Feb. 9, 2012 (43.6)

Watch where you walk PG. 9

Internet privacy PG. 3

A funny perspective about why you should be careful

A variety of websites protest SOPA and PIPA

Feb. 9 - Feb. 22, 2012

Obama on education PG. 4

Are his policies regarding reform good or bad?

spokanefalls.edu/communicator

Volume 43 | Issue 6

State might increase higher ed. funding Whitney Marshall The Communicator

Sen. Michael Baumgartner introduced a Senate joint resolution on Friday January 27, which will raise $890 million for higher education by changing the Constitution. Currently the operating budget, which funds higher education brings in $2.75 billion for it.

“I think higher ed. is going to continue to be the lowest priority for the state legislature unless we pass something like my amendment in the State Constitution as a second priority, and give it a dedicated revenue stream,” Baumgartner said.

On January 31, Sen. Baumgartner requested a hearing on the resolution. Through this resolution, educa-

tion will become the second-highest funding priority in the state. The amendment will go to the vote of the people after two-thirds of the legislature approves it.

“I think what our economy needs, and what our society needs is quality, affordable higher education,” Baumgartner said. “Right now in the state constitution K-12 is listed as the primary funding obligation of the state.”

The joint resolution will change the Washington State Constitution in order to provide higher education with more funding from the state.

“I think that the Constitution should be changed with great hesitation,” Baumgartner said. “You don’t want to get around and mess with the Constitution to change it arbitrarily and to me this is the only way I

can see to get enough funding to not have higher ed be the lowest priority.

“But if other people have other ways to protect funding for our education, I welcome them.”

CCS has seen the affects of budget cutting from higher education.

“Since July 2008, a cumulative total of $20.1 million has been cut from the state’s operating budget allocation to Community Colleges of Spokane,” Anne Tucker, CCS Public Information Officer said. “Continued cuts threaten Washington students’ access to post-secondary education, which today is required to compete successfully for family-wage jobs.”

Students in Washington State will have to pay less since the state will be covering most of the costs, if this resolution passes.

“More dedicated funding will

What Michael Baumgartner Believes America is too dependant on foreign oil.

America needs healthcare reform that improves coverage.

Contributed photo of Sen. Michael Baumgartner

help to hold down students’ cost of attending a college or university

Source: votebaumgartner.com

SENATOR | Page 2

How to woo your valentine Candidate for governor comes to Spokane Whitney Marshall The Communicator

Pgs.Pg. 6-77 Nadia Kurakin | The Communicator

Same-sex marriage bill passes in Washington Alicia Villa

The Communicator Gay marriage legalization in Washington may not be far in the future.

Senate Bill 5793, which permits full marital rights to same gender couples, passed 28-21 on Wednesday.

Now it needs to pass in the house.

“The definition of marriage as between one man and one woman works...redefining this definition

could lead to other redefinitions of marriage,” said State Senator Mike Padden.

Where opposers of the bill feel the current definition of marriage serves its purpose, writers of the bill argue that it excludes gay and lesbian Washingtonians.

“The state of Washington has a proud tradition of respect for the principle that no human being should be denied his or her full rights and responsibilities under the law,” said in SB 5793.

States that currently allow gay marriage:

Connecticut Iowa Massachusetts New Hampshire New York

Last Friday, Shahram Hadian, one of the candidates running for Governor for the State of Washington, came to Spokane while on his campaign tour.

He is running against two other candidates as Governor Gregoire is finishing her final term.

Contributed photo of Shahram Hadian Hadian was born in Iran and lived basics, we need to get rid of Common Core there until he was 7 years old. His Standards which is a one size fits all apparents decided to move to the USA proach,” Hadian said. “Bring the local conin 1978. After being in the country trol back to our teachers and principals. just a few weeks, they learned that “At the local level they can tailor the curthe Shah of Iran was overthrown. riculum to their demographics, and to the He waited almost 15 years in order kids that they are dealing with.” to become legal citizens in the USA Hadian said he wants to bring the eduTwelve years ago, Hadian became cation system down to the local level so a Christian. He then went to school teachers can make decisions in regards to at a Bible college, and for the past their students.

9 years he has been “Depending on whatserving as a pastor in “Bring the local control ever issues they may the city of Edmond, back to our teachers and have, teachers can chalnear Seattle. principals.” lenge students not for Hadian has a plan -Shahram Hadian the test, but for academfor making changes Candidate for State Governor ic improvement,” Hadto the education sysian said. “So that you’re tem if he is elected to basing on the improvement of the kids not the Governor’s office. just whether they pass the test or not.”

“My proposal is that we go back Hadian is endorsed by Rep. Jim McCune to the fact that we need to teach the

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Feb. 9 - feb. 22, 2012

NEWS Washington State Governors Facts:

1: There were 21 governors of the Washington Territory.

2: There have been 22 governors of Washington State.

Photo Illustration by Nancy Locke

University transfer deadlines coming Alicia Villa

The Communicator Transfer students need to get their applications in, university deadlines are coming up hard and fast.

WSU’s deadline of Jan. 31 has already passed. UW’s and EWU’s deadlines are Feb. 15, which also happens to be the financial aid priority date for all three schools.

“Know your deadlines and be ahead of them, it’s difficult for a student to hear they can’t transfer (because of late paperwork),” said Craig Whiteside, an academic adviser at WSU. “Beat your deadlines with enough time to scramble for paperwork you have missed or forgotten.”

Some students may feel overwhelmed at the amount of forms required for transfer students, others enjoy completing the paperwork.

“I was overwhelmed with a sense of scholarly achievement when I applied.

My problems consisted of containing my excitement in meeting the deadline,” said Colten Cain, SFCC student and University of Montana hopeful.

In regards to deadlines, counselors recommend that students complete their application and never hesitate to get help.

“Definitely ask questions, it can be complicated at times, and try to get everything done as soon as possible,” said Afton Tyler, an academic adviser at UW. There are different types of transfer students though, those who have earned just enough credits to transfer, and those who have received their Associate of Arts degree. The latter may find themselves ready to work at their major.

“The idea of transferring from a community college is a great idea... Focusing on general education requirements

Senator:

From Page 1

while maintaining quality in our faculty,” V.P. Alex Roberts of Student and Administrative Services said. “It also has a potential positive impact on the ability to modernize facilities so learning can occur in up-to-date buildings using contemporary equipment.”

The Senate Joint Resolution 8225, allows more funding to be designated for higher education. Currently the paramount Constitutional duty of the state is to fund K-12 education, in order to provide a basic education for the citizens of Washington State. By changing the Constitution of Washington State with this resolution, the amendment will include higher education.

2

allows you to slip into your major by getting the prerequisite courses out of the way,” said Whiteside.

The worth of an AA degree is weighed differently, depending on student’s plan, it can be deemed as priceless.

“The AA will transfer as a block to a university, so when students transfer they already meet the general education requirements and will have the security of transferring with a junior standing,” Pemberton said.

Some students might feel that it’s not worth the time when they are able to transfer and start their major, despite the loss of credits.

“Sure, you are more likely to get into a school as a transfer if you already have your AA, but I don’t think it’s essential... I can only hope that at least the majority of my credits will transfer to UW, however I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of them not go through,” Cain said.

An AA degree may not be the best choice for all students, as some university programs don’t mesh well with the degree.

“Getting an AA degree may not be for everyone. For example, architecture courses at WSU are set up for sophomores, a student transferring with an AA degree would be considered a junior and therefore behind,” said SFCC counselor Loren Pemberton.

Transferring with a combination of an AA degree and a selected major could have play a heavy hand in students’ school selection and what schools accept them.

“We mainly look at your credits and your preparation for your major,” said Tyler.

“It’s (a specific major) not necessarily required, but it is something we absolutely value... it puts you that much ahead of the competition.”

“The world has changed dramatically. For students to be prepared in today’s world, education and training must be done by the means of cutting edge technology that SFCC students will be expected to use in the workforce or at the baccalaureate institutions where they transfer,” V.P. Minkler of student learning at SFCC said.

Right now, with the downturn economy, many students are struggling to pay their tuition.

“First and foremost, many of our students are not able to attend college without financial assistance.”

Minkler said.

This will not increase taxes, but just have a larger portion of the Operating Budget designated to higher education.

3: Governor’s serve 4 year terms.

4: There are no term limits for governors in Washington State.

The Communicator

Governor: From Page 1

Hadian’s supporters endorce his views who serves in the 2nd legislative district.

“Shahram will be a fighter for our God given rights and for religious freedom, which is one of the most important aspects of our Bill of Rights,” McCune said.

One of the big issues that the new Governor will have to deal with when elected is the state budget, which includes funding for education.

“We need to reduce some of the administrative costs. We need to reduce some of the top down administrative load. Education in the state is administrative heavy, we need to look at making some cuts there.”

Hadian said.

Marriage: 16,000 couples to be affected by state’s decision to legalize samesex marriage From Page 1

The bill backs the motion to completely legalize gay marriage. In the 2000 census, Washington was home to about sixteen thousand homosexual couples, with nearly one in four of these couples being parents.

“While some of these couples may have domestic partner registries in their jurisdictions, such arrangements do not offer the same scope and depth of rights, responsibilities, privileges, and protections offered by civil marriages, nor do they provide any legal standing outside the jurisdiction in which they occur” said in SB 5793 Using this information, the sponsors of the bill the said there is a need for these couples to enjoy the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts. These rights include the right to inherit a spouse’s property, to refuse testimony against a spouse in court, to transfer property, and to receive employment and pension benefits, amongst others.

The most well-known supporter of this bill, Gov. Christine Gregoire, said that her own grown daughters influenced her decision to push this legislation.

Along with Hadian, Attorney General Rob Mckenna, is running on the Republican ticket for Governor in the State of Washington. On the Democratic ticket is Congressman Jay Inslee from the first congressional district.

Robin Ball is the Eastern Washington campaign co-chair for Attorney General Rob McKenna.

“The reason I support Rob McKenna for governor is because I believe he brings the knowledge, background, education, and passion to the position of governor,” Ball said. “ He has proven himself in previous positions with the Seattle City Council, and as Attorney General that he can bring people together to solve problems with less political bashing than anyone else who has run in years.”

Since there are two republicans running on the same ticket, Hadian and McKenna, the republican candidate moving forward from the primary, will be the single republican representative on the final ballot.

“She said that youth of this generation have grown up with other kids who have two moms or two dads and that they have seen that love and commitment is what’s important—not discrimination,” said Cory Curtis, a spokesperson for Gregoire.

Gregoire also referenced that the upcoming generation is more accepting of same-sex relationships.

“The youth always are the revolutionaries,” said Barbara Williamson, SFCC instructor and adviser to the Alliance Club. “Additionally, and perhaps even more importantly, it’s their lives we are talking about, their futures.

“This marriage equality debate isn’t academic for them, it will affect them for the rest of their lives... they are in fact fighting for their very lives, and it is that important.”

Eric Peters, SFCC Alliance Club member and part of a couple hoping to legally marry said the more opposition to gay marriage there was the more he wanted to fight it.

“I’m sick of being told my love for my partner isn’t equal to the love of a straight man and a straight woman,” Peters said.

“Domestic partnership loses the aspect of marriage...domestic partnership is just a legal term.”

The Alliance club meets Fridays from 1-2 PM in 24-325 and has a member present on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30-1:30 p.m. in 24-300L.

Voter opinions on gay rights: Voters for/ against same-sex couple marriage For: 46 Against: 48 Unsure: 6

Should states have the right to not recognize same-sex marriages from other states?

Should: 44 Not: 49 Unsure: 7

ShouldCurrent Federal law refuses same-sex marriages federal benefits?

Yes: 35 Not: 59 Unsure: 6

Should homosexuals/gays or lesbians be allowed to serve in the military?

Yes: 77 Not: 21 Unsure: 2 Source: polingreport.com.

Drew Castellaw| The Communicator

SFCC student Eric Peters can now move forward on a legal marriage.

Did You Know?: New York was the last state to officially legalize same-sex marriage.

Feb. 9 - feb. 22, 2012

NEWS

The Communicator

Websites protest SOPA Ben Simpson

The Communicator In response to what critics describe as censorship of the Internet, thousands of website protest potential bills aiming to target offshore piracy havens that steal copyrighted materials.

On Jan. 18 Wikipedia and Reddit initiated a ‘blackout’ of their sites in protest of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA), an unprecedented move which removes any users access to the sites excepting an explanation of the protest itself. Even Google, while not strictly blacking out it’s own website, put a black redaction bar over its logo that linked to SOPA information.

The reason for these blackouts was described on the pages themselves, which urged readers to inform themselves on these bills (which can be quite technical) and, if they opposed the ideas the bills constituted, write and call government representatives which supported them to voice that opposition.

“In late 2011, the United States Congress proposed two legislative bills...which legal scholars and others have advised have the potential to significantly change the way that information can be shared through the Internet.,” Wikipedia said on it’s blackout information page. “It is the opinion of the English Wikipedia community that both of these bills, if passed, would be devastating to the free and open web.”

The bill has been supported by a number of large corporations including media giants such as Viacom, News Corporation and Disney, according to a report by the house judiciary committee.

Wikipedia said that over 162 million people saw it’s message during the blackout.

“This tactic could prove effective, and I doubt it went unnoticed,.” said SFCC IT specialist Erik Moeller. “If people weren’t aware before and they start hearing about these websites taking a stand, I think there is enough websites participating that a lot of people would have taken notice.”

Planetarium gets finishing touches

Nancy Locke | The Communicator

Observatory construction project comes to a close.

Rocky Radke

The Communicator SFCC’s new planetarium dome is due to go up, opening up showings for students for about $6 a piece.

The planetarium’s highlight and finishing touch (the dome) is being completed On Jan. 25 at 9 a.m. when the dome will be lifted into place, which has been anticipated for a long time.

Once the dome is up college staff plan to make the planetarium a public attraction.

“We are community college, which means we are supposed to be a part of the community,” said James Brady, Dean of Science, Math and Computing. “You can’t put on a play in a science building, you can’t put on a choir performance in a science building, but you can do a planetarium show. So starting March 2nd we’re going to do public shows every Friday night.”

Being right on the edge of campus, the location could play a major role in drawing people’s attention.

“When people drive by I want them to turn and go ‘What’s that!’,” said Brady. It’s that icon feature that draws you in and identifies you with the campus.”

“I think it’s ideal,” said Astronomy Professor John Whitmer. “People driving up the hill, the first thing they’re going to see is that planetarium. I think we couldn’t have gotten a better spot for it.”

One of the reasons the dome can be a positive addition is that with its iconic presence it can draw in astronomy and science students looking for a campus with a planetarium.

“I’ve seen the dome and I’m actually pretty excited about it,” said SFCC student Samantha Howard. “It’s an incredible gift for us to have this here and it’s a great use of funds and everything.

“You don’t really get the full experience of astronomy class if you don’t have a planetarium.”

There were some hiccups along the way in building the planetarium the college may not have ultimately gotten the dome (due to funding issues) if it hadn’t been for the funding from the Associated Student Government (ASG).

“One of the nice things about it was, and why I think it ultimately worked out, when the students gave us the $200,000 the only thing they asked us to do was to keep fighting for the dome,” said Brady.

The cost of the planetarium was a little over $1 million. A plaque commemorating the efforts and funding, reads: “In recognition of the Spokane Falls Community College EOS planetarium was made possible by a generous contribution from the 2008-09 associated student board.”

Since one of the main reasons for a planetarium was to promote the sciences it’s being used to benefit those outside the college as well. SFCC staff plans on taking every advantage it can to do so.

“Every Tuesday and Thursday we have 2 times set aside for K-12 shows,” said Brady. “For elementary school students, for high school students, for public, for private, for daycare if they are an educational entity for young people if they can get the kids here, the show is free.”

Top 20 engineering developments according to Neil Armstrong: Electrification Automobile Airplane Safe Water Electronics Radio/TV Agricultural Mechanization Nancy Locke | The Communicator

The Engineering/Computer Science Club readies equipment for flight.

SFCC engineers fly space balloon Rocky Radke

The Communicator The cold and rain couldn’t keep the Engineering Club from their mission; the successful testing of all the systems aboard their space balloon.

Weather hindered tests on Feb. 1, but that wouldn’t stop the Engineering Club’s determination to see things through. The rain made everything heavier than expected and the five party balloons wouldn’t carry it up.

Instead, the students took the project up onto the bleachers and tested the capsule and parachute’s severing device by dangling the project over the back of the SFCC stadium. Party balloons were used in place of the main balloon because it is cheaper to fill and they didn’t want to damage the more expensive weather balloon material.

“Someone mentioned the space balloon idea and getting footage of the exterior near space of earth,” said SFCC Engineering Club President Jacob Ellis. “We decided that we could do it and we’ve just been plugging away at it since.”

Space balloon is another name for a high-altitude balloon filled with either helium or hydrogen that can float upward into the stratosphere, which is the atmospheric layer ranging from about 6 to 30 miles in altitude. The Engineering club plans to send equipment up in the balloon that can gauge altitude, movement, temperature and wind speed.

“The space balloon, for us, is kind

Famous Art Heists 1: Largest heist

in U.S History was Rembrandt’s The Storm on the Sea of Galilee in 1990.

2: Leonardo da Vinci’s The Mona Lisa was stolen The Louvre in 1911.

Source: pbs.org

of intended to send a few tests and theories into space,” said Engineering club member Kenny Hoener. “Mainly it’s to capture some really good footage, hopefully of the crest of the earth through our own eyes.”

While these kinds of club projects can be a way to test out classroom theory; they can also give a significant advantage when applying to a four-year university.

“Universities are looking for that they are doing more than just going to class,” said Engineering instructor Mark Gorski. “Some places require letters of recommendations from the advisor and if they’ve been in the engineering club, I always put in that they’ve been an active member.”

The balloon’s main flight, which is slated for early May, will attempt to capture a high resolution video of the campus as the capsule floats by.

The Engineering club plans to launch the space balloon in an area outside of Spokane so the winds will carry it over the campus. A radio transmitter will also be inside the capsule allowing them to track the capsule via ham radio so they can collect the information from the instruments. If successful, all SFCC students can look forward to some great pictures of the campus.

I think it will get people excited about our club and possibly interested in Engineering,” said SFCC Engineering club member Brian Vanabbema. “It’s definitely one of the bonuses.”

SFCC art theft Alicia Villa

The Communicator The Strip Show art gallery featured alumni and faculty art between Jan. 5 and Feb. 4. The art strips were popular among viewers, although one particular piece was so popular it was stolen.

The piece was part of alumni artist Albert Ayars’s strip, a functional USB flashdrive rumored to be valued above $300 due to the gems decorating the piece. The piece was taken between the opening of the show and the day it was noticed missing, Jan. 13. “The gallery is insured, and we do have the surveillance cameras and faculty is always in the building during gallery hours,” said Thomas

Computers Telephone Air Conditioning Interstate Highways Space Exploration Internet Imaging technologies Household Appliances Health Technologies Petroleoum/ Gas technologies Laser/Fiber Optics Nuclear Technologies High Performance Materials Source: National Academy of Engineering

O’Day, instructor and gallery director.

Security measures are taken to protect the more valuable items.

“Generally, we keep small items in secure cases, those valued over $1000 receive extra protective measures such as secured glass cases or security hooks,” said O’Day This isn’t the first theft to occur in the gallery, and might not be the first prosecuted theft.

“The last theft was in the 80’s, a card valued at $1000 was taken from a private collection,” O’day said. “We did find the person, they were arrested and booked for grand theft, but the item was returned in good condition and we did not press charges.

“I’m not interested in prosecuting, I’m interested in getting the piece back.”

3

Feb. 9 - feb. 22, 2012

Perspectives

Politics drive this country. Everyone has the ability to cast their vote and help in determining our policies on pressing issues. Washingtonians sometimes feel underrepresented because we live far away from the nation’s capital, and the State of Washington is not very populated in comparison to states like New York, Illinois, Texas or California. But we still have roughly 6 million people here, things work well for us, and many of us feel we should have more of a say in the country’s politics.

Washington is also interesting because it’s a split state. It represents the political mood of the nation on a much smaller scale. The western part of the state tends to lean towards democrats when they vote, while the eastern part leans more towards republicans. Although Barack Obama won the city of Spokane proper in 2008, all of the surrounding towns and communities went for John McCain. Washington is a diverse state when it comes to everything from politics to religion to landscape. We have the second lowest church attendance rate in the country, just behind Vermont, but we have the sixth largest Mormon population. We have diversity that many people on the East Coast would never suspect of the Northwest. We have a great standard of living, and we are a leader in transport of goods to Asia. We should be represented fairly on the national level.

Obama’s education proclamation

T

of school should do so, to make Things room for those who value eduare not cation. There are people in the looking good world who would love to have the for Barack education available in the USA. Obama.

If things continue going the way Those on the they are, our education system political right could fall apart. never liked Education is the foundation of him and never Jackson will. Now, even societies. If the USA becomes a country that cares more about Colby those on the preventing homosexuals from getpolitical left are ting married than educating youth, turning on him we’re in big trouble. because he didn’t fulfill promises Look at another proposal he made.

Obama made during his State It seems that he has a strong of the Union address, regarding appeal among political modercommunity colleges. ates these days, but GOP candi“In the United States of Amerdates like Mitt Romney and Ron ica, no one should go broke Paul are challenging him for this because they loyalty. chose to go Liberals ac“In the United States of to college,” cuse republicans America, no one should go Obama said. of being too broke because they choose to He goes on hard on demoto recommend crats, conservago to college.” funding for tives accuse -Barack Obama community democrats of U.S. President colleges be being too hard linked to the on republicans. I colleges’ ability to cut cost. accuse everyone of being too easy This would mean that comon politicians who pitch tailored munity colleges will start laying messages to target audiences, off teachers and hiring adjuncts. knowing they’ll never be able to Cutting cost. satisfy them.

Online classes would become Many students and teachers more prevalent than classroom think that President Obama has classes involving actual human their best interests in mind. His interaction. heart might be in the right place, Why should we pay teachers but let’s look at the facts. here to educate youth, when for a In his State of the Union address tenth of the price we could have this year, Obama said he intends someone overseas do it online? to raise the minimum high school Not only would this diminish dropout age to 18. the quality of our education, but This may sound like a good idea it would do serious damage to at first, but in reality it would be a the college experience itself. One disaster. of the best parts about college is Students who don’t want to be meeting people, taking classes in school would be there, wastwith teachers you can talk to ing the teachers’ time and state’s face-to-face and forming lifelong money. friendships.

Students who take school I don’t think Obama truly wants seriously would be distracted by to destroy this aspect of education slackers who don’t care about that has existed for generations, education. but he sure is trying to.

People wanting to drop out

4

Education reform policies explained Having just recently left the public education system most college students can say that our educations system needs reform.

The clear position of the President and the GOP candidates for president on education is reform that is certain. Currently Obama’s approach is to try and cut costs and increase funding. He also intends Randy to relieve the pressures created by Breedlove the no child left behind act. This is definitely a good thing, the NCLB act causes schools to teach towards standardized tests instead of subjects more relevant to an individuals students’ needs. This focus on testing causes children with gaps in knowledge to preform poorly resulting in cuts to school funding. The repeal of the act would reverse this and schools that are lacking resources would be rewarded and helped instead of being left behind. The bill essentially does the opposite of its title, students who need the most help tend to score poorly on tests and lower their schools average which means that funding for that school “Children are our future, is cut.

This let’s not make that future means we are pushing harder for them than it students to do well already is.” on tests and not -Randy Breedlove ing focusFocus Editor on a critical and free thinking. These two things seem to be repressed in the current education system and when students of this flawed system get to college they struggle and fail.The GOP candidates consisting of Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney,Ron Paul and Rick Sanotrum all agree on reform but in various ways, ranging from elimination of the federal governments role in education to increasing the role of state and local government. This would probably mean taxes that could be more easily voted down when at the state and local levels. In the 2010 census data 57.5 percent of the population are over 18 and under 65 years old, and 12.7 are over 65 years old. This could mean that about 70 percent of people in Spokane County are more inclined to vote down levees that would help education here in Spokane.

Education is something that can’t easily be fixed and it certainly doesn’t start with cutting funding. Obama, out of all the possible 2012 presidential candidates has the best idea; cut useless programs and increase the access to education for the public. Obama said that nobody should have to go broke because they decided to go to college. If Obama’s bill means things get cut to add money to federal student aid, it won’t mean that teachers will get replaced or out sourced.

I think that Obama has the best approach so far, add money to eduction, don’t cut it. Children are our future, let’s not make that future harder for them than it already is.

Poll Results: Which 2012 presidential canidate do you think would be the best president?

shelby miltner | Editor

The Staff

The Communicator, a student-run publication, provides students an opportunity to connect with their campus and enrich their time at SFCC. We hope to maintain a forum in which students are able to voice diverse opinions on campus-related issues.

The Communicator also aims to inform students about topics relevant to their education.

Editor-in-Chief Ashley Hiruko Managing Editor Jackson Colby Web Manager Lauren Miller News Editor Clayton Kraft Focus Editor Randy Breedlove Sidelines Editor Gabriel Dillon Perspectives Editor Shelby Miltner Photo Editor Nancy Locke Graphics Angelisa Turner Multimedia Nadia Kurakin Adviser Jason Nix Marketing Loni Taber Advertising Randy Breedlove

Writers Rockford Radke Alicia Villa Kylie Lindquist Whitney Marshall Demarciee Gandy Ben Simpson Will Gilman Luke Copenspire Clayton Palmquist Dominick Martinez Allie Roberts Kailee Suender Courtney Brooks Angelisa Turner Matt Moffat Aaron Emery Photographers Drew Castellaw

Staff members can be reached via email with the following format: sfcc.firstname.lastname@gmail.com

Please Note The Communicator is an open forum for student coverage and opinion that is entirely student edited and produced, with absolutely no prior review from the faculty or administrators of Spokane Falls Community College. The content in this publication is the responsibility of the student staff of The Communicator, and as such do not necessarily reflect the view of Spokane Falls Community College administrators, faculty, or the student body.

Individual student contributions to the opinion page or any other section of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board or the student staff of The Communicator.

The first copy of an issue is free, additional copies are 50 cents each.

Any Comments or suggestions on a writer’s or editor’s work?

Let us know.

Comeic@Spokanefalls.edu

Newt Gingrich 0% Mitt Romney 10% Ron Paul 10% Rick Santorm 0% Barack Obama 50% Other 30%

Did You Know?: George W. Bush announced “No Child Left Behind” three days after taking office in 2001.

Source: www2.ed.gov

Feb. 9 - feb. 22, 2012

Perspectives

Let the Americans’ voice and votes be heard

N

their was another system such as orththe popular vote system, the states west in the U.S. would have equal states figuraamount of votes and voices being tively speakheard. ing do not Votes for electing a president go get a vote in to states other than the Norththe elecwest, or so it seems. States in the toral college U.S. besides the Northwest get because there Shelby are not many their voices heard in votes more than the Northwest states. That Miltner Americans in is not how it should be. I underthese states to stand that states in the Northwest represent our voices being heard. for that matter are less populated Populations in these states are than the rest of the states in the not as great as states in other U.S., but votes and opinions matplaces of the U.S. ter. Americans in the Northwest According to the Census webdo not most of the time get their site, the state of Ohio in 2000 voices heard. had a population of 11,353,140 Many people and the “Many people have their across the world do state of Florida in own opinions on what is best not get the freedom that Americans do 2000 had a for this county as it has been in America. population and should be.”

There are many of 15,982, diverse groups of 376. The -Shelby Miltner Perspectives Editor people all across number of the country; electoral therefore, there are many differvotes each state gets is based ent cultures and types of people on each states’ congregational who deserve to have their voices delegation. heard when it comes to running a Ohio and Florida have 18 and nation, our nation.

29 electoral votes for a combined As a broke college student, I total of 47 electoral votes. While want to know what voting system Washington State has only 12 for electing a president would electoral votes, according to the be best for my interests. If there electoral-vote.com website. That was a better voting system such is over double the amount of as popular vote or something difvotes for Washington State. ferent then the nation would imAccording to the census webprove. What are they going to do site, the population of Washingabout education, job markets, and ton State in 2000 was 5,894,121 health care? The past few presipeople. The projected population dents have not done a good job of of the state was 6,204, 632 in running this nation. Health care 2005 and 6,541,963 in 2010. The is even worse than it was before. projected population for 2015 Since the last few presidents went will be 6,950,610. With these into office, more and more people statistics it looks like more people are out of work, and there are are coming and will be living in huge budget cuts to education. this state. That means a greater Many Americans have their opportunity for the voices of this own opinions on what is best state to be heard in elections. for the county as it has been and The current system of electoral should be. But we have been lead college is not letting the voices in different directions of what we of Americans in the Northwest really wanted for this country. It’s get their voices heard. Something time for the sytem to change. needs to be done about this. If

The Communicator

Why electoral college should change significant disenfranchisement in American our voting body because however citizens don’t likely or unlikely in any given vote for the election, we understand that our President of government protects itself and its the United offices from our decisions. It is an States, someinsult to democracy. one has to do Thomas Jefferson said “When it for us. the people fear their government, According to there is tyranny; when the governClayton The Federalist ment fears the people, there is Papers No. 68 Kraft liberty," and whether or not he

by Alexander agreed with our election method, Hamilton, “a small number of the Electoral College is a protecpersons, selected by their fellowtion of the government against its citizens from the general mass, own people. will be most likely to possess Gallup poles, as recently as last the information and discernment year but conducted for decades, requisite to such complicated have investifound a gations.” “The indication, of course, is that as majority of So the gerneral citizens we are not properly governequipped to make a determination for Americans (as high as ment the 80 perposition president.” centiles) on the -Clayton Kraft News Editor in favor of matter removing is that this unnecessary and undemocratwe are not properly equipped to ic function of our constitution. It is make a determination for presinot contentious to say that Amerident. If your reaction suggests cans are not fond of this particular this is an outrageous affront to invention of the founders, a good democracy don’t panic, you are indication that our common sense properly insulted. has not been entirely lost.

The Electoral College is charged A popular vote, the same with the responsibility of making method by which we make many the direct vote for the President’s of our political appointments, is office. In theory, these electors the simplest and purest form of have the responsibility to vote representative democracy. The naon behalf of their constituencies, ture of the electoral college forces but there are no federal requireour politicians to pay attention to ments that they vote as their states a few swing states in which party population has. populations are narrow, to the the The strength of a Democracy detriment of the rest of the popuis built on its ability to represent lation. A simple majority vote the will of its people and by would allow each American to determining that the people are be represented equally and fairly incapable of making this deterwithout concern that their vote is mination we are rejecting of the removed from the equation benotion of truly representative cause they live in a predominantly government. That the people of liberal or conservative state.

The United States of America can Our government persists with be ignored because the Electoral the electoral college, however, College finds us unfit to make and I am forced to wonder why. our own decisions about who How can it be in a representative should be president, an ostensibly democracy that the general wishes elected position, is repugnant and of the people of our country anti-democratic. have been ignored for decades?

As Americans our system It seems that the same fears our struggles with voter turnout, but government once held, that its barriers to truly representative citizens were unable or unfit to be democracy foster ill will toward trusted with their own democracy, the process and contribute to live on. our concerns. There is real and

Famous Poltical Quotes: “A Good Government is one which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwie free to regulate thier own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread that it has earned.” Thomas Jefferson, Inaugural Address “If you want a picture of the future, imagibe a boot stamping Angelisa Turner | The Communicator

on a human face forever” George Orwell’s novel, “Nineteen Eighty-Four”

Political Facts and Information

Washington State House Members for Spokane County (By Districts) 3rd districtAndy Billig (D), Tim Ormsby (D) 4th DistictLarry Crouse (R), Matt Shea (R) 6th DistictKevin Parker, (R) John Rodne (R) 7th DistrictKelly Short (R), Joel Kretz (R)

Spokane City Government OfficialsCity Councel Members Amber Waldref Mike Fagan Jon Snyder Mike Allen Steve Salvatori Nancy McLaughlin

Voter Registration Information: General Elections: February 14, 2012 April 17, 2012 August 7,2012 November 6, 2012

Deadlines to register for General Elections:

January 16, 2012 March 19, 2012 July 9, 2012 October 8, 2012

If deadlines are missed:

You cannot vote in the current election, but you can vote in the next upcoming election

Where to register to vote:

Spokane City Elections Office, All State Agencies, City and Town Halls, All public school, All public

5

Culture Feb 9 - Feb. 22, 2012

Winter Warmers

Drinking options for keeping warm and cozy in the cold winters of the inland northwest Allie Roberts

The Communicator

For getting warm and staying cozy this winter, hot drinks are one of the best ways to accomplish that.

Whether it be coffee, tea or a mixed drink there are a few common factors to keep an eye out for seasonally friendly choices.

The mint variety? Peppermint is always a good additive (especially with chocolate) to make anything seem ready for winter. Adding peppermint flavor syrup, or peppermint schnapps is a great way to mix up hot chocolate or a mocha.

Moroccan Mint is a nice green-tea variety for the mint flavors. For noncoffee and non-tea drinks, a Peppermint Steamer is a sweet milk drink perfect for the cold.

Orange flavors are another way to make a drink feel more seasonally cozy. Thomas Hammer serves a drink called The Fireball, a mocha with a splash of orange syrup. And orange spice tea is a great winter choice. For anyone shopping for specialty teas, Market Spice and Montana Gold are both orange spice options.

“Market Spice is probably our

best seller, probably because it’s got a lot of Cinnamon and warmer spices with plenty of caffeine,” said Carly Hall, Atticus employee and barista. Specialty loose-leaf teas can be purchased at Atticus downtown, Pleasant Blends on the North side of Spokane, and The Kitchen Engine in the Flourmill.

Spice, nothing warms a person up more than kicking in a little spice.

Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are all common winter spices but for even more of a kick anything with ginger or ever chili or chipotle in it is a good option.

“Our best seller is the Spicy Mayan,” said Rachel Mace of Chocolate Apothecary. “It has cayenne pepper, cinnamon and chili with actual dark chocolate chunks.”

“That’s excellent on cold days, it really warms you up.”

All drinking chocolates at Chocolate Apothecary can either be purchased by the cup (or add 25 cents to make it a mocha), or by the tin to take home. Ordering a chai-tea latte also carries a lot of cinnamon spice to it.

Other drinks include a London Fog, an Earl Gray tea drink with vanilla and steamed milk. Alcoholic Hot Toddy, tea with honey and lemon with a splash of brandy, whiskey or rum. Hot apple cider with an oz. of spiced rum, fireball whiskey, or cinnamon infused vodka works well too.

Allie Roberts | The Communicator

Chai Tea Concentrate 4 ½ cups water 8-10 black or green tea bags 2-3 cinnamon sticks 1 ½ teaspoons grated ginger root* 10 whole cloves 7 cardamom pods ¼ teaspoon of black pepper ½ teaspoon of nutmeg 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional) 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional) 1 star anise pod sweet option: ½ cup brown sugar *(can substitute ¾ teaspoon powdered ginger) Bring water to boil. Add tea, spices, reduce heat.

Simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and stir in vanilla and sugar, strain.

1:1 tea to milk.

Chai Tea prepared with cinnamon and steamed milk

DIY Oragami Heart

Make your own valentine, cut out and fold along. Start with flipping it over so the picture is on the back side and follow fold instruction thumbnails.

Image and Instructions contributed by Allie Roberts and Nadia Kurakin| The Communicator

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Did You Know?: In 1537, England’s King Henry VII officially declared February 14th the holiday of St. Valentine’s day. source: www.sheknows.com

Feb. 9 - feb. 22, 2012

Culture

The Communicator

Tavis Ferguson | Editor Allie Roberts

The Communicator

Chocolate Apothecary

Nadia Kurakin | The Communicator

The Chocolate Apothecary offers Valentine’s Day specials and bundles. Their chocolate offers an eclectic variety of treats ranging from regular milk chocolate and truffles to organic, to the quirky and unique.

“Chocolate-dipped potato chips, that’s a big seller,” said employee Rachel Mace. “We have a lot of interesting flavors from around the world.

“There’s also sweet basil mint, an Indian curry chocolate, and bacon bars are popular too.”

Though the bars are international, the regular chocolates are produced in the Northwest closer to Spokane.

“Our truffles come from the Northwest area and our chocolate bars come from all over the world,” Mace said. “We do like to support local when we can, our chocolate local chocolatiers as well.”

The Chocolate Apothecary located inside the Flour Mill Downtown offers an eclectic variety of chocolates and drinks

Dinner Deals The Old Spaghetti Factory: Everything and anything Italian, casual family atmosphere inside an old factory.

152 South Monroe Street 624-8916

Drew Castellaw | The Communicator

Ice skating as date alternative Dominick Martinez The Communicator

Spokane’s Ice palace is one of the city’s best places to be during the Winter. With under $6 admission and under $4 skate rental, this location is one for the whole family or just you and your loved one to visit.

From October 19th to February 26th, Spokane’s Ice Palace located

at The Riverfront Park downtown, is “one to be mentioned” said Ice Palace Supervisor Chris Orheim. “This place is like Spokane’s very own Winter Wonderland,” Orheim said.

The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday and Adult (13+) tickets are $4.50 and youth (3-12) tickets are $3.50. Skate rentals are $3.50 and there is also an option for you to sharpen your ice skates for only $6.

Ice Palace 507 North Howard Street Spokane 11 am-5 pm (509) 6266600

Sushi Maru: Fun and friendly conveyor-belt sushi.

1st Floor, River Park Square Mall, 808 W Main Ave 455-3900 Pho Van: Intimate environment with Vietnamese cuisine, large pho noodle soup menu.

2909 North Division Street 326-6470 Taste of India: Indian cuisine, small space.

3110 North Division Street 327-7313

Rock City Grill: Italian-American blend of cuisine, friendly atmosphere.

1st Floor, River Park Square Mall, 808 W Main Ave 455-4400 If you have a Facebook, check-in at rock city grill and get 10% off meal.

Italian Kitchen: Subdued ambiance, Italian cuisine.

13 North Bernard Street 363-1210 Happy Hour special: 3:30pm 5:30pm $3 off any appetizer. $2 draft beers. $3 well liquor. $4 wine. $10 off any bottle of wine Savory Contemporary and upscale atmosphere with open kitchen, gourmet cuisine.

1314 South Grand Boulevard 315-8050 Special: Half-price desserts on Tuesdays Spocasual menu; salad, dessert and entree special for $15 For Valentine’s Day, Special entree menu and desserts added and a Spokane Aerialist acrobatics performance at 5:00-8:00

7

Feb. 9 - feb. 22, 2012

culture

The Communicator

Microbrew basics

Brad Lewis | The Communicator

An eclectic selection of the many microbrews on the tap at Northern Lights Brewery include: Snoqualmie, Spaten-Munich, India Pale Ale and Irish Death.

Microbreweries in Spokane are offering many tasty varieties of the iconic beverage Ben Simpson

The Communicator The Northwest is a strong force in the world of micro-brewing and local Spokane businesses are taking advantage.

Ten years ago it would have been hard to go into a typical grocery store and find any beer more exotic than Henry Weinhards or Samuel Adams. Today hundreds of different beers from dozens of breweries can be found right here in Spokane.

Brian Kovasich, a partner at Bottles in the Valley, said that this new-found interest in craft brewing is self-perpetuating.

“The more people become educated and realize what is available, the more demand there will be for craft beers,” Kovasich said. “I would say it’s like a mini beer renaissance.

“There are so many regional craft breweries that have popped up, which has generated interest, which makes the northwest more attractive to other craft brewers.”

The “Go Green” movement has helped usher in this new era of beer appreciation. According to Kovasich health awareness has motivated people to think more about what they consume.

“I think it’s overlaid with buying local and more emphasis on organic products,” Kovasich said.

“People are concerned with what they put in their bodies and where it comes from.

“That affects all kinds of groceries and consumables.”

Lane Hoss, the Vice President of Marketing at Anthony’s headquarters in Kirkland, said that Anthony’s supports this idea.

“We focus on local products,” Hoss said. ”Our wines are all from the northwest, our beers are primarily from the northwest.

“Each restaurant is encouraged to support their local breweries. No two restaurants have the same beer or wine selection.”

The Northern Lights brewery has found a market in Spokane and

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across the state according to Jill Wilson, the manager of the brewery.

“We moved to this location 9 years ago,” Wilson said. “It was very lucrative because not only do we have a larger brewing capacity we also have the restaurant attached.”

Wilson said that there has been a significant change in taste when it comes to beer in the last ten years.

Right now India pale ales are the the best sellers at Northern Lights.

Wilson said that the taste of an IPA is very strong and piercing.

“People that like micro-brews are into hops,” Wilson Said. “The more hops the better.

“When you get used to a big beer like that nothing else tastes as good.”

According to Wilson there are now shops available that sell homebrew kits which has also contributed to the emergence of craft breweries.

“Availability of small craft stores allows people to home-brew,” Wilson said. “People start home brewing and they venture off to form bigger, maybe not huge, but bigger operations.

12-String Brewery appeared in Spokane as a result of the greater market for craft beers and the efforts of Terry Hackler. 12-String brewed it’s first batch in October of last year according to Hackler, the owner and brewer. Hackler said that Spokane is a good market for craft beer.

“The craft brewing industry has been growing for years,” Hackler said. ”Theres more and more breweries springing up all around the country.

“The more of us that are out there, the more people are going to discover good beer and drink it.”

Hackler said that the increase in the popularity of micro-brews was noticed by macro-brewers like Annheiser and Coors.

Porter Description: Slightly sweet, with a smoked or somewhat burnt flavor.

Roasted grain is a prominent flavor as well.

Color: Dark Brown to almost black Temp: Serve at 45-50 degrees Food Pairing: Barbecue, grilled or smoked beef.

India Pale Ale Description: With strong presence of hops IPA’s tend to have a piercing almost bitter flavor.

Color: Very pale gold to reddish amber.

Temp: Serve at 40-45 degrees Food Pairing: Curried or Thai food.

Poultry, shellfish or salmon.

Amber Description: The quintessential “balanced” beer, amber’s typically have a focus on malts with the hops serving as counter point to the sweet-

ness.

Color: Amber to dark red.

Temp: Serve at 45-50 degrees.

Food Pairing: Goes well with almost any meal.

Hefeweizen Description: This beer is made with wheat instead of barley. It tends to be more carbonated than other types and has a distinctive light taste.

Color: Pale gold and opaque.

Temp: Serve at 45-50 degrees.

Food Pairing: Poultry.

1003 E Trent 99202 509.242.2739 Info: northernlights brewing.com

Bookstore Magic Alakazam!!

$6.50 Regal & AMC Movie Tickets purchased at the SFCC bookstore with college id - some restrictions apply

Did You Know?: There are a total of 162 Breweries in the state of Washington source: washingtonbeerblog.com

Northern Lights

Focus

Feb. 9 - feb. 22, 2012

randy breedlove | Editor

Driving on ice and snow in four wheel drive or all wheel drive doesn’t give your vehicle more steering ability than two wheel drive.

Spokane helps winter drivers Ben Simpson

The Communicator While you can’t control the weather, Spokane has programs to help you drive safely this winter.

Kim Papich, the Public Information Officer at the Spokane Regional Health District, said that while the rate of traffic collisions during the winter are high Spokane has programs to help people drive safely.

“We know that there’s a higher incidence of motorists hitting pedestrians in the winter months,” Papich said. ”Because of blocked sidewalks and snow berms pedes-

is a legal area for pedestrians to trians are attempting to navigate by cross. walking in the streets.

“We’ve got issues,” Papich said.

“That is a cause for concern.” ”Inattention of the driver, people The Health District created a still being on their cell phones, safety awareness campaign called eating, distracted driving.

Stickman Knows. The program is “We know that that’s a big funded in part by the Department cause for collisions.” of Transportation according to it’s Target Zero is website. Sticka program deman Knows is “Traffic fatalities have signed to reduce directed towards fallen to their lowest levels those collisions. not only motorOne of 24 traffic ists but pedestri- in nearly 60 years,despite major increases in vehicle safety task forces ans and bicyin Washington, clists too. travel.”

-Karen Wigen Target Zero According Target Zero Task Force Manager fulfills the fedto Stickman eral requirement Knows the that each state have a Strategic primary reason for pedestrian and Highway Safety Plan according to bicyclist collisions is a failure to Karen Wigen the Spokane County yield on the part of the motorist.

Target Zero Task Force manager.

Papich said that any intersection “The majority of the Target Zero in Spokane, marked or unmarked,

Winter Story Find more great content by checking out our website at: http://faculty. spokanefalls.edu/ Communicator/

Will Gillman

The ground is hard!

Sure, that seems like an obvious statement right now. It becomes

even more obvious and clear when lying in a pool of melted snow, black ice, and spilled coffee.

The coffee did not begin it's existence spilled all over a slippery green patio, but that is where it's journey ended. There the coffee sat, in a rapidly cooling pool, mocking the idea of it's previous caffeinated deliciousness. Sure, it woke me up... but I wanted to feel it's heat in belly not my leg.

I, for the first time in ten years, had slipped and fallen. I had succumbed to the ice Of course that wasn't the first thought I had. My first thought was vocalized very well as I shouted "Woah, woah, woah!" My second thought followed with "Ow!" and several expletives first directed at the ice, then my own clumsiness,

Nancy Locke | The Communicator

strategies focus on the four E’s of Education, Enforcement, Engineering, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS),” Wigen said. “We are making progress.

“Traffic fatalities have fallen to their lowest levels in nearly 60 years, despite major increases in vehicle travel.”

Other efforts in the area include the Spokane Regional Transportation Council’s participation in the “Complete Streets” program. Last June, the SRTC began gathering educational materials for elected, civic and business leaders for the complete streets program according to the website. If certified it would mean that Spokane has shown dedication to making roads safer, more livable and welcome to everyone.

followed finally by some at the coffee for the burning sensation I was starting to feel. Neither the ice, my clumsiness, nor the coffee responded. Why should they? They had already won.

I was wet, cold, and sore as I rose to my feet. Hoping beyond hope that I wouldn't fall again. The hope was to no avail, I went crashing down again.

As I lay on the ground, colder, more sore, and more coffee covered than I was before, all I could do was laugh. I imagine if someone was shooting video, it would have won money on one of those funniest video shows. The laughter quickly subsided, when the pain in my leg set in Usually when ice annoys me, it is just a minor inconvenience. I don't

Winter Driving tips Don’t use cruise control Four-Wheel and all-wheel vehicles don’t steer better than twowheel Leave extra room between vehicles in front of you Source www.wsdot. wa.gov/winter/

like it when there is too much ice in my soda, for example. Hearing "Ice Ice Baby" with no escape is also pretty annoying, but none of the. We're particularly painful.

I got up, and stayed up. I dusted myself off as best I could, and headed to campus. Fortunately, no one noticed the coffee stain on my pants. If they did they were nice and said nothing. Nobody noticed the overweight guy limping. I was glad nothing was out of the ordinary So I suppose my warning comes too late, as the snow is melting. It also should be obvious, but I am proof that sometimes it is not. Be careful out there. Don't fall like me.

If you do fall... Do it alone. That way the humiliation is just between you, and your coffee cup.

Did You Know?: Our name comes from the Native American tribe that makes its home in this area and means “Children of the Sun.

Source: http://www.visitspokane.com/

9

Feb. 9 - feb. 22, 2012

Focus

The Communicator

The green lining of the Cloud Ben Simpson

The Communicator

The financial possibilities of the cloud seem promising but experts urge caution.

Don Widman, a technical support specialist for Megapath in Seattle, works with the cloud every day and has taken note of it’s impact.

“Using the cloud makes services cheaper because there is less of a need for a hardware vendor,” Widman said. “We make use of data centers all around the country.

“One doesn’t have to purchase the hardware and maintain it on site.”

The equipment utilized by cloud providers is more sophisticated and powerful than a standard PC or home network Widman said. Costs can be mitigated with sheer volume.

“The more customers that subscribe to a server, the cheaper it becomes.”

Cloud computing could mean savings for universities as well. Paul Schimpf, chairman of the computer science department at Eastern Washington University, sees the potential for less expensive equipment.

“The machines that are out there across campus can become what’s called a thin client. They don’t have to be powerful desktop machines,” Schimpf said, ”They really only need to have enough power to run a web browser and connect to a server somewhere.

“That can make the Infrastructure less expensive.”

The same principal can be applied to students. Netbooks and low-end laptops could prove more useful with cloud computing.

“There’s a lot of standard apps that do just fine on netbooks...netbooks might be sufficient for what students do anyway.” Schimpf said.

However, Schimpf also noticed potential pitfalls in a shift to cloud computing.

“The problem with that (the cloud) though is that you lose control as well,” Schimpf said, ”The dividing line for universities will be the question; how much of our computing do we want someone else to control?”

“What If the external network goes down? I can’t even run a word processor now?”

Cloud providers have a measure of control when it comes to intellectual property stored on their equipment.

According to their terms of service, Google retains a limited license to “reproduce, adapt, or modify” content saved on their cloud as long as they don’t do so for profit.

Ken Avery, an Information Systems instructor at the Department of Information Systems/Computer Science here at SFCC, has noted potential drawbacks of the cloud.

“We’re getting so dependant on networking today that any break in the network severely limits our

computing abilities.”

Avery pointed out that some commonly used cloud-based applications were inferior to those hosted on personal computers.

“The cloud, really, is in it’s infancy,” Avery said “Can the cloud save us money? The problem is that if the college tells everyone to use google docs then the spreadsheet and word processor we are using are not as

powerful as the industry standard.”

“I care about students getting the skills they need to get a job.”

Avery also said that there needs to be a careful analysis of the practicality and necessity of cloud computing.

“Businesses have moved bits and pieces of what they do to the cloud, but they still haven’t given up their traditional computers.”

a model for on-demand access to shared and configurable infromation

Drew Castillew | The Communicator

Cloud computing is becoming more affordable and user friendly to places like schools.

SPOKANE FALLS BOOKSTORE Do you need something done?

We can do it!

Textbook Rentals Check Cashing Electronic Book Exchange Gift Cards Textbook Buyback Notary Public AMC & Regal Movie Ticket Xeroxing Laser Quest Tickets UPS Shipping Silverwood Tickets (seasonal) Supply Vending Machine in the lobby of the library Faxing

Located in the Student Union Building (SUB) Building 17 533-3566 bookstore.ccs.spokane.edu/spokanefalls

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The Cloud definition

For more Focus content visit spokanefalls.edu/communicator/sections/focus/focus.html

Feb. 9 - feb. 22, 2012

Sidelines

gabriel dillon | Editor

Local rock climbers reviving scene The Spokane Climbing Association is attemping to revive the youth competative climbing scene in the Inland Northwest. The plan is to bring Spokane climbing to a whole new level. This is how they plan to do it.

Gabriel Dillon

The Communicator The climbing scene in Spokane is not what it could be at this time.

Especially when you consider the fact that we are naturally blessed when it comes to climbable rock in Eastern Washington. That all may change soon thanks to 3 guys that share a passion for developing the local climbing scene .

To get this accomplished they have formed the Spokane Climbing Association (SCA). The SCA is an organization that will be a non-profit youth climbing club that is funded by private donations of equipment and volunteered time .

George Hughbanks, another SCA coach, coached along with his wife

Tools of the trade:

discipline, mental and physical Shannon Hughbanks , a competitoughness, and teaches how to tive climb team for a number of approach a problem with a logical years. and cool head.

“We were quite large at 25 “In many ways climbing saved kids,” Hughbanks said. “The bigmy life,” Hughbanks said. “It gave gest problem was that half the kids me a positive direction to pour my couldn’t afford to be on the team.

“Most of them earned their climb energies into.

“I hope that I can pass these time at the gym through volunteerpositive values to the next generaing.” tion of climbers.”

“We saw an opportunity to grow youth climbing “ In many ways climbing saved my life. It in Spogave me a positive direction to pour my kane,” Said Josh energys into. I hope that I can pass these Jackman, positive values to the next generation of a coach climbers” for the -George Hughbanks SCA. “We A coach for the SCA thought by takGlen Stewart is the owner of the ing the SCA in a non-profit direcRocky and a co-organier of SCA. tion we could open it up to more “I would like to see the Spokane resources, which in turn could help climbing community revived,” us grow the climbing community Stewart said. “It had such a strong here in Spokane.”

Rock climbing has many benefits youth presence in the past and I’d like to see more youth competithat go beyond physical conditiontive climbers and just more youth ing . It is a sport that promotes

climbers in general be organized within the SCA. “You go over to Seattle for the Comps and see the Vertical Worlds and other bigger teams.

Josh said his goal is to get more youth involved in competitive climbing and climbing in general.

This winter has been the first season of the SCA. Glen is the owner of The Rocky and is helping out with his time and resources in hope that the goals that they have set can be reached.

The plan is to have their nonprofit status to begin practice of outside rock climbing with young climbers of all ages.

For information on Indoor climbing contact WildWalls at (509) 455-9596 located on 202 west 2nd Avenue Spokane , WA 99201.

For up dates and more information on the Spokane Climbing Association check out their Facebook group at SpokaneClimbingAssociation@groups.facebook. com.

Sport Climbing Carabiners used to clip into most of your climb equiptment Quickdraws (2 carabiners attached with thick nylon)used to clip into bolted rock Harness self-explanatory ATC & Grigri used to belay and repelling Daisychain multi looped nylon cord used for holding place while of belay

Women’s Basketball

Fri Feb 10 Blue Mt CC Sat Feb 11 Treasure Valley CC Wed Feb 15 Walla Walla CC Sat Feb 18 Columbia Basin CC Wed Feb 22 Yakima Valley CC

Men’s Basketball Fri Feb 10 Blue Mt CC Sat Feb 11 Treasure Valley CC Wed Feb 15 Walla Walla CC Sat Feb 18 Columbia Basin CC Wed Feb 22 Yakima Valley CC

Men’s and Women’s Track & Field-Indoor Gabriel Dillon | The Communicator

log into http://athletics.spokanefalls. edu/

Ian Dillon giving instuction to his nephew Gidion Dillon at the Spokane Climbing Association team practice at The Rocky.

Did You Know?: There are at least 10 outdoor climbing spots within a 20-minute drive of Spokane.

Source: mountainproject.com

11

Feb. 9 - feb. 22, 2012

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