Board welcomes students
Transfer fair offers useful info
News >> Page 3
‘Dylan’ delivers drama A&E >> Page 8
Features >> Page 5
March 31 - April 13, 2014 Volume 55, Issue 13 www.lcc.edu/lookout
thelookout Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
Science Olympiad tests young minds
Jeremy Kohn Co-Editor in Chief
The Arts and Sciences Building recently became a stage for future scientists. LCC held its annual regional Science Olympiad March 15. Teams from 14 tri-county area high schools, as well as 13 area middle schools, attended the event. The Science Olympiad pits high school and middle school students head to head in various events. Individuals were were tested on science and their ability to work together as a team. The events at the competition included identifying fossils, abuilding vehicles and robots. Chemistry and forensics were used to determine a fictitious crime scenario. LuAnne Clark, a LCC professor and volunteer,
Photo by Brooke Burns
Haslett High School students Sean Oliver (left) and Nickalas Swihart compete in a forensic lab competition at the Science Olympiad. The event was held in the Arts & Sciences Building on
spoke on the importance of this event for LCC and the young people
interested in science. “Back 30 years ago, the state approached us
about using the site,” Clark said. “Carol Hurlburt was our program
part-time, internship and apprenticeship positions. Not only did individuals get a chance to meet with potential employers, but had an opportunity to win a Kindle Fire for those who registered early online. Lisa Reed, director of Career and Employment Services and Apprenticeships, explained how this event is good for future employees and interns. “It’s a great opportunity for students to get connected with business
and industry,” Reed said. “It helps them with being able to go face-to-face with an employer without that formal interview because that’s really nerve wracking.” Reed explained how this annual event turns out to be a success for many. “Success is getting them connected with an employer,” Reed said. “They may not find a result out of a job today or tomorrow, but making that connection down the road and getting contacted for a
future position is what is a success for us.” Internship Development Manager Rebecca Sowa coordinated the entire event with help from others. Reed said the event took two to three months to plan. Attendee Ike Aguwa said he learned of the event through the LCC website. “I’m looking for a new opportunity,” he said. “I like where I currently
Career opportunities examined
Chelsea Allen Staff Writer The Job and Internship Fair held at LCC’s West Campus March 25 included representatives from 74 companies. Over 350 people were present seeking career and internship opportunities. The event lasted three hours and was open to all LCC students, alumni and the general public. Employers from a variety of industries were at the fair hiring for full-time,
See Fair, page 2
director at the time and she said, ‘Sure we can do that,’ and we have been
doing it ever since.” Nickalas Swihart and Sean Oliver, students from Haslett High School, competed in a forensics event. They were given a crime scenario and had to work as a team to solve the puzzle. “We have a test on various substances and we have to figure out who did the crime,” Oliver said. “They give us the information on the powders or substance, and we just do internet research on them,” Swihart said. Lansing Catholic student Jaideete Praisad constructed a boomilever, a device that is designed to hold as much pressure before breaking. “Basically we make it out of wood, there’s a hook. You hook it See Olympiad, page 2
Photo by Chelsea Allen
Angie Butterwick, human resources assistant at LCC, speaks to attendee Ike Aguwa about career opportunities during the Job and Internship Fair held at LCC’s West Campus on March 25.
What are your thoughts about gay marriage? “Love has no boundaries.”
“I think it should be allowed.”
Daryl Kearney, 19, Computer Programming Rich Burns, 41, Management
“I’m very OK with it.”
“I believe in Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.”
Brandon Mistery, 20, Business Farai Machamire, 20, General Education
CAMPUSPERSPECTIVESCAMPUSPERSPECTIVESCAMPUSPERSPECTIVES
2 NEWS
March 31 - April 13, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Fair
Continued from page 1
work, but it’s time to grow a little bit.” Aguwa added he found the fair very helpful. “I gave some people my resume but I am going to go ahead and apply online to really kind of see where their jobs are going,” Aguwa said. “I really wanted to see where they were going as a company because that’s important too.” Brandi Yates, internship coordinator/ communications specialist of HOM-TV, was one of the representatives of her company, making this the second year HOM-TV has made an appearance at this particular fair. “We are looking for interns each semester for our intense hands on internship program and we teach people how to be a part of the television industry,” Yates said. Yates added there are different areas included within the television industry, and a potential intern does not have to be a student in HOM-TV’s program. “We’ve had non-traditional interns that are much older who are out of college and realize that this is their true passion and they just need the experience to get the job,” Yates said. The Job and Internship Fair was a success and will continue its tradition of being held at LCC in spring for years to come, Reed said.
Olympiad Continued from page 1
around and its designed to hold as much weight as possible, to calculate the score they take the amount you held over how much mass it has,” Praisad said. Praisad spoke about what the Science Olympiad means to him. “I view it as a nice way to learn outside of school, and I like the chance of competing,” Praisad said. The olympiad will be held again next year, providing young students an opportunity to explore in a field they love.
Photo courtesy of Frank Vaca
About 20 people attended the Gay Straight Alliance’s forum March 21 in the Health and Human Services Building.
GSA hosts HIV/AIDS forum Jaimie Bozack Co-Editor in Chief Lansing Community College’s Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) and Lansing Association for Human Rights (LAHR) hosted an HIV and AIDS Forum March 21. The event was held to bring more awareness to HIV and AIDS throughout the community. It brought guest speakers, an open mic, and a movie detailing AIDS and HIV facts. GSA and LAHR Board Member Frank Vaca said the event brought in a lot of people, including Albion students, board
members, faculty and staff. “It was excellent and for a broad audience,” Vaca said. “Everyone seemed to enjoy it.” According to Vaca, the event had speakers from the American Red Cross in Detroit, The Grand Rapids HIV-AIDS Educational Initiative, and a researcher who studied in South Africa. Encompassed in the event were testing and clarification, and terminology. The forum encouraged students to do medical checkups and get tested. According to Todd Heywood, an event organizer, the event was important in getting information out because HIV continues to be
a significant health crisis. “Ingham County has the highest HIV rate in the state outside of Detroit,” Heywood said. “This is happening because we’ve stopped talking about HIV.” According to Heywood, it’s something he’d like to be involved with again next year. “I would be more than willing to participate in raising awareness and providing factual information again,” Heywood said. “This was one of the very first times free confidential HIV testing was provided on campus. That service alone is essential to ending the HIV epidemic.”
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3 NEWS
March 31 - April 13, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
LCC sociology program a shining success story Jeremy Kohn Co-Editor in Chief
Photo by Brooke Burns
LCC Board of Education members and President Brent Knight (right) gather with students from Holt High School and Holt Middle School during the meeting March 17.
Board meeting highlights science event, vets program Jeremy Kohn Co-Editor in Chief LCC’s monthly Board of Trustees meeting March 17 featured a report on the 30th annual Science Olympiad at LCC. Students and faculty from Holt Public Schools were in attendance to celebrate their achievements in the Olympiad, held Saturday, March 15. Holt High School and Holt Junior High were both big winners at LCC, capturing first place at the regional Olympiad. Holt Superintendent John Scott, Junior High Coach Dave Hildebrandt and High School Coach Heather Peterson were on hand to show support for their respected teams. Peterson spoke about the importance of events like this for students interested in science. “There is a little bit of
competitiveness, which is fun,” Peterson said. “A lot of times kids compete in sports and get medals and trophies. It’s nice to know you can work hard at learning and studying and building things, proving your smarts. Kids like that, too.” Holt Junior High student Andrew Fergin expressed his feelings on the Olympiad event. “It’s competitive, (but) not to where you want everything to be lost in it,” Fergin said. “It’s all about fun.” Both the Holt High School and Holt Junior High teams will compete at the state Olympiad competition in April at Michigan State University. In other business, the board learned that Dean of Health and Human Services Margie Clark made a presentation in Grand Rapids on LCC’s military-to-paramedic
IN BRIEF
program. Clark’s presentation was so well received that she has been invited to make a presentation in Washington, D.C. “Lansing Community College is the first to provide experiential learning credit to military veterans … allowing them to get credit for what they already experienced in military services and get college credits for those experiences,” Clark said. LCC Veterans Association Adviser James Bender also spoke on the success of the military-to-paramedic program. “We sit down with them to help them to develop a plan of action,” Bender said. “We want them to know here’s how you get your benefits to maximize your time here. We also have referrals for workforce and medical,” Bender said.
News
Student Innovation and creativity showcase is April 23, 24 StarScapes, a showcase of imaginative, innovative and interesting work produced by LCC students, will take place Wednesday and Thursday, April 23 and 24. StarScapes provides an opportunity for students to share the exciting work they are doing with the LCC community. Presentations could include creative and research work produced for LCC classes, but could also involve work developed through independent study and research.
Presenting options could include: posters, demonstrations, presentations, performances, readings, electronic presentations or other suitable formats. The application deadline is April 14. To participate, go to: http://www.lcc. edu/aa/innovation/student/index.aspx, then please submit a short abstract or presentation description on the attached form. Participants must have a faculty sponsor for their presentation.
Gay Straight Alliance will host safety meeting April 9 The LCC Gay Straight Alliance invites all students, faculty and staff to a discussion on “Safety and Well Being on a College Campus” Wednesday, April 9 from 5 to 6 p.m. in Arts and Science room 112. Special guests from Victim Advocates from Equality Michigan will present.
It was discussed at a recent Student Advisory to the President Committee meeting that there are no “safe zone” stickers on campus, and there is no staff being paid to enhance the LGBT students. Join this discussion and learn how to protect family, friends and yourself.
Lansing Community College’s famous school motto is “Where Success Begins.” Another prime example of the college’s shining success was recently announced. According to bestonlinecolleges.org, LCC’s online sociology program was named as one of the top 50 online programs in the nation. Deb Bishop, a professor of sociology at LCC for 23 years, was instrumental in starting the highly regarded online program. “We have top notch instructors,” Bishop said. “That was one criteria that was examined. We have instructors that are very well-versed in the discipline and have a great deal of teaching experience.” “There is a great deal of pride we all feel. I think sometimes students feel that because they are at a community college that they don’t get quality of education you might get at a university,” Bishop said. “But I think that’s the furthest thing from reality … especially on our on-line classes.” Bestonlinecolleges.org looked at many factors in their research: surveys, cost of education, quality of career services and availability of classes. Based on these results, community colleges and universities were selected.
Photo by Brooke Burns
Professor Deb Bishop helped developed the success of the online sociology program.
LCC was named along with Arizona State University, University of Colorado, Columbia University and California State University, proving the program is just as elite as a four-year schools. Jean Ramirez, a colleague of Bishop, spoke on the pride of being an instructor and the highly praised honor of the college’s award. “The faculty work very hard to ensure that high-quality classes are offered and the needs of our students are met to the best of our ability,” Ramirez said. “Such recognition helps to validate the hard work, long hours and dedication that faculty give to their students.”
4 FEATURES
March 31 - April 13, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Student ‘LANDs’ another writing award Jeremy Kohn Co-Editor in Chief
In addition to awards already received in poetry, fiction and essay writing, LCC student Elizabeth Bloom earned a first-prize award in the Liberal Arts Network for Development (LAND) scholar category. Scholars submit their best research papers to enter the contest. In this category, scholars are judged a little differently than for the other awards.
Unlike in the other categories, scholar winners are not announced until after their presentation is done. Bloom wrote an abnormal psychology paper entitled, “Pursuing Answers: Stalking of Faculty by Students.” The awardwinning paper examined the social and psychological behavior of students whom stalked their professors. The scholar award winner thanked her professor, abnormal psychology
Photo courtesy of Dedria Humphries
Award winner Elizabeth Bloom (left) is shown along side LAND student conference coordinator Jim Hayes (center) and Arts & Science division director Rick Reagan.
teacher Delia Thrasher, for nudging her in the right direction.
“I can’t thank Dr. Thrasher enough for sponsoring me and encouraging me to
submit my paper,” Bloom said. “It is high praise indeed to have your work noticed by someone who works in the field. You someday hope to enter.” According to the official LAND website, landconference.org, scholars can write on several different fields of study including Arts and Humanities, Natural and Health Science, Philosophy, Social Science and Technology. Winners have the honor of their paper being added
to an online-journal for the public to see. Thrasher, who sponsored Bloom’s entry, spoke highly of Bloom’s feat. “Not only did Ms. Bloom do a stellar research paper on faculty stalking by students, but she also exhibited great initiative in developing her own research topic at LCC,” Thrasher said. She encouraged others to read winning entries at http://landconference.org/ journals/2013-scholars/bloom.
Grads can register to win a career makeover Chelsea Allen Staff Writer
Students who are graduating this spring from LCC can register for the 2014 LCC Graduate Career Makeover Contest. One female and one male will be selected to receive the prize package, which includes a professional suit and/ or apparel, a haircut, style and make-up application provided by Panopoulos Salons. The prize package will also include a professional portfolio and case, one Sirius Tablet courtesy of
LCC’S CIT Department, and an interview prep session with LCC Career & Employment Services Director Lisa Reed. The Susan D. Fisher-Trimmer Memorial Foundation made this contest possible by supporting and donating its funds toward this event, Reed said. In order to register and be eligible to receive the prize package, students must be 18 or over and be graduating in spring of 2014 with a degree/certificate from LCC. Rebecca Sowa, LCC internship development manager,
offered her input about the contest. “This is most definitely a positive thing for graduates to look forward to and beneficial toward the entire student population,” Sowa said. Upon registering, students must also tell LCC what they have done to make it to graduation. This is an opportunity for them to boast about what obstacles they have faced to make it to graduation. According to Reed, the committee — made up of eight individuals — is looking for some
key characteristics when selecting the two winners. “This contest is a great opportunity for students to articulate through writing the many obstacles they have overcome and what it has taken them to come this far in their educational careers,” Reed said. Entry forms must be received online by Friday, April 4. The winners will be selected two weeks later on Friday, April 18 by phone or email. Both Reed and Sowa said they hope this will become an annual contest for LCC graduates.
“As long as we have the students who are interested and the foundation that supports it, this could become an annual contest at LCC come graduation time,” Sowa said. Reed and Sowa also stressed there are not a lot of applicants registered as of March 27 and the deadline is quickly approaching. For more information or to register for the contest visit www.lcc.edu/ces/makeover/ or contact LCC’s Career & Employment Services at (517) 483-1172.
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5 FEATURE
March 31 - April 13, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Transfer fair helps students plan ahead Jaimie Bozack Co-Editor in Chief The Start Here, Get There Transfer Fair was held at LCC’s University Center on March 17,18 and 20, bringing in dozens of students looking to start fresh somewhere next fall. LCC invited over 40 colleges around Michigan to set up stands and provide information to students. The purpose of the event was for students to get information about colleges and classes they would like to attend after finishing LCC. “I’m getting ready to graduate and I need to figure out where I’m going next,” student Tara Weeks said. “This event helped me figure out where I’m directed and where
I’m headed next.” LCC student Kelsey Fisher said: “I heard about this event through a flier and I’m enjoying it a lot. There’s free food and the information on classes I need.” Colleges including University of Detroit Mercy used this event to get their institutions some exposure. “Lansing Community College invited us to participate and we love recruiting students and talking to potential students,” UDM Transfer Admissions Counselor Olivia Mendoza said. According to Mendoza this transfer fair turned out to be highly successful. “We’ve had a very significant amount of students here and it’s been a very successful event,” said Mendoza.
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Photo by Brooke Burns
LCC student Tara Weeks gathers information about the University of Detroit Mercy from Transfer Admissions Counselor Olivia Mendoza of UDM during the Start Here, Get There Transfer Fair in LCC’s University Center on March 20.
WINGS 5.99
Women’s History Month events educate, inspire Andy Bumstead Freelance Writer LCC students and staff celebrated Women’s History Month with a variety of events designed to inform and inspire. Lisa Haston, chair of the Women’s History Committee, said the events included a hit movie and a read-in. “My main goal is to get the idea out there that we all share a history, and women’s history is a part of that,” said Haston, who also serves as the Women’s Resource/ Returning Adult Program interim coordinator. One of the main events was a three-week movie series that began March 11. Each week, a free women’s history movie was shown. The final installment, March 25, was the Academy Awardnominated film, “The Help.” Haston said “The Help” is a fitting movie to show during Women’s History Month. She said it does a good job of portraying some
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assistant professor of history, attended the March 18 showing. “We still are fighting for women’s equality in the larger society,” Heutsche said. The final Women’s History Month event is the 15th annual Literature Read-In on Monday, March 31 from noon to 7 p.m. on the second floor of the TLC building. Anyone who may read an excerpt from poetry or literature written by a female author. Haston said she thinks the event will be worthwhile because it lets people choose writing they enjoy and also promotes women’s literature. Professor Teresa Purvis of the English Department will lead the Read-In. Whether students are already educated in the battle for women’s equality in society, or are simply curious about the issue, Women’s History Month offered something for everyone this year at LCC.
NACHO PLATTER 4.99 GLASS OF FROZEN MARGS 2. Photo by Brooke Burns
Ginny Sterling, an LCC Learning Commons Employee, watches “The Help,” a movie about America’s Civil Right’s Era, on Tuesday, March 25 in the LCC Library.
of the women of America’s Civil Rights era, especially black women.
The other two movies shown were “Iron Jawed Angels” and “Babes in Banners:
Story of the Women’s Emergency Brigade.” Anne Heutsche, adjunct
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6 SPORTS
March 31 - April 13, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Softball team seeks to contend for title Andy Bumstead Freelance Writer LCC’s softball team is hoping to contend for a league championship this year, according to third-year Coach Marc Kibby. The Stars record last year was 31-19 overall and 23-9 in their league, the Michigan Community College Athletic Association’s Western Conference. Kibby said his team shows a lot of promise this year and should finish among the top three teams in the MCCAA’s Western Conference. “If we play like we can, we have the capability that we should win the league,” he said. The team has a number of trusted players who have performed well, as well as some promising newcomers, Kibby said. Jessica Wood, a National Federation Coaches Association All-American last year, is the Stars’ sophomore first baseman. Last year, she maintained a .347 batting average and garnered 12 home runs and 43 RBIs. She expressed
Women's softball player Jessica Wood
Photos by Brooke Burns practices batting on Thursday, March 27 at
Members of the LCC softball team loosen up during practice March 27 at Court 1 in Haslett.
a lot of enthusiasm for this year’s team. “The amount of talent we have this year can get us far,” Wood said. “I’m looking forward to being with the girls and the coaches.” Emilie Pretzer, also a sophomore, is the team’s center fielder. She had a .341 average, with eight home runs and 35 RBIs for the
Stars in 2013. As far as new members to the team, Kibby said several freshmen outfielders stand out: third baseman Cheyenne Wallace, outfielder Katlyn Brosnan and outfielder Tara Smith. All three are off to strong offensive starts in the team’s early games. From March 3
through 8, the Stars played eight games in Florida and went 2-6. The two wins were against Southeast Iowa and Darton, both Division 1 colleges, Kibby said. On Tuesday, March 18, LCC played a doubleheader in Grand Rapids against Davenport College and won both games, 8-0 and
Court 1 Athletics in Haslett.
13-2. The Stars’ overall record through March 27 was 4-6. Due to weather issues, the Stars have yet to practice outside, and their March 21 and 25 games were canceled. “I don’t see us playing outside until the first week in April on our home field at Ranney (Park),” Kibby said.
The team’s next home game was scheduled to be played Saturday, March 29 against Glen Oaks. “We need to come out mentally ready, especially because of the downtime we’ve had due to weather,” Kibby said. Assistant coaches for LCC this year are Tom Smith, Carl Chaffee and Janet Hengesbach.
Athlete Spotlight: Emilie Pretzer The Lookout Co-Editor in Chief Jaimie Bozack recently spoke with LCC softball player Emilie Pretzer, a sophomore centerfielder for the Stars. Q. What inspires you to play softball? A. My teammates inspire me to work harder every single day. Q. What athletic accomplishments did you have before coming to Lansing Community College? A. In my high school days I made all-conference, all-district and Midland Daily News Dream team. I’ve been playing softball since before I could walk. Q. What is your favorite thing about what you do? A. My favorite thing about playing softball is the friendships that I made on the field. (They) are ones that I will have for the rest of my life. Oh, and hitting home runs is fun, too.
Photo courtesy of LCC.edu
Q. What are your hopes for the new season? A. This season from day one we have had one goal: making it to nationals. Q. What are you studying? What are your plans after LCC? A. I plan on transferring to Michigan State University and pursuing a degree in marketing.
7 SPORTS
March 31 - April 13, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Lady Stars eliminated by Glen Oaks Jaimie Bozack Co-Editor in Chief The Lansing Community College’s women’s basketball team played its final game in the conference semi-finals against Glen Oaks Community College on March 4 in Centreville. The Stars lost against Glen Oaks, 65-50. Sophomores Robyn Robinson and LaTonya Shade led the team offensively in the loss. The Stars finished the season with an overall record of 16-12, and an 8-8 mark in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. Sophomore Robinson said the last game didn’t go as well as planned for her team. “We got some bad calls and the refs weren’t on our side,” Robinson said. According to Robinson, during the second half the Stars got a technical foul and Glen Oaks shot four free
Photo by Brooke Burns
LCC sophomore Jordan McLeggan leaps for a rebound earlier this year. The Stars finished 16-12 overall.
throws, giving the Vikings a larger lead. “A couple of possessions later the ref came over to our bench and told us one of our play-
ers had to be escorted out of the game,” Robinson said. “I felt that that really affected us a lot as a team.” For the season, Shade
earned All-Conference First Team honors. Robinson was on the All-Conference Second Team and the All-Defensive Team. Fresh-
man Morgan Kelso earned honorable mention. Head Coach Ervin Brunson said he feels things could have gone
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differently if it wasn’t for a few key injuries throughout the season. Kelso tore her ACL during a game against Muskegon and was out for the rest of the season, Brunson said. “We were 9-2 before injuries,” Brunson said. “When Morgan went down that really depleted us and changed the complexity of us. “We started the season out really strong and thought we were going to be headed in the right direction, but with those key injuries it really turned us around.” Brunson said he has some key returning players for next season as well as some recruits who are to be announced in April. Shade said she also has high hopes for LCC next season. “I hope the returning girls will work hard next season and be able to experience making it to the tournament,” Shade said.
8 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
March 31 - April 13, 2014
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Classical Music makes its return to Dart stage
Sarah Spohn A&E Editor
While most Spartan fans were throwing some brews back and catching the MSU vs. U of M game, music fans were drawn to Dart Auditorium for a treat of their own. LCC music professor Jonathon Gewirtz was joined on stage by his sister Stephanie for a classical saxophone and piano recital March 16. Usually performing with his fellow jazz faculty members, or one of his many weekend funk bands, Gewirtz switched it up a bit and returned to classical music. Gewirtz received his master’s in saxophone performance from MSU. The refreshing recital began with Fantasia, written by Hector Villa-Lobos. Next up was Six Studies in English Folk Song written by Ralph Vaughan William, originally written for the cello. Before mastering the soprano and alto saxophone, Gewirtz learned about music
at a young age. He began piano lessons in the first grade and moved onto the sax in middle school. He spoke about why he chose classical music for this recital. “It’s what I studied in school, and privately,” Gewirtz said. “I grew up doing the solo and ensemble in middle school and went onto college, first getting a degree in musical education. Classical music is usually what you study,”Gewitz added. The pair chose some of their favorite classical songs, composed by Vierne, Rueff and Lantier, to close out the recital. Both MSU graduates, the brother/sister duo have been performing together on and off for 15 years. While classical music is the content of their college education, Gewirtz admits to not playing it that often. “We go through long stretches of not performing it, or at least putting on a recital,” Gewirtz said. “We perform occasionally one or two pieces here or
there, but to do a full recital like this, we don’t do that often – like every four or five years.”Gewirtz added. A similar recital of Stephanie Gewirtz was also performed last month at Hillsdale College, where Jon Gewirtz is also a professor. At LCC, Gewirtz teaches jazz band, private lessons, music appreciation and a class on the history of rock’n’roll. For those music fans who aren’t too keen on classical, this LCC professor can be found at the Green Door playing with his funk band, Summer of Sol, on the weekends. While he plays everything from rock, funk, soul, jazz, classical and even salsa, Gewirtz said he enjoyed returning back to his classical roots for the recital. “It’s always rewarding and challenging to do it,” Gewirtz said.
Director Lennox relives ‘Dylan’ Sarah Spohn A&E Editor The last time John Lennox was involved with the Sidney Michaels play “Dylan,” was 1987. While the curtain closed on Western Michigan University’s final performance of “Dylan,” the play has anything but left Lennox. March 14-15 and 21-22 the drama was performed at LCC’s Black Box Theatre, this time directed by Lennox. The play focuses on the true story of Welsh poet, Dylan, his success in the states and ultimate fall from grace. Much like the twists and turns of the main character’s career, so have the tables turned in Lennox’s world. Going from actor to director, and student to teacher with Dylan, Lennox said the play is still very relevant. “But I see so much more in it now than I did when I was 19 playing it,” Lennox said. Joseph Mull has taken the place of Lennox as the leading male role, Dylan. Kelley McNabb plays the role of Dylan’s wife, Caitlyn. Scott Wheeler plays John Malcolm Brinnin, the lad who befriends the Welsh poet Dylan and his tumultuous lifestyle to the U.S. All three actors were nominated for the prestigious Irene Ryan award. The scholarship was created after the American actress Irene Ryan, widely
LCC teacher and jazz performer Jonathon Gewirtz shows off his fine-tuned saxophone skills in front of an audience at Dart Auditorium March 16.
Photo by Sarah Spohn
IN BRIEF Arts & Entertainment
Kings and queens of music to dance in Dart LCC’s annual spring dance concert celebrates some musical kings and queens! Faculty, guest and student choreographers create pieces to the music of the King of Pop (Michael Jackson), the Queen of Soul (Aretha Franklin) and the King of Rock ‘n
Roll (Elvis Presley) and the band: Queen! Performances are on Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m. in Dart Auditorium. The event is free, with suggested donations to benefit the Dance Scholarship Fund.
Capital City Film Fest reels into Lansing
Photo by Brooke Burns
Joseph Mull and Kelley McNabb perform a lustful scene from Dylan in front of a Black Box Theatre audience Saturday, March 22.
known for her role as “Granny” on “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Lennox spoke about how the actors were crucial in the success of the play. “Performances went wonderfully,” Lennox said. “We had one of the best adjudication I have ever had as an actor or director. We had three Irene Ryan nominees.”
Whether being performed by Michaels in 1964, by Lennox in 1987, or being brought to life again in 2014 by LCC, one thing is certain … The play’s portrayal on the ups and downs of life is reflective of everyone, regardless of the times. “It is as poignant today as it was when it was written in the ‘60s,” Lennox said.
The fourth annual CCFF is slated for April 10 to 13 in various venues across downtown Lansing. The fest celebrates independent artists from around the world by curating outstanding multimedia experiences for the community. Last year’s event included 70 films, 30 teams of amateur and student filmmakers in the
Fortnight Film Contest and 16 local, national and internationally-touring bands. This year’s event is expected to be even bigger. Live concerts presented by CCFF and Fusionshows include The Hard Lessons, Flint Eastwood, Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Dan Croll and more. For more details, visit www. capitalcityfilmfest.com.
Kellogg Center’s ‘Life as Zebra’ benefits illnesses The third annual benefit concert and silent auction will take place at The Kellogg Center in East Lansing on Saturday, April 12. The event features live music from Tony Lucca, NBC’s “The Voice” contestant and Chris Trapper, from the Push Stars. The benefit raises money for the Life as a Zebra Foundation, an
organization founded to raise awareness for invisible illnesses. Doors open at 6 p.m. followed by cocktails, appetizers, and a silent auction. The live music kicks off at 8:30, followed by a meet and greet. Tickets are $50 and are available at www. ZebraNation.org. For more info, contact Katie Dama Jaskolski at katiejaskolski@gmail.com.
9 A&E
March 31 - April 13, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
True Detective is ‘truly’ enticing TV Jeremy Kohn Co-Editor in Chief Taking place in the deep south of Louisiana, HBO’s “True Detective” follows the case of a brutal occult murder. Nora Lange is found dead kneeling under a tree with antlers attached to her head. The show follows the lives of two detectives: Rust Cowle (Matthew McConaughey) and Marty Hart (Woody Harrelson). They comb for clues throughout the Louisiana bayou. The two detectives are polar opposites; Cowle is a self-absorbed, anti-social pessimistic atheist with an affinity for the occult. Hart believes in God and
often argues with Cowle about his negative outlook on life. The back-and-forth banter between the detectives happens often, but both detectives take the case work seriously. The creator of the show, Nic Pizzolato, makes it a point to show not only the horror of the case itself, but also the horror of the detectives’ personal lives. Cowle has become the person that he is because of the death of his daughter and a bitter divorce. Hart, perhaps absorbed in his work on the case, often argues with his wife about not being supportive. He then starts to have an affair with another woman. In addition to the Nora Lange murder, the show flashes forward to 2012 to a case that has
King Crossword
Photo by fightinginthewarroom.com
Woody Harrelson (left) and Matthew McConaughey star in HBO new series, True Detective, which premiered Jan. 12.
striking similarities to the Lange case. Both detectives reminisce about their experience on the Lange case in these scenes. The whole feel of this show is very brooding. The way the
show is filmed creates an eerie atmosphere for each episode. Take the surreal cult classic “Twin Peaks,” mix some David Fincher’s “Seven,” add the southern feel of HBO’s “True
Blood” and you have the feel of “True Detective.” The soundtrack is also one of the most appealing aspects of this show. Southern blues ballads with a mixture of alluring psychedelic rock is the perfect blend to the show’s dismal approach. “True Detective” will take an “American Horror Story” approach to the series. Each season will focus on a new story with the same actors returning to reprise new roles for the new season. This show is infectious, getting viewers involved not only with the case itself, but the characters lives outside of business as well. Pizzolato has crafted a masterful psychological show that one can only hope continues the same success in seasons to come.
App aids athletes’ performance Chelsea Allen Staff Writer If you are or know of anyone who is a coach or an athlete who plays for a sports team, then Coach’s Eye might be the right free app for you. Coach’s Eye is an app to take one’s game to the next level. It gives coaches a chance to give their athletes instant feedback on room for improvement on or off the field. By shooting a short video, users can easily review the video instantly with slow-motion playback and drawing tools. The drawing features are one of the more enjoyable aspects of the app, enabling users to visualize their movements better.
These tools can get costly if purchased separately. However, Coach’s Eye provides packages for those who are interested in an assortment of tools at their fingertips for a cheap price. The three packages that are available include the Everything Pack, Drawing Toolkit and the Precision Pack — all of which can be very useful when using this app. Another aspect that intrigues users is that it was not made by someone who is off in a foreign land. It was hand-crafted by a small team at the TechSmith Corporation located in Okemos, Mich. Knowing this app was made close by makes it feel as if one is supporting their local community by downloading the app. That is always a plus in
my eyes. Although Coach’s Eye is not climbing the charts on the iOS or Android store as of yet, it has helped out on recent Winter Olympics. Many athlete’s coaches used this app to help their athletes improve on their performance and techniques throughout several games. So tell your friends, teammates, coaches and anyone randomly on the street about getting Coach’s Eye. Just know stranger danger is not in effect when sharing is caring. A tip for those who want a visual of what the app icon looks like when searching: it’s a clever white and blue baseball hat with a camera lens through the hat.
I’ve had. The variety offered sets it apart from most places, not only with the entertainment, but also people. The Avenue has great vegan options, including their veggie burger, which I recommend. They also have a large variety of craft beers for everyone’s tastes. Not one certain type of person or crowds go there. The Avenue is a great place to meet people and make friends. The Avenue Cafe is convenient to get to from LCC; a short drive or CATA ride. And it is a great place for students to study. The prices are reasonable and it has some of the best staff around. The staff is friendly and all-around great people.
The Avenue Cafe is open Monday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. If you ever find yourself looking for a quiet place in the afternoon to get some beans, food or to study, then this is a good place. And if you’d like to go out on the town during the night, this is also a good place. The Avenue Cafe can meet all of people’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a place to study, get coffee or food, listen to music, or talk with friends, the Avenue Cafe gives a great environment for all of it. For the latest on nightly food and drink specials, visit the Avenue at www.facebook. com/avenuecafe2021. To stay in the know about upcoming shows, visit http://avenuelansing.com/
Avenue Cafe ideal for students Jaimie Bozack Co-Editor in Chief
This week’s puzzle is sponsored by:
Downtown is full of coffee places, bars, and venues where live music can be heard. The Avenue Cafe offers all of those things and more, making it one of my favorite places to go on an afternoon break or a night out for music, comedy or coffee. The Avenue Cafe was formerly known as “Gone Wired Cafe.” It is located on 2021 E. Michigan Ave. I’ve only recently gone to the café, but since then, it’s been my new local spot. The hotspot has nights of comedy, music, arcade games, drinks of all kinds and some of the best food
10 OPINION
March 31 - April 13, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout — The Kohn Effect —
The latest‘skinny’ on skinny jeans I have never really caught on to the latest fashion trends. I find myself shaking my head at fads like trucker hats, tank tops or odd colored T-shirts with animals on them. I find myself wondering who decides what the next big fashion trend is? To quote the words of rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd: “I am a simple kind of man.” I enjoy clothing that is affordable and comfortable. Instead of shopping at malls or outlet stores, I find I do quite a bit of my shopping at Goodwill. A time comes in a person’s
life when their favorite jeans they thought they would wear a lifetime becomes worn out or unwearable. I had this tragic event happen to me recently. The most comfortable pair of jeans I ever
owned was my loose-fit Bullhead Jeans. I know what you are thinking — loose-fit jeans; the jeans you wear that crawl around your ankles, making it impossible to walk? The answer to this question is no. These jeans were perfect: not too tight and not too baggy. They were the “holy grail” of comfortable jeans. After having a moment of silence for my favorite pair of jeans, I decided it was time to try to buy some new comfortable jeans. I ventured to the mall and went to several clothing stores.
First I went to Pacific Sunwear, where I used to buy my trusty Bullhead Jeans. To my shock and dismay my “go-to jean” for years had hopped on the skinny jeans bandwagon. Just about every store I used to shop at was littered with skinny jeans. Even jeans that they claimed were slim fit, I felt like I needed the “jaws of life” to try them on and to pry them off. I know that it isn’t the ‘90s anymore, and trends come and go. I just don’t see the appeal of men wearing jeans that are as tight as yoga pants. What happened to comfort?
My quest for comfortable jeans finally came to a close. I found some Levis jeans that I could actually breathe in. They weren’t quite at ‘90s Bullhead comfort levels, but at this point in my shopping trip I would take whatever I could get. After coming home, I even took to eBay and contemplated buying the old-style Bullheads. Apparently I wasn’t the only person who found these jeans comfortable. They were going for a pretty penny. One thing is for certain, skinny jeans are something I don’t considered a healthy lifestyle choice for myself.
— Just Jaimie —
Being The Cat in the Hat not as easy as it seems MONDAY-CANTINA FOOD SPECIAL-11AM TO MIDNIGHT All my life I have wanted to be my school’s mascot. I pictured me dancing around, high fiving children, and being the coolest kid around. When the opportunity to be in a Cat in the Hat suit for the Lansing City Market’s Dr. Seuss event was presented to me recently, I volunteered; no questions asked. This was a dream come true. I got to the City Market ready to put on the suit and start high fiving some children. When they
brought the suit in, I realized I’d have to figure out how to actually put it on first. The suit was hard to figure out. There were a lot of straps and uncomfortable parts that went in uncomfortable places. I had to have the help of my friend to finally get the suit on. I took one step and tripped over my tail. I quickly learned that walking in this suit was going to be hard. I could barely walk.
ered my eyes. I felt the thump of kids hugging me from all over, but my inability to see left me guessing what direction they were coming from. I went for high fives and missed, only to hit their faces. I tripped over my tail. I attempted to do yoga in the suit only to realize that I can’t do it, even without the suit. I was probably the worst mascot of all time. The suit could have possibly doubled as a sweat lodge. I had to take
frequent water breaks to make sure I was hydrated, but even then I was struggling. Being a mascot isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I wanted to dance around and do fun things, but I just spent the whole time focusing on if I’d be able to make it the next 20 minutes without a heat stroke. It was tough, but in the end it was rewarding. Seeing the kids smiling was great. Even though I was struggling, I was still just the Cat in the Hat to
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I stepped and stumbled out of the office, already being greeted by a group of smiling children. I could barely see them through the film that cov-
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them. Since then, I’ve been highly recruited to dress up at charity events in Lansing. I’ve been asked be the Cat in the Hat again at a Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) event and also a bunny for the City Market’s Bunny Hop event. Forget school, this could be my real calling in life. I am definitely doing it again. A bunny has a very short tail, right? That could be helpful.
TUESDAY-CANTINA FOOD SPECIAL-11AM TO MIDNIGHT
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11OPINION
March 31 - April 13, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout — Staff Editorial —
Teacher rating site invaluable While The Lookout has some “newbies” on staff, most of us have been here for … let’s just say “too long.” With that time, however, we have learned little tips along the way. We now bring our years of wisdom to our fellow Stars. Students can complain all they want about LCC; some even calling it Last Chance College. Just like most things, however, it truly is what you make it. For most students, class is the first priority. Teachers are without a doubt one of the most important aspects to consider when selecting classes. Choosing teachers can be difficult. With spring semester midway through, summer registration is already approaching. Summer registration starts April
1. No April Fool’s about it. And anyone that has been here longer than a semester knows how quickly classes can fill up. Doing your research before signing up for classes is vital. Many of us here at The Lookout turn to ratemyprofessor.com. Doing your homework before class can help you avoid a potentially G.P.A devastating bomb of a class. Many of us swear by the site, and would not dare sign up for a class without first using our investigative journalistic approach of researching our professor’s names. Ratemyprofessor.com provides millions of first-hand accounts of teachers from universities all across the nation. The website allows current and former students to submit reviews for their teach-
ers. Ratings include easiness, helpfulness, clarity, rater interest and grade received. They also leave space for comments, perhaps the most helpful tool of all. Word-of-mouth recommendations from former high school buddies are great, but LCC is a community college rich in diversity. Many returning students cannot turn toward friends to learn the “who’s who” of LCC faculty. Turning to helpful websites, former teachers and advisers, can prove very beneficial in making the right step in your college career. Students: don’t just jump in head first when it comes to signing up for classes. Do your background homework.
Classified Advertising ALL LEADERS Public TV & Radio need you. Raise money for Non-Profits over the phone; build resume. Earn $8-12/hour. Free parking in East Lansing. Call 332-1501 for an interview today. APARTMENT FOR RENT 602 Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. A mile and a half from downtown LCC campus. One bedroom, $525 per month. Price includes parking, electricity, heat and water. Smoking allowed. No pets. $400 security deposit required. Contact Linda Rassel at 517-281-0066. COOL CAR FOR SALE 1991 Mercury Grand Marquis. Maroon. Less than 85,000 miles. Runs, but needs muffler and tuneup. $1,800 or best offer. Call 517525-0706. RED WIDOW 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.
thelookout
If you could travel back in time, where would you go?
Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
Jeremy Kohn
Jaimie Bozack
Sarah Spohn
Nikki Nicolaou
Brooke Burns
Chelsea Allen
Lurah Peterson
Larry Hook
Co-Editor in Chief kohnj2@mail.lcc.edu
Co-Editor in Chief bozackj@mail.lcc.edu
A & E Editor spohns1@mail.lcc.edu
Design Editor nicolaon@mail.lcc.edu
Photo Editor burnsb8@mail.lcc.edu
Staff Writer allenc31@mail.lcc.edu
Adviser hookl@lcc.edu
“Medieval Times.”
“Woodstock.“
“The ‘70s. #notastoner“
“Ancient Greece.”
“The ‘80s!”
“Victorian Age.“
Advertising Manager petersl8@mail.lcc.edu “Shakespeare times.”
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The Lookout is the independent, biweekly student newspaper of Lansing Community College. All opinion/editorial
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Mail: 1000 - The Lookout Lansing Community College P.O. Box 40010 Lansing, MI 489410-7210 articles are the sole opinion of the writer and may not reflect the views of the staff, students, faculty and college as a whole.
“The ‘60s to relive to childhood.”
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and arts & entertainment pages. -The Lookout Staff
12 LAST LOOK
March 31 - April 13, 2014 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Renovations cause adjustments
Photos by Brooke Burns
The former site of the Lansing Community College swimming pool will soon be transformed into a food court featuring four restaurants and a coffee shop.
Brooke Burns Photo Editor The first thing that catches a lot of students’ eyes when walking around LCC’s campus is the big building with all the plastic orange cones surrounding it. The Gannon Building construction has been going on for more nearly four months. In the end, it is supposed to be a nice building for LCC students to hang around in, but some are having a hard time adjusting in the meantime.
“It’s kind of agitating,” said Early College student Zoe Webking. “Finding my way around Gannon these days is difficult.” LCC students Emilio Pido and Lindsay July agreed. “The construction makes my walk to class a bit longer,” Pido said. Added July: “I end up having to eat and hang out with friends somewhere else which is a hassle.” The new Gannon Building renovations are costing $18.3 million and include plans for four food vendors and a coffee shop. Blueprints also call for a large student commons area and
A worker tends to some unsightly debris located outside the Gannon Building on Wednesday, March 26. Renovations are expected to be completed by this fall.
a giant glass wall overlooking Grand Avenue and the Grand River. Some students are unsure as to the reason for the construction. “I’m not sure why they’re doing all this construction in the first place,”” Pido said. “But I hear my professors complain about the old building a lot.” Many students feel like starting all the renovations during the winter was not a good idea. That’s when a lot of students are at LCC and it causes them confusion on where the location of their classrooms and how to maneuver around the hard-hat zones.
“All the construction probably would have been best done in the summer when there’s not as many students, instead of now when everything is hustling and bustling,” Pido said. Even though the construction around campus has caused many changes and confusion, most have agreed that it will indeed be worth the trouble in the end. “The new features of the Gannon building will provide a better student experience, just as the renovated Arts and Sciences Building has,” Webking said.
A construction worker noisily makes renovations on the rooftop near the main east entrance of the Gannon Building at LCC.