Allen Park junior Alex Seasock on France

I essentially had to learn to walk again, talk again, and look at people in a different way–literally! I chose Grenoble, France, basically because it was a unique city in a very unique location. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised to learn many new cultural elements of my particular region, in addition to having the opportunity to travel elsewhere in Europe. I can honestly say, though, that some of my favorite experiences were over a cup of coffee at a small café in the city, or a conversation with a Frenchman. They are the little things that have brought me closer to the country and its people.

Redford first-year Travis Miracle on Cameroon

Cameroon well exceeded the expectations I had for it. Even with taking the course and learning about how it would be, actually being there blew away anything I could have expected. I thought that it would be sort of fun, with lots of boring bus rides with nothing to do but stare at trees. Actually, the bus rides were half the fun. We saw so many things from the bus that most people will never see i their whole life, like a pile of pineapples bigger than a person. I expected the people to also treat us like tourists, but most of the people we met accepted us and made us feel like family.

Milan senior Sarah Towler on Austrailia

I think [the biggest shock] was just realizing that home wasn’t just a few hours away, like I could if I was just in Florida or some other state. I have always wanted to go to Australia, and they speak English. I expected to see more wild life, but I was living in Sydney, so I didn’t see as much as I would have liked to. The first week we spent in Cairns. There we went scuba diving, snorkeling, pet kangaroos, held a koala, and a snake. I really learned how to be independent, because, like I said before, home wasn’t just a few hours away- it was over 24!

Canton sophomore Matthew LeFevre on Flint

My fraternity brother, Zach Neithercut, was hosting a New Years party. He lives in the nice area of Flint, and at first I couldn’t understand why the city had carried such a bad reputation… that was until midnight. When the ball dropped we did the ceremonial Faygo shot gun, and I stepped outside to call my girlfriend.  We wished each other a happy new year and talked for a few seconds, that when I heard it. It was a very distinct “whizzing” that ended with a solid THUD. It was a bullet. It had landed near me, maybe 30 feet or so. I was going to go investigate the landing area when another partygoer on the porch suggested we go inside, incase another bullet was en route.  I agreed and retreated to the safety of Zach’s house. The incident, while alarming, didn’t tarnish my memory of the party or the town, but I did gain a new found understanding of where Flint’s reputation came from.

The Matchup: Giant’s Offense vs. Patriot’s Defense

Eli Manning is having his best year as an NFL quarterback as he has passed for 4933 yards, 29 touchdowns, only 16 interceptions, and was voted into the Pro Bowl.  His receivers have developed into one of the top receiving corps in the league, with the emergence of Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham.  Cruz seemed to come out of nowhere ending up with over 1000 yards on the year.

The key to the Giants success is the running game.  Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw have been inconsistent all year, so the team will need production out of these two backs in order to display a balanced attack.  Jacobs, although being one of the largest running backs in the history of the NFL at 6-foot-4 and 264 pounds, has struggled with yards after contact averaging 1.58 yards.  Only three running backs in the entire league average fewer yards after contact, so Jacobs will need to toughen up if the Giants want to run the ball effectively.

This Patriots defense was by far one of Bill Belichick’s worst defenses in the regular season with NFL rankings of 31st in total defense and 31st in passing defense, but the unit has stepped it up during the playoffs giving up only 252 total yards to Denver and 398 to Baltimore.

That being said, the defense has not been tested by an elite offense like New York possesses. The New England defensive line, led by Vince Wilfork, must find a way to get to Manning if they want to slow down the Giants offense.  Mark Anderson, who leads the team with 10 sacks, will be relied upon strongly to provide that pressure.  New England’s secondary has started 16 different players this year because of injuries and performance, so pressure from the defensive line is vital in New England’s defensive success.

The Matchup: Patriot’s Offense vs. Giant’s Defense

The Patriots had the second highest rated overall offense in the NFL this season.  They are lead by future hall of fame Quarterback Tom Brady who was second in the league in passing yards with 5,235, second most in regular season history. The offense relies heavily on the tight end combination of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Gronkowski shattered the NFL single season tight end records for receiving yards and receiving touchdowns with 1327 and 17 respectively.

While the face of the Patriots offense is undoubtedly Tom Brady, the New England tight ends are such a match up nightmare because of their ability to gain yards after the catch. Gronkowski and Hernandez are 6’6” 265 lbs and 6’1” 245 pounds respectively and making them very difficult to tackle. The combination accounted for 24 of the 39 passing touchdowns and 2,037 of the 5,235 yards thrown by tom Brady.

The Giants had the 27^th ranked overall defense during the regular season, allowing 376 yards per game.  The unit turned it up a notch towards the end of the season, helping the Giants win seven of their final eight games, including playoffs, while outscoring opponents 201-111.

The Giants defense is centered around their defensive line, particularly the “Nascar” lineup consisting of Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul, Osi Uminyora and Dave Tollefson. They are referred to as the “Nascar” lineup because they are four defensive ends, making them faster than typical defensive tackles.  Jason Pierre-Paul had a breakout season with 16.5 sacks and 65 tackles, leading all Giants linemen in both categories.

Of course to anyone who knows anything about Albion College this is no surprise. Albion College has turned up on this list frequently.

Without a doubt, the town of Albion is one of the largest obstacle recruiters face when trying to enroll new students to the school.

Joshua Merchant, Interim Vice President for Enrollment believes that the ranking is nothing to fret about.

“We’re ranked as one of the best colleges in the country with something to do on campus,” Merchant  said. “I want kids who are going to choose Albion College because of academic rigor, faculty, student life, and because the opportunity to get involved and what they’ll get out of Albion after they graduate in four years.”

Merchant also points out that the list is off the top 376 colleges in the country, not overall, therefore celebrating the fact that we even made the list, especially when looking at the other schools,

“That’s pretty good company we’re in, Notre Dame, Wabash, that’s great company!” Merchant said.

Other schools of higher learning on the list include Tuskegee University, United States Coast Guard Academy, Hotstra University, Wheaton College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Bates College and Ohio Northern University.

But does Albion’s small town really make Albion College a bad school or college experience? I think not, in fact I would even argue that it makes the school even better.

The lack luster town makes it so that students have to spend time on campus, and therefore have to spend time with each other. Students have to get along, they’re all in it together and the mall town forces them to stay on campus and get to know one another making the college one super tight and close knitted community.

Outside of that, Union Board almost always has something going on around campus.

We’re ranked as one of the best colleges in the country with something to do on campus,” Merchant said. “If a college student is going to pick their college based on where the nearest Starbucks is then Albion College probably isn’t the college for them.”

College students can be apathetic, lazy or, sometimes, burned out when it comes to keeping with the news. But some of the back-burner news is really insightful. Here are three things Albion College students should be aware of.

Senator Giffords steps down

Senator Gabrielle Giffords (D, AZ) has decided to step down from her spot in the House of Representatives, and formally submitted her resignation last Wednesday, January 25.

Okay, so what? Well, though this was well publicized, let’s revisit and consider the following:

Giffords was involved in a shooting in Tuscon on January 8, 2011 that killed six and wounded twelve. Giffords herself was shot—through the head—that day.

Remarkably, recovered from her injuries and defined the true story of a hero. She coped with and survived through an ordeal that should have killed her.

Moreover, Giffords won’t give up. When she feels strong enough, Giffords plans to return to the political scene.

Upwards of 400 arrested in Oakland Occupy movement

The Occupy Movement, which began as a protest against Wall Street bankers’ potential for taking greedy profits from the working class, has recently taken another dramatic turn in Oakland last Saturday, January 28, 2012.

The Occupy Movement supporters have been known to demonstrate rather aggressively, resulting in many arrests as unrest refuses to die down.

In this most recent protest which happened in Oakland, 400 people were arrested after jeering at police officers, breaking into a YMCA, and then breaking into City Hall.

When the protesters were unable to demonstrate peaceably, and after acting with illegality, animosity was stirred between the city police force and demonstrators that led to the arrests.

This proves that fighting for change is still an issue on the minds of those that wish for improvements.

Wake of SOPA felt by Megaupload

Megaupload, a website that allowed users to stream illegally movies and music, caught the wave of SOPA’s destruction. It was shut down by U.S. prosecutors.

It happened before SOPA came to an abrupt halt, and now people may never see their personal material again.

Unfortunately for the users, the endless amount of personal information—pictures and other information—has been locked away from their view.

This data could be deleted—never giving the users a chance to retrieve it.

It should be questioned: what will people do when their material is erased?  And maybe the situation calls to question what sites are appropriate to put private information on.

Photo courtesy of Wikicommons

The President’s visit came at a critical moment as tuition costs for public universities are set to climb yet again the coming year. According to Time Magazine, state funding for higher education decreased 8 percent, or $6 billion, in the past year.

Due to slow economic recovery and the end of federal stimulus funds, 41 states including Michigan cut higher education funding last year.

For many American families, the growing economic burden of higher education is compounded when multiple children attend college simultaneously. Bad Axe senior Jackie Rochefort has a sister currently attending Michigan State University.

“Financially, my father is able to make ends meet to provide us both with a fully paid tuition. However, my mother recently acquired a second job to help with tuition, bills, and other expenses,” Rochefort said

In his speech, President Obama outlined his plan to make college tuition more affordable at public universities. Schools that keep tuition costs from rising would be rewarded with greater funding for federal student aid programs, such as work-study programs, Perkins loans, and supplemental grants for low-income students. The proposed funding would increase from $3 billion to $10 billion annually.

The proposed plan aims both to alleviate some of the stress on families struggling to make tuition payments, as well as combating rising levels of student debt. The President not only called upon colleges to do their part in reducing costs, but also state governments, who he argued need to make higher education funding a greater priority.

Critics argue the President’s demands could sacrifice the quality of higher education for affordability. However, the idea of tuition costs leveling off appeals to many young people currently facing growing amounts of student loan debt.

“It’s really frustrating when they continue to increase tuition (and state tuition) because society/employers stress the importance of having a college degree…and then it’s almost impossible to get one because it’s so expensive,” said Woodhaven sophomore Nora Riggs.

If President Obama gets his way, more American families should be able to put their children through higher education without breaking the bank.

Fielder surprised a lot of people by signing a nine-year, $254 million contract with the Tigers.  The deal was unexpected as the Tigers were not one of the teams thought to be interested a long-term contract with Fielder.

His signing helps to fill the void left by injured designated hitter Victor Martinez, whose injury cast a lot of doubt on the Tiger’s upcoming season.

“I was very excited [about the Fielder signing], we did pay him a lot of money but we do need more hitters on the team,” said Rebecca Satawa, Royal Oak senior.  “His fielding could use some work but I am definitely excited to have a better hitter in the line up.”

Fielder has been one of the most productive big bats in Major League baseball of late, hitting the second most home runs since 2007 only behind Ryan Howard.  Fielder’s numbers and production are exciting for the Tigers and their fans, but his salary is somewhat of a risk.

“Signing a player to that long of a contract, especially in baseball, is risky because baseball players have their ups and downs,” said Matt LeFevre, Canton sophomore.  “Nine years is a long time and with Victor Martinez out it could be a little rough, but when he returns, we will have the best hitting trio in Major League Baseball.”

Martinez tore is anterior cruciate ligament last year during off-season workouts.  He has undergone micro fracture surgery and will receive surgery to fix his ACL in the next six to eight weeks, putting his season to an almost certain end.

Martinez was among the top three Tigers in runs batted in, batting average and total runs with 103, .330 and 76 respectively.

“I think that they have a chance to make it to the World Series this year but I don’t know if they can win it all,” said Alex Padilla, Grosse Pointe first year.  “It all depends on what happens if and when Martinez returns; if they can maintain a solid lineup upon his return they have a really good shot.

Fans and experts alike have the Tigers winning the American League central division with little difficulty and subsequently making it to the playoffs.  What happens in the playoffs is anyone’s guess.

“We’ll just have to wait and see how the season plays out,” said Satawa.

“All the time, lots of people complain about the field house being tied up,” Lusk said.

During the winter months, some Albion College athletic teams are forced to practice inside the Dow. The basketball court and indoor track are used daily by athletic teams such as Track, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Women’s Softball and Men’s Baseball. These practices span from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

As a result, students cannot use those Dow facilities during what many consider the prime-time hours for student use. Furthermore, while athletes primarily remain in the field house, some may extend to the weight rooms or treadmills, further preventing students from using the Dow.

Dow director Jerry Block said he has heard the complaints. Block said the Dow has recently reduced the number of hours exclusively dedicated to athletic practices.

“Usually a couple of students express some concern every year,” Block said. “We used to go all hours, with late sports practices. Now from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. its open for student use.”

But do Dow users see the crowding as an issue? Blair Williams, Clarkston freshman, like many students, acknowledges the situation but does not think it is a problem.

“There’s a lot going on between about five and about ten,” Williams said. “It gets really busy, but only if you want to shoot or something.”

Others have yet to have their Dow use interrupted by athletic team practices.

“I’ve never really been here when its too busy,” said Nick Pendell, Ithaca freshman. “Normally I’ll be in the weight room, and that area is usually fine.”

Lusk, who played football while at Albion, echoed the sentiment of many other students. He said the increased time is not enough.

“There really should be one facility for the athletes and one facility for the students,” Lusk said. “The athletes take up too much time and its not really fair to other students.”

It remains to be seen how much more time students will have at the Dow come spring. Until then, students are likely to continue complaining, while athletic teams continue to need that space to bring the Britons on-field success.

Coachella is the largest music festival in the country drawing in 75,000 people over three days in the hot desert of Indio, California to listen to hundreds of top artists.

This year Coachella will take place for the first time over two weekends instead of the usual one, meaning instead of selling the standard 75,000 tickets for the weekend the festival has now sold out150,000 tickets total for both weekends.

The weekends are April 13 to the 15 and the 20 to the 22. General admission passes, the most common tickets bought for the festival were sold for $285 per weekend, with general admission passes plus a bus shuttle pass for $335, and V.I.P. tickets which allow access to extra restrooms, shade and comfort zones for $665.

With this being the first time Coachella is done over two weekends it’s interesting that it sold out faster than any other year. Weekend One sold out within two hours and Weekend Two within the next hour.

The headliners this year (all bands signed will play for both weekends) are The Black Keys, Radiohead, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg while other acts include Bon Iver, The Shins, Justice and Florence and the Machine along with 140 others. This year’s lineup has been cited as one of the worst lineups in recent years, but with Coachella taking place two weekends this year and therefore selling twice as many tickets, why did it sell out so fast?

As paradoxical as it may seem, the underground music that makes up a large portion of Coachella’s lineup is becoming more and more mainstream.

When Arcade Fire won the Album of the Year Grammy for “The Suburbs” it was met with criticism by a large part of the population coupled with, “OMG who is The Arcade Fire?!?!” The other much smaller portion was crying tears of joy and had their faith restored in humanity for having their music finally be recognized by such a well known organization. Kanye West tweeted that night, “#Arcade fire!!!!!!!!!! There is hope!!! I feel like we all won when something like this happens! FUCKING AWESOME!”

Suddenly “The Suburbs” was played all over the radio and other bands similar to Arcade Fire got more attention.

Indie music has also played a larger role in film. Movies like Juno, (500) Days of Summer and Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist have not only had indie music in their soundtrack but actually makes the movie part of the plot and therefore puts greater emphasis on the music itself.

Not only this, but people who have gone to Coachella usually make it a habit. So now we have people going who have gone before and new people coming who have just become old enough to make the trek.

Unfortunately, it seems that eventually it will come to the point that Coachella will sell out within minutes of tickets going on sale.

Coachella 2012 Lineup

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia