Hunger
Hockey club
meets its
Ensembles engage
looks to
match
expand
audiences
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thelo kout
Dec. 13 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011 Volume 52, Issue 8 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
Strike a pose
Federal government impacts Financial Aid Nathan Wilson Staff Writer
Photo by Michael Caterina
Smile big: Photo Club members Lynette Rohrbacher (left) and Haylee Price check the exposure of the holiday portrait setup Dec. 2. The club will hold another photoshoot selling 5-by-7 prints for $3 on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day and March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.
A recent change in the financial aid policy set for Spring Semester 2011 will affect students who have earned less than 30 credits. Students who have earned less than 30 credits and have never borrowed a federal loan will receive half of their loan disbursement by Feb. 14, 2011, according to the LCC Financial Aid website.
The second half of the loan will not be received until March 12, 2011. Dean Evan Montague, Ph.D., explained the federal government implemented these changes in response to LCC’s loan default rate over the past three fiscal years. LCC’s two-year average default rate for 2007 and 2008 exceeded 10.9 percent while the national average for two or three-year
public colleges hovered at 10 percent. “That’s something we’re very concerned about,” Montague said. “We want to continue to focus our energy and efforts on that.” LCC was required by federal regulations to enact these financial aid policy changes as a result of the default rate. Montague said, “We look forward to working See Aid, page 2
LCC receives $9.97 million to upgrade A&S Dominick Mastrangelo News Editor
The Michigan Legislature has approved $9.97 million in the 2010 Capitol Outlay Bill for LCC’s proposed renovation project for the Arts and Sciences Building. Planning for the renovation is set to begin after the first of the year. “It was literally years
in the making,” LCC President Brent Knight said. “A team of LCC staff from across the campus did an exceptional job working very hard to make this a reality. “We will all benefit from their achievement.” LCC will match the money given by the state legislature to bring
the total for the project to $19.95 million. The project will increase the number of science labs, allowing LCC to accommodate for enrollment growth. According to information from Campus Communication, the college plans to build learning labs that will
Funding: Students work on projects in a science class in an A&S classroom. The college received $9.97 million from the Capitol Outlay Bill that LCC plans to use to upgrade the A&S Building.
See Upgrade, page 2
Photo by Courtney Baker
Board of Trustees to vote on increasing parking rates Dominick Mastrangelo News Editor LCC’s Board of Trustees is expected to vote Dec. 13 on a plan that would extend hours the
college charges for parking. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Administrative Building’s board room. The proposed hours
to charge for parking would be from 6 to 11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. The new plan does allow for parking to remain free on Friday eve-
nings and weekends. The plan would include charging StarCard users past 6 p.m. In fall 2010 there were more than 22,000 students enrolled at LCC,
an influx of approximately 6,000 students since the year 2000, according to The Lansing State Journal. The college plans to build a 125-space lot on
the northwest corner of Saginaw Street and Capitol Avenue next summer at an estimated cost of at least $270,000. The meeting is open to the public.
2 NEWS
Dec. 13, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Aid
Continued from page 1
closer with students to try to help in terms of managing your money, managing the funds throughout the semester, and that’s part of the principle behind it.” According to Montague, part of the principle behind the federal requirement is to disburse the loan in two separate disbursements, rather than give out the entire loan at once. “Let’s have this 30-day period at the beginning to help the students get into classes, start making
progress, and then let’s split the installment so the student gets part up front and part at the midpoint,” he explained. “If you got a loan in the fall and applied for a full-year loan, you get the second installment of your loan in the Spring Semester,” he said. “It’s really for a new borrower or for somebody who in the spring is applying for one semester only loan.” Montague said continuing students should not be affected as much as new bor-
rowers. “If they decide to apply for a springonly loan, then we would send them a notice saying, ‘Here are the requirements about your spring loan,’” Montague said. He added, however, “We have thousands of students receiving financial aid right now that this change has no impact on – they are perfectly fine.” The first refund will be available Jan. 12, 2011, and the second March 12, 2011.
Photo by Michael Caterina
Improvements: Students walk in and out of the Arts and Sciences Building, which LCC received $9.97 million dollars to restore and expand.
Upgrade Continued from page 1
Photo by Michael Caterina
Financial flux: Students talk to financial aid representatives at LCC. New regulations make it so first-time loan recipients must wait to receive payment until Feb. 14 for the first disbursement and March 12 for the second and final disbursement.
“rival the best in the nation.” In addition, general classroom expansion is expected. “It’s going to be a little inconvenient for a while, but something tells me it's going to be worth it,” said Pat
Mckerr, a student at LCC who will have a class in the Arts and Sciences Building twice a week next semester. “Maybe a class or two will even get cancelled,” he joked. “On second thought, I probably couldn’t get
that lucky.” The renovation will update classrooms left largely untouched since the building was constructed in 1968. College officials estimate the project will start in 2012 and finish by summer 2014.
3 NEWS
Dec. 13, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
LCC hosts blood drive Dominick Mastrangelo News Editor Lansing Community College held a blood drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross on Nov. 29 in the Health and Human Services (HHS) Building. Students, faculty and staff had the opportunity to give blood from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the first day of classes after Thanksgiving break. “We were very busy from the get-go,” said Sal Wilson, a representative from the American Red Cross and the supervisor for this particular blood drive. “Donors have not been hard to come by.” The drive started approximately 30 minutes later than expected due to short staffing, according to Wilson. The volunteer help offered by LCC compensated for the late start. “We’re all human,” Wilson said. “However,
IN BRIEF NEWS
Toys for Tots accepting donations
Photo by Nathan Wilson
Quick prick: A blood drive worker prepares a student to give blood at an American Red Cross Blood Drive Nov. 29 in HHS 209.
it didn’t set us back one bit.” Each donor went through specific screening processes. According to the American Red Cross’ website, all donated blood is tested for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and other infectious diseases before it can be released to hospitals. Nathan Bruno is a 19-year-old liberal studies student who gave blood
for the first time at LCC. “I’ve always thought about giving,” he said. “This was right on campus, so it was easier to finally donate.” It is estimated that more than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. It’s still not too late to donate. Log on to http://www.redcrossblood. org/ to see how to donate and make a difference in another person’s life.
LCC will continue to collect Toys for Tots through Dec. 15. Drop-off locations will be in the main lobbies of the Administrative, Arts and Sciences, Gannon and Health and Human Services buildings. Monetary donations may be made at Hole-in-the-Hall (Gannon Building 133).
Guinness Book of World Records signing is Dec. 14 LCC Professor Chef Nick (William Nicklosovich) and Peppermint Jim from the Crosby Mint Farm in St. Johns, are featured in the 2011 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records because the duo broke the world record for creating the largest slab of fudge. On Tuesday, Dec. 14 starting at 7 p.m. the two will be at Schuler Books and Music in Eastwood Towne Center to sign copies of the book. All are welcome.
LCC’s Banner Web Self Service system upgraded The LCC Banner Web Self Service system was successfully upgraded to version 8.3. Testing of a laptop data encryption software product is underway. The Information Technologies Services’ disaster recovery plan has been updated and the redesign of the Division’s web site has begun. The IT Governance Information Technology Advisory Council has been formed and monthly meetings are being held.
Nature center to hold open house The Fenner Nature Center will hold an open house on Dec. 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will feature Santa Claus and his elves, fun games, crafts and the opportunity to learn more about the role that Fenner Nature Center plays in connecting local communities with the environment. The event is sponsored by FOFNC (Friends of Fenner Nature Center) and supported by the Lansing Park Board.
Fighting hunger downtown Marketing association
gives joy through toys Dominick Mastrangelo News Editor
Photo by Michael Caterina
Food fight: LCC culinary professor Chef Nick (from left), Peppermint Jim Crosby and Financial Development Officer of the Mid-Michigan Food Bank Betsy Rueckert talk with Loraine of Lansing as she donates a 4.7 pound to the donation to the Downtown Lansing Food Fight: Fight Against Hunger Nov. 30 in front of the Capitol.
Michael Caterina Photo Editor Imagine collecting enough food to feed 10,000 people in one day. LCC culinary professor William Nicklosovich, better known as Chef Nick, collaborated with Downtown Lansing, Inc. on Nov. 30 in front of the Capitol Building to do just that. According to Chef Nick, the second annual Downtown Lansing Food Fight: Fight Against Hunger is an event created to collect donations from local area businesses and individuals to give to the Mid-Michigan Food Bank. The participants who donate the most walk away with more than just a sense of giving back. “We’ve got a traveling golden trophy award that we give to the different
businesses,” Chef Nick said. “All businesses compete in a friendly manner to see who can raise the most food per poundage and monetary value, and then they get to keep the traveling trophy until the next year.” This year’s winner, Appetites for Change, a group of 12 city of Lansing employees, took home the trophy for donating 42.25 pounds of food per person. Last year’s winner, The Lansing Housing Commission, donated 40.9 pounds of food per person this year. By reaching 2,244 pounds of food and $1,145 in cash, enough for 10,000 meals, donations from this year’s event surpassed the first year’s by far. “Last year was one of the most successful food drives
for the Mid-Michigan Food Bank to date,” Chef Nick said. According to Betsy Rueckert, the financial development officer of the Mid-Michigan Food Bank, events like this are very important to the success of the food bank. “(Food drives) are huge for awareness. They are huge for community involvement,” Rueckert said. With need growing each year, the Mid-Michigan Food Bank needs the support of the community. “In 2008 across our seven counties, we served 75,000 individuals,” Rueckert said. “In 2009, it was 112,000.” Anyone interested in competing in next year’s event should contact Downtown Lansing, Inc. at www.downtownlansing.org to sign up.
LCC and the American Marketing Association (AMA) held their annual Toys for Tots kickoff Dec. 6 outside the Welcome Center in the Gannon Building. The kickoff was in partnership with the Lansing Leathernecks Motorcycle Club. Several present and past Marine service people were in attendance. “We try and do everything we can to support the community, especially the little guys,” a retired Marine who called himself “Checkmate” said. “These toy drives have been happening over and over again for a reason.” Last year, LCC collected 130 gifts on Main Campus alone. This year the collection will be held on West and East Campus as well. “I know we can do a lot more (this year),” said Jody DuBeau, co-vice president of communication for LCC. “The main focus of the kickoff is to really get the students involved. We wanted to be very acessible to
Photo by Michael Caterina
Giving back: American Marketing Association Vice President of Community Service Jennifer Hennings (right) talks with Leatherneck President “Checkmate” at the Toys for Tots kick off Dec. 6 on the second floor of the Gannon Building.
them.” Drop boxes for toy donations will be in the main lobby of every building on Main Campus from Dec. 1 to Dec. 15. After Dec. 15, monetary donations will be accepted at the Hole-in-the-Hall store, located in Gannon Building room 133.
Toys for Tots was founded in 1947 by William L. Hendricks. According to the Toys for Tots website, Hendricks wanted to help parents who could not afford Christmas gifts to ensure their children would have a happy Christmas. 63 years later, the program is still running strong.
4 NEWS
Dec. 13, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Apply now for 2011 scholarship opportunities Sarah Sanders Editor in Chief There are several scholarship opportunities available to LCC students through the LCC Foundation. Scholarships to be awarded for the 2011-12 academic year include: Foundation Scholarships, Honors Awards, Occupational Awards and Student Leadership Awards. The Foundation Scholarships are funded through the Foundation while the Honors Awards, Occupational Awards and Student Leadership awards are funded through the college. Peggy Hellwig, coordinator of Foundation Scholarships, explained the application process available to students through the foundation has only one application process for the wide variety of awards available. In addition to this, the scholarships are offered only to LCC students, making the competition pool smaller than what can be found elsewhere. “The Foundation Scholarships cover a broad range of programs and residency status,” Hellwig said. “It
is not just the Foundation Scholarships, but all of the scholarships available through the LCC scholarship awarding process.” To prove the value of this process, Hellwig explained students were awarded $786,000 for the 2010-11 school year. Applications, as well as any other documents required per the award stipulations, must be filled out and turned in to the Financial Aid Office no later than 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, 2011. Applicants will receive news of their award status in early April 2011. As a recipient of a Student Leadership Award, LCC student Mindy Cartwright offers students advice about scholarships: “The Student Leadership Award has given me the opportunity to go to LCC without the financial difficulties of paying for school with a student income.” Information about scholarships can be found at www. lcc.edu/scholarship or in the 2011-2012 Award and Scholarship booklet available at the Financial Aid Office in the Gannon Building or from the program coordinators.
5 FEATURES
Dec. 13, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
LCC announces new three-department format Sarah Sanders Editor in Chief
C
ollege Leadership at LCC has finished a new department and division layout to be effective Jan. 1, 2011. Professors at LCC were told what the new layout will be on Dec. 6 during a meeting held in Dart Auditorium.
Arts and Sciences
Technical Careers
Health and Human Services
Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Stephanie Shanblatt, the provost of the meeting, explained the new layout was designed to incorporate “how we can best serve
(students) in — and I know you don’t want to hear this — the most efficient way possible. We also think that by moving some of the programs around, we can create excitement.”
The meeting concluded with a question and answer period where several teachers raised their concerns over the new layout. Among those taking issue with the Paralegal Program’s shift from the Business Department to the Public Service Department was Paralegal Professor Bud Shulman. “There is a huge cultural difference between law enforcement and legal assistant, (though) they both have something to do with the law,” Shulman said. “Lumping them together is
rather shallow, and in fact, some of the worst years I had at the college were during that configuration.” He added the issue of departments being too broad for a department chair to be able to properly represent the programs within has always been a concern. The English Program, however, received perceivably good news that there will now be an English Department. This division will include the current English Program in addition to the Writing Program including the developmental writing course WRIT 117. “English is a humanities program, but English is now a separate division,” said Eric Snider, department chair for the newly titled Social Science and Humanities Department, “in part because there are so many English and writing courses that the size of the
program itself is large enough to justify its own department.” One teacher commented on the inclusion of WRIT 117: “I am not really clear on how moving a developmental writing course out of an area that is specifically called Developmental Writing will do much good.” Mike Nealon, dean of the newly titled Arts and Sciences Division, responded to this by claiming when they evaluated the content of the WRIT 117 course, they found the main difference between the developmental course and other writing courses was a lack of a citations page requirement. Nealon did assure faculty, however, program analysis will not become the focus until after they become settled in the new layout. Talk of the change has shifted since the meeting from its im-
pact on faculty to the impact on students. “I don’t see any disadvantages for students,” Snider said. “It might be indirectly better for students because there might be more equitable managing of the teachers and teaching resources.” “There could be some interesting things that we will learn from each other as we move along,” Snider added. College Leadership maintained an optimistic approach to the new layout despite the concerns of other faculty members. “I not only recognize that faculty members may be straddling what some might see as boundaries, but I am delighted in that.” Nealon said. “We have really one mission, and we serve one student body. We should not put ourselves into boxes and see ourselves in restrictive allegiances.”
6SPORTS
Dec. 13, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Soccer Club seeks membership increase Zach Bellingar Sports Editor
LCC has nearly a dozen athletic sports clubs, from martial arts to break dancing, with potential for more. While the LCC Soccer Club has been up and running since the 1970s, it has experienced its own share of ups and downs. The Soccer Club starts fresh every semester. According to head of the club, LCC instructor Jorge Gonzalez, the Soccer Club recruits members from all over the world. “I get a lot of international students,” Gonzalez said. “People from Africa, Central and South America. It’s like an international club.” All of the club’s games are played at multi-sports facility The Summit, west of Lansing. It competes in a coed league and has no eligibility standards or age limit. The only limit for the Soccer Club is available practice time and space. During the fall, with varsity sports like volleyball and basketball
File Photos by Michael Caterina
Kickin’ it: Soccer Club member Haris Avdic goes for a shot during a 2009 Soccer Club game at The Summit.
Leader: Head of LCC’s Soccer Club Jorge Gonzalez instructs his players during a 2009 club game.
occupying the gym in the Gannon Building during the day, it is very difficult to get in. In turn, attendance throughout the semester experiences a drop. “We started with
has been able to do anything. Every time we try … there is an economic crisis.” The club is planning to pick up strong with new members, expert or novice, at the start
18,” Gonzalez said. “Then it went to nine, then eight.” If the club were a varsity sport, the hardships it experiences now would be cushioned with additional
— What in the wide world of sports? —
Excitement, adventure, ice-fishing A wise Dagobah creature once said, “Excitement, adventure, a Jedi craves not these things.” I prefer, “Nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure.” The choice is yours, but the latter is humanistic. It’s realistic. Ladies and gents, it’s been real. It’s been an adventure. But all good things do that thing they do. This will be my last column and, moreover, the last time my byline will appear in The Lookout. I have met interesting and patient people in the last few months, but that is not what this column is about. No, this article is not about football or basketball or hockey. It’s not about scandal or controversy in the sports world. Nope. I think this time, I’m
going to loosely talk about a sport few sports editors have likely ever talked about. Ice-fishing. If you’re a fisherman, then you know that there really is no such thing as an offseason. If you’re not, don’t stop reading. What would Nick Adams do? When we consider sports, as defined by ESPN, limitations are often placed on the big, fast and strong. Watching a man look into a hole in the ice is never going to be primetime television and in no way am I attempting to make synonyms of athlete and adventurer.
Then again, what is an athlete? That’s not the point. It is easier to keep the interest of an audience with play-byplay and statistics and controversial calls that keep the Lions from winning two games in a season than it is to talk about the motives of Dick Proenneke or Christopher McCandless. Sometimes real life is just not that interesting. At least not to the masses. As winter draws nearer and the bitterness of the season sets in, just as most are dreading the walk to their vehicles, I am cheering on the cold. Because life is a contact sport. And as I leave this paper and venture into the cold and desolate wilderness that is the unknown future, I will take with me the patience and persistence of a man, sitting over a hole in the ice, seizing my dinner.
college backing and security. The odds of that, according to Gonzalez, are slim. “With three different athletic directors in the last 20 years, nobody
of the Spring Semester. Anyone interested in joining the Soccer Club can contact Jorge Gonzalez by phone at 483-1227 or by email at JGonzales@lcc.edu.
7SPORTS
Dec. 13, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Cagers improve to 7-1, ranked fourth Zach Bellingar Sports Editor Eight games in, with a 7-1 record and a fourth-place NJCAA Division II ranking, the LCC men’s basketball team is on track to compete strong in opening league play. The team’s one loss was at the hands of the sixth-ranked Triton College Trojans at home in the “Stars” Thanksgiving Classic on Nov. 27, 85-80. Sophomore forward Mike Martin said of their loss, “We came into the game and thought we were going to win it just because we were there. We weren’t prepared mentally.” Martin’s typical preparation has earned him fourth place in both individual scoring and rebounding in MCCAA individual standings, contributing nearly 20 points and nine rebounds per game.
“It’s just the hard work paying off,” said Martin, who defined hard work as pick-ups with friends, working out, lifting and running on his own time. Sophomore guard Troy Aubrey had his own thoughts on the Triton game. He said, “That one loss, it woke us up. We just can’t take any teams for granted from now on.” Aubrey’s contribution has earned him fifth in assists in MCCAA standings, with 41 total at just over five per game. “It’s a point guard’s job to get all of his teammates involved,” Aubrey said. “That’s what I look to do coming into each game.” The Stars followed their loss with a win against Olivet’s JV squad on Dec. 3, 9374 in the first of two games in the Muskegon Invitational. The Stars defeated Cornerstone JV on Dec. 4 in a blowout, 98-43.
Playing undermatched junior varsity teams is not high on LCC’s agenda, but Head Coach Mike Ingram said the invitational came at just the right time. “Coming off a loss, it wasn’t a bad thing to do because we needed to work on some things,” Ingram said. “We needed to have some success. We needed to have some team bonding and I thought that helped us.” On paper, the starting five post strong stats, but the success of the season would not be without the depth of Ingram’s bench. “Nate Duhon had a big weekend last week and Jordan Davis has played well coming off the bench,” Ingram said. “I also think Mason Maurer has kind of found himself. In the last few games, coming off the bench, he’s really pounded the boards. “Marcus Cain had several dunks over the
Physical play lifts lady ballers Erik Stiem Staff Writer After defeating the Indiana Institute of Technology on Dec. 1, the LCC Lady Stars headed to Muskegon for the weekend to compete in the Holiday Classic. The Lady Stars defeated Hope College on Dec. 3, 7361. Though outsized, the Stars played tough defense and physically took control of the game. Going on a 12-2 run with four minutes left opened the game up, and the Stars cruised to victory. Denay Kelley led the way with 18 points and 21 rebounds. On Dec. 4, LCC’s women faced Delta College in a game that Coach Ervin Brunson described as, “physically, our toughest game so far.” The 72 free throws taken between the two teams definitely attested to that. It was a see-saw game that finally began tipping in the Lady Stars’ favor after a 16-3 run toward the end of the game. However, due to the physical nature of the game, two of LCC’s starters fouled out. Delta cut LCC’s lead to four, but time ran out before any successful comeback could be completed. Denay Kelley put up 14 points and pulled in 14 boards, while Tornisha
Stopped short: Freshman Tornisha Jones pushes her way to the basket during the Stars’ 59-70 loss to Ancilla College. Jones had 10 points and nine rebounds.
Photo by Michael Caterina
Jones went 18 and 10, on the game. Jennifer Wilson also contributed 11 points. Brunson credits the team’s success to the physical defense his team plays: “They have that no-quit attitude,” he said. “Rebounding is the key.” The stats certainly back up Brunson’s comments. Though often smaller in size than their opponents, the Lady Stars have yet to be outrebounded. Denay Kelley, now the league’s leading rebounder, credits her success to boxing out.
“I love to hustle,” Kelley said “(and) give my team possession any time I can.” Brenda Davis talked of the success of the Lady Stars in the key: “They do a good job of getting open,” the point guard said. “And making themselves seen and known.” The Lady Stars played their first conference game Dec. 8 at home game against Ancilla College and took their first loss, 70-59. Look for results from the upcoming games over winter break in issue 9 of The Lookout.
weekend. Our bench guys are starting to play well with us and getting a little more confidence coming into the game.” With a target on their backs, the Stars, for the rest of the season, will have to continue to show strength in all aspects of their game. “Everybody comes in and plays well against us,” Ingram concluded. “Everybody’s coming in here, blowing steam out of their ears; out of their nose. They’re giving us everything they’ve got. “They know we’re not only a good men’s basketball program but a great athletic program, and so teams try to get ready to play us, and as coaches, we have to let our players know that and keep them ready to go.” The Stars traveled to Flint to play a strong Mott CC team on Dec. 11. Results will be posted in the next issue of The Lookout.
Photo by Michael Caterina
Flying high: Sophomore Vino Ashley puts one up for the Stars during their 74-57 victory over Kirtland CC Nov. 17.
8 SPORTS
Dec. 13, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
New year brings new hopes for Stars hockey team Zach Bellingar Sports Editor
Entering the 2009-10 Division III Nationals ranked fourth in its division, the Lansing Stars hockey team had high hopes for the 2010-11 season. After 11 games and a 1-10 record, the Stars have struggled to find light at the end of the tunnel. “It’s been rough,” goaltender Bob Butterfield said of the Stars’ season. “(We’ve been) short-benched and had a lot of adversity to push through. It puts a lot of stress on the team; on the players.” The Stars’ win came on Nov. 12 against Northwood University with a final score of 3-1. In that game, Butterfield saw 45 of his 403 shots on the season. “Looking at the good side of it, I’m putting up good numbers,” the goaltender said. Even with 31 goals
against, Butterfield still holds a .920 save percentage. The team’s other goaltender, Zac Smith, has relieved the starter of his duties six times, with 265 shots against and a .860 save percentage. According to Butterfield, the competition between goalies is anything but. “It’s friendly. I wouldn’t even call it competition,” Butterfield said. “It’s not necessarily that we’re competing but more that we’re encouraging each other to play at the top of our game.” Many of the Stars’ hardships have come from keeping a full bench. Without the funding a varsity sport receives, the team struggles to keep up with costs, maintain members and work with the resources it has. For example, the team practices at 10 o’clock at night. The Stars took on Jackson
File photo by Michael Caterina
Tough start: A 2009 LCC hockey player takes a shot during practice. The team looks to improve on its current 1-10 record.
Community at The Summit, west of Lansing, on Dec. 10. Jackson has had its own problems finding wins this season and entered Lansing with a 1-14 record. As far as maintaining Jackson’s leading offensive player Christopher Wegrzyn, Butterfield said the best way to prepare is to not prepare.
“Just go about your normal routine,” Butterfield said. “There’s nothing special about any day. It’s just another game. “It’s just another player, he’s not any better than the last guy you saw.” Results from the Jackson game will be posted in the next issue of The Lookout. As far as the rest of the
season, adding to the roster is a main concern. “The team is short on players,” Head Coach Tony Zerkle said. “The second half of the season begins Jan. 1. We’re looking for players with some hockey background, hockey experience.” General manager Bill Westen added: “We’re not
going to have any formal tryout, but what we’ll do is invite them to practice and see if it’s a good fit for them and for us.” For now, the Stars will focus on one game at a time. “Everything evens itself out,” Butterfield said. “It will all come together eventually. We just have to keep on pushing through it.”
9 RTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Dec. 13, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Strings and beats rock Dart; audience awed Lee Rumler A&E Editor
The LCC Percussion Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble teamed up Dec. 5 to present both of their year end concerts at Dart Auditorium as part of “The Sounds of Winter” concert series. The stage was covered with a myriad of instruments. Xylophones, marimbas, trap sets, snares, toms, steel drums and multiple other percussion instruments glittered under the stage lights. The first song the ensemble played was “Technology,” a piece written by Jim Casella and inspired by techno music. Various solos set against a constant backbeat with periodic unison lines mimicked the electric genre surprisingly well.
Review Next, the ensemble transitioned into “Movimiento,” by Tony Hartman. “Movimiento” featured Molly Cryderman-Weber on the newly acquired steel drums and had a groovy island feel, probably product of those drums. “Fugue” in C minor, written by Bach, was probably the most classical song played. It was performed by a xylophone quartet. The rest of the ensemble then re-entered the stage and treated the audience to a different kind of classic: “Linus and Lucy,” straight from everybody’s favorite animated television specials. After the final note had finished ringing and most of the ensemble had left, three men with
snares were left standing tall in the middle of the stage. Their song, “G-Force” was something reminiscent of a drumline performance. Another xylophone quartet then took the stage to perform “Rainbow Ripples,” which Director Beth Lewis explained is an American ragtime tune composed by George Hamilton Green. The song sounded like a carnival falling into a black hole – in a good way. The final song was one of the stranger looking performances I’ve seen, but the body percussion in “Rhythm Net #1” gave the song a unique and delightful character. Nobody sold snacks during intermission. I was disappointed. After intermission, Director Christopher Rollins of the Guitar Ensemble talked a little
It sounds like December Lee Rumler A&E Editor
LCC’s Performing Arts Department recently put on “The Sounds of December” concert series starting Dec. 2 and ending Dec. 12. According to Melissa Kaplan, Production Coordinator for the Humanities and Performing Arts Department, “The Sounds of December” did not require ensembles to perform any holiday music, although some did. “At the end of every semester, all our music ensembles have a final performance, and this semester, since they happened to all fall in December, we called it ‘The Sounds of December,’” Kaplan explained. “But it’s not so much a specific series as each ensemble performing their final concert for the semester.” The first weekend of performances began with the Experimental Music Ensemble performing at Old Town’s Mica Gallery on Dec. 2. Named “Experimentainment,” the concert featured pieces ranging from “Pendulum Music,” where musicians hung swinging microphones above speakers to create musical feedback to a salsa, written by music faculty member Molly Cryderman-Weber. Also joining the Experimental Music Ensemble that night was the MSU Klezmorim. The second and third concerts, entitled “I Be-
about the group, which played two folk songs, “Sevilanas” and “Morenita,” as an ensemble before breaking into smaller performances. Rollins, Dallas Oliver and Kent Hooker then played “Passepied I,” which sounded like something someone might play at RenFest. Next, a second trio comprised of Ben Nance, Phil Stefanelli and Josh Talo played “El Roble,” another Spanish folk song. The piece sounded almost mournful, which is weird because “El Roble” translates into “The Oak.” After “El Roble,” Kenton Horstman, the lone bassist, played the most interesting song by the group, Bach’s Invention No. 4. Utilizing a looping pedal, Horstman played a bass duet with himself, first playing one hand of the
Photo by Lee Rumler
Island jams: Director Beth Lewis ends “Movimiento,” featuring Molly Cryderman-Weber on steel drums, Dec. 5.
original piano score into the loop, then repeating back the loop while playing the other hand. “Ornithology,” performed by Rollins and Tim Hayes, came next. The song had a jazzy, almost lounge-like feel with some elements resembling blues. Rollins, Horstman, Hayes and Brooke Bowker then joined with Jacque Baldori, the guitar ensemble’s percussionist and Cryderman-
In the kitchen with
Walnu t LCC sings swing: The LanSwingers vocal jazz and pop ensemble perform “Chili Concarne,” at Dart Auditorium Dec. 9.
on classic vocal jazz such as “What a Wonderful World” and “When I Fall in Love.” Next, the LCC Jazz Ensemble performed at Dart on Dec. 10. The 19 member band played big band, salsa and classic jazz pieces. The LCC Faculty Jazz Quartet, featuring Jon Gerwirtz, Ed Fedewa, Mike Daniels and Dennis Therrian, played the final concert on Dec. 12 at Dart. The band didn’t create a program in advance, but instead announced their program from the stage. Kaplan said the quartet usually performs some classical jazz and original compositions and is also working on publishing a CD. Overall, “The Sounds of December” was a success, with LCC ensembles demonstrating their skill; however, every semester, every ensemble needs new members. If you’re interested in joining one, apply for the class in Banner (auditions may be required). Classes can be taken for credit or non-credit.
Pie
Chef Nick
10-inch unbaked pie shell 8 ounces cream cheese 1/3 and 1/4 cups sugar Two dashes salt 4 eggs 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts 1 cup Karo syrup
Photo by Michael Caterina
lieve...” took place in Dart Auditorium on Dec. 3 and 4. LCC’s Concert Choir joined with Sistrum, Lansing Women’s Chorus and The Greater Lansing Gay Men’s Chorus. According to Kaplan, each chorus sang four or five pieces before joining on stage to perform four pieces together. “There were (about) 100 singers on stage, and it was really beautiful,” Kaplan detailed. The next performance, Dec. 5, combined LCC’s Percussion and Guitar Ensemble into one concert at Dart. The Percussion Ensemble laid down every kind of beat from classical to avant garde, while the Guitar Ensemble focused mainly on classical and folk pieces. After a week’s downtime, the series kicked back off with the LanSwingers Vocal Jazz and Pop Ensemble on Dec. 9 in Dart Auditorium. According to Kaplan, the 13 member vocal ensemble, accompanied by their rhythm section, focuses
Weber and Lewis of the percussion ensemble to play “Choro,” another Spanish-sounding tune. The concert concluded with a Carlos Santana piece, “Europa,” featuring an excellent bass solo by Horstman and an equally moving guitar solo by Rollins. Over all, the concert was excellent, like most at LCC. I would recommend the Percussion and Guitar Ensembles to anyone.
Mix cream cheese, 1/3 cup of sugar, a dash of salt and one egg together. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla and spread the mixture on bottom of crust. Sprinkle nuts on top. Beat three eggs, 1/4 cup of sugar, a dash of salt, syrup and one teaspoon of vanilla together and gently pour over the nuts and cream cheese. Bake at 350° F until set, approximately 45 minutes. Serves 8-10 * Photo by Rogerray Frye Chef Nick is a culinary professor at LCC. This recipe is from HMFS 251, Gourmet American Cooking.
10A&E
Dec. 13, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
127 Hours of James Franco
League of Legends shines
Sarah Sanders Editor in Chief
Lee Rumler A&E Editor
I went into 127 Hours to watch a movie that was one scene of the gorgeous James Franco for a full hour and a half. After I watched the trailer, I knew the drill. I knew there was one setting, one situation and one character. I assumed that since this story was about a man’s remarkable triumph over his near-death experience it would be super dramatic, leaving me in awe. It was, but it was also incredibly funny. Through attention to cinematic detail, great acting and the magnificent job capturing the story, the movie changed my focus from pretty James Franco to the most connectable survival story I have ever seen.
Photo courtesy of cinemablend.com
From the start, the cinematography had me captivated. The screen was split three ways for a good duration, and everything was set at a fast pace to offset the fact that the main character stood still for a total of about four days. The film went on, varying its cinematic pace. Use of the split screen came back through Franco’s flashbacks and odd se-
King Crossword
quences of film while he was stuck. There were sequences of Franco filming himself, leaving me pondering the different levels of performance present. Only when leaving the movie did I think about the crappy situation he was in because the focus on his emotional and physical responses to the crappy situation were portrayed so captivatingly. The story was about only Aaron, so the production crew designed the movie so all you could think about was Aaron. Everything was shot with intent. 127 Hours is based on the true story of Aaron Ralston. He had his hand stuck between a boulder and a canyon wall for 127 hours with limited amounts of food and water. Oh, and the ending, yeah, that’s true too. Franco spent time with Ralston while they were filming, even watching the tapes Ralston had made while stuck in hopes that his family would be able to watch them even if he died before being found. During the trailer, the production crew expressed the goal was to keep this story as true as possible and make a movie that seemed to be impossible to make. I believe they did so.
Before I tell you why League of Legends is one of the best games I’ve ever played, let me warn you that you should not begin playing the game until finals’ week finishes because this game will eat your life. League of Legends is a Massively Multiplayer Online Real Time Strategy (MMORTS) game inspired by a Warcraft III map and developed by Riot Games. Now I know what you’re thinking: RTS? Boring. That’s exactly what I thought too, until I played the game. I have never played an RTS that raised my heartbeat as much as this one; in fact, I’ve never played a video game that raised my heartbeat as much as this one. You know that feeling when you’re playing Call of Duty, and you run into a mob of opponents with nothing but an assault rifle and a couple grenades, praying for dear life that you’ll cap a few before they get you?
Photo courtesy of curse.com
Playing League of Legends feels like that, all the time. Ganking two enemy champions, rushing their turret, taking focus fire until finally their assassin in the bush takes you out, screaming in anger, buying powerup items, shaking as you wait to respawn so you can kill that squishy little jerk – that’s League of Legends in a nutshell. It’s so intense, and it’s so fun. Unlike most MMO’s, how well players do in League of Legends isn’t determined by the number of hours they play the game; it’s determined by how much skill they play with. And some people got mad skillz – but more on that later. Each of the 60+ characters take a unique playing style, which means no mat-
ter who you are or what type of character you like, you’ll be able to find one that fits your natural battle strategies. Don’t be afraid to check out different characters either. Variety on teams is always helpful; however, I’m not saying you shouldn’t refine one character. I’ve played with people who carry an entire game and completely annihilate the entire enemy team with one character they’re great with. I’ve also been that person, normally with Xin Zhao or Jax. All in all, League of Legends is a fun, exciting and addicting game, and if you decide to check it out after finals, don’t be afraid to add me as a friend: The name’s leerumler. Oh, and did I mention it’s free?
Another promising story Kaitlin Lutz Associate Editor
Puzzle solution can be found at www.lcc.edu./lookout
This week’s puzzle is sponsored by:
Richard Paul Evans, author of The Christmas Box and The Walk, brings readers another heartwarming novel about learning to love. Promise Me is written from the perspective of a woman telling a story that took place 18 years earlier. The book begins in present day 2008 on Christmas Eve, but the narrator quickly tells the reader that her story actually begins in 1989. The narrator, Beth Cardall, is the wife of a salesman and mother
Photo courtesy of mormontimes.com
of 6-year-old Charlotte. She discovers that her marriage is a lie and in the midst of her marriage troubles, her daughter comes down with an unknown sickness. After the death of her husband, while life seems to be crashing
down all around her, something unexpected happens: Beth meets a stranger who changes her life and perhaps saves her daughter’s. It is from this stranger, Matthew, that Beth learns how to trust and even love again. Evans does a fine job bringing the story to life and even adds a twist toward the end of the book that makes everything that happened prior in the story fall into place. Although the idea he places in front of the reader is a little far fetched and definitely different from his other books, it plays out well
in the story. The reader is left trying to solve the mystery of this stranger and it encourages them to keep reading to find out what it is about Matthew that makes him so hard to figure out. In the beginning, Beth warns her audience by telling them that they probably won’t believe her, but it is their choice whether they want to believe her or not. The story is centered around two promises, one kept and one broken, and this is the story of how Beth Cardall learns from one man that love is possible again.
11 A&E
Dec. 13, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout — Shouting a Nuance —
Google rules the world Google is taking over the world. According to Wikipedia, Google processes over one billion searches a day, but Google’s reign doesn’t just include searches. Although Google posted on their corporate information website that one of their company philosophies is “It’s best to do one thing really, really well,” Google has branched out to offer over 100 services, many completely unrelated to searching. YouTube, Android OS, Gmail and Blogger all belong to Google, and so does just about everything else on the Internet. So Google owns my computer, basically. And Google runs my cell phone, okay. What’s next? Are they going to take over my TV? Yes, in fact, with Google’s new Google TV, they can run my television, about five times better than Dish Network can. But am I afraid of the fact that Google runs everything I
care about? Not really. Normally people in our country fear monopolies because almost every monopoly, as it’s forming, tries killing everything around it to maximize profits, but Google is a different story. Another philosophy Google operates by is “You can make money without doing evil,” which they’ve lived up to. When China told them they had to censor search results to operate within its borders, Google decided they didn’t need China’s support. When users opened a class action lawsuit against Google Buzz for violating user privacy, they apologized and donated money to teaching about online privacy. They’re just plain nice. But the awesome thing about Google is that they don’t force users into anything, like another recently successful technology company does, (I hate Apple.) I don’t need to buy
a phone with a broken antenna to use the Android OS, and I don’t need to have Google’s glitchy music player to put music on my phone either. Maybe Google’s ethics can be a bit shady at times, especially when it comes to their views on copyrights. Maybe they aren’t the easiest to cooperate with from a coding standpoint (which is why I use Firefox over Chrome on my Linuxpowered computers), but every company has its flaws. I’m just saying someday, some company is going to take over the world – it’s inevitable with a Red Congress – and if I had to pick one, it’d be Google. I’m not too worried.
— Clever Column Title Goes Here —
Culture of scapegoating It has always amused me how lawmakers cite music and various outlets of entertainment as encouraging violence. Critics often blame entertainment as a corrupting influence on youth and demand that various musicians, TV shows and books be censored. First of all, American youth are exposed to violence on endless levels in movies, television and music. I have also been exposed to the most disturbing, shocking acts of violence ever imagined, courtesy of the news— not by music or video games. The news typically consists of crime and the latest death count overseas. So should we censor the news for fear of corrupting innocent children’s minds with violence? The entire notion of
art influencing teenagers so profoundly that it will induce criminal behavior is an insult to adolescents who have independent thoughts and a moral conscience. No doubt there will be disgruntled and disturbed persons who reference a song or book as their motivation in violent crime, but critics cannot demand artists to censor themselves for these exceptions. Unless a musician or author explicitly stated their intention was to provoke crime or violence, it is juvenile to
blame them as a source of gross irresponsibility. Furthermore, is it public personalities’ duty to condemn art as destructive to youth and shield them for fear that within every child lurks a potential homicidal maniac? No. If a teenager commits crime, it is likely the parents are accountable for poorly raising their child, or the juvenile in question suffers from psychological problems. It is not a song, movie or video game’s fault. Using music or television as a scapegoat is not an appropriate excuse for utterly failing as a parent to instill morals in a child. Perhaps instead of blaming the latest CD or episode of Dexter for crime, we should acknowledge that some people are just psychopathic.
IN BRIEF Arts & Entertainment
Photography exhibition at LCC
Four by Eight to perform at Dart
The Photo Imaging Education Association International Exhibit came to LCC Dec. 8 and is staying until Jan. 20 as part of its three-year world tour. Located in the Gannon Building’s first floor display cases (across the hall from rooms 137 through 152), the gallery is free and open to the public during normal LCC hours.
Four by Eight, the combination of Four Men and Tenor and J&J Sounds, will perform a special holiday concert in Dart Auditorium on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $15 for attendees ages 12 and under. Proceeds will benefit LCC scholarships.
Dance to hold open house
This semester’s Contemporary Realism Studio Theatre class is putting on the A.R. Gurney play The Dining Room, directed by Paige Dunckel. The free show will be on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 17 and 18 at 8 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre, Gannon Building, room 168.
LCC’s dance classes are joining together to hold an open house in Dart Auditorium Friday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to everyone.
New television show premiers LCC TV’s newest show, Capitol Comeback, focuses on economic and workforce development with serious, non-partisan discussions led by host Bo Garcia. The first show, aired on Nov. 21, had Governor Granholm as a guest.
Studio presents The Dining Room
Stage combat open house on tap The Humanities and Performing Arts Department will hold a stage combat open house in Dart Auditorium. The free demonstration will take place Saturday, Dec. 18 at 11 a.m.
12 FEATURES International Club offers support
Dec. 13, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Nathan Wilson Staff Writer
T
he International Club is a student life organization that has existed at LCC for nearly 15 years. Adviser Ana Woehr explained the club is a place to share experiences and it is a support system for students with different backgrounds. Club President Chifara Hejase said she formed many friendships at the International Club while learning about other people’s countries and cultures. Mistie Nesbitt, another member of the club, said she likes that the group brings people together and builds a bridge between different cultures. “If you have any preconceptions of different races, it’s good exposure so you can understand everybody more,” she said. People of all citizenships are invited to become members, as the only requirement to join the International Club is being an LCC student. Carlos Lecaros, who has
been involved in the club for four years, explained, “This is a very diverse group. We have cultures from all over the world. To fit in, you have to be open to different diversities, cultures and religions.” Club member Darek Lewandowski explained he joined the club because he wanted to meet more people. “We want to socialize and we want to be together because our families are so far away.” Woehr said club members travel to various places to expose foreign students to the Midwest. Last year, International Club members raised money to travel to Chicago for the weekend.
According to Woehr, the club is considering a visit to Greenfield Village during spring semester. The International Club recently featured a game night for fun and attended Silver Bells in the City. Woehr said she encourages students to join the International Club because it is like a home away from home for foreign students. Club meetings are every Friday at 4 p.m. in Gannon Building room 308. For more information regarding International Club, contact Ana Woehr at woehra@lcc.edu.
Photos by Nathan Wilson
Cultures convene: LCC International Club members (above) socialize during a meeting. Below, Adviser Ana Woehr (right) brings brownies for Club President Chifara Hejase’s birthday.
13 DISTRACTIONS
Dec. 13, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011
www.lcc.edu/lookout
SUDOKU 7
— Fully Flippin’ it —
Christmas carol overload
4 8
3
9 5
3
2 4
7
4 9
9 6 2
6 5 4 3
2
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Did you know there are only eight Christmas songs? That’s not actually true, but after working a Christmas season in a retail store, OfficeMax, it seems that way. I served my time at the Max through the ’08 Christmas season, every Friday and Saturday night until 10 p.m., mind you. One year of corporate caroling was enough to scar my ears for life. The music in the wonderful office supply store was delivered by a corporate radio station, which employees had no control over … bad news bears. We were forced to listen to at least five different versions of
3
LeBaron Rodgers
Desktop Blues
James Tennant Jr. An Ordinary Life
“Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night,” “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” and a few others. This would have been bearable if it had been for only a couple of weeks, but the Christmas carol ambush started in the beginning of November. Now, I know that is when the Christmas
season starts these days, but for the sake of the people who are straightening up after the messy customers, let them hold off the timely tunes until within a month of the holiday. It has taken me almost two years to be able to listen to an entire Christmas song without freaking out and switching the song, but I still don’t like it. I am hoping that my recovery continues and that someday I can sit back on Christmas Eve, listen to the cheerful tunes and enjoy them. But until then, it’s jingle all the way … to the next song.
14 OPINION
Dec. 13, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout —A New York State of Mind—
—Everyone should read George Orwell—
Another look at defining morality Migrating to In response to the letter from Craig Prether on page 15: I think we should start with understanding that morality takes two forms within an individual — one being, the idealistic, or what that person believes to be their absolute moral code, the other being the level of morality at which the person operates. I think both are determined differently and they both need to be analyzed in order to understand a person’s true moral makeup. Everyone seems to hold the same morals in an idealistic sense while their behavior and capitalization of said morals differs from person-toperson. I would think that a person’s idealistic moral code could be influenced by a number of factors including environment, as a person’s ideals are subject to their upbringing and also the evolutionary influence of spe-
cies preservation. The idea that people make choices that reflect a need for the preservation of their own species. I would think that the ideal set of morals is based on what is best for social progression. Cheating, lying, stealing ... none of these things – long term – are good for society and none of these things are considered moral behaviors. To understand is not a simultaneous call to action. If this is true, it would make sense that morality is only used when helpful, and overlooked when not. Instead, if we look at whether a solid de-
termination of right and wrong helps form the level of morality we choose to exhibit, I would say no. I do look to self gain as a clue for why this is. For instance, how does the person benefit in each instance based on the level of morality they choose? By lying what do they gain; through truth what do they gain? I think we will find that the level of morality one operates at varies from their own conceptual ideals of right and wrong, at the will and to the benefit of the individual. We all have amoral behaviors from time-totime and I think the perceived doubt of a moral path leading to riches, fame or status, can influence a person to make an amoral choice. When people begin to lose hope that moral behavior will help them achieve their long-term goals, they become much more susceptible to the
— The Collected Klutz—
And a Merry Christmas to you It has now become commonplace for people to utter out of their mouths a certain greeting around this time of year; “Happy Holidays.” Now I understand that you may say “Happy Holidays” when you want to include Hanukkah, Kwanza and New Year’s Eve along with Christmas, but it seems as if it’s not OK to wish someone just, “Merry Christmas.” To my understanding, the problem is more that this is a Christian holiday and people of other religions who celebrate different holidays around this time of year will be offended — or perhaps they don’t want to celebrate any holiday at all. However clichéd this may sound, the real meaning of Christmas has truly been lost — lost in society’s endeavor for polit-
ical correctness. Lost in our world’s overly selfcentered culture where everyone is me-me-me, now-now-now. I would like to take a moment and refresh your memory on the true reason for the celebration of Christmas. You see, as found in the Bible, there was this baby born to a virgin, Mary, and then there were some sheep, oh yeah, and magi came and gave presents to this baby. Why did these magi give gifts to a baby, you might ask? Because even they understood the importance of this baby. Well, this baby was Jesus and an answer to many prayers for a savior. So you see, Christmas is supposed to be a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ because to many he was a miracle. Here are a few statistics in case
you didn’t get my point. In a poll taken by USA Today in December 2008, “93 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas.” A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey a year later in 2009 found that, “66 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday and another 20 percent celebrate the event as a secular holiday.” Last I checked, majority rules and, judging by these statistics, the majority of people in America celebrate Christmas. Let me remind you, Christmas Day has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870 and remains a federal holiday today. So allow me to exercise my First Amendment Rights in wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
lure of easy short-term gain made by sometimes amoral choices. This idea allows one to accept that a person can commit an amoral behavior without necessarily being an amoral person. I think for a person to be truly good he/she would need to look more at the long-term effect of their actions, thereby living a life that benefits others, while subsequently truly benefiting the individual. I think most people resist this urge to fight solely for themselves, even when they doubt the reward, because they feel regret or remorse if they do not live up to their moral standards. Perhaps the key to judging morality is just that: regret or remorse. This makes a person’s reaction to a discrepancy in the morality present in their behavior versus the morality described by their ideals, the biggest insight about how moral the person truely is.
the Midwest My life has changed, dramatically. Living in New York for 17 years sure has made me come to appreciate a little peace and quiet, but not like this. I still remember reading the sign “Welcome to pure Michigan,” as I traveled north on route 23 toward Ann Arbor. As I read the sign, the carcass of a “smoked” deer lay strewn across the side of the road. Immediately, I thought, “Yeah, real pure.” Apparently, it snows here – a lot. This is something I’m used to (yes, I know what a snowman is.) But here’s something I did not realize: It’s cold. So cold. The temperature here these last few weeks has made me miss the New Jersey shore, a place I hated going as a child, more than ever. People say Lake Michigan is nice in the summer; I guess I can check that out. This is a red state. Especially west Michigan
(where my family is). Billboards for gun shops with sayings like, “Protect yourself” and “Keep you and your loved ones safe” are completely foreign to me. The politics out here are beyond conservative, except in Detroit. Go figure. Sports are huge out here, too. Although the Lions stink, the Tigers always seem to come up short, and the Pistons just can’t seem to find their magic, Michiganders are some of the most passionate sports fans I have ever met. Oh and by the way, who knew hockey was so awesome? Go Wings!
15 Opinion
Dec. 13, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Letter to the Editor In response to: Issue 7, “Examine you life: eyes open” OK, you have to get to the bottom of this! Where does our moral compass come from? You are right, none of us are perfect. In fact ALL of us have failed and been immoral at some level. Does knowing right and wrong mean we can do the right thing? How many people who lie know they should not do it but keep doing it anyway? How many people cheat and steal and just can’t control it? What is the difference between a person who gets it right most of the time and a person can you can never count on to tell the truth? What is your opinion on all of this? Is it genetics or environment or is it something else? Craig Prether LCC Counselor
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Editor
In our own words | Staff Editorial
Don’t sweat finals It’s that time of year again — no, not Christmas, finals. It’s the one week college students across America have come to loathe these many years. One thing comes to mind when considering this infamous last week of classes: studying. Most people do not enjoy it, but everyone has to do it. Inconveniently, this stressful time comes amidst the hustle and bustle of two of the big-
Policies: all letters should be 200 words or less and signed with a name, address (email or otherwise) and phone number. The Lookout reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, spelling, length and clarity. Mail: 1000 – The Lookout Lansing Community College P.O. box 40010 Lansing, MI 489401-7210 Email: sande43@mail.lcc.edu Fax: (517) 483-1290 The Lookout is the independent, biweekly student newspaper of LCC. All opinion/editorial articles are the sole opinion of the writer and may not reflect the views of the staff, students, faculty and college as a whole. Opinion/editorial articles may or may not be located exclusively on editorial pages and may appear on news, sports and arts & entertainment pages. - The Lookout Staff
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Editor in Chief sande43@mail.lcc.edu “I like giving my younger siblings presents.”
Kaitlin Lutz
Associate Editor lutzk3@mail.lcc.edu “I love spending time with my family!”
Nathan Wilson
Staff Writer wilso162@mail.lcc.edu “My favorite part of Christmas is seeing my sister Rachel.”
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the lookout
What is your favorite part about Christmas?
Sarah Sanders
son better prepare themselves for the monsoon of term papers, textbooks and bottomless cups of coffee that will be ripping through our campus shortly? It’s simple. Just relax. Everyone is just as stressed as you are, and you are probably going to be fine. It’ll be Jan. 15 before you know it. After all, you are looking forward to the start of spring semester, aren’t you?
gest holidays we celebrate as Americans. It’s not just us students who find this time of year challenging. Our professors are getting a workload dumped on them too. The end of the semester means finalizing grades, reading term papers and organizing schedules for the upcoming semester. Educators are people too; shocking, we know. So how can a per-
Lee Rumler
Michael Caterina
Dominick Mastrangelo News Editor mastrand@mail.lcc.edu
A&E Editor rumlel@mail.lcc.edu
“Eating Rally’s with my family on Christmas Eve.”
“The Charlie Brown Christmas. I look forward to it every year.”
“The mistletoe. ;)”
Photo Editor cater2@mail.lcc.edu
Zach Bellingar
Kelly Lehtonen
Sports Editor bellingz@mail.lcc.edu
Advertising Manager lehtonk@mail.lcc.edu
“The best part is not the presents but the prime rib dinner.”
“The lights!”
Larry Hook Adviser hookl@lcc.edu “I love holiday shopping and Christmas music.”
16 LAST LOOK
Dec. 13, 2010 - Jan. 23, 2011 www.lcc.edu/lookout
On the town; nightlife in downtown Lansing Michael Caterina Photo Editor
During the day downtown Lansing is all business. When the sun goes down, however, Lansing is under a whole new light. Nightlife in downtown has been on the rise and is gaining popularity despite a view by some that the city shuts down after 5 p.m. “That is a perception that we always deal with,” Downtown Lansing Inc. Executive Director Mindy Biladeau said. According to its website, Downtown Lansing Inc. is a company dedicated to creating a “world class capitol city” by making the area “economically strong and culturally dynamic,”and it is doing just that. One of the ways Downtown Lansing Inc. is improving nightlife in Lansing is by partnering up with local companies. “We have worked with CATA to create The Entertainment Express Trolley that connects downtown East Lansing with downtown Lansing,” Biladeau said. Passing over 70 night
spots, the trolley runs Thursday through Saturday from 7:30 p.m. through 2:30 a.m. The route starts in Lansing and departs every 30 minutes. The cost is 60 cents for students and $1.25 for non-students. “Over the last year, ridership on the Entertainment Express has increased by over 50 percent, which is huge,” Biladeau said. With over 50 dining and nightlife spots downtown, the expansion is not over yet. “We have nowhere near reached our potential,” said Biladeau “We are on our way, but it is a slow and steady process.”
Where to go Here are a few of the many bars that are located within blocks of LCC’s downtown campus.
Rum Runners Located at 601 E. Michigan Ave., Rum Runners is two clubs in one. With a dueling piano bar upstairs and a dance bar downstairs,
it has something for everyone. Every Thursday night is college night at Rum Runners, allowing those 18 and over to come enjoy all the venue has to offer. For hours and information on specials and events, visit www.rumrunnersusa.com.
X-cel Located at 224 S. Washington Square, X-cel is a venue that hosts live entertainment every Thursday and special guest DJs each Saturday, bringing the dance floor alive. X-cel is always open to 18-plus and has many contests and themed parties as well as bottle service and VIP areas. For hours and information on specials and events, visit www.xcelloungedancebar.com.
The Wild Beaver Located at 205 S. Washington Square, The Wild Beaver Saloon is one of the newest bars in downtown Lansing. The venue features a Colorado Mountain themed interior, beaver-themed drinks and “Beaverettes” who dance on the bar. For hours and infor-
mation on specials and events, visit www.wildbeaversaloon.com.
Harem Urban Lounge Located at 414 E. Michigan Ave., Harem Urban Lounge is a dance bar that brings the feel of Chicago and New York clubs to downtown Lansing. With numerous VIP areas, bottle service and a large dance floor, Harem Urban Lounge is a clubbing hotspot. For hours and information on specials and events, visit www.haremnightclub.com.
The Tin Can Also located 414 E. Michigan Ave., The Tin Can offers over 50 different beers, all served in cans, starting at $1.75, every day. The bar offers a “$6 Happy Meal Deal” that includes a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, chili dog and a shot of Jack Daniels. With a laid-back atmosphere and cheap drinks, The Tin Can is a self named “World-class Dive Bar.” For hours and information on specials and events, visit www.tincanbar.com.
Get wild: The Wild Beaver is one of Lansing's newest bars. The venue boasts a Colorado Mountain theme and beaver-inspired drinks.
Two for one: The dueling piano players at Rum Runners perform on the second floor of the building for a packed house Dec. 4. Rum Runners downstairs is dedicated a top-40 dance bar.
Photos by Michael Caterina
Get it in the can: The Tin Can (left) offers over 50 different beers all served in cans at resonable prices. Drink and dance: Harem Urban Lounge (right) offers reserved seating and bottle service in muitiple VIP rooms. Patrons can also dance to DJ Element on Thursday nights on their large dance floor.