Issue 6, Volume 46

The Current Green River Community College

February 13, 2012

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Defined by missed opportunities Inconsistency away from home prevents Gators from reaching potential

WWW.THECURRENTONLINE.NET

Embrace the

SPORTS

page 19

VOLUME 46, ISSUE 6

CAMPUS

page 5

A walk of art A brisk walk around campus will make one come across many different kinds of artwork. Ever wonder who sculpted that sculpture or painted that painting? Go to page 5 to learn where you can find out.

Lovestorm

A&E

page 7

Mayhem for unity New York slam poets invade Green River, on a crusade for art and creativity.

of

NEWS

page 13

Central goes above and beyond to help transfer students See what this means for you!

Valentines

OP-ED

A one-sided holiday

Day

INDEX:

CAMPUS pages 3-5

A&E pages 6-8

NEWS pages 13-15

page 17

Let’s face it - Valentine’s Day is for women. Opinion writer Sean Rockey advocates for adoption of a far-east series of holidays to make things fair for the sexes.

OP-ED pages 16-17

SPORTS pages 18-19

“Infamous sex lives of the famous”

10-11

“Achieve all things with love”

“What’s your V-Day love song?

13

9

12

“How socially awkward are you?”

“GRCC relationship survey report”

Long Distance

15

Also on the Inside

“Valentine’s Day is a holiday dominated by girls in a relationship.”

Sean Rockey Page 17

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CAMPUS Campus Editor: Bailey Jo Josie campus.editor@mail.greenriver.edu

3

Feb. 13, 2012

Teacher Spotlight: Alfredo Barnaby Man on the Street Full name: Alfredo Barnaby Position: Spanish, Adjunct Date of birth: May 28, 1986 Years at Green River: This is my first quarter

What, or who, was your inspiration to become an educator?

When I attended the University of Idaho, I had a professor named Tom Drake who really opened my mind into the world of teaching. He taught literature of western civilization and brought many different perspectives on history and human beings.

I am teaching now because, in a way, it’s how things fell together. I majored in creative writing and wanted to go into a MFA program and write, but the only job I could have had doing that was as a creative writing teacher, and that felt limiting and not as interesting as teaching literature.

What do you want students to gain from your class?

I would like my students to have enough knowledge to hold a simple conversation [in Spanish]. Also, I would like them to become culturally curious about the history, art and politics of Spanish and Latin-American cultures.

Hard work and struggling is necessary to get where they want to go. There is no Spanish injection or pill that can be taken to learn the language.

Why teach at the college level? Why teach at Green River?

After I received my Master’s degree, I tutored high school students for five months until this job opportunity opened up.

People that attend college are here for a reason and they are genuinely curious.

In the college setting, you deal with students who are more mature and selfmotivated. All motivated

consider myself bicultural.

I always have one foot in the United States and one in Peru. With my education and work I have not been able to travel to Peru as often as I would like, but I am hoping to go soon.

What are you passionate about?

Writing is art—it is unregulated work. It requires order, rules, and ethics, but it is still under your control and you carry no obligation to do it. I think I enjoy the freedom to create whatever world I want to. Of course, I do not write as much as I would like to. Nonetheless, there are endless possibilities when it comes to writing and I would like to explore those from time to time.

Bailey Jo Josie | The Current

students are good students, but I do enjoy the college level best.

This is your first year at Green River, but is it your first of teaching altogether?

No, I was a Teaching Assistant at the University of Washington, but the method they used for teaching was different; here, there is more of a “sink-or-swim” approach to teaching students, so it’s slightly different, but I’m learning to adjust to it.

I think it’s better, it does force the student to do a lot of independant work What did you want to become when you reached adulthood?

Many different things.

When I got out of high school I wanted to become a psychologist. I was interested in mental illnesses and wanted to study people. Psychology as well as literature fascinates me.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Either abroad teaching English or getting my PhD in literature, maybe in a large city in the [east coast].

That is a part of the U.S. I would like to live in.

Any hobbies?

I love to read when I am not working and have some free time. I like reading novels, poetry and short stories by Spanish and English writers. Occasionally I like to go on hikes and on the weekends I enjoy grabbing drinks with friends.

How do you view yourself?

I am quite self-critical, though in a positive way. If a class doesn’t go the way I want it to, I reflect on what happened and what could be done differently in the future. I let go of what I cannot change but am able to learn and improve for what is to come. I am introverted until I am comfortable. I like oneon-one conversations and close relationships rather than large group settings. I

What is the best part of teaching?

Teaching is the best part of teaching. If something goes wrong in a class, it does not mean the rest of the day or tomorrow will be the same. I am learning to take certain things lightly.

When I see my students engaged and having fun, I think I am accomplishing something.

What is the hardest part?

Finding the balance between flexibility and inflexibility. There have to be general standards for all students to follow, but not all students adhere to them, and dealing with several individual cases can be stressful. Sometimes it can be hard to find the right activities and create the “perfect” lesson plan—one that will help students learn and practice grammar while enjoying the class.

What do you miss most about Peru?

I miss the people, friends and family, and just the way people [in Peru] are, the way people would interact with you. I miss the culture.

The culture here is so different; I miss the sense of humor [in Peru].

Every other week, The Current’s editors crawl out of their cave to ask the campus random questions. Suggest a subject at: thecurrent@greenriver.edu.

Here is a selection of this issue’s answers.

For more, plus an archive of old questions, visit our website: www.thecurrentonline.net.

Who was your first crush and did they like you back?

My first crush was this girl in first grade, her name was Ashley and I actually think she had a crush on me. She was cute - I thought she was beautiful. The whole idea of sex hadn’t even occured and she was just cute. It was what innocent love should be! It wasn’t anything tainted and, you know, I liked her, we were always on the playground together.

Ryan Watson

My first crush was Frankie Futch when I was in elementary school and he was dating [a girl named] Laura. We were friends and I still hear from him every once in a while but not very often. I don’t have a crush on him anymore.

Erica Gaines Her name was Vanessa and it seems like there’s a little dance that you do between people and I never knew if she liked me or not. We were in middle school and I tried the “friends route” which just ended up taking me to the “Facebook friends route”.

Kyle, and he was like, my best friend; we had slumber parties and everything. We were [around] five, and we were best friends until he passed away when we were nine; he had a big hole in his heart that we didn’t know about.

Richard Page

Chelsea Watson

4 CAMPUS

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The Current Feb. 13, 2012

Contact Campus Editor, Bailey Jo Josie, with story ideas, comments or questions: campus.editor@mail.greenriver.edu

A Sheep in Love’s Clothing

By: Bailey Jo Josie

Let Your Inner Warrior Run Wild...

DRAW FOR THE CURRENT Submit your comics and Drawings to ae.editor@mail.greenriver.edu

5.19x6.75 WDYWI.indd 2

2/1/12 9:19 AM

Contact Campus Editor, Bailey Jo Josie, with story ideas, comments or questions: campus.editor@mail.greenriver.edu

Other ways to contact us: Phone: (253) 833-9111 x 2375 In person: OEB 17

The Current Feb. 13, 2012

A walk of art

CAMPUS 5

By: Kine Røssland & Bailey Jo Josie

Some people wouldn’t think of Green River as a school enveloped in art and culture - but it just happens that it is.

One may have walked around campus and noticed art pieces located all over the school, maybe stopping and looking at them, whilst wondering what the piece is called or who created it. It might be a surprise that the big roll-pin-esque stone residing in the Holman Library entrance is a piece made for the school, sculpted by Laura Sindell, a professional artist.

What may be the bigger surprise is that a fair amount of the artwork found around campus is actually created by former students; and because of this, a website called “Art on Campus” has been launched to help showcase these hidden gems.

Art on Campus is an easy to use website with GPS-located maps pointing out the locations and titles of each piece of art, even providing a photo and information on the artwork or the artist, if available - it doesn’t get any easier than that.

Some examples of the many gorgeous artwork that surrounds Green River’s campus: Elliot Bay (upper left), which was donated and is placed in Holman Library. Green River’s own mascot makes an appearance (above) by the Welding Building, and Multiplicity, (lower left) found in the Holman Library.

For those who are walking around with a smart phone (pretty much the majority), Art on Campus provides QR codes, a small square bar-code located next to each piece, which directs you to the Art on Campus website after being scanned, so you can read about the art piece right there and then.

In charge of the artwork inventory is

Director of Purchasing, Patty Sikora, who encourages students and others who have visited the site to contribute any and all information about any on-campus art pieces that may not be included in the gallery to the Business Office located on campus.

Photos by: Thomas Sørenes

Green River shows appreciation for veterans With free chilli and cornbread feeds and many other programs and events, Green River’s Veteran Resources give thanks to students who have served in the armed forces By: Mareesa Crotty Staff Writer ”These veterans have grown up faster and lived a different life than perhaps students of the same age,” says Kristina Setchfield, Veteran Resources and Project Manager here at Green River Community College.

The veterans that surround us today did not have the services of programs and events in the past as they do now, but thanks to the formation of a Veterans Council about five years ago supporting the Auburn area, veterans are able to seek help and assistance.

Setchfield explains: “[The veteran programs and events were] started to let the returning troops know that we support them, that we did not make a mistake with THEM like we did with Vietnam veterans. That

when they come home, their service from being away from their family for years, for losing family and friends, for working 24/7, 365 days a year is appreciated; and now that they are out of the Marines, the Air force, the Army, the Coast Guard, we’ve not forgotten.”

She continues: “It’s about a willingness to be there when they return, to transition them from military life to working for their degrees and continuing on to be a part of our community.

We have events to let them know their service was appreciated, and we are here to support them.”

The veteran programs and events are advertised in an array of ways - through emails, flyers, and word of mouth. Just a few of the programs that are available for veterans are transition assistance, education about

GI beliefs, disability claims for veterans, employment opportunities, and help veteran medical care.

In addition to these programs, there are events that are available as well.

For example, on February 3rd, there was a chili and cornbread feed for Veterans; a monthly gathering that offers not only food, but a sense of camaraderie among those who have served.

With the programs and events that are available for those out of combat and the service, it shows more than just a duty to support Veterans with any aid that may be required or requested. The programs and events available show an entire community that not only cares and respects what has been done for

them, but one that is more than willing to reach out and return the favor and put forth the effort of being there when they are needed most.

Thomas Søerenes | The Current

A&E

6

Feb. 13, 2012

A&E Editor: Kally Bieber ae.editor@mail.greenriver.edu

Concert Calendar Feb.

13

Gary Clark Jr. @ The Crocodile (Doors open at 8 p.m. 21+, $15+)

14

Dr. Dog @ Neptune Theatre (Doors open at 7 p.m. all ages, $20+)

15

Iced Earth & Symphony X @ Showbox SODO (Doors open at 7 p.m. all ages, $25+)

16

Hot Chelle Rae @ Showbox SODO (Doors open at 6 p.m. all ages, $30+) Little Big Show @ Neptune Theatre (Doors open at 7 p.m. all ages, $15+)

17

Natalie Cole @ Emerald Queen Casino (Doors open at 8:30 p.m. 21+, $102.08+) Presidents of the United States of America (February 17, 18, & 19) @ Showbox at the Market (Doors open at 8 p.m. 21+, $20+)

18

Seattle Rock Orchestra performs MUSE @ Moore Theatre (Doors open at 7 p.m. all ages, $18+) Bombay Bicycle Club @ The Crocodile (Doors open at 8 p.m. 21+, $20+)

20

Die Antwood @ Showbox at the Market (Doors open at 8 p.m. all ages, $20+)

24

Sleigh Bells @ Showbox at the Market (Doors open at 8 p.m. all ages, $20+) Craig Finn @ The Crocodile (Doors open at 9 p.m. 21+, $15+) 7ft Wood & Echoreason @ Showbox SODO (Doors open at 8 p.m. 21+, $11+)

25

The Darkness @ Neptune Theatre (Doors open at 8 p.m. all ages, $25+) Rebelution @ Showbox SODO (Doors open at 8 p.m. all ages, $22.50+)

28 Mar.

1

The Fray @ The Paramount (Doors open at 6:30 p.m. all ages, $36+) SOJA @ Showbox at the Market (Doors open at 8 p.m. all ages, $20+)

Stay Current

Also on the Inside

“ ...before the Gators knew it, the game was headed for overtime[...]an eerie silence consumed the swamp that night...”

Stay in touch with the community by following The Current on Facebook and Twitter: www.facebook.com/greenrivercurrent www.twitter.com/thecurrentnet

Dylan Whitcher Page 8

MOVIE REVIEW

Another Grey Hollywood Cliche?

By: Jacob Jagodinski Assistant A&E Editor

This may be a survival film, but it’s not the kind where a group of seasoned, middle-aged men are pitched against a pack of werewolves from Twilight.

Rather, it is a survival film of raw integrity that is a rare hollywood curveball.

“The Grey” sets a group of seemingly societal misfits into the midst of Alaska’s wintery wilds through a plane crash. The crash successfully pivots the film towards a classic but well executed survival plot direction, while allowing the key characters to interconnect in an innovative, yet comedic way.

Neeson’s character, John Ottway, is a perplexed man who works to protect

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isolated oil rigs from the evils akin to the Alaskan wilds: the wolves. Neeson creatively takes the concept of his character, and adds his own flavor of personal emotions to the screen.

It is nice to finally see a film that has no evident product placement or ostentatious advertisements. This allows for “The Grey” to effectively evoke the natural aesthetics of the Alaskan wilds, while portraying a gritty, survivalist sense of dread and despair.

The film does more than borrow the typical Man v.

Wild theme. “Grey” is a film of such personal integrity, that it almost causes for the viewer to challenge moral and ethic understandings.

In particular, Neeson’s character has such an elusive history that by the time the pieces of the story fit together, the viewer is so intrigued and dumbfounded

Courtesy Photo| montrealgazette.com

Liam Neeson plays John Ottway, a perplexed man who faces many quarrels emotionally as well as physically, in the tundra of Alaska.

over Ottway that they forget about the cliché, “stuck in the wild” plotline.

Unfortunately, the film is not without faults. While the wolves are beneficiary to the characters, setting, and even the plotline, they appear animated, and play to much off of the Good vs.

Evil irony that is commonly seen in most cinemas today.

This is where Hollywood’s shams begin to shine.

This is not to say that one

The Current Picks

should not go see “Grey” for its action scenes, or its wolves, but rather to point out that it offers a striking originality that is rarely seen in a film of its nature.

“The Grey” is a captivating film that is sure to please many film fanatics.

Rated: R Director: Joe Carnahan Starring: Liam Neeson, James Badge Dale, and Anne Openshaw

MOVIE

BOOK

MUSIC

Dark Men

Storm Front

Underneath the Pine

By: Ari Salltarelli

By: Alexander Bevier

By: Rachel Sant

By: Gentry Seipert

Have you always wanted to run through the jungle, but without the danger?

Well now you can with the new app Temple Run. In this oddly addicting running-man game, the ultimate goal is to survive being chased by dark demon monkeys with skulls on their faces.

With coins to collect and super-human powers to buy, this game is definitely one to completely ignore your homework for. This iOS app is free, and hours upon hours will go by before you know it!

But wait! I haven’t told you how to win! Secret is... you can not. The game is neverending until you die. So get running, guys!

ABC once hosted a show called Studio 67, an hour-long variety show with the flair of a Broadway show. Evening Primrose, one of the show’s most remembered stories, was a musical with songs written

by Stephen Sondheim. It has been lost for 44 years until it arrived on DVD. Evening Primrose tells the story of a poet who decides to live in a department store. He learns that other people share his dream, but they all live in hiding of the feared “Dark Men.” It’s a delightful but rare look at one of Sondheim’s less-known works.

When Jim Butcher wrote the Storm Front, he provided an excellent beginning to an addicting series. Storm Front follows Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only openly practicing wizard, on through his latest case, solving an impossibly gruesome murder.

As the entertaining novel progresses, the reader is exposed to a large mixture of concepts; including action, urban fantasy, mystery, and a lot of humor. For those who find they enjoy the series, there is plenty more of it.

There are currently thirteen novels in the series with another on the way. This series is great for anyone looking for a fun, exciting read.

Chaz Bundick, aka Toro Y Moi, has become one of the leading purveyors of the “chillwave” genre; the low-fi, sample-based electronic music catered for a post-Animal Collective generation.

Bundick elected to use only organic and live instruments; in turn, the results are much more refined, while using instruments still true to his samplebased debut’s hypnotic feel.

As Bundick reveals more of his obscure pop sensibility, comparisons to Beck feel increasingly appropriate. Whatever “wave” he is riding, he’s likely to be at the fore-front of it.

Temple Run

Contact A&E Editor, Kally Bieber, with story ideas, comments or questions: ae.editor@mail.greenriver.edu

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The Current Feb. 13th, 2012

Mayhem for Unity

Games get you laid

Slam poets from New York City are traveling to Green River Community College to assist in unifying the school, bringing the arts back to campus

Game Prose Alexander Bevier

Mayhem Poets consist of three men, (from left to right) Kyle Rapps, Mason Granger, and Scott Raven,

By: Jacob Jagodinski Assistant A&E Editor There is a place that inherently captures the splendor of powerful voices. Here, the lights are dimmed to the faintness of dusk. The artistic imagery on the walls welcomes all.

Whispers silently sneak through the audience, yet suddenly they are hushed as the words of truth and wisdom are released into the air. The listeners swarm around as the Mayhem Poets use poetic words to mellow the ear.

On February 23rd, in the campus housing, these words of brilliance can also be heard.

The Mayhem Poets work to blend hip-hop, theatre, and stand-up comedy into what they call the honest messages of poetry. They have been featured on the Today Show and Eyewitness News. Profound musicians such as Greg Patillo and hip hop icon, KRS ONE have also been seen collaborating with them.

It was in 2000 at Rutgers University that Kyle Rapps, Scott Raven, and Mason

Granger began their mission.

The pledge of the poets started as a way of reaching people from all over, in an attempt to relate the common word in a poetic form, while keeping up to date with the modern world issues. The three have toured onto the grand stage, to churches, fraternities, and even prisons. While this goal has been a success, the Mayhem Poets have a unique way of being frank with its astonished audience.

Many have been left speechless by the bold mission of the group, some have even been inspired. In November 2011, Shaan Wade, CLEO event organizer, ventured to Spokane to see the Mayhem Poets. He was one of the many to be motivated by the raw ingenuity of the poetic trio. In response, Wade took the initiative to bring the Mayhem Poets to campus.

Since then, Wade has not only aspired to bring the trio of performers to the college, but to bring together a more inventive and creative community. “I

A&E 7

Courtesy photos from Mayhempoets.com love seeing what people can do with themselves,” says Wade.

In preparation for the Mayhem Poets, Wade posted fliers around campus, which pleaded for talents of all kind.

“If you have a talent, we’ll do it,” said Wade.

Satisfyingly, Wade caught the eye of not only students on campus, but artists from Seattle all the way to Portland, only through spoken word.

With the hit of three distinct talent auditions, Wade met many enthusiastic and distinctive students; including a large number of poets. Wade found it important that he reached a variety of talented students. And he did.

Overall, Wade hopes to bring more of Green River’s artistic culture into the

limelight.

“You have a talent; you love your art, do it, and do it with other people.” Wade said.

In achieving this objective, Wade desires to give everyone an equal opportunity; especially the voices that society ignores. “[They are] getting their chance to say what they want to say, about whatever they want to say.” He said.

If the upcoming poetry hearing is successful, Wade plans to arrange more events in the future. Possibly, if it is well received, a monthly poetry night would be in consideration.

On February 23rd at 5:00PM, in the campus housing, the gifted words of fellow students, the Mayhem Poets, and other artists will be free of charge to the eager ear.

There are countless stories about romances blossoming from playing video games.

Gaming is a wonderful hobby and many couples fell in love playing together. Nerds need love, and gamers (and Trekkies, and anime fans, and even sports fans) want to find someone to share their passion with. And, if their significant other loves their passion as well, it’s not odd to see someone get a wedding ring emblazoned with Pacman eating the embedded diamonds, or propose with a Pokéball.

Still, it always seems surprising when people hear that a couple met and got engaged through World of Warcraft.

I’m not really sure what the big deal is. Sure, there may be a few points lacking in their compatibility when it comes to major things like living together. But, after spending time leveling a character with someone else and traveling through numerous dungeons together, you really get to know someone. Apparently raiding dungeons together for hundreds of hours doesn’t make others think eternal matrimony is as plausible for you as three years of walking around some park.

I’m a pro-marriage guy.

Anyone willing to commit to another person makes me all kinds of excited for them.

Maybe it’s just me kissing up to people so I can be their Best Man, but I’d like to think I like the idea of a legally bound couple.

Video games, especially massively multiplayer games, have also been pro-marriage for about as long as people have been playing them.

Everquest, an early online game, had player’s characters getting married. Players would take their characters, look for extremely rare items to give to their loved one, and there would be ceremonies held to unite their characters

in eternal matrimony. It was cute, but it really shows how people get attached to the characters they develop and want to see them happy.

This marriage was official in the eyes of players, but getting married wasn’t intended to be a part of the game. The game’s developers realized that players wanted their characters to get married-especially in role-playing games where a person would act like another being—and created ways to help young lovers celebrate.

Game studios have added bonuses to the couple’s character’s strength if they get married, and grant married players’ special rings that make their characters better.

Rift, a modern online game, is actually trying to get in the Guinness Book of Records

“

Maybe it’s just me kissing up to people so I can be their Best Man, but I’d like to think I like the idea of a legally bound couple. “ Alexander Bevier

for having the most in-game marriages in a 24-hour period for Valentine’s Day 2012, giving an even juicier bonus for players who help the game achieve the record.

Not every game is pro-marriage though. The Lord of the Rings Online (a game I adore) decided to abstain from ingame marriages because the developers couldn’t figure out how to deal with topics like gay marriage or hobbits marrying elves in Middle Earth.

Oh, there are also a few people in Japan that got married to a character from a DS game. That’s pretty weird, but I hope they’re happy.

Whether marriage is happening in the game or out, games are about playing with others. When we play, we open ourselves to new experiences and can end up learning new things about the people we play with. Share games with your loved ones.

Share love with the people you play games with. You might find a relationship you’ll never forget.

8 A&E

Contact A&E Editor, Kally Bieber, with story ideas, comments or questions: ae.editor@mail.greenriver.edu

Other ways to contact us: Phone: (253) 833-9111 x. 2375 In person: OEB 17

The Current Feb 13, 2012

ALBUM REVIEW

What happens when a dreamer becomes a believer?

Rapper Common delivers the goods with “The Dreamer/The Believer” which includes poetry by Maya Angelou By: Dilichi Chiedu Staff Writer

Talk about taking hip-hop back to its roots.

Common does that extremely well on his ninth album, “The Dreamer/The Believer”.

By now, music critics should know what the deal is; after dropping an album that didn’t resonate with the public as expected, the Chicago-based rhyme veteran returns triumphantly with, yeah, another classic album (for example “Be” Common’s 2005 critically acclaimed album that was Grammy nominated).

While Common’s last album in 2008, “Universal Mind Control”, wasn’t received well, the discerning masses will, without a doubt, embrace Common’s latest project, “The Dreamer/

The Believer”. Though Kanye West, who was the executive producer of Common’s classic album “Be”, didn’t lend a hand in this album’s production, the new producer, No I.D., did just as well.

Let’s clear this up; although “G.O.O.D Music” (Common’s former record label) is still considered family to the rapper, none of the members except for John Legend were featured on the album. It didn’t seem to matter, because the album still flowed.

In case you are happily ignorant about an album called “Resurrection” (one of Common’s classics produced by No I.D.), contemporary rap songs from rapper Big Sean (“My Last”), along with The Throne-Jay-Z and Kanye West (“Primetime”), you know legendary hip hop producer No I.D. does his thing on the boards.

No I.D., who is the

current executive of Def Jam Records (a hip hop recording company), provides Common with a diverse medley of tunes to lay into with his rhymes.

Jiving drums hug a soulful groove on the reflective track 10 “Windows.” Lush strings infatuate the honorable keys of track 5

“Gold” and gentle melodic harmonies anchor the happy-go-lucky track 9 “Celebrate.” All these songs contribute to the masterpiece that is “The Dreamer/The Believer”.

While No I.D.’s repetitive production sound may hold him down, Common makes up for it with his

fierce flows, rhyming as if he has something to prove.

Most notable on track 4“Sweet”, where Common takes shots at no one in particular, unless it applies, with pointed raps like “I’m the franchise, so I rock my own chain/No I(D) said give ‘em that ‘80s cocaine/ Something raw something pure so I stayed in that vein”.

When it comes to just rhyming, Common never goes below a certain level; consistency is an understatement when defining Com’s rhymes.

With lines like “a legend like John, / Lennon I’m a dreamer” it’s hard to doubt Common’s lyrical ability.

Every song on “The Dreamer/The Believer” delivers off the strength of Common and No I.D.’s timeless chemistry. Even the songs on the album that include marquee features — like rapper Nas on “Ghetto Dreams”, John

Legend on “The Believer”, and Maya Angelou’s poetry on “The Dreamer” — are choice accents that excel without getting in Common’s and No I.D’s way. Throughout the album, vocals from James Fauntleroy, a member of the band Cocaine 80’s, help the story reach new heights as well.

Being able to evolve and stay true to his sound is probably the main reason why Common has remained as one of hip hop/raps heavyweights.

As for the music, when it comes to Common’s latest release “The Dreamer/The Believer”, it’s safe to say he has yet another classic under his belt.

To say Common is “too old and shouldn’t be rapping anymore” is simply ludicrous after hearing his latest release. All one can simply say is “see you at next year’s Grammy’s, Common”.

INVOLVED Gosanko brings art to cocoa GET JOIN THE CURRENT

How a small family-run chocolate business goes from a delicious novelty treat to three locations, two of which are in Pike’s place market and the Auburn Supermall By: Anna Yang Staff Writer

For generations, chocolate has been a delicacy. From the young to the old, it satisfies any sweet tooth, in a multitude of unique ways. However, chocolate is typically not ever seen as an art form.

How often do you see candy makers create solid molded art sculptures out of chocolate?

Gus Gosanko is just one of the many chocolatiers who create works of art from chocolate. Founded in 1987, Gus Gosanko began as an art sculptor who came across some pieces of chocolate, which intrigued his curiosity of creating molded chocolate sculptures. From then on, he established a career in making sweet and wonderful figures.

Now, his son-in-law, Ronnie Roberts, the current owner of Gosanko, continues his work.

Roberts is in charge of three different locations in Washington. Their main factory location is in downtown Auburn, and has expanded to two additional locations: the Supermall of the Great Northwest and at Pike’s place market, named “Chocolate Market”.

Gosanko sells a variety of candies ranging from small foil fish to novelty box of animals such as gorillas, tiger heads, elephants, etc.

“We pretty much make anything and everything you can think of,” Roberts explained, “our job is to make people happy and that’s what we do”.

Their most popular chocolate candy is their sea salt caramel that has actual sea salt on top. This delicacy tickles the tongue with a sweet caramel taste

and a salty punch.

Rather than being in a partnership business, Gosanko chocolates art factory focuses on being more of a family business.

“We’re a family-held company,” Roberts explained. “It’s family run and family owned…then we have our group of staff that work for us too, that are our extended family”. This feeling of family is spread throughout each of the stores, as well.

From the moment one steps into the factory, a welcoming feeling is overwhelming.

Gosanko does not only have a creative outlook on chocolate goodies, their whole perspective of what they make for their customers is extraordinary.

“We’re all about quality and making sure we take care of our customers,” Roberts said, “awards are great, but seeing people

smile is much more satisfying”. Because of this philosophy, getting returning customers is no problem at all.

Roberts isn’t the only food artist out there.

He clarified, “a lot of foods are already [considered] an art form.

It’s all in the eye of the beholder, of what [is] art… it’s like making cakes; how about when you taste that one cake that’s like ‘wow, this is the best cake I ever had’; what an art form’.

But, even if he doesn’t stand alone on artistic form, they definitely stand alone in all the other qualities that the Gosanko Chocolates are becoming famous for.

Gosanko Chocolate Art Factory gives high quality, well-made, incredibly delicious food, and has service that anyone with a sweet tooth definitely does not want to miss out on.

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[

Infamous love lives of the famous

]

Frida Kahlo was always different; she wore men’s clothes, abhorred the idea of marriage and was always very independent. As a teenager, she was in a horrible trolley accident which left her partially paralyzed and confined her to bed rest for a long time. This was when she began to paint her selfportraits and she went on to meet Diego Rivera.

The two married and were deeply in love but due to Rivera’s womanizing, and Kahlo’s bisexuality, they each had affairs; but the last straw was when Kahlo caught Rivera with her sister. This led to their divorce in Nov. 1939. They remarried in Dec. 1940.

One of her more famous lovers apart from Rivera was Marxist Theorist Leon Trotsky, before his assassination.

Edgar Allen Poe is the premier gothic horror writer. Poe is the mind behind works such as “The Raven” and “The Telltale Heart.” His work is as loved today as it was when he wrote it.

Married his 13 year old cousin, Virginia Eliza Clemm Poe. He was 27. However, there are rumors and scholarly discussion that suggests the two never consummated their marriage. Poe was friends with the poet Frances Sargent Osgood, and later started to flirt with her in his works. Both Osgood and Poe’s wife were being assaulted and harassed by another poet, Elizabeth Fries Lummis Ellet. The harassment was so bad that Poe’s wife believed Ellet poisoned her when she was on her deathbed with tuberculosis.

Tool Tips to pick up Chicks Creatively written by: Ari Saltarelli & Alexander Bevier

Take a 45 minute shower. Masturbate at least twice to loosen up, and use an entire bottle of Axe body wash. Don’t use a 2-in-1 bottle, ‘cause that’s just lazy.



Wearing clothes with less than three dollar signs on it is unacceptable.

Sporting multiple rings will show her who’s boss later. Also, make sure your shoes are at least twice your actual shoe size. Women know what they say about big shoes.

 Show up 15 minutes late when picking up your date. Do not meet the parents. Honk the horn repeatedly until she gets to the car but don’t open her door. Chivalry is for wimps. You’re not a wimp, are you?

 Eleanor was the first lady and wife to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Met her father’s fifth cousin, Franklin, in 1902. They were engaged in 1904. Her mother opposed the engagement and tried to get Franklin to lose interest in her. They were still married, honeymooned in Europe, and had six kids. One died in infancy.

Franklin would later have an affair with Eleanor’s social secretary. After Franklin became president, Eleanor would end up making Lorena Alice Hickok, a reporter, her confidant. She once wrote Hickok a letter saying “I want to put my arms around you & kiss you at the corner of your mouth. And in a little more than a week now — I shall!” She also had an alleged relationship with her bodyguard, Earl Miller.

Benjamin Franklin was one of the United State’s founding fathers. He’s the man who invented the stove and bi-focal glasses, discovered electricity, signed the Declaration of Independence and is commemorated on the $100 bill.

Franklin met and proposed to Deborah Read while living at her house. Her mom disapproved of the marriage (due to him being poor) and denied him permission. Franklin went to London and Read married another man while he was away. Read’s husband, due to financial problems, eventually fled to Barbados. Read and Franklin filed a common law marriage in 1730. Franklin often went on solo trips as she was scared of the ocean. Once, she wrote him about being ill from his distance She died from a stroke while he was away in 1774.

During dinner, don’t make eye contact.

Talk about how much money you have.

Whenever the phone rings, ALWAYS answer. Text other girls during the date too. Buy the most expensive thing on the menu but insist on her getting a salad. Nobody wants their lady loading up on carbs.

 Finally, don’t take the girl back to her place. Instead, take her to a romantic canyon or back to your pad. Turn on some Barry White and let his charms work for you. Sit back and slowly remove your sunglasses. She’ll know what you want. ** The Current does not guarantee the success of such tips, or that anyone who actually adheres to them won’t be slapped in the face by their date.

Achieve all things w Love through the internet

{ {

There may be plenty of fishes in the sea, but catching a date with a hook is generally frowned upon. So, if you can’t throw a rod and find the love of your life, you gotta find a better way to do it.

Approaching people may not be the best idea. It takes a lot of guts, so shy people may want to find someone in another way. Fortunately, online dating can help.

Online dating has a bizarre stigma. It probably has something to do with the occasional news story talking about risky online hookups via Craigslist, but people have been trying to connect to people in any way throughout history. If we’re able to conduct business, talk to friends, and buy shoes via the Internet, why can’t we try to find the love of our lives in the biggest sea for single fishes?

Online dating is slowly growing out of this stigma. It slowly tried to climb into social conciousness in the productplacement-laden Meg Ryan film, 1998’s “You’ve Got Mail”, which was about Ryan emailing Joe Fox, played by Tom Hanks,

and the two eventually get together.

Seven years later, “Must Love Dogs” came out and Diane Lane met John Cusack online for eternal movie bliss.

These films show how online dating has developed into a normal thing, but they also show the way we’ve changed how we communicate.

“You’ve Got Mail” had Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan emailing each other (via the obsolete America Online). They both worked in book shops and spent their nights in front of their laptops. The two were skeptical about meeting throughout the entire film until the very end.

“Must Love Dogs” had Diane Lane’s friends create a dating profile for her, and was set up on a date with John Cusack shortly after. Her father (played by Christopher Plummer), also successfully uses a dating website. In the film, Lane’s experience with online dating was direct.

She (well, her friends), knew what she wanted. That’s precisely what she got by the end of the film.

These two movies came out in a seven year time span, but they show how dating services have developed online to help people find what they want. It also shows that people are willing to try online dating services.

If you’re willing to try to find what Lane and Ryan had in the movies, there are plenty of websites for those of you looking to date. Some require fees, others require aptitude tests before you join; some just want you to be attractive. If you aren’t sure if you’re attractive, there are plenty of other websites that will help you create an attractive profile photo.

The overall point of online dating is, however, to connect with new people in new ways. Online dating lets you communicate without having to worry about poorly approaching someone. It also keeps people from having to go out to clubs and find other single people. It’s a new frontier for getting to know someone, and it has a lot potential for many precious relationships.

Love through words and pictures Teenagers these days have access to all sorts of technology. From computers to iPods to GPS, they have it all. But the one thing most teens cannot live without is their cell phone. With cell phones comes a whole new way of communication, called sexting.

Most adults don’t really know what sexting is, or the fact that it is happening in their own home. Sexting is a conversation between two people that involve nude pictures sent between two people, or a conversation that consists of sexually explicit messages. What seems like harmless flirting is actually more serious than we are led to believe.

What these kids are thinking when they are sexting is a mystery to all except the ones who are actually in the conversation. Surveys have been conducted across the country asking various teens why they feel the need to sext. Peer pressure and their rank in social standing

seem to be the most popular explanation.

Other reasons are that sexting is for those who are not yet sexually active. They may feel that sexting is safe, and will take away the awkward feeling. Those who are in what seems like a committed relationship may do it because they feel that they are comfortable with each other. But what is done for the benefit of them, can turn into a nasty spiral of chaos.

Once a picture is sent, the sender no longer has any say of who it goes to. It is now open to the entirety of the cell phone population. As of late, suicide has been a thought of those teens whose lives have lost control due to sexting; many of them being bullied at school and cyber bullied in the comfort of their own home.

Sadly, sexting in some states goes without consequences. Parents are left with the decision on how these actions are to be dealt with. A study done at the University of Copenhagen showed that

only 9 percent of teens that send sexually explicit photos are restricted from the number of texts that are sent daily, or even where they are going. 28 percent of teens that are not sending these photos also have some kind of restriction on their phone. But these consequences aren’t enough to stop these teens.

While some parents fantasize of a solution to this problem, some states have found a way to deter many teens from sexting. Because they are in fact teenagers, both the receiver as well as the sender of the sexually explicit content will be charged with child pornography.

Some of them may possibly be forced to register as a sex offender in their county.

Once that send button is pressed, teens feel flirtatious. But what they don’t think about is how that one text can forever ruin their lives.

Mind Bo

Love

with

{

{

Love: Feeling of strong or constant regard for and dedication to someone

Love across country By: Kally Bieber makes the other person tick, and, unfortunately, what makes the other person ticked off.

It’s healthy to fight every now and then, or so I’m told. The key is to look at a fight from a different perspective. It’s not two people in a fight against each other, It’s two people fighting against a problem. When you’re both working together to fix a problem, it actually brings you closer together, as well as fixes the problem that is between you two. This is not only for long-distance relationships, but for all relationships. That said, when you can’t meet up and talk about a problem, you have to be an expert with words, which, both Chanse and I have had to work on.

It’s not easy. Jobs and school consume a lot of our time, and it’s hard to find time for each other. It’s hard not to ask “Is it worth it?”. Of course it is. When you find someone you love, you’ve got to run with it, or regret it the rest of your life.

{

It started just as any other high school relationship. Chanse and I were best friends and decided to try something new. The relationship developed fast and after three years, what-do-you-know, high school graduation came upon us. He decided to move to a southern State (Arizona, to be specific), and I was already enrolled at Green River Community College. We decided to try and make it work, at least for a little while.

After a week of Chanse driving to his destination, he settled into the town of Tucson, where he didn’t know anyone but his sister whom he resided with, along with his nephew.

The first few months were not necessarily the hardest, but certainly the most confusing. Neither of us knew how the other felt about the relationship. We spent a lot of time on Skype and even had a few dates where we would both

get take-out of Pad Thai, then sit in our rooms to have a secluded date.

Being college students with part-time jobs, we don’t have much money to spare, so plane tickets are few and far-between.

The first visit was over three months after he originally left. During Thanksgiving break, we were able to remember why we fell in love in the first place. These times where we re-unite are what makes our relationship worth the time spent apart.

Of course, success is different in every one’s eyes, as much as how each couple is different.

Chanse and I have a successful relationship because we talk about things constantly. He tells me about his day every day, and I tell him about mine and ramble on about whatever happened on Glee that night. We listen to each other.

Truly listen; because really, that’s all we have.

We know each other, we know what

ody & Soul

What is your ideal first date?

A. Classic. Dinner and a movie B. Something active like Go-Karting C. Dinner by candle light D. Skype date

2.

Where did you meet your significant other?

A. Work or School B. At the gym C. On a walk at the park D. In a club

3.

What is your favorite drink?

A. Milkshake B. Gatorade C. Wine D. A shot of Vodka

4.

What kind of dates do you prefer?

A. Group B. Doesn’t matter C. Double D. Single

5.

What’s your favorite date movie?

A. Titanic B. The Ugly Truth C. The Notebook D. Friends With Benefits

6.

How do you ask someone on a date?

A. Be upfront B. Scavenger Hunt C. Flowers and a Card D. Condom in an envelope

Answers Mostly As Mostly Bs Mostly Cs Mostly Ds -

“Still Feels Good” by Rascall Flatts “Chelsea” by The Summer Set “Amazed” by Lonestar “Oh Baby” by Deadmau5

Designed by: Kally Bieber

1.

Written by: Kally Bieber & Ari Saltarelli

What’s your Valentine’s Day love song?

Jacob Jagodinski Page 7

Central goes above and beyond to help transferring students CWU offers dual admissions program to all Washington community colleges By: Aaron Kaneshiro Staff Writer Central Washington University (CWU) is now offering a dual enrollment program that allows qualifying community college students to be enrolled at CWU while taking classes at a community college or tech school.

Currently the program is only offered to a few select schools in the state, including GRCC’s Kent Campus.

Beginning next quarter it will become available to all community colleges and tech schools in Washington State.

According to Linda Schactler, director of CWU Public Affairs, the goal of the new program is to “encourage students from the moment they come to a community college to start

thinking about how they will complete a baccalaureate (BA) degree.” She explains that Central wants to minimize the confusion involved in getting a degree for students who don’t have family members with one.

Students in the program can take advantages of lower tuition in community colleges and the resources available at CWU. By working closely with CWU’s advisers to prepare for their major, students are able to easily transfer from community college studies to working on a BA degree.

For students hoping to complete their bachelor’s degree with CWU, this program is ideal. Those in the program have the opportunity to become better prepared for working towards a BA degree with the available advising offered – helping students to

ensure they complete all the prerequisites for their major and prevent them from taking any unnecessary classes.

If a prerequisite course for their major is not offered at their local community college, classes are available for students at the CWU campus in Ellensburg.

To qualify for the program, students must meet the same requirements as freshmen CWU students, including GPA standards, various credits, and SAT or ACT scores. Before going into the dual admission program, students must have completed four credits of English, four credits of math, three credits of social science, two lab science credits that are algebra based, two language credits, and two art credits.

Students with a GPA of 3.4 or higher are automatically accepted to the uni-

versity as long as they have completed the prerequisite credits. If a student has lower scores the application will be looked at more closely, and the student will still be considered for enrollment. An applicant that has a GPA of 2.0 or lower will still be considered, but will have to go through an interview process about their high school experience and future plans.

“We want to make the transition as smooth and as easy as possible,” said Schactler. “So it’s not a big surprise after two years.”

The shift from studying at a community college to studying at a university can be tricky and often confusing. By working together, Central Washington University and Green River Community College are making this process easier on everyone.

News Editor: Olivia Mok news.editor@mail.greenriver.edu

How Socially Awkward Are You?

Feb. 13, 2012

ea :S By

1: You’re walking down a sidewalk, when three members of the opposite gender are walking toward you. You need to get past them, but they’re taking up the entire sidewalk. Do you: a. Run straight through their line like a raging bull b. Fall into the fetal position and start sobbing uncontrollably c. Cross the street in fear of a confrontation d. Walk between them without so much as a “by your leave” e. Politely ask if they can move 2: A person of the opposing gender, whom you’ve rarely talked to, asks you to go out to see a movie. Do you: a. Take up the offer. What’s the worst that could happen? b. Take the movie ticket and tear it to shreds, relishing their delicious tears c. Fall into the fetal position and start sobbing uncontrollably d. Decline the offer, since you barely know them e. Take up the offer, only out of fear of upsetting someone 3: You’re going in for a job interview. What do you wear? a. What you normally wear. They should see the real you, not some ditz’d up schmuck. b. Underpants only. They’re lucky you’re wearing even that. c. Can’t decide. Too busy sobbing uncontrollably in the fetal position. d. Overdress. Don’t want to seem inferior to anyone, out of fear of rejection. e. Formal business wear. Want to look good for any job interview, even if it’s for a sewage plant.

4: A close friend of yours asks you to hold their baby. Do you: a. Fall into the fetal position and start sobbing uncontrollably. b. Grab it like you’d hold a football. It’s the only frame of reference you have. c. Immediately drop it because you’re not used to physical contact with another human. d. Politely hold the baby, giving it the proper care required. e. Do it while showing off your mad juggling skills.

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Join The Current!

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NEWS

13

y

“Whispers silently sneak through the audience, yet suddenly they are hushed as the words of truth and wisdom are released into the air.”

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nR ocke

Also on the Inside

Answer Key: 1: a = 5, b = 1, c = 2, d = 4, e = 3 3: a = 4, b = 5, c = 1, d = 2, e = 3 2: a = 3, b = 5, c = 1, d = 4, e = 2 4: a = 1, b = 4, c = 2, d = 3, e = 5

5-Credits: Item #5675 3-Credits: Item #5679

Add up your points, based on how you answered 4-7 You’re so scared by social interactions, I’m rather surprised that you even managed to leave your house to get this paper.

8-12 You definitely need some help with social skills, but you’re not enough of a shut-in to deserve the local children’s fear.

13-15 You’re perfectly normal. Parties don’t scare you, and you’re perfectly capable of casual human interaction.

16-18 You’re definitely the life of the party. You keep too rough of an exterior, which might turn some people off toward you.

19-20 You probably don’t have any friends. Not due to fear of interaction, but due to the fact that you murder any creature that comes in your “Death Perimeter”.

14 NEWS

Contact News Editor, Olivia Mok, with story ideas, comments or questions: news.editor@mail.greenriver.edu

The Undercurrent

Obama promises economical boost By: Aaron Kaneshiro Staff Writer In his third State of The Union address, President Obama promised tax reforms, cooperation between companies and community colleges, and to move jobs back to America from overseas on January 24, giving out what he calls a “blueprint for an economy built to last.”

His tax reform suggested a 30 percent income tax rate, bringing in over $100,000 revenue per year without increasing taxes on households that make $250,000 or less per year.

By creating a minimum tax rate for companies that outsource jobs, the government is able to use the money from the taxes to help companies who are trying to rebuild their factories in America. The president also said that community colleges should work more closely with companies to make college a more direct path to jobs than it has been in recent years.

Obama assured the public that the times are already changing for the better.

“America is back! Anyone who tells you otherwise, anyone who tells you that America is in decline or that our influence has waned, doesn’t know what they’re talking about.”

Gator Apparel has joined the web By: Sean Rockey Copy Editor The Green River PaperTree Bookstore recently unveiled it’s online apparel shop, which allows you to make personalized Green River-themed articles of clothing.

On the site, you can create whatever garment you require, with the ability to alter the color of the item, the location and type of the design, what year will be written on it, even what sport you want embroidered.

With items ranging from casual T-shirts to pet clothing; along with coming in such name brands as Adidas and Port Authority; odds are the website is offering something for what ever style you’re looking for.

Any customized item will take approximately five business days to produce, then it is shipped directly to you.

The link to the new store can be easily found on the current PaperTree bookstore’s home page.

Facebook Inc. stock goes public By: Rachel Sant Senior Writer Facebook Inc. filled out the Initial Public Offering (IPO) forms to release stock to the public on February 1.

With over 845 million active users worldwide, the company earned $1 billion in 2011, raising people’s expectations for the worth of the IPO. These first amounts of money that the private company will be placing on the public market will bring a great deal of information about Facebook Inc. out to the public eye. In exchange, the company will be able to use the money from their sold IPOs in order to pay off their debts and expand.

According the Arizona Republic, these IPOs will likely be sold to priority buyers with larger spending capabilities first, due to the IPO’s high demand. After these have been sold, normal stock will become available to the public for purchase.

Business experts predict that Facebook Inc. will be worth from approximately $75 billion to $100 billion, breaking the record of Google’s IPO in 2004.

Head to page 17 for an opinion piece on the story: Facebook’s Public Troubles

Other ways to contact us: Phone: (253) 833-9111 x. 2375 In person: OEB 17

The Current Feb. 13, 2012

Solution to ease financial burden on students is proposed State Senator Michael Baumgartner of Spokane has proposed a tax solution to shift sales funding to assist with the cost of higher education By: Olivia Mok News Editor State Senator Michael Baumgartner proposed a State Constitutional amendment that would dedicate a portion of sales tax revenue to higher education funding on Jan 27.

Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 8225 introduced amendments on Article IX of the Washington State Constitution to ensure higher education is the second priority of the state.

This would grant higher education 1.75 cents from sales tax for every dollar taxed.

The state would need at least $715 million in order to fulfill the traditional 50-50 split between student and state funding. The state currently funds $2.75 billion for higher education in the 2011-2013 fiscal budget. If SJR 8225 passes, dedicated revenue would increase to $3.63 billion, or an added $890 million.

If the original or modified amendment is approved with a 2/3 vote from either house, the enacted proposal would be put on the ballot at the next state general election, and would go into law if favored by majority voters.

The proposal is likely to ease students’ monetary burdens. Taxpayer dollars will demonstrate the legislatures education priorities without adding a new tax. “[Higher education] is essential as a system of economic justice, social mobility and equality,” said

A courtesy graph showing how the relationship between student funding and tuition has changed.

Baumgartner, who is also a member of the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee, “but it is set to be kicked in the teeth again.”

Baumgartner said that even at times of budget increases in the state of Washington, the legislator decreased funds for higher education, and that the state’s concerns are deflating.

The Senator also argues that it is irresponsible for the Legislature to let universities set the tuition rates, which reinforces their unwillingness to take accountability for the tuition hike, regardless of the economy. Over the last 20 years, the state has dropped funding approximately eight percent per student annually.

“What the state has done is shift the cost of students to working families

FEBRUARY HOLIDAYS 2/13 - Dream Your Sweet Day 2/14 - Ferris Wheel Day 2/15 - Gum Drop Day 2/16 - Do A Grouch A Favor Day 2/17 - Champion Crab Races Day

and middle-income kids” said Baumgartner at the 2012 Community College Student Legislative Rally in Olympia on Feb 2. “Many of you are having to build up a tremendous amount of debt... this is going to imperil your choices in the future, imperil our economy, and essentially imperil the America as we know it.”

He believes that his resolution could create a tuition balance between the state and college students.

“One solution to this is that higher education needs constitutional protection, and higher education needs a dedicated revenue source,” said Baumgartner.

“What I think higher education should cost is about the amount that a student could work a summer job, and maybe a little part-time work, and be able to pay for college and university without going into debt.”

Baumgartner emphasized

2/18 - Battery Day 2/19 - Chocolate Mint Day 2/20 - Hoodie Hoo Day 2/21 - Card Reading Day 2/22 - Be Humble Day 2/23 - Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day

that people should stop the decay of state funding for higher education.

Other than the constitutional amendment on higher education, SJR 8225 also addresses concerns about the limitation on state debt. The amendment would alter the definition of “interest” regarding the Constitution, as the state would have to reduce the interest when calculating the constitutional debt limit by the amount of federal subsidies.

All together Baumgartner seems confident in his proposal, but still encourages others to continue and seek better economical solutions.

“If other legislators you talk to have a better solution, let them bring it forward,” said Baumgartner, “but please ask them to do more than just give lip service to caring about higher education.”

2/24 - Tortilla Chip Day 2/25 - Pistol Patent Day 2/26 - Pistachio Day 2/27 - Polar Bear Day 2/28 - Public Sleeping Day 2/29 - Surf and Turf Day

Contact News Editor, Olivia Mok, with story ideas, comments or questions: news.editor@mail.greenriver.edu

Other ways to contact us: Phone: (253) 833-9111 x. 2375 In person: OEB 17

The Current Feb 13, 2012

NEWS 15

Smoking ban ballot soon Teach-In quickly rescheduled

After debate, a policy proposal is now at an agreement Abrupt snowfall fails to stop student activism project By: Rachel Holley Staff Writer A vote on tobacco use on campus is in the near future, providing students with an option between a complete and a partial ban.

There have been controversies and debates about a smoking ban since fall 2010. The Safety Committee has tried to come up with a resolution that meets the student body’s demand. The Committee recently initiated a total ban proposal in response to problems associated with smoking.

Over the past four months, the Safety Committee has received a total of 119 comments and complaints regarding the new smoking policy on campus.

A 70 percent majority of the comments agree on

a complete tobacco ban.

Many students expressed concern about secondhand smoke, in which can cause severe migraines and other dangerous repercussions.

However, Safety ran a survey last June that showed more than 70 percent of respondents favored a designated smoking area only in the outer perimeter parking lots.

This solution is also supported by the student government (ASGRCC), as they feel that a total ban does not meet the desires of all students. ASGRCC drafted their own policy, proposing a partial smoking ban with five designated smoking areas. Collaboration between student government and the Safety Committee eventually resulted an improved version of the ban with five designated locations agreed upon by both groups.

Vasyl Sofilkanych, ASGRCC President, was inspired to run a smoking awareness campaign to inform students about the potential health risks of tobacco products.

“It’s necessary for students to know the kind of harm [consuming tobacco] causes to them and to the people around them,” said Sofilkanych.

Katie Rose, Assistant Director of Public Information and member of the safety committee, wants students to know the committee has their best interests in mind.

“The safety committee is not trying to tell people what to do,” said Rose.

“We’re just trying to make [GRCC] a healthy environment for everyone.”

The vote will take place this spring. Any change of policy will be effective summer quarter.

By: Rachel Sant Senior Writer Cancelled by the recent snowstorm, the latest of the Teach-In Series (“Student Activism”) was rescheduled to Feb. 15 from 1 - 3 p.m. in the Lindbloom Center.

By result there will only be one Teach-In session this quarter and five in total this year. These sessions are designed to help educate students on how to be more active with their education.

According to the event coordinator Louise Hull, “Student Activism” will continue with its original plan prior to the cancellation.

The Teach-In will be split into two hours, with each hour devoted to a specific activity.

The first part of the first hour will be dedicated to allowing the three panelists

hopefully have a non-disruptive march on campus with the signs. “[It will] give students a taste of what it’s like to be part of something that’s organized and collective,” said Hull.

The Teach-In Series’ goal is to connect students to what is going on outside of the campus. Organizers focus primarily on education and the changes that occur with it, such as rising costs and student impacts.

According to Hull, it’s harder to get “plugged in” with what’s going on around community colleges since many students are only here for the duration of their classes. She hopes that these sessions will create a place where students can learn about what other students are doing and become motivated to be active, even if only a little.

to speak to the attendees.

Carlos Adams, Green River professor, will be setting the tone for the event by discussing the history of student activism from different parts of the world. The rest of the hour will be given to the famous elderly woman from Occupy Seattle, Dorlei Rainey, who will talk about student activism in a more modern sense. Finally student Sara Tekola will supply information on the newly formed club: Student Activists for Education (S.A.F.E).

The last hour of this event will differ slightly from past Teach-Ins. With thanks to Cindy Small, art instructor at Green River, the students will view a small presentation on “Art in Protest”, and afterward will be given the opportunity to create signs and posters of their own. There are also plans in progress to

Green River Community College

Relationship Statuses

Let’s get a taste of what everyone ‘s current relationship status is! Out of 288 students inteviewed on campus...

- 45 % In a Relationship -

- 55 % Not in a Relationship -

1%

En

ga

ista n ce

4%

g ed

Married

Single

.6%

WTF ?

Compl

icated

8%

54%

It’s

Long D

or v i D

d e c

3%

Each individual statistic is calculated out of 288.

16 Feb. 13, 2012

OP-ED Op-Ed Editor: Asha Johnson oped.editor@mail.greenriver.edu

Staff

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Also on the Inside

“It was what innocent love should be! It wasn’t anything tainted and, you know, I liked her, we were always on the playground together.”

Ryan Watson Page 3

EDITORIAL

Sex: everyone’s doing it, so why such a fuss?

The Current takes a look at society’s obsessions and reactions to sex and gender standards

Asha Johnson Editor in Chief, Op-Ed Editor

Bailey Jo Josie Managing Editor, Ad Manager, Campus Editor

Kally Bieber Design Editor, Arts & Entertainment (A&E) Editor

Ryan Comer Sports Editor

Olivia Mok News Editor

Editorial Board: Alexander Bevier, Bailey Jo Josie, Asha Johnson, Sean Rockey, and David Caldwell

If you’ve ever read any of Tucker Max’s bestselling books --novels filled with nothing but drunken debauchery and intrepid sexual flings with nearly every kind of woman imaginable-- you may despise him with the hatred of a thousand white-hot blinding suns. But you may actually respect the man for his lifestyle.

How would you feel about a woman writing the same kind of stories? How would you react to a lady constantly vomiting tequila everywhere and humping ‘round the world? Tell the truth, you’d think she’s just a stupid whore who got a book deal with a publisher.

A man is usually judged by the number of times he’s done “it”, but a woman is judged by the number of times she hasn’t. We can’t really explain why this is, beyond a woman is

often praised for her purity while a man is upheld for his virility. This may be because men want to have as many sexual conquests as possible, while keeping the people we see as our sisters as pure as possible. There’s a definite double-standard.

Men have sex. Women have sex too. Some times, women have sex with men and men are forever grateful for that. Still, men and women have always been looked at differently for having sex. Biblical times depict women being stoned for having intercourse out of wedlock while men get off easy. In some cases, women are condemned for having tricked men with witchcraft. Odds are both people were horny and just wanted to get it on. There’s nothing wrong with that.

In the media, sex is everywhere. It’s in ads, it’s in music, it’s on TV. Really,

way we look at beer commercials and James Bond movies. These things create images in our brain for what is cool and sexy. We want to be cool and sexy. If it weren’t for these images guiding out culture, what exactly would be cool and sexy? The president?

Television has been promoting this image for years.

Dallas, a soap opera, proudly featured the first orgasm on public TV. Shows like these have let us grasp on to sex in other ways and accept it in the media. We may not be allowed to have sex, but we’re allowed to talk about it when TV characters do.

It’s a sign that we all want to have sexual discourse.

Ultimately, we have to accept that people have sex. It feels good. There are plenty of ways to do it safely. Once we accept it, we can look at ads and see that’s it’s two people instead of two sexy

That’s what he said

Sean Rockey Copy Editor

there’s nothing wrong with that either. Still, we’re left believing it’s not a good thing. Maybe it’s long-embedded Victorian prejudices. Maybe it’s fear of AIDS. Who knows?

We take in sex every day and are supposed to scorn those who put the sex in front of us, but we still want to be sexy. We want to look at the sexy Abercrombie ad and want to look exactly like that. But we’re also supposed to be ashamed for wanting to look like an ad.

There’s nothing wrong with looking like an advertisement. Sure, that’s exactly what marketing people want, but they’re simply creating an image that caters to our previous desires. We want to look sexy, we think the Abercrombie image is sexy.

Therefore, we want to look like the Abercrombie image.The same goes for the

The ability to quote is a serviceable substitute for wit.

-Somerset Maugham

she said Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.

-Eleanor Roosevelt

people. We’ll be able to see a woman and not label her a “slut,” but as someone who’s simply had sex.

If you accept that people have sex, nothing seems so bad and the world’s a bit more colorful. The internet runs rampant with sex.

In fact, there’s an argument to be made that we understand how amazing the internet is by realizing how quick we can access pornography with it (less than a second). And there’s sex for everyone and for any possible interest. Some interests may be cringeworthy, but by accepting that people have sex, we’ll see that everyone’s acting on the same impulse to explore sexuality.

If you want to have sex, there’s always gonna be someone to accept and have sex with you. Everyone is better with a cornucopia of sexual diversity.

Editorial Policy The Current is a limited public forum for student expression, in which student editors make policy and content decisions. Green River Community College delegates editorial responsibility for the content of the publications. The college acknowledges the dual free purpose of student publications as instructional tools and as vehicles for free inquiry and free expression in the academic community. The views and opinions expressed in The Current do not necessarily reflect those of the college or student body.

Theft Policy Ari Saltarelli Photography Editor

Josh Davidson Webmaster Assistant Editors: Jacob Jagodinski (A&E), Dylan Whitcher (Sports) Senior Writers: Alexander Bevier, Gentry Seipert, Rachel Sant, Koen Valks Staff Writers: Amy Brons, David Caldwell, Dilichi Chiedu, Mareesa Crotty, Rachel Holley, Kine Røssland, Thomas Sørenes, Nicole Spaulding, Anna Yang

Sex without love is as hollow and ridiculous as love without sex.

- Hunter S. Thompson

What’s the difference between a 3-week old puppy and a sportswriter? In six weeks, the puppy stops whining.

-Mike Ditka

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.

- James Openheim

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a... moment before starting to improve the world.

-Anne Frank

If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.

-Katherine Hepburn

Never let a problem to be solved become more important than the person to be loved.

-Barbara Johnson

A person commits the offense of publication theft when he or she willfully or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over more than three copies of The Current that is distributed on campus (with the intent to prevent other individuals from reading that edition of the publication). A “publication” includes any periodical that is distributed on a complimentary or compensatory basis.

In addition to the imposition of other campus disciplinary penalties, a person who violates this provision is responsible for compensating the publication for all reasonable costs incurred, including, where appropriate, the refund of advertising fees.

Letters to the Editor The Current encourages all its readers to be involved and will publish letters.

Anonymous letters are not accepted and the editor reserves the right to reject or edit letters on the basis of length, libel, or propriety. All letters become property of The Current. Send letters to thecurrent@greenriver.edu.

Contact OpEd Editor, Asha Johnson, with story ideas, comments or questions: oped.editor@mail.greenriver.edu

Other ways to contact us: Phone: (253) 833-9111 x. 2375 In person: OEB 17

Do it for the money or yourself?

What things should you consider when picking a major?

Commentary by: Koen Valks You’re in college, and you must declare a major. Right here. Right now.

Stressing out because you don’t know what to pick, would you risk the unemployment rate after graduation and do something you really enjoy doing, or go with a low unemployment rate with a high earning - which you’d rather not do for the rest of your life.

Do whatever you want.

Don’t care about what anyone tells you and - most of all - don’t listen to anyone who thinks they know better.

Do what you want to do, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Be the exception to the rule, or die trying.

If you pick a major that you are motivated and enthusiastic about, you are more likely to do well than if you pick one in which you have no interest, but simply choose it because your family and friends want you to. If you can motivate yourself for your major, can also do so for a job in the same field. Your ambition and interest will shine through in your job and you will be much more productive. If you have the best grades for your degree in college, but function like a passionless monkey, no, you’re not getting the job.

Passion in what you do is important.

However, a degree doesn’t completely determine your future. If you major in a very focused subject like biochemical engineering, you’re probably going to become a biochemical engineer.

But if you major in political science, that doesn’t mean you are destined to become a politician. President James Earl Carter (Jimmy Carter)

was a peanut farmer, and he ended up as president. If he could do it, you can too. Your major doesn’t completely determine your future; it only gives you a piece of the puzzle.

If your major is very broad, you are then prepared for a wide selection of topics or jobs. Employers don’t look for someone who just knows a lot about a certain subject, they look for someone they can mold, who is able to learn quickly, has communicative skills, and can think critically and creatively. If you know a lot about one aspect of the job, it’s valuable to the employer; however, if he can educate a flexible employee into the needed position, and just as easily shape him into another job, of course he’s going to pick that guy.

Don’t let anyone tell you that the major you’re deciding on isn’t a good one. It’s your decision, your life, your future - and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Ever.

OP-ED 17 A one-sided holiday The Current Feb. 13, 2012

Why Valentine’s Day should be more equal between genders

Commentary by: Sean Rockey Valentines Day: A day where loved ones give their significant others insignificant trinkets to reassure each other that they indeed still have feelings for one another.

It’s intended to be a day where either partner can take the lead in the gift-giving.

But --let’s face it-- all we dudes get out the holiday is the leftover chocolate and the hope that our incredibly subtle hint of laying condom boxes around the room doesn’t go to waste.

Valentine’s Day is a holiday dominated by girls in relationships. Those with male genitalia, along with those who have chosen the

single life, are left in the dust and it’s gone on long enough.

America needs a holiday that celebrates any and all kinds of relationship statuses; or enough holidays to encompass them all. I propose we do what America has always done when it comes to creating new cultural ideas: steal them from other countries.

In South Korea and Japan, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by women giving men chocolate. Now don’t worry girls, on March 14 couples celebrate White Day, where guys give girls candy, jewelry, white lingerie and/ or marshmallows (seeing as it was originally a marshmallow marketing scheme by a Fukuoka-based confectionery company in 1977) in reciprocation for the previous month’s holiday. The man’s offering is normally two to three times the cost of what they received.

Don’t worry, singles, there’s a holiday for you too.

In South Korea, the people

celebrate Black Day on April 14, wherein single people get together and eat jajangmyeon (a type of noodles garnished with a black bean sauce) and celebrate their single-dom. Americans could really substitute any kind of food; it’s more of the sentiment of the holiday that counts, which is to give those who have chosen the path of solitude a day to celebrate that fact.

If the U.S. implemented this system, think of all the time it would save. Nobody would be confused about who is getting who what, neither person in any relationship could say that the other is getting more attention, and single people would have to save their bickering for two months, and if they’re lucky they’ll meet someone on the day that they get to celebrate.

All in all, be it black, white, or Valentine’s, we’re really missing out on a one size fits all scenario.

Facebook’s public trouble As Facebook goes public, Zuckerberg should plan ahead

Commentary by: David Caldwell

“ I really wanted to experience a smaller campus with a lot of involvement.”

— tyler

pederson,

senior

Transfer Scholarship Priority Deadline:

February 15

Why UW Tacoma?

Find out at: tacoma.uw.edu

Facebook’s explosion as the premier social network is about to hit a roadblock as the company readies itself for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) and entrance into the Stock Market. The IPO is estimated to be worth between 75 and 100 billion dollars, which would make it one of the largest Stock Market debuts in history.

Many comparisons are being made to Google, whose stock broke similar barriers in 2004 and continues to gain value.

However, Facebook’s current growth and business model could make living up to the hype overpowering.

Mark Zuckerberg’s ex-

ceeded expectations for his site since Facebook launched in 2004. By the time the IPO goes through, Facebook estimates it will have 1 billion Monthly Average Users. 14 percent of Earth’s population is a large market for any company to hold, but It’s unlikely that Facebook’s rapid user growth can continue at the rate it has.

Ads are the driving force behind Facebook’s revenue, but the ad system poses questions about its ability to sustain growth. Currently the site dispenses customized ads based on user input such as Likes. This is less appealing to advertisers than other methods such as Google’s, which constantly updates ads based on popular search items. Many Facebook users may not update relevant advertising information for long periods of time, which could end up hurting ad revenue as the userbase begins to cap out.

Perhaps the most impor-

tant lesson to consider when judging Facebook’s financial future is that of Myspace, which has faded into obscurity since initially taking the Internet by storm a scant few years ago. Myspace became a cultural phenomenon in under 3 years which helped define the “Web 2.0” movement that shifted the Internet’s primary role from informational to social.

But expansion caught up to them and the site stagnated as Facebook ascended to its number one status.

Facebook’s growth has proved the site’s larger appeal compared to Myspace, but the possibility of its popularity bubble bursting is real.

As Facebook has grown, so has its research and development spending—the recent “timeline” feature is a neat redesign of the wall, but the company must come up with a game-changer if it wants to live up to the expectations the business world has hoisted upon it.

18 Feb. 13, 2012

SPORTS Sports Editor: Ryan Comer sports.editor@mail.greenriver.edu

Calendar Feb 15 Feb 18 Feb 22 Feb 25 Mar 3-6 Feb 15 Feb 18 Feb 22 Feb 25 Mar 3-6

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Green River - Lower Columbia, 6 p.m.

Pierce - Green River, 5 p.m.

Grays Harbor - Green River , 6 p.m.

Green River - Tacoma, 3 p.m.

NWAACC Championship, TBA

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Green River - Lower Columbia, 8 p.m.

Pierce - Green River, 7 p.m.

Grays Harbor - Green River, 8 p.m.

Green River - Tacoma, 5 p.m.

NWAACC Championships, TBA

Go to www.greenriver.edu/athletics for home game locations.

Scoreboard Nov 25 Nov 26 Nov 27 Dec 2 Dec 3 Dec 4 Dec 13 Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 21 Jan 4 Jan 7 Jan 9 Jan 11 Jan 23 Jan 25 Jan 28 Jan 30 Feb 1 Feb 4 Feb 8 Nov 18 Nov 19 Nov 26 Nov 27 Dec 2 Dec 3 Dec 11 Dec 15 Jan 4 Jan 7 Jan 9 Jan 11 Jan 23 Jan 25 Jan 28 Jan 30 Feb 1 Feb 4 Feb 8

MEN’S BASKETBALL (4-5, 10-10)

Green River vs. Skagit Valley (74-65) Green River vs. Walla Walla (61-90) Green River vs. Wenatchee Valley (78-68) Green River vs. North Idaho College (70-83) Green River vs. Salish Kootenai (92-67) Green River vs. Treasure Valley (82-72) Green River vs. NW Indian (89-72) Green River vs. Walla Walla (66-81) Green River vs. Umpqua (83-73) Green River vs. Yakima (81-83) Green River vs. North Seattle (63-85) Green River vs. Highline (48-59) Green River vs. Centralia (54-50) Green River vs. South Puget Sound (85-82) Green River vs. Clark (65-73) Green River vs. Lower Columbia 57-65) Green River vs. Grays Harbor (76-46) Green River vs. Tacoma (72-86) Green River vs. Pierce (61-64) Green River vs. Highline (90-77) Green River vs. Centralia (62-67) Green River vs. South Puget Sound ( 66-67)

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL (3-6, 4-13)

Green River vs. Everett (58-73) Green River vs. Tacoma (48-83) Green River vs. Whatcom (39-70) Green River vs. NW Indian (75-67) Green River vs. Bellevue (36-68) Green River vs. Mount Hood (53-56) Green River vs. Chemeketa (26-87) Green River vs. Big Bend (36-94) Green River vs. Highline (51-57) Green River vs. Centralia (31-70) Green River vs. South Puget Sound (54-50) Green River vs. Clark (57-75) Green River vs. Lower Columbia (59-64) Green River vs. Grays Harbor (75-62) Green River vs. Tacoma (66-63 Green River vs. Pierce (51-58) Green River vs. Highline (54-58) Green River vs. Centralia (34-73) Green River vs. South Puget Sound (67-69)

Find Find full full league league standings, standings, stats stats and and more more at at www.nwaacc.org www.nwaacc.org

Stay Current

Stay in touch with the community by following The Current on Facebook and Twitter: www.facebook.com/greenrivercurrent www.twitter.com/thecurrentnet

Also on the Inside

“For students hoping to complete their bachelor’s degree with CWU, this program is ideal.”

Aaron Kaneshiro Page 13

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Defined by missed opportunities

Inconsistency away from home prevents Gators from reaching potential By: Dylan Whitcher Assistant Sports Editor The Green River men’s basketball team has been haunted all year by inconsistency, and is now in danger of missing the playoffs.

With only six games remaining, the Gators -- as of Feb. 7 -- (10-11, 4-6 region) are two games behind Pierce (14-7, 6-4 region) for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) west region.

The last couple of weeks have been particularly rugged for the Gators, who, after a heart-breaker at home to Pierce, bounced back with one of their best performances of the year against Highline; only to suffer a disappointing setback three nights later at Centralia.

Against Pierce on Jan. 31, Green River built a 47-33 lead with only 10 minutes remaining in the game. However, the lead

quickly evaporated and, before the Gators knew it, the game was headed for overtime where Pierce eventually won 64-61.

An eerie silence consumed the swamp that night after the game.

“It was unfortunate to lose the lead,” Green River head coach Tim Malroy said. “But to be honest, I was a little surprised we were up that much on them anyway. I anticipated a close game.”

Continued Malroy: “I told our guys our bench failed us, but our season is not over. Guys on the team need to understand how good we are when we believe in ourselves.”

At Centralia on Feb. 4, the Gators had another opportunity to gain ground on Pierce after the Raiders lost at Tacoma. As has been the case all year though, Green River struggled away from home, ultimately falling 67-62.

The Gators dropped to 0-5 on the road with the loss.

The loss to Centralia was surprising, not only because the Trailblazers

Thomas Sørenes | The Current

Men’s basketball practicing hard to get past recent inconsistancies

are in second to last place in the region, but also because of the momentum generated just three days earlier in a dominating 90-77 home win against Highline.

Against Highline, the Gators shot 56 percent from the field and an astounding 59 percent from three-point land, never giving Highline a chance.

“We ran into the locker room celebrating,” sophomore Derek Eilertson said. “It felt good to finally have an entire game under control. Especially winning against Highline

which made it all the more sweet. They are definitely our biggest rival.”

Despite the inconsistency and missed opportunities, the Gators aren’t out of the playoff picture just yet. However, home contests against Lower Columbia and Tacoma, two teams which figure to make the NWAACC playoffs, as well as a crucial road game against Pierce, won’t make the challenge any easier.

“Now it’s sink or swim” Eilertson said. “No choice now but to win. Our backs are against the wall.”

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Women stumble after emotional peak Playoff hopes in peril after inability to capitalize on monumental victory By: Ryan Comer Sports Editor As quickly as Green River jumped back in the playoff picture, the Gators have seemingly slipped back out.

Despite a stunning 6663 victory at rival Tacoma on Jan. 28, Green River has lost three straight and is currently three games out of fourth place in the west region of the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges

(NWAACC).

Each of the three losses has been devastating, but for different reasons.

Against Pierce on Jan. 30 and against Highline on Feb. 1, the Gators lost in heartbreaking fashion, both times at home. The loss to Highline was particularly troublesome because the Gators overcame a seven-point second-half deficit before eventually losing.

On Feb. 4 at Centralia, Green River was not even competitive as the

Trailblazers trounced the Gators 73-34, a final score reminiscent of numerous early season blowouts.

Sophomore McKenna Swanson attributed the losses mostly to turnovers, of which the Gators had 49 in the two games combined.

According to Swanson, the message from the coach has been a change in emotional energy since the Tacoma game.

“We had an emotional high (against Tacoma) and we had an emotional low

right after,” Swanson said.

Still, Swanson remains confident and reiterates that the team believes it can rebound.

Regardless of how the playoff picture unsettles, the Gators can still show a lot of progress compared to the beginning of the year if it can play well down the stretch.

Green River will finish the season with home contests against Lower Columbia and Tacoma, as well as road games against Pierce and Grays Harbor.

Contact Sports Editor, Ryan Comer, with story ideas, comments or questions: thecurrent.editor@mail.greenriver.edu

Other ways to contact us: Phone: (253) 833-9111 x. 2375 In person: OEB 17

The Current Feb. 13, 2012

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

SPORTS 19

Gator freshman exceeding own expectations

Not expecting to contribute a whole lot, Keryn Knight has tossed aside the learning curve to lead Green River in several key statistics and become one of the team’s most consistent weapons By: Amy Brons & Ryan Comer Keryn Knight, a freshman from Thomas Jefferson High School, didn’t expect to have a impact on the Green River women’s basketball team.

Through 18 games so far, Knight has been the team’s second-leading scorer among players who have played each game, averaging 8.8 points per contest. She also leads the teams in rebounds (110), made free throws (49) and free throws attempted (74).

“It feels really good,” Knight said. “I never thought that I would come to play here and start off

as I have this season. I thought that it was going to take awhile to get the hang of things.”

As the team has struggled, along with not having a consistent scoring threat, Knight has been forced to grow up fast. The Gators have lost three straight and as they sit three games out of the fourth and final playoff spot in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC), it’s been a rough season for everyone involved.

But Knight’s personal determination to succeed has played a large role in keeping Green River as competitive as it has been.

“I think I bring a lot

Courtesy Photo | GRCC Athletics

As second-leading scorer for women’s basketball, Knight confesses: “I never thought I would come to play here and start off as I have.”

of heart to the game,” Knight said.”I try to pick up people that look to be down, I go out there and I play for the team, and I do what I can to make the team proud of me.”

Knight not only has much love for the game, but for her teammates.

“When we play in games, we pour our hearts out on the floor,” she said.

“We do whatever we can to win. Sometimes we fall short, but there is no doubt in our minds when it’s over that we did all we could do.”

That positive attitude has helped Knight to overcome the frustration of a difficult season.

“I am not responding to our (recent) losses in

a negative way,” she said.

“I believe in this team so much. I believe that we can pull this through and go very far in this league.

We still have a lot of games left to prove that to everyone, and ourselves.”

Despite all her success, Knight still realizes there’s a lot of room for improvement.

“I need to work on slowing down when I play,” she said. “Sometimes I get too excited and rush things.

Also I need to be easier on myself. I beat myself up a lot when I don’t (play) up to the standard that I want.”

Knight can be seen next on Wednesday Feb. 15 as Green River hosts Lower Columbia at 6 p.m.

It’s okay to stalk people on Facebook.

Such as...

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: • Application fee waiver (a $65 savings) • 5% tuition discount • A chance to apply for a $2,000 scholarship

• That guy you met at the bus stop yesterday with the nipple ring.

• That woman who, judging by her pictures, must be some sort of duck • Your ex-girlfriend’s new beau.

• Yourself.

So while you’re at it, (because we know you are)

Stalk us on Facebook!

We like it ;)

facebook.com/greenrivercurrent washington.wgu.edu/grcc WGUW-np_519x675_NOV2011.indd 1

1-877-214-7004 11/17/11 1:45 PM

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