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VOICE A A NATIONAL NATIONAL PACEMAKER PACEMAKER AWARD AWARD NEWSPAPER NEWSPAPER

washtenawvoice.com

THE

April 21, 2014

Volume 20, Issue 18

The student publication of Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, Michigan

Campus Security looks into racial fight

Fight classified as ‘disorderly conduct’ By NATALIE WRIGHT Managing Editor

And KELLY BRACHA Photo Editor

And JAMES SAOUD Staff Writer

ERIK MORRIS | WASHTENAW VOICE

editorial

Some students don’t feel safe; security says it’s ‘cabin fever’ After a violent fight broke out in the Student Center last Tuesday, students and employees were worried, and Campus Safety and Security wasn’t talking about it. The Voice tried for hours to get a hold of Campus Security Director Jac Desrosiers, but he was busy. In the meantime, witnesses were talking about how this fight was an escalation of tension among a group of people that they consider “dangerous.” They told us about recent threats on peoples’ lives. They told us that they’ve heard a lot of talk about guns lately. They told us they were scared. Security personnel monitoring the Student Center were not willing to comment. When we finally got Desrosiers on the phone, he explained that he was off work in 10 minutes (at 4:20 p.m.), so we’d have to talk about the assault the next morning. On Wednesday morning he told us that students’ fear is unwarranted. It’s “cabin fever” he said. People have been locked up all winter and

are becoming “more animated.” In security’s log book, the incident is labeled “disorderly conduct.” Based on the severity of the fight and what led up to it, we feel it should be listed as an assault, and possibly a hate crime. When someone gets his head rammed up against a glass wall, when students are whispering that they’re scared, we expect the college, and particularly the Department of Campus Safety and Security, to take concerns as seriously as students and employees do. And, for the past few years, that hasn’t seemed to be the case. Whether it was concerning a fight on campus, a tornado warning or an alleged sexual assault – things that should have resulted in a campus-wide alert have not been taken seriously enough. The school didn’t send out a timely warning to students about Tuesday’s altercation, as required in the Clery Act in the case of an assault or a hate crime. It did send out a notice on Wednesday, 29 hours after the incident (see Page A4), after The Voice

suggested to Ombudsman Larry Aeilts that this was a potential violation of the Clery Act. Students are seeing tension building in the Student Center. School administrators are saying the fight was an isolated incident, and that their only ongoing concern is that the Student Center is too crowded. Students and employees, if you’re seeing and hearing things that make you concerned for your safety, you need to notify security. You need to be adamant about your safety. It’s security’s responsibility to keep us safe, but it’s everyone’s responsibility to hold the college accountable and to notify security of issues that need to be addressed. When you add this disconnect about the severity of the fight to the fact that Campus Security is less than forthcoming with information about even the most basic crimes on campus, it’s a cause for concern. With Desrosiers not always available, there should be someone appointed to talk to the media and the public whenever he is not here. But

Desrosiers says he is the only person able to talk to the public about security issues. None of his subordinates are able, or apparently willing, to talk. “It’s a freedom of speech thing. I don’t tell them they can’t talk. I don’t tell them they have to talk,” Desrosiers said of his employees. But when students are scared, and Desrosiers is nowhere to be found, shouldn’t someone be responsible for informing the campus community of what’s going on? “I’m here all the time,” Desrosiers responded. But he’s not. Desrosiers often isn’t here on Fridays. “What if there’s a crime on Friday and you’re not here?” we asked. “I can tell you, nothing ever happens on Fridays,” he responded with a chuckle. We’re not laughing. See Weapons Law Violation Security notes on Page A3 for what happened on a recent Friday.

A violent, racially motivated assault broke out in the Student Center around noon on April 15 when one man apparently was jumped by at least two others and thrown up against the glass windows of the Student Activities office, witnesses said. Three men involved in the fight have been identified and are awaiting disciplinary action, pending an investigation, according to college officials. The attack was an escalation of an argument about skin color, said Mike Hernandez, a 25-year-old education student who witnessed the fight. “It was light skin versus dark skin,” he said. Campus Safety and Security reported the incident as “disorderly conduct” in its crime log and has not classified it as an assault or a hate crime. The fight is not a hate crime because all three of the men involved were “the same race,” Jac Desrosiers, director of Campus Safety and Security, said. The argument originated when a girl walking past the victim’s table said that she didn’t want to sit next to light-skinned people and walked away, Hernandez said. The victim, who was light-skinned, started yelling at her, he said, and then was attacked by two dark-skinned men sitting nearby. “It was two against one – two darker guys against the light guy,” Hernandez said. “He was defending himself. Then another guy came and attacked him, too.” Several witnesses said that four men were involved, but Desrosiers said that as far as he can tell from the security footage, only three men were involved. Witnesses also said that two men “jumped” another. But, according to Desrosiers, the first man cannot be classified as a victim. “There was nobody completely innocent in the whole situation,” Desrosiers said. FIGHT CONTINUED A3

Elizabeth Patten, 52, and partner Jonnie Terry, 50, outside of the Washtenaw County Clerk’s Office on March 22. The ACLU recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of eight same-sex couples who were married that day in Michigan. KELLY BRACHA | WASHTENAW VOICE

Same-sex couples file suit against state, governor

Washtenaw County. “It’s basically trying to force the state to recognize our legally perAttorneys from the American Civil formed marriage,” Keith Orr, one of Liberties Union Fund of Michigan the plaintiffs named in the lawsuit, have filed a lawsuit in a federal court said. on the behalf of eight same-sex couples Keith and his husband, Martin who were married in March, listing the Contreras, have been together for 28 defendant as the State of Michigan and years and in 1995 opened the /aut/ Gov. Rick Snyder specifically. BAR, a popular LGBT-friendly bar in The couples listed in the suit were the Kerrytown area of Ann Arbor. married on March 22, before a stay The couple was one of the first five on the ruling was issued by the 6th in Washtenaw County to be married U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Ohio. last month after U.S. District Judge Two of those couples are residents of Bernard Friedman declared the By JON PRICE

Staff Writer

Michigan Marriage Amendment unconstitutional in a federal courthouse in Detroit on March 21. The amendment had specific language prohibiting same-sex couples from being married. Local LGBT-community members, including Orr and Contreras were “disappointed and confused,” when Snyder made a statement indicating that the state would not ACLU CONTINUED A6

Nursing student Vidya Guruprasad, from Ann Arbor, always liked woodworking and is learning about it as a hobby. After a panel called “Women in Non-Traditional Careers: Construction Technology” hosted by WCC’s Student Resource and Women’s Center on April 11, Guruprasad, along with other WCC students and employees, got to use tools to build a toolbox to take home with them. See a story about the panel on Page B1. KELLY BRACHA | WASHTENAW VOICE

RACTIVE PRINT

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The Washtenaw Voice

April 21, 2014

GO WEST.

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PeoPle come here because they’re lookinG for somethinG. It’s not about packing up the

car and going to a different town. For them it’s about discovery. What they find is a challenge—something unexpected—that opens up new frontiers. Go West. Discover. Explore. This is one of America’s great universities. A lot of people who have become successful—skilled, happy, wealthy and influential—started by heading West. Western Michigan University. It’s your turn to Grab the reins.

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Cedar Point Trip

Join Student Activities for a thrilling day at Cedar Point!

Tickets Coming Soon!

Traverse City Weekend Getaway Only $115 th th June 13 -15 7 a.m. (6/13) – 6 pm (6/15)

Included in price: Two-nights lodging, motorcoach transportation, 2 dinners and 1 breakfast, Sleeping Bear Dunes Hike, and adventures at Pirate’s Cove! Purchase your tickets at the Cashier’s Office!

Relay For Life

Join team WCC in the fight against cancer! st

Date: June 21 -22 Time: 10a.m. (6/21) – 10 a.m. (6/22) Location: WCC Community Park Sign-Up: http://tinyurl.com/relay-wcc

All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society

Upcoming Sports Opportunities! Drop in Sports!

Tiger’s Baseball Tickets

Only $26! th May 8 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Comerica Park Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jack’s! It’s time for a ball game. Join Student Activities for a fun day of Tiger’s baseball. Ticket includes outfield box seats and transportation!

Purchase your tickets at the Cashier’s Office! Tour de Cure

Stay active this summer and enjoy some drop-in sports! Drop-ins include: Sand Volleyball (Co-ed) Softball/Kickball (Co-ed) Soccer (Co-ed) Dates and times coming soon! Drop-in sports are free for anyone to play, so bring your friends and have some fun at WCC!

Saturday, June 7 Help WCC raise money to fight diabetes by educating the community and join our team! Join here: http://tinyurl.com/WCCTourDeCure2014

If you have any questions, comments or concerns please contact the WCC Sports Office by calling 734-973-3720 or emailing elemm@wccnet.edu. You can also come into the office and see us and sign up in SC 116.

News

The Washtenaw Voice

FIGHT FROM A1

Rachel Barsch, Student Activities events coordinator, who was in the office when the fight broke out, called Campus Safety and Security as the two aggressors ran off. One of the men who ran was identified by his license plate, and the other was identified when he showed up at the security office of his own accord at the end of the day “to tell his side of the story,” Desrosiers said. The fight itself began and ended quickly and suddenly, an employee who witnessed the fight said. “There was no crescendo,” the employee said. “You know how sometimes you can see things build up? It was all of a sudden, they were throwing a guy into the glass.” Students have noticed an escalation in tensions in the Student Center. “This happens every week … it’s a bunch of different things, but it’s the same group of kids,” said one student who spends a lot of time in the Community Room. He spoke on the condition of anonymity, out of concern for his own safety. “They know me. They could find me,” he said. “And they’re scary.” The student said that he has heard some in the group bragging about guns and even threatening people. One man comes into the Community Room often and “tries to start stuff,” he said. Four other students who frequent the Community Room, who also asked that their names not be used for fear of retribution, confirmed the frequent threats. After an altercation regarding whose turn it was on the pool table, the man said that “he was going to have his brother come here and kill me,” one student said. None of the threats or daily arguments have been reported to security, Desrosiers said. And he doubts whether all of the arguments that students have heard should be taken seriously. “Some people, you’ll hear them arguing, but they’re friends,” he said. “It’s hard to determine what’s a harmful argument versus what’s a playful argument.” But witnesses say they’re taking it seriously. Tensions have been

escalating over the past few weeks, since an incident at the talent show, one of the students in the Community Room said. The incident at the talent show was a verbal argument that may have escalated to pushing, Desrosiers said, and security responded to the scene. But Desrosiers was not able to confirm whether or not the fight turned physical nor was he able to find the official report. “It seems like people are suffering from cabin fever,” Desrosiers said. “People are becoming more animated. “It’s a bunch of young people, and they’ve been locked up all winter.” To address the “cabin fever” security has been doing “walkthroughs” in the Student Center every half-hour for the last few weeks, he said. And on Wednesday, following the fight, there was a noticeable increase in the security presence, with some officers stationed by the revolving door, and others walking around and monitoring. But Desrosiers said that students should be assured that there is no immediate risk to the campus community, nor was there ever. Tuesday’s fight was “an isolated incident, and it was over as soon as it started,” he said. Desrosiers said that this fight was only the second he has seen in the four years he has worked at Washtenaw Community College, the first occurring two years ago. But a student who works in the Community Room said that this was the second physical fight he’s seen in the Student Center this year. The news of Tuesday’s fight was not broadcast among the campus community because there was no immediate risk, Desrosiers said, and because, even though the aggressors ran away, security “pretty much had them identified early on.” As a preventative action, the college is considering changing the layout of the Student Center, Desrosiers said, “to spread people out” and dispel the “cabin fever.”

April 21, 2014

Posters for the WCC Digital Media Arts Student Portfolio Show hang outside the production center in the Gunder Myran building. The department will host the DMA Gala April 30 from 4:30-10 p.m. in the Morris Lawrence Building to showcase student work from the past year. DAVID FITCH | WASHTENAW VOICE

Digital Media Arts students prepare for the annual gala potentially pay big dividends, according to Kristine Willimann, a graphic design instructor, if only from the exThe Digital Media Arts program perience of putting together a presentwill have a chance to show off the work able body of work. of its students to the community at the Besides the experience, stuannual DMA Gala on April 30 from dents will meet potential employ4:30-10 p.m. in the Morris Lawrence ers and have their work evaluated by building. professionals. Displays will feature student “That’s a great service that we prowork from photography, 3-D anima- vide back to students,” said Willimann. tion, graphic design and digital vidDan Kier, who started the digital eo courses. The event is open to the video program at Washtenaw, is proud public and represents a chance for of the body of work generated by stustudents to connect with potential dents since last year’s event. employers. “You can just see the bar being For graphic design and pho- raised every year, and it’s awesome,” tography, gala participation is an Kier said. exit requirement, one which can This year, digital video students By DAVID FITCH Staff Writer

have the chance to submit their films to the “End of Year Show,” which will take place from 5:30-10 p.m. at the gala, in the auditorium. Student productions will be judged for awards like Best Editing and Best Cinematography. Photography instructor Terry Abrams says that it is “thrilling” to see how students come through the program and move on to new adventures. Sometimes, they even move on starting at the gala. Abrams recounted how one year, an employer left the event having already chosen a future employee. It’s rare, but it can happen, he said. The animation program also will showcase some of its best student productions during the event.

safety tips Tornado Warning: Source: WCC Campus Safety Department

Washtenaw Community College works to be a safe college campus. In an effort to be proactive in creating awareness, the Campus Safety Department will be providing a series of Campus Safety Tips for students, faculty and staff. It should be noted that these tips apply to any public place including: shopping malls, special events and even to places of worship.

The Michigan State Police reports that most tornados occur in April, May, June and July, most commonly during between 3-7 p.m. In the event that a Tornado Warning is issued at WCC, please take the following measures: If you are in a classroom or office with exterior glass, leave the room as quickly as reasonably possible. —Seek out a Tornado Shelter room and enter it. —In the event there is not a room in your immediate area, stay in an interior hallway keeping distance between yourself any exterior windows or doors. —Do not use the elevators or stairwells with exterior glass.

calendar

Learn the location of emergency exits. — —Activate the fire alarm if you detect fire in a building. —Always exit the building in the event of a fire alarm —Exit by the nearest stairway. Do NOT use elevators —Call Campus Safety and Security (3411) from one of the college house phones to notify emergency personnel —If close by, press the red button on one of the red emergency phones to be directly connected to Campus Safety and Security. —Smoke is toxic. If the only way out is through smoke, stay low, below the smoke. —If trapped, call 911 and tell them where you are. Seal doors with rags or clothing and try to signal from a window.

briefs

Workshops

College Visitations

Monday, April 21 Resume development workshop, from 2-3:30 p.m. in ML 120. This hands-on workshop will help students develop a resume to present to employers. For more information visit: http:// www.wccnet.edu/careerconnection.

Monday, April 21 Trine University, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the first floor of the SC

Wednesday, April 23 Northwood University, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the first floor of the SC Tuesday, April 22 Oakland University, from 10 Interview skills workshop, a.m.-2 p.m. in the first floor of the SC from 3-4:30 p.m. in ML 120. Students Concorida University, from 11 will work on their interview skills to a.m.-2 p.m. in the first floor of the SC successfully interview with employers. Eastern Michigan University, For more information, visit: http://www. from 1-5 p.m. in SC 206 wccnet.edu/careerconnection. Wednesday, April 23 Thursday, April 24 Job search techniques workEastern Michigan University, shop, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in ML from noon-4 p.m. in SC 206 120. These sessions provide information on the job search process and how to find a job that is the right fit. For more Wednesday, April 30 information visit: http://www.wccnet. Eastern Michigan University, edu/careerconnection. from 1-5 p.m. in SC 206 Wednesday, April 30 LinkedIn workshop, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in ML 124. This workshop wil cover the basics of building a LinkedIn profile. For more information visit: http:// www.wccnet.edu/careerconnection.

In Case of Fire:

Props for children EMU open house WCC students earn The child care professional program Eastern Michigan University will host Emmy nominations at Washtenaw Community College will an open house for prospective students on The National Academy of Television sponsor a prop-box extravaganza on April Tuesday, April 22 from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Arts and Sciences student production 29 at 6 p.m. in Room 101 of the Morris EMU Livonia Center. nominees were announced April 17 Lawrence building. The event will give students the oppor- and Washtenaw Community College’s During the event, child care profes- tunity to explore the university’s programs Digital Video Production Department sionals will discuss creative ideas for dra- and talk to financial aid advisers, trans- received nine nominations. matic play exploration, especially using fer admission advisers and other faculty Nominated students were: James props as part of the experience that can members. Militzer, Mike Chu, Jeremy Liesen, Mike help children experiment with language, For more information, visit http://www. Kelly, Shane Law, Ben Armes, and Justin literacy, math and science, art and social emich.edu/admissions/visit/transfer.php or Erion. and emotional play. call 877-818-4368. Liesen and Erion were both nomiThe event is open to the public. For nated for two awards. more information or to RSVP to the event, The winners will be announced on contact ambarber@wccnet.edu May 17 at the Detroit Public Television studios in Wixom.

security notes From redacted incident reports provided by Campus Safety and Security and interviews with Director Jacques Desrosiers.

Larceny A student parked at the Health and Fitness Center at 3 p.m. on April 13. When she returned to her truck at about 5 p.m., she found her driver’s side window broken and purse stolen, along with all its contents, including cash, credit cards and a checkbook.

Weapons Law Violation On April 11 at 7 p.m., Campus Security personnel inspecting the woods spotted three subjects drinking alcohol. One subject was seen with a sheathed knife on his belt. When approached, the subjects fled the scene, two by car and one by foot. The individual on foot was apprehended and a second individual was later identified from his license plate. The identity of the third person is still unknown. The case is being handled by the Washtenaw County Sherriff’s Department. Editor’s Note: Two of the men are students, including the one with the knife, a source close to the men told The Voice.

Disorderly Conduct Shortly after noon on April 15, at least three students were involved in a fight in the Student Center near the Student Development and Activities office. The fight lasted less than a minute, and two individuals fled the scene before security personnel arrived. The students who fled later came to the security office on campus to discuss their side of the story. The incident was under investigation, Director of Campus Safety and Security Jacques Desrosiers said.

Voices

April 21, 2014

Former Voice editor running paper at CMU

Voice Staff A year after leading The Washtenaw Voice through one of its most successful periods ever, Ben Solis has been named editor of Central Michigan Life, the newspaper of Central Michigan University. During his watch as editor, The Voice won a National Pacemaker Award, the highest award in collegiate journalism, as well as first place in General Excellence in two statewide college newspaper contests. He also won numerous individual awards for his reporting and opinion writing. “It is a great honor that the Central Michigan University Publications Board chose me as the next leader of CM Life,” Solis said. “They’re putting a lot of faith in someone relatively new, but I’ve learned a lot more about journalism and how to do this job in my short time at CMU than I could have hoped for.

“My experience gathered from the fantastic journalism program at Washtenaw Community College and my work with The Washtenaw Voice laid the perfect foundation for me to be successful at CMU.” Solis, of Canton, along with former Voice Managing Editor Adrian Hedden and Photo Editor Nathan Clark, began the school year as reporters for CM Life, but all were elevated to various editors’ roles with the newspaper this semester. They are the latest in a series of former Voice staffers to advance their journalism education and careers at CMU. “I’m proud of them all,” said Voice adviser Keith Gave. “CM Life is one of the best college newspapers in the country, and it’s in good hands under Ben’s stewardship. He’s worked very hard to earn this distinction, which comes with immense duty and responsibility.” Solis and Hedden are best remembered for their award-winning efforts covering the strife that publicly divided faculty and administrators in the past few years. “Our success at CMU is proof positive that a real working newspaper, much like The Voice, is the best educational mechanism any young journalist can have,” Solis said. “Despite whatever backlash we might get from the administration and faculty for seeking and reporting the truth, a newsroom that fearlessly fights for what is right is the only way you learn how to do this job.”

all material. ” “ Bad things don’t happen to writers; it’s - Garrison Keillor

VOICE A NATIONAL PACEMAKER AWARD NEWSPAPER

THE

The student publication of Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, Michigan

Volume 20, Issue 18

4800 E. Huron River Dr. TI 106 Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (734) 677-5125 thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com The Washtenaw Voice is produced fortnightly by students of Washtenaw Community College and the views expressed herein will not imply endorsement or approval by the faculty, administration or Board of Trustees of WCC. Student publications are important in establishing and maintaining an atmosphere of free and responsible discussion and in bringing matters of concern and importance to the attention of the campus community. Editorial responsibility for The Voice lies with the students, who will strive for balance, fairness and integrity in their coverage of issues and events while employing the best habits and practices of free inquiry and expression. The Washtenaw Voice does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the information or content in advertisements contained in the newspaper or its website, www.washtenawvoice.com, nor the quality of any products, information or other materials displayed or obtained as a result of an advertisement or any other information or offer in or in connection with the services or products advertised. The Voice welcomes letters to the editor from its readers and will make every effort to publish them. We reserve the right to edit letters for space considerations, and ask that writers limit their comments to no more than 400 words. All letters must include a name and contact information, such as an email address or phone number, so the letters can be verified before they are printed. The Voice is committed to correcting all errors that appear in the newspaper and on its website, just as it is committed to the kind of careful journalism that will minimize the number of errors printed. To report an error of fact that should be corrected, phone 734-677-5405 or email thewashtenawvoice@ gmail.com. A copy of each edition of The Washtenaw Voice is free to everyone. Additional copies are available at The Voice newsroom, TI 106, for 25 cents each. EDITOR Maria Rigou drigou@wccnet.edu MANAGING EDITOR Natalie Wright nkwright@wccnet.edu PHOTO EDITOR Kelly Bracha kbracha@wccnet.edu GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Brian Auten bgauten@wccnet.edu EJ Stout estout@wccnet.edu ONLINE EDITOR Christina Fleming cfleming@wccnet.edu VIDEO EDITOR James Saoud jsaoud@wccnet.edu

ADVERTISING MANAGER Becky Alliston ealliston@wccnet.edu STAFF WRITERS M. M. Donaldson mmorrisdonaldson@wccnet.edu David Fitch drfitch@wccnet.edu Eric Garant egarant@wccnet.edu Jon Price jprice18@wccnet.edu Adrianna Velazquez avelazq12@gmail.com CONTRIBUTORS Mike Anthony Erik Morris Vivian Zago COPY EDITOR Nina Di Mauro ADVISER Keith Gave kgave@wccnet.edu

The Washtenaw Voice

Practice makes perfect – and could lead to a job NATALIE WRIGHT

In my first journalism class, the teacher told us, “Journalism is a skilled trade; you learn it by doing it over and over.” I maintain that this is true for nearly any field. The best way to learn something, whether it’s writing, fixing a car or healing the sick, is to practice. After seeing many familiar faces in my journalism classes over the last two years, a separation has become increasingly clear between those who practice the craft and those who do not. It’s not a difference of talent or even work ethic that creates this divide, it’s a choice of priorities. It shocks me when people say that they want to be a journalist and they never submit anything to our paper. I can only assume that they don’t understand what they’re missing. In working for The Voice, I have learned more about what it means to be a journalist than in all of my classes combined. I’m doing exactly what I’ll be doing when I get my first “real” job, just at a slower pace. Getting this experience, getting a glimpse at how taxing that first “real” job will be, makes me wonder how those who haven’t had this hands-on practice are going to cope. So many students go to class, do the assignments and get their degree without ever having done what they now hope someone will pay them to do. This is a problem, because every

year employers’ emphasis on the need for experiential learning (internships, co-ops, apprenticeships, etc.) grows. In 2013, employers made fulltime offers to 56.5 percent of their interns and 48.8 percent of their coop students, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ 2013 Internship and Co-op survey of more than 300 NACE employers in 20 different industries. And employers who hired interns and co-op students for full-time positions in 2012 had an 88.9 percent retention rate after one year. David Wildfong, Career Services adviser, said Washtenaw Community College has responded to this trend by placing an institutional focus on experiential learning. Classroom experience isn’t enough in most fields anymore, he said. Employers want to see candidates who “also got their hands dirty a little bit.” Ross Gordon, former director of Career Services at WCC, said that there is no shortage of opportunities at the college for students who are seeking experiential learning. “I think that institutionally, we have a harder time engaging students than we do with employers,” Gordon said. So we know experiential learning is imperative for fresh college graduates, and we know the opportunities are there. So why isn’t this a higher priority for more students? The message isn’t being delivered properly. Face-to-face recruitment is the most effective way to find interns and co-op students, according to the NACE survey. Job listings and online networking are some of the least effective recruiting efforts, according to the study.

While WCC holds career and internship fairs several times a year, Career Services’ major year-round focus is its website Career Connection. Maybe it shouldn’t be. Obviously, career fairs can’t be happening every day. They’re expensive. But there are many ways WCC, and many other colleges, could be doing more to get their students face-to-face meetings with employers and experience in their fields. Requiring internships in most degree programs would be ideal. But another option is to make the classroom experience, which many frame as the opposition to experiential learning, part of the equation. I often hear about how important internships are at the board of trustees meetings, but I hardly ever hear it discussed in the classroom. Instructors should either be pushing their students to seek internships and helping them make connections, or they should be turning their classroom into an experiential learning environment, like in my journalism class that turned into a newsroom mid-semester. Students should be practicing what they’re studying in the classroom, with guidance, not copying PowerPoint slides that were copied out of a book. Classroom instruction and experiential learning should not be compartmentalized. If the institutional focus on experiential learning was directed at creating that experience within the classroom, students who already work two jobs while raising a family and taking classes can have the same opportunity for education as a student who actually has time for a low-paying internship.

Oh taxes, my taxes ... My federal tax return forms have four pages. Instructions are 60 pages long. My Michigan tax return forms are six pages, and most of them are left blank. And this is only for when you have a little income. I can’t posMARIA sibly imagine having a full-time job, or RIGOU maybe even owning a business. Back when I lived in Argentina, I paid taxes, but they were deductOh, the places you’ll go. Or that is ed from my paycheck every month, what we think when we file taxes ev- and, at the end of the year, I was done. ery April 15. Unless you are making a lot of money, As a non-resident alien on a stu- refunds are non-existent, partly bedent visa, I have to fill out special tax cause the taxing system is progresreturn forms, by hand, because my sive and partly because politicians are forms are not supported by TurboTax crooked and steal countless millions or one of those fancy prep softwares. of pesos for their own bank accounts.

If you don’t believe me, Google it. I had to spend at least six hours on a Sunday evening filling out forms, but what made it worthwhile is that I am getting a small refund, and knowing – from my naive point of view – that tax-payer money actually goes somewhere in this country. What I did learn from this process was to file taxes in advance (however, I secretly know that next year I’ll be waiting until April 14 again to complete the forms). Saving things for the last minute is stressful and not pleasant, but I very much prefer to be covering an Obama visit to Ann Arbor, or visiting an artist’s studio than to be doing my taxes, thank you very much.

Voice earns 41 nods in annual community college contest the last three years,” Voice Editor Maria Rigou said. “But it was an inMT. PLEASANT – Managing credible honor to be awarded, for the Editor Natalie Wright took three firsts fourth year in a row, with the General and Photo Editor Kelly Bracha had Excellence award. It does really show two as The Washtenaw Voice domi- that we are the best.” nated the competition again in the Last fall, the newspaper won first in Michigan Community College Press General Excellence among 27 awards Association’s annual newspaper con- in the Michigan Press Association’s test earlier this month. annual collegiate newspaper conThe Voice won a total of 41 awards, test. The Voice also won its first-ever including 16 firsts in 31 categories. National Pacemaker Award, the highThose included a first in General est honor in collegiate journalism, in Excellence for the fourth straight October. year. In all, 24 Washtenaw Community “I am thrilled beyond words for College student journalists were hon- these student-journalists,” said Keith ored at the conference, held April 5 at Gave, adviser to The Voice. “The pride Central Michigan University. and commitment they bring to our “There was an enormous amount newsroom every day in search of the of pressure to win General Excellence truth – and a good story – is inspirthis year, because it’s happened for ing, and the newspaper these students Voice Staff

publish is something we should all be proud of.” Wright, who will lead The Voice staff as editor heading into next fall, won a total of five awards, including firsts in the First Amendment category, for her series on the newspaper’s successful fight to get instructor SOQs released, and for opinion writing, for her piece on the sad state of the union. Bracha won firsts for Sports News Photo and Sports Feature Photo, both from her coverage of U-M football games last fall. Other multiple winners from WCC included designers Brian Auten, Peter Hochgraf, George O’Donovan and Emily Stout; staff writer James Saoud; former editor Ben Solis and former managing editor Adrian Hedden and online editor Christina Fleming.

WCC – Our Commitment to Safety and Security On Tuesday, April 15 there was an altercation on the first floor of the Student Center building involving three students. Currently, we are investigating this incident and the students involved are participating in the investigation. Washtenaw Community College is committed to creating a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty and staff. We take great pride in the fact that incidents similar to yesterday’s altercation are rare on our campus or at college sponsored events and are a direct violation of WCC’s

policy on student rights and responsibilities. Appropriate disciplinary action will be used in dealing with the students involved. The primary purpose of our policy on student rights and responsibilities (Board of Trustee Policy 4095) is to maintain an environment which supports the educational process and protects the safety and well-being of the College Community. WCC encourages all students, faculty and staff to review this policy in order to maintain the high standards we have in place to ensure success.

Should you witness threatening behavior or the use of physical force or intimidation against another student, faculty or staff member, please contact WCC Campus Safety and Security immediately by calling 734-973-3411. Linda Blakey Vice President, Student & Academic Services

Editor’s Note: This campus-wide email was sent 29 hours after the incident that took place in the Student Center on Tuesday.

Voices

The Washtenaw Voice

April 21, 2014

A copy of a copy of a copy JAMES SAOUD

Bits and pieces M.M. DONALDSON

We all get down to that last little bit of cereal, nuts, fruit and so on – not enough to call a serving, but enough bits and pieces of this and that can provide enough material for a patchwork entree or side dish. Toward the end of the month, as I eagerly await my paycheck, my finances dwindle, and my creativity has to increase. This is when I really make those bits and pieces work together to make a meal. Being frugal is necessary for some, trendy for others and a philosophy for food writer Tamar Adler. Her mature spirit in her writing disguises her relative youth in “An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace.” Repeated reading of some passages is required for thoughtful consideration of her way of thinking. She believes food should be considered in multiple ways. “There should be serving, and also

eating, and storing away what’s left,” Adler writes. “There should be looking at meals’ remainders with interest and imagining all the good things they will become.” Fresh fruit feels like a luxury and can be a guilt-producer if it isn’t used up before it goes bad, but storing it in the freezer is like putting pocket change away for a rainy day. A few tablespoons of fruit can sweeten up a bowl of cereal or be added to yogurt or ice cream (a good excuse to eat ice cream). Fresh fruit is easily frozen, especially bananas. Their skins turn black when frozen, but the inside is an awesome base for smoothies or a batch of muffins. Veggies can be frozen and make an awesome soup. Leftover mashed potatoes can be frozen (label and date!) and used as a thickener for homemade creamy soups and less cream or milk is needed. Leftover rice can be stir-fried with some scrambled eggs and veggies, making a great snack or side. Many will ask why bother with minuscule amounts or scraps. The pennies of food scraps just aren’t worth HEALTHY VOICE CONTINUED A6

Next month, the sequel to one of the most irrelevant remakes of all time will be released. However, the movie, “The Amazing SpiderMan 2,” will without a doubt make a boatload of money that will spur God knows how many more sequels. There is only one “Spider-Man 2,” and it was directed by Sam Raimi and starred Tobey Maguire. Adding the word “amazing” to the title does not validate it. The original is one of the most critically acclaimed and highestgrossing superhero pictures of all time. Whose idea was it to make another? I know that it’s not exactly a remake. In fact, it is a totally different film. However, my concern is that years down the line when someone says to their friends “you have to go watch the Spider-Man movies,” people will end up watching the wrong ones. Even if this new Spider-Man picture turns out to be great, this confusion will creep into the future. This is true in a lot of cases with remakes. Look at the classic John Wayne film “True Grit.” It was remade in 2010 by the Coen Brothers and turned out arguably as good as the original. It might seem absurd that people can’t differentiate the films, but it does actually happen. The 1951 horror classic “The Thing” and 1933’s “Scarface” have been swept under the rug because of their flashier ’80s remakes. Now here’s the problem: When people talk about “True Grit” in 50

years, which one will they talk about? want to grab audiences’ attention, they Will John Wayne’s classic western be should remake something bad and forgotten? make it good. You then must ask yourself, “does Does anyone remember 2004’s it deserve to be forgotten?” Or is there “Sky Captain and the World of room for both versions of “True Grit?” Tomorrow?” No. Because it wasn’t If it is OK to remake something any good. However, technically and once, then why not twice? Three thematically it was years ahead of its times? time, and with a better script and betIt sounds silly, right? Who would remake the same movie three times? “The Great Gatsby” has been turned into a film five times. Obviously, money is a major factor when it comes to remaking a film. If it worked once it’s got to work again, right? Any movie-goer with half a brain knows that is not the case. Very rarely does a remake capture the essence of its original. And no matter how close stylistically the filmmakers come to the original, they are doing nothing more than producing a film that happens to share a title with a classic. Gus Van Sant remade Alfred Hitchcock’s classic “Psycho” in 1998. He shot the film exactly NOCOOKIE.NET how Hitchcock did it, with the exact ter special-effects it could have been same script. But Van Sant’s film was great. awful, and Hitchcock’s was great. Same goes for Steven Spielberg’s The reason a film is good or bad is awkward “Artificial Intelligence.” The more complex than what words and film had a lot of potential, but it just camera angles are used. Just as in any didn’t quite reach it. artwork, something deeper is at play: How many times have you walked passion. out of a movie theater thinking “That However, I think there is an im- could have been so much better?” portant place for remakes. It’s just I know I have plenty of times. So that Hollywood is doing it all wrong why isn’t Hollywood remaking those in trying to remake classics. If they movies?

In light of recent events involving disorderly conduct in the Student Center, how do you think school administration should react? interviews and photos by David Fitch, staff writer “Security to break it up. Maybe they would have to drop their class or something. Obviously, they wouldn’t get their money back, especially this late in the semester.” abbey gehres, 18, Brighton, undecided “I think that they should hear both sides and make a decision based on that. It would show that they are actually willing to listen to what happened instead of snap-suspending them. Whoever is in charge of academic discipline here and a security guard should be there in case they try to fight again. I’m pretty sure mediation would be good.” davon groce, 20, Ypsilanti, media arts and entertainment

“Safety is really important. You got to make sure that people aren’t getting hurt on campus. It’s really interesting because not too long ago, at EMU, someone got killed, so it’s definitely been on people’s minds. I don’t know exactly what the best course of action to take is. You have to take a pretty hard line on that. You can’t really tolerate that sort of thing.” alex rosa, 28, Saline, computer programming “I don’t think more security (is needed). I think that it was just a small disagreement that got out of hand. I keep seeing a lot of security around. I don’t think that that’s necessary. Fights and stuff like that don’t happen a lot on campus that I see.” amanda brezzell, 17, Ann Arbor, health care

TAKE

“I guess more security. It’s really hard to tell. I don’t really know what happened. I feel like it’s a safe campus. I don’t see a lot of stuff going on.” harold coleman, 25, Ypsilanti, radiology “Honestly, I think they should kick them out. This isn’t high school. You are a grown man and you are coming here and you are causing fight? It’s ridiculous. You come here, and you learn. Someone’s going to talk crap about you? Be the bigger man and just walk away. Who cares what they think ... I think people just have too much pride here. It’s ridiculous.” dillon ferguson, 19, Brighton, computer design and engineering

PO: Not offensively, but some of the kids who play the Magic cards at lunch get kind of really into it. I’ve seen a couple dressed up, which is a little bit strange. I saw a girl wearing cat ears and a tail or something, and she was standing up screaming at this other kid who had a foam sword. I thought that was kind of strange. WV: What’s on your bucket list to do before the end of the semester?

PETE OLRICH

PO: Just pass statistics. That’s about it. That’s the borderline right now. To be honest, the teacher doesn’t really explain it well. She gets lost in her words sometimes, which is confusing. A lot of it is online, too. It’s one of those classes that starts later in the semester so you have to cover a lot of stuff in a short period of time. It’s too overwhelming. Hopefully, I pass it. As of right now, I am. WV: What’s been your favorite class this semester?

Interview and photo by David Fitch Staff Writer

The school day was coming to a close and students were pacing off to their cars or to an evening class. Lateday sunlight streamed in through a doorway. The semester was flying by. Pete Olrich, 21, stood in a hallway in the Technical and Industrial building talking with a friend. The bearded liberal arts major from Brighton was candid, casual and straightforward when The Voice put forward a few queries on a range of topics.

Washtenaw Voice: What are your thoughts on violence on campus? Pete Olrich: There’s no reason to fight at school. There’s no problem big enough where you need to get in a fistfight at school. That’s ridiculous. Take it outside, off school grounds if it’s that big of a problem. I mean, I haven’t seen any fights (here). I haven’t even seen a verbal fight here. So, it seems pretty safe to me. I see a bunch of security guards now. That’s probably why. WV: What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen on campus this semester?

PO: Probably Creative Writing. It’s easygoing. It’s fun. You can kind of write whatever’s on your mind and share it with people. I did a short story that I just shared with the class that I was proud of. It was about a homeless man and his dog. Long story short, the guy ends up dying, but the dog finds a home. WV: What keeps you up at night? PO: Just day-to-day problems. Just minor things like work. I think about work a lot when I’m trying to sleep, and it causes me not to sleep. I work at Target and Jimmy John’s in Howell and Brighton.

News

April 21, 2014

The Washtenaw Voice

New law allows wine lovers to BYOW new law and are using it to their favor. “Our clients can bring their own wine,” said the manager of a local Olive Garden restaurant Evelyn Morgan is a big fan of the Real Seafood who also asked that his name not be used. He restaurant in Ann Arbor and says her dining also said that a “corkage fee” experience there would be even better if she of about $6 will be charged for could bring along her favorite bottle of wine. If those who bring their own wine. she only knew. And he doesn’t believe the new Morgan, of Ann Arbor, may soon be able to law will affect restaurant wine do just that thanks to a relatively new but little- sales. known or understood law that went into effect Matthew Morgan, owner last month. House Bill 5046, signed into law of a wine store in Ann Arbor, on March 14, allows clients to bring their own Morgan & York (and no relabottle of wine to bars and restaurants that are tion to Evelyn, above) doesn’t licensed to sell wine. see how this new law could hurt But only with the restaurant’s permission – business. and therein lies the issue. Not all restaurants “I think the new law is very are permitting their diners to bring in their own customer friendly,” Matthew wine, like Sava’s Cafe, Cafe Felix, and Morgan’s Morgan said. “But I think they favorite, Real Seafood. should extend it further and al- MCT | COURTESY PHOTO “We don’t allow clients to bring their own low BYO for restaurants without a full license.” bottle of wine – mainly because we are not sure Matthew Morgan also expects to see increase how much we will charge for this service,” said of wine bottles sales at his store. a manager of Real Seafood who spoke on the “We have some very unique products,” he condition that his name not be used because said, “and most of the wine we sell is from the he is not authorized to speak for the company. food-friendly European tradition.” Other establishments have no issue with the Alan Collins, Wine Director of Paesano’s, is By VIVIAN ZAGO

Voice Correspondent

also pleased with the law. “I think it’s a good thing, and it’s also a challenge to restaurants to offer more choices at the wine menu,” Collins said. In the first month, he added, no more than four customers brought their own bottle of wine. The restaurant, which offers a wide variety of Italian wine, is charging a corkage fee of $20 “to cover costs, like the use of glasses, the cleaning, the cook, the servers,” Collins said. The BYOW law is an attempt to give restaurants and bars a choice, according to Scott Ellis, executive director of the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association. “We believe that this law would be beneficial for the wine industry,” Ellis said, “but it is up to the restaurants to create their own policy.” “The Michigan Restaurant Association is pleased that the new law gives restaurateurs the flexibility to decide if they want to participate by allowing external wines into their

establishments and the option to charge a corkage fee,” said Adriane De Ceuninck, vice president of Marketing and Communication of the MRA. “If a consumer brings their own bottle of wine from their particular cellars, I would be more than glad to serve and to know the history behind that bottle, why they choose that wine,” said Collins, emphasizing the option that clients could select a special bottle to celebrate an important occasion. Because the law is so new, and some restaurants are still establishing their policies, diners should call ahead to make sure their restaurant will allow them to bring in their own bottles. Also, resorts and hotels are exempt from the new regulation. “It’s a great option, especially when you go to some bars and restaurants that does not have the wine that you like,” said Paula Vieira, a 32-yearold student from Ann Arbor. Susan Williamson, 33, also a student from Ann Arbor, agreed. “I think it is great to have the convenience and the option to be able to bring your own wine,” she said. “It just depends on the price the owners are charging in order to cover the corkage fee.”

WCC filmmakers dominate international film festival By DAVID FITCH Staff Writer

Washtenaw Community College students brought home seven out of 13 awards at this year’s International Broke Student Film Festival, which took place April 4-6 at Lawrence Technological University. WCC students Brad Tennant, Ben Armes, William Deyonker, Mike Chu and Travis Reynolds were among those who brought home awards. Armes, 21, of Ypsilanti, was involved with four award-winning productions, which included “The Untimely Demise of the Tambourine Strings,” which won both the Juried and Audience Choice awards for the inaugural IBSFF 14-Day Challenge. The challenge forced filmmakers to write, shoot and edit a film in two weeks. Digital video instructor Dan Kier, who established WCC’s digital video program more than 10 years ago, said he was thrilled that WCC’s films were winning awards alongside colleges and universities like the Illinois Institute of Art,

Wayne State University and even Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece. More than 20 WCC students made up the first and second place teams for the 14-Day Challenge. Other awards included Best Cinematography, given to Mike Chu for his film “The Night Shift;” Best Editing, awarded to Jeremy Liesen for “Transitions” and a tie for Audience Choice in Screening B, awarded to William Deyonker for “A Birth of an Artist” and Brad Tennant and Ben Armes for “Great Parks Episode 2: The Extinctor Begins.” In his film, Deyonker, 22, of Ann Arbor, documents some of his own story of growing up with Asperger’s syndrome. The story moved audience members to tears, Deyonker said. “It wasn’t great on a technical level, but the story was there,” he said. Tennant, 27, of Ypsilanti, one of the most decorated “broke filmmakers” this year, said that he had the most fun with the 14-Day Challenge because of the time crunch.

turkey bones make great stock. Beef bones can make a stock that is high one’s time. in flavor but low in cholesterol if A 2014 study analyzing food waste, the fat is skimmed off when cooled. released by the USDA, found that $371 Culinary experts use stale bread worth of food per person is thrown to make crumbs for breading, or away per year. Therefore, a family of toss with some olive oil and spice four may waste $1,484. for crunchy croutons. A few tablespoons a day can add up Sour milk is great for baking and to the 290 pounds per year the USDA can be used as a substitute wherever estimates is being wasted by every per- buttermilk is called for. son residing in the U.S. Soups and stews are workhorses Continuing in the vein of Adler, of using up leftover meats, pasta, assessing the pantry that there are rice and veggies. not enough walnuts or almonds or Cobblers and crisps satisfy a peanuts for a snack, but mixing them craving for sweets. Give yourself a together can make them go further serving of fruit while using up bits as a muffin topping, add-in for quick of fruit. breads or thrown into a container “The amount of food you have with other portable goodies to make left from a meal is always the perfect a trail mix. amount for something,” Adler writes, A bit of dried cereal? This is great recognizing the ideas are endless. to add to muffins, cookies or even to M. M. Donaldson is a journalism stutop yogurt for a little crunch. In this day of boneless, skinless dent at WCC. She has a bachelor’s demeat, bones are an incredible find. gree in family and community services Ham bones cooked with a big pot of from MSU and has several years of exdried beans, gives you that great meaty perience with nutrition issues affecting flavor while minimizing the fat from a infants to adults. She can be reached similar amount of meat. Chicken and at mmorrisdonaldson@wccnet.edu HEALTHY VOICE FROM A5

IBSFF 2014 RESULTS Best 14-Day Challenge: “The Untimely Demise of the Tambourine Strings,” Brad Tennant and Ben Armes, WCC Audience Choice 14-Day: “The Untimely Demise of the Tambourine Strings,” Brad Tennant and Ben Armes, WCC Best Cinematography: “The Night Shift,” Mike Chu, WCC

Best Editing: “Transitions,” Jeremy Liesen, WCC Most Original Film: “Milk Boy,” Ben Armes, WCC Audience Choice Screening A: “A Land Between,” Tre Manchester, Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago

Best Screenwriting: “Dreams of a Blind Woman,” Gary Watts, Wayne State University

Audience Choice Screening B (TIE): “A Birth of an Artist,” William Deyonker, WCC; “Great Parks Episode 2: The Extinctor Begins,” Brad Tennant and Ben Armes, WCC

Best Sound: “Love Thy Neighbor,” Travis Reynolds, WCC

Best National Film: “Dreams of a Blind Woman,” Gary Watts, Wayne State University

Best Acting: “Blood Shed,” Charlotte Dart, Bournemouth University

Best International: “Human Bat,” Petros Ioannidis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

ACLU FROM A1

recognize the marriages. “So with respect to the marriage,” Gov. Snyder said, “events on that day, those were done in a legal process and were legally done.” The governor continued on to say that “the state of Michigan will not recognize the fact that they’re married because they’re of the same sex.” “The governor said these were legal,” Jay Kaplan, attorney for ACLU of Michigan said. “We’re challenging that this is unconstitutional.” Kaplan works out of Oak Park and is the staff attorney for ACLU of Michigan’s LGBT Project. He said Snyder’s refusal to recognize the marriages was unconstitutional. “We’re asking the court to do two things,” Kaplan said. “One is to issue a declaratory judgment that that is against the law and is unconstitutional and issue a preliminary injunction.” An injunction, Kaplan said, that would force the state to recognize all couples who had been married according to law. The stay on the issuing of marriage

licenses to same-sex couples prohibited county clerks from issuing any new licenses, but did not address the status of couples who were legally married in the window of time between Judge Friedman’s declaration and the 6th U.S. Circuit Court’s ruling. This has caused some confusion, according to the defendants, in terms of spousal rights and benefits. Kelly and Anne Callison, another Washtenaw County couple married the day after Friedman’s ruling, were not able to jointly adopt their son and were relieved when they learned they could finally be married. However, because the state refuses to recognize their union, they say they are still faced with many challenges. “It sends a crazy message,” Kelly Callison said in a recent press release. “This uncertainty puts so much stress on any relationship, especially with a young child.” U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said the federal government would be recognizing all legal unions performed in Michigan, making these couples eligible for any federal benefits they might receive, such as Social

Security claims or death benefits but many, like the Callisons, worry about custodial rights not being granted to their spouse in the event of a tragedy. Plaintiffs are angered by the stay placed on Friedman’s decision, saying it was another attempt to suppress their rights. “I am guessing it is one of many homophobic responses,” Jim Toy, LGBTrights activist and U-M graduate said. “I am glad the ACLU has done what they have, and I hope it will speed up the process.” Orr believes the move was a blatant disregard to Friedman’s ruling that the ban was unconstitutional. “In our view, they were circumventing the intention of a Supreme Court in response to a civil-rights issue,” he said. Gov. Snyder’s office did not respond for request for comment on the story, and the case has yet to be assigned to a judge or given a case number. “We need to consistently challenge the mantras and paradigms,” Toy said. “Let’s reframe the mantra and paradigm of sex, politics and religion and change it to the mantra of love, justice and faith.”

The Washtenaw Voice

April 21, 2014

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The Washtenaw Voice

April 21, 2014

The Washtenaw Voice • B Section • April 21, 2014

ecca for maize ‘n’ blue fans

By JON PRICE

Staff Writer

free comic books

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The University of Michigan is an institution deeply rooted in tradition, and tradition is what drove alumnus Doug Zykowski to make a pilgrimage to his alma mater. “I’m a resident of Maine,” Zykowski, 68, said. “I drove here a thousand miles to see this statue and watch the spring game.” The statue is artist J. Brett Gill’s larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Michigan football coaching legend Bo Schembechler. It depicts the coach in a familiar scene, pacing across the sideline, headset in hand. “His headset, he was always famous for that headset,” Larry Martin, a facilities manager for the university said. Aside from the statue, a $9 million facelift was recently given to the aging administrative building, including a renovation to Towsley Museum, where, amongst other Wolverine relics, visitors can see the headset worn by Schembechler on game days. For students, the coach’s legacy reaches beyond the football field. “It represents the great things he’s done for the university,” junior linebacker Royce Jenkins-Stone said. STATUE CONTINUED B6

Doug Zykowski of Maine, traveled 1,000 miles to catch a glimpse of the new statue outside Schembechler Hall. JON PRICE | WASHTENAW VOICE

Women with know-how discuss ‘building’ a future learning at WCC have helped them or Spear, who has led Washtenaw will help them in their careers, and Door and Trim for more than 20 years, Editor the importance they are giving to underlined the changes in mentaleducation. ity, explaining that, in the 1990s, it Laura Spear, president of Nixon explained that she was pro- was much harder to work in construcWashtenaw Door and Trim, knew moted in her job to foreman over other tion sites where men dominated by she had to find a way “to keep going” male candidates that maybe did not numbers. after her husband died in 1990. have her skills because she kept edu“We have to gain their respect,” she Spear’s husband founded the cating herself. said. “I think that men have – which Ypsilanti company dedicated to Throughout the conversation, is a wonderful thing – a mutual redoors, trimming and molding in the panelists stressed the importance of spect for one another because they’ve 1970s, and she was forced into hav- education. worked on everything for hundreds ing a hands-on approach that today, “The hardest thing to do is to work of years. as she explained, is what helped her with people who don’t know,” Spear “When a woman comes into the gain the respect and recognition of said. “I really had to know what I was room, we have to gain their respect, doing. I had to educate myself. Women learn and know what you are doher male peers. Spear shared her story when the need to … have knowledge and have ing. Once you get to that point, it’s Student Resource and Women’s the answer.” awesome.” Center at Washtenaw Community College hosted “Women in NonTraditional Careers: Construction Technology,” one of a series of talks the center has been hosting this past year. Professionals from the construction industry joined Construction Technology instructor Christy Lindemann and WCC students Julie Nixon and Olivia Dupree. They highlighted the difficulties of being a woman in construction, but also the benefits of “taking a different approach than men,” as Spear said. The event consisted of a panel of five women: Maureen Sloan, executive director of Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor, Lindemann, Spear, Nixon and Dupree. The panel fielded questions and discussed issues, including what the field is like right now, what the future of the industry is and what trends we will see in the future. One of the main points that all panelists tried to touch on was the fact that construction has changed over time, and that today it is much more than just building houses. “Over 29 years, the industry has changed drastically,” Sloan said. “There are so many different facets … depends on what your passion is.” Dupree and Nixon, both con- Linda Blakey, vice president of Student and Academic Services, joined the poststruction technology students, talk- panel activity and made a toolbox using a table saw and other tools. ed about how the skills that they are KELLY BRACHA | WASHTENAW VOICE By MARIA RIGOU

While being interviewed, Nick Reszetar, WCC drawing instructor, sketched one of the many students who will be part of his project. MARIA RIGOU | WASHTENAW VOICE

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder adviser to WCC’s Drawing Club, bringing his experience to the art studios at the college. Fresh out of high school and encouraged by art teachers and counselors, Reszetar enrolled at WCC only to find that this would be his life-changing experience, and he would be transmitting his passion and inspiration to many students. And now, Reszetar will be compiling a collection of up to 100 portraits By MARIA RIGOU of people around him to illustrate the Editor diversity that he encounters every day. “I have been drawing my students,” At 18, Nick Reszetar knew he was Reszetar said, “just because they have going to be a teacher. been the most accessible.” The then-Washtenaw Community And his students are eager to College art student was inspired by participate. one of his first instructors, Fred “He is super passionate about his Horowitz, who, he says, made him work,” Lorena Ganser, president of the into what he is today. Drawing Club and one of Reszetar’s Many years and a master of fine students, said. “Nick is crazy. The good arts from Kendall College of Art and kind of crazy. The best kind of crazy.” Design later, Reszetar is an active inGanser has taken many of structor at WCC, passionate about Reszetar’s classes, including Life what he preaches. Reszetar, a figurative artist, teachARTIST es life drawing and is the academic CONTINUED B7

mentor

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April 21, 2014

The Washtenaw Voice

IGNITE-grant-funded team at work on the future By DAVID FITCH Staff Writer

In a small, windowless room on the third floor of the Gunder Myran building, a team of developers is helping change the way that Washtenaw provides education. Diane Fine, an online learning developer, oversees the team. The rest of the team is made of developers Brenda Barnes, Del’Shawnda Chambers, Nate Berens and Marisa Ring. Barnes, the instructional designer, works to translate a course’s content into online formats. Chambers works as the online learning multimedia prep specialist. Berens works on developing video content, while Ring develops “interactive learning activities” or games. The group is helping to develop online and blended computer courses in accordance with and through funding from the IGNITE grant. IGNITE stands for Intentionally Growing New Information Technology Employees in Michigan. The $2.5 million IGNITE grant was awarded in 2012 by the Department of Labor. According to IGNITE program manager, Charles Lafayette, it is a “curriculum improvement project” that targets education for careers that are in high demand – in this case Java, Linux, Microsoft technology and other various computer courses. These developers are being part of a shift to a different kind of learning, which they say is for the good of education at WCC. Online learning can be more convenient for on-the-go students who simply cannot make it into the classroom regularly, or at all, Berens said.

GM 312 plays host to a team of developers working to design WCC’s blended computer courses with funding from the IGNITE grant, a $2.5 million award given in 2012 by the U.S. Department of Labor. KELLY BRACHA | WASHTENAW VOICE

But blended courses can also present something more than a compromise, said Barnes. “It can be the best of both worlds,” she said, mentioning that the combination of physical class attendance and online content access can create something potentially better than a typical completely physical attendance class. Fine agreed. “In some instances, students are, I think, more comfortable in the online learning environment because if they need something, they just shoot off the text or email in the same way that they would do in everyday life,” she said. Ring’s games might ask the student to sort types of information represented by droplets of water into

colored buckets or to guide a character through different layers of computer memory organization. “All over the place, it’s showing that games work,” said Gloria Eccleston, the director of FlexEd and special elearning programs. And lest critics say that they are straying from the mark, Lafayette emphasized that they know what the goal is. “We want to keep the focus on learning. It’s not about playing games. It’s about learning,” he said, adding, “it’s an expensive proposition to get into it.” He also said that the interactive learning activities being researched and developed are, in many ways, part of a growing trend.

“It’s giving us the chance to kind of be on the leading edge of it,” Lafayette said, “which is kind of nice for us.” This new content will be made available to other institutions through Creative Commons. And even some of the instructors teaching face-to-face courses are adopting some of the content, said Fine. Computer instructor Clem Hasselbach, said that sometimes games can be helpful, but other times, they can be a waste of time. Hasselbach uses some games in his own courses, but not any that have been created by the IGNITE team as of yet. “I can’t really tell you where the line is,” he said. “(You have to) make a judgment call.”

The developments are still in the infantile stages with some newly-developed content making its debut in classes this semester. The real test will come when evaluations of the program are completed. These evaluations will include talking with students and comparing the in-person classes with their blended or online counterparts. One other perk? “By putting some of the content online, we are finding that we have the ability to accelerate the courses to some extent,” said Lafayette. He said that a goal is to compress some courses that would normally be 15 weeks long to be 10 or 12 weeks, thus making it more convenient for students.

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The Washtenaw Voice

April 21, 2014

BRIAN AUTEN AND JIMMY SAOUD | WASHTENAW VOICE

Great craft beer right around ‘Corner’ By JON PRICE

Staff Writer

Ann Arbor Microbrewery’s ‘Mug Club’ gives paying members a hand-crafted mug made by a local artists. JON PRICE | WASHTENAW VOICE

Owners of the joint can call it anything they want, but to a legion of local craft beer lovers the name will never change. “I call it ‘The Corner,’” Sam Nola, 32, of Ypsilanti, said. “When they said they were changing the name it made me really mad. I almost stopped coming.” Sixteen months later, Nola is still frequenting the microbrewery, ,and outside of the new name – ABC Microbrewery – not much has changed for the pub-style bar, which brews its draft beer in-house and keeps a selection of 15 different seasonal brews on tap for patrons to enjoy. But the same menu is offered and the sign out front still reads “Corner Brewery.” The red brick building is an official historic site in Ypsilanti’s Depot Town and attracts a wide demographic of

Sampling craft beer as easy as ABC By VIVIAN ZAGO

Voice Correspondent

For the last five years, Richard DeBian has worked as a volunteer at Arbor Brewing Company’s monthly beer tastings, where brew-lovers like him gather to sample craft beers from around the globe. “Every month is a different style,” said DeBian, 41, “and they bring beers from across the nation, across the world, just to showcase that style.” Held on the second Thursday of each month, the public brewpub events feature as many as two dozen beers of a certain style. “ABC beer tastings are definitely successful events. Our goal is to offer a diverse selection of beers in the designated style to appeal to both connoisseurs and newbies and experience the wonderful world of craft beer,” said Elizabeth Cain-Toth, ABC’s events manager. It’s a great way to try lots of beer at the same time and, for some, a time to learn a few things about the brewing process as well. “I like beer. I brew my own beer, so I get a lot of ideas when I came to those events,” said Nico Villanova, 34, a scientist from Ann Arbor. “Those are fun. We have lots of people around, people who like to

talk about beer, drink beer and try new things,” said Kuma Ofori-Mensa, 27, assistant brewer at ABC. Craft beer brewing is a growing industry in Michigan, home to a variety of new brewers and a legion of hobbyists. “(Ann Arbor) is a great town to do this. Michigan has so many breweries with so many different kind of beers in one place,” said Adam Finzel, 27, financial analyst at Ford. “Different breweries all create different kinds of beer, and we can have it all in one spot.” Craft beers sometimes can be pricey, and events like beer tastings enable enthusiasts to share their experiences and preferences with others beer fans. “People came here to try something new. It’s good to mix some craft beers and make your combination,” said DeDe Darlin, 42, an ABC volunteer. “The event enables people to find the combination that fits for them.” April’s event was “High Gravity,” featuring a variety of what patrons described as interesting and delicious high-octane brews. “It gives you a chance for this amount of money to be able to try SAMPLING CONTINUED B6

customers, from blue-collar workers Quirk, 44, of Ypsilanti, said. “Right now, it’s Phat Abbot Belgian Tripel.” to students. Quirk is a member of the bar’s “The open floor plan, I think, is the biggest difference between that “mug club,” wherein guests are able and the other bars,” Nola said. “I ac- to get discounted drinks and free adtually like coming in here to work a mission to the company’s monthly lot. It’s not crowded or loud like the launch parties. A lifetime membership costs about $500 and members other bars.” The brewpub does have a more receive a hand-made mug, crafted by grown-up feel than most of the oth- a local artist. “Someone up there got a ‘Grumpyer bars in Ypsilanti. The craft beers served can range in price, and it might Cat’ mug,” Quirk said. “We just said not be the ideal location for a student ‘Godzilla versus ninjas,’ then we got on a budget, but there are affordable this, and it was like, ‘Oh my God.’ It was so cool.” menu and beer options. A knowledgeable staff and loA wide range of appetizers are available in the $5-7 range, including cally purchased food make ABC quesadillas and a spinach, artichoke Microbrewery an inviting establishand feta dip, served with fresh veg- ment to gather with friends, work or study. etables, beer bread or tortilla chips. “We brew all of our beers for disBeers vary in price, some available in a bottle, others on tap only, tribution here,” Nicole Miller, an embut ABC is a working microbrewery ployee of the brewpub said. “Every six and patrons can expect usual craft ABC beer prices. CONTINUED B6 “I have several favorites,” Jeanette

SPRING BEER REVIEWS ON TAP AT ‘THE CORNER’ *Beers are scored based on flavor, aroma and finish. The rating system uses beers: one beer being poor, five being excellent. Barrel Aged EIK ZON IPA: Sour and fruity, this full-body IPA is delectable but has a very dry finish. Rating: Bavarian Bliss Hefeweizen: This beer has a great aroma and taste. Golden in color, the Bavarian Bliss Hefeweizen is a safe bet for those new to microbrews. It’s a wheat beer with 5.5 percent alcohol content. A less complex flavor and smooth finish makes this beverage the perfect introduction to the craft-beer realm. Rating: Bollywood Blonde: This medium-body blonde malt is almost too pretty to drink. Almost. Copper in color with a citrus aroma and tones of spice and orange make Bollywood a delightful choice, and 5.8 percent alcohol makes this beer a good selection for those not quite ready for the higher content of other menu options. Rating: Buzzsaw American IPA: A bold-tasting IPA, Buzzsaw American could be a little much for the weekend warrior, but beer snobs rejoice, this complex medium-body IPA is available year-round. Rating: Demetrius Aged Pale Ale: This sour ale is made in the Belgian style, is actually an aged version of another beer on the menu, Mr. Delicious. Best drank from a glass, this pale ale is rich and complex. But at 9 percent alcohol, be careful because Demetrius Aged goes down a little too smoothly. Rating: Dirty Love Barrel Aged Stout: If beer that tastes like coffee sounds like a strange concoction, that’s because it is. For adventurous drinkers or stone-faced alcoholics, this may be a pleasant way to start or end your day. Fans of more traditional tastes may want to skip this one altogether. Rating:

Bottoms up: sample-sized rounds means you don’t have to make those tough decisions. JON PRICE | WASHTENAW VOICE

- Jon Price

The Washtenaw Voice

April 21, 2014

HBO’s fantasy sits on Judge returns ‘throne’ of modern TV to ‘Silicon Valley’ Thomas Middleditch, T.J. Miller, Martin Starr, Amanda Crew and Zach Woods. Each member of the cast Mike Judge is a name that ev- brings a unique brand of comedy to the eryone should know, but not many mix, with the standout being Miller as people do. the hilarious and overly-pretentious From creating animated-come- Erlich. dy gold mines such as “Beavis and While the cast will draw people in, Butt-head” and “King of the Hill” what is most memorable about the to producing the classic laugh-out- show is Judge’s direction. The show loud feature films “Office Space” and has its typical “Mike Judge moments” “Extract,” Judge has been entertain- and is particularly reminiscent of ing audiences for more than 20 years. “Office Space.” However, it also feaHowever, before creating these tures a hefty dose of heart. masterworks of comedy, Judge That is not to say that the show worked for a small video-card com- pulls any punches. It is as sharp as pany in the San Francisco Bay area anything Judge has produced in that – an area that is often referred to as past and takes fire on not just the peoSilicon Valley. ple sitting around waiting to get disSo it is clearly no coincidence that covered in Silicon Valley, but on the Judge’s new HBO comedy, “Silicon people sitting around waiting to get Valley,” takes aim at the many unique discovered in general. personalities and idiosyncrasies of While there is no doubt the show the California-based hot spot. will find a cult following over its first The show focuses around a small season, it’s hard to predict whether group of computer junkies living in the show will grab hold of a general Silicon Valley waiting for their “tal- audience. HBO has proven recently to ents” to get discovered. And when still be a powerhouse when it comes of one their tech creations to its drama series like “Game of is discovered, the Thrones,” “Boardwalk Empire” moment they ’ve and “True Detective.” But been waiting for what it really needs right Grade: A may have finally now is a comedy series arrived. that is just as good. Genre: Comedy The show feaWith “Silicon Valley,” Air Time: Sundays 10 p.m. tures a hilarious it may just have the perNetwork: HBO cast, including fect one. By JAMES SAOUD Staff Writer

Grade: A+

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By JAMES SAOUD Staff Writer

(Warning: Minor spoilers for season four of “Game of Thrones” are present in this review) HBO’s “Game of Thrones” returned to audiences earlier this month to continue with its fourth season. The show, which is based on the massive collection of writings by author George R.R. Martin, proved with its return that it is just as magnificent as ever. After the last few incredibly bloody episodes of the show’s third season, “Game of Thrones” continues its violent and unrelenting storytelling approach bringing us the beginning of what is setting up to be the most immense and thrilling season yet. The plot centers around several families all going increasingly mad. These characters are surrounded by death, war and monsters and must face new emotional lows in each episode. After the shocking and horrific end of season three, it was hard to imagine that viewers would even continue to watch the show. However, after record-breaking ratings of the first episode’s premier this month (which included HBO GO crashing due to traffic) it’s safe to say the show is still one of the most popular drama series around today. The first episode of this season was

Genre: Drama/Fantasy very direct and to to happen next. Air Time: Sundays 9 p.m. the point. Just It all leads to one of Network: HBO like many seasonthe most gratifying cliopeners of the show, maxes that has ever been it spun around, trying put on television. It will to give focus to each leave fans of the show cheercharacter’s unique storyline. ing and hollering as justice is The only problem with this is that with served to one of the shows cruelest the many story lines of the show, it victims. doesn’t stay invested in any one long Everything from the acting to enough to develop much. the set-design is flawless in “Game That being said, the last 15 min- of Thrones.” Each episode feels like utes or so focused solely on the story a movie, including the breathtaking of Arya Stark, the youngest daughter special effects, the intricate story lines of the Stark family, and the enigmat- and the massive scope. ic man-beast known as “The Hound.” Though the show is placed in This final chunk of the episode, which a fantasy world, it has much to say featured a violent revenge, was as bril- about our world. From political corliant as anything the show has offered ruption to family relationships, the viewers yet. show proves to always be relatable Arya, who has been somewhat un- and never feels too fantastical. derused in the past, is finally getting The past couple of years have been her moment to shine as she falls into labeled by many as a “golden age of TV,” an unreachable madness due to the with shows like “Mad Men,” “Breaking deaths of many loved ones around Bad,” “Sherlock” and “The Walking her. Hopefully, the show will focus Dead” proving that television can hold on her this season, giving her more just as much weight as anything moddevelopment. ern cinema can offer. Episode two is where things really Plain and simple, HBO’s “Game of being to take off. From start to fin- Thrones” is the best thing currently on ish ,the episode features some of the television and one of the greatest uses most brutal and intense moments the of the motion-picture medium ever. series has ever offered. The suspense In a golden age of television, which throughout the episode is unparal- can be seen as a metaphorical game of leled, especially for those who have thrones, HBO’s bloody, fantasy epic is read the book and know what is going the clear victor.

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‘Mad Men’ stands tall while its characters fall apart where there was peace and security, where living was not a struggle but a lasting delight? Of course you have. “Why should I expect anything So has every man since time began. different?” Always the same dream. Sometimes “You can blame Madison Avenue he calls it Utopia – sometimes the for that.” Fountain of Youth – sometimes merely In the most memorable scene of ‘that little chicken farm.’” “Time Zones,” its final season premiere, This could be the opening to many “Mad Men’s” philandering anti-hero of Don’s pitches over the years. But Don Draper (Jon Hamm) has this ex- while we all may dream of a life withchange with a comely stranger (Neve out struggle, it will always remain just Campbell, in a guest appearance) sit- that – a dream. Our human lives will ting next to him on a plane. never be perfect, and the idea that they It illuminates one of Don’s cenever could be only serves to tral paradoxes: that he is both the torture us further. Wizard of Oz and Dorothy, a Recall the episode master illusionist who is de“Babylon” from the ceived by his own trick. first season, when Grade: A Don, still on an imRachel Menken Genre: Drama posed leave of absence Air Time: Sundays 10 p.m. from Sterling Cooper & Network: AMC Partners, was long tasked By ERIC GARANT Staff Writer

with convincing the public that the only thing standing between them and happiness was a new Jaguar, or Heinz baked beans or a Lucky Strike. He’s in on the con. He knows the thrill and reassurance of consumerism don’t last. “What’s happiness?” he asks in the fifth season. “It’s a moment before you need more happiness.” But throughout the series, Don falls prey, over and over again, to the idea that he can fill the emptiness inside of him. The only difference is that he uses booze and sex, which are no more effective but have disastrous side effects. Early in “Time Zones,” Frank Capra’s film “Lost Horizon” comes on the television while Don sits awake next to a sleeping Megan Draper (Jessica Parè). The film’s title cards read: “In these days of wars and rumors of wars, haven’t you ever dreamed of a place

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(Maggie Siff ), the first of many women for whom Don was prepared to sacrifice his marriage, explains to him that the Greeks had two meanings for utopia: ’eu-topos,’ meaning the good place, and ‘u-topos, ’meaning the place that cannot be.” “Time Zones” also features a snippet of Richard Nixon’s 1969 inauguration speech. “We are caught in war, wanting peace. We are torn by division, wanting unity. We see around us empty lives, wanting fulfillment. We see tasks that need doing, waiting for hands to do them.” “To a crisis of the spirit, we need an answer of the spirit,” Nixon says. Don is sitting alone in his apartment as Nixon delivers these words,

half-listening while he polishes his shoes. Then Freddy Rumsen (Joel Murray), still free-lancing but now with Don’s help, walks in and talks over Nixon’s next line – “To find that answer, we need only look within ourselves.” It’s a message that “Mad Men’s” characters need, and one they’re paid to make others forget. The only character to show any sign of heeding it is Margaret Sterling (Elizabeth Rice), Roger Sterling’s (John Slattery) formerly spoiled, bratty daughter. She invites Roger to lunch and simply offers him her forgiveness and love. True to form for the characters of “Mad Men,” when confronted with what he really needs, Roger doesn’t know how to react.

Elsewhere, Peggy Olsen (Elizabeth Moss) is faring little better. Don’s replacement at the firm, Lou Avery (Allan Havey), is not as hard on her, but also respects her less. Blown away by Freddy’s brilliant pitch for Accutron watches that opens the episode (and seems like a contrivance until it becomes apparent that Don wrote it), she is unable to sell Avery on the idea and grows increasingly frustrated by his refusal to even give it further consideration. The episode ends with shots of Peggy and Don alone in their homes, obviously distraught. Even at its best, business never made them happy, and now business is lousy. They’ve got 15 more episodes to find something else, perhaps each other.

The Washtenaw Voice

April 21, 2014

‘Draft Day’ was just about as good as the Browns By DAVID FITCH Staff Writer

“Draft Day,” starring Kevin Costner, led audiences into thinking that it might be a worthy successor to the well-received “Moneyball,” but it leaves the viewer feeling stretched thin and grasping for a reason to love it. The film begins as any other semipromising sports-themed film might: It’s morning, and preparations for the 2014 NFL draft are under way. Sonny Weaver (Costner), the Browns’ general manager, is feeling the team owner’s breath down his neck to “make a splash” in the football world with the struggling team. Weaver must make the right choice for his draft pick or

kiss his career goodbye. The film gives a look into the innerworkings of a professional sports team. Negotiations between team managers, debates in the Browns’ “war room” and the complex relationship between Weaver and his newly pregnant girlfriend and Browns salary cap manager, Ali Parker (played by Jennifer Garner) move the plot forward, albeit slowly. The film drags on for 109 minutes, seemingly just eating up time with phone calls between team executives, trading, negotiating, bickering, all in front of a confusingly overwhelming personal drama between Weaver, Parker and Weaver’s estranged mother. The drama is loosely connected, but keeps the audience involved if only to see what the point of all the hype

might be. The film has its comedic moments and revolves around a lovable cast of Browns staffers. It fails, Grade: C+ though, to get the audiGenre: Sports drama ence to realRating: PG-13 ly care about Length: 109 minutes Weaver, who is just a jerk for a large part of the film and doesn’t seem to have a real plan until the last 20 minutes. All in all, “Draft Day” had promise, but spread itself too thin and failed to dedicate the audience to the cause of the protagonist.

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‘G I R L’ – Joyful and relentlessly positive dance along. A perfect fusion of classic R&B with dash of funk and hip-hop boost, “G I Grammy award-winning singer/ R L” is a joyful modern-pop masterproducer Pharrell Williams recently piece, with each song containing a pop released“G I R L,” his first pulse that seems even more enticing studio album in eight than the next. years. And it made The album is full of star-studded fans smile. cameos from Justin Timberlake, Miley “Happy,” the Cyrus, Alicia Keys and Daft Punk. Grade: Aalbum’s No.1 Williams and Timberlake face-off with dueling falsettos in “Brand New.” hit, kicks off Genre: R&B/Soul/Pop The song is empowered by throwback with bass and Length: 46 minutes drum interplay style beats and power-of-love lyrics that immediate- that instantly make it a fan favorite ly sets an unbe- and potential single. lievably catchy beat. Having collaborated on Miley The lyrics are brought Cyrus’ 2013 album, “Bangerz,” it’s alive by the hand-clapping chorus only fair that Cyrus returned the fasupported by soulful backup vocals vor. Cyrus can be found on the album’s that give the song a relentless energy sixth track, “Come and Get It Bae.” that makes listeners want to sing and Williams and Cyrus make a nice pair By ADRIANNA VELAZQUEZ Staff Writer

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for the guitar-strumming track which, surprisingly, isn’t a target for critics. “Gust of Wind,” featuring Daft Punk, is nothing short of their popular robotic sound and is undoubtedly the most daring track on the album. Thomas and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo are credited as contributing vocals with a computerized hook and discoinfused chorus that make this midtempo groove the most memorable song on the album. Williams doesn’t fail to make female listeners feel special with “Lost Queen,” an eight-minute tribal humming tribute to a woman who is deemed out of this world. This song slows the album down with a laid-back vibe unlike the high-energy tracks that GIRL CONTINUED B7

‘Upside Down’ is Music-Row-inspired work of art By JON PRICE

Staff Writer

Former Bright Eyes front man Connor Oberst is set to release a highly anticipated new album in May. While some tracks remain unheard, Oberst debuted more than half its songs last week in a live studio performance at a New York radio station. WNYC, a National Public Radio affiliate in New York, airs a program called “Soundcheck,” hosted by notable music critic and writer John Schaefer. The show features a daily segment called “Gig Alert,” in which listeners are introduced to music acts that will be playing in the city of New York that evening. On April 10, Oberst made an appearance on the show at the station’s “Greene Space,” (a performing area located at the broadcaster’s headquarters) and gave the show’s listeners a significant preview of the twangy, Nashville-inspired album. Luckily for fans, the performance was available online shortly after. The 33-year-old musician has experienced much success and critical acclaim before quietly exiting the music scene in 2012, after recording “One

of My Kind,” with the Mystic Valley Band, to focus on his personal life and other business ventures. However, 2014 will see the release of his latest solo effort “Upside Down Mountain,” which is a splendid departure from his despondent early recordings. The rock genius turned country crooner finds his footing easily in Nashville’s progressive country music scene and offers listeners a fresh perspective on American-folk music with this upcoming release. Those lamenting stylistic changes in the musician’s approach will likely adjust to his new sound quickly. The singer/songwriter is an absolute master of reinventing himself, and ZUMIC.COM

long-time fans of the artist have grown to expect major changes from album to album. The lyrics on “Upside Down Mountain,” explore themes of adulthood and responsibility, which are sharply contrasted by his more typical motifs of nihilism and sarcasm, “Go out with a bang, like Hemingway,” Oberst teases on the track “Common Knowledge.” He manages to take himself less

seriously on this record, making his latest work one of his best solo efforts to date. It would be unfair to say the lighthearted tones on some of the tracks mean the album lacks in substance or sincerity. The new release is funny yet remorseful, derogatory but, at the same time, uplifting and would likely be more appropriately evaluated by a literary critic, rather than some bum who writes about music reviews for a newspaper. With lyrics like, “I stole all the rhinestones outta Carolina. Then I sold ‘em out in Bakersfield for cash,” from the track “Hundreds of Ways,” the listener becomes complicit in the act of storytelling, which makes the Hemingway reference seem less likely a coincidence and more likely the calculated pen strokes of would-be novelist. On a more upbeat song, Grade: A “Governor’s Ball,” Oberst Genre: Folk/Country demonstrates the bitAlbum: Connor Oberst, ing sarcasm and wit “Upside Down Mountain” that some listeners have Length: 46 minutes grown to appreciate him for. The less-sullen tone was most certainly a direction the Omaha, NE native was ready to move

in. Oberst told “Rolling Stone” reporter Miriam Coleman in an interview earlier this year that he had become disenchanted with his more “verbose” and “cathartic” early recordings. The new album is most certainly inspired by the city it was recorded in, Nashville, and it shines through in the twangy guitar sounds and overwhelming honesty of the lyrics, akin to the outlaws of country’s golden era. Possibly the most profound verse found amongst the seven songs released before the May 19 drop date was found in a song more in vein of the typical Oberst in the wax-poetic, “Common Knowledge.” “If I had half his guts, I’d want it,” Oberst sings, “to chase that fatalistic comet and die young in the dark, that’s poetry. But it was not to be. No, it was not for me.” “Upside Down Mountain,” is exactly that: poetry. Just like the famed author the singer alludes to, the vague and sometimes confusing lyrics leave plenty of room for interpretation. The album will feature backing by Swedish duo First Aid Kit and was produced by Jonathan Wilson who has worked with legends like Tom Petty and, more recently, Oberst’s opening act on his upcoming tour, Dawes.

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April 21, 2014

The Washtenaw Voice

New degree ‘major steppingstone’ for film students By MARIA RIGOU

“I think it teaches you what ques-

Editor tions to ask,” the C++ programming

student said. “By critically analyzing Since last fall, Washtenaw films, we learn not take things at face Community College has been offering value, and that could (translate to othan associate of arts award in film studies er disciplines).” that combines the technical and theoThe degree has been adding classes retical aspects of film. as it moves along, but two capstone According to Carolyn Jambard- courses will be added next academic Sweet, one of the designers of this de- year. gree and a humanities instructor at the “The Film and Representation class college, the program combines the tech- is about minorities in film,” Jambardnical aspects of filmmaking with writ- Sweet said. “The Great Directors ing and film history courses to create a course (will open in the winter of unique degree with a wide base. 2015) and will talk about the techAudra Meagher, 25, from Wayne, said niques that different directors use to that this degree could be interesting be- create movies.” cause it “combines writing and learning According to Jambard-Sweet, the about directors” with the production film courses at WCC have been very portion of filmmaking, something she popular since 2011, and this degree feels the digital video production ma- accompanies that demand. jor lacks. “There has been a major increase “It would be great to have more writ- in film courses enrollment at the coling classes (in digital video production),” lege,” Blair said. “(So we) built someMeagher, a digital video production ma- thing that could cater to the student jor, said. population.” The associate of arts in film studThe degree provides a skill set that ies was designed as a transfer program could end up being useful in myriad that easily blends with the degrees at professions, Jambard-Sweet said, addEastern Michigan University, Madonna ing that it would allow students to go University and the University of into journalism, public relations or Michigan. even video production. “It is a comprehensive degree. It is “Film studies prepares students for great to transfer with,” Jambard-Sweet being critically analytical,” she said. “It said. “Students are well-prepared to has a strong base that is really powertransfer to those institutions.” ful (when transferring).” Dena Blair, interim dean of This is the only degree in humanHumanities, Social and Behavioral ities at the college that is not a libSciences, said that “for someone who eral arts transfer, and according to wants to study film, this is an amazing Jambard-Sweet it is not very common degree to get.” for a community college to have this Joel Dornbush, a 19-year-old stu- degree. dent from Saline, said that taking an “It is a huge steppingstone,” she introductory class in film helped him said. “The classes are very prepared, improve his skills, and that those skills and students leave ready to tackle could likely be applied to other things. third- and fourth-year courses.” 10 years. It’s fun,” said Nicole Alicea, 41, a nurse from Ann Arbor. “It’s a chance awesome beers from all over,” said to be social. I like the high-gravity John Califano, 24, an engineer. “If you beers because you get the most taste.” look at the menu we have this time, Panin Ofori-Mensa, 27, a retail you don’t need to spend money on a sales associate from Ann Arbor, was beer that you don’t know.” attending for the first time – and he A mix of people make the best agreed about the fun. events, and beer tasting is not only “We’ve got all the different beers for beer lovers, but also for those who to try out, meeting all the different like to taste different flavors and share people who are really into learning these experiences. about all of these,” he said. “It is just “I have been coming here for about a really exciting event.” SAMPLING FROM B3

A TASTE OF JOY: BOCKS AND TRAPPISTS WHAT: Beer-tasting, a public brewpub event

Benjamin Williams, 23, of Farmington Hills works on his final project for the digital video production capstone course Portfolio and Project Seminar. A class of newly equipped video students will graduate next month. DAVID FITCH | WASHTENAW VOICE

Class of digital video students ‘growing up’ By DAVID FITCH Staff Writer

They are almost there. The digital video program will be churning out a set of more than 10 newly equipped filmmakers into the world next month. The journey for many of the young artists has been, at times, a lengthy one featuring long nights, crippling technical snafus and seeming eternities spent in the fluorescently-lit, windowless editing lab in the Technical and Industrial building. But the end is in sight. The Portfolio and Project Seminar course, taught by Matt Zacharias, is the capstone class in the Digital Video associate degree program. The course helps students build up the pieces that they hope will get them work in their field. It requires them to use the skills learned over the past several semesters to create films they can be proud of. “Watching how students evolve from Dan Kier’s 105 course to watching the students move through all the more advanced courses, it’s

By MIKE ANTHONY Voice Correspondent

WHO: All over 21 are invited. DESCRIPTION: This month’s event features about two dozen malty rich bocks, dopplebocks and Belgian trappist ales, paired with an appetizer buffet. TICKETS: $25 in advance, $30 at the door. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Phone 734-213-1393 or email beth@arborbrewing.com

the only available brand. The brewpub cannot serve wine or liquor. pack, every keg you drink from ABC, “Being that we’re a brewpub,” was made here.” Manager Kevin Bradner explains, “we While the atmosphere is relaxed can only serve alcohol that we made and welcoming, children must be ac- ourselves.” companied by an adult and no one unLocally purchased food and beer der 21 is admitted after 9 p.m., so ABC made on site is reassuring to those Microbrewery might not be the best who want to know where their menu place for family gatherings. However, options are coming from and vegetaronce a month the bar hosts a gaming ians can enjoy delicious, meat-free day, when people of all ages gather for food, like the black-bean burger. card or board games. A beer garden is open to patrons The seasonal selection of micro- during the warmer months and a brews may be an exciting prospect for working fireplace is a great reason to the adventurous lush, but ABC beer is step out of the cold. ABC FROM B3

STATUE FROM B1

“Many people have stopped by just to look at it.” While many dropped by, Zykowski drove from his home in Boothbay, Maine, to see the artist’s rendition of the legendary coach. Ignoring the unseasonably cold spring weather, the U-M grad stood alone at the foot of the sculpture, bathing in the nostalgia. “I have a lot of fond memories of Bo coaching,” Zykowski said, “I brought my kids to see every single home game,

and they had fond memories – so they ended up in school there.” Zykowski said that even on the East Coast his neighbors share his admiration for the university and its team. “There are several other Michigan alumni living out there,” he said, “We watch games together ... It’s kind of a little Michigan colony.” So why doesn’t he ask one of his fellow transplants to make the long trip with him? “The trip is mine,” Zykowski said, “just to visit the university. It is very special, very special.”

‘After Effects’ trouble,” he said to Shane Law, a veteran video student. The filmmakers-in-training kept the stress at bay. Many students still had upwards of 10 hours of editing left in their projects, but they were doing what they love. Ryan Stemmer, 27, of Ann Arbor, was working on his final project called “Arborites.” He was positive about his progress so far. “It’s getting a good amount of laughs from the people who have seen some of the rough scratches off of it,” he said. Benjamin Williams, 23, of Farmington Hills, was also feeling pretty confident in his project, despite having 15-20 hours of editing left. “This is pretty much the class where you have your head on your shoulders. You’re ready to get out there,” he said. “It’s like your practice run, essentially. It’s a tad more stressful because of it, but that’s the kind of work environment I was planning on going into anyways.” And on they work. Their initial deadline was April 17. Their time at the college is swiftly coming to a close. “It feels like it’s been long journey, but it was worth it,” said Stemmer.

Big House – bigger game

WHERE: Arbor Brewing Company, Game Room and Tap Room WHEN: Thursday, May 8, 7-9 p.m.

always cool to see how they grow,” said Zacharias. Zacharias, who has been observing his students produce and learn from the time they entered the program until now, said that, though it’s nice to have the students around, he knows that they must leave to continue their journey. “We want them to grow up. We want them to leave the nest,” said Zacharias. His class migrated from the green screen room to the adjacent editing lab for the last portion of their class. Many needed all the time they could get to finish their projects on deadline, which was fast approaching. They only had one week left, and some of them still weren’t done filming. Zacharias weaved through the editing lab cubicles, checking on his students. In the gray-walled lab, students worked quietly or joked with other students in adjacent stalls. They asked for help. They swallowed their pride when they ran into a wall. “You doing all right?” he asked one student. And then recruited another to help. “Law Man, this guy’s having some

The University of Michigan Athletic Department announced it will host the 11th of 14 games in the Guinness International Champions Cup featuring Manchester United and Real Madrid on Saturday Aug. 2. Tickets for the game sold out in less than a day with more than 100,000 sold. However, http://www. mgoblue.com, the athletic department’s website, reported that “some tickets still being held may be released over time.” The game, featuring two of Europe’s biggest soccer clubs, is set to possibly fill the 109,901 seats in

the Big House and become the most attended soccer game in United States history. The record stands at 101,799, held by the Rose Bowl for the 1984 Olympic gold medal match between Brazil and France. “This is a rare chance for the Ann Arbor community,” said Director of Athletics Dave Brandon in a release. “This event will have a positive economic impact on the city of Ann Arbor and the state of Michigan.” Fans are thrilled, too. “Of course, I am so excited,” said Washtenaw journalism student Vivian Zago, when asked if she would be attending the game. Zago lives is Ann Arbor, but originally is from Brazil, where soccer – or football, as it is known there – is the

nation’s most popular sport. “I have actually a bunch of Brazilian people, kind of 10 or 12. We are all planning to go together,” Zago said. “Soccer isn’t a big deal here in Michigan, so it’s so nice to have this here.” Zago won’t be the only Washtenaw student in attendance. She said that some of her classmates from outside the United States are excited to go as well. This won’t be the first time that the University of Michigan has hosted sports events other than football. In January, the Big House hosted of the 2014 NHL Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The outdoor event went on to become the most watched regular season hockey game of all time.

The Big House will be filled with a record number of ‘real’ football fans on Aug. 2 when two international powerhouses meet KELLY BRACHA | WASHTENAW VOICE

PLAY

The Washtenaw Voice

Reszetar has drawn to complete his 100 portraits. “It might be 100; it might be 80 or 120,” Reszetar said. “I’ll see when I get there.” Drawing at WCC, a drawing marathon and an Reszetar is still trying to define exactly what anatomy class at the Ann Arbor Art Center. he wants to portray. Among many of the finished The 24-year-old graphic design major says that portraits is that of Ximena Gomez, a 26-yearReszetar is “a really good teacher, very techni- old Ph.D. student at the University of Michigan. cal,” and that he has taken her under his wing. Gomez, a native of Peru, said that being part And Jesse Gilbert, of Ann Arbor, says that of the process was exciting. this is common for the art instructor. “As an art historian, I always focus on the end Gilbert, a 29-year-old art major, took his first of the process, on completed works of art,” she drawing class with Reszetar and remembers the said. “It was nice to be on the beginning end. It instructor telling the class that he expects stu- was really exciting (and different).” dents to go above and beyond. And this is exactly what Reszetar is look“(Naturally), some students aren’t motivated,” ing for. Gilbert said. “But if you want to do it, yeah, he “I try to highlight some trait, like (Gomez’s) pushes you.” glasses,” the artist said. “The idea is to show Gilbert is also one of the several students that diversity.” ARTIST FROM B1

April 21, 2014

la times crossword

across

Reszetar’s architects table is filled with sketches and photographs of students who will be part of his project. The nook is filled with books of artists and human anatomy. MARIA RIGOU | WASHTENAW VOICE

GIRL FROM B5

precede it. Alicia Keys makes an appearance on “Know Who You Are,” the album’s ninth track. The song holds a reggae vibe and showcases Williams’ most impressive vocal performance while expressing his sensitive side through inspiring, heartfelt lyrics. Although the album is innovative and creative with a generally positive vibe, explicit songs like “Hunter” and “Gush” fail to embody the same empowerment and love for women like other

songs on the album. While “Gush” is perhaps the most explicit sex jam, “Hunter” can be compared to Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” only from a woman’s perspective. The album concludes with “It Girl,” a creative sexual ode that keeps up the feel-good vibe of the album, but is nothing memorable. Overall, “G I R L” creatively utilizes organic orchestral sounds that bring Williams’ lyrically vivid track list alive. The album contains standout production on every track and carries a hard-to-ignore joyful and relentlessly positive vibe.

1 Injury reminder 5 Pet adoption gp. 10 Environs 14 Nobel Peace Prize winner Wiesel 15 U.S.-Canada defense letters 16 Having a hard time deciding 17 Hard to find, to Caesar 18 __ Gay: WWII bomber 19 Thom __ shoes 20 Original Ice Follies slapstick skating duo 23 “Just one darn minute!” 24 Amazed reactions 27 Three in a deck 28 Retaliatory equivalent 32 Found really groovy 34 Bud 35 Challenge 36 Part of WWII 39 Happy heartbeat sound 42 Like veggies on a veggie platter 43 Expected landing hrs. 45 Prohibition 46 Opposite of post48 Knickknacky stuff 51 Bible bk. with a sea crossing 54 Trite 55 Opie Taylor’s caretaker 58 Small, irregular amounts 62 List-ending abbr. 64 11th-century Spanish hero 65 Give off 66 Low-cal 67 It divides the Left and Right Banks 68 Pal at the barbie 69 Run into 70 More quirky 71 Being, to Ovid

down

1 Feudal farmers 2 Red wine from Bordeaux 3 Better ventilated 4 Got through to 5 Lend __: listen 6 14-line verse 7 Cattle poker 8 Ranch newborn 9 Purim month 10 Use of one requires a PIN 11 Groupie’s idol 12 Significant period 13 Raggedy doll 21 Make excited 22 Gone by 25 Prefix with legal 26 Ladled-out meal 29 Bucky Beaver’s toothpaste brand 30 Pub spigot 31 Envelope part 33 Bee Gees family name 36 “Dragnet” star Jack 37 Gillette razor brand 38 Bad weather contingency 40 Paving goo 41 Sales manager’s concern 44 Like the “A” in a Hawthorne classic 47 At the outer edges of the normal curve 49 “Sting like a bee” boxer 50 Bloodhound or boxer 52 White House family 53 Ledger entries 56 8-Down’s milk source 57 Cosmetician Lauder 59 Spanish kiss 60 Iditarod transport 61 Battery fluid 62 Good name for a tree-lined street 63 Dead heat

answers

experience in your field of study. Apply today at www.canton-mi.org/humanresources/jobs.asp. For more information, call 734-394-5260 Below is a sample of recent employStudents and WCC employees: Classified ads in The Voice are free. Local business owners: Looking for help? ment want ads which have been posted Post your free help wanted ads in The Voice. Send ads to thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com. with WCC Career Services. Students are invited to read these ads and to contact Career Services to find out how to apply Note: Deadline for the final issue of the academic year on May 5 is Tuesday, April 29, at 5 p.m. for the openings. Career Services is located in ML 104. For more information, ask friends to join you. $379/mo.individual for a local real estate broker. Initial compen- phone 734-677-5155, email careers@ ANNOUNCEMENTS Thank you! To the person who returned leases. Includes cable/Internet, water, trash. sation for finished product, residual income wccnet.edu, or visit www.wccnet.edu/ my ‘New York City Ballet’ hat to Lost and For more information: For any questions or from the success of the site and a superb careerconnection/. more details text or call 810-588-3327 or opportunity for referral business. Submit Administration Assistant to Marketing Found. ~ Mark Bertz Email me at JDaratony@wccnet.edu credentials to: Racozy39@gmail.com and Sales: ambitious, creative and innoBARN AND YARD HELP: 10 hours/week, vative professional with passion for early FOR SALE SERVICES some flexibility, north side of Ann Arbor. childhood education, sales or marketing. 2003 HONDA ACCORD LX. Silver seCOMPUTER ASSISTANCE: Virus remov- Physical work such as lifting 50-pound Entry-level position with opportunity to dan; very good condition (9.1 out of 10 rating by Kelley Blue Book). Sunroof, great al; upgrades; system wipe; data recovery; bags, mucking, sweeping and shovel- learn and grow in the education/non-profit sound system, new tires and brakes. 122K backups; and customizations? Contact Josh ing. Prefer experience with horses or farm- industry. Applications Engineer/Specialist: Trains miles. $4,800 – far below Blue Book value. Hefner at jdhefner@hefnerlabs.com or text ing. Knowledge of plants a plus. $11/hour. Must have own car. If you need more hours, customers, identifies, analyzes and repairs Moving to Europe, can’t take my car, and 734-363-8324. VOLUNTEER TUTORS: Washtenaw a neighbor has similar needs. Contact: riv- product failures. Orders and replaces parts it makes me sad. Phone 818-970-5281. as needed. Determines and recommends HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD KING, 1994, Literacy needs volunteers to tutor adults erbendfarm@comcast.net. SEASONAL PART-TIME POSITIONS which products or services best fit the cuswith just 7,500 gently ridden original miles. in basic reading, writing, math and English Completely original except for a few really as a Second Language. If in Help change AVAILABLE: Canton Leisure Services is now tomers’ needs. Performs in a variety of ennice add-ons. Perfect condition. $11,500 lives – one word at a time! Contact info@ hiring for seasonal part-time positions that vironments and enjoys travel. washtenawliteracy.org or call 734-879-1320. start in April-June 2014. Positions may inAccounts Receivable Clerk: prepare daily or best offer. Info: 989-390-9860. NEED HEALTH CARE? Are you between clude: lifeguards, summer camp counsel- bank deposits, post cash receipts, follow the ages of 12-22? Contact the Corner ors and supervisors, therapeutic recreation up on customer inquiries and past due FOR RENT APARTMENT LEASE IN KALAMAZOO: Health Center at 734-484.3600 or visit on- camp staff, special events coordinators, park accounts. laborers, Pheasant Run Golf Course staff, Assistant Infant/Toddler Teacher: 20 Transferring to Western Michigan line at: www.cornerhealth.org. Canton Sports Center staff and more. If hours per week, willing to be trained in University? Looking for someone to take HELP WANTED you enjoy a fast-paced, exciting work en- CPR and First Aid. over my 12-month lease starting August WEB DESIGN: Seeking an INP student vironment, don’t miss this opportunity to Marketing and Events Intern: Ideal 2014 at The Centre, off-campus student housing in Kalamazoo Michigan. 4bdrm/ba. proficient in Web page design and SEO to join a great team this summer! Students, candidate has a background in journalApartment; roommates not assigned yet, so create and optimize a single page website here’s your chance to gain valuable work ism or marketing and a passion for social

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FLIP SIDE

April 21, 2014

By JAMES SAOUD Staff Writer

For local comic book shop owners, Free Comic Book Day is about more than just getting people into their stores and spending a few bucks. It’s about celebrating every aspect of comic book lore. “It’s pretty much one of the coolest days of the year,” said Chad Thornton, 37, of Ypsilanti, a manager of Stadium Cards and Comics. “Whether or not they come here, as long as they’re enjoying a comic, that’s kind of the important part.” Free Comic Book Day happens every year on the first Saturday in May. This year’s event will be held internationally on May 3. The event is exactly what it sounds like, a day when publishers release a handful of comic books that are given away. “It’s usuallly a pretty, pretty busy day you get a lot of people you’ve never seen before. You get a fair amount of people in costume,” Thornton said. “Last year we had a bunch of Lokis.”

At the Vault of Midnight in downtown Ann Arbor, people line up around the block just to get their hands on some free comic books. “It’s our biggest day of the year,” Nick Yribar, 29, of Ann Arbor, a manager of Vault of Midnight, said. “We have people in costumes. We have stuff that we give away. We have huge sales, and now, we partner with other businesses.” Several stores and restaurants in Ann Arbor, including Cherry Republic and Bandito’s, will now offer exclusive deals to customers that bring in their free comics or a Vault of Midnight bag. Yribar said the event is not just great for the store, but great for the city. People travel from across the Midwest to come to Ann Arbor. “Last year the event completely exploded,” Yribar said. “Our line went down the block and wrapped around onto Washington. We were at capacity literally all day long. “It’s a spectacle, and there’s a lot going on, and we go all in for the event.” Out of the free books being shipped to stores this year, Yribar said he is

most excited for new issues of “Rise of the Magi,” “Atomic-Robo” and a crossover book between “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “Hellboy.” Thornton said he is excited about anything “Transformers” related. While some stores may struggle to get all of their free comics out the door, Thornton has an easy solution to that problem. “I’ll take some of the better ones that are left over like ‘Mega-Mans’ or ‘Supermans’ or ‘Batmans’ or ‘Sonic the Hedgehogs’ and I tend to, when I go out places, just leave them.” Thornton said, “If I go to Buffalo Wild Wings on a kids’ night, I’ll leave a ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ behind so people can read it. Or I’ll leave it at Burger King or Red Robin or something, just leave comics in hope that somebody will pick it up and enjoy it.” While the event does wonders for the business side of the comic book industry, the ultimate goal most local comic book shop owners share is to get people, fanboys and newcomers alike, to read the comics and celebrate the characters.

The Washtenaw Voice

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BY JAM PHOTOS