Monday, February 4, 2013
Scouts rethink policy on gays
The Boy Scouts of America are considering dropping a controversial ban on gay members and leaders.
The Boy Scouts of America has been an organization dedicated to the betterment of today’s youth since 1910. “Scouting helps youth develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives,” said the SBA website.
Currently both members and leaders are banned if they are gay. The proposal would allow the Boy Scouts of America groups to start letting each individual religious and civic group select their own policy regarding gay members and leaders.
The proposal comes after years of protests, petitions and loss of funding from some corporations. If these new changes take place, “the Boy Scouts would not, under any circumstances, dictate a position to units, members, or parents." according to BSA spokesman Deron Smith.
“This would mean there would no longer be any national policy regarding sexual orientation, and the chartered organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting would accept membership and select leaders consistent with each organization’s mission, principles, or religious beliefs,” said Smith.
The BSA celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2010 and for that duration excluded both gays and atheists. They are not reconsidering the ban on atheists as “Duty to God” remains one of their basic tenets.
There will continue to be debate in the coming years as each group decides for themselves whether or not to lift the ban.
Story By Jordan Alexander
Thursday, January 31, 2013
THQ goes bankrupt
Former big name video game publisher THQ is now defunct.
Amidst financial troubles and bankruptcy filings, the publisher known for franchises like “Saints Row” and “Red Faction” has now dissolved and sold off all their assets. Many attribute the company’s major financial loss to the flop of their uDraw drawing peripheral, a drawing tablet for consoles that allows players to draw shapes and objects onto a tablet surface.
Despite the publisher’s folding, many of their well-known franchises will live on under new owners. Sega Corp. purchased Relic Entertainment, known for the “Company of Heroes” franchise. Koch Media purchased studio Volition, known for “Saints Row”. Big name publisher Ubisoft picked up the license for “South Park”, and developer Crytek now controls the “Homefront” franchise.
Sadly, “Darksiders” developer Vigil Games did not survive the license auction and has since folded, along with many talented employees. THQ CEO Jason Rubin, who founded the Sony studio Naughty Dog, tweeted “I am truly sorry for the employees and fans of @vigilgames. It is a travesty that the team and its potential were not recognized.”
It’s a shame to see THQ go out like this. With the recent taking on of Rubin as CEO, the studio was making some good changes. They had plans to focus more on game development and making fresh new content.
For example, the staff of Volition cancelled development on a comical downloadable content expansion for “Saints Row: The Third” in order to shift their focus on developing the fourth title of the franchise. Rubin had the goal of putting out titles that would be on the level of critically acclaimed games like Rockstar’s “Red Dead Redemption”.
The Humble THQ Bundle, a partnership with the Humble Bundle team, was a pay-what-you-want bundle of AAA THQ titles that was a huge success. Earning nearly $5 million in sales, the bundle was a welcome breath of reassuring air following their financial woes.
Unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough.
Aside from the fate of Vigil Games, it’s good to see THQ’s studios go to good homes. It is a major relief that big controversial mogul publisher Electronic Arts has not picked up any of the licenses.
Known for their questionable downloadable content practices and corporate malpractice, it’s a safe thought knowing that franchises like “Company of Heroes” and “Metro 2033” won’t be marketed with dubstep-filled trailers.
Nonetheless, rest in peace, THQ.
Amidst financial troubles and bankruptcy filings, the publisher known for franchises like “Saints Row” and “Red Faction” has now dissolved and sold off all their assets. Many attribute the company’s major financial loss to the flop of their uDraw drawing peripheral, a drawing tablet for consoles that allows players to draw shapes and objects onto a tablet surface.
Despite the publisher’s folding, many of their well-known franchises will live on under new owners. Sega Corp. purchased Relic Entertainment, known for the “Company of Heroes” franchise. Koch Media purchased studio Volition, known for “Saints Row”. Big name publisher Ubisoft picked up the license for “South Park”, and developer Crytek now controls the “Homefront” franchise.
Sadly, “Darksiders” developer Vigil Games did not survive the license auction and has since folded, along with many talented employees. THQ CEO Jason Rubin, who founded the Sony studio Naughty Dog, tweeted “I am truly sorry for the employees and fans of @vigilgames. It is a travesty that the team and its potential were not recognized.”
It’s a shame to see THQ go out like this. With the recent taking on of Rubin as CEO, the studio was making some good changes. They had plans to focus more on game development and making fresh new content.
For example, the staff of Volition cancelled development on a comical downloadable content expansion for “Saints Row: The Third” in order to shift their focus on developing the fourth title of the franchise. Rubin had the goal of putting out titles that would be on the level of critically acclaimed games like Rockstar’s “Red Dead Redemption”.
The Humble THQ Bundle, a partnership with the Humble Bundle team, was a pay-what-you-want bundle of AAA THQ titles that was a huge success. Earning nearly $5 million in sales, the bundle was a welcome breath of reassuring air following their financial woes.
Unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough.
Aside from the fate of Vigil Games, it’s good to see THQ’s studios go to good homes. It is a major relief that big controversial mogul publisher Electronic Arts has not picked up any of the licenses.
Known for their questionable downloadable content practices and corporate malpractice, it’s a safe thought knowing that franchises like “Company of Heroes” and “Metro 2033” won’t be marketed with dubstep-filled trailers.
Nonetheless, rest in peace, THQ.
Story by Aaron Gilje
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Mariners trade Jaso
The
Seattle Mariners participated in a three-way trade with the Washington
Nationals and the Oakland Athletics on Jan. 16, in which they traded
catcher John Jaso for outfielder Mike Morse.
Jaso was sent to Oakland. Oakland sent pitcher A.J. Cole and two minor league prospects to the Nationals, and the Nationals sent Mike Morse to Seattle.
Many Mariners fans were skeptical of the trade, seeing as Jaso just had a career-high year, but looking at Mike Morse’s stats might change their minds.
Morse can play outfield, first base or shortstop. The Mariners will most likely use him in the outfield, with occasional appearances at first, depending on the performance of Justin Smoak. In 2011 his batting average was .303; he hit 31 home runs and had 95 RBI.
He had a late start to the 2012 season due to a strained lat muscle, but put up a .291 batting average with 18 home runs and 62 RBI in 102 games played.
The biggest worry for Seattle in this trade is whether Morse can stay healthy or not. If he plays a full season in 2013, his stats suggest that he would be a huge contribution to a struggling Mariners offense.
It’s true that Jaso will be missed, especially since he’s been sent to one of the Mariners’ division rivals, but overall Mariners fans should be happy with the trade.
Jaso was sent to Oakland. Oakland sent pitcher A.J. Cole and two minor league prospects to the Nationals, and the Nationals sent Mike Morse to Seattle.
Many Mariners fans were skeptical of the trade, seeing as Jaso just had a career-high year, but looking at Mike Morse’s stats might change their minds.
Morse can play outfield, first base or shortstop. The Mariners will most likely use him in the outfield, with occasional appearances at first, depending on the performance of Justin Smoak. In 2011 his batting average was .303; he hit 31 home runs and had 95 RBI.
He had a late start to the 2012 season due to a strained lat muscle, but put up a .291 batting average with 18 home runs and 62 RBI in 102 games played.
The biggest worry for Seattle in this trade is whether Morse can stay healthy or not. If he plays a full season in 2013, his stats suggest that he would be a huge contribution to a struggling Mariners offense.
It’s true that Jaso will be missed, especially since he’s been sent to one of the Mariners’ division rivals, but overall Mariners fans should be happy with the trade.
Story by A.J. Hansen
Kurt Scobie entertains students and staff at EvCC
Musician Kurt Scobie entertained students and staff from 11:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 16, in the Café in the Parks Student Union building.
Scobie is originally from Michigan. He moved to Tennessee for a time, and now currently lives in Atlanta, Ga. Kurt expressed thanks for being able to come visit the great northwest.
Scobie performed his own music, inspired by life experiences such as moving from Tennessee and leaving friends he had met. The song Last Call off of his EP Crash is about that experience. Lyrics from the song Last Call were printed on Scobier glasses that were being sold along with Scobies two CDs.
Scobie also performed covers of other artists such as Love Song by Sara Bareilles.
Story and Photos by Kyle Millett
 |
| Students and staff watch Kurt Scobie perform in Parks cafe during lunch time/ Kyle Millett |
Musician Kurt Scobie entertained students and staff from 11:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 16, in the Café in the Parks Student Union building.
 |
| Kurt Scobie pianist and vocalist performs at EvCC |
Scobie performed his own music, inspired by life experiences such as moving from Tennessee and leaving friends he had met. The song Last Call off of his EP Crash is about that experience. Lyrics from the song Last Call were printed on Scobier glasses that were being sold along with Scobies two CDs.
 |
| Scobier glasses for sale |
Scobie also performed covers of other artists such as Love Song by Sara Bareilles.
Story and Photos by Kyle Millett
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Student Senate liveblog
Look forward to the full story at Clipperonline.info
Story by Henry Yarsinke Jr.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Clipper Music Blog: track 1
Welcome to the Clipper Music Blog! We are kicking off a weekly music blog to
showcase what our staff is listening to. Got anything for us to check out? Leave a track or
two in the comments.
Megan Calbero, Editor-In-Chief:
Jimmy Eat World – "Kill"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNZyIINrHPA
“It’s just so good.”
Liv Houseman, Assistant Editor:
Racoon – "Love You More"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j4MWZevjYw
“Soft spoken and calming without being bad poetry.”
Kyle Millett, Web Editor:
Lecrae – "Background (Feat. C-Lite)"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsz6K4Wqv24
“It’s one of my favorite songs from Lecrae.”
Jeff Hagglund, Photo Editor:
Toby Mac – "Eyes On It"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pO16yMC19o
“It’s my favorite track off his new record.”
Henry Yarsinske Jr, Ad Manager:
RVIVR – "Had Enough (Of This Hell)"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8Cn_kUcxec
“Just a really killer local band. Support good music!”
Melissa Jilk, Staff Writer:
Flight Of The Conchords – "Inner City Pressure"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wqfcwgT0Ds
“Funny; good times.”
Ashley Cline, Staff Writer:
Imagine Dragons – "Hear Me"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yr683VLxes
“I jam to this in the rain.”
Mikayla Henke, Staff Writer:
Lotus – "Jalan Jalan"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z2rzEgiOa8
“So calming.”
AJ Hansen, Staff Writer:
Darkness – "I Believe In A Thing Called Love"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRYNYb30nxU
“His voice is horrifying and awesome.”
Paul Edwards, Staff Writer:
Joe Budden – "All In My Head (Feat. Royce Da 5’9 and Kobe)" (Explicit)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai1DM1JUKcM
“Very deep, new track. My favorite rapper.”
Aaron Gilje, Staff Writer:
Health – "Tears"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEH_LSL4rVw
“It’s a great track that evokes the themes of Max Payne 3.”
Jordan Alexander, Staff Writer:
Count Basie and his Orchestra – "One O’Clock Jump"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3JyQnYPkZk
“No one swings harder than Basie.”
Christian Zerbel, Staff Writer:
Macklemore – "Make The Money"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjpo5_aC9XE
“It does a really good job of giving us a view of the artist.”
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Marvel babies hits comic stands
Hard core Marvel Comic fan boys are mouth breathing with
glee to the launch of marvels newest character design; the Marvel baby.
Months of teaser images left us all wondering what they were
thinking taking their shot at another flop but now the Lithographs and variant
covers are here and being grabbed of the shelf with super speed. Marvel, being as cool as a polar bear’s toe nails, released
A-babies versus X-babies which show case baby Avengers fighting baby X-Men.
The tots have a
neighborhood royal rumble after Cyclops of the X-Men takes Bucky Bear away from
Captain America’s crib and won’t give it back.
With over 40 fan-favorite characters appearing in the book,
it’s bound to make anybody appreciate Marvel a little more for their shear
genius. But don’t forget to thank Chris Claremont, who pioneered the
way over 22 years ago.
This led to a type of x-babies in the late 90’s that
portrayed the characters to be between the ages of eight and 10 and was highly
unpopular, also occurring during a time when Marvel was facing bankruptcy.These babies are between the ages of four and six, which
leaves it even more unrealistic for super heroes, but so cool because they
don’t have adult personalities like they did previously; they are completely
child-like.
“I under ordered because I had no idea they would be so
hugely popular; it was a mistake, I know, because almost everyone that comes in
asks about them and right now I am sold out until my new shipment arrives,” said
the owner of Mill Geek Comics.
If you’re a Marvel
fan I suggest you Google image these terrific tots and get on board.
Story by Danny Taylor
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