Women
Judo
teacher tells her story PAGE 5
Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012 Volume 53, Issue 8 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Give
continue
strong season PAGE 7
the gift of cookies PAGE 9
thelo kout
Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
Dart goes drag
‘Start Here - Get There’ LCC students visit GVSU for campus tour Shauna Stocken News Editor
Photo by Michael Caterina
Eva Angelica performs during the LCC Gay Straight Alliance’s ninth annual drag show Dec. 3. For more photos and a story on the event see page 16.
PTK hosts art show Event to raise funds for new scholarship Nathan Wilson Associate Editor LCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) will host a community event titled Renaissance Re-engaged, tentatively set for Dec. 31 from 2 to 6 p.m. at a location to be determined. Haylee Price, a member of PTK and president of LCC’s Photo Club,
is helping organize the event as a part of PTK’s Honors in Action project. “We are doing this because we have an Honors in Action study topic required in our organization that every branch of PTK should … reach the five-star status and be recognized among our peers,” Price said. “We chose the topic arts and how they convey information. LCC students can submit art for display … This event is trying to focus on featuring local artists and See PTK, page 2
LCC’s “Start Here Get There Visit Days” transfer program gives interested LCC and area high school students the opportunity to tour major universities. The second tour of the year took place at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), Dec. 2. Leah O’Brien is a current LCC student who is applying for transfer to GVSU for the fall semes-
Photo courtesy Kevin Fowler
Potential LCC transfer students tour Grand Valley State University’s Main Campus Dec. 2.
ter 2012. O’Brien was one of the 22 students who made the trip. “I really like the campus. O’Brien said. “I have been here a few times and it has a
homey feel.” GVSU’s main campus, located in Allendale, hosted a tour for students. Other locations See GVSU, page 4
LCC sends students abroad Japan Immersion program offers low cost experience
Japan Immersion program participants Emily Hammond, from left, Victoria Kerr and Elmo Harris take in the scenery on last year’s trip to Japan. Applications for the upcoming trip are due Jan. 31, 2012.
Dominick Mastrangelo Editor in Chief Over the last 25 years, Lansing Community College has sent over 500 students to various cities in Japan using its Japan Immersion program. This coming year students who are interested in getting involved with the study abroad program must submit their application by Jan. 31, 2012, to the Social Science and Humanities Department.
Courtesy photo
Marc Thomas is the organizer of the Japan Immersion program and spearheads many of
LCC’s global initiatives. See Japan, page 2
2 NEWS
Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
PTK
Japan
to raise awareness of the media used to form art and how it’s changed over time.” Kirbay Preuss, the president of PTK, said, “I hope we gather more of an audience from throughout the community who can understand what PTK is all about. That’s the whole mission of PTK, to extend from campus out into the community.” According to Price, students 17 or older can submit art including sculpture, pottery, painting, fashion, drawing, graphic design and photography. Renaissance Re-engaged will also incorporate a scholarship fund created by Price. “The scholarship fund is like a way to give back to the community,” Price explained. “It’s not necessarily a part of Renaissance Re-engaged, other than the fact that it supports the local artists going to school and maybe even some of the ones who participate.” Participating artists can sell their art dur-
“What the program does is provide a study abroad program for a lower cost,” Thomas said. “It can be a tremendous opportunity to interested students.” Thomas explained the program has two parts. The first involves students serving as cultural ambassadors from Michigan to Japan. Students also complete a business internship with a Japanese company while studying the Japanese language and way of life. Thomas said in the past, the program has cost students roughly $2,000. He also noted that at most four-year universities, studyabroad programs can cost upwards of $8,000. Using LCC’s program, students will work and study in Otsu, Lansing’s sister city, which is in Shiga Prefecture, Michigan’s sister state in 2012. Otsu is 10 minutes by train from Kyoto, a cultural center in Japan. Elmo Harris, a current LCC student, participated in the program last year, where he worked on a Japa-
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Continued from page 1
Courtesy photo
Phi Theta Kappa members raise money for the American Cancer Society during the Bark For Life fundraiser at Preuss Pets in Lansing’s Old Town July 16.
ing Renaissance Re-engaged, but 15 percent will go to the scholarship fund and another 15 percent or more will go to the gallery. The scholarship fund is designed to raise money through sponsors and donations to
create a scholarship that will be given to an art student planning on attending LCC. “I’d like to have this scholarship fund in place for at least a year ’s time to help build up to at least $500,” Price said. “That
money will be later awarded to a student.” For more information about participating in Renaissance Reengaged and the date and time of the event, contact Antonio Manning at manni16@mai. lcc.edu.
nese cruise ship for three months. “It was one of the best experiences of my life,” Harris said. “I would say that anyone who has the opportunity to go on this kind of trip and passes it up is crazy.” The Japan Immersion program is scheduled to send three students in early May, three students in late May and four students in August of 2012. Victoria Kerr accompanied Harris on one of the three trips to Japan Organized by LCC in 2011. “I learned so much while I was over there,” Kerr said. “I’ve always had a fascination for Japanese culture. This was the perfect opportunity to get cultured. It ended up being just one big ball of fun … It’s also a really nice thing to put down on a resume.” More information about LCC’s study abroad program and potential scholarship information can be seen at http://www.lcc.edu/aa/ studyabroad. An application can also be filled out at this site.
Student Life raises $1,777 LCC’s Student Life Department donated $1,777 in collected donations to the Greater Lansing Food Bank Dec. 1. In the far left photo (l. to r.), Food Bank employees Jamesina Perez and David Murphy accept a check from Vanessa Williams, Jacob Hurtges and Antonio Manning. Near left, Student Life Director Al Nowak helps load the truck. Photos by Michael Caterina
3 NEWS
Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
LCC gives support for the holidays Shauna Stocken News Editor Toys for Tots donation boxes and LCC Star Giving Trees are located around LCC’s campuses to encourage seasonal donations from students, staff and faculty. The Toys for Tots boxes located throughout LCC’s Main Campus are a part of the way the American Marketing Association (AMA) is giving back to the community. Bill Motz, the adviser of the American Marketing Association, explained how the AMA got involved with the project. “The AMA has always been involved in community service and that was just one of those natural things that kind of evolved,” Motz said. “LCC being a large campus with a lot of people interacting here.” The U.S. Marines contacted the AMA and asked if the organization wanted to continue with the partnership. “It’s relatively easy to do yet it’s so helpful for families that are unable (to supply their own gifts),” Motz said. The Marines will pick up the boxes Dec. 15. Once the gifts are picked
up, they are taken to the Marines warehouse in Lansing to be distributed to families in the Greater Lansing area. Every year the AMA tries to increase the amount of gifts they receive. Jody Dubeau, the president of AMA, sets the yearly goals for the Toys for Tots fundraiser. “Last year we set our goal for 200 (gifts and presents) and we raised 335. Part of that, though, was that we had a connection with somebody donating a significant amount of toys,” Dubeau said. Various Star Giving Trees are located at LCC’s East, West and Main campuses. By purchasing a Star Giving Tree ornament, donors help an LCC student in need of financial assistance. There are several levels of monetary donations that can be accepted ranging from $10 to $250. Different categories the monetary donations go toward include: LCC StarCard certificates, child care program funds, Early Child Learning Center program funds, scholarships tuition and course
Photos by Michael Caterina
Star Giving Trees, above, are located at LCC’s East, West and Main campuses. Purchasing an ornament, right, from the tree helps an LCC student in need.
tuition. Dan McKean is the executive director of the LCC Foundation and is in charge of Star Giving Trees. “It’s still early yet (in the donating process),” McKean said. “People are just like Christmas shoppers; they wait until the last minute, but we are getting some (gifts) in.” The Star Giving Tree donations have program funds where the money will be sent.
— Stocken Speaks —
Christmas without Christ? Traditionally, Christmas is the annual celebration, Dec. 25, of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is one of the few holidays that is based on culture and religion. While the exact date is unknown, the Western Christian Church was the first to establish Christmas during the fourth century. Just as Thanksgiving has increased the number of people that focus more on preparing for Black Friday shopping than celebrating a day of thanks, the number of non-Christians celebrating Christmas has also increased. In some situations, half of a family might celebrate the holidays in one way while the other family members that are united by Christianity celebrate Christmas religiously. Multiple styles of celebrating the holidays can be performed within one family. In my family, my sister
is the person who instills the Christian aspects to our Christmas. She does this by gathering the family for church and most of the time leading the family in prayer during Christmas supper. If my sister did not maintain the belief of Christ in Christmas, what would the holiday become for us? Maybe Christmas would be just a winter holiday. Christmas can serve as the annual celebration of the Lord, or for others mark the annual celebration of something else. Other than Thanksgiv-
ing, Christmas is the only time I get to sit down and enjoy a meal with both sides of my mother and father’s families. Believe it or not, I look forward to giving gifts just as much or more than receiving them. Giving gifts to my family members who I rarely see is a way to say, “I love you,” and make them feel special. If Christmas did not stand for Christ, the concept of the holiday standing for the love of family sounds like reason enough to continue celebrating. Just as my faith in God is constantly growing or changing so is the way people celebrate the holidays. Maybe my views will continue to change as I grow up. For now I hold the weight of Christmas on gifts, food, A Christmas Story movie marathon on Christmas Day and, of course, family.
“For instance, the Early Learning Center has a program fund so any money donated to the students’ daycare will go into their fund and then the program will know the donations are available,” McKean said. “Then the donation will go through their normal processes for awarding the money.” Other programs that will receive the donations include departments for students who
typically need assistance for parking and other expenses. The TRIO project first generation college students also receives donations for the Star Giving Tree. “We will probably look at making a couple of changes next year,” McKean said. “For instance a tree that would be in the TLC Building. We might make that specifically for
library needs.” Jessica Williams is an LCC student employee who works for the LCC Foundation on the office support staff. “We thought about ideas from the community such as the Angels Trees that you see around the community,” Williams said. “We wanted to do something similar that solicited LCC students.”
IN BRIEF NEWS
Shelter animals at home for the holiday season The Ingham County Animal Shelter in Mason wants to empty the shelter for the holidays. Become a dog or cat foster parent for 12 days between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Families that spend time with a foster animal report to the animal shelter with information that will help animals become adopted faster. On average, animals that spend the holidays with foster families have an 80 percent edge of being adopted over pets that remain at the shelter.
For more information of seasonal adoption, contact the Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter’s foster coordinator Katlyn Turner at (517) 676-8383.
LCC is offering Bowling Club LCC is offering a new club for students. Any individual interested in joining the club should contact the LCC Bowling Club President Patrick Jacob at (517) 927-7349 or email the club adviser Francis Jacobs at jacobsf@email.lcc.edu for more information.
4 NEWS
Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
GVSU
Continued from page 1
for the university include Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon and Traverse campuses. Robert McFletcher attended GVSU for four years and is currently in the grad program. He said he plans to graduate in the spring of 2013. McFletcher said he chose GVSU because of its great Public Administration program. “I actually want to be the president of the university (GVSU),” McFletcher said. “I am taking some of the foundational values that Grand Valley has and putting them into my own practices.” During the tour, main campus students were able to eat lunch in the campus dining building, tour the campus and listen to multiple GVSU speakers. Students from different majors, clubs and activities spoke, including Bonnie Ulmer-DeGraves, the associate director of Admissions at GVSU. “It (GVSU) was a close university to where I grew up,” Ulmer-DeGraves said. “I remember visiting Grand Valley with my
Photo by Courtney Baker
Prospective transfer students from LCC tour the GVSU Athletic Hall of Fame during a “Start Here - Get There Visit Day” Dec. 2.
parents. GVSU was a very different school when I started here (GVSU). “It was a lot of different independent colleges. I remember visiting one of the classrooms and my dad saw people dancing in the hallways wearing tutus and said, ‘There is no way you are going here.’” Ulmer-DeGraves attended GVSU, earning her undergraduate and graduate degree. Ulmer-DeGraves has worked in GVSU Admissions for the past 26 years. Josh Robinson is a firstyear Elementary Education and Social Studies major at
GVSU. Robins transferred to GVSU after completing three years at LCC. “I went to LCC to take my general education courses because it was a lot cheaper than taking them at a university,” Robins said. “LCC was really helpful because when I transferred here, I already knew how college classes worked and how to manage my time. I already had somewhat of an idea of what to expect academically.” Due to GVSU’s rolling admissions policy, applicants will be notified within 10-14 days on the stat-
Photo by Kevin Fowler
Potential transfer students listen as a tour guide relates some campus history during a visit to Grand Valley State as an ongoing project to promote LCC student transfers to universities around the state.
utes of their acceptances. To be considered for admission as a transfer without high school documents being included in the GVSU application, a transferring student must have taken at least 30 transferable credits from another institution and obtained a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Transfer admission
works with the MACRAO Agreement, which students can complete at LCC. Students who attend a community college in Michigan and earn an associate’s degree will satisfy the General Education Program requirements. “I have been meeting with an academic adviser (at LCC) and they
have been showing me the MACRAO transfer agreement, which classes to take and which classes not to take,” O’Brien said. “It prepared me fairly well.” For more information on transferring to GVSU, contact an LCC counselor or visit GVSU Transfer Student Information at www.gvsu.edu/ transfer.
5 Features
Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
LCC students create unique window display Amber Glomb Staff Writer
Created out of magazine pages, the mannequins in the front of Krista Myles’ K2 Boutique stand and display consignment clothing from inside her shop. Unique to this display is the fact that two of LCC’s fashion interns — Kelly Lehtonen and Cody James — designed this entire display themselves. According to Lehtonen, the idea for this display came from James’ magazine-covered room. This idea then transcended to the display now featured outside of Myles’ boutique. Regarding this store front, Myles was extremely open to the idea. “It (the display) has taken a lot of pressure off of me and saved me a lot of time,” Myles said. “It’s nice and it’s refreshing to see young ideas come to life.” This display is not the only thing these interns have done for the boutique. Each intern, along
Photos by Michael Caterina
LCC fashion interns Kelly Lehtonen and Cody James helped create a display for the window at K2 Boutique in Okemos.
with LCC student Jessica Shelton, works in the merchandising department at the shop. According to Myles, the students attempt to make the mannequins around the shop pleasing to the eye. In other words, the interns have to create something clients will see and want to buy. Though it may sound easy, Myles explained
these interns have to design in a 30 year-old mind set. This is because the shop is geared toward women rather than young people. “They are (the interns) not close to being 30,” Myles said. “A lot of them have to use resources like magazines. Or they will go online to try to look at the fashions for what we would call women as opposed to doing design or
LCC welcomes first female Judo instructor Nathan Wilson Associate Editor Melissa Ocello is scheduled to become LCC’s first female Judo instructor in spring semester 2012. Don Flagg, who has taught Judo at LCC for over 25 years, said he recommended Ocello to take his place. “I think Melissa will bring a really good perspective to the classroom,” Flagg said. “I think it will be really good for the program, so I have every confidence in her ability.” Ocello began practicing Judo in 1982 when she signed up for a selfdefense class at Michigan State University. Ocello said she hopes to give women “the selfconfidence that I gained when I started the sport of Judo.” “(Judo is) a wide open area, it doesn’t take a lot of strength,” Ocello said. “You don’t have to be super strong. You don’t have to go to the gym and lift weights in order to be good at this sport.” Flagg explained, “Judo is more of a martial way
Photo by Kevin Fowler
Melissa Ocello, left, corrects the hand placement of a Judo student during a class Dec. 1. Ocello will replace Don Flagg as LCC’s Judo instructor, effective spring semester 2012.
than it is a martial art in that it has basic principles, mutual benefit and welfare, and maximum use of mental and physical energy.” According to Flagg, Judo is the second most popular participant sport in the world. Ocello said she plans to continue teaching Judo at LCC beyond spring semester. According to Ocello, she was named three-time All-American champion at Judo Senior Collegiate Nationals in 1985, 1986 and 1987.
She also won the bronze medal at the Olympic Sports Festival in 1987. “I hope to be as inspirational as past coaches like Don Flagg and Jay Kim,” Ocello said. “Jay Kim got me started at self-defense and by the end of the class he had me competing. “From there, I competed at Collegiate Nationals. And if we have people interested here that would like to go to Collegiate Nationals … it would be a really fun experience.”
fashions for people their own age.” These interns, she explained, have gotten substantially better at designing for this older crowd. This increased ability coincides with Lehtonen and James’ magazine display out in the front of Myles’ boutique. Despite these enhanced abilities, Myles still has to warn the interns about designing too young.
She also warns them that ideas don’t always work out. In regards to the window display, Myles explained, “When you go with something that is pretty drastic, it either has the ability to be really
phenomenal, or it ends up turning out to be such a flop. Theirs turned out really well and I was excited.” This display can be seen at the K2 Boutique, located at 1929 West Grand River Road in Okemos.
6 SPORTS
Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout — A New York State of Mind —
Sparty’s Rose Bowl dreams wilted Despite loss, seniors ought to hold heads high
In the end, it was too good to be true. The 2011 season for the Michigan State University football team all but ended with a 42-39 loss to rival Wisconsin Dec. 3 in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game. The Spartans finished with a 10-2 regular season record. If they had been playing in any previous season, their ticket to the Rose Bowl in
Pasadena, Calif., would have been punched. Not this year. This year was the first year the Big Ten held a conference championship game, something most Spartan fans embraced (MSU missed the Rose Bowl last year due to
a three-way tie for the Big Ten title). Now the Spartans had a chance to claim the championship in a way that had never been done before. All Sparty needed to do was beat Wisconsin, for the second time this year. Due to a number of unfortunate and embarrassing events, as most critics will point out all off-season long, the Spartans blew it. It may go down as one of the most disappointing losses in Spartan football history given the missed opportunities, stupid penalties and bit-
ter hatred of the Badgers found in most Spartan fans lately. The final seconds ticked off the clock and reality had hit. The game was lost and Rose Bowl hopes were dashed. The loss sent MSU to the Outback Bowl (a nonBCS bowl) in Tampa, Fla., where they will face the Georgia Bulldogs of the SEC, who also lost in their conference championship game. What is important to examine is not only the outcome of the game vs. the Badgers and how the teams arrived at a final score of 42-39, but how
well the seniors in green and white played in that game and throughout that season. Kirk Cousins, B.J. Cunningham, Keyshawn Martin, Keith Nichol, Le’veon Bell. These are just some of the seniors who gave everything they had all season long and all game long to play on the country’s biggest stage. They deserved this, and they were robbed. My heart goes out to them and their supporters who truly believed this was the team of destiny and the year of roses. This brings out a
very powerful concept in sports. There is no justice. No matter how hard you play, no matter how much you try, sometimes, with everything on the line, you lose. As crushing as the loss is, we as Spartan fans must acknowledge the greatness we saw this year. We saw pride, determination and undying effort in our seniors every single Saturday in Spartan Stadium. I have never been more proud to call myself a Spartan fan. Now let’s go get those Bulldogs. Go Green!
7 SPORTS
Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Lady cagers move season mark to 6-1 Dominick Mastrangelo Editor in Chief The LCC Stars had a lot to be happy about – including a 5-0 record as they headed into the “dog days” of their season. The Stars had confidence and faced Oakland Community College Nov. 29 in a test of their stamina and stability. “We wanted to make sure all the success wasn’t getting to our heads,” LCC women’s basketball Coach Ervin Brunson said before the road trip. “We just need to stay consistent.” For LCC, the ball just kept rolling. The Lady Stars defeated Oakland Nov. 29 to gain their sixth straight victory. Sophomore Denay Kelley scored 32 points and had 20 rebounds to lead LCC. Freshman Carli Reid, a Waverly High School graduate, added 12 rebounds for the streaking Stars. “We didn’t give them
File photos by Michael Caterina
LCC sophomore and Lansing Catholic High School graduate Jena Repichowski, left, and LCC freshman and Waverly High School graduate Carli Reid, right, make moves during the Stars’ 70-67 victory over Henry Ford CC Nov. 19.
an opportunity to set up in their offense,” Brunson said. “We played zone, forced turnovers and capitalized on our fast breaks.” The Stars were firing on all cylinders. But as it is often said, all good things must come to an end. The Stars finally lost
Dec. 5 at Mott Community College, 62-58. For many of the Stars this was nothing to be ashamed of or disappointed about. “We were going to lose sometime,” Kelley said. “That was a close game and they (Mott) were a good team.”
After the minor hiccup, the Stars went right back to doing what they do best: winning. LCC defeated Henry Ford CC in Dearborn 74-51 on Dec. 7. Kelley had another fine night, attaining yet another double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
She was joined by fellow sophomore Jena Repichowski from Lansing Catholic who had 21 points and five rebounds in the domination of the Lady Hawks. “It feels good to get back to winning,” Brunson said. “This how we ought to play.”
The Stars took a 6-1 record into a battle against Delta College Dec. 14 before they were scheduled to head to Roscommon for the Kirtland CC Oppy Tournament Dec. 16 and 17. Check www.lcc.edu/ lookout for winter break results.
8 SPORTS
Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Men take to road; still struggling for wins Dominick Mastrangelo Editor in Chief Heading into their first long road trip of the year, the Lansing Community College men’s basketball team owned a lackluster record of 3-7. Things wouldn’t get much better. The Stars dropped two of three games during the trip and watched their record fall to 4-9. “I really thought we were going to be a good team … I think we still are,” LCC Head Basketball Coach Mike Ingram said before the Stars took to the road. “I’ve changed some things up in practice so hopefully we’ll get some better results.” Highland Lakes was the first stop on the tour as the Stars took on Oakland Community College, looking to turn their season around. The Stars finally caught a break. LCC defeated Oakland 7269 Nov. 29 to pick up its first road win of the year and for the moment, save the fading season. “It was nice to get a ‘W’ again,” LCC point guard Nate Duhon said after the
game. “Every game is equally as important to us.” Duhon who is ranked 24th among NJCAA Division II scorers, was good for 21 points and dished out eight assists in the win at Oakland. After falling behind early in the first half, Duhon put his teammates on his back and carried them into a position to close out a muchneeded victory. “Finishing games is something we are always trying to get better at,” forward Marcus Cain said. “We’re a good team; we just need to put ourselves in a position to win.” With a renewed sense of confidence and almost a week to rest, the Stars looked to hand conference powerhouse Mott Community College its first loss of the season. The Stars didn’t stand a chance. Mott rolled over LCC 9042 Dec. 5 and sent the Stars home dejected again. “Mott has always been one of the big dogs,” Duhon said of the undefeated Bears. “We just weren’t prepared for that level of competition.” Seemingly unfazed by the
crushing loss to the No. 1 team in the conference, the Stars headed to Dearborn to try and swipe another win at Henry Ford Community College (a team the Stars had beaten by eight points at home). No such luck on the road. The Stars fell 69-50 Dec. 7 against the Hawks of Henry Ford. LCC freshman Skyelar Moore showed much improvement, scoring eight of his team’s points as well as grabbing two rebounds. The Stars only scored 15 points in the second half vs. HFCC, five of which came from Alexander DeBack who played only the last five minutes of the game. “It finally dawned on me after the game at Henry Ford,” Ingram said. “We’re just not putting the ball in the basket. That has to change.” The Stars looked to get their season headed in the right direction with a spot in the St. Clair County CC Tournament Dec. 9 and 10. Check www.lcc.edu/lookout for results from the St. Clair CCC Tournament as well as winter break results.
File photo by Michael Caterina
LCC freshman and Waverly High School graduate Skyelar Moore contributed eight points and two rebounds during the Stars’ 69-50 Dec. 7 loss to Henry Ford CC.
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Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Wrap it up in a Kaitlin Lutz A&E Editor
Jar
Many know the idea for Santa Claus came from a man named St. Nicholas, but many probably do not know he also started the tradition of giving gifts on Christmas Day. Or more accurately, he resumed the tradition, since the wise men that visited baby Jesus were the first officially to give gifts in celebration of Jesus’ birth. Soon after St. Nicholas began leaving little gifts in stockings, many began making homemade gifts to give to each other for Christmas. During the Industrial Revolution, however, people began buying gifts for each other. Eventually, buying Christmas gifts turned into the commer-
cialized phenomenon it is today. This Christmas, why not honor the tradition St. Nicholas began, and make some homemade gifts this holiday? Don’t worry. It won’t take too much time to do, and almost everyone loves getting something that you actually took time on and thought about. And besides, who doesn’t like something sweet? For these gift jars, don’t hesitate to use festive fabric to add a touch of Christmas to the jar by screwing on a small square to the top. These recipes are some variations of some I’ve found o n line.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Ingredients: 1 cup of powdered milk 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup of granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1/2 cup of miniature chocolate chips 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candy Putting the jar together:
1
. Layer powdered milk, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, chocolate chips and peppermint
candy.
2
. For this jar, take two candy canes and wrap some ribbon around them and the jar.
3
. On a note card write: Mix contents in a large bowl. For each serving, place 1/3 cup cocoa mix in a mug and stir in 1 cup boiling water. Store remaining mix in the jar for later.
Mocha Meltdown Ingredients: 1/2 cup powdered coffee cream 1/2 cup cocoa mix 1/3 cup instant coffee
Cookies for Santa
1/4 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Putting the jar together:
1 2
Ingredients: 3/4 cup and 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup Christmascolored M&Ms 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
. Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
3
. On a note card write: Add 2 tablespoons of mixture for every 1 cup of hot water.
. Add mixture to a pint-sized jar.
Peppermint Stick Brownies
Putting the jar together:
1
. Combine the flour and baking soda. Place flour and soda mixture in a pint sized glass jar and pack firmly. Place sugar on top. Pack firmly. Layer with chocolate chips and M&Ms. Place the brown sugar on top, again packing firmly.
2
. Cover with a lid and attach tag with instructions which can be found at http://web.lcc.edu/lookout/2011/12/09/778/.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder 1/8 teaspoon of salt 3/4 cup of sugar Putting the jar together:
1 2
. Stir together flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl.
Upcoming Events Audition for the spring dance concert at LCC
The Riverwalk Theatre presents a comedy
The LCC Performing Arts Department is holding auditions for the annual spring dance concert, The American Spirit. Auditions are Sunday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Jan. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. in room 372 of the Gannon Building. Those auditioning need to bring dance attire, including tap shoes if they have them. For more information, contact Vickie Diebold at diebov@lcc.edu or call (517) 483-1546.
The comedy Rosenkrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, will come to Riverwalk Theatre Thursday, Jan. 12 from 7 to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13 and Saturday, Jan. 14 from 8 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 15 from 2 to 3 p.m. The Riverwalk Theatre is located at 228 Museum Drive, Lansing. For more information call the box office at (517) 4825700.
. Layer the ingredients in a clean pintsized jar in the following order (from bottom to top): sugar, cocoa, flour mixture,
2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons of Hershey’s special dark cocoa 1/4 cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup of crushed candy canes peanut butter chips and small chocolate chips. Tap jar gently on the counter to settle each layer before adding the next one.
3
. Cover jar and attach tag with instructions which can be found at http:// web.lcc.edu/lookout/2011/12/09/778/.
10 A&E
Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Ensemble experiments on stage Cast excited for Eldritch Kaitlin Lutz A&E Editor
Sounds of pebbles hitting the floor, dice being rolled, different electronic noises made on a computer and much more could be heard in Dart Auditorium during the Experimental Music Ensemble directed by Ty Forquer and Cesar Potes, Dec. 6. The Experimental Music Ensemble is made up of several instruments ranging from guitars and trumpets to piano and drums. And the way the ensemble members go about creating their pieces is a little different, too. For the first piece, each ensemble member had a set of dice with music that was numbered. They had to roll the dice to see what to play and how many times to play that specific part. It sounded like a bunch of musicians warming up at parts, and then it seemed like they were playing together. I wish I would have known the background to the performance because once I learned the point of them rolling the die, it
Amber Glomb Staff Writer
Photo by Courtney Baker
Jordan Schimike ( Left), Andrew Duran (Center) and Jacob Johnson performing the piece “Trio Improv” during Tuesday night’s show. The Experimental Music Ensemble features music created from many diverse instruments, in innovative and un-orthodox ways.
Review made so much more sense to me. Each song had some aspect of experiment to it. For example, there was a piece where four horn players stood all around the auditorium. Some stood in the back and some up front in order to create a surround sound. Many of the arrangements for the night were improvised right on stage too, which is definitely something not seen often during performances. For another arrangement
titled Electronic Improv, students used a program on a computer to make different sounds. It sounded like a score to some sci-fi/ end-of-the-world type movie, in which aliens take over the earth. It had a very sci-fi-esque sound to it to say the least. Listening to the ensemble was an experience in and of itself. It might not have been the kind of music I would choose to listen to, but I applaud the ensemble’s use of creativity, and their ability to bring something I had never heard before to the stage.
The little town of Eldritch does everything but keep its mouth shut in LCC’s production The Rimers of Eldritch. The play is coming to LCC’s Black Box Theatre Dec. 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. The general admission for the play will be free. The director, John Lepard, said he picked this particular play for these LCC acting students because he needed to “fit the cast with the play.” The play he chose, The Rimers of Eldritch, tells the story of Eldritch, a small town with many scandalous secrets. One of the secrets
involves a mysteriously murdered man. Throughout the play, the character Wilson, played by LCC student Juan Kopulos-Lerma, attempts to solve this mystery. Aside from the plot of the play and a simple set, the structure is something Enian Hentetty, who plays Robert Conklin, said steals the show. “It (the play) moves around a little bit like a TV that isn’t getting very good reception,” Henretty said. “It gets switched in between times and channels like static. You get lines that don’t quite fit in here and there but they make sense in the grander scheme of the play. It
all comes together for a very interesting play.” This is the first time many of these actors have put on a production at LCC. Regarding this, Henretty said she believes the cast was “a little shaky leading up to now. But we’re starting to really get it together and I think we can really pull it together in time.” Henretty is not the only student who said he believes this play is going to be a hit. “It’s kind of bizarre but it’s a very strong script,” Kopulos-Lerma said. “When you have a good director like John and good actors that are willing to learn and take direction, we’re bound to have a good production.”
Actor Spotlight Juan Kopulos-Lerma
Enian Henretty
Role in Rimers of Eldritch: Walter Favorite Actor(s): Daniel Day-Lewis and Al Pacino Favorite Previous Role Played: Fuzzy Stone in Cider House Rules Favorite Part of Acting:
You get to be somebody else Who influenced you to pursue acting?: My mom Pre-Performance Ritual: Stretching Most embarrassing moment while acting: Forgetting lines
Role in Rimers of Eldritch: Robert Conklin Favorite Actor: Charlie Chaplin Favorite Previous Role Played: Thénardiers in Les Misérables Favorite Part of Acting: Getting to be somebody else.
Who and what influenced you to pursue acting? My love of makebelieve and my dad. Pre-Performance ritual: Listen to “Every Time We Touch” by Cascada Most embarrassing moment while acting: Pants split
Classified Advertising PINBALL MACHINE Game Plan 1979 “Sharpshooter” solid state game. Old western theme. Very fast and fun. Four players. $525. Call 517-5895273 and leave a message. 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 reli-
ably 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. PLACE YOUR AD HERE Advertising in The Lookout’s classified section is inexpensive and effective. Cost is just $8.50 for 20 words or less. Additional words are 50 cents. Call Kelly at 483-1295.
11 A&E
Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Muppets offer entertainment Skyrim flies above competition Amber Glomb Staff Writer
Lee Rumler Staff Writer
When I found out there was going to be a movie about the Muppets, I was a little excited. OK, I was extremely excited. Considering the fact that I adore Amy Adams and grew up on the Muppets, my opinion of the film is a little skewed toward incredibly amazing — which I will admit, was crazy awesome. I mean, who could ever hate a movie starring Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and the rest of the Muppet gang? Obviously I couldn’t. Anyway, moving past my extremely biased opinion, I have to say The Muppets exceeded my expectations. I found the movie to be extremely comical with a well-writ-
I have been doing pretty much nothing but playing The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and studying for exams for the past two weeks, and I have yet to come to a point where I feel I can give an adequate and full review of the game. However, that’s probably just a product of the game boasting an awesome 300 hours of gameplay. And that’s not even including the thousands of side quests and the everexpanding pool of usercreated mods that I have yet to download. Seriously, this game is so big it will literally take you a full two weeks of constant playing to beat. The sheer depth of the various colliding storylines and the richness of the game’s atmosphere create a gaming experience totally unmatched by any other game on the market right now. Every character has an in-game life with his or her own family and daily routine. Thousands of plants and wildlife are scattered about the boundless landscape. And the tens of thousands of books detailing various scraps of lore and game mechanics are unreadably diverse and
Photo courtesy of livingchandler.com
ten script and well-chosen cast. The Muppets follows Walter, an avid Muppet fan, as he helps Kermit the Frog earn $10,000 through a telethon to help save the Muppet Theater. It has been forever since the Muppets have done a show together and they all went their separate ways prior to this reunion. The Muppets at this point in the movie are considered washed up. The film goes through the entire process of reuniting the members of this Muppet Gang. Dur-
Hocus-focus
ing the entire film, the odds are stacked against the group. They don’t have too much going for them. The theater where they were going to host the telethon is in complete disarray. Their producer isn’t too keen on running this show. A big oil tycoon is planning on destroying the Muppet Theater in order to drill for oil. Even worse, nobody will agree to host the Muppet telethon. With little time and very little support, the Muppets manage to kidnap Jack Black for their celebrity host and put on a show. As the show progresses, more celebrities show up to show their support: actors like Whoopi Golberg, Selena Gomez and Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons. There was nothing about the show I didn’t like. It was a true testament to everything the Muppets are. All I have to say is kudos, Muppets. You have stolen my heart once again and put a smile on my face that I cannot seem to wipe off.
Photo courtesy of gawkerassets.com
thorough. On top of what the Elder Scrolls games always bring us, pretty much everything negative in the previous games has been corrected. For example: If you tried to be a mage in Oblivion, you probably never made it out of the Imperial Sewers unless you installed Supreme Magicka or another magic re-balancing mod; however, in Skyrim, mages probably make the most powerful and versatile characters in the game. On top of that, Bethesda took a hint from mod-designers and rebalanced the game’s weaponry, magic, leveling systems, economy, opponents and pretty much everything else so they were more in line with modders’ and players’ tastes. They even enhanced the running and camera mechanics to allow sprinting and make a better third-person camera experience.
The new leveling and (anti-)class system creates an immersive, realistic and custom character experience that allows you total freedom in character creation and progression with little to no handicap based on your choices. The freedom the new systems allow are almost staggering. I’ve read other reviewers actually complain about how Skyrim is too free, and frankly, I can almost see their point. Yes, I could save the free world from this dragon-scented apocalypse – or I could explore a couple hundred hidden dungeons, join and complete the Dark Brotherhood and Mage’s Guild and complete missions for every Daedric Shrine before even touching the first main quest. However, I see this as less of a problem and more of an amazing opportunity to waste my life away in front of a computer screen.
Imaginaerum: a twisted odyssey Nathan Wilson Associate Editor
This week’s puzzle is sponsored by:
I’ve never had the chance to check out a new album while navigating the icy remains of Michigan. The constant slamming of the brakes, getting stuck at intersections and lethargic crawl to LCC gave me all the time to listen to Nightwish’s Imaginaerum. Despite what people think of Anette Olzon replacing Tarja Turunen as Nightwish’s vocalist, I continue to think Olzon is a wonderful addition, especially in the single “Storytime.” Her voice blends
Photo courtesy of truecultheavymetal.com
magically with symphonies orchestrated like film scores. Possibly the heaviest track on the album, “Ghost River,” takes the album by storm with its powerful chorus, embellished with a choir. In stark contrast, “Slow, Love, Slow” is a jazz composition, a sultry blend of piano, bass, and soothing vo-
cals. It caught me by surprise but it was an intoxicating interlude between the metal splendor. “Scaretale” presents itself like a particularly eccentric soundtrack to a Tim Burton film. It left me reeling with confusion. I’m not sure whether I enjoyed it or if I’m going to be plagued by nightmares about a deep voice singing “lalalala.” “Arabesque” is equally enchanting, an instrumental that sweeps the listener away to vistas of foreign realms. Or at least it did for me. “Song of Myself” captures the power and grace Nightwish is renowned for. It is also the longest song on
the album, clocking in over 13 minutes. I think Nightwish should have omitted the lengthy recitation of a poem during the song; it doesn’t seem to fit. However, something about Imaginaerum seemed lacking, unlike its predecessor Dark Passion Play. This album sounded more experimental and extremely random. Anyway, thank you, Nightwish, for easing my journey as I tried to escape the deathtrap of roads consumed in avalanches. But from now on, I’ll enjoy listening to Imaginaerum from the comfort of my room, not a ravaged, frozen hell.
12 DISTRACTIONS
Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012
www.lcc.edu/lookout
SUDOKU
Vincent Mata
5 9 3 8 3
Who Wants Soup?
9 7
3 5 6 6
2
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7
1
1
5
5 1 8 7 2 8 9 6
8 4
Kyle Tuckey Chaos Theory
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13 OPINION
Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
— Fully Flippin' It —
— ‘I am invincible!’ —
Worst morning of my life Moving onward, with Lansing’s help After two and half years working at The Lookout, it’s time for me to move on. I recently accepted a full-time position as the “presentation editor” for a small newspaper in Princeton, Ind., called the Princeton Daily Clarion. The job will have me doing everything I do here, including designing pages and taking photos, but on a daily deadline. You might ask yourself, “Why would I care that Michael is leaving The Lookout?” It won’t affect your life one bit, but I think that what I have gone through here at LCC and in the Lansing area shows what this city can produce.
Early news My interest in the creative field started during the Lansing School District’s (LSD) summer program, Young People’s College. YPC was a summer program that offered elementary and middle school students courses in a variety of different areas. This is where I first met my future high school instructor, Chad Sanders. He taught the beginning Photoshop class that I took for two summers at YPC. After participating in the program, I later went back as a student aide helping with instructors and general program duties. I don’t think I would have taken Mr. Sanders’ high school classes to learn my true passion for journalism and graphics if it weren’t for the summers at YPC. Thank you, LSD, for the great program that helped shape my life. Mr. Sanders’ graphics classes and working on the staff of The Viking Voice at Everett High School solidified in my mind that I was going to make my living as a creative person. I have to thank Mr. Sanders for all the years he put up with me, going above his duties as a high school teacher by taking time from his busy life to stay late, make a newspaper happen and teach that annoying kid (me) all of the keyboard shortcuts in
Lookout news
Photoshop. Good call on hiring Mr. Sanders, Lansing. I know I’m not the only person who sings his praises.
College news After a memorable first year of college at CMU, my checkbook helped me make the decision to return to Lansing and attend LCC. Armed with high hopes, a Pell Grant, other small scholarships and a fairly optimistic attitude toward community college, I dove into LCC’s photo program. All I had ever heard about the program were good things and now I know why. It’s not because of all of the great, cuttingedge technology the program teaches students how to use (but that doesn’t hurt), it is the instructors that make the program what it is. All of the photo instructors at LCC either currently work in the industry or have years of experience. They know the market and project it on the students. I believe the associate’s degree in Photographic Technology armed me with all of the tools I need to pursue a career in almost any form of photography. So, thanks to Ike Lea, John Rocco, Chris Schneider, Art Hanson, Roxanne Frith, Jeff Berman and Howard Smith for framing my photo education. Pun intended. And LCC, thank you for building a great photo program in the Capital City available at a reasonable price. You need to keep this program and these people around.
My adviser at The Lookout, Larry Hook, hired a photographer and made me into a journalist. When he told me that writing was in my job description, I thought I would get fired because I was an awful writer. Larry worked with me, went through a few red pens worth of ink, and now I’m 600 words into one of the many stories I have written in my time here. He said I could do it, I believed him, and now I enjoy writing. Larry hired some great people to work with over the years. Everyone I have worked with, over 15 people, has taught me something. Thanks to all of you! Shout out to Kelly Swanson for putting up with me, the messiest office partner ever, for my entire employment at The Lookout. Hopefully whoever sits at the photo desk next is a tad more organized. To LCC, thank you for offering the instruction of Larry Hook to me and all the others who have moved through The Lookout’s office. I know quite a few people who are employed as journalists after working here. Keep this wonderful, real-world learning experience available for future students.
Closing news In moving on to my first real job of my life, I am standing on the shoulders of everyone who created the programs that were made available to me. Scholarships, grants, employment and incredible instruction in so many different courses made it possible for me to chase my dream. Being able to take something I love and make a living doing it is unbelievable right now, but I have to thank this great area. Apparently, you can be anything you want.
The accompanying headline probably caught your attention because you secretly enjoy reading the misfortune of others. Don’t deny it. The headline has served its purpose, now join me as I reflect on the events of Nov. 30, the aftermath of Lansing’s brutal snowstorm. I hope my tale makes you laugh, not in a sadistic way, but because you have shared my sufferings and can relate. The sequence of events that marred my day were so ridiculous I had to laugh at the end of it — a forced, demented kind of laughter. I woke early to face the onslaught of snow in my driveway. The snowblower didn’t work, which meant 45 minutes of shoveling. As I pulled up to the LCC employee parking lot, I realized my StarCard was mysteriously missing from my pocket. Frustrated, I circled around the neighborhoods in search of a free
parking spot. The snow had other plans, however, trapping me in its sickly grasp. I didn’t have a shovel with me, so I attempted to dig the snow out from the tires with my gloved hands. Risking a parking ticket, I abandoned my car and left to face my exams. You know that disgusting feeling of icy water soaking through your shoes and filling your socks? Yeah, try to avoid the sidewalks. As I am brooding over my misfortune, I slipped on ice while approaching the A & S Building. My life feels like a comedy sitcom by this point, except no one is laughing. And
I would probably kill the director of this episode. Having finished my exams, I returned to the scene of disaster and tried in vain to free my car again. Fortunately, an LCC student came out of his house to offer a helping hand. There’s nothing quite like being stuck in a neighborhood intersection in front of oncoming traffic. But fate smiled upon me, and another LCC student pushed my car out of harm’s way. Then it got stuck again … and again. I want to give a shout out to those two students who lent a hand. So I began the return journey to my house, after swerving out of the path of a psychotic driver who likely has room temperature IQ, of course. At last, freedom was within sight as I pulled into my neighborhood. And as I toppled out of my car in exhaustion, I glimpsed my StarCard gleaming in the frost of my driveway.
14 Opinion
Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Farewell to a Lookout Legend — In Our Own Words —
For as long as most of us on this staff can remember, Michael Caterina, our photo editor, page builder and webmaster, has been a vital part of what goes on at The Lookout. Michael has done virtually everything a per-
son can do at a student newspaper. He has written stories, planned content, created games and puzzles, dealt with college officials and, of course, taken pictures (his personal favorite). One would think it is an unfortunate thing Ca-
terina will be leaving The Lookout after this semester for a full-time job in Princeton, Ind. However, we as a staff are overjoyed to see one of our fellow student journalists graduate to the “real working world.” Michael deserves this
Write a Letter to the
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
He has taught all of us, including our adviser, many things about his craft and what it means to be professional. He is a veteran and is the most capable member of our staff. We joke constantly in the office about how badly we
need him. “What would we do without Mike?” we would say. “C’mon how badly do you want a real job?” we would tease. We realize life goes on, and so too does Michael. As a staff we wish him all the best as he tries to
have the same effect on a small newspaper in Indiana that he had on this publication. We owe him a great debt; he will hold a special place in many of our hearts and minds forever. Thanks for everything, Michael, It’s been a blast.
Letter to the Editor LCC student disagrees with unity (In response to Shauna Stocken’s “Unity will save the earth” column in issue 7 of The Lookout Nov. 28- Dec. 11, 2012) Dear Shauna, I read your article about unity and I agree with the second half of the article. But I want you to think about the other side of this bullying law. Isn’t it now going to cripple those who try to promote their ideas of faith and religion? I (being a Roman Catholic) can no longer have a reasonable disagreement over the topic of sexuality without being cited as a bully or a bigot. I understand that people will misuse this clause, but what happened to the separation of church and state? Now, I understand that everyone has their own opinion on the topic of sexual-
ity, but how can you degrade the sanctity of marriage like that? “All marriage is an excuse for people to have children.” That’s garbage! Marriage is the foundation of life in this world, and you speak of it as though it is nothing more than a business transaction. You forgot about the biggest reason for marriage: LOVE! They love each other so much that they are willing to spend the rest of their lives together. Remember without a firm belief in religion, this great country would have never existed, that’s why you can’t set aside religion. Nathan Johnson, LCC Student
In response to the Letter to the Editor from Nathan Johnson: Dear Nathan, The bullying law shouldn’t cripple any person from promoting their “ideas of faith and religion,” unless promoting one’s religion means condemning another person’s sexuality. You quoted me in your letter saying “all marriage is an excuse for people to have children.” I never said that anywhere in my previ-
ous column. I also never wrote of marriage as a “business transaction,” rather an environmental benefit. I agree with your belief that the foundation of America was built on religion. However, with beliefs and concepts evolving throughout this country, I challenge you to do the same. Sincerely, Shauna Stocken
the lookout
What is your favorite Christmas movie? Dominick Mastrangelo
Nathan Wilson
Kaitlin Lutz
Editor in Chief mastrand@mail.lcc.edu How the Grinch Stole Christmas Shauna Stocken
Associate Editor wilso162@mail.lcc.edu The Nightmare Before Christmas Michael Caterina
A&E Editor lutzk3@mail.lcc.edu The Polar Express
News Editor stockens@mail.lcc.edu
Photo Editor cater2@mail.lcc.edu
Advertising Manager swansok4@mail.lcc.edu
The Christmas Story
The 1964 version of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Amber Glomb
Ben Doane
Larry Hook
Staff Writer glomba@mail.lcc.edu How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Sports Writer doaneb@mail.lcc.edu The Christmas Story
Adviser hookl@lcc.edu Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase
Kelly Lehtonen
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Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
16 LAST LOOK
Dec. 12, 2011 - Jan. 15, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
GSA hosts drag show at Dart Michael Caterina Photo Editor
Hairspray, makeup and clothes isn’t all it takes to be a drag queen. “It really takes a passionate person,” LCC alumnus Melody Michaels said while applying stage makeup before performing in LCC’s ninth annual drag show Dec 3. “It takes a person who wants to please their audience and their crowd and (be) willing to do what ever it takes to entertain,” Michaels said. Michaels and the rest of the performers helped raise $200 through the $5 admission price to help support gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) students. “The proceeds go to two different places,” LCC Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Adviser Jennifer Spenny said. “There is a scholarship for GLBT students called the Betsy Lou Robson Memorial. Funds also go to help students attend the annual college conference, which is the Midwest Bisexual Transgender Gay Lesbian College Conference that is in February.” The show included many experienced performers, but is open to anyone. “Anyone can perform,” Spenny said “No experience is necessary, but usually there is (some experience).” The performers were paid $15 per song they danced to, and the audience was also encouraged to tip during the show. Former WLNS sports reporter and news anchor Dave Akerly was the master of ceremonies for the night. “We have someone from the community come be the emcee,” Spenny said. “Councilwoman Kathie Dunbar usually emceed in the past and is a lot of fun.” Lansing native Delicious has been performing for over 16 years and performs at Spiral Dance Bar every Sunday night. “I’ve been doing the LCC GSA Drag Show every year since it started,” Delicous said. Delicious said a great drag queen has to possess three attributes: “Makeup. Body. Attitude.”
Delicious, above, applies hairspray in the dressing room before performing at the LCC GSA Drag Show Dec 3. Eva Angelica, right, dances during the show. Melody Michaels, below, applies part of the makeup required for the drag queen performance. “This takes a lot of work and this is very expensive,” Michaels said “It really takes a passionate person.” Photos by Michael Caterina
Former WLNS sports reporter and anchor man Dave Akerly, far left, hosted the LCC GSA’s ninth annual Drag Show Dec. 3 in Dart Auditorium. Carmel Vuton, left, collects tips while performing. The show raised $200 for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students through the GSA.