The Lookout Volume 64, Issue 4

Photo by Breezy Marcus

‘LCC Connect’ marks one-year anniversary

By Chloe Gregg Editor in Chief

LCC Connect radio celebrated its oneyear anniversary of partnering with Michigan Radio in early January.

In March of 2021, Michigan Radio responded to an LCC task force exploring alternatives to keep WLNZ broadcasting, and submitted a proposal to operate and program the radio station. Later that year, everything was finalized and LCC Connect radio was born.

Daedalian Lowry, the station manager of LCC Connect, said the partnership with Michigan Radio has been good for LCC radio.

“The collaboration with WUOM (Michigan Radio) has proven to be very beneficial,” Lowry said. “It has provided increased listenership and it has given us the ability to cultivate the concept of LCC Connect.”

Michigan Radio Marketing Director Steve Chrypinski congratulated LCC on the anniversary.

“We’d like to congratulate Lansing Community College on the one-year anniversary of LCC Connect,” Chrypinski said.

“Connect has proven to be a great way to share the voices, vision and happenings at LCC with audiences on-air each week on

89.7 FM, as well as online.”

According to Lowry, LCC Connect’s name was chosen to highlight the connection between LCC and its surrounding community. He said the station’s programming is locally based podcast-radio shows.

“Now, as we hit the one-year mark, we’re looking to include more programs hosted by community members and students,” Lowry said. “This month, we premiered ‘The Lan-Scene,’ our first show fronted by a community member, Luci Solis. ‘It’s Brittany B!’ is one of our student fronted shows. ‘Rockstar Mentality’ is an upcoming student show.”

Last year, LCC Connect had an on-campus campaign called “The Podcast Powerup,” which was meant to let LCC students know they could be a part of LCC Connect if they wanted to.

Lowry said LCC Connect will likely do that again this year, but until then, students can reach out to LCC Connect via the website, LCCconnect.com, or on LCCconnect.org to fill out a contact form.

Winners announced in annual LAND Writing Contest

By Jonah Unger Staff Writer

The winners of the 2021-22 LAND writing contest at LCC have been announced.

The LAND writing contest is a competition in which creative students get a chance to showcase their writing, and have the chance to win cash rewards in the process.

“Each year, the Liberal Arts Network for Development (LAND) sponsors five student competitions to recognize outstanding student work,” said Professor of English and Writing Rosalie Petrouske, the coordinator of the LAND writing

competition.

There are three categories of competition: essay, poetry and short fiction. Firstplace winners in each category get $100, second-place finishers get $75 and thirdplace finishers receive $25.

“We had around 40 students submit to this year’s competition,” Petrouske said.

“It gives our students a chance to showcase their work and be recognized for exceptional writing.”

LCC student Charles Parker was a big winner in the contest. He placed three times: with a short-fiction piece titled “Excelsior;” and with two poems, “The Green Man in the Garden,” and “The Ritual.”

Parker said he drew inspiration for the story “Excelsior” while gardening.

“I was writing that as an assignment for one of the creative writing classes I was taking over the summer, and I had been trying really hard to come up with a good idea,” Parker said. “It’s funny how it happens sometimes – when you’re not thinking about something (is) when you get the idea.”

Parker is a creative writing major at LCC who earned his bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University 10 years ago. He said he had been doing a lot of tech-

nical writing his whole life, but during the pandemic he decided to pursue his dreams of creative writing and publishing a novel.

“The whole reason I started taking these creative writing classes was because I wanted to write a novel,” Parker said. “I really started thinking I might have a novel in me, but had no idea how to approach a project like that.”

This is Parker’s first time entering a writing competition. He said he was really inspired by the classes he had been taking at LCC to participate in the competition.

“I was really kind of blown away,” Parker said. “That’s when I realized, ‘You know what? I can do something like this.’”

This is the 38th annual LAND competition. The prize winners are listed below:

ESSAY:

First Place: “Black Music Being Miseducated” by Melissa Carter.

Second Place: “Covering All the P’s: Process, Packaging, Philosophy, Philanthropy and Pickles!” by Stanley Bullard.

Third Place: “UnThanksgiving” by Micky Niezgoda.

POETRY:

First Place: “The Green Man in the Garden” by Charles Parker.

Second place: “The Ritual” by Charles Parker.

Third place: “Many Waters” by Nomi Alchin.

SHORT FICTION:

First Place: “Excelsior” by Charles Parker.

Second place: “Insurrection” by Bonnie Goupil.

Third Place: “As I Lay Here Dying” by Kera Thompson.

For more information on the competition, go to https://landconferencemi.com/student-competitions. Rosalie Petrouske can be contacted at petrousr@lcc.edu.

Photo by Kevin W. Fowler for LCC

LCC President Dr. Steve Robinson hosts “Alumni Stories & Teachable Moments” on LCC Connect radio. His guests are LCC employee Lisa Alexander (left), host of “Who’s That Star,” and Angela Mathews, a member of the LCC Board of Trustees.

Courtesy photo

Melissa Carter was the winner of the LAND essay competition with “Black Music Being Miseducated.”

Courtesy photo Charles Parker, shown with his cat “Skyler,” won three awards in the 2021-22 LAND writing contest.

Discover where a degree from Ferris can lead you by meeting with our Statewide and Online advisors. Before you even become a bulldog, they are here to help you earn your degree close to home or online. Meet with them to explore programs, evaluate transfer credits, and complete your application.

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FERRIS.EDU/SCHEDULENOW

STUDENT FEATURE

Artsy student loves graphic design field

By Mallory Stiles Associate Editor

The COVID-19 pandemic meant a lot of things to a lot of people. As a country we lost a lot and continue to grieve and rebuild. For LCC student Erin Prince, it meant an opportunity to discover a new passion.

Prince, 24, is now a graphic design major who was formerly on her way to Michigan State University in an unrelated field. But when COVID shut down the dorms, she deferred for a year and decided to explore a new world.

“I have always been a relatively artsy crafty person,” Prince said. “My original plan was to be a nurse but I didn’t like that. I wanted to do something I was good at and interested in.”

Her decision was rewarded almost instantly as she fell in love with the field that allowed her to be more expressive and engaged.

Prince said she is planning to get her associate degree in graphic design, with a focus in graphic communication. She then plans to take advantage of LCC’s 3+1 program, which would allow her to graduate from a bigger school with a bachelor’s degree.

She is currently enrolled in Color and Design, Web Design II, Graphic Design Publications and Graphic Design Branding for a total of 12 credits. She is also interning for the Leona Group, assisting the marketing department in whatever ways she can.

Even though her schedule would be

seemingly jammed packed, she still finds time to work out at the fitness center on LCC’s campus and at Empower Lansing, a boxing gym on Michigan Avenue, where she met Brian Daniels.

Daniels is the owner of the gym who has a back story, look it up … seriously. He has trained Prince since she was 16. She offered a shout out to the entire staff, but mostly to Daniels for always keeping her motivated.

“I made the mistake of telling him earlier this year that one of my soft goals would be to compete in amateur boxing, and since then he has been super on me about my form and everything,” Prince said, sporting an affectionate smile.

She also is teaching herself to play the bass guitar and practices whenever she can. She said her entire family is musical and inspired her to really give it a shot.

Prince will choose a Twix bar when in the candy aisle and is a New Year’s Eve baby. She names her all-time favorite song as “Do I Wanna Know?” by Arctic Monkeys and her current favorite song as “Liar” by Jake Daniels.

She is a Lansing native, born and raised in the capital city, first on the west side then

CLUB SPOTLIGHT

to the east for her high school years. However her favorite place in the world, she said, is Malta.

“I went there once when I just started high school, my grandfather’s family is from there so it was just always a cool thing,” Prince said. “My cousins and I, basically my whole family, just always thought, ‘How cool, grandpa is from an island.’”

Prince said the hardest thing she faces at the moment is finding a balance between school, work, family and friends. She continues on, however, with a little help from her professors, who she said are definitely some of the best reasons to stay at LCC.

One of her LCC teachers, Professor Susie Antcliff, offered a few comments on Prince’s presence in the classroom.

“What makes Erin Erin, is her personality,” Antcliff said. “She’s fun. She’s a fun student to have in class. She’s outgoing and personable. Easy to talk to, and treats all of her classmates with respect.

“What really makes her enjoyable to me is that she shares parts of her life with me; stories, likes, dislikes, just generalities of life … Those kind of connections with students are what it’s all about for me.”

Japanese Club has many events planned for spring

By Juanita Kelly-Hill Staff Writer

The Japanese Club at Lansing Community College holds meetings every two weeks to discuss Japanese culture and curate future events for club members to connect and experience a foreign way of life.

During the fall semester, members went on an outing in the Novi area to try authentic Japanese cuisine, according to Club President Nikki Turner, who said it was her favorite event with the club.

“We ate at Nagomi, since it has plenty of Japanese food to try,” Turner said. “The outing went very well, even though all the members did not show up due to the distance. Those in attendance had lots of fun!”

Turner said the club has many events planned for the spring semester, including a visit to Sapporo Ramen in East Lansing on Saturday, Jan. 28.

“We are also thinking of more restaurants to visit and even watching a Kendo (a modern Japanese martial art) practice if available,” Turner said.

Anyone is welcome to join the club on its field trips, even if they aren’t a member. No Japanese language knowledge is required.

Danielle Blackwell is another member of the Japanese club who enjoys the idea of field trips.

“This is my first time in a club,” Blackwell said. “I’m excited to be a member while being able to engage with students who share a common interest in Japanese culture.”

Blackwell said she is willing to participate in any future events the club has, as long as she can learn more about Japan culture and traditions.

“I would like to see the club put together an event where we can visit a Japanese festival art museum that’ll give us more

in-depth about the culture,” Blackwell expressed.

Anyone interested in joining the Japa-

nese Club can contact Club President Nikki Turner at turnen13@mail.lcc.edu or Club Adviser Mieko Philips at (517) 483-1022.

Photo by Mallory Stiles

Erin Prince is majoring in graphic design at Lansing Community College.

Courtesy photo

From left, LCC Japanese Club members Jonah Coffman, Ashleigh Caviness, Nicole Turner and Kimura Sensei enjoy some authentic Japanese food on a field trip to Novi.

Professor seeks to make positive impact

By Chloe Gregg Editor in Chief

John Doudna is an assistant professor of biology at Lansing Community College. Doudna was hired during the COVID-19 pandemic in the fall of 2020 and has loved working at LCC ever since.

“LCC is an amazing place to work,” Doudna said. “They care for their students and provide support in a way I have never seen before.

“I remember also being very taken by the campus when I visited. The art and the landscaping on campus make it feel like a thriving community.”

Doudna graduated with an undergraduate degree in 2003 from Muskingum College in southeast Ohio, which is near where he grew up. For his master’s degree, Doudna went all the way to California’s San Francisco State University, where he majored in ecology and systematics. He worked as a biological consultant in California before deciding to go back to

school to get his PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology.

He finished at Iowa State University in 2015 and made his final move to Michigan, where he worked for around four years at

Lake Michigan College.

“I always loved biology, and I settled on environmental and conservation biology because I wanted to make a positive impact on the world,” Doudna said. “I grew up in an area that was devastated by surface coal mining (strip-mining).

“I focused a lot of my research on fixing what humans had broken: bringing back native animal communities to strip-mined lands, restoring coastal dunes, and understanding how some native species can thrive in agricultural monocultures (corn).”

He said his research led him to finding ways to help his students.

“I also figured out along the way that in the same way I wanted to repair the land, I wanted to help students become more aware and better understand their world,” Doudna said.

“This realization was what led me to know that I should be in a career dedicated to education. I love being at a place that is open to all and welcomes all. I love work-

Campus Comments

ing to help all students reach their full potential for understanding the world we live in.”

Mallory Stiles, a student of Doudna, said she could tell immediately that Doudna actually cared about his students.

“Dr. Doudna is a teacher who captured my attention in the first class, which is hard to do,” Stiles said. “He is incredibly kind and charismatic, but takes the time to pose questions that make you relate science to life.”

In his free time, Doudna enjoys hiking and camping around Michigan, especially with his family. He said he also enjoys tinkering, whether it’s building, repairing or modifying.

For those interested in a career in biology, Doudna offered some advice.

“Find good mentors – official and unofficial,” Doudna said. “Find people who will support you and give you good advice; people who want you to succeed. Find opportunities to do biology – and get experience.”

Gabriella Honesto Early Education

“Being with friends. We hung out at school and passed out Valentines.”

“A few years back ... I bought my girlfriend of the time a giant stuffed monkey that was as tall as me.”

Mercedes Reuschel Professional Studies

“In high school we had Valentines where students could pay ahead ... and this boy sang for me”.”

Catherine Moiles Graphic Design

“I got broken up with over text and got some candy.”

Courtesy photo John Doudna teaches biology classes at LCC.

Women’s 45-44 win snaps losing streak

By Jayden Hewitt Sports Editor

The LCC women’s basketball team pulled off a one-point conference victory, 45-44, at Kellogg Community College on Wednesday, Feb. 1.

The victory stops a nine-game losing skid for the Lady Stars. It was their first win since Dec. 12.

LCC’s record improved to 4-14 overall, and to 1-5 in the MCCAA’s Western Conference.

A 14-7 fourth quarter helped seal the victory for the Lady Stars, after they were jumped upon 16-10 by Kellogg in the first quarter.

Head Coach Layne Ingram spoke of his team’s resiliency in the fourth quarter.

“It was really great for the team to be able to pull that game out and show up in the fourth quarter,” Ingram said. “The last few games we’ve been pretty good, but for about three quarters, so stretching it to the fourth was great.”

Ingram said the victory can be attributed to overall execution.

“I think we just hung in there. (We) kept it close and were just a couple of defensive plays away from taking the lead and making it happen,” Ingram said. “I think we executed well on both ends of the floor down the stretch and played a clean game without fouling at the end.”

Both guard Riley Merryfield and guard/forward Alivia Densmore scored 13 points, leading the Stars, just above guard Oliva Gean, who scored 12 points for LCC.

Ingram also mentioned some player performances that stuck out.

“I thought our freshmen played well,” Ingram said. “Oliva (Gean) had the game-winning steal and free throw. Shay (Shalyn Dziewiatkowski) did a great job on the boards and defensively, and Alivia Densmore really got going and finished in double figures.

“(I’m) also really proud of my sophomores who lost down at Kellogg last year so we owed them. Riley (Merryfield) hit a couple big shots for us, too.”

Men’s basketball team suffers setback at Kellogg CC

By Jayden Hewitt Sports Editor

The LCC men’s basketball team battled Kellogg Community College on Wednesday, Feb. 2 on the road. The Stars lost 70-62.

LCC outscored Kellogg 44-39 in the second half, but it wasn’t enough after falling into a 31-18 deficit after the first half.

Head Coach Mike Ingram spoke to the change in the second half.

“We started out in (a) zone and didn’t do a great job in it,” Ingram mentioned. “(We) switched to a ball-control type of offense, which I’ve been trying to convince the team is how we will win.”

The Stars noticeably did not shoot well from three-point range, shooting just 2-for-18 (11.1 percent) from long distance. Ingram spoke about the poor shooting performance.

“We haven’t shot well from three

this season,” Ingram said. “(Especially) with our best shooter, Tyshan Kelley (85 threes last season), being out the last several games with a foot injury.”

Ingram added that despite the loss, he believes there were positives.

“I thought we played hard and competed in the second half,” the coach said.

Guard/forward Connor Bush led the Stars with 22 points and six rebounds. Guard/forward Cole Krause added 17 points and seven rebounds for LCC. Swingmen Kylor Mills and Thomas Dodd both added nine points for the Stars.

It was the fourth straight loss for the men, dropping LCC to 8-12 overall, and 0-6 in the MCCAA’s Western Conference.

The Stars also were defeated at Southwestern Michigan, 79-73, on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Stars Riley Merryfield (24) and Oliva Gean (14) trap an opponent in the corner during recent action in the Gannon Gym on LCC’s main campus.

Photo by Breezy Marcus

LCC swingman Thomas Dodd prepares to inbound the ball during action in the Gannon gym.

Photo by Breezy Marcus

On Sunday, Feb. 12, Super Bowl LVII (57) will be played at 6:30 p.m. ET at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The game will feature the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Eagles are coming in after a convincing win over the San Francisco 49ers, 31-7, on Sunday, Jan. 29.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, the team I find myself often personally rooting for after seeing the Lions fail to make the playoffs yet again, won controversially over the Cincinnati Bengals.

The game involved a late-hit penalty resulting in a field-goal attempt that would ultimately lead to the victory. I’m not here to say whether it was or was not a penalty. I’ll leave that up to football fans to bump heads over for the next 40 years.

I believe the Chiefs will pull out the victory. They come in with far more experience, even with a hobbled receiving core and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes dealing with an ankle injury.

JAYDEN HEWITT SPORTS EDITOR hewittj7@star.lcc.edu

Why? As I said, they’ve been there before. So have the Eagles, but, quarterbacks are key, and it’s the first Super Bowl for Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts, while it will be Patrick Mahomes’ third appearance.

The Chiefs are currently 1-1 in Super Bowls led by Mahomes; with a win in 2020 and a loss in 2021.

The Eagles last Super Bowl was recent as well. In 2018, Philadelphia took home the trophy.

I hope to see a well-played, close game, as do all football fans. But I’m not afraid to say I hope the Chiefs come out on top.

I believe the Mahomes-Travis Kelce connection will be too hard for the Ea -

The Lookout Staff Writer Jonah Unger recently had the chance to speak with LCC men’s basketball guard Freddy Johnson. He wears the number 1, and stands six feet tall. He averages 8.2 points a game.

QA &

Who is your favorite basketball player and why?

“Allen Iverson, because of his confidence and style of play.”

Who do you think you base you game off from?

“I study Kyrie Irving and try to pick up some of his moves.”

Who was your inspiration to play basketball?

“My dad.”

What is your major?

“Exercise science.”

When did you start playing basketball?

“Elementary school.”

Where did you graduate from high school?

“Bella Vista Prep.”

How long have you played for LCC?

“(This is my) first year.”

What are your goals as a player, and what do you intend on improving?

“To grow in the areas I lack. I intend on improving my off-ball defense awareness.”

What is your favorite thing about playing for LCC?

“My teammates.”

What is your favorite thing about basketball?

“I love the hype and thrill of the game.”

What is your favorite basketball move?

“Hesitation.”

What are your plans after LCC?

“I want to be a sports medicine doctor.”

Freddy Johnson ‘loves hype’ of basketball Kansas City will win the Super Bowl 31-21 over Phillie

gles to stop, even with an elite defense; the number-eight ranked team defense to be exact, according to Pro Football Reference.

But, it’s hard to stop the number-one scoring offense in all of the NFL, also according to Pro Football Reference, which was the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Eagles were number two in the NFL.

Fun fact: center Jason Kelce (Eagles) and tight end Travis Kelce (Chiefs) will be the only two brothers to play against each other in a Super Bowl.

There are many reasons I could argue as to why I believe the Chiefs will win, and there are almost – key-word almost – as many reasons the Eagles can win.

I’d like to hear from others as to why either Philadelphia or Kansas City will win, with score predictions as well. Mine is 31-21, with the Chiefs winning.

Email me with your predictions at hewittj7@star.lcc.edu . Enjoy the game!

Freddy Johnson is a sophomore guard for the Lansing Community College men’s basketball team.

Photo by Breezy Marcus

— JAYDEN’S JOURNAL—

Travis Kelce (left) and Patrick Mahomes lead the Chiefs into the 2023 Super Bowl game.

Photo from eBay

Women’s Expo returns to Lansing Center

By Chloe Gregg Editor in Chief

The Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo is coming back for its 23rd annual event in Lansing from Friday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 12. All LCC students, staff and faculty are invited join in the fun.

The expo will take place at the Lansing Center, located at 333 E. Michigan Ave. in downtown Lansing.

According to Pam Glass, the president of Kohler’s Expo, Inc., this year’s event will offer one free admission to LCC’s female students, staff and faculty who produce valid ID at the entrance.

LCC visitors can visit the exhibitor check-in table and present ID to receive their free admission.

“The three-day expo is the largest single consumer event for women in Mid-Michigan,” Glass said. “(It) will feature hundreds of women-focused businesses with products, services and demonstrations that aim to provide a weekend of enjoyment, education, and entertainment for women of all ages.”

Along with products, this year there

will be interactive areas, including try-on stations at different fashion boutiques and skincare booths, food sampling, painting workshops, IV hydration and vitamin infusions, and much more.

Other new features of this year’s expo include a daily chance to win door prizes available for all expo visitors, as well as complimentary tote bags from Capital Area District Libraries for the first 1,000 visitors.

“Since 1998, Kohler Expos, Inc., has produced the perfect balance of entertainment, education and enjoyment in Michigan events tailored for women of all ages,” Glass said.

The Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Although the first admission for all LCC female students, staff and faculty is free, regular admission to the event is $11, and free for children 2 and under.

For online tickets and more information, visit www.KohlerExpo.com.

LCC presents adult comedy

By Chloe Gregg Editor in Chief

LCC’s Performing Arts is showcasing a new adult comedy, “Do You Feel Anger?”

starting Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre, room 1422 of the Gannon Building.

The play, written by Mara Nelson-Greenberg, is scheduled to appear every night from Feb. 22 until Saturday, Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. There is also a matinee on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m.

This production is about a recently hired empathy coach at a debt collection agency, Sofia (played by Anasti Her). The employees at this agency are cold and unfeeling to everyone around them, giving Sofia a run for her money.

This play has been dubbed an “outrageous comedy” that takes a look at a world where some people’s feelings matter more than others.

According to the Program Director Paige Tufford-Dunckel, the play is recommended for adult audiences due to mature content, and is outrageously funny.

“I’m enjoying directing this play because of the absurd and outrageous humor,” Tufford-Dunckel said. “We would never hear anyone in an office or work environ-

ment say anything that comes out of these characters’ mouths, but it’s so fun to live in that world for an hour and a half.

“I hope audiences can relax and enjoy the play for what it is - an absurd and sometimes surreal comedy - and not be afraid to laugh! The cast is amazing, and we’ve been laughing all through rehearsals.”

Anasti Her, who plays “Sofia” in the play, said her character is the sound, professional voice amongst all the chaos in the office.

“She’s a really strong character that adapts to her surroundings, which makes her someone to root for,” Her said. “I think the audience will see how she’s a representation for themselves in this absurd world.

“When we realize just how badly these office people need help, we understand Sophia’s growing frustration. But under the mask of professionalism, our question is, ‘Do you feel anger?’”

Opening night is a Pay-What-You-Can Cash only fundraiser for the Theatre Scholarship Fund. On the other days, ticket prices are $15 for the general public, $10 for seniors and LCC faculty and staff, and $5 for students.

For more information on the play, times, and tickets, visit the LCC Theatre website.

A group of shoppers check out a large display of shoes during a past Women’s Expo in Lansing.

Courtesy photo

‘High on Life’ game has hilarious dialogue

By Jonah Unger Staff Writer

I have played many games in my lifetime, for it is not normal to be from my generation and have not.

With that being said, I have played very few video games such as “High on Life.” This semi-open world game was released Dec. 13, 2022.

It was developed and published by Squanch Games. Squanch Games was created after the success of the hit animated TV show “Rick and Morty.”

Justin Roiland is the creator of Squanch Games, as well as co-creator of “Rick and Morty.”

This game offers many things, such as

entertaining gameplay, various Easter eggs and, most importantly, hilarious dialogue with little to no bugs.

It has a semi-interesting story, but if I am being honest I did not play it for the story whatsoever. I played because of the hilarious dialogue the game has to offer.

If I had a dollar for the amount of times the game made me laugh, I would be able to go on vacation.

The main character is sent into space after their home world has been invaded by an alien cartel. As the story progresses, the player unlocks talking guns called Gatlians, each with their own unique personality.

The gameplay is similar to those of “Doom,” “Cyberpunk” and “Stick of Truth” when considering the dialogue. That being said, the game is not perfect, it has a very small open-world aspect, so there is not so much exploring to be

had.

If I had to compare it to anything I would say the player can explore the same amount in “High on Life” as a player could in any “Lego” video game.

On top of that, the player has options to make certain decisions throughout the game, but none of the decisions make a difference.

The gameplay is challenging and fun, but it does get repetitive. It also can only be played on Xbox consoles and PC.

Despite its flaws, “High on Life” offers some redeeming qualities, such as the soundtrack, art style and replay-ability. This game is a joy to play.

By Chloe Gregg Editor in Chief

“You People” is a brand-new rom com out on Netflix, depicting the interracial and intercultural love story between Ezra Cohen (played by Jonah Hill) and Amira Mohammed (played by Lauren London.)

Ezra is from a white, Jewish and privileged background while Amira is from a Black, Muslim underprivileged background.

Of course, opposites attract and they almost immediately hit it off and begin dating. When they soon become engaged, their families are brought into the mix, and that is when their seemingly perfect love has to withstand the biggest test of all: their parents.

Eddie Murphy plays Amira’s strict and dry father. Julie Louis-Dreyfus plays Ezra’s ignorant and cheery mother. The movie is filled with a lot of heart-touching moments,

as well as some seriously funny moments. It was definitely new to see Eddie Murphy in this type of mature role, but he does a fantastic job with his one-liners (of course).

I really enjoyed all of the comments on today’s societies and the discussions that were brought up in the film. It had a very nice balance of social issues, romance and comedy so that none of them were too overpowering.

I highly recommend this film!

‘You People’ offers great blend of romance, comedy Mitchell’s Fish Market has awesome seafood, great drinks

By Mallory Stiles Associate Editor

Out of all of my loves in this life … seafood has its own third of my heart. I love it all … shrimp, crab legs, oysters, lobster. The list goes on and on.

For anyone who agrees with me, I suggest Mitchell’s Fish Market in Eastwood Towne Center, located at 2975 Preyde Blvd. in Lansing.

The menu is updated daily to feature “Today’s Market Catch.” Every visit will begin with your server asking if it is your first time there, just in case you need help navigating the extensive menus.

The atmosphere inside is very clean and modern. I usually sit at the bar because I get to watch all the fancy drinks being made.

On my most recent visit, I chose a pomegranate martini that was delicious for only $6. I waited on my entrée with a few fresh

oysters served to me on a bed of ice with a variety of sauces, which made life worth living.

I ordered the Shrimp Scampi Pasta for my meal. It’s a fairly simple toss of shrimp, grape tomatoes and parmesan, but I’ll tell you that I considered licking the bowl even in a crowded room of upper-east side citizens.

If there wasn’t bread on the table, I couldn’t have been held responsible for my actions.

My favorite desert is the New York Style Cheesecake. If cheesecake isn’t your thing, there are other options, including a Chocolate Layer Cake or a Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée, to leave you deliriously satisfied.

The service is always fantastic; I truly call these people my friends. My server on this visit was Evyn, a young woman who always has a warm smile no matter how

busy the room. She remembers to truly care for every customer. I see her often enough to know, trust me.

It’s great food, strong drinks, and a sparkly room of friendly faces you will never regret.

Photo from Netflix

Photo from Epic Games

Photo by Mallory Stiles Mitchell’s Fish Market is located at 2975 Preyde Blvd. in Lansing’s Eastwood Towne Center.

CHLOE’S

Battle ‘senioritis’ by mixing in some fun

Senioritis isn’t just for moody teenagers. I am technically in my “senior” or final year of college (at least so far), and I feel just the same as I did when I was months away from graduating high school: burnt out.

Sometimes I regret not taking a break in between high school and college for a sort of “breather,” and I definitely regret taking coding classes during the summer semester two years ago. That’s a whole lot of school, and for over 15 years straight.

So now here I am, battling myself ev-

CHLOE GREGG EDITOR IN CHIEF gregg3@star.lcc.edu

ery day for the motivation to get up, go to class, study, serve my community and volunteer hours, and prepare for my board exams that are coming up. I am far from the only one, of course. I know there

are multiple college seniors out there, struggling to keep their heads above water. At least we’re in this together.

As of right now, I’m keeping my head in the game by allowing myself some “fun” time, and I highly recommend this for anyone else in a similar situation. If your life is only full of work, school, and no play, you will burn out faster than a match.

Optimally, there should be a balance between all three (and in my opinion, play should be considered just as import-

ant as the other two if your sanity is to remain intact.)

To all my fellow seniors out there, I see you and I know what you are going through. We are months away from the finish line, and if you need a day of doing absolutely nothing to keep yourself going, then do it.

In just a few short months, our diplomas will be in hand and our futures will be at the tips of our fingers. We just have to fight through the senioritis and we’ll be there.

Coffee drinking is great, but don’t overdo it

College is back in full swing and one thing is absolutely certain: most of us are in dire need of coffee. Coffee is the secret to success, but what is it really doing to our bodies?

Is it a healthy alternative to energy drinks, or is it hurting us in the long run and giving us an unsustainable dependency to deal with later?

Coffee is the highest selling hot drink in the world, keeping adults just awake enough to get through each and every day. Thankfully, there is research to support, that with the correct limitations in place, there are more than a few benefits to hav-

ing a few cups a day.

Hopkinsmedicine.org tells us that people who drink coffee are less likely to die from coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease, which are some of the leading causes of death in women.

As a coffee drinker, you are less likely to get Type 2 Diabetes or Parkinson’s disease. Your liver will have a healthier enzyme level and your DNA strands will be more resistant to damage that could cause tumors, or lead to cancer.

Each cup of coffee is also helping to protect you from colon cancer and stroke, and can decrease your risk of getting Alz-

MALLORY STILES ASSOCIATE EDITOR stilesm3@d2l.lcc.edu

heimer’s disease. But like all things in life, moderation is key. Too much of any good thing is never good.

Sources recommend no more than 400 milligrams a day, for both men and women. This equals out to about two to five

cups, depending on how strong you like your coffee and the size of your mug. Expresso drinkers, beware: the math looks different for us.

Too much caffeine can cause headaches, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, frequent urination or inability to control urination, fast heartbeat or muscle tremors. None of these symptoms will make it easier to cram for that math exam, and can create long-term complications if left untreated.

Long story short, have a cup of joe but also take a nap every once in a while. We are running a marathon here people, not a sprint.

Black History Month is celebrated in February each year in the United States. But did you know that before 1976, Black History Month didn’t exist?

In 1915, in response to the lack of information on the accomplishments of Black people available to the public, historian and the “Father of Black History,” Carter G. Woodson, co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.

In 1926, the association established what was called Negro History Week to encourage the study of African-American history in schools and communities. Before then, African-American history

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Here’s some history about Black History Month

Juanita Kelly-Hill Staff writer kellyj38@star.lcc.edu

— wasn’t even included in textbooks.

The week-long event was celebrated the second week of February to correspond with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

Woodson was the second African American to receive a doctorate from

Harvard. He dedicated his entire career to African-American history and pushed heavily for it to be celebrated nationwide.

Eventually, the celebration that Woodson longed for became official in 1976 thanks to the civil rights movement of the ‘60s and President Gerald Ford, who decided to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Since then, February has been nationally recognized and celebrated as Black History Month in America.

Shortly after, other countries also de-

cided to recognize Black History Month, including Canada, The Netherlands and Germany.

Black History Month honors all Black people from all periods of United States history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century, to African Americans living in the United States today.

The events throughout the month continue the discussion of Black people and their contributions through activities such as museum exhibits and film screenings, and by encouraging the study of achievements by African Americans year-round.

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CHAT —

KELLY’S KORNER

Police brutality takes forefront again

On Friday, Jan. 27, the Memphis Police finally released the bodycam footage of the police officers involved in the brutal arrest and consequent murder of Tyre Nichols.

Originally, Memphis Police claimed that Nichols fled on foot and had to be restrained. However, the video instead depicts Nichols doing his best to follow the dozens of commands given to him, only for the involved police officers to beat him to near death.

Three days after the initial exchange, on Jan. 10, Nichols was pronounced dead after succumbing to his injuries.

According to his friends and family, the altercation took place because Nichols had pulled over to

capture the sunset. As an aspiring photographer, Nichols had wanted to capture the beautiful sunset that evening, but was instead pulled over for an alleged traffic violation. This somehow turned into a violent display of police brutality.

This is far from the first time a Black man was beaten to death by the hands of police officers. The Lookout staff is disgusted by the actions taken by the policemen involved.

How could these idiotic officers think they could get away with this senseless beating in today’s world of cameras, technology and media scrutiny? Their actions are inconceivable and unbelievable! Although we are happy to hear that the policemen involved will be tried for the murder of Nich-

ols, it is still far too little when a new police brutality case comes to light seemingly every month.

At what point will police value the lives of Black men and women? At what point will there be a change?

The Lookout staff believes that systemic racism and culture are preventable, and that there should never be any more lives lost due to them.

Although not all police are racists, it is undeniable that there are prejudices against Black people, minorities and lower-income individuals across police stations in America.

The Lookout believes these prejudices need to be scrutinized and corrected if there is ever going to be a world with no police brutality.

“Bush, Breaking Benjamin and Alice in Chains in Battle Creek.”

Stars return to Gannon gym after renovations

Following renovations that lasted throughout the fall semester of 2022, LCC’s very own Gannon gymnasium was reopened Jan. 9, just two days before the first home games of the season took place.

LCC’s men’s and women’s basketball teams had the honor of breaking in the new-look gym and being the first to play under the new lights.

LCC Men’s Coach Mike Ingram commented that the new LED lighting is great. He said he is appreciative to have both the Gannon gym and the Gannon parking ramp free of construction.

“The gym feels like home to me,” Ingram said. “But the guys are just getting (used to it), as we are still recovering from being on the road all first semester.”

In the renovated Gannon Gym, guests will see new LED lights, newly functioning water fountains and many accomplishment banners hanging on the walls. There is also some fresh artwork on the east wall.

Those interested in checking out the new-look gym can go to www. lcc.edu/athletics to check out the schedule of upcoming games for both basketball teams.

LCC sophomore Connor Bush prepares for a free throw early in a game vs. Lake Michigan.

LCC sophomore Dawson Lott goes high for a layup vs. Lake Michigan Community College on Jan. 25.

A camera operator records the action in the women’s basketball game in the Gannon Gym Jan. 25.

Photostory by Breezy Marcus

Thomas Dodd (left) and Freddy Johnson (1) help teammate Connor Bush to his feet during action in the Gannon gym on LCC’s main campus Jan. 25.