Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Volume 57, Issue 3
Fundraiser helps student in need
Harriers turn in quality results at Spartan Invite
‘Never Swim Alone’ comes to Black Box
News >> Page 3
Sports >> Page 5
A&E >> Page 11
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015
2|NEWS
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Center builds better student writers Shelby Schueller News Editor Struggling with writer’s block? Having trouble making sentences sound as good on paper as they do in your head? The staff at the LCC Writing Center is there for you. Located in room 202 of the Arts & Sciences Building, writing assistants at the Writing Center have been giving LCC students the tools to succeed in writing courses since 1998. “We try to help (students) build their confidence and better strategies for approaching writing, in addition to improving a writing themselves,” Writing Center Coordinator Jill Reglin said. “It’s more like a holistic benefit that we hope they get.” According to Reglin, writing assistants can help students in any writing class with any project, regardless of skill level, with feedback, help understanding the assignment, grammar lessons, punctuation lessons, sentence structure, wording, finding patterns of error and more. Reglin emphasized that writing assistants help students learn to improve their writing, but do not copyedit. To be eligible for help, students must be enrolled at LCC because the cost with using the center is built into tuition, according to Reglin. Derryl Mangles, lead writing assistant,
Photo by Brian Wells
Tutor Robin Deyarmond (right) helps student Lh’aundale Gardner with an essay in the LCC Writing Center on Wednesday, Sept. 21.
said a common misconception about the Writing Center is that only struggling students can use it. “It can help students who don’t understand a lick about what’s going on and it can also help students who are really, really good writers just to have a sounding board to bounce their ideas off of and just get a little bit of feedback,” he said. To get help, students can schedule a 50-minute appointment with a Writing
Center writing assistant, or walk in for a 20- to 25-minute appointment, according to Mangles. The Writing Center is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.to 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. According to Reglin, the center is piloting a program this semester in which a writing assistant will be available to help walk-in students. The program will
be Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and 4 to 6 p.m. However, scheduled appointments are encouraged. Students can also make an appointment to get online assistance through an IM session in the Desire2Learn chatroom, according to Reglin. This program is designed to assist students who do not want to or cannot get to campus. Mangles said the appointments are designed to be student-led. “Basically we try to let the student run the show,” he said. “(We ask) what do you need? What are you here for? And we try to just listen and take cues from them and go about it accordingly.” Writing assistant Cruz Villarreal said the best part about working for the Writing Center is helping other people. “I don’t have to come to work here; I choose to because it’s gratifying to see the success that comes gleaming out of a person’s face when the lightbulb comes on,” he said. “You give them that affirmation and you give them that courage to keep writing even the stuff that’s difficult to write.” For more information about the Writing Center, visit www.lcc.edu/as/writingcenter. To make an appointment, students may do so by stopping into the office or calling the center at (517) 483-1907. For online appointments, students may fill out a request form on the website.
New beginnings discussed at LCC trustees meeting Shelby Schueller News Editor Innovation and changes in LCC’s curriculum were a main topic of the LCC Board of Trustees meeting Sept. 21. The first change addressed to the board will affect the LCC Fashion Program. Bob Trezise, president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), discussed coming together to allow LCC Fashion students to utilize the fashion incubator in the Knapp’s Centre on Washington Square. The site is called “The Runway.” “Essentially, we’re going to help partner and fill up this facility with your students,” Trezise said. “Your program is going to grow and excel with even more students by adding the most premier fashion incubator, fashion prototype or facility that your students could possibly enjoy as a competitive advantage over anyone else in the state of Michigan.” “The Runway” has industrial sewing
machines and software that would be free for the students to use at all times. At “The Runway,” students would have access to retailors in the building for potential networking opportunities. LEAP would also help connect students to the city of Detroit’s fashion industry, Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Michigan State Universities, according to Trezise. Trezise said LEAP has agreed give $10,000 of additional buildup to improve the facility and pay for LCC student parking. According to Trezise, LEAP has agreed to a one-year lease with LCC, though the exact date of when students will be able to use “The Runway” was not mentioned. The initiative to integrate Open Educational Resources (OER) into LCC classrooms was also brought to the board’s attention. Jim Luke, LCC economics professor, updated the board on the Academic Senate meeting Sept. 18 that focused on this topic. OER’s are educational resources in public domain or that have an open license,
Photo by Brian Wells
Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP, speaks to the LCC Board of Trustees on Sept. 21. LEAP is helping to move LCC’s fashion programs to The Runway, located in the Knapp’s Centre.
such as free textbooks written by teachers. “You drop the cost for students and you get free textbooks, that’s just the beginning,” Luke said. “What you really get is you get higher student success, you get higher retention. The colleges that came to tell us about how they’ve done
it, inside of a year, are getting higher enrollment and better learning outcomes.” Luke expressed the excitement felt at the senate meeting but asked the board to update LCC’s Intellectual Property Policy, which has not been updated in 15 years, so it can code with modern technology, creative commons licensing and modern copyright laws. He also asked the board to make the approval process less cumbersome so teachers and faculty can quickly get open licenses on materials they create. The board asked Luke to work with the Academic Senate to create better phrasing to use when the policy is revised. Meetings with the LCC Board of Trustees are usually on the third Monday of each month. Students are welcome to attend. Next month’s meeting is Oct. 26. The meetings begin at 6 p.m. and are held in the Administration Building board room on main campus. For more information, visit www.lcc.edu/trustees/
3 NEWS
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Student nurse grateful for help
in October of 2014 when she expeShelby Schueller rienced severe stomach pains. In News Editor December, she went to the emerThe strength of human compasgency department and a CAT sion and generosity was demonscan revealed a mass on her left strated during a fundraiser held kidney. last April 15 and 16 for LCC stuAfter meeting with urologists, it dent Danielle Uebelhart. was determined that the mass was The fundraiser, called “Donacancerous. In January, she had a tions for Danielle,” raised money surgery done robotically that reto help Uebelhart with living and moved the mass, which turned medical expenses while she was out to be renal cell carcinoma. recovering from renal (kidney) Luckily, the cancer was caught cancer. in stage one, and Ubelhart said The event, held in the Health she is currently cancer-free with and Human Services Building, no long-term health effects from raised about $684, according to the experience. She now has the Uebelhart. Courtesy photo The fundraiser involved LCC Danielle Uebelhart (holding donated money) is surrounded by same risk of developing the canNursing Program graduate and students from the Student Nursing Association and Jason Rik- cer again as someone who has licensed massage therapist Jason er, who organized a massage fundraiser to benefit Uebelhart. never had it. Uebelhart said she plans to Riker giving free 10- to 15-minute Riker worked together with the graduate from the LCC Nursing Prochair massages to anyone who wanted one. Guests then had the option to give nursing department students, faculty gram in May, apply to Sparrow Hosfree-will donations, all of which went and the Student Nursing Association pital as a registered nurse and get her to make “Donations for Danielle” a bachelor’s degree. to assist Danielle. “(Nursing) just makes me feel so “I really can’t put into words about reality. Over 30 people attended the fund- good to see that I’m making even just how grateful I am for everybody being so generous and so caring,” Uebel- raiser, including nursing faculty, a tiny difference in someone’s life,” hart said. “It was an amazing thing to nursing students and people who she said. “Going through this prosee how many people come together were simply on campus, according to cess, for me, being on the other side of things has really changed my perwhen somebody is struggling with Riker. “It felt good to me to help, and I spective on a lot of things.” something.” Uebelhart said this experience Riker, who played a large part in think that’s part of what makes me enorganizing the event, said he knew joy nursing … you just want to help changed the way she looks at her career. “After everything, it’s really going to Uebelhart from working with her at people and find a way to do it,” Riker Sparrow Hospital. He said when she said. “It was one more thing (nursing make me a better nurse,” she said. “It’s was diagnosed, he wanted to do some- students) decided to do, but it was going to make me more empathetic and sympathetic to everyone that I thing to help. He was also a student in worth it.” Uebelhart’s health problems began have and will take care of.” the LCC Nursing Program at the time.
Immigration topic of centre’s discussion Aaron Emerson Staff Writer Stories of migration, family histories and challenges immigrants face on a daily basis were topics of discussion Thursday, Sept. 17 at LCC. The Centre for Engaged Inclusion, located in room 252.04 of the Gannon Building, held a forum on immigration as part of National Welcoming Week, a nationwide event that highlights the contributions immigrants make to American communities. Led by Sharon Letson, the Global Student Services support specialist at LCC, and newly hired Chief Diversity Officer, Paul Hernandez, the forum featured roughly 25 students and several professors.
Students were able to share personal immigration stories and talk about stereotypes, stigmas and myths about U.S. immigrants. “I really enjoyed all of the discussion,” said Letson. “It’s great to hear everyone’s perspectives and family histories. It just adds so much to everybody’s knowledge.” Letson said Lansing features one of the most immigrant-populated areas in the state. She said approximately 600-650 refugees settle in Lansing every year through St. Vincent Catholic Charities. Hernandez opened the forum up by sharing some of his personal story, which saw him grow up in poverty while his mother was an activist
for other immigrants after migrating from Central America. That led to several students and professors talking about their own immigration stories, as well as some of the challenges immigrants face living in the U.S. “Immigration isn’t a new thing,” Hernandez said. “It’s what our country’s built on and it will continue to happen.” The Centre for Engaged Inclusion seeks to build an inclusive college community that highlight diversity and engages students and faculty on needs of the global community. To find out what other services and events the staff offers, call (517) 4831287 or visit the website, www.lcc.edu/ resources/the_centre/
NEWS Students get connected at college night Students can plan the next step of their career and visit with officials from over 50 colleges and universities at College Night on Thursday, Oct. 8, in the Gannon Building. The event takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Both LCC and high school students are welcome to attend. For more information, visit www.lcc.edu/collegenight/
Get educated at STEMfest Oct. 10 Families of the Lansing area are invited to learn about the wonders of science, technology, engineering and math at LCC’s downtown campus on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during STEMfest. Displays and activities will be in the Arts & Sciences Building, Gannon Building and Dart Auditorium. They will include eye dissection to learning about spirals. For more information, call (517) 483-1092 or visit www.lcc.edu/stemfest/
Monotheistic religions to be discussed As part of the One Book #ONELCC initiative scholarly lecture series, students and faculty are invited to share opinions and discuss monotheistic religions on Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the LCC Library on main campus. Monotheistic religions involve belief in one all-powerful god instead of many gods. For more information, visit www.lcc.edu/onebook/
Discover balance at ‘Dialogue’ series The Centre for Engaged Inclusion will host an installment in the “Difficult Dialogues” series about balance on Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 4 to 5 p.m. in room 252.04 in the Gannon Building on LCC’s main campus. Amy Stoakes will serve as facilitator for the discussion. For more information, call (517) 483-1287 or email LCC-TheCentre@lcc.edu.
Students can look into career paths Students interested in learning about careers in alternative energy, automotive and aviation technology are invited to The Centre for Engaged Inclusion on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015 from 4 to 5 p.m. The Centre is located in room 252.04 of the Gannon Building on LCC’s main campus. Faculty from LCC’s west campus will facilitate the event. For more information, call (517) 483-1287 or email LCC-TheCentre@lcc.edu.
4 NEWS
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Library gets louder with ‘Love Music’
more faculty duets.” Jaimie Bozack Page said he hopes A&E Editor to get more variety and The usually quigenres of performancet LCC Library in the es. Technology and Learn“We are really open ing Center (TLC) was to former students, curfilled with sounds of rent students and more classical music on Sept. faculty,” Page said. 17 during the Libraries “We would like more Love Music event. people to stop by and Two of LCC’s faculty get involved.” members, Chuck Page Page encouraged peoand Suzanne Bernsten, ple to come to the next along with Michigan Libraries Love Music State University inon Thursday, Oct. 1 structor Soulo Gouveia, from noon to 1 p.m. performed in front of “People should come an intimate group of out for the music and students and teachers. to see what the library Page, a reference and has to offer,” Page said. instructional librari“We have a lot of activan, helped coordinate ities that people may the event. He has been not be aware of.” playing the double bass, LCC student Devon regular bass and guitar Merhimer said he came since the late 1980s. “Music has always Photo by Jaimie Bozack across the band perbeen a part of my life,” Chuck Page (from left), Soulo Gouveia and Suzanne Bernsten play in front of a crowd of students and teachers during the Sept. 17 Libraries forming while studying in the library. Page said. “We did this Love Music event. The concert was held in LCC's TLC Building on the main campus. The next event will be Oct. 1 from noon to 1 p.m. “I hope they keep as an outreach to get doing these types of more people involved Libraries Love Music started during ing as people get aware that it’s hapwith the library. We want people to the 2014 spring semester. Page said he pening,” Page said. “We started as a things,” Merhimer said. “It’s nice to realize it’s not just a building full of got the idea when he found out other group of librarians playing mainly listen to something while studying.” For upcoming shows and www.lcc. books. We have performances and fun librarians played music. folk music. Since starting we have activities.” “Attendance has been slowly ris- brought in jazz student combos and edu/library/about/news.aspx/
‘Difficult Dialogues’ offers information on disabilities Jeremy Kohn Editor in Chief Accepting and educating the disabled was the discussion topic of “Ability Talk,” a session of the college’s “Difficult Dialogues” series. The event was held Sept. 15 in the Centre for Engaged Inclusion, located in the group’s new location, room 252.04 of the Gannon Building. A small group of LCC students and faculty were present for the talk. Jessica Gordon, LCC’s 504 American with Disabilities Act coordinator, made the presentation. She talked about several disabilities and how people with those disabilities should be treated. “LCC follows what is called the social model of disabilities, which is (when) people come to us with impairments and they are either disabled or unabled by the environment,” Gordon said.
Other discussion included the question of whether people with disabilities can be considered sexy, and how people with disabilities should not be admired simply because of their disability. “We don’t always view people with disabilities as being our leaders or of being in a position of authority,” Gordon said. Individual Plans (IP) for students with disabilities were also discussed. LCC history teacher Kevin Brown led the discussion. An IP is a state-mandated series of accommodations that involves school psychologists, administrators, teachers, parents and private doctors, Brown said. He said when a student moves on to college from high school, that IP may disappear. “If a person suffering from a disability performs above the 26 percentile in a
subject, they are no longer available for an IP,” Brown added. Another barrier discussed was how people with disabilities have to pay to be retested to keep accommodations. “If someone was diagnosed in high school as schizophrenic, they didn’t stop being schizophrenic,” Gordon said. “MSU has a two-year period for retesting students. LCC has a more open model to determine if testing is needed.” For students who have questions about 504 ADA and whether they qualify for services, they can contact Gordon at (517) 483-1358. The next “Difficult Dialogue” will be held in the Centre for Engaged Inclusion on Tuesday, Oct. 13 in room 252.04 of the Gannon Building. The subject of the discussion will be “Capitalism.”
Photo by Brian Wells
LCC ADA Coordinator Jessica Gordon leads a discussion about disabilities in the Centre for Engaged Inclusion on Sept. 15.
5|SPORTS
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Volleyballers continue early-season dominance Rich Schenck Sports Writer The LCC volleyball team continued its dominance Sept. 22 by sweeping Kellogg Community College, 25-12, 25-17, 25-15 in the Gannon Gym. The Stars (4-0 MCCAA West, 11-6 overall) improved their winning streak to nine games. LCC Head Coach Emily Quintero has her team headed in the right direction, sitting in first place with a one-game lead over second place Kalamazoo Valley. “Tonight went well,” Quintero said of the win over KCC. “We stuck to our guns; we definitely executed some plays that we were hoping to.” Much of LCC’s early season success can be attributed to the presence of LCC sophomore Hannah Smith and freshman Addie Pickelman, who have dominated the front of the net. Smith ranks 19th nationally in Division II with 241 total kills. “Addie and Hannah as our outsides have definitely been swinging away,” Quintero added. “Addie with her serves has been huge for us.” The Lady Stars dominated from start to finish, leading wire-to-wire in the first two games. LCC was in the right
Photo by Rich Schenck
Dayjah Stewart (left) and Meeshon Rogers of LCC go up for a block against Kellogg Community College in the Gannon Gym Sept. 22
place at the right time for the majority of the night, with its offense keeping Kellogg on its heels. “It went very well,” Pickelman said. “Our blocking was really good
tonight. The hard hits really helped.” Kellogg was caught guessing on numerous occasions due to pinpoint strikes by Pickelman, Smith and others. Quintero mentioned sophomore
Meeshon Rogers as a player who waits patiently for her chance to impact the game. “Meeshon Rogers is the one you kind of don’t expect to swing at the ball and then she pounds it,” she said. In the final game of the night the Lady Stars stumbled out of the gates, falling victim to a few off-the-wall desperation plays by Kellogg and some miscommunication. LCC tightened up and continued its bombardment of the Bruin defense, never letting its lead slip to less than six points. Pickelman said the team is beginning to find a rhythm that has made it hard to beat. “It’s been kind of hard to get used to it but as we keep playing games I’m getting more comfortable,” she said. The Lady Stars were scheduled to travel to conference rival Muskegon CC on Thursday, Sept. 24, then were slated to play in the Grand Rapids CC Tournament on Sept. 26 & 27. LCC will make its return to the Gannon Gym Tuesday, Sept. 29 to host the fifth-place Lady Red Hawks of Lake Michigan College.
Harrier squads show their talent at Spartan Invitational Rich Schenck Sports Writer The LCC cross country teams competed in the Spartan Invitational Sept. 18 at Forest Akers East, putting in a good showing despite excessive humidity and incredibly soggy course conditions. The competition was not a scored event, but according to LCC Head Coach Jim Robinson, both teams would have finished in the middle of the pack. Schools from the Big Ten, NAIA, NJCAA and others located across the Midwest ran in East Lansing. “I know they were tired,” Robinson said of his runners. “I’m not judging by time but how they competed. The men showed the fatigue a little more than the women.” The women’s team had the more impressive showing with LCC freshman Kaitlin Beyer finishing first for the Lady Harriers. She was 74th out of 318 runners in a time of 23:51. Sophomore Kayla Kraft was the second to cross the finish for LCC, in 96th with a time of 24:23.
“We all finished very close to each other,” said LCC sophomore Lydia Bumann. “It just shows how strong we are as a team.” The men’s team finished strong in its first 8K run of the season, with LCC freshman Dylan Rocha crossing the finish in 175th out of 390 runners with a time of 28:03. Sophomore Greg Ingle was next for LCC, in 185th in a time of 28:15. “Obviously our times weren’t reflective of where we are in this part of the season,” said Ingle. “We didn’t necessarily compete as well as we wanted to, but with the course conditions we did well.” Ingle explained that with the mushy course and it being the first regulation length race of the year, the main goal for the day was for the runners just to get their feet under them for the NJCAA regionals. After the result both teams’ recorded at the EMU Invitational Sept. 5, Bumann said they have the confidence to compete with the biggest teams in the region.
“We just have to keep reminding ourselves that we’re working just as hard, have just as much talent,” Bumann said. “It’s all mental, we just have to believe and have the confidence that we can be right up there with them.” Robinson said he is very pleased with how both teams are coming along after competing in races with major programs going into the Rose Hulman Pre-Regional Invitational Sept. 26 in Terre Haute, Ind. He insists that going out of state is not only to continue preparing his runners for later races, but to include some wrinkles that will hopefully benefit morale amongst the teams. “The idea behind this is to get the team ready so when we go to nationals,” Robinson said. “It’s not the first time they’ve traveled. … The other part of the twofold goal is to have a trip where we do some team building.” Both harrier squads will host the Lansing Invitational, their first of two home meets in 2015, at Grand Woods Park Oct. 9.
Photo by Rich Schenck
Both LCC cross country teams begin their training runs at Adado Riverfront Park on Sept. 23 in preparation for the Rose Hulman Pre-Regional Invitational Sept. 26.
6 sports
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
LCC cheer team resurrected after hiatus
Rich Schenck Sports Editor For almost a decade, LCC has not had a cheer team to call its own. But Mason High School graduate and current LCC student Eric Mogyors has made it his mission to bring the program out of hibernation. “I was really into cheer,” Mogyors said. “I was in cheer for three years and I was thinking that it would be great to put a team together for basketball.” His interest is not a solitary one. He contacted high schools all over the Lansing Area, telling coaches via social media to notify recent graduates attending LCC that a team was in the works and
needed recruits. Around 20 girls showed up for the tryouts. Mogyors said he was very surprised with the number that arrived. “I was expecting like five people to show up,” he said. The team has recruited an official LCC adviser for the fall semester: Elaine Miles. Uniforms are one of the major roadblocks, according to Mogyors. Fundraising is in the works to make sure the team looks the part and represents the school well.
“The East Lansing High School coaches are the main coaches for LCC this year,” he said. “They have helped us fundraise and find cost-effective uniforms. Because these are college kids, they don’t have a lot of money.” Fundraising has included collecting refundable cans at MSU tailgates on Saturdays. Mogyors said the response from tailgaters has been fantastic. Being the driving force behind the team’s resurrection, Mogyors said he plans to be on the team as an athlete, and also assist in coaching to make sure
daily operations go on without any problems. “At first I was going to (be head) coach and be on the team, but it would just be too overwhelming for me,” he said. The cheer team stunts part time in the Gannon Gym but mostly it will be honing skills inside the gymnastics room at East Lansing High School. Early plans have the LCC team transitioning from sideline cheering at basketball games to competing in contests in the Coed Level 6 league at the Lansing Center, as well as a venue in Detroit that has yet to be determined. “Hopefully by next year we may compete in eight or nine competitions,” Mogyors said.
— Laces Out —
Football has become a big black eye for America Football in the United States is a religion. With youth programs starting the sport at such an early age, the talent at the high school level is tenfold from what it was when I played in the early and mid-2000s. But this increase in skill level has bred excessive aggression and competitive mentality. Never in my career did I ever experience unsportsmanlike conduct outside of shoving, smack talk or the occasional cheap shot. The actions that have gone down recently involving players from John Jay High School in San Antonio and Linden
High School in New Jersey are incredibly disturbing. If you haven’t heard about these retaliatory transgressions, let me bring you up to speed: On the final play of a game, two John Jay safeties simultaneously “hilowed” (when a player hits high and the other goes for the legs) a referee because he allegedly made an unfair call. On a routine play in a game against Immaculata, a Linden player had a hold of his opponent’s helmet and smashed it against his unprotected head. That caused the Immaculata player to get 10 stitches to close the gash.
I encourage you to visit YouTube and watch these videos. This is HIGH SCHOOL football. It’s extremely disturbing to see players lashing out in a game that is based on discipline and controlled aggression. To pin this on the coaches, parents or teammates individually would be asinine. There is a culture in this game that has gone from machismo to rabid aggression. The pressure is increased, the games are bigger and the stage is larger. There are college coaches giving offers to grade-school players, further proving this sport has become a sideshow that millions come to mindlessly worship and will defend no matter the situation. In the age of social media, every sin-
gle thing is captured and put under a microscope. The NFL has been tarnished by non-stop goonery, and the NCAA has a stack of reports dealing with players running around acting as if they have diplomatic immunity. Now the knucklehead disease has trickled down to the high school level. It will only be a matter of time before we see padded-up younglings acting like uncontrolled heathen. We have Hard Knocks for the NFL, NCAA programs with their own television networks and Friday Night Tykes for Pop Warner. The newest show coming soon to the masses will be Friday Night Fights. But the athletes won’t be between the ropes. They’ll be lining up for the kickoff.
Ingle hopes to translate success at LCC into success for the future
& QA
LCC sports editor Rich Schenck recently spoke with LCC sophoGregory more cross country runner Gregory Ingle Ingle. The Mason High School graduate is looking to make an impact for the harriers as they prepare for the NJCAA Regionals and Nationals. What inspired you to run? “All of my older siblings ran throughout high school and, be-
ing the youngest child, I watched them and picked it up.” What life lessons have you learned from the sport? “Perseverance I think is a big one; to know what it is you want and to get after it. It is a major component in running because it is an individual sport so only you can hold yourself back.” What has been your toughest moment in cross country? “My toughest moment has been the Achilles strain I have right
now. Any sort of injury makes it difficult to compete as a runner because it’s hindering your stride and all the mechanics that really have to be working as a system.” What convinced you to come to LCC? “I think it is an overlooked and underrated school. There are small class sizes; you can ask questions to your professors instead of being in a lecture hall. It’s in a great location with great athletics and academics. It’s the whole package transitioning
from high school to a university.” Where do you plan to go after LCC? “I plan on going to Michigan State University and study civil engineering (and) hopefully compete for MSU.” Do you have any hobbies outside of running or classes? “I’m outside a lot. I enjoy building things, I enjoy woodworking. Just anything I can get my hands on and build to get more experience for the future.”
INGLE
7|FEATURE
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
New semester, new places to see Lansing’s Downtown Welcome Week offers discounts to students
the first time walked away with a Jaimie Bozack sense of wanting to come back,” A&E Editor Paton said. Businesses in downtown Lan“Our building is pretty cool and sing offered specials to students pretty historic. We have really good from LCC, MSU, Davenport Unifood. I always encourage people to versity and Cooley Law School come in an experience Clara’s.” Sept. 14 to 18 during the DownLCC student Cole Krayer said town Lansing Welcome Week. he took advantage of the discounts Participating businesses inat the Nuthouse Sports Grill, 420 cluded Juice Nation, Firehouse E. Michigan Ave. Subs, Glazed & Confused, Tavern “I have class all day almost evand Tap and more. ery day, so having the opportuniEach business offered discounts ty to take a break out and get a disto students with ID’s. Discounts count is great,” Krayer said. “I feel included “buy one, get one free” like people don’t get rewarded for deals, percentages off and other being students that often, so havdiscounts. ing special discounts felt nice.” All businesses included were in MSU student Jessica Ramur walking distance from LCC. Busisaid she was looking forward to nesses including Clara’s Lansing getting a night out. Station, 637 E. Michigan Ave., used Photo by Brian Wells “I took advantage of the dollar-off it as a way to bring in new business. Students socialize at Tavern and Tap in Downtown Lansing on Thursday, Sept. 16 at the Downtown Welcome Week party. cocktails at Tavern and Tap when I Manager Robert Paton said with the purchase of two beverages. He student traffic throughout the week. got out of class,” Ramur said. “Cheers to a Clara’s offered discounts to students, insaid Welcome Week brought in steady “I hope that students who came in for Thursday night in downtown Lansing.” cluding buy one, get one free food items
National Preparedness Month Info Booth
Fall on the Mall
Community Service Fair
LCC One Book: Monotheistic Religions Panel
Greg & Steve Family Concert
College Night
Tuesday, September 29 | 9am – 4pm Gannon StarZone Wednesday, September 30 | 11am – 2pm Gannon StarZone Friday, October 2 | 7pm Dart Auditorium
Performing Arts: Never Swim Alone October 2, 3, 9, 10 | 8pm Gannon Black Box Theatre
Performing Arts: Faculty Jazz Quartet Sunday, October 4 | 4pm Dart Auditorium
October 7 | 9:30am – 1pm; 4pm – 6:30pm Campus Mall (outside)
Wednesday, October 7 | 1pm – 2pm TLC Building – Library
Thursday, October 8 | 5:30pm – 7pm Gannon Building Over 50 colleges and universities will be on campus!
Startup Weekend: Maker Edition October 9 – 11 West Campus
STEMfest for Kids
Saturday, October 10 | 9am – 1pm Arts & Sciences Building
Upcoming EVENTS lcc.edu/events
8 Feature
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Alumnus Spotlight: Glynn Borders
Borders makes it big in the Big Apple Jeremy Kohn Editor in Chief Glynn Borders has achieved his dream job of working in show business. The LCC alumnus is the special effects director for NBC’s “The Late Show.” He has worked on the show for 18 years. Borders, 61, attended LCC from 1973 to 1976. Like many students who attend college, Borders was unsure of what career path to pursue. He said he knew deep down that he loved the arts. During his LCC tenure, Borders was involved at LCC’s radio station WLCC as well as the local Boarshead Theater program. The special effects director spoke about his experience at LCC. “I made friends from all over, as there were many international students enrolled there,” Borders said. “In many ways LCC prepared me for the multiculturalism of New York.” The LCC alum was also the athletic director for the Boy’s Club of Lansing, where he coached football and basketball. He
even coached against a South Side Boy’s Club basketball team that featured a talented 14-year-old named Earvin Johnson. After attending LCC, Borders received a full scholarship to the Hartford Conservatory in Stamford, Conn., in 1978. After two years, Borders left Connecticut and moved to Manhattan. It was while in Manhattan that events unfolded to change Borders’ life. “I began looking for tech jobs simply to pay the rent,” Borders said. “The phone kept ringing – next thing I knew I had a stagehand union card and was working on Broadway. While working on a production of “My Fair Lady” he ran across someone who worked on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” “I met someone who worked on Letterman, who was just six months into his run at CBS,” Borders said. “Out of the blue, practically, this friend said he could get me on Letterman — and he did!” With newfound confidence Borders started to delve into the freelance writing
world. Throughout his career he has written scripts for television shows such as “Saturday Night Live,” “Rosie O Donnell” and “Conan.” Borders has worked on special effects for “The Late Show” throughout his career at NBC. He spoke about what it was like working for David Letterman and now for new host Stephen Colbert. “Watching David Letterman work for so many years was amazing — he is old school and has a broadcaster aura around him,” Borders said. “I’ve only worked with Stephen a couple of weeks — He is also very quick, witty and highly intelligent. He is unique.” Willex Merritt, an LCC alumnus and a former roommate of Borders, spoke about Borders’ career. “I was really impressed to find out about Glynn’s level of showbiz success,” Merritt said. “ After all those years of sharing dreams of Broadway and Hollywood I could finally see Glynn was living in his dream come true – that brought a tear to my eye.”
Courtesy photo
LCC alumnus Glynn Borders is pictured with his buddy R2-D2 on the set of “The Late Show with David Letterman.” Borders is the special effects director for “The Late Show.”
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9 Feature
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Megan Fila brings fresh ideas to Learning Commons tutoring Jeremy Kohn Editor in Chief The Learning Commons staff at LCC is a diverse group of people specializing in various course subjects and offering personal tutoring. Megan Fila is a prime example of the talent the Learning Commons has on staff. A newcomer to The Learning Commons, the 28-year-old Fila is a professional tutor who started her college education at LCC. After LCC, she transferred to Central Michigan University, where she majored in communications and Spanish. Learning Commons employee Michael Aguila said Fila has been a great addition to the staff. “Megan is very good,” Aguila said. “She has some great techniques she uses and is very versatile with how she tutors students.” Fila spoke on what drew her to becoming a tutor at LCC. “I love the student population — just the diversity that we have in terms of the generational diversity, the socio-economic diversity and the ethnic diversity,” Fila said. “The staff is so knowledgeable and friendly. We really work together as a team. It’s a wonderful work atmosphere.” Fila specializes in the field of humanities, primarily reading and writing,
rt What is your favorite pa mons? about the learning com
“There is a lot of place for students to sit and meet groups.” Burham Gulzar, 23, Computer Science & Engineering
“I come here for the tutoring.” Tyler Wade, 20, Accounting Photo by Brian Wells
Megan Fila, a former LCC student, is a new tutor in the LCC Learning Commons.
including tutoring English for speakers of other languages. She has also been known to help with student’s sociology and Spanish needs. In addition to one-on-one tutoring, the former LCC student is also a Tutor Help Now employee. Tutor Help Now employees assist students without the necessity of having a scheduled appointment. Fila described her own unique style of tutoring and the tools she uses. “I am an old-school gal; I do a lot with pen and paper,” Fila said, “I am big with
highlighters – I love to use color-coding techniques to help students to better structure their papers.” Fila said she would like students to know that The Learning Commons services are not just for students who are failing their classes. “I’d encourage students to take advantage of this incredible resource we have here,” Fila said. “You have folks that are knowledgeable in their field. … We are dedicated to student’s success. We deeply care about the students here.”
“The (Learning) Commons are a nice place to study between classes.” Emily Fedewa, 19, Business & Accounting
“The staff is friendly and helpful.” Joshua Huston, 34, Criminal Justice
Oktoberfest brings music, food, beer to Old Town Jaimie Bozack A&E Editor Who doesn’t love a day filled with music, food and beer? Or as Oktoberfest attendees would say “musik, essen und bier?” Old Town in north Lansing will present the 10th annual Oktoberfest Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9 and 10. Oktoberfest will feature German food, music, dancing and mugs filled to the brim with German-style beer. Oktoberfest organizer Heather Muylle-Mossing said this is her first year helping organize the festival. She said she is excited to work with local vendors and musicians. “This is our best attempt at an authentic German festival in Lansing,” Muylle-Mossing said. “We are bringing local food vendors who will be providing German-style cuisine for the weekend.” Vendors include Michigan Donut Company, Good Truckin’, The Creole, Mark’s
File photo
MSU student Anita Lukibanova receives a pint of Leinenkugel Oktoberfest beer during the 2013 Oktoberfest in Old Town.
Gourmet Dogs and more. Muylle-Mossing said she hopes attendance will reach at least 4,000 people this year. “I want people to come down and get the Old Town experience and have a good time,” Muylle-Mossing said. “When they
purchase tickets they are helping revitalize Lansing’s historic Old Town. These large festivals account for 70 percent of the operating budget.” Muylle-Mossing encouraged people to come experience an authentic German festival. “If you are itching to listen to some good German music, eat some authentic German food and hang out with friends, then I think our festival is the place to be,” Muylle-Mossing said. Oktoberfest will be featuring music ranging from rock to blues and more. One of the bands performing will be Lansing’s own Off the Ledge. Off the Ledge guitarist Tabbert Wakley said he has been looking forward to Oktoberfest for weeks. “The main benefit to playing Oktoberfest is getting our music out to a much wider audience,” Wakley said. “Playing for a
large crowd is always an exhilarating experience and amplifies the way we perform. “We are also bringing out some guest musicians to help put a little bit of their ‘Oktoberfest twist’ on our sound.” Festival attendee Jayme Gregory from Lansing said she has gone to the festival for two years. “I come from a German heritage,” Gregory said. “I love coming to Oktoberfest because it gives me an inside look into my heritage and makes me appreciate my background more.” Festival tickets are $17 in advance and $20 at the gates. Tickets include admittance to the tent, a souvenir beer mug, and a food and drink ticket. The event is for ages 21 and over and is located on the corner of Turner Street and Grand River Avenue. For more information and tickets go to www.oldtownoktoberfest.com/
10|ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Faculty Jazz Quartet to perform Oct. 4 The LCC Faculty Jazz Quartet will offer a free show on Sunday, Oct. 4. The group is made up of four jazz masters: Dennis Therrian, Jon Gewirtz, Ed Fedewa and Mike Daniels. The four have been showcasing talents and jazz styles for LCC students for years. The quartet will play in LCC’s Dart Auditorium, 500 North Capitol Ave. Music will kick off at 4 p.m. For more information head to www.lcc.edu/Calendar/event_view/
The band ‘Lydia’ set to rock The Loft
Photo by Jaimie Bozack
Lansing’s ladies of comedy (from left) Stephanie Onderchanin, Tricia Chamberlain and Emily Syrja are shown after the debut of The Comedy Coven at the Robin Theater on Aug. 25. The next show is set for Tuesday, Sept. 29.
Lansing’s leading comedy ladies to present ‘The Comedy Coven’
Jaimie Bozack A&E Editor As REO Town flourishes, the talent flourishes with it. Artists, comedians and bands are all being built up with the central area of Lansing. Among the talent are some of Lansing’s leading ladies in comedy: Stephanie Onderchanin, Tricia Chamberlain and Emily Syrja. The three started in the basement of Syrja’s house and now are playing in
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front of packed crowds at The Robin Theatre, 1105 S. Washington Ave. The Comedy Coven shows include much more than stand-up comedy. According to Chamberlain the show includes comedy, sketches, improv, art and music. Chamberlain said the Coven is about providing a space to feel comfortable. “Comedy is such a difficult arena as a beginner, but especially as a women in comedy because you’re so outnumbered,” Chamberlain said. “Having a place for women and marginalized voices to feel safe is why we made the Coven.” Onderchanin said the Coven stands out because it is different than most comedy shows. “I think we are finding ways to reach an audience that hasn’t necessarily been reached by comedy yet,” Onderchanin said. “It’s not just your stereotypical host and comic-type feel,” Chamberlain added. “We want our show to not just be comedy, but a whole experience.” Chamberlain said the Comedy Coven debuted Aug. 25 and was success-
ful. Participants look forward to the next show on Tuesday, Sept. 29. “There was great attendance and hopefully we just grow from there,” Chamberlain said. “REO Town is a growing area so hopefully we can grow with it.” Onderchanin said she hopes people attending will walk away with a smile. “I am so excited for the next show,” Onderchanin said. “At the end of each coven show I am always so giddy. Putting on the show is stressful but afterwards it’s like flying through clouds. “I want people’s stomachs to hurt from laughing so hard. I want people to walk away saying ‘Oh, there is comedy for me.’” Syrja said she is happy to be a part of the Coven. “After the show is when the party starts,” Syrja said. “We want to be accessible and meet people at places like REO Town Pub before the show starts. To create community we need to be a part of it.” Tickets for the Sept. 29 show are $7 presale and $10 at the door. For more information head to www.facebook.com/ events/719513491525825/
Lydia is an alternative rock band which performed for a packed crowd in 2013 at The Loft in downtown Lansing, 414 E. Michigan Ave. Fast forward two years and the band is making its way back to Lansing to perform on Friday, Oct. 9. The band will be joined by opening acts Seahaven, Turnover and The Technicolors. Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 at the door. For tickets head to www.theloftlansing.com/event/lydia/
‘Jersey Boys’ come to Wharton Center From Oct. 13 through 18 the award winning musical “Jersey Boys” will make its way to the Michigan State University’s Wharton Center, 720 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. The musical will feature popular songs from The Four Seasons that will get lips moving and people grooving. The musical follows the stories of the members of The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. The recommended age is 12 and up. Tickets for the show are $38. For more information head to www.whartoncenter.com/events/ detail/jersey-boys/
GTG Fest brings local music to stage GTG Records will host the annual GTG Fest and will feature some of Lansing’s local bands: The Plurals, The Hunky Newcomers, The Hat Madder and The Fiction Junkies. GTG Fest will kick off Oct. 8 and provide shows every night through Oct. 11. GTG Records is one of Lansing’s do-it-yourself record labels that has been producing music and cranking out popular local bands for years. The festival will be located at four different venues and offer music, giveaways, comedy and a chance to check out a thriving local scene. For venue, days and tickets head to www.facebook.com/events/1491308991179222/
11 A&E
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
‘Never Swim Alone’ looks to amaze
extremely competitive and likes Jaimie Bozack competition, but only when he A&E Editor wins. LCC’s theatre department will “My character is often seen as prove that “one’s company, two’s the man to beat,” Sartorius said. a crowd and three’s a party,” “He is never willing to give up his by presenting the dark comedy, spot of first place and he pushes “Never Swim Alone,” written by away any human elements that Daniel MacIvor. make him imperfect.” “Never Swim Alone,” is the Sartorius said the play has an first fall 2015 production at LCC. interesting plot that sets it apart It will be held in LCC’s Black Box from most plays. Theatre Friday and Saturday, Oct. “I think it has wit and humor 2 and 3, as well as Friday and Satto it as well as an intensity that urday, Oct. 9 and 10. All shows makes you feel like you might start at 8 p.m. never want to be friends with Tickets are $5 for students and them,” Sartorius said. “It doesn’t $10 for general public. have as much of a plot compared The play, directed by Deb Keller, to most plays and is set in a surrefollows the story of two childhood al world of its own.” friends, Frank and Bill. They beSartorius said his favorite part come competitive businessmen about completing a performance who try to prove they are better is connecting with the crowd. than each other. The characters “I love being able to talk with have a referee who decides who is people I respect about what they better in rounds. The play features three LCC stuPhoto by Brian Wells enjoyed about the performance,” dents: Monica Tanner, Heath Sar- Connor Kelly, left, and Heath Sartorius rehearse for “Never Swim Alone” on Sept. 22. The play premiers Friday, Oct. 2. Sartorius said. “It feels great after a show coming down from one adrentorius and Connor Kelly. aline, going into another rush.” Keller has been directing plays According to Keller, the group has year and has been in seven productions. Sartorius encouraged people to come for 12 years. She said she looks forward been rehearsing since September. She “It’s hard to describe the play beto giving attendees a unique experi- said she is proud of her students. cause it’s all about the audience’s per- to the show and experience “Never ence. “I am very nervous when they step ception,” Kelly said. “I could tell you Swim Alone.” “I hope people walk away with a jaw “We have been training Monica, who on stage,” Keller said. “My whole heart what I think it’s about, but people could on the floor, eyes wide open, and have plays the referee, to do an Aerial Silk rides with them in these shows and I easily disagree with me.” Act, which is an incredibly hard thing try and give as much positivity as posSartorius, who plays Frank, has been more kindness to people you think you to learn,” Keller said. “She is still learn- sible.” involved with the LCC theater program are better than,” Sartorius said. For more information head to goo.gl/ ing and it goes to show that everyone’s Kelly, who plays Bill, has been in- since 2012 and has been part of nine heart is truly in it.” volved with the theater program for a performances. He said his character is NvKgQX
Soundscapes to showcase LCC’s musical talents Jaimie Bozack A&E Editor LCC’s music department will showcase all it has to offer during Soundscapes on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 4 p.m. About 120 performers including directors, faculty guests and student ensembles will perform music of all kinds inside LCC’s Dart Auditorium. The show is free. Faculty coordinator for Soundscapes Kelly Stuible said this is the first Soundscapes since fall 2013 and she is excited to bring it back. “We hope this year’s SoundFile photo scapes will have a good turnout,” The LCC Vocal Jazz Ensemble performs live at Soundscapes 2012 in Stuible said. “We hope a mix of Holt three years ago. This year’s Soundscapes will feature faculty and current and prospective LCC stustudent ensembles in the Dart Auditorium on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 4 p.m.
dents, as well as community members, come out.” Stuible said the event is a good opportunity for students to see what LCC has to offer. “Soundscapes is a great concert because the collage format allows us to showcase a wide array of music in a short time,” Stuible said. “It gives LCC students the opportunity to support classmates in their musical endeavors. “I personally love to see all of the students performing together and exploring different kinds of music.” Cesar Potes has been a music faculty member since 2001. He said Soundscapes is a celebration of
music at LCC. “We hope to see the Dart Auditorium as full as it can be,” Potes said. “The music program determined last year that it was important to bring back Soundscapes as one of the vital ways of showcasing our work to the community at large.” Potes encouraged people to come out and support the musicians’ hard work. “Soundscapes makes the students aware of the full scope of the music program by sharing the stage with many different ensembles,” Potes said. For more information on the event head to www.lcc.edu/cma/ events/
12 A&E
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
‘The Witcher 3’ has the wow factor
Rolling hills and grand mountain landscapes hold hidden treasure and unexGone are pected monsters for those the days of who walk off the beaten the simplistic eight-bit dunpath. geon crawler. Game develDungeons contain chalopers are pushing the boundlenging puzzles and oppoaries of what a role-playing nents. By defeating these, game can do both in graphics a player can be rewarded and in mature content. with rare relics. “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” Players can customize is the latest game to follow their character with sevthis trend. eral ability options. They “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” equip is the third installment in Photo from canadianonlinegamers.com can “The Witcher” series devel- “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” is the third installment in “The Witcher” series. m o n s t e r mutagens to oped by CD Projekt RED and based on a series of books by Andzej fer; and a young woman he trained gain abilities such as vitality and attack power. Sapkowski. named Ciri. The combat mechanics The game follows the adventures While the main storyline may feel of Geralt of Rivia, who is a “Witch- pretty mediocre, those more adven- in the game are another,” a monster hunter who possesses turous gamers will find the open er high point. Spell-like magical abilities. The story unfolds world of “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” abilities known as signs with Geralt searching for two wom- to be rewarding, both in the beauty of let players use techniques such as charm, en: a sorcerer and former lover Yenni- the land and game play. Jeremy Kohn Editor in Chief
stun and push, as well as dodging and parrying attacks. For fans of strategy games, “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” allows players to play a card game called Gwent. A player can challenge innkeepers and merchants to a round of Gwent. If the player wins, he or she receives a specialty card. The world of “The Witcher 3” is a truly massive game with hours of content. Whether it is completing quests, exploring the realm or playing Gwent in the local inn, “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” is worth every penny spent on it.
Hocus-Focus
5FDP has room for improvement
Aaron Wilton Staff Writer
Five Finger Death Punch’s (5FDP) new album “Got Your Six” causes blunt force trauma. “Got Your Six” was released on Friday, Sept. 4. The title track on the album, “Got Your Six,” is a very heavy song musically. The vocal tone from Ivan Moody, the lead singer, sounds like he is yelling, which isn’t fully justified by the lyrics. “Hit the pit, blood on the bricks. Don’t look back ‘cause I’ve got your six. Won’t go down. Never gonna quit. Don’t turn back ‘cause I’ve got your six,” Moody yells for the chorus. “You know I’ve got your back; they’ll never take that. Until the bitter end you know I’ll never crack,” he continues for the first verse. Other songs on the album are toned down compared to “Got Your Six.” “I Apologize” is the calmest song on the album. It is one where we are finally given a chance to hear the amazing voice that Moody can unleash. “One day, the shadows will surround me. Someday, the days will come to end. Sometime, I’ll have to face the real me,” sings Moody, “Somehow, I’ll have to learn to bend … And now I see clearly, all these times I simply stepped aside … All this time I watched from the outside. Never understood what was wrong from what was right. I apologize.” Besides the yelling from Moody, the only other major issue I have with the music on this album is the use of guitar solos.
This week’s puzzle is sponsored by: Photo from www.fivefingerdeathpunch.com
Five Finger Death Punch’s new album “Got Your Six” was released Friday, Sept. 4.
Five Finger Death Punch must not know how powerful a guitar solo is because it used unnecessary, unemotional, let’s-just-show-off guitar licks in place of real solos. Overall, Five Finger Death Punch seems to be underusing or incorrectly using its greatest assets: guitar solos and Moody’s voice. I hope 5FDP can make some adjustments on its next album, but I won’t hold my breath.
13|opinion
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout —Emerson’s insights —
Stay informed on Presidential candidates I’ve always felt I know more about politics than others close to my age. I have yet to figure out if that’s because I read too much, or if my peers and friends simply don’t care much about who gets the nod for the Republican or Democratic nominee in respective races. However, as I was watching the Republican debate for the 2016 Presidential election Sept. 16, I couldn’t help but wonder how many college students were watching or following along. In my opinion, a country best thrives when its citizens are making informed decisions and holding elected and government officials accountable. And this year, I’m get-
ting the feeling that America is approaching a pivotal time as a Presidential election is just around the corner. It’s important that our nation’s young adults stay up to date on what’s shaping up to be an entertainment-filled but nonetheless critical election. As jokes are plentiful with candidates including celebrity Donald Trump and the possibility of a new Clinton-Bush matchup, there’s problems to be solved. America is racking up billions of dollars
of debt every week, a new terror group in ISIS is amping up its fight against us and our allies, and we have yet to figure out a long-term immigration plan. Those are three large-scale issues that are not only impacting our country now, but have serious ramifications for the future. However, U.S. Census Bureau data shows only 41 percent of Americans between ages 18 and 24 voted in the last Presidential election. That number is down 8 percent from the 2008 election,
and was lower than any other age group. No matter what party you may associate yourself with, look into some of the more prominent candidates and educate yourself on some of our nation’s more pressing issues. Watch a couple of debates. The next debate is Oct. 13 and will be the first time Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton will face off with poll-surging Bernie Sanders. Better yet, register to vote if you haven’t already, and get out to your local voting precinct next November. Just don’t sit around and hope the country’s outlook will improve. America needs you.
— sights and sounds —
‘Chill on The Hill’ brought heat with stellar summer lineup My summer was filled with music festivals in Chicago, Milwaukee and Lansing. So what better way to have summer end than to attend one last music festival? On Sept. 12 and 13 I added Sterling Heights to the list while I attended Chill on The Hill. Below is an overview of a few of the many bands I saw at Chill on The Hill 2015. The Struts: I did not expect much from The Struts. The group’s single “Could Have Been Me,” was a song I changed when it came on the radio.
I expected a pretentious lead singer to walk on stage. Instead a lead singer dressed like a women with eye shadow stepped on stage. It could best be described as the look from “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and the sound of a 1980s band. The members owned the crowd and proved they should be a headliner. The Struts are unique and a breath of fresh air compared to most mainstream music. Cold War Kids: This band was one of the biggest disappointments of the year.
I was a big Cold War Kids fan and have been listening to the rock group for years. I was very excited to be standing in the front row, staring into the eyes of lead singer Nathan Willett. As soon as the first note hit I covered my ears in pain. The guitar amp was way too loud; and not just rock and roll loud. The amp was so loud it hurt and I could not hear anything else. Willett threw a temper tantrum on stage about the band’s set time and the tuning of his guitar. Overall it was a terrible performance. Cage the Elephant: Lesson learned: Being front row for a Cage the Elephant show is amazing and also terrifying. Cage the Elephant is one of my fa-
vorite bands so I made sure to get there eight hours early just to see them from the front row. As soon as the show started people began pushing toward the front; moshing, crowd surfing and singing every song. It was the most fun and the most pain I have been in from a show. Cage the Elephant looked and sounded amazing. The band’s lead singer, Matt Shultz, crowd surfed. As he landed right on top of me, the weakest person in the crowd, I knew it was the best experience I would ever have at a show. Overall Chill on The Hill was my favorite festival of 2015 and was a great way to end the summer.
— IF THE SCHUE FITS —
Hide your kids, hide your clocks, ‘cuz they’re arresting everybody I love news. This probably does not come as a shock to anyone, since, you know, I’m the news editor. News is kind of my thing. But sometimes I hear a news story that makes me want to scream “WHY!?!?” to anyone unfortunate enough to be within earshot. This is one of those stories. On Monday, Sept. 14, Ahmed Mohamed, a 14-year-old high school freshman from Irving, Texas, was arrested by authorities and taken to juvenile detention in handcuffs for bringing a homemade clock to school. Why? Because a teacher said it looked like a bomb. According to The Dallas Morning News, Mohamed, a self-proclaimed inventor,
made a clock and brought it to school in hopes to impress his engineering teacher. In English class, the clock beeped, annoying the teacher, forcing Mohamed to show his invention to her. The clock was then confiscated after the teacher mistook it for a bomb and authorities were called. Police took Mohamed to juvenile detention even after confirming that the clock was harmless, but released him shortly after taking his fingerprints, according to The Dallas Morning News. Mohamed was then suspended for three days. OK, with the school shootings that have happened in the recent past, I understand a school being suspicious of any item that could look like a threat. I understand that since the clock was
made of a circuit board, wires and digital display, it could be mistaken for a bomb. I understand the necessity of reporting any suspicious item to at least the school principal in order to investigate and ensure the safety of teachers and students. However, after confirming the item in question was not dangerous and the student in question insisted it was only a clock, is it truly necessary to arrest him? It seems like an honest misconception. I guess sitting down with the student and
having a conversation about school safety was not the obvious choice. Apparently, it was more logical to arrest and suspend the kid instead. The entire situation seems to beg the question: if Mohamed’s name was “John Doe,” would this have gone as far as it did? For me, it brings back memories of when a guitar was mistaken for a gun on LCC campus in 2014. I don’t know about you, but I don’t remember hearing about the police arresting anyone. To read the full article in The Dallas Morning News, visit http://bit.ly/1FI9j2.
14 opinion
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout — The Kohn Effect —
Too many remakes; not enough creative vision There seems to be a growing trend among filmmakers in the past few years. Studios have announced several remakes of classic movies that I am positive are not only near and dear to my heart, but to other lovers of cinema as well. Doing a simple internet search for upcoming movie remakes, I was shocked to see that there are 91 movie remakes in the works. Among the Hollywood remakes being made are: “Scarface,” “Roadhouse,” “The Crow,” “Predator,”
“Highlander,” “The Magnificent Seven,” “Point Blank,” “Escape from New York,” “Flight of the Navigator” … the list goes on. My question to those making these films is, “Why?” What do you as a film maker offer that can make the movie better? Do the screenwriters think they can add better dialogue? Do the directors think they can get better performances out of the actors than the original actors? Is this what movie companies believe is the hot
trend? Perhaps it has been the explosion of nostalgic pop culture that has erupted in the market. I see people wearing clothing dedicated to movies such as “The Goonies,” “Back To the Future” and “Ghostbusters.” Maybe the powers that be see this as a sign that people want remakes. To lovers of pop culture, though, the original movies are sacred. They like the cheesy ‘80s or ‘90s special effects and music. They recite the dialogue like it is their gospel. To those who love a movie, it is like a work of art. You wouldn’t try and change the Mona Lisa, would you?
People that enter film, like any medium, should do so to try and bring their own voice or create a style that is unique. While movie companies have been creating cookie-cutter comic book movies and Hollywood remakes, filmmakers like Wes Anderson are both writing witty dialogue and using their own unique breed of cinematography to create original material. Like all things, this current Hollywood remake thing is a trend. Hopefully fresh, original ideas will soon spawn from the minds of aspiring film makers and a new cinema renaissance will occur. One can only hope.
— staff editorial —
Praise for Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis is unmerited Kim Davis is a county clerk responsible for issuing marriage licenses in Rowan City, Ky. After the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same sex marriages on June 26 of this year, Davis denied signing four same-sex marriage licenses in her county. According to npr.org, four couples filed a lawsuit against the Rowan County clerk as a part of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky. Davis’ attorneys went before federal district judge David L. Bunning on Aug. 5, 2015. After
serving a short jail sentence at the Carter County Detention Center in Grayson, Ky., her attorneys filed an appeal and Davis was released from custody. Npr.org also reported the Kentucky county clerk has promised not to interfere with other clerks issuing marriage licenses, but has stated that she will not issue or authorize marriages she does not believe in. “I am here before you this morning with a seemingly impossible choice,
which I do not wish on any of my fellow Americans,” Davis said. “My conscience or my freedom.” Davis has received praise for her actions; supporters have even compared her to such revolutionaries as Rosa Parks, according to cnbc.com. This is a preposterous comparison, as Parks was one of the forerunners in a civil rights movement, while Davis is preaching the opposite – denying samesex equality in marriage.
Classified Advertising
What was your dream job as a child? Jeremy Kohn
Nikki Nicolaou
Editor in Chief
Associate/Design Editor
kohnj2@lcc.edu “Airplane pilot.”
Aaron Emerson
Staff Writer
emersoa@lcc.edu “Professional football player.”
Shelby Schueller
nicolaon@lcc.edu “Art teacher.”
News Editor
schuels1@lcc.edu “Astronomer.”
Jaimie Bozack
A&E Editor
bozackj@lcc.edu “To work at McDonald’s.”
Rich Schenck
Sports Editor
schen1@lcc.edu “To be a NASCAR driver.”
EMMA SCOTT
Aaron Wilton
Lurah Peterson
PAginator
Staff Writer/AD Sales
Advertising Manager
scotte8@lcc.edu “To be a veterinarian.”
How can someone be glorified for refusing to do their job? What if a Christian doctor refused to save the life of a Muslim patient? Why should someone’s religious beliefs stop them from doing their job? The Lookout staff believes that Davis’ actions should not be commended. The high court has ruled. Having a different belief than other people does not mean one is exempt from following rules and doing his or her job.
wiltona@lcc.edu “News anchorman.”
petersl8@lcc.edu “Science teacher.”
Brian Wells
Photo Editor
wellsb6@lcc.edu “Doctor.” Larry Hook
Adviser
hookl@lcc.edu “To play for the Detroit Tigers.”
1982 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS Complete set of 792 cards, all in mint condition. Cal Ripken rookie card and many Hall-of-Famers including Nolan Ryan, Johnny Bench, Carl Yastrzemski and Rickey Henderson. $100 firm. Call 517-483-1291 daytime. 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 to place an ad. NASCAR MEMORABILIA Two brand new Dale Earnhardt Jr. hats, $7 each. Ten commemorative miniature race cars from the Michigan International Speedways from 2005 to 2009, all brand new and in box, $5 each. Buy both hats and all the cars for $45! Call 517525-0706.
15
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015
Be focused. LANSING
Your dream of earning your bachelor’s degree is within reach thanks to the partnership between Ferris State University and Lansing Community College. Take your Ferris classes on the campus of LCC and walk into your future without walking away from your community. Be focused. Be successful right where you are.
Ferris State University is an equal opportunity institution. For information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit ferris.edu/non-discrimination.
16|LAST LOOK
Sept. 28 - OCT. 11, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout
LCC, Community SALUTE fallen firefighter RODEMAN
Retired Lansing firefighters salute as the classic Detroit Fire Department vehicle carrying the body of Dennis Rodeman, a firefighter who was killed in a hit-andrun accident on Sept. 9. The vehicle is shown passing under a huge U.S. Flag flown in front of Lansing Fire Station No. 1 on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Jeremy Kohn Editor in Chief A moment of silence occurred at the corner of Capitol Avenue and Shiawassee Street on Sept. 16 as the LCC community and others mourned the loss of Lansing Firefighter Dennis Rodeman. Rodeman, 35, was struck and killed by a car during a charity event in south Lansing on Sept. 9. The suspect, Grant Jacob Taylor, 22, has been charged with murder. He will serve a life sentence if found guilty. Rodeman’s funeral procession passed by Lansing Fire Department No. 1, Rodeman’s home station. A caravan of fire engines led the procession down Shiawassee as fellow officers saluted their fallen comrade. Lansing Firefighter Charles Staet talked about his time with Rodeman and his character. “We worked together for seven years” Staet said. “He was a fantastic friend, a fantastic husband and a diehard Marine.” “Rodie was always the one after a long day at the station that would make those comments completely out of left field where people would stop and look at him — and then everyone would start laughing,” Staet said. Rodeman was a former LCC student. LCC President Brent Knight was one of the hundreds in attendance during the funeral procession. “It was a sad day in Lansing; firefighters came throughout the state to pay tribute,” Knight said. “It was very moving and a solemn processional.”
Photos by Brian Wells
Lansing firefighters line up in front of Lansing Fire Station No. 1 on Wednesday, Sept. 16 to honor the memory of Dennis Rodeman, a Lansing firefighter who was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Sept. 9.
Firefighters pray with two Lansing residents before the funeral procession of Dennis Rodeman on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Rodeman is a former Lansing firefighter and a former student at Lansing Community College.