Spring break
Sanchez posts
in the
mitten
V-day
triple-double
musical hits Black Box
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PAGE 9 Feb. 20 - March 4, 2012 Volume 53, Issue 11 www.lcc.edu/lookout
thelookout Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
Duhon earns ‘Player of Week’ honor Dominick Mastrangelo Editor in Chief The NJCAA has named Lansing Community College sophomore point guard Nate Duhon the Division II Player of the Week for his play the week of Feb. 8 to 15. A Lansing Sexton graduate and member of the Big Reds’ 2010 Class B Championship team, Duhon hit the game-winning shot and scored 31 points to lift the Stars to a 90-88 win over Muskegon Community College Feb. 8. He also led with 32 points in the Stars’ 9977 win over Ancilla College Feb 11. The Stars are 11-1 in their last 12 games behind Duhon and were on a five-game win streak as of Feb. 21. “I am so thankful for this honor. It’s truly a
Photos by Courtney Baker
LCC guard Nate Duhon (playing defense above vs. Lake Michigan and looking to score at right against Jackson) was named NJCAA Division II “Player of the Week” Feb. 15.
blessing,” Duhon said. “I have to give a lot of credit to my team. We have a championship mindset and it makes
us play the way we do.” Duhon has scored a total of 510 points for the See Duhon, page 2
Library to host video gaming tournament Nathan Wilson Associate Editor LCC’s Library will host the Leap Day Lunacy gaming tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. on the third floor of the TLC Building. Victoria Meadows, the library communications manager, said the free gaming tournament can provide some relaxing downtime for
students and spread awareness about library services. There will be room for 16 players. “We’re hoping (the tournament) will be fun and popular and we can continue to host them in the future,” Meadows said. “We’re looking to connect with students and show them the library is not just a place necessarily to go study, but also somewhere you can go in between classes.”
Students will be playing Batman: Arkham City on PS3 and Super Smash Brothers on the Wii before being treated to a surprise challenge in the final round. “There will be four rounds … and the highest score at the end of the day will win a prize,” Meadows said. “First place will be a $50 gift certificate to GameStop, second place will be a $25 GameStop gift certificate and then we’ll have a los-
ers’ bracket. And the winner of the losers’ bracket will get a $10 gift certificate to Aramark.” Meadows also entertained the possibility of letting students host their own gaming tournaments at the library, with the staff’s coordination of course. “There is research that shows that there’s a connection between gaming See Gaming, page 2
2 NEWS
Feb. 20 - March 4, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Gaming Continued from page 1
and improved vocabulary and memory retention in conjunction with studying,” Meadows said. In an episode of LCC’s video game show Double Jump, Scott Skowronek, Access Services technical supervisor, explained how he approached the idea of building a game room in the library. “We need somewhere that is fun for students that they can take a study break but at the same time still engage in learning,” Skowronek said. “Gaming actually does all of
Duhon Continued from page 1
Stars this season and leads the team in points per game average with 19.5. Duhon, who is 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, has shot 42 percent from the floor and 72 percent from the freethrow line this year. He has grabbed 147 rebounds and dished out 79 assists. All these numbers
that. When you’re approaching a new game, you’re learning a new interface.” Some of the services the library staff hopes to advertise through the tournament include research help, online chat reference, access-
ing database journals, textbooks on reserve and renting tablets and iPads. According to one of the library’s blog posts, students can save upwards of $280 simply by utilizing these services.
LCC students play Wii Tennis in the LCC Library’s gaming room. The library will host a video gaming tournament Feb. 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. on the third floor of the TLC Building. Prizes include $50 and $25 gift certificates to GameStop, as well as a $10 gift certificate from Aramark.
have been posted just 26 games into a sophomore season. His play has ignited a team that has been virtually unbeatable since returning from winter break. “This is a well-deserved honor,” LCC Coach Mike Ingram said. “We’ve been winning a lot lately. It’s one thing to have big games in games that don’t count, but he has been having big
games in games that we’ve needed wins in. “ LCC Athletic Director Scott Latham also spoke highly of Duhon. He said he thinks Duhon has a bright future in college athletics. “He’s a hard-working kid who loves the game,” Latham said. “He’s making himself the player he needs to be in order to ad-
vance his education and his basketball career.” Duhon, who signed his letter of intent with LCC in August of 2010, was near the middle of the pack in his freshman season, averaging 12.4 points per game. He scored 349 points last year, a mark he had well surpassed this year by midDecember. Duhon credits his off-
Photos courtesy of Victoria Meadows
season workout and conditioning routine as a main factor in his success as a sophomore. “I worked hard in the off-season to get bigger and more athletic,” Duhon said. “Some of my hard work is finally paying off.” Duhon said he plans on continuing his college basketball career after his time is up at LCC. He is current-
ly being recruited by several Division I schools across the Midwest, including a larger school in Nebraska, according to Latham. “I know Coach Ingram will do a great job making sure I have an opportunity to play at the next level,” Duhon said. “Regardless of what happens, I’ll always have a passion for the game.”
3 NEWS
Feb. 20 - March 4, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
‘Start Here, Get There’ set for final 2011-12 visit Shauna Stocken A&E Editor Reminder for all interested participants, LCC’s “Start Here – Get There” will be touring its last partnering school for the 201112 school year — Michigan State University — on April 27. The “Start Here – Get There” program gives interested LCC students and area high school students the opportunity to tour major universities in Michigan. Participants will receive a tour of the college, information on the admissions process and lunch at one of the college’s dining areas. “I think that the tours are a supplement to the research students are doing to figure out where to go to school at,” said Al Nowak, the LCC Student Life director and ombudsman. LCC has already sponsored visits to MSU, Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University and, most recently, Central Michigan University on Feb. 17. “I went to the MSU tour in October,” said Marie Anderson, a current LCC student. “Going was very
beneficial. Advisers talked to us about admissions and we were able to ask questions. It was very informative.” Nowak said the college is trying to provide this type of experience to as many students as possible. “I think that the turnout has been OK. I hope that as more people hear about these tours, more students will want to take advantage,” Nowak said. “I think for this being the dry run year for the tours we have had a decent turnout.” Students can register for the remaining tour to MSU in the Student Life Office in the Gannon Building, room 230. During registration students will need their LCC student number and a $5 deposit. Participants are to meet in circle drive outside the Gannon Building at their tour’s designated time. “I would recommend going on the transfer tour’s because it gives you a better idea of what you have to do to get where you want to be,” Anderson said. For more information on future tours, call the Student Life Office at (517) 483-1285.
At left, potential transfer students take a tour of campus during a visit to Grand Valley State University (GVSU) as part of LCC’s “Start Here Get There.” Below, GVSU students speak to prospective transfer students from LCC. Top photo by Kevin Fowler, bottom photo by Courtney Baker
Health Fair spreads information, awareness Amber Glomb Staff Writer LCC’s seventh Annual Health Fair took place Feb. 8 on the second floor of the Gannon Building. This fair was promoted by LCC’s Black History Month’s 2012 calendar of events. The fair housed several different booths containing information regarding health. One
of these booths included LCC’s counseling services. According to counselor Craig Prether from LCC’s counseling office, this was the first time his department had taken part in the Annual Health Fair. “It (the booth) doesn’t relate to Black History Month, but it’s to tie into the health fair,” Prether said. “Normally we do
this independently, but we thought we might have more traffic if we set up with the other organizations.” According to Prether, collaborating with the Health Fair was a way to spread awareness for the services they can provide. “We can offer mental health screenings, personal counseling, career counseling (and) aca-
demic advising,” Prether said. “Whatever students need we can help. We thought we could get the information out there.” This booth is not the only effort the counseling office has made to promote awareness of its services. Recently, the counseling office has put posters around LCC with information regarding eating disor-
ders. “(These posters) are just to bring awareness to the fact that there are people with issues that don’t even know it,” Prether said. “Or they may not want to talk to anybody about it. It’s more or less to say OK, we know people have this problem. Here is the information.” Working with the Heath Fair provided the
same information-sharing opportunity. According to Prether, it also provided an opportunity for students to realize they need help. “(Students) will see a brochure and grab it and read about it and maybe they’d get help,” Prether said. “Through having this information somebody could help find the correct recourse to get help.”
4 NEWS
Feb. 20 - March 4, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Icy art on display
Photo by Nathan Wilson
A student passes an elegant ice sculpture standing outside Lansing Community College’s Arts and Sciences Building Feb. 13. The sculptures have been seen standing outside the A&S Building since early in February. One of the sculpture represents a swan (shown above) while another depicts a vase filled with flowers.
5 Features
Feb. 20 - March 4, 2012
Poet Freeman helps celebrate black history Nathan Wilson Associate Editor LCC presented its second hip-hop poetry session Feb. 10 with guest speaker Dee Freeman. The performance, part of LCC’s Black History Month celebration, was held in the A & S Building. Freeman is an LCC alumnus who is heavily involved in the Greater Lansing community as a literacy advocate. She has authored four books, which can be found at her website deepoette.com. Freeman passionately shared poetry with the audience, selecting from topics including self-empowerment, justice, working together as a society, pride and self-love. “I’m one for saying black history should be throughout the year, not just in the month of February,” Freeman explained. “But we try to keep people hearing about the accomplishments of contributions
Photo by Courtney Baker
Poet Dee Freeman, an LCC alumnus, shares some of her published work with students during a hip-hop poetry session Feb. 10 in A & S Building. The performance was a part of LCC’s Black History Month celebration.
that blacks and AfricanAmericans have made.” Freeman is also active in the city council and Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. Her TV show Poetree-N-Motion airs on Saturdays and Sundays in Lansing on channel 16 and daily in East Lansing on channel 30. “I just want to express
my feelings and hopefully help someone to realize we are just like anybody else,” Freeman said. “We live and breathe and do what we do just like any other race of people. “We should do what we can do to blend in and make this a great nation because it’s all about us as a united
people, not just any one single person. I think some of my pieces talk to that, asking people to get more history about yourself.” David Guard, who teaches history at LCC, hosted the hip-hop poetry session, described Freeman’s work as “very inspiring.” “We’ve always en-
Photo by Courtney Baker
Dee Freeman is a literacy advocate who has published four books of poetry.
joyed her poetry and we’re very happy that she came back,” Guard said. “She selected poems from a variety of her books and it had a lot of inspiration in them and we appreciate it.” Guard said he plans
on hosting hip-hop poetry again for next year’s Black History Month. The final hip-hop poetry session is set for Friday, Feb. 24 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Herrmann Conference Center Sunroom.
6 SPORTS LCC’s Sanchez registers triple-double
Feb. 20 - March 4, 2012
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Freshman’s performance leads Stars to 99-77 route of Ancilla College Feb. 11 Dominick Mastrangelo Editor in Chief LCC freshman and Lansing Eastern graduate Cameron Sanchez drove the lane with 44 seconds left in regulation and put up the shot. The ball banked off the glass and fell through the net. Sanchez had the first triple- double of his college career. Sanchez’s performance led the Lansing Community College men’s basketball team to a 99-77 victory over Ancilla College Feb. 11. Sanchez had 11 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in the Stars’ fourth straight victory at home. It was LCC’s seventh straight victory over the Chargers. “I feel great right now,” Sanchez said.
“Once coach put me back in the game, I knew I wanted to go get this thing.” LCC Coach Mike Ingram pulled Sanchez from the game with 4:32 remaining in the second half. Ingram said after learning how close Sanchez was to a triple double, he couldn’t resist. “I’m proud of him. He is a good kid who can perform like this on any given night.” Ingram said. “He’s someone you love to have wearing your jersey.” Lansing sophomore pointguard and Sexton graduate Nate Duhon led the way with 32 points and eight rebounds. Duhon was one of three Stars who scored in double figures. Freshman and Waverly graduate Montel Smith had 17 points and nine
rebounds. “We come into every game thinking we’re going to win,” Smith said. “We all are capable of so many things. We’ve got a really good team here.” The Stars shot 37 percent from 3-point range and were 4- for-4 from behind the arch in the first four minutes of the game. Smith had three of those shots. Despite only shooting 16 for-42 from the field, in the first half, LCC held a 10-point lead at halftime. The Stars went on an 8-0 run to start the second half and gained a comfortable lead by midway through the second half. The Stars were scheduled to travel to Jackson on Feb. 15 before returning home Feb. 25 to take on Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
Photo by Courtney Baker
Freshman and former Lansing Eastern High School player Cameron Sanchez skies for a layup in the Stars’ 88-86 overtime win over Glen Oaks Feb. 4. The 5-foot-11 freshman recorded the first triple-double of his career vs. Ancilla College Feb. 11.
Softball team looks to start fresh under new Coach Marc Kibby Dominick Mastrangelo Editor in Chief For as long as many people can remember, women’s softball has been a staple of Lansing Community College athletics. After NJCAA violations led to the termination of the club’s longtime head coach and the 2011 season, the team looks to start fresh this spring with a new coach and a roster of fresh faces. LCC hired former Bath High School Softball Coach Marc Kibby last August in hopes of keeping its winning tradition alive and well. “I am really happy with the way the team has been coming together,” Kibby said. “We’ve got a great group of girls that are ready to play.” Lansing Community College has been placed on probation by the NJCAA from postseason play this year because of several violations the program committed in previous years. “Even though we are on probation this year, these girls are determined to prove how
good they are,” Kibby standing person and a said. “We want to let great coach. He made a everyone know that good impression comwe are here and we are ing in and I think that back.” we will be very succesThe Stars’ roster cur- full this year.” rently features 16 playThe Stars will play 18 ers: eight infielders, regular-season games six outfielders and two this year, including pitchers. nine at home. With one exception, Before the reguevery playlar season er listed on starts, the We want to let the Stars Stars will everyone know current travel to that we are roster is a Gulf Shores, here and we freshman. Ala., to comare back. Twe l ve pete against of those Northwest Marc Kibby, girls are Florida State Head Softball from the College and Coach greaterFaulkner Lansing area. State. “I really wanted to They will then head get back to using the to South Holland, Ill., local talent,” Kibby where they will take on said. “It’s easier having Suburban College beyounger players. We fore eventually facing don’t have to integrate Rock College. freshman with sophoEvery school the mores. We can estab- Stars are set to face relish a routine much corded 20 wins or more more easily.” last season Outfielder Rachel Lou“This is a new expeise Malmquist is the only rience for almost all of returning sophomore on these kids,” Kibby said. the Stars’ roster. “We’re going down “I want to show (the into the buzz saw. other girls) that LCC “But I’ll tell you one has a great softball pro- thing: We’re going to gram,” Malmquist said. find out what we’re “Coach Kibby is an out- made of.”
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7 Sports
Feb. 20 - March 4, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Track preps for season Joe Israel Sports Writer It’s that time of year again. Practices are underway for Lansing Community College’s men’s and women’s track and field teams. Head Coach Chuck Block returns for his 10th season at LCC, along with assistant Jim Robinson. The coaching duo both said they feel they have a plethora of great runners on the men’s and women’s teams this year. The 2012 Stars will be trying to win a National Track Championship for LCC for the first time since 2007. For the women, Ashley Hamilton returns for her sophomore season after having the best freshman season at LCC in recent memory. Hamilton could leave Lansing Community College as one of the school’s best. Her versatility and leadership are two
prime examples of why the women could have a breakout season. “She can do it all, from the 400 to the 5K, to the mile,” Block said. Last season Hamilton was within seconds of breaking the school records in both the mile and the 800 meter dash. Two other women’s runners to watch are Nikki May and Paige Terbush. The pair looks to aid Hamilton’s effort to bring another NJCAA championship to Lansing Community College. Leading the men’s side is sophomore and former Grand Ledge Comet Ryan Konen. A brilliant long-distance runner, Konen took part in last season’s Super Bowl 5K. He placed first in the race with a time of 15:20, a time he said he feels he can beat this season. Another runner Block said to keep an
eye out for is sophomore and former Ionia High School graduate Austin Alcalar. Alcalar is arguably one of the strongest runners on the team. According to his coaches, he could be primed for a gargantuan season. He is also a 5K runner and his best time was inside of 15 minutes, a time he said he also wants to beat. Michael Lahner is also a runner to watch this season. Lahner was a product of Pinckney High School and excels in the mile run. His time of 4:18 in the mile run at Pinckney his senior year was one of the best times in school history. All three men share a common goal: to make this year’s National Track Championship in Lubbock, Texas. The Stars will continue to work out as they gear up for this season opener March 31 at the Grand Rapids Open.
Second-half surge leads Lady Stars past Ancilla Joe Israel Sports Writer Coming off a hardfought road victory against Kellogg Community College Feb. 1, the Stars topped the Chargers of Ancilla College 92-69 Feb 11. The win improved the Stars record to 16-7 overall and 7-5 in conference play. Five Star players scored in double figures, and an impressive second-half defensive effort pushed the cagers to a victory in Gannon Gymnasium. The Stars started slow offensively in the first half, but made key adjustments on defense, which led to outscoring Ancilla 5539 in the second half. “We didn’t play as aggressive in the first half as I thought we would,” LCC Coach Earvin Brunson said. “We picked up the tempo in the second half.” The Stars played intense and stifling team defense, forcing 20 turnovers. The LCC women shot 25-for-51
Kelley
in the second half, including 5-for-6 from the charity stripe. Denay Kelley put on a scoring clinic, scoring 20 points in 20 minutes on 10-for-15 from the floor. She also had six rebounds and did not commit a single turnover. “I just needed to go out and play hard because the last time we played Ancilla, I didn’t score until late in the second half. I was in foul trouble (against Ancilla) too.” Sophomore Jennifer Wilson was 6-for-9 from the field for 12 points. The Stars also gained production from their bench. Chanekqua Phillips came off the Stars’ bench and scored 15 points. St. Johns graduate and sophomore Steph-
anie Manuel scored 13 points, all in the second half, and also grabbed six rebounds. Brenda Davis dished out 16 assists to go with her 11 points. Kelley’s performance comes as no shock to her head coach. “Denay is the glue of our team,” Brunson said. “She established herself in the second half, and was able to get some easy baskets for us.” “(Brenda) Davis and I have a good connection, because we are both second-year players, so we’ve been through it before,” said Kelley of her teammate. “I absolutely love the way she sees the floor.” The Stars headed to Jackson Community College Feb. 15 for a league game, and will travel to Benton Harbor to face Lake Michigan College Feb. 22. The Stars have one home game remaining vs. Kalamazoo Feb. 25. Check www.lcc.edu/ lookout for results and reaction to these games.
File photo by Michael Caterina
LCC’s Kasey Khane rounds the corner during the 800-meter dash at the Spartan Invitational last April. The Stars will compete in the Spartan Invitational this year on April 7.
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9 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Feb. 20 - March 4, 2012
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Jazz Quartet pays homage to Black History Month Amber Glomb Staff Writer LCC’s Faculty Jazz Quartet not only presented its music through traditional jazz instruments, but also featured Tia Imani Hanna playing her voice Feb. 7 in Dart Auditorium. This type of instrument present during the jazz performance is called scat singing. According to Hanna, this type of singing requires nothing but a voice and an ability to create improvisational sounds. LCC’s Faculty Jazz Quartet included Jon Gewirtz on saxophone, Dennis Therrian playing the piano, Mike Daniels
on drums and Ed Fedewa on the bass. This particular jazz concert was promoted by LCC’s Black History Month. This performance, according to the faculty members, served a dual purpose. The concert exposed listeners to jazz music and also helped celebrate Black History. “Sometimes when you hear (jazz) for the first time, you kind of go ‘I don’t quite make out what’s going on,’ but when you can see it, everything makes sense,” Fedewa said. “If nothing else, music is educational.” According to Hanna, listeners were also educated about African-
Photo by Courtney Baker
Jazz performer Tia Imani Hanna (left) sings while Jon Gewirtz plays saxophone in Dart Auditorium Feb. 7.
American culture by attending the concert. “Jazz is a native to this
country,” Hanna said.” It started here and then elements of it went all over
the world and came back and re-fused in different ways. A huge part of that has been the AfricanAmerican community because a lot of the stuff that happened was developed by black artists.” Prior to the performance, Hanna taught a scat singing workshop to interested students. During the concert, Hanna asked these students to come on stage and share what they had learned. For one song, each student was able to individually show off their scatsinging skills. This, Hanna said, helped to connect the audience to the concert. This connection also transcended to African-American history.
“The music that we are playing is part of AfricanAmerican history and (we were) trying to keep it going and keep it alive a little,” Gewirtz said. “Performing it live and having that ability for people to see it in a live performance, rather than hear a recording or to watch it on TV, is a whole other level of experience.” For many, the exposure of black history is an opportunity to reflect on the past. Therrian felt that the quartet’s performance provided that reflection. “We’ve come a long way and we’ve still got a long way to go,” Therrian said. “It’s important that we remember how far we’ve come.”
Your spring break begins in ichigan F Shauna Stocken A&E Editor
or all those not venturing outside Michigan for spring break, there is sill time to make plans without traveling far. Whether your Michigan adventure means a day trip to somewhere new, a road trip or a live sporting event, there is something for everyone to enjoy regardless of budget. Battle Creek: Those who are 21 or older can take a day trip to FireKeepers Casino or stay the night in Battle Creek. FireKeepers Casino does not currently have its own resort, but can offer discounts through its partnership with area hotels. To help make a day trip more affordable, FireKeepers Casino offers a bus program with In-
dian Trails that can drive guests to and from the casino every Tuesday. For more information, visit http://www.firekeeperscasino.com. Detroit: Visit Detroit to experience its active nightlife and daytime activities. The Detroit Red Wings are home March 4 and March 9. After the game, check out Greek Town and explore the restaurants, bars and casino. Ride the Detroit People Mover (just a $1 per person) to the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center to stay the night. East Lansing: Scroll down Grand River and enjoy the beautiful scenery on MSU’s campus. In the heart of East Lansing there are shops, an array of restaurants, art galleries and a 24-hour Biggby Coffee.
Grand Rapids: Downtown Grand Rapids is a town full of energy and things to do: dining, nightlife, sports, entertainment venues and museums. Visit downtown GR March 8-18 and attend LaughFest. LaughFest is a comedy festival that will take place in different locations in GR. For more information on LaughFest, visit http:// laughfestgr.org/. Ironwood: Take a road trip to the westernmost spot in Michigan: Ironwood. While in Ironwood, experience the historic charm, relax in the quaint town and enjoy the shopping district. If outdoor activities such as snowmobiles and skiing interest you, then Ironwood is the perfect getaway destination for spring break.
Mackinaw City: Located at the top of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is Mackinaw City. There, one can experience lighthouses and live entertainment. In only 16 minutes, an island ferry ride can take vacationers from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island. Once in Mackinac Island, enjoy fudge, horseback riding and historic attractions. For anyone leaving Michigan for spring break, remember to research your destination’s laws. States such as New York and Ohio have different speed limits on the highway than Michigan. Many states also differentiate from Michigan when it comes to texting
or talking on a cell phone while driving. When leaving the country or traveling to a U.S. territory, be respectful with your clothing choices and actions that could offend your destination’s culture or religious beliefs.
10 A&E
Feb. 20 - March 4, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
LCC musical entertains for Valentine’s Shauna Stocken A&E Editor LCC’s Black Box Theatre entertained guests with the Valentine’sthemed performance I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. The musical ran five nights between Feb. 10
and Feb. 18, including once on Valentine’s Day. Throughout the Valentine’s performance, cherubs in the musical passed out candy and roses to audience members. Meghan Malusek is a theater major at LCC who portrayed 11 different characters through-
out the musical. “The Valentine’s performance attracted a lot of couples wishing to spend their evening together at the show,” Malusek said. “This usually would not create a difference between the other performances. “This show focuses on
Photo by Courtney Baker
Meghan Malusek (in yellow skirt) and Gordon Hicks Clark (right) act out a scene from the musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at the LCC Black Box Theatre.
relationship experiences those couples have probably faced themselves at some point. It really allowed a connection to brew between the audience and us as actors.” The musical celebrated the different aspects contributing with relationships. The cast members’ multiple roles tell different stories, which include dating, marriage, having children and relationships as they mature with age. Connie Curran-Oesterle directed I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. The musical was originally performed in New York and directed by Joel Bishoff. The musical includedsix cast members: four LCC students and two community performers. “It was a good challenge to change between characters so quickly and give each one a different flair,” Malusek said. Community performer Gordon Hicks Clark played eight different roles in the musical
Photo by Courtney Baker
Miranda Amy and Scott Laban are among the four LCC students who acted in the musical, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
throughout 10 scenes. “I was a parental type, but also got to play a convict and a first-time dater,” Clark said. “My wife in real life, Emily, and I really hit stride together with the Meet the Parents kind of scene and
The Family That Drives Together. Our favorite was the pickup scene in the funeral parlor.” According to Clark, every performance was sold wout and the success of the musical exceeded his expectations.
11 A&E
Feb. 20 - March 4, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Buzzed for local coffee Shauna Stocken A&E Editor
Photo courtesy of bestmoviesevernews.com
Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum star in The Vow.
Making a Vow Kaitlin Lutz Staff Writer “I vow to love you, and no matter what challenges might carry us apart, we will always find a way back to each other.” What girl wouldn’t love to have a guy like Channing Tatum say that to her? The Vow, which hit theaters Feb. 10, hinges on those very words. After a terrible accident, Tatum’s character Leo wakes up to find out that his wife, played by Rachel McAdams, doesn’t remember who he is. I think just about everyone in the audience’s heart broke for Tatum’s character. I could tell by the sighs and tissues in many of their hands. Leo is determined to find a way to make his wife fall back in love with him, even with her parents and exfiancé getting in the way. The director managed to take a love story and not make it cheesy, which it could’ve very easily become. While I do have to say, the movie was a little predictable, I still loved it. Tatum and McAdams have both starred in popular romantic dramas based off of Nicholas Sparks books: Tatum, Dear John, and McAdams, The Notebook. And when I first saw the previews for The Vow, I couldn’t help but think that it sounded very Sparkesque. I didn’t really care for Tatum in Dear John, but he has definitely improved since then. He portrayed a man deeply in love with his wife with ease, and McAdams, well, she was great as always. The Vow had such a great message about persevering even when it seems like all hope is gone.
I liked the fact that the movie centered around a couple after they were married as opposed to so many of today’s chick-flicks that end right after the couple gets together. The story of The Vow shows that it’s not easy being married, even though most people aren’t faced with having to deal with a spouse who has amnesia, but it reminds us that love isn’t always easy. Who said that devotion and commitment couldn’t make a good movie?
I’ve finally found the perfect coffee shop in the Lansing area that doesn’t serve old, burnt coffee or charge you at the door with their tacky “bear”-themed drinks. Decker’s Coffee Co., located at 220 S. Washington Square, is exactly what I want my coffee experience to be: a clean and cozy environment, helpful (non-annoying) workers, fresh-brewed coffees and a magnitude of drink choices to indulge in. With 50 latte recipes, smoothies, seasonal ice cream and breakfast and lunch served all day, not only the coffee lovers can find something they enjoy. Owner Jessica Decker
King Crossword
Solutions to puzzle at lcc.edu/lookout
This week’s puzzle is sponsored by:
Photo by Courtney Baker
Downtown Lansing coffee shop Decker’s Coffee Co. offers coffee, breakfast, lunch and seasonal ice cream.
used her knowledge of bartending to aid her in making coffee drinks when she opened the self-titled Decker’s Coffee Co. in May 2007.
When opening the coffee shop, she was warned against opening a business during a time of bad economy. Still she pushed for-
ward, falling in love with her coffee shop and the industry. Supporting the locally-owned coffee shop is also helping those whom Decker’s purchases coffee from: Fair Trade Organic Coffee. Offering Fair Trade Organic Coffee ensures that the coffee bean farmers receive a fair price for their goods. From the satisfying coffee at Decker’s Coffee Co. to its commitment to buying Fair Trade Organic Coffee, is why I am now committed to its coffee and food for as long as possible. Visit Decker’s Coffee Co. during hours of operation from Monday to Friday 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information on the coffee shop or its menu, call (517) 9131400 or visit its Facebook at Decker’s Coffee Co.
12 Features
Feb. 20 - March 4, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Student rapper cultivates musical career at LCC Nathan Wilson Associate Editor
Aspiring rapper Raphael Downes has returned to LCC this spring semester after a three-year hiatus from classes. “It’s really fun getting back into college and everything because I did it before,” Downes said. “I like the fact that it’s really progressive and (LCC) is always trying to move forward. They’re not just satisfied with where they are. Overall, it’s been a really good experience.” Downes is working toward an associate’s degree in LCC’s speech communication program. He explained his interest in music began
Photo by Courtney Baker
LCC student Raphael Downes performed at Black History Month Kickoff Feb. 1.
with having fun with friends and putting rhymes together. “I found a notebook one day and decided I would try to write rhymes. ...
Ever since then, I’ve been in love with it,” Downes said. “I’d like to make music my main source of income. I’d like it to be my career. Eventually I’d like to travel overseas and do some touring and hopefully use music as a platform to … promote my peace of mind.” According to Downes, his music is influenced by his faith. “The principles of Jesus definitely apply to my music as far as trying to encourage and uplift and send a positive message,” Downes said. Downes said he plans on releasing an EP April 1, titled Transparent, which he hopes to make available on iTunes and music-sharing sites like Bandcamp and
SoundCloud. “I’ve performed a lot around Lansing,” Downes said. “I started at Mac’s Bar, and I performed at the Loft several times.” Other venues he has visited include Old Town, local churches and LCC. Downes performed at the Black History Month Kickoff Feb. 1 at LCC and he said he plans on returning for the Black History Month Finale Feb. 28. Downes said LCC has helped him reach the level of success he has achieved today. “I realized that I could actually flesh out my vision and feel if there are actually resources available for me: people who want to help encourage and inspire me,” he said. “The positive response that I’ve been getting from them is awesome.”
College’s student organization shares its faith Nathan Wilson Associate Editor
Campus Disciples is a new LCC student organization which gives students a place on campus to grow their faith within a group of friends. Jole Nagel, the minister for the Lansing Area Church of Christ, said Campus Disciples can “help students learn about Jesus through the Bible or to grow closer in their relationship (to God).” Nagel explained the
group usually meets at Gibson’s Bookstore to study the Bible. He added the group gathers on Saturday nights at the Lansing Area Church of Christ and socializes. There aren’t any set times for the meetings, but Campus Disciples tries to get together whenever someone needs help. “We are planning to do a campus swap where some students from Campus Ministry in Illinois come during their spring break,” Nagel said. “Some of our students go down
to their campus.” Lindsey Moran, the president of Campus Disciples, said she hopes to continue to grow the campus ministry and bring people to Jesus through the Bible. “We hang out with each other whenever we can during the week,” Moran said. “And then on Saturdays we have campus events at our church and we hang out there.” Moran said the Campus Disciples participate in a large variety of events to-
Photo courtesy of Campus Disciples
LCC’s Campus Disciples play ultimate frisbee in Holt at the beginning of the summer.
gether. “Last Saturday, we had a campus devotional and then we played some games and did some ka-
raoke,” said Moran. “We went ice skating recently … and we’re going sledding soon too.” She encouraged people
to join Campus Disciples because it is a friendly group and members can learn to grow in their faith. “We’re a really tight-knit group and we’re also really open in wanting anybody to be a part of it,” Nagel said. “Regardless of where they’re at with their beliefs and lifestyle, whatever it is, we’d like to meet anybody and spend time with them.” For more information about Campus Disciples and meetings, contact Jole Nagel at 449-9787.
13 OPINION
Feb. 20 - March 4, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
— Stocken Speaks —
— ‘I am Invincible!’ —
Childhood obesity is a crime Stay away from Syria Growing up as a child, one holds little responsibility for caring solely for themselves. The duties of raising a child is up to the parents: the duties to not only care and protect a child throughout their development, but to teach their child how to care for himself or herself as they grow up to be a mature adult. For many overweight Americans their bad habits developed as a child due to a lack of exercise and or a poor diet. The problems caused by obesity range from person to person. The emotional and physical effects can last a lifetime. The negative effects of obesity are so out of control that many states are implementing laws that will file parents with child abuse charges if their child is obese. To further promote awareness of childhood obesity the Strong4Life campaign has new billboards in the state of Georgia, that alimental insulted many parents. One of the billboards pic-
tures a young overweight girl with the text “Warning, it’s hard to be a little girl if you’re not.” The billboards are the campaign’s way of using tough love as a tactic for change. A law on childhood obesity will help protect children who cannot always protect themselves from serious health and emotional problems. Diabetes is 100 percent preventable in children; the prevention starts with a healthy diet. Children who drink a lot of soda pop are also at a higher risk of health problems. Not only does sugar increase weight gain, but it
also damages a child’s adult teeth before their baby teeth have even fallen out. I believe every state in America should charge parents with child abuse if their children are over a safe weight. Abuse charges against parents on obesity is the wake-up call many parents need to help protect America’s youth against a lifelong imprisonment that comes from obesity. Once an obese child becomes an adult, it becomes even harder to obtain a healthy weight and develop healthy living habits. Living a healthy lifestyle does not have to cost a lot of money. It can be as simple as taking the stairs, running around the block and cutting out fast food. When a child becomes an adult, they have the right to eat what they want. But until then, it’s the right of the parent to keep children at a safe weight, regardless of whether Michigan implements an obesity law or not.
Close to a year of violence has raged through Syria since last year’s Arab Spring where multiple countries rebelled against totalitarian regimes. 5,000 deaths later, Syria is no closer to ousting President Bashar Assad than when blood first began to deluge through the streets. Meanwhile, the international community twiddles its thumbs and squeaks from the United Nations, “Maybe we should do something to stop this?” Yeah, that might be a good idea. However, I truly hope America doesn’t get militarily involved. This scenario has already unfolded during Libya last year, where President Barack Obama proclaimed we would bomb Libya for a few weeks, burning more than $2 billion per day, according to Forbes. Egypt hasn’t done well coming out of the Arab Spring either, touting a more anti-American message even as we continue to funnel foreign aid in their direction. Just recently, Egyptian authorities arrested 19 Americans involved in a pro-democracy group on suspicion of instigating political unrest. Even more egregious, Egyp-
tian officials have the gall to demand America hands over American citizens linked to this organization to face prosecution for… what exactly? Conspiracy theories? So much for a brighter and more democratic Egypt. Essentially, we shouldn’t get involved in Syria’s civil war. There’s no sense in dumping billions of dollars into an overseas conflict only to usher in a new dictatorship. We are already detested across the world for intervening, so why not let other nations sort it out? Let someone else police the world for a change. Maybe the countries “freed” by the Arab Spring would have been better off under the previous dictators. At least we had better foreign relations with them.
14 Opinion
Feb. 20 - March 4, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout — In Our Own Words —
Freedom of press is comforting As journalists, we view ourselves as public servants. We strive to always meet the needs of our community during the changing times. Sunshine Week (March 11-17), as it is referred to, is a national initiative to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Although we have yet to use a FOIA (Freedom Of Information Act) this year in our Lookout newsroom, we find it rather comforting to know we have the ability to access information we may need or, more importantly, our readers may have a right to know. We want to hear from you. What are some of the things
you a wondering about in our local government or the administration at LCC? FOIA, covers every aspect of a person's “right to know." There are many ways you can reach us. You can write a letter to the editor that will appear on our opinion pages. You could also use social media as a means to educate us on what you and your friends or colleagues are talking about. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @LCC_TheLookout. We strive to meet your needs. Let us use Sunshine Week as a reminder that we all have a right to be informed, and news media gives us a means to acquire that information.
Write a Letter to the
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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. Mail: 1000 – The Lookout Lansing Community College P.O. box 40010 Lansing, MI 489401-7210 Email: mastrand@mail.lcc.edu 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.
Letters to the Editor Don't forget our veterans To the editor, The LCC community has many veterans home. We have many students and some faculty and staff who served in the Middle East. We cannot throw a parade for them, but we can express our gratitude. We can wish them the best of luck. They are our finest.
I have known many veterans and am proud to know them. They risked sacrificing their lives for us. They are international, multilingual, highly trained and intelligent. They deserve our respect and support. Thank you for your service. Dr. Dan Campbell, English & History
Time to end 'Obamanation' To the editor, In 2008, America elected an unaccomplished orator who disingenuously campaigned on platitudes of “Hope and Change” and “Yes We Can.” Today we see the once dubbed “great unifier” has predictably discarded that manufactured image. Subsequently, the President finds he cannot run on his rancid record of crony capitalism, deceptive Obamacare or squandered stimulus packages. Keep in mind, it’s not Gingrich, Santorum or Romney responsible for $5 trillion in new debt these last three years or the worst housing market in US history coupled with “unofficial” unemployment soaring to 17 percent (CBO estimates). Neither is the rejection of the Canadian Keystone pipeline with
its ensuing 20,000 new jobs. It is Barack Obama. His presidency centers around the distorted ideology that governmental intrusion can create “balance” and a fair, utopian society. Ironically, our wealthy President persistently rails against the alleged unfairness of a prosperous American capitalist system. However, General Electric was his biggest campaign contributor. So where is Obama’s sacrifice? Maybe “sacrifice” equates to throwing 171 lavish White House parties or going on 90 golf outings in 2011? Someone once wrote: "You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich … You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred." Wise words lost on Obama. Bob Golm, LCC alumnus
Student thanks columnist
Dear Shauna,
I was just enjoying the February edition of The Lookout this morning and as I browsed through it, something caught my eye. I saw your tribute to Mr. Sundermann and I thought it was super. My first instinct was, "I'll get on Facebook when I'm done and send her a message. It will be awesome.” As I flip through the remaining pages I came
upon another article ... that says you've given up Facebook! Luckily, your LCC email was in the paper so I was still able to cyber-stalk you. So what began as a simple reminder to check in with an old friend became a journey. That is how you impacted my life today. The End. Chelsie Sainz, LCC student
the lookout Dominick Mastrangelo
Nathan Wilson
Kaitlin Lutz
Editor in Chief mastrand@mail.lcc.edu
Associate Editor wilso162@mail.lcc.edu
A&E Editor lutzk3@mail.lcc.edu
- The Lookout Staff
Classified Advertising 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.
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.
TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS Complete set of 1982 Topps cards in mint condition, $100. Set includes Cal Ripken rookie and many Hall-of Famers. Call 517-589-5273.
PLACE YOUR AD HERE Advertising in The Lookout’s classified section is effective. Cost is just $8.50 for 20 words or less. Additional words are 50 cents. Call 483-1295 to place an ad.
PINBALL MACHINE Game Plan 1979 “Sharpshooter” solid state game. Old western theme. Very fast and fun. Four players. $525. Call 517-589-5273.
Shauna Stocken
News Editor stockens@mail.lcc.edu
Courtney Baker
Kelly Lehtonen
Advertising Manager Photo Editor bake12@mail.lcc.edu swansok4@mail.lcc.edu
Amber Glomb
Lee Rumler
Larry Hook
Staff Writer glomba@mail.lcc.edu
rumlel@mail.lcc.edu
Staff Writer
Adviser hookl@lcc.edu
15
Feb. 20 - March 4, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
16 LAST LOOK
Feb. 20 - March 4, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Whatcha gonna do when they come for you? Department of Public Safety serves and protects community, campus Courtney Baker Photo Editor Lansing Community College Police and Public Safety is more than just campus security. Beyond its general duties of maintaining the peace on campus, Police and Public Safety provide a multitude of services to the LCC community. These include escorts to and from class, monitoring weather conditions and bike lock rental. Public Safety also provides Portable Breath Tests (PBT’s) for $10 to students and members of the LCC community who are required to do court ordered drops. Public Safety goes to great lengths to ensure the safety of the LCC community. Through an extensive system of cameras, Public Safety is capable of monitoring every entrance on the downtown campus. The department also relies on foot patrol by officers to maintain situational awareness of the
campus. By talking to various students, employees and guests, Police and Public Safety members are able to build a better rapport with the community and gain information vital to campus security. “We’re here to help,” said Intermediate Officer Damon Sherrill. “(We’re here) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even when the campus closes. Like over winter or spring break, we’re still here.” The lost and found area at LCC is operated through Public Safety. When an item is checked in to lost and found, Public Safety holds the item for two semesters before donating the items to charity. In the 2010-11 school year, Police and Public Safety recovered 3,487 items worth a total of $95,531. Out of the items found, 1,303 items were returned. Contact LCC Police and Public Safety at (517) 483-1800 or visit its office in the GB 251.
Photos by Courtney Baker
A LCC police patrol car sits in Gannon Building’s circle drive. LCC Police have three marked patrol cars and one “low-profile” car. At right, the Lansing Community College Police and Public Safety is headquartered in the Gannon Building’s room 251, with locations on East Campus. At left, public safety officer Damon Sherrill demonstrates the procedure for unlocking a car door. Unlocking vehicles for students who have locked their keys in their cars is one of the many services offered by LCC Police and Public Safety.
Above, LCC Police Director William French displays a box containing envelops that hold flash drives received at the lost and found area. In 2010 Police and Public Safety recovered 3,487 lost items worth an estimated total of $96,531. Dispatch Operations Coordinator Kristy Rodgers, left, monitors camera feeds from cameras in various locations on the downtown campus. Public Safety monitors over 200 locations on the downtown campus; including every building entrance.