Erie Togetherlbjerie United Way Human Services Resource Guide Greater Erie Community Action Committee Collective Impact

March 5-18 / Vol. 4, No. 5 / ErieReader.com

40 million people Jobs 4 out of 5 Americans War on Poverty Asset Poor Crime 1964 15%Poverty GECAC Violence $4,632 Family Action Team in 2-1-1 Erie TogetherLBJErie United Way Human Services Resource Guide Greater Erie Community Action Committee Collective Impact

Bayfront Billboard Alley Erie’s Trash Bills Pile Up

Edward Snowden Grammy Award-winning Falling Hollywood Pa.’s Endangered The Bad Haircut: Snarky Puppy Comes to Erie to play SXSW Species List Threatened returns to Erie

#ErieHashtags Twitch Plays Pokémon The Playhouse presents: Talking Heads Tribute band The Irish Rovers The Great Gatsby returns to the crooked i Farewell Tour Music, ER Sports, and Two-Weeks Worth of Erie Events 2 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com March 5, 2014 CONTENT March 5, 2014

Editors-in-Chief: Brian Graham & Adam Welsh Managing Editor: News & Notes Culture Ben Speggen 4 Street Corner Soapbox 12 If We Were You Contributing Editor: Edward Snowden: No slacker Here's what we would do Rebecca Styn Editor -at-Large: Cory Vaillancourt 5 The Way I See It 16 Music Reviews Copy Editor: Garbage bills pile up Alex Bieler Contributors: 17 Snarky Puppy Helen Agresti 6 Tech Watch Grammy Award-winning Alex Bieler #Do #You #Hashtag #? band comes to Erie Mary Birdsong Pen Ealain James R. LeCorchick 7 Protecting Nature or Profits 17 Falling Hollywood to John Lindvay Play SXSW Leslie McAllister Potential radical change to threatened and Rich McCarty endangered species classifications. Ryan Smith 19 Outside Voices Jay Stevens Do You support a fracking Rebecca Styn 8 The Many Faces of Poverty Bryan Toy ban in Erie County? Cory Vaillancourt From small towns to the suburbs to Designers: the inner city, many are living below the Mark Kosobucki poverty line 20 Geeked Out Cover Design: Leah Yungwirth Twitch plays Pokémon Photographers: 11 Considering the City Ryan Smith Erie’s Bayfront Bluff Park has potential Brad Triana Design Intern: Leah Yungwirth 23 ER Sports Writing Interns: Local sports with James R. LeCorchick Jessica Courter Ellie Hartleb Adam Unger 32 W. Eighth St. #302 Erie PA, 16501 [email protected]

The Erie Reader is Erie’s only free, independent source for news, culture, From the Editors and entertainment. The Erie Reader is a forum for ideas and discussion, and seeks to drive two-way communication with its readers. At the Erie Reader, we endeavor to highlight the best of n 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared war. That war was on and in other words, asset poor households — if met with a sudden econom- Erie by providing in-depth, magazine- poverty because nearly one out of every five Americans were living ic crisis — would not be able to provide for their basic needs. style journalism that cuts to the heart in poverty. The speech he gave led Congress to pass the Economic They — like many — are surviving paycheck to paycheck, living in fear of the issues that matter to Erie. The Erie Reader is published every other Opportunity Act and the onward we waged the war. that if they lost their income, they would lose the life they know. week at The Corry Journal, 28 W. IFifty years later, that war is still being fought, and Erie County is one of The New York Times reported something else unnerving: 40 percent of South St., Corry, Pa. 16407. The Erie those battlegrounds. Americans between the ages of 25 and 60 will live at least one year below Reader is distributed at over 250 high In her feature in this issue, Rebecca Styn explores the topic of poverty the poverty line. foot-traffic locations in Pennsylvania from North East to Girard to Edinboro. and how it affects Erie, comparing the the City to the County, the region While each of us may not experience poverty firsthand, the likelihood is The Erie Reader is also available by to the state, and the state to the country. And while the number of those good that we know someone who is. After reading Rebecca’s feature, you’ll mail subscription; one year (26 issues) living under the poverty line decreased from 2011 to 2012, over 15 percent of also come to know some of the initiatives and programs at work in Erie that for $49.99. Send check or money order Erie County residents still live there. That number jumps to over 25 percent are fighting that battle against poverty. payable to Flagship Multimedia, Inc., to the address below. In addition to when we consider the city, and one out of every ten Erie City residents live And this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Let’s face it: Poverty is appearing in print, Erie Reader adds in “extremely poor or impoverished neighborhoods,” Rebecca reports. a complex issue, which may be why we’re slow to talk about it. How does new content daily at ErieReader.com But what is the true face of poverty? When we hear the term “poverty,” we crime factor in? Does poverty beget crime or crime beget poverty? Is it both? as well social media sites. All rights may conjure up certain images. The man in the tattered jacket seeking ref- How does the changing landscape of our region’s industry affect this? reserved. All content © Flagship uge from the cold in a bus stop. The woman pushing a shopping cart filled Are other sectors creating those jobs lost at GE? Is hotel construction on Multimedia, Inc, 32 W. Eighth St., Suite 302, Erie, Pa, 16501. No part of with her only belongings as she looks for somewhere to spend the night. our Bayfront a viable short-term or long-term answer? Should we bank on this publication may be reproduced The couple standing by the side of the road holding a cardboard sign read- tourism? without permission. The opinions of ing “Any bit will help…” The complexity of the question of how do we win the war against poverty our columnists and contributors This is the face of poverty, but it’s not the whole picture. Take for instance isn’t simple, and five decades later, history is still teaching us that, and we are their own and do not always reflect that of the editorial board the “asset poor.” As Rebecca notes, a household is asset poor if it has “in- all still have much to learn. Which is why you’ll see continued coverage of or organization. Direct inquiries sufficient net worth to support itself at the federal poverty level for three the topic here at the Reader, because if we’re ever going to win the War on to 814.314.9364 or contact@ months in absence of income.” For a family of three, that number is $4,632, Poverty, it’s going to take all of us working together. ErieReader.com. March 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 3 Street Corner Soapbox News Edward Snowden: A slacker or the man who set us free? of the Weird

By: Jay Stevens Internet traffic. We By: Chuck Shepherd hen National Security Agency learned that the NSA contractor Edward Snowden has worked with tech started leaking the agency's companies to build LEAD STORY — Prison Blues top-secret documents last sum- backdoor exploits in mer,W a lot of Inside-the-Beltway journalists software in order to orway's prison system is regarded as among were quick on the attack. hack into networks. We Nthe most inmate-friendly in the world, but con- Politico's Roger Simon called Snowden “The learned that the NSA victed mass murderer Anders Breivik is still not im- slacker who came in from the cold,” and accused intercepts hardware de- pressed. Breivik, serving 21 years for the 2011 bomb- the contractor – “possessing all the qualifica- liveries for surveillance and-gun attacks that killed 77 people, may already tions of a grocery bagger” – of whistleblowing targets, and builds in enjoy amenities unheard of for a comparable Amer- on the NSA as a kind of psychological compen- backdoor exploits into ican murderer, but he sent wardens 12 demands sation for failing to attain an advanced degree servers, routers, even in November, including an upgrade of his manual or finish his military training. “We've screwed USB plugs – some are typewriter and his PlayStation 2 (to a PS3, with bet- this up,” said New York Times columnist, Andrew speculating that Apple’s ter access to game selection). He also demanded Ross Sorkin, “to even let him get to Russia.” recent security patches that his weekly government "allowance" (equivalent Sorkin, apparently forgetting he was a member for its computer and of $49) be doubled, and said if the "torture" of his of the media and not of the government, also iPhone operating sys- living conditions is not relieved, he would be forced called for the arrest of Glenn Greenwald, the tems were to fix NSA- into a hunger strike. (Breivik threatened a similar journalist who worked with Snowden to break implanted vulnerabili- strike in 2012, citing "inhumane" conditions such as the NSA story. ties. cold coffee, lack of skin moisturizer and insufficient The Washington Post's Walter Pincus – a hereto We learned that the butter for his bread.) [Los Angeles Times, 2-18-2014] respected name in investigative reporting – NSA spied on foreign [BBC News, 11-9-2012] diplomats, embassies, and world leaders. We The Continuing Crisis learned that the U.S. We learned that the NSA has spied on our allies and ollowing alarming reports, the Ohio attorney tapped the cell phone of Laura Poitras Fgeneral's office began working with the Ohio access to Americans’ Google German Chancellor An- Snowden began leaking documents June Veterinary Medical Association in December to be and Yahoo! accounts. We gela Merkel and as many as 35 other prominent 2013 that revealed a global surveillance vigilant for pet owners who might be commandeer- heads of government. That the NSA and its Brit- apparatus run by the NSA ing their dogs' and cats' pain killers — for their own learned that the NSA logs ish counterpart monitored the delegates at the use. Worse, other reports suggested some owners recent G20 summit – and not out of any security ates with little or no oversight, and targets data were deliberately injuring their pets just to obtain all of our cell phone traffic. concern, but to gain advantages in trade nego- collection indiscriminately. the drugs. [Dayton Daily News, 12-11-2013] tiations. We learned that the NSA has been in- And what we’ve learned pisses us off. Polls tak- volved in corporate espionage. The NSA hacked en of U.S. citizens as late as January show that he Super Bowl may be the "holy grail" for Las wrote an embarrassing column for his paper, into the network of the Brazilian oil company, two-thirds of Americans were concerned by the TVegas sports gambling, but outside the United accusing Snowden of working for Wikileaks Petrobas, and has been spying on Venezuela’s revelations of the NSA’s programs and activi- States, horse-racing, soccer and, surprisingly, pro founder, Julian Assange, a column that later state-run oil company, PDVSA. ties. In response, President Barack Obama has tennis dominate. Tennis provides bettors with earned no less than three paragraphs of cor- We learned that the powers of the NSA are proposed reform of the agency – which most 19,000 matches a year (compared to 1,200 NBA rections from the paper's editor. Another WaPo often abused by government workers and privacy advocates pan – and Congress will likely games, 2,400 Major League Baseball games and columnist, Richard Cohen, called Greenwald, contractors. We learned that there were 2,776 address it, as well. And Glenn Greenwald won fewer than 300 NFL games), with betting on “vainglorious,” and Snowden, “a cross-dressing violations of the NSA’s rules from March 2011 a Polk Award in Journalism for his reporting of 400,000 individual games and even on individual Little Red Riding Hood.” It's not like the Wash- to March 2012 alone. We learned the acro- the NSA story – a shift away from the initial calls points, of which there are nearly 2.5 million, ac- ington Post's editorial board blushed over these nym, LOVEINT – or “love intelligence” – which for his arrest. cording to a January New York Times dispatch from opinions; in July, the paper ran a patronizing stands for the practice of NSA officers to use But what about Edward Snowden? By now it’s Melbourne, Australia. In January's Australian Open, editorial advising Snowden to turn himself in the agency’s powers to spy on spouses or part- obvious the whistleblower has done the Ameri- a routine fourth-round women's match between before he “harms efforts to fight terrorism and ners. can public an enormous favor. It’s also fairly players ranked ninth and 28th in the world attract- conduct legitimate intelligence operations.” We also learned that the NSA deliberately clear none of these programs could have been ed more than $4 million in wagers — on just the first It's been a long time since last summer – a plants misinformation on the Internet to ruin questioned had Snowden gone through the of- set. [New York Times, 1-22-2014] long, long, cold time – and we've since learned the reputation of targeted individuals. Among ficial channels. a lot about the “legitimate intelligence opera- the targets of the NSA’s misinformation cam- “We could have explained to Mr. Snowden rrrrr! (1) In Chedzoy, England, in January, tions” that the NSA has been conducting. paign were members of the hacktavist col- his misperceptions, his lack of understanding Gthe border collie spaniel Luce was "re-homed" We learned that the NSA has access to Ameri- lective, “Anonymous.” And we most recently of what we do,” said NSA Inspector General, after Royston Grimstead, 42, learned that she had cans’ Google and Yahoo! accounts. We learned learned that the NSA assisted their British George Ellard, in a recent public appearance on chewed completely through a wheel arch on his that the NSA logs all of our cell phone traffic. counterpart, The Government Communication the probable result of a “proper” complaint filed $120,000 Aston Martin. Said Grimstead, "(S)he had That the NSA has access to our instant messag- Headquarters (GCHQ), in collecting images, by the NSA contractor. this guilty look on her face." (2) A magistrates court es and smartphone applications and monitors many of them sexually explicit, from Yahoo! We’re thankful that he didn’t. in Aberystwyth, Wales, convicted Ms. Rhian Jer- the online data, not only of millions of ordinary webcam chats of more than 1.8 million users emiah, 26, of criminal damage in January for biting Americans, but tens of millions of ordinary peo- between 2008 and 2012. Jay Stevens can be contacted at into the roof of a Fiat 500 during an alcohol-fueled ple across the globe. We learned that the NSA’s In short, we learned that the NSA, working [email protected], and you incident last year. Said the car's owner, "I could hear program to collect Internet metadata is called, together with other surveillance agencies and can follow him on Twitter @ metal crunching" (but, said Jeremiah's lawyer, "not “Boundless Informant.” with the support and assistance from a number Snevets_Yaj. To follow this story quite like" the scene in a James Bond movie featur- We learned that the NSA hacked into Google of technology and telecomm corporations, has or comment, scan the QR code or ing the character "Jaws"). [Yahoo News, 2-4-2014] and Yahoo! data centers to better monitor our created a vast, global surveillance system, oper- visit http://erirdr.com/u8ay3 [BBC News, 1-10-2014] 4 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com March 5, 2014 hen a brand-new, exhaustively itemized Wmedical coding system debuts in October (planned long before "Obamacare," by the way), doctors will find, for example, dozens of separate The Way I See It numbers to describe dealings with a patient's big toe (left one, right one, with or without nail damage, blisters, abrasions, critter bites, fractures, dis- Garbage Bills Pile Up locations, sprains, amputation, etc.). Among the odder listed "origins of injury," reported The New York Times in December, are codes for "burning not only govern on our behalf but also expect “sunset provision” was never going to work in water skis" and injuries incurred in opera houses, By: Rebecca Styn them to be the most responsible citizens, the the first place. or while knitting, or as a manifestation of sib- lose to a quarter of a century ago, pillars of our society – and serve as our repre- They could go back to putting all the bills ling rivalry. The current system has about 17,000 the city of Erie started charging for sentatives. into one lump sum and maybe that would codes, but the new one totals 68,000 for diagnoses garbage pickup. At the time, resi- Perhaps sadder, though, is that this issue drive people to pay for fear of being delin- plus 87,000 for procedures. [New York Times, 12- dents paid $48 annually. isn’t unique to Erie. This is everywhere. In quent in areas they feel are more important 31-2013] CToday, those living within Erie’s city limits my research, I found a number of cities and than trash. But until they do anything, for the pay that much every quarter – that is, until states that not only have a garbage delin- love of all things Erie, those of you who are on Close Enough for Government Work now. quency problem, but also have local officials that list – please set up a payment plan and City Council approved the city's 2014 budget on their list of unpaid delinquents. pay something, pay anything. lare Lally, weary of her three-flight front walk, back in December. As a result, city residents And all of that aside, what about the rest It’s called being responsible – whether Cdemanded a wheelchair ramp on her govern- will now see garbage fees increase from an of the 3,600 citizen on the list? I know in life you’re an elected official or not. ment-subsidized house in Duntocher, England, average of $48 every three months, or $192 per we all go through trying financial times, but The city does have the entire list on their for her daughter, 7, who has suffered from bulbar year, to $55 every quarter, or $220 per year. there are individuals on this list who haven’t website. And it’s for all to see. It’s a start, be- palsy since birth, and the West Dunbartonshire Initially, there was a “sunset provision” as paid their bill in ten years. A whole decade. cause it’s a shame tactic and it’s because their Council came through promptly. A front-yard- part of City Council’s budget that said those Why – you might ask – haven’t these people immediate options are limited. dominating concrete platform was built in Janu- fees would only be valid through 2014 and picked up the phone or stopped into the Erie So, for all those curious, the current list of ary (costing the equivalent of $67,000), consisting would have to go through a vote to keep the Water Works office to setup a payment plan all delinquent accounts greater than $100, is of a 10-level "snake"-style series of ramps with steel increase; otherwise, the charges would roll since such a thing is available. And you’re now posted on the city's website, www.erie. railings. Not only does navigating the "snake" take back to last year’s dues. Mayor Joe Sinnott right to ask that since it takes a village, folks pa.us. time, but Lally now complains that the ramp has went on to veto the “sunset provision” as he – and not just to raise a child, but to keep us been taken over by neighborhood kids as a skate- stated it wasn’t sound budgeting practice, moving forward. To grow and to succeed. Love? Hate? Agree? Disagree? I want to hear from board run. [Daily Record, 2-13-2014] and although some members of City Council The fact is, there really isn’t much the city you. Email me at rStyn@ tried to override the veto, those councilmem- can do about this. They can’t stop collecting ErieReader.com, and follow Smooth Reactions bers were ultimately defeated in a 4-3 vote. trash because people won’t pay their garbage me on Twitter @rStyn. To What this means is that the garbage in- bills to the authority. Sure, they can put a lien follow this story or comment, igher-Intellect Confrontations: (1) Following creases will now go into effect beyond 2014, on someone’s property, but they can only col- scan the QR code or visit Han evening of heavy drinking, according to without a separate vote needed by City Coun- lect money when the property sells. And the http://erirdr.com/6o6ak police in Russia's Sverdlovsk region in January, a cil to approve them beyond this year. former schoolteacher, 52, was charged with fatally When the charges for garbage pickup first stabbing his host, 67, during a dispute over wheth- began, the city included the garbage fee in er poetry or prose is the more important literary the same billing cycle with water and sewer form. (2) One Russian man shot another (non- bills. However, those bills became separate fatally, with rubber bullets) in the town of Ros- long before Sinnott’s administration took of- tov- on-Don in September in an argument over fice. It was after the separation when major Snarky theories of German philosopher Immanuel Kant. delinquencies started to occur – most likely (3) Nadja Svenson, 22, was charged on Christmas because customers didn’t feel as compelled to Eve in Londonderry, N.H. (a night with clear skies, pay them, because as they found, if you don’t Puppy apparently), with stabbing her father in the chest pay your water bill, your water gets shut off, during bickering over the position of the Big Dip- but that same consequence doesn’t happen per. [RT.com, 1-30-2014] [RIA via Reuters, 9-16- for garbage pickup. 2013] [Union Leader (Manchester), 12-26-2013] In fact – and with all due respect – during his tenure on City Council, Mario Bagnoni, Thursday, March 20 Perspective in staunch opposition to the initial proposed Doors open at 7 p.m. garbage fee, would often tell his constituents The Crooked i he lukewarm prosecution of two Steubenville to not pay their bills because there was noth- T(Ohio) High football players for an August ing that the city could do about it anyway. 2012 rape was foundering until Internet hacker Read: An elected official was telling citizens Pre-Show Event: Deric Lostutter, 26, raised the incident's profile, to not pay their bills. but now Lostutter faces a vindictive prosecution Here’s something else to consider: although Arrive early for drink specials Expect to feel the groove. and the possibility he could serve a prison sen- there’s a drastic increase in fees from incep- and opening act Alison Wedding. tence five times longer than the wrist-slap deten- tion to today, the fees have not been raised in tion the now-convicted rapists served. When Los- four years, when we all know the cost of busi- tutter took interest, many Steubenville students ness goes up annually. So, even if nobody was miac.mercyhurst.edu and residents had been hoping to quiet the case or on that list of delinquencies, the fact that fees 814-824-3000 even blame the victim, but (according to Novem- haven’t been raised in four years is notable ber reporting by Rolling Stone) apparently one Most importantly, though, isn’t the fee in- Steubenville High official managed to convince crease – but rather the residents that are not the FBI that Lostutter's hacking of the official's paying their bills. The list of garbage delin- personal emails was a greater national threat than quencies (over $100) contains close to 3,600 the rapes and provoked a SWAT raid on Lostutter's names on 88 pages, including a former Erie modest farmhouse. (Besides the football players, City Council member, a former city school MIAC the city's school superintendent was indicted for board member, and a number of landlords. Mercyhurst Institute tampering with evidence and three other officials Not to mention, it was not so long ago that for Arts & Culture for false statements and failing to report child one of our current county council members abuse.) [Rolling Stone, 11-27-2013] was on this list. We entrust these people to March 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 5 ately take off because, well, that conversation just isn’t happening yet. So do some searching first before setting out to immediately begin using hashtags. 2. Don’t overuse hashtags in a post. If you have more than three hashtags in one Tweet or Face- book post, you are overdoing it. #spamming #nobodycares #keepitsimple #IStoppedRead- ingTheseBecauseThereAreTooManyAndTheyr- eTooLong. 3. Write it right. Since hashtags only work as one clumped word, never use spaces or punctua- tion. Entering either of those into a hashtag will break the link and will make it more difficult to search your hashtag, so if you use #Erie Reader only “Erie” will be linked. 4. Length is key. Don’t make your hashtags extremely long because it decreases the likelihood someone is searching the exact same thing (see my “I stopped reading” reference above). And certain social media platforms limit your character count, so always think: efficient as well as effective. 5. Make your hashtag worth clicking. If you are thinking of hashtagging words that make no Michael Coghlan sense, don’t do it. Why would anybody hashtag the word #me? Nobody is actually going to click Searchable links, hashtags help you join and on that and see what is happening in real time create conversation on various social media of the word #me. Make your friends/fans want Tech Watch platforms. to click the hashtag. #Todaywasjustnotmyday- #Do #You #Hashtag #? Ineedchocolate serves no searching purpose by Fallon and Timberlake’s taking this tool of- because it’s more about an individual and less By: Abby Witham, Epic WebStudios fline to use it in person-to-person conversation, about information. hashtagging words and phrases that wouldn’t Fallon has two #Hashtag videos – and they sig- aybe you’ve seen it – maybe you haven’t. But before taking over as the host yield any useful search results. nal something clear: Hashtags permeated both of The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon, with the help of Justin Timberlake, Let’s be clear: They’re joking – and using social media and culture. And this isn’t a bad released a #hashtag bit in 2013 in which Fallon and Timberlake have a hashtags lightheartedly. And so can you. Want thing, because hashtagging is fun and helpful. M to voice you current and personal feelings? Go Just be sure you are properly using a hashtag face-to-face conversation as if it were on Twitter using “hashtags.” But what are hashtags, and why is it important that we talk about how to help ahead: #IJustDontGetThis or #QuestloveIs- by sticking to those five basic tips, and you’ll be TheBest! But the chances people are searching joining, spreading, and creating conversation in those in Erie effectively use them? those, though, is slim. no time. In short, a hashtag is a word – or combination else who is using that same hashtag. So if you want to use hashtags to join and So don’t be a #fail at #hashtags – just keep it of words – with the pound sign (#) in front of it. For instance, I could use #ErieReader for any participate in relevant conversations and share #simple and be #smart. Basically, you hashtag so the word or words you Erie Reader-related content and others who information more effectively, here are five tips are using can be searched and linked. Think of it have the same interest and are searching that to better utilizing hashtags when you want to Abby Witham can be contacted as a rapid means of searching conversation and topic can easily find it. better engage your community: at [email protected]. To ideas via social media platforms, because once Simple enough, right? Not so fast. Many social 1. Start with what’s already being used. For follow this story or comment, content is published, users are able to click on media users don’t really seem to understand the instance, trying to start the trending hashtag scan the QR code or visit http:// the hashtag to see a real-time feed of everyone point of this tool or how best to use it, illustrated #HousewivesOfEriePA isn’t likely to immedi- erirdr.com/yevs8

JUST TOYIN’ WITCHA By: B. Toy

6 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com March 5, 2014 State Sen. Sean Wiley, D-49th Dist., points Protecting Nature or Profits? out, however, that the true impetus behind the KING’S ROOK bills may be understood by reading President KINGCLUB’S ROOK Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati’s (R-25th Dist.) FREE! Bills in the Pennsylvania House and Senate have the potential to memorandum announcing his sponsorship of Pool, Shuffle Board & Games! radically change threatened and endangered species classifications. SB 1047, when Scarnati writes, “(this) legislation, will allow Pennsylvania to maintain a national Food, No Cover, Drink Specials, Private Parties! standard of protection for our fish, wildlife, and plants without unduly harming our businesses LIVE MUSIC By: Mary Birdsong and employers who provide family sustaining Jesse Westen 3/7 cd release party jobs in the Commonwealth.” 9-12 am Strangers and Liars 3/8 urrently making their way The PA Game Commission (PGC) and the Vinyl Night w/ Matt Texter 3/14 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission are op- Fri/Sat @ through the Pennsylvania 9:30pm Falling Hollywood 3/15 posed to the bills, as are environmental, fishing, General Assembly, proposed and sportspersons’ groups across the state. Sup- 1921 Peach St | Erie, PA 16512 [email protected] | 814.456.6439 bills have the possibility to porting the bill are primarily companies that are www.facebook.com/kingsrookclub Cradically change the way an animal in the mining, building, and land development Open Fri/Sat 8pm | Members and Guests Only gets designated as “threatened” industries, and the coalitions that support them. or “endangered” in Pennsylvania, Both the PGC and the PFBC have independent and also change the review process, review commissions of their own, says John mandate the creation of a more- Arway, Executive Director of the PFBC. “I truly accessible database of threatened or don’t understand the need for this legislation. PA Game Commission PA endangered species, and stipulate We already have an open, transparent, and de- changes to the permitting process The peregrine falcon is currently considered fensible regulatory process.” conducted by the Department of “threatened” in Pennsylvania. Sen. Sean Wiley, speaking of SB 1047, says he Environmental Protection. is not supportive of its efforts or those of HB 1576. because they attempt to further residen- With House Bill 1576 and Senate Bill 1047, what’s by the PGC or the PFBC to place species on the tial, commercial, and industrial development at stake is the welfare and future of vulnerable endangered or threatened list — or designate in the Commonwealth at the expense of wild- species and the preservation of quality wilder- a wild trout stream — must be reviewed by the life habitats. “I am always a strong supporter ness within the state. While there are numerous Pennsylvania Independent Regulatory Review of stimulating economic growth and develop- complexities to these bills, two major changes are Commission (IRRC) created in 1982 to essentially ment, but never at a cost of this magnitude,” he the most vital to understanding the bills’ impact. protect the interests of small business. says. Each of these bills mandates that: “No Com- The PGC and the PFBC are exempt from hav- Both bills were identical when first intro- monwealth agency may take action to designate ing their decisions reviewed by the IRRC. There duced, but HB 1576 has now seen amendments or consider fish, wildlife, or plants as threatened is some disagreement as to why, but most people and is slated for leaving committee to make its or endangered unless the fish, wildlife, or plants involved agree that it was to ensure that decisions way to the house floor by March 10. SB1047, still are designated under the (federal) Endangered like listing a threatened or endanger species is in its original form, is in committee. Travis Lau, Species Act of 1973.” based on scientific findings and not politics. spokesperson for the PGC, says of HB1576, “the Some species are currently only state-listed, Under the current proposals, IRRC will be re- amendments address some issues, but there are and the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) quired to review them with all of the criteria it is still valid concerns.” or the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission mandated to use, such as public health and wel- As the process gets closer to full assembly de- (PFBC) have the freedom to propose an animal fare and economic impact, as well as the sound- bate, there are still many unanswered questions for designation based solely on state conditions. ness of scientific data. Opponents say this politi- as to the true purpose and impact of these bills. For example, the peregrine falcon is considered cizes the process and creates redundancy. “Ironically,” says Weidensaul, “if these bills threatened in Pennsylvania but is not under the Paul Burroughs, Conservation Chair of Presque pass, the result could be stricter federal over- Endangered Species Act (ESA). Isle Audubon, says this will take the decision sight and regulations if U.S. Fish and Wildlife State Rep. Curt Sonney R-54th Dist., a co-spon- away from scientists and give it to the political finds state protections lacking.” sor of the bill, says that this alignment with the process. “It opens the door to cherry-picking spe- ESA is intended for future species, not ones al- cies for listing or delisting,” he says. Mary Birdsong can be contacted at mBirdsong@ ready on the Pennsylvania-only list. Others aren’t Rep. Sonney disagrees, saying that the bill will ErieReader.com, and you so sure. “One of the issues with this bill from the make decision making more transparent and can follow her on Twitter @ beginning was its muddy language; this point is streamline the permitting process. He says “With Mary_Birdsong. To follow this open to interpretation,” says Scott Weidensaul, IRRC review, concerns will be brought to the sur- story or comment, scan the QR naturalist and author from Schuylkill County. face so all parties are aware of them and know code or visit http://erirdr.com/ The bills also stipulate that any decision made what the impact will be.” hbp7k

1033 State St 814.454.4500 fri.3/7 Doug Phillips 6-8pm Erie Ale House Acoustics 8-11pm Pat Vahey, Suzi &The Buzz, Steve Trohoske sat.3/8 Claire Stuczynski 10pm-1am sat.3/15 Rodger Montgomery and Mark Dolak 9:30pm fri.3/21 Doug Phillips 6-8pm Erie Ale House Acoustics 8-11pm Eric Oliver, Jake Johns, Heather DeVore sat.3/29 Poets And Thieves 10pm-1am March 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 7 – it’s a movement,” says Bill Jackson, President of the United Way of Erie County. “It started out heavily including social service agencies and educators, yet recently we are starting to see more business people and elected officials in the public sector getting involved. We’re all in this together – it’s not just individually, it’s the community. And we’re starting to see that.” Their aspiration statement – Work- ing together to make the Erie region a community of opportunity where everyone can learn, work and thrive – is one the group lives and breathes. Erie Together’s movement is to make the Erie region a community of opportunity where everyone can learn, work, and thrive, Mary Bula, Project Facilitator for Erie Togeth- er and Vice President, Collective Impact at the United Way of Erie County, explains. “Once we identified the areas we wanted to target, the objectives we wanted to achieve, we kept them in line with the aspiration statement,” she says of how Erie Together is

Brian Talbot Brian focusing on strategic ways to pre- vent and reduce poverty. “And as a One in four people in Erie City are result, the level of collaboration in living in poverty. this community has been astound- The Many Faces Poverty in Erie ing.” To explain further, Mary went overall decrease is significant. In on to provide an example. “We want From small towns to the suburbs to the inner city, many are living below the poverty line 2012, 25.7 percent of city residents more children to be ready when they were living below the poverty line. enter kindergarten so that they hit In addition, Erie's poverty rate for the ground running – and are able By: Rebecca Styn children younger than 18 also fell to learn. We need to make sure they half a century ago as the poverty rate in the United States neared 25 percent, over from over 47 percent to just under progress satisfactorily through the 40 million people were living on less than $3,000 a year. During that time, stories of 37 percent. third grade and at third grade are destitution began to percolate out nationally, and those tales – coupled with the An improving economy has most hitting third grade reading bench- disheartening statistics – compelled President Lyndon B. Johnson to declare a War on likely played a role – most recently marks.” PovertyA during his State of the Union Address. While it wasn’t the first time poverty had been the Bureau of Labor Statistics re- Interesting to note, is that up until mentioned in the political playing field, it was one of the most memorable. ported that the annual average un- third grade, children are learning to That war has yet to be won and is still being waged today. employment rates in 2013 declined read – and after third grade, they are in 43 states, Pennsylvania included, reading to learn. So, this benchmark However, more often than not, those living on the front lines of that war and those who spend which saw unemployment rates fall is pertinent. the most time entrenched on the battlefield are unjustly stereotyped. Many Americans believe from 7.9 percent to 7.4 from 2012 “In addition, we want kids to have the notion that poverty only affects a relatively small number of American citizens, that the poor to 2013. And this trend is trickling quality career exploration experi- are destitute for years at a time, that too much welfare assistance is provided, and that poverty is down to Erie. ences so they know what their op- ultimately a result of simply not working hard enough. In addition, there have been many portunities are.” Erie together has Each of these assumptions is completely wrong. targeted efforts available, with set a goal that 80 percent of Erie programs going on for decades county students be exposed to three The New York Times recently report- medium towns and communities to support itself at the federal pov- throughout Erie. But the situation or more career exploration experi- ed that, "between the ages of 25 and across America – much like Erie erty level for three months in the ab- would be much more dire if Erie ences by the end of their 8th grade 60, almost 40 percent of Americans County. sence of income of less than $4,632 had to rely on the economy to solve year. This helps them to have a bet- will live at least one year below the Over 15 percent of Erie County for a family of three in 2011. In order everything. ter understanding of what direction poverty line in their lifetime…” residents live below the poverty words, asset poor households would One of the newer initiatives in they want to go in.” The Times also reported that over level, and that percentage increases not have enough money to provide the war against poverty is Erie To- Currently, 12.7 percent of Erie time, “most also pull themselves to over 25 percent in the city of Erie for basic needs during a sudden job gether, which was begun in 2009 as County eighth graders have had back out of it.” with 10 percent living in extremely loss or medical emergency. a result of a study that the Greater three career exploration experi- And startlingly, if related condi- poor or impoverished neighbor- Asset poor statistics are staggering Erie Community Action Commit- ences, 31 percent have had one, and tions are considered – such as un- hoods. While both the city and for Erie County – and particularly tee (GECAC), United Way of Erie an alarming 40.5 percent have had employment, welfare use and near county’s rates decreased in 2012, the city of Erie. In the city, 38 per- County, and Mercyhurst Univer- zero. poverty levels – four out of five when compared to 2011, they are cent of all households are asset poor, sity conducted to identify ways to And these efforts are only part Americans will encounter one or worse than the state average of 13.9 which is twice as high as Pennsylva- address the issue. After extensive of their overall equation – not only more of these events throughout percent but better than the national nia’s 19 percent of households. Of due diligence regarding best prac- focusing on children. Erie Together their lifetimes. average, which is 15.9 percent. these numbers, individuals under tices throughout the United States is comprised of four main action And while the perception of pov- Within these numbers though, 35 years old hold the highest share and beyond, this movement was teams: early childhood readiness erty may be primarily observed in some groups are drastically more at 48 percent. As one can see, this launched and it now includes hun- and success; aligning education to inner-city blocks, households in penurious than others. economic and social condition is dreds of local individuals and orga- careers; individual and family sta- poverty can be found throughout a Take for instance the “asset poor” more persistent and prevalent than nizations working together. bility; and balancing economic and variety of both urban and suburban in Erie County. A household is asset income poverty. “Erie Together is not a 501(c)(3) workforce development. landscapes, as well as in small to poor if it has insufficient net worth Asset poor households aside, the and is not a program or an agency So far the movement has achieved 8 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com March 5, 2014 Choose Excellence in Art Therapy.

The rst 100% online Counseling/Art Therapy Master’s program in the country. Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Now accepting students for Fall 2014.

gradschool.edinboro.edu | 888-845-2890

March 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 9 several benchmarks and outcomes as a result sylvania. Join us on the of its objectives. As an example, in the early And these are only a handful of objectives childhood readiness action team, the group and benchmarks the group has achieved. The Create a Campaign Trail! has: enhanced connections between school underlying philosophy of Erie Together is districts and early care providers; created a that poverty is a community issue requiring a Vibrant Community March 7th common definition of "Kindergarten Readi- community-wide response inclusive of all sec- Erie Art Museum ness”; and recently developed a Parent Toolkit tors and residents. for Kindergarten Readiness, amongst others. It will be difficult to completely eradicate Gallery Night 7 ‐ 10:00 pm In another action team, Individual and the poverty, but it is a war that fifty years later (Free and open to the public) Family Stability, through Erie Together, Geor- may be won. By staying on the offense and gia DelFreo, Vice President of Operations at offering programs and initiatives to educate March 14‐15th GECAC helps more families become more and inform, we are arming ourselves – and Erie Playhouse self-sufficient using the “Family Action Team others – for now and in the future. Programs (FACT) model. like Erie Together are always looking for The Great Gatsby 7:30 pm “We work directly with families and take volunteers, but what they need most of all is (Tickets available at a good long hard look at their current situ- for us to truly understand the full scope of www.erieplayhouse.org) ation – helping them to set goals and match the battle, to take the time to research these them up with others in the community who organizations involved and to fully grasp the

nd can provide them support in helping them to magnitude of the situation. March 22 achieve those goals,” she says. During his 1964 speech, President John- Erie Philharmonic The FACT program model helps low-income son declared: “It will not be a short or easy Warner Theater families move from dependency to self-suf- struggle, no single weapon or strategy will ficiency through education, self-assessment, suffice, but we shall not rest until that war is Disney’s Pixar 8:00 pm and a mentoring experience. Other accom- won. And it must be won in the field, in every Donate to the (Tickets available at plishments of the ongoing objectives of this private home, in every public office, from the 2014 www.eriephilharmonic.org) action team include the facilitation of part- courthouse to the White House.” nerships with local churches, social service Because in the end, in order for us to help we Arts & Culture Campaign Visit par�cipa�ng museums: organizations and other entities to deploy the must begin to truly understand that poverty FACT program on a larger scale; a "Human is an issue of us, rather than an issue of them. www.erieartsandculture.org Erie Art Museum Services Resource Guide" to help connect Erie County Historical Society families to the help they need and an agree- Rebecca Styn can be contacted Erie Mari�me Museum/ ment to support implementation of 2-1-1 in at [email protected], U.S. Brig Niagara Erie County, the social services equivalent of and you can follow her on 9-1-1. 2-1-1 is a comprehensive information Twitter @rStyn.To follow this expERIEnce Children’s Museum and referral service available to everyone and story or comment, scan the will ultimately serve approximately 735,000 QR code or visit http://erirdr. people in 12 counties in northwestern Penn- com/vg5er

DAVE HALLMAN CHEVROLET, INC.

DAVE HALLMAN CHEVROLET, INC. DAVE HALLMAN CHEVROLET, INC. Bonus Coupon You Spend This: You SAVE This: $69.95 $50.00-$99.99 $5.00 Four-Wheel Alignment $100.00-$199.99 $10.00 Check steering, suspension and shocks. Set toe-in, ADVERTISE $200.00-$299.99 $20.00 camber and caster (where applicable). Check tie-rods W I T H U S $300.00-$399.99 $30.00 and ball joints. Check tire pressure and inspect tires $400.00-$499.99 $40.00 for cuts, damage, and uneven wear. Price may vary for some models. Plus tax. Expiration Date: 04/26/14 Cannot be combined with other coupons or special. Expiration Date: 04/26/14

DAVE HALLMAN CHEVROLET, INC. DAVE HALLMAN CHEVROLET, INC. $25 OFFTire Discount $7.99 Redeem toward the purchase of two or more in-stock Car Wash w/ Armor All tires. Includes mounting, balancing and disposal of Body Shield Protector old tires. Some restrictions may apply. Plus tax, With any service work performed. Email [email protected] if applicable. Not valid with other offers. Not valid with any other offer. for more information. Coupon valid at vehicle check-in. Coupon Valid towards tires installed in Service Department. Coupon valid at vehicle check-in. Plus tax. Expiration Date: 04/26/14 Expiration Date: 04/26/14 1925 State Street • Erie PA • 814-878-4200 www.hallmanchevy.com 10 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com March 5, 2014 PNC Bank is one of the advertisers Erie Community Foundation post site on Erie's Bayfront Bluffs. plans to permit community discussion of this important project? What Lighthouse Park, McCarty Memorial kind of park is worthy of overlooking Park, Barber playground, Soldiers & our “regional crown jewel?" Since we Sailors Cemetery, Wayne Block House, built a highway between the water and Soldiers & Sailors Home, Mill Creek, the bluff, we should look for inspira- Amendola Memorial Field, Dobbins tion from other places that elegantly Landing, GAF site, playground at handle traffic. Instead of creating a ju- Front and Wallace, the park at Front nior Peach Street, we should aspire to and Chestnut, playground at Walnut something as gracious as Cleveland’s and Second, Liberty Park, Levy Jaycee Martin Luther King Boulevard. The Park, Bayview Park, Allen-Hetico Field, Erie Bayfront Bluff Park will take years Nitkiewicz park at Cascade, the Strong to finish. But, judging from how things Vincent field, and Frontier Park. are going, it will be “good enough” And what about the streets? In 1913, rather than great. John Nolen proposed that Erie con- Our problem is a lack of good plan- sider taking the major arteries and ning. Well-meaning groups some- linking them to the water with pedes- times (unintentionally) harm Erie’s trian bridges or cuts through the bluff, public realm. Consider the EMTA de- Brian Graham as has been done at State and Hol- cision to create a gigantic bus garage, land. Perhaps these ideas are not fea- office, and parking lot for employees. sible, but couldn’t we consider grand Using eminent domain, the EMTA Considering the City staircases at Liberty (to Liberty Park), acquired property and forced a suc- Sassafras (to the former GAF site and cessful business to relocate. The EMTA Erie’s Bayfront Bluff Park has Potential Convention Center), and at Parade demolished viable buildings including and other main boulevards? the massive Cold Storage structure By: CIVITAS members Lisa Austin, Michael Beightol, and Stephen Sonnenberg Each staircase could be connected to (which alone cost an estimated 2 mil- each other via blocks-long, Americans lion to tear down). Worst of all, EMTA’s n 2010, Erie’s Bayfront bluff was wildly overgrown with invasive species and littered with with Disabilities Act-compliant paths. decision to close a railroad underpass garbage. While teenagers made their way through rough terrain to Presque Isle Bay, As paths diagonally crisscrossed the – Division Street – forces low-income folks along the top of the bluff could rarely glimpse the water. Enter the Erie Community hillside, they could provide a gentle residents to walk extra blocks before Foundation. grade for pedestrians and people using heading north. Now, instead of walk- IIn 2011 the Erie Community Foundation announced a gift to the city: a “Bayfront Beautification a wheelchair or pushing a stroller or ing to school from their homes north Project.” Running thirteen blocks from Cascade to Wayne streets the “linear park” was designed to bicycle. Within the network of paths, of 16th Street, Peifer-Burleigh students provide “safe pedestrian access to the Bayfront” in a “scenic park-like vista” featuring “shrubbery, an occasional mini-plaza could allow take a bus. Closing a connecting street flowers, and trees.” people to rest or gather to watch the reduces circulation options and iso- sunset. Walkways could be designed lates neighborhoods. Almost three years into the project, dotting the bluff are harmless: this center. A “negative space” is created in around existing mature trees. As residents of Erie, we don’t have to there has been some success: there are “billboard alley” can be cleared in a few the space the furniture surrounds. In Prior to last year’s cleaning and settle for “good enough.” Like our col- some better views of the bay and there days. The trouble seems to be the lack a city, the negative space between built clearing, a Bayfront Promenade was lective great-grandparents who com- are isolated gardens developing here of a well-designed plan for an urban things helps define the quality of the installed along the top of the bluff. missioned John Nolen’s city vision, and there. But the bluff is missing too park. Like the Pittsburgh consultant’s public realm: its walkability, its desti- An outcry by some residents led to we can ask for – and receive – a world- many trees, and getting down to the organizational plan for the former nations, its vistas, its sense of excite- a design-modification of the most class masterpiece on Erie’s Bayfront water is neither easier nor safer. GAF site, this park (so far) seems to be ment and energy, or sense of enclosure “view-blocking” elements of the con- bluff. Instead of promoting access, the a suburban design. Built in isolation, and protection. These experiential troversial fencing. Though some ho- focus seems to have been on clearing suburban designs ignore the street qualities define a city. meowners are still not pleased, the Civitas members can be reached at their the bluff to install corporate logos-on- grid (and their neighbors) and care Erie deserves a landmark on the Bay- pathway has proved to be very popular. website www.civitaserie.com, or by email stilts. While Erie’s zoning code does most about the movement and storage front Bluff. After clearing, the first pri- The Port Authority reportedly has two at [email protected], or occasionally not permit advertising signs on the of cars and trucks. ority should have been to start building additional walkways planned. But why at the Civitas office in the Masonic Temple waterfront, the signage was described In vital places, the “negative” space the bones of this new “place” – a series aren’t these plans visible to the public Building, 32 W. as “part of the park.” Apparently mem- around each “built thing” is as impor- of paths and plazas. From the top of the ahead of time? Why not involve stake- Eight St. To follow bers of Erie City Council agreed with tant as the built thing itself. Consider Erie bluff, multiple paths could have holders and residents in the planning this story or com- this view, eliminating the need for a a living room large enough for two linked to each other and to the whole phases, rather than building first, and ment, scan the QR conversation with zoning officials. couches and chairs: the seating will roster of existing open spaces near then dealing with concerns? code or visit http:// Semantics aside, the signs randomly often be organized around an open the water: Lakeview Cemetery, Land Shouldn’t the Port Authority and the erirdr.com/yjm5b

March 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 11 We March 5 - 18 If WERE wed 3.05 The Bad Haircut: A Disconnected Comedy sometimes, not so gently set you down. Please come, close your eyes, and take the empower- Female Vampires in Movies, t was just eight ment ride [that is] 'Women of Word.'" Miley Cyrus, and more Imonths ago that When: 7 to 8 p.m. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania contin- we were losing our Where: Dr. William P. Alexander Music Center, ues marking Women's History Month with worries in the warm Edinboro University, 219 Meadville St., Edinboro an array of film screenings, presentations summer breezes of Contact: 732-2000; edinboro.edu and other events throughout the day at EUP's July, the sun warm- “Broadway’s Next H!t Musical” Frank G. Pogue Student Center. Interested ing our skin as we at Edinboro University in tracing the roots and growth of the female stood beneath baby When improvisation, music and audience par- vampire on the big screen? Check out Roger blue skies dusted ticipation are combined, hilarity is surely to en- Solberg's talk, "Female Vampires in the Mov- with wisps of white. sue, and hilarity, thy name is “Broadway’s Next ies: From the 1930s to the Present," from 9:30 Despite the sun- H!t Musical.” After gathering fictional, hit song to 10:45 a.m. Is Miley more your thing? Then shine, Managing suggestions from the audience, improvisers will take a seat at 12:15 p.m. for Rhonda Matthews' Editor Ben Speggen ad-lib material that will have the whole house in "They Came in Like a Wrecking Ball," which was busy watching gut-wrenching, cheek-cramping laughter. Cost examines the girl-to-woman, very public someone else be- is $10. transformations of Cyrus and other former come lost that July, When: 7:30 p.m. Disney child stars like Britney Spears, Selena as Richard Boler’s Where: 219 Meadville St., Edinboro Gomez, and Demi Lovato. Those presenta- play The Bad Haircut: Contact: events.edinboro.edu tions are just a bit of what's happening at the A Disconnected Com- 'Boro that day in Women's History. edy debuted at the fri 3.07 When: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Renaissance The- Where: Edinboro University Frank G. Pogue ater. It turned out The Story Next Door Student Center, 219 Meadville St., Edinboro that staying inside Award-winning journalists from across the Contact: 732-2000; edinboro.edu was a great move, United States — including three Pulitzer Prize Celebrate The Artist as Ben was blown winners — will visit Allegheny College to help Head down to Edinboro University for the opening away by Boler’s first students and community members document night of the 5th Annual Michael V. Gmitter Scholar- play since 1991, writ- "The Story Next Door” at a two-day conference ship Exhibition: Celebrate The Artist. Work from all ing in an Erie Reader exploring community journalism in action. The thirteen finalists are being exhibited in Bruce Gallery review that the local conference — which includes a uniquely local and awards will be announced at 6 p.m. If you can’t writer’s work was sunrise-to-sunset multimedia documentary make it to opening night, don’t fret — the show runs “brilliant, timely, — is free and open to the public, and no pre- through March 14. and necessary” and registration is required. Altogether, it's "a grand When: 5 to 7 p.m. that The Bad Hair- storytelling experiment,” says Cheryl Hatch, Where: Doucette Hall, 219 Meadville St., Edinboro cut “demands us to Contributed Photo visiting assistant professor of journalism in the Contact: 732.2000 think and deserves public interest at Allegheny. Gideon’s Army our attention.” When: morning-to-night events both days Lawyer-turned-filmmaker Dawn Porter will Fortunately for Ben and any other Erieite that enjoys all things brilliant, timely, and necessary, Where: Vukovich Center for Communication Arts, be at Allegheny College in Meadville for a free last July wasn’t the only chance to see The Bad Haircut. Boler’s story of a man who feels discon- Allegheny College, 555 N. Main St., Meadville screening and following discussion of her nected from modern life following anunfortunate trimming of his follicles will return this March Contact: 332.3100; allegheny.edu documentary, Gideon’s Army, starting at 5:30 as it begins a three-weekend run at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 7 at PACA, giving Erie an opportunity Stephen Trohoske’s Art Groupies p.m. at the Gladys Mullenix Black Theatre to witness the amusing, thought-provoking original piece in 2014. After you’re done enjoying your favorite Gallery in the Vukovich Center for Communication Whether you’re a fan of culture commentary or looking for a good laugh, make sure to get an Night stops, swing down to Erie Ale House for Arts. The documentary — tracing the story appointment for Bad Haircut and reconnect with local theater. — Alex Bieler Stephen Trohoske’s Art Groupies. Trohoske, of a group of young public defenders in the March 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22 / PACA, 1505 State St. / paca1505.com Erie’s Mr. Bassman, will team up with Eric Deep South — debuted on HBO Documen- Brewer, Elly Vahey, and Stix Thompson to give tary Films in 2013, and was an official selec- their own spins on classic tracks from Tom tion of the U.S. Documentary Competition Waits, The Clash, and Joy Division, plus many at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, where it the various evidence-based treatments that tail and ability it takes to create something, others that the quartet feel liking playing. premiered. are offered. whether it’s a painting, a song, or an Appari- When: 10 p.m. When: 5:30 p.m. When: 7 p.m. tion Amber Ale. Where: 1033 State St. Where: Vukovich Center for Where: 16 W. Division St., North East When: exhibits open noon to midnight, Contact: 454.4500 Communication Arts, Allegheny Contact: 725.6277 live music after 7 p.m., March 6-8 College, 555 N. Main St., Meadville Where: 123 W. 14th St. sat 3.08 Contact: 332-3100; allegheny.edu thurs 3.06 Contact: brewerie.com Mercyhurst North East Culture Women of Word: Poetry 2014 Erie Philharmonic Presents: Series presents From Witch Arts & Drafts Fest Women's History Month events continue at Ed- Pictures at an Exhibition Doctor to Which Doctor Arts & Drafts Fest returns for the thirteenth inboro University of Pennsylvania with "Women Violin times two. The Erie Philharmonic’s own Have an interest in alternatives to contem- time this March to help celebrate local artists' of Word: Poetry 2014," being presented from 7 Concertmaster, Ken Johnston, joins the new porary medicine? Then you should come see ability to create wonders for the eyes, ears, to 8 p.m. at the Dr. William P. Alexander Music Concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony, Patricia Stubber, Instructor of Family and and taste buds during a three-day affair at Center's recital hall. The poets presenting put Noah Bendix-Balgley for double doses of Ravel Community Medicine, Penn State College of The Brewerie at Union Station. The biannual this word out in advance: "No subject is safe as well in La Valses and with Mussorgsky in the Medicine, free of charge at the Alex Theatre bash will bring 30 artists, 15 live bands, and a from us. We taste, ruminate, and then eject iconic Pictures at an Exhibition. as she explores the potential influences of whole lot of The Brewerie’s own craft beers into the air for our audience to compare to their When: 8 p.m. cultural views and customs on health care and together to help you enjoy the amount of de- own feelings on the matter. We take you up and, Where: 811 State St. Contact: 455.1375 12 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com March 5, 2014 F G Saturday, March 8 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Start MakingSense to get a lesson in the ways of Talking Heads and take in one psycho killer of a show. — Alex Bieler time it’s not, you’re If act. tribute excellent this out check to sense total makes it fan, Heads ing Talk - a you’re If experience. lifetime a in once full the you give help to twitches and moves dance signature style. proval, and for good reason, too, as the band’s live show is a thrilling recreation of Talking Heads’ ap- of stamp his Sense Making Start gave Worrell Bernie keyboardist Heads Talking former as band, tribute usual your not is This there?” go I should “Why yourself, ask may you Now Heads. one grouptoStartMakingSense. led band wave new beloved the of love that fact, In company. and Byrne David frontman Heads’ The GreatGatsby March 7-8,12-16, and19-23/13W.10thSt.erieplayhose.org /454.2852 Playhouse stage.—AlexBieler ing a trip through the valley of ashes up to West Egg to see the leadasGatsby. taking Daugherty Brendan and Carroway Nick narrator story’s the playing DelGreco Domenic with classic, Fitzgerald the of fans thrill de- should seats production theater Playhouse the fill reviews, to mixed effects spite flashy and glasses 3D on relied have may 2013 from adaptation cinematic Luhrmann’s Baz While dream. American the and excess, obsession, of tale American in right Erie. life to brought opus magnum Fitzgerald’s witness can you 7, March edito- Friday, Starting board. rial Library Modern the to according century, twentieth the of language English the second in novel best the considered now is Egg West of zens Gatsby citi- wealth” “new the and Jay mysterious the of story classic the but it was first published in 1925, when acclaim much critical received have not If the sound isn’t enough for you, lead singer Jon Braun even mirrors David Byrne’s famed Byrne’s David mirrors even Braun Jon singer lead you, for enough isn’t sound the If Talking of tunes the recreate lovingly to i crooked the to returns act Pa.-based Bethlehem, The Fitzgerald may have died thinking he was a failure, but you can witness his masterpiece by tak- by masterpiece his witness can you but failure, a was he thinking died have may Fitzgerald beloved the of run stage three-week a to City Flagship The treating be will Playhouse Erie The el nov- Fitzgerald’s Scott . you, St. Vincent), it makes sense that some musicians would try and emulate the sounds of sounds the emulate and try would musicians some that at sense makes looking it Vincent), (I’m St. you, artists current many for was Heads Talking band the influential how iven may Gatsby Great The March 5, 2014 / The crooked i, 1013 State The Great Gatsby when it graces the Erie St. / facebook.com/thecrookedierie

Contributed Photo Contributed Photo eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 13 to Sherlock’s for another night of their signature The Irish Rovers heavy melodic style. The quartet has earned rave fter 50 years and 40 albums reviews from Classic Rock Magazine and an Guitar A together, you could say that World, and now they look to keep building to their the members of the Canadian rocking reputation along with guests Second Em- folk band The Irish Rovers have pire and Heidt. experience on their side, having When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. shared their traditional tunes with Where: 508 State St. North America both on stage and Contact: 453.7760 through TV on their self-titled show in the ‘70s. sat 3.15 However all rovers must stop roving sometime. The Toronto Aqueous troop officially announced that the When Aqueous is up on a stage, you’re no longer band is entering its final phase, as seeing a show, you’re part of an experience. The the The Irish Rovers are embark- Buffalo groove rockers are coming back to the ing on their farewell tour. Local crooked i to create more memories at the State fans of The Irish Rovers need not Street venue with their intense guitar jams and worry, however, as the tour in- catchy songwriting, all making for one great night. cludes a stop at the Mary D’Angelo When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Performing Arts Center at Mercy- Where: 1013 State St. hurst University, treating the Erie community to their signature songs one last time. Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie The Irish Rovers gave North America over half a decade of their craft, and now the community has one last chance to celebrate their long, celebrated career, so roll on down for a final night of Roving. - Alex Bieler mon 3.17

Sat. March 8, 8 p.m. / Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St. / miac.mercyhurst.edu

Contributed Photo St. Patrick’s Day Bash: The Tradesmen w/ Human Animal St. Patrick’s Day is a wonderful holiday here in Erie, and if you can last the whole day, the crooked i has sat 3.08 cont. tues 3.11 characters as they come alive with hysterical comedy, a treat for you. The Tradesmen will be playing at musical numbers, and steamy performances from the State Street establishment to help finish off this Blended Spirits Ranch Women's History Events the leading hunk in the grey tie, plus lots of surprises! wondrous Irish holiday with plenty of Celtic punk Appreciation Dinner at Edinboro University Learn more at spankshow.com along with hardcore group Human Animal. Join in for a fun filled evening of dinner, danc- Women's History Month events continue at Edinboro When: 8 p.m. When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. ing, chinese, and silent auctions and great mu- University with back-to-back presentations from po- Where: 811 State St. Where: 1013 State St. sic provided by Eric Brewer & Friends and Lucky litical science students from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the R. Contact: 452.4857 Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie Dog for a great cause! Blended Spirits Ranch's Benjamin Wiley Center, room 107. First, recent EUP mission is to provide a safe and structured en- grad Ashley Rutter will present "Pants and Heels: The thurs 3.13 tues 3.18 vironment for using equine therapy to help in- Dichotomous Nature of the Portrayal of Women in Dramashop presents: dividuals feel empowered and build self-esteem. National Politics." After that, EUP student and local Broccoli Samurai w/ Gnosis Through equine assisted activities; individuals gay-rights activist Joshua Szczesny will take the floor When a band is called Broccoli Samurai, it’s a safe Love Actually Isn’t are healed while the ranch provides a haven for for his talk, "The New Glass Ceiling: Feminism, Les- guess that the members of that group are looking to Don’t miss the final installment of Dramashop’s neglected horses. bianism and Income Inequality in the LBGT move- have fun. Broccoli Samurai is definitely one of those staged-reading series — which just happens to When: 6 p.m. ment." bands, doling out healthy servings of playfulness be part of Gannon University’s Fringe Festival — Where: 7794 Peach St. When: 7:30 to 9 p.m. along with their electronica dance jams. Head to the because it’s Hollywood in Erie by way of Erie… or Contact: [email protected] Where: R. Benjamin Wiley Center room 107, crooked i for this show if you’re in need of a good time something like that. Love Actually Isn’t covers love, Strangers and Liars Edinboro University, 219 Meadville St., Edinboro or are trying to cheat on your serving of vegetables. doubt, closure, and comprise in six one-act plays CD Release Party Contact: 732.2000; edinboro.edu When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. by Erie-native Dan Johnson, whose work was pro- Hop on over to the music reviews and read Ben Where: 1013 State St. duced last year in the Hollywood Fringe Festival. So Speggen’s review of Americana pop-rockers wed 3.12 Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie Dan, who’s from Erie and had his work produced Strangers and Liars and then hop down to the in Hollywood, will now have the chance to see his King’s Rook Club to check out SnL’s “Original SPANK! Fifty Shades of Parody fri 3.14 Zach Flock-directed work set on an Erie stage, Electrified Music in the American Tradition.” SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody is the hilarious which is all around pretty damn cool if you ask us. When: 9 to 11 p.m. new comedy that brings all the naughty fun of the Icarus Witch w/ Second When: 8 p.m. Where: 1921 Peach St. best-selling book to life. Your inner goddess will be Empire and Heidt Where: Renaissance Centre, 2nd Floor, 1001 State St. Contact: StrangersAndLiars.com laughing out loud with this clever re-imagining of the Pittsburgh heavy metal troop Icarus Witch returns Contact: Dramashop.org

Driving in a little something to brighten your day! a winter wonderland. This voucher entitles “NOT YOUR AVERAGE BAKERY” you to $1.00 oﬀ any Cam El-Farouki, Agent Wishing you a safe and joyous holiday. 4380 West Ridge Road 3319 W 26th Street bakery purchase of Erie, PA 16506 Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Erie, PA Bus: 814-833-6663 $5.00 or more. www.teamerie.com (814) 833-1098 .POEBZ4BUVSEBZtBNQN Closed Sundays Oﬀer Expires 3-31-14 0901012.1 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL 14 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com March 5, 2014 UPCOMING EVENTS

Thu. Mar. 6 Chasing Moira SIRSY Jackson Station & Fri. Mar. 7 MARCH 7 // FRIDAY @ 10:00 Ray Lanich

Sat. Mar. 8 Six Years After START MAKING SENSE

Thu. Mar. 13 Rift MARCH 8 // SATURDAY @ 10:00

Icarus Witch, Second Fri. Mar. 14 Empire, Heidt BROCCOLI SAMURAI

508 State Street 18-20 North Park Row 814-453-7760 WITH SPECIAL GUESTS GNOSIS MARCH 13 // THURSDAY @ 10:00

PREACH FREEDOM

WITH SPECIAL GUEST THE HORNITZ MARCH 14 // FRIDAY @ 10:00

AQUEOUS

MARCH 15 // SATURDAY @ 10:00

ST. PATRICK'S DAY BASH

WITH THE TRADESMEN AND HUMAN ANIMAL

MARCH 17 // MONDAY @ 10:00

March 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 15 SIDENTS A RE ARE ERIE 2 BY Music 1 1, ' , '1 '10 IN W RO N A S I AR Reviews V YE OT ER 3 ED BEST CATER Beck Morning Phase Capitol

Although Beck calls his first new album in six years a companion piece to his stellar 2002 album Sea Change, it’s hard not to think of Morning Phase as a sequel. It can be a harsh designation, as the word “sequel” often leads one to think of lesser versions of a beloved original, but we find Beck treading the familiar melancholy territory of Sea Change, just not quite as well as he did 12 years ago. Of course, that’s not to say that Morning Phase isn’t a worthwhile return to heartbreak; in fact, it’s a lovely set of 13 tracks assisted by an ample amount of sorrowful strings and reverb. It’s hard not to get sucked in when Beck yells “I’m so tired of being alone” to kick off the excellent single Arts & Drafts Fest “Blue Moon,” while the veteran musician creates lovely arrangements for his new assortment of sad 30 Local Artists. 15 Local Bands. 1 Place. The Brewerie. songs. Morning Phase may feel like a sequel, but it’s certainly a worthy one. - Alex Bieler St. Vincent St. Vincent Universal

It’s not often that a musician could describe their sound as a sort of “techno-shamanism,” but when Annie Clark of St. Vincent used that term to describe her new album on The Colbert Report, it sure did fit. St. Vincent, Clark’s fourth solo album under her saintly pseudonym, is a musical marriage of earthly desires in a digital age. “I’m entombed in a shrine of zeroes and ones” she sings during the dark, fuzzy breakdown of “Huey Newton” before the album shifts to the exquisite, almost robotic single “Digital Witness,” an efficient track influenced by Clark’s time working with David Byrne. Elsewhere, Clark displays her impressive fretwork on “Birth in Reverse,” showing off her ability to provide soft and rough textures to her sonic soundscapes. Clark’s career has been fascinating to watch, and on St. Vincent she’s become the queen of her own musical world. - Alex Bieler

Strangers and Liars Live That Way Independent

Just one year after releasing their debut album Five Seat Concert Hall, Erie-based Americana pop- rockers Strangers and Liars return with their sophomore follow-up Live That Way. Ten tracks – including a full-band version of drummer Tom Hitt’s “Elizabeth Off and On” (a cool tune then, and a cool tune now) from his solo record Scribe and Jester – capture the essence of good, ol’ fun rock ‘n’ roll. Some of the songs play a bit long and could benefit by losing a phased-out guitar solo or three, but the loose feel the band plays with creates the sense that four guys at work are having fun and enjoy the experimentation that comes with making music. While it is one of their longer songs, album standout “Lost” captures Tommy Link’s songwriting at its best, blending thoughtful lyrics with a catchy melody with a tight delivery from the rest of the band.- Ben Speggen

Jerry Gaff Sojourn, Pieces for Guitar Self-released

Sonorous, solitary, and somnambular, Sojourn's 11 tracks display a wide range of emotional expres- siveness reminiscent of a backwoods expedition through uncharted sylvan dales; with veteran local MARCh 6 - 8, 2014 fingerstyle guitarist and composer Jerry Gaff leading the way on the mostly-instrumental journey, expect to experience rich and deeply moving Americana-esque themes that occasionally include tinges of isolation and melancholy that gracefully subside, revealing a warm, comfortable destina- Live Music7pm-Midnight • Exhibits Open Noon-Midnight tion just over the next hill. While it may be a stretch to call the inclusion of the vocal track "Breathe Deeply" a "gaffe," Sojourn could have benefited from the omission of this mood-breaker, however, After 8pm $3 Donation & Must be 21 years of age overall, this album — mostly recorded and mastered at Cycling Troll Recording Services in Fair-  view, Pa. — is still worth a spin, whether you're trekking through the wilds on a raw winter's day, or For more info & band lineups check outwww.brewerie.com laying in a candlelit bathtub with a bottle of American Honey. - Cory Vaillancourt 16 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com March 5, 2014 Snarky Puppy Grammy Award-winning Band Comes to Erie

By: Ryan Smith couldn't get any of the many members of Snarky Puppy on the Contributed Photo horn for an interview last week. Not a one in the bunch, which is big. Falling Hollywood to Play SXSW IBummer. That woulda been pretty fun, I thought – the best, the really loose and The stars at night...Are big and bright...Deep in the heart of Texas! free and adventurous, true-original jazz By Cory Vaillancourt musicians, they usually talk a lot like they play, you know. he boys in Falling Hollywood have been blowing local minds for nigh Snarky Puppy wasn't being all snarky or on to 2 years now, but this month, they'll be taking their infectious, snooty or whatever on me, though (which, punky brand of Rust Belt folk rock to Texas, where they will become I guessed, could have been the case, what T the first band from Erie to play at the Convention Center of the prestigious

with the fantastic quasi-collective's very Contributed Photo South by Southwest festival in Austin. recent Grammy Award win and all the "We are incredibly honored," said frontman/guitpicker Nick Taylor. "This As part of the MIAC Live Series, Snarky Puppy could mean big things – record labels, opening slots for national tours, or other ways they're getting recognized more and will bring their infectious blend of jazz and more these days as being, well, fantastic). R&B to the crooked i Thursday, March 20. hopefully an invite back to the main stage next year. If nothing else comes of this, it will be the experience of a lifetime." SXSW was started as a music festival in 1987 by the staff of Austin's al- Nope, they woulda been happy to accommodate under other the tip of the iceberg as far as their success is concerned," Ryan ternative weekly newspaper, the Chronicle. Since that time, it's grown to circumstances, their agent suggested. Thing was, they were Bartosek, co-booking agent for the i and Rubber Tramp Live become one of the – if not the – most influential conference/festivals in the out and away – across-the-world out and away – on tour in Ja- (and, otherwise, a learned man of music of here, of there, and world, with specific segments devoted to film, music, and interactive tech- karta, Indonesia. of everywhere), said when I caught up with him last week. nology. By the Internet's estimate, that's just about 9,913 miles from "It's always nice when a band of this musical caliber comes Taylor, along with fellow vocalist/axeman Matt Flowers, bassist Bill Frack- Erie, Pennsylvania. And by the time Snarky Puppy gets to the through and local fans can get a chance to soak it all in," he owiak, and drummer Brad Triana will play two shows at SXSW's Interac- crooked i's stage on March 20, bringing a colorful, deep uni- added. "I expect most of Erie's musical community to be in at- tive Expo, on March 6 and 7; the lucky crowds who catch these gigs will be verse of free-form music – "music for the brain and booty," they tendance, with their jaws on the floor. treated to a special...ummm... treat. call it – along with them to the Gem City, they'll have bridged "Hopefully it inspires some people." "We plan to once again tear away the excess, and play in our raw, acoustic every one of those many miles, and more. MIAC announced last month that renowned New York-based set up," Taylor told me, "exposing the raw core of Falling Hollywood that The performance, being hosted by the i and presented by the improvisational jazz singer Alison Wedding will be opening first captured the ears and hearts of our fans here at home." Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture as part of its 'MIAC for Snarky Puppy. A few members of the band – its leader and That raw core Taylor speaks of first manifested itself in Falling Holly- Live' series, is being funded in part, according to Mercyhurst, bassist, Michael League, drummer Ross Pederson, and guitar- wood's stunning 2012 debut album, Set the Table. They strayed slightly from through the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation's Jazz Touring Net- ist Pete McCann – also serve as Wedding's regular backup, so that formula with their energetic follow-up album Heavy Weather late last work program, with support from the National Endowment the night's warm-up is sure to be one eclectic meeting of the year. However, both albums are among the most highly regarded releases for the Arts. musical minds as well. by a local group in years. As far as local shows go, this one's unique in those partner- The i's doors open at 7 p.m. for the March 20 show, with the And although Falling Hollywood's popularity has long since grown outside ings, and, all-around, it's kind of a big deal. night's performances slated to start at 8. of their native region – as evidenced by recent gigs in Greenwich Village, The 18-piece outfit – a true fusion of world-wise musical tal- For tickets and more information, visit miac.mercyhurst. Brooklyn, and Cleveland – this set of performances in Texas could end up ents – won this year's 'Best R&B Performance' Grammy, was in- edu, or call the MIAC box office at 824.3000. earning them the recognition they deserve on a national scale. cluded among iTunes' 'Best of 2012' picks in the jazz category, "We are incredibly optimistic for this year and our music," said Taylor. and has earned praise from critics everywhere from the Boston Ryan Smith can be contacted at rSmith@ Herald to the BBC. Currently based in New York, their once- ErieReader.com, and you can follow him on For more information on Falling Hollywood, visit www.Falling- underground sounds have been filling major spaces around the Twitter @RyanSmithPlens. To follow this Hollywood.com.Contact Cory Vaillancourt at cVaillancourt@ globe over the past couple of years. story or comment, scan the QR code or visit ErieReader.com. To follow this story or comment, scan the QR "Snarky Puppy is an unbelievable band, and have only touched http://erirdr.com/o0i0v code or visit http://erirdr.com/hngc5 SAINT PATRICK’S DAY SPECIALS REUBEN BYOB POTATO PANCAKES Corned beef hash $5.99 Green eggs & ham DAILY Breakfast, Lunch, Corned Beef omelette & Delivery Specials FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY & MONDAY $9.99Dinner Specials 2010 2011 & 2012 Wed, Thurs, Fri, 5-9 BYOB 2516 State St. Erie | 814.455.3543 | Daily 7 am - 2 pm | Sunday 8 am - 2 pm | FACEBOOK OR ZODIACDINOR.COM March 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 17 Spring 2014 FILM program

MAR 5 • 7 pm IGH E N T Sponsored by Think Bigger Media G E

L 2-for-1

L O

The Grandmaster C with ID (2013) Original Chinese Cut | Action/Drama | PG-13 Academy Award Nominee: Cinematography, Costume Design mar 12 • 7 pm Some Velvet Morning (2013) Drama | Not Rated PRESENTED BY SPONSORED BY

filmsocietynwpa.org FILMErieArtMuseum $5 @FILM_Erie

www

www Come in for a www ERIE ART MUSEUM’S 91st ANNUAL SPRING SHOW Shamrockin’good deal!

AVAILABLE ONLY FOR THE MONTH 500 Business OF MARCH 2014 CALL Cards DETAILS: 2 sided, full color, 16 pt. FOR Cover. 4-5 day turnaround. For(a $54$29.50! value!) *Some graphics fees may apply. ENTRIES

Go Ask Alice! 814-833-9020 Presque Isle 4523 W. Ridge Road ARTISTS ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT UP TO 3 WORKS Erie, PA 16506 Printing Services MARCH 22 - APRIL 6

www.presqueisleprinting.com @GoAskAlice08 ERIEARTMUSEUM.ORG

18 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com March 5, 2014 Outside Voices Would you support a ban on fracking in Erie County?

Cam El-Farouki “I am concerned about the ramifications of fracking in terms of ground water and also earth movement and possible earthquakes, so I feel like I’d want to see more information about the long-term consequences."

Jessica Hunter “I think that there are definitely questionable things that are happening right now. We need to find out what the long- and short-term effects are on health before we can even go further with a ban. I understand it generates a lot of revenue, but at what cost to health and safety?”

Joshua Harbaugh "A playful, intelligent absurd- “I would [support a ban] because it can affect the "Very funny" ist/surrealist adventure" -- quality of the local water supply, livestock, and every- -- ERI Jams Magazine thing to do with that. At the same time, the economy Playwrights Horizons sucks and people need to have jobs but…it’s detrimen- tal to the environment, so I would support it.” THE BAD HAIRCUT A Disconnected Comedy by Richard Boler

Drummer Volkman Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 pm “I would support a ban on fracking in Erie County March 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 because it does ruin the environment and that’s more important than any economic benefits that we could receive from it.” PACA 1505 State Street, 2nd Floor General Admission $10

To follow this story or comment, scan the QR code or visit http://erirdr. "One hell of an enjoyable "The acting is terrific" com/4dtvb and thoughtful ride" -- Pat Cuneo, --Erie Reader Erie Times-News March 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 19 MARCH 9 2 PM | ERIE INSURANCE ARENA SALUTE OUR TROOPS DAY

/BAYHAWKSFANS @ERIEBAYHAWKS 20 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com March 5, 2014 Geeked Out Twitch Plays Pokémon By: John Lindvay Her happiness ackseat drivers are the worst. But it would be worse if you had to obey every command they shout- is in the bag. ed out. And it would be even worse Bif there were, say, 60,000 people in the backseat, and you still had to obey each direction. Sounds like a nightmare, but it’s not. This is Twitch Plays Pokémon – thousands of viewer/participators on the Internet shouting commands to one lowly screen playing Nintendo’s Pokémon. This recently happened and went strong for over two week as a massive audience congregated in a chat room to watch a live 60,000 gamers gathered together to feed of a game of Pokémon. The twist is that play Pokémon — as one player. the shops at the colony the chat room controlled the player. So instead of one individual making each command second to second, it rotated between 60,000 people 2602 west 8th street each taking a turn every second. It is as beautiful as perplexing and chaotic as you imagine. (814) 833-5311 And what is more incredible is that beyond all doubt, this gaggle of gamers beat the final boss on day sixteen. Pokémon is the wildly popular handheld game franchise from Nintendo. I’m sure you’ve heard www.lescrago.com the popular catch phrase of needing to “Catch ‘em all!” but if you’re unfamiliar allow me to briefly explain. Pokémon is a game about collecting fantasy beasts that you then train and use in friendly spars with other trainers. But what’s happened with Twitch Plays Pokémon took the game to a whole other level. Explanations are in order. First, Twitch.tv is a fast-growing website that is dedicated to gamers who broadcast – or stream, as most call it – themselves playing games to anyone willing to watch. There are wide arrays of streamers, and viewers can watch their favorite game being played or see what their favorite streamer is up to. Want to watch some Call of Duty played by a “pro-gamer?” Twitch has you covered. Want to watch some people build cool monuments in indie-hit Minecraft? There are streams for that. Just from the front page alone, I noted that there are roughly 300,000 people watching the more popular games – and roughly 60,000 dedicated to Twitch Plays Pokémon. So how did Twitch Plays Pokémon happen? Some industrious-minded people wanted to run an experiment with the chat rooms on Twitch.tv. They wanted to see if they could hook the chat up as a controller to a game that requires turn-by-turn commands, like push a button to move one unit. If I were to write the word “up” in the chat room, Red (Pokémon’s default protagonist name) would move up. Remember that bit about backseat driving, and how it’s the worst? Imagine 60,000 different, unsynced commands flying at a game randomly: Beautiful, contained, geeked-out chaos. If you are just a casual observer watching the stream, it all seems pretty tame. The character on the screen is moving in very odd and nonsensical patterns because, well, it can’t tell which backseat driver to listen to first, so it all just looks very random. However on the right side of the screen, you can see the battle wage. A single user can only give a command every 30 seconds, but with 60,0000 commands flying the stream of text is an incomprehensible torrent. In all actuality, it is amazing anything ever got accomplished. To help this, the host of this experiment introduced a new system to further play with this hive- minded approach. Two commands were added as options for players to use: anarchy and democracy. These two political ideas are contextualized as a bar with a line separating the two at the halfway mark. As more viewers clamor for anarchy, the bar fills past that halfway mark and anarchy is the rule. All commands slung out are sent to the game client and executed. If democracy reigns, the game pool voted for a 10-second period and used the winner of that vote as the next command. It’s worth noting that the Twitch Plays Pokémon purists want to protect anarchy, as that is how the game was originally incepted, but a new faction fought for democracy to assume control of the hivemind. What is probably the most incredible aspect of all is that they actually beat the game. While it may take someone a day or two of playtime to complete the game alone, it is incredible to know that in just 16 days, tens of thousands of people can effectively brute force their way through it. Wasn’t there some saying about infinite amount of monkeys typing on an infinite amount of typewriters would eventually compose Shakespeare? I guess it might be sort of true – even if they are all kicking and screaming like a bunch of backseat drivers.

John Lindvay can be contacted at [email protected], and you can follow him on Twitter @FightStrife. To follow this story or comment, scan the QR code or visit http:// erirdr.com/rlq9n

March 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 21 a cocky seventh-grader at St. An- drew's getting ready for my first ER Sports start in basketball and we were scheduled to open the season By: James R. LeCorchick up against SGS. To be honest, we thought the Lancers were a bunch of hicks, as none of us even knew where the school was. Coaching Advice I initially felt Melle, who was also The Lancers were the defend- T'S FINALLY official that Ca- the head coach at Cleveland Villa ing Class B champs, but now it thedral Prep Offensive Coordi- Angela-St. Joseph before moving was time for them to move up Inator Brad Orlando is the new to Erie for family reasons, would to the big time and play a pow- football coach at McDowell High follow Orlando to McDowell as his erful Class A SAS team. When School, replacing Mark Soboleski, DC and the fact that Millcreek is Lupo was finished going against who resigned following the past in a position to offer him a teach- a "real" team, he led his team to football season. Orlando is a Mc- ing position. However, I'm not too a 37-34 win – and he scored 33 of Dowell grad who played for the sure this is etched in stone and that the 37 tallies the winners had. Trojans before going to Penn State. Melle would not be open to running Obviously, that is something When Orlando called the shots his own program somewhere. that sticks in your mind. at CP, the Ramblers won a state Meanwhile, Morgan has done He also led a Millcreek Little

title while becoming one of the a sensational job at Mercyhurst League team to the national fi- Contributed Photo top-scoring units in the state, as Prep with limited resources and nals in Williamsport as well as Orlando mastered the spread of- he also may be convinced to make being selected All-City in three fense. His past two signal-callers a change. The Lakers were on the sports – football, basketball and – Damien Terry and Billy Fessler verge of dropping the sport, but he baseball – at Cathedral Prep. – accumulated staggering passing took over and molded them into Lupo was the All-American Boy numbers, Terry now at Michigan a regional power behind a strong when I was growing up, and as State while Fessler is still deciding rushing attack. good as he was, Lupo was the to- where to attend college. There's no doubt in my mind that tal team player, as he performed While it came as no shock that the if I was on a selection committee on more championship teams Millcreek School District hired Or- at HC or Iroquois, I would make than anyone else I can think of. lando, I have to admit I was beyond sure I touched bases with these two Hard to believe he flew under a bit surprised when the football before making a decision. After all, the radar with his credentials but coaching positions were opened at the worse thing that can happen is he did. Harbor Creek and Iroquois. they tell you, "No!" I know McDowell didn't ask me Shining Stars Moving On for any guidance when selecting a Interesting Discussion RIC CAMPBELL, one of new coach, but that didn't deter me I CAN'T TELL you how many dis- the best soccer players ever from offering it. And that advice cussions I've been involved in with Ein the Erie area, will play was to hire Brad Orlando. people who wanted to talk about his college soccer at the Air Force That went so well that I’m now who was the best (fill in the sports Academy. The Harbor Creek feeling compelled to assist Harbor blank) player in Erie sports history. High School star was a D-10 All Creek and Iroquois in hiring new And while I find them interesting, Star and a two-time District 10

mentors. there never is a totally "correct" an- Player of the Year. Contributed Photo I have two names to toss out, and swer. The Huskies ace paced HC to while this doesn't mean I am dis- However, I was out with some back-to-back titles his junior and counting numerous other candi- Erie sports fans the other night and senior seasons and did the same Pictures from the Past dates, it just means I firmly believe someone brought up: "Who were thing for Mercyhurst Prep when Top: (Left) Cathedral Prep Class of 1964 all star Pat Lupo poses (Right) Lupo these are two excellent possibilities. some of the most underrated ath- he was a Laker his first two years receives the Erie Athlete of the Year Award his senior year from Walter Kuhl. And I stress excellent. letes ever in Erie?” of high school. First, I want to state I firmly be- It was a great discussion, and it In his career, the future Falcon Bottom: The Seneca All-Star team that advanced to Williamsport. SITTING lieve the HC job is a much better job went on for hours with many great had 101 goals and 55 assists. (L-R) — David Spires, John Izzi, Clair Allen, Tristy Moore. KNEELING — Jim for a variety of reasons, including names being brought up. And while And soccer wasn't the only sport Kilpatrick, Dave Carne, Doug Bannister, James Mosher, Chuck Mangin. numbers and facilities. Iroquois there was no totally "correct" an- he excelled in, as Campbell was STANDING — Dennis Whiteman, Tom King, Pat Lupo, Allen Palmer, Ken Meyers, Gary Behr. COACHES — Charles Faulkner, Bill Merz, Bert Mosher. is land-locked while Harbor Creek swer to this question, I gave it a lot also an all-region tennis doubles has the potential to have tremen- of thought over the next couple of player. He was also a two-year dous growth. days and I finally came up with my member of the National Honor Also, please keep in mind that most underrated. Society. (Contributor’s Note: Mr. Ferber is a native Letter to ER Sports these are my recommendations, And it was someone I played with of Pittsburgh, his children go to McDowell and I have not discussed this with – and against. CATHEDRAL PREP football star Jim, I went to the McDowell/Prep bas- but he epitomizes how transplants appreci- either of the coaches. I believe that former St. George Felix Manus-Schell has been se- ketball game Tuesday night at the Ham- ate what we have here. For years I have lis- With that being said, the two and Cathedral Prep (Class of 1964) lected to play in the prestigious Big mermill Center. For a family of four, it tened to natives whine and complain about names I feel that are great can- star Pat Lupo has never received 33 Game, pitting the Pa. all-stars cost $19. That includes four tickets and almost everything, but it takes an "out-of- didates are Matt Melle and Matt the recognition he deserved. against the Maryland all-stars in parking. How can you beat that? towner" to open our eyes to the great things Morgan. Currently, Melle is the De- He was a star at every level – and Hershey on June 14 at Hershey Sta- Both teams laid it out on the floor. in our city. Thanks, Curtis. JRL) fensive Coordinator at Cathedral every sport – he participated in. dium. He will play his college foot- What a great game to watch. Those kids Prep and Morgan is the head coach From Millcreek Youth Athletic ball at Division I Old Dominion. put it all on the line and played their James R. LeCorchick can be contacted at at Mercyhurst Prep. Association to St. George's to Ca- Manus-Schell will be a defensive hearts out. The game was well coached [email protected], and you While the offense garnered most thedral Prep, he was "The Man." back for the Monarchs. At Prep, he and officiated. can ttfollow him of the headlines for Prep, Melle's And tie in the fact he was one of was a two-way star and set a school In defeat, the coaching staff of Prep on Twitter @JRL- defense flew under the radar and the most humble superstars ever, record this season with 13 touch- displayed class. Congratulations to Sports. To follow was one of the top units in the state. and you can see why "Loops" got my down receptions. McDowell. What a great way to spend a this story or com- The Ramblers gave up very few vote. CP teammate Marlon Tyree and February evening in Erie. ment, scan the QR points and allowed minimal yard- My first experience with him was McDowell's Tyree Spearman will Take care, Jim. code or visithttp:// age against them. not a pleasant one, though, as I was also play for Pa. Curtis Ferber erirdr.com/83agb 22 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com March 5, 2014 Contributed Photo Contributed Photo March 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 23 GIVE $10 GET $10 March 1 - 31, 2014 CHANCE TO WIN UP Donate $10 cash to United Way $ of Erie County’s Imagination TO 50,000 CASH! Library and receive $10 Free Play. Sundays & Fridays in March $10 limit per day. 3pm - 8pm See the INClubTM for details.

WIN $1,500, $3,500 OR $5,000 CASH!

Thursdays in March • Begins at 7pm Register from 3pm - 7pm or when all 187 seats are full. $10 Buy In. First Place $1,870 Cash! $4,800 in Drawing Saturday, March 29 prizes paid to top twenty places each week! 8pm - 10pm TM See the INClub for details. See the INClubTM for details.

GET IN ON IT ALL I-90 Exit 27, Erie PA | presqueisledowns.com | 1.866.ERIE.FUN If You or Someone You Know Has a Gambling Problem, Help is Available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER.