Month: March 2023

February 9, 2023

Dismal Days at the Church in Auver-sur-Oise

Beeping hands, ghostly bands,
My palms, they sense the deceased.
Adrenal glands, what disturbed lands!
Specter juice left behind by the teased.
My finding fingers, they poke many ghosts,
But some men, I cannot sense.
They are senior gamblers, troubled hosts,
Their lying apparitions are dense.
Fibbing in life, falsifying death,
As if their hands still hold the cards.
Paranormal scum, straight whisky breath,
Pure brutish bodyguards.
Hoarding poker chips, the floating few,
Always slide into their stash.
Six feet under, what more to accrue?
Invisible plastic is comparable to trash.
One way to catch them, one captured way,
Is to hold out handfuls of loot.
Even if my palms sense no array
Of gamblers—Holy Water will shoot.

— © 2022 by Sofia Terranova

Sofia is a senior at the Sheboygan campus earning her B.A. in English (creative writing emphasis) and a B.F.A in creative writing. 

Find this poem and other written and visual works in the 2022 Northern Lights Literary and Arts Journal. Submit your poetry, creative nonfiction, and fiction to the 2023 Northern Lights! Click here for more information.

February 9, 2023

Humanizing Our Professors:
Mark A. Klemp, Ph.D., Chemistry

BOOM! A safe, controlled detonation startles the half-awake college students of Professor Klemp’s chemistry class, drawing all eyes to him to begin his day. As Professor Klemp put it, “Starting off with a small explosion is always a great attention grabber.”

Mark A. Klemp, Ph. D, is an Associate Professor in Natural and Applied Sciences at the Marinette Campus. Additionally, he has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Computer Science and a Ph. D. in Analytical Chemistry. Dr. Klemp has quite the half-life to him as well. He is a veteran when it comes to the college campus. He has been with the Marinette campus since 2003, long before it merged with Green Bay. To some college students, he has been working at the campus longer than we’ve been alive.

Yet, even before that, Professor Klemp was overseeing a small start-up, high-tech R&D company named Chromatofast Inc. They commercialized technology and have seven whole patents for their company! They’ve worked with Horiba instruments in Japan and Varian instruments that used Chromatofast’s technology. 

If you’re looking for some insight into how one should run a classroom, look no further than Professor Klemp’s laboratory. As Dr. Klemp is an experienced teacher with more than two decades under his microscope, he has a particular teaching style that helps instruct students about the material. In his in-person classes, he uses a technique that reintroduces a subject several times over, building off the last addition and expanding it. This way, it helps implant the information into memory. In online classes, it’s all about rooting engagement into the class. His suggestion to any students intending to teach is to work to their strengths and develop a teaching style tailored to themselves.

Currently on Dr. Klemp’s periodic table, he’s working with Cyanobacteria (Blue-green algae) for his research. As most professors oversee some form of study, Dr. Klemp is analyzing how to sequester harmful chemicals using Cyanobacteria, like hexavalent chromium. Beyond the professional aspect of his job, Professor Klemp’s favorite part about his field is the small scale and strange behavior of the microscopic world. Yet, it can go without saying that the scale of his influence goes beyond a microscopic level. Much like how you change the structure of an atom by adding a positive proton to it, Dr. Klemp puts a positive charge on the world, one atom at a time.

February 9, 2023

Aromatherapy for Stress Relief

Aromatherapy, or inhaling certain natural scents for health benefits, has plenty of people who swear by its effectiveness. Even conventional medical site WebMD.com touts its curative properties, noting that it can help everything from anxiety to poor sleep.

“The oils may activate certain areas of your brain, like your limbic system, which plays a role in your emotions,” notes WebMD writer Camille Noe Pagán. “They could also have an impact on your hypothalamus, which may respond to the oil by creating feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin.”

If you’re stressed out (and really, what student isn’t at some point in the semester?), you may want to give aromatherapy a try. Some oils that may help ease stress and anxiety are lavender, chamomile, frankincense, peppermint, lemon, lemongrass, bergamot, and cedarwood, among others. (You can look these oils and others up on AromaWeb for specific benefits and safety information.)

Aromatherapy can take a variety of forms. Here are some of the easiest and least expensive:

• Try a scented candle. Be sure to look for candles made with vegetable or soy wax, and scented with 100% natural essential oils to avoid harmful chemicals.
• Sniff an essential oil straight out of the bottle. You can also put a few drops on a cotton ball to carry with you, or even wear an aromatherapy locket that contains a cotton pad inside that you can scent with oils.
• Try a DIY sachet. Fill a small muslin bag with rice, and put ten drops of your favorite oil on the rice. Hang it in your room or from your car’s rearview mirror.
• Include a few drops of your favorite oil in a hot bath.
• Use an inexpensive or secondhand diffuser. Some plug into an electrical outlet, and these may (or may not) require water to release scented steam. Others require only a tealight candle to disperse the scent.
• Make a room spray. For an easy DIY spray, fill a small glass bottle 3/4ths full with spring water. Fill the remaining quarter with witch hazel (available in the skin care section of your local drugstore). Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and spray the stress away!
• Make a steam inhalation treatment. Boil some water, then remove from heat. Put a few drops of oil into the water. When it cools down enough so it’s still steaming but won’t burn your face off, put a towel over your head to contain the steam and lean over the water, inhaling deeply. (Eucalyptus and peppermint oil are great for easing congestion using this method.)

Important safety information: Some oils might be harmful to children, pets, those who are pregnant, or people who have epilepsy or high blood pressure. Do a bit of research from a reputable source like AromaWeb to ensure safe usage. In addition, be sure any oils in your aromatherapy products are 100% natural essential oils. Synthetic oils are often petroleum-based and may contain harmful toxins. Finally, before applying oils directly to skin, dilute with a carrier oil like jojoba or olive oil, and do a patch test to check for allergic reactions. With just a little preparation, you can ensure that you choose the best oils for you and get all their benefits, without adding stress due to an allergic reaction or other complication.

February 9, 2023

The Eternal Struggle Against Procrastination

Ah yes, the familiar foe. For some, it doesn’t matter where you go or how your future changes; procrastination is always lurking and ready to be the easy way out. We understand, and here at the Driftwood, we’ll offer our advice in hopes of giving you one more weapon for your inventory.

Procrastination is a mind game and habit. To beat it, you must train yourself to outmaneuver it. How? Just start with one thing. Mel Robbins, author of How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over, suggests the following steps:

1. Acknowledge the stress.
2. Count down: 5-4-3-2-1. You’re trying to interrupt the procrastination habit.
3. Do one thing. Start your project for just five minutes. Robbin’s research concluded that 80% of people who start their tasks keep going!*

Robbins’ research concluded that 80% of people who start their tasks keep going!* You know you can work hard. You know when to put your foot down and crank out those papers and notes for the mid-term. Your ability to complete tasks isn’t in question; it’s the habit of avoidance. So, fellow students, start your one thing and get that ball rolling! Break the habit.

*For more tips and advice, check out Mel Robbins’ TED Talks.

February 9, 2023

Everyone has that one thing they enjoy more than anything to pass the time. It might be knitting, clothespin art, or even painting. For those of you looking for a new or more challenging hobby, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve picked out an ultimate, step-it-up activity to push your perseverance and boost your creativity.

Cross Stitching

My grandma has a wonderfully creative hobby that involves plastic canvas and thread. Cross stitching is something I have yet to learn, personally, but one of her pieces sits in my living room now (see picture). It’s not her most complicated project, but you can see that she spent hours putting it together—fruiting trees, a church, a house, a lighthouse by the water, people, all in color and on a 17″ x 13” canvas. And with practice, you can make the scene of your choice, too.

According to crossstitchacademy.com, cross stitching has been dated as far back in history as the 6th century. It wasn’t limited to a geographical region, country, culture, or social class, either. In fact, it was often used to teach girls and young women about religion and morals through pattern designs. Today’s version of it originates from the 1960s, as the American industrial age made patterns more widely available.

Materials range on the cheaper side of project supplies and include perforated plastic canvas of desired size, a needle one size smaller than the sheet’s holes, embroidery thread in your choice of colors, a permanent marker for drawing the design, and a reference picture. Or if you prefer, cross stitching can also be done on aida cloth with the help of an embroidery hoop. (Either type of finished project can be framed upon completion, provided you left extra material around the edges.) Shopping for these items is fairly easy as well because they can all be found at Walmart, Joann Fabrics, or even Hobby Lobby. Could this be your ultimate hobby?

Check out this Beginner’s Tutorial to get started!

February 9, 2023

Gear Up Your Garden

It may feel like the winter weather will never let up, but planting season is just around the corner! And whether you have a green thumb or have never grown a thing in your life, this is the perfect year to gear up your garden with some new gardening know-hows.

Strawberries

With Valentine’s Day coming soon and a chocolate dip recipe pinned to your fridge already, all you need are some strawberries—which, suffice to say, can be a little more involving than you might think. So, when you start this year’s garden, keep these things in mind:

1. What are you looking to get out of them? Selecting a June-bearing strawberry species means one crop of berries in late spring or early summer, while an everbearing variety produces two or three batches during the summer and early autumn.
2. What zone are you growing in? Some plants will only grow if given the specific geographical or environmental conditions of different land areas, known as “growing zones.” The Marinette area borders growing zones four and five.
3. Does the variety pollinate on its own? Some strawberries are loners, and others are on the hunt for romance. If yours is a self-pollinator, you will grow fruit with just one plant (and with the help of bees or wind). If not, be sure to plant some company because you’ll need both males (the ones that blossom first and contain pollen) and females (the ones that produce fruit if pollinated).
4. Are you ready to chase down berries? Some species are more prone to having “runners” or new strawberry offshoots. These offshoots use up precious energy and resources that would otherwise go toward the main plant’s growth or fruit production. To combat this, prune them regularly, and also consider pinching off the first batch of flowers to support a healthy bush.
5. Additional considerations. It’s important that you always research the basics to raising strawberries, including soil type, moisture preference, sunlight levels, space needs, and what plants they thrive with—or don’t. Doing this can make all the difference come harvest time.

Growing Ideas

1. Strawberry-Rhubarb Bed. These two plants not only taste good together—they grow well side-by-side in the garden, too! Being mindful of the special needs of both plants, be sure to set up a permanent place for them to socialize.
2. Strawberry Tier Garden. Beyond just being stylish, growing strawberries in tiers makes berries easier to see (and depending on the dimensions, easier to reach). A tier garden is made up of three or more pyramid-like layers of flower boxes, usually framed by a wood or stone barrier. However, they can be any shape or size you prefer.
3. Strawberry Stones. Birds love themselves some fresh, sweet berries. One way to ward these unwanted guests is to paint some stones in the likeness of fruit and place them around the bushes before a crop has grown. Our feathered friends learn not to peck too much!

The College Student Way: Alternatively, if you live in an apartment or on campus, know that you can still grow strawberries. These little berry-makers are highly adaptive to pots at least 8” wide by 6” deep. Just make sure they have a good drain hole and a sunny window, and you’re all set!

February 9, 2023

The Great Outdoors: Winter Edition

Get out! Go explore this winter and check out these awesome parks!

Escape to “The Porkies”



The Porcupine Mountain Wilderness (sometimes called “The Porkies”) is situated on the shore of Lake Superior, about 20 miles outside of Ontonagon, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. This gem of the UP boasts stunning views from its peaks, most notably at the Lake of the Clouds and in the Presque Isle River corridor. The views make it an astonishing year-round get away, but it can be especially unique and breathtaking in the winter months!

In addition to the scenery, the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness hosts a winter sports complex to fill every outdoor person’s dreams. Whether it’s snowshoeing, winter hiking, downhill skiing, or cross-country skiing, the complex has it all! The park also has different lodging options including affordable cabins, or, for the more adventurous soul, dispersed winter camping sites. The Porkies offer the perfect place to rest and recreate, but also to take a much-needed weekend break from college.

An Afternoon Ski

Grab your skis and go! This year’s mild winter has made for excellent cross-country skiing conditions, and with clear, cold, sunny days ahead, now is the time to get outside! A little under an hour outside Marinette lies sleepy Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest. In the winter, the state park offers beautiful water views and quiet, still, snow-covered forests. At 2.25 miles, the Big Oak Loop is the must-see trail of the park and is well-maintained for cross-country skiing.

Governor Thompson State Park is another spectacular skiing destination near Marinette. Take the day to cross-country ski through one of the ten groomed trails in the park. In particular, I would recommend skiing Sunset Trail. This 1.4 mile ski path includes a great view of Huber Lake, while still maintaining an “easy” rating for beginners. As always, make sure to check conditions before loading up the skis, and remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles when recreating outdoors.

February 9, 2023

Tasty Burger Diners

Looking for a place to get a quick bite or enjoy a Valentine’s Day lunch? These local diners have inviting environments, authentic meals, and have been serving food for over 75 years! There are many features in common at both diners, including vintage seating with booths, bar stools, burgers, and milkshakes. The atmospheres in the diners sustain their authenticity from displaying old-fashioned photos on the walls to being cash-only diners. I have eaten at both places, and the burgers are savory and the service is fast! 

Al’s Hamburger (Green Bay, 920/437-5114):: Established in 1934, Al’s Hamburger is tucked into a “hole in the wall” location in downtown Green Bay. There are standard burgers and a variety of specialty burgers to choose from, with topping options that include cheese curds, mac and cheese, onion rings, homemade chili, or fried eggs on your burger. If you are looking to switch it up, there are other options such as hot dogs, chicken strips, and sandwiches for those who do not want to choose a burger! Opening every day of the week at 11:00 AM, this is a perfect place whether you are on a lunch break or taking a stroll downtown and looking for somewhere to stop.


Mickey-Lu Bar-B-Q (Marinette, 715/735-7721):: Established in 1942, Mickey-Lu Bar-B-Q is located on Marinette Avenue in Marinette. This diner is known for their malts, milkshakes, hot dogs, brats, and most of all their char-broiled burgers that start at $3.00. Not only is the food affordable, but the service is also fast, which makes it a great location to enjoy lunch! There are many features that add to the uniqueness of this diner, including menus that are solely posted on the wall, a vintage juke box, and an interesting, framed menu from 1955 that shows the prices of burgers at that time! Although there are no fries, there is an option to enjoy chips with a warm meal at this burger-and-shake diner. 

All photos in this piece by Kayu Brooks. 

—Kayu Brooks, Local Favorites Editor

February 9, 2023

You’ve reached the place where all the bad, but oh-so-satisfying entertainment exists. Here, in the Trash Vortex, we provide you with only the trashiest, most bingeworthy recommendations. It’s a dark hole you won’t escape!

In the Mood for Love

In the mood for something sweet this Valentine’s Day, but don’t want the calories? Our picks this week will sate your sweet tooth.

The Concubine Contract
by Babcook, Raison, and Bulg-Ma

Webcomics have become for me what corny romance novels are for my mother—formulaic, abundant, and I just can’t get enough.

Set in ancient China, The Concubine Contract follows hotheaded Yeseo, the deadliest assassin in the Seong Empire, as she takes on her toughest assignment yet: going undercover as the emperor’s airheaded concubine.

It’s silly, it’s trashy, the love interests hate each other (or do they?), … but most of all, it’s entertaining. What kinds of shenanigans will Yeseo land herself in this time? Will she and Emperor Ahon ever realize that their feelings go beyond a mere act? And just who is the spy hiding in their midst? This is a guilty pleasure in the truest sense of the word. Available on Tappytoon.com.

Hatoful Boyfriend
by Hato Moa

In Hatoful Boyfriend, our plucky protagonist finds herself as the only human attending a high school for pigeons. Yes, this is a dating simulator. Yes, you date birds. Did I mention this is unironically a good game?

Realistically, I realize that I cannot suggest this dating simulation game—which was originally conceived as an April Fool’s joke by Japanese bird lover and artist Hato Moa—to the average person without receiving, at minimum, strange looks. Moa has included humanoid sprites, if chatting with PNGs of birds is not your bag … but there is something to be said for the bonafide bird-dating experience. Join the track team. Give your classmate birdseed for Valentine’s. Find yourself drawn into an international conspiracy. Let your heart take flight. Available on Steam.

—Kana Coonce, Trash Vortex Editor