“Doctors and nurses are dying at an alarming rate. They have a choice, naturally, to either resign their posts or show up and fight, but the nature of the business makes it abundantly clear most will choose to fight. Choose to die. Choose to sacrifice their hopes and dreams and hobbies, their retirements and vacations and their children’s affection for the public good. It’d be great to believe this is all overblown, but we know better.”
Doug Sears Jr
In episode three of Keep Your Voice Down, Watershed Voice Executive Editor Alek Haak-Frost and co-host Doug Sears, Jr. discuss COVID-19 protests, the details of a three-step plan unveiled by Michigan House Republicans this week to “get Michiganders back to work,” top stories from St. Joseph County and the handshake’s possible fall from grace in a post COVID-19 world.
But the question lingers. Is the Corona Champion legitimate? Will the Tampa Bay Lightning still be a Stanley Cup Champion if they hoist the Cup in a 5,000-seat college arena, skating past empty seats while the Red Hot Chili Peppers are played extra loud to drown out the crickets? Would Kevin Garnett’s legendary declaration of “Anything is possible!” rung out to the heavens the same way without a cheering crowd behind him? If Bill Russell was at home for his own safety instead of standing in the confetti shower with Garnett?
Maybe not. But the soul of the game is the playing of the game.
In Episode 2 of Keep Your Voice Down Alek Haak-Frost and co-host Doug Sears, Jr. discuss journalistic ethics when reporting a death, review top stories from last week, and bring some levity to the pod with an analysis of Alek’s upcoming birthday plans and a discussion on their favorite fictional journalists from cinema and television.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order, originally issued March 24, 2020, was extended until April 30. The order was originally intended to expire April 13.
Violators are subject to fines up to $1,000, increased from the original maximum of $500 and jail sentences up to 90 days via a misdemeanor charge. Businesses that defy the order will be subject to penalties determined by their licensing agencies.
Keep Your Voice Down is a podcast featuring fellow Central Michigan University journalism grads and best friends Alek Haak-Frost and Doug Sears, Jr.
Alek, the executive editor of Watershed Voice, and Doug, a Watershed Voice writer and columnist, will discuss a variety of topics including the week’s top stories in St. Joseph County and beyond, as well as pop culture and other general nonsense.