volume #78, issue 3
monday, February 8, 2016
Man age r
Phone plans cost an arm and a leg
Sister schools celebrate 25 years
The Patriots have a gate problem
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UR
VIEW
Would you like lead with that?
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pioneers press forward Delta’s Jon Swift, 2, drives the ball down the court and past Maccomb Community College’s defense in the Jan. 30 home game. Delta Pioneers won the bout 8468. (Delta Collegiate/Noah Surbrook)
Read our game coverage online at DeltaCollegiate. com
FOUNTAIN
TALK
What is one thing you are certain of? Jonathon Mansfield 19, Saginaw I’m certain that I am going to be graduated in two years. Right now I am just doing my general eds. [I will be] transferring to SVSU.
Melvin Hall 19, Saginaw
That I’m going to school. [I’m] studying political science... I want to get into the government.
Maiya Kaufmann 17, Frankenmuth
If you work or like put your mind to anything you want to accomplish, eventually it will be accomplished.
Marissa Jurek 21, Saginaw
Always making sure that I’m going to stay who I am and I’m going to follow through with everything that I do.
master the machines Technology and culture author to speak on campus
Nicholas Carr
harper skrzypczak As the world around us becomes more automated, few people are stepping back to examine the relationship between humans and machines. On Wednesday, Feb. 10, Nicholas Carr, a New York Times best-selling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist will speak at Delta College about this topic. The speech, which is part of the President’s Speakers Series, will be held in the Delta College Lecture Theater, G-160, at 10 a.m. After his presentation the author’s books will be for sale and he will be available for book signing. Carr’s most recent novel, “The Glass Cage: How Our Computers Are Changing Us,” discusses our dependence on computers, machinery and automation and how this reliance affects us as individuals and as a society. “As human beings we seem to have this deep desire to make things easy for ourselves. And that’s why we’re so quick to look to machinery or computers to take over work we used to do ourselves,” says Carr, via phone interview. According to Carr, the more we automate the more control and information we give to computer companies. “What’s happening in essence is that because we can now program computers to automatically analyze information and output suggestions or recommendations, and because computers can do that very quickly, it becomes attractive for many companies to replace even white-collar workers, analytical workers with computers,” says Carr. “Or, if they don't replace those workers, they require workers to rely on software to do their jobs.” Few professional occupations are immune from automation, according to Carr. However, he says that doesn’t mean all jobs are going to disappear. Rather, all jobs are going to change as people become more reliant on computers and software algorithms. Carr suggests that we take a step back and “defend our human selves and not simply fall into the trap of saying that because computers are quicker at things they’re... better at them.” Although Carr believes that there are many positives that come from technology and automation, there are negatives that need to be examined. One of the biggest problems he has with automation, particularly computer automation, is that the design is often technology-centered. “The person who is writing the software or engineering the computer system starts by saying ‘Well, what can the computer do?’ And then everything that the computer can possibly do is handed over to the computer and then what’s left over is given to the human being. And, often what's leftover is pretty dull
Civil rights attorney encourages students to action greg horner
stuff like monitoring computer screens or inputting data,” says Carr. This is a problem because “it steals from people the opportunity to develop their own talent. We become very passive and defer to the computer.” Carr believes a better approach “is not to say, ‘Let the computer do everything the computer can do,’ but to think about what people are good at and what computers are good at. And, then divide responsibilities in a way that allows people to continue to build their own talents and their own insights while using the computer to speed up certain routine tasks.” This approach, according to Carr, is called human-centered design. This way “we can get the advantages that computers provide, but we can also make sure that we continue to be challenged... and to continue to get the satisfaction and the sense of fulfillment that comes from developing rich skills and overcoming hard challenges rather than simply saying, “ Well let the computer do it.” Kirk Wolf, a professor of philosophy at Delta and member of the President's Speakers Series Committee, recommended Carr as a speaker to the committee. Barb Handley-Miller, chair of the committee, made Carr’s lecture at Delta possible. Wolf says Carr is “not opposed to digital media or the internet. He’s not a Luddite,” and that “He does raise serious questions about our dependence on [technology].” The danger of our ever increasing dependence,” says Carr, “is that we become kind of trapped in a compulsive cycle of information gathering and messaging. And if you look at patterns of the way people use Facebook or use their smartphones or use Google what you see is really this kind of constant compulsive scanning of information.” Carr says that all of the distraction and interruption via phones and computers makes it so that “we have less and less time to back away from the flow of information and to concentrate and be attentive to very complex issues, complex subjects.” When asked what tips he can give to get into a state of flow and focus, Carr says that if people “value the deepest forms of thinking, then they need to make room in their day to day lives to engage in that.”
“When we’re talking about ordinary citizens and extraordinary change, you have to think about, ‘what does a leader look like?’ ” says Jasmine Rand during her speech at the Ricker Center, Saginaw, on Feb. 2. Rand, who teaches social justice at the University of Miami and worked as an attorney for Trayvon Martin’s and Michael Brown’s families, was invited by the Student and Civic Engagement Office in honor of Black History Month. “What does an agent of change look like?” asks Rand. “Is that somebody who never fails? Who walks around with this little cloud of hope above their heads every single day? Because there’s a little part of my day, everyday, where I think I’m insane for doing what I do.” A first generation college student and the daughter of a teenage mother, Rand dreamt of being an advocate for social justice since the age of 10. But her path toward being a modern civil rights advocate didn’t always seem within reach. “A leader is not somebody who never fails, [and] a leader is not somebody who never loses hope,” says Rand, who faced low scores on the LSAT ( the lawyers SATs) and faced rejection from law schools throughout the country. “I sat outside of this mall that was near my house and just cried and cried and cried,” says Rand. “I said ‘god why would you tell me who I am, why would you give me this vision as a little girl... Why would you fill my heart with this purpose and then fail me?’ ” Rand wants the story of her struggle to inspire others to achieve their vision.
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News Student Aid
Eliminate application headaches during FAFSA help day lindsey schibelhut For most students, the decision about which college they’re going to attend is the easy. When it comes to paying for that college, however, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be just as effortless. On Friday, Feb. 12, Delta is hosting FAFSA Help Day in the library from 5 to 7 p.m. Financial Aid Advisor, Elvina Sika, explains how FAFSA Help day aids students in receiving the money they need for tuition. “Students and parents are at the helm, on the computer, and our experts are answering questions and reviewing FAFSA information before final submittal to check for completion and accuracy,” explains Sika. Financial Aid experts from Delta, Northwood and SVSU are available in the library and computer labs to assist new and returning students and parents. The state of Michigan deadline to complete the FAFSA application is March 1. However, Delta will still accept FAFSA submissions throughout the academic year, but processing may be delayed. "Now through June 1, our office will be hosting FAFSA events to help parents and students complete and correct FAFSA's and use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to upload accurate 2015 Federal tax return information directly from the IRS into the FAFSA,” says Sika. According to Sika, approximately 60 percent of Delta's student population receives some form of financial aid. "We assist students in meeting their cost of attendance. The maximum gift aid award for the Federal Pell Grant for the 2015-2016 school year is $5,775. Students who are also fully Pell Grant eligible may qualify for an additional $200 in Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity grant dollars if they complete the FAFSA early,” says Sika.
According to Sika, there are also other self-help aids, such as the Federal Direct Student Loans, Federal PLUS Loans and Alternative Education Loans that are available by completing additional applications. “Our Financial Aid Office also strongly encourages students to apply for scholarships through their local community resources and the Delta College Foundation Office Scholarships,” says Sika. “Remember the Delta College Scholarship is available to apply for now for the 2016-2017 school year and has a Feb. 29 deadline.” Lastly, students and parents are reminded that they are required to sign the FAFSA with an FSA ID and password. When creating their FSA IDs the email addresses, usernames, passwords and five challenge questions need to be carefully written down. “This information will be used each year a FAFSA is completed, so keep it in a secure location for future use,” says Sika. The Financial Aid Office always recommends printing a copy of the FAFSA results and keeping a copy of your or your parents tax returns, along with the FSA ID in an important financial aid folder. “Anytime students have questions regarding financial aid they can stop into our office and meet with a Financial Aid Advisor. No appointment is necessary,” concludes Sika. For more information on FAFSA Help days students are recommended to visit: www.delta.edu/financial-aid-office/ events. To consult with a Financial Aid Advisor visit the Financial Aid Office located in D-101, Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. or call 989-686-9080. For any other questions contact Elvina Sika at: elvinasika@delta.edu.
Board of Trustees served during regular meeting greg horner Sleet, succession and lawsuits hung in the air around Delta College on Feb. 2 as the Board of Trustees converged for their monthly meeting on the main campus. Beginning the regular meeting with public comment, Kim Higgs, an attorney from Bay City and a former trustee, served the Board with a civil case for violation of the Open Meetings Act. “It is unfortunate that we have to resort to this, but this board is making the conscious decision to do things differently than is recommended by the Attorney General and others,” says Higgs. “So, consequently, we’re going to do what we have to do to ensure that the public is provided the information that they have a right to have.” Higgs has been involved in several cases against the Board for violations of state law. Higgs believes the Board failed to cite specific pending litigation when voting to go into closed session and violated provision MCL 15.263(2) “That all decisions of a public body shall be made at a meeting open to the public.” In response to the allegation that the Board failed to properly enter closed session, Treasurer Deb Lutz says, “Just to put you at ease, I believe that four times in the last year or two, the college has consulted different attorneys on this subject, and they’ve all said that it’s not a requirement that the case be cited.” The Board then accepted the president’s emergency succession plan, which trustees have been juggling with since Nov. A committee met on Jan. 28 for concerned members to propose changes and create a final draft. “This is a good plan, a workable plan and reflects the committee’s decision that it’s a plan that we can put in place and go
forward with,” says Trustee Earl Selby, who recommended the plan be approved. Trustee Kimberly HoustonPhilpot shared ideas she’d learned at the Association of Community College Trustees annual leadership summit. “I think we have a responsibility, as trustees for Delta College, to be looking at strategic issues that impact the college.” Houston-Philpot is concerned about the future of declining enrollment and believes the college has to do more to foster diversity on campus. Board Member Karen LawrenceWebster recommended that the Board use the dinner meetings to talk about the future and the college’s strategic goals. “Retreats are good, but I think we need to build it into our meetings, an opportunity to have those discussions.” Lawrence-Webster pressed the Board on how it would follow-up the issue. The Board held a poll to decide whether it would continue discussion at the next dinner meeting or during a trustee retreat. The Board favored the dinner meeting idea, but didn’t make a motion. “I appreciate the ideas and the presentations that we have at the dinner meetings,” says Lawrence-Webster. “But I don’t think we spend enough time on a monthly basis talking about the future or policies that a board should be concerned with.” Lawrence-Webster is concerned that the Board isn’t given adequate information or understanding about the school’s financial situation, or its curriculum. “We get talked to. The majority of the time we’re being talked to, and we’re not communicating with each other.” The president gave an update on the school’s 2015/16 goals. She thanked the Board for their action on the emergency
succession plan and says that the school is committed to reverse the trend of declining enrollment. Some Trustees, including LawrenceWebster and Robert Emrich, expressed concern about the future of the college’s new Saginaw center, and worried that the water crisis in Flint could affect the state’s decision to fund the project. “Do we have any alternative plans?” asks Emrich. “Say the state doesn’t give us the money, are we going to wait until Santa Claus comes?” Deb Lutz assured Emrich that the project is at the top of the state’s funding list. President Goodnow says that projects like this could take 10 years for approval, but that the Board could begin considering alternative means of funding. Goodnow also assured members that while Downtown Saginaw was selected as the school’s location, no property has been chosen yet. Other topics covered at the meeting include: • Deb Lutz’s monthly treasurer’s report, where she reported that the college is in good financial standing and there are no variances in the budget. • Terri Gould and Zachary Ward gave a presentation on the college’s new CRM, or enrollment management tool, which will allow Delta to more effectively recruit new students and fight declining enrollment. • Toni Clegg spoke about Delta’s cyber security program. Students, Justin Scheidler and Jason Noggle, shared their experiences in the cyber information assurance program and the future opportunities available in cyber security.
TRAYON MARTIN
Continued from Front Page... “My vision is so real to me, that what is less real is the world I see around me because the world around me is filled with situations like Flint, it’s filled with situations like Trayvon Martin, it’s a world that still has not achieved equity.” When asked about how to deal with injustice at the workplace, Rand says that you must first look at the local laws, then look at whether it’s a battle that can be fought. “It’s a very real thing when you’re telling someone to lose their job, when losing their job means losing the ability to feed their family. Maybe they’re not in a position to push that change by themselves, maybe they need other people to help them.” Rand also responded to a question about people that don’t believe in white privilege. “The term ‘all lives matter’ is natural, that’s where most people want to see this nation, but the sad truth is [that] we’re not in a position where we can stop talking about race specifically… all lives don’t matter yet, and all lives don’t matter equally yet.” Rand encouraged the audience to embrace their role in social justice.“Every person in this room has the ability to do
what I did, which is look within yourself, know who you are and tell the world who you are…” Valeria Elmore, a resident of Bridgeport, attended the event and worries that people have difficulty connecting to the history of the Civil Rights Movement.“We live in a society where some seem to think that we have overcome the injustices of our past. However, through my own experiences, I’m 55 years old, [and] it still occurs.” Bria Smith, the vice-president of Delta’s Black Student Union, admires Rand’s passion and believes that people are concerned about civil rights in their own way. “They have to find their own voice and I believe that events like this can show them how to do their part.” Rand says that young people feel like their actions don’t matter, but thanks to new technology, “young people, especially with social media, have a tremendous amount of power to be a part of greater change.”
Jewellyne Richardson performs with the Kuungana Drum and Dance group. This photo took third place in the Division 3 – News-Only Photo Category for the Michigan Press Association’s 2015 College Better Newspaper Contest. (Delta Collegiate/ Josephine Norris)
Collegiate staff score five awards at state-wide convention The Delta Collegiate scooped up five awards at the 2016 Michigan Press Association (MPA) annual convention that took place on Jan. 28-29 in Grand Rapids. Managing Editor Matt Brown and former reporter Jacob Swiecicki both won first place in their respective categories. Photo Editor Josephine Norris took home a second and third place award, while Brown received a third place spot. Swiecicki won first place in Division 3 – Investigative Reporting for his piece, “Judge tosses out lawsuit by Delta’s former police chief.” The judge writes, “In the end, it was the use of an important investigative tool – court documents – that produced the winning entry revealing the real behind-thescenes reasons for a top Delta official’s departure.” Brown received first place out of all divisions in Multimedia Reporting for his work, “Bright Nights: the deconstruction of light pollution.” The judge says it is, “an example of a true multimedia platform integrating video, text and graphics in a dynamic way.” The judge concludes, “My first place winner truly used multimedia rather than relying solely on basic Premiere Pro production skills. We should encourage more multimedia experiences like it.”
Brown also took home third place in Division 3 – Editorial with the piece titled, “Planet Yvette: Locker room fear mongering out of this world.” Norris’ two awards included taking the second place spot in Division 3 – Editorial with, “Perform it, and they will come,” and third place in Division 3 – News-Only Photo with her shot for the article, “Black History Month brings West African Drum and Dance group to campus.” On the photo, the judge writes, “The smile you captured on the women’s face sold me on this photo.” The MPA, established in 1868, promotes press freedom through its public policy work, “ease of use” advertising placement, professional development programs and legal hotlines. The organization is a source of new ideas for newspapers and their digital and print products. “We’re witnessing top-notch story telling across the Great Lake State that connects college students to their campus,” says MPA Executive Director Mike MacLaren. “From stunning design to detailed reporting, Michigan Collegiate Press Association newspapers are developing exceptional journalists to chronicle the future in compelling ways. It’s exciting to see work get recognized.”
Care Fair offers support for struggling students By Marisa Loranger
“Many times students don’t know where to go to get help for different things that they need, the different mental illnesses that they have, or even just general stress and anxiety,” explains Jessica Miller, a counselor at Delta College. The fifth annual Care Fair, held at Delta on Feb. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., is continuing to bring outside resources to students on campus. The west hallway, near D-102, will have dozens of support resources and mental health agencies available to students who need help or who are interested in learning more about mental health. “The care fair is about taking care of [students] and promoting good mental health,” says Miller. The Counseling and Advising office want students to know that there is help available in the Tri-Cities and this event will help connect students in need with resources. “We definitely want students to know that even though the topic is about [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender] that LGBT in and of itself is not a mental illness. Our break out topics are sometimes around mental illness, but they may be around other areas of interest for students in a way that educates students on various topics,” explains Miller. There will also be three informative sessions held in the Lecture Theatre, G-160, throughout the day. • 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: LGBTQ+ and Title IX • 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Sexual Diversity - an open discussion on the spectrum of human sexuality • 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.: How to be an LGBTQ+ Ally
Delta provides tax filing service for seventh straight year By Andrew Mason It’s that time of year again: Tax season. If you always have trouble filing your taxes, or if this is your first time, Delta will be able to help you. The college is partnering with the United Way of Saginaw County to provide a free tax filing service to those who qualify. The program is run by accounting students who are trained and overlooked by Associate Professor of Accounting, Greg Hubner. “All the returns that get prepared are quality reviewed by someone like me,” says Hubner, Associate Professor of Accounting, CPA and coordinator of this event. “We make changes, and we point out things students may have missed.” The event starts Friday, Feb. 5 and will run every Friday until April 15, but
will be closed spring break(March 7-12). The service is located in Delta’s library, in room A-121. The event is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. “You should expect a wait,” says Hubner, “especially within the first 5 to 6 weeks of the tax season. We’re always pretty busy, so I advise getting there before 9, and around 8:45 we’ll start letting people sign in.” In order to take advantage of this service, you will need to bring certain documents. A list of documents can be found at: www.delta.edu/vita/ documents. The two things you must bring with you are a photo ID of you (and your spouse if applicable) and a Social Security card for yourself and anyone else you’re filing for.
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science/technology
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Free clinic offers computer health care lindsey schibelhut
REVIEW
Gotta squanch ‘em all!
By Greg Horner
D
o you want to be the very best—like no one ever was? Do you have trouble deciding whether catching them is the real test—or if training them is your cause? Pocket Mortys is the innovative new app released from Adult Swim Games, based on the hit TV show “Rick and Morty.” This game is better than it has any right being, and utilizes mechanics so fresh and brilliant that you’ll be asking yourself, “Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?” If you haven’t seen Rick and Morty, you are doing yourself a disservice. While it isn’t necessary to watch the show before playing this game, you’re going to be missing out on a lot of the humor. The series deals with time travel, multiple dimension and more sci-fi references than a “Firefly” wiki. The story begins with Rick finishing his latest invention, the Mortypad, which records data on the Mortys that exist in other dimensions. Suddenly, a Mysterious Rick appears and tries to steal Morty from “our Rick.” It’s all very confusing and doesn’t make much sense, but yadda yadda yadda it’s your job to catch Mortys, win badges, and defeat the Elite Four (I mean the council of Ricks). Each world is filled with an assortment of trainers to battle, wild Mortys to catch and a Rick who has to be defeated. The maps are all procedurally generated so there’s an infinite number of dimensions to explore and an infinite number of badges to collect. Combat uses an innovative turn-based system that I would like to see replicated in other games. Trainers battle their Mortys one at a time, with each trainer having a possible party of six. When a battle begins, you have four options: attack, item, switch and run; you must then use your wits, Mortys and everything you’ve got to win. There are 82 Mortys for you to collect and train, each with their own design, move-set and (I like to think) personality. The developers really went all out when designing Mortys from other dimensions – there’s Blue-shirt Morty, Scruffy Morty, Big-head Morty and more! Your Morty can be one of three types: rock, paper or scissors. When
OPINION
Cell hell
By Matt brown
T
o survive in the current social climate, one has to be connected. Digital communication, primarily the mobile telephone, has become a near requirement for interaction. Today’s smart phone – a handheld computer – can not only place phone calls, but store data, take pictures, record video, etc., allowing (and encouraging) users to share 100 percent of their lives in the electronic realm. Inter-personal and business relationships have gotten to the point where instantaneous connection is expected. Gone are the days of waiting for the postal service to drop off a loved one’s letter. If you don’t respond to that text message within five minutes, you’re committing social suicide. Hell, some people commit actual suicide by replying to a message whilst driving (because they just had to send back that horse emoji). Try to get a job, or sign up for government
your Morty has a type advantage their moves do extra damage; it’s important to have a diverse roster of Mortys if you’re serious about becoming the Pocket Mortys master. I spent a lot of time fiddling around with the game’s crafting system. You’ll find a collection of items on your trip through the multi-verse which you can then combine to create combat items and Morty manipulator chips (which are used to catch the Mortys). As much fun as this system is, it felt a little too derivative for my tastes. Pokemon has been using a similar system for years, and it would’ve been nice to see the developers of Pocket Mortys come up with as innovative an idea as the combat and game concept. There are micro-transactions in the form of tickets to Blips and Chitz. It’s unlikely that you’re going to find a free smartphone game without micro-transactions. It’s not a big deal, at no point did I feel like I needed to buy anything. Complaints aside, I’ve probably sunk in over ten hours into Pocket Mortys (far more time than any other app). It’s inevitably going to get repetitive, but for now I’m still having fun. The developers have announced that they will be releasing regular updates including more story, more items and more Mortys to collect and train. Whether you like, hate or have never heard of Rick and Morty, Pocket Mortys is a must-try app for your smartphone. So check it out guys! It’s wubba lubba dub dub. …Pokemon
Pocket Mortys
benefits, without a personal phone. You only get one shot to take that call… But I guess you didn’t need either of those that badly. Because of this ridiculous social expectation, this begs the question: Why do cell phone plans cost an arm and leg? In the United States, the average phone plan with 500MB of data costs $85, compared to $24 in China and $9 in the U.K., according to research by the International Telecommunication Union. This is mostly because in China and the U.K. the competition to provide broadband services are vast – driving prices down. However, in the United States, the “Big Four,” consisting of Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint reign supreme. Again, that’s $85 per month for only 500MB of data. Streaming your average film comes in at 350MB/hour, or 120MB/hour, or even 250MB/hour depending on who you get your information from. Personally, I got three different answers from three different providers. If the Big Four can’t even be straight with me, how I am supposed to know what to buy? It’s like they
Adrianna Martus 18, Frankenmuth
FOUNTAIN
TALK
In what way has technology changed your life?
It makes everything a lot easier, especially writing. It’s so much easier to type my books than it is to handwrite them.
We all know that our computers are prone to failure. So, when the inevitable strikes, the Delta Information Technology and Security (ITS) Computer Club can lend a helping hand. On Feb. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in K-110 on Delta’s main campus, the ITS Computer Club is hosting the Free PC Repair Clinic. Associate Professor, and Computer Science and Information Technology Advisor, Cynthia Drouse, explains what services the clinic provides to students and community alike. “We can fix just about anything. We also do a lot with troubleshooting, operating system errors, clean a lot of machines from viruses, optimize machines - get them running better, faster,” says Drouse. “We also make sure their anti-virus software is up-to-date, or that they’re using the Windows Defender for the Windows 8 and 10. We can install and troubleshoot just about anything on any computer, as long as it’s a computer and has a circuit board. We work on many Macs too.” One of the things the Repair Clinic wouldn’t be able to fix is when the system is completely dead with a motherboard problem. “The customer would actually have to go out and buy a new motherboard,” says Drouse. The clinic also can’t repair more serious issues on the spot such as a cracked screen. “If you come in with a cracked screen on a laptop… we will show you where
Technology has changed my life greatly. I worked for my brother’s web design company for a while. I liked it so much that I’m majoring in computer programming now.
to buy the screen, and you’ll have to purchase it first and you’ll have to come back and have us put it in on another clinic day,” says Drouse. Drouse spoke about how the concept for the clinic was formed. “I went to a conference and there was another school from North Carolina. It was one thing I got from going to that conference…So I came back and got it started in fall of 2014.” The Free PC Repair Clinic is run two times a month, up until the spring semester. So if you miss out Feb. 12, the next dates for the clinic are Fridays, Feb. 19, March 11 and 18, and April 15 and 22. Diagnoses and repairs can take two to three hours and priority will be given to devices that are dropped off between 11 a.m. and noon. Finally, for students who may not be able to get to the clinic on Fridays, you can bring in your devices early. “We do offer an early drop off at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. It’s a good idea to pick up [your computer] on Friday, but we can hold them, we don’t like to, but we can hold them over the weekend,” says Drouse. “It’s welcome for anyone in the community too, so it’s not just students, faculty or staff.” For more information about the Free PC Repair Clinic people are recommended to visit their Facebook page at: www. facebook.com/DeltaFreePCClinic. For any other questions, contact Cynthia Drouse at cjdrouse@delta.edu or 989686-9069.
OPINION
The power of algebra By dennis martin
A
lgebra is the cornerstone of business, and the key to understanding the universe. It is the tool used to find any unknown quantity. For example, when it is combined with trigonometry, the speed needed to arrive somewhere on time can be calculated. When used correctly, algebra can make its users seem to have prophetic powers. But how can a struggling algebra student unlock the key to this knowledge? Here are some steps to follow: 1. Use the math tutoring center. Delta College has an excellent math tutoring center located in the library. Please make use of it. 2. Form a study group. Not only can this make learning algebra easier, but it is a great way to make new friends. 3. Be responsible. Make sure to give yourself enough time to study and do assignments. 4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It may seem like your professors are extremely busy, but it is their job to help students learn. 5. Slow down and understand each concept as you go. It is pointless to build a skyscraper without having first made a strong foundation. By using these key steps, you too can learn algebra which, according to U.S. Brigadier General Hazel Johnson-Brown, is the “competitive edge in the ever expanding technological development for the college graduate.”
almost want you to hit the data cap and pay outrageous fees! Why are there even data caps to begin with? The Internet is not a limited source, and as a major provider for broadband you should have the servers to handle the millions of customers you service. The price of a phone plan breaks down in way that you are paying for your data plan, paying for your sweet new iPhone 8sc, AND paying for access to your data plan. That’s like buying your house, and sweet new appliances, only to have your realtor charge you each time you wish to enter the building. The biggest kicker is that paying for the Internet alone provides access to a myriad of ways to communicate outside of mobile phones. There is email, forum boards, instant messaging, and Facebook even lets you make high quality calls with Graphic by Matt Brown
Bryce EauClaire 18, Linwood
DCLindseyK
their messenger application. Additionally, there are alternative phone plans to the Big Four: Boost mobile and Virgin mobile have plans starting at $35, being that you pay for your phone up front. At this rate, you’re paying for convenience of communication. Snail mail is cheaper, and you’re tax dollars are already paying for the postal service to operate. However, this means nothing when you’re expected to be available 25 hours a day. Before you sign your life, and credit, away on a phone plan – utilize your right as an American and mail a big middle finger to the Big Four. Use your head, and don’t break your bank Snapchatting your paczki.
Julia Hotopp 20, Midland
It keeps me interacting with my friends and family. It also lets me know what’s happening in the world without having to watch TV.
Ron Villanova 19, Saginaw
I spend a lot of my life a round technolog y and it makes life more convenient. It’s what keeps me organized.
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#collegiatelife
25th anniversary brings sister schools together
DCMLoranger
Marisa Loranger Through a 25 year partnership with Delta College, the city of Nakuru, Kenya has been able to provide its community with education, libraries and technology. Delta professors had the opportunity in November to visit Nakuru and its colleges: Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology, Nakuru Tracom College and Nakuru West Medical College. This particular visit was to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the partnership between Delta College, the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology and Nakuru Tracom College. The trip also took place to celebrate the new partnership with Presbyterian Church of East Africa Nakuru West Medical College. Past President, Donald J. Carlyon, and past Vice President of Instructional and Learning Services, Betty Jones, came together to create the sister school program. Felicia Peters (computer science and information technology professor) and Scanlon Romer (economics professor) were the trip leaders. Other Delta faculty that attended were: Reva Curry (vice president of instruction and learning services), Amie Anderson (former dean of students), David Bledsoe (associate professor of residential construction) and Diana Gutierrez (director of counseling and career services). Curry believes that the sister schools in Nakuru have mutual benefits. “The most beautiful part of the partnership is the cultural exchange between Americans and Africans, and the faculty and student exchange between Delta College and Nakuru College,” explains Curry. Tracom College, a business school, has about 350 students, Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology has about 5,000, and Nakuru West
Medical College, a nursing school, has about 160 students. These students have the opportunity to live on campus at the RVIST dormitories or guest houses. Students and faculty from the three Nakuru colleges also have the option to study abroad at Delta. “Without that initial partnership started 25 years ago, they probably would not have had some of the technologica l advances that they have in terms of equipment that they own at the institutions,” explains Peters. The partnership started off with federal funding, but Delta faculty now it relies on scholarships and donations from foundation donors. “Federal grants are not permanent, some are renewable and some are one time monies. The grant we received 25 years ago was one time money. We have applied for other grants but have not been fortunate enough to get funding,” explains Peters. The Kenya Partnership Committee is made up of Delta faculty and staff who volunteer their time. The partnership helps Delta share resources, like books and computers. Jack Crowell was a Delta mathematics professor for 45 years before retiring and becoming an adjunct faculty member. He has sent over 4,000 computers
celebrates 25 years of partnership with its sister school in Nakuru, Kenya. (Photo Courtesy/Felicia Peters)
and tons of books donated by local schools, businesses and community members to the schools in Nakuru. The computers are sent to churches, nonprofits and educational programs in Nakuru. “I was in the Peace Corps serving in the Ivory Coast 1962 to 1964. Since then I have had a warm place in my heart for Africa and the awareness of the great need for any educational resources such as books, books and more books,” explains Crowell. Fifteen shipments have been sent to Kenya, since the partnership started, in 40 foot sea container that hold 40,000 pounds. It takes a year to fill the shipping containers and clean the materials. “The container goes to Detroit by road, to New
York by rail, to Mombasa by ship and to Nakuru and RVIST by truck. The whole trip takes about 3 months,” explains Crowell. Delta students have the opportunity to study abroad in Nakuru. Depending on the student’s course, as well as the location and availability, the trip can last from 10 days to an entire semester. The cost of studying abroad varies depending on travel, the semester and length of stay. For more information, contact Michelle White, Academic Career Manager, at 989-686-9474 or visit the following link: www.delta.edu/ace_sl/ internationalinterculturaleducation.
Students shine bright in the Night Garden DomArthurDC
Dominic Arthur
Donna Giuliani, professor of sociology, hiked roughly 90 miles of Scottish Highlands. (Photo courtesy/Donna Giuliani)
Take A Hike
Professor treks for two weeks across Scotland Alex Kostka Over the summer of 2015, Professor Donna Giuliani had the opportunity to adventure on a “walking holiday,” a two week hike across Scotland. A friend invited Giuliani to join her, and after feeling that “this was the only shot she would ever have to get out of the North American continent since she would be traveling with an experienced traveler,” she gladly accepted. The newest edition of Delta’s Brown Bag Series took place on Thursday, Jan. 28 hosted by the Humanities Learning Center. The attending audience had the opportunity to listen in on Giuliani’s trip, and were able to learn the cultural experiences she had while on her walking holiday across Scotland. They began their research on airfare and discovered that flying out of Toronto, Canada to Europe would be a few hundred dollars cheaper than flying out of Detroit. Giuliani shared that the “Canadian customs were far nicer than the U.S. customs.” They flew out of Toronto and then into London. From London they took a train to Inverness, a northerly city in Scotland, where they would begin their hike which followed the cattle trails of the Highlands. Their first day was a 20 mile hike from Inverness to Drumnadrochit plus a couple of additional miles to reach their lodging destination. “It was the first time that I’ve ever walked 20 miles in one day, and it was uncomfortable,” says Giuliani. She admits that she didn’t lose any toenails (which was a concern,) but she did lose a lot of skin and had some blisters from the journey.
DCAlexKostka Something Giuliani was not prepared for when arriving to Europe was the use of stone in the roads and surrounding buildings. “I was expecting the driving on the left hand side of the road, but I was not expecting how stony everything is. Villages in the middle of nowhere, with one road going through them, all stone.” When encountering locals on their hike, Giuliani mentions, “The communication difficulties were funny on both sides.” The locals were friendly when Giuliani passed through. “It’s not a pushy kind of tourism. It’s just good humor.” Hikers traveling through the villages may help to keep these places on the map, as they have higher rates on unemployment. Giuliani says, “local bed and breakfasts might be their way of making their yearly income.” When it comes to miles hiked, Giuliani says they were supposed to walk 77 miles but, “we easily did 90 given our misadventures.” The most dangerous wildlife encounter Giuliani needed to be on the lookout for was a run in with a bull. England does not have like you would find in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Although she did not have a dangerous encounter, it was necessary to be on the lookout. Discussing how the opportunity came about, she mentioned that “I would not have, on my own, done anything like this,” Giuliani shares “But, now that I have done it, I will probably do it over and over and over again throughout my life.”
If you haven’t noticed, Delta College has a club dedicated to bringing all of the community’s poets together under one roof. The student-run organization, Night Garden Poetry Club, is advised by English Professor, Dr. Mark Brown, and run by club president and Liberal Arts and Science student, Thomas Dunn. The organization got its start based off of a short poem by Tom Whalen called “Why I Hate the Prose Poem” in the fall of 2006 by Associate English Professor, JodiAnn Stevenson, the creator of the club and former faculty advisor of 8 years, who knew the demand for a community of poets to write, share, and read was high amongst the college’s students. Stevenson says the poem’s funny, sad and surprising nature, her students were drawn to it. “A handful of those students saw that last line ‘in my spare time, I am cultivating a night garden’ as symbolic of what a poet does,” says Stevenson. Brown says that having the Night Garden Poetry Club allows poets and lovers of poetry the opportunity to have a comfortable place where they can “cultivate this rare, precious thing with other like-minded people.” “It’s this idea that poetry is this thing we cultivate, sometimes on our own, but certainly in the private, quiet parts of our lives,” says Brown. “Poetry is often out of the spotlight, off in the shadows. Even though everything in the world belongs in poetry, most of the world doesn’t care about it.” Currently, the club has around six members meeting every Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Founders Hall for an hour or two, depending on what they’re planning. The club meets weekly during the fall and winter semesters to work on new poems, plan activities and service projects, and workshop with one another on their poetry, as they’re often preparing for open-mic readings. Every winter semester, the club publishes a short collection of poetry by Night Garden members. Brown says the group publishes around a couple hundred of them, and
that they’re “cool little artifacts meant to showcase the talent of [their] members.” Night Garden President, Thomas Dunn, has been part of the club since 2014, and he believes that you don’t have to be an “elite writer” to join the club, as the group welcomes all kinds of writers and styles. “If you like Sonnets and Haiku – that’s awesome. If you’re more into spoken word and Hip-Hop, that’s cool too! The thing I love about the group is that we’re open to a lot of styles.” Dunn says that one of the things he looks forward to is reaching out to high school students to host workshops and open mics for younger people. He says that Night Garden means a lot to him because it made him realize that everybody’s voice is important. “You don’t have to go through terrible things or be in love [to write poetry]. The way everyone views the world is interesting to me and I think this club was a huge factor in making me believe that.” Last year, Night Garden successfully brought in poet Robert Fanning from Central Michigan University to read and sign copies of his books “The Seed Thieves” and “American Prophet.” The club is open to all students on campus that are interested and enthusiastic about poetry. “The club is for anyone – beginner or veteran – who loves to write and values poetry,” says Brown. “You don’t have to know a lot about writing or poetry.” Students looking to join Night Garden Poetry can find the club on Facebook by searching “Delta Night Garden Poetry Club.” There, you can network with other poets and find out about meetings, readings and other activities that the club is planning. Contact club advisor Mark Brown by email at markbrown@ delta.edu or by calling 989-686-9024. You can also contact the club’s president, Thomas Dunn, at thomasdunn@delta. edu.
with Greg Horner
Informers Corner
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lright, maybe I went a little rough in the last issue. My email has been buzzing nonstop and two faculty members tried to mug me when I walked out to my car last night. There’s been a lot of hurting on both sides of this thing -- I’m not sure who said what first -- but things were said. I never meant to offend the people of Delta College -- I simply wished to hold a mirror up to their faces. That can be hard for some. I couldn’t look into mirrors from junior high through high school -- I was frightened by
It’s not you, it’s just me
my cold-dead eyes and my pill-faced complexion. But yeah, the responses to my last column have been inspiring for me. I was pretty sure that no one ever reads the Informers Corner; my editor actually wanted to cancel the column and replace it with a weekly ranking of Delta’s hottest students and faculty. But thanks to the underwhelming support from my three fans (Darryl, Julie and Marge) and the overwhelming hate-mail from the College, my family and from international pop sensation Kid Rock -- the informer is still here! In a slightly smaller corner and with several stitches from an
attempted mugging -- but still very much present! I managed to fight against the tide of parasites calling for my dismissal and even managed to win over a few friends in the anarchosyndicalist community. Now that I have tenure (do I have tenure? How do I get tenure?) I’d like to take this opportunity to apologize for doing nothing wrong. It’s hard being the inspiration that gets hundreds of students out of bed every morning -- and it’s even harder to watch movies about flawed characters trying to grow and improve and realizing that I have nothing in common with them. Read the rest online at DeltaCollegiate.com
monday, February 8, 2016
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arts/entertainment
REVIEW
Editor’s Note: This article also appears in the Eye on Arts feature in the Saginaw Township View.
Conductor’s audition leaves audience wowed By josephine norris
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eading and directing the many creative forces necessary for meaningful experiences are curators, directors and conductors guiding audiences on cultural journeys. Under their leadership, arts organizations are able to provide opportunities of traveling across time and space. Immersing attendees in memorable, emotional and visual experiences, these leaders are invaluable in creating a lasting impact on communities. The current search for a new conductor of the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra inspired the first performance of the year Jan. 30. The concert was entitled “Drama, Voyage, Folklore and 21 Years of Inspiration.” Stilian Kirov, a candidate for the position of conductor of had the opportunity to show his talents throughout the night. Kirov is the fourth out of six conductors to audition for the position. Kirov created an evening of powerful music as he not only lead the orchestra, but met the city of Saginaw. Fitting with the name of the concert, the first work performed was Ludwig Van Beethoven’s dramatic “Leonore Overture, No. 1, Opus 138.” The piece is filled with dynamic and varied moments; the music is fast and dramatic, then slow and gentle. John Corigliano’s “Voyage” is a rich and encompassing work, sensual and flowing. As
assumed by the title, visual images of traveling and crossing bodies of water come to mind as one listens to the piece. For the folklore portion of the title, the orchestra performed Bela Bartok’s “Romanian Folk Dances.” The piece is inspired by Bartok’s work for his country during World War I to collect and record Eastern European songs and dances. Combining these dances, Bartok took the melodies and created a musical celebration of folk culture. The audience was taken on a journey through the movements and once it was over, there was a collected murmur of “wow.” Concluding the evening, and meaning behind the “21 Years of Inspiration,” was Johannes Brahms’ “Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Opus 68.” During his career, there was a great pressure on Brahms to create a symphony. After years of work and inspiration (most notably from Beethoven), Brahms orchestrated a complex and masterful symphony of weighty and intense moments that encircle the
softer and gentler moments in the middle. The work had an emotional feel and it brought to mind the concept of how music can represent emotions. Kirov treated the musicians he led with great respect. During the applause, he even stepped down from the conductor’s stand to bow on stage with the musicians. The audience did not fail to notice this interaction between conductor and orchestra. After the last note ended, the audience broke into enthusiastic applause and gave a near immediate standing ovation.
Illustration by De’Asia Brown
REVIEW
The Fifth Wave: leaves you unsettled, but also disappointed By lindsey schibelhut
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ow would you survive the end of the world? This is the challenge facing 16-year-old Cassie (Chloe Grace Moretz) when an unexplained alien ship appears in the skies above earth. “The Fifth Wave,” directed by J. Blakeson and released in 2016, is based on the 2013 novel of the same name by Rick Yancey. The lives of Cassie and her family are turned upside down when the residency of aliens, known only as “The Others,” appear over Ohio. The Others then start to release a series of “waves” on the world in order to eradicate the human race. An exceptional part of the film, for me, was the dystopian plot. It was interesting to see an alien theme blended with an electromagnetic pulse bomb, plague and other destructive elements. The many dark themes of the movie also kept me on the edge of my seat. One such scene involves the character Cassie investigating a run-down convenience store. As she is looking around, she stumbles upon an injured man in a backroom, which leads to a devastating gun standoff. I also like how Cassie kept a journal throughout the film. She continues to document the invasion and how it
GRAPHIC NOVELTIES By Cameron Kerkau
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ne of the biggest mistakes that a creator can make is to neglect the unique strengths of the medium they are working in. It’s too common in the comic book industry that writers pen stories that feel more like a novel or film than a comic. The first few issues of Brian Michael Bendis’ “Ultimate Spider-Man” are structured exactly the same as a film script. Then, there’s Mark Millar (“Kick-Ass,” “Wanted”) who seems to write comics so that they will be adapted into a movie. Meanwhile, the market is flooded with comics that essentially tell the same tired superhero story that we’ve been reading for decades. Comics like these cheapen the art form. When I buy a comic, I’m not looking for a cinematic experience, I want to witness something new that can only be done in a comic book. The creators that stand out to me are the ones that really like to experiment with the craft, the ones that create comics that could only be comics. Take, for instance, the opening sequence of the second issue of Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey’s “Moon Knight.” It consists of a four by two grid of panels that, instead of showing a sequence of time, show the same moment in time in the lives of eight different characters. In this way, time doesn’t move between panels, but in between pages. A sequence like this could only work in a comic book, where you can see all eight characters at once, and absorb each of their stories at your own pace. With “Moon Knight,” Ellis plays with plot structure in a way that is
affects the world, and how it changes who she is as a person - she even starts questioning her own humanity. One downside for me in this movie is the acting by Chloe Grace Moretz. One of my favorite roles Moretz plays is Hit Girl in the “Kick-Ass” films. She seems to excel as an action star in those, so I had high hopes for her in this one - but she let me down. When it came to certain emotionally driven scenes that really require some tears - she doesn’t produce any. I did feel though that the remainder of the supporting cast gave strong performances, such as Liev Schreiber and newcomer, Alex Roe. There were also some plot holes I noticed in the film as well. But to avoid giving away spoilers, I won’t give any examples here. After viewing the movie, it only has ignited my interest in reading the books to see whether those plot points are further explained. Overall, despite the negatives, I did enjoy this film but I just don’t think it’s necessary to see it on the big screen. It’s probably better to go and read the source material or wait until the movie comes out on DVD. Illustration by De’Asia Brown
Led Zeppelin lights up the Planetarium MaCayla Jablonski The Delta College Planetarium will host a Led Zeppelin music and light show every Saturday evening until April 30. The show starts at 7 p.m., and runs about an hour long. Cost of admission is $7 for adults, and $5 for children, seniors and military persons. Manager and head astronomer of the Planetarium, Mike Murray, helped make this light show a reality. Murray has worked for Delta College’s Planetarium since June of 2015. Before working in Bay City, Murray spent time in Salt Lake City working with the artists that created the digital effects for the show. He says it took 12 digital artists a total of nine months to generate the effects to correlate with certain Led Zeppelin songs. “[The show] goes way beyond, ya know, the bouncing spirographic patterns of laser beams,” Murray says. The light show consists of 3D animations, and variations of abstract and surreal art. Each design was created to fit the theme to each Led Zeppelin song that is featured. The digital artists from Salt Lake City formatted the animations to play specifically on the Planetarium’s dome. This is not the first audiovisual show the Planetarium has put on. Last year, Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” played at the dome, and was quite the hit. “We want to incorporate this theme of music, science and art so we can be entertaining,” Murray shares. When Murray asked an audience of people at the Planetarium who they wanted to hear, the people recommended Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. He plans to explore different styles of music for the light shows, such as classical and jazz music. They will be doing surveys and taking polls to see what’s next. Murray would love to incorporate original work from students in future shows. Opening weekend for the Led Zeppelin light show was sold out. The Planetarium is located at 100 Center Ave. in Bay City. For ticket information or answers to any questions, feel free to contact the Planetarium at 989-6672270.
Embracing the medium
entirely unique to comic books, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the potential of the medium. Kelly Sue Deconnick and Emma Rios explore this potential in a more visual way with their supernatural western “Pretty Deadly.” Referring to the image on the right, we meet an old man and a young girl that travel from town to town telling tales to locals. The man carries a signpost, and on it there’s a chart with pictures of the characters and plot points in their story. As the young girl sings the plot to the crowd, the old man directs their attention to different pictures on the chart. The creators use this plot device to give us a visually striking scene where the man’s pointing stick stretches across the page and becomes the border between each panel. The panels then alternate between depicting the story the young girl is telling, and showing the crowd’s reaction. This kind of ingenuity elevates the medium as an art form. Which is fantastic, but sometimes that’s not the point. Comic books, like all entertainment, belong to a cannibalistic culture. Most creators grew up primarily consuming comic books, and so they have a very limited idea of what a comic book can be about. This is especially true in superhero comics. Everyone knows what a Spider-Man comic looks like, so what’s the point of buying one? Superhero comics have been starving for creativity. That is why it is so much fun
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when a writer or artist comes along and shakes things up a bit. Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie’s run on “Young Avengers” is an exquisitely fresh and joyous superhero book, for many reasons, especially the way they play with form. The villain for the first part of the book is an inter-dimensional parasite. They use this as an excuse to bend the reality around their characters. This results in a sequence where one of the main hero’s not only becomes aware of the panel borders surrounding him, but realizes he’s trapped by them. That is, until Loki frees him, and they run across even more panels to escape. I think that a majority of people see comic books as a lower art form. Personally, I blame this on lazy creators. In 1986, Alan Moore proved with “Watchmen” that comic books can be as visually stunning as a film, while at the same time being as thematically dense as a novel. He showed us the virtue of comic books as art, so why are there so few creators following his example? The writers and artists I’ve mentioned have proven that there are a plethora of stories and ideas that can only be told through comics. There is an infinite amount of untapped potential in the world of sequential art. It can only be grasped when creators not only take advantage of the strengths of the medium, but also when they avoid the standard and overused plots that have plagued it for decades. “Pretty Deadly” by Kelly Sue Deconnick and Emma Rios
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health/sports
PIONEERS of the week
OPINION The Patriots have a gate problem By ethan moore
Gamer Jon Swift might be the best Call of Duty player in Bay City Ethan Moore Jon Swift, an 18-year-old computer science major at Delta, feels like he’s been given a second chance here. “This is my opportunity to get better grades than I did in high school,” says Swift. “That’s what I’m really focused on off the court.” Swift is a graduate of Salem High School in Canton, Mich. He started playing basketball at the age of four, because of what he saw around him growing up. “I was really attracted to the sport,” explains Swift. “My dad played, my sister played, so I was pretty much bound to play it at some point.” In his senior year of high school, Swift earned many honors on the court including:
(Delta Collegiate/Josephine Norris)
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hen it comes to the New England Patriots there is no middle ground, you either love them, or you hate them. The team has developed a persona from their coach, Bill Belichick, that winning is the only thing that matters, by any means necessary. The biggest criticism of Belichick is that said means are not always within the confines of the rules. So now we have the newest “gate” to add to the collection: Tablet gate. Two weeks ago in the second quarter of the AFC championship game, the Patriots sideline tablets were rendered useless due to the network in Gillette Stadium which didn’t allow the team to access film and plays among other things. Eventually the tablets were fixed and it didn’t appear to have a large impact on the game and the network issues were fixed. It’s strange that a network issue would only affect one Graphic by Matt Brown of the teams. The internet agreed and they ended up having a field day with this, mentioning numerous conspiracies such as: the NFL getting payback for all of the other “gates,” Commissioner Goodell trying to show he still has power, God himself hating the Patriots. To any other team this kind of malfunction would be a non story, but because it’s the Patriots it’s the only thing ESPN covers the next day. So why does the viewing experience have to be tampered with, because the Patriots can’t play the game of football right? The Patriots have become this ridiculous running joke that cheapens the NFL’s brand. The problem with the rampant cheating is that it’s completely unnecessary. New England is a very good football team and they don’t need these advantages to win games. They demolished Indianapolis so convincingly last year that it makes you wonder why they felt the need to tamper with the balls in the first place. The Patriots are becoming the Richard Nixon of the NFL, they’re “stuffing the ballots” when they’re already going to win. So is the NFL secretly working against New England? The answer is probably a no, the head honchos of the NFL continue to look foolish every time they try to fight them. The Patriots are not like most organizations when they’re caught red-handed. A morally upright organization would try to eradicate the problem by eliminating all who were involved or thought to be involved, then preach about changing the culture and eventually moving on from the situation. The relationship between New England and the NFL has all the makings of an abusive one, so why do they put up with they’re crap? Why does anyone do anything ever? Money of course. As earlier mentioned, when the Patriots flub and open up another “gate” the coverage for them goes through the roof. And as the NFL is proving time and time again, there is no such thing as bad press for them. The players can abuse their spouses, cheat, drive over 100MPH on a highway while intoxicated with a young child in the backseat, it doesn’t matter. The bad press doesn’t dent the indestructible armor of the largest sports league in North America. The audience for the game continues to grow every single year. Viewership increases every season and according to Yahoo Sports, even though the players continue to abuse them, viewership among women continues to increase as well. The NFL is essentially too big to fail, even when it’s most consistent franchise of the 2000s is a cheater cheater pumpkin eater. So regardless of if you love or hate the Patriots, you have to admire their thick skin, and their ability to keep finding ways to cheat… I mean win… I mean cheat.
EthanMooreDC all-conference, all-metro, and all-area team distinctions. Now he’s the starting point guard for the Pioneers and he’s proud of what he’s accomplished. “It’s been a long journey,” says Swift. “[The season] started out with me not playing at all to me starting now. It’s been a lot of work.” Since being placed into the starting role, Swift has excelled. He’s shooting 35 percent from three point range, and he’s leading the team in free throws per game. Some of the things that Swift brings to the team are intangibles that can’t be measured by stats. “I don’t want to come out and say I’m a great leader,” says Swift. “But as of right now the team looks to me for leadership, and I relish that.” Many basketball players when asked about their greatest achievement talk about an all-star team they made or an award they won, Swift is just happy to have the opportunities he does. “My greatest basketball accomplishment has to be me just playing college basketball,” explains Swift. “It took a lot of hard work and a lot of time to get to where I am now. This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Off the court, Swift is like any other college student. He likes to sleep and play video games. He’s not shy about how good he is at them. “I love playing Call of Duty whenever I get any free time.” says Swift. “I might be the best in Bay City, I just want to throw that out there.” As of right now, Swift plans to stay at Delta for his sophomore season, from there he’ll see what the future holds for his basketball career. “After Delta, I’m hoping to receive a division II scholarship, maybe even division I scholarship,” says Swift. “With some hard work and help from my coaches I believe that I can reach the next level.”
Let’s talk about tampons
Freshman Nyashia Williams has home court advantage Ethan Moore Nyashia Williams, a 19-year-old education major at Delta, credits her love of basketball to her roots. “Growing up, where I come from, basketball is everything,” says Williams. “I live in a city where you either make something of yourself, or let the streets take over.” Williams is a freshman guard who primarily plays the point for the Lady Pioneers. She’s a graduate of Saginaw High School where she ranked 13 in her class. She was captain of the varsity basketball team and a member of her school's National Honor Society branch. While playing high school ball she was a part of her conference allacademic team, as well as third team all-conference. She had a few different schools that wanted her, but in the end she couldn’t leave. “I decided to come to Delta because even though I had other options and opportunities. It’s home,” says Williams. “There's no place like home.” As a member of the Lady Pioneers, Williams has had success. She’s scored in double digits many times and even exploded for 31 points against Kellogg Community College earlier this season. She leads the team in assists and assist to turnover ratio. She’s also second on the team in scoring, and three point percentage. Even with such stellar numbers she has a team first attitude. “I feel that my greatest accomplishment in basketball is just to be able to lead my team to as many victories as possible,” explains Williams. “I don't have one specific time because I wouldn't have been able to accomplish anything without the help from my team and coaches.” Throughout her basketball career, Williams has always been characterized by her height. “My height has affected me in various ways,” explains Williams. “I am only 5'1 and so technically most people, coaches and scouts would consider me to be too short.”
n e e w t e ts B e e Sh e th
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Michigan teen has been fighting for her life after getting Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Rylie Whitten, 15, was admitted to the hospital after experiencing flu like symptoms, then she started to lose the ability to move. TSS happens to one in 100,000 menstruating women a year. It is from a bacterial infection and it typically occurs from using super absorbent tampons. “There is a buildup of too much bacteria (staphylococcus aureus aka staph) in the body. The bacteria is then released into the body which can cause symptoms such as: fever, hypo-tension, confusion, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches and seizures,” explains Nicole Boelter, an ER registered nurse at Covenant and nursing graduate student from Delta. Symptoms progress fast and can quickly lead to organ failure, low blood pressure, shock and death. Bacteria on tampons can grow very quickly because of the bleached cotton, cellulose fibers and bleached wood pulp material in tampons, menstrual blood and the pH change that happens in the vagina during menstruation. If the tampon drys out the vagina, it can cause tearing of the vaginal walls. This can create a straight path for the bacteria on the tampon to enter the bloodstream. Tampon use has been increasing since the 1930s. When women became more active and entered the
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workforce during World War II, tampons became the go-to. Tampon usage continued to grow until 1980, when the Center for Disease Control (CDC) investigated TSS cases. They found that of the 55 cases, 95 percent were menstruating women who used tampons as their method of feminine care. Tampon sales decreased dramatically until the 1990s where they increased in sales again. Tampon companies recommend wearing pads while sleeping since tampons should not be worn for more than eight hours and tampon boxes have a warning on the box, warning consumers about the risk of TSS. Most people only know of two products when they first start menstruating: disposable tampons and pads. While both are viable options as long as the user follows the instructions, there are other methods for those who don't feel comfortable with tampons and their risks. Disposable pads can be harsh on the labia and clitoris. They are made of plastic and make it hard for air to get to your vagina, giving bacteria the opportunity to grow. Whatever you choose, it's your choice. No one can tell you what you should use and as long as you're comfortable that's what matters. Research should be done on all products to make sure they are being used safely, properly and you are getting the most out of them.
Alternative menstrual products Reusable pads •
(Delta Collegiate/Josephine Norris)
Williams has always taken her height in stride, not letting it affect her confidence or her focus. “I have been told my whole life that I'm too short, I won't make it anywhere, give up. I took that as motivation,” says Williams. “I choose not to take being short as an insult, but as a compliment.” As the season winds down, the Lady Pioneers are looking good heading into the postseason, and Nyashia Williams is a big reason why. “My goals are to be a great leader to my teammates, on and off the court. Also, to maintain good grades to continue to do what I am best at, and that is basketball.”
Menstrual cup • •
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Softer and breathable, helping with rashes and cramps. They are also less likely to leak. They need to be soaked in water after use and then put in the washer, but they can last years when taken care of properly.
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Period underwear
Made of flexible and durable silicone. Once inserted, the cup creates a suction around the cervix so there are no leaks. The removal process can be messy in the beginning. The cup must be rinsed • with warm water before reinsertion. • •
Sea sponge •
• • Made out of a material • that is absorbent enough to hold two tampons worth of liquid. Antimicrobial, which makes sure that bacteria cannot grow. It is leak resistant and takes out moisture.
Don’t prevent bacteria growth, but it does make it harder for bacteria to grow. Don’t absorb odor, they are toxin free, hypoallergenic, and soft. Can last up to six months if taken care of. May rip when being pulled out and it can create a mess.
Monday, february 8, 2016
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opinion
Would you like lead with that? The McDonaldization of government
Man age r
UR
Textbooks or tablets? The use of tablets and books should be balanced By Lindsey Schibelhut I remember when tablets first became a craze; I didn’t understand their appeal or purpose, so I swore to myself I’d never buy one. Then as time went on the purpose to the public became clear - you could download multiple books to read and carry them around conveniently while traveling. Now schools are considering replacing textbooks with tablets for their students. For this I would have to agree, but we shouldn’t forget the ways of old as we do so. Whether we are replacing textbooks in K-12 schools or even college, tablets for every student would be beneficial. No longer would students have to carry an entire backpack full of overpriced (sometimes non-returnable) paperweights, when they could just drop a tablet into their bags and go. It would even be nicer if schools would give incentives to students (i.e. discount eBook/textbook prices) who choose to go the paperless route. School issued tablets would probably also benefit people or families who cannot afford to purchase them. We all know most school assignments today rely on computer and internet access and this would give people a way of having the means to access that information - as long as the issued tablets are protected against inappropriate materials. Those are just some positives I can think of regarding replacing textbooks with tablets. However, in the same regard we shouldn’t forget old technology as well. Nothing pains me more than seeing YouTube videos of babies trying to poke a magazine (thinking it’s an iPad) in the hopes that something amazing is going to happen. If a tragedy were to strike our electrical grid either by nature (i.e. flares from the sun) or a man-made act (i.e. EMPElectromagnetic Pulse bomb) where would we be then? We would have to rely on physical books once again. One other issue with tablets happened in 2009 when Amazon Kindle users noticed the copies of their George Orwell e-books were deleted. Amazon claimed the copies were from publishers who did not own the rights to the books, but it still made consumers upset to see them remotely removed from their devices. This is another reason why physical books are a better idea than digital in certain cases. So while we still have technology like tablets, we should use them for the convenience of not breaking our backs. But we shouldn’t throw books out with the bathwater either- we never know when we may need them. There is room in this world for both paper and digital, there just needs to be a balance between the two in our daily lives.
VIEW
Nostalgia > The Future By MaCayla Jablonski
FOUNTAIN
TALK
Steven Burns 63, Midland
Textbooks. I’m old school. Anytime I use anything on the net, I sooner or later print it so I have a hard copy.
Elizabeth Wenkel 20, Standish
Hard copy. Just so you have something to reference. You always have it; you may not always have internet connection.
Donavon Flemings 24, Saginaw I prefer hard copy textbooks. Because it’s easy access. You like, flip through the pages... But, I like technology too, so it’s like both. But, I’m more with the textbooks for right now.
Jeremy Hildebrandt
21, Saginaw
Hard copy. Main reason is that it doesn’t have to do with the sense of the book to personally hold. It’s so that I can physically touch and know... Me, just looking in the book as he (the professor) is going, it works so much better than me scrol ling through. Zachary Seitz 19, Hemlock
Hardcover textbook. I prefer being able to carry around and make notes in it and it’s easier to write in then type it in.
There have been rumors about tablets replacing textbooks in schools for what seems like years. I vividly remember the rumor running around my middle school. I was ecstatic. I mean, could you imagine how great it would feel not having to wear your heavy book bag every day? Thinking about it with an adult mind, tablets replacing textbooks sounds like a horrible idea. First of all, let us ponder the high probability of damage that comes with giving children in grades K-12 tablets. I’m 19 years old, and I have dropped and cracked the screen of my phone at least twice. Do you think a 7-year-old cares enough to be careful with an expensive piece of technology? I don’t think so. Not to give all little kids bad reputations, but the probability of a 7-year-old taking better care of their tablet than I take care of my phone is unlikely. Replacing tablets with textbooks would only contribute to the technology takeover. I don’t mean to conjure my inner elderly woman, but I want my kids to experience life outside of technology. We as humans rely on technology an embarrassing amount. Do the future generations need to learn to rely on it at such a young age? Technology was invented to make life easier, and it has. However, I think we use it more as a distraction than anything. I can’t go to one family gathering without my 5-year-old cousin asking to play games on my phone. Switching textbooks for tablets at such a young age will force kids to create a stronger dependency for technology. If textbooks are eliminated in schools, what are the odds kids will continue to enjoy reading books? I don’t mean eBooks purchased online and read on your Kindle. I mean real, paperback, thick, incredible books. You’re not going to be able to get a kid to read a book after giving them a tablet. Once that happens, they will never be able to experience the nostalgia that overwhelms you when you smell an old book. They’ll never be able to feel the sheer excitement of getting down to the last couple pages of the book you haven’t been able to put down. I have grown my entire life with a book in my hand. I’ve gone through every Goosebumps book, to the Harry Potter series, to John Green, to Edgar Allan Poe. Reading books has changed my life. It’s helped me grow up. I’m afraid switching textbooks for tablets will deprive children of the experiences they need to grow as individuals.
7
T
he crisis in Flint has been called a lot of things: a health emergency, a national disaster and a civil rights scandal. But a talking point that has gained traction in recent weeks is that what happened in Flint constitutes a failure of government – that on every level: local, state and federal the government failed to foresee the crisis and at every level the government has responded inadequately. In fact, what happened in Flint represents the exact opposite. Republicans in Michigan have taken their contempt for government to the next level– they’ve demonstrated a disregard for local democracy in favor of emergency managers who rule through fiat rather than consensus. These emergency managers are essentially state-sanctioned CEOs whose duties lie not with the people of the community but with supporters in Lansing. The purpose of these emergency managers is to make government more efficient by removing the need for discussion, deliberation or community involvement. The idea is that an emergency manager can work faster than a committee of voices and do what’s necessary to keep a city running, that emergency managers will work more effectively because they’ll follow the common-sense approach of “running it like a business.” But Flint, and the people of Michigan have seen the true consequence of this McDonaldization of government. Children have been poisoned with lead because Flint’s emergency manager wanted to save money, because Flint’s emergency manager didn’t care enough to test the water and because Flint’s emergency manager didn’t have time to treat it. The schools of Detroit are in disarray, partly due to years of neglect, but also because the school’s emergency manager didn’t cooperate, didn’t communicate and didn’t feel that floors were a necessity in a classroom. Darnell Earley was the emergency manager in both cases—now he’s stepping down — but Lansing was happy with his performance until the scandals broke our. Lansing forgot an important fact—businesses cut corners—they take shortcuts whenever it’s financially reasonable. CEOs aren’t concerned with their community, their customers or their employees. They’re concerned with profit. Our Supreme Court has said that a business’ only duty is to its shareholders. Who are the shareholders when we treat government like a business? Government isn’t about cutting costs, maintaining profits or satisfying customers—it’s about organizing our communities and doing what’s best for the people. The motivations of business are anathema to good government—they are opposite and equal in almost every way. The reason we so desperately need government regulation is because often times what’s in the best interest of the people and what’s in the best interest of Corporation Inc. are diametrically opposed. Michigan and the United States wouldn’t be better off if they were run like a business, privatization Enjoyed an article and want to express isn’t always the best and local it? Vexed and need to vent? Send a democracy shouldn’t be circumvented Letter to the Editor. by the state. The people of Flint Let people know what you think! would’ve been heard sooner if their Send your material by e-mail to: elected officials were given the DeltaCollegiate@gmail.com authority to listen and act—but we’ll never know what could have been. Hopefully this water crisis will serve as a wakeup call and a reminder that government has its place. We have to restore our faith The views and opinions expressed in columns on this in the democratic process and in our elected officials. Repealing the page and others do not emergency manager law is a good necessarily reflect the start, but if we want to prevent future official position of the Delta Collegiate. Flints, we have to repeal the attitude that lead us here.
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8
monday, February 8, 2016
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Cooking with the Collegiate This #CookingWithTheCollegiate recipe of veggie fajitas will feed you and your friends - dietary restrictions and all!
Delta Collegiate
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Enroll now for spring/summer semester SVSU Transfer Center located in D102
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UPCoMing CoMMUnitY eVentS
FeBRUaRY 2016 MoN
tUe
8
Circle of Friends Exhibition Creative 360, Midland 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Cost: Free
Jinwon Chang and Jae Yong Kim Exhibit
Marshall M. Fredericks Scultpure Museum, SVSU 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: Free
Adult Coloring Club
Hoyt Library, Saginaw 6 p.m. Cost: Free
WeD
9
Polka Band
Krzysiak’s, Bay City 5 a.m. - Noon Cost: Free
Adult Coloring Club
Hoyt Library, Saginaw 10 a.m. Cost: Free
Music Majors in Recital
15
Creative 360, Midland 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Cost: Free
Jinwon Chang and Jae Yong Kim Exhibit
Marshall M. Fredericks Scultpure Museum, SVSU 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: Free
Cyberspace III Competition
SVSU Art Gallery 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost: Free
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President’s Speakers Series: How Computers Are Changing Us by Nicholas Carr Lecture Theater, G-160 10 a.m. - Noon Cost: Free
Business Start-Up Seminar
SVSU 7:30 p.m. Cost: Free
Alice and Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City 1 - 4 p.m. Cost: Free
“Stars”
Snowshoe Hike
Delta Planetarium, Bay City 7 p.m. Cost: $7 for adults / $5 for students, children, seniors, military
Circle of Friends Exhibition
tHU
16
Downtown Saginaw: The Story of a City Told Through Clothing
Castle Museum, Saginaw 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Cost: $1 for adults / $0.50 for children
Isn’t That Illegal? Issues with aging family members
Counter Culture, Saginaw 7 p.m. Cost: Free
“Stars”
Delta Planetarium, Bay City 7 p.m. Cost: $7 for adults / $5 for students, children, seniors, military
Chippewa Nature Center, Midland 4 - 5:30 p.m. Cost: Free
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Brown Bag Series: South Africa by Professor Joseph Lewis N-012, Main Campus 11 a.m. - Noon Cost: Free
Soul Food Festival
SVSU 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Cost: $8.50
2nd Annual Black History Game Show
Lower Westside Student Lounge 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cost: Free
FRi
11
Care Fair 2016
West Main Hallway 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost: Free
Child Bite, Against The Grain, Beast In The Field, Triangulations
Counter Culture, Saginaw 7 p.m. Cost: $10
Thursday Night Dance Party Freeland Sports Zone 7 p.m. Cost: $10
18
Downtown Saginaw: The Story of a City Told Through Clothing
Castle Museum, Saginaw 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Cost: $1 for adults / $0.50 for children
Pizza with Public Safety N-007, Main Campus 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Cost: Free
WIC Representative on Campus
Main Hallway near D-102 Noon - 3 p.m. Cost: Free
Sat
12
Free Tax Preparation
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. A-121 Cost: Free
MLK, Jr. Symposium
Pioneer Gym, Main Camous 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cost: $10
FAFSA Help Day
LLIC, Main Campus 5 - 7 p.m. Cost: Free
“Eurydice”
Pit and Balcony Theatre, Saginaw 7:30 p.m. Cost: $18
19
Free Tax Preparation 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. A-121 Cost: Free
FAFSA Help Day
LLIC, Main Campus 5 - 7 p.m. Cost: Free
Pink Lightning, The Great Indoors, S.F.I., Noble Whips, more TBA
Counter Culture, Saginaw 8 p.m. Cost: $8
SUN
13
14
Women’s and Men’s Basketball vs. Henry Ford CC
Comedy for a Cause 2016
Led Zeppelin Music and Light Show
Saginaw Bay Symphony Chamber Orchestra
Pioneer Gym, Main Campus 1 - 3 p.m. and 3 - 5 p.m. Cost: $5
Delta Planetarium, Bay City 7 p.m. Cost: $7 for adults / $5 for students, children, seniors, military
“Eurydice”
Pit and Balcony Theatre, Saginaw 7:30 p.m. Cost: $18
20
Women’s and Men’s Basketball vs. Schoolcraft Pioneer Gym, Main Campus 1 - 3 p.m. and 3 - 5 p.m. Cost: $5
Led Zeppelin Music and Light Show
Delta Planetarium, Bay City 7 p.m. Cost: $7 for adults / $5 for students, children, seniors, military
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”
Midland Center for the Arts 7:30 p.m. Cost: $16 for students / $20 for adults
State Theatre, Bay City Starts at 7 p.m. / Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost: $35 - $30
Frankenmuth 7 p.m. Cost: $10 for adults / $8 for seniors / $5 for students
“Eurydice”
Pit and Balcony Theatre, Saginaw 7:30 p.m. Cost: $18
21
“Phantom of the Opera”
State Theatre, Bay City 2 p.m. Cost: $5
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”
Midland Center for the Arts 7:30 p.m. Cost: $16 for students / $20 for adults
Latin Salsa Dance Night
Temple Theatre, Saginaw Doors open at 5:30 p.m., lesson at 6 p.m. Cost: $15 per person