new wsu grads SEE NEWS, page 3
KRISTIN SHAW/THE SOUTH END
DECEMBER 18 - 25, 2013 | WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1967 | THESOUTHEND.WAYNE.EDU | DETROIT, MICHIGAN | FREE
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State Legislature tramples women’s rights
STAFF CONTACT LIST
Republican lawmakers pass ‘rape rider’
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KEITH BROWN • EG4659@WAYNE.EDU MANAGING EDITOR JILL LUBAS • JILLELUBAS@GMAIL.COM DESIGN & MULTIMEDIA EDITOR JON ADAMS • ED6239@WAYNE.EDU NEWS EDITOR WISAM DAIFI • WDAIFI@GMAIL.COM ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR JAMILAH JACKSON • JAMILAH.JACKSON@WAYNE.EDU SPORTS EDITOR FUAD SHALHOUT • DW8385@GMAIL.COM FEATURES EDITOR ELI HOERLER • ELIHOERLER@GMAIL.COM ONLINE EDITOR VALERIE SOBCZAK • VALERIE.SOBCZAK@GMAIL.COM COPY EDITOR SYDNEE THOMPSON • THOMPSONSYDNEE@GMAIL.COM ADVERTISING MANAGER NATALIE DIXON • NDSOUTHEND@GMAIL.COM
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The South End welcomes letters to the editors regarding all inquiries and concerns from the Wayne State community. Please limit letters to 500 words. All submissions are subject to editing and may be published. Please email eg4659@wayne.edu.
The Current CHRISTINA CLARK Staff Columnist It’s one thing to diagree with abortion, and it’s one thing to not want to pay for something that you don’t believe in, but it’s another thing entirely to expect a woman to know if she’ll be raped. Michigan women beware, because this is exactly what a new law that comes into effect next year expects you to do. That’s right, ladies: you, your mother, aunt, sister, niece and daughter better anticipate being raped, because if this heinous act of violence happens to a woman, they get pregnant and want an abortion, they can’t have one unless they purchase a separate rider on their private insurance
CORRECTIONS
The South End corrects all factual errors published online or in print. Please email eg4659@wayne.edu.
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The South End is published Wednesdays during the fall and winter semesters by Wayne State University students. Copies are available free of charge at various locations throughout campus. The Student Newspaper Publication Board, established by the Wayne State University Board of Governors, acts as the publisher of The South End. The board establishes and ensures compliance with publication, editorial and news reporting guidelines. All complaints, comments and suggestions concerning the student newspaper should be directed to doso@wayne.edu.
2 I DECEMBER 18 - 25, 2013 I THESOUTHEND.WAYNE.EDU
plans... before it happens. This law contains no exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest and a woman can not purchase the rider after becoming pregnant, The Detroit News reported. This past Wednesday, with a 27-11 vote in the Senate and a 62-47 vote in the House, legislation was passed that requires a woman to purchase an additional rider on their insurance if they want or need an abortion. Similar legislation was brought to Lansing leaders last year, but was vetoed by Gov. Snyder. This time around Snyder doesn’t get a choice and the law will go into effect March next year. The new legislation was sparked by a petition from Michigan Right To Life group. The petition gained a little over 300,000 signatures, according to The News “Opponents characterized the proposal as government overreach that doesn’t
provide general coverage for abortions in cases of pregnancy complications, such as fetal defects and miscarriages to save a mother’s life,” The News reported. Not a single republican senator stood with woman’s rights, even when Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer shared her story of rape, according to The News. According to the U.S. census website, there are 9,883,360 people living in Michigan, as of 2012. Apparently, 300,000 of them just made a decision that affects all of us, and not in a good way. According to operationrescue.org, an anti-abortion website, there are about 1.2 million abortions performed in the U.S. every year and approximately one percent of abortions in America are caused by rape or incest. One percent doesn’t seem like a huge amount of people, but let’s do the math; one percent of 1.2 million equals about 12,000.
That’s approximately 12,000 women in the U.S. that had to endure the horror of rape and had to terminate their pregnancy, and that’s a big number; one percent is a lot friendlier when you’re trying to push anti-abortion legislation on women. A rape victim didn’t choose to be raped, they didn’t want to be raped, they weren’t irresponsible to be raped. They had all choice and control taken from them once, and now, if they get pregnant they are getting that control and choice taken from them again. If a rape victim gets pregnant and they choose to have that child, that’s their choice but they shoudn’t have to prepare for a crime ahead of time. Apparently, 300,000 signatures just decided that every Michigan woman needs to prepare to get raped. Shouldn’t this decision that have been made by all Michigan voters? It’s your vagina -you should have a voice.
NEWS
New WSU graduates take the stage Inspirational ceremony ‘a day worth remembering’
PHOTOS BY KRISTIN SHAW/THE SOUTH END
KRISTIN SHAW Contributing Writer
SEE PAGE 8 FOR MORE PHOTOS
Over 1,200 students became Wayne State alumni Saturday, Dec. 14, during three separate ceremonies. The Matthaei Physical Education Center gym was filled from the front stage to the back wall with eager graduates, the leaders that brought them to this day and their supporting friends and family. Anticipation was heavy in the air as graduates anxiously waited for the moment their names were called to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. The hunter-green books that they were handed represented so much more than just their completed degrees; they signified the memories they’ve created as Warriors. The graduation ceremony at WSU is one of tradition. As the faculty sat dressed in their robes of gold and green with attire representing their field, the graduates proudly wore their robes and caps in a similar fashion. The 10 p.m. ceremony celebrated the College of Education; College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts; School of Medicine; both doctorate and master’s candidates; and the College of Nursing. The 2 p.m. ceremony graduated students of the School of Business Administration, the College of Engineering, the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the School of Social Work. Finally, the 6 p.m. ceremony celebrated the graduation of the students of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the School of Library and Information Sciences. The turning over of the tassels brought smiles to all of those in the room, as the students became alumni. In true Michigan tradition, the weather forced the attendees to spend a little extra time
traveling. The attendees of the ceremonies had to journey through more than 7 inches of freshly fallen snow, but the rough weather conditions didn’t take away from the feelings of achievement and pride. The final 6 p.m. ceremony fell a little out of tradition. Another sort of beginning was in order for two new graduates — Jainessa AdaCaballero Richards and Rodney Wilson — after Wilson proposed to Richards on the stage. The moment rang true with WSU President M. Roy Wilson’s acknowledgement of the commencement as a “day worth remembering.” David Chapman was the final speaker for the ceremonies, as he is a man worth recognizing in the city of Detroit and in the WSU community. He encouraged the graduates to take the successes they have achieved at the university and apply them to the world that they live in. He credits WSU for helping him develop his passions. The ceremony showed the ideal of what being a Warrior meant in the WSU community, the city of Detroit and the “real world” that the graduates were soon to join. Many faculty members gave praises to the students, but for the first time, students were honored by President Wilson. Margaret Winters, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, introduced President Wilson for his first WSU graduation commencement. President Wilson touched on his vague memories of his first college graduation, as he said he has attended many. He said he remembered his father’s pride in him and that students must also acknowledge those that have helped them on their journey to this special day. President Wilson told the graduates they have learned not only their chosen subjects, but also many other things they will need to find success, particularly preparedness and perseverance.
THESOUTHEND.WAYNE.EDU I DECEMBER 18 - 25, 2013 I 3
A&E ‘Queen Bey’ Surprise Beyonce drops risque new album
JAMILAH JACKSON The South End B ey o nc é f a ns e ve r y wh er e m a y need a d e f i br i l l ato r a ft er t h e s t a r ’ s l atest su r p r i se . “ Q u e e n B e y ” , as s h e i s kn o wn b y f an s, d r o p p e d a n a lb um wi t h n o mar k e ti ng w h a tso e v er . S h e jus t an nou nc e d o n so c i a l m ed i a T h ur s d ay ni gh t th a t i t wa s a v a i la b le o n iTu nes. T h e se l f - ti tl e d a lb um i n clud e s 1 5 new s o ngs a nd 17 vi d eo s . T h e b es t part of th e a l bu m i s t h a t s h e d i d all of th i s w h i l e o n t o ur . T h e s o n g s aren’t th at gr e a t. As a d i e - h ar d B e y o n cé fa n , I a m very u p se t w i th th i s a lb um . I ’ ve l is ten e d to i t o v e r a n d o ve r j us t t o mak e su r e I w asn’t pa s s i n g up i t s val u e bu t af te r th e um pt ee n t h t i m e I stil l d i d n’t l i k e i t . T hi s a l bu m i s not t y pi ca l B ey o n cé materi al . Sh e to o k a d i ffe r en t , an d sl u tti e r , r o u te . A b o ut h a lf o f the albu m i s abo u t h er s e x a d v en tu res w i th h u sband S h a wn “ J a y -Z” Carte r . Lon gti me f ans o f t h e s i n g e r w ou ld h a v e th o u gh t t h e s o n g “ Dru nk i n Lo v e ” f e a t ur i n g J a y -Z w as a ne w e r v e r si o n o f “ C r a zy i n Love” , th e f i r st so n g t h e co uple d i d togeth e r th at l a u nc h e d h er s o lo ca r eer . No , i t’s j u st a s t h e t i t le s a y s . T hey go t d r u nk a nd h a d s e x . T he f u nni e st l i ne i n t h e s o n g i s w hen th e r a p p e r te lls fa n s B ey o n c é’s br e a st a r e h i s b r ea kfa s t . Re all y ?! I w as u tte r ly s h o cked wh e n they p u t th e m o st i n t i m a t e pa r t o f their l i v e s i n so ng. T he c o u p l e i s u su a lly pr i va t e; t r y in g to k e e p th e i r l i ves a s a co uple an d a f a m i l y p r i vat e. T h e a lb um also i nc l u d e s tw o s o n g s a b o ut o r a l sex (Inse r t str a i gh t fa ce h e r e) . W h o tol d B e y o nc é sh e n e e d ed t o s e x up
h e r i m a ge ? H e llo! S he w as nam e d Peo ple Magaz ine ’s “Mos t Be auti ful W o m an of the Ye ar.” I hope s he d i d n ’ t fe e l like s he had to s e x up h e r i m a ge afte r having he r daugh t er B lue . A s fa r as m us ical production g o e s , Be yoncé took it back to h e r s o u the rn roots . A lm os t e ve ry s o n g h as that H ous ton, choppe d a n d s cre w e d fe e l. The s inge r e ve n t a ke s a dab at rapping on the s ong “ Y o n ce”. T h e re de e m ing part of the album m a y b e the s ongs “H e ave n” and “ B lue ” . W h e n I he ard “H e ave n”, I alm os t b ur s t i n to te ars . I n the s inge r’s d o cum entary, s he ope ns up about t h e m i s carriage s he e xpe rie nce d b efo r e having daughte r Blue I vy. I f y o u lis te n to “H e ave n” clos e en o ug h, it s ounds like s he m ay be t a lki n g to that baby. I t’s s uch a s we e t a nd he art w re nching s ong. T h e me aning be hind “Blue ” is pr e t t y obvious . S he s ings about he r lo ve fo r he r daughte r. I n the e nd, y o u h ear the toddle r s pe aking to h e r m othe r. Blue is alm os t tw oy e a r s -old and from the s ounds of it i s a v ery s m art baby. I n the m us ic v i d eo , you s e e the vivacious cutie wa lki n g, s m iling and j us t living a r e g ula r life . T h e s e tw o s ongs m ake s Be yoncé h um a n . H e r fans put he r on s uch a h i g h pede s tal that w he n you he ar s o n g s l ike the s e it m ake s you fe e l li ke y ou can re ally conne ct w ith h e r . S he m ay be a s upe rs tar, but s h e t ells us in s ong that s he ’s j us t a m o t he r w ho love s he r child m ore t h a n a n ything e ls e . O v er a ll, the album is O.K ., but n o t h e r be s t w ork. A lthough I don’t li ke t h e lyrics of s om e of the s ongs , I d o li k e the production of the a lb um and w ill s till blas t it in m y ca r .
4 I DECEMBER 18 - 25, 2013 I THESOUTHEND.WAYNE.EDU
REVIEW
Warm winter reading Battlefield romance takes a holiday
SYDNEE THOMPSON The South End Edit or’s Not e : The au thor re ce iv e d a re v ie w copy of this n ovel from t he b ook re v ie w website E d el we iss in e xcha ng e for an hon est re v ie w. Be s ts e lling rom ant i c su spen se author Cindy G e rard i s on e of my favorite authors . Even thou gh she follow s a bas ic form u l a f or a l l her s e rie s , s he adds nua n ces to the plot and characte rs tha t ma k e th em s tand out. “The W ay H om e ” di verges f rom that form ula a bit, however. In s te ad of building cha ra cters a rou n d a plot, the plot is bu i l t a rou n d th e characte rs . Tyle r Brown a n d Jess A lbe rt m e t brie fly in “La st M a n S tanding,” the final b ook i n Ge rard’s Black Ops s e ri es. A lthough the ir intera cti on wa s brie f, the y fe lt a s tron g con n ecti on , s o Tyle r re turns to t own a yea r late r to pick up w he re th ey l ef t off. Je s s , how e ve r, is wa ry of the s e xy w arrior afte r her Speci a l Ops hus band J .R . w as kil l ed b y a n IE D thre e ye ars prior. Bu t of cou rse, you can’t turn dow n a gi a n t hu n k of m an candy fore ve r, so they ev en tually hook up and g et en ga ged. R ainbow s and butte rf l i es ga l ore. The proble m ? J e s s ’ hu sb a n d i sn ’t actually de ad. Tyle r and Je s s don ’t f eel f l esh ed out as individuals , so they’re doubly bland as a cou pl e. Th ere’s nothing w rong w ith th em, per se — the y fit into s tanda rd roma n ce trope s pre tty e as ily — b u t some thing’s m is s ing that I ca n ’t q u i te put m y finge r on. Th ere’s n o pa l pable che m is try be tween th em l i k e the re has be e n in e very oth er on e
of Gera rd’s b ook s tha t I’v e rea d, a n d ma yb e tha t h a s to do wi th the storyl i n e. F or th e f i rst h a l f of th e n ov el , hi gh sta k es ha v e b een ex cha n ged f or rel a ti on shi p mel odra ma , a n d a l th ou gh I l ov e roma n ti c mel odra ma , I don ’t th i n k Gera rd h a n dl es th e n ew ton e sk i l l f u l l y en ou gh to ma k e i t work . Pl u s, I rea l l y don ’t ha v e a n y cl ea r pi ctu re of wha t Jess or Tyl er ev en l ook l i k e. Su re, th ere a re gen eri c descri pti on s of b l u e eyes a n d b rown h a i r, b u t I don ’t ha v e a n yth i n g more th a n a n i n k l i n g of wh o th ey rea l l y a re. Ba si ca l l y, th ey’re su pposedl y rea l l y a ttra c ti v e a n d i n to ea ch oth er, b u t th a t doesn ’t tra n sl a te wel l to th e pa ge. Wi th th a t sa i d, I di d thorou ghl y en joy the rea l i sti c ex pl ora ti on of th e tol l th a t wa r a n d v i ol en ce ta k es on ou r sol di ers; Gera rd sh ows thei r v u l n era b i l i ty a n d stru ggl e wi th ou t ma k i n g th em ou t to b e hel pl ess, b rok en v i cti ms. I’m n ot a n a u th or i ty on mi l i ta ry ex peri en ces b y a n y mea n s, b u t I thi n k th a t th ose who ha v e b een a f f ected b y th e serv i ce wou l d b e h a ppy wi th th e portra ya l s i n th i s n ov el . I a l so l ov ed the rel a ti on sh i p b etween J.R. a n d Ra b i a (a n d a p preci a ted th e i n cl u si on of M u sl i ms wh o a re a wesome/a ren ’t terrori sts of some k i n d) a n d th e ca meos of th e Bl a ck Ops tea m. I on l y wi sh we cou l d’v e seen more of them, b e ca u se they ha d a l ot more cha ri sma th a n the ma i n cou pl e di d. Ov era l l , th e n ov el sta rted ou t rea l l y sl owl y, b u t th e cl i ma cti c f i ref i ght, h ea rtf el t a n d b i ttersweet rel a ti on sh i ps a n d the su pporti n g ca st rea l l y sa v ed i t f or me. It’s a f l u f f y h ol i da y roma n ce th a t’s per f ect f or col d wi n ter n i ghts sn u ggl ed u p on th e sof a .
FEATURES
WSU ‘Senior’ may lose pension Detroit bankruptcy affects 68 -year- old student LIZ SCUTCHFIELD Contributing Writer Having your pension cut because of Detroit’s bankruptcy isn’t a typical concern for a college student, but Angela Sangster-Doss isn’t your typical student. She’s a spunky 68-year-old woman who enrolled at Wayne State to answer her calling as a teacher. Nobody was more surprised than her. “I said, ‘Lord are you sure it’s me and not my daughter,’” SangsterDoss said, laughing her infectious laugh. “But he said, ‘You’re going.’” Now, Sangster-Doss may need her second career for the income. After nearly 30 years of working for the city of Detroit, its bankruptcy poses a real threat to her pension checks, and those pension checks help her make ends meet each month. Fortunately, she’s a faithful woman and believes the Lord, and the promise the city
made to pay her that pension, will protect her. “I don’t believe it’s going to be cut. I believe it’s a smoke screen,” Sangster-Doss said. “Plus my pension is insured by the state. They promised me if I do this, they’ll do that. They didn’t say unless we go broke.” That faith doesn’t stop her from adding up the bills her monthly Social Security checks won’t cover. The thing that concerns her most is the first car she’s had in years. At 68, Sangster-Doss has been getting up at 5:30 in the morning to take the bus to school. She worries about the insurance for her 2004 Chevrolet too – it’s over $350 a month. That’s because she lives in Detroit. “I just want to be able to keep my car and pay my insurance,” she said. “I don’t want to be afraid driving around without it.” Sangster-Doss started working for the city in 1976, shortly after Coleman Young became mayor. She
worked as a building attendant before becoming a senior clerk, and finally a combination of delinquent water bill collector and meter reader troubleshooter. She describes paying into a pension plan for the first 15 or 20 years at a rate of 1 percent, with the city making a matching contribution. “They would come back and ask for more and more,” Sangster-Doss said. “I should have figured they were up to something.” In the last decade or more that she was working, she said the employees were asked to increase their contributions, first to 3 percent and eventually to 7 percent. The city continued to match at the higher rates. “We just kept going through mayors. Mayor Young was long gone, and the city was going to hell in a hand basket,” she said. Her monthly pension has already decreased from when she first started collecting it, dropping incrementally from $1,000 to $850
when she became eligible to collect Social Security. “They have a schedule, and as you get older, it’s supposed to get cut back because Social Security is supposed to pick up,” Sangster-Doss said. Her annual pension has decreased too, but she’s not sure why. “Every year we used to get a longevity bonus from our pension, about $900 or $1,000,” she said. “One day I looked up and it wasn’t coming anymore. I only got about five or six of those.” With just a few classes to take before getting into the School of Education, Sangster-Doss is unable to attend school next semester. She still owes money for the current semester, but she’s planning to pay it off and be back at it the following semester. Losing a portion of her pension will slow her down, but it won’t stop her. Sangster-Doss doesn’t let whatifs bother her. Laughing out loud, she said, “I’m just too blessed to be stressed.”
Dental program enriches students WSU teams with U of D Mercy on summer session ASHLEY GAILLIARD Conributing Writer Wayne State University’s Michigan- Area Health Education Center (AHEC) has teamed up with U of D Mercy’s dental school to provide a free six-week Summer Enrichment Program (SEP). The program, which runs MayJune 2014, is offering students preparation for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), professional development, and hands-on dental modules. The program’s goal is to get more disadvantaged students exposed to the field of dentistry, and to become more competitive applicants for dental school. “I’m just really excited about our continued partnership with AHEC,” said Dr. Deirdre Young, Director of Multicultural Affairs at U of D Mercy and founder of the pipeline program, entitled Dental Imprint. “Our partnership enables us to
distribute information about our program not just in our region but throughout the state,” she said. Dr. Young received her DDS at University of Michigan, and received her Bachelor of Science at Howard University. She’s a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Patient Management and has her own private practice in the Detroit metro area. Young decided to compete for the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP), a government funded grant aimed to help people with disadvantaged backgrounds who want to pursue dental careers. For three years her program was funded along with other partnerships that helped develop the program, by the Ronald Wood Johnson Foundation National Learning Institute and a continued partnership with AHEC. “I believe when you’re trying to do something good, good things follow,” she said. The program helps students pre-
pare for interviews, get hands-on training by going over dental anatomy, dental materials, and growth anatomy observations. Students will have exposure to dental specializations: oral surgery, pediatrics, orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, general dentistry and public health dentistry. Students will receive both cultural competencies training to help with communication skills and intense training for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) sponsored by Kaplan test prep. “I call it the pipeline for Dental Success,” Young said. Students will go to various clinics within Detroit and rotate through the Advance Education General Dentistry Program, also referred to as the AEGD clinic. The Program Qualifications are as follows: • U.S Citizenship • Minimum of 2.75 GPA • Demonstrate an interest in pursuing a dental degree • Have completed at least 2
years of college • Economically or educationally disadvantaged students “It’s a six-week program with 100 percent dedication, Monday through Friday, 9 to 5p.m, Saturday programming is offered as well,” Young said. A course that typically costs $1800 is available to students for free, she added. Housing is set-up for students who stay on campus, and transportation is provided roundtrip from main campus to dental school daily. During the course of the program students can expect to receive a stipend- wage or salary. “I’m excited to do this program,” Young said. “I was born and raised in Detroit and went to Detroit Public Schools. I think it’s really important as a DPS alumna to have programming that is available for other students in the district that are graduated” For those interested in more information, visit www.dental.udmercy.edu/enrichment
THESOUTHEND.WAYNE.EDU I DECEMBER 18 - 25, 2013 I 5
FEATURES
Old school video games alive & bleeping Piko Piko Detroit embraces retro culture COURTESY PIKO PIKO DETROIT
hhehehehe DANIEL FORTUNE Contributing Writer An Italian plummer in red overalls runs across a brown cobblestone road. He eats a mushroom, stomps a few unsuspecting turtles, and warps down a green pipe to collect gold coins in a secret underground lair. No, this is not the first act of a bad David Lynch film. It’s Mario – in the style of the original Nintendo Entertainment System. It’s the 8-bit generation of video games – the pixilated graphics, the retro bleep sounds, the game cartridges that wouldn’t work without blowing on them beforehand. And apparently, there’s an entire community in Detroit that is dedicated to the artistic aesthetics of this disenfranchised culture. They call themselves Piko Piko Detroit (“Fleet Fleet” in Japanese), and they create music and art inspired by the 8-bit technology of vintage video games. “We’re actually not professionals,” said Yuuya Masada, 27, a graduate of Western Michigan University and founder of the Detroit organization. “[We’re] mostly amateurs and hobbyists that just like to do what we like to do and express
ourselves.” Masada said that he was inspired by an online scene of net labels to turn Piko Piko Detroit into something similar. “These are basically indie record labels online that get artists together to produce things,” said Masada. “What we wanted to do was kind of be more of a traditional record label, but at the same time utilize the Internet powers to get our work out.” Pika Piko Detroit releases their artists’ various musical oeuvres, which are created with original Game Boys that are reprogrammed into bleep-buoying music-machines. “The artists actually compose on the Game Boy,” Masada said. “Our Game Boys we modify to hack through the soundboard, and we can actually plug in straight into a PA system or audio system, and play right off of it.” Masada says that none of the reminiscent bleep sounds are actually taken from the 8-bit video games, but are original sounds inspired by that culture. Nevertheless, Masada said the nostalgic sentiment definitely plays a role in the appeal. “In terms of marketability, we definitely drive off the nostal-
6 I DECEMBER 18 - 25, 2013 I THESOUTHEND.WAYNE.EDU
gic sound theme,” Masada said. “Whenever we do a show, it’s always nice to have covers of well known songs in 8-bit format. It’s like – ‘Oh, it’s like I’m hearing a video game!’” Masada said the reprogrammed Game Boys have especially resonated with fans. “Everybody relates to it,” Masada said. “Even kids that have never seen an original Game Boy come up and ask, ‘Why is this Game Boy so big and looks like a brick?’” While 8-bit music has been around since the video game generation itself back in the mid ‘80s, Masada said it was not until a “surprising, unexpected meeting” with some likeminded fans at an anime convention, Youmacon Detroit 2011, that Piko Piko Detroit was conceived. Masada said their shared affection for 8-bit music was an immediate source of fellowship. “It’s a rarity,” Masada said. “I think many people think they’re one of the few people in the world that are fans, so we were excited to find each other like this.” Masada said by 2012 the newly formed collective was bringing in more artists and putting on regular live shows at “cafes, parties, wherever we could get in for a very low
budget.” Piko Piko Detroit recently commemorated its 2-year anniversary back where it all began – at the 2013 Youmacon Detroit. “We decided it’s kind of our holy ground, so we kept going there,” said Masada. “We host panels there now, showcasing with some of our artists. And we actually do some workshops of our expertise that has been growing.” Masada said he hopes the local 8-bit community continues to grow with Piko Piko Detroit. “We are very much focused on live events and shows around Michigan,” said Masada. “It’s important that people see it and experience it firsthand, and experience that something [like an old Game Boy] that’s been neglected and kept under your bed and haven’t seen since elementary school can explode to become a huge production or an inspiring art tool. It would be great for a lot of people to get involved personally.” Hear the music for yourself and get more information on Piko Piko Detroit on their website – www. pikopikodetroit.net. Get updates on upcoming shows and connect with the community on their Facebook page – www.facebook.com/pikopikodetroit.
SPORTS Warriors win three in a row
WSU weathers Storm
Coleman and Phillips combine for 47 points
Gavin Toma drops career-high 24 points
COURTESY RON HARPER
MICHAEL LEWIS Contributing Writer The Wayne State men’s basketball team (4-1 overall) was able to extend its winning streak to three games with a 74-66 victory over Kalamazoo College (3-3 overall), Dec. 11. The Warriors came out firing after the opening tip. The Warriors hit their first three shots to jump up 7-0 including five points off of steals. However, the Hornets bounced right back with a seven-point spark from Mark Ghafari. For the rest of the first half, the Hornets gave the Warriors all they could handle. They held the Warriors to 37 percent shooting and shot the ball at 48 percent. The Warrior defense helped seal their halftime lead as they forced 12 turnovers resulting in 14 points on the other end. In the second half, the momentum
swung the Warriors way. The Warrior defense continued to suffocate the Hornets as WSU was able to force 20 Kalamazoo turnovers. Big men Bryan Coleman and Mike Martin both tallied four blocks down low, while guards Chene Phillips and Clark Bishop reached 11 total steals. The Warriors also held the Hornets to 39 percent shooting. This meeting marked the first time these two teams played each other in 72 years. On Dec. 13, 1941, the Warriors were able to outlast the Hornets, 39-30. This game also gave Coach David Greer his 188th win in his 12 years at WSU. In last Saturday’s matchup against the Ohio Dominican Panthers, Greer passed the renowned Joel Mason for second place on WSU’s all time wins list. Kalamazoo College is the 43rd opponent Greer has beaten in his WSU tenure. The Warriors’ next home game is not until Jan. 2 against Walsh University at the Matthaei.
COURTESY RON HARPER
MICHAEL LEWIS Contributing Writer The Wayne State men’s basketball team (5-1, 3-0) remained unbeaten in GLIAC play after a 79-70 victory over the Lake Erie College Storm (3-6, 0-3), Dec. 14. The Warriors were able to hold the Storm to 19 points and 28 percent shooting from the field in the first half. Led by Gavin Toma’s 12 first half points, WSU led by as many as 21 points. Lake Erie College was held scoreless from the 12:31 mark until the 7:54 point. The Warriors were able to enter the break with a 34-19 lead; however, the Storm ended the half on a 6-0 run. With over five minutes gone in the second half, senior Bryan Coleman increased their lead to 22 points with a two-point jumper. The Storm responded with a 6-0
run at the nine- minute mark to cut the Warrior lead to 58-49. Freshman forward Nick Wells connected a three- pointer to cut to within seven points, but that is as close as the Storm would get to the Warriors’ lead. Coleman responded with a triple of his own to push WSU’s lead back to double digits. Toma ended the game leading all scorers with a career-high 24 points, followed closely by Cole man with 22. Senior Guard Chene Phillips tallied 11 points and seven assists while freshman guard Clark Bishop added seven points and seven rebounds. In his second game back off injury, senior big man Gerald Williams-Taylor contributed 11 points and seven rebounds. The Warriors will travel to Ashland for their next contest on the Dec. 18 before returning to the Matthaei to take on the Walsh Cavaliers.
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