By Erin Lucido   Thu, Nov 26, 2009

Only a month after Halloween and the world is stuck in a Christmas snow globe.

It is impossible to escape seeing commercials filled with snow, wish lists, reindeers and little elves. Shelves in major department stores are quickly filling up with ornaments, Christmas banners and stockings.

There is just one problem with this Christmas wonderland; it's one month too early, which leaves us with the question: what ever happened to Thanksgiving?

 "People forget that there is a Thanksgiving holiday where you are supposed to give thanks to people," Carol Simon, 52, of Pewamo said. "It is a time for family and they have commercialized Christmas too much."

As midnight stroke on Halloween, it was as if Santa granted permission to every department store to put up everything and anything involving Christmas as soon as possible. 

"They have commercialized the Christmas season too much that Thanksgiving just gets overlooked," Simon said. "It just becomes part of a regular day."

Sadly, enough the true meaning of Thanksgiving is becoming non-existent in today's society. Bringing family and friends together to give thanks for one another is interrupted by the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

"I feel like Thanksgiving is kind of like the black sheep of the family," senior and 21-year-old Nicky Jager said.  "It is just another time to go have a meal with your family and people just take it as that, then they and go Christmas shopping the next day, because that is what is on their minds."

Jager, who works at Kohl's in Mt. Pleasant, said that a month before Halloween began Kohl's had already set up a Christmas section in their store.

"As the month went on getting closer to Halloween there was more Christmas decorations," she said. "I think they did an overnight decorating of the store; the next time I came in after Halloween there was Christmas music playing over the stereo and decorations all over the store."

Maybe the pushing aside of Thanksgiving has to do with businesses profiting from early Christmas shopping but does that mean that the holiday itself has to slowly disappear?

"I think that Christmas gets all the hype because you have to buy gifts for people and the earlier that you can get those gifts the sooner you can get it out of the way," Jager said.

In history, Thanksgiving is considered a valuable holiday about giving thanks to those who surround us and support us.

Society may try to disrupt this holiday with classical Christmas music, talking elves and mini ornaments but it is possible for us to take a step back and realize that it is time that Thanksgiving deserves more recognition than it gets. 

By Theresa Baughman   Wed, Nov 25, 2009

Robert Mondavi has long been a household name when it comes to exquisite wines, founding the first major winery in Napa Valley since prohibition. Woodbridge Cabernet- Merlot comes with all the quality you would expect from a Mondavi wine, without the price tag; a 1.5L bottle running for about $17.  This bottle, which is 64% cabernet sauvignon and 36% merlot, is a perfect balance between the fruity cabernet and the rich merlot, giving it a unique taste that is a delicious addition to your next meal.  Paired with red meats or pasta, this smooth, flavorful wine is sure be the icing on the cake at your next dinner.  However, it should be noted that this bottle is perfectly delicious on its own and thanks to its combination ingredients, is neither too bitter nor too sweet.  Next time you find yourself staring at the vast selection in the wine aisle, pick up a bottle of Woodbridge Cabernet-Merlot-- you will not be disappointed. 

By Jenna Bishop   Wed, Nov 25, 2009

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 Jerry Taylor   Wed, Nov 25, 2009

The Chippewa football team will wrap up their 2009 regular season campaign at home this Friday afternoon against the Northern Illinois Huskies.

However, before I preview Friday afternoon's game, I thought I'd take a minute to review the
"Top 5 CMU Football Moments" (so far this season).

5. Defense rules - The CMU defense has forced multiple turnovers and stopped drives when their opponents get inside their 20 yard line all season long, especially on the road against Buffalo and Bowling Green, when the Chips forced both an INT and a fumble recovery inside their own red zone. Plus the secondary has gone from awfully bad to awfully good this year. So far this season, it's been Stellar D by CMU.

4. CMU beats Western Michigan at Waldo - an interception by Nick Bellore right before half led to a Brian Schroeder TD with seconds left in the half that led the Chips to a 34-23 Win- by the way- that's 4 straight wins over rival WMU.

3. Bryan Anderson - he has caught at least one pass in 51 straight games, tying an NCAA record. One more catch this Friday against NIU will give Anderson the record.

2. Lefevour sets mark - last Wednesday against Ball State, a 13 yard pass from Lefevour to Antonio Brown in the third quarter made Lefevour the all-time MAC passing yard leader, passing Byron Leftwich's 11,903 yard mark. Lefevour now has exactly 12,000 passing yards in his career.

1.  CMU Upsets MSU at Spartan Stadium - 9/12/09. That date will leave in the hearts of Chippewa fans forever. An onside kick recovered by Bryan Anderson, along with a FG by Andrew Aguila with seconds left in the game left the Spartans stunned and the Chippewa faithful celebrating a 29-27 victory.

Ok NIU/CMU Matchup Time.

Its simple- thanks to Ohio, the NIU/CMU game is now meaningless. However, the Huskies will walk into Kelly Shorts stadium with something to prove- that they can stick around with CMU and even pull out a win.

Key Matchup: NIU rush offense against the CMU rush defense: NIU runs the ball at a rate of 210 yards per game, which is best in the MAC. The CMU defense is third in rush defense, at 119 yards per game. Something has got to give here. If CMU contains the NIU rushing game and force NIU QB Chand Harnish to throw the ball, CMU will win the game. However, if NIU can run the ball- expect a close one.

Prediction: NIU has nothing to lose- neither does CMU- Butch Jones will have the team ready to go- it's senior day- and Lefevour, Anderson, and company don't want their last game at Kelly Shorts to be a loss.

CMU makes a halftime adjustment, and takes care of NIU 27-20.

See you at the game!

By Jerry Taylor   Tue, Nov 24, 2009

Efficient - that is the word to use to describe both the CMU offense and defensive Wednesday night on the road against Ball State. The Chippewas won 35-3 in a game that the CMU had control of the entire way.

Dan Lefevour was once again top of his game, as he completed 25 of his 28 passes, including all 11 passes he threw in the 2^nd half. Lefevour was pulled midway through the 4^th quarter and finished with 344 yards passing and four touchdowns.

With a 13 yard completion to Brown in the third quarter, Lefevour became the all-time passing yards leader in MAC history, surpassing former Marshall quarterback Byron Leftwich's mark of 11,903. Lefevour now was exactly 12,000 passing yards in his career.

"It means a lot," Lefevour said. "There were a lot of great players that played here (in the MAC) and they've all gotten their chance to play at the next level....a lot of those guys only played three years, so I'm kind of stealing it."

The best CMU offensive play came at the end of the first half. The Chippewas had a 14-3 lead, and were staring down 3^rd and long. Lefevour rolled out to the right and threw a dart over the middle to wide receiver to Antonio Brown, who caught the ball and thanks to a block from Cody Wilson, ran the rest of the way to the end zone to complete the 82 yard pass play to put CMU up 21-3 going into the half.

"I was rolling out, and Dan (Lefevour) gave me the signal to turn up field. As I turned up, Cody Wilson gave a great block to spring me," wide receiver Antonio Brown said.

The defense had one of their best performances on the season, as they held Ball State to just 231 yards of total offense and three points tackles for loss. Ball State ran the wildcat formation, in which the running back takes the snap as the quarterback, but the CMU's defense stayed true to their defensive assignments and stopped the wildcat from getting started.

"It's a good scheme that they run. All three of the guys (Sykes, Lewis, and Williams) especially Sykes off the edge he is unbelievably fast," linebacker Nick Bellore said.

CMU now stands at 9-2 overall and 7-0 in conference play. Thanks to an Ohio win over Northern Illinois on Saturday, the Chips have officially locked up the MAC West title and will play the winner of the Ohio/Temple game that will be played Friday morning at 11:00. CMU will play Northern Illinois this Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. at Kelly Shorts Stadium to wrap up the regular season.

By Amanda Stidd   Wed, Nov 25, 2009

When you think of the holiday season, you tend to remember the dishes that adorned the table as your family came together for a meal. For some of us, college has meant the end of those holiday meals. We're all grown up and responsible for making our own family meal. Ever wish that you'd asked your mom how to make that special dish you craved every year? I certainly did. A quick e-mail later and my inbox was flooded with recipes my mom couldn't wait to pass on. From my family to yours, enjoy these great recipes and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Creamy Deviled Eggs

• 8 hard-cooked eggs
• 1/2 cup  MIRACLE WHIP Dressing
• 2 Tbsp. Sweet Pickle Relish
• 2 tsp.  yellow mustard
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• Dash of pepper
• Dash of paprika

1. Cut eggs in half lengthwise.
   
2. Remove yolks; mash in small bowl.
   
3. Add dressing, relish, mustard and seasonings; mix well.
4. Spoon or pipe yolk mixture evenly into centers of egg whites.
5. Serve immediately. Or, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Whipped Cream Fruit Salad

• 17 oz. can Tropical fruit cocktail
• 1/4 c. maraschino cherries
• 1 1/2 c. Cool Whip  
• 2 med. bananas
• 1 med. apple

1. Drain fruit cocktail, slice bananas, coarsely chop apples and cut cherries in half.
   
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
   
3. Gently fold in whipped topping.
4.  Cover; refrigerate until ready to serve.

Stuffed Celery

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 20 green olives with pimento, chopped
• 1 bunch celery, cut into bite-size pieces

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sour cream.
   
2. Stir in the walnuts and chopped olives.
   
3. Spread filling onto the celery pieces.

Green Bean Casserole

• 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can CAMPBELL'S® Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/8 tsp. black pepper
• 18 oz.  cut green beans
• 1 1/3 cups FRENCH'S® Original or Cheddar French Fried Onions

1. Mix soup, milk and pepper in a 1 1/2 -qt. baking dish.
   
2. Stir in beans and 2/3 cup French Fried Onions.
3. Bake at 350°F for 30 min. or until hot.
4. Top with remaining 2/3 cup onions. Bake 5 min. until onions are golden.

Homemade Mashed Potatoes

• 2 pounds potatoes (russets or yukon golds)
• 1/2 cup half-and-half OR Pet Milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• salt and pepper 

1. Take potatoes and peel and cut them in a few big pieces.
   
2. Place the cut potatoes into a pot and cover them with cold water. Bring them to boil and then let them simmer for about 15 minutes. Pierce one with a knife or a fork - if it's soft then it's done.
3. Drain the potatoes.
4. Add salt, pepper and milk to your mashed potatoes. Then use a wire masher or hand mixer and mash the potatoes

Photos by starmist1 and Manuel Alarcon

http://www.flickr.com/photos/starmist1/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/manuel_alarcon/

By Matt Valinski   Wed, Nov 25, 2009

Stan's has been a mainstay in Mount Pleasant for many years. The menu offers many options for breakfast and lunch for anyone visiting on East Broadway. Owned by Tammy Germain for almost nine years now, Stan's prides itself on not only its food, but also its atmosphere. Stan's doesn't just want someone to come and go, they want to meet and learn about you while giving you service and food someone can go home and brag about.

By Amanda Stidd   Tue, Nov 24, 2009

Look no further for a quick and easy recipe to make your own pies from the ground up!

One-Crust Pie Crust

• 1 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon shortening
• 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water

1. Mix flour and salt in medium bowl.
   
2. Cut in shortening, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until particles are size of small peas.
   
3. Sprinkle with cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost leaves side of bowl (1 to 2 teaspoons more water can be added if necessary).
4. Gather pastry into a ball.  Wrap pastry in plastic wrap and refrigerate about 45 minutes or until dough is firm and cold, yet pliable. This allows the shortening to become slightly firm, which helps make the baked pastry flakier.
5. Roll pastry, using floured rolling pin, into circle 2 inches larger than upside-down 9-inch glass pie plate, or 3 inches larger than 10- or 11-inch tart pan.
   
6. Fold pastry into fourths; place in pie plate.
   
7. Unfold and ease into plate, pressing firmly against bottom and side and being careful not to stretch pastry, which will cause it to shrink when baked.
8. Trim overhanging edge of pastry 1 inch from rim of pie plate.

Pumpkin Pie

• 1 (9 inch) unbaked deep dish pie crust
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 eggs
• 1 (15 ounce) can 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
   
2. Combine sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in small bowl.
   
3. Beat eggs lightly in large bowl.
   
4. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture.
   
5. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.
   
6. Pour into pie shell.
   
7. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 F.; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.
   
8. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. (Do not freeze as this will cause the crust to separate from the filling.)
   

Photo by food in mouth http://www.flickr.com/photos/foodinmouth/

By Jessica Wilt   Tue, Nov 24, 2009

Half Baked: Thanksgiving Turkey

This isn't your typical thanksgiving turkey! Try this sweeter turkey for an after dinner snack...if you're still awake!

Ingredients:

• 1 box of white cupcake mix and 1 can vanilla frosting
• 1 ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 24 coconut covered marshmallows
• 42 chocolate sprinkles
• 96 mini gummy fish ( orange, red, and yellow)

Directions:

1.     Bake cupcakes as stated on the box

2.     Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread coconut on a small baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

3.     Ice cupcakes and dip top of each cupcake in coconut to cover, don't be afraid to press hard.

4.     To make the turkey heads: stick the point of a wet toothpick into the side of a marshmallow in two spots, about 1/2-inch apart. Fill the holes with chocolate sprinkles to resemble eyes. Cut a small triangular piece of gummy fish from the head of a fish, to resemble a beak. Cut a small slit in the marshmallow below the eyes, and insert the beak. Place marshmallow head on cupcake. Repeat with remaining marshmallows.

5.     To make the tail feathers: Insert 4 gummy fish, tails first, into each cupcake across from the heads.

Source: Martha Stewart 

GCM photo credit: Jessica Wilt

By Deidre Sayles   Wed, Nov 25, 2009

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to our First Lady for which it stands...Wait, I apologize for changing up our Pledge of Allegiance but I figured it would only be right to describe how much of an inspiration First Lady Michelle Obama has on the fashion industry and all of its admirers out there. Even though this young, independent woman is in the position where her husband is in the public eye at all times, she remains flawless in everything she wears, whether it be out walking the town with the kids, at press conferences, or simply gracing the cover of Glamour magazine.  She is one of the most stylish and sophisticated beauties of today.

Whoever said women in the White House have to be plain and unfashionable? I believe it all started with Jackie Kennedy's great fashion back in the 1960's, during John F. Kennedy's presidency. Michelle Obama's sense of style is refreshing and goes to show everyone that you don't have to dress outdated and dull to pull off a sophisticated and fashionable look everyday in the White House. In Glamour magazine, Michelle Obama commented that, "All we can do as women is make the best decisions for us."

I would agree with her in the aspect of being a great role model for other people. It's not just her fashion that we admire, but it is her dedication to her country and what she believes in. Her fashion sense is just a small part of what makes her so unique; but she even mentioned in her interview with Katie Couric that she enjoys being comfortable, which I found surprising, since looking that fabulous couldn't possibly be that comfortable all of the time.

Confidence is again a key characteristic in being a fashion icon. Michelle Obama may not know this, but her confidence oozes out of her pores so much that whatever she has on doesn't wear her but she wears it. Most fashion icons display such confidence that everyone else around them wants to do the same and as our First Lady, she does it very well. I'm not the only one who feels that way. Alicia Branch, a Central Michigan student states, "Michelle Obama knows how to present herself in a classy, yet fashionable way. She doesn't try too hard but she still is effortless in everything she does." Who can blame her? Her attire is usually simple yet regal, but with the touch of a statement necklace, she demands the attention of any room she enters, and not just because she is the wife of our President.

Our First Lady may be a fashion icon and that, along with her duties, is a positive thing that I want the entire world to see and know about. Michelle Obama is beautiful, intelligent, and very helpful in trying to make things run a little smoother for our country. As a great part of fashion today, she will remain an inspiration to me and I will always remember how much of a lady our First Lady truly is. The pledge I made to Michelle Obama at the beginning of this article will hopefully show how much of a role model she is to other girls. It is my honor to thank you, First Lady, for being such a lady.

Photo by usembassylondon

By Trevor Turner   Wed, Nov 25, 2009

When music can tap that part of your brain that makes you crave for more like a drug, it is doing its job. Manchester Orchestra's new album "Mean Everything to Nothing" does just that. As you listen to the album the lyrics suggests that the songs are all about a failing relationship.

"To pray for what I thought were angels

Ended up being ambulances

And the Lord showed me dreams of my daughter

She was crying inside your stomach."  - "I Can Feel a Hot One"

Lyrics like those can move mountains. Manchester Orchestra's musical style is to start a song either fast or slow and somewhere surprise you with a reverse change of tempo.

After listening to a few of the songs, you can sense when the change of tempo will occur. The longer they hold out on the change, the more it makes you crave it. It is a weird feeling; one that I can say I've never experienced from music before, only comparable to lust.

"Pride", the 4^th track, almost feels like a White Stripes song. Lead singer Andy Hull begins the track with a strange but subtle depressed voice reminiscent of Jack White.

The band kicks it up a notch with strong guitar riffs and drums slowly slamming in the back to build an emotional angry rhythm. It sounds as if they are releasing their pride reluctantly to the world.

"I've Got Friends", their hit single, is about as mainstream as they get. It is an uplifting song with subtle points and screaming points, which holds to their style.

If you like this song or just alternative music in general you will enjoy Mean Everything to Nothing. It is an album that will gratify the alternative music fans ear.      ­

By Trevor Turner   Tue, Nov 24, 2009

The day is dreary, overcast with dark clouds and black concrete painted by soggy fall brown leaves.

Depressing to the typical person who runs in and out of their car trying to avoid the gloomy rain. Mike Volker sees it as an opportunity to make great art.

Mike is an art professor at CMU who doesn't teach by lecturing mundane terms to his students. He teaches them how to express themselves using art.

Art fits Volker like a ring on his finger. He's been drawing since he was a young boy. Math never came easy to him so he stuck with what he knew. Growing up during the Vietnam War as an adolescent, Mike expressed his feelings through music.

He used to be a professional musician who toured around the Midwest with his band, and was into "protest music". 

 Mike is very influenced from the Earth; it is where his art draws much inspiration. The trees, mountains, and ponds Volker sees something different in them all. As he spoke about nature and its importance to humans you could feel a distinct enthusiasm radiate from with in his voice.

He uses his art as a way to connect with the human experience. On the Thursday before Halloween, Volker dressed up as a vampire and brought candy for his students.

He's a stand up guy with artistic abilities that stand out. Luckily, for all he spreads his artistic wealth by teaching.

By Andrew Hoskins   Thu, Nov 26, 2009

Andrew Hoskins - Lifestyle Editor

I'd would like to announce that I am thankful for liberty, and freedom, and the ability to announce things. This is America DAM***!

Also, I am thankful for people who don't drive me crazy. Thankfulness to me has taken on a new meaning this year, instead of the physical aspects of our lives that we usually covet; things, people, status, this year I really want to appreciate those around me.

Hold the door for someone, or drop your college-kid sarcasm so you don't sound snotty to a disgruntle Black Friday employee. A little effort goes a long way.

Amanda Tuttle - Food Editor

This year I'm especially grateful for calm. For the first time since before I started college quite a while back, things are falling into place (albeit haphazardly) and I couldn't be more thankful for that. I've been lucky enough to be graced by a very wonderful group of people; a friend base I couldn't do without. I'm thankful for the family I have and sometimes even thankful for the distance between us-in ways, it has refurbished our relationship. I'm thankful for the Mitchell family, who have taken me in and made me one of their own for the past few years. I'm positive I wouldn't be where I am now without them and their continued guidance in my life.

Jillian Pekel - Photo Editor

This year, I am thankful for everyone around me who has helped me make it to this point in my life.  My family, boyfriend, friends and professors. I am thankful for everything they do for me on a regular basis to help me succeed.  I am thankful to have the opportunity to visit other places around the world and be able to understand that the human race is all very similar.  I am also thankful for the fact that I am almost done with school, even if that means I have to be an adult soon!

Brittni Hengesbach -Web Content Editor

This Thanksgiving I am most thankful for my big sister. My sister is 11 years older than me and even though we are years apart, she's my best friend and my second mom. This year has brought many changes and challenges to my life, and she's the first person I call when I'm sad, in trouble, or just need advice. As much as I would love to deny it, she is almost always right about EVERYTHING. Even though that's hard to admit, I am thankful because of it, I can't imagine living without her.

Kristen Newhouse - Editor-in-Chief

This year I am thankful for card games. Ever since my hands were too tiny to hold my own hand of cards, these games have been one of the few steady things throughout the years. Graduations have led to the end of schooling, falling outs have disentegrated friendships, but through thick and thin card games have always been just a shuffle away and have always given me a hand to hold. Card games with friends have been therapy after break ups, freedom for boredom on a rainy day and bonding with family on vacations. While the 52 cards (108 if you're playing Uno, 24 for Euchre) seem like a simple past-time, if you take a moment and replay the memories created through these games, you too will realize that these light-hearted competitions are nothing to take lightly.

Betsy Pollard Rau - Adviser

I am thankful that my parents are alive and healthy even though my dad just took a wrong turn on the Ohio Turnpike and we're headed to New York City instead of Washington DC. Life is an adventure! I'm also thankful that I finally get to be a Grandma in April. Can we say 'spoiled"?

Jerry Taylor - Sports Writer

This week is Thanksgiving- and I have been real lucky in what I have been able to do so far in my 21 years on earth.

I'd like to focus on my family. I am very, very, thankful for my family- Mom and Dad- who have both supported me at every level of school and in life in general. They are the best and I couldn't ask for much more from two wonderful people. My Grandparents have always been there for me and I have always been there for them- G-Pa and G-Ma are the best- I am thankful for all the support they've given me over the years as well. I am thankful for my brother Jacob- we have our differences at times, but in the end, we still brothers- and I am thankful I have at least one sibling to share the ride with. I am thankful for my aunt and uncle- John and Jay- they have supported me in any way since I've been up in Mount Pleasant- meals, food, even letting me come over, do laundry, hunt, and hangout at their place.

I am thankful for a lot of things, but my family is and always will be- the  number one thing I am thankful for.

By R.E. Whipple   Wed, Nov 25, 2009

By Dan Syckle   Wed, Nov 25, 2009

Every year the wonderful people at Phi Mu put on an all night charity broomball tournament. 

This year was my first tournament appearance, but I was on a veteran team that had played in the tourney the past three years.

  However, in an effort to keep me from getting my hopes up for winning the tournament, my team informed me that every year the same team dominated it.  It was a legacy as they called it.

 The legacy known as Scott's Team was made up of former hockey players that, I assume, came to the tournament every year just to put another trophy on the wall.

Let's take a minute and step back, I'd like to lead you through the night as I saw it.  I'll give you a second hand experience of the competition the way I remember it.

9:30 p.m. --- the registration period ends, and the tournament action begins.  Scott's Team, named after their captain, was on the ice first.  Luckily for my team, the Wombats, Scott's Team was placed on the opposite end of the tournament bracket which meant that we would not have to play them until the finals, if we made it that far. 

I decided to watch their first game, but I was quickly turned off after I saw them score five unanswered goals.  My teammates were busy playing electronic catch phrase, and there was plenty of energy throughout the arena so I decided to hang out and enjoy the fun atmosphere.

11:30 p.m. --- the excitement builds as we prepare for our first game against a team called the Cosby Sweaters.  The action was intense as we played our first match.  We started out slow with neither team scoring during the first fifteen minute half. 

Eventually we slipped in a single goal and managed to shut them out 1-0.  As we walked off the ice, in a blissfully sweet victory daze, we were called immediately back for our second game.

12:15 a.m. --- we attempt to exercise some stamina in back to back games.  Our second game was against Team Swag, I spent more time picking up the all girls team and their equipment that was strewn across the ice, than I did actually trying to score.  We had a good time and won this game with no problems 8-0.

12:50 a.m. --- we find out our next game isn't until 4:00 am. so I give in and head back to my apartment to take a quick shower.  I ended up doing the worst possible thing by taking a nap waking up only 40 minutes before my next game.

3:20 a.m. --- I rush to the hockey arena with the worst feeling in my stomach, and in my groggy haze I found it hard to believe that I'd be able to play in our next game.

3:45 a.m. --- I choke down some Goldfish crackers in an attempt to calm the lion clawing through my stomach.  There were people everywhere, but the scene has changed since the early hours of the tournament. 

Some people were fast asleep in sleeping bags, others were barely awake nodding in and out of consciousness, and still others were on the ice playing games in both the toilet bowl (the loser's bracket) as well as the winner's bracket.

4:00 a.m. --- we face our first real challenge against the Girls Hockey Team and Friends.  I think their team name is pretty self-explanatory so I'll move on to the game. 

These girls could really handle themselves on the ice, which isn't that surprising, even though they were wearing shoes instead of ice-skates.  My team showed some real enthusiasm, and the game was just the thing to tame the lion in my stomach.  We really came together winning the semi-final matchup 2-0. 

5:00 a.m. --- we await our final game Scott's Team is the only obstacle left on the horizon.  I can tell my team is nervous, but we have all seen this final battle coming since the beginning of the night. 

We watch as Scott's team wins their semi-final game with no problems.  Cross your fingers and hope for the underdog.

6:15 a.m. --- the championship games for both the toilet bowl and the winner's bracket begin.  Our hopes were high as we started off the game, but we were quickly put in our place as Scott's team put in a hard slap shot with one of their duct tape modified brooms. 

It was the first goal scored on us all night, but believe me Scott's team was not done scoring.  They swept us away like crumbs on the floor.  Unlike the movies, it's pretty hard for a team to beat another team that is ten times better.  I forget the final score but let's just call it a lot-0. 

6:45 a.m. --- they begin to award the winners trophies.  To the winner of the toilet bowl went a bedazzled toilet seat, and to the winner of the winner's bracket, which was Scott's Team, went a shiny trophy.  Like good losers, my team and I high-tailed it home so we could get some sleep.

At the tournament's end it had raised $1500 in proceeds for the Children's Miracle Network, and it provided a night of entertainment for hundreds of students and community members.  It was an excellent time and I would be willing to do it again in a heartbeat.  I recommend this tournament to anyone, and I hope more people choose to enter the tourney next year.