Volume 80 issue 2 january 24, 2017

VOLUME 80, ISSUE 2

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2017

Radio Wasteland

HHM Indie Showcase

Disney remakes

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Page 4

Page 6

Land contest winner Page 7

life hacks Page 7

Isn’t That Illegal? and Donald Trump sparks discussion

Cornelius Phelps sits onstage at Counter Culture in Saginaw Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017 as he shares with the audience during Isn’t That Illegal?: Donald Trump. The Isn’t That Illegal? event focusing on discussion and debate of the impact of several of President-elect Donald Trump’s proposals. (Delta Collegiate/Josephine Norris) Read on Page 3

Former EMB professors sue school

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tudents of the Electronic Media Broadcasting department have been wondering about the absence of two instructors for months now. According to recent lawsuits brought against the school, instructors James Gleason and Danielle Wright were both fired from their jobs at Delta for what they claim were improper reasons.

Both Gleason and Wright have filed suits through their attorneys at the Mastromarco Law Firm of Saginaw claiming that the reasons given for their termination were false. Gleason, formerly an assistant professor of Electronic Media Broadcasting, was let go from his teaching position following a grievance, referred to in Wright’s suit as a “Title IX complaint,” filed against him by a fellow faculty member.

According to The U.S. Department of Justice, Title IX is a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity.

Wright’s suit, filed in November in U.S. District Court in Bay City, contends

that she participated in an investigation regarding this complaint, specifically speaking in support of Gleason, and was fired for it on July 14, 2016. Wright was an adjunct instructor of Electronic Media.

Gleason’s suit, filed in December in Bay County Circuit Court, contends that he was fired for reasons other than the Title IX complaint. Specifically, he cited a longstanding conflict between him and another instructor which began in the Winter 2014 semester.

According to the suit, Gleason, chair of the EMB department at the time, received several complaints regarding another instructor’s’ technical abilities and decided that she would not teach a technical course in the discipline until the issues could be resolved. The suit claims that instructor began to make false and defamatory comments about Gleason to former students and colleagues. That instructor, whom The Collegiate has chosen to withhold the name of for this article, has declined to comment on the matter.

SAGINAW – The Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services (STARS) transports over 3,300 passengers throughout the urban Saginaw Area on a daily basis.

STARS has made it clear that there is a need for public transportation and improvement of economic development throughout the city of Saginaw.

With buses traveling over 1.5 million miles per year, it is easy to see the effect that STARS has on community and the many passengers that utilize it each day.

Glenn Steffens, site manager, explains the beneficial reasons of the STARS Express for Job Success that stand out to him the most.

“Many households in the Saginaw area have one or no vehicles. This makes transportation to work very difficult,” says Steffens.

Continued on Page 3...

TALK

What did you want to be as a kid?

Darien Brown 18, Saginaw

“Ever since I was young I wanted to be a scientist.”

Former proffessor James Gleason (Delta Collegiate/ File photo)

The lawsuit goes on to state that the conflict between Gleason and the other professor grew when Gleason opposed that colleague’s bid for tenure in October of 2015. The lawsuit contends that Dave Peruski, the then dean of teaching and learning, informed the other instructor that several students wrote letters complaining about that instructor.

Continued on Page 3...

STARS buses bring new concepts to transportation Allie Keenan

FOUNTAIN

@DCCamKerkau

Cameron Kerkau

@AllieKeenanDC

Brian Hardy 25, clio

“That is a good question, I don’t know. As far as I can remember, anything that deals with math.”

“I wanted to be a massage therapist.”

Winter season leads to blood shortage Brynna Henika

A STARS bus used for short trips is parked outside the STARS Terminal at 615 Johnson St. in Saginaw on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017. (Delta Collegiate/Allie Keenan)

Renee Whitake 19, Detroit

@DCBrynnaHenika

SAGINAW – With bad weather and illness spreading across the state of Michigan, local blood banks are experiencing a drastic drop in blood donations.

Michigan’s severe winter weather has made a huge impact on donations to local blood banks, causing the cancellations of 100 blood drives, which left 3,100 possible donations uncollected.

“Blood is perishable, we need to keep it on a shelf,” says Tamar Chipp, community relations coordinator for Michigan Blood.

Michigan Blood sent out a press release Jan. 17 stating the critical need of the O-negative blood type. Finding donors may seem easy, but O-negative is known as the universal blood type, only 7% of our world’s population has this blood flowing through their veins.

Though always kindly accepting the donation of all types, Chipp says that depending on the demand, they offer certain gifts for those who donate.

One previous incentive for donating O-negative blood at a Michigan Blood location received a $10 gift certificate. For the gift, donors could choose between either Target, Kohl’s or Amazon gift cards, which they would receive in the mail.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2017 / www.deltacollegiate.com

News delta collegiate DeltaCollegiate@gmail.com

(989) 686-9337 | Office: A220 | 1961 Delta Road University Center, MI 48710 Josie Norris Editor-in-Chief

Drew Moore Photographer

MaCayla Jablonski Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Phoebe Fries Reporter

Cameron Kerkau Managing Editor

Adam Przeslak Reporter

Jessica Sierocki Photo Editor

Logan Miller Reporter

Ethan Moore Sports Editor Jack Rechsteiner Arts and Entertainment Editor

Gabe French Illustrator

Will Hackbarth Page Designer

Radio Wasteland opens their doors to Midland

(Delta Collegiate/J. Maxim Schofield)

Radio Wasteland is unique to Midland since there isn’t another record store in the area. Locals finally have a place to look for new and old music. The store has a variety of genres to fit everyone’s sound.

Stacey Gentle is a 31-year-old Midland resident who finally doesn’t have to leave town to go to a record store. Gentle says, “I’m super excited, we don’t have a lot of music in the area, we would have to go to Bay City or Saginaw to go to a record store. Now, we have one in the area that’s a couple minutes away.”

Joe Minton, is also a 31-year-old Midland resident who agreed with Gentle. He also added, “It’s a hassle to order online.” Minton doesn’t have to worry about the online struggle anymore.

“I heard of Radio Wasteland because I saw a Facebook event. I have been a collector since I was 14. I got my first pair of turntables around 14 or 15. I like to collect classics and I wanted to see what other records were here,” says, Dan Tuma, a 29-year-old Midland local.

Radio Wasteland is located on 718 George St. in Midland. They are open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone and everyone is welcome to come into the store and browse the counters and share a conversation with the father-daughter duo.

Michiganders celebrated at local film festival @DCPhoebeFries

Phoebe Fries UNIVERSITY CENTER– The Made In Michigan Film Festival will be hosting its eighth annual event Feb. 3-5. The festival will take place in Frankenmuth at the Bronners Performing Arts Center. A total of forty three films will be screened throughout the weekend.

According to the MiMFF website the festival promotes and celebrates independent films exclusively from the state of Michigan.

Jeff Vande Zande, professor at Delta, has attended the Made in Michigan Film Festival before it was in hosted in

Made in Michigan Film festival hosts its 8 annual screening in Frankenmuth the weekend of Feb. 3. (photo courtesy MiMFF)

Caitlin Wejrowski Page Designer

Aubrie Smith Copy Editor J. Max Schofield Videographer/Photographer

Crystal McMorris Advisor

@DCBrandiMiller

Brandi Miller MIDLAND– A father-daughter duo have opened up a record store in the Midland area. Jim and Katie Gleason are co-owners of Radio Wasteland. Customers crowded the store for their debut Jan 13. People couldn’t wait to sift through the different genres of vinyl. “We’ve had a great response from the community and record collectors alike,” says Jim Gleason.

The record store is a recent idea the Gleasons decided to act upon.

They started to move their records into the building about a month ago, just before Christmas. The name came easy because, Jim Gleason was on a radio show called, “Radio Wasteland,” and the name seemed to fit perfectly for the store.

Katie Gleason lives in Auburn, and as of Friday the 13th, at 18 years old she became the co-owner of Radio Wasteland.

Vinyl has made a comeback and Katie Gleason agrees, “It’s a better sound. It’s like a different experience having it in your hands. Digital stuff is so convenient, obviously, I have about 250 some odd songs on my iPod, but it’s fun to listen to it on vinyl, it’s neat.”

Erik Hopkins Reporter Alexandra Keenan Reporter

Brynna Henika Reporter

Customer searches for the next vinyl to add to their collection. (Delta Collegiate/J. Maxim Schofield)

Brandi Miller Reporter

Frankenmuth. The festival’s roots come from Lapeer Michigan. Vande Zande and Mike Randolph, also a professor at Delta, made a short film that was accepted and shown at the festival.

“The favorite aspect for me, it that it’s focused on Michigan filmmakers. To have an entire festival devoted just to Michigan based filmmakers is great” says Zande Vande.

Paul Weiss, program manager for MiMFF says, “We continue to focus on giving Michigan filmmakers a state of the art venue, to come and network and show their craft.”

According to Weiss, viewers can expect a mix of films from shorts to documentaries.

“Friday night we are having a horror night where two feature length films are playing. Saturday there will be shorts with a mix of students filmmakers and seasoned experienced filmmakers. There will also be a block of documentary shorts on Saturday as well. Sunday will showcase a block of student films and a documentary as well,” says Weiss.

Viewers can also attend a panel discussion on Saturday, at the performing arts center, where they can interact with several Michigan filmmakers. The panel will take place at 3 p.m. in the room next to the theater.

“My advice for student filmmakers is that if you have a passion for this, you can succeed. You have to be exposed to the right people to help you navigate through this process. With today’s technology you really can be successful. If you have a passion– just go for it,” says Weiss.

Tickets are $7 per day or weekend passes for Friday $15 and for saturday $10. Weiss is offering Delta students an additional $2 off of the regular price for day passes with presentation of student ID at the ticket booth. For more information about the festival visit http://www. madeinmichiganfilmfestival.org/.

The following incidents were reported to Public Safety

January 5 Public Safety took an identity theft complaint as an assist to Bay County Sheriff Department. The identity theft report was of a suspect falsely applying for unemployment insurance in another person’s name. There have been numerous similar complaints in the area, according to the Bay County Sheriff Department.

January 9 Public Safety took a complaint of wind related damage to the STEM Explorer vehicle. There was no criminal activity.

January 13 Public Safety is investigating a possible check fraud. A student reported that their student loan check was lost and a duplicate check was issued. Both the original and the duplicate check were later cashed.

January 15 Public Safety is investigating a theft of motor vehicle parts from the Vehicle Bullpen. Four tires and rims were stolen from a vehicle.

There have been numerous similar thefts reported in the area and across the State.

January 16 An exceptionally honest person turned in a found wallet containing over $500 to Public Safety. The wallet was later reunited with its very grateful owner.

January 16 Public Safety investigated a hit and run accident that occurred in the Northwest Parking Lot, sometime between 8:45 am and 4:00 pm.

Based upon paint transfer, it appears as though the suspect vehicle was red in color.

“The Alchemist Cookbook”, a horror film, plays on Friday at 6:00p.m. at The Bronners Performing Arts Center. (photo courtesy MiMFF)

Public Safety also responded to five medical condition or accidental injury reports, four parking lot vehicle accident reports and two car/deer accidents on surrounding roadways.

Provided by Chief of Police/Public Safety Director Robert Battinkoff

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2017 / www.deltacollegiate.com

News

STARS buses bring new concepts to transportation Continued from Front Page...

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Bob Schienber of Saginaw sits back and listens to the speakers at Counter Culture in Saginaw Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017 during Isn’t That Illegal?: Donald Trump. The Isn’t That Illegal? event focusing on discussion and debate of the impact of several of President-elect Donald Trump’s proposals. (Delta Collegiate/Josephine Norris)

Isn’t that Illegal? and Donald Trump sparks discussion @DCJosieNorris

JOSIE NORRIS UNIVERSITY CENTER– School, work and relationships can take their toll on a person. Delta College offers personal counseling as well as career and academic counseling in the Counseling and Advising office located in D102.

Ellen B. Waxman, a personal counselor at Delta, is one of the five counselors in the advising office who sees students on a regular basis.

“We offer personal counseling, which is free of charge to our students. But if a student needs more long term counseling, we do refer them to some community agencies or inquire if they have some type of insurance,” says Waxman.

Crisis counseling is also offered to students who are in need of immediate help.

“Say a student has a meltdown in class.

Their instructor may bring them into the office and we would see them right away.

A student may have experienced a break up, maybe they’re failing a class, or maybe someone died in their family– if they’re just not handling it well, we want to assist them. Whoever is available, we make sure someone will speak with them,” says Waxman.

Upon the first visit, patients and counselors sign a consent form which protects the identity of the patient and prevents the release of any information from reaching an outside source. Files are also stored in a confidential cabinet that only the counselors have access to.

Gabby Raines, a sophomore at Delta,

has experienced the struggle of opening up to someone first hand about personal issues she has faced in the past concerning serious health issues.

“Initially I was facing my health problems alone. I had reached a point in my life where I always felt really down.

But when I found someone who was able to understand me and not judge me, it was a huge breakthrough for me,” says Raines.

Raines has sought out counseling from professionals and friends to help her through personal issues.

“Going to see a professional can be awkward for some people, including myself.

But there comes a point when you’re battling something that you can’t keep it bottled up forever. Once you open up to someone, you won’t have to face your problems alone,” says Raines.

Raines also encourages anyone who needs help to find someone they’re close with for an extra support system.

“I think it’s important for everyone to know that they’re not alone. It’s important to find a person in your life who will be able to help guide you through whatever problem you may be facing, whether it’s a mental illness, family issues, or other personal problems,” says Raines.

Waxman encourages all students to seek help when it’s needed.

“I believe there is a stigma about counseling, but counseling is about learning about yourself and understanding the things that motivate and drive you so you can live a happier life,” says Waxman.

Personal counseling services are voluntary and confidential. To schedule a session call Counseling and Advising at (989) 686-9330.

Another program that offers support for students in need is Safe Space which was created to show support for the LGBTQ community, located in A003.

All of Delta’s counselors are required to complete a Safe Space training program and are knowledgeable in concerns for the LGBTQ community.

Jonathan Miller, dean of students, is a strong advocate for the program on campus.

“The goal of Safe Space is to provide our LGBTQ community with a place where they know they can be open and honest about who they are with no repercussions.

There are faculty offices across the college who are Safe Space representatives. A list of faculty can also be found on Delta’s website,” says Miller.

Students with concerns about LGBTQ problems have a safe community at Delta where they can get the reinforcements they need.

“We also have a LGBTQ resource center on campus. Counseling is also offered where they can get help with any topic and some counselors in the advising office are trained in the Safe Space program,” says Miller.

For more information about the LGBTQ Resource Center call (989) 6869865.

Personal counseling offered to Delta students @DC_JessicaS

JESSICA SIEROCKI SAGINAW– Following the election results, there have been several controversial proposals and promises made by Presidentelect Donald Trump, leaving individuals questioning the possibility of the announced plans coming to fruition.

The latest installment of Isn’t that Illegal? at Counter Culter in Saginaw Jan. 10 was a departure from the normal format of free legal training on specific issues such as worker’s rights and dealing with police officers. The evening was formatted as a dialogue between experts and audience members.

Detroit based attorney Jack Schulz has received questions from individuals regarding Trump’s upcoming term and proposals. He organized the event to provide a space for “voicing and organizing different opinions and trying to reason with each other about the more controversial topics brought up by incoming Presidentelect,” said Schulz.

Schulz was joined by speakers Kathleen Garbacz, a Detroit based civil rights attorney, and Cornelius Phelps, a community organizer with the New Ezekiel Project in Saginaw.

The trio sat onstage in front of small crowd of people, leading the discussion regarding cabinet appointees, the media, the proposed Muslim registry, healthcare, student debt, education, and what people can do in response.

Kale Shafer of Saginaw has never attended an Isn’t that Illegal? event before,

but liked the open format and wished that more people from “the other side of the aisle” had come to add differing perspectives to the discussion.

“It’d be great if more people cared this much to come out and even hear other people’s opinion,” Shafer said.

Schulz sees hope for mitigating potentially damaging policy of the incoming Trump administration.

“If pressure’s coming from everywhere, whether it’s his own party, the media, or the opposite (side), I think there’s hope through organizing,” Schulz said.

Garbacz believes that the public should take action by getting involved in the future of their communities, state and the nation though protesting, calling local elected officials, and being aware.

“Pay attention to what’s happening locally because that’s something we can change right now is what’s going on in your community and you can change what’s going on in your state. These things don’t happen overnight,” Said Garbacz.

Garbacz went on to say that First Amendment protects the ability to protest, which can’t be taken away based on the content of the message but rather the conduct. She encourages potential protestors to go through the proper channels for large events and procure the proper permits.

Once at the protest, she explained that the police can’t do much.

“You got the right to be there,” Garbacz said.

ith being in operation from Monday to Friday, passengers are limited to transportation on the weekends making it hard to configure their personal schedules around the restricted bus schedule. They are forced to seek elsewhere for transportation on these busless weekends.

“STARS fixed route services, for the most part, service only the city, and only operate until 7:20 pm. We hope to expand it in the future, but it simply doesn’t cut it right now when it comes to work needs.

The ride to work program covers beyond the city and operates virtually 24/7,” says Steffens.

The new program, Ride to Work, helps employees get to work on time and home safely. By simply putting in a two week work schedule, STARS will guarantee that passengers will find this program very helpful in transportation.

“Operating the ride to work program is the gateway into expanded services on a greater scale. This provides framework for future operations, as well as acclimates residents to seeing public transit as reliable and useful,” says Steffens.

STARS asks, via their website, that users of the program be ready five minutes before arrival time, be ready for pick up, all payments made through PayPal on time, and notify the program when taking a vacation.

For information about route, schedule or special services call (989) 907-4000 or by visiting http://www.saginaw-stars.com/.

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Former EMB professors sue school Continued from Front Page...

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leason contends that these students requested anonymity and despite that, Peruski confirmed their identities to the instructor whose tenure he opposed. Gleason’s suit then claims that he was contacted by five students who had complained to Peruski. These students were allegedly concerned that their privacy rights had been violated and requested counsel from Gleason, specifically asking for information regarding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. According to the U.S. Department of Education, FERPA is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.

After researching FERPA, Gleason claims he reported a suspected violation

by Peruski and the instructor he opposed getting tenure to Delta President Jean Goodnow.

The lawsuit then cites a grievance filed by the professor he opposed getting tenure, in which that instructor claims Gleason encouraged the students to file the complaints against his colleague.

Delta then assembled an Ad Hoc committee to investigate this grievance.

According to Gleason’s suit, the Delta College Senate’s Ad Hoc Committee recommended his termination on June 13, 2016. Gleason believes the firing was in retaliation for his reporting of the possible FERPA violations.

Goodnow had no comment regarding the lawsuits.

The Delta Collegiate has submitted a Freedom of Information Act request for records relevant to the suits, which Delta has responded to with a request for a tenday extension to provide the records.

No trial dates have yet been set. Delta College responded in court documents to Wright’s suit, stating her claims lacked merit. The college had not responded to Gleason’s lawsuit by press time.

Attendees of the Free Computer Clinic drop off their computers to students on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017. (Delta Collegiate/ Allie Keenan

ITS computer club hosts Free PC Repair Clinic ALLIE KEENAN

However, she recommends complying with the police’s requests and worry about fighting it later, unless civil disobedience is planned.

Phelps chimed in and described the option of civil disobedience as “the final battle plan.”

“Unless the issue that you’re addressing is one of extreme consciousness in the hearts and minds of people all over the place, then civil disobedience is only going to get you: one, locked up, two, further disadvantaged and three, a pariah, because it’s very easy to spin up people... into radicals,” Phelps explained.

As moderator, Schulz explained that he doesn’t have all the answers to all the questions facing Americans as the President-elect takes office.

“I’m just one man and that’s the beauty of democracy,” said Schulz. “We all got to figure this stuff out together ‘cause we’re all in it together.”

U NIV ERSIT Y CENTER– The Information Technology & Security Club (ITS) computer club at Delta College is providing free PC Repair Clinics to all individuals that are having any kind of trouble with their PC and electronic devices.

With hosting two Free PC Repair Clinics a month, the members and advisors are ready for whatever issues step through the door.

The ITS computer club helps with problems such as troubleshooting system errors, removing viruses, Spyware and Bloatware, resolving hardware and software errors, upgrades - Windows 8.1 and or Windows 10, evaluate and consult on upgrades, repairs on mobile devices.

On Friday, Jan. 20, students, faculty and the general public flooded through the doors of K110 holding onto their stressful problems with unforeseen solutions.

Faculty Advisor of ITS and Associate Professor of Computer Science and Information Technology, Cynthia Drouse, explained that this program helps everyone from students to the members of the community.

“It’s important to the students and Delta because it provides the students with a way to gain the necessary hand-on

@AllieKeenanDC experience needed to not only become A+ certified, but to become more employable by improving their critical thinking skills in relation to IT support,” says Drouse.

With many people taking advantage of this event, they had many thoughts on the effects that the program provides.

Delta College student, Mitch Hall, explained that, “I already come here so it’s very convenient”.

Anna Roebuck described that, “with having three adolescent children, it [the clinic] helps when you’re financially strapped”.

One of Anna’s sons, Hunter, proclaimed that, “people need these [clinics]!”

The ITS computer club makes it known that they are here to help within a timely matter and are willing to try their best to fix whatever issues come about.

Upcoming dates of other Free PC Repair Clinics provided by the ITS computer club are Friday’s on Jan 27, Feb. 10, Feb. 17, March 17, March 24.

If you are experiencing issues with your PC or electronic devices outside of these clinic dates, you can contact Cynthia at (989) 686-9069.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2017 / www.deltacollegiate.com

arts & entertainment

REVIEW “39 Steps” at Midland Center for the Arts: action packed onstage JOSIEthriller NORRIS MIDLAND– The play, “39 Steps,” is an action packed, comedic adventure reminiscent of an old action Hollywood film brought to Midland Center for the Arts Center Stage Theatre. The play is based on the 1953 film by Alfred Hitchcock, itself an adaptation of the 1915 novel by John Buchan. “39 Steps” is a classic thriller of espionage, adventure, and romance.

The show centers on Richard Hanney, an average Joe who is swept up into the adventure of his life across the Isle of Great Britain in the summer of 1935. A chance encounter with a gorgeous Russian spy leads Hanney on a quest to discover the secret of the “39 Steps” *dun dunn dunnn*, yes that is no exaggeration, every mention of the phrase “the 39 Steps” cues the most dramatic music as a running joke throughout the play.

The most challenging part of performing the play must have been the cast size. Not because it is extraordinarily large, quite the opposite- it is a cast of four. To further add to the challenge, only one of the four plays the same character the entire show, meaning that the other three play numerous roles; often switching characters mid-scene.

The lightning fast character and costume changes add to the high energy performance and nature of the show. It is reminiscent of a child’s game of pretend- transforming from character to character and traveling through time and space.

The multi-purpose and functional set and design utilized as many casters as possible to allow pieces to spin and roll into place with ease. Scenic transitions often were made in mere seconds.

The script is witty and filled with subtle humor, but the moments that got the most laughs were the physical comedy based jokes. The audience roared with laughter over fog filled chase scenes and a man in a dress while moments of more subtle comedy, like the description of Hanney becoming more and more handsome as the police look for him, didn’t have the same reception. The actors picked up on that quickly and seemed to adjust their performance to emphasize the physical comedy.

“39 Steps” *dun dunn dunnn* was an entertaining show that really immersed the audience into the story. The whole production team and cast really stepped up to the challenge of bringing this old Hollywood thriller story to the stage.

REVIEW

Excellency Music Festival hits Bay City

MACAYLA JABLONSKI BAY CITY– As January comes to an end, the staff members at Excellency Music find themselves shuffling in anticipation as the date of their second festival, Excellency Music Festival Winter 2017, creeps up on Feb. 11.

Troy Weiler, owner of Excellency Music, formerly known as Weiler Networks, started being active in the local music scene when his friend Jimmy Campbell, now staff member at Excellency Music, started playing in a band. Weiler and his friends were going to all of Campbell’s gigs, when they came to the realization that they wanted to be more involved in putting on their own shows.

Weiler, his sister Kali, and Campbell started Weiler Networks in October of 2015. In the past year and a half, they have gained 10+ staff members, put together approximately five shows and one previous festival. Excellency Music Festival Winter 2017 will be the first show they put on under their new name.

“The last [Excellency Music Festival] was more metal/ pop-punk, whereas this one will focus on alternative/ pop-punk bands from all around Michigan,” says Campbell.

Picking the bands to play in the festival was a process. Weiler made a list of all the Michigan bands in the alternative, poppunk genre and hand picked them one by one.

“I had a list of like 500 Michigan bands and Midwest bands ranked in what order I wanted to see them. That’s how I picked the five headliners and then I just kept going down on the list and I found a few of the other bands. We looked at other companies who’ve put on shows like Counter Culture, and added them to our list too,” says Weiler.

Excellency Music Festival will feature a main stage and an acoustic stage. Both stages will have bands playing from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“The main stage, we’re like splitting it in half. That was our main thing, is we wanted to have as many bands as possible but bands that we wanted to see at the same time… And having the acoustic stage was honestly more about just showing off more people. You won’t have to be down at the main stage, in the pit all day, you can go chill up by the main door and see someone else play,” says Weiler.

Advanced tickets are $12 and are on sale now online at xlncmusicfest.com/tickets and from bands playing in the festival.

Tickets will be available at the door for $15.

For festival updates and band spotlights, check the Facebook event Excellency Music Festival Winter 2017.

“Hidden Figures” celebrates unsung heroes

JESSICA SIEROCKI

H

idden Figures” is a powerful film about the women who changed the face of NASA by breaking down the gender and skin color barriers of their time.

Katherine Johnson, played by Taraji Henson, was a quiet, intelligent woman who was a whiz with any numbers put in front of her. Watching her life play out on screen was amazing to say the least. After completing an extremely difficult math problem, she pushed her glasses up in a small sign of victory. I may or may not be stealing that later in life.

Her friend Mary Jackson, portrayed by Janelle Monae, was a mathematician and the first African American female engineer. I’m really hoping that the amount of sass Monae brought to her character truly imitated real life. Her attitude, which her friends may have deemed inappropriate at times, was hilarious. She worked so hard to be able to attend a segregated school to become NASA’s first African American female engineer.

Octavia Spencer was not going to be overshadowed. She brought her strong and spunky personality to yet another film when she played Dorothy Vaughan, the first African American woman who was promoted to the head of personnel in the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. Spencer always seems to find herself in roles where she can really let her facial expressions run wild. Her approach to her character was honestly simply stunning.

These three women were an integral part in bringing NASA into a new day and

@DC_JessicaS age, all the while struggling with school, providing for their families and making a name for the intellectual women they worked with. This movie was so cleverly balanced and tugged at the heartstrings of the viewers. I will admit- I did cry- so be prepared. There was romance, but it didn’t overshadow the purpose of these powerful women. It highlighted their hard work and the struggles they faced but also featured their triumphs.

The costume choices accurately represented the time period and was in fact one of my favorite aspects of the film.

The dresses and suits were stylish, yes, but I liked them more because it was a simple way to date the film.

This movie was different from any other I have seen before. It told a story that needed to be shared with the world. The plot wasn’t centered around romance or a struggle against foreign space aliens who have come to enslave mankind. It was real and it made an impact, not just on the big screen but in real life which makes it that much better.

Never before have I felt so invested in a historical film. In fact, I feel a little cheated that I never learned about these women before. I was sitting in the theater and I kept asking myself, “How did I not know this happened?” History teachers everywhere should make a note to start integrating this historical occurrence while teaching about the space race because I would probably have paid more attention in class if that was the case.

Hell’s Half Mile starts the year on high note

@DCJackRech

Jack Rechsteiner BAY CITY– Hell’s Half Mile is entering its 12th year and on Friday, Jan. 20, Bemo’s Bar held the first Indie Music Showcase of 2017. The musical roster of the night consisted of the Mud Suns, the Messenger Birds, and Old Empire.

The Mud Suns are HHM alumni hailing from Chesaning and were welcomed back to Bay City for their first show in more than year. The Messenger Birds and Old Empire, both from Detroit, are two new acts to the HHM lineup. Before the bands even started setting up, music fans and local supporters started packing into the small space at Bemo’s.

"I'm out to see some cool music with good people at a great spot. You can't ask for more from a Friday night," says Daniel Hadd, an attendee of the night's festivities.

In true indie rock fashion, the show started an hour late. As Cole Waterman took the stage and started off the night by introducing Old Empire, the reception from the crowd gave the impression that it was well worth the wait.

A five-piece band featuring a female lead vocalist and a male vocalist with a grunge bleach blond surfer look, Old Empire played a set of songs that was reminiscent of ‘90’s power pop bands like The Cranberries and Goo Goo Dolls. They played the role of opening band well by playing some of the only soft songs of the showcase and cracking bad jokes in between songs at their own expense. By the end of Old Empire’s set their was a warm and friendly tone set for the rest of the night.

The Messenger Birds were next onstage and it would be hard to assume they were a two-piece indie rock band.

“The Messenger Birds is not a rock band.

It's just two guys," says band members Parker Bengry and Chris Williams when

Playing songs like “We Are Dead” and “Imaginary Friends,” the Mud Suns had no problem closing out the night by bringing the house down. (Delta Collegiate/Jack Rechsteiner)

describing the band.

Bengry is the lead vocalist and only guitarist and Williams plays drums while providing backing vocals. Williams took up half the stage with his drum kit and Bengry took the other half setting up a bass amp comboed with a guitar amp and an octave pedal and looper so he could play the part of both lead and bass.

The Messenger Birds played a frenetic set with a mountainous sound. With almost no breaks in between songs, their set was mixture of songs from “The Good Years,” their latest album and their debut album “Everything and Nothing.” Fuzzy and grooving, the Messenger Birds played like The Black Keys if they were a lot more into Rage Against the Machine. Bengry and Williams played together with a synergy that made it easy to forget they were only the two on stage. Music filled the building and even overfilled it, the sonic experience could be heard up and down the block.

"I'm a regular here at Bemo's, so I didn't really know what to expect tonight. I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised. Every band has been rocking and there hasn't been a single song where I wasn't nodding my head along," says Rick Koch.

The Mud Suns wrapped up the night.

The only band of the showcase that had played Bay City before, they had a lot of talent to follow after the two opening bands.

Where the Messenger Birds may have been the loudest band of the night, the Mud Suns were the darkest. Playing songs like “We Are Dead” and “Imaginary Friends,” the Mud Suns had no problem bringing the house down. There were even a few fans in the crowd who helped filled the room with the words they knew.

Chadd Mattison, singer for the Mud Suns, closed out the night saying, "You guys could've ended up anywhere else, and you chose to end up here. Cheers to you Bay City."

Great Lakes Swing Dance Club makes all the right moves @DCJackRech

Jack Rechsteiner SAGINAW– You might not know it, but the Tri-Cities are still foxtrotting their stuff. Every week the Great Lakes Swing Dance Club turns a local venue into a nightly ballroom for a few hours, like a contemporary Cinderella story.

For the last 25 years the swing dance scene has been alive and kicking in Michigan because of the Great Lakes Swing Dance Club, a loosely-knit group of like-minded people who wanted a place where they could get as footloose as they liked. They host dances in locations all over the state, however they have two that meet weekly in the Tri-Cities.

Angela Markle is the primary dance teacher for the Great Lakes Swing Dance Club, but she began teaching dance lessons in 1990 at Saginaw Dance Magic Studio. Markle found herself in the studio unexpectedly after a divorce.

“I was really just looking for something to keep myself busy while I was going through

that time in my life,” Markle says.

She had no prior dance experience, but was welcomed in with open arms because, according to her instructors at Saginaw Dance Magic Studio, she wouldn’t have to unlearn any bad habits. Starting from the basics, Markle went to the studio to learn dance and how to teach dance all day long for five days a week over the span of three months.

After getting her start as an instructor at Saginaw Dance Magic Studio, Markle began teaching with the Great Lakes Swing Dance Club. She had never considered being a serious dancer before she became an instructor at Saginaw Dance Magic Studio, now Markle has been able to make a life out of running her own dance classes for 20 years and counting while teaching the Tri-Cities how to swing.

“It was a dream I had when I was a kid, I grew up watching all the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies, but it was just

a dream. Teaching dance is not something I thought I would do. Now I’ve been at it for 27 years and can’t think of anything else that would make me as happy,” Markle says.

Every Tuesday Markle teaches an hourlong lesson starting at 7 p.m. for dancers of all skill levels at the Serenity Studio and Spa, located at 1600 Midland Rd. in Saginaw Township. The lessons currently focus on the waltz, however the dance changes every six weeks. Starting on Feb. 28 Markle will switch from the waltz to the hustle.

If Tuesday's don’t work or if Saginaw is a bit of a drive, there’s another option to pull out your dancing shoes. The Great Lakes Swing Dance Club makes The Midland SportsZone into an open dance floor every Thursday from the hours of 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a short lesson an hour beforehand taught by Markle. It costs $10 to get in, but drinks and concessions are included with the entry fee.

The start of "This Is Art" @DCJackRech

Jack Rechsteiner

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he Delta Collegiate would like to welcome you to our brand new local art and music installment — This

Is Art. If you’ve ever wondered why we don’t already have a hub for creativity and local art news in our area, This Is Art is here to take care of that need. As you see more of this column in the Collegiate, I’m hoping it’ll be a friendly and familiar space for everything happening with the music and art that’s close to home.

Delta College, and all the places around it, have so much talent worth recognizing. The Tri-Cities are full of musicians, painters, writers, producers, photographers, artists of every kind that are producing great works all the time. We actually have so many active artists that the area has multiple art galleries, multiple performing arts theatres, and multiple music venues. And the best

part is that the people here support it! Every year there are two separate week-long art and music festivals that happen across the Tri-Cities and every year crowds of people turnout for them.

We’re fortunate enough to have all of this happening near us, but there’s also a lot of untapped potential out there. This Is Art plans to bring those two things together: the undiscovered artist and the local scene we already have established. The goal of This Is Art is to be a creative collective that connects people with art news and with each other as well as being a scrapbook of artist spotlights, show announcements, and a place for you to see your own work in print.

More than anything I want to work together to help the art community grow.

This Is Art should feel like it’s your space just as much as it is mine. This column is a public, all-inclusive, hands-on space. I’ll

be doing my best to cover all the Tri-Cities has to offer, but please, if you are an artist looking for an outlet or you know someone who is, if you’re involved with something exciting happening, or if you just have something you want to talk about — get in touch! I want to hear from you!

Don’t worry — this should be the only time I’m talking so much about the column, every other installment will be focused on our local art and also on you! I want to feature the things you want to see. Because I hope that This Is Art will be more of a community than a column, I thought it made sense to take time to have this first issue be something of an introduction.

If you have any questions, suggestions, ideas, or submissions, you can send them all to ThisIsArtCollective@gmail.com. You can also talk to us and get connected with updates in between Collegiate issues at @ DCJackRech.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2017 / www.deltacollegiate.com

SPORTS

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COLLEGIATE COMMENTARY

Collegiate NFL Regular Season Awards ADAM PRZESLAK

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The Delta College Men's Basketball team raise their arms in a huddle during halftime of the Delta vs. Oakland Community College basketball game on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017. Oakland won, 74-64. (Delta Collegiate/Josephine Norris)

Back-to-back basketball games; a win for Delta women's team, a loss for men's LOGAN MILLER UNIVERSITY CENTER– The Delta women’s basketball team matched up against Oakland Wednesday, Jan. 11.

They won the game 73-67. It was a rowdy, competitive game throughout. The crowd was very much into it, calling for fouls and traveling.

The leading scorers for the Lady Pioneers were Harmany Williams with 10, Jenna Szostak 10, and Lauren Rodgers with 15 points to lead all Delta players.

It was a strong finish for the team, ending on a solid run in the last eight or so minutes. They led 66-60 with three minutes remaining in the game. Oakland was in the bonus for much of the fourth quarter, but their inability to capitalize from the charity stripe sealed their fate.

“It definitely wasn’t the game plan. We were trying to get the Oakland players to foul out of the game,” said Rachel Briggs,

freshman point guard for Delta.

“It wasn’t a very good win, honestly. We just have to go after each other more in practice. We’re all best friends, so the overall team chemistry is good,” said Briggs.

The Lady Pioneers are now two games above .500 with a solid 8-6 record overall for the season. Their next matchup is an away game on Wed, Jan. 18 against Mott Community College.

The Delta men's basketball team played against the raiders as well, losing to them 64-74. Delta started out a bit slow with the Raiders taking an early 6-0 lead. They picked up the pace, however, and made it a competitive game until around halfway through the fourth quarter.

They had some foul trouble early on in the contest. They had two offensive fouls close together in one quarter. They also seemed to have trouble covering the perimeter early

on. The Raiders team made three 3-pointers to start the game, going ahead 9-0.

Delta came back quickly and made it 14-17 with 10:30 left in 1st, Pioneers down by three.

“I’d say that we have to improve in boxing out and making our free throws,” said Andrew Miller, a sophomore guard for the men's team.

The coaching staff thought they executed very good in some areas, despite the loss.

“We did a lot well, had good camaraderie, stuck shooters on the defensive side of the ball. We’ve got to improve on rebounding and getting better at the free throw line,” said Assistant Coach Hamm.

The Delta men’s basketball team are floating around an even .500 record. They play next in an away game against Mott Community College on Wed, Jan. 18.

rom the reinstatement of Tom Brady’s punishments for deflategate to the National Anthem kneel protests this NFL season has surely been a unique one.

During an NFL season already flooded with off the field drama and storylines, we often forget about the stars of the sport that shone and those that did not shine the brightest not during the playoffs, but during the regular season. While we await the results of the playoffs to discover which two teams will face off in Super Bowl LI, we at the Collegiate, have decided to reflect back on the 2016 season by handing out a few awards to some notable players and teams.

MVP Award – Matt Ryan The most valuable player award is given to a player that is the glue that holds their team together. They are the star that gives their team the extra boost to ascend into the next tier and Matt Ryan is exactly that.

With a fairly good supporting cast to back him up in Atlanta he was given the proper weapons to have a great 2016 season. He also had the highest total quarterback rating this season, most yards per attempt, and the second most touchdown passes of the regular season. I’m sure you’re asking, “But Adam, why not a big star quarterback as the MVP like Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady?”

Well, we’ve come to expect that high caliber level of play from Rodgers and his superb wide receivers and running backs. As for Brady it is as simple as he missed four games this season because of deflategate. I don’t believe he should be the MVP of the season if you didn’t even play the whole season.

Offensive Player of the Year – Ezekiel Elliot In my mind this was no competition whatsoever. This Ohio State rookie had a dominant first year playing for the Cowboys.

Elliot stood out as the offensive player of the year because he not only recorded one of the best seasons for a rookie running back ever but he demolished other veteran RBs in the process. He was number one in the league for rushing yards, rushing first downs and rushing yards per game. The

@DCadamprzeslak only RB to ever rush for more than Elliot, who chalked up 1,631 yards, in their rookie season was Eric Dickerson with 1,808 yards.

Elliot has a strong and present offensive line to thank for a lot of his success. Although you could say any RB could be successful behind a great O-line it would be hard to get such an amazing season out of them similar to Elliot’s.

Defensive Player of the Year – Kalil Mack Now this might be my bias talking, as I played defensive line in high school, but I think a strong defensive line can put a team’s defense on a whole other level of aggressiveness. While all defensive positions are difficult it is the big guys up front who get the smallest amount of credit while facing the biggest obstacles. Kalil Mack, one of the biggest standouts of all defensive line players this season, gets my nod for defensive player of the year. The Raiders defensive end tallied up a total 73 combined tackles and 11 sacks. He puts on an unrivaled defensive spectacle when on the field and is much deserving of this award.

Tough Luck Award (Team) – Cleveland Browns Browns fans did not watch their team progress throughout the season, they did not watch their team win, nor did they watch their team do anything relatively good it seems like. They received a Christmas miracle of sorts on Dec. 24 when the Browns finally got their first win, a week before playing their last game against the Chargers. The Browns ended their 2016 season with a 1-15 record and featured a rotation of three starting quarterbacks throughout the season. Things looked up in the preseason as Robert Griffin III decided to sign with Cleveland. The upturn did not last long though. Robert Griffin III went down after the week one game against the Eagles. As a Lions’ fan who experienced the 0-16 season, I think the Browns deserve some type of award for at least not losing them all.

COLLEGIATE COMMENTARY

What the Lions could add through the 2017 draft

LOGAN MILLER

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Delta's Chelsea Casper works to keep the ball from Oakland's Ariyana Jordan during the Delta vs. Oakland Community College basketball game on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017. Delta won the game 73-67. (Delta Collegiate/Josephine Norris)

Delta's Devin Smith attempts a dunk during the Delta vs. Oakland basketball game.

(Delta Collegiate/Josephine Norris)

Soulja Boy and Chris Brown to settle differences in boxing match @DCadamprzeslak

ADAM PRZESLAK

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usicians Chris Brown and Soulja Boy plan to fight each other in a boxing match that will be shown on pay per view live from Dubai, UAE. The two rappers have been feuding with each other since Soulja Boy liked one of Brown’s ex-girlfriend’s Instagram photos and Brown then supposedly threatened Soulja Boy. The alleged altercation led to a series of insult videos, diss tracks and social media rants from both parties. Brown then proposed through an online video that the two stars settle their escalating dispute in the boxing ring. Soulja Boy then accepted and the fight has been in the works since

early January.

Celebrities in the music and boxing worlds have stepped forward to give their word on the fight. Soulja Boy recruited former world champion turned boxing promoter Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather to be his trainer for the bout. While rapper 50 Cent threw his two cents in on the fight when he took Brown’s side and claimed to have placed a $100,000 bet on him to win.

50 Cent also suggested on an Instagram post that Mayweather’s boxing promotion, Mayweather Promotions, should promote the fight. 50 Cent aided Brown in getting former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson

to help train him for the fight as well as trash talk Brown’s opponent.

Brown has an actual history in boxing and kickboxing as videos of him training surface on the internet in recent years.

Las Vegas was the original desired location for the fight but because of certain restrictions and rules about fights that take place in the United States the fight was moved to a foreign city.

The pay per view is still in the works and a date has yet to be set in stone. Soulja Boy has only gone on record as saying that it will be soon.

he Detroit Lions need more than On the defensive side of the ball, a just one or two pieces to become defensive tackle that can rush passers a legitimate contender in their would help to put more pressure on division or to sustain a deep playoff run. opposing offenses. The big winner in this They need an improved offensive line and department, at least in the 2017 draft, is at least one or more pass rushers on the interior defensive lineman Jonathan Allen. defensive line. They also need a running He’s an elite defensive big man out of back, although last season's college Alabama, ranking among the top players standouts may not be available for Detroit in pass-rush productivity in college. if they’re taken early in the draft.

Malik McDowell is another great The running game isn’t as important interior defensive lineman that could be in the modern NFL as it has been in the an option for the Lions. He will likely fall past. There could be multiple reasons for much farther down the draft board than why it isn’t as prominent these days. There Allen. Out of Michigan, McDowell had an could simply be a deficit of talented running incredible start to his season with Michigan backs available or willing to play in the State. Scouts say he has a ton of potential NFL. It also may come down to preference. to be explosive in the interior.

Coaches might see an advantage of grabbing The last prospect that I think could momentum and be a solid fit scoring quickly for Detroit "If Detroit is going to consistently through quick, is local win, they've got to have a stronger consecutive player Jabrill offensive line to allocate Stafford pass plays.

Peppers out the time to operate in the pocket” I would say of Michigan.

-Logan Miller that there’s He’s a unique also a surplus of athlete, able quarterback talent in the NFL. Matthew to play multiple roles, though he’s mostly a Stafford is one of the top players at his defensive player. Scouts are concerned about position. If Detroit is going to consistently his smaller size and the potential struggles win, they’ve got to have a stronger offensive he may have being able to shed blocks in the line to allocate Stafford the time to operate NFL. He’s undoubtedly an elite athlete and in the pocket and survey the field. Detroit could help the Lions defense become more has a variety of unique wide receivers for versatile if he improves in pass coverage.

Stafford to pick and choose from, but not Overall, there are quite a few prospects enough time for him to be able decide and in the 2017 NFL draft that could help the allow the receivers to fully run their routes. Detroit Lions right out of the gate. There Ryan Ramczyk, an offensive tackle isn’t a dramatic, franchise-altering pick for Wisconsin, could be a very valuable this year, as Detroit has their franchise draft pick to select late in the first round, quarterback and a solid crew of wide depending on where Detroit lands on the receivers already. The 2017 draft should draft board. In 12 games, Ramczyk didn’t be used to fill out the defense and acquire give up a single sack on the quarterback. better talent on the offensive line, pieces Ramczyk is also excellent at run blocks, that can be strong units in Detroit’s future. which could help open up better holes for present or future running backs.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2017 / www.deltacollegiate.com

OPINION

We don’t need another

Fighting to defend democracy O n Wednesday Jan. 11, President Donald Trump held his first press conference since

(Delta Collegiate/Caitlin Wejrowski)

LOGAN MILLER

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isney remakes aren’t necessary in 100 million dollar budget and made 94.1 today’s animation boom. Animated million in box office returns. In other movies are some of the most words, it was a complete and utter failure. popular and highest-grossing movies of Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” any genre. Disney and Pixar studios have made 181 million in its opening weekend both shown that people will come out and alone. see original animated movies just as much No one, spare your cranky uncle as remakes or retreads. obsessed with the technicolor films of the “Moana,” a Disney film, has made past, wanted a “Ben-Hur” remake. And 406 million dollars at the box office since even your uncle probably decided to just being released in Nov. 2016. It’s both an stay at home and watch his grainy VHS original and hugely successful commercial copy of the 1956 Ben-hur instead. He could film. Animated movies are, in general, aimed towards bringing young kids and their "Remaking a sappy, sentimental, and parents out to the theater. borderline corny romance tale An eight-year-old girl’s eyes aren’t going to light up would put Disney studios another in excitement about a “Beauty tier below the competition.” and the Beast” remake any more than they would to

-Logan Miller see “Moana” or “The Lego Movie.” The original “Beauty and the Beast” was released in 1991, older than most of the target audience of a modern animated get a new hip replacement instead with the movie. crazy cost of popcorn these days.

Live action movies have a bit more Animated movies don’t have nearly as of an excuse to remake or reboot a classic much risk to them as live action movies franchise. Studios allocate so much time do. A shot-in-the-dark, off beat project, no and resources that they want to be assured matter how poor the reviews, will still make that they’ll get a return on investment. Live its money back very easily. If it’s colorful, action movies also have more potential puny, fast-paced, and easily digestible, to fail due to the cost of marquee actors, parents will take their kids to see it on a camera crews and expensive, explosive rainy Saturday afternoon. action sequences.

The 2015 animated movie “Minions,” “Ben-Hur,” for example, an epic 1959 for example, was a critical bomb. The classic with a 15.2 million budget, was central characters were yellow, gibberishremade in 2016. You probably didn’t even speaking tic-tacs, and yet it still grossed a know that, right? The 2016 remake had a ridiculous 1.159 billion at the box office.

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“Moana” introduced a new type of conversation about what a modern Disney film can be. The damsel-in-distress storyline involving a swashbuckling male hero rescuing a beautiful princess is and has been deemed to be outdated and overdone.

The filmmakers behind “Moana” decided to take a fresh approach to that old archetype, hitting the delete button and completely eliminating a male love interest from the storyline.

“Beauty and the Beast” is a classic story and I won’t go so far as to say that it would be controversial in 2017, though I wouldn’t count that out. It’s an antiquated, well-worn formula: an ugly, beastly outcast saved from eternal loneliness by a sympathetic and gorgeous woman. It’s a fantasy animated film, not a documentary.

By moving forward with the project, the animation genre, specifically Disney, does take a definite step back in terms of quality.

Pixar studios has set the standard very high with movies such as “Toy Story,” “Wall-E,” and “The Incredibles.” Remaking a sappy, sentimental, and borderline corny romance tale would put Disney studios another tier below the competition.

Disney has already been Pixar’s average little brother for the past fifteen years, never quite as rock solid as the unf linchingly consistent Pixar films.

Disney won’t be catching up to Pixar any time soon by just milking the greatness of their golden age films and serving it up as fresh to audiences. It has the bad aftertaste of both a creative drought and of shameless corporate greed.

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the election. During the conference, Trump shut down a CNN reporter claiming that the organization is “terrible.”The incident was in regards to a story CNN broke about Trumps relationship with Russia. The news organization questioned the alleged hold that Russia may have over Trump. The story dissected several ties Trump has had with Russia in the past. Trump denied all claims of any financial tie to the country.

“Russia has never tried to use leverage over me. I have nothing to do with Russiano deals, no loans, no nothing,” Trump tweeted.

Democracy is safeguarded by the practice of an informed people. To be informed, citizens need a source of news that is unbiased to political and social issues.

The first amendment of the Constitution provides American journalists the freedom and protection to inform the people and question the government. Without the ability to provide the people with information and the right to question decisions the government makes, democracy cannot exist.

The job of the press is not to judge right and wrong, but to provide people with information as it happens. When word broke out about Trumps possible ties to Russia, the organization released a story to inform citizens about the alleged connection sourced from the operations and investigations that the CIA was performing.

The press conference intensified when Trump refused to let the CNN reporter ask a question following his speech. The reporter repeatedly asked Trump for a question, however was shut down each time.

“I am not going to give you a question.

You are fake news,” said Trump.

The shutdown of the media and journalists should be a major red f lag.

Trumps refusal to let CNN ask a question, after he called the organization out, is startling considering he is sitting in the highest seat in our nation. Journalism is not about making people look good to the public, it is about informing people about what is going on, the good and the bad.

CNN released the allegations because it is important for citizens to be informed

and educated about the operations of our government.

CNN and Trump have not had the best relationship. However, the news organization does attempt to stay unbiased towards him. Recently they released several articles addressing Trump’s cabinet. They spoke about his plan to broaden racial diversity amongst the remaining positions and his plan to look at individuals for their experience rather than focusing on skin color. The news organization does try to even the playing field because their job is to simply inform the public, not try to sell anything to the people.

Trump’s disregard for CNN should be considered a threat to journalism as a whole.

When the President-elect refuses to address the media, who are direct reflections of the people, he refuses to address concerns from citizens as well. The media is simply a medium. CNN is a direct connection from the government to the people, without that connection the people are not and will not be informed.

Meryl Streep used part of her speech at the Golden Globes to voice her concerns about the future for journalism.

“We need the principled press to hold power to account. That’s why our founders enshrined the press and its freedoms in our Constitution. So I only ask the famously well healed Hollywood Foreign Press and all of us in our community to join me in supporting the committee to protect journalists. We will need them going forward, and they will need us, to safeguard the truth,” stated Streep.

When one organization is shut down, the next must stand behind them. In order to protect the values our founding fathers created for our nation, journalists have to find solidarity. The next time Trump, or anyone for that matter, decides to shut down a specific news source, the following organization called on should ask the exact same question.

All parties lose if one voice is silenced.

Journalism is more than information and facts. Journalism is the understanding and questioning of our government, the glue that holds our nation together and the way American citizens see the world. Journalism is freedom and that freedom needs to be protected, voiced and projected by every citizen in the nation.

PERSPECTIVES TRUMP ON TWITTER

President-elect involved in a different type of war

Donald Trump reaches many with just 140-characters

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Allie Keenan

@AllieKeenanDC

onald Trump uses the social networking site, Twitter, as a free way to get the word out on what he is thinking the moment it pops into his head. With using social media sites as an effective way to reach a large audience, people can then use the information given to reach an ultimate goal being asked. Trump being in the public eye for many years, he needs to reach individuals as soon as possible with no misunderstanding on what needs to be done.

Although there is a Twitter page already set up for the current president, @POTUS, it lacks the number of followers that Donald J. Trump has on his own personal page, @realDonaldTrump. Former president Barack Obama currently has 13.4 million followers while current President Donald Trump has 19.9 million followers.

With there being no one to edit these easily accessible tweets, many are left having their own opinion on what is acceptable and what is not.

Looking back at previous president’s campaign style, it is easy to see how peculiar Donald Trump’s approach really was. Although he may have lost the popular vote, he got his name out to the votes that counted the most.

Trump spent most of his time campaigning in the states that had a large number of electoral votes. He let the public know of any upcoming dates and times that he would be campaigning by simply tweeting out to his followers this information.

This method can be used for many different events in the future of Trump’s presidency by allowing him to address the public quickly, efficiently, and without any filters. Allowing Trump to speak his mind is a great way to understand the everyday emotions that a man in power may experience. By letting the president have this much freedom, the public can engage in what needs to be done and what a community needs to accomplish to better a certain situation.

Donald J. Trump is very outspoken spoken and believes that he can change this country for the better.

Through use of free social media sites, he can accomplish his endeavors much more efficiently and the word can get to more people than ever imagined. His declared frustrations on what the media may be reporting incorrectly is understandable considering how much he relies on the many outlets to get the word out about ongoing issues.

While other presidential candidates took a much safer approach to campaigning such as television commercials, music events and propaganda, Trump went with a low cost, high risk and very effective way of social media networking. Followers can get up-to-date access as to where the president is 24/7 along with anything that he needs the public to do. Donald Trump utilized his resources extremely well and continues to strive to save money all while reaching a nationwide audience.

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Jessica Sierocki

@DC_JessicaS

rump is as active on Twitter as a teenage girl who just went through a breakup, and his most notorious tweets have left a sour taste in my mouth. It’s no secret that Trump likes to speak his mind, but when he starts Twitter wars with celebrities, well that just seems highly unprofessional to me.

Let us not forget when he commented on Hillary Clinton’s marriage. “If Hillary Clinton can’t satisfy her husband what makes her think she can satisfy America?”

Or how about that time he insulted Hillary Clinton and essentially every woman who has a menstration period. “@HillaryClinton there must be blood coming out of your whatever! The wall jus got 10 feet higher!”

All praise “Modern Family” writer Danny Zuker, who clapped back when Trump posted, “Just tried watching Modern Family - written by a moron, really boring. Writer has the mind of a very dumb and backward child. Sorry Danny?”

In response, Zuker replied, “@realDonaldTrump doesn’t like the show I work on but then we’ve never tested well with the racist, hypocritical, multiple bankruptcy demo.”

And we all heard about the last tweet after the Golden Globes aired. The first tweet out of three read “Meryl Streep, one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood, doesn’t know me but attacked last night at the Golden Globes. She is a…..” Tell me if I’m wrong, but Trump just attacked Streep and the difference between the two is that Trump used her name while Streep kept it anonymous.

I’ve seen some funny responses to his tweets, one of my favorites being, “lol. @realDonaldTrump just lost what ever credibility he had left. (Which wasn't very much),” from @kylehanagami. These can be seen as funny, and at first glance they are.

I would feel more comfortable if the man who is going to run our country wouldn’t pick petty fights with other people behind his phone screen just because he didn’t like their opinion of him. However, I have to remember that it’s his Twitter and just like everyone else, he should be able to post whatever he wants.

However that doesn’t mean he should.

There’s always going to be someone somewhere who won’t like Trump, and there’s always going to be people that Trump himself does not care for. That’s just being human, and as humans, we need to respect each other’s opinion. It would just impress me more if Trump would take the higher road and instead of bashing these celebrity opinions and choose to ignore them.

Whether we like it or not, Trump will be in the highest position one can be in the United States.Trump I’m sincerely hoping that once he is president, he will keep the @POTUS account free of any petty fights.

In fact, he should just save us all a headache and retire from Twitter altogether. One can dream.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2017 / www.deltacollegiate.com

COLLEGIATE LIFE

Delta student places third in statewide LAND contest

@DC_JessicaS

Jessica Sierocki

GUEST COLUMN Mary Harding, the Delta College Foundation

Below is Carlton’s winning poem “bulletproof.” bulletproof i speak in waves which drown you and i rise up like mountain ranges that want to tower.

April Carlton, 19, submitted her poem “bulletproof” to the LAND writing contest and placed third at the statewide level. (Delta Collegiate/Jessica Sierocki)

UNIVERSITY CENTER– Delta student and Saginaw native, April Carlton, was awarded for her way with words when she submitted her poem “bulletproof ” to the LAND writing contest. Her poem placed third overall at the state level.

Carlton entered the contest after seeing fliers around Delta. She didn’t have any expectations of placing in the top three.

“When I won the local level, I was surprised. I didn’t expect that at all. And when I won at the state level, it was around eight at night and I checked my email. I saw I won and thought, ‘I won? I won!’ After that I cried a little bit because I was just really shocked,” says Carlton.

The LAND contest is a writing contest for students enrolled in community colleges across the state of Michigan. Entries in the categories of short fiction, prose and poetry are first judged at a local submission level before the first and second place winners are sent to the statewide level.

“I actually forgot about the contest. But an hour before the deadline I chose three poems and submitted them and one of them actually made it in,” says Carlton.

Carlton decided to submit her poems

after seeing there was a prize for works that placed top three in their respective categories.

“At the local level of the competition I won second place,” says Carlton.

Her winning poem was inspired from a quirky source.

“I had a poetry class and geology class last semester. We were learning about mountain ranges and I just turned my words into a poem,” says Carlton.

Carlton’s poem will be published in pamphlets by the LAND organization and distributed to community colleges throughout Michigan as well as being published in an online journal.

“It feels good to have something published. I didn’t feel that poem was the best one I had but to know that it got picked makes me feel really good. I’m still writing poetry and I’ll probably enter more contests in the future, and I’m even thinking of going on to publish more of my work,” says Carlton.

She will be presented a certificate of merit for her achievement and a $50 prize at the annual LAND Conference this February in Muskegon.

raindrops fall from my lips and i conjure up a storm from my mouth i shake like thunder in reprise the spark of lightning in my eyes i speak in bullets because i am afraid of being too sheltered too protected. my words ricochet. i can only hope that you are bulletproof and that you can find shelter from my hellish storm and that you are able to rise above my crashing waves.

HUMDINGERS

Time to apply for a scholarship for next academic year

W

ho doesn’t need more money?

Most of us do, so here is your chance to get some cash to assist with college expenses. Delta College’s Foundation Office is now accepting online scholarship applications until February 22, so don’t miss out!

The process is quite painless. Simply go to www.delta.edu and click on the “Apply for Scholarships” link. After reading the instructions that apply to you, click on the right side of the page. The application will appear for you to complete. There are two essay questions students must answer. Those answers will be rated by volunteers, and they will base points on content, grammar and punctuation, and meeting the minimum word count.

Students don’t need to be concerned with which scholarships they qualify for because the software will do that job for them.

You don’t have to have a really high grade point average or have applied for FAFSA, although we encourage both. You fill out the application, and we will do the rest!

Some scholarships are “recommended scholarships” and require additional information, but those are optional. Each student can only receive one scholarship, but that scholarship is worth $1,000, if you are a full-time student.

Don’t delay, apply for a scholarship today! Approximately 500 students receive a scholarship each year, make sure you are one of them!

If you have any questions, contact Mary Harding at (989) 686-9226 or Becky Barber at (989) 686-9224 in the Foundation Office.

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Life Hacks from the Collegiate

Jessica Sierocki

I

’m back at it again to give you tips to make your life easier with these simple and affordable life hacks for every situation.

Technology Hacks

•

Do you have extra sticky notes lying around? Don’t throw them away before using the sticky top to clean out your computer keyboard.

The dust and crumbs (let’s face it, eating makes studying a little more bearable) will attach to the note in one simple swipe!

•

Sometimes it’s pretty easy to erase a text message while typing on an iPhone. Instead of wasting more time retyping the same words, lightly shake your phone side-to-side until the message “Undo Typing” shows up. Simply click “Undo” and your message should show up again.

•

Don’t use one of your favorite songs as your alarm to wake up in the morning if your alarm is on your phone. After a few days, you’ll start to hate it. Use a default sound instead. At least if you hate it, it’s the only time you’ll ever have to hear it again.

Food Hacks

•

Have a finicky jar to open but no one is around to help take it off? Put a few rubber bands around the lid for a better grip and it’ll pop right off.

•

If you want to make a warm drink cold fast, wet a paper towel, wrap it around the can or bottle and stick it in the freezer for five to ten minutes.

•

Tea bags are a great way to freshen up a smelly room. Placing a few dry tea bags around your room absorbs the unwanted smells. Baking soda is also notorious for absorbing unwanted smells in your refrigerator.

Clothing Hacks

(Delta Collegiate/Gabe French)

•

Working out can get pretty sweaty and sometimes our deodorant ends up on our shirts. It happens to everyone, but do you know how to save your shirt? Rub a dryer sheet over the stained area and the deodorant should come out with no problem!

•

No need to break out the sewing kit!

Before a button’s thread unravels, put clear nail polish over the button’s thread and use it as a discreet but effective glue.

•

Brand new blue jeans can rub off their color on other clothes while in the washer. To set the dye, wash jeans separately first with a tablespoon of salt.

Ode to monogamy: I don’t know what I’m doing @DCAubrieSmith

AUBRIE SMITH

I

've never considered myself a jealous person

That was, until someone took it too far.

Once upon a time, I was a chill girlfriend. I didn't care who hung out with who, how much you texted me, how many close friends were of the opposite gender, etc. I lived under the philosophy: if you wanted to be with me, you would be; If you didn't, you wouldn't.

Then, I met my ex. He was an attractive male with attractive exes. One in particular, that he was pretty keen on being best friends with. He talked about her all the time, hung out with her daily and let me know very early that he would chose her over me if it came down to it.

It quickly became too much.

Because he let me know my place so early on, he tended to make me feel in the wrong when any emotions about the situations would creep up. I was stuck between: am I becoming overly jealous, is he right? And this isn't how someone is supposed to be treated.

After many fights, tears and hard times, my relationship with my ex came to an end (obviously). I felt defeated. Like it was my fault for being too emotional.

Now, I sit in the same spot.

When tinder-boy and I first started

dating, we seemed to be on the same page. He read them to me. She was drunk, she We even bonded over a common idea: missed him and I broke. exes can only be friends if their one ex I poured my heart out, got mad, got sad removed. It became a joke; almost a rule. and then told him I just couldn't do it.

However, as time went on, and our true He looked at me, and told me that I was selves became revealed, I realized that his more important; for a second, I actually best friend was an ex. One that he has just believed him. recently gotten out of a relationship with.

Things seemed to get better from The kicker? They lived together. there. He was on his phone less, he So, for weeks I dealt with their phone unfollowed her on Twitter and cut all calls, Facetime chats and constant texting. mobile connection. He was more invested I lived with in my life and less seeing her of hers.

"If you're the jealous one in your name pop up He chose me. relationship, take a step back. Will on his phone She continues the pressure matter tomorrow? when he met to Snapchat him Will it really break you?" my parents, and text him and when he occasionally. One would text day, he went to her right after waking up in the morning. reply. I'm not sure where the confidence Sure, I said something. But I was scared erupted from, but I interjected. I didn't that history was repeating itself, and that I want him to open that door--to let her would just kill this relationship too-- that back in. I knew if he did then I would it was my fault for. never win again.

I want to make one point very clear and He told me I was right, that it would say that he was open with me about all be pointless to reply. of it. I have never once gone through his Tonight, laying in bed, he got a text phone. In fact, I haven't gone through a from her. Jokingly (because it happens boyfriend’s phone since I was an insecure high-schooler stuck in month-long often) I asked what she said. relationships.

He sighed and told me that they'd been One night, she texted him 11 times. talking.

[

]

So now I lay here, wondering. Do I go to bed mad, or fight? Do I try, or give up?

Am I the jealous one? Am I too much?

Or am I in the right? Is a relationship that started two months ago supposed to be this hard?

Again, I feel defeated.

How to deal with being a jealous girlfriend: I have absolutely no idea.

I often relationship under the philosophy that communication is key, but when does the repetition of one specific conversation become too much?

After some self-reflection, I’ve realized that I’m making his ex the forbidden fruit.

Maybe I should drop the conversation and see how it affects tinder-boy as a whole.

If you’re the jealous one in your relationship, take a step back. Will the pressure matter tomorrow? Will it really break you? If the answers are yes, then maybe it’s something worth bringing up one final time.

If not, then maybe it’s time to embrace the positives instead of the negatives, as I’ve done.

This column isn’t about the right and wrong ways to relationship, it’s the stories, emotions and understanding that people are going through similar things. I’m an honest monogamous, not an ominous one.

General Life Hacks •

We’ve all lost something before, especially when we’re in a hurry.

When you lose an item, find it and keep it in the first place you looked for it instead of where it actually was. That way, it’ll be in the place you think it is and erase unnecessary stress from your life.

•

If you’re outside and hear the buzzing of bees, never fear! A few spritzes of hairspray towards the bees should immobilize them so you can enjoy the rest of your day.

Did these life hacks work for you? Do have any questions about how to make something in your life easier or have a life hack you want shared with the students at Delta? Let us know by sending us an email at deltacollegiate@gmail.com. *These hacks are brought to you by “2017’s Life Hack Calendar” published

by Andrews McMeel Publishing

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2017 / www.deltacollegiate.com