The Lookout Issue 2

LCC

teams up

with GM

PAGE 3

Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2010 Volume 52, Issue 2 www.lcc.edu/lookout

As the 2010 school year begins, Lansing Community College is making plans to hold its second Homecoming event in just over 50 years.

Plans are underway to begin the finalized activity schedule for the event to be held Monday, Nov. 15 through Sunday, Nov. 21.

Andrew Lathrop, a member of the Student Loyalty Initiative Committee (SLIC), said the plan was to schedule activities the full seven days of the week because, “We wanted students to have

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Cross country season

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thelookout Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959

Homecoming spirit sought Sarah Sanders Editor in Chief

Lansing Mosaic showcases diversity

lots of options, to get involved.”

Lathrop added this y e a r ’s schedule LATHROP has advantages over last year’s one-day event.

“Last year we could only address students on the one day; this year we can catch students even on Saturday, the day of the game.”

SLIC plans to send an email to all students, announcing the event See Homecoming, page 2

9/11 remembered downtown

Photo by Michael Caterina

Commemoration: Lansing mayor and gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero spoke in front of the World Trade Center Memorial alongside police and fire chiefs Sept 11. The memorial ceremony was held at Wentworth Park in downtown Lansing and featured a march from the Capitol and the Glen Erin Pipe Band.

Hispanic Heritage Month showcases culture at LCC

Kaitlin Lutz Associate Editor

Thursday, Sept. 16, marked the kickoff of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event was celebrated in the gym of the Gannon Building due to rain.

“The program was very strong and entertaining,” events coordinator Sara Holguin said.

“The turnout was mediocre.”

The entertainment found fans among vendors in attendance as

Photo by Courtney Baker

Fantastic flavors: Chelsea Platte of Maria’s Tacos stirs a pan of shredded chicken while talking to a customer during the Hispanic Heritage Month Expo.

well.

“The performances were very nice,” Mary

Delgado, a vendor at the event, said.

Fela Moreno is also a

vendor. One of her favorite performances was Miguel Sevilla, who is originally from Michoacán, México.

“He had a very good voice,” Moreno said.

“The songs were nice and he composed them all himself.”

There were also Mexican Folkloric Dancers from Ballet Maria Luce who performed dances from México, Bolivia, and other Latin American countries.

To end the event, La Corporacion, a Tex-Mex

style band of whom all were from the Lansing area including LCC student Arturo Lopez, performed.

As the band played, guests began to dance to the music.

“When I hear the music, when I see the kids dancing,” Holguin said,.

“I think it’s so beautiful that when we sing the (older) songs, it’s not just old people who listen to it. It’s generation after generation … and I think that’s very cool about our culture.”

Tex-Mex style music has the influences of Mexico and Germany.

The genre itself is based out of Texas.

“It’s like a fusion of those two cultures,” Holguin explained.

Holguin also serves on the Hispanic Heritage Month planning committee.

“We wanted to have something strong to kick off the month,” Holguin said. “And to get people excited about other things See Heritage, page 2

2 NEWS

Sept. 20-Oct. 3, 2010

Homecoming

www.lcc.edu/lookout

Continued from page 1

has begun the Monday morning of the full week-long event.

And as the event’s design was to encourage participation in campus events, Lathrop said, “It’s loyalty that we really want to instill in the students here.”

Though the days themselves are still undergoing finalization, there are a few things that will definitely be taking place.

Lathrop said, “What I plan to do is have the ticket be a pass for the week.

“They can be used to receive free T-shirts and there will be an additional 10-percent discount at the spirit shop.”

Because the event is designed to increase student participation in

Photo by Michael Caterina

School spirit: Andrew Lathrop hands out awards to former LCC basketball players of the 2009 Homecoming game.

campus events and athletics, buying a ticket to the homecoming game is essential to qualify for the 10 percent discount.

Students who buy tickets for the game will qualify for an abundance of other prizes, the details of which are still being worked out.

“I’m working on getting some bigger prizes

to give students more incentive to go to the game,” Lathrop said.

So far, the schedule has cemented a pep rally for Thursday, Nov. 18, while plans for a tailgate the morning of Saturday, Nov. 20 are underway as well.

On Sunday, Nov. 21, there will be an event planned at Eastwood Towne Center, where

Black Platicas.

“It’s a chance for LCC students and staff to come and talk in Spanish,” Holguin said. “No pressure, no judging, it’s just a way to practice a little more.”

They are also going to view a film called Which Way Home, a documentary about children who migrate from Central America and México to make their way to the

students and alumni will check in and receive a coupon book. When they return the book at the end of the night, their names will be placed into a drawing for prizes.

Although not all of the week’s individual events have been finalized, Homecoming Week will definitely be happening this fall.

The event itself is designed to get students more involved in campus events.

“Students look at (LCC) as a come-and-go spot,” Lathrop said. “I want them to feel that they can stick around, and catch a game after class.

“I think that when students will be able to recognize student athletes, that’s when we will know we’ve been doing something right.”

Flood closes Gannon ramp

Heritage Continued from page 1

that we are doing.”

She explained that they will be having weekly lunches every Monday called Brown

U.S., on a freight train.

For more information about upcoming events visit http://www.lcc.edu/ events or call Sara Holguin at (517) 483-1610.

Photo by Michael Caterina

Diversion: LCC Police Cadet Albert J. Garcia directs traffic to the second floor Shiawassee exit of the Gannon Building parking ramp Sept. 16. The main exit was closed due to flooding and mechanical errors in the gates after a rainstorm.

3 NEWS

Sept. 20 - Oct. 3 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout

LCC, GM partnership a success Wren.

“Community college is so positive, not paying for that large school, the football team, and comOne of Michigan’s greatest commodities is ad- munity college made it easy, the classes are really vanced auto technology production in the United flexible. If they (LCC) didn’t make it so easy maybe we wouldn’t take advantage of it,” Wren said.

States.

Wren works daily at the Lansing Building StampGovernor Jennifer Granholm’s 2009 law permits General Motor workers (GM) to receive training ing Plant with teams made up of four to six people.

These employees work exclusively through How it works: on an assembly line, in community colleges by two hour shifts on each using new employee • Governor Granholm’s law permits General Motor task. withholding taxes as a workers to receive training directly through LCC. “Working in two hour credit to the employer. blocks breaks the moDue to this law, men • Classes teach students the necessary skills that nogamy of the task at and women can ad- are required when working in groups or on an assembly line. hand, it also makes emvance their automotive ployees better-rounded skills through Lansing • This new law has made it easier for families in at all aspects of their Community College Michigan to retain jobs. job,” said Wren.

(LCC), thus keeping the “I would not go back to newly educated work- • The goal of the law is to revitalize a collapsing school, I am established ers in the automotive Michigan auto industry. and have kids, but for industry of Michigan.

Steve Wren, a Team Build Coordinator at the Lan- some it really helps them learn new skills,” Wren sing Building Stamping Plant, has been working for said.

Along with community colleges partnering with GM for the past 33 years. Wren has not taken part in the additional training programs through LCC GM to supply affordable classes, this new law has but has seen firsthand how this program has had an made it easier for working families to retain jobs effect on multiple co-workers, including a female and stay together in Michigan.

“Absolutely yes, I want my children to stay co-worker from Ypsilanti.

“She is really devoted; she is a single parent rais- around. Keeping jobs here is important to keep ing two daughters. She has gotten her associate, families together, Family strength is a big thing, bachelor, and master’s degrees through LCC,” said pride is also important,” said Wren.

Shauna Stocken Staff Writer

TRiO program provides assistance Carin Sodeman Staff Writer

plans to graduate with honors in 2011.

Denise Brown-Chillers heard about TRiO while working at LCC and consequently, saw firsthand the benefits of the TRiO program.

“How does one speak about the time, genuine concern, and the efforts of four people? For me, that is hard to verbalize.

That student will have the necessary skills to achieve whatever academic goals they are striving to achieve.” Denise said.

Two weeks after applying, Denise received an acceptance letter in the mail. Soon after,

she attended orientation where questions were answered and expectations defined.

She learned students must submit a mid-semester progress report every semester. This ensures academic success by communicating to staff, whether or not there are problems so the student can get the help they need. ‘’I can only say that they really do care and nurture each and every one of the TRiO students, no matter the imperfections or lack of knowledge that student may have’’ said Brown Chillers.

Denise also learned of

other support services the program offers, including a laptop and TRiO is a federal calculator loan, transoutreach program deportation vouchers, and signed to assist students host of other incentives from disadvantaged in the form of movie backgrounds.

Within passes, Gibson’s gift TRiO are eight student cards, etc. support services, targetWhat had the most ed to assist low income lasting impression on students, first generaDenise was the care and tion college students or nurturing that she and disabled individuals. the other recipients reLansing Community ceived while in the proCollege has been a TRiO gram. Denise said, ‘’Stupartner upwards of fifdents definitely will not teen years. This is the be the same when they last year of the current leave the TRiO profive year grant; howgram.’’ ever, LCC was recently The program had awarded $1.4 million such an impact on Defor the new 2011-2016 nise that she plans to installment. join Michigan Evan L. MonState Univertague, the Dean of sity’s Student Student Services, Administration said, ‘’more than Program in the 56% of LCC gradfall of 2011, uates involved in with hopes to TRiO, graduate become an acawith honors.’’ demic advisor.

One of these If you would students is Denise like more inBrown-Chillers, formation on who graduated the TRiO proSumma Cum gram, visit Laude from Lantheir website sing Community at: www.lcc.

College in 2010 edu/trio/ or Photo by Michael Caterina and is currently stop by the Academic advancement: Attendees to an April 19 TRiO workshop listen to attending Sienna guest speaker Dr. Pamela Bellamy speak about time management. TRiO pro- TRiO office, Heights Universi- vides access to higher education for economically disadvantaged students located in the ty. Brown-Chillers and hosts workshops for the public.

SPS building.

IN BRIEF NEWS BRIEFS

LCC TO HOLD ANNUAL CAR SHOW

MEET AND GREET AT CHAVEZ CENTER

The Lansing Community College Automotive Technology program will hold its annual car show at West Campus Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010.

Free admission for the general public starts at 10 a.m. Award categories will include stock cars, modified cars, trucks, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles.

LUCERO held its third annual meet and greet on Wednesday, Sept. 15 at the Chavez Center in the Gannon Building. LUCERO is a support service program designed to assist in the recruitment, retention, graduation and transferring of Lansing Community College students.

LCC PRESIDENT MEETS WITH JAPANESE GOVERNOR

Committee to president meets Sept. 22

LCC president Brent Knight met with Governor Yukiko Kada of Shiga on Saturday, Sept.

11 to discuss workforce development initiatives, The meeting was succeeded by a tour of the Shigematsu Garden on Capitol Ave. LCC has shared a long relationship with the city of Lansing, the state of Michigan, and Japan.

More than 500 students have studied in Japan through LCC programs during the past 25 years.

LCC’s Shigmatsu Garden commemorates that long and valuable relationship.

The LCC Student Advisory Committee to the President meets on the following Wednesdays throughout the fall 2010 semester: Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 and Dec. 8.

LCC President Brent Knight is tentatively scheduled to attend each of these meetings to gather opinions from students about various topics. The meetings take place in TLC room 127 from 2 to 4 p.m. All students are welcome.

For more information or to add an agenda item, contact the Student Life and Leadership Department at 483-1285.

CAMPUS EVENTS Monday Sept. 20, LCC Board Meeting This meeting will be held in the Paula D. Cunningham Administration Building Board Room.Visit the www.lcc. edu/trustees/ website for more information.

Tuesday Sept 21, “Nanobacteria, Fact of Fiction?”

Nanobacteria, Fact of Fiction will be held at Schuler’s Books and Music, in Eastwood Town Center, at 7 p.m.

This presentation will examine and discuss Nanobacteria and it’s relevance to several scientific disciplines.

Thursday Sept 23, The MACRAO College Fair The fair will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Warren Civic Center. If you have any questions about this event please contact Monique McGregor at mcgrem1@ lcc.edu.

Sunday, Sept 26, Capital City River Run Benefit LCC cosponsors the Capital City River Run Benefit for Impressions 5. For more information please visit their website at: http://www. ccriverrun.org/.

4 FEATURES

Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Spotlight on LCC Tutoring Services: part 2 Bob Chaphalkar Guest Writer Tell me how and why you started using Tutoring Services here at LCC? I started LCC when I was 44. When I enrolled, I did not know help was available and

that it was free. When I came to Tutoring Services, the lady welcomed me with open arms and put me at ease.

Let us talk a little about yourself that might help fellow LCC students to relate to you in more than one way.

My daughter was going to MSU. She asked me Mom, you had some big dreams and what happened to them? You are not following them, why do I need to finish my degree? I had a tumultuous marriage, my kids needed role models and I needed an identity.

I was nobody; I had no accomplishments, nothing to be proud of. I also had to get rid of all negative vibes from other people. I decided that I couldn’t allow other people to tell me that I am no good.

There are always one or two people who believe in you and can help you in your life, without any reservations. In my case, I found bunch of people who were understanding and guided me.

How did tutoring help you?

I learned that I must go to all classes, had to (try to) do my homework or assignments, and read what the instructor or professor told us to. I have used “One on one,” “SI” (Supplemental Instruction) and Walk-In services. I schedule my class-work around the professors and instructor ’s office hours and then sprinkle in tutoring sessions. I am always seeking help.

Photo by Bob Chaphalkar

Student: Olynthia Chanucey Olynthia is currently enrolled in General Science curriculum in Arts and Sciences.

Are you almost done with courses at LCC? I need two writing courses and then I will

graduate. I not only learned to manage my time but also learned to pick instructors and professors who are helpful and understanding.

You need to be bold, ask questions if you do not understand something.

Did you ever think that you might drop out from LCC? Yes, I almost did. A year ago, I was about to drop out. I talked to my Physics professor and he told me if I was willing to put in extra time, he would too. So we spent the summer here at LCC and I got back on track.

I have different needs than most of the student population. I was in bad car accident and had a brain injury; and since then, I have anxiety and doubts, which are accompanied by crying.

The first time I did not cry (since I started at LCC) was when I was received the “Outstanding Student in your Chosen Field” award. I was on stage, felt very confident.

What resources do you suggest students use on campus?

Find out which instructors and professors are helpful to students. Find out if your professors and instructors have office hours and their contact information. Use all resources available to you. Find out if they have a tutor for that subject. Tutors sometimes take time to relate to your way of thinking. My chemistry tutor knew I liked to bake, so we treated the chemistry like a set of recipes and then it made a fun way to learn the hard subject.

Encouraging acceptance Nathan Wilson Staff Writer The Gay-Straight Alliance has been active at LCC for nearly 10 years, and it will soon begin another semester of projects.

In addition to holding meetings, the studentrun club organizes drag shows and literature tables to gather information about the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender (GLBT) community.

The club’s main goal is to gather like-minded students and create an environment for GLBT students to feel comfortable and accepted.

Adviser Jennifer Spenny has been involved in the club since 2006. She said one of the biggest obstacles facing GLBT students is acceptance from society.

“They’re people; they want to be accepted for who they are. They want to accept themselves and be accepted by society,” Spenny said. “The most difficult part is to be accepted by others so they can feel comfortable in their own skin.”

The Gay-Straight Alliance also helps GLBT students with scholarship money, but they

Photo by Courtney Baker

Scheduling: Gay-Straight Alliance members Nathan Brown (from left), Tony Alan and Mariette Heubel go over plans for upcoming events.

have to raise at least $1,000 before the scholarship can be established.

Another feature of the club is the yearly Midwest Bisexual Transgender Gay Lesbian College Conference. The GayStraight Alliance helps fund students to attend this conference, including hotel costs and registration fees.

The Gay-Straight Alliance is a very social club, said Spenny, and members enjoy meeting new people and forming friendships.

She added, “The more people who spend time with the GLBT community become less afraid of it, they understand it more. There’s a fear of what they don’t understand.”

According to Spenny, a huge portion of straight students are connected to the GLBT community and are very supportive.

Students interested in joining the Gay-Straight Alliance can expect a comfortable and relaxing environment.

The Gay-Straight Alliance will host a “Gayrage Sale” at the end of September to raise money for the Lansing Area AIDS Network Walk and other projects.

Meetings take place every Friday at 4:30 p.m. in the Gannon Building in Room 262.

For more information about the Gay Straight Alliance, please contact Jennifer Spenny at (517) 483-1209 or spennyj@lcc.edu.

5 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2010

www.lcc.edu/lookout

Lansing Mosaic: when labor and culture unite Lee Rumler A&E Editor On Sept. 4, Lansing’s labor and culture united at the first ever Lansing Mosaic, a festival held in Adado Riverfront Park (right across from the Gannon Building).

The festival was designed to celebrate the diversity of the Lansing population and the work they do.

The all day event kicked off at 9 a.m. with a 5K Run/ Walk dubbed the “Run Back to School,” sponsored by the Lansing Schools Education Association and the Lansing Educational Assistants.

After the run, the tents officially opened to the public.

According to Joe McDonald, the main spokesman of the festival, each tent was a cultural or labor experience in itself and hosted events as varied as the people of our city.

The Indian Women’s Club

sold hand-crafted pottery the band.” according to McDonald, basketball tournament and and the Brotherhood of The festival went on un- they’re already beginning Dragon Boat Races.

Carpenters and Joiners of til 10 p.m. but that cer- brainstorming for next year.

“It’s going to be an event America held nail pounding tainly will not be the end Already in the works are … (that) grows and gets bigcompetitions. Many of the of the celebrations because plans for a three on three ger and better every year.” organizations that participated in the festival were non-profit charities.

Children were not forgotten in the festivities. Giant inflatables were set up in the middle of all the tents.

At noon the mayor ’s labor walk took place. Laborers traveled from the Riverfront to the capital and back in a solidarity walk.

Around mid-day the festival also offered free boat rides on the Grand River sponsored by Lansing Metro Marinas.

“At six o’clock we have paid entertainment, which is Root Doctor and (Orquesta) Ritmo, very good local bands, fantastic,” said McDonald before the event.

“We also have a ‘beverage’ tent, so if somebody wants Photo by Michael Caterina a ‘beverage,’ they can go in there, have fun and watch Smooth moves: Guests to the first-ever Lansing Mosaic dance to the sounds of Orquesta Ritmo Sept. 4.

Band rocked awful venue Pandemonium unleashed Lee Rumler A&E Editor

Nathan Wilson Staff Writer

On Saturday Sept. 11, I went to Mac’s Bar to watch Frank and Earnest perform, before The Ataris, with an intention of reviewing the show.

In typical Mac’s Bar fashion, the first band carried up their instruments, set up and began sound checks. It was at this moment I realized my first mistake of the night: I had intended on listening to the bands.

Trying to listen to a band at Mac’s Bar is kind of like trying to listen to the sound of a jet engine. Maybe it has some distinct tonal and rhythmic qualities, but you really can’t hear it OVER THE (FLIPPING) JET ENGINE! Maybe that wasn’t clear enough.

Once, I read on a pack of Skull Candy headphones that 150 decibels is the amount of sound a jet engine puts out. That is enough to rupture a person’s eardrums.

Now I’m not some sort of electronic decibel meter – honestly, I could not say how loud anything is these days

“Poetry for the Poison” is slithering its way into the charts with the intensity one would expect from the metal quartet Kamelot. The creators of this art have intrigued critics for nearly twenty years, constantly changing their tone with every album while still retaining certain elements.

Kamelot is one of the rare metal bands that seamlessly blends symphony, guitars and operatic vocals into a musical masterpiece both epic and dark in nature.

Their recent release, “Poetry for the Poisoned,” is a decadent compilation of beautifully crafted lyrics, the writing process taking form mostly in the woods of Norway and Germany.

The album begins with the creeping vibe of “The Great Pandemonium,” only to embrace the listener in an onslaught of sound as vocalist Roy Khan croons about Babylon and the abyssal pits of hell.

Five tracks into the album, Kamelot launches into the dynamic pace of “Hunter’s Season,” followed by “House on a Hill,” a haunting melody that features a serene and emotional duet between Khan and the beautiful Simone Simons.

Shortly after, the album pulses into the sinister melody “Necropolis,” a song that gets under the listener’s skin to a truly eerie effect.

Other highlights in-

Photo by Lee Rumler

Hypersonic Death chamber: Paul, Ben and Otis of Frank and Earnest allegedly tested sonic weaponry for the United States government at Mac’s Bar.

thanks to my recently acquired tympanic membrane perforation – but if I had a decibel scale, I would put the noise of the concert somewhere between “traveling locomotive” and “United States sonic weaponry testing.”

I would love to say that LCC’s very own Frank and Earnest played wonderfully

before a nationally-recognized band. I would love to say their lyrics were witty, their guitar riffs were original, and their drum beats were “phat (or whatever)”; alas, I cannot, for I could not hear them.

So sorry Frank and Earnest, but this review is not for you.

This slam is on Mac’s Bar.

Photo by Lee Rumler

Unknowing Instruments: Ben and Otis demonstrated the true meaning of a “Symphony of Destruction.”

clude the quadrilogy, “Poetry for the Poisoned,” where Khan is joined by Simone Simons and Amanda Somerville for a mesmerizing melody describing a parasitic relationship.

The title composition lasts nine minutes, pendulously swinging between a gentle tempo and a frantic ballad of passionate verses.

At its dark core, “Poetry for the Poisoned” is an elaborate and twisted artist’s attempt to seek out something to hold on to spiritually. The amount of effort invested in its production has resulted in perhaps one of the most enthralling metal albums of the year.

6 A&E

Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Upcoming events Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) Three actors attempt to perform all of Shakespeare’s works in one night on Oct. 1-2 and 8-9 starting at 8 p.m. at the LCC Black Box Theatre, Room 168 Gannon Building.

The event is $5 for all students, staff and alumni; $10 otherwise.

Pickin’ in the Park

String players of all ages and skill levels gather in Burchard Park to learn from each other in a “share a song” format every Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. This event is always free.

The Grand River Radio Diner Series

Every Friday at noon, LCC Radio presents an acoustic showcase in the Lansing Market Café. This event is always free.

Strictly Global to Premier on TV Oct. 1 at 10 p.m. on LCCTV, Comcast channels 15 and 31.

Acoustic symphony of strings and songs Lee Rumler A&E Editor Twenty men and women wielding hardwood instruments, gathered in a circle on the corner of Turner Street and Grand River Avenue at Pickin’ in the Park Tuesday, Sept. 14.

This weekly event is dedicated to the teaching and learning of new songs. It was designed for musicians of all skill levels.

According to Mid-Michigan’s Pickin’ in the Park coordinator Ed Love, “It’s an opportunity for people who don’t get to play with other people all the time... to go and learn new songs.

“It’s a share a song format, you see, we’re going in a circle, and when it comes around to your turn you either play one, pass, or request one. And I’ve learned a lot of songs down here.”

Though country, classic rock and blue grass are the predominant genres, muPhoto by Michael Caterina sic of all origins is appreciated.

Park jams: “Jam sergeant” Ed Love leads the weekly “Pickin’ in the Park” event. Each week musi“We try to mix it up quite a bit, and if cians gather in Burchard Park and play songs as a group. it starts going too much down one road, somebody will throw it off the track It’s open to everything; just, we don’t movement. It actually started down in and get it on another road, and we’ll see plug in. There’s no pluggin’ in.”

Georgia. There are two of them in Georwhere we land,” Love said.

On a typical week, the group will gia, one in Tennesee, another in MisAn African native even contributed a grow to a couple dozen players and a souri. couple native Swahili tunes to the jam couple dozen listeners of all ages.

“I think there’s even one in [New] Jersession Tuesday.

When the group of players gets too sey. I think we were like the fourth one All sorts of instrumentalists are ap- big, they just break off into two or more in the country.” preciated, Love said. smaller groups and the listeners follow Pickin’ in the Park takes place every “I know that we’ve had ... (an) upright whatever group they want to listen to.

Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Burchard bass, mandolins, banjos, guitars, harLansing’s Pickin’ in the Park appar- Park in Old Town. monicas. We’ve had saxophones, fiddle ently is not the only one of its kind eiStarting Oct. 12, it will be held every players, we’ve had accordion players. ther. According to Love, “It’s a national other Tuesday at the nearby Sir Pizza.

— Clever Column Title Goes Here —

Expanding my musical understanding

As a proud advocate of heavy metal, I have always been reluctant to move beyond the familiar territory of harsh vocals, furious guitar solos and musical mayhem.

However, one can only listen to Megadeth, Cradle of Filth and Disturbed for so many years before tedium sets in.

I have realized that my cocoon of heavy metal has begun to wear down as I have explored new genres such as Japanese folk music, Bhangra and New Age spiritual music--and soon to add German gangsta rap.

It all began when I saw an online article about Germany’s first gangsta rapper, Bushido. Something strange happened over the course of the next few days.

I played less metal and listened to more of Germany’s underground rap scene; including Sido, Kitty Kat, and especially Bushido. I realized I had barely listened to metal for a month, and my family can vouch that such an occurrence is indeed phenomenal. Bushido’s discography intrigued me the most; it was unlike any rap I had heard before, aside from the obvious German verses.

What I found most astounding was Bushido’s albums contained personal songs that I considered to be very meaningful; not the typical banter of a thug expressing his worth in millions of dollars and wallowing in his ego.

Admittedly, some of his lyrics are controversial and immature, but I could not help but

respect him when his lyrics took on a more personal and mature tone.

By meaningful topics, I am referring to deployment to war (Flug LH3516), overcoming setbacks in life (Alles wird Gut) relationship woes (Hoffnung stirbt zuletz), absent fathers (Reich mir nicht deine Hand) and coping with the loss of loved ones (Ich Lass Dich Gehen).

While I do not immediately understand everything he says in his lyrics, I do not need to analyze every verse to appreciate the talent suffused in his art.

Overall, this experience has taught me the value of moving beyond my prejudices towards certain genres of music and risk delving into new outlets. I never would have imagined I would gain such an appreciation for rap. I hope this does not mean my heavy metal license is revoked.

7 SPORTS

Sept. 20-Oct. 3, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Spikers 2-1 in conference following busy week Zach Bellingar Sports Editor

The LCC volleyball team has seen tough action over the past two weeks in both conference and non-conference play.

Over the weekend of Sept. 4-5, the Stars were winless in four tough matches at the Owens Invitational in Toledo, Ohio.

LCC Coach Dennis Richardson said of the tough loss: “We got beat by top 20 in the nation teams. I’m disappointed in the losses but we are starting to play at a higher level.

“For example, we lost to Parkland CC from Illinois, ranked number three in the nation, in five sets.”

On Thursday, Sept. 9, the Stars regrouped in the 2010 MCCAA conference opener to defeat Kellogg Community College in three sets, 25-22, 25-22, 25-17.

After losing at Owens,

the team showed it was ready to bounce back.

“We took what we learned at Owens and an attitude to win, to start conference play undefeated,” Richardson said. “We dominated at the net on defense with blocking and that led to some fantastic kills on offense.

“As we proceed in the season, our freshmen need to continue to grow in their skills, as do the sophomores, and if we focus on team goals we will be very successful.”

Immediately following Owens, the team traveled to Muskegon to compete in the Muskegon Invitational Sept. 10-11. The Stars won three matches but lost one.

On Tuesday, Sept. 14, the Stars competed in their home-opener against Jackson Community College and left Gannon Gymnasium with a win after four sets, 16-25, 25-21, 25-17

and 25-17.

Captain Kimmy Schmid changed the pace of the match in the second set, with a h e a v y spike for the 20th point.

“I was ready to put the ball down,” Schmid said.

“It was time. I went for it and the block was open.”

Although the girls won, the first set went to Jackson.

“I think it was just a lot of nerves, especially for the freshmen,” sophomore Camille Harris said. “I think we were all just kind of nervous. (This was our) first home match of the season.

We just got to work out the kinks and play our game at our pace.”

Richardson added: “They’ve got some good players on their team.

Photo by Michael Caterina

Awesome offense: Sophomore outside hitter Kelsi Bentley goes up against the Jackson Community College defense Sept. 14. The Stars won their home opener in four sets.

You can’t overlook anybody in this league. I don’t

think we came out overconfident, we were just

nervous. We have a lot of freshmen in key spots.”

Thursday, Sept. 16, was an unfortunate night for the Stars. They hosted Muskegon Community College, losing three sets to one, 25-18, 19-25, 25-19 and 25-13.

Richardson said he is not worried about a loss this early in the season and is confident that losing will not become a trend with his team.

“It’s all about momentum,” Richardson said.

“We beat Kellogg, (Kellogg beat Muskegon Tuesday), so (Muskegon) came in with a little vinegar in their blood. They came at us hard and we couldn’t hold off their charges.”

Following the Sept. 16 match, the Stars owned a 9-9 overall record. Their MCCAA record was 2-1.

Lookout Freelance Reporter Dan Miller contributed to this report.

No worries; path to softball success under construction Dan Miller Staff Writer

The Lansing Community College softball team has dominated the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region XII for the past decade. The Stars won eight championships.

They finished as runners-up for the 2000, 2001 and 2003 seasons, while claiming the NJCAA national championship in 2002.

If LCC softball were a car it would be a Mustang, but even a great muscle car will run sluggish and need a tuneup.

LCC finished with the school’s best record in 2009 (54-5) followed by its worst (32-15) in 2010.

The team finished third

Staying sharp: Sophomore infielder MacKenzie Chrenka goes through batting practice during the team’s offseason workouts.

The LCC softball team is currently participating in fall scrimmage games. The team had a 4-2 record through last week’s action.

Photo by Michael Caterina

in the division for the first time under Coach Bob Every and, for the first time since 2006, they did not qualify for the national tournament.

It was apparently time for a tuneup.

After making sure the sparkplugs are properly

gapped, wires are connected to their proper homes and the 14 freshmen act as the new coil pack, Every said he is happy with the horsepower his players bring with them for the 2011 season.

“So far I like what I see

in the girls,” Every said.

“They are enthusiastic.

The girls come in early and stay late, which is always a good indication that kids want to learn and improve.”

During the 2010 season, the Stars returned 10 sophomores who were expected to bring leadership and experience. Every said he is uncertain which of the four sophomores on this year’s team will bring the type of leadership the team needs to succeed.

“I’m not sure how willing they are to jump and be the leader of the team,” Every said. “I hope (at least one) of them does. I believe all of them can. Leading is a rather special trait and you have to be a special person to lead.”

Sophomore MacKenzie Chrenka said she wants to step into a leadership role by guiding her team through the player-player conflict it faced a year ago.

“Struggles are always hard to avoid because they are everywhere,” Chrenka said. “The only way to deal with it is head-on. So that is what I’m going to do. If I have a problem with someone, I am going to confront them personally and I expect the same in return.”

LCC has been a topnotch softball school for years, recruiting athletes that were the best players on their high school teams in the past.

Chrenka said for some freshmen, it is hard to cope with situations when things are not go-

ing well; she plans on being the shoulder for her teammates to lean on.

“I will let them know that mistakes happen,” Chrenka said. “I know because I made plenty as a freshman. They will have to take the mistake, learn from it and do better next time. They cannot expect to be superstars on this team.”

After a great season in 2009, followed by the disappointing season a year ago, Chrenka said she is willing to make any sacrifice needed for success in the 2011 season.

“My goal is to get a ring on my finger,” she said. “I want the championship that any dedicated, competitive, strong athlete should have.”

8SPORTS

Sept. 20-Oct. 3, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout

XC team sets sights on championship

Zach Bellingar Sports Editor

Most of the varsity sports at LCC are classified as Division II junior college. The only exception is cross country. The Stars compete at the Division I level.

After only one invitational at Jackson Community College, where LCC dominated, the men’s and women’s cross country teams are setting the pace for a shot at the national championship.

“We are already ranked third in the nation for girls and fifth in the nation for guys,” Coach Chuck Block said.

“We’re not third (in) Division II, we are third in the nation.”

In the 2009 NJCAA Cross Country National Championships, the men’s team finished 10th and the women finished eighth.

With such a strong standing this early in the season, returning sophomore Eric Spitz knows continued success will not come easy.

“It’s a lot of hard

Photo by Michael Caterina

Winning pace: LCC Cross Country runners Eric Spitz, Ryan Rebain and Gibson Hochgesang make their way through the course at Grand Woods Park during the 2009 Regional Championship. This year’s team members have their eyes set on a national championship.

work.,” Spitz said. “You really have to be disciplined to see results.

You’ve got to be run-

ning on your own or just working really hard in practice, doing whatever you can to get faster,

making sure you’re always stretching.

“Stretching is really important.

You don’t

want to pull anything or get injured.”

In addition to the fight to clock-in before the competiton, with such a fast team this season, LCC runners compete with each other for the top spot.

“We’re definitely all fighting for the top seven spots because we have a shot at the National Championship this year so there’s a lot of competition on the team,” Spitz said.

For others, like returning sophomore Ellory Green, the challenge is matching and beating last year’s results. Followers of women’s cross country last season know that Green was the girl to beat.

At the Jackson Invitational, Green came in third, but that does not discourage her.

“I came from a school where I was never the top,” Green said. “Last year I was the top runner and I was all alone so it’s nice to have teammates to push me. It’s different but I like being competitive.”

Block commented on

Green’s performance, saying, “Ellory’s time was faster than last year’s time. It’s not that Ellory is getting worse; it’s that we are getting girls that are hanging with her.

It’s only one meet. Don’t count her out.”

And when asked about Coach Block, Spitz and Green agreed.

“He’s a great coach,” each said.

Spitz added: “He splits it up so we have our distance days, we have our speed workout days.

He’ll set good paces.”

Block said his coaching philosophy involves “a balanced approach.

We try to work all parts of running every week.

“Where as some programs might say this couple weeks we’re going to work on this, we try to work all the energy systems every week. We still run, we still do cycles, but we try to work on speed, aerobic base and lactate tolerance every week. That’s number one. Number two is to have fun, team camaraderie and team spirit.”

Plans for bright future drive LCC Wrestling Club forward Erik Stiem Staff Writer Every fall and winter since 2003, the LCC Wrestling Club has been a staple among LCC’s club sports.

The club meets at its practice facility, Camp Tisdale Community Center at 1200 Marquette St. in Lansing. The center is 4,300 square feet and houses a sizeable gym, an “Average Joe’s” workout facility, a computer lab for the students, and a game room.

The club is headed by Shane Tisdale, who has his international coaching certification as well as 13 years of coaching experience and 23 years total in wrestling in three styles.

He said he is dedicated to making this club an elite program where students can receive excellent instruction for free at one of the cheapest college in Michigan.

According to Tisdale there are no worries for someone on the fence, because the LCC Wrestling Club is a club “that’s going to be overly successful, because that’s how serious we take our program.”

Tisdale said the club meshes together athletics with academics and gives them motivation to stay involved and stay in school.

Students must stay on top of their grades to remain active on the club’s roster and attend meets, where the compe-

tition ranges from other clubs to junior colleges all the way to Division I schools.

Some of the future plans of the club and Tisdale are to turn part of the facility into free lodging for students, rent out the gymnasium for other program’s events, and take the team all the way to national opens, Tisdale said.

The ultimate goal, Tisdale said, is to have its success lead to receiving varsity status from LCC and become an official sport of the college.

Contact Shane Tisdale at 517-282-0651 for meeting times and any other questions.

Pinned: LCC Coach Shane Tisdale and Ryan Maxfield demonstrate the basics to members of LCC’s Wrestling Club.

Photo by Dan Miller

9SPORTS

Sept. 20-Oct. 3, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout — What in the wide world of sports? —

Turn, turn, turn the channel To everything there is a season. And a time to every purpose, under athletes.

Sports typically govern our seasonal excitement.

Spring means playoffs and baseball. Summer ends seasons and continues baseball.

Fall means football, basketball, hockey. Winter starts the spring. It’s all very typical.

This year, however, was anything but disappointing for seasonal enthusiasts such as myself.

The high points in a nutshell: February 12 gave us something to watch practically 24/7 with the start of the 2010 winter Olympic games in Vancouver. The Saints had just won the Super Bowl five days prior and for the hockey lover in all of us, it was disappointing to splice the season just before playoffs.

At the same time, typical opponents were bonded by nationality, and as we all found out, Canada has some decent hockey players.

And

Shawn White is forever going to be the godfather of snowboarding.

Curling exploded all over our television sets with the disappointing American outcome, but at least now we can all say we know the point.

Can’t we?

Shortly after the end of the Olympics, and a Stanley Cup run for the Chicago Blackhawks that will not be explained or mentioned ever again, was the start of the end for the pessimist Tigers fan in most of us as of late. As of whenever you read this, the Detroit Tigers are not going to the playoffs.

Also this summer, ESPN news writers were not reaching for material thanks to the FIFA World

Cup, which, just like always, was full of commotion and controversy.

Unlike most sports given today’s technology, World Cup soccer is still a game of the officials. It has yet to evolve into a game of instant replays and coaches’ challenges.

For example, the U.S. was sore after being robbed on two separate occasions of good goals called off. If Zinedine Zedine were there, he would have head blasted them all in the chest.

Spain took home the cup, knocking off the Netherlands after 116 minutes with a score of 1-0.

Or perhaps you’re that guy (or girl) who has always thought of soccer with sissy connotations when put up against something like, say, I don’t know, the other football.

That’s okay!

Summer is your friend.

While everyone is waiting for fall to arrive and bring the football seasons with it, the Canadian in me wishes I had TSN. The Sports Network is Canada’s ESPN, and many don’t

Athlete looks to set another milestone; Q&A with Nick Kissane Dan Miller Staff Writer Nick Kissane is a graduate from Grand Ledge High School, where he played baseball and football. He currently plays catcher and third base for LCC’s Varsity Baseball team.

During his senior season playing for the Grand Ledge Comets, Kissane was on the 2008 Associated Press Division I and II All-State team.

Kissane led Grand Ledge football in 2008 with a passing rate of 116, while throwing for 2,010 yards. He also had a passcompletion ratio of 61.2 percent, while rushing for 532 yards. His performance led Mid-Michigan in passing and raised a few eyebrows state-wide.

Kissane likely could have played at any college throughout the nation, but his passion for baseball led him in a different direction.

Why did you choose to pursue your career in baseball, after having so much success in football?

Baseball is something I have always loved since I was a kid. It has always been my favorite (sport), and when the opportunity

KISSANE of a scholarship came from LCC, I took it.

If you would have been offered a scholarship from a big school for football, would I be talking to you about football instead?

I had a couple of big schools talk to me, and if a major college offered me a scholarship I might have thought about it a little more, but my heart has always been with baseball.

What factors played a role in your decision to accept the scholarship from LCC, over other colleges?

A lot of other schools talked to me about playing ball, but most of them wanted me to be a walkon. LCC offered me a scholarship; I thought it

was a good place to start.

What other sports did you participate in during high school?

I played basketball until tenth grade, at which point I stopped playing and focused mainly on football and baseball.

If you could go back, would you change that decision?

No, I was decent at basketball and always played, but it wasn’t something I wanted to excel in.

What is your future in baseball?

I would like to transfer to a D-I school after LCC. Right now I’m waiting to see if I get a scholarship from any schools.

What athlete do you look up to the most?

I like to watch different kinds of sports, watching (athletes) compete and the competitive edge of sports in general. If I had to pick, it would be Miguel Cabrera for the Tigers.

Which one person do you look up to the most?

My football coach Matt Bird from high school, for all the “off-the-field” stuff that he does and the inspiration he brings to me. To see how he handles day to day situations. he is a great role model for me.

realize that those people with their funny accents and universal healthcare have actually started … the Canadian Football League.

It’s mostly the same, with a few exceptions.

The field is longer.

There is no ‘fair catch’ and the odds of transitioning from college to pro’s increases with the ‘up north’ option. Doug Flutie did it. It’s highly entertaining and full of offense.

The Grey Cup, our Super Bowl equivalent, is coming up already.

I’ll be watching the 98th Grey Cup, Sunday, November 28 at 6 p.m.

As it is, there are plenty of great sports to become consumed with playing or simply watching on local channels. For me, the world will again start turning when the Detroit Red Wings start their campaign for Lord Stanley’s Cup. This year, the team’s average age went up from 67 to 75 with the addition of veteran Mike Modano. Go Wings!

10 OPINION — Shouting a Nuance —

Acceptance

I am the personification of the early 21st century viewpoint: I am the inclusive acceptance of other’s philosophies and the exclusive perpetuation of my own. I am correct as long as I believe you are not, which means I am never wrong.

I am the contradiction of beliefs, which sustain me for as long as I need them. I am the disregard of personal ideals when they no longer suit me.

I am the self-righteous cynic who accepts his arrogance as his only flaw.

I am the creator of the heavens and the earth.

Do not argue. Just believe it.

I am the justification of violent acts and the rationalization of genocides.

I am the apathetic acceptance of said acts and genocides as a staple to modern day living, just another news report on just another TV station.

Today I feel a twinge of conscience; tomorrow I will feel free of guilt.

I have learned to accept this.

I am the embodiment of the post-modernistic view of individualism: I am a creation of my culture, an unnoticed addition to the already overflowing pool of similar ideas.

I was conceived on an uneventful day in Janu-

ary 1992, born on an equally uneventful day in September 1992, and will probably die on a just as uneventful day between 19 and 92 years later. No one will note my passing.

I have learned to accept this.

I am the silent screams of pain and the stoic cries for help all around you.

I am the pointing fingers at injustice and I only use my power for my own exploitative advancement.

I am the reason I will go unnoticed.

I have learned to accept this.

I am the same as you, and you are the same as everyone else. Together, we will burn our own history, we will create a new civilization from the ashes, we will decipher the meaning of life, and no one will take notice.

I have learned to accept this. I understand that you could too.

Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout — Fully Flippin’ it—

What the flip does ‘flip’ mean?

So you might be asking yourself, what the crap does “Fully flippin’ it” mean, and why did I choose it as my column title? Well I’m going to inform you, right now.

Hope you are ready for this.

That is how most people use the word flip, but a group of friends and I

have taken it a step further.

Before I tell you about how to use flip in all its glory, I have to tell you how this lovely word started plaguing my vocabulary.

It was thrown out, while tailgating, one Saturday in East Lansing. During a game of bean bags, after sinking two consecutive shots, a friend yelled, “Man, you can’t flip that!” I was confused, but intrigued.

After making the shot (yeah, I’m pretty good at bags) he responded, “Dude, you fully flipped that!” I was blown away. We got to talking and he introduced me to the ways of flip.

Flip it: You can use this phrase in a slue of different situations. If something is heading in the wrong direction, IE you’re losing in beer pong, you can turn to your partner and say: “We need to flip it right now.”

You can also use it when you do well in something: “You know that test? Yeah, I flipped it!” You can also wish your friends luck with it: “You better flip it at your softball game, son!”

Fully Flip: Adding fully in front of the diverse word, flip, adds a whole new dimension to the craziness; it makes it known that you mean business: “You better fully flip it on our next turn.” Saying that someone is fully flipped can mean a state of extreme intoxication: “Dude, your friend is FULLY flipped right now.”

Flip: Flip can also take the place of another more vulgar four letter f word without being as harsh or offending your mother. For example: “Aw Flip!” “What the Flip?” “Flip that!” Saying flip instead of that other

— Everyone should read George Orwell—

The complex human, personified

Fall is the season in which we cast our votes for a new governor; a mere personification of the next, lastditch effort for Michigan’s economy and, well, everything else.

The schools open without their most important tools, like books for example(s). High-schoolers attend schools without librarians, and college students pile into universities that surprise their senses in nearly every fashion.

We find ourselves during this particular fall, surrounded by humans, muddled with the complexity of the human condition, left and right.

Islamic Mosques are being verbally attacked due to geographic location. American citizens have found themselves on both sides of the issue. Although, for the most part their individual conduct leaves them well within their rights, they remain a bit extreme in conduct.

Our country claims to be a Democracy but perhaps it truly isn’t. While the country remains run as a true republic; in which the majority may continue to rule by numbers and the minority will be continuously overlooked. What is minor is not necessarily wrong however, and what is generally thought amongst most certainly can be.

With charges that a scheduled Koran burning threatened the lives of our troops, the media poured their cameras over Pastor Terry Jones so many times I could draw it for you.

I wonder how many people across the world would have ever known such a small-town ignoramus existed had the media not shoved it down everyone’s throat.

With constant flashes, tweets, updates and opinion chats, the American media seemed to take on an even more ESPN-like way of journalism than previous.

They turned news stations into a series of column writers with radical personalities to flash across their stages.

News needs both commentaryand true journalism.

Journalism is one of the most superior mediums through which factual information can be provided to a vast array of people. While this is true, a news station can also be a superior medium through which opinions from intelligent folk are able to receive notice.

That being said, there should be a distinct line drawn; one side of this line is commentating and the other remains as journalism.

This difference between the two can be noted, here at The Lookout, by decorating our pages with facts, and contrasting columns. In these columns editors can make their individual comments on LCC and world happenings.

As fall is a time of transition, a time of old and new colliding and forging something even more new than the new, perhaps this fall we may find ourselves, with the other side of the story to tell.

Place thumb under index finger.

Push thumb up from under index finger. Repeat.

word adds a light-hearted element to your exclaiming and most likely won’t offend those around you.

Fa-lip: This version of flip is all about how you say it. First of all, it needs to be yelled. Second you need to draw the “a” sound out to make your point. While rounding out the final “p” sound it needs to be accompanied by a hand motion (see figures one and two).

Pretend you are going to flip a coin and do just that, no coin needed. The hand motion can also be used along with any incarnation of saying this fabulous word.

Flip Face: This phrase has drawn a lot of attention and confusion to the people that have used it. My interpretation of flip face is that it can be negative, but I just think it is funny as hell to see the look you get after you call someone a flip face for the first time. If someone has been enlightened by this word, flip, they will know right away that you are just greeting them when you say “What’s up, flip face?” Take it with a grain of salt when someone calls you this. It’s just meant to be funny.

Really and truly, the ways you can use “Flip” in everyday conversation are endless. I come up with new ways all the time and just throw them in the mix.

A word of caution to those of you thinking of delving into the ways of flip; it’s highly addictive. I don’t think I could stop saying it if I tried. But I love flip and all the great things it can mean.

Now you know, so go flip it son!

— A New York state of mind —

The blame to pass

When talking about the devastation brought on by the war in Iraq, the late great Senator Robert Byrd made an amazing statement.

Byrd said while it would take many years to repair all the buildings American bombs had destroyed, it would take generations to rebuild America’s reputation as a non-aggressive nation.

The same could be said for the giant oil company BP. There is a lot of arguing going on about it. Some have said that most of the oil just naturally disappeared through evaporation, burning off the ocean, and mixing in naturally with the ocean’s environment.

Oceanographer Samantha Joye has said, however, it has disappeared, because the oil has formed a thick layer at the bottom of the ocean. She also said we will feel its effect on the ecosystem for decades.

But there’s one thing we can all agree on -BP is responsible for the worst oil spill in recorded history. Period. They should pay. Period. It

will take us a very long time, if ever, to believe in that company again.

The worst of it is a sniveling drivel of excuses BP just released in the form of an internal report. In the report BP explains why it should not be held responsible, with fingers pointing everywhere except where they actually belong.

Basically, It is everybody else’s fault according to BP. Except maybe a half of a percent.

It’s time for people to say, “Yo . . . man up, BP. Quit passing on the blame for your own selfish attempts to save money by using cheaper materials for the oil rig instead of making sure our life-giving waters are not contaminated by the slime of greed.’’

And rest assured, BP, we will not forget.

11 OPINION

Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout In our own words | Staff Editorial

LCC; a college too

Write a Letter to the

Lansing Community College is certainly not Michigan State University or the University of Michigan. Perhaps it is not even comparable to any major college.

It does not feature a sprawling campus with dorms or boast an impressive stadium for avid sports fans.

It is easy to dismiss LCC as a stepping stone to a larger university, just a year or two of classes before embarking toward a higher education.

Despite the obvious differences between LCC and major universities, the campus’s efforts to make it feel more like a college are not easily recognized at first.

For example, LCC offers a wide range of clubs that allows students to feel more connected to campus and get involved in activities.

The Student Life and Leadership Department is a great place to start

Policies: all letters should be 200 words or less and signed with a name, address (email or otherwise) and phone number. The Lookout reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, spelling, length and clarity.

looking for volunteer opportunities or a group to participate in. LCC also has its own TV station where students can learn about campus events.

Another great feature on campus is LCC Radio, which offers a wide range of music for students to enjoy.

Just recently, LCC Radio partnered with Gibson’s to bring a concert to the main campus.

Homecoming is another exciting event for students to show their school spirit and feel a sense of unity under LCC. Last, but certainly not least, LCC features its own student newspaper: The Lookout.

So while you may be looking forward to getting out of LCC, and transferring to a “real college,” take a moment to appreciate what the campus, and what officials at the college have done to make it feel more like a higher institution.

Editor

Mail: 1000 – The Lookout Lansing Community College P.O. box 40010 Lansing, MI 489401-7210 Email: Thelookoutstaff@gmail.com Fax: (517) 483-1290 The Lookout is the independent, biweekly student newspaper of Lansing Community College. All opinion/editorial articles are the sole opinion of the writer and may not reflect the views of the staff, students, faculty and college as a whole.

Opinion/editorial articles may or may not be located exclusively on editorial pages and may appear on news, sports and arts & entertainment pages.

- The Lookout Staff

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TOPPS BASEBALL Complete set of 792 cards, all in mint condition. Cal Ripken rookie card and many Hall-of-Famers including Nolan Ryan, Johnny Bench, Carl Yazstremski and Rickey Henderson. $100 firm. Call 517-483-1291.

the lookout Sarah Sanders

Editor in Chief sande43@mail.lcc.edu

Michael Caterina

Photo Editor cater2@mail.lcc.edu

Kaitlin Lutz

Associate Editor kaitlinlutz.is@gmail.com

Dominick Mastrangelo

News Editor dmaster92@hotmail.com

Lee Rumler

A&E Editor leerumler@gmail.com

Zach Bellingar

Sports Editor zachb86@hotmail.com

Nathan Wilson Staff Writer/Office Manager ashamir8612@aim.com

Kelly Lehtonen

Ad. Manager lehtonenkelly@yahoo.com

Larry Hook

Adviser hookl@lcc.edu

12 LAST LOOK

Sept. 20-Oct. 3, 2010 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Alcohol assortment : Arts and Sciences room 190 is home to the mixology lab. The lab is fully functional with soda guns, ice machine, hundreds of bottles and glassware to make any drink.

Shaken not stirred; mixology at LCC

Michael Caterina Photo Editor

Ever wondered what is in a cosmopolitan, how a bartender makes a shot layered with different kinds of alcohol, or what is a liquor license?

All of this and more can be learned in HMFS 254, LCC’s mixology class.

Each week, students in this four-credit class spend two hours in a classroom and four hours in lab.

During the classroom portion, students learn many different

things ranging from differentiating the distilled spirits to legal issues associated with bartending.

The lab portion of the class is held in the Arts and Sciences Building in room 190. This classroom has a fully functional bar, with many different types of glassware and ingredients for students to practice with.

According to mixology instructor Carol Gruen, the only thing missing from the lab is the alcohol.

“Unfortunately we don’t use (real alcohol),” Gruen said. “That would make the cost of the class

Nice slice: Cinematography student Matt Laduke cuts up limes and lemons to use as garnishes during class.

price prohibitive because we make hundreds of drinks in one class.”

The bottles behind the bar are filled with a less potent form of hydration.

“We use colored water and we try to make it (look) as close to the real thing as we can,” Gruen said.

According to Gruen, students are required to memorize over 150 different drinks.

Tests are given on paper where students must recall from memory the recipes for the drinks.

“It’s a lot of memorization,”

said hospitality business student Katrina Zurla.

Zurla already tends bar but is expanding her knowledge with mixology.

“I bartend at Reno’s East and I thought that (the class) would help my job,” Zurla said.

The final for the class requires students to make 50 drinks in a one-hour time period, a daunting but rewarding task. “(Students) receive a certificate from LCC if they get a 3.5 or higher,” Gruen said. “I would say probably half of our students do receive that certificate.”

Students completing the course will also gain valuable experience that could turn into employment. “(Mixology) is one of the very few classes you can take where you can take a semester class and then go out and actually find a job,” Gruen said. “It takes persistence but people do get very good jobs.”

Those who believe mixing up drinks sounds like a fun career should keep their eyes open for the spring schedule book and sign up for mixology quickly because classes fill fast.

Dispensing deliciousness: Business student Stephanie McKenna pours out a one-ounce measure, by counting to four, while pouring her drink.

Concentration : Matt Laduke watches as one of his classmates strains a drink into an up glass.

Fruity Flavors: Nicole Rodgers muddles two cherries, an orange slice and two packets of sugar while making a Manhattan.

Photostory by Michael Caterina

Service skills: Hospitality business student Katrina Zurla strains a dirty martini into an up glass.