Planet X Comics and Collectibles

Planet X Comics York, PA

By Philip Rearich

There are days that most people wish were all about a certain something they love, that could open up to other people who aren’t aware of it and possibly get them interested, finally letting them in on what the fuss is all about. For me, as well as others, that’s what Free Comic Book Day is for, and one of the best places to celebrate it is at Planet X, among other comic stores in York.

I have loved comics for as long as I can remember, and one of the best things about them is Free Comic Book Day. Despite the title, it’s not just about getting free comics. It’s about opening up a medium to everyone that is willing to get interested in it. Granted, FCBD has happened around the release of a comic book movie (in this year’s case it’s Iron Man 3), and this could be looked at as just a marketing ploy, but it’s not. If anything, FCBD is able to stand on its own, simply because of the people who love comics and anyone interested in general.

Planet X Comics and Collectibles has been around since fall 2010, and from then until now has been able to have fantastic FCBD-related stuff each passing year on every FCBD. I have been going to it as much as I can, and sometimes I’ve even been late to classes because of it (sorry, faculty, I can’t help myself). They have this quality that you rarely find in a comic store or really any kind of store, making the customer feel right at home. Anxious to see what Planet X has planned for this year, I interviewed the manager, fellow comic fan, and friend Alex Livitsky.

Q: How long have you worked/managed Planet X?

A: Planet X has been around for 2 ½ years. I’ve been managing it for the last year, having been involved with marketing and branding for the store since it opened.

Q: What is FCBD?

A: It’s a celebration of a unique art form and opportunity to share it with people unfamiliar with it, opening them up to it.

Q: Why do you like FCBD?

A: It’s fun, because it’s relaxed, it’s an opportunity to be able to do costume, celebrate, and to party. To share it with fellow comic readers and community.

Q: What special things are PXC doing for FCBD?

A: So much. We’re really involving the comic and local community, our shopping center, all to be neighborly. We’re featuring local talent, a costume contest, providing discounts, raffles, games, prizes, and special appearances by different heroes.

Q: What’s it like doing all the cross-promotional stuff with Frank Theatres, Nittany Pizza, and other places?

A: A lot of fun cause everybody’s VERY nice, but also a lot of work. There’s a lot of coordination and communication required, a lot of prep time and advertising.

Q: How big do you think FCBD will turn out?

A: Very, extremely successful. Being that FCBD and comic stores are worldwide, media is aware of it, and multiple businesses are involved, I expect it to be very successful.

Q: Do you think winning the Title “Best In York” for Comic book Stores will affect FCBD for PXC?

A: Yes. Yes, because, people are always drawn to support their favorite store, the biggest event, and see what the supposed “best” has to offer. And we will try to live up to that reputation for our customers to give them the best, because they deserve it.

Free Comic Book Day was on May 4th, 2013. Planet X is located at 2085 Springwood Rd York, PA 17403, located in the Queensgate shopping area, near such locations as Frank Theatres and Nittany Pizza.

Tutor Spotlight: Jon Zehnbauer

By Cassandra Bubba

Now that it is May, people around campus have been outside enjoying the weather and anxiously awaiting summer vacation, but along with the start of the warm weather comes the stress of finals. Thankfully, students at YCP have the Center for Teaching and Learning, and the privilege of available tutors.

Jon Zehnbauer is preparing to finish his junior year of college, and at the same time, he is helping other students excel. He is studying Secondary Education Mathematics and is a tutor at the CTL. He began tutoring to help him decide if he wanted to continue to pursue teaching as a career.

“Tutoring is all about promoting independence,” said Zehnbauer. “The most rewarding part of being a tutor is when someone comes into the CTL who does not know how to solve a problem, and leaves, not only knowing how to solve the problem, but able to do it on their own.”

Zehnbauer said that being a tutor for fellow students has benefitted him in return.

“I have noticed that my basic knowledge in math has increased since I started tutoring,” he said.

Zehnbauer is also an Orientation Leader and a member of Kappa Delta Phi fraternity. After graduation, he plans to start teaching high school math, and hopes to continue to further his own education.

The State of the City

 

By Megan Fabie

Our country and our government operate through communication with the citizens.  Citizen awareness and advocacy helps fuel the nation’s issues and agenda, which are often expressed in the State of the Union Address.  The states similarly engage in a State of the State Address and, on the local level, the State of the City Address occurs.  

This Thursday, May 9, at 6 p.m., Mayor C. Kim Bracey, the first African American Mayor of the City of York, will actually hold the annual State of the City Address at the newly renamed Waldner Performing Arts Center.  Within the Address, she will discuss the current position and issues of York, and initiatives or projects for the city.    

“She really wants to use the Address as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the city and York College,” said Student Senate President, Kyle Joines.

According to Joines, Mayor Bracey is “phenomenal” and “humble.”

“She is open to work with everyone and truly cares about the community, the college, and the students,” said Joines.

This care is demonstrated through the decision to speak at the Waldner Performing Arts Center.  By holding the Address at York College, Mayor Bracey hopes to build a connection with the students and faculty and, ultimately, enable the city and YCP to work together to accomplish initiatives.  

“She wants to help show that they [the students and faculty] are part of the community,” said Joines.   

Students, therefore, are encouraged to attend the State of the City Address.  It is a great way for them, as citizens, to become involved in local politics.

I’m A Jean-ius

By Antonio Eubanks   

I’ve never really been a huge fan of denim and I have no idea why. Maybe it’s because I never really wore it during my youth because both my elementary and middle schools required students to wear uniforms. I was decked out in khakis virtually all of my life (up until high school); creased, cuffed and belted like a little grandpa, Benjamin Button style. Ok, well, the creases ceased in 3rd grade, but I still had to wear some form of tan pant as a staple of my uniform.

When high school rolled around I deliberately chose the only high school in Baltimore that did not have uniforms just to get it away from the monotony. Even though I was freed from the limitations of school codes, I kept going back to cotton pants oddly enough. Instead of running to the anti-khaki that was denim, I stayed close to my uniform-esque bottoms: cargos, chinos and my favorite, corduroy. Even to this day I still have WAY more pants than I do jeans, but I think that is about to change!

Lately I’ve been loving denim! Denim is so American, and I feel a resurgence of Americana back into the fashion forefront (i.e. nautical stripes and camo). I feel all patriotic, 4th of July, go Yankees when I wear it and it’s super versatile. You can dress it up, dress it down, you could rock it on top, you could rock it on bottom, jackets, hats, shoes, you could even rock double denim; the possibilities are endless! Oh, but just as a side note, rock double denim with discretion. It can be a little tricky to pull off. I usually feel like a darker wash as jeans and a light denim shirt is the most successful and is probably the most effective way not to look like you are wearing a denim suit. But one time I did do a light denim shirt, with light grey jeans and it looked pretty awesome if I do say so myself! (Wish I had a picture!) So mix it up, see what combos work for you.

Besides wash, fit is also something to look at when trying to find jeans. I like a slimmer look on guys and girls. Notice I did not say skinny! Skinny jeans are not appealing on everyone, but a slim cut looks great on everyone and it makes your jeans look ten times more expensive. Plus skinny jeans can become really disrespectful; they get a little too comfortable on the goods (sexual harassment? I think so). Jeans that are fitted through the thigh, go straight down your leg and are tapered at the bottom are the best way to go. Jeans should be flattering, not insulting.

Last thing to remember when dealing with denim is to have fun! Denim is so cool and laid back; done the right way, you can work it into any outfit. You don’t have to be so gentle with denim either. I just throw my Levi’s jean jacket around wherever and then grab it whenever I need it: no ironing, no folding, nothing. And if your denim gets damaged, that’s just character! Well, unless you rip the crotch or butt part…that’s when it turns into trash…or a pair of denim cowboy chaps, if you’re into that.

 

 

Choral Studies Activities

By Alyx Nornhold

 On Sunday, April 21, 2013, The York college Division of Music presented Messiah by G.F. Handel at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, York, PA. The concert featured the York College Choral, orchestra and soloists, conducted by Dr. Grace Muzzo, Director of Choral Studies and Coordinator of the Division of Music. The student singers were joined by members of the music faculty and professional players and singers from the region.

Friday, April 26, 2013 at 7 p.m. A Little Light Music was performed in DeMeester Recital Hall located in Wolf Hall. Three of York College’s vocal groups performed, the Vocabella – the women’s ensemble, the Chamber Singers – twenty singers auditioned from the Choral, and Rhapsody – York College’s acapella group. Vocabella performed a set from the Broadway musical “Wicked,” and were joined by a jazz set from the Chamber Singers and Rhapsody, who performed a capella pop music.

Men’s LAX

Nathan Stewart

Sports Writer

The York College men’s lacrosse team wrapped up their regular season on April 20 against the St. Mary’s Seahawks. The Spartans played for a two seed in the CAC and a first round bye in the conference tournament. The boys have had an amazing run throughout 2013 and have broken all sorts of records. They went undefeated at home, had a school record of 12 regular season wins and earned a spot in the national rankings for the first time in school history. York doesn’t plan on stopping after the regular season. A win against the Seahawks will put the Spartans at a 5-1 record in the CAC, moving them one step closer towards winning the conference championship. Locking up the CAC would put the green and white in the division III NCAA tournament for the first time ever. Be sure to follow the guys throughout the playoffs as the first round began on April 24.

Women’s LAX

By Nathan Stewart

Sports Writer

The York College women’s lacrosse team finished up their regular season against CAC rival, Wesley on April 20. The girls went on an impressive six game win streak in the middle of the season before losing to Messiah 17-15.  After the loss, the green and white went on to win four more games in a row before falling to Salisbury. The final score of 17-7 put York at 4-1 in the conference. Leading the way for York is senior Kim Wayson who is having yet another incredible year. She has already passed the 200 goal mark, making her the first women in the history of the program to do so. She has 47 recorded goals on the year alone. Also leading the way are fellow seniors Leah Shultz and Erica Mulford. Shultz has 32 goals and Mulford has 36. On defense York is led by their goalkeeper Ashley Smith. Smith has 76 saves and has held other teams to minimum goals while standing strong in the cage. Be sure to catch the girls throughout the playoffs, going for a championship after their win on April 24.

Glenn Hetrick Visits York College

 

 

By Kelly Collins

YORK, Pa.- Special Effects Makeup Artist Glenn Hetrick paid a visit to his alma mater, York College, in March to give students some advice for following their dreams.

You may not know Glenn Hetrick by name but you probably have seen his work in more than one place. Remember when Glimmer was being attacked by Tracker Jackers in “The Hunger Games?”  Or all the episodes of “Heroes” when Hayden Panettiere had gushing wounds? Did you ever wonder how Lady Gaga’s “disco stick” came to be? Hetrick was behind the creation of each of these memorable entertainment sensations.

A 1995 graduate of York College’s Speech Communication program, Hetrick has taken his many talents to a high level of success. After graduation, Hetrick moved to New York City and began teaching screen acting classes as well as working as a makeup artist and actor on independent films around the city area. Hetrick also pursued his interest in sculpting when he started making masks for Halloween costume companies.  Now the proud owner of Optic Nerve Studios for special effects in Los Angeles, Hetrick has some amazing credits in his repertoire.  These included working as a fabricator, designer, sculptor, painter and supervisor of effects for several seasons of “Buffy,” “The X-Files,” “Angel” and “CSI: New York” and films like “The Prestige,” “Blade 2” and “Legion”. Hetrick also serves as a custom wardrobe and props designer for Lady Gaga. But perhaps one of Hetrick’s most well-known accomplishments is his spot as a judge on Syfy’s hit show “Faceoff,” on which a dozen special effects artists compete for $100,000 and a year’s supply of makeup.

While talking to students in communications and art classes Hetrick stressed that in the world of entertainment and business it is imperative to “think big to be big.” He went on to explain the importance that his speech communication degree has in his everyday issues in running his studio and working with producers and writers. Having a good base for knowing how to talk to people and work together is a big step up, especially in the fast paced world of entertainment production, Hetrick says.  

“I hire people who are better than me at their craft, whether it’s sculpting or painting, because that’s how good I want to the artists to be who work for me. At first it was difficult on my ego to do that, knowing that I wasn’t as good as all the people in my studio. But it is necessary to have a strong team to succeed and land big projects. Business-wise, it was one of the best moves I’ve ever made,” said Hetrick.

Currently, Hetrick is signed on to judge seasons four and five of “Faceoff.” He says that at the age of forty he still does not feel that he has reached his highest level of success in all his work.  So, continue to look for Glenn Hetrick in the special effects credits.

What Came First: The Words or the Song?

By Alyx Nornhold

Lacie McHugh is a writing fellow in the CTL/Writing Center. Lacie is a Junior Secondary Education English Major with a minor in Special Education. The course Teaching and Tutoring Writing (WRT 290)  is a requirement for Lacie’s major and after taking this course students have the option of becoming a writing fellow. Lacie actually waited to became a tutor and began a semester after she finished the class. She enjoys the practice that tutoring gives her for her future career as a teacher as well as the community that she has become a part of in the Writing Center. Lacie said that she likes the community aspect because many of the students working in the center she would not have known without becoming a tutor and everyone in the center is a friend.

Besides her job as a writing fellow, Lacie is a member of two choirs on campus. She is a member of the Corral, a choir group that anyone can join, and the Chamber Singers, this group requires an audition. She is also a new member of the honors fraternity Sigma Tau Delta. After graduation, Lacie hopes to start her career at Red Lion Area Senior High School, one of the local high schools as well as her alma mater.

Students Present Undergraduate Research at MAWCA

By Megan Schoettler

On April 5th and 6th, six of YCP’s Writing Fellows presented undergraduate research at the Mid-Atlantic Writing Center Association’s annual conference. Undergraduate research has a special place at YCP; the college sends students from many disciplines to share their research at local and national conferences. Biology majors also recently presented at the Pennsylvania Academy of Science conference.

MAWCA student presenters, accompanied by other tutors and YCP faculty, include Tracey Chopek, Lauren Connolly, Jillian Irish, Lacie McHugh, Allyson Rump, and Megan Schoettler. Their research includes topics such as writer self-deprecation, writing center relationships with libraries, and how writing fellows can encourage students to meet for tutoring. This is the fifteenth year that YCP representatives have contributed to literacy education at MAWCA.

Student researcher Lacie McHugh is presenting at MAWCA for the first time this year. She’s excited to share her research that involves upper classmen giving testimonials about the Writing Center to WRT 202 classes. As a Secondary English Education major, she values her time researching as a Writing Fellow. She said she will be able to “apply it to my own high school classroom.”

Professor Cindy Crimmins, the director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, says that it’s “really neat that we have so much undergraduate research going on and students have this opportunity.” She gives credit to students who have put in hard work and contributed to their disciplines.  

Make an appointment at Writing Center through the MyYCP Portal for a chance to work with YCP’s Writing Fellow researchers.