CONTENT: APRIL 29, 2015 From The Editors n the industry of journalism, the debasing which took the first runner-up spot, is con- of information currency is both danger- tinually heralded as a city on the rise, one to Features Ious and unethical. According to its pre- which other cities should look for inspira- amble, the Society of Professional Journal- tion and motivation. 12 — The Truth About Our Trash ists believes “that public enlightenment is “In this view,” write the paper’s authors, the forerunner of justice and the foundation Edward L. Glaeser, Joshua D. Gottlieb, and An environmentalist searches for answers to of democracy,” and that “ethical journalism Oren Ziv, “humans are quite understandably questions about Erie’s trash collection system. strives to ensure the free exchange of infor- willing to sacrifice both happiness and life mation that is accurate, fair, and thorough.” satisfaction if the price is right,” ultimately Editors-in-Chief: 30 — Neighbors Helping Neighbors To uphold this mission, SPJ identifies “four concluding that “the desires for happiness Brian Graham & Adam Welsh principles as the foundation of ethical jour- and life satisfaction do not uniquely drive Erie’s Homeless Find Help and Managing Editor: nalism and encourages their use in its prac- human ambitions.” Ben Speggen Hope at Our Neighbor’s Place tice by all people in all media.” These four Humans, in other words, are complex, Contributing Editor: principles — to seek truth and report it; to complicated beings that weigh more than a Jim Wertz minimize harm; to act independently; and single factor when deciding where to live — Arts & Culture Editor: to be accountable and transparent — serves which explains why mass exoduses of New Alex Bieler as the guide to drive good, fair, responsible York, Pittsburgh, and yes, even Erie, weren’t reporting, with the further understanding witnessed after the publishing of this study. Contributors: News & Opinion Lisa Austin, Civitas that journalists should take seriously the re- So to briefly report nine months after the Mary Birdsong 4 — Evaluating Wolf’s Budget sponsibility that comes with the relationship fact that Erie is unhappy according to a study Katie Chriest their respective media platform provides — without a frame of reference or examina- Pen Ealain Will legislature follow the Governor’s bold lead? them because they are in the business of en- tion of the entire research — isn’t thorough Rick Filippi suring our information currency hasn’t been reporting and isn’t an accurate portrayal of Eric Kisner 4 — Erie At-Large bankrupted. the authors’ purpose and conclusion. James R. LeCorchick On April 17, the Erie Times-News published “Individuals make trade-offs among com- John Lindvay Douglas Mark Hughes delivered 535 letters Jim Martin’s “Survey says Erie is an unhap- peting objectives, including but not limited Lili Morton to congress, and they’re worth noting. Bob Protzman py place.” At best, the headline is an incom- to happiness,” the authors add. “If we choose Dan Schank plete truth narrowed by the confines of print only that which maximized our happiness, Jess Scutella 7 — Street Corner Soapbox space available that should be completed in then individuals would presumably move to Tommy Shannon the body of the story; at worst, it’s lazy click- happier places until the point where rising Ryan Smith Everything is changing, everything is the same. bait, content designed to entice readers into rents and congestion eliminated the joys of Jay Stevens reading a story without much substance or that locale.” Rebecca Styn 8 — News of the Weird thought for the sake of racking up an eyeball The fact is: The majority of Americans ar- Sara Toth count. en’t scouring the Top 10 Happiest Cities list Bryan Toy Jim Wertz 8 — Just Toying Witcha Unfortunately, that 336-word story failed to and, deciding to relocate to those places provide any clearer context or understand- based solely on its findings. And even if they Cover Design: The 100% Effective Method! Leah Yungwirth ing of the survey. did, the happiness factor would be dimin- The 65-page paper, titled “Unhappy Cities,” ished based on — amongst many things — Photographers: — issued in July 2014 by the National Bureau of a swelling population stressing those cities’ Ryan Smith 11 Country Fair Celebrate 50th Brad Triana Anniversary Economic Research housed in Cambridge, infrastructure. Mass., does — as its title suggested it would We’re not alone in our concern regarding Designers: Erie’s favorite, homegrown convenience do — identify the “unhappiest cities in the “Study says Erie among most unhappy re- Liz Venuto Leah Yungwirth store hits a milestone. U.S.,” providing top-10 lists for happiest and gions.” “The editorial staff at this newspaper unhappiest cities and regions, but it also re- seems to relish in writing negative, defeatist, Interns: veals that “young people are still willing to and demoralizing ‘news articles,’ about our Michael Iverson — relocate to them for a good job opportunity region all too frequently,” write David and Zach Knight 34 ER Sports or lower housing prices,” further suggesting Carol Hutzel in an April 25 letter to the editor Candice Martone Women’s World Christopher Sexauer that “people may be deciding to trade happi- in the ETN. “We challenge anyone to serious- ness for other gains.” ly look into this ‘study’ to find a credible, val- 1001 State St. Suite 901 In short, people choose to live in a city not id, and thorough investigation.” Erie, Pa., 16501 solely based on their self-described happi- On July 31, 2014, admitting he was “late to [email protected] ness. game” to discuss the paper published earlier The Erie Reader is the local voice for Arts & Culture Instead of analyzing the study — which can that month, Managing Editor Ben Speggen news, arts, and culture, and is Erie’s only be purchased on the NBER’s website, and is wrote about this study, noting that those dis- independent, alternative newspaper. Founded in 2011, the Reader has quickly 18 — Calendar free to journalists upon request and proof cussing it at that time were losing sight of become the region’s award-winning source of employment — Martin briefly concludes the overall finding that happiness isn’t the for arts coverage, a strong cultural compass, and a dynamic resource for news and 28 — Music Reviews that “according to one of the study’s authors, lone deciding factor in a city’s vitality and opinion. With a dedication to long-form ‘Our research indicates people care about progress. journalism and a commitment to provoking thoughtful discussion, the Reader tells the 32 — Geeked Out more than happiness alone.’” Just as stories must be read beyond their stories of the people and places making and shaping Erie, while highlighting the events The abstract to the study reports that one headlines, so must studies. Although these and issues influencing life in northwestern Netflix Debuts Marvel’s Daredevil. interpretation of the data is that individuals 973 words may fall short of capturing the Pennsylvania. The Erie Reader is published every other week at The Corry Journal, 28 W. “willingly endure less happiness in exchange breadth of “Unhappy Cities,” we hope for the South St., Corry, Pa. 16407. The Erie Reader for higher incomes or lower housing costs,” sake of David and Carol — along with anyone is distributed at over 250 high foot-traffic locations in Pennsylvania from North East to meaning happiness isn’t the only nail upon else unnerved by the base presentation that Girard to Edinboro. In addition to appearing which we hang our hat in our hometown. Erie is an unhappy place without established in print, Erie Reader adds new content daily at ErieReader.com as well social media sites. For proof, one needn’t look further than the and explained criteria — we’ve shed some All rights reserved. All content © Flagship most unhappy metropolitan area with great- light on Glaeser, Gottlieb, and Ziv’s contri- Multimedia, Inc, 1001 State St., Suite 901, Erie, Pa, 16501. No part of this publication er than 1 million residents: New York City. bution to the NBER’s working paper series. may be reproduced without permission. The It’s safe to assume that New Yorkers aren’t For anyone seeking a fuller discussion of opinions of our columnists and contributors are their own and do not always reflect fleeing simply because a study finds it to be the study or a chance to read it in its entire- that of the editorial board or organization. the most unhappy large city in the United ty, please contact our offices at Contact@ Direct inquiries to 814.314.9364 or contact@ ErieReader.com. States in which to live. Likewise, Pittsburgh, ErieReader.com or 814.314.9364. April 29, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3 NEWS & OPINION

to fund our schools. Up until this age the devil is in the details may pressed to my office that this Evaluating administration, there was not ring true for some and does for budget proposal is rooted in the political will to tackle prop- the many that have contacted common sense. We’ve got to look Wolf’s Budget erty tax reform, but we now find my office to voice their opinion at this outside of a four-year win- ourselves at the proverbial table about the increase in personal dow, and we’ve got to have the Will legislature follow the talking about an alternative way income tax as well as the pro- political will to fully vet tough Governor’s bold lead? to fund our schools. posed changes to the sales and issues. The General Assembly, According to the numbers from use tax. Many assume the Gener- both the Senate and the House, By: Senator Sean D. Wiley the Administration, the proposal al Assembly plans to balance the are now charged with hammer- TOM WOLF WOLF TOM will result in $3.8 billion worth of budget on the backs of smokers, ing out the details of what will s the Pennsylvania bud- Gov. Tom Wolf delivered his property tax relief where an aver- but others don’t buy the rhetoric become the final Commonwealth get deadline of June 30 budget address March 3. age family will see a net tax cut that this is the most comprehen- budget. Agrows closer, there is of approximately 13 percent. A sive tax increase in the history of To quote one of the simplest, yet much to discuss. Gov. Tom Wolf, family of four that owns a home the Commonwealth. the most profound statements in in his inaugural budget address his March 5 article, asked a very making less than $36,000 each What is encouraging to me is history, “If you want something on March 3, proposed a bold important question: Will the leg- year will see a 70 percent reduc- that this budget proposal is not you’ve never had, you must be plan, one that strives to drive this islature follow the bold lead? Great tion in their tax liability and the full of one-time transfers and willing to do something you’ve Commonwealth forward toward question. I’d like to think that we City of Erie School District will budget tricks that will result in never done.” I feel it is time to fo- financial solvency. will, as it is well past time in my see a 124 percent reduction in this Commonwealth being in the cus on the latter. Wolf laid out a three-pronged opinion. school property tax. same or worse position as we approach: Jobs That Pay, Schools There are some big changes pro- All of this appears to be mov- aim to craft a budget for the next Senator Sean D. Wiley can be That Teach, and a Government posed in the governor’s spending ing in the right direction, but fiscal year. contacted at SenatorWiley@ That Works. Simple enough. plan, most notably, a shift away the proposed shift doesn’t come Although there is much yet to PaSenate.com, and you can follow Reader columnist Jim Wertz, in from a reliance on property tax without criticism. The old ad- be determined, many have ex- him on Twitter @SenatorWiley.

Erie At-Large was certain that the national media would made 95 percent of its contributions to Re- have to meet eligibility requirements in or- not, and the majority of Americans still fa- publican candidates in 2014, and the PNC der to receive public funds that come from Douglas Mark Hughes delivered vor their local media over national media Financial Services PAC, which made 72 taxpayers. Presumably taxpayers then be- 535 letters to congress, and outlets for daily news and information. percent of its contributions to Republican come engaged voters. they’re worth noting. As political coverage of 2016 scales to an candidates – are located within PA-3, the Option 2: Full and immediate disclosure. early breaking point, campaign finance re- district that Kelly represents. The other 30 This would bring Washington and eventu- By: Jim Wertz form remains off the radar despite the on- PACs are located across the United States ally local municipalities into the 21st Cen- going prognostication that Hillary Clinton from the Capital beltway to California, and tury by giving voters real-time campaign hen Douglas Mark Hughes land- will likely spend $2.5 billion in what many include names like the Raytheon Company, finance information rather than making ed his gyrocopter on the lawn of see as a final attempt to recycle her 1600 Chesapeake Energy, and Koch Industries. interested parties wait for reporting peri- Wthe U.S. Capitol in Washington, Pennsylvania Ave. address labels. But as By accepting their money, Kelly did noth- ods to end in order to access financial data D.C., the 61-year old postal worker from problematic as it is to allow such gratuitous ing wrong – and that’s the problem. PA-3 is from campaign committees. Florida, intent on delivering to Congress spending in pursuit of the Oval Office, the Option 3: Government matching of small 535 two-page letters written by voters, had concern of Hughes lay with the wholesale dollar donors. This gives preference to mi- two objectives. The first, to carry out an act purchase of votes in the legislative branch cro donations from individual donors to of civil disobedience that would spark a and the effect of such activity on the con- PA-3 is being unduly allow grassroots campaigns to compete, if national dialogue about campaign finance stituents that federal representatives sup- influenced by constituents who only marginally, with campaigns funded reform among voters rather than special posedly serve. have very little abiding interest with corporate contributions. interest groups and politicians who benefit During the course of the 2014-midterm Option 4: Compulsory voting. It wouldn’t from the current system. Second, he called elections, more than $2 million was spent in the region. They look either have sat well with the Founders and it for members of Congress to take a stand in the race for Pennsylvania’s third con- to exploit the natural resources doesn’t sit well with much of the electorate, for campaign finance reform in the 2016 gressional district. Democratic challenger of the region or they want to but it remains an option for increasing vot- election cycle. “As a member of Congress, Dan LaVallee spent $408,903, a respect- er turnout. The concern with compulsory you have three options,” Hughes wrote in able sum for a political neophyte, while the influence Kelly’s vote on the voting is that once you compel the elector- one of the letters he carried, “1. You may incumbent, Republican Mike Kelly, spent House floor. ate to turn out, you need a regulatory sys- pretend corruption does not exist. 2. You $1,648,321 to retain his seat. More than tem that keeps candidates from compel- may pretend to oppose corruption while $1 million of Kelly’s war chest came from ling voters to make compulsory decisions. you sabotage reform. 3. You may actively political action committee (PAC) money, The message that Doug Hughes ultimate- participate in real reform.” according to campaign committee filings being unduly influenced by constituents ly hoped to deliver to both Congress and As an astute contrarian, Hughes recog- with the Federal Election Commission. La- who have very little abiding interest in the the American people from his gyrocopter nized the national media would not carry Valle received $65,250 in PAC money. region. They look either to exploit the nat- was that there is a choice between the es- his torch. “The mainstream media (not the Dan LaVallee received contributions from ural resources of the region or they want to tablishment process for funding elections local media) is making a financial killing 37 PACs, all of which were located in his influence Kelly’s vote on the House floor. that has drowned out the voice of the indi- with mega-elections. It’s up to us,” Hughes congressional district or represented labor Here’s the bad news: None of that is going vidual voter and campaign finance reforms wrote on his blog, thedemocracyclub.org. unions operating within the district. Nine to change unless voters demand it by vot- – like those listed above – that will bring Indeed, if you followed the coverage of PACs gave the maximum $5,000, while ing against PAC money candidates in fed- agency and opportunity to voters as well as the most famous manned flight since the the other 28 PACs gave between $50 and eral elections. candidates for public office. All that’s left is Wright Brothers left Kitty Hawk, N.C., you $3000. That said, had LaVallee unseated The campaign to end Citizens United, the for an otherwise apathetic electorate to do know that the conversation about the flight Kelly it is likely that his war chest would U.S. Supreme Court decision that effective- something even more radical than landing was quickly framed as an assault on Cap- also be filled with PAC money from outside ly opened the floodgates for private donors a gyrocopter on the Capitol lawn. They sim- itol security rather than an evaluation of the district. Whether we like it or not, that to anonymously fund political campaigns, ply need to vote. motives behind Doug Hughes’s special de- is, at present, how the game is played. has proposed four possible alternatives to livery. Hughes hoped that the local media Of the 32 PACs that made the maximum the current system of campaign financing. Jim Wertz can be reached at jWertz@ would take up the cause of educating vot- contribution of $5,000 to the Kelly cam- Option 1: Public financing of campaigns. ErieReader.com, and you can follow ers on campaign finance reform because he paign, only two – the II-VI, Inc PAC, which This broadly means that candidates would him on Twitter @jim_wertz.

4 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 29, 2015 April 29, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 6 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 29, 2015 NEWS & OPINION

dents’ Dinner. And an earthquake. And Hil- and they’re published, what are the odds Street Corner Soapbox lary Clinton is planning to raise and spend another unarmed black man is shot by po- $2.5 billion for her presidential run, which lice? Everything is changing, everything is the same. is more than twice what Barack Obama Did anyone else read the Department of spent in 2012, and which sounds like a lot, Justice report from Ferguson, Missouri? It until you consider the Koch brothers alone told the story of a racially biased police force are budgeting $889 million in presidential and municipal court system working hand- campaign donations. Meanwhile, Time runs in-hand by harassing, charging, and fining a piece on Hillary Clinton and menopause. the city’s African-American population. It And Bruce Jenner is a transgender woman. sounds similar to, say, a 2002 Mercyhurst We’re frozen. We’re caught in some weird University report that said Erie’s minority space-time continuum shift where nothing drivers and pedestrians are more likely to be changes, everything is the same. stopped and searched than the city’s white Wait! Isn’t that another Erie study? This citizens. And how many of Erie’s 170-plus is Kathy Dahlkemper’s brainchild, a study police force are African-American? Two? on whether an intermodal rail terminal is Four? needed for the area. A double-whammy, Harassment takes many guises. In Fer- right? A study on an idea that’s already left guson, a white-run law enforcement sys- the station. (Ba-da-BUM!) The intermod- tem judged a black community to lack the al part of the rail terminal went ka-blooey same basic values and respect for the law along with John Elliott’s inland port proj- as its white community, and acted on that ect, when a few hardy citizens complained assumption by stopping, searching, and ar- about traffic. resting African-Americans for petty crimes But what the hell, studies are what Erie they more often let whites walk away from. does best. So let’s drop $100,000 on the rail The result? A community torn apart by

VELO_CITY terminal study. criminal records and perceived lawless- Has anyone commissioned a study on the ness. Police clash with protesters in feasibility of Erie becoming the study cap- Now that’s worth a study. By: Jay Stevens ital of the nation? We could study other To get us off this treadmill, to get us un- Ferguson, Missouri. people’s futures for them, write glowing re- glued, unfrozen, to get us moving. mean, doesn’t it feel like we’re trapped on ports on how their futures are brighter than some kind of weird, in-between-events, one’s saying how he suffered three fractured Youngstown’s or Albany’s or Reading’s. Jay Stevens can be contacted at Jay@ Isame-old same-old treadmill lately? Like vertebrae or a crushed voice box during his It’s worth a study, right? ErieReader.com, and you can follow there’s crazy important events going on all trip to the police station. And between the time I write these words him on Twitter @Snevets_Yaj. the time – only we’ve seen ‘em all before, No one probably ever will. and nothing’s really changing, just kind of And Gray’s death is nothing compared to hovering there, ready to drop on our heads? the contents of a recent Baltimore Sun re- Baltimore police clashed with protesters port on the $5.7 million in settlements paid the other day. Some protesters got out of to Baltimore residents for their treatment at hand, stomped on police cars, broke win- the hands of police. dows, threw rocks and bottles at police. Fox An 87-year-old woman was called a “bitch” News reports “dozens” are arrested; Reu- by a white police officer, who threw her ters, twelve. The clashes wandered over to against a wall, forcibly handcuffed her, and Camden Yards, where baseball fans weren’t shoved her face down on a couch, break- allowed to leave the stadium. Images from ing her shoulder – for protesting the treat- the action are pretty graphic. A man throws ment of her grandson, who had been shot. a chair through a window. Police huddle A young pregnant woman was grabbed around a protester and beat him. around the neck, slammed to the ground, Reactions are predictable. And here’s some and kneed to the back – for urging the police advice: don’t read the comments at Breitba- to stop harassing victims of a recent assault, rt.com. That kind of poison doesn’t wash but to go after the attackers. away easy. One-hundred and two settlements since The most predictable thing was how the 2011. A litany of broken bones and injuries national news covered the riot. Or didn’t and even deaths that resulted in no pros- cover the riot. CNN refused to break from ecution of Baltimore police, even as civil its coverage of the White House Correspon- courts found authorities liable for millions dents’ Dinner – or the “nerd prom” – while in damages. cops and protesters fought less than 60 Apparently the only way a police officer miles away. will face any charges for killing suspects, Personally, I’m finding it difficult to muster bystanders, or random people is if the any outrage over a couple of busted cop cars whole thing’s caught on camera. Like when and store windows. 50-year-old Walter Scott was shot by Mi- It’s nothing compared to what happened chael Slager, a South Carolina police officer. to Freddy Gray, whose death at the hands Over a traffic violation. Slager’s facing mur- of the Baltimore police sparked the protests der charges thanks to video showing Scott and riot. lumbering across an empty lot and Slager Picked up by police for nothing more than coolly shooting him in the back eight times making eye contact with police and run- – then planting a taser next to the body. ning, Gray died of spinal injuries he suf- Without the video, it’s just a case of anoth- fered while in police custody. Video of his er black man trying to wrestle a taser from a arrest show him being dragged off by police police officer. in pain – he apparently hurt his leg – but no But there’s a White House Correspon-

April 29, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 7 NEWS & OPINION

ety and other disorders, and for Readers' Choice News of the Weird speakers who might be distract- ed by the din of approval. [BBC o charges were filed in the By: Chuck Shepherd News, 3-24-2015] NApril incident in Lee County, Georgia, even though a 74-year- World's Worst Sculptor be reduced to only attempted ramp. Furthermore, disabled ac- People Different From Us old woman was shot by her son- larceny. Yes, he was caught fon- tivists in attendance told the Aus- enezuelan women's well- in-law. Deputies accepted the t seemed like a good idea when dling the male purebred pit bull, tralian Broadcasting Corp. that Vknown obsession with bodily explanation that Larry McElroy Ithe town of Celoron, New York, but he had no sexual motivation, the "disabled" section's table was beauty usually focuses on face, shot at an armadillo with his 9mm agreed in 2009 to pay for a bronze his lawyer explained. Actually, he at the back of the room, the food breasts and buttocks, and model handgun, killing it, but that the statue honoring the village's only said a friend of Silva's owned a fe- tables were elevated to accommo- Aleira Avendano has certainly bullet ricocheted, traveled about celebrity. Lucille Ball had spent male pit bull and Silva had asked date standers, and one accessible had those surgeries. However, 100 yards, first off of a fence and her childhood years there, and the male's owner if the two dogs toilet was being used as storage Avendano's signature feature is then through the woman's mobile even today, everyone "Loves could mate, but when the owner space. [Australian Broadcasting her 20-inch waist, which she says home, hitting her in the back. She Lucy." The result was apparently declined, Silva said he was simply Corp. News, 3-26-2015] has been maintained by wearing was not seriously hurt. (2) Robert a monstrosity, described in news trying to collect the sperm him- an absurdly tight corset for 23 Abercrombie became the most reports as "frightening" and un- self. Judge Jennifer Stark was un- Bright Ideas hours a day for the past six years. recent practitioner of DIY tooth recognizable by anyone who has moved and set the case for trial. erman high school student "I wash myself and rest for an extraction when he yanked out a ever watched Lucy's TV shows [Metrowest Daily News (Framing- GSimon Schrader, 17, prepar- hour, and then I put it on again. front tooth of his 8-year-old son, or movies. The original sculptor ham), 4-10-2015] ing for the all-important "Abitur" At first, it was terrible, then I got Jason, by tying the tooth to his first suggested a fee of $8,000 to advanced-level tests to identify used to it, and (it) became a neces- Camaro and driving away. Jason $10,000 to make a better one, but Leading Economic top-performing students, filed sity." [Medical Daily, 3-30-2015] was perfectly cool with the stunt, after Mayor Scott Schrecengost Indicators a formal request in April, under which was captured on video and started a fundraising campaign, North Rhine-Westphalia state's Compelling Explanations posted on the Internet. "It came the sculptor offered to make n additional fallout from the generous freedom of informa- alifornia Law: A jury in out!" Jason is seen shouting joy- another one for free. [CNN, 4-7- Ibudget cuts and personnel re- tion law, for an advance copy CAtascadero, California, hav- ously (and bloodily) into the cam- 2015] ductions at the IRS, the supervi- of the test. "I just wanted to see ing already convicted Mark An- era. [WALB-TV (Albany, Ga.), 3-14- sory revenue official for the Dal- what they would say," he said. (He drews, 51, of murder, concluded 2015] [WTVT (Tampa), 4-1-2015] Wait, What? las region disclosed in April that filed a little late, in that the state's in March that he was legally sane ough Love: A Catholic priest his office had so few collectors deadline for responding came at the time he shot his neighbor Recurring Themes T(unnamed in news reports) that it would pursue only scoff- after most of the testing.) [The to death even though he claimed oo Much Information: The in Taranto, Italy, was removed laws who owe the government Guardian (London), 4-9-2015] she was a vampire and that he Tmost recent fatwa, announced recently after reports that, while at least $1 million. "I have to say," himself had been, for 20 years, a in April by the Directorate of Re- attempting to minister to an un- the supervisor told a reporter, aising Our Most Delicate Gen- werewolf. (A month later, a judge ligious Affairs in Turkey, declared employed laborer, he arranged "nobody's ever going to knock Reration: In preparation for in San Francisco acquitted Santi- that "toilet paper" is now accept- for online role-playing in which on (the) door" of anyone who the National Union of Students no Aviles, 41, of robbery and oth- able for pious Muslims. The direc- the man was Judas and the priest owes from $100,000 to $999,999. Women's Conference in Solihull, er felony charges after he claimed torate had previously decreed that dispatched him to gay orgies to [Washington Post, 4-8-2015] England, in March some attend- that the apartment he broke into only water could be used for such be punished (for betraying Jesus) ees requested that clapping for was a spaceship that would take cleaning (or, if none was available, by members of the Vatican secu- Unclear on the Concept any of the speakers be discour- him to safety before the immi- the left hand). (Toilet etiquette, rity force. [Daily Mail (London), t Australia's sixth annual aged, but that approval from the nent explosion of the Earth. called "Qadaa al-Haajah," which 4-8-2015] ANational Disability Sum- audience be expressed by "jazz His lawyer called his condition obviously predates the invention mit in Melbourne in March, all hands" -- open hands, palm di- a "meth-fueled psychosis," and of the actual "toilet," requires en- aulo Silva, 51, facing bestial- of the speakers except one were rected to the stage, and the fin- he was convicted only of misde- trance by the left foot, exit by the Pity charges in April in Fram- able-bodied. That person, in a gers extended wildly. Using "jazz meanors.) [KEYT-TV (Santa Bar- right, a post-ablution prayer and, ingham (Massachusetts) District wheelchair, had to be lifted up to hands" would show compassion bara), 3-10-2015] [KPIX-TV (San most challengingly, "no reading.") Court, insisted that the charges the stage because there was no for attendees who have anxi- Francisco, 4-9-2015] [Jerusalem Post, 4-9-2015]

JUST TOYIN’ WITCHA - BY: B. TOY

8 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 29, 2015 April 29, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 10 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 29, 2015 BUSINESS

venient locations, it’s more than just a Country Fair Celebrates 50th Anniversary Northwest Pennsylvania business. Starting with McGarvey, Country Fair Erie’s favorite, homegrown convenience store hits a milestone. has a history of contributing to the community, whether it’s supporting With 71 locations Little League teams, providing money in Northwestern so that students could continue to vis- Pennsylvania, it the Flagship Niagara after the state cut some of its funding, or raising $1.2 Western New million for the Muscular Dystrophy York, and Eastern Association. Even the company’s 50th Ohio, Country Anniversary will benefit the commu- Fair is more nity, as Country Fair will raffle off a ’65 than just a gas Ford Mustang at the Bayfront Conven- station. tion Center, with proceeds going to- ward The United Way of Erie County’s who joined Country Imagination Library. Then there’s the Fair in 2002 and has roughly 1,200 people that the company been involved with employs, as well. United Refining for “In the McGarvey tradition, we’ve al- 29 years. “We have ways believed in our mission, which is an infrastructure to provide a pleasant shopping expe- here. We have 40 stores in Erie County, so we’re based here and remain here The chain sold from an accounting standpoint, from a roughly three million buying standpoint, and from an opera- breakfast sandwiches, tions standpoint as five million cups opposed to central- izing in some corpo-

BRAD TRIANA of coffee, and, rate area.” So, even after be- appropriate given By: Alex Bieler vices. Roughly 20 years after the first ing bought by Catsimatidis and Unit- the company’s roots, location opened, gasoline was brought ed Refining, Country Fair continued ountry Fair can represent a lot of into the fold, marking the first of some to build momentum from its base in one million gallons of different things for a lot of dif- very big changes for the local company. Erie. Now the company has 71 different milk last year. Cferent people. For many, it’s a gas “I met Ray about that period of time,” convenience stores located throughout station, a place where you can fill up says Country Fair Vice President of Re- Northwestern Pennsylvania, Western your car to help you get where you need tail Marketing Paul Rankin, who was New York, and Eastern Ohio, serving an to go. Others make Country Fair a part with United Refining Company at the estimated 40 million customers each of their pre-work ritual, picking up a time. “Subway was trying to come into year. Food service is a growing part of rience for every customer every time, Roasters Cup and a breakfast sandwich the market, and I was down in Florida the business, just like how McGarvey and we believe a part of that is being before hitting the office. and ran into him at a Subway meeting. thought it would be back when Rankin involved in the community and what Then there are the Erieites who know He told me at that time that he didn’t met him at that Subway meeting. we can do for it,” Rankin says. it as the establishment that models its want the deal but he thought he could According to Rankin, the chain sold There are still challenges, but Coun- store exteriors after red barns. come up with a better product and roughly three million breakfast sand- try Fair is continuing to evolve along After beginning operations in 1965, bring better food to the market and do wiches, five million cups of coffee, with the times. The company is close to Country Fair is all of these things, but his own brand. That became the Coun- and, appropriate given the company’s having a mobile app that will provide more importantly, it’s a longtime local try Fair mission, to buy larger lots and roots, one million gallons of milk last specials at the gas pump and inside staple, and on April 30, the iconic Erie develop larger stores to bring food into year. The company has also strived to the store. In the next month, Country company will celebrate its 50th an- those programs to make it viable.” offer the best in drink selection, with Fair will start experimenting with TVs niversary at the Bayfront Convention As Country Fair got bigger, so did its updated stores containing upwards of at the pump showing CNN or weather Center from 7 to 9 p.m. affiliations. The company was eventu- 22 coolers of soft drinks and any other reports, making what could be a te- While gas is a major part of Country ally purchased by United Refining in cold beverage you’d like to snag during dious task more enjoyable. Rankin and Fair’s business, it wasn’t always that 2001, a move that is often a sign that a stop at your local barn. Of course, the rest of the company recognize that way. In fact, the first major fluid that the smaller-market franchise would with all of the services Country Fair of- it needs to attract a younger audience, Country Fair provided was meant to be forced to merge with its new parent fers, Rankin knows that the company the type that are active on social media fuel a person, not a car, as the compa- corporation or move its headquarters has a lot of rival businesses to plan for. and refer to the chain as “CoFair.” ny was born to serve as a milk store for to a place like New York City. However, “It’s been staggering the competition In such a competitive market, the Meadowbrook Dairy. After realizing United Refining Owner John Catsima- that comes on all fronts against us,” the company is working hard to be a conve- that milk deliveries were slowly be- tidis, a Greek immigrant who worked vice president says. “We try to have val- nience chain that truly makes the shop- coming outdated, Ray McGarvey and his way up in the business world, made ue in our product, but we’re probably ping experience convenient. Country his family started the first Country Fair a commitment to keep Country Fair’s realizing that for us to remain viable, Fair has evolved over the years, but it to allow Erieites back in the ‘60s to buy history and legacy in The Flagship City. we have to not only have value but val- has always been a big player in the Erie fresh milk from the store. “We believe there’s a benefit of hav- ues.” community. From there, McGarvey began to ac- ing the people who run the company Rankin stresses that a big reason why quire convenience stores and grocers and oversee things be based in that Erie and the surrounding areas remain Alex Bieler can be contacted at aBieler@ to add to Country Fair’s product line, area as opposed to having a corporate loyal to Country Fair is that in addition ErieReader.com, and you can follow quickly expanding the business’ ser- thing a long ways away,” says Rankin, to providing quality products at con- him on Twitter @Catch20Q.

April 29, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 11 12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 29, 2015 FEATURE The Truth About Our Trash An environmentalist searches for answers to questions about Erie’s trash collection system.

Bales of aluminum (pictured left) packed and sorted for shipping.

out from everything else. Maybe they didn’t want to bother with sending a truck to my neighborhood for a couple of bags?” she asked. Volunteer C, in the southwest part of the city had nothing bad to report, either, in the three weeks he watched. The crew did its job as it was supposed to. Volunteer D, however, had a mixed bag of results. She watched for four weeks, and for two of the weeks, crews picked up every- thing correctly. Not so the other two weeks. On one night, the workers took a trash bag along with the recycling, even though it was far away from the recycling pile. “In fact,” she says, “the guy tried to pick up a larger dark trash bag, too, but it slipped out of his hand, so he just left it. He would have tak- en both if he could have hung onto it.” On the second problematic night, they took all of her trash and all of the recycling togeth- er, and she watched from her front window as the crew moved down the street, picking up the recycling and taking some garbage bags, too, seemingly randomly. She took video of it. One person who was willing to go on the MARY BIRDSONG MARY record was Amy Jo Smith-Zola, executive di- rector of Environment Erie. “We have seen By: Mary Birdsong volunteered based on past observations, trash and recycling go in the same truck, telling of watching a crew pick up white and have seen the crews choose randomly verybody wants us to pick it up. duce lots of it. Food, paper, plastic, metal, bags heavy with cat litter along with the what goes and what doesn’t. My husband Nobody wants us to put it down.” soiled diapers, cat litter, dog waste — offi- recycling, despite the fact that it had been called about the problem three times and “EThis, according to Rich Carniews- cially called municipal solid waste — has to placed near her trash can and away from never received a call back.” ki, senior district manager for Waste Man- go somewhere. In the City of Erie and sur- the recycling pile. She also tells of watching Doug Mitchell, Director of the Erie Depart- agement, is the First Law of Garbage to those rounding municipalities, that means either the recycling crew paw through her trash ment of Public Works, and Sarah Galloway, in the solid waste business. He tells me this the Lake View Landfill or a material recov- can and take bags from it after she deliber- Recycling Coordinator for the city, don’t as we sit in his truck in front of the gaping ery facility, or MRF (say it like smurf without ately started putting the trash in a can to try like to hear about mistakes being made or maw of the four-story shed at the recycling the ‘s’). to make it more distinct from the recycling phone calls not returned. They encourage transfer station on Erie’s west side. The City of Erie has an extra layer of com- pile. “Why would they think a heavy white all Erieites to pick up the phone and call It’s not a pretty place, but what he’s telling plexity since it operates its own waste dis- bag on another pile is part of my recycling?” 870.1450 and report a problem if observed. me is true. We all want our trash to magical- posal pick-up system instead of contracting she asks. “The city designates a system, we They promised that the department will re- ly disappear to some place out of sight. We it out to a commercial firm. And it’s in the follow it, and yet the crew seems to go out spond to phone calls and take action when don’t want to see it, hear about it, or smell city where issues are most complicated and of their way to take bags from what we have needed. “It’s in our best interest to make it, ever again. And, furthermore, we don’t voices the loudest when it comes to trash clearly designated as not recycling.” sure that everything that can be recycled want the landfill, transfer station, or recy- night. The system mentioned can be found in is,” says Galloway. “It saves the city and res- cling processing plants near our homes. Mention trash and recycling to a city resi- the City of Erie Recycling Guidelines. To idents money.” Period. dent and you may get an earful. “They take wit: trash goes in cans or bags that are not Seeing the problems may not be very easy Every year, Americans produce more trash everything all at once and put it in the same clear or blue, while recycling should be put to do, though. Crews come at night, when a than they did the year before. According truck;” “The city doesn’t really care if we re- in clear or blue bags. Then, the recycling good majority of us are asleep. to Environmental Protection Agency sta- cycle;” “It all goes to the landfill anyway.” should be placed on the curb “apart from Certainly, our experiment could be called tistics, 88.1 million tons of municipal solid Are any of these true? trash.” unscientific at best, and what Smith-Zola waste were produced in 1960, which is, per In an attempt to find out, Erie Reader con- In Volunteer A’s three weeks of observa- reports is anecdotal. Both are perhaps not capita, 2.68 pounds per person per day. By ducted a small experiment. We recruited tion for this article, she saw nothing amiss. widely representative of the entire city, but 2000, the per capita amount had jumped volunteers in four quadrants of the city The recycling was picked up and then, later, do suggest that problems exist and that citi- to 4.74 (1,730 pounds per year), with a total – northwest, southwest, northeast, and the trash, with no misdirected bags. zens might have some legitimate gripes. generation of 243.5 million tons. And while southeast – to watch their refuse pick up Volunteer B, in the northeast part of the Trash removal is a complex system, where the per capita poundage dipped to 4.38 in for three or four weeks. The volunteers had city, had similar past experiences and sto- lots of things can go wrong. Let’s take a look: 2012 — the last year for which figures are noticed irregularities and were upset about ries. The crew was on their best behavior nything that gets put into a trash truck available — the overall amount rose to 251 it, which is why they agreed to participate. during her three weeks of observation. “I’ve A(or is picked up from a commercial million tons. They did, however, wish to remain anony- had problems in the past, but I chalked it trash dumpster), whether it is a city truck or Despite our desire to create the illusion mous, with which the Erie Reader complied. up to being one of very few people in the one operated by Waste Management, goes of a trash-free and pristine world, we pro- Volunteer A in the northwest quadrant, neighborhood who separate their recycling directly to the landfill. Sorting out anything

April 29, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 13 You fought for our homes. We’ll fight for yours. Assistance for veterans & their families who are: homeless or at risk of homelessness

• Rental Assistance • Child Care Services • Auto Repair Assistance • Utility Assistance

For more information, please call: 1-855-431-3755

14 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 29, 2015 FEATURE that does not belong is impractical; it just aren’t the only problem, though. mid-twentieth century when everything locations that accept it, such as grocery gets dumped. Things that get picked up by We, the citizens of Erie, contribute to the went to the landfill but it seems the public stores. If massed together separately, plas- a recycling truck (or picked up in a com- problem by not doing what we are asked. may be a little slow on the uptake as to recy- tic of this variety can be recycled effectively mercial recycling dumpster) go to a Waste We co-mingle trash and recyclables; we cling as a concept, how to value a free public and economically. Management transfer station at 16th and place everything in one big heap on the service, and, well, maybe treating their pets But do Erieites have a choice? Do we have Raspberry streets, where items are loaded curb, making it genuinely hard to distin- with a little more respect. We have a long to waste money on plastic bags that end up into semi-trailers for a trip to a MRF, in ei- guish which is which; and, we don’t use the road ahead of us, still, and we may have to in the landfill just so we can be good citizens ther Akron or Pittsburgh. At those process- proper containers. face the fact that reaching for something and recycle? Maybe not. Rumors abound ing centers, the material is sorted by type, “One of the biggest mistakes people make “better” may require something that’s not that suggest if a citizen wants to, she can baled, and sold to companies that either is using the wrong bag,” says Mitchell. “easy” or “convenient.” Part of that could be buy any kind of large, blue hard-sided con- turn it directly into something else, or fur- They’ll use clear bags for garbage, put their taking a hard look at the plastic bags we are tainer, put her recycling in it, place it on the ther process it for sale to third parties. recycling in something other than a clear or required to use for recycling that ultimate- curb, and the recycling crew will accept it. This sounds very cut and dry, but it some- blue bag, or include something in either one ly get wasted as we try to do a better job of So I tried it. They took my recycling. I’m times isn’t; glitches abound at all levels of that should not be there. One big mistake dealing with our solid waste. Get wasted? a convert. Perhaps if everyone did this or the process. It is, after all, a human-driven lots of people make are putting contaminat- Yes. The bags we use to put our recyclables petitioned city hall to go to containers, we system, fraught with all the strengths and ed cardboard food containers, like greasy out do not get recycled, even though they could effect change (and reduce the amount weaknesses that implies. pizza boxes, in the recyclables. “The bureau are, technically, recyclable. During the ini- of plastic going to the landfill). If refuse gets in with the recycling, it goes chief regularly visits the transfer station to tial sort at the MRF, bags are emptied of to the transfer station, too. It gets trashed at watch for trash in the recycling.” In turn, their contents and put in a trashcan. the MRF during an initial sort. This wastes crews keep track of residents who do not Why? Because any kind of “film-type” time and money. So, how “clean” the recy- comply with the rules. “We don’t fine peo- plastic — grocery store, deli, or bread bags, cling material is when it arrives is of para- ple. We want to use positive reinforcement for example — jam the rolling screen ma- “We shouldn’t have mount importance to both Waste Manage- and education instead,” adds Galloway. chines used to sort materials. Workers have ment and the city. The good news is that the number of Erie- to clear the machines on each shift, which to buy plastic bags to How much gets into each system matters a ites who do recycle is up. Eighty percent of costs time, and of course, money. recycle our plastic. great deal to the city, which pays $48.25 per people who put out trash, separate their Why not use permanent hard-sided con- ton of anything going to the landfill. The garbage from recycling, according to Gallo- tainers for recycling instead of buying one- It would be great if material headed to recycling only costs the way. “We have pretty clean recyclables, too, time use bags? Toronto, a city of 2.79 million city $6.50 per ton. They are motivated to get but there is always room for improvement.” people does, as well as many other munici- everyone could use a as much to the recycling center as possible. According to what the department sees, the palities. Mitchell says they have looked into According to Mitchell, recycling saves the more affluent the neighborhood, the higher containers, but obstacles such as initial start container.” city approximately $200,000 a year in de- the rate of recycling. “People struggling to up costs, maintaining an inventory, climate, ferred landfill costs. Which is why the city pay the bills will use what they have and not and reduced efficiency (he says it takes lon- prints and distributes a recycling guide ev- buy extra bags to recycle,” says Galloway. ger to empty containers than pick up bags), ery year to encourage citizen participation. “We ask grocery stores to provide clear or keep the city from jumping in. And he adds, Erie’s recycling guide also states that we The guide thoroughly outlines what ma- blue bags, but they don’t always. People will “Many people are happy with bags.” can recycle all plastics that bear the re- terials can and cannot be recycled, how to take the cheapest route.” Some are not, though. Smith-Zola of En- cycling symbol and are numbered one correctly put your solid waste on the curb so They certainly will. Waste Management’s vironment Erie would love to see everyone through seven, with the exception of “plas- that crews know what to pick up, and when Carniewski tells a gruesome tale of how use containers for recycling. “We shouldn’t tic toys, furniture, or styrofoam.” to do it. a voluntary recycling dumpster had to be have to buy plastic bags to recycle our plas- This is, semantically, untrue. Styrofoam, So why are irregularities occurring? There removed from one county location. “We tic. It would be great if everyone could use a a trademarked name, is a specific type of are many reasons, but one big one is, in a always saw a lot of non-recyclables in it — container.” closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam. Like word, labor. people will take advantage of what seems Erika Young, Public Affairs Coordinator the trademarked Kleenex, though, it has As you may imagine, working on a city like a free place to dump anything — but we for Waste Management in Pittsburgh rec- become a generic term, used loosely. The trash crew would not be considered de- decided to pull it when we found a dead dog ommends that rather than putting any film- stryofoam in Erie’s Guide should really be sirable employment by many people. It’s in it.” type plastic that is marked as recyclable out called “foamed” plastic. Examples are meat a night shift job, worked outside in every We have come a long way since the on the curb, it should be taken to drop-off trays from the supermarket, foam plates kind of weather. One-third to one-half of all and cups, and foam-style take out contain- workers are considered “on-call” employ- ers. Most are No. 6 plastic. Another type of ees, meaning they make $8.50 an hour and No. 6 plastic, which is hard —CD cases for receive no benefits. Many are at the bottom one — can go on the curb to be recycled. of the employment ladder with no skills and Foamed No. 6 plastic is recyclable but re- are, in some cases, ex-cons trying for a fresh claiming and processing it is not economi- start. There is a lot of turnover. A high-turn- cally viable. “Most recycling collection facil- over rate leads to errors by new employees ities will not accept it, because it is too light and costs additional money for training and and fluffy,” says Galloway. “They would have supervision. to collect an entire warehouse full just to get “The crews are monitored regularly, and one ton.” we try to correct problems when they are The bottom line is that if this type of known,” says Galloway. “We had to let three foamed plastic goes in the recycling stream, or four people go at the end of last year it will end up in the landfill. The hard truth alone.” is that if a recycling company cannot make People’s perceptions are partially to blame, money on something, it does not reclaim it. too. Mitchell stated that, in the past, the re- here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly cycling crews would grab bags of garbage Tof the process so far. Now, after all the and take them to a central collecting point lucrative waste has been sorted and baled by such as the mouth of a cul-de-sac, as a favor type — at which point its name changes to to their trash co-workers. “People thought they were taking the trash. We ended that A single American produces, on custom to avoid the appearance of bad prac- average, 4.38 pounds of trash per day tices,” Mitchell says. MARY BIRDSONG MARY Unskilled crews and lingering memories BIRDSONG MARY each year.

April 29, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 15 FEATURE scrap material — what happens to it? Pictured: Plastic bags caught in a Young of Waste Management could not sorting machine. share which companies buy their scrap, but could describe the geographic destinations of what they sell. it, and an even greater desire to do more to According to Young, corrugated cardboard preserve this lovely earth we all share. is sold mostly in the domestic market, as is I invite you to join me. You may want to No. 1 and No. 2 plastics (the most valuable start with ditching one-time use plastic types). Also sold domestically are alumi- water bottles and buying a reusable water num, steel, and glass. Paper cartons, such bottle (I recommend stainless steel). If you as cereal boxes, go to tissue companies (no think bottled water is better for you, re- location offered). member some of the most popular brands Everything else — newspapers, mixed pa- such as Dasani and Aquafina, come from a per (office and junk mail), and mixed plas- municipal tap, with minimal filtering. You tics (No.3 through No. 5 and No. 7) — are ex- could up your game by procuring and uti- ported to China, Korea, Vietnam, and India. lizing reusable tote bags for your grocery

The going price for each type of scrap can BIRDSONG MARY and other shopping (or using the ones you determine its destination. acquired with good intentions and then “All recyclables are listed on a commodity forgot because they’re not “convenient”). If market, so their prices fluctuate daily,” says enough people stop expecting plastic bags Young. Aluminum is Waste Management’s at retailers, things will change. most coveted commodity, as it fetches the imports decreased by 5.5 percent. solid waste was plastic. In 2012, that num- You could also stop before purchasing highest price. It is also easily recyclable and Green Fence set off a tidal wave in the ma- ber rose to 27 percent. Incredibly, only nine products that are plastic-heavy, choosing can be used an infinite number of times, terial recovery industry, with both good and percent of that 32 million tons of plastic instead items that have less packaging or if recovered. “Aluminum can be turned bad results. Some Chinese manufacturers waste generated in 2012 was recovered for are made of renewable materials (canned or around quickly, and be back on the shelf in lost money from lack of raw materials and recycling. Improving our recycling rates, es- glass beverages rather than those that come as little as 60 days as a new can,” says Young. MRFs around the world that were being pecially our plastic recovery, will keep those in plastic, for example). Manufacturers Although metals are the darlings of the sloppy with their processing had to clean up landfills available much longer. have been shown to respond to consumer recovery industry and have plenty of suit- their act (and their bales) for fear of finding One of the few things left that we can do demand (or lack thereof). ors, other materials have a bit more trouble their cargo back on their doorstep with a to change the dynamics of this growing And if you reside in the City of Erie, please finding the right match. The reclamation hefty shipping and storage bill on top. Oth- problem is to make or consume fewer goods consider acquiring and using hard-sid- system for these is freighted with politics, er companies benefited. U.S.-based users that are made of plastic or are packaged in ed blue containers for putting your recy- regulations, corruption, and the whims of of scrap materials suddenly found new re- plastic, a tall order in a world that drank 41 cling on the curb. The one-time purchase governments, primarily because they are sources that were cheaper to acquire, boost- billion gallons of water out of plastic bottles of a standard 30-gallon blue storage tote messier, harder to handle, and fewer com- ing their capacity and bottom line. in 2004. In 2014, in the U.S. alone, about 50 (around $10-$15 at a big box store) that can panies need the raw materials. The major In general, most in the material recovery billion plastic water bottles were used. Thir- be used for years is a bargain compared to market for them is Southeast Asia, where industry think that Green Fence was a pos- ty-eight billion of them were not recycled. purchasing one 100-count box of 13-gallon virgin resources are harder to come by. itive wake-up call. Environmental groups And yet, many of us are unmoved by this clear bags (approximately $8 at a big box In early 2013, for example, Chinese gov- were pleased. The jury is still out if China looming crisis. Like climate change, it’s store) that will have to be continually re- ernment officials grew weary of shipments will maintain its scrutiny at such a high lev- hard to see on a personal level. In Erie, like placed with more. of mixed scrap paper and plastic arriving at el, but most experts agree, the industry is just about everywhere else in this country, Early in 2014, Susan Collins, President of port contaminated with large amounts of changed for good, and probably the better. we don’t have to face our own mess. This the Container Recycling Institute told a Pub- non-recyclable materials — as much as 20 There is a dark side though, as other Asian is, for the most part, a good and sanitary lic Radio International reporter “The public percent — that was going to their landfills. countries, hungry for resources are now be- thing. But we have to teach ourselves to see has been trained to put their stuff in their They cracked down with a policy that came coming the dumping ground for the dirty it, whether it’s right in front of us or conve- bin at the curb, and for the stuff to just go to be known as “Operation Green Fence.” scrap materials some first-world processors niently out of sight. away. And of course there is no such thing Rather than allowing shipments to reach are unwilling to clean. The genesis of this story was a writer who as away, away is always somewhere.” Chinese companies that used the scrap ma- Trash is now a global concern. We’re run- was angry because an Erie recycling crew Somewhere is going to be our own back- terials, officials cracked down at the ports, ning out of places to put it, and the 5 Gyres took her trash along with her recycling. It yard soon. If we do nothing. turning away any loads that had more than Institute estimates that 27 million tons of ends with a better understanding of where 1.5 percent contamination. This was not a plastic have now made it into the oceans. it all goes, a new regard for the (mostly) men Mary Birdsong can be contacted at new law, but a step up in enforcement of an According to EPA statistics, in 1960, less who clear away her solid waste every week, [email protected], and you can old one. In the first quarter of 2013 alone, than one percent of the total tonnage of a new respect for the people who process follow her on Twitter @Mary_Birdsong.

16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 29, 2015 April 29, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 17 CALENDAR

JESSICA YOCHIM MUSIC Rankin and Schell Jake Johns / The Daybreak Radio Headlines Arden Room EP Release Party April 30 — 6 to 9 p.m. 2Blue w/ Dave VanAmburg Sprague Farm and Brew May 1 — 8 p.m. ormed off the shores April 29 — 6 p.m. Works, 22113 US-6, Venango Erie Ale House, 1033 State St. Fof Lake Erie about one Victor’s Restaurant, Bel sleepingchainsaw.com. facebook.com/ErieAleHouse. year ago, Daybreak Radio Aire Clarion, 2800 W. — comprised of a group of 8 St. jazzerie.com. The Armitan Hand Mercyhurst University May 1 — 9 p.m. Student Jazz Ensemble long-time, well-known local Colony House Band musicians — has been busy Kings Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. May 1 — 8 to 10 p.m. April 30 — 6:30 p.m. honing its chops, playing facebook.com/kingsrookclub. Taylor Little Theater, Colony Club Pub and Grille, Mercyhurst University, 501 out, and crafting its signature 2670 W. 8 St. jazzerie.com. Halfway to Halloween E. 38 St. jazzerie.com. blend of straight-up rock ‘n’ Bash w/ Geek Army roll. Presque Isle May 1 — 7 p.m. The Return of ‘Crawl’ The now-five-piece band Saxophone Quartet May 1 — 9 p.m. — a heady mix of Erie talent April 30 — 7 to 9 p.m.x Docksider, 1015 State Sherlocks, 508 State with influences ranging from Abiding Hope Lutheran St. facebook.com/ Jack White to the Grateful Church, 5312 Peach St. St. facebook.com/ sherlocksparkplace. Rootsy Americana rockers release debut EP May 8. Dead — has a rootsy, Amer- Docksiderbar icana-in-the-garage sound, and they play, like they say, the kind of stuff you can easily find yourself singing along to, and maybe finding a bit of yourself in. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Now, with the upcoming release of their first EP, we can take the Radio home, out on the road, or wherever the hell else we’d like. They’ll be debuting the six-song, self-titled album — along with another new member, Doug Phillips, on keyboards — at a free EP-release show on Friday, May 8 at the Kings Rook Club, where they’ll be joined by special guests Rivers. “We’re practicing week in and week out, and are really looking forward to getting out there full-force,” Daybreak bassist Ryan Bartosek told the Reader recently, adding that, after a recent Rook after-party slot for prog-jam favorites Aqueous and a busy summer coming up, “we’re hoping we can keep that momentum moving.” “Daybreak Radio has allowed me to explore more into my rock ‘n’ roll side,” said lead vo- calist and guitarist Tyler Smilo. “I’m very excited about what this project will bring.” Keep doing what you’re doing, guys. And we’ll keep tuning in. — Ryan Smith

Friday, May 8, 9 p.m. // 1921 Peach St. // facebook.com/daybreakradio

Storm the Bay Tops Multi-genre Bill at Basement Transmissions ochester, N.Y.-based pop-punk quin- Rtet Storm the Bay is coming to Base- ment Transmissions on Saturday, May 2, along with a mix of other genres from CONTRIBUTED PHOTO local and regional bands. Storm the Bay’s high-energy style and catchy melodies have earned them a con- siderable amount of fans among Roches- ter’s thriving music scene and beyond. Beedie with The Pittsburgh-based MC comes to Formed in 2008, they’ve grown their fan Norman Dean at Erie Friday, May 8. Storm the Bay takes the Erie stage base off of three EPs and a self-titled full- Bobby’s Place May 2 at Basement Transmissions. length album that came out in 2014 – all of which were self-released without the rie will be getting a dose a Pittsburgh hip-hop this May. Steel City MC Beedie will head- help of a record label. Eline a DreamBig Promotions show at Bobby’s Place Friday, May 8, a night that will fea- Adding a hardcore element to the show are Harvey Pekar and Cattle Dogs, both on tour ture some fine MCs from Western Pennsylvania. from Cleveland. Harvey Pekar’s album Upward, Not Northward has a more melodic hardcore Beedie, born Brian Green, first got his start as a rapper in the duo The Ill Spoken, which sound, comparable at times to Have Heart circa Songs to Scream at the Sun era and Defeater, featured fellow Pittsburgher Mac Miller, who headlined a show at Edinboro University’s but with harsher vocals. McComb Fieldhouse back on April 10. Like Miller, Beedie is a notable Steel City performer, Cattle Dogs have a more typical hardcore feel – fast, heavy, and easy to mosh to. Like Har- receiving accolades from publications like Pittsburgh City Paper and JENESIS Magazine for vey Pekar, they do have some melodic tendencies, but focus more on the rhythm section past works like The Beat Bully. than the lead. Now the 27-year-old MC is touring in support of his latest album Counter Culture, which The opening acts for the night are Archway (featuring yours truly) and The Standby from drops just a few days before the Bobby’s Place gig. Even before its release, Counter Culture is Erie and surrounding areas. Both bands play a pop punk/‘90s emo fusion, comparable to garnering attention, with a pair of singles already making the Billboard Emerging Artists bands like Lifetime and Citizen. Archway is finishing up its debut album My Heart, A Home Charts, including the Wiz Khalifa-assisted “Make a Wish.” at the end of April. Beedie won’t be alone at Bobby’s Place. Fellow Pittsburgh artist Norman Dean will show This show is a great showcase of two ends of the punk rock spectrum, and anyone who off his own skills on the mic, while a quartet of local MCs in C. Brown, Nick I Am a Don, appreciates diversity should come out and have a great time. – Tommy Shannon Jonny Evans, and GP will provide even more hip-hop goodness on a night already packed with talent from Western Pennsylvania. – Alex Bieler Doors at 6 p.m., Saturday, May 2 // Basement Transmissions, 145 W. 11th St. // $10 All Ages // facebook.com/basementtransmissions 10 p.m. Friday, May 8 // 1202 W. 18th St. // 455.9840

18 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 29, 2015 April 29, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 19 20 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 29, 2015 CALENDAR

The Lomax Project Sykosis, Lazy Ass Goodfellas May 7 — 7 p.m. Destroyer, Slaughter May 9 — 4, 9 p.m. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Erie Art Museum, 20 E. 5 in Meridian, +2 Erie Movie House, 3424 St. erieartmuseum.org. May 11 — 6 p.m.x Westlake Road. facebook. Basement Transmissions, com/ErieMovieHouse. Bus 17 145 W. 11 St. facebook.com/ May 8 — 8 p.m. gimpguyunderground. VISUAL ARTS Siebenbuerger Club, 2114 92nd Annual French St. sieberie.com. Slipknot w/ Hatebreed May 12 — 8 p.m. Spring Show Chasing Moira Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Ongoing — All Day May 8 — 9 p.m. French St. erieevents.com. Erie Art Museum, 20 E. 5 St. erieartmuseum.org. Oasis Pub, 3122 W. Lake Rd. oasispub.net. Official Slipknot After Party Higherglyphics: Annex Daybreak Radio EP May 12 — 9 p.m. Stairwell Project, Annex Stairwell Release Party Sherlocks, 508 State Ongoing — All Day May 8 — 9 p.m. St. facebook.com/ sherlocksparkplace. Erie Art Museum, 20 E. 5 Kings Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. St. erieartmuseum.org. facebook.com/kingsrookclub. FILM Frank Singer Ian Brill: Storm, McCain Rocky Mountain Express Family Gallery May 8 — 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Ongoing — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ongoing — All Day Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Tom Ridge Environmental Erie Art Museum, 20 E. 5 Center, 301 Peninsula Drive. jazzerie.com. St. erieartmuseum.org. The Clarks Return to Sherlock’s In Support of Upcoming Album Drive. trecpi.org. Malpractice Heeschen’s fter more than twenty years together with thirteen studio albums behind them, The Living in the Age May 8 — 9 p.m. Creatures, Robert E. AClarks refuse to call it quits. And with good reason – they’re still rocking just as hard of Airplanes Holstein Gallery as they were on 1991’s I’ll Tell You What Man… Sherlocks, 508 State Ongoing — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ongoing — All Day The Pittsburgh-bred blue-collar rockers often refer to Erie as their second home, and St. facebook.com/ Tom Ridge Environmental Erie Art Museum, 20 E. 5 they’ll be making the trek up I-79 in support of 2014’s Feathers & Bones and their forthcom- sherlocksparkplace. Center, 301 Peninsula St. erieartmuseum.org. ing effort, Rewind, an album of cover tracks that pay tribute to some of the band’s favorite Beedie w/ Norman Dean Drive. trecpi.org. songs, from their garage-rocking days of the late-‘80s, to more recent tunes they’ve trotted May 8 — 8 p.m. Into the Common out at live shows. Wonders of the Arctic Ground by G.C. Meyers Bobby’s Place, 1202 W. Ongoing — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Although a track list hasn’t been released yet to the public, given the band’s approach 18 St. 455.9804. Ongoing — All Day to music, it wouldn’t be out of the question to expect covers of bands like R.E.M. or The Tom Ridge Environmental The Kada Gallery, The Shops Replacements, but a lot of intrigue to what’ll make the cut remains. OH NO! It’s Mustard Gas Center, 301 Peninsula at the Colony, 2632 W. 8 And while some critics may be quick to write off cover albums, pegging them as quick w/ On the Cinder +6 Drive. trecpi.org. St. kadagallery.com. cash cows for bands with loyal followings looking to make some quick bank, anyone who’s May 8 — 6 p.m. FILM Presents White God been to a Clarks’ show and heard their rendition of The Stones’ “Paint It Black” knows Mark Hulings: The Beer Mug, 1108 April 29 — 6 p.m. Original Paintings that this troupe packs as much energy in interpreting other artists’ music as they put into Liberty St. 454.4753. Erie Art Museum, 20 E. 5 Ongoing to May 30 — All Day crafting their own. For in-studio proof, one needn’t look further than their driving punk- Salmon Frank St. erieartmuseum.org. Meadville Fine Arts, 242 rock take on Louis Armstrong’s 1967 classic “What A Wonderful World,” on 2009’s Restless Chestnut St., Meadville Days or their 1991 grunge-rock cover of The Beatles’ 1968 “Dear Prudence.” May 8 — 8 p.m. Edinboro Film Series meadvilleart.com. For a band that’s never been shy about spending time on the stage (I’ve seen more Clarks Sprague Farm and Brew Presents Ghost shows than I can keep track of, dating back to the early-‘90s, and I’ve never seen a show Works, 22113 US-6, Venango in the Shell Mary J. and Fran Rosiak: when they do fewer than twenty songs), expect a fun mix of Clarks’ crowd-pleasures (“Pen- sleepingchainsaw.com. April 30 — 8:30 p.m. APPlied Images ny on the Floor,” “Cigarette,” “Hey You,” “Born too Late,” and more) mixed in between the The Clarks Pogue Student Center, 405 Ongoing — All Day Scotland Road, Edinboro. aux. Glass Growers Gallery, 10 E. 5 eagerly anticipated experimental covers, which all adds up to a hell of a good night of rock May 9 — 7 p.m. edinboro.edu/filmseries. St. glassgrowersgallery.com. ‘n’ roll at Sherlock’s. – Ben Speggen Sherlocks, 508 State St. facebook.com/ Carnival of Souls 7 p.m. Saturday, May 9 // Sherlock’s, 508 State St. Scott Rispin, Recent sherlocksparkplace. May 1 — 8 p.m. // facebook.com/sherlocksparkplace Paintings JC Nickles Erie Movie House, 3424 Ongoing — All Day Westlake Road. facebook. May 9 — 2 p.m. Glass Growers Gallery, 10 E. 5 com/ErieMovieHouse. St. glassgrowersgallery.com. Erie Ale House, 1033 State St. facebook.com/ErieAleHouse. MIAC Presents A The Stories We Don’t Tell Riffriders The Joe Robinson Band gimpguyunderground. Most Violent Year Ongoing — All Day May 1 — 9 p.m. May 2 — 12 p.m. Obelus w/ Manokin + 6 May 3 — 2 p.m. Kurt Sahlmann Memorial May 9 — 5 p.m. Kada Gallery, 2632 W. 8 Last Shot Bar and Grill, PACA, 1505 State St. Taylor Little Theater, 501 E. St. kadagallery.com. 3064 W. 12 St. 833.7106. paca1505.ning.com. May 3 — 12 p.m. Bobby’s Place, 1202 W. 38 St. miac.mercyhurst.edu. PACA, 1505 State St. 18 St. 455.9804. Interior Design Senior The Blind Owl Band Juvenile Characteristics paca1505.com. Orphans of the Storm Of Shadows w/ Irukandji Thesis Exhibition: + Matt Texter May 2 — 6 p.m. May 7 — 8 p.m. Full Spectrum 2Blue w/ Dave May 9 — 7 p.m. May 2 — 9 p.m. Sprague Farm and Brew Erie Movie House, 3424 April 29 — 9 a.m. Works, 22113 US-6, Venango. VanAmburg Bobby’s Place, 1202 W. Westlake Road. facebook. Kings Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. Cummings Art Gallery, sleepingchainsaw.com. May 6 — 6 to 6:30 p.m. facebook.com/kingsrookclub. 18 St. 455.9804. com/ErieMovieHouse. Mercyhurst University, 501 E. Victor’s Restaurant, Bel Aire Clari- 38 St. miac.mercyhurst.edu. theCAUSE and Storm the Bay, on, 2800 W. 8 St. jazzerie.com. Wild Adriatic and VWLS Invasion of the Bee Girls Cosmic Rhythm Harvey Pekar, Cattle May 9 — 8 p.m. May 8 — 8 p.m. Second Sundays Dogs, Archway Colony House Band May 2 — 9 p.m. Kings Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. Erie Movie House, 3424 May 10 — 2 to 4 p.m. May 2 — 6 p.m. May 7 — 6:30 to 7 p.m. Sherlocks, 508 State facebook.com/kingsrookclub. Westlake Road. facebook. Colony Club Pub and Grille, Erie Art Museum, 10 E. 5 St. facebook.com/ Basement Transmissions, com/ErieMovieHouse. 2670 W. 8 St. jazzerie.com. St. erieartmuseum.org. sherlocksparkplace. 145 W. 11 St. facebook.com/

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DANCE Sq. gannon.edu. Riverside Inn CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Dinner Theater MIAC Presents The Tale of the Presents ‘Harvey’ Raw Edges Allergist’s Wife May 3 — 2:30 p.m., May 5, 6, May 1 — 4:30 p.m., May 2 — 2, 7 May 5 — TBA 12 — noon p.m., May 3 — 2 p.m. Dramashop, Renaissance Riverside Inn, 1 Fountain Mary D’Angelo Performing Center, 1001 State St. St., Campbridge Springs. Arts Center, 501 E. 38 St. dramashop.org. theriversideinn.com. miac.mercyhurst.edu. Peter Pan Cucina Italiana: Italian Qigong with Jenn 7 p.m. May 8 and 9, 2 p.m. May Cooking School with Shepherd 9 and 10 Scott Schillinger May 4 Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10 May 4 — 5:30 p.m. , 11 — 5:30 p.m. St. erieplayhouse.org. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Metal Stalwarts Slipknot May 12 will be loud — very, very loud. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach St. lifeworkserie.org. St. lifeworkserie.org. Play On and Hatebreed Share the May 8, 9 — 7:30 p.m., May 10 — Thomas Jefferson In His Stage when the “Prepare for 3 p.m. Own Words: Slavery, Hell” Tour Comes to Erie FOOD AND DRINK All An Act Theater, 652 Women, and Religion monster of a show is coming to the Erie Insurance Arena. On May 12, Slipknot and W. 17 St. allanact.net. May 6 — 7 p.m. AHatebreed, two of the biggest names in metal of the last 20 years, will be sharing the Wine and Spirit Jefferson Education Society, stage as part of the “Prepare for Hell” tour. Store Tasting Male Order Brides 3207 State St. jeserie.org. A band the caliber of Slipknot needs no introduction, but on the off chance that some read- May 2 — 4 to 6 p.m. May 12 — noon ers are unaware, Slipknot was one of the most popular bands of the nu-metal era. Hailing Station Dinner Theater, Napoleon vs. Hitler Wine and Spirits, from Des Moines, Iowa, the nine-piece band took the metal world by storm in the late ‘90s Washington Towne 4940 Peach St. - A Comparison with their gruesome masks, distinctive instruments (including beating a trashcan with a Center, 140 Washington canterburyfeast.com. May 7 — 7 p.m. Towne Blvd., Edinboro baseball bat – yes really), and above all else, their raw, relentless, and powerful music. Their Jefferson Education Society, courtyardwineries.com. Cavalleria Rusticana 3207 State St. jeserie.org. fans, which they call “maggots,” are some of the most loyal in any music scene. & Pagliacci Slipknot’s fifth and latest studio album5: The Gray Chapter is named after its late bassist Asian Trends May 9 — 12:55 p.m. Asbury Woods and founding member Paul Gray, who died in 2010. Released on Oct. 21, 2014, the album Cooking Class Mary D’Angelo Performing Salamander Hike peaked at No. 96 on the Billboard 200 and hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hard Rock albums May 5 — 5:30 p.m. Arts Center, 501 E. 38 St. May 8 — 7 p.m. chart. Vocalist Corey Taylor stated that the album sounds like a combination of their al- Frankie and May, miac.mercyhurst.edu. Asbury Woods, 4105 Asbury bums Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses) and Iowa, utilizing the melodic and artistic direction of 1101 Peninsula Dr. Road. asburywoods.org. frankieandmay.com. COMMUNITY/ the former while maintaining the brutality of the latter. Hatebreed tiptoes on the fine line between metal and hardcore, often getting categorized VARIETY Erie SeaWolves vs as “metalcore” or “metallic hardcore.” The band was among the leaders of those respective Fresh Dough Pizza Reading Fightin Phils Cooking Class scenes from the late ‘90s to mid 2000s with albums like Supremacy and Perseverance, and Erie SeaWolves vs May 8, 9 — 6:35 p.m., May 10 — May 7 — 5:30 p.m. helped define a generation of hardcore music. Bowie Baysox 1:35 p.m. You would be hard pressed to find a metal or hardcore musician who wasn’t influenced in Frankie and May, April 29 — noon Jerry Uht Park, 110 E. 1101 Peninsula Dr. 10 St. milb.com. some way by either of these bands, and spent their childhoods head-banging to Slipknot’s frankieandmay.com. Jerry Uht Park, 110 E. 10 St. milb.com. “Wait and Bleed” or yelling the words to Hatebreed’s “I Will Be Heard” at the top of their Riverside Inn Dinner lungs. Tickets start at $50 and are selling fast, so get them while they’re hot. Girls Night Out at What the Founding Theater Presents – Tommy Shannon Burch Farms Winery Father Would Say The Great American May 8 — 5 to 8 p.m. About America in 2015 Songbook Tuesday, May 12 // Erie Insurance Arena, 809 French St.//erieevents.com Burch Farms Winery, 9210 April 29 — 11:30 a.m. May 8, 9 — 7 p.m. Sidehill Rd., Northeast Riverside Inn, 1 Fountain burchfarm.com. Jefferson Education Society, 3207 State St. jeserie.org. St., Campbridge Springs.

theriversideinn.com. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Mother’s Day Brunch Australian Guitarist Joe Robinson Exploring the History, Brings His Talents to PACA May 10 — 11 a.m. Mystery, and Magic MCA Improv Sunset Inn, 1990 Lakeside of Magnets Comedy Night he wonderful thing about the Drive. eriephil.org. April 30 — 12:30 p.m. May 9 — 7:30 p.m. “Tacoustic guitar is it’s really just a LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Market House, 910 Market St., wooden box with strings on it, so you Mother’s Day Brunch Meadville artsmeadville.org. at Burch Farms Winery St. lifeworkserie.org. can create all sorts of different sounds … the sounds of a drummer, a bass May 10 — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Erie SeaWolves vs Changing Seasons, player, a rhythm guitar player, and Burch Farms Winery, 9210 Akron RubberDucks Changing Lives even, like, a piano.” Sidehill Rd., Northeast May 11, 12 — 6:35 p.m. burchfarm.com. May 1 — 6 to 9 p.m. Australian guitar virtuoso – check Jerry Uht Park, 110 E. Bayfront Convention Center, 1 that, visionary – Joe Robinson said that Sassafras Pier eriedawn.info. 10 St. milb.com. all the way back around 2008, when he was only 17, on a straight-shot performance video I THEATER A Sixth Mass Extinction? found posted on YouTube. xThe Importance In the handful of years since then, Robinson’s been playing all over the world, getting Never Too Late Examining Human- and Status of Global spotlighted from all angles, and showing that he says what he means, and means what he Robot Interactions Biodiversity April 29 — noon, May 2 — 5:30 (Lecture) says, about that wooden box with strings. p.m., May 3 — 2:30 p.m. May 11 — 7 p.m. Having landed top spots on live-performance features like Australia’s Got Talent and in- May 1 — 12:30 to 2 p.m. Station Dinner Theater, Jefferson Education Society, numerable accolades from all over the international guitar community, Robinson displays LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach 4940 Peach St. 3207 State St. jeserie.org. the playfulness of Keller Williams, the adventurous spirit of John Fahey, and the technical canterburyfeast.com. St. lifeworkserie.org. CSI: Real or Hollywood? acuity of Tommy Emmanuel, all mixed in with the whispers of other guitar greats to create a fusion very much his own. Pygmalion Asbury Woods Toad- May 12 — 7 p.m. ally Cool House It suffices to say, then, that Robinson is a world-class artist who must be seen and heard. April 30 to May 2 — 8 p.m., May Jefferson Education Society, 3 — 2 p.m. May 2 — 6:30 p.m. 3207 State St. jeserie.org. And he can be, right here in Erie, when he makes a stop at Performing Artists Collective Schuster Theater, Gannon Asbury Woods, 4105 Asbury Alliance on Saturday, May 2, as part of his current tour of the eastern U.S. – Ryan Smith University, 109 University Road. asburywoods.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, May 2 // 1505 State St. // paca1505.com.

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Erie’s VWLS Opens for Wild Adriatic and Releases Debut Album at King’s Rook Club From soaring guitars to a glockenspiel, there’s a lot to like about VWLS.

By: Mike Iverson hey’ve got a guy playing glockenspiel and Tdoing vocals, another vocalist whaling on some lead guitar riffs, a second guitarist that’s looping at least two different licks, a drummer that’s almost as techy as Chris Pennie, and a rapper who plays bass. In other words, VWLS isn’t your standard lo- cal lineup. And while all that might sound like the mak- ings of a colossal mess, the band’s diversity is ZAK WESTFALL what drives their highly experimental sound. VWLS is made up of musicians that hail from a wide range of musical backgrounds, all of Recently formed indie rockers VWLS whom are committed to pioneering novel take to the King’s Rook Club stage sounds. Saturday, May 9. After sitting in on a practice session with the full band, I can only describe them as a blend of psychedelic rock and progressive sensibili- thing? ties. Soaring guitar riffs from Luis Pontillo and DF: I still rap, and I’m dedicated to that, but Alik Kujkowski are grounded by Dom Ferrare’s I’ve always found ways to put my all into what- meaty bass tones and James Perk’s complex ever I’m working on, and I know the rest of rhythm work, while Todd Paropacic brings in these guys are the same way. a melodic blend of vocals and keys. James Perk: We’ve been thinking about ways Overall, VWLS provides fresh and funky to bring elements from our other projects into sounds. I talked to the band members about VWLS too; maybe cover a Gorillaz song and their beginnings, and what the future might have Dom rap, or bring in even more technical hold for the group as they prepare for their up- guitar work like we do in Sea of Teeth. coming show at the King’s Rook Club. AK: I’ve always just been excited to try new Mike Iverson: When did VWLS really be- things and experiment with different sounds, come a project for you guys? and I think all of us are like that in our own Luis Pontillo: We started working on VWLS way. That attitude is really what’s helped this this past October. I went on this Scotland trip project take off the way it has. with Todd to do a play for the Edinburgh Fringe MI: You guys are doing some really inter- Festival, and when we got back, I asked him if esting things with your sound in a scene that he wanted to start a group. He was doing some often defaults pretty hard on punk and hard- music on his own at the time and was into the core standards. With that, I have to ask what idea, so we formed this group and it fell apart some of your biggest musical influences are as in like a week. And while that was discourag- a group. ing, I wound up running into Alik at the Rook LP: It’s a pretty wide range at this point; peo- one night and convinced him to come jam with ple have told us that they hear notes of Tame us. Long story short, that laid the groundwork Impala and Minus the Bear in our stuff, which for a lot of what we’re doing now, and the band is a weird combination in and of itself, but came together from that. there’s a lot of bands we could credit as influ- Alik Kujkowski: I’ll never forget, I was like, ences. “...you had me at that first song” [laughs]. AK: We really just like to draw inspiration From there, I brought James in because we from wherever we can. I feel like when it were working on Sea of Teeth together, but comes to music in general these days people wanted to experiment with something differ- just kind of end up infinitely describing bands ent on the side. with other bands. It’s like this crazy mesh of LP: So it was just me, Todd, James, and Alik influences all overlapping, and while that’s all for a while, then we brought Dom in to play fine, we just want to pioneer our own sound. bass about four weeks ago and started teach- ince this last conversation with the band ing him the songs we had worked up. Sthey’ve done more than solidify their MI: It can be tough to bring a new member up sound; they’ve played a handful of house to speed even if a band’s just starting out. Dom, shows and small venues, started working on how was it settling in with the other guys? merch, and even finished their first demo. Dom Ferrare: It wasn’t hard to pick up what While you can find one sample track from this they were doing. I’d worked with James and demo at soundcloud.com/VWLS-music-1, you Alik before on some pre-Sea of Teeth stuff, so can pick up the full thing at their upcoming it’s been a pretty comfortable transition. release show. MI: You rap too, and the rest of you all seem 8 p.m., Saturday, May 9 // The King’s to have projects outside VWLS; does it ever Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. // facebook. get hard to maintain a balance between every- com/kingsrookclub

April 29, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 CALENDAR

Oh No! It’s Mustard Gas Headlines Final Show at The Beer Mug fter more than 30 years of cold drinks and fiery shows, the Beer Mug is set to close May A16. But Gimp Guy Underground Promos’ CEO and Founder Alex Harrilla still has one last massive lineup to celebrate the end of the Liberty Street establishment. Oh No! It’s Mustard Gas will headline a talented list of punk acts for the final show at the Beer Mug Friday, May 8, along with a pair of Buffalo acts in the melodic On the Cinder and the hardcore Radical Operations. If three bands isn’t enough, you’ll be happy to hear that the night will also include all-female riot-punk crew Dysmorphia, the genre-crossing JC Nickles, Fredonia horror-punk outfit Crazies, the appropriately-named quartet Till the End, Genetically Enhanced Super Humans, and rock-punk trio Out of It. Yeah, you’ll get your money’s worth out of this show, especially when you consider that entry is a mere $3 to see the very last show at the Beer Mug. It’s never easy to see a beloved music venue close, but at least you still have the chance to head to Liberty Street and cele- brate the end of era, as Harrilla and a lengthy list of musicians will look to end the establish- ment’s run on a good – and preferably loud – note. – Alex Bieler

6:30 p.m. Friday, May 8 // 1108 Liberty St. // facebook.com/gimpguyunderground

Marjorie takes her Mid- life Crisis for a Spin in Dramashop’s Tales of the Allergist’s Wife ajorie Taub is up- Mper-class, mid- dle-aged, and ready for her crisis. Her meltdown is the axle around which the play, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife spins. Mar- jorie’s comfortable exis- tence on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, along

with a hefty dose of pseu- FLOCK ZACH do-intellectualism, have only fueled the feelings of mediocrity that underlie her depression. The unexpected arrival of a long-lost and cagey childhood friend, Lee, buoys Marjorie’s spirits at first, but dark and ulterior motives are at work, and Lee sends Marjorie and husband, Ira, down questionable paths. Erie’s Dramashop will present a free staged reading of Allergist’s Wife, written by Charles Busch, who won the 2000 Outer Critics Circle’s John Gassner Playwriting Award for this work. It also was nominated for numerous Tony and Drama Desk Awards. Before Allergist’s Wife, Busch was best known for his drag performances, and campy, non-main- stream works, the two most notable of which may be Vampire Lesbians of Sodom and Die, Mommie, Die! Dramashop regular Marilee Warner plays Marjorie. She is joined by newcomers to this stage Stuart Siegel as Ira; Sue Ellen Wojciechowski as Lee; Doris Becker as Marjorie’s overbearing mother Frieda; and Giovanni Ciminella as the doorman. Dramashop has added a narrator to the production to help the audience visualize the action and changes taking place, since a reading doesn’t have props or actor interaction. Veteran director Michael Weiss is at the helm, with an assist from Carolin Lynn. Weiss says it’s a good comedy and a great cast. “It’s an interesting story that deals with middle age and the aging process. And it does contain some colorful language, mostly from the 80-year-old,” he says with a laugh, promising a good laugh and a fine evening of enter- tainment. Artistic Director of Dramashop, Zach Flock agrees, saying “Allergist’s Wife is a really fun- ny, slightly offbeat comedy that definitely pushes some boundaries.” He says that they chose it as part of this season because it fit well with the other productions in terms of content, themes, tone, available roles and other considerations. It also allows Dramashop to showcase the actors of different ages and experience. “The cast includes people with decades —maybe half-centuries — of experience performing alongside first-timers. It’s a really great mix of talented individuals,” says Flock. Overall, Allergist’s Wife is provocative, funny, and smart – all the things you want in a comedy.—Mary Birdsong

8 p.m., April 28 and May 5 // Free // Renaissance Centre, 1001 State St. // dramashop.org

26 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 29, 2015 CALENDAR LIZ VENUTO

Three Shops in Erie Set to Participate in Free Comic Book Day ejoice! Free Comic Book Day, an annual Book Day is designed to bring in first tim- Revent where comic book aficionados and ers or the comic curious by offering stories first-timers convene to check out what’s in where there will be something for everyone. store for their favorite heroes in the coming Also don’t get the impression that this day is year. Whether you are fan of Marvel, DC, or only for the die-hard adult comic crowd. At small publishers, like Image, our local brick most shops there will be stuff for all ages, so and mortar stores want to service the com- bring your kids! munity here in Erie. Patrick Short told me that the main purpose Free Comic Book Day is a national event of Free Comic Book Day is to “bring aware- where local comic book stores get heaps of ness to small comic book shops everywhere free comics that are meant to feature what around America.” There are three locations has happened or what is going to happen in Erie that will be participating in Free Com- with popular running series. I asked Action ic Book Day: Book’s Galore, Action Toy Man, Toy Man owner Patrick Short what we can and Above & Beyond Comics. expect for this year’s event, and he said, “This Patrick mentioned that while the comics comic book day is showing off the end of the are free for the fans, it does cost each store to current Marvel universe and setting up the participate, but they do it to support and help next.” For Marvel, this takes the form of “The foster our local community. According to the Secret Wars” and major crossovers are ex- Free Comic Book Day website, all customers pected in the aftermath of this universe-end- are guaranteed at least one free comic, but ing event. Patrick told me if you show up in a costume If you are a DC fan don’t worry! DC is also or bring a can of food for their Second Har- having a major universe event in the form vest food drive, each will net you an addi- of “Convergence,” where all forms of each of tional free comic at his shop. - John Lindvay the heroes of the past 50 years are converg- ing in a single storyline to ultimately decide Be sure to contact your preferred store of what forms of each will take the focus in the choice on Saturday May 2nd, whether it coming years. be Books Galore on 5546 Peach St., Action But what if you are like me and only dabble Toy Man at 1215 W. 26 St., or Above & in comics and aren’t completely up to date on Beyond Comics at 1126 W. 26 St. Maybe current running stories? Again, Free Comic go for the trifecta and hit up all three.

April 29, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 27 MUSIC REVIEWS

Blur Daybreak Radio Alabama Shakes Tony Kellogg The Magic Whip Daybreak Radio EP Sound & Color Don’t Give Up on Love Parlophone Independent ATO Independent

fter 12 years, Blur he self-titled re- f anyone is taken hen everything Afinally has a new Tlease is a tricky ven- Iaback by the direction Wyou hope for studio album. Sure, the ture, because it’s typi- the Alabama Shakes from life is seeming- English rockers made a cally an introduction to have gone for their ly stripped away by a few sonic cameos be- the sound of a band. latest album, Sound & breakup, you can either tween now and then, Local music fans have Color, they shouldn’t lie down in defeat and headlining Glastonbury, been able to check out be. There were warn- mourn the loss or find releasing a live record the Americana-infused ing signs that the band hope and move on with of a show in London’s Hyde Park, and dropping southern rock of Daybreak Radio during live would begin to trend away from raw blues your life. Having just gone through the same a few intriguing singles, but The Magic Whip shows, but would an album manage to capture rock, such as when guitarist Heath Fogg said heartache that Tony was going through as he represents the first true full-length release since the magic of a concert? The Daybreak Radio “We just don’t wanna own the classic R&B wrote these songs, this album is exactly what I 2003’s Think Tank, and the new record certainly EP passes that test with flying colors, provid- title and let people down, because when needed at just the right time. When self-doubt doesn’t disappoint. Originally recorded in a five- ing a collection of six songs that will have you we go electronic on the next record it might creeps in, it’s consoling to hear the songs “I day span in Hong Kong following a canceled mu- stomping your feet and nodding along in the break some hearts” on Canadian radio show Don’t Know” and “Love Again” to know that sic festival, the album exudes a sense of urbanity, comfort of your home, car, or wherever people Q back in 2012. While change may be scary, someone else is experiencing the same thing. although without as many of the flashing lights like to listen to albums nowadays. The quintet the evolution of Alabama Shakes shouldn’t Anyone who feels a deep anger at betrayal can that may be expected. Instead, Blur examines the packs plenty of straight-up rock ‘n’ roll into the be, as Sound & Color still maintains the soul- relate to lyrics like “I don’t care what you do often sleepy city life from the blurry neon lights, EP, serving up rousing experiences in four-min- ful sentimentalities of its predecessor while any more” from the angsty “About You.” Some and gives a leering look into how technology may ute packages thanks to songs like “Tradition showing a new side to the Alabama-based of these tunes could have used the power of impact our future. It’s a somber album, overall, Dies Hard” and “Texas.” The addition of new quartet. The dreamy title track shows that a band backing up his clear acoustic chord although “Lonesome Street” and “I Broadcast” keyboardist Doug Phillips provides some ex- the band knows how to layer a track, while strumming, but Tony’s stripped-down simple do provide some extra pep in the veteran band’s tra depth to the band’s sound, primarily on the Brittany Howard’s booming vocals still pro- earnestness is perfect for most of the songs, step, but songs like “Though I Was a Spaceman” soulful “On My Way,” while “Home With You” vide enough bluesy goodness on tracks like especially “Song for Sophie #3,” the closing really show off Blur’s ability to create a gorgeous adds some feel-good vibes to the EP. In short, “Gimme All Your Love” to appease fans of tear-jerker. Thanks, Tony, for giving me some landscape of sound. – Alex Bieler Daybreak Radio is a blast. – Alex Bieler Boys & Girls. – Alex Bieler hope. – Bryan Toy

28 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 29, 2015 April 29, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 29 FEATURE

enant volunteer. “It’s not for a lack of am- Neighbors Helping Neighbors bition. I am just amazed at the number of working poor.” Erie’s Homeless Find Help and Hope at Our Neighbor’s Place He recalls one couple who came as guests, both with minimum-wage jobs. But mini- mum wage — at $7.25 — can’t always cover By: Katie Chriest the rent. o you need something?” the man In Erie County, “the [hourly] wage needed asks me. “You look lost.” to afford the rent of an average two bed- “D “Oh,” I respond awkwardly, “I room apartment” is $13.10, according to the always look kinda lost.” Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania. “So other people have told you that, huh? I “It’s just not what I expected,” reflects Co- hoped I wasn’t …” pen. “My preconceived notion about what is “No,” I reassure him. “When I look lost, going on was really, really off. people tend to help me, like you did.” “But we feel better,” he summarizes, “if we So starts my conversation with one engag- can picture everyone as derelicts.” ing man outside Our Neighbor’s Place, the omeless. Unemployed. Mentally ill. overflow homeless shelter hosted this week HAddicted. Derelict. How do we hide by Church of the Covenant. Every two weeks behind these generalizations? from November to April, six city church- As they settle into their temporary home es house 50 to 60 overnight “guests,” who in this lovely church, built during the Great are provided a cot, dinner, breakfast, and Depression, I look around at tonight’s showers if facilities are available at the host LIZ VENUTO guests. Some are unemployed, many are un- church. deremployed. Some are visibly intoxicated. All are welcome at Our Neighbor’s It’s Saturday night. I’m early, but several Many are sober, charming, gracious. there isn’t anyplace.’” men wait outside the church’s basement Place. In his book Revolution, comedian and ac- A year earlier, Schell and Kitty Cancilla, door, downstairs from the sidewalk I share tivist Russell Brand reflects on his past of Executive Director of Community Shelter But the motivating force behind Our Neigh- with my interlocutor, who requests ano- being “addicted to anything that could be Services (CSS), had discussed the need for bor’s Place is clear. nymity. cooked, snorted, or swallowed.” He con- an overflow shelter. Cancilla and her hus- “The training that I give volunteers is He’s the guest — and yet he’s the one asking tinues, “Perhaps I’m an extreme case. But band, Tim Hilton, learned about church-run from the Bible,” says Schell, “basically tell- me if I need anything. But Our Neighbor’s isn’t that all addiction really is, ‘an extreme overflow shelters at a Lutheran Advocacy ing them what our mindset should be. God Place blurs the line between benefactor and case?’ Aren’t we all, in one way or another, Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) event in said that there will always be poor in the beneficiary. And during our 15-minute con- trying to find a solution to the problem of Harrisburg. land. And we are to have open hands toward versation, the line disappears. reality?” Back in Erie, they organized a “call to ac- those who are in need. Any one of the peo- I first heard about these overflow shelters How many of us have used alcohol to es- tion,” remembers Cancilla. “Everybody ple we serve could be Christ, just checking through Adria Johnson, owner of Head Cas- cape? Gotten away with something illegal? thought it was a great idea. Nobody was us out.” es Salon, whose family volunteers regular- Been medicated for depression or anxiety moving. But I thought, ‘we can do this.’” “We have committed to taking care of these ly. Johnson often tells me stories about the that inhibited our ability to function? “There was always somebody saying ‘what people,” summarizes Cancilla. “They may people being served; how routinely she’s Surviving the “problem of reality” re- if some barrier prevents us from doing it?’ not be doing right, right now. But if they die, reminded that they’re just one or two deci- quires enormous support. Many of us have echoes Schell. “But Kitty said, ‘enough they can never turn their lives around.” Un- sions — or chances — away from those of us it. Some don’t. Maybe that’s really the only talking. Let’s do something. We’ll solve the surprisingly, Cancilla traces much regional living a so-called normal life. difference. problems when they happen.’ I stood up at homelessness to lack of support for mental At 7:30, the shelter opens. Mostly men and t the prayer circle before supper, Bob a[n early] meeting and told her that I was illness. On December 1 of last year, St. Luke’s a few women filter in. I sit at the guest regis- Schell invites anyone interested in going to be her first volunteer. So we start- Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit in Warren A tration desk. Some are new. Most sleep here sharing their stories to talk to me. Rolly vol- ed at her church, Holy Trinity. She would try closed, leaving even fewer options. regularly. A banner displays Matthew 25:34- unteers immediately. to get more churches involved, and I would “This is how our country treats mentally ill 40, which ends, “whatever you did for one Rolly’s a veteran who served from 1968-70. help to get more volunteers. people,” Cancilla concludes. “But they are of the least of these brothers and sisters of At his family home in Corry, he farmed beef “So for the first month, it was Kitty, her God’s people and we are called to take care mine, you did for me.” cattle, then hay. Now, he points out, farm- husband, three program men, and myself, of them.” And so, all are served. ers are quitting because they can’t make every night, all three shifts.” ary Hoffman and Mary Ellen Lieb ’m sitting with Pastor Bob Schell. He enough. “What do people think we’re going “I wasn’t going to make a fool of myself by facilitate Our Neighbor’s Place at St. doesn’t usually register guests here, but M to eat?” I not making it happen!” Cancilla laughs. “I John the Baptist. “Unfortunately,” Lieb ex- that’s what’s needed this weekend. Talk to So he has a stockpile of freeze-dried sur- felt certain that if others saw us do it, they plains, “addictions, mental health, and bad Schell even briefly, and you imagine that’s vival food and a solar generator in his van, would see it wasn’t such a big deal.” circumstances keep many [homeless], and how he’s lived his entire life: recognizing a where he’s lived for a year. His red ballcap She was right. Soon six churches were they can’t seem to pull themselves out. They need and offering himself in the service of reads, “Jesus is my Boss.” He’s added “& on board. For the most part, the same six are people with stories to share and good to it. King” in black marker. still are. This year, volunteers from other give. I am amazed at their faith and how Three years ago, Schell was moved by news I ask about the food. Turns out it’s from a churches, too small or too far from down- they thank God daily for their blessings, al- reports of people living in a tent city on CSX Jim Bakker event in Missouri. Bakker, the town to host, are using bigger churches’ though they have nothing. By the grace of property near the railroad tracks. “I felt God teary, rape-accused televangelist once in- spaces downtown. This allows easy access God, I’m not one of them, but could be if cir- leading me to go and talk to the people who carcerated for fraud and conspiracy, is now for guests, and less of a burden on each host cumstances were different.” were living in that grove of trees,” he says. “I capitalizing on End Times, selling survival church. “Awareness and familiarity with people got to know several of them, and told them, gear on his website, under “Love Gifts.” One Still, if more churches don’t become in- who are homeless breaks down barriers and ‘if you ever need anything at all, I’d be glad choice is the “All Beans Offer - Time of Trou- volved, the program’s future may be threat- fears, leading to a deep, personal spiritual to help you.’” ble”: seven years’ worth of black bean burg- ened. Because of a lack of volunteers, it had experience,” adds Hoffman. She has be- That fall, the tent city was deemed un- er pouches for a $3,000 “donation.” While to start two weeks late this year. The pro- come “more and more familiar with the me safe and dismantled. Winter threatened. he still had the farm, Rolly dropped a bunch gram is entirely volunteer-run, and heavily within. Knowing that God is the very center Two people Schell had met, now displaced, of money on Bakker’s scheme. reliant on donations received from parish- of me, I feel that I am living my faith by vol- called him. “I saw firsthand the need,” he “I was trying to be prepared for what’s ioners and via CSS. unteering.” recalls. “All shelters were full, both for men going to happen,” explains Rolly. “But Anybody may volunteer, though they must olunteering really changes your and women. I had no place to tell them to [my family] came in and threw a monkey go through CSS or the host church for ori- idea about who the homeless are,” go. I had to tell them, ‘I’m sorry. I tried. But “V wrench in that one.” entation. Church affiliation isn’t necessary. says Howard Copen, a Church of the Cov-

30 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 29, 2015 FEATURE

Rolly cared for his mom, who had Alzhei- walked out of here some nights, like, ‘Wow, Martin has used the shelter for about a things. But I never turned in my homework. mer’s, for ten years. But somehow, his sis- is it worth it?’ But, to see the change in some month. “I take full advantage of this. I’m They cleaned my locker out, and found all ters ended up with the farm. He’s not sure of [the guests]? Yeah. It’s worth it.” trying to be where I need to be.” He wants my papers. The teacher graded them. I’d why, but he had to leave. And like so many raig Martin is the “Convict Comedian.” to get to his cousin’s in Oklahoma. He could have gotten As and Bs. But I just wanted to veterans, he’s been unable to access VA sup- CHe’s on YouTube. He has two DVDs: detail cars. Maybe get some shows. be with my friends who were pot-smoking port. Fortunately, he found Our Neighbor’s Don’t Drop the Soap, and Sleep with One Eye I ask more about his story. “I had a rough and drinking. I didn’t care about school.” Place. Open. He shows me a picture of Reese With- childhood,” he replies, faking tears again, Now he thinks school is worth it. He’d still “I could’ve just looked at the bad stuff, and erspoon on his phone. “She emailed me,” he weaving comedy with confession. “The doc- like to get his GED. got really mad,” he realizes. “Like this kid says. “She said, ‘Keep on rockin’ in the free tor told my mama, ‘we did everything we But mostly, “I just want to do the comedy. I last night who didn’t want to talk to me. I fi- world, Convict Comedian.’” could, but he pulled through anyway.’” want to make it for my 20-year-old daugh- nally told him, ‘See that old man over there Martin’s been to 32 states. “I’ve sold cars Martin’s been incarcerated, hence the ter. I’ve never been able to do anything for talking to himself? You keep drinking and all over, sold cable TV, furniture, Direct TV, name: Convict Comedian. Robbery and pos- her. She’s got a great stepdad, good guy, doing what you’re doing, you’re gonna end Dish Network — all that good stuff.” session of stolen property. But he says his hard worker. She couldn’t have had a better up just like him. Is that what you want?’” “So how’d you get here?” I ask. buddy lied on him; that he wasn’t at the ac- dad. But I’ve never gotten to see her. I want Rolly used to use drugs. “I got over it. Quit “Greyhound.” tual scene. Still, he did time. When he got to do something nice for her.” drinking thirty years ago.” He shows me his Illinois driver’s license. out, he got into Xanax. He wrote bad checks When Martin makes it, he also wants to He started back up briefly a year ago, An old business card from Georgia. He amounting to $35,000. When he couldn’t give back to the great volunteers at these though, when he became homeless. “It was drops names of agents and celebrities pay, prison again. But he’s been out of trou- shelters. “I’ll help those who helped me,” he a lot of stress,” he recalls. “But now I’ve got who’ve admired his work. ble for 14 years. says. “And I’ll still ride the bus. If I see a lady more friends.” “I’m gonna get where I need to be,” he pro- He asks me, “How far do you think I got in with ratty clothes, and some kids complain- Still, Rolly says there’s not enough friendli- claims. school?” ing about being hungry? I’ll just give them ness on Erie’s streets. “We need to get people He tried JR’s, “but I was too vulgar. My “Probably as far as you wanted to.” I guess money.” happy somehow. Everybody seems so angry worst word now is ‘freakin’. I took the big college. Who knows? He asks when he can get a copy of this ar- and preoccupied here. People need start F-word out.” He recites the Gettysburg Address. Fast. ticle. communicating” and “helping each other He breaks into a sketch about Larry the Ca- Then rattles off parts of the skeleton. Oc- “If it helps me get somewhere,” he says, out. It’s made me happier, to see somebody ble Guy, then a fat lady at Giant Eagle. cipital. Phalanges. Femur. Tibia. Lightning “I’ll remember you, Katie.” smile since I did something for them. “You see I’m the real deal. I can ad-lib so speed. “You don’t know that?” he challeng- I’ll remember you, too, Craig. “The only way we’re going to make it,” he fast it’d make your head spin. I’ve got two es. “That’s easy stuff.” Want to help? Contact Community Shelter concludes, “is if we help each other. Like hours worth of material. I quit for about a But Martin quit high school a month into Services (814) 455-4369 to volunteer, or to they’re trying to do here.” Akin to many year, though.” He pretends to cry. “Everyone freshman year. “I was bored. Then I got my involve your church or group at Community- volunteers, Rolly believes he was called by was laughing at me!” driver’s license. That’s all I wanted. shelter.org. Donations of money, hotel-sized God to take shelter at Our Neighbor’s Place, “Do you ever perform for the folks here?” “But I had something they didn’t have a toiletries, and clothing (especially men’s) also though he is sometimes troubled by ten- “In moderation,” he says. “I tell them the name for back then. I was autistic. I didn’t welcome. Our Neighbor’s Place is on Face- sions arising in these close quarters. “I’ve good stuff costs money.” know, but that’s what helped me memorize book: facebook.com/OurNeighborsPlace

April 29, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 31 TECHNOLOGY

Geeked Out: Netflix Presents Marvel’s Daredevil The gritty, dark series packs action and suspense in the 13-episode debut season.

By: John Lindvay seedy underbelly that has set up a cottage ’m going to be totally honest: I don’t know industry on profiteering while attention is much about Daredevil, the “blind” super- being placed elsewhere. Ihero by night and lawyer by day. I did re- But one of the key things that has everyone member that Ben Affleck – before donning talking is the action. the batsuit this summer – played him in a Daredevil is a real bruiser. The series, even movie twelve years ago that left many dis- at only 13 episodes, has some of the best fight appointed. And as many Marvel superhe- scenes on TV or in film. The hits always have roes have been getting plenty of blockbuster impact that is felt off screen and the sheer screen time, Daredevil went quietly off into amount of punishment taken and given by the night with its less than heroic box office Daredevil had me gritting my teeth as he was performance. stitched up. In particular, there is a scene in But forget everything you know or don’t episode two where Murdoch fights his way know, because Daredevil is back, as Marvel through a hallway of Russian thugs to save has released Daredevil season one on Netflix a kidnapped boy in one incredible shot. It is – and everyone is going crazy. also an homage to the film Old Boy, which Let me preface this with a bit of what I have had a similar shot. All of the action is given come to learn about Daredevil without dig- incredible detail to really convey the pain ging up all of the Daredevil comics or perus- and suffering being inflicted, not in some -at ing the Internet. His real name is Matthew tempt to glorify violence but to keep it grue- Murdoch, and he was blinded as a kid while some. helping an older man avoid a traffic collision that caused radioactive material to splash him in the face. He went on to become a Forget everything you know lawyer but took up vigilantism in New York or don’t know, because City’s Hell’s Kitchen. Other than the 2005 movie, I had no real Daredevil is back, as Marvel opinion on the character of Daredevil, but af- has released Daredevil season ter watching the Netflix series, I would place him in the “chaotic good” box on the Dun- one on Netflix – and everyone geons & Dragons character alignment grid. is going crazy. He is an “ends justify the means” kind of guy, and he’s also a violent man. After he was blinded, his other senses were An interesting aside is that Netflix has also raised to superhuman levels. And over the released a special audio track for the entirety years he’s watched Hell’s Kitchen slide deep- of Daredevil geared toward the visually im- er into the dirt, and he wants to protect what paired. A narrator describes the scenes and he cares about. He understands that while actions in between the dialogue, allowing using the legal system is effective at accom- everyone to enjoy – a nice touch to show that plishing some things, pummeling bad dudes this isn’t your typical approach to your typi- and exposing those who operate in the shad- cal TV show. ows through violence is also a necessity. Netflix has been swinging hard, trying to The principal antagonist of the show is clas- change how we consume television shows sic Daredevil arch villain Wilson Fisk, aka in the past few years. With grand slams like Kingpin. Actor Vincent D’Onofrio wplays the Orange Is The New Black and House of Cards or part of Fisk and crushes it. The story is about with its own strikeouts, like Hemlock Grove, Fisk and Murdoch (played by Charlie Cox) Netflix is working to become a major player in and how they both want the same thing – a the TV show market. Regardless of your pref- better, safer Hell’s Kitchen. Spoiler alert: It erence, Netflix has changed how we watch isn’t until the climax of the season that Fisk these shows. I’m sure they looked at customer even realizes that he is “the bad guy” which behaviors and noticed how we all binge hard makes the show even more enthralling as on the shows we love. Many of us have fallen both Fisk and Murdoch do things that a carte into binge sessions, consuming 20-plus hours blanche “good guy superhero” would never of a show over a weekend or holiday. do. So when Netflix releases its own series, they It is interesting to note that the show is don’t drip them out in the traditional mod- built into the “Marvel Cinematic Universe,” el; we get everything at once, and like the meaning it belongs on the same timeline as glutton I am, I consume with glee. That is of Iron Man and the rest of the The Avengers. Al- course if it’s excellent, and Daredevil – plant- though it’s not explicitly explained initially, ed firmly in the ever-expanding Marvel Uni- the show takes place after the alien attack verse – does a lot right. on New York City, referred to in the series as “the incident,” where Fisk is working with John Lindvay can be contacted at the government in spending the funds al- [email protected], and you can located after the disaster to rebuild the city, follow him on Twitter @Fightstrife. which is breeding the kind of turmoil and Sponsored by: Epic WebStudios

32 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 29, 2015 April 29, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 33 SPORTS mick was the first female to ever participate level.” former NFL quarterback Glenn Carano, a on the boys’ water polo squad, and while The Laker 10th-grader was recently se- second round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in ER Sports this was historic, it was also a bit of a down- lected as Captain of the Mid-Am U19 Girls the 1977 draft behind Tony Dorsett. Gregg Women’s World er, as she suffered a broken jaw during the tournament team, the squad being made was talking about Glenn’s daughter Gina season, the injury keeping her on the side- up of players from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Carano, a superstar among the younger By James R. LeCorchick lines and unable to participate in swimming Indiana. This unit won the National Show- generation. during her college career at Villanova Uni- case Tournament held in Pittsburgh, the lo- After doing some research on Gina, it was versity. She is, however, a graduate of the cal crew being tested by top teams from the easy to see why Gregg thought I was going prestigious Philadelphia school. United States and Canada. to ask about his niece and not his brother. She got serious about triathlons after her Ridge helped her team post a 3-0-1 record, The first story I found with her name in it third child, and as she says, “I just loved it the champs winning the title game by a 10-2 was titled “The 15 Most Beautiful Daughters and stayed with it. “My children all enjoy count. of Professional Athletes” and she was rated working out, and I hope they stay with it.” She will be returning for her fifth year number-one. That’s correct – numero uno! And if they have the same ability and drive with the Erie Lions U19 travel team in the She was also rated the “Hottest Women in as their mother, you will be seeing the Mc- upcoming season. The flashy skater ended Cormick name continue to appear in the this championship stint as the team leader Erie media for a long time to come. in assists and penalties. The former McDowell High School There are inspirations, and there are IN- swim star reached true legendary SPIRATIONS. GINA CARANO File Pamela McCormick under the latter. status when she participated in the ski portion of one of the Erie TAYLOR RIDGE Quad Games one month after giving birth to her seventh child and finished second in the race. PAMELA McCORMICK

HAVE BEEN covering sports for more America” by Big Biz Magazine. than 40 years and I have run into many, But she isn’t all looks, as she is also a tal- many great athletes, most of them be- ented actress and a mixed martial arts su- I perstar, the MMA ace being a Top-10 most ing incredibly inspirational. And one of the searched athletes on Yahoo! in 2013. That most impressive is Pamela McCormick, a true legend when mentioning marathons, includes all athletes. duathlons, triathlons – and anything else Other accolades include being the 16th that ends in “-athlon”. ranked talent in Maxim’s Hot 100 list in McCormick, who is as humble as she is tal- 2009, and then in late 2009, she shared ented, is a mother of seven who has won so the cover of ESPN the Magazine’s Body is- many triathlons she can’t really keep count. REGG CARANO is a welcome ad- sue with Serena Williams. “I think it’s probably between thirty and for- dition to the Erie scene, as the In April 20012, the star was the first re- ty,” she told the Erie Reader when pressed to Reno, Nevada, native is the Senior cipient of ActionFest’s Chuck Norris (Best G Female Athlete Action Star) Award, given come up with a number in the vicinity of UST A JUNIOR at Mercyhurst Prep High Vice-President of Food and Beverage and to the female action star of the year. first-place finishes. “I just love to compete School, Taylor Ridge is another female the top person at Presque Isle Downs and against so many great athletes and train athlete that started mixing it up with Casino. As you would expect from someone Meanwhile she appeared numerous J times on the big screen, including a hard; while winning is enjoyable, it’s not the the boys at a young age, the local hockey in that position, Carano has plenty of per- most important thing.” star starting off on the ice as a ten-year-old sonality – and then some. co-starring part in Fast & Furious 6 as a The former McDowell High School swim in a boys league, and she’s been force to be I also found out he not only has plenty of member of Diplomatic Security Service star reached true legendary status when she reckoned with ever since. personality, he also has plenty of stories, in- Special Agent Luke Hobbs’ (Dwayne John- participated in the ski portion of one of the She also excelled in soccer at a young age, cluding some interesting family members. son) team. Erie Quad Games one month after giving but hockey was her first love and it has paid When I first met him and heard his last So the next time you’re up at PI Downs birth to her seventh child and finished sec- off at every level. name, I asked him, “Are you any relation and Casino, ask Gregg Carano, “Hey, aren’t ond in the race. That enabled her to capture According to one local hockey aficionado, to...,” and he quickly answered, “Yes! She’s you related to...?” one of her seven straight titles that she has “Taylor possesses great speed and is a threat my niece.” James R. LeCorchick can be contacted at won in the Quad Games. as a two-way player. If she so chooses, she Apparently, he didn’t know I was old- [email protected], and you While performing for the Trojans, McCor- will definitely be able to play at the college school and going to ask if he was related to can follow him on Twitter @JRLSports.

34 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 29, 2015 April 29, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 35