Volume 48, Issue 5

thecurrent the student newspaper of green river community college

january27.2014

www.thegrcurrent.com

issue5 volume48

SALARY CONTRACT EXPIRING HOW MUCH IS TEACHER MAKING? FIND OUT ON PAGE 6 AND 7

Dominic Yoxtheimer

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Full-Time Adjuncts?

Different as Day and Night

Raging Against the Wage Raising

The cost of instructor stability

How to decide between taking day classes or night classes

There’s a large push to greatly increase minimum wage, but is it worth it?

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Spencer Rock| Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

SHUTTLE RELOCATED

DUE TO CONSTRUCTION By: Patrick Daly Staff Writer The shuttles carry students back and forth from the Pacific Raceways parking lot to Green River Community College. They run constantly from very early in the morning until around 5 p.m.

If students do not wish to park on campus or cannot find a spot then they can park at Pacific Raceways and take the shuttle to Green River. There is also free coffee and tea available at Pacific Raceways.

The drop-off area for the shuttles has been moved to a new location at the exit of the west parking lot, so students will not have to walk much farther because of the change.

Due to this location, the buses can get backed up because of students driving resulting in longer wait times for student at the Raceways.

The shuttle drives through the parking lot and drops everyone off just before leaving. The pickup for the shuttle is still in the parking lot at Pacific Raceways.

Parking in the west parking lot has been slightly affected.

The way that the shuttle has to drive through in order to reach the drop-off area has blocked off some parking spaces. Also because of the strip of median that was paved over, the parking lot has lost even more spaces.

This will be the new drop-off area for the next two years. The demolition of the Humanities Science, Social Science, and Business Industries buildings plus the construction of the new student life building will take two years.

The west parking lot had construction done over winter break

to prepare for the new drop-off area. There is a section of the median in the west parking lot that has been taken out. In place of that section there is now a paved cut-through specifically made to allow the shuttle to navigate through the parking lot faster.

On top of that there is another section of the median that has been taken out in order for two shuttles to line up at the dropoff area. At this point it is both difficult and unsafe for multiple shuttles to park at the drop-off area at the same time.

For the section of median that was taken out for the special shuttle left turn, Green River staff found a strip that had no trees; having no trees in the area made it a lot easier to dig up the land.

The old drop-off area is now partially fenced off for construction. The Humanities Science, Social Science, and Business Industries buildings are scheduled to be demolished this month.

The fence was originally planned to be closer to the HS, SS, and BI buildings but for safety measures it was moved farther out.

The contractor will be on site February 10th but may not start the demolition that day.

The old drop-off area will be used as parking for construction vehicles and trucks bringing in materials. The driveway from the library to the street will remain open to allow student access.

When the contractors need to bring in trucks they will not have to use the parking lot. Green River set up the fence near the demolition site so that trucks can be driven in right off the street.

The trucks will enter near where the Metro buses drop off.

The shuttle drivers have not complained about the new dropoff and have adjusted normally.

Photo by Ian Lobdell | The Current

Photo by Ian Lobdell | The Current

Write a letter to the editor editor@thegrcurrent.com

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january27.2014

Featured Student: Sylvi Nuunyango By: Evan Yu Staff Writer Sylvi Nuunyango found herself in the northwest in the pursuit of a better life and education.

Sylvi was born and raised from Namibia and grew up without a lot of money in a simple village.

Despite the lack of electricity and water, Sylvi described peace growing up in the village.

“It is not that we didn’t know better, but that was the world we knew, and we were happy,” she smiled adding that sugar, toothpaste, and cooking oil were appreciated luxuries. The saying of “it takes a village to raise a child” had literal application to Sylvi as she cited everyone in her village as family.

Her daily routine consisted of cultivating the gardens, helping parents with tasks, and going to school. When asked if she had time for fun, Sylvi explained that she had fun times but as she grew

there were tasks and chores to do.

The Washington weather seems to be a nuisance to the woman raised under the Namibian sun.

“It used to really bother me,” Sylvi did a sigh that ended on a smile, “But you get used to it.”

From an early age Sylvi felt the effects of a rudimentary education that she said was demoralizing. During grades 1 through 4 she was taught arbitrary lessons on how to read food recipes that damaged Sylvi’s hopes of having a fulfilling life.

“Education is everything,” Sylvi remarked, as it is one of the main reasons for coming to the US. In fact Sylvi is the first in her family to attend college.

At first Sylvi wanted to become a journalist, but is now thinking of becoming an English Professor.

It became clear that her passion for education trumped any sort of salary. She didn’t think of money that much.

Instead Sylvi explained that she

F u ll-Tim e A dj unct s ?

The Cost of Instructor Stability By: En Ning Foo Staff Writer There are approximately 400 adjunct instructors working at Green River. Significantly more than the 120 full time instructors who teach along side of them.

The base salary of an adjunct instructor is at $30,000 which pales in comparison to the $52,000 for full time instructors.

Most adjunct instructors work with aspirations of becoming full time instructors on campus.

A large part of this depends on whether or not the school agrees to open up more full time positions. The lack of full time position openings is discouraging for adjuncts who are looking to get full-time jobs as a means to achieve a more stable career.

One of the major changes that Green River is making is the 4-year degree programs. Recently, the school has created a 4 year degree for those majoring in the IT program.

There’s also discussion amongst administration about incorporating four year degrees for nursing, medicine, and engineering as well. With these additions it will require more full time instructors than adjunct so that these programs get the proper amount of attention.

"I think it is better to become full time than part time. We are trying to break into full time be-

cause it is better in the long term for instructors to be present on campus," said Hank Galmish, Instructional Counsel and spokesperson for all 12 division chairs on campus. Instructors on campus varies each quarter depending on the demand of courses and students which makes for .

Nevertheless, Galmish adds that all 12 division chairs is the "shared governance of the college." They meet every week for discussion regarding the possibility of adjuncts becoming full time instructors on campus.

Another major problem that arises with this issue is the lack of space. Galmish added that the campus does not have the space required to build more classrooms for these classes to take place as the school already offers a vast and diverse list of courses to take each quarter. It does not help when some classes are considered full when the classroom they are in is half full.

The lack of full time instructors sometimes prevents classes from running because there is not an instructor available to teach that particular course.

Galmish commented that the lack of full time instructors has always been an issue. But with the major changes in the school, students must be aware of how lack of full time instructers will affect the future of their education at Green River.

wants to help people, specifically, those at her village. It all seemed so obvious to her as it was natural that when given an opportunity to pursue her dreams of college and a better life, she must try to give back these opportunities when she returns to Namibia. Her big goal is to build a library with plans to do a book drive as well.

During her free time Sylvi enjoys locking herself in her apartment and watching documentaries. Sylvi also loves spending time with her seven year old son, Prince.

For now Sylvi goes to Green River Community College with enthusiasm. She loves Green River and attributes her success to the community college system, “I love the people and the professors, the community, it’s just filled with amazing people.” Four quarters ago Sylvi’s English was shaky but now she works as an English tutor at the writing center. “My life is all about education.”

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Photo by Ian Lobdell | The Current

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Drama Class Presenting the Mediocracy of Buisness By: Michelle Spencer Staff Writer

The drama department at Green River Community College is putting on a new play called “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (HSBWRT).” With only two weeks into practicing their lines and scenes, the young actors are already excited about the possibilities the show will bring them.

“I am hoping to get more experience and more knowledge about how to express myself onstage.” says Marie Svensson, a sophomore at Green River, who is playing the character Miss Krumholtz, one of the fictional company’s secretaries. “I don’t know very much about my character yet,” Svensson states, “although so far I can tell she’s been at the company for a long time and she’s very dedicated to her work.”

This will be Svensson’s third time participating in a theater production with this being her second musical at Green River.

The musical, How to Succeed in

Business Without Really Trying, was written in 1955 by Willie Gilbert and Jack Weinstock, and “it’s as timely today as it was 50 years ago” says director, Robin Bowles. This show features about 19 song and dance performances.

HSBWRT was the first of only eight musicals to ever win the Pulitzer Prize.

The show is about J. Pierrepont Finch, an ambitious former window washer who finds a book called “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”. He quickly climbs the ladder to success at a fictional company called World Wide Wicket Company.

With opening night only two months away, Bowles, although dealing with a few setbacks, feels confident that the play will be a success. This will be Bowles’s eighth time directing a stage production at Green River.

“Production is going good; it’s only the second week of rehearsal, three weeks of class because the first week was auditions so everything is new to everybody.

The music is new, the blocking is

Concert Calendar Feb

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Michelle Spencer | The Current

new, everything is new. It’s always difficult during this time because nobody knows what they’re doing.”

Along with the stress of new beginnings, Bowles dealt with script complications.

“We just got the script so late.

I like to have a script already planned out before school even begins. This time we got our

Piano Piano, Nghtblnd

The Metamorphosis

By Franz Kafka

Biffy Clyro

Feb

9 Feb

Morning Parade

@ The Showbox at the Market (Doors open at 8:00p.m. $20 in Adv. $22 day of show)

Breathe Carolina

10 Feb

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Mod Sun, Ghost Town, Lionfight

The Stranger

By Albert Camus

@ El Corazon (Doors open at 7:00 p.m. $16 in Adv. $18 day of show)

Imagine Dragons

The Naked and Famous, Nico Vega, X Ambassadors

@ Key Arena (Doors open at 7:00 p.m. $25.50-61)

scripts the first day of school. I had found a copy of the musical and I had done the whole first act before school began, but with musicals especially they tend to be revised, it was the wrong script, it wasn’t the script that we were licensed to use so I had to start all over again.”

Despite these minor setbacks, Bowles has high hopes for the

The Current’s Short Reads

Slow Bird @ The Crocodile (Doors open at 8:00 p.m. $10 in Adv. Show is 21 and over)

Laura Gray | A&E Editor ae@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

The Pearl

By John Steinbeck

HSBWRT cast, “What I’m most excited about is that we have a really great sounding chorus this year, they sound great and so that excites me, I just excited in general, this is a great musical.”

Opening night is Saturday, March 8th at 7:30. Additional performances are on Sunday, March 9th, Friday March 14th and Saturday March 15th.

By: Aaron Bales Staff Writer

This is Franz Kafka’s surreal vision of how depression and self-loathing literally transform an overworked young man into a huge insect. His family is horrified but feeds and shelters him while he tries to adjust to life as a beetle, which only makes him feel like a burden on his parents. He becomes increasingly more despondent, eventually losing the will to live.

This is a dark allegory that makes many important points about the stressful expectations placed on young people entering the working world, and rings truer than ever in today’s highly competitive job market.

Kafka is a writer who is often referenced in the academic world, with rather vague words like “Kafkaesque” popping up every now and then, and this book is a great introduction to his body of work. And as bleak and morbid as the story may seem, there is a certain dark humor to be found in the absurdity of the situation.

On a beach in Algeria, a Frenchman shoots an Arab who had threatened his friend, and is then chewed up and spat out by a ruthless court system that causes him to question his belief in any hope or benevolence in the human condition.

This is Albert Camus’ existentialist critique of our supposedly modern ideals on criminal justice. It is an excellent read for students of philosophy and literature, as well as anyone who likes to challenge the generally accepted status quo. It invites the reader to think about principles like “justice” in a different light, but is a fairly easy read.

It suggests and embodies many of the arguments of existentialism and similar philosophies, but frames them in a compelling narrative rather than a complex essay format as you might find in the writings of the existential movement’s leader, Jean Paul Sartre.

“The Pearl” is John Steinbeck’s retelling of an old Mexican folk tale, in which a fisherman finds a rare, enormous pearl which promises wealth, opportunity, and a future for his family, but ultimately brings them great misfortune and suffering.

Like his more popular novel, “The Grapes of Wrath,” this story focuses on the struggles of poor people against fate and the evils of greed. However, “The Pearl” reads more like a fable and presents another culture’s way of life. The writing is fairly simple with a few choice words which might require a dictionary, but overall it is meant to read more like an oral history, passed on from one generation to the next by the fireside.

Anyone interested in ethnic studies or mythology will find this book very rewarding. Also, some editions still carry the original black and white illustrations by José Clemente Orozco, one of the great Mexican mural painters.

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The Devil’s Don’t Evaluation: By: Matt Dalos Staff Writer

Dominic Yoxtheimer | The Current

Dominic Yoxtheimer | The Current

Dominic Yoxtheimer | The Current

Dominic Yoxtheimer | The Current

If “Dante’s Inferno” is a beautiful depiction of the descent of man into the pit of human misery and self-destruction, then “The Devil’s Due” is more like an ordinary garbage pit that causes human misery. I want my wasted time back, because I felt that the movie had no original ideas.

Here is the basic premise: a young couple gets married and fly down to the Dominican Republic for their honeymoon.

On their last night, a taxi driver convinces them to go to a party in the sketchiest underground ghetto night club in the world.

The taxi driver then drugs them and uses the wife for a demonic ritual. Then they go back home and freaky stuff happens. I would say spoiler alert, but that would be unnecessary because this story has been played out countless times before. Think “The Exorcist” mixed with “Paranormal Activity” set inside “Rosemary’s Baby”.

The only good thing I can say about the movie is that the man in charge of analogue special effects was pretty good; there were some points during scenes when I really wondered how an effect was accomplished, which

Dominic Yoxtheimer | The Current

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That Awkward Moment Labor Day

Michele Short | Twentieth Century Fox

is the magic of horror movies.

However, the computer effects were gaudy and everything else was unremarkable.

The first bad decision was to do the whole movie with nontraditional cameras. The director used camcorders for most of the movie, making the entire experience nauseating. A “shirt cam” was also employed as a deus ex machina to give the sickening experience of a handycam when it would be inappropriate for the character to hold a camera.

Lastly, the Satanists put CCTV cameras throughout the main characters’ house to monitor the family, which proved to be inconsistent and illogical. Due

to the post production editor did not caring enough about details to not label several of the cameras “camera 16”.

The directing style was terrible. Not only was it unoriginal, but the camera was constantly being pointed at every female character’s butt and insatiably peeking at every pair of breasts in the movie. The actors were whiny and acted completely illogically, not noticing the amount of odd things that happened around them. Most moments in the film were really boring and seemed completely unnecessary, and other scenes that were supposed to be scary were so long and drawn out that,

by the time something frightening happened, you already expected it. The director also seemed to think that people loitering outside your house was utterly rife with fear. Finally “The Devil’s Due” ended on a stupid and unnecessary question mark.

The ending of the movie just made me sigh and realize that the last hour and a half was a total waste of time. I suppose that there needs to be a horror movie in theaters at all times just to keep up interest, but this one is utterly forgettable. I give it 1 out of 5 stars for letting me forget about my homework for

The library has more to offer students than just books, music and computers. There is also good selection of movies that are available to check out and watch during free time.

When asked why the library felt the need to make movies available for students, Jennifer Rohan, a faculty librarian stated, “Sometimes the movies we have are used in the classrooms, and the teacher shows clips of those movies to use for historical research. [They are also useful] for students using English as a second language. And for entertainment reasons to watch over the weekend. We also collect movies that are classics of American human culture.”

Here are a few suggestions of films that can be found in the library for your next movie night.

“Black Hawk Down” is a movie that pulls you into more than just its action scenes, but also adds a good amount of emotion when it comes to what the soldiers go through as they make tough decisions during the battle just like real soldiers. The

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The Lego Movie Monuments Men Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters

90 minutes.

Free Movie Rentals at Holman Library

Ian Lobdell | The Current

Movie Calendar

only down side is that it does not develop a lot of the characters in the movie that viewers are supposed to care about.

“Argo” is another movie that is part of the library’s selection. This film did not need big action climaxes or huge special effects to make it special. Argo uses good actors and actresses, well-written dialogue and an interesting storyline to make it exceptional.

“District 9” is a different take on alien invasion films. Instead of having the aliens come down to Earth with intentions of destroying the world, these aliens come to Earth as refugees on a derelict ship. They have the same questions as the humans, and they do not know why they are here. The aliens would rather live in peace with the humans than fight, whereas the humans want to use the aliens so they can steal their weaponry. Two individuals, one an alien and the other a human, must learn how to work together as they each need something from the other.

For a more fun, light-hearted

By: Eudrice Gildon Staff Writer film “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” is a great choice. This is a well-told story that connects the audience to two dogs and a cat, as they go on their incredible journey home through the dangers of nature.

The animals put themselves in this position because they feel like they have been abandoned by their owners who leave them with a family friend to take care of them for a few days while they are on vacation.

If you are looking for a movie marathon night, try the Toy Story trilogy. Each movie deals with the struggle that most toys might really deal with if they were alive, such as abandonment, being loved, and dealing with the truth that one day that their owner will grow up, and move on with life without them. It also deals with each toy’s own problems, and their own path to happiness.

If none of these appeal to you there is bound to be something that does. “We have about 2,800 hard copies, and 12,000 streaming videos or documentaries” says Rohan.

MAKES WHAT?

WHO

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All salary information from the Washington Office of Financial Management.

For complete data visit fiscal.wa.gov

FACULTY* SALARIES AS OF 2012 Adams, Avis Marie Adams, Maurice Lloyd Aldcroft, Julie Ash, Janet K Bagocius, Maria Brawley ** Barbee, Joe Wesley Barnes, Priscilla Mary Bayer, Ronald Behrbaum, Anita Behrbaum, Michael Blaisdell, Mark Brann, Samuel Palmer Brehm, Robert ** Brent, Frances T ** Brucker, Barbara ** Buser, Charles A ** Comollo, George H Cooke, Samuel K Cooper, David A Jr ** Crosby, Catherine Claire Davis, Allison Kay Deheide, Ann Dichter, Catherine Anna ** Dolan, Anne Kathleen Duthie, Judy Ann Esquivia, Sara M ** Ferguson, Loretta Jeanne Filson, Robert Fulkerson, Darcie A ** Gabrielson, Mark Owen ** Galmish, Henry P Gangaram, Jitendra Graham Lawver, M Lee ** Hallenberg, Scott D **

$67,266 36,485 26,315 53,149 2,100 912 34,946 79,351 117,477 78,014 106,614 51,891 103,244 34,754 123,173 1,902 113,477 13,122 47,792 20,968 38,013 46,965 49,595 80,277 44,476 19,568 20,049 135,102 900 375 103,207 14,071 2,253 2,166

Hallstone, Donald Hang, Kendrick J Harger, Charles Lester Henry, Megan Lee Hillstrom, Sue Hoeller, Richard K Hoene, Jennifer Kathryn Hoffman, Karl J Holland, Jennifer Jean ** Hoonan-Trujillo, Lisa L ** Im, Nanette Marie Imlay, Marc A ** Iwasaki, Jo Anne ** Jabbouri, Sabah Toma Jansen, Lloyd A Jonas, Robert Ward Kasprick, Jon ** Kessler, Leslie Klein, Devon Christina Koons, David L ** Lawrence, Kenneth Edward Longo, Elizabeth Sarah Loucks, Kathleen A Lynest, Elaine Cecelia ** Manzer, Michael A Marshall, Jerald Martinez, Gustavo Mattson, Rodney C Mcclary, Dawn E Mcginnis, Kimberly Sue ** Medvedeff, Michelle Meissner Millbauer, Mark T Morris, Arthur W ** Murphy, Sarah Kathleen **

90,545 21,093 20,019 7,972 48,773 43,777 61,288 79,462 38,266 124,551 29,576 400 1,119 65,279 77,741 80,402 1,915 115,652 51,389 15,000 50,546 53,104 65,221 1,050 50,684 141,070 27,108 32,490 18,224 996 49,651 98,138 2,053 3,000

Faculty, administrators begin contract negotiations On June 1 the contract that allocates the salaries of Green River faculty will expire and a new one will take its place if an agreement on the contract can be made between the administration and the faculty. If an agreement cannot be reached the faculty could go on strike.

The negotiations for this new contract started and both side have set their negotiating teams.

The faculty have five people on the negotiating

team, and administration has hired a professional negotiator.

The salaries listed below are those agreed upon in the negotiations in the previous contract three years ago.

In the old contract an average a new full-time faculty member would make about $40,000 and a new adjunt faculty member with a masters degreee would make about $700 per lecture credit and about $1,100 per lab credit.

Narayanan, Ajay Menakkath Navin, Patrick Oberle, Michelle L ** Oliveiria, Gary W Owens, Laurie Ann ** Ozbolt, Phillip Charles ** Parsons, Charles Arlen ** Pelletier, Diane B Pittser, Carolina S Quiles, Vanya Thi Nguyen Quinn, Claudia R Rafanelli, Victor ** Rapozo, Lori Leann Reising, Pamela Gay Reynolds, Daniel James Rice, Andrew C Robinson, Diane Geraldine Rosemond, Harry Rupert, Mark Dean ** Schaefer, Amanda Wetsel Scrivner, Victoria Richter Sebastian, Franklin N ** Urbas, Terrie N ** Vanwinkle, Kenneth R ** Vesser, Edwin J Vieira, Roland Wright, Frank C Wynn-Summers, Lenard C ** Yadon, Dennis Almon Young, Roger Clifton **

KEY

63,764 122,655 18,591 72,311 57,776 12,063 395 110,095 32,904 16,282 2,074 104,012 93,554 80,647 2,127 407 17,008 115,090 7,978 65,115 44,035 2,996 3,430 15,440 73,661 82,166 26,193 51,212 20,204 3,106

Bold = Five Highest Salaries * Only selected faculty members listed ** No longer at Green River

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GREEN RIVER PRESIDENT GRAYS HARBOR COLLEGE

Edward J Brewster PRESIDENT AS OF 2012

$149,000

EMPLOYED SINCE 2004

Eileen Ely AS OF 2012

$200,000

EMPLOYED SINCE 2010

SEATTLE CCS Jill A Wakefield

SHORELINE CC DISTRICT CHANCELLOR

AS OF 2012

$215,015

EMPLOYED SINCE 2009

PIERCE CC

EVERETT CC

HIGHLINE CC

Michele L Johnson

David N Bayer

Jack R Bermingham

SHORELINE CC DISTRICT CHANCELLOR

AS OF 2012

SHORELINE CC PRESIDENT

$187,163

AS OF 2012

EMPLOYED SINCE 1978

EMPLOYED SINCE 2006

ADMIN SALARIES Jennings, Ross D Cantrell, Catherine Lea Clearman, Joshua A Dizazzo, Laura Ellen ** Eliasson-Creek, Annsofie Eva ** Fox, Krista Kay ** Gerstman, Joshua M Gilliland, Crystal L Gilmore, Jessica Lynn Hammer, Joyce D Knipschield, Deborah Morgan, Camella Pflug, Leslie M ** Stewart, Gwendolyn Lee Wells, Catherine Josephine

$259,202

$103,616 80,356 51,875 61,588 61,383 89,024 77,621 97,264 70,473 77,151 82,956 96,828 87,406 83,721 77,151

PRESIDENT AS OF 2012

$189,959

EMPLOYED SINCE 1994

VICE-PRESIDENT SALARIES Bannister, Edith B ** Brandes, Derek R Brumfield, Richard Hogan, Lesley K ** Frasier, George Patrick Casey-Powell, Deborah

DISCLAIMER

Extended Learning Instruction Business Affairs Human Resources Development Student Affairs

$128,038 78,125 127,246 103,616 112,925 112,500

All salaries and positions given are from 2012 data. Names, titles and salaries may have changed. Employees hired in the middle of 2012 may have larger annual salaries than are reported here. Adjunct faculty are paid on a per-class basis, while full-time faculty are paid a flat salary.

Employees may receive higher salaries for additional responsibilities, seniority and academic degrees earned.

opinion

thecurrent

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thestaff Dominic Yoxtheimer Editor-in-Chief Sport Editor 253-833-9111 x2375 Spencer Rock Managing Editor Ad Manager Campus Editor 253-833-9111 x2376 Lisa Gray Opinion Editor

Laura Gray A&E Editor

Aaron Bales Copy Editor

Evan Yu Games Editor

Ian Lobdell Photography Editor

KC McIntyre Lifstyles Editor

Staff Writers: En Ning Foo, Patrick Daly, Aaron Bales, Jesse Maiwald, David Price, Matt Dalo, Eudrice Gildon, Michelle Spencer, Patrick Daly, Kotaro Oizumi, Eugene Kim, Valeriya Gornostayeva, Kotaro Oizumi Photographers: Ian Lobdell and Michelle Spencer

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.

Raging Against the Wage Raising By: David Price Staff Writer Last year, when employees of major fast food chains and retail outlets across the country demanded the increase of their minimum wage to be $15 per hour, a national debate erupted on the economic impact this would have on the nation as a whole.

This discussion is now being taken seriously with some venture capitalists such as Nick Hanauer of Seattle’s Second Avenue Partners vigorously advocating the pay increase.

"A higher minimum wage is a very simple and elegant solution to the death spiral of falling demand that is the signature feature of our economy,” Hanauer said.

The main argument used by those who support the pay increase is that increasing wages to $15 per hour would create jobs. With the additional income workers spending would create a higher demand for goods and services which in

Currently the Green River Community College Board of Trustees has five senior faculty members.

But thanks to recent legislation, the board could potentially vote to elect a sixth member from among the leadership of Green River’s own students. This very progressive step towards faculty-student cooperation in college leadership has already been taken

by Bellevue College and Edmonds Community College. They join the long list of 4-year universities in Washington and around the country which have students serving in similar board posi-

Editorial Policy

OEB room 17 (253) 288 3497 editor@thegrcurrent.com

Theft Policy

Vivette Beuster’s title was incorrect in the Nov. 25 issue.

Beuster is director of extended learning. The Current regrets the error.

turn creates more jobs.

Whether or not this would improve the economy is very controversial. Regardless, increasing the minimum wage from $9 per hour to $15 could greatly affect everyone who currently works for minimum wage.

I talked to numerous working students around campus on this issue and from what I could gather most of them were either on the fence about this issue or took the more conservative stance and were against it. Even those who don’t know much about economics had enough common sense to understand that artificially increasing the minimum wage for a minority of Americans could possibly hurt employment because small business wouldn’t be able to hire enough people.

Reduction in hours and layoffs would follow and then more people would be dependent on the government aid.

Papa Johns worker Sabrina Woodard agrees.

“Where I work they won’t be able to afford to keep that

many people at $15 an hour,” said Woodard.

Obviously most people would like a pay increase but when looking at the bigger picture the question is whether or not that possibility is worth not having a job. If less people have jobs as a result of increasing the minimum wage then that nullifies the whole point of it.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics less than 2% of hourly paid workers in Washington State make the minimum wage.

So this raises the question what is the point?

If the minimum wage really was increased to $15 would there be any stop to how far people would want the minimum wage increased?

It is not fair to increase wages for a small minority of people and then leave everyone else’s wages the same. The national average for an hourly wage is $20 per hour, according to Forbes. Nine to ten dollars is only 45% to 50% of that. It is this threshold of 45% to 50% that marks a boundary. If this

boundary is crossed, if you go over the limit of the threshold, then that leads to a rise in unemployment.

Student Alex Woodbridge who works at Best Ink Apparel said, he thought if the minimum wage continued to be pushed up then economy would crash which would increase in the minimum wage would not be good for people who already have a higher pay grade.

According to Tim Worstall, who writes for Forbes, it is impossible for economists to accurately predict what would happen to the economy if the minimum wage was increased by such a huge amount. But, in his opinion, the increase is simply too risky and not worth it.

Any wage increase should be moderate and within reason. $15 per hour is simply too large of an increase to be considered reasonable. People should be content with a moderate increase in wages to something more close to $10 per hour.

The demand to increase the minimum wage to $15 is absolutely absurd.

Editorial: Student on College Board of Trustees

If you find that we’ve spelled someone’s name wrong or stated our facts incorrectly, please contact us at:

Correction:

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

tions. Considering the many policy issues the Green River Board is facing and the impact of their decisions on the student body, this school could greatly benefit from having a special representative to bring the concerns of the students directly to its governing body.

Substitute Senate Bill 5217, passed by the state legislature in March of 2012, allows the college to establish this student-held seat its board of trustees. In addition to setting the legal parameters for this new position, the bill praises student involvement in

school government. Section 1 reads, “…student participation in the decision-making process can provide insight into the impacts of actions by trustees that are not always measurable through reports and statistics.” Board members make decisions affecting the whole institution, but may not feel the effects directly themselves, whereas the proposed student trustee would have a “unique and valuable perspective,” on the substantive results of the board’s policies.

However, the position would have certain limits. For instance,

they may not vote on “…matters relating to the hiring, discipline, or tenure of faculty members and personnel or any other matters pertaining to collective bargaining agreements.” This measure is in place to avoid any conflict of interest that might arise. To qualify for the position, the student must be enrolled full-time in classes at the college, and maintain good grades. This person would be selected by the governor from a list of 3 to 5 nominees submitted by student government. Once elected, they would serve a term of one year.

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.

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 editor@thegrcurrent.com.

Evan Yu| Games Editor editor@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

games

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thecurrent

Crossword. Do it.

ACROSS 1 Came across a record concerning journalist (10) 6 Language of old city belonging to the French (4) 9 They'll get wrongly blamed for heading off escape by animals (10) 10 There's potato in Mum's pudding (4) 12 Style of cooking providing contrasts (5-3-4) 15 Country-loving Irishman in charge of containing disturbance (9) 17 Giving note to terrorists makes one angry (5) 18 One who latches on to another is a sucker (5) 19 Sailor's intent perhaps is to be self-restrained (9) 20 A comment sure upset in due proportion (12) 24 Man told to get on his knees? (4) 25 Boundary rope may produce such a decision (10) 26 E.g. dogs returning from walk (4) 27 Not quite one's best friend on the ship (6,4) DOWN 1 Pretty girl gets some food (4) 2 Animal found in sea location (4) 3 Fat little Edward is biased (12) 4 The First Lady touring Oklahoma will awaken memories (5) 5 The thresholds of delights (9) 7 Heartless robbers go off with a pet. The villains! (10) 8 Below, below, below (10) 11 Managed to get clergyman in dead awkward situation (12) 13 They are seeking work after demolition of aspic plant (10) 14 Steam railway takes on head of Railtrack to improve efficiency (10) 16 To perform in a different key, one's parts must be arranged (9) 21 Went on horseback round cowboy show (5) 22 Junk mail from the capital (4) 23 Nothing but a lake (4)

Crossword provided by alberichcrosswords.com

Droll Trivia

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1. Which Oscar winning actor beat up Madonna with a baseball bat?

2. What other three animals, other than humans, have sex for pleasure?

3. Where does 70 to 80 percent of the world’s oxygen come from?

4. How much wood does it take to burn a human body?

5. Which actor has been killed by the Alien, Predator, and the Terminator?

6. Which Country singularly separates Norway and North Korea?

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Hi Gators, welcome to the new games page on the Current with your games editor Evan Yu. If you have any suggestions or questions contact the Current with the email on the top left.

Answers on page 10

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Greetings

Sudoku

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thecurrent

lifestyle

KC McIntyre| Lifestyle Editor life@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Ian Lobdell | The Current

Super Bowl of Dip

By: KC McIntyre Lifestyle Editor

Ingredients:

- 16 oz Hidden Valley Dry Ranch Mix - 16 oz Low Fat Sour Cream

- 1 tbsp Crushed Red Pepper (or to taste) - 1 tsp Ground Cayenne Red Pepper (or to taste) - 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Yield: 16 servings

Super Simple Dip for a Super Bowl

4. Add in all remaining ingredients to sour cream 5. Mix together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and smooth.

6. Try dip. If more spice is needed, add more.

Time: 5 minutes

7. Serve cold with pretzels or chips.

Directions:

Notes:

1. Get out all ingredients, a medium mixing bowl, and a stirring spoon.

ering, or just for snacking around the house.

It can be made as spicy or mild as perfered. And because it’s so easy to make, it isn’t a hassel to make two bowls of it, one spicy and one mild, so everyone can enjoy.

For anyone that doesn’t like low fat sour cream, regular sour cream is perfectly fine to use.

A healthier option is using non-fat greek yogurt instead of the sour cream. It has the same tangy taste, but no fat, less calories, and lots of protien.

Make sure to keep refrigerated.

2. Mix sour cream thoroughly then put into bowl.

This dip is cheap, easy, and delicious. Perfect for any Super Bowl party, movie night, family gath-

Game Answers from Page Nine CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

2 5

6 9

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1 4 3

1 7 4 3

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3 9 7

4 6 2 9 1 7

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8 9

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3 1 7 6

5 7 2 4

TRIVIA 1. Sean Penn 2. Dolphins, Bats, and Bonobos 3. The ocean, specifically phytoplankton 4. 600 kilograms 5. Bill Paxton 6. Russia

6 7 3 1

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Ian Lobdell | The Current

Choosing Between Laptops and Desktops By: Kotaro Oizumi Staff Writer It is no exaggeration to say that the world is no longer capable of living without computers. Everyone uses a computer, especially college students.

With computers being so valuable, it’s important to have an efficient and effective computer.

Every person has a unique style of life and has different needs for a computer. One computer coul be picture for someone, and terrible for another.

Choosing a computer is exciting.

With all different brands, styles, and unique add-ons, there’s countless computers to choose from. The biggest decision when buying a computer is deciding whether a laptop or desktop is a more appropriate choice.

Questions that need to be asked before purchasing a computer are: what would the computer need to be able to do; where will it be used; what price range is appropriately affordable?

Knowing the answers to these questions help to select a computer that suits every person’s unique lifestyle.

The answers to these questions will help lead someone to making the right choice about if a laptop or desktop computer is more suitable for them.

Think about if it’d be necessary for the computer to be portable. Would it be be used in different rooms of the house or be brought to school or work?

If yes, then a laptop is a clever choice.

If no, then a desktop might be a good choice.

If seeing a large screen and having a fast computer is important, then a desktop would be a wise choice. Desktop computers are also easier and less expensive to upgrade. A laptop would be a smart choice if those options don’t matter.

Anyone can assemble a desktop by themselves. A Green River student named Matthew Danson said, “I

bought all the components separately and built it myself. So, all the parts are different brands. I bought this computer because I want to be able to run any program or game at max settings.”

Search how to build a computer and can find some helpful websites that informs searchers how to build a computer. It is not difficult to assemble a computer by one’s self if they have plenty time. By buying the parts individually, lots of money can be saved.

Danson says, “You can save from about $200 to $400. Websites like newegg.com always have things on sale, so you can wait until it’s cheaper and buy it.” Being willing to assemble a desktop by one’s self is definitely a good choice because they can save money and easily customize.

Laptop computers are highly portable and allow anyone to use their computer almost anywhere. It can be open it up and used immediately. It does not matter where someone is, if they can carry their laptop, they can take it with them. This makes it handy for anyone that is on the go a lot, and needs regular and fast access to their computer. Moreover,for international students, a laptop computers are much easier to transport to and from school and home.

Another Green River student named Jadison Wang, who is an art major, said, “For sure laptops make it more portable to be packed in my backpack, and for my major, I’d need a laptop that allow me to learn new skills and apply them.” People who major in art like him, choosing a laptop is a good idea, because they can immediately start working their work whenever an idea comes to mind.

A computer is an essential tool that allows everyone to be a successful student. A main purpose of a computer is to get work done, so make sure to consider what work will need to be accomplished.

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currentlifestyles

january27.2014

Different As Night and Day How to Know if Day or Night Classes are a Better Fit By: Eugene Kim Staff Writer There are morning people and there are night people—there are students that function better during the morning and others function better at night.

Choosing whether morning/day classes or night classes are right for a student is important for success in school and all areas of life. How to decide which is better is all up to the student’s lifestyle and sleeping patterns.

Day classes start at 7 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Night classes are from 5 pm to 10 pm. There are exceptions where some classes start earlier than 7 a.m.

Before making a decision between the two, the student should review their sleeping habits. If the student goes to sleep around 9-10p.m. or earlier, and is able to get up around 5-6a.m. fairly easily, then they are most likely morning person. Being a morning person means they will be able to concentrate better on their classes, be more productive during their classes, and be more alert if they take the morning/day classes.

Students taking these day

classes often have lots of trouble finding parking on campus, unless arriving before 8 a.m.

Student parking can sometimes fill up even before 9 a.m.

Commuting to school can sometimes have traffic, with people on their way to work, school buses, and school zones.

Traffic problems are alleviated by the use of Pacific Raceway’s parking service, which is free of charge for Green River students.

Pacific Raceway’s parking service is very close to the Green River campus, located right across Highway 18. Carpooling can also sometimes help parking and commuting problems.

On average, the day classes have a length of 50 minutes and are scheduled every day of the week. Of course there are always exceptions, considering the large variety of classes offered.

Night classes are geared more towards students who stay up late through the night and go to sleep in the early morning. Anyone who is more of a night person will tend to have a harder time waking up for day classes and find

A Composition of both the day and night views of Salish Hall

it difficult to be fully energized, attentive and productive during the morning or day.

Night classes are also more convenient for people who have jobs or other responsibilities during the day. Students who work may chose to take night classes due to their conflicting schedules, regardless of whether they are a morning or night person.

Common student areas are also less crowded at night. Some of these areas include the library, Lindbloom Center, and TC computer lab areas. During the evening and night hours it is easier to find a free computer and get work done in a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.

Parking is a breeze to find

Don’t Be Sick By: Valeriya Gornostayeva Staff Writer School is an easy place to get sick. All students are at high risk for contracting influenza due to close contact with lots of people.

According to the W.H.O. (World Health Organization) during the last week there have been more than 2,486 positive reported cases of influenza.

The flu is a topic that comes up every year, and as always, with the flu comes the topic of vaccinations and shots.

Medical institutions, individual doctors, parents and teachers say to make sure and receive the vaccine to protect from influenza. Vaccination not only protects the individual from contracting the virus, but also aids in preventing its spread.

The shot is a dead virus that is injected into the body, usually

in the bicep or as a nose spray, which helps whoever receives it generate an immunity to the live virus in the event of an infection.

Because the vaccine is a dead virus, it can never actually cause influenza. Many people blame the shot when they become sick after receiving it, but it is much more likely they received the flu from someone being contagious around them.

It takes approximately two weeks for the antibodies to develop and create an immunity, which would explain someone getting infected right after receiving the vaccine, because they were already infected before the injection.

Traditional flu vaccines are made to protect against three flu viruses: an influenza A (H1N1) virus, another influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus.

The perfect time to take the shot is October, but it is never too late to receive the vaccine during the flu season. The shot is recommended to be taken every year. This is because of constant changes and adaption of the influenza virus.

The shot will always work better if combined with a healthy lifestyle. A few suggestions to help prevent spreading or contracting the flu: washing hands regularly, staying home when sick , taking daily vitamin C and a daily multivitamin, get enough sleep, avoiding contact with people who are infected, keeping stress levels low, eating a healthy diet and exercising.

Students must be aware of getting sick. As a student, missing classes and lectures due to illness is not efficient. It is a good idea to take all the steps of preventing the flu.

during night classes.

There may still be traffic traveling to night classes if the class time is near rush hour.

Night classes are also advantageous for students who do not drive. Green River Community College offers their Safety Ride to students who need transportation within a two mile radius of Green River.

Students’ thoughts on day and night classes vary depending on their lifestyle and needs. Some students want to start their day early and not be in school late while others want to have open time during daytime hours.

Sam Tan, a GRCC student said he likes day classes because he gets to “start the day early and go

Ian Lobdell | The Current

home faster.”

Coki Naufel, a former GRCC student said he mostly took day classes because his day to day pattern has always been taking classes during the day and “night time is for staying home and doing homework.”

Almo Saragih, a GRCC student said, “I wake up during the afternoon and I don’t feel awake in the morning.”

Sometimes, regardless of someone’s preference for morning or night, their lives make them choose a particular class. Jobs, family, babysiting, errands, travel, and other responsibilies can greatly dictate someone’s class schedule.

Avoiding Influenza (The Flu)

It not only interrupts personal educational tasks and goals, but also creates other problems such as infecting others and causing their education distress.

Shots are really convenient and are a safe way for students to prevent the flu.

The school is a perfect place for spreading bacteria and viruses. However, if students and faculty are considerate about their environment by protecting themselves from the flu it can also protect from the spreading of the infection. The influenza virus can become a problem for the whole community if prevention steps are not taken.

There are many places for students to get flu shots around the the area. Flu shots are offered at Walgreen pharmacies, MultiCare facilities, Target pharmacies, Safeway, private doctors offices and hospitals. Specific

places close to anyone’s house can be found online.

There are some programs where students can get the vaccine for free or at a discount.

FEELING SICK? -Have a fever?

-Extremely Tired?

-Achy?

-Nasal Congestion?

-Drainage?

It might be the flu.

Rest up and don’t spread the virus.

sports

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thecurrent

Being the Twelfth Man By: Jesse Maiwald Staff Writer One of the biggest sensations coming into Washington over the last couple of years is the hype surrounding Seattle’s very own football team, The Seahawks.

It’s no secret that the 12th man is being represented throughout Green River, Auburn and the area surrounding from Seattle to Tacoma and beyond.

Though one of the main reasons why Washingtonians love the boys in blue and green is their connection to their fans and the Legion of Boom, it is their talent that has been able to truly shine.

There were several new additions to the team last year. One of the most important is the addition of rookie quarterback Russel Wilson. In only his second year as Seahawks quarterback he has created one of the most impressive rookie resumes in NFL history.

The Seahawks success this season has derived more from playing key, systematic players rather than just household names like Russell Wilson. Marshawn Lynch led the league with 75 broken tackles this year even with a shaky offensive line for a majority of the season.

Opposing defenses know that if they want to beat Seattle they are going to have to make the quarterback win the game. “Marshawn Lynch, You have to take him away. Like he said, he doesn’t run to get tackled. He’s one of the best backs in the National Football League.

Very rough style. We have to take him away and make the quarterback beat us.”

Said Donte Whitner; one of the 49ers star defensive players.

If Seattle wants to be successful and give a strong fight at their second Super Bowl appearance, they need to retake their old identity. This is a hard hitting, fast, in-your-face defensive football team. Since the defense is now elite, and leading all major defensive statistics, it allows Seattle to run a conservative-style offense focused on ground attack and winning the possession battle.

Seattle leads the league with a +25 turnover margin meaning that they have forced 25 more turnovers than the offense has given the ball up.

This style of play allows for only marginal quarterback play. As long as the quarterback does not throw interceptions, runs the play action well, and converts a few key third downs, the Hawks

SCHEDULE

STANDINGS

MEN’S BASKETBALL Clark Highline Pierce Green River Lower Columbia Tacoma Grays Harbor Centralia S. Puget Sound Wed Jan 29 Sat Feb 1 Sat Feb 8 Mon Feb 10 Wed Feb 12

7-0 5-2 5-2 4-3 4-3 2-5 2-5 2-5 1-7 Clark

S. Puget Sound Lower Columbia Pierce Tacoma

15-1 14-4 12-5 7-9 6-10 7-10 5-12 2-13 1-15

Won 13 Lost 1 Won 1 Won 3 Won 4 Lost 3 Lost 3 Lost 2 Lost 7

8:00 5:00 5:00 8:00 8:00

SCHEDULE

STANDINGS

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Clark Highline Lower Columbia Centralia Tacoma Pierce S. Puget Sound Grays Harbor Green River Wed Jan 29 Sat Feb 1 Sat Feb 8 Mon Feb 10 Wed Feb 12

7-0 6-1 6-1 4-3 3-4 3-4 2-6 1-6 0-7 Clark

S. Puget Sound Lower Columbia Pierce Tacoma

15-2 15-4 13-5 8-9 9-8 6-11 4-14 3-12 2-14 6:00 3:00 3:00 6:00 6:00

Won 13 Won 5 Won 4 Lost 2 Lost 1 Won 1 Lost 3 Lost 1 Lost 9

will be successful.

This tactic worked well in the regular season before they were playing other more capable teams. If Seattle wants to rise against an elite team, Wilson needs to step his game up and bring in more throws for touchdowns and make sure the team gets touchdowns off of our forced turnovers.

The Super Bowl is on Sunday, February 2nd where the Hawks will be facing off against the Denver Broncos and their four-time MVP quarterback, Peyton Manning. The Broncos have won two Super Bowls and this is the second appearance for the Seahawks.

With the 12th Man firmly behind them, the fans know that the Hawks have never been more deserving or prepared for this challenge.

This is going to be a Super Bowl for the books. Go Hawks!

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