The Lookout Volume 53 Issue 13

College

honors

veterans

PAGE 3 March 26 - April 8, 2012 Volume 53, Issue 13 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Softball

season

underway

Dart

hosts

drama

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thelookout Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959

Called into question MAHE gives Knight vote of ‘no confidence’ Nathan Wilson Associate Editor LCC MAHE has no confidence in LCC President Brent Knight.

The Michigan Association of Higher Education presented a letter outlining its displeasure in Knight’s fulfillment of the college’s strategic goals.

The letter comes after LCC faculty assembled on main cam-

pus March 16, where approximately 99 percent of faculty present voted “no confidence” in Knight, according to Cindy Storie, president of MAHE. This vote of “no confidence” comes in light of LCC’s faculty going without a contract for two years.

“The board needs to direct the president to either begin looking at all of these things we have put into the

letter,” Storie said. “(Knight) needs to either shift the direction of his administration or, yes, then he doesn’t belong here at LCC as our leader.”

Knight spoke about the charges from MAHE. “I appreciate the ongoing hard work of our faculty,” Knight said.

“I regard this matter as having to do with See Knight, page 2

Photo by Courtney Baker

Lansing Community College President Dr. Brent Knight speaks at the March 19 LCC Board of Trustee’s meeting. He received a vote of “no confidence” from LCC’s faculty union. At the meeting, Knight was presented with a letter criticizing his administration.

— Shining like a Star —

Police preach safety in wake of attacks Dominick Mastrangelo Editor in Chief A female Lansing resident reported she was attacked March 5 at 5:45 p.m. while sitting at the CATA bus stop at Shiawassee and Washington.

This is the third violent attack reported near LCC’s campus in the last several weeks. While officials have said there is no apparent connection between the attacks, such crimes are not

completely random.

“Almost all of these attacks have been pretty opportunistic,” said LCC Police Sergeant Rodney Bahl. “We want people to be aware of their surroundings at all times. Don’t have your head buried in your phone constantly.”

After the March 5 attack, the department sent out a campus-wide e-mail listing several updated safety tips relative to the attacks. They include:

• Be aware of surroundings at all times. Keep your eyes and ears open.

• Trust your instincts and gut feelings.

• Park and walk in welltraveled, well-lit areas.

• Walk to your car in groups, if possible.

• If you are uncomfortable, call LCC Police at 4831800 for an escort.

Bahl said there are no specific areas on the LCC See Safety, page 2

Photo by Courtney Baker

Praksh Bhandari, 12, receives a dental cleaning from LCC dental hygiene students Ashley Graves (left) and Chelsea Holladay (right) during LCC’s annual “Give Kids a Smile” Dental Hygiene Day on March 13.

2 NEWS Knight Continued from page 1

collective bargaining and we’re in the final stages of working through to get an agreement acceptable … for the well-being of the college and the community.”

Knight would not comment on the accuracy of the charges brought against him, saying: “I am optimistic that we will have a successful conclusion of our collective bargaining activities.”

In its letter, MAHE gave “no confidence” votes to Knight in the areas of student success, community, accessibility, employees and fiscal responsibility.

After Storie read the letter to the board March 19, LCC Trustee Jerry Hollister asked, “Isn’t this a vote of ‘no confidence’ a bargaining tactic?” Union members in the audience groaned and yelled “No!” or “No way!”

Storie refuted Hollister’s accusation.

The LCC Board of Trustees made a motion to reaffirm its

Safety

Continued from page 1

campus to avoid because every area of LCC’s campus is equally as susceptible to such an attack.

Second-year radiology stu-

March 26 - April 8, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout

support in Knight and work toward a mutually beneficial contract that is in the best interest of the college and its students.

After the board meeting, Storie said it was distressing that the “no confidence” vote was characterized as a bargaining tactic.

“Yes, we are without a contract for two years so getting a contract is imperative and there’s a lot of reasons why that should happen,” Storie said. “However, the board did not address the other issues that are broader and deeper as it relates to the administration and the environment that’s been created on our campus.”

Storie met with Knight the morning of March 23 to continue communication on the issue.

As of 3 p.m. that day, when The Lookout went to press, Storie was in negotiations with MAHE and LCC officials.

The Lookout will update the story online as developments take place.

dent Megan Captik has only night classes at LCC and walks from her home in downtown Lansing every day to get to class. She said she has had several close calls.

“I know for a fact I’ve been

Faculty email stirs controversy Nathan Wilson Associate Editor During the March 19 LCC Board Meeting, LCC Trustee Jerry Hollister read an email about Michigan Association for Higher Education (MAHE) activities into the record.

The email was drafted

by LCC professor and MAHE Crisis Chair Sally Pierce and sent by the executive assistant for the faculty union to MAHE members March 19.

Hollister said by reading the email, he was attempting to give context to the vote of “no confidence” directed at LCC President Brent Knight.

According to MAHE President Cindy Storie, faculty members gath-

followed on my way to class,” Captik said. “I’ll bet you a lot of money if I wasn’t paying attention, someone would have come after me.”

One way LCC DPS is attempting to better secure its

ered on LCC’s main campus March 16 where they voted “no confidence” in Knight.

“The feedback given by those present (at the March 16 meeting) really did help to shape what our union is doing to advocate for members and a contract,” Hollister read.

According to Pierce, the email also addressed revising the letter of “no confidence,” union activities and how members could voice their concerns at the March 19 board meeting.

Pierce tried to respond to the fact that her email was read into the record, but LCC Board of Trustees Chair Larry Meyer said, “That really is not in order.”

community is by handing out safety whistles to anyone who wishes to posses one. If an individual is wearing a whistle and feels he or she is in danger, they may blow it to alert the department much more quickly.

Pierce was not permitted to speak, eliciting more negative outcry from the audience.

“I have a problem with (Hollister ) taking an email that was not addressed to him and not forwarded to him by me, and pretty unapologetically trying to interpret it,” Pierce said.

“I’m not sure exactly what he thinks that email shows.”

Hollister responded by saying: “I think it’s important to have the context of what this whole letter of ‘no confidence’ was about. I heard a number of people speak before Cindy read her letter … and they said, ‘We urge you to get this contract settled.’ ”

“The whistles are supposed to serve as peace of mind if nothing else,” Bahl said. “There is nothing to be alarmed about.

If the right precautions are taken, everyone should be just fine.”

3 NEWS

March 26 - April 8, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout

College offers resources to military vets

Nathan Wilson Associate Editor

LCC military students and U.S. veterans assembled at the West Campus auditorium for a military luncheon and workshop March 16.

Speakers presented a number of services available to LCC veterans including financial aid, counseling services, academic advising and scholarship opportunities.

Grant Ridley, president of LCC’s Student Veteran Association (SVA), presented the audience with information about benefits. He also promoted SVA as a valuable support system for student veterans seeking information.

According to Ridley, the last time LCC had a veterans’ student organization was during the Vietnam era.

“The transitioning process is one of the most challenging times of any service member’s life,” Ridley said.

“We try to provide that bridge that they can cross those troubled waters and be successful students as well as successful citizens.”

Photo by Nathan Wilson

LCC student veterans listened to Tom Paine of the Veterans Affairs Office during the Veterans Luncheon and Workshop at West Campus March 16. Students learned about benefits, scholarships and the military medic-paramedic-nurse program.

According to Ridley, SVA meetings are held every Wednesday alternating between HHS 007 at 4:30 p.m. and the LCC Library lobby at 5 p.m.

Another topic of discussion during the workshop was the Military Medic to Paramedic to Nurse Program launched in January 2012. The program consists

of two stages: military medic to paramedic, which takes 28 weeks to complete, and paramedic to registered nurse, which takes 10 months.

LCC student Bianca Ra-

cine, who serves as the secretary for the Student Veteran Association and secretary for LCC’s Gay-Straight Alliance, attended the workshop.

She was deployed for two years in Pristina, Kosovo, attached to a NATO unit along with her original unit from Massachusetts.

“Once I was done with my peacekeeping mission, I came here in about July of 2008 looking to go to LCC for a business degree transfer to go to MSU,” Racine said.

“It’s hard enough to adjust coming home, let alone knowing exactly where to start, so I think something like this (seminar) is good because it’s the one-stop shop for all our information.”

Students interested in the Military Medic to Paramedic to Nurse Program can reach its coordinator Darrell DeMartino at 517-483-1326.

For more information about how LCC can support student veterans, contact the Veterans Service Office at (517)-483-1200, located in the Gannon Building room 203.

4 NEWS

March 26 - April 8, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Students get insight via college representatives Amber Glomb Staff Writer LCC hosted over 40 different representatives from participating trans-

ferable colleges March 20-22.

The third annual Transfer Fair encouraged students to indulge their curiosities concern-

Photo by Courtney Baker

Glen Brough (right), the assistant director of admissions at Michigan State University, discusses transfer opportunities with LCC student Sigrid Crowell during the Transfer Fair on March 21.

ing four-year universities. The fair was located on the second floor of the Gannon Building.

According to Patty Spagnuolo, director of LCC’s University Center and Transfer Initiatives, the goal was to help students continue their education after LCC. “We decided that students needed more options to be able to transfer,” Spagnuolo said.

“A good portion of the students that come to LCC are actually here to move on to a four-year degree. It really opens up opportunities for students.”

One of the fair’s participants, LCC student Sigrid Crowell, explained: “It really helps people understand realistically what they have to do in order to get to a university.

“I am interested because I really want to go to MSU and I just realized there is actually a lot I have to do in order to actually get there. It was definitely helpful.”

Among the 40-plus

Photo by Courtney Baker

The third annual Transfer Fair at LCC was a three-day event held in the Gannon Building lobby. There, perspective students had the chance to speak to representatives from over 40 different colleges.

schools represented was Michigan State University. Glen Brough, assistant director for MSU’s admissions department, was present to answer questions.

Brough explained how the decision to pick a school ultimately falls on the shoulders of the students.

“That’s their own call.

There are 4,200 schools in this country that students can attend,”

Brough said. “They’ve got to find the right fit.”

This event, he said, helped students discover their ideal school.

For many of the local schools, most of the transferring students involve LCC students.

MSU receives more applicants from LCC than any other community college or junior college.

LCC’s faculty is not disregarding LCC as a school with the event.

They are simply attempting to aid students by furthering their education, wherever it may be.

“For the portion of students that are here to learn, LCC obviously is a great opportunity,” Spagnuolo said.

“But we do know that 2,500 of our students transfer somewhere each year. So it helps those 2,500 students find that place that they want to go.”

IN BRIEF NEWS

West Campus to hold blood drive March 29 The Student Life Office at LCC will host a blood drive on West Campus in the second floor Arboretum Thursday, March 29. The Red Cross will take donations from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, check out redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code LCCwest or call 1-800-Red-Cross.

GSA now accepting art donations for auction LCC’s Gay Straight Alliance is now accepting artwork of all kinds to put in an auction benefiting the Lansing Area Aids Network. The GSA will discontinue collecting Saturday, April 21.

For more information on the submission process and possible prizes, contact Bianca Racine at racineb@ mail.lcc.edu or GSA Adviser Jennifer Spenny at spennyj@lcc.edu.

LCC sets Start Here – Get There visit to Michigan State April 27 Local area high school and LCC students will have the opportunity to visit and learn about transferring to MSU during the next Start Here

– Get There visit day. The visit will begin at 8 a.m. and continue until around 3 p.m. Friday, April 27.

For more information, call Student Life at 517-483-1285.

LCC to hold Eco Scholars Day at West Campus April 27 Students will have an opportunity to present the fruit of their ecologically-inspired labor on Eco Scholars Day Friday, April 27 from noon to 3:30 p.m. on West Campus.

Presentations will focus on the broad themes of sustainability and the environment. Presentation slots will be open to students, faculty, administrators and staff from any program, department, division or office at the college.

For more information, or to fill out an application to present, visit www. lcc.edu/techcareers/ecoscholars/.

TRIO sets up for CMU step-up transfer workshop LCC will host a transfer workshop for students transferring from LCC to CMU Friday, March 30. The workshop will be held in GB 365 from 10 a.m. to noon.

For more information, visit the TRIO office in GB 142 or the Student Life office in GB 230.

5 Features

March 26 - April 8, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout

WLNZ broadcasts Lansing-area talent Nathan Wilson Associate Editor Since LCC Radio 89.7 WLNZ went on the air in 1994, the station has provided the Greater Lansing community with a broad variety of music and entertainment.

Karen Love is the program director and co-host of Coffee Break, which can be heard from 9 to 10 a.m. every weekday.

“We have music that covers a lot of different genres … from bluegrass to blues to pop and rock and everything in between,” Love said.

“And we mix that all together and we add some local music in as well.”

LCC Radio also has specialty shows delivered via satellite or organized by local volunteers.

Love explained WLNZ engages in live shows such as concerts every Friday at Sir Pizza in Lan-

Photo by Courtney Baker

Spike Martain, an LCC Media Services student employee monitors the video from cameras in the radio studio. The LCC radio morning show Coffee Break is simulcast on LCC television weekdays at 9 am.

sing’s Old Town between noon and 1 p.m., as well as a monthly road show.

Recently, WLNZ staff traveled to Mason for a live road show March 16.

According to Love, WLNZ annually participates in local events such as Be a Tourist in Your Own Town, Jazz Fest, Blues Fest, World Day at Hunter Park, Cardboard Classic sled race and Silver Bells. “(Summer) is the best time for us to reach out

to the community because we can be at all the festivals and let people know that LCC has a radio station,” Love said.

In addition to featuring an eclectic collection of shows, WLNZ hosts interview musicians, authors and artists from the Lansing community.

Love explained WLNZ recently revived a show called “Big Band Swing,” which plays jazz on Sundays.

Dave Downing, sta-

Photo by Courtney Baker

Karen Love, program director and co-host of LCC’s Coffee Break, chats with Jack Robbins, another Coffee Break co-host, during a broadcast March 21, 2012.

tion manager and cohost of Coffee Break, said WLNZ’s signal can be reached somewhere between 20 and 30 miles of LCC. “It depends on which direction you’re driving and the terrain and other variables, but we pretty much get Lansing and the surrounding com-

munities,” Downing said.

According to Downing, WLNZ also schedules a live broadcast every Friday with local musicians from Old Town.

“We’re always looking for volunteers so we encourage people to come down and visit us,” Love

said. “We have all kinds of different opportunities, whether you want to be on the air or you want to hang out in the office or be part of our street team.”

Potential volunteers can email lcc-radio@lcc. edu, call 517-483-1000 or visit WLNZ in TLC room 001.

Phi Theta Kappa honors students statewide Nathan Wilson Associate Ecitor The Michigan Community College Association and Phi Theta Kappa recognized many students across the state at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing March 13 for their academic success.

Rep. John Walsh, RMich., commended

the student honorees on their dedication to learning.

“It makes me feel humble to look out and see people that will be our future leaders,” Walsh said. “When you go out on a campus at a community college, you meet very motivated people, very hardworking people … and that’s what’s going to

Photo by Courtney Baker

LCC honoree and Phi Theta Kappa Cuong Quoc received his award from Michael Hanson, the president of the Michigan Community College Association, on March 13 at the Radisson Hotel.

fuel our nation in the future.”

During the ceremony, Walsh discussed the ongoing recovery efforts in Michigan and legislation to jumpstart education, such as allowing community colleges to offer four-year degrees.

“Your dedication to the studies will open many, many doors for you as you move forward,” Walsh said. “It will turn into jobs and the abilities … to raise your family here in Michigan and for your children to choose to stay here if they want.”

Kari Kahler, the Michigan Regional Phi Theta Kappa coordinator, shared honorees’ biographies as each one was called forward to accept a rose and a medallion.

LCC students Heather Miller and Cuong Quoc were among the honorees recognized during the ceremony.

“It feels great to get recognized for hard work,” said Miller, a non-traditional student and single mother. “My dad, who passed away in 2003, is my inspiration for becoming a

Photo by Courtney Baker

LCC students and Phi Theta Kappa members Cuong Quoc (left) and Heather Miller were honored at the All-Michigan Academic Team awards program and luncheon March 13. They were recognized for their academic achievements.

nurse and gives me the determination to succeed.”

Quoc is studying to be a chemical engineer and work in the food industry. He said five years from now he wants to pursue his master’s degree and improve food quality in Vietnam.

The ceremony concluded with three surprise awards. Arlene Collins from Mott Community Col-

lege was awarded the bronze Coca-Cola award, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.

The silver Coca-Cola award winner was Keith Dawkins from Schoolcraft College.

“

Finally, Leah Esslinger from Schoolcraft College received the coveted New Century Scholar Award for achieving the highest score on the All-USA Scholarship application.

When you go out to a campus at a community college you meet very motivated people, very hard-working people... and that’s what’s going to fuel our nation.

”

— State Rep. John Walsh

6

SPORTS

March 26 - April 8 , 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Ancilla spoils Stars home opener at Ranney Dominick Mastrangelo Editor in Chief

The 2012 season did not start for the Lansing Community College softball team like it had planned.

The Stars regular season started with seven straight losses to a plethora of highly skilled teams in Gulf Shores, Ala., over LCC’s spring break.

The LCC women’s offense struggled mightily on the road trip, scoring just five runs in their first seven games, including a 19-0 loss to Columbia State College in the last game of the road trip.

“We played some pretty good teams down south,” Head Coach Marc Kibby said. “Almost all of those schools have been outside for weeks now. It gives them a slight advantage.”

Kibby is in his first year as coach at LCC and previously served as head coach at Bath High School for 16 years.

The Stars returned

Photo by Courtney Baker

Freshman first baseman Sam Hayes takes a cut during game one of the Stars doubleheader vs. Ancilla March 21. Hayes is one of several Bath High School grads on the team.

from spring break March 5, but were not done traveling.

The team headed to Rockford, Ill., March 18, and split a doubleheader with Rock College.

In the game that the

Stars won, sophomore right fielder Rachel Malmquist was 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored. She spoke fondly of the team’s traveling experiences.

“We had a lot of fun

doing all this traveling,” Malmquist said.

“We’ve had a lot of time to bond and a lot of time to get to know each other as people and players.”

Malmquist is the only

returning sophomore on the Stars’ roster this season.

The Stars hosted their first opponent at Ranney Park when they faced Alma College’s junior varsity team in a double-

header March 21. The LCC women lost both games.

In the first game, the Stars lack of hitting reared its ugly head again. The Stars left 10 runners on base and lost 2-1.

Pitcher and freshman Elise Erickson allowed just six hits in seven innings of work and helped keep the game close.

Still, the Stars failure to hit the ball kept victory at bay.

In game two, the Stars continued to struggle offensively.

Alma took game two 8-3 with ease and left the Stars winless in their 2012 debut in Ranney Park.

The Stars played vs Glen Oaks March 24.

Check www.lcc.edu/ lookout for updates on all games.

“We have a lot of room for improvement, obviously,” Kibby said after the losses to Alma’s JBV team. “We’ve got a lot of ball to play still. This is a work in progress and we will be successful.”

Photo by Courtney Baker

Sophomore Nate Duhon (right) performs a playful headlock on teammate Leroy Green (center) after the Stars’ 78-70 overtime win over Glen Oaks Feb. 4.

Cagers finish season strong Dominick Mastrangelo Editor in Chief In more ways than one, 2011-12 was a good year for Lansing Community College men’s basketball.

The Stars finished the year with a record of 15-1 in the MCCAA and 19-13 overall after coming up short in the NJCAA Region 12 tournament.

The LCC men’s season came to an end in the Region 12A semifinals March 9, where the Stars lost to Jackson, 89-67. Before the loss to Jackson, LCC lost to Mott CC on March 4 in the MCCAA Championship game, 90-70.

While the post-season run did not go as Head Coach Mike Ingram had planned, he said he found

there was much to be pleased about this season.

“I had a great team this year. That’s a fact,” he said.

“We’ve been a great team all year long. We’ve had individual accolades and great team victories.”

Ingram, who just finished his 23rd year as coach at LCC, had several players honored for their play.

The NJCAA named LCC sophomore point guard Nate Duhon the Division II Player of the Week for his play Feb. 8 to 15.

Duhon was named Player of the Year in the Western Conference of the MCCAA. He has verbally committed to play for Chicago State University this fall.

“I’m really blessed to have had the experience I did (at LCC),” Duhon

said. “I owe a lot of thanks to Coach Ingram and all my teammates for always helping me succeed.”

As the off-season starts, Ingram said he will look to build another winning team and has a variety of freshman eager to find the spotlight of Gannon Gym. Freshman and sharpshooting guard Skylear Moore, who led the Stars in 3-point shooting for most of the regular season, will return in 2012-13.

He will be joined by fellow guard and Lansing Eastern graduate Cameron Sanchez, who also poses a large threat from behind the arch. Moore said he and his counterpart are confident they can repeat the success of their freshman year.

7 Sports

March 26 - April 8 ,2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout — A New York State of Mind —

I am sports I am not very complex. I like things to be simple and repetitive.

I don’t know what I would do without my daily routines and rituals.

I am superstitions, emotionally erratic and always interesting. The people who know me vary.

Some hate me, some love me, some are simply amused by me … and some don’t really care. I am sports.

I come in many forms, shapes and sizes. I can tear families apart and bring countries together.

I have infiltrated holidays and made a name for myself around the world. I am famous.

Some people have mastered me. I can be redone, recycled and used to bring power to the most unlikely of heroes.

I create pride and tradition and can define an entire community of people. I am inspirational.

I am unmatched;

there is no other entity like me in the world.

I can make someone jump for joy and then, within a matter of seconds, bring them to utter depression and heartache.

I am a roller-coaster.

I am terribly over done. I have been analyzed, criticized and called into question.

I have been a venue for the tragic death of some and the triumphant birth of others.

I have given individuals a reason to get up in the morning and have provided motivation to people who otherwise would have none.

I am hope.

I do not discrimi-

nate. I do not ban anyone from pursuing me.

Different groups have changed me while still keeping my basic principals and overall meaning.

I am available to people of all races, cultures, religious backgrounds … and, yeah … talents. I am surely diverse.

I am always alive. I have changed so much since my creation.

I am stronger, more efficient and more meaningful than I was many years ago.

I have always had some purpose. Now my services seem endless. I will never die.

I am the miracle on ice and the Lou Gehrig “Luckiest Man” speech.

I am the undefeated Rocky Marciano, and I am Jackie Robinson fighting for equality.

I am Michael Jordan at the buzzer and Michael Phelps going for the gold.

I am sports, and I am one of the best things going for humanity.

— Stocken Speaks —

The mad men of March March is my least favorite month of the year and the reason is simple: March Madness.

Madness is exactly what it is to me. In my experienced opinion with sportsminded men, sports have turned most adult men into obsessive fens.

When I first started dating my current boyfriend, he told me that hockey was his favorite sport, so I got involved.

Before attending our first Red Wings’ game together, I purchased an official Red Wings T-shirt and rented hockey books from the library to increase my knowledge of the sport.

After the buzz of hockey started to wear off …

March of 2011 approached and I was told by the said boyfriend that basketball was his favorite sport.

I was confused as I remembered him telling me only months ago that hockey was his favorite.

I thought I did such a great job faking my way through hockey season that embracing basketball wouldn’t be a problem for

me either.

I was wrong. I am 20 years old and had no prior understanding of what March Madness really stood for.

For 11 months out of the year men who have no interest in college sports participate in all events related to March Madness.

These fair-weather sports fans are the ones who dress and act reasonably normal throughout the year, apart from the month of March.

I’ve witnessed the obsessed men of March leaving their homes and entering work dressed head to toe in green Michigan State University apparel.

They wear plastic beaded jewelry and sweat bands with Spartan logos on them; basketball bracket in hand.

Women are obsessive as

well about certain things: shoes, purses and who will win on the TV show America’s Next Top Model.

But the differences I see between the obsessions of women and men are much different.

Some may think women waste away their money on material objects. At least women are guaranteed to get something for their money, unlike many of the men who place bets on March Madness.

The odds of completing one’s bracket perfectly seems to be impossible and the money spent in bracket betting is wasted.

Women have something to show for money spent.

Yes I am a sports fan.

I enjoying watching basketball and especially baseball, but I have other hobbies and activities that occupy my day.

To men who scream at the TV or the players on the court, I encourage you to increase your hobbies.

Start by gathering other obsessed men of March and play a game of basketball — just for fun, of course.

8

March 26 - April 8, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout

9 A&E

March 26 - April 8, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Student Life Events Although spring semester is wrapping up quickly, there is still an array of upcoming events to get involved with through the Student Life department at LCC. “I’m hoping that the participation is up this year,” said Al Nowak, the Student Life director. “I think that as the weather gets warmer, people will be out more.

“We see this as a time to gather and celebrate the end of the year, but also continue to reprogram and let students know what’s happening.”

Following are some upcoming events sponsored by Student Life:

Vincent Who? The film Vincent Who will screen Wednesday, April 4 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Dart Auditorium.

Vincent Who is a documentary on the death of Vincent Chen, who was murdered in Detroit in 1982.

After the film screening, there will be a conversation with the filmmaker about the 30th anniversary of Chen’s death.

Annual Spring Fling The annual Spring Fling will be held in the Washington Square Mall at LCC Wednesday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“It’s a time to relax and get away,” Nowak said.

Students who attend Spring Fling are welcome to free food, activities, music and more.

“We are looking at having a couple of

inflatable activities and we are hoping to get some more student participants maybe with music, art or other things down the road,” Nowak said.

“My goal is that we really keep the student focus on highlighting or showcasing what students have accomplished throughout the year.”

Student to be recognized Registered student organizations, faculty, staff and administrations will gather with LCC students to recognize accomplishments from the prior school year.

Students will be recognized at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Lansing Friday, April 13 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30.

Run for the Stars LCC hosts the first annual Run for the Stars 5K run/walk Friday, April 20.

Registration begins at 6 p.m. at Adado Riverfront Park in front of the Gannon Building.

The run/walk begins for adults at 7 p.m. and the kids’ mile run will begin at 6:15 p.m.

The event supports LCC’s registered student organizations and athletics.

For more info on the event, visit https:// runsignup.com/Race/MI/Lansing/RunfortheStarsLCCOrganizationSupport.

— Compiled by Shauna Stocken

10 A&E

March 26 - April 8, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof wins hearts at Dart Shauna Stocken A&E Editor

Photo by Courtney Baker

Big Daddy (right) played by Michael Hays, argues with his oldest son, Brick, played by Sineh Wurie. Brick is a washed-up football player coping with the loss of a friend.

LCC’s Performing Arts Department presented the Tennessee Williams play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

The play debuted in the Dart Auditorium, where it ran for five performances between March 16 until 24.

Deborah Keller, a theater and dance adjunct faculty member at LCC, directed the show.

“It’s about a family coming together ... one night, under high stakes,” Keller said.

She said family members are battling for positions within this family as they learn that Big Daddy no longer has cancer.

Keller had suggested the play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof should be performed at LCC last summer.

“I thought that we should go back to some of these playwrights that have had such a fundamental voice in American history as well as play writing in general,” Keller said. “When he (Williams) wrote Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, he won the Pulitzer Prize.”

The play was performed by 17 cast members, including both LCC students and area community members.

Amy Winchell, a graduate of Michigan State University’s theater department, played the confrontational and bold leading lady, Maggie the Cat, in her first LCC pro-

Photo by Courtney Baker

Brick, played by Sineh Wurie, (left) and Maggie the Cat, played by Amy Winchell, are a married couple in the play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Maggie fights throughout the play for the intimacy of her alcoholic husband.

duction.

“I heard that LCC was doing Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and I had to audition because I’ve always wanted to play Maggie the Cat,” said Winchell.

Throughout the play, Maggie fights for the love of Brick, the son of Big Daddy, played by Sineh Wurie.

According to Keller, Williams’ drama pushed the boundaries within his play without breaking production codes, due to the restrictions on the film industry in the 1930s.

“There is some mature language in the play, ‘I want you to sleep with me again, Brick. Will you sleep with me?’” Keller said.

Wurie, said he has performed in approximately

15 productions at LCC. Wurie is a former student at LCC who completed the acting studio program in 2003.

“LCC has shown me different techniques,” said Wurie. “They have just opened my mind and opened my horizons to what my abilities are and what I am capable of.”

Rehearsal for the play began near Christmas time, according to Keller.

Keller sais she has directed approximately seven plays at LCC. “I like LCC’s program.

I keep getting tossed challenges and I keep learning a lot,” Keller said. “I think that it is a good program for the students and I think that it’s a really great training institution.”

Want to be MADE on MTV? Shauna Stocken A&E Editor The music television channel MTV is commonly known for featuring reality TV programs.

MTV’s self-improvement television show MADE first aired in 2003.

The network employees of MADE are leaving their default location in New York to find the next Michigan area college student.

MADE is coming to LCC in search of individuals who want to be “MADE.” Although an LCC hopeful may not be chosen for an episode of MADE, having a student from LCC earn the opportunity would benefit LCC greatly, accord-

ing to Al Nowak, the Student Life director at LCC. “If a student was chosen, it would give LCC some national coverage,” Nowak said. “It could bring more students to LCC or identify a certain program here.”

The premise of the show is a contestant is given a coach who helps that contestant complete his or her goal.

Past goals accomplished on the show include being made into a dancer, singer, pro athlete, prom queen, or even a high school graduate.

Any registered LCC students are eligible to audition for the show.

Interested LCC students can register in the Student Life and Om-

budsman Office in the Gannon Building, room 230.

The Student Life and Ombudsman Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Applicants will be given a question form to fill out at the location and time of their audition.

Casting will take place April 5. Each auditionee will be given five to 10 minutes to present for the MTV network personnel.

All auditions will be video recorded for further review but will not air on television.

After the interview process is complete at LCC, Michigan auditions will be considered in a MTV New York office.

11 A&E

March 26 - April 8, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout

Project too eXtreme The reality of an emotion Amber Glomb Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of joreviews.com

Jonathan Daniel Brown, Oliver Cooper and Thomas Mann star in the movie Project X.

Shauna Stocken A&E Editor Now, don’t get me wrong. I have been to my fair share of high school and college parties.

But never have I seen anything as extreme as the party depicted in the new movie Project X. I would even go as far to say that no one I know nor anyone reading this review has taken part in a party like that in the movie.

The three main characters, Costa, JB and Thomas, are introduced quickly within the movie.

Oliver Cooper, who played Costa, is witty and a huge troublemaker. His developing acting abilities make him an aspiring actor to keep an eye out for in future movies.

In typical fashion, the audience learns that Thomas’s parents are going out of town, it’s his 17th birthday and, of course, if his friends throw him an enormous party, it will make him “cool.”

Project X is filled with what I would call “movie magic;” actions that could only happen in a movie.

It wasn’t so much that the movie had a party that was too intense to imagine as real, but the actions of the “high school” guests I could not fathom.

High school girls simply taking off their clothes and partying openly in the front yard of a suburban neighborhood without the remote fear of underage drinking doesn’t happen.

High school students don’t party like that in reality. No one parties like that.

The unrealistic partying was not the only aspect

that I disliked about the movie.

The lacking plots and character development contributed to why I view this movie as a disappointment.

Revisiting the concept of movie magic, the main character’s house is huge with an in-ground pool and hot tub.

Not to mention the amount of guests that attended the party were enough to cover half a block.

However, the movie’s documentary approach of teenage partying was hilarious. The stupidity of the movie was enjoyable to me.

The movie satisfied my need for a good laugh, but not much else. If movies like The Hangover, Step Brothers or Superbad appeal to your taste, then I would recommend this movie to you.

Romance novels and I tend to be two peas in a pod.

With a nonexistent love life, I can’t help but buy these books the minute they become purchasable. What can I say? I am a sucker for a good historical romantic story.

Now that I officially made myself look pathetic, let me get into the heart of this novel.

The story Heart of Gold, written by Robin Lee Hatcher, opens in the year 1864 in Grand Coeur, Idaho. Shannon Adair and her father are ripped from their privileged lives in order to start a church in a mining town.

Her father, the preacher, feels they are following the will of God by moving into town. In Ms. Adair’s eyes this place is no place for a lady of her stature.

She gawks as prostitutes and sleazy men are prevalent in her new town. She believes her life to be miserable and wishes to move back to a privileged society.

Being as this is a romance novel, a certain man changes her mind about the place. What kind of romance novel would this be without a happily ever after?

As sarcastic as I sound, I really enjoyed the book.

Hatcher has a gift for making the reader feel as if they are the character.

The emotions leap off the pages.

I literally blushed as Matthew, her man, kissed her for the very first Photo courtesy of robinleehatcher.com time. I panicked with Heart of Gold is a Romance novel by Ms. Adair as Robin Lee Hatcher. the love of her life was there is. robbed, beaten and left However, this novel to die down the side of brought far more tana hill. gible emotions to the The feelings of this table than all the other novel seemed too real. ones I’ve read. This is As for the storyline, it what made it stand out was typical like every in my eyes. It was well other romance novel crafted.

King Crossword

Gay club impresses critic Lee Rumler Staff Writer Being only 19 years old, I’ve never been on a bar crawl. In fact, I had only really spent time at one bar before my friend’s 21st birthday a few weeks ago.

And if you’ve read some of my other reviews, you’d know that I am not a fan of Mac’s.

But on March 15, about half of the LCC music program and a few other friends headed to Spiral Dance Bar for Twisted Thursdays.

Let me start off by

saying that Spiral isn’t for everyone.

They cater to the LGBT community, so if that’s not your thing, you might want to hit up another bar. However, as long as you do feel comfortable within the LGBT community, Spiral is a total blast.

One of the first features that struck me about Spiral is how remarkably clean it is. The bar literally shined, which gave it an awesome effect under the black lights.

The second feature that struck me was the male strippers.

(And by struck, I mean aroused.)

Spiral apparently has strippers on a fairly regular basis, which is something I was unaware of when I came in. And at least on March 15, they were so good at what they did, I even caught some of my straight friends staring.

Admittedly, it was a little surprising to walk into a club and see two people getting lap dances on a couch.

Within a few hours, however, my friends had a couple cuties grinding on me, too.

Twisted Thursday also meant the club hosted a drag show.

And ... wow, what a show. I never thought

I’d say it, but those girls (boys, originally) were actually pretty hot.

Twisted Thursday also means Spiral had some awesome drink specials going on. The well drinks were only $1 each and domestic beers and calls were at $2 each.

And with only a $5 entrance fee ($10 for those under 21), my trip to Spiral made for a pretty cheap night.

All things considered, I would recommend Spiral to just about anyone. It’s a great time regardless of your sexual preferences and definitely worth checking out.

Solutions to puzzle at lcc.edu/lookout

This week’s puzzle is sponsored by:

12

March 26 - April 8, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout

13 OPINION

March 26 - April 8, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout

— Shouting a nuance —

Anthony’s song I've lived at the same house for the past 19 years of my life.

I live there because rent is free, and my mother's cooking is to die for.

My house is on the very edge of Leslie, the last house within the city limits, and it's the only place I've ever called home.

Leslie isn't my favorite town on earth, to put it lightly. The town is smaller than a tin can, and I've only met a quarter as many friends who are a third as cool as half of my friends from other places.

Also, the town's as quiet as a morgue on Valentine's Day. Seriously, the only person you'll see out of the house past 11 p.m. is me when I'm out on a walk at night – and that only happens when I can't sleep.

We've had about three noteworthy events happen in our town

there or simply because it's where I spent my childhood. Whatever the reason, Leslie has stuck on me for a while.

But during the beginning of this school year, that changed.

I think the shift in my perception started when a few of my friends leased a house.

Suddenly, I was spending more and more time in an environment filled with my peers, each just beginning to learn how to live their lives, just like me, and it struck a chord with me.

I guess I realized I was an adult, whether I liked it or not, and it was time for me to start my own journey through life, beginning with moving out.

And I'm sick of living in a small town, so this year, I'm moving to Lansing.

The Capitol City had better get ready.

over the past six years or so: A bar burned down, a student beat another within an inch of her life before school so that he could get out of going to class, and Leslie turned 175 years old.

Despite all of these things, until just this last year, I've always thought of Leslie as my home.

Maybe it's because I spent my entire schooling career there, or maybe it's because I know its streets better than the back of my hand. Maybe it's because I know literally everyone who lives

— The Kollected Klutz —

My crazy family Everyone’s got one, and everyone thinks theirs is the craziest. They drive us up a wall, embarrass us in public, but in the end we love them because they’re family.

Whenever someone in my family has a birthday we all get together to celebrate at a restaurant.

Not just my parents and siblings, but my grandparents and uncles, too.

This actually just happened recently, and it got me to thinking about how funny my family is.

I always feel sorry for whatever server waits on our table.

I know they are in for a rough night because my family requires very much attention.

If the server messes up the order, well ... they better just hope that doesn’t happen.

I used to think I was a picky eater; that is, until I went out to eat with my entire family. I may

ask for something without onions, which is pretty easy to do, but someone in my family will ask for a sandwich without almost everything on it but the meat and cheese, then ask for extra pickles. But the pickles will have to be on the side.

Then they’ll literally have the food sent back three times because it wasn’t warm enough.

And then my family always ends up getting into a heated conversation about politics or whatever big thing is going on in the news at the time.

But the more I think about my fam-

ily and how crazy I think they are, the more I realize we aren’t the only ones.

So many times we think our own problems, be it family or what have you, are worse than anyone else’s.

Even as you heard me describe things that make my family a little crazy, you’re probably thinking those things are nothing compared to what your relatives do, and that your family is way worse.

That is because we as humans care far too much about what other people think.

I personally have grown accustomed to my family’s strange antics, and don’t really care too much anymore.

But I would still say there are times when I wonder how I’m related to them.

In the end family is family, and we have to love them no matter how much they may embarrass us.

— ‘I am invincible!’ —

Best vacation of my life While the excitement of spring break has been replaced with the dread of exams and essays, my retreat to Las Vegas still lingers vividly in my mind.

But before the fun could even begin, a very strange occurrence took place on my flight.

When I retrieved my laptop from my backpack, I found the attached jump drive had effectively disintegrated.

There was dust everywhere and only a computer chip remained.

I’m still trying to wrap my mind around how this transpired … At least I had backup files of my novels on an expansion drive.

Despite this unexplained incident, I felt like I had stepped into Heaven when Las Vegas greeted me with sunny skies and 75 degrees. The pool and hot tub virtually became my new home.

A glorious change in

scenery awaited me in Vegas: barren canyons and a bustling metropolis with extravagant buildings.

I enjoyed exploring the city and the various hotels and attractions strewn across the Strip.

Most impressive of all were the Bellagio Fountains.

While I was tempted many times to gamble (virtually every 10 feet), I opted out. After all, I am shrewd with my money. If I spend it, I must get something in return. Speaking of which, Vegas taxis are obscenely expensive.

The highlight of my journey was having the

opportunity to meet a very sweet and lovely woman during my travels. It was refreshing to engage someone with an intoxicating level of maturity, intelligence and kindness I seldom encounter.

I can only hope I find another person with such qualities. It still feels like a dream to me that I wish to never awake from. I shall cherish those memories for many years to come.

After this experience, I look forward to expanding my horizon and exploring a foreign country, possibly Japan, New Zealand or perhaps a city like Prague.

It was invigorating to get away from classes and spend four days at an exciting location.

My future travels will have to wait until I have earned my certificate in radiological technology.

Or until my self-control has completely eroded, whichever comes first.

14

March 26 - April 8, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout

15 Opinion

March 26 - April 8, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout — In Our Own Words —

Take steps to stay safe from Lansing crime “Hide yo kids. Hide yo wife.

And hide yo husbands. 'Cause they (robbin') e'rybody out here.”

These wise words, advice originally given by Antoine Dodson on WAFF News 48 in Huntsville, Ala., have never been more appropriate.

While the streets of Lansing haven't often been plagued by the presence of many major crime syndicates (at least not publicly), reports of assaults and robberies around LCC have been cropping up with seemingly increasing frequency as of late.

In light of these attacks, The

Lookout staff would like to remind our readers that they are never safe.

Ever.

And with the months of 2012 flying by like a paper plane that's been lit aflame, Lansing residents not only have violent crime and robbery to fear, but also the impending apocalypse as well.

Truly, this is a frightening age in American history.

But really, it's no more frightening than it has been in past years.

These recent attacks are nothing new to Lansing residents.

According to areavibes.com,

the lookout Dominick Mastrangelo

Nathan Wilson

Shauna Stocken

Lansing's violent crime rate was a whopping 252 percent higher than the national average in 2010.

That figure is a little misleading, though, considering that crime rates in urban areas are consistently higher than the national average.

In addition, when considering long-term trends, the number of violent crimes all over America have been steadily decreasing each year since before 2000, dropping a whopping 13.4 percent from 2005 to 2010, according to the FBI's crime index.

Compared to other cities in

the Midwest, such as Grand Rapids or Chicago, the crime rate in Lansing hovers around average.

The crime rate in urban war zones such as Saginaw, Flint and Detroit, are about 50 percent higher, whereas the crime rates in richer cities on the East and West coast, such as New York and Los Angeles, tend to be about 50 percent lower.

The point is this: Lansing is not a scary city. Yes, we definitely have our fair share of crime, but by taking simple, common sense safety precautions, nearly all of it can be prevented.

Letter to the Editor

Student thanks Writing Center To The Lookout:

Editor in Chief mastrand@mail.lcc.edu

Associate Editor wilso162@mail.lcc.edu

A&E Editor stockens@mail.lc.edu

Kaitlin Lutz

Courtney Baker

Kelly Lehtonen

Staff Writer/Paginator Photo Editor lutzk3@mail.lcc.edu bake12@mail.lcc.edu

Amber Glomb

Lee Rumler

Advertising Manager swansok4@mail.lcc.edu

Please pass along my deepest gratitude to The Writing Center, as well as the many LCC writing instructors.

This is my final semester at Lansing Community College before I move on to a Ferris State University in the summer. Because of the excellent instruction I received, I was able to publish my first novel.

It has been doing very well in both sales, and reviews. I couldn’t have done it without them!

Thank you for what I will always consider as the most influential years of college my education.

Sincerely, Brad Salters, LCC Student

Larry Hook

Write a Letter to the Staff Writer glomba@mail.lcc.edu

Staff Writer

rumlel@mail.lcc.edu

Adviser hookl@lcc.edu

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.

LANSING WORKERS CENTER If you’re having trouble with your boss and need some help, get in touch with us: 517-342-6435. http://lansingworkerscenter.wordpress.com/

APARTMENT FOR RENT 2601 E. Grand River, Lansing. Two and a half miles from downtown LCC campus. Two bedrooms, $650 to $945 per month. Price includes air, dishwasher, parking, washer, dryer, heat and water. Smoking and pets allowed.

Contact Katie or BJ at 517-507-4610.

NASCAR MEMORABILIA Two brand new Dale Earnhardt Jr. hats, $7 each. Ten miniature racecars from the Michigan International Speedways from 2005 to 2009, new, $5 each. Call 517-483-1291.

PLACE YOUR AD HERE Advertising in The Lookout’s classified section is just $8.50 for 20 words or less.

Additional words 50 cents. Call 483-1295.

Editor

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.

- The Lookout Staff

16 LAST LOOK

March 26 - April 8, 2012

www.lcc.edu/lookout

Lookout gets linked

Photo by Larry Hook

Nathan Wilson (right), the associate editor for The Lookout, visits with Connections co-hosts Mark Stiles and Tess King during a taping of the weekly award-winning LCCTV show. Wilson discussed his experience writing at the newspaper, as well as his recently completed novel and his career goals. The show with Wilson’s appearance will be aired starting Saturday, April 7 on LCCTV. The show also appears on YouTube as well as Comcast channels 15 and 31, and WLNS channel 6. A listing of Connections showtimes, as well as LCCTV’s schedule, can be found at http:// www.lcc.edu/tv/schedule/.