The Commuter: Nov. 18, 2020

T H E

L I N N - B E N T O N

C O M M U N I T Y

VOL. 52 EDITION 8

C O L L E G E

NOV. 18, 2020

Honoring Our Veterans See pages 3-5

Inside this Edition

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WELLNESS

SEE PAGE 2

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

SEE PAGE 6

PHOTO: HIKARI KAWAI

PORTAL REVIEW

SEE PAGE 8

2

COLUMN

NOVEMBER 18, 2020

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Wellness Wednesday Mind Over Matter. If You Don’t Mind, Does It Matter?

STORY BY

LISA HOOGESTEGER

The Commuter is the weekly student-run newspaper for LBCC, financed by student fees and advertising. Opinions expressed in The Commuter do not necessarily reflect those of the LBCC administration, faculty and students of LBCC. Editorials, columns, letters, and cartoons reflect the opinions of the authors.

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Mind over matter means the ability to overcome physical challenges through the use of determination and willpower. The phrase was first used in the 1860s, when Sir Charles Lyell wrote The Geological Evidence of the Antiquity of Man. Lyell was talking about the evolutionary growth of human and animal minds across history.

Mark Twain was quoted as saying: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind. It doesn’t matter”.

In today’s pandemic world, the idea of channeling your mind to meet new obstacles is just a daily occurrence.

I don’t want to minimize the hardship that many are facing and it is not a simple switch to f lick for your brain to overcome physical limitations. Yet, and, then maybe, sometimes - your brain can be an ally to figure out and push through obstacles.

Whether you think you can, or think you can’t. You’re right. Henry Ford

Genius (and attitude?) is 1%

inspiration and 99% perspiration, -Thomas Edison. You read about him in history class. Edison tested over 3000 theories for the electric light before he came up with one that worked. Rather than think of this as 3000 failures, we think about his discovery of electricity! Progress may look like a whole bunch of failures.

Do or do not. There is no “try”. - Yoda

Rule your mind or it will rule you. -Buddha

So my point is, think about what you think. Take a moment to consider how to channel your energy into the future you want.

“Whatever you hold in your mind will tend to occur in your life.

If you continue to believe as you have always believed, you will continue to act as you have always acted, you will continue to get what you always seem to get. If you want different results in your life or work then all you have to do is change your mind”

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

“You cannot control what happens to you. But you can always control your attitude towards what happens to you. And in that, you will be mastering change rather than

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NOVEMBER 18, 2020

Honoring Our Veterans STORY BY HIKARI KAWAI

allowing change to master you.”

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

Yep, it’s nearly Winter.

Embrace the rain! Take care Road Runners.

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This year in Albany Oregon for Veterans Day they hosted a parade. And not only that, they managed to do it in such a way that it kept everyone much safer from COVID-19 and still allowed an outward show of gratitude for the veterans that have fought hard for the United States of America.

In order for the community in Albany to make this happen, choose to essentially do a reverse Veterans Day parade. What this means is that instead of having a normal parade being on the side of the road while floats drive past, this year all of the floats were put on the side of the road along through YMCA and those who wanted to attend stayed in their cars and drove by all of the floats.

Mcall Washburn said a few days before the parade,

“We hope to have a GREAT turnout! We have a lot of Veterans who are very excited to still get to participate and honored!”

Washburn also said,

“ We wanted to do something for our Veterans, but also be extremely diligent and safe.”

“We thought this would be perfect! Really wanted to do something for the community...we are all in this together! We think about Veterans and words like resilience , bravery, brotherhood, strength....these are all things we need right now! A great reminder to everyone, that we can do this...TOGETHER . We really wanted

PHOTO: HIKARI KAWAI

Big smiles on the face of a passerby as they hold up one of the many signs thanking the veterans.

to help our community and especially Christmas Storybook Land, FISH and the Parade committee , who because of COVID had to shut their main source of donations this year. So ALL the parade proceeds (from entry fees and Sponsors) will be going to them. We will also be collecting FOOD for FISH ...this event is free but we are asking if people can donate food that would be great!”

In the end, the response from the community and the amount of people who came through and drove by

the Reverse Veterans Day parade was incredible. It came as a bit of a surprise, no one was sure what this would look like. But not to fear! Carloads of people passed through, waving signs out, saying thank you’s and honking their horns. Huge smiles radiating from the passerbys, Veterans, volunteers, and sponsors that day. Even in this time of uncertainty, one thing was certain for this day, was that we acknowledged and honored our Veterans.

Adviser Rob Priewe

Editor-in-Chief Katie Littlefield

• Glenn Lamora • Beaver State Corvette Club • Albany Aquatics Association • LBCC • Forslund Crane

• Linn County Sheriff's Dept.

• KRKT • Strawberry Festival • YMCA

• FISH • Co Energy

CLICK HERE

DONATIONS (COFFEE AND DONUTS) TO SERVE OUR VETERANS FROM:

A&E Steven Pryor Joshua Bloedel

Contributors Kinsley Stone Karen Canan Josh Green Erika Donner Becky Burger Brenda Autry David Shaughnessy Megan Oliver Tanner Johnson

• Lawrence Fisher

• Christmas Storybook Land

Marketing/Advertising Isaieh Heiken

Copy Editor Bowen Orcutt

• ATI

• Elk Lodge Corvallis

Layout Designer Rebecca Fewless

Web Master Marci Sischo

• National Guard

• Les Schwab

John and Claudia Hale sit in front of the YMCA entrance. John Hale was a pilot from 1942-1946 and went on 42 missions, flying the B-25 Billy Mitchell. John and Claudia have been married for about 50 years.

Our Staff

2020 PARADE SPONSORS AND PARTICIPANTS

• Honor Flight

PHOTO: HIKARI KAWAI

Instagram @LBCommuter

Student Voice Editor Dakota Gange

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Bringing the Community Together to Show Gratitude

Phone: 541-917-4451, 4452 or 4449

Photography Editors Hikari Kawai

LOCAL NEWS

SAFETY SUGGESTION BOX

• Corks Donuts

LBCC has a Safety Committee whose goal is to identify and eliminate risks on our campus, and to prevent accidents and illnesses through the involvement of employees, managers, and students in an effort to provide a safe and healthy place to both work and learn. A "Safety Suggestion Box" is available to provide a way for you to communicate your safety concerns, hazards spotted, and suggestions for promoting safety.

• Benny's Donuts • Dutch Bros • The Brim Coffee Co DECORATION DONATIONS FROM:

Please email your suggestions, comments, concerns to: safetycommittee@linnbenton.edu

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK: Practicing situational awareness as the weather changes can save us from slips, trips, falls and more as we navigate slippery leaves, wet surfaces and icy conditions on walkways and in parking lots.

Pay more attention to where you are walking, and less attention to electronic devices.

Point out safety hazards to staff and others in the immediate vicinity for safe winter walking.

Wear proper attire to avoid having to run from your vehicle to the warmth of

inside.

Choose shoes for the weather, not for fashion.

PHOTO: HIKARI KAWAI

Close-up of one of the decorated trucks, in red, white and blue.

• Lowes

• Bose Family Farm

PHOTO: HIKARI KAWAI

Featuring the local police with their SWAT tanks and vehicles, all ready and set up for the Reverse Veterans Day Parade.

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PHOTO: DAKOTA GANGE

Sybaris Bistro, local to Albany, donates their time and skills to cook the veterans and their families a World War II recipe based meal. They have been doing this for over seven years now!

PHOTO: HIKARI KAWAI

The Reverse Veterans Day parade held at YMCA in Albany, this year. Cars line up to slowly drive by the floats in support and thanks.

PHOTO: HIKARI KAWAI

Christmas Storybookland, Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Veterans Day parade. Christmas Storybookland is planning to do something along the same concept for the annual Christmas Storybook land this year at the Linn Benton Expo center. The parade was very beneficial for them as well, as they were able to collect donations and food for FISH, a non-profit organization in Albany that offers different service programs and helps individuals and families with crisis intervention.

PHOTO: HIKARI KAWAI

Two fighter jets make an appearance doing their honor flight over the Reverse Veterans Day parade midday.

PHOTO: HIKARI KAWAI

Attendee standing up out of the car’s window, waving the U.S flags in show of support and thanks to veterans.

PHOTO: DAKOTA GANGE

Float at the Reverse Veterans Day Parade

PHOTO: HIKARI KAWAI

Two joyful kids in the passenger seat passing through the Reverse Veterans Day Parade hold out a sign thanking the Veterans for their service.

PHOTO: HIKARI KAWAI

PHOTO: DAKOTA GANGE

PHOTO: DAKITA GANGE

Wearing masks at the Veterans Day parade, these veterans stand proud while surrounded by their community.

Albany Aquatics’ Coach Cherie and team show their support in the parade, which they have been doing for 8 plus years now! "We just want to honor the vets, that's all today is about!" Cherie says.

A group of motorcyclists rev through towards the exit of the Reverse Parade.

PHOTO: HIKARI KAWAI

PHOTO: HIKARI KAWAI

Combat Vets Association rumbles through on their motorcycles.

Veteran and volunteer John Brooks is handing out info pamphlets on the South Willamette Valley Honor Flight program, which is a program that helps transport veterans living in the local counties, to experience and go see their memorials in Washington D.C. PHOTO: HIKARI KAWAI

PHOTO: DAKOTA GANGE

LBCC Instructor Cameren Moran stands in front of LBCC’s Veterans Day float. LB donates this float every year with an addition from the current class.

At the height of the event, it was an hour wait to get into the parade.

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The American flag was put up from the Forslund Crane, one of the sponsors and participants of the Reverse Veterans Parade.

PHOTO: DAKOTA GANGE

Gary Zumwalt (left) and Mike Martin (right) are veterans being honored by Christopher Reese at the Reverse Veterans Parade.

Reese is the C.E.O of YMCA of Albany, and on this veterans day he has donated his time and land to the Veterans Foundation. The parade was held in the YMCA parking lot, where 100% of donations from entering the floats went to the Veterans Foundation.

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LOCAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 18, 2020

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In The Neighborhood LBCC’s Photojournalism Students Showcase Their Neighborhoods PHOTO: NATALIE PELC

A "Stop the Steal" Pro-Trump rally takes place outside Oregon's State Capitol on November 7. Hundreds of people gather from all over Oregon to express their concerns about voter fraud claims set forth by President Donald Trump himself, in wake of Joseph Biden Jr. being announced "President Elect", making him our 46th President, the day prior. The rally was declared an unlawful assembly by nightfall.

PHOTO: ABBY JOHNSON

This is the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, a landmark in Newport. It is used as a museum now, although tours are closed due to COVID-19. The lighthouse was built in 1871, right after Newport was founded. It is the only lighthouse in Oregon with the living space still attached.

PHOTO: DAKOTA GANGE

PHOTO: MEGAN OLIVER

Tony and Lisa Anarre take a walk in Avery Park on this cold day, with their hot drinks and vibrant and colorful attire. They're specifically checking out the 'dinosaur bones' that remind them of "back in they day" says Tony. "We have so many memories associated with these. We're glad you're taking our picture because when you've been together as long as we have, you don't have many." says Lisa. Corvallis, November 11.

In a Laurel Heights cul-de-sac off North Albany Road, homeowners gather to clean the leaves out of a park they collectively own and maintain each year.

Haley Musack, 22, has her own way of making clean up fun. After returning home from work, she dances in the rain while raking the area. She says all the neighbors would be out there together normally, but with COVID, they all keep their distance and do cleanups on different days. Albany, on November 13.

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Lexi Richardson has worked at Sugar Vibes, the Lebanon bakery at 754 South Main St. for the last two years. Friendly and smiling, she loads a box of a dozen old-fashions on November 13 from a long list of selections of treats baked every morning. Many customers are regulars and their orders are remembered.

She had already removed a couple of empty trays by 7:30 in the morning. "The regulars get here early because they know we're going to run out." When they run out it's closing time.

There are a few tables for in-store coffee and breakfast but most people, including students when the high school is open, purchase their selections to go. Local businesses buy dozens at a time for their employees.

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Grab Your Sword and Shield REVIEW BY

STEVEN PRYOR

@STEVENPRR2PRYOR

Since the release of “Pokémon Sword and Shield” in November 2019; the games have sold over 19 million copies worldwide combined, making them some of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch; and the entire franchise to date. Now, in a series first; an “Expansion Pass” has presented two chapters of new content for fans of all ages to enjoy.

Though some fans initially raised eyebrows at this move, the content presented by this pass is framed in a similar manner to expansions given to fellow Switch titles such as the “Octo Expansion” to “Splatoon 2” and the Fighter Passes given to “Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate.” In essence, the new content in the pass fulfills the same role that a direct sequel; third version or “Ultra” version usually would.

The first chapter, “The Isle of Armor” went live on June 17 of this year. Upon traveling to the island in the title, you train under the enigmatic martial arts master Mustard; while also forming a rivalry with two aspiring new gym leaders: depending on which version you play, you will spar with the Poison-type specialist Klara or the

“POKÉMON SWORD AND SHIELD”

PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: Game Freak/ The Pokémon Company PLATFORM: Nintendo Switch eShop ESRB RATING: E MY RATING:  Psychic-type user Avery. Sporting colorful new uniforms and snarky personalities, they join the already varied cast of new characters from the Galar region, many of whom you can run into while training on the island to bond with Galarian forms of existing monsters such as Slowpoke and new ones such as Kubfu and its evolution Urshifu.

October 22 saw the release of the second chapter, “The Crown Tundra.” Taking a train to a vast, snowy mountain range; you take up research missions under the eccentric Peony, a former Steel-type gym leader turned mountaineer. Over the course of your stay in the tundra; you aim to solve mysteries centered around not only new monsters such

as Calyrex, the “King of Bountiful Harvests;” but returning favorites such as the Kanto Legendary Birds; many of which have new forms and special abilities unique to the Galar region.

Both chapters of the pass build upon the already stellar base game of “Pokémon Sword and Shield,” taking the open-world concept of the Wild Area from the main game and expanding it to the entire settings; adding to the experience in whole new ways. The graphics are visually stunning, with new modes such as the “Dynamax Adventure” and “Galarian Star Tournament” showing off old and new Pokémon alike in battles on a massive scale. More than 200

monsters from the entire history of the franchise make their return in this pass, bringing the total that can be encountered in-game to 640 of the 893 (and counting!) Pokémon in existence as of this writing.

Even though the distribution method may differ significantly from previous titles; the “Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass” is a solid first expansion in the longrunning series. Though it remains to be seen what’s in store for the series’ upcoming 25th anniversary in 2021; it’s definitely rich with content and well worth getting into.

Farm to Table

THANKSGIVING LBCC CULINARY ARTS STUDENTS ARE OFFERING A FULL THANKSGIVING MEAL FOR $125. PICKUP ON NOVEMBER 25, BETWEEN 3PM & 8PM AT LBCC'S ALBANY CAMPUS

THANKSGIVING MENU FOR 4+ WE ARE CURRENTLY UNABLE TO MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO ANY MENU ITEMS.

• Whole Smoked Turkey, partially deboned and sliced OR Mushroom Brie en Croute Vegetarian • Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Pan Gravy

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A&E

NOVEMBER 18, 2020

• Traditional Bread Stuffing

• Roasted Brussels Sprout Casserole with Hazelnuts, Cranberries & Bacon • Beet & Chevre Salad

Cranberry, Ginger, and Orange Chutney

• Sweet Potato & Herbed Rolls (12 total) • Chocolate Bourbon Pumpkin Pie 6" • Autumn Apple Pear Pie 6"

Purchase Here

Please pick up your meal in the time frame you select to ensure a safe and a smooth pickup experience for all.

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DO YOU NEED A LITTLE HELP THIS

THANKSGIVING? LBCC IS OFFERING THEIR ANNUAL THANKSGIVING FOOD BOX TO STUDENTS IN NEED. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be an LBCC student Fall 2020 (taking at least 1 credit or non-credit class) • • one registration per household • If you receive a donation from LBCC please don't accept donations from other organizations this holiday. Help us spread assistance to others.

Thank You

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The Cake Is a Lie REVIEW BY JOSHUA BLOEDEL

It began as a funny school project.

A group of programmers from the Digipen Institute of Technology were working on a game called “Narbacular Drop.” “Narbacular Drop” is about a princess named “Princess No-Knees” who has to escape the sentient dungeon named “Wally” by using a portal-making ability. When Valve saw the project in the Digipen fair, they hired the team with Valve’s newest writer, Erik Wolpaw. Due to limited resources, they used assets from Half-Life 2.

On October 10, 2007, Valve released Portal, an FPS Puzzle game.

It has gone to win several awards. In the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, Portal won Outstanding Achievement in Game Design, Gameplay Engineering, and Character Performance. In the Game Developers Choice Awards, the game won Game of the Year and Game Design. So, after all these years, is the game still alive and good to play?

Or was it’s glory all a lie? Find out in this review.

“PORTAL”

PUBLISHER: Valve

DEVELOPER: Valve

PLATFORM: Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 ESRB RATING: T

You play as Chell, a voluntary test subject to test Aperture Science’s latest equipment being the Portal Gun. Her reward for this? A cake.

You go through multiple puzzles using the portal gun with GLaDOS (Genetic Lifeform and DiskOperating System) watching you test the weapon. As you progress through the game, GLaDOS becomes more and more twisted to a point where she attempts to kill you but also calls you a monster. Using the portal gun is quite simple, you left-click to

use the blue portal and right-click for the orange portal. You simply go through one portal to reach the other. The game introduces new ways to use the portal gun as you progress.

While the story is lacking, it created one of the most loved video game villains of all time. GLaDOS’s twisted nature is what makes the game so interesting. I give the story a B+. The gameplay is extremely fun and creative. While the game is short, it’s fun to solve these puzzles

with the Portal Gun. I give the gameplay an A. There is no music for most of the game. It does, however, have a great song which is “Still Alive” and its instrumental. I give the soundtrack a C+.

Overall, this is a fine game. It has creative and fun puzzles. The game does lack in story and soundtrack, however. I give the game a 7/10.

Gotta Snap 'Em All REVIEW BY JOSHUA BLOEDEL

I was a stubborn young lad back in the day. When I hated something, I hated it even if I never actually watched or played it. When I saw Pokemon Snap, I didn’t want to play it because it looked boring.

In fact, if you told anyone there was a game about taking pictures about Pokemon, they would probably think it’s boring and find it a bit odd you are intensely into a game like that. Once I started playing the game, however, I fell in love with the game. To this day, this game is the best N64 and Pokemon game of all time. 10/10

….Who am I kidding? Let’s start at the very beginning...

Note: I will be reviewing the N64 version.

Funnily enough, this game did not begin as a Pokemon game.

It was first called “Jack and the Beanstalk.” The development team, Jack and Beans, were planning for the game to have you take normal photos. The problem however was they couldn’t find how to keep players motivated to play the game.

Because of this, the game was switched to focus on taking pictures of Pokemon. The game was also meant to be for the 64DD, a Japanese

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STUDENT LEADERSHIP UPDATE

ARE YOU STRUGGLING

AT LBCC?

The Roadrunner Resource Center helps navigate or guide students over barriers that come up during the term that might prevent them from staying in college.

Some resources we can get you connected to might be: • Connecting to resources for childcare • Helping purchase textbooks or other school related costs • Assistance with transportation • Help connecting to resources

that can assist with utility bills, internet and phone costs • Connecting to food resources within the community • Referrals to healthcare related assistance • Help with connecting to housing resources within the community • Access to emergency funds that could help assist over a barrier • Assistance accessing scholarships on campus as well as other forms

We are here to assist you-please reach out with any questions you might have- we are here to help you be successful! Just send an email to resources@linnbenton.edu to connect with a Resource Navigator. Or, visit our campus Single Stop Resource Tool to complete a quick profile where we can then match you with many community resources and LBCC emergency funds that could help.

CLUB SPOTLIGHT

Poetry Club The LBCC Poetry Club is a vibrant community dedicated to providing students, staff, and community members with a safe space where they can learn about, listen to, read, write, and workshop poetry. All students and community members are welcome!

Poetry Club meets once a week virtually during lockdown, and will resume meeting in person once the lockdown has been lifted.

Want to join? Just show up to one of our meetings. You can also contact Sophia Griffith, our current Poet Laureate, or Tristan Striker, the faculty advisor.

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“POKEMON SNAP”

PUBLISHER: Nintendo DEVELOPER: HAL Laboratory, Pax Softnica PLATFORM: Nintendo 64 ESRB RATING: E exclusive accessory for the N64 that uses disks. Due to the many delays of this accessory, however, Pokemon Snap was published as an N64 cartridge on June 30, 1999. So, is the game picture-perfect? Or was it underdeveloped?

You play as Todd Snap, a Pokemon photographer, who has been called by Professor Oak to take pictures of Pokemon in Pokemon Island. To navigate through the island, you ride on a buggy that Oak invented called the Zero-One. Explore forests, caves, and volcanos and take pictures of Pokemon. As you take more photos, the professor will give you some items that will help you progress through the game and get better pictures.

After you finish a level, Professor Oak will rank your photos depending on the size, pose, and other things. Points are doubled if

Complete the grid so each row, column, and 3x3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit.

the Pokemon is in the center of the image. The story is absent in this game. However, the attention to detail with the Pokemon for their personalities and how they react to items you throw at them or other Pokemon are very well done. For example, you can find a Magmar and a Charmander together. If you throw an apple at them, the Magmar will be a jerk and shoot f lames at the Charmander. Thanks to this, Charmander evolves to a Charmeleon and causes Magmar to faint. It’s these little touches that are very nice. I give the story a C+.

The gameplay is what makes this game stand out from the rest.

It’s so fun taking pictures of the Pokemon you meet and interacting with them. My one problem is that moving the camera can be a bit so which makes it a bit difficult to get the photo just right. I give the gameplay an A.

The soundtrack is fine. I don’t really have much to say about it. It serves its purpose. I give it a B.

To conclude, this is a fine game. It is quite lacking overall. I think this game has a soft spot for me mainly because of how unique the gameplay is. I give the game a 7/10.

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