The Michigan Tech mascot is known as Blizzard T. Husky. Blizzard is a Siberian Husky dog that represents the athletics teams of Michigan Technological University, located in Houghton, Michigan. Blizzard serves as a symbol of pride and spirit for the university community. The mascot was first introduced in the late 1960s and has since become a beloved figure on campus. Blizzard is often seen at athletic events, rallies, and other university functions, where he cheers on the teams and interacts with fans.
Water and Oil
Shapeshifting Glamouring The Enchantress has the power to either change her physical form or shape into another or to change her appearance to look like another person, as seen by how she concealed her true, bitter form with the disguise of a frail old woman. But it was the gestures my nonne made in their kitchens crushing eggshells into their palms to avoid bad luck, blessing loaves of bread by etching tiny crosses into the dough that made their magic alive and real to me.
Blizzard is often seen at athletic events, rallies, and other university functions, where he cheers on the teams and interacts with fans. He is known for his energetic and playful demeanor, which helps to create a lively and festive atmosphere at these events. In addition to supporting the athletic teams, Blizzard also participates in community outreach efforts.
Kitchen Witchery and Simple Spells From My Italian Grandmothers
Picture it: Toronto, 1985. My stubby toddler legs hang down from the kitchen counter, feet kicking against the cabinets. I suck on a circular taralle breadstick like it’s a salty anise flavored pacifier. From my front row seat, I watch flecks of salt fly through the air, tossed backwards from grandmother Genoveffa’s hands into the sink as she sings an Italian folk song. Salt gets all over the counter too, and I’m puzzled because this woman would never make a mess on purpose. She gives me a wink, wipes her hands on her apron and goes back to the stove.
I’d eventually learn, watching both of my grandmothers do it again and again, that she was reversing some bad luck she’d accrued. As I grew up, I witnessed a lot of superstitious habits go down in the kitchens of my two nonne, who sought to welcome good luck in, and escort bad luck out.
They’d never call it witchcraft, but it certainly seemed like magic to me. My nonna Genny came to Canada from Pescara, Abruzzo, by boat when she was 17 to meet a man 13 years her senior who she’d just married by proxy. Her life was not easy, but she was known to conjure up sumptuous feasts that were as much magic spells as they were meals. My other nonna, Fenia, now 95, boarded a different boat to Canada with her two small children in the ’50s. With an extensive knowledge of the garden, she’s healed me of many a stomach ache, headache, and sore throat with her herb-infused teas and soups.
But it was the gestures my nonne made in their kitchens—crushing eggshells into their palms to avoid bad luck, blessing loaves of bread by etching tiny crosses into the dough—that made their magic alive and real to me. And like all magic, their kitchen witchery only works if you believe it does.
Water and Oil
Italians believe you can catch malocchio, the “evil eye,” from anyone, anytime, anywhere. All it takes is a glance or an innocuous compliment (“omg your hair is so shiny”) to bestow bad vibes onto your person. Symptoms include: fogginess, headaches, migraine, fever, stomach pain, dizziness, bad luck, financial ruin, serious illness, and, for the most unfortunate among us, straight up death.
Nonna Genny could detect the malocchio as soon as a cursed soul walked into her house. She’d grab a white bowl and fill it with water, and then slowly drip olive oil into it. If the oil gathered into globs as you’d expect, you hadn’t been cursed. But if the oil scattered around the bowl frantically, girl, that’s the eye. To cure the bad vibes, she would chant while opening and closing scissors above the bowl. Then, she’d drop olive oil into a clean bowl of water, and if the oil stuck together, the evil eye was gone.
Illustration by Sophy HollingtonPepperoncini
If you’ve ever watched The Sopranos, you probably noticed jewelry in the shape of a horn glinting against the hairy chests of the cast. Horns—originally symbols of the Egyptian mother goddess Hathor, an ancient precursor to goddesses Isis and Venus—are decidedly lucky and good at keeping the evil eye away. Women traditionally don’t wear horns, but they do string up fresh red peppers (Nonna Genny used corno di capra, “goat horn,” from her garden), which look just like them. Once dried, the peppers could be left in the kitchen for protection, put in pockets or purses as guardian talismans, or, my personal favorite, fried in olive oil then crushed atop pastas, eggs, soups, bread, or anything savory for the tastiest mouth blessings.
I’d eventually learn, watching both of my grandmothers do it again and again, that she was reversing some bad luck she’d accrued. As I grew up, I witnessed a lot of superstitious habits go down in the kitchens of my two nonne, who sought to welcome good luck in, and escort bad luck out.
He visits local schools, hospitals, and other organizations, bringing joy and excitement to those he meets. Blizzard is well-known and loved by both students and community members alike, and his presence helps to build a sense of camaraderie and pride in the university. Blizzard's appearance has evolved over the years, with various versions of the mascot costume being used. The current version features a white and black Husky dog with blue eyes. He is often seen wearing a Michigan Tech jersey or other university apparel, further emphasizing his role as a representative of the university. Overall, Blizzard T. Husky is an integral part of the Michigan Tech community. As the official mascot, he embodies the spirit, pride, and unity of the university and its athletic teams. Whether seen on the sidelines of a sporting event or engaging with the community, Blizzard brings a sense of excitement and enthusiasm to all who encounter him..
Reviews for "Blizzard the Husky and Athletics: The Perfect Pairing at Michigan Tech"
1. Emily - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the Michigan Tech mascot. It lacked creativity and excitement. It was just another generic looking animal costume. I was hoping for something more unique and representative of the school. Overall, it was a letdown.
2. Jason - 2 stars
The Michigan Tech mascot was okay, but it didn't really capture my attention. It seemed like a half-hearted attempt at creating a memorable character. I think they could have put more effort into designing a mascot that would truly embody the spirit of the school. It just fell flat for me.
3. Samantha - 1 star
I honestly don't understand why the Michigan Tech mascot is a husky. There is nothing special or unique about it. It's such a generic choice and doesn't make the school stand out. I was expecting a mascot that would truly represent the school's identity and evoke a sense of pride, but unfortunately, the husky mascot failed to do that for me.
4. Brad - 2 stars
The Michigan Tech mascot was not memorable at all. It looked like any other mascot you would see at a high school football game. I was hoping for something more creative and visually appealing. The lack of effort put into the design and execution was evident, and it left me feeling underwhelmed.
5. Rachel - 1 star
The Michigan Tech mascot was a complete miss for me. It didn't have any personality or charm. The costume looked cheap and poorly made. I was expecting something more professional and engaging. Overall, the mascot was a letdown and did not add any excitement or spirit to the school's events.