The local voice for news, arts and culture.

January 21st, 2015 - February 4, 2015 / Vol. 5, No. 2 / ErieReader.com

Injustices Surrounding Modern Food

Charlie Hebdo and the Freedom of Expression

East Avenue Task Force

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2 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 21, 2015 CONTENT — JAN 21, 2015 From The Editors headline can say a lot with a lit- economic success.’” tle. Two words shape the feature What came after that was either en- Ayou’ll find on this issue’s cover: couraging or troubling, depending on Features Food Hypocrisy. What lies beyond is where you live. In a bulleted list, Yahoo! an exploration of our connection — or revealed the top-five cities, the afore- 9 — Food Hypocrisy perhaps better put: our disconnection mentioned four ranking at the top of Injustices Surrounding Modern Food — with the food we consume. “best performing cities.” Immediately Sure, many of us put some level of following were “the cities that declined thought behind the choices we make the most.” And if you’ve read the local when we purchase the various items we headlines already, you know that Erie use to construct our breakfasts, lunch- ranked No. 2 — on the second list. es, and dinners, but is it enough? Is it While the findings of the nonprofit, Editors-in-Chief: enough to simply purchase “organic” nonpartisan think tank, whose mission Brian Graham & Adam Welsh News & Opinion and be done with the matter? is “to improve lives around the world Managing Editor: 4 — Street Corner Soapbox Katie Chriest, with her first contribu- by advancing innovative economic and Ben Speggen tion to the Reader, takes an in-depth policy solutions that create jobs, widen Contributing Editor: The Complications of Freedom of look at our relationship with our food, access to capital, and enhance health,” Jim Wertz Expression, Understanding Charlie which leads to a more important ques- should be both scrutinized and ana- Arts & Culture Editor: tion: How do we treat the people who lyzed, they send a clear message that Alex Bieler Hebdo, and Addressing the Real harvest our food? people considering to move to — or re- Contributors: Threat to Free Speech Picking a tomato from of a grocery main in — Erie, Pa., might want to think Lisa Austin, Civitas store display is easy. The questions otherwise. That is, some people reading Mary Birdsong 5 — Erie At Large posed here aren’t, like: Just how far Yahoo! Finance who digested the words Katie Chriest — and why — did that tomato have to “If you don’t live in one of these cities, Pen Ealain Rick Filippi East Avenue Task Force travel in the middle of winter to make it maybe you need to move,” now look Eric Kisner into our shopping cart, and was the per- at Erie — in a snapshot — one distinct James R. LeCorchick son who plucked the fruit from the vine John Lindvay 6 — Just Toyin’ Witcha treated fairly for his or her labor? But Lili Morton Owl Point these considerations are worth of our Bob Protzman time, because we lose sight of the small Good headlines — Dan Schank details that we perhaps write off as too Jess Scutella aside from saying 6 — News of the Weird by simple for our attention. While we may Tommy Shannon a lot with a little — Ryan Smith Chuck Shepherd think we’re doing good — buying organ- Jay Stevens ic instead of non-organic — we must generate conversation Rebecca Styn — if we wish to be a more thoughtful, because they entice Sara Toth 9 — Considering The City progressive society that treats all indi- Bryan Toy and provoke us to read Viaduct Moxie viduals fairly and with dignity — think Jim Wertz beyond that, lest we continue to act as onward. Cover Design: if our standards for food consumption Liz Venuto 26— ER Sports are higher or more noble that is truly Photographers: the case. Ryan Smith Admittedly, though, this doesn’t come way: A declining city to be avoided in Brad Triana with easy answers — especially when favor of ones holding the keys to eco- Designers: downtown Erie is a food desert, with nomic success. Liz Venuto Culture the nearly 28,000 downtown residents We can protest all we want — the Leah Yungwirth lacking access to a grocery store within study’s flawed! but Erie didn’t suffer Interns: 14 — Calendar one mile. But reading Katie’s feature is a nearly as bad as other cities during the Michael Iverson good first step. Then questioning where recession! we’re essentially the same Zach Knight the food we choose to purchase comes as we were ten years ago and that’s not Candice Martone 12 — Tony Hale Brings from rather than blindly force-feeding that horrible, right?! — but the word is Christopher Sexauer His Next Big Thing To Erie it to ourselves is the next. out there. Successful cities on the rise 1001 State St. Suite 901 Good headlines — aside from saying will point to studies like these as affir- Erie, Pa., 16501 a lot with a little — generate conversa- mation of their prosperity and prog- [email protected] The star talks about Veep, Arrested tion because they entice and provoke us ress and use them to market to those Development, and his work with to read onward. That is, if one happens looking for places not just open to but The Erie Reader is the local voice for news, arts, to read the headline: “If you don’t live in embracing of innovation and entrepre- and culture, and is Erie’s only independent, Emma’s Footprints alternative newspaper. Founded in 2011, the Reader one of these cities, maybe you need to neurship. Each time they do, people has quickly become the region’s award-winning source for arts coverage, a strong cultural compass, move,” one would most likely read on, will be reminded that on the opposite and a dynamic resource for news and opinion. 23 — Music Reviews considering that most of us want the end is Erie, Pa., with its reputation of With a dedication to long-form journalism and a commitment to provoking thoughtful discussion, best opportunities for ourselves. decline, a city with the door to opportu- the Reader tells the stories of the people and places If you read that headline, published nity locked and no sight of the keys to making and shaping Erie, while highlighting the 25 — Geeked Out events and issues influencing life in northwestern by Yahoo! Finance on Jan. 8, you’d find economic success to be found. Pennsylvania. The Erie Reader is published every Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft that two sentences followed: “San Fran- Now, we can either react with denial other week at The Corry Journal, 28 W. South St., Corry, Pa. 16407. The Erie Reader is distributed at Takes Card Games off of the Table cisco, Austin, Provo and Raleigh: these or apathy, rejecting or ignoring these over 250 high foot-traffic locations in Pennsylvania are just some of the best performing findings, or we can push forward by from North East to Girard to Edinboro. In addition and Onto the Digital Screen to appearing in print, Erie Reader adds new content cities in the United States according the demanding better answers from those daily at ErieReader.com as well social media sites. All rights reserved. All content © Flagship Milken Institute’s annual list of dynam- responsible for spurring economic Multimedia, Inc, 1001 State St., Suite 901, Erie, ic metro areas. Each year, the economic growth in our region, because it’s time Pa, 16501. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. The opinions of think tank measures jobs, wages, sala- the headlines change, and it’s time we our columnists and contributors are their own and ries, and technological output to map stop celebrating the management of do not always reflect that of the editorial board or organization. Direct inquiries to 814.314.9364 or out the cities it believes ‘hold the key to mediocrity. [email protected]. January 21, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3 NEWS & OPINION

Street Corner Soapbox The Complication of Freedom of Expression, Understanding Charlie TV 54.1 • Radio 91.3FM • WQLN Education • Q-Media Hebdo, and Addressing the Real Threat to Free Speech Schedule Highlights By: Jay Stevens

ou pronounce it “SHAR-lee EB-doh.” We do know it was Walt Kelly who said, “I came within 5 million votes of the presi- The irreverent, bawdy Parisian sa- may not understand what you say, but I'll dency, and have some $50 billion in assets, Ytirical newspaper whose staff was defend to your death my right to deny it.” which is more than the GDP of Lebanon, gunned down by French-born Islamist ter- Charlie Hebdo, too, is more complicated Jordan, and Somalia. rorists for printing satirical cartoons of the than what it appears. It's raw satire. South Speculate away why Islam draws violent Prophet Muhammad. Park crossed with Mad magazine and put radicals. Perhaps because the faith offers Charlie Hebdo. on a regimen of steroids. That cartoon of disillusioned young people an anti-capi- The attack hit a nerve, in a way a number of a black politician as monkey? That was in talist, anti-consumerist, anti-Western ide- other terror attacks recently didn’t. Suicide response to a quote from a far-right French ology packaged in a simplistic black-and- bombings in Iraq, in Turkey. A sympathiz- nationalist about the politician, who called white explanation of the world, supposedly er with ISIS holding hostages in a Sidney her a monkey, not a jab against the woman's backed by God. Otherwise, they're invisible café. A bomb placed outside of the Colorado race. and unwanted. It's a call that draws even Springs NAACP office. And Islamic terrorism is more compli- some Americans. If you’re a cynic, you say we paid attention cated, too. It springs from an area that has The lure of extremism is also its danger. It to the Charlie Hebdo killings because it was been occupied and re-occupied by Western cannot abide criticism or opposition. It can- a Muslim attack on European whites – not, powers, that's torn by poverty, ruled by au- not abide creativity. And that's why extrem- say, like Boko Haram’s massacre of 2,000 thoritarian regimes, and cursed with large ism should be resisted wherever it appears. black Muslims in Baga, Nigeria. And maybe reserves of oil. Islamic terrorists come from there’s some truth to that. Syria, Palestine, Saudia Arabia, Egypt. The But I like to think it’s because we’re ideal- Charlie Hebdo killers sprung from France's istic. Muslim community – a community separat- Speculate away why Islam I like to think we felt, because the attack on ed from France by tradition, race, language, draws violent radicals. Charlie Hebdo was an attack on a civic ideal and often the target of the country's conser- Perhaps because the faith we hold sacred. vatives. But Charlie Hebdo is an odd newspaper to Terror, too, is a military-political response offers disillusioned young rally around. It's provocative and often ob- to an enemy that has a disproportionate people an anti-capitalist, anti- scene. And when you look at the hook-nosed amount of power. Like the Sons of Liberty, consumerist, anti-Western Jews, black politicians depicted as monkeys, who terrorized Tories in colonial Massachu- and, yes, the Prophet Mohammed, it's hard setts. ideology packaged in a to elevate feelings toward the paper. Yes, terror is hardly limited to Islam. Israeli simplistic black-and-white Especially when American conservatives settlers shoot, torture, and bomb Palestin- explanation of the world, – with a taste for brazen racist grandstand- ians. Sikhs and Hindis have terrorists. Even ing – demand we reprint Charlie Hebdo cov- Buddhist terrorists exist. supposedly backed by God. ers on our own newspapers and magazines. In the United States, non-Muslim extrem- Forgetting – or not caring – that Charlie Heb- ists have been responsible for the bulk of do's covers insult and humiliate the Mus- terror acts since 9/11. The 2012 Sikh temple But the real danger of the Charlie Hebdo lims who didn't shoot journalists, who don't massacre, the 2009 murder of Dr. George shootings is that they might obscure the resort to violence. Tiller, the 2008 shooting at a Universalist real threat to free speech: Power. Liberals stuttered when pressed about Church, the 2009 slaying of two Pittsburgh Here in the United States, for example, the Charlie Hebdo. Satire should be aimed up- police officers, the 2014 Bundy Ranch stand- only person jailed for our government's il- wards – targeting government, power, the off – and the later shooting of two Las Vegas legal torture program is John Kiriakou, the rich, established institutions – not down- cops by Bundy gang members, who draped man who leaked information about our tor- wards. It ain't cool to aim barbs at the poor, the Gadsen flag over the body of a slain cop, turers to the press. And our source about the minorities, outsiders, the powerless. And the same flag that symbolizes the Tea Par- NSA's spying program, Edward Snowden, is Pope Francis called Charlie Hebdo and oth- ty movement. All of these were committed on the run. And ESPN's suspension of Bill ers who make fun of others' faiths, “provo- by white supremacists, conservative Chris- Simmons for criticizing the NFL over how it cateurs,” and suggested there should be lim- tians, and militia members. handled Ray Rice, and of Keith Law for criti- its on free speech. And the Pope does have And who can forget the Oklahoma City cizing a co-host's Twitter-fed anti-evolution a point – we do tend to fetishize derisive bombing? rant, should remind us that corporations, wit – but the Pope's church has centuries of But there is something about Islam that too, censor and obscure ideas and creativity. blood on its hands, and liberals unanimous- inspires violence, and specifically against These things must be opposed. ly agree all speech should be protected, even speech. It was, after all, an Islamic fatwa Yes, je suis Charlie. But not just because I that which we don't like. that put Salman Rushdie in danger for writ- despise violent Islamic radicalism. And not So this is when the French philosopher, ing the Satanic Verses. And it was Muslims because I despise violent extremism of all poet, historian, and biting satirist Voltaire who rioted after editorial cartoons depict- kinds. But because I see free expression as a is trotted out: “I disapprove of what you say, ing the Prophet Mohammed in a Danish real tool in building free and civil societies, but I will defend to the death your right to newspaper. And Charlie Hebdo itself was the and because it needs to be protected from say it.” target of a 2011 firebombing for its “Charia anyone who strives to limit it for their own Only that quote really never came from Hebdo” issue, which was “guest edited” by self-interest, whether they wear a keffiyeh Voltaire. His biographer, Evelyn Beatrice Mohammed. or a three-piece suit. Hall, under the pen name “Stephen G. Tall- After all, no call for the heads of Trey Park- entyne,” wrote it in her 1906 work, “Friends er or Matt Stone have been issued by the Jay Stevens can be contacted at Jay@ of Voltaire,” to describe Voltaire’s views on Mormon Church for The Book of Mormon – ErieReader.com, and you can follow free speech. but then Mormons have two U.S. Senators, him on Twitter @Snevets_Yaj.

4 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 21, 2015 NEWS & OPINION

City Councilman Bob Merski Erie At Large has assembled a group of business owners and has East Avenue Task Force, More than invited the help of other an Election-Year Gimmick public officials to start a conversation about the future By: Jim Wertz of East Avenue with the East ast Avenue is Charming. or Clancy’s Pub, two Erie institu- Avenue Task Force. By “Charming,” I mean that tions that struggle to stay open in Eit has all of the appeal of the locations they’ve always called ridor in downtown Erie. the fictional town by that name home. Nonprofit organizations, like in northern California, which is Construction of the Bayfront the Sisters of Saint Joseph Neigh- home to the namesake motorcycle Connector and the closing of the borhood Network in Little Italy club in the TV series, Sons of Anar- McBride Viaduct turned the neigh- and business-centered initiatives chy. borhood into a desolate island. like the East Avenue Task Force,

A former restaurant and a former Sixth, 10th, and 12th streets offer WERTZ JIM can take control of the fate of city market sit burned out and blight- the only east-west access through neighborhoods. ed, and the myriad retail shops the neighborhood, and if you’re on solution,” says Merski. “But I drive from years ago; others appeared The challenge facing neighbor- that have moved into the neigh- one of those streets, there’s a good down East Ave. every day and I to have a more recent history with hoods in transition is that you of- borhood have varying degrees of chance you’re not stopping on East wanted the business owners here – the councilman. In any case, most ten have a collection of stakehold- professionalism with regard to sig- Avenue. people with skin in the game – to seemed to know what he was do- ers made up of those who insist nage and facade. And by the way, But City Councilman Bob Merski get together so they can figure out ing there and wanted to talk East that they’d like to “get back what there are two motorcycle clubs on hopes that will change. He’s put to- what will be best for them. It’s not Ave. they had” and those who are as un- the Ave., good neighbors though gether a nascent group of business my intention to tell them how to “I used to love this place,” said a familiar with the customs and tra- they may be. owners – and has invited the help make it better.” former student who pointed at the ditions of where they’ve arrived as East Avenue between Sixth and of other public officials – to start a In a city that loves to plan its boarded-over remnants of Mi Fi- are the native population with the 12th streets is ostensibly cut off conversation about the future of next plan, it’s almost refreshing esta restaurant and bakery, which customs and traditions of some from the rest of the city, as is the East Avenue. to hear someone admit that they was damaged by fire in 2010 and foreign land. In such cases, much neighborhood, which extends Merski is an alumnus of the Holy don’t have a specific plan. But that never reopened. “You could get can be lost in translation. from the Bayfront Connector in Family School and has taught at doesn’t mean he doesn’t know food here for a couple dollars.” Several East Ave. business own- the west to Gilson Avenue in the Wayne Elementary and East High what he wants to happen there By the time we sat down in the ers have already met and will con- east. School, both of which sit on oppos- or that he’s not in tune with the New York Lunch nearly three tinue to do so. Let’s just hope that As one local businessman put it, ing corners of Sixth Street and East neighborhood. blocks away, he had shown me the previously celebrated plan- “We used to be a high-traffic area. Avenue, so he remembers when We met on a blustery Erie after- what I had hoped to see: That this ning void leaves the door wide Now we’re a destination spot” – East Avenue bustled with neigh- noon in the parking lot of a long- initiative was more than an elec- open for an era of action and – un- meaning that you need a reason to borhood and crosstown traffic. closed bank near the corner of tion-year gimmick. like Sons of Anarchy – room for a be there. I invited Merski to walk and talk Eighth Street and East Avenue. There is a legitimate need for sequel. You could drive completely on East Ave. about the state of the We’d barely crossed Eighth before the East Avenue Task Force and around the “business district” – neighborhood and his plans for the first of many former students organizations like it throughout Jim Wertz can be contacted East Avenue between Sixth and what he calls the “East Avenue approached him to say, “hello,” the city. Neighborhoods are being at [email protected], 12th streets – without ever catch- Task Force.” and catch up. Some of these young forgotten in exchange for redevel- and you can follow him on ing a glimpse of New York Lunch “I’m not coming into this with the men were his sixth-grade students opment along the State Street cor- Twitter @Jim_Wertz.

The Way I See It for a seat on Erie City Council. I’m attract businesses and entrepre- writing this to let you all know neurs so that those “jobs” we keep An Open Letter to Reader Readers that I will be taking a hiatus from talking about can be actualized; my writing at The Reader as my a luminous arts community; and By: Rebecca Styn campaign ramps up. To be fair decisions made that don’t just pro- and open and honest throughout tect the status quo but rather help ome of you may or may not of being so directly plugged into From grade school to graduate these next several months, the us progress and prosper. We need know this, but during the the political current of Erie, and degree, to all the jobs held in be- editors and I all agreed it would to ensure we keep all the good we Shumble beginnings of the when I look at those who decide tween and beyond, all have been be better to have me on the front currently have and capitalize on Erie Reader back in 2011, I was also to run, at any level, I give them accomplished locally. lines than behind the pen, which that through untapped resources. running for a contested seat on a great deal of credit whether I But at times, the state of our would give me an unfair advan- I don’t have all the answers, but I Erie’s County Council. agree with their politics – espe- community tries me – because tage with this platform in the do have a passion for our city and My opponent was (and still is) a cially those that run with the best I know we are capable of better. coming months. for its future – and most impor- strong candidate, and as a result, interest of the greater good truly at I’ve seen some significant chang- I plan to tackle issues similar to tantly an open mind to learn from my campaign to serve the Coun- heart. es in the last few years that signal those I have written about over all of you – because whether you ty as an elected official ended the During these four years, I’ve kept better times lie ahead – I’ve seen the years – and more – as there’s realize it or not, each one of you night of the General Election. a vested interest in local govern- younger people get elected into so much I see for all of us – for brings something to the table for The experience was an eye-open- ment; through various degrees office, I’ve seen upsets in elections our present and for our future: the future of Erie. er both in great and not so great – from voting in the elections, to I never thought would happen, A healthy and vibrant city char- ways, and exemplified some of the staying active on local communi- and perhaps more importantly, I acterized by a busy and bustling Want to know more? Please join me most vulnerable and humbling ty boards, to writing about local see us trying. Yet I still see great, downtown; more offense and less at my kickoff on Wednesday, January moments I have ever had. issues – I have found other neces- untapped potential, and I believe defense in creating an environ- 28th from noon to 1 p.m. at the Even had I known the end result sary outlets to engage this passion that that is something I can work ment that will build safer neigh- Erie Art Museum, (20 E. Fifth St.). ahead of time, I would still have because I love Erie. I’ve spent my for directly. borhoods and stronger families; Additionally, you can reach me at run because I loved every moment entire life here – all 38 years of it. With that, I am planning to run the creation of a climate that will [email protected].

January 21, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 NEWS & OPINION

ance claim. However, he and his en- In a six-surgeon, 13-hour operation bat, using slow-motion cameras News of the Weird ergetic 14-year-old daughter locat- in May 2014 at Hampshire Clin- and high-definition microphones, ed the perpetrators themselves by ic in Basingstoke, England, Pope painstakingly examining the re- By: Chuck Shepherd GPS and called for police help, only parted with her appendix, large sults for a 2014 journal article. to be chastised by the dispatcher, bowel, gall bladder, spleen, womb, [Daily Mail (London), 12-11-2014] warning that they could get hurt. ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and Spidey Sense Gets Real contractors at work (even though Only when a local crime-fighting most of her small bowel. She has ringing the Total Number of mong the breakthroughs useless) because, Congress and TV show adopted the case, along endured massive chemotherapy, is BCow Sounds to Three: A team Ademonstrated by the comput- the president might change their with the suburban Sammamish, on a nightly drip for hydration, and from Britain's University of Not- er chip company Intel's RealSense minds yet again. Said a high-pro- Washington, police department, still remains frail, according to a tingham and Queen Mary Univer- system is a cocktail dress from file critic, "We have to decide ... was the gang of thieves finally December report in London's Daily sity of London found (according Dutch designer Anouk Wipprecht whether we want a jobs program or pursued and apprehended (result- Mail. [Daily Mail, 12-15-2014] to a December BBC News report) that not only senses the wearer's a space program." NASA's inspec- ing in charges for "hundreds" of that cows make two "distinctly dif- "mood," but also acts to repel (or tor general in 2013 identified six smash-and-grab thefts). (Bonus: hen someone swiped the iP- ferent" call sounds to their calves, encourage) strangers who might similar "mothballed" projects that One alleged perpetrator was quot- Whone of Adam Wisneski, 31, depending on whether the calves approach the wearer. Sensors (in- taxpayers continue to maintain. ed as saying the thefts were under- on Jan. 2, he rode his bicycle to Chi- are nearby (low-frequency mooing, cluding small LED monitors) mea- [Washington Post, 12-15-2014] taken "because we knew the police cago's Shakespeare District police with mouth closed) or separated sure respiration and 11 other pro- wouldn't do anything.") [Seattle station to file a stolen-property re- (higher frequency). The team said files, and if the wearer is "stressed," n-Government: About 240 of Times, 10-31-2014, 11-7-2014] port. He parked the bike inside the it spent 10 months digitally record- artistic spider-leg epaulets extend Uthe 351 police departments in door, filled out the form, prepared ing cow noises, then a year analyz- menacingly from the shoulder to Massachusetts claim their SWAT Wait, What? to leave — and noticed the bike was ing them by computer. [BBC News, suggest that "intruders" keep their and other specialty operations are s. Connie Lay passed away in missing. He told an amused officer 12-16-2014] distance (in which case the dress not "government" services, but MAurora, Indiana, in Novem- he needed another form. (Officers resembles something from the rather not-for-profit corporate ber, leaving a last will and testa- on duty said perhaps a homeless Least Competent Criminals movie "Aliens") — or, if the wear- activities and are thus entitled to ment that calls for her German man who was in the station took ot Nearly Ready for Prime er feels relaxed, the legs wave in- avoid certain government obliga- shepherd, Bela, to be promptly it and are "making an effort," said NTime: (1) A potential robber vitingly. The experimental "spider tions. Even though their officers buried with her — even though Wisneski, to find it.) [WBBM-TV was turned away from a store on dress" was showcased at January's have the power to carry weapons, Bela is still alive and peppy. Ms. Lay (Chicago), 1-5-2015] East Harry Street in Wichita, Kan- Consumer Electronics Show in Las arrest people and break down preferred sending Bela to a certain sas, on Dec. 11 after he demanded Vegas. [Daily Mail (London), 1-7- doors during raids, these "law en- shelter in Utah, but if that "is not What Researchers Do cash, explaining to the clerk that 2015] forcement councils" refuse to com- possible" or involves "too much ex- he natural enemy of the "hawk- he "had six children and needed ply with government open-records pense" (judgments to be decided by Tmoth" (for 65 million years) the money." The clerk told the man Government in Action laws for civilian monitoring of a close friend, not publicly named), is the bat, but thanks to a recent he had too many kids. The man, ap- ecause Congress and pres- SWAT activities. The latest refus- Bela is to be euthanized. At press study by biologists at Boise State parently chastened, fled the store Bidents often change their al, by the 58 police agencies of the time, the friend still had not decid- University and the University of empty-handed. (2) A masked man minds, NASA recently continued North Eastern Massachusetts Law ed. [WCPO-TV (Cincinnati), 12-17- Florida, we know the reason why so approached a clerk at Sam's Mart in to build on a $349 million rocket Enforcement Council, was filed in 2014] many hawkmoths are able to avoid New Haven, Connecticut, on Nov. testing tower in Mississippi for a state Superior Court in December. their predator: They signal each 29 and passed a note demanding "moon" project that had been can- [Daily News of Newburyport, 12-13- other of All Surgeries: After other by rubbing their genitals on money while pointing his finger at celed back in 2010. The now-idle 2014; Washington Post, 6-26-2014] M15 months of faulty diagno- their abdomens, which somehow the clerk (perhaps an inept attempt tower sits down the road from a ses, Pam Pope, 65, finally got the mimics bats' own high-frequency to feign having a gun in his pock- second rocket testing tower being IY Policing in Seattle: A Seat- (bad) news: a rare, slow-moving sounds, thus jamming the bats' et). According to police, the clerk built for its "replacement" mission Dtle Times columnist suffered cancer of the appendix, "pseudo- aural ability to detect the hawk- grabbed the finger and threatened — an "asteroid" project. Critics, a "smash-and-grab" break-in of his myxoma peritonei." The malignan- moths' locations. Professors Jesse to break it, sending the man flee- according to a December Washing- car in October, but was brushed off cy was so advanced that her only Barber and Akito Kawahara, work- ing into the night. [Wichita Eagle, ton Post examination, blame sena- by the Seattle Police Department hope was the removal of all organs ing in Malaysia, tethered a hawk- 12-12-2014] [New Haven Indepen- tors who believe it smarter to keep and told simply to go file an insur- that she could possibly do without. moth to a wire and then tracked a dent, 12-1-2014]

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8 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 21, 2015 FEATURE

BREAD FOR THE WORLD THE FOR BREAD

modern food. So instead of help- A recent LA Times ing the world become what we investigative report about envision, we’re helping corpora- the barbaric conditions of tions commit atrocities. We are Mexican tomato farmworkers bandaging a wound that we’re Food Hypocrisy reads like CliffsNotes to The also picking at. And while it’s a worthy goal to feed others hun- Grapes of Wrath. Injustices Surrounding Modern Food grier and less fortunate than we are, we ought to focus on the root means that the tomatoes — and By: Katie Chriest of the problem: The way we’re for now, only tomatoes — sold at feeding ourselves. Walmart are certified as having ’m on the phone with my where necessities are overpriced tem. Charitable food donations Which brings me back to Mom’s been harvested by people whose mom, who’s in the produce to keep low wages from being solve short-term problems, but tomatoes. working conditions meet ethical Isection of the Edinboro Giant saved up for escape. they don’t provide long-term, Generally, organic anything has standards. Fast food restaurants Eagle, hoping to find a tomato As John Steinbeck wrote, “There sustainable solutions. We have to been produced more ethically. like Subway and Chipotle and that tastes like a tomato. But since is a crime here that goes beyond ask, do charitable donations sim- And at least the farmworkers ha- foodservice corporations like it’s mid-winter and tomatoes denunciation. There is a sorrow ply subsidize the existing system ven’t been exposed to dangerous Aramark have also signed on, have traveled farther than most here that weeping cannot sym- that makes these donations nec- doses of pesticides, which often and the list (available at www. of us would for our vacations, her bolize. There is a failure here that essary? Instead, how can consum- make them sick after they’ve al- fairfoodprogram.org/partners) is chances are slim. topples all our success.” ers demand just practices from ready moved on from their tem- growing. “Should I buy the organic,” she And so Mom’s question takes on large agribusinesses and corpora- porary jobs, leaving them no re- Walsh emphasizes that, “If you asks me, “or these vine-ripened? a heaviness. Somehow, the simple tions so that everyone in the food course for compensation. But the don’t see the Fair Food Label, it is Or what about the heirlooms? decision of what to eat — a basic system is treated fairly and with LA Times report about abuses in likely that you are connected, by Would they taste better?” necessity of all life forms — be- dignity?” Mexico is fresh in my mind. So being a consumer, to abuses in the Ordinarily, I’d just say “Buy or- came enormously complicated, And demand we must, as the LA I give Mom the best advice I can fields, child labor, sexual assault, ganic” and be done with it. But mired in contradiction and hy- Times clarifies: “American com- think of. and in the most severe cases, slav- I’ve been reading the recent LA pocrisy. And never is that more panies have not made oversight “For now, buy your tomatoes at ery. But, by shopping at grocery Times investigative report about evident than during the holidays. a priority because they haven’t Walmart.” stores that have signed Fair Food barbaric conditions for Mexican Jane Schuchert Walsh, a profes- been pressured to do so. There is “Walmart?!” she asks incred- Agreements, such as Trader Joe’s, tomato farmworkers. The re- sor of Social and Organizational little public awareness of harsh ulously. The poor woman has Whole Foods, and Walmart, you port reads like CliffsNotes to The Studies at Gannon University conditions at labor camps.” endured years of my blustery can be sure that your tomatoes Grapes of Wrath. Forced labor- who has researched this issue ex- Powerful marketing, public re- anti-Walmart crusading (sorry, are harvested under fair, just, and ers living in camps with no run- tensively, explains, “During the lations and lobbying teams are Mom). ethical conditions.” ning water, bathing and washing holidays, people are making a lot employed by Big Ag to ensure But in January 2014, Walmart This is wonderful news, if for clothes in irrigation ditches, and of food donations, but not many we consumers never connect the made headlines when they joined no other reason than it demon- sleeping on crates in shacks. And people are thinking about their dots between our dollars and the the Coalition of Immokalee strates the fact that movements the proverbial company store, connection to the larger food sys- wealth of injustices surrounding Workers’ Fair Food Program. This work. Thanks to consumer pres-

January 21, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 FEATURE sure, thousands of farmworkers are being treated with the sort of humanity we all deserve. Meanwhile, thanks to collective pressure from employees, Walmart recently pledged to raise its starting wage above the federal minimum. Time will tell whether this is a meaningful policy shift or yet another brilliant public relations scheme. Regard- less, these changes exemplify the moun- tain-shifting potential of social move- ments. Thus Walmart — working its trademark public opinion magic — gets to be per- ceived as altruistic. Of course, this is the corporation also famous for driving neigh- borhood grocers out of business, and con- tributing to the rise of food deserts like the one discussed in a recent Reader article.

The Erie County Department of Health PHOTO CONTRIBUTED states that seven of Erie County’s ten des- ignated food deserts — where “at least 33 A mural of Cesar comes from, the better off we all are.” percent of residents live one mile or more Chavez, Co-Founder The bottom line is this: It shouldn’t be so from the nearest grocery store or super- hard to buy our food without wondering of the United Farm market” — are right in the city of Erie. It’s who had to go hungry to get it to us. And no secret that the corporate model of un- Workers (left), and if we all demanded fair food labeling at dercutting local grocers’ prices is master- fresh produce at corporate food outlets, it wouldn’t be. We fully exemplified by Walmart. And it’s also Erie’s Whole Foods could scan the produce section for foods

no secret that many of us have supported THROGERS Co-op (right). labeled fair, and fill our carts without also this model by shopping there, even as it’s filling the pockets of companies perpetu- driven our fellow citizens out of business. rate data on the number of farmworkers is your employees in a way that completely ating the very conditions we wouldn’t tol- Still, Walmart’s example of prioritizing a nationally recognized problem,” and “The opposes my personal code of ethics. Here erate ourselves; conditions we often try to farmworker justice should catalyze prog- exact number of migrant and seasonal is my money. I support you.” ameliorate during the holidays. ress. But as The Nation highlighted in late farmworkers in Pennsylvania is unknown And so, while we donate to end hunger, So Walsh offers this empowering point: November, “Walmart, which is known to because these data are not systematically we also perpetuate it. “Fair Food Agreements resulted from con- be a major lobbying force on food stamp collected.” On some sites, in fact, I found The National Farm Worker Ministry states sumer pressure. Consumers demanded issues in Washington, appears to be sup- numbers closer to 100,000. A report by definitively: “This is the great paradox that their grocery stores, fast-food corpora- pressing wages and letting Uncle Sam pick Dickinson University looked specifically at of our food system: The very people who tions and food service providers use their up the slack. And it profits further as a pur- the enormous Pennsylvania apple harvest, work to feed the U.S. struggle to feed their corporate power to require just wages and veyor of subsidized food: Of every dollar of which “attracts tens of thousands of Latino own families.” working conditions from the tomato grow- food stamps spent in this country, roughly migrant laborers.” Farmworkers are often paid per bucket of ers. If the growers don’t abide by the agree- 18 cents is spent at Walmart.” Also in No- The recent trend towards eating local- produce they gather, and multiple sources ment, the corporation will take its contract vember, Catholic Online concluded, “While ly-grown food has myriad positive impli- report typical per-bucket earnings at 40-50 to another grower who does. So if you shop the world’s largest retailer takes pride in cations. But with Erie County as a center cents. So let’s take for example the sweet at a corporate grocer which hasn’t signed a battling hunger, many of its employees go of agriculture, we must wonder if some potatoes that were recently on many holi- Fair Food Agreement, you can take a letter hungry.” of these injustices are occurring right in day tables. According to the North Carolina to the manager asking the store to do so (an Walmart, of course, is not the only corpo- our own backyards. And though most of Farmworker Institute, this means that “a example letter is available at: ciw-online. rate driver in our hypocritical food system. our winter produce in Erie comes from far farmworker must pick and haul two tons of org/Resources/tools/manager%20letters/ Nevertheless, the company is a perennial away, we are still participating locally in sweet potatoes to earn $50.” SSLTR.pdf). Corporations will yield, even- example of why we consumers must be dil- distant atrocities each time we shop. Meanwhile, we can buy organically-grown tually, to what their consumers want.” igent, if we wish to contribute overall to the Cesar Chavez, Co-Founder of the United local sweet potatoes, from late summer into Obviously, there is some truth to that greater good. Farm Workers, clarified the issue: “Every the holiday season, right here in Erie. One aforementioned “in this economy …” Meanwhile, retail employees’ circum- time we sit at a table to enjoy the fruits and source is the Whole Foods Co-op. Devoted mindset. Millions of Americans live in pov- stances pale in comparison to the horrif- grain and vegetables from our good earth, for more than 30 years to just employment erty, thousands right here in Erie County. ic conditions faced by farmworkers both remember that they come from the work practices and ethically grown food, the Co- It would be pompous and naive to suggest abroad and on U.S. soil. And this is not of men and women and children who have op stocks only produce grown according to that members of our community who have an issue relegated to distant California or been exploited for generations.” organic standards, serves as a drop-off for extremely limited access to food, let alone Florida farmlands. A 2004 report by The In decades of dissociating from our food several year-round shares of Community the resources to purchase it selectively, Center for Rural Pennsylvania states, “Each sources, we’ve endorsed cost-cutting mea- Supported Agriculture, or CSAs, and sourc- should then add consumer guilt to their year, approximately 45,000 to 50,000 sures without questioning how we can get es locally whenever possible. Co-op em- considerable burdens. migrant and seasonal farmworkers are produce from other continents for pennies. ployees have toured several regional farms But thousands of people locally and na- employed in Pennsylvania to assist in har- We’ve encouraged the sourcing of food to see the ways in which food is produced, tionwide do have the luxury of choice. vesting the Commonwealth’s fruit, vegeta- from Big Ag companies with labor prac- and farmers who sell their goods there ver- Thousands give generously of their re- ble, and mushroom crops. It is ironic that tices we voted out in 19th century. “Well, ify in writing that they comply with organ- sources throughout the year. If we leverage the efforts of migrant and seasonal farm- in this economy …” we rationalize, without ic standards, which typically translate into some of that benevolent energy, we can workers allow the U.S. population access finishing the thought; the thought that better conditions for workers. collectively pressure our corporate food to high quality and affordable foods while would have to end “… I need to save mon- Care Kerlin, Co-op general manager, says, providers to stop the injustices we refuse to they may suffer from food insecurity, mal- ey any way I can, even if it means turning a “When you know where your food comes support. We can dig out the weed of hun- nutrition, poor health status, poverty, and blind eye to the horrors I’m financing.” from, and you know the hands that have ger at its taproot, and eliminate it for good. low job security, and may live and work in It’s an ugly truth, to be certain. But unless touched your food, that’s real connec- unsafe and unsanitary conditions.” The au- we demand change, we send a crystal clear tion. It’s sacred, and it has ancient roots. Katie Chriest can be contacted at thors note, however, that “The lack of accu- message to Big Ag: “Go ahead and treat The closer you can get to where your food [email protected].

10 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 21, 2015 NEWS & OPINION

Considering the City Viaduct Moxie

By Civitas member Lisa Austin and guest co-author, architect Adam Trott

n a year or two, once funding and plan- The current plan for ning is in place, the City plans to follow the McBride Viaduct is Ithe recommendation of the LR Kimball demolition. But some (LRK) team and demolish the McBride Via- duct. However, there is still a glimmer of citizens think destruction is hope if a legal entity is formed to repurpose not the best answer. the bridge. Built in 1937 to get cars, trucks, and peo- populations. While fostering ple over the railroad tracks, the Viaduct a positive “sense of place” in a connects East Avenue from East 12th Street neglected part of the city, a Via- to East 19th Street. Neglected for decades duct art-park will attract indus- (current water drainage is in disrepair), the trial and cultural tourists and hulking structure was closed to vehicles in train-spotters. 2010. Though the Viaduct is no longer capa- New urban gardens at the ble of supporting cars and trucks, it remains Viaduct (built and maintained a vital artery, and if we are good stewards with involvement of communi- this year, the gift from our Depression-era ty, business, and school groups) forebears may be enjoyed by our grandchil- along with linkage to other dren’s grandchildren. paths connecting a series of With crime, poverty, and taxes all on the attractive public spaces (Win- rise in Erie, spending money to save the Via- tergreen Gorge, East Landing, duct may appear to be a misuse of limited Dobbins Landing, Liberty Park available resources. However, the Viaduct is and Frontier Park), could es- a good investment, because it holds prom- tablish an Eastside destination ise for revitalization and will maintain East for pedestrians, runners, and Avenue’s connection to the surrounding ar- bicyclists. Such an “Emerald

MICHAEL BEIGHTOL MICHAEL Necklace” concept could foster a more cohesive city. Though the Viaduct is no longer capable of supporting rect connection to the East Avenue busi- gage urban designers to ensure proper team Costs ness corridor with a 29-foot-wide path. In expertise. Urban designers know how side- It is speculated to cost $3 to 4 million to cars and trucks, it remains contrast, the Bayfront does not connect, or walks, bike paths, public transit, and cre- stabilize the Viaduct; however, the $2.3 mil- a vital artery, and if we are acknowledge, East Avenue. If the Viaduct is ative circulation options promote vital, ef- lion PennDOT has scheduled for demolition demolished, the pedestrian and bike route ficient cities. Though the Viaduct is located can be used for stabilization. Another $1 to 5 good stewards this year, the will be shifted to a 9-foot path next to a busy in a city, the LRK team conducting the Via- million must be raised by a new public-pri- gift from our Depression-era highway. duct study included only engineers. Thus, vate partnership to enhance and maintain forebears may be enjoyed LRK focused more on traffic and not nearly the Viaduct. Expert Plan enough on urban design. The study failed by our grandchildren’s The city hired LRK, a firm with ten offices not from a lack of good effort, but from em- Next Steps grandchildren. in five states but headquartered in Ebens- ploying an incomplete team. The plan does To save the Viaduct, there must be commu- burg, Pa., which provides design and plan- not adequately consider how quality path- nity support. A legal entity, such as a pub- ning support for architecture and civil and ways build communities, promote health, lic-private partnership, must be formed to eas. The value of this area and the need for environmental engineering projects, to and foster economic development. work with the city and other stakeholders revitalization is finally starting to gain trac- conduct a study of the Viaduct to make rec- to plan renovations, manage funds, and su- tion with the recent acknowledgment by ommendations. Last year’s study advocated Perception & Potential pervise a long-term maintenance program. local politicians Bob Merski, Andre Horton, tearing down the Viaduct, additionally pro- Some who look at the Viaduct see nothing Potential partners who have indicated will- and Pat Harkins. posing that construction of a four-way in- but a liability. They are unaware of how in- ingness to become involved in this effort terchange (and pedestrian pathway) at Buf- vestment in significant public spaces, such including: Bike Erie, Erie’s Public Schools, Highway & Railroad Block Circulation falo Road and the Bayfront is an adequate as the Portland Harbor Drive and the Mil- the Erie Art Museum, the Lake Erie Region The Bayfront Highway forms a gigantic replacement. waukee Park East Freeway, can contribute Conservancy and Preservation Erie. horseshoe of asphalt around the city. The While the LRK plan is a reasonable solu- positively to a community’s public image, highway has severed neighborhoods, leav- tion for cars and trucks and helps East-West safety, jobs, and tax-revenue-providing Call To Action ing dead-end streets. In addition, the CSX pedestrian connectivity, it unfortunately businesses. If you believe the Viaduct is worth saving, railroad – with myriad trains passing each suggests a critical anti-pedestrian/bike In addition to providing safe passage over don’t be quiet about it. Let City leadership day – divides Erie’s downtown core. Progres- component. Demolishing the spacious Via- the tracks for pedestrians, a repurposed Via- hear from you. Bring some friends to the sive cities, including other Great Lakes cit- duct, with its compelling views of the city duct could create better construction jobs. one-hour Viaduct Update on Sunday, Jan. 25 ies like Buffalo and Milwaukee, are remov- and the tracks, and diverting pedestrians to Vital public spaces, like the one proposed at 1 p.m. at Poets’ Hall, 1136 East Lake Road. ing obstacles to attractive pedestrian and a 9-foot-wide path alongside the Bayfront for the Viaduct, have been proven to spur bicycle circulation. While LRK’s and the City Connector is a step backwards by today’s private investment, thus creating more jobs Civitas members can be reached at their view the planned path along Buffalo Road urban design standards, which give prefer- and raising the tax base. website www.civitaserie.com, via Facebook and the Bayfront as an adequate replace- ence to the comfort of pedestrians and bicy- After stabilization of the bridge, public his- at CivitasErie, by emailing Lisa@civitaserie. ment for the Viaduct, it is not. The Viaduct clists over drivers. tory and art projects can be commissioned com, or by scheduling a Friday morning provides an on-axis link for East Avenue (with the help of the Erie Art Museum, meeting at the Civitas office in the Masonic over the railroad, correcting the otherwise Flawed Study Preservation Erie, and others) to celebrate Building, 32 W. Eighth St. Adam Trott can be dead-ends at the tracks, and it makes a di- City planning projects should typically en- Erie’s manufacturing legacy and immigrant reached by phoning his office (814) 456-8667.

January 21, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 11 ARTS & CULTURE

Tony Hale Brings His Next Big Thing to Erie The Star Talks About, Veep, Arrested Development, and His Work with Emma’s Footprints

By: Alex Bieler

or several years of my life, Tony Hale favorite. Did you ever feel worried that you was Buster Bluth. Hale played the ex- Renowned comedian would be known just as Buster Bluth or has Ftremely neurotic member of the eccen- Tony Hale will come your success with Veep helped with that? tric Bluth clan in the critically-acclaimed to Erie Saturday, Feb. TH: Oh yeah. I also understood the fact – and beloved – TV series Arrested Develop- 14. that Buster is pretty much a cartoon char- ment, a role that could easily serve as the acter. He’s so extreme and neurotic and singular highlight in many a thespian’s ca- has so much going on in that body. I knew reer. Still, Hale has had several highlight have to wake yourself up that leaving the show, it wasn’t like some- performances since Arrested’s early can- 100 times a day to where one was going to be casting a lawyer in a cellation, including winning a Primetime you are.” It’s something movie and be like, “You know, that guy who Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting where I have to wake played Buster Bluth, he would be perfect.” I Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal myself up all the time be- knew it took time to put yourself out there of Gary Walsh, the incredibly loyal personal cause I can find myself in and show what you could do, and Gary, the aide of Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Vice President other places, find myself character I play on Veep, is not as neurotic, Selina Meyer on Veep. living in a “what if?,” and but he definitely has some neuroses. That’s Hale’s work on big and small screen find myself daydream- what auditioning is for. I really enjoy audi- isn’t his only creative outlet, mind you. ing, anywhere else than tioning because I enjoy the opportunity to The lanky actor is also an author, having where I am. I talk about showcase different things and you don’t re- co-written the children’s book Archibald’s it a lot and I write books ally have the job yet, so you can experiment. Next Big Thing, an impressively-illustrated about it and I encourage AB: Is there a certain type of role you enjoy and heartwarming tale of a chicken who is [contentment] because more than others? too focused on the future to truly appreciate it’s something I have to TH: Any role that pays I really, really enjoy. the present. It’s a message that’s near and remind myself about. AB: That’s a good answer. dear to Hale, and one that will help bring AB: How has life been TH: I don’t know… it is fun because Bust- him to The Gem City this February. as an Emmy winner? er and Gary have a lot of similarities. I did The actor will be in Erie for a pair of events TH: [Laughs] Oh, it’s a couple of episodes of Law & Order where that will support Emma’s Footprints, an BROTHERS BUI THE just a king’s life. When I played these interesting characters and it organization that helps people who have that happened, it was was heavy, but then I did Happythankyou- experienced the death of an infant or lost by far one of the most moreplease. I enjoy being able to branch out a child during pregnancy. Locals can first with it, especially the overall size of it. It surreal moments in my life. Thankful- and do very different stuff, so anything that see Hale at Storytime with Tony, an inti- looks great and there were a couple mo- ly, I had such a great night; because of the breaks the mold is fun. mate Q&A with the actor about his life and ments where I literally laughed out loud. lesson I have been learning and trying to AB: I noticed that you were on Law & Or- Archibald’s Next Big Thing from 10 a.m. to TH: Good, thanks! It was a super-fun pro- bring awareness to and practice, I was very der and you were also on The Sopranos. You noon at the Blasco Memorial Library. Later cess – something I had never done before, so present. Because of that, I remembered ev- had some heavy stuff before Arrested Devel- that night, the Ambasador Center will host I learned a lot of lessons, but it was a good erything, and it was an awesome, awesome opment. Emma’s Next Big Thing: A Valentine’s Day time. night. Your life doesn’t change dramatical- TH: Yeah, on the The Sopranos I played a Masquerade, a fancy party featuring food, AB: Was writing a children’s book some- ly, and I’m just thankful that I have a job male nurse who gave chemotherapy to Un- desserts, entertainment, and a live auction, thing that had interested you for a while? [Laughs]. That was a great night. cle Junior and I was so scared that day. I was all while Hale plays the part of dinner guest, TH: The message of the book talks about AB: I watched the clip where you won and really young and I had done bit parts on that bartender, and dancer. something that had interested me for a I saw that you had a note prepared. I’ve al- and Sex and the City, and those were really, I had a chance to chat with Hale after he while because it came from my own expe- ways been intrigued by this, but what does really big shows in New York when I was had wrapped filming on the fourth season rience. I’ve been in this business for a really it feel like to write a little note just in case living there and those were the shows to of Veep and we discussed his connection long time and I’ve got some great gigs, but your name gets called? get and I was so nervous, oh my God. I was with Emma’s Footprints, finding content- I’ve still found myself looking for the next TH: I know! It feels slightly narcissistic surrounded by these incredibly iconic char- ment in his work, and life after Buster. gig. Many times we get so focused on our and arrogant because you’re doing some- acters on The Sopranos, and I was like “Okay, Alex Bieler: How did you get involved next adventure that we’ll miss the adven- thing that might not happen, but you also Tony, don’t screw up; just keep it together with Emma’s Footprints? ture that we’re on, and that’s something don’t want to be that guy who gets up there and don’t poop your pants on TV.” Tony Hale: My buddy Tracy [Dailey] start- that I really had to wake up to and love to and not have anything. When that stuff AB: [Laughs] I’ve read that you’ll break ed this organization, and I met her through talk about. I met this friend of mine, Victor happens, it’s because of the support of a lot and laugh on set, so were you frightened of some other friends of mine and I just love Huckabee, at an art show in L.A., and he of people, so you don’t want to be in that sit- that, although that show wouldn’t be quite what she’s doing. Because of her own expe- had created this character Archibald and uation and not bring awareness to that, so as funny. rience, she started [Emma’s Footprints] and just started talking and we thought “Hey, you always have to be awkwardly prepared TH: Yeah, it’s really unfortunate. It’s in- really provides all of these amazing services let’s combine these two things and come up for it. credibly unprofessional because I can’t keep for families who have experienced preg- with something” and that’s how the chil- AB: Your wife won a Daytime Emmy, it together. Like Julia [Louis-Dreyfus] for in- nancy and infant loss. You don’t hear about dren’s book idea happened. didn’t she? stance; I’m in such close proximity to her on those services much, and I think it’s won- AB: I watched a comedic actor table dis- TH: She did; she won for makeup. She’s a set all of the time and she’s just the smallest derful that she really used her own situation cussion on The Hollywood Reporter where super-talented makeup artist, and she did thing, and it’s just impossible. It’s impossi- to spark this. She knew that I had come out you had talked about contentment at your the special effects episode for All My Chil- ble to keep it together. Look at the cast of with a children’s book and we thought “Hey, current gig. Given that you’re currently on dren, I believe, and it was a Halloween epi- Arrested and look at the cast of Veep; these let’s try to come up with something that we Veep, are you still struggling with that or sode, so she got an Emmy. are seriously funny people and they expect can do together” and that’s how this Valen- has your own book helped? AB: So it’s a family thing. I hope [your you to keep it together, and for me, it’s just tine’s Day soiree happened. TH: Because of my experience in the past, daughter] Loy doesn’t have too much pres- not humanly possible. I’ll turn my back or AB: I’ve actually got the book [Archibald’s it woke me up, but I think it’s a discipline sure on her. look in my bag and try to hide it, but some- Next Big Thing] over to my left here. I read it and it’s something I struggle with all the TH: [Laughs] Oh, she better get one! times I’ll just let loose and ruin the take. I about a week ago and I’m really impressed time. My friend has a great quote of “You AB: Arrested Development was such a cult really should go back to acting school.

12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 21, 2015 ARTS & CULTURE FINANCING 10% AB: I must admit that I am a huge fan of was finished and I forgot about a lot of stuff AVAILABLE Arrested Development, and I’m guessing that and people would come up and say “Do you OFF people come up to you and quote Buster, so remember when you went to that Mother- I’m really intrigued to see what you hear the boy convention and you were dressed like most. Little Boy Blue?” or whatever he was and TH: I hear “Hey, brother” a lot. I’m like “Oh my God, that’s right!” I forget IS YOUR FURNACE storylines and lines, so it’s fun when people BROKEN OR DIRTY? remind me. CALL NOW AND RECEIVE 10% OFF AB: When my editor originally asked me CALL NOW! I knew that leaving THE ENTIRE BILL FOR YOUR NEXT if I was familiar with your work, the first 459-8255 MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR CALL. the show, it wasn’t like thing I typed back to him was “It walked on PRESENT TO TECHNICIAN AT TIME my pillow!” FREE ESTIMATES OF SERVICE someone was going to TH: [Laughs] I specifically remember that FOR NEW FURNACES! (EXCLUDES NEW INSTALLATIONS) line because I believe it was in the trailer of be casting a lawyer in the first season. Like us on and visit us at www.KeepHeating.com AB: Well, we’re excited to have you in a movie and be like, Erie. TH: Thanks man, I’m excited to come. “You know, that guy AB: Anything specific you’re hoping for? Maybe nicer weather? who played Buster TH: I’m actually excited about getting Bluth, he would be back in the cold. I’ve never been to Erie, so I’m excited about that. We’ll have a good To resolutions perfect.” party, so it’s going to be a good day. Want to meet Tony Hale and support Emma’s that last … AB: That doesn’t surprise me. Footprints? Head to emmasfootprints.com to TH: I will say, I really enjoy when people purchase your tickets to Storytime with Tony remember stuff that Buster did or happened and Emma’s Next Big Thing: A Valentine’s Cam El-Farouki, Agent Happy New Year! in the show because I don’t always remem- Day Masquerade before they sell out! 3319 W 26th Street Erie, PA 16506 Whether you’ve got one, or 99, we wish you the drive and resolve to get to a ber. We finished the show – at least the first better state™. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Bus: 814-833-6663 CALL ME TODAY. part of it – in 2006 and you move on. You Alex Bieler can be contacted at aBieler@ www.teamerie.com find other jobs and get into other charac- ErieReader.com, and you can follow ters, but then it developed this life after it him on Twitter @Catch20Q. 1101456.1 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

January 21, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 13 CALENDAR

Seascape: Choices, Interpersonal Comeback Kid w/ Expire, Geeks Unplugged Devon’s Basement, Communication, and Comedy on Motives, xRepresentx, Jan. 30 — 5 to 7 p.m. 2627 Jackson Avenue. facebook.com/pages/ the Beach. With Giant Lizards. Mallory Run, and Crazies Presque Isle Downs Barlow/146963238652581. Jan. 26 — 1 p.m. Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy. human couple, sitting on the beach, stare presqueisledowns.com. into the long abyss of retirement and ar- Basement Transmissions, Legend A 145 W. 11 St. facebook.com/ Jan. 31 — 9 p.m. gue. Not so unusual, but things turn strange basement.transmissions. Nick I AM A DON quickly in Edward Albee’s Seascape when two Jan. 30 — 4 p.m. Presque Isle Downs Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy. fantastical human-sized lizards appear to The Australian Bee The Beer Mug, 1108 presqueisledowns.com. them; a couple facing a crisis of their own, hav- Gees Show Liberty St. 454.4753. ing found that they are no longer comfortable Jan. 27 — 7:30 p.m. Special Guest, Pale in the water (must be water monitors of some Warner Theatre, 811 State Glen Rankin Green Stars sort). Their ensuing interactions are awkward St. erieevents.com. Jan. 30 — 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 31 — 9 p.m. and confused, poignant – and yet, funny. The Ugly Tuna Tavern, King’s Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. 2Blue w/ Dave VanAmburg 1010 Peninsula Dr. Foibles are revealed, motives questioned, and, facebook.com/kingsrookclub. Jan. 29 — 6 to 9 p.m. uglytunatavern.com. eventually, a sort-of happy ending occurs. Ac- Victor’s Restaurant, The DANCE cording to its website, Laugh/Riot Performing Arts Company is presenting the show as a Bel Aire Clarion, 2800 Rodger L. Montgomery biting comedy, although it earned Albee his second Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1975. With W. 8 St. jazzerie.com. Jan. 30 — 3 p.m. Line Dancing at many of Albee’s plays, there is often a fine line between the two. Throw in the absurd, sym- The Lager Cafe, 2056 McCoy’s Barrelhouse Brandon Santini bolism, and fantasy, and the result is some very good theater. W. 8 St. 456.4498. Jan. 21, 28 & Feb. 4 — 8 p.m. “Seascape reminds us that we all must face our own mortality sooner or later,” says director Jan. 29 — 1 p.m. Ruby Port Band McCoy’s Barrelhouse, Shaun Taylor. “This play uses a fantastic intersection of a human couple with their reptilian Sprague Farm and Brew 1013 State St. counterparts to point out the choices that we make in determining our own destinies.” Works, 22113 Highway 6 & 19, Jan. 30 — 9 p.m. mccoysbarrelhouse.com. Venango. sleepingchainsaw. The play features Ben Robson and Jessie Connick as the humans; and Jordanna Wallace Presque Isle Downs com/bierhalla_entertainment. Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy. FOOD & DRINK and J.D. Mizikowski as the lizards. Mizikowski is excited to perform in this production, say- presqueisledowns.com. ing, “It’s fantastic that we are able to do one of America’s greatest living playwrights. From Colony Club House Band Happy Hour Tasting with Albee’s The Goat or Who is Sylvia? to Zoo Story there are few who do high comedy as well.” Jan. 29 — 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tyler Smilo “Dust in a Lavery Brewing Company Laugh/Riot is in residence at the Diebold Performing Arts Center at Edinboro University Colony Club Pub & Grille, Grave” CD Release Party Jan. 30 — 5 p.m. this season, which gives it a solid platform for the production of this quality material. The 2670 W. 8 St. jazzerie.com. Jan. 30 — 9 p.m. Bootleggers Bar & Grille, troupe features a mix of community members and students. Look for a New Works Festival King’s Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. 4935 E. Lake Rd. 899.9800. in February and Through the Looking Glass in April. First Glow facebook.com/kingsrookclub. Jan. 29 — 9 p.m. There aren’t many playwrights who can move you with comedy, not to mention giant liz- The Four Grads Saturday Customer Appreciation ards. Edward Albee is one of them. – Mary Birdsong Sherlock’s, 508 State Days: Electric Materials St. facebook.com/ Night Jazz, Pop, and More sherlocksparkplace Jan. 31 — 6 to 9 p.m. Employees Jan. 21 to Jan. 23 — All Day Jan. 29, 30, and 31 and Feb. 5, 6, and 7 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 1 at 2:30 The Anchor In, 3122 W. p.m. // 219 Meadville St., Edinboro // $10 General Admission; $5 Frank Singer Duo Lake Rd. jazzerie.com. Presque Isle Wine Cellars, EUP Faculty, staff, senior adults, and non-EUP students; $3 EUP w/ Stan Bialomizy 9440 W. Main Rd., North East piwine.com. students. // Tickets at the door or at www.laughrioterie.com. Friday Night Jazz Four Castles/Fell Asleep Jan. 30 — 6 to 9 p.m. Cassette Release Show w/ Barlow January Barjo Barns at The Anchor In, 3122 W. Courtyard Wineries - A Lake Rd. jazzerie.com. Jan. 31 — 5:30 p.m. MUSIC Jan. 23 — 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 24 — 9 p.m. Presque Isle Downs Presque Isle Downs 2Blue w/ Dave VanAmburg Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy. Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy. presqueisledowns.com. presqueisledowns.com. Acclaimed Pianist Simone Jan. 22 — 6 to 9 p.m. Dinnerstein Joins Erie Philharmonic Victor’s Restaurant, The JD Jazz and Blues for First-time Ever Performance Bel Aire Clarion, 2800 Dinnerstein Plays W. 8 St. jazzerie.com. Friday Night Jazz Beethoven of ‘Piano Concerto No.2’ Jan. 23 — 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 24 — 7 p.m. eethoven composed an abundance Colony Club House Band The Anchor In, 3122 W. Warner Theatre, 811 of pieces during his lifetime, many Lake Rd. jazzerie.com. State St. eriephil.org. B Jan. 22 — 7 to 9:30 p.m. of which the Erie Philharmonic has Colony Club Pub & Grille, performed over its long history. On 2670 W. 8 St. jazzerie.com. Jeff Fetterman Band Rodger Montgomery Jan. 23 — 3 p.m. Saturday Night Blues Jan. 24, the orchestra is about to add Bitchwax Last Shot Bar and Grill, 3064 Jan. 24 — 6 to 9 p.m. another one to the list. Jan. 23 — 4 p.m. W. 12 St. facebook.com/ The Anchor In, 3122 W. For the first time ever, the Philhar- pages/Last-Shot-Bar-Grill. Sherlock’s, 508 State Lake Rd. jazzerie.com. monic will be playing Beethoven’s St. facebook.com/ “Piano Concerto No. 2”, and will be joined by acclaimed pianist Simone Dinnerstein in an sherlocksparkplace. Jesse Weston Ron Yarman, evening that also includes pieces by George Walker and Bruckner. Jan. 23 — 6 to 9 p.m. LaMorievlle, Blue Soul Beethoven’s concerto opens with strings, but the violins and flutes lead the way into a Brian Henke in Concert The Ugly Tuna Tavern, Jan. 24 — 9 p.m. dance – at times dizzying and frenetic – upon the ivory. The playfulness of the first move- Jan. 23 — 8 p.m. 1010 Peninsula Dr. King’s Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. uglytunatavern.com. ment is hearkened back to in the last, while the second, middle movement is peaceful in Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth facebook.com/kingsrookclub. stark contrast. All throughout, the piano is in the spotlight. St. erieartmuseum.org. Six Year Stretch and Ron Yarosz and And front and center in that spotlight will be superstar Dinnerstein. Since her 2005 de- ekoostik hookah Claire Stuczynski the Vehicle but at Carnegie Hall, she’s toured internationally, released four solo albums and has been Jan. 23 — 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 23 — 9 p.m. Jan. 24 — 4 p.m. lauded by critics from NPR, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The New Yorker, and O, Docksider’s, 1015 State St. King’s Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. The Oasis Pub, 3122 W. The Oprah Magazine (And if something is good enough for Oprah, it’s good enough for you). facebook.com/Docksiderbar. facebook.com/kingsrookclub. Lake Rd. oasispub.net. While the music starts at 8 p.m., get there early to join WQLN classical music host Brian Hannah in a pre-concert chat starting at 7 p.m. Once the musicians take the stage, the pro- Chris Higbee BT’s Acoustic Showcase Musician’s Hat Scramble gram includes George Walker’s “Lyric for Strings,” followed by Dinnerstein and Beethoven. Jan. 24 — 5:30 to 10 p.m. Jan. 23 — 9 p.m. Jan. 25 — 1 to 6 p.m. The second half of the evening is Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4, “Romantic,” a piece that the Presque Isle Downs Basement Transmissions, Sprague Farm and Brew Philharmonic calls “transformative,” and one that “will captivate and inspire.” 145 W. 11 St. facebook.com/ Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy. Works, 22113 Highway 6 & 19, Sounds like the perfect alternative to another cold night indoors with your Netflix, doesn’t presqueisledowns.com. basement.transmissions. Venango. sleepingchainsaw. com/bierhalla_entertainment. it? – Sara Toth Geeks Unplugged Chris Higbee 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24// 811 State St. // eriephil.org 14 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 21, 2015 “Something you simply must experience if you are a fan of awesome.” – collider.com

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16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 21, 2015 CALENDAR

DM: The Erie/Edinboro scene is weird for where we question everything about life. me because when I was going to shows in Ed- At the same time that we are to trying to fit inboro everyone was way older than me. And music in, we also have to grow up and find then at [the old] Basement Transmissions, ways to sustain ourselves and stuff. I feel when I was going there, most of the people like all five of us would do music around were my age or younger. It was awesome to the clock if we could, but there’s just so see the switch from one generation to the much else we have to do to keep our lives next and to make a ton of new friends. Hav- going. ing yet to attend a show at the new place, I WT: What do you guys have planned for can’t really tell you how I feel about it as far 2015 besides the Comeback Kid show? Any as potential goes, but I will say that the old releases we can expect? BT had some of the best shows I had ever DM: I will just say that by this time next been to. The Squid Vicious farewell show was year, we hope to release a six-to-ten-song probably one of the best nights in the Erie EP of some sort. We also want to tour and music scene, for a lot of people. play in at least three to four different cities. WT: You said your drummer left to get mar- We weren’t planning on playing any shows ried. That must have been somewhat of a set- for a while since we haven’t had much time back for you guys, and getting back together to write, but we made an exception for the afterwards really shows that you have ambi- one in January because the lineup is so After Disbanding, Mallory Run Returns tion and dedication to the band and also says good. a lot about your ability to overcome those to the Erie Stage, Joining Canadian kinds of setbacks. How much do personal 6 p.m. // 145 W. 11th St. // choices like that, along with other general ballpointproductions.bigcartel. Hardcore Rockers Comeback Kid life decisions like going to college impact com/product/comeback-kid your ability to play in a band and keep things By: Will Taylor on track? What motivates you guys the most? You can listen to and download Mallory DM: It’s tough, honestly. We are all spread laying music in a band while balancing upcoming BT show; are you guys excited? Run’s single, “You Told Me You Didn’t out over, like, 50 miles, so it’s really diffi- the ever-increasing responsibilities that Nervous? Have a Mountain Bike” on Bandcamp P cult to get together even once a week. For accompany growing up can be a tricky task, The show on the 26th is going to be for free. Catch their set at Basement DM: me, I’m motivated by the bands I listen to. I and for a lot of people, it doesn’t always work huge. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t ner- Transmissions on Monday, Jan. 26. see them out touring and signing to labels out. That was the situation last spring when vous. I have a lot of friends that haven’t been and stuff, and it’s all I want to do. local pop-punk band Mallory Run disbanded. to shows since The Hangout closed that are Will Taylor can be contacted at We’re at a weird age [between 18 and 23] Sometimes, however, passion for and ded- coming out to this one – plus some people [email protected]. ication to what a person loves most can be who have been there the whole way. Hope- powerful enough to overcome those setbacks fully, we can get our stuff together in time to and obstacles. Mallory Run has that passion make it a good one. com/ErieMovieHouse. Feb. 1 — 2 p.m. and dedication, reuniting with a slight line- WT: What do you think of the new Base- New Year, a New Wine! Jan. 22 — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Taylor Little Theater, 501 E. up change, and is hard at work in prepa- ment Transmissions? Any pros and cons? Do Fantastic Planet 38 St. miac.mercyhurst.edu. ration for their first gig back coming up at you like it better than the old place? Do you Courtyard Wineries, 10021 W. Main Rd., North East, Jan. 23 — 7 p.m. Basement Transmissions on Monday, Jan. 26. think the change in location has had any im- courtyardwineries.com. Erie Movie House, 3424 VISUAL ARTS The lineup includes Canadian hardcore pacts on the local community of show-goers West Lake Road. facebook. band Comeback Kid who are currently as a whole? Customer Appreciation com/ErieMovieHouse. The Christmas Show, Schuster Theatre signed to Victory Records, along with Bridge DM: Personally, I have only been in the Days: Financial Bill Hicks and George 9 Records’ Expire. Also playing will be Cleve- basement of the new Basement Transmis- Institution Employees Carlin Live Comedy Night Ongoing — All Day land’s Motives, Fredonia’s Crazies, and local sions – that’s where our practice spot is. I Jan. 26 to Jan. 20 — All Day Gannon University, 700 Jan. 24 — 8 p.m. straight edge veterans, xRepresentx. have yet to attend or even see the venue part Presque Isle Wine Cellars, Peach St. gannon.edu. Erie Movie House, 3424 Now comprised of Patrick Harkins and Tay- of it. There’s been a lot of back and forth 9440 W. Main Rd., North East piwine.com. West Lake Road. facebook. Duane Cregger, Among lor Bean on guitars, Anthony Anglikowski lately about it, and it sucks for me, because com/ErieMovieHouse. Shared Archetypes on bass, Tommy Lipo on drums, and Danny I’m friends with people on both sides of the FILM Ongoing — All Day St. Vincent McClune on vocals, Mallory Run’s ready to disagreements, and I would rather not take Glass Growers Gallery, 10 E. 5 hit the scene in a big way. a side. Great White Shark Jan. 25 — 2 p.m. St. glassgrowersgallery.com. Will Taylor: How long has Mallory Run Bobby Jensen, [owner and proprietor of BT] Ongoing — noon, 4 p.m. Taylor Little Theater, 501 E. 38 St. miac.mercyhurst.edu. been together? How did you guys meet? has a bigger bill to pay on a bigger space, so Tom Ridge Environmental Higherglyphics: Annex Center, 301 Peninsula Stairwell Project, Danny McClune: Mallory Run was formed you’re going to have to have bigger shows. I Suddenly in the fall of 2012 when I met Pat in English hate how people in the Erie music scene gen- Drive. trecpi.org. Annex Stairwell Jan. 29 — 7 p.m. class at Edinboro. We posted something on a erally aren’t friends with people too far out- Ongoing — All Day Mysteries of the Erie Movie House, 3424 Facebook page seeing if anyone would be in- side of their “genre.” I wish Erie show-goers Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth Unseen World West Lake Road. facebook. St. erieartmuseum.org. terested, and Anthony was quick to respond. could coexist, whether it’s metalcore, pop- Ongoing — 2, 5 p.m. com/ErieMovieHouse. WT: What happened that you guys decided punk, shoegaze, or whatever. People in one Tom Ridge Environmental Captive Into the Common to call it quits? What made you decide to try genre feel exactly the same passion as you do Center, 301 Peninsula Ground by G.C. Meyers Jan. 30 — 7 p.m. again? for another, so why is either any better? Drive. trecpi.org. Ongoing — All Day Erie Movie House, 3424 DM: Earlier this year we had a different WT: You used to go to shows back in the The Kada Gallery, The Shops drummer, who ultimately left the band to day in Edinboro when The Hangout was Wonders of the Arctic West Lake Road. facebook. com/ErieMovieHouse. at the Colony, 2632 W. 8 get married. None of us have really heard pretty much the only all-ages venue around. Ongoing — 11 a.m., 1, 3 p.m. St. kadagallery.com. from him since. Everyone else pursued other I think the last time Comeback Kid played Tom Ridge Environmental The Dark Crystal Mary J. and Fran Rosiak: projects during that time. About two months around here, it was at The Hangout with Center, 301 Peninsula Jan. 31 — 4, 7 p.m. ago, Anthony, Pat, and I talked and told each Title Fight and Set Your Goals. How have Drive. trecpi.org. APPlied Images Erie Movie House, 3424 Ongoing — All Day other how we missed playing in Mallory things changed since The Hangout days? Do West Lake Road. facebook. Run, and we were pretty much back at it that you think BT has the potential to be as big of Ernie Kovacs Best Of com/ErieMovieHouse. Glass Growers Jan. 22 — 7 p.m. Gallery, 10 E. Fifth St. night. a deal as Forward Hall and The Hangout were glassgrowersgallery.com. Those are some big name bands on the back then? Erie Movie House, 3424 Force Majeure WT: West Lake Road. facebook.

January 21, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 17 CALENDAR

Art After Hours at Scotty’s Cigar & MIAC presents St. Vincent Martini Bar Features Eerie Eric and Force Majeure – Two Fargiorgio’s “Out Of My Mind” Stirring Looks at the Fragile, Flawed Male Psyche manda Ferguson has been a major Aforce in Erie’s art scene lately, pro- he Mercyhurst Institute for moting up-and-coming artists at events TArts & Culture will present not associated with the usual gallery a pair of Golden Globe-nom- scene. One of our city’s fastest rising inated films on back-to-back artists right now is “Eerie” Eric Fargi- Sundays this winter. The Bill orgio, and the event Amanda has put Murray-led St. Vincent and the together for him is the inaugural night Swedish drama Force Majeure of “Art After Hours” at Scotty’s Cigar & will play at the Taylor Little Martini Lounge. The plan for “Art After Theater at Mercyhurst Uni- Hours” is to feature different artists at versity, but both movies share venues that will showcase their talents a few more similarities than to people who might not otherwise see showing location and being highlighted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. their work. At first glance, the pairing of a film about a misanthropic alcoholic babysitting his new Eric takes his inspiration from the neighbor’s son with a foreign psychodrama featuring a young family’s emotional stay fol- eclectic pop culture icons of his child- lowing a scare caused by a controlled avalanche at a luxury French Alps resort might not hood – superheroes, Kiss, Lucha Libre seem normal, but in a sense, St. Vincent and Force Majeure are both disaster movies that wrestlers, and Betty Page, among oth- focus on flawed male psyches. ers. His cartoon-esque paintings have Bill Murray stars as the broken title character in Theodore Melfi’s St. Vincent, where his earned him enough of a following that mess of a life is put under a microscope when he takes of care 12-year-old Oliver. As for he was voted by you, our tasteful read- Force Majeure, the near disaster comes early when an avalanche scare sends Tomas (played ers, the winner of Erie Reader Best Of Erie 2014 best tattoo artist and best illustrator (beating by Johannes Kuhnke) fleeing without his wife and children, an abandonment that creates a out yours truly for the latter honor). It’s guaranteed that the walls of Scotty’s will have some rift in his family during Ruben Östlund’s darkly comic drama. of Eric’s famous Bigfoot and Mothman paintings for sale as well. Vincent and Tomas may have different disasters to deal with, but the emotional journeys of both men will be on display at the Taylor Little Theatre thanks to MIAC, giving you two It is one night only and will have tons of pieces that have never been seen before including Sundays of cinema to see a pair of flawed father figures in critically-acclaimed movies. – autobiographical comics from his younger days. Eric says that this show will be “a little bit Alex Bieler of my mind poured out all over the walls.” – Bryan Toy 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 (St. Vincent) and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1 9 p.m to 1 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 // 301 German St. // Facebook.com/EerieEricF (Force Majeure) // 501 E. 38th St. // miac.mercyhurst.edu

Uniting Art Forms Opening Reception: Ian Schuster Theatre Green Matt Texter and Seann Clark Ongoing — All Day Brill and Mark Weber Room, 620 Sassafras St. Join Tyler Smilo for the Release gannon.edu/Visitors-and- The Heeschen Gallery, Jan. 30 — 5 to 8 p.m. Community/Area-Attractions/ of his Highly Anticipated 910 Market St., Meadville Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth Schuster-Theatre. Follow-up Album Dust in a artsmeadville.org. St. erieartmuseum.org. Grave CD Release Party COMMUNITY Performing Blackness, THEATER yler Smilo has lived in Erie for less Performing Whiteness Erie BayHawks vs. Maine Tthan two years, but you wouldn’t Ongoing beginning Jan. 20 — All Sleeping Beauty Jan. 21 — 7 p.m. guess it based on how well he has in- Day tegrated himself into the local scene. Jan. 23 to 25 — 7 p.m. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Allegheny College, 520 N. Main Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10 French St. erieevents.com. After hitting open mic nights hard St., Meadville, allegheny.edu. St. erieplayhouse.org. following his move to Erie, Smilo has March for Life Bus Trip quickly become one of the most in- Kids as Curators 2015, Weekend of Improv Jan. 21 — 11 p.m. triguing artists in the area through Hagen Family Gallery Jan. 23 to 24 — 8 p.m. St. George Church, 5145 his work in Daybreak Radio and Pot- Ongoing beginning Jan. 23 — All Meadville Community Theater, Peach St. facebook.com/ whole, as well as his solo debut Blood Day Oddfellow’s Building, 400 N MarchForLifeBusTrip. into Sound, which was one of the Erie Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth Main St, Meadville. 333.1773. St. erieartmuseum.org. Erie BayHawks vs. Reader’s top-three releases of 2014. Australian Bee Gees Show The songwriter hasn’t slowed down in 2015, as he’s set to drop his new album Dust in a Jan. 27 — 7:30 p.m. Westchester Ian Brill: Storm, McCain Grave (check out our review on page 23) at a CD Release party hosted by The King’s Rook Warner Theatre, 811 State Jan. 23 — 7 p.m. Family Gallery St. nacentertainment. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 French Club along with openers Matt Texter and Seann Clark. Like Blood into Sound, Dust in a Grave Ongoing beginning Jan. 30 — All com/cities/erie. St. erieevents.com. shows off Smilo’s ability to connect with listeners through straightforward songs about ad- Day diction and healing. Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth Les Contes D’Hoffman Friday Night Writes Featuring Mike Bush “I stuck with just being as honest as possible and not being afraid to say certain things be- St. erieartmuseum.org. Jan. 31 — 12:55 p.m. cause they are too personal,” Smilo says about his penchant for writing intimate, heartfelt Jan. 23 — 8 p.m. Mary D’Angelo Performing tracks. Conway-Whiting Poets’ Hall, 1136 E. Lake Rd. Arts Center, 501 E. 38 St. Dust in a Grave isn’t an album that relies on flashy studio effects or fancy techniques. In- Exhibition Reception miac.mercyhurst.edu. facebook.com/poetshall. Jan. 23 — 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. stead, it shows off just what one man and his guitar can do to stir a person’s soul, as Smilo’s earnestly bleats out lines while the reverberations of each strum hum in your ears. Smilo’s Urraro Gallery, 135 W. Actors Snoetry, a Winter 14 St. facebook.com/ Feb. 2 — 8 p.m. Wordfest music isn’t always a happy affair, but it certainly sounds real. pages/urrarogallery. Ganon University, Schuster Jan. 24 — 1 to 11 p.m. “There’s nothing when I write that says ‘I want people to like this’ or ‘I want this to be a pop Theater, 109 University Square The Avalon Hotel, 16 W. 10 St. song,’” Smilo says. “I just write what I write and I’m so glad that people enjoy it.” Mark Weber In Residence, gannon.edu/Visitors-and- facebook.com/snoetry2015. Judging by the songwriter’s success since his arrival in Erie in the middle of 2013, local Bacon Gallery Community/Area-Attractions/ music fans certainly approve of him. Join Smilo at The Rook when he puts his new batch of Schuster-Theatre. Jan. 27 to Jan. 30 — All Day Erie Kennel Club Dog Show genuine tracks on display for all to enjoy. – Alex Bieler Jan. 24 and 25 — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth A Little Nonsense St. erieartmuseum.org. Bayfront Convention 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30 // 1921 Peach St. // facebook.com/kingsrookclub Feb. 3 — 8 p.m. Center, 1 Sassafras Pier.

18 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 21, 2015 814-833-0517 Store Hours: Mon - Sat 10-6 ANNIVERSARY SALE

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SIDENTS A RE ARE RIE Y E 12 B 1, ' , '1 '10 IN W RO N A S I AR V YE OT ER 3 ED BEST CATER

January 21, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 19 CALENDAR eriekennelclub.com. The Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State Society, 3207 State St. jeserie.org. Eye of the Storm: St. jeserieorg. Understanding Lake- FUNDRAISERS Effect Snow The Art of the Tale: An Jan. 27 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. International Anthology CVC 5th Annual Jan. 29 — 4 to 6 p.m. The Jefferson Educational Cornhole Tournament Society, 3207 State The Jefferson Educational Jan. 25 — 2 and 4 p.m. St. jeserie.org. Society, 3207 State Erie Maennerchor Club, St. jeserie.org. 1611 State St. 455.9414. Life as an Elected Official Jan. 28 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Erie Auto Show Ladies Night Out Jan. 29 through Feb. 1 — Various The Jefferson Educational with a Purpose Society, 3207 State times Jan. 30 — 4:30 to 7:30 St. jeserie.org. Bayfront Convention Center, 1 North East Elementary School, 50 Sassafras Pier. erieevents.com. East Division St. 449.0545. Disney on Ice presents Treasure Trove Harlem Globetrotters Gala for the Upper Room Jan. 28 through Feb. 1 — Various 2015 World Tour to Benefit Erie’s Homeless times Feb. 3 — 7 p.m. Jan. 31 — 6:30 p.m. Entertainment by Delta Blues, Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Erie Insurance Arena, 809 French St. erieevents.com. French St. erieevents.com. prime-rib and seafood buffet, $35 donation Living Along Privacy and National Elk Creek Inn, 6886 Pennsylvania’s Lake Security In the Digital Age Sterrettania Road Erie Shoreline Feb. 3 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 29 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. The Jefferson Educational

Snoetry celebrates our wintry region’s love of the spoken word ach winter, our never-ending snowstorms create beauty and hassle in equal measure. EToo often, it’s tempting to stay home (and stay warm) when interesting events are in the works. But what if we could celebrate the chilly season and the city’s rich artistic culture simultaneously? On Jan. 24, Snoetry will attempt to do just that. Snoetry is a day-long gathering of the region’s best poets and spoken-word artists. More than two-dozen writers from the Erie area will perform alongside noteworthy authors from Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Chicago, Louisville, Ky., and New York City. Presently, more than 50 performers are set to take the stage, so expect a comprehensive overview of the local writing scene. The festivities begin at 1 p.m. at the Avalon Hotel and Ballroom, with 10-minute performances continuing until 11 p.m. But don’t worry – they’ll take a short break each hour to let you catch your breath. To get a clearer sense of what to expect at Snoetry, I turned to 2014-15 Erie County Poet Laureate Cee Williams, one of the event’s emcees. Williams is a key figure in the local liter- ary community, who was recently named the 2014-2015 Erie County Poet Laureate. He also Special Guest and Pale Green Stars Bring Brawny Brand of Rock ‘n’ Roll to The Rook runs Poets’ Hall, a nonprofit space that has played a central role in our writing scene since he King’s Rook will play host to a pair of special musical guests to close out the first 2010. In fact, there aren’t many grassroots establishments like his in the country. According Tmonth of 2015, a show featuring some brawny rock ‘n’ roll from a band just south of Erie to Williams, Poets’ Hall is the only “venue outside of NYC and Chicago [focusing] entirely and one nearly four hours northeast of The Gem City. on Poetry that isn’t in operation on a college campus.” The first of which is Special Guest, a groovy foursome from Edinboro that made a mark Williams claims that “it would be nearly impossible to not hear an artist whose work you in the local guitar-rock scene in 2014 with muscular riffs and slight doses of psychedelia. will appreciate” at Snoetry. If your interests lean toward the intellectual, he suggests check- Joining the Northwest Pennsylvania-based outfit is Pale Green Stars, a bluesy trio from Syr- ing out Erie’s inaugural Poet Laureate, Berwyn Moore, or Greg Brown, the director of the acuse, N.Y. that Erieites may not be as familiar with unless they caught one of the band’s Writing Center at Mercyhurst University. Williams is also excited to hear from Sean Thomas previous shows at PACA or The Rook. Even if you have, Pale Green Stars are a band that has Dougherty, a writer “whose work straddles the line between the academic and the ‘street.’” evolved since its last trip to the area. A number of spoken-word performers from Buffalo will be heading west for the event, in- “We wanted to be Carl Perkins-ish, like an older style of rock ‘n’ roll,” says drummer Jeff cluding Lazyrus and Brandon Williamson – both of whom he describes as “electrifying.” Tripoli about the band’s last album The Honky Tonk Years. “Now that we’ve been together When asked about what makes Erie’s poetry scene unique, Williams notes that “an incred- for a certain period of time, we’ve started writing songs together that are coming out more ible amount of talented people,” from a surprisingly diverse array of perspectives, come alternative rock with that same backbone of alt-country and blues, which is a testament to together to share their work: “Doctors, professors, health care workers, students – nearly the chemistry between the three of us and our musical background.” every walk of life is represented in Erie’s Poetry Community.” Williams believes that Snoe- Fans of rough-and-tumble rock ‘n’ roll should love the pairing of Special Guest and Pale try will capitalize on that diversity: “With an amazing array of talents and voices, Snoetry Green Stars, a terrific twosome that can dish out meaty licks and plenty of blue-collar bra- has something for everybody.” – Dan Schank vado, a combination that should close out a cold January with a fiery bang. – Alex Bieler 1 to 11 p.m.. Saturday, Jan. 24 // Avalon Hotel and Ballroom, 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 // 1921 Peach St. // facebook.com/kingsrookclub 16 W. 10th Street // Facebook.com/snoetry2015

20 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 21, 2015 Sunday, Jan. 25, 9-12:30 444 East Grandview Blvd. 814-824-2519 MercyCenteroftheArts.com

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Start the New Year Off WINTER HOURS with Something Special From 3141 West 26th St. | Erie, PA 16506 Second Hand Rose CONSIGNMENTS Beginner Knitting—Saturday, Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. Mon- 10—5:30 7th 12:30-2:00 | $35 plus Materials Tue- Closed 351 W 26TH ST. ERIE, PA Adult & Me Class—Saturday, Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. Wed- 10—5:30 814-455-3061 7th 10:00-11:00 | $65 plus materials (adult & child 7+) Thurs- 10—3 Beginner Crochet Class—Tuesday, Jan. 8th and HOURS: 15th 6:30-8:30 | $35 plus materials Fri- 10—5:30 Wed - Fri 11-5 Like us on Facebook to find more classes! Saturday 10—4 Sat Call to RSVP | 814-836-7875 (purl) Sunday Closed 11-3

MOVING & ESTATE SALES January 21, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 21 FLEXIBLE s Rook FRI 1/23 King SIX YEAR STRETCH Club +CLAIRE STUCZYNSKI EXPERIENCE SAT 1/24 Dreams to be a Secret Service Agent inspired RON YARMAN Pedro to pursue a master’s degree in +LAMORVIELLE Administration of Justice. The flexibility of +BLUE SOUL LIVE the graduate program allowed him to join the SAT 1/31 Police and Safety team at Mercyhurst as a full- SPECIAL GUEST +PALE GREEN STARS time police officer while earning his degree in FRI 2/6 just two years. DUST IN FRED OAKMAN Benefits of the AOJ program: Pedro Rodriguez Criminal Justice `14 +JOSH TRAVIS • Access to esteemed faculty who have years Administration of Justice `16 A GRAVE +COMPANY TOWNES of field experience, are published scholars SAT 2/7 D OORS 8PM | MUSIC 9PM and have won numerous awards “The AOJ program is the only STRATOSPHEERIOUS one of its kind in Erie County. I • Evening courses are offered to working CD RELEASE PARTY +ERIC BREWER discovered new ideas and issues, & FRIENDS N O COVER!! professionals and also learned different ways to FRI 2/13 • Complete your degree in two years create solutions.” +MATT TEXTER ADAM’S ALE (full-time). Part-time status is also available +SEANN CLARK MATTY B feat. John Welton - Pedro Rodriguez ’S of Waterband • Most graduate students are eligible for and Cliff Starbuck federal aid EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT! of ekoostik hookah GET THE Grab your gear and get here! • 9pm SAT 2/14 EXPERIENCE. BRYAN ANDREW No Cover • Drink Specials • Open 8pm AND DIRT TRACK RACING MUSIC AT 9:30•NO COVER EXCEPT SPECIAL EVENTS FREE POOL, SHUFFLEBOARD & GAMES ALWAYS!!! 1921 Peach St. Erie Pa•Private Parties Available•MEMBERS & GUESTS Call: 814-824-2297 · email: [email protected] · visit: mercyhurst.edu/aoj Contact: [email protected] & find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingsrookclub connect. 1/24 1/30 ACOUSTIC THE TRADESMEN SHOWCASE THE COFFIN BANGERS of January 2015 BT’s OH NO! IT’S MUSTARD GAS a church for the city Brooke Surgener $5 GENETICALLY ENHANCED Brotherjoel SUPER HUMANS ORIGINAL MUSIC Jessica King BIBLE TEACHING Papercut $8 AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY Brit Soule BASEMENT TRANSMISSIONS JOIN US FOR We intend to be a cross-centered community Tyler Smilo SUNDAY WORSHIP that reaches the culture. Basement Transmissions Xander 145 West 11th Street Corner of Sassafras and 11th 10am www.TheCross.cc drug free / alcohol free / all ages 145 west 11th street /TheCrossErie www.basementtransmissions.com [email protected]

22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 21, 2015 MUSIC REVIEWS

Tyler Smilo Sleater-Kinney The Sidekicks D'Angelo and The Vanguard Dust in a Grave No Cities to Love Runners in the Nerved World Black Messiah Independent Sub Pop Epitaph RCA

ess than a year n No Cit- he Sidekicks is f the reaction to Lafter the re- Oies to Love, Tnot a band that Ithis long-awaited lease of his solo Sleater-Kinney sure is afraid to change. album is any indi- debut Blood into doesn’t sound like a The Columbus-by- cation, this could Sound – an album band that put out its way-of-Cleveland be a new begin- that was named last album in 2005 crew started off ning for the mu- one of The Top 3 and went on hiatus channeling a snotty sic industry. After Albums of 2014 by in 2006 so that the punk vibe before de- years of pre-pack- the Erie Reader – power trio of Carrie veloping a more me- aged monotone singer-songwriter Tyler Smilo is set to drop Brownstein, Corin Tucker, and Janet Weiss could lodic and mature sound on Weight of Air and Awk- electric pop calling itself R&B, a musician who his second album. Dust in a Grave, like its pre- work on other projects. The newest release by ward Breeds. The evolution continues on Runners hasn’t sold his soul is again making soul – decessor, features simple orchestration and the influential riot grrrl rockers contains few, in the Nerved World, the band’s first album with and the crowd is going wild. D’Angelo took a plenty of heart, as Smilo enchants listeners if any, signs of sonic rust following the band’s Epitaph. Whether it was part of a natural evolu- 14-year hiatus to learn guitar and collaborate using simply his voice and an acoustic guitar, near-decade of inactivity, providing a 10-song, tion or a change inspired by working with The with the best artists in the business because save for Trevor Huster’s work on keys on al- 33-minute-long rush of adrenaline. Shortly Shins and Built to Spill producer Phil Ek, The Side- he wanted his legacy to be about his music, bum closer “Nothing Left.” Smilo kicks off the into opening track “Price Tag,” it’s evident that kicks developed a shimmering side to the band’s not his sexiness. Not that Black Messiah isn’t album with the incredibly personal “Blood in Tucker can still wail like she did on past albums high-energy oeuvre. Runners in the Nerved World sexy: “Really Love” may be the best make- the Water,” an intimate track detailing an exo- and that Brownstein hasn’t lost her ability to is the product of a band leaning closer to Band of out song ever recorded. Songs like “Betray dus from Pittsburgh – and the heartfelt stories pump out bruising guitar riffs, both welcome Horses than Against Me!, but the shift in sound My Heart” and “Back to the Future” just drip don’t stop there. Like Blood into Sound, Dust sounds in 2015. Add the fact that Weiss, who works, leading to sweeping pop-rockers like “Je- with a Prince-like layered groove. D’Angelo’s in a Grave shows off an artist that deals in has drummed for bands like The Shins and sus Christ Supermalls” and the extremely fun lyric “I just want to go back baby,” may come honesty, earnestly spitting out lines that feel Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, hasn’t slowed “Summer Brings You Closer to Satan.” The band true, because this forward-looking piece of so real that standout tracks like “Heirs to the down at all, and you have a recipe for sonic hasn’t completely abandoned its punk roots, but musical mastery may bring pop back to the Throne,” “These Will be the Days,” and the kickassery. Most of all, No Cities to Love is an the continued growth of The Sidekicks is fully on days when sincere musicianship and true title track can’t help but stir your soul. – Alex album that’s as fun to listen to as it seems like it display on Runners in the Nerved World, and that’s soul mattered more than money and fame. – Bieler was to make. – Alex Bieler a good thing. – Alex Bieler Bryan Toy

January 21, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 TECHNOLOGY

(Right) A Geeked Out screenshot of a warrior-versus- Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft Takes Card Games warlock match Off the Table and Onto the Digital Screen in Hearthstone, a card gamed-turned By: John Lindvay digital game that’s ’m sure at some point you’ve heard the cal realm and have rematerialized on com- the last craze. rumblings of some sort of card game puters and tablet devices, and the one that Ithat has become the new fixation of the has seems to capture the lion’s share of my ing players to gather youth. You may have even seen small cir- friends attention is a game called Hearth- resources, each turn cles of cross-legged humans surrounding stone: Heroes of Warcraft. increases your pool by a mess of cards that were not the playing Hearthstone is a CCG made by game com- one, thus creating a cards of our grandparents. pany Blizzard Entertainment. Side note: gentle ramp-up in ac- You may have even heard names uttered, You might recognize that name because tion as the game goes like Magic, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh! Perhaps they are also responsible for the world’s on, ensuring a faster you even knew someone who had boxes largest massively multiplayer online game match to the snooze and boxes of these cards, dumping absurd (MMO) and almighty time consumer World fests that classic CCGs amounts of money in chase of that super of Warcraft. Hearthstone takes the same in- much to enjoy here as it offers games that could all too often turn into. rare piece of foiled paper that is now worth tellectual property and lore of the Warcraft are quick for beginners. Your typical match A cool aspect is that the decks all have $300 on eBay. Hell, you may be thinking series and turns it into a snappy card game will last around 5 to 10 minutes, and I find unique play styles and cards that, when that I might even be describing you! that is now available on basically all plat- it is the perfect companion to vegging out played in certain orders, create interesting Truthfully, I’ve been through that phase of forms (Android, iOS, MAC/PC). The game on the sofa and watching your favorite TV combos that, when pulled off correctly, will my life. I dabbled in Magic: The Gathering was rumored to have been created after a show. leave you feeling like a wizard. – just last year digging out the box of cards studio head at Blizzard noticed that many If you are unfamiliar with how these games Another sweet thing is the manner of from my parents’ attic to give to one of my of his employees were playing a different operate, let me break it down: Each player communication allowed through the game few friends who still plays. But like many digital card game and wasting countless has a deck of 30 cards, each player has 30 interface. Anyone who plays competitive others, I lost space and desire to hunt down hours of work time. So in perfect fashion, hit points, and players use their resources online games will tell you stories of the and catalogue these things. I still enjoy the he rounded them up and began to make to play cards that either create monsters toxic wasteland of chatter and cringe-in- game, but the other part of the habit simply their own digital card game. that fight for you or cast spells to damage ducing language that is thrown around on became off-putting. Hearthstone is what I would describe as your opponent. Hearthstone streamlines the Internet. In Hearthstone players are lim- But many of these collectable card games, a great CCG for all players, casual to more much of the mechanical jargon that is ited to a small selection of eight pre-canned or “CCGs”, are now transcending the physi- serious “mana-tapping” fiends. There is plentiful in these games. Instead of forc- ‘emotes’ to use such as “Well played!,”

24 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 21, 2015 TECHNOLOGY

of decks that I enjoy playing. Hearthstone also of- fers a good method for players to get the cards they want by al- lowing players to de- stroy cards for a sepa- rate currency that can be used to craft any card in the game. The only downside to this style of CCG is there is no trading, so even though I often have conversations with my friends on good “Thank you,” and “Oops.” cards and deck com- Even if that is too much to deal with, a binations, I have to grind to get those cards simple click will squelch even that amount myself. of communication. This small feature has All that being said, I do find it has become been given much praise for facilitating an somewhat of a habit for me now to wake up excellent competitive online experience in the morning and play a few rounds as I that allows you to test your wits without drink my coffee. I win some, lose some, but hearing the foul language of a bitter rival. more importantly, I enjoy the mental exer- If collecting things is your jam, then this cise of playing against the mind of another game has you covered, because as you play, human being. you will earn in-game currency used to purchase booster packs. You can also plop If you’ve played Hearthstone, what do you down real Earth dollars, too, if you just want think of the game? Let John Lindvay know to quickly obtain powerful cards, but the at [email protected], and you free-to-play scheme is actually paced rather can follow him on Twitter @FightStrife. well. I haven’t sunk much money into the Sponsored by: Epic WebStudios game, and I have already built a handful

January 21, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 SPORTS

ER Sports Size Does Matter

By: James R. LeCorchick

HAVE BEEN watching the Burger King wingspan of a seven-footer. SE also had a 6-7 Classic (previously know as the McDon- sophomore on the bench. Iald's Classic) for 32 years now, and every Teammate Kipper Nichols, the 6-7 stand- year the same question pops into my mind out, is also going Division I. when I view the top high school talent in the Runner-up, Philadelphia Constitution country, and that question is, "Where are the High School, opened with a starting five of big men locally?" 6-7, 6-6, and a trio of 6-1 performers. In re- I consider any high school performer in the serve, the Generals could bring in a 6-8 play- area taller than 6-6 as a big man, and they er, a 6-5 hooper, and three 6-4 players, one of are few and far between. As a matter of fact, these being a freshman. a 6-6 hoopster around Erie is a rarity. Keep in mind, the Philly school plays in This is something many fans used to joke Class A and may not be tested in any playoff about, but it seems to be more than a coin- contest on the way to a state title. The Gener- lot of the Classics, but I would be neglecting Cleveland St. Edward’s celebrates cidence that our area just doesn't have many als are a power at any level. my duties if I didn't point out that coach- after winning the Burger King Classic. "bigs,” as college coaches like to refer to in- Meanwhile, New Jersey’s Pope John XXIII es Robert Moore (Constitution) and Eric side players. Further, area hoop followers arrived in Erie as the 14th-ranked team in Flannery (St. Ed's) were two of the classiest bers in post-season play, especially in Class would always joke, "There must be some- the country and left our town with the third coaches I ever witnessed on the sidelines, A. thing in the water that keeps our kids from place trophy, the Lions losing the opener be- their courtside behavior being a model for The championship game between SE and growing." But then everyone would chuckle fore bouncing back to maul Cathedral Prep all coaches. I sat next to Coach Moore the Constitution will go down as one of the and move on. in the consolation contest. first evening and did the radio broadcast for best title tilts in the history of the Classic, Now it doesn't seem as humorous as it once Are you ready for this? the title game next to the St. Ed's bench. the Cleveland squad defeating the Philly did. That squad opened with a starting five of I have to add that I've never witnessed five, 70-63 in overtime. Williams hit a long To add more fuel to the fire,Andy Sisinni, 6-9, 6-9, 6-6, 6-3, and 6-3. On the bench was anyone like the Pope Paul coach and not three-pointer at the buzzer to tie the contest a former star basketballer at Cathedral Prep a pair of sophomores, the duo standing 6-10 in a good way, the Lions' boss complaining and send it in to an extra session. and Duquesne University and a coach at and 6-8. on every call and numerous non-calls. As a I was stunned by the outside shooting Strong Vincent and CP, told me several times Gannon hosts two tournaments every sea- matter of fact, he whined the entire contest, ability of the 6-9 Diagne, the Syracuse re- in half-jest many years ago, "I think the lack son, and I have yet to see a collegiate squad especially in the loss to Ed's. He was nice cruit deadly from long range. He has a great of sunshine in Erie is a hindrance when it show up with a starting line-up that large for enough before the game, but the one word stroke. comes to our young people adding size." I'm either one. to describe his game-time antics is pathetic. Prep point guard Jaryn Simpson is the son starting to think he may be on to something. Moustapha Diagne, one of the 6-9ers, has In the "It Never Fails Department," after of former Gannon standout Bronze Simp- Year after year, teams show up for the BK already committed to play for the Orange at reading my above comments, you know son. Classic roster dominated by talented per- Syracuse, is a beast inside, and can shoot the the one thing Prep needed more of was re- SUPER BOWL – With my selection stock formers standing 6-7 or better. And this three-pointer also. He is definitely one of the bounding, so what happens? Charlie Fessler, soaring after picking Ohio State to defeat year's tournament is a perfect example of top players in the country. who stands 6-4 and is one of he top rebound- Alabama and Oregon, I know you are sali- the difference between "our" kids and play- And now for your Cathedral Prep Ramblers, ers on the team, had to go to a mandatory re- vating waiting for my SB pick. Well, the wait ers from the major programs. the Erie team countering with a starting five cruits' meeting at Northwestern University is over. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 24, NEW EN- Let me show you some of the facts, and that stood 6-2, 6-1, 6-1, 6-0, and 5-9. for incoming football players. GLAND PATRIOTS 21. then you can judge for yourself if this is Actually, the Orange and Black had a tre- Constitution had two players I would pay paranoia or actual fact. mendous effort the opening night, as the to see every chance I could, as 6-7 senior Editor's note: I probably should inform you Starting with Cleveland St. Edward's, the Ramblers bowed to powerful Constitution, Ahmad Gilbert and 6-1 sophomore Kim- that I don't think I have ever picked a Super BK winner, the Eagles showcased a starting 61-56 before running out of gas the second ir Williams, one of the best young point Bowl correctly, as far as the betting line is lineup that stood 6-9, 6-7, 6-6, 6-3, and 5-9. night to lose to Pope John by 25. It should be guards to ever play in the Classic, were both concerned. Just thought you should know this. The 6-9 performer, Derek Funderburk, is noted, however, Coach Mark Majewski's sensational. This dynamic duo was un- just a junior and is being recruited by every program does have a 6-8 sophomore on the flappable, and they will make the Generals James R. LeCorchick can be contacted at Division I team in the country. The Eagles JV team with some potential. nearly unbeatable in the playoffs. The Philly [email protected], and you star doesn’t just stand at 6-9; he has the BK CLASSIC CLIPS – I have covered a school could put up some staggering num- can follow him on Twitter @JRLSports.

26 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 21, 2015 •Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Law •Workers Compensation & Disability Law •Social Security Disability Claims

Proudly Serving: In addition to having a well-rounded legal Erie & All Northwestern PA Including Butler, Warren, Crawford, education, Rick Filippi has secured access to & Mercer Counties & the Surrounding Communities serve before the U.S. Court of Appeals (3rd District) and the United States Supreme Court. Erie County Bar Association “Pro Bono Attorney of the Year” He also has experience in local politics, having 2010 served on Erie's city council from 1998 to 2001. Additionally, he was elected Erie mayor Pennsylvania Bar Foundation “ProBono Attorney of the Year” from 2001 to 2005. 2010 Rick has made a career caring for the people, both in politics and in his legal practice. When you have an important legal problem, put Rick's experience to work for you.

504 State St |Erie, PA 16501 814.874.0558 www.rickfilippi.com

January 21, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 27