64-6 by Erie Square Gazette

Volume 64.6

The

Erie Square Gazette A public forum by and for the students of St. Clair County Community College

April

24 2014

Gay Straight Alliance drag show supports Port of Hopes Lip-syncing for charity

Angie Stoecklin Copy Editor

Performer Madison Dehavilland exhibits her talent at SC4’s 4th annual drag show April 2. Photo credit Liz Whittemore

three dollars, and five at the door. Host Andy Gardner encouraged people to donate by walking up SC4’s Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) to the stage and handing money 4th annual drag show drew the directly to performers. As the event attendance of students and commu- went on, the comfort level of people nity members on Wed., April 2. in the audience seemed to flourish, Performers drove from places as as more and more people walked up far as Grand Rapids, enduring traffic to the stage with donations in hand. backups to support a local charity. Including the presale, tickets sold Proceeds from the GSA drag show at the door, and tips given to perwent to benefit Port of Hopes; a formers, the benefit raised $900. local drop in center for people with According to GSA president Amber mental illnesses. Lee, the goal of the event went far Presale tickets were sold for beyond monetary gain.

“We want to help people gain a new perception of the LGBT community. It’s about creating and promoting unity,” Lee said. Performances included single performers, such as Raven Cassadine, who holds the title of Miss Port Huron, inspired donations with her well-rehearsed stage presence and glimmering red dress. While solo performers were abundant, the show was not without duets. Romeo Michaels A.K.A Amber Lee, and Sasha Marx’s duet caused the audience to explode with

applause, and many rushed to the stage to donate tips. Most of the performers stayed onstage while others, like the choreographed group of three Bro-town walked up and down the aisles serenading unsuspecting attendees, who met them with smiles and more donations. Contact Angie at angelastoecklin0814@gmail.com

1 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 Webmaster Polly Miller Sports Editor Brendan Buffa Business Editor Brian Heidt Adviser John Lusk ESG Contact Info: Email: eriesquaregazette@gmail.com Address: 323 Erie St Port Huron MI 48060 Editor’s Note: All views expressed in editorials and columns contained within the ESG are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ESG or any of its advertisers. We welcome feedback!

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Calendar Campus

April 27 - Railroad Show and Swap Meet McMorran - 10-4 p.m. $5, Free for Children 5 and under April 24 - SC4 Choir Collaboration with Marysville High School - 7 p.m. - Fine April 27 - Concert: “Around the World” Arts Theatre 2:30 p.m. - McMorran $7 Students, $26 Adults, $25 Seniors April 25 - Recital: “Ode to the Theatre” 7 p.m. - Fine Arts Theatre - Free SC4 Vocal Students

April 27 - Book Reading: “The Wax Bullet War: Chronicles of a Soldier & Artist” - 2-6 p.m. Fine Arts Theatre

April 27 - Patterns Award Ceremony & Reception - Fine Arts Galleries & College Center Atrium - 2-6 p.m. May 1 - Play: “Bye, Bye Birdie” Fine Arts Theatre - 7 p.m. $8 Students, $12 Adults, $10 Military and Seniors (60+) Fine Arts Department of New Life Christian Academy

May 2 - Play: “Bye, Bye Birdie” Fine Arts Theatre - 7 p.m.

May 2 - Board of Trustees Retreat Alumni Room, College Center May 3- Play: “Bye, Bye Birdie” Fine Arts Theatre - 2 p.m.

Community

April 25 - Earth Fair Goodells Country Park - 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

April 25 - Coffee with The Chief Tim Horton’s, Port Huron - 10-12 p.m.

April 26 - Earth Fair Goodells Country Park - 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 26 - Shirley Temple Tea Party Knowlton Ice Museum - 1-2 p.m. $3 per Child, Reservations requested.

International Symphony Orchestra

April 28 - City Council Meeting 7 p.m. - City of Port Huron Municipal Office Center

Sports

Baseball April 26 – Lake Michigan College* 1 p.m. April 29 – Delta College* 2 p.m. May 3 – Glen Oaks CC* 1 p.m. May 6 – Macomb CC* 2 p.m.

Softball April 22 – Henry Ford CC* 3 p.m. April 25 – Oakland CC* 3 p.m. April 26 – Delta College* 1 p.m. April 29 – Mott CC* 1 p.m. May 3 – State Tournament

Golf April 25 – SC4 Tournament 9:30 a.m. April 28 – Wayne County CCD* TBA May 2 – Delta College 10 a.m. May 5 & 6 – MCCAA Tour. 9 a.m. bold denotes home games *denotes MCCAA Eastern Conference game

2 Gay Straight Alliance Drag Show highlights 3.

1. Raven Divine Cassadine 2. Eva Angelica Stratton 3. Amber Lee and Jeri from The Port of Hopes 4. Raven Divine Cassadine 5. Madison Dehavilland 6. Bro-town 7. Johnny Angel 8. Romeo Michaels and Maddox Marx 9. Amber Lee Photo credit: Liz Whittemore

Campus

No price on learning

SC4’s Free College Day educates community

Instructor Bryan Turner demonstrates how to play the drums during SC4’s Free College Day. March 29. Photo credit Liz Whittemore

Hannah Hunter Staff Writer

SC4 Free College Day presenter Kim Murphy demonstrates how to take readings of the SC4 nursing simulators. Photo credit Liz Whittemore

surrounding areas were able to come out for Free College Day as well. According to the SC4 website, Free “My friend lives in Imlay City and College Day is a day that provides she invited me and some other free, one-hour sessions on a variety friends to come, so we registered of topic including arts and crafts, online and I was just seeing what business, computers and recreation. was available because we registered Presenters include SC4 professors late. I took the self hypnosis class and staff and local residents who along with 3 dance classes, a volunteer their time to share their photography class, and the history expertise with the community. of Broadway class,” said Marjorie Along with SC4 students and Wilson who commuted from local residents, people from other Waterford to participate.

SC4 offered a wide variety of classes ranging from woodcarving to introduction to yoga. Other classes included hands-on clay workshops, meditation, decorating cupcakes, crime scene investigation, and lessons on how to design a beautiful garden. Each class included an hour long session, with lunch breaks and dropin activities. According to Physical Science lecturer Suzanne Doherty, who has volunteered for Free College Day

for 11 years, attendance was good and there was steady traffic in the science museum even while classes were in session. “This is my first year attending. I had never even heard of Free College Day. As far as attendance, most classes have been filled to the max,” said Courtney Reckker, an SC4 student ambassador. Free College Day took place on Sat., March 29 from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The next Free College Day is set for Sat., March 28, 2015.

Campus

Every vote counts

New student government president wins by one vote

perspective to the elections to year there were three unopposed least come out and vote and let your encourage student voting. positions while this year there was voice be heard.” Warner and Wilson hope to stay only two. Warner believes that students who involved with the Marketing and In an election that struggled “There’s too much respect for the vote now will be more politically Management Club, but will be other candidates,” Lathrop said of active in their community in the to garner student support, the stepping down from their positions this year’s election. While in past future. claim that every vote matters is as vice president and president. years some of the campaigning has SC4 student and voter Jeanne demonstrated. Warner says that he liked the new Palmateer, 17, agreed that adding One vote away from victory, Rachel gotten nasty, at least people knew location, but would put up more about the candidates. balloons might help attract people’s Gardner lost to William Warner for When they take on their new roles flyers, add some balloons, and attention to the voting table. When the position of student government attempt to incorporate ads on the as student government president asked why she voted, Jeanne president. Warner’s running mate, TV’s located around campus. and vice president, William Warner responded, “I think it’s important James Wilson, won vice president, Warner said he told students, “I and James Wilson plan to bring to be involved in the decisions that while Tonya Snover took secretary don’t even care if you vote for me. At affect you.” and Briand Heidt returns to his role their marketing and management as treasurer with 80 votes to back him. Voting took place on Monday, March 31 and Tues., April 1 in the lower level of the College Center Atrium. Campaign volunteers offered stickers and suckers on Tuesday to attract more voters. Additionally, it was predicted that the new locale would draw more voters than the previous spot in the cafeteria. However, last year’s 100 voters was not exceeded this year. According to the student activities coordinator, Sarah Finnie, exactly 100 students voted this year. So why aren’t students voting? Many said they didn’t because student government didn’t interest them. SC4 student, Leah Simasko, 18, said she “didn’t know when the elections and voting were going to take place.” Current student government president, Sean Lathrop, wishes there had been more campaigning throughout the election season. Especially since this year so many New student government (pictured from left to right) Tonya Snover, Brian Heidt, James Wilson, and William Warner. Photo credit Lily Petit students ran for positions. Last Lily Petit Staff Writer

Campus

Progress made, budget revised

Board of trustees reviews CJ program and budget

Secratary Mary Hawtin, president Kevin Pollock, and chairperson of the board Nicholas DeGrazia, watch the Criminal Justice presentation by Jim Jones. Photo credit Angie Stoecklin

Angie Stoecklin Copy Editor

enforcement and homeland security, jobs at Blue Water Safe Horizons, or substance abuse programs. The SC4 board of trustees meeting An overview of the opportunities on April 17 consisted mostly of in Criminal Justice included getting budget reviews, and a PowerPoint students involved in community presentation by Jim Jones updating service. Criminal Justice students participated in charities such the board on the Criminal Justice program. as Dream Catchers for Abused During the update on the Criminal Children, Suicide Prevention walk, Justice program, Jones provided Law Enforcement torch run, and the clarification as to why students were Walk against Child Abuse. Jones’s presentation received dropping out of the program. “Often students may feel that this many approving head nods from is not a program they wanted to go members of the board. Trustee into. It’s a stressful career field,” Robert Tanksy was one of them. Jones said. “I think you’ve made a lot of But despite the dropouts, Criminal progress,” Tansky said to Jones Justice provides an array of career following the PowerPoint. The meeting continued to highlight opportunities ranging from law

progress made within the college. Improvements mentioned were SC4’s support services, such as the math and writing centers, the addition of the Portal and the mobile app, modern technology, and quality instruction. Kirk Kramer, vice president of administrative services at SC4, presented on the college’s budget. Although there has been a loss in revenue from state aid, public support now makes up 68.6 percent of the budget. The loss in state aid is attributed to the decline in SC4’s property tax, less property tax means less state aid. However, between public support and tuition, the decline in state aid is made up for.

The board carried one motion in regards to the budget overview. An account formerly identified as “Faculty Travel Fund,” is now named “Trustee Professional Development Budget.” The board’s chairperson, Dr. Nicholas DeGrazia, says that the name was changed to more accurately reflect the purpose of the account. “The funds are used for informational sessions, including travel, such as conferences and webinars that cover subjects relevant to trustee responsibilities,” DeGrazia said. Contact Angie at angelastoecklin0814@gmail.com

Campus

Bowed strings and pretty things The Moxie Strings rock the Fine Arts Theatre

Moxie Strings fiddler Diana Ladio during the SC4 noon concert March 27 in the SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre on the Port Huron campus. Photo credit Liz Whittemore.

possible.” The band consists of Diana Ladio Moxie Strings member Alison Lynn playing the electric cello during the SC4 on violin, noon concert March 27 in the SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre on the Port Huron campus. Photo credit Liz Whittemore Alison Lynn on electric Kristopher Reynolds cello, and Fritz McGirr handles Staff Writer drums and percussion. A Kalamazoo local, Ladio is a The Thursday Noon and University of Michigan honor Night Concert Series serves to graduate with a bachelor’s of showcase and expose a variety music in music performance of artists, cultures and genres with the March 27 concert not an with a teaching certification. Ladio has nearly two decades exception to this rule, featuring of teaching experience. She the sounds of The Moxie Strings. now tours the country with The The Moxie Strings take traditional Irish and string music, Moxie Strings, performing and and in the words of the band, “try teaching. Lynn is a graduate of Western to make it as non-traditional as

Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree of music in cello performance. She has over 20 years of teaching experience and has performed with artists such as Kanye West, the TransSiberian Orchestra, The Ragbirds, and many others. McGirr holds a bachelor’s of music in percussion performance from University of Michigan. He plays a wide variety of percussive instruments, the most notable being the Irish bodhran, a type of goat-skin hand drum, for which he holds a performance certificate. McGirr spent time in Ireland studying a variety of music topics. Celeste Skalnek, Coordinator of the Arts, found The Moxie Strings

through the Michigan Humanities Foundation. “They have a touring directory of different artists for performance and education. We are on that directory and thank goodness ‘cause we had an amazing day. Late February of next year we’ll be back, and we’ll be featuring students from SC4,” Ladio said. Donn Campbell, who attended the night concert with his wife, remarked, “we’re in our seventies and we dug it.” Ann Endelman, another spectator, said “Just thought it was a great concert. I didn’t know what to expect. I was really impressed with their talent and personalities.”

7 Acknowledging brilliance among us

Campus

SC4 Student Recognition Ceremony honors 168 students Erick Fredendall Editor-in-Chief

Achievement Awards to students. According to Dr. Kevin Pollock, President of SC4, the Student Rachel King’s parents looked on Recognition Ceremony began in proudly as she walked onto the Fine 1981 as a way to recognize students Arts Theatre stage alongside other in four categories: academics, students recognized at SC4’s annual leadership, service, and personal Student Recognition Ceremony. goals. “I felt surprised that I received Other academic honors included those awards. I felt a little in the ceremony were, Who’s Who embarrassed being talked about Among Students in American but it is nice to know my efforts are Universities & Colleges, the Allnoticed. The recognition means a lot SC4 Academic Team, the Del James to me,” said King, who anticipates Blessinger Outstanding Student graduating with an associate degree Award, the Faculty Memorial Award, in science at the end of the winter and the St. Clair County Association semester. of School Boards Scholarship. The college presented 156 Many of the scholarships came

with financial contributions, such as the Del James Blessinger Outstanding Student Awards, which awarded nine students in different departments with $250 stipends. The Faculty Memorial Award is selected by the SC4 faculty based on a student’s character, ability to overcome personal obstacles, academics, and leadership. Each department can only nominate two students. The award included a $250 stipend. The St. Clair County Association of School Boards Scholarship gifted one student with a $600 stipend. The event concluded with Student Government raffling away five

Kindle’s to students who received recognition at the ceremony. “We see every day student’s juggling the demands of work, family, and other responsibilities along with their academics,” said Pete Lacey, president of Student Services and master of ceremonies. “Those of you sitting here are proof of what can be accomplished,” Lacey said. To see a full list of award recipients from the Student Recognition Ceremony, go to the SC4 website under the community tab in “news.” Contact Erick at ejfredendall@ gmail.com.

Honored students gather for a group photo after SC4’s Student Recognition Ceremony April 16 in the Fine Arts Theatre on the Port Huron campus. Photo credit Liz Whittemore.

Campus

Kiddies on campus

Instructors raise concerns over early admission students Erick Fredendall Editor-in-Chief

issues with early admission students is A recent discussion between coming from SC4 educators over an email chain the St. Clair highlights a growing concern County Regional amongst faculty over the increase in Educational high school students on campus. Service The question at the heart of the Agency’s (RESA) discussion: are high school students sponsored mature enough to handle college program, the courses? BWMCA, and its SC4 high school college attendees, open acceptance or early admission students, are procedures. divided into four categories: the In an overview Blue Water Middle College Academy of the BWMCA (BWMCA), Croswell-Lexington Early found on the College (CL5), dual enrollment, and RESA website, high school guest students. the document According to Martha Pennington, states no Above: Chart representing student age groups at SC4. The CL5 program started in the fall 2010 semester, and the BWMCA SC4 Marketing Manager, out of the minimum grade began the following year, in the fall 2011 semester. 4,151 enrolled students in the 2014 or assessment Korren Phillips, a fifth year appropriate and should we do winter semester, 19.4 percent are criteria must BWMCA student, agrees with something about it? I have had early admission. be met to be accepted into the Torricelli’s assessment on the nothing but good experiences A recent prediction by Student program. A recommended 2.75 BWMCA. with the high school student in my Services estimated that percentage GPA or higher is suggested to be “I think there should be better classes,’” McCarty said. “If you ask an to rise to above 20 percent of the indicative of whether students are testing. I’ve been in it for three English instructor or someone who student-body in SC4’s fall 2014 capable of handling introductory years now and I see the younger deals with younger students, you’ll semester. college level coursework, although classes falling behind. They don’t probably get a different answer.” Many educators, including Jeff the synopsis concludes that the take their education as seriously According to McCarty, avoiding Torricelli, Professor of English, are decision falls down to a wellbecause they’re not paying for it,” lowering academic standards concerned. informed student and the parents said Phillips. should be a main priority for the “I believe it is implicit in a or guardians to enroll. Current enrollment in the BWMC college, but competing for the early college teacher’s contract that we To Torricelli, the lack of standards is 394 students, who cumulatively admission students is crucial to reasonably expect to teach either for acceptance into the program is possess a 3.0 GPA and a 95 percent SC4’s fiscal wellbeing. high school degreed students, detrimental for the college. year-to-year retention rate. “Financially, we need them here. GED’s, or students old enough “The CL5 was constructed much Dan McCarty, Instructor of They are a large portion of our to have experience in the adult better. They selected the students, student base.” world, said Torricelli, “20 percent is they were honor students, and they Business Administration, sees the issue, but speaks positively of the A faculty meeting was scheduled unreasonable.” were prepared,” said Torricelli, “in early admission students he has for Wed., April 23, after press time, Distinguishing between the the middle college, these parents been exposed to. to discuss ways to address early different programs, Torricelli also and students see the words ‘free “The question is ‘is their behavior admission students. concluded that one of the prominent college’ and push straight ahead.”

9 Tooting our own horn

Campus

SC4 student newspaper honored at annual press convention Erick Fredendall Editor-in-Chief

presentations, and an award ceremony celebrating the highlights of Michigan community college A delegation of editors and publications for the 2013-2014 year. writers of from the Erie Square Awards cover 31 different Gazette traveled to Central Michigan categories covering various aspects University on April 5 to participate of student press such as writing, in the Michigan Community College photography, production design, and Press Association (MCCPA) annual multimedia. The Erie Square Gazette convention. left with 11 awards. At the conference, students Additionally, our publication from the Gazette participated received a second place Turkey in workshops, informational Award, for most humorous mistake

made in Michigan community college media for the year. The event was hosted by Central Michigan University’s Department of Journalism. Jiafei Yin, chairperson of the department, opened the ceremony by commending the attending student groups for being the next step in a bold new direction of journalism and multimedia. Erik Simon, CMU Assiantant Director of CMU Career Services, presented on personal branding

and using multimedia to impress employers. Other professional guest speakers included Brian Manzullo of the Detroit Free Press, Chad Livengood and Ameila Eramyam from the Detroit News, Betsy Rau, a journalism professor at CMU, and Ken Stevens of the Muskegon Chronicle; who presented on various topics such as in-depth reporting, utilizing social media, photography, and finding jobs in the multimedia market.

MCCPA 2014 awards presented to Erie Square Gazette are as follows: • • • • • • • • • • • Top row, L-R: Gregory Garofalo, Managing Editor, Erick Fredendall, Editor-in-Chief, Mairead Warner, Staff writer, Emily Mainguy, Assistant Production Editor, Brendan Buffa, Sports Editor, Angela Stoecklin, Copy Editor. Bottom row, L-R: Nick “Chico” Hernandez, Staff Writer, Elizabeth Whittemore, Photo Editor, Kaylee Bert, Staff Photographer, and Zachary Penzien, Production Editor, the Erie Square Gazette delegation at MCCPA in Mount Pleasant.

•

Overall Newspaper Design, third place: Erie Square Gazette Staff General Excellence, honorable mention: Erie Square Gazette Staff Turkey Award, second place, Erie Square Gazette Staff In-Depth Reporting, third place: Jenelle Kalaf, Angela Stoecklin, and Erick Fredendall Sports News Story, third place: Donald Lierman Sports Feature Story, honorable mention: Donald Lierman Sports News Photo, second place: Kaylee Bert News Photo, honorable mention: Elizabeth Whittemore Cartoon Editorial, honorable mention: Rebecca Kelly Cartoon Editorial, first place: Matt Olack Student Journalist of the Year, honorable mention: Erick Fredendall Humorous Columns, second place:

Community Please sir can I have some more? The 11th annual Empty Bowl event

Gregory Garofalo Managing Editor

Auctioned pottery displayed at 11th annual Empty Bowl event. Photo credit Travis Welsh

The 11th annual Empty Bread Bowls charity event brought the Port Huron community together Food: a filling reason that gathers with food, fun, and a goal to raise up all age groups to ban together $22,000 for Mid-City Nutrition. for a cause. On Thurs. March 27, the The Empty Bowl event auctions off young and old banded together at St. ceramic bowls donated by private Stephen’s Catholic Church to enjoy artisans and potters, while offering a bread bowl of soup and support up a free meal and a raffle. Mid-City Nutrition’s fight against “It’s always a wonderful event that hunger. they put on here because they draw

such a great crowd and it’s such a great cause,” said SC4 Board of Trustee’s member John Adair. Run by event chairperson Denise Dencklau, a total of 65 volunteers were there to work the event, including pianist Johnny Needham, a musician with a love for the golden classics of Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra. 200 pounds of clay were donated

by Rovin Ceramics which created the 525 bowls that were donated to support the event by 45 different potters, including SC4 art students. The amount raised was not disclosed, but the turnout was wave after wave of excited participants. “It’s great to see the community come together,” Adair said.

Community

Pet of the issue

Contessa and Conchita Angie Stoecklin Copy Editor

ever bark and they tend to keep to their own business; except for when they are snuggling with their humans. Although both are generally quiet, they would not do well in a home with kids. Carpenter says the ideal home for them would be with an older couple, or a single man or woman with no children. Because of their age, Contessa and Conchita are a part of BWHS’s

Meet the sister’s Contessa and Conchita. These two Chihuahua and Jack Russel mixes are eight years old, and have been together their whole lives. For that reason, BWHS volunteer Bonnie Carpenter insists that they go to the same home. Neither dog is very vocal. According to Carpenter, they hardly

“Senior to Senior” program. This means that if the adopter is 60 years or older, the sisters are free. If the adopter doesn’t meet the age requirement for the program, the fee is $50 for both dogs. If anyone is interested in adopting these two, or any pet featured in the ESG, an anonymous donor has volunteered to help cover the adoption cost. Anyone who wishes to take advantage of this offer

should contact the Erie Square Gazette via the writers e-mail below. For more information on Contessa and Conchita, contact the Blue Water Area Humane Society at 810987-4357. Contact Angie at angelastoecklin0814@gmail.com

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Contessa and Conchita , Photo credit Angie Stoecklin

Music

Manifest the Machine

Ambient music captures life’s emotions

Brendan Buffa Sports Editor

Chris Strobbe, Corey Strobbe and Zach Nye of Manifest the Machine get in the studio for their upcoming 2014 release. Photo credit: Manifest the Machine

Behind the scenes of Port Huron, a heart filled story rings out, beckoning from the notes of a four piece, ambient post-rock band, known as Manifest the Machine.

Chris: Well my dad has been involved with music his whole life, and ever since we were little we have been playing together. It started in a different band, and after that Manifest the Machine happened.

ESG: Originally, you self-titled yourself as a “three piece bluesrock band” via Facebook, how did that all change?

Two brothers, Chris and Corey Strobbe, came together on guitar and drums with the help of Travis Boone on keyboard and Zach Nye on Chris: It was just me, my brother, bass, to create an experimental and and a bass player. Then Travis came inspirational tone that has become in and our original bass player left groundbreaking to the city itself. and our new bassist, Zach, joined. That’s when we started making the Opening for The Tiny Ugly change to experimental music. Germs’ record release show at The SchwonkSoundStead this Saturday ESG: Your first officially released April 26, Manifest the Machine’s track, “He Who Travels Fastest Christopher Strobbe, speaks out Travels Alone” is a thought about his experiences in the band, provoking and enlightening track. the inspiration behind the music, What was the state of mind for the and reveals himself as the man band when writing that song? behind the mysterious mask. Chris: I guess it was more along ESG: What’s it like being in a the lines of being happy. We wanted band with your brother, Corey? to just release something and have

people get a little bit of an idea of what we’re like. So we just started recording something with the simple guitar lead, and everything was built over that. If you watch the music video you’ll be able to tell exactly how we felt.

for.

Chris: It was pretty much written while it was recorded. It started with the second song, pretty much completely done by Travis. He had this crazy idea, which had to do with Jacob’s Ladder [from Genesis 28:1019] and wanted to name it Jacob’s Dream. We then were able to tell a story from that.

You can follow Manifest the Machine on twitter, @ ManifestMachine, and on Facebook at facebook.com/ manifestthemachine for more show announcements and music releases.

ESG: Your EP, Le Rêve, is a spine chilling tale of what seems to be a dream state of your character, Jacob. What was the inspiration behind that?

ESG: What’s up with the masks?

ESG: If you could give one piece of advice to your fans, what would it be? Chris: Pretty much that we create music and we do what we do because we have fun and we like to do it. That would be the message – don’t worry about what other people think and do what you like to do and have fun doing it.

Catch the band at 1521 Seventh Street on April 26 to see Manifest the Machine live at The SchwonkSoundStead.

Chris: We just strive to be different You can follow Brendan Buffa on and we always like to try new things, Twitter, @brendanbuffa. and it was just one of those ideas that came up and we decided to go

Music

What we’re listening to...

Artist: Bon Jovi Album: The Circle Genre: Rock Songs: Work for the Working

Man, When We Were Beautiful “Such a revolutionary album that really brings back their anthem style rocking sound.” -Angie Stoecklin

Artist: Twenty One Pilots Album: Vessel Genre: Car Radio, Ode to Sleep Songs:Indie Pop “Their music is always so high energy and it’s so easy to just immerse yourself in it. They’re weird, but relatable. -Rachel Cooper

Artist: Lana Del Rey Album: Paradise Genre: Pop Songs: Blue Velvet, Video Games

“Her music really relaxes me and it’s such a chill vibe and original sound.” - Mia Urbaniak

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND OTHER DEGREES TO SAFEGUARD YOUR FUTURE.

Brendan Buffa Sports Editor

Artist: Infected Mushroom Album: P.G.M. [Single] Genre: P.G.M (Delirious Remix) Song: Techno

“Not many words can describe Infected Mushroom; I love them because there are no annoying voices.” -Austin Murray

Ferris State University offers degrees that align educations with occupations in growing career fields. And with 19 locations, online programs and affordable tuition, there’s an opportunity near you. Learn more about what we offer at St. Clair County Community College at ferris.edu/porthuron.

/ PORT HURON

Opinion

Yelling about comics

How the new Miss Marvel takes up two mantles

Zack Penzien Production Editor

Over the years Spider-man has changed. The high school kid living with his grandma and having trouble finding a date to prom is a thing of the past. Peter Parker is still Spiderman, but he’s an adult now. He has been a reporter and a scientist and has also been married and divorced (via magic and the Devil if memory serves) But most importantly of all, Peter moved out of his aunt’s house. Spiderman has evolved as a character over the years and that is a good thing, an important thing. But it’s left a hole. Most young characters in Marvel are kids but may as well be adults. Even Molly Hayes of Runaways is arguably the most childlike of any teen character, has spent most of her life on the lam from the government or super villains. The younger characters in the X-men live at a boarding school that blows up and/or is attacked by psychic ninjas every few months. It’s safe to say the problems that come with living with parents, siblings, and family is not a big part of the marvel universe, and that’s understandable since there are bigger issues out there. But it leaves a market that up until recently has been vacant. Enter Kamala Khan. She is a 16 year-old girl from New Jersey. She writes Avengers fan fiction, and is also a huge fan of Captain Marvel. In addition, she was recently gifted with the ability to shape shift. Kamala still lives with her parents, which is an issue for a young superhero. She has superpowers and a curfew. That makes her relatable in a way that other young hero’s are not. On the night she gets her powers, Kamala is sneaking out of the house to go to a party that her parents forbid her to go to. On her way in, she is caught sneaking back and gets severely grounded. That will be a factor in the story that we don’t get a lot of these days in superhero comics. Much like Spiderman, she is figuring out her powers at the same time she is hiding them. She has responsibilities to her family as well as her new status as a hero. Miss Marvel has been a shining example that not every story needs to be the end of the world to be compelling, a trope that a lot of modern comics fall into. Kamala Khan is set to fill the void Spiderman left when he grew up. She is a young hero with grounded problems at home and fantastic problems behind the mask. Contact Zack at Zpenzien@yahoo.com or on twitter @testsubject777

Lifestyle

Fitness trend that hits below the belt The thigh gap; is it attainable? Liz Whittemore Photo Editor

If “thinspiration” wasn’t scary enough, just when you thought there’s no other way the female body can be picked apart, along comes another fitness obsession. Having a thigh gap has become a fitness trend that idolizes women having a gap or clear space between the inner-thighs underneath their vagina when they stand with their legs together. But is it attainable? Yes and no. Thigh gapless, plus size model Robyn Lawley was attacked on social media after modeling lingerie. The 6-foot-2 inch, 180 pound woman was called “too fat” and a “pig” because she did not have a thigh gap. Bone structure plays a huge role. According to Fitness Blender, women with larger set hips are likelier to have a natural thigh gap because of their bone structure. Their femoral bones are set further apart than women with a narrow frame. “I think if it’s natural or attained through healthy activities, it’s attractive. It depends on your body type. If I was really fit, there’s no way I would have a thigh gap,” said Jeanne Palmateer, a Blue Water Middle College student. Michelle Moran, co-manager of Algonac Health and Fitness, has seen many women come in intending on achieving a thigh gap. “I know of one girl who starved herself trying to get it. She was already a small girl, but carried

Photo credit, Liz Whittemore

her weight in her butt and thighs. Her goal was unreachable; as far as I’m concerned it’s all genetics,” said Michelle Moran, co-manager at Algonac Health and Fitness. “It’s like trying to grow bigger boobs.”

Adopting a crazy diet will not help and many websites that give a howto on achieving a thigh gap stress the importance of being realistic and knowing your body’s limits. Doing exercises that focus on the inner-

thighs may help tone the muscles and help pronounce a thigh gap.

Contact Liz at lizphotosesg@gmail. com

Lifestyle A little like playing dress up

A real look at the life of nerds in costumes Jenelle Kalaf Staff Writer

The old idea of geek is someone who spends their lives reading about science fiction, watching Star Trek and over reacting about the latest video game that came out. While all this may still be true, when it comes to comic book and anime conventions, geeks bloom into artists. Most people don’t really think art when the term ‘comic book convention’ rears its head, but once someone experiences a convention, most see the art walking through the halls in the form of cosplay. Cosplay, short for costume play, consists of creating a costume and wearing said costume while staying in character. These aren’t just Halloween costumes either. Cosplayers spend months planning out a single costume. Weeks of work, days of tweaking and three days to show it off at conventions, just to start all over. Just like any good super hero, all cosplayers have an origin. “I went to Youmacon one year and fell in love with all the different costumes,” cosplayer Shelby Gulette, 20, said about her first convention. “They were beautiful and every one of them is different.” “My love for certain characters drives who I end up picking,” Samantha Garcia, 20, said when asked how she picks her characters. “Like for Shuto Con 2014, I picked

Right to left, “Uncle” and Shelby Gulette posing as Oogie Boogie and a female version of Jack Skellington from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in the Lansing Center at Shuto Con 2014. Photo Credit: Jenelle Kalaf

America from the anime, ‘Axis Powers: Hetalia’. I love him, and America just screams me.” “I cosplay characters that I love. Jack Skellington is one of my favorite characters.” Gulette commented. “Another factor for my decision is if I can act in character. It makes the cosplay more entertaining for

everyone.” Such an expansive hobby affects every cosplayer in some way. “I nearly spent $200 on a single costume. At first my mom was mad, but when she saw it on me she understood why and fell in love with it,” Garcia said with a half laugh. “Cosplay affected my life in a lot

of ways, but the biggest change was that I’ve become more confident,” Gulette said. “I feel like I’ve become more social at conventions in cosplay,” Garcia said. “You really bond with everyone, almost instantly.”

17 So here we are

Entertainment

A film from one generation to the other narrative. The film is an unscripted armature documentary by Boone who was asked to record the lives of the elderly residents of Lake Huron Woods Retirement Home. “All I did was walk into the place, turn on the big red button that said record,” Boone said, describing his experience making the film, “And that’s it, they did everything else.” Following the quirky misadventures of the elderly Gregory Garofalo residents of the home, Boone Managing Editor focuses on not the struggles of aging but the graces such as, Age, how do we deal with it? longevity and a loving family. The To many, specifically college constant theme of the film is “No students, getting older is but a matter what age, you’re as young mere concept that is far away. as you feel.” Travis Boone not only delivers The title: “So Here We Are” his film “So Here We Are” in a skilled artistic manor, but he also describes the film to a tee, as brings a generation that’s beyond Boone explains: “So Bad things happen, good his years down to a relatable

things happen, just stand where you are. To me the title is: “we’ve been here now let’s just keep on living.” The house was packed, filled with spectators, friends, and even a few of the stars themselves. One memorable star was Boone’s grandmother. A touching highlight was when Boone’s Grandmother’s tears swelled up with happiness as she told her grandson how proud she was of

him. The only flaw of the film was a shaky camera from time to time, however every lover of the art of film knows that it is the small imperfections that give a piece character. With Boone’s film there is a level of reality that is refreshing to see, and over all a great early chapter in the promising film career of Travis Boone.

DELIVERY

SO FAST

WE ALREADY DID!

18 From Jayhawk to Skipper

Sports

Ryan Walling sees baseball in a new light

Brendan Buffa Sports Editor

Every athlete begins somewhere. Each has their story of where they came from and how they got where they are today. Ryan Walling, 22, short stop for the Skippers, follows the same equation - yet being special in his own way. Walling, born south of Grand Rapids in Spring Lake, Michigan, comes from Muskegon Community College, where he played baseball as a freshman. “It’s a lot faster paced down here,” says Walling in reference to the difference between Muskegon and St. Clair. “They [Muskegon} has their style, and St. Clair has theirs. Muskegon is a lot of small ball.” Already achieving something he has not in his baseball career, Walling stepped up to the plate against Ancilla College and cranked his first out-of-the-park home run. “I have had multiple inside the park home runs,” said Walling, “when I do get a hold of one, it’s fun. It was the best feeling.” Walling’s 2-run homer on April 10 put the Skippers on top of Ancilla, which led to winning the double header, 6-3, and 3-0. The Skippers are still in the act of getting the ball rolling with a 7-15 record, but that doesn’t shy Walling away from taking the initiative to win. “I always try and bring energy to the table. I want to be the glue of the team and play with a lot of emotion,” said Walling. Originally, Walling said that he was not the biggest baseball fan. “I didn’t really like baseball. I was a big soccer, football and basketball player. When I was about 12, my Dad made me try out for my first travel baseball team, and I did not want to. “I made it on the team and I was pretty good, and my father and I grew a huge passion for it.” Aspiring to not only to be a ball player, Walling also looks to be in the front office at an MLB organization. “I’m trying to go pro, but if that doesn’t happen, I want to get my masters in sports management.” Walling learns lessons in baseball, but also picks up life lessons as he plays the game he has grown to love. “In life and in baseball, it’s all about how you respond. Either I can dwell on my errors, or I can think ‘it’s okay, I’m going to get 10 more balls today and make every one of them,’” said Walling, “you can’t turn a mole hill into a mountain. It teaches me a lot. It’s a life changing game.”

Ryan Walling, short stop, preps with his teammates to face the Kellogg Community College Bruins. Photo credit: Brendan Buffa

Comics

s s a l C New

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