The Erie Square Gazette A public forum by and for the students of St. Clair County Community College since 1951
Volume 66.7
April 30, 2015
Extra! Extra! Write all about it! ESG looking for new members
Mel Buskirk Copy Editor
Though the semester is winding down as we prepare ourselves for a well-deserved summer vacation, it’s never too early to start thinking about classes for next year’s Fall semester. Choosing classes can be difficult, especially factoring in all the things you look for in a class – if it counts for your degree, how labor intensive the class is, whether it fits in with the rest of your classes, if you will actually gain anything from taking the class– it can be a nightmare. Let’s make that decision easier. For a single credit hour, every Thursday from 2 to 2:50 p.m. in room 123 of the Main Building, you can be a part of an active news team and have opportunities to go to events around campus as well as the Port Huron area meeting new people and report to your peers all over campus about your experience. Writing not really your thing? Don’t worry about it. Although the suggested minimum for articles is only 350 words, you can still contribute by taking photos using our cameras. Lacking social skills? No problem. We can help you gain the skills you need to interview sources. While calendar | pg 2 Fun in the Sun | pg 3
>Advertising/Business Manager – one quarter scholarship – If you are a business major and would love some real world experience, here is your chance. >Sports editor – half scholarship – Passionate about sports? Want to go see the games and get free money to do it? Here you go.
>Web master – three-quarter scholarship – Manage the ESG’s web page. Great experience if you’re going into web design or IT. The ESG Offices in Main Building, Room 123. Photo credit: Angie Stoecklin. Free tuition, an office, a title, not to meeting new contacts in person is a primarily reserved for our editors – mention it looks great on a resume – large part of what we do, it’s not all we which you can be one. If you have a what have you got to lose? do. There are always opportunities for little bit of extra time and love having In order to apply for any of the editor entertainment reviews, and opinion your tuition paid for, you can apply for positions, all you have to do is e-mail pieces. an editor position over the summer. the ESG advisor John Lusk at jlusk@ That’s right. We have an office. While Depending on which position you sc4.edu with a letter of intent implying the large community area is used as can apply for, you can have up to which position you are applying our classroom and our conference three-quarters of your tuition for the for and attach a resume before the room for discussing stories, the rest semester paid for through the college. month of August prior to the Fall 2015 of the space is used as our offices to Available editor positions include: semester. use for working on our articles as well > Copy editor – half scholarship – If Not interested in an editor position as school work, or just a nice place to you are good at writing papers and but want to write for the paper? Enroll relax between classes. Conveniently correcting your peer’s papers in your in the Journalism Practicum course located on the first floor of the Main English classes, you will be good at online or through an SC4 advisor. Building, it usually takes only a minute this. For more information, visit the Erie or two to walk to most of your other Square Gazette office in room 123 >Photo editor – half scholarship -classes. of the first floor of the Main Building However, the desks in the office are Good with a camera? Love Photoshop? before the end of the semester. This is the position for you. SC4 Academic Team | pg 4 Patterns | pg 4
Blue Water Area Hockey | pg 7 Prop. 1 | pg 8
Roche Vandal| pg 10 comics | pg 12
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Volume 66.7
Editor-in-Chief Angie Stoecklin Production Editor/Designer Emily Mainguy Managing Editor Chico Hernandez Photo Editor Jenelle Kalaf Copy Editor Melanie Buskirk Sports Editor Tyler Smith Webmaster Alex Hunt Adviser John Lusk
ESG Contact Info:
Calendar Campus
April 30 - Theatre: Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon - Fine Arts Theatre - 7-9p.m.
May 1 - SC4 Board of Trustees Meeting - College Center Alumni Room - 8:30am-Noon
May 3 - SC4 Community Choir - Free Rock & Roll Tribute concert with “The Poltroons” - Fine Arts Theatre - 4-5p.m. May 14 - “The Fantasticks” 5:30-7:30p.m. - Fine Arts Theatre $7 Adults, Free for Students with Skippers OneCard May 15 - “The Fantasticks” 7:30-9:30p.m. - Fine Arts Theatre $7 Adults, Free for Students with Skippers OneCard May 16 - “The Fantasticks” 7:30-9:30p.m. - Fine Arts Theatre $7 Adults, Free for Students with Skippers OneCard May 17 - “The Fantasticks” 2-4p.m. - Fine Arts Theatre $7 Adults, Free for Students with Skippers OneCard
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!
Find us at esgonline.org @esgonline facebook.com/ESGonline First copy free; second copy $1
Sports
Community
Baseball
May 9 - Yesterday, A Tribute to the Beatles McMorran Place - $35-$45 - 8p.m.
Saturday, May 2 - 1 p.m. Glen Oaks CC Tuesday, May 5 - 2 p.m. @ Macomb CC Thursday, May 7 - 2 p.m. Mott CC
June 30 -Relay for Life Capac High School
Softball
Thursday, April 30 - 3 p.m. Delta College
Golf
Friday, May 1 - 9:30 a.m. @ Delta College Bay Valley Golf Club Monday, May 4 - 9 a.m. MCCAA Tournament Port Huron Elks Tuesday, May 5 - 9 a.m. MCCAA Tournament Port Huron Elks Monday, May 12 - 9 a.m. Regional Tournament Bedford Valley Tuesday, May 13 - 9 a.m. Regional Tournament Bedford Valley Bold denotes Home games
Letter from the editor
Farewell for now
Angie Stoecklin Editor-in-Chief
paper’s advisor, John Lusk, taught me a lot about my position, and mostly, my career as a journalist. If The time to say goodbye is here it weren’t for Lusk, I probably would again. I can honestly say that my have not been able to keep up with experience as Editor-in-Chief of the my position. His encouragement and Erie Square Gazette would have little honesty gave me the reassurance I reflection of happiness if it wasn’t needed to fulfill my position to the for the people that I worked closely best of my abilities. with for the past year or so. I would like to thank the staff In my position, I did the best I of the Erie Square Gazette for could. Whether it was preparing keeping me on task, helping with letters to potential advertisers, distribution and other things that figuring out page counts for the overwhelmed me this year. And upcoming issue, and writing when most of all, for completing the I could find the time, I have no assignments I asked them to do with regrets. little or no arguments. You all made I’ll make this short and sweet, the my life a lot easier guys, thank you.
A shout out to the other clubs and Student Government is in order as well. You all have been supportive and helpful and I hope you remember me the same. And last but not least, our readers. Thank you for taking the time to read our little paper. We couldn’t do it without you. One day I will return as a guest writer, but until then, I leave you all with a quote from an author that perfectly sums up how I feel about everyone I’ve mentioned in this goodbye. “You’ve changed me forever. And I’ll never forget you.”- Kiera Cass.
April 30 , 2015
Fun in the Sun
What’s happening over the summer break Jamie Koebke Staff Writer
Waves crashing, sunshine warming every inch of you, and the taste of cold beer all over your taste buds, is the best way to describe summer in Port Huron. The Port Huron area offer summer events starting in early May and going until the end of August. An upcoming event is “Brutes, Babes and Brawls” taking place on May 9 at 7 pm at the American Legion on 6th Street in Port Huron. Put on by Blue Water Championship Wresting, with a special guest appearance from WWE star Sunny. Tickets are $20 at the door. You may live in Port Huron but have you really experienced it? The event “Be a tourist in your own town” is held on June 6 at 10 am. This allows you to experience Port Huron as a tourist. Being able to tour the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, dig for fossils at the science museum, tour how sea cadets are trained and of course take a free trolley ride through Port Huron. The infamous Boat Night will be July 17 with the race to Mackinaw kicking off on July 18 at 8am. Port Huron and the surrounding cities offer a lot of events in the summer, here’s a list
from bluewater.org of some of the more popular events happening » Lexington Fireworks- July 3 at Dusk. this summer. MAY
» Brutes, Babes and Brawls- May 9 at 7 p.m., American Legion on 6th Street, Port Huron.
» Algonac Fireworks- July 3 at Dusk. » St. Clair Fireworks- July 4 at Dusk. » International Day Parade- July 15 at 6 p.m., Downtown Port Huron.
» Run with the Sturgeon 5k Race and » Blue Water Fest- July 161k fun run- May 30 at 51 Water St. 19, Downtown Port Huron. Port Huron. Entertainment for all ages, with a carnival, live music, beer tents on JUNE Friday night and much more. Events take place all day. Family night is » Pine Groove Electronic Music Thursday July 16. Festival- June 6 at 10am at Pine Grove Park. Three music stages, art, » Port Huron to Mackinaw Sailboat poetry and food. Race- July 18 at 8 a.m. Downtown Port Huron. » Be a Tourist in Your Own TownJune 6 at 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Downtown » Lexington Triathlon- July 18 at Port Huron. 7:30 a.m. Downtown Lexington. » Marysville Days- June 10-14. » St. Clair County 4H Fair- July 20- 25 Marysville Municipal Park. at Goodells County Park. Events take place all day. Including Motocross, » Blue Water Cruise Night- June Rodeo and Animal Judging. 26 at 6 p.m. Fort Gratiot, ending at Cheap Charlie’s. » Yale Bologna Festival- July 24 Downtown Yale. Events take place JULY all day. Events include street dancers, carnival and of course the » Algonac Lions Pickerel famous Yale Bologna. Tournament & Festival- July 3 Downtown Algonac. Event takes » St. Clair River Fest- July 24 - 26. place all day. Events take place all day. Events include power boat races, Family » Blue Water Sand Fest- July 3 at activities and live entertainment. Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. Event takes place all day. Michigan’s first » Color Craze 5k- July 31 at 6 p.m. and only master sand sculpting Kiefer Park, Port Huron. All ages competition.
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welcome. Register at porthuronrec.com AUGUST » Harsens Island Field Day- August 1 Harsens Island, Michigan. Events take place all day. Activities include Sack Races, Coin toss, Relays. All ages welcome. » Civil War Weekend- August 1- 2 starting at 10 a.m. and concluding at 5 p.m. August 2. At the Sanilac County Historic Museum.
» Rockin’ the Rivers- All events start at 6pm and last until 9pm at Kiefer Park. August 6 -Motown AllStars. August 13 – Your Generation in concert featuring 50 amp Fuse. August 20 – 80’s Inc. August 27 – Highwaymen Live Tribute.
For more information visit www.bluewater.org/events
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Volume 66.7 | Campus
All-SC4 Academic team named SC4 students receive academic honor Lily Petit Staff Writer
Students Emily Wilton and Kaitlynn Rumsey were named to SC4’s Academic Team according to a press release from March 23. Wilton and Rumsey were automatically named to the AllMichigan Academic Team when they were accepted to the All-SC4 Academic Team. The SC4 alumni association gave Wilton and Rumsey each a $500 scholarship for their accomplishments. Wilton and Rumsey applied for
the All-USA Academic Team last fall. The All-USA Academic Team is a scholarship that recognizes academic achievements from students belonging to Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society of two year colleges. Wilton and Rumsey did not make it onto the All-USA team, but they still hold their All-SC4 and AllMichigan Academic Team titles. According to PTK’s Lambda Mu chapter advisor, Angela Heiden, the candidates had to apply for the team in the fall as well as have a 3.5 GPA or higher to be considered. Wilton and Rumsey were chosen by
an SC4 committee led by Heiden. Academic achievements were not the only factor in influencing the application process. Wilton, 19, said “Basically, the competition part of it (The Academic Team) was the application process. I had to write six essays.” The topics for the essays included how Wilton was influenced by Phi Theta Kappa, how she influenced PTK, as well as describing a time she had struggled. Wilton is the current president of SC4’s Lambda Mu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and will be graduating in May with an honors associate
degree. Rumsey on the other hand has already earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Ferris State University. She is studying at SC4 to be a nurse practitioner. Both were honored at an AllMichigan Academic Team luncheon in Lansing. Rumsey was unable to go, but Wilton said “I didn’t know it was that big of a deal when I was selected (for the team), but when I got to the luncheon and saw how many people were there and I knew some of them and knew how smart they are I was really impressed that I got selected for the team.”
57th annual “Patterns” edition gets released Features 45 students and 85 pieces of literature and art Emily Mainguy Production Editor
“SC4’s ‘Patterns’ is the longest continually published community college literary and arts magazine in the state,” stated Martha Pennington, Director of Marketing. The 57th annual “Patterns” was designed by a trio of students this year, Paige Falk in charge of Layout and Design, Jenelle Nofs doing the illustrations and Brad Stone in charge of Visuals. This trio of designers was not
the only ones involved, they were joined by Student Editors, Rachel Landon, Bailey Watson and Student Clerical Assistants, Ashley Guertin, Brittney Kargol, and Ryan McInnis. “I enjoyed working with Brad because we both had great ideas for how we wanted the overall look to be,” explained Falk, a student designer. The edition was released during the award ceremony and reception Sunday, April 26 where the following students received awards in the following categories:
Eleanor Mathews Award, writing – Marissa Jessee Blanche Redman Award, poetry – Steffani Gentry First-place poem – Steffani Gentry Second-place poem – Amanda Brown Richard Colwell Award, short story – Travis Boone First-place short story – Travis Boone Second-place short story – Elizabeth Mahlstedt Kathleen Nickerson Award, essay – Lillian Petit First-place, essay – Jeff Kroll
Second-place, essay – Therese Majeski Patrick Bourke Award, art – Amanda Rogers First-place, art – Ashley Stacy Second-place, art – Kristen Hager Third-place, art – Brad Stone Grab a “Patterns” or view it online at www.sc4.edu/ patterns. This year’s “Patterns” magazine is, like always, free and is in the Fine Arts building.
Campus | April 30, 2015
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Romanian Native among US
She’s a doctor (of history) not a mathematician Lily Petit Staff Writer
heartbroken to leave it behind. Suditu enjoys the variety of people she’s encountered at SC4. History has molded our society, “They keep you on your toes,” and in turn our lives. However, Suditu said while reflecting history may have impacted St. on approximately three years Clair County Community college of teaching here. She has also adjunct instructor, Oana Suditu learned a lot about American life, the most. motivations and struggles. Suditu Suditu teaches History 101 and says, “I’ve become American 102. She fostered her affinity learning from the students.” for the past as early as the Suditu’s American life includes age of five, encouraged by the four rescue dogs which take up a historical stories her father and lot of her and her husband’s time grandfather told. At a very young she said. Additionally, gardening, age, she knew history would play biking and reading have a place a large role in her life. in her day to day life. Suditu completed her first Soto says, “She’s a great Master’s degree in history at her historian. She studies the “Iasi University” in Romania. soviet experience so we have Suditu moved from Iasi, Romania all these Soviet history books to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania around the house.” Suditu says where she attended Carnegie she is constantly studying and Mellon University and received bringing in new information. her second Master’s in history. She attributes discipline and The move brought educational steadiness in her studying to challenges and personal joys. her success in her education. Suditu met her husband and SC4 “Study a little every day. Don’t let philosophy professor, Jim Soto, yourself go,” Suditu recommends. at Carnegie Mellon. Soto was While Soto also holds a Master’s offered a teaching job at SC4 in degree from Carnegie Mellon he Port Huron. When Soto took the always says, “She’s the smart one job, Suditu applied to teach at the in the family.” same college. “I jumped at the Suditu’s tactics are paying chance to teach,” said Suditu. off. Student, Josiah Pankiewicz, Teaching also brought its own 20, of Columbus Township challenges and joys. Suditu says “I legitimately enjoyed admits teaching is not a lucrative that history class (HIS 101) profession, but she would be and I’ve never enjoyed history
Photo courtesy of Oana Suditu.
before.” Pankiewicz also enjoyed Suditu’s personality, “She’s no nonsense, but also very fair. I love her accent and how fierce of a woman she is.” Another student, Vaux Adams, 20, of Armada says, “She’s straightforward and doesn’t take anyone’s crap, but she’s also funny.” Both students know Suditu rides her bike to school every day. “It’s very green, which is cool,” says Pankiewicz. Suditu says she will ride her bike to class until the ice gets too dangerous in the winter. Despite the bitter cold winter, Oana still loves Port Huron. “I tend to make a home wherever
I go. I’ve changed places a few times in my life and I tend to see the positive. I love Port Huron and I don’t want to live anywhere else… This city has such beautiful light. There’s a quality of the light here that is really spectacular. It’s fantastic living so near the lakes. It’s like you’re in a vacation resort town everyday of your life.” Suditu has no plans to leave Port Huron any time soon, so if you’re interested in learning from this well-cultured, well-educated instructor visit the Wave. You can find class times, details and register for History 101 and 102 on the Wave.
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Volume 66.7 | Sports
Letter from the Sports Editor Tyler Smith Sport Editor
Macomb. The soft ball team and maybe the baseball team have a shot at going to the finals and This year’s sports season had taking home the trophy but the its ups and downs. With the competition is menacing. I have Woman’s Basketball team making no doubt they will put everything it to the semi-finals, Men’s they have in until the end. Basketball team stuck in a rut the With every team there are entire season. While the softball setbacks and advances. This does team rises though the standings not define a team by its victories and the baseball team has proven nor loses but by the way they to be consistent, showing all work together. Each team has teams are resilient in improving their own charisma, work ethic the line. and style of execution. With the softball team ranked As my first and final semester third in the eastern conference as Sports Editor, I have enjoyed standings with ten wins and following their rankings and two loses behind Oakland and watching the teams play.
Internet Marketing Fundamentals (BUS 186)
Fall semester: 6 to 8:50 p.m. Thursdays Instructor: Dan McCarty Sign up for this course designed to help you build your own website and drive traffic and sales to that website, WITHOUT the need to be an artist or a computer expert. Anyone can do it! Counts toward a Marketing Degree (in place of retailing) and as an elective for any Business Degree.
SC4 Women’s Basketball team against Schoolcraft college on Wednesday Feb. 25. Photo credit: Angie Stoecklin
How to build a website with no computer coding or art expertise required: - Wordpress - Wix How to drive traffic and sales to that website using: - Search Engine Optimization (SEO) -Content Marketing -Conversion (Sales) Optimization -PPC (Pay-Per-Click) Advertising -Social Media -Web Analytics -Mobile Media Supplements How to become a valuable, in-demand resource for any business.
Taught in a computer lab.
Sports | April 30, 2015
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Yes Virginia there is a Santa Clause Because he brought hockey back to Port Huron D.J. Palm Staff writer
Christmas came early for hockey fans in the Blue Water Area. The Federal Hockey League announced it will establish a professional team at McMorran Arena. A press conference was held April 2 by Assistant General Manager of McMorran Arena Rob Churchill, along with owner of an unnamed franchise Barry Soskin and FHL Commissioner Don Kirnan. The Federal Hockey League now in its 6th year of existence will expand to 7 teams with the addition of Port Huron. The lease agreement with the building is good for the next five years. This will be the 4th team in 13 years that Port Huron has hosted, with the most recent being the Port Huron Fighting Falcons (now the Keystone Ice Miners in Pennsylvania) the Port Huron Icehawks, Beacons, and, of course, the Bordercats. “The leagues that Port Huron has been in in the past, didn’t suit them or the facility,” Soskin said. “I was in the East Coast Hockey League in Toledo with a 5300 seat building, really hard to make ends meet when your budget is only a million and a half to two million dollars. Now I don’t know about Port Huron’s exactly but I know enough about the league to
From right to left - McMorran Arena Assistant Manager Rob Churchill, Port Huron team owner Barry Soskin, and FHL Commissioner Don Kirnan. Photo credit: DJ Palm
know if their budgets work, those numbers don’t fit.” The Federal Hockey League wants to meet their expected target profits but it also wants to provide quality family entertainment at affordable prices. Soskin would also state, “If the owner is making all the money and the fans aren’t getting a product, that doesn’t work. If
the fans are getting everything and the owner keeps going into his pocket, that doesn’t work. So it has to be a win-win for everybody and by doing that the building will be successful too. I believe that the FHL has a model that works it’s a proven winner the product is great. This is family affordable entertainment, and it’s better than going to see a movie.”
This is the first time in 6 years Port Huron will have professional hockey vs. having a junior league team. “I think we were leaning towards pro all along, and I’ve been working on this since the month the Fighting Falcons left,” Churchill said. “The crowd had pretty much told us (the Mcmorran Staff) that’s what they were interested in.”
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Volume 66.7 | Community | Opinion
Donate to save a life And get a free sticker too Opinion by: Colleen Viger Guest writer
When we look at a driver’s license we see such things as name, height, weight, and possibly a little red heart? That red heart symbol could be the symbol of life for some people. The Gift of Life Michigan website has a lot of great information available regarding organ donation. It does not cost anything to donate and a person can even choose a specific organ
they would like to donate. At the beginning of March 2015 there are a total of 3,427 Michigan patients who are waiting for a transplant. The top three organs that are needed for transplantation are the kidney, liver and heart. One person could potentially save up to eight lives by becoming an organ donor and about fifty lives could be saved through tissue donation. Anyone can be a donor! Did you know that there is also
something called being a “living donor?” That’s right; a person can donate a kidney, part of their liver or a lobe of their lung while they are still living. Not everyone may be qualified for this but for most people that are eligible are able to live healthy and long lives after donation. So how can you become a donor? It is an easy process! Just go to www.giftoflifemichigan. org, go to the bottom left side of the screen and click the link
Proposition 1 raising taxes to fix the roads Is it worth it?
Nick “Chico” Hernandez Managing Editor
On May 5, the people of Michigan will vote on Proposition 1 which is an attempt by Governor Snyder to raise funding to fix the roads. According to 2014 data from the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council, only 17% of Michigan’s roads are in good shape, 45% are in fair condition, and 38% where considered to be in poor shape. Many Michigan residents will agree that the roads are always being rebuilt, or are full
of potholes. Even memes on Facebook have popped up about this problem. Prop 1 would raise the state fuel tax (currently nineteen cents for a gallon of gas, fifteen for a gallon of diesel) and be adjusted for inflation annually. No exact number has been given for the fuel tax increase so far. This would also cause vehicle registration to go up, and increase the state sales tax from 6% to 7%; however, the sales tax would be taken off the sale of fuel. According to a Detroit Free Press article, “Roads 101”, this
proposition will bring “a little more than $1.2 billion a year” to repair the roads. Raye Gardner, a 27 year old junior of SC4 and Port Huron resident said, “I don’t think that it is worth it, or that it will make a difference. We already had taxes put on top of the fuel prices in the past, and we still pay them with every gallon we purchase, and it’s made us one of the top most taxed states in the way for fuel expenses. In the sense that we are being taxed so to fund road repair, it’s interesting to know that the state government had never
that says “become a donor” that is next to the little red heart. It will ask you if you have a driver’s license or state ID card and then all you have to provide is your identification number, name and date of birth. If you are unable to do this online, call the Gift of Life phone number at 1-800482-4881; it only takes about 30 seconds. For further information visit www.giftoflifemichigan.org to possibly change someone’s life!
fully designated that money to its purpose. Why fund more reasons for politicians to line their pockets?” Matt Watson, 21 of East Pointe, stated his opinion by saying, “Personally, I suspect most of the funds will not go towards road development. It’s a way for the state to solve spending problems with a road tax on it. I think anything that says ‘tax increase’ has a higher chance of failing.” He added that “without a doubt” the roads are terrible. “It’s tempting to drive in the turning lanes because of how bad they are.”
Opinion | April 30, 2015
Help to quit smoking Tips and tricks Opinion by: Colleen Viger Guest writer
There have been many changes over the years in regards to tobacco use -- from the banning of smoking in bars and restaurants to the tobacco free campus campaigns throughout the U.S., including our very own SC4 campus. Some jobs, such as nursing, even require that a person gets screened for tobacco use before they are hired and if they test positive for tobacco then they will be denied the nursing position. With all of these changes happening many people either want to or have to quit smoking. It can be a very tough challenge to accomplish but it is possible! There are many great resources and different strategies to help a person quit smoking. If you are looking to quit or have already made that decision, here are some tips from smokefree.gov to help you accomplish your goals! 1. Plan a quit date: write a quit date down and place it where you can see it or circle the date on the calendar. Make sure to plan it on a day where you are less likely to run into stressful situations or situations where you will be tempted to smoke. 2. Let the people close to you know you are quitting: it is very important to have support through this process. Letting them know what they can do to help will help you in your journey to quit smoking. 3. Get rid of any reminders: throw away anything that reminds you of smoking such as cigarettes, ashtrays and lighters. Also, get rid of that smoky smell which can also be a trigger for smoking. 4. Why do you want to quit?: Having a reason to quit can help keep a person on track with the ultimate goal of living a tobacco free life. Making a list of reasons why you are quitting can serve as a helpful reminder, especially on those tough days.
5. Know what your triggers are: write down what your triggers are and then come up with ways to either avoid them or overcome the urge to smoke when you are around your triggers. More information about dealing with cravings can be found on www.smokefree.gov/ cravings. 6. Coping strategies: develop coping strategies that work for you. Some people may try medications such as a nicotine patch, gum or lozenge (though it is advised you speak with your healthcare provider before starting any medications). Counseling in person or over the phone is an option as well as hypnosis, acupuncture, and laser therapy according to www.smokefree.gov/explore-quit-methods. 7. Have a support system: there are many different options for support. One option is a text messaging service called Smokefree TXT. To sign up visit www.smokfree.gov/ smokefreetxt. There is also something called Quitlines where you can talk to a counselor over the phone by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Other options would be quit smoking apps, family and friends or support groups. 8. Have a rewards system: give yourself a nice reward such as a movie night or going out to dinner when you have reached a milestone such as one day, one week or one month smoke free. It is never too late to quit smoking. The benefits are seen after just 20 minutes when your heart rate and blood pressure decrease according to the American Cancer Society. They
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also state that within 2 weeks to three months the function of your lungs and your circulation improve, within 1 to 9 months you can see a decrease in coughing and shortness of breath, and after 5 years your risk of certain cancers and stroke decrease significantly. To see a list of more benefits of quitting visit www.cancer. org. The choice is yours! It is never too late to quit and there are many different ways to achieve your goal of a tobacco free life. To learn more about quitting visit the American Cancer Society, smokefree.gov, or the American Lung Associations websites, just to name a few! Good luck and best wishes on your journey.
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Volume 66.7 | Opinion
Seeking forgiveness
Outside of Roache Bar after vandalism. Photo credit: Nick “Chico” Hernandez
One of the Roche vandals admits his mistake Opinion by: D.J. Palm Staff writer
Brian Smith, 30 of Port Huron, was arrested and charged with destruction of private property Forgiving is harder than holding and has been sentenced to 6 a grudge. Some hate you for months of probation, along with what you did, some forgive you having to pay restitution and and move on with their lives. At court costs. one point in our existence we all Smith says that the torment he do something really stupid we feels on the inside is worse than wish we could take back. That’s any sentence the judge could’ve exactly how one of the Roche Bar handed to him, and is relieved vandals describes the choice he the Judge showed leniency. made that night. “It’s been eating me up,’’ Smith Smith and a counter-part said. “I’m not a bad person, and identified as John Slumpff (still I want him (Johnny Roche) to at large) used sludge hammers to know that. I can’t go to the Roche blast out windows of the Roche and ask for forgiveness, but I just Bar on Quay St. on Jan. 5.
want him to know I’m sorry. I don’t care what anyone else in Port Huron thinks of me, but I do care what John thinks, and I want him to know that I’m not that kind of person.” It’s uncommon for criminals to admit what they did, and say “I did it.” In fact, I’ve seen criminals maintain their innocence and only plead guilty because of a crap public defender or fear of heavier sentencing if their case goes to trial. Brian Smith is accepting full responsibility and punishment for the choice he made.
After talking with the man I feel that his remorse is genuine, and ultimately what did this man destroy? A window. Something replaceable. In no way am I condoning what Smith did. I’m simply trying to open people’s minds to the capacitance of forgiveness. Smith has accepted his punishment, apologized to the owner and currently paying restitution for the broken window. Anyone can say that their sorry for what they’ve done but I feel Smith is trying to show it the best he can.
Entertainment | April 30, 2015
The Greenlight project
An analysis on how indie video games are being released Pessimistic Gamer Guest Writer
While the majority of the gaming community is up in arms over what Activision is doing wrong on the new releases like “Call of Duty,” a small, but growing number of people are starting to discover the gaming community’s best kept secret: Indie Games. Or more specifically, Steam Greenlight. Steam Greenlight is a community based program where users of Steam, a client
used for computer based gaming, can vote on what is added the Steam’s market place. Popular games such as “Five Nights At Freddy’s,” “The Stanley Parable,” “McPixel,” and “continue?9876543210” are all results of the Greenlight project and have quite the following, but what does this mean? It means that, even though indie games have been around for decades, the fans finally get to have a say directly in the gaming community. Though games that have been released through this program
really haven’t been my cup of tea, it’s interesting to see what fans really want. I’m very surprised with the quality of games that’s been released and the amount of money that the games have made the creators. Scott Cawthon, the creator of Five Nights at Freddy’s, commented on his games success, “As a game designer there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing people enjoy something you’ve made (and scaring the crap out of them of course.) It’s a simple pleasure in life when you can launch
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someone out of a chair and it’s all captured on YouTube.” There have been negative comments about how many games have been pushed out but the majority of the fans have been pleased. If anyone is interested in any game on Greenlight, just go to www.Steam.com and click on the banner that says Greenlight.
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Volume 66.7 | Entertainment
“Something Beautiful” - Lexy Downey
Yeah, let’s grab some food
How could you desecrate the body the Lord gave you with tattoos?
Excuse me, young man... uh, yes?
Well, I don’t share your faith, but I guess I just wanted to decorate my temple in something beautiful.