frustrated Fan • Illustration by Maia Wiederhold
Nicholas DeMott, 20, Linwood “The Verizon commercial really impressed me. They brought in NFL coach [Anthony Lynn] to say why first responders were really important people because he got into a car crash and flew 50 feet from his car. First responders were there and saved his life that day. [...] I really connected with it on [an emotional] level.” Kayle Sharky, 19, Saginaw “I didn't watch the Super Bowl, but I heard that [the halftime show] was the worst performance in history. There was supposed to be a whole SpongeBob [gimmick] at halftime and I was told that it was on for maybe five seconds and then it was shut off. There was a bunch of backlash and no one was happy about it.”
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SPORTS
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FEBRUARY 5, 2019
Pioneers settle in for rest of the season Joe Thornton • Editor-in-Chief
With the Delta College men’s basketball team having more than half of the season in the books, this team finds themselves in an uphill battle against themselves, their competition and the elements to attain victory. Currently holding a record of 11-5, the Pioneers sit at seventh in the standings out of the nine teams in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Region 12 standings. Head coach Carlos McMath and his team hoped that once their team was healthy, they’d be able to dominate their competition again. However, that has not yet been the case. Although having injured players healthy again has helped their team, there are still other problems that linger and continue to plague the Pioneers. “It’s good to have guys back and I think we were able to generate spurts of pressure, much more than we have in our previous games,” says McMath. “We played with more energy and that worked out well for us. What we have to improve on is consistent communication and constant effort.” Meanwhile, other teams in the conference have been able to gain glory on the back of beating the Pioneers, and in doing so, have knocked them entirely out of the NJCAA Division II
men’s basketball rankings. The Pioneers are going to face stark competition throughout the season, with St. Clair County currently ranked sixteenth, Mott ranked ninth and Schoolcraft ranked first in the nation. The Pioneers have already suffered losses on the season to St. Clair and Schoolcraft, and have yet to play against Mott since that game was cancelled due to the polar vortex and hypothermic temperatures. As part of trying to correct the problems that have plagued this team, McMath and his coaching staff have begun to analyze an intangible that they believe to be overlooked far too often. “One of the biggest things is keeping guys [engaged] in the game [while] on the bench. Our guys have been doing a better job of that and we [see that] on film. We look at guys who are clapping and staying in tune and engaged with the game, because when your time is called, you’re already ready and you don’t have to get ready,” states McMath. So, what does all of this mean? Well, this team is faced with two options. They can either rise to the challenge of playing in one of the most difficult conferences of JuCo basketball, or they can succumb to mediocrity. Only time will tell which path they travel.
Rebecca Roberts • Photo Editor
Peyton Miller, No. 42, jumps and shoots the ball in between the arms of a player from Alpena Community College in their game on Jan. 23, 2019, at University Center.
SPORTS
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Rebecca Roberts • Photo Editor
Women’s basketball team climbing uphill toward conference championship Steele Wynne • Reporter
After their victory over Oakland Community College on Saturday, Jan. 26, the Lady Pioneers find themselves on a five-game winning streak, which ranked them at second place in the conference as well as the second seed. Additionally, if the ladies maintain this position in the conference, they will be sent straight to the semi-final portion of the playoffs. “Once they got their first win, they got the taste of what it feels like and ever since they’ve been winning,” says head coach Shonda Long, explaining what sparked her team’s recent success. “After they began to doubt themselves [...] They now know their potential, they now know how hard they can play, what their potential is, and what level they should be playing at; and they hold themselves to that.” By viewing their defense as the number one priority in practice, the Lady Pioneers have endured and overcome the trying offense of their past five opponents. Armed with a sound offense of their own, comprised of both shooters and drivers, the ladies should be seen as nothing less than a worthy
contender for the conference championship. One of the oldest sayings in sports is that “defense wins championships”, and with this team’s defensive mindset, they are well on their way to play for one. “Our biggest thing moving forward is defense,” replies No. 22 Jennifer Grinwis, “boxing out, getting back, transitional fast-breaks and stopping the ball right away.” To achieve success on game days, the ladies have stressed the importance of practicing on this side of the ball. “Our four out defense, our 2-3 zone and transition defense are all things we work on everyday in practice” remarks No. 34 Alyssa Mudd. This team has bought in to coach Long’s ideology, and has come to realize that while it may be easy to put points on the board, the real challenge is developing their stopping power; to prevent points from getting scored on their net. As the season has progressed, the Delta Ladies have not forgotten what their motivation is and have continued to “play for C” in addition to themselves. With great aptitude, the Lady Pioneers intend to finish the remainder of their season playing their game, not their opponent’s.
Rebecca Roberts • Photo Editor
The Lady Pioneers showed off their new shirts, paying homage to their assistant coach’s late wife during warm ups before Wednesday’s game. Jan. 23, 2019, University Center.
10 SPORTS
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FEBRUARY 5, 2019
Professional tennis players flock to Midland for Dow Tennis Classic Steele Wynne • Reporter
MIDLAND — The Dow Tennis Classic, a $100,000 tennis tournament spanning seven days, came to a close Feb. 3, with the $15,000 purse awarded to wildcard player, Caty McNally, after beating her former doubles partner and fourth seed pick, Jessica Pegula. McNally says playing with confidence and believing she could play at this level is what won her the five figure purse, in addition to playing her game and remembering all of what she has put into the sport. In response to how she felt about her aweinducing moment, McNally expresses how grateful she was to have even been considered for the tournament, let alone win it. “This [victory] means so much to me. Just getting the wildcard into the event and beating Nicole Gibbs first round… I would have been happy just exiting the tournament after that match. But I definitely wanted more and I’m super happy to get this win.”
Just as it is in any sport, playing against a fellow team member or partner can induce a mental obstacle for both players to overcome. “I’ve [played against former partners] so many times that I’m used to it; I just play the ball, not really worrying about who I’m playing.” Says McNally, explaining how she overcame this challenge. Having qualified for this tournament three years ago, McNally is thrilled to have finally won it. With this win serving as a large advancement in her career, McNally, who is only 17 years of age, has a bright future ahead herself and intends on using this momentum to her advantage in future tournaments. “I’ve had some of the biggest wins of my career here. It shows that my game is at that level, and it just gives me more confidence [moving forward].” remarked Mcnally, excited for where her career is headed.
Kelly Winters • Multimedia Reporter
Robin Anderson gains possession of the ball and attempts to serve it over the net on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at the Great Midland Tennis Center in Midland.
Kelly Winters • Multimedia Reporter
Jessica Pegula serving up game winning hits on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at the Great Midland Tennis Center in Midland.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Bay City Band Roulette attracts rock fans Third annual event provides funding for D Street Music Foundation and fun for everyone Zach Parfeniuk • Reporter
BAY CITY — Numerous cover bands from around Michigan came together to bring the roof down at the Bay City State Theater. The Band Roulette Rock and Improve Show kicked off its third year running on Jan. 27 and was a smashing success; according to ticket sales, over 480 people lined the seats of the State Theater eager to hear some classic rock. The premise was simple — all attending musicians had their names put into hats — guitarists, drummers, bassists, and vocalists. A makeshift band would then be formed from the names drawn. Rock music was randomly chosen, and musicians had no time to practice. From all around the Great Lakes Bay region, performers like guitarist and vocalist for cover bands Mirage and Cruise Control Jim Davies came to have a good time under the stage lights. “I’ve played in bands forever, and I’m happy to be doing it at my age,” Davies exclaimed, “I’m 67, you’re never too old to rock and roll. None of us have rehearsed together, but it’s a blast.” While some might expect this to lead to chaos, there was never a time where artists stumbled and let it affect the overall performance. The audience lapped up every second of music, and welcomed every performer on stage. Always eager to please the ecstatic crowd, musicians leaped at the chance to cover an array of classic rock, including hits like “Walking on Sunshine” and “Take the Money and Run”. “It’s challenging, but everybody’s here to have a good time,” guitarist and vocalist of The Savior Machines Mick
Furlo said, “If you make a little mistake here or there, it’s understandable. Everybody’s real helpful about it.” Creator of the event Doug Julian detailed the simple reasoning that led to the creation of the band roulette. “A bunch of us were at a bar one night,” Julian told, “We all got up playing songs, and I realized that we all play in the same cover bands and we could probably just put all our names in a hat and play the same cover songs.” Julian kept that idea fresh inside his mind for six years, and transformed that inspiration into a reality. Chief Operating Officer of Bay City State Theater Michael Bacigalupo helped Julian set everything up, booking the theater and performers. As the event keeps growing, already in its third year, Julian finds that his favorite part of the event is the bonds made during the music. “The one thing [that makes it for me] is that musicianship brotherhood,” Julian explained, “We’re all playing and suddenly we connect and then the audience connects, and I keep saying over and over I never would have foreseen the anticipation.” The band roulette also served as an event to raise money for the D Street Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to bring the joys of music to as many people as possible by providing low or no-cost concerts to the public, and also providing musical instruments to economically challenged families. D Street Music Foundation representative Georgie Poprave explained that funds made from this event specifically will go back to the community in the form of scholarships for graduating students. “The money that’s raised here [this evening] will go to D Street Music Foundation,” Poprave explained, “That money usually covers all three of our
scholarships that we give away each year, one thousand dollars each. We do a little bit of the advertising for the show and provide the programs but it’s a minimal cost considering what we gain in return.”
Zach Parfeniuk • Reporter
Mick Furlo shreds the guitar on stage during a barrage of classic rock at the Bay City State Theater. Jan. 27, 2019.
Zach Parfeniuk • Reporter
Vocalist Carrie Westbay (center) comes alive as she dances and covers "Walking on Sunshine" at the Bay City State Theater. Jan 27, 2019.
12 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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FEBRUARY 5, 2019
NOTEWORTHY
Julia Michaels' latest falls short
Ryan Reichard • Reporter
It’s been almost two years since Julia Michaels has released her breakthrough single “Issues.” Since then, the singersongwriter has been busy co-writing for many other artists including 5 Seconds of Summer (“Lie to Me”) and Shawn Mendes (“Nervous”). Michaels has released some singles since then. She was featured on the Clean Bandit-headed track “I Miss You” and on up-and-coming singer Lauv’s song “There’s No Way.” However, instead of coming back with a complete album, Michaels decided to release another EP “Inner Monologue.” Will this new release speak to the public or is the musical language too conflicting? Julia Michaels has never had the vocal presence of her peers. Instead of having bombastic power, her voice retains a more down-to-earth, non-diva quality to it by relying on soft coos. Oftentimes, Michaels remains in her airy lower register. But, when she decides to explore her falsetto the results are more negative. Michaels’s falsetto is frail and underdeveloped, often times becoming exceedingly shrill. This is prevalent on the track “Into You” where the singer tends to end the prechorus with exhausting shrills. Michaels’ voice is considerably raspy across “Inner Monologue” and it creates conflicting results. The best showcase of Michaels’ voice is on the Niall Horan-assisted track “What A Time.” Michaels’ voice retains a clearer quality than on the rest of the tracks on “Inner Monologue.” When it comes time to harmonize with Horan her voice blends surprisingly well with his. “What A Time” demonstrates that Michael's does not need the raw power of her peers, instead it showcases the strengths in soft vocals. Across the EP, the production is scattershot at best. The acoustic guitar-laden track “Anxiety” features a snapping beat that seems out of place when compared against Michael’s vocals. Instead of highlighting the genuine quality of her voice it allows the weakness to shine. On “Apple” Michaels repeats this misstep where the production consists of a snapping beat, heavy drums and a misplaced ukulele. While the songs are rather short in length, the production is so egregious that they can be insufferable to listen to.
The only passable production comes on the songs “Into You,” “What A Time” and “Happy.” On “Into You,” Michaels trades in the acoustic elements for a soft piano and fuzzy synth ballad. In “Happy,” Michaels once again brings in acoustic guitars, but instead of making them the focus they are blended into a clapping back beat with hints of piano in the background. On the chorus, the shouts in the background are backed up by arenastyle drum,s giving the song a contagious sing-along sound. “What A Time” contains soft electric guitars and drums paired with an echo-filled background representing the theme of past love in a subtly enjoyable manner. Infectious from the first strums of the guitar, “What A Time” is easily the best song on the entire EP. In terms of lyrical content “Inner Monologue” offers what is promised — Michaels’ inner thoughts. The main aspects of the lyrical themes include: love, anxiety, past relationships and inner reflections. While the themes are noticeably common, this EP shines on the tracks “What A Time,” “Apple” and “Deep” where the attention to lyrical detail paints a vivid image. On “What A Time” Michaels offer different perspectives on a moment in a past relationship singing, “I haven't been by your side / in a minute, but I think about it sometimes/ Even though I know it's not so distant/ Oh, no, I still wanna reminisce it.” On one of the worst songs “Anxiety” Michaels and Gomez sing “Always wanted to be one of those people in the room /That says something and everyone puts their hand up.” An audacious approach to the subject of anxiety. Those who have anxiety are well aware that you do not wish to be the center of attention. So, for Gomez and Michaels to want to be the center of attention conflicts with the songs message being antisocial. Overall, “Inner Monologue” is certainly an odd EP that both exceeds certain expectations while containing several disappointing moments. I give “Inner Monologue” two out of five stars.
Best songs: “What A Time” “Happy” “Into You” Worst songs: “Anxiety” “Deep” “Apple” • Illustration by Lindsay Lang
Ryan Reichard • Reporter
Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Slytherins and Ravenclaws unite From Feb. 7 to Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m., bring your wands to the Midland Center for the Arts to celebrate this hilarious parody of Harry Potter. “Potted Potter — The Unauthorized Harry Experience — A Parody by Dan and Jeff ” tells the complete story of the boy with the lightning bolt scar. Audience members will get the opportunity to play a rousing game of Quidditch . Admission prices vary from $27 to $42; don’t miss the chance to get your tickets before the other houses (Slytherin) take them.
‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ with this Elvis impersonator On Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Golden Glow Ballroom in Saginaw, enjoy a night of fun and music with the King of Rock’s classic hits. Jake Slater, a renowned Elvis impersonator, has won several national and international awards and titles including “The King of Saginaw.” Tickets cost $30 per person. The price of admission also includes dinner before the show begins. This is one show that will have you saying “That’s [more than] All Right.”
Enjoy a night at the museum The Alden B. Dow Museum of Science & Art is hosting a “Totally Interstellar Late Night Party” for adults on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. This event features the museum and its exhibits along with some snacks and cocktails. It also includes access to the most recent exhibits and galleries after the sun goes down. With admission being $15, this is one event you will surely want to Van Gogh to.
Come out and bring your ‘deer’ to the Birch Run Hunting and Fishing Expo The annual Hunting and Fishing Expo kicks off this weekend, Feb. 8 to Feb. 10, at the Frankenmuth Credit Union Event Center in Birch Run. The expo will feature hundreds of vendors that have all of your outdoor needs. Hunting and fishing supplies will be available to purchase in addition to various other goods. Admission is $10 at the door for adults, $5 for kids ages six to 15 and free for kids younger than six. Don’t miss your chance! Fish for some good deals on all of your hunting and fishing supplies at the Birch Run Hunting and Fishing Expo. For info on event times check the event's website, www.birchrunhuntfish.com for info on event times, as event times vary.
Bay City Players bring summer with ‘August: Osage County’ “When Dad disappears suddenly, the entire Watson family is thrown into overdrive. In the search for Dad, Mom is joined by their three daughters and the men in their lives. This house in August in Oklahoma was never intended to see the entire Watson clan together ever again. Secrets, lies, truths, and frustrations come roaring to the surface and make for a stage filled with gasps and gasps of laughter. Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner, this play leaps into its place at the table of great American family plays. Ages 18 and up.” (www.baycityplayers.org) Taking place on Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. at the Bay City Players building, do not miss your chance to see one of the great American family plays. Admission is currently to be determined.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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FEBRUARY 5, 2019
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Zehnder’s Snowfest 2019 captivates thousands in Frankenmuth Zach Parfeniuk • Reporter
FRANKENMUTH — You would think that Michiganders would be just about fed up with the winter season by now. But despite the bitter cold, bad roads and other nuisances, people can always recognize the beauty of a winter wonderland when they see it. A grand spectacle of frozen art and pure fun, the 28th annual Zehnder's Snowfest took Frankenmuth by storm Jan. 23-28. Despite the below-zero temperatures and wind chill, thousands came out in droves and piled on the streets of Frankenmuth to take part in the festivities. Whatever time of day, spectators froze not just from the temperatures, but also in awe of the works of art that provided the centerpieces to the Snowfest. Giant snow sculptures lined courtyards around downtown Frankenmuth. Pythons, spiders, a vengeful headless horseman, children huddling for warmth and chinese dragons all towered over attendees. Entries varied in subject, but all were clad in pure white snow. What was perhaps even more breathtaking were the ice sculptures. Ranging from company and university logos to entire ice castles, the freeze-easy eye candy was the core of the event’s displays. Lining the streets and open areas were: honey bees, dolphins, knights, dinosaurs
and more — all recreated in clean, pristine ice. This year’s Snowfest didn’t disappoint for perennial visitors, nor for those who were new to all that the snowy sensation had to offer. “I heard [the Snowfest] was wonderful, and it’s definitely lived up to that so far. The sculptures are beautiful, detailed, and gorgeous.” event-goer Kim Graham said. Many of these ice sculptures were made on the spot, as part of the National Collegiate Ice Carving Competition. Set in Zehnder's Park, sculptors from universities had several hours to carve a block of ice into a finished piece. While it may seem like a lot of time to viewers, the clock ticks quickly when creating art out of an ice block using complex processes and tools. “There’s a proper method to carving,” says Oakland Community College coach Jason Smith. “Our teams starts out with a template. So, they take some of the artistry and creativity and put it into a step-by-step method so they can be successful every time.” The event also offered plenty when it came to family fun; children could take part in rides and activities all around the festival, from carousels to personalized, carved ice blocks, and so much more. A petting zoo brought horses, a camel and several dogs much to the delight of many children and [continued on page 14]
Kelly Winters • Multimedia Reporter
One of the many ice sculptures displayed in Snowfest’s annual ice sculpture contest. Jan. 27, 2019, Frankenmuth.
Kelly Winters • Multimedia Reporter
A father and his daughter pose to get their picture taken in front of a snow sculpture outside of Zehnder’s Restaurant on Main Street in Frankenmuth on Jan. 27, 2019.
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FEBRUARY 5, 2019
23rd annual event provides fun for the whole family Zach Parfeniuk • Reporter
For more photos by multimedia reporter Kelly Winters, and video by video editor Michael Pieper of Zehnder's 23rd Snowfest at:
www.deltacollegiate.com
[from page 13] adults. Horse drawn carriage rides were offered for fifty dollars a person and couples made sure to take advantage of the offered splendor. In the evening hours, firework displays lit up the night sky. “I’m here with my family, we come for the turkey and to see the sculptures.” says attendee Hunter Potter. “We come every year.” Potter and his family, like so many others, were drawn in to Snowfest for the cuisine it offers. As a matter of fact, you could argue it was just as much about culinary delights as it was about winter-themed art. Frankenmuth’s main street was lined with restaurants and street shops ripe for interested event-goers. And it was clear from the talk of the town that the food was the clear standout for anyone coming to Frankenmuth. Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen, Cheese Haus and Taffy Kitchen all offered exotic varieties of their respective foods. Zehnder’s certainly helps these businesses with the publicity, as many looking for a break from the outdoor chills could relax and browse inside. Thousands of people attend Zehnder’s Snowfest every year and for a simple reason: it’s a smorgasbord of entertainment. There’s something there for everyone. Whether you enjoy the sculptures, the food or the family-friendly atmosphere, it’s an experience unrivaled by any other. “It’s just something different in the winter, there’s not really much to do in the season. I like the food, and the sculptures. You can’t see this anywhere else. It’s a great time, bring the family,” Potter said.
Kelly Winters • Multimedia Reporter
One of the many ice sculptures outside of Zehnder’s Restaurant depicting a Snowfest sponsor. Jan. 27, 2019, Frankenmuth.
Missed Melodies Are you tired of hearing the same old hits over and over? How about ditching that Spotify playlist and digging deeper into the back catalogs of talented artists? Collegiate staff share some of their top picks for great songs that deserve to be in the spotlight.
‘BUSY/SIRENS’ — Saba
‘It’s Quiet Uptown’ — Kelly Clarkson Ryan Reichard • Reporter
Zach Parfeniuk • Reporter
For those who are looking to transition from the mainstream rap scene into something a little more experimental, Saba is the perfect artist. If his name sounds familiar, you probably recognize him from his feature on Chance the Rapper’s song “Everybody’s Something.” Saba’s “BUSY/SIRENS” is a great song to vibe to no matter what you’re doing, and I find it perfect for background music while studying or on a late-night drive. Saba’s flow is reminiscent of a mix between Kendrick Lamar and the aforementioned Chance, and offers respite from a musical movement that venerates mumble rap and trap beats. Furthermore, if you like what you hear, his most recent album CARE FOR ME released in December 2018, and is an allaround quality album, combining an amazing flow, lyrical poeticism and a storytelling ability reminiscent of J. Cole’s prolific album “ 2014 Forest Hills Drive.”
Throughout her career, Kelly Clarkson has put several solid albums that, for the most part, hold up still today. However, “It’s Quiet Uptown” does not come from a Kelly Clarkson album. Rather, it comes from a mixtape of songs from the hit musical Hamilton that have been reworked by some of music’s biggest names. The remake features a beautiful balance of reverb, somber piano, delicate strings and well-blended skitters of a trap beat and steady drums. The reverb allows the vocals to shine against the silence, setting the stage for a subtle piano to blend with soft strings. The steady drum acts as the heartbeat of the story, pounding with the intensity of the detailed lyrics we know and love from the soundtrack. Clarkson embodies the narrative with one of her most stirring vocal performances to date. The pain in her voice is able to permeate the toughest concrete. “It’s Quiet Uptown” is a tear-jerking ballad for all ages.
The name Kurt Travis might be familiar to some. He’s been all over the post-hardcore scene from his stints with Dance Gavin Dance and A Lot Like Birds. Travis has released a couple solo EPs, but his 2014 debut studio album “Everything is Beautiful” is, in my opinion, his best solo work. There are a lot of good songs on the album, but “Desperate” is a standout. The title should be pretty self explanatory. Travis is desperate to keep someone he loves in his life, despite it being apparent that this relationship is gone. The writing style is honest, like raw poetry. It’s clear he’s at his best with an emotional delivery. Every word he sings feels real. Instrumentally, “Desperate” is pretty different from Travis’ expected style. There’s not a lot of hard guitar riffs and heavy drums here; the song is much more soft in its approach to the music. Nonetheless, “Desperate” is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Travis can do on his own.
Joe Thornton • Editor-in-Chief
'Desperate’ — Kurt Travis
OPINION
www.deltacollegiate.com
FEBRUARY 5, 2019
15
Valentine’s Day is for everyone — couples and singles alike
Kelly Winters • Multimedia Reporter
Valentine’s Day — the keynote holiday of cuffing season. Some see this day as an opportunity to spread some extra lovin’ to their special someone, while others find the day to be an irrelevant holiday made up by Hallmark to sell overpriced, lacy cards. If you find yourself to be a member of the second pool of people, fear not! I can assure you that Valentine’s Day isn't a day made up to exclude those who are single. Rather than being down on yourself all day for enjoying the bachelor life, spend some time practicing self love by taking a tour of all of the fast food places and restaurants that are offering Valentines Day discounts.
Yes, sharing a heart shaped pizza with a loved one is pretty great. But so is polishing off an entire large by yourself and finishing it with some chocolate chip ice cream. And if all else fails and Hungry Howie’s doesn't sell your lonely self a heart-shaped pizza, at least do yourself the courtesy of holding out until Feb. 15 when all of the pink and red chocolate will be on sale! If you find that you aren't spending this season flying solo, then use the day as an opportunity to show your significant other that you really care about them. Personally, when it comes to V day, I think small acts of romance go a long way. I was never one to consider myself high maintenance, but even the easiest going of girls love a well thought-out, romantic gesture from time to time. If you've noticed that your relationship has been a bit lackluster, use the holiday to revitalize the mood. Whether you’re trying to swoon your girlfriend of three years or the cutie you’ve sat next to for the past month, it’s
better to tailor the Valentine’s experience to the person. In other words, get to know the person you’re wooing. When push comes to shove, Valentine's Day is really only what you make. So, if it's your vibe to go all out and celebrate with a dinner by candle light, go for it! Or, if Netflix and convenience-store snacks are more your speed, slow it down and relax for a while. Commemorate the day by making it your own.
Check out Maddison Godi's list of Valentine's movies for every relationship
www.deltacollegiate.com
Maia Wiederhold • Illustrator
OUR VIEW
Do you believe in global warming yet?
Lindsay Lang • Illustrator
“In the beautiful Midwest, windchill temperatures are reaching minus 60 degrees, the coldest ever recorded. In coming days, expected to get even colder. People can’t last outside even for minutes. What the hell is going on with Global Warming [sic]? Please come back fast, we need you!” says our president, Donald Trump over Twitter on Jan. 28, 2019. There are so many things to unpack about this tweet. The most pressing thing to understand, however, is that global warming is not just global warming. That is to say, it’s not just increasing temperatures that are causing problems. There is a reason many people now use the term climate change — and it’s not political. It’s because climate change more accurately describes the way we
are affecting our environment (albeit, it doesn’t serve to show the dramatic and extreme nature in which we are doing so). Climate change (or, as some people know it as, global warming) is a phenomenon caused by greenhouse gases that cause heat and electromagnetic waves to be more likely to bounce back into the atmosphere, making it more likely that thermal energy stays in the environment and doesn’t get released into the surrounding space. While this function of greenhouse gases is part of what contributed to a livable environment here on Earth, lately it has grown out of control. In layman’s terms, having some greenhouse gases is good; having too much of the greenhouse gases is bad. Short story made long — climate change leads to a variety of things, including a shift in climate conditions (mostly more humid conditions), more extreme weather patterns (due to increased humidity and sea levels), increased average global temperatures, extinctions of species due to shifting biome conditions (google “coral
reefs and climate change”), etc. However, knowing this, how can we affect climate change? As a staff, we find it imperative that the voters of this nation inform themselves on climate change and take the step that many politicians aren't willing to do (after all, politicians care most about getting re-elected). If society puts a large enough emphasis on environmental issues, politicians will have no choice but to listen and take action. There are plenty of ways to be informed about the issue, including a variety of classes offered here at Delta. Despite this, it’s becoming more and more apparent that what we’re doing now isn’t working. Having a selective few people be conscientious of the environment and global warming isn’t incurring change fast enough. One of the biggest ways to bring about this change is to vote responsibly, and make sure that the people making policy for climate change are informed and involved in the issue instead of having politicians with Twitter fingers who contribute to misconceptions behind the issues.
16 OPINION
www.deltacollegiate.com
FEBRUARY 5, 2019
PERSPECTIVES Toxic masculinity is the idea that traits commonly portrayed in society as masculine, such as dominance and bottling emotions, eventually lead to destructive social practices and beliefs
The effects of toxic masculinity on women
Maia Wiederhold • Illustrator
Toxic masculinity is a controversial topic in today’s society. These notions of toxic masculinity, which tend to be highly specific and restrictive, have developed into harmful social constructs for women such as double standards, misogyny and conditions that can be mentally debilitating to women. At the very heart of toxic masculinity is the hatred for femininity. Toxic masculinity shames men for portraying any characteristics that society has deemed fit for a female. Why are these standards, such as showing emotions or acting without aggression, good enough for women, but when men represent these characteristics they are viewed as weak and docile? This directly implies that feminine characteristics, and women as a whole, are less than or weaker than men. The fact that men directly take offense to being told they are acting “like a girl” shows us how they really view the female sex. Femininity is so repulsive to some that it is actually being taken as an insult. Women are similarly disparaged by men in society if they display “typical” feminine characteristics or not. If a woman cries in public and expresses her feelings, she is viewed as weak. Yet, if a woman disregards the limitations society has built around her, she is shamed for expressing masculine traits or trying to do something that is believed to only be successfully accomplished by a man. Many men are still having trouble accepting women into maledominated industries, such as construction, skilled trades or law enforcement, sometimes devaluing their contributions in the field or, sometimes, going as far as hazing them within the work environment.
This ideation in men affects women both mentally and emotionally, by destroying their humanity and treating them as objects instead of the powerful and beautiful people that they are. In the same line of thinking, some men view women as sexual trophies and accomplishments. This leaves a woman feeling as if her worth and importance is diminished, and she is meant to be nothing more than a conquest for these toxic males. When women conform to the standards of femininity, they are accepting social norms, but in return are viewed as the inferior sex. However, if a woman steps out of these barriers, she is considered to now be masculine. Because of toxic masculinity, and the social constructs that have come to define what is considered “manly” or acceptable for a man, a woman can’t be herself without worrying about whether or not she is going to be ridiculed for her actions. It seems as if no matter what a woman does, she is always shamed or forced to be aware of who she is.
Toxic masculinity stems from gender restrictions
Zach Parfeniuk • Reporter
Toxic masculinity is not an attack on an entire gender, even though it refers to the behavior of males that is violent or discriminatory towards women. It’s more about the ideas that are associated with the male gender that lead to violent and inappropriate behavior toward women, such as sexual assault or harassment. It also restricts men from expressing themselves (the term “real men don't cry” comes to mind), leading to them bottling their feelings, then lashing out in unhealthy ways. So how do we fix this problem? In my opinion, one of the ways to get at the problem of toxic masculinity is to challenge gender norms that continue to restrict us.
Maia Wiederhold • Illustrator
Male gender norms from when I was younger, such as emphasis on toughness and physical strength, continue to affect us today. When I was bullied in my youth, many attributed it to not being strong enough to stand up for myself. In essence, not displaying my masculinity in a way that was satisfactory. Mental dysfunctions like social anxiety or depression were seen as signs of weakness, and if I were to seek out treatment for them (a very non-masculine thing, to ask for help), then I would be shunned for it. Gender bias seeps into our modern lives in ways we often don’t even stop to think about. From the colors of our clothes to the way we act. It starts in the way we’re raised, and forms our beliefs and creates concepts like “masculine bravery”, or “feminine care.” This can be one of the many things that leads to violent or sexist behavior in males. Those that take gender orientation far too seriously carry the social expectations into their adulthood. These gender norms inherently limit people, and make them feel constricted in society. So, the way we can work against this is by not looking at our actions as a factor of gender, but our own personalities that we are in control of. Recent scientific studies, such as Bruce Goldman’s “Two Minds” study from Stanford Medicine, have found evidence that the differences between men and women’s brains are largely small scale and inconsequential to the greater concept of gender. We need to recognize that clothes, hair, actions… none of these should be bound with strict limitations. Gender should help expression not hinder it. The key point is openness. Anyone should be able to enjoy their style, hobbies, voice, favorite foods, whatever. No one should be frowned upon if they break gender stereotypes. By doing this, we can start to see toxic masculinity as the harmful behavior it really is. At the end of the day, take away the social history and all that’s left is a sense of cockiness and forcefulness that leaves people uncomfortable. It’s simply my belief that many things constricted by gender should be treated as universal idea, and, by doing this, eventually we’ll see everyone as their own person.
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FEBRUARY 5, 2019
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-SNOWED IN-
Lindsay Lang • Illustrator
FEBRUARY EVENTS Thursday, Feb. 7
Sunday, Feb. 10
Friday, Feb. 15
7 p.m. to 8 p.m. @ Delta College Planetarium in Bay City Tickets: $7 adults, $5 kids, seniors & active military
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. @ Temple Theater in Saginaw Tickets: $5 general admission
Saturday, Feb. 16
To Worlds Beyond (planetarium show)
Saginaw Silver Screen: When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Friday, Feb. 8
Wednesday, Feb. 13
8 p.m. to 11 p.m. @ Midland Center for the Arts Tickets: $15 general admission, $12 ABDM Museum Members (Must be 21 or older)
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. @ Creative 360 in Midland Tickets: $5 general admission
Late Night in the Museum: Space!
Saturday, Feb. 9
Bay City Record Convention
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. @ AMVETS Post 22 in Essexville Admission: $10 for 9 a.m. early admission, $1 for 10 a.m. onward
Medieval and English Early Modern Love Poetry
Thursday, Feb. 14
President’s Speaker Series - Temple Grandin
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. @ Pioneer Gymnasium (Room N110) 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. @ Delta College Lecture Theater (Room G160
Free Computer Repair Clinic 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. @ Room K110 Sesame Street: One World, One Sky (planetarium show) 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. @ Delta College Planetarium in Bay City Tickets: $7/adults, $5/kids, seniors & active millitary
Tuesday, Feb. 19
2019 Fly Fishing Film Tour 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. @ State Theatre in Bay City Tickets: $15 general admission
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FEBRUARY 5, 2019
SATIRE
Horoscopes: Pisces, better check your car! Michael Piwowarski • News Editor
Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) Your birthday party will be ruined when you find that your boss has written you up for not working. Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20) After work today, you’re gonna walk to your car only to notice that someone keyed it. Maybe it’s someone getting revenge on you for parallel parking across two parking spots, one of which being their favorite spot. Or maybe it’s because you decided to root for the Patriots this year. Either way… big mistake, bruh. Aries (March 21 to April 19) You have found true love this time. If you want proof, go play “loves me, loves me not” with some flowers. He/ she does love you. Can’t say the same for the florist, though. Taurus (April 20 to May 20) Your life will make an emotional impact on someone, particularly the guy in a bad mood who will be sitting behind you at a busy stop sign.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20) Your bookshelf says a lot about you. If it's filled with books, either you're a smarty pants professor or you're just an individual with low self esteem who is trying to look smart. Cancer (June 21 to July 22) The stars have nothing to say about what is happening in your life this week. They must be up to something. Watch your back!
Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22) The stars have lots to say about what is happening in your life this week. I mean, lots! They’re probably just talking behind your back about how funny you looked when you asked your boss for a promotion. Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) You never know what you will find when you clean your room this weekend. That moment when you brush off the one-inch layer of dust to see what it is…. that moment when you shove it back under the bed because you don’t want anyone else to see how bad you are at trigonometry.
Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) Your endurance will be put to the test when your teacher assigns you to post on three discussion board topics in class while he chatters with that kid in the front row about “Sweet Victory” being absent from Maroon 5’s Super Bowl halftime show. Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) Your Valentine’s Day date will be sweet. It won’t be too erotic, but you will still thoroughly enjoy that freshly harvested, organic, California-grown medjool date. Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) You are feeling very anxious today. The stars recommend that you relieve your stress by finding out why your “Check Engine” light has been on for the past few months. Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) The stars can't help but notice that you have way more on your plate than you can handle. Maybe it's time to ask the waiter to bring you a doggy bag so you can take the rest home.
MEET THE STAFF • Kelly Winters
is a multimedia journalist for the Delta Collegiate. She plans on obtaining an Associate's degree in Applied Art (Film Production) and a General Writing Certificate in the spring. She plans to transfer to Michigan State University to pursue a Bachelor's in Marketing with a minor in Professional Technical Writing. In her free time, she enjoys painting and drinking matcha tea. Twitter: @DCKellyWinters
• Ryan Reichard is a reporter for the Collegiate. He is currently pursuing an Associate’s in Liberal Arts. He plans to transfer to Oakland University where he will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in English. In his free time, Ryan likes to travel, go on road trips and sleep. Twitter: @DCReichard
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