The Lookout Volume 57 Issue 7

Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959

www.lcc.edu/lookout

Volume 57, Issue 7

THREE WHO SERVED ADDED TO

VETERANS MEMORIAL Veterans and active duty service men and women gather in front of the LCC Veterans Memorial after the sixth annual Veterans Memorial Induction Ceremony Nov. 11. This year, LCC inducted three men into the ring of honor: Robert A. Bell, U.S. Air Force; Russell Hilding, U.S. Army Air Forces; and John A. Johnston, U.S. Air Force. The memorial is located in the HHS Building on LCC’s main campus. See more on page 2.

Photo by Brian Wells

Lady harriers capture 2015 national title

Shakespeare brings twist to classic fairytale

College’s fire academy holds controlled burns

Sports >> Page 8

A&E >> Page 12

Last Look >> Page 16

Nov. 23 - DEC. 6, 2015

2|NEWS

Nov. 23 - DEC. 6, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Former professor appointed to board Aaron Emerson Staff Writer A long-time LCC professor was selected to fill the previously vacated spot on the Board of Trustees at the Nov. 16 meeting.

Former teacher Alex Azima, who was a physics professor at the college for over 30 years, was selected by the board with a 4-1 vote to fill a term that will run until Dec. 31, 2016.

The spot was previously held by Judith Berry, who resigned via letter at the October Board of Trustees meeting.

Azima said this gives him another chance to make an impact at LCC. “This allows me to give back to the college I spent so much time at,” Azima said. “It may sound cliché, but I really want to help make this college the best it can be.”

What it all comes down to, according to Azima, is serving the students.

That is the biggest reason he sought the seat, he said during his interview.

Photo by Brian Wells

Trustee candidate Richard Gillum (right) shakes Alex Azima’s hand after the board nominated Azima to the LCC Board of Trustees Monday, Nov. 16. Azima will be officially sworn in at the December board meeting, but will act as a trustee in the event of any special meetings before then.

“Serving the board will provide me with another opportunity to serve

the students in our community,” Azima said.

Berry resigned due to not having enough time to fully serve the board.

Eighteen people submitted applications for her vacated seat.

The college narrowed the search down to three and held interviews at a special meeting before the trustees met for their official November meeting. The other two finalists who were interviewed were Ronald Gillum and Todd Heywood.

In the first round of votes to select the new trustee, Heywood and Gillum each received one vote, leaving Azima one vote short of the needed 4. A second round was held with four trustees voting for Azima, while Chair Robert Proctor was the lone stray, choosing Gillum.

Azima, who was president of the LCC faculty senate from 2013 to 2015, will be sworn in at the Dec. 14 Board of trustees Meeting. That meeting will be held in the LCC Administration Building at 6 p.m. in the board room.

LCC student releases first album, clothing collection Aaron Emerson Staff Writer Veteran and military-member suicides hit close to home for LCC student Riccardo Medrano.

The 26-year-old Marine Corps veteran witnessed two fellow Marines commit suicide while serving his country. He also recently lost a friend from the military to suicide.

These deaths are among the reasons Medrano makes music and has developed a clothing line. He said he seeks to open dialogue and create conversation on the issue.

Raising awareness on the issues veterans face and addressing the way humans treat each other are his main themes in his art.

“With the music and the clothing, I want to bring awareness to the human conditions and how people act and think toward each other,” Medrano said.

Medrano, who served in the Marine Corps Infantry from 2009 to 2013, launched his first album and a new collection of clothes on Nov. 3. They were released on his online store through his

website, www.riccardogabriele.com.

“It went very well and I have been getting a lot of positive feedback,” said Medrano, whose artist name is Riccardo Gabriele. “I’m still developing as a designer and an artist, so at the end of the day I am just extremely humbled for all the support.”

Riccardo’s album was titled “Monologues” and was his first official EP. He said it is tough to put a finger on a specific genre, but if he had to choose he would call it “deep, chill, thought-provoking music.”

“The idea (of the) project was to take a look at the human condition and express where I was coming from while making the clothing for the third collection,” Riccardo said.

The collection of clothing Medrano released was the third in a series, called “Morir Solo Collection.”

His clothing line is comprised primarily of streetwear, as he uses black-andwhite color designs influenced by military and hardcore-style clothing. His first collection was released in February 2014.

Photo by Brian Wells

Veterans honored at memorial induction ceremony Russell Hilding from Lansing was honored at the sixth annual LCC Veterans Memorial Inudction Ceremony on Nov. 11. Hilding enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1942.

Hilding served in World War II. He was arrested and taken to a war prison by the Gestapo after a B-17 he was flying in Germany lost three engines. Hilding and his crew were liberated from a POW camp by American troops in April 1945.

3 NEWS

Nov. 23 - DEC. 6, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Pastor Jacque McDaniel leads west campus church Shelby Schueller News Editor Students and community members looking for a local place to worship are invited to Worship International Church, which meets every Saturday in room M124A of LCC’s west campus. The service starts at 11:30 a.m.

Worship International Church is led by Detroit native Pastor Jacque McDaniel, who also preaches some Wednesday nights at Union Missionary Baptist Church in Lansing.

He started preaching at West Campus in early October 2015.

McDaniel said he felt led to become a minister.

“I was about 26 years of age when … a knowing came to me. I knew I had to be a minister. I wasn’t sure what kind, but I felt compelled to be God’s man,” he said. “Everything I tried to do outside of being a minister just didn’t work.”

McDaniel said becoming a minister helped him become a better person.

“Before I got saved, I was very prejudiced. Now I look at all people through the lenses of Jesus Christ … I saw people for being people, children of God, and not being a member or a certain ethnicity or race,” he said.

According to McDaniel, the goal of Worship International

Photo by Shelby Schueller

Several members of the Gospel singing group “The Heavenly Stars” perform at a sermon at the West Campus chapel on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Church is to help people heal.

“I wanted people to feel different,” he said. “I wanted people to care about who they were in Christ. I wanted it to be the church where broken people go that want to be fixed.

“I want them to think of themselves more than what they think they can do with their precious individual lives.”

According to McDaniel, the sermons at Worship International Church are currently designed for people of any age who are hurting medically.

McDaniel has also had his share of illness.

McDaniel said when he was around 40 years old on a missionary trip to France he got sick with an unknown illness

that left him unable to walk.

At one time he was diagnosed with a third grade mentality.

He was then hospitalized for two and a half months.

After rehabilitation therapy, McDaniel learned to walk again. He went on to get a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Michigan State University and a Master’s Degree in Divinity at Regent University, located in Virginia Beach, Va. McDaniel said he plans to get a Doctorate in Divinity when Worship International Church becomes more established.

Faith helped him the most during his period of illness, McDaniel said.

“I always prayed a lot and just believed a lot,” he said.

“Doubt and faith, they don’t mix, just like water and oil don’t mix. If you have faith then you don’t need doubt.”

McDaniel said Worship International Church is open to all people of all religions, though said he he hopes that once people come to experience the sermons, they will want to be Christian.

There is no membership fee, McDaniel said, but donations are strongly encouraged.

Harriette Curry, member of gospel singing group “The Heavenly Stars,” said she enjoyed Pastor Jacque’s sermon on Oct. 31.

“I liked his teaching,” Curry said. “He spoke well, and what he was teaching … is true because I read and study the Bible. I got a lot out of it.”

“The congregation was small, but I’m a firm believer,” she said. “The Bible says where two or three gather together in his name, he’s in the midst and he was here today. The spirit was here today and I would come again.”

For more info about the church, or to listen to Pastor Jacque’s radio show, visit www. worshipinternationalchurch.com.

To view the church directory, visit www.ccachristiandirectory. weebly.com/

NEWS Study abroad program explores Ireland The application deadline for the 2016 shortterm study abroad trip “Literary Ireland” is Friday, Dec. 4, 2015.

Tentative travel dates for the trip are Thursday, May 14, 2016 to Monday, June 1, 2016. Students will meet in Dublin on Sunday, May 15.

The trip focuses on three base sites in Ireland-Dublin, Sligo and Galway, where students will visit historical sites, learn about Irish culture and more. For more information, visit www.lcc.edu/as/studyabroad/ireland/

Food drive at college concludes Nov. 25 The Stars Helping Stars Student Food Pantry at LCC will end on Wednesday, Nov. 25.

Until then, food can be dropped in the marked area near the Campus Resources desk in the Gannon Building Star Zone between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Preferred items include those that require no ingredients or only requires water as an added ingredient, such as canned meats, complete meals in non-perishable forms and breakfast items. Personal items such as disposable razors, shaving cream, toilet paper and diapers are also accepted.

LCC trustees to meet early in December The LCC Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Administration Building Board Room on LCC main campus. Students, faculty and community members are welcome to attend.

This early meeting is a result of the holiday break in the third week of December. For more information, visit www.lcc.edu/trustees/

New veterans’ resource center in works at LCC Aaron Emerson Staff Writer A new facility to accommodate the large number of veterans who attend Lansing Community College is being planned.

The change is part of a renovation project involving a building already owned by the college.

A portion of the old Michigan Catholic Conference building at 505 S. Capitol Ave., which was purchased by LCC

in 2012, would be turned into a Veteran’s Resource Center. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) classrooms would also be added as part of the estimated $6 million project.

According to Andrew Cosgrove, the director of military affairs at LCC, the facility will help veterans and their families by helping them transition into civilian life.

“The VRC gives the college an opportunity to give back to veterans and

their dependents,” Cosgrove said. “It allows LCC to service veterans appropriately and ensure their success, whether they are obtaining a certificate, associate’s degree, or plan to transfer to a larger university.”

LCC President Brent Knight said after the October Board of Trustees meeting that LCC has more veterans – about 500 – in student attendance than any other community college in Michigan. The Michigan Veterans

Affairs Agency lists LCC as a “gold level” school in regard to being veteran-friendly.

The project is slated to start in fiscal year 2017 and has a tentative completion deadline of June 30, 2019, according to documents provided at the October Board of Trustees meeting.

LCC is looking to get a matching $3 million from the state to fund the project and officials say they do not plan to raise tuition to help finance it.

4 NEWS

Nov. 23 - DEC. 6, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout

All sizes of beauty focus of fashion show Shelby Schueller News Editor Around 40 models of all shapes and sizes flaunted a variety of lingerie at “Project Boudior Lansing,” one of the first fashion shows in the Lansing area specifically for lingerie.

The event was held Nov. 19.

“Project Boudior Lansing” was held at The Runway in Knapp’s Centre in downtown Lansing. It was a two-part event, with a contest and a show featuring designs from local designers and from Curvaceous Lingerie. The latter is a store in Old Town and one of the main sponsors for the show.

LCC and MSU students, along with professional designers, made up the nine designers who participated in the contest.

It featured about two looks per designer: one plus size and one traditional size. Curvaceous Lingerie featured around 20 looks from inside the store.

Katie Raynard, 23, of Pickford, was selected as the winner of the competition for her designs titled, “Zest.”

“I wanted something very bold and vibrant to highlight just the vibrancy of a woman and just how she’s very bold and confident and loves who she is no matter what size she is,” Raynard said.

Raynard recently graduated from the MSU Apparel and Textile Design Program and currently works at The Runway.

“Zest” was a variation of her spring designs. Those designs were inspired by survivors of sexual trauma, Raynard said.

Raynard won a professional photo shoot, free access to services at The Runway, prod-

uct placement in future advertisements and an opportunity to sell her product at Curvaceous Lingerie. In the future, she plans to start her own line in Lansing.

“I feel very honored to be selected as a winner because every design up there was amazing,” she said. “It was a fun community to be a part of.”

Lauren Long, owner of Curvaceous Lingerie and judge at the event, said “Project Boudoir Lansing” was a way for local designers to showcase their work while bringing something new to Lansing.

“We wanted to do something kind of fun and we also wanted to boost a local designer,” Long said. “I feel like fashion, especially in Lansing, is very difficult and a lot of my customers really, really enjoy shopping local and having a local connection to people.”

To participate in the competition, designers had to be Michigan residents and able to sew their own garments, in order to create custom fits, according to Long. Creating one traditional size and one plus size look was required.

Long said being able to design lingerie for all sizes was a main part of the show because it is one of the driving forces behind Curvaceous Lingerie.

“We are the advocates for empowering women and boosting self-esteem no matter how big or how small you are, and just the fact that we can supply things that work for people is huge,” she said.

Judges for the show included Long; Jenea Markham, a Curvaceous Lingerie employee with a degree in textile history; and Devon

Photo by Brian Wells

Models show off the two winning designs from “Zest,” a variation of Katie Raynard’s spring designs inspired by survivors of sexual trauma at “Project Boudoir Lansing” Nov. 19.

Bradley, LCC Public Relations director and owner of Belle Row Boutique in East Lansing.

Each look was judged based on a number of aspects including construction, marketability, fit and saleability, according to Long.

Other sponsors for “Project Boudoir Lan-

sing” included Ellison Brewery and Spirits, Confectionately Yours Bakery and Boudoir

by Mary, which provided photography for the show.

For more show info, visit www.projectboudoirlansing.com. For info about Curvaceous Lingerie, visit www.curvaceouslingerie.com/

‘Conversations with Richard’ addresses Operation 100% Aaron Emerson Staff Writer LCC students had the chance to discuss the college’s plan to develop a customized student success initiative at a forum with LCC’s provost on Nov. 9.

The initiative, dubbed “Operation 100%,” has a 100 percent completion goal for students seeking to obtain a certificate, degree, or to transfer.

LCC Provost Dr. Richard J. Prystowsky led the “Conversations with Richard” forum to explain the initiative, as well as to address students’ questions and concerns.

The initiative features four major projects with varying launch dates. These include establishing guided pathways for students to follow, as well as designing separate websites for the public and students.

“The faculty is working together and with others to create these pathways that you will be on and that will be your plan for completion,” Prystowsky said. “These choices that you will have within these pathways will be choices that will lead to success.”

Prystowsky offered an example of how the guided path-

Photo by Brian Wells

Dr. Richard Prystowsky speaks to students and faculty about Operation 100% during “Conversations With Richard” on Monday, Nov. 9.

ways project works. He said a computer-generated flag on the LCC website will appear if a student tries to sign up for

a class that doesn’t have anything to do with their degree or certificate.

“There won’t be any more wasted classes, there won’t be any more wasted time, there won’t be any more wandering around,” Prystowsky said.

LCC student Joel Sodeman attended the forum and shared some of the problems he’s experienced so far, including advising and navigating the website.

“The website is very confusing,” Sodeman said.

“There’s a ton of information on there that students don’t even need and there’s two different emails for students, which also makes it confusing.”

Sodeman said he had two advisers give him contradicting advice, which threw him off track.

Prystowsky said those are the kind of problems they are looking to solve with the student initiative.

He said LCC is working on developing a website for the general public and another student portal website that is individualized based on each student’s needs.

The website project is scheduled for a fall 2016 launch.

5|SPORTS

Nov. 23 - DEC. 6, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Mistakes plague Lady Stars in loss to Mott Rich Schenck Sports Editor After comfortably dispatching the Washtenaw CC club team 104-24 in the Gannon Gym Nov. 14, LCC (1-1 overall) fell to Mott CC Nov. 18, 66-76 at home.

With an overhauled roster, LCC Head Coach Ervin Brunson saw his team stay competitive through the entire first half. Mott and LCC both exchanged leads of no more than three points.

“Mott came in and stuck with their game plan,” Brunson said.

It was a war of attrition throughout the first half, with both teams capitalizing on each other’s missteps. LCC was plagued by traveling woes and Mott left LCC shooters open out at three-point range.

It was LCC which took better advantage as freshman sharpshooter Mikayla Duflo made Mott pay dearly, hitting three of four from downtown in the first quarter.

LCC trailed Mott 37-36 at halftime.

“Whenever I would get the ball they would back up,” Duflo said. “They got the hint near the end of the game and

they stopped me a little bit.”

The Lady Stars came out with vice grip defense, forcing turnovers on Mott’s first two possessions and managed a 38-37 lead.

“I feel we did pretty good in our zone (defense),” Duflo said.

“We need to hustle back a lot more and we need more shooters to help out.”

The visitors began to turn up the heat with full-court press and it began to erode LCC’s early momentum.

Sophomore Tristen Moore picked up two quick fouls. Careless passing by freshman Natalia Kincaid began to dig LCC into a bigger hole.

“We started out with a high level of energy,” Brunson said.

“We kind of fizzled down and a lot had to do with Mott keeping their balance. We weren’t able to maintain ours.”

Duflo did her best to keep LCC in the game, hitting another of her six three-pointers to give Mott a 60-57 lead.

But frustration began to sink its teeth into LCC, ultimately reach-

ing a boiling point when Moore was called for a Flagrant 2 foul, earning her an ejection and a twogame suspension. She finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

“Composure is very important,” Brunson said. “Especially when you’re behind and what it takes to get back into the flow.”

Brunson was very high on the performances of Duflo (20 points) and freshman forward Chasity Potter. The latter was solid off the bench for the Lady Stars, scoring eight points. Her biggest contribution came on the boards, hauling in seven rebounds.

The Lady Stars shot a disappointing 37.3 percent from the field (28 of 75) and were nearly as accurate from three-point range, hitting 36.4 percent (8 of 22).

“I told the girls no one likes to lose,” Brunson said. “This is only the second game of the year.”

LCC is scheduled to travel to Muskegon Nov. 27-28 to compete in the Muskegon Classic. The Lady Stars are not scheduled to return to Photo by Brian Wells the Gannon Gym until Jan. 4 when Morgan Neely drives the ball down the court during LCC’s Homecoming they host Jackson College. game against Mott Community College on Wednesday, Nov. 18.

No. 9 Lansing denies late comeback bid to top Mott CC Rich Schenck Sports Editor The LCC men’s basketball team (4-1 overall) returned home to the Gannon Gym Nov. 18, narrowly taking down rival Mott Community College, 84-81.

“It was a great team effort,” LCC sophomore Jimmy Kodet said. “Hard work on defense; we locked down and had some fun with it.”

LCC shot 54.7 percent (29 of 53) from the field and was a solid 38.5 percent (5 of 13) from three-point range. But the Stars made a pedestrian 65.6 percent (2132) from the charity stripe.

The Stars are off to a fast start offensively in 2015, averaging 103 points per game and hitting 10 shots from three-point range, good for seventh in the nation.

Mott CC came out quickly, forcing LCC into early turnovers. This left the Stars facing a 9-2 deficit.

“We’re not going to take any opponents easy,” Kodet said. “These guys work hard. We have to give them a lot of respect. It was a hard fought game, as you can see by the score.”

Photo by Brian Wells

Isaiah Green dunks during LCC’s Homecoming game against Mott Community College on Wednesday, Nov. 18.

LCC’s defense clamped down, contesting every shot attempt by Mott.

The Stars extended their lead to 32-22 with a little less than seven minutes to go in the half.

A few turnovers on the baseline and a fall-away three-point shot by Mott left LCC with a 43-39 lead at halftime.

LCC came out lethargic to start the second half and Mott tied the game at 46, prompting LCC Head Coach Mike Ingram to call a timeout.

“We came out flat,” Kodet said. “But Coach (Mike) Ingram really gets on us pretty quick about it and we step up right away.”

The second half got harder when two sophomore leaders had problems. Javon Haines got into foul trouble and a bloodied Brian Morton had to leave the game after gashing his head in a scary collision under the basket.

“I think a positive is that they can play without Javon,” Ingram said. “Other guys had to step up; Mott is a little better than I thought.”

In an act of desperation, Mott ap-

plied full-court pressure to LCC and trimmed the Stars’ lead to 83-79. LCC sophomore Mike Johnson took a pivotal charge with 53.4 second left, sealing the game for the Stars.

“I just try to have my team prepared as best I can,” Ingram said. “I thought I had them prepared for the press break, but when one of your main guys is out of there, it hurts a little bit.”

Freshmen Isiah Green led LCC in scoring with 24 points and Curtis Davidson came off the bench and chipped in eight points.

But the real star of the night was Kodet, who finished with a double-double (19 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks) in the victory.

“They are tough guys on the front line,” Ingram said. “They played really well, 10 to 12 minutes straight against a high caliber team.”

LCC was scheduled to host Cuyahoga CC Nov. 20 and then was scheduled for a three-game road trip, starting with the Muskegon Classic Nov.27-28 and ending Nov. 30 against Delta College.

6 sports

Nov. 23 - DEC. 6, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Male harriers place 14th in NJCAA national meet Rich Schenck Sports Editor The LCC men’s cross country team’s bid for its first NJCAA Division I National Title since 2007 fell short as it finished 14th in the in the 39-team race Nov. 14 in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Host Iowa Central CC won the race.

LCC freshman Carson Alexander finished first for the Stars, placing 72nd out of 287 competitors in 27:19. LCC sophomore Wade Ballman was the second

runner to finish for LCC; 94th with a time of 27:51.

Although the overall result was not what LCC Head Coach Robinson and his team were ultimately hoping for, there were some positives taken back to Lansing.

“The guys ran a very competitive race,” Robinson said. “We were hoping to be in the top 10, but if you take out all the other runners and just score against the teams we ran against in regionals, we actually ran faster.”

The men’s team only featured

three second-year runners in 2015, and Robinson said he expects the returning Harriers to use this experience to build for 2016.

“We have a good nucleus coming back,” said Robinson. “Now they know what the national meet is and how tough the competition is, so I have every expectation that they are going to say, ‘OK. We’ve got to get to work.’”

Robinson said he is already on the recruiting trail looking to bring in new talent to challenge for the 2016 national title.

Photo from www.ictritons.com/

LCC freshman Carson Alexander keeps up with a pack of runners during the NJCAA National Championships Nov. 14 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Alexander finished 72nd out of 287 competitors.

— Laces Out —

Mizzou proves college football has the power to invoke change Let’s get one thing straight before I begin, this column is in no way meant to discount the effort and the solidarity shown by students at the University of Missouri over the continued racial issues on their campus. I am merely giving a sports angle that some may or may not agree with.

The state of Missouri is experiencing one of the worst race conflicts in this country’s history, and the school’s football team proved how powerful sports can be in making a change, both symbolically and economically.

As some or many of you readers may know, the football team joined together with the student body and refused to participate in team activities until President Timothy Wolfe

resigned over alleged failure to act over racial confrontations.

When a team that plays in the SEC refuses to play, as sad as this is in American society, people will take notice. College football talks. It’s plain and simple.

In 2014, Mizzou earned $17,554,536 in ticket sales, $4,456,704 in broadcast revenue and $14,185,334 from distribution by the NCAA and SEC. That is a total of $36,196,574 in revenue just from football.

This admirable stand by the football team stood as not only a demand for action in the pursuit of equality, but as a threat to the ever almighty American dollar.

As a hypothetical, if this had spilled into the basketball season, there would

be a danger of losing millions upon mil- It is a true shame that it has to come lions in ticket sales, merchandise, the to this for people to realize that everypossibility major network broadcast body has a voice and will demand to be heard. cancellations and NCAA As Nelson Mandela sanctions. famously said, “Sports Maybe it is a bit ex- When a team that can create hope where treme to think that the plays in the SEC there was once despair.

NCAA would step in, refuses to play, It is more powerful granted its past of comthan governments in plete buffoonery with as sad as this is breaking down racial disciplinary decisions in American sobarriers. It laughs in of varying magnitudes. ciety, people will the face of all types of I cannot begin to discrimination.” know how it feels to take notice.

Now I am interprethave a slur hurled at ing it in a different me, mocking my race, or to be treated with injustice by context of course, but in the end it is a system that claims to be fair and the truth.

Racism may never be eradicatimpartial. I would never dare try to compare any hardships in my life to ed from our world, as horrible to think about as that is. But these stuwhat it feels like.

But what I can say is congratulations dent-athletes at the University of to the students and student-athletes Missouri have proven that sports can in their steadfast pursuit to equality. change lives.

Winning tradition the driving force behind Stuckey’s LCC commitment

& QA

LCC Sports Editor Rich Schenck recently spoke DeQuaveon with men’s basketball Stuckey guard DeQuaveon Stuckey. The freshman was instrumental in LCC’s 121-103 victory over the LCC Alumni in the Gannon Gym Oct. 28.

What convinced you to come to LCC? “(LCC Assistant) Coach (Joe) Fox. He persuaded me because they are a winning program. They made it far in the tournament last season, so that also persuaded me to come here. I like to win.”

How did you get started playing basketball?

“Just growing up around bas-

ketball and watching my older brother play. It was just the best sport.”

What athlete inspires you?

“Dwyane Wade, because he is a fast-paced guard and he does the little things and works hard.

He rebounds. He gets it all every game.”

What are your educational goals?

“I plan to get my associate’s here and transfer to a four-year university. I don’t have a major now, but when I transfer I plan on majoring in sports administration.”

How do you spend your downtime?

“Either hanging out with my team, playing video games or hanging around LCC.”

STUCKEY

7

Nov. 23 - DEC. 6, 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.

8 sports

Nov. 23 - DEC. 6, 2015

NATIONAL CHAMPS www.lcc.edu/lookout

Courtesy photo

Women’s cross country team earns 2015 title Rich Schenck Sports Editor The 2015 LCC women’s cross country team will go in the record books as the first team in school history to bring home the NJCAA Division I Women’s Cross Country National Championship.

The Lady Harriers outpaced topranked host Iowa Central CC Nov. 14 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, winning LCC’s first national title since earning a Division II crown back in 1999.

“It was a little hard to believe at first,” said LCC freshman Taylor Thrush.

“None of us were really confident in how we raced. It was an amazing feeling.”

LCC scored 92 points in the 42-team season finale, beating out Iowa Central by 43 and third-place Central Arizona College by 101.

“Obviously it’s a great feeling,” LCC Head

Coach Jim Robinson said. “We had talked a couple weeks before our regional race … We still had a big challenge before us in going into the number one ranked team’s backyard on a course they were familiar with.”

Robinson’s strategy of competing in top-flight competitions, coupled with his runners’ previous high school championship experience, turned out to be the perfect combination.

“I think a lot of us can compare this to the Spartan Invite (earlier this season),” Thrush said. “The races didn’t prepare us as much as the training and team effort. It was because we were family that we were able to do this.”

Reigning NJCAA Region XII champion and LCC freshman Kaitlyn Beyer continued her winning form, finishing 10th in the field of 305 runners in 18:43.

2014 NJCAA Region XII champion

Kayla Kraft once again shined at the right time, finishing 16th in 19:06. No LCC runner finished lower than 41st.

“Our young women all year have shown a lot of resolve,” Robinson said. “We talked about this possibility of winning a national championship at the beginning of the year.

We didn’t talk about it a lot because there are some things you can’t control.”

Kraft said she knew LCC was in control just over halfway through the 5K race.

“I felt it at about the two-mile marker,” Kraft said. “The only people in front of me were two Iowa (Central) girls. I knew we had won it.”

The ultimate confirmation of LCC’s history-making performance was from someone who would be least likely to admit defeat.

“I was running from the one-mile mark to the two-mile mark with one of the guys and I said ‘I think we got this,’” Robinson

said. “A voice from behind said, ‘Yeah, you’ve won it.’ I turned around and it was the head coach of Iowa Central CC.” Robinson admitted that while his first national title as head coach at LCC is very exciting, his ultimate goal has been happening all year long.

“I like just seeing people improve and run fast,” Robinson said. “Obviously it’s a very good feeling (to win the title), but the real joy is working with the young people and seeing them grow as athletes, students (and) being able to watch them accomplish this for themselves and to have something to tell their kids and grandkids.”

Thrush admitted being a national champion will take some getting used to.

“I feel weird bragging about it to people,” she said. “But it’s a big deal and I am proud to be part of a team that can accomplish something like that.”

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9|FEATURE

Nov. 23 - DEC. 6, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Alumnus Spotlight: Phil Denny

Denny’s dream of music stardom becomes reality Jeremy Kohn Editor in Chief Some people know in the back of their mind what their true calling is.

LCC Alumnus Phil Denny had an epiphany in 2010, when he decided to follow his dream and enter the music business.

Phil Denny attended LCC from 1996 to 1999, where he studied general business and music.

Denny was an active member of the LCC Jazz Ensemble, in which he played the saxophone.

“I was a senior at Everett High School and at that time that is when I first started my relationship with LCC,” he said, “I was a member of the Jazz Ensemble and then I continued there when I came to LCC. “The continuance of my music interests beyond high school I’m sure helped to plant a few more seeds in terms of my interest and

passion for music.”

Denny spoke about his fondest memories while attending LCC. “In addition to it being an overall positive experience, the one that stands out in my mind was a saxophone quartet performance with former (LCC) President Abel B Sykes Jr. and other faculty members.” Denny said.” We had some good times together.”

The jazz musician spoke about teachers who influenced him during his LCC tenure.

“I was fortunate to have many great professors at LCC; Phil Kline and William Motz are definitely standouts for me,” he said.

After attending LCC, Denny transferred to Olivet College where he obtained a B.A. in business administration and marketing.

After graduating, Denny spent the next seven years working as vice president and branch man-

ager at USA Capital Mortgage.

One of Denny’s major jobs was originating home mortgage loans.

“There came a point in time where the writing was on the wall, so to speak,” Denny said. “In addition, we were all suffering the effects of a very volatile housing market. It was at that time that I decided to take action and follow my passion for performing as well as the industry of music.”

And attack the music scene Denny has. Denny has since gone on to record three albums – “Crossover” “Messenger” and “Upswing” – all produced by Nate Harasim from Grand Blanc.

The saxophonist has gone on tour both nationally and internationally in support of his music.

“I was fortunate to play ‘Jazz under the Stars’ in Nairobi, Kenya in 2013 and 2014,” Denny said.

“That experience was eye-opening … you never know where

he said playing with his former band, Too Smooth for Notes with Stevie Wonder, was definitely a highlight.

Denny’s single “Soak it Up,” from his latest release, “Upswing,” is currently being played on radio stations throughout the country.

Denny said he feels blessed to be able to perform for a living.

“I’ve covered a lot of traction …

I have been a musician for three years, but I made the decisions to step out and pursue my passion,” Denny said. “I think that there are times when I think to myself that Courtesy photo Phil Denny is repping “The 517” as he this is an ongoing experience that jams on the saxophone. Denny’s lat- is very fulfilling … I feel very forest album “Upswing” was released on tunate to be able to do what I do.”

July 1, 2015.

Denny’s music can be purchased from his website, phildenny.com, as well as Amazon, and music is going to take you.”

Denny said he has not been iTunes. His music can also be star-struck by any veterans with heard on Spotify, Pandora and whom he has played, although Sirius XM WaterColors.

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10 Feature

Nov. 23 - DEC. 6, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout

LCC’s DMAC program calls for lights, camera, action es, the Motion Picture Program and the Media Technology Program.

The course today is packed with classes that cover the ethics of media, the basics of recording and producing audio and video, and techniques students will need to advance in the industry.

“You get the hands-on experience you need to show future employers that you know what you’re doing,” DMAC student Brianna Klumpp said.

DMAC professors challenge students with rigorous and difficult lessons to prepare them for the demanding industry.

Through these lessons, students can build teamwork skills and Photo by Brian Wells innovative techDMAC instructor Jeff Hamlin (left) assists student Teriana Fields with a niques to help project in DMAC 130. them excel in the Marisa Hilts Freelance Writer LCC’s Digital Media, Audio and Cinema (DMAC) program is in full swing, giving students a push to make it big in the film and audio industry.

The DMAC program officially started in 2008, after the college decided to merge two previously individual cours-

future.

LCC alum Sam Zeeb studied in the DMAC program and is now a self-employed director and video editor.

“One of the most valuable lessons the DMAC program taught me was to never give up something you love to do versus what is easy to do,” Zeeb said.

Zeeb explained how working with the professors and learning how to operate advanced technology not only helped hone his skills, but also caught the eye of many employers.

“We have had some very successful students come through the program,” DMAC professor Jeff Hamlin added.

According to Hamlin, LCC alumni, like Zeeb, have advanced in their desired career path as successful freelancers and self-employed workers. Hamlin said some even worked on popular projects such as “Breaking Bad,” “Spider Man” and “Duck Dynasty.”

In light of those before her, Klumpp and many of her peers hope to achieve the same level of success.

Regarding the program, Klumpp said she is happy with how much she has learned, and she attributes her im-

when What do you want to do ram? you finish the DMaC prog

“I want to hone my skills to be a professional broadcaster.”

Jay Chase, 43, Digital Media “I really want to get into computer graphics.”

Jamie Thieson, 25, Computer Graphics/Multimedia

“Editing music videos for a harder genre.”

Kyle Damon, 19, Video/audio proved work to the intricate program.

For more information on the LCC DMAC Program, visit www.lcc.edu/cma/ dmac/

Professor Vaughn Vowels pens book to help with grief

Jeremy Kohn Editor in Chief Some authors use inspiration from their lives to build the characters for the worlds they create. LCC professor Vaughn Vowels, 59, did this to write his book, “A Fall in Bark River.”

The book, published this past August, was more than two decades in the making. It follows the life of 15-year-old boy Gabriel Lee (a reflection of a young Vowels) and how he deals with growing up without a father.

Lee ends up learning some troubling family secrets that have a major impact on the family and the boy’s life.

The first-time author talked about the people for whom the book was intended.

“I wrote it for people that were grieving, that’s why I originally started it,” Vowels said. “But it was also very cathartic for me … It was the loss of my father as a child that inspired the book.”

Vowels gave the advice of using one’s own voice when writing.

“I did make a mistake … I was reading

Photo from www.afallinbarkriver.com/

some of the masters when I was writing it …

Faulkner, Hemmingway and Fitzgerald,” Vowels said. “Don’t do that if you are going to write a book … don’t read the best.”

Vowels said LCC alumnus and former Associate Editor of The Lookout David Barker helped him immensely with his writing.

“He really helped me with content,” Vowels said. “He told me to not tell people how they feel, but write a description so they get pulled into their own feelings.”

Said Barker: “When I first read Vaughn’s manuscript I was surprised how easy it was to read. A lot of books can be difficult to read in their unpolished states, but his had a cer-

tain natural pace that kept the story going.

“He did a great job capturing certain moments and had a knack for finding tension in personal interactions. Also, talking to him during the editing helped me understand how his past experiences informed his approach to the book.”

Vowels gave a copy of the book to Ele’s Place, a center for those who have suffered losses in their life. Vowels said the experience of sharing his book with Ele’s Place was an emotional one, and made him feel as if he had come full circle.

Vowels, who has been working on the book since 1993, said the process of writing

was sometimes difficult.

“I had about 10,000 words (in 1993) and stopped.” Vowels said. “Then in 2008, I had a major event happen and I had more clarity … I’m glad that I waited, because there is a lot in here that I really didn’t understand until 08.”

Vowels said writing the book was very emotional and therapeutic at the same time.

“It has been about 48 years since my father passed and yet in retrospect and seeing how it has went in this culmination of this book,” Vowels said.

Vowels is currently working on a follow-up to “A Fall in Bark River.”

“It’s going to be a little different … it has a little bit of sci-fi in it,” Vowels said.

The book will deal with the same characters, only this time the community is divided over if an alien abduction actually occurred in Bark River.

Vowels will have his first book signing in The Gannon Building for “A Fall in Bark River,” on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 3 to 5 p.m.

11|ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Nov. 23 - DEC. 6, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout

‘The Colleen Bawn’ play brings powerful performance to Dart Jaimie Bozack A&E Editor Dark Irish accents, music, dancing, romance and a hint of humor were all elements “The Colleen Bawn,” brought to the stage during opening night, Nov. 6, in the LCC Dart Auditorium.

The play was directed by Andy Callis and marked a successful fall 2015 production.

“Opening night was strong,” Callis said. “The audience responded with the right level of humor. They were sad during sad scenes and were with it until the end.”

According to Callis, the actors spent a lot of time working on Irish accents that were heavily incorporated in the play.

“I have heard people say some parts are hard to understand,” Callis said. “That is because there is a lot of Irish Gaelic that we are almost not meant to understand. You really just have to pay attention.”

Callis said he gets nervous before shows, but the audience’s reactions help calm him down.

“When actors walk on stage

Photo by Brian Wells

Hannah Feuka (left) and Zach Riley (right) rehearse for the play “The Colleen Bawn,” on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

I am probably more nervous than they are,” Callis said. “I am always worrying about nightmare scenarios. It feels good at the end to know the play did well.”

Callis said he has enjoyed the music and plot twists.

“It is a really interesting show because it is all over the map genre wise,” Callis said.

“Some scenes are really funny and others are very sad. I feel happy about this one because people said it has really im-

mersed them in Ireland.”

Callis said the background and costumes were meant to make audience members feel like they were in the streets of Ireland.

“I enjoy looking at all of the costumes, lighting effects and scenery,” Callis said. “I am really happy with how all of the visual elements supported the time, place and mood of the play.”

Callis said the most fulfilling aspect of his career has

been watching students pursue acting outside of LCC. “The greatest reward is when students from LCC go on to be successful,” Callis said. “I am really pleased whenever I hear some of their successes and that they have found a calling with something creative.”

LCC student Ian Whipp, who has been in the theater program for two years, played Danny. The character is a hunchback servant who is highly devoted.

“Danny has definitely been an interesting character to portray,” Whipp said. “A big part of developing a character is finding out how they would walk or move around, and playing a hunchback gave me a nice lead into it.”

Whipp said the attendance was phenomenal and he has enjoyed playing Danny.

“The most rewarding part is always the applause at the end of the show,” Whipp said.

“Through the show you can be critical of yourself, so hearing them applauding helps affirm that you’ve done your job.”

Get prepared for exams with Finals Frenzy Jaimie Bozack A&E Editor The week of finals can be a stressful time for many students. Finals Frenzy is an event that is focused on providing students with tools and activities to de-stress.

From Monday, Nov. 30 to Friday, Dec. 11, free snacks, hot cocoa, yoga, cookie decorating and more will be available for students to take advantage of between exams.

Event coordinator Victoria Meadows said the event started in fall 2013 and has expanded and improved.

“The purpose is to provide students with low-time investment, stress relieving activities,” Meadows said. “We want students to feel less stressed and have an opportunity to take a break with something fun.”

Week one will focus on preparing students for finals by offering free fitness center

passes, school supplies and free massages.

Week two will let students get away from worrying about finals by providing free snacks and drinks along with other low-engagement activities like coloring and Legos.

“We have had nothing but positive feedback from years prior,” Meadows said. “People feel supported and grateful. It really is a great event for students to come and take a load off.”

Meadows said her favorite part of the event is hearing positive feedback from students.

“I love it when people come up and say, ‘This is free? This made my day,’” Meadows said. “The gratitude from students is nice.”

“I like to go out and color and see if anyone wants to play Uno,” Meadows said.

Finals Frenzy is coming up fast and Meadows said students should take advantage of the activities.

“It is not meant to be a super high engagement event because students are already super engaged in class work,” Meadows said. “People should come because finals are stressful.

“I am a student too so I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

LCC student Charles Vigot attended the event last year and said the event helped him keep calm before finals.

“Last year was a lot of fun,” Vigot said. “I would wake up thinking about Finals Frenzy instead of my finals, which helped with the stress level.”

For more information head to www.lcc. edu/library/about/events/finalsfrenzy/

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LCC Jazz to perform in December The LCC Jazz Band will showcase its talents for the public on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Dart Auditorium.

The music will feature popular jazz hits and other jazzy jams that will get audience members tapping their feet. The event is free to the public and is directed by Jon Gewirtz.

For more information go to www.lcc.edu/ cma/events/

Sound the alarm for local punk band Local punk band Jason Alarm has been a name circulating through the Lansing area for years. After a long hiatus the band is coming together to play a special reunion show on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. at Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave. All proceeds will go to recording studio The Fledge, 325 S. Clinton St. in Grand Ledge. Jason Alarm will be joined by other local music favorites The Plurals, Mr. Fox and the Hounds, and The Dead Hour Noise.

The show is for all ages. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For tickets and information head to www.macsbar.com/

Scrooge Scramble steps into Lansing Runners will take a step towards raising money for the Old Town Commercial Association during the ninth annual Scrooge Scramble on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m.

The event is a 5K run and will take place along the Lansing River Trail. The Scramble provides runners with an opportunity to raise money while meeting new people that come from all over the city.

Entry fees will be $30 from Nov. 28 until the race day. To register for the race visit runsignup. com/ScroogeScramble/

Festival of Trees branches to Old Town Friends of Turner-Dodge House, 100 E. North St. will host the annual Festival of Trees event starting Saturday, Dec. 5 from noon to 8 p.m. The event will take place every Sunday, Friday and Saturday through Jan. 3.

Decorated trees ranging from spectacular to simple are donated to the Turner-Dodge House in Old Town by businesses and individuals from all around Lansing. The event is $5 per person and $10 per family of four.

For more information head to www.lansing. org/includes/events/A-Festival-of-Trees/

12 A&E

Nov. 23 - DEC. 6, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout

‘Cymbeline’ makes its way to Black Box Jaimie Bozack A&E Editor Heroes, villains, wicked stepmothers, an innocent heroine and more will play a part in William Shakespeare’s “Cymbeline,” presented by the LCC theatre department and directed by Mary Job. “Cymbeline,” will be held in LCC’s Black Box Theater, room 168 of the Gannon Building, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 through 5. Shows start at 8 p.m. There will be an additional show on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. The cost is a $5 to $10 donation.

“Cymbeline,” is a dark twist on classic fairy tales. It follows the story of a young princess who defies her father and marries a commoner.

Job has been involved in LCC theatre for 16 years. She said she looks forward to presenting “Cymbeline,” because it is a Shakespeare play that is not done often.

“It is one of Shakespeare’s later romances where he is playing around with mixing a number of different genres,” Job said. “I like the play in the sense that it has all of the characters we tend to think of from fairy tales, but it is much darker from familiar fairy

Photo Brian Wells

Director Mary Job (center) works with Zach Riley (left) and Connor Kelly during a rehearsal of “Cymbeline.”

tales.”

Job said she has high hopes for attendance and encourages people to come see the play.

“It is a very intimate room so all of the action is right around you,” Job said. “I hope people are interested in

seeing a play that is not usually done.”

Job said she is proud of the work her students have put into the play.

According to Job, learning the style of Shakespeare can be challenging.

“I think it is really fun to watch the students master the language of

Shakespeare,” Job said. “As a director you always want the students to be the best they can be. I think the actors are doing a great job.”

LCC student Alek Kring will play one of Cloten’s lords. Kring said his character’s main goal is to act as a babysitter for Cloten.

“The thing I love most about acting is the amount of freedom and exploration one can do,” Kring said. “It’s a process that’s fun but challenging to work through.”

Kring said the play is different than most because it is a different side of Shakespeare.

“It seems like Shakespeare is parodying himself and his earlier works,” Kring said. “It’s basically ‘Game of Thrones’ before ‘Game of Thrones’ was a thing. It has got love, handsome and beautiful leads, sexual innuendos and a battle scene.”

Kring said he hopes people come and support LCC theatre.

“It is my dream job,” Kring said.

“There’s nowhere else on the Earth I’d rather be than grinding away in a little ol’ theater.”

For more information head to www. lcc.edu/cma/events/

Big Book Bash provides students with used materials Jaimie Bozack A&E Editor Over a thousand donated books, music, movies and games found a home to students during the 14th annual Big Book Bash, held in LCC’s TLC Library Nov. 7 through 11.

Event coordinator Victoria Meadows said donations reached 1,200 items and doubled the donations from last year’s event.

“We had to keep calling the physical plant to get more tables,” Meadows said. “We had great attendance. I know students found textbooks for their classes. There are a lot of happy people.”

Prices ranged from $1 to $5. Books included everything from leisure readings, academic resource materials and more. Meadows said about $6,000 was raised during the event.

“We made the most money we have ever made off this sale,” Meadows said. “The money goes into the library program fund to fund events like Finals Frenzy and other pro-

gramming on campus.” on where that monMeadows said the Big ey should be spent,” Book Bash has become Meadows said. “We are more successful each very open to hearing year. what students think “I think the access to we should be using our academic resources for program fund for.” cheap keeps the event LCC student James successful every year,” Moore said this was his Meadows said. “My first time participating in favorite part is when the Big Book Bash. someone finds a text“I like that there were book they need for $5 so many cheap books and rather than $200.” supplies,” Moore said.

Meadows said she “I bought a binder and a loves being involved book for $5 total.” with the event each Student Jacob Price said year. he looks forward to next File photo “I always find things The LCC Library held their annual Big Book Bash Nov. 7 through 11. The library sold year’s Big Book Bash.

I want to buy, but I try everything from cookbooks to academic texts, with prices starting at just $1.

“I wish I would have not to because I have known about this event tons of items that I should donate hear input from students about the before the last day,” Price said. “A lot myself,” Meadows said. “I just want Big Book Bash to help improve next of stuff was gone and I only ended up to see other people get the materials year’s event. walking away with one thing. Overall they need.”

“It is money that we raise for stu- it seemed like a fun event that I will go Meadows said she would like to dents so we would like to get input to next year.”

13 A&E

Nov. 23 - DEC. 6, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Weston’s Kewpee keeps on satisfying appetites Aaron Wilton Staff Writer Kewpee keeps bringing in customers after 92 years in downtown Lansing. It has been located at 118 S. Washington Square, just a few blocks from LCC, since 1978.

Weston’s Kewpee Sandwich Shoppe has been in downtown Lansing since 1923. It has dished out the signature olive burger since 1925, and people are still talking about it.

I ventured to Kewpee on my lunch break recently and took my first bite of a Kolossal Olive Burger. The burger was delicious, and I followed every few bites with the restaurant’s classic crinkle-cut fries.

The olive sauce delivers on all of the praise people have given it.

Kewpee is one of the oldest restaurants in all of Lansing and is still operated by the same family that opened it. The current owner is a fourth-generation family member, Autumn Weston.

The restaurant is famous for its burgers and fries, and the prices are reasonable. The staff keeps people coming back with home-style hospitality and efficient service.

The staff is consistently friendly and welcoming to me every time I stop in to drop off issues of The Lookout, or to sell an ad.

Overall Weston’s Kewpee is a must-visit location for any LCC student or lifeFile photo time resident of Lansing. I will certainly Weston’s Kewpee is located at 118 S. Washingbe eating there again … soon. ton Square in downtown Lansing.

‘Fallout 4’ brings a beautiful new post-apocalyptic wasteland Brian Wells Photo Editor The story begins when you step outside and see your friends and neighbors running to the Vault after hearing reports of multiple nuclear attacks.

Having no idea of the adventure you’re about to embark upon, you follow.

Fallout 4, by Bethesda Software (The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim), is the latest entry in the highly-successful Fallout series. It was released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on Nov. 10.

Fallout 4 follows our protagonist in a search for a lost family. Slowly, the story becomes much more complex as you explore a post-apocalyptic Boston.

The entire skill points system has been revamped from previous titles. It has been simplified, which takes away some control over how your character develops. On the other hand, it makes the use of one skill point have a much more significant impact – how do you

want to spend it?

How the protagonist interacts with the world has also changed from the previous iterations of the game. The biggest change: The character has a voice.

As you respond to different dialogue prompts with other Commonwealth settlers, your character will actually vocalize and talk with the non-player characters, which saves you some reading.

Graphics have improved greatly as well. They’ve gone from something dull and colorless to bright and vivid, with amazing detail in all of the textures. Conversations have evolved into something much more cinematic.

The overall gameplay is still very similar to what it was in previous titles. But there are several new elements, such as a tower defense type of settlement aspect, where you now have to build and defend settlements. You can also now modify your weapons and armor.

Bethesda has also introduced an interactive cell phone app, which lets you control different aspects of the game, such as changing your equipment, radio stations or fast travel. With the app, you can also take the Holotape games you find in Fallout 4 on the road with you.

You even have a canine companion who follows you throughout the game.

My biggest gripe about Fallout 4 is the glitches. There have been times that I’ve been in conversation and everything will stop, leaving the cameras moving without dialogue or any new options popping up.

The game also seems to have issues when switching between weapons, in which your old weapon will disappear but nothing will come out to replace it.

I play on a PC and I have not confirmed if these bugs are present across all platforms.

All in all, the game is a great entry into the series. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has been a fan of the previous games, or to anyone in general who loves huge, immersive role-playing game experiences.

Back to exploring the Commonwealth.

Billboy

by Maranda Zimmerman

This week’s cartoon is sponsored by:

Photo from www.dailymotion.com

‘Fallout 4’ was released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on Nov. 10.

14|OPINION

Nov. 23 - DEC. 6, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout — if the schue fits —

It is literally just a cup; get over it On Nov. 1, Starbucks released its 2015 holiday “red cup,” which in the past has been used to display winter-themed decorations, from snowmen to reindeer to snowflakes.

This year, the cup is a minimalist gradient of red with no other design other than the Starbucks logo, which some users on Twitter have described as a “war on Christmas,” according to www.cnbc.com.

Evangelist Pastor Joshua Feuerstein even uploaded a viral YouTube video

claiming that “Starbucks removed Christmas from their cups because they hate Jesus” and challenged Christians to make the baristas write “Merry Christmas” on the cups when they order instead of their names.

I do not even have words to describe how idiotic and petty this “movement” is. People who get offended over irrelevant “issues” like this give me heart palpitations because I fear someday they will reproduce.

According to www.fortune.com, Starbucks

released a statement three days after Feuerstein’s video saying “this year’s design is another way Starbucks is inviting customers to create their own stories with a red cup that mimics a blank canvas.”

A nice thought, but Starbucks really should not have had to release a statement at all. The complaint is so stupid.

Let’s take a step back and be real for a moment. It is just a cup.

Say it with me again: IT. IS. JUST. A. CUP. You use it for 30 minutes and throw it away. Does it matter how it looks? NO! And it’s not like the previous designs on the cups have ever been explicitly Christian anyway. There have never

been nativity scenes, nor any hide nor hair from Jesus himself. Starbucks even has a special “Christmas Blend” coffee that is sold during the holiday season.

This is just a classic case of majority groups trying to find ways to be oppressed. It never works, and thankfully many people also believe this movement is stupid and petty.

If you are a Christian and are offended by the Starbucks cups, you need to reevaluate your relationship with God. You should not need a coffee shop to act as an enforcer for your religion.

Just be happy that you are wealthy enough to afford to purchase coffee (or anything else really) at Starbucks.

— THE KOHN EFFECT —

Proposing a new holiday that excludes Facebook It seems like every day something new is being celebrated. In the past couple of weeks I have seen things like National Cat Day, National Donut Day and even National Comic Book Day celebrated.

Personally, I think a new holiday should be adopted; one that would benefit society as a whole. How about National Put Your Cellphone Down Day,” or “No Social Media Month.”

Now, I am not preaching from on top of my holier-than-thou soapbox about the evils of social media and cellphones.

I am just as guilty as everyone else for wasting hours on Facebook every week.

Whether it is a “trolling my friends”

page with ridiculous comments, or posting about the latest pop culture craze, it is a part of my daily ritual.

What really triggered this “new holiday” idea for me was observing people in a classroom setting.

I watched the other day as a professor’s attempt to engage students in a discussion was completely ignored as five students proceeded to scroll through their phones.

This generation is so addicted to phones and social media that it is like

the phone has become an extension of the body, permanently attached to the hand.

According to a poll by Cowen and Company adults 18 to 29 spend 42.1 minutes each day on Facebook. That is an average of five hours a week. This does not include all the other features we use a phone for, such as taking pictures, texting and shooting videos.

Think of all of the other projects you could accomplish without your eyes

glued to a screen. You could read a new book series, start a workout program, or draw or paint a picture if you are artistic.

Sometimes our pets become neglected because of our time spent on social media. Take your dog for an extended walk. Or grab a string and show your cat some extra attention.

Instead of chatting with your friends via text or Facebook, make an effort to see them in person and hear their voices. Laugh with them in person instead of typing LOL and ha-ha.

Actual human interaction is refreshing and will always trump the world of virtual chatting.

— sights & sounds —

Life is short; live it with gusto and enjoy the scenery I am one of those almost 20-somethingyear-olds who complain about feeling old.

Some days I wake up and drag myself out of bed. My legs cramp up in weird places.

And staying out late sounds like a chore.

Sandy and Al Donaldson are in their 70s and probably complain more about which filter to use on their Facebook photo than their age.

Mrs. Donaldson was my second grade teacher. She is also my inspiration, a family friend and my mentor.

My boyfriend and I recently took a trip to Indiana with the Donaldsons.

After traveling with them for three days and checking out Indy’s hippest neigh-

borhoods, I left the trip feeling inspired.

Where young people walked in abundance you’d find the Donaldsons. Where Instagrammers took pictures of food and sipped craft beer while judging people who walked by, you’d find the Donaldsons chatting with people of all walks of life.

The Donaldsons are cooler than me. I found myself admiring their swag and wanting to steal every piece of clothing Mrs. Donaldson had on.

You would find the Donaldsons talking and taking pictures with random strangers all throughout the city. Mrs. Donaldson would talk about her love for tattoos. She had young people wonder-

ing what a 70-year-old is doing getting a new tattoo every couple months.

As we traveled through the city Mrs. Donaldson took pictures of everything she could with her iPad while live Tweeting and Facebook posting about our trip for her hundreds of followers to see.

Mrs. Donaldson would pick up a new leather jacket, high heels and other trendy fashions most people in their 70s wouldn’t dare.

We would walk down the streets of Indy while Mrs. Donaldson passed out food

and change to the homeless.

What I love most about the Donaldsons is their humorous and optimistic look on life. They love people, traveling and inspiring.

They stop people on the streets and get their stories.

They climb mountains, travel the U.S. and occasionally attend rap shows at Mac’s Bar with Jason and me.

The Donaldsons have taught me the true meaning of life. They have taught me to enjoy every moment and to never worry, because life is short.

15 opinion

Nov. 23 - DEC. 6, 2015 www.lcc.edu/lookout — staff editorial —

University of Missouri needs strong leader to unite campus Racial slurs shouted at the university’s faculty members. Swastika graffiti adorning the university wall. Students on hunger strike.

The football team refusing to play.

Racial tensions hit a breaking point at the University of Missouri recently.

Amidst all the chaos, University of Missouri President Tim

Wolfe announced his resignation on Monday, Nov. 9. Many of the students said Wolfe lacked the leadership and resolve to handle the racial tensions, which erupted

What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?

Jeremy Kohn

Nikki Nicolaou

Editor in Chief

Associate/Design Editor

Shelby Schueller

nicolaon@lcc.edu “Fermented soybeans.”

kohnj2@lcc.edu “Sea urchin.”

Aaron Emerson

Staff Writer

emersoa@lcc.edu “Shark.”

News Editor

schuels1@lcc.edu “Crocodile.”

Jaimie Bozack

A&E Editor

bozackj@lcc.edu “Seafood pancake.”

Sports Editor

schen1@lcc.edu “Kangaroo.”

EMMA SCOTT

Aaron Wilton

Lurah Peterson

PAginator

Staff Writer/AD Sales

Advertising Manager

scotte8@lcc.edu “Starfruit.”

wiltona@lcc.edu “Dragon fruit.”

Brian Wells

Rich Schenck

petersl8@lcc.edu “Fried alligator.”

Photo Editor

wellsb6@lcc.edu “Pickle juice.”

Larry Hook

Adviser

hookl@lcc.edu “Peas.”

on campus.

According to atlantic.com, after several incidents went unaddressed by Wolfe, members of a group called Concerned Student 1950 blocked Wolfe’s car in the parking lot.

Wolfe proceeded to ignore questions by the protestors and had his driver back out of the parking lot, bumping into Jonathan Butler, a student from the protest group.

Butler, outraged by Wolfe’s lack of initiative, declared himself on a hunger strike until the president resigned.

Wolfe was not the only member of the university who announced plans to step down. The chancellor of the university, R. Bowen Loftin, announced he will resign following this year.

In a lieu of these announcements, the university announced its plans to elect its first diversity officer and staff to help mend the wounds the campus has suffered.

Although many students rejoiced in the announcement of

KEEP GOING!

Wolfe resigning, this has not stopped the hateful and ignorant attacks.

On Nov. 11, an online post was made, threatening to “shoot every black person I see.” The man responsible was a 19-year-old Missouri sophomore named Hunter M. Park.

The Lookout staff is appalled by the racism on the campus of University of Missouri. We hope that the university makes the necessary steps to combat the hate and ignorance that is plaguing its campus.

This can only be accomplished with the right leadership. Wolfe did not do his job as president.

When threats are being made to your university and to your students, disciplinary actions must be taken.

A new leader should be elected who understands not only the importance of diversity and leadership, but also isn’t hesitant to discipline those who racially harass and threaten others.

You’re headed in the right direction, now keep going!

Credits from your associate’s degree can easily transfer into an online, hybrid, or face-to-face bachelor’s degree program at Central Michigan University.

CMU in Mount Pleasant For a true residential experience, join the excitement on CMU’s main campus.

CMU across Michigan 11 centers across Michigan, local evening and weekend classes, and personal help from first questions to graduation and beyond.

CMU Online Ranked among the best in the nation in online bachelor’s programs.

Central Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. CMU is an AA/EO institution (see cmich.edu/OCRIE). cmich.edu/GlobalCampus 43557 11/15

Choose the format that works for you and keep moving toward your bachelor’s degree and a career that offers a solid future.

Talk to one of our friendly enrollment specialists at 877-268-4636 or CMUglobal@cmich.edu.

global.cmich.edu/KeepGoingForward



16|LAST LOOK

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