By Amanda Stidd   Fri, Jan 15, 2010

A burger. It can be ordered for a dollar at McDonald's and is considered by some to be one of the most basic, all-American food items. However, one restaurant shines when it comes to making a simple burger into a complete dining experience. Red Coat Tavern, located on Woodward Ave. in Royal Oak, makes the simple burger into a town favorite.

Even though I grew up in the Detroit area, I had never been to Redcoat Tavern. I'd heard about it through friends and teachers, but never thought anything of it. The experience was something I feel I've missed out on for the past 20 years.

The first thing I note about a dining experience is atmosphere. Red Coat was not a disappointment here. The dining area was very clean and was lit by dozens of red lanterns. The bar area was separated from a majority of the dining area, which provides for two separate dining experiences.

The second factor to a good restaurant is service. This aspect impressed me, if possible, more than the food. I was seated right away during a busy lunch hour on a Saturday, though I was warned there might be a bit of a wait. The food was served quickly, but I never felt rushed. My waitress checked in with me several times during the meal to keep my drink freshened and attend to any other request. When I ventured to the bar, the bartender even took time to have a chat with me, adding a friendly touch.

All of these things led up to the final test: the meal. I'll admit that I like a good burger, but sadly most places never cook a burger to my liking. A burger cooked to medium (my preference) should have a nice pink center. Most restaurants cook a medium burger to medium-well or even well. When the waitress sat the burger in front of me and I cut it in half, a smile grew across my face; the burger had a perfect pink center. The first bite was a juicy blend of the meat, cheese (cheddar, in my case), and vegetable toppings. A plate of exquisite onion rings complemented the burger, which were recommended by several people. The burger has many options of add-on toppings in an almost 'create your own' style and has a special burger sauce one can only get from Red Coat.

Here we come to the final point: the check. The prices at Red Coat are a little higher than your typical burger joint. H

owever, you pay for what you get. The grade of meat is higher and the size of the burger is larger than most. The onion rings were, in my opinion, slightly overpriced. As amazing as they were, their $6 price tag on top of an almost $8 burger was a bit disappointing.

Along with other entrées, the Red Coat Tavern has an extensive beer and wine list for those over 21. It's the perfect restaurant for a quick lunch or a nice dinner date. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone and plan to visit it in the future to make up for lost time.

GCM photo credit: Amanda Tuttle 

By Brittany Smith   Fri, Nov 20, 2009

Most court TV shows revolve around disputes over money, like Central Michigan student John Wimbush-Sherrod's dispute over unpaid bills, which he decided to fight out on the Judge Mathis Show. 

Sherrod sued his then roommate, Jake Goodin, for money owed on a gas and electric bill and for money Sherrod had loaned him to cover rent.  Goodin was unavailable for comment on the show.

"He hadn't been paying all semester," Sherrod said, and said he was no longer willing to pay the whole expense.  He decided to take his roommate to court––TV court that is. 

Former Detroit district-court judge, Greg Mathis, now presides over a courtroom on a studio set in California. Anyone can apply to have their case fought out on TV, but those picked are normally those who will boost ratings.

After applying online to the Judge Mathis show, Sherrod was contacted within two days–due to a family connection, he believes. 

"I knew his daughter," Sherrod explains, referring to Mathis's daughter, Camara. 

His case was accepted by the show and Sherrod was flown out to California to stay at the Embassy Suites.  His flight, his hotel room and his food were all covered by the show, and he was entitled to payment of $200 after the taping of his case, and was not to mention any money he won through his lawsuit. 

While this might seem like a great deal to some, Sherrod has a different feeling altogether. 

"It sucked," was Sherrod's overall feeling towards his experience, saying that he would not want to appear on the Judge Mathis show again. 

Sherrod emphasized that by no means is the Judge Mathis show a real courtroom, and that honesty is not always the best policy on set.  He remembers being coached on how to keep the taping interesting, to stay motivated and energetic while on camera, and was even encouraged to create arguments and call his roommate names. 

"Since our hands were not on the Bible, we could say whatever we wanted to," Sherrod said, commenting on the fact that some things he said during taping were untrue, and only said them because that is what he felt the show wanted from him. 

Sherrod was even told to find an embarrassing picture of his roommate to make Goodin seem less credible.  Sherrod found a picture of Goodin in a bikini on his Facebook page, and brought it with him to California to use on the show. 

Sherrod won his case, was rewarded with his half of the total bill for gas and electric, and then departed immediately after the taping of his case. 

After leaving the studio, directly after taping, he was put in a cab and driven to the airport, where he boarded right away.  Although he was pampered before taping, he was shown the door as soon as possible after the show had gotten what they needed. 

Sherrod warns against taking the people working for the Mathis show at their word, and wishes he had talked to his roommate before the taping of the show to discuss what they might say and do on camera. 

Sherrod gives advice to anyone interested in participating in a show like this, saying, "Don't listen to what other people tell you, and talk it out first." 

Sherrod's case will air on the Judge Mathis Show Friday, November 20, at noon and 3 p.m.

GCM audio by Katie Laskowska

By Alana Goeringer   Fri, Nov 20, 2009

When my grandparents moved to Clarkston in 1973, it was considered the middle of nowhere. Summer vacation homes lined the lake and their house was on a dirt road. My parents bought that same house in 1993, and I have lived there ever since.

Clarkston has seen many changes since the 70s, including two-lane Sashabaw Rd. becoming a four-lane road with a median, the paving of most dirt roads, and the building of a Starbucks in 2006. Civilization finally reached our small town. There is one place however that remains untouched by the hands of time: Downtown Clarkston.

Downtown Clarkston looks like a scene from a 1900s photo album. Small boutiques selling antiques, a bakery, a grocery, several restaurants, and original Victorian homes are some of the gems that can be found on Main St. All of the hustle and bustle of reality seems to slip away when walking through this historic part of the town.

 The Rudy's Market & Deli offers an enormous selection of fine wines, homemade breads, meat selections and fresh fruits and vegetables, and their staff has over 30 years of experience.  Across the street is the Olde Village Café, another staple downtown. This restaurant serves food that is inexpensive, quick and delicious, including breakfast all day.

When looking for a more formal dining experience, the Clarkston Union is the place to go. This antique church-turned-restaurant has an amazing atmosphere created by wood paneling and stained glass windows. The Union is famous for its secret macaroni & cheese recipe, and is also the place where Kid Rock and Pam Anderson said their vows for the fourth time in 2006.

Down a side street from Clarkston Union is Depot Park, a very popular place in the spring and summer.

Clarkston High School students take their prom pictures by the river, and bands play in the gazebo during the 'Concerts in the Park' on Fridays in June and July. There is also a playground for children.

The Clarkston Village Players has a rich history of its own. The organization began in 1961 and performed plays in the high school auditorium. They then moved to their current location: right next to the tracks of the old

train station that stopped serving passengers in 1959.

In the midst of all the changes, downtown Clarkston has managed to keep the 'small town' spirit alive. It is a place where people can relax and spend time with each other.  Where people can watch the annual fourth of July parade, or shop at Frank & Me for antique Christmas decorations. Clarkston may be growing into a bigger town, but it has personality and charm that time cannot erase.

Photo by Alana Goeringer

By Katie Laskowska   Thu, Nov 19, 2009

Bassnectar's sold out performance at St. Andrew's Hall last Saturday was off the hook. 

People from all over Michigan as well as Ontario, Canada, waited in line to get into the show; the line stretched around the entire building.

As soon as Bassnectar took the stage, bass filled the concert hall and everyone started cheering and jumping. The floorboards actually shook as each set of rhythmic jumps took place.

St. Andrew's was packed with trippy glow sticks, sick sounds and an entirely enthusiastic and energetic crowd. Three screens were set up above Bassnectar, displaying a plethora of different shots, timed perfectly with the beats the DJ was producing.

Bassnectar's ability to remix genres like rock, reggae and rap into one kickass song was mind-blowing. Towards the end of the set, he even remixed music from the movie The Matrix and included shots of the movie on the back screens.

One of the best parts of seeing Bassnectar perform live, as if the loud bass and intense environment aren't enough, is how enthusiastic a performer he is. I have seen far too many DJs simply stand in front of their mixers and, well, mix. But Bassnectar is so connected to the crowd, headbanging as he creates new beats, that just watching him is entertaining.

Photo by Katie Laskowska

By Amanda Stidd   Fri, Oct 23, 2009

The snowmobile graveyard is like every other business—it’s sales are declining in this economic slump. However, owner Steve Tompkins has found a way to keep up with the times. The graveyard has hit the web and is sending parts all across the world. Jake May shot photos from the graveyard as Amanda Tuttle talked to Mr. Tompkins and others from the graveyard about their unique business.

GCM Soundslide by Amanda Tuttle and Jake May

By Ben Weissenborn   Thu, Oct 08, 2009

By Dave Burke   Fri, Jan 15, 2010

Sometimes post game interviews with football players can be pretty intense and emotional. Many players allude to the "war" they fought on the field with phrases like "it was a battle out there" or "we played like warriors" or maybe the most dubious of all, former Miami Hurricane tight end Kellen Winslow's rant of "war" and being a "soldier". 

Now I'm not advocating that football or any other physical sport isn't an emotional game, nor am I scolding the players for showing emotion. What I am trying to do is distinguish between game and war and what one pro football player gave up to join a real war.

Pat Tillman was devastated after September 11, 2001.  Tillman was in his fourth year as safety for NFL's Arizona Cardinals and was riding a wave of momentum, being known as a fearless hitter and tremendous competitor. 

After the attacks though, Tillman knew what he really wanted to do. In May 2002, he turned down an offer of $3.6 million over three years from the Cardinals to enlist in the U.S. Army. 

Tillman, along with his brother Kevin, were assigned to the second battalion of the 75^th Ranger Regiment.  Tillman said goodbye to his wife and was deployed to Iraq where he was part of the first wave of troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Tillman then went on to serve two tours in Afghanistan.  Tragically, his second re-deployment ended early.

On April 22, 2004, Tillman was killed in a friendly fire incident when his unit was ambushed while on patrol in the village of Sperah, about 25 miles near the Pakistani border.  Further reports showed that the fire outbreaks could have accidently been between allied forces.  Tillman's death has been full of controversy and the Pentagon released its report March 26, 2007 saying that the investigation concluded that the cause of "CPL Tillman's death wasn't anything other than accidental". 

Pat Tillman was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and a posthumous promotion. 

With Veterans Day here, we as a nation salute our veterans who have come back from the battlefields and those who have not.  Some soldiers come from farms, others urban housing and some, like Tillman, come from very fortunate, wealthy backgrounds.

While Tillman's decision to enlist seemed like a radical one, he didn't want any fanfare surrounding his decision.  He just was doing what he thought was right. 

So as we celebrate this Veterans Day, take a moment to remember all who have sacrificed so much for us to continue to watch or play a sport or just live a lifestyle we are lucky enough to enjoy today.

Courtesy Photo

By Alek Frost   Fri, Jan 15, 2010

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed both Week 11 and Week 12 in my absence. Week 12 had a lot of desirable matchups and a plethora of great games but no game was more highly anticipated than the undefeated New Orleans Saints (11-0) and the always dangerous New England Patriots (7-4).

In Week 10 New England lost a heartbreaker to the undefeated Indianapolis Colts (11-0) in the waning moments of what looked to be a sure fire Patriots triumph. Instead New England's head coach Bill Belichick made a controversial call on fourth down that led to the Pats' demise.

New England beat the New York Jets (5-6) the following week 31-14, looking quite stout defensively but in Week 12 they had to face New Orleans' offense. At times Drew Brees and his surfeit of weapons has seemed phantasmagorical, (look that one up kids) and faced little to no resistance on their way to a league high 369 points going into Week 12.

That phantasmal offense proved to be too much for an inexperienced and overmatched New England secondary. The Saints spread out the field and passed at will as Drew Brees secured a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3, a rare feat and won 38-17.

The achievement is even more impressive when you consider the defense that he accomplished it against was orchestrated by a man known for his defensive wizardry. The Saints are looking more and more like a Super Bowl contender, these are not your Dad's New Orleans Ain'ts.

Top Five

5) New England Patriots (7-4) - The Pats are 1-4 on the road this season and their only win on the "road" was in London when they faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-10) on a neutral field. Despite their struggles away from Gillette Stadium, New England's offense has been stellar and for the most part their defense has looked up-to-par. The Patriots have suffered losses to the New York Jets (5-6), the Denver Broncos (7-4), the Indianapolis Colts (11-0) and most recently the New Orleans Saints (11-0). They have lost to four potential playoff contenders and two teams that will more than likely hold home field advantage throughout the playoffs in their respective conferences. New England travels to Miami this week to play the Dolphins (5-6) in an AFC East matchup.  

4) Cincinnati Bengals (8-3) - The Bengals leaned on their running game in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns (1-10) on Sunday. Newly acquired halfback Larry Johnson and rookie Bernard Scott ran for a combined 194 yards rushing in the absence of starter Cedric Benson. Benson who is suffering from a bruised hip is expected to return to the starting lineup this week against the Detroit Lions (1-10). The Bengals normally potent passing attack struggled but Cincinnati racked up a combined 210 yards on the ground to compensate. Bengal wide receiver Chad Ochocinco wants to see the Bengals pass the ball more this week. "The roles need to be reversed. I'm speaking on behalf of myself and the receiving corps. We would like to throw the ball 50 times. I just want to relay that message."

3) New Orleans Saints (11-0) - I know what you are thinking America, why is this guy so down on the Saints. They just put a beat down on the Patriots on Monday Night Football and remain undefeated. They have the most explosive offense in the NFL and will more than likely shatter a few records along the way. I hear you, I really do but I still cannot convince myself that the Saints' defense could stop Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson or Peyton Manning and Dallas Clark in a head-to-head matchup. This offense is spectacular and they undoubtedly have the best offense in the National Football League but I strongly believe that behind Steve Hutchison and Bryant McKinnie, Adrian Peterson could keep Drew Brees off the field. Not to mention the Saints' banged up secondary that features two men who just signed in the last few weeks.  One of which prior to last week's game, had not played in nearly two years (Mike McKenzie) and another who is coming off major knee surgery (Chris McAlister). Brett Favre or Peyton Manning would dismantle that secondary and if the time of possession is in the favor of the opposition by a sizable margin, the Saints would lose to both the Vikings and the Colts.

 2) Minnesota Vikings (10-1) - The Vikings had another walk in the park in Week 12 when they cruised to a 36-10 victory over their division foe the Chicago Bears. Behind a remarkable game by elder statesmen Brett Favre, who threw for 392 yards passing with three touchdowns, the Vikings won their fourth game in a row. Favre is arguably having the best season of his illustrious career; he has thrown 24 touchdown passes to just three interceptions for 2,874 yards and the second highest quarterback rating, a hearty 112.1, just behind Drew Brees' rating of 112.6. The Vikings will take center stage Sunday night against the defending NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals (7-4).

1) Indianapolis Colts (11-0) - Peyton Manning led the Indianapolis Colts to another victory via another fourth quarter comeback against the Houston Texans (5-6) 35-27. The Colts were behind for the third consecutive week in the fourth quarter but Peyton Manning just as he did against the Baltimore Ravens (6-5) and the New England Patriots (7-4) led them back. Manning is having another MVP caliber year with 24 touchdown passes to 11 interceptions and an impressive 3,415 passing yards. Manning will more than likely eclipse the 4,000 yard marker for 11^th consecutive season. The Colts will take on the red hot Tennessee Titans (5-6), who have won five in a row, on Sunday.

Bottom Five

 5) Oakland Raiders (3-8) - The Raiders traveled to Dallas in Week 12 and played on Thanksgiving Day. Oakland's lackluster offense could only muster 181 yards passing and a total of 7 points in a 24-7 loss. The Raiders' 2009 first round selection Darrius Heyward-Bey tied a career high for catches in game with (prepare to be underwhelmed) two catches for 21 yards receiving and his first career touchdown. The selection of Heyward-Bey with the seventh overall pick was a controversial one and so far another questionable move by team owner Al Davis has not panned out. Oakland will play the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) in Week 13. 

 4) Detroit Lions (2-9) - The Lions lost their sixth consecutive Thanksgiving Day game against the Green Bay Packers (7-4) 34-12.Detroit Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford was not expected to start against the Packers and was listed as doubtful on the team's injury report. Backup quarterback Daunte Culpepper was slated to start but just a few hours before the game it was determined that Stafford would be able to play. Culpepper was visibly upset on the sidelines after being informed about the decision to start Stafford and had to be verbally reprimanded by General Manager Martin Mayhew. Stafford struggled throughout Thursday's game and threw four interceptions. The Lions will travel to Ohio to face the Cincinnati Bengals (8-3) on Sunday.    

3) St. Louis Rams (1-10) - The Rams fought until the bitter end against the Seattle Seahawks (4-7) last week but could not come away with a victory. Seattle beat St. Louis 27-17 behind second year man Justin Forsett's 130 yards rushing on 22 carries and two touchdowns. The Rams lost their third consecutive game despite a relatively strong game from quarterback Kyle Boller who passed for 288 yards and threw one touchdown pass. The Rams play the Chicago Bears (4-7) in Week 13.

2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-10) - Ever since rookie quarterback Josh Freeman has taken control under center the Buccaneers have looked like an actual NFL football team. In three out of his four starts Freeman has helped the Bucs win a game and lose another two by a combined five points. Other than a 38-7 blowout against the New Orleans Saints, Freeman has managed to keep a very dreadful team in every game he has played. Freeman and the Bucs will look to win for the second time this season against the Carolina Panthers (4-7).

1) Cleveland Browns (1-10) - The Browns' Jamal Lewis announced earlier this season that he would retire come season's end. The Browns placed Lewis on the injured reserve due to post-concussion symptoms, ending his season and more than likely his NFL career. Lewis has rushed for 10,607 yards over nine years with Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. He ran for 2,066 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in 2003 for the Baltimore Ravens, the best single season in his career. He was the fifth overall pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2000 NFL draft. In his rookie season he ran for 1,364 yards and six rushing touchdowns as he helped the Ravens win their first and only Super Bowl Championship. The Browns will head to San Diego without Jamal Lewis to face the Chargers (8-3).

By   Fri, Jan 15, 2010

It's third and long. The offense sets their formation. Coaches are calling out the audible. Fans are screaming. The wind is blowing into everyone's face. And on the sideline, some people must remain calm and prepared at a moment's notice.

A Central Michigan University football student manager appears to be a cushy job, but is one that comes with many responsibilities.

Managers don't receive pay. They don't get scholarships. Some don't even get any championship rings. They are out there for love of the game.

Everyone knows how much time the team puts into their week, making the sacrifices in order to win the game on Saturday. But the managers put in an equal amount of time in the hectic schedule that is college football.

"When it really comes down to it, aside from other athletes, the managers can sympathize best to the immense commitment Division 1 athletics is because they put in the same time schedules we do," said former CMU quarterback Brian Brunner.

Senior Josh Flaugher, who served as a manager from 2006-2008 under two different coaching staffs, says the amount of pressure placed on managers varies from person to person.

"There will be some better workers and some not so better workers and the best way to delegate and solve this problem is just how you go about assigning tasks for that day."

A manager's day is scheduled out prior to practice, with a tip sheet from the coaching assistants. At this time, the managers and the team's head of equipment operations, Mike McPike, breakdown the day's practice to make sure everyone knows where they are supposed to be.

The entire team receives Sunday and Monday off for recuperation. Come Tuesday, managers are on site at 2 p.m., setting up bags, balls, and the necessary equipment for practice. For any football team, practices are very detailed.

Depending on the time of the game that week, managers are expected to show up about four hours before kick-off. At this time, they get all sideline materials ready, check coaching headsets, and make sure players are fully equipped. Time is put in the night before to set up the locker room and clean players' helmets, although shining of the helmets takes place on game day.

During the game, there are a multitude of assignments for each manager. Some are assigned to be ball boys, while others may stick by the offensive or defensive team's bench, to help with play boards. Others may need to help carry a coach's headset or hold up signs on each end of the sideline to notify what special teams group should get ready.

When preparing for the road, everyone stays late the night before busses take-off. Bags are packed with player's equipment, training tables are brought in, and coaching attire is all just part of the luggage carried on the truck. Upon returning to Kelly-Shorts Stadium, managers stick around for one or two hours to empty the truck, spray the equipment (to help prevent illness), and load the laundry.

Whether in victory or defeat, managers must be quick to the whistle, attentive to every play and situation. When the game is over, they must clean up and put everything away. By the time the managers leave the stadium, they will have put in nearly ten hours of a day's work.

"Game days are the best part of being on a football team," said sophomore Sean Morrissey.

Morrissey is in his second season as a student manager. His father played for the Chippewas in the early 1980s, so CMU football has always been a passion of his. While experience, like a quarterback, has certainly paid off for him, the physicality is as demanding as anything.

Morrissey was born without a left forearm and two underdeveloped femurs. He has already had over ten procedures on his femurs and hips to help correct the deficiencies, and expects to have more in the future.

Though obviously challenging, Morrissey pulls through to help the team. He works with the quarterbacks, and most importantly, must spot the ball during practice scrimmages. Running back and forth every play visibly takes its toll on Morrissey, who sometimes winces in pain throughout these types of drills. However, Morrissey knows how important his job is for the betterment of the team.

"The coaches are very demanding, expecting the experienced managers to be Johnny-on-the-spot every time," said Morrissey. "Football is a great game that teaches men tough life lessons, and earning a coach's respect by consistently getting the job done is one of them."

Brunner said it is pretty humbling when he and other players actually take a moment to realize what kind of impact managers have on day-to-day operations.  "I think Butch and his staff, especially (quarterbacks coach) Mike Bajakian, do a great job of letting these guys know they are appreciated."

Morrissey's condition didn't completely hinder his athletic life. He was able to play on baseball, basketball, and football teams through middle school. However, once he reached high school at Rochester Adams, he got his first experience on the sidelines.

Seeing his friends compete at a high level (often resulting in district championships) gave Morrissey a different perspective for the game. His appreciation, in this aspect, is what made him want to become a coach, which is where managing at CMU has become very beneficial.

"Always enthusiastic, always positive and really an inspiration. Honestly, it took me a few days to even realize Sean had a physical ailment because he did his job so damn well," said Brunner. "I'll remember Sean's personality and how he wasn't so much a manager, but just one of the QBs."

Coaches put in endless hours studying film and developing game plans. Players put their bodies on the line every week, playing through pain.

"Not during any second of any day I have lived have I wanted a different life," said Morrissey. "I know that God made me this way for a reason. Like in football, you can only play with the cards you were dealt, and I believe I've played them pretty well so far."

Next time you're at a game or watching on TV, take a second to look at the sideline. There you'll see people like Morrissey. People who make plenty of sacrifices, for love of the game.

By R.E. Whipple   Fri, Jan 15, 2010

"Bad Ass Bunny Food"

• 1 package Chik'n strips meal starter (Morning Star farms)
• 1-2 tablespoons minced garlic/garlic seasoning
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• ¼ large sweet onion, chopped
• Mozzarella or pepper jack cheese
• Almonds, finely chopped (optional)
• Salad of your choice

Directions:

1.     In a frying pan, coat the bottom with extra virgin olive oil. Add chopped onions, Chik'n strips (it's not chicken, but very similar in appearance), and spices.

2.     Cook Chik'n until thoroughly grilled.

3.     Place salad of your choice (I prefer romaine lettuce) on plate; top with Chik'n. Add almonds for extra crunch. Shred pepper jack cheese on top.

GCM photo credit: R.E. Whipple

By Matt Valinski   Fri, Oct 23, 2009

By   Fri, Jan 15, 2010

What is an icon? I won’t bore you with a simple definition from Webster’s dictionary, but I will tell you that a fashion icon must have poise, elegance, and confidence. It is clear to see that Audrey Hepburn embodies all three of these characteristics just by watching her movies and glancing at her breathtaking photos.

Audrey Kathleen Ruston also known as Audrey Hepburn was born May 4, 1929 in Ixelles, Belgium. She is best known for her role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and has graced the cover of top magazines such as Vogue, Bazaar, Life, and People.

Katrina Lujan, student at Central Michigan enjoys Audrey Hepburn’s talent. She claims to have watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s at least 10 times and says that, “Audrey Hepburn is a fashion icon mostly because of her confidence. She has an eye for what looks good but if she didn’t have that attitude, she wouldn’t be on so many walls.”

You can catch glimpses of Audrey Hepburn on wallpaper, screensavers, profile pictures and many more. This icon means that much to people, that they love seeing her face and having her in their lives.

The phrase, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” has to have something to do with this Fashionista. Her simple, yet classic black dress, accentuated with a neck full of diamonds and pearls is what makes her the icon we admire today. Celebrities we see today from Victoria Beckham to Beyonce, to Anne Hathaway all emulate Audrey Hepburn’s genius. She helped pave the way to making fashion what it is today—not only a fad, but a lifestyle.

Could someone as beautiful and successful as Audrey Hepburn be humble too? They sure could. In fact, according to her website audreyhepburn.com, before her passing she was asked to comment on her life and career. With sincerity, she responds, “My career is a complete mystery to me. It’s been a total surprise since the first day. I never thought I was going to be an actress; I never thought I was going to be in movies. I never thought it would all happen the way it did.”

Unfortunately, there is no one like the originator. As lovers of beauty and fashion, we all try to mimic what the most popular and beautiful women wear so effortlessly on a daily basis. Audrey Hepburn had a great deal to do with it. She is a rare gem, regal in stature, and inviting with her sincere eyes. Can you imagine anyone else who could portray such a description?

Well, you have the chance to capture her grace just by entering our contest. Simply, unite you personal style and Audrey’s and take pictures. Then post/upload them and we’ll choose the best “Dress like Audrey” photo. So the next time you overhear someone mention Fashion Week or anything related to beauty, remember one of the pioneers: Audrey Hepburn—our fashion icon, forever.

Photo Courtesy of SuperStock

By Jenna Bishop   Fri, Jan 15, 2010

The holidays are vastly approaching, which means it's time to break out the winter coats, gloves, hats, and of course, the obvious UGG boots.  It's also about that time to figure out how you're going to stay fashionable while also trying to stay warm.  There is a way to look stylish when its ice cold outside and it doesn't take much time to do, if you know what you're doing, and what trends to follow.

Fashion has always been about accessories and when it comes to this winter's fashion, it really doesn't matter what you wear, as long as you have the right accessories to back it up.  Even the every day, casual, and slightly ruggish sweat suit can look fashionable if decorated with a scarf and a hat. 

For a mixture of both dark, and bright colored scarves and hats, try Express.com, where there is an assortment for just under $20.  Solid colored scarves are usually your safe bet; however, patterned scarves mixed with a pattern top can have that "so wrong it's right" kind of image.  Either way, Express has it all.

Christina Durfey, a senior at Central Michigan University who is majoring in accounting, says that scarves are "for sure" the most important fashion accessory during the winter. 

"I wear them everywhere, outside, at work, class..."

Just because winter is such a dreary, and blah season doesn't mean you have to dress that way.  Instead of the black ensemble that seems to take over every girl's closet during the winter, try dressing in brighter colors in an effort to make yourself stand out, and perhaps lighten your mood.  Even a fashion risk like bright orange or hot pink nail polish could keep you from falling into the background this season. 

The Mark Jacob's winter fashion show, presented during New York Fashion week, represents the perfect bright winter jackets that scream bold and unforgettable.  Chicstories.com shows the psychedelic colors, which range from bright orange to crazy purple. 

Although it's important to lighten up your wardrobe during this colorless season, make sure you don't overdo it.  Balance your every day outfits to make sure you don't resemble a colorful clown (unless, of course, you want to). 

A trend that seems to be taking over Central's campus lately is an Indian theme.  Boots with shredded fringed details have become increasingly popular by the day.  Hollister's Sunset Cliffs tan vest, along with the beaded beach belt, recognizes Native American culture in a fun and fabulous way.

A look that doesn't seem to be dying anytime soon is the plaid pattern.  Jackets, shirts, hats and vests are all in plaid design these days, giving that farmer-look a whole new recognition. 

Leather coats are also making a major comeback, and leather leggings seem to be coming around to the idea.  Without feeling like Fonzie from Happy Days, try pairing your leather jacket with a high wasted mini skirt instead of the usual blue jean.  Who wants to go to the bar or the club with a jacket on? The leather jacket can actually make your bar outfit look even more chic. 

Not everyone is a fan of the leather jacket, however.  Shukria Shawqi, a sophomore at Central who is majoring in Special Education could never picture herself wearing one.

"I think it's tacky for the most part, but some people can pull it off well", says Shawqi.  "I would personally never wear one though."

To browse more of the Indian-style clothes that Hollister offers, you can visit their website at Hollisterco.com.

Also, to look at the printed and solid-colored scarves, you can go to Express.com.

Photo by kpwerker

By Danielle Tuckfield   Fri, Jan 15, 2010

Up until the 1920s, physical education instructors strongly opposed women's competition They feared it would make females appear less feminine.  Upon entering the '20s, the fashion became skimpier, consequently shedding a new emphasis on athletically fit bodies. This helped narrow the gap between health and glamour. With time, women's sports and athletic fashion has grown immensely. However, I feel that we still have a long way to go.

When gazing over any store where athletic and sports fan apparel are sold, there becomes a sad and rather obvious difference between the male and female sections.  Not only do the girls lack in quantity, but we also lack in variety.  

Scanning through the section you catch a sea of white, pink and black workout clothes. Occasionally there is a light blue or yellow shirt or sports bra hanging around somewhere to the side. Did everybody forget about the rest of the rainbow? Or the fact that lumping all women into a certain stereotype is completely ridiculous?

Sports fan apparel isn't any better. When going online to any major league website to look for jerseys, hoodies, t-shirts-anything from your favorite team-you'll notice that male items dominate the merchandise.  This leaves us with the option of either buying something from the slim choices in the women's section, or buying something that doesn't fit right from the guys' section.

Now, there is nothing wrong with throwing on an oversized, boxy t-shirt and rooting for your favorite team.  There is also nothing wrong with having a Detroit Tiger's shirt with the letter "D" on it in bright pink. But wouldn't it be nice if us ladies had other options, too? Because, quite frankly, I'm tired of searching for a size small t-shirt in the men's section.

Luckily, someone else felt the same way I do. Alyssa Milano (actress, singer and producer) has come out with a clothing line called "Touch."

"It's basically a licensed female fan apparel line that's cute and fits a girl's body... that's not pink and I'm very, very proud of it," Milano said in an interview with YesNetwork.com.

Milano's line is in collaboration with the MLB and G3Sports. Within the last year her line has expanded to other leagues including the NFL, NHL, NBA and even college.

Fandalia.com is a "premier boutique" for Milano's line.  The designs by "Touch" are created for every team in each league just for the female fans.

When you ladies are looking for some great new fan apparel don't go searching in the men's department. Instead, check out Alyssa Milano's line and buy something that was actually made for you.

GCM photo by Janel Haddix

By Ryan Thomas   Fri, Oct 16, 2009

Canadian rapper Drake recently released his official EP So Far Gone under Lil Wayne imprint Young Money Entertainment.   While the EP features a solid batch of songs, fans of the Canadian rapper cannot ignore his mixtape under the same name as the EP, So Far Gone.  

Drake begins the mixtape with the slow prodding, "Lust for Life."  Long time friend of Drake, Noah "40" Shebib, produced the track that does a great job of introducing Drake's lyrical abilities.  Where Drake truly carves his niche is when he displays his singing ability, many rappers attempt to sing, but Drake has a voice that screams heartthrob, no doubt he quickly puts himself in a category with his already established peers Chris Brown and Ne-Yo.  

"Successful" is another slow track that Drake puts his stamp on, but this time he has some help from Lil Wayne and Trey Songz.  The chorus has a classic feel that could easily be around for years to come, "I want the money, cars and the clothes, the h***, I suppose, I just wanna be, I just wanna be, successful." 

Drake truly brings one of the best lyrical performances of the mixtape on "Ignant Shit."  With lines such as "my song is your girlfriends waking up ringer," and "me doing the shows getting everyone nervous cause the hipsters gonna have to get along with them hood n*****," Drake smashes the song showing that not only is he an upcoming new artist, but among the best in the hip-hop genre.  Lil Wayne offers his usual lyrical dominance unfortunately the fact that it is the more outspoken "mixtape Weezy" we cannot reproduce any of those lyrics. 

A few songs later Drake pumps out one of the finest monologues over Kanye West's "Say What's Real."  Drake truly opens up and goes past the surface truly allowing listeners inside his life.  Drake raps "everybody talk and everybody listen, but somehow the truth still comes up missing," addressing rumors that can be faced when being an upcoming star.  Some rappers can span an entire career and not have substance as much as Drake puts into this song. 

Drake's next single "Best I ever had" is a catchy song that will definitely catch listeners ear, the production is reminiscent of old school 90's r&b.  With a chorus that has radio friendly lyrics (in the edited version at least), Drake has already shot up the billboard charts to #2 on the hot 100 with the addictive and seductive song. 

Finally, there is what can be considered the finest track on the mixtape "The Calm."  Once again Drake opens up and shows a bit of his soul.  Production by Noah "40" Shebib with vocoded drums and a synthesizer line that fades in and out absolutely shines through with Drake offering the perfect words, "the shit I write while staring out the window of a plane, is the single-handed reason I remain, me."

The mixtape features 18 songs that all fit perfectly together.  Honestly this is one of the first mixtapes from a new artist that truly feels like an album.  When Drake finally releases his full-length album, be prepared world, because it will be a long time before "Mr. October" is off the radar whether it be internet, radio, or tv. 

By Hillary Vandenberg   Thu, Oct 29, 2009

There is a sport around Mt. Pleasant that not too many students are familiar with.  It doesn't involve a football or plastic cup and ping-pong ball; it involves a GPS and a sense of adventure. 

The sport is called Geocaching.

Geocaching, sometimes described as a treasure hunt in the woods, is a game where you locate containers called geocaches, which are hidden in all different types of areas.  Some are put in local parks where you only have to walk a hundred or so feet, while others are hidden miles into a wooded hiking trail.

The people who participate in this sport are known as geocachers, or, simply, cachers.  Chris Randolph, a Mt. Pleasant resident and Mid Michigan Community College student, has been an avid cacher for seven years.  Randolph started geocaching in 2002 and has since placed 75 caches and found around 1,500.

If you ask the average geocacher why they love caching, one of the many responses is that it takes you to places you would have never discovered without it. 

Mike Lytle of Mt. Pleasant has been caching with his wife Liz since March.  "We've lived in Michigan our whole lives and have been driving by the nice parks and trail systems we never knew were there," said Mike.

Randolph agrees.  "It's all about location.  You never know what your background is until you've explored it and this is the ultimate way of doing so because it gives you a goal to achieve," he said.

There are various goals in geocaching, and one cacher’s goal may not be another’s. For instance, some are interested in their rank. Your rank in the geocaching system depends on how many caches you find. Doing park and short distance caches can improve your rank because they allow you to cache more in one day than if you pick caches located miles into a hiking trail.

"It's an in-exact science," said Randolph.  "It doesn't matter if you have 1,500 finds or 10,000, you could have the same experience."

Randolph does more short than long distance caches but enjoys both.  Lytle and his wife, like Randolph, like to find both types. 

"Sometimes we like to make a day of hiking long distances, or there are other days when we try to get as many finds as we can in a day."

You may be wondering how you get involved in such a sport.  Before you put on your hiking boots, you might want to first check out the geocaching website, which gives tips to aspiring geocachers in their "Getting Started" section.  After you are certain you want to start caching, you need to purchase a GPS. 

"Buy a cheap GPS," advises Randolph.  " If you're a college student, and you want to get into this because it's becoming like Frisbee golf, kind of like this hip thing people are starting to do, buy a cheap unit because you don't know how long you're going to be in it."

Lytle offers similar advice. "It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on a handheld GPS unit. We purchased a low-end unit, approximately $100, because we weren't sure we would be doing this very much. We are caching a lot more than we thought we would, but we don't see a need to upgrade to a better unit."

"Also, don't get frustrated by not finding a cache," said Randolph. "That's part of the whole experience. I didn't find my first cache, and I thought this was kind of stupid."  But instead of quitting, Randolph continued finding caches and is an avid member of the geocaching community.

In March of 2009 Randolph taught his first Geocaching 101 class.  "Geocaching 101 classes have been going on ever since the hobby was created in 2000," said Randolph.  "I had never participated in one before my first class, but I knew well of it and was ready to teach it."

What would you expect to learn in a Geocaching 101 class?  Everything from learning how to use a GPS to the do's and don'ts of geocaching. 

"You can't learn geocaching until you've tried it yourself," said Randolph. In addition to teaching his students about the art of geocaching, he also takes them to a cache, so they can learn firsthand.

Some refer to geocaching as a sport, while to others it is a game. To Randolph, it is his hobby, a thing he sincerely enjoys doing and takes pride with each cache he finds.

 "It doesn't matter if you can find a cache in a day or a hundred in a day because it's all about what you want to do." said Randolph. "As long as you're happy doing what you want to do, what you want to find and when you want to find it, that's all that matters. You can do it on a Saturday, you can do it on a Monday, and very few caches have posted times.  It's a hobby of convenience."

Geocaching is a great option if you want something new and exciting to do.  As both Randolph and Lytle said, you don't have to buy an expensive GPS.  Wal-Mart sells a Garmin, which is preferred by many geocachers, for $75.00.  The GPS is the most expensive part of geocaching.  After you purchase that, the only thing you have to worry about is marking your car, so you don't get lost in the woods.

GCM photo by Aliscia Leo

By Brittany Lasley   Thu, Oct 22, 2009

Growing up in Royal Oak my entire life always made me think that Royal Oak, Mich. was the most boring city in the country. But now, after living in Mt. Pleasant for three years it has made me appreciate the variety of activities downtown Royal Oak offers.

There are restaurants for everyone; there is even vegan restaurant, Café Muse that Esquire magazine said has “the best sandwiches in America.” Costing a whopping $8.50 they quite possibly have best breakfast that I have had, stuffed French toast with mascarpone and a five spiced pear nage.

For those of you meat and grease lovers, such as myself, there is a small hole-in-the-wall diner-style restaurant called Comet Burger. Voted with the best malts of 2002, malts are just the beginning of their menu. With all entrées being under $10 it is easy for the monster burger to win over hearts, and stomachs of all Royal Oak-ers. It is a huge burger that is grilled right in front of you topped with sautéed onions, pickles and cheese. It is more than just a burger; it’s the Monster burger.

Bars are main attraction to the downtown area also.  Tom’s Oyster Bar is located directly on Main Street and has a very relaxed atmosphere. Tom’s serves absolutely delicious food during the day but come nightfall, it is cool and calm. If the laid-back atmosphere of Tom’s is not what you are into, then BlackFinn will be the perfect fit for you. Newly added to the Royal Oak scene it has been a hit from the beginning with loud music, cheap burgers, and even cheaper drink specials. It really makes you feel like you have entered a classy New York club.

Now, if sports, beer, t-shirts and jeans are more your style, then Woody’s is the place to be. With a roof-top bar and plenty of televisions (so every possible sports game can be on) it is a fun atmosphere with plenty of drink specials.

Looking for the newest fashion hits? Burn Rubber is a newer shoe store that is located downtown. Burn rubber always has the newest sneakers and accessories. Incognito is also a place to shop. With its interesting styles for both men and women you can always find something to wear at Incognito.

If you are looking for something to wear for the night on the town, then Shapes is your best bet. With this very small store comes big spending. Known for having the best and one-of-a-kind dresses and tops, you feel like a queen when you walk through the double doors. If you don’t have extra money to spend on clothes, check out Pitaya. It is a hip and trendy store that is known for its quality and simplistic style of clothes at a very low cost. With only 16 stores in the entire U.S., Pitaya is starting to expand to college cities.

Saloons, spas and plenty of art galleries make Royal Oak the whole package. Also, within walking distance from Woodward Ave., where the Woodward Cruise is held annually, there really is something for everyone in Royal Oak. 

By R.E. Whipple   Fri, Oct 09, 2009

Lange's Sports and Comics

In Muskegon, the comic book store located in the North Cross Point Mall started as a little hole in the wall. Since then, they moved two doors down and have grown more than twice its size.

Moving with the nerdy paraphernalia, Joel Brown, the man who is usually behind the counter, reminds many of the Simpson’s character, the comic book guy.

Magic the Gathering cards, action figures still in their packages and tee shirts line every available wall of the large space.

In the center gaming area, you can find people playing cards of various types. 

Pere Marquette Beach

Summer is over. It has been for several weeks. You can’t swim, but the beach is still changing. With autumn, the beach frequently has the gulls sitting on the empty shore. They have reclaimed the land the summer visitors left behind. The waves still wash up on shore. The sun still sets over the lake daily. The clouds pass quietly and slowly. 

Harbor Theater

Standing inside, you get the feeling that the place is like the hand-me-down winter coat that passes in and out of thrift stores. It smells like the dark, damp coat, reeking of old yearbooks.

The Harbor Theatre knows the stories though; it speaks through every scuff on the floor, it whispers in the lingering smudged fingerprints along the doors.

Visitors coming on the Lake Express ferry from Milwaukee just down the road don’t know what happened. They only see the missing “H” from the sign outside and a run-down building. It appears closed more often than not because of the limited show times. 

Muskegon locals know the story. They were there when it grew and evolved. They were there when it went out of business the first time.

It started as a movie theater. After the business went under, unable to keep up with the bigger theaters, it transformed into something the kids could love.

During the years of Avril Lavigne and the millennial pop punk surge, Muskegon kids flocked to the Rock Harbor Café, a re-imagined music hall. With ripped out seats and a facelift, the theater was throbbing, alive and kicking.

Like most teen fads and poorly planned budgets, the rediscovered theater then rested in quiet, gutted and tired.

Soon, the theater found religion. Worships replaced the chairs, patrons now there to praise God. With the roof sagging, the years of rain and wear proved too much. Just as many times before, the space lay empty, waiting for someone to discover the old charm, despite the wear from all the fast and exhausting years.

 A young couple, not working for profit but for movies, reworked and revived the tired theater, treating it with gentle love and care. Today the theater continues on, shining with films in a quiet grace that only comes with age.