The Lookout Issue 4

Club

advocates

change

PAGE 4

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010 Volume 52, Issue 4 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Skaters slash into

season

PAGE 5

Get ready to be scared: haunted house guide

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thelookout Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959

Face-off

Photos and illustration by Michael Caterina

Race for the Capitol: As the Nov. 2 gubernatorial election draws closer, Republican candidate Rick Snyder (left) and Democratic candidate Virg Bernero campaign all over Michigan with hopes of leading the state for the next four years.

Gubernatorial candidates battle intensifies while approaching homestretch Dominick Mastrangelo News Editor The only televised debate between gubernatorial candidates Virg Bernero and Rick Snyder

was held Oct. 10 at Detroit Public Television in Wixom.

Since August, both candidates have been campaigning all over the state of Michigan, pledg-

ing they are, “the right choice,” for governor of the State.

The candidates took the big stage just three weeks before the election and did not waste

any time hitting the hot button issues.

“Our state is suffering,” Republican candidate Snyder said. “It’s time to reinvent Michigan.”

Snyder proposed that his “10-Point Plan” would help create the jobs that Michiganders have had “stripped away in the last several months.”

Democratic candidate Bernero, meanwhile, focused on the shortcomings of his opponent.

According to a press

ular-season conference match into Breast Cancer Awareness Night for the mid-Michigan area.

The night’s events included silent auctions and a serving contest for a $1 contribution.

LCC players threw pink bracelets into a cheering section that consisted of more than the typical support.

The Ovid-Elsie High

School volleyball team was in attendance, as well as the LCC men’s cross country team. The runners donned painted chests and pink shorts, as organized by LCC student Aaron King.

“We did it last year, too,” King said. “We just had to recruit. A lot of them are from the cross country team. We just got to support.”

Volleyball Coach Dennis Richardson commented on the night’s festivities: “It’s community support, look at what’s happened here,” he said.

“They do it for a cause, they come in to watch the kids, we give them a good show; it’s just a wonderful thing to show that Lansing is strong.”

It’s a strong community. The girls are proud to be part of it and I’m proud to be part of it.”

At the end of the night, it was just another day at the office for the Stars, defeating Ancilla in three sets, 25-16, 25-16 and 25-18.

The Stars took an early lead in the first set, going on a nine-point streak at the serve of freshman Autumn Mann. LCC nearly put away the second set with a six-point streak, making the score 22-15. The Chargers snuck in one last point

See Debate, page 2

LCC volleyball’s ‘Dig for the Cure’ raises awareness

Zach Bellingar Sports Editor

It was an electrifying atmosphere in the Gannon gymnasium Oct. 14 when the LCC Volleyball team took on the Ancilla College Lady Chargers in the 2010 “Dig for the Cure” benefit.

The coaches of LCC and Ancilla collaborated to convert a reg-

See Volleyball, page 8

Photo by Michael Caterina

Serve for a cause: Guests at the Oct. 14 “Dig for the Cure” volleyball game participate in a serving contest to raise money for breast cancer.

2 NEWS

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Debate Continued from page 1

release issued during the debate by the Bernero campaign, “Mr. Snyder lied to the people of Michigan.” Bernero makes the claim that Discera, a company that Snyder is a founder and board director of, has just finished a new state-of-the-art jobcreating facility that has been creating jobs in China as recently as “a couple months ago.”

Snyder countered these claims with an attempt to convince voters that Bernero’s comments were incorrect and “didn’t hold up.” Instead, Snyder got back to the issues.

“We cannot afford to die the death of a thousand cuts,” said Snyder, in reference to the recent spending done by the state of Michigan. Snyder introduced “value for money budgeting” as the best way to restore Michigan’s economy to the way it once was.

The Republican candidate also suggested that the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) needed to be eliminated.

“People want to see MBT go away,” said Sny-

Post-debate poll The response of 1,390 likely voters when asked who they will vote for on Oct. 11.

Conducted by Mitchell Research & Communications, Inc.

der. “It needs to be fundamentally done away with.”

Meanwhile, Bernero was not done tarnishing his opponent's name.

“I am fighting for the people of Michigan,” said Bernero. “He (Snyder) is fighting for his pocketbook.”

It was in his closing statements that Benero made reference to the recent success of the city to which he is mayor.

“I’ve seen and felt the spirit of ingenuity in Lansing,” Bernero said. “It has been happening in my city, and it can happen in this entire state.”

The election for governor in the state of Michigan will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

According to Snyder, Michigan voters have been “given a choice at a critical time.”

On election day, that choice will be made.

— A New York state of mind —

Politics at its best Upon attending the only televised debate between candidates for governor Virg Bernero and Rick Snyder, I began to realize how badly Michigan has been hurting and how passionate people in the state of Michigan are about their politics.

Here is my take on the race. Snyder represents everything that has brought Michigan and the whole United States down over the last several years.

Snyder is a big businessman with ties to special-interest corporations who are more concerned with making money than what is best for citizens of Michigan.

Even those on the right see Snyder as just a little too moderate and soft when it comes to sticking it to the Democratic Party.

Bernero, however, has his downfalls too. Let’s be honest. He is a loudmouth who has made throwing stones at his opponent a daily prac-

tice.

Personally, I find this style to be more attractive (probably because of my New York background). Bernero reminds me of an angry retired NYPD officer who has got a personal vendetta with all members of the higher tiers.

Nevertheless, he makes a strong case.

Bernero’s style may not, however, be appropriate for politics. I truly believe it will do his campaign in.

While being passionate and direct is essential to running a campaign, you cannot make yourself look like a clown; and I am afraid Virg has done that.

Snyder still maintains

a double-digit lead in the polls, and it does not appear that much can be done by the Bernero campaign to avoid defeat.

Both candidates claim to be working toward the same goal, to help restore Michigan’s economy, create jobs within the state and make Michigan a major player in the global economy again.

So we as Michiganders must now decide who should be responsible for the fate of Michigan for the next four years.

Do we go with the self-proclaimed “working-class hero,” Virg Bernero? Or do we get back to the roots of this great state and hand our future over to the “job creator,” Rick Snyder?

I ask you, when you go to vote on Election Day, to consider the state of Michigan, the way it used to always be and the way we came to where we are today.

3 NEWS

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010

IN BRIEF

www.lcc.edu/lookout

LCC personnel saves life

LEAF to hold fundraiser

An LCC student suffered a heart attack and collapsed following an adult fitness and cardiac rehabilitation session recently.

Using CPR and an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), LCC emergency service personnel were able to resuscitate the student.

The student was later transported to Sparrow Health System and was doing well the week of Oct. 11 recovering at home, according to Campus Communication.

The Lansing Educational Advancement Foundation will hold its annual fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 22 at the Lansing Center.

The fundraiser will feature a showcase of student artwork, as well as both silent and live auctions.

Live entertainment and an open bar will also be provided. Tickets to this event will be available for a $50 donation.

LCC names new administrator Jean R. Beauboeuf has been hired

by LCC to be a risk manager.

Beauboeuf graduated from MSU with both bachelor ’s and master ’s degrees in economics. He has also completed coursework toward a doctoral degree in economics.

In his new position, Beauboeuf is responsible for both the coordination of risk management and legal services.

Student in homecoming event LCC student Megan Renee Defoun has been selected Michigan’s Homecoming Queen, representing the high school homecoming queens across the state of Michigan.

Defoun is competing for America’s Favorite Homecoming Queen to be selected this November Students are encouraged to vote for Defoun at www.americashomecomingqueen.com

Check out The Lookout online at lcc.edu/lookout

Lookout earns six MPA awards Dominick Mastrangelo News Editor The Lookout earned six awards ain the 2010 Michigan Press Association (MPA) College Editorial Contest.

LCC won awards in photography, reporting and cartoon design among others. The winners were announced Oct. 3 via the MPA website.

Students from The Lookout attended the MPA’s annual conference in Grand Rapids last January.

The students attended several sessions in which they learned about basic journalism principals and ways of enhancing their newspaper as a whole.

Michael Caterina, the photo editor at The Lookout for the past two years, looked back at the experience fondly.

“I feel like I absorbed a lot from that conference,” Caterina said. “All the sessions were really informative and pretty exciting too.”

Caterina won three awards in the competition: two in photography

and the other in advertising.

“It’s really awesome to be recognized in such a big way,” Caterina said.

The Lookout staff as a whole was also recognized with an award, placing third in the General Excellence category.

According to comments from contest judges, the piece “Campus Perspectives,” had a “good use of fonts, colors and heads in the design.”

Caterina said he is proud of how far his newspaper has come. He said he looks forward to a

bright future reporting on the various happenings at LCC and the greater Lansing area.

“We’ve really stepped up as a paper over the last year,” Caterina said.

“Winning these awards has given me so much motivation; it’s a real confidence booster for all of us.”

Other Lookout awards were won by former Editor-in-Chief Chelsea Stoskopf (third place for Investigative Reporting) and Kate Luttman (third place for Original Cartoon).

Photo by Larry Hook

Award winners: The Lookout staff from 2009-10 gathers at the 2010 Michigan Press Association conference in Grand Rapids.

Last year’s staff took home six awards from MPA .

4 FEATURES

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Positive impact on Lansing Nathan Wilson Staff Writer LCC’s People for Positive Social Change club was formed in the early 1990s as an effort to address environmental issues, peace and justice.

Adviser Arthur Wohlwill said the club supports many causes and members participate in several projects and activities.

Every year the club has organized a concert for the Volunteers of America, a homeless shelter group, where it raised money and donated food and clothing.

During spring, the club has featured an Earth Day concert on LCC’s main campus.

In addition to the concert, People for Positive Social Change has passed out information to raise awareness about global warming and other environmental issues.

Wohlwill said one of the causes he particularly supports is Doctors Without Borders, a humanitarian effort that provides support to people whose countries are ravaged by war or disaster. For example,

Photo by Michael Caterina

Making a difference: Arthur Wohlwill sells flowers at 2009 Caribbean Festival.

Wohlwill expressed concern about the ongoing genocide in the Congo.

“A lot of people don’t realize how dire the situation there is right now,” he said.

“There are thousands of people who are dying every month.”

People for Positive Social Change held a fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders last spring, during which members sold baked goods and ice cream, as well as making pottery pendants.

People for Positive Social Change also raised $150 for Haiti during the 2010 earthquake.

In addition to these projects, Wohlwill said he is collaborating with other professors to raise money for a scholarship in Bill Petry’s name.

Petry founded People for Positive Change. He was tragically killed by a truck while riding his bike in 2009.

Wohlwill said the club makes an effort to attend peace conferences and invite guest speakers. Several years ago, members attended a Pax Cristi conference in Detroit about peace and nonviolence.

They also invited members of the Michigan Peace Team to speak about their efforts in the Middle East to incorporate nonviolent intervention.

Wohlwill said he encourages anyone who is interested in environmental, social issues and peace to join People for Positive Social Change.

He said, “We’re very open to whatever anyone wants to do.”

For info about People for Positive Social Change, contact Wohlwill at (517) 3036459 or wohlwila@lcc.edu.

LCC Tutoring Services Bob Chaphalkar Guest Writer

comfortable.

They may even think that perhaps they don’t Virginia Stirling have time to squeeze is the Tutoring Sertutoring into their vices department Ofschedule. All of these fice Manager. She has fears are false. worked there for a total Once they see how of six years, enjoying friendly, caring and the process of helping knowledgeable our students succeed here at tutors are, their fears LCC. are allayed. They then realize how much the Photo by Bob Chaphalkar A p p r o x i m a t e l y Keepin’ the books: Virginia tutoring sessions conhow many courses Stirling works as office man- tribute to their underper year are being tu- ager for the Tutoring Ser- standing of the course tored by LCC tutor- vices department, located in material, as well as ing staff on one-on room 103 of A&S Building. organization, study -one basis? skills, test-taking and, We provide weekly, reserved overall learning how to learn. one-on-one tutoring for more than 150 courses in fall and spring seHow do you match students to mesters. the tutors?

In addition, we provide suppleWe match students to tutors mental instruction, group tutor- who have knowledge of the ing, online tutoring, daily sign-up course for which they are seekappointments that students re- ing help, as well as someone who serve on a one-time basis for com- is available at the time the stuputer and Math courses, drop-in dent prefers. tutoring at LCC East and LivingsIn addition, we try to assign ton campuses and workshops on students to tutors who are espetopics such as the TI-83 calculator cially good at presenting inforand note-taking for sign language. mation in a way that matches that student’s learning style. Often, Do most of the one-on-one ses- when a student has studied with sions last a full hour? a particular tutor one semester, Most of our one-on-one tutoring they develop a very good worksessions last actually 50 minutes. ing relationship, and the student First one starts at 9:10 a.m. and will request to work with that ends at 10 a.m. tutor again. We honor those requests as much as possible.

What kind of trepidations might students have for one-onWhen is it too late in the seone tutoring situations? For ex- mester to get a tutor? ample, what they might be afraid It is never too late to get a tuof that prevents them from ask- tor, although it can be challenging for a tutor? ing in the middle of the semester.

Students mostly have the same We assign tutors on a first-come, concerns, especially returning first-served basis. Appointments adult students when they come to will fill up fast early on; howevtutoring for the first time. er, spots do occasionally open up They might think they’ve been throughout the semester. out of school so long, they’ve forWe always encourage anyone gotten everything, or that they’ll who wants tutoring to request it. be the only older student who It helps if students sign up early, seeks tutoring. They might be even before the semester begins, afraid that they will appear slow and check back with us often to or perhaps dumb compared to let us know they are still interthe younger students, and the ested in tutoring. tutor will think that they aren’t bright.

For more information about LCC’s They might worry that they Tutoring Services or to make an apwon’t be able to understand what pointment, their office is located in the tutor is telling them, or that A&S 103 building, or contact them the tutor will make them feel un- at 517-483-1206.

thelookout advertise with us today!

“The Lookout” has been LCC’s independent tudent newspaper since 1959.

We publish every two weeks during the fall and spring semesters.

Over 35,000 students, employees and surroundingcomunity members have access to “The Lookout.”

To advertise with us, contact Kelly Lehtonen at lehtonenkelly@yahoo.com or by phone at (517) 483-1295.

Visit www.lcc.edu/lookout for the rates and publication dates

5 SPORTS Stars gear up for ‘10-‘11 hockey season

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010

www.lcc.edu/lookout

Zach Bellingar Sports Editor Although LCC ice hockey is a club, not a varsity sport, the program is run in a very professional mannor.

As a member of the Michigan Collegiate Hockey Conference and the American Collegiate Hockey Association, the team plays between 20 and 25 games per season.

Funded through player dues, fundraising and sponsors, the team has to come up with an average of $20,000 per season to stay alive.

What many may not know about LCC hockey is its academic requirements. All team members are required to take and pass nine credits per semester, as well as maintain a 2.5 GPA. In their 2009-10 campaign, the Stars ended the regular season with a 16-8 record, losing in the first round of the ACHA nationals to the Cal-Penn

Photo by Michael Caterina

Hockey Stars: LCC hockey players warm up during a 2009 practice. The Stars finished the 2009-10 season with a 16-8 record and hope to improve this year.

Vulcans.

According to LCC Head Coach Tony Zerkle, the Stars are already hard at work in preparation for a successful 2010-11 season.

“We have been practicing for a month now,” Zerkle said, “doing a lot of offensive and defen-

sive systems; and skating the guys to get them in shape.”

Even with several key returning skaters and a few new recruits, this is a different Stars hockey club.

“We have a shorter bench this year than in past years,” Zerkle said.

State has sports of all sorts What a time to be a Michigander!

With all of the action taking place in this great state of sports, from lake to shining lake, it’s hard to choose just one story.

So, I won’t.

Remember in my first column when I had said that the Tigers would not make the playoffs?

There’s always next season. The Twins didn’t even represent the division well, getting knocked off right away by the Yanks.

In further Rock City news, the Detroit Pistons’ regular season began with a loss to Miami and its three high-priced stars.

The Pistons always compete, but if they fail to keep their top starters off the injured list, it’s going to be another season cut short.

I say, put Thomas and Dumars back in; worked for me every time in NBA Jam. Speaking of the Pistons, it sounds like my hero Mike Ilitch, owner of the Tigers and the greatest hockey team in history, is about to spend a few dollars (400 million) on buying the-

Detroit basketball team, too. His grandchildren better know how lucky they are.

The Red Wings started regular season action in flying style, winning their first two. Pavel Datsyuk’s dreams of winning the Lady Byng again were dashed after a Gordie Howe hattrick in the season opener. A ‘Gordie

Howe’ hat-trick, dedicated to the true Great One, is a goal, an assist and a fight all in the same game.

There is plenty more to be said about dashed dreams when applied to Heisman hopeful Denard Robinson with respect to his performance against the green and white in Ann Arbor.

“It’s a beautiful day for football!”

And finally, they did it. Ten was the magic number, but 44 was the score.

Five games into the regular season, the Detroit Lions broke a 10game losing streak on 10/10/10, crushing the St. Louis Rams 44-6.

Does this mean they’ll crave victory now that they’ve tasted it?

“What do you call the Detroit Lions at the Super Bowl?”

Spectators.

“How do the Detroit Lions count?”

0-1, 0-2, 0-3 … for too long Lions football has been the brunt of failure jokes.

It is time.

“Some names to look out for would be Nathan Kranich, Danny Beechman, Carl Stamm (and) Kevin Jenks, (who) are forwards. A couple of good strong defensemen (are) Josh Popa, Andrew Dafoe, Robert Payne (and) Jake

Shelters. I have two strong goaltenders, Bob Butterfield and Zac Smith.”

On Saturday, Oct. 16, the LCC men’s hockey club faced off with the MSU Division III team to begin its 2010-11 season.

Prior to the game,

Zerkle said he had high expectations.

“We have been on the ice about three weeks longer than MSU so I hope that will come into play,” Zerkle said.

“As long as the guys work hard and play as a team, they will be just fine. Look out MSU!”

6SPORTS

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Cagers cook-up recipes for championship Dan Miller Staff Writer

The LCC men’s basketball team tryouts are over, and the team has been carefully pieced together by Head Coach Mike Ingram. He said players are pumped and ready for the 2010-11 season to begin.

LCC coaches said with the experience of returning Stars, they expect to come into the 2010-11 season as heavy favorites in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association Western Conference.

Sophomore point guard Troy Aubrey of Everett said with head coach Ingram, and hard work from the players, his team can make a strong run for a national title.

“I am really confident in this team,” Aubrey said. “I know coach will help us get (to the top).

As long as we are on his level, we’ll be a great team.”

If the Stars aim to make

Returning talent: Sophomore Point Guard Troy Aubrey will be back for the Stars ‘10-’11 basketball season along with many returning sophomores.

Photo by Michael Caterina

the nationals, they will have to do it without the 18 points per game averaged by former shooting guard Joe Powers.

However, Ingram said he is confident Aubrey will come into the season experienced and know how to set the tone.

“Troy really improved and has become one of

the better guys in the region,” Ingram said. “I think he has improved at pushing the tempo scoring and will end the season as one of the league’s best players.”

The Stars plan to try some position changes with the team as long as it keeps its depth. Alvino Ashley of Detroit Martin

Luther King was a key player for the Stars a year ago, leading them with nine rebounds per game.

He was named to the ALL-MCCAA western conference team, and was honorable mention for the National Junior College Athletic Association District Eight tournament MVP. “I’ll probably play a little more on the perimeter this year,” Ashley said. “I’m confident I can adjust to the small forward position.”

Ingram said he is excited about the return of Willie Brown of Eastern, who was sidelined for the entire 2009-10 season due to a leg injury. Ingram said he feels Brown is going to surprise a lot of people this year.

“Willie’s a better basketball player than people realize,” he said.

“He is big, strong and rebounds over the rim. He has great skill on offense with a soft touch. I think he is better than some of his teammates think. He

is definitely going to be a factor in the league.”

Jordan Davis of Lansing Sexton continued to notably improve throughout last season.

He started on the bench, worked his way into some key playing time, then eventually into a starting position.

Davis caught the attention of players and coaches when he worked his way on to the MCCAA Western Conference All-Star team. Davis said he plans to work on improving his game even more and wants to encourage the younger players on the team to do the same.

“You should always come ready to play,” Davis said. “You never know when coach is going to call your number. Somebody could have an off-game; just always be ready to (play) and do your thing when you get there.”

Ingram said he is waiting for the end of October to see what the eligibility of his team is,

and if everything goes as planned, he will have a wider selection of ways to move the ball.

“We are going to still play the same,” Ingram said. “I don’t think we’re always going to run the control break but go to more of the traditional break where we have several guys that will go one-on-one instead of being forced to look for the one guy who can push.”

Ingram said his team’s three-point shooting should keep other teams on their toes trying to stop returning threepoint stud Collin Ward of Potterville and incoming freshman Jerry Astradas.

“One thing Jerry can do is shoot,” Ingram said. “So whenever him and Collin are out on the floor together, it is going to really stretch the D.” The Stars open their season Saturday, Nov. 6, on the road to take on the NJCAA pre-season’s fifth-ranked team, Henry Ford Community College.

The Art of success: former LCC coach talks more than hoops Erik Stiem Staff Writer Art Frank, LCC’s basketball coach from 1970 to 1989, was one of the most successful coaches LCC has had to date.

The main reason for his success, Frank said, is he didn’t put his personal success over the success of his students.

Frank said he did whatever it took to help his players grow annually and succeed as students first, then as athletes.

Frank lettered at Central Michigan as a basketball player and coached at Mason High School before accepting the job at LCC in 1970.

At the time, Walt Lingo was both athletic director and basketball coach at LCC, but wanted to focus solely on being the athletic director of the

college.

While still coaching at Mason, Lingo offered Frank a job, and he took it.

“I thought it was a good career move,” Frank said.

Frank said his favorite part of coaching was working with the athletes and putting together a solid team. The basketball program focused on making sure the players were good students before they would excel athletically.

“Self-Defeating Behaviors” and “Technique of Study” were required classes that all incoming freshmen had to take in order to play on the basketball team. These classes both prepared them for the basketball team and got their minds and attitudes ready for school and competition.

Through this system,

Coach Frank had the privilege of seeing many young men progress as students and athletes, a great sense of accomplishment for any coach.

One thing many people do not realize is the amount of time a coach puts into his craft.

“You’re trying to continuously make yourself a better teacher and a better coach,” Frank said. As a coach you need to ‘keep the edge,’ and not get complacent.”

When asked about his fondest memory of coaching the LCC men’s basketball team for 20 years, he never once mentioned his championship, or his 300-183 record. It wasn’t about him; it was about the students, who he truly cared for.

Frank said his favorite part of coaching was watching the young men he mentored and

Motivation: Former LCC Basketball Coach Art Frank (shown here in a 1983 photo) has been helping Lansing Community College students for 38 years.

Lookout file photo

coached progress at other four-year schools, and watching them graduate and excel in their careers.

After the 1989 season, Frank felt it necessary to step down as coach and leave a great team in the hands of his assistant coach, Mike Ingram.

Ingram was an AllAmerican basketball player who played for Frank and coached un-

der him for many years.

Under Frank, the basketball program built a new facility, and the number of athletic scholarships grew from six to 10 a year.

Frank stayed on staff at LCC as a teacher in the Fitness and Wellness Department until last August, when he retired after 40 years of teaching.

Though retired, he still

comes in on Mondays to work in the fitness lab, believing he still has something to offer the students.

Nowadays, Frank spends half his week in Lansing and the other half in Chicago, where he has a condo.

He said he loves reading, traversing the city of Chicago on his bike, visiting with friends, attending high school basketball practices and spending time with his family, which includes seven grandchildren.

Frank said his goal is to “make my life better day to day, and (the lives of) those around me, sharing my happiness.”

His selfless coaching style truly reflects this statement and has led to the success of many students coming out of LCC’s basketball program.

7SPORTS

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Women fall to fourth-place ranking Zach Bellingar Sports Editor

The women’s cross country team has experienced continuous ups and downs over the past few weeks.

After placing second overall on Oct. 2 in the Lansing Invitational at Grand Woods Park, the Stars jumped up to third place in the NJCAA national standings.

“We really ran great,” head coach Chuck Block said. “Our five top girls are averaged at 19:00 flat.”

Among the top runners for the women at Lansing were Kaylin Belair, Jennifer Snelgrove, Ashley Hamilton and Ellory Green, with Shelby Thren and Ashley Steers not far behind.

Prior to the Lansing Invitational, Coach Block said the meet would be an indication of where each team stood in the scheme of things.

“We’re right where we want to be,” Block said afterward. “We’re on schedule to compete

very well at the end of the year.”

The following week, the team saw a mild bump in the road.

On Oct. 8, the Stars ran in the 5k Michigan Intercollegiate Championships where they finished fourth overall in Division II. There they took on Calvin College, Aquinas, Saginaw Valley and Macomb CC. Though the Stars dropped to fourth place in the week six rankings, Coach Block is not worried.

“We train hard on Wednesdays, so our Friday meets we come in kind of trashed out,” Block said. “Same with the guys, they ran well, but they were coming off a hard workout.”

Along with tired legs came ill-health issues, putting two of the top runners out of the race entirely.

“Ellory (Green) didn’t run and Shelby (Thren) didn’t run,” Block said.

“So we rested two of our better runners.”

One girl who did run, and ran very well, with a

time of 18:47, was sophomore Jennifer Snelgrove.

“Jennifer ran absolutely out of her head,” said Block. “She ran fantastic.

You need somebody like that at the national level.

She gets out hard and just hung on. She gave it everything she had. She really showed me how gutsy of a runner she is.”

Also making her way into the top-five is freshman Steers.

“At the beginning of the season, I just wanted to get into the 19s,” Steers said. “With all of the workouts we’ve been doing and Coach Block pushing us, I was able to get (there).”

When it comes to success at this level, Steers said she is learning from her teammates.

“You have to race smart,” Steers said. “I didn’t know that before.

In high school you go fast on the first mile and kind of die in the second and try to pick it up on the third.”

She added, “Here you learn that you have to race smart, go kind of

Men motivated for regionals Zach Bellingar Sports Editor Over the past several weeks, the men’s LCC cross country story has been similar to that of the women’s, full of ups and downs.

Placing second, finishing just behind Siena Heights at the Lansing Invitational on Oct. 2, the LCC men’s team shot up two spots to rank second overall in the NJCAA national standing.

Freshman Austin Alcala came in first among the Stars with a time of 25:49 in the 8k race at Grand Woods.

“There were a lot of big schools there,” head coach Chuck Block said.

“This was the biggest meet we’ve ever had there. We beat Saginaw Valley, Lake Superior State, Northwood; a lot of the bigger schools. So, second was great.”

On their second place finish, Block added, “Obviously you always like to win. But for us being a junior college against all of these bigger name schools, second was unbelievable.”

On Oct. 8, the men competed in the Michigan Intercollegiate Championships where they finished sixth overall in Division

Photo by Michael Caterina

Home meet: Ryan Konen (left) and Kevin Barry run at Grand Woods Park Oct 9.

II. The team took a hit in the standings, falling to fifth overall in the NJCAA. “We dropped, a lot,” Block said. “Which is kind of a good thing, because it gives the guys some motivation. Do I think we’re going to finish higher than that? Yes. I’d rather go in and be an underdog.”

Block said he knows he can count on his team’s depth to get the job done.

“Kevin (Barry) and Ryan Konen have been consistent,” Block said.

The other guys have been kind of up and down.

We’re very deep. It’s a great thing to have. You know if he’s having a bad day, this other guy will pick it up.”

On Oct. 16, the Stars traveled to Bowling Green to compete in the Falcon Invitational. Prior to the meet, Coach Block gave his thoughts on what to expect.

“This will be a real good indication of where we’re getting into the last part of our season,” Block said. “That’s what’s fun about this meet. We run against Kent State and Ohio Northern, Marshall, Bowling Green and Buffalo. They’re all mainly Division II. I really think we could be second or third against all of these schools.”

Looking to contribute to his team’s future success is freshman Derick Clark.

“Being a freshman, I’m toward the back of the group,” Clark said. “But everyone’s important.”

When it comes to work ethic, Clark’s philosophy is short and sweet: “Put it all out. There’s no room for sand baggers in cross country, so you just have to go all out with it.”

For a freshman running Division I cross country at the next level, putting it all out is much easier said than done.

Clark’s mantra: “Have the will to drive through the pain and at the end, you’ll see the glory gain.”

Pack leader: Jennifer Snelgrove makes her way through LCC’s home course at Grand Woods Park Oct 9.

Photo by Michael Caterina

slow on the first and continuously pick it up.

Shelby (Thren) is a big helper. She’s my pacer in races. She’s the sixth runner and I’m the seventh

so she’s teaching me how to race smart.

And when it comes to competing at the college level, Steers has one piece of advice:

“If you’re going to do it in college, be dedicated because it’s a lot of work.

I hope that anybody else who does it gets a nice team like I did.”

8SPORTS

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Volleyball Continued from page 1

snuck in one last point before the Stars sealed the deal. In the middle of the third, sophomore setter Paige Rogers came in with a huge dig to keep play alive and helped to give the Stars a six-point streak and close the match.

“We’ve been working on that all year,” Richardson said. “Getting a jumpstart on teams and getting the lead — that’s what we need to do.”

Over the past two weeks, Stars volleyball has fought some tough battles in continued conference play.

On Oct. 7, the Stars were away against a tough Jackson team and came away with a win in four sets, 2520, 25-22, 23-25 and 26-24.

That night, sophomore

captain Camille Harris did her part with 14 kills and eight blocks.

The Stars were away again on Oct. 12 against Muskegon. After taking the first two, the Stars fell after five sets, 27-25, 25-23, 15-25, 2325 and 12-15.

That night, Kimmy “The Schmidmeister ” Schmid had 12 kills, Camille Harris had nine and freshman Lindsey Limonoff averaged .775 on the attack.

“Even though we didn’t win, we did a lot of successful things,” Richardson said. “We knocked Muskegon back and put a fear in them. When we play them again, they’re going to have to respect us and they’re going to have to play hard.”

After the Oct. 14 Ancilla

match, Richardson said, “Our girls are playing hard no matter who we play anymore, and it does not matter the opponent. We are playing hard and you see that tonight.

Ancilla, we went five with them down at their place. Tonight, we handed it to them.”

Harris talked about the night and road ahead: “This night was very important for where we want to go. It’s really good to have this kind of support.

“Not just these games where we’re promoting awareness for breast cancer, but for the rest of our games too. Everybody that comes out and supports us, we really appreciate it. I’m very proud of us. We played well, but there’s more to come.”

Photo by Michael Caterina

Pretty in pink: Freshman Kimberly Schmid goes up for a kill vs. Ancilla Oct. 14, sporting a pink jersey for the Stars’ annual “Dig for the Cure” event.

9 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010

www.lcc.edu/lookout

Shakespeare stumbles into Black Box Theatre Lee Rumler A&E Editor William Shakespeare is the most successful playwright ever. I don’t use the word “ever” lightly. No playwright can even begin to rival his success.

His 38 plays have been transcribed into every major language spoken today and have been performed around the world with critical acclaim.

In fact, his plays are so successful that if someone were really bored (or driven), he could trace almost any scene from any contemporary movie, book or play back to some derivative scene from one of Shakespeare’s works.

Yet, no matter how vastly influential Shakespeare’s works were, and no matter how incredibly powerful they still are, modern audiences sometimes find them boring.

I think that idea was essentially what Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield had when they wrote The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) isn’t exactly traditional Shakespeare. Four actors (originally three, but LCC added a

Photo by Kevin Fowler

Super Shakespeare: Tobin Bates (right) narrates while Ken Glynn (left), Kelley McNabb (center) and Tod Humphrey act out a scene from A Midsummer Night’s Dream from the LCC production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).

character) attempted to perform all of Shakespeare’s plays in one night.

Shows took place Oct. 1, 2, 8, 9 and 10 in the Gannon Building’s Black Box Theatre. Well, perhaps “perform” isn’t the best word.

They kind of just summarize.

The play opened with an account of Shakespeare’s history – a rather

Name: Kelley McNabb Part (Character): Herself High School: Western Major: Culinary Arts

Name: Tobin Bates Part (Character): Himself High School: Mason Major: Theater

inaccurate account, because somewhere midway through the speech the actor, Tod Humphrey “forgot” that Shakespeare wasn’t Hitler.

Humphrey treated the audience to an account of the end of World War II and Nazi Germany.

After getting Tod to shut up, the remaining actors (yes, that’s three of

them, playing every part) skipped through Romeo and Juliet, highlighting the beauty of Shakespearean poetry: “Dost thou love me, then?” asked Juliet.

“Totes,” confessed Romeo.

These “minor alterations” continued through the remainder of Act One (Tod was allowed to join sometime in there): Titus Andronicus transformed into a cooking show.

All of Shakespeare’s histories were condensed into one football game.

“Timon of Athens, I mentioned it.”

And then came Hamlet.

Kelley did not want to do Hamlet. I never thought anyone would utilize pepper spray, a clown, mugging, hit and run, and a lumberjack just to get out of performing, but I guess I was wrong.

After intermission, I found out exactly why Kelley did not want to do Hamlet: The troupe had done it so many times they were able to perform it forward and backward – so they did.

If you missed the play, I’m sorry (although they’re doing another show in Jackson). It was a riot. Tobin Bates promised me I’d be “laughing my ass off,” and he’s still an honest man in my books.

Favorite Food: Potatoes Favorite Actor/Actress: Zooey Deschanel Favorite Movie: The Princess Bride

Favorite Food: American Favorite Actor/Actress: Vince, the ShamWow Guy Favorite Movie: Jaws

10A&E

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010

IN BRIEF

www.lcc.edu/lookout

Symphony awes auditorium Nathan Wilson Staff Writer As director and conductor of Lansing Symphony Big Band, John Dale Smith brings together many talented and professional musicians to perform at LCC. “People just love it,” Smith said. “When you get 17 or 18 top musicians on that stage, it’s a great time.”

The Lansing Symphony Big Band performed before a large audience on Oct. 10 in LCC’s Dart Auditorium.

The symphony lasted two hours, presenting a vast collection of songs such as “Leap Frog,” “Mack the Knife,” “Skylark” and “Since I Fell For You.” The music radiated with the spirit of the wild 1930s and ‘40s, blazing trumpets and rhythm that enticed the audience to wild applause.

Smith briefly offered trivia about the songs in between performances.

Every instrument melded together in a masterful composition as he over-

Photo by Courtney Baker

Rockin’ tunes: Saxophone players from the Lansing Symphony Big Band move to the front of the stage while preforming Oct. 9 in Dart Auditorium.

saw the grand process.

During “Come Rain or Come Shine,” Joe Lulloff approached the front of the stage and played a magnificent saxophone solo to the delight of spectators.

The entire symphony evoked a 1930s atmosphere, flawless in its deliverance and passion for big band music.

Trombonist and vocalist Jerry Krause sang to “What If I Loved You?” His singing ability was so natural it seemed as though it required no ef-

King Crossword

Puzzle solution can be found at www.lcc.edu./lookout

This week’s puzzle is sponsored by:

fort.

Janine Novenske Smith brought her angelic vocals to “That’s All,” a rhythmic melody featuring another solo by Lulloff. She continued to dazzle the audience in “Embraceable You” and “Don’t Get Around Much More.”

After a brief intermission, the symphony kicked off with “Two O’clock Jump,” featuring numerous solos from the saxophone and trumpet section.

“Emily” was an eloquent jazz standard that sounded vaguely romantic in its presentation as trumpets carried the melody.

Vocalist Smith joined Krause on “Unforgettable,” a mesmerizing duet.

The concert ended on a high note with “Sing, Sing, Sing,” a bombastic performance with heart-pounding drums and loudly proclaiming trumpets and saxophones.

Their next concert at LCC is March 6, 2011.

For additional information, contact John Smith at (517) 483-1018 or smithj@email. lcc.edu

Arts & Entertainment

Big Book Bash slated

LCC Radio 89.7FM flips switch

The LCC Library is celebrating the ten year anniversary of the Big Book Bash this November. That being said, the library needs donations!

They are currently accepting all gently used books, movies, music, software and games in preparation for the Bash.

All proceeds go to the library.

LCC Radio is increasing their power from 500-1,000 watts, which will increase quality, reception and range, and they want to celebrate.

The LCC Radio staff will be giving tours and serving refreshments in TLC 001 from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 26.

Evil Dead: The Musical on tap

Liberal arts club planned

It may not have Bruce Campbell, but it does have blood, guts, gore and dancing. Evil Dead: The Musical came to the Wharton Center Oct. 17 and is staying until Oct. 24.

The English program is organizing a club, tentatively titled, Read and Reels.

The club plans to provide a forum for the reading and discussion of literary works and the viewing and discussion of films.

They are still in the groundwork phase; however, they are seeking independent, responsible students for leadership roles and general membership.

For more information about the club, or to enquire aout leadership roles and general membership, contact Teresa Purvis via email at purvist@lcc.edu, or phone at 517-483-1047

Cartoonist to visit LCC Jef Mallet, cartoonist, author and triathlete, will be lecturing, demonstrating and answering questions as part of LCC liberal studies division writing program’s Visiting Writer series Oct. 20, at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in HHS 025. Mallet is probably best known for his cartoon “Frazz,” which appears in the Lansing State Journal as well as 159 other newspapers.

— Clever Column Title Goes Here—

Twilight Lunacy It is fascinating to see a series of books capture the imaginations of thousands.

Depending on the content of such books, it speaks volumes about contemporary culture The most notable instance that comes to mind was the Harry Potter series that mesmerized America.

I never thought I would see such a phenomenon again.

I wish it had stayed that way.

The Twilight series

by Stephenie Meyer launched an explosive interest in literature, and suddenly vampires and werewolves were as popular as they might be if such a concept had never been explored before.

By extension, it seems to have spawned a public fascination with bloodsucking fiends in romantic scenarios.

This is not a critique of Stephenie Meyer ’s writing skill; it is a critique of the sociological effects on

teenagers and young adults.

Admittedly, I have not read the Twilight series, but that does not change the fact that it disturbs me.

A love triangle between a woman, a vampire and a werewolf does not seem particularly innovative, and it seems to lay the foundation for an abusive, potentially homicidal relationship.

Far too many such relationships plague our society, so we should not be encouraging that, even in the harmless outlet of vampire fantasies.

Perhaps what is most disturbing is the thousands (or tens of thousands .... ?) of

women who have become infatuated with a fictitious character such as Edward Cullen or Jacob Black.

The fact that Isabella and Jacob were among the most popular names of 2009 is a testament to the fanaticism spawned by this series.

Personally, I would much rather name my child after a 16th century noblewoman from Hungary. Nothing is abnormal about this whatsoever.

Anyway, I am dismayed that so many people are in love with an undead man who does not exist.

It makes me question if women have so few suitable men to choose who actually exist that they would rather fantasize about a vampire.

This probably is the case.

Instead of pursuing an imaginary perfect partner, both men and women should focus on forming stable relationships in reality and abandon their un-

reasonable and naїve fantasies.

We should hold reasonable expectations of loving, but inextricably flawed partners.

Such expectations of finding the perfect partner will always be met with failure.

One day or the other, people have to come to terms with reality that they will not marry the vampire of their dreams. I hope my column is a wakeup call for all Edward Cullen future-to-bewives who refuse to accept this reality.

Granted, the contemporary male gene pool is polluted with ego, ignorance and pathetic two-syllable pick-up lines, but it is most likely you will marry such a man instead of Edward.

So hopefully the next time a book popularizes a fictitious character, thousands do not become obsessed with him or her. It is detrimental to society and sanity.

11 FEATURES

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Mid-Michigan haunted house guide

Lee Rumler A&E Editor

Halloween is less than two weeks away. What does that mean? That means it is time for some serious haunted house hopping. You say you do not know of any haunted houses? Well, do not worry; The Lookout has compiled a list for you – that is, unless you are too scared.

Uncle John’s Cider Mill Uncle John’s Cider Mill is not a haunted house, but it does have a five-acre corn maze; plus, it has plenty of other activities (e.g., mini-golf and inflatables) to keep children entertained. It is located in St. Johns, open Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Monday through Friday 1-7 p.m. It costs about $3 for the maze.

Slaughterhouse Adventure The Slaughterhouse Adventure and Grand River Corn Maze is a three-pronged adventure. Slaughterhouse’s “five star” haunted maze, hayride and house all cost $30 as a package and are open every Friday and Saturday in October at dusk. The Fowlerville location makes Slaughterhouse one of the closest haunted houses to LCC, too.

Bestmaze Unlike Bestmaze’s horrifying website (yellow and pink highlights, really?), the Williamston-based corn maze should not be avoided. Two trails, the “Trail of Terror” and the family-friendly trail, are open Fridays 6-10 p.m., Saturdays 1-10 p.m. and Sundays 1-9 p.m., running at $7 a person.

Sundance Riding Stables Sundance Riding Stables are hosting a haunted house and hayride in Grand Ledge from 7-11 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday for the remaining weekends in October. The hayride costs $10, the house costs $7 and the package costs $15. Thurs-

Photo courtesy of sketchybeast.com

days are family nights, meaning you save $2.

Monster Mayhem Lansing Jaycees are sponsoring a haunted house (featured on page 16) this year called “Monster Mayhem” on Cedar Street in Lansing. Its remaining dates are Oct. 22-23 and Oct. 28-31. It is open from 7-11 p.m. and costs $10.

Shawhaven Haunted Farm Every October the Shawhaven Farm in Mason transforms into the Shawhaven Haunted Farm, and this year it is featuring three haunted attractions and a corn maze. Open every Friday and Saturday of October, the attractions cost $7 each ($15 as a

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package), while the corn maze costs an easy $5.

The Boneyard This year, the small town of Stockbridge (just west of Hell) is putting on one of the sweetest looking haunted events within an hour of Lansing. The Boneyard’s three events, a haunted corn maze, haunted house and “Deadwood Forest,” all cost $20 and happen every Friday and Saturday from dusk until midnight.

Jackson’s Underworld The famous Homer Mill may have burned to the ground earlier this summer, but the people who built it have created Jackson’s Underworld to replace it, and this new haunted house apparently lives up to its predecessor’s reputation. On Thursdays and Sundays, the house sells tickets from 7-11 p.m., which cost $15. On Fridays and Saturdays, the tickets sell until 1 a.m. and the price goes up to $20.

Everything Else While Jackson and Stockbridge might seem a little far away for casual haunted house hoppers, those few hardcore hoppers might want to look even farther, for the Lansing area is sadly desolate in the area of haunted houses this year.

Wicked Hill Scream Park, The Crypt and Saint Lucifer’s Haunted Asylum all look sick, and they’re all in Flint. In Pinckney’s Hay Ride from Hell, riders can actually shoot zombies. Erebus, in Pontiac, held the world’s largest haunted house record for four years in the Guinness Book of World Records.

And Night Terrors in Ypsilanti has six attractions in one place.

So now you know. The question is, will you go?

Group rates are available for nearly all haunted houses/ mazes. The Lookout recommends you bring a flashlight to any maze for safety reasons (many mazes require this).

See individual websites for details.

12 A&E

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010

Sean Bradley Staff Writer

had an effect on the local hardcore punk scene. Fisherking guitarist Ben Jenson said getting to play with Agnostic Front was “really exciting.”

He noted three generations of hardcore bands shared the stage, from the newer bands like Fisherking to the older bands like Mother of Mercy and Agnostic Front. He added it was “reaffirming” to Fisherking’s career to be on the same bill as the hardcore legends.

Speaking prospectively about the show, Jenson said it will grow and diversify the band’s audience. “It’ll be fun to see who we appeal to and who we don’t,” Jenson said.

From Fisherking to Agnostic Front, the show was a sure-fire sign that hardcore music will always have a home. Whether in New York City or downtown Lansing, hardcore music is here to stay.

Legendary hardcore punk band Agnostic Front, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, came to Lansing’s Mac’s Bar on Oct. 4.

The all-ages event included Mother of Mercy (Bridge 9 Records), East Coast punk rockers Product of Waste, Ann Arbor’s Great Reversals, Lansing’s Fisherking and Detroit’s RZL DZL (pronounced Razzle Dazzle), which split its set with Mother of Mercy.

Agnostic Front blended New York City-style hardcore with thrash and metal to create a unique and hard-hitting sound unlike any other. The band’s 1984 thrash classic, “Victim in Pain,“ was played in its entirety to the delight of the fans.

During the 1990s, the band signed to Epitaph Records and experimented with oi! punk.

In 2009, Boston hardcore punk label Bridge Nine Records reissued “Victim in Pain“ along with the band’s first EP entitled “United Blood.”

Photo by Sean Bradley Agnostic Front’s Bass in your face: Mike Gallo, the bassist for display of hard- Agnostic Front, performs at Mac’s Bar on Michcore prowess has igan Avenue Oct. 4.

Facebook invades cinematography Travis Hayward Staff Writer

onds.

In one scene you may be barely able to stand the conUnless you’ve been hid- ceded arrogance of Zuckering under a rock these past berg, and the next scene you couple years, odds are you can’t stand the conceded arknow exactly what the web- rogance of his enemies (after site Facebook is about. all, this does take place at What you may not know Harvard). is how exactly this once The realistic portrayals of Harvard-exclusive website real-life people are all due evolved into the social net- to the pitch-perfect acting of working titan it is today. everyone involved. The best The Social Network is the film performance was Andrew about the creation of Face- Garfield with his portrayal book. of the scorned co-inventor of The Social Network, directed Facebook, Eduardo Saverin. by seasoned cult-film veteran Garfield’s performance of David Fincher (who is best Saverin made me sympathize known for Fight Club and Sev- with the character without en) stars Zombieland’s Jesse ever pitying him.

Eisenberg as Mark ZuckerThe direction of The Soberg, the self-proclaimed “in- cial Network is just about as ventor” of Facebook. flawless as directing can get.

The story of The Social If anyone but David Fincher Network is would have i n t e r wo ve n The dialogue is some made this between two film, I doubt of the sharpest and I would be lawsuit trials and the writing a tightest I’ve heard. inception of positive reFacebook. It’s in these scenes view. that we see how Zuckerberg’s The exceptional cinemafriends quickly become his tography is dark and broodenemies. ing and yet somehow, almost The pacing of The Social in a paradox, manages to Network is similar to that of a be surprisingly vivid at the boxing match. This engaging same time. film moves surprisingly fast The dialogue is some of as it constantly shifts view- the sharpest and tightest I’ve ers’ emotions from empathy heard and I don’t believe any to apathy in a matter of sec- scene could be cut from the

“

“

Thrash legends rock at Mac’s Bar

www.lcc.edu/lookout

Photo courtesy of thesocialnetwork-movie.com

film that would have benefited the overall picture.

You may share my initial skepticism on the film, something like, “Sure I log on the website just about every day, but am I really going to enjoy a two-hour film chronicling the social juggernaut’s evolution?”

Well, I can safely say within the first 30 minutes any fleeting skepticism I’m embarrassed to say I ever had was completely logged out of my mind. Although I may not think The Social Network is the film of our generation (I’ll leave that to Christopher Nolan’s Inception), I give the film four stars for a thoroughly entertaining and educational time.

‘Divine Conspiracy’ delivers Nathan Wilson Staff Writer Dutch symphonic metal band Epica never fails to deliver an album of utmost beauty and intensity.

As the band’s name suggests, its music tends to be epic and grandiose in atmosphere, utilizing orchestras and Latin choirs in harmony with heavy guitar riffs.

Vocalist Simone Simons is the primary driving force behind every song, carrying every melody with perfection.

As a whole, the band’s fourth album, “The Divine Conspiracy,” focuses on organized religion with themes ranging from the debate between religion and science to fanaticism that drives suicide bombers to kill themselves and others.

The musical preface “Indigo” slowly sets the quiet atmosphere before rising to

Photo courtesy of metal-archives.com

the sound of a haunting Latin choir and opening the musical flood gates to “The Obsessive Devotion.”

“Chasing The Dragon” begins with a gentle acoustic guitar set against Simons’ vocals.

At the midpoint, it takes on a new life with a sweeping orchestra.

“Never Enough” is another track worthy of acclaim.

The way Simons holds the final dramatic note for 10 seconds is absolutely

breathtaking.

“La’petach Chatat Rovetz” rests in the middle of the album like a suspenseful interlude before segueing into “Death of a Dream.”

Perhaps the most striking track is “Safeguard to Paradise,” which addresses methods to brainwash suicide bombers. Given the provocative subject matter, the song is surprisingly serene.

Many of the songs tend to last five or six minutes (the final track lasts 14 minutes) but the talent with which they are composed seems to make them last a mere three.

The only flaw is guitarist Mark Jansen’s growling vocals: they sound discordant and painful against Simons’ operatic mezzo-soprano voice.

Fortunately, the album is so cohesive and melodic that his vocals do not detract too much from its appeal.

13 DISTRACTIONS

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010

www.lcc.edu/lookout

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James Tennant Jr. An Ordinary Life

SUDOKU

14 OPINION

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout — Fully flippin’ it —

— Everyone should read George Orwell—

Absurd optimism Halloween, the best time of year I’ve made up my mind on reality television. It fills a void that is deep within all of us. The void is filled with a seemingly incessant revel felt while discussing the lives of others.

I would extend this theory over the celebrity-craze as well. You will find them, these people who are obsessed with Jersey Shore or the whole “Brangelina” craze.

They know absolutely everything up to date about these people’s day-to-day lives.

You will also notice that as their obsession progresses, they begin to discuss the lives of these “characters” (per se) more than they discuss the lives of us “local folk,” if you will. This example of transposed content makes their addiction somehow almost bearable because the individual is affected less.

Sometimes I find myself attempting to avoid my innate cynicism.

I try to find some good in everything. When the good can be found in trace amounts, while the detriment seems overpowering, does the majority win? In

other words, if something is mostly bad, is it worth the small amount of good it supplies?

These questions can be asked of so many things, but since our focus is reality television, perhaps we could use this development in social culture as a metaphor for several other issues we face daily: issues like religion, politics, or even something as specific as abortion.

After all, it is such a shame that all the juicy topics are left without discussion by a modest society, wary of taboos and offensive actions.

Perhaps this could be one way to safely judge and assert opinions, based more on factual information than personal feelings.

When the leaves start changing, you know what time it is.

Halloween time!

Stores pop up for a month or two selling all the same Halloween swag from last year plus the newest superhero from the latest movie. Oh yeah, and Meijer sells Count Chocula.

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and always has been.

Putting on my costume and snagging my pillow case to fill with candy was a yearly ritual. I would team up with my buddy who lived by Quentin Park in Lansing and we would hit as many houses as possible, ending in the best trick-or-treat neighborhood of all, Moores Park.

Not all the million dollar houses in that ‘hood participate in the candy giving, but the ones that do give out the holy grail of Halloween candy: full-sized candy bars.

Growing up made trick-ortreating harder. After you’re six feet tall, you get funny looks when you scream trick-or-treat at the top of your lungs and hold out a pillow case.

Going to college changes the Halloween game. Trick-or-treating is exchanged for a weekend of partying. If Halloween falls during the middle of the week, it

usually takes over both weekends and the 31st.

Partying for two weekends also means you have to step up your costume game. You need something durable that will last for at least four nights of partying and look awesome.

Halloween for girls can be as simple as wearing black underwear and fake ears, dressing as a “cat,” — not that I’m complaining.

For a few years, a group of three friends and I wore group costumes. For the ’08 Halloween we were the Scooby Doo crew.

We didn’t just go to the store and buy the ready-made costumes though — that would be lame.

We scoured every thrift store in the Lansing area for the perfect Shaggy, Fred, Velma and Daphne costumes. We actually ran into another Scooby Doo crew who had bought their cos-

tumes at the store, and we made them look like fools because we were so legit. Flip-faces.

Halloween of ’09 needed to be the best yet, and it was. The same group of friends and I were the Wizard of Oz gang. I held down the Tin Man spot with a funnel on my head (you know what you can funnel for, right?) and oil can in my hand (see photo). We learned the “Off to See the Wizard” song and skipped through the streets of East Lansing singing it all night. Epic.

This year the crew has broken up and I am on my own. I have no idea what to be. Can you help a brother out? Email me your ideas and if I use yours I’ll give you a $10 gift card to Gibson’s Books and Beans. Fa-lip.

Courtesy photo

Costumeless Caterina: Last year Michael Caterina was the Tin Man. What will he be this year? You can help decide!

15 OPINION

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout In our own words | Staff Editorial

Great Lakes, great life

the weather is unpredictable, but at least it’s not like other states where they have hot and then even hotter weather, or some are just plain cold all year round.

As Michiganders, we do not fully appreciate our own state.

It is true that we are in a recession, but so is the rest of the country.

So why not focus on all the great things Michigan has to offer?

Many times when we meet people who have moved to Michigan (by their own freewill) we ask, why on earth would you want to live here?

For one, we are the only state where we can use our hand as a map, pretty “handy,” right?

We have some great cities like Frankenmuth, whose Oktoberfest is the only one outside of Germany that is recognized by the city of Munich.

There is Traverse City, which holds the National Cherry Festival and is well known for their vineyards and wineries.

Another great tourist site is Mackinac Island, with its delicious fudge and, of course, the Grand Hotel, where Somewhere in Time was filmed.

Living in Michigan we are also able to experience each season to its fullest. It is true that

Classified Advertising PLACE YOUR AD HERE Advertising in The Lookout’s classified section is inexpensive and effective.

Cost is just $8.50 for 20 words or less.

Additional words are 50 cents. Call 4831295 to place your ad.

APARTMENT FOR RENT 2601 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing.

Two and a half miles from downtown LCC campus. Two bedrooms, $775 per month. Air conditioning, dishwasher and parking included. Smoking and pets allowed. Washer and dryer hookups available. Call 517-372-2000.

WANTED Antique games and toys. Any condition.

1975 or before. Will pay cash if it’s something I need for my personal collection. Especially looking for an antique Slinky in its original box. Call 517-589-5273. Leave a message if no one answers.

PINBALL MACHINE Game Plan 1979 “Sharpshooter” solid state game. Old western theme. Very fast and fun. Four players. $525. Call 517-589-5273 and leave a message.

Photo courtesy of enchantedlearning.com

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the lookout Sarah Sanders

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16 LAST LOOK Monster Mayhem terrorizes Lansing

Oct. 18 - 31, 2010

www.lcc.edu/lookout

Michael Caterina Photo Editor

Get ready to scream.

The Lansing Jaycees are back to host their 32nd annual haunted house after a two-year hiatus.

This year’s haunted house is located on the southwest corner of Jolly and Cedar streets in Lansing with 4,000 square-feet of terror.

The house opened Oct. 15. It runs Friday, Oct. 22, Saturday, Oct. 23 and Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 28-31 from 7 to 11 p.m.

Cost is $10 per person.

Patrons can save money on Facebook .

“You can get $2 off by printing our Monster Mayhem Facebook page,” said Lansing Jaycees PR and Marketing Committee member Amy Miller.

“You can find that (page) by searching Monster Mayhem or going to the Lansing Jaycees Facebook page and linking off that.”

According to Jaycees member Lauren Leeds, the house is very frightening.

“If you’re scared of clowns it’s a 9 (out of 10),” Leeds said. “(Guests) should be prepared to be scared.”

All of the money from the attraction will be put to good use.

“All of the proceeds from the haunted house will fund the community service projects of the Lansing Jaycees,” Leeds said.

“All of the money will stay here in the local community through service projects like Stuff-theBus, which is a Christmas charity-related event, and the Easter egg hunt on the Capitol lawn,” Leeds said.

For more information on Monster Mayhem visit www.lansingjaycees.org.

Killer cafeteria: A creepy cast member of the Monster Mayhem haunted house serves up a delicious drink.

Photostory by Michael Caterina

Scary scenes: Above, a surgeon at the Monster Mayhem haunted house delicately operates on a patient. Below, characters lie in wait for the guests to come through the attraction.