Scholastic
Freaky
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PAGE 10 Oct. 15-28, 2012 Volume 54, Issue 4 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Runners set for
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regionals PAGE 5
PAGE 3
thelookout Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
Grand Grillin’ German-style
LCC hires new athletic director Dominick Mastrangelo Sports Editor
Photo by Jenna Miller
Jasmine Goldsmith (left) and Jen Busch serve German cuisine for Oktoberfest’s Grand Grillin’ event Oct. 6 in Lansing’s Old Town. Grand Grillin’ offered up a sampling of Bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato soup and kartoffelpuffer.
The wait is over. Lansing Community College hired Greg Mallek to be the school’s new athletic director Oct. 1. Athletics at LCC had previously been operating without a formal AD in place, since Scott Latham left the college in August. Mallek has an extensive background in sports management and is a native of Saginaw. He previously served as the assistant athletic director at Olivet College for one year before a four-year stint as the athletic director at Delta College. Delta College and
LCC both belong to the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. “From my experience at Delta (I know) b e i n g MALLEK the only full-time sports employee is a big job,” Mallek said. “There are certain things you have to do and I enjoy doing them.” Mallek received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Saginaw Valley State University and is currently working toward his doctorate of education in sports manageSee Director, page 2
Plans for Homecoming celebration underway Nathan Wilson Editor in Chief
It’s never too early to think about LCC Homecoming Week. That is especially true for Andrew Lathrop, head of LCC’s Alumni Association, who has overseen the celebration for the past three years. Scheduled for the week of Nov. 12 to 17, Lathrop said he expects Homecoming Week
to be just as successful, if not more, than last year. “Monday (Nov. 12) and Tuesday (Nov. 13) will be designated as kickoff days, where we have the tent in between A&S and Gannon,” Lathrop said. Free food will be available to students, and a hot dog stand owned by an
LCC couple will be present on campus to cater to students’ lunch cravings. A DJ will be standing by to provide music. According to Lathrop, for the first time, the LCC Homecoming Week will promote the college’s annual alumni basketball game Nov. 13 in the Gannon
Gym. During the game, past basketball players compete against the current teams. On Thursday, Nov. 15, LCC alumni authors will set up shop in the college library on the second floor. The authors will sell their books and talk to students about the process of writing and publishing. “Last year, I think we had 15 alumni authors from all over the state come in,” Lathrop said. “It’s a nice meet-and-
greet opportunity for students, especially those who are volved in the literary world.” The festivities take a back seat Friday, Nov. 16 as Silver Bells in the City takes place in downtown Lansing. Lathrop said LCC will continue the tradition of featuring a float in the parade. The men’s and women’s doubleheader will kick into See Homecoming, page 2
2 NEWS
Oct. 15-28, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Director Continued from page 1
-ment from the United
States Sports Academy. Mallek and his wife Tracy have two children:
Photo by Dominick Mastrangelo
New LCC Athletic Director Greg Mallek is getting adjusted to his new office on the fourth floor of the Gannon Building.
Cal, 8, and Jaedyn, 6. Mallek said before he can set any specific goals for the sports programs at LCC, he must first assess “where the program is at.” “LCC athletics are very well supported by the community and the administration,” Mallek said. “President Knight and Dean (Evan) Montague are very excited about where the programs are and where they can go.” Montague said he thinks Mallek will make a significant impact on LCC athletics starting immediately.
Early LCC earns five-star rating The Early Learning Children’s Community Center (Early LCC) on LCC’s campus has been named a 5 Star Program by Michigan’s Great Start to Quality Initiative. This distinguishes Early LCC as meeting the highest standards for quality early childhood programming in Michigan. Early LCC opened in August 2010 to provide high quality early education and child care for the
children of LCC students, staff and the community. It serves as the lab school for students in the Child Development and Early Education program, which has already attained National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation as an early childhood associate degree program. To learn more about Early LCC, visit www.lcc.edu/elcc
File photo by Michael Caterina
Andrew Lathrop, head of LCC’s Alumni association, draws the winning name during the 2012 Homecoming basketball game.
Homecoming Continued from page 1
gear Saturday, Nov. 17 against Delta College. The lady Stars will hit the court at 1 p.m. followed by the men’s team at 3 p.m. “For the half-time show, I’m thinking about bringing in a singer for the game to sing the national anthem,” Lathrop said. “And I’m going to
work with the new athletic director to do something really cool at half-time.” Al Nowak, the ombudsman and director of LCC Student Life, said the goal for Homecoming is to build a sense of community on campus. “If we can highlight some of the talent that our students have here at LCC and have a
little bit of fun doing that, I think that’s our hope for Homecoming,” Nowak said. He added that Homecoming is an excellent opportunity to promote campus athletics. “We can continue to add something every year to make (Homecoming) grow a little bit and make it more of a tradition.”
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3 NEWS
Oct. 15-28, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Books build futures Sarah Spohn Staff Writer The fifth annual LCC Future Teacher’s Club Scholastic Book Fair will occupy the Gannon Building second floor lobby Oct. 15-19. The event helps to raise money not only for the club itself but, for the surrounding community as well. “Generally, FTC earns about $700 from a good sale and about $400 worth of Scholastic dollars,” said Future Teacher’s Club Adviser Mary Brown. “This is where our contribution of books goes to local schools.” The book fair’s proceeds are divided among the FTC club and the Lansing School District. The giving doesn’t stop there, however. In the past, the FTC book fair has teamed up with LCC’s Social Science program to send books to Uganda and even Haiti. This year’s book fair will allow FTC to make contributions to elementary classes at a Native American school in Montana. “When we heard the description of the Montana school,
IN BRIEF News
Gannon Pool to undergo renovations
Photo courtesy of Future Teacher Club
FTC members (left to right) Amanda Arthur, Alyson Gonzales, Amber Redding and Laura Worden volunteered their time at last year’s book fair.
these two teachers have literally spent hundreds of dollars from their own salary for classroom supplies,” Brown said. “These second and third graders are eager to learn how to read well. “We’d like to be a small part of their academic journey. We’d like them to know that some future teachers in Michigan care about their learning and wish them great success.” The Scholastic Book Fair also has posters, erasers, pencils and software for purchase, but the focus is all about the books, according to Brown. FTC Club President Amanda Arthur talked
about the impact of reading and the positive influence it has on children. “You remember reading an old favorite and how much of an impact it made on your life,” Arthur said. “We hope that this sale can do the same for a young reader as well.” The Scholastic Book Fair could not take place without its many volunteers running the show. Volunteers are needed for this upcoming event and all are welcome regardless of major or membership to the Future Teacher’s Club. For more information about volunteering, contact Brown at brownm@lcc.edu.
The LCC Board of Trustees voted to close the LCC pool Sept. 17. The pool facility will be closed for renovations after the fall 2012 semester. According to Ellen Jones, LCC director of public affairs, LCC officials want to have the remodeled facilty available for use during the 2013 fall semester. The renovations to the pool will transform the space into a student commons area, which will include a food court. The final cost for the renovations is yet to be determined, according to Jones. “Until we have completed some design, it’s difficult to say exactly when it will be ready,” Jones said. “From what I understand, the design will help firm up costs.” For more information on the LCC pool visit, http://web.lcc.edu/lookout.
Career advising offered to students Are you currently searching for a new career, choosing a major or creating a resume and cover letter? Career & Employment services (CES) offers free career advising appointments every Wednesday throughout the LCC school year. Schedule a one-hour appointment between 4 to 7 p.m. in order to meet with a CES staff member. Students can reserve an appointment by calling (517) 483-1172. For a complete list of services available, visit the calendar of events link on LCC’s online homepage.
Transfer LCC credits to four-year university Interested in attending Ferris State University (FSU) after LCC? Join the FSU open house Oct. 24 and speak with advisers and admissions staff. The event will be located in the Gannon Building room 185 from 4 to 6 p.m. While at the open house, students can gain valuable information about transferring LCC credits and obtaining a bachelor’s degree from FSU. For more information, contact the LCC University Center office at (517) 483-9723.
Join the GVSU Lakers on main campus Join LCC when students visit Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Oct. 19 as part of the college’s Start Here-Get There program. The tour will take place at GVSU main campus in Allendale, located in Grand Rapids. Students attending the transfer will meet in the Gannon Building first floor lobby. Interested LCC students can register for the tour in the Student Life Office in GB 218. A $5 deposit is due when registering in order to hold a spot on the bus.
Transforming community colleges nationwide Nathan Wilson Editor In Chief At a time where LCC is undergoing many structural changes to meet student needs, the American Association of Community College’s 21st-Century Initiative couldn’t be more relevant. LCC President Brent Knight recently received the honor to serve on a national committee to develop this initiative, which develops community colleges across the nation. The 21st-Century Initiative was created in response to President Barack Obama’s challenge for community colleges to educate an additional five million students with degrees by 2020. “It’s a privilege to listen to our national leaders and their thoughts about the future of America’s community colleges,” Knight said. Knight described
KNIGHT
his goal as a part of the committee as “to contribute where I can, to listen and learn, represent Lansing Community College and Michigan’s community colleges.” According to an AACC press release, the 21stCentury Report suggests the following: Increasing student completion rates at community colleges by 50 percent by 2020 Closing the American skills gap by focusing on career and technical information Investing in support
structures to serve multiple community colleges through collaboration. “Student success is of a fair amount of importance to community colleges nationally and at LCC,” Knight said. “There’s not a point in attending a college or a university if you’re not successful … We need to increasingly work at student success.” Knight said one way to better facilitate student success is to keep tuition low to make it more accessible to the community. “I always emphasize that lower tuition is important, and we have to continue to work at keeping tuition as low as possible,” Knight said. LCC is the fourth lowest community college in terms of tuition costs in Michigan, according to Knight. Knight said he believes LCC is an exemplary community college and
he hopes to bring his experience at LCC to the 21st-Century Initiative. “Lansing Community College has the highest
enrollment per capita in Michigan,” Knight said. “We have comprehensive programs and services for our
students in the community. I’m very proud of Lansing Community College and what it’s done and what it continues to offer.”
4 FEATURES
Oct. 15-28, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Life lessons learned through journalism Nathan Wilson Editor in Chief Angelique Wilson explored nearly every aspect of The Lookout during her three semesters on the staff. Initially starting out as a news editor, she climbed her way up to associate editor. She interviewed students, staff and authorities, as well as local politicians. “I learned a lot from working at The Lookout, but the most important thing I learned is to push myself outside of my comfort zone,” Wilson said. “If this leads to a fall, I must push myself to get back up.” Currently, Wilson is attending her final semester at Columbia College Chicago in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in arts. She is a film and video student with a concentration in screenwriting. According to Wilson, The Lookout helped
Lookout file photo
Angelique Wilson, former news editor and associate editor for The Lookout, is currently studying film at Columbia College Chicago.
transform her as a writer. Now she said she is able to boldly explore
areas of writing she feared to go before. “Working at The Look-
out helped me identify writing as my life’s passion,” Wilson said. “As a timid, soft-spoken person, I rely on writing to express and channel myself. I create art as a way to survive the bad times and document the good times.” The Lookout Adviser Larry Hook said Wilson was an excellent learner and caught on quicker than anyone he has ever employed. “She’s a very talented writer,” Hook said. “She was very deadline-oriented … She never seemed to panic and she kept an even keel on a staff that was often out of control.” Wilson added, “There are so many skills I’ve obtained through journalism that I apply to my life as a film and screenwriting student. Just as in journalism, writers in the film world must work within a set of perimeters and deadlines. “Just like a newspa-
Name: Angelique Wilson Age: 23 Profession: Student at Columbia College Chicago Major: Film and video Years at The Lookout: Three semesters Position at The Lookout: News Editor and Associate Editor
per, a film production heavily relies on each member to do their part in order to pull through. Also, just as in journalism, in film, it’s about who you know if you want to get anywhere.” This semester at Columbia College Chicago, Wilson is polishing
her portfolio, networking and developing a horror feature-length script. As for what lies ahead, Wilson said she would like to write horror and fantasy films and dark dramas. She said she also aspires to be a young adult novelist in the same genres.
Check out The Lookout online at: www.lcc.edu/lookout
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5 SPORTS
Oct. 15-28, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Runners prepare for regional meet Dominick Mastrangelo Sports Editor
Photo by Ike Lea
LCC’s Nick Moon placed second overall in the men’s 8K at the Lansing Invitational Sept. 28.
The Lansing Community College runners are preparing themselves for the biggest meet of the season: the Region 12 NJCAA Championship. In the meantime, the Stars have been dominating competition within the MCCAA. LCC hosted the Lansing Invitational at Grand Woods Park Sept. 28 and the Stars posted fantastic times once again. For the men, Nick Moon, who has been having the best season of his running career, placed second overall in the men’s 8K with a time of 25:35. Moon came up just two seconds short of the top finisher and competed against 167 other runners. Next best for the LCC men was Logan Lindsey, who placed 28th in the 8K. She finished the race in 26:54, one of his best times so far this year. Freshmen Chris Gantt, Grant
Webber and Daniel Richardson also finished in the top 50, all finishing the 8K in less than 27:30. Many NCCAA Division II schools such as Indiana Tech and Saginaw Valley State competed in the Lansing Invitational. LCC Head Coach Chuck Block said he feels the Stars stack up against Division II competition very well. “We can compete with NCCAA Div II and III and NAIA schools,” Block said. “We run against them all the time and score well against them.” The LCC women had an impressive outing at the Lansing Invite as well. Jaclyn Magness continued her sensational season placing sixth overall in the women’s 5K with a time of 19:10. Just five seconds later, Jessica D’Heana placed eighth overall out of the 153 runners in the women’s 5K. “I am really happy with my personal season so far,” Magness said. “Another goal I still have is to
place high at regionals and get AllAmerican at nationals.” The Lady Stars took the third overall team spot with a combined time of 1:38.44. The Stars were scheduled to travel to Muskegon to compete in the Jayhawk Invitational Oct. 12. The Stars will have one more meet at Eastern Michigan University on Oct. 19 before the NJCAA Region 12 Championship meet on Oct. 27. “(The region 12 meet) is our most important meet,” Block said. “It is more important that the national meet. We have phases we work through and peak at this meet.” Block’s runners said they are up to the challenge. “I think we are ready for regionals,” Magness said. “We have put in a lot of hard work this season and we are ready to show it off.” For LCC results from the Jayhawk and EMU meets and a preview of the Region XII Championship meet, read issue 5 of The Lookout.
Volleyball team tops Kellogg to snap losing skid Dominick Mastrangelo Sports Editor The Lansing Community College volleyball team started the month of October off on the right foot. After ending September on a six-match losing streak, the Stars defeated Kellogg Community College in three sets, 23-25, 19-25,
16-25 on Oct. 2. The Stars then returned to the Gannon gym and hosted the Jackson CC Jets Oct. 4. LCC lost to Jackson in three straight sets 1825, 23-25, 21-25. The struggles continued for the LCC women as they came up short in Grand Rapids Oct. 9. The Raiders of GRCC
(ranked third in the nation) pounded the Stars in three sets, 2510, 25-15, 25-15. The Stars record was 5-17 overall, and 2-8 in the MCCAA. LCC was scheduled to take on Owens CC in Perrysburg, Ohio, Oct. 5-6. For additional information about the LCC volleyball team, read issue 5 of The Lookout.
Freshmen middle hitter Carly Darrow (right) and Camri McCoy prepares for a serve during the Stars’ Oct. 4 match vs. Jackson CC.
Photo by Malcolm Forbes
6 SPORTS
Oct. 15-28, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
New-look Stars prepare for action
With new faces, new attitude and new leadership in place, basketball team gets set for season opener Dominick Mastrangelo Sports Editor
File photo by Micheal Caterina
Sophomore guard Skyelar Moore averaged 13.5 points per game in 2011-12 for the Stars.
It’s that time of year again. The LCC men’s basketball team is poised and prepared for another exciting year of hoops in the Gannon Gymnasium. The Stars have been practicing since early October and were scheduled to play in their first scrimmages the weekend of Oct. 13 and 14. LCC Head Coach Mike Ingram is in his 25th year at the helm of men’s basketball at LCC. He said the 2012-13 Stars have potential to be extremely successful. “We’re big, we’re strong and we’re athletic,” Ingram said. “It has to come together for us as a team. But the other question is: ‘Can they take Coach Ingram? Can you play for me when I’m hollering and screaming and pushing us to be better?’ If they buy into what I’m teaching them, we can be great.” This year’s roster features three returning sophomores. All of them were part of the 2011-12 squad that started the year 4-10,
then went 15-1 to finish at 19-11 and won the Western Division of the MCCAA. Ingram said the Stars will be without point guard Cameron Sanchez for the first half of the year due to ineligibility. Sanchez averaged almost 13 points per game last season, sinking 28 3-pointers and scoring 387 points for the Stars. Another Star who was a big part of the mid-season turnaround last year is sophomore shooting guard Skyelar Moore. In 30 games, Moore averaged 13.5 points per game, scoring 406 points total and struck fear into the hearts of defensive units around the conference. “We’ve got to play good defense this year and we’ve got to play hard,” Moore said. “I just want to play well, hit a couple shots and play hard for my teammates, giving us a chance to win.” Moore said the absence of Sanchez does not impede the ability of the Stars to succeed. Instead he touted the incoming freshman class and said they
will look to install a new sense of basketball culture at LCC. East Lansing product Devlin Bell is one of the freshmen Ingram is excited about. “Devlin could end up being a starter for us,” Ingram said. “He’s such an athlete. He’s strong and fast. I would call him a prototype Mike Ingram type of player,” Ingram said with a smile. The Stars will start transfer student George Goodman at point guard in the absence of Sanchez in 2012. Ingram said while he understands the talent his freshmen posses, he is a firm believer in seniority. “I really believe in getting your sophomores an opportunity first,” Ingram said. “At this level, sophomores are like having fourth-year seniors. “ The Stars first home contest of the year will be against alumni of LCC basketball during homecoming on Nov. 13. For continuing coverage of the Stars as they prepare for the 2012 season, check www.lcc. edu/lookout or follow Dominick Mastrangelo on twitter: @ dmaster_92.
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Oct. 15-28, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
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8 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Oct. 15-28, 2012
www.lcc.edu/lookout
Music scene revived by Mitten Jam II Joe Israel A&E Editor
As you make the right turn onto Charles Street from Michigan Avenue and look to the left, the dirt road becomes shorter. The wooden steps lead you into a tiny, darkly illuminated, parallel universe, where the smell of stale beer, pheromones and excitement linger If organizers of the 2012 Mac’s Mitten Jam II have their way, the city of Lansing’s musical landscape will remain intact for now. MSU alumnus Ryan Carpenter, co-founder of the boutique promotions company, Red Cedar Entertainment, said he wanted to provide audiences with a lineup of bands that would not ordinarily be paired together while creating a festival atmosphere. This would mark the second time Red Cedar has put on the event, as the first one this past June showcased strictly Michigan based bands and artists. This time around, Carpenter wanted to branch out and strive for more of a Midwest feel, intending to leave fans feeling comfortable and optimistic. This is not an easy task given the city’s musical landscape, which has been longing for vibrance since the closing of the Temple Club in late 2006.
Photo by Jenna Miller
Guitarist Brandon Jo and drummer Matt McDaniels of Billards Music lights up Mac’s Bar Oct. 5 during the Mitten Jame II event.
“This time around, we’re trying to touch a couple of different markets, as well as different genres, but not so different that they don’t make sense together,” Carpenter said. Featured musicians included Chicago jam band
IN BRIEF Arts & Entertainment
George Lopez to appear at local comedy club Multi-faceted entertainer George Lopez will play two shows back-to-back at Connxtions Comedy Club on Sunday, Oct. 21. The first show will begin at 7 p.m. and the second one will follow at 9:30 p.m. Connxtions is located at 2900 N. East St. in Lansing. To purchase tickets, please call 517-374-HAHA, or you can visit Connxtions’ website at www.connxtionscomedyclub.com/shows. Doors open at 6 p.m.
LCC Radio sponsors free concerts LCC Radio WLNZ 89.7 FM is proud to present the Grand River Radio Diner, a live concert series featuring the best blues, folk and rock and roll music in greater Lansing. This event is held at the Sir Pizza Grand Café ,located at 201 E. Grand River Ave. in Old Town. The Grand River Radio Diner will be held on Fridays, Oct. 19 and 26 from noon to 1 p.m. and will be free of charge. For more information, please visit www.lcc.edu/radio or call 517-483-1710.
DayGlow invades East Lansing The Life in Color event, formerly known as DayGlow, will be making its way to the greater Lansing area on Friday, Oct. 19. The event will begin at 9 p.m. at the Lansing Center, located on the corner of Cedar Street and Michigan Avenue. This event is one of the world’s biggest electronic music concerts. Attendees must be 18 years or older to purchase tickets and attend. Tickets are on sale now at http://bit.ly/LIFEINCOLOReastlansing.
Indigo Sun, neon band Glostik Willy, Detroit alternative band Stikyfut and 17-year-old, multi-instrumentalist wunderkind, Olivia Millerschin from Rochester. The latter was the talk of the festival with her headlining slot on day
two, Oct. 6. LCC Radio 89.7 FM sponsored the event for the first time, serving as another pipeline for local artists on the scene to become heard. “A lot of these bands have been a part of our
Grand River radio Diner (concert series),” WLNZprogram director Karen Love said. “It’s a beautiful thing.” Organizers are elated as what started into an intimate musical gathering has blossomed
into a melting pot for artists across the great lakes state. “I’ve been a part of both of them, and I hope to be a part of the next one,” said Mac’s bartender Craig Doepker.
Four gruesome nights of terror Jeremy Kohn Guest Writer In the tradition of great horror movies such as Halloween, Friday the 13th and Scream, LCC Black Box Theatre presented a tale of both blood-curdling screams and macabre-filled laughter with their rendition of Allison Moore’s Slasher. The horror satire entertained audiences Oct. 5, 6, 12 and 13. Melissa Kaplan, LCC’s Fine and Performing Arts coordinator, said she was pleased with the performances and the turnout for the shows. “Opening night was almost a sold-out show and the cast received a standing ovation from the audience,” Kaplan said. Slasher revolves around a family living in Austin, Texas, struggling to make ends meet. Sheena, the antagonist
of the play, is a young, blonde woman who works at “Busters” (a Hooter’s-like establishment), where she tries to help support her family. One night, Sheena is waiting tables at Busters, and she unknowingly waits on Mark Hunter, an aspiring horror director. After hearing Sheena scream, Hunter decides Sheena is a perfect lead for his movie Bloodbath. Sheena decides to keep her involvement in the film a secret from her mother, Frances, who would not approve of a movie that portrays women in a demeaning manor. Her secret doesn’t last long because Jody, the assistant director of the play, shows up at Sheena’s house with a script of the movie in hand. After seeing the script, Frances makes it her mission in life to foil production of the movie. One of the many come-
Photo courtesy of Kevin Fowler
Juan Kopulos-Lerma and Angharad McGaughey act out a terrifying scene from Slasher in Black Box Theatre
dic moments in the play had Frances reading directions off the internet on how to make a bomb from household items, after hearing on the radio that Holy Shepherd church bombed an abortion clinic. She decides to contact a member of the church to persuade her to help with constructing a bomb. Director John Lepard described the underlin-
ing theme of the play as “the role of strong women in film.” “The director ends up casting the ‘Hooter’s’ waitress as the lead role,” Lepard said. “She feels she is cast because of her talents and not because of her sex appeal. “In the same manner, the mother is a strong character because she believes so adamantly that horror films are degrading to women.”
9A&E
Oct. 15-28, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Fiasco's masterpiece Joe Israel A & E Editor
Photo by Steven Woerner
Rickey Medlocke, guitarist and founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, performs crowd favorite "Sweet Home Alabama" live in concert Sept. 21 at DTE Energy Music Theatre.
Skynyrd still rockin' Steven Woerner Guest Writer Starting in the early ’70’s, music ambassadors Lynyrd Skynyrd have kept the southern rock flag raised for music fans of all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s the timeless “Sweet Home Alabama” played by a cover band in a small club, or the title track of their latest release “Last of a Dyin’ Breed” being driven through the sound system of 15,000-seat amphitheaters, Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to deliver. Released in August, Last of a Dyin’ Breed debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. When asked about how the title was chosen, gui-
tar player Rickey Medlocke said, “We feel like Lynyrd Skynyrd, along with people like The Allman Brothers, ZZ Top, the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Aerosmith, are the last of their kind. There’s not too many of these types of bands left around.” Rob Zombie guitar player John 5 collaborated with the band on a few tracks from Last of a Dyin’ Breed. “He came in and he’s this strange individual but we’re all strange in our own ways,” Medlocke said. “We got a camaraderie with him immediately and he’s written with us on the last two records.” Last of a Dyin' Breed is a decidedly heavier direction than the 2009 release “God and Guns,” which had more of a country rock feel.
“I said, ‘Let’s just do a great rock and roll record and let’s do it old school,’” Medlocke said. Be it the 1977 plane crash that killed three band members and led to a 10-year break from recording, or the passing of band members since, the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music lives on through the fans. Playing both old and new fan favorites is what comes naturally for the band. Medlocke said the crowds have been “very receptive to the new songs.” The Skynyrd tour freight train is currently rolling across the United States in support of “Last of a Dyin’ Breed” with opening act Los Lonely Boys. While Lynyrd Skynyrd may in fact be the last of a dyin’ breed, there’s no denying they aren’t dead yet.
Lupe Fiasco is a polarizing figure in the world of hip-hop. He has made a career of going left when others went right blazing his own musical trail in the process. On his fourth studio album; Food & Liquor 2: The Great American Rap Album pt. 1, it’s clear there is room for socially conscious rappers with whom the younger generation need be affiliated. The album opens with a beautiful spoken word poem written by Lupe’s sister Ayesha Jaco “Ayesha Says (Intro),” a rallying piece touching on the harsh realities of urban life. He also displays a penchant for wordplay on the third track titled “ITAL (Roses)." With over-lush yet gritty production Lupe rails against gang violence, as well as fiscal responsibility. It's definitely not the typical jewelry, champagne, and women formula hip-hop listeners are accustomed to. His attitude about popular music has become more diplomatic as he takes several strides at the mainstream without compromising musical integrity. Songs like “Bitch Bad,” which questions the use of the word in hip-hop songs serves as a wake up call not only to black women, but all women with standards. It's a di-
Photo courtesy of diptnyc.com
Lupe Fiasco is a rapper from Chicago.
rection that he is not afraid to go, giving the album an overall authenticity that is unmatched in many of the releases so far in 2012. Lupe’s dazzling lyricism is showcased front and center on the albums first single, “Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free),” which samples the classic 1992 record from Pete Rock and CL Smooth. The record made waves enough for Rock to stand up and take notice, but not in a positive way. Reportedly Rock was unhappy with the final mix of the song, as well as his lack of involvement. This would start a chain
reaction of legal eagles perching, as well as sample clearance issues that most of the artists in the art form have been battling for two decades now. The Atlantic Records signee has had troubles with his employers in the past. Before the release of his third album, Lasers, he was jammed up by Atlantic brass who weren’t convinced he had a strong first single. After all was said and done, the album was shelved for almost two years which led Lupe to venture back into the studio to capitalize on his growing momentum. The decision has paid dividends for him, as Lupe has recorded his most impressive album to date, a feat considered impressive since his first release, Food & Liquor, received three Grammy nominations. With an arsenal of topnotch production, as well as verses that would make Rakim proud, Food & Liquor 2 may be in contention for the best album. of 2012.
King Crossword
Hotel Transylvania surprises reviewer Amber Glomb Staff Writer I am the scrooge of Halloween. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I avoid every creepy-crawly inch of the holiday. So when I found myself seated in a theater late at night watching Hotel Transylvania and genuinely enjoying it, I was a little surprised. Slap a PG rating and a feel-good family movie title on any film and I jump in with both feet; hence this situation. I noticed the movie had a sticking resemblance to Megamind. The story portrayed the monsters, typi-
cal bad guys, as good guys. I found it refreshing to see the flipped perspective. As for the storyline, Hotel Transylvania showed how far a father will go to protect his daughter from harm. Count Dracula, voiced by Adam Sandler, attempted to keep his daughter Mavis free from the evil humans. Thus, Hotel Transylvania was born. His entire plan crashed and burned on Mavis’ 118th birthday when a human entered the monsters’ hotel one night. I have mixed feelings about the story. On one hand I think I laughed harder than the children in the theater. On the other hand, I found the human character to be really an-
Photo courtesy of thecoast.ca
Hotel Transylvania was directed by Genndy Tartakovsky.
noying. He never listened to Count Dracula and he was highly rebellious and disrespectful to his elders. His character wasn’t relateable. I want to like a character, not be annoyed by it. Outside of this discrepancy, I found Hotel Transylvania to be highly comical. I felt that Selina Gomez was the perfect fit for Count Dracula’s daughter.
Sandler impressed me with his surprisingly good representation of Count Dracula’s voice. Who knew he had it in him? However, liking the movie doesn’t change my views on Halloween. Come Oct. 31, I will still be abstaining from most of the festivities. What can I say? I’m stuck in my ways.
Solutions to puzzle at lcc.edu/lookout
This week’s puzzle is sponsored by:
10 A & E
Oct. 15-28, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Local Attractions Another year of fear Halloween & Fall Activities
Family Farm, fun for all
Spend another season at Uncle John’s Cider Mill with your family and friends. The family-owned farm has been serving customers with fresh vegetables and fruit since 1970. After years of renovations and expansions, Uncle John’s Cider Mill staff prides themselves on remaining a family-friendly business that caters to children and adults. Uncle John’s Cider Mill is open every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Purchase freshly-made donuts, apple cider, apple wines, pies and much more. Visit www.ujcidermill.com for a complete list of children and music-themed activities. Uncle John’s Cider Mill is located at 8614 North US 127 in St. Johns.
Boo at the Zoo
Bring your little trick-or-treaters to Potter Park Zoo for one of the four nights at Boo at the Zoo. Children are encouraged to dress in their Halloween costumes and participate in multiple activities. Activities at the zoo include: corn mazes, crafts for kids, hayrides, live animal presentations and the zoo’s infamous “Boo Tunnel.” Join the event Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 27-28 from noon to 4 p.m. Potter Park Zoo is located at 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave. General admission prices apply; visit Potter Park Zoo’s website at www.potterparkzoo. org for more information.
Trick-or-Treating on the Square
Celebrate the fall season at the fifth annual Trick-or-Treat on the Square event, located in downtown Lansing. The event will transform Lansing’s Washington Square into a safe place for families to trick-or-treat and participate in Halloween and fall-themed activities. Attendants can enjoy free candy, cider and donuts, dancing in the streets, face painting, hayrides, prizes and much more. The event will take place Monday, Oct. 29 from 5 to 7:30 p.m., and admission is free for all ages. For more information about Trick-or-Treat on the Square or to learn about other upcoming events in Lansing, visit www.cityoflansingmi.com.
Shauna Stocken Associate Editor Join the Shawhaven family’s love for Halloween as they celebrate another season at their family farm. The Shawhaven Farm near Mason has been in the Shaw family for 50 years. Within the past seven years, husband and wife Tami and Doug Shaw have transformed their farm into a Halloween-themed attraction for the public. “We both love Halloween,” Tami said. “When we first got married, we always did a wagon ride for the neighborhood. “We would decorate the barn to scare the kids and everyone had such a good time. We thought that next year we’d set up the woods and the wagon ride.” The Shawhaven Haunted Farm offers
an array of activities such as the “Wagons of Fear” ride, a spooky casket ride to the cemetery and corn mazes. “We have a big event barn for people who don’t want to do the s c a r y stuff,” T a m i s a i d . “They can come sit inside and watch o l d monster movies. We can cater to everybody; if you want to get scared, you can get scared. “If you don’t want to get scared we have the regular corn maze that is not haunted. It can hit every mem-
ber in the family and there is something they can do.” The Shawhaven Haunted Farm is located at 1826 Rolfe Rd. in Mason. The last day to visit the haunted farm is Oct. 27. For event pricing, visit www.shawhavenhauntedfarm.com.
Photo by Samantha Cornwell
— Israel’s takover —
Hip-hop deserves respect in Rock & Roll Hall of Fame The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2013 nominations are in. This year’s hopefuls are Albert King, Rush, Deep Purple, Heart, Chic, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Procol Harum, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Marvelettes, N.W.A., Public Enemy, Kraftwerk, Randy Newman and the late Donna Summer. All in all, the list looks phenomenal. Rush is arguably one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time with a devoted following, as well as still being a large concert draw. It’s also easy to see why Heart is on the list. This band should have been on the list years earlier as they are the foundation of the Seattle music scene that fans have come to love so dearly since the glory days of Nirvana and Soundgarden. And older music fans will no doubt
remember the Marvelettes as part of the Motown juggernaut which made me proud to call Michigan my home for over 25 years. However, there are two names that are attracting a lot of attention on this year’s list: N.W.A. and Public Enemy, arguably two of the most influential rap groups ever assembled. The million dollar question is do these groups deserve to take their place alongside rock and roll heavyweights in Cleveland this April? N.W.A. and Public Enemy both made the ballot in their first year of eligibility. If
they are inducted, they will join Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys in the Hall of Fame. There is no doubt these two groups deserve their place after the contributions they have made to the universal language that is music. Rock and roll means different things to different people, but it’s time to stop the incendiary genre labeling. Hip-hop has been cut out of the equation for years now, starting with the Grammy awards. With no category for hip-hop, it was easy to see this art form was not being respected enough. With the Hall of Fame voting open to fans this year for the first time, it’s time to recognize all of the genres that have a common love for all forms of music while still maintaining the tradition of the Hall of Fame.
11 OPINION
Oct. 15-28, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout —Staff Editorial—
Preventing bullying on LCC campus Many members of The Lookout staff find it difficult to believe the month of October is dedicated to the awareness of bullying prevention. The fact that bullying is so prevalent that an entire month is dedicated to constant awareness is devastating for all those who have been victimized. Bullying has spread from what seems like petty arguments between children on the playground to the hearts and souls of millions of adults and children around the world. Bullying has grown in society
through the growth of technology. In Missouri, high school female Megan Meier committed suicide after a mother cyber-bullied her on the social media website MySpace in 2006. The mother harassed the high school student because her own teenager had issues with her at school. Daily, people feel belittled, depressed, alone and scared for their safety and even their lives while at school, work and public areas. There is no “simple” answer to why people say emotionally hurtful words
to others or inflict physical pain on a stranger or fellow classmate. The only aspect about bullying that can be simple is our united actions against the hate we see and hear. Our voices are our strongest weapons that should be used to stand up for others, not used to bring others down. Standing up for what one feels to be right may not always feel easy, but assistance is provided at LCC. The student general rules and guideline forum can be found at lcc.edu.
LCC’s policy includes consequences and actions taken against individuals who demonstrate bullying in the form of sexual harassment and other types of harassment on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, weight or sexual orientation. While on LCC campus, join your fellow students, faculty and staff members in the bullying prevention awareness cause. Daily prevention can help reverse the negative affects of bullying and hate crimes in our community.
—’I am invincible!’—
Hope and change falls on face in Denver debate Maybe President Barack Obama was right. I don’t say that very often. But when he extolled Republic nominee Mitt Romney’s debate skills, he was only doing so to lower expectations on his behalf.
An Obama adviser even suggested Romney would likely win the first debate. After all, what could be more clever than painting yourself as the underdog and blowing your opponent out of the water on
Letter to the Editor Dear Nathan Wilson,
In your “Killing in the Name of God” story I found it odd that you never once mentioned the irony of the film being written, directed and produced by an Egyptian-born Coptic Christian who was retaliating against his perceived mistreatment of Christian minorities in Islamic countries. You also forget that religion itself — or at least the Abrahamic trio is inherently exclusive and bigoted. All four Gospels state that the only way to Heaven is through Jesus. Shahada, one of the five pillars of Islam, is the belief in only one god. And that’s to say nothing of the centuries of Idol-smashing and Pagan slaying in the Old Testament’s Deuteronomy. Also, Muslim societies as a whole are more devoutly religious and reverent than today’s Christian ones. We secular Christians have questioned, mocked and parodied our own religion countless times but I doubt the same could be said of even the most modern and liberal Muslims. You made an excellent point of how the mass media gorges itself on over-representing the extremists of any faith or cause. Isn’t all that attention only giving more power to people like Terry Jones, who only had a parish of twenty people when he first invented his sordid little holiday?
Thanks, Kyle Tuckey LCC Student
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debate night? Unfortunately for the President, his adviser was right. The vigor and strength Obama displayed in 2008 was remarkably replaced during the Oct. 3 Presidential Debate with exhaustion, frustration and confusion. It was fascinating to see the once great orator reduced to stammering his way through questions, refusing to look at Romney, and scowling or sneering every time his opponent spoke. While Romney took some harsh blows during the segment about regulation, Obama suffered when the topic shifted to the economy, health care
Oct. 15-28, 2012 Volume 54, Issue 4 www.lcc.edu/lookout
and energy. The clash over economy and health care best illustrated the differences between the candidates. To no one’s surprise, Obama resorted to his mantra of “fair share” and raising taxes to stimulate job growth. Romney, on the other hand, advocated shrinking taxes on businesses and
slammed the President’s approach as trickle-down government. When Obama struck back over health care and said his Affordable Health Care Act was modeled after “Romneycare,” the Republican nominee said he didn’t gut Medicare to pay for it. Furthermore, his legislation didn’t create an unelected board that decides which treatments are afforded to patients. To be expected, there were moments when the candidates didn’t answer questions. Romney didn’t elaborate on how he would replace Obamacare at a state level. Neither did Obama an-
swer how he would tackle the $6 trillion deficit. He simply pointed to what he did in the past and said we can look at his plan on his website. I’ll be honest, I liked the idea Obama proposed about encouraging community colleges to partner with business to provide training for students. However, it wasn’t enough to save him. In the end, I think Romney edged Obama out with energy and fight that the President sorely lacked. It seems those four years in the Oval Office took their toll not only on his misguided policies, but on “hope and change” as well.
thelookout
Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959
What are you going to be for Halloween? Nathan Wilson
Shauna Stocken
Dominick Mastrangelo Mark Gillengerten
Sports Editor Editor in Chief Associate Editor Advertising Manager wilso162@mail.lcc.edu stockens@mail.lc.edu mastrand@mail.lcc.edu gillengm@mail.lcc.edu
“I shall be a villainous, dastardly character from my novel.”
“I’m going to be a Girl Scout.”
Sarah Spohn
Amber Glomb
“I am going to be Joseph GordonLevitt.”
“Aging hipster.”
Nikki Nicolaou
Jenna Miller
Paginator /Staff Writer Staff Writer Paginator spohns1@mail.lcc.edu glomba@mail.lcc.edu nicolaon@mail.lcc.edu
Photo Editor millej11@mail.lcc.edu
“A yellow Power Ranger.”
“I’m going to be a flapper girl.”
“A college student.”
“I’m being Katy Perry.”
Joe Israel
A & E Editor israelj@lcc.edu
“A cop.”
Larry Hook
Adviser hookl@lcc.edu
“Captain Hook.”
12 LAST LOOK
Oct. 15-28, 2012 www.lcc.edu/lookout
Oktoberfest warms up Old Town Sarah Spohn Staff Writer
The German brews were flowing, the Bavarian pretzels were rolled, and the bratwursts were steaming. Oct. 5 and 6 marked Old Town’s seventh annual Oktoberfest. Kids, parents and seniors alike rushed to the floor to show off their dance moves. Ears were pleased with the sounds of rock, alternative, folksy and traditional polka tunes, courtesy of the many live bands. Featured performers included The Happy Wanderers, The Kielbasa Kings, Hy-Notes and The Polish Muslims. Despite the cold temperatures, festivalgoers kept warm in tents with frothy brews in hand. Saturday’s events included welcoming children to the festival for face painting and German games. Festival admission included a souvenir mug,
which could be filled with six different Michigan brews. LCC alumnus Ellen Podmore Williams said she enjoyed her first Old Town Oktoberfest. “My favorite part about it was the people,” Williams said. “They made it a very entertaining and interesting event. A few people even dressed up in traditional German clothing.” Festival-goers had their choice between gourmet hot dogs, German-style bratwursts, sauerkraut, potato soup, kielbasa, traditional style German dumplings, potato pancakes and a slew of other options to dine on. Besides helping attendees satisfy a hearty appetite, Oktoberfest also helps to revitalize the community as one of Old Town Commercial Association’s primary fundraisers. For additional information about Old Town events, go to iloveoldtown.org or call 517-485-4283.
Photo by Jenna Miller
Polka band The Kielbasa Kings performed for their first time at Oktoberfest Oct. 6. The band, based out of Dearborn, began performing together in 1999. Visit their website at www.kielbasakings.com to learn more about the band.