The North Idaho College Sentinel Vol.65 No.5, Dec 5, 2011

BLOWIN’ BRASS, SWINGIN’ SINGERS ‘Close Enough for Jazz’ includes array of campus talent | Page B2

NEWS First phase of Education Corridor complete | Page A2 ENTERTAINMENT Sounds of Christmas fill the air | Page B2

theSentinel SPORTS Volleyball takes ninth in the nation | Page B6

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE

MONDAY | DECEMBER 5, 2011

WWW.NIC SENTINEL .C OM

Volume 65 | Issue 5

Imagine a world without

BASKETBALL

Cardinals lead Day 2 of tourney

AIDS

Suspense ran high in match against Yakima

NIC hosts events to raise awareness, educate students, community

Benaiah Cheevers Staff Contributor

T

NIC remains undefeated, 9-0, as of Saturday, from a 80-73 victory over Yakima Valley Community College (YVCC) in Game 2 of the Bigfoot Cardinal Classic.

The game stayed unpredictable as the lead changed 12 times throughout the game with eight ties. NIC tipped the scale by completing 23 points from free throws compared to YVCC’s 15.

“I thought we played well even though we didn’t shoot very well,” said head coach Jared Phay. “We were struggling a little bit offensively. Yakima Valley defended us really well, and I have to give them a lot of credit.”

Freshmen Keon Lewis and Michael Middlebrooks scored 15 points apiece for the Cardinals.

“At times I felt that we got frustrated,” Lewis said. “But we overcame that and buckled down to play defense.”

Jordan McCloud hit four out of six free throws, scoring 12 points and jumping for nine rebounds in the game. Kaj Sherman came off the bench and scored 12 points.

“We learned a lot of things about how to win a close game and come from behind,” Phay said.

Sherman said that the team has come together well since the start of the season.

“It all started early on in practice,” Sherman said. “We didn’t play as well as we wanted to tonight, but we hit some tough shots and came together to get the win, so that’s what counts.”

NIC led YVCC, 31-30, at the half and proceeded to outscore them 49-43 in the second half.

Sophomore Petar Joksimovic scored six points and hit four out of five free throws. Freshman Kwame Bates added

Jake Wright Martin  Staff Contributor

he room fell silent as people lit their candles.

Lights were dimmed, and the only noise was the soft music in the background. Some people cried; most seemed to look within themselves. All held their candles. tion, gaining national publicity and Across the state, hundreds of support. Eventually his condition Idahoans lit candles at the exact same moment in a mass demonstra- improved enough for him to go tion of support for all those affected back to high school and even got a job. He died at 18 in 1990. Conby HIV and AIDS. Around 20 to 25 community gress passed the Ryan White CARE members and students alike gath- (Comprehensive AIDS Resources ered Thursday evening to attend a Emergency) Act a few months after candlelight vigil held in the Human his death to help poverty-level peoRights Education Institute in ob- ple get help and pay for medicine.

Doug Edwards, Coeur d’Alene, servance of World AIDS Day. The North Idaho AIDS Coalition (NIAC) attended the event to support Pero.

“There are too many people organizes the event annually. Rewho are not aware how freshments, cookies and a bowl full of candy and “I hated the wide-spread and how close HIV and AIDS condoms were offered to very fiber are to them,” Edwards all those in attendance. that created said. He said that “There’s a huge community, which I the human events like these are very important for the never knew about, race.” people of our commuthat will support you,” nity to be exposed to. said Mat Dexter, mas“It brings it closer sage therapy, Athol, DARRELL PERO to home, and it needs and Gay-Straight Alliving with HIV to,” Edwards said. liance (GSA) member.

According to www.

The vigil began with AIDS.gov, more than one million the viewing of a video that told the people in the United States are instories of people infected with HIV fected with AIDS. Every nine and a or AIDS. Stacie Lechot, executive director of NIAC, introduced speak- half minutes, someone in the USA is infected. Nearly 33.4 million peoer Darrell Pero, a local 23-year-old dealing with HIV. His story seemed ple in the world have AIDS. “The whole [state of] Idaho has to captivate the crowd. He spoke about 1,200-1,250 people,” Lechot of the fear and depression he felt said. when he was diagnosed.

ASNIC organized an event “I hated the very fiber that crein the SUB Thursday afternoon, ated the human race,” Pero said. which included information, His words reached a solemn audience. He addressed the commonly accepted belief that people with AIDS live lonely lives and strongly asserted that this is not true; everybody can find love no matter what their condition. He spoke about how it is now possible to live with HIV/AIDS. “I’ve lost some friends to AIDS. I’m old enough to remember a world without AIDS,” said Mark Haberman, Minn. “It was nowhere 30-plus years ago,” he said. He said has worked for the last several years with a church-sponsored retreat for HIV-positive individuals.

After Pero’s speech, a film was played featuring Ryan White, a boy from Kokomo, Ind. White was a hemophiliac since birth and diagnosed with AIDS at age 13. Doctors gave him three to six months to live. He was expelled from his high school for his condition. His mother fought for his right to an educa-

See BASKETBALL | Page B7

giveaways and speaker Christina Cowden, who shared her personal experiences with HIV/AIDS. National and world statistics were also given.

World AIDS Day is held Dec. 1 every year and is a time for people to unite in the fight against HIV and honor those who have passed.

World AIDS Day was the first official global health day. It was first held worldwide in 1988. According to www.worldaidsday.org, more than 25 million people died from the virus between 1981 and 2007.

World AIDS Day events around the world are intended to help educate as many people as possible about HIV/AIDS and how it is spread.

Lechot stressed the importance of getting tested. She said in most cases, symptoms wouldn’t become visible for up to 10 years unless the person is drinking heavily or using drugs.

“You can be healthy and you don’t feel it, but it doesn’t hide. So if you get a test you’ll know,” she said.

Lechot said AIDS spreads so quickly simply because a lot of people who have it don’t know they have it and end up passing it along by accident.

NIAC covers the five northernmost counties in Idaho. The organization helps AIDS-infected, povertylevel people acquire funds from programs like Ryan White’s CARE. In some cases, NIAC can help with housing and living costs. NIAC conducts free HIV/AIDS screenings.

“To have people be able to wear the red ribbon and come tonight really makes my heart warm because my clients think they’re alone,” Lechot said.

That’s a lungful Students learn about the harmful effects of smoking during the Great American Smokeout.

Lifestyles Page A9

QUOTABLE

Antoine Mosley sends a floater on its way to the net. Eric Rivera/Sentinel

WHERE TO START

“This time of year, I believe that everyone, no matter what beliefs they hold, becomes a little more Christian...”

News...........................A1

Arts & Entertainment....B1

Perspectives................A5

Games.........................B5

Lifestyles....................A9

Sports..........................B6

Perspectives Page A8

Backpacking.............A12

Lighting Ceremony.......B8

7

class days left

UNTIL

WINTER

BREAK

News tip? Story idea?

Contact Joyce Hargrove

208-769-3388 jcangelfood001@gmail.com

Campus News

page A2

www.nicsentinel.com

monday, December 5, 2011

Lake City Development Corp. chair Denny Davis, Coeur d’Alene Mayor Sandi Bloem, North Idaho College President Priscilla Bell, NIC Vice President of Communications John Martin and a CDA Commodores member unite in celebration at the unveiling of the first completed phase of construction on the Education Corridor. Ethan Schlusser/Sentinel

Ribbon-cutting ceremony opens Education Corridor Phase 1 of construction project now complete, despite some community opposition Christina Villagomez Staff Contributor The first phase of the Education Corridor is now complete.

Phase 1A of construction, which included three new roundabouts, raised sidewalks, streetlamps, landscaping, and an intersection on Northwest Boulevard that opens Hubbard Avenue to NIC, is now open for use.

“Laying the groundwork for a vision is kind of what’s happening here,” said NIC Communications and Marketing Coordinator Stacy Hudson.

Several speakers attended the ribboncutting ceremony, including Mayor Sandi Bloem and Board of Trustees chair Mic Armon. It was held in the same location as the groundbreaking ceremony that took place this past June. According to Bloem, the contrast was sharp.

“Not too long ago we broke ground here, and it barely looked like space. Actually, it looked like a hole in the ground,” said Bloem. “It was space, but now it’s a place”— a place that was able to win a little recognition from the state.

After being nominated by city staffers to Idaho Smart Growth for their annual Grow Smart Awards, the project beat out statewide competition in the redevelopment category.

According to Idaho Smart Growth, the

Education Corridor was selected as a winner because it “encourages community and stakeholder collaboration, fosters distinctive communities with a strong sense of place and builds upon the special place that began with Native American gatherings.

The plan preserves open space, parks, environmentally critical areas and public access to the Spokane River.”

The ribbon was symbolically cut by a group that included NIC President Pricilla Bell, Bloem, LCDC chair Denny Davis, and members of the Coeur d’Alene Commodores—one of whom warmly recalled after the ceremony that he was born the same year the college opened its doors.

Amidst the celebration were hints of some of the controversy that the funding of the corridor had caused in the community.

The cost of the first completed portion of the project was $3.6 million.

“There were some people that were opposed to this project and they said it would be a cold day in Coeur d’Alene before this happened,” joked vice president of communications John Martin to the crowd. “And it makes me just as happy to be standing here on a cold day in Coeur d’Alene.”

Despite the challenges coming from some members of the community, Armon said that people coming together is what has made the first portion of the ongoing project a success.

“It’s a collaborative effort of a lot of

Phase 1A

Phase 1B

Phase 1 improvements included three roundabouts, raised sidewalks, streetlamps, landscaping with 450 trees planted and a traffic light at Northwest Boulevard and Hubbard Avenue. Graphic courtesy of Stacy Hudson, Communications Coordinator.

people that have made this accomplishment listen to the naysayers, that they were not going to listen to ‘this can never be done,’ come together,” said Armon. “You look ‘this shouldn’t be done, it’s too expensive’ or back and a lot of things we see and take for whatever, and they just did it. granted, and we often times think, ‘Well, Phase 1A = improvements in area to the left (river side) of red line “That’s what this project was. This was a how did that happen?’” project that was just a decision to go ahead Well, it’s always a group of people that and get it done for the future.” just decided that they were not going to

ASNIC vice president relinquishes position Nick Dimico asked to step down after two years in office amidst rumors of personal issues

A

Tala Wood Staff Contributor

SNIC Vice Pres. Nick Dimico recently resigned his position.

The reason for the resignation has not been disclosed, and Dimico was unavailable for comment.

“I don’t think it’s in Nick’s best interest to share what happened with the entire college,” ASNIC Pres. Chloe Van Zandt said.

“We just had some personal issues.”

Van Zandt said ASNIC formed a committee of students and their director to discuss how best to proceed with the situation. The decision was unanimous. Dimico was asked to step down because of the ASNIC Code of Conduct, and he agreed.

“This happens in everyday life,” Van Zandt said. “Sometimes people are asked to step down, and that’s just how it goes.”

Director of Student Activities Dean Bennett declined to comment, citing Van

Zandt’s request that media be directed through her.

In the event of a vacant vice president position, a current ASNIC senator is appointed. No elections are held. Corrine Van Ostrand was selected to replace Dimico.

According to Van Zandt, the previous ASNIC Boards have left the ASNIC Constitution and by-laws “a tiny bit open to interpretation.”

“It depends on the situation a lot,” Van Zandt said.

In order to fill the now empty senator position that Van Ostrand has left behind, ASNIC will form a committee to appoint a new one. Van Zandt said she expects it to happen soon.

“In times of turmoil, it’s best to step it up fast, and get the ball rolling again, with not too much process,” Van Zandt said.

This was Dimico’s second year as a member of ASNIC. He was one of the senators last year.

“He’s always done awesome,” Van Zandt said. “He’s always put his best foot forward.

He’s incredibly devoted. A lot of people say ASNIC is his life; it’s not, but it’s a big part.

He tries his hardest at everything he does.”

The ASNIC Code of Conduct involves maintaining all responsibilities, modeling of integrity, being considerate of all people in the organization and their right to privacy, not abusing power, and continuing to improve knowledge about issues of student concern.

The Code of Conduct also requires the student to maintain their eligibility, which includes a certain number of credit hours, a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, and term limits. The ASNIC Constitution and by-laws are available through the ASNIC page of NIC’s website.

This is the second resignation of an ASNIC member in the last year. In January of the spring semester, Libby Kennedy, a senator, also resigned.

A Closer Look ASNIC Code of Conduct: • being accountable • maintaining involvemnt • endeavoring to be models of honesty • being considerate • not abusing power • continuing to improve knowledge

DID YOU KNOW? Bob Eubanks (“The Newlywed Game”) was the youngest person to host a television game show.

www.nicsentinel.com

NeWs

the sentinel | A3

Campus wellness clinic addresses headaches, lock-jaw Local therapist discusses various causes, old-fashioned remedies, performs hands-on demonstrations

E

Joyce Hargrove News Editor

xercise may not always be the answer, especially when it comes to headaches, warned a local therapist at last week’s wellness clinic held in the SUB. In fact, exercises which tighten one muscle group can actually trigger a headache, she said.

A group of approximately 25 patrons, mostly staff and faculty, showed up to listen to Virginia “Ginny” Taft, owner of Coeur d’Alene Hand Therapy and Healing Center, speak about headaches and TMJ (temporomandibular joint, more commonly known as the jaw bone).

“We’re here to help you look at your body before it starts screaming at you,” she said, relying on her 30 years of expertise in the field. “Most people either ignore it, force through it or do a combination of the two. Lots ignore it until they can’t take it anymore, and then they’re miserable.”

“We must look at the whole being because we tend to get into stuffed patterns.”

She then demonstrated on an audience member what she likes to call the “North Idaho winter driver’s position” where the neck is extended, the elbows are tight and shoulders are hunched, putting pressure on the neck which, in turn, causes headaches.

“Sometimes I think it’s better if you don’t see what’s coming in the rearview mirror,” she said.

Sitting too long at a computer can also add to poor posture, she said, especially

students who tend to sit on the couch with their laptops. And teenagers wonder why they have headaches with all the caffeine and energy drinks they consume, she added, stating that water, nutrition and fresh air are all very important remedies.

There are lots of causes of headaches, she said, including lack of sleep, dehydration, too much salt, food additives, chemical smells, mold, dry air, allergies and sinuses, strong lighting and skipping meals.

She said she notices lots of headaches in the fall when people are indoors more with dry heat and said that can be cured by something as simple as a pan of water on a vent.

“Most headaches are not major medical issues but can be over time,” Taft cautioned.

“Headaches three times a week are not normal. Everybody’s different and you have to find out what works for you.”

Some people like heat therapy and some people like cold and sometimes caffeine is even helpful, but just don’t overdo it, she said.

Half of the audience admitted to having headaches, while two said they suffer from TMJ which causes clicking or popping in the jaw, stiffness and loss of motion in the neck, causing the face, teeth and eyes to all hurt.

One audience member said she does yoga when she gets headaches while another one does twists. One woman said she gives herself permission to not multi-task and practices periods of being instead of doing.

NIC sponsors turkey drive

“Where the pain is is not necessarily where the problem is,” Taft said. “We look in the mirror to check our appearance but we don’t stop to see what is off.” We are upright beings who get locked in a position, she said as she compared our bodies to a sweater with a hole in it that has been sewn back together - it pulls tight.

“I know Ginny and know she knows what she’s talking about, said Dalona Lee, senior administrative assistant for college skills.

Amy Mayer, senior assistant analyst/ programmer for Information Technology, said her dentist told her she had TMJ and that she attended Taft’s clinic to learn more about it.

A Closer Look Headaches are caused from lots of things including lack of sleep, dehydration, too much salt, food additives, chemical smells, mold, dry air, allergies and sinuses, strong lighting and skipping meals.

“Where the headaches happen is a clue,” Taft said. Lots ignore their headaches, which affects their attention and focus and interferes with their lives, she said. She then demonstrated the “zig zag” pattern on another audience member, in which one shoulder sits higher than the other. Favoring a site can also cause headaches, she warned.

“Stop wearing your shoulders for earrings,” she said. “Pay attention; that’s the biggest thing we can do.” If the headaches continue, she suggested monitoring the following: type, frequency, tendency and duration.

“I’m here to change old habits for better habits,” said Bob Campbell, retired. “Eating smarter and living better - that’s what it’s all about.”

Taft told audience members about the “3 R’s” - non-invasive, straightforward types of therapy for curing headaches. The first is release in which you learn to let go of your tightness and normalize your posture. The second is re-educate in which you learn to do things in your day-to-day activities to lessen headaches. The third is rebuild in which you learn to strengthen your body.

Senior administrative assistant and facilities officer Charlotte Warren said that although she does not suffer from major headaches, she has a lot of family members who do. She said she attended the clinic to learn more about the medical cures.

“The best advice I can give as a therapist,” Taft said, “is to learn to listen to our bodies.”

Alumni hold thank-a-thon

60 turkeys, 1,063 pounds of food collected this year Tala Wood Staff Contributor

Haft said that the monetary donations had been used in previous years to purchase turkeys and other foods. This year, however, the Food Bank asked that the The third annual NIC Turkey Drive exmoney only be used to buy turkeys. perienced a shortage this year.

While everyone was welcome to donate, “My understanding is demand is up,” it was predominantly NIC employees who director of admissions and registrar Tami did so, not students. Haft attributes this to Haft said. “People who were donating are the way in which the drive was advertised. now in need themselves.”

The fliers, which were released startEach year, the Registrar’s Office collects ing Nov. 11, are largely sent through e-mail turkeys and “Thanksalerts. According giving dinner trimto Haft, students “My understanding is mings” for the Communot make up nity Action Partnership demand is up. People who do the majority of Food Bank. According were donating are now in those who sign to Haft, NIC collected up to receive e60 turkeys and 1,063 need themselves.” mail alerts. pounds of food this On Nov. 12, year. some people Tami Haft This year’s drive involved in the Director of Admissions and Registrar lasted a little over a drive also stood week. Donations were outside the Safeaccepted until Novemway on Fourth Street for several hours and ber 17.

“What we found is a longer period of collected food and money.

Haft started NIC’s involvement in the time doesn’t necessarily mean more donadrive three years ago. tions,” Haft said. “[The Food Bank’s drive] was on the Those wishing to donate were asked to news one night,” Haft said. “There was a deliver the food to the Registrar’s Office in need.”

Lee-Kildow Hall, near the Educated Cup Haft said she brought the idea into the in the Student Union Building, or Emery’s Registrar’s office, and they all decided it Restaurant upstairs in the Hedlund Buildwas a good idea. “We’ve been doing it every ing. These locations were chosen because year since,” Haft said. they had freezers readily available. FinanShe said the Registrar’s Office will do cial donations were collected by the Registhe drive again next year. trar’s Office.

Ethan Schlusser/Sentinel

Sandee Riggs, former president of the NIC Alumni Association Board of Directors, gives thanks to community members who offered their services to the college in the past by wishing them a happy Thanksgiving.

Feel Good Fridays wind down as semester comes to close Get-together more than just free food; themed events give new meaning to connection with students Christina Villagomez Staff Contributor With the second of December marking the last Feel Good Friday of the semester, ASNIC board member Katie Peck sat down to talk about what she feels helps make Feel Good Fridays an important part of the NIC Campus and ASNIC. Peck took over the project after being elected to the board earlier this year.

How many Feel Good Fridays has ASNIC helped this year?

“We’ve had at least ten events this semester alone.”

Does Feel Good Friday ever have themes?

“The last Feel Good Friday we had a special bullying theme and we really had a lot of students involved; we even had 44 students write hurtful words all over their face.

We had over 300 people attend.”

Since this is the last Friday event of the semester, did it have a specific theme?

“Today, being the last Feel Good Friday of the semester, we really just wanted to focus on student input, any suggestions they have, what they’d like to see, what kind of food, themes — I really want it to be something students enjoy. Today we didn’t really have a theme other than that; it was pretty much just focused on feeling good on Friday, relaxing before your finals and [find-

ing] ideas for next semester.”

Was this Feel Good Friday connected in any way to De-Stress Fest, then?

“I would love to support De-Stress-Fest; it’s provided by ASNIC student events, but today was mostly just focused on meeting students so they know who their student representatives are and just talking to students.

I think that’s the biggest problem we have sometimes, otherwise we just assume what students want. This is the best way we have of talking to students, getting their input, their suggestions, and implementing them.”

How many suggestions have you gotten so far?

“I’d say around a hundred, and a few that were e-mailed to me.”

What are some of the things you enjoy about participating in Feel Good Friday?

“I think it’s a very positive way for ASNIC to connect with students. It’s so hard sometimes to connect with people you don’t know and it just makes it a very casual way to interact, have a snack, [say] ‘I hope you feel great today,’ ask how school is going. If we have a theme like anti-bullying we can really bring, and have an impact on our students, and let them know what kind of student services we have and what we can do for them.”

Do you get a lot of student questions about what’s going on with ASNIC? “Not just with ASNIC, but the school in

general. They bring different questions to us all the time. What are we doing to represent them? What are we doing about these problems? And they tell us what they like about the school.”

Out of all the things students come to you about, what do you hear the most?

“We hear things about parking, the tobacco policy, that’s pretty common. But I think the thing we do the most is just talking to them. I think a lot of students feel lonely, and having someone say ‘Hey, how are you doing? I hope you feel great today,’ really helps. The questions the students bring to us the most is, ‘What are we doing for the students?’ They say, ‘We voted you in, we elected you, what exactly are you doing? What’s your job?’ I think often students don’t really know what we are doing so it’s just a chance to say, ‘This is what I’m working on, what do you think?”

Do you think that Feel Good Friday can encourage people around here to reach out more to other students?

“Absolutely, I think it’s a way for students to just talk. If we have a hot topic, something we know is a problem or is an issue on campus, it starts and generates a lot of conversation among students. When we all wrote on our faces for anti-bullying, it was a huge conversation starter. Certain words that may not hurt me were really hurtful to someone else and it started conversations about gos-

siping, about our interpersonal relationships and how to support each other—it was really impressive to me to see students who don’t know each other giving each other hugs.”

What would you say has been the most successful Feel Good Friday so far?

“The Anti-Bullying Day. Which was shocking, it really was because I would figure a topic like that wouldn’t have many people wanting to participate. We had a lot of participation in that… Actually, I take that back—pizza days are definitely the most popular. Everyone comes to Pizza Day, everyone loves it. It’s like a giant pizza party.”

What is your aim with Feel Good Friday?

“My aim and my objective is to make Feel Good Friday student oriented, it needs to be a way for students to know what their representatives are doing for them. How are we supposed to be the voice of the students if we don’t talk to them? We can’t say ‘this is what the students want,’ if we don’t. So it’s a casual way to get student input, to just to get to know our constituency.”

Is this something all the ASNIC members are behind?

“Absolutely, I could not do Feel Good Fridays without the entire ASNIC board. I constantly have different senators coming each week, supporting, talking to students, actively engaging. It’s just really refreshing, and nice to see the interaction.”

News

A4 | the sentinel

Monday, December 5, 2011

Workforce Training Center offers new esthetician course Skin care clinic performs facials, hair removal, makeup applications at discounted rate to NIC Joyce Hargrove News Editor Christina Villagomez Staff Contributor NIC’s new esthetician class is now offering a skin care clinic.

NIC students and staffers will receive a 20% discount on all treatments.

The clinic is open Monday through Friday, from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.

The students performing the treatments have to complete the practical and theory assignments in each phase of training and receive a passing grade on each exercise before being allowed to participate in the skin care clinic.

“After the third week, students can begin working on clients,” said Marie Price, Director for Workforce and Community Education. “It’s the same concept as Toni & Guy,” she said. “You get wonderful treatments performed by students at a reduced rate. We’re focused on making your skin look beautiful and appear the very best.”

Some of the treatments available at the clinic will be microdermabrasion, facials, hair removal and makeup application.

This is the first year an esthetician course has been offered at NIC, though there was some delay in the startup date due to enrollment problems. Price said the operating clinic is at the Workforce Training campus, along with some brand new equipment.

According to Beverly Hawker, Coordinator for Workforce and Community Education, Spokane Community College has discontinued their esthetician program and had a long waiting list of applicants.

The 15-week program is taught by Kerri Casteel, former instructor of the Spokane program, and includes classroom instruction and hands-on experience.

“Everyone is pumped up when talking about the program,” Hawker said.

“Students can be prepared to take their state license and put it to use.”

Estheticians are skin care professionals who work with clients to improve their appearance. They typically are employed in spas, resorts and salons.

More information can be found on the NIC website, at www.nic.edu/skincare, and appointments can be made by calling (208) 769-3333.

News Briefs Snow closure info available When snow and ice make driving conditions hazardous or campus sidewalks and parking lots difficult to clear, classes may be cancelled. NIC school closure information will be announced on the day of closure by 6 a.m. for daytime classes and by 1 p.m. for evening classes. Students can sign up for text message or e-mail alerts­­at www.nic.edu.security/eAlerts.asp. Or call the switchboard at 208-769-3300 or the snow closure line at 1-800-2544526.

Mica Peak to hold sale Mica Peak Bookstore will be holding a Christmas sale December 5-15 in which they will offer 40% off all Christmas themed giftware, 10% off lotions and cosmetics, 20% off clothing and winter wear, 20% off logo giftware and 10% off 4GB Cardinal custom flash drives. Store hours are MondayThursday 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

LCSC plans commencement The Lewis & Clark State College will be holding their commencement ceremony to recognize 2012 graduates with Bachelor Degrees on May 6 at 2 p.m. Rehearsal begins at noon.

There is free general seating admission with babies and children allowed.

For more information contact Rocky Owens at 208-292-2673.

Counseling ser vices available As the semester is winding down, holidays are ramping up and stress levels are increasing, but help is available. The Counseling Services and the Center for New Directions provide support. They are located in Lee-Kildow Hall, room 126, or can be reached at 208-769-3445. Health Services is located on the 2nd floor of the SUB and can be reached at 208-769-7818.

Flu shots are still available by appointment.

Labrador delivers petitions Representative Raul Labrador is set to deliver the Dike Road trees petitions to Washington D.C.’s Assistant Secretary for the Army, JoEllen Darcy. The petitions contained 4,400 signatures; a vast majority were from Coeur d’Alene and most were from the local area, with a few out-oftowners. A special task force was held

recently with a status report given and several items discussed. Some repair work on the city’s flood control equipment, unrelated to the trees, has also begun. Coeur d’Alene is considering a lawsuit to protect the trees.

Spring semester nearing To be guaranteed an award by the spring semester payment deadline, your financial aid file must be completed by Dec. 9. Spring registration will continue through January 15. Now is the time to meet with advisors to finalize plans. For information contact the Financial Aid office at 208-769-3368.

New NIC president sought NIC’s Board of Trustees has begun the search for the college’s next president. Everyone is encouraged to participate in public forums to be held in mid to late Jan. Input from the NIC community will be helpful in defining the qualities and skill set required for the incoming leader who will best advance the college through the next stage of growth and success. Regular progress reports will be posted at www.nic.edu. Questions/ suggestions, contact Narcisa Polonio at 208-276-1983 or Julie Golder at 208755-4466.

De-Stress Fest offered ASNIC and student health services will be sponsoring a De-Stress Fest, to take the stress out of finals, 10 a.m.

- 3 p.m. Dec. 12=14 in the SUB. Free massages (to relieve the tension), free tutors (to give last-minute help) and free food (to energize your brain) will all be offered. No appointment is necessary and massages are on a firstcome, first-serve basis.

MyNIC to be unavailable The MyNIC portal and Datatel Colleague UA will be unavailable 5-9 a.m.

Dec. 11 for routine maintenance.

Computer lab holiday hours

Campus Security Log 4

1

3

6

Citizen removes newly planted tree from roundabout 1. 11/13/11: A video camera was reported stolen from the gymnasium. A police report was filed and an investigation is in progress.

Dining ser vices hosts dinner

2. 11/16/11: An adult male was verbally abusive toward an NIC staff member in the vicinity of River and Hubbard Avenues. He also caused a disturbance at the LCSC Harbor Center. Police were called and a report was filed.

Dining services will be hosting a Christmas dinner from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 7. Prime rib, baked potatoes, vegetables, pudding, desserts and beverages are on the menu for $7.95.

3. 11/17/11: Security was notified of a vehicle that was partially down the embankment from Rosenberry Drive to College Drive.

The SUV was towed back onto Rosenberry with no sustained damage.

The Molstead Computer Lab will be closed for holiday break from 5 p.m. Dec. 15 to 7:30 a.m. Jan. 9

5 2

4. 11/22/11: A student reported that his parked vehicle was struck by another while he was attending classes. The vehicle was parked in Lot C. 5. 11/29/11: A recently planted tree was removed without permission from the roundabout located at River and Hubbard Avenues.

A report was filed and the case remains open.

6. 12/01/11: A student reported damage to the exterior of her vehicle when the vehicle parked next to hers opened their car door. A report was filed and is pending further action.

Perspectives

Perspective tip? Story idea?

Contact Devin Heilman

-- dlheilman@students.nic.edu

PAGE A5

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011

WWW.NICSENTINEL.COM

EDITORIAL

WE’RE ALL HIPPOS SOMETIMES

We’re never too old to dream

‘Commercials are the devil’ What happened to the actual ‘program’ in ‘programming?’

W

hy so many commercials? I mean sure, companies want advertisement, but seriously. It seems like you’re watching more advertisements than you are the actual programs. And sometimes you are, it just depends on the channel and the show you’re watching.

My roommates and I watch Rob Dyrdek’s “Fantasy Factory” almost every night. While watching this show in particular, there is a commercial break at least every 10 minutes. According to www. marketingcharts.com, every hour of regular programing contains an average of 22 minutes of commercials. That’s about 36 percent of every hour of prime time. If you look at late night talk shows it gets even worse. Wow, 29 minutes, that’s 49 percent of an hour on commercials. Shows with the largest commercial time per hour of program are: “America’s Toughest Jobs” (44:50 per hour); “The Biggest Loser” (40:37); and “Knight Rider” (30:27).”

I am of the opinion that this is a form of brainwashing. What else could it be? Why else do I, for no apparent reason, remember that if I ever want to be a motorcycle mechanic I need to call MMI Motorcycle Mechanics Institute? Or that my acne could be removed instantly with Proactiv acne solution?

When I turn on the TV, however rare it may be, I want to see the show I intended to watch in the first place, not 45 minutes of useless information and a little bit of my program sprinkled in the back to keep me interested and solidly logged on the couch.

This is unfortunate for students like us because of all the commercial time. We end up spending twice the amount of time on one program.

All that time we could have been using to do something awesome, or just our homework. But instead we were glued to the couch with the pretext of watching “Criminal Minds” or “Myth Busters,” completely oblivious to the fact that we’re wasting probably an hour or more just on frickin’ commercials.

“Bones” is one of the worst for me. It’s just engaging enough to make you want to stick around through the commercial to see what happens next. I never had access to regular TV before I moved here to attend college. I always thought it was funny when people talked about “having” to see the next episode of this or “Oh no! I missed an episode” of that. But now, with my roommates having the TV on most of the time, I realize how easy it is to become hypnotized by entertainment TV.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could only watch what we want and just cut out all the commercials? Oh wait, we can, with things like DVR; however, it seems like even with the ability to fast-forward through commercials, after a while people just let them play because it’s too much work to keep fast-forwarding through every commercial. This sheds a little light on the laziness level of Americans today. It’s food for thought.

In conclusion, commercials are the devil. Everyone should boycott TV. If we did, I bet as a whole we would get a lot more done.

In Times Square on New Year’s Eve, a giant ball of colored light drops more than a ton of confetti on merrymakers who gallivant around in sparkly hats with buzzing, clacking noisemakers. As they gaze up, the paper swirls like delicate rainbow snow onto their crowns and glittery eyelashes. What is on those strips of confetti?

Wishes.

The visitor center in Times Square has a Wishing Wall that is plastered with the hopes and dreams of visitors from all over the world. People of every age, size, belief, gender and ethnicity take part in the wish making, a tradition that is practically innate to mankind. They write their dreams on the myriad pieces of crepe paper and hope they come true.

The vibrant colors of these wishes, pinned one on top the other, are reminiscent of a jar of jellybeans.

They speak of peace, love, longing, health, wealth and an endless multitude of things for which we humans yearn.

Is it not a coincidence that the bright colors and shapes vary as the wishes do? It’s as though they stand for the differences between the people who make them. The anonymity allows for them to be placed confidently, without worry of judgment or admonishment. People who will never meet pin wishes next to each other, where they remain side by side in peace all year until they make their swirling journey into the roaring New Year’s crowd.

These wishes are a symbol of what it means to be human. We all breathe, sleep and dream. We all have things we secretly want to happen. We all have homes we long to go back to and far off lands we dream of visiting. We all have fears, insecurities and obstacles in our way. We all hope for something better, for our loved ones, our neighbors and ourselves.

We all make wishes.

Although the illusion of falling stars and lucky pennies may tarnish as we age, the enchantment of New Year’s Eve still exists for many of us.

Keep the magic alive. Make a wish.

theSentinel Awards

Associated Press Five-Star All-American Newspaper National Pacemaker and Newspaper of the Year Three-Time Robert F. Kennedy Award-Winner Society of Professional Journalists National First-Place General Excellence Award National Hall of Fame National Society of Professional Journalists First-Place Online

Jake Wright Martin Staff Contributor

Idaho Press Club General Excellence Award

Piracy is wrong, wrong, wrong

Editorial Board Devin Heilman Managing Editor Joyce Hargrove News Editor Noura AlfadlAndreasson A&E Editor Eric Rivera Sports Editor Michael Paquin Lifestyles Editor Ethan Schlussler Photo Editor Kyle Breitenberg Business Manager Geoff Carr Adviser

Contributors

Taylor Boland Garrett Cabeza Benaiah Cheevers Laurie Dicks Gabriel Green Galilee Howell Jantzen Hunsaker Nick Jacquot Jake Wright Martin Helen McFarland Sarah Munds Carrie Rishsew Christine Ridgway Emily Schell Josh Sloniker Grace Stamsos Kevin Strope Angel Tesch Kaye Thornbrugh Sarah Tousley Kayla Tucker Christina Villagomez Chanse Watson Tala Wood

...according to the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) bill, anyway The year: 2011. The crime: vent pirating and bootlegging movDoing a YouTube sing-a-long to ies/music and copyrighted content; included among these are an unlicensed verDisney, Warner Bros. and sion of “Single Ladies” Sony, just to name a few.

by Beyonce; but this There has been a prois only your first ofposed bill titled “SOPA,” fense, surely you’ll just (Stop Online Piracy Act) be asked to remove which is a scary creature y o u r v i d e o , r ig h t ? on its own. SOPA is inNot if media contended as a premeditated glomerates get their strike on online piracy, to way. Over the last several years, large media Jantzen Hunsaker block websites that make companies have chamStaff Contributor it possible to host copyrighted material. pioned for a law to pre-

This does not just mean Kazaa, Limewire and the ever-popular Piratebay, notorious for providing access to copyrighted materials.

This law is extensive, and frankly, excessive. The law would provide the copyright holders or Attorney General permission to block any website that also provides the content from people who post it.

Ever had a thought or feeling that you just couldn’t find words for, and heard a song that was so

See PIRACY | Page A?

Letters to the Editor Policy

T

he Sentinel welcomes letters to the editor. Those who submit letters must limit them to 300 words, sign them legibly and provide a home phone number in order to verify authenticity. Some letters may not be printed because of space limitations, or because they: 1) are similar to a number of letters already

received on the same subject; 2) are possibly libelous; or 3) are illegible. The Sentinel reserves the right to edit letters. Letters may be mailed to the paper, e-mailed, faxed or brought to Room 203 of the Siebert Building. The Sentinel’s address is 1000 W. Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID, 83814.

DID YOU KNOW? Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon is the last address in the U.S. that receives mail by mule.

A6 | the sentinel

NIC accomplishes unbelievable season Fall athletes showcased superior skills

A

s the fall sports season was coming to a close, I started thinking what an unbelievable season it had been for the Cardinals.

After a relatively slow start losing five out of their first eight games in the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) and Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) tournaments, the volleyball team caught fire in a hurry winning 18 of their remaining 21 regular season games.

Outsmarting their opponents with strategic ball placement on offense and playing scrappy on defense, NIC defeated then fourth-ranked Miami Dade College, 12thranked Barton Community College, third-ranked CSI, fifth-ranked Salt Lake Community College, and eighthranked CSI again. The Lady Cardinals improved their national ranking from outside the top 20 on Sep. 7 to fifth on Oct. 19.

NIC finished with a 25-10 record overall and an 8-2 record in conference play ahead of volleyball powerhouses CSI and SLCC. They proved they enjoyed playing on campus finishing with a perfect 7-0 record on Rolly Williams Court during the regular season.

To cap it off, they finished ninth at nationals in West Plains, Mo. with an impressive 3-1 record.

With a new head coach and no returning starters from last year’s team that finished fifth in the nation, the season was that much more impressive.

Janele Vogt and Yang Yang were among the top middle blockers in the SWAC, outside hitters Garrett Cabeza Mariah Smith and Sabrina Ewing Staff Contributor had excellent sophomore seasons and freshman setter Sierra Pancho stepped up big for her team to guide the offense. Head coach Kandice Kelly took home Region 18 Coach of the Year honors also.

The women’s soccer team did not disappoint either.

They posted a 14-2-1 record and rattled off 11 consecutive wins in the middle of the season. The Lady Cardinals played 13 straight games without a loss and like coach Kelly’s volleyball team went undefeated at home with a 6-0-1 record.

The eighth-ranked NIC team allowed only 11 goals all season thanks to their stellar defense and goalkeeping by sophomores Lauren Gibson and Allysa Howell.

Although the Lady Cardinals lost in the district semifinals to 10th-ranked Butler Community College in Hutchinson, Kan., their season as a whole cannot be overlooked and they proved they could compete with any other team in the nation.

Rachel Westby, the 22nd-ranked women’s golfer in the country among NJCAA women golfers, had another outstanding fall season setting a 36-hole school record. But she was not the only golfer that set herself apart from the crowd. Sophomore Makena Schevenius and freshman Arlee Coleman proved they can play with the best of them and will be athletes to watch when the spring season arrives.

On the men’s side, Dylan Morrison solidified himself as a top golfer in the region, winning the Columbia Basin College Invitational in Richland, Wash., and leading the NIC men’s team to a victory in the NIC Invite at the Avondale Golf Club in Hayden. The rest of the freshman class looks promising and it will be interesting to see who comes out of the gates fast in the spring time when the team tees it up again.

If you’re looking to stay out of the cold weather this winter, you may be interested in visiting Christianson Gymnasium to watch the defending national champion women’s basketball team make a run at another title.

Or, perhaps you’d want to see the undefeated men’s basketball team and Antoine Hosley toss up an alley-oop pass to Michael Middlebrooks.

You could also see Pat Whitcomb’s wrestling team dominate opponents on the mats, looking for another national championship to add to its trophy case.

Whatever you choose, odds are you will not be disappointed after watching the successful fall season unfold.

READERS

WRITE

Writer backs Paul for ‘12 For some time, the Republican Party has been in the midst of a contest that will determine who will be the candidate for the Republican Party. Before long we will have to vote. Although every candidate talks about limited government and balancing the budget only one candidate has a proposal that will work. That man is Dr. Ron Paul. And he has many years in Congress to prove he means what he says.

Here are just a few things he has promised to work toward if elected: Cut Spending by one trillion dollars Balance the Budget End the Federal Reserve Reduce Taxes Protect Life from conception to natural death Protect State’s Rights and the Tenth Amendment Protect Gun Rights Reduce Government Regulations Secure Our Borders Support the Constitution Free Market Solutions Energy Independence For over fifty years presidential candidates have promised less government, yet it has continued to grow.

Presently we borrow over 40% of every dollar we spend.

We simply cannot afford another four years of liberal government. Vote Ron Paul. Comments: jimhollingsworth@ frontier.com.

Yours: Jim Hollingsworth

PERSPECTIVES

Monday, December 5, 2011

Power to the people

Passion for change hindered by disbelief, unawareness Democracy empowers the major- upon and use it to better the U.S. More involvement by the people ity. Communication, trust and teamwork are all key factors in running in the government is ideal. Lack of a democratic government. America education and disbelief in the peois an imperfect country in an imper- ples’ power hinders many citizens from caring enough to be fect world full of turmoil; actively involved. however, America inspires If more people voted people worldwide with in national, state, and city hopes for freedom, opelections, a noticeable portunity and justice. For change would occur. Acmany who travel to Americording to the U.S. Cenca to establish a better life, sus Bureau, the overall the United States is a new voting age (18 and older) beginning. Meanwhile, citizen population in the American citizens themselves look for a solution to Benaiah Cheevers United States in 2008 was the countr y’s own issues.

Staff Contributor 206 million compared with 197 million in 2004.

Many various opinions Of that total, 146 million, exist about how our govor 71 percent, reported being regisernment should be operated and tered to vote. That’s slightly lower how to go about solving economic than the 72 percent who reported and social issues. So, what are the being registered to vote in the 2004 solutions to America’s problems? presidential election, but does repWill a man or woman of inspiration resent an increase of approximately emerge and sweep America off its 4 million registered voters. The perfeet and proceed to successfully centage of those registered to vote solve issues such as the national that actually did so was slightly highdebt and low employment rate? Who er in the 2008 election (90 percent) would this person be? than in 2004 (89 percent).

The hope for such a person exAccording to the U.S. Census Buists in the hearts and minds of many reau, the resident population of the American citizens, but why can’t we, U.S. is projected to be 312,704,202 as the people, make an impact just as of Dec. 2, 2011 at 11:04 p.m. Pacific great by working together?

Standard Time.

It seems many Americans have About 131 million people reforgotten or fallen to unawareness ported voting in the 2008 U.S. presiand disbelief of the power they hold as citizens of the U.S. today. How can dential election, an increase of 5 million from 2004, according to a table we, the people, change America for package released by the U.S. Census the better?

Bureau.

First things first: Let’s be thankImagine if more Americans vote. ful that we don’t live in an autocratic How great of an impact would there country. America was fought for and be? established as a democratic governProsperity is not given, it’s ment by the “founding fathers” to earned. The U.S. has accomplished provide liberty for all people, which is often forgotten. People in America, many great things as a country. But economic and social issues are facwhether upper, middle or lower ing controversy of immense proporclass, need to always remember the tion. Who has the majority of the inspiration our country was founded

power in our government? Who is going to take action to begin solving issues in America?

America isn’t just a corrupt bureaucracy run by the heads of authoritative groups like the U.S. Department of Defense, CEOs of large, influential corporations, or even presidents of organizations such as the National Rifle Association or American Association of Retired Persons, although some people may disagree.

America is and always was meant to be an inspirational democratic bureaucracy that provides power to the people who decide on who should be leading the U.S. And if the majority isn’t in favor, then make a change.

Boot the ill-favored politicians out of office and elect someone new.

Come together, use your rights, be informed, and be motivated to change America because our country is a land of opportunity. America needs more honest and hard-working politicians, but it all starts with us, the people!

By the Numbers

313

Million people estimated in the U.S. 2011

206

Million voting-age people in ‘08

146

Million registered voters in ‘08

90%

Voters who voted in the ’08 election

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it NIC’s recent changes aren’t necessarily good ones

NIC is a fantastic school. It allows and hope your identity didn’t get sto- like a lot until you realize that the len and if you called the institution first issue of our paper this year people like me to get our associate you got charged a convenience fee. quoted 7,000 students enrolled this degrees for cheaper than at a univerWhat happened to the good old semester. Not all of them are on camsity, with good instructors and great students. With that being said, I, as a days when I could get my pus at the same time and check directly deposited student, do have some suggestions. not all of them drive, but Here at NIC, we have a lot of before the checks were enough do that it is hard obstacles to overcome, just like even mailed? Change to find a decent parking any school. The first thing this i s n o t a l w a y s g o o d ! spot.

When I say change year to challenge me as a student I personally did not buy was the new HigherOne card. is not always good, I a parking pass this year With this change, all I saw was mean that with a passion. because I felt like it was problems. We all expected to have The new roundabouts a waste of money. I park our money the moment we woke up ar e the same thing. on the dike road, or by When I used to get and many students were frustrated the skate park, neither of SarahTousley with the fact that they had to wait to campus, I would drive which have many people Staff Contributor until 2 or 3 p.m. to finally be able right up to the dike road, looking out if someone deno worto get supplies cides to pull a hit and run f o r c l a s s e s “I would rather walk a r i e s . on my car.

Now, however, I that wer e alHowever, I would rather walk a ready overdue. little way than support have to not only way than support fancy sideIf you chose fancy sidewalks that s t o p m y s e l f b u t little walks that were more important than t o w a i t a n d were more important k e e p a w a t c h f u l eye to make sure a parking garage. I do not approve! transfer that This may sound like a mindless m o n e y t o a than a parking garage. no one is going rant, but I have spoken to many stuto sideswipe me bank or credI do not approve!” (which has almost dents on these subjects and these it union for a happened quite a seem to be the main issues at the more secure few times already school. I just hope getting these transaction… well, you had to wait up to three this semester). I cannot wait to see opinions out there will help adminmore days! And if you did choose how awesome they are going to be istration realize what people want. to use the card (like I foolishly did), in the snow. Crazy kids fresh out of We pay tuition and we should have you didn’t have access to PIN-based high school are about to total my car. a say, but not everyone has time for meetings.

But my car isn’t even completely transactions. This meant paying rent was delayed two weeks until the safe on campus because of the lack I want to reiterate that I love this check came in from the company, of parking. school; I am excited and proud to say On campus, according to parkyou couldn’t use money orders to that I will be graduating at the end of pay your bills, you had to send your ing services, there are 1,900 student next semester. And I am excited to credit card info through the mail spaces and 171 staff spaces. Sounds be on the award-winning Sentinel!

>PIRACY

from page A5 perfect you had to share it on your Facebook status? What about that hilarious clip from your phone of your friend drunkenly singing embarrassing songs you threw on YouTube?

Under SOPA, you could be facing up to five years for a first-offense of the above infractions. In good ol’ American superiority complexes, these media companies extend this to websites hosted outside the country. If Internet censorship is ringing any bells, it’s because Iran does the same thing.

When prohibition was created for alcohol, it became more popular than ever. People all across the country were brewing their homemade drafts

and crime was intense because of it.

People were trying to, in effect, “censor” alcohol, because of those few people who abused it.

SOPA is prohibition of the Internet. Companies are trying to censor sites for the masses, because some people choose to abuse the abilities that it provides. If this bill passes, piracy will still happen. It will become more serious than kids downloading a new pop song to their MP3 players.

Censoring ANYTHING in the United States of America goes against our First Amendment right to freedom. I have to say, as a very definite lower part of the 99% financially, I don’t feel too sore with actors losing a few thousand dollars here and there, making more money per movie than I’ve made my entire life multiplied exponentially.

However, I agree there is a problem with people who abuse file sharing. That doesn’t mean you prevent the good uses for it. People should be responsible for their actions, not in receiving penalties for the actions of others.

Remember the big to-do with gun control? It was because people were abusing the rights to have guns, so organizations wanted a blanket toss ban on firearms.

SOPA impact reaches farther than that ever did, but thanks to media companies who want this bill to pass, there has also been a very suspiciously small amount of coverage on the topic.

There needs to be a solution, but not one that impedes our rights. For further information, visit http:// tinyurl.com.

PERSPECTIVES

www.nicsentinel.com

the sentinel | A7

Mercury madness

madness madness madness

Energy-saving light bulbs contain toxic substance With the economy in a state of distress, impairments. Mercury use has since then many individuals around the nation are been banned in the manufacturing of hats looking for ways to lower the cost of every- and has been classified as toxic to humans, day living. The cost to produce energy and since we can absorb the liquid metal element through our skin. the explosive demand for it Yet, now we have light bulbs has many people looking to being distributed around the area lower the amount of kilowatts that each contain four milligrams on the monthly power bill. of mercury each. It seems like a Many Avista customers, risk to even handle these bulbs like myself, have received a since breaking it could release a little care package from the small amount of mercury for us to company and inside of it either inhale or absorb through the was eight compact fluoresskin. Russ Leslie of the magazine cent light (CFL) bulbs. At Eric Rivera Popular Mechanics said that there first, I was kind of stoked to is no harm unless we “wipe up the get some free bulbs that will Sports Editor mercury [without a glove] and then ultimately lower power conlick” our hand. I don’t even want to sumption in my apar tment.

But then, I got to the extra paper work take the chance.

On top of that, the pamphlet suggests included and started to notice one thing about these bulbs: they contain mercur y. that everyone recycle these light bulbs to prevent the release of mercury into the enThinking back to Lewis Carroll’s “Alice vironment. With the fact that many people in Wonderland,” I recalled what the effects of mercury poisoning were from the charac- can’t or don’t recycle, I don’t see how these light bulbs are any better than a good old ter of the Mad Hatter. fashioned incandescent.

It was believed that people who cured As I researched more about these CFLs the felt on hats and those who wore the hats in the early 18th and 19th century were online, I was shocked to learn about someexposed to huge amounts of mercury and thing else even more tragic. A George W. that lead to psychological disturbances and Bush-era piece of legislation is going into ef-

fect next year that will end the manufacture of incandescent light bulbs. Soon we won’t have the option to buy the old fashioned light bulbs and will be stuck with these efficient, yet evil, CFLs. So I find myself fighting contradictions to my belief system. Of course, I believe in reducing electrical use since much of our electricity is coming from coal and natural gas turbines. This is where the power saving ideal of the CFLs seems great. Where we burn 40 watts of energy an hour with the old school light bulbs, the CFLs only use 9-13 watts instead. Yet, the fact that these things are destructive to our environment conflicts me internally, since I don’t need any extra mercury absorption beyond the dosages we can all get from eating fish.

It boils down to power companies, like Avista, and the government looking for quick fixes without addressing the real problem. Ultimately, we need to go to green power. We need to establish wind turbines and lay the deserts with some solar panels.

It is something said time and time again and whether it makes an impact, I can’t tell.

I do know one thing for certain, though.

If we don’t find real solutions to the energy

problem, we will continue to be told what is best for us. We will continue to let companies produce products that can make us go crazy. We may one day find ourselves talking gibberish to one another under our CFL lights asking the question “would you like some more tea?”

Time moves at different speeds for everyone

Sentinel staffer discusses polychronic, monochronic orientations

I

’m kind of, sort of, usually, just about, most of the time, late.

This description of my punctuality is most likely, pretty much, more or less, a reflection of my laidback perception on time orientation.

Time orientation has to do with how we perceive, structure and react to time. It usually refers to monochronic time and its arch nemesis, polychronic time.

I’m aware that I live in America, by and large a monochronic culture, but I tend to have polychronic tendencies. Many of my teachers loathe this. Some of my friends make fun of me for it. But I “Animals don’t see what the with brains rush is. Why rush to go nowhere? the sizes Monochronic people adhere to of my religiously, thumbnails plans take deadlines are more ver y seriously and consistent are usually more concer ned with than I am.” the end product than the process.

If this description sounds tedious to you, than it might be time for you to join the polychronic protest. But don’t rush, of course, as it will most likely be late.

Polychronic people change plans often

and easily, and promptness is relative. since. The U.S., as well as many other WestAt least half the world leans toward poly- ern nations, likes to manage everything. chronic time, including the majority of Af- Everything! Even nature. It’s great that forrica, Latin America, the Philippines and estry and wildlife services provide jobs and document the beautiful flora and even European countries such as fauna, but come on, does the wilSpain and Greece. Does our cividerness really need managing? I lization really need to be around think it was managing pretty well as long as the Greeks before we on its own for say, the last billion realize that people have personal years. lives that needs to be tended to?

Productivity and efficiency Granted, I appreciate puncare important characteristics, tuality in certain aspects, such but valuing them above all else is as in flights, trains, buses and ridiculous, not to mention hypoboats. In order for a system to critical. American culture is all be consistent it must be well coNoura A.A. about urgent distractions. “Save ordinated, but consistency is a A&E Editor the Dolphins NOW!” “Sale ends word best applied to machines.

NOW!” “Get your free upgrade As hard as we may try, human beings remain the most inconsistent crea- NOW!” Well OK! But, I’ve got classes to ture on Earth. Animals with brains the sizes attend and tests to take and family to take of my thumbnails are more consistent than care of. How am I expected to look good, I am. You can count on a rodent to do the be successful, develop meaningful relationsame thing at roughly the same time every ships, stay updated on world events AND day. So why is the strict, monochronic per- get eight hours of sleep a night without runception of time so pervasive in our culture? ning at least 10 minutes behind schedule at During the Industrial Revolution the the- all times?

The fabric of the “classical manageory of classical management rose to promiment” work ethic that made America one of nence because it increased the productivity the richest nations in the world is unraveland efficiency of factory workers by limiting. We are forced to deal with an overload ing, trimming, regulating and depersonalof distractions at every moment. Rampant izing the workforce, basically turning the advertising is constantly trying to distract ideal factory worker into a machine. us just enough to insert more messages. In America has been obsessed with the a sense, it’s becoming more difficult to be a constricting powers of bureaucracy ever

Devin Heilman Managing Editor

You just got Rick Rolled!

Tiny Dino says, “Top this!” Jake Wright Martin/Sentinel

 Some students may be a bit optimistic that the weather will remain calm. Many have been seen still rocking shorts and flip-flops. Has global warming finally reached the Northwest, or are we facing another El Niño?  North Idaho College Got “Rick Rolled” last week! Fliers with a picture of the ‘80s pop singer Rick Astley were posted around campus. The words “Never Gonna” were printed above the

machine--unless the new goal is to be a machine that consumes instead of produces.

The answer is not to abandon punctuality, but to be more compassionate. I’ve been told (by my teachers) that my tardiness is really annoying, and I don’t disagree. I am criticized because my polychronic time orientation is not advantageous to my education, yet these criticisms are what inspired this article.

We live in a demanding world. We share many of the same obstacles and distractions, so instead of being insulted when someone is late, maybe we should be sympathetic.

photo, with more lyrics to his famous song on tear-off strips at the bottom: “give you up,” “let you down,” “run around,” “desert you,” “make you cry,” “say goodbye,” “tell a lie” and “hurt you.” Our lives are now complete.  A truck on campus has what appears to be a mustache on the front, or what we like to call, a “truckstache.”  A squirrel was seen climbing the outside stairs on the north side of the Siebert Building. It was about halfway up the stairs before it ran back down and out of sight. It probably realized the price of tuition is just plain...nuts.

A Closer Look Polychronic: Able to work happily with many things happening at once; able to change plans in an instant.

Monochronic: Taking things one step at a time while adhering to plans and time commitments.

 The ruckus of a murder of crows could be heard cackling loudly on the east side of campus. They looked like spies and seemed to be swapping confidential information across the rooftops.  That Jeep is “dino-mite!” A student vehicle has been photographed with an unusual hood ornament--- a triceratops. It’s a good thing it’s not a real dinosaur on the “tricera-top” of that Jeep!  A chokecherry is an actual fruit that is commonly eaten dried or in jelly. My choke cherries are purely for your enjoyment!

This mustache is strikingly similar to that of Super Mario or the Pringles guy. Jake Wright Martin/Sentinel

PERSPECTIVES

A8 | the sentinel

Monday, DECEMBER 5, 2011

Merry Christmas Traditional greeting represents meaning of season

C

hristmas is my favorite holiday and I love hearing people say “Merry Christmas.” It warms my heart and reminds me of the history behind this wonderful time of year. The Christmas season takes me back to a time of caring and love that to me is lost in our society for 10 months out of the year but for the holiday season people forget the selfishness that chokes our society and breathes easy for two months, giving gifts and holding family festivities that are not easily forgotten.

This time of year, I believe that everyone, no matter what beliefs they hold, becomes a little more Christian because, whether they realize it, they are surrounding themselves with Christian symbols and celebrating a Christian holiday.

The United States was founded as a Chris-

tian countr y while also being open to the village that peace had come. to all ways of life. And Christmas is Christ had brought their merriment.

Christmas trees, however, started a holiday we all look forward to, not only for the generous act of giving, in Egypt according to www.BCculbut the uplifting feeling we get from ture.com to celebrate the winter the lights and merriment around us. solstice and their god, Ra. They beThe lights and candles were a lieved that winter happened when he became sick and weak, so large cause of the merrithey brought in an everment dating back to the green for encouragement early days of Christianity. and support.

According to www.christThis transferred to masdecorations.com, the Christianity like many legend goes that in a vilother ancient rituals. Leglage in Austria was hit end has it that St. Boniface hard by war and famine. used the triangular shape During this time, a Chrisof the Christmas tree as a tian cobbler and his wife symbol of god, according to put a candle in their winSarah Tousley www.Christmastreehistory. dow ever y night to let Staff Contributor com. By the 1700s, Christpassersby know that they mas trees were being used could receive shelter and throughout Germany and nourishment if they were in need. The cobbler and his wife were brought to the US by Christian never suffered from the same misfor- immigrants during the early days of tunes as the rest of the village. The our history. These trees represent the story goes that the rest of the town life brought to you by Christ.

With all this history in the memonoticed and decided on Christmas Eve to tr y the same and ry of Christ, I don’t see how we could before the sun rose the call Christmas anything else. It’s true next morning, word came that it is a holiday and saying “Happy

vs.

Happy Holidays

Holidays’” works, but Christmas is named after Christ and all modern rituals around it are based in this religious belief. “Merry Christmas” is a combination of two words: Merry and Christmas.

“Merry” represents the merriment we feel when surrounded by our friends family, the Christmas tree (representing Christ), and the candles used to guide people to the open arms of Christians willing to open their homes to friends family and passersby.

Christmas represents the Mass of Christ or the church service held on this day. The whole reason we call it Christmas is because this is the day Christians have dedicated to their lord’s birth.

If you choose not to say “Merry Christmas,” why celebrate at all? It is a great excuse for a huge meal with friends and family. But obviously, Americans don’t need an excuse to eat a lot! Whether you like it or not if you are celebrating Christmas you are celebrating Christ.

So why not be merry? Merry Christmas to all!

It’s better to be politically correct these days

I

thrown in their faces. “Happy Holidays” t just makes sense to say “Happy Holisays it all without saying the wrong thing. days” this time of year.

Saying “Mer r y Christmas” ex- Think about how many businesses and cludes other holidays, such as Thanks- public relations entities approach the matgiving, New Year’s Day, Kwanzaa, Hanuk- ter. Some places can’t have anything as kah, Festivus and winter solstice celebra- symbolic as a Christmas tree displayed betions. Why not just incorporate all of them cause, quite frankly, some people could get into one phrase? No, not “Merr y Chris- pissed off and feel oppressed. Just think of how weird you feel when you are makwanzaa;” “Happy Holidays!” being pressured to accept someI’m not totally against sayone else’s beliefs. It’s not right. ing “Mer r y Christmas,” if it Another matter that ruffles is Christmas day and you are my goose feathers is that it seems positive your Yule tidings fall like many of the traditions that on Christmas-celebrating Christmas was founded on have ears, but it is mighty ethnodied. Caroling, baking goodies for centric to assume that ever yyour neighbors, taking a moment one celebrates Christmas. to respect the Holy Spirit and givFifty years ago, things were Devin Heilman ing selflessly have all passed into simpler. Americans lacked a Managing Editor the depths of time. sense of political correctness Christmas has become the and cultural sensitivity. These most commercialized holiday days, you say the wrong thing to the wrong person and you are slapped and is now a sickeningly selfish American with a lawsuit before you can finish talk- consumer frenzy. It’s sadly more about reing. People won’t prosecute you for wish- ceiving than giving, and I really don’t think ing them a Merr y Christmas, but looks Jesus would be cool with that if he was still are sometimes worse than legal action. around.

Even the beginnings of Christmas are Some people might not like having under speculation. something with a religious connotation

“No one knows what day Jesus Christ was born on. The answer lies in the pagan origins of Christmas,” reads www.essortment.com. “In ancient Babylon, the feast of the Son of Isis (Goddess of Nature) was celebrated on December 25. Raucous partying, gluttonous eating and drinking, and gift-giving were traditions of this feast.” The Romans integrated these festivities into Christmas, so really when you say “Merry Christmas,” you are partially referring to history older than Jesus.

People say this is the season for peace on Earth and good will toward men. Why can’t that happen the entire year instead of a few weeks in December? Like the great Elvis Presley sang, “If every day could be just like Christmas, what a wonderful world this would be.” That is, if Christmas hadn’t turned into such a whirlwind of materialism.

Don’t get me wrong, I celebrate Christmas with my family and enjoy every moment of it. I love getting into the spirit, putting up lights and singing those classic,

heartwarming holiday melodies. I just know that other people in the world celebrate the season differently or not at all, and I respect that.

I am not a humbug. I wish a Merry Christmas to all who accept it, and Happy Holidays to everyone. It’s sad to think that wishing someone a Merry Christmas could offend, but that’s just the way it is now.

Thank you corporate consumerism and political correctness, you have finally ruined Christmas.

CAMPUS VOICES

What do you think is more appropriate, “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas?” Why? “I think that saying ‘Merry Christmas’ is better than ‘Happy Holidays’ because I like the word ‘merry’ and most people celebrate Christmas and if they don’t, getting upset about it is pointless.”

Claire Hilton ■ 17, Post Falls, graphic design

“I was raised Christian so I believe ‘Merry Christmas.’ I guess people get offended just because the word ‘Christ’ is in the name.

The whole holiday break is based on Christmas, though.”

Andrew Steiner ■ 18, Cd’A, music

“Probably the politically correct answer would be ‘Happy Holidays,’ but I prefer ‘Merry Christmas’ because of our Christmas tradition.”

Hannah Edwards ■ 24, Rathdrum, pre-med

“I believe ‘Happy Holidays’ because there is more than a single holiday in the season.

‘Merry Christmas’ is very one-day appropriate.”

David Glenn ■ 24, Spokane, history

“I’m kind of like the Grinch so I don’t say anything. I would say ‘Happy Holidays’ because I don’t know what people believe or don’t believe.”

Amanda Johnson ■ 28, Cd’A, social work

“I don’t think it really matters.

I say ‘Merry Christmas.’

That’s what I’ve always said.”

Jesse Woitas ■ 19, Cd’A, computer science

Lifestyles tip? Story idea?

Contact Michael Paquin

-- mapaquin@students.nic.edu

Lifestyles WWW.NICSENTINEL.COM

PAGE A9

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011

COMMENTARY

Participants witness tobacco’s harmful effects, view damaged lungs

Can Idaho see the big picture?

Budget cuts reflect lack of vision

Michael Paquin ■ Lifestyles Editor

ASNIC office assistant Cindy Kuhn and ASNIC senator Chantilly Burtis assembled the inflatable lung display. Both lungs came from healthy pigs but one is saturated with carbon to simulate a smoker’s lung. Ethan Schlussler/Sentinel

S

Jake Wright Martin Staff Contributor

tudents’ stomachs were turned and many gasps of disgust could be heard in the SUB Nov. 17 as ASNIC held Commit To Quit Day in support of the Great American SmokeOut. Students were shown two sets of real pig lungs—one healthy and another that had been exposed to tobacco smoke.

The lungs were hooked up to a pump, inflated and deflated as if still alive. In addition to the lungs, a small silicone

model of a mouth, aka “Mr. Dip Lip,” showed students what happens to a human mouth as the teeth and gums decay from the use of chewing tobacco.

The Great American SmokeOut is a nationwide day to quit smoking sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Smokers across the country are encouraged to quit, or at least not smoke for 24 hours, on the third Thursday of every November. The event is celebrating its 36th year running.

NIC’s own Tobacco Task Force in conjunction with ASNIC provided infor-

mation on their current plans for NIC’s newly adopted smoke-free policy, they also distributed tobacco substitute products such as nicotine gum and patches.

The task force gave out cold turkey sandwiches to those who signed a proclamation to quit “cold turkey.” The signatures were a commitment not to smoke, chew or use other tobacco products for a full 24 hours. ASNIC sought recommendations and feedback from students and faculty

See SMOKING | Page A11

Homeless awareness reaches NIC Volunteers build cardboard dwellings to simulate homeless experience Carrie Rishsew Staff Contributor Camp Out to Stamp Out Homelessness was held on Dec. 1 on North Idaho College’s campus.

Many students and peers showed up to demonstrate how much they cared for the cause. One in particular was Dennis Hardwick, who spoke about his experiences with homelessness to those that attended the event.

“This cause is amazing,” Hardwick said, “It shows me that young people in the community care about their community.”

Coeur d’Alene has many resources available to the homeless men, women and children of the community. One such service that is especially beneficial is Fresh Start on Sherman Avenue. Fresh Start offers free showers, clean clothes and canned food for homeless men and women to take with them. The Fresh Start Center can handle 120 people a day.

Besides Fresh Start, Coeur d’Alene’s homeless community is also served by the Anchor House, which can provide for three families per week.

“It makes me excited that our youth wants to get involved in changing our community for the better,” said Justine Graybeal, director of Fresh Start.

“We spend too much time caught up in our own little spheres; we need to break out of our comfort zones and notice the needs of others,” said Nathan Cools, one

See HOMELESS | Page A11

Nathan Cools cuts out a window for his cozy new box house. Gabe Green/Sentinel

If you’re a student that’s been here for more than one semester, it’s likely you’ve noticed the consistent increases in tuition at the beginning of ever y new semester for the past several years.

While many people direct their frustrations at NIC, few are recognizing the true culprit: the government.

OK, before you roll your eyes and think “Here we go... another soliloquy about government mis-management,” at least hear me out. The increasing burden on students’ wallets is a direct result of policies made on a state level in an effort to tighten the budget and ultimately pass the cost of higher education on to the students.

Due to how slow the rate of increase in tuition has been, there hasn’t been much resistance and, as demonstrated by our rapid enrollment increases, it hasn’t been enough to deter people from college altogether. When you put the figures side by side, though, it’s clear just how much money colleges have been losing. Only four years ago, in the 2007-2008 school year, for instance, enrollment for a full-time student was $1,055, compared to this semester of $1,382 It’s unfortunate, but when states tighten their belts, higher education is usually first on the chopping block, and Idaho is no exception. Last “An semester alone, education is NIC’s property tax was raised a valuable by a quarter of commodity, a million dollars while its and has a general state budget that funding was reflects that.” cut by $354,500 and its private training establishment funding reduced by $71,000. As NIC still wishes to remain in the black, the only realistic option available is to continue raising tuition, even amidst record enrollment figures.

However, while all the new students are beneficial for the college, they still come with a price. A larger staff, continuous parking lot renovations and other increases in overhead still make a significant impact on the school’s decision to raise tuition.

To me, the Idaho state government’s actions don’t seem like the most logical course of action. These cuts that seemingly penalize those wishing to be better equipped for a shrinking job market almost guarantee Idaho will never be a contender for a higher per capita income as per the rest of the nation.

What it comes down to is a simple lack of foresight. Although the fix is quick and easy, is it really good for Idaho in the long run?

I’ll admit that states allocate a lot of money to education, but when they’re looking to save money, these large figures must look tempting to number crunchers. What they don’t realize is that, at face value, the educational budget may look inflated but the money is necessar y.

An education is a valuable commodity and has a budget that reflects that.

In fact, it’s key to the United States’ future if it wishes to remain a player on the international level. Up and coming countries around the world have already realized this, so when will we?

Michael Paquin is an editor for The Sentinel.

His opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sentinel. Respond to this column online at nicsentinel.com.

DID YOU KNOW? Andrew Jackson’s tombstone neglects to mention that he served as president of the United States.

www.nicsentinel.com COLLEGE LIFE

We all have our traditions

LIFESTYLES

the sentinel | A10

Fighting with an empty hand

Students benefit from Sifu Eberwein’s experience

Strange traditions, wood splitting devices

Jake Wright Martin ■ Staff Contibutor I, like many of my peers, made the journey home for Thanksgiving. I packed up all my books, piled all my laundr y in my car, stopped at Dutch Bros for a little wake’er upper and was on my way to a wonderful weekend of spending time with the family. Or so I thought.

Upon arrival at my parents abode I was informed that my father had procured a hydraulic wood splitter. Many would say something like “Oh that’s fine, that’s the easy way to do it”; however, many do not know the current condition of my parents’ back yard.

The back forty, so to speak, resembles something like a lumber yard, an obstacle course and a firewood manufacturing facility all jumbled into one. A wood burning stove providing 90 percent of the heat for the house during the winter has turned my dad into a wood-collecting fanatic who has managed to obtain a plethora of pret“Possibly ty much ever y the most type of burnable material awesome available in the redneck greater Palouse region. sport ever Anyway, as invented… you may have it involves imagined, instead of lots of catapults, time visiting trebuchets, with family and massive air sleeping in until 11 a.m., I spent cannons much of the and other weekend with my dad and devices brother operatbuilt with ing the splitter.

This wasn’t all the simple bad: during our purpose of wood splitting launching frenzy I got to drive a $5,000 a pumpkin 4-wheeler that as far as we borrowed from a family physically friend to help possible.” maneuver the splitter. To me, this was similar to the enjoyment one may get from test-driving a new Ferrari. To put this in a better light, the 4-wheeler costs exactly 8-times as much as my car, and drives better in most respects.

My family’s Thanksgiving dinner is a classic gathering at my grandparents’ house with turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy plus a rich assortment of other home cooked goodies. We all bring something to add to the table. I think for most ever yone Thanksgiving is a time for family to enjoy each other’s company, and most of all, enjoy each other’s food.

Many households have holiday traditions. One of ours is to watch the annual Thanksgiving showing of Pumpkin Chunkin, possibly the most awesome redneck sport ever invented. It involves catapults, trebuchets, massive air cannons and other devices built with the simple purpose of launching a pumpkin as far as physically possible.

The show is hosted by the “Mythbusters” team. Other traditions include Scrabble, talking and copious amounts of pie eating.

The remainder of the holiday I spent attempting to catch up with homework that I have been less than on top of for the last month or so. As I write this I sit on my bed, my eyes propped open with toothpicks, as I have been for the last several hours.

It’s approaching 2 a.m. and I have an art project to finish and a speech to write. This night may require another pot of coffee.

I hope ever yone had an awesome Thanksgiving and enjoyed their breaks to the fullest. Now all we have to do is make it through another month and then we are free again for Christmas.

Bring on the snow!

Jake Wright Martin is a writer for The Sentinel. His opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sentinel. Respond to this column online at nicsentinel.com.

Sifu Dale Eberwein reviews techniques with his students during his Kenpo Karate class. He has been practicing karate for 34 years and has taught at North Idaho College for six of them. Gabe Green/Sentinel

Kaye Thornbrugh Staff Contributor Wax on, wax off.

Clad in a black gi—a training uniform—instructor Dale Eberwein casts his gaze over the students of his intermediate Kenpo karate class. He is called “Sifu” by his students, a Chinese word meaning “master” or “teacher.”

Mirrors line the walls of Eberwein’s classroom, for “instant feedback.” Students stand in rows before the mirrors, studying their technique in their reflections. Each student is clad in a crisp white gi. Belts of yellow, orange, blue, purple and green are tied around their waists.

“The first rule of karate is self-defense,” Eberwein reminds the class, before beginning the lesson. “As Miyagaisan said, ‘We learn karate so we don’t have to fight.’”

As Eberwein leads his students through a series of drills, the room is filled with the shuffle of bare feet sliding across the floor, and the muffled slaps of hands striking fabric. The students’ eyes are narrowed in concentration.

Before long, Eberwein begins a game of “Sifu Says,” a variation of Simon Says in which students perform various karate moves. They shuffle forward and back-

ward, striking and kicking in response to the magic phrase: “Sifu says . . .”

Frustrated shouts sometimes pierce the air, peppered with profanities—but Eberwein stresses that all kinds of language are permitted in his classroom.

“The only word we don’t allow here is ‘can’t,’” Eberwein said, “because it means you’re unwilling to try.”

Most of Eberwein’s students cite similar reasons for taking Kenpo karate: a desire to learn self-defense, or to increase their confidence.

“I’m learning a lot of defense techniques beyond the physical,” said Clint Jensen, 29, general studies, Coeur d’Alene. “Like Sifu says, the best defense is running away. I’m able to learn and teach this, and know that I don’t have to use it.”

Jennifer Edwards, 21, nursing, Bonners Ferry, is studying Kenpo karate with her sister, Brittany Hayes, 17, dualenrolled, Bonners Ferry. “[Brittany] always wanted to learn self-defense,” Edwards said, “and at first, I was just the person who took her to class. But I really got into it. It’s more of a family than a class.”

Other students appreciate Eberwein’s approach to teaching Kenpo karate: a blend of theory and practical use.

“The class is very intellectually

based,” said Tony Aguiar, 25, computer science, Hauser. After five and a half years of study, Aguiar has earned a green belt. “There’s always something new to learn. There’s just something about always challenging yourself to go farther.”

Kenpo karate isn’t just about fighting, however.

“It’s about learning how to control yourself,” said Ruby Smith, 18, biomechanical engineering, Coeur d’Alene.

“How to grow as a person and expand your philosophical views.”

Eberwein has taught Kenpo karate for 34 years, six of which were at NIC. He first discovered karate while in college, when he was jogging past a dojo and glimpsed a man through the window, moving his limbs through the graceful and powerful arcs of Kenpo.

“I was totally enamored by the way he moved,” Eberwein said. “I was hooked.”

Students of Kenpo karate, Eberwein says, are “practitioners of principles of motion.” His teaching style involves learning from his students as much as instructing them.

“I care about each of my students like they were my own kids,” Eberwein said.

“I make an emotional investment. People cleave to it when they feel like you care about them. It’s the art, not the class, that brings them here. It’s a passion.”

AW.B. glimpse into the past McFarland’s impression of Fort Sherman In 1966, William B. McFarland, former city attorney of Coeur d’Alene, took the time to put pen to paper to describe for his family life in the early years of our fair city. He was born in 1887, the year Coeur d’Alene was organized as a village. The following is an excerpt from his reflections.”

Helen A. McFarland, Staff Contributor

W.B. McFarland-1966 The Fort was established in 1876, first as Fort Coeur d’Alene, and it was later named in honor of General William T. Sherman of Civil War fame; he commanded the Union forces that invaded the deep South; the army that made the famous march from Atlanta to the sea.

The last troops of the Fort were colored troops which, I understand, replaced the white troops ordered elsewhere at the beginning or during the Spanish-American War. The Fort was closed in the year 1901 and the property was sold by the government to people who later platted the ground in city lots as Sherman Park, Forest Heights, etc. Many of the old structures are still there. Officer’s Row now constitutes apartment houses.

The little chapel still remains and is preserved by the public as a memorial.

The Mullan Trail was surveyed in 1861 by Captain Mullan as a road connecting Fort Benton in Montana with Fort Walla Walla. Thus Fort Sherman became on of a chain of forts. The cannon on the parade grounds was discharged in the morning and in the evening. The military exercises, reviews, retreats, etc., were often attended by the citizens of the town and were a source of pleasure and inspiration to the town people.

The guard house was situated at the end of what is now

Mullan Road, which is the street abutted by the City Park on the south and memorial Field on the north.

The entrance gate to the Fort was a thing of beauty, surmounted by an eagle with out-stretched wings. Just inside of the gate and to the left was the guard house. Guards were always stationed at the gate to challenge anyone who approached. However, permission to enter was generally granted.

Baseball teams were formed from the personnel of the soldiers and we boys enjoyed the ball games held on the parade grounds.

Fort Sherman was one of the last forts of those established to protect the early settlers from Indian attacks, to be vacated. With the ending of these forts it can be said, there ended the pioneer days and with them departed much of the glamour and romance of the Old West.

The Colonel’s residence was out in front of the parade grounds, and was the house nearest to and fronting upon the lake. This house was torn down just a few years ago and is now occupied by modern houses. It had been, for many years after the abandonment of the Fort, used as a residence

by Thomas T. Kerl, one of those who platted Sherman Park.

The old town was quite lively on the night that the soldiers received their pay, and was the scene of many lively encounters between the soldiers and the more boisterous men of the town. On these occasions the women of the town preferred to stay at home and off of Sherman Avenue. However, nothing of a serious nature ever developed.

I was seven years old when the great flood of 1894 occurred. The water of the lake inundated the Fort Grounds.

Men got out of the second floor of their barracks into row boats. I saw soldiers rowing boats on Mullan road to a point where the railroad tracks are now located. In December of 1933 the Fort Grounds were again threatened by high water, but now dikes have been built and a sea wall constructed, all calculated to prevent any such further occurrence.

A fine junior college and many fine residences now occupy the ground that was once Fort Sherman.

Lifestyles

www.nicsentinel.com

the sentinel | A11

Christian groups allow students to share their faith Activities include Bible discussion and interaction between members Sarah Tousley Staff Contributor North Idaho College has a diverse collection of groups throughout the campus.

It has a number of clubs based in Christian beliefs, two of which are Campus Alive in Christ and NOY NIC, which are not technically connected but according to member Josh Stagner, 19, general studies, “they complement each other well.”

Campus Alive in Christ is a Bible study on campus that meets twice a week on Monday and Wednesday at noon, they have pizza once a month. They also put on movies. This year they are putting on a series about the universe that shows us how big it really is, and how small human beings really are. In addition, they hold a book table on Thursdays where they hand out Bibles and movies, many of which com-

love with every single person I meet, and pare intelligent design and evolution achelp build them up instead of tear them cording to Doug King, 28, general studies.

The goal of Campus Alive in Christ is down, that’s my goal. Both of these clubs to teach the Bible and discuss its meaning. help me, because they come around me and help me do The group encourthat.” Stagner said. ages questions and “My personal goal is an NOY NIC is one want to help correct image of a lighthouse, like of the Christian out any misconcepclubs on campus. tion people may an image of strength and It is a safe place to have about Jesus, stability...” go to find people God or the Bible. to support you “There is a throughout their scripture that is Joshua brand struggles, accalled ‘iron sharpVice President of NOY NIC cording to Joshua ening iron’ and that Brand, 21, economis where I want to head because we can have thoughts in our ics, vice president of NOY NIC. NOY NIC is based out of New Life head [regarding the Bible] but unless it is truly from the word of God and the scrip- Youth Community Church off Hayden Ave. in Hayden. It is a weekly sermon given by ture it’s just a random thought,” King said. the youth pastor of the group and brought “My personal goal is to share God’s

to campus on Thursday nights at 7 p.m.

They also have a sermon Wednesday nights at the church.

As a club, NOY NIC focuses on encouraging a safe place to explore God and the Bible. The youth pastor from the church gives a sermon and then they interact by discussing and learning about one another and the Bible.

“My personal goal is an image of a lighthouse, like an image of strength and stability among the storm around offering a guiding light and a place of safety, and so that can be a part of all aspects of life, whether it be financially or whatever,“ Brand said. He enjoys the interaction, learning and support that comes with the group.

For more information on Campus Alive in Christ please contact Cynthia Nelson (208)769-3489.

GSA encourages tolerance, supportive environment Club officers, participants insist students don’t need to be gay to belong Sarah Munds Staff Contributor Four accounts of assault against gay members of the community have occurred in Spokane this fall. New research shows that gay and lesbian students are almost four times as likely to commit suicide as their heterosexual counterparts. So in a world where being gay isn’t always easy, organizations like NIC’s Gay-Straight Alliance are a godsend.

“Its no secret that we occupy a downstairs section of the SUB everyday and we try to keep it as open and non-judgmental as possible,” said Racine Balough, 22, communications, Sedro-Woolley, former GSA president.

While many students may think of the GSA as an informal mob that can be found lounging on the couches most days, the club does much more than socialize casually between classes.

“We have access to a wide range of services and individuals to assist and are more than willing to help anyone who is in need,”

broken hearts and magic moments for everyone.”

Glenn agrees that animosity toward the GLBT community stems from misunderstanding.

“Just as during the 1930s, blacks were stereotyped as being prone to irrational violence and an uncontrollable urge to rape, so are members of the GLBT community branded as sexual deviants and a perversion of nature,” Glenn said. “It is my dream that one day there will no longer be a need for labels such as gay or transgender and that we have the ability to be treated as equals, without fear of losing your job or being ostracized for letting the world know who you really are.”

“If you think about it statistically, no one is really ‘normal.’ Therefore no one, particularly young’uns, deserves to feel like they are slime because they don’t fit into a cultural binary,” Balough said.

The Gay-Straight Alliance of NIC says it aims to promote this sort of equality and awareness not only on campus, but also in the rest of the community.

“This year, we were approached by prospective students at Post Falls High School who were unsure how to jump through all the political and social hoops necessary to start a GSA at their high school,” Glenn said.

Members of GSA talked with administrative members of Post Falls High School as well as actively campaigning for the school’s admission of this club. End results were successful, Glenn said. Post Falls High is now the home of its own Gay-Straight Alliance that students are encouraged to join.

Finally, GSA encourages everyone, gay or straight, to join.

“You don’t have to be gay to be in GSA. GSA means ‘gay straight alliance,’ and I feel the straight ally part isn’t as talked about as much as it should be,” Balough said.

GSA meetings are held every Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Blue Creek Bay Room of the Student Union Building. But you can almost always find a member or two lounging on the couches of the SUB. “Our hearts, like our doors, are wide open to you,” Glenn said. “You need only a voice and the will to see what is broken.”

>HOMELESS of the event’s coordinators.

Also available to the homeless population in the Coeur d’Alene area is the St. Vincent de Paul H.E.L.P. center and many regional churches.

“I really want people to know that the homeless shelters aren’t just to supply the homeless,” said Emily Skubitz, 19, Resort Recreation Management. “It shows that there are still people out there that care about the community.”

The Resort Recreation Management program had only eight weeks to plan and coordinate the Camp Out to Stamp Out Homelessness event.

“Where awareness starts, change begins,” Amberin Renee, business, Sandpoint, said.

There are close to 600 homeless men and women in Coeur d’Alene.

“I think it’s vital for students to participate in events like this,” said ASNIC Senator and event coordinator Katie Peck. “…Students have the ability to make an enormous change,” said Renee.

Camp Out to Stamp Out Homelessness was coordinated by the Resort Recreation Management program and sponsored by Student ASNIC, SuperOne Foods, Atomic Threads, Starbucks, Staples and Avion Coffee.

“On behalf of the coordinators of the Camp Out to Stamp Out project, I would like to thank Jan Pederson and Eddie Nelson for providing the free breakfast in the Student Union Building. Also, Matthew Sebby for his enormous help and Paul Chivvis for allowing us this opportunity,” said Peck.

“I think that [this event] has a positive impact on the community, just because we’re college students and it shows that we care,” Skubitz said.

ASNIC, said Seattle Central Community College recently contacted him with the from page A9 hopes they could get information regarding how to create a tobacco-free policy. to help plan for next year.

The Task Force’s long-term goal is to “If you say you quit for 24 hours, then have a solid and upheld smoke-free policy they’ll give you candy,” jokingly said Kyle for the NIC campus in two years.

Nuefeld, 20, music, Coeur d’Alene.

“The ideal is that everyone will quit In addition, the program will distribute smoking. That’s not going to happen,” Mileaflets during the first weeks of next sechal said. mester. They will include a map of campus Cigarette-butt receptacles have been boundaries and a script to use when asking smokers to put out their cigarettes. Leaflets placed along high foot-traffic areas of the dike road to help combat the litter. The may also contain coupons for free coffee or campus group known as CLICK (Cardinal soda from the market in the SUB. Leaders in the Community) recently reThe store in the SUB plaza will now be moved one bursting full, 50-gallon garbage carrying some tobacco substitute products bag of cigarette butts just from the edge of such as gum and patches.

NIC is not the first school to go tobacco the dike road and hillside on the campus.

“We don’t free. The new policy understand how was inspired by the “For the way things rolled it didn’t catch on acts taken by the University of Kentucky out, I think we handled this fire!” Dimico said.

ASNIC will and there are at least amazingly well.” have fliers at cam586 tobacco free campus health serpuses in the US. vices on how to “For the way get information to things got rolled out, I Linda Michal help quit smoking. think we handled this Dean of Students The health servicamazingly well,” said es staff has been Linda Michal, dean of trained to help students and leader of people deal with the stress of quitting. They the Tobacco Task Force. offer counseling and depending on the case, The group hopes that during this year can prescribe medication. students will come to accept the policy.

However, if violations continue, it is possible “We’re not asking them to quit smoking, that tickets and fines may be given out next we’re just asking them to not do it while fall. Nick Dimico, former vice president of they’re here,” Dimico said.

Chantilly Burtis attaches the unhealthy pig lung to the pump. Ethan Schlussler/Sentinel

said president of the Gay-Straight Alliance David Glenn, 24, history, Spokane.

Many members are trained to help students who are the victims of bullying and sexual assault in the event that a student should need assistance. Glenn taught a conflict resolution and self-defense class to members of GSA last month.

Students also have access to a number of different sexual health items provided by the club free of charge, including male and female condoms and even non-latex items.

But GSA isn’t just about safe sex and free condoms. As a haven for both gay and straight students alike, the GSA aims for a single goal: “Our mission is to promote a positive and supportive environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, questioning and straight people as well as those who support them.”

“Sometimes people don’t get it, that the only difference between heterosexual relationships and homosexual relationships are the sexes of the participants involved,” Balough said.

“There are butterflies and sweaty palms,

from page A9

Emily Skubitz,19, hotel management, was one of the first on the scene to construct a cardboard dwelling. The event was coordinated by the RRM program. Gabe Green/Sentinel

>SMOKING

Kyle Kallestad, 22, Maipu, Chile, inflates the healthy lung. Ethan Schlussler/Sentinel

A12 | the sentinel

Backpacking

Monday, December 5, 2011

Jet Johnstone, 21, general studies, Coeur d’Alene, shimmies up a rock chimney in a quest to conquer the cavernous crevices in the majestic Zion National Park.

Exploring the grand outdoors

Group of six spends seven days hiking through Zion, Grand Canyon parks Story and photos by Kyle Breitenberg n Business Manager

Rebecca Kemner, Scott Eichenbaum, Johnstone and Ryan Hayes scale some steep terrain while ascending Angels Landing.

Don’t drop your keys: Johnstone leans over a deep fissure in a crag.

Hayes rests on the path to Angels Landing while Austin Theander finds a cozy nook among the rocks. The landing offers an awe-inspiring view.

We spent the day hiking into Phantom Ranch Campgrounds, a small ranger station a stone’s throw away from the Colorado River. Surrounded by ancient ruins and the magnificent walls of the canyon, Phantom Ranch seems to be a type of oasis in the harsh desert environment.

It was Nov. 23 when we hiked part way into the Grand Canyon and to Phantom Ranch, but our adventure into the canyon was far from the start of our trip, and in order to continue I must tell you about one of the most monumental parts of our adventure: Zion.

We left NIC Nov. 19 in a college van with a nearly 20-hour drive ahead of us. I was traveling with a backpacking class on the Thanksgiving trip. Our itinerary for the trip was: Hit Angels Landing in Zion National Park and then proceed to Escalante and backpack Coyote Gulch. We had also discussed possibly swinging by the Grand Canyon for a day hike on the South Rim. We were a group of six: Ryan Hayes, NIC PE/ RRM instructor; Jet Johnstone, 21, general studies, Coeur d’Alene; Rebecca “Rebeccy” Kemner, 22, outdoor leadership certificate, Coeur d’Alene; Scott Eichenbaum, 22, psychology, River Vale, N.J.; and Austin “Ranger Rick” Theander, 19, outdoor leadership, Athol.

The first day was a blur of driving, and eventually we decided it was time to rest in a small, strangely empty motel outside Salt Lake City in a town called Nephi.

We were on the road early the next morning. It was another five hours to Zion. Our plan was to camp at Zion’s Watchman campsite and hike a spine called “Angels Landing” the following morning. That night we broke out the camping stoves and headlamps for the first time and Eichenbaum showed the group how to start a fire using a bow and spindle.

We checked into the ranger station before our hike. It rained through the night and we were curious if the trail would be safe of slip hazards.

The trail is close to infamous; six people have died falling off its cliffs since 2004. The ranger told us to use common sense and that safety was our own responsibility. With that extra boost of confidence, we headed to conquer Angels Landing.

We started up the trail as a team. It soon turned from a walking path to long and arduous switchbacks, which led us up the side of a mountain. The walls were flat but slanted on one side, and on the other was a several-hundred-foot drop.

The colors swirling around in the rock looked like graffiti when viewed from the right angle.

At the top of this set of switchbacks the path stretched into a saddle and we were suddenly surrounded by foliage of all colors. It was the calm before the storm. The mountaintops were surrounded in wispy mist that morning and had a fresh dusting of snow.

Again we hit a set of switchbacks: “Walter’s Wiggles.” The name originated from the first superintendent of Zion who helped engineer the section of switchbacks.

After we “squiggled the wiggles,” we could see the Angels Landing trailhead just off in the distance. It’s hard to describe the trail itself, but the best way I can put it is: Don’t trip. The majority of the hike we scrambled up the rocky spine, which turns into a monstrous cliff on both sides of the path. A sit-down is mandatory when you reach the summit; the view is one that deserves time to appreciate.

All was peaceful among the group as we trucked down the mountain feeling rather accomplished. The previous night we decided we would swing by the Grand Canyon, so once in the van, we were off.

It was dark by the time we arrived at the South Rim campsite. After dinner, we hit the sack. I decided to ditch my tent and lay under the stars with Kemner, Eichenbaum and Theander.

The next morning Hayes went to the visitor’s center while Eichenbaum and I stayed behind and brewed coffee. Our neighbors entertained us as we watched them gather the fallen brush

around their site and throw it into their fire.

The brush was still green, and a white plume of smoke steadily rose from their fire pit.

Hayes soon pulled back into our site, and with great news. He scored a pass for three nights in the Grand Canyon. The usual process for getting one of these passes is a multiple-week ordeal.

We headed to Grand Canyon Visitor’s Center where we laid out our gear in the parking lot and packed for the upcoming venture.

We caught the first bus we could to Kaibab Trail Head, where we would be descending the South Rim, snapping a classic group photo before starting our trek.

The South Rim is almost all downhill. One of the best views on the trail is of the Colorado River running strong through the bottom of the canyon and the awesome suspension bridge stretching across it.

The trail to Cotton Wood followed a tributary of the Colorado toward the North Rim. The experience of making your way through thousand-foot canyon walls with your home on your back is indescribable. I suppose you could call it freedom.

That night, I found myself staring at the amazingly bright and numerous stars. The last thing I remember before falling asleep was Theander observing the sky.

“No better ceiling in the world,” he said.

The next morning, we headed back to Phantom Ranch. We made a detour to Ribbon Falls, a well-known waterfall located close to the main trail. The falls are impressive, about 100 feet tall and covered in moss. Theander and I decided to venture into a small cave at the base of the falls.

Water was running over the mouth of the cave and we ultimately got soaked to the bone.

We started back to the main trail, taking a different route this time, executing a river crossing to reach the trailside of the creek.

That night was rather bittersweet for me. We had to leave the canyon the next day, but a shower was needed and home-style food was sounding better every day.

We hit the trail early the next morning. I started off energetic, but the Grand Canyon is deceiving. We were more than halfway up the rim when I felt my body lagging. It was as if someone had hit the slow-motion switch in my brain. After a break and some sustenance, I was back on my game.

Our group rejoiced as we reached the top and looked down on what we had accomplished.

There was something different about the view this time around.

It was Nov. 25 by the time we crawled out of the canyon, leaving three days for driving. We made it home in two long, delirious, caffeinefilled, wonderful days.

It had been seven days; we had traveled through seven states, drove more than 2,000 miles, and backpacked more than 30 miles. I’d call that a successful trip.

Zion National Park, Utah, is more than 250 miles from the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

A&E tip? Story idea?

Contact Noura A.A. -- nealfadl-andreasson @students.nic.edu

PAGE B1

Entertainment WWW.NICSENTINEL.COM

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011

COMMENTARY

Foreign films comparable to coffee Movies from Kinshasa to Korea refresh mind

NOURA A.A. ■ A&E Editor I’m beginning to develop an enormous affection for foreign films. It has developed the same way as my love for coffee. I tried it once and didn’t really like it. I tried it again and it was a little better.

I had it a few more times and then, all of a sudden, I couldn’t get enough.

This, of course, might have something to do with the addictive nature of caffeine, but foreign movies have struck a similar chord, minus the chemical dependency.

The chilly weather and getting all four of my wisdom teeth removed has greatly increased the amount of time I in front of the TV. My second stop after my dental surgery was Hastings video store. I knew that I wouldn’t and probably shouldn’t be doing much after filling my prescription for Hydrocodone. So I rented a ton of movies from countries I didn’t even know had cinema.

The first film, “Viva Riva!” by Congolese writer and director Djo Tunda Wa Munga, was pretty much badass. If he and Martin Scorsese joined forces, they would dominate Hollywood. “Viva Riva!” is a revenge thriller set in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Small town hustler, Riva, starts making the big bucks when he gets involved with smuggling gasoline, a precious commodity in Kinshasa. In no time he gets caught up between the local gangster and his gorgeous Nubian girlfriend, while lethal Algerians who he stole the gasoline from are on his tail. It’s noir style filmmaking mixed with African mystique.

It will probably blow your mind, but be warned. This movie is highly graphic.

The second film, “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives,” by Thai writer and director Apichatpong Weerasethakul, caught my eye immediately. The cover of the DVD depicted a creepy looking black, Sasquatch-looking figure with glowing red eyes. In the movie, this creature turns out to be the ghostly return of one of Uncle Boonmee’s sons.

Set in the beautiful Thai countryside, the film follows Uncle Boonmee’s nightly visits from his deceased wife and son during his impending kidney failure. The film was highly ambient and experimental. I’ll admit that some of it went over my head. The luscious Thai scenery was captivating and the display of Thai perceptions on death, such as reincarnation, was fascinating.

The third film, “I Think I’m a Cyborg, but it’s OK,” by Korean writer and director Chan-wook Park, was the weirdest and most challenging film to watch. The movie was in the melodic language of Korean, but there was a lot of inner and outer dialogue that occurred simultaneously, making subtitles confusing. The second reason, and the reason why I liked it, was because it was purposefully quirky.

A girl, traumatized by her grandma being carted off to a mental institution because she thought she was a rodent, is committed to a different mental institution after she tries to “recharge her batteries” by sticking a live wire into her vein. She is convinced she is a cyborg. At the mental institution she meets a troubled young man who falls in love with her and helps save her, not by shattering her “fantasy,” but by becoming a part of it.

What surprised me most about this film was how funny it was. Park delivered the dark comedy and underlying deep messages that I enjoy in Coen brother’s films.

So try something new and feed your mind with some coffee and a freaky, fantastic foreign film.

Noura A.A. is an editor for The Sentinel. Her opinions are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sentinel. Respond to this column online at nicsentinel.com.

Justin Smith and fellow clarinet players perform in the NIC Wind Symphony during the annual “Gathering of the Bands” concert in Schuler Performing Arts Center. Dave Weatherred and Terry Jones directed the musicians. Gabe Green/Sentinel

Local middle schools ‘band’ together NIC hosts 19th annual ‘Gathering of the Bands’ concert, 12 schools, two bands Jantzen Hunsaker Staff Contributor It was a full house as eighth-grade musicians from 12 local schools gathered to form two bands for one full night of music.

“This should be an excellent performance,” said Rick Weirick, Rathdrum.

Weirick and his wife came to watch their son, Terren, who plays bass guitar for Lakeland Middle School. “It gives smaller schools the opportunity to [play, and] be part of something bigger,” he said.

The NIC Wind Symphony opened the show with a brief fanfare. The middle schools were split into two different bands to accommodate for the size of the groups. Dave Weatherred was the conductor of the first group.

“Education has swung so much to the side of science, technology, English and math,” Weatherred said. “We’ve forgotten that what we do the best in the United States is comprehensive education, which

includes creativity, and without that, we are no better than any other nation.”

The crowd responded with whistles and applause. As the crowd grew quiet, the first group began to play. Each group only practiced together for a few hours before the performance. As they played through “Scottish Ballade” by Robert Sheldon, a feeling of reverence descended upon the audience. Tears were wiped away from multitudes of parents, visibly touched, whether by their child’s playing, the arrangement or other attached memories.

After a brief intermission, the program resumed with the percussion ensemble.

The second band began shortly thereafter and gave an equally matched performance. At the end of both rehearsals, the crowd roared with applause, many even giving a standing ovation.

Terry Jones, NIC band director, took the stage next. Jones, along with Peggy Mahoney, from Canfield middle school, and Dennis Kimberling, from Lakeland

middle school, originally started the “Gathering of the Bands” more than 15 years ago.

“We want to get local students together and give them a chance to not only give them experience in playing in a big band, but to help them see there is a large support group,” Jones said. “And also to help them get to know students from other schools, without competing against them.”

Before Jones conducted the first piece from the NIC Wind Symphony, he asked for a show of hands on how many had attended “Gathering of the Bands” when they were in eighth grade. Half the symphony raised their hands. There were audible “oohs” and “ahhs” as parents and students clapped.

Jones said he wanted to show that dedication toward [musical] goals would pay off and that students only needed to stay with their instruments.

For more information on NIC band performances, concerts, or other events on campus, visit www.nic.edu/events.

NIC hosts rare Warren Miller film Outdoor Pursuits raises funds, local businesses sponsor prizes, passes, trips Jantzen Hunsaker Staff Contributor This year, the winter sports season started off earlier than it has in decades.

For once, the snow beat out the local showing of “Like There’s No Tomorrow,” the 2011 Warren Miller film.

Avid skiers (or anyone who has wanted to be) have probably heard the name Warren Miller. This is because through the last 61 years his name has become synonymous with winter sports videos.

Heralded by many to be the official start of each ski season, Miller films have inspired skiers, experts and beginners alike, to get to the slopes and have fun.

NIC has hosted the Warren Miller film event for more than 10 years. Outdoor Pursuits uses the film showing to raise funds for different costs associated with its organization, and local businesses have used it as a promotional tool as well.

“I went to see Warren Miller films when I was a kid,” said Evan Hoskinson, an employee with Ski Shack, a local family-owned ski equipment shop. “My dad went when he was a kid. It’s awesome for me to be here and help support the films now.”

The movie itself definitely fueled the urge to rush to the closest pile of snow and live “like there’s no tomorrow.”

Narrated by Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley, “Like There’s No Tomorrow” is a collection of footage from nine locations around the world, spanning five continents, from the United States, to India, New Zealand, Norway and Chile.

Warren Miller Entertainment’s latest movie is full of world-class winter sports athletes such as Chris Davenport, Julia Mancuso and many others, pulling off

Tim Dutton, 2009 FWT North American Freeskiing Champion, dominates on his home mountain in Squaw Valley, Calif. Warren Miller/Courtesy photo

jumps, tricks and lines most people can only imagine. Thanks to the Blu-Ray high definition, frame by frame slow motion provided mind-blowing shots normally too fast to be really appreciated Lookout Pass Mountain was this year’s key sponsor. For every ticket sold, 2-for-1

lift tickets were given out. Also among the sponsors was Schweitzer Mountain, Silver Mountain, Ski Shack Hayden, Tri-State Outfitters and 95.3 KPND Progressive Radio. For those in the area who are

See WARREN MILLER | Page B4

DID YOU KNOW? The largest piece of ice to fall to the Earth was 20 feet across and fell in Scotland on Aug. 13, 1849.

B2 | the sentinel

COMMENTARY

Video kills more than just radio

Entertainment

Monday, December 5, 2011

Concert features international carols NIC vocal groups, Wind Symphony perform during ‘Sounds of Christmas’

Increasing technology harms as much as helps

T

he Buggles claimed, “Video killed the radio star.”

When technology broke their hearts in 1979, they placed the blame on “VTR,” video tape recorders.

Ironically, in 1981, “Video Killed the Radio Star” was the first music video ever to air on MTV. The Buggles were simply saying their goodbyes to the golden age of radio while preparing to ride the next wave of new technology. Now, 30 years later, the video star is under fire as technology fixes to once again Devin Heilman turn the world Managing Editor upside-down.

Remember when VH1 and MTV played nothing but music videos?

You know, when the “M” in MTV actually stood for “music” and the “V” in VH1 stood for videos? Those days are gone, just like the glory days of radio.

No longer do we get to collectively enjoy the premier of new music videos by our favorite artists. We can pirate them from certain websites, stream them from YouTube and pull them off the Internet whenever and how many times we please.

Peoples’ inherent impatience mixed with waning attention spans and insatiable appetites for technology have literally reshaped the world, especially the entertainment industry. Technology absolutely dominates the entertainment industry.

Just think of what cellular phones have become. Alexander Graham Bell created the telephone in the late 1800s.

It was simply for sending and receiving calls. What an amazing thing that we take for granted! Our ancestors would probably think we’re insane if we told them we could communicate with people on the other side of the planet while driving around in our fancy automobiles.

Communication: That’s the key, in oh so many ways. People wanted to communicate, but they didn’t want to be stuck to the wall in their kitchens. Then we created cordless phones, car phones and cell phones.

But that wasn’t enough. We wanted our phones to play music and take pictures. Then we needed our phones to be computers, so we could have access to the World Wide Web anywhere we went.

People’s need for communication and entertainment has fueled the technology boost, and that technology boost has restructured society.

Whatever happened to sitting down and playing a board game with friends?

Or throwing a block party where everyone in the neighborhood brings a dish and everybody limbos? These days, we are so addicted to Xbox, Netflix and the Internet we spend a majority of our time inside, shielded from daylight and human interaction, slowly absorbing into our own lives and losing our abilities to communicate in person.

That too, is ironic: Something that was meant to help humans communicate has basically inhibited face-to-face interactions.

Essentially, technology has become a social buffer. It has created a world where we see each other through screens and speak through texts. Video has not only killed the radio star; it has killed humanity and turned us into technology-addicted hermits.

Think about it. When is the last time you actually physically encountered all of your Facebook friends? I’ll wager you’ve never even met some of them!

Don’t lose your humanity! We are humans. We’re social creatures. Sitting in your living room with a headset on does not constitute true interaction. You can’t high-five your buddies when you blast a sick headshot if they’re not sitting in the same room!

I understand the importance of technology and its role in the advancement of mankind. But we shouldn’t lose touch with real reality while we explore cyber reality. There is more to life than having the hottest new phone.

In conclusion, I just want to remind people to really be people. Don’t get so sucked into entertainment and technology that you forget to lead a real life. The world doesn’t need more brainwashed robots.

Devin Heilman is an editor for The Sentinel.

Her opinions are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sentinel. Respond to this column online at nicsentinel.com.

Choir director Max Mendez conducts the NIC Jazz Co. during the “Sounds of Christmas” concert. Gabe Green/Sentinel

Noura A.A. A&E Editor Patrons packed NIC’s Schuler Performing Arts Center for the music departments “Sounds of Christmas” concert Saturday evening Dec. 3. The NIC Cardinal Chorale, Chamber Singers, Jazz Co. and Wind Symphony, performed holiday music from around the world, including pieces composed by locals.

“It’s a chance for us to begin early in December to start spreading cheer,” said Max Mendez, choir director.

The NIC Cardinal Chorale, conducted

by Mendez, initiated the show. “Wana Baraka,” a traditional Kenyan song, began with Cindy Mitchell on the djembe. About half the Chorale sang on stage while the other half stood throughout the aisles singing. All members joined the stage for “Still, Still, Still,” a quiet Austrian Carol.

Suzanne Jenkins accompanied the Chorale on the flute for “A Midnight Clear.”

“Ave Maria” and “Goin’ to Bethlehem” were both a cappella performances. The Chorale ended with a French carol “Sing We Now of Christmas,” accompanied by Caroline Jess on the piano.

The NIC Chamber Singers began with the soft and slow “Veni, Veni Emmanuel,” an eighth century chant. “O Magnum Mysterium,” a staple of the Latin Church, was sung next. Mendez accompanied the Chamber Singers on guitar for “Personent Hodie,” fourteenth century Latin carol.

The Chamber Singers then performed an a cappella version of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

They closed with “Born on a New Day,”

by John David and Philip Lawton.

The NIC Jazz Co. began their performance with a playful version of “You’re a Mean One Mister Grinch,” conducted

by Mendez, and concluded their performance with the upbeat, traditional French carol, “Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella,” accompanied by a rhythm section comprised of a box Cajon and a bass guitar.

After the intermission, the NIC Wind Symphony, conducted by band director Terry M.L. Jones, performed songs composed by Gerard Mathes, NIC music instructor and Tom Tucker, Wind Symphony member. According to Jones, good quality Christmas band music is hard to find, so both men have composed numerous pieces for the Wind Symphony. The

Wind Symphony began with “Holiday Bell Carol,” composed by Tom Tucker. Next was the quirky and cinematic “Little Bell,” composed by Mathes. After “The Eighth Candle,” a Hanukkah song by Steve Reister, the NIC Cardinal Choral resumed the stage.

“I liked the two pieces composed by the NIC people, “ said Even Emerson, 29, who graduated from the NIC nursing program. “I thought they were the two best.”

They began with “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which was soon interrupted

by Santa walking down the aisle. The banter between Mendez and Santa introduced the closing number, “A Holiday Sing Along,” which joined the Cardinal Choral, the Wind Symphony and the audience.

“It was really fun to be here tonight,” said Caleb Van Etten, 18, Coeur d’Alene, forestry. “Most of all, the crowd was very fun to be around.” Santa was able to get the entire auditorium to stand and sing holiday favorites such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Silver Bells,” “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “We Wish you a Merry Christmas.”

Jazz Co., Jazz Ensemble get ‘close’ NIC Jazz band, choir join forces for ‘Close Enough for Jazz’ concert, clinics Laurie Dicks Staff Contributor There was not a single unoccupied parking spot outside Boswell Hall’s Schuler Performing Arts Center. The NIC Jazz Co. and the Jazz Ensemble joined forces, attracting dozens of people for their presentation of “Close Enough for Jazz.” NIC students performed music

by Gordon Goodwin, Fred Strum, John Clayton, Quincy Jones and Vern Sielert, among others.

Parents, teachers, and students gathered in Schuler the evening of Nov. 17 for the free concert. The reverberation of a roaring clarion of horns combined with a taste of harmonic rhythm enthused applause from the audience.

“I’m an amateur trumpet player myself,” said audience member Anthony Braden, who moved from Olympia, Wash., to Coeur d’Alene to be closer to family.

“Louis Armstrong says if you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know, and baby, ain’t that the truth.”

Before the Jazz Ensemble took the stage, NIC’s Jazz Co. serenaded the crowd with gentle a cappella. Max Mendez, NIC choir director, led the Jazz Co. as they performed songs such as “The Flintstones” and the song “Blues for Elise,” based on the theme by Beethoven. Cassie Thompson, soprano, and Laurie Alker, alto, performed solo pieces in two out of the five songs.

The all-male Jazz Ensemble, directed

by NIC band director Terry Jones, offered the audience barrelhouse blues without the booze. The group featured mostly brass instruments, backed by a rhythm section that supplied bass, keys, guitars and a trap kit.

Several members broke off to burn out their own licks or play unaccompanied during the transitional passage. Among the ensemble were trumpeters from the front line such as David Cooper, Adam Crandall, and Phil Aarhus. Saxophonists Alex Carr, Kris Waltrip and Tim Wood performed two Tenor-sax solo compositions. Russel Coler was given a dual op-

Right to left, Jazz Ensemble saxophonists Tim Wood, Chris Waltrip, Alex Carr, Sam Schlaich, and Seth Marshalek play at “Close Enough for Jazz.” Ethan Schlussler/Sentinel

portunity on trombone. During the song “Riverscape,” Doug Wood busted out on the piano with a taste of the boogie-woogie. The ensemble featured Jordan Kees on bass and David Mills on guitar.

“I was dragged here by my girlfriend,” said Matt Tietz, 19, engineering. “But now that I’m here, it’s not so bad. It was better than I expected.”

Hundreds of middle school and high school students from across the region will participate in jazz clinics Jan. 31 through Feb. 2 at NIC during the annual JazzNIC program. Clinics will feature acclaimed guests such as University of Idaho professor Dan Bukvich, an internationally known composer whose works have been performed at the Lincoln Center and the Vatican. As well as siblings Alan Gemberling, band conductor and

University of Idaho professor, and Gary Gemberling, Lewiston High School band director and acclaimed performer, including performing as a soloist for the Spokane Symphony.

The public is welcome to attend the jazz clinics. Groups will perform every hour on the hour beginning at 8 a.m. Jan. 31 through Feb. 2 in Boswell Hall Schuler Performing Arts Center.

The JazzNIC concert and clinics are sponsored by the Associated Students of NIC. The “JazzNIC” concert, Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. in Schuler, will feature the NIC Jazz Ensemble, as well as Al Gemberling, Gary Gemberling, and Dan Bukvich.

For information visit www.nic.edu/ events or (208) 769-3276.

www.nicsentinel.com

ENTERTAINMENT

the sentinel | B3

Boswell Hall student performance draws large crowd Last Lobby Recital of the semester features medley of musical instruments including string, brass, vocal, piano Kyle Breitenberg Business Manager NIC musicians gathered in Boswell Hall Nov. 17 at noon to share their selected pieces with each other and those who came to watch.

Approximately 30-40 people showed to watch the recital, including many NIC students in the music program. Rachel Westby, 19, Post Falls, third semester English major, is a student in Miriana Hardie’s piano class.

Westby is required to come to the recital as a part of her class but said she enjoys watching the performances.

The last Thursday of every month NIC’s music department puts on a recital in the lobby of Boswell Hall, usually running approximately an hour in length. Most commonly the performers are music students and music instructors at NIC, but NIC music instructor Gerard Mathes said anyone is welcome to take part.

“Especially during the nineteenth century, musicians would get together and play tunes for each other,” said Mathes.

The light cast a blue tint to the lobby setting a very calm and quite pleasant atmosphere for the gathering. The array of instruments ranged from violin, to French horn, to vocal chords.

The first group to perform was a string quintet, made up of Mathes and four students. They performed a selection of classical pieces from memory. The group played Canon, mixing violin and viola. Each musician played in a different octave creating a beautiful layering of the strings. Mathes, along with the other two violins, took turns carrying the melody while the violas plucked the rhythm.

From left, Katrina Uriae, Post Falls, performs a viola duet with Bonnie Mitson, 17, Post Falls. Gabe Green/Sentinel

Next was a duet between Anna Mcelroy, on the French horn, and Hardie on the piano. The duo performed “Andromeda,” a serenade from Beethoven. Mcelroy’s French horn entertained a solo over the piano in this piece.

Duncan Menzis stepped on the floor next singing a slow Italian piece, “Vaga

The quintet performed multiple pieces, several performed by pairs from the group.

A surprise performance by the music students followed, they sang “Happy Birthday” to Mathes with music instructor Miriana Hardie on the piano, replacing the traditional lyrics with their own personalized version.

Luna Che Inargenti” by Vincenzo Bellini.

“I chose this song because the melody line was really beautiful,” said Menzis, 18, music, Coeur d’Alene. “And it was full of heartfelt emotion, which means it would be fun to perform.”

The last performance was a jazzy saxophone piece.

Reviews

Emery’s Restaurant: ‘best kept secret’ in town NIC culinary students dish out mouth-watering meals from Hedlund Building; reservations recommended Approaching the entrance to NIC’s Emery’s Restaurant, I could hear the subdued sounds of bustling activity, conversation and soft classical music. I prepared myself for Helen McFarland Staff Contributor a fine dining experience and was not disappointed.

Emery’s is located on the second floor of the Hedlund Building and is run entirely by the NIC culinary students, under the direction of culinary arts instructors Jeff Jenkins and Rick Schultz.

Although reservations are recommended (which I did not know) I waited briefly before a polite host found a table for me and presented me with a well-ordered menu.

The décor was upscale with south and southwest facing windows providing mellow sunshine and a waterfront view, an asset that is not available to most local restau-

rants.

My waiter, Simon Gookin, was personable and attentive in spite of being very busy with other customers. I chose the cheese ravioli with roasted red bell peppers.

I did have to inquire about beverage availability as no information was provided on the menu, and then ordered coffee with cream. A basket was brought to the table with a large slice of homemade bread and butter. I was also given the choice of a cup of French onion or Southwestern corntomato soup to precede my meal, and chose the latter. It was, again, fresh and homemade, and topped with crispy, G

abe G

cheesy tortilla strips.

My entrée was served without any undue delay, on attractive dinnerware, accompanied by a slice of garlic toast. The ravioli was filled with an herbed ricotta and topped with a garlic cream sauce and thin strips of the roasted red pepper. Looking around the dining room, I could see that care was taken in the presentation of all al meals, which were artfully arranged and garnished.

The portion was actually too large, at least for me, but that was fine as a to-go box was provided for the leftovers. I would have cut larger slices of the delicious roasted red pepper, as the flavor of the small strips was somewhat somewha lost in the intensity of the

garlic cream sauce. Also, as tasty as my cup of soup was, this particular entrée was just screaming for a green salad option.

A surprise, sweet finish to my meal was a small éclair topped with a mint chocolate ganache. I have a sweet tooth and that was the perfect touch.

Overall, I would say Emery’s is one of the best-kept secrets in Coeur d’Alene. It is truly a gem of a restaurant and prices are surprisingly low.

A group of three women from the community dining next to me gave it raves, with Jo Gussanhoven commenting that it was a “delight every time.”

“We come every Tuesday,” said student Tina Mousen, 39, social work, Sandpoint.

Emery’s is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. during fall and spring semesters. A banquet room is available for both campus and community groups.

For reservations call 769-7763.

Emery’s offers a new menu every week, which can be previewed at http://nic.edu/ emerys.

reen/Sentinel

New, free phone app makes photography more fun ‘Instagram’ takes ‘cool’ retro-looking photos, can manipulate effects, uploads to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr Photography is and has been a popular pursuit for many years. With programs like Adobe Photoshop, photo editing has reached a high level, yet there are still revelations to be made in Benaiah Cheevers the photo world.

Staff Contributor “Instagram” is a new free application for iPhones and other application-capable devices that have recently become popular.

Instagram is a fast, beautiful and fun way to share your life with friends through a series of pictures. Users can snap a photo with an iPhone, choose a filter to transform the look and feel, and then upload the photo to Facebook, Twitter or Flickr. Instagram is the ideal photo-sharing app for people looking for the next retro-cool app. It’s like Facebook, except just with pictures.

Instant-film cameras are long gone, but their obsolescence has triggered a longing in those who remember them. Instagram not only lets you make your photos look as if they were taken with a 1970s Polaroid, but lets you share them with friends through your social networks.

This new app has easy functional-

ity and an active community, which has contributed many great photos uploaded to Instagram. Even if you don’t plan on posting anything, Instagram i s worth downloading just for browsing through users’ creations.

It can also be a great way for beginner photographers to share their ar t out for viewers to. If users like a person’s ar t, it

will definitely become popular within the Instagram community.

Signing up for Instagram is a quick process. All you have to do is enter an email address, a user name a n d p a s s -

word, and you’re ready to go.

When uploading photos to Instagram, users can “like” or comment on the photo by using the iPhone app. While this defeats the purpose of the application’s social networking function, you can also make photos private. Unfortunately, there’s no way to toggle this option selectively, which means all your pictures can only be private or public.

Some complications of this application are that Android or Windows users are not admitted, some photos are too small to upload, effects can be gimmicky (especially to professional photographers), and it has a smaller audience than Flickr and Tumblr, not to mention big social networking sites like Facebook.

However, some positives are that it’s an addictive way to browse others’ photos and it’s easy to jump among users who “liked” or “friended” makers of photos that interest you. Instagram combines a handful of photo effects with a photo-centric social networking element.

Don’t count on it overtaking Flickr any day soon, but much like the Color iPhone app, it’s likely to be superseded by the next iPhone photo app, which will more than likely be coming to the world of technology very soon.

B4 | the sentinel

Entertainment

Monday, December 5, 2011

Reviews

Staff contributor gives Depp movie ‘two thumbs up’ ‘The Rum Diary,’ based on Hunter S. Thompson novel, has it all: wit, humor, action, love, philosophy

This movie made me want to move to Seattle, get a job, a fake ID and drink my life away.

“The Rum Diary” follows American journalist Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp) as Kyle Breitenberg he moves to Puerto Rico to start a new Business Manager job as a freelance writer for the local newspaper, the San Juan Star.

However, Kemp does not realize what he is walking into. Before too long Kemp is faced with the harsh reality of Puerto Rican life. Puerto Rico, an American colony, is taken over by greed. Hotels are being built on untouched islands, corporations control judges and cops while the native people are left in poverty.

The most obvious conflict in “The Rum Diary” is between Kemp, Chenault (Amber Heard), and Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart).

These three characters fall into a wild mess of big money, big lust, and bold love. Sanderson is a corrupt businessman or, more simply put, a crook. Sanderson hires Kemp for help in his plot to create a chain of hotels on an uninhabited island near Puerto Rico. Chenault is Sanderson’s girlfriend, a beautiful, wild, carefree woman with a taste for danger. Kemp’s love for Chenault causes complications between the powerful Sanderson and him, making for a heated, but refreshingly realistic conflict.

The more abstract conflict within the movie deals with what Kemp finds when he moves to Puerto Rico. Surrounded by dirt-poor natives, Kemp looks at the rich Sanderson, the rich tourists and the fancy hotels and can see the corruption crystal clear. Kemp begins an attempt to document the horrors he sees, but is constantly shot down by his editor Lotterman (Richard Jenkins).

The opening scene doesn’t do immediate justice to the title of the movie. Kemp wakes up in a hotel room that, by the looks of it, should belong to a rock star. He painfully climbs out of his bed and pulls back

Journalist Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp) and real estate mogul Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart) talk business on a Puerto Rican beach. In “The Rum Diary,” Sanderson tries to enlist Kemp’s help in a shady real estate deal. AP Photo/Film District, Peter Mountain

the blinds. Light floods in and you see him squinting his blood-shot eyes, giving the sense that no less than half of Kemp’s day has been wasted. Room service arrives and there is a humorous scene as Kemp sits, rather nonchalant, on his bed, chewing up enormous amounts of aspirin, while examining the two poached eggs brought by the hotel server. Meanwhile the hotel server stands shocked by the condition of the room.

The condition of Puerto Rico is shown near the beginning of the movie. Kemp is walking down a main street of San Juan toward his new place of work, but with some trouble. He has found the city in riot, with police arresting citizens left and right as

they vandalize and run wild. As he enters the San Juan Star news building, a piece of fruit smashes on the closed doors, perhaps a foreshadowing of the negative emotions toward the newspaper.

As the movie progresses, Kemp seems to quickly find his bearings in Puerto Rico.

He quickly gains a friend Sala (Michael Rispoli), a photographer for the newspaper, who offers him a room in a rather shabby studio-like apartment, and adopts the rumsoaked lifestyle that seems to be Puerto Rico.

“The Rum Diary” is the third film based on the journal entries of famed gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, where “Fear

and Loathing in Las Vegas,” and “Where the Buffalo Roam” also originated. “The Rum Diary” carries many of the same elements of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” especially with Depp acting as Thompson. There is a scene where Sala and Kemp take a narcotic so powerful that it is used on “communists.” Certain elements of Depp’s character during the scene seemed eerily close to that of the Depp’s character in “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.”

“The Rum Diary” shows depth to human character well, while providing witty and humorous situations, as well as some seriously heavy concepts. Final verdict: two thumbs up.

Third film in series doesn’t deliver enough real scares, just gives better excuses to hold hands, cuddle

Laurie Dicks Staff Contributor

The entire audience consisted of guys hoping their dates would be freaked out of their minds and therefore look to them for protection. With such occurrences in the film being so unbeknownst to everyday life, it doesn’t surprise me that their

tactics worked.

Before getting swiped up by Paramount Pictures and setting several box office records, “Paranormal Activity” was an independent film. Although “Paranormal Activity 3” brought in $52.6 million the first night and $95.7 million worldwide, it was hardly

what I would consider scary or even original for that matter. What makes this one different from any other horror film? Seriously, I can’t figure it out.

Some suspense builders include scratches, bangs, loud noises and things moving on their own. How many people played Bloody Mary as a child, only to see themselves gazing back in the mirror when they flipped the lights on?

A few new tricks were added to this film, including a broken fan that was MacGyvered in order to watch separate rooms with the same camera. Watching it slowly creep back and forth for several minutes before something happened had to be the most anticipation I felt throughout the entire film.

To fully understand who is who and what the heck is going on, I was forced to

see the other two “Paranormal Activity” films. The last is supposed to be the first chronologically, with the two young daughters, Kristi (Jessica Tyler Brown as young Kristi, Spraque Grayden as adult Kristi) and Katie (Chloe Csengery as young Katie, Katie Featherston as adult Katie), as the adult protagonists of the previous two.

Although the producers may have put them in a particular order, I would suggest seeing it from last to first because it delves into why the girls were haunted in the first place. Julie (Lauren Bitters), the girls’ mom, and stepdad, Dennis (Christopher Nicholas Smith), move into a new house, all seemingly happy and normal. Kristi, the youngest daughter, makes friends with an unseen entity named “Toby,” who primarily haunts the sisters’ room.

Nightly, various things happen that can-

not be logically explained. Dennis decides to set up video cameras to catch and confirm all of the odd events going on in the house.

Julie doesn’t want anything to do with it and tells him to delete the footage. Soon, however, she can’t deny there is something unnatural going on, and takes the family to her mother’s for safety. But they were far from safe. Apparently, their nightmare had followed them, and they find out who is responsible for their problems.

Roger Ebert gave the film one star out of four. All in all, I would say the “R” rating came more from the drug use and sex than it did from the scare factor. For those who don’t believe in ghosts, seeing this movie is just another way to spend a Friday night, but for those who do, it represents a very real fear and desperation to understand the metaphysical realm.

CBS show candidate for ‘Favorite New TV Drama’ NYC crime drama, ‘Person of Interest,’ offers edge of seat thrills, Jason Bourne-like action, intelligence If you knew a stranger’s life was in danger, would you have the courage to keep that person out of harm’s way?

Or would you let the situation run its natural course, hoping for the best, but Garrett Cabeza Staff Contributor knowing the worst is inevitable?

Well, if you are an ex-CIA agent with Jason Bourne-like intelligence and fighting skills, or a computer genius whose guilty conscience can no longer be ignored, you may embark on the journey of saving another’s life.

In the new television action-adventuredrama “Person of Interest,” John Reese

(Jim Caviezel), who is probably most known for his role as Jesus Christ in “The Passion of the Christ,” and Mr. Finch (Michael Emerson), from the popular television series “Lost,” focus their unique skills on seeking justice in New York City.

After the 2001 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers, Finch creates a program that identifies people about to be involved in violent crimes, except the program can’t identify whether the people are the victims or perpetrators. Finch and Reese have to research information on each party in order to better understand the situation, follow the suspects involved, and act justifiably.

Originally, the program was created to only detect threats to homeland security. All other information on plots to commit violent crimes that do not violate the safety of the United States are to be destroyed at the end

of each day.

Finch’s billions of dollars of wealth and Reese’s unique skill as a former CIA agent form a secret partnership. However, Reese’s involvement with these cases draws the attention of members of the New York Police Department, like Detective Carter (Taraji P. Henson, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) from the homicide unit and Detective Fusco (Kevin Chapman, “Lost”), who helps Finch and Reese with cases.

The death toll resulting from ignored detections weighs on Finch’s conscience. He believes that with this unique technology, he should be trying to save everyone in danger and bring all perpetrators to justice, instead of allowing innocent people to die without attempting to prevent the crimes.

After tracking down and convincing Reese

(who is presumed dead) to assist him, they enter the business of stopping all violent crimes.

“Person of Interest” is an edge-of-yourseat thriller. Not being able to distinguish the victim from the suspect until late in the show makes the climax unpredictable. This is not your ordinary NYC crime drama.

It is a fresh version of seeing how far two men will go to protect a stranger and keep their conscience clean, while doing it all outside the law. With brilliant performances by a star-studded cast, “Person of Interest” makes for the greatest drama on television.

After each new episode you’ll be circling the next Thursday on your calendar.

The show debuted Sept. 22 and continues to air from 9 p.m. - 10 p.m. every Thursday on CBS.

>WARREN MILLER

cities across the United States. That means, thanks to Outdoor Pursuits and the many sponsors, Coeur d’Alene is one of the two percent of cities nationwide to get to ring in the ski season with a great adrenaline-filled documentary.

There were prizes given out through random ticket raffles. More than $2,000 in prizes was given out, including soda cozies and bags from KPND and ski helmets and goggles from Tri-State and Ski Shack.

DVDs and other prizes were awarded. For

those not selected for the prize giveaways, discount tickets and other coupons were abundant.

For information on Warren Miller, visit www.warrenmiller.com. For information on Outdoor Pursuits, visit their new office in McClain Hall on the south side of campus.

from page B1

winter wonderland aficionados, NIC provides a great service. The Warren Miller film tour hits a little more than 240

GAMES

www.nicsentinel.com

the sentinel | B5

Crossword

DOT GAME

Crossword from http://www.mirroreyes.com

RULES: First player draws one line from one dot to another, in a vertical or horizontal fashion, and then player 2 follows in this fashion. The point of the game is to draw as many lines as you can without giving your opponent an opportunity to create a square with their line. If you create a box, initial or color it so to remember it is your point. Also, if you create a box you get another turn.

Winner is the one with the most boxs, enjoy!

This Day in History

1782 – Martin Van Buren is born.

1791 – Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died in Vienna, Austria, at age 35.

1839 – Union General George Custer is born.

1873 – The Boston Belfry Murderer kills his first victim.

1876 – Brooklyn Theater Fire kills at least 278 people.

1893 – First electric car (built in Toronto). Could go 15 miles between charges.

1929 – First US nudist organization (American League for Physical Culture, NYC).

1932 – German physicist Albert Einstein is granted an American visa.

1933 – Prohibition ends.

1945 – Aircraft squadron lost in the Bermuda Triangle.

1947 – Joe Louis beats Jersey Joe Walcott for heavyweight boxing title.

1952 – 4-8,000 people die from hazardous smog in London.

1957 – NYC is the First city to legislate against racial or religious discrimination in housing market (Fair Housing Practices Law).

2005 – The Civil Partnership Act comes into effect in the United Kingdom, and the first civil partnership is registered there.

Sports tip? Story idea?

Contact Eric Rivera

-- earivera@students.nic.edu

PAGE B6

Sports WWW.NICSENTINEL.COM

COMMENTARY

Virtual athletics: Reboot Future athletes will dominate cyberspace

Eric Rivera ■ Sports Editor North Idaho College’s athletic department has been geared for many years now to pursue a path of excellence. But with technology changing rapidly everyday, would that ideal hold up if the sports world expanded into a virtual reality setting?

Recently, I had an opportunity to watch both TRON movies, and the game concept from the new and old videos had me thinking about possibilities for the future. In recent generations, we have seen televisions transform from the clunky old cathode ray tube to LCDs and now into 3-D. Digital convergence is happening all around us, and it won’t be long before we see the sports world begin to collide with the virtual realm. I think that one day our athletes might be able to download their personas into a virtual setting and compete against other players, schools or national and global teams.

Now this is all just speculation, but imagine if we could put a lifelike avatar into virtual reality and control them with our minds. It would be like having the world of “The Matrix” but using the gadget in “Avatar” to control the virtual body.

The ability to modify the physics of the environment could open up a whole new set of sports not able to be achieved in our gravity-forsaken world. Colleges and athletes around the globe would have a whole new arena to earn bragging rights in.

One game I know they would have to include would be very similar to the “Disc Battle” from the movie “TRON:Legacy.” For those not familiar with this game, it is simply a rectangle with a floor comprised of hexagon panels that break when hit with the disc object.

The disc can be bounced off the walls to strike the floor or opponent, but would not maim or decapitate any of the athletes playing like in the movies. When the floor breaks completely and the athlete falls through, he or she loses.

I could see NIC excelling at the “Disc Battle,” even if it was to become an official sport tomorrow. The game of dodgeball is closely related to the virtual game, and Cardinal athletes have already shown a prowess in the field.

On Dec. 1, Rec. Sports held a dodgeball night in Christianson gymnasium and some softball and soccer players could be found competing in that night’s events. If virtual reality came to fruition tomorrow, our athletes could probably top the field.

Games to play would be endless, like virtual paintball, racing, blitz ball (for all the Final Fantasy fans), quidditch, and simulated real world sports, but it definitely wouldn’t be a substitute for competing in the real deal.

Skill and hand-eye coordination would still be necessary and knowledge of how to play conventional sports can never be created virtually.

These games would just offer a new way to think outside the box of conventional sports rules and physics and allow an individual to take it to the next level.

Imagine playing baseball on a larger field with lower gravity or playing paintball in a zero gravity environment.

North Idaho College continues to dream big in the real world and there is no doubt in my mind that the dream would extend into cyberspace. I will continue to dream big for my own chance at virtual reality as I keep my eyes locked on the Silicon Valley.

One day in the not so distant future, may we meet on the virtual frontier and let the best virtual athlete win.

Eric Rivera is an editor for The Sentinel. His opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sentinel. Respond to this column online at nicsentinel.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011

Reaching for repeat

Lady Cards seek another national title Benaiah Cheevers Staff Contributor The NIC women struggled against 5thranked Casper College and lost 83-73 in action on Saturday, Dec. 3 as weekend play concluded. NIC hosted Casper College, Sheridan College and the Idaho All-Stars and finished the tournament with a record of 2-1, putting the Lady Cards at 6-2 on the season.

Sophomore Julia Salmio led the Cardinals with a double-double posting-up for 10 rebounds and 15 points. Sophomore Korina Baker scored 16 points and Freshman Hannah Love came off the bench to score 14 points, but that was not enough to make up a 46-30 deficit after the first half of play.

With 12:04 left in the first half, Casper led 26-8. Casper scored 26 points off of turnovers. Rosalie Cutri led Casper with a game high 24 points.

NIC’s freshman Angela Woods scored 12 points and freshman Kate Buskey scored 10 points in that game.

Buskey, Salmio, Woods and Baker led the Lady Cards in scoring as they combined for 57 of the team’s 73 points in a 73-56 win against Sheridan College on Dec 2.

Buskey hit nine out of 13 free throws and scored 19 points in the game. Salmio scored 15 points and Woods scored 12, while Baker followed with 11.

On Thursday, Dec. 1, the women de-

feated Casper College from Wyoming 69-63.

Baker shot eight out of 14 from the field leading the team with 21 points.

“I’m just real happy with the win,” said head coach Chris Carlson. “Casper is ranked fifth in the nation right now, so this was the best win of the season for us so far.”

Salmio and Woods each scored 11 points in the game. The second half of the game was close as NIC only out-scored Casper, 38-37, in second half points.

“When we first came in we had a rough start, but since we have been here for about three months together, we’re really pulling together well and starting to play together as a team,” said freshmen Aime Durbrige from Australia. “We spend a lot of time hanging out together so it really pays off on the court for us.”

On Saturday, Nov. 26, the Lady Cards defeated the Lady Knights from Wenatchee Valley CC, 66-39. Baker led the team with her offensive and defensive effort as she finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and five steals.

Freshman Danika Johnson came off the bench to add 11 points and 6 rebounds. Buskey led NIC in scoring for the game with 12 points.

As downtown Coeur d’Alene was being lit up with fireworks and Christmas lights

NIC’s Dani Kastrava defies gravity in pursuit of the net. Ethan Schlussler/ Sentinel

See LADY CARDS | Page B7

Volleyball run ends in 9th place Yang, Vogt receive NJCAA All-Region 18 First Team honors Garrett Cabeza Staff Contributor After suffering an opening loss to Central Florida Community College and seeing their national championship hopes disappear on Nov. 17, the Lady Cards fought back to win three consecutive games and finished ninth at the NJCAA National Tournament in West Plains, Mo. “I’m very happy with our ninth place finish,” said head coach Kandice Kelly.

“We had a brand new team that started 3-5, which shows how much we improved.”

In the ninth and 10th place game against 12th-seeded Mineral Area College of Park Hills, Mo., the NIC Lady Cards held off the Mineral Area Lady Cards in five sets posting scores of 21-25, 25-20, 20-25, 25-22 and 15-12.

NIC improved its record to 5-2 in matches that lasted five sets and 25-10 overall for the season.

“Our team has this special chemistry, and when we’re on fire, we do amazing,” said sophomore outside hitter Mariah Smith.

Yang Yang, All-Region 18 First Team middle blocker, led the way with 20 kills, 16 digs and three aces, while sophomore outside hitter Janele Vogt, the other All-Region 18 First Team selection on the NIC team, added 14 kills and six blocks to the stat card. Freshman middle blocker Shelby Lausen totaled five blocks.

The Lady Cards had their sights set on 11th-seeded Temple College of Temple, Texas the pre-

vious day. The NIC squad handled Temple in four sets posting scores of 25-22, 25-19, 18-25 and 25-20.

Yang’s 14 kills and six blocks led NIC while Smith added 11 kills to go along with a team-high 10 digs. Vogt followed closely behind her teammate with 10 kills of her own, and All-Region 18 Second Team setter Sierra Pancho added 25 assists.

The Lady Cardinals defeated 15th-seeded Western Texas College earlier in the same day in a loser-out match. NIC won in straight sets with scores of 2519, 25-15 and 26-24.

The Lady Cardinals made their presence felt again as

See NATIONALS | Page B7

Cardinals rally during doubleheader Whitcomb, wrestlers begin to find groove as semester ends Emily Schell Staff Contributor The NIC wrestling team has continued on their winning path by dominating on home mats during the Cardinal Duals.

They competed in a double header on Nov. 19 while hosting Simon Fraser University (SFU) of Burnaby, British Columbia, Yakima Valley Community College

(YVCC) and the University of Great Falls from Montana. The Cardinals won both of their matches.

Coach Pat Whitcomb said that it was all about getting experience and doing well.

In the first matchup of the day, the Cardinals found a way to overtake SFU by posting a team score, 36-12.

NIC’s Joaquin Calderon defeated Skylor Davis at 1:36 into the match for the

Bryce McMahon shows his Canadian opponent from Simon Fraser University what it means to be on top of the competition. Ethan Schlussler/Sentinel

125-pound bracket. NIC’s Jarrett Morrill won a decision over JJ Lum at 141 pounds, 8-1. NIC’s Connor Pelzel won his match at 149 pounds. NIC’s Ryan Zumwalt won by major decision over Alex Stemer at 157 pounds, 10-1.

At 165 pounds, NIC’s Wilhelm Viljoen (W.V.) Meyer won by decision over Brock Lamb, 13-6. Cardinal Kyle Sweedman won by fall over Max Arcand in the 174-pounds bracket at 1:52. NIC’s 197-pound Nicholas Wasierski won by decision over Arjun Gill, 9-7.

In the second match of the double header, NIC earned a major domination with a score of 40-3 over Yakima Valley Community College.

NIC’s Calderon won by fall against George Byrd at 125 pounds 2:40 minutes in. At 135 pounds, NIC’s Mike Carreon defeated Nathan Brown by major decision, 11-0. NIC’s Morrill at 141 pounds won by decision over Konner Hopkins, 3-1. NIC’s McMahon won by fall at 149 pounds against Travis Addy at 4:11 into the match. At 157 pounds, NIC’s Zumwalt won by major decision against Ben Carter, 13-0.

Cardinal W.V. Meyer at 165 pounds won by major decision against Michael Ayala, 10-0. NIC’s Sweedman at 174 pounds won by fall over Jose Martinez at 5:29 minutes. At 197 pounds, NIC’s Wasierski defeated Chris Burnett, 4-1.

Cardinal Matthew Foxworthy won by major decision over Ricky Carter at 284 pounds, 11-1.

YVCC’s Daniel Agao at 184 pounds won by decision over Christopher Kramer, 9-4, earning Yakima’s only win for the matchup.

DID YOU KNOW? The Autodesk Cyberspace system allows users to play virtual racquetball with a special visor and racquet.

SPORTS

www.nicsentinel.com

the sentinel | B7

Chucking small black balls of fury becomes art, pastime for many students Story by Chanse Watson ■ Staff Contributor all out war in the Christianson gym It waswhen the North Idaho College Rec.

Sports program hosted a dodgeball tournament on Thursday, Dec. 1.

Five teams consisting of free agents and prior signed-up players came out to participate in the competition for a chance to win a highly coveted Rec. Sports championship T-shirt. Jessica Johanson, NIC’s Rec. Sports and challenge course coordinator, even decided to join in on the fierce competition.

When the chaos ended, the final team left standing consisted of members from the NIC men’s soccer team. Kyle Hammond, 19, education, Missoula, Mont., was a member of the winning team and he said his team’s strategy was simply “ to win and hoard the balls.”

His reason for playing was shared amongst many of the coeds who came to huck balls at innocent students.

Hammond and some friends said that when they saw the posters in the Student Union Building (SUB) it

Jenifer Rosie winds up a dodgeball pitch. Ethan Schlussler/ Sentinel

>BASKETBALL from page A1

on seven points and Conner White scored three.

“Tyrell came off the bench at the end for us and really broke down to get some steals and create turnovers,” Phay said.

“It’s tough to sit on the bench for almost the whole game and then come in and step up, but Tyrell did that.”

Middlebrooks continued to dominate the board with 11 rebounds and 14 points in an 83-70 victory over Green River Community College on Dec 2.

The bench for the Cards combined for 33 points in the game. Lewis scored 13 points and had four assists. Antoine Hosley went five out of 11 from the field and scored 12 points. McCloud and Joksimovic each scored 11 points.

Middlebrooks totaled 16 points and 19 rebounds as the men’s team earned a 10372 win over Peninsula College on Nov. 27.

Team effort had the men’s basketball team playing well early in the season. Joksimovic led the Cardinals in scoring with 21 points as NIC outscored Peninsula College, 53-36, in the first half and 50 to 36 in the

second half. Middlebrooks scored 16 points and Lewis scored 16 also.

McCloud scored 14 points and freshman Hosely followed with 13. Edrico McGregor added to the score with eight points shooting four for four from the field.

On Nov. 26 at home court, NIC beat the Williston State College Tetons 86-70, in the NIC Thanksgiving Classic. Lewis scored a team-high 23 points by shooting five out of 11 from the field and 13 for 13 from the free throw line “They pressed us a lot tonight,” Phay said. “Keon had to do a little bit of everything tonight, but he handled it well.”

Lewis, a 6-foot-2 guard from Chief Sealth High in Seattle, also had seven rebounds and three steals. NIC out-rebounded Williston State, 36-20.

“We had a definite size advantage, and we were able to take advantage of it,” Phay said. “Williston plays hard and this was a quality win for us.”

Phay said Middlebrooks has elevated his game since the loss of Cole Luckett to a torn ACL earlier this month.

“He’s been playing huge,” Phay said.

“He’s been running the court on both sides. The sky is really the limit for him.”

NIC’s Keon Lewis stares down Yakima’s Erik Martinez on day two of the Bigfoot Cardinal Classic. NIC achieved a narrow victory that night. Eric Rivera/Sentinel

Justin Michael fires back with vengeance. Ethan

“sounded like fun, so we decided to play.”

Jenifer Rosie, pre-med, said that she played for the same reason, but the tournament also provided a break from homework. Rosie was a unique player in the competition, utilizing her softball pitching skills to send balls whizzing at opponents underhanded.

“It’s easier and natural for me,” Rosie said.

Even though the reasons for participating were similar, strategies differed from team to team. Some were more thought out such as Steven Junkermier’s, 18, education, Spokane, plan to “play smart.”

“Once we had the numbers, we would all throw at once,” Junkermier said.

Other strategies were much more simple such as Cody Davis’s, 18, pre-law, plan to “throw a lot of balls.”

The dodgeball tournament was one of the last events put on by the Rec. Sports program for the fall semester. Co-ed 3-on-3 basketball will continue every Monday and Wednesday night until the semester ends.

Rec. Sports will have a whole new schedule for students when they return for spring semester on Jan. 9.

Schlussler/ Sentinel

>NATIONALS

the College of Southern Idaho in the Region 18 championship game which NIC lost.

In the second set of the match, a scary moment occurred when Yang did the splits trying to dig a ball and her hips popped. She laid on the floor momentarily and returned to the game after sitting out a play.

Yang led her team with 10 kills and five blocks while Sarff and Smith contributed 12 digs apiece and Pancho led with 18 assists.

The top-seeded and No. 1 ranked team in the country, Blinn College of Brenham, Texas won the national championship beating third-seeded Western Wyoming Community College in four sets and completed a perfect season in the process by going 38-0.

It is the second national championship in the Blinn CC volleyball program’s history with the first one coming only three years ago in 2008.

from page B6

Yang led with six blocks and 13 kills, Smith with 11 kills and 11 digs, and Sarff with 11 digs and three aces. Ewing contributed 11 kills, Lausen with five blocks and Pancho guided the offensive attack with 22 assists in the winning effort.

In the first round, 10th-seeded Central Florida upset seventh-seeded NIC in three sets. After a tight contest in the first two sets, 27-25 and 28-26, the Lady Cardinals fell to Central Florida 25-12 in the last set.

“The difference maker there is going to be no errors,” Kelly said. “Let’s make them work for their points, not give them their points.”

NIC committed 20 hitting errors in that match, the same amount NIC suffered against

>LADY CARDS

ing in the second half. Woods added 10 points for NIC. “Julia has been figuring it out,” Carlson said. “She had 16 in the first game and went real strong to the basket tonight.”

Buskey scored 14 points and Baker scored 13 points to lead the Cardinals past the North Idaho All-Stars 77-64 on Nov.18.

NIC unvieled its 2010 NJCAA championship banner during a pregame celebration.

Lindsay Herbert and Bianca Cheever were top scorers posting15 points apiece for the All-Stars.

NIC will travel to Longview, Wash. on Dec. 28 to play in the Lower Columbia College Tournament.

from page B6

on Friday, Nov. 25, the Lady Cards were on their way to victory against the Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) Sasquatch in a 71-52 victory.

Salmio led the way against CCS scoring 16 points and Angela Woods added 10 points for NIC for the second game this season to help establish the Lady Card’s strong inside game.

The women took control of the game with their defense forcing 20 turnovers and holding the Sasquatch to 30.8 percent shoot-

NIC’s Fly Fishing Club invites students to join them in the last trip of the year Dec. 17. Anglers will meet in the SUB at 10 a.m. Equipment can be rented with notice. Contact Tony Velasquez at (208) 964-2518 to RSVP.

Rec. Sports sets up 9 teams for volleyball playoffs Students find relaxing alternative to studying through funny team names, spikes, kills Eric Rivera Sports Editor With finals quickly approaching, many Cardinals can be found doing one thing in their spare time: playing co-ed volleyball.

NIC Rec. Sports has been hosting a volleyball league since Nov. 8 to provide a much need break from homework for many students around campus.

The league started with 11 teams but has since dwindled down to nine before going into

the playoffs, which will be held on Dec. 6. Players were given some creative freedom on choosing their team name and it shows from the roster.

The remaining teams are Car Ram Rod, Kinky Sets, Valley Rally, Always Get Up, Blue Balls, Swamp Donkeys, Get the Block, Good Luck and Free Agents.

All the teams except the Free Agents and Blue Balls have received first round byes into the quarterfinal round giving incentive to those teams that competed well over the month of competition.

Thomas Leo, 19, criminology/psychology, was a co-creator of the team Blue Balls. His team gained some notoriety around campus with the attention grabbing posters they posted in an effort to recruit some players.

He said that they chose the “cheesiest” name they could because of the innuendo it carried with it.

Many teams are comprised of athletes from the NIC athletics program. Always Get Up has a few softball players mixed in and Car Ram Rod contains some wrestlers, like Gabe Kruse

who wrestles at the 133-pound bracket.

“When you get to do a sport that isn’t serious or your job all the time, like with wrestling, it is fun,” Kruse said.

Tanner Robert, 19, nursing, works for Rec. Sports and said he wants to encourage as many students to come out and watch the playoffs.

“On the first night, we had a lot of people come and watch, which is cool,” Robert said.

“Many of the teams came dressed up and were in bright colors. We want to host events that many people can come and have fun at.”

CUT OUT THIS BRACKET AND COME CHEER ON YOUR FAVORITE TEAM DURING THE PLAYOFFS

Kinky Sets

Good Luck Free Agents

Game #1

Blue Balls

Game #4

Winner of Game #4

Championship Game

Winner of Game #2

Car Ram Rod

Winner of Game #1

Always Get It Up

Game #5

Get The Block

Game #2

Game #7

VS

Game #6

Swamp Donkeys

Winner of Game #3

Winner of Game #5

Infographic Design: Eric Rivera

Game #3

Valley Rally

LIGHTING CEREMONY

B8 | the sentinel

Monday, December 5, 2011

Sparkle NIC students, community celebrate Coeur d’Alene’s annual parade, holiday light show

Devin Heilman Managing Editor

utive years. This was her seventh time going.

“It’s a nice little tradition for the town,” she said. “I appreciate it.”

It all commenced just as dusk settled on Photos by Ethan Schlussler downtown Coeur d’Alene. The cacophony of the parade could be heard blocks away from he day after Thanksgiving means the parade route on Sherman Avenue. The many things for the residents of sounds of brass instruments, horse hooves, North Idaho: Leftovers, Black jingling bells, fire truck horns and much more Friday and sometimes shoveling permeated the air. Children walked hand-inmounds of snow. hand with their parents as they laughed and But what many people look forward to, old gazed at the spectacle. and young alike, is the tree lighting ceremony Members of numerous community organizaand fireworks display on Lake Coeur d’Alene. tions and schools rolled, walked and marched Ben Sheff, 22, Boston, general studies, said down the street, some in a vait was his first time attendriety of vehicles strewn with ing the event. lights and ribbons. Vehicles “The fireworks show ranging from Jeeps, boats and was really cool and was my antique cars to a brightly lit favorite par t of the lightThe Coeur d’Alene Resort’s fire truck, complete with Santa ing ceremony,” he said.

161-ft. Christmas tree set the Claus on the rooftop, could be This year marked the record for being the world’s seen passing through the lively 25th edition of the Coeur crowd. d’Alene Resor t Holiday tallest living Christmas tree.

After the floats and marchLight Show, which was It is more than twice as tall ing bands dispersed, people preceded by the tradias the tree in Rockefeller filtered into the various coffee tional holiday par ade.

Center and displays more shops and restaurants to warm Danni Bain, 22, theater, up for a few minutes prior to Coeur d’Alene, has attendthan 30,000 lights. the lighting ceremony. The ed the show for five consec-

T

A Closer Look

masses shuffled west toward Independence Point and the Coeur d’Alene Resort to hear a brief speech by the master of ceremonies, Jerry Jaeger, president and co-owner of Hagadone Hospitality.

Singers serenaded the nearly 30,000 people with classic Christmas songs such as “Silent Night” as candles were passed through the crowd and lit. Then the magic happened.

The sky lit up for about eight minutes as more than 1,400 shells and 3,000 shots of firework magic exploded overhead. Brilliant colors shot into the air and sparkled into nothing as smoke billowed on the water. Adults and children cheered, “oohed” and “aahed” while the fireworks illuminated the winter sky.

More than a million lights were then turned on to festively brighten downtown Coeur d’Alene for the 2011-2012 holiday season. When the show ended, a roaring crowd applauded.

The spell had broken; people began packing up their kids and blankets and headed home.

“The part where they turn on the lights is my favorite part of the ceremony,” Bain said.

The lighting ceremony and fireworks show was featured on a live taping of “Good Morning America” in 2007, giving Coeur d’Alene national television exposure and a reputation as a not-tomiss holiday destination.