Basketball Doubleheader: Peek-a-boo

Freshman guard Kylie Welch peeks over the ball as she prepares to shoot a free throw.


Freshman guard Derek Jackson looks on as Cornerstone sophomore forward Derek Kingshott drives to the basket during the first half of Wednesday's 63-60 victory, snapping a six-game losing streak.

Freshman guard Derek Jackson looks up at the hoop as a his layup bounces off the rim and misses during the first half of Wednesday night's game against Cornerstone in McGuirk Arena. Jackson played 29 minutes and recorded ten points, shooting 3-7 from the floor. CMU shot 33.9% overall in the 63-60 victory.

Oh look, more basketball

First the layers:


Freshman guard Derek Jackson holds the ball over his head and looks for his teammate, freshman guard Trey Zeigler, to pass to during the second half of Tuesday night's 53-49 loss against Wright State at McGuirk Arena. Jackson recorded 12 points, going 4-6 from the court and 1-2 from behind the three-point line, in 17 minutes.

And next the action:

Wright State senior guard N'Gai Evans shot is blocked as freshman guard Trey Zeigler reaches from behind Evans during the first half of Tuesday's game at McGuirk Arena. Zeigler played 37 minutes, recording six points and three rebounds in the 53-49 loss to the Raiders.

The game was pretty awful. Felt like I was watching 5th graders play street ball.

Flash Mob Rave

Approximately 2,500 CMU students congregated at the CMU Park Library to take part in the "Flash Mob Rave." It wasn't that great. Pretty not-so epic. Maybe my expectations were high. Maybe CMU is kinda lame.


Rockford junior Alex Obetts waves to her friend before the start of the Flash Mob Rave on Monday at the Charles V. Park Library. Approximately 2,500 people attended the student-organized event.

Anyway, I walked into the library at 7:40 with my roommate, Adam. As soon as we walked in, we saw students pressed up against the railings of the upper three floors. We went up the stairs to the second floor, but couldn't go any further, as CMU Police had blocked off access to the other floors. So, we waited for 8:00 to roll around, and the event to start. Adam had his wide angle on, and started shooting overalls of the scene as it unfolded, I on the other hand, looked for a moment. I looked at the people directly above me, looking over the railing, calling out to each other, laughing...I popped on my 50mm and started looking. I spied a girl with her hands over her mouth, slightly leaning over the railing, so I framed it, focused it, but decided it wasn't worth it. As soon as I did, however, a girl only a few spots away reached way out over the railing, stuck her hand out and yelled to someone below her. I focused as quickly as I could, fixed my framing as much as I could, and fired off a couple frames. I looked at it, and was like...Huh, that's pretty cool. Except that shitty light in the corner (oh, crop, I'm sorry Nathan Morgan)...

Now I was stuck. I couldn't get up to the 3rd floor, but it was too loud, so every time I tried to yell, she couldn't hear me. I was bemoaned the fact that I could not get this girl's name (for journalistic purposes only, mind you). I continued looking for moments from above, while keeping my eye on the girl and snapping a couple other frames of her and her friend. At one point, they saw me taking pictures and did the 'ole thumbs up routine. I tried to get her attention then, but failed. People started to chant and laugh, yell and sing. Some threw toilet paper, other tossed paper in the air and let it flutter to the floors below. A full sized sheet of paper fell to my feet, and I had an idea. I grabbed my pen, wrote a quick note;

"Hello, my name is Sean, and I work for CM-Life. Could I get your name, class standing, and hometown for use in a photo? Both you (zebra striped sweater) and your friend (in the teal shirt). Thanks!

I crumpled it up into a ball, and then motioned to her. And motioned to her. And motioned to her. Finally, a girl next to her noticed me, and tapped her on the shoulder. I held the ball of paper up and made a throwing motion, which she understood, and gave me a thumbs up. I tossed it, trying to keep my trajectory straight, but with enough oomph to get it to her. I watched the paper go up, a seemingly perfect throw, but toward the end, it started to curve left. I thought to myself, "Crap, this is gonna suck," and was convinced I would have to write a new note, or go searching for the current one amidst a sea of people. It curved left, no longer the perfect through headed right for her outstretched hands, and it started to fall short of clearing the bar. I had underestimated the height of the railing. She eyed the paper the whole way, and realizing where it was headed, reached out her arms as far as she could. And caught it. To be honest, it was a pretty epic catch. Like those one-handed catches you see in football, the ones that they replay a couple thousand times. Or the last second snag of the baseball (or hockey puck, which is way cooler). She raised her hands up in triumph, and then unfolded the paper, read it, looked down, and said "yeah, one minute," and left the railing. Sure enough, a minute later, she came back to the edge, leaned over, and dropped it. It landed at my feet, I waved at her and shouted "thank you!"

I had it. I had gotten her name. And that was that. I moved on. She moved on. We both went our separate ways. Done and done. But it was pretty cool. I looked for her after things died down to get a quote, but I couldn't find her. Oh well.

Here's another frame from the event, just for kicks.

Thomas Moore, dean of the Charles V. Park Library looks up toward the fourth floor as he watches the Flash Mob Rave unfold from the main staircase Monday night.

Okay, now I'm just screwing with you.

Just thought it looked cool.


Eric Dresden, the managing editor of CM Life, talks with the media board during a conference call.

Or do you prefer closer?

Oh man, basketball!

Just to appease the likes of Josh Kodis, here is the first basketball blog post. I haven't shot basketball in a while. And it shows. 12 more home games left to get in the groove, plus whatever away games I get to shoot.


Senior guard Antonio Weary's attempted shot is blocked Temple senior forward Lavoy Allen and junior guard Ramone Moore Wednesday during CMU's home opener at McGuirk Arena. Weary, who played 27 minutes, went 2-8 with four points, and also recorded three rebounds.

And this one is just funny lookin'. Hah.


Senior forward Will McClure looks down at Temple junior guard Ramone Moore after attempting to block his shot during the second half Wednesday at CMU's home opener in McGuirk Arena. McClure played 29 minutes, going 2-5 for four points and recorded a team-high nine rebounds.

The brand new Events Center

Grand Haven senior Jake May daintily flushes the toilet after taking the inaugural shit in Central Michigan University's brand new Events Center. The new building cost approximately $22.5 million and was completed in 14 months.


Grand Haven senior Jake May picks up his sideline pass as he leaves the restrooms in Central Michigan University's brand new Events Center. The new building cost approximately $22.5 million and was completed in 14 months.

Those two football feature-y photos I shot forever ago

And only now post.


As he bows his head kneeling on the 20-yard line, junior wide receiver Cedric Fraser cries while sophomore offensive lineman Mike Repovz comforts him after a pass intended for him was intercepted in the last three seconds of the game, resulting in CMU's 27-20 homecoming loss to Miami (Ohio) on Saturday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The game was tied 20-20 until CMU's defense gave up a 71-yard-pass for a touchdown with 19 seconds left in the fourth quarter.


In an attempt to rally the crowd during the final minutes of the fourth quarter against Miami (Ohio), senior defensive back Bobby Seay, left, and senior wide receiver Kito Poblah turn toward the stands and shout and pump their fists in the air Saturday afternoon at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Seay, who came into the game banged up, recorded four tackles, playing only the first half, while Poblah recorded four catches for 72 yards.

Futbal futbal futbal

Final game of the season.


Junior linebacker Mike Petrucci sits on the sidelines with his head in his hand after the CMU defense gave up another touchdown against Toledo Friday at the Glass Bowl in Toledo, Ohio. The Chippewas allowed 42 points during their last game of the regular season, finishing the season 3-9 and 2-8 in the Mid-American Conference.


Senior defensive back Vince Agnew wraps up Toledo junior running back Adonis Thomas during the first quarter Friday at the Glass Bowl in Toledo, Ohio. Agnew recorded a team-high 10 tackles in the game.


Sophomore defensive back Lorenzo White celebrates with his teammate, redshirt freshman wide receiver Jordan McConnell, after blocking a Toledo punt in the fourth quarter and recovering the ball in the end-zone, bringing CMU within 11 points of the Rockets Friday at the Glass Bowl in Toledo, Ohio.

Portraits of Poverty: Joe Janetski

Joe Janetski, a mechanic at D J's Automotive Center at 713 S. Mission Road, was born in Midland and has lived in Rosebush for the last 19 years. Since the economic recession, Janetski said that business has slowed down. "People don't have money to fix cars, and there are more unsaved cars on the side of the road than I've ever seen. More cars are coming in with parts falling off. No one's doing preventative maintenance." Just as people don't have extra money for car parts, Janetski doesn't have extra money to spend on what he calls toys. "Get your priorities straight," Janetski said about how to keep up cars on a limited budget. "Don't put garbage [in your car.] People are putting $1000 sound systems and than a ball joint falls out. No one cares about tinted windows if the wipers don't work. You're not only endangering yourself, but others. Honest to God, steering and stopping are the most important. It doesn't matter how well it runs when you fly through the Mission/Pickard stop light."

I shoot football

Senior defensive back Vince Agnew reaches up and attempts to block a pass in the end-zone to Western Michigan senior wide receiver Juan Nunez late in the third quarter Friday night at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The pass was ruled incomplete, however upon further review, the ruling was overturned, giving the Bronco's a 22-13 lead. Agnew recorded a team-high 12 tackles, as well as one forced fumble.


Navy junior fullback Alexander Teich reacts after missing a pass intended for him causing fourth down during the second quarter Saturday at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. The Midshipmen tried for the first down, but junior quarterback Kriss Proctor threw another incomplete pass, turning over the ball to CMU on downs.


Sophomore wide receiver Cody Wilson gets jammed up by Navy junior linebacker Max Blue, left, and senior cornerback Kevin Edwards during the first quarter Saturday at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. Wilson recorded 13 catches for 126 yards and one touchdown, and rushed three times for 13 yards.


Redshirt freshman running back Zurlon Tipton falls to the ground after being tripped up during a kick return in the third quarter Saturday at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. Tipton recorded 16 rushes for 62 yards and two touchdowns, four catches for 36 yards and 128 yards on six kickoff returns, for a total of 226 all-purpose yards.

As seen from the sky. And on TV.

One Chance Election Party

Got the super cool gig of heading down to Detroit with Sara and cover to two big Election Night parties, Rick Snyder's and Virg Bernero's, both for CM-Life and for MDN. Sara took Bernero's, I got the Snyder party. It was a pretty fun and interesting time. A lot of people. A lot of expensive cash bar going on.

The one that ran.

Plymouth resident Jerry Vorva, right, whistles while Kalamazoo resident Susan Brown pumps her fist and cheers during Governor-elect Rick Snyder's victory speech Tuesday night at the Westin-Book Cadillac hotel in downtown Detroit. Vorva, a former state representative, volunteered in the Snyder campaign. "Our kids go to school together," Vorva said, "He's a genuine man."

Slideshow.

More Sports! More Soccer!

Freshman forward Nicole Samuel fights for possession with Northern Illinois sophomore defender Nici Newquist during the second half Sunday at the CMU Soccer Complex. CMU defeated the sixth seed Huskies 2-1 in their first game of the Mid-American Conference tournament.


Junior defender Liesel Toth attempts to kick the ball away from Northern Illinois freshman forward Samantha Hill during the second half Sunday at the CMU Soccer Complex. CMU defeated the sixth seed Huskies 3-0 in the first round of Mid-American Conference tournament play.


Northern Illinois sophomore defender Lauren Eberts eyes freshman midfielder Kaely Schlosser as she brings the ball down the pitch during the second half Sunday at the CMU Soccer Complex.


Freshman midfielder Kaely Schlosser turns her head in a failed attempt to head the ball as it soars past her and Northern Illinois sophomore defender Lauren Eberts during the second half Sunday at the CMU Soccer Complex.

M-O-A-R Spohts -- CMU v. EMU Soccer

Eastern Michigan redshirt freshman Megan Pedro heads the ball over sophomore midfielder Bailey Brandon during the first half Thursday at the CMU Soccer Complex. Brandon recorded two shots during the 3-0 win over EMU, as CMU clinched its second straight Mid-American Conference title.

Woo! Crop sensor and a 200mm!


Eastern Michigan redshirt freshman Megan Pedro attempts to split through sophomore midfielder Bailey Brandon, right, and senior midfielder Valerie Prause Thursday at the CMU Soccer Complex. CMU won the game 3-0.


Sophomore midfielder Bailey Brandon fights with Eastern Michigan junior forward Chelsea Detrick for possession of the ball Thursday at the CMU Soccer Complex.


Junior forward Chelsi Abbott excitedly leaps into the air after scoring her second goal of the season nine minutes into the first half against Eastern Michigan on Thursday. Abbott recorded three shots and one goal during CMU's 3-0 win, securing the Mid-American Conference title.

I tell ya -- Sports and more sports...CMU v. NIU Football

Redshirt freshman running back Zurlon Tipton scrambles to pick up a fumbled ball by quarterback Ryan Radcliff while sophomore offensive tackle Eric Fisher blocks Northern Illinois senior defensive tackle D.J. Pirkle during the second quarter Saturday at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Ill. Tipton had 11 rushes for 31 yards on the day.
Square Crop. Ugh.


Northern Illinois redshirt junior quarterback Chandler Harnish is swarmed by the CMU defense during the fourth quarter Saturday at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Ill. Harnish went 12-for-19, throwing for 138 yards as well as rushing for 69 yards on the day.

Lazy Sports Update: Meridian v. Farwell Football

High School Football.


Meridian's Cameron Hobbs rests with his helmet halfway off his head Friday evening during the first quarter against Farwell at Meridian High School.


Farwell's Mitch Hamming pitches the ball off as Meridian's Jimmy Van Nortwick closes in for the tackle Friday evening at Meridian High School.

Meh. Sports. All I shoot lately.

Log Bupdate: Three football images

Junior running back Paris Cotton is comforted by Miami (Ohio) defensive lineman Jordain Brown following CMU's 27-20 loss Saturday afternoon at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Central dropped to 1-3 in the Mid-American Conference and have lost the last four games, including two at home. "It's very disappointing," said head coach Dan Enos after the game, "They made plays when they needed to, and we didn't. ...The guys are frustrated, I'll tell you that."


Sophomore defensive back Jahleel Addae careens into Miami freshman quarterback Robert Partridge during the second quarter following a fourth down attempt by the Red Hawks in Central's red zone Saturday afternoon at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Partridge fell short of the first down and was taken out of the game with an injured knee. Addae recorded eight tackles on the day.


Ball State sophomore running back Eric Williams is swarmed by the Central Michigan defensive line during the second quarter Saturday afternoon at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

Why so flat, last image?

Midland v. Dow soccer

Dirty Dog Run

Saginaw resident Lori Williams looks back at her friends as her dog, Finnegan, a one-and-a-half year old Plott Hound and German Shepherd mix, trots off eager to play.


Saginaw resident Lori Williams tries to calm down Finnegan, her one-and-a-half year old Plott Hound and German Shepherd mix, to take a photo as he attempts to wrestle away from her Saturday morning after finishing the 2nd Annual Dirty Dog Run together "It was fun, really pretty," Williams said, "and now he'll be tired out the rest of the day."


Saginaw resident Rita Seston, left, plays with Craigg, her 12-year-old Border Collie, while Saginaw residents Bret Stone, takes a photo of Lori Williams, and her one-and-a-half year old Plott Hound and German Shepherd mix, Finnegan, Saturday morning following the completion of the 2nd Annual Dirty Dog Run. "It was nice, because it wasn't super competitive, everyone was out for fun," Seston said. "It's a good cause, they're both rescue dogs (Craigg and Finnegan), so we all donated more than just the entry fee for the race." The event, held at the Midland City Forest and put on by SOS (Stray or Stranded) Animal Rescue of Midland, raised money for the Spay/Neuter fund, aimed to help low and fixed income families in the Midland County area to spay and neuter their pets.

This one is on time!

Cody Miller, 16, of Midland, hammers a stake into the ground while setting up a tent Friday afternoon at Grandma's Pumpkin Patch on Eastman Ave.


Geese fly over the corn maze shaped like CNN Headline News anchor Robin Meade at Grandma's Pumpkin Patch on Friday evening. The maze, which is three-and-a-half acres long, was created using a GPS system to map out the design. "We didn't have any suggestions for the maze this year. I'm a big fan of Robin, I watch her every morning, so I said let's put Robin in the maze," Al Sandow, one of the owners of Grandma's Pumpkin Patch, said.