The Lookout Volume 63, Issue 6 April 17, 2023

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Page >>> 7 Check us out on LCC Performing Arts presented the theatrical comedy “Tartuffe” in the Black Box Theatre from April 12 to 16. Pictured above, Tartuffe (played by Chris Howe), writhes in agony as Orgon (played by Dillon Smith) attempts to care for him. A story about the play and additional photos are on page 12 of this issue.
‘Tartuffe’ electrifies Black Box Theatre LCC hosts job & transfer fair to help students make key connections Page >>> 2 Students, staff gather to enjoy a session of arts & crafts excitement Page >>> 6 Red-hot LCC baseball squad rolls to its 20th consecutive triumph Page >>> 7 Lansing Community College’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1959 Volume 63, Issue 6 www.lcc.edu/lookout april 17, 2023
Photo by Jake Leslie

Students connect at LCC job/transfer fair

The LCC Job and Transfer Fair hosted over 90 companies and 28 universities March 22, giving students a chance to make personal connections with future employers and educators.

Both the job and transfer fairs are an annual occurrence at LCC. Rebecca Sowa, internship development manager and co-coordinator of the event, said this is the first year both fairs were done at the same time and place.

“We have offered the job fair every year up until 2020, so this is our first in-person year back,” Sowa said. “We have employers that reach out and, when we plan it, we also send out our distribution list to companies we work with that we know are recruiting. They register and then we market them to students.

“All students, alumni and the general public are invited. It is a free event for both employers and job seekers.”

Sowa offered general advice about

resumes and attire, recommending that students dress to impress and bring some sort of contact information, whether that be a business card or a resume.

The other co-coordinator of the event was LCC University Center Systems and Operations Manager Graham Berke.

“This is the first year that we have done a joined event, but this is our 14th year holding the transfer fair,” Berke said. “It doesn’t matter what questions you have; you can come and talk to the schools.

“You can apply. You can talk to the advisers. You can explore degrees you might not have known were a thing. If you already have a program in mind, that’s great. Come and talk to an adviser. If you want to transfer, we always say, ‘Start here to get there.’”

The event was buzzing with foot traffic. Henrick Jones attended and said he was looking for an employment opportunity and a possible summer intern-

ship.

“It’s going well,” Jones said. “A lot of employers showed out and it’s been a great opportunity to talk to people. I have talked to about 10 employers so far.”

Aidan Gallagher, an LCC student on his way to Michigan State University, said he most appreciated having an in-person option as opposed to an online experience.

“I think it’s great that you get to talk to people who actually represent colleges,” Gallagher said. “You get to see how the transfer experience will actually go. … When you look online it’s just asking for an application, so to actually get to talk to people and see their face really helps.”

Another student, Zinabu Awudu, said it was the smiles and variety of booths that drew her in.

“So far, it’s been great,” Awudu said. “There are a lot of options and the people are so nice.”

LCC president to receive Paragon Award from PTK

Lansing Community College President

Dr. Steve Robinson will be recognized this month by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society with the prestigious Paragon Award.

The Paragon Award highlights college presidents who have served in their role for less than three years and have shown support for students and their success. Nominations come directly from students on campus.

Robinson expressed his gratitude

about receiving the award.

“This award is special because it comes from students,” Robinson said. “Students are the entire reason why we’re here, and our PTK students at LCC are amazing and do so much on campus.”

Since becoming LCC’s president, Robinson has constantly supported students by engaging and participating in student events and organizations.

“I love to be where our students are,” Robinson said. “I walk around campus and talk to students, attend student events, and also co-host the Vinyl Club at LCC.”

Robinson will be one of 28 college presidents to receive the honor during the PTK’s annual convention on Friday, April 21 in Columbus, Ohio

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at www.ptk.org.

www.lcc.edu/lookout 2|News APRIL 17, 2023
Photo by Mallory Stiles Students meet with representatives from colleges in the Michigan Room in LCC’s Gannon Building. Courtesy photo Dr. Steve Robinson will receive the Paragon Award from Phi Theta Kappa later this month. Photo by Mallory Stiles Graham Berke and Rebecca Sowa were organizers of the first-ever combined LCC Job and Transfer Fair on March 22 in the Gannon Building. Photo by Mallory Stiles Representatives from local businesses chat with LCC students about available job openings

Newspaper staff nabs prestigious award

The Lookout, LCC’s student newspaper, won 10 awards in the 2023 Michigan Community College Press Association’s annual journalism competition.

Among those awards was the contest’s top prize, first place in the “General Excellence” category. The Lookout also earned second place for “Best News Website.” A total of 10 community colleges were entered in the competition.

Award winners were announced during the 2023 MCCPA Conference at Central Michigan University on Saturday, April 1. Five members of The Lookout staff attended the event, along with Adviser Larry Hook.

Students at the conference attended various seminars led by former CMU journalists who are now professionals in their field. Seminars included photography, sports writing, being a nosy reporter, how to get a job in journalism, and more.

Judges for the “General Excellence” category were: Jodi McFarland Friedman from the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism; Gary Heinlein of the

St. Ignace News and Mackinac Island Town Crier; and Ragen Foster, the adviser of CM Life at Central Michigan University.

Among the judge’s comments on The Lookout were the following: “This is a nice, clean and consistently good quality publication that exhibits super copy editing and headline writing; solid news judgement reporting and design; and good writing. It utilizes original, staff-generated photos rather than over relying on contributed or stock images …”

The Lookout Editor in Chief Chloe Gregg was among the award winners in the competition. She placed third for an editorial about the tragic shooting at Michigan State University in February. Gregg is in her final semester at The Lookout after a four-year tenure on the staff.

Gregg said she is thrilled about all the awards the staff earned this year, particularly first place for “General Excellence.”

“I am incredibly proud of the staff of The Lookout,” Gregg said. “I have been a member of The Lookout staff through thick and thin for the past four years; from having eight staff members when I started to just

‘StarScapes’ is April 26, 27

LCC will be hosting its biannual “StarScapes” event on Wednesday, April 26 and Thursday, April 27 in the Gannon Building Highway.

The event initially started back in 2015 from instructors’ desire to show off their students’ hard work at the end of the school year, but that soon switched to after both spring and fall semesters.

“Starscapes is a showcase of the innovative work done by LCC students,” LCC History Professor Jeff Janowick said. “It provides an opportunity for students to share the exciting work that they are doing with the LCC community.

“Presentations often are related to work done in LCC classes, but can also involve work developed through students’ own research and interests.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, StarScapes was forced to remain solely online for the protection of students, faculty and employees. However, now that

masks and online are no longer mandatory, StarScapes is returning to its original face-to-face version this semester. Student projects will be on display in the Gannon Building’s main hallway.

“Starscapes will also continue to have online presentations, so students can submit digital presentations as well,” Janowick said. “Those will be available starting that Monday (April 24), but they remain visible even after the official end of the event.”

Although the in-person registry has ended, students can still sign up and upload their digital content at https://starscapes.openlcc.net/ for viewing.

“This is an opportunity to share research, capstone presentations, honor’s option projects or other creative, imaginative or interesting work that students have produced,” Janowick said. “Even if they are not presenting, students should come and see the work that students are producing in their classes.”

For more information, visit the StarScapes page on the LCC website.

three during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Every year I am impressed with the hard workers who work for The Lookout. To finish my last year with The Lookout on such a high note makes my heart very hap-

py. I’m excited to see The Lookout continue to thrive.”

The complete list of awards for The Lookout can be found at www.lcc.edu/lookout/ posts/mccpa-awards-week-33-2023.html

www.lcc.edu/lookout 3|News APRIL 17, 2023
Courtesy photo Members of the award-winning 2022-23 staff of The Lookout include, from left: front row – Associate Editor Mallory Stiles, Editor in Chief Chloe Gregg and Staff Writer Juanita Kelly-Hill; back row – Staff Writer Jonah Unger, Sports Editor Jayden Hewitt and Adviser Larry Hook.

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.

Meet with an advisor today.

FERRIS.EDU/SCHEDULENOW

www.lcc.edu/lookout 4| APRIL 17, 2023 Ferris State University is an equal opportunity institution. For information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit ferris.edu/non-discrimination. 20230407

Professor has devoted his life to history

Jeff Janowick said he fell in love with teaching at Lansing Community College his first year and has not left since. For over 20 years, Janowick has remained a history professor at LCC.

“I did my graduate work at MSU, and realized that I enjoyed teaching more than research,” Janowick said. “So, when a job opened at LCC, I applied – and found that I enjoyed teaching community college students.

“LCC puts its focus on teaching, and we also have great students. It turned out to be a great choice for me. I eventually got a fulltime position, and have been at LCC ever since.”

Janowick attended graduate school after college, which brought him to Michigan State University. There, he worked as a grader for classes until he eventually could start teaching on his own. This is when he realized teaching was his calling card.

Janowick said he had always loved history, and his family had played a large role in cultivating that love.

“My dad loved history and was always

reading and watching old movies,” Janowick said. “I spent a lot of time at the library and watching documentaries. I actually started my undergrad as an engineer, but switched to history pretty quickly. I was a lot better at history than calculus!”

Janowick said he genuinely enjoyed the classes he got to take while majoring in history, including sociology, philosophy and literature.

“I actually remember what made me

want to keep pursuing a career in history: I was watching a documentary, and there was an excerpt from Martin Luther King’s ‘Mountaintop’ speech, and I got chills watching it,” Janowick said. “I just knew that this was something I wanted to spend time learning about, and to devote my life to. The rest is history.”

In his free time, Janowick said he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife. According to Janowick, he and his wife enjoy hiking, camping, traveling and spending time with their two poodles.

When he’s not out exploring the world, Janowick said he can be found at home with a nice book and some old movies.

Colleague and friend of Janowick, fellow LCC History Professor Anne Heutsche, said Janowick is a collaborative, insightful and kind coworker.

“Prof. Janowick is a thoughtful professor,” Heutsche said. “His classroom is one that is filled with curiosity, questioning and engagement. Students are encouraged to think critically and historically about ideas and issues in order for them to gain skills to help them navigate a complex and nuanced society.”

BUSINESS FEATURE

Kevin Brown, a history professor at LCC who has worked with Janowick for nearly 20 years, also only had good things to say about his colleague.

“A great history teacher has to care deeply about three things,” Brown said. “They must love their discipline; they must care about their students and their learning; and they must be committed to constantly improving their teaching. Jeff cares about all three. He is a great colleague and teacher.” Janowick offered some advice for anyone interested in following a similar path that he took into the history field.

“History is a great major to follow a lot of different paths – you don’t have to just be a history professor or teacher,” Janowick said. “History can be a great foundation for law school, or for anything that requires research skills, writing, or being able to evaluate evidence.

“It turns out that being able to think critically is a skill that is needed in lots of things. I often think that it is worth remembering that if you love history, you can keep reading and studying even if it isn’t your job –and the skills from a history major can be used in a lot of different careers.”

Swearing is in style at gift shop in Lansing’s Old Town

Bad Annie’s Sweary Goods is a gift shop located in Lansing’s Old Town district. It is filled with quirky and clever goods such as clothing, purses, stickers, silly gifts, household items and more.

Summer Schriner is the sole owner of Bad Annie’s, which has been in business since May 2019. Schriner said she started her business to help others express themselves in a “not so nice way.”

“Sometimes we like to say ‘inappropriate things,’” Schriner said. “We have a bunch of fun, goofy, sweary items. It’s for those who like to get a little snarky and have a little salt with the sugar.”

The shop is for anyone who has a sense of humor or a strong sense of social justice.

Bad Annie’s promotes itself as a safe space for those who are underrepresented

and oppressed in society.

“I hope we help folks deliver the message that they want to get across,” Schriner said. “Especially with our social justice products … we try to create a space where everyone can be themselves.”

Every month Bad Annie’s gives back to the Greater Lansing community by utilizing a “swear jar,” according to Schriner.

“Every month we donate our swear-jar money to a different cause or organization,” Schriner said. “Customers throw their extra change or dollars into the jar and we match it at the end of month before donating.”

Bad Annie’s will participate in the monthly “Arts Night Out” starting Friday, May 5 in Old Town.

Bad Annie’s is located at 1209 Turner St. in Lansing. Business hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday and closed on Monday.

www.lcc.edu/lookout 5|features APRIL 17, 2023
Courtesy photo Jeff Janowick has taught history at Lansing Community College for the past 20 years. Photo by Juanita Kelly-Hill Bad Annie’s Sweary Goods is a unique gift shop located at 1209 Turner St. in Lansing’s Old Town district.
TEACHER FEATURE

Students, staff de-stress with crafting event

LCC hosted a “Chill Craft” service event during lunchtime on March 28. The event took place in the Cesar Chavez Learning Center in the Arts and Sciences building.

About 20 people showed up, ranging from students and student employees to LCC staff and faculty.

Music played while people worked on decorating bags. The bags will go to LCC’s west campus for the LCC Food Pantry. People also chose to

work on “mini stars” as supplies were passed around.

Participants at the event also received free popcorn to snack on while they worked.

There were plenty of supplies to go around, including water paints. People who attended seemed to have a nice time as they worked on their projects.

“It was a nice event and a good way to de-stress for folks,” event coordinator Debra Coulsten-Kwapisz said.

The next crafting event will be held

Thursday, April 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Cesar Chavez Learning Center.

The craft event is meant for students and employees to release stress, as well as doing something positive for the LCC community.

“The goal of this crafting event … is really just to have fun,” said Amy Park, Arts and Sciences project coordinator.

Students can reach out to Amy Park at whitea4@star.lcc.edu for additional information.

Campus Comments

The Lookout Editor in Chief Chloe Gregg recently asked several LCC students:

What are you looking forward to most about the summer?

Jules Eiler Dental Hygiene

“I am really looking forward to paddle-boarding and spending time on the lake. ... and my first paycheck.”

Brooke Buggia Dual Enrollment

“(I am most excited to) spend time outside and with my family.”

Luke Lasky Dental Hygiene

“I’m excited to make money in my new job. I’m also excited for warm weather for tortoises.”

Caroline Klaver Nursing

“Getting ready to transfer to SVSU. I’m excited to leave home and leave LCC but ... I’ve made a lot of good memories here.”

www.lcc.edu/lookout 6|features APRIL 17, 2023
Photo by Jonah Unger LCC student Alex Xavier-Aviles was one of the participants at the crafting event March 28 in the Cesar Chavez Learning Center.

Baseball squad earns 20th straight win

The LCC baseball team extended its winning streak to 20 games with a pair of road victories over Lake Michigan College on April 8, winning 14-0 in the first game and 3-1 in the second.

The slugging Stars have scored three or fewer runs just five times this season. Head Coach Steven Cutter spoke about playing good overall baseball when runs are at a premium.

“That was a rare game (the 3-1 win) for our potent offense, but all the credit to Lake Michigan’s pitching staff,” Cutter said. “We hit the ball hard. Just on that day, they were mostly right at defenders.

“Our pitching staff was excellent again, and we did what we could to scratch a few runs across. Outstanding teams do a great job of picking each other up on both

sides of the ball.”

LCC pitcher Hunter Shaw was dominant in the first game and earned the win. He pitched five innings, allowing just one hit and no runs with 11 strikeouts.

Stars pitcher Elijah Stark continued the streak of dominance in the second game, notching a win in six innings of work. Stark allowed one run, two hits and struck out four. Pitcher Macoy West shut the door with a one-inning save.

Catcher Noah Bright had a big doubleheader at the plate for LCC with three hits, four RBIs and a home run. Cutter spoke about Bright lighting it up at the plate as of late.

“Noah is outstanding for us behind the plate as a catcher, and offensively he continues to be dynamic,” Cutter said. “Early on, he was pressing a bit too much. He has settled down his mindset and expe-

rienced even more clarity in his at-bats now.”

The weather has been noticeably rough, even damaging the Stars’ home field. Cutter spoke about his team’s response to having games canceled, postponed and not playing at the Stars’ home field since April 4.

“The primary intent of our program is to focus on the things within our capacities,” Cutter said. “The weather, our field flooding and many others are great examples of things we cannot control.

“The best programs and coaching staffs are full of problem solvers, which is the same with our program. We continue to strive to get better daily, no matter the hurdles in the way.”

The wins moved LCC to 23-5 on the year and to 9-0 in the MCCAA’s Western Conference.

Softball sweep features walkoff homer by Antcliff

The The LCC softball team earned two victories at home vs. Mid Michigan College on a warm and windy Tuesday, April 11.

The Lady Stars won the first game 10-1. They captured the second game 5-4 on a walk-off home run from Paige Antcliff.

Despite the nice weather on Tuesday, the rainy weather in the days prior presented challenges to the team, according to LCC Head Coach Marc Kibby.

“We talked with them about mentally being ready; the next 10 games are important,” Kibby said. “Everyone has been sitting, not playing and (from) past experiences, these are important games to win now.”

Aside from two 3-0 losses to Jackson College and Lake Michigan College, the bats have provided large amounts of offense for the Lady Stars. Kibby spoke about the team’s approach at the plate, even making a joke.

“With more time in the cage, we have made a few things (more) simple,” Kibby said. “They were overthinking at the plate. My saying is, ‘keep it simple, stupid.’”

Pitcher/outfielder Morgen Ahlfeld picked up a win in the first game, going four innings, allowing just two hits and zero earned runs. Pitcher Kelsey Merillat shut the door with a clean inning.

Pitcher/outfielder Madison Travis nabbed a win in relief during the second game with two and a third innings of work. She allowed three hits, no runs and struck out five.

Infielder/outfielder Peyton Lehman had a big day at the plate for LCC with three hits and four RBIs. Travis added four RBIs at the plate on three hits, including a home run during the doubleheader.

The second home run of the day belonged to Antcliff on her walk-off round-tripper.

Kibby said defense wins championships. He said little things make a team the best it can be all-around.

The two wins bring LCC’s overall re-

cord

www.lcc.edu/lookout 7|SPORTS APRIL 17, 2023
Catcher Noah Bright had a big doubleheader at the plate for LCC with three hits, four RBIs and a home run against Lake Michigan College on April 8. Photo from the LCC Baseball Twitter page LCC outfielder Leah Coleman is shown chasing a fly ball to left field during action April 11 at Ranney Park in Lansing. Photo by Jake Leslie Photo by Jake Leslie LCC softball player Paige Antcliff prepares to head home during action April 11 at Ranney Park in Lansing. Antcliff hit a walkoff homer to give LCC a 5-4 win in the second game of the doubleheader. to 17-16 on the year and to 11-3 in the MCCAA Western Conference. The victories came after two split doubleheaders, one vs. Lake Michigan College on April 7 and the other at Jackson College on April 8. LCC then swept conference foe KVCC on April 10.

Juday trains brain for baseball’s ups, downs

The Lookout Staff

Writer Jonah Unger recently interviewed third-year LCC baseball player Shane Juday about his passion for the sport of baseball.

Who or what was your biggest inspiration to start playing baseball?

“My father was my biggest inspiration to start playing ball. He played for Michigan State and was a professional baseball player. When I learned all this, I knew it is something I wanted to pursue.”

How old were you when you first started playing?

“I started playing baseball when I was 4.”

Who is your favorite baseball team?

“The Detroit Tigers.”

Who is your favorite player and why?

“My favorite player is obviously my dad (Richard Juday). But if I had to pick a current player it would be (Los Angeles Dodger) Freddie Freeman. … I love the way he plays and the person he is outside of baseball.”

What position do you play?

“I play second base for the Stars.”

What is your favorite thing about base-

ball as a sport?

“The grind that comes with playing. It isn’t a sport that you can just show up and play each and every day at a high level. You have to physically and mentally pre-

pare each and every day to even have a chance at being a great baseball player.”

What is your favorite thing about playing for LCC?

“We have our own standards here at

LCC and we play to those standards. We don’t strive to outplay our standards and we don’t play down to others’ standards. We have our standards and we believe in that process always.”

Where do you strive to improve most as a player?

“I intend to continue to improve on the mental side of baseball for as long as I play. Baseball is a super hard sport; arguably the hardest sport to play. There is a lot of failure in the sport and you have to learn to deal with it, and not get so hung up on those failures. Training the brain to move on from those failures … is hard for a lot of players, so doing everything that I can to improve and get better on that side of it would be most beneficial.”

What is your major in college?

“My intended major at my next school is Architecture and Design, but here (at LCC) I just am achieving my general associate (degree).”

What are your plans after LCC?

“My plans after LCC are undecided, but I do know that I intend to get my bachelor’s and master’s degree in architecture from another school. Baseball is still in the picture, but I’m not sure what the best option is for me just yet.”

How many rebuilds is too many for Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers have seemingly been “rebuilding” since the 2017 season. The teardown was landmarked by trading Justin Verlander, one of the best Tigers ever.

Since then the Tigers have been putrid, to say the least. The last time the Tigers compiled a winning record was 2016.

The Tigers have been bad for a plethora of reasons. Refusing to spend money on players they should have re-signed is one reason. Specifically, one was current New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer. More examples come to mind, but to spare the rant, I’ll leave it at that.

Admittedly, it was a bleak time in 2017. Maybe trading Verlander and J.D. Martinez was warranted, but it’s done nothing for the franchise in the long run.

That’s where an even larger problem began. Dave Dombrowski, the former Tigers

GM, was relieved of his duties in 2015.

While Dombrowski’s team building hadn’t netted much in the 2010s, he was responsible for acquiring some of the Tigers’ best players ever. I mean, trading for Miguel Cabrera speaks for itself, on top of several other great trades and signings.

Dombrowski had his faults. He didn’t draft spectacularly, nor did he always have the greatest farm systems. But he knew how to get a deal done. He knew how to make a signing. His teams made the playoffs.

His successor, Al Avila, is who ruined the Tigers for years to come. He most notably got awful trade returns on Verlander, Martinez, Ian Kinsler, etc. Those returns have done nothing for the Tigers, and no player involved has seen notable time for the team.

Avila drafted OK in his time with the Tigers, which is now thankfully over.

Players such as Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson and Matt Manning, to name a few, are players who come to mind when thinking of successful draft picks. But the Tigers’ farm system is currently rated among the worst in Major League Baseball.

It’s hard to summarize the Tigers’ woes in such a brief piece, but to top it off Avila stuck the Tigers with Javier Baez on a sixyear, $140 million deal.

Baez has simply not performed well. He

hit just .238 with 17 home runs in 144 games last year, and also led the Major Leagues in errors. And he is off to a terrible start offensively so far this season.

Baez does have an opt-out option after the year, but don’t expect him to opt out unless he plays well. If he does play well, look for new Tigers President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris to try to deal Baez.

Rebuilds die when a team puts money into players who don’t play like they’re worth it.

What the Detroit Tigers need is young guys to pan out. Torkelson and Greene need to carry a large offensive load in a weak lineup.

The next rebuild, in what seems to be the third or fourth rebuild in recent memory, will hopefully be the last before we see some success.

www.lcc.edu/lookout 8|sports APRIL 17, 2023
ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT Q
A &
LCC baseball second baseman Shane Juday prepares to connect with a fastball during recent action. Courtesy photo

The Avenue a great place for gaming, food

The Avenue, located at 2021 E. Michigan Ave., is a hidden jewel of Lansing offering a great atmosphere, strong drinks and good food.

The bar is known for its abundance of arcade games, pinball machines and pool tables. It is a bar to keep you busy having fun until you are hungry enough to give their spicy ramen a shot. It’s on my to-do list, but I eat what sounds good and on my most recent visit, it was fried chicken.

I had the fried chicken rice bowl and it was an experience. The sauce was a lit-

tle too sweet and the chicken was a little too fried, but I think that is more of a personal preference than a general fact. The rice helped absorb some of the sauce taste and left me feeling full.

I also got the shrimp tempura because it is how I will forever judge a restaurant; I gave an extra star because it wasn’t awful. My order totaled out at $21 and I felt OK with that.

I also got to chat with The Avenue’s friendly bartender of eight years, Loren Pudvay. He took the time to check on my order several times while tending bar, while simultaneously filling me in on the quick history of the business. Apparently, the building used to be a

lot of things, but specifically at one point it was a sporting goods store, which made me chuckle.

I walked around with a drink while waiting, looking at all the glowing lights, wishing desperately I had more time and a few quarters. Most of the games looked old-school complicated, but fun nonetheless.

I will go back, more prepared obviously, for the cheap drinks and to keep exploring the menu. It was good, just not MY favorite, but I will still go back to find my flavor. I advise you to do the same.

‘MLB The Show ‘23’ lacks new bells and whistles

“MLB The Show 23” is the latest installment of the “MLB The Show” franchise. It came out March 28. The game can be played on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch.

“The Show” is rated E for everyone. It comes with two editions for purchase. The basic edition goes for $69.99 on next-generation systems and $59.99 for current generation. The Digital Deluxe edition sells for $100 on all systems.

I bought the Digital Deluxe, allowing me to play four days earlier than if I had bought the “standard edition.”

The cover for the basic edition features Miami Marlins electrifying player Jazz Chisholm. The deluxe edition features long-time, now retired, New York Yankees

shortstop Derek Jeter.

The difference between the two is not totally worth the price. The difference is extra in-game currency and packs for players in a mode called “diamond dynasty.”

The game looks fantastic per usual, especially on next-gen graphics. It also features many old favorite modes, like road to the show, diamond dynasty and many more.

My personal favorite mode that was added in is the storylines mode. It takes players through a mini-documentary while playing classic moments of former Negro League baseball players, including Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, etc.

I enjoyed playing the moments and earning rewards, but I love the fact it includes the Negro Leagues, a type of baseball that is not typically talked about.

My problems run into San Diego Studio’s inability to put out a brand new product. The game looks the same as it has graphically over several years. The process looks very “rinse and repeat,” with the same animations and everything.

‘Night Agent’ takes awhile to grab attention

“The Night Agent” is the number one trending television show streaming on Netflix.

Released on March 23, 2023, the show has received a great number of praises on social media for the past few weeks.

“The Night Agent” is based on a book with the same name by Matthew Quirk, and brings a fresh perspective to the genre of political drama TV shows.

Gabriel Basso stars as Peter Sutherland, an FBI Agent who is assigned to a special task in the White House in the middle of a conspiracy involving a mole.

This mystery thriller will take you on a course of twists and turns, all while having you second guessing the integrity of each character.

The show didn’t really grab my attention until episode two and I had to restart episode one, but I’m glad I stayed for the ride. While the show has been renewed for

season two already, I’m concerned about the story line the show producers will develop.

I think the show would benefit from being an episodic series rather than a serialized series, similar to “The X-Files.” I also wish they would have taken the sci-fi angle as well, like a cross of “Men in Black” and “The X-Files.”

Overall, it’s a great show, but because of how long it took to gain my attention and the pacing, I rate the show 3.5 out of 5 stars.

The only noticeable change is the sounds the bats make when the ball is struck, which isn’t exactly the biggest change, but it does sound better. The game even contains a mode involving a mobile app to scan one’s own face.

The problem with the mode is, it sounds like a great idea, but the developers have yet to figure out how to include the app on iOS for Apple phones.

Overall, baseball is my favorite sport, so I’ll always enjoy playing this game. But, there’s just not a ton of things to do, and nothing that I haven’t already done.

I recommend this game for anyone looking to get into baseball. It would be an easy fresh start to get into the sport. Anyone who follows baseball and the series will be disappointed with some of the same graphics from prior games.

www.lcc.edu/lookout 9|Arts and Entertainment APRIL 17, 2023
REVIEWS
Photo by Mallory Stiles Loren Pudvay has been a bartender at The Avenue in Lansing for eight years. Photo from Netflix Gabriel Basso plays FBI agent Peter Sutherland in “The Night Agent,” now streaming on Netflix. Image from MLB.com Miami Marlins outfielder Jazz Chisholm is the featured ballplayer on the 2023 version of the video game, “MLB The Show 23.”

Saying farewell after four memorable years

I was first hired at The Lookout when I was just 17. As an aspiring author and journalist, I was extremely excited to not only get my first “real” job, but also to build a portfolio and write about things that are important to me.

As we are all aware, I strayed from wanting to be a journalist pretty quickly into college, but that never assuaged my love for writing. The Lookout helped me to hone my skills, and I’m positive that without it, essays would have been far more tortuous.

The Lookout has provided me with a stable job and stable income for the last four years, and has given me an open space to write about my feelings, my recognitions and my shortcomings.

This column has seen a wide range of

emotions and topics; from scary movies, to bucket lists, to a stressful year of school. And now here’s a new topic: my final goodbye. I am the last one from The Lookout staff of 2019. Everyone else has since left and written their farewells to each other. So now it is my turn to write my farewell.

To Julie, Shauna, Robin, Ali, Maddy, Baylee and Kari: I have countless happy memories from the quick year we all shared

space in The Lookout’s office. That first semester at college was really made meaningful because I had you guys.

As a community college goer, I knew I was never going to get that true “uni” experience, but I feel like I came close because of you. You were all my first friends at college and my first work family. It sucks that COVID split us up before we ever really had a chance to say goodbye and good luck, but I’m extremely grateful for the memories we made, regardless.

This year was the first year The Lookout had a bigger staff again since COVID, and with it came a bunch of brand new faces that I had the pleasure of getting to know.

To Mallory, Juanita, Jayden and Jonah, thank you for making my last year at The

Lookout one of the best. It really was a blessing to be able to end my last school year at LCC with a real staff again.

You all are so talented and so much fun, and I wish you all of the luck in the world. Mallory, I cannot wait to see you thrive as The Lookout’s next editor in chief.

And finally, to Larry: thank you for being one of the coolest and most understanding bosses around. This has been both the hardest and best four years of my life, and you were there to see it all.

Thank you for taking a chance on me when I was 17 and giving me all of these opportunities. My college experience genuinely would not be the same if it weren’t for you and The Lookout. Thank you for bringing me into The Lookout family.

First-ever piano lesson leaves me wanting more

There are countless studies that show that learning multiple new things at once as an adult can drastically increase cognitive ability.

A senior living blog on discoveryvillages.com states that learning new things can make the brain of an older adult 30 years younger in as little as six weeks.

With that in mind, I showed up to the School of Rock, located at 2037 W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos, to add just one more thing to my “things I am currently learning” list.

The staff was especially kind and the atmosphere was VERY rock-‘n’-roll with chalkboard walls and lots of pictures.

I chose piano for my first free lesson

and, upon googling, quickly found out there were more benefits than just being able to play some of my favorite songs.

Learning piano can also improve counting and math skills, improve reading comprehension, help with language skills, strengthen hand-eye coordination and, most importantly, reduce stress.

Sign. Me. Up.

My instructor met me at the door and introduced himself as Joey Lindstrom with more enthusiasm than I expected. We happily chose a practice room and immediately got started.

I learned a little about notes, chords, octaves and scales. It was a complicated

10 minutes, but only because I am completely musically ignorant.

Joey did an excellent job at explaining and re-explaining when things didn’t quite make sense.

The next 19 minutes were spent on me attempting to play “Let It Be” by The Beatles, and the very last minute was

spent on high-fives because I actually did it!

I absolutely loved my time in that music room and left with a feeling of genuine joy, so much so that I called for details on what it would cost to make it a regular thing.

The adult package is one private lesson and one band rehearsal a week for $329 a month. School of Rock also arranges for the school’s adult band to perform every few months at a different venue in Lansing to give performing experience to its students.

Don’t let your talent go undiscovered. Sign up for your free first lesson at www. schoolofrock.com.

The other question you should never ask a woman

As a woman, there is always someone who is asking you, “When will you have kids?” or “Don’t you want to have a baby before your time runs out?”

It doesn’t matter if you have achieved your goals yet, or if you are in a healthy financial or mental space yet. There will always be someone who is pressing you about starting a family.

Before I have kids, I want to travel to at least 20 countries outside of the Unit-

ed States. Here is a list of the top 20 places I ab-

solutely have to visit first:

Japan, Greece, Maldives, Jamaica, Honduras, Belize, Turks & Caico, Italy, France, London, Egypt, India, Ghana, Canada, The Bahamas, Bali, Dubai, U.S. Virgin Islands (Technically part of the U.S., but you know what I mean), Cayman Islands and Bora Bora.

Notice I didn’t put any countries from South America or Australia. That is because the wild life there freaks me out.

I also feel like I need to spend my years under 30 being selfish, focusing on myself, and exploring the many things the world has to offer.

The point of the story is to stop asking women when they’re going to have kids. You never know their plans or the battles they may struggle with.

Having children is not all there is to a woman’s life. So don’t ask me when I plan to have kids.

www.lcc.edu/lookout 10|opinion APRIL 17, 2023
— LOOKOUT BELOW — — CHLOE’S CHAT — CHLOE — KELLY’S Korner —

It’s been a wild and crazy school year

It’s crazy to think this school year is already close to an end but, alas, it’s true.

So much has happened in the 2022-23 school year that The Lookout staff decided a quick recap is in order before we head into summer break. So here we go.

Queen Elizabeth II died after a 70-year rule. Russia invaded Ukraine. Hurricane Ian devastated Florida and South Carolina.

Some enjoyed watching the 56th annual Country Music Association Awards, while others watched the Kansas City Chiefs win this year’s Lombardi Trophy.

Amber Heard announced she settled, months after the televised trial during which jurors found her

guilty for defaming Johnny Depp in an op-ed for The Washington Post.

Chris Rock released a special on Netflix to respond to being slapped at the 94th Academy Awards. Cuba legalized same-sex marriage. Former President Donald Trump was charged by a New York Grand Jury with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

On Feb. 14 of this year, a gunman opened fire on the Michigan State University campus and took three lives, while injuring five other students.

Our community still grieves and is struggling to heal but we are not alone. The website gunviolencearchive.org tells us there have already been 146 mass

shootings in 2023.

LCC was the victim of a cybersecurity attack. The Lookout won the “General Excellence” award, among others, from the Michigan Community College Press Association. Finally, LCC President Dr. Steve Robinson will be awarded the Paragon Award from Phi Theta Kappa later this month.

The Lookout staff has been happy to help capture all the news that made this year what it was: both the good and the bad.

We would like to take a moment to remind anyone who is struggling to find a smile; we made it through the school year together and we are nearing the finish line.

lookout the staff

CHLOE GREGG

MALLORY STILES

editor IN CHIEF greggc3@star.lcc.edu

“I will remember all of the hard work that I put in to get the future that I want!”

ASSOCIATE EDITOR stilesm3@star.lcc.edu

“How the first year as a paid writer on a newspaper felt, and the relationships I made because of it.”

SPORTS EDITOR hewittj7@star.lcc.edu

“The extra spring break week we got from the cybersecurity closure. That was interesting.”

JOnah UNGER

JAKE LESLIE

STAFF WRITER ungerj1@star.lcc.edu

“I will remember the people that I have met, and the adventures of working at The Lookout.”

PHOTO EDITOR lesliej6@star.lcc.edu

“I will remember the cybersecurity shutdown giving me an extra week to study for mid-terms.”

“Having five rookie staffmembers at The Lookout, and still winning 17 journalism awards.”

www.lcc.edu/lookout 11|opinion APRIL 17, 2023 — staff editorial —
206 S. WASHINGTON SQ NEW, CLOSER LOCATION! SAME GREAT PIZZA! WHAt will you remember the most about the 2022-23 school year at LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE?
— adVISER hookl@star.lcc.edu
LARRY HOOK
STAFF WRITER kellyj38@star.lcc.edu JUANITA KELLY-HILL “I will remember how this school year has tested my mental strength.” JAYDEN HEWITT

LCC Theatre presents ‘Tartuffe’

worth the price of admission alone.”

LCC

Arts presented the theatrical comedy “Tartuffe” in the Black Box Theatre from April 12 to 16.

Blake Bowen, the director of “Tartuffe,” said the show is a French play that was written by Moliere and first produced in 1664. “Tartuffe” was one of the most famous plays written by Moliere, and was often compared to Shakespeare for its historical impact on the theatre.

“I’m most excited to see this play performed in front of a live audience,” Bowen said the week before the play. “Our actors and designers have worked incredibly hard to present a funny and thoughtful piece that patrons will thoroughly enjoy.

“The costumes, designed by Chelle Peterson and constructed with the help of LCC students, are breathtaking and

“Tartuffe” follows a con artist by the same name. Tartuffe presents himself as someone he is not, in order to gain more power and wealth.

“We see this every day in modern society,’ Bowen said. “We have politicians fabricating entire biographies and getting elected based on lies. We have celebrities whose image is carefully constructed by a team that profits from that sense of fame. We also do this on a micro level in our day-to-day lives.

“Do you act the same way in front of your friends as you do your family? Coworkers? When you’re alone? All of us change roles based on what we want to get out of the situation we find ourselves (in) and the people surrounding us.”

For more information on LCC Performing Arts and its upcoming events, visit the website at http://www.lcc.edu/ showinfo

www.lcc.edu/lookout 12|LAST LOOK APRIL 17, 2023
In LCC’s presentation of “Tartuffe,” the title character (played by Chris Howe), who is deep in a fit of denial, writhes in agony, saying that the accusations against him are literally killing him. Mariane (Julianna Blain) is in the forefront as Valere (Ethan Quates) peers in the window during a scene in the Black Box Theatre in LCC’s Gannon Building. Tartuffe (Chris Howe) shows love for Elmire (Emily Stokes). Photographs by Photo Editor Jake Leslie Actors in “Tartuffe” include (l. to r.), Ethan Quates as Valere, Erin Hoffman as Dorine and Julianna Blain as Mariane.

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