The Campus Ledger - Vol. 35 Issue 12

MARCH 14, 2013 VOL. 35

ISS. 12

CAMPUSLEDGER

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OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN PUBLICATION OF JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, OVERLAND PARK, KS

SAVE RAVE With a recent comeback in electronic dance music, a new generation emerges to

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NEW PROGRAM DESIGNED TO COMBAT PIRACY P. 5

BAD PERSONAL HYGIENE: WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES?

PHOTOS FROM THE “MAKING HEADLINES” FASHION SHOW

P. 9

P. 13

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NEWS

MARCH 14, 2013 VOL 35

ISSUE 12

NEWS BRIEFS SPEED BUMPS TO BE INSTALLED

JCCC TRUSTEE CANDIDATE FORUM

This week, two speed bumps will be installed in front of two parking garages on campus.

One will be installed at the northeast Regnier Center parking garage at 6 a.m. on Friday, March 15. The second speed bump will be installed at the south entrance of the parking garage at Galileo’s Garden at 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 16. The following week, the north main section of North Campus Drive will be closed from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 18 through March 22 due to further road construction.

JCCC and the League of Women Voters will present a trustee candidate forum at 7 p.m. Friday, March 22 in GEB 137.

The candidates in the forum are Jerry Cook, Lee Cross, Robert Drummond, Melody Rayl, Richard Schroder and Stephanie Sharp. Dave Helling, reporter for the Kansas City Star, will be the moderator.

The candidates will present their views regarding impending legislative changes affecting higher education and Johnson County public schools. The moderator and audience members will be able to question the candidates on these issues.

Compiled by Sydney Studer, special to the Ledger

Compiled by Sydney Studer, special to the Ledger

JCCC GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE NEARS The college’s general scholarship application deadline is Monday, April 1.

Students can apply through the My JCCC EASI tab by clicking the “Student and Financial Aid” tab, the “Financial Aid” link and then the “2013-14 General Scholarship Application” tab.

Students must be enrolled in at least six credit hours and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Over fifty general scholarships are offered to eligible students.

Visit the financial aid website for more information.

Compiled by Olivia Fox, special to the Ledger

DIVISIONAL SENATORS ANNOUNCED FOR FACULTY SENATE Nineteen professors have been elected as divisional senators for the faculty senate.

They are: AHHS: Vin Clark, Jim Leiker Business: Cherie Leiker, Hugh Forbes Communication: Terry Helmick, Christine Buta English and Journalism: Dave Davis, Lorie Paldino Health Care/Wellness: Bob Parker, Joe Weiss Math: Ron Palcic, Theresa McChesney Public Safety and Cosmetology: Kay King Science: Melanie Harvey, Steve Giambrone Technology: Damon Feuerborn, James Hopper Twelve-month: Marsha Cousino, Dave Ellis

The second senator for public safety and cosmetology has not been determined.

JCCC STUDENT WINS ACHIEVEMENT IN LITERATURE AWARD Ben Orman, an honor student at the college, won the Kansas region of Phi Theta Kappa Achievement in Literature award for a paper he wrote for in art history class. His paper was titled “Art Nouveau and Gaudí: The Way of Nature.”

Two other students, Arthur Collins and Elizabeth (Aislin) Reynolds, received honorable mentions for their submitted work.

Compiled by Hannah Davis, news editor, at hdavis18@jccc.edu

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NEWS 3

Model UN heads to New York, hosts metro KC conference on campus

By Sara Maleki The college’s Model United Nations will represent the country of Zambia at the National Model United Nations conference in New York City from March 15 to March 23. The Metro Kansas City Model United Nations Conference will be held on campus on April 10.

The Model UN, which mimics the real UN, has been on campus since 1997, and Dr. Brian Wright, professor, Political Science, has acted as their advisor since 2002.

Over the past five years, the group has won various awards at the National UN conference including an Outstanding Delegation award in 2011 for representing New Zealand and a Distinguished Delegation award in 2012 for representing Kenya.

All students are eligible to join the organization, regardless of academic major. Linda Makau, who joined this semester, is using her time at the Model UN to gain experience.

“I would like to gain some experience in international relations, especially in diplomacy since I plan to major in Global and International Studies at KU,” Makau said.

Political science, nursing and culinary arts students have all been

involved in the Model UN. “A wide range of students participate [in the Model UN],” Wright said. “It’s open to anyone.”

Daniel Crist, who is majoring in physics, joined the Model UN last semester and this semester will be his first on the team. He will be on the special committee for peacekeeping operations in New York. “[The Model UN] helps in the critical thinking department and [it’s also] personal interest,” Crist said.

There is a limit to the number of students who can attend events such as the upcoming conference in New York. Of the 20 students who are part of the group, only 13 will be attending the conference.

Students who wish to attend the events are initially required to pass a screening process.

Makau will also be attending the conference in New York.

“I’m looking forward to meeting students from all over the world and having social discussions about social and economic policy topics in my committee for Zambia,” Makau said.

The conference will be held partly at the UN and partly at a hotel.

“The UN is not used by diplomats over Easter break, [so]

it can be used by college students,” Wright said.

The UN is split into different committees, and in New York, the first committee will be dealing with disarmament. Thus, students will be researching Zambia’s position on small arms.

“In New York, the conference will be attended by schools from 57 different countries,” Wright said.

This offers the chance for interaction with students from around the world.

The metro UN conference will be held in the Regnier Center at the college next month. Approximately 250 students from 16 junior high and high schools (including Blue Valley Northwest and Rockhurst) will be attending the conference, which will be coordinated by the college’s Model UN. Background guides and study materials will be provided for students. “[The Model UN will] interact with high school students on a professional level,” Wright said.

Students who wish to participate in the Model UN are welcome to attend the weekly meetings, which are held on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. in GEB 213.

Contact Sara Maleki, Reporting Correspondent, at smaleki@jccc.edu

Model UN member Ian Sneid presents information from a Zambian point of view on March 7. The team is preparing for a national conference in New York. Photo by Mackenzie Gripe

Counselors provide academic advising for transfer students

By Hannah Davis The Counseling Center, located on the second floor of the Student Center, provides academic advising for students who plan to transfer to another institution.

“We work with a student who has just come in to determine what courses to take,” counselor Amy Warner said. “We help them figure out how that coursework fits with their plan, whether that course work is undecided, or if it’s something very specific. We talk about what options they have with a specific interest. […]That’s the piece of academic advising that we do. We work with somebody prior to becoming a student, first semester and then throughout their time here.”

The main roadblock that students run into during the transfer process, according to

Warner, is that certain courses they may have completed at the college don’t always transfer to the school they’re considering.

“First thing the student needs to know is, when you’re considering transferring, […] you need to understand that certain courses transfer for certain majors and certain schools,” Warner said.

“I always tell students, two main things determine what I advise you to take: what major you’re considering and what schools you’re considering, because a degree in general, doesn’t transfer overall.”

Parker Fitzmaurice, a student at the college, met with a counselor for advice to transfer to the University of Kansas.

“They showed me what kind of degrees KU offers and helped me see what interests me, and what’s required and prerequisites

needed,” he said. “I’m planning on getting a business degree.”

The counseling center offers ‘transfer guides’ to different colleges or universities, which list the courses offered at the college that will transfer and fulfill requirements.

“The research that we have are these fantastic guides that are formal agreements between JCCC and the receiving school, and it’s a course by course evaluation,” Alicia Bredehoeft, faculty chair for the counseling center, said.

“So whether it’s an agreement with Ottawa, or Pitt State, or an agreement with another institution, that institution is going to go above and beyond to make sure that our students have a seamless transition. That agreement is basically a ‘formal, gentlemen’s handshake’ that these two institutions are going to

partner to the best interests of the students.”

These guides are updated almost every semester for clarity and accuracy.

About 60 percent of the college’s students intend to transfer to a four year university, and both Warner and Bredehoeft encourage students to utilize the counseling center.

“I would also hope that students would take the time to come in,” Warner said. “Not every student visits with us, and we find students who are close to the end and they will have taken what they thought was a list of requirements and then we end up telling them ‘okay, well you have all these other things you need to take to transfer, but these other things you have taken may not.’”

All the counselors are available by appointment, Monday,

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and by walk-in Wednesdays.

They provide not only academic advising, but personal and career counseling as well.

“When you talk about transfer, our goal is to see what the individual needs are, see what their education goals are, help them to find those goals, and partner with the career center to help them effectively figure out what their strengths are,” Bredehoeft said. ”Then [we] put together that academic plan to empower and encourage them to get engaged beyond the classroom to verify ‘is this the discipline or the career path that I want to go?’”

Contact Hannah Davis, news editor, at hdavis18@jccc.edu

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MARCH 14, 2013 VOL 35

ISSUE 12

Q&A: Board of Trustees Candidates JERRY COOK What career experience do you have that you feel sets you apart from other candidates?

I have been blessed with diverse career experiences in the following areas: over 20 years in public education serving as teacher and administrator; senior executive in private business; public service in community and civic organizations. I am a current trustee serving as treasurer.

What do you think are the three biggest issues facing the college?

(1) Selection of the next college president; (2) retaining balanced sources of revenue to appropriately support the teaching/learning excellence occurring every day at the college; (3) continuing to enhance the college culture promoting an environment of teaching/learning excellence.

MELODY RAYL

What career experience do you have that you feel sets you apart from other candidates?

Not only am I an alumna, former faculty member and current Trustee of JCCC, I am also a practicing attorney. My knowledge and experience brings value to a myriad of discussions and issues confronting the Board on a regular basis.

What do you think are the three biggest issues facing the college?

(1) Selection of JCCC’s new president and ensuring a seamless transition at the helm; (2) preserving the quality of education at JCCC in light of a continuing decline in revenues by responsibly addressing both the expenditure and revenue sides of the balance sheet; (3) remaining diligent in addressing proposed legislation at the state level that would directly impact JCCC and its students.

STEPHANIE SHARP

What career experience do you have that you feel sets you apart from other candidates?

My time training grassroots advocates as the American Cancer Society lobbyist and as a State Representative provided unique opportunities to communicate with voters. Helping voters understand their role in each level of government is a passion I have turned into a career. My work to ensure taxpayers understand the educational and economic value of JCCC is a strong asset to the board.

What do you think are the three biggest issues facing the college?

(1) Recruiting the next president and other Vice-President vacancies; (2) how to address funding needs in the face of increasing health care, utility and salary/benefit costs, reducing funds from the state and slowly increasing property valuations; and (3) retention – we seem to be satisfied with a consistent 3% attrition rate for our students. We need to try harder to learn why students leave before finishing a degree and how we can keep them.

BOB DRUMMOND

What career experience do you have that you feel sets you apart from other candidates?

I have served on public (21 years) and non-profit Boards (35 years) for over three decades. This experience has provided me an extensive understanding of Boardmanship. I have a doctorate in Counseling (KU) and served as a Professor, Academic Administrator, and Vice-President for a total of 30 years. I am a thoughtful person with an extensive understanding of higher education, budgeting, finance, public policy creation, and leadership. I am also a person of high character, integrity, and honesty.

What do you think are the three biggest issues facing the college?

(1) The largest challenge before the college is to hire a dynamic new president that will collaborate with the Board, faculty and community to lead us through the current decade. (2) Secondly, we must continue to navigate our way through the current economy while increasing the strength of our instructional staff, maintaining our fiscal integrity and increasing our enrollment. (3) Finally, we need to continue to be diligent in understanding and responding to emerging issues, such as health care reform, as they can threaten our position as a premier community college.

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NEWS 5

RICHARD SCHRODER

What career experience do you have that you feel sets you apart from other candidates?

It is not a question of how my career experiences are the same or different from the other candidates but a question of how I would handle the problems facing JCCC differently than the current trustees. I have had a personal business for the last 5+ years and I have handled my family’s personal business for the last 43 years. In addition, I am a Johnson County tax payer that is concerned with JCCC’s financial situation.

What do you think are the three biggest issues facing the college?

The three issues facing the college, as I see them, is to (1) maintain a sound financial footing by reducing unnecessary and wasteful discretionary spending, (2) requiring more transparency and accountability by the Board and administration and finally, (3) to provide a more equitable treatment of the adjunct faculty which makes up more than 70 percent of the faculty at JCCC.

LEE CROSS

What career experience do you have that you feel sets you apart from other candidates?

On balance, my experience as a business owner, attorney, community and church leader has provided me with experience necessary to manage the assets and resources of JCCC. I have helped run organizations and managed extremely complex issues. But above all, I am an advocate and fiduciary for my clients, and when elected I will work to make sure all of Johnson County is represented on the Board of Trustees.

What do you think are the three biggest issues facing the college?

(1) Maintaining quality, affordable, and properly funded education for its students. (2) Managing its current assets and resources in such a manner that benefits all Johnson County citizens, other patrons in the region, and the overall health of our economy. (3) Ensuring that students, faculty and staff have the support, resources, and rights needed to provide a world class education. This includes, among other things, protecting the faculty senate, collective bargaining rights, and academic freedom.

Photos courtesy of Susan McSpadden, Bret Gustafson, Richard Schroder and Lee Cross

Compiled by Stephen Cook, scook35@jccc.edu and Mackenzie Clark, special to the ledger.

New measures created to crack down on piracy

By Stephen Cook The Center for Copyright Information (CCI) has created a new ‘Copyright Alert System’, partnering with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in an effort to crack down on piracy.

The system is designed to alert individuals when they have downloaded an illegally shared file from a peer to peer network, according to the CCI website. Major ISPs, such as AT&T, Time Warner Cable or Comcast, will display a message telling you there was illegal activity. If the activity continues, then users will be able to receive up to six alerts before they are issued a “Mitigation Measure”. This will include consequences such as reduced Internet speed or the requirement to complete an “online copyright education program”.

The CCI said that ISPs will not be able to use account termination as a means of a Mitigation Measure.

In light of its recent debut, the program has received some negative responses regarding its methods and processes.

Patrick Lafferty, assistant professor of interactive media, believes that although the program is “low enforcement”, it is arbitrary and is not set up to be transparent.

It is dangerous to allow private corporations to police what he called “the most important communication tool.”

Lafferty said it is all about how systems have not yet caught up to the modern world.

“We don’t have the same protections on opening an email as we do opening a snail mail,” Lafferty said. “I can mail you a letter and it’s illegal for anyone else to open that, but everyone can open my email to you.”

The way people go about purchasing and discovering their music has changed too, according to Lafferty. Thanks to the Internet, fans can buy directly from artists, allowing the band to be fully supported monetarily.

“Piracy is an industry problem,” Lafferty said. “We as fans want to support the artist; I really don’t

care about supporting the guy in a suit, who’s making millions of dollars off that artist.”

Kevin Tehan, student, said he stays away from pirating because it runs the risk of ruining a computer. Additionally, Tehan said it comes down to an artist’s rights.

“There are some people who it might not hurt, but there’s definitely principle behind it,” Tehan said.

Since these files are available to anybody with an Internet connection and a computer, Tehan believes that people pirate because it is easier than paying for it.

“It’s a shortcut,” Tehan said. “It’s always out there.”

Piracy is a worldwide issue, Lafferty said. If there is a movie or music available in another part of the world, some people turn to the Internet and file sharing to obtain it if it’s unavailable in their country.

“Personally, I think that information wants to be free and I think that we are seeing a transi-

tional time,” Lafferty said. “It really started with the birth of the Internet but it’s coming to focus since Napster.”

Free music doesn’t always mean piracy is involved. Brian Padavic, adjunct assistant professor, music, said the freedom of distributing one’s music depends on whether the artist is with a record company or is independent. Padavic, who teaches songwriting and digital audio classes, said artists who do not have a contract are less restricted than those who do.

“I think it comes down to an individual’s choice, how do you want your music to be heard and how do you want to make a living off of it, some people, some artists only do their art,” Padavic said.

“Whereas if you have a full time job or maybe you’re a part time or full time instructor, you’re making a decent income and you might not be as restrictive on who owns your music.”

However, although giving away your music for free can give you

good publicity, Padavic said. You have to step back and see what you are really gaining.

“At some point you’ve got to ask yourself, when am I losing financially and what am I gaining globally,” Padavic said. “At what point is it a risk that you’re giving away your music for free or that people are just burning CDs and [handing them out].”

Padavic said he believes it is up to the artists to decide for themselves what the best way is to distribute their music or movies.

“I think we live in a very special time and I think those who adapt to the times are those that are going to be more successful,” Padavic said. “Only time will tell where this technological age is going to take us. But I think it’s a beautiful thing and I’m embracing it and I think a lot of other artists are too.”

Contact Stephen Cook, editor-in-chief, at scook35@jccc.edu.

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MARCH 14, 2013 VOL 35

ISSUE 12

CALENDAR ARLO GUTHRIE

7 p.m. Sunday, March 24 in Yardley Hall Arlo, son of legendary singer/songwriter Woody Guthrie, will perform many of his father’s classic hits in honor of Woody Guthrie’s 100th birthday.

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2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30 in “A MEMORY, A MONOLOGUE, A RANT, Polsky Theatre AND A PRAYER”­

A collection of students and professors from the college will gather for a reading of works

by Maya Angelou, Robin Morgan, Howard Zinn, and others. These performances will be raising awareness and funds to stop violence against women and girls.

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This event, rescheduled due to recent snowstorms, will feature David Lacks, son of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were used in research without her knowledge. The talk will cover topics like bioethics and experimentations on African-Americans.

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11 a.m. Thursday, March 28, in Polsky Theater

“THE FISHERMAN AND THE GOLDFISH”

The college’s theatre department will be performing this Russian tale by Alexander Pushkin. When a fisherman catches a fish, he is promised anything he wishes for if he March 15-17 will return the fish to the sea. Although he Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. does not wish for anything, his wife does.

Saturday noon and The story teaches a humorous lesson about 3 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. and greed and wishes.

4 p.m. in Bodker Black Cost: free Box Theatre

Compiled by Gabrielle Fitzgerald, gfitzge1@jccc.edu

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FEATURES 7

REVIEW

BAR TREK: THE UNDISCOVERED TAVERN A visit to Buzzard Beach and Harry’s Bar and Tables

By Jon Parton It’s odd to find a dive just a block away from a martini bar unless you’re in Westport. Rather than surround ourselves with high-priced fruity drinks to begin with, my two companions and I set out to visit Buzzard Beach first.

Upon first glance, I had a hard time finding an employee or customer not wearing leather or sporting multiple tattoos.

The best dive bars don’t offer anything except a darkly lit place to sit and drink for cheap. In that, Buzzard Beach notably succeeds. If you drop something, cut your losses and leave it because the floors weren’t that clean.

The men’s restroom was small,

cramped and uncomfortable for everyone that had to use it. It was the dirty, broken-down atmosphere that really led to my enjoyment of the bar.

There was no cover charge to get in and the drinks were really cheap, a rare occurrence in a lot of Westport bars.

The wait staff was friendly and quick to get you another round. No one said a word to us as we played cards at our table. It’s the kind of spot that lets you come as you are and enjoy some cheap drinks.

After playing a few hands, we left for our next destination, wherever that may have been. We wound up inside a smoke shop since one of my fellow trekkers wanted to pick up a few fancy cigars. I’m not much of a smoker, but I am a freeloader when someone else wants to buy.

With our cigars in tow, we made our way over to Harry’s, a really crowded

martini bar. Rather than try to navigate through the massive amounts of people, we stepped outside onto their patio.

Freezing ourselves out in the winter wind, we did our best to enjoy the recently acquired cigars. Our friendly waitress braved the cold to deliver our martinis to us, while we did our best to light the cigars in the midst of a Kansas City winter night.

The prices were more expensive, running anywhere from eight to ten dollars for a martini. I gladly paid the price in order to use a clean restroom that didn’t feature walls filled with graffiti.

After finishing a couple of cheap ciders at a juke joint just an hour before, sipping on martinis while smoking cigars seemed like the most contrasting part of our adventure.

We were joined by another lost

soul, a woman who was waiting for her husband and friends to finish watching some game on TV. I truly felt content as everyone talked about the things you only talk about over drinks.

Harry’s is a decent place. There’s no cover charge. Most of the lower level is taken up by the bar, though there are a few tables and plenty of seating on the patios. Although they also serve food, we didn’t have a chance to sample their offerings.

I recommend Harry’s, especially if you’re a people watcher. Their patio gives you a great view of the hustle and bustle of Westport. If you like your drinks a little cheaper and don’t mind going to a dive bar, Buzzard Beach isn’t that bad either.

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

REVIEW

THE GREAT AND POWERFUL OZ Revisiting an old classic?

By Joe Hofbauer “The Great and Powerful Oz” fits well with the notion of a 1905 crusty Kansas backdrop.

Oz seems to fall short of any deep intricate plots to feed a curious mind.

Anyone with an inkling of intuition can see where this story leads. If you have children or the mental capacity of a 13 year old, then I suggest seeing this film. It has enough CGI to sparkle and dazzle any young mind, yet lacks the serious plot depth to keep any adult occupied.

The film starts off in the traditional fashion; a quick black and white introduction to the protagonist. James Franco plays a good-natured con man who tries to charm his way into the hearts of many Hollywood Vixens.

However, his antics soon catch up with him, casting him on his adventure.

When the dust settles, you are left in the vibrant land of Oz. Much like Speed Racer, the producers are eager to get your head spinning with all those unnecessary CGI graphics to capture the attention of any poor soul in the theater.

Action is slow and the plot is spoonfed to you. I found myself wishing they would explain more of the backstory, such

as where the Ruby Red Shoes came from or information on the sisters and their relationship. Character transformations happen too quickly with no real room for building emotional substance to create such actions.

Where were the Tinkers and normal citizens of Oz in the original film? This prequel does a fine job of setting up how Oz got to his position, but offered no helping hands as to a rich history of the supporting cast. However, this movie isn’t all bad. The Munchkins made a small appearance and you knew as soon as they introduced them they were going to burst out in a chipper song and dance.

Men dragged to this film against their will should take comfort in knowing there will be some nice shots of the always delectable Mila Kunis in tight leather pants, despite the fact that she looks as if she stepped off the set of “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego.” Yet every time I heard her voice, I heard myself saying, “Shut up Meg!” I highly recommend you wait to rent this movie. If you decide to waste the money and see it in theaters, make sure you bring your two best companions to help you conquer this pitiful attempt at entertainment; Jack & Coke.

Contact Joseph Hofbauer, Reporting Correspondent at jhofbauer@jccc.edu

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MARCH 14, 2013 VOL 35

ISSUE 12

HISTORY OF ST. PATRICK’S DAY MARCH 17, 461 Patrick dies

1762­­ — Irish soldiers in the British army march in New York City 1962 — Chicago begins dyeing the Chicago River green

AROUND 1800­— Irish immigrants begin using bagpipes and drums in their celebrations

9-10TH CENTURIES­­— Roman Catholics begin 1848 ­— Irish Aid societies come together and host to hold a Feast Day on March 17. the first large-scale parade AT AGE 16 Patrick is kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave LATER He escapes but returns to preach Catholicism to the Irish LATE 1800S — Irish parades 390 AD become a show of the Patrick is born in Roman Briton numerical strength of the Irish immigrants

1948 — Harry Truman attends NYC Irish parade, signifying the acceptance of the Irish minority

1970S Ireland allows pubs to be open for St. Patrick’s Day, making it less of a religious holiday

1995— Ireland begins a national campaign to use the holiday to grow tourism

Information courtesy of history.com Compiled by Gabrielle Fitzgerald, gfitzge1@jccc.edu

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Plaguestate: Are you in clean hands?

By David Hurtado

Keep up with the Campus Ledger online JAN. 31, 2013 VOL. 35

Our hands are vital when it comes to the everyday hustle and bustle; without them, we couldn’t prepare food, grip tools or greet friends.

However, these same hands that allow us to construct skyscrapers or paint a canvas of stars also serve as a breeding ground for bacteria. From shaking someone’s hand to using that dingy gas station bathroom, our hands are constantly under assault from unseen microbes.

Karen LaMartina, nursing director, said having good personal hygiene is where healthy practices begin. She said it’s vital to wash our hands thoroughly to limit exposure to harmful pathogens.

“Certainly our hands are one of the big ways we tend to get sick,” LaMartina said.

“Through shaking hands, it’s a point of entry. If you touch any of the mucus membranes on your eyes, mouth or nose, that’s how those viruses and microorganisms get into our system.

I think our hands are vulnerable, that’s why we stress good hand washing.”

According to the CDC, hand washing can reduce the risk for respiratory disease by 16 percent. The CDC also estimates washing hands thoroughly with soap and water can reduce diarrheal disease related deaths by up to 50 percent.

The introduction of hand sanitizer in 1988 provided an alternative means of cleansing the hands of germs, but it wasn’t until the late 1990s it gained popularity. LaMartina said she felt hand sanitizers could sometimes be overused.

“There really isn’t a substitute for good, vigorous hand washing with soap and warm water,” LaMartina said. “If you don’t have access to soap and water then sure, hand sanitizers are fine, but I don’t consider them to be a substitute. If they’re overused, they can cause you to build up some resistance to the normal flora of bacteria that reside on our skin. If you knock all that out, that can actually knock out some of that defense system of our immune system.”

Diseases that can be contracted due to inadequate personal hygiene include Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Gastroenteritis.

Hassaan Shaikh, student, said a time he’s had to deal with someone else having poor personal hygiene was during a meeting at Chipotle. An acquaintance Shaikh was seated near neglected to wash his hands.

“He had dirty hands and he didn’t wash them and he started eating with those,” Shaikh said. “I really didn’t like it and I told him to go ahead and wash his hands because we were sharing a table and I didn’t like it.”

In addition to personal hygiene, oral hygiene is essential for maintaining a healthy body.

Like our hands, our teeth are responsible for many different tasks. Breaking down food or forming words to converse with others would be challenging with just two toothless gums.

Margaret LoGiudice, dental hygiene director, said brushing your teeth should be done after every meal, up and down in small circles. LoGiudice said brushing horizontally should be avoided because it can lead to abrasions along the gum line. She also said mouthwash is no substitute for a full two minutes of brushing with toothpaste.

“Mouthwash can do some things, but the important thing about plaque is that you remove it, physically from your teeth,” LoGiudice said. “That’s where the brushing comes in.

Mouthwash can boost that if you have some problem areas and can decrease the bacteria in the mouth. It doesn’t take the place of brushing.”

LoGiudice also said sharing a toothbrush with other people should be avoided. If the brush is still wet, bacteria are still alive and growing and can cause an array of health problems. This is caused by residue food particles that are naked to the human eye after brushing.

Common symptoms of poor oral hygiene include tartar, cavities and gingivitis. Red, bleeding or puffy gums are all signs of inflammation. LoGiudice said you can’t always tell if infection is present just by feel alone.

“That’s one of the biggest problems, because gum disease doesn’t always hurt,” LoGiudice said. “It might be a little sensitive to hot or cold, but it’s not a thing that you’re aware of all the time. Your gums will probably bleed.”

LaMartina said the best way to ensure a healthy body and good personal hygiene is eating a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables.

“The better nourished you are, the better your diet exercise and rest are; all of those good healthy lifestyles are going to help boost the immune system,” LaMartina said. “It kind of works together with good hygiene, really; it’s all one big package.”

Contact David Hurtado, staff reporter, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

FEATURES 9

ISS. 09

CAMPUSLEDGER

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OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN PUBLICATION OF JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, OVERLAND PARK, KS

A RESURGENCE

OF RECORDS VINYL RECORDS SPINNING BACK INTO POPULARITY

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SEARCH CONTINUES FOR THE COLLEGE’S NEW PRESIDENT

THE PASSING OF TWO INFLUENTIAL MEN

ABCA HALL OF FAME WELCOMES JCCC COACH

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www.CampusLedger.com facebook.com/CampusLedger @CampusLedger

10 IN FOCUS

MARCH 14, 2013 VOL 35

A marked rise in the popularity of electronic dance music in the United States has generated

A NEW WAVE OF

By Jon Parton

Photo by Daniel De Zamacona

Raves used to be hosted at house parties and abandoned warehouses. Since then, Grammy award winning electronic artist Skrillex and other popular artists like Deadmaus have helped move raves from basements to concert halls.

This past January Global Dance Midwest with support from u:move and local production company Underground Frequencies put on a one night festival style show in

RAVE

Kansas City, Frost, with headliners Zeds Dead, Figure and Krewella, which produced a sold out Midland theatre for the first time in Global Dance’s history of shows in Kansas City. Global Dance Midwest throws a yearly festival in the summer, Global Dance Festival, at the Midland in Kansas City and at Red Rocks in Colorado as well as many shows like Frost throughout the year in Colorado and Kansas City. This summer’s

Photo and cover photo by Esaul Flores

ISSUE 12

festival is scheduled for July 19-21 at Red Rocks and one night, July 19, at the Midland.

Local production companies in the Kansas City area have popped up in recent years due to the resurgence of the electronic music scene.

Chris Hughes, who started HyTekk Productions with Mike Jones, said they hold shows in both the Kansas City and Lawrence areas and have thrown nearly 75 events

since the start of the company.

Hughes and Jones created the company three years ago as a result of their enthusiasm for the music. Jones now works with Underground Frequencies.

The Etc! Etc! show was produced by the local Hy-Tekk Productions.

This event featured headlining DJ Etc! Etc! with an all local lineup opening the show including B-Stee & Archi, Brent Tactic, Sick Nifty, Panduh, Puddlez, Andrew

Sinclair, Westendgrl and Leo Night Us as well as Macrobiotics from Witchita.

“Honestly, I just love the music,” Hughes said. “The people that go to the shows are great. They accept everybody. It’s the music, dancing, and the art.”

Photo by Daniel De Zamacona

Photo by Daniel De Zamacona

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu

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IN FOCUS 11

SARA ‘MISSCONCEPTION’ GLASS Local performance artist involved in Kansas City music and dance scene COULD YOU TELL ME ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

Photo by Esaul Flores

HOW TO

DANCE SAFELY Photo by Daniel De Zamacona

Raves, like any other parties, have associated risks. Here are some tips to stay safe:

Always stay with a group of friends and make sure someone knows where you are at all times.

Plan to have a safe ride home from someone you know will be sober and trustworthy.

Don’t accept rides from new acquaintances.

Avoid drugs. This includes legal and illegal drugs; what someone may tell you is a Tylenol pill may be something different.

Never accept a drink from a stranger.

Photo by Daniel De Zamacona

If you are dancing for long periods of time, drink water to stay hydrated. If you feel too hot, step away from the crowd for a while and cool off to avoid heat stroke.

FOR VIDEO FROM THE ETC!ETC! SHOW, SCAN THIS QR CODE

Never leave a drink unattended and keep personal items with you at all times.

Follow your instincts. If you have a gut feeling that you should leave a situation, you probably should. Don’t do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Information courtesy WebMD and DanceSafe, a nonprofit harm reduction organization promoting health and safety within the rave and nightclub community

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, special to The Ledger

I am a performance artist of many calibers. An emcee first, I write conscious raps and poetry that accompany live music and DJ performances. My live band project Saraswati combines jam, funk, jazz, and rock n roll all with the option of performance artist accompaniment to create a production. Speaking of producing, I orchestrate several events under the name MissConception (my artist name), such as the monthly Art of Tease, which focuses on Photo courtesy of Vibetribe KC. the meaning of what it means to tease people, be it with poetry, food, dance or music. My sole goal is bringing together people of different faiths and walks of life, so that we might better seek understanding from each other and where we come from. A cultural seamstress, there is no greater feeling than all the people you love in one room having fun.

The VibeTribe KC is my most recent project, as we just incorporated and became a not-for-profit. Our studio space on 5504 Troost is a breeding ground for costume and set design, prop creation and manipulation and all around creative energy. We specialize in interactive entertainment, from fire spinning to clowning and aerial arts; a hula hoop can go a long way. As the director of the Vibe Tribe, I contract performers and the group out for different events, such as music festivals, university events, corporate functions and party-starting at just about any event. Birthday parties are always fun, and we have many themes from which we work around (ie: clowning, gypsies, stilt walkers, black tie and more). Our ultimate mission is to not only entertain, but to educate and inspire children and adults to learn their own craft and cultivate creative energy in their life. We aim to create sacred space around music and art and community.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR MUSIC AND YOUR LYRICS?

Matters of political nature and social justice are what my lyrics focus on. There is no time to waste, many problems to be solved and challenges to be called attention to. From planting a seed and letting it grow, to epiphanies of a more ecological nature, we all have much to teach each other. I just so happen to teach in rhyme. My favorite is conglomeration creation, an example being the Beatles project I just finished. I took all the Beatles song titles and strung them together into a story of love. I can’t wait until the recording comes out!

HOW DID VIBETRIBE START?

We got our first official gig at Kanrocksas 2011. We actually were a conglomeration of several performance troupes in KC and Lawrence at the time, and when MissConception got the call to bring 40+ artists to one of the biggest festivals in the Midwest, the VibeTribe was formed. “One tribe, one vibe” is a tag line that has been thrown around for years, and it just seemed appropriate that as vibration raisers, we vibe it out. The Vibe Tribe is an open sources corporation, and we welcome any and all who wish to represent us respectfully. There is a role for everyone in a community.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO PERFORMING AND DANCING?

I have always been a dancer and gymnast since a child. Drill team in high school fed my thirst for the stage, writing poetry kept me on stage in college during open mics, and slow open jam nights at the bar I worked at in Lawrence forced me to get over my stage fright.

Moving back to Kansas City in 2008 turned me onto SLAM poetry and Hip Hop even more.

I’m now working on my third album concept and am open to any and all collaborations.

Thank goodness for all of the local support and appreciation, I couldn’t keep going without knowing that my work is important.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING ON STAGE?

The feedback and energy opens up and you can feel space is on one wavelength, possible. Communal thought

rush. It’s the greatest natural spirit enter the room. When the electricity feels like magic opens up a whole new realm

high. A channel everyone in one and anything is of consciousness.

Compiled by Stephen Cook, scook35@jccc.edu

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MARCH 14, 2013 VOL 35

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14 Bilgewater 15 Profess 16 Popular kind of 31- and 37-Across 18 Das ___ Testament 19 Christmas in Italia 20 Excavation locale of an ancient Egyptian capital 22 French composer Saint-Saëns 23 “Look at the facts!”

24 First of its kind?

25 “Marvy!”

26 Droughty 30 Real stunner?

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Stephen Cook Editor-in-chief scook35@jccc.edu 913-469-8500 ext. 4297

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PRODUCTION Gabrielle Fitzgerald Advertising manager gfitzge1@jccc.edu 913-469-8500 ext. 3193 Tabitha Feaker Marketing manager tfeaker@jccc.edu

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STAFF

OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN PUBLICATION OF JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, OVERLAND PARK, KS

EDITORIAL BOARD

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AnswEr To PrEVIoUs PUZZLE E V A C H E X A S A L V L E E A B S M T O T I S T A R H Y A T C H P A L I S T E R A L B S T A R T S W A Y

CAMPUSLEDGER

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edited by Will Shortz

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Number of 31and 37-Across in a 55-Across Wholehearted One of the Muses South Korean model Arm raiser ___ for life Brunch item Tenor Beniamino ___ S.A.S.E.’s, e.g.

Stop: Abbr.

Partner to do-sido with Wii forerunner

For answers, call 1-900-289-CLUE (289-2583), $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5550.

Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 5,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.

Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

YOUR AD HERE CONTACT THE CAMPUS LEDGER ADVERTISING MANAGER @ GFITZGE1@JCCC.EDU 913-469-8500 EXT. 3193

Aaron Fitzgerald Circulation manager afitzg10@jccc.edu

Hannah Davis News editor hdavis18@jccc.edu

Daniel De Zamacona Photo editor ddezamac@jccc.edu

Gabrielle Fitzgerald Features editor gfitzge1@jccc.edu

Ashley Lane Production designer alane15@jccc.edu

Mac Moore Sports editor mmoore82@jccc.edu Shawn Gelushia Circulation assistant sgelushi@jccc.edu

Edem Elessesso Web manager eelesses@jccc.edu

Erica Aldridge Design assistant ealdridg@jccc.edu

Sara Scherba Illustrator correspondent sscherba@jccc.edu

Kelly Daniels Design assistant kdanie19@jccc.edu

REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS David Hurtado Staff reporter dhurtado@jccc.edu Sara Maleki Reporting correspondent smaleki@jccc.edu

ADVISER

Malakki Matters Reporting correspondent pmatters@jccc.edu Joe Hofbauer Reporting correspondent jhofbaue@jccc.edu

Andrew Shepherd Staff photographer ashephe5@jccc.edu Esaul Flores Staff photographer eflores3@jccc.edu Mackenzie Gripe Photo correspondent mgripe1@jccc.edu

Corbin Crable Faculty adviser ccrable@jccc.edu Copyright © 2013 The Campus Ledger and/or its freelance contributors. All rights reserved. Content appearing in The Ledger’s print or electronic media may not be reproduced, published, broadcasted or redistributed without The Ledger’s prior written permission.

The Ledger publishes biweekly during the fall and spring semesters. Issues are free and available campus-wide. Additional copies, including back issues, can be obtained from the Student News Center (COM 260) while supplies last. Online-exclusive content is published at http://www.campusledger.com.

The Campus Ledger welcomes all readers to submit letters to the editor, which can be sent via email to Mackenzie Clark, editor-in-chief, at mclark68@jccc.edu. Letters for print publication may not exceed 250 words. Guest columns for print publication may not exceed 450 words. Letters are selected for print publication at the discretion of the editorial board.

The Ledger reserves the right to request revisions or clarifications. Contributors may not submit more than two letters or one guest column per academic semester and must include the writer’s name, title and contact information with each submission. Valid photo ID must be presented upon request in COM 260. No libelous content will be accepted, and letters are not edited for length or grammar.

The Ledger accepts advertisements suitable for its student body. Contact Gabrielle Fitzgerald, advertising manager, at gfitzge1@jccc.edu.

The Campus Ledger is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Advisers, the Kansas Press Association and the Kansas Associated Collegiate Press. The Ledger endorses the Associated Press Stylebook.

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MAKING HEADLINES The college’s Fashion Merchandising and Design program hosted their annual Fashion Show on March 1 in the Polsky Theatre.

Photos by Daniel De Zamacona and Kelly Daniels

FEATURES 13

14 LETTER TO THE EDITOR

MARCH 14, 2013 VOL 35

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

ISSUE 12

Hannah [Davis], I found your op-ed piece ignorant and intellectually dishonest. You say that ignorance fuels oppression, and yet your entire piece is intolerant, closed-minded, and dogmatic. The long and the short of your argument is that everyone who is against abortion and same-sex “marriage” is a stupid, brainwashed bigot and chauvinist, and those of the opposite school of thought are freethinkers. Do you not see the irony of that? How dare I question your secular liberal doctrines! It’s a childish ad hominem that does nothing but shut down discussion.

To lump everyone who is against abortion in the same category as Todd Akin is intellectual dishonesty at its finest. I am pro-life, and I know Akin made a stupid comment. He admitted he was wrong, that he misspoke, and he apologized, so you can drop it. Instead, check out the March for Life (full of women our age), or Abby Johnson (a former Planned Parenthood director), or the late Dr. Bernard Nathanson, former chairman of NARAL, both of whom became pro-life advocates. You will see the real face of the pro-life movement, not the straw-men Planned Parenthood and the media have been attacking since the 70’s.

As for LGBT activists, they just want to reduce everybody to their sexual orientation, ignoring all other aspects of the human person. Their in-your-face obnoxiousness is on par with the Westboro Baptist Church. And saying I can marry another dude is like saying I can make 2 plus 2 equal 5.

This is dangerous thinking when we say, “don’t like this, don’t do it”. It is a sign that we are moving towards a dictatorship of moral relativism. Ironically, this worldview claims nothing is absolute, but such a claim is a claim to an absolute truth. We need not worry about being oppressed by Big Brother. We need to worry about being oppressed by the ego, from becoming Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. True freedom is doing whatever we want, but in freely choosing what is right.

God bless, Jack Van Kirk JCCC student

YOUR Make a difference.

Help people. http://beadoctor.cleveland.edu

AD HERE CONTACT GABRIELLE FITZGERALD AT GFITZGE1@JCCC.EDU 913-469-8500 EXT. 3193

1-800-467-CCKC

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OPINON OPINION

15

STAFF EDITORIAL

Celebrate Sunshine Week by practicing freedom of speech This week is Sunshine Week.

This week we, at the Campus Ledger, along with JCAV Video Productions and ECAV Radio, have celebrated freedom of information and open government. We’ve participated in First Amendment quizzes, a panel discussion, and freedom of speech banners. Today, a screening and discussion of “Erin Brockovich” will take place in the Craig Community Auditorium at 12:30 p.m., and tomorrow we invite you to exercise your right to petition in the COM plaza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On Monday, one of our staff members overheard two students discussing their plans to intentionally

avoid “the sunshine table,” where journalism students encouraged passersby to exercise their freedom of speech by writing whatever they wanted on blank banners.

We all enjoyed this mini anecdote because it symbolized exactly what we, as journalists, fiercely defend: our freedom to say, or not to say, whatever it is we like.

These students, while avoiding a deliberate exercise of their freedom of speech, exercised their freedom of speech.

We do not wrong them for avoiding “the sunshine table.”

All of us have passed by table displays because we’re going to class, or on our way to lunch, or

we simply don’t want our day to be interrupted by anything other than text messages and Twitter.

In this information age, where innumerable amounts of texts and information are available by the click of a mouse or a slide of a finger, we must not forget the significance our first amendment rights have.

Every Facebook post, every tweet, every text, every profanity or bible verse written on those banners at our table display, is an exercise of our freedom to express ourselves.

In October 2011, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) was introduced to congress which could have censored the internet. It was so strongly

COLUMN

An apology for my profanity

R

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By Jon Parton The Campus Ledger printed a bar review in Issue 11 written by me. The article contained two words that are deemed vulgar by most publications, including ours. I would like to apologize for their inclusion in my review.

The words printed were the words I wrote. Neither the adviser to the paper nor any other

members of the editorial staff were responsible for my decision.

I make no excuses for my language. Profanity is vulgar, sometimes funny, but more importantly, can be offensive.

The Campus Ledger holds itself up to the standards of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the Kansas Press Association.

Under the SPJ’s Code of Ethics, journalists are required to minimize harm. Part of that includes showing good taste. I did not show good taste by my inclusion of profanity in the review. By using vulgar language in my article, I neglected the code I believe in.

I have damaged the public trust not only in myself, but in The Campus Ledger as well. My apology extends not only to our readers, but to my fellow staff members who work hard to make the newspaper the best it can be.

In my arrogance, I reached out to one part of our readership while shutting out another.

As a journalist, it’s my responsibility to reach as many people as possible. I can’t do that by pushing people away with my use of language.

Above all else, my greatest goal as a journalist is to help create an informed society. I do that by reporting on our world in a clear and objective manner that invites everyone to read and discern the truth.

Although vulgarity may appeal to some, I want to reach everyone. I apologize for the profanity that appeared in my review.

The Campus Ledger is your newspaper, not mine. I never wanted to leave out any part of our readership and I sincerely hope I haven’t.

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

opposed, that on Jan. 18, 2012, sites such as Google, Wikipedia, Reddit and many others participated in the largest internet protest in history.

The internet is our next battleground. As bills such as SOPA arise in legislature, we must be vigilant in defending our ability to speak out and express ourselves, uncensored, online.

We, at the Campus Ledger, urge everyone to protect their freedom of speech. Pass by “the sunshine table” if you must, but never surrender your rights.

Oppressors will always try to censor us. In a time when we are bombarded with more information than we can soak

in, we must keep a watchful eye on those who intend to control and manipulate our freedom of information.

Entities will claim to promote security or protect business. They won’t tell you what you risk losing. We at the Ledger hope our readers will inform themselves not by listening to commercials, but by reading, watching and listening to the news.

The best defense against the loss of our freedom of speech is information. An informed society is one that holds accountable those who would try to take our freedom away.

COLUMN

Looking ahead

By Stephen Cook As the new editor-in-chief of the Campus Ledger, I would like to say that I feel extremely blessed to have this opportunity to lead this publication and

serve you, our reader. In my time at the Ledger, I have become friends with a great group of very talented people that make this publication run smoothly.

One of my goals is to get our readers even more involved. We want you to be a part of this publication just as much as you are a part of this college.

Looking ahead, I can guarantee you that I will do everything in my power to make sure the Campus Ledger continues to be a publication of excellence and interest.

Thank you for reading and I hope you’ll enjoy what we have in store!

Contact Stephen Cook, editorin-chief, at scook35@jccc.edu.

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16

OPINION

MARCH 14, 2013 VOL 35

ISSUE 12

Point / Counterpoint: Should we still use the penny?

Keeping the penny Not so pretty for makes cents the penny

By David Hurtado

I doth protest the notion pennies have no place in high society. Yes, our economy is more pathetic than a Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium, but striking the penny from circulation won’t suddenly make everything all fine and dandy.

If we stop minting the penny, prices will inflate further, causing merchants to round prices up to the nickel. Consequently, the US Mint would need to add more nickels into circulation to make up for that loss.

According to Business Insider, it costs 11.2 cents to produce a nickel, as opposed to 2.4 cents for a penny.

The rounding up of prices to the nickel will offset any savings we might gain from ending the penny. In 1990, Professor Raymond Lombra, Pennsylvania State University, testified before Congress that this “rounding tax” could cost the taxpayer $600 million annually.

Yes, that is quite the pretty penny.

Economic implications aside though, pennies are more than a means for advertisers to sell merchandise at the low, low price of $19.99. There are thousands of small charities dotting the American landscape that depend on penny drives to bring in donations.

A 2006 Coinstar poll found that 33 percent of American men and 22 percent of American women do not value spare change.

Parting with a few pennies here and there for a worthy cause wouldn’t likely faze the minds of most Americans, but surrendering nickels is a whole other story.

If the nickel becomes the smallest denomination, Americans could come to value change more. If that’s the case, people are going to be more hesitant to part with spare change, even for charitable causes.

Charitable organizations like UNICEF and the Salvation Army, which depend on people donating their loose change, would struggle in providing relief to the needy.

Going back to my first argument, the penny is not the root cause; the economy’s gone to hell in a hand basket. President Lincoln first appeared on the penny in 1909 and is the longest reigning historical figure on a U.S. coin. So why are Americans all of a sudden calling to cast out our copper-plated friend?

Our economy has never been in a more pitiful state since the darkest years of the Great Depression, but never before has the federal government been responsible for such out of control spending. According to The Heritage Foundation, spending for fiscal year 2012 reached $3.6 trillion, or 22.9 percent of the entire U.S. economy.

Federal entitlements are the driving force behind this growth. Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security soak up about 44 percent of the budget, not to mention all the money that’s been thrown at the Middle East and the so called “War on Drugs.” If you’re in a tight spot financially, the logical thing to do would be tightening the belt. So why hasn’t the federal government done so?

Instead, they choose to pick on a poor defenseless coin that did nothing to anybody.

And, it’s just so shiny. How can you despise a coin with such a shiny copper coat? The way it glistens beneath the radiance of the sun, providing illumination in a mad world.

The penny plays an important role in these United States, and should continue to be minted. You can’t resist the shiny.

Contact David Hurtado, staff reporter, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

By Mac Moore Guess why pennies suck? In 2006, the value of copper in older pennies rose above the value of the penny itself. People melted them to sell the raw copper for profit. The natural mechanics of the free market would have made these obsolete pieces of currency disappear. Instead the Government made melting them illegal. Now they make four million of them a year at a cost of about two cents per each one cent penny, according to Business Insider. Brilliant!

Yes, economists in the early 90s feared unnecessary inflation if the penny was cut from circulation. Too bad for them, countries like Australia and New Zealand have already removed their one cent coins without seeing inflation to prices.

Let’s think, what is next in the defense of the penny? Oh yeah, without the old worthless penny, what would happen to Salvation Army and other charities around the holiday season? Would people be less willing to drop five cents as opposed to that little old penny?

The aforementioned countries that dropped their one cent pieces, as well as a handful of others, saw no decline in charity donations. All of the scare tactics for keeping the penny are theoretical myths that have already been debunked. The truth is pennies are just a hassle. We are more likely to keep pennies in jars, or suck them up with the vacuum cleaners. The only reason they still exist is that we Americans are creatures of habit.

One of the strongest arguments for the penny is that making the nickel the smallest coin would just be trading one overpriced chunk of metal for another. The nickel also

rings in at double the worth, costing 11.2 cents. So it is possible that the smallest coin will always be priced lower than its metal value?

Instead a light shines down from a House Subcommittee held last November.

Focusing on the penny dilemma, the group presented research and development projects that have already been put in place to create a cheaper metal that could be used to lower the prices for creating coins. An improved process would help the nickel stop being a worthless chunk of metal. The penny is not so lucky. Acting Director of the United States Mint, Richard A. Peterson, was quoted as saying “if the metal for the penny were free, it would still exceed one cent.”

The answer is obvious: Bye, bye penny.

Contact Mac Moore, sports editor, at mmoore82@jccc.edu.

Photo courtesy pennieperpound.org

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Two Degree Programs to Empower You n Bachelor’s in Business

Many Johnson County Community College students have taken the next step by transitioning to ESU-Kansas City’s business program. ESU’s School of Business programs are conveniently offered in a selection of evening and online courses perfect for working adults and students with family responsibilities.

For more information, contact Nina Finzelberg at 913.338.4378, email her at nfinzelb@emporia.edu, or meet with her at JCCC Monday mornings in Counseling and Advising Services.

n Bachelor’s in Education

ESU is partnering with Johnson County Community College to offer a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. This program allows you to take ESU classes onsite at JCCC and online to complete your elementary education degree without ever leaving the KC area.

For more information, call Karen Bevis at 913.469.8500 ext. 3676, email her at kbevis@ emporia.edu, or see her at the JCCC Office & Classroom Building (OCB), 261B.

Emporia State University – Kansas City

8400 W. 110th St., Suite 150, Overland Park, KS n 913-338-4378 n www.emporia.edu/kc

OPINON 17

18

SPORTS

MARCH 14, 2013 VOL 35

ISSUE 12

SPORTS COLUMN

In defense of the offensive Comedians crumble under the pressure of an offended social media

By Mac Moore

I will let you know in advance that this column is not going to be about sports. I will not apologize.

The Oscars have become one of the many mainstream events that dominate the twitterverse for the few hours that they are on. Everybody tries to be cheeky and funny. The Onion, a satirical news site, was an obvious participant in this focused joke slinging. The Onion delivered joke after joke at the expense of the seemingly arrogant members of the

Hollywood “in-crowd.” We are all fine with that, few of us sympathize with them, so it’s no holds barred, anything goes; But not quite anything.

The Onion posted this tweet, “Everyone else seems afraid to say it, but Quvenzhané Wallis is kind of a c—, right? #Oscars2013.”

Within minutes, backlash had set in. Tweets aimed at the satirical account expressed their outrage at such crass humor aimed at a nominee that is only nine years old. The tweet was deleted and company CEO Steve Hannah apologized to Wallis the next day.

I was offended; no, not by the joke but rather by the apology, the retraction.

The Onion has made a name for itself by making satirical statements. In most circumstances, we find it amusing. We have allowed the Onion and most comics

to get away with seemingly offensive jokes under the protection of the comedy brand. It’s not until the perfect storm of all the wrong listeners hearing the joke at the same time. The retribution of an offended mob gets an apology quicker than anybody.

Those offended by the tweet said it was because of the target; children should be off limits. The problem is the Onion has made numerous jokes targeting children, both in a general focus and specific pop culture-relevant children. There have been no apologies for jokes about Honey Boo Boo, Suri Cruise or JonBenet Ramsey.

Also what are the other boundaries?

They have also made jokes about 9/11, numerous wars, minorities and every other aspect of society: The Christians and the Muslims, Republicans

and Democrats, strong and the weak. Much like South Park and Family Guy, the Onion has been allowed to make possibly offensive comments about everybody and everything. The reason is just that, they attacked everybody. If everybody is fair game, then there is no discrimination, no singling out, no bullying. The jokes are meant for humor and nobody is above being a target.

Now the Onion no longer has that defense. Everything that they now say can be scrutinized and held against them. An apology for this one joke and not the countless others accepts the burden that the joke did not meet their standard of satire.

Which means this post was not satire, and we can no longer just accept that all their jokes to this point have been satire. Maybe there was sincerity to some of the

jokes, making the Onion responsible for the opinion expressed in the jokes.

A similar situation happened to comedian Daniel Tosh. During a stand up show at the Comedy Club, Tosh made an offhanded remark about rape to one of the audience members that spoke during his set. Backlash set in and although Tosh claims he was misquoted, the comedian still apologized.

An apology in this situation is simply a PR move to save face and hopefully stop the onslaught of social media attacks. It’s hard to imagine either the Onion or Tosh are truly contrite and they shouldn’t be. Not unless they are also contrite about all of their material: past, present and future.

Contact Mac Moore, sports editor, at mmoore82@jccc. edu.

SPORTS CALENDAR BASEBALL

SOFTBALL

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS

1 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 v. Iowa Central

1 p.m. Friday, March 15 v.

Dodge City CC (doubleheader)

2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28 v. Missouri Valley College

4 p.m. Friday, March 22 v.

Kansas City Kansas CC (doubleheader)

1 p.m. Saturday, March 16 v.

Pratt CC (doubleheader)

3 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 v.

William Jewell

1 p.m. Saturday, March 23 v. Kansas City Kansas CC (doubleheader)

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the CAMPUSLEDGER

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SPORTS 19

SPORTS BRIEFS BASEBALL The team’s first trip down to Louisiana netted the Cavaliers four losses to open the season. Since returning to home to their new field, the squad has won seven straight games including four shutouts.

Pitcher Matt Blackham recorded 13 straight no-hit innings during a two game stretch against Allen County.

SOFTBALL

Photo courtesy of Matt Blackham

Cavalier star watch No hitters make sophomore pitcher hit with baseball team

By Mac Moore

As of the writing of this story, sophomore pitcher Matt Blackham is holding 13 consecutive innings without giving up a hit. The Cavaliers have won 7 straight games, in no small part because of the strength of Blackham and the rest of the pitching rotation.

HOW DO YOU FEEL

ABOUT YOUR RECENT PERFORMANCE? I am very thankful of all the support I received from

my teammates, coaches, and family. I wouldn’t have been able to be where I am today without them. It wasn’t just my performance that I pitched as well as I did. It was a total team effort. I couldn’t have done it without them. I am glad to have shared such an accomplishment with my team I couldn’t have done it without them. I set very high goals for myself and it’s a pitcher’s dream to throw a no hitter and I’m very thrilled how well I’ve pitched.

HOW HAS THE TEAM PERFORMED AS FAR THIS SEASON? We started out slow but the more we have played with each other the closer we have become as a team.

We are currently on a seven game win streak and it seems like every game we learn something new to build upon to get better and play Johnson County baseball.

WHAT IS THE TEAM’S BIGGEST STRENGTH? WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST STRENGTH? Our biggest strength has to be our potential. We are playing good baseball right now but when we put

everything together there aren’t many teams that beat us. My biggest strength is I will do whatever it takes to win. I am very competitive.

I get to play the greatest sport in the world and there is no greater feeling than stepping up on that mound.

FAVORITE ARTIST Foo Fighters FAVORITE MOVIE For Love of the Game

Contact Mac Moore, sports editor, at mmoore82@jccc. edu.

The Lady Cavs have pushed forward to a strong 4-2 record to start the season.

In the last set of games, the team outscored Coffeyville by a combined 12 runs during their doubleheader.

The team hopes to continue their success during a three game trip to Florida over spring break.

TENNIS Both the Men’s and Women’s Tennis defeated Baker University 9-0 in a duel on March 8. While it was the first taste of action for the Men’s, the Women’s team also defeated Missouri Western State University 5-4 on March 5. The squad split three singles matches, but took two of three doubles matches.

Compiled by Mac Moore, mmoore82@jccc.edu

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