Spikers host Muskegon CC in ‘Pink Game’
LCC alumnus takes photos of Obama
Students train for fire certification
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thespookout
Oct. 27 - Nov 9, 2014 Volume 56, Issue 5 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Lansing
Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
Workshop empowers Zombie Walk and educates students Shelby Schueller News Editor
Photo by Brian Wells
The fifth annual Lansing Zombie Walk was held Saturday, Oct. 11 along the Lansing River Trail. The event brought in over 100 participants, who were dressed as both zombies and zombie hunters. The event raised $1,182 for Lansing Parks and Recreation, and $125 and 330 pounds of food for the Greater Lansing Food Bank.
Students and faculty gathered Oct. 17 in LCC’s Gannon Building to share personal stories about their experiences with domestic violence. According to officials from EVE’s House (End Violent Encounters), the crime affects people of all ages, sexes, races, pay grades and education levels. Perpetrators of this crime that go to jail are less than 3 percent. Rachel Berzack hosted the event. She is the community relations coordinator for EVE’s House, an organization that provides support services for victims of domestic violence and their families. Berzack said she thought the discussion was a success. “Everybody was very engaged; they asked a lot of wonderful questions,” she said. “I could tell that everybody there was community members that really wanted to help and make a difference … “(The participants) wanted to know how they could
do that in a safe way, which was really great to see ... “That’s one of the big pieces that it’s going to take in order to make this a crime that doesn’t happen anymore.” Participants in the discussion learned the many forms of domestic violence, including physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and economic abuse. Berzack said all of these types of abuse are tactics that help the abuser intimidate and gain control over the victim. “Domestic violence is never the victim’s fault,” Berzack said. “Somebody is making a choice to be abusive to another person, so the responsibility of that lies solely with the abuser.” Warning signs of abuse were also discussed. Besides
Domestic violence affects
1 in 3 women
Source: www.eveinc.org
Photo by Brian Wells
Rachel Berzack, community relations coordinator for EVE’s House, hosts the discussion on domestic violence Oct. 17 at LCC.
physical wounds, warning signs for domestic abuse are also severe. Rushed commitment, manipulation, isolation of the victim from friends and family, frequent jealousy from the abuser, and drastic behavior change from the victim, such as sudden shyness, may occur. LCC Student Frank Vaca said the workshop was a “tremendous and much needed discussion,” and that workshops like these are not See Workshop, page 2
Student by day, Miss Michigan runner-up by night Chelsea Allen Staff Writer
Courtesy photo
MILLER
Most college students are focused on their classes, have a part-time job and are trying to keep up their social life. This is not the case for LCC student and Miss
Michigan runner-up, Nicole Miller. Miller of Palmyra, has done what most young women have dared not to do — set foot on stage and have judges’ critique her in every way possible. According to Miller, the
excitement of being announced runner-up during the competition last June 14 started when she was called into the top 10. “I was shocked and so happy!” Miller exclaimed. “It really felt like I was in a dream at first because I couldn’t believe what was
happening.” Miller recalled that at the end of the night she kept listening for her name to be called and be sent home. However, her name was never called for her to leave the stage. When it was all said and done,
there were two women left standing, one being herself and the other current Miss Michigan, KT Maviglia. “It was hard to believe that out of 34 young women, it came down to the See Miller, page 2
In a zombie apocalypse, what would your weapon of choice be? “I would use a katana because I don’t want to run out of ammo.”
Andrew Swider, 18, Biology
“I would use a machete because I own one and it seems effective.”
Kellie Smith, 21, Photopraphy
“A shovel. It has a long handle and a heavy metal object that can withstand impact.”
Jacob Thompson, 19, Biology
“A bayonet. It gives distance and is less problematic than a gun.”
Whitney Spotts, 37, Undeclared
CAMPUSPERSPECTIVESCAMPUSPERSPECTIVESCAMPUSPERSPECTIVES
2 NEWS
Oct. 27 - Nov. 9, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Celebrating heritage one step at a time Shelby Schueller News Editor
Photos by Brian Wells
Felipe Lopez Sustalia runs with his son during the Lucero “Run With Pride” event on Sunday, Oct. 19.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, students, faculty and community members united on Oct. 19 to run, walk and enjoy the autumn leaves along the Lansing River Trail during LUCERO’s “Run with Pride” 5K Heritage Run. Since 2011, the Heritage Run has raised about four to five thousand dollars a year. This money is used as scholarship funds for students of the LUCERO program, an academic assistance program designed to improve retention and graduation rates of Latino students. “I think (the race) went really well,” said Felipe Lopez Sustaita, LUCERO coordinator and academic adviser. “For being a small organization, I think we’re going in the right direction.” LUCERO, short for Latinos Unidos Con Energia, Respeto y Orgullo (in English: Latinos United with Energy,
Thomas King (from left) Jeane King and Harrison D. Hensley near the finish line during the Lucero “Run With Pride” event on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Respect and Pride), began at LCC in 2003 and is the only program of its kind in Michigan. LUCERO offers academic advising, career and personal counseling, transfer support, and tutoring services to its students, all while celebrating the students’ personal culture. Although the program was founded to improve the graduation rates of Latino students, it is free and available
Donate cans for a cause Jaimie Bozack Staff Writer Boxes of non-perishable foods will soon be lined up inside of LCC’s Student Life Office as a part of the annual “One Can Make A Difference” food drive Nov. 3 through 14. Student Life has partnered with the Greater Lansing Food Bank to provide students with a unique and easy way to give back to the community. According to Student Life Volunteer Services and Event Manager Chance Miller, students can drop off canned goods in four locations around LCC. “Students can drop off canned goods in the library, Learning Commons, Student Life office or in the police department,” Miller said, “whatever is most convenient for the students.” Miller said students must bring non-perishable foods and there is no limit on how many boxes students can bring. “Don’t bring your takeout from two weeks ago,” Miller said. “Make sure it is non-perishable and unexpired.” According to Miller students should bring in canned goods because it is a good way to give back to
the community. “It is an easy way to help out,” Miller said. “If you’re a college student and don’t really have time to spend three hours somewhere else, you can just drop off food in minutes.” LCC student Pablo Esquivel said the food drive is a way to give back and also clean up. “I have tons of food that I will never eat inside of my kitchen,” Esquivel said. “Participating in the food drive will relieve me from the mess and relieve someone else from hunger.”
Anita Reyes, an event coordinator for student life, said she believes in the event. “Hunger is a real thing here on campus,” Reyes said. “People don’t realize how many students are actually going hungry. Bring in a can and maybe you’ll give someone a lunch.” Reyes said this event isn’t just good for LCC but also good for the community. “We’re building a legacy for future generations,” “We can pass on this goodness and students everywhere can start doing this.”
Donate a can of food and receive a free item at the
LCC Library
BIG BOOK
BASH
for anyone to join, according to Lopez Sustaita. About 45 to 50 runners participated in this years’ race. The runners competed in 10 age groups, ranging from 12 and under to 80 years old and over. The top three runners of each age group received first-, second- and third-place medals. “It’s always fun going down the river trail
Miller
Continued from page 1
two of us,” Miller said. “I was filled with joy when I heard my name because that meant KT won! I was so excited for her and just couldn’t wait to watch her compete at Miss America!” Although Miller did not get the title this year, she explained that she will continue to excel within the Miss America Organization and compete in Miss Michigan again in June of 2015. Miller did not walk away from the Miss Michigan Pageant with nothing, however. She received a $5,000 scholarship for educational purposes. According to Miller, her inspiration to keep progressing within the organization comes from the symbol of the crown’s four points representing service, style, scholarship and success. “From the four points, I have really committed to the service,” Miller said. “Each time I make
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only helpful, but important. “It’s good to get (feelings and experiences) out and not bottle them in,” Vaca said. At the end of the discussion, Berzack informed participants on ways to help someone in need. If someone is in an emergency situation, Berzack said the best action to take is to immediately call 911. Berzack also stressed the importance of believing someone who
… we had a beautiful day,” said Santos Gutierrez, LUCERO graduate and race coordinator. “(The race) has made a big difference,” Gutierrez added. “Not only those students getting funding, but also giving them the encouragement to apply for scholarships.” Lopez Sustaita said every donation received helps students achieve success. “Every dollar counts … some of our students have gone on to accomplish a lot of things and it’s based because of that simple scholarship,” he said. “It might not be much. It could be like $500 or $1,000 that (the students) get but it changes the lives of a lot of people.” The LUCERO office is located in the Cesar E. Chaves Learning Center on the third floor of the Gannon Building. For more information about the Heritage Run or the LUCERO program, call 517-483-9804.
an appearance, I am inspired by the other people that I meet.” One may ask how Miller keeps up with her hectic life with pageants, school and other obligations. Her response is simple but meaningful. “Learning to balance everything going on in my life is not always easy, but it can be done,” Miller said. With Miller’s never-ending schedule, she still finds time to find motivation through the experiences of the Miss America Organization. She’s done everything from cleaning up Detroit, attend parades, visiting children’s hospitals and telethon fundraisers. The pageant queen has some words of advice regardless of what anyone’s “talent” portion may consist of. “Just be yourself,” she said. “It seems so simple, but it really is the best advice that I have received and now continue to pass along.”
says they have been abused. “It’s very rare that people make up experiencing these crimes,” Berzack said. “False allegations are less than 2 percent, which is the same as any other violent crime.” “Being receptive and supportive and just believing them and telling them the violence isn’t their fault can make a huge difference in the life of a survivor,” she added. EVE’s crisis hotline can be reached 24 hours a day at 517-3725572. For more information, visit www.eveinc.org
3 NEWS
Oct. 27 - Nov. 9, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Sharpen dining skills at Etiquette Dinner Sarah Spohn A&E Editor
Shiny silverware and an even more polished skill await those who will attend the LCC American Marketing Association’s annual business etiquette dinner. this year. The event will take place Tuesday evening, Nov. 18 at the MSU Kellogg Center. Aside from a formal plated course meal, the event will also satisfy an appetite for learning. Dominique Vaughn, vice president of professional development, has been in the AMA for almost three years. Vaughn spoke about the purpose of the event. “It is to put business students or just students in
File photo
LCC American Marketing Association members take a break from business following last year’s Etiquette Dinner at the Kellogg Center Nov. 20, 2013.
general in an environment where they learn dining etiquette,” Vaughn said. “We’re all going to come to a point where we have
dinner with an influential person while doing business,” Vaughn said. “So it just teaches the proper way to use utensils and things
like that.” Last year’s event brought 200 people and raised over $9,000 for student scholarships, and club members
hope this year’s event only raises those numbers. The LCC AMA’s goal is to have 200 students, along with various sponsors to add up to around 230 people attending the etiquette dinner. Case Credit Union is the major sponsor, but university representatives from colleges across the country will be there also. Ferris, Siena Heights, Franklin University and the Lansing Chamber of Commerce will be recruiting local students for internships and jobs. According to Vaughn, a big portion of the event’s purpose is networking, not just dining. “We’re teaching them etiquette, networking,”
Vaughn said. “We’re also trying to find them like internships, entry-level positions because some of our sponsors are looking for students to help out.” This year’s keynote speaker will be CASE Credit Union Vice President of Marketing Jennifer Slaughter. Along with her address to attendees, there will also be dining etiquette tutorials and image consulting. Everyone is welcome, and tickets are available at the Hole in the Hall located in the basement of the Gannon. Building at LCC. Tickets are $20 and are available on a first-come first-serve basis. For more information, visit the Hole in the Hall, GB 133.
Students can save a life in a matter of minutes Jaimie Bozack Staff Writer
Students have the power to save a life in the matter of 15 minutes. The LCC Student Life Office has partnered up with the Student Leadership Academy and the American Red Cross for Lansing Community College’s annual blood drive. The drive will be Thursday, Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on LCC’s West Campus.
According to Student Life Volunteer Services and Event Manager Chance Miller, anyone can donate blood as long as they meet the criteria, such as weight, age and health. The criteria can be found at http:// www.redcrossblood.org/donatingblood/eligibility-requirements. Students can celebrate the season by dressing up as something fun for the Blood Drive’s Halloween theme, Miller said. “The blood drive is a good opportunity for students to have fun
IN BRIEF News
Give opinions at SACP meeting Oct. 29 The Student Advisory Committee to the President will hold a meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 29 in the Health and Human Services Building. The meeting will be on LCC’s main campus from 1 to 2 p.m. The meeting is free to attend. During this meeting, students can talk face-to-face with an LCC administrator. Topics for discussion include questions about
LCC’s actions and events, concerns about campus, and student suggestions to help make LCC better. Administrators that have come to past meetings include LCC President Brent Knight and LCC Provost Richard Prystowsky. All students are welcome to come and give their input. For more information, call Student Life at 517-483-1285 or go to http:// www.lcc.edu/studentlife/student_advisory.
Children explore learning at SMEE event The Science and Math Elementary Exploration program (SMEE) will host a day for the children around LCC’s community to visit campus and participate in fun, hands-on science and math activities. The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. SMEE activities will be held in both the A&S
and Gannon Buildings on main campus. Registration will be in the second floor of the Gannon Building near the Welcome Center. The event is open to all elementary age children in the tri-county area: Clinton, Eaton and Ingham. For more information go to www.lcc.edu/science/ youth_programs/smee.
and celebrate the season while doing a good thing,” he said. LCC student James Hunt said, “I plan on going as a vampire because I think it’ll be ironic to be giving blood instead of taking it.” Miller said there is an application students can fill out online. Or they can just stop by on the day of the event. “For LCC students to do things like this raises awareness within the community,” Miller said. “And it brings positive attention to LCC students
and people who need blood.” Josh West, Student Life event coordinator, said he plans to donate blood and help out with the event. “For the past few years we have either met or exceeded the donation goal, so I am always excited to see how many people come out to donate,” West said. According to West, Student Life has been doing this event for many years. “The most important thing in my eyes is simply that it
saves lives,” West said. “The blood you donate is given to someone whose body can’t function correctly.” LCC student Anna Wergie said the idea of saving people outweighed her fear of giving blood. “I have a fear of needles but the idea of doing something good for people is what motivated me to sign up,” Wergie said. For more information, go to redcrossblood.org or visit the Student Life Office in room 252.04 of the Gannon Building.
Students get experience of a lifetime Jaimie Bozack Staff Writer A group of 20 Lansing Community College students will pack bags for a trip to Ireland next spring for a program called “Literacy Ireland 2015.” The trip runs from May 17 through June 3. Literacy Ireland is a threecredit study abroad program that allows students to travel to Ireland for an experience of a lifetime. The program is put together by professors Sarah Gibbons and Teresa Purvis. The program begins with classes on LCC’s campus once a week at the end of the spring semester. That is followed by the 18-day excursion to the Ireland cities of Dublin, Sligo and Galway. According to Gibbons, the event coordinator, the early application deadline is Nov. 21 and anyone can apply. “Literacy Ireland is for any student who has an interest in Irish literature or literature in general,” Gibbons said. “It is also a great opportunity for students who have interest in culture and travel.” Gibbons said requirements for the program are listed on the application, which students can access at lcc.edu/studyabroad. “Students need to have a GPA
Courtesy Photo
LCC student Claire Canfield teaches English in an elementary school in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
above 2.0, and are required to write a page about their major and why this trip would be beneficial to them, as well as have a letter of recommendation,” Gibbons said. The cost of the trip is $3,500, which includes airfare, meals and activities. Gibbons said there are payment plans for students who need them. “Once students are accepted to the program they have to pay $350 down,” Gibbons said. “After that they can make monthly
payments to reach the full cost of the trip.” Students will attend classes during the 18-day trip, but also will have free time in each city. “I think it’s important to have a balance so that students have that academic value, but also have that free time to do things they wouldn’t be able to do with 20 other people,” Gibbons said. LCC student Cierra Grimes attended the Literacy Ireland last year. She said highly recommends this trip. “It makes you realize how big the world really is and how little of it you have yet to see,” Grimes said. “It opens your eyes to something you can only discover through studying abroad.” Grimes said the experience was unforgettable. “There was never a dull moment during the trip,” Grimes said. “If I had to pick a favorite part it would have to be lying on my stomach on the Aran Islands looking down into the ocean from a very high elevation.” Gibbons said she believes every student should study abroad at least once. “I think it is absolutely essential for students to do study abroad,” Gibbons said. “I think that having an understanding that the United States is not all there is to the world is crucial.”
4 SPORTS
Oct. 27 - Nov. 9, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Male harriers seek 18th straight title Rich Schenck Sports Editor
The LCC men’s cross country team trained hard during the two weeks leading up to the NJCAA Region XII meet on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Grand Woods Park in Lansing, in hopes of capturing its 18th consecutive title. Keeping their nearly two-decade reign at the top lies on the shoulders of first-year LCC Head Coach Jim Robinson. With coaching under decorated former head coach Chuck Block, Robinson said he knows what it means to keep the impressive streak alive. The training, according to Robinson, has been lightened a notch in order to keep his men rested but pre-
Photo by Brian Wells
LCC men’s cross country runners practice on Wednesday, Oct. 23 near LCC.
pared. “We’re just backing off a little bit in terms of mileage,” he said. “We’re keeping the intensity up because you want to be sharp.” With LCC’s impressive title run on the
& QA
line, it can’t help but be present in the team’s conscious, Robinson admitted. “It’s in our mind and the guys all know they have a streak going,” he said. “What we talk about is running our
best possible race.” LCC sophomore Stephen Merchant, on the other hand, admits that as a runner there is pressure to perform. “There’s definitely that pressure of not being that team that
breaks the streak,” Merchant said. “But we know we’ve put in enough hard work that we should be able to go in and keep that streak alive.” Before the team took off on its weekly practice, Robinson was explaining to his team that running a simple race will yield desired results. Specifically he told the men to not focus on beating their teammates, but to beat the other runners. LCC men’s cross country has undoubtedly set a standard that other teams need to have to unseat the reigning champions. “We also talk about this being our home course,” he said. “We want to defend our home course. We don’t want anyone to come in
here and take our title away.” Robinson said he purposely created the 2014 schedule full of meets against premier college teams to condition his team to run hard no matter the competition. One rare luxury Robinson was looking forward to for the meet was good course conditions. “I’ve been watching the forecast all week hoping we have a good day to run fast,” he said laughing, “because it’s fun to run fast.” There’s no doubt that the ultimate prize for the LCC men is an invitation to the NJCAA National Meet. Robinson said he’s had his team vigilant of its significance. “The goal all along has been nationals,” Robinson said.
Athlete Spotlight: Stephen Merchant
LCC Lookout Sports Editor Rich Schenck recently spoke with sophomore cross country runner Stephen Merchant.
Q.
What inspires you to run cross country?
Photo by Brian Wells
LCC women’s cross country runners (l. to r.) Alyssa Abendroth, Kelly Babcock and Alyssa Bennett stretch during practice on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
A.
My older brother did it, just him and some friends. Basically I was sixth grade, so when I got into seventh grade I was like, ‘I’ll do a sport with my older brother,’ and started cross country.
LCC ladies ready to run
Q.
The LCC women’s cross country team will return to familiar Grand Woods Park, but with elevated stakes. The Stars are hosting the 2014 NJCAA Region XII Meet on Saturday, Oct. 25. Just like their male LCC counterparts, the women have spent the majority of the past two decades as reigning champions, holding 15 of the last 17 titles. LCC Head Coach Jim Robinson said he is looking at standout LCC freshman Kayla Kraft and sophomore Allison Dible to lead the Lady Harriers to a 16th title. “Kayla has been outstanding for a freshman runner; she should be right in the mix to win the regional title as a freshman,” Robinson said. “Allison is really, really consistent, so I expect her
Rich Schenck Sports Editor
How has cross country helped with your fitness and your desire for competition?
A.
It has definitely solidified the fact that I probably want to continue to run cross country; I wouldn’t say competitively my whole life, but definitely stay in shape.
Photo by Brian Wells
Q. What’s next for you after LCC? A. Right about now I’m going to try to walk on at MSU’s cross country team. I don’t if I’m going to get any scholarships or anything. But that’s what my goal is right now, to try to get a good enough personal record to be able to walk on to the team.
Q. What knowledge are you passing down to the first-year runners? A. Definitely one is listen to Coach (Robinson). He knows what he’s doing. Two, is summer running. I know some people did a lot of summer running in high school, but in college if you don’t do it you’re already two or three steps behind everybody else.
Q. Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to run cross country ? A. It’s a lot of hard work but a lot of fun.
to be right there.” Having yet to lose to a community college in any race in the 2014 season, the women are expecting to go into the meet and emerge victorious, according to LCC freshman Kelly Babcock. “I think all of us have prepared well enough for regionals,” Babcock said. “We just need to keep in our minds like Coach [Robinson] has been saying: we need to confident in the workouts he’s had us do.” As a first-year runner this will be Babcock’s first race at an NJCAA regional meet. “I’m excited,” Babcock said. “The connection I have with the girls on this team; we want to be there for each other. We want to get the team as ahead as possible to make sure that we all do the best we can and that means a lot to me.” As with the men, the
women’s program has had a history of constantly being the team to beat year in and year out. Babcock confidently explained that the pressure is almost nonexistent for her and her team. “I don’t think it’s pressure,” she said. “I think it’s a tradition, I think it’s impressive and I think we all just want to keep that tradition going.” Course conditions going in were favorable for the women’s race. Mix that with knowledge of the course, as well as topflight talent, and the title is rightly the Stars to lose. Robinson joked that if he could have a bet, he’d bet on his team. Robinson was asked how he expected his 2014 team to finish at the regional championship and his answer reflected the way his team has been coached. “I expect a long blue line,” he said.
5 SPORTS
Oct. 27 - Nov. 9, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
‘Pink Game’ about more than winning Rich Schenck Sports Editor
Photo by Brian Wells
LCC volleyball player Dayjah Stewart goes up for a kill as teammate Karen Sidge (14) looks on.
The LCC volleyball team, ranked 18th in the nation in Division II, played its last home game of the 2014 season Oct. 16, falling to Muskegon Community College in three games, 25-18, 25-22, 25-21. The loss dropped LCC’s record to 19-5 overall, and to 9-4 in the MCCAA’s Western Conference. Muskegon CC arrived at LCC in sole possession of second place in the conference, with the Stars right behind in third. With both squads donning pink jerseys, the second annual “Pink Game” hosted by the Stars reminded everyone in attendance that it was more than just a game. Pink balloons hung above each seat on both benches; but the giant pink banner that said, “Serve for a Cure” dominated the Gannon Gym. “Having the Pink Game is something additional that I like to do to bring the awareness about something that the girls support,” LCC Head Coach Emily Quintero said. For a donation, spectators were able to try to serve over the net and aim for a prize on the other side. After donations were collected, a total of $375 was given to the Susan B. Komen Foundation. As successful as this year has been for Stars, they found themselves scrambling early and often to counter the clean sets and accurate kills delivered by Muskegon.
The night’s action proved that luck was not on the Stars’ side, as a bevy of calls initially ruled in LCC’s favor were overturned. But luck was not the main culprit in the home team’s struggles. A normally calculated and precise team, LCC fell behind early due to missed serves and out-ofplace sets. “Muskegon came out strong,” Quintero said. “We didn’t play to our potential tonight. Hopefully we will see them again in states or regionals.” With it being that last home game of the season, it was also the last home game of the sophomores LCC careers. Unfortunately for the second year in a row, the players were left with a bittersweet memory. One of those sophomores, Michaela Miller, said she wouldn’t let the loss spoil the season. She said it would be back to business for the final regular-season match vs. Jackson College on Oct. 21. “We tend to brush off losses pretty well,” Miller said. “A loss happens, we move on and the next day we go to practice.” Miller eluded to a simple mentality that should serve the team well as it gears up for postseason play. “We’re just looking to come out and play Star volleyball,” she said. “That’s when we play our best.” The Stars lost in four sets on Oct. 21 at Jackson College. LCC was scheduled to travel to Lake Michigan College to begin the District F Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 25
LCC Athletic Department reaches out to community
Rich Schenck Sports Editor
The name Lansing Community College isn’t just a name, it is also a philosophy. It is a vision that LCC athletics and LCC Athletic Director Greg Mallek look to instill in their student athletes: giving back to the community. This vision was on display during LCC volleyball’s
Oct. 16 game against Muskegon CC called the “Pink Game.” This breast cancer awareness event, with the motto “Serve for a Cure,” was a joint effort between LCC Coach Emily Quintero’s Stars and the Muskegon CC team to help spread awareness of the disease and collect money for the Susan B. Komen Foundation. “We try and do communi-
ty service in multiple ways every year,” Mallek said. “This is actually the second year we’ve done. This was all basically put together by Coach Quintero.” But a “Pink Game” is not all that LCC athletes do to reach out to the community. Past park cleanups and hosting high school teams are among the many ways the program gives back. Mallek said later this year
LCC will host the Meijersponsored holiday high school tournament, which was previously played at MSU’s Breslin Center. He said hosting this tournament will be a way for potential students to visit the school and explore what Lansing Community College stands for. The “Hunger Games” is an initiative that started last year during an LCC basket-
ball game. It will be hosted again next Feb. 18, with free admission to anyone who brings food to donate to a Lansing food bank. Student-athletes are gathered for an orientation every July to explain to them what it means to be an athlete and represent this college by giving back. “It’s a holistic approach to educating our studentathletes,” Mallek said.
Illitch asking Detroit to foot bill for his ‘shiny toys’ At first I was a lot like most fans of the Red Wings and the Tigers, loving owner Mike Illitch for taking two legendary franchise out of the ashes. While the emperor of $5 Hot-N-Readies is worshipped in the Motor City, he is quietly robbing the already broke city of Detroit. Like Illitch, professional franchise owners across America have mastered the skill of making cities build a house for their teams;
billionaires nickeland-diming their way against city and state governments. Acting like a bratty kid threatening to scream in the store if their cereal isn’t put in the shopping cart, owners will threaten to act in a way no one wants to see. Anyone who has been to Joe Louis Arena knows how behind the times, and borderline dilapidated the proud home of Hockeytown is. But Illitch is robbing
this city of $450 million, with Little Caesar’s raking in $1.3 billion in 2014. Now why is a billionaire not paying for it himself? Because why would you do anything that you can’t have someone else do for you, right? Illitch is brilliant. In Detroit he is a desperately needed brand to keep the city alive, so he will get anything he wants. Just imagine what $450 million could do
for the city of Detroit: save some schools from closing, and keep a few more jobs in the city so families could stay off welfare and out of the streets.
But it’s going to help Detroit buy a house for a bratty billionaires’s shiny toy. People in their homes were forced out during the contruction of the Texas Rangers new ballpark from 1992-94. Latin families were forced out of their slums for the construction of park for the L.A. Dodgers. It doesn’t matter whose lives are destroyed, or jobs are lost, as long as they get
a shiny new plot to add to their coffers. This has become what professional sports are about; robbing from the masses that adore them as if they lived on Olympus. So before you blindly throw your money away for tickets, $30 parking and $12 beers, inform yourself of your team’s past. It may get you thinking about what they care about, and maybe you’ll think twice before you go.
6 FEATURE
Oct. 27 - Nov. 9, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Alumni Spotlight: Michael Caterina Former Lookout photo editor remains a star Jeremy Kohn Editor in Chief There have been many students who have built successful careers from the knowledge they received at Lansing Community College. One such alumni is Michael Caterina. The former LCC student and The Lookout photo editor now works as the presentation editor at The Princeton Daily Clarion a local newspaper in Princeton, Ind. It is in the small town of Princeton where Caterina recently found himself taking photographs of President Barack Obama during a speech at Millennium Steel Service Company. “It was nice to take a national event like that and localize it,” Caterina said. “Getting good pictures of the President is always fun to go in your portfolio.”
Courtesy photo
Michael Caterina takes a photo of the crowd during President Barack Obama’s Oct. 3 visit to Princeton, Ind., where Caterina works for The Princeton Daily Clarion newspaper.
As the Daily Clarion presentation editor, Caterina’s typical day involves checking emails, editing obituaries, designing six to 12 of the paper’s pages and shooting photos for either news or sporting events. Caterina attended LCC
for three years. During his LCC tenure he received an associate’s degree in photo imaging. He also studied graphic design. Photography Professor Ike Lea recalls Caterina’s time as a photography student at LCC. “He is an outstanding
young photojournalist,” Lea said. “He is just an honest, good person to be around, he’s going to go far.” One of the turning points in defining Caterina’s career was the time he spent at LCC’s newspaper, The Lookout.
“When I started at The Lookout I was hired as a photo editor,” Caterina said. “And the next semester I was both the photo editor and design editor when Rachel Harper left.” According to Caterina, The Lookout’s adviser, Larry Hook played an important role in developing his journalism skills. “I came to The Lookout not hardly having any knowledge of writing,” Caterina said. “Larry was a really good mentor. He would grab a hold of you and work with you on a story to make it better; make it journalistically sound.” Caterina recalls one semester where he was working for The Lookout, The Lansing State Journal and The Okemos Studio of Photography as well as attending school fulltime. “Working an 80-hour week split between three jobs and doing classes
was really, really intense, but it was almost an introduction to what the real world was like,” Caterina said. Hook, who is still adviser of The Lookout, spoke about Caterina’s time on the college newspaper. “Michael was one of the quickest learners we ever had here,” Hook said. “He was interested in learning everything in the journalism profession; not just photography but writing, page building and interviewing,” Hook said. “He was here two years and a half years and, by the time he left, he seemed irreplaceable. He was an amazing all-around employee; the best employee I have had in my 10 years as adviser. ... I knew he would become very successful after college.” To learn more about Caterina’s journalism and photography career, follow him on Twitter and Instagram @mlcaterina.
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7 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Oct. 27 - Nov. 9, 2014
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Mime’s silent act to be talk of town Sarah Spohn A&E Editor
LCC advertising student Joshua Moore just might be the next talk of the town. Ironically enough, his profession requires he mustn’t utter a single word. Moore is a mime in the physical theater group YFX out of Detroit. The group will appear on TruTV’s brand new show, “FAKE OFF.” The show is unlike previous reality television or competition-based shows seen before. While there are three judges, and a live studio audience who votes, this is no “American Idol,” but rather the first reality show to be based on physical theater. Moore has been in and around the world of theater, learning about mime since he was a teenager. “I’ve been studying (mime) since the age of 13,” Moore said, through his church and community groups. After graduating from J.W. Sexton High School in Lan-
sing, he attended Columbia College in the Chicago. There in the Windy City, Moore studied child development and theater. After teaching for a while, Moore moved back to Michigan. It was a move that was not part of the big picture, but ultimately brought about plenty of bigger opportunities. “Moving back wasn’t because I wanted to, my lease was up,” Moore said. “But the cool thing, if I never moved back, I probably wouldn’t have gotten into the theater company. “So it was meant to be — unfortunately,” Moore laughed. Currently taking advertising classes at LCC, Moore is already planning on his next big move. Hoping to get a stable job in advertising, Moore will continue to build his creative portfolio until he is able to sustain himself fully from the arts. “After this, I think I’m moving to California or New York,” Moore said. While he can’t officially say what ‘this’ is, meaning the
outcome of the show, Moore is anxious to see the footage. “I’m completely nervous,” Moore said. “We just see it when the rest of America sees it.” While excited, a viewing party is probably not in the cards for this mime. “I’m just going to cross my fingers and watch on the edge of the couch,” he said. While rehearsals and filming took place over a month in Georgia, and the contract was lengthy, Moore is incredibly grateful for the experience. “From the business side, the contract side, the performing side and just the overall experience there, I learned so much,” Moore said. “I learned about what it means to be able to articulate yourself as an artist, to really own what you do.” The first episode of TruTV’s “FAKE OFF” airs Monday, Oct. 27 at 10 p.m. Viewers will be able to see a short preview clip of Moore’s performance with YFX then, and the full episode on Monday, Nov. 3 at 10 p.m. on TruTV.
LCC advertising student Joshua Moore will appear on TruTV’s brand new show, “FAKE OFF” on Nov. 3 at 10 p.m.
Lansing’s Avenue Café. And this year’s second annual party celebrates an even bigger music milestone. LCC Radio employee Brendan Hamilton worked the sound for the concert last year and spoke about the Michigan music event. “The 20/40 party is going to be a great time,” Hamilton said. “We’re kind of celebrating the combination of LCC Radio and the Ten Pound Fiddle, who combined, have been around for over half a decade.”
The lineup includes Ann Arbor based folk group The Ragbirds and zany energetic group Black Jake and the Carnies. LCC Radio Station Manager Daedalian Lowry spoke about this year’s musical acts. “I anticipate an even bigger turnout than last year,” Lowry said. “The Ragbirds are a phenomenal band. We’ve had them along the ride for several of our events over the years and they never fail to disappoint.” Lowry also mentioned that
word on the street is Black Jake & the Carnies are bringing their own raucous and energetic live performance to the Avenue’s stage. Aside from the event celebrating a whopping 60 years of bringing music to the mitten, the evening is really all about displaying talent. And what better way than throwing an all-ages party! Lowry spoke about the partnership between the college’s radio station and the music promoter. “It’s been great working
Courtesy photo
Party at the Avenue celebrates Michigan talent Sarah Spohn A&E Editor
If you’ve stomped your feet at a folk concert in or around East Lansing within the last 40 years, chances are the Ten Pound Fiddle has had something to do with it. LCC Radio has been around for its own impressive 20 years and the two have had a close connection in preserving live and local music. Last year, they joined forces to host the first ever Party at the Avenue, a hefty concert at
with the Ten Pound Fiddle on this,” Lowry said. “They’re a great organization and do an outstanding job of bringing attention to some great Michigan talent.” The 20/40 Party at the Avenue takes place Friday, Nov. 7. The Ragbirds will perform at 8 p.m. and again at 10:30, with Black Jake and the Carnies in between at 9:15 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door. The Avenue Café will have its regular menu, coffee, tea and a full bar available to concert-goers.
Benefit event raises money for sweet cause Sarah Spohn A& E Editor
Pink raspberry cupcakes, decadent chocolate layered cake, layered pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate covered pretzels and crepes. Plenty of taste-testers walked through their own Wonka Wonderland full of sweets on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the University Club at MSU. The first-ever Dessert Wars didn’t take place without 50 shades of pink. Pink napkins, tablecloths, glitter, displays and flowers adorned tables in honor of the fundraising benefit. The event organizers donated $2 of every $10 ticket to Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan to fund the fight against breast cancer.
Courtesy photo
Arianne Umfleet (left) stands with her mother and owner of Whipped Bakery at the first annual Dessert Wars at the University Club on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
The night included plenty of local bakeries and businesses, including Bake ‘N’ Cakes, For Crepe Sake, Looking Grand Café, Whipped
Bakery and more. The dessert wars wouldn’t be complete without a battle of the batter. Sweet tooth lovers strolled from table to
table, testing a range of desserts. Taste-testers voted on their favorite decorated table and best dessert. Old Town’s Whipped
Bakery, co-sponsor of the event, along with Pioneer Sugar, won the category for people’s choice dessert. Whipped’s lead baker and daughter of owner Randy Umfleet, spoke about the sweet success of the first-time dessert wars. “Since it’s the first annual event, we really hope to have a bigger better event n e x t year,” Arianne Umfleet said. According to Umfleet, the dessert wars proved to be rich for the bakery. “We were told to bring 300 cupcakes and we brought 500,” Umfleet said. “And we have about three dozen left … people are loving it.” Next year’s event’s rec-
ipe calls for bakeries to all bring samples of the same dessert, as to make it more of an equal colossal competition. Taste testers had no reason to be bitter, however, it was for a good cause. MSU Student Julia Carlson, 21, and friend Ainsley Banks, 26, both enjoyed the dessertcentered event. “I thought it was well put together,” Carlson said. “It’s welldecorated and it was a good way to bring people together for a good cause.” Hundreds of cups of sugar to make countless decadent desserts, coupled with a deserving cause yielded quite the sweet, savory evening.
8 A&E
Oct. 27 - Nov. 9, 2014
IN BRIEF Arts & Entertainment
East Lansing Film Festival reels onto Studio C! screens The East Lansing Film Festival (ELFF) is the largest and second oldest film festival in Michigan. Its mission is to enrich the cultural community by bringing independent films that enlighten, entertain, affect, educate and expose Michiganders to other viewpoints and backgrounds. From Thursday, Oct. 30
through Thursday, Nov. 6 the ELFF will feature full-length films, documentaries and shorts from around the world. The festival consists of the Lake Michigan Film Competition, the East Lansing Film Society Film Series at Studio! C and the 485/ Film Contest. For more information, visit http://elff.com
Classic novel comes to life on Dart’s Stage this fall “A Room With a View” is coming to LCC’s Dart Auditorium starting Nov. 7. The play is a boldly theatrical adaptation of E.M. Forster’s classic novel about the consequences and rewards of being true to one’s own nature and the timeless choices of truth over artifice; love over fear. It is written by Christina Cal-
vit and directed by Andy Callis. There is nudity, so the suggested audience is for mature adults. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 7-8 and 14-15, at 8 p.m., with a matinee Sunday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for others. For tickets and info, visit http://www.lcc.edu/cma/events/ or call 517-483-1488.
Free Lansing Record and CD show spins into town The Lansing record and CD show will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University Quality Inn in Lansing. Admission is free. There will be 60 tables of vinyl,
CDs, videos, music memorabilia and posters. There will be door prizes at noon and 1:30. For additional information, go to https://www.facebook.com/ lansingrecordshow?fref=photo
www.lcc.edu/lookout — The Unknown Spohn —
High five for the Internet Imagine your rock hero. Now imagine him or her giving you a high five. This distant dream became a quick reality for Reddit user NoSoup69. He begged the internet to help him high-five his lifelong hero, Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus. For those unfamiliar with Reddit, it’s an entertainment, social networking site full of news and links. Users vote up or down to organize the posts, and where they appear on the website. The internet gods shone brightly on the punk rock fan and in the blink of an eye, he was on an airplane to see Hoppus, DeLonge and Barker in concert. The Reddit post mentioned a bucket list of sorts: “I’m nearing my 31st birthday and have always wanted to meet (even if briefly) the frontman of my favorite band. Mark Hoppus: that’s you. I know you have a show in a few days in Vegas – if you are willing to give me a high five (whenever is convenient for you) I will drop everything and fly out there. Sounds a bit silly, I know – but
what the hell. 30 seconds of your time will probably be the highlight of my life (just don’t tell my wife or child that) and make me feel young again. I would also settle for a fist bump. Let me know.” Hoppus responded: “Hello and yes I will high five you at the Vegas show. Please give me your name and bring ID to the show and there will be passes and instructions waiting. Please also tell your wife and child because not knowing where you are will likely freak them out.” Mission accomplished. The fan picked up tickets at Will Call along with an envelope with VIP bands, and was escorted to Hoppus’ trailer. Not only did he get to go in the trailer, but he had drinks
and talked with Hoppus and his family for half an hour. The high five was captured on camera, of course. Then he watched the show from backstage, and got a guitar pick from the rocker and a handshake. With that, NoSoup69 returned to Reddit: “This will be one of the most memorable nights of my life- and if you’re ever interested in a guy randomly crossing the country to high five you again, you know how to reach me.” Dreams that wouldn’t have been fathomable had the internet connection not been there are possible. Through social media like Facebook tags, Twitter hashtags, Reddit and other outlets, the distance between celebrity and fan is shrinking. The days of fan letters signed, sealed and delivered through snail mail may be gone. And while there will always be a place in my heart for pen pals, technology keeps advancing. And if it provides music fans like that now infamous high-fiver to meet their icons, then rock on.
live here. learn here. Thriving, exciting and full of opportunity! We are Ferris State University in Lansing. Earn a Ferris bachelor’s degree right here at Lansing Community College. Ferris works with LCC to make financial aid a smooth process, while you earn both Ferris and LCC credit without leaving campus. Save time and money by earning your Ferris bachelor’s degree at LCC. Work with people who care. Earn a degree that matters. Find out why we are the number one choice of adult and transfer students in Michigan. Visit ferris.edu/lansing.
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9 A&E
Oct. 27 - Nov. 9, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
‘Gotham’ good; has potential to be better Jeremy Kohn Editor in Chief Gotham City. When a person hears these two words, who is the first person who comes to everyone’s mind? Batman. But, what was life like in Gotham City before Batman? The answer to this lies in Fox’s new TV series, “Gotham.” Created by Bruno Heller, the show focuses on the early life of James Gordon as he tries to rid the Gotham streets of vile criminal activity. Gordon, played by Ben McKenzie, and Detective Bullock (Donal Logue) are the primary antagonists of the show. Gordon and Bullock find themselves paired up to solve the high-profile murder
Photo courtesy of www.hngn.com
The new series “Gotham” aired on Sept. 22. See new episodes every Monday on Fox at 8 p.m.
case of Thomas and Martha Wayne. While investigating the murder, Gordon is introduced to a young Bruce Wayne. The two have a good cop/ bad cop dynamic. Gordon, who is relatively new to the
force, does everything by the book, while Bullock uses force, bribes and torture to get the results he needs. Familiar faces appear early on in the series. An orphan child dressed in all black named Selina Kyle crosses
Bangkok House brings the heat Jaimie Bozack Staff Writer At Bangkok House they bring you pitchers of water for a reason. When the employees told me that a “spicy” Chicken Pad Thai would make my mouth burn, they meant it. I challenged myself by getting a spicy Chicken Pad Thai my first time eating there, only to have the employees bring me three pitchers of water. Despite my mouth being on fire, the taste of the food was amazing. It was so amazing that Bangkok House is now
one of my favorite places to eat in Lansing. I have not found a Thai food place that is better. Bangkok House has been around for years, and yet is still one of the most under-theradar restaurants in the area. Located at 420 E. Saginaw St., Bangkok House is close to LCC, making it convenient for students to go to before class or on a lunch break. The restaurant is also cheaper than most places. Meals average between $8 and $9. That includes some of best soup I have ever had, and a serving size that fills me up; sometimes a little too much. The Chicken Pad Thai is my favorite thing on the menu. It’s
a noodle dish topped with peanuts, sauce and fish or meat. The people who work there are very friendly and always try their hardest to make orders to perfection. The hours at Bangkok House are different from most, adding to its unique appeal. It is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., then again from 5 to 9 p.m. On Saturdays it opens at 5 p.m. and stays open until 9 p.m. It is closed Sundays. Carry-out is available any time it is open. Bangkok House is one of my favorite places to eat. I would recommend this place any time, any day.
paths with Gordon. An informant by the name of Edward Nigma presents his gossip of Gotham in the form of riddles. Although Batman does not exist yet, a young Bruce Wayne does, as well as his butler, Alfred Pennyworth. Heller and the show’s creator have taken an interesting take on the butler, making him more aggressive toward Wayne. Violent scenes of him help to shy away from the gentle kind soul he is usually portrayed as. Most people would think that taking Batman out of the Gotham equation would make the show boring. This is not the case with “Gotham.” This show will appeal to those who are familiar with the Batman mythos, as well as viewers who enjoy crime drama shows.
The overall tone of Gotham City is present. Heller and the writers have done a good job portraying the city as dismal and dystopian. Those who are Bat-fanatics may have a hard time with some of the changes made to beloved characters. For example, Poison Ivy is not Pamela Isley but a neglected child named Ivy Pepper, who has an affection for plants. The shows cameos seem forced with no mystique appeal to who these characters are. Gotham would do well to build on lesser known characters, or maybe highlight a mob war going on or a serial killer. Then as the seasons continue, bring in familiar villains, so the show doesn’t put all of its eggs in one basket.
King Crossword
MAGIC! unlikely to disappear Sarah Spohn A&E Editor Chances are you’ve heard the song Jamaican-infused feel-good vibes of “Rude” by Magic! on the radio. Over 180 million people have seen it on YouTube. That’s Canadian reggae band MAGIC! Yes, a Canadian reggae band. I’m just as confused and intrigued as you are. MAGIC! released its debut album on July 1, and the buzz around the group is anything but a disappearing act. While the band’s hit single has seen huge success, many listeners haven’t bothered to give the entire album a chance. We’ve all been there. You hear a song on the radio. You love the song so much, you decide to give the band a nice
Google. You learn the alleged pronunciation from Wikipedia and listen to another song on YouTube. Song number two sucks. That’s the end of that. Onto the next. Perhaps it is just that, magic, for these guys, though. The single, “Rude” took over. I mean it ruled the radio all summer. What are the odds that the rest of MAGIC!’s debut album wouldn’t stink? The album takes you on a journey. It has its ups, downs, and slower moments. This is in no way a strictly pop record. The reggae flavor is infused in every song, the guitar riffs are substantial and the ease of the lead vocals make each song approachable and singable. The band is fronted by Nasri Atweh, a Grammy Award-winning songwriter. A big fan of The Police, he knew he wanted
to do his own project of reggae, rock, pop and soul all wrapped into one for quite some time. A writing session with guitarist Mark Pelli only reconfirmed the magic that was about to take place from there on. “Paradise” is a dance-able beat, but doesn’t run the risk of being overly-poppy. The band’s combination of hip-hop, pop and reggae makes this entire album an intoxicating musical potion. “Little Girl Big World” sounds like a hit Bruno Mars could have put out himself. Nasri definitely has his genuine crooner moments, sure to make girls across the country swoon, especially on “Let Your Hair Down.” Given the likeability factor of MAGIC!’s debut album, I’m wondering what tricks the band has up its sleeves for a follow-up album.
This week’s puzzle is sponsored by:
10 OPINION
Oct. 27 - Nov. 9, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout — The Kohn Effect —
Things get surreal with return of Twin Peaks “We will see you again in 25 years.” These words were uttered by Laura Palmer in what we thought would be “Twin Peaks” last airing episode in 1991. It is only fitting that creator David Lynch and Mark Frost would wait 25 years to announce that the Twin Peaks universe would be back in a form of a mini-series. Lynch, before mak-
ing the announcement would leave cryptic messages on Twitter, teasing the revival. “Dear Twitter Friends:
That gum you like is coming back in style! #damngoodcoffee.” The following Monday it was made official on Showtime’s website. “Twin Peaks” will return in 2016 as a nineepisode miniseries. It could be argued that “Twin Peaks” was one of the forerunners for shows like the ”X-Files” and “Lost,” where each week a new piece of the show’s mystery would be revealed.
In 1991, people were glued to their television set week by week trying to solve the question of who murdered Laura Palmer. Many of “Twin Peaks” devoted fans started to become disillusioned with the show. It is said that ABC pressured show runners Lynch and Frost to reveal who Palmer’s killer was earlier than originally planned. A change in time-slot
due to ratings eventually led to the show’s cancellation during the 15th episode of season two. Lynch said the network’s revealing the murder of Palmer was what killed the goose that laid the golden egg. After its cancellation, “Twin Peaks” has still maintained a strong cult following with its fans. Now with the cult show returning, there
are many questions fans have about Lynch’s quirky surreal drama. Will Laura Palmer make an appearance? Will the enigmatic Log Lady show up? Will we see more of the mysterious Black Lodge? Will Special Agent Cooper return? One thing is for certain: the Double R Diner in “Twin Peaks” will still have good coffee and the “best apple pie you’d ever have.”
— Chilling with Chelsea —
Busy student bids farewell to duties at The Lookout Dropping things has always been a difficult process for me. My activities become more like obligations, which leads me to believe I need to continue in whatever it is that I decided to take on. My friends and loved ones keep saying they are amazed with how much I had taken on this year, and cannot believe that I am still working at a functional level. I’d disagree and say that I am a failure, rather than be amazed
with how much I was attempting to do. I honestly made one of the biggest college mistakes. I am not talking about the typical college mistake that most students make, which is changing their degree programs countless times. Although I may be in the middle of that myself, this is not the college mistake that I am referring to. The one I am speaking of is taking on way too much for my own good.
With working parttime, being a full-time student, joining the Air Force ROTC at MSU, pledging for the drill team within the AFROTC and writing for The Lookout, I have ex-
hausted myself from both ends. I have made the decision to cut back on a few things to give myself time to breathe and relax from my neverending schedule. Unfortunately, writing for The Lookout is one of them. I would have never thought I would be saying goodbye to my fellow staff members and readers of The Lookout this early on in the year. However, in order to salvage what is left of
my grades, I needed to lesson my load up a bit. I would like to give some advice to whoever is in this same situation: do not think that you are Superman or Wonder Woman. It is nearly impossible to do everything and give your 100 percent effort in everything. For those of you who can, my hat tips off to you. It is sad leaving the staff here at The Lookout and not being able to
write for our readers. However this is not a goodbye, but a simple see ya later. I am not sure where life will take me or what I will be doing a year from now, but I hope that I will keep my head held high and keep chugging on. That is all I can ask for. Thank you to those who have read my pieces. I wish the best of luck to The Lookout staff, my adviser Larry Hook, and to all of you readers.
— If the Shue Fits —
Classified Advertising ATTENTION LCC STUDENTS! Now hiring students to raise money for Public TV and the Arts. Evening and weekend hours. Earn $8.80$12:80 per hour. Call 517-332-1501 today for an interview! APARTMENT FOR RENT 830 Seymour St., Lansing. Two and a half blocks from downtown LCC campus. One bedroom, $675 per month. Price includes parking, washer, dryer and water. Contact Marvin at 517-8621071. HAPPY BIRTHDAY To a great son who turns 21 today (Oct. 27). Happy Birthday, Nolan Hook. Keep up the great work at LCC and in life. You’ve always made us proud. Love, Dad and Mom.
RED WIDOW NOVEL This is the second published book from Nathan Wilson, former editor in chief of The Lookout. It is a crime thriller about a young streetwalker being extorted by a homicide detective. Call 517-896-9504 or go to nrwilson.com to purchase a copy for $8. PLACE YOUR AD HERE Advertising in The Lookout’s classified section is inexpensive and effective. Cost is just $8.50 for 20 words or less. Additional words are 50 cents. Call 483-1295. NASCAR MEMORABILIA Two brand new Dale Earnhardt Jr. hats, $7 each. Ten new commemorative miniature race cars from MIS from 2005 to 2009, $5 each. Buy all for $45!
Oh my gosh, look at her butt Halloween is looming and, as if current media was trying to get into the spirit of the season, it has recently indulged in a trend more terrifying than any viscous monster under the bed. This trend illustrates a subject that has struck fear into the hearts of many for years: body image. Within the last few months an explosion of body image-based songs seems to have taken over the radio, especially on stations such as 97.5 and 99.1. Well ... OK, maybe ghosts are a little scarier than songs about appearance, but sometimes they both give me the creeps. I feel as though nearly every time I get in my car, I hear Meghan Trainor explain to me the importance of “all the right junk in all the right places” in “All About that Bass.”
And it’s no secret that Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” isn’t celebrating the type of buns used to make hamburgers. Colbie Caillat, on the other hand, has a more inclusive body image outlook in the song “Try.” For the most part, all of these songs relate a fairly body-positive message. My favorite parts include “Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top,” from “All About that Bass” and the last line of “Try,” where Caillat sings “Don’t you like you? ‘Cause I like you.” I’m thrilled mainstream radio has embraced this concept. I hope the songs inspire people who are insecure about their bodies and assist them in the journey of self-acceptance. However, I can’t
help but notice a pattern that sends a chill down my spine: many of these songs only celebrate one particular body type. Sure, it’s great to be proud of having a “big butt” and some junk, but it’s also great to be different from that. People come in all shapes and sizes, and this should be acknowledged better. In Minaj’s song “Anaconda,” the artist even goes so far as to cut down those with skinnier bodies. I understand media has been obsessed with rail-thin bodies
for years. Too many people who don’t look like a size two have a painful history with self-image. Cutting down those with a different body type to promote another does not endorse body positivity. I would love to see more songs on the radio that glorify all body shapes, simply because all bodies are beautiful. It’s fantastic to include several different types of people in mainstream media, not just on the radio, but everywhere. Body positive songs are something that radio media needs more of. While not entirely perfect, recent popular songs serve as an important stepping stone, and I can only hope this will start a chain reaction that celebrates all body types for years to come.
11 OPINION
Oct. 27 - Nov. 9, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
What are you going to be for Halloween? Jeremy Kohn
thespookout Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
Nikki Nicolaou
Sarah Spohn
Shelby Schueller
News Editor Editor in Chief A & E Editor Associate Editor kohnj2@mail.lcc.edu nicolaon@mail.lcc.edu spohns1@mail.lcc.edu schuels1@mail.lcc.edu “Aang from ‘Avatar’ “‘Wanda from ‘The the Last Airbender.’” Fairly OddParents.’”
Richard Schenck
Brian Wells
“Richard Simmons.”
“Robin from ‘Batman.’”
Jaimie Bozack
Chelsea Allen
Staff Writer Sports Editor Photo Editor Staff Writer schen1@mail.lcc.edu wellsb6@mail.lcc.edu bozackj@mail.lcc.edu allenc31@mail.lcc.edu “Red Wings fan at the Joe.”
“Nothing.“
Vincent Mata
“A pretzel.”
Lurah Peterson
Paginator Advertising Manager matav@mail.lcc.edu petersl8@mail.lcc.edu “Scott Pilgrim.”
“The 11th Doctor from ‘Doctor Who.’”
“A brunette.”
Larry Hook
Adviser hookl@lcc.edu “Captain Hook”
— Staff Editorial —
Easing people’s minds when it comes to Ebola You can’t turn on a television, read a newspaper or log on to your computer without hearing the words Ebola these days. Yes, Ebola has made its way into the United States from Africa. Yes, there has been people in the United States affected by the disease. Before you buy into the Ebola paranoia, however, there are a few things you should know about the disease. According to the news source CNBC you are more likely to be struck by lightning four times than you are to contract Ebola. Ebola is contracted by direct contact of bodily fluids. It is not an airborne virus as the flu is. The only way of contracting Ebola would be by passing bodily fluids with one of the 18 people diagnosed with the disease in the U.S. Just because a person has been infected with Ebola does not mean it’s fatal. Only 50 percent of Ebola
victims are diagnosed fatal. So far in America there have been eight patients who have contracted Ebola. Of these eight, there has been only one death. Fatality rates are so high in other countries because they don’t have the same cultural, economic and medical advancements that the United States has. During the 40 years of Ebola’s existence, the proper measures have been made to stop the disease from an outbreak. We hear at The Lookout believe that although the thought of Ebola in the United States seems scary, certain media outlets are making it seem a lot worse than what it is. We encourage people to further educate themselves on Ebola. Be weary of the risk Ebola may have, but realize that the United States and the Center for Disease Control has already taken decisive action to contain the disease.
What are your next steps? You can finish your bachelor’s degree on the LCC Campus! Siena Heights University has a degree completion center right here on campus! Undergraduate classes available in: • Accounting • Bachelor of Applied Science • Community Services • Multidisciplinary Studies • Professional Communication CONTACT US TODAY! Phone: (517) 483-9726 Email: lansing@sienaheights.edu Web: www.sienaheights.edu/lans
12 LAST LOOK
Oct. 27 - Nov. 9, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Photos by Brian Wells
LCC students Colin Sudds, Jason Gray and Cameron Walker carry Kelvin Williams as part of a simulated house fire at the LCC West Campus on Oct. 22.
A trial by fire at LCC West Campus Jeremy Kohn Editor in Cheif
Students dressed in full firefighting attire took part in vigorous simulations at LCC’s West Campus Oct. 22 for their certification training in the Fire Science program. According to Fire Academy Coordinator Jeffrey Huber, LCC is one of only 16 schools in the state offering a Fire Science certification program. Huber talked about the academics that apply to the program inside and outside the classroom. “Students attend classes Monday through
Friday from 7 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The first hour is physical fitness and conditioning, then they spend four hours in the actual program,” Huber said. “They spend a month in the classroom, where they do safety, orientation, building construction and learning about hazardous material before they go out and do the physical stuff.” Demonstrations on Oct. 22 included lifting and carrying live “victims” downs stairs, as well as roof ventilation – climbing a ladder and chain-sawing through a simulated roof. Each group chooses
Fire Science students' equipment sits on the pavement during a break at LCC's West Campus.
a captain at the beginning of the semester who they believe has the right qualifications to serve as a leader and motivator
Fire Science students stand next to a car used for simulated extractions at LCC's West Campus.
for their group. LCC Fire Science Captain Matt Hatala spoke about how he physically prepares himself before
these exercises. “We work out every morning,” Hatala said. “That’s where our physical conditioning comes; getting the gear, doing the motions that we are going to do every day out there. “The instructors do a good job of setting us up to where we need to be,” Hatala said. The certification training in the classroom is also quite vigorous. In order to become certified, students must complete a midterm and four final exams, covering both hands-on practical skills and course reading material. On top of that, stu-
dents must also pass a national certification final. The Fire Science program offers opportunities to acquire several degrees, including Fire Science EMT and Fire Science Technology. The program also has a working relationship with colleges Lake Superior State and Oklahoma State for students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this field. Student who believe they have the mettle and tenacity to pursue a career in the Fire Science program can find more information at http://libguides.lcc.edu/firescience/
Fire Science students Adam Simpson and Kevin Tyler practice on a simulated slanted roof at LCC's West Campus.