Oct.14.2015
www.thegrcurrent.com
issue01 volume50
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thecurrent the student newspaper of green river college
COFFEE vs. ENERGY Whose Side Are You On?
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Ian Lobdell | The Current
currentcampus
currentopinion
currentsports
Green River College Put on a List of Unfair Businesses
World Wide Hunger Problem
Seahawks Struggle Out of Slump
Organizations are working to help the hungry, and you can help out.
The Seahawks may be losing now, but there is still hope for the team.
Administration ignores allegations of a hostile work environment.
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2 2015-2016
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thecurrent
James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
Ian Lobdell | The Current
Jeaney Hoene (left) the current Interim Union President, who took over for Former President Mark Millbauer (right), out in Kennely Commons “celebrating” 500 days without a faculty contract.
College Accused of Unfair Labor Practices Eight Times Green River Losing Money and Refusing to Communicate with Staff By: Valory Lovejoy Staff Writer Green River College is at risk to be put on an “Unfair to Labor/Do Not Patronize” list. Over spring quarter, Green River received eight different unfair labor practices complaints. “That’s unheard of,” Ty Pethe, president of Washington Federation of State Employees Local 304, said. “It’s really rare for any college to have one because that’s Federal law that you are violating and to have eight at one time, in one quarter, was an unexceptionally high amount.” Allison Friedly, public relations director, said in an email, “All unfair labor practice complaints against the College have been dropped by the union. These were the basis for the labor council’s letter of concern.” Friedly did not reply to further questions. There are many events and actions that contributed to these complaints and statements being made. Lack of communication, votes of no-confidence in the president, disrespect, and fear in the work place.
Over the summer of 2015, Ty Pethe made a report to the Washington State Labor Council about Green River College’s mistreatment of union staff and faculty member. However, the letter from the Washington State Labor Council is not the only outside entity concerned about Green River. Letters from Laurie Jinkins, Representative of the 27 Legislative District, Senator Karen Keiser, and Kimberly McRae and Tracy Lai, co-presidents of AFT Seattle, were sent to President Eileen Ely and the board of trustees. All these letters were in concern of the way Green River was being managed. In the letter to Pete Lewis, Board Chairman of the Board of Trustees, from Representative Laurie Jinkins, there was also concern towards the cancellation of two programs, auto body and carpentry, because enrollment did not meet expectations. According to the letter to President Ely, “The decision to close these programs appears to have been made without consulting the faculty. In a shared governance environment, faculty and other advisory council members would be able to discuss the proposal.” This is an example of the capricious
actions mentioned in the letter. Jamie Fitzgerald, Division Chair of the English Department, said, “Faculty are big stake holders at which way this college should be going.” Communication is a big faction in effectively providing faculty, staff and students what they need out of the college. In May, Pethe went to a Board of Trustees meeting, and it was a very “disheartening” experience for him.
“In higher education, employees don’t serve at the whims of the President, it’s a collaborative effort to govern this college. ”
- Jamie Fitzgerald, Division Chair of the English Department The meeting discussed program that were soon to be cut due to low enrollment. In the small meeting area, students who relied on these programs made speeches to try and keep the programs going. Some students even broke down into tears. He said there were upset faculty and staff that suffered from mistreatment and harassment that finally spoke up for themselves.
Faculty proposed alternate ways to save the funds needed to maintain the programs for not only themselves but the students. Students weren’t able to finish their studies and were trying to pursue degrees in these programs. Not only were the students at a loss but staff members lost their jobs. According to the letter to Lewis, the closing of various programs means a loss of investments and initially cost more to refurbish and renovate the building into different lessons, and students will be obligated to change their studies or give up on education all together. The state capital budget gave Green River $25 million for the construction of the buildings for the new programs and $21 million has already been spent. All the equipment for the auto body program was paid for with $250,000 of the budget. Jeaney Hoene, Faculty Union President, said the auto body program was to be the best in Washington and state of the art. Hoene said, “Terminating the programs didn’t add up” and the communications with the faculty felt as if it was cut off. She believes time, money, and benefits were wasted on the programs that were
terminated. Not only did it cost the college, staff, and students, Hoene said this action made a very fearful environment for each program at the college. President Ely received a letter from Senator Keiser showing concern for the program cut. In this letter Keiser said, “It would be unfortunate in my view to change course at this late date and invest in yet more high-cost equipment and remodeling of the just completed trades building.” Hoene checked into the letter and found out that Keiser never received a response to this letter. Pethe hopes that this ultimatum pressures President Ely to change the ways she governs the college. If President Ely ignores this letter from WSLC as well, she is risking the chance of a boycott against the college once it is put on the “Unfair to Labor/Do Not Patronize” list, Pethe said. Pethe said, “If they don’t have a value on actually fixing it, if they don’t have a value on actually making it better, if they don’t have a value on good leadership that tries to enrich everyone and help students, then I still don’t think it’s going to change.”
James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
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Campus Crime Blotter
Campus Safety responded to the following incidents from August 8 to October 1 among others. All information is from campus safety incident reports.
8/9 2 a.m. Parking Lot Damage to School Property
Safety officers noticed a chain gate had been knocked down in the parking lot. Additional officers were called in to search the area for vehicles. Officers also looked at video surveillance footage of the scene. They could not find any evidence of a vehicle that could knock down a steel pole entering or leaving campus. A safety officer also reported seeing a wooden pole missing in the parking lot. The pole could not be found.
8/9 3:10 a.m. Administration Building Informational
While on patrol, safety officers heard what sounded like a shotgun being fired twice in the woods near campus. Safety officers discussed what measures to take when a they heard a third shot fired. Safety called the Auburn Police Department who arrived shortly onto the scene. Police searched the area but found no evidence of a shooter.
8/13 3 p.m. International Programs Student Conduct Rule Violation
Safety was informed of a student angry at an instructor and causing a scene in the classroom. The suspect was upset over his grade in the class. When he asked the instructor to give him a higher grade, she refused and informed him that he had only shown up for the first week of class. He became agitated, throwing the instructor’s papers around the room. He then said, “F— you bitch! I ain’t taking that grade and I ain’t taking this class for the 4th time.” The suspect has moved and it is uncertain if he will be returning for fall quarter.
8/14 1:15 a.m. Parking Lot Auto Accident - Hit and Run
Safety officer observed five suspects approaching the CCA. As he approached, the group smelled of marijuana. He stopped them and asked if they were students and if they had been smoking pot. The group responded that they were not students and they had not been smoking pot. As they turned to leave, the safety officer noticed a bong in one of the suspect’s hands. He tried to talk with them further but they got into their car and were preparing to drive off. The safety officer stood behind the car, still trying to talk with the suspects. The driver then turned the car in reverse and attempted to run over the safety officer three times before driving off. The safety officer was unharmed and required no medical attention.
9/26 11:30 a.m. Off-Campus Suspicious Circumstance
Safety officers were informed by a non-student walking through the trails that gunshots had been heard in the woods. The woman saw three individuals shooting what she assumed were pistols, but she was uncertain if they were real. She could only describe one of the individuals. The Auburn Police Department was called and officers arrived soon after. The officer walked through the trails but found nothing suspicious.
10/1 1:40 p.m. Trades Building Auto Accident
Safety officer on patrol found a motorcycle had been hit in front of the trades building. The driver of the motorcycle was holding his left arm and had lost a shoe. The motorcycle was highly damaged and needed to be towed away. The victim was transported to the hospital. The motorcyclist had been struck by an employee of the college.
3 2015-2016
Creepers on Campus Confronted
Sexual Harassment not Tolerated by Students at Green River By: James Ristig Campus Editor
Last spring, student Jontae Wiggins met a local creeper. Sina Ghodsee was forward with his intentions, asking Wiggins out on a date the first time they met. She denied his advances, and in order to avoid this man she gave him her phone number, though she immediately blocked his number. Wiggins said some time later she received a call from Ghodsee and ended up answering because she had recently purchased a new phone. He once again made advances on her, even promising to “make her popular” and that he “has a tight clique.” Wiggins said Ghodsee soon increased his inappropriate behavior, sending her vulgar text messages. Three days later Wiggins filed a report with the police. The police tried to serve Ghodsee with a court summons but he ran from the officer. Ghodsee then began threatening Wiggins after he learned she had contacted law enforcement about his behavior. Finally, the police manged to give Ghodsee a time to be in court. On Sept. 22, according to the campus safety reports, Ghodsee was on campus when safety officer Kawika Yasumura and Rob Fitzgerald, interim campus safety director, approached him wanting to talk. He complied with the request but was agitated with the two. While walking towards the Administration Building, he informed Fitzgerald he had an attorney and Fitzgerald would go to jail if the attorney was not present. When they reached the Lindbloom Center, Ghodsee turned around and began walking towards his vehicle. He became verbally abusive towards the officers and Fitzgerald said in the report he “had a running dialog with nobody in particular. His dialog was made up of threats of lawsuits and lines from what I assume are rap songs.” Ghodsee ran away from the officers, who pursued and watched him enter his vehicle and drive away from the college. An hour after the incident, Ghodsee began calling campus safety multiple times demanding information on the situation. He was uncooperative and said he would “sue everyone for discriminating against him,” said safety officer Christ Turner in the report. Turner spoke to Ghodsee over the phone and informed him that if he continued to harass campus safety they would contact the Auburn Police Department. Turner informed Ghodsee that he needed to contact the judicial officer to set up a
Photo Illustration | Ian Lobdell
meeting about this incident. When Ghodsee began berating Turner, he disconnected the call. Ghodsee once again called campus safety and began the call by shouting obscenities into the phone at safety officer Jesus Cortez. He was uncooperative with Cortez and said, “You’re done, the whole Allied World, the Ghodsees, and the Police are going to f— you up!” He hung up the call after shouting more obscenities at Cortez. Campus safety while waiting to speak with Ghodsee on Sept. 22, observed him leaving his class with a female student. He tried to ask her out on a date but she tried to ignore him. Fitzgerald said in the report she looked “uncomfortable with the request.” On Sept. 23, Fitzgerald met with the female student to talk about Ghodsee. She said Ghodsee sat next to her in class and would make her uncomfortable. Fitzgerald told her Ghodsee was not a student anymore, but to call campus safety if there were any similar incidents. Ghodsee called campus safety again on that same day and spoke with safety officer James McDonald. According to the report by McDonald, Ghodsee said he would “bring the wrath of the police force, 9/11, and Osama bin Laden to destroy campus safety.” On Oct. 2, the last court date for Ghodsee to fight against the charges levied against him, he did show up to the courthouse but waited outside for Wiggins and her boyfriend Tim Sumi to leave. Sumi attempted to confront
Ghodsee but he only responded by smiling at the two. “He was checking her out with a creepy smile,” Sumi said. “Like ‘you’re not going to do s— to me.’” Wiggins received a protection order and Ghodsee is now required by law to stay away from her. Rob Fitzgerald, interim campus safety director, confirmed that Ghodsee has left campus and is no longer a student. Ghodsee declined to comment on the incident. Another example of a student on campus sexually harassing others occurred on Oct. 1 when safety officers were called about two males running across campus, with one seeming to be chasing the other. Safety officer John Edwards responded to the scene and learned the suspect, Tony Smith, had been tackled to the ground by two students. The reporting student said Smith had been taking pictures of a female student in the bathroom. Smith denied doing anything wrong and was held at the scene. Fitzgerald arrived on the scene and told Smith to sit on the ground. Smith attempted to run but was pursued by safety. He soon stopped and sat on the ground as requested. The Auburn Police Department was called and he was taken away. The victim was taken to a safety booth until a counselor could arrive and talk with her. Turner contacted Auburn Police the next day and was informed that Smith has been charged with voyeurism and was not a student of Green River.
4 2015-2016
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James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
Program Prioritization Process Implemented By: Ian Lobdell Editor-in-Chief @iamilobdell The administration has implemented a new review process called the Program & Service Prioritization Process. This process looks at the college’s programs and separates them into three pillars: Institution, Student Services, and Instruction. Institution refers to programs that function as the everyday and business operations of the college. Instruction categorizes programs that help students in a classroom setting. Student Services are programs that help students outside a class room, such as Enrollment Services or Financial Aid. These pillars are then self-graded and ranked based on unique criteria determined by the College Council, Green River’s participatory governance council. The programs are then separated into quintiles and examined in more depth based on their feedback and where they ranked. “The criteria are very comprehensive, so no one program will score high in every single one of those criteria, because every program has strengths and weaknesses,” said Christopher Johnson executive director of institutional effectiveness. Vice President of Instruction Derek Brandes said this process is intended to be a more transparent way toward how program cuts and reforms are decided upon by the administration. There was also hope that it might soothe push back from the faculty over the budget cuts that need to happen this year due to income reductions from various sources on campus. “An unfortunate reality, especially in today’s higher ed environment, is that they have continuously cut funding so there are limited resources,” Johnson said. “You have to be very judicious with how you use those resources.“ “I can appreciate that people think that this is going to be a trying process on campus, and it is in an expedited amount of time,” said Allison Friedly, executive director of public relations for Green River. “I know that those are some of the criticisms. The problem is we do have a budget shortage coming. That’s a fact, and it’s been a fact for years and nothing’s been done to really solve this issue. Across the board cuts are not gonna benefit any of us.” This process would add an additional step on top of the already required contractual obligations, which were witnessed during the last cuts, of the college toward the faculty and their union, giving the potential for more transparency on the administration’s part “To me this just gives more transparency to (the cuts selection) process, and gives us more factors to consider in that process,” Brandes said. However, the faculty union sees things differently from the college. “It would be easy to think that this was a genuine attempt at transparency if there had been transparency all along,” said Interim Union President Jaeney Hoene. The most recent cuts at Green River, that happened over the spring and summer quarters, surprised four Green River instructional
programs with proposed terminations. The faculty was less than happy about the sudden nature of that action. Hoene said the faculty union is not pleased with this process and how it was chosen, implemented, and the expedited timeline this process has been put on. The other issue is the faculty has is it’s contract outlines some rules about how reviews are to be done. It is unclear if the new prioritization process runs counter to the current faculty contract. There is also question raised by faculty as to how this could effect the culture and work environment on campus. Many are voicing complaints on the overly competitive nature that this could cause due to not wanting to be ranked in lower quintile or low enough to be looked at for potential cuts. “I’m not quite sure why the faculty would think they are competing against each other in this process,” Friedly said. “There is no necessary consequences from this process. There are no winners, and there are no losers.” Hoene said, “I think that there is a lot of cynicism amongst the faculty because of the history of this administration.” This process is based on a model taken from the book “Prioritizing Academic Programs and Services: Reallocating Resources to Achieve Strategic Balance” by Robert C. Dickeson. However, the model put forth by administration is being adapted. “We used the Dickeson book as framework, but we produced our own definitions that suit Green River,” Johnson said. The administration also is hoping to find efficiencies that it could make to programs now as well as potential new sources of revenue during this process. The College Council is currently selecting the people for a committee for each pillar, who will set the final criteria and the weights for each of those different focal points. Those representatives will be selected from within their pillar and should be finalized by the end of this month. The weighting should be determined soon after. One possible benefit of this model could be that fact that people would be proposing adaptions for the program they know best. This could result in more accurate restructuring, limiting for and considering the essentials needed to keep programs afloat. “Having the people who are intimately involved with each one of these areas of the college to get together and see where efficiencies can be found and where we can cut costs,” Friedly said. “The pragmatic aspect is the fact that they are coming with these solutions that they will be coming to us regardless of what of quintile you are in.” “We have made a demand to bargain (the prioritization process) and they have refused to bargain at this point, Hoene said. However, she also said, “My position is that the faculty should not participate.” Brandes said programs funded by the 522 budget are not in the Student Services pillar and are not included in this prioritization process because that money is controlled by student government. Those 522 programs include things like Student Affairs, Athletics, and The Current.
Ian Lobdell | The Current
Faculty “celebrate” 500 days without a contract by passing out pamphlets and free cake to students.
driven to
discover
Attend A trAnsfer InformAtIon sessIon! To register visit: www.uwb.edu/admissions/transfer
www.uwb.edu
425.352.5000
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James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
5 2015-2016
New Amphitheater Becomes Hot Spot on Campus By: Alina Moss Managing Editor @amossytime
Since summer of 2014, there has been a seemingly empty gated off area where the Athletic Recreation Annex (ARA) used to be. These portable rooms that were once the home to athletics and international offices, became useless as Green River College expanded with its upgrades. ARA was demolished and GRC was left with an empty, seemingly unusable space. Ed Bloch was one of the minds involved in coming up with a plan to utilize the new space. Right away, he knew that the walkway connecting the gym buildings to P8 was often used by many students before the area was closed off. Knowing this, Bloch wanted to make the area accessible to students again. Through brainstorming and planning, the idea for the amphitheater was formed, but the actual process took more than a year to fully complete. The amphitheater was not a priority to
get done because it was out of the way, not causing any harm and hardly even noticed. As a side project, only being worked on in between the workers other’s projects on campus, it was a stretched out project. Without a daily work schedule, time was also consumed by the constant need to set up and break down the equipment completely when work was being done. It also took extra time to install the new irrigation systems, lighting, and water fountain. To utilize the difficult sloped land space in the best way possible for all GRC students, the project plans used many retaining walls. These walls not only support the landscape but they also add design and a place to sit. Weaving through the retaining walls is a cement latices pathway that not only allows grass to grow through the pavement and water to flow freely, but it is also ADA accessible. The path leads all the way up to the campus with side stops for wheelchairs to let people by and a water fountain which is also ADA accessible. With a regular water fountain, an ADA level fountain, and a dog bowl at the bottom, this amphitheater is equipped for everyone’s enjoyment.
The beautiful grassy area has already begun to attract attention. In addition to people walking through, many students have started to take advantage of the new area. Many school organized groups have already started to use it as a meeting place. The track team has been using the new area to their advantage during their warm-ups before practice.
There have also been a few four legged friends enjoying the grassy paths. On a sunny day the amphitheater is a great place to relax in the shade or soak up the sun. Bloch said that grassy areas with a few seats always attract the students. This project took a long time to complete, but it will be a place for students to gather for years to come.
Alina Moss | The Current
The finished product of the amphitheater (right) is now available for everyone to enjoy. Even dogs (left) can even enjoy the water bowl attached to the water fountain. Photo courtesy Josh Gertsman.
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6 2015-2016
Langston Thomas | A&E Editor a&e@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
Kill The Noise: Distorting Your Preconceptions of Dubstep By: Langston Thomas A&E Editor
Jake Stanczak has been making waves in the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene since 2008 under the name Kill The Noise. However, on October 9, 2015, he managed to raise no less than a radioactive tsunami over the EDM world with his first full length album “Occult Classic.” Over the years, Stanczak has put out numerous incredible compilations. Starting off his music career under the alias Ewum, he was able to quickly move his way up the ranks while working with some very notable artists, such as Evol Intent and Spor (now known as Feed Me). His first few EPs under the name Kill The Noise (KTN for short), “Kill Kill Kill” (2011) and “Black Magic” (2013), were released on none other than Owsla—Skrillex's label. Since the release of his last EP in 2013, he has periodically been putting out singles and remixes on the labels Owsla and Slow Roast. This year he seems to be sticking with his main label Owsla for his Freshman LP release. The entire album is riddled with superstar artists such as Dillon Francis, Feed Me, Madsonik, and Tommy Trash. Lately, many producers have been releasing music with the intent to defy genres, and it seems KTN is no exception to this revolutionary idea. “Occult Classic” starts off with the humongous track, “Kill It 4 The Kids.” It features Aaron Bruno from AWOLNATION repeatedly warning the listener, “I told you to kill the
By: Nick Entsminger Staff Writer Every Friday, faculty members at Green River are encouraged to bring their pets with them to work. For one, it makes the campus a much livelier place for staff and students alike. “I think it just makes it a more friendly work environment,” said Steve Kinholt, a professor who brings in his dog Macy on pet Fridays. “Students love having a sweet dog.” Most students seem to enjoy the experience of having a furry friend on campus and it’s a fun distraction in the classroom. John Knowlton, who brings in his chocolate lab Sable to class every Friday, thinks students enjoy having her in the classroom. Knowlton realizes, “it’s the students’ class, and not my dog’s class,” so he makes sure all of his students are alright with it. “They love having a friendly dog
noise,” (a reference to the song “Kill The Noise Pt. I” by Stanczak) over a screamed backing vocal. The drop is a high-energy trap monstrosity, dripping with bass, enormous synths, and brutal growls. This song is a perfect example of how Stanczak is able to take his multi-genre influences, add distortion, and include them in his music. The songs on this album transcend any templates that could put them in a box, but could possibly be described as a well-developed mix of rock, dubstep, trap and electro. Although KTN is known for ear exploding bass drops and terrifying
vocal effects, the songs on “Occult Classic” seem to have a very diverse range of sound. A few songs on the album greatly stand out among the rest, the first being track seven, “Dolphin On Wheels.” It was co-written by Dillon Francis, who just recently topped the Billboard EDM charts with his EP release “This Mixtape is Fire,” earlier this year. Francis and KTN worked together on a project back in 2013 called Meowski666. The song they released under the alias, “Meow Machine,” is a mashup of bass, moombahton, and pitched, effected cat and dog sounds. Although the duo only
released one song, it was hugely popular among their fans. Comparing the two songs that Stanczak and Francis have released together, it is clear to see that animals are the main influence, being relentlessly sampled throughout the tracks. The next mentionable track is number five, “Without a Trace,” featuring Stalking Gia. It has a progressive sound that starts off slow, acoustic, and melodic. It's somewhat reminiscent of some older releases from KTN, such as “Kill The Noise Pt. I” released on the “Kill Kill Kill” EP. Although, instead of dubstep, “Without a Trace” has a sort of drum 'n' bass feel to it the beauty of the melody is retained throughout its entirety. Last but not least, track eight, “Lose Ya Love,” is likely the most unique song on the album. It’s a funky, fast-paced ear pleaser that you can’t help but nod your head to. Oddly enough, it heavily, and quite effectively samples vocals from the 1976 hit “I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love” by The Emotions. This track can hardly identify with any specific genre. It’s in a world of its own that exemplifies the creative mind of Stanczak. Overall, “Occult Classic” is everything an artist could hope for from a first album. The songs are unique but contain enough similarity to give the LP a defined sound. Although it is a departure from the dubstep that Kill The Noise grew its base upon, I don’t see any of the fans being anything short of pleased from his latest release.
: Fridays are Bring Your Pet to Work Day that’s got a sweet disposition,” Knowlton said. “Students love having dogs—or at least having my dog—there.” Both Kinholt and Knowlton agreed that bringing in their dogs has made their everyday scholastic life far less stressful. “(Bringing in Macy makes it) far less stressful; Green River has been a pretty stressful environment for the past three or four years,” Kinholt said. “I guess it’s one of the reasons I started a few years ago.” But one thing that may be of concern is that there is no real policy in place for the staff. Any faculty member can bring their dog in, and this could become a problem if too many of them start to show up. “I really think it would be good if Green River would implement a policy,” Kinholt said. “Other colleges that have (these policies) do it because they recognize the fact that it’s less stressful on the employees (when their pets are around).” Student allergies could become a problem, and being in the presence
of a dog could violate some people’s religious beliefs. Most teachers have the courtesy to ask their students ahead of time if they have a problem with a dog coming to class, and if someone does they leave the pet in their office. Some, like Kinholt, don’t bring them to class at all. The idea of pet Friday also raises the question, what would happen if every teacher started to bring a dog in? At least four teachers bring in their dogs every Friday. What if the other faculty members started following that example? Imagine having 50 dogs on campus, every single Friday. That could be a real problem for many reasons, one of which would be the potty situation. Also, many dogs do not get along with each other. So, if two dogs were to get into a fight, someone would need to take responsibility. As well, if a dog were to attack a student, it could result in a major lawsuit against the college. Granted, these are some unlikely
scenarios, but they should be given some consideration. For the most part, however, it seems like there have been no real problems so far. Kinholt remarked he has yet to see any poop on campus (a stark contrast to what it’s like near his home). He also noted that students seem to really love the dogs. Complete strangers have come up and started conversations with Kinholt specifically because of his dog. Animals just make people more approachable, and that’s a valuable thing—especially between student and teacher. Even teachers who don’t bring in their own pets are enjoying pet day. “I have at two, three, at least four faculty members here in the science building that are teaching her tricks; they’re bringing in treats for her,” Knowlton said. “Sometimes they ask me a day or two in advance if I am bringing my dog in on Friday,” to which Knowlton will happily respond, “Oh yeah, I’m bringing her in.”
Concert Calendar Oct
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*
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alt-J
San Fermin
@ Key Arena Doors: 8 p.m. $55
Twenty One Pilots Echosmith, Finish Ticket
@ Paramount Theatre Doors: 6 p.m. $97
Lido
Basstracks, Maia Avalon
@ The Crocodile Doors: 8 p.m. $15
Coheed and Cambria
Knapsack, Thank You Scientist
@ Shobox SoDo Doors: 7 p.m. $33
Marina and the Diamonds @ Paramount Theatre Doors: 7 p.m. $62
AWOLNATION Meg Myers, IRONTOM
@ Paramount Theatre Doors: 7 p.m. $35
All Time Low
Sleeping With Sirens, ONE OK ROCK, Neck Deep
@ ShoWare Center Doors: 5 p.m. $35
The Wonder Years & Motion City Soundtrack State Champs, You Blew It
@ The Showbox Doors: 6:30 p.m. $25
Beats Antique @ Showbox SoDo Doors: 7 p.m. $25
KGRG 89.9 FM will be *giving away tickets for the marked show(s). Find out more at www.kgrg.com.
Langston Thomas | A&E Editor a&e@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
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thecurrent
7 2015-2016
Conquer Your Classes with Caffeine
Coffee vs. Energy Drinks: Which is Better for Keeping You Up, Studying, and Healthy? By: Langston Thomas A&E Editor Here comes the dreary time of late nights and early mornings, straining to finish that paper that’s due in only a few short hours. Alone, the student is almost not enough to take school head on. Something more is needed to survive everyday life—something caffeinated. A quick picker-upper is always readily available if you can manage to wander to nearly any street corner in the Seattle area. Starbucks is Seattle’s largest and most popular coffee supplier. It’s plain to see, because of them, coffee flows by the gallons in our area. Some people can’t even bring themselves to leave bed unless they know a cup of Joe is only a Keurig click away. Around campus, the most common answer to the question, “Would you be able to tackle your morning without coffee?” was an indecisive groan. Many, however, aren’t “about that life.” Although you will be energized to do just about anything after a few cups, coffee does have its downsides. Jitters, shaking and bad breath commonly accompany drinking coffee, not to mention it’s a diuretic (ask your doctor). The other easily attainable energy source, of course, is energy drinks. These beverages seem to have risen to incredible popularity in the last few years. Monster, Rockstar and Red Bull have become almost as big of brand names as Starbucks nowadays. With multiple can sizes, bottle sizes and flavors to choose from, it seems there might be more variety to be found in energy drinks than coffee. According to Jessica, one of Green River College’s on-campus baristas, energy drinks are just more convenient. She admits that the two coffee stands on campus sell more coffee than anything. However, energy drinks are so popular that the baristas at both locations find themselves restocking their nearly depleted energy drink reserves daily. In the opinion of GRC student Derek Arnold, you can get the same amount of energy from black coffee as from energy drinks. Still, “no one drinks black coffee, and those things (energy drinks) are poison,” said Arnold. The reality is, both will help keep you awake. In large amounts though, such as is needed to study all night, coffee will have less negative effects on the body than energy drinks. Then what’s so convenient about gaining wings from something if an almost inevitable crash awaits only a few hours after consumption?
Because it’s addictive! Caffeine directly affects the brain making you alert and happy while increasing your metabolism. Like many other drugs, caffeine is a stimulant. When digested, it blocks neurotransmitters in the brain, including adenosine, that tell your body it’s tired. Adenosine is a brain chemical that is involved with sleep. When this chemical is blocked, the brain goes into a sort of panic mode and tells your body to start releasing adrenaline. This is a very small scale “fight or flight” response that the brain initiates to keep you alert. Caffeine also triggers the release of dopamine and norepinephrine—two chemicals that help regulate mood. These drinks seem to be doing us good, but all good things should be taken in moderation. The Mayo Clinic recommends a safe amount of about 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine per person, per day. Anything over 300 milligrams may be unsafe. That being the case, what categories do coffee and energy drinks fall under? What’s surprising about these figures displayed on the chart is not only the amount of caffeine in both types of drinks, but how the chart clearly shows that most energy drinks have less caffeine by volume than most coffee drinks. So which is really the best choice? We’ve all heard at some point in time that caffeinated drinks are just plain bad for you, but lately this preconception is being challenged. Besides having ample amounts of caffeine and coming in huge sizes, energy drinks also contain taurine—an amino acid. Taurine is known to help maintain neurological development, as well as maintain the mineral balance of blood. While not scientifically proven, taurine is also thought to contain antioxidants. Earlier this year, Registered Dietitian and specialty editor for the Mayo Clinic’s nutrition and healthy eating guide, Katherine Zeratsky, acknowledged the results of a recently conducted taurine study. It included individuals suffering from congestive heart failure that were advised to take taurine supplements three times a day for two weeks. In the end, many of the participants showed an increase in their exercise capacity. Whatever the health benefits may be, it’s important to remember that energy drinks are synthetic and are made up of mostly artificial flavors and sweeteners. So, while a Red Bull may keep your brain awake, according to the Zeratsky and the Mayo Clinic, studies merely “suggest that taurine combined with caffeine improves
mental performance, although this finding remains controversial.” On the flip side, while coffee may contain larger amounts of caffeine than energy drinks, it comes from all natural ingredients—and when the word natural is used in a description of a product, consumers are generally inclined to presume it’s healthy. In another report by Zeratsky, she says that “too much caffeine, or caffeine-like substances, can lead to: nervousness, irritability, insomnia, rapid heartbeat (and) increased blood pressure.” Coffee has a lot of caffeine, no doubt, but the benefits of coffee may outweigh the risks. A recent report done by Medical News Today revealed that the potential health benefits from drinking coffee may include: protection against type 2 diabetes, lower incidences of Parkinson’s disease, lower risks of liver disease, and promotion of a healthier heart. A cup of straight black, unsweetened coffee contains about two calories. It’s basically just caffeinated water when it comes down to it. But according to researchers at the University of Scranton, Coffee is the number one source of antioxidants in the U.S. Information about the health risks and benefits of caffeine is everywhere. There are about as many people for its consumption as there are against it. If caffeine is consumed too
regularly, the body may become reliant upon it. So, instead of downing a full pot of coffee or three Monsters, try some alternatives. The body gets energy from food and sleep. Quick energy fixes can’t replace the energy output of a good diet, regular exercise, and sleep. So, when you’re about to pull your next all-nighter, weigh the options before heading to your nearest pit stop to fuel up on caffeine.
Type of drink
Serving
Caffeine
Caffeine in Coffee Brewed
8 oz.
95-200 mg
Brewed, decaf
8 oz.
2-12 mg
Single-serving ‘Cups’
8 oz.
75-150 mg
Single-serving ‘Cups’ decaf
8 oz.
2-4 mg
Espresso
1 oz.
47-75 mg
Espresso, decaf
1 oz.
0-15 mg
Instant
8 oz.
27-173 mg
Instant decaf
8oz.
2-12 mg
Specialty Drink
8 oz.
63-175mg
Caffeine in Energy Drinks Monster
8 oz.
80-86 mg
5-Hour Energy
2 oz.
200-207 mg
Full Throttle
8 oz.
70-100 mg
Red Bull
8.4 oz.
75-80 mg
Rockstar
8 oz.
79-80 mg
Source | The Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic has adapted the above chart from the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. For comparison, a bottle of Coke contains around 34 milligrams of caffeine, and a Mountain Dew contains around 55.
Ian Lobdell | The Current
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thecurrent
8 2015-2016
Hayato Mori Student
Explores Graphic Design as Art By: Alina Moss Managing Editor @amossytime
Hayato Mori, a Japanese student at Green River College, is exploring his way through graphic design using his favorites of American and Japanese art to create his own style. Mori has been attending Green River College for two years, but he has been working with graphic design for three years. His passion for graphic design started when he was a child interested in drawing and painting. He said that his love for drawing was the start on his path to design, “I was practicing drawing and that's a foundation for design.” At Green River he took beginning design and graphic design which he excelled in. His dedication and talent in the art have increased over the years as he decided that this is the career path he would like to follow. Mori plans on creating CD jackets and live music posters as his main career goals. This is a great choice for him, because he not only loves graphic design, but he is also into rock music.
These are just a few examples of Hayato Mori’s graphic designs. The live music poster (top right) is an example of what he hopes to continue doing as a career. As well as the Luminous’s Deep Unknown CD jacket (bottom right) and the Milky List CD jacket (bottom left).
He used to be in a rock band and uses the music often to be his inspiration. "I'm listening to music and I make a story in my head. Then I express it on the screen," Mori said while describing his artistic process. To continue improving his artistic skills, Mori is now a teachers assistant to Sarah Dillon Gilmartin in the GRC art department. His main assignment is to make posters promoting the graphic design classes offered, which will be posted all around campus. This is a win-win situation for the art classes, who get more advertisement for the department, and for Mori whose artwork will be seen by many Green River students and faculty. Mori will also help put together this year’s issue of Espial, Green River's yearly collection of art. Even though graphic design takes a lot of patience and knowledge, Mori sticks with it and continues to try and make his art original and show his viewers something beautiful. Mori said that "[graphic design is] like a puzzle that doesn't have an exact answer." He also encourages other students who like design or artistic creation to try graphic design and take advantage of the classes offered at Green River College.
Langston Thomas | A&E Editor a&e@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
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Alina Moss | Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
9
2015-2016
Broken Spotlights on the Shooters
Editorial
A shooter, like the one in Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Ore., is an individual seeking an outlet for various issues. Do we as a nation, or even as a community here in Washington, need to discuss what caused this violent man to take the lives of others? The answer is unfortunately complex and has many layers to the story. We as a species want answers. When a random event happens in our lives, we seek to know why and how it happened. We future proof our lives from the disasters of the world. Houses keep us safe from the rain and the cold. But what happens when a tornado blows down your house? That was a random act of natural forces destroying your safe haven by chance and happenstance. An armed gunman walking through a school, shooting down innocent unarmed students. These events happen and are hard to predict, and even harder to prevent these tragedies. The point of this is to show sometimes there is no deeper reason for a disaster, even a human one. It has just happened and we cannot go into the future to prevent the next one yet. We as individuals and communities have very little power to stop these people, but those in high authority do have that power to end this cycle. Our nation right now is struggling through a long, complex, and muddled debate over the merits of controlling the sale and distribution of firearms. Every side has an argument to make, either for or against guns. Neither side is getting
anywhere important in terms of actually addressing the problem. The old saying, “Guns don’t kill people, people kill people,” is a trite oversimplification of a tragedy that keeps happening. And yet, it keeps getting used as a basis for keeping guns readily available to the public. Going back to an earlier point, the mass murderers of the world are disturbed individuals and the debate over whether we should analyze their motives is complex. On the one hand, looking at the motives is used as a smokescreen to hide how easily he obtained the weapons. We as a people enjoy looking into the lives of these criminals and seeing how alien they are to us. Maybe the shooter was a silent loner living in the woods. This wets the appetites of the media viewing public who want a juicy story and answers about why this tragedy occurred. The news packages these flimsy connections to a random act of murder, and presents it as a definitive reason for what happened. National media attention draws even more people to get either a chance on the world stage, or gives people ideas on how to implement their own mass shooting plans. Either way, giving more than a memorial service to those who lost their lives in this tragedy is just media grandstanding. A news pundit is not a detective on Law and Order solving the mystery of why the serial killer did it and wrap it up in a nice beautiful bow for the audience. Real tragedy is messy and random. The best you can hope to get is that this attack was pre-meditated and the shooter targeted the location for a reason.
And let us not forget the testimonials of friends and neighbors. This is when the trail goes cold for the news reporters so they find any person available who might have interacted with the shooter and has an outrageous statement. There will be assuring testaments that one of these killers was always sitting alone in his underwear howling at the moon. Stuff like this is completely useless and only accentuates this man as an “other”, a person separate from society. That is just not true. They were people and they had lives before this tragedy happened. We need to keep this fact in mind so we do not just dismiss these people and their problems as something we cannot comprehend. We can understand why they committed these acts, but it really is not the media’s job to try and find out. Leave it to the professionals. In terms of the media reporting on these violent attacks because it will raise awareness and bring about change, it has not happened yet. Columbine was the big event everyone remembers. It was a tragic event and a blot on our history books. That shooting happened 16 years ago. We are still experiencing shootings just as brutal if not more so now. The media has not made a difference yet, so why do they think it is working now? Why even write about this event. Because we want to bring up these issues and break through the media’s smoke and mirrors display. The next time this happens, ignore it. Mourn for the dead, do not celebrate the murderer. It is hard. But in the end, it is all for the best.
Editorials reflect the opinions of the entire editing staff of the Current.
Big Trucks Take Over Little Seattle By: Wyatt Philpot Staff Writer
Late for work, just got through that morning traffic, and you really need to find a parking spot. You finally come across what seems to be the last spot in the lot, and a pickup is taking up two spots. Truck’s in Seattle, while you love that big hunk of metal, it is not the best idea for the commute. Between the size of larger trucks and narrow parking or roads, it’s just a hassle for everyone. Matthew Philpot, the owner of a 2004 Silverado with a extended bed and very large lift kit, has lived
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in multiple highly populated cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and now Seattle. “It helps everyone being scared to cut me off in rush hour” Philpot said. He also said the gas isn’t that bad. And
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by not that bad, he means around 100 dollars a week at the very least. So we may have different definitions of “not that bad.” Spencer Coffman, who also lived in Seattle and now drives there for work,
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had the initial scenario happen to him many times and ended up arriving late to work. “I can’t stand how many truck’s park like absolute jerks,” Coffman said. Between personal conflicts and just general emissions, trucks truly are not the best idea for just about anyone to drive on a daily basis in the city. So if you think about moving into place where you know traffic is almost at a complete stop most the time, and where there’s a light every 50 feet, please reconsider driving a rather large truck.
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Corrections In the last issue of the current in the article “Places To Be, Things To Do” it was said that the new fitness center in the Mel Lindbloom Student Union building is free to staff, this is incorrect, staff will be able to buy a membership once gym doors open too public. If you find and error in our facts or simply a name spelled wrong, please contact us at: editor@thegrcurrent.com 253-288-3457 or come in to our office in OEB room 17
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10
2015-2016
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Alina Moss | Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
Charter Schools Should be Funded by the State By: Jordyn Wilson Staff Writer
About one month after Washington charter schools had opened for daily school, the State Supreme Court had a 6-3 ruling withdrawing public funding from charter schools. Charter schools were ruled as uncommon recently because of the fact that they are governed by appointed rather than elected boards. The recent ruling states that uncommon schools will no longer receive funding from the state’s general fund. This will cause implications for the nine current up-and-running charter schools here in Washington state. The issue does not come from the schools being considered uncommon. Rather the complications come from the incompleteness of the ruling and the fact that these schools will need to find another way to receive money in order to pay for facilities, staff, materials, etc. Eight brand new charter schools have opened here in Washington within the past few months. Parents and students attending these schools are worried and chaos is brought on regarding the new decision. As of now, Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson
will go to the state Supreme Court, requesting a reconsideration of the ruling. The least the court could do is make the law more clear. An explanation of what schools are considered uncommon, and a plan for how these schools will sustain business is needed. Currently, it is unclear to other “uncommon” programs such as Running Start, schools for the blind, and special skills schools, whether or not they will remain publicly funded. Running Start, for example, has an appointed board. Technically, this means that they are considered “uncommon.” However, many believe that the program is safe for continual funding from the state because of the fact that they add to the basic education provided by common schools. As the status of these programs were not directly stated in the ruling, parents and staff are hoping to receive clarification with the reconsideration. Founder and executive director of Excel Charter School, Adel Sefrioui, shares his opinions with respect to the Supreme Court ruling. Sefrioui believes that the next step in the process is to wait for the reconsideration, and hope they come back and change their mind about not publicly funding charter schools. He states that having appointed boards helps the school run more
efficiently and allows his “top picks,” rather than simply political options voted on by the public. “By having an appointed board, we’re able to identify important needs and find people that fit them. We find a healthy makeup of cultures, ethnicities, experience, and time,” Sefrioui said. He believes that without funding from the state, it will take an extreme amount of private funds in order for his school to sustain business. Although he explains that it will take hard work and it may be difficult, he will work hard to do whatever it takes to give the kids what they need. Sefrioui explains how student money follows the students around. For example, if a child attended a Kent School District high school, and made the decision to switch to an Auburn School District high school, the money follows the student to where they transfer. If the student decided to transfer to a charter school, similarly, the money follows the student. This is an example of why the public believes charter schools to be stealing their money. Patrick Ontiveros, general counsel and Washington project director of Pacific Charter School Development has a slightly different view. Ontiveros explains his ideas via email. He believes that the charter schools here in Washington cannot sustain existence without
funding from the state. “I would assume it would be extremely difficult to raise funds every year in perpetuity, especially as these schools add more grades and ramp up enrollment, and the cost to run these schools becomes more expensive,” Ontiveros said. The president of the Washington Education Association, Paul Lawrence, has quite a provocative statement on the situation. “The Supreme Court has affirmed what we’ve said all along — charter schools steal money from our existing classrooms, and voters have no say in how these charter schools spend taxpayer funding,” Lawrence said. He believes that charter schools are stealing money because of the fact that the money comes from the public’s general fund, yet they have appointed boards. This is however completely untrue. The fact that he believes the voters have no say in how the schools spend taxpayer funding is absolutely incorrect. The public voted on having these schools become publicly funded. The law was passed in 2012. “An interested party could easily attend charter board meetings, make information requests to see how money is spent, and comment on it either to the charter school’s board or else to the State Commission or authorizing body,” Ontiveros said. The public view on charter
schools is very poor and terribly misinformed. Charter schools are ranked extremely high in part because of their strong accountability. One difference between charter and traditional public schools is that charter schools only receive a five year contract to show that students are learning. There are several myths about charter schools. Some believe that all are the same, they are made up of privileged children, or that their curriculum is strict and there is a ‘no excuse’ policy. According to According to www.usnews.com, these are ideas commonly thought of by the public without being informed on the schools. With the lack of knowledge from the public as to what charter schools truly are, Sefrioui suggests that people come visit his school, Excel, and view the type of learning and curriculum the children receive. With just one visit, you will realize how amazing the school actually is. Every one of the kids seems to enjoy the material they are being taught and they all strive to be the very top of their class. With almost every child who is enrolled in a Washington state charter school going on to attend a four-year college it would be beneficial if the reconsideration allowed charter schools to remain publicly funded.
all the parts of the world. It is a constant pin prick that is hurting about eight hundred million people, that is about one-tenth of the world population. Like a slow poison, starvation are injecting their venom in the lives of the modern humans, and sucking the lives out of those who suffer its tyranny. The World Food Program (WFP) from the United Nations said, “There is enough food in the world today for everyone to have the nourishment necessary for a healthy and productive life.” On the other hand, according to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), “Roughly one third of the food produced in the world for human consumption every year gets lost or wasted,” and that “every year, consumers in rich countries waste almost as much food as the entire net food production of sub-Saharan Africa.” These facts speak volumes about the pathetic, unethical ignorance of the majority of the world’s population towards this issue, especially the developed countries. A punch in the face is the fact that a majority of the world doesn’t even know about the importance of this issue, and keep ignoring it like the faint glimpse seen through the side of the eyes when not directly looking at the image.
According to the WFP, it costs only about twenty-five US cents to feed a child per day. That is not asking for a lot, especially in a world where the average income is around a thousand and a half dollars per month. So why are we not able to fight it? Why is this slow poison penetrating the lives of increasingly more people in the modern world where technology has increased the productivity in exponential terms? Why are we failing to curb the fire that is sweeping half the world in its flames? Poverty and unemployment have been rated the major causes of hunger all over the world. Malnutrition not only causes physical disadvantages, but also serious mental health issues to those who are stuck in its web. This disables them from getting a proper job and bars any chance for getting a good employment. Another reason for the high number of hunger-struck people is less investment in agriculture by the various governments of the world. Though stats say that there is enough food for everyone, a third of it is wasted. On top of that, improper storage techniques rot millions of tons of grains that could have otherwise been used to feed the hungry. It is a common market strategy to keep storing the agricultural produce until the demand
and price get high. This often leads to the scene where sacks of grains become the food for rats in the granaries, or is rotten because of rains and wet environment. It is a common belief amongst the poor that more progenies bring more income to the family. Being illiterate, they do not invest their hard earned money on their children’s education, while undernourishment further bars the scope for development of the children. It becomes harder and harder to feed the large number of children, plus poverty’s constant blows devastate them. Here is a startling fact – According to the WFP, about half the deaths each year caused to children under five years of age is due to undernourishment. This number is as high as three million deaths each year. Imagine a single day going to bed without having eaten anything after a long day’s tiring labor. Worse, imagine your kids surviving on one meal per day. But the situation can be made better just by following a few simple steps that can change the world for all those who suffer this trauma every day. All we need is some generous care and philanthropy from the citizens of the world, and only then can we eradicate this silent evil that is shouting loud in the lives of those
who undergo its pain. There is still a silver lining behind this cloud of harsh reality. The number of hunger struck and undernourished people is going down gradually. Organizations like the WFP, UNEP, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are helping to save billions of lives on this planet. Easy methods like not wasting the food that you eat, buying the food in limited amount, and contributing towards the various organizations that are working for a better life for these people can save millions. One step taken by you can motivate everyone else around you to eliminate the challenge that lies in front of whole humanity. Most important of all, awareness and sensitivity towards those who have to live their lives undergoing such tension has to be increased amongst every individual. The human resource is the biggest asset that any country can have, and to use it, food and nourishment are the first priority. A healthy body can provide a healthy mind, and every healthy person is a unit for the development of humanity as a whole. Together, we can create a healthy and positive environment to make the world a better place to live in.
The World is Hungry, but You Can Make a Difference By: Kartik Sarda Guest Writer
Over the past centuries, many great thinkers have given it the reputation of being the biggest drive behind the actions of even the most rigid personalities. Its gushing currents with sinuous cravings blow even the laziest sloths into legwork, and a hunt that ends only after satisfying that devil in their hearts. The reason we survive, a need that cannot be overcome or overlooked, but a voracity that can drive you crazy enough to kill someone, if need be. This malevolent necessity is nothing else, but hunger. A typical scene of a hunger struck environment is enough to haunt and give chills to the warmest of hearts. Naked bronzed bodies with their ribs coming out of their bare chests, their stick limbs like thin candles running out of their fuel. Their eyes almost popping out due to a lack of sleep, and their skin featuring bruises due to the hard work they put into earning the hope for a single meal for the day. From Africa to Asia, that is the harsh reality that can be observed in all the scattered parts of the world. A major issue in the modern world, hunger and malnutrition, have pierced their fangs in almost
Haley Flem | Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
sports
thecurrent
11 2015-2016
Lady Gators’ Volleyball Starts Season 0-6
Ian Lobdell | The Current
Tatyana Anderson (bottom) on the floor after injury. The Gators (middle) returning the ball with a killing spike to win a set with the Chokers. Assistant coach, Michelle Fujimoto (top right) planning strategy with the players.
By: Haley Flem Sports Editor The Lady Gators’ volleyball team played a hard game on their home court in the swamp at 7 p.m. Friday evening against the Grays Harbor Chokers. In spite of the Gators’ best efforts, they came up just a couple points short. The five set thriller ended at 3-2 with the Chokers on top. This game puts Green River’s record at 0-6 for the season so far. Last year they ended the season at 21-22. In order for the Lady Gators’ to improve their record from last year, they’re going to need to tighten-up their game and put some wins on the board. The game started with the Chokers winning the first set 17-25. In the second set, the Gators’ came back with a win at 25-18, the third set went to the Chokers at 22-25, and the Gators tied up the game in the fourth set at 25-16. The game went to a fifth set to break the tie
where the Chokers won at 11-15. Tatyana Anderson, a freshman outside hitter for the Gators, said that Grays Harbor was tipping the ball over the net in the final set, which scrambled the Gators and helped the Chokers to end the game with a win. The lead scorer for Grays Harbor, Bria Buchanan, had 15 kills whereas the Lady Gators’ lead scorer, Anderson, had 18 kills. Despite Anderson’s scores, the Chokers were more accurate with their attack attempts. The Chokers had a shots made percentage of 20 while the Gators ended at 17 percent. Anderson, Green River’s star player of Friday night’s game, was injured during the final set of the night. Due to a wet spot on the court, she slipped and sat out on the side lines for the last few rallies of the game. “I went to step with my left foot and there was a wet spot on the court” Anderson said. “So my foot slipped out and my knee just popped in. The trainer was saying it’s most likely that my
IT band just snapped over my hip.” Anderson is expected to have an easy and full recovery. She plans to be back on the court by Monday. Grays Harbor had a lot of great hitters during their winning game, but, their star player of this game was Buchanan. Buchanan, one of the middle blockers for the Chokers, made a lot of the blocks against the Gators’ attacks. “She had a really great arm tonight,” Anderson said. Towards the end of the game Grays Harbor pulled it together and stole the win. The assistant coach, Michelle Fujimoto, was coaching the game due to the absence of Kyle Densley, the Gators’ head coach. Densley was not able to attend the game due to personal reasons. “We were playing for him tonight,” Victoria Boyko said. Although no one on the team thought that the absence of Densely had an effect on their loss, they still missed their coach. Even without the win, the team tried their hardest to make him proud.
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12 2015-2016
Haley Flem | Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com
Seahawks Struggle to Add Wins on the Board in New Season By: D’Marye Dedrick Staff Writer After starting the season at 0-2, the Seahawks begin to step up their game as they end this week at 2-3. Every new season presents new challenges for every team, regardless of the sport. The Seahawks are no exception. Through the first four games, the Hawks have had ups and downs. In the latest win against the lions though, they seemed to have figured some of it out. In the first two games of the season, the Hawks struggled on the defensive side of the ball. Giving up 30.5 points per game, it was obvious the Seattle defense didn’t look like itself. This issue was because a key part to the “Legion of Boom” was missing. Since Kam Chancellor was missing, the defense had a major hole to fill. This is no easy task as Chancellor is the best strong safety in the league. This left the Hawks to put in rookie Dion Bailey at SS which seems to have hurt the defensive side of the ball. Since his return the Hawks have lowered their allowed points per game to 12.3. Helping the Hawks to shut out the Chicago bears 26-0, and winning a nail-biter against the Detroit Lions. However the luck seemed to run out during the game against the Bengals, where they lost 27-24. The Seahawks gave up a personal record breaking 14 points in the fourth quarter. The offense seem to have some early season
struggles as well. It seemed as so Marshawn Lynch started the season at less than 100 percent. Lynch injured his hamstring in the second game, even though this injury didn’t end his season, it puts more stress on Russell Wilson and rookie running back Thomas Rawls. Rawls now leads the team and is rushing with 326 yards and in the first game of Lynch’s absence ran for 116 yards. The offense also acquired a huge play-maker in the off season, Jimmy Graham. Now, Graham is considered one of, if not the best tight end in the league as of now. “Things, such as this, take time,” Ian Wilcut, a 12 fan and a student at Green River College, said when asked how Graham is doing adjusting to his new team. What Wilcut means is, you can’t take the best player from any team and throw him into a new system but can’t expect for that player to thrive right off the bat. However,
the first five games Graham had scored 2 touchdowns and accumulated 204 receiving yards. Graham and the rest of the offensive players are starting to find a rhythm, it’s all about chemistry. Within the midst of these early struggles you see how great the Hawks can actually be. Wilson looks to be in mid-season form already with nearly 1200 yards and six TD passes. Wilson is also second on the team in rushing with 198 yards. The defense is also looking good, especially with Chancellor back in the lineup as safety. The Seahawks as a whole are getting their mojo back. It seems as if every year it takes the Hawks a few games to get into rhythm. Every year there is something within the first few games that holds them back mentally and physically. Last year it was their star Linebacker Bobby Wagner being out for the first 5 games,
GRC Gets Soccer Club By: Alina Moss Managing Editor @amossytime
MyPlan TRANSFER STUDENTS HAVE QUESTIONS. MYPLAN HAS ANSWERS.
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then when he came back the Hawks took it to the next level. It seems as if they have done that this year as well. With Chancellor returning and the offense making big plays, the Hawks are looking to make another trip to the Super Bowl for the third straight year. No team in the salary-cap era has ever made it to 3 consecutive Super Bowls. Seattle would be making history if they pull it off this year. With additions on the offensive side of the ball, the Hawks are a force to be reckoned with, especially if they get home field advantage. “If they get home field advantage it’s over, we are going to the super bowl” Devante Heck said. Heck also stressed that the Hawks defense is ready to slow down any offense that stands in their way, including Aaron Rodgers, which is a bold statement. Seattle defeated the quarterback and his team in the NFC championship game where the Hawks pulled off an unbelievable comeback led by Wilson and the Legion of Boom. The Haws are working towards nothing less than the next Super Bowl. Lynch’s contract was extended in the off-season and will ensure that the entire Legion of Boom is looking sharp. Wilson, who recently received an extension, is happy with adding Graham to the team. Aside from a few trades and a slow start to the season, Seattle looks to make a third straight trip to the biggest stage in football history.
Finally, after years of only having a women’s soccer team, GRC has an organized recreational men’s team. Marc Milsten, Green River’s coordinator for international recreational activities, is the head coach and is in charge of all the new teams. There are two 8v8 teams in the Starfire league and one 11v11 team in the Great Seattle Soccer League (GSSL). The Starfire teams are men only teams and 18 years and older. Whereas the GSSL team is co-ed and 16 years and older. These teams are recreational so there are no tryouts or cuts to get on the team or any division of varsity and junior varsity teams. However, it is a Green River sport. “We want to have a good reputation for the school while we wear that logo,” said coach Milsten, “but it’s all for good fun.” Although these teams are just recreational clubs, the players take their team seriously. Playing in these leagues is not cheap, even when Green River athletics helps to pitch in, every player still has to pay a bit on their own to play on the team. In addition to starting a soccer club, Milsten also strives to connect people. These teams are geared towards international students, but are open to any student of Green River. Many students who live on campus are stuck on top of the hill with nothing to do during the weekends. “We are mixing international and local student with the love of soccer,” Milsten said.
Majority of the players are international and have a passion for soccer because it is a part of their home. “Soccer to me back home, is like football to you here,” Omar Suliman, an international student who was raised in Dubai, said while describing his new team. This soccer team is a great way for people to get outside, meet new people, and play a game they enjoy. When this all got started during the summer quarter, Milsten had 12 players signed up to make one 8v8 team for the Starfire League. This fall quarter, Milsten has had to put a cap on the team numbers when 40 players were signed up to make the three leagues. In only one quarter, the numbers have more than tripled. Milsten is quick to credit the players for the successful start up. “It got started with the student voice,” he said. “They all pushed to show interest and need for this.” One student in particular had a major part in getting the ball rolling. Gouresh Kamble, an international student at GRC, gathered signatures and student ID numbers from anyone who would support having a soccer team. The number of signatures he gathered proved that there was an undeniable push coming from the student body for a men’s or co-ed soccer team. Just by the word of mouth and the voice of the students, Green River College can finally say that there is a men’s, women’s, and co-ed soccer team on campus. With the momentum and growth that this soccer croup has shown, they are likely to continue to grow in numbers and in skill. “That’s why this team is important,” Kamble said about his new team. “We can get bigger from here.”