Black
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Men post
Kickoff
Homemade
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Valentine
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Lookout attends; Snyder speaks at MPA conference Dominick Mastrangelo Editor in Chief Members of The Lookout staff attended the Michigan Press Association’s (MPA) annual conference in Grand Rapids Jan. 27 and 28. During the conference, staffers took part in a variety of sessions and demonstrations regarding many topics related to mass media and journalism as a
whole. “I think the biggest thing we learned was the importance of social media,” The Lookout Adviser Larry Hook said. “After this conference I think the staff is more aware of what they have to do to attract more readers. They had a chance to experience what professional journalists See MPA, page 2
Gov. Snyder’s five hopeful 2012 headlines
1. Michigan, among all states, is the leader in creating jobs
Photo by Courtney Baker
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder speaks with reporters following his luncheon with the Michigan Press Association (MPA) Jan. 27. Snyder spoke about the importance of politicians maintaining working relationships with the mass media.
LCC celebrates diversity of students
Kickoff encourages students to get involved in Black History Month festivities Nathan Wilson Associate Editor
Photo by Courtney Baker
Drummers from a Lansing spiritual group Worship Without Words performed during Lansing Community College’s Black History Month Kickoff Feb. 1.
A total of 235 people filed into LCC’s Dart Auditorium Feb. 1 to attend the 2012 Black History Month Kickoff celebrations. Student leader Antonio Manning presided over opening marks, having served as the LCC chair for Black History Month Committee for the second year in a row. “It’s not just about black history, it’s about
American history,” Manning said of the celebrations. “We want people from all faiths, all cultures, (and) all backgrounds to learn more about black history.” Trinell Harris ushered in the ceremony with “The Star Spangled Banner,” to which an astonished Manning asked, “How do you follow up ... that?” Due to a canceled appearance, LCC student Raphael Downes stepped in to perform
poetry and rap. El Shabazz Academy, Lansing’s premier public charter school, treated the audience to a special presentation of dancing and drumming. The audience greeted them with raucous applause. Other performers included Ieesha On’trel, Minister LaNette Hester, Ny’Shell Imari as well as others. Worship Without Words See Kickoff, page 2
2. Michigan is leading the country in customer service 3. A plan is implemented to make Detroit great again 4. Michigan will have a 21st Century transportation system 5. The silos are starting to come down
2 NEWS
Feb. 6 - 19, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Kickoff
gan donation affects the African-American comdancers electrified the munity. “Half of all patients audience with their spiritual dances as they waiting for transplants performed on stage and are minorities,” Liggons said. “Half of circled the those needauditorium. The Black ing kidney LCC PresiHistory Month t r a n s p lants dent Brent Committee has K n i g h t planned an excit- in Michigan touted the ing array of spe- are AfricanAmerican college’s cial events this … Africansuccess in month. Americans creating a diare more versity plan Brent Knight, likely to be in 2011 and LCC affected by its ongoing President diseases like commitment to foster an inclusive en- diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity that vironment on campus. “The Black History lead to organ failure.” Manning said: “Black Month Committee has planned an exciting ar- History Month, for me ray of special events this personally, means indimonth,” Knight said. “I viduals like my pastor hope you will take an who came tonight, (and) opportunity to partici- the people who came bepate in as many as you fore us to set an example, to make it where people can.” Tyrone Liggons, the like me can be at Lansing vice president of LCC’s Community College … American Marketing to make it where I could Association, briefly live my dreams.” Visit The Lookout’s discussed the important of organ donation Facebook page for a special campaign AMA Saves video compilation of the Lives. Liggons specifi- 2012 Black History Month cally addressed how or- Kickoff. Continued from page 1
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experience,” Editor in Chief Dominick Mastrangelo said. “The networking and learning opportunities are endless at these functions. I am so glad we were able to be a part of it.” The Lookout staff arrived at the conference, held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, the morning of Jan. 27. The staff members immediately attended a session titled, “The Shape of Things to Come.” This session discussed how to effectively deal with the inevitably changing newspaper and journalism industry relative to booming social media outlets. The Lookout’s Associate Editor Nathan Wilson, another one of the conference attendees has recently taken over webmaster and multimedia duties for the newspaper “Were definitely trying to reach as many
Photo by Larry Hook
Courtney Baker, the photo editor for The Lookout, leans in to take photos of Gov. Rick Snyder during the Michigan Press Association’s annual conference Jan. 27 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.
people as we can,” Wilson said. “Social media allows us to do that. “Physical newsprint may be dying, but journalism is not going anywhere. We are trying to keep up with the times.” Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder spoke to all who attended the MPA
luncheon Jan. 27. He had some inspirational words for its various members. “We can make changes with the partnership we have built,” Snyder said of the media. “I would like to partner with the press corps. You people are a vital part of our great state.”
During his speech, Snyder gave a few headlines he would like to see in newspapers across the state of Michigan. “Together we have the power to show everyone around the world that Michigan is a great place to be,” Snyder said.
3 NEWS
Feb. 6 - 19, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Student robbed near Dart Dominick Mastrangelo Editor in Chief A student whose name has not been released was attacked and robbed Jan. 25 on LCC’s main campus near Dart Auditorium. According to LCC Police Chief Rodney Bahl, an investigation to find two suspects involved in the attack is ongoing. An email sent out by LCC Police and Public Safety (PPS) stated the student was traveling north on Capitol Avenue after using a downtown ATM when two men started following him. One of the two men
reportedly struck the victim from behind and proceeded to rob him of his wallet and headphones. According to Bahl, a weapon was not used in the attack. “This appears to be an isolated incident,” Bahl said. “We haven’t had anything like this happen on our campus in quite some time.” The victim remained without major injuries. However, he estimated that roughly $100 worth of property was stolen. The victim initially called the City of Lansing Police Department, but the case was soon after turned over
to LCC Police and Public Safety. Bahl said an initial search for the attackers proved fruitless. “We canvassed the area looking for the guys, but no luck in finding anyone that matched the description,” Bahl said. The suspects are described as one tall white male in his 20s and a shorter white male, also in his 20s. If anyone has any information about this incident, please contact LCC Police and Public Safety at (517)483-1800. Check www.lcc.edu/ lookout for updates on this story.
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IN BRIEF NEWS
Graduation deadlines coming With the end of the 2012 spring semester on the horizon, graduation deadlines are drawing near. The last day to apply for spring associate degrees and certificates is March 15. To apply, bring all applications to Enrollment Services at GB 203. Additional paperwork may be required, so be sure to pick up the applications soon. Commencement will be held May 18 at the MSU Jack Breslin Students Events Center.
LCC offers Black History classes In celebration of Black History Month, LCC is offering two noncredit classes. The first of the two classes, “The Rise of American Music: World Slavery and the Haitian Revolution” took place Feb. 1 in the MICA Gallery in Old Town. A second class, “Drum Circle Rhythms Workshop,” will be starting Feb. 10 and finish Feb. 24. The class, aimed for musicians
and non-musicians of all talent levels, will run Fridays from 6:10 to 9:00 p.m. in GB 161 and cost $99.
Banner outage scheduled Banner will be out of commission for a few days as LCC’s IT team upgrades the server’s operational data storage system. The IT team has asked staff and students to plan on Banner being unavailable March 2 from 6 p.m. through midnight March 5. The actual downtime will vary due to possible unforeseen complications in the upgrade process. If any major issues cannot be resolved before the March 5 deadline, Banner will revert to a backup copy before 6 p.m. March 5.
Automotive Program seeking cars LCC’s Automotive Program is once again looking for vehicles with running problems as well as check engine and warning lights on. Call Ron at 517-719-7954 to schedule an appointment.
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Read The Lookout online at www.lcc.edu for breaking news and sports.
4 NEWS
Feb. 6 - 19, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Former professor to discuss sustainability Nathan Wilson Associate Editor LCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) will host a special presentation by Dr. Guy McPherson Feb. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in GB 134. In addition to authoring 10 books and more than 100 articles, McPherson is a professor emeritus of natural resources and the environment at the University of Arizona. Having earned an associate’s degree in alternative energy technology at LCC, PTK member Doug Clemens said he is pleased to see McPherson. “It’s really exciting when he moderates the discussion,” Clemens said. “He’s the perfect person for it.” According to Clemens,
a separate presentation is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Creole Gallery in Old Town. “That’s going to be more open to the public … talking about the effects of climate change, the impact of high oil prices on the economy and also how to build resilience as a community,” Clemens said. Clemens explained the LCC presentation, titled “Beyond Sustainability: Building Community Resilience in Lansing” on Feb. 17 will focus on “how we as a community can hold together and be a little more self-sufficient and not so much rely on fossil fuels.” The presentation will also include free food and, due to limited space, can accommodate no more than 60 students.
Courtesy photo
Guy McPherson is a professor emeritus of natural resources and the environment at the University of Arizona. He lives in a straw-bale house fueled by solar power.
Living in an off-grid in a straw-bale, solar-powered house, McPherson is an ex-
ample of a self-sufficient lifestyle that doesn’t impact the environment. McPherson also features a number of Youtube videos demonstrating preparing food with a solar-powered oven and harvesting honeycomb from docile bees without the need of protection. These videos can be found at http://www.youtube.com/ user/gmcphers0n. “My presentation will be specific to Lansing, and I will focus on developing a durable set of living arrangements in light of energy decline, collapse of the industrial economy and global climate change,” McPherson explained. “I will encourage the audience to create and implement projects that help with those living arrangements.”
5 Features AMA offers local discounts for $10
Feb. 6 - 19, 2012
www.lcc.edu/lookout
LCC’s American Marketing Association (AMA) is promoting local businesses by selling MI Discount Cards for $10 at Hole-in-the-Hall in GB 133. Proceeds from the sales will help fund AMA club activities, scholarships and professional development. The earnings will also fund AMA’s trip to the International Collegiate Conference for the AMA Saves Lives awards. Faith Hancock, fundraiser chair for AMA, explained, “(MI Discount Cards) are good for one year … so you can get all of these things over and over again.” The discount card features 19 local business-
Lounge. ferent people from difJody DuBeau, the ferent professional inpresident of AMA, said dustries. “We’ve had people the MI Discount Cards, “It does cover the schol- come in and talk about resumes, arships, but it also You get all these talk about getting a job, provides things (discounts) d i f f e r e n t us opporover and over professional tunities advice, and to bring again that will in prohelp fund fessional Faith Hancock, those peodevelopAMA fundraiser ple.” m e n t , chair person Hancock our guest added the speaker discount series, our entrepreneurship speak- cards are “helping us acPhoto by Courtney Baker er series, and we have complish what we need Hole in the Hall employee Richard Douchette hands music student Ashilee Roberts workshops that might to on campus for everyher change after a purchase. The Hole in the Hall is selling AMA Discount Cards that help cover some of those one, and you get your money back well over.” expenses.” feature savings from 19 local businesses. For a full list of busiKayla Pierce, chair for Some special deals in- Centennial Acres Golf organ donation cam- nesses featured by the dises, including Blimpie’s, Mid Michigan Hungry clude a one-time $9.99 Course and free cover paign AMA Saves Lives, count card, contact AMA Howie’s, Zap Zone, oil change at Andrews at Exchange, Rum Run- said, “For our profes- President Jody DuBeau at Game Hits and many Automotive, 18 holes ners, The Dugout, Tin sional development lccamapresident@gmail. and a cart for $20 at Can and Harem Urban series, we bring in dif- com. more.
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Nathan Wilson Associate Editor
AMA hosts national speaker during Marketing Week Nathan Wilson Associate Editor LCC’s American Marketing Association (AMA) hosted its spring Marketing Week from Monday, Jan.16 to Friday, Jan. 20 with AMA national spokesperson Jim Reed. Reed spoke to students about career development, personal branding and achieving a competitive edge in professional fields. “(Reed) travels across the United States and Puerto Rico and Canada to talk to colleges to give (students) the same insight,” AMA Vice President Tryone Liggons said. “Previously, during the fall semester, he did a 10-school tour, so now he’s starting on his spring
tour and we’re his first stop.” Liggons said Reed attended AMA’s regional conference last fall at West Campus. “He’s always a keynote speaker at the national conference or the international conference in March that we will be attending,” Liggons said. “The insight that (students) will receive from this is something they won’t be able to find just anywhere. He’s really good and he inspires you. He’s now one of my three mentors that I have and I talk to him all the time.” Other Michigan chapters of AMA gathered at LCC to listen to Reed speak Jan. 20. In addition to these sessions, Market-
ing Week featured literary tables on the second floor of the Gannon Building. “(Students) need to understand their unique qualities,” Reed said. “They need to understand what it is about them that is going to make an employer want to hire them … because it’s this uniqueness, it’s the value added part of their intellect that corporations are really going to be looking at, and that is going to be the bridge to getting a job.” During a brief session with AMA Jan. 18, Reed emphasized the importance of developing a brand and using it to market one’s self to employers. “Any kind of brand that means anything is
Photo by Courtney Baker
American Marketing Association national spokesman Jim Reed speaks to students and guests during a presentation Jan. 18.
recognizable without a title,” Reed said. “If we can establish a brand in
our persona, in our intellect, in who we are and let it stand out, (employers)
will have very little problem remembering our name.”
6 SPORTS
Feb. 6 - 19 , 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
—A New York State of Mind —
King James, sit down I really enjoy professional basketball. Some of the greatest athletes known to man have played in the National Basketball Association. There have been great humanitarians and undeniable champions. Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird. These are some of the names that will stand forever as basketball’s greatest players. Recently some critics have tried to add a name to this sacred and legendary list. LeBron James. You have got to be kidding me. LeBron’s supporters argue that he is undeniably the most physically gifted player the NBA has ever seen. When he is at his best, he is virtually unstoppable. He is the deadliest combination of speed and power seen in the NBA today. He plays in one of the most sports loving cities in America: Miami. The stage is set, but when it is
show time, LeBron is nowhere to be found. Lovers of James say he is the greatest leader of all time, almost single-handedly saving the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise from utter demise during his early years. I agree. He knows how to do all the work himself. It didn’t take him very long either. In his rookie season, LeBron became the youngest player in league history to score at least 40 points in a game. He sent the Cavaliers deep into the playoffs three straight years and even to the NBA finals in 2009. Close, but no cigar. Then came 2010 and free agency hit. LeBron still did not have a championship ring on his fin-
ger. He signed with the Miami Heat for $99 million over five years. He was instantly the biggest superstar in the world. ESPN held a program titled “The Decision,” in which James announced his contract with Miami in front of the entire country. He was back in the NBA Finals again. And he lost again. James’s 17.8 points per game in the finals in the 2011 Finals was the largest dropoff in points (8.9) from a regular season to an NBA Finals in NBA history. Greatest player of all time? Save it. The point is this: If you have not won an NBA championship, you don’t belong in the “greatest player of all time” conversation. I appreciate LeBron’s talents (the same ones he brought to South Beach). I understand his dedication. But professional sports are about winning. James doesn’t do that when it counts most. He never has, and if you ask me, he never will.
Name: Jennifer Wilson Sport: Basketball Position: Guard Favorite sport beverage: Water Favorite sports movie: Remember the Titans Favorite pre-game snack: Clementine oranges Favorite workout music: Hip-Hop Who influenced you to play basketball: My father
Name: Denay Kelley Sport: Basketball Position: Power-forward Favorite sport beverage: Gatorade fruit punch Favorite sports movie: Love and Basketball Favorite workout music: Hip-Hop and R&B Favorite athlete: LeBron James Who influenced you to play basketball? My older brother Goal after graduation: Teach early education
Upcoming Varsity Sporting Events Home games are in bold
Men’s Basketball @ Muskegon CC Wednesday, Feb. 8 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Ancilla College Saturday, Feb. 11 @ 3 p.m. @ Jackson CC Wednesday Feb. 15 @ 7:30 p.m.
Women’s Basketball @ Muskegon CC Wednesday, Feb. 8 @ 5:30 p.m. vs. Ancilla College Saturday, Feb. 11 @ 1 p.m. @ Jackson CC Wednesday, Feb. 15 @ 5:30 p.m.
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Sports
Feb. 6 - 19, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Women get first home win of semester Dominick Mastrangelo Editor in Chief
Photo by Courtney Baker
Sophomore Denay Kelley avoids defenders as she dribbles down the court during the Stars’ 108-98 loss to Jackson Community College Jan. 14
After a rather awkward start to its season, the Lansing Community College women’s basketball team needed to turn things around in a hurry. “Things aren’t going the way we’d like them to right now,” LCC Coach Earvin Brunson said. “You have to remember we won the first five games of our season. These girls haven’t forgotten how to win.” The Stars lost again this time to Lake Michigan College Jan. 21, 6748. Denay Kelley was the only notable performance for the Stars in the game against Lake Michigan scoring 16 points and shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. The Stars still did not have a spring semester home victory. The ladies in blue took to the road to tangle with the Cougars of Kalamazoo Community College Jan 25, a team they had yet to
face. The Stars lost again, this time 66-52. Still, Brunson urged LCC fans not to panic. “We’ve still got a very good basketball team here,” Brunson said. “Some of the losses have been on me. I need to do a better job of coaching our ladies.” A victory finally came, and at home too. The Stars defeated Grand Rapids Community College Jan. 28, 6052. Freshman and Lansing Waverly High School graduate Carli Reid came up huge for the Stars accounting for 19 points and 12 rebounds, playing just 16 minutes in the game. “I’m just learning as much as I can,” Reid said. “I’m just blessed to be on this team with such a great coach and such great teammates.” The Stars had their magic back and went back to their winning ways. The LCC women traveled to Battle Creek
and topped Kellogg Community College 74-56, Feb. 1. Jenna Repichowski led all Star scorers with 22 points in the win over Kellogg. The LCC women had two other players in double figures. Jennifer Wilson added 16 points and Reid scored 10. “This is the way we started the year and this is the way we should end the year,” Brunson said. “We’ve just got to concentrate on each individual game. We’ll get even better as time goes by.” The Stars were scheduled to play Glen Oaks Community College Feb. 4 before traveling to Muskegon. Check Issue 11 of The Lookout and visit www.lcc.edu/lookout to keep up on how the Stars do during the homestretch of the season. Check that website for video highlights from both the LCC men’s and women’s basketball games throught the rest of the season.
Brunson:‘A great teacher and a great man’
Joe Isreal Sports Writer
Anyone who knows anything about LCC Women’s Basketball Coach Ervin Brunson knows he is a fighter. Entering his 18th season as women’s basketball coach at Lansing Community College, Brunson has carried a tradition and commitment to excellence with him. It is that brand of leadership and prosperity that has led him to a career coaching record of 265 wins and 197 losses since he coached his first game in 1992. “When you’re here at LCC, you’re here for a purpose: academics and then athletics,” Brunson said. “I teach my players to play basketball like the game of chess, because life is like chess.” During Coach Brunson’s illustrious tenure, he has led the Lady Stars to three MCCAA State Championships: in 1993, 1999, and 2006. During the 1993 season, Brunson received
Region XII Coach of the Year honors. In 1996, the Lady Stars won a Division II NJCAA National Championship under Brunson. That accolade was further punctuated with the National Coach of The Year award he claimed that season. “He’s a great man, with a great basketball IQ, who would do anything for his players,” LCC Athletic Director Scott Latham said. “And there’s always room for more banners.” Brunson was bitten by the coaching bug while he was stationed as a member of the United States Army. Born into a big family in Brooklyn, N.Y., Coach Brunson was raised with strong values. Raised primarily around his grandparents and sisters, Brunson said it was the quote, “stoop life” that helped mold his playing and coaching career. After high school graduation, Brunson did a short stint at Staten Island Community College, before he received his draft notice in 1969.
Stationed in Fort Dix, N.J., he was a standout on the company’s basketball team at the shooting guard position. He was even selected to the All-Star team a few times. After Brunson’s time in the service was up, he returned to New York, where he landed his first coaching job at a small school in Manhattan. Brunson eventually enrolled at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Va., to finish his degree. Brunson finally got the opportunity to showcase his coaching chops, at a small junior college located in Southern Michigan: Lansing Community College. Brunson said his proudest moments while coaching are when a former player returns to share life updates, and overcoming adversity off the floor. “When the time is right, I’ll stop (coaching), but I never say when. Big House Gaines and Eddie Robinson coached for decades, and it’s hard to put a time limit on that.”
File photo by Micheal Caterina
Earvin Brunson is in his 19th year of coaching LCC women’s basketball. His career coaching record is 265-197.
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Sports
Feb. 6 - 19, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Despite slight hiccup, men now 8-1 in league Dominick Mastrangelo Editor in Chief
The Lansing Community College men’s basketball team had won five straight games coming into action against Lake Michigan College in the Gannon Gymnasium Jan. 21. Still, nothing would come between the LCC men and a victory. The Stars’ offense exploded and LCC trounced Lake Michigan at home 103-69. Skyelar Moore scored 15 points, including four field goals from 3-point range. Guard Nate Duhon’s 20 points and three assists led the Stars in the victory. “We’ve been able to do some good things lately,” LCC Coach Mike Ingram said. “I have a lot of confidence in these guys right now.” The victory over Lake Michigan improved the Stars overall season record to 9-10. LCC was creeping up on a .500 winning percentage on the season. It was time to break even.
LCC grabbed an important road victory over Kalamazoo Community College 94-79 on Jan. 25. The Stars shot an impressive 57 percent from the floor in the win over Kalamazoo. It was their highest single game team shooting percentage of the year. Duhon spearheaded the Star offensive once again, scoring 24 points and dishing out five assists, as the Stars went to 10-10 on the year. “That was a big win for us,” Duhon said. “We know this is how we should always be playing. These are my dudes out here, we’re a team.” Team basketball had led the Stars to a seventh straight victory and an undefeated record in the month of January. But all good things come to an end, and sometimes, to a screeching halt. The Stars had their winning streak snapped by the Raiders of Grand Rapids Community College 10372, Jan. 28.
The Stars had met their match: Grand Rapids’ Alex Lyle. He scored 31 points in the Raiders victory. Lyle’s showing was the best single-game performance LCC had given up to an opposing player all season. For the Stars, the mightiest struggles were offensive. LCC had just three players score in double digits, Duhon, Moore and Alex Archambeau. “You never want to lose like that, especially at home,” Moore said. “We’ll bounce back from this though. We’ll be alright.” The Stars bounced back, and handsomely so. The LCC men topped Kellogg Community College for the second straight time this season 91-61 Feb. 1 and improved their record to 11-11 for the season. Archambeau stood out vs. Kellogg for the Stars, recording his fourth doubledouble of the year with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Duhon was busy as well recording a double-double of his own to the tune of 20
Photo by Courtney Baker
Sophomore and Eaton Rapids High School graduate Alex Archambeau attempts a layup in the Stars’ 103-72 loss to Grand Rapids Community College Jan. 28.
points and 10 rebounds. “It’s crunch time now. We have to play at a high level if we want to make a run this year. It’s all about
smart basketball,” Duhon said. Following the win over Kellogg, the Stars’ record stood at 8-1 in the Michi-
gan Community College Athletic Association. The Stars were scheduled to face Glen Oaks at home Saturday, Feb. 4.
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Feb. 6 - 19, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
10
Feb. 6 - 19, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout Cupcakes courtesy of Bake N’ Cakes
Shauna Stocken A&E Editor
Recycled crayons melt for Valentine’s Day
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or most people, the Valentine’s season means treating loved ones through a day of celebration. For others, Valentine’s Day means celebrating by treating a child, family member, co-worker, friend or, to some, themselves. With multiple people on the Valentine’s gift list, buying gifts doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether the gifts on your list are sugary sweet or Valentine-themed gifts, they can all be made on a small budget in your kitchen. Photo illustration by Courtney Baker
Homemade buttercream frosting To make buttercream frosting you will need: 4 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar 1 ½ cups of softened, unsalted butter 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract Photo by Shauna Stocken
Don’t have the time or trust yourself in the kitchen to bake for Valentine’s Day? Visit Bake N’ Cakes or the Sugar Shack for professionally baked Valentine desserts. Bake N’ Cakes is located
at 3003 East Kalamazoo St. in Lansing. “We’re known for our various cakes and buttercream icing,” said Morgan Yates, the head cake decorator at Bake N’ Cakes for the past 14 years. “We have different designs on
3 to 4 tablespoons of whipping cream Mix ingredients in large bowl. After the cupcakes are done baking, let them cool for about 10 minutes before frosting.
all of our cupcakes. We’ve been perfecting them for 27 years. Our quality work and good customer service is what keeps customers coming back.” Also visit the Sugar Shack located at 215 N. Clippert St. in Lansing.
ecycle your children’s old crayons, no matter the condition to make an easy Valentine’s gift. You will need silicon heart-shaped cupcake containers. You can buy them from most craft and grocery stores from under $10. One cookie sheet, pizza stone or even a sheet cake pan will work. Lastly, an oven and any old crayons. Step one: Remove the wrappers from the crayons, then break each crayon into small pieces. If you’re having a difficult time removing the wrappers from the crayons, use a box cutter to vertically cut the wrapper off of the crayon in one piece. Step two: Place the broken crayons into the molds. Step three: With the crayons in the silicon molds, place them onto a cooking sheet. Step four: Place in the oven at 220 degrees for approximately 15 minutes or until crayons are a liquid form. Step five: Once the crayons have completely melted, remove them from the oven and let cool. Step six: Once the crayons are cool, remove them from the cup cake holder and enjoy. Make the crayons more fun by sprinkling glitter on top of the crayons after they are removed from the oven.
Photos by Shauna Stocken
11 A&E
Feb. 6 - 19, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Emphasis on ‘cold’ play Lee Rumler Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of spinningplatters.com
Sandra Bullock and Thomas Horn are shown in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.
Thank you, Mr. Sundermann Shauna Stocken A&E Editor In high school, my creative writing teacher began class each day by reading from a book he had chosen. The book he read us was Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. The movie has recently hit the big screen, illustrating the book’s taboo topic, 9/11, through the heartwrenching performances of a couple of my favorite actors. The film stars Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks as the parents of character Oskar Schell, played by newcomer to films
Thomas Horn. Oskar adventures through his home state of New York during the movie, trying to find the key to “making sense” of the events and deaths that occurred on 9/11. It’s not very often a movie can make me cry; it’s even more rare when an entire movie theater is crying, even bawling. The movie not only evoked emotion due to the topic of 9/11, but also due to the relationship between Oskar and his father. The movie is geared toward a mature audience with a PG-13 rating. Oskar’s character in the book is funnier, wittier and draws viewers in deeper as opposed to the movie.
Although much detail and storyline from the book was left out, the two-hour and 20 minute movie is long enough to portray the most important messages of the book. Those messages are love, loss and the strength within one’s self to keep the door open in life, as well as knowing people can leave the same way they came in. To anyone who hasn’t read the book I recommend the movie highly to you. To all who have read the book, you may be disappointed, but who doesn’t enjoy watching even the worst of movies we have read as books or even listened to aloud?
This week I decided to pick up Coldplay’s new CD Mylo Xyloto. I had only heard one of the songs from it, but I had a pretty good feeling of what was coming. This was mainly because I’ve heard it all before on their past CDs. Now, I wouldn’t exactly call myself a Coldplay fan, but I do enjoy its music every once in a while. I’ve listened to enough of it to feel pretty confident saying it’s all fairly similar. In all honesty, this isn’t too much of a problem, comparatively speaking. A lot of bands’ discographies sound like simple variations of the same song. Coldplay’s isn’t that bad. However, in my opinion, Coldplay still suffers from a lack of creative distinction between most of its music, which to me seems odd since it has such a creative and distinct sound to begin with. One thing I can say for Mylo Xyloto is it’s definitely a lot more groovy then Coldplay’s past records. Particularly, “Hurts Like Heaven” and “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall,” my
Photo courtesy of edgecastcdn.net
two favorite songs on the album. The grooviness is an interesting introduction, too, I must say, because Coldplay’s lyrics are still fairly dark. The juxtaposition of the hopeless lyrics and hopeful, happy beat gives the music an entirely different feel, creating a sort of “light at the end of the tunnel” feel. I must give Coldplay some props for experimenting with the new idea, too. Too many alternative bands have been growing darker and darker over
the past couple years. It’s refreshing to hear a band doing otherwise. I’m sick of how so many sad songs are taking over modern rock. I don’t listen to pop, rap or country because they suck. So, my compliments to Coldplay on a successful experiment. I must say, though, I’d like to see more than just the introduction of one musical theme in Coldplay’s next album. Overall, though the new CD still sounds a bit too similar to old albums and each song sounds a bit too much like each other song for my tastes, I’m still pretty happy with Mylo Xyloto. If you’re a casual Coldplay listener like myself, I’d recommend at least checking the album out. If you’re a hardcore Coldplay fan, well, I suppose you probably already have it.
King Crossword
XIAO’s orange chicken disappoints Kaitlin Lutz Staff Writer Before I begin my review, I just want to put this out there. I absolutely love Chinese food. I guess you could almost go as far to say I am a connoisseur of Chinese food. So when I heard about XIAO (pronounced sheeow), a relatively newer Chinese restaurant at 3415 E. Saginaw St. across from Frandor Shopping Center, I was pretty excited to check it out. My first impression was that it looked like a very trendy sort of lounge. Looks can be deceiving, however, because I was slightly let down by some of the food. I guess that’s what happens for
Photo courtesy of http://dinemichigan.com
having too high of expectations. I ordered what I get at every Chinese restaurant: orange chicken. There are only a few places that can compete for having the best orange chicken. I’m sorry to say XIAO’s orange chicken didn’t even come close.
Fortunately, that was not all I ate. I had some pot stickers for an appetizer and those were actually very tasty, and the soy ginger sauce for dipping them in was delicious. I also tried some of the XIAO Lo Mein, which I quite enjoyed. It was
definitely better than the orange chicken. I wish I had ordered that instead. Apart from being disappointed by one of my favorite Chinese dishes, the rest of the food was good. The atmosphere was very relaxed, and the restaurant had a very modern feel to it. It was nicer, as in cleaner and more tasteful, than most Chinese restaurants, I must admit. The service was great as well. The only other gripe I have about XIAO is the price. I mean their prices are about the same as Eastwood Towne Center’s P.F. Chang’s, but the food at XIAO wasn’t as good. So I would say XIAO’s menu items are a little overpriced. So all in all, I had an OK experience, but not great. What can I say? I love my orange chicken.
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Feb. 6 - 19, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
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13 OPINION
Feb. 6 - 19, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout — Stocken Speaks —
My society-induced addictions Like many people, my New Year’s began with the resolution of a healthier diet and the hope of shedding a couple of pounds. However, while I find myself drinking Slim Fast with reduced fat soy milk, there are also times of weakness when I am alone in my room fighting the urge to enjoy a Twinkie. My lack of willpower doesn’t only apply to dieting and fatty desserts but my lack of willpower to
fight off my addiction of electronics. I won’t try to be coy about my next statement;
there is no way or any amount of money that could ever come between my smart phone and I. We have a solid relationship with one another. I take it to bed with me ever night and it wakes me up ever morning. While I could never rid myself of my sacred cell phone, as of the second to the last week in January, I have attempted to disconnect myself from using the social networking site
Facebook. I’ve done this by deactivating my Facebook. I didn’t have the heart to delete it. Referring back to my lack of willpower, I have already logged onto my mom's Facebook so that I could creep on friends. Hi, my name is Shauna Alexis Stocken and I have an electronic abuse problem. But is that my entirely my fault?
Society makes it seem like if I bought a MacBook Pro laptop and used the social networking site Twitter, my life would seem fabulous. I use Facebook at home and I still manage to complete my homework and while I update my status on Twitter during math class occasionally but I am still passing the class. Maybe I am not entirely addicted to the computer as much as I am addicted
to what the computer can provide for me. The Internet. I will continue to separate myself from Facebook as a personal goal and talk myself out of late night Twinkie snacking. Until my addiction of electronics and their services interfere with my everyday life in substantial ways, I think I will continue using them until they do more harm to me than just waste my time.
— Glomb is da Bomb —
Honesty that doesn't involve a sign
Keep in mind as I am writing my first column I am rarely, if ever, this cynical. I actually pride myself in giving people the benefit of the doubt. I like being able to look at the bright side of any situation. However, for the following incident, I cannot seem to find any bright side whatsoever. Let’s just say this situation doesn’t
sit well in my book. I’m sure many readers that drive Grand River to LCC have noticed the sign “Honestly seeking work; 2 hungry kids; God bless.” Yes, to whoever is wondering I am calling that person out. I may be naïve considering I actually have two jobs, but I have a huge issue with this sign. If someone is honestly seek-
ing work, shouldn’t that person be honestly look-
— The Collected Klutz —
I don’t need a Valentine, just give me chocolate Valentine’s Day is a holiday that the card, chocolate and flower companies all came up with to make more money. I know I may sound cynical, but I think many would agree with me. Valentine’s Day may be a day some people look forward to, like those who have a special somebody, or perhaps those who are hopeful a certain somebody will ask them to be their Valentine. I think I just experienced a little acid reflux. Speaking of acid reflux, I get that almost every time I see people who post every two hours on Facebook about how much they love their boyfriend or girlfriend, especially when they’ve only been dating for two days. Seriously? There are actual people who do this. OK, now that I’ve had my chance to
vent I’ll get back to Valentine’s Day. Now I would definitely classify myself as a hopeless romantic. Pride and Prejudice and You’ve Got Mail are some of my absolute favorite movies. But a holiday devoted to all these superficial displays of affection just doesn’t sound exciting to me. I know some of you might be thinking maybe I’m resentful in some way, but that is definitely not the case. I would rather someone tell me they love me every day and mean it than just get me flowers and chocolate on Valentine’s Day because
they think they have to. Don’t get me wrong, I love chocolate and candy, but I can get that stuff every other day of the year. You see, I just don’t understand why we have to take one whole day and devote it to love. The way I see it, we should celebrate love everyday. And being surrounded by all this "love" on Valentine’s Day makes those who are single 100 times more aware of their singleness. Did you know that 15 percent of women send themselves flowers on Valentine's Day? Now that is sad. A holiday created to celebrate love, leaves many feeling unloved. How hypocritical is that? So having a Valentine isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Because all Valentine’s Day is, is a holiday that superficializes love.
ing for work? This person has been holding the same sign since I moved to Lansing five months ago. Here is a tip: Maybe the sign is not working and therefore alternative options should be attempted. Like … applying for a job? It’s this simple. Take the money that you receive, buy a nice shirt at Goodwill and apply everywhere possible. I realize
how terrible that sounded, but when I think of Americans, I think persistence, effort and hard work. Not laziness. This person has persistence. I’ll give them that. But there is no effort or hard work. To be honest, these sign holders could be looking for work. However, it doesn’t seem to be the case. Therefore, to anyone
who feels as if holding a sign is the only way to life, I say channel this sign holding persistence to a place of employment. Eventually, somebody somewhere will offer a job. I recognize that life is hard, but it’s worth the struggle anyway. So hold on and keep trying. Life does have its upsides if one can hold on long enough.
14 Opinion
Feb. 6 - 19, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout — ‘I am invincible!’ —
Awaiting Black History Month festivities There are two reasons why I look forward to February. My birthday is coming up, which means a weekend full of mayhem and festivities. The other reason I look forward to February is Black History Month at LCC. Neither my elementary school nor high school particularly focused on
black history, so it was an eye-opening experience
attending Black History Month events last year. As I’m writing this column, February has not yet arrived, so I can only reminisce of 2010’s Black History Month. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I sauntered into Dart Auditorium last year and awaited the kickoff of celebrations. To my surprise, I was treated to
an array of gifted musicians such as Minister Lanette Hester, Ieesha On’trel and many more. I especially liked how engaged the audience was, dancing and singing to the music on stage. It felt more like a party then just sitting back and watching a performance. The finale at the end of February was just
as amazing, featuring beautiful tribal dances. This year I hope to attend the movie festival, health fair and hip hop poetry sessions for Black History Month. However, given my involvement in student organizations, work, class and volunteering, I find myself short on time even more so than before.
It would be spectacular if LCC participated in other month-long celebrations of various ethnicities, including Asian, Latino, Native American and Middle Eastern as well. Given my fond memories of last year’s month full of events, I expect this year’s Black History Month to be just as phenomenal.
— Shouting a Nuance —
'What is love? (Baby, don't hurt me, no more)' This is going to be my first Valentine's Day since middle school that I've spent single. Not that I'm bragging: All of my exes are psychotic, but it does put me in an interesting position this Valentine's Day. First and foremost, I'm excited. I've been enjoying the bachelor life since I started my break from dating. My time flying solo has been filled with fun times with good friends,
old and new, and an extended period of rampant self-discovery. On top of that, as long as no one changes my work schedule, I should have the day off, which means I'm throwing the biggest Bachelor's Day party I can muster the manpower for. Yes. Bachelor's Day. Celebrating single-hood in all of its depressed and lonely glory. Mine will feature a Magic the Gathering
tournament, because it's really fun, and I plan on dying alone. I can't lie, though. Part
of the party's purpose is to help ease some of the emotional pain and frustration that comes from being a single dude. For the past five years, I've been listening to bachelors complain about how horrible it is to be single on V-day. While I've always been able to empathize with them, actually experiencing it kinda sucks. There's a lot of social pressure for men to either date and/or sleep
with as many ladies as they can. Whether that is a guy's goal or not, he can't help but feel like he's failed when he doesn't. It's definitely not all bad, though. Besides the extra brotime, for the first time in forever, I'm looking forward to having some cash on hand in February. The single life gives a man a lot more free time, too.
All of the hours people devote to monogamous relationships can be divided among a pretty big number of friends, which has led me to making and maintaining a lot more friendships in this year than last. Which is nice, to say the least. Still, I expect this Valentine's Day is going to hold a strong mix of sorrow and happiness. It’ll be memorable, if nothing else.
15 Opinion
Feb. 6 - 19, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout — In Our Own Words —
The ever changing medium of newspapers The staff members at The Lookout recently returned to LCC from the annual Michigan Press Association (MPA) convention: The Art of Newspapers. This year’s convention sent our staff to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids Jan. 27-28. We are especially thankful to be given the opportunity to attend multiple, paid journalism conventions every year. This semester, we brought back
with us an array of technical and social media ideas to utilize in our newspaper. The conferences meetings and general sessions gave us the additional resources and understanding that helped all of us excel at our craft of journalism, photography and design. The majority of our time in Grand Rapids was spent bonding with one another through multiple conferences and a legislative lunch with Gov. Rick Snyder.
The staff learned new ideas on how to increase our online presence through our website and how our social media networks can benefit the newspaper. As always, the staff looks forward to the next convention and will be sure to use our new knowledge to serve you, our readers, in upcoming issues of The Lookout. Follow The Lookout on Twitter @ LCC_TheLookout, on Facebook or at our website at www.lcc.edu/lookout.
thelookout
Photo by Larry Hook
The Lookout staff attended the Michigan Press Association (MPA) convention: The Art of Newspapers in Grand Rapids, Jan. 27-28. Pictured are: (standing) Dominick Mastrangelo; sitting (l. to r.) Shauna Stocken, Kaitlin Lutz, Courtney Baker and Nathan Wilson.
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reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, spelling, length and clarity. Mail: 1000 – The Lookout Lansing Community College P.O. box 40010 Lansing, MI 489401-7210 Email: mastrand@mail.lcc.edu Fax: (517) 483-1290
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APARTMENT FOR RENT 1242 Allen St., Lansing. Three miles from downtown LCC campus. Three bedrooms, $800 per month. Price includes dishwasher, parking, electricity, heat and water. Smoking and pets allowed. Available Feb. 15. Contact Karie Bacon at 517-5054180. NASCAR MEMORABILIA Two brand new Dale Earnhardt Jr. hats, $7 each. Ten commemorative miniature racecars from the Michigan International Speedways from 2005 to 2009, all brand new and in box, $5 each. Buy both hats and all the cars for $45! Call 517-483-1291.
PREMIER LCC HOUSING Newly renovated apartments offered by Capitol Management, just 50 feet from LCC. Other locations available only a block or two from Downtown LCC campus. One- to four-bedroom units with prices from $545 to $1,200. Includes parking and most utilities. Pet friendly! Also available: additional secure parking for students for $65 a month. No need rush to class when you can reliably park 50 feet from campus, Only 40 spaces available! Call: 517-204-5550 or 517-515-8968. PLACE YOUR AD HERE Classifieds in The Lookout are $8.50 for 20 words or less. Call 483-1295.
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Feb. 6 - 19, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout