Volume 62, 62, Issue Volume Issue 33
Feb.14, 2022 FEB. Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
Come to the ‘Cabaret’
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Winners announced for annual LAND Creative Writing Competition Page >>> 2
Former LCC newspaper editor making her mark at MSU’s ‘State News’ Page >>> 4
Baseball team has new coach, revamped roster as 2022 season kicks off The LCC Theatre Department will present the musical, “Cabaret,” Feb. 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. in Dart Auditorium. The show is being directed by Mark Colson. Here, the cast of ‘Cabaret’ rehearses a dance number on Feb. 8. Read the preview about the popular musical and see additional photos on page 12 of this issue.
Page >>> 6
Check us out on Photo by Julie Newell
2|News
FEB. 14, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout
LCC celebrates Black history awareness By Arianne Olayinka Staff Writer February is national Black History Month. LCC is celebrating Black history awareness this month, and all year long, with the 2022 theme, “Disrupting the Narrative: A Conversation and Call to Action.” LCC’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) continues #Culture365 with a number of virtual Black history awareness celebrations. LCC Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Tonya Bailey explained what #Culture365 is all about on LCC’s website. “Lansing Community College is a proud promoter and supporter of diversity, equity and inclusion,” Bailey said. “Celebrating rich cultures and heritage is just what we do – not just a month, but 365 (days a year).” Bailey will be hosting, “Courageous Conversations with Dr. Tonya Bailey: A Bridge
Photo by Jacob Zokvic
Members of LCC’s Men About Progress group, shown during an event during the fall semester, will help lead a panel discussion called “Activism, Inclusion and Belonging” on Feb. 22.
to Undoing Racism,” on Thursday, Feb. 17 from noon to 2 p.m. via WebEx. Additional upcoming Black history events include two events on Wednesday, Feb. 16. They are “Total Wellness Work-
shop – Total Life Prosperity, CDC” from 1 to 2:30 p.m., and “2022 Malcolm X Virtual Symposium” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Both events will occur via WebEx. The symposium will have a featured guest list,
including West Michigan Jewels of Africa, a traditional African drum and dance group. Another event, “Disrupting the Narrative: A Conversation and Call to Action,” will take place on Friday, Feb. 18 from 1 to 2 p.m. via WebEx. The conversation will feature Nadia C. Fisher, chair of the Cincinnati NAACP Prison Branch Committee. On Tuesday, Feb. 22 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., “Activism, Inclusion and Belonging” will be held via WebEx. Join LCC’s Men About Progress and Brother to Brother groups for a student-led panel discussion on student activism. Bailey welcomed people to attend the variety of events. “We want you to join us as we educate our community on the rich heritage of African Americans,” Bailey said. For the more information on the Black History event schedule visit www.lcc.edu/ diversity/black_history_awareness.
LAND Creative Writing Competition winners announced By Jacob Zokvic Staff Writer This year’s winners of the Liberal Arts Network for Development (LAND) Creative Writing Competition at LCC have been decided. LAND holds competitions every year to showcase outstanding student work in liberal arts. The writing contest categories are Essay, Poetry and Short Fiction. LCC selects local winners for each category to advance to state-wide competition. Writing professor Rosalie Petrouske organizes the LCC competition. “I recruit outside judges from faculty and other instructors to judge the competition,” Petrouske said. “I encourage many of my own students to submit. I am always excited to help promote student writing.”
Petrouske said LCC has been involved in the LAND competition for many years. “We feel it gives us the opportunity to recognize outstanding student work in the liberal arts,” Petrouske said. “They also have the chance to win a cash prize for their work. We have had over 75 submissions, and we are always looking for more submissions each year.” Sarah Cumpston, a sociology major at LCC, took first place in the essay category with her work titled, “Trapped Behind the Screen.” Cumpston said her topic was inspired was by her own childhood. “Due to a combination of constantly switching schools and having high-functioning autism, I struggled to make and keep friendships with my peers,” Cumpston said. “In my isolation and struggles, I
turned to the internet as my only source of genuine social interaction. “This sort of situation, where someone turns to the internet because they struggle to connect with people in person, is something that I think is becoming more and more common, especially among those who are neurodivergent.” Cumpston said the focus of her essay was the lasting consequences of relying on the internet for social interaction. “Growing up, my struggles were not seen as valid, or even acknowledged at all by anyone around me, and I thought that I was all alone in it,” Cumpston said. “It means a lot to me that my essay was chosen for first place, and I see it as a proof for myself, and perhaps others who have had the same struggles, that our experiences are real and valid.” First-place winners in the LCC LAND competition earn $100 cash prizes. Those placing second get $75 and third-place finishers earn $25. This year’s LCC LAND winners are: Essay: First Place: “Trapped Behind the Screen,” by Sarah Cumpston; Second Place: “Worst Enemy,” by Alaina Schrock; Third Place: “Teaching Critical Race Theory in Schools” by Deanna Foster. Poetry: First Place: “The Perfect Cocktail,” by
Courtesy photo
Sarah Cumpston won the essay portion of the LCC LAND Writing Competition and received $100.
Sara Tascarella; Second Place: “Old Friend,” by Cassi Beebe; Third Place: “The Janitor,” by Sara Tascarella. Short Fiction: First Place: “Things Discarded,” by Katrina Brown; Second Place: “Precautions Can’t Always Work,” by Margaret Dunn; Third Place: “The Card Game,” by Cassi Beebe.
3|NEWS
FEB. 14, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Student Affairs strives to assist students the country,” Miler said. “The need By Jacob Zokvic for mental health has been elevated by Staff Writer LCC Dean of Student Affairs Ronda the pandemic, but we have always had Miller recently spoke to The Lookout counseling.” Counseling at LCC is totally free and about what is available to students at entirely confidential. LCC. Miller also suggested students make Miller said Student Affairs personnel are working through the challenges of use of the tutoring available in the the pandemic to make sure all of the Learning Commons. “I would encourage students to go services they offer are still available to and use the library because students. there are still library services “The world has changed available in the building,” and so have we,” Miller said. Miller said. “Don’t relegate “We are working to make yourself to the building your sure that change does not class is in.” derail us from our mission.” The Career and EmployMiller revealed that the ment Services were recomLCC Success Coaches are mended by Miller to help going to hold workshops students figure out what to again. This will include do next. some academic workshops, Ronda Miller “Career and Employment including resume writing, as Services, our Advising team and well as community workshops our Success Coach team can help to help people make friends. “I would encourage students to pay you pinpoint where you want to go and attention to student communications, get you on that pathway,” Miller said. like their email and signage around the “We also have career workshops, like campus, and take part in what is of- interview practice, that continued remotely during the pandemic.” fered,” Miller said. Miller recommended students check Miller wanted to remind students out the Cesar Chavez Learning Center that counseling is also available. “Right now, mental health is a huge for the wide variety of services it offers. The reach of Student Affairs extends need, not just in institutions but across
Photo by Jacob Zokvic
LCC Dean of Student Affairs Ronda Miller (left) chats with employee Chelsea Brandon in the Star Zone in the Gannon Building on LCC’s main campus.
beyond main campus, Miller said. “I don’t want any student who doesn’t attend main (campus) to think they aren’t offered the same opportunities,” Miler said. “Workshops will take place at every location and the support services are available at every campus.” Miller finished by reiterating the fact that student services are geared to help students.
“My role as dean of Student Affairs is to make sure that that our students feel supported and can be connected,” Miller said. “I want to be bothered, I want to know how you’re doing and I want to know how I can help.” A full list with links for what Student Affairs has to offer can be found on the LCC web page at www.lcc.edu/studentaffairs.
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4|FEATURES
FEB. 14, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Former LCC editor thriving at MSU paper By Julie Newell Editor in Chief In the fall of 2019 Maddy Warren joined The Lookout as a staff writer. One year later she had worked her way up to be the newspaper’s editor in chief. After the spring of 2021, Warren moved on to Michigan State University to continue her journey to become a professional journalist. “I started working at The State News last semester as the academics reporter for campus desk and I love it,” Warren said. “I got rehired in the same position for the spring semester. It’s been a great opportunity and I’m learning a lot. I cover all of the (MSU) Board of Trustees meetings with our administrative reporter.” The State News Administrative Reporter Morgan Womack commented on her experiences working with Warren. “I was super excited to get to know her and kind of have someone else there to go to the (board) meetings with me, because they can be a lot to cover,” Womack said. “We kind of immediately
Photo by Larry Hook
Maddy Warren holds her 2020-21 “Employee of the Year” award for The Lookout.
clicked.” Womack said she enjoys spending time with Warren both in the newsroom and out. “Maddy’s just a great person to contact if I have any questions about a story … She is the first person that I go to,” Womack said. “And for social stuff, we are really good friends. We hang out a lot outside of work and she
is just a really good person to be around and a great friend to have in the newsroom.” Warren commented on the differences between The Lookout and The State News. “For starters, it’s a much bigger staff and a bigger newsroom,” Warren said. “It’s also more fast paced. Obviously, MSU is a university, so it’s bigger than LCC
and there’s a lot more breaking news that happens that we cover at The State News. “There are different desks of reporters, including campus, city, sports, culture, multimedia and social media, and we all work together to produce content.” Warren said her work experience at LCC was fun and beneficial. “I really enjoyed my time at The Lookout, and I think the experience I gained there set me up to be successful in this new environment at The State News,” she said. Warren said there have been some challenges transitioning from LCC to MSU. “I would say the number one challenge for me since transferring to MSU has been adjusting to the school of journalism, just because I was at a different school my first two years of college,” Warren said. “My peers are already familiar with the professors and the program, so I’ve had to do some catching up. But everyone has been really welcoming and helpful, so it has made the
transition easier.” Warren commented on what she misses from The Lookout. “I definitely miss my co-workers and adviser,” Warren said. “Since the staff was small, we were all friends and got along well. I cherish the time I spent at The Lookout – it really taught me a lot, especially my time as editor in chief. “I also miss the newsroom because I only got to spend a semester and a half there before we had to go online due to COVID-19. I was sad I never got to go back when I was editor in chief. I made a lot of memories with the staff in the newsroom that I look back on now.” Warren said she is set to graduate from MSU in May 2023. “Until then I’m applying for internships for this summer and hope to keep working at The State News next fall,” Warren said. “After graduation, I want to work at a publication as a reporter. I don’t have an exact destination or place in mind – I’m open to anything.”
STUDENT FEATURE
LCC’s Makayla Marrison sees the world as her stage
By Chloe Gregg Associate Editor Few people are brave enough to go up on a stage to act, sing and dance for audiences to enjoy. LCC sophomore Makayla Marrison is one of those fearless people. Ever since she first stepped onto a stage as a child, she fell in love with theatre. Marrison is currently pursuing her associate degree in theatre at LCC, while also performing in plays and working as the dance choreographer at the Children’s Community Theatre in Perry. “After LCC, I plan to transfer to a fouryear college to pursue a bachelor’s degree,” Marrison said. “I’ll either continue my studies in theatre, or begin a new degree directly related to theatre, such as dance or directing. My dream career is to cho-
reograph professionally for Broadway or movie musicals.” Marrison has been performing her whole life, and has an impressive resume of past roles. At LCC, she played in “Women Playing Hamlet” as four characters, including Betty the Starbucks actress. She will also appear in LCC’s upcoming production of “Cabaret” as Fiona the Kit Kat girl dancer. “(‘Women Playing in Hamlet’) challenged my versatility more than any show I’ve ever worked on,” Marrison said. “Fiona the Kit Kat girl dancer in ‘Cabaret’ is also definitely a favorite of mine. I’ve never gotten the chance to showcase my love of dancing in a theatrical performance quite like this before. I’ve had such a blast, and the people I work with are so wonderful and incredibly talented. I love them all.”
Marrison said her sister, Kallie, inspired her to go into performing arts originally. Kallie is a proud LCC theatre program alumna and recently received her bachelor’s degree from MSU. “Her talent is phenomenal and she’s truly astonishing at everything she does,” Marrison said of her sister. “I look up to her as both an actor and a person.” Kallie reciprocated these sentiments. “My sister, Makayla Marrison, has always been an inspiration to me,” Kallie said. “She is such a talented actor, dancer and choreographer, and shines at everything she does in life. .. I could not be more proud of her and all of her accomplishments.” Makayla Marrison offered advice for anyone interested in theatre and performing. “Be present, be kind, be open minded,
and never give up,” she said. “Enjoy your time here at LCC and treasure the amazing friends I guarantee you’ll make. It truly goes by fast!”
Makayla Marrison
5|features
FEB. 14, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout
A look at ‘The Lookout,’ then and now By Jacob Zokvic Staff Writer This story is a look back 40 years into the archives of the Feb. 15, 1982 edition of The Lookout. The front-page story on that date is about snow-day closures of LCC. The story describes how and why snow days were decided. The snow storm of Feb. 2, 2022, showed us that snow can still close campus. This story is the perfect example of a story that is not too different from one we would publish at The Lookout today. In fact, we just recently published an editorial about the dangers of driving on icy roads. On page 2 of the 1982 edition is a story that is also similar to those we would write today, but the object of focus is nowhere to be seen on our campus these days. The story explains that the typewriter room has been moved to a new location. Computer labs get moved around campus today, and things were no different back then, just with fewer power cables to move
around with it. In 1982, LCC was just beginning to adapt to new technologies. On the third page are two stories about a new computer in the library. This computer’s whole function was to serve as a library catalog. One story includes comments from students who are unconvinced of the new technology’s usefulness. “I love them when they are working, but they are not working enough for me,” said Bonnie Bublitz, a photojournalism major. In six attempts to use the library computer, she said she was able to use it once. It seems computers have been confounding us from their genesis. At least the technology help desk seems to be faster these days. The other story on the 1982 page describes how a replacement part to repair the computer will take six weeks to arrive. The sports section from 1982 revealed that LCC once had a boxing club. The club had just taken
part in the Lansing District semifinals of the Golden Gloves tournament, at which they won all eight of its bouts. The sports section in 1982 also includes a look back at our own adviser, Larry Hook, when he was the sports editor for The Lookout and a student at LCC. Larry wrote a story about the women’s basketball team that sounds just like one we would write today. In his column in the same issue, Larry criticizes the NHL for its rough play and says he sees no reason to watch the sport descend into violence. The league must have cleaned up its act, since a Red Wings poster hangs in his office today. This edition carried a few glimpses of the challenges society faced at the time. Included in the opinion section of 1982 is a letter from Christopher Duchene, who is calling for welfare programs to be cut, instead of taxes raised. “I personally can’t see any reason for me to pay more money
Pages 6 and 7 of The Lookout are pictured from the Feb. 15, 1982 edition.
into a system that will be broke when I want to collect my benefits in 40 years,” Duchene wrote. He does not mention what specific programs he expects to have failed, but 40 years have passed. I would love to know if Christopher Duchene collects Social Security
today. This edition of The Lookout contains very similar material to that which we would write today. While technology and society continue to evolve, the interests of college students remain the same in many ways.
Campus Comments Associate Editor Chloe Gregg recently asked several LCC students:
What makes your Valentine’s Day special?
Julie Eiler, Dental Hygiene
“I loved Valentine’s Day in elementary school. Writing valentines with candy to everyone was so much fun.”
Brett Dann, Communications
“Spending time with my family and loved ones.”
Corinna Peterson, Dental Hygiene “This year I’m single for Valentine’s Day so I’m going to treat myself to something nice.”
Eric Kolar, Criminal Justice
“I haven’t really celebrated Valentine’s Day, but this year there is this special girl I’ll be taking out to dinner.’”
6|SPORTS
FEB. 14, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout
The 2022 Lansing Community College baseball team, under the direction of new Head Coach Steven Cutter, will debut at home on March 18 against Muskegon Community College at Wilson Park in Lansing, weather permitting.
Photo courtesy of LCC Photography
Baseball team has new coach, big goals By Julie Newell Editor in Chief The LCC baseball team enters the 2022 season with a new coach, a revamped roster and big expectations. “The 2022 team is significantly different from the team that went 47-3 and lost in the regional tournament in 2021,” new LCC Head Coach Steven Cutter said. “Notably, many of those players went on to NCAA D1 and D2 schools, leaving behind a hungry bunch looking to leave their own mark on a consistently nationally ranked program, and take it to the next level: the World Series in Enid, Okla.” Cutter, 43, fills the head coaching position at LCC vacated by Jordan Keur, who accepted an assistant coaching job at Western Michigan University. According to Cutter, the LCC baseball team is starting off the season nationally ranked in multiple pre-season polls. “Some have LCC as high as number nine in the country to start the season,” Cutter said. “LCC is number four in the country in winning percentage since 2017 (.738), which is quite an accomplishment.” The Stars have a roster of 30 players, including 13 returning players. “The Stars have a nice mix of freshmen and sophomores,” Cutter said. “Outfielder Blake McRae returns after hitting .360 last season. Infielders Shane Juday and Brendan Ham return after both hitting well and seeing lots of action. Catchers Bobby Cavin, (who hit) .325 and 14 home runs, and Jace Preston (who batted) .404 (with) five home runs, return.”
Other returning Star players include: MCCAA conference player of the year Hunter Lay, Gabe DeBoer, Brenden Tome, Ryan Rifenberg, Grant Dittmer, Brendan Beaver, Gavin Bell and Nick Baidoon. “Brendan Beaver, Gavin Bell and Noah Megyesi will be counted on to lead a young pitching staff,” Cutter said. “Formerly at Charleston Southern University, transfer freshman Noah Bright will provide athleticism and depth at the catcher position.” Other newcomers to the team include: Cole Heikkinen, Payton Mazzola, Marco Johnson, Julian Helmic, Tyler Solomon, J.T. Brandenburg, Matthew McKeon, Isaac Toole, Cam Mallegg, Johnathon Feltz, Jordan Gallo, Elijah Stark, Lukas Brewer, Chris Hege and Jack Franco. “I think the team will be solid again this season,” Cutter said. “We will likely score many runs per game and go as far as our pitching staff takes us. We return many extraordinary student-athletes who have shown outstanding leadership skills to date.” Cutter will be joined by four assistant coaches: Hayden Modaff, Jared Helmic, Andrew Alamat and Jarret Olson. “Our coaching staff and I have worked hard to build trust, and through trust, we have created some tremendous relationships already in the young season,” Cutter said. “We work daily on becoming better servant leaders and men. We have focused heavily on developing the person, student and athlete, in that order. Through hard work, faith and trust in the process, many
great things are possible with this team.” The Stars are scheduled to start spring training on Saturday, Feb. 19 in Marion, Ill. “The team will face some tough competition as they take on multiple nationally-ranked opponents on their spring trip,” Cutter said. “Upon returning (from Illi-
nois), the team will have 10 days of practice before heading south again to play 10 games in Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois.” The Stars are scheduled to start conference games March 18 vs. Muskegon Community College at Wilson Park in Lansing.
7|sports
FEB. 14, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Men’s hoop rolls to pair of wins
Courtesy photo
LCC’s Cole Krause scores two in the Gannon Gym.
By Julie Newell Editor in Chief The LCC Stars men’s basketball team dominated Lake Michigan College 91-77 in Benton Harbor. “My guards played really well down the stretch and we hit some shots,” LCC Head Coach Mike Ingram said. “We came out with a victory.” The win put the Stars record at 7-4 in the MCCAA Western Conference. “We got a nice win against a team that I think is pretty talented … (they) just beat the number one team in the conference,” Ingram said. “So, I was concerned going in, but we’ve been playing pretty good.” Sophomore Drew Lowder had 29 points and four assists to lead the Stars. Freshman
Sean Cobb grabbed 12 rebounds for LCC. “We did well both offensively and defensively,” freshman Sean Cobb said. “We gave up a lot of threes in the second half, but we kept our cool and played solid defense on the drive and made a lot of shots on offense.” “One thing to improve is our perimeter defense, from guards to bigs, on closing out faster and being better at contesting threes.” The Stars also won 118-113 at Ancilla College on Wednesday, Feb. 9, putting the Stars’ overall record at 16-7, and at 8-4 in the MCCAA Western Conference. “What a game! They were up 61-48 at (the) half,” Ingram said. “We fell behind 9586 and then came back and won it.”
Ingram said during the game his team was having problem with Lake Michigan’s guards. “We brought Zach Berry off the bench and he came in and shut a guy down for the last seven to eight minutes of the game,” Ingram said. “I thought that was really key for us.” Ingram commented on how he feels about the team as the end of the season approaches. “I keep telling my guys I think we’re the best team, we just got to get out there and prove it,” Ingram said. The Stars are scheduled to play against Mid Michigan College on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at home in the Gannon Gym. Action starts at 7:30 p.m.
Lady Stars’ b-ball team seeks to end season strong By Julie Newell Editor in Chief The LCC women’s basketball team suffered a 67-60 loss against Lake Michigan College at home in the Gannon Gym on Monday, Feb. 7. “I was really proud of the team’s effort against Lake Michigan,” LCC Head Coach Layne Ingram said. “Even though the final result wasn’t what we wanted, we were right there in a close game with a chance to win.” This loss put the Stars record at 2-10 in the MCCAA Western Conference. “We had a strong start and a good game
as a team overall,” LCC freshman Elysia Causley said. “We moved the ball and made the extra pass, which got us open shots. “We have struggled a little with the concept of ‘team’ basketball, but this game we put it all together. We have to capitalize on every play and cut out the small mistakes.” Despite the loss, sophomore Jasmine Goins scored 27 points to lead the Stars. Causley, Kalya Vandermeer and Myandriah Wright each had three assists for LCC. Freshman Emily Sinclair grabbed nine rebounds.
“Something we still need to improve on is making all of our easy shots that we get,” Sinclair said. Added Goins: “We have gotten way better as a team at trusting each other at being disciplined, taking the right shots, and pulling out when needed.” The Stars also lost 63-54 at Ancilla College on Wednesday, Feb. 9. This left LCC’s overall record at 3-20, and at 2-11 in the MCCAA Western Conference. “The season isn’t going how I expected,” Coach Ingram said. “We are just now starting to play our best basketball and that’s unfortunate, because the season is
almost over. “I have to remind myself that we’re coming out of a pandemic and none of my kids had ever set foot on a college basketball floor and we’re young. So that’s something to look forward to for next year; having some sophomores with experience.” The Stars are scheduled to play against Mid Michigan College on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at home in the Gannon Gym. Action starts at 5:30 p.m. “We are just looking to finish the season strong,” Ingram said. “We have some winnable games, and it would be great to end the season on a high note.”
LCC softball squad features talented group of returnees By Julie Newell Editor in Chief The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on sports these past couple years, but LCC Head Softball Coach Marc Kibby said he is optimistic about the upcoming season. “After our shortened season (and lack of) practice time last year, getting back to our practicing through this winter and the fall season, I’m pretty excited about the team that we’ll have,” LCC Head Coach Marc Kibby said. Last year the team ended the season with an overall record of 32-11, and a 24-8 mark in the MCCAA Western Conference. The Stars have a roster of 17 women,
including six returning players. “We have returning Jaden Deibel, she was first-team All-League and NFCA All-American,” Kibby said. “We have Kara Mahoney; she was a first-team AllLeague. We have Alexa Jakus, she was a first-team All-League. And (also returning is) Samantha Vermeesch; she was our number one pitcher last year.” Other returning players for LCC include Shelby Warner and Jada Walton. The newcomers include: Sara Owen, Isabella Scott, Morgan Ahlfeld, Peyton Lehman, Jillian Harris, Jessa Powers, Peyton Perrin, Paige Maltby, Raygen Williams, Lydia Davenport and Kyla Bird. “It’s about getting back to where we
were pre-pandemic,” Kibby said. “In other words, being able to practice and do everything and teach the way that we have done in the past. “The last couple of years we have not had that, with one season being canceled and then one season only being able to play games.” The Stars are scheduled to leave for spring training on March 3 and will compete in 12 games in Mississippi and Florida. “Just getting back to the fundamentals … and our philosophies … I think that’s going to be the big difference for us this year,” Kibby said. The Stars are scheduled to start conference games on Thursday, March 17
against Oakland Community College at Ranney Park in Lansing.
8|
FEB. 14, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout
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9|Arts and Entertainment
FEB. 14, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout
reviews
Newest ‘Scream’ movie good for a scare By Chloe Gregg Associate Editor The newest “Scream” movie (the fifth in the series) is set in the same small town in California, 25 years after the last streak of brutal murders terrorized the citizens. This film is a direct sequel to the previous movie, “Scream 4.” It follows the life, family and friends of Billy Loomis’s (the previous Ghostface killer in “Scream 4”) daughter, Sam. Sam is played by Melissa Berrera. The film begins with Sam’s younger half-sister, Tara, played by Jenna Ortega (who has a different father than Sam), get-
ting attacked by the new Ghostface killer. Sam promptly returns home with her boyfriend to visit her sister in the hospital, where she is then attacked as well. Fans (and myself) were a bit skeptical at first that this would be the first “Scream” movie that wasn’t directed by the franchise’s famous director, Wes Craven, who unfortunately passed away soon after the fourth movie. However, many of the “Scream” franchise’s original cast members returned for this movie. The cast of this movie is star-studded, with recognizable names such as Courteney Cox (who appeared in
the original “Scream” movie) and Dylan Minnette. I’m happy to say that this “Scream” movie really stood out to me in comparison to all the other sequels. It was very suspenseful, thrilling and, as it should be in any good slasher film, very gory. The original cast members were in a really big chunk of the movie, which I was surprised and very happy to see. I also thought that the new characters and actors had great storylines to go with them, and they were phenomenal onscreen. If you are looking for a good scare and
Image from nerdist.com
do not mind a little blood, I would definitely recommend this movie.
‘Halo Infinite Multiplayer:’ fun game, unbeatable price By Jacob Zokvic Staff Writer “Halo Infinite” was released Dec. 8, 2021 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Microsoft Windows. The game was developed by 343 Industries and published by Xbox Game Studios. It is the sixth entry in the Halo series. This is the first Halo game to have the single-player campaign offered separately from the online multiplayer. The online Multiplayer is free to download and play, and will be the focus of this review. It is a standard Online Multiplayer first-person shooter. This game feels just like classic Halo multiplayer. Series fans will be familiar with the feel of the controls and the pace of matches.
Screenshot from the game
The game is well balanced and rarely feels unfair. There are no weapons that seem too good, and they are only frustrating when they are in the hands of particularly skilled opponents. Matchmaking seems to be very well balanced at this stage as well. When playing on my own, I felt like I was playing against
others of my skill level. When I played with a friend of mine, who has played a lot more and is much better than I, we were put into some lobbies with much higher-skilled players. However, there were still many matches in which I did not feel too outmatched, and was able to contribute to the game. I played the game on PC and it ran very smoothly. My friends on the old Xbox One reported longer load times, but no game stability issues. Graphics and visual style looked good and were consistent with the quality I expect from the Halo series. There are a few minor issues to be found. The game feels very simple, with only a handful of maps and game modes. There
are also some features missing, like the tracking of player statistics. There have also been some server issues reported. One evening when I sat down to play, I was unable to connect at all and had to play something else. These issues are rare and not too offensive, since the game is free. But they can spoil your plans for the evening. I am not a big Halo series fan and have only played occasionally, but I really enjoy this game. I think it is a must-play for fans of the series. The zero-dollar price tag for the multiplayer game makes it a great way for people new to Halo to try it out. Overall, the “Halo Infinite Multiplayer” is a great online multiplayer game at an unbeatable price.
Thai Village restaurant has great tea, disappointing food By Arianne Olayinka Staff Writer Thai Village at 400 Washington Square in downtown Lansing is only a five-minute drive from LCC. The restaurant is currently offering takeout only due to COVID-19. There were two benches available to sit on as my friend Julie Newell, editor in-chief of The Lookout, and I waited for our order. Thai Village has mid-range prices, with most dishes ranging between $11.50 and $13. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from noon to 8 p.m., and closed on Sunday. The menu has an array of both Thai and Chinese offerings. Popular specials listed
include General Tso Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Peanut Curry and Pad Thai. Julie ordered Beef Lo Mein, a side of spring rolls, and a can of Coke. I went with Pad Thai Chicken, spring rolls and Thai Iced Tea. Our total came to $45.24. We were given a wait time of 40 minutes for the food to come out, but it only took maybe 20. If my review was solely based on the Thai Iced Tea, my rating would be starkly different. I would walk the 20 minutes to Thai Village and the 20 minutes back to campus just for their tea … during the summer, of course. This was my first time ever trying Thai Iced Tea. It was flavorsome and I didn’t
Photo by Arianne Olayinka
Thai Village restaurant is located at 400 Washington Square in downtown Lansing.
want it to end. It was reminiscent of vanilla chai tea with cream and a dash of delight. Unfortunately, the tea was the only thing
tasty from our order. The fried spring rolls were uninspiring. My Chicken Pad Thai, which I ordered at medium spice level, was disturbing to the eye. As Julie described it, it was the color of Kraft Mac and Cheese. The spice level was decent, but it lacked flavor and was watery. Julie’s Beef Lo Mein also did not impress. The serving sizes were the average size of Thai restaurants that I have visited. Normally, that means I have a few meals out of a single order. However, this time my leftovers went straight to the trash can. Overall, Thai Village was a big disappointment for the palate, with the exception of the Thai Iced Tea.
10|opinion
FEB. 14, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout — JULIE’S JUKES —
Cars of my past, present, future, dreams I have not been driving for as long as some, but in my years of driving I have already had three cars. Except for the 16 year old in a movie who gets a brand-new car for his or her Sweet 16th birthday, most teenagers go through the rite of passage of having an old used car for their first car. My first car was my grandparents’ old van that I’m pretty sure was brand new when they first bought it. My friends and I named it the “Purple People Eater” because it was a prune-like purple color. I had that van for a little while before the brakes decided to stop working,
JULIE NEWELL editor in chief
newellj1@star.lcc.edu
along with a lot of other parts of the car. After the van, my next car was my beloved red VW Bug. I have always loved VW Bugs because I thought they were cute. I named my bug Ledi, which is Russian for lady, so it could
be my “Ladybug.” I even had plans to get black polka-dot decals to put on the car to completely make it into a ladybug. Sadly, I only had my VW Bug for a few months before it got squashed in a car accident my junior year of high school. My third car is my current car, which is a Hyundai Elantra. It’s a nice car and we got a good deal on it. So far, I haven’t had any major problems with it. However after my Bug got squashed, I refuse to name any more cars, so I don’t get too attached to them. Hopefully, in the next five or so
years I will be able to get a new car. I like my current car, but it is not the best car to drive during the Michigan winters. The next car that I want is some type of SUV. I want something with allwheel drive, more space, higher off the ground and a little more practical for whenever I end up having children. My dream car (which I know I will never be able to have) is a classic blue ’66 Mustang convertible. I love the look of the classic Mustang. It always reminds me of those older classic TV shows where you see the “cool kids” driving a similar car.
— CHLOE’S CHAt —
Student-employee appreciates LCC’s efforts This year has been very challenging for me. On top of being a part of an amazing, though difficult, program (dental hygiene), I have seen a lot of changes this year. I have had to step out of my comfort zone more than once to ensure a great collegiate experience, both socially and financially. For the past few years, LCC has had my back. I was able to slide through my first two years with foundation scholarships I received from LCC. This year I didn’t receive any scholarships, but every time I’m feeling
really low, like I can’t do or afford anything, it seems like LCC comes out with a new helpful grant for its students. I, and I am sure my fellow classmates, are beyond grateful for this. I just wanted to give my personal thanks to LCC because without these grants, I’m not sure I could even afford to be writing this and be a part of the LCC community. These grants give me that extra bit that I need in order to comfortably afford tuition, rent and food. To be in a school that puts that mon-
CHLOE GREGG Associate editor
greggc3@star.lcc.edu
ey back into its students, and shows its appreciation for us, is a special thing. I plan to put the next grant LCC is giving to its students into my savings. Then in the summer time I will be able to afford a loupe for school (a
required equipment I must buy that costs well over $1,000). I cannot stress enough the burden that has been lifted from my shoulders because of this. Instead of trying to scrounge away every last penny I have to save, I can fret less and focus on more important things, like my academics. I’m so grateful to have a school that cares about its students and helps its students out, no questions asked. LCC will always hold a special place in my heart for always putting its students before everything else.
— ARI’s Adventures —
Making strong progress in college and in life My countdown until graduation is now down to three months! This semester is flying by like nobody’s business. Since my last column was published — I celebrated my birthday, binge watched, “The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window,” and received my results from the MI BEI Test of English Proficiency (TEP). Great news! I have officially passed the written portion of the BEI and will be scheduling the performance seg-
Arianne Olayinka STAFF WRITER
farhanz1@star.lcc.edu
ment in the near future. On top of that, I am honored to have been accepted into LCC’s Women Inspiring Scholarship through Empowerment (WISE)
program. After graduation in May, I plan to attend LCC for a few more semesters. I will be knocking out some cost-efficient psych classes before transferring over to Siena Heights University. There, I will pursue my Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Sign Language Interpreting with a minor in Psychology. I am thankful for the many great things happening in my life right now. However, it is important to note that life is still not back to “normal.” I ac-
knowledge that we are still in a world pandemic, and new strands of the coronavirus seem to be coming out of the woodwork. A wise person recently encouraged me to do some “RADICAL self-care.” I would like to challenge our readers to do the same. Currently, my go to self-care item is my weighted blanket. It provides a soothing effect and pairs nicely with a cup of vanilla chai hot tea. Readers, be kind and be safe.
11|opinion
FEB. 14, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout — staff editorial —
Despite COVID’s wrath, there are some positives During the past two years, COVID-19 has forced people to stay home more and become even more sedentary than before. Lives have been permanently altered in both positive and negative ways. A negative impact from COVID is that many people are not working out as much as they once did. According to a report done by In Market Insights, the fitness industry took a major hit because people either quit, or seriously decreased, going to the gym. People attend less events now. Popular sporting events, including the Olympics, have less in-person
support from fans. With negative impacts, there are also positives that come from the at-home lifestyle. For instance, many businesses that switched their employees to at-home work due to COVID, are now permanently keeping it that way. There is a large increase of these workfrom-home careers on Indeed.com, and even a section specifically dedicated to it for people to peruse. Many schools, including LCC, offer completely-online courses now that students can take. This allows people who don’t live in their school’s vicinity to par-
FEB. 14 is Valentine’s Day. What would be a great Romantic Comedy Movie to Watch With someone special? JULIE NEWELL
editor in Chief
CHLOE GREGG
Associate editor
newellj1@star.lcc.edu
greggc3@star.lcc.edu
“‘”The Proposal’ would be my go-to rom-com because of the amazing, hilarious cast.”
“‘The best rom-com movies are from the early 2000s. Let’s go with ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding.’”
JACOB ZOKVIC
STAFF WRITER
zokvicj1@star.lcc.edu
“‘‘The Princess Bride,’ starring Cary Elwes. It’s a classic spoof movie that’s really funny.”
—
ticipate in classes without the long daily commute. More and more today, people are getting their groceries delivered to their doors via InstaCart or GoPuff, or purchasing meal kits from sellers like Hello Fresh and Blue Apron. Although there have been many negative impacts on people’s everyday lives from COVID, The Lookout believes it is important to look at some of the positives that have come from this new way of life. As a community, we should focus less on what we can’t do, and more on what we can.
the lookout staff —
ARIANNE OLAYINKA
STAFF WRITER
olayinka@star.lcc.edu
“‘My Best Friend’s Girl.’ It’s a hidden gem. Dane Cook and Kate Hudson’s chemistry is comedy gold. ”
LARRY HOOK
adVISER
hookl@star.lcc.edu
“‘I suggest ‘Blended’ with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. It’s about two families falling in love.”
12|LAST LOOK
Feb. 14, 2022 www.lcc.edu/lookout
LCC Theatre presents ‘Cabaret’ By Chloe Gregg Associate Editor
Cast members from LCC’s upcoming presentation of “Cabaret” perform a musical number during a rehearsal session on Tuesday, Feb. 8 in Dart Auditorium.
Photographs by Editor in Chief Julie Newell
Lead character Sally Bowles (played by Meghan Malusek) chats with Drew Clark (Clifford Bradshaw).
The LCC Theatre Department will present the musical, “Cabaret,” Feb. 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. and on Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. in the Dart Auditorium. The show is being directed by Mark Colson. “We’re so excited that we’re able to produce this iconic musical at LCC,” said LCC Performing Arts Director Paige Dunckel. “Everyone is doing a fantastic job with their parts and the dance numbers, choreographed by LCC dance faculty Lauren Mudry. (They) are phenomenal.” “Cabaret” is a musical set in a Berlin nightclub. As the 1920s draw to a close, a garish emcee (played by Connor Kelly) welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the “Cabaret.” With the Emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, “Cabaret” explores the dark, heady and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Clifford (Drew Clark), a young American writer newly arrived in Berlin, is immediately taken with English singer Sally Bowles (Meghan Malusek.) Meanwhile, Fräulein Schneider (Judith Evans), proprietor of Cliff and Sally’s boarding house, tentatively begins a ro-
mance with Herr Schultz (Doak Bloss), a mild-mannered fruit seller who happens to be Jewish. Musical numbers include “Willkommen,” “Cabaret,” “Don’t Tell Mama” and “Two Ladies.” LCC student Makayla Marrison, who will play Kit Kat girl dancer Fiona in “Cabaret,” said she is excited for people to see the show. “I’m most excited for audiences to see how beautifully each piece of this show fits together,” Marrison said. “From acting, to singing and dancing, we all as a cast have worked extremely hard to bring the world of ‘Cabaret’ to life.” Dunckel said after the very successful musical “Hair” at LCC a few years ago, Director Colson was excited to do another musical. “Cabaret” features 20 cast members. “’Cabaret’ has a large cast with students, LCC alumni and community members filling the various roles,” Dunckel said. Audiences can purchase tickets at the entrance of the auditorium with cash or checks (credit and debit cards are not taken). Online tickets will be available soon. Students can purchase discounted tickets with a student ID. For more information on the musical, visit the Performing Arts website or LCC’s events page.
From left, Jacob Hensler, Connor Kelly and Erin Biel rehearse their roles in the musical, “Cabaret.”