Who Knew Ponies could be so Entertaining?

Is it wrong to enjoy a cartoon whose target demographic is for young girls? I think that's a question that a lot of adults find themselves asking once they get hooked on a relatively new cartoon that airs on the Hub cable channel. That show is none other than "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic." I, myself, have recently discovered the series thanks to a couple of people I've come to know over the years who are big into the animation genre. I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoy "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic". Yes, the title is very girly, but you have to look beyond the title to know what this show is all about. As a male in my late 20's, you can understand how awkward it might be to talk about a show like this. People might question a person's manliness when considering a person's association with such a show. But you know what, there are thousands of other male fans out there like me who enjoy the show just as much, if not more. So honestly, it does not bother me to bring up my thoughts and feelings on a show that is largely considered the best cartoon of 2011.

I guess I'll always be a kid at heart, but I think that's everybody. One such connection to living like a child for me is to watch cartoons on occasion. These days, however, my time watching cartoons is few and far between. I've written about it before, but "All Grown Up", the Rugrats spin-off was a huge favorite of mine during my late college years (I even developed a website about the show, for those out of the loop). I've watched every episode of that series a countless number of times. But lately, I can't tell you when the last time I watched a full episode of "All Grown Up". A couple of years ago, it was "The Secret Saturdays" that I was into. But that show eventually got cancelled after a couple of seasons. Now, the new cartoon that I can't stop watching is "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic."

Gosh, even typing out the title of the show sounds so wrong. But like I said, it goes far deeper than the title. There have been three other versions of the "My Little Pony" franchise, and the latest version is by far the best. The other versions really fit the mold as being a show for girls. They featured lots of pink, very cutesy and sweet storylines that could figuratively make your heart melt, and the characters would speak very corny dialogue that would make any person shudder. The new version is nothing like the old shows. Obviously it's modern, molded for 21st century eyes. It includes modern slang, excellent animation style, great storylines, and after watching a few episodes, it'll cheer you up. It certainly won't make you feel ashamed of watching it, especially if you don't think of the title too much.

I'm not going to describe the show in too much detail because I'm afraid that I would keep writing forever. But the basic jist of the show revolves around a pony who is out to find the true meaning of friendship. She's also a magical pony who is able to do a variety of tricks (she is a unicorn, after all). She befriends five other ponies and they together go on a variety of adventures, often to save the world from menacing beings looking to take over. Obviously nothing is perfect and they endure a multitude of problems along the way (something you probably didn't see in prior versions of the show) but eventually they reach their goal and truly make things happily ever after in Equestria.

This probably won't be the last time you'll hear me write about this show - I just might end up writing reviews of episodes that come out. But for now, I'll try to keep my fandom for "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" to a minimum. I don't want to obsess about the show every waking moment (although lately that's been difficult not to do). This is after all, only my opinion about a cartoon that I think is really good and is something that anyone of any age can watch. So if you're a male, from the ages of 18-35, and you end up going completely head over heels for a show about six ponies, don't say I didn't warn you. For awhile I resisted the temptation of watching the show, but then I finally went all in. And you know something, I don't regret it for one bit. It truly is a quality show and is something everyone can watch. Embrace what the show can do for you, in potentially turning you into a brony.

NMU's Jamrich Hall...No More?

Jamrich Hall, on the campus of Northern Michigan University in Marquette, is the center piece of campus. It's where the majority of the university's classes are held, especially for those not majoring in a science-based degree. It was built in 1968 during a time when the university began constructing additional facilities west of the existing core of campus buildings. Since 1968, the building has remained the same; no significant renovations have taken place within the structure. Other buildings surrounding Jamrich have received their fair share of renovations yet, the most important campus building was untouched. All of that is soon about to change.

In fact, under a new plan announced by NMU officials last week, Jamrich Hall may not even exist in a couple of years. The university may be able to construct an entire new building with the same allocated money they received from the state. It would be a slightly smaller structure, which university officials say would make better use of classroom space than the oversized classrooms located within Jamrich and the most important part of the proposal: it would be a completely new structure. NMU would be able to take advantage of new "green" building concepts in today's modern era. Needless to say, the university is taking a serious look into this option.

However, I myself feel rather sentimental when it comes to Jamrich Hall and would hate to see it demolished. The critics out there contend that it's a rather boxy and plain structure, with the classrooms not having a lot of originality to them. Well what can you expect for a building constructed in the late 1960's? I like the fact that on each of the building's four corners, that's where you enter and exit. The first floor's interior hallway walls are constructed of brick which is something rather unique to most buildings. On the first floor is where the large auditorium classrooms are in Jamrich, the biggest being in room 102 where NMU often screens movies for the students on weekends. The second floor is home to the smaller classrooms, but even the critics contend that many of the classrooms there are too big, as well. I will say this, the HVAC and electrical systems in Jamrich are sorely outdated. In a lot of rooms, there's only one outlet. And the building does not meet today's technological standards. But, how can that problem not be solved with a major renovation?

I guess part of me will be sad to see it go because I have some good memories of being within that building. Often times in grade school, there'd be school functions held there, such as Young Authors, in which elementary-grade children would create their own books and show them off to other students from other schools. And then we had our Science Olympiad award ceremony, where our school would always be crowned first or second place. We had our fair share of exciting moments then. And then it was where I had taken the majority of my college classes when I attended NMU in the early 2000's. I was never happy having to attend classes as it was, but I didn't hate the building because of it. It's a major gathering place for all these students who attend NMU. That's not to say the same atmosphere wouldn't exist within a new building. It's just that for me, part of NMU's history would be gone forever.

A new building probably would look much more modern and classy compared to the plain brick-and-mortar construction of Jamrich. But who's to say they wouldn't be able to put some modern touches on a renovated Jamrich, too? As you can see, I have mixed emotions about NMU's construction plans, but whatever they decide, I will accept. It's not like I am overwrought with fret about the possibility of losing Jamrich Hall forever. After all, it's just a building. And if NMU is to accomplish their long-range goals in building a new structure and replacing Jamrich, then more power to them. Anyways, the focus is all about the students and creating a comfortable learning atmosphere for them. Whatever NMU decides regarding a renovated Jamrich or a new building, it'll definitely continue the university's path of modernization within the new century.
----------------------
Recent Update:  Construction of a "new" Jamrich Hall is underway and is about 40% complete.  It is currently being erected between the Learning Resources Center and the Hedgcock Building, where an old parking lot was.  The university states that the building will be ready for the new fall semester in 2014. Meanwhile, the old Jamrich building and Gries Hall will be demolished once the new Jamrich building is fully occupied.

6/27/14 Update:  The "new" Jamrich building is 90% complete while demolition on the old Jamrich Hall began this week.  Gries Hall will remain standing for at least another school year, according to NMU officials.  For a new blog I wrote on this subject, click here.

The Power of Recall Elections

Why does it seem like there are more and more efforts out there in recent years to recall elected officials from office? Years ago, you never seemed to hear about recalls. Is it that people are getting more involved in politics, not just locally but nation-wide? Or more because of the economic state? I'd have to think it's a little of both.

Back in 2005, a recall election ripped the city of Marquette apart. It was because of a decision by members of the city commission to terminate the employment of the city attorney without cause. Four members of the commission were targeted to be recalled, they being Mayor Jerry Irby, Mayor pro-tem Sandy Spoelstra, Stu Bradley, and Sue Kensington. Many in support of the attorney were outraged at the decision, which seemed sudden and abrupt. Some claimed that the commissioners had an agenda against the attorney, and once a majority of commissioners supported the decision to terminate her employment, they did just that. Their vote to fire her took place during a meeting on January 31, 2005 and a recall election was eventually held later in the year.

It was a resounding yes by voters in the city of Marquette to recall the four targeted commissioners during the election on August 2, 2005. Whether residents were for or against this particular recall election, it signaled an end to the strife that existed in city politics at that time. Not only could the commission move forward in a positive light, but they could also begin the process to seat new commissioners. Obviously just because those four particular commissioners were recalled, it still took some time for the healing process to complete itself. Nearly seven years later, the troubles during 2005 are gone but I don't think they'll ever be forgotten. You have to believe that those four ex-members of the commission still hear some negativity of their decision all these years later. Some residents may have even boycotted their respective businesses and/or services (a couple of those former commissioners were part of prominent Marquette-based businesses). But in time, I think a large majority of people in the community have forgotten. And when you get a new influx of people into the area, they know nothing of the past troubles that Marquette have gone through. As you can see, the power of recall can have a resounding effect even in a small city like Marquette.

More often than not, when a recall election takes place, those being recalled tend to be ousted from office the majority of the time. A few years back, voters in Marquette Township recalled four members of their township board. Other smaller elections U.P.-wide have resulted in people being removed from their respective boards. This year, three members of the Ishpeming City Council are being targeted for recall. It's because of their unwillingness to support the city's police chief, Jim Bjorne, in purchasing retirement service credit. Bjorne would like to retire due to health reasons, but the majority of the commission would not support his attempts to purchase the service credit. Ultimately, the strife ended up causing him his job, but that story is far from over as he is planning on suing the city of Ishpeming as well as the eventual recall election for the three members of the Ishpeming City Commission. It'll be interesting to see what happens with that in the months to come.

So as you can see within the local area, recalls have been a prominent part of local politics in recent years, and they have proven to be effective. Yet, you have those detractors of recalls who would rather see those individuals targeted for recalls get the chance to serve out their terms, and then get voted our or stay in office. These days it seems, if you make a decision that ultimately upsets a large majority of the population, it could end up costing a person their political job. Recalls are definitely a tough thing for a community to go through, but once they are over, it allows a community to start over and heal. At least that is one positive that a recall is good for.

My Dad's Old Car Gets Retired

Last year, you may have remembered me talking about my dad's Oldsmobile that he drove religiously to and from work for the past eight years nearing the end of its life (Read about it HERE). Last week, my dad finally made the decision to retire the old car. It had fallen in too much disrepair and would have needed a large amount of work to get everything working the way it should be. The car ended up with nearly 296,000 miles on it - the most my dad had ever accumulated driving a vehicle. Yes, it probably would have been pretty neat for him to surpass the 300,000 mile mark with it, but with winter fast approaching, it probably was for the best to retire it now rather than risk him driving it during bad weather. As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

I am sure you'd be the least bit surprised to know that my dad was a little sad to leave it behind at a local scrap yard. After all, the Oldsmobile proved to be the most reliable car he's ever had, with hardly any major problems to deal with since he owned it. As I mentioned before, it did need a new transmission, but other than that, the car just needed a little bit of minor maintenance every now and again. I know when I drove it for that one year during college, I didn't have one ounce of trouble with it. Now when you intend on buying a car, that's the way you want it to perform, with very little trouble. Obviously we can't all be that lucky, but who knew it would end up being so reliable for my dad when his brother picked it up for him in downstate Michigan and brought it to the U.P. It really did its job perfectly.

My dad has moved on to a different vehicle now to take him to and from work. It ended up being my old car, after I purchased a used vehicle from a dealer about a month in a half ago. Already he has quickly fallen in love with my old Pontiac Grand Prix. Heck, I was a little bit sad myself to see him drive off with it. But I felt it was time for me to upgrade to something a little bit newer - going from a 2001 to a 2009. He's enjoying many of the options that I was able to enjoy with that car - and a lot of those he never had with his Oldsmobile. They include the sun roof, the radio controls on the steering wheel, the speedometer projected onto the windshield, and just a better driving vehicle for himself. He just needs it until the end of next August, and I think he'll get through the winter just fine with it.

After that, what becomes of the Pontiac remains to be seen. My dad and I had discussed selling it once he retires, but then my mom is kind of looking forward to keeping it for awhile, since it is such a good car. My parents won't need nearly as many vehicles when my dad is retired, and there's some discussion that they may end up getting rid of their old 1994 Chevy pick-up. Lots of important decisions lie ahead in the upcoming new year. But one thing is for sure, it's going to take a little bit of time to forget about that Oldsmobile.