By Alek Frost   Fri, Nov 13, 2009

Central Michigan (8-2, 6-0 MAC) quarterback Dan LeFevour was electric in a record setting performance against the Toledo Rockets (4-6, 2-4 MAC) Wednesday night, as he led the Chippewas to a 56-28 victory.

LeFevour is now Central Michigan’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns with 45, surpassing Curtis Adams who from 1981-1984 compiled 43 rushing touchdowns. LeFevour had four touchdowns on the ground and two touchdowns through the air.

"Considering all the great backs that have come through here, that means a lot," LeFevour said in the post-game press conference. "Obviously this was a running school for a while and guys got a lot of touches, so it's quite an honor to have that record."

The senior quarterback gained 341 yards, completing 29 of 36 passes for the Chippewas. LeFevour completed 16 consecutive passes during one stretch and sat out the entire fourth quarter.

Sophomore tailback Brian Schroeder had 105 yards rushing with two touchdowns, his second career 100-yard rushing performance. Junior wide receiver Antonio Brown had 13 catches for 129 yards and one touchdown.

Toledo jumped out to a 7-0 lead on the opening drive after Toledo quarterback Aaron Opelt connected with wide receiver Kenny Stafford on a 14-yard touchdown pass at the 11:11 mark in the first quarter. Central would respond on the following drive when Dan LeFevour ran from 2-yards out, knotting the game up, 7-7 with 8:54 left in the first quarter.

Toledo regained the lead on a 1-yard touchdown run by DeJuane Collins with 14:57 remaining in the second quarter. Toledo would never lead again as Central Michigan then proceeded to reel off 49 points and seven consecutive touchdowns.

Toledo freshman wide receiver Eric Page was the big story prior to Wednesday night’s game, as he appeared in a feature about the nation’s elite freshmen in ESPN the Magazine. Page leads all Division 1-A freshman in both receptions (71) and receiving yards (986).

Page was the lone bright spot for the Rockets, as he had six catches for 77 yards as well as 21 yards rushing on three attempts. Page also provided a spark on special teams, re turning seven kickoffs for 208 yards for a 29.7 average including a long of 47 yards.

Central Michigan will travel to Muncie, Indiana on November 18 in another night game, to take on the Ball State Cardinals (1-8, 1-4 MAC). Toledo will play Eastern Michigan (0-9, 0-5 MAC) on November 20.

GCM photos by Jillian Pekel

By Alex Cheolas   Wed, Nov 11, 2009

When making plans for traveling, a big question is: how to get to your destination?  Some may chose to fly on a typical airplane or some may chose to drive their car to save money.  But, for some flying and driving isn't an option when traveling.  Army personnel take a different type of transportation when traveling, and it isn't a typical plane or car. 

The type of transportation for Army personnel is much different than using an automobile or airplane to travel.  There are so many different types of vehicles used for in war for every different situation.  Over the past decades advances in technology have allowed for changes to Army transportation that allow for safer travel.

Army personnel take commercial airlines from Germany to Kuwait, and then they use C130 aircrafts to fly into Iraq, said Nick Blazack.  The C130 aircraft is capable of taking off and landing in areas that do not have a regular runway.   

When moving from one operating base to another some Army personnel fly in Blackhawk helicopters.  These helicopters can be used to haul equipment, transport small groups of soldiers or can be used for medical evacuation.  When transporting a larger group of soldiers a CH-47 Chinook helicopter would be used.

Everybody has seen a tank in modern war films, but in real life those are called M1151 Up-Armored Humvees according to Blazack.  These armored tanks can cost up to $140,000, however an unarmored tank costs a mere $65,000.  The Humvee is used for driving on base, patrols, or route clearance. A crew of five can fit into these tanks. 

New technological advances are helping to save the lives of more soliders through the creation of new vehicles such as the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, which are also known as MRAP's.  According to the Washington Post, 63 percent of U.S. deaths in Iraq are due to Improvised Explosive Devices, more commonly known as IED's.  The MRAP vehicle has the capability to protect Army personnel from IED's. 

During World War I the tank was considered a new invention at the time.  The original tank used during that time was inspired by farming equipment and was much more basic. Now later generations of this vehicle are not only capable carrying crews from one base to another but of protecting crews from deadly explosives. 

Army transportation has changed significantly from the times of WWI to now.  The technology in vehicles has advanced and the materials needed for building the vehicles are better than ever.  There are so many different ways of transportation in the army, and there is a specific vehicle for every situation.

Photo by MASSIVE DEFEAT

By Adam Franti   Wed, Nov 11, 2009

The Hurt Locker

Being a soldier, by definition, is dangerous. Being a soldier in an occupation force in a country that has an active insurgent force is even more dangerous. Being any member of an armed force that has to go out and deal face to face with potential hostiles is inherently dangerous, but perhaps the most incredibly dangerous job to have is that of a member of the EOD, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, whose job is to search out the improvised explosives laid by insurgents and disarm them.

The Hurt Locker follows a man whose job is precisely that; an EOD disposal expert. Sgt. William James, portrayed by Jeremy Renner, who may be recognized as the "bad SWAT guy" in SWAT, is a bomb-disposal prodigy. But on top of that, he's an adrenaline junkie, who gets as much of a thrill being in the thick of a disposal as he does hunting for insurgents at night.

With every bomb disarmed - portrayed in the film with several agonizingly suspenseful set-piece scenes - he grows more brash, more assertive and more determined to do his job that he leads his other team members, Sgt. Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) and Specialist Eldridge (Brian Geraghty, in a similar role to his 2005 showing in Jarhead) to frustration and fear. Sanborn is constantly berating James for leading them into situations more dangerous than they need to be, and treating the team as if they all had the thoughtless, reckless courage of James.

Kathryn Bigelow (the director of Point Break) takes a firm hand in the direction, and although there are some bits that meander a little too closely to action-film cliché, most of the film is thankfully bereft of macho-man swaggering and random exploding nonsense (though there is one incredible scene with Ralph Fiennes that matches any scene is recent action history).

The film is thoughtful in its appraisal of character, showing the heroic determination - and perhaps the inherent madness that goes along with a devotion to service - of a soldier but never once shying away from the grim side effects of the war. It takes a psychological toll, not only on James and his oft-mentioned-but-little-seen family life, but also on his teammates; the stoic Sanborn by the end is badly shaken while Eldridge slips farther and farther into fatalism as the film goes on.

The Hurt Locker is a poignant investigation of what it means to serve, and the toll it takes on even the most willing soldiers. It is simultaneously heartbreaking and exhilarating, funny and terrifying; it is everything a war film can be, and more. It comes out on DVD in January. Keep an eye out for it.

The Forever War, by Joe Haldeman

Science Fiction, depending on whom you ask, is either a bunch of sciency nonsense packaged in a endless series of trite clichés and overused tropes, or the single greatest genre of fiction that has even been devised by Man. In my experience, it generally falls somewhere in the middle. While some books lose themselves in the wonder of the universe-building, there are some that straddle the line between future-fiction and reality, bending tropes to impact on current events with an honesty that many non-fiction titles can muster.

Such is the case with Joe Haldeman's groundbreaking 1974 military science-fiction novel, The Forever War. Based in part on Haldeman's firsthand experience in Vietnam, and mixed with the classic representation of Einstein's theory of relativity, the novel follows William Mandella, a newly made solider, in a war that, as the title suggests, lasts for centuries.

Due to the complexities of time-dilation, which causes objects moving at or near lightspeed to travel through time and space differently, it takes decades for even the simplest missions, centuries for longer ones, and a veritable millennia by the time the war and the novel is concluded. With Mandella's returns back to human-controlled space, the planet and society is represented in a completely foreign way. It is an agonizing to see him return from his service, only to be ignored or treated poorly because of his lack of understanding of the culture (there is one point, particularly, where he feels completely alien), in a brutal fictionalization of the very same mistreatment that many soldiers received on their own homecoming from Vietnam, which occurred sans time travel.

Haldeman's writing style is blunt, and down-to-earth, and his novel treads none of the usual ground of space-opera clichés. He tends to emphasize the chaos of war through a realistic, gritty filter, never once relying on the old standby of a single solider making a heroic effort to win the day. In fact, much of the death seen in the book is a direct result of the sheer futility of being a soldier at the front of a technology-driven war. Vivid accounts of deceleration tearing a man or woman apart sit side-by-side with the deaths at the hands of the antagonistic alien race.

Altogether, The Forever War is a fitting tribute to soldiers in arms, despite its very strong anti-war stance, unlike The Hurt Locker, who tends to represent the war without an agenda. It's an aching read, and draws very clear parallels to the current conflict. That Haldeman's story is fictional should not count into the issue - his novel is a bleak, honest representation of the futility of war. It is available at nearly any bookstore in its newest rendition, with a forward by Old Man's War author John Scalzi.

Photo courtesy of CinemaBlend

By Devon Roberts   Wed, Nov 11, 2009

We probably all see the same thing when we're asked to picture someone in the military.  We probably see a man in the Army standing at attention.  He is most likely wearing his green camouflage uniform with combat boots and a billed hat.  When you think about it, it's the uniform that really ties the whole picture together.  The uniform is what shows that this man is in the military and he is ready to defend his country, no matter what.

There are five branches in the United States military: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and the Coast Guard.  Each branch has very different duties and responsibilities.  The differences between these branches not only require different equipment and training, but also different uniforms.  Before any uniform is issued, it is troop tested for its usefulness.  All military uniforms are designed to be comfortable in all climates. They are designed to be low maintenance and highly functional.  Uniforms are also supposed to be very adaptive. 

The Army uniforms were reissued in 2004; this became the new standard for every soldier in the U.S. Army.  The basics of the uniform are trousers, jacket, a t-shirt made to be comfortable in hot or cold weather, and brown combat boots that are issued depending on the climate.  There is also a black beret and a patrol cap.  Each soldier is issued a battle dress uniform and an all-terrain camouflage uniform.   You might imagine that military uniforms have to be very handy, which is why they are equipped with pockets all over the body (even in the patrol cap). 

Sailors in the U.S. Navy have several uniforms.  Most famous might be the all white ensemble with a white sailor hat and a navy blue tie.  However, the most used Navy uniform is khaki pants and jacket, a black tie, with a matching hat.  Sailors also have a working uniform, which is camouflage, but unlike the Army, the dominant color is blue not green.

The Air Force uniform was also changed recently. It used to be a green striped camouflage ensemble, but in 2004 it was switched to blue camo.  It consists of pants, jacket, t-shirt, and boots, which is the same as the other branches' uniforms.  Unlike the old uniform, it comes in a women's and men's cut, which reflects the growing number of women joining the Air Force.  

The Marine Corps uniform that is most recognizable is the dress blues. This uniform is an example of the proud history of the Marine Corps.  The red stripe that runs down each pant leg, usually called the "blood stripe," is a salute to fallen Marines.  The high collar is a nod to the Marine uniform of the Revolutionary War.  Finally, and most interestingly, are the buttons on the dress blues, which include an eagle and an anchor with stars along the edge.  These buttons have been on the Marine Corps uniforms since 1804.  This makes them the oldest military insignia still in use. 

"Uniforms provide a standard appearance for all of the troops, which helps bring everyone together," says Nick Vandermoere, an MS-II in ROTC at Central Michigan University. 

No matter what branch of the military, uniforms are for the same obvious reason: to bind the troops into one single unit.  After all, it is an army of one.

GCM photo by Holly Brosier

By Ally Padden   Tue, Nov 10, 2009

Area veterans can smile a little more this Veterans Day after reading letters from Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart Elementary School students.  

Students in Carol Faber's third-grade class wrote thank-you letters to Mt. Pleasant and surrounding area veterans on Friday.

"It is important to remember our veterans," said Faber, who has taught at Sacred Heart Academy for 18 years.  "After all, they are putting their lives on the line for our country."

Americans honor Veterans Day each year on Nov. 11. This day celebrates the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.

Each year, Faber and her students make a point to thank veterans from all branches of the military.  She has been helping her third grade classes send these thank you letters for years. Faber explained that this action has become somewhat of a yearly ritual. She also has her class send Valentine's Day cards to veterans at the local Veterans Administration hospital.

It is nice to see children doing such a thoughtful act of kindness for their elders. Not only is it teaching them a valuable lesson, but it is also sparking conversations at home. Faber encourages her students to talk to their family about who has served in the military.

"It is interesting to find out who all has served in the children's families," Faber said. "It really brings out the family history, and that is so important."  She gets children every year that tell her about their newfound information.

Many of the third graders have a loved one to address a thank-you letter to. Those who do not know a veteran can choose a person from Mrs. Faber's list. This way, each student has someone to write to. She is also sure to remember Sacred Heart's veterans on this day. From spouses to safety patrol, her students send thank-you letters to just about all of them.

Mrs. Faber wandered the room answering questions from the children. "How do you spell appreciate?" a few children asked.  After about an hour, the kids were ready to seal up their envelopes with their thank-you letters enclosed.  Some were addressed to fathers, while another was addressed to the school's crossing guard.

Regardless of the receiver, the children seemed thrilled to know that they would have an impact on someone's day. There was a buzz in the classroom from start to finish. Most children completed more than one letter. "It's a great learning activity, and they all seem to enjoy it," said Faber, as she happily scanned the room for questions.

"Simple things, like sending notes, are important. Even if you can make someone happy for just a minute; it's worth it."

By Theresa Baughman   Tue, Nov 10, 2009

I had my first Pabst Blue Ribbon when I came to college and I can tell you, I was not impressed.  Since that day, I have given my father many a hard time for being so loyal to it.  However, after asking around what would be a suitable beer to review for Veteran's Day, I was surprised by the overwhelming answer of PBR. 

Created over 100 years ago, Pabst Blue Ribbon has been delivering adequate beer at an unbeatable place.  Easily comparable to your average light beer, but with a much cheaper price tag (about $4 for a six-pack), PBR has been a favorite of college students and the men and women in service for years. 

PBR is available in cans, bottles and on tap and gets slightly better with each form.  Its taste is nothing too overpowering; it definitely has the drinkability one looks for in order to pound back a few. While it is certainly not a beer to write home about, it does the job and it does it for the change you can scrounge up in your car. Besides, who can turn down a beer that has won a blue ribbon?

Photo by Punxutawneyphil http://www.flickr.com/photos/punxutawneyphil/

By Jerry Taylor   Fri, Nov 13, 2009

Ah, college football in November - the month that really separates the pretenders from contenders. As the season wears on, the temperature gets colder and the games get bigger. I thought I'd take some time today to talk about the contender and pretenders, as well as a few other things.

#5 Cincinnati - CONTENDER. Brian Kelly can build a program in less than three years; he has been nothing but successful at every level he's been at- Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, and now the University of Cincinnati. Plus he has two outstanding quarterbacks in Tony Pike and Zach Collaros. Possible BCS busting team right now; National Championship game is a possibility.

#10 Iowa - PRETENDER. The Hawkeyes were a contender - until last week, as they lost not only to the unranked Northwestern Wildcats at home, but they also lost quarterback Ricky Stanzi indefinitely with an ankle injury. Iowa will turn to true freshman quarterback James Vandenberg to lead them into battle Saturday at the horseshoe in Columbus against the Ohio State University.

#9 Southern Cal - PRETENDER. Hard to call a Pete Carroll-coached team a pretender - but freshman quarterback Matt Barkley was exposed two weeks ago at Oregon; must hope to get an at large BCS bid at this point.

#4 Texas Christian - JURY'S OUT. Can't determine this one - yes they are 9-0 - that's tough to do in any conference at any level; the toughest team they have beaten is Brigham Young 38-7 on the road. Impressive? Yes. The rest of their competition? No. TCU has #16 Utah on Saturday, along with Wyoming and New Mexico left. So if they beat Utah and Texas loses down the stretch, TCU could find themselves in the National Championship game against Florida or Alabama.

Listed below are the top 5 teams according to the BCS, as well as my top 5 teams:

Game of the weekend: #10 Iowa vs. #11 Ohio State - hate to say this, but give me Ohio State, by three touchdowns. Ohio State 31, Iowa 10.

Enjoy your weekend of football everybody! See you next week!

By Alek Frost   Fri, Nov 13, 2009

Following week nine both the bottom five and top five saw significant changes. The defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) found their way into the top five for the first time this season after defeating the Denver Broncos (6-2) 28-10 on Monday night.

Vince Young and the Tennessee Titans (2-6) won their second straight game, climbing out of the cellar and the Detroit Lions (1-7) fell into the bottom five for the first time this season. The Cleveland Browns (1-7) decided to start Brady Quinn after seeing their team listed as the second worst team in the NFL in my bottom five last week or so I would like to think.

The biggest storyline of the week is the huge matchup between the undefeated Colts (8-0) Peyton Manning versus Tom Brady and the Patriots (6-2). Here’s the new top five and bottom five for your reading pleasure.  

Top Five

5) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) – Ben Roethlisberger was selected 11^th overall in the 2004 NFL draft, behind the likes of both Eli Manning and Phillip Rivers. Roethlisberger has never received the hype or camaraderie from the press that golden child Eli Manning or southern gunslinger Phillip Rivers have received but continues to get results. He threw the game winning touchdown pass in Super Bowl XLIII, giving himself a second championship ring something Manning has just one of and something Rivers still finds elusive. In his sixth year in the National Football League he is proving to be one of the elite at the quarterback position with a quarterback rating of 104.1.    

4) New England Patriots (6-2) – Tom Brady and the Patriots’ receiving corps will face a beat-up Indianapolis Colts’ secondary this week, as both starting cornerback Marlin Jackson and strong safety Bob Sanders were placed on the Injured Reserve. Kelvin Hayden, the Colts’ other starting cornerback is expected to be out for several weeks with a sprained knee. Brady along with wide receivers Wes Welker and Randy Moss will look to exploit a very thin Colts secondary. The Pats average 295 yards per game through the air, second only to, you guessed it: Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.

3) New Orleans Saints (8-0) – Last week I received some flak for the Saints’ ranking and after their performance against the Carolina Panthers (3-5), I stand by my decision. The Saints’ offense proved to be just as explosive as everyone expected in the second half of Sunday’s 30-20 victory over the Panthers. The defense however proved to be suspect against DeAngelo Williams and the Carolina rushing offense. Williams rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns, including a 66-yard scamper in the first minute of regulation. The Saints’ offense is spectacular and they have an elite quarterback in Drew Brees but in my opinion they are not a more complete football team than the Minnesota Vikings.

2) Minnesota Vikings (7-1) – Minnesota had a bye in week nine and will play the Detroit Lions (1-7) at the Metrodome on Sunday. There are concerns over Brett Favre’s injured groin but as we all know, if Favre can stand, he plays. The Vikings have scored the second most points (244) in the NFL this season, only trailing the New Orleans Saints (303). Favre, the ever explosive Adrian Peterson and the rest of the Vikings’ offense should have a great day against the Lions’ less than spectacular defense that has allowed the second most points (237) in the NFL.

1) Indianapolis Colts (8-0) – The Colts have done enough to win the last two weeks against the San Francisco 49ers (3-5) and the Houston Texans (5-4) but this week that may not be enough. The Patriots’ offense is in-rhythm and firing on all cylinders. Due to the lack of experience in both the Colts’ and the Pats’ secondary, paired with quite arguably the two best quarterbacks in the National Football League, the Colts could be in for a shootout and their biggest test to date.

Bottom Five

5) Detroit Lions (1-7) – The Lions hovered just above the bottom five for the first half of the 2009 season but after allowing 25 unanswered points to the Seattle Seahawks (3-5) after leading 17-0 after the first quarter, the Lions took their place amongst the NFL’s worst. Matthew Stafford threw two touchdowns in the first quarter but unfortunately there were three quarters left to play. Stafford threw five interceptions, the fourth Lion QB to accomplish such a humbling feat in the last decade. Fortunately for the Lions, Stafford will improve. Peyton Manning threw his fair share of interceptions his rookie year, 28, an NFL record for a rookie. Stafford has a while to go before he reaches that mark and hopefully for the Lions he goes nowhere near George Blanda’s NFL record 42 interceptions in 1962 with the Houston Oilers.

4) Kansas City Chiefs (1-7) – After multiple inappropriate comments and an overall lack of respect for the front office as well as a petition filed for his removal, halfback Larry Johnson was released by the Kansas City Chiefs this week and cleared waivers, making him a free agent. Johnson (5,996) was a mere 75 yards away from becoming the Kansas City Chiefs’ all-time leading rusher. Rest assured Kansas City faithful, Priest Holmes (6070) is still atop the list. 

3) St. Louis Rams (1-7) – The St. Louis Rams are coming off their first win as well as their bye week prior to this week. The Rams lackluster offense only musters an average of 9.6 points a game, a major problem considering they face the NFL’s highest scoring offense, the New Orleans Saints who average a marvelous 37.9 points per game, in Week 10. The Rams defense is as lackluster as their offense, allowing the fourth most points per game, 27.6.

2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-7) – In his first career start rookie quarterback Josh Freeman led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to their first win of the 2009 season, when they defeated the Green Bay Packers (4-4) 38-28. Freeman threw three touchdown passes on 14 of 31 passing for a grand total of 205 yards. Freeman looked impressive at times and looked calm in the pocket as he managed the game and did what Byron Leftwich and Josh Johnson were not able to do in the previous seven games. The Bucs play the Miami Dolphins (3-5) in Week 10.

1) Cleveland Browns (1-7) – The Cleveland Browns announced that Brady Quinn will start at quarterback for the Browns’ sputtering offense. Quinn started the season at quarterback but was pulled at halftime against the Baltimore Ravens in week three. The Browns play the Ravens on Monday night and apparently did not want to see a repeat performance from Derek Anderson, who in just one half against the Ravens threw three interceptions. Brady Quinn has one touchdown pass and three interceptions on the season, his quarterback rating is 62.1.

By Tim Hanson   Fri, Nov 13, 2009

The Midland Community Tennis Center is inviting everyone to come celebrate Midland being voted the "Best Tennis Town" in America.

Midland was named the "Best Tennis Town" by the United States Tennis Association in their first ever search across the country.  Midland received the most votes during the nationwide voting that occurred this summer. 

The award is designed to reward a community that shows great passion, excitement, and spirit for the game of tennis.  With this award, the USTA will gave Midland a $100,000 prize that can be used for tennis in the community and to enhance facilities. 

The event starts today at 5 p.m. with free food and refreshments plus on court activities for children 10 and under.  A presentation of how the $100,000 will be used starts at 6 p.m. along with a special presentation by community leaders and a celebration video.

The Midland Community Tennis Center is located at 900 E. Wackerly Street in Midland.  For additional information on the event visit their website or call (989) 631-6151.

By Dave Burke   Wed, Nov 11, 2009

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 Jerry Taylor   Wed, Nov 11, 2009

One fights on land, the other takes their ways to the sea. One wears all white uniforms, the other strictly camouflage. One is based in Annapolis, Maryland, the other in West Point, New York. They both fight to defend our country, but one day each year, they are pitted against each other- in the trenches- of a football field.

The annual Army-Navy football game takes place every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The two teams play for "bragging rights," in which two branches of the United States Military square off against each other, with the winner getting to "brag it up" for a year until the two teams meet again. Last year, Navy shutout Army 34-0.

The first ever match between the two took place in 1890 in West Point, where Navy blanked Army 24-0 on their own football field. The two teams have met 109 times, with Navy holding a 53-49-7 edge. The Commander-in-Chief Trophy is occasionally up for grabs in this game; the trophy is shared by Army, Navy, and the Air Force Academy.

The Midshipmen run a Triple Option offense, in which the quarterback may hand off to three different people in the backfield or the quarterback will keep the ball himself; this offense will run the ball 94-97 percent of the game. Army runs a pro-style offense, which leans not as heavily on the run game as Navy's offense does; the quarterback typically lines up directly under center for the majority of the plays.

Of the 109 total matchups, 81 of them have been played in the city of Philadelphia, while the city of New York and the state of New Jersey have also hosted the annual rivalry game. This year's game will be held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on December 12^th, due to scheduling issues for both schools.

Let's recap: this game is strictly a rivalry game, not your Central Michigan-Western Michigan, Michigan-Michigan State kind of rivalry; it pits military academy vs. military academy. So on December 12^th, tune into CBS.  Take a little time off and enjoy these two fine institutions, those that protect us on a daily basis from the evils around the world, battle it out for some of those "bragging rights."

Photo by George L Smyth

By R.E. Whipple   Fri, Nov 13, 2009

Micro-ritos

From PeTA's Vegan College Cookbook

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) bag vegan chicken strips or steak stripes (I really like the chicken, and it's perfect if you have them left over from last week's Bad Ass Bunny Food recipe)
• 1 (16-ounce) jar of salsa (that's left over from tailgating)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black or pinto beans (from the time my mom thought that vegetarian's got all of their protein from beans.)
• 1 (10-ounce) package of Mexican-style vegan cheese grated (or just regular cheese. It tastes the same to me)
• 1 package (10-inch) tortillas (from when I made enchiladas a month ago)
• 1 bag boil-in-bag brown or white rice (optional)

Directions:

1. If you're including rice in the dish, make it first, then set aside to be combined with all the ingredients before serving.
2. Nuke the "meat" for about two minutes (I, personally, grilled it because the chicken strips don't taste as good nuked).
3. Combine the beans, salsa, meat and cheese in a bowl and nuke for two minutes (I did nuke these because it was easier).
4. Spoon the mixture into the tortillas, top with salsa, roll up and eat.

Additions:

• Green Peppers
• Onions (because apparently, the best foods are made with onions, especially sweet onions).
• I also decided that after I spooned in the chicken strips and bean mixture, it would be good to bake it until the shell was crispy brown on the outside. It was worth it.

GCM photo credit: R.E. Whipple

By Jessica Wilt   Fri, Nov 13, 2009

Half-Baked: Camo Cupcakes

What a better way to thank your veteran that these tasty camouflage cupcakes!

Ingredients:

• 1 box of white cupcake mix
• 1 can (16 ounces) vanilla frosting
• 1 bag sweetened coconut
• Green cupcake liners
• Green, red, yellow food coloring

Directions:

1. Bake cupcakes as stated on box and frost with vanilla frosting
2. Separate ½ cup coconut into three separate zip lock bags
3. In one bag, put 3 drops green food coloring for the green, in the second put 7 drops red, 4 yellow and 2 green for the brown and in the third 1 drop yellow and 1 drop green for the lighter green.
4. Shake the bags until the coconut absorbs the color.
5. Arrange the colored coconut on the cupcake to look like camouflage, pressing lightly to get the coconut to stick.
6. Eat and enjoy!

By Amanda Stidd   Wed, Nov 11, 2009

When I was 17, I was dating a man in the Air Force. When I imagine food in the military, I always envision the typical MRE pack of dried food product. However, my ex would tell me in detail of the luscious meals the military served.

Every evening, Jeremy would head into a mess hall and sit down to have a full meal with the men he flew with. The meals were always hearty home-style meals typical of 'what mom used to make'. To make variations in the meals, the men would try different combinations and additions. Each night the tradition was the same-- the men who served together ate together as a family.

I expected his talents at cooking to be minimal because someone else cooked his meals until he was 25, but I was oddly surprised that this was untrue. Perhaps it was his Italian roots, but he could whip up an entire meal with little to no effort. Like a typical man, he would dirty every dish in the cupboard, but the final product was more than worth it.

The first time he met my best friend's family, he offered to cook them a meal. It was months later before they actually took him up on the offer-they regretted waiting so long. A typical night, it was already dinnertime and no one had any idea what to cook. We had pork roast and no idea how to turn it into a full meal for almost ten people. This was Jeremy's time to shine. Suggesting a meal he learned from his grandmother, he quickly went to work in the kitchen like a pro. I'm not sure exactly how he did it, but the pork roast was turned into the meat in a robust flavored Italian meal.

The pork was seared and placed in a red pasta sauce and boiled, with a bed of noodles underneath. If I hadn't been so amazed, I may have been a tad upset that I'd been making all the meals of the relationship.

After spending years on a base, Jeremy had spent plenty of time learning to make new meals. With the influence of his spirited Italian grandmother, Jeremy had been whipped into shape when it came to culinary skills. Sure, our relationship didn't last (just as the meals), but I've heard his cooking skills have only gotten better. The military taught Jeremy more than how to stand and salute, but how to be a part of the family, including how to cook.

By Sylvia Labrie   Tue, Nov 10, 2009

You're in the swamp with all buddies hunkered down in the heat and mud. All you have is your backpack and your wits. The only goal is to survive for three months to pass Jungle Training for the Marine Corp. That is the story my father, Corporal, Paul Labrie tells me of his time at Boot Camp.

He joined the Marine Corp in 1979 and after basic training was sent to Camp Lejeune, South Caroline.  While there, he spent three month doing jungle training in the swamps.

"There was nothing to do it was hot, boring and the food was terrible."

The food parcels they brought with them were called, "Sea Rats" a box full of peanut butter, crackers, pork and sliced peaches.

Now with boredom comes creativity and my father and his buddies began experimenting with the food to pass the time.

"The peanut butter was really bad, so we decided we would blow it up with our Sterno packs."

Now they took the tin of peanut butter placed it on top of the can of Sterno, inside the empty can of crackers and took their places at a distance to watch it blow up.

"After we blew it up the air would sell really bad like a baby's dirty diaper, but it was fun and it was something to do."

The military doesn't use "Sea Rats" anymore, so we decided to replicate the explosion with Sterno and a can of pork and beans. The explosion didn't take very long (less than five seconds) and it had a fabulous plume of smoke.

By Devon Roberts   Fri, Nov 13, 2009

This season's trends are everywhere. Studded leather, sequins and thigh-high boots are just some examples. We all like to look fashionable and buying into the latest trend is a good way to do that.  However, trends are simply fashion phases, they don't last forever.

Buying an item that is the current trend is not just a question of style but also a question of practicality.  What's the longevity of leopard print? Will studs be duds next year? Since the average college student's budget is not large, these are the questions that have to be asked when shopping. 

Plaid shirts are hot right now and can be seen frequently on campus. But, before you buy that teal and black one from Forever 21, think to yourself,  "Will this shirt be worn a couple times this year and not even be glanced at next fall when everyone else has become bored of looking like a lumberjack?"  It is more practical to spend your money on clothes that might not be as trendy-but you'll get more use out of.  These are clothes that can be worn until they're worn out. 

If you hipsters out there are scared of not following every hot new fad, there is a way around to look fashionable without being overly trendy.   Instead of buying the cheap, studded pleather jacket that will last a season and then be stuffed in a closet, buy the real deal. A leather jacket might cost more but it can last decades.  

Thigh-high boots are fabulous and add length to any leg.  When boot hunting buy the flat instead of the heel.  Flat boots generally are cheaper than boots with heels.  Also, walking to class in flats is much more forgiving than heels. 

It's tempting to buy several cheaper items than fewer more expensive items.  A larger wardrobe prevents the dreaded fashion faux-pas of repeating an outfit.  However, when shopping on a budget it's important to think quality over quantity.  Higher quality clothes look better, fit better and last longer, which, in the end, can't be beat!

Great places to look for examples on how to be fashionable without being impractically trendy are on fashion blogs.  Visit TheSartorialist.com or GaranceDore.com to see pictures of people from all over the world who have a great natural style.  You'll notice while going through these websites most of these people could not be categorized as trendy but they are fashionable in their own way. 

Remember, just because it is in season doesn't mean it's in every season.  

Think before you buy if your purchase will get enough use to make the purchase worth it.  Make quality over quantity your shopping mantra.  Buying a couple great pieces each year that will last for years to come is better than dozens of cheap items. 

Besides, the theory about dreaded outfit repeating makes no sense. If you look good once, why not look good twice? 

 GCM photo by Janel Haddix

By Dan Syckle   Tue, Nov 10, 2009

Marines wear more than camouflage.  When the occasion strikes, the U.S. Marine Corps has the all-important dress blues uniform.  Dress blues are named for their color, which is obviously navy blue.  Marines usually utilize these uniforms for formal events such as funerals, weddings, and the Marine Corps Ball.  However, these smooth and classy looking uniforms are actually approved for any occasion, though most marines don't go through the trouble of dressing up just to wear them to Wal-Mart.   

Dress blues are historically themed and cleverly patriotic, as the colors red, white, and blue are included throughout the uniform.  Every detail on the uniform, down to the buttons, has a meaning.  If you noticed the high collar, it's there so marines don't get their necks chopped (at least that was its original function, in the days of the merchant marines, when swords were more prominently used).  This is also where the nickname "leathernecks" came from. 

The seven buttons reflect the seven seas, which makes sense, as long as you don't forget the Marines are a section of the Navy.  There are 13 stars on each button that represent the original 13 colonies as well as an eagle and anchor design.

The patches on the arm symbolize rank.  In the case of the pictures shown, we have a lance corporal, which is one promotion away from a non-commissioned officer or corporal. At the rank of corporal, this marine would receive a sword, commonly seen accompanying marines in television propaganda, as well as the blood stripe.  The blood stripe is the red stripe that runs down the pants and is in honor of fallen officers at the Battle of Chapultepec.  Medals are awarded for many reasons, and as a plus, they make the uniform look shiny and important. 

The points is, if you like to play dress up, enjoy a nice suit, or even just like to look important, join the Marine Corps and get yourself some snazzy dress blues.

By Megan Townsend   Fri, Nov 13, 2009

I stumbled onto Every Avenue, a semi-local band from Marysville, Michigan, when they performed right here at Central Michigan University for MAINstage in August 2008. They had a fast-paced, fun set that made me want to hear more. They released their second album Picture Perfect this past Tuesday. Every Avenue has defied the odds and produced another rocking hook-filled album, avoiding that dreaded “sophomore slump”.

The pop-punk genre is not really something you listen to for deep words. Songs about girls, sex and growing up are plentiful, but you probably won’t hear about ethical issues and current events.

Every Avenue follows this pattern, but with a twist.

There are lots of that same material: songs about girls who are sluts (“Girl Like That”), girls that hurt you (“I Forgive You”), girls who got away (“Clumsy Little Heart”) and memories (“For Always, Forever”).

However, Every Avenue writes in such a way though, that the listener actually feels like they share that memory. They use heavy detail instead of the cliched pop phrases, all the while managing not to get too specific to discount portions of their audience.

One song that really stuck out to me was “For Always, Forever” which talks specifically about growing up in Michigan, going so far as to mention street names. General audiences will still be able to relate to the general emotions, but, to be trite, the song makes me feel like they understand me perfectly. With the current situation in Michigan, being a graduation-bound college student, I do have a lot of worries about getting out of here and having to move away from everything and everyone I know to have a career. This song is just hopeful, with a rock beat.

Guess we made it this far/ Guess we’re doing alright/ Looks like we made it out alive/ Yeah we made our mistakes/ But we followed our hearts/ Even though some time has passed and we’ve gone our separate ways/ No matter how far apart we’ll always have our memories

Overall, I give Picture Perfect a 7 out of 10. Every Avenue does occasionally succumb to those well-worn pop synth beats and trite words, but they still stand out as one of the best new-comers in the genre. Especially growing up in Michigan, I can safely recommend this album to all my friends.

Photo by Amanda Derosa

By Nick Baker   Fri, Nov 13, 2009

Have you ever wondered where all that tax money you’re giving the government is going?  Well, The Men Who Stare At Goats, which claims to be a mostly true tale, will give you some idea.  And while this satire of our government’s questionable practices is occasionally funny, it has a hard time keeping pace with its slow and disjointed plot.

The story of The Men Who Stare At Goats follows journalist Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor) as he decides to deal with a broken-heart by proving to his now ex-wife that he isn’t as unexciting as she thinks he is.  His mission for a more thrilling life leads him to attempt to land a story in Iraq, but he ends up getting more than he bargained for when he meets Lyn Cassady (George Clooney).  Lyn is a former psychic spy, dubbed Jedi’s after the fictional force wielders of the Star Wars universe, who was being trained by the government.  As Bob travels with Lyn he finds out the history of the clairvoyant run First Earth Battalion and what became of the governments attempt at building a psychic army.  But Bob soon finds out psychic warrior’s jobs are never done, and much to his dismay, Lyn claims to have been reactivated and has a new mission to complete with Bob stuck along for the ride.

The psychic army seems like a ridiculous concept, but what’s even more ridiculous is that it’s all true.  Well, maybe not all of it is true, but if even a small part of it is, it still says a lot about what are government thinks are good investments.  The fact that, as the movie claims, “more of this is true then you will probably believe,” makes the film more interesting then if it had all been made up.  You get this insight into something that most people think of as preposterous, including most of the people who run our country, and yet here we are training people to fight with extrasensory powers.

The fact that it’s true also helps make the movie funnier.  While I’m sure some of it was stretched and spun to make it more humorous, the concept alone leaves little need to do much fabrication.  You can’t help but laugh, and get a little disheartened, and what are government deems worthy of spending money on and that these people who are involved in the program strongly believe in all of it.  Even with all of this great material though, the movie has a hard time keeping you involved.

The story, while interesting, is slow moving.  Through out the film you are switching back in forth between present day and the history of the former First Earth Battalion, leaving you unable to get drawn in to either story.  The movie seems like a jumble of facts that the filmmakers tried to put into a coherent, 90-minute plot, but just couldn’t organize it well enough.  The actors do their best to clean up the story’s mess, and all of them do an excellent job, but the plot just drags along too much, keeping the audience, and the laughter, at too much of a distance.

The disjointed story doesn’t completely ruin this movie, but it could have been much better with a little more organization.  The comedy is still there, but again it suffers from the slow moving plot.  It’s worth seeing if you have an interest in some of our government’s not-so-well-hidden flawed decisions, but for others I would recommend avoiding this mediocre comedy.

GRADE: C-

By Megan Townsend   Fri, Nov 13, 2009

Paramore’s follow up to their 2007 album “RIOT!” was released this week, called “brand new eyes”. The band is clearly aiming for a more grown up audience this time around. In that regard, the album doesn’t hit its mark. The band excels in upbeat pop-punk, but has yet to overcome their cliched approach to song writing to garner a more grown up audience. Paramore’s attempt at “deep” lyrics and meaningful metaphors make certain songs really feel like they are just trying too hard. Despite this, the formula teen angst songs are pretty decent by the band’s standards.

I personally loved “Misery Business” from their last album, so I was looking forward to the angry screw you anthems that would be coming on Paramore’s new album. “Ignorance” is awesome in this regard. Lead singer Hayley Williams belts out harsh lyrics about being judged by others, saying “Ignorance is your new best friend.” She sings Where’s your gavel? Your jury?/ What’s my offense this time?/ You’re not a judge, but if you’re gonna judge me,/ Well sentence me to another life. The song is brought down by some repetitive lyrics later, but the beginning is that old school Paramore I used to love.

What surprised me is that my favorite song from “brand new eyes” turns out to be one of its few ballads, “The Only Exception”. This song is William’s response to trying to trust a new man in her life after watching her parents' relationship destruct as a child. And that was the day I promised/ I'd never sing of love/ If it does not exist/ But darlin,/ You are the only exception. As a child who watched her parents go through a painful divorce, I can definitely relate to the fear that maybe there isn’t one person for everyone; the thought that trying isn’t even worth it because everyone will leave anyways. William’s soft and soulful voice beautifully expresses that fear and worry about giving your heart to someone else. The song ends in a soft guitar with the words You are the only exception/ And im on my way to believing it./ Oh, And Im on my way to believing it. I don’t know if that guy actually worked out for her or not, but I think that is the beauty of the song. There is always hope for that one.

Overall, “brand new eyes” gets a 7 out of 10. There are definite high points (“Ignorance,” “Playing God,” and “The Only Exception”), but also definite speed bump songs that feel like fillers (“Misguided Ghosts” and “Feeling Sorry”).

By Carisa Seltz   Fri, Nov 13, 2009

Her bright yellow designer purse contrasts starkly with her military-issue uniform and it certainly doesn't match her combat boots either. Indeed, Cadet Emily Nolin is a walking oxymoron. 

All comparisons aside, Nolin, 21 from Bronson, Mich., is in her third year of training in Central Michigan University's Reserve Officer Training Course (ROTC) program.

"ROTC is basically army basic training spread over a four year period," Nolin said.

The purpose is to prepare students to become officers in the army upon graduation and to provide them with the skills they need to perform in that position effectively.

CMU's ROTC program kicked off in July of 1952 with an all-male cast of players totaling 360 participants. Women were admitted into the program for the first time in 1973, a full 21 years after the program's inception.

Thirty-six years after the first women were admitted into Central Michigan University's ROTC program, Nolin is currently one of only 13 females enrolled in the 130-person Chippewa Brigade which she says is a high number for female enrollment.

"The class that just graduated only had one girl," Nolin said, who estimates the average of women ROTC-participants hovers around two a graduating class at CMU.

Her gender as a whole is underrepresented nationally, as well. Nolin participates in the Chippewa Brigade's Ranger Challenge club that competes with other brigades in CMU's ROTC district that extends as far south as Kentucky. Out of the 32 teams participating at the Ranger Challenge she just took part in, only six of them were girls' teams.

Her gender had played no factor in deciding to pursue a military career, however. Nolin was inspired by her father, Major Gary Nolin, who served in the Army Finance Corp for 20 years before retiring.

"I kind of always just thought I would do ROTC," Nolin said. Being apart of something her father was so involved in seemed like a logical move for Nolin, especially with the way college tuition rates are rising every year.

Nolin is on a full military scholarship and will thus graduate CMU without having to take out a single loan. The notion is unprecedented considering the current state of the economy Nolin and her peers face.

Nolin herself is set to graduate in May of 2011 but not before she finishes her international relations major, and her military science minor. She can't advance in the military before making it through the grueling Leadership Development Assessment Course (LDAC).

The LDAC is why Nolin isn't going to participate in club rugby next semester in order to avoid any injuries she could be at risk for accruing should she participate. Maintaining her health next semester is crucial since it's her last stint to prepare for the LDAC which she will complete in the summer of 2010.

The LDAC is how ROTC cadre leaders from around the country assess the skills a cadet accrues throughout their ROTC experience and how they react to certain scenarios they may encounter while serving actively in the army. Cadet Eric Gustafson, senior in CMU's ROTC program, who has already completed his LDAC and has plans to join the army's infantry division upon graduation.

"LDAC isn't that bad," Gustafson said. "Everyone is suffering together but trying to have a good time, too."

To prepare, Nolin wakes up early enough to make it to Finch Fieldhouse at 6:00 a.m. when the physical training (PT) workouts begin; they go until 7:30 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  

"It's really not so bad," Nolin said. At PT, cadets run two miles and do as many sit-ups and push-ups they can in two minutes. The point is to prepare the cadets for the LDAC.

Of course, ROTC isn't all about preparing for the LDAC. Cadets have coursework, too.

To earn the military science minor, ROTC cadets take specific classes throughout the course of their studies.

The minor totals 28 credits; classes meet on Wednesday nights for three hours at a time.  Subjects discussed include: "Leadership and Problem Solving", "Leadership and Ethics", "Leadership and Management", "Officership", and the "American Military Experience."

For further preparation, cadets go on weekend excursions to Camp Grayling, the nation's largest National Guard training site. Camp Grayling is located a little over an hour north of campus; cadets take advantage of the facilities located on the military installment's 147,000 acres to practice such activities as "stick lanes", "squad tactics" and "land navigation."

To supplement her future career in the army, Nolin is majoring in international relations through CMU's political science department and is working towards a Bachelor of Science degree.

After completing her degree, however, Nolin is undecided as to what she wants to do with her ROTC background coupled with her education background.

"I'm thinking about going active duty," Nolin said. "The goal is to go overseas or at least to get out of Michigan."

Nolin has already gotten a taste of what it's like to serve her country in another nation, however, even before officially donning her ceremonial cap and gown. This past summer, Nolin spent three weeks in Argentina where she participated in a cultural immersion program that has only recently been offered to ROTC participants.

In week one, Nolin and her colleagues took two-hour long Spanish classes five days a week. After that, she was able to visit tourist attractions like the country's capitol, Buenos Aires, and the Andes Mountains.

"The army is going worldwide," Nolin said, "and is trying to get soldiers to consider other cultures."

After returning to the United States, Nolin had to readjust back to student life and juggling ROTC with classes. Currently, she's a squad leader for the Arrowhead One Platoon; earlier in the year, Nolin actually taught an ROTC class on improvised explosive devices (IED). For two weeks, Nolin lectured on the dangers of IED's and their impact on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

ROTC cadets are also exposed to such topics as nuclear biological chemicals (NBC), "9 Line Medevac", battle drills, emplacing a claymore, enemy prisoner of war training, first aid, proper grenade handling, individual movement techniques (IMT), map reading, MOUT and combat water survival training (CWST).

For most civilians, the ROTC class titles are merely jargon that sound like terms a Hollywood actor would spit out in a war movie when the scenes are getting intense and he has to make a pivotal move to save the day. 

For Nolin, however, understanding the topics and actively practicing them through lab work while at CMU could mean the difference between life and death for her someday in a worst-case-scenario few have the courage to volunteer for.  

Courtesy Photo

By R.E. Whipple   Thu, Nov 12, 2009

By Bridget Bliss   Wed, Nov 11, 2009

So, we have all seen war movies right?

Band of Brothers, Blackhawk Down, Saving Private Ryan, to name a few.

And Veteran's Day is a time to remember the noble soldiers who serve and have served. Some people will remember veterans through movies like these.

For fifteen years, it has been the "responsibility, teaching, mentoring, mission, and watching" the students grow that keeps 1st Lt. Rodney Williams coming back to CMU's Reserve Officers' Training Corps. program every year.

Williams enlisted with the army in high school and began his career as a chemical operation specialist at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. A chemical operations specialist maintains and supervises use of nuclear, biological and chemical detection. They also help with decontamination equipment and train others.

Although there were doubts about continuing his service in the army, he said the phrase "mind over matter," inspired the dedication to succeed, to take an assessment and find one's limitations.

"The military unlocked my competitive nature and allowed me to go to school," said Williams.

He earned his M.B.A. from Strayer University and a B.S. in computer engineering technology from the University of Memphis. The army also introduced him to his wife. They now have two kids. His advice for people trying to succeed, even outside the military was simple.

"Know yourself, have a plan, and stay focused,"

Jennifer Howell, a fifth-year cadet in ROTC, said her first two years in the program she focused a lot on retention. She spent her third year learning to be an affective army officer.

Howell spent a great deal of time in leadership conferences and used her experiences to lead people through missions and effectively use different aspects of leadership in her everyday life. She attended LDAC - Leadership Development Assessment Course - a five-week summer camp at Ft. Lewis, Washington that evaluates cadets' leadership capabilities.

By Trevor Turner   Wed, Nov 11, 2009

By Adam Niemi   Wed, Nov 11, 2009

Only your grandpa can get away with telling dirty jokes.

And soldiers.

Not that it’s particularly a bad thing, grandpa learned many jokes in the army.

And spending a weekend hanging out with ROTC cadets is a lot like reading a Beetle Bailey comic. Depending on your perspective, it can deliver any kind of adjective.

Even after I lived in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, while my father served in the 82d Airborne Division, I saw new things. My military knowledge had started from asking my dad if the Gulf War he served in was a “war with golf balls,” to knowing particulars about history, rank, insignia, technology and the like.

During CMU’s and Ferris State’s FTX, or field training exercise, I was a participant observer. Maybe it hung “bias” over my head, but let me tell you something; it gave me a sweet glimpse. Like seeing one ray of sunlight in a sunset. There’s only so much you can do in three days, right?

A Chinook helicopter made two trips on Sept. 25 to CMU. It transported two chalks to Camp Grayling. For some, including me, it was our first time in a helicopter. A row of bench seats lined the inside walls of the helicopter and the cargo door remained open throughout the whole flight. The flight engineer sat on the edge and took in the view.

But a captain sitting next to me had served in the 173^rd Airborne and fought in Afghanistan along the border with Pakistan.

Because of the mountainous terrain where his unit fought, the Chinook became the standard mode of air transport. Many Chinooks have been shot down while transporting troops overseas. This flight to Camp Grayling was just a Sunday flight for him.

Grayling is a two-hour drive from Mount Pleasant but cruising at about 137 miles per hour and at a few hundred feet, we arrived at the Camp Grayling airfield approximately 25 minutes after taking off from the field by His House.

The cadets went to a field that had arranged different stations. Room-clearing techniques, hand-to-hand combat and grenade throwing were the activities.

Saturday featured a Zodiac race. The race was made up of three inflatable boats that were “heavy enough” for cadets.  A course was set up for the cadets to paddle around. At the end of the race the cadets had to drag the boat onto shore and, with tired arms, do boat pushups. Each cadet laid under the boat and simultaneously raised and lowered it. With rubber arms they ran with the boat resting on their shoulder to the finish line. It was hard to find a participant whose veins weren’t popping out of their heads.

Later, the cadets were bused to two shooting houses inside the 147,000 acre camp. Half of the cadets were brought to a one-story house and the other half to a two-story house. They were instructed how to clear rooms and flights of stairs.

Sunday was the culmination of their weekend training. Their payday. The Capstone Mission.

Saturday night, cadet officers briefed platoon leaders and officers about the Capstone mission. This mission originally planned two Blackhawk helicopters to transport two chalks of CMU cadets to a village made up of plywood and sheet-door buildings, complete with a mosque and prison. The mission was designed to test cadets on room-clearing techniques and combat tactics, as well as Rules of Engagement.

I was handed a paintball mask and gun. The battery in my camera ran out – why not?

Sunday morning came with a low fog that grounded the Blackhawks. “Crash-hawks,” said Master Sgt. Joe Postler. “These things used to crash all the time.”

Maybe it’s better we took the buses to our landing zones.

Some things, you just can’t experience in three days. Right?

By Alana Goeringer   Wed, Nov 11, 2009

The sight of the young children at the church on Christmas Eve was all Brian Robertson needed to remember why he was joining the Army.

“It was at that moment when I realized ‘this is why I enlisted: I fight so they don’t have to’,” he said.

Robertson, a Port Huron senior at Central Michigan University, is a Private First Class soldier and a member of the ROTC at CMU. He made the decision to join in December 2008, and officially enlisted in January 2009.

According to Robertson, less than 1 percent of the U.S. population can join the military, and only one of every 20 people makes it completely through the rigorous training. For Robertson, the training schedule usually consisted of 12-hour days with a 20-minute break for lunch.

“You’re the elite,” he said. “[The training] takes you from the civilian mindset and physically unfit to a soldier mindset and physically fit…we do more before noon than any civilian normally does during their whole day.”

Robertson spent his summer doing 16 weeks of basic and advanced training in Oklahoma. During the advanced training, he was trained as a multiple launching rocket system crewmember.

Despite all of his training, for Robertson, the best part is the people.

“In college, normal friends can become family, but soldiers with you learn and know you better than anyone else ever could,” he said. “Our conversations get the most interesting because we put aside rank and just chill. Old guys share stories with the younger guys, and the younger guys give the older ones crap for still being enlisted.”

College friends always bring interesting conversations, but the conversations are no comparison to those with army comrades which lead to closer friendships, Robertson said.

“They see you at your best, and they see you at your worst,” he said.

After his upcoming graduation in August, Robertson will be deployed to Kuwait.

For his mother and grandmother, accepting his departure was hard, but they are more accepting now, he said.

“It took Mom several months. Now she’s very supportive but extremely anti-war, especially with me deploying,” he said.

Robertson has done a lot of thinking about being deployed. “I got really nervous and scared because you don’t know what’s going to happen but after that you’re fine with it,” he said.

“Civilians let their fear overwhelm them, but soldiers take their fear and control it… it’s not that we’re crazy superhuman; we may be terrified but we’re not going to let it lock us up. Our mission comes before any fear.”

One of the reasons Robertson, a recreation major and leadership minor, enlisted into the Army was because the government helps to fund a soldier’s education.

“They want you to be educated. They give you money to do it, so they want you to improve yourself,” he said.

When enlisting in the Army, a certain number of college credits can get the applicant a higher rank. Robertson had over 45 credits, so he was immediately made a Private First Class. After graduation in August, he will be promoted to a specialist.

Robertson’s advice to anyone wanting to join the military is to keep all paperwork organized and have everything in writing.

“Keep track of anything: if you’re told you’ll get something from them, get it in writing so you have documentation,” he said. “That’s really the way of life.”

Courtesy Photo

By Sylvia Labrie   Tue, Nov 10, 2009

Rows of military grade boots, uniforms, backpacks and pins line the walls. An assortment of knives, medical packs and missiles line the front counter. A sign warns that all missiles are only used for training purposes and are not dangerous. Tents, blankets, helmets and MREs are stacked on high metal shelves. Sounds like some massive storage facility for the government doesn't it?

Well you would be surprised to know that we're not up at Camp Grayling or at some hidden warehouse. All that military gear and more is being sold right here in Clare County at General Jim's Surplus.

It's a hidden treasure trove in the backwoods of Clare County. Not widely known, situated next door to Jay's Sporting Goods, it's a place worth checking out if you're in need of:

• Camping supplies-sleeping bags, blankets, tents etc.
• Military memorabilia-jackets, helmets, t-shirts, canteens
• Hunting gear- Ghillie suits, camouflage
• Extra gear and uniforms for enlisted soldiers
• Knives
• Tactical supplies
• Uniforms
• Pins, patches, and medals
• Generators
• Books
• Military vehicles

 "When Jay's was expanding they thought it would be a good idea to add on an Army Surplus store," said Jeff Yost, owner of General Jim's. "They named it after my father Jim who married the widow of Jay, who opened Jay's Sporting Goods."

General Jim's has now been open for 15 years and is run by Yost and his wife Barb. They are open Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Military veterans are given discounts on everything in the store year round.

"The veterans love the pins and medals we have because it can take a long time for the government to reissue a medal that has been lost," said Yost, "veterans come in and tell me they lost a medal in a move or just misplaced it over the years and you know just say gee I wish I still had that. "

Veterans are half of the customers that come into General Jim while the others are civilians, hunters, military families and enthusiasts, survivalists and Boy Scout troops.

"We even have people come in here for costumes like flights suits, so they can be like Tom Cruise in Top Gun."

The store gives regular people a chance to glimpse a calmer side of the military. Maybe visiting here with your family will bring up some old stories from the days when your parents or grandparents were serving in the military.

To some Army surplus may seem dangerous or even a waste of taxpayers money it's the thought brought up by Jeff Yost that really seems to bring everything into perspective.

"It's always good to have extra. That's why it's called surplus. It's better that we have it and don't need it then need it and don't have it."

By Andrew Hoskins   Tue, Nov 10, 2009

Lieutenant Colonel Brian Eifler spoke to students Tuesday night in the Park Library Auditorium about what it takes to be a leader in the Army Rangers.

"Most of my advice is directed at ROTC students, but it can apply to everyone" Eifler said. "You have to ask yourself, 'do you have what it takes?'"

After graduating from Central Michigan University in 1990, Eifler went into the Army where he became a Ranger, one of the most prestigious special operations forces. There he was physically and mentally pushed to his limits, something Eifler now tries to do in all aspects of his life.

"I want guys who want to be the best, I don't want a guy who does the minimum and calls it good," Eifler said.

Like most job competition, succeeding in the military is determined by your disposition towards your work. Those that don't show initiative won't be given greater responsibilities.

Presentation also plays a large roll in pushing yourself to be the best. Eifler explains that officers are officers 24/7; and looking the part has as much to do with respect as your decision-making.

"You are everything this nation values, embodying its grace and virtue, and that's a heavy responsibility," Eifler said.

Looking and acting the part is critical to many professions; lawyers don't wear sweatpants, chefs don't cook with dirty hands, and officers are expected to represent their authority.

To be a good leader, however, a person can't always be giving the orders. Eifler recalls some of the best training he ever got was from his subordinates when he led an armored division into Sadr City during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007.

"You've got to come as a dry sponge," Eifler said. "Some guys do this real well, they listen to the people around them and they survive."

The power that comes with any prestigious position can go to someone's head; Eifler explains that no one has the best way to do everything and being a soldier means more than just an army of one.

"Sun Tzu said, 'the more you sweat in training the less you bleed in war," Eifler quotes. "And that's exactly our same principle."           

The best way to be prepared in the military is to have practiced and anticipated potential problems. This same method can be applied to students about to graduate.

"We like doing good. Even in school, that's why we have quizzes and practice tests," Eifler said.

Being prepared for even the easiest mistakes will put you ahead of the curb; so take the time to think about what has to be done.

LTC Eifler has enjoyed all of his time in the Army, "I always tell my wife, when we stop having fun we'll get out," but after 18 years he hasn't had enough.

He credits all of his success to discipline, and a healthy thirst for knowledge he acquired at CMU.

"Be proud, but never satisfied," Eifler left students to find their own discipline.

Courtesy Photo

By Maureen Stephan   Fri, Nov 13, 2009

Nowadays we are connected with each other all day, everyday.  With Facebook and Twitter it is impossible to not be connected to one another.  Constant status updates and mobile picture uploads are common practice in our culture today, but should they be commonplace while traveling?

Of course it is important to keep family members and loved ones informed about your whereabouts through occasional e-mails, but when does our electronic dependency start interfering with our experiences abroad? 

I think that it becomes a problem when you are the midst of an eye-opening, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the only thing you can think about is, "I can't wait to tweet about this."

Now don't get me wrong, one of the greatest parts about traveling is being able to come home and tell your friends and family about the amazing time you had and about all the extraordinary things you did.  But constant real-time updates have the ability to take away from what you are actually doing.  It can take away from the experience you could be having with the people you are actually with.  If you are always worrying about the next time you are going to be at a computer or the next city where your Blackberry is going to have service, you aren't taking full advantage your trip.

While I was studying abroad I witnessed this problem first-hand.  Many of my fellow study-abroaders would spend hours on Facebook chat, talking on Skype and AIMing friends and family from back home.  They wanted to keep them informed about what they were doing, but with all the time they were spending on the computer they weren't left with a whole lot of time to do anything to tell them about. 

All in all, I think it is important to find a balance between our virtual life and our real life while we travel.  It is a scary thing to think that you could possibly miss out on something great because you were too busy updating your status. 

My advice: next time you are away stop telling people what you are doing and just do it, and tell everyone about it later.  

By Erin Keranen   Fri, Nov 13, 2009

One major difference between every culture is food. The international students at CMU often experience big culture shock with regards to U.S. food. 

Joe Salmona, from Australia, says his favorite Australian foods are barbequed lamb, steak, sausages, and kangaroo sausages that are called kanga bangas. Kangaroo meat is super healthy and very tasty.  Other goodies include fish and chips, loads of seafood and tropical fruits, especially mango.

Salmona explained that, "the traditional [Asutralian] food is a lamb roast with onions and potatoes. It is what the early settlers and jackaroos ate from their rations."

He said, "They used to cook it in a hole in the ground with hot coals from a fire on top, and it could take 24 hours to cook. We're also massive in Thai food".

Salmona explained that the major differences between American and Australian foods as America being more focused on fast food and almost every food in America is sweetened with corn syrup

Zayra Hernández, from Monterrey, Mexico, agrees that a major difference between American and Mexican food is the amount of fast food we eat, along with that, "many dishes are fried, made with sugar, without vegetables or fruits, and with artificial or processed ingredients can make you add some pounds to your weight". Zayra also said, "American food is not as hot and spicy".

As for Mexican foods, "maize and pepper are two main ingredients and rice and beans are common side dishes...most people eat their meals with tortillas". Zayra said "The most popular foods in my home country are: tacos, tamales, frijoles charros (a bean dish), guacamole, enchiladas, atole (maize drink), cochinita pibil (a pork dish) and carne asada (roasted beef)"

Marc Mazarin, from France; he said that "the most important thing for French people is the taste. Equilibrium between salt and pepper, but also between the different flavors of the meal is the most important. Each meal is usually composed by starchy food or carbohydrates and meats which are almost always cooked in a sauce."

 Bread is also used in order to make the food less spicy or at least to distinguish the different flavors of the good. It is also used to eat with cheese and lettuce at the end of the meal just before the dessert. "Presentation is very important because you consider it as a good way to enjoy the food," Mazarin said.

Photo by Derek Stonebraker