JANUARY 2024
Rock'n & Rollin' Page 3
New year, new semester Emma Blakley
It’s the start of a new year, which means a new semester. Various students on campus were asked: What's something you've learned from your previous semesters at Delta that's going to help you this semester?
Maury
Major: Nursing “I've learned how to properly manage my time and my priorities in terms of studying to get a better grade, and just different social topics.”
Elijah
Major: PTA and Business Management
“Watching a lot more of the videos that teachers put on their D2L website.”
Justin
Major: Mechanical Engineering “For the majority of my first semester at Delta, I worked in my bed, and I found that that was pretty counterproductive. I didn't want to do my work. Now I'm going to be doing it at a desk and working pretty hard this semester."
Jocelyn
Major: Business Management
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Stanley cup craze
Michigan won?!
STUDENT RUN SINCE '61
“Last semester, I really struggled with like, time management and studying outside of class. I definitely learned from that. So this year, I'm way more prepared. I have everything in my planner, like every day set to do my homework and stuff.”
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JANUARY 2024
NEWS The rise of the Stanley cup craze
From blue-collar staple to social media sensations and consumerism April Hernandez | Staff Reporter
The recent surge in the Stanley cup trend led to mobs of self-proclaimed Stanley cup enthusiasts storming retail stores, creating a buzz that flooded social media platforms. The iconic thermal cup became a sought-after fashion statement, appearing on everyone's For You Page seemingly overnight. So, where did this cup come from? Stanley cup’s origins The initial popularity of this product stemmed from its durable, temperature-retaining, and leakproof design making it a favorite among blue-collar workers. This innovation laid the groundwork for the modern Stanley cup, founded over a century ago, by Stanley William Jr. who simply wanted a long-lasting hot cup of coffee. Since its mass production in 1915, Stanley has continually switched up its designs, introducing diverse siz-
es, new colors, and innovative insulation technologies. What was once a practical choice for the working class has evolved into a symbol of style and trendiness.
Social media has made this blue-collar staple into a symbol of trendiness. The Stanley cup, once a practical object, is now a viral fashion statement.
A good marketing team In a pivotal move during a 2020 brand revamp, Stanley's global president, Terence Reilly, wanted to target women as a potential new customer base. This strategic shift involved introducing a new palette of Stanley cup colors and designs. Social media has played the biggest role in the astounding $750 million revenue generated by these $45 cups. Stanley used influencers to promote the Stanley cup. By November 2023, #StanleyCup had over 6.8 billion views on TikTok. The combined power of marketing to women and influencer endorsements propelled the Stanley cup into a must-have item.
My opinion The whole Stanley cup hype, pulling in a whopping $750 million in sales, is more than just buying stuff. It is not just about getting a functional product but about being part of this massive trend and showing off your style. It is people saying, "Hey, this cup is not just a cup; it's who I am." The crazy Stanley cup sales show we are not just buying things anymore – we are buying a lifestyle, a status, and the thrill of being part of something big. It's consumerism in action, where what you buy says more about you than just the practical use of the product.
Screenshot of eBay results for Stanley Vacuum Tumblers, Jan. 16, 2024
Bullseye battle for the Stanley cup Austin Gonzales | Staff Reporter
The holiday season may be over, but that hasn’t stopped masses of people from making waves at Targets nationwide, just to get their hands on a Stanley brand tumbler cup. Since the big red retailer opened up post-Christmas Day, shoppers have been asking, “Where are the Stanley cups?” It all came to a start just one day after Christmas. Videos circulated on TikTok featuring parents filming their kids gratefully opening up their new $45 Stanley tumbler. User @lateapendleton uploaded a video of her daughter happily opening up her new Stanley cup before embracing her Dad on Christmas Eve. The TikTok video went viral with over 24.5 million views and 3 million likes, adding to the Stanley cup’s popularity. The Stanley brand has always made very durable and insulated drinkware products. One viral TikTok video showed a Stanley tumbler surviving a car fire. The tumbler still had ice and virtually no damage. So, it’s no question why these became so popular. The (unintentional or not) marketing of this cup has been tremendous, outdoing itself even further with the new collaboration with Target. Target partnered with the Stanley thermos company to introduce an exclusive, “while supplies last,” Valen-
tine’s Day Starbucks tumbler. One in pink, one in red. After the announcement, people camped outside of Target stores all night. They all wanted to be first at checkout with the Valentine’s Day Stanley cup. Some Target stores reported guests gathering an hour before closing time the night before it launched. TikTok user @victoria_robino_26 posted on New Year’s Eve footage of the moment her local Target opened its doors. Customers flooded the display, bickering over who gets what and how many cups they can carry. This video was the first of several that gained traction because of the Stanley cup craze. One man jumped the line at a Target, stealing a box of the exclusive tumblers for himself – or to resell. This was caught on-camera by TikTok user @yuki.anax, but the video has since been deleted. There is a good chance that you’ll find these exclusive tumblers on Facebook marketplace, just for a higher price. Resellers are now flooding the online market. It is reminiscent of the scarcity of the PlayStation 5 console just two years prior. What usually adds up to about $50 for a fancy bottle can be found on eBay or etsy from $119.99 to $930. And that doesn’t count the extra $7.20 for shipping.
CHECK OUT OUR SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITE FOR MORE NEWS REPORTING BOTH ON AND OFF CAMPUS. CREATED BY STUDENTS FOR STUDENTS!
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CAMPUS LIFE
Geology Club identifies hot topic Clubs of Delta, A Delta Collegiate monthly series Norm Corrion | Staff Reporter
UNIVERSITY CENTER, MI – Rock puns, knowledge and passion are center stage when attending the monthly Geology Club meeting. This event includes a two-hour rock polishing session beforehand, followed up by a full agenda for each meeting. The meeting on Dec. 4 included: current geological event information, an igneous rock identification activity and a rock raffle. During rock polishing hours, member Jack Kircher worked on a worry-stone, which he suspected was picked up by a glacier. Other members chose to socialize. Member Daniel Hampton provided a brief tour of the room and many displays. The meeting kicked off with introductions, and everyone sharing their least favorite rock or
mineral. It's a very friendly environment, with some sharing jokes or puns as they introduce themselves. Ky Tacey, the group president, explained that the group is welcoming to anyone who wants to join, and you don’t need to be an expert. “They don't have to take a single geology class,” Tacey said. “I don't care if they like rocks or crystals or they're just a little bit interested – that's awesome.” The igneous rock identification was the big activity for the meeting and included 15 rocks. The activity was guided by the group advisor, Professor Kevin Dehne. Dehne explained that igneous rock forms from lava or magma. “It’s a hot topic,” Dehne joked. Members split into groups of two or three, and Dehne walked the club through steps on how to
identify different rocks using their features. The members then had free time to work on the identification. Once the groups completed, Dehne walked everyone through the results. In addition to the identification activity, a rock raffle occurred with everyone taking something home. The club also reviewed current geological events like eruptions, the world's largest iceberg moving, earthquakes, landslides and more. The club has between 15 and 20 members consistently showing up, and everyone is very welcoming. The amount of effort put into the event by the club’s leadership made it a very rewarding experience. More information on the club can be found in the Geology Club display case in Delta’s E wing (main campus).
CAMPUS LIFE
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Upcoming Geology Club Meetings Jan. 22 Feb. 12 Mar. 18 Apr. 15 Polisher: 4pm Meeting: 6pm Delta has many clubs and organizations you can join, if you cannot find one that interests you, starting one is easy! Use the QR code below for more information.
Jack Kircher polishes a worry stone before the club meeting starts, Dec. 4, 2023; photo credit Norm Corrion
Daniel Hampton examines igneous rocks for the identification activity, Dec. 4, 2023; photo credit Norm Corrion
The Geology Club works on an igneous rock identification activity, Dec. 4, 2023; photo credit Norm Corrion
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JANUARY 2024
Big changes in Financial Aid for the school year of 2024-25 James Hernandez | Director of Financial Aid
Have you heard about the new simplified FAFSA application? Applying for financial aid will look different for the upcoming school year. This article is intended to share some basic points regarding the new FAFSA, its process, and changes that will impact you and your family. For this year only, the new FAFSA rollout date was moved to December 31, 2023. Dependent students’ parents/step-parents and spouses (for married students) are now referred to as contributors. It will be required that ALL contributors give consent to pull income information from the IRS, even when tax returns were not filed. Students email their FAFSA contributors, at which time contributors will be required to give consent. Each contributor is required to provide their own information on the student’s FAFSA. Independent, married students will email their spouse, who is required to give consent, and enter their income and personal information on the students FAFSA. Existing FSA and passwords will still work. It will be crucial that students and parents know their FSA and password! If a student or contributor does not already have these items, an FSA ID and password will need to be created (this includes both parents in a two-parent household). Students and contributors will not be able to complete the FAFSA without the FSA ID and password. Three to five days will be required to process a new FSA ID and password prior to use on the FAFSA. This measure is in place to protect and confirm identities. The formula for determining financial aid eligibility is also changing! The former EFC, (expected family contribution) will now be called the SAI (student aid index). This SAI number will be calculated differently from the EFC, and the numeric value will have the potential to go negative with
this new methodology. The SAI number will have different Pell eligibility implications than the EFC. Once you complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA, the financial aid office will receive the information from the federal government sometime later in the winter semester. As a result of these updates, the college’s software and Financial Aid procedures are experiencing significant changes. We anticipate students and parents will have concerns or questions with regards to delays in award offer communications and financial aid decisions. Please be aware that this situation is continuing to evolve with these changes. The college will provide further information as it becomes available. One of the best things that students can do is be proactive and complete the FAFSA early in the winter. That way, there is ample time to have questions and circumstances addressed. It is also crucial that students stay on top of their Delta College email as they will be receiving communications from the Financial Aid Office that pertain to this process. We want to encourage students and parents to approach news and social media surrounding this topic with caution. These sources may provide speculative information and opinions that can quickly spread as fact and cause undue stress and worry. If you are unsure of something, please reach out to us to confirm the facts. Please know that the Financial Aid Office is here to help you navigate this and maximize your financial resources. We appreciate your patience as the new financial aid year unfolds. We will be offering a number of workshops on campus and at the downtown centers to help with the completion of your FAFSA. Call, email or stop into the Financial Aid Office with your questions. Have a great start to your Winter 2024 semester!
Upcoming Finacial Aid Events
22 23 24 26 31
January 2024 FAFSA Completion Workshop Financial Aid Advising Day Financial Aid Advising Day 2024-2025 FAFSA Overview FAFSA Completion Workshop
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February 2024 FAFSA Completion Workshop Scan the QR code below for more information.
Good boy on campus Austin Gonzales | Staff Reporter
UNIVERSITY CENTER – It's not every day someone brings a dog into class. It’s not every day a police officer is called into your class either. Now imagine those happening on the same day to the same class. That’s what happened to Sofia Burdo during the last days of the fall semester. For her final exams in Studio Production and Broadcast Performance, Burdo brought in her dog to play a part in her project. While outside the studio waiting for the professor, Kimberly Wells, Burdo would leave her dog with a friend while she went to print papers from the library. While watching Burdo’s dog, a staff member confronted Burdo's friend about the animal. Feeling like the large dog could pose a threat, the staff member asked the student to return the dog to Burdo’s vehicle. Also while Burdo was away, someone had called an officer from public safety. Burdo talked with the responding Officer Rupp, who was very understanding about the good boy in question. Rupp stayed with the studio production classroom to converse with Wells about the situation. He quickly understood the dog presented no immediate danger, and the class invited Rupp to stay for the exam performance. He even took a photo with Burdo’s dog and the students before the class ended that day. Afterwards, Rupp walked Burdo and her dog to their car to ensure the dog stayed on his best behavior.
Officer Rupp with Kimberly Wells’ studio production class, Dec. 4, 2023; Photo credit Kimberly Wells
CAMPUS LIFE
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Winter storms shuts down Delta
DELTA PLANETARIUM JANUARY SCHEDULE Thursdays 2:00 PM - To Worlds Beyond
Fridays 2:00 PM - Stars of the Pharaohs
Saturdays 2:00 PM - The Enchanted Reef 3:30 PM - Eclipse: The Sun Revealed 7:00 PM - Mysteries of the Great Lakes Scan the QR code below for show and ticket information. Snow covers Delta's main campus, University Center, Jan. 16, 2024; photo credit Onnie Stone
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.
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JANUARY 2024
Honey pot
LIFESTYLE
Rebuilding a family after domestic violence. Madison Hardenburgh | Student Submission
Out of the 10.9 million single parents in America, mothers make up 80 percent of the whole group. Many stigmas surrounding being a single mother's common language, like "broken home" or that single mothers rely on the government, are just a couple examples of the ideals that affect not only the population's perspective on single moms but their self-esteem, too. "Being by myself was hard at first," Bry explains. "I used to sit on the kitchen floor and cry." When Bry first left her ex-husband, the house would be too quiet when her daughters were gone, but that emotion evolved. Bry explains, "After a while, I would sit on the floor in amazement, thinking this is all mine. I did this." Bry is a single mother with three beautiful, sassy girls— Nova, Sadie, and Natalie. Bry and her ex-husband have a ten-year age difference and began dating when she was seventeen. Bry turned 18 in January, and they married in March, Bry then gave birth to her oldest, Nova that September, "We met through my sister-in-law," Bry states. "I ran away at 17 and then got pregnant a few months later.”
Bry and her girls eating spaghetti dinner, Dec.5, 2023; photo credit Madison Hardenburgh Domestic violence was a daily part of Bry's life until she was 25 due to her alcoholic ex-husband. She explains that, "He used to choke me and tell me he was going to kill me." During domestic abuse, if the partner chokes, the chance of death rises by around 750%, according to Albuquerque
Bry folds laundry at her home, Dec. 5, 2023; photo credit Madison Hardenburgh
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). "I tried to leave once, but I had no money and nowhere to go," Bry explains. She made a honey pot to help her. "I took half of my tips and stashed them in a secret bank account." When Bry had enough put away, she was leaving, but it wasn't easy. The morning, her ex-husband took the internet box to work, turned off her phone, and took a spark plug out of her car so she couldn't leave or contact anyone for help. "I found an old internet box in the basement and plugged it in," Bry explains. She was then able to contact a friend. Bry says, "I texted Heidi; she came and helped me load up all our things." After escaping a dangerous situation Bry had to build a life for herself and the girls. Everyday life of a parent is hectic, from school to practice, babysitting, and playdates, and try to remember the endless appointments for you and your kids. Doing it on your own makes the load even heavier. All three girls go to school five days a week, and Nova, the oldest, plays sports that require transportation. Being a bartender comes with weird hours, but Bry uses this to her advantage. She can take the girls to school in the morning and be out in time to get them from school. Or pick them up after school and take them to the babysitter before work. Bry is a a stickler with her money and likes to save up.
“My main concern is that they have nice things, like a decent bed” Bry says. Bry was born in Aruora, Colorado, right outside of Denver. When her dad cheated on her step-mom with Bry's mother. When she was four, her mom moved her to Michigan, where Bry's two younger brothers were born. In the summer, Bry would visit her dad but stopped around 14. Leaving Colorado affected her relationship with her dad. Years of phone calls, texts, and social media connections prompted his first visit to Michigan last Christmas. Bry's family has a history of mental health issues. Her grandma took her own life when Bry was a child. Bry's mom also struggled with her mental health. Sometimes, Bry’s mom is even hospitalized, and Bry is responsible for ensuring her mom's bills are paid, the house is kept up, and, the dog has someone to care for him, along with the daily upkeep of her own life. Bry explains that being a single mom does come with comments: "Honestly, what bothers me the most is when people say I'm a 'super-mom,' they are trying to be nice, but I have to do it ; I have no choice." Being a single mom isn’t easy, but Bry fills her home with love and does what she needs for the girls; working through the motions, doing a great job on the way, and continuing to fill her honey pot.
LIFESTYLE
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Top 5 astrology myths you probably believe Onnie Stone | Editor in Chief
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M. A. B. Wyman’s self-publishing journey Malkam Wyman is a self-published author from Three Oaks, Mich. After more than a decade of work, this year he published his first book, “Mountainroot.” Onnie Stone | Editor in Chief
Most people know their zodiac sign. Some people know Libras are bad at making decisions. Maybe you have your zodiac sign in your profile on social media. Maybe there is a sign you can never get along with. But with Western astrology’s popularity, there is plenty of misinformation to go around. These are five of the most common misconceptions about astrology. You are your zodiac sign Here is something you may not know: you are actually not a Libra. Or a Scorpio… or, you know, whatever you think your sign is. You actually have an entire birth chart with all 12 zodiac signs. Your “zodiac sign” is the sign the sun was in at the time you were born. Astrologers call this your “sun sign.” Horoscopes use your “zodiac” sign We’ve all read a horoscope that was just plain wrong. And that’s if it wasn’t just generic garbage. Turns out, it may have been wrong because you were looking at the wrong sign. Horoscopes will typically use your “rising sign.” Your rising sign, also called “ascendant,” is the zodiac sign on the eastern horizon at the time you were born. You can figure out what your rising sign is using an online birth chart calculator. Astrology is just for fun While astrology can be really fun to learn about, it hasn’t always been some pop-culture trend. Humans have been using astrology for thousands of years. In fact, according to unesco.org, some of the earliest astrologers date back to the 3rd millennium BCE. And until the 17th century, it was considered an academic discipline. It was held in such importance that astrologers would choose coronation dates for royalty. Choosing a certain day would ensure the king or queen’s reign would be a good one. Cuspies have two zodiac signs This may be one of the most common misconceptions about astrology. People might say they are a “cuspie” if they were born toward the end of a zodiac season. Many think they will take on the traits of both zodiac signs. This is untrue. There are 30 degrees between each zodiac for a placement to be in. If the sun is in zero degrees or 29 degrees of a sign, it is in that sign alone. It will not take on traits of the bordering zodiac signs. Are all Gemini really two-faced? Gemini are possibly the most hated zodiac sign. They are often considered “two-faced.” This has roots in the sign being “the twins.” Gemini is also characteristically a two-sided sign. They often have opposing traits, but this does not make them fake. Of course, some Gemini can be two-faced. As the old saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover.
M. A. B. Wyman with his self-published book, Mountainroot; photo provided by Malkam Wyman THREE OAKS, Mich. – When people try to keep you inside the lines, you have to find your way outside of them. For Wyman, self-publishing was a way out. “They could never accept the new voice,” Wyman said. In college, Wyman felt limited in what he could write. His writing did not fit the mold that his professors expected. It was through workshops–interactions with other writers–that Wyman benefitted the most during college. “There was a lot of things it (college) prepared me for,” Wyman said. “But it did not prepare me for publishing.” For years, he tried to publish his book through traditional means. “I submitted over 170 submissions between 2020 and 2022, and all of them were rejected,” Wyman said. “So that is a very stark reality for me.” Self-publishing gave Wyman tangible victories and control over his work. “It took a long time to feel confident to do it because I experience a lot of self-doubt,” he said. “At least with self-publishing I could feel that the steps that I’m taking advance me closer to my journey down this road of pub-
Cover of M. A. B. Wyman's book, Mountainroot; photo provided by Malkam Wyman
lishing,” Wyman said. “Whereas every time I submitted to an agent or publisher, it felt like I was taking the same step over and over again and not getting any further down the road.” It takes a lot of effort to self-publish a book. There is a lot of paperwork, a lot of time and a lot of money that goes into it. It takes dedication and patience. “You just gotta go one step after the next, after the next. And when one thing is done, check it off your list, feel good about that,” Wyman said. “It’s a success; it’s a victory.” These small victories made all the difference for him. As of this year, he is officially a published author. “If I never tried to be a self-publishing author, I wouldn’t be one,” Wyman said. Now, with his first book published, he is onto the next. “This is not over for me,” Wyman said. “This is the beginning of a long journey.” In February of next year, Wyman will publish a collection of poems entitled “I just want two more Michigan summers.” “I enjoy pursuing those different sort of projects and experiencing my voice through these different
mediums,” he said. His upcoming poetry collection is much different from his novel “Mountainroot.” And from the writing to the genre to the covers, Wyman has full creative control. “I want to be able to explore that as a self-published author,” Wyman said. “Which I don’t think you could do if you got stuck working on the same book series for five years with a publishing company.” “I really feel like agents and publishers are looking for the stuff they usually represent,” Wyman said. In the publishing industry, consistency and conformity is what sells. But for him, that was not an option. Wyman stays true to his own advice. “Try to be as authentic to who you are and what you want as much as possible,” Wyman said. “If you don’t compromise on quality–if you don’t compromise on what you are and who you are and what you want to do–then it’s gonna make it,” he said. “You just have to try.” “This is who I am now; this is what I’m doing now,” he said. “So I’m just gonna put one foot in front of the other.”
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JANUARY 2024
FEATURE Michigan man stunts all over Hollywood Courtney Elisech | Student Submission
Actor Rainn Wilson (left) and stunt man Dan Lemieux (right) on the set of Utopia, photo provided by Dan Lemieux Nov. 15, 2023. Meet Dan Lemieux, a Michigan local who is a stunt coordinator and stunt man that has worked on hundreds of movie and television sets during his 30 years in the business. From small films to big pictures like “Transformers” and “Need for Speed”, Lemieux has found a career that he genuinely loves and enjoys, sharing that it’s a fun job and it never feels like a day of work. A regular workday for Lemieux might include hanging out with big stars like Will Ferrill, Rainn Wilson, Zach Braff, or Alyssa Milano. Lemieux currently lives in Plymouth, Michigan with wife Sarah, daughters Elyse and Alyne, son Michael, and their two dogs. Q: What is the difference between a stuntman and stunt coordinator? A: Stunt coordinators are the guys who are in charge and will plan everything, do the budgets, ensure everything is safe for the stunt doubles as well as the actors. Think of them as the stunt coordinator like the department head. A stunt man or stunt double are the people who do the actual stunts that are too dangerous or too
hard physically for the actor to perform. I worked as a stunt man first and worked my way up to being a stunt coordinator, now I do both. Q: What are some recent projects you have worked on? A: Well, everyone has been on strike for a while. The writers were on strike first and then us. Theirs went on longer and then ours went on for another 40 days. The producers had nothing lined up to prepare for the strike, just aired sports and reruns. The day after the strike “Chicago P.D.” called me for a part. I’m shooting that now and they want to cram everything in so much. It usually takes eight shooting days to shoot an hourlong show. The part I am up for is a dad who gets shot in the neck and bleeds out. It is a sticky nasty mess. Q: How did you get started in this career? A: I have been doing this for 30 years. I graduated when I was 25 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Performance from Western Michigan University and a
Masters of Fine Arts, Acting, from the Theatre School at DePaul University of Chicago. I went to be an actor and did a lot of stage combat and always got the part. I started assisting in choreographing fights in Chicago. They had an audition for a wild west stunt show at Six Flags in Gurney, Illinois that I went out for. I got hired and wanted to learn everything. I learned how to do high falls from the platforms, worked with horses, and how to ride them and fall off them. I moved to L.A. and waited tables for one month before I was hired at a wild west stunt show and a Six Flags “Batman” show. Stunt coordinator, Noon Orsatti, took me under his wing and I have worked with him for 14 years. Q: Can you share some favorite actors and actresses or shows that you have enjoyed working with? A: I have doubled Will Ferrill on “Step Brothers” and “Blades of Glory” but didn’t get any pictures. I am not a fan of taking pictures. Rainn Wilson from “The Office” was great, I doubled him for a show called “Utopia”.
FEATURE
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“I got hired and wanted to learn everything. I learned how to do high falls from the platforms, worked with horses, and how to ride them and fall off them." Dan Lemieux
Stunt man Dan Lemieux works as a policy policeman by an old car on the set of "White Boy Rick" on May 30, 2017 in Detroit, photo provided by Dan Lemieux on Nov. 15, 2023 Hugh Jackman in “Reel Steel”. Zach Braff was awesome from “Scrubs” when I doubled for the janitor, Neil Flynn. Worked on “Charmed” for years and everyone was fun to work with, I doubled many characters. Alec Baldwin from the “Cat and the Hat” was fun. In Reno I was shooting “The Cooler” with William H. Macy. During a really big acting scene Macy broke character to make sure I wasn't really hurt. Was really impressive that he did that. I have met a lot of great guys in the biz. Q: What is a favorite show you have worked on? A: “Scrubs” for sure, everyone on the crew is just fantastic, from producers to directors to actors. It was an absolutely amazing show. “Charmed” was also a fantastic set to work on, once Shannon [Doherty] left. I remember the day Rose [McGowan] started on “Charmed” after replacing Shannon. I was playing a bald guy who gets shot in the chest at Prue’s funeral, my dad was on set that day too. Rose was off to the side and so nervous, I talked her down by making jokes, and it was great to work with her. In fact, I played hockey with Alyssa Milano’s brother and know their whole family well. I am also still close with Brian Krause from “Charmed”. Q: How has AI impacted your job as a stunt double? A: Since the first “Mission Impossible” movie I could see, what AI was bringing to the table. Could be the end of stunts. I did a ton of motion captures in L.A. Motion capture is where they put markers on your joints and other areas as well as your face; performance capture is what it's called now. Motion capture takes your body and captures it in the computer, and they can then put a skin on your body. They use it in video games a lot. And “Narnia”, I was all of the male centaurs in “Narnia”. They reused me for “Prince Caspian” and the centaurs without paying me. The big issue is they can use what has already been created over and over. I had a friend tell me “I see you in so many commercials and stuff that they aren’t you paying for. And I have “distinct walk” to add something special, so it is identifiable. Marvel will capture you on the first day of filming and reuse you
even when you’re not there. Producers went out during the strike and made it so nothing that an AI writes can be copyrighted or trademarked. The producers own all the rights to it, so instead of having the writer get paid to write the script they have AI reading books to create and write the script and then they have the writers tweak it to make it normal, but the writers won’t get their residuals or credits. Haven't gone far enough with AI to protect the stunt workers. Digi doubles is what they call AI stunt doubles. It captures parts of bodies and uses parts of bodies. There are not enough protections for AI. They should not be able to just capture body parts and use them as they see fit. For example, in “Blades of Glory” I did all the movement and Will went in and did facial capture and they laid his face on the stunt doubles face. We have some protection in the contract but not enough. I voted NO on the contract.
Dan Lemieux doubles as a dead pharmacist on "Chicago P.D." on March 22, 2019, photo provided by Dan Lemieux on Nov. 15, 2023.
Q: What different stunts can you do/have you done? A: I can do everything. I have done everything. On my resume I just list that I am able to perform all expected abilities. Q: What are things that people don’t expect you to do as a stunt person or stunt coordinator? A: There are lots of wires and harnesses involved in stunt doubling, and a tremendous amount of time spent wearing them. You have to dye your hair, even facial hair, to match the actors. If the actor has facial hair, then you cannot cut yours. Sometimes you get told things like, “Don't get this blood everywhere on this suit because we only have this one suit.” And that’s a little crazy, how do you control where the blood splatter will go? Sometimes actors shoot the scene first and tell the stunt doubles to just land this specific way, with an arm or leg in a certain position, like that's realistic. Back when I first started, in most sex scenes if you couldn’t see the person's face then they were the stunt double. Post Harvey Weinstein sets now have an intimacy coordinator. They will talk to everyone involved to ensure they are comfortable with everything. Before this, the stunt coordinator did this freely to ensure safety. I am really good at reading body language and had to put my foot down one time. A young girl was supposed to be fully nude and being dragged in the sand. I could just tell from her face she wasn’t comfortable, but like most she didn’t say anything. I covered for her and said the stunt wasn’t safe if she was fully nude, and you could just see her gratitude. The stunts department has a lot of power and if they say something is not safe, especially if they are under the SAG-AFTRA, then it is a no go.
Check out deltacollegiate.com to see the rest of this interview and a video of Dan Lemieux at work!
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JANUARY 2024
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Mid-Michigan’s Finest: Alicia Taylor
Alicia Taylor & Cody Rhodes during intermission at WWE Live Holiday Tour, Saginaw, Nov. 15, 2023; photo credit Austin Gonzales Austin Gonzales | Staff Reporter
SAGINAW – Last holiday season, WWE returned to the Dow Event Center for their jampacked wrestling holiday tour. Hosting the event was none other than Saginaw’s own: Alicia Taylor. In an interview with the Delta Collegiate, she talked about her journey: from musical upstart in the tri-cities to ring announcing for WWE NXT every Tuesday night. Taylor grew up in a household full of music of many genres. Her mother loved R&B. But it was Taylor’s uncle and his love for heavy hair metal music, along with his drum kit, that grabbed her attention. She fell in love with the drums and found herself practicing on them every day to craft her talent. Taylor would practice her skills by playing with post-punk and metal bands. Fudge Gun was one of her favorite bands she collaborated with. Before graduating high school, she played in bars. Fudge Gun would help take her talents even further outside the state. Taylor took a call from a band out in California, and before she knew it she was packed up and moving out to Los Angeles. Taylor struggled in the nitty gritty world of Los Angeles. But one day, while working at a restaurant, she was offered to work with Kelly Osbourne. From there, Alicia would take her drumming skills to an international scale: The Tonight Show, Ellen, Today Show, tours in the U.S. and United Kingdom. Taylor kicked in the door for opportunities, and soon after she
would perform with Miley Cyrus during her Hannah Montana era. After starting a wrestling YouTube fan channel called Heavy Wrestle, WWE reached out to Alicia Taylor for a career opportunity thanks to good word from former WWE wrestler and Michigan talent, Rhyno. In December 2018, Taylor became the new in-ring announcer for WWE’s weekly program, NXT. Since joining WWE, Taylor hosted nearly every event around the Saginaw area. “Just a blessing to look out to the crowd and see my mom there,” Taylor said. “Be able to share that moment with my mom because she has been there through it all and has took me to every single wrestling event that came through Saginaw, whenever we had money or not.” She does more than what WWE fans see on Tuesday nights. Along with ring announcing on NXT, she is also the Senior Manager of OnAir Announce Talent. On weekends, she hosts WWE Live events across the country. Taylor found herself returning to the drums for WWE to cover the entrance songs for Biance Belair and Zoey Starks. To hear more about Alicia Taylor and her heavy metal journey, check out Delta Collegiate’s official YouTube channel and watch the full video! You can see Taylor every Tuesday night on NXT on the USA Network.
“Just a blessing to look out to the crowd and see my mom there. Be able to share that moment with my mom because she has been there through it all and has took me to every single wrestling event that came through Saginaw, whenever we had money or not.” Alicia Taylor
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The top three best Mac Miller projects Logan Finney | Studen Submission
Mac Miller might be one of the biggest what if’s in the modern music world. From a frat rapper to a singer making live instrumentation a regular asset in his works, he remains one of the most underappreciated artists of our generation. He has his hits and misses, but he releases new music at a consistent pace and quality that is unmatched. He releases nearly a project per year for his solo work – not counting his other alter egos and collab tapes, or his extensive unreleased catalog. 3. Watching Movies With The Sound Off (2013) This might be Miller’s most overlooked project, and there are a couple of reasons for that. One being that it was released on the same day as Kanye West’s “Yeezus” and J. Cole’s “Born Sinner.” Both rappers were more established at the time, and had more streams. But that shouldn’t have been the case. In my opinion, WMWTSO is the better record of the three, and it has aged better. That brings me to my second point: this record was ahead of its time. It is widely replayable, while the other two releases have lost their luster in a mere 10 years. 2. Swimming (2018) The opus of its time and Grammy snub, “Swimming” is a true masterpiece. It wasn’t truly appreciated until Miller’s untimely passing about a month after its release. This was a culmination of Miller’s career thus far. It shows how much he had grown as an artist over the past decade. The live instrumentation in 2009 as well as the psychedelic beat switch on “Self Care” are popular cuts, and for good reason. The production is polished and glossy, the themes are coherent, and the music is just another level of enjoyment. 1. Faces (2014) Unfortunately, unlike “Swimming,” there is not a lot of hope present on this project. “Faces” is ridden with drug use and the effects that it took on Miller’s mind. A very dark project, it is his longest to this day. The sound of Hammond organs, jazz horns and dusty drums lay the foundation for this masterpiece. It is a collage of some of the most interesting and intricate ideas he has ever explored. It was mostly recorded at his home studio, and he produced half the tracks by himself, giving the project a more organic feel. Fragments of Miller’s future shine through here as well on tracks such as “Colors and Shapes” and “Therapy.”
Photo credit Jovan Vasiljevi on unsplash.
1989 Taylor’s Version vault tracks ranked Aiden Gibson | Student Submission
In October 2023, Taylor Swift released her fourth re-record, 1989. So, it is time to see which song stands above the rest, and which songs do not. For this ranking, it is simply my opinion, and not the law. Everyone is entitled to their favorite tracks, and should be encouraged to show their support for whichever songs they connect to. This is my 1989 vault track ranking.
#3 – “Say Don’t Go” Faced with an on-off relationship and every turn littered with uncertainty, Taylor paints the picture of a song vivid with emotional turmoil: from yearning for commitment, to feeling strung along. This relatable track is connected to a thread seen previously in songs like “How You Get The Girl” and “All You Had To Do Was Stay.”
#5 – “Now That We Don’t Talk” This sassy song filled to the brim with breakup anecdotes is the shortest song in Taylor’s discography, coming in at two minutes and 26 seconds. The song highlights Taylor’s ability to transform beyond a breakup once her exes have faded into the past. However, due to the song’s brisk run time, it was received as “too short” or feeling unfinished.
#2 – “Is It Over Now?” One of the most heavy-hitting tracks on the album, “Is It Over Now?” follows Taylor’s reflection on the heartbreak and memories she has endured. The song allegedly implies scandalous behavior on Harry Styles’ part, whom Taylor had a relationship with during that time. This song uses strong lyrics to drive the album to its conclusion – a fitting title for the ending track.
#4 – “Suburban Legends” A fantastical song following a doomed relationship filled with hurdles, yet strikingly optimistic in formatting, Taylor knocks it out of the park with this track. Spread across a community, suburban legends are stories or rumors spread by word-of-mouth – or by social media – fitting what Taylor had gone through during the original release of 1989.
#1 – “Slut!” This song was originally perceived to be a hard-hitting song on the same level as “Better Than Revenge.” But, it turned into a delicate exploration of Taylor’s doubts of being in the public eye, always followed by harsh words and criticisms. This track would later be followed by an acoustic version. The acoustic version highlights its delicate nature and dialogue on the media through the use of guitar and light pop notes.
STUDENT SUBMISSIONS Do you want to have something published or advertised? A great story, an awesome photo, an entertaining review, or even a business you want to promote? Student submissions can be sent to deltacollegiate@gmail.com for consideration in print or digital publications.
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SPORTS
Designed by Lindsey Welch
Victors valiant!
Michigan runs over Washington to win the National Championship Blake Metiva | Staff Reporter
“I’m here before you as enthusiastic and excited as I ever am, always am— even more — to have it, to win the championship. To beat Ohio, our rivals Michigan State, everybody. That’s what we want to do. And we’re going to do it or die trying.” Head coach Jim Harbaugh promised this on Big Ten Media Day in 2021. And last night, he achieved it. Michigan beat their rivals, they beat everybody, they won the championship, and they didn’t die trying. Harbaugh’s Wolverines won the title with their stout defense and explosive run-based offense in a game that ended 34-13. The championship was expected to be close. But the Wolverines, as they’ve done all season, defied expectations. Washington entered the game with an explosive offense, having only scored less than twenty points once this season. They were led by Heisman award runner-up Michael Penix Jr. and future first-round NFL pick Rome Odunze. The Michigan defense pressured Penix early and often, pressuring him enough to throw off his rhythm. Penix completed 27 of his 51 pass attempts, and threw two interceptions, helping Michigan seal the game. Odunze was held to 5 catches for 87 yards, and had a
quiet night besides a 44-yard reception. The Wolverines rushing attack proved its might early. In the first quarter Michigan rushed for 174 yards, with two long rushing touchdowns by “The Don,” Donovan Edwards. By the end of the game, Michigan set a new College Football Playoff record for rushing yards with 303. The team also outgained Washington in rushing yards. Michigan’s passing game made the plays when they needed to. But, they left a lot to be desired, with JJ McCarthy completing 10 passes for 140 yards. Where do the Wolverines go after this? To a summer of the unknown. Does Harbaugh stay or does he go to the NFL? Where does JJ McCarthy go? How do you replace all the seniors and productivity that leaves for the draft or graduation? Can they compete with the grueling schedule next season? Right now, if you ask any Michigan fan, it doesn’t matter. A title has been won. The demons of the last 26 years are gone. Memories of losses to Appalachian State and Toledo, Trouble with the Snap against Michigan State, JT Barrett being short for Ohio State, and a 2-4 season in 2020 are all gone. Hail! Hail! to Michigan, the champions of the West!
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EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL 13
The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The Delta Collegiate celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy on his birthday. April Hernandez | Staff Reporter
Delta College closed on Monday, Jan. 15 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most notable civil rights activists. Recognized in 1986 as a federal holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed as a day of service on the third Monday in January. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on Jan. 15, 1929 in Atlanta, GA; an era characterized by racial discrimination and segregation laws known as Jim Crow laws. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in the Baptist Church, following the footsteps of his father, a Reverend, who led him to activism within the civil rights movement, fighting for racial equality. Known for his peaceful and kind demeanor, Martin Luther King Jr. Day serves as a reminder for individuals to contribute to their communities through volunteerism and acts of kindness, echoing the principles of King. To honor his legacy, people can engage in volunteering at local organizations, highlighting education and equality, and nurturing a sense of community through kindness and compassion. King's impactful initiatives, like voter registration drives, educational programs, and community-building events, exemplify the spirit that continues to inspire positive change. King's civil rights contribution began in the mid-1950s with the Montgomery Bus Boycott, sparked by Rosa Parks' arrest for refusing to yield her seat to a white man. Black community leaders, including a young Martin Luther King Jr., organized a boycott of the city's public buses. The goal was to protest racial segregation on public transportation and demand equal treatment for Black passengers. As part of the boycott, Black people did not use city
buses, leading to a significant economic impact on the transit system. King entered Morehouse College in Atlanta at the age of 15. In 1948 he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. He continued his education at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. There, he completed a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1951. He earned his doctorate in Systematic Theology from Boston University, becoming Dr. King. In 1957, King and other civil rights leaders founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). They sought to enhance efforts for civil rights reform. The SCLC played a central role in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. This is where King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. In 1964 King became the youngest recipient of the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for his work combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. The Nobel Peace Prize, renowned for honoring individuals promoting global harmony, highlighted King’s exceptional dedication to advancing civil rights, equality, and justice. On April 4th, 1968, King arrived in Memphis, TN to march with Black sanitation workers at the Memphis Sanitation Strike. The strikers wanted better wages, improved working conditions, and union recognition. Tragically, it was while preparing for this event that he was assassinated. Kings' death marked a profound loss for the civil rights movement in America. But, his legacy continually symbolizes the ongoing fight for human rights and social justice.
Martin Luther King Jr. giving the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington D.C., Aug. 27, 1963; photo sourced from National Park Service on flickr
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Whether you enjoyed an article or hated it, feel free to express that in an email to the editor: deltacollegiate@gmail.com
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GAMES Puzzle #1
Puzzle #1 Answer Key
Puzzle #2
Puzzle #2 Answer Key
GAMES 15
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Illustrated by: Lindsey Welch
Collegiate Staff Onnie Stone arionnastone@delta.edu Editor in Chief
Norman Corrion normancorrion@delta.edu Multimedia Journalist
Austin Gonzales austingonzales@delta.edu Multimedia Journalist
April Hernandez aprilhernandez@delta.edu Multimedia Journalist
Emma Blakley emmablakley@delta.edu Multimedia Journalist
Blake Metiva blakemetiva@delta.edu Multimedia Journalist
Lindsey Welch lindseywelch@delta.edu Illustrator
Crystal McMorris crystalmcmorris@delta.edu Advisor
MISSION STATEMENT The Delta Collegiate is an award-winning, student-run, multi-media news organization which strives to educate, entertain, and engage the Delta College community and beyond.
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