Volume 64.2
The
Erie Square Gazette A public forum by and for the students of St. Clair County Community College
February
13 2014
St. Clair County comes together for children’s charity 58th Annual Jail & Bail for March of Dimes
Fort Gratiot Middle school students await their sentencing at Jail and Bail.
Kimberley Dunkin Staff Writer Fighting birth defects and premature birth since 1957, the March of Dimes organization held one of its many fundraising events Saturday at the Port Huron Masonic Temple. Our community joined together for the 58th annual Jail & Bail to raise money for the cause. The March of Dimes previously arranged a volunteer judge, volunteer prisoners and what they like to call “Keystone Cops” for the Jail & Bail event. The “jailbirds” came before the judge on peculiar charges such as pranking their friends too much and reckless golf-cart driving. They were then sentenced in the “jail cell” for some time while people called in to post bail for
them, raising money to donate to the organization. Port Huron, being the only city in Michigan who participates in Jail & Bail, received tons of support from our county. People of all ages came to support the event this past weekend with enthusiasm to help out. One volunteer, Daniel E. Burtch, made the Jail & Bail of 2014 his 19th time attending and raising 7,103.85 dollars over the years. Burtch says, “What’s best about this organization in our county is that the money we raise stays right here in St. Clair County.” Daniel Burtch feels the big party all day long for the event is just a bonus to the great feeling of helping for birth defects with premature babies. The event was a real
Photo by: Gregory Garofalo.
community effort, many community officials volunteered to show support for the event, including St. Clair County Prosecutor Mike Wendling. Wending volunteered as the events prosocuter, conversing with the “prisoners” as they were pleading their impractical cases in front of the judge. He said, “The goal of this event is to involve as many people in this community in the March of Dimes program as possible.” Wendling also admits he has been volunteering since he was 14 years old with his mother and has continued since, as many of the other prosecutors are involved too its something he enjoys doing. Not only was there a plethora of volunteers but the staff
seemed to be vastly enumerated too. Sarah Zimmer is one of the newest members of the March of Dimes team as of January. “I grew up volunteering in St. Clair my whole life and knew the March of Dimes program was something I wanted to be involved in. It all starts with healthy babies,” said Zimmer. “I love healthy babies!” A few clubs came for the event as well, including: the leadership club from Port Huron Northern High School and athletic teams as well. Along with some other community leaders and everyday people hoping to help make a difference. Everyone involved had positive feedback about the event. Safe to say the 58th annual Jail & Bail was a great success for the March of Dimes.
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Calendar
Editor-in-Chief
Erick Fredendall Production Editor/Designer Zack Penzien Assistant Production Editor Emily Mainguy Managing Editor Greg Garofalo Copy Editor Angie Stoecklin Photo Editor Liz Whittemore Sports Editor Brendan Buffa Business Editor Brian Heidt Adviser John Lusk ESG Contact Info: Email: eriesquaregazette@gmail.com
Campus
Community
Feb. 13 - Board of Trustees Meeting 4:30-6 p.m. - MTEC Building room 150
Feb. 14 - Port Sanilac’s Heartbreaker Ball - Bark Shanty Sail Club - 6:30 p.m
Feb. 15 - Music: Winter Fest McMorran - 7-9 p.m. Tickets: $7 Adults, Free for students with their Skippers OneCard and K-12 accompained by an adult.
Feb. 20 - “The Thomason Family Band” Noon & 7 p.m. - Fine Arts Theatre Part of the Noon and Night Concert Series.
Sports
Men’s Basketball Feb. 15– Delta College* - 3 p.m. Feb. 19–Schoolcraft College*-7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 – Henry Ford CC*- 3 p.m. Feb. 24 – Macomb CC* - 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26– Kirtland CC* - 7:30 p.m.
Women’s Basketball Feb. 15 – Delta College* -1 p.m. Feb. 19–Schoolcraft College*-5:30 p.m. Feb. 22– Henry Ford CC* - 1 p.m. Feb. 24 – Macomb CC* - 5:30 p.m. Editor’s Note: Feb. 26 – Kirtland CC* - 5:30 p.m. All views expressed in editorials and bold denotes home games columns contained within the ESG are those of the writer and do not *denotes MCCAA Eastern necessarily reflect the views of the ESG Conference game Address: 323 Erie St Port Huron MI 48060
or any of its advertisers. We welcome feedback!
Find us at esgonline.org @esgonline
facebook.com/ESGonline youtube.com/user/ eriesquaregazette
Feb. 15 - Sleigh Days 2014 - St. Clair Co. Farm Museum - 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Feb. 19 - Film: “The Picture of Dorian Gray” - Raven Cafe - 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 20 - SC4 Alumni Hockey Team vs. Port Huron Police and Fire Dept. McMorran - 7-9 p.m. $5 suggested donation per game
Feb. 22 - Local History on Girl’s Hockey Team Exhibit - Knowlton’s Ice Museum All Day
Feb. 23 - St. Clair’s Polar Plunge The Voyageur - 1 p.m.
Feb. 24 - City Council Meeting City of Port Huron Municipal Office Center - 7 p.m. Feb. 26 - Film: “Blade Runner” Raven Cafe - 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 26 - St. Clair County Family History Group Meeting Port Huron Museum - 7:30 p.m. Those attending can present a question regarding genealogy research problems and look for helpful insights. Anyone interested in local history or researching family trees are welcome.
2 Financial aid night answers FAFSA questions
Director of Financial Assistance and Services provides tips for students with financial need Angie Stoecklin Copy Editor
An audience made up mostly of parents of high school students slowly flooded SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre Jan. 7 for information regarding financial aid. The informal presentation by Josephine Cassar, Director of Financial Assistance and Services at SC4, went through the basics of filling out the FAFSA, while allowing parents to ask questions throughout the presentation. Cassar explained the way the FAFSA works; it collects the demographic and financial information about the student and that student’s family to determine the student’s financial need. “The higher the cost of attendance, the more financial need the student is going to demonstrate,” said Cassar. Financial need is the amount of money a student is eligible to receive after filling out the FAFSA form. Financial need is determined by subtracting the expected family contribution (the amount of money a family can reasonably pay for their student to go to college) from the cost of attendance, which includes tuition and books. Because of the expected family contribution figure, some students may not be eligible for financial aid. If the family contribution is higher than the cost of attendance, that student will not be eligible for financial aid. However, according to Cassar there are a few other options that students should take advantage of in order to pay for college. Those options fall under two specific categories: Gift aid
• Scholarships – Awards that are usually based on the basis of merit, skill, or a unique characteristic. Filling out the FAFSA form is usually not enough if a student needs financial help with college. Students should apply for as
many scholarships as possible, since it is free money that doesn’t have to be paid back. • Grants – Like a scholarship, grants do not have to be paid back. Unlike scholarships however, they usually come with more specific requirements than scholarships. If those requirements are not met, the grant will turn into a loan, and that money will then have to be paid back.
Self-help aid
Jan. 1 prior to the academic year, but can be filed at any time throughout that year. Although a few parents stayed after the presentation to ask specific questions, most of them left, having the main general questions answered. “The presentation was very informative and helpful for both students who have already graduated, and those who are in college right now” said SC4 student Karley Kirkendall. For more information about financial aid, call SC4’s Financial Aid Office at (810) 989-5530. Or visit the office located on SC4’s campus in room 123 of the Acheson Technology Center.
• Loans – Unlike money options that fall into Contact Angie at angelastoecklin0814@gmail. the category of gift aid, loans must be paid com. back to the loan provider. A major downside of loans is that if not paid back on time, it could result in some pretty substantial debt. A simple way to avoid debt if one chooses to go the loan route is not to take the entire amount that one is eligible for. Only accept the amount of money that is absolutely needed for college. • Employment – It may seem like a no brainer, but there are employment opportunities even for those students who just can’t seem to find a job in the community. Most colleges offer employment programs where a student can work at the college to earn money that they can put towards their tuition costs.
According to Cassar, if a student is in need for financial help to attend college, applying for more than one option, including the FAFSA, is never a bad idea. “When a student applies for FAFSA, their application automatically applies them for the Michigan Competitive Scholarship and the Michigan Tuition Grant. Those two programs are the only one’s that the Michigan State Office of Scholarships and Grants uses,” said Cassar. The FAFSA must be filled out no earlier than
Josephine Cassar talks about FAFSA at SC4’s Financial Aid Night. Photo Credit: Angie Stoecklin
3 King and Gandhi’s legacies unite
Campus
St. Clair County declares Season for Nonviolence
Kim Drewery-Brown singing ‘Man in the Mirror’ by Michael Jackson. Photo credit: Reachelle Kocis
Reachelle Kocis Staff Writer
St. Clair County has officially declared a Season for Nonviolence
in a proclamation signed Jan. 14, in the spirit and memory of two of history’s lasting legacies. Jan. 30 through April 4, 2014 is now the official season for
A final song for Pollock College president plays his last show Krist Reynolds Staff Writer
money which all went towards SC4 athletics. The biggest donor of the night was Dr. Richard Bend, who How many colleges and/or donated a combined total of $5,000. universities can say that their The goal of the evening was president knows how to rock n’ roll? $1,500. The final total of the evening For the third semester in a row, was $8,008. According to Pollock, SC4 president, Dr. Kevin Pollock, that is more than the first two played guitar and sang a slew of charities combined. songs on Feb. 6 at Lynch’s Irish “It was a lot of fun, a little crazier Tavern in downtown Port Huron. than the last couple of times. You Patrons, which consisted of had people auctioning off different merry bar-goers and faculty alike, articles of clothing, so that’s good. as well as several SC4 sports We made as much this time as the teams, all chipped in and donated other two times combined. So that’s
nonviolence, marking the works of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who both dedicated their lives to ending oppression in peaceful and nonviolent ways. The season opened Jan.30 on the anniversary of Gandhi’s death and ends on the anniversary of King’s death on April 4. Both were assassinated, according to biography.com. The opening ceremony for a Season for Nonviolence was held at SC4’s Fine Arts Theater on Jan. 30. Guest speaker and St. Clair County commissioner Howard Heidemann said, “Considering the topic, this theater should be packed to capacity.” Professor Jim Soto who spoke of King’s work said, “Dr. King’s early work drew attention to America’s sin when compared to (his vision of) the beloved community.” Soto went
on to explain King’s later thinking or work in which there are three evils; poverty, racism and militarism. According to Soto, King believed that a change in one of these evils would result in a change in the others, and could possibly eradicate the cause of violence. Howard Heidemann read the proclamation which states; “Every person can move the world in the direction of peace through their daily nonviolent choices and actions; and, whereas an awareness of nonviolent principles and practices is a powerful way to heal, transform and empower our lives and communities… and urge all citizens to participate in local educational and community action campaigns..” For more information on related events and participating organizations, go to bluewatersnv. com.
cool,” said Pollock. Pollock has been playing guitar since junior high. He is self-taught, playing in various bands through the years. His covers for the evening included songs by Green Day, John Mellencamp, Van Morrison, and many others. Pollock intended tonight to be his last performance. Dave Vos, director of advising and athletics, “we greatly appreciate what Dr. Pollock is doing. Obviously this has been a really great night. He said this is his last one, but we’ll
see.” Pollock added, “one was fun, two was good, three, I just didn’t want people to think the college was trying to get every little bit out of them. The coolest part for me was all the different teams from SC4 that came out this evening.” Pollock closed the evening by addressing the audience, “thanks for all this, this is about our students. I know it”s cliché to say that, but it really is.
4
Campus
Postponing Cancún
New spring break set for early April Lily Petit Staff Writer
but the idea of bringing the two spring breaks together to eliminate some problems for the students Dreams of spring break may be that were in high school has been getting Michigan college students considered for quite a while.” through this record breaking winter Spencer does admit, though, season but SC4 students will have to that the rising number of middle wait a little longer this year before college students had an effect on the heading south. decision. Spring break has been pushed to Will less than a month’s difference April 7-12, compared to last year’s effect the spring break experience? March 11-16. Warmer weather may accompany Break now lies after the first day of the new break, but Michigan spring, March 20, making it calendar weather is known to be everything legitimate. However, break was not but predictable. changed to simply align ourselves While the new with the calendar: break now lines dates eliminate some up with the local high schools’ problems, has it also schedules. created a few? When asked if the dates were Taking a look at the altered for the 400 or so Blue Water SC4 Student Handbook, Middle College Academy students, you’ll notice that break Pete Spencer, Director of the Blue and final exam week are Water Middle College Academy now only three weeks commented, said: “There’re apart. definitely other reasons that led to A break so close it. I was not involved in the decision, to the end of the
semester could cause the inevitable motivation struggle to be a lost battle. On the other hand, a break right before finals week might be what
students need to break the stress of the semester and enter finals week with a clear head. Only time will tell.
Illustration by Zack Penzien
Do you think moving spring break is a good idea? Alicia Pemberton
“I don’t like how it goes with the high schools. I kinda wish all colleges had the same spring break. It’s unfortunate because I would like to do stuff with my friends from other schools.”
JesseBogen
“I think it’s a wise decision because a lot of high school kids are taking college classes and it’s nice to have a full week off of school.”
Amber Lee
“I think it sucks because we’ve had such a terrible, terrible cold winter, and we need a break from school. For us to have a break right before finals will throw us all off.”
5
Campus
Hardcore country in the house
SC4 community gives warm welcome to Daryle Singletary Hannah Hunter Staff Writer
Members of SC4 came out to see Daryle Singletary on Saturday, Feb. 8. The concert took place in the Fine Arts Theater, which Singletary felt was a much loved, intimate venue, and it gave him the chance to really connect with the audience. “It was a great crowd for us, not too big, not too small,” Singletary said. Daryle Singletary was raised in Whigham, Georgia, and he is living his childhood dream. Growing up in Georgia sparked in him his love of traditional country
music. Both of Singletary’s parents were gospel singers and this made him develop a passion and appreciation for gospel music. This appreciation developed into a love of traditional country music as well. Singletary strived to keep traditional country music alive after his idol, George Jones, passed. Some of Singletary’s hits include” I Let Her Lie,” “Too Much Fun,” and “The Note.” The audience was very enthusiastic about Singletary’s arrival and performance. The night ended with a standing ovation for Singletary. After the concert Singletary could be found mingling among guests and
PTK blood drive Saving lives with blood
SC4 student, Michael Falecki Jr., waits to give blood for the Phi Theta Kappa Blood Drive, while reading a booklet about the process.
individually thanking each and every one of them for attending. When asked how he thought the concert went, Singletary’s response was: “I had a fun time. When you come into a situation like this and you walk in the room and stuff, it’s a very intimate room, a very small room. “ Singletary’s feeling of having fun was mutual among audience members. “I really enjoyed the concert! I didn’t expect Daryle to have so much humor. The sound quality was also very good, it was overall a very good concert,” said concert attendee Paula Besko.
Jenelle Kalaf Staff Writer
Daryle Singletary performs in SC4’s fine arts theatre Saturday, Feb. 8. Photo credit: Hannah Hunter
blood,” said Sarah Mineau, a volunteer for Phi Theta Kappa. “They collect the whole blood, the platelets, the red On Feb. 3 and 4, Phi Theta Kappa blood cells, and the plasma, so one hosted a blood drive to help save the kind of blood can save 3 lives.” lives of people in need of blood all “I’ve needed blood transfusions across St. Clair County. myself, so I know what the need is,” The drive took place on both days Mineau said. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donors could While waiting to give his blood, SC4 sign up before or during the event. The student Michael Falecki Jr. expressed PTK had the goal of 19 people per day. his own reason for donating, “I like “We invite the public to come in and doing this. My blood type is O+, and it’s donate their time and their blood for rare so I know it can help people.” us” said Samantha Ryckman, a Red “The need is very great for blood,” Cross nurse. Mineau said. “You get to see new faces too, some Another blood drive date is set for people come in and love to talk about April 21 and 22. To donate is free, their lives with us,” she added. and anyone interested is welcome to “We save 3 lives each time we take attend.
6
Community
Port Huron’s Grammys: the “BWammys” The second coming of the Blue Water Music Awards Erick Fredendall Editor-in-Chief
the event in 2013 to celebrate what he calls “the city’s greatest commodity”- the musicians. Last year Port Huron hosted the According to Whitt, candidates first Blue Water Music Awards for the awards are proposed (BWMA) in an evening filled with by the BWMA Academy, a music, tuxedos, and a drunken group of local music producers, clown. promoters, musicians, artists, Now BWMA is back, and takes and hardcore fans. place Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the After being nominated by the American Legion Post #8. Academy, the nominees are The black-tie event is placed into sixteen different structured as a traditional award categories. show with various awards The categories include Best presented and local performers Venue, Best Female Artist, Best playing throughout the night. Original Performance, Best Cover Organizer David Whitt created Performance, Roadie Award, Paul
Thompson Award, Not Rock, WTF Award, Rookie of the Year, Best Export/Import, Album of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Three new categories are being added to this year’s BWMA: Producer of the Year, Best DJ/ Electronic Performer, and Best Hip Hop Performer. After nominations, the Academy turns over the nominated talent to the public, who cast their votes on the BWMA’s website, dutchboyrec.wix.com/officialbwma-site. Public voting ends Feb. 24 at
College Christians stand for Christ Local house church for college teens and young adults Gregory Garofalo Managing Editor
whose curiosity is peaked about who this Jesus really is. “Tuesday Group” goes beyond In a world that is progressively superficial religion by putting faith becoming more politically correct into action through prayer, worship, and that, according to Washington and learning how to apply scripture Post, one third of Americans under to everyday life. thirty hold no religious affiliation; “It’s amazing to see what God is it can be intimidating for a young doing with this group” said Josh college student to hold a faith in Sabo, leader of the group and Christ in this slightly secular society. worship leader at Colonial Woods Lately however, a group has Missionary Church. “God has picked formed together with the goal us up from the shallow end, thrown to give encouragement and us into the deep and we’re still empowerment to college Christians. swimming. We’ve seen God really The aptly named “Tuesday Group” working in people’s lives, the power meets every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. of faith and miracles are literally at 4225 Janice Court Rd. The group working right before us and it just is open to anyone who wishes to keeps getting better.” attend, be it a believer or someone The group offers refuge to
college Christians by giving them encouragement to grow and discover their faith, while learning how to inspire others by applying this belief to their lives through fellowship and community. “If I wasn’t in a community of believers it could feel very discouraging living a Christian life on my own, but I’m not” said Andrew Ferriel, freshman at SC4. “I follow Christ, because it’s the only thing that sustains me, that gives me clarity and truth. It’s nice to share that with others of my age and genre of mindset.” This remnant of young believers meets in the basement of James and Chelsea Branch. The couple puts up with filling their basement
7:30 p.m. The night will also feature acts by Charlie James & the Silver Devils, Rhinos & Winos, Fifth Avenue, Yeddie in the Woods, Dick Hickey, Manifest the Machine, and Cool Kids Communication. There is no cover charge for this event, although formal attire is expected. American Legion Post #8 is located on 1026 6th St. near downtown Port Huron.
with roughly twenty to thirty people every week, all in the name spreading God’s word to the young adults of Port Huron. “I feel it’s really important for people to know that this is going on and for college Christians to know they’re not alone” said Kirsten Hill, sophomore student at SC4. “Being a young Christian, it can feel like you’re very much alone at times. That’s one of the points of the group though; you don’t have to feel alone.” For any questions about the Tuesday Group, check out the “20 Somethings College Group” Facebook page, or contact Josh Sabo at Josh@colonialwoodsmc.com.
7 Yelling about comics
Editorial
Let’s start at the beginning
Zack Penzien Production editor
Superheroes are in the zeitgeist right now. But if you are interested in starting to read comics, it can be hard to know where to begin. Unfortunately, comics as a medium rely mostly on knowing what came before it and in some cases, what have gone on in other books. In early 2014, Marvel is releasing new issue one’s as part of the “All-New Marvel NOW!” line. So, if you are considering hopping on the comic train, these are my recommendations:
Loki: agent of Asgard #1 Written by Al Ewing with art by Lee Garbett Kid Loki, hot off his run with the “Young Avengers” (another good book you should pick up) is playing secret agent for his home realm of Asguard, starting with a heist on the Avengers tower. If you liked Loki in “The Avengers” and want to see him do his best good-guy impression, give it a shot.
Miss Marvel #1 Written by G. Willow Wilson with art by Adrian Alphona When Carol Danvers leaves the title of Miss Marvel behind, it inspires, Camilla Kahn. She is a high school kid from New Jersey who is to take up the mantle as Miss Marvel. The book is getting a lot of press because Camilla comes from a conservative Muslim household and will explore that side of the characters life.
8
Editorial
Romance for the fantastic A good read for a day off Jenelle Kalaf Staff Writer
her mentor suddenly commits suicide, she starts finding clues that suggest that he may have had Good books can be found in the a secret that somebody wanted to strangest of places, like in a $4 remain untold. The story is very original. It’s not bargain bin at your local Kroger. the cookie cutter compared to most How could you go wrong? tales of magic. “City of Dark Magic” by Magnus However, this doesn’t excuse the Flyte is a fairy-tale rom-com with a great concept that fell short through lack of a strong narrative. The whole novel is written in a passive tone. the narrative. But even with the passive voice, The story follows a music student the fast paced structure makes it who lands a job sorting the a compelling and sometimes witty manuscripts of Beethoven. When
read. In the realm of sales, the fact that I stumbled across it in a bargain bin says something about this new author. What it says is not for me to decide. What I do know: the novel is a fun read. It’s not challenging, but that doesn’t mean that it’s simple. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys a fluffy fantasy, or even just a silly rom-com.
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Gregory Garofalo Managing Editor
Editorial
Valentine’s Day, what’s hot and what’s not
Nine unique and fun ideas to spice up your valentine
Instead of giving your significant other their gift in the traditional sense, create a game out of it. Leave a scavenger hunt hint list and small gifts as clues all leading up to your big surprise gift. This is sure to leave your significant other smiling and satisfied.
Contrary to popular belief, there is more of an effort to Valentine’s Day than “pulling out all the stops.” Instead of going out to a crowded restaurant or packed theater why not try something unique and creative? Here are nine plans of pizazz that 4. Turn your living room into a are sure to give you and your special home theater someone an evening to remember. Staying in is nothing new, but that 1. Laser tag doesn’t mean it can’t be made your own. Try transforming your living Try doing something fun and room into a home theater, rent a crazy like laser tag. After all your projector, rearrange the furniture, significant other is supposed to dim the lights and have a classic be your best friend, why not treat movie night. This is sure to spark them to a round of laser tag and a bit of romance on this day of let yourselves have fun with no intimacy; something that is sure to restraint. break the box offices. 2. Red Dinner
5. Bouquet of Awesome
Going out to dinner is probably the most cliché thing one could do on Valentine’s Day, yet the only other alternative is the slightly less cliché option of staying in. In order to have a unique dinner, why not get creative at home? A red dinner is a fun and interesting alternative. Simply dye the food and drinks, even place them on red plates and use red place settings. A red dinner is fun to make and even more so to partake in, and it will create an enjoyable intimate evening.
Try getting your other half a bouquet that they would actually have use for. Make a bundle of their favorite sweets, trinkets and a favorite movie. Don’t be afraid of unconventional thought. Remember, you know them best!
3. Gift scavenger hunt
6. Homemade Hallmark
In modern society, getting a card at Hallmark is just about the worst thing you could do. Sure they’re nice and polished, but where’s the heart? It can’t be special if there are a million just like it. Make your love a card from you, using your own
words to express how you feel. 7. Homemade Gifts
Gifts can also be more intimate and special if they come from you. (NOTE: This is not a suggestion to make macaroni art.) Create a “What I love about you” jar. Fill a jar with little notes, each one with a reason why you care about your special one. 8. Surprise road trip
Any expert love guru will tell you that being spontaneous is romantic. Take a day trip out of the blue, live the American free spirit on the open road together. Stop for road side attractions, eat questionable fried foods and have a memorable adventure. 9. Cooking dinner together
Why does only one person have to make the dinner? Instead, make dinner a team effort. Flip those frying pans, pull out
the pots and turn on some music. The most ordinary moments can turn into the most extraordinary; don’t let them pass by and make the most out of each second.
10
Editorial
The alternative Valentines Because not all of us have a date Erick Fredendall Editor-in-Chief
Romance is in the air… and it’s suffocating. Valentine’s Day is a day of celebrating romance, or pragmatically, the celebration of a Christian saint named Valentinus. Either way, it’s stupid. So for those of us left behind on the day of
love, I humbly present a list of nine options to make Valentine’s Day suck less. 1. Treat yourself to a “personal day”
Go to the spa, order some take-out from your favorite restaurant, or drive somewhere far away from Port Huron and do something interesting. Dress down and wear pajamas all day. Whatever you do, don’t
Google “Things to do in Port Huron on Valentine’s Day.” The results are rather bleak. 2. Host or attend a party for singles
The notorious “anti-Valentine’s Day party” is a time tested technique used by singles and is a perfectly acceptable way to celebrate the holiday, with a few small caveats. Don’t be disappointed if only dudes show up to the party. The terms “anti-Valentine’s Day party” and “sausage fest” are often interchangeable. 3. Surf Facebook
Valentine’s Day is a superficial Hallmark holiday anyways, right? Share your opinions by authoring a social media manifesto and posting it on your Facebook wall. Verbosity is important: be sure to use large words. Don’t forget to hate on any and all engagement photos. 4. Watch the Mitt Romney documentary on Netflix
whose marriages often ended by beheading. That’s what love gets you anyway. 5. Make cookies
If anyone asks, they’re to share with your date. Eat them all. 6. Visit your friends at the liquor store Ask yourself, what is better than being alone on Valentine’s Day? The answer is being alone on Valentine’s Day with a glass of 18 year old Glenlevit. 7. Go to a public place and look for sad, attractive people
We are not alone, and Valentine’s Day is a vulnerable day of the year for singles. Capitalize on this moment by going to a local hotspot and make some friends. Who knows, maybe mutual resentment for all the happy couples could lead to a beautiful experience. 8. Celebrate your fiscal success
Chocolates, movies, fancy dinners, bouquets, and road trips all have one thing in common: they cost money that you could spend on yourself.
Contrary to popular belief, the 2012 GOP nominee for the presidential office IS human, as documentarian Greg Whitely set out to capture in the new film “MITT.” 9. Weep bitterly If watching a documentary of a man with perfect hair and ironed It’s okay to cry. Maybe next year. jeans doesn’t appeal for you, there’s always “The Tudors,” a BBC historical fiction on Henry VII,
11 From “Star Trek” to “Modern Family” Has the world lost sight of what to say? Gregory Garofalo Managing Editor
the point been lost? Rewind the clocks back to the 1950’s. A breakthrough in mass In today’s entertainment media media is marketed to the public, there has always been one constant the television. With only about five that has traveled from print to to ten years of a quaint “Howdy television: boundaries must be Doody” world, it wasn’t long before pushed. television would start challenging This can clearly be seen in early the way the world worked. And in American works such as Harriet 1963, “Star Trek” was born. Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s The cult classic had a short three Cabin,” or Thomas Payne’s “Common year run, but in that time it stirred Sense;” works of literature going up thought about religion, sex, and against the status quo. As the racism. In 1968, “Star Trek” gave the decades and centuries’ progress world its first on screen interracial and sensitive buttons continue to be kiss between black and white. pressed, the question is raised: has While science fiction held the
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record for first interracial kiss on television, it would be comedy that took the award for the first interracial couple. “The Jeffersons” famous spin off series of “All in the Family” picked up where its predecessor left off and spoke on controversial issues such as diversity and equality. As the years went on, boundaries were continuously pushed with sexuality and language. The original drive for pushing the boundaries of racial equality and civil rights seemed to be getting lost in the consumer demand for vulgarity. Even the controversial homosexual
rights in the 1990s seem to get swept up in an odd mix between raunchy lesbian sex scenes and actual statement gay and lesbian characters. Today there is a slew of controversial content just as there always has been. But what kind of a statement is a naked Miley Cyrus on a wrecking ball? Is the world out of things to say, or has it just lost sight of voicing opinion in a vulgarity battle to outdo previous generations.
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Entertainment
Empire
Richmond metalcore group paves way to success
Empire (from left to right) – Steve Radzom (drums), Dorian Carrizales (guitar), Chris Fortuna (vocals), Jordan Frame (bass/vocals), Ben Mazur (guitar). Photo credit: Empire
Brendan Buffa Sports Editor
complimented low growling vocals of Chris Fortuna make this a definite listen for any metalcore lover. Blood curdling screams pierce A stand out track, ‘Cloak’, on their through the speakers and kick off Lessons Learned EP was produced by an epic, 5-song EP entitled Lessons David White, former drummer for Learned, by Richmond, MI metalcore Detroit rock group, Cold for June. group – Empire. “If you listen to our song ‘Cloak’, Formerly known as All Sounds Off, we are starting to develop this Empire crashed into the scene 2013 original sound,” said drummer, Steve and may be recognizable by the Port Radzom. “It fits in with a Korn type Huron area, as they were featured of vibe, who is a big influence of on 91.3 WSGR. ours.” Filled with knee buckling guitar Making strides in the music riffs created by the duo of Ben industry, Empire has big plans for Mazur and Dorian Carrizales, the the upcoming year.
“We are actually working with a producer, whom we can’t even mention right now,” says Mazur. “It’s like playing basketball with Michael Jordan,” added Radzom about the disclosed producer. “We are recording three songs right now, and may even do a release with another band,” added bassist, Jordan Frame. Slowly but surely rising into the scene, Empire is also planning a tour across Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky. “That’s what it’s all about man,” said Radzom with an excited smirk about the tour. A band résumé that would peak the interest of any producer, Empire builds on their track record. Having worked with Detroit dubstep producer Ghost Noise, throwing a CD release party with It Lies Within, and playing the first “Hear This! Fest,” put on by Anthony Hofer of “Hear This! Promotions.” Currently, Empire is expecting a split EP to be released sometime in the summer.
Empire Richmond, MI Lessons Learned (2012) SOUNDS LIKE: Like Moths To Flames, The Plot In You, The Acacia Strain Facebook: Empire586 Twitter: Empire586
13 Lady Skippers filet Firebirds
Sports
SC4 women’s basketball team takes first place in the Eastern Conference
Donald Lierman Staff Writer
Lady Skippers in the game against Kirtland Firebirds on Jan. 29. Photo credit Donald Lierman.
said freshman Ta’kira Height. “We use a game like this to continue to improve our skill set. That allows To construe the Lady Skippers’ us to be better prepared for more home victory as shooting Firebirds talented teams. We kept up the in a barrel would be unfair, as pressure and kept running the Kirtland did not have enough floor. We focused on playing team players to fill a barrel. basketball.” With only six players, the Kirtland After scoring the first six points squad was no match for the twelfth in the game, SC4 dominated the ranked SC4. Kirtland squad, ending the first half The Skippers overpowered the with a 52-26 lead. SC4 opened the Firebirds by a score of 99-47on Jan. second half with a 14 point run. The 29. With the game out of hand early, Firebirds’ hopes for rebirth were SC4 used the opportunity to hone doused. After the Lady Skippers’ their skills. smoke settled, the outcome was a “No matter who we go up against decisive 52 point victory. we must keep up the same intensity,” “Tonight, we knew that with six
players Kirtland would not be much competition,” said sophomore Rachel Kehoe. “We used the opportunity as a stepping stone to improve our game. Our team has the talent to make a run. We just need to reach last year’s competitive spirit. We have to quit repeating mistakes and develop the fight that took us so far last season.” Last year the Lady Skippers reached the national final four. Second year head coach Michael Groulx hopes this year’s squad will reach that same lofty realm. “We need to continue to get better,” said Groulx. “Our execution must be more efficient. We have one of the
best transition teams in the nation. However, we need to continue to improve on the little things.” Height and Sheyna Deans led SC4 with 17 points for the Lady Skippers. Whitley Currie added 13. The win gives SC4 control of first place in the Eastern Conference of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association with a record of 9-0 (16-2 overall). Their win streak stands at twelve. Kirtland falls to 2-6 in the MCCAA (4-8 overall). The Lady Skippers next host Delta College at 1 p.m. on Feb. 15.
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Sports
SlamJam 2014 hits Richmond Pro wrestling returns to St. Clair County Sean Lathrop Guest Writer
After a 6 year hiatus, Blue Water Championship Wrestling is back to deliver elbow drops to their opponents and smiles to fans. The audience at Richmond High School got to see some up and coming local talents and stars battle for their enjoyment. Featuring steel cage matches like Shane Douglas facing Xavier Justice for the BWCW Championship and Leah Von Dutch defending her Xtreme Bombshells of Wrestling Championship against Courtney Rush. Plus, with stars like Buff Bagwell, Petey Williams, Josh Raymond, & N8 Mattson coming out, how could a wrestling fan not be excited? Owner Andrew D’Arcy wasn’t planning on even having BWCW return and wanted to focus on his DJ company and his all women wrestling organization. When he posted an idea of doing his new XBW
Staying hungry
The path to the postseason Brendan Buffa Sports Editor
Photo by Sean Lathrop
Wayne County and Mott are up against the Skippers the week of Feb. 9, and with a win against both The final month is approaching, teams they can hold their heads and the final buzzer is close to above water for one last shot. sounding, signaling an end to the “I have a strong belief in my men’s Skippers 2013-14 basketball brothers and our coaching staff,” season. said Terrell Wright, guard for the The top three seeds in the eastern Skippers, “our practices have been conference (Oakland, Wayne County, full of enthusiasm and readiness for and Mott) have qualified for the the next opponent.” NJCAA District 10 tournament as of Wright, a returning player and Feb. 8, leaving the Skippers trailing sophomore for the Skippers, leads in fourth place. the team on and off the court. Although slipping as a qualifier, “I’m doing my best to be a leader the Skippers are in pursuit of the in any way, and playing my role as playoffs and intend to strive for the a player as well,” said Wright, “the postseason. chemistry we have as a team is
show with his old company, he was in shock at how many people wanted to get involved. “I can’t tell you how many guys contacted me that I had worked with from 2001 through 2008 saying they wanted to be a part of it,” said D’Arcy. After the 13 matches, the crowd was still chanting for the two men that ended the show; Shane Douglas and Buff Bagwell. Bagwell, who has worked shows for D’Arcy in the past, said that he has always enjoyed coming to St. Clair County, while Douglas made comments on Richmond High School’s strong wrestling history of winning 6 state championships in 12 years. “This is a strong wrestling town and it is obvious fans like you wanted to see some action,” Douglas said to the audience. At this time, there is no word yet when the next event will be but it is likely this isn’t going to be the last of BWCW.
great, and if we keep working hard and playing together, our success will have no limit.” Freddy Cook, guard, also hones his positive attitude onto the court to bring the greatest amount of achievement to the table. “I think the most interesting thing about our team is our depth,” said Cook, “I believe on any given night, anyone is capable of giving our team a new way to win.” With a team of 15 active players, depth is not a problem – and neither is height. The Skippers have 11 of their 15 players reaching at or above 6-feet tall, along with the towering Justin
Weaver at 6’10”, freshman from Richmond, MI. “I think we are beginning to learn that defense is our strongest attribute,” said Cook, “We need to take every possession of the game seriously, and more importantly play as one unit.” The Skippers don’t plan on letting the opportunity for a successful post season slip through their fingers, especially when a busy week approaches them. Simply stated by Cook, “we need to stay hungry.” The Skippers return home on Feb. 12 against Mott at 7:30 p.m., which if won could mean a postseason run.
Comics
St. Clair Community College students can transfer up to 82 credits and be well on their way to earning a prestigious business degree from one of the area’s leading all-business schools. Now that’s love. Spring registration starts February 17th. walshcollege.edu ®The yellow notebook design is a registered trademark of Walsh College. And the campaign is a creation of Perich Advertising + Design. Thanks to the fine folks at Walsh for letting us say so.
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