Volume 48, Issue 2

thecurrent the student newspaper of green river community college

october24.2013

www.thegrcurrent.com

issue2 volume48

Gators Get Ghoulish Cheap Halloween Tricks for the Broke College Student See Pages 6 and 7

currentcampus

currenta&e

currentlifestyles

International Student Success

Artist of the Month

Penny Pinching

Is the International student program negatively effecting Liberal Arts classes?

Green River Hosting Icelandic Painter, Sossa

Tips for Students Living on a Tight Budget

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thecurrent

Cedar Hall Newly reopened but still working out all of the kinks

STREET What is you favorite Halloween memory?

“We decided to go trick-ortreating… All of a sudden I look over and I cannot find him anywhere… these college students drive up behind him and hit him with a twenty pound bag of flour.”

Ian Lobdell | The Current

flickering lights; they went to CH four consecutive times (out of five school days) two weeks ago to understand the situation since the issue was raised.

Directory signs are also in consideration to be added to allow students to be clear of where the stairwells and to avoid confusion. The classroom doors however, are designed the way they are for safety issues.

Having the various improvements made in CH compared to the old SMT building certainly call for some problems to occur. The reconstruction of the building improves the outlook of the college, and is definitely “still a work in progress. New buildings always have

Present Campus Changes By: Christin Peter Staff Writer

Three significant construction projects have either started, or are scheduled to start, within the next few months.

Several projects on North East 320th street were launched to improve traffic flow, as well as driver and pedestrian safety. New sidewalks, bike lanes, and turn lanes were added, and soon new street lamps will be installed. Sam Ball, Director of Capital Projects, stated that the existing power lines will eventually be moved underground, although a date has not yet been set.

The street improvements will also create easier access to the new trades and industry building, which will be

MAN ON THE

By: En Ning Foo Staff Writer

The beginning of 2013 Fall Quarter unveiled the refurbished $19.5 million Cedar Hall building since its renovations started in Dec. 2011.

Cedar Hall replaced the Science, Math and Technology building in Green River Community College which was constructed in 1974.

After 35 years, the committee members decided to make changes to the classroom sizes, increase floor space, as well as recognize the American Disabilities Act. All entrances were made ramp accessible in Aug. 2009. These changes were made to better facilitate the needs of the campus, students and educational programs in GRCC. Students who attend classes in Cedar Hall might have noticed that the lights in the classroom occasionally go on and off during lessons. This could become a distraction during lessons.

The lack of signs to direct students to stairwells on all floors leads to confusion, creating a problem for students that are unfamiliar with the new building.

The classroom doors are also confusing simply by the way that they work.

They frustrate teachers and students alike through inconsistent locking and unlocking patterns. These important factors such as lights, doors and lack of directory guides pose a problem even after the reconstruction.

“We are working on these issues right now,” Sam Ball, Director of Capital Projects, said. “The systems are so complex to fit everything perfectly,” he added.

Given that CH is an energy efficient “green” building, it is undoubtedly a lot more complicated in terms of technology and infrastructure. Ball said that the engineers and technicians are working diligently to solve the problem with the

Patrick Daly| Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

constructed on the former location of the Lea Hill Park ball field. Scheduled to begin construction in November, the new trades building will be built in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as being eligible for a silver rating in energy efficiency by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

In December, the Social Science, Business and Industry, and Human Sciences buildings will be demolished to make way for the New Student Life building. This new building will replace the aging Lindbloom Center.

As with the New Trades Building, the New Student Life building will also be much more energy-efficient than Student Life’s current building. The Green River website states that the Paper Tree Book-

issues,” Stephane Teel, Building Secretary for CH, said. Teel worked in the old SMT building and thinks that there are significant changes. She stated that the committee members are responding to them efficiently and doing a good job with everything despite the occurring problems.

Indeed, nothing is perfect and the complexity of the reconstruction certainly raises problems. However, let us be patient to see the corrections that will be made. Technicians are hard at work to ensure the quality of maintenance and also to assure that there are no distractions during lesson for teachers and students alike. store, the cafeteria, the main dining area, and programs, such as athletics and recreation, will all be moved to the new building once construction is complete. Meeting and staff spaces for student government will also be included in the new space. Another addition will be a fitness center.

According to Ball, funding for the New Lindbloom Center has not yet been secured, and it is unclear exactly when construction will begin. Once all programs and services have found their permanent homes, the original Lindbloom Center will be demolished, creating a sizable future building site.

If all goes well, construction on both the Trades Building and the New Student Life Building are planned to be completed in time for the fall quarter of 2015, the perfect gift for the school’s 50th anniversary.

“I went to a Halloween themed wedding… I actually had to wear a tux. It sucked. I was a groomsmen, it was my brother’s wedding.

It was still fun though.”

Connor Cavin

Ryan Stanley

“I went to a haunted house… Everything in there scared me. And I got dirty. And that pissed me off too. It was at a corn maze.”

Nikki Essig

“My mom… took me trickor-treating at the mall and… they had a koala there… my reaction was ‘oh my god it’s a stuffed animal and it’s alive!’”

Hannah Patwell

Photos by Ian Lobdell | The Current

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International Student Success By: Oliva Lu Staff Writer

Over the years, Green River Community College has had a steady growth of international students. This growing population is one of Green River Community College’s most rapidly increasing Departments.

For these international students to be able to obtain a legal student status, it is mandatory for them to have a minimum of 12 credits per quarter.

In order for these international students to keep up with their classes, English pre-requisites have been placed over many of te required credits. These pre-requisites ensure the amount of successful students that move on

to the following class.

Social Science classes have been proven to have a provide a higher success rate after the English pre-requisites have been placed according to Mark Thomason, Chair of the International Education Committee, a sub-committee of the Instructional Council.

However, as more and more classes add pre-requisites, the number of classes that new international students can register for slowly drops.

Most of them have to be temporarily placed into Fine Art classes until they arrive in the States to take their COMPASS test during their orientation, usually a week before the quarter begins.

Most international students are in GRCC with the goal to transfer

to another university. Whether they are within Washington or out of state, they would usually drop certain Fine Arts classes to take classes that are transferable and related to their major.

After the new international students have taken their COMPASS test and reach the required English pre-requisite, they have more classes available for them to take.

Most international students, due to their lack of understanding of the U.S. education system, drop their Fine Arts classes in pursuit of other transferable classes, causing a significent drop in the number of students in certain Fine Arts classes.

This in turn, stirs up trouble in the Fine Arts Division as they

decline from having a full class to just a handful of students. The remaining students are international students with no intentions of taking the class.

Fine Arts classes, such as radio broadcasting, may have multiple year sequences and would have a smaller first intake. The next sequence class will then also suffer fewer students.

Ron Bayer, Head of the Fine Arts Division has told us that it disrupts the productivity of such sequence classes and denies other students who want to take the classes from being able to actually take the class.

There were two meetings to address this issue; one was on September 30 and the other on October 1. International programs and the faculty members are working together to solve these problems.

Diversity Festival By: Patrick Daly Campus Editor On Oct. 24 Diversity Services put on Diversity Fest in the Lindbloom Center.

“The purpose of the diversity fest is to pause in the middle of the quarter to celebrate Green River’s amazing diversity,” said Michael Tuncap, director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.

From 11 am to 2 pm, Diversity Fest was where all of Green River’s Culture organizations were recognized. Each group could show off their culture’s dances and songs, and each student union had a booth with pictures of what events they did. Representatives were also present to break down the union’s purpose.

The following cultural organizations attended this years Diversity Fest; Asian Student Union, Black Student Union, Toms Club, First Nations, First People’s, Muslim Student Alliance, Latinos Unidos, Pacific Islander Student Union, and the Indonesian Stu-

dent Organization.

“It is a good way to learn about others and it helps get rid of stereotypes,” said Nikki Saucedo, a representative of Latinos Unidos.

During Diversity Fest there were a number of performances that expressed some of the represented cultures. They included an R&B soul band, Asian break-dancers, a belly dancer, Bollywood dancers, and salsa dancers. Every dance performance was accompanied by that culture’s traditional music.

Aside from the entertainment, another crowd pleaser was the free cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn offered throughout the event. Between the scheduled acts there was an open dance floor for anyone to show off their dancing skills with music, mixed

by DJ NoXiD. DJ NoXiD also mixed for the entire event. He is an up and coming Disk Jockey who usually works at raves and hookah bars.

“I’m not used to this less crazy atmosphere” said NoXiD. Even

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There are a few ideas about temporary solutions which are currently being discussed.

Among these options is the idea that a couple of seats could, and perhaps should be allocated as placeholders for transferable classes. These classes are those which are higher in demand, and instead of filtering students into the Fine Arts only, it would allow them to have an immediate spot.

The hopeful long term solution would be that international students could take their COMPASS test or an equivalency test overseas in their own home country so that they could register into classes that they actually intend to take.

Faculty members are working closely with international programs and hoping that these problems can be resolved by either Spring or Fall 2014.

though Green River was unlike his past performances, he said, “I would definitely DJ for this event again because of the great crowd and because Green River gave me free reign over my music.”

Justin Malepe, Shaline John and others from Diversity Services organized the Diversity Fest.

“Compared to last year, this Diversity Fest is an improvement in size and performances,” said Justin Malepe, Ambassador of First Peoples.

The festival is consistently improving under the current leadership. “This year there are more various acts, such as different types of dances,” said Shilane The Diversity staff was impressed with the turnout. This event has turned into one of the larger events that is held in the Lindenbloom Center.

“Over 400 people in it,” said Michael Tuncap, “Instructors were even taking time to come down from their offices.”

The event proceeded smoothly with no delays in the acts.

“I wasn’t worried about the different diversities. I was more worried about the tech problems,” said Malepe.

All photos by Dominic Yoxtheimer| The Current

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thecurrent

The Outlet Collection

The Word on the new Super Mall By: Olivia Bidleman Photography Editor As of last Thursday, the culmination of a $35 million in renovations and rebranding transformed the Auburn’s very own Supermall into The Outlet Collection | Seattle.

The formerly drab shopping venue was spruced up with chic new lighting, flooring, entrances, furniture, and restrooms. An additional concourse and a chil-

By: Eudrice Gildon Staff Writer As you listen to an artist’s new album, you want to see growth from their previous albums. From the topics they touch on to the sound and tone of each song, you want to know that the artist is not recycling songs from their previous albums.

That growth is important because it shows that the artist is getting better and knows how to touch on different topics. Instead of doing the same thing for every album, we want it to be somewhat different and that is what Katy Perry did with her latest album “Prism.”

What makes this album stand out is that Perry did what most great artists do: paint a beautiful mental picture as you listen to each song. Many of the songs are also balanced as they set a good tone and steady beat. Her voice may not take your breath away, but you can see that her vocal skills are growing compared to her previous albums.

Another good thing about “Prism” is that the songs have a certain longevity to them. Where other albums get old after a couple of weeks or months, Perry’s is consistently interesting and has a lasting appeal. Though many of the songs may not be hits that you’ll hear on the radio, they’re

dren’s play area were also among the new developments.

The mall’s trendy new refurbishments attracted the likes of Coach, Nike, Michael Kors, J. Crew, and H&M. One could say it’s certainly a step up from the good old Supermall days. The previous layout, which locals had come to know well, was on the simple side of architecture. Its

good enough to enjoy to for a long time.

“Prism” shows us that it is better than Perry’s previous albums by contrasting with her previously childish and “poppy.” This most recent album is more mature in the topics she touches on, and blends them with mature beats.

We still get the same classic Katy Perry love songs, but she is growing into that aspect like a mature adult, instead of mainly appealing to teenage girls.

One of the songs from this new album that stands out is “Roar.”

This is Perry’s most successful song from the album that has become a mainstream hit. Other songs worth mentioning are “Legendary Lovers,” “By the Grace of God,” and “Walking on Air” which have a late 70’s to 80’s type of sound.

The only negative thing about this album that is keeping it from being a perfect 5 out of 5 is that there are songs on here such as “Dark Horse”, featuring Juicy J that seem out of place. Songs like this one do not seem to fit Perry’s style at all. In addition to this, Juicy J and Katy Perry do not seem to have an in depth musical chemistry. They, stylistically do not match. Other than this singular issue, “Prism” is a very good Katy Perry album and maybe the best to date. That is why it has been given a score of 4.5 out of 5.

halls were often crowded, feeling more similar to a highway than to a shopping mall.

The new and improved architecture and interior design have created a soothing, and easily maneuverable setting, as well as minimized crowd traffic.

The grand opening ceremonies lured in curious shoppers with the promise of swag bags, giveaways, prizes, and overall excellent shopping. In addition to local shoppers, Mayor Pete Lewis was in attendance during the opening ceremonies, as well as Greg Fleser, general manager of the mall and Michael P. Glimcher, CEO of Glimcher Realty Trust, owners of The Outlet Collection brand.

Fleser stated, “October 17th marks the culmination of our transformation from a hybrid full price and outlet center, to a pure outlet center under The Outlet Collection brand,” he said. “This effort demonstrates our commitment to serving as a top shopping destination in the Pacific Northwest and a long term fixture in the growth of the Auburn community.”

Many have heard of the newest

Spencer Rock | A&E Editor ae@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

improvement to the well-known Supermall, but none knew exactly what they were expecting on opening night, as hundreds of eager customers flooded the brand new facility.

The sound of booming music filled the air, and as cameras began snapping away, Glimcher had a simple invitation for the crowd; “Let’s go shopping.”

After the significant adjustments and refurbishments of the site, The Outlet Collection is the largest indoor outlet mall in the Pacific Northwest.

The Outlet Collection is the ideal shopping center for the Pacific Northwest. It has efficient walkways for when you are in a hurry

to find that single item you’ve been looking for. It has comfortable seating areas for those days when you’ve been experiencing good deals for so long that your feel cannot function any longer.

Last, but most certainly not least, it has lived up to its name with its plethora of outlet collections for every possible shopping need.

Many have previously voiced worried opinions about the renovations of the mall we have all grown to know and love. However, after experiencing the changes that have been made, our fears can be calmed and set aside.

The Outlet Collection has not replaced our beloved Supermall.

But rather, it has most definitely

Tracklist: 1. Roar 2. Legendary Lovers 3. Birthday 4.Walking on Air 5. Unconditionally 6. Dark Horse 7. This is How we Do 8.International Smile 9. Ghost 10. Love Me 11.Double Rainbow 12. By the Grace of God

Katy Perry Album Review Evaluation:

october24.2013

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The Fifth Estate Review By: Spencer Rock Managing Editor

Artist of the Month:

Green River Hosting Icelandic Painter, Sossa By: Hunter France Staff Writer Green River Community College has been selected to host the internationally known artist, Margret Soffia Bjornsdottir, during the 2013 fall quarter. Better known as Sossa, she is being hosted at Green River through the Fulbright Scholar-In-Residence Program, and is Iceland’s first Fulbright Scholar-In-Residence to come to the United States. She is well-known for her work in the fields of painting and printmaking.

Sossa has said that she has been working as an artist since 1978. With oil paint as her favorite medium, she’s been working in the field since 1993.

“It sort of just suits me,” Sossa said, describing her feelings towards painting.

“It’s spontaneous, and that’s the kind of person I am.”

Sossa was welcomed to Green River at a ceremony, hosted by the International Programs Department that included faculty, staff, and students. While on campus, she will be working in her studio located in the Art Department in Salish Hall. Students are encouraged to stop by to watch her in action, ask questions, and receive critique on their art work. She can usually be found on location from 8:00 AM until noon.

Sossa is Green River’s first Fulbright Scholar-In-Residence to be hosted. While Green River has had a number of Fulbright Visiting Scholars, they only typically visit for only a few days. Sossa is the first

Fulbright Scholar who has stayed for an entire quarter.

“It’s quite an honor for us to to host an artist in-residence,” said Wendy Stewart, Dean of International Programs and Extended Learning. “Her being here is a chance for students who can’t travel or leave the college, or the local community, to get a peak into another country and another culture.”

The Fulbright Scholar Program is a United States Government sponsored program that provides scholarships for citizens to study, teach, and/or show their talents abroad. Stewart says that the program’s mission is to promote exchange. Stewart also says that exchange is good for the U.S. to be strong, have better diplomacy, and understand culture. Green River has had several faculty Fulbright Scholars.

Sossa said that it is a great experience and an honor to be selected by the Fulbright Scholar Program. She said that everyone has been friendly and she has enjoyed her time with her faculty host and Art Instructor, Cindy Small.

Sossa will be holding a lecture where she will be showing and discussing her art work on Friday Novmber 15, in the Science Center, room 101 from noon - 1 p.m., and all students are encouraged to attend.

She will also be holding a one-day Printmaking Workshop, where everyone, from experienced to beginning print makers, are encouraged to come and be able to have a hands on ecperience with her work in Salish Hall, room 370, on Saturday, November 16, from 9 a.m.-4.p.m.

“The Fifth Estate” is the story of “Wikileaks” founder Julian Assange and his relationship with Daniel Domscheit-Berg. The purpose of the movie was to shed light on one of the most unstable and informative websites in human history and the men who were behind it.

This movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch (“Star Trek: Into Darkness”) and Daniel Brühl (“Inglorious Basterds”) as professional friends turned enemies, Julian Assange and Daniel Domscheit-Berg. Placed around them are a few seasoned actors such as David Thewlis, Laura Linney and Stanley Tucci as well as relative unknown, Alicia Vikander, and the up-and-coming Anthony Mackie.

For the most part, the performances in this movie are pretty good. In particular, Cumberbatch shines quite brightly. You can truly tell that he embodies and understands the complexity of the character that is Julian Assange.

Perhaps he shines a bit too brightly though, as most of the other characters are swallowed up by his engaging performance. In fact, almost everyone who shares the screen with him is difficult to focus on, due to his brilliance.

That is not to say that this movie is completely devoid of great performances.

For instance, Brühl has quite a few shining moments throughout the movie, though his understated performance often becomes over-shadowed by Cumberbatch’s robust and commanding presence.

He takes a while to completely settle into his character but by the end, he is one of

the few people who can really engage the character of Julian Assange, both emotionally and mentally.

Most scenes, without Cumberbatch, serve a sole purpose of moving the story forward. The only person who could really handle himself onscreen with Cumberbatch, consistently, was David Thewlis. Thewlis plays Nick Davies, a freelance writer for the British newspaper, “The Guardian,” but has very few scenes throughout the movie.

The elephant in the room throughout the movie was its comparison to “The Social Network;” two men creating a worldwide phenomenon that ends up causing a rift between them.

Though there are times where this movie has those connections to the aforementioned movie, it is never controlled by them. “The Fifth Estate” is very clear about its global influence rather than just a national one.

However, it never seems to find its rhythm. It presents very interesting metaphors and leaves them out for a good chunk of the movie only to bring them back near the end. This disrupts the flow and tonality of the entire movie.

Overall, I would say that “The Fifth Estate” is informative and entertaining due to its interesting subject matter, as well as its good performances. But due to its fluctuating tonality and eclipsed performances, it falls just short of the target it aims to hit.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Evaluation: Dominic Yoxtheimer | The Current

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Guide to Holloween Where to go.

Fright Fest at Wild Waves Where: 36201 Enchanted Parkway S, Federal Way When: October 28 How much: $23 advance online/$28 at gate More information: https://www.wildwaves.com/fright-fest/ KUBE 93 Haunted House Where: 5000 E Marginal Way S, Seattle When: Thursday - Sunday, October 31 How much: $16/person. VIP entry for $10 extra.

More information: http://www.kube93.com/pages/haunted_house.

Dark Hollow Haunted Forest Where: 20821 Renton Maple Valley Hwy SE, Maple Valley When: October 29-30 How much: $15 regular/$5 Family Walk.

More information. http://www.shadowshaunt.com/

Maris Farms Where: 25001 Sumner Buckley Highway, Buckley When: October 28-31 How much: $5.25/person weekdays, $10.25/person weekends More information: http://www.marisfarms.com/

How to carve

Mosby Farms Where: 12754 SE Green Valley Rd, Auburn When: October 28-31 How much: $9/person More information: http://mosbyfarm.com/

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Cut the stencil out while leaving a on Punch in (and then remove) a nail in Cut around the stem of the pumpkin, Remove all of the seeds and pulp from With a small, sharp knife cut out the Put a candle in the pumpkin!

Light the candle.

Put the top of the pumpkin lid back o

-Lantern

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What to be.

Quarter-back Who needs fancy helmets and shoulderpads? Just tape a quarter on your back and your good to go.

White Trash Don’t wait ntill labor day to break out your white clothing.

Your trash bin needs emptying!

Face-book Dust of those dusty books! It is time to put them to use.

Ceiling Fan You may be a fan of your favorite sports team, but we like those ceilings. Go Ceilings!

e a pumpkin

ne inch border around it n the stencil’s eye leaving a 3-3.5 inch space between stem m the inside of the pumpkin desired design.

on, and enjoy!

Buck-an-ear You may have been a pirate when you were younger, here is a clever take on that idea!

Breaking News We can’t all be news reporters but now we can all break news!

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Editorial

thestaff Dominic Yoxtheimer Editor-in-Chief Sport Editor 253-833-9111 x2375 Spencer Rock Managing Editor Ad Manager A&E Editor 253-833-9111 x2376 Patrick Daly Campus Editor

Lisa Gray Opinion Editor

Laura Gray Lifestyle Editor

Haley Curl Copy Editor

Ian Lobdell Photography Editor

Staff Writers: En Ning Foo, Olivia Lu, Hunter France, Eudrice Gildon, Alex Craig, Meagen King, Patrick Daly, Aaron Bales, Evan Yu, Olivia Bidleman, and Christin Peter Photographers: Ian Lobdell, Laura Gray and Dominic Yoxtheimer

Corrections As much as we like to think we are, journalists are not perfect.

Because of this, we welcome our readers to let us know when we make mistakes in our paper.

If you find that we’ve spelled someone’s name wrong or stated our facts incorrectly, please contact us at: OEB room 17 (253) 833 9111 x2375 thecurrent@greenriver.edu

When someone asks you how you are, how do you respond?

Some of us may say we’re fine, and return the question. Others might shrug, and avoid the topic completely. Most of us, though, don’t even bother to ask the question, let alone respond.

Our newspaper staff is comprised of many ages, education levels, personalities and communication types. Yet all of us have experienced the feeling of being invisible on campus, as well as treating others as though they are not present.

Walking through our campus pathways and passing a fellow student, it is normal to avoid eye contact. Some even admit to pretending to text while a classmate passes by. These same people, however, state that they are willing to talk to complete strangers without issue.

Why is it easier to talk to a complete stranger than it is to talk to someone you have previously met? If common ground is not a characteristic that justifies a casual conversation or acknowledgement, then what is?

Our similarities are easy to find.

We are all members of the same social group, with an interest in education of some kind. No matter our end goal, and despite our difference in Majors or Associate’s Degree plans, we are all aiming for a higher education.

We all choose to attend Green River Community College, and any one of us could have chosen not to go here.

There are many things that we have in common before we have begun to communicate, but the initiation of communication remains to be a daunting task. Friendships are said to start with common ground, and our first steps toward it have been

taken before we have stepped on campus or much less attended our first class.

Why, then, should it be so difficult to take the next step, and talk to someone you recognize from your class or previous classes?

Standing at a bus stop where no one knows your name, your interests, or your major, should, theoretically, be a more difficult situation for starting a conversation. Shouldn’t it?

A few of our staff members are new to the area. In fact, one is here from northern Texas. They tell us that typical “Southern Hospitality” is similar to the West Coast, with a few minor changes.

Our West Coast customs include speaking freely with strangers while not revealing information that involves trusting them.

We do not trust anyone until they give us a reason to, which is why talking to a stranger, is easy; we don’t expect anything of them, nor do they expect anything of us.

In contrast, southern customs revolve around trusting someone until they reveal a reason why they should not be trusted.

After a series of discussions, we have come to an interesting hypothesis; The West Coast’s social traditions suggest that each person, whether you are an actor, a writer, a mathematician, a caregiver, a business entrepreneur or undecided, has something to prove socially.

Each of us feels the pressure to prove that we have something special to add to the world, especially when we are a part of a community. Even more daunting is the question of what we will add to each individual life along the way.

Will you positively influence those who meet you? Or will you keep quiet as they walk past you?

Lisa Gray | Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

FACULTY DIVIDED By: Kathyrn Re & Keith Hoeller Guest Writers Ask each of your professors whether they are full-time (tenured) or part-time (adjunct). The odds are two to one that the answer will be “part-time,” because there are twice as many part-timer teachers as full-time.

Current state law requires both groups to be represented by the same union, thereby ignoring the conflicts of interest between them. Full-timers, who can serve as Division Chairs, act as the immediate supervisors--rather than equal colleagues--of the part-timers. They hire them, assign classes, and evaluate them. Whenever there has been a dispute between a full-timer and a part-timer, the union routinely sides against the part-timer.

Unions claim to provide higher salaries, great benefits, and job security for their workers. While the United Faculty Coalition (UFC) has bargained these things for the 140 full-time faculties, it has not done so for the 300 part-timers. Yet the union claims fair representation to all faculties.

The union has not treated the part-timers equally: 1.Tenured faculty members have lifelong job security, while adjunct faculties are laid off at the end of every quarter.

2.Tenure-track faculties are guaranteed a full-time workload, while adjuncts are prevented from working full-time.

3.Tenure-track faculty can teach extra classes, taking classes and income from adjuncts. Some tenured faculty earn over $100,000.

4.Adjunct faculties are paid only 60% of the tenured faculty rate for teaching the same courses. The annual income of many adjuncts is less than $20,000.

5.Tenure-track faculty can take an adjunct’s class to fill their load, while adjuncts have no bumping rights and simply lose income.

6.Tenure-track faculty pays a much lower rate for union dues than adjunct faculty.

In short, the UFC has shown a clear preference for GRCC’s fulltime faculty while bemoaning the adjuncts’ lack of union solidarity.

As a result, the union and the college will soon begin negotiations for a new contract. The union has very few adjuncts on its executive board and none on its bargaining team.

We believe the chair of the bargaining team should at long last be an adjunct faculty member, and the majority of the team should be adjuncts. Furthermore, these adjunct representatives should be chosen by the adjuncts themselves. Dozens of improvements could benefit adjuncts, and many of them would require nominal expenditures.

If the union wants a strong and united faculty behind them at the negotiation table, it needs to truly represent the entire faculty.

This means the adjunct faculty must be represented by officers they elect, not by full-timers, or adjuncts chosen by full-timers.

How does this affect students?

Several recent studies show that adjunct faculty members are better teachers. But students may not be getting the best teachers for their courses. Full-timers, regardless of their qualifications, have the first pick of all courses.

The Green River Adjunct Faculty Association has been formed with the hopes of transforming GRCC into a campus community where equality and respect overcome inequality and elitism.

If the United Faculty refuses to represent the entire faculty, then the adjuncts will be forced to get their own union.

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 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.

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october28.2013

Busing: Is Being On Time A Priority Anymore?

By: Meagen King Staff Writer Here at Green River, many students, including myself, are looking to the public transit system to save them the cash that they need for the rising costs of tuition. However, as the years have gone by and the bus system has changed, certain courtesies of timeliness have fallen by the wayside.

These fallen courtesies have had many questioning whether or not the cost a person saves from the bus is worth the time he or she loses while waiting for it.

Public transit has never had a good reputation for keeping up with their timetables. No matter where your final destination is, you never know exactly when you will get there.

Most of us have personal experiences what it is like to be dependant on the public transt system. People have always had to deal with buses being late to their stops, or arriving to their final destination past when the timetable had proposed.

However, it seems like that it

has become a bigger problem as of recently. It has become such an issue that buses are arriving as much as 20 minutes past their expected time, or not arriving at all.

With these, come more than a few unseen consequences for the Green River college commuter students. A delay may not be a big deal to someone headed home, but even the slightest delay could cause the average college student an enourmous amount of stress.

In the college realm, five minutes could be the difference between having time to finish a test and leaving it incomplete. A late bus can determine whether you make it to a class on time or have to skip it.

Timeliness is ever so important in the world of a college student and it seems like the bus system has little care towards the timeliness of its routes.

Most people would completely understand such delays due to variables such as traffic, picking up large groups of individuals, or bus repair. These things happen and they are completely forgivable. Yet, these tend not to be the major culprits of bus tardiness.

Freedom of Beats Is offensive music constitutional or are we in violation of our rights?

By: Spencer Rock Managing Editor

As long as people have walked this earth, one of the most fundamental qualities that we have been blessed with is the desire to express ourselves in new and interesting ways. One of the oldest and most common ways of doing this is through music.

The history of music can be traced back to ancient times, both in Greek religion and many references in the bible. Through its modification and understanding, it became an integral part of how ancient people worshiped their Gods.

Through the centuries, the style of music has changed. It has changed so much that one could argue that in this day and age, music is a religion in itself. Who doesn’t feel a little closer to God when their favorite song comes on the radio?

Early Roman Catholics based their music styling off of The Gregorian Chant, which most people in our modern culture would hardly consider to be music at all.

The music we listen to today contains sexually provocative phrasing, explicit language, drug references, and images of violence. Needless to say, things have changed for music.

The First Amendment of the American Bill of Rights clearly states that any United States citizen has the right to freedom of religion, speech and expression. However, there are those who believe that our children are being damaged by the way modern artists are expressing themselves.

In fact, it seems that many drivers are to blame for the lateness of their routes. Several drivers have been witnessed sitting in their buses on the phone, or reading a book while it is well past the time when they are scheduled to be on the road.

It seems that, as the years have gone by, bus drivers are caring less and less about how late they are on their routes, which makes life for college students much more difficult.

While we’re all thankful for the money that the bus saves us, we cannot alsways risk being dependant on the public transit system to get us where we need to go.

There has to be some sort of expectations that come with such a service, and a punishment for failing to meet those expectations.

Buses have to be on time, if for no other reason than out of courtesy for their riders.

In the end, however, it comes down to what you think is more important; Saving gas money via public transit? Or being able to make it to class on time each day?

Which of these things are you willing to sacrifice?

They’ve concluded that the music their kids are exposed to on the radio and social media has effected the way they have grown up and caused them to embody the types of things that they hear in modern music. Through this logic they have come to this solution; the First Amendment has become inapplicable to this modern issue, considering that the Bill of Rights was created to benefit American society.

It is the belief of this writer that these claims come from people who are unaware of what freedom of expression means. They do not realize that their right to say that modern music is distasteful is no more valid than the opinion of this writer telling them that they need to get with the times. The First Amendment was made for these kinds of situations, and to say that there is no wrong or right answer.

Since music’s beginnings people have found new and innovative ideas that push the boundaries on how we express ourselves through it.

Luckily, here in the United States we have The First Amendment protecting our expressive rights. Elvis Presley, if he were alive today, could shake his hips on national television all he wanted.

Michael Jackson could grab his crotch without it being an enourmous shock.

Eminem can cuss and swear all he wants.

Lady Gaga can do… whatever it is that she does.

Through time we have learned to accept people for their differences. If we were all the same, we would have no art of any kind. Expression through music allows each of us to tell our own stories to those who appreciate it, and even those who don’t.

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lifestyle

Laura Gray | Lifestyle Editor life@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Penny Pinching

Tips for students living on a tight budget By: Evan Yu Staff Writer

I love breakfast, but it is getting too costly to spend $4.30 each morning for two eggs, bacon, hash browns, and a small cup of fruit. Being frugal is something that goes in the recycle bin of my brain. Along with it are things like, “I should run more” or “I need to focus on classes.” However, frugality should be at the forefront of our concerns. Most expenses that can be easily cut from our lives are those which pertain to our essential human needs.

The first priority is food.

For many, spending $4.30 per morning on a simple breakfast is something done out of laziness. It is faster and easier to swipe a card eat, rather than take the time to cook. However, two eggs, a potato and a few slices of bacon at a grocery store come to roughly the price of $1.10. That is four times less then the previously mentioned breakfast, when purchased.

Many people are dissuaded from cooking, because they think it is too hard. They therefore believe that they are entirely unable to cook. A simple breakfast is easy to overcomplicate, yet easier to

prepare. For the other, truly complex meals, it is understandable to be wary. Spending $10 or more each day for restaurant burgers, salads and pastas adds up quickly.

Honestly, they are dishes that are easy to prepare with practice and directions, which you can easily find on the internet. In fact, there are videos on Youtube that will show you how to prepare them in a matter of minutes. When buying ingredients for cooking, try to stick with what is in season. Buy nonperishable foods in bulk, to further reduce the price of food.

An added benefit to cooking food is that it is often healthier than eating out.

Another way to save money is to avoid buying beverages, and more specifically, buying coffee.

Instead of buying the $5 latte every morning, invest in a $20 coffee machine. The prices, of course, may vary depending on your personal preference, but your investment will pay itself off quickly if you are an avid coffee drinker. If you like a latte for its flavor, many of them are available in creamers. This not only makes it cheaper to make your coffee, but also contains fewer calories.

The same concept applies to those who drink from water bot-

tles if we use the campus water refilling station, which is located at the student center.

Another money saving tactic is to think of each puchase as time vs. money. For example, let’s say there is a $10 sit-down burger you want to eat. As a minimum wage worker, instead of thinking of it as dollars, ask yourself if this burger would be worth one hour’s worth of labor. This mentality helps deter people from buying arbitrary goods. This tactic also leaves more in our budget for gas money.

The price of gas, as we all have noticed, is rising rapidly. One way for frequent commuters to cut down on expenses is to try setting up a carpool with other students.

Carpooling to Green River in the mornings can also help with parking if you remember to pick up your carpool parking pass.

This will guarantee you an early morning parking space. Carpooling is also a tremendous help to the environment and gives you an opportunity to create and maintain friendships with your fellow Green River students.

Aside from the essential human needs, we also have a need for entertainment, such as Netflix or Hulu Plus. Spending $8-$10 a

Ian Lobdell | The Current

month can save money on movies we would have otherwise rented.

If the costs still seems to be too much, you can share an account, and the cost, with a friend. Many seasons of popular shows can also be streamed rather than bought.

In fact, I have seen many people switching from cable television to Netflix. Netflix and Hulu are both fantastic ways to save money if you are an avid movie or televi-

sion watcher. However the long term benefits depend on your needs as a watcher.

Effective frugality starts with the right mindset, and a determination to follow through. Saving money is something that takes creative thinking, compromise, and logical thinking, all of which are free investments that make your wallet more fat and your life a bit more successful.

Fix Your Computer at School By:Alex Craig Staff Writer

Ian Lobdell | The Current

Imagine this: you have three classes, two of which require that you take quizzes through Canvas.

For most of us, this scenario is not something we have to imagine; it is our every day life. How much termoil would be caused if our computer began to have problems? Where would you turn for help?

Three years ago, Spunky Robinson saw this problem, and created a goal for Green River Comminuty College; Affordable access for computer repairs. Being a student herself, she started off with her own IT knowledge, offering her help and experience to fix any problems she came across. Shortly after graduating from GRCC, she was hired as one of our very own instructors. She now teaches a class of 10 to 15 students that work with her in the PC Repair Shop.

Many are surprised to find

that there is a PC Repair Shop on campus. It is open to the public community, as well as to Green River students, and is located on the GRCC Auburn Campus in the Technology Center, Room 227. It is open Monday thru Thursday, Noon to 3 pm; Fridays Noon to 2 pm. Customers can have their computers fixed for the low rate of $50.

During the hours of operation, Robinson and her team of tech interns are dedicated to taking any computers in and fixing them promptly as well as efficiently.

Robinson also choses a small group of interns for her shop. The process of becoming an intern is exstensive. It requires that each intern take certain courses to teach them to how to properly fix the machinery and work with customers. When choosing the interns, Robinson prefers a diverse staff that can help not only withdomesticbut with non-domestic computers.

Normally, technical repairs in

the Auburn area cost roughly $75. This includes any additional charges such as hourly labor, and purchasing additional software for the repair. Robinson charges the competitive $50 flat rate for the PC repair while the only difference between her repair shop and a professional shop is that the IT students are working on the computer, rather than professional technicians.

A tech staff member, Brandon Degarimre, explained that, when reviewing a computer, he thinks of it as a patient going to the doctor with a broken arm. The doctor does not look at only the site of the injury; he examines the entire arm. Likewise, when Robinson’s technical staff are given a computer to diagnose, they examine the entire computer, not just the assumed issue.

Robinson and her staff are sure that, as their previous customers were, you will be more than happy with the work that the PC Repair shop can do for you.

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october28.2013

streetwear

Fashion forward girls on campus have a tendency to wear skinny pants with boots and a sweater or jacket.

Ian Lobdell | The Current

Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares

Fashion concious guys on campus can be seen wearing blue jeans with a polo shirt, jacket and tennis shoes.

Laura Gray| The Current

By:Laura Gray Lifestyle Editor Ingredients:

Laura Gray| The Current

•

1 1/3 cups of Graham Crackers Crumbs

•

2 Cubes of Butter

•

1 Cup of Peanut Butter

•

About 2 Cups of Powdered Sugar

•

2 Cups of Chocolate Chips

Directions: 1) Melt the butter.

2) Mix the graham crackers crumbs, melted butter and peanut butter together in a large mixing bowl.

3) Slowly add in the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture until it becomes stiff, usually at about 2 cups give or take a little.

4) Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into a 9x13 pan.

Dominic Yoxtheimer| The Current

Coffee and Chocolate Come Together at Kent Station By:Aaron Bales Staff Writer This week, our spotlight on local alternative coffee shops features Dilettante Mocha Café at Kent Station.

Dilettante is a Seattle-based chocolate company with many of connections to the greater Puget Sound community.

The Kent Station location is very convenient if you are shopping, going to the movies, or attending a class at the Green River satellite campus there.

This neat little spot is located right at the crossroads of the outdoor mall, and perfectly situated for easy access from either of the large parking lots.

The interior is airy and bright, with floor-to-ceiling bay windows, letting in as much light as possible during the

darker winter months. It is decorated in a white and dark chocolate motif, with wooden chairs and pale marble table tops. This is fitting, because Dilettante is half café, half confectionery, with a full wall of delectable desserts of every kind, particularly gourmet chocolate.

Since Dilettante is a chocolate company, they do not simply have coffee shops; they have Mocha cafes. At these cafes they offer eight different kinds of mocha, including the decadent “Ephemeré Dark” and the mildly spiced “Mocha Mexicano” flavors. They offer blended frappuccinos, Italian cream sodas, gourmet bottled sodas and even ice cream floats as well. Do not worry they serve regular espresso and standard breakfast pastries as well.

There are plenty of places to sit, though none of them are particularly comfortable due to them being normal straight-

backed chairs. However, just outside of the side door is a large gas fireplace, which makes a very comfortable hangout spot when weather permits. There are also recliner chairs around this charming fireplace. It is the perfect place to curl up with a good book or a special someone.

It is the small things that you do not immediately notice which make this café special. Sometimes they offer free samples of their latest tasty treat which is currently chocolate covered coffee beans.

The service is prompt and the employees are very friendly, and they offer free Wi-Fi network access. Happy Hour is 6:30 to 8:30 am on weekdays only, with 25% off of all drinks. So, for the next time you need a place for a group study session, a place to indulge your sweet-tooth, or you are just looking for a spot to relax, be sure to try Dilettante.

5) Melt the chocolate chips according to the directions on the package. Generally, it calls for about 60 seconds in the microwave, then stir and microwave in 10 second intervals until it is all melted.

6) Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter mixture and spread it out evenly.

7) Place the pan in the refrigerator. They are done when the chocolate has completely hardened. It is usually easier to cut them initially after about 10 – 15 minutes, rather than waiting till they are done.

8) Be sure to store them in the fridge or else they will melt.

If you wish to make these more festive for any occasion, you can melt some white chocolate chips in addition to the regular chocolate chips. Then, you can draw white chocolate designs. You can make spider webs or snowflakes and snowmen, depending on the time of year or just make a swirl design.

sports

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thecurrent

Dominic Yoxtheimer | Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

New Athletics Logo; Same Team Spirit By: Patrick Daly Campus Editor

As of this Fall quarter, the Green River Gators will have a new sports logo. Although the school was founded in 1965, this will be the first year that an athletics logo will have been professionally designed.

The idea of the athletic logo came from Vickie Sheehan, Green River Community College’s Executive Director of College Relations and Special Assistant to the President.

“My mission is to improve the profile of the Community College” Sheehan said.

Robert Kickner, Athletic Director here at GRCC, has been at Green River for 9 years and has wanted this logo for five of them.

“When I heard the college was

going to invest in creating a spirit filled mascot logo I was never happier” Kickner said.

The company that used to make the logo was called Magner Sanborn. They have worked for large organizations including Netflix, Gonzaga University, and Clearwire. They charged Green River Community College $8,000 to design the logo, which is set to be a permanent logo.

“It is something that will live on” Sheehan said.

The logo was made specifically for the college’s athletics and will not replace the mountain as Green River Community College’s

main logo.

“Every school needs a logo” Math teacher Lauren Stout said.

“I’m diggin that flashy new look,” stated Track Coach Sergio Arroyo. “There was nothing wrong with the old logos we used.

They just seemed outdated.”

Even though this is Green River’s first professional athletics

logo, the Community College is not new to the idea. Previous logos were made by Green River and the athletics were able to compete in the NWAAC with them. However, this logo is meant to increase the connection between the sports teams and the college itself.

“It would give us some spirit and community for the campus and our sports teams.” Stated Sheehan.

In the Paper Tree Bookstore, there are T-shirts ($10.99) and sweatshirts ($23.99) being sold with this new logo. New gator logo hats will be

put on sale soon.

“Student-athletes and coaches are already looking for ways to incorporate the logo into their teams” Kickner said.

The logo that is on those shirts was not the only option to represent Green River athletics. The three preliminary logo designs were taken around to students, staff and some community members during the summer quarter.

The logo that was most popular was chosen.

Two versions of that were then sent in an e-mail to every student and staff member on August 15th.

People were given the choice between an alligator with razor teeth, one with more regular teeth or neither. The results from this survey concluded that the razor toothed gator would be the final design.

TOUGH LOSS FOR LADY GATORS By: Dominic Yoxtheimer Editor in Chief

All photos done by Dominic Yoxtheimer| The Current

Green River Community College ‘s volleyball team suffered a tough loss against the Lower Columbia on October 23rd.

In the first set Lower Columbia took an early lead which had a quick rebuttal by Green River. The set was back and forth for the rest of the game until Lower Comumbia took a slight lead and won with a score of 22-25.

The second set tied the match, giving our lady gators a great moral boost. This boost in moral did not last as Lower Columbia won the next set with a staggering score of 14-25.

Although the team did suffer a loss in the previous set.

The girls did not let that get them too far down. They tried to dominate the court but feel just a little bit short and lost at 23-25.

With the game over their new record is 13-13. Come cheer our lady gators on at their next games at Tacoma on Friday November 1st.

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