Jan 26, 2012 (43.5) by SFCC Communicator

Coal-Free Northwest PG. 2

The Environment PG. 3

Freeganism PG. 4

Efforts made to prevent coal transports

Perspectives on the importance of natural beauty

Alternative living strategies aimed to reduce waste

Jan. 26 - Feb. 8, 2012

spokanefalls.edu/communicator

Volume 43 | Issue 5

SFCC presidential positions to open Whitney Marshall The Communicator

SFCC’s President and Vice Presidents of Student Learning and Student Services positions are opening up. SFCC President Pam Praeger took her job as an interim, after the last President, at the end of 2010 in the academic year with a one year appointment. When asked to consider another year she decided to stay on as President in 2011, but is now retiring after serving two years as President of SFCC. “I’d like to pick some areas where people would need the skills and talents that I could bring and that I’m passionate about,” said Praeger. “(To be) working with individuals in

the area of education is a key factor, probably the biggest thing for any individual to help them move forward.” Vice President James E. Minkler was a Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences and the director of international instructional programs at SFCC from 1999-2007. In 2007 he served as the academic services officer for 3 years till he was offered the V.P. of learning position at SFCC in 2010. While working at SFCC, V.P. Minkler said he enjoyed being able to create programs to work with community members in K-12 education and in the Universities to partner and develop programs that develop new path ways and opportunities for students. SFCC is going to face new changes in administrative positions for this coming school year.

“These are challenging times with budget cuts and the fact that we have a presidency that’s opening,” Minkler said. “We have a vice president of student service position that’s open, we have my position that’s opening. “There’s been some other things that have happened that have created change in trying to deal with budgets and becoming more efficient as a Community College District... the most important thing is we still have lots of students who are following their dreams and achieving those dreams here at Spokane Falls Community College.” V.P. Minkler said he is looking at positions opening up at SFCC as well as other aspects to see where his next step will be in working at SFCC. “I have the opportunity to apply for the position, but because it’s an

Smoking policy to change

INDEX NEWS................................2

acting position eventually they needed to hold a national search and hire for the position,” Minkler said. “I may be rehired before I step down, and I may apply for other positions too.” The V.P. of student services position is also opening up. V.P. Alex Roberts of student services serves as an advisPRESIDENT | Page 2

Smoking can shorten a person’s life by ten or more years. Regular smoking can cause a person to need cigarettes just to feel normal. Nine out of ten smokers started smoking before the age of 18. Cigarette companies are not allowed to advertise on TV. Drew Castellaw | The Communicator

SFCC student Jessica Steffens stands next to a sign regarding the new policy, on which students penned their disdain for the new proposal

FOCUS Corn maze Cloud computing Chinese New Year PG.4 PG. PG.8 5 PG. 5

Source: ccs.spokane.edu

Loni Taber

The Communicator According to the Department of Justice web page the definition of rape has been redefined for the first time in over 80 years. Attorney General Eric Holder announced the revision at a national press release on Jan. 6. As defined by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, rape used to be defined as “the carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will. Attempts or assaults to commit rape by force or threat of force are also included; however, statutory rape (without force) and other sex offenses are excluded.” Local resident Stephanie Gardipee said she was a victim of multiple rapes and only reported one at the time. “Since I had not gotten the help I needed the first time, I was a silent victim and none of my attackers have had justice served to them,” Gardipee said. “(Rape) is one of those gray areas that nobody wants to discuss but I think that unless you can discuss it you wont move forward.”

Source: kidshealth.org

RAPE | Page 2

FOCUS International film festival PG. 6

CCS directly contacts each of the more than 1,200 community college presidents across the nation for potential applicants.

Definition of ‘rape’ redefined

One generation ago, people were allowed to smoke in hospitals.

The Communicator

SMOKING | Page 2

Contributed photo of Pam Praeger, President of SFCC

Smoking Facts:

Clayton Kraft

Students at SFCC can expect significant changes to where they can smoke sometime in the Fall of 2012. Associated Student Government, working in conjunction with SFCC administrators, plans on removing as many as 18 of the existing 31 smoking locations on campus, creating a central part (core) of the campus that is smoke-free. “It started last year, when were were notified by Crystal Paniero from Spokane County’s Health Department that some complaints had been filed by employees,” said Alex Roberts, Vice President of Student and Social Services at SFCC. “She said they could cite us for the infractions but they’d rather help us educate our campus and maybe encourage us to go smoke-free. “I said whoa (to the smoke-free suggestion) that’s a lot, but we started working with Alex Standard (ASG

Did You Know?

SIDELINES Crossfit PG. 8

PERSPECTIVES...................3 FOCUS............................... 4

The Communicator

509.533.3602

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jan. 26 - feb. 8, 2012

NEWS

The Communicator

Opposition to proposed coal exports Jackson Colby

The Communicator The world’s largest coal companies are organizing proposals that, if successful, will lead to 40-50 uncovered coal trains rolling through Spokane every day. The plan is to ship coal from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming, through the Northwest, to the port areas of Bellingham, Grays Harbor, Longview, St. Helens and Coos Bay in Washington and Oregon. It would then be transported by ship to China. All of the train routes run directly through Spokane. “Spokane is an important player in making it untenable for coal transports to come through Washington and Oregon,” said Robin Everett, associate regional representative for the Seattle branch of Coal-Free Northwest, an organization with the stated mission of stopping coal exports. “If there’s a strong contingency of folks here in Spokane who are going to make it hard for any coal export terminal to be built, that really helps us,” Everett said. “You guys are on the route for any proposal, you’re stuck with it no matter where it goes.” Everett said that coal trains would release cancer causing agents into the air, congest traffic and could even prevent emergency vehicles from making it to the hospital on time due to congestion. “Realistically the proposals won’t be passed for a couple of years, but

we’re going to make sure it never happens,” Everett said. “We want Washington as a whole to say it’s just not coming through. “The two big permits the coal companies need to get is a shoreline development permit and an aquatic lease, those are the two that we have a chance to fight.” Coal-Free Northwest organizes meetings and events in order to increase awareness about this issue, and is working on reaching out to students in colleges around the Northwest, with fliers and petitions to sign. “We want all of Washington looked at and all of our concerns looked at in every community,” Everett said. “We get Spokane in that review process by having a variety of people telling them they have to look at Spokane. “We want doctors, small business people, fellow environmentalists, recreations users, faith leaders, a broad scope of people with a strong voice in opposition.” Spokane River Keeper, Bart Mihailovich, said there’s a lot of attention being paid to this issue on the coast and a lot where the coal originates in Montana and Wyoming, but not enough in the areas in-between like Spokane. “My goal is to protect the river and keep the community healthy,” Mihailovich said. “These coal exports are bad for both of these.” Matt Leonetti, public spokesman for Coal-Free Northwest, said anybody living within 100 square feet of

Smoking:

were had, and our intent to give warnings for as long as possible citations can be a last resort,” said Ken Administration talks about DeMello, SFCC Campus Security avoiding citations Supervisor. “There’s a lot of places where people have been educated From Page 1 that smoking isn’t possible, like flying on a plane or downtown at the President at the time) after that.” The ASG then created an approach bar, so it’s another place considering to smoking that focused on mak- smokers will need to take into acing the core of the campus smoke- count.” “If someone gets a citation it free. This means that the central 18 should not be a surprise to them.” locations will be removed to clear In addition to complying with through-fares (walking paths) for students and employees per state guide- state health requirements, the smoklines, while keeping outer locations ing changes are viewed as a chance to educate about smoking and help available for smokers. “I think ultimately the vision of last students kick the habit when possiyear’s student govt. was that this is a ble. Information is being made availfirst step...progressively move smok- able at the smoking locations as well ing outward to the edge of cam- as planned links to the American Cancer Association pus and aiming at a from SFCC’s websmoke-free campus at “If we’ve gotten the core site. some point in time,” taken care of and the “We acknowlsaid Roberts. “Projectthrough-fares are clear I’m edge smokers on ing when that would the campus and we be is tough though, comfortable...if it doesn’t welcome them as despite some gen- ever get to a smoke free well, we just want eral discussion about campus I think we’ve done it to be a bit more 2014, we’ll have to some real good already.” orderly and more keep assessing year --Alex Roberts mindful of those by year if we’re really SFCC Administration who struggle with ready for that. “I’m viewing that as a wait-and- clean air issues,” said Roberts. “This see approach because if we’ve got- seems to me to be a pretty equitable ten the core taken care of and the approach, and people seem to unthrough-fares are clear, I’m comfort- derstand that so far.” The new ASG council has stayed able...and if it doesn’t ever get to a smoke-free campus I think we’ve involved in the planning and implementation of the changes. done some real good already.” “The student council set up a preKeeping the core of the campus smoke-free will necessitate the op- sentation to facilities and grounds,” tion for campus security to be able to said Heather McKenzie, Senate Adwrite citations for violating the new viser. “It was their suggestion to repolicy (a $30 fine), but the adminis- move smoking from the center of tration is quick to stress that this is campus.” “They were instrumental in the their last resort. “It’s my hope that between the process and in connecting with the conversations and meetings that administration to make this work.”

Nancy Locke | The Communicator

On one of the proposed routes, Matt Leonetti proclaims his opposition to the proposals. the tracks will be in dire health straits if the trains start coming through. “I sit in on Coal-Free Northwest board meetings,” Leonetti said. “They’ve delegated me to go to SCC and SFCC to put up demonstrations which include a power point explaining how all these coal trains rolling in will negatively impact the community. “My goal is to get the voting age people on board with the consensus that if these trains do come in daily it will hurt the environment.” Leonetti said it might be hard to stop the proposals because the plans would supposedly lead to a huge economic boom. “We’d be getting rid of our unused dirty coal that nobody wants and

President:

The search for new leadership is detailed

From Page 1

is adviser to the President and also works on keeping the student service programs running. “The position was advertised nationally in the Spring of 2008 and I applied, interviewed twice, and won the job competitively,’’ said Roberts. “Prior to joining SFCC I had a varied background including work in student services/activities plus most recently had been Dean of Liberal Art & Sciences with Wenatchee Valley College. This is my 20th year of consecutive work experience in community colleges.” V.P. Roberts along with the V.P. of Student Services are looking at serving SFCC in any position. “I am always looking for ways to serve this college and internal oppor-

Bureau of Justice: In 2009 the National Crime Victimization Survey estimates of rape and sexual assault were 0.2 per 1,000 and 0.8 per 1,000 women aged 12 and older.

Source: bjs.ojp. usdoj.gov

selling it to China at a decent price,” Leonetti said. “Spokane’s a very objective city that’s just in the mix of it, with nothing to gain but everything to lose.” Tyler Deatherage, a Spokane native, said that people are being selfish in opposing these coal trains. “Coal supplies the world with heat,” Deatherage said. “It has to get from one place to another somehow. “If we can save a country or help people that need heat, why shouldn’t we do that?” Deatherage said that Coal-Free Northwest is a selfish group that cares more about the environment than freezing people in China.

tunities are of great interest,” said Roberts. “Given the uncertain future, I am not limiting my scope internally, however, and I am scanning the region for opportunities to serve through leadership a variety of post-secondary and private industry organizations.” These positions need people who will lead and make critical decisions. In April and May there will be open forums held for a minimum of three candidates to be chosen for the position. Then the Chancellor of SFCC will decide from the candidate who will be the next President of the school. For the V.P. of Student Services there will be an open forum in late May or early June. The one who chooses the next V.P. of student services will be the new President. V.P. of student learning position may not be opened up for changes until the next school year. Students can participate in the open forums by using a link on SFCC’s website.

Rape:

The reasoning behind the change From Page 1

The new definition revised by UCR states that rape is, “the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.” “The new definition is improved quite a bit I think that it will make a difference in how rape cases will be dealt with,” said Gardipee, “My first time being raped was when I was 15...I was in the halls after school and we were making out. “Things got out of hand; I told him no but he forced himself on me.” A recent unsolved case reported on

Coal Hard Facts The nation’s coal plants produce 140 million tons of coal ash a year. Each year, coal pollution causes 12,000 emergency room visits and $100 billion in health costs. Source: beyondcoal.org

SFCC Administrators: 1:President 2:V.P.’s 7:Deans of Instruction 2:Deans of Student Services 2:Associate Deans of Student Services Source: spokanefalls.edu

Oct 6, 2011 happened on the SCC campus. The event took place in the parking lot during the day, the victim reports the suspect started conversation before forcing her into a vehicle. According to the Crisis Connection website, 1 out of every 7 women currently in college has been raped, however, 9 out of 10 women raped on campus never tell anyone about the rape, and more than 61 percent of rapes are never reported to law enforcement. “Rape is a devastating crime and we can’t solve it unless we know the full extent of it,” said Vice President Biden at the Press release. “This long-awaited change to the definition of rape is a victory for women and men across the country whose suffering has gone unaccounted for over 80 years.”

Did You Know?: Whatcom county legislature has produced a proposal which aims to build the country’s largest coal export terminal in Bellingham. Source: slog.thestranger.com

jan. 26 - feb. 8, 2012

Perspectives

The The evergreen environment 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 campusrelated 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

he Evergreen State just has a ring to it. I love everything about Jackson WashingColby ton.. the people, attitude, culture, but above all the nature. I can go ten minutes from my house and be immersed in forest. Countless evergreen trees are a sight to behold. Flying to Seattle, looking out the window you can see the beautiful Washington landscape in 45 minutes. Evergreens in the east, prairie in the center and mountains as you approach the west. Driving to Seattle you can take in the scenery for four and a half hours. Driving back to Spokane, it’s fun to see how abruptly the landscape changes from the green forest in the west to the prairie in the center. It’s always a satisfying feeling as you approach the east, and Spokane trees start to make their appearance. What’s not to love about such beauty? Why shouldn’t we protect it? Ideally these questions shouldn’t have to be asked, but they do. Many people throw trash on

the streets, and these are our average citizens. Think about what the huge corporations are doing to the environment. Many corporations are focused on profit and disregard the negative impact to the environment and the health of citizens earning their profit entails. Many cities start with the chopping down of trees, instead of building a city in the midst of the trees like Spokane. But even here a lot of the natural wildlife has been driven away by our industrialization. People should be proactive when it comes to defending our environment. Whether you live in a beautiful city like Spokane or Seattle, or you live in a city already infested with pollution like Los Angeles, you can join the fight against environmental degradation. You can join environmental groups, pick up litter, recycle cans and bottles, and turn off water when not using it. I feel that some people in the Northwest take the natural beauty for granted, without realizing that it’s not everywhere and it’s a privilege. As Chief Seattle said, “The Earth does not belong to us, we belong to the Earth.” Please, everyone, help keep Washington green.. forever green!

Adviser Jason Nix Marketing Loni Taber Advertising Randy Breedlove Staff members can be reached via email with the following format: sfcc.firstname. lastname@gmail.com

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

The environment is a broad topic, their are many meanings and ideas. We protect the environment or try to. We do our part in protecting the environment from recycling to using renewable energy to using transit systems or riding bicycles. Their are many ways to do your part in protecting the environment even if it’s small, every little bit helps.

Renewable energy explained

n the Inland Northwest there are plenty of renewable resources including Shelby abundant Miltner amounts of hydropower, coal, natural gas, nuclear energy; and rising amounts of wind power and biomass. According to Avista’s website, the most used renewable energy source is hydro-power which contributes about 50 percent of our local energy usage. There are six dams that are spread along the Spokane River. Avista owns these six dams and two other dams, the Noxon Rapids Dam in Noxon, Mont. and Cabinet Gorge Dam in Clark Fork, Idaho, both are spaced along the Clark Fork River. Most of the hydropower that is being used comes mostly from the Noxon Rapids and Clark Fork Dams. These dams have big generators and produce larger amounts of electricity than dams locally. Some coal and natural gas is produced in Washington that is owned or operated by Avista. Combustion plants that are spaced throughout the Northwest provide energy and electricity to power companies. Avista operates and

owns seven coal or natural gas plants that produce electricity in Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, Central Montana, and North Central Oregon. These plants produce natural gas that is used in homes locally and in southern and eastern Oregon, according to Avista’s website. The total amount of natural gas produced for Avista’s use is 35 percent. The total amount of coal is ten percent. A small amount of wind power, about two percent, is produced on a wind farm near the Oregon border which Avista uses to provide power to it’s costumers according to Avista’s website. When using and making all the renewable energy in the Northwest, the environment is still being protected. Some seem to think and believe dams and power plants that produce electricty, distroy the environment. Dams have fish ladders or are creating new ways for fish to travel through thier dams. There is just as much harmful fumes being put in the air by vehicals as there are harmful fumes going into the air by power plants. While many believe renewable energy is depleting or being harmful to the environment by the way we make and use the renewable energy, I would have to disagree. This world is filled with renewable energy and so is the Northwest.

Weird Washington

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.

shelby miltner | Editor

cause everyone knows about it over on the west side, you’d think people who were actually effected by it would know more about it.” The rain shadow in Washington is caused by moisture collecting at the n Eastern peak of the mountains and condensing into rain near Puget Sound. This Washcollection of moisture is due to the ington, we experience a sudden cooling of air because of its quick rise into the upper atmohot and dry climate. This sphere. Then the dry air proceeds over the mountain and down into is due to the the Columbia basin. This explains Cascades not only Eastern Washington and Orrunning Randy through the egon’s dry climate, but also why the Breedlove western part Puget Sound and Willamette Valley experience such high amounts of huof the state midity. Spokane tends to stay more and stopping most of the moisture humid from getting into the “We studied it in due to the eastern part. same rain A rain shadow means Wasington history class shadow that areas on the Leeback in high school” effect on ward side of a mountain -Conner Nuckols, range receive much less SFCC biology student the rocky mounrain than the windward tains but with moisture brought side. down from Canada. “We studied it in Washington Spokane is in a great spot history class back in high school” to experience the much said Conner Nuckols, a biology sought after four seasons. student at SFCC. “It’s weird be-

Angelisa Turner | The Communicator

Letter to the editor:

This is in regards to the November 17-30 issue on the article regarding cuts to Chemical Dependency Programs funding. The comment of Jennifer DeRuwe stating that Spokane Police is qualified to deal with substance abuse and mental health issues is very irresponsible. I think that the Communicator has a responsibility to ask DeRuwe what makes her think that SPD is qualified to deal with these people. It takes a minimum of 2 years to treat chemical dependency disorders as a CDP, other credentials such as LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) take even longer to earn, minimum of 4 years. This is a slap in the face to our program and the folks who work hard and take pride in treating these folks. The SPD has showed they DO NOT know how to deal with folks with mental disabilities and substance abuse disorders as evidenced by the Otto Zhem death as a result of the use of excessive force by former Officer Karl Thompson. The Communicator needs to follow up on this with SPD; the statement made by DeRuwe is incorrect, irresponsible and insulting. Thanks, Andrew Riddle

Did You Know?: The total amount of natural gas that is produced for avista use is 35 percent. Source: avistautilities.com

Focus

jan. 26 - feb. 8, 2012

randy breedlove | Editor

One’s trash, another’s treasure Jackson Colby

The Communicator

Recyclable Facts: 1. There are 8,660 curbside recycling programs in the USA 2. Once it reaches the plant an infrared laser seperates different types of papers and plasitc materials. 3. With the advent of the single-steam collection system we only need one recycling bin and no longer need to seperate recycleables

Source: science. howstuffworks.com

Imagine a life in which all the essentials, from food to clothes to shelter, came out of dumpsters. Many freegans live exactly this kind of life. Freeganism, a combination of the words ‘free’ and ‘veganism’, is a term that was coined in the 1990’s. “Freegans are people who employ alternative strategies for living based on limited participation in the conventional economy and minimal consumption of resources,” according to freegan.info, “Freegans embrace community, generosity, social concern, freedom, cooperation, and sharing in opposition to a society based on materialism, moral apathy, competition, conformity, and greed.” Zachary Grey, a Seattle resident who lives a freegan lifestyle by choice, sometimes getting his food out of dumpsters, said ‘freeganism’ is just a new term to make a really old thing cool. “People have been eating out of the trash for as long as there’s been trash cans,” Grey said. “I think for most people globally it’s not so much a political statement as just a survival necessity. “It’s a global thing to eat trash but that’s just because most people are really, really poor.” Grey said that the amount of food people throw away is enough to feed most if not all of the hungry people

Photo Illustration by Nadia Kurakin

in the world. “It’s a cultural thing in the USA,” Grey said. “We consume in excess and don’t put much thought into how much we’re wasting. “It’s pretty ridiculous.” Grey said that while it might be silly to give a title to the lifestyle, the lifestyle itself is very beneficial. “Most food is taxed,” Grey said. “If you’re funneling money into the government, you’re inevitably supporting war. “It’s a privilege to feel so free and dig out of the trash.” Freegans adopt a variety of strategies and lifestyle choices in order to get their message across and not

contribute to society’s waste. “Getting food out of the trash can only take you so far,” Grey said. “If you’re doing that as the end goal, you’re just going to be dependant on the existing system. “The best thing to do is learn how to grow your own food and grow enough to share with other folks... that’s a more long-term, self sustaining way to get free food and it’s a lot more fun.” Derek Richardson, a self-proclaimed waste reduction engineer from Portland, Ore., said that an anonymous book called Evasion, published by CrimethInc., helped influence him to become a freegan.

“I’d go into town when I was younger to skate and sleep outside,” Richardson said. “Dunkin’ Donuts would throw out these huge bags of doughnuts and I was like ‘f--- yeah, free food!’ “From there I was like ‘wait a minute, if they throw these out in this dumpster I wonder what other awesome treasures are out there to find.’” Richardson said that for the most part it’s possible to live a self-sustaining life using only things that can be found in dumpsters. “In Spokane I found an entire kitchen set in a Pizza Hut dumpster,” Richardson said. “Kettles, spatulas, silverware, it was awesome. “Pretty much anything you could think of you can find in a dumpster.” Richardson said that if more people adopted a communal freegan lifestyle it would be possible to make a lot of positive changes in the world. “The best thing to do is just get food out of the dumpster and feed whole downtown areas,” Richardson said. Jacob Prahm, a McDonald’s employee in Spokane, says their restaurant throws away about 60 full meals a day. “Food will get old and we just throw it away,” Prahm said. “Anything that gets ripped or teared, if it’s not cooked well, if it’s not done right, if we get a customer’s order wrong, we just throw it away. “It’s our policy.”

Anything and everything

Recycling is a very common practice in the western world, most people have one of those blue bins in front of their house. But just throwing a can or two into that bin doesn’t make a difference. Clayton Palmquist The Communicator

Spokane is home to several recycling programs, but one of the most community oriented and capable is Earthworks, a locally owned and operated business since 1980. “We will take anything as long as it is not radioactive and doesn’t contain mercury,” said Jim Schrock, Recycling Manager for Earthworks. “We don’t accept things that are non-recyclable such as food products.” However, Earthworks, along with several other recycling centers in Spokane, accepts many things you might not expect. “We will do pick ups for very large items such as refrigerators and

television sets,” said Roy Sommer, a truck driver for Earthworks. They do both special pick up and scheduled pick ups from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a truck on call for special pick-ups on Saturdays. Another service Earthworks Recycling also offers document destruction, although it is a pick-up service only. After pick up, the documents are kept safely locked up in a special compartment in the truck until they are brought back to Earthworks Recycling. From there they are brought out to a trailer in the recycling yard were they are again locked up securely. Then at the end of the day they are destroyed by hand, this service also includes credit card destruction. “We can recycle a good portion of car parts, mainly starters and alternators,” said Christen Forant, an Earthworks employee. “Another thing people don’t think to recycle are computers, computer monitors and bullet shells.” Earthworks Recycling is dedi-

To submit your own letter to the editor, check out our website: Aaron Emery | The Communicator

Earthworks recyles most anything found in a normal household cated to preserving the environment and making good use of all ready manufactured material. People can also earn money by recycling newspaper at Earthworks, but at two cents a pound the incentive for most people is just helping the

environment. Earthworks recycling is located 1904. E. Broadway and is open to the public Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you would like to learn more you can checkout their website at www.Earthworksrecycling.com

Did You Know?: Transit service in the Spokane area began in 1883

Check out Page 3 for some of the staff’s opinions and this issue’s letter to the editor.

Spokanefalls. edu/ communicator

jan. 26 - feb. 8, 2012

Focus

The Communicator

Bringing in the year of the dragon Clayton Palmquist The Communicator

Jan. 23 signifies the start of the Chinese New Year, a 15 day long celebration to bring in the end of winter and the coming of spring. The Chinese New Year takes place between the end of January and the beginning of February. “The Chinese New Year celebrates more than just the beginning of the new year, in many ways its the equivalent of Christmas,” said Gloria Gau, the Chinese language and culture advisor at SFCC. “It’s a time when Chinese families get together every year and party.” Traditionally the event lasts 15 days and since 1984 features a parade in the USA and other countries with large Chinese immigrant populations. The Chinese New Year parade was a way to show off their culture and traditions to the host nations. Chinese dishes, such as spring rolls and bamboo shoots are often served during the festivities. “First and second generation Chinese immigrants tend to be more traditional and celebrate the full Chinese new year, but the younger generations prefer to celebrate just one day,” said Gau. “This is because in China it is a national holiday so

Nadia Kurakin| The Communicator

Left to Right: Suji Moon, Kim Jones, Jane Gong, Kaitlyn Fisette Julia Cheng preparing the traditional decorations for the Chinese New Year. According to 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, this year is the year of the dragon. people get into the spirit of it the whole time. “This is not how we commonly celebrate in western culture so the parade is meant to pack the festivities into one day.” Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calender which changes according to the solar system’s position in the galaxy.

“The Chinese New Year is also significant to many non-Chinese Asians due to their shared calendar system and shared religious beliefs,” said Kim Jones, President of the Far East Club at SFCC. The most common beliefs and practices in mainland Asia are Buddhism and Taoism, which are similar in folklore about the end of winter.

Although just like any holiday the reason it’s popular doesn’t always have to do with traditions of faith. “Chinese New Year is about spending time with family,” said Faith Kincaid, a high school student who was born in Dongguan, China. “We give and receive cash, to and from loved ones, which is a common practice (during the Holiday.)”

The year of the dragon is 2012

If you were born in the years 1952, 1964,1976, 1988 or 2000 you are considered to be born in the year of the dragon.

Personalized support meets affordability, flexibility, and seamless transfer at state-endorsed online university. Ken Kinloch’s associate’s degree and university certificate only got him so far in his career in the technology field. When it was clear he needed his bachelor’s degree in Information Security, Ken looked to the state’s only nonprofit, competency-based, accredited online university. At WGU Washington, Ken advances through his program by demonstrating competency in degree subject matter rather by logging hours in a classroom. He balances school and a full-

time job thanks to the one-on-one support of his faculty mentor, Mariah (pictured above). And as a graduate of a Washington community college, Ken transferred his credits seamlessly into his WGU Washington program. “As a nonprofit, the cost was right,” Ken says of the flat-rate tuition, less than $6,000 a year for most programs.“Well within my budget.And the program also includes industry certifications. I can apply the skills I’m learning on the job.”

Washington community college graduates who transfer to WGU Washington will receive: s Application fee waiver (a $65 savings) s 5% tuition discount s A chance to apply for a $2,000 scholarship

washington.wgu.edu/sfcc WGUW-np_5x75_NOV2011.indd 1

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

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jan. 26 - feb. 8, 2012

FOCUS

The Communicator

13th annual international film festival 75 films to showcase in the 13th annual SpIFF Dominick Martinez The Communicator With 4 venues and 75 films total from 20 nations, the Spokane International Film Festival, playing Jan. 26 to Feb. 5, is looking to be something students and adults alike can be excited for. This year, the SpIFF is going to be presented at the AMC Theatre in the River Park Square mall, The Magic Lantern Theatre, The Bing Crosby Theatre, and one benefit showing will be at The Garland. The films genres range all over the board from family films to comedies, to some very risky documentaries. The films being shown also come from many unique places from around the world such as France, Russia and Turkey. Pete Porter, Board Director of the festival, was more than happy to share his excitement for the festival. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You feel really good, when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roster and see so many tremendous films coming here. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bound to be a good year,â&#x20AC;? Porter said.

Drew Castellaw | The Communicator

The Magic Lantern Theatre located at 25 W. Main Ave

The festival has been in effect since 1999, showcasing on worldclassic films that were not widely distributed according to the film festival website spokanefilmfestival. org. Some of the films being shown are also films up for awards such as We Were Here, a film about the arrival and impact of AIDS in San

Francisco. The film currently being nominated for an Oscar for Best Short Film. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year is going to be an exceptional year,â&#x20AC;? said Cameron Gorman, director of one of the short films in the festival. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have selected some very interesting films that are going to be relate-able to a lot of

the viewers, which is going to make it that much more intense.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The entire festival is put together by volunteers,â&#x20AC;? Porter said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No one gets paid compensation.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody just does it for the love of movies and the feedback we get from our audiences.â&#x20AC;? The event is sponsored by companies and organizations all over Spokane and has been since the dawn of the festival. Directors of the international films come from all over the world to watch and and do Q&Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with the audiences. According to the festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This gives fest-goers the opportunity to hear filmmakers explain firsthand how their projects went from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Action!â&#x20AC;? to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wrap!â&#x20AC;? According to Porter, from the films playing to the extras included, SpIFF is going to be an awarding event to all who attend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year is filled with exciting movies and there is quality all over the board,â&#x20AC;? said Porter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the best we have done and I am excited to see how it comes together.â&#x20AC;?

For more information, and for ticket prices go to spokanefilmfestival.org

Spokane Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Film Festival Jan. 26 - Feb. 5 â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Were Hereâ&#x20AC;? nominated for an Oscar for Best Short Film Festival originated in 1999, and is orchestrated by volunteers In 2010, Prodigal Sons, by Kimberley Reed placed first in the entire festival. A story about Family dynamic and a Brotherly rivalry between Brother and Sister Ticket prices range from $8$15 at the River Park Square AMC Source: spokanefilmfestival.org

Strip Show showcases work of SFCC faculty, alumni Allie Roberts

The Communicator Everything from the traditional medium of paint and ink to speakers and fishhooks find their way into the SFCC Fine Arts Faculty and Alumni Exhibition. The Strip Show is a collection of work from 13 faculty members and 16 art program alumni. Each artist was given a 10-foot-by-10inch vertical space on the gallery walls, (or standing within a 10-inch square base for sculpture work). The exhibition runs from Jan. 5 until Feb. 4. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought it was a good idea, but having to build something 10 feet tall in a heavy material like clay is not easy,â&#x20AC;? said Mardis Nenno, faculty artist in ceramics. Her piece in the display, Hooked, Line and Sinker, is made from porcelain and wire. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to solve the limitation in an interesting way, so I cheated,â&#x20AC;? Nenno said. Nennoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sculpture carries its mass on the bottom, allowing only a few wires to rise to the 10 foot mark. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just like students with an assignment, they find a way around the limitation until it works for them,â&#x20AC;? Nenno said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Often times you come up with ideas that you would never have thought of otherwise; problem solving is a creative process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why this show is so interesting.â&#x20AC;? Faculty artist, Carl Richardson

Nadia Kurakin | The Communicator

said he had the right sized 10-inch squares for years, but just hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t done anything with them yet. His piece incorporated the squares with 10-by-10 photos stacked together. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The piece in the show is the sixth manifestation of what Tom gave us to work with,â&#x20AC;? Richardson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I tossed around a lot of ideas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was a lot of exploration and I learned a lot about what I could do.â&#x20AC;? Tom Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Day, who organizes the gallery shows said he does a faculty involved show every other year and alumni work more sporadically. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I decided it might be nice to do a show together this time and I wanted a way to give enough space for everyone to fit,â&#x20AC;? Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Day said. Once the gallery space had been measured out, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Day said that each person could be allowed about ten. inches wide to show in.

With online purchase @ www.schweitzer.com/daze Book online with the promo code â&#x20AC;&#x153;dazeâ&#x20AC;? or call 877.487.4643 All discounts valid with current college id

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JAN. 26 - FEB. 8, 2012