Kellogg Community College_General Excellence
Content
LEL K E L L O G G C O M M U N I T Y C OK L LE EG
O G G C O M M U N I T Y C O November L L E2013 GE
www.kellogg.edu/br uin
Handy for the handicapped?
Lacy Janousek Co-Editor Bob Reynolds hasn’t been handicapped his entire life, nor will he be handicapped for the rest of it. His temporary limited mobility combined with his position as Chief Information Officer has forced him to travel across KCC’s campus in an electric wheelchair or on crutches; Reynolds discovered the challenge in that task very quickly. “I’ve had the opportunity to experience how handicap accessible our campus is,” Reynolds explained. “The campus meets compliances for handicap accessibility but that doesn’t mean compliance is most friendly.” Mark O’Connell, Vice President for Administration and Finance, explained KCC is continually working to make the campus easier for those who have limited mobility. Updating KCC’s campus began in November 2009 when voters funded the first initiative of improvements to the main campus, which had buildings dated to 1970. “Things are a lot different in 2013 compared to 1970,” O’Connell commented. The 2009 initiative is one of several steps to make the campus more friendly to all students, faculty, and visitors. “One of the things we wanted to do was make the campus easily accessible,” O’Connell explained. “Not only for handicapped students but students with children.” In November 2009, KCC architects observed what the school had and what needed to be update to go above state standards for handicap accessibility. After watch-
Bob Reynolds attends the Foundation Scholarship Dinner.
photo by Simon Thalmann
ing students in with their children pull strollers up what used to be only steps, the first on O’Connell and the architect’s list was making a ramp for those traveling with wheels. “When we redo a building, we make sure the main entrances is handicap accessible from the front,” O’Connell said. “We try to allocate handicapped parking, people have needs and we are addressing them.” When the first initiative was complete, KCC was not only equipped with extra parking at the North Drive entrance, but a ramp was camouflaged in next to
the front steps for KCC patrons with limited mobility. “The zigzag was created for one group especially, but it is now used by everyone,” O’Connell explained. As years have passed, KCC has continued remodeling their main campus. The Lane Thomas Building was completed in Spring 2013. Replacing a bridge and manual door, is a much safer sidewalk and automatic sliding doors, O’Connell explained. “You used to have a button but now you have an electric sensor and it automatically opens,” O’Connell
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The Bridge is here to help
Heidi Myers Staff Writer Fear not trembling, students! There is a safe haven for the exam stress to melt away. The Bridge (formerly The Learning Place) is a completely free learning support center at KCC. Academic subjects covered by The Bridge include reading, writing, math and science; although if someone needs assistance in a different subject, a peer tutor is often sought out. The Bridge works closely with faculty to find suitable peer tutors recommended by professors. Cindy Lingbeek, staff assistant, has been working at KCC for 17 years and coordinates the tutoring in all departments. When asked what subject students tend to seek help for the most she replied very confidently, “Science. All the sciences.” Accounting has also been a popular subject at The Bridge this semester. Lingbeek says that The Bridge definitely gets busier during exam time, as well as when students have big projects due. When asked what one piece of advice she would give students, she replied, “Swallow your pride and ask for help. Even if not here with a tutor, at least a
Dr. Paula Westdorp consults with Lakia Larthridge
photo by Lacy Janousek
classmate or form a study group.” The Bridge also provides assistance writing papers. Jeff Houldsworth is an English para professor employed
with KCC since 2004 and stresses that The Bridge is not, however, an editing service. “Don’t come in right before
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Team building at Bruins Give Back page 3
Veteran's Art Show debuts page 6
Changes to the Honors Contract page 8
Students visit Comic-Con page 10
Bruins shine light on autism page 12
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CAMPUS NEWS
The scholarship is available for KCC students that have been affected by substance abuse, domestic abuse, or human trafficking. On October 9th, HCLO leadership gathered on the steps of KCC with guest speakers Joe Kuchenbach (Psychologist at Psychological Consultants and adjunct instructor in HUSE) and Suzanna Warren from Drug Court (KCC alumnus). Their words of celebration for the lives that have been changed by sobriety were inspired. Over the past 5 years, HCLO has worked to make a positive impact in support of the recovery community at KCC. Joining the annual planting of tulips were Danyelle Maitland from Substance Abuse Council and KCC graduate, KCC students and HCLO members. The HCLO planted live tulips in
Plant the promise
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor Substance abuse affects college students across the country every day, causing death or debilitating addictions. The Healthy Choices Leadership Organization is trying to bring an awareness of these issues with a Celebrate Recovery Month in October. HCLO Group members took pledges from students stating that they would abstain or use moderation with substances for the month of October. They also sold paper tulips for one dollar, with the proceeds going towards the Seeds of Success Scholarship.
Members of Healthy Choices Leadership Organization.
photo by Eric Yeo
the flower beds in front of the reflecting pools on the main campus to symbolize that there is life after recovery. Those interested in joining the HCLO can attend the meetings which are held every
Friday at 11 in the Support Services Conference room. For more information about the Seeds of Success scholarship contact TJ Mohl at [email protected]
Bruins Give Back in Battle Creek
Johnathan Hogan Staff Writer On Friday, September 25th, Kellogg Community College students and staff teamed up with the Service Learning office to volunteer for several local charities and community partners as part of the school’s Bruins Give Back Program. Bruins Give Back is a volunteer program coordinated by Student Life, Service Learning, and Hands On Battle Creek devoted to providing volunteer opportunities for KCC students three times a semester. The volunteers spent the day helping out for the Kingman Museum, Habitat for Humanity, and Community Action, all institutions devoted to providing aid and services to both the people of Battle Creek and other cities throughout Michigan. Kate DeGraaf, the Manager of Service Learning, emphasized the important opportunities Bruins Give Back provides for students, allowing them to build relationships with the many nonprofits in the local community. “It’s important for students and staff to come together to help the local community, and also to understand the needs of the non-profits and how we can support each other. It also provides a taste-test of sorts for students who work with the various non-profits. The Kingman Museum, located on the grounds of the Leila Arboretum, works to promote an understanding and appreciation for the natural world, providing tours to local schools and other private groups. KCC volunteers, including students in the school’s Physical Therapist Assistance Program, arrived to help with ground maintenance by clearing fallen branches near the entrance and painting worn out handrails. Julie Roberts, the coordina-
Handy for the handicapped?
smiled. “That’s what we are trying to do here.” Renovations were also done to the elevators, making them safer and easier to maneuver a wheelchair through the doorways. “We have to have these things within code to be approved,” O’Connell said. “But as the user can it be more practical? I think that’s why this has been so helpful for Bob.” As Chief Information Officer, Reynolds took the practicality issues into consideration when putting new, and fixing old, technology in classrooms around campus. “It makes me a lot more conscious as we work on things around campus,” Reynolds said. Projectors and computers must be a certain distance from classroom entrances, but Reynolds pondered whether that distance complied with state requirements and was as friendly as possible for students and faculty. “The Davidson is a good example of the old,” O’Connell said. “The restrooms aren’t compliant as they should be. It’s not that you can’t get through the building, but we can do it better.” The college is working to sell bonds to continue the needed updating. Next on the list of renovation projects is the Binda Theater. They will dramatically increase enjoyment during shows at Binda when before restrooms were nearly impossible for handicap theater enthusiasts to use. Restrooms will be shared with the new student center and will have plenty of room to maneuver wheelchairs through during crowded intermissions, O’Connell said. “Binda has to have an area where those in wheelchairs can sit and see the performance,” O’Connell said. The area will also be used by those who can’t easily get up and down theater stairways. When Binda is completed, Davidson and the Miller gymnasium will see changes as well. The process will take time but KCC faculty and contractors are working to make the campus friendly for all who attend. “We recognize there are still obstacles,” O’Connell said. “We will continue to make improvements.”
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Brandon Smith at Bruins Give Back.
Kate DeGraaf Manager of Service-Learning.
photos by Simon Thalmann
rtunity "It’s an oppot eam to build our o know and just get t hile each other w o the giving back t community."
tor for the PTA program, felt it was important that the students help out in the community, both for its own sake, and to help the students get to know each other. “This is something we try to do every year. It’s an opportunity to build our team and just get to know each other while giving back to the community.” Meanwhile, KCC students were also providing aid for the local Habitat for H u m a n i t y, including the ReStore. The ReStore sells l ow- p r i ced furniture, tools, and other hous-Julie Roberts ing materials and appliances to homeowners seeking to achieve independence. The volunteers at the Restore, including OIT instructor Shari Deevers and Service Learning Assistant Sarah Bronson, were sorting supplies left by donators for Habitat of Humanity. Both felt it was important to help Habitat for Humanity, and to volunteer in general. Kara Werner, the Administrative and Volunteer Services Manager for Habitat for Humanity, emphasized the impor-
tance of the ReStore to Habitat for Humanity, saying that it helps pay the overhead costs of maintaining the charity. “Because our ReStore funds our overhead, we’re able to use our donations for home owners programs.” The volunteerism continued with Community Action, where students were preparing food supplies for the non-profit’s Emergency Food Assistance Program, which provides food for needy families in seven Michigan counties. Angela Winght, Community Action’s intake specialist and KCC alumna, worked with the volunteers to prepare the food, which would be going to aid families in Hillsdale. Winght also felt the volunteer opportunities were important for students. “It helps them to do work for our communities. It’s a real great thing to help our community.” The next Bruins Give Back event will occur Friday, November 15th. Students interested in participating can head to the Service Learning website at http://www. kellogg.edu/socialscience/servicelearning/ or contact Service Learning Manager Kate DeGraaf at degraafk@kellogg. edu or at 269-965-3931 ext. 2211.
(NOTE: This issue of the bruin went to print before the October 25th, the date of the second Bruins Give Back event, and thus has no information pertaining to that event.)
CAMPUS NEWS
Kassie Dunham Librarian This past summer I was offered the opportunity to take on the challenge of working with the KCC archive. Archives are very different from libraries. Archives collect specific items that help preserve specific history. There are archives that have a very broad mission that covers entire states or counties, and some have a very specific mission that covers just one institution. That is the case of the Kellogg Community College Archive. We collect and preserve the history of Kellogg Community College. It is very exciting to be working with these materials, but it is totally different than working with library materials. I have spent a good portion of this fall taking online courses and getting up to speed with the software. I will be working on loading new materials to the online archive starting in January. As I get more comfortable working with the archive, I hope to work more closely assisting community members, faculty, staff, and students with the resources that it contains. Currently I am planning on beginning a post-master’s certificate in Digital Archives and Records Management in the Fall of 2014. Because the items collected by Archives are unique and irreplaceable, people are not able to check them out. Some items collected by the Kellogg Community College Archives are documents, graduation commencement programs from 1957 – 2011, College publications, course catalogs and schedules, and photographs, drawings, and blueprints of buildings on campus, and more! Some very interesting items are in the Virgil Rogers Collection. This collection contains letters from the 1940’s that are the first discussions on creating a community college in Battle Creek. So that the items can be used and viewed by everyone, the Digital Archives was launched two years ago. The two previous archivists did a lot hard work setting up the software and getting things organized. They also began the process of selecting, scanning, and describing the items that are viewable online. The items they were able to process are the tip of the iceberg, there are many more items to be uploaded and a lot more that needs to be accomplished. The collection that I mentioned above is one that is currently viewable. It may be viewed at: http://contentdm.kellogg.edu/cdm/ landingpage/collection/Rogers
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Preserving the past Jell-O drive at the Grahl Center
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor For the 6th year, the Grahl Center is participating in a Jell-O drive to help Feeding Branch County. Feeding Branch County is a partnership between the schools, churches, organizations, workplaces, service clubs, food pantries, and individuals joining together to provide food boxes for needy families for the holidays. We are anticipating about 3000 families will be served for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Director of the Grahl center Bobbi Gagnon explains, “Feeding Branch County is a county wide effort to raise money/food for holiday baskets for the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are many different organizations that get involved in this project. The JellO drive was dreamed up six years ago as inexpensive way for college students to help fill the baskets. The Grahl Center students and staff raised over 3600 boxes of Jell-O last year. This year we are hoping to “kick-it up a notch” by having student leadership on the project. I know our Serv 200 students have some creative ideas to help encourage student participation and our support of the Feeding Branch County effort.” Kristen Drzewicki, a student in the Service Learning class at the Grahl, is adopting this project. She is making it not only her individual project, but is developing it into a class project and a Bruin’s Give Back event. Drzewicki says, “I wanted to get involved in the Jell-O drive through Feeding Branch County because last fall I participated in building the boxes at the food drive. It impacted me and I wanted to help this year. I like a good challenge and so I've challenged myself to raise 8,000-10,000 boxes of Jell-o. I'm very passionate about my community and want to see it strive and succeed.” Those interested in donating can contact the Grahl Center (517)-278-3300
A fun way to volunteer
Bob Psalmonds Staff Writer Operation Christmas Child is a worldwide children’s project of nonprofit Samaritan’s Purse that uses simple giftfilled shoe boxes. A giant packing party is scheduled on November 9 from 8:30 until 2 pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 1625 Capital Ave NE. Anyone not able to attend the official packing party, can find many areas dedicated to preparing and closing out the party. The shoe boxes will be filled with school supplies, toys, toiletry items, homemade crafts, stuffed animals and a variety of other small, non-liquid gifts. This year’s goal is over 5000 boxes filled with the said items. Any volunteers to donate or fill boxes will be much appreciated. Many individuals, businesses, and groups donate new or unused items that are non-perishable and would enrich the life of a child. In the 20 years of the ministry’s existence, over 100 million shoe boxes have been collected from 10 countries and have been distributed to children in over 100 countries. “Almost anyone can get involved in this project,” Linda Marvin, the coordinator for OCC in Southwest Michigan said. “People of all ages and walks of life throughout the community pack these boxes full of gifts and love. Individuals, families, community groups such as scouts and churches have enjoyed doing this and the full list is a long one. We’d love to have one or more groups at KCC who are willing to pack boxes and experience the joy of providing gifts to children around the world. Some have never received an actual gift in their entire lives. The packer is encouraged to include a friendly note of encouragement so hurting children know of both God’s love and a stranger’s kindness.” The operation is always in need of toothbrushes, soap, wash cloths, shoe boxes, wrapping paper, handmade crafts or toys that can fit in a shoebox. Each child gets a bag of hard candies as well. For more information, go to the HandsOn Battle Creek website at www. handsonbc.org or contact Linda Marvin at (269) 963-6673.
The Student Center circa 1961.
photo from KCC Archive.
The Bridge is here to help
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a paper is due asking us to review it.” The English department of The Bridge can help with research, writing essays, and teach better writing skills. When asked what the best advice he could give, Houldsworth said, “Come in with the assignments and some ideas. Know what you need help with and have specific questions.” Ruth Bifer is a KCC student from the Philippines and has received tutoring for English and reading. She said her faThe hours are as follows: Monday8:00am-7:00pm Tuesday-Wednesday8:00am-8:00pm Thursday8:00am-5:00pm Friday9:00am-2:00pm
vorite things about her experience were how hands on it was and the computer availability. Going to The Bridge has built her confidence and helped her grasp the English language in addition to improving her grades. Bifer says she would “definitely recommend it to students, especially foreign and exchange students.” Make-up and proctored tests for online classes can also be taken at The Bridge. The Bridge is located on the upper level of the Ohm Information Technology Center in room 207. Hours for academic testing are: Tuesday-Wednesday 8:00am-8:00pm Thursday10:00am-2:00pm
BRUIN Staff
Co-Editors Lacy Janousek Tiffany Thatcher Managing Advisor TaNisha Parker Editorial Advisor Elizabeth Kerlikowske Layout Design Linda Helton Brandon Smith Doug Wheaton
Graphics Advisor Kathryn Jarvie
Sports Editor Dakota Robert Staff Writers Eleanor Alexander Cara Clingan Mary Emington Jonathan Hogan
Heidi Myers Ashleigh Olmstead Cavin Smith TJ Taylor Caitlyn Whitman Bob Psalmonds
Editorial Policy
The KCC Bruin is a free student publication produced monthly by Kellogg Community College students during the fall and spring semesters. The KCC Bruin welcomes letters to the editor from members of the College and the community. Letters must be signed and submitted with a current telephone number or email address. All letters become property of the Bruin and may be edited for clarity and length. By-lined opinion columns represent the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Bruin staff or the College. Letters may be submitted by mail to: KCC Bruin student newspaper, c/o Kellogg Community College, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek, Mich. 49017. Letters may also be submitted at all three KCC sites. At the Battle Creek site, letters may be dropped off in the English Department on the 4th floor of the C Building; the College Life Office in the Student Center; or the student newspaper office. At the Grahl and Fehsenfeld Centers, letters may be submitted at the information desks. The Bruin office is located in room 302 of the Roll Building. The staff can be reached at (269) 965-3931, Ext. 2630 or e-mail the Bruin editor at [email protected]
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CAMPUS NEWS
The art of war: student veterans to display their artwork for Veteran’s Month
Johnathan Hogan Staff Writer This November, the Learning Resource Center will display the artwork of several veteran students at Kellogg Community College as a part of the Veterans Month Celebration. From Monday, November 4th to Friday, November 29th student veterans will share their artistic side with their fellow KCC students, displaying artwork ranging from paintings to poems, essays to short stories. TJ Mohl of Support Services and an event organizer for the month long celebration felt that the art exhibit allowed veteran students to express themselves through artwork, whether it was to display the experience of service, or how that experience shaped them. “Sometimes, they’re trying to create beauty out of pain,” Mohl said of the artists. “If you can get something outside of yourself, it can help you deal with it.” One such artist who felt compelled to get his stories outside of himself was Bob Psalmonds. “I get stories in my head, and I have to put them on paper or I’ll go insane." Psalmonds said much of his inspiration for his stories came from his travels during his service in the Army, during which he visited 5 countries. “People are the same in a lot of effects all over the world,” he said. For the upcoming Veteran’s Art Exhibit, he also decided to turn in several pieces of photography, a field he described himself as only a beginner in. In contrast to the very deliberate and pre-planned style of Psalmonds, Dennis Van Dyke, a former soldier in the Air Force, based his art style around randomness. Rather than plan out the final result of his works of art, Van Dyke began with simple drawings and expanded on them at random. “You just draw and draw, and see what you get,” he said. “It’s a concept I came up with to express myself.” A third student-veteran, Heather Tramel, submitted written pieces of a more personal nature. Her works detailed her journey through life, the military, and her growth as an artist. “I want that genuine happiness, just like everybody wants,” Tramel said. Tramel joined the Army as a way to move on from a rough neighborhood, becoming a communications specialist in a medical company. She left in spring of 2001. September 11th occurred several months later. The Army requested that she return, but Tramel had a son and had to stay with her family. “I carry a lot of guilt with me,” She said. “Those people I helped train went without me.” Leaving the army behind, Tramel lived a more peaceful life, seeking to express herself through photography. She began working as a photographer at weddings for a time. Tramel never felt satisfied with her work, however, though she still dabbles in photography, included photos she submitted to the Veteran’s Art Exhibit. Tramel expressed satisfaction with the life she now leads, enjoying kayaking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Her feelings are best stated in her own words, from her poem
“I Am” “From a new life navigated I am from the water From the paddle and sunscreen I am from the woods From the trails and wine by a fire I am from the peace found in nature From the peace found in time” For more information about the Veteran’s Art Exhibit and Veterans Month Celebration, contact TJ Mohl at [email protected].
Four ways to achieve Service-Learning street cred
Kerry Korpela Guest Writer Volunteerism: it is a staple of America’s creed, and has been for more than a century. We seem to know innately that giving back to our communities lends a sense of self and belonging. As giving back to the community has become more and more common through the decades, brilliant minds have asked: why not give those who wish to serve the lessons they need to continue this work and gain insight into why their support is so helpful? Learning about the makeup of our society and who is most in need only helps to cement the important lessons learned in the field. Thus, the idea of service- learning was born. Since the inception of servicelearning in colleges and higher learning institutions across America, many national campaigns of service learning have been initiated, such as the Peace Corps, Americorp, Americorp VISTA, and Learn and Serve America. Created by various administrations over the years, these programs have been wildly successful. Today, most colleges and universities require several credits of Servicelearning in order to graduate or transfer to other institutions. Many students find these courses as vital stepping-stones to a life devoted to service-learning and the aforementioned organizations. Others gain a sense of confidence and a feeling of purpose as they move through new life experiences and go on to other important events in their lives. At first glance, the requirement that students fulfill a service-learning credit may be counter-intuitive and does not fit the definition of volunteerism. Servicelearning is something more than just volunteering. It is a commitment on the part of both the student and the community partner to better their environment and themselves through service and education. Service-Learning can be considered as going the extra mile. You are not only dedicating your time to help a service or group of people, but investing in the process academically, mentally, and emotionally, to better yourself and your understanding of your global, national, state, and local communities. The Scoop:Service-Learning Endorsement Course In this course, the entire class participates in a service-learning project as part of the course work. Students who are looking for more experience in a specific area may benefit from this course. For example, HIST-201 provides hands-on experience for what a historian’s job may entail and actual archival visits and exploration. Aiding in the development of a community’s history is important work that lends to the sense of connection and solidarity a community has. The students serve at least fifteen hours. Service-Learning Endorsement Option Course. This is a regular course with an optional service-learning project embedded in the semester. The student completes both the coursework and a chosen service-learning project decided upon by both the professor and the student. The project must meet the curriculum standards of the class, so students who are looking for more experience in a specific area may benefit and others may gain new meaning and interest who are not pursuing that career path. Professor Stapleton’s SOCI-201 Introduction to Sociology would be a strong choice for a student looking to enter the field of Sociology. Those going into Childhood Education may be interested in EDUC200 Foundations of Education which offersservice-learning credit. Students serve at least fifteen hours. SERV 200 Service Learning This course is purely dedicated to service-learning and its aspects. Students learn important lessons inside and out of the classroom about communities and problem solving in diverse populations. Instructors encourage both group and solo projects or some combination thereof. Students have the option of simple service at an established community institution, or members of the class may develop their own plan or project to implement for the support of the community. Students serve at least twenty four hours. SERV 299 Service-Learning Field Experience This course is very beneficial for those looking to enter the non-profit sector after college or just wish to gain more experiences with service-learning. Students work in the community to gain further insight into the nuanced problems and solutions possible in a community. Focus on providing more opportunities for other KCC students to volunteer or start service-learning projects is also encouraged. The students serve at least one hundred hours, and are eligible for a scholarship.
CAMPUS NEWS
Constitution Day event a success
Donna Street PSA President Guest Writer In coordination with KCC Student Life, the Paralegal Student Association cosponsored the college’s Constitution Day event back on September 17, 2013. The day was filled with many events that took place in the Student Center. The day began at 11:00 a.m. with Uncle Sam coming for a visit and passing out copies of the U.S. Constitution to students. Throughout the day, students were treated to an assortment of candies and snacks. At 1:00 p.m., participants played a U.S. Constitution trivia game. The students got involved rather quickly and shouted out answers in excitement. All students in the Student Center during this time received a gift bag filled with assorted items. Many students took advantage of a photo opportunity to get a picture with the life-size cut out of President Obama provided by the KCC College Democrats. The day’s event ended with guest speaker Barry County District Court Judge Michael Schipper. After a brief presentation, the Judge opened the floor for a question and answer session. Again, students lunged at the opportunity to ask Judge Schipper question on his views concerning the Constitution, various issues plaguing society such as gun control and the legalization of marijuana and what his views were on these issues. Retired adjunct faculty member Mr. Dan Boone attended the event, took photographs, and provided then to the KCC Paralegal Program.
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t a e B in Bruo vember
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4 5 6 7 7 7 9 9 10 11 11 12 12 13 14 14 15 18 18 - Dec 13 19 20 20 21 21 24 25 26 Transfer Fair Kellogg Room • 10:30 am - 12:30 pm Transfer Student Information Table: WMU College of Education and Human Development Central Walkway • 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Davenport University Central Walkway • 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Art League: General Meeting Davidson Bldg. Room 219 • 1:00 - 2:00 pm KCC Women's Basketball vs Indiana Tech - JV Miller Gymnasium • 5:30 pm KCC Women's Basketball vs Henry Ford Community College Miller Gymnasium • 1:00 pm Broadway in Chicago Trip: Wicked Chicago, IL • 8:00 am Departure Alumni/Guest Artist Recital: Jackie King, mezzo-soprano Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Auditorium • 3:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 2:00 pm True Life: Gathering Kellogg Room • 6:00 - 7:00 pm Native American Heritage Event Student Center • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Western Michigan University On-Site Admission Day Kellogg Room • 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Trine University Central Walkway • 9:00 - 11:00 am Transfer Student Information Table: Siena Heights University Central Walkway • 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Art League: General Meeting Davidson Bldg. Room 219 • 1:00 - 2:00 pm Bruins Give Back TBD • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Davenport University Central Walkway • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Gallery Exhibit: Didactic Revolvers - Art 295, Museum Field Study Davidson Visual & Performing Arts Center Auditorium 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Albion College Central Walkway • 9:00 am – 1:00 pm KCC Women's Basketball vs Albion College JV Miller Gymnasium • 5:30 pm Student Recital Series Event - Performances by KCC students studying through the Individualized Music Lesson Program Davidson Visual & Performing Arts Center Auditorium 1:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: U of M Ann Arbor Central Walkway • 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Art League: General Meeting Davidson Bldg. Room 219 • 1:00 - 2:00 pm Faculty and Guest Recital "If it ain't Baroque, don't fix it!" Davidson Visual & Performing Arts Center • 3:00 pm True Life: Gathering Kellogg Room • 6:00 - 7:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
BRUIN BLAST THANK YOU!
KCC Students & Faculty would like to give a big thankyou to the following businesses for their generous donations that made Bruin Blast 2013 a huge success!
Alternative Choices American Association of University Women (AAUW) The Arbors of Battle Creek Battle Creek Bombers Battle Creek Family YMCA Battle Creek Regional Job Fair Bed, Bath & Beyond Big Brothers/Big Sisters Binder Park Golf Course Charitable Union CISD Community of Fatherhood Fair Housing Center of SW MI Fazoli's Full Blast Goodwill Industries Hands On of Battle Creek/AmeriCorps Haven of Rest Hungry Howie's Kalamazoo K-Wings Limewood Apartments Massage Pros Metro PCS Miller College New Level Sports Planned Parenthood of SWM PNC SAFE Place Siena Heights University The Spa Academy Substance Abuse Council (Summit Point) The Resource Center United Way of Battle Creek VA Medical Center West Michigan Capoeira
KELLOGG
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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November 2013
CAMPUS NEWS
he or she likes or dislikes about the or my honors contract in English 151 suggestion. This this semester I am focusing my work includes research, around one of my intended majors. I am writing and a idea currently torn between mechanical engineerfor presenting the information they ing and physical therapy. For each essay I write have learned. PossiI follow the criteria for the assignment that we bilities for presentare given and then do a little more. Each topic ing include teachI write about is involved with either mechaniing the subject to a class, submitting to cal engineering or physical therapy. After I get the college or newsmy topic down I also use research to further enpaper, or doing a hance my essays. presentation on the specialized subject. Chris Messecar For example, if a student is taking a psychology class which has a service learning option a stu- Faculty Honors Advisor, at webstert@ dent can do the service learning. After- kellogg.edu, or check in with College Life. Find the honor’s contract application at: wards, he or she can write a reflection on what happened and how it relates to the http://www.kellogg.edu/studentlife/ pdf/HonorsContract.pdf psychology class materials. Questions? Contact Tom Webster,
Honors contract opportunities
this course to reflect your long term goals? The second question involves the ways you can show the progress of your investigations throughout the semester. Tom Webster Will you keep a journal? Create some English Professor kind of data bank? Work on a long term project in set increments? Faculty and students alike are sometimes The third piece of the contract intimidated by the four blank spaces at the should describe your project from a globcenter of an Honors contract. The truth al perspective. Are you approaching your is, though, that the task can be made less topic/interest as a scholar, or as a pracdaunting by thinking of sections 1-4 less titioner, or both? How can you express as requirements and more as opportuniyour interest in something that you can ties. The function of the Honors program refer back to later? is to enhance the student’s experience at The final task you must tackle is typiKCC, not merely complicate it. cal for the college: it’s about showing off. The first section concerns the stuWill you present a power point show to dent’s interests. What do you wish to your class? Will you publish the results of study? What would you like to learn? your inquiry in the Bruin? Will you subWhat things motivate you to go to school mit your work to a publication outside of in the first place? How could you focus KCC? You don’t have to limit yourself to any one of these choices, either. So, remember: these blank spaces in your conhave chosen to do my English honors tract represent not only contract on the importance of what we challenge, but opportunilearned in our secondary stage in school. ty: these are ways to make your course meaningful to Many students take for granted the education you and to others. It’s about provided to them early on but by failing to making your class truly bepay attention, a student will miss the everylong to you. day connections in their adult lives, or may The honors contract is even fail to realize the relationship to things a written contract between from their childhood. I am writing five, 4-6 a student and instructor. Together you outline what page essays on this topic, in the various forms the individual will do aside of essays, such as cause and effect and proor in addition to the basic cesses, while logically connecting them all to syllabus. The student deeach other. I am also able to use sources for cides what they want to each paper to help prove my argument. do, proposes the idea to the instructor and in turn Laura Van Dyke the instructor says what
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fter discovering my Gold Key scholarship required me to take four honors course over a two year span, English was my first option. After discussing possible avenues to take when developing my honors with Professor Webster, I soon created an outline of what I hoped to accomplish academically in this class. For my last three papers, I decided to make them all career based and incorporate several research elements within each. For my final assignment, I decided to extend the page requirement and create a literary review styled paper. After I successfully complete my contract, I then plan to complete a write up for the KCC newspaper, The Bruin. Overall, I hope this honors contract will be very rewarding, and challenge me in ways I’ve yet to be challenged. Jasmine MacIntosh
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Honoring the honors contracts
Eleanor Alexander Staff Writer Students who join the honors program at KCC should come prepared for a challenge, because that’s just what they’ll get. “The honors program…is set up to give academic challenge to those students that would like a little bit more added to their classes or a little bit more challenge,” said Rose Dulaney, secretary of College Life. “Some of the perks of being in the honors program of course is getting that challenge. You’re also in with a cohort of students who also like that challenge.” Participating in the honors program provides students with academic motivation and increase scholarship opportunities. They also get the chance to contribute to the community, enhance their leadership skills, and are able to take advantage of other opportunities that are only open to honors students. Other perks include discounts at certain KCC events and receiving cards at graduation, something that only members of the honors program receive. Students in the honors program can directly transfer into Western Michigan University's Lee Honors College.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 11 AM - 1 PM
The Honors Contract
photo by Lacy Janousek
Participating in the honors program gives students a chance to better them-
selves and their community and prepare for their futures.
FEATURE
November 2013
7
Serving those that served
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor Shay Adkins is a proud volunteer at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Battle Creek, Michigan VA Medical Center services are available to more than 217,000 Veterans living in a 20-county area of western Michigan and consists of 104 medical and psychiatric beds, 32 residential rehabilitation beds, and 103 nursing home care unit beds. In addition, specialized services offered include a Palliative Care Unit, a Substance Abuse Clinic, a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program and a Domicilliary. (VA.gov) The VA hospitals credo is, “To serve those who have served.” The choice to volunteer at the VA was an easy one for Adkins. He is employed there as a cook, which made the transition to volunteer a little easier than most. Adkins volunteers with several programs through the VA. He began his service with the program C.H.O.W, which stands for Culinary Health On Wheels. The C.H.O.W program teaches veterans how to prepare healthy meals. Adkins along with two dieticians, works on a portable cart with two inductive burners and an adjustable mirror at the top that allows those seated in front of the cart to see directly into the pots and pans being used. While Adkins prepares a meal, the dieticians explain the benefits of using healthy ingredients. Adkins can then offer advice on the best ways to prepare the meal. The entire demonstration is interactive and the veterans are encouraged to ask questions of Adkins and the dieticians. “I felt very comfortable answering their questions. I knew what it was I was doing and why, I had in fact chosen several of the recipes that we had prepared. I felt that I was helping someone not only to cook a meal but one that would increase their chances at living a healthier life. I was making a difference and it felt great,” explains Adkins. That first taste of volunteering left Adkins hungry for more. He sought out other opportunities to volunteer his time at the VA. He became a part of the Silver Spoons Program. The program allows volunteers to feed those patients that are unable to feed themselves. “I had never imagined that anyone other than a nurse would be able to do such a thing. I had seen people feeding patients on the wards but always assumed they were nursing staff or loved ones. I was wrong. These people are comprised of a majority of retired men and women who devote their time to helping others, often expecting little or no recognition at all. I was now a part of this group and it gave me a feeling that I had never before experience. Indescribable pride,” says Adkins. The pride Adkins felt made his willingness to serve insatiable and he sought out yet another volunteering assignment. He was asked to visit the wards and administer surveys to the patients. He surveyed the patients about the quality of the food they had eaten, the appearance of the food and the sociability of the staff that had served it. This put Adkins in a unique position. He would be taking surveys of the food he, himself had cooked and of his co-workers. Adkins explains, “I thought that the assignment was going to place me in an awkward position but it was the exact opposite. Most
Shay with the dietitians of the V.A.
photo by Christopher Hale
patients were very pleased with the quality of the food and the staff as well but this was not the part that I found odd. I had never considered that these veterans didn’t want to complain about the food they wanted to talk about their lives. I was on one ward for an hour and a half and had completed two surveys. I may not have been a worthy surveyor but I am a great listener. Most of these veterans have a need to tell their story but the staff doesn’t always have the time to listen.” Adkins level of dedication is not something that everyone can achieve. Volunteering requires time and commitment. Service learning is now a requirement for graduation. The VA has
an astounding need for volunteers that are willing to give even just a little bit of their time to veterans. For those interested in volunteering at the VA Adkins offers this advice, “All potential volunteers must submit to an orientation and a background check. The background check will be very thorough so do not leave anything out. Be specific with your current skills but be flexible about what you would like to do and they will be able to find a program for you.” Those interested in volunteering opportunities at the VA can contact Voluntary Specialist Dawn Craig at [email protected]
Service-Learning project at KCC
Eleanor Alexander Staff Writer Glenda Morling has a teaching style different from most other college professors. “I have learned different philosophies of learning, of education. I’ve developed these over time,” Morling says about her tapproach to teaching. Above all else, she says she sees the value in, “…hands on learning with students and seeing the value of applying learning rather than having theoretical learning. So if you apply theories…it’s much more relevant to students, so that was really important to me.” In addition to this, she says she felt a disconnect between the community and the college and all of the people in it. This is why Morling is the founded KCC’s service learning project. Service Learning contains three key pieces: an academic piece, to relate what’s being learned in the classroom to the project; an application in the community piece, to apply what is being learned in the classroom out in the community; and a reflection piece, to look back at what was learned in the classroom and in the community and relating these two learning experiences. Morling saw the difference in students who participated in an outside organizations own service learning project. Previously unengaged students became excited and eager when they got involved in the project. At this time, Morling started to consider adapting a program of her own. She and Megan Russell created the class, received a grant, wrote a curriculum together, and brought this idea to life. Kate DeGraaf is now the ServiceLearning manager while Morling focuses on teaching her classes. DeGraaf says the program is a great chance for students to get some experience and realize either this is what they want to do or this wasn’t meant for them. “So it’s a neat way of utilizing what they’re learning in their class but being able to apply it and giving back to the community in different ways,” DeGraaf explains. One of DeGraaf ’s biggest jobs is to work with nonprofit organizations to help them develop project and use the students their specific skills to the advantage of everyone. For example a business
Members of the 2013 SERV 299 class.
photo courtesy of KCC Service-Learning
student could help an organization with the business and marketing aspect of their group rather than doing work any volunteer could do. “Helping them think broader of how we can utilize the skills, talents, and experiences that KCC students have to have more fine-tuned jobs and abilities of serving at the nonprofits,” DeGraaf said. “You getting more involved in the community, and having you become
more civically engaged and aware of social problems and social needs, you are more likely to be involved in those in the future as a member of society,” Morling says. “It makes students more civically engaged for the whole of their lives and we have an impact on problems in society and help to alleviate them. That’s the idealistic goal.”
8
November 2013
OPINION
and talk service. The job of the waiter/ waitress/ bartender is not any easier than that of the cooks. The kitchen makes the money but the floor is where the action is. Each server can have five to twenty tables and each table can sit between two and 6 people, sometimes combining tables to accommodate bigger groups. This means that the average server is waiting on anywhere between two and sixty people, all of whom are eating different foods and drinking different beverages. The bartender is not only making drinks and taking food orders for the people sitting at ‘the rail’ but is making drinks for everyone in the bar/restaurant. Every server has to ring any alcoholOrders pile up at Miller's Time Out. ic beverages to the bartender who then makes the drinks and sends them out. the restaurant staff are a bit different than Some of these cocktails, like a ‘fish bowl’, most 5-9 jobs, with the exception of the have upwards of ten different ingredicook. Wait staff (servers and bartendents. Many of them, such as the ‘Long ers) are paid an hourly rate Island Iced Tea’ and the ‘Long of around $2.65-$5.50 to n e m Beach Ice Tea’ help maintain the estabe for s a e e k a h have a similar and keep cert l of adness m ne of lishment recipe but dif- "Al tain products d m dustr y o es and stocked.prepped ferent amounts tione They in tic plac d o o of some ingref make their money in e o a h t h c t s h dients and some tips, which are paid e mo ."-Cavin Smit completely dif- th as compensation by rk ferent ones alto- to wo the customer, for sergether. With new vices rendered. Also, the servers are mixed drinks bei n g required to pay the bartenders a 10% created all the time and each bar offertip for taking the time to make the serving different ‘house specials’, bartenders ers drink orders, that’s 10% of their total have to memorize a lot of different comtips. So let’s say a server makes $100 in binations and be able to recall them at tips, they have to give $10 of that to the any time. bartender. If they make $10 in tips, one of Now let’s head on to the business those dollars belongs to the bartender. If side of things. The pay and the various they get stiffed on a tip, they don’t make job requirements for each member of anything. If they get walked out on (the
Life through the pass window
Cavin Smith Staff Writer Life in the food industry is as fast as it is chaotic. Many people have the audacity to say things like “How hard is it to take my order and ring it up correctly!?” or “How hard is it to cook a couple of burgers!?” Clearly, these people have never worked in a restaurant before. Imagine for a moment that you are standing in front of a large open flame broiler that can reach temperatures of over 300 degrees. Now imagine having twelve burgers of four different sizes (1/4lb., 1/3lb., 1/2lb. and 2/3lb.) five different temps (well done, medium well, medium, medium rare and rare) and all with different combinations of condiments. Also, on the grill among all these burgers, you have fifteen steaks of three different sizes (6oz, 8oz and 12oz) and five different temperatures. That’s a lot to keep track of, not to mention the various other main dishes and sandwiches, along with all the sides and the deep fried food, nachos, burritos and pan fried shrimp scampi, all cooking at the same time, and only two cooks to do it. With all of the going on, sometimes the “pass window” will get so full of completed orders, there is no room to put any more and it backs up in the kitchen making less room to cook. The ticket rail can get so full that, due to lack of room, tickets will just hang from the printer. Let’s take a step out front for a bit
photo by Cavin Smith
ole Diner’n’dash) they are responsible to pay the full tab at the end of their shift, losing money. All of the aforementioned madness makes the food industry one of the most chaotic places to work. Now let’s get the patrons drunk and see what happens. The staff sees everything from staggering, slurring, mumbling nonsense that boarders on mental incapacity to the hormonally charged violence and promiscuity that infects the darkness of the night. The staff become the bouncers, baby-sitters, caretakers and therapists to society's ill-fated. These people do not get paid near enough to deal with the alcohol infused drama that stumbles out of their doors. If you decide to go to one of the great and chaotic establishment remember “when you get to the corner, turn left and tip right”.
The older student
The Demon D
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor I’ve struggled with depression as long as I can remember. I just never knew that’s what it was; I only knew that I was sad and anxious all the time. I stopped going to sleepovers in the fifth grade because the idea of sleeping anywhere but at my house would send me into a panic attack. It was frustrating and embarrassing, and I lost a lot of friends because of my inability to leave the house. I can recall being in middle school and thinking, if I save my lunch money maybe I will have enough to see a therapist that can tell me what’s wrong with me. In high school the panic lifted a bit, helped by some underage drinking, which I don’t recommend. I was never truly over it, but I could manage it by keeping busy and being with friends. When I graduated high school, it all came rushing back. The panic of starting college in a big city, where I knew no one, drove me back into the cocoon of my room. I dropped out of school and found
a full time job that was close to home, and there I stayed for the next few years. It took meeting my husband to force me out of that comfort zone. I maintained some sense of stability for the next ten years, but my husband’s suicide brought back the old demon. The three years since his death have been a roller coaster. I’ve returned to school, found a new love, bought and sold a house, and suffered a miscarriage. Each time I think that I’m one step ahead of depression, it comes roaring back. If you’ve never struggled with depression, it’s hard to understand. How do you explain not being able to get out of bed, off the couch, or out of the house? For some it’s so easy; they just get up and do it. I can’t. I can’t even try. Every day is the same I make plans, lists of what I want to accomplish the next day. Morning rolls around and it’s the same old story. I spend the day on the couch in my pajamas, flipping channels, playing Candy Crush, or obsessively checking Facebook and Pinterest. Then night comes and I’m not tired because I’ve done nothing all day. Energized, I make more plans and lists and the cycle continues. There is nothing in particular that keeps me from moving. I have no phobias or fears. I’m not actively grieving anymore. I have a good life, great kids, an awesome boyfriend, and school. But if I don’t have a reason to be out of my house it sucks me in, that dark void, that Demon, depression. College students look forward to summer and winter break.
I dread them. I know that they will be months filled with endless days of nothingness. My friends and family struggle to understand my problem. They don’t understand how someone who is so involved and seems to have it all together during the school year can crumble during break. I’ve been called lazy. I’ve been told to get a grip. I’ve watched the looks of pity and disdain wash over their faces. This is what depression feeds off of. Things will be sunshine and roses, and I will still feel bad. Depression is sneaky. It wants to keep me in its grip. So, it will whisper in my ear all my fears and insecurities, “Your boyfriend is going to leave you. You’re fat. You’re ugly. You’re a bad mom.” Then out of the blue on some ran-
dom day, like a flip of a switch, it can be gone. There may be a string of days when I’m forced out of the house to run errands or to go to meetings. On those days I can barely remember why I didn’t leave the house before. I feel encouraged and excited about the future. I run around like a crazy person trying to do everything while I’m feeling good. Yet, in the back of my mind it’s always there, that nagging beast. It’s whispering, “I’ll be back.” I know that it’s the truth, and I wait in fear for its return. If you are struggling with depression there is help available. KCC offers free counseling to students. Contact Support Services at (269)-965-3931 ext. 2624 and schedule an appointment today.
OPINION
November 2013
9
This land was their land
Heidi Myers Staff Writer November is Native American Heritage month and it comes as no surprise to me that so few people actually know any Native American history. While many media outlets and merchandise companies have made strides to represent a wider spectrum of ethnicities, natives have not seen much of this effort. In fact, when I visited the KCC library to do research for this article I could find only one slightly relevant book. Native Americans are getting the short end of the stick in society and it only stings more knowing the horrendous and unfair past they have. As most people know, Natives were the first to inhabit the United States. Despite common belief, we have been able to trace Native Americans’ origin to Asia. Europeans came sometime after and forced many tribes west as well as spreading diseases Natives had no immunity to, therefore killing many of them. In addition to these atrocities, Europeans tried to modernize and assimilate the Nativeslosing much of the rich culture that came with them. To gain a genuine perspective of life as a native today I interviewed Nick Brown, a twenty-six year old Native American and my best friend. Brown got his native heritage from his full-blooded native father, the late Carl Brown Jr. What makes him unique is that he’s not only part of an extremely small ethnic group, he knows and can trace his tribe back. Native American is an umbrella termtribes are where the specific traits and cultural variations occur. Brown is part of the Choctaw tribe, mainly based in the southern region around Oklahoma. He has visited his tribe on their reservation multiple times. I asked Brown what he believes is the biggest misconception about Native Americans. He replied, very blatantly, “That we aren’t basically extinct.” He was referring to the strange phenomenon of a person believing themselves to be a substantial Native America simply because they have a small amount of native blood in a distant relative. “Being one-eighth native on your grandfather’s side isn’t Native American,” said Brown. I would have to agree. Brown does acknowledge that his favorite thing about his heritage is the rich history that comes with it, however jaded it may be at times. When I asked him what one thing he wishes he could impress on people, what one stereotype he would like to erase from peoples’ minds, he responded quickly- “Tonto.” Tonto is the native sidekick character from the 1950s television show ‘The Lone Ranger’ (later made into a movie), whom influenced many representations of natives thereafter. His mannerisms, way of speaking, and overall appearance is seen as incredibly degrading by natives. “I want you to forget everything that happened from the 1950s and on.” Anticipating nticipating what most people in my position would ask, I had one last question for Brown. What did he think, if anything, about the debate regarding casinos owned by tribes in the U.S.? He e replied confidently, “Finally, now we may get the white man drunk and take from him!”
Illustration by Brandon Smith
Thanksgiving traditions
Caitlyn Whitman Staff Writer When all the leaves have fallen to the ground, the air becomes cool, and the pumpkins start disappearing is when we know Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays celebrated around the world. It is celebrated between the dates of the first week in October to the Last week in November. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. The second Monday in October is Canada's Thanksgiving while the fourth Thursday in November is the day the United States celebrates Thanksgiving. It is celebrated as a religious holiday. The word Thanksgiving evokes images of football, family reunions, roasted turkey with stuffing, pumpkin pie and, of course, the Pilgrims, the acknowledged group that started the feast and holiday. In 1621, when pilgrim labors were rewarded with a beautiful large harvest after a year of sickness and scarcity, the Pilgrims gave thanks to God and celebrated the year that was passing and the year that was yet to come. "My favorite part about Thanksgiving is shoving my face with food such as mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing and green bean casserole," Brooke Peludat says. "I hate all the drama that goes on during Thanksgiving, it’s supposed to be a time for thanks. Peludat comes from Hispanic heritage but her family celebrates a traditional Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is one of her favorite holidays because she gets excited for Black Friday shopping the day after
KELLOGG
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Crowds gather for Black Friday deals.
photo by Caitlyn Whitman
with her family and friends, Peludat explains. As for my family, we also celebrate Thanksgiving with family but some years we attend the Lions vs. Packers game before we eat dinner and get ready to go shopping for Black Friday. We also all put our names in a hat on thanksgiving and choose a name that we will be buying presents for Christmas. Becoming part of the Thanksgiving holiday, Black Friday is the biggest shopping day in the world, with sales that bring millions of dollars too many companies. Thursday, November 28, the air will be filled with the smell of fresh turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn and stuffing. Lines will begin to form for shopping, and the temperature continues to drop.
FREE ADMISSION TO HOME GAMES FOR KCC STUDENTS
10
November 2013
OPINION
Dr. Destiny
Dear Abuser, I would file a behavior report as the instructor to have the student removed from the class. As a student who suffers from the behavior of this idiot, I would tell the instructor that this student’s behavior is making it difficult for me to learn. With this back-up, the instructor has more evidence to support the removal of the student. Dr. D. Dear Dr. D, I am celebrating Thanksgiving with my boyfriend’s family for the first time. They are big hunters and love turkey. I’m a vegetarian and belong to PETA. How do I celebrate with them but not compromise my beliefs? Animal Lover Dear Animal Lover, I assume your boyfriend knows of your feelings and hope he has let his family know that you will be enjoying the “fixings” for dinner but not the turkey. You can respect their decision to eat whatever they choose to eat, and they can respect your decision to refrain. If they are insistent, tell them your vegetarian decision is important to you, but the yams are so delicious you don’t need anything else! Dr. D. Dear Doctor Destiny, I’m undergoing a minor surgery on my stomach, which I know will help me lose weight, but I’m scared. I know this is silly, but I’ve been big for so long, this could change my life. Why am I so afraid to change? Living Big in BC Dear Living, Change is difficult for everyone regardless of the degree of change or the fact that it is a choice or is forced on one. Yes, a major weight loss is a change. If you have been able to build your selfesteem despite being a large person, good for you. That self-esteem is not going to vanish with your weight. As a matter of fact, your esteem has been built on the important things: who and what you are as a person of value. Weight loss or gain cannot change that. I’m glad you are doing the psychological work to prepare for how the world will now view you. My guess is that part of you will be a bit angry that before the weight loss, some people ignored you and treated you as worthless, but now, they are open to getting to know you. You know who you are, and you now know who they are and where their values lie. Choose or don’t choose to be their friend now, but now you know. Dr. D.
THE NAGGING MOTHER
All the people you already know
Elizabeth Kerlikowske Advisor I hope you like your friends now because it will be difficult in the future for you to make new ones. Why? You are always on the phone or texting your old ones. Back in the day, people went to college to forge new lives for themselves, meet new people, expand their horizons. Today it seems as the most important thing to a student is to be in touch with the invisible members of their social group. Between classes was an exciting time when you could check out people you might want to meet, maybe smile a little at that certain someone. That was before eyes were firmly cast down onto the cell screen. People used to actually walk instead of doing the phone trudge, unaware that they are keeping actual humans with things to do from moving at a reasonable speed. Students on phones have fallen down stairs, walked into windows, and at WMU, a student was hit by a car while she was texting her roommate in the apartment overlooking the street, so the roommate had the pleasure of witnessing the entire event. Really? A text is more important than your life? I wonder that all the time as I drive down 94. People can text and make phone calls but they can’t use turn signals or even stay between the lane lines. Again, is texting more important than your life? I walked down the Severin Building hallway yesterday, or any day, and people are waiting for class. Back in the day, they would talk with each other. Sure, there are awkward moments when you don’t know people, but getting through those is training for the rest of your life when you are constantly in situations you haven’t been in before, but professionally, you won’t be able to run and hide in your phone. So I hope you have chosen your current friends wisely since they are the ones you’ll be communicating with for the rest of your life. But just try this for one day: walk around campus without texting or talking on the phone. See what it feels like. See if you don’t actually talk or at least have eye contact with more humans.
Dear Dr. D, I know several retired veterans. Most of them have problems with housing and school. Even with student loans, housing is too expensive. Are there any kind of “student housing” opportunities? How can the government screw over veterans? Confused and annoyed Dear Annoyed, I am glad you are concerned about our returning veterans. KCC is proactive in providing support services to our veterans in a number of ways. In addition to the counseling staff and student support services, there is a writing class for veterans. Many people who have been through emotionally and physically challenging situations find that writing about their experiences is very helpful. As for practical, day-to-day living help, our counselors are familiar with programs that offer housing in our area. Any veteran can ask for and receive help through those sources. Thank you for caring. Dr. D. Dear Doctor, When I ask my brother for a favor that involves driving, he lectures me on getting a job or getting a permit. Also when I make a comment about the amount of work I have, he berates me by saying how much harder his work is. What should I do about this? Fed-up sister Dear Sis, Why don’t you get a job and a permit? It seems to me that is the solution to your problem. No one likes to feel as though he or she is being used, so take care of yourself to the best of your ability. It sounds like your brother is tired of feeling like your “keeper,” so give him a break. You will probably find your relationship improves as you become independent. Dr. D. Dear Doctor D, What would you do with all the people that show up to class high or drunk and disrupt the learning of others? Sick of Alcoholic Druggies in BC
the Bridge
ACADEMIC SUPPORT DEPARTMENT
FREE learning support center
Come see us! Ohm Information Technology Center, Upper Level, Room 207
November 15
9 am -12 pm Students, faculty, and staff are all encouraged to participate
Sign up at Bruin Blast or email Service Learning at [email protected] (We will be serving at various organizations around the city)
http://www.kellogg.edu/socialscience/ servicelearning/registerServLearn.html
CULTURE
November 2013
11
THE DARK SIDE OF CAMPUS
Horrorfest in Kzoo
Cara Clingin Staff Writer For those who don’t understand the hype about horror, it may seem like voluntary torture for a few hours. Why, as a species that strives towards pleasure, do we torture ourselves with such negative feelings? According to Science Daily, investigators generally use one of two theories to describe their obsession with horror. Supposedly we aren’t afraid, but excited by the fear or secondly, we are willing to endure the terror to enjoy a euphoric sense of relief at the end. Whatever the reason, horror has been a favorCara and Bob Elmore (Leatherface). ite genre for many. When I first learned that Kalamazoo would be hosting a hortattoo). I was skeptic at first when I heard ror convention with well known icons, I that it was confined just to the Annex was ecstatic! believing that their was no It was located at the way they could hold a cont a h t Annex at the vention in one building. es a speci pleasure, The anime/video game s a y Wings Stadium h "W s wards in Kalamazoo on conventions I have been rives to ture ourselve t s r September 20th to were whole campuso t do we ch negative n through the 21st, es. There was actually with su s?"-Cara Clingi and entry was fifa lot more than meets feeling teen dollars a day, the eye if one would thirty for the weektake the time and smell the end, or one hundred wilted roses. for a VIP pass (that included a real There were back rooms you could
U2R library@KCC
Library Hours
Monday
7:45 am - 9:00 pm
Tuesday
7:45 am - 9:00 pm
Wednesday
7:45 am - 9:00 pm
photo by Eric Vest Jr.
Thursday
7:45 am - 9:00 pm
check out such as the Zombie Room which was a bloody and gory throne room for the Zombie Queen herself. Also, you could pay and have a man in a black apron give you the “Dexter Experience”. We paid for our friend Elijah to be “drugged with a syringe” and dragged to another back room to be carved up for blood collecting. He would follow the infamous ending scene to the show Dexter where he would wrap a victim up with saran wrap and collect their blood sample before slowly carving them up. Needless to say, it was a memorable.
Friday
7:45 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Get where the world is going
12
November 2013
CULTURE
Amongst the venders were some famous artists selling their own work. This included Allen Bellman who illustrated Captain American in the 1940s, Robert Pope who is known for his work on cartoon network (The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Johnny Bravo, Power puff Girls, etc) Chris Yambar (Simpsons in Bongo comics, Popeye, and Mr. Magoo) and even Arvell Jones who is a penciller for Marvel/DC that include Daredevil, Iron Man, Avengers, and even Thor. Along with the special guests were many attractions such as the Mach 5 from Speed Racer, the Ironman 2 suit worn by Robert Downey Jr, a remote controlled R2D2, and even animatronics of Optimus Prime and Starscream from Transformers. Other than shopping you could go and grab a bite to eat from the Kitchen Sage, play cardgames, visit the Nintendo room for some free items and to test out their latest games, learn how to draw some famous icons such as SpongeBob Squarepants, learn how to make bento boxes, and even go get your costume rated and strut your stuff on a stage in front of the con to try and win $100. This was the highlight of my convention: first time in a costume contest, and even though I didn’t place, I had many compliments and an amazing reaction from the crowd. Now for the Pros and the Cons. Let’s get the bad out of the way first. This convention was a total blast…before it got full. If you were in a big costume, much like my costume, then it was difficult to navigate. More than once I found my dress getting caught on someone’s table
Comic-Con comes to Grand Rapids
Cara Clingan Staff Writer Comi-Con conventions have been around for many years and have slowly been increasing in number. This year alone I have seen three new conventions surface in Michigan. Comic Con is one of the most loved and worshipped conventions in the United States. For those who don’t know what Comic Con is, Comic Con is a very large convention for comic books and other popular arts such as anime and video games. While we did have a convention in Detroit, this year was the first year for the Grand Rapids Comic-Con. Held on October 12th at the HS building in Wyoming, Michigan, itwas five dollars to get in or ten dollars if you wanted in early. The other five dollars was donated to Kitchen Sage. This Con was expected to host around 1500 people (which also was the maximum capacity of the building). What we got instead was over 5000 people showing up just before noon. The shopping arena was the highlight area of the Con. There was a wide variety of venders from action figures and comic books to steam punk jewelry and fairies in jars. Some of our local game shops even had tables at the event. I recognized some of the venders from other cons and their individual sites which made me very happy to see some local artists.
Cara Clingin, Eric Vest, and Kelsey Ebevharddressed as characters from Adventure Time
photos by Jonah Maggard
and dragging its contents away accidentally. Also, the wait in line for others was a real downer. With having only 1500 people in the building at a time, some waited outside for hours before being able to go inside. It was to the point if you were inside too long or went outside, your bracelets were taken and you couldn’t come back in. It was amazing to have that big of a turnout at a conventions first debut. When the event was first created, they had no way of knowing that they would have that big of a turnout. The variety of costumes I saw was straight amazing. I saw cosplays of Thundercats, Adventure Time, Avengers, League of Legends, and even Resident Evil. Usually when you’re at a con you see a consistent theme with the cosplays so this was very exciting to see. Now, there isn’t anything wrong with liking a fandom and showing appreciation for it through cosplay, but it was just refreshing to see a different crowd at a con for once. Next year this event will try to be
Cara is dressed as Lumpy Space Princess
photo by News 8
hosted at the Deltaplex in hopes that more than a few thousand people can be inside and not be crowded wall to wall.
Doctor Who celebrates 50 years of time and space travel
Ashleigh Olmstead Staff Writer This past year fans of Doctor Who are celebrating 50 years of time and space travelling and encounters of strange new worlds. On November 23, fans around the world will get a special treat of viewing the special “Day of the Doctor”. “I’m really stoked on it,” says Mike Beard, a huge fan of the show,”I know it’s going to be heart wrenching…and it’s going to bring many feelings...” “Doctor Who” is a television show produced in the UK since its premiere on November 23, 1963(which is when the special will premiere). It’s about an alien known as the Time Lord from a planet called Gallifrey who travels through time and space to help solve problems and save the human race from destruction. He is not alone since his frequent travelers are humans throughout time or aliens from his home planet. He travels in a machine called the TARDIS (it stands for Time and Relative Dimension In Space) which is in the form of a blue telephone box. The term regeneration is also a huge topic in Doctor Who, it started when William Hartnell (The 1st Doctor) could not continue the role because of health issues. Instead of cancelling the popular show, the writers came up with the idea of “regenerating” the character when dying into a new body, replacing the current actor with a new one. There were eleven actors that portrayed the Doctor since its premiere in 1963, including the following. William Hartnell (1963-1966), Patrick Troughton (1966-1969), Jon Pertwee (19701974), Tom Baker (1974-1981), Peter Davidson (1981-1984), Colin Baker (1984-1987), Sylvester McCoy (19871989, 1996 TV Movie), Paul McGann (1996 TV Movie), Christopher Eccleston (2005), David Tennant (20052010), and Matt Smith(2010-). It was also announced that Matt Smith will be
Young Dr. Who fans at Comic-Con.
photo by Cara Clingin
leaving the show, and he will be replaced by Peter Capaldi who will first appear in a Christmas special which premieres on December 25th of this year. Many fans are saddened since Matt Smith, who has become the fan’s most
well-known Doctor (next to Tom Baker in the 1970’s and 1980’s)will be departing the role. They are now anxiously waiting to see if Peter Capaldi will continue the legacy of the previous Doctors.
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CULTURE
In the defense of Grand Theft Auto V
the freedom to make their own choices about how to behave and rewards them in ways similar to real life. Often ignored in discussions of the GTA franchise is the fact that in several of the games, the player can also use an ambulance to run around the city helping the injured. As for the forest, The GTA video games, and GTA V in particular, emphasize one truth more than any other, best stated in director Sergio Leone’s own words. “The west was made by violent, uncomplicated men.” Throughout the game, the antiheroes are occasionally tasked to assassinate corrupt corporate CEOs who manipulate their workers for profit. One of these businessmen, who also acts as one of the game’s main antagonists, is Devin Weston, a representative of every negative stereotype ever associated with the 1%, from his involvement with criminal activities to his ‘let them eat cake’ attitude towards the poor. Should the player choose to (SPOILER ALERT) kill Devin at the end of the game, One of the protagonists, Michael, sums up this stereotype. “You know, Devin, the way I see it, and hey, I'm no intelligent businessman like you, but the way I see it, there's two great evils that bedevil American capitalism of the type that you practice. Number one is outsourcing. You paid a private company to do your dirty work for ya, and then you underpaid that company because you thought you were big enough and bad enough that you didn't have to play by the rules." This is not meant to justify the brutal murders Michael and his partners commit throughout the game, even against villainous Devin, but to demonstrate the frustration and love-hate relationship Americans today have with capitalism, and the unfortunate truths that sometimes crime pays and those at the top often get there by pulling themselves up by somebody else’s bootstraps.
November 2013
13
Vocal Arts Events for November
Alumni/Guest Artist Recital Jackie King, mezzo—soprano
Sunday, Nov 10 3 pm
at the Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Auditorium Free Admission
Johnathan Hogan Staff Writer Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto franchise hardly seems to have anything admirable going for it. Whether it’s copkilling, robbing banks, or mowing over pedestrians with stolen cars, there just seems to be so much about the game that’s despicable. Of course, most of these observations are made by people who have never played the game, basing their comments on snippets and sound bites from reporters who have also not played the game or spoken to its creators. While an individual player may in fact enjoy the violence in the game for its own sake, to focus on the violence alone in GTA is missing the forest for the trees. The recently released Grand Theft Auto V exemplifies this better than its predecessors. Grand Theft Auto IV, its predecessor, was ultimately a story about the death of the American Dream, about an immigrant who comes to America seeking a new life only to be dragged into the criminal underworld and to find that the beloved American Dream is a myth that cannot be reached by pulling oneself up by one’s bootstraps. GTA V, which was released last month and quickly became the most financially successful entertainment product in history, is instead about America’s attempt to survive in this new reality, in a post-economic crisis America. First, to address the criticism of the trees, those who have never played GTA before should understand that committing violent acts in the game is not rewarded by the game itself. There are no points to earn or items to be won. Instead, the player is ‘rewarded’ with wave after wave of police officers doing what police officers are supposed to do: stopping the bad guy. The game gives the player
Davidson Recital Series
Wednesday, Nov 20 1 pm
at the Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Auditorium.
Faculty Artist Recital Series "If it ain't Baroque, don't fix it!"
A musical tour de force of the great works by baroque composers.
Sunday, Nov 24 3 pm
at the Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Auditorium Free-will donation
Thus, it is my hope that the condemners of Grand Theft Auto V see that there is more to the game than violence and that to ban it simply for violence is to turn their view away from reality, because the story of Grand Theft Auto V is itself the story of America.
Painting Poetry
Dip the brush in red like blood and love. Stroke the canvas once, pain. Twice, grief. Stroke the canvas three times, liberation. Breaking of all the walls one created. The lines take shape in sorrow the hand only knows. The colors darken. Darker than the mind. But yet the white of the canvas there’s clarity. An understanding that if the brush continues your mind will be betrayed. A betrayal only the two faced brush can commit. The heart knows as the colors dance together. An eternal dance in the white empty surface. Dancing to comprehend the awareness of ones consciousness. The lights darken and the blacks brighten. The colors only know what the mind conceals. The picture is complete. the canvas screams what was once concealed. Beautiful and lethal. Red of blood and love.
Fausto Villegas
14
November 2013
SPORTS
Volleyball supports Autism Awareness
Caitlyn Whitman Staff Writer On October 8th the KCC’s volleyball team took on Kalamazoo Valley Community College in hopes to raise money for those suffering with autism. All profits raised were donated to the Battle Creek/ Kalamazoo Autism Society Home that helps those affected with autism. Cortney Pipher, a volleyball player, was excited about the chance to play and support the community that supports the team. "This year we have a lot of determination and talent among each player. We are a young team but we all clicked very easily and get along great all the time,” Pipher said. “Everyone works hard every practice, and we hold ourselves high standards." The team wore special light blue uniforms to support autism. There isn't a lot of knowledge about autism, so by doing this event it will raise awareness. Autism is a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts. It is estimated that more than two million people are affected with autism in the United States. 1 in every 110 people in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo are affected with this. The game was free, just like any other home volleyball game at KCC, but donations were welcomed. Raffle tickets were also offered during the game, donations were entered into the raffle to win prize bags that included KCC logo items. The
Outside the game, information table and donation box.
photos by Simon Thalmann
Courney Pipher serving the ball.
team has done many other different fundraising events and has money saved up to be donated to this cause. "The best part of this event is knowing that we are helping out an amazing cause,” Pipher said. “October is typically known as breast cancer awareness month, which is why we like to switch it up and do an autism game.” The volleyball team was very excited for this event just as the soccer team was excited for their breast cancer pink game. KCC continues to earn money for many different causes to help out the community. The next fundraising that will be going on during basketball season is Toys for Tots during the end of October and all of November. “It feels good to know that just by this one game, we are increasing autism
KCC's volleyball team in a huddle.
awareness. The worst part would probably just be if the turnout of our crowd isn't very large,” Pipher explained. “That's
something that we can't control, however, no matter what the turnout is, we still donate and have raised money for the cause."
Working towards improvement
Mary Emington Staff Writer Focusing on the positives and working towards improvement sums up the volleyball team’s stance on its season. The Lady Bruins made progress this season, responding to challenges week in and week out. “The girls have improved tenfold from the beginning of the season,” second season head coach Amy Julien said. The women’s volleyball team faced five sets with rival Kalamazoo Valley Community College as opposed to the typical three sets attests to the Bruins progression. Julien believes her team responded well to her coaching style which will transfer well to the real work world. The work ethic they embodied, she believes, will transfer well. Julien says that her team started to learn better towards the end of the season, figuring out the difference between high school and college level coaching and playing. The sophomore class helped in this transition giving the freshmen a lot to
The volleyball team pinkie promises to work together.
photo by Mary Emington
look up to at critical times. “A lot of the games were hard losses, but we played well together,” Sophomore Tara VanDenberg said. “We had a very talented team and a great group of girls.” These hard losses are something Julien hopes to improve upon for next season.
The Bruins have set their sights high and are looking forward to improving upon their record in the upcoming year. With new recruits and another year under her belt, Julien hopes to succeed in becoming one of the top five teams in the league. “We have high hopes for next year,”
Freshman Lauren Richards said. She shares her enthusiasm with her coach. “We have a great foundation of team chemistry to build on.”
SPORTS
“Practice wise we have been very competitive day in day out,” Klingaman said. The Lady Bruins are returning four players all of which saw their share of the hardwood. Teonna “Tiny” Pope and Therese Vasser of Detroit Southeastern, Britni Upston of Tekonsha, and Yooper Jackie Harwood of Sault St Marie are all returning players. One of the key pickups for the Bruins over the offseason is the very versatile Marion, Indiana native Shalay Stevens. “Shalay Stevens she can play all five spots for me if I wanted her too,” Klingaman stated. Stevens joins Vasser and Harwood as the team captains for this talented team. “Shalay, Therese, and Jackie are all good vocal players that is why they’re my captains,” Klingaman concluded. One of the many talents this team displays is pure speed. In basketball a team with speed, will be a very tough team to beat, this asset has their head
November 2013
15
Lady Bruins ready to pounce
Dakota Roberts Sports Writer As everyone flips the calendar to November, the Kellogg Community College women’s basketball team tips off the season. On Nov. 7 the Bruins play host to Indiana Tech which kickoff the 2013-14. At the beginning of every season there’s a sense of anticipation and excitement in the air, and the Miller Gymnasium is no exception. “We’re going to compete,” Head Coach Kyle Klingaman said “I got a lot of young lady’s that are going [to] play.” Before any games have been played the only testing stick a coach has, is by how well his players practice. The Lady Bruins are definitely a hard-working blue-collar type bunch, who practices at 100%.
The women's basketball team defends the hoop.
photo by Simon Thalmann
coach fired up. “We’re very guard heavy this year,” Klingaman explained “We can run the floor, our defense is better than it has been in the past. Our defense, I like a lot. We’ll be able to press a lot more than we
have in the past.” The ingredients of having a successful team is in place at Cornflake U, but only time will tell the outcome of this young and very talented team.
Young Guns
Dakota Roberts Sports Writer One year after losing in the first round of the postseason, the KCC men’s basketball team is hard at work. Although it’s the same royal blue and white uniforms with Bruins across the front, it is different faces sporting them. Fifteen players occupy the Bruin roster, and only one of them was a Bruin last season. “This year I know I’ve got some pretty mouthy freshman, that have been doing a lot of talking,” Bruins head coach Melvin McKnight explained. “But, it’s good to see that.” Battle Creek Central’s Nathan Taylor is the lone soul from the 2012-13 Bruin roster. “Nate, he did a good job for us last year,” McKnight said of only returning player. A lot of students at KCC realize the difficulty of being a full-time employee. When you’re a head coach of a college basketball team, it’s twice as difficult to balance a full-time job and coach a practically rookie team. “Ben Reed he’s been really helping me out a lot,” McKnight said “He’s a division one caliber guy, and Nathan Taylor drives to the basket. photo by Nick Garrison he’s bringing division one quality to these guys.” Every college basketball players them days. It’s also the days the team dream is to play division one basketball does their annual study table, and with and McKnight believes that Reed can the limited time spent with the team, help make that dream come true. its one thing Coach McKnight has Reed is in his 2nd season as the Brubeen very impressed with. ins associate head coach, and is bringing “The guys have been doing real well some Western Michigan Bronco basketwith study table and I’ve been getting ball experience to the Miller Gymnasome great reports,” McKnight said. sium. Not every college basketball player is “Ben’s been doing all the workouts fortunate enough to play division one and doing it all,” McKnight said “he’s ball, but every college basketball player been really helping me out a whole lot is fortunate enough to be a student this year.” athlete. Both coaches, Reed and McKSome of Coach Reed’s preseason night agree that being a student comes workouts are being held at 6 am every first. Tuesday and Thursday. While most are still tucked in bed, this young group is pouring in the amount of sweat it takes to be successful. “I think overall it’s going pretty good,” Reed said “it really shows them they have to get out of bed and they have to go to school and be responsible.” The grueling and demanding Tuesday Thursday workouts are not the only thing the Bruins need to be sharp on
Date
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
HEAD COACH: KYLE KLINGAMAN
1 2 7 9 13 20 23 6-7 11 14 18 4 8 15 18 20 22 25 29 1 5 12 15 19 22 24 26 1 3 6-7
Oakland Community College Tournament Oakland Community College Tournament INDIANA TECH JV HENRY FORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE Schoolcraft Community College ALBION COLLEGE JV Mott Community College Delta Community College Tournament Henry Ford Community College Owens Community College DELTA COLLEGE *Kalamazoo Valley Community College *GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE *GLEN OAKS COMMUNITY COLLEGE *Muskegon Community College *ANCILLA COLLEGE *Jackson College *LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE *Lake Michigan College *KALAMAZOO VALLEY CC *Grand Rapids Community College *Glen Oaks Community College *MUSKEGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE *Ancilla College *JACKSON COLLEGE *Lansing Community College *LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE MCCAA State Championship NJCAA Tournament 1st Round NJCAA Disctrict - Semi & Finals
Opponent
2013-2014 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
*Indicates league games
(A) (A) (H) (H) (A) (H) (A) (A) (A) (A) (H) (A) (H) (H) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (A) (A)
Site Time
1:00 pm 9:30 am 5:30 PM 1:00 PM 5:30 pm 5:30 PM 5:30 pm TBA 5:30 pm 1:00 pm 5:30 PM 1:00 pm 5:30 PM 5:30 PM 1:00 pm 5:30 PM 5:30 pm 1:00 PM 5:30 pm 1:00 PM 5:30 pm 5:30 PM 1:00 PM 5:30 PM 1:00 PM 5:30 pm 5:30 PM TBA TBA TBA
Date
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
1-2 8-9 13 23 2 6 11 13-14 16 4 8 15 18 20 22 25 29 1 5 12 15 19 22 24 26 1 3 5-7
Oakland Community College Tournament Owens Community College Tournament Schoolcraft Community College Mott Community College Delta College MARYGROVE YGROVE COLLEGE (JV) Henry Ford Community College Kalamazoo Valley Tournament Siena Heights University (JV) *Kalamazoo Valley Valley Community College *GRAND GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE *GLEN OAKS COMMUNITY COLLEGE *Muskegon Community College *ANCILLA COLLEGE *Jackson College *LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE *Lake Michigan College *K’ZOO VALLEY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE *Grand Rapids Community College *Glen Oaks Community College *MUSKEGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE *Ancilla College *JACKSON COLLEGE *Lansing Community College *LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE MCCAA State Championship NJCAA Tournament 1st Round NJCAA District - Semi & Finals
Opponent
2013-2014 MEN’S BASKETBALL
(A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (H) (A) (A) (A) (A) (H) (H) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (A) (A)
Site Time
TBA TBA 7:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm TBA 5:00 pm 3:00 pm 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 3:00 pm 7:30 PM 7:30 pm 3:00 PM 7:30 pm 3:00 PM 7:30 pm 7:30 PM 3:00 PM 7:30 pm 3:00 PM 7:30 pm 7:30 PM TBA TBA TBA
HEAD COACH: MELVIN MCKNIGHT
*Indicates league games
16
November 2013
SPORTS
Q: What made you want to coach at Kellogg Community College? A: I was looking for a head coaching position and it opened up. The last two years I coached at Davenport as their pitching coach. I feel that I am built to be a head coach and not an assistant coach. Q: How do you balance both running a softball and baseball training facility and coaching at the college level? A: It is very important to keep track of my schedule. I rely on other employees to keep my facility going while I’m not there. It will get interesting during the spring with our 3 o’clock games. Q: What are your goals for your team this year? A: Our goal is to always win championships. I want to shock the conference and change the culture at Kellogg. We expect to hit every game. Q: Who will be your biggest rivals? A: KVCC, Muskegon, and Lansing. Anybody who is at the top or who has been at the top; that’s who we want to beat. Q: What are your team’s strengths? A: Our offense is our biggest strength. Our team has to score a lot of runs and our pitching and defense have to be solid. We must limit defensive mistakes and that will equal a lot of success in softball games. clement weather. Those who braved the cold found themselves on a beautiful 18 hole course. Sponsor signs were placed at holes, and each team received a golf cart for the course. Awards for longest hit and closest to the pin were given out as well as a chance at a 50/50 raffle. After a long day of golfing, the teams were stoked to have a meal at the golf club house. Next year KCC softball coach Darrick Brown hopes to make the event even bigger and more profitable.
Coach Brown and The Bruins Softball golf outing fundraiser
Mary Emington Staff Writer Kellogg Community College recently hired Coach Darrick Brown to be the new head softball coach. The Lady Bruin Softball team is preparing for their upcoming spring season at Bailey Park. Coach Brown speaks about his past, position, and plans for his team. Q: Where are you originally from Coach Brown? A: Kalamazoo Michigan. Q: How many years have you been coaching softball? A: 22 years. Q: What inspired you to become a coach? A: My dad and uncles. My whole family is into fast pitch softball. Q: How long have you played the game of softball? A: I started at age 14, so that makes it 26 years. Q: How has your family responded to your new coaching position? A: My family has always been very supportive no matter where I’m at. My wife just want me to be happy so as long as I am happy she is happy. Mary Emington Staff Writer Saturday, October 29, marked the first annual Kellogg Community College Bruin Softball/Golf Outing. The KCC softball team’s fundraiser took place at Cedar Creek Golf Club despite the in-
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Paralegal Program: discontinued
Johnathan Hogan Staff Writer This year will be the last that Kellogg Community College will be running its Paralegal program. The decision to discontinue the program was made before the school year began. Professor Susan McCabe, the paralegal program coordinator, said she came to the decision following a decline in enrollment. McCabe sent a letter out to students on August 6, explaining the situation and her decision. “Last month, we at Kellogg Community College made a difficult decision that affects our Paralegal Program. Influenced by forces beyond our control, we decided to discontinue the program after the 2013-2014 academic year,” the letter read. McCabe cited several reasons for the decision, including a drop in the number of students enrolling, a decline in the number of students who complete the program, and the growing cost of the program itself. “The college has to look at that and say ‘Is this economical?’” McCabe said, “When things are hard to do, you have to do the right thing.” Students currently enrolled in the program will have until next fall to complete their required Paralegal courses. Students will then have ten years to complete their General Education requirements and graduate with their paralegal degree. McCabe said that most of the students should be able to graduate. Another major reason McCabe cited for the drop in student enrollment was the 2008 economic crisis which caused a decline in the number of jobs available locally. “As the economy has gotten tougher, law firms have struggled,” McCabe said. As local jobs have moved or disappeared, students have had less incentive to study as a paralegal, thus causing a decline in student enrollment. Desiree Belote, a student in the Paralegal Program, is expecting to graduate this semester and has been fortunate in her job prospects. “I have been very lucky in that regard,” she said. Belote was able to find an internship last semester in her hometown of Hillsdale, Michigan. She is already a part-time employee, and hopes to make the jump to full-time after graduating. “I am loving what I do and know that if it were not for this program I would not be doing something that makes me so happy,” she said. Belote also Professor Susan McCabe stated she was sad to see the program go. “I am sad to see that the program is ending, it has done so much for me and it is too bad that it won't be there for others.” The effects of the discontinuation of the Paralegal Program stretch beyond students. Stacey Lott, an attorney who works as a sole practitioner and who specializes in Estate Planning and Elder Law, has previously looked to KCC when hiring paralegals. Like Belote, Lott
photo by Simon Thalmann
has been lucky with the state of the economy. While she knows lawyers who have struggled, her business has increased as a result of the times. Following the economic crisis, Lott had more clients coming in looking for help managing their estate and preparing for retirement. “That’s why I’m so busy,” Lott said. “Everyone is afraid of losing their money.” As the workload grew,
continued on page 3
Sleevi takes a break
T.J. Taylor Staff Writer Cancer is the second-biggest killer in the U.S. Most people know someone who has been affected by it, yet when one gets the news, it always throws them for a loop. Tim Sleevi got just that when he was diagnosed with stagethree lung cancer in late October. Sleevi, the Fesehnfeld Center's Director for 15 years, began his medical leave on November 11. This will be his first leave of absence since he began working for KCC. A smoker of 40 years himself, Sleevi stresses the dangers of smoking and what it can mean for your health. "70% of smokers are diagnosed at stage three,” Sleevi sighed. He admits that he has dodged a few bullets over the years, referring to a case of bladder cancer he had about ten years ago and a minor heart attack he suffered only a few years ago. On a more positive note, Sleevi would also like to tell everyone that he is "very, very appreciative of the well-wishes and prayers of the staff and students." Sleevi's doctors want to take an aggressive approach to the cancer and try to knock it out before it spreads, it cur-
Tim Sleevi in his office.
photo by T. J. Taylor
rently only occupies his left lung, and becomes more dangerous. This means that Sleevi will be going through radiation treatment every day for six weeks. He is prepared to attempt to conquer this disease with these appointments,
but he knows they will decrease his energy levels. Sleevi hopes to return by next semester and is treating his leave as a hiatus, not a goodbye. His plan has been
continued on page 2
The Textbook Dilemma... Pg 3
Corpses and Cockroaches... Pg 6
Veteran's Reflections... Pg 7
The Dark Side of Campus... Pg 11
The Hunger Games... Pg 12
2
December 2013
CAMPUS NEWS
were taken advantage of. Students are required to take six or more credit hours to be eligible for campus employment. Patrick Casey, the career and employment services specialist, helps organize those student employment needs on campus. “Every academic year beginning in the fall, departments at KCC relay their student hiring needs to the Career and Employment Services departments,” Casey explained. “(On-campus jobs) can range from tutors to office assistants to lab assistants.” Student positions are paid, the wage depending on the position. “The funding for student worker positions can come in two forms,” Casey said. “Either the on-campus department pays for the position with their departmental funds, or the department relies on work study fund.” Casey explained that work study funds are a part of financial aid which is unique to each student who is awarded through FAFSA. All current on-campus positions are full, but Casey said positions can open or be created at any point during the semester. Two positions have even been made, and then filled, this semester to edit and write for the Bruin.
Working where you learn
Lacy Janousek Co-Editor Lacey Jones drags her mouse across from one computer screen to the next as she opens emails from students in the peer mentor program. The phone is propped under her ear, and she directs calls pouring into the student center. “It’s a lot to handle,” Jones, 19, said. “But thanks to where I work I’m able to get enough done.” The desks in the student life area are filled with student workers just like Jones. She explains the job gives her freedom to do homework in her down time, but that doesn’t come frequently. Jones is part of the Upward Bound program. She is the first in her family to attend college and this is her first semester of secondary education. On top to tackling homework, Jones works in the student life department. According to the human resource department, Jones is one of 76 students currently employed on campus. Last fall, only 37 employment opportunities
Lacey Jones checks her email while taking calls in student services.
photo by Lacy Janousek
KCC’s Career and Employment Services do more than provide oncampus job opportunities to students. The employment board, located in the OHM building lobby outside the HUB, details job postings on-campus, offcampus, internships, and work study programs. Meaning the employment board is up to date information of employment opportunities in the Battle Creek area. Taking on a student job can be
tough as Jones contests. “It’s hard to find a balance between work and school,” Jones said. Oncampus jobs are a great way to create a balance because employers understand of the homework load’s importance, she explained. In order to get emails of updated openings in part-time, full-time, internships, and co-op work, students can create an account at www.collegecentral. com/kellogg.
Scholarships are available
students who apply. “I think a lot of students are so busy with studying and life that they fail to notice.” Cutsinger said. The students who do apply, however, almost always receive some sort of financial assistance that makes a difference in their ability to attend school. Foundation Assistant Jayme McHale noted a particular instance in which the funds made a difference. “A girl came up to me, a nursing student,” McHale said. “The Nursing Program is really expensive to take.” Upon approaching McHale, the student said, “A scholarship made a difference to me.” The donors behind these scholarships often seek to make such a difference having received such help themselves. “We hope to plant a seed of philanthropy,” Cutsinger said of the Foundation. One such donor who had such a seed planted within them was Professor Sue Stetler, a math professor at KCC. Stetler offers a scholarship for non-traditional students (those 25 and older who have not graduated college previously). Stetler said her motivation for the scholarship came from her own experiences as a non-traditional student as well as that of a student she was teaching who was non-traditional. “She didn’t feel she had the same resources as a traditional student,” Stetler said. Stetler then began preparing money for her own scholarship with the help of friends and family, hoping to help students in financial need as well as pass on the seed of philanthropy. For more information about the Kellogg Community College Foundation and scholarships available, students should ask their advisors or contact Ginger Cutsinger at [email protected] or Jayme McHale at mchalej@kellogg. edu.
Helping hands
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor Lera Lowrie and Kandice Anderson are deep in conversation while they prepare for Yoga class to start. What makes this scene any different from thousands of conversations across campus is that it is taking place with sign language. Anderson is deaf and Lowrie is her interpreter. Lowrie is an employee of Deaf Link an organization that partners interpreters with the deaf. Lowrie works with students at KCC but also works at business meetings, hospitals, religious organizations, and countless other venues. Lowrie jokes, “The amount of classes I've interpreted are countless. I always joke that if I just took all the classes I've interpreted I'd be a doctor three times over in many fields of study. The truth is I know how lucky I am to be in situations that I would never be in otherwise and have gained a lot of useful knowledge. Interpreters always say they have a little expertise in everything.” Lowrie, who has her hearing, grew up in a deaf family, both of her parents are deaf. Lowrie explains, “Growing up in a deaf family gave me the ability to be an interpreter but not the desire. I always knew I was given a gift to be part of this amazing culture and world but I didn't know how it applied to me until I started working in the field. Once I realized my passion for it, there was nothing else that compared.” Lowrie, a KCC alum, enjoys working with KCC students and is aware that she is a curiosity in classes that she interprets. Hearing students can’t help but stare as she signs the lectures for her deaf students. Lowrie doesn’t mind the stares and encourages the attention stating, “Having students watch while I work is par for the course. I don't mind being watched at all. I know watching the interpreting experience can inspire others to check into this field of study. Because of the severe shortage of interpreters in our state I always hope this is the outcome of being watched.” Learning sign language is not unlike learning a foreign language like Spanish or French. It takes time and training. Since signing is Lowrie’s native language she has never not known how to sign, but knowing the language and interpreting are two very different areas of study, it took Lowrie years to learn how to interpret. The interpreter training programs in the state are 2-4 year programs. Lowrie’s passion for the empowerment of the deaf is evident. She works daily to debunk the many misconceptions about the deaf community. She quotes I King Jordan when she says, “The thing I always remind people is that deaf people can do anything... but hear.”
Johnathan Hogan Staff Writer The Kellogg Community College Foundation is now offering scholarships for the 2014- 2015 school year. These scholarships are available to all students who fill out the proper application and turn it in to the Foundation’s office located in Room 101 of the C building by the proper due date. For students in financial need who are looking for multiple scholarships, the Foundation is providing an all-inone application to shorten the amount of paper work that needs to be filled out. The KCC Foundation scholarship application involves a student filling out their basic information and writing an essay about themselves and their experiences that can range from 150 words to two pages. The Foundation also requires that students provide a résumé, at least three letters of recommendation, and their transcripts from all colleges they’ve attended, including KCC. The KCC Foundation then takes that information and puts in the application for all scholarships the student in question is eligible for. The essay and other materials will then be considered by committees made up of impartial community members to determine who receives the scholarship. Ginger Cutsinger, executive director of the KCC Foundation, said that the number of students who apply is usually around 200 out of 14,000 who attend the school. Every year the foundation has to decide what percentage of their unrestricted funds will go out for scholarships, 4%, 5%, or 6%, and almost always chooses 6% due to the low number of
Sleevi takes a break
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to retire in June of 2016 and even with this new road block, he hopes to stick to that plan. He has the full intention of fighting this as best as he can and is hope-
ful, but still remains realistic about the situation. "The odds are not extremely in my favor," Sleevi says, then after a moment adds, "but it can be done."
CAMPUS NEWS
December 2013
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The textbook dilemma
Bob Psalmonds Staff Writer You’ve registered for the next semester’s classes. It’s time to get the textbooks listed in the posted course description. For those with monies available through the school due to scholarships, grants, and loans, this simply means walking into the Bruin Bookstore. Your only issue might be that the books not in stock due to under ordering (a frequent occurrence), it’s backordered or you’ve waited so long to purchase it that the books were sent back. Timing issues aside, even art or photography items can be quickly acquired. Long wait for the counter over, it’s all deducted from your funds and you’re ready for the first day of class. For those students not on the instant monies program, it takes a little more research, ingenuity, and even luck. Googling the words “College Textbooks” can get you almost twelve million options. Due to time constraints, most students go to the big four: Barnes and Nobles, Amazon, Chegg, and Ebay. Through the services and options vary somewhat, all are more than willing to hook the student up with his required resources...for a price. This is usually lower than the Bruin bookstore and can vary depending on the book and option selected. First, you can just buy the textbook. Like all online financial actions, this will normally take a charge card and waiting until it shows up on your doorstep. The new books are close to retail prices but many online merchants offer a discount to preferred members and/or college students. An education is not cheap and books are a big chunk of the student’s costs. The nice thing is that once the class is over and you decide not to keep the book for future review, it can be put back out on the market or sold to these same businesses to get money for the next round of textbooks (or, even better, study pizza). One student did note that she netted $40 for the textbook when she sold it online over the on-campus bookstore’s offer of $10, so the effort to find another buyer might be worth it. A textbook you have to have but will likely never look at again could be rented instead. Chegg and Amazon are good ones for that option. It’s much cheaper and works the same as buying the text outright. Save the box it came in since returning it that way covers the postage. If you like to highlight the important stuff, go ahead. Most places have no problem with the student getting the most out of their textbooks. The options out there are pretty long for finding the right book at the best price. Doing a little research before clicking the purchase icon could mean saving enough to get a few of the course additional items listed in the syllabus, as most photography and art students can identify with. Another option growing in popularity is Etextbooks. Go online, find the correct title and edition, purchase the paperless computer version, and get to reading. With the new wave of technology that seems to expand by the second, this may become the preferred book form of college professors and students alike. The advantage’s photo by Lacy Janousek include price, speed Hundreds of dollars worth of textbooks option and has said more than once that of delivery (mere seconds compared to the world’s vast treasure of knowledge is FedEX/snail mail), and all the extra aponly a google search away. Since it’s less plications. One art professor, Brad Poer, environmentally destructive, the two just predicted digital will become the norm might be right. within the next ten years. A google search of your own will proPoer felt having the videos and muvide more ideas and options available to sic applications being so readily available you. Some readers will always opt for the a fantastic idea. His one negative thought solid feel of a book. Others have left that was that most students will not put the archaic system behind as they surf the elecEtextbook up on their digital shelf for retronic waves. Either way, be smart and review later on. search before buying or renting the required Eric Petty, a computer guru and vice resources. It could save you a lot of cash. president of the Geek Club, uses only this
Creative twist on midterm
Written by: Miranda O'Neil, Selias Pittman, Kara Minick, and Amanda Montgomery Lite 105 students and instructor, Rose Swartz, held court in the Grahl center lobby from 12 to 2 p.m. on October 31, 2013 for a Literature themed Halloween party. Students dressed as famous poets and authors and shared excerpts, facts, and anecdotes from their characters. Students walked through hallways and classes while sharing candy and information. Some highlights of the party were Kara Minick dressed up as Granny Weatherall, a character from Katherine Anne Porter’s “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall.”Granny Weatherall won the costume contest and also displayed some uncharacteristic dance moves. Brandon Larned did a spot-on impression of Hunter S. Thompson. While Kurt Buerle impersonated Sammy from John Updike’s “A & P.” Minick, with Subway gift card in hand, declared this “the best Midterm…ever.” Students were graded on their costume efforts, participation, excerpts, and knowledge. Selias Pittman, who arrived in full regalia as Paul Laurence Dunbar, enthusiastically shared the poem “We Wear The Mask” while wearing a glittering Mardi Gras Mask. Pittman said “It was very exciting to learn about the poets and authors in such a fun and interesting way.” Be prepared next year for more Halloween Festivities!
Instructor Rose Swartz as Emily Dickensen and Selias Pithman as Paul Lawrence Duhbar
FREE learning support center
Paralegal Program: discontinued
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the Bridge
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Come see us! Ohm Information Technology Center, Upper Level, Room 207
Lott began searching for assistance and hired Amanda Young, a KCC student who graduated in 2011, who received a call from Lott the same day she graduated. Shortly after, Young’s friend and fellow student Davena Shute was also hired. “I wanted to know I was hiring some-
one who knew what to expect,” Lott said. “When you get really good help, your business takes off.” When asked in an interview what she planned to do should her business require another paralegal, Lott looked down and shook her head. “I don’t know.”
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December 2013
CAMPUS NEWS
The power of Service-Learning
Kerry Korpela Guest Writer During my senior year of high school I completed the SERV 200 course. In January, I dithered and dallied in an attempt to choose the single course I could take as a dual-enrolled student. My mother pushed that I take a Service-Learning course, promising it would help me overcome any anxiety I possessed over meeting new people. Ironically, that never happened, but we’ll get to that later. I never imagined, when I walked into that room, how very sheltered I was, even growing up in Battle Creek. Life is infinitely more varied and complex than we can imagine. In the beginning of the class, we were given definitions of community. After establishing that each person is in fact the member of global, national, state, and local communities, the connections between serving different populations with different professions became quite detailed: how are Dental Hygienists uniquely qualified to serve a certain population, and in what ways could they do as such? Or someone trained in construction, or a librarian. In other words, how do the things we are taught in the classroom apply to the different sectors, both profit and non-profit, of the world we live in? We were also carefully taught why such awareness was important. Gaining insight into others’ lives gives insight into our own, as well as achieving greater empathy and communication with others. This overall can make working with a group more productive and enjoyable. Knowledge about the state around us and the effects an institutionalized system has on a population can lead to valuable knowledge about how to make the system work more in favor of those who are marginalized and disenfranchised. I would like to say that when any single population of human being, be they grouped by race, gender, sexual, or socioeconomic group, is marginalized or silenced, in one way or another the other populations suffer for it. But that is in fact, not the truth. Specific groups of people are oppressed and marginalized for particular reasons in order to benefit others, be this institutionalized or event based oppression. I’d seen poverty and injustice before, but I had never stopped to think of the implication that my own life, was in fact, contributing to reinforcing a system that condones and causes many of these things. Or on an even higher level, the majority’s existence has. Service-learning is so much more than just labor, work and book learning. Embedding oneself in the community viscerally changes a person’s perspective, outlook, and mindset. Not every service-learning project is about helping the tragically disadvantaged, true, but the experience of coming into contact with so many people who live in and depend upon the same town as you is eye opening. And so I sallied forth, hoping to make the best of what opportunities were offered to make a change in Battle Creek. There were a lot of opportunities. Our instructor handed out five pages worth of non-profit and government organizations designed to do work in the community. I was still leery of the idea of direct involvement with people in the community, so I opted for something called indirect service. That meant I would still be serving the members of my community, but in a way that did not involve direct contact. This is definitely a positive aspect of service-learning: in-
Give a little
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor With the holidays quickly approaching you may be feeling a little more generous and compelled to help the less fortunate. The following is a list supplied by the VA of their needs. None of the items on this list cost more than $20. Now is the perfect time to dig deep into your pockets and give what you can. The VA is in need of: • Gas cards ($20 amounts) • Food gift cards (McDonalds, Burger
A dog awaits adoption.
photo by Lacy Janousek
credible diversity, in both the people you meet and the projects you can undertake. If you can imagine a service, it’s already probably going on, and if it isn’t, there are A LOT of people out there willing to help get it started. And there is no wrong way to go about putting your energy and resources to good use. So I chose a happy medium: work with others to care for the adoptable animals at the Calhoun County Animal Center. I was astonished by the devotion and determination of the individuals who worked at the Center. After about ten hours of working there, not even consecutively, I had reached a considerable level of frustration over the hopelessness and frequent cruelty dealt to the dogs, in particular, before entering our care. How could these individuals clean up the mistakes, messes, and cruelty cause by other humans in the form of helpless animals, knowing there was nothing they could do to stop it? I found it to be quite ironic that I learned so much about my fellow human beings while I was taking care of animals.
• Personal hygiene products for ethnic groups (male and female) • Individually wrapped cookies • Men’s shampoo and conditioner • Denture adhesive and denture brushes • Hair brushes, hair ties, headbands etc. • Shower shoes • Toothpaste • Body wash • Granola bars • Composition books • Hats and gloves VA Medical Center 5500 Armstrong Rd Battle Creek, MI 49037
King, Wendys, Subway etc)
Volunteer with CitiLinC
Bob Psalmonds Staff Writer Dale Boyer, the Executive Director of CityLinC, has been on the KCC Service Learning Counsel for about five years. Boyer is an avid believer that experience is one of life’s best teachers. “By choosing a variety of places and activities during their Student Learning, the individual gets a better understanding of what he likes or dislikes. Another benefit is clarifying what skills and strengths they possess,” Boyer said. “Many volunteers have done things outside their areas of study just to try other fields or take a break just for the fun of it. This also teaches a life style of volunteerism. There’s a great joy in helping others.” CitiLinC is a program giving student the opportunity to try something new while earning the service learning requirement for all students who started at KCC after fall 2012. This is a Christ-based, non-profit organization that has been around for 45 years. It is filled with people who live out their beliefs through love with a desire to help people better their lives. Youth Guidance, which helps with adoptions and satisfaction of helping them, this stuand the Foster Care system, is currently dent learning fits in a portfolio well, espeworking with the state dealing with thirty cially those going into human services. five children. Women’s Resource Center is a pro“These experiences help us as we gram which lets women with special mature in life to become givers and not talents and perspectives bring a wide takers.” Boyer explained. “Finally, putting range of support to local teens and young effort into helping others without being women regardless of their background or paid presents a very positive impression belief. The Pregnancy Center for Women when included on the student’s future rein Crisis offers a respectful, safe alternasume.” tive for young women havBoyer praised ing to make life-changing “These all those involved for decisions. their versatility, love experiences help CityLinC also offers and compassion. us as we mature in volunteering opportuniThis extended to ties at The Mentor House over a dozen KCC life” and Second Wind Menstudents that have tors, which fills the needs Boyer performed a Student of many of those that have Learning contract there in the past. personal or legal troubles in their life. Volunteers here have helped the There’s the Stuff-A-Bus Campaign families with such activities as home visifor school kids to get school supplies tation, case aid, support during court apwhich someone has to help collect. The pearances, or allowing the foster parents Red Wagon Community Partnership that an occasional break. Many individuals stands by the belief every child deserves needing counseling and a willing ear can caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, go to Pathways Christian Counseling, a good education, and opportunities to which provides personalized care to treat help others. Then there is the Ministry the entire person - emotionally, physicalNetwork of Calhoun County, providing ly, and spiritually. Besides the experience hope so individuals can experience their God-given potential through fellowship. There are other opportunities through CitiLinC that don’t involve counseling or spirituality. Volunteers have helped internet cable installation after office hours, did a community survey among professionals to cultivate support and needed client training, office work to include sorting mail, preparing mailings, data entry, interface social networking with Constant Contact and Facebook, etc. There is always a need for people able to do repairs, perform maintenance, and restoration to a building next to their offices. Having the need or desire to put in some hours of service is all that’s required, Boyer can guide those to countless opportunities. CitiLinc will work around a student’s school or work schedule. However, a background check is required before an individual can get started. Contact Jayme McHale in the Kellogg Foundation office with questions. The 2014 calendar, for sale at $10 to help fund their operation, has a pretty complete description of each plus some photos by Jayme. Those interested in CitiLinC can call Dale Boyer at 969-9181 or E-mail [email protected].
CAMPUS NEWS
December 2013
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A beacon of hope
T.J. Taylor Staff Writer KCC has teamed up with the United Way to bring change to Battle Creek and help make the city become the nation's very first "Beacon Community." What is a Beacon Community? It is described by the Harwood Institute as “a place where an emerging group of individuals and organizations are committed to working in a new way and understand what it takes to create change in the community.” Kellogg Community College is one of six “core team” organizations being utilized to promote Battle Creek as a Beacon Community. Their plan is to create a critical mass of individuals and groups that work together to drive change in the community and to build community conditions for sustaining change. Local organizations such as Project 2020, VOCES, BC Pulse and United Way are all involved in the project and have been using these tools and concepts over the past several years in Battle Creek. Laura Otte, project manager for the Beacon Community, is enthusiastic about Battle Creek’s potential as a Beacon Community. “Kellogg Community College has offered affordable, quality education to the Battle Creek area and beyond since 1956,” Otte explained. “KCC has always been a great supporter of events and organizations, and we’re lucky they chose to partner with us on this journey." The reason for the multi-team centered leadership is because they like to have multiple perspectives in their meeting from all different kinds of organizations as it allows them to hold each other accountable. “We learn from each other and the combined reach in the community each team brings to this table is an incredible asset to the work,” Otte says. There have been many Beacon Community-related events such as the 3-day Harwood Public Innovators Lab and over 25 Community Conversations in which they gathered public knowledge was from over 230 people by partnering with other organizations. They also had a booth at this year’s Bruin Blast and filmed brief testimonials of KCC students talking about what they like about Battle Creek. Most recently, United Way held an "Intentionality Forum" in November, in which all the core teams came together and communicated with each other about what each of their plans are in this Beacon Community program. Also in attendance were members of the Harwood Institute, who brought tools and talked through strategies to create conditions of change in Battle Creek. Susan Taylor Simpson of the Harwood Institute said that the purpose of their involvement at the event is to "get various organizations and partners working together to create pockets of change." Their first pocket of change is to work with middle school students to help them become leaders of the community in the future by working on the transition from middle school to high school, effectively lowering the dropout rate and also encouraging them to eventually move on to college. "It's very exciting to see all the leadership organizations come and work together to impact change," CEO of United Way Mike Larson expressed gratitude to all the teams participating. He also stressed the importance of getting the community and citizens of Battle Creek involved to address issues and improve the city. For more information, just search “Battle Creek – Beacon Community” on Facebook or Youtube to find them.
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2 2-3 3-4 4 4 Transfer Student Information Table: WMU College of Education and Human Development Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Healthy Choices Leadership Organization: Seeds of Success Fundraiser Student Center • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Stress Busters Central Walkway • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm KCC Jazz Band Concert Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Auditorium • 7:30 pm Student Recital Series Event-Performances by KCC students studying through Individualized Music Lesson Program Area Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Auditorium • 1:00 pm Mobile Medical Clinic-FREE KCC Circle Drive • 8:30 am - 11:30 am Healthy Choices Leadership Organization: Island Party Student Center • 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Siena Heights University Central Walkway • 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Western Michigan University: Haworth College of Business Central Walkway • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Closing Reception: Didactic Revolvers- Art Prize Entry Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center, KCC Davidson Building • 4:00 - 6:00 pm KCC Men's Basketball vs Marygrove College Miller Gymnasium • 6:00 pm Choral Event: "Sounds of the Season" Branch County Community Chorus presents Gloria! by John Rutter. Additional works by Handel, Vivaldi, Dufay, and J.S. Bach. Freewill donation. 27 E. Chicago St. Coldwater, MI • 7:30 pm Christmas Concert: Community Music School Concert Band Music Center of South Central Michigan • 3:00 pm True Life: Gathering Kellogg Room • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Transfer Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Mosaic Reading Student Center • 7 pm Coffeehouse Concert: Caroling Central Walkway • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: WMU College of Education and Human Development Central Walkway • 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Opera Workshop Performance: “Musical Madness” - Select semi-staged scenes from some of the best known and beloved operas and Broadway shows Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Auditorium • 7:30 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Winter Mich-Mash Theatre Production: FREE Davidson Visual & Performing Arts Center Auditorium • 7:30 pm Cereal City Concert Band: Christmas Concert First United Methodist Church 111 E. Michigan, Battle Creek, MI 6:30 pm KCC Women's Basketball vs Delta College Miller Gymnasium • 5:30 pm
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History of Rock
Lacy Janousek Co-Editor Students will want to get out their air guitars and headphones for a highly anticipated course spring semester when Tony Wright will be teaching History 297: The History of Rock and Roll again. “This course places an emphasis on understanding how rock and roll shaped American history and how American history shaped rock and roll,” Wright, adjunct instructor since 2008, explained. There are currently four seats taken out of the thirty-eight available for the spring course. Wright is looking forward to spots filling up. “Michelle Wright, Professor of History, approached me three or four years ago and asked if I had any special topics classes in mind for the Social Sciences Department,” Wright said. “I had a few ideas, but the one that really stuck out was a history of rock and roll class.” The course was first taught by Wright in Spring 2011. As a huge fan of rock and roll, Wright is eager to teach about some of his favorite musicians again this spring. The course covers rock and roll eras from the 1950’s to current trends. “It will be exciting to cover The British Invasion, garage rock, punk rock, heavy metal, hip hop, the MTV era, and alternative rock,” Wright said. “I am a fan of many artists including The Beatles, The Who, Otis Redding, Black Sabbath, The Replacements, Sam & Dave, Metallica, The Velvet Underground, Public Enemy, Nirvana, and my favorite band Guided by Voices.” The course will be taught Thursdays from 6 to 9:15 pm in the Severin Building. “We have even had guest speakers from the world of rock and roll including Tommy James, 60's music superstar, and Ian MacKaye, founder of Dischord Records and member of the band Fugazi,” Wright explained that guest speakers enhance the learning experience for students and give them a chance to learn from people in the rock and roll industry. “This course places an emphasis on understanding how rock and roll shaped American history and how American history shaped rock and roll,” Wright said.
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We don't fear stress
Eleanor Alexander Staff Writer With just a couple weeks remaining until the end of the semester, students are starting to feel overwhelmed. If you are one of these students, visit the Kellogg Room in the Student Center on Dec. 3 and 4. From 11 AM to 1 PM Michael Houston and Student Life have organized free massages, snacks, and tips for students. These stress-busting sessions are held in December and April, just before final exams to help students cope with everything. In the past there have been raffles, tutoring, advising, and different fun activities such as coloring and balloons.
CAMPUS NEWS Corpses and cockroaches KCC's choir goes Italian
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December 2013 Ashleigh Olmstead Staff Writer Mosaic will be having a reading on December 9th at 7 p.m. in the student center. Mosaic, KCC’s student literary magazine, is published every spring and fall. Mosaic is an excellent opportunity for student writers to get their pieces published for the first time. This semester’s Mosaic entries are varied and feature such titles as “Corpses and Cockroaches,” and "Headaches and Heartaches.” “They were all really good,” says Elizabeth Kerlikowske, advisor of the Mosaic, "What's different is that last year in the fall,we printed exclusively poetry; this year we are doing more short stories and prose, as well as poetry.” “Most people will be reading December 9th for the first time,” Kerlikowske mentions. “It’s my hope that they will have a good experience.” Aside from the reading on December 9, there will also be awards for the Best Poetry Piece, Best Prose Piece, and best essay. The Mosaic is edited by members of The Crude Arts club, and this year’s submissions were judged by adjunct English instructor and published poet Rose Swartz. Swartz awarded Best Essay to "Teeth" by Tiffany Thatcher because it is shocking close to real life and has an amazing last sentence. “The sharp details and flashes of description in this essay allow the reader to experience the events alongside the writer,” Swartz said of Thatcher’s piece. “The tone and dialogue remain steady, yet manage to invoke a sense of panic.” Dueling Dachi by Jacob Bodenberg won Best Poem. Swartz loves how the piece “begs” to be read aloud. “These tandem pieces aptly enacts a duel. Wellplaced line breaks and precise use of language allow the words to become sound and movement,” Swartz explained. Finally, Best Prose was awarded to a piece by Heather Tramel called "Finding Home". “The details in this story intricately unfold to reveal more and more about the specific character, plot, and situation. Each paragraph is another onion skin-like layer,” Swartz said, “Though we never learn the girl’s name, she becomes as familiar to us as a spouse, a sibling, a self.” The reading is open to the public and all writers are encouraged to read their piece and to invite family and friends. campus. The intention is for students and faculty to “feed the pig” their spare change. Feed the Pig took place the entire month of November. Second is the Go Fund Me online Tiffany Thatcher fundraising initiative. This fundraiser Co-Editor is open to everyone across the country. Choral members can ask friends and famThe KCC choral Union will be traveling ily that may be far away can still help out. to Italy’s Amalfi coast for their 2014 conThird took place at Buffalo Wild Wings in cert tour next summer. The choirs will Battle Creek on November 25. 20% of all tour the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel purchases made, when accompanied by a and will perform at an evening mass in voucher, would be donated to the choir. Sorrento. The Union, which consists of Fourth is the Help Kellogg Choirs get the Branch County Community Chorus, to Italy on My.fundraising.com where The Kellogg Singers and the all female people wishing to donate can make purgroup the Conchettas will not only perchases from the website form but also tour the or donate directly to a Sorrento region of Italy. student. The final fundThe Choir toured “We are the face raiser for this semester Ireland in 2012 and Dr. of KCC and the is the selling of ad space Gerald Blanchard, Dicommunity” in the choirs' programs. rector of Choral Music Blanchard The ads will be featured at KCC, was not expectin the programs for fall ing another concert tour concert event in Coldfor at least five years. Blanchard was apwater and the Singing in the Spring event proached by Dennis Bona, KCC presiin April. There will be a rummage sale dent, who asked if they would ever connext semester, a holiday candle sale, and sider traveling to Italy and then offered to an evening of Italian food and music at a partially underwrite the trip. Blanchard location unknown at this point. leapt at the chance to once again show“We are the face of KCC and the case KCC’s choir abroad. community here. We are ambassadors The Choirs are currently doing funfor KCC and Battle Creek across the draising to help defer the cost of the trip state and across the ocean,” Blanchard exin several interesting ways. plains. The Union is eager for all experi“Every penny counts,” Blanchard ences the trip will give its members. “We said. are very proud of what we’ve done.” First is the Feed the Pig project. Donation boxes along with stuffed pigs have been placed in different spots all over
FREE ADMISSION TO HOME GAMES FOR KCC STUDENTS
FEATURE
December 2013
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Veteran's reflections
The Few and The Proud: Redefined and Revisited
By E. Louis D'Felio Throughout our history, serving in the military has (primarily) been viewed as a noble and honorable act of unselfish sacrifice for a greater good. The "greater good" is often defined as an ideal in which life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are fundamental rights for all. From its inception this nation has fought wars, battles, and conflicts at home and abroad to promote such a philosophy. Unfortunately, members of the military have often been placed in the middle of the chasm between the citizenry and body politic. The farther the citizens and political officials are removed from the military (i.e., fewer and fewer volunteers willing to serve and sacrifice), the less understanding there is and will be. Signs of protest such as “We Support the Murder of American Troops,” “Thank God for Dead Soldiers,” “Sailors and Dogs Keep off the Grass,” and “Baby Killers” are clear examples. Contrary to the view of some, military personnel are not mindless war-mongering robots who cannot think for themselves. Military members are a reflection of their society on all levels. Lest we forget that a sailor, soldier, airman, or marine is a son/ daughter, mother/father, brother/sister, or husband/wife of someone we know. The men and women who serve answer a call that many others choose not to. They often leave their homes and innocence behind them to protect a nation and a way of life in which they believe. Choosing to serve is similar to a parent protecting his/her offspring, yet significantly different as a complete stranger willing to give his/her life for another stranger. Myths, inaccurate media reports made up by political officials, anti-war activists, and our government's mismanagement of wars, battles, and conflicts cause just as much harm to service members as military action. Service members are caught between serving their nation and trying to remain a citizen. It's an awkward and often contradictory proposition. Service members want to belong to and feel connected. Belonging is a fundamental need that is crucial to the human experience. Being ignored, excluded or ostracized is a form of invisible bullying that can have a profound, more painful impact than a physical wound. Biologically speaking, the same part of the brain is activated whether the pain is the result of a physical or emotional/mental injury. The consequences of such bullying are long lasting. It can lead to anger, alienation, depression, helplessness, and feelings of unworthiness. Service members do not enter wars, battles, or conflicts on their own volition. They are ordered to do so by our President as a means to an end. Political officials set the rules of engagement, which often put service members in compromising situations. Demeaning, disrespectful and insulting acts towards service members are not only misguided and misdirected, they are harmful to the nation as a whole. As Richard M. Nixon stated, "Let us understand: [North Vietnam] cannot defeat or humiliate the United States. Only Americans can do that."
A veteran sets his hat down to pay respects.
photo by Simon Thalmann
He Vet/ She Vet She Vet
By Heather Tramel/Bob Psalmonds In 1997, I was one of four women training to be a communications specialist in my Advanced Individualized Training (AIT) course at Ft. Gordon, GA, alongside more than a hundred men. As a woman and mother who served in the United States Army alongside my husband, I have a unique perspective on veteran’s issues. I recall one evening I received a phone call from the Family Readiness Group for our Battalion, requesting my presence at the next meeting and reminding me how important it was to our husbands, that we support them while they selflessly, serve our country. I answered her with a simple question, “Will my husband be required to attend this meeting, in order to support me?” It seems that the role female soldiers have in their own military careers has always been in the shadow of men. When my then husband was leaving military life, I was given a certificate of appreciation, for being a supportive wife during his service, but he received nothing for supporting his wife when I left military life six months later. I am still offended by the certificate that has my misspelled name and does not include my hard earned rank. It is a reminder that as the wife of a soldier I was an afterthought. I have witnessed male veterans being thanked for their service by do-gooders and well-wishers, but I am rarely thanked for my service because I don’t advertise my veteran status on a tee-shirt or baseball cap. Keep a couple things in mind before you approach a service member in public. There may be a spouse and children who deserve your heartfelt thanks as well. Not acknowledging them makes the family feel less important and is a reminder of the risks our loved ones take. Women veterans are everywhere, we are of all ages, races and ethnicities, and we can blend in to our communities with little effort, but we deserve a big thanks for our service as well.
He Vet
It is true that the female veterans are often overlooked for their service. Though females have been training for combat missions for years, most in the COMBAT MOS or AFSC’s were routinely sent to the upper echelons and support units. This, in most cases, gives the impression only men were in harm's way. Nothing is further from the truth. In Iraq, Afghanistan, and points around
the world, one of the common enemy tactics includes attacking the rear forces. Putting on the uniform and going out on any mission makes a soldier a target. The combat soldier, male or female, needs those various support personnel to survive and fight a winning battle. Often, individuals of both sexes will be at their sides during these missions. The truck drivers, combat communications, mechanics out repairing a piece of equipment on the front lines, and medical personnel are all examples of this. The same could be said for a military family. The deployed individual can be gone from months up to a year or two away from his/her loved ones. Try to imagine the remaining spouse being the sole individual doing everything. This is probably not too hard in today's society of single parents, but that’s not what many these people knowingly signed up for when saying “I do.” The fact that a majority can’t surrender or share those responsibilities again when their loved ones return leads to a very high divorce rate for military personnel. Add in the fear of losing that soldier to roadside bombs, snipers and other hazards, thus stress and fear are always in their daily lives. I always found it amazing that these same spouses and children would eagerly do whatever they could to show how much they supported that same individual while away. Finally, serving this great country and the people under its umbrella of protection is not done for the few thank-you's and at-a-boys received. Even those who care and appreciate the veterans can rarely understand what that period of a soldier’s existence actually cost them. Lost limbs, scars, and near death experiences are rather obvious though downplayed by the individuals themselves most of the time. Underneath these brave faces is found PTSD, trouble re-entering society, inability to connect with the people in all areas of their lives, a deeply ingrained mistrust of the world around them, etc. Since no one can see a discharge certificate or military experience magically appear on the veteran's forehead, the veterans need to show those around him that he has served in the first place to get the “Thank you’s.” Perhaps that vet baseball cap is not a bad thing, but at least be visible by participating in veteran's organizations, campus activities, and so forth. Do women and families get ignored by the mainstream military support groups, well-wishers, or even the government itself? I’d have to say “YES,” but it is slowly changing.
Presenting of the colors at Veteran's Day ceremony.
photo by Simon Thalmann
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December 2013
CULTURE
ish people were led by Judah Maccabee, this time by many families. Kwanzaa is a who fought a king named Antiochus week-long celebration held in the United for the right to worship one god. When States and also celebrated in the Western the Jews won the battle they cleared African Diaspora in other nations of the the pathway of the Greek gods and celAmericas. ebrated for eight days. Much like KwanThe word Kwanzaa means "first fruits zaa, on Hanukkah they light candles on of the harvest." Kwanzaa is celebrated a stand, called a Menorah, but a menothe day after Christmas, December 26 rah holds nine candles compared and ends on January 1. This holiday is to Kwanzaa’s seven. The inspired by African traditions extra light is called and isn't meant to be a “The lighting a Shamash. religious holiday. The ninth During these of candles against the branch is the seven days, those tallest branch who celebrate fowinter wind is involved in located in the cus on their aneach holiday.” middle. Even cestral values. The though there extra "a" on the word Whitman are nine candles was given to represent they only celebrate this the seven days that are holiday for eight days, singcelebrated. Kwanzaa was created ing and dancing in prayer. Jewish stars in the year 1966 by Maulana Karenga, are painted, woven and hung up around Ph.D, chair and professor of black studthe house for this holiday. This holiday ies at the California State University at is celebrated November 27 through Delong beach, and executive director of cember 5 this year. the Institute of Pan-African studies. This Each night a candle is lit for differholiday is meant to bring family together ent families traditions. Either they give and celebrate life and previous ancestors. their kids a different gift on each night of Families join together to celebrate the Hanukkah or they gift them with money beginning of the new planting season. for each night; one dollar on the first The final holiday that is celebrated night, two on the second, etc. ending up is called Hanukkah. Hanukkah is a celwith thirty six dollars at the end of the ebration of practice to the Jewish reliHanukkah holiday. gion. This Jewish celebration focuses The lighting of candles against the on the Festival of Lights and Feast of winter wind is involved in each holiday. Dedication, an eight-day Jewish holiday Even though the holidays may be differcommemorating the rededication of the ent, the company of family and joy in the Holy Temple. air makes the holidays more enjoyable. Hanukkah started when the Jew-
The holidays are here
Caitlyn Whitman Staff Writer When the snow starts to fall, that is when you know the holidays are right around the corner. The day after Halloween commercial holiday spirit starts kicking in. Shopping starts and decorations are hung. Various holidays are celebrated around the world, students on campus are a great representation of the diversity during the holiday season. On the night before Christmas, children lay out milk and cookies for good ol' St. Nick. Before the sun rises on December 25, children start tip toeing to wake up their parents to open all their Christmas presents that are placed under the tree. The day many Christians wait upon all year is finally here, it's Christmas time. Christmas is an annual celebration for the birth of Jesus Christ, "The son of righteousness." Though the day of the actual birth of Christ is unknown, it is estimated to be around this day. Along with Christmas time comes Christmas carols. Some of the most famous songs ever known consist of "Silent Night, O Holy Night", 'Rockin' around the Christmas Tree", "Frosty the Snowman" and many more. But there's more to the holidays than Christmas cheer. The lighting of seven candles, also known as Kwanzaa (Kwahn-zahh) is another famous holiday celebrated around
Festival of Lights
Cara Clingin Staff Writer Cold can be the signal of many things: hibernation, hot cocoa, and even time to shop for the best deals of the season. The streets become paved with snow and houses get ready for the Christmas season. Downtown Battle Creek becomes a winter wonderland of lights as the Festival of Lights illuminates the streets like the Whoville Christmas Whobilation. For those new to our city or just never quite understood what exactly the International Festival of Lights is, this is the six week winter festival in Battle Creek featuring various light shows, concerts, Christmas displays, and even a Christmas parade. Downtown is decorated by various displays of the lights including the famous 12 days of Christmas behind the W. K. Kellogg Foundation building. Jolly music that will make you feel like a child again plays through the many different speakers along the streets. There are different stations around the city filled with hot cocoa, coffee, and treats to help keep the cold away. The festival begins November 23 and lasts all the way through December, so don’t feel rushed if you can’t make it to an event right away. For a full schedule of what’s going on downtown, check out www.bcfestivals.com for more information.
Vocal Arts Events for December
Branch County Community Chorus presents Gloria! by John Rutter.
Sounds of the Season
Saturday, Dec 7 7:30 pm 27 E. Chicago St. Coldwater, MI Free-will donation
KELLOGG
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Coffeehouse Concert: Caroling
Tuesday, Dec 10 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Central Walkway
Select semi-staged scenes from some of the best known operas and Broadway shows.
Wednesday, Dec 11 7:30 pm
at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall 111 Capital Ave NE Free-will donation
Opera Workshop Performance: "Musical Madness"
CULTURE
shop and hold mass hiring campaigns in an attempt to staff their facilities. They look over drawn out applications for specific qualities and hire the best match for the job. Now, this faceless name and identification number is assigned a job to do and a wage they will be paid. This ‘pay rate’ is often times based on the local ‘minimum wage’. And the employee turn around rate is much higher than with small business. Very few people stay at these jobs long enough to become promoted. Instead, many times, management is hired as such from outside even when there is an older more qualified employee with experience to match. The same is not so typical of the smaller locals. Many of these employees have worked around the city at various places until finding a place that fits with them. Some have only worked at the one restaurant but have become attached to the “regulars” and other staff. The main thing to remember about these types of employees is that they are in the business because they enjoy it and because they are good at it. It’s what they have done or had an interest in for a long time. Big business employees just needed the job and this is the only way they could get it. Big businesses can have a damaging effect on the community and anyone who eats at these establishments. Jamie Oliver, a nationally recognized and renowned master chef, has led a campaign against the popular chain McDonalds. Oliver has discovered that McDonalds has been “washing” the fatty parts of the beef in ammonium hydroxide and using it for their hamburger meat. “Basically, we're taking a product that would be sold in the cheapest way for dogs, and after this process, it is being given to human beings,” Oliver claims. “Why would any sensible human being put meat filled with ammonia in the mouths of their children?" McDonalds has recently came out and said that they will be changing this process to one of a safer nature. This is just one of the many controversial things that chain restaurants will do and have done in an attempt to keep their overhead down and profits up. It is also something that local health departments have no control over. The only thing that they can do is make sure the facility in their area is a safe and sanitary environment. Ma and Pa typically stock their facility with products from the local area, well within the local heath department’s jurisdiction. That means that everything they buy has already been checked out once and will be checked again. Chains are damaging to the community because they take the business of the Ma and Pa Dinners. Businesses that have thrived in the community for generations can be closed down over night do to the loss of sale to the Chains putting dozens of people and families out of work and into poverty. Also, the money that the locals would be spending in their home town is now getting sent to some bank, possibly offshore, to be used in some far off land. This can lead the community into a depression of sorts. Ma and Pa charge more for their food because the products they buy are of a higher quality and thus cost more. This higher price also helps to offset the loss of business to the chains. Another thing to remember about large corporations is that all of the food and drinks are pre-portioned. While this is not a bad
December 2013
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Learning local vs choosing chains
Cavin Smith Staff Writers Food is one of those essential needs of all humans, and the food industry is one of those services that will never become obsolete. The only real question is do people prefer to spend their hard earned cash at chain restaurants or local diners? Most people don’t really care about where they eat, as long as they eat. However, some people are so diehard in where and what they eat, they will go so far as to drive clear across the country just for a taste of that McRib sandwich. And still there are others who visit the same eatery every single day at the exact same time and order the never changing usual year after year. When you ask one of these people why it is that they feel so strongly, they will give a varying degree of answers but most of them have similar qualities. The smaller “Ma and Pa” diners are as uniquely different as the people who own and operate them. This uniqueness is what draws people in and keeps them coming back. Also, the quality of food is held to a higher standard considering that they are not just some fly-by-night establishment. Unlike the ‘big business’ rivals, who come and go with the ever-changing economic tides, small business owners are a part of the community and many of them are friends or family. They live in, shop in and work in the community just like the average member of the community. The big businesses come in, set up thing to do (actually, with some things it’s a great thing to do that helps keep the cost to profit margin at an acceptable level), it isn’t necessarily great either. Having a little freedom to give loyal patrons a little more hear and there helps to keep your loyal patrons coming back. Corporations like Chilies and Don Pablo’s will mix the exact same drink as Ma but with perfect measurements. Pa likes his Jack and Coke with a bit more punch. Local bartenders use a method of measuring that’s not as exact. For the local tender one ounce of liquor is equal to about one second of pouring and they don’t always do the counting. Ma and Pa are also a little more lenient when it comes to picking up a tab here or there. Ma is also more interested in the safety of her patrons and will sometimes help them get home if they have had one too many or make them eat something to soak that alcohol up. It’s not just the food that people are looking for when visiting an eatery of any kind. They also go out to eat for the social interactions that ultimately occur. The atmosphere and service are just as important as the food. As previously mentioned, the Ma and Pa employees tend to take more pride in what they do and it reflects in the way they do their jobs. The cooks try harder to make better food. The wait staff is not only polite to the customers, as is required, but they will often times become friends with the customers. The bartenders will actually listen and talk with you, not just to you. These elements are crucial to the atmosphere of the establishment and a great atmosphere is worth the price of the food, especially when it’s a King Cut Prime Rib.
New adult fiction
Kelly Frost Librarian Are you a New Adult? Do you have a New Adult still living in your house? If you’re not familiar with the term “New Adult,” you are almost certainly not alone, since this newly recognized “developmental stage” is still being defined. In general the term, “New Adult” describes someone between the ages of 19 and 28. As a result of current economic realities, many people are delaying such traditional markers of adulthood such as graduating from college, marrying, buying a house, or having children. In this environment, there is a generation of people who are no longer teenagers, but have not yet assumed more traditional adult roles. Recognizing such trends, in 2009 St. Martin’s Press held a contest asking writers to submit “older YA” books or “New Adult” fiction, and the category of New Adult (NA) fiction was born. The contest noted that NA books would be aimed at people who had aged out of Young Adult or teenage books but weren’t quite ready for works targeting more traditional adults. Generally speaking, NA books have lead characters in their late teens through twenties. They often feature college settings and many are romances. Perhaps understandably, the steamy side of the NA genre has attracted the most media attention. While the books are characterdriven, highly plotted novels, similar to YA literature, the romances tend to be more graphic than traditional YA fiction. In a recent blog aimed at authors interested in publishing New Adult fiction, Cath Murray provides several rules including “never describing the heroine” but making sure that the hero is “cut from very precisely determined cloth.” Much of the material Murray is addressing has emerged from the self-published or epublishing community, where a number of soap opera-like books have developed huge indie followings. In fact, many of these authors have now signed lucrative deals with the traditional publishing houses. Of course, there isn’t necessarily anything new about New Adult books. There have always been cross-over titles, books written for adults, yet popular with teens, or books like Harry Potter, which were written for children, yet experienced universal appeal. For example, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky was first published by MTV books and features high school-age characters, but became popular with several different audiences. Other books, like Life of Pi by Yann Martel or The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, were marketed first to adults, but have since made their way into the hands of teenagers. What is new, however, is that there seems to be marketing momentum at the moment targeting New Adult readers, which is good news for New Adults. The library has several of these New Adult titles, including Rowell Rainbow’s Fangirl. Usually these books are located on the third floor in our Young Adult section, so come in and see if you can’t find some new New Adult literature. If you don’t find something you like, just ask and we can help you order just about any title through Michigan eLibrary or MeLCat!
Painting Poetry
Spencer Lawson Humanity is unsocial, because of socialization I’ll sit in a silent room, full of conversation Even if someone was to speak, no one would hear Because we all have music, blaring in our ear Ear buds are our best two friends Can’t talk, busy listening to “No New Friends” We all sit alone, because we need our personal space We send “LOL” in a text while keeping a straight face Emojis have replaced emotions, because texting has replaced talking If we don’t know someone, we will learn by Facebook stalking.
BRUIN BOOKSTORE
KELLOGG COMMUNITY COLLEGE
books...apparel...school supplies...and we’ve got snacks!
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December 2013
OPINION
degrading mini-skirts, pose in a line (the two girls on the end have their hands on their hips for a sassy, slimming effect), and take numerous pictures for all social media outlets. #whitegirlwasted or #sloppysaturday, right? Which usually leads to what Cosmo encourages the most: premarital interactions and lots of them. The article explained that keeping your “number” low is a bad idea, that all twenty-something’s should be getting out there and testing the “bad ones”. Actually, the article called it “strange”, but what does that even mean? So get the “strange” and make it easier to find out when you’ve found the right sexual partner to spend a few months tangling the sheets with. The woman who wrote that article explained that serious relationships in your twenties are the worst thing you could possibly do. Maybe I’m wrong, but sexually transmitted diseases are real and the more people you have sex with the more likely you are to catch one, right? Without Cosmo, I wouldn’t know that this fall I’m “allowed” to wear black leggings and brown boots, I wouldn’t know about women all over the country that have had worst first date experiences than mine, I wouldn’t know how fabulous Kelly Osbourne really is and how great red lipstick looks with cream sweaters. (I know, my life wouldn’t go on without all of that.) Cosmo has helped me through break ups and provided entertainment for countless sleepovers; it reaches masses of females older and younger than myself, but as a prominent mass media outlet, is it really okay to encourage twenty-something’s into promiscuity and binge drinking?
Feminist failure
Lacy Janousek Co-Editor As a female in my twenties, I’m struggling to decide where I stand when it comes to stereotypical views of women my age. I would love to say I hate the idea of wearing make-up to feel pretty and despise high fashion, but the truth is I live for the perfect shade of red lipstick and a fresh issue of the sex-infused Cosmopolitan magazine. But my passion for those exact materialistic things in life often turns its back on me and reminds me why women in the sixties boycotted bras and embraced birth control. Cosmopolitan recently tweeted an article about everything its readers should do in their twenties. I read it and was speechless. I’ll sum the article’s advice up quickly for you to save you the trouble of scrolling their twitter log to find it: if you’re in your twenties, be as promiscuous as possible, get drunk and wear fringed crop-tops. Side note: if you have the body and an occasion for a fringe crop-top, do it; if you’re taking Cosmo’s other advice and have been drinking too much, don’t. The Coronas will catch up to you, just there, below where the crop-top ends. Drinking is not all bad; most adults love a glass of wine, a draft beer, or a margarita with dinner. But binge drinking every weekend is seriously dangerous and frankly, trashy. Women in their twenties spend too much time and money on alcohol. They’ll get dressed up in
Dr. Destiny
saved quite a bit of money. Coupons are available on-line and in the weekly fliers in the newspapers. Watch an episode of couponing on the TLC channel. Now those folks know how to use every penny of their food budget! Good Luck. Make it a contest with your friends to see who finds the best bargains that week or month and share the news! Dr. D. Dear Dr. Destiny, On Halloween I dressed up as a scarecrow and went around handing out candy to students, staff, and faculty. I thought I was being nice, but I was later confronted by campus police. The office said he had been getting calls all day from staff. Apparently, I was “too scary.” Are people just overly paranoid in today’s world, or is it just inappropriate to scare people, even on Halloween? The Scarecrow Dear Scary Crow, The world is a different place now. What was once great fun is now threatening, and we need to be aware that many people are perhaps overly sensitive. However, if your costume was upsetting (because you had such a great one), then it wasn’t appropriate for here. Yes, we are all adults, but many people simply do not like dressing up, people who do, or being startled or scared. Our campus police acted appropriately by responding to complaints. That is what they are paid to do. Now that you know that, save your best costume efforts for an appropriate venue like a club or a costume contest where you will be appreciated. Dear Dr. D, All my mom does is watch FOX News. I want her to be happy, but I fear she’ll catch the stupid. What should I do? Concerned Daughter Dear Daughter, I would challenge you to watch the 6:00 to 7:00 PM Fox News and call it stupid. The commentators are bright, articulate people who happen to have a point of view that is not your own, but they are definitely not stupid. Throwing a blanket term over an entire network because it holds a viewpoint different than your own is casting aspersions back on you. Dr. D.
Without Cosmo, I wouldn’t know that this fall I’m “allowed” to.....
Dear. Dr. D Many of my favorite films don’t get as much acclaim as the “trashy” films. Why is that, and do critics have their own opinions or do they base them on the opinions of viewers and other critics? Worried Viewer Dear Worried, I have no idea what critics truly base their critiques on. I think some have a rubric of sorts in which they pay attention to acting, story line, plot development, cinematography, costuming etc. Others just like what they like, much like the casual viewers. While one or the other of those criteria may speak to you as a viewer, the same part may not matter as much to someone else. My advice is not to listen too much to critics until you have seen the film for yourself. They go and read the reviews to see which reviewer sees things the same way you do. Then you can trust that a film he or she recommends is one that you too will enjoy. Signed, In it for the Enjoyment Dr. Destiny, What are the healthiest but cheapest foods for a broke college student to buy? Hungry for Health Dear Health, I am glad you are looking to be healthy on a budget! It’s not an easy task. In the summer months, farmers’ markets or buying into a farm co-op can be a good choice as long as you are willing to try new things. Also shopping at the big carton shops can bring you savings on lots of canned products which aren’t all necessarily unhealthy. Just read the labels! As for meat, talk with the meat department at the stores you frequent to see where the almost out of date meats are. You can find great deals there, and if you go home and use them or freeze them, you’ve
THE NAGGING MOTHER
Aromas surround us
repeat, vomit, beer, towel, floor, repeat. I had the good fortune once to preside over a class of gentlemen so rank that before we began each day, I sprayed a wall of Febreze between me and them. The one woman sat in a separate section of the room. You may not notice that your clothes stink, but other people do, and yes, it impacts our opinion of you. You might be the smartest and most talented person in the world, but if people can’t get within a five foot radius of you without gagging, you will never get anywhere in the civilized world. P.S. you could use some deodorant. Oh, I know, natural is wonderful. I’m pretty natural myself, but not offensively so. And that brings us to teeth. If you don’t brush your teeth at twenty, you will not have teeth at fifty. This is a fact. Everything you do now predicts what you will become later. So, gents, if you want to be a toothless, single guy who’s never had a date except as an avatar, continue being a slob. If shyness is your problem, hiding behind your own impenetrable body odors is not the solution. Radical thought: clean clothes, showers, oral hygiene, light on the scent, eye contact. Try it.
Elizabeth Kerlikowske Advisor Driving into Battle Creek each morning, I’m greeted by pretty great smells, baking wheat or sugary corn on the bridge, greasy comfort food when I reach campus. I like those smells. Then I walk past a group of students, generally male, who are wearing jeans that are biohazards. They smell like old beer, mildew, coins, greasy food, an ashtray and sweat. It makes me thankful that I am primarily a mouth breather. My son once wore a pair of jeans for three months without washing them. He was on a trail crew in a national park, so it almost made sense. But when he had to go to the emergency room, they assumed he was homeless. His jeans were that dirty. The proper care of clothing is wear once or twice, wash, dry, repeat cycle. It is not this: wear, throw on floor, pick up, wear, floor, wear, floor, use as towel, floor,
BRUIN Staff
Co-Editors Lacy Janousek Tiffany Thatcher Managing Advisor TaNisha Parker Editorial Advisor Elizabeth Kerlikowske Graphics Advisor Kathryn Jarvie Layout Design Linda Helton Brandon Smith Doug Wheaton Sports Editor Mary Emington Staff Writers Eleanor Alexander Cara Clingan Jonathan Hogan Heidi Myers Ashleigh Olmstead Cavin Smith TJ Taylor Caitlyn Whitman Bob Psalmonds
Editorial Policy
The KCC Bruin is a free student publication produced monthly by Kellogg Community College students during the fall and spring semesters. The KCC Bruin welcomes letters to the editor from members of the College and the community. Letters must be signed and submitted with a current telephone number or email address. All letters become property of the Bruin and may be edited for clarity and length. By-lined opinion columns represent the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Bruin staff or the College. Letters may be submitted by mail to: KCC Bruin student newspaper, c/o Kellogg Community College, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek, Mich. 49017. Letters may also be submitted at all three KCC sites. At the Battle Creek site, letters may be dropped off in the English Department on the 4th floor of the C Building; the College Life Office in the Student Center; or the student newspaper office. At the Grahl and Fehsenfeld Centers, letters may be submitted at the information desks. The Bruin office is located in room 302 of the Roll Building. The staff can be reached at (269) 965-3931, Ext. 2630 or e-mail the Bruin editor at [email protected]
OPINION
December 2013
11
THE DARK SIDE OF CAMPUS
Through the Looking Glass
Cara Clingin Staff Writer Here is a girl who is a college student working part time and trying to make a good life for herself. What does the world see? It depends. To some they just see another fat American struggling to breathe as she climbs the stairs. To another I might be a gorgeous, blondehaired, blue-eyed girl with a lot of curves and a beautiful personality. Maybe to some they don’t even see me because I blend in with the crowd. I’m a plus-size American adult woman, but I am so much more. But because you can’t see this on the outside, you may take me for what I present. You judge me because my hair isn’t done up or by the size of my clothing. It’s not just the plus size getting the judgmental beating, either. Those who struggle with any kind of weight, those who are afraid to go home at night, those who are afraid to go and hang with friends because their significant other will think they’re cheating. Each of us has a story, but many of us don’t take the time to peek inside someone else’s looking glass before we start casting stones. This world can be such a hateful place. I’ve walked the halls of this college and it feels just like high school. Cliques are gathered into their corners, making
To the Editors of The Bruin
Thank you for your article drawing attention to Kellogg Community College’s (KCC) efforts to make our campus accessible to all students and community members regardless of ability. As mentioned in your November 2013 article titled "Handy for the handicapped?", KCC takes pride in the continuing efforts to integrate accessibility features in all of our building projects. Although there are legal minimum guidelines that must be met, the College chooses to surpass these minimum standards whenever possible as we continue to renovate our facilities. While the article succeeded in pointing out KCC efforts related to infrastructure and accessibility, it also brought to light the need for continuing discussion regarding language choices as it relates to accessibility and the people that it impacts the most. Clearly, words and their usage evolve over time. A quick consultation of Google lead me to discover that in 2012 sexting was added to our collective lexicon. Just as we add words to our common usage, we also see that certain words eventually fall out of vogue. I mean, who besides your great-grandparents call a couch a davenport? Or, in some instances words are eventually deemed inappropriate or even offensive. Sometimes the progression from acceptable to inappropriate to offensive is hard to gauge. Take, for example, the terminology of deaf and dumb. For a period in our history, this was an acceptable way to refer to someone who could not hear or speak. Today we would say the person has a hearing and speech impairment. Similarly, while it once was acceptable to use the term handicapped in reference to parking spaces; today’s standards use the term accessible in its place. The good news is that we are all students of life, and as such, always learning. In most instances, when we commit a language faux pas, it is an innocent act that is not intended to offend or harm others. The beauty of a Kellogg Community College is that we can dialogue and learn from others along our path. I’m sure next year I will be looking at some of the new words listing in Merriam-Webster dictionary and asking a KCC student to explain it to me. (i.e. - Twerking? What’s that?) Holly McKee, Director, Support Services
photo by Eric Vest Jr.
smart remarks about others, clogging the halls. If someone has marks on their arms or dresses in black, they must be emo. If someone is a size 3XL, then it must be because they like food and hate exercise. Why do we judge others? Is it to feel some kind of self-worth about ourselves? Is it because we’ve had bad experiences with someone that the person made us think of? The world hasn’t been the kindest to some, and this can change the way we see. To quote one of my favorite series, "Silent Hill," “When you’re hurt and scared for so long, the fear and pain turn to hate and the hate starts to change the world.” Humans are like books. We all have our facades that the world can see and sometimes this is all they look at to pass judgment. If you take the time to get to know someone or even to speak to them, you could find that they are nothing like the cover portrays. The size 0 girl with the perfect body, who lashes out at oth-
ers, could go home at night to an abusive family. She is looking for love and acceptance and if she can’t have that outside of the home, what does she have? Some take to drugs or bullying for release or to feel some kind of control. So many commit suicide (accidentally or on purpose) because they feel they have no other options in life and stand with their back to the corner. According to the Suicide Awareness Voice of Education (SAVE), roughly 30,000 people take their lives each year. Are our judgments in the hallways the cause? Many people have felt the feeling I have described in this article. We can’t fathom how many people have these thoughts running through their mind each and every day. Next time you want to judge someone based on what is only visible from one side of the looking glass, stop and think what else this person could be behind some façade. You could change not only their lives but your own. get our heads above water when it came to the bills. Now that I only receive one “paycheck” a month, I’ve learned how to budget and stretch that money as far as I can. All of my bills are paid. I do not own a credit card, and I have avoided student loans. If I want or need something, I save up for it. I don’t buy things for myself. I don’t get my nails done, and the majority of my clothes are from Wal-Mart. My pantry is stocked with generic brands. My kids have nice clothes, but they were bought on clearance last season. Yet I get the stink-eye from people when they see I have an iphone. Why do we feel the need to judge each other’s life choices? And why do I feel like I have to defend the choices I’ve made? When did we become so obsessed with what other people do? I admit that I’m guilty of doing the same thing. I’ve scrutinized the purchases of someone paying for groceries with The Bridge card and getting angry when I see candy bars and soda. Why? It’s ridiculous. I have no clue what kind of life that person is living and have no right to judge them. So, the next time you start to question how someone is living his or her life, I urge you to take a step back and look at yourself. What are you doing that would make others view you in a different light?
The older student
Assistance shame
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor I am a widowed mother of two. My husband took his life in 2010, and I quit my job as a retail manager to be home with my children. I live on survivor benefits from my husband’s social security policy. The decision to leave my job was not an easy one. My children and I had been covered under my husband’s health care plan at work but lost that upon his death. If I stayed home, then I would no longer have any health insurance and my monthly income would be cut in half. I took a lot of time to think about it and finally decided that during this difficult time my children needed me more than my bank account did. I’m not suggesting that my choice is the best choice. I am not embarrassed to
be living on social security. I am proud that my husband worked hard for many years, and my children and I are benefiting from his hard work. There are a lot of people out there that want to make me feel bad about not working. Before I started dating my boyfriend, I was very careful about telling potential dates about my situation. Some guys hear that you are not working by choice, and they assume that you are looking for a meal ticket. It didn’t matter if I explained my particular situation; they still looked at me like I was a gold digger. They immediately assumed that I was on welfare and using food stamps. For the record, I am not, but what would it matter if I was? The truth is I get no help from the government other than financial aid for school, which I feel incredibly blessed to receive. I also received scholarships for this school year. I think that since I have been awarded these blessings that I cannot squander it, so I work hard to maintain straight A's. I admit that I also felt the need to be an overachiever when it came to my finances. Living on a smaller, once-amonth income has made me smarter about my money. When my husband was alive and we both worked, we were living paycheck to paycheck. We could never
Salvation Army
November 15 through December 18
• Angel Tree located in Student Center • Toy drop off to Student Life
Happy Holidays from the Bruin staff Campus is closed December 21, 2013 through January 1, 2014
12
December 2013
SPORTS
players are out on the court at a time. One player, known as the jammer, is protected by her four fellow team members known as blockers. Every time the jammer passes an opposing player, the team receives one point. April said, “The most important part is to protect your jammer, your jammer is like your daughter.” The teams must bond to do well. Alicia said, “Your derby team is your family.” Having a family member on one’s team has some advantages in the world of roller derby. Alicia said, “It is like your best friend always knowing what you are about to do.” Reading your teammates and anticipating their moves gives a team a great advantage. The fact that Alicia and April share a special mother-daughter bond gives them more insight, where they know each other’s moves, patterns, and body language. April and Alicia aren’t the only mother daughter duo on their team. Princess and Waldo also are a motherdaughter duo. If one catches April and Alicia on the court, he might not recognize their names on their jerseys at first. Each member has her own special derby name. April is know as Kat Blon Dee and Alicia as Chop-a-Chick. The names signify something special to each member whether it be a nickname or something more descriptive of their attitude in roller derby. When asked to describe how April
Mother - daughter roller derby duo
Mary Emington Staff Writer Mothers and daughters participate in many activities together. Some enjoy cooking while others maybe enjoy scrap booking, but for one local motherdaughter duo that means lacing up their skates and hitting the roller derby rink. Mother April Vest-Jackson and daughter Alicia Jackson have some unique fun of their own on local roller derby team South Central Michigan Renegade Rollergirls. The Renegade Rollergirls of Marshall participate in many tournaments over the course of the year. Their goal is to reach the Mitten Kitten Tournament which this year was held on the 5th and 6th of October. Just getting into the tournament can be a daunting task. A team must win bouts as well as gain points in order to gain higher rankings. Only the teams with the highest rankings get into the Mitten Kitten Tournament, and the Renegade Rollergirls made the cut this year. April said, “Roller derby is a game of wits. You have to know when to play offense and when to play defense. Their team consists of 16 players, 14 on the track and two alternatives. Five
April (left) and daughter Alicia (bending over).
photo provided by Mary Emington
and Alicia feel about playing with each other April responded, “It’s awesome, we know each other well and we love it.” April has been skating for 34 years but only recently joined in roller derby competition. This will be her third year
competing, while for Alicia this is only her sixth month in. Alicia participated in track but it didn’t quite click for her, but when she joined her mother in roller derby, she rolled into a new life and Alicia fell in love.
The Hunger Games
Mary Emington Staff Writer Welcome to KCC’s first annual Hunger Games. In the event of the uprising levels of hunger in our community, the Bruin basketball teams have been chosen to collect food for distribution at the local food bank. On January 20th, the Hunger Games will commence in a fight for the honor of their team and their community. Though one may not see Katniss Everdeen jump out and shoot her bow at an opponent, one may catch a Bruin shooting for a basket. The Bruin men’s and women’s basketball teams are both participating in a competition to collect food for the local food bank in South Central Michigan. The collection begins on January 15 and goes all the way to the 20 when they will both take on Ancilla College. There will be two barrels in the Miller Building (serving as the arena) for any food donations. At the end of the collection period the number of donations will be tallied and the team with the most donations will receive a pizza party as well as the satisfaction of knowing that they have helped many families that are in need in our district. “The event is part of athletic involvement and service that will benefit the community,” said Sharon Powell, Miller Building Coordinator. The teams have volunteered as tribute for the surrounding area by setting time aside and raising awareness and food donations for our community. The women’s game will start at 5:30 immediately followed by the men’s game at 7:30. Admission is free but food donations are greatly encouraged. Come help the Bruins be successful in their first annual Hunger Games against the uprising of hunger.
KCC Theatre
Winter
KCC LIBRARY WINTER HOURS
• December 16 7:45 am - 9:00 pm
(last day of classes)
Featuring work by Acting I, Acting II, and Encore Theatre Company. Monologues, scenes, short film, and other surprises.
December 13, 7:30 pm Binda Theatre FREE Admission
Parental guidance suggested.
See more information on Facebook and Twitter
KELLOGG
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• December 17 & 18 7:45 am - 5:00 pm • December 19 & 20 7:45 am – 4:30 pm • December 21 – January 1 CLOSED • January 2, 3, 6 & 7 7:45 am – 4:30 pm • January 8 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm • January 9 & 10 7:45 am –5:00 pm • January 13 – 17 7:45 am – 5:00 pm • January 18 & 22 CLOSED
Regular hours resume January 21
Legacy Scholars
Stop by for brain food during Stress-busters!
Tuesday-Wednesday, December 3-4th Kellogg Room in the Student Center
Limewood Apartments
572 Limewood Dr., Battle Creek, MI 49017
5 minutes from KCC Pet Friendly Short Term Lease Available
Studio and 1 bedroom apts starting at $390.00
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LEL K E L L O G G C O M M U N I T Y C OK L LE EG
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www.kellogg.edu/br uin
Write All Day, season two
Elizabeth Kerlikowske Advisor There’s nothing better than hearing about writing from writers. KCC’s Writing Initiative with the assistance of the KCC Foundation has invited four writers to speak with staff, students, and the Battle Creek community about writing. The programs will run on February 19 from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the Davidson Auditorium. There is no charge. Visiting writers include Thomas Springer, grant writer for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and essayist. His book, “…..Hickories” is full of Michigan lore and love. His work has been heard on NPR, and he has spoken at KCC several times before. He is from Three Rivers. Nationally acclaimed novelist Bonnie Jo Campbell was nominated for the National Book Award for her collection of short stories, “American Salvage.” Campbell is also a poet, essayist, and blogger. Her latest book, “Once Upon a River” was compared favorably with “Huckleberry Finn.” She lives in Comstock. Journalist Margaret DeRitter wrote for the Kalamazoo Gazette for fifteen years before it was downsized. Now she is a writer and editor for Encore magazine and does freelance writing. She, too, is a poet, and she has a nonfiction version and poetry version of the same life event. She lives on Kalamazoo. Steven Losey is a rock’n’roll blogger with a large national following. He is from Coldwater. The purpose of the day is for the campus community to talk with people who write for a living or darn close to it. How does a writer get started? How does a writer pay their bills? Is what my professor says in class about submission really true? Writing is as natural to some people as running is for others. Find out what makes these writers ticks and what tricks they use to keep their writing fresh. Classes welcome to attend as a whole. Not just for English students. For further information contact Elizabeth Kerlikowske 1-269-965-3931, ext. 2292 Main speakers are at 8:30 am, 10 am, 11:30 am, and 1 pm. Panels at 9:15 am, 10:45 am, 12:15 pm, and 1:45 pm.
Bonnie Jo Campbell and one of her donkeys
photo by Chris Magson
Margaret DeRitter
photo courtesy of Encore Magazine
Feeding the soul
Lacy Janousek Co-Editor Student Life is organizing a soul food lunch to celebrate Black History Month. “I define soul food as traditional African American meals/dishes. From the way it is prepared to the way it is eaten,” TaNisha Parker, Manager of Student Life, said. Replacing the typical lunches served, the Student Center cooks and faculty volunteers will serve traditional soul food on February 13 from 11-1 pm. The menu includes ribs, fried chicken, sweet corn bread, jambalaya, baked Mac-n-cheese, greens and candied yams. For dessert, the cooks will have pound cake and pecan pie ready for the sweet tooth. Sweet tea will be added to the café’s drink menu. Parker explained the campus will be doing other things to celebrate Black History Month. “Digital Displays will rotate "Did You Know" facts about African American leaders and events in history, Student Life, the Diversity Committee and the LITE 240 class are sponsoring a trip to the Charles H. Wright African American History Museum and Hittsville USA Motown Museum,” Parker said. Faculty members are eager to celebrate Black History Month and are ready for a delicious, traditional meal. “Soul Food has been passed from generation to generation in the black community since Africans were brought to America during the slave trade,” Parker said.
KCC employees win big... Pg 2
EAC finishes expansion... Pg 4
Using YouTube... Pg 6
Online dating... Pg 10
Winter Olympics preview... Pg 12
2
February 2014
CAMPUS NEWS
struggles. Holly McKee, director of Support Services at KCC and team coordinator for the College’s Win by Losing Participants explains, “Each individual worked toward their own goal by utilizing a variety of techniques. They included everything from adding activity into their day, to increasing water to a gallon a day, to cutting out sugary beverages or fast food. It is often amazing how one little change can have such dramatic results on the scale. I encourage readers to try this for a month – cut out fast food or regular pop and see the difference! Throughout the time we would share different tips/ tricks with each other via email. Some of those included adding healthy fats to our diets like olive and coconut oil, how to eat clean and cut out processed foods, and what websites worked best to track food and activity. Many participants used www.myfitnesspal.com for tracking. It is amazing what you learn about your own habits when you right it all down and truly take note of your day’s calorie intake and fitness level.” Each team member experienced a success on some level. EAC secretary and participant, Jean Rice said, “When I saw my doctor after we did the Win by Losing he was really pleased that I had been able to finally lose some of my
KCC employees win big by losing
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor Thirty-eight KCC employees worked together to take first place in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Win by Losing weight loss challenge this past semester. The event ran from Aug. 29 through Oct. 24 and required participants to weigh-in weekly. The team that had the greatest percentage of weight loss over the length of the competition won. The KCC employees took first place out of nine teams in their division. This is the second time KCC employees have participated in the event. Each employee entered the competition with a different personal goal, but worked with other team members with support and encouragement to reach those goals. There were no designated team meetings or workout schedules, but that didn’t stop team members from banding together to walk Spring Lake, workout at Miller gym, or walk the halls on their lunch breaks. Participants encouraged each other by sharing their successes and
(front row, left to right) Holly McKee with Lisa Rebman of BCBS, and KCC team members Jamie Kline, Dawn Larsen, Gwyn James, (back row, left to right) Simon Thalmann, Mike Loader, Matonya Seuell, photo by Kay Keck Vicki Rivera, Pam Newman, Lisa Shanks and Patrick Casey.
weight. He was extra pleased when I saw him this week and hadn’t gained any of it back through the holidays.” McKee says, “My cholesterol levels are the lowest that they’ve ever been.” McKee offers these tips to those looking to live a healthier lifestyle. • Set realistic goals. When you see progress, it is easier to stay the course to reach bigger goals. • Drink water! It helps you feel full and improves digestion and brain function! • Track your food and activity. It changes everything. • Read food labels. The more you know the better decisions you can make.
• Reduce your portion sizes. • Increase the amount of whole food you eat and decrease the amount of processed foods. • When you make poor decisions, get right back at it and look to the future. Surround yourself with like-minded people that support your healthy choices. Everything is easier when you have cheerleaders! The Win by Losing weight loss challenge is a free competition open to all BCBS of Michigan customers held to help individuals lose weight while having fun at the same time. The competition runs twice each year; the next round begins in February.
A good book is only a playaway "Bus Stop"
Kelly Frost Librarian “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body,” Richard Steele Most people in today’s society would not doubt the importance of reading, but for many, reading can be a struggle. At the library we have a wealth of mind workout gear (also known as books and journals), but sometimes the sheer size of our collection can be overwhelming. Librarians love to help people find something to read we regularly offer excellent recommendations ranging from mysteries to graphic novels. For those who find it difficult to get into the reading habit, listening to audio books can be helpful. Transitional English instructors Paula Westdorp and Pam Feeney both recommend listening to a book while following along with the words. Here is a list of some great reads that the library has in both book and audio form. The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music by Steve Lopez. The true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a musician who becomes schizophrenic and homeless, and his friendship with Steve Lopez, the Los Angeles columnist who discovers and writes about him in the newspaper. The Camel Club by David Baldacci. The Camel Club is a four-man group of Washington, D.C. misfits that meet weekly to discuss political conspiracies they believe exist and what actions they might take. One night club members witness the murder of Secret Service employee Patrick Johnson, thus thrusting the wacky crew into the middle of a bigger conspiracy than they could ever have imagined. The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls. Jeannette Walls tells the story about her childhood. She talks about living like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Retreating to the dismal West Virginia mining town--and the family--her father, Rex Walls, had done everything he could to escape. He drank. He stole the grocery money and disappeared for days. As the dysfunction of the family escalated, Jeannette and her brother and sisters had to fend for themselves, supporting one another as they weathered their parents' betrayals and, finally, found the resources and will to leave home. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. John, a high school dropout, enlists in the Army not knowing what else to do with his life. While in the Army he meets Savannah, they fall in love and she awaits his return from the Army. After 9/11 John feels it's his duty to re-enlist. Richard Steele During their long separation Savannah falls in love and marries someone else. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. The drama of a U.S. missionary family in Africa during a war of decolonization. At its center is Nathan Price, a self-righteous Baptist minister who establishes a mission in a village in 1959 Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor In the middle of a howling snowstorm, a bus out of Kansas City pulls up at a cheerful roadside diner. All roads are blocked, and four or five weary travelers are going to have to hole up until morning. Thus sets the scene for KCC’s spring theater production Bus Stop. Bus Stop, written by William Inge, is considered a comedy but is more of a drama with some romantic and comedic elements. The story focuses on Cherie, an aspiring nightclub singer, who is being pursued by Bo, a twenty-one-year old cowboy with a ranch of his own who intends to return her to Montana and make her his wife. Cherie rebuffs his clumsy advances and worries that she will somehow still end up in Montana. The other travelers and diner employees work as a counterpoint to the main romance. The owner of the café and the bus driver develop a friendship, a middle-age scholar finds himself, and the young waitress experiences her first romance. The cast is as follows: Amber Isaacson (Elma), Donna Daines (Grace), James King II (Will), Teri Noaeill (Cherie), Nick Mumma (Lyman), Lars Loofboro (Carl), Scott Whitesell (Virgil), Joe Dely (Bo). Show times are Feb. 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, and March 1 at 8:00 pm and Feb 22nd at 3:00 pm Due the renovations taking place at the Binda Theater on campus the play will take place at The Much Ado Theater located at 4071 Dickman Road in Springfield. Tickets are $5 for KCC students with a valid student ID.
The Glass Castle
photo by Tiffany Thatcher
“Reading is to the mind what excercise is to the body.”
Belgian Congo. The resulting clash of cultures is seen through the eyes of his wife and his four daughters. By the author of Pigs in Heaven. Most of our audio books are available as “Playaways,” which are small MP3 players. They are easy to use--you simply plug in headphones, hit play, and listen away. These “Playways” are located on the main (3rd) floor of the library in the Young Adult area. Please ask at the Information Desk, and we can help you find these and many other reads to help you exercise your mind. Or you can find a listing of these titles (and more!) at http://guides.kellogg.edu/picks All summaries courtesy of Hennepin County Library.
CAMPUS NEWS
February 2014
3
The student's Bruin bookstore
Bob Psalmonds Staff Writer Catherine James begins ordering books two to three months prior to the start of each semester. As students find different ways to purchase books, Assistant Manager Charles Bard and all those involved with the bookstore grow concerned. “How many of the twenty students in a class will come into buy their textbooks here? There’s a lot of online competition we have to contend with,” James, Manager of the Bruin Bookstore said, “The initial ordering and return shipping is not cheap, which means being conservative when we place our orders.” Assistant Manager Charles Bard points out the Bruin Bookstore is one of the few campus stores still being operated by the college itself. Unlike online purchases, all the money made from bookstore purchases goes back into the school’s general fund. Amongst other things this fund supports the theater, athletics, and many other student enrichment activities. The shipping, store staffing and other costs is partly covered by a modest 23% mark-up. Most of the states’ colleges bookstores are leased out to some large company giving no input on the inventory nor the price being charged in the manager’s control. Bard and James explain they try hard to provide a nice selection of non-textbook type items for the students along with all the possible requested items teachers across the campus want their students to have on hand. Student's frustrations rise dramatically when the bookstore is out of the book they need for a course, but James and Bard explain it’s not easy deciding the number of textbooks needed per course. The spring 2014 textbooks and study guides had to be figured out by mid-November for the January 6th bookstore sales to begin. A rough estimate using many uncertain factors has to be used to determine how many of each text will be needed. Therein lies many of the problems. The number of classes that are planned compared to those that actually survive the registration process routinely changes. If too many sign up, a new class might be added. Not enough students enrolled could mean two classes could be combined and the students given the option of changing to the remaining course may take an entirely different class. The first scenario means not enough books with the need to order a new shipment and wait for delivery. The second option will result in too many textbooks which have to be sent back adding yet another unplanned expense. Though students with federal grants and loans usually purchase through the bookstore to avoid taking money out of their pockets, many others select the online options mentioned in the November article. A lot of students are now using the bookstore’s online book access code option so they can just read it off their computer screens or tablets. This is usually cheaper, but lowers the number of sales for those books now received and placed on the shelves even further. Subtract those who are quick enough to pick up a book from a fellow student now finishing the same course from the semester before. This practice should be done carefully since a textbook normally has only two or three years before the publisher puts out a new edition. James went on to explain that when this happens, the older versions are no longer available for order and any books on the shelves or in the backroom are no longer returnable. The old textbooks cannot be sold back because the bookstore cannot resell them. Although teachers in a particular field of study often know the textbooks are being changed, the store normally finds out when attempting to order the textbook for the next semesters’ classes. A lack of publisher field sales representatives broke most of the communication lines between the originating publishers and the end markets, meaning the bookstore. Bard talked for a while about the software options available to the students with a connected class that needs them. Getting books as part of a suite not only saves money but means the chance to play with some of the other programs prior to the mind numbing project assignments they’re designed for. Remember that the browsing walk to get to the textbooks will provide a chance to buy all kinds of cool and useful things, so bring a little extra cash. Support the college bookstore when and if you can putting money back into our other great programs.
Minute to Win It Manufacturing Success
Heart disease is on the rise in the U.S. and the Wellness committee hopes to that this event will raise awareness with students. Tom Shaw, Physical EduTiffany Thatcher cation Chair and Director of Athletics, Co-Editor explains, “Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women Dizzy Mummy, Elephant March, Junk in in the United States. Someone in Amerthe Trunk, Nervous Nelly, Office Tennis, ica has a coronary event every 25 secThis Blows, Tortilla Head may sound like onds. insults, but really they are a series of MinHeart disease symptoms can occur ute to Win It games that KCC faculty, at any age. Even though the average staff, and students will be competing in age of a heart attack to promote heart for women is in the s i e s a e health. The KCC s i early 70’s, more d t “Hear f o wellness commite women in their s u ca tee is sponsoring the leadingng men and early twenties die A Minute to heart disease death amo the United of Win It competition than of breast canwomen in on February 14th cer. Plus, the rate to bring attention of heart attacks States.” Tom Shaw to heart disease and among younger honor Healthy Heart women, ages 35 month. to 54 has been rising over the last 20 Minute to Win It is the popular years. Getting a handle on heart health television game show in which contesat an early age can prevent heart disease. tants compete in 60 second challenges Getting checked and monitoring your using objects that are commonly found blood pressure, getting your cholesterol around the house. For example: The as low as possible, maintaining a low game Junk in the Trunk requires the conhealthy body weight, exercising and not testant to attach a tissue box filled with smoking are all things younger people ping pong balls to their rear, and they can do to prevent heart disease.” have one minute to get all of the balls out President Dennis Bona has agreed to of the box by shaking their booty. The compete along with some favorite KCC results are hilarious for the participants employees. The KCC staff will be pickand audience. ing students to compete against them The Wellness committee has always to win Minute to Win It bragging rights. run a faculty vs. women’s basketball team “We expect a lot of smack talk before the game for the Healthy Heart Month activgames,” jokes Shaw ity, but that event has lost some steam The Minute to Win It competition over the last few years. will take place from noon to 1:00 pm Math professor Pat Koph came up on February 14th in the Miller gymnawith the idea to do a Minute to Win it style sium. The event is free and the public is competition to have some fun and raise welcome. Donations are welcomed and some money for the Heart Association in encouraged. Calhoun County. T.J. Taylor Staff Writer For students interested in manufacturing programs at KCC, look no further than the RMTC (Regional Manufacturing Technology Center). Located a mere 10 minutes from the Battle Creek campus, “(the RMTC )fills the role of skilled trades training for the Battle Creek area, and specifically the manufacturers in the area,” RMTC instructor Kevin Barnes said. “It is part of KCC and students registered here have the same benefits and privileges as any student at KCC.” Programs taught at the RMTC are very open to the student's decision and pace of learning. Classes are all very hands on; students are frequently on the floor working with equipment they will be using in their future trade. "All programs are open entry and open exit,” Barnes explains . “Meaning they can be started at any time of the year and are self-paced. Also, if a student only needs a certain portion of a subject, we have the opportunity to do that." The main programs taught include Electricity, Machine Tool, Welding, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Pipefitting, Industrial Technology, Robotics, and Renewable Energy. Every program at the RMTC, except for Instrumentation and Tool and Die, offers options for certificates of completion and associate degrees. Signing up for programs is very straight forward and all payments are to be made only at the RMTC. Job growth rate for manufacturing trades is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years, making the RMTC programs all the more enticing for incoming students.
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CAMPUS NEWS
male Mentor Coordinator serving women on parole and probation. Most people have made mistakes and poor choices in their pasts. Becktel’s desire is to get the individual beyond the stigma and limitations of that past. While the errors of the past cannot be changed, what a woman decides to do at this moment is what Stacy cares about for it is today that will help set what the person’s tomorrows will look like. This area often takes patience and a lot of supportive love, something many of these individuals coming into the program have never known their entire lives. Becktel is very outgoing with a refined sense of humor. A talented photographer, she sees life through a unique filter. Under the W2W ministries umbrella is actually five programs that act as the community outreach of the Women’s Resource Center of CityLinC Ministries. Their goal and mission is providing positive opportunities for spiritual and educational growth, friendship and personal development, community connection and networking. This is the place where Real Women help each other experience Real Life and Real Faith. These women are committed to uniting women with real needs to women who have the desire to help fulfill them. The programs include the Pregnancy Help Center, Fit4Life, Girls Night Out, Mentoring Network, Ministry Network and Discipleship, and many other opportunitiesand programs that serve both men and women. A few reasons individuals may contacted CityLinC would be help in finding temporary and safe housing, and help in transitioning to a better life situation for them and their families. Many volunteers with a giving heart and loving spirit are what makes the Youth Guidance Foster Care and Adoption system of this organization possible. Those with a desire to go into the justice field might like to find out about those individuals they’ll run into during their careers. The Calhoun County Parole and Probation offices actually support this as a life changing program with a proven track record. There is also a mentor training program that churches and interested women in the community to encourage relational involvement. Of course the counselors who wish to go into fields that deal with individuals can join the CityLinC Second Wind Mentors to experience the joys and trials first hand before getting hired or drafted to do it later. Think of any volunteer or Service Learning chance as a compass check of where you want to go in the future. The fact is CityLinC partners with other faith-based and non-profit organizations in the area to meet the needs in our community and connects individuals with other volunteer opportunities, ie: The Haven and their Women’s Life Recovery Program. The individual to fill one of these positions just might be you. If you’re interested in finding out more or want to sign up for this rewarding opportunity to fulfill both a need in someone’s life AND a Service Learning requirement, contact the individuals listed below. CityLinC is a faith-based non-profit organization that functions through the generosity of caring individuals and organizations in the community. Funding, though always needed, is only one way of giving to this fantastic outreach operation. Think of things you need to survive or get through the day and then envision someone who has nothing trying to accomplish the same without it. Need the above services for yourself, these people definitely want to hear from you, so please don’t wait to call them. CityLinC is a non-profit organization that functions on the generosity of loving concerned individuals. Marlene Lawson, Ministry Network Director [email protected] Stacy Becktel, Second Wind Female Parolee Coordinator [email protected] Sherry Showerman, Girls Night Out Coordinator [email protected] Becki Larson CityLinC ofice and Pregnancy Center Administrator [email protected] Abby Davis, Fit4Life Fitness Cordinator [email protected]
Service Learning opportunities just for women
Bob Psalmonds Staff Writer The Service Learning opportunities possible through CityLinc and Woman 2 Woman (W2W) are virtually endless with a critical need for female volunteers. Most students probably have no idea where to go or who to talk to about these unique and satisfying volunteer positions that fulfill Service Learning requirements. Thankfully this is where several agencies and independent organizations run by women and geared toward women come in. Marlene Lawson and Stacy Becktel are two of those, Go-to women. Lawson is a prominent guest speaker at various women’s retreats and conferences across Michigan and even out on deep waters during several cruises. Within CityLinC’s vast ministry of outreach network, Lawson is the Ministry Network Director. She also served on staff with Gull Lake Ministries, a Christian retreat and conference center. Lawson left to embrace a wider outreach. One statement she is fond of saying is, “It’s all about the relationship”. Somewhat free spirited and a rebel by anyone’s standards, the woman has a get-it-done attitude. Very honest and accepting of the past faults of others, she also likes to point out that “A person does not have to be defined by their past.” and her patented famous quote of “Everyone’s poop stinks!” Stacy Becktel is the Second Wind Fe-
Student donations warm homeless
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor The Bruin Bookstore collected over 200 sweatshirts during their Hoodies for the Homeless campaign. The proceeds of the drive, which ran during the month of November, were then donated locally to the Charitable Union, Mike’s Place and The Haven of Battle Creek. The campaign was a huge success collecting 226 hoodies, more than doubling the original goal of 100. The community project was not just for students. Faculty, staff and people from all over Battle Creek dropped off sweatshirts. The bookstore offered a 25% off coupon on a new hoodie to students for each hoodie they dropped off. Must people just dropped off and only a few took advantage of the discount. Catherine James, Bruin Bookstore manager said, “We are so excited and pleased by the wonderful turn out from the community, students, faculty, and staff. Everyone has been really great, not only dropping off gently used, but also new sweatshirts.” The idea for the campaign came from a Michigan Association of College Bookstores meeting this past October. Spring Arbor University had run a similar campaign and said they had a lot of support in doing it.
EAC Expansion
John Hogan Staff Writer After five months of construction, the Eastern Academic Center unveiled the newest additions to its building. The EAC began construction back in August in order to make room for students and staff from the Marshall Alternative High School, which has shared the EAC with Kellogg Community College since July of 2011. The center added three new classrooms meant to seat 30 students each, three new offices for staff, and an all-purpose room for general needs, adding a total of 4,608 square feet to the building. The Marshall Alternative High School, containing 112 students today, allows its junior and senior students to duel enroll in the Opportunity School, a joint program in which students begin taking college level classes at the EAC while finishing up High School. A $750,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation helps MAHS students to pay for classes, books and school supplies. The program benefitted from the joint use of the building. The lack of space, however, made it difficult for staff from both schools to make room and schedule classes with the increasing amount of students. Colin McCaleb, Director of the Eastern Academic Center, noted the importance of the building’s expansion in allowing space for both students and staff. “It’s a great outreach and a really unique program,” he said of the Opportunity School. He also said that the additions to the Eastern Academic Center made sharing the building much easier “so that we could have our KCC students and they could have their side of the building.”
226 hoodies collected at this year's hoodies for photo by Simon Thalmann the homeless drive
“Everyone was very supportive and it was amazing having people from the community stop by to help out. They went out of their way to help,” continues James. The Bruin Bookstore is located on the first floor of the Lane-Thomas Building on KCC’s North Avenue campus, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays.
Wednesday, Feb 19, 2014
11:30 am - 2 pm Kellogg Room
CAMPUS NEWS
How we decide to close during inclement weather
Simon Thalmann Digital Marketer/Writer As Michiganders know too well, the ice and snow that make our state’s winters so beautiful can also lead to hazardous road conditions, making the morning commute treacherous for those traveling to work or school. In rare cases, weather-related incidents may lead to the cancellation of some or all classes at some or all Kellogg Community College campuses. In general, the decision to cancel classes or close due to inclement weather-related events is based on a variety of factors, all of which are centered on the safety and comfort of our students and staff. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Road conditions. We check with the Michigan State Police to determine road conditions in terms of drivability and visibility. In addition, we personally have someone drive local roads near the Battle Creek campus and communities within the college’s district to gauge their safety. 2. Weather conditions/forecast. We consider current weather conditions as well as the weather forecast for the day. 3. Campus parking lot and sidewalkconditions. We determine if there is ample time for our contractors to clear and salt campus parking lots and sidewalks at least one hour prior to the start of classes. 4. Availability of utilities. We determine if there is adequate heat, lighting and water to support college facilities and any special events. 5. Other considerations. Generally speaking, we also consider accreditation-based attendance requirements for many of our occupational programs, our inability to make up instructional time for students, and the philosophy that our students are capable of making adult decisions about whether or not they are taking unreasonable risk when traveling to and from the college. Even when the college is open, we encourage students to make decisions that they feel are safest and best in regards to their individual situations. In the case of a campus closure or the cancellation of all classes, a notice will be posted online on KCC’s Operating Status page at www.kellogg.edu/facilities/opstatus.html. Through this link you can also find information about how to sign up for electronic text, email and RSS alerts that distribute information about weather and security incidents as they occur.
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1 1 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 KCC Women's Basketball vs Kalamazoo Valley Community College Miller Gymnasium • 1:00 pm KCC Men's Basketball vs Kalamazoo Valley Community College Miller Gymnasium • 3:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Western Michigan University Admissions Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Davenport University Central Walkway • 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm Center Welcome: Fehsenfeld Hastings • 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Center Welcome: Eastern Academic Center Albion • 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Academic Workshop: Transferring LRC Spring Lake Room • 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Western Michigan University College of Education & Human Development North Walkway • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Center Welcome: Grahl Coldwater • 4:30 - 6:00 pm Center Welcome: RMTC Battle Creek • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Academic Workshop: Computer Basics OITC 08 • 10:00 am - 11:00 am PTK & KAB Valentine's Day Sale Student Center • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Gallery Exhibit: "Reflections on Identity" Devries Gallery, Davidson Visual & Performing Arts Center 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Academic Workshop: Resume Writing & Job Interviewing OITC 08 • 10:00 am - 11:00 am Opening Reception: "Reflections on Identity" DeVries Gallery, Davidson Visual & Performing Arts Center 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Soul Food Lunch Student Center & Kellogg Room • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Spring Play: "Bus Stop" Students with KCC ID $5, Seniors, other students, and military personnel get 10% off regular ticket price What A Do Theatre, 4071 W. Dickman Rd, Springfield • 8:00 pm KCC Women's Basketball vs Muskegon Community College Miller Gymnasium • 1:00 pm KCC Men's Basketball vs Muskegon Community College Miller Gymnasium • 3:00 pm Cereal City Concert Band: Winter Concert Lakeview Middle School Auditorium • 7:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Davenport University Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: WMU College of Education & Human Development North Walkway • 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm Academic Workshop: Google Like a Librarian LRC Spring Lake Room • 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Coffeehouse Concert: TBD Student Center • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Academic Workshop: Student Success LRC Spring Lake Room • 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Volunteer & Civic Engagement Fair Kellogg Room • 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Transfer College Tour: Western Michigan University Kalamazoo • 8:30 am - 3:00 pm Black History Month Field Trip: Motown Museum & Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Detroit • 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Bruins Give Back Battle Creek • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm KCC Women's Basketball vs Jackson College Miller Gymnasium • 1:00 pm KCC Men's Basketball vs Jackson College Miller Gymnaisum • 3:00 pm Spring Play: "Bus Stop" Students with KCC ID $5, Seniors, other students, and military personnel get 10% off regular ticket price What A Do Theatre, 4071 W. Dickman Rd, Springfield • 3:00 pm Leadership Summit (GVSU) Allendale • TBD Transfer Student Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Western Michigan University Haworth College of Business Central Walkway • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm KCC Women’s Basketball vs Lake Michigan College Miller Gymnasium • 5:30 pm KCC Men’s Basketball vs Lake Michigan College Miller Gymnasium • 7:30 pm Academic Workshop: Emerging Technology for Job Search OITC 09 • 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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Mixed media with handmade paper by Holly Stephenson
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February 10 — March 21
KELLOGG
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Eleanor R. & Robert A. DeVries Gallery Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Opening Reception February 13, 4 - 6 pm
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February 2014
CAMPUS NEWS
member of the Kalamazoo Paper Guild. With an Art degree from Western Michigan, Stephenson has continued over the years to create impressive pieces. Many figures of historical significance have been referenced in her body of completed artworks including Amelia Earhart and Joan of Arc. Future pieces in this platter series will be Lincoln, Gandhi, and Sojourner Truth. Many of her recent works incorporate portrayals of social issues or historically relevant events, such as in the ‘More or Less Series’ pieces. This collage series in shadow boxes reflects her fear of the loss of the physical book to the ever increasing popularity of e-books and computer technology, and culminates in the fourth collage piece which symbolizes the eventual detriment of the “book”. Her insights, just like her artwork are deep with multiple layers of meaning. “Art is very personal to me. Writing and the visual arts are interconnected,” Stephenson said. “I start most of my pieces for myself, as a way to express my personal beliefs.” For Stephenson, each piece means working from concept to physical visual product. Working from her studio to create the paper bases, the works eventually take shape from a variety of pulps and additives. Next comes the assembly process and finding the desired inclusive materials. From a collection of oddities she calls ‘things out of place’ comes an abundance of objects that may be incorporated in her works, things like old rusted roller skates. Shadow boxes become homes to things that can’t be helped by paper. “I find items in the weirdest places
Reflections of Identity
Bob Psalmonds Staff Writer Holly Stephenson is a retired art teacher that uses one of the oldest and most tactile and rudimentary mediums to create her pieces: handmade paper. The Three Rivers resident will bring Reflections of Identity, a mixed media exhibition to Kellogg Community College at the Eleanor R. & Robert A. DeVries Gallery . Mixed with her own photography, historical imagery and poetry, this multi-media talented artist creates works in both two and three-dimensions. “All artists hope for a reaction, positive or negative,” Stephenson explained. “But it ultimately comes down to the experiences of the viewer to derive what they will see as well as how they will interpret my pieces.” Stephenson’s voice is filled with enthusiastic descriptions of how she conceived and completed many of the twenty- five pieces that will hopefully make an emotional connection with those who take the time to attend this display. “Paper is formed by simple natural things then manipulated by the artist,” Stephenson said. “It is a wet and very tactile medium. I occasionally even use a wasp nest mixed with my pulp, which is nature’s first version of paper. It adds wonderful color and texture to the sheets!” Stephenson was a teacher for 38 years and former curator of the Permanent Art Collection at WMU. She developed the curriculum and taught papermaking to art students at Kalamazoo Central High School. She is also an active
"Reflections of identity" on display beginning February 10th in the Davidson building.
photo by Holly Stephenson
and then try to figure out a way to use them outside the realm of the original owner’s use,” Stephenson said. She explained the skates were found in a field near her home. Though she prefers the individual viewer gather his or her own idea of what she is trying to convey, sometimes written text is incorporated to heighten the importance of a concept. Their existence can last for centuries or very short lived. “I like to work in series and to do things in odd numbers. The conception of the work is obviously very powerful to me because I’m in them when the piece is born,” The artist said. “Over time, an art-
ist may lose track of the deeper meaning letting the artwork speak for itself-adding a third party viewer to interpret what the work may say adds an important third dimension to the artistic experience.” The haunting photographssnippets of lost moments from the past, frozen in time-take on a presence of their own within the confines of her pieces. Nameless and standing on their own as reflections of an unidentified person, she playfully offers us an uncanny “identity”. The show Reflections of Identity runs Feb 10 through March 21 with an opening reception Feb. 13 from 4 to 6 pm.
YouTube as a tool
Cara Clingan Staff Writer The obsession with social media is growing on youth around the globe. Facebook, Myspace, twitter and the newest sensation, Vine, allow teens, twenty-somethings and adults to connect or play games with friends, family members, even strangers. However YouTube is a different kind of social meda, allowing users to record their “talents”. Idiots running in front of trains for a thrill, eating a spoonful of cinnamon only to choke videos are endless on YouTube. Looking for a video of someone falling in a hilarious fashion? Hundreds of them. Want to see a video of an adorable kitten? Thousands of them. There is an infinite amount of videos to be found on the site. Yet, YouTube can be used as a tool for learning new, unique things. Users that want to get away from the daily giggles of the fails and wins of the internet, but don’t know where to start, should start here: • Markiplier: This man is simply amazing. Not only does he play videogames for our entertainment (known as “let’s plays”) but every so often he does a twelve hour livestream (Video• • stream of himself playing videogames, etc) to raise money for charity. Even in October he raised $55,000 for the Extra Life, a site that raises money for local charities in various cities. Vsauce2: literally a channel about the strange and unimaginable in our world. Learn all about the living rock with organs or the telescope that you can smell from. There are many different items that come up on this channel. Epic Rap Battle of History: As the title of the channel says, famous figures of history battle each other verbally. Adolf Hitler vs Darth Vader, Mozart vs Skrillex, and even Batman vs Sherlock Holmes. This channel is awesome not only for its awesome music, it’s for the comedy and dedication they put into their videos is remarkable. SwedishMealTime: A bunch of angry Swedish guys cooking in their kitchen. So much screaming and yet the food always turns out amazing looking. Complete other spectrum compared to Swedish Chef. iLL WiLL PrEss: Not a cartoon for the weak hearted. Follows the adventures of Germaine, an ever changing, overly sexualized gal and her roommate a very angry squirrel named Foamy. Seriously, this is not for children. Quirkology: A channel full of mind
Lindsey Sterling covers popular songs and posts them on YouTube.
photo by Cara Clingan
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tricks, ways to win bets, and illusions presented by psychologist and author Richard Wiseman. This channel will test your mind in way you couldn’t even imagine. • Lindsey Sterling: An amazing violinist. While she does write her own pieces, Sterling also takes on some of the well-known themes on her violin: The Legend of Zelda, Lord of the Rings, Pokémon, and even covers of today’s hits such as Radioactive and Thrift Shop. • aniBOOM: A great channel filled with many different kinds of animations. From the creepy clay-mation
to the beautifully designed 3D artworks, this is a channel you could get lost in for hours. • HISHEdotcom: quirky little animations about how movies should have ended in hilarious ways! • KNOWYOURMEME: Ever wonder about the strange things you find on the internet that seem really popular such as the Grumpy Cat or stupid challenges like the Cinnamon Challenge? This channel will explain everything.
FEATURE
beautiful world begins to fade to darkness as we see the true nature of the city: racism, religious fanaticism, and mechanical advances that man could only dream of below. Now Booker must make his way through the city, battle mechanical wonders, save Elizabeth, and find out the true reason why Elizabeth is so important. Skyhook is how you travel the railways of Columbia. Of course one could walk to most places, but it’s so much more fun to ride the railways. Not only is the Skyhook convenient for travel, but it is one gruesome weapon. Players can rip their opponent’s neck open with the spinning blades or use the railways strategically get the jump on unsuspecting guards. Skyhook is one of the best weapons of the game. Vigors are the powers of this universe. Powers such as Shock Jockey that will shock your enemies, Devil’s Kiss that allows you to blast fireballs at your enemies, and Bucking Bronco that thrusts your enemies into the air make the game interesting. I sat down with Eric Vest Jr. as he played the game for the first time. While he didn’t enjoy the first game of the series, he absolutely loved the third. “While there could have been a lot more weapon choices, the powers were as cool as always,” Vest said. “Murder of Crows was my favorite because it was a handy way to get a break from enemies as the crows pecked them to death.” While he did enjoy the game, this wasn’t the same case for everyone. A lot of people were disappointed by the repetitiveness of the combat system. There are a limit of a few guns and your vigors
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Vigorous Bioshock: review
Cara Clingan Staff Writer Humans have always dreamed of what the future holds but honestly, how often has that idea became reality? From the over-the-top flying cars to the robotic engineering of tomorrow, humans have dreamed many dreams of scientific advancement. Even though we read of scientific advancements in the news daily, it makes us wonder what else isn’t being shown to the mass media. What if someone created a whole city above in the clouds that couldn’t be seen by the naked eye? Those ideas lead video game creators to the gaming world of Bioshock Infinite. Welcome to Columbia, the holy city in the sky and the third installment of the Bioshock series. The year is 1912. We follow the story of Booker Dewitt, private investigator with a serious gambling and drinking problem, as he is offered a chance to wipe his slate clean. “Bring us the girl, wipe away the debt,” Booker was offered. He would later travel to the beautiful city of Columbia high up into the sky to retrieve the girl known as Elizabeth and be forgiven for all his pass transgressions. The city of Columbia is under the reign of Father Comstock, or the Prophet as some know him for his abilities to see into the future. Comstock warns his people about the false shepherd, Dewitt, that will lead their lamb astray and bring about the end of Columbia. This once
Fan showing love by dressing as one of the main characters, Elizabeth.
photo by Cara Clingan
that you can make combos from, but people were craving new guns. The Skyhook, while amazing, was the only “new” creative gun other than your basic grenade launcher or carbon. “The combat system was alright, but I just wish there were more weapon options,” Sebastion Micheals said. He felt the creators could have improved weapons for the third installment. “I mostly used skylines and vigors to kill my enemies unless I was forced to use a gun.” As the third installment of the Bioshock series, this game did not disappoint. Rated 10/10, this game was stunningly both visually and musically.
This game is very story-driven and will keep you on the edge of your seat as you ride the skylines of Columbia above the clouds. When you first enter the candlefilled baptizing room at the beginning, you’re overwhelmed by the soft glow and heavenly music. A whole new set of powers known as Vigors and a new city bring a fresh taste to the series, especially because this story isn’t based in Raptures like the series’ previous plot lines. A whole new story with new characters, a million possible stories, but only one ending.
Bumper stickers: the world at a glance
Cara Clingan Staff Writer To make something our own, people often have to add their own little style to it. There are thousands of the same models of cars in the world and when the right car is purchased, we have the need to make it our own. Some people hang things from their mirrors and others use custom seat covers to add that little something. Then there are bumper stickers. Sometimes they make us laugh, some make us cry, and some make us wonder what the hell were they thinking when they put that out in public. Bumper stickers can be about anything and everything, and they are everywhere. As I wandered our very own campus parking lot, roughly one in every three cars had some kind of bumper sticker(s). Most commonly, I’ve seen political, Star Trek, hunting, and even Big Bang Theory bumper stickers. Much like the clothes we wear, our cars give the world a glance of what we are into and our style. I’ve seen cars covered bumper to bumper with stickers while some have a simple awareness ribbon. To each their own, or so they say. Next time you’re out and about, take the time to stop and read the bumper stickers. (Preferably not when you’re driving!)
Field trip
Charles H. Wright Museum and Motown Hitsville USA
February 21, 2014
Departure, 8:00 AM Tickets $30 KCC Students $40 Non-students
Sign up at Student Life
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8
February 2014
CULTURE
THE NAGGING MOTHER
Choral Calendar 2014
At Kellogg Community College, much is happening in the world of music this upcoming Spring 2014 Semester. The KCC chorus will perform worldwide over the next six months, visiting Battle Creek, Coldwater and traveling to Rome and Italy at the end of June. Gerald Blanchard, music area coordinator, is eager for the music season. “This year’s season is supported by Mr. and Mrs. Devries as well as corporate sponsorship by Randall Foods,” Blanchard explained. With such support, we are able to offer the community, both college and Battle Creek, a wide variety of musical options.”
Silent power
Elizabeth Kerlikowske Advisor The doctor said I would need to practice “voice rest.” That sounded ominous to me, a natural chatterbox. I went online to discover that “voice rest” ranges from a breathy Marilyn Monroe voice to no laughing, crying, sneezing, coughing, talking. I thought I should practice silence, at least. To start silence, I had to tell my husband in out-loud words. He says I am terrible at pantomime, but he is the world’s worst guesser. In Pictionary, he’ll draw one thing and stab it with the pencil until the table shows through rather than move on. My penmanship is dismal, and I don’t blame him for not being able to read it. I found an app called Speak for Me. Without my glasses I can’t see the keypad, so I’m back to pantomime and scrawl. Everything I would normally say popped into my mind, but nothing could leave from the usual exit. Writing was certainly going to be necessary. I wrote little messages that could be read like poems: shoes / NO / the deer can hear you / sorry turd. I was frustrated for 16 hours and never stopped thinking about what I had lost instead of what I could learn. The second day was different. I woke not
February
Cereal City Concert Band, Winter Concert Saturday, Feb 15 at 7 pm Lakeview Middle School Auditorium — Battle Creek
March
Davidson Student Recital Series Wednesday, Mar 19 at 1 pm Music at the Bruin Student Center Community Outreach Event: Legislative Breakfast Friday, Mar 28 at 7:00 am Burnham Brook 200 W. Michigan Ave — Battle Creek — Kellogg Singers
April
KCC Jazz Band Concert Monday, April 22 at 7:30 pm Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Auditorium Davidson Student Recital Series Wednesday, April 23 at 1 pm Performances by KCC students studying through the individualized Music Lesson Program Area Davidson Visual and Performing Arts CenterAuditorium Choral Series Event: “Singing in the Spring” An Afternoon of Choral Splendor Sunday, April 27 at 1 pm Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church 27 East Chicago St. — Coldwater — Free-will donation KCC Jazz Band Concert Monday, April 28 at 4:30 pm Student Center Student Recital Series Wednesday April. 30 at 1 pm Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Auditorium
breaking the silence. The cats, though, had not taken the vow, and they sang in the kitchen needing nothing from me but food. I felt less need to say anything to my husband except “Salmon?” and point him toward the basement. After he left for work, the silence in the house in the snowstorm was exquisite. With no one to talk to, what did I really need to say? It’s easy to be silent alone. When the real “voice rest” came, the doctor said I could talk lightly but “don’t try to get anyone’s attention.” I was silent for three days though I perfected “Happy Birthday Mr. President” and sang it to myself on my birthday. Racing thoughts slow when ideas are not vying for articulation. I felt calmer not speaking. I loved my silence. It was tremendously interesting to be in groups where there was no expectation of my commentary. I almost hated to start speaking again; I liked my quieter public persona. L i ke y aw n ing , s i len ce r ip ples through a crowd. If one person whispers, everyone starts whispering. At first, it annoyed me, but then, the environments seemed less harried, easier, gentler. Every utterance seemed an important and valuable secret. My voice is back, but I write this column to remember how during the silence, every communication was sifted into what absolutely mattered, and that was communicated. Silence simplified things and speeded up some processes. I realized how much of what we say is unimportant, and I took this column to say it.
May
Choral Series Event “Oh, What a Night!” An Italian Musical Celebration and Feast Friday, May 2 at 3, 5, and 7 pm Barista Blues Cafe, 91 Michigan Ave W., Battle Creek
Advance tickets $15 for adults, $12.50 for seniors and students, $10 for children 5 ages and older. At door price is $20 per person. All funds raised will support the 2014 KCC choir tour of Italy. Tickets available in the Arts and Communication Department offices: Call (269) 965-4126 ext. 1
Spring Cabaret 2013, Choral Series Event Branch County Community Chorus Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 pm Tibbits Opera House — Coldwater — Free-will donation Cereal City Concert Band Spring Concert Saturday, May 3 at 7 pm Marshall High School Auditorium 701 N Marshall Ave — Marshall Special Community Event: 33rd Annual Community Prayer Breakfast Featured Choir, Kellogg Community College Choirs Tuesday, May 6, at 7 am Kellogg Arena 36 W. Hamblin Ave — Battle Creek
KELLOGG
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
June
Kellogg Community College Choral Union European concert tour June 26 through July 2 Rome and the Amalfi Coast of Italy
The Spring 2014 Season Sponsor is Randall Foods, INC (Randall Beans) with additional support provided by Mrs. Eleanor R. & Robert A. DeVries.
CULTURE
February 2014
9
The older student
Coke head
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor Hi, my name’s Tiffany and I’m a Diet Coke-aholic. I know it sounds like the opening of a bad joke, but it’s the truth. On a normal day I down at least 5 cans of Diet Coke on top of any fountain drinks consumed at restaurants or fast food places. That’s pretty bad, but when you add in the fact that I drink no other liquids, ever, it only gets worse. I detest coffee. I never acquired a taste for juice or tea, and I can't stand water. It has no taste. It’s like disappointment in a glass. Someone needs to invent Diet Coke flavored water. I’d drink the heck out of that stuff. I’ve been a full-blown addict for the last 16 years. It started when I moved out on my own. Growing up, my mother rationed the pop I could drink. She said it was full of sugar, would rot my teeth, and make me fat. My parents were Pepsi drinkers and would buy a case of Pepsi every few weeks. This was back when Pepsi was sold in tall glass bottles. Pop-
ping the top of an ice-cold glass bottle of pop is what I imagine popping the top of a beer feels like to an alcoholic. It’s magic. My sister babysat me after school and as a treat we would split a bottle of Pepsi. She would have hers in a cup, and I would take the bottle even when I knew her “half ” was closer to three quarters, just so I could feel the icy glass upon my lip. When I moved out of my parent’s house, I decided that being an adult meant that I could drink as much pop as I wanted, and I did. I moved in with roommates that were constantly dieting, and they got me hooked on Diet Coke. It was like a dark God, and I was more than happy to bow down at its feet. I longed for a day when I could put Diet Coke in an IV and inject it directly into my veins. I never noticed that surviving on a liquid diet, which relied only on pop, impacted me in any way. I always maintained good blood pressure, low cholesterol, and was considered generally healthy. I have been heavy my whole life, so I never blamed my pop consumption for my weight. Then some weird things started happening. In my thirty plus years I have never had a cavity until recently when I was shocked to find out I had seven. Then there was the issue with my stomach. I have struggled for the last two years with unexplained stomach ailments: constant stomachaches, bouts with colitis, and burps that could rival a frat guy after a keg stand. When doctors could find no
Diet coke addicts beware of dangers.
photo by Tiffany Thatcher
physical explanation for my stomach problems, I looked to the Internet for guidance and was shocked to read the statistics on pop consumption, primarily Diet Coke. Diet Coke has been linked with rotting teeth, skin problems, kidney issues, stomach ailments, and obesity. Yes, that’s right obesity. I thought I was making the better choice by drinking a diet soda when in fact diet soda was making me hungrier. With all of this information at my fingertips, you would think
that I would have broken my habit. But who are we kidding? I am an addict and addicts could care less about side effects. It took a major life event to finally open my eyes to the horrors of Diet soda. I suffered a miscarriage this past summer. I’m not naïve enough to blame my miscarriage on Diet Coke. In the seven months following my loss, I have tried unsuccessfully to get pregnant. Frustrated and confused I once again turned to the Internet and read the studies linking Diet Coke consumption to reproductive issues. That little bit of knowledge, whether scientific fact or not, finally got me thinking that I needed to make a change. At the end of December I began forcing myself to drink 2 bottles of water a day. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but it was a step in the right direction. At first it sucked and I still drank my normal obsessive amounts of Diet Coke. Then a weird thing happened. I began to realize that I wasn’t as thirsty as I use to be. The water was keeping me hydrated unlike the Coke that made me thirstier with every sip. I am now down to one can of Diet Coke a day. I’m not cold turkey yet and I’m not entirely sure I ever will be. I’m enjoying a new found energy, healthier looking skin and fewer stomachaches. I don’t know if cutting back on my Diet Coke will help me to conceive, but it can’t hurt. And that is enough to keep me working towards my goal of being sodafree by 2015.
Nostalgia: the hottest selling product
Heidi Myers Staff Writer The yesteryears are longed for more than ever. Everywhere you look there’s ‘retro’ this and ‘throwback’ that. Although remaking consumers’ favorite products is nothing new, what is happening today is on a much larger nostalgic scale. Childhood holds some of the best memories for most, and those memories become ingrained in the toys we held, shared, and coveted. One of the more high-tech toys of its time was the Furby, released in 1998. Furby was an electronic interactive owl (or possibly chipmunk) that became a must-have item in nearly every household during its two year reign. Smaller and different variations of the furry favorite were released for a few years, but nothing worthy of its past toy aisle rush. Now, over a decade after its release, it has been revamped and is being marketed as the “new Furby.” Furby isn’t the only toy making a comeback. Reproductions of classic toys like the Etch-a-Sketch, painted wooden blocks, metal xylophone, Tinker toys, Slinky, and Lite Brite are all easily found and even come in vintage-style packaging. When I last perused the toy aisle, I noticed that Barbie and her packaging were modeled like the older versions. From the carefully chosen color scheme, clothing, and hairstyles, she appeared as if she could shift from 2013 to 1985 and no one would notice. Apparently even the seemingly unshakable empire of Barbie has succumbed to turning back the clock. Although fashion trends are always being recycled, usually we wait more than a decade to repeat them. So is it not the case with the current “grunge” trend which includes lots of high-waisted pants, crop tops, velvet, combat boots, oversized sweaters and acid-washed everything? Sounds a bit familiar…like the not so faraway 90's. In fact, the 90's appear to be the most coveted times. Television shows that may otherwise have fallen into obscurity are now being released in special edition box sets because of the huge fan-followings. (For examples see Daria or Boy Meets World) Favorite movies are being rereleased on newer formats, others are getting decade-delayed sequels. More and more television shows are having reunion specials and or even coming back on the air. So all of this raises the question: why? Are things so horrendous and unbearable that we must run back under the comfort of our nostalgia blanket? Are there no original ideas anymore? Are we just unwilling to accept anything new? Are our decisions based solely on what we enjoyed as children? I offer an alternative. With shows like Jersey Shore and Toddlers and Tiaras, one cannot be chastised for picking up the Friends box set. When even the biggest franchises are blatant copies or rip-offs of earlier made material, how does one have any faith in the media industry? (Looking at you, Hunger Games.) If more movies and books stopped recycling and remaking old stories, maybe we wouldn’t be so quick to run back to our beloved Disney movies and Harry Potter books. And perhaps if so many people didn’t feel as hopeless or see the future as darkly as they do, so many wouldn’t retreat to the times when things seemed so much brighter.
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10
February 2014
OPINION
“These sites can get quite costly and if they are not a paying member, then communicating with them is impossible,” Whitman said. “POF or formally known as "Plenty of Fish" is free and has a lot of local people to meet, so I would that is where I would suggest someone to start their journey." As Whitman explained, there are prices involved in meeting people online. For example Match.com costs $14.99 for 6months, $16.99 for 3 months, and $29.99 for 1 month. These sites can become expensive and can also throw in hidden costs that you won’t find out about until you look at your credit card statements. However, online dating is risky. A catfish is someone who pretends to be someone they're not using Facebook or other social media to create untrue identities, especially to pursue deceiving online relationships. People meet online, start creating a relationship and in the end find out they have been talking to a different person than they originally thought and will end up in a bad heartbreak or dangerous situations. Studies show only 2 in 10 people are actually who they say they are. Despite the risk, online dating helps thousands of people meet new friends everyday, even if it’s not their life-long partner. It is predicted that more relationships are being created through social media websites while the divorce rate also continues to climb because of this same reason. To know more about what goes on and how it works, you would have to make your own account and try it yourself. These online dating sites may not always be the safest but neither is meeting people in person nowadays. Online dating could be great way to meet new friends and eventually find that lifelong partner.
Online dating
Caitlyn Whitman Staff Writer Ron Whitman, my father, started his online journey as his comprehension of technology increased. He tried out dating sites and met many different women online that he has pursued friendships with but not much more. "I wanted to open up my options to more than the women that I was meeting at church, work and other venues." As Whitman became smarter with technology, he figured out how to use Facebook and how to join sites to meet friends. He joined a group for single fellowship Christians, a site that requires potential members to be approved by another member. Whitman explained his favorite part about this group on Facebook was meeting a certain woman. The two began texting and Skyping to learn more about each other. "I have made more friends than I have actually dated. Anyone from online dating and a lot of my friends are in different states and countries," Whitman said. "Match.com is okay for more local people and Christian Mingle.com is good for meeting people with the same beliefs.” Whitman pursued this friendship by flying to Australia to see this woman for a week-long vacation. He says if he could change anything about these websites, it would be the prices and hidden costs involved. Facebook sites are not the only way people use the internet to date. okcupid, Match.com, farmersonly.com or eharmony.com offer users the chance to meet a variety of singles.
Dr. Destiny
food that was given to them. A lot of the spices and seasonings come from the food these folks loved in Africa. Wherever and whatever its source, it is a proud part of many African American lives and enjoyed by a much larger group! More Greens, Please! Dr. D. Dear Dr. D, What are a few tips to lessen seasonal depression short of sitting under a sun lamp eight hours a day? Blue Dear Blue, Surround yourself with happy people! If you suffer from seasonal depression, being around others who are constantly finding fault and depressed will not help you at all. Laughter is season-less, so find reasons to laugh and people who laugh! Developed Funny Bone Dear Dr. D, This is my final semester at KCC. I’m worried about funding my future education. Where should I begin? Help!!!!! Future Graduate Dear Future Grad, Congratulations on finishing the first lap of your education! That is something to be proud of. Financing a college education is difficult, but at least you have some credits to start with. Now evaluate the colleges you are interested in and decide what school can give you the education you want at the best price. Investigate scholarships at those institutions; work-study programs; on-campus job opportunities; and every scholarship that comes up in an internet search. Congrats and continued success! Dr. D.
Dear. Dr. Destiny As a single person on Valentine’s Day, what can I do to lessen the sting of no flowers, no dinner, and no love? The Shriveled Heart Dear Shriveled Heart, You can be thankful that you are not in a lousy relationship! Actually going out alone on Valentine’s Day is a real bummer, but ask some friends who are also alone over for a pot luck dinner or an evening of playing cards or games or whatever suits your group. Immerse yourself in a great book or a great DVD and a huge bag of M&Ms and enjoy being with YOU. When you meet the right person for you, you won’t be alone. I have been married for a very long time, and we never celebrate Valentine’s Day. We love each other, and show it, every day. Dr. D. Dr. Destiny, I hear the Soul Food Luncheon is back again this year at KCC. What makes food “soul food?” Hungry for Corn Bread Dear Fellow Corn Bread Lover, I believe soul food is defined as food beloved by and often developed by the African American population. Some of it comes from the days of slavery when slaves had to be creative with the
Choosing chains
Heidi Myers Staff Writer The arguments over fast food have come, gone, and come again. Evidence of unsafe or damaging processes has surfaced for numerous food chains over the years and will probably continue to do so. And yet, despite the lawsuits and shortcoming of good meal preparation, billions of people continue to eat at these chains every day. They have not changed, and they will not change. If someone chooses to knowingly expose themselves to unhealthy or unsafe foods it is their own poor choice. Small businesses are not exempt from unsafe practices. They can just as easily have an unsanitary kitchen, messy employees, and unsafe food prep process. Just because they are smaller and we do not hear about them doesn’t mean bad practices don’t happen. The idea that anyone working at a locally owned establishment does so because they enjoy it and big business employees just need a job is a gross generalization. There are some people who simply enjoy doing what they do, be it in a small town diner or Applebee’s. Also, how many people have jobs because they need them? No matter where a person works, it is a fair assumption they need the income they are working for and are not simply there to kill time. Work is just that, work. Ultimately, the quality of a restaurant isn’t based on if it is a local or a chain. It is whether it’s a pleasurable restaurant with varied and delicious food, exceptional service and a great atmosphere. Find that, and it won’t matter who is behind the counter.
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BRUIN Staff
Co-Editors Lacy Janousek Tiffany Thatcher Managing Advisor TaNisha Parker Editorial Advisor Elizabeth Kerlikowske Graphics Advisor Kathryn Jarvie Layout Design Linda Helton Brandon Smith Doug Wheaton David Hopkins Sports Editor Mary Emington Staff Writers Eleanor Alexander Cara Clingan Jonathan Hogan Heidi Myers Ashleigh Olmstead Cavin Smith TJ Taylor Caitlyn Whitman Bob Psalmonds
Editorial Policy
The KCC Bruin is a free student publication produced monthly by Kellogg Community College students during the fall and spring semesters. The KCC Bruin welcomes letters to the editor from members of the College and the community. Letters must be signed and submitted with a current telephone number or email address. All letters become property of the Bruin and may be edited for clarity and length. By-lined opinion columns represent the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Bruin staff or the College. Letters may be submitted by mail to: KCC Bruin student newspaper, c/o Kellogg Community College, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek, Mich. 49017. Letters may also be submitted at all three KCC sites. At the Battle Creek site, letters may be dropped off in the English Department on the 4th floor of the C Building; the College Life Office in the Student Center; or the student newspaper office. At the Grahl and Fehsenfeld Centers, letters may be submitted at the information desks. The Bruin office is located in room 302 of the Roll Building. The staff can be reached at (269) 965-3931, Ext. 2630 or e-mail the Bruin editor at [email protected]
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OPINION
Burning bras or burning bridges?
Heidi Myers Staff Writer Feminism was originally built on the idea of equality. It focused on women’s suffrage and political equality. It later expanded to include societal and cultural equality as well. Now feminism has very murky and at times completely unclear goals. Feminists have multiple complaints, some very valid, but the laundry list of things that are being fought against has become unbearable and at times, totally ridiculous. There are certainly legitimate and reputable feminists and feminist organizations out there, but they are overshadowed by the callous and, for lack of a better word, whiny ones. One of the most frequent complaints heard across the internet and media is women being objectified and stereotyped in video games. This is seen on numerous websites such as Feminist Frequency, which had backlash after posting a feminist video about “damsels in distress” in video games. The basis of the complaint is that there aren’t strong female characters in games, and video games always hyper-sexualize the female figure. The biggest problem with this argument is that many people making the claims don’t play video games because there are some hardcore female characters. Lollipop Chainsaw was a game with a singular lead character named Juliet, a zombie-killing cheerleader. Not only is she a strong woman, although ditzy at times, but she breaks the stereotype of the helpless cheerleader that cannot do anything for herself. Other games with capable female characters include Mirror’s Edge, Tomb Raider, and Metroid. Is the video game world dominated by males? Yes, overwhelmingly so. But that domination stretches farther than just the video game console. Associating this issue so largely with gaming is misleading when it is a media-wide norm. Hyper-sexualizing is almost guaranteed in video games. But what would one expect in a world where everything is over exaggerated and fantastical? The boobs are bigger, the blood is redder, and the explosions are louder. In games where realism is the goal, the bodies are proportionate. Feminist irritation has covered outrage at specific commercials, products, magazines, politicians, bloggers, and celebrities, to name a few. The strangest areas of irritation are aimed at product advertising, generally with the view that products being sold to women (deodorant, shampoo, razors, makeup, shoes) are being marketed as if women must have X or Y to be considered attractive. Personally, I buy the shampoo that gives me shiny hair because I want to have shiny hair. To assume all women are so naïve as to buy every item they see based on a commercial and the opinion of men completely discredits the very gender they are trying to validate. An extension of this issue is that feminism has a tendency to exclude a huge number of women. Females that are homemakers, extremely beauty oriented, or uneducated get nearly socially banished from the movement. The idea that a woman might choose to be a wife and mother and be completely satisfied seems foreign. Enjoying the benefits of products available and catered to women (some of which make life easier or more enjoyable) is almost frowned upon. I find it more insulting that the very people fighting to get female stereotypes erased have such specific ideas as to what makes an acceptable woman. The most outrageous part of the accusations of sexism is how hypocritical some are. Numerous songs have been highlighted as blatantly sexual, most of which are always attributed to a male artist. Yet on the popular feminist website Jezebel, there is an entire article dedicated to sexual euphemisms and metaphors on Katy Perry’s new “filthy awesome album” as the title states. It’s apparently empowering for a woman to write songs exclusively about her genitalia or about seeing someone’s “peacock,” but if a man refers to himself as say, being well-hung or interested in sleeping with a woman, he is automatically a sexist pig. The line between empowering women and degrading men has been blurred. Feminists cannot be so one-sided with their anger if they intend to be taken seriously. This is just one of many examples of prejudice and wrongful assumptions against men that exist. To clarify, not everyone that identifies as a feminist has voiced these grievances or agrees with any of this. The outright truth is that society has plenty of issues, some gender related, but there comes a point when one must choose her battles. Movies, video games, comic books and the like are a business, plain and simple. Businesses cater to demographics, and if someone isn’t the primary demographic, they are not the first to be appeased. The bottom line is that feminism has long wandered away from its once admirable goals. Perhaps one day we can get back to original ideals the movement’s foundation was based on- pure, simple gender equality.
February 2014
11
"Oldboy" review
T.J. Taylor Staff Writer What necessitates a remake? Was the original bad? Has it been a long time, so the original may look terribly dated? Is the original in a different language? Sadly, that last reason seems to be the cause for more and more remakes lately. Someone scared of subtitles thought it would be a good idea to remake the South Korean revenge thriller, "Oldboy" (which is an adaptation of a Japanese manga of the same name), even though there aren't many improvements to be made on the original. Spike Lee, director of such movies like "Do the Right Thing" and "Jungle Fever," takes the reins from Chan-Wook Park and doesn't really change much. The American remake replaces Min-Sik Choi with Josh Brolin as the protagonist, and Ji-Tae Yoo with Sharlto Copley as his nemesis. The film follows a man who is kidnapped and imprisoned in a hotel room for twenty years for reasons unknown, who upon release hunts down his captors in search of truth and revenge. A lot of visual elements of the original remain in this movie, probably because Spike Lee knew he couldn't top Chan-Wook Park's brilliant direction. There are at least two scenes ripped directly from the original, which was a good idea on Lee's part because doing them any other way would pale in comparison to the original (though it still manages to be disappointing). This is not to say that Lee doesn't put his own voice into the movie (his trademark close-up dolly shot makes an appearance, along with a lot of his recurring actors), but it just doesn't quite live up to Park's. One of the scenes Lee copies in the remake is the famous hallway fight sequence, probably the most well-known sequence of the original. Even though it is necessarily the same scene, it is ruined in this version by bad sound mixing. Many scenes in the remake could be good but are hindered by minor mistakes like that. Another major element that seemed to be lacking in the English version was the raw emotional brutality of Park's version. Hits don't seem to land as hard, both physical, and emotional, hits. Copley's take on the villain, while actually being closer to the manga version than in Park's movie (which is strange since everything else in the remake is nothing like the manga), just doesn't seem as ruthless or as unforgiving as Ji-Tae Yoo's performance. The same thing goes for Josh Brolin's performance. This is not to say that he (or Copley for that matter) is a bad actor; he just can't capture the insanity of the protagonist that Min-Sik Choi brought to the screen so wonderfully. Not all remakes are bad ideas. David Fincher's remake of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is superior to the original in virtually every way, from the cast to the script to the soundtrack and especially to the direction. Even the remake of the cult classic "The Evil Dead," a personal favorite since as far as I can remember, was an amazing achievement and a much better movie by far (though I still love the original more in a different way). The reason that those work and this one doesn't? Those movies respected the originals and weave in some elements of them, but they had originality that hit all the right marks as well. In the case of "Oldboy", save your money and just watch the original on Netflix.
12
February 2014
SPORTS
Step into Sochi and the Winter Olympics
in the Russian city, Volgograd, only 600 miles from Sochi. U. S. citizens are cautioned to remain away from large crowds and demonstrations. Despite the somewhat controversial setting, athletes and the world alike are excited to witness the 2014 games. The worldwide event will display 15 sports: Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Bobsleigh, Cross Country Skiing, Curling, Figure Skating, Freestyle Skiing, Ice Hockey, Luge, Nordic Combined, Short Track Speed Skating, Skeleton, Ski Jumping, Snowboard, and Speed Skating. The United States is currently second in the total medal count for all-time Winter Olympic games at 253, including 87 gold. Norway takes first with an overall total of 303 medals, including 107 gold. Some Americans to take notice of in these games include Julia Mancuso Alpine Skiing, Shaun WhiteSnowboarding, Kelly ClarkSnowboarding, Hannah KearneyFreestyle Skiing, and Bill Demong-NordicCombined. One American favorite, Lindsey Vonn, recently announced she would not participate in the Sochi Olympics due to pain from her knee injury she endured during the world championships. Tune in for primetime coverage on NBC February 7th for the opening ceremonies. Get ready to chant USA!
Mary Emington Staff Writer After the rush of holidays from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, there is a void leaving a space for the winter doldrums to set in. Thankfully, this year there is an event to send those winter doldrums packing. After four long years it is finally time for the 2014 Winter Olympics! The Winter Olympics will take place in Sochi, Russia. This is the first time the Winter Olympics will be held in Russia since its inception. Participants and visitors alike will witness an amazing opening ceremony. The Olympics are scheduled to run from February 7th to the 23rd. Recently, some controversy in the news has arisen regarding the safety of travelers to the Winter Olympic games. The U. S. Department of State has issued a warning for travelers to “remain attentive regarding their personal security at all times." Some individuals speculate this warning was given in response to Russia’s tightening of LGBT policies and the possibility of terrorism. There have been 3 suicide bombings since October
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Handy for the handicapped?
Lacy Janousek Co-Editor Bob Reynolds hasn’t been handicapped his entire life, nor will he be handicapped for the rest of it. His temporary limited mobility combined with his position as Chief Information Officer has forced him to travel across KCC’s campus in an electric wheelchair or on crutches; Reynolds discovered the challenge in that task very quickly. “I’ve had the opportunity to experience how handicap accessible our campus is,” Reynolds explained. “The campus meets compliances for handicap accessibility but that doesn’t mean compliance is most friendly.” Mark O’Connell, Vice President for Administration and Finance, explained KCC is continually working to make the campus easier for those who have limited mobility. Updating KCC’s campus began in November 2009 when voters funded the first initiative of improvements to the main campus, which had buildings dated to 1970. “Things are a lot different in 2013 compared to 1970,” O’Connell commented. The 2009 initiative is one of several steps to make the campus more friendly to all students, faculty, and visitors. “One of the things we wanted to do was make the campus easily accessible,” O’Connell explained. “Not only for handicapped students but students with children.” In November 2009, KCC architects observed what the school had and what needed to be update to go above state standards for handicap accessibility. After watch-
Bob Reynolds attends the Foundation Scholarship Dinner.
photo by Simon Thalmann
ing students in with their children pull strollers up what used to be only steps, the first on O’Connell and the architect’s list was making a ramp for those traveling with wheels. “When we redo a building, we make sure the main entrances is handicap accessible from the front,” O’Connell said. “We try to allocate handicapped parking, people have needs and we are addressing them.” When the first initiative was complete, KCC was not only equipped with extra parking at the North Drive entrance, but a ramp was camouflaged in next to
the front steps for KCC patrons with limited mobility. “The zigzag was created for one group especially, but it is now used by everyone,” O’Connell explained. As years have passed, KCC has continued remodeling their main campus. The Lane Thomas Building was completed in Spring 2013. Replacing a bridge and manual door, is a much safer sidewalk and automatic sliding doors, O’Connell explained. “You used to have a button but now you have an electric sensor and it automatically opens,” O’Connell
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The Bridge is here to help
Heidi Myers Staff Writer Fear not trembling, students! There is a safe haven for the exam stress to melt away. The Bridge (formerly The Learning Place) is a completely free learning support center at KCC. Academic subjects covered by The Bridge include reading, writing, math and science; although if someone needs assistance in a different subject, a peer tutor is often sought out. The Bridge works closely with faculty to find suitable peer tutors recommended by professors. Cindy Lingbeek, staff assistant, has been working at KCC for 17 years and coordinates the tutoring in all departments. When asked what subject students tend to seek help for the most she replied very confidently, “Science. All the sciences.” Accounting has also been a popular subject at The Bridge this semester. Lingbeek says that The Bridge definitely gets busier during exam time, as well as when students have big projects due. When asked what one piece of advice she would give students, she replied, “Swallow your pride and ask for help. Even if not here with a tutor, at least a
Dr. Paula Westdorp consults with Lakia Larthridge
photo by Lacy Janousek
classmate or form a study group.” The Bridge also provides assistance writing papers. Jeff Houldsworth is an English para professor employed
with KCC since 2004 and stresses that The Bridge is not, however, an editing service. “Don’t come in right before
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Team building at Bruins Give Back page 3
Veteran's Art Show debuts page 6
Changes to the Honors Contract page 8
Students visit Comic-Con page 10
Bruins shine light on autism page 12
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CAMPUS NEWS
The scholarship is available for KCC students that have been affected by substance abuse, domestic abuse, or human trafficking. On October 9th, HCLO leadership gathered on the steps of KCC with guest speakers Joe Kuchenbach (Psychologist at Psychological Consultants and adjunct instructor in HUSE) and Suzanna Warren from Drug Court (KCC alumnus). Their words of celebration for the lives that have been changed by sobriety were inspired. Over the past 5 years, HCLO has worked to make a positive impact in support of the recovery community at KCC. Joining the annual planting of tulips were Danyelle Maitland from Substance Abuse Council and KCC graduate, KCC students and HCLO members. The HCLO planted live tulips in
Plant the promise
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor Substance abuse affects college students across the country every day, causing death or debilitating addictions. The Healthy Choices Leadership Organization is trying to bring an awareness of these issues with a Celebrate Recovery Month in October. HCLO Group members took pledges from students stating that they would abstain or use moderation with substances for the month of October. They also sold paper tulips for one dollar, with the proceeds going towards the Seeds of Success Scholarship.
Members of Healthy Choices Leadership Organization.
photo by Eric Yeo
the flower beds in front of the reflecting pools on the main campus to symbolize that there is life after recovery. Those interested in joining the HCLO can attend the meetings which are held every
Friday at 11 in the Support Services Conference room. For more information about the Seeds of Success scholarship contact TJ Mohl at [email protected]
Bruins Give Back in Battle Creek
Johnathan Hogan Staff Writer On Friday, September 25th, Kellogg Community College students and staff teamed up with the Service Learning office to volunteer for several local charities and community partners as part of the school’s Bruins Give Back Program. Bruins Give Back is a volunteer program coordinated by Student Life, Service Learning, and Hands On Battle Creek devoted to providing volunteer opportunities for KCC students three times a semester. The volunteers spent the day helping out for the Kingman Museum, Habitat for Humanity, and Community Action, all institutions devoted to providing aid and services to both the people of Battle Creek and other cities throughout Michigan. Kate DeGraaf, the Manager of Service Learning, emphasized the important opportunities Bruins Give Back provides for students, allowing them to build relationships with the many nonprofits in the local community. “It’s important for students and staff to come together to help the local community, and also to understand the needs of the non-profits and how we can support each other. It also provides a taste-test of sorts for students who work with the various non-profits. The Kingman Museum, located on the grounds of the Leila Arboretum, works to promote an understanding and appreciation for the natural world, providing tours to local schools and other private groups. KCC volunteers, including students in the school’s Physical Therapist Assistance Program, arrived to help with ground maintenance by clearing fallen branches near the entrance and painting worn out handrails. Julie Roberts, the coordina-
Handy for the handicapped?
smiled. “That’s what we are trying to do here.” Renovations were also done to the elevators, making them safer and easier to maneuver a wheelchair through the doorways. “We have to have these things within code to be approved,” O’Connell said. “But as the user can it be more practical? I think that’s why this has been so helpful for Bob.” As Chief Information Officer, Reynolds took the practicality issues into consideration when putting new, and fixing old, technology in classrooms around campus. “It makes me a lot more conscious as we work on things around campus,” Reynolds said. Projectors and computers must be a certain distance from classroom entrances, but Reynolds pondered whether that distance complied with state requirements and was as friendly as possible for students and faculty. “The Davidson is a good example of the old,” O’Connell said. “The restrooms aren’t compliant as they should be. It’s not that you can’t get through the building, but we can do it better.” The college is working to sell bonds to continue the needed updating. Next on the list of renovation projects is the Binda Theater. They will dramatically increase enjoyment during shows at Binda when before restrooms were nearly impossible for handicap theater enthusiasts to use. Restrooms will be shared with the new student center and will have plenty of room to maneuver wheelchairs through during crowded intermissions, O’Connell said. “Binda has to have an area where those in wheelchairs can sit and see the performance,” O’Connell said. The area will also be used by those who can’t easily get up and down theater stairways. When Binda is completed, Davidson and the Miller gymnasium will see changes as well. The process will take time but KCC faculty and contractors are working to make the campus friendly for all who attend. “We recognize there are still obstacles,” O’Connell said. “We will continue to make improvements.”
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Brandon Smith at Bruins Give Back.
Kate DeGraaf Manager of Service-Learning.
photos by Simon Thalmann
rtunity "It’s an oppot eam to build our o know and just get t hile each other w o the giving back t community."
tor for the PTA program, felt it was important that the students help out in the community, both for its own sake, and to help the students get to know each other. “This is something we try to do every year. It’s an opportunity to build our team and just get to know each other while giving back to the community.” Meanwhile, KCC students were also providing aid for the local Habitat for H u m a n i t y, including the ReStore. The ReStore sells l ow- p r i ced furniture, tools, and other hous-Julie Roberts ing materials and appliances to homeowners seeking to achieve independence. The volunteers at the Restore, including OIT instructor Shari Deevers and Service Learning Assistant Sarah Bronson, were sorting supplies left by donators for Habitat of Humanity. Both felt it was important to help Habitat for Humanity, and to volunteer in general. Kara Werner, the Administrative and Volunteer Services Manager for Habitat for Humanity, emphasized the impor-
tance of the ReStore to Habitat for Humanity, saying that it helps pay the overhead costs of maintaining the charity. “Because our ReStore funds our overhead, we’re able to use our donations for home owners programs.” The volunteerism continued with Community Action, where students were preparing food supplies for the non-profit’s Emergency Food Assistance Program, which provides food for needy families in seven Michigan counties. Angela Winght, Community Action’s intake specialist and KCC alumna, worked with the volunteers to prepare the food, which would be going to aid families in Hillsdale. Winght also felt the volunteer opportunities were important for students. “It helps them to do work for our communities. It’s a real great thing to help our community.” The next Bruins Give Back event will occur Friday, November 15th. Students interested in participating can head to the Service Learning website at http://www. kellogg.edu/socialscience/servicelearning/ or contact Service Learning Manager Kate DeGraaf at degraafk@kellogg. edu or at 269-965-3931 ext. 2211.
(NOTE: This issue of the bruin went to print before the October 25th, the date of the second Bruins Give Back event, and thus has no information pertaining to that event.)
CAMPUS NEWS
Kassie Dunham Librarian This past summer I was offered the opportunity to take on the challenge of working with the KCC archive. Archives are very different from libraries. Archives collect specific items that help preserve specific history. There are archives that have a very broad mission that covers entire states or counties, and some have a very specific mission that covers just one institution. That is the case of the Kellogg Community College Archive. We collect and preserve the history of Kellogg Community College. It is very exciting to be working with these materials, but it is totally different than working with library materials. I have spent a good portion of this fall taking online courses and getting up to speed with the software. I will be working on loading new materials to the online archive starting in January. As I get more comfortable working with the archive, I hope to work more closely assisting community members, faculty, staff, and students with the resources that it contains. Currently I am planning on beginning a post-master’s certificate in Digital Archives and Records Management in the Fall of 2014. Because the items collected by Archives are unique and irreplaceable, people are not able to check them out. Some items collected by the Kellogg Community College Archives are documents, graduation commencement programs from 1957 – 2011, College publications, course catalogs and schedules, and photographs, drawings, and blueprints of buildings on campus, and more! Some very interesting items are in the Virgil Rogers Collection. This collection contains letters from the 1940’s that are the first discussions on creating a community college in Battle Creek. So that the items can be used and viewed by everyone, the Digital Archives was launched two years ago. The two previous archivists did a lot hard work setting up the software and getting things organized. They also began the process of selecting, scanning, and describing the items that are viewable online. The items they were able to process are the tip of the iceberg, there are many more items to be uploaded and a lot more that needs to be accomplished. The collection that I mentioned above is one that is currently viewable. It may be viewed at: http://contentdm.kellogg.edu/cdm/ landingpage/collection/Rogers
November 2013
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Preserving the past Jell-O drive at the Grahl Center
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor For the 6th year, the Grahl Center is participating in a Jell-O drive to help Feeding Branch County. Feeding Branch County is a partnership between the schools, churches, organizations, workplaces, service clubs, food pantries, and individuals joining together to provide food boxes for needy families for the holidays. We are anticipating about 3000 families will be served for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Director of the Grahl center Bobbi Gagnon explains, “Feeding Branch County is a county wide effort to raise money/food for holiday baskets for the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are many different organizations that get involved in this project. The JellO drive was dreamed up six years ago as inexpensive way for college students to help fill the baskets. The Grahl Center students and staff raised over 3600 boxes of Jell-O last year. This year we are hoping to “kick-it up a notch” by having student leadership on the project. I know our Serv 200 students have some creative ideas to help encourage student participation and our support of the Feeding Branch County effort.” Kristen Drzewicki, a student in the Service Learning class at the Grahl, is adopting this project. She is making it not only her individual project, but is developing it into a class project and a Bruin’s Give Back event. Drzewicki says, “I wanted to get involved in the Jell-O drive through Feeding Branch County because last fall I participated in building the boxes at the food drive. It impacted me and I wanted to help this year. I like a good challenge and so I've challenged myself to raise 8,000-10,000 boxes of Jell-o. I'm very passionate about my community and want to see it strive and succeed.” Those interested in donating can contact the Grahl Center (517)-278-3300
A fun way to volunteer
Bob Psalmonds Staff Writer Operation Christmas Child is a worldwide children’s project of nonprofit Samaritan’s Purse that uses simple giftfilled shoe boxes. A giant packing party is scheduled on November 9 from 8:30 until 2 pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 1625 Capital Ave NE. Anyone not able to attend the official packing party, can find many areas dedicated to preparing and closing out the party. The shoe boxes will be filled with school supplies, toys, toiletry items, homemade crafts, stuffed animals and a variety of other small, non-liquid gifts. This year’s goal is over 5000 boxes filled with the said items. Any volunteers to donate or fill boxes will be much appreciated. Many individuals, businesses, and groups donate new or unused items that are non-perishable and would enrich the life of a child. In the 20 years of the ministry’s existence, over 100 million shoe boxes have been collected from 10 countries and have been distributed to children in over 100 countries. “Almost anyone can get involved in this project,” Linda Marvin, the coordinator for OCC in Southwest Michigan said. “People of all ages and walks of life throughout the community pack these boxes full of gifts and love. Individuals, families, community groups such as scouts and churches have enjoyed doing this and the full list is a long one. We’d love to have one or more groups at KCC who are willing to pack boxes and experience the joy of providing gifts to children around the world. Some have never received an actual gift in their entire lives. The packer is encouraged to include a friendly note of encouragement so hurting children know of both God’s love and a stranger’s kindness.” The operation is always in need of toothbrushes, soap, wash cloths, shoe boxes, wrapping paper, handmade crafts or toys that can fit in a shoebox. Each child gets a bag of hard candies as well. For more information, go to the HandsOn Battle Creek website at www. handsonbc.org or contact Linda Marvin at (269) 963-6673.
The Student Center circa 1961.
photo from KCC Archive.
The Bridge is here to help
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a paper is due asking us to review it.” The English department of The Bridge can help with research, writing essays, and teach better writing skills. When asked what the best advice he could give, Houldsworth said, “Come in with the assignments and some ideas. Know what you need help with and have specific questions.” Ruth Bifer is a KCC student from the Philippines and has received tutoring for English and reading. She said her faThe hours are as follows: Monday8:00am-7:00pm Tuesday-Wednesday8:00am-8:00pm Thursday8:00am-5:00pm Friday9:00am-2:00pm
vorite things about her experience were how hands on it was and the computer availability. Going to The Bridge has built her confidence and helped her grasp the English language in addition to improving her grades. Bifer says she would “definitely recommend it to students, especially foreign and exchange students.” Make-up and proctored tests for online classes can also be taken at The Bridge. The Bridge is located on the upper level of the Ohm Information Technology Center in room 207. Hours for academic testing are: Tuesday-Wednesday 8:00am-8:00pm Thursday10:00am-2:00pm
BRUIN Staff
Co-Editors Lacy Janousek Tiffany Thatcher Managing Advisor TaNisha Parker Editorial Advisor Elizabeth Kerlikowske Layout Design Linda Helton Brandon Smith Doug Wheaton
Graphics Advisor Kathryn Jarvie
Sports Editor Dakota Robert Staff Writers Eleanor Alexander Cara Clingan Mary Emington Jonathan Hogan
Heidi Myers Ashleigh Olmstead Cavin Smith TJ Taylor Caitlyn Whitman Bob Psalmonds
Editorial Policy
The KCC Bruin is a free student publication produced monthly by Kellogg Community College students during the fall and spring semesters. The KCC Bruin welcomes letters to the editor from members of the College and the community. Letters must be signed and submitted with a current telephone number or email address. All letters become property of the Bruin and may be edited for clarity and length. By-lined opinion columns represent the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Bruin staff or the College. Letters may be submitted by mail to: KCC Bruin student newspaper, c/o Kellogg Community College, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek, Mich. 49017. Letters may also be submitted at all three KCC sites. At the Battle Creek site, letters may be dropped off in the English Department on the 4th floor of the C Building; the College Life Office in the Student Center; or the student newspaper office. At the Grahl and Fehsenfeld Centers, letters may be submitted at the information desks. The Bruin office is located in room 302 of the Roll Building. The staff can be reached at (269) 965-3931, Ext. 2630 or e-mail the Bruin editor at [email protected]
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CAMPUS NEWS
The art of war: student veterans to display their artwork for Veteran’s Month
Johnathan Hogan Staff Writer This November, the Learning Resource Center will display the artwork of several veteran students at Kellogg Community College as a part of the Veterans Month Celebration. From Monday, November 4th to Friday, November 29th student veterans will share their artistic side with their fellow KCC students, displaying artwork ranging from paintings to poems, essays to short stories. TJ Mohl of Support Services and an event organizer for the month long celebration felt that the art exhibit allowed veteran students to express themselves through artwork, whether it was to display the experience of service, or how that experience shaped them. “Sometimes, they’re trying to create beauty out of pain,” Mohl said of the artists. “If you can get something outside of yourself, it can help you deal with it.” One such artist who felt compelled to get his stories outside of himself was Bob Psalmonds. “I get stories in my head, and I have to put them on paper or I’ll go insane." Psalmonds said much of his inspiration for his stories came from his travels during his service in the Army, during which he visited 5 countries. “People are the same in a lot of effects all over the world,” he said. For the upcoming Veteran’s Art Exhibit, he also decided to turn in several pieces of photography, a field he described himself as only a beginner in. In contrast to the very deliberate and pre-planned style of Psalmonds, Dennis Van Dyke, a former soldier in the Air Force, based his art style around randomness. Rather than plan out the final result of his works of art, Van Dyke began with simple drawings and expanded on them at random. “You just draw and draw, and see what you get,” he said. “It’s a concept I came up with to express myself.” A third student-veteran, Heather Tramel, submitted written pieces of a more personal nature. Her works detailed her journey through life, the military, and her growth as an artist. “I want that genuine happiness, just like everybody wants,” Tramel said. Tramel joined the Army as a way to move on from a rough neighborhood, becoming a communications specialist in a medical company. She left in spring of 2001. September 11th occurred several months later. The Army requested that she return, but Tramel had a son and had to stay with her family. “I carry a lot of guilt with me,” She said. “Those people I helped train went without me.” Leaving the army behind, Tramel lived a more peaceful life, seeking to express herself through photography. She began working as a photographer at weddings for a time. Tramel never felt satisfied with her work, however, though she still dabbles in photography, included photos she submitted to the Veteran’s Art Exhibit. Tramel expressed satisfaction with the life she now leads, enjoying kayaking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Her feelings are best stated in her own words, from her poem
“I Am” “From a new life navigated I am from the water From the paddle and sunscreen I am from the woods From the trails and wine by a fire I am from the peace found in nature From the peace found in time” For more information about the Veteran’s Art Exhibit and Veterans Month Celebration, contact TJ Mohl at [email protected].
Four ways to achieve Service-Learning street cred
Kerry Korpela Guest Writer Volunteerism: it is a staple of America’s creed, and has been for more than a century. We seem to know innately that giving back to our communities lends a sense of self and belonging. As giving back to the community has become more and more common through the decades, brilliant minds have asked: why not give those who wish to serve the lessons they need to continue this work and gain insight into why their support is so helpful? Learning about the makeup of our society and who is most in need only helps to cement the important lessons learned in the field. Thus, the idea of service- learning was born. Since the inception of servicelearning in colleges and higher learning institutions across America, many national campaigns of service learning have been initiated, such as the Peace Corps, Americorp, Americorp VISTA, and Learn and Serve America. Created by various administrations over the years, these programs have been wildly successful. Today, most colleges and universities require several credits of Servicelearning in order to graduate or transfer to other institutions. Many students find these courses as vital stepping-stones to a life devoted to service-learning and the aforementioned organizations. Others gain a sense of confidence and a feeling of purpose as they move through new life experiences and go on to other important events in their lives. At first glance, the requirement that students fulfill a service-learning credit may be counter-intuitive and does not fit the definition of volunteerism. Servicelearning is something more than just volunteering. It is a commitment on the part of both the student and the community partner to better their environment and themselves through service and education. Service-Learning can be considered as going the extra mile. You are not only dedicating your time to help a service or group of people, but investing in the process academically, mentally, and emotionally, to better yourself and your understanding of your global, national, state, and local communities. The Scoop:Service-Learning Endorsement Course In this course, the entire class participates in a service-learning project as part of the course work. Students who are looking for more experience in a specific area may benefit from this course. For example, HIST-201 provides hands-on experience for what a historian’s job may entail and actual archival visits and exploration. Aiding in the development of a community’s history is important work that lends to the sense of connection and solidarity a community has. The students serve at least fifteen hours. Service-Learning Endorsement Option Course. This is a regular course with an optional service-learning project embedded in the semester. The student completes both the coursework and a chosen service-learning project decided upon by both the professor and the student. The project must meet the curriculum standards of the class, so students who are looking for more experience in a specific area may benefit and others may gain new meaning and interest who are not pursuing that career path. Professor Stapleton’s SOCI-201 Introduction to Sociology would be a strong choice for a student looking to enter the field of Sociology. Those going into Childhood Education may be interested in EDUC200 Foundations of Education which offersservice-learning credit. Students serve at least fifteen hours. SERV 200 Service Learning This course is purely dedicated to service-learning and its aspects. Students learn important lessons inside and out of the classroom about communities and problem solving in diverse populations. Instructors encourage both group and solo projects or some combination thereof. Students have the option of simple service at an established community institution, or members of the class may develop their own plan or project to implement for the support of the community. Students serve at least twenty four hours. SERV 299 Service-Learning Field Experience This course is very beneficial for those looking to enter the non-profit sector after college or just wish to gain more experiences with service-learning. Students work in the community to gain further insight into the nuanced problems and solutions possible in a community. Focus on providing more opportunities for other KCC students to volunteer or start service-learning projects is also encouraged. The students serve at least one hundred hours, and are eligible for a scholarship.
CAMPUS NEWS
Constitution Day event a success
Donna Street PSA President Guest Writer In coordination with KCC Student Life, the Paralegal Student Association cosponsored the college’s Constitution Day event back on September 17, 2013. The day was filled with many events that took place in the Student Center. The day began at 11:00 a.m. with Uncle Sam coming for a visit and passing out copies of the U.S. Constitution to students. Throughout the day, students were treated to an assortment of candies and snacks. At 1:00 p.m., participants played a U.S. Constitution trivia game. The students got involved rather quickly and shouted out answers in excitement. All students in the Student Center during this time received a gift bag filled with assorted items. Many students took advantage of a photo opportunity to get a picture with the life-size cut out of President Obama provided by the KCC College Democrats. The day’s event ended with guest speaker Barry County District Court Judge Michael Schipper. After a brief presentation, the Judge opened the floor for a question and answer session. Again, students lunged at the opportunity to ask Judge Schipper question on his views concerning the Constitution, various issues plaguing society such as gun control and the legalization of marijuana and what his views were on these issues. Retired adjunct faculty member Mr. Dan Boone attended the event, took photographs, and provided then to the KCC Paralegal Program.
November 2013
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t a e B in Bruo vember
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4 5 6 7 7 7 9 9 10 11 11 12 12 13 14 14 15 18 18 - Dec 13 19 20 20 21 21 24 25 26 Transfer Fair Kellogg Room • 10:30 am - 12:30 pm Transfer Student Information Table: WMU College of Education and Human Development Central Walkway • 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Davenport University Central Walkway • 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Art League: General Meeting Davidson Bldg. Room 219 • 1:00 - 2:00 pm KCC Women's Basketball vs Indiana Tech - JV Miller Gymnasium • 5:30 pm KCC Women's Basketball vs Henry Ford Community College Miller Gymnasium • 1:00 pm Broadway in Chicago Trip: Wicked Chicago, IL • 8:00 am Departure Alumni/Guest Artist Recital: Jackie King, mezzo-soprano Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Auditorium • 3:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 2:00 pm True Life: Gathering Kellogg Room • 6:00 - 7:00 pm Native American Heritage Event Student Center • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Western Michigan University On-Site Admission Day Kellogg Room • 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Trine University Central Walkway • 9:00 - 11:00 am Transfer Student Information Table: Siena Heights University Central Walkway • 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Art League: General Meeting Davidson Bldg. Room 219 • 1:00 - 2:00 pm Bruins Give Back TBD • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Davenport University Central Walkway • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Gallery Exhibit: Didactic Revolvers - Art 295, Museum Field Study Davidson Visual & Performing Arts Center Auditorium 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Albion College Central Walkway • 9:00 am – 1:00 pm KCC Women's Basketball vs Albion College JV Miller Gymnasium • 5:30 pm Student Recital Series Event - Performances by KCC students studying through the Individualized Music Lesson Program Davidson Visual & Performing Arts Center Auditorium 1:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: U of M Ann Arbor Central Walkway • 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Art League: General Meeting Davidson Bldg. Room 219 • 1:00 - 2:00 pm Faculty and Guest Recital "If it ain't Baroque, don't fix it!" Davidson Visual & Performing Arts Center • 3:00 pm True Life: Gathering Kellogg Room • 6:00 - 7:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
BRUIN BLAST THANK YOU!
KCC Students & Faculty would like to give a big thankyou to the following businesses for their generous donations that made Bruin Blast 2013 a huge success!
Alternative Choices American Association of University Women (AAUW) The Arbors of Battle Creek Battle Creek Bombers Battle Creek Family YMCA Battle Creek Regional Job Fair Bed, Bath & Beyond Big Brothers/Big Sisters Binder Park Golf Course Charitable Union CISD Community of Fatherhood Fair Housing Center of SW MI Fazoli's Full Blast Goodwill Industries Hands On of Battle Creek/AmeriCorps Haven of Rest Hungry Howie's Kalamazoo K-Wings Limewood Apartments Massage Pros Metro PCS Miller College New Level Sports Planned Parenthood of SWM PNC SAFE Place Siena Heights University The Spa Academy Substance Abuse Council (Summit Point) The Resource Center United Way of Battle Creek VA Medical Center West Michigan Capoeira
KELLOGG
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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November 2013
CAMPUS NEWS
he or she likes or dislikes about the or my honors contract in English 151 suggestion. This this semester I am focusing my work includes research, around one of my intended majors. I am writing and a idea currently torn between mechanical engineerfor presenting the information they ing and physical therapy. For each essay I write have learned. PossiI follow the criteria for the assignment that we bilities for presentare given and then do a little more. Each topic ing include teachI write about is involved with either mechaniing the subject to a class, submitting to cal engineering or physical therapy. After I get the college or newsmy topic down I also use research to further enpaper, or doing a hance my essays. presentation on the specialized subject. Chris Messecar For example, if a student is taking a psychology class which has a service learning option a stu- Faculty Honors Advisor, at webstert@ dent can do the service learning. After- kellogg.edu, or check in with College Life. Find the honor’s contract application at: wards, he or she can write a reflection on what happened and how it relates to the http://www.kellogg.edu/studentlife/ pdf/HonorsContract.pdf psychology class materials. Questions? Contact Tom Webster,
Honors contract opportunities
this course to reflect your long term goals? The second question involves the ways you can show the progress of your investigations throughout the semester. Tom Webster Will you keep a journal? Create some English Professor kind of data bank? Work on a long term project in set increments? Faculty and students alike are sometimes The third piece of the contract intimidated by the four blank spaces at the should describe your project from a globcenter of an Honors contract. The truth al perspective. Are you approaching your is, though, that the task can be made less topic/interest as a scholar, or as a pracdaunting by thinking of sections 1-4 less titioner, or both? How can you express as requirements and more as opportuniyour interest in something that you can ties. The function of the Honors program refer back to later? is to enhance the student’s experience at The final task you must tackle is typiKCC, not merely complicate it. cal for the college: it’s about showing off. The first section concerns the stuWill you present a power point show to dent’s interests. What do you wish to your class? Will you publish the results of study? What would you like to learn? your inquiry in the Bruin? Will you subWhat things motivate you to go to school mit your work to a publication outside of in the first place? How could you focus KCC? You don’t have to limit yourself to any one of these choices, either. So, remember: these blank spaces in your conhave chosen to do my English honors tract represent not only contract on the importance of what we challenge, but opportunilearned in our secondary stage in school. ty: these are ways to make your course meaningful to Many students take for granted the education you and to others. It’s about provided to them early on but by failing to making your class truly bepay attention, a student will miss the everylong to you. day connections in their adult lives, or may The honors contract is even fail to realize the relationship to things a written contract between from their childhood. I am writing five, 4-6 a student and instructor. Together you outline what page essays on this topic, in the various forms the individual will do aside of essays, such as cause and effect and proor in addition to the basic cesses, while logically connecting them all to syllabus. The student deeach other. I am also able to use sources for cides what they want to each paper to help prove my argument. do, proposes the idea to the instructor and in turn Laura Van Dyke the instructor says what
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fter discovering my Gold Key scholarship required me to take four honors course over a two year span, English was my first option. After discussing possible avenues to take when developing my honors with Professor Webster, I soon created an outline of what I hoped to accomplish academically in this class. For my last three papers, I decided to make them all career based and incorporate several research elements within each. For my final assignment, I decided to extend the page requirement and create a literary review styled paper. After I successfully complete my contract, I then plan to complete a write up for the KCC newspaper, The Bruin. Overall, I hope this honors contract will be very rewarding, and challenge me in ways I’ve yet to be challenged. Jasmine MacIntosh
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Honoring the honors contracts
Eleanor Alexander Staff Writer Students who join the honors program at KCC should come prepared for a challenge, because that’s just what they’ll get. “The honors program…is set up to give academic challenge to those students that would like a little bit more added to their classes or a little bit more challenge,” said Rose Dulaney, secretary of College Life. “Some of the perks of being in the honors program of course is getting that challenge. You’re also in with a cohort of students who also like that challenge.” Participating in the honors program provides students with academic motivation and increase scholarship opportunities. They also get the chance to contribute to the community, enhance their leadership skills, and are able to take advantage of other opportunities that are only open to honors students. Other perks include discounts at certain KCC events and receiving cards at graduation, something that only members of the honors program receive. Students in the honors program can directly transfer into Western Michigan University's Lee Honors College.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 11 AM - 1 PM
The Honors Contract
photo by Lacy Janousek
Participating in the honors program gives students a chance to better them-
selves and their community and prepare for their futures.
FEATURE
November 2013
7
Serving those that served
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor Shay Adkins is a proud volunteer at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Battle Creek, Michigan VA Medical Center services are available to more than 217,000 Veterans living in a 20-county area of western Michigan and consists of 104 medical and psychiatric beds, 32 residential rehabilitation beds, and 103 nursing home care unit beds. In addition, specialized services offered include a Palliative Care Unit, a Substance Abuse Clinic, a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program and a Domicilliary. (VA.gov) The VA hospitals credo is, “To serve those who have served.” The choice to volunteer at the VA was an easy one for Adkins. He is employed there as a cook, which made the transition to volunteer a little easier than most. Adkins volunteers with several programs through the VA. He began his service with the program C.H.O.W, which stands for Culinary Health On Wheels. The C.H.O.W program teaches veterans how to prepare healthy meals. Adkins along with two dieticians, works on a portable cart with two inductive burners and an adjustable mirror at the top that allows those seated in front of the cart to see directly into the pots and pans being used. While Adkins prepares a meal, the dieticians explain the benefits of using healthy ingredients. Adkins can then offer advice on the best ways to prepare the meal. The entire demonstration is interactive and the veterans are encouraged to ask questions of Adkins and the dieticians. “I felt very comfortable answering their questions. I knew what it was I was doing and why, I had in fact chosen several of the recipes that we had prepared. I felt that I was helping someone not only to cook a meal but one that would increase their chances at living a healthier life. I was making a difference and it felt great,” explains Adkins. That first taste of volunteering left Adkins hungry for more. He sought out other opportunities to volunteer his time at the VA. He became a part of the Silver Spoons Program. The program allows volunteers to feed those patients that are unable to feed themselves. “I had never imagined that anyone other than a nurse would be able to do such a thing. I had seen people feeding patients on the wards but always assumed they were nursing staff or loved ones. I was wrong. These people are comprised of a majority of retired men and women who devote their time to helping others, often expecting little or no recognition at all. I was now a part of this group and it gave me a feeling that I had never before experience. Indescribable pride,” says Adkins. The pride Adkins felt made his willingness to serve insatiable and he sought out yet another volunteering assignment. He was asked to visit the wards and administer surveys to the patients. He surveyed the patients about the quality of the food they had eaten, the appearance of the food and the sociability of the staff that had served it. This put Adkins in a unique position. He would be taking surveys of the food he, himself had cooked and of his co-workers. Adkins explains, “I thought that the assignment was going to place me in an awkward position but it was the exact opposite. Most
Shay with the dietitians of the V.A.
photo by Christopher Hale
patients were very pleased with the quality of the food and the staff as well but this was not the part that I found odd. I had never considered that these veterans didn’t want to complain about the food they wanted to talk about their lives. I was on one ward for an hour and a half and had completed two surveys. I may not have been a worthy surveyor but I am a great listener. Most of these veterans have a need to tell their story but the staff doesn’t always have the time to listen.” Adkins level of dedication is not something that everyone can achieve. Volunteering requires time and commitment. Service learning is now a requirement for graduation. The VA has
an astounding need for volunteers that are willing to give even just a little bit of their time to veterans. For those interested in volunteering at the VA Adkins offers this advice, “All potential volunteers must submit to an orientation and a background check. The background check will be very thorough so do not leave anything out. Be specific with your current skills but be flexible about what you would like to do and they will be able to find a program for you.” Those interested in volunteering opportunities at the VA can contact Voluntary Specialist Dawn Craig at [email protected]
Service-Learning project at KCC
Eleanor Alexander Staff Writer Glenda Morling has a teaching style different from most other college professors. “I have learned different philosophies of learning, of education. I’ve developed these over time,” Morling says about her tapproach to teaching. Above all else, she says she sees the value in, “…hands on learning with students and seeing the value of applying learning rather than having theoretical learning. So if you apply theories…it’s much more relevant to students, so that was really important to me.” In addition to this, she says she felt a disconnect between the community and the college and all of the people in it. This is why Morling is the founded KCC’s service learning project. Service Learning contains three key pieces: an academic piece, to relate what’s being learned in the classroom to the project; an application in the community piece, to apply what is being learned in the classroom out in the community; and a reflection piece, to look back at what was learned in the classroom and in the community and relating these two learning experiences. Morling saw the difference in students who participated in an outside organizations own service learning project. Previously unengaged students became excited and eager when they got involved in the project. At this time, Morling started to consider adapting a program of her own. She and Megan Russell created the class, received a grant, wrote a curriculum together, and brought this idea to life. Kate DeGraaf is now the ServiceLearning manager while Morling focuses on teaching her classes. DeGraaf says the program is a great chance for students to get some experience and realize either this is what they want to do or this wasn’t meant for them. “So it’s a neat way of utilizing what they’re learning in their class but being able to apply it and giving back to the community in different ways,” DeGraaf explains. One of DeGraaf ’s biggest jobs is to work with nonprofit organizations to help them develop project and use the students their specific skills to the advantage of everyone. For example a business
Members of the 2013 SERV 299 class.
photo courtesy of KCC Service-Learning
student could help an organization with the business and marketing aspect of their group rather than doing work any volunteer could do. “Helping them think broader of how we can utilize the skills, talents, and experiences that KCC students have to have more fine-tuned jobs and abilities of serving at the nonprofits,” DeGraaf said. “You getting more involved in the community, and having you become
more civically engaged and aware of social problems and social needs, you are more likely to be involved in those in the future as a member of society,” Morling says. “It makes students more civically engaged for the whole of their lives and we have an impact on problems in society and help to alleviate them. That’s the idealistic goal.”
8
November 2013
OPINION
and talk service. The job of the waiter/ waitress/ bartender is not any easier than that of the cooks. The kitchen makes the money but the floor is where the action is. Each server can have five to twenty tables and each table can sit between two and 6 people, sometimes combining tables to accommodate bigger groups. This means that the average server is waiting on anywhere between two and sixty people, all of whom are eating different foods and drinking different beverages. The bartender is not only making drinks and taking food orders for the people sitting at ‘the rail’ but is making drinks for everyone in the bar/restaurant. Every server has to ring any alcoholOrders pile up at Miller's Time Out. ic beverages to the bartender who then makes the drinks and sends them out. the restaurant staff are a bit different than Some of these cocktails, like a ‘fish bowl’, most 5-9 jobs, with the exception of the have upwards of ten different ingredicook. Wait staff (servers and bartendents. Many of them, such as the ‘Long ers) are paid an hourly rate Island Iced Tea’ and the ‘Long of around $2.65-$5.50 to n e m Beach Ice Tea’ help maintain the estabe for s a e e k a h have a similar and keep cert l of adness m ne of lishment recipe but dif- "Al tain products d m dustr y o es and stocked.prepped ferent amounts tione They in tic plac d o o of some ingref make their money in e o a h t h c t s h dients and some tips, which are paid e mo ."-Cavin Smit completely dif- th as compensation by rk ferent ones alto- to wo the customer, for sergether. With new vices rendered. Also, the servers are mixed drinks bei n g required to pay the bartenders a 10% created all the time and each bar offertip for taking the time to make the serving different ‘house specials’, bartenders ers drink orders, that’s 10% of their total have to memorize a lot of different comtips. So let’s say a server makes $100 in binations and be able to recall them at tips, they have to give $10 of that to the any time. bartender. If they make $10 in tips, one of Now let’s head on to the business those dollars belongs to the bartender. If side of things. The pay and the various they get stiffed on a tip, they don’t make job requirements for each member of anything. If they get walked out on (the
Life through the pass window
Cavin Smith Staff Writer Life in the food industry is as fast as it is chaotic. Many people have the audacity to say things like “How hard is it to take my order and ring it up correctly!?” or “How hard is it to cook a couple of burgers!?” Clearly, these people have never worked in a restaurant before. Imagine for a moment that you are standing in front of a large open flame broiler that can reach temperatures of over 300 degrees. Now imagine having twelve burgers of four different sizes (1/4lb., 1/3lb., 1/2lb. and 2/3lb.) five different temps (well done, medium well, medium, medium rare and rare) and all with different combinations of condiments. Also, on the grill among all these burgers, you have fifteen steaks of three different sizes (6oz, 8oz and 12oz) and five different temperatures. That’s a lot to keep track of, not to mention the various other main dishes and sandwiches, along with all the sides and the deep fried food, nachos, burritos and pan fried shrimp scampi, all cooking at the same time, and only two cooks to do it. With all of the going on, sometimes the “pass window” will get so full of completed orders, there is no room to put any more and it backs up in the kitchen making less room to cook. The ticket rail can get so full that, due to lack of room, tickets will just hang from the printer. Let’s take a step out front for a bit
photo by Cavin Smith
ole Diner’n’dash) they are responsible to pay the full tab at the end of their shift, losing money. All of the aforementioned madness makes the food industry one of the most chaotic places to work. Now let’s get the patrons drunk and see what happens. The staff sees everything from staggering, slurring, mumbling nonsense that boarders on mental incapacity to the hormonally charged violence and promiscuity that infects the darkness of the night. The staff become the bouncers, baby-sitters, caretakers and therapists to society's ill-fated. These people do not get paid near enough to deal with the alcohol infused drama that stumbles out of their doors. If you decide to go to one of the great and chaotic establishment remember “when you get to the corner, turn left and tip right”.
The older student
The Demon D
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor I’ve struggled with depression as long as I can remember. I just never knew that’s what it was; I only knew that I was sad and anxious all the time. I stopped going to sleepovers in the fifth grade because the idea of sleeping anywhere but at my house would send me into a panic attack. It was frustrating and embarrassing, and I lost a lot of friends because of my inability to leave the house. I can recall being in middle school and thinking, if I save my lunch money maybe I will have enough to see a therapist that can tell me what’s wrong with me. In high school the panic lifted a bit, helped by some underage drinking, which I don’t recommend. I was never truly over it, but I could manage it by keeping busy and being with friends. When I graduated high school, it all came rushing back. The panic of starting college in a big city, where I knew no one, drove me back into the cocoon of my room. I dropped out of school and found
a full time job that was close to home, and there I stayed for the next few years. It took meeting my husband to force me out of that comfort zone. I maintained some sense of stability for the next ten years, but my husband’s suicide brought back the old demon. The three years since his death have been a roller coaster. I’ve returned to school, found a new love, bought and sold a house, and suffered a miscarriage. Each time I think that I’m one step ahead of depression, it comes roaring back. If you’ve never struggled with depression, it’s hard to understand. How do you explain not being able to get out of bed, off the couch, or out of the house? For some it’s so easy; they just get up and do it. I can’t. I can’t even try. Every day is the same I make plans, lists of what I want to accomplish the next day. Morning rolls around and it’s the same old story. I spend the day on the couch in my pajamas, flipping channels, playing Candy Crush, or obsessively checking Facebook and Pinterest. Then night comes and I’m not tired because I’ve done nothing all day. Energized, I make more plans and lists and the cycle continues. There is nothing in particular that keeps me from moving. I have no phobias or fears. I’m not actively grieving anymore. I have a good life, great kids, an awesome boyfriend, and school. But if I don’t have a reason to be out of my house it sucks me in, that dark void, that Demon, depression. College students look forward to summer and winter break.
I dread them. I know that they will be months filled with endless days of nothingness. My friends and family struggle to understand my problem. They don’t understand how someone who is so involved and seems to have it all together during the school year can crumble during break. I’ve been called lazy. I’ve been told to get a grip. I’ve watched the looks of pity and disdain wash over their faces. This is what depression feeds off of. Things will be sunshine and roses, and I will still feel bad. Depression is sneaky. It wants to keep me in its grip. So, it will whisper in my ear all my fears and insecurities, “Your boyfriend is going to leave you. You’re fat. You’re ugly. You’re a bad mom.” Then out of the blue on some ran-
dom day, like a flip of a switch, it can be gone. There may be a string of days when I’m forced out of the house to run errands or to go to meetings. On those days I can barely remember why I didn’t leave the house before. I feel encouraged and excited about the future. I run around like a crazy person trying to do everything while I’m feeling good. Yet, in the back of my mind it’s always there, that nagging beast. It’s whispering, “I’ll be back.” I know that it’s the truth, and I wait in fear for its return. If you are struggling with depression there is help available. KCC offers free counseling to students. Contact Support Services at (269)-965-3931 ext. 2624 and schedule an appointment today.
OPINION
November 2013
9
This land was their land
Heidi Myers Staff Writer November is Native American Heritage month and it comes as no surprise to me that so few people actually know any Native American history. While many media outlets and merchandise companies have made strides to represent a wider spectrum of ethnicities, natives have not seen much of this effort. In fact, when I visited the KCC library to do research for this article I could find only one slightly relevant book. Native Americans are getting the short end of the stick in society and it only stings more knowing the horrendous and unfair past they have. As most people know, Natives were the first to inhabit the United States. Despite common belief, we have been able to trace Native Americans’ origin to Asia. Europeans came sometime after and forced many tribes west as well as spreading diseases Natives had no immunity to, therefore killing many of them. In addition to these atrocities, Europeans tried to modernize and assimilate the Nativeslosing much of the rich culture that came with them. To gain a genuine perspective of life as a native today I interviewed Nick Brown, a twenty-six year old Native American and my best friend. Brown got his native heritage from his full-blooded native father, the late Carl Brown Jr. What makes him unique is that he’s not only part of an extremely small ethnic group, he knows and can trace his tribe back. Native American is an umbrella termtribes are where the specific traits and cultural variations occur. Brown is part of the Choctaw tribe, mainly based in the southern region around Oklahoma. He has visited his tribe on their reservation multiple times. I asked Brown what he believes is the biggest misconception about Native Americans. He replied, very blatantly, “That we aren’t basically extinct.” He was referring to the strange phenomenon of a person believing themselves to be a substantial Native America simply because they have a small amount of native blood in a distant relative. “Being one-eighth native on your grandfather’s side isn’t Native American,” said Brown. I would have to agree. Brown does acknowledge that his favorite thing about his heritage is the rich history that comes with it, however jaded it may be at times. When I asked him what one thing he wishes he could impress on people, what one stereotype he would like to erase from peoples’ minds, he responded quickly- “Tonto.” Tonto is the native sidekick character from the 1950s television show ‘The Lone Ranger’ (later made into a movie), whom influenced many representations of natives thereafter. His mannerisms, way of speaking, and overall appearance is seen as incredibly degrading by natives. “I want you to forget everything that happened from the 1950s and on.” Anticipating nticipating what most people in my position would ask, I had one last question for Brown. What did he think, if anything, about the debate regarding casinos owned by tribes in the U.S.? He e replied confidently, “Finally, now we may get the white man drunk and take from him!”
Illustration by Brandon Smith
Thanksgiving traditions
Caitlyn Whitman Staff Writer When all the leaves have fallen to the ground, the air becomes cool, and the pumpkins start disappearing is when we know Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays celebrated around the world. It is celebrated between the dates of the first week in October to the Last week in November. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. The second Monday in October is Canada's Thanksgiving while the fourth Thursday in November is the day the United States celebrates Thanksgiving. It is celebrated as a religious holiday. The word Thanksgiving evokes images of football, family reunions, roasted turkey with stuffing, pumpkin pie and, of course, the Pilgrims, the acknowledged group that started the feast and holiday. In 1621, when pilgrim labors were rewarded with a beautiful large harvest after a year of sickness and scarcity, the Pilgrims gave thanks to God and celebrated the year that was passing and the year that was yet to come. "My favorite part about Thanksgiving is shoving my face with food such as mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing and green bean casserole," Brooke Peludat says. "I hate all the drama that goes on during Thanksgiving, it’s supposed to be a time for thanks. Peludat comes from Hispanic heritage but her family celebrates a traditional Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is one of her favorite holidays because she gets excited for Black Friday shopping the day after
KELLOGG
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Crowds gather for Black Friday deals.
photo by Caitlyn Whitman
with her family and friends, Peludat explains. As for my family, we also celebrate Thanksgiving with family but some years we attend the Lions vs. Packers game before we eat dinner and get ready to go shopping for Black Friday. We also all put our names in a hat on thanksgiving and choose a name that we will be buying presents for Christmas. Becoming part of the Thanksgiving holiday, Black Friday is the biggest shopping day in the world, with sales that bring millions of dollars too many companies. Thursday, November 28, the air will be filled with the smell of fresh turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn and stuffing. Lines will begin to form for shopping, and the temperature continues to drop.
FREE ADMISSION TO HOME GAMES FOR KCC STUDENTS
10
November 2013
OPINION
Dr. Destiny
Dear Abuser, I would file a behavior report as the instructor to have the student removed from the class. As a student who suffers from the behavior of this idiot, I would tell the instructor that this student’s behavior is making it difficult for me to learn. With this back-up, the instructor has more evidence to support the removal of the student. Dr. D. Dear Dr. D, I am celebrating Thanksgiving with my boyfriend’s family for the first time. They are big hunters and love turkey. I’m a vegetarian and belong to PETA. How do I celebrate with them but not compromise my beliefs? Animal Lover Dear Animal Lover, I assume your boyfriend knows of your feelings and hope he has let his family know that you will be enjoying the “fixings” for dinner but not the turkey. You can respect their decision to eat whatever they choose to eat, and they can respect your decision to refrain. If they are insistent, tell them your vegetarian decision is important to you, but the yams are so delicious you don’t need anything else! Dr. D. Dear Doctor Destiny, I’m undergoing a minor surgery on my stomach, which I know will help me lose weight, but I’m scared. I know this is silly, but I’ve been big for so long, this could change my life. Why am I so afraid to change? Living Big in BC Dear Living, Change is difficult for everyone regardless of the degree of change or the fact that it is a choice or is forced on one. Yes, a major weight loss is a change. If you have been able to build your selfesteem despite being a large person, good for you. That self-esteem is not going to vanish with your weight. As a matter of fact, your esteem has been built on the important things: who and what you are as a person of value. Weight loss or gain cannot change that. I’m glad you are doing the psychological work to prepare for how the world will now view you. My guess is that part of you will be a bit angry that before the weight loss, some people ignored you and treated you as worthless, but now, they are open to getting to know you. You know who you are, and you now know who they are and where their values lie. Choose or don’t choose to be their friend now, but now you know. Dr. D.
THE NAGGING MOTHER
All the people you already know
Elizabeth Kerlikowske Advisor I hope you like your friends now because it will be difficult in the future for you to make new ones. Why? You are always on the phone or texting your old ones. Back in the day, people went to college to forge new lives for themselves, meet new people, expand their horizons. Today it seems as the most important thing to a student is to be in touch with the invisible members of their social group. Between classes was an exciting time when you could check out people you might want to meet, maybe smile a little at that certain someone. That was before eyes were firmly cast down onto the cell screen. People used to actually walk instead of doing the phone trudge, unaware that they are keeping actual humans with things to do from moving at a reasonable speed. Students on phones have fallen down stairs, walked into windows, and at WMU, a student was hit by a car while she was texting her roommate in the apartment overlooking the street, so the roommate had the pleasure of witnessing the entire event. Really? A text is more important than your life? I wonder that all the time as I drive down 94. People can text and make phone calls but they can’t use turn signals or even stay between the lane lines. Again, is texting more important than your life? I walked down the Severin Building hallway yesterday, or any day, and people are waiting for class. Back in the day, they would talk with each other. Sure, there are awkward moments when you don’t know people, but getting through those is training for the rest of your life when you are constantly in situations you haven’t been in before, but professionally, you won’t be able to run and hide in your phone. So I hope you have chosen your current friends wisely since they are the ones you’ll be communicating with for the rest of your life. But just try this for one day: walk around campus without texting or talking on the phone. See what it feels like. See if you don’t actually talk or at least have eye contact with more humans.
Dear Dr. D, I know several retired veterans. Most of them have problems with housing and school. Even with student loans, housing is too expensive. Are there any kind of “student housing” opportunities? How can the government screw over veterans? Confused and annoyed Dear Annoyed, I am glad you are concerned about our returning veterans. KCC is proactive in providing support services to our veterans in a number of ways. In addition to the counseling staff and student support services, there is a writing class for veterans. Many people who have been through emotionally and physically challenging situations find that writing about their experiences is very helpful. As for practical, day-to-day living help, our counselors are familiar with programs that offer housing in our area. Any veteran can ask for and receive help through those sources. Thank you for caring. Dr. D. Dear Doctor, When I ask my brother for a favor that involves driving, he lectures me on getting a job or getting a permit. Also when I make a comment about the amount of work I have, he berates me by saying how much harder his work is. What should I do about this? Fed-up sister Dear Sis, Why don’t you get a job and a permit? It seems to me that is the solution to your problem. No one likes to feel as though he or she is being used, so take care of yourself to the best of your ability. It sounds like your brother is tired of feeling like your “keeper,” so give him a break. You will probably find your relationship improves as you become independent. Dr. D. Dear Doctor D, What would you do with all the people that show up to class high or drunk and disrupt the learning of others? Sick of Alcoholic Druggies in BC
the Bridge
ACADEMIC SUPPORT DEPARTMENT
FREE learning support center
Come see us! Ohm Information Technology Center, Upper Level, Room 207
November 15
9 am -12 pm Students, faculty, and staff are all encouraged to participate
Sign up at Bruin Blast or email Service Learning at [email protected] (We will be serving at various organizations around the city)
http://www.kellogg.edu/socialscience/ servicelearning/registerServLearn.html
CULTURE
November 2013
11
THE DARK SIDE OF CAMPUS
Horrorfest in Kzoo
Cara Clingin Staff Writer For those who don’t understand the hype about horror, it may seem like voluntary torture for a few hours. Why, as a species that strives towards pleasure, do we torture ourselves with such negative feelings? According to Science Daily, investigators generally use one of two theories to describe their obsession with horror. Supposedly we aren’t afraid, but excited by the fear or secondly, we are willing to endure the terror to enjoy a euphoric sense of relief at the end. Whatever the reason, horror has been a favorCara and Bob Elmore (Leatherface). ite genre for many. When I first learned that Kalamazoo would be hosting a hortattoo). I was skeptic at first when I heard ror convention with well known icons, I that it was confined just to the Annex was ecstatic! believing that their was no It was located at the way they could hold a cont a h t Annex at the vention in one building. es a speci pleasure, The anime/video game s a y Wings Stadium h "W s wards in Kalamazoo on conventions I have been rives to ture ourselve t s r September 20th to were whole campuso t do we ch negative n through the 21st, es. There was actually with su s?"-Cara Clingi and entry was fifa lot more than meets feeling teen dollars a day, the eye if one would thirty for the weektake the time and smell the end, or one hundred wilted roses. for a VIP pass (that included a real There were back rooms you could
U2R library@KCC
Library Hours
Monday
7:45 am - 9:00 pm
Tuesday
7:45 am - 9:00 pm
Wednesday
7:45 am - 9:00 pm
photo by Eric Vest Jr.
Thursday
7:45 am - 9:00 pm
check out such as the Zombie Room which was a bloody and gory throne room for the Zombie Queen herself. Also, you could pay and have a man in a black apron give you the “Dexter Experience”. We paid for our friend Elijah to be “drugged with a syringe” and dragged to another back room to be carved up for blood collecting. He would follow the infamous ending scene to the show Dexter where he would wrap a victim up with saran wrap and collect their blood sample before slowly carving them up. Needless to say, it was a memorable.
Friday
7:45 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
It’s Easy to Transfer
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Get where the world is going
12
November 2013
CULTURE
Amongst the venders were some famous artists selling their own work. This included Allen Bellman who illustrated Captain American in the 1940s, Robert Pope who is known for his work on cartoon network (The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Johnny Bravo, Power puff Girls, etc) Chris Yambar (Simpsons in Bongo comics, Popeye, and Mr. Magoo) and even Arvell Jones who is a penciller for Marvel/DC that include Daredevil, Iron Man, Avengers, and even Thor. Along with the special guests were many attractions such as the Mach 5 from Speed Racer, the Ironman 2 suit worn by Robert Downey Jr, a remote controlled R2D2, and even animatronics of Optimus Prime and Starscream from Transformers. Other than shopping you could go and grab a bite to eat from the Kitchen Sage, play cardgames, visit the Nintendo room for some free items and to test out their latest games, learn how to draw some famous icons such as SpongeBob Squarepants, learn how to make bento boxes, and even go get your costume rated and strut your stuff on a stage in front of the con to try and win $100. This was the highlight of my convention: first time in a costume contest, and even though I didn’t place, I had many compliments and an amazing reaction from the crowd. Now for the Pros and the Cons. Let’s get the bad out of the way first. This convention was a total blast…before it got full. If you were in a big costume, much like my costume, then it was difficult to navigate. More than once I found my dress getting caught on someone’s table
Comic-Con comes to Grand Rapids
Cara Clingan Staff Writer Comi-Con conventions have been around for many years and have slowly been increasing in number. This year alone I have seen three new conventions surface in Michigan. Comic Con is one of the most loved and worshipped conventions in the United States. For those who don’t know what Comic Con is, Comic Con is a very large convention for comic books and other popular arts such as anime and video games. While we did have a convention in Detroit, this year was the first year for the Grand Rapids Comic-Con. Held on October 12th at the HS building in Wyoming, Michigan, itwas five dollars to get in or ten dollars if you wanted in early. The other five dollars was donated to Kitchen Sage. This Con was expected to host around 1500 people (which also was the maximum capacity of the building). What we got instead was over 5000 people showing up just before noon. The shopping arena was the highlight area of the Con. There was a wide variety of venders from action figures and comic books to steam punk jewelry and fairies in jars. Some of our local game shops even had tables at the event. I recognized some of the venders from other cons and their individual sites which made me very happy to see some local artists.
Cara Clingin, Eric Vest, and Kelsey Ebevharddressed as characters from Adventure Time
photos by Jonah Maggard
and dragging its contents away accidentally. Also, the wait in line for others was a real downer. With having only 1500 people in the building at a time, some waited outside for hours before being able to go inside. It was to the point if you were inside too long or went outside, your bracelets were taken and you couldn’t come back in. It was amazing to have that big of a turnout at a conventions first debut. When the event was first created, they had no way of knowing that they would have that big of a turnout. The variety of costumes I saw was straight amazing. I saw cosplays of Thundercats, Adventure Time, Avengers, League of Legends, and even Resident Evil. Usually when you’re at a con you see a consistent theme with the cosplays so this was very exciting to see. Now, there isn’t anything wrong with liking a fandom and showing appreciation for it through cosplay, but it was just refreshing to see a different crowd at a con for once. Next year this event will try to be
Cara is dressed as Lumpy Space Princess
photo by News 8
hosted at the Deltaplex in hopes that more than a few thousand people can be inside and not be crowded wall to wall.
Doctor Who celebrates 50 years of time and space travel
Ashleigh Olmstead Staff Writer This past year fans of Doctor Who are celebrating 50 years of time and space travelling and encounters of strange new worlds. On November 23, fans around the world will get a special treat of viewing the special “Day of the Doctor”. “I’m really stoked on it,” says Mike Beard, a huge fan of the show,”I know it’s going to be heart wrenching…and it’s going to bring many feelings...” “Doctor Who” is a television show produced in the UK since its premiere on November 23, 1963(which is when the special will premiere). It’s about an alien known as the Time Lord from a planet called Gallifrey who travels through time and space to help solve problems and save the human race from destruction. He is not alone since his frequent travelers are humans throughout time or aliens from his home planet. He travels in a machine called the TARDIS (it stands for Time and Relative Dimension In Space) which is in the form of a blue telephone box. The term regeneration is also a huge topic in Doctor Who, it started when William Hartnell (The 1st Doctor) could not continue the role because of health issues. Instead of cancelling the popular show, the writers came up with the idea of “regenerating” the character when dying into a new body, replacing the current actor with a new one. There were eleven actors that portrayed the Doctor since its premiere in 1963, including the following. William Hartnell (1963-1966), Patrick Troughton (1966-1969), Jon Pertwee (19701974), Tom Baker (1974-1981), Peter Davidson (1981-1984), Colin Baker (1984-1987), Sylvester McCoy (19871989, 1996 TV Movie), Paul McGann (1996 TV Movie), Christopher Eccleston (2005), David Tennant (20052010), and Matt Smith(2010-). It was also announced that Matt Smith will be
Young Dr. Who fans at Comic-Con.
photo by Cara Clingin
leaving the show, and he will be replaced by Peter Capaldi who will first appear in a Christmas special which premieres on December 25th of this year. Many fans are saddened since Matt Smith, who has become the fan’s most
well-known Doctor (next to Tom Baker in the 1970’s and 1980’s)will be departing the role. They are now anxiously waiting to see if Peter Capaldi will continue the legacy of the previous Doctors.
BRUIN BOOKSTORE
books...apparel...school supplies...and we’ve got snacks! KELLOGG COMMUNITY COLLEGE
CULTURE
In the defense of Grand Theft Auto V
the freedom to make their own choices about how to behave and rewards them in ways similar to real life. Often ignored in discussions of the GTA franchise is the fact that in several of the games, the player can also use an ambulance to run around the city helping the injured. As for the forest, The GTA video games, and GTA V in particular, emphasize one truth more than any other, best stated in director Sergio Leone’s own words. “The west was made by violent, uncomplicated men.” Throughout the game, the antiheroes are occasionally tasked to assassinate corrupt corporate CEOs who manipulate their workers for profit. One of these businessmen, who also acts as one of the game’s main antagonists, is Devin Weston, a representative of every negative stereotype ever associated with the 1%, from his involvement with criminal activities to his ‘let them eat cake’ attitude towards the poor. Should the player choose to (SPOILER ALERT) kill Devin at the end of the game, One of the protagonists, Michael, sums up this stereotype. “You know, Devin, the way I see it, and hey, I'm no intelligent businessman like you, but the way I see it, there's two great evils that bedevil American capitalism of the type that you practice. Number one is outsourcing. You paid a private company to do your dirty work for ya, and then you underpaid that company because you thought you were big enough and bad enough that you didn't have to play by the rules." This is not meant to justify the brutal murders Michael and his partners commit throughout the game, even against villainous Devin, but to demonstrate the frustration and love-hate relationship Americans today have with capitalism, and the unfortunate truths that sometimes crime pays and those at the top often get there by pulling themselves up by somebody else’s bootstraps.
November 2013
13
Vocal Arts Events for November
Alumni/Guest Artist Recital Jackie King, mezzo—soprano
Sunday, Nov 10 3 pm
at the Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Auditorium Free Admission
Johnathan Hogan Staff Writer Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto franchise hardly seems to have anything admirable going for it. Whether it’s copkilling, robbing banks, or mowing over pedestrians with stolen cars, there just seems to be so much about the game that’s despicable. Of course, most of these observations are made by people who have never played the game, basing their comments on snippets and sound bites from reporters who have also not played the game or spoken to its creators. While an individual player may in fact enjoy the violence in the game for its own sake, to focus on the violence alone in GTA is missing the forest for the trees. The recently released Grand Theft Auto V exemplifies this better than its predecessors. Grand Theft Auto IV, its predecessor, was ultimately a story about the death of the American Dream, about an immigrant who comes to America seeking a new life only to be dragged into the criminal underworld and to find that the beloved American Dream is a myth that cannot be reached by pulling oneself up by one’s bootstraps. GTA V, which was released last month and quickly became the most financially successful entertainment product in history, is instead about America’s attempt to survive in this new reality, in a post-economic crisis America. First, to address the criticism of the trees, those who have never played GTA before should understand that committing violent acts in the game is not rewarded by the game itself. There are no points to earn or items to be won. Instead, the player is ‘rewarded’ with wave after wave of police officers doing what police officers are supposed to do: stopping the bad guy. The game gives the player
Davidson Recital Series
Wednesday, Nov 20 1 pm
at the Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Auditorium.
Faculty Artist Recital Series "If it ain't Baroque, don't fix it!"
A musical tour de force of the great works by baroque composers.
Sunday, Nov 24 3 pm
at the Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Auditorium Free-will donation
Thus, it is my hope that the condemners of Grand Theft Auto V see that there is more to the game than violence and that to ban it simply for violence is to turn their view away from reality, because the story of Grand Theft Auto V is itself the story of America.
Painting Poetry
Dip the brush in red like blood and love. Stroke the canvas once, pain. Twice, grief. Stroke the canvas three times, liberation. Breaking of all the walls one created. The lines take shape in sorrow the hand only knows. The colors darken. Darker than the mind. But yet the white of the canvas there’s clarity. An understanding that if the brush continues your mind will be betrayed. A betrayal only the two faced brush can commit. The heart knows as the colors dance together. An eternal dance in the white empty surface. Dancing to comprehend the awareness of ones consciousness. The lights darken and the blacks brighten. The colors only know what the mind conceals. The picture is complete. the canvas screams what was once concealed. Beautiful and lethal. Red of blood and love.
Fausto Villegas
14
November 2013
SPORTS
Volleyball supports Autism Awareness
Caitlyn Whitman Staff Writer On October 8th the KCC’s volleyball team took on Kalamazoo Valley Community College in hopes to raise money for those suffering with autism. All profits raised were donated to the Battle Creek/ Kalamazoo Autism Society Home that helps those affected with autism. Cortney Pipher, a volleyball player, was excited about the chance to play and support the community that supports the team. "This year we have a lot of determination and talent among each player. We are a young team but we all clicked very easily and get along great all the time,” Pipher said. “Everyone works hard every practice, and we hold ourselves high standards." The team wore special light blue uniforms to support autism. There isn't a lot of knowledge about autism, so by doing this event it will raise awareness. Autism is a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts. It is estimated that more than two million people are affected with autism in the United States. 1 in every 110 people in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo are affected with this. The game was free, just like any other home volleyball game at KCC, but donations were welcomed. Raffle tickets were also offered during the game, donations were entered into the raffle to win prize bags that included KCC logo items. The
Outside the game, information table and donation box.
photos by Simon Thalmann
Courney Pipher serving the ball.
team has done many other different fundraising events and has money saved up to be donated to this cause. "The best part of this event is knowing that we are helping out an amazing cause,” Pipher said. “October is typically known as breast cancer awareness month, which is why we like to switch it up and do an autism game.” The volleyball team was very excited for this event just as the soccer team was excited for their breast cancer pink game. KCC continues to earn money for many different causes to help out the community. The next fundraising that will be going on during basketball season is Toys for Tots during the end of October and all of November. “It feels good to know that just by this one game, we are increasing autism
KCC's volleyball team in a huddle.
awareness. The worst part would probably just be if the turnout of our crowd isn't very large,” Pipher explained. “That's
something that we can't control, however, no matter what the turnout is, we still donate and have raised money for the cause."
Working towards improvement
Mary Emington Staff Writer Focusing on the positives and working towards improvement sums up the volleyball team’s stance on its season. The Lady Bruins made progress this season, responding to challenges week in and week out. “The girls have improved tenfold from the beginning of the season,” second season head coach Amy Julien said. The women’s volleyball team faced five sets with rival Kalamazoo Valley Community College as opposed to the typical three sets attests to the Bruins progression. Julien believes her team responded well to her coaching style which will transfer well to the real work world. The work ethic they embodied, she believes, will transfer well. Julien says that her team started to learn better towards the end of the season, figuring out the difference between high school and college level coaching and playing. The sophomore class helped in this transition giving the freshmen a lot to
The volleyball team pinkie promises to work together.
photo by Mary Emington
look up to at critical times. “A lot of the games were hard losses, but we played well together,” Sophomore Tara VanDenberg said. “We had a very talented team and a great group of girls.” These hard losses are something Julien hopes to improve upon for next season.
The Bruins have set their sights high and are looking forward to improving upon their record in the upcoming year. With new recruits and another year under her belt, Julien hopes to succeed in becoming one of the top five teams in the league. “We have high hopes for next year,”
Freshman Lauren Richards said. She shares her enthusiasm with her coach. “We have a great foundation of team chemistry to build on.”
SPORTS
“Practice wise we have been very competitive day in day out,” Klingaman said. The Lady Bruins are returning four players all of which saw their share of the hardwood. Teonna “Tiny” Pope and Therese Vasser of Detroit Southeastern, Britni Upston of Tekonsha, and Yooper Jackie Harwood of Sault St Marie are all returning players. One of the key pickups for the Bruins over the offseason is the very versatile Marion, Indiana native Shalay Stevens. “Shalay Stevens she can play all five spots for me if I wanted her too,” Klingaman stated. Stevens joins Vasser and Harwood as the team captains for this talented team. “Shalay, Therese, and Jackie are all good vocal players that is why they’re my captains,” Klingaman concluded. One of the many talents this team displays is pure speed. In basketball a team with speed, will be a very tough team to beat, this asset has their head
November 2013
15
Lady Bruins ready to pounce
Dakota Roberts Sports Writer As everyone flips the calendar to November, the Kellogg Community College women’s basketball team tips off the season. On Nov. 7 the Bruins play host to Indiana Tech which kickoff the 2013-14. At the beginning of every season there’s a sense of anticipation and excitement in the air, and the Miller Gymnasium is no exception. “We’re going to compete,” Head Coach Kyle Klingaman said “I got a lot of young lady’s that are going [to] play.” Before any games have been played the only testing stick a coach has, is by how well his players practice. The Lady Bruins are definitely a hard-working blue-collar type bunch, who practices at 100%.
The women's basketball team defends the hoop.
photo by Simon Thalmann
coach fired up. “We’re very guard heavy this year,” Klingaman explained “We can run the floor, our defense is better than it has been in the past. Our defense, I like a lot. We’ll be able to press a lot more than we
have in the past.” The ingredients of having a successful team is in place at Cornflake U, but only time will tell the outcome of this young and very talented team.
Young Guns
Dakota Roberts Sports Writer One year after losing in the first round of the postseason, the KCC men’s basketball team is hard at work. Although it’s the same royal blue and white uniforms with Bruins across the front, it is different faces sporting them. Fifteen players occupy the Bruin roster, and only one of them was a Bruin last season. “This year I know I’ve got some pretty mouthy freshman, that have been doing a lot of talking,” Bruins head coach Melvin McKnight explained. “But, it’s good to see that.” Battle Creek Central’s Nathan Taylor is the lone soul from the 2012-13 Bruin roster. “Nate, he did a good job for us last year,” McKnight said of only returning player. A lot of students at KCC realize the difficulty of being a full-time employee. When you’re a head coach of a college basketball team, it’s twice as difficult to balance a full-time job and coach a practically rookie team. “Ben Reed he’s been really helping me out a lot,” McKnight said “He’s a division one caliber guy, and Nathan Taylor drives to the basket. photo by Nick Garrison he’s bringing division one quality to these guys.” Every college basketball players them days. It’s also the days the team dream is to play division one basketball does their annual study table, and with and McKnight believes that Reed can the limited time spent with the team, help make that dream come true. its one thing Coach McKnight has Reed is in his 2nd season as the Brubeen very impressed with. ins associate head coach, and is bringing “The guys have been doing real well some Western Michigan Bronco basketwith study table and I’ve been getting ball experience to the Miller Gymnasome great reports,” McKnight said. sium. Not every college basketball player is “Ben’s been doing all the workouts fortunate enough to play division one and doing it all,” McKnight said “he’s ball, but every college basketball player been really helping me out a whole lot is fortunate enough to be a student this year.” athlete. Both coaches, Reed and McKSome of Coach Reed’s preseason night agree that being a student comes workouts are being held at 6 am every first. Tuesday and Thursday. While most are still tucked in bed, this young group is pouring in the amount of sweat it takes to be successful. “I think overall it’s going pretty good,” Reed said “it really shows them they have to get out of bed and they have to go to school and be responsible.” The grueling and demanding Tuesday Thursday workouts are not the only thing the Bruins need to be sharp on
Date
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
HEAD COACH: KYLE KLINGAMAN
1 2 7 9 13 20 23 6-7 11 14 18 4 8 15 18 20 22 25 29 1 5 12 15 19 22 24 26 1 3 6-7
Oakland Community College Tournament Oakland Community College Tournament INDIANA TECH JV HENRY FORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE Schoolcraft Community College ALBION COLLEGE JV Mott Community College Delta Community College Tournament Henry Ford Community College Owens Community College DELTA COLLEGE *Kalamazoo Valley Community College *GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE *GLEN OAKS COMMUNITY COLLEGE *Muskegon Community College *ANCILLA COLLEGE *Jackson College *LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE *Lake Michigan College *KALAMAZOO VALLEY CC *Grand Rapids Community College *Glen Oaks Community College *MUSKEGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE *Ancilla College *JACKSON COLLEGE *Lansing Community College *LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE MCCAA State Championship NJCAA Tournament 1st Round NJCAA Disctrict - Semi & Finals
Opponent
2013-2014 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
*Indicates league games
(A) (A) (H) (H) (A) (H) (A) (A) (A) (A) (H) (A) (H) (H) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (A) (A)
Site Time
1:00 pm 9:30 am 5:30 PM 1:00 PM 5:30 pm 5:30 PM 5:30 pm TBA 5:30 pm 1:00 pm 5:30 PM 1:00 pm 5:30 PM 5:30 PM 1:00 pm 5:30 PM 5:30 pm 1:00 PM 5:30 pm 1:00 PM 5:30 pm 5:30 PM 1:00 PM 5:30 PM 1:00 PM 5:30 pm 5:30 PM TBA TBA TBA
Date
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
1-2 8-9 13 23 2 6 11 13-14 16 4 8 15 18 20 22 25 29 1 5 12 15 19 22 24 26 1 3 5-7
Oakland Community College Tournament Owens Community College Tournament Schoolcraft Community College Mott Community College Delta College MARYGROVE YGROVE COLLEGE (JV) Henry Ford Community College Kalamazoo Valley Tournament Siena Heights University (JV) *Kalamazoo Valley Valley Community College *GRAND GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE *GLEN OAKS COMMUNITY COLLEGE *Muskegon Community College *ANCILLA COLLEGE *Jackson College *LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE *Lake Michigan College *K’ZOO VALLEY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE *Grand Rapids Community College *Glen Oaks Community College *MUSKEGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE *Ancilla College *JACKSON COLLEGE *Lansing Community College *LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE MCCAA State Championship NJCAA Tournament 1st Round NJCAA District - Semi & Finals
Opponent
2013-2014 MEN’S BASKETBALL
(A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (H) (A) (A) (A) (A) (H) (H) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (H) (A) (A) (A)
Site Time
TBA TBA 7:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm TBA 5:00 pm 3:00 pm 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 3:00 pm 7:30 PM 7:30 pm 3:00 PM 7:30 pm 3:00 PM 7:30 pm 7:30 PM 3:00 PM 7:30 pm 3:00 PM 7:30 pm 7:30 PM TBA TBA TBA
HEAD COACH: MELVIN MCKNIGHT
*Indicates league games
16
November 2013
SPORTS
Q: What made you want to coach at Kellogg Community College? A: I was looking for a head coaching position and it opened up. The last two years I coached at Davenport as their pitching coach. I feel that I am built to be a head coach and not an assistant coach. Q: How do you balance both running a softball and baseball training facility and coaching at the college level? A: It is very important to keep track of my schedule. I rely on other employees to keep my facility going while I’m not there. It will get interesting during the spring with our 3 o’clock games. Q: What are your goals for your team this year? A: Our goal is to always win championships. I want to shock the conference and change the culture at Kellogg. We expect to hit every game. Q: Who will be your biggest rivals? A: KVCC, Muskegon, and Lansing. Anybody who is at the top or who has been at the top; that’s who we want to beat. Q: What are your team’s strengths? A: Our offense is our biggest strength. Our team has to score a lot of runs and our pitching and defense have to be solid. We must limit defensive mistakes and that will equal a lot of success in softball games. clement weather. Those who braved the cold found themselves on a beautiful 18 hole course. Sponsor signs were placed at holes, and each team received a golf cart for the course. Awards for longest hit and closest to the pin were given out as well as a chance at a 50/50 raffle. After a long day of golfing, the teams were stoked to have a meal at the golf club house. Next year KCC softball coach Darrick Brown hopes to make the event even bigger and more profitable.
Coach Brown and The Bruins Softball golf outing fundraiser
Mary Emington Staff Writer Kellogg Community College recently hired Coach Darrick Brown to be the new head softball coach. The Lady Bruin Softball team is preparing for their upcoming spring season at Bailey Park. Coach Brown speaks about his past, position, and plans for his team. Q: Where are you originally from Coach Brown? A: Kalamazoo Michigan. Q: How many years have you been coaching softball? A: 22 years. Q: What inspired you to become a coach? A: My dad and uncles. My whole family is into fast pitch softball. Q: How long have you played the game of softball? A: I started at age 14, so that makes it 26 years. Q: How has your family responded to your new coaching position? A: My family has always been very supportive no matter where I’m at. My wife just want me to be happy so as long as I am happy she is happy. Mary Emington Staff Writer Saturday, October 29, marked the first annual Kellogg Community College Bruin Softball/Golf Outing. The KCC softball team’s fundraiser took place at Cedar Creek Golf Club despite the in-
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Paralegal Program: discontinued
Johnathan Hogan Staff Writer This year will be the last that Kellogg Community College will be running its Paralegal program. The decision to discontinue the program was made before the school year began. Professor Susan McCabe, the paralegal program coordinator, said she came to the decision following a decline in enrollment. McCabe sent a letter out to students on August 6, explaining the situation and her decision. “Last month, we at Kellogg Community College made a difficult decision that affects our Paralegal Program. Influenced by forces beyond our control, we decided to discontinue the program after the 2013-2014 academic year,” the letter read. McCabe cited several reasons for the decision, including a drop in the number of students enrolling, a decline in the number of students who complete the program, and the growing cost of the program itself. “The college has to look at that and say ‘Is this economical?’” McCabe said, “When things are hard to do, you have to do the right thing.” Students currently enrolled in the program will have until next fall to complete their required Paralegal courses. Students will then have ten years to complete their General Education requirements and graduate with their paralegal degree. McCabe said that most of the students should be able to graduate. Another major reason McCabe cited for the drop in student enrollment was the 2008 economic crisis which caused a decline in the number of jobs available locally. “As the economy has gotten tougher, law firms have struggled,” McCabe said. As local jobs have moved or disappeared, students have had less incentive to study as a paralegal, thus causing a decline in student enrollment. Desiree Belote, a student in the Paralegal Program, is expecting to graduate this semester and has been fortunate in her job prospects. “I have been very lucky in that regard,” she said. Belote was able to find an internship last semester in her hometown of Hillsdale, Michigan. She is already a part-time employee, and hopes to make the jump to full-time after graduating. “I am loving what I do and know that if it were not for this program I would not be doing something that makes me so happy,” she said. Belote also Professor Susan McCabe stated she was sad to see the program go. “I am sad to see that the program is ending, it has done so much for me and it is too bad that it won't be there for others.” The effects of the discontinuation of the Paralegal Program stretch beyond students. Stacey Lott, an attorney who works as a sole practitioner and who specializes in Estate Planning and Elder Law, has previously looked to KCC when hiring paralegals. Like Belote, Lott
photo by Simon Thalmann
has been lucky with the state of the economy. While she knows lawyers who have struggled, her business has increased as a result of the times. Following the economic crisis, Lott had more clients coming in looking for help managing their estate and preparing for retirement. “That’s why I’m so busy,” Lott said. “Everyone is afraid of losing their money.” As the workload grew,
continued on page 3
Sleevi takes a break
T.J. Taylor Staff Writer Cancer is the second-biggest killer in the U.S. Most people know someone who has been affected by it, yet when one gets the news, it always throws them for a loop. Tim Sleevi got just that when he was diagnosed with stagethree lung cancer in late October. Sleevi, the Fesehnfeld Center's Director for 15 years, began his medical leave on November 11. This will be his first leave of absence since he began working for KCC. A smoker of 40 years himself, Sleevi stresses the dangers of smoking and what it can mean for your health. "70% of smokers are diagnosed at stage three,” Sleevi sighed. He admits that he has dodged a few bullets over the years, referring to a case of bladder cancer he had about ten years ago and a minor heart attack he suffered only a few years ago. On a more positive note, Sleevi would also like to tell everyone that he is "very, very appreciative of the well-wishes and prayers of the staff and students." Sleevi's doctors want to take an aggressive approach to the cancer and try to knock it out before it spreads, it cur-
Tim Sleevi in his office.
photo by T. J. Taylor
rently only occupies his left lung, and becomes more dangerous. This means that Sleevi will be going through radiation treatment every day for six weeks. He is prepared to attempt to conquer this disease with these appointments,
but he knows they will decrease his energy levels. Sleevi hopes to return by next semester and is treating his leave as a hiatus, not a goodbye. His plan has been
continued on page 2
The Textbook Dilemma... Pg 3
Corpses and Cockroaches... Pg 6
Veteran's Reflections... Pg 7
The Dark Side of Campus... Pg 11
The Hunger Games... Pg 12
2
December 2013
CAMPUS NEWS
were taken advantage of. Students are required to take six or more credit hours to be eligible for campus employment. Patrick Casey, the career and employment services specialist, helps organize those student employment needs on campus. “Every academic year beginning in the fall, departments at KCC relay their student hiring needs to the Career and Employment Services departments,” Casey explained. “(On-campus jobs) can range from tutors to office assistants to lab assistants.” Student positions are paid, the wage depending on the position. “The funding for student worker positions can come in two forms,” Casey said. “Either the on-campus department pays for the position with their departmental funds, or the department relies on work study fund.” Casey explained that work study funds are a part of financial aid which is unique to each student who is awarded through FAFSA. All current on-campus positions are full, but Casey said positions can open or be created at any point during the semester. Two positions have even been made, and then filled, this semester to edit and write for the Bruin.
Working where you learn
Lacy Janousek Co-Editor Lacey Jones drags her mouse across from one computer screen to the next as she opens emails from students in the peer mentor program. The phone is propped under her ear, and she directs calls pouring into the student center. “It’s a lot to handle,” Jones, 19, said. “But thanks to where I work I’m able to get enough done.” The desks in the student life area are filled with student workers just like Jones. She explains the job gives her freedom to do homework in her down time, but that doesn’t come frequently. Jones is part of the Upward Bound program. She is the first in her family to attend college and this is her first semester of secondary education. On top to tackling homework, Jones works in the student life department. According to the human resource department, Jones is one of 76 students currently employed on campus. Last fall, only 37 employment opportunities
Lacey Jones checks her email while taking calls in student services.
photo by Lacy Janousek
KCC’s Career and Employment Services do more than provide oncampus job opportunities to students. The employment board, located in the OHM building lobby outside the HUB, details job postings on-campus, offcampus, internships, and work study programs. Meaning the employment board is up to date information of employment opportunities in the Battle Creek area. Taking on a student job can be
tough as Jones contests. “It’s hard to find a balance between work and school,” Jones said. Oncampus jobs are a great way to create a balance because employers understand of the homework load’s importance, she explained. In order to get emails of updated openings in part-time, full-time, internships, and co-op work, students can create an account at www.collegecentral. com/kellogg.
Scholarships are available
students who apply. “I think a lot of students are so busy with studying and life that they fail to notice.” Cutsinger said. The students who do apply, however, almost always receive some sort of financial assistance that makes a difference in their ability to attend school. Foundation Assistant Jayme McHale noted a particular instance in which the funds made a difference. “A girl came up to me, a nursing student,” McHale said. “The Nursing Program is really expensive to take.” Upon approaching McHale, the student said, “A scholarship made a difference to me.” The donors behind these scholarships often seek to make such a difference having received such help themselves. “We hope to plant a seed of philanthropy,” Cutsinger said of the Foundation. One such donor who had such a seed planted within them was Professor Sue Stetler, a math professor at KCC. Stetler offers a scholarship for non-traditional students (those 25 and older who have not graduated college previously). Stetler said her motivation for the scholarship came from her own experiences as a non-traditional student as well as that of a student she was teaching who was non-traditional. “She didn’t feel she had the same resources as a traditional student,” Stetler said. Stetler then began preparing money for her own scholarship with the help of friends and family, hoping to help students in financial need as well as pass on the seed of philanthropy. For more information about the Kellogg Community College Foundation and scholarships available, students should ask their advisors or contact Ginger Cutsinger at [email protected] or Jayme McHale at mchalej@kellogg. edu.
Helping hands
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor Lera Lowrie and Kandice Anderson are deep in conversation while they prepare for Yoga class to start. What makes this scene any different from thousands of conversations across campus is that it is taking place with sign language. Anderson is deaf and Lowrie is her interpreter. Lowrie is an employee of Deaf Link an organization that partners interpreters with the deaf. Lowrie works with students at KCC but also works at business meetings, hospitals, religious organizations, and countless other venues. Lowrie jokes, “The amount of classes I've interpreted are countless. I always joke that if I just took all the classes I've interpreted I'd be a doctor three times over in many fields of study. The truth is I know how lucky I am to be in situations that I would never be in otherwise and have gained a lot of useful knowledge. Interpreters always say they have a little expertise in everything.” Lowrie, who has her hearing, grew up in a deaf family, both of her parents are deaf. Lowrie explains, “Growing up in a deaf family gave me the ability to be an interpreter but not the desire. I always knew I was given a gift to be part of this amazing culture and world but I didn't know how it applied to me until I started working in the field. Once I realized my passion for it, there was nothing else that compared.” Lowrie, a KCC alum, enjoys working with KCC students and is aware that she is a curiosity in classes that she interprets. Hearing students can’t help but stare as she signs the lectures for her deaf students. Lowrie doesn’t mind the stares and encourages the attention stating, “Having students watch while I work is par for the course. I don't mind being watched at all. I know watching the interpreting experience can inspire others to check into this field of study. Because of the severe shortage of interpreters in our state I always hope this is the outcome of being watched.” Learning sign language is not unlike learning a foreign language like Spanish or French. It takes time and training. Since signing is Lowrie’s native language she has never not known how to sign, but knowing the language and interpreting are two very different areas of study, it took Lowrie years to learn how to interpret. The interpreter training programs in the state are 2-4 year programs. Lowrie’s passion for the empowerment of the deaf is evident. She works daily to debunk the many misconceptions about the deaf community. She quotes I King Jordan when she says, “The thing I always remind people is that deaf people can do anything... but hear.”
Johnathan Hogan Staff Writer The Kellogg Community College Foundation is now offering scholarships for the 2014- 2015 school year. These scholarships are available to all students who fill out the proper application and turn it in to the Foundation’s office located in Room 101 of the C building by the proper due date. For students in financial need who are looking for multiple scholarships, the Foundation is providing an all-inone application to shorten the amount of paper work that needs to be filled out. The KCC Foundation scholarship application involves a student filling out their basic information and writing an essay about themselves and their experiences that can range from 150 words to two pages. The Foundation also requires that students provide a résumé, at least three letters of recommendation, and their transcripts from all colleges they’ve attended, including KCC. The KCC Foundation then takes that information and puts in the application for all scholarships the student in question is eligible for. The essay and other materials will then be considered by committees made up of impartial community members to determine who receives the scholarship. Ginger Cutsinger, executive director of the KCC Foundation, said that the number of students who apply is usually around 200 out of 14,000 who attend the school. Every year the foundation has to decide what percentage of their unrestricted funds will go out for scholarships, 4%, 5%, or 6%, and almost always chooses 6% due to the low number of
Sleevi takes a break
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to retire in June of 2016 and even with this new road block, he hopes to stick to that plan. He has the full intention of fighting this as best as he can and is hope-
ful, but still remains realistic about the situation. "The odds are not extremely in my favor," Sleevi says, then after a moment adds, "but it can be done."
CAMPUS NEWS
December 2013
3
The textbook dilemma
Bob Psalmonds Staff Writer You’ve registered for the next semester’s classes. It’s time to get the textbooks listed in the posted course description. For those with monies available through the school due to scholarships, grants, and loans, this simply means walking into the Bruin Bookstore. Your only issue might be that the books not in stock due to under ordering (a frequent occurrence), it’s backordered or you’ve waited so long to purchase it that the books were sent back. Timing issues aside, even art or photography items can be quickly acquired. Long wait for the counter over, it’s all deducted from your funds and you’re ready for the first day of class. For those students not on the instant monies program, it takes a little more research, ingenuity, and even luck. Googling the words “College Textbooks” can get you almost twelve million options. Due to time constraints, most students go to the big four: Barnes and Nobles, Amazon, Chegg, and Ebay. Through the services and options vary somewhat, all are more than willing to hook the student up with his required resources...for a price. This is usually lower than the Bruin bookstore and can vary depending on the book and option selected. First, you can just buy the textbook. Like all online financial actions, this will normally take a charge card and waiting until it shows up on your doorstep. The new books are close to retail prices but many online merchants offer a discount to preferred members and/or college students. An education is not cheap and books are a big chunk of the student’s costs. The nice thing is that once the class is over and you decide not to keep the book for future review, it can be put back out on the market or sold to these same businesses to get money for the next round of textbooks (or, even better, study pizza). One student did note that she netted $40 for the textbook when she sold it online over the on-campus bookstore’s offer of $10, so the effort to find another buyer might be worth it. A textbook you have to have but will likely never look at again could be rented instead. Chegg and Amazon are good ones for that option. It’s much cheaper and works the same as buying the text outright. Save the box it came in since returning it that way covers the postage. If you like to highlight the important stuff, go ahead. Most places have no problem with the student getting the most out of their textbooks. The options out there are pretty long for finding the right book at the best price. Doing a little research before clicking the purchase icon could mean saving enough to get a few of the course additional items listed in the syllabus, as most photography and art students can identify with. Another option growing in popularity is Etextbooks. Go online, find the correct title and edition, purchase the paperless computer version, and get to reading. With the new wave of technology that seems to expand by the second, this may become the preferred book form of college professors and students alike. The advantage’s photo by Lacy Janousek include price, speed Hundreds of dollars worth of textbooks option and has said more than once that of delivery (mere seconds compared to the world’s vast treasure of knowledge is FedEX/snail mail), and all the extra aponly a google search away. Since it’s less plications. One art professor, Brad Poer, environmentally destructive, the two just predicted digital will become the norm might be right. within the next ten years. A google search of your own will proPoer felt having the videos and muvide more ideas and options available to sic applications being so readily available you. Some readers will always opt for the a fantastic idea. His one negative thought solid feel of a book. Others have left that was that most students will not put the archaic system behind as they surf the elecEtextbook up on their digital shelf for retronic waves. Either way, be smart and review later on. search before buying or renting the required Eric Petty, a computer guru and vice resources. It could save you a lot of cash. president of the Geek Club, uses only this
Creative twist on midterm
Written by: Miranda O'Neil, Selias Pittman, Kara Minick, and Amanda Montgomery Lite 105 students and instructor, Rose Swartz, held court in the Grahl center lobby from 12 to 2 p.m. on October 31, 2013 for a Literature themed Halloween party. Students dressed as famous poets and authors and shared excerpts, facts, and anecdotes from their characters. Students walked through hallways and classes while sharing candy and information. Some highlights of the party were Kara Minick dressed up as Granny Weatherall, a character from Katherine Anne Porter’s “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall.”Granny Weatherall won the costume contest and also displayed some uncharacteristic dance moves. Brandon Larned did a spot-on impression of Hunter S. Thompson. While Kurt Buerle impersonated Sammy from John Updike’s “A & P.” Minick, with Subway gift card in hand, declared this “the best Midterm…ever.” Students were graded on their costume efforts, participation, excerpts, and knowledge. Selias Pittman, who arrived in full regalia as Paul Laurence Dunbar, enthusiastically shared the poem “We Wear The Mask” while wearing a glittering Mardi Gras Mask. Pittman said “It was very exciting to learn about the poets and authors in such a fun and interesting way.” Be prepared next year for more Halloween Festivities!
Instructor Rose Swartz as Emily Dickensen and Selias Pithman as Paul Lawrence Duhbar
FREE learning support center
Paralegal Program: discontinued
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the Bridge
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Lott began searching for assistance and hired Amanda Young, a KCC student who graduated in 2011, who received a call from Lott the same day she graduated. Shortly after, Young’s friend and fellow student Davena Shute was also hired. “I wanted to know I was hiring some-
one who knew what to expect,” Lott said. “When you get really good help, your business takes off.” When asked in an interview what she planned to do should her business require another paralegal, Lott looked down and shook her head. “I don’t know.”
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December 2013
CAMPUS NEWS
The power of Service-Learning
Kerry Korpela Guest Writer During my senior year of high school I completed the SERV 200 course. In January, I dithered and dallied in an attempt to choose the single course I could take as a dual-enrolled student. My mother pushed that I take a Service-Learning course, promising it would help me overcome any anxiety I possessed over meeting new people. Ironically, that never happened, but we’ll get to that later. I never imagined, when I walked into that room, how very sheltered I was, even growing up in Battle Creek. Life is infinitely more varied and complex than we can imagine. In the beginning of the class, we were given definitions of community. After establishing that each person is in fact the member of global, national, state, and local communities, the connections between serving different populations with different professions became quite detailed: how are Dental Hygienists uniquely qualified to serve a certain population, and in what ways could they do as such? Or someone trained in construction, or a librarian. In other words, how do the things we are taught in the classroom apply to the different sectors, both profit and non-profit, of the world we live in? We were also carefully taught why such awareness was important. Gaining insight into others’ lives gives insight into our own, as well as achieving greater empathy and communication with others. This overall can make working with a group more productive and enjoyable. Knowledge about the state around us and the effects an institutionalized system has on a population can lead to valuable knowledge about how to make the system work more in favor of those who are marginalized and disenfranchised. I would like to say that when any single population of human being, be they grouped by race, gender, sexual, or socioeconomic group, is marginalized or silenced, in one way or another the other populations suffer for it. But that is in fact, not the truth. Specific groups of people are oppressed and marginalized for particular reasons in order to benefit others, be this institutionalized or event based oppression. I’d seen poverty and injustice before, but I had never stopped to think of the implication that my own life, was in fact, contributing to reinforcing a system that condones and causes many of these things. Or on an even higher level, the majority’s existence has. Service-learning is so much more than just labor, work and book learning. Embedding oneself in the community viscerally changes a person’s perspective, outlook, and mindset. Not every service-learning project is about helping the tragically disadvantaged, true, but the experience of coming into contact with so many people who live in and depend upon the same town as you is eye opening. And so I sallied forth, hoping to make the best of what opportunities were offered to make a change in Battle Creek. There were a lot of opportunities. Our instructor handed out five pages worth of non-profit and government organizations designed to do work in the community. I was still leery of the idea of direct involvement with people in the community, so I opted for something called indirect service. That meant I would still be serving the members of my community, but in a way that did not involve direct contact. This is definitely a positive aspect of service-learning: in-
Give a little
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor With the holidays quickly approaching you may be feeling a little more generous and compelled to help the less fortunate. The following is a list supplied by the VA of their needs. None of the items on this list cost more than $20. Now is the perfect time to dig deep into your pockets and give what you can. The VA is in need of: • Gas cards ($20 amounts) • Food gift cards (McDonalds, Burger
A dog awaits adoption.
photo by Lacy Janousek
credible diversity, in both the people you meet and the projects you can undertake. If you can imagine a service, it’s already probably going on, and if it isn’t, there are A LOT of people out there willing to help get it started. And there is no wrong way to go about putting your energy and resources to good use. So I chose a happy medium: work with others to care for the adoptable animals at the Calhoun County Animal Center. I was astonished by the devotion and determination of the individuals who worked at the Center. After about ten hours of working there, not even consecutively, I had reached a considerable level of frustration over the hopelessness and frequent cruelty dealt to the dogs, in particular, before entering our care. How could these individuals clean up the mistakes, messes, and cruelty cause by other humans in the form of helpless animals, knowing there was nothing they could do to stop it? I found it to be quite ironic that I learned so much about my fellow human beings while I was taking care of animals.
• Personal hygiene products for ethnic groups (male and female) • Individually wrapped cookies • Men’s shampoo and conditioner • Denture adhesive and denture brushes • Hair brushes, hair ties, headbands etc. • Shower shoes • Toothpaste • Body wash • Granola bars • Composition books • Hats and gloves VA Medical Center 5500 Armstrong Rd Battle Creek, MI 49037
King, Wendys, Subway etc)
Volunteer with CitiLinC
Bob Psalmonds Staff Writer Dale Boyer, the Executive Director of CityLinC, has been on the KCC Service Learning Counsel for about five years. Boyer is an avid believer that experience is one of life’s best teachers. “By choosing a variety of places and activities during their Student Learning, the individual gets a better understanding of what he likes or dislikes. Another benefit is clarifying what skills and strengths they possess,” Boyer said. “Many volunteers have done things outside their areas of study just to try other fields or take a break just for the fun of it. This also teaches a life style of volunteerism. There’s a great joy in helping others.” CitiLinC is a program giving student the opportunity to try something new while earning the service learning requirement for all students who started at KCC after fall 2012. This is a Christ-based, non-profit organization that has been around for 45 years. It is filled with people who live out their beliefs through love with a desire to help people better their lives. Youth Guidance, which helps with adoptions and satisfaction of helping them, this stuand the Foster Care system, is currently dent learning fits in a portfolio well, espeworking with the state dealing with thirty cially those going into human services. five children. Women’s Resource Center is a pro“These experiences help us as we gram which lets women with special mature in life to become givers and not talents and perspectives bring a wide takers.” Boyer explained. “Finally, putting range of support to local teens and young effort into helping others without being women regardless of their background or paid presents a very positive impression belief. The Pregnancy Center for Women when included on the student’s future rein Crisis offers a respectful, safe alternasume.” tive for young women havBoyer praised ing to make life-changing “These all those involved for decisions. their versatility, love experiences help CityLinC also offers and compassion. us as we mature in volunteering opportuniThis extended to ties at The Mentor House over a dozen KCC life” and Second Wind Menstudents that have tors, which fills the needs Boyer performed a Student of many of those that have Learning contract there in the past. personal or legal troubles in their life. Volunteers here have helped the There’s the Stuff-A-Bus Campaign families with such activities as home visifor school kids to get school supplies tation, case aid, support during court apwhich someone has to help collect. The pearances, or allowing the foster parents Red Wagon Community Partnership that an occasional break. Many individuals stands by the belief every child deserves needing counseling and a willing ear can caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, go to Pathways Christian Counseling, a good education, and opportunities to which provides personalized care to treat help others. Then there is the Ministry the entire person - emotionally, physicalNetwork of Calhoun County, providing ly, and spiritually. Besides the experience hope so individuals can experience their God-given potential through fellowship. There are other opportunities through CitiLinC that don’t involve counseling or spirituality. Volunteers have helped internet cable installation after office hours, did a community survey among professionals to cultivate support and needed client training, office work to include sorting mail, preparing mailings, data entry, interface social networking with Constant Contact and Facebook, etc. There is always a need for people able to do repairs, perform maintenance, and restoration to a building next to their offices. Having the need or desire to put in some hours of service is all that’s required, Boyer can guide those to countless opportunities. CitiLinc will work around a student’s school or work schedule. However, a background check is required before an individual can get started. Contact Jayme McHale in the Kellogg Foundation office with questions. The 2014 calendar, for sale at $10 to help fund their operation, has a pretty complete description of each plus some photos by Jayme. Those interested in CitiLinC can call Dale Boyer at 969-9181 or E-mail [email protected].
CAMPUS NEWS
December 2013
5
A beacon of hope
T.J. Taylor Staff Writer KCC has teamed up with the United Way to bring change to Battle Creek and help make the city become the nation's very first "Beacon Community." What is a Beacon Community? It is described by the Harwood Institute as “a place where an emerging group of individuals and organizations are committed to working in a new way and understand what it takes to create change in the community.” Kellogg Community College is one of six “core team” organizations being utilized to promote Battle Creek as a Beacon Community. Their plan is to create a critical mass of individuals and groups that work together to drive change in the community and to build community conditions for sustaining change. Local organizations such as Project 2020, VOCES, BC Pulse and United Way are all involved in the project and have been using these tools and concepts over the past several years in Battle Creek. Laura Otte, project manager for the Beacon Community, is enthusiastic about Battle Creek’s potential as a Beacon Community. “Kellogg Community College has offered affordable, quality education to the Battle Creek area and beyond since 1956,” Otte explained. “KCC has always been a great supporter of events and organizations, and we’re lucky they chose to partner with us on this journey." The reason for the multi-team centered leadership is because they like to have multiple perspectives in their meeting from all different kinds of organizations as it allows them to hold each other accountable. “We learn from each other and the combined reach in the community each team brings to this table is an incredible asset to the work,” Otte says. There have been many Beacon Community-related events such as the 3-day Harwood Public Innovators Lab and over 25 Community Conversations in which they gathered public knowledge was from over 230 people by partnering with other organizations. They also had a booth at this year’s Bruin Blast and filmed brief testimonials of KCC students talking about what they like about Battle Creek. Most recently, United Way held an "Intentionality Forum" in November, in which all the core teams came together and communicated with each other about what each of their plans are in this Beacon Community program. Also in attendance were members of the Harwood Institute, who brought tools and talked through strategies to create conditions of change in Battle Creek. Susan Taylor Simpson of the Harwood Institute said that the purpose of their involvement at the event is to "get various organizations and partners working together to create pockets of change." Their first pocket of change is to work with middle school students to help them become leaders of the community in the future by working on the transition from middle school to high school, effectively lowering the dropout rate and also encouraging them to eventually move on to college. "It's very exciting to see all the leadership organizations come and work together to impact change," CEO of United Way Mike Larson expressed gratitude to all the teams participating. He also stressed the importance of getting the community and citizens of Battle Creek involved to address issues and improve the city. For more information, just search “Battle Creek – Beacon Community” on Facebook or Youtube to find them.
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2 2-3 3-4 4 4 Transfer Student Information Table: WMU College of Education and Human Development Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Healthy Choices Leadership Organization: Seeds of Success Fundraiser Student Center • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Stress Busters Central Walkway • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm KCC Jazz Band Concert Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Auditorium • 7:30 pm Student Recital Series Event-Performances by KCC students studying through Individualized Music Lesson Program Area Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Auditorium • 1:00 pm Mobile Medical Clinic-FREE KCC Circle Drive • 8:30 am - 11:30 am Healthy Choices Leadership Organization: Island Party Student Center • 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Siena Heights University Central Walkway • 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Western Michigan University: Haworth College of Business Central Walkway • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Closing Reception: Didactic Revolvers- Art Prize Entry Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center, KCC Davidson Building • 4:00 - 6:00 pm KCC Men's Basketball vs Marygrove College Miller Gymnasium • 6:00 pm Choral Event: "Sounds of the Season" Branch County Community Chorus presents Gloria! by John Rutter. Additional works by Handel, Vivaldi, Dufay, and J.S. Bach. Freewill donation. 27 E. Chicago St. Coldwater, MI • 7:30 pm Christmas Concert: Community Music School Concert Band Music Center of South Central Michigan • 3:00 pm True Life: Gathering Kellogg Room • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Transfer Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Mosaic Reading Student Center • 7 pm Coffeehouse Concert: Caroling Central Walkway • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: WMU College of Education and Human Development Central Walkway • 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Opera Workshop Performance: “Musical Madness” - Select semi-staged scenes from some of the best known and beloved operas and Broadway shows Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Auditorium • 7:30 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Winter Mich-Mash Theatre Production: FREE Davidson Visual & Performing Arts Center Auditorium • 7:30 pm Cereal City Concert Band: Christmas Concert First United Methodist Church 111 E. Michigan, Battle Creek, MI 6:30 pm KCC Women's Basketball vs Delta College Miller Gymnasium • 5:30 pm
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History of Rock
Lacy Janousek Co-Editor Students will want to get out their air guitars and headphones for a highly anticipated course spring semester when Tony Wright will be teaching History 297: The History of Rock and Roll again. “This course places an emphasis on understanding how rock and roll shaped American history and how American history shaped rock and roll,” Wright, adjunct instructor since 2008, explained. There are currently four seats taken out of the thirty-eight available for the spring course. Wright is looking forward to spots filling up. “Michelle Wright, Professor of History, approached me three or four years ago and asked if I had any special topics classes in mind for the Social Sciences Department,” Wright said. “I had a few ideas, but the one that really stuck out was a history of rock and roll class.” The course was first taught by Wright in Spring 2011. As a huge fan of rock and roll, Wright is eager to teach about some of his favorite musicians again this spring. The course covers rock and roll eras from the 1950’s to current trends. “It will be exciting to cover The British Invasion, garage rock, punk rock, heavy metal, hip hop, the MTV era, and alternative rock,” Wright said. “I am a fan of many artists including The Beatles, The Who, Otis Redding, Black Sabbath, The Replacements, Sam & Dave, Metallica, The Velvet Underground, Public Enemy, Nirvana, and my favorite band Guided by Voices.” The course will be taught Thursdays from 6 to 9:15 pm in the Severin Building. “We have even had guest speakers from the world of rock and roll including Tommy James, 60's music superstar, and Ian MacKaye, founder of Dischord Records and member of the band Fugazi,” Wright explained that guest speakers enhance the learning experience for students and give them a chance to learn from people in the rock and roll industry. “This course places an emphasis on understanding how rock and roll shaped American history and how American history shaped rock and roll,” Wright said.
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We don't fear stress
Eleanor Alexander Staff Writer With just a couple weeks remaining until the end of the semester, students are starting to feel overwhelmed. If you are one of these students, visit the Kellogg Room in the Student Center on Dec. 3 and 4. From 11 AM to 1 PM Michael Houston and Student Life have organized free massages, snacks, and tips for students. These stress-busting sessions are held in December and April, just before final exams to help students cope with everything. In the past there have been raffles, tutoring, advising, and different fun activities such as coloring and balloons.
CAMPUS NEWS Corpses and cockroaches KCC's choir goes Italian
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December 2013 Ashleigh Olmstead Staff Writer Mosaic will be having a reading on December 9th at 7 p.m. in the student center. Mosaic, KCC’s student literary magazine, is published every spring and fall. Mosaic is an excellent opportunity for student writers to get their pieces published for the first time. This semester’s Mosaic entries are varied and feature such titles as “Corpses and Cockroaches,” and "Headaches and Heartaches.” “They were all really good,” says Elizabeth Kerlikowske, advisor of the Mosaic, "What's different is that last year in the fall,we printed exclusively poetry; this year we are doing more short stories and prose, as well as poetry.” “Most people will be reading December 9th for the first time,” Kerlikowske mentions. “It’s my hope that they will have a good experience.” Aside from the reading on December 9, there will also be awards for the Best Poetry Piece, Best Prose Piece, and best essay. The Mosaic is edited by members of The Crude Arts club, and this year’s submissions were judged by adjunct English instructor and published poet Rose Swartz. Swartz awarded Best Essay to "Teeth" by Tiffany Thatcher because it is shocking close to real life and has an amazing last sentence. “The sharp details and flashes of description in this essay allow the reader to experience the events alongside the writer,” Swartz said of Thatcher’s piece. “The tone and dialogue remain steady, yet manage to invoke a sense of panic.” Dueling Dachi by Jacob Bodenberg won Best Poem. Swartz loves how the piece “begs” to be read aloud. “These tandem pieces aptly enacts a duel. Wellplaced line breaks and precise use of language allow the words to become sound and movement,” Swartz explained. Finally, Best Prose was awarded to a piece by Heather Tramel called "Finding Home". “The details in this story intricately unfold to reveal more and more about the specific character, plot, and situation. Each paragraph is another onion skin-like layer,” Swartz said, “Though we never learn the girl’s name, she becomes as familiar to us as a spouse, a sibling, a self.” The reading is open to the public and all writers are encouraged to read their piece and to invite family and friends. campus. The intention is for students and faculty to “feed the pig” their spare change. Feed the Pig took place the entire month of November. Second is the Go Fund Me online Tiffany Thatcher fundraising initiative. This fundraiser Co-Editor is open to everyone across the country. Choral members can ask friends and famThe KCC choral Union will be traveling ily that may be far away can still help out. to Italy’s Amalfi coast for their 2014 conThird took place at Buffalo Wild Wings in cert tour next summer. The choirs will Battle Creek on November 25. 20% of all tour the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel purchases made, when accompanied by a and will perform at an evening mass in voucher, would be donated to the choir. Sorrento. The Union, which consists of Fourth is the Help Kellogg Choirs get the Branch County Community Chorus, to Italy on My.fundraising.com where The Kellogg Singers and the all female people wishing to donate can make purgroup the Conchettas will not only perchases from the website form but also tour the or donate directly to a Sorrento region of Italy. student. The final fundThe Choir toured “We are the face raiser for this semester Ireland in 2012 and Dr. of KCC and the is the selling of ad space Gerald Blanchard, Dicommunity” in the choirs' programs. rector of Choral Music Blanchard The ads will be featured at KCC, was not expectin the programs for fall ing another concert tour concert event in Coldfor at least five years. Blanchard was apwater and the Singing in the Spring event proached by Dennis Bona, KCC presiin April. There will be a rummage sale dent, who asked if they would ever connext semester, a holiday candle sale, and sider traveling to Italy and then offered to an evening of Italian food and music at a partially underwrite the trip. Blanchard location unknown at this point. leapt at the chance to once again show“We are the face of KCC and the case KCC’s choir abroad. community here. We are ambassadors The Choirs are currently doing funfor KCC and Battle Creek across the draising to help defer the cost of the trip state and across the ocean,” Blanchard exin several interesting ways. plains. The Union is eager for all experi“Every penny counts,” Blanchard ences the trip will give its members. “We said. are very proud of what we’ve done.” First is the Feed the Pig project. Donation boxes along with stuffed pigs have been placed in different spots all over
FREE ADMISSION TO HOME GAMES FOR KCC STUDENTS
FEATURE
December 2013
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Veteran's reflections
The Few and The Proud: Redefined and Revisited
By E. Louis D'Felio Throughout our history, serving in the military has (primarily) been viewed as a noble and honorable act of unselfish sacrifice for a greater good. The "greater good" is often defined as an ideal in which life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are fundamental rights for all. From its inception this nation has fought wars, battles, and conflicts at home and abroad to promote such a philosophy. Unfortunately, members of the military have often been placed in the middle of the chasm between the citizenry and body politic. The farther the citizens and political officials are removed from the military (i.e., fewer and fewer volunteers willing to serve and sacrifice), the less understanding there is and will be. Signs of protest such as “We Support the Murder of American Troops,” “Thank God for Dead Soldiers,” “Sailors and Dogs Keep off the Grass,” and “Baby Killers” are clear examples. Contrary to the view of some, military personnel are not mindless war-mongering robots who cannot think for themselves. Military members are a reflection of their society on all levels. Lest we forget that a sailor, soldier, airman, or marine is a son/ daughter, mother/father, brother/sister, or husband/wife of someone we know. The men and women who serve answer a call that many others choose not to. They often leave their homes and innocence behind them to protect a nation and a way of life in which they believe. Choosing to serve is similar to a parent protecting his/her offspring, yet significantly different as a complete stranger willing to give his/her life for another stranger. Myths, inaccurate media reports made up by political officials, anti-war activists, and our government's mismanagement of wars, battles, and conflicts cause just as much harm to service members as military action. Service members are caught between serving their nation and trying to remain a citizen. It's an awkward and often contradictory proposition. Service members want to belong to and feel connected. Belonging is a fundamental need that is crucial to the human experience. Being ignored, excluded or ostracized is a form of invisible bullying that can have a profound, more painful impact than a physical wound. Biologically speaking, the same part of the brain is activated whether the pain is the result of a physical or emotional/mental injury. The consequences of such bullying are long lasting. It can lead to anger, alienation, depression, helplessness, and feelings of unworthiness. Service members do not enter wars, battles, or conflicts on their own volition. They are ordered to do so by our President as a means to an end. Political officials set the rules of engagement, which often put service members in compromising situations. Demeaning, disrespectful and insulting acts towards service members are not only misguided and misdirected, they are harmful to the nation as a whole. As Richard M. Nixon stated, "Let us understand: [North Vietnam] cannot defeat or humiliate the United States. Only Americans can do that."
A veteran sets his hat down to pay respects.
photo by Simon Thalmann
He Vet/ She Vet She Vet
By Heather Tramel/Bob Psalmonds In 1997, I was one of four women training to be a communications specialist in my Advanced Individualized Training (AIT) course at Ft. Gordon, GA, alongside more than a hundred men. As a woman and mother who served in the United States Army alongside my husband, I have a unique perspective on veteran’s issues. I recall one evening I received a phone call from the Family Readiness Group for our Battalion, requesting my presence at the next meeting and reminding me how important it was to our husbands, that we support them while they selflessly, serve our country. I answered her with a simple question, “Will my husband be required to attend this meeting, in order to support me?” It seems that the role female soldiers have in their own military careers has always been in the shadow of men. When my then husband was leaving military life, I was given a certificate of appreciation, for being a supportive wife during his service, but he received nothing for supporting his wife when I left military life six months later. I am still offended by the certificate that has my misspelled name and does not include my hard earned rank. It is a reminder that as the wife of a soldier I was an afterthought. I have witnessed male veterans being thanked for their service by do-gooders and well-wishers, but I am rarely thanked for my service because I don’t advertise my veteran status on a tee-shirt or baseball cap. Keep a couple things in mind before you approach a service member in public. There may be a spouse and children who deserve your heartfelt thanks as well. Not acknowledging them makes the family feel less important and is a reminder of the risks our loved ones take. Women veterans are everywhere, we are of all ages, races and ethnicities, and we can blend in to our communities with little effort, but we deserve a big thanks for our service as well.
He Vet
It is true that the female veterans are often overlooked for their service. Though females have been training for combat missions for years, most in the COMBAT MOS or AFSC’s were routinely sent to the upper echelons and support units. This, in most cases, gives the impression only men were in harm's way. Nothing is further from the truth. In Iraq, Afghanistan, and points around
the world, one of the common enemy tactics includes attacking the rear forces. Putting on the uniform and going out on any mission makes a soldier a target. The combat soldier, male or female, needs those various support personnel to survive and fight a winning battle. Often, individuals of both sexes will be at their sides during these missions. The truck drivers, combat communications, mechanics out repairing a piece of equipment on the front lines, and medical personnel are all examples of this. The same could be said for a military family. The deployed individual can be gone from months up to a year or two away from his/her loved ones. Try to imagine the remaining spouse being the sole individual doing everything. This is probably not too hard in today's society of single parents, but that’s not what many these people knowingly signed up for when saying “I do.” The fact that a majority can’t surrender or share those responsibilities again when their loved ones return leads to a very high divorce rate for military personnel. Add in the fear of losing that soldier to roadside bombs, snipers and other hazards, thus stress and fear are always in their daily lives. I always found it amazing that these same spouses and children would eagerly do whatever they could to show how much they supported that same individual while away. Finally, serving this great country and the people under its umbrella of protection is not done for the few thank-you's and at-a-boys received. Even those who care and appreciate the veterans can rarely understand what that period of a soldier’s existence actually cost them. Lost limbs, scars, and near death experiences are rather obvious though downplayed by the individuals themselves most of the time. Underneath these brave faces is found PTSD, trouble re-entering society, inability to connect with the people in all areas of their lives, a deeply ingrained mistrust of the world around them, etc. Since no one can see a discharge certificate or military experience magically appear on the veteran's forehead, the veterans need to show those around him that he has served in the first place to get the “Thank you’s.” Perhaps that vet baseball cap is not a bad thing, but at least be visible by participating in veteran's organizations, campus activities, and so forth. Do women and families get ignored by the mainstream military support groups, well-wishers, or even the government itself? I’d have to say “YES,” but it is slowly changing.
Presenting of the colors at Veteran's Day ceremony.
photo by Simon Thalmann
8
December 2013
CULTURE
ish people were led by Judah Maccabee, this time by many families. Kwanzaa is a who fought a king named Antiochus week-long celebration held in the United for the right to worship one god. When States and also celebrated in the Western the Jews won the battle they cleared African Diaspora in other nations of the the pathway of the Greek gods and celAmericas. ebrated for eight days. Much like KwanThe word Kwanzaa means "first fruits zaa, on Hanukkah they light candles on of the harvest." Kwanzaa is celebrated a stand, called a Menorah, but a menothe day after Christmas, December 26 rah holds nine candles compared and ends on January 1. This holiday is to Kwanzaa’s seven. The inspired by African traditions extra light is called and isn't meant to be a “The lighting a Shamash. religious holiday. The ninth During these of candles against the branch is the seven days, those tallest branch who celebrate fowinter wind is involved in located in the cus on their aneach holiday.” middle. Even cestral values. The though there extra "a" on the word Whitman are nine candles was given to represent they only celebrate this the seven days that are holiday for eight days, singcelebrated. Kwanzaa was created ing and dancing in prayer. Jewish stars in the year 1966 by Maulana Karenga, are painted, woven and hung up around Ph.D, chair and professor of black studthe house for this holiday. This holiday ies at the California State University at is celebrated November 27 through Delong beach, and executive director of cember 5 this year. the Institute of Pan-African studies. This Each night a candle is lit for differholiday is meant to bring family together ent families traditions. Either they give and celebrate life and previous ancestors. their kids a different gift on each night of Families join together to celebrate the Hanukkah or they gift them with money beginning of the new planting season. for each night; one dollar on the first The final holiday that is celebrated night, two on the second, etc. ending up is called Hanukkah. Hanukkah is a celwith thirty six dollars at the end of the ebration of practice to the Jewish reliHanukkah holiday. gion. This Jewish celebration focuses The lighting of candles against the on the Festival of Lights and Feast of winter wind is involved in each holiday. Dedication, an eight-day Jewish holiday Even though the holidays may be differcommemorating the rededication of the ent, the company of family and joy in the Holy Temple. air makes the holidays more enjoyable. Hanukkah started when the Jew-
The holidays are here
Caitlyn Whitman Staff Writer When the snow starts to fall, that is when you know the holidays are right around the corner. The day after Halloween commercial holiday spirit starts kicking in. Shopping starts and decorations are hung. Various holidays are celebrated around the world, students on campus are a great representation of the diversity during the holiday season. On the night before Christmas, children lay out milk and cookies for good ol' St. Nick. Before the sun rises on December 25, children start tip toeing to wake up their parents to open all their Christmas presents that are placed under the tree. The day many Christians wait upon all year is finally here, it's Christmas time. Christmas is an annual celebration for the birth of Jesus Christ, "The son of righteousness." Though the day of the actual birth of Christ is unknown, it is estimated to be around this day. Along with Christmas time comes Christmas carols. Some of the most famous songs ever known consist of "Silent Night, O Holy Night", 'Rockin' around the Christmas Tree", "Frosty the Snowman" and many more. But there's more to the holidays than Christmas cheer. The lighting of seven candles, also known as Kwanzaa (Kwahn-zahh) is another famous holiday celebrated around
Festival of Lights
Cara Clingin Staff Writer Cold can be the signal of many things: hibernation, hot cocoa, and even time to shop for the best deals of the season. The streets become paved with snow and houses get ready for the Christmas season. Downtown Battle Creek becomes a winter wonderland of lights as the Festival of Lights illuminates the streets like the Whoville Christmas Whobilation. For those new to our city or just never quite understood what exactly the International Festival of Lights is, this is the six week winter festival in Battle Creek featuring various light shows, concerts, Christmas displays, and even a Christmas parade. Downtown is decorated by various displays of the lights including the famous 12 days of Christmas behind the W. K. Kellogg Foundation building. Jolly music that will make you feel like a child again plays through the many different speakers along the streets. There are different stations around the city filled with hot cocoa, coffee, and treats to help keep the cold away. The festival begins November 23 and lasts all the way through December, so don’t feel rushed if you can’t make it to an event right away. For a full schedule of what’s going on downtown, check out www.bcfestivals.com for more information.
Vocal Arts Events for December
Branch County Community Chorus presents Gloria! by John Rutter.
Sounds of the Season
Saturday, Dec 7 7:30 pm 27 E. Chicago St. Coldwater, MI Free-will donation
KELLOGG
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Coffeehouse Concert: Caroling
Tuesday, Dec 10 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Central Walkway
Select semi-staged scenes from some of the best known operas and Broadway shows.
Wednesday, Dec 11 7:30 pm
at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall 111 Capital Ave NE Free-will donation
Opera Workshop Performance: "Musical Madness"
CULTURE
shop and hold mass hiring campaigns in an attempt to staff their facilities. They look over drawn out applications for specific qualities and hire the best match for the job. Now, this faceless name and identification number is assigned a job to do and a wage they will be paid. This ‘pay rate’ is often times based on the local ‘minimum wage’. And the employee turn around rate is much higher than with small business. Very few people stay at these jobs long enough to become promoted. Instead, many times, management is hired as such from outside even when there is an older more qualified employee with experience to match. The same is not so typical of the smaller locals. Many of these employees have worked around the city at various places until finding a place that fits with them. Some have only worked at the one restaurant but have become attached to the “regulars” and other staff. The main thing to remember about these types of employees is that they are in the business because they enjoy it and because they are good at it. It’s what they have done or had an interest in for a long time. Big business employees just needed the job and this is the only way they could get it. Big businesses can have a damaging effect on the community and anyone who eats at these establishments. Jamie Oliver, a nationally recognized and renowned master chef, has led a campaign against the popular chain McDonalds. Oliver has discovered that McDonalds has been “washing” the fatty parts of the beef in ammonium hydroxide and using it for their hamburger meat. “Basically, we're taking a product that would be sold in the cheapest way for dogs, and after this process, it is being given to human beings,” Oliver claims. “Why would any sensible human being put meat filled with ammonia in the mouths of their children?" McDonalds has recently came out and said that they will be changing this process to one of a safer nature. This is just one of the many controversial things that chain restaurants will do and have done in an attempt to keep their overhead down and profits up. It is also something that local health departments have no control over. The only thing that they can do is make sure the facility in their area is a safe and sanitary environment. Ma and Pa typically stock their facility with products from the local area, well within the local heath department’s jurisdiction. That means that everything they buy has already been checked out once and will be checked again. Chains are damaging to the community because they take the business of the Ma and Pa Dinners. Businesses that have thrived in the community for generations can be closed down over night do to the loss of sale to the Chains putting dozens of people and families out of work and into poverty. Also, the money that the locals would be spending in their home town is now getting sent to some bank, possibly offshore, to be used in some far off land. This can lead the community into a depression of sorts. Ma and Pa charge more for their food because the products they buy are of a higher quality and thus cost more. This higher price also helps to offset the loss of business to the chains. Another thing to remember about large corporations is that all of the food and drinks are pre-portioned. While this is not a bad
December 2013
9
Learning local vs choosing chains
Cavin Smith Staff Writers Food is one of those essential needs of all humans, and the food industry is one of those services that will never become obsolete. The only real question is do people prefer to spend their hard earned cash at chain restaurants or local diners? Most people don’t really care about where they eat, as long as they eat. However, some people are so diehard in where and what they eat, they will go so far as to drive clear across the country just for a taste of that McRib sandwich. And still there are others who visit the same eatery every single day at the exact same time and order the never changing usual year after year. When you ask one of these people why it is that they feel so strongly, they will give a varying degree of answers but most of them have similar qualities. The smaller “Ma and Pa” diners are as uniquely different as the people who own and operate them. This uniqueness is what draws people in and keeps them coming back. Also, the quality of food is held to a higher standard considering that they are not just some fly-by-night establishment. Unlike the ‘big business’ rivals, who come and go with the ever-changing economic tides, small business owners are a part of the community and many of them are friends or family. They live in, shop in and work in the community just like the average member of the community. The big businesses come in, set up thing to do (actually, with some things it’s a great thing to do that helps keep the cost to profit margin at an acceptable level), it isn’t necessarily great either. Having a little freedom to give loyal patrons a little more hear and there helps to keep your loyal patrons coming back. Corporations like Chilies and Don Pablo’s will mix the exact same drink as Ma but with perfect measurements. Pa likes his Jack and Coke with a bit more punch. Local bartenders use a method of measuring that’s not as exact. For the local tender one ounce of liquor is equal to about one second of pouring and they don’t always do the counting. Ma and Pa are also a little more lenient when it comes to picking up a tab here or there. Ma is also more interested in the safety of her patrons and will sometimes help them get home if they have had one too many or make them eat something to soak that alcohol up. It’s not just the food that people are looking for when visiting an eatery of any kind. They also go out to eat for the social interactions that ultimately occur. The atmosphere and service are just as important as the food. As previously mentioned, the Ma and Pa employees tend to take more pride in what they do and it reflects in the way they do their jobs. The cooks try harder to make better food. The wait staff is not only polite to the customers, as is required, but they will often times become friends with the customers. The bartenders will actually listen and talk with you, not just to you. These elements are crucial to the atmosphere of the establishment and a great atmosphere is worth the price of the food, especially when it’s a King Cut Prime Rib.
New adult fiction
Kelly Frost Librarian Are you a New Adult? Do you have a New Adult still living in your house? If you’re not familiar with the term “New Adult,” you are almost certainly not alone, since this newly recognized “developmental stage” is still being defined. In general the term, “New Adult” describes someone between the ages of 19 and 28. As a result of current economic realities, many people are delaying such traditional markers of adulthood such as graduating from college, marrying, buying a house, or having children. In this environment, there is a generation of people who are no longer teenagers, but have not yet assumed more traditional adult roles. Recognizing such trends, in 2009 St. Martin’s Press held a contest asking writers to submit “older YA” books or “New Adult” fiction, and the category of New Adult (NA) fiction was born. The contest noted that NA books would be aimed at people who had aged out of Young Adult or teenage books but weren’t quite ready for works targeting more traditional adults. Generally speaking, NA books have lead characters in their late teens through twenties. They often feature college settings and many are romances. Perhaps understandably, the steamy side of the NA genre has attracted the most media attention. While the books are characterdriven, highly plotted novels, similar to YA literature, the romances tend to be more graphic than traditional YA fiction. In a recent blog aimed at authors interested in publishing New Adult fiction, Cath Murray provides several rules including “never describing the heroine” but making sure that the hero is “cut from very precisely determined cloth.” Much of the material Murray is addressing has emerged from the self-published or epublishing community, where a number of soap opera-like books have developed huge indie followings. In fact, many of these authors have now signed lucrative deals with the traditional publishing houses. Of course, there isn’t necessarily anything new about New Adult books. There have always been cross-over titles, books written for adults, yet popular with teens, or books like Harry Potter, which were written for children, yet experienced universal appeal. For example, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky was first published by MTV books and features high school-age characters, but became popular with several different audiences. Other books, like Life of Pi by Yann Martel or The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, were marketed first to adults, but have since made their way into the hands of teenagers. What is new, however, is that there seems to be marketing momentum at the moment targeting New Adult readers, which is good news for New Adults. The library has several of these New Adult titles, including Rowell Rainbow’s Fangirl. Usually these books are located on the third floor in our Young Adult section, so come in and see if you can’t find some new New Adult literature. If you don’t find something you like, just ask and we can help you order just about any title through Michigan eLibrary or MeLCat!
Painting Poetry
Spencer Lawson Humanity is unsocial, because of socialization I’ll sit in a silent room, full of conversation Even if someone was to speak, no one would hear Because we all have music, blaring in our ear Ear buds are our best two friends Can’t talk, busy listening to “No New Friends” We all sit alone, because we need our personal space We send “LOL” in a text while keeping a straight face Emojis have replaced emotions, because texting has replaced talking If we don’t know someone, we will learn by Facebook stalking.
BRUIN BOOKSTORE
KELLOGG COMMUNITY COLLEGE
books...apparel...school supplies...and we’ve got snacks!
10
December 2013
OPINION
degrading mini-skirts, pose in a line (the two girls on the end have their hands on their hips for a sassy, slimming effect), and take numerous pictures for all social media outlets. #whitegirlwasted or #sloppysaturday, right? Which usually leads to what Cosmo encourages the most: premarital interactions and lots of them. The article explained that keeping your “number” low is a bad idea, that all twenty-something’s should be getting out there and testing the “bad ones”. Actually, the article called it “strange”, but what does that even mean? So get the “strange” and make it easier to find out when you’ve found the right sexual partner to spend a few months tangling the sheets with. The woman who wrote that article explained that serious relationships in your twenties are the worst thing you could possibly do. Maybe I’m wrong, but sexually transmitted diseases are real and the more people you have sex with the more likely you are to catch one, right? Without Cosmo, I wouldn’t know that this fall I’m “allowed” to wear black leggings and brown boots, I wouldn’t know about women all over the country that have had worst first date experiences than mine, I wouldn’t know how fabulous Kelly Osbourne really is and how great red lipstick looks with cream sweaters. (I know, my life wouldn’t go on without all of that.) Cosmo has helped me through break ups and provided entertainment for countless sleepovers; it reaches masses of females older and younger than myself, but as a prominent mass media outlet, is it really okay to encourage twenty-something’s into promiscuity and binge drinking?
Feminist failure
Lacy Janousek Co-Editor As a female in my twenties, I’m struggling to decide where I stand when it comes to stereotypical views of women my age. I would love to say I hate the idea of wearing make-up to feel pretty and despise high fashion, but the truth is I live for the perfect shade of red lipstick and a fresh issue of the sex-infused Cosmopolitan magazine. But my passion for those exact materialistic things in life often turns its back on me and reminds me why women in the sixties boycotted bras and embraced birth control. Cosmopolitan recently tweeted an article about everything its readers should do in their twenties. I read it and was speechless. I’ll sum the article’s advice up quickly for you to save you the trouble of scrolling their twitter log to find it: if you’re in your twenties, be as promiscuous as possible, get drunk and wear fringed crop-tops. Side note: if you have the body and an occasion for a fringe crop-top, do it; if you’re taking Cosmo’s other advice and have been drinking too much, don’t. The Coronas will catch up to you, just there, below where the crop-top ends. Drinking is not all bad; most adults love a glass of wine, a draft beer, or a margarita with dinner. But binge drinking every weekend is seriously dangerous and frankly, trashy. Women in their twenties spend too much time and money on alcohol. They’ll get dressed up in
Dr. Destiny
saved quite a bit of money. Coupons are available on-line and in the weekly fliers in the newspapers. Watch an episode of couponing on the TLC channel. Now those folks know how to use every penny of their food budget! Good Luck. Make it a contest with your friends to see who finds the best bargains that week or month and share the news! Dr. D. Dear Dr. Destiny, On Halloween I dressed up as a scarecrow and went around handing out candy to students, staff, and faculty. I thought I was being nice, but I was later confronted by campus police. The office said he had been getting calls all day from staff. Apparently, I was “too scary.” Are people just overly paranoid in today’s world, or is it just inappropriate to scare people, even on Halloween? The Scarecrow Dear Scary Crow, The world is a different place now. What was once great fun is now threatening, and we need to be aware that many people are perhaps overly sensitive. However, if your costume was upsetting (because you had such a great one), then it wasn’t appropriate for here. Yes, we are all adults, but many people simply do not like dressing up, people who do, or being startled or scared. Our campus police acted appropriately by responding to complaints. That is what they are paid to do. Now that you know that, save your best costume efforts for an appropriate venue like a club or a costume contest where you will be appreciated. Dear Dr. D, All my mom does is watch FOX News. I want her to be happy, but I fear she’ll catch the stupid. What should I do? Concerned Daughter Dear Daughter, I would challenge you to watch the 6:00 to 7:00 PM Fox News and call it stupid. The commentators are bright, articulate people who happen to have a point of view that is not your own, but they are definitely not stupid. Throwing a blanket term over an entire network because it holds a viewpoint different than your own is casting aspersions back on you. Dr. D.
Without Cosmo, I wouldn’t know that this fall I’m “allowed” to.....
Dear. Dr. D Many of my favorite films don’t get as much acclaim as the “trashy” films. Why is that, and do critics have their own opinions or do they base them on the opinions of viewers and other critics? Worried Viewer Dear Worried, I have no idea what critics truly base their critiques on. I think some have a rubric of sorts in which they pay attention to acting, story line, plot development, cinematography, costuming etc. Others just like what they like, much like the casual viewers. While one or the other of those criteria may speak to you as a viewer, the same part may not matter as much to someone else. My advice is not to listen too much to critics until you have seen the film for yourself. They go and read the reviews to see which reviewer sees things the same way you do. Then you can trust that a film he or she recommends is one that you too will enjoy. Signed, In it for the Enjoyment Dr. Destiny, What are the healthiest but cheapest foods for a broke college student to buy? Hungry for Health Dear Health, I am glad you are looking to be healthy on a budget! It’s not an easy task. In the summer months, farmers’ markets or buying into a farm co-op can be a good choice as long as you are willing to try new things. Also shopping at the big carton shops can bring you savings on lots of canned products which aren’t all necessarily unhealthy. Just read the labels! As for meat, talk with the meat department at the stores you frequent to see where the almost out of date meats are. You can find great deals there, and if you go home and use them or freeze them, you’ve
THE NAGGING MOTHER
Aromas surround us
repeat, vomit, beer, towel, floor, repeat. I had the good fortune once to preside over a class of gentlemen so rank that before we began each day, I sprayed a wall of Febreze between me and them. The one woman sat in a separate section of the room. You may not notice that your clothes stink, but other people do, and yes, it impacts our opinion of you. You might be the smartest and most talented person in the world, but if people can’t get within a five foot radius of you without gagging, you will never get anywhere in the civilized world. P.S. you could use some deodorant. Oh, I know, natural is wonderful. I’m pretty natural myself, but not offensively so. And that brings us to teeth. If you don’t brush your teeth at twenty, you will not have teeth at fifty. This is a fact. Everything you do now predicts what you will become later. So, gents, if you want to be a toothless, single guy who’s never had a date except as an avatar, continue being a slob. If shyness is your problem, hiding behind your own impenetrable body odors is not the solution. Radical thought: clean clothes, showers, oral hygiene, light on the scent, eye contact. Try it.
Elizabeth Kerlikowske Advisor Driving into Battle Creek each morning, I’m greeted by pretty great smells, baking wheat or sugary corn on the bridge, greasy comfort food when I reach campus. I like those smells. Then I walk past a group of students, generally male, who are wearing jeans that are biohazards. They smell like old beer, mildew, coins, greasy food, an ashtray and sweat. It makes me thankful that I am primarily a mouth breather. My son once wore a pair of jeans for three months without washing them. He was on a trail crew in a national park, so it almost made sense. But when he had to go to the emergency room, they assumed he was homeless. His jeans were that dirty. The proper care of clothing is wear once or twice, wash, dry, repeat cycle. It is not this: wear, throw on floor, pick up, wear, floor, wear, floor, use as towel, floor,
BRUIN Staff
Co-Editors Lacy Janousek Tiffany Thatcher Managing Advisor TaNisha Parker Editorial Advisor Elizabeth Kerlikowske Graphics Advisor Kathryn Jarvie Layout Design Linda Helton Brandon Smith Doug Wheaton Sports Editor Mary Emington Staff Writers Eleanor Alexander Cara Clingan Jonathan Hogan Heidi Myers Ashleigh Olmstead Cavin Smith TJ Taylor Caitlyn Whitman Bob Psalmonds
Editorial Policy
The KCC Bruin is a free student publication produced monthly by Kellogg Community College students during the fall and spring semesters. The KCC Bruin welcomes letters to the editor from members of the College and the community. Letters must be signed and submitted with a current telephone number or email address. All letters become property of the Bruin and may be edited for clarity and length. By-lined opinion columns represent the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Bruin staff or the College. Letters may be submitted by mail to: KCC Bruin student newspaper, c/o Kellogg Community College, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek, Mich. 49017. Letters may also be submitted at all three KCC sites. At the Battle Creek site, letters may be dropped off in the English Department on the 4th floor of the C Building; the College Life Office in the Student Center; or the student newspaper office. At the Grahl and Fehsenfeld Centers, letters may be submitted at the information desks. The Bruin office is located in room 302 of the Roll Building. The staff can be reached at (269) 965-3931, Ext. 2630 or e-mail the Bruin editor at [email protected]
OPINION
December 2013
11
THE DARK SIDE OF CAMPUS
Through the Looking Glass
Cara Clingin Staff Writer Here is a girl who is a college student working part time and trying to make a good life for herself. What does the world see? It depends. To some they just see another fat American struggling to breathe as she climbs the stairs. To another I might be a gorgeous, blondehaired, blue-eyed girl with a lot of curves and a beautiful personality. Maybe to some they don’t even see me because I blend in with the crowd. I’m a plus-size American adult woman, but I am so much more. But because you can’t see this on the outside, you may take me for what I present. You judge me because my hair isn’t done up or by the size of my clothing. It’s not just the plus size getting the judgmental beating, either. Those who struggle with any kind of weight, those who are afraid to go home at night, those who are afraid to go and hang with friends because their significant other will think they’re cheating. Each of us has a story, but many of us don’t take the time to peek inside someone else’s looking glass before we start casting stones. This world can be such a hateful place. I’ve walked the halls of this college and it feels just like high school. Cliques are gathered into their corners, making
To the Editors of The Bruin
Thank you for your article drawing attention to Kellogg Community College’s (KCC) efforts to make our campus accessible to all students and community members regardless of ability. As mentioned in your November 2013 article titled "Handy for the handicapped?", KCC takes pride in the continuing efforts to integrate accessibility features in all of our building projects. Although there are legal minimum guidelines that must be met, the College chooses to surpass these minimum standards whenever possible as we continue to renovate our facilities. While the article succeeded in pointing out KCC efforts related to infrastructure and accessibility, it also brought to light the need for continuing discussion regarding language choices as it relates to accessibility and the people that it impacts the most. Clearly, words and their usage evolve over time. A quick consultation of Google lead me to discover that in 2012 sexting was added to our collective lexicon. Just as we add words to our common usage, we also see that certain words eventually fall out of vogue. I mean, who besides your great-grandparents call a couch a davenport? Or, in some instances words are eventually deemed inappropriate or even offensive. Sometimes the progression from acceptable to inappropriate to offensive is hard to gauge. Take, for example, the terminology of deaf and dumb. For a period in our history, this was an acceptable way to refer to someone who could not hear or speak. Today we would say the person has a hearing and speech impairment. Similarly, while it once was acceptable to use the term handicapped in reference to parking spaces; today’s standards use the term accessible in its place. The good news is that we are all students of life, and as such, always learning. In most instances, when we commit a language faux pas, it is an innocent act that is not intended to offend or harm others. The beauty of a Kellogg Community College is that we can dialogue and learn from others along our path. I’m sure next year I will be looking at some of the new words listing in Merriam-Webster dictionary and asking a KCC student to explain it to me. (i.e. - Twerking? What’s that?) Holly McKee, Director, Support Services
photo by Eric Vest Jr.
smart remarks about others, clogging the halls. If someone has marks on their arms or dresses in black, they must be emo. If someone is a size 3XL, then it must be because they like food and hate exercise. Why do we judge others? Is it to feel some kind of self-worth about ourselves? Is it because we’ve had bad experiences with someone that the person made us think of? The world hasn’t been the kindest to some, and this can change the way we see. To quote one of my favorite series, "Silent Hill," “When you’re hurt and scared for so long, the fear and pain turn to hate and the hate starts to change the world.” Humans are like books. We all have our facades that the world can see and sometimes this is all they look at to pass judgment. If you take the time to get to know someone or even to speak to them, you could find that they are nothing like the cover portrays. The size 0 girl with the perfect body, who lashes out at oth-
ers, could go home at night to an abusive family. She is looking for love and acceptance and if she can’t have that outside of the home, what does she have? Some take to drugs or bullying for release or to feel some kind of control. So many commit suicide (accidentally or on purpose) because they feel they have no other options in life and stand with their back to the corner. According to the Suicide Awareness Voice of Education (SAVE), roughly 30,000 people take their lives each year. Are our judgments in the hallways the cause? Many people have felt the feeling I have described in this article. We can’t fathom how many people have these thoughts running through their mind each and every day. Next time you want to judge someone based on what is only visible from one side of the looking glass, stop and think what else this person could be behind some façade. You could change not only their lives but your own. get our heads above water when it came to the bills. Now that I only receive one “paycheck” a month, I’ve learned how to budget and stretch that money as far as I can. All of my bills are paid. I do not own a credit card, and I have avoided student loans. If I want or need something, I save up for it. I don’t buy things for myself. I don’t get my nails done, and the majority of my clothes are from Wal-Mart. My pantry is stocked with generic brands. My kids have nice clothes, but they were bought on clearance last season. Yet I get the stink-eye from people when they see I have an iphone. Why do we feel the need to judge each other’s life choices? And why do I feel like I have to defend the choices I’ve made? When did we become so obsessed with what other people do? I admit that I’m guilty of doing the same thing. I’ve scrutinized the purchases of someone paying for groceries with The Bridge card and getting angry when I see candy bars and soda. Why? It’s ridiculous. I have no clue what kind of life that person is living and have no right to judge them. So, the next time you start to question how someone is living his or her life, I urge you to take a step back and look at yourself. What are you doing that would make others view you in a different light?
The older student
Assistance shame
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor I am a widowed mother of two. My husband took his life in 2010, and I quit my job as a retail manager to be home with my children. I live on survivor benefits from my husband’s social security policy. The decision to leave my job was not an easy one. My children and I had been covered under my husband’s health care plan at work but lost that upon his death. If I stayed home, then I would no longer have any health insurance and my monthly income would be cut in half. I took a lot of time to think about it and finally decided that during this difficult time my children needed me more than my bank account did. I’m not suggesting that my choice is the best choice. I am not embarrassed to
be living on social security. I am proud that my husband worked hard for many years, and my children and I are benefiting from his hard work. There are a lot of people out there that want to make me feel bad about not working. Before I started dating my boyfriend, I was very careful about telling potential dates about my situation. Some guys hear that you are not working by choice, and they assume that you are looking for a meal ticket. It didn’t matter if I explained my particular situation; they still looked at me like I was a gold digger. They immediately assumed that I was on welfare and using food stamps. For the record, I am not, but what would it matter if I was? The truth is I get no help from the government other than financial aid for school, which I feel incredibly blessed to receive. I also received scholarships for this school year. I think that since I have been awarded these blessings that I cannot squander it, so I work hard to maintain straight A's. I admit that I also felt the need to be an overachiever when it came to my finances. Living on a smaller, once-amonth income has made me smarter about my money. When my husband was alive and we both worked, we were living paycheck to paycheck. We could never
Salvation Army
November 15 through December 18
• Angel Tree located in Student Center • Toy drop off to Student Life
Happy Holidays from the Bruin staff Campus is closed December 21, 2013 through January 1, 2014
12
December 2013
SPORTS
players are out on the court at a time. One player, known as the jammer, is protected by her four fellow team members known as blockers. Every time the jammer passes an opposing player, the team receives one point. April said, “The most important part is to protect your jammer, your jammer is like your daughter.” The teams must bond to do well. Alicia said, “Your derby team is your family.” Having a family member on one’s team has some advantages in the world of roller derby. Alicia said, “It is like your best friend always knowing what you are about to do.” Reading your teammates and anticipating their moves gives a team a great advantage. The fact that Alicia and April share a special mother-daughter bond gives them more insight, where they know each other’s moves, patterns, and body language. April and Alicia aren’t the only mother daughter duo on their team. Princess and Waldo also are a motherdaughter duo. If one catches April and Alicia on the court, he might not recognize their names on their jerseys at first. Each member has her own special derby name. April is know as Kat Blon Dee and Alicia as Chop-a-Chick. The names signify something special to each member whether it be a nickname or something more descriptive of their attitude in roller derby. When asked to describe how April
Mother - daughter roller derby duo
Mary Emington Staff Writer Mothers and daughters participate in many activities together. Some enjoy cooking while others maybe enjoy scrap booking, but for one local motherdaughter duo that means lacing up their skates and hitting the roller derby rink. Mother April Vest-Jackson and daughter Alicia Jackson have some unique fun of their own on local roller derby team South Central Michigan Renegade Rollergirls. The Renegade Rollergirls of Marshall participate in many tournaments over the course of the year. Their goal is to reach the Mitten Kitten Tournament which this year was held on the 5th and 6th of October. Just getting into the tournament can be a daunting task. A team must win bouts as well as gain points in order to gain higher rankings. Only the teams with the highest rankings get into the Mitten Kitten Tournament, and the Renegade Rollergirls made the cut this year. April said, “Roller derby is a game of wits. You have to know when to play offense and when to play defense. Their team consists of 16 players, 14 on the track and two alternatives. Five
April (left) and daughter Alicia (bending over).
photo provided by Mary Emington
and Alicia feel about playing with each other April responded, “It’s awesome, we know each other well and we love it.” April has been skating for 34 years but only recently joined in roller derby competition. This will be her third year
competing, while for Alicia this is only her sixth month in. Alicia participated in track but it didn’t quite click for her, but when she joined her mother in roller derby, she rolled into a new life and Alicia fell in love.
The Hunger Games
Mary Emington Staff Writer Welcome to KCC’s first annual Hunger Games. In the event of the uprising levels of hunger in our community, the Bruin basketball teams have been chosen to collect food for distribution at the local food bank. On January 20th, the Hunger Games will commence in a fight for the honor of their team and their community. Though one may not see Katniss Everdeen jump out and shoot her bow at an opponent, one may catch a Bruin shooting for a basket. The Bruin men’s and women’s basketball teams are both participating in a competition to collect food for the local food bank in South Central Michigan. The collection begins on January 15 and goes all the way to the 20 when they will both take on Ancilla College. There will be two barrels in the Miller Building (serving as the arena) for any food donations. At the end of the collection period the number of donations will be tallied and the team with the most donations will receive a pizza party as well as the satisfaction of knowing that they have helped many families that are in need in our district. “The event is part of athletic involvement and service that will benefit the community,” said Sharon Powell, Miller Building Coordinator. The teams have volunteered as tribute for the surrounding area by setting time aside and raising awareness and food donations for our community. The women’s game will start at 5:30 immediately followed by the men’s game at 7:30. Admission is free but food donations are greatly encouraged. Come help the Bruins be successful in their first annual Hunger Games against the uprising of hunger.
KCC Theatre
Winter
KCC LIBRARY WINTER HOURS
• December 16 7:45 am - 9:00 pm
(last day of classes)
Featuring work by Acting I, Acting II, and Encore Theatre Company. Monologues, scenes, short film, and other surprises.
December 13, 7:30 pm Binda Theatre FREE Admission
Parental guidance suggested.
See more information on Facebook and Twitter
KELLOGG
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• December 17 & 18 7:45 am - 5:00 pm • December 19 & 20 7:45 am – 4:30 pm • December 21 – January 1 CLOSED • January 2, 3, 6 & 7 7:45 am – 4:30 pm • January 8 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm • January 9 & 10 7:45 am –5:00 pm • January 13 – 17 7:45 am – 5:00 pm • January 18 & 22 CLOSED
Regular hours resume January 21
Legacy Scholars
Stop by for brain food during Stress-busters!
Tuesday-Wednesday, December 3-4th Kellogg Room in the Student Center
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Write All Day, season two
Elizabeth Kerlikowske Advisor There’s nothing better than hearing about writing from writers. KCC’s Writing Initiative with the assistance of the KCC Foundation has invited four writers to speak with staff, students, and the Battle Creek community about writing. The programs will run on February 19 from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the Davidson Auditorium. There is no charge. Visiting writers include Thomas Springer, grant writer for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and essayist. His book, “…..Hickories” is full of Michigan lore and love. His work has been heard on NPR, and he has spoken at KCC several times before. He is from Three Rivers. Nationally acclaimed novelist Bonnie Jo Campbell was nominated for the National Book Award for her collection of short stories, “American Salvage.” Campbell is also a poet, essayist, and blogger. Her latest book, “Once Upon a River” was compared favorably with “Huckleberry Finn.” She lives in Comstock. Journalist Margaret DeRitter wrote for the Kalamazoo Gazette for fifteen years before it was downsized. Now she is a writer and editor for Encore magazine and does freelance writing. She, too, is a poet, and she has a nonfiction version and poetry version of the same life event. She lives on Kalamazoo. Steven Losey is a rock’n’roll blogger with a large national following. He is from Coldwater. The purpose of the day is for the campus community to talk with people who write for a living or darn close to it. How does a writer get started? How does a writer pay their bills? Is what my professor says in class about submission really true? Writing is as natural to some people as running is for others. Find out what makes these writers ticks and what tricks they use to keep their writing fresh. Classes welcome to attend as a whole. Not just for English students. For further information contact Elizabeth Kerlikowske 1-269-965-3931, ext. 2292 Main speakers are at 8:30 am, 10 am, 11:30 am, and 1 pm. Panels at 9:15 am, 10:45 am, 12:15 pm, and 1:45 pm.
Bonnie Jo Campbell and one of her donkeys
photo by Chris Magson
Margaret DeRitter
photo courtesy of Encore Magazine
Feeding the soul
Lacy Janousek Co-Editor Student Life is organizing a soul food lunch to celebrate Black History Month. “I define soul food as traditional African American meals/dishes. From the way it is prepared to the way it is eaten,” TaNisha Parker, Manager of Student Life, said. Replacing the typical lunches served, the Student Center cooks and faculty volunteers will serve traditional soul food on February 13 from 11-1 pm. The menu includes ribs, fried chicken, sweet corn bread, jambalaya, baked Mac-n-cheese, greens and candied yams. For dessert, the cooks will have pound cake and pecan pie ready for the sweet tooth. Sweet tea will be added to the café’s drink menu. Parker explained the campus will be doing other things to celebrate Black History Month. “Digital Displays will rotate "Did You Know" facts about African American leaders and events in history, Student Life, the Diversity Committee and the LITE 240 class are sponsoring a trip to the Charles H. Wright African American History Museum and Hittsville USA Motown Museum,” Parker said. Faculty members are eager to celebrate Black History Month and are ready for a delicious, traditional meal. “Soul Food has been passed from generation to generation in the black community since Africans were brought to America during the slave trade,” Parker said.
KCC employees win big... Pg 2
EAC finishes expansion... Pg 4
Using YouTube... Pg 6
Online dating... Pg 10
Winter Olympics preview... Pg 12
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February 2014
CAMPUS NEWS
struggles. Holly McKee, director of Support Services at KCC and team coordinator for the College’s Win by Losing Participants explains, “Each individual worked toward their own goal by utilizing a variety of techniques. They included everything from adding activity into their day, to increasing water to a gallon a day, to cutting out sugary beverages or fast food. It is often amazing how one little change can have such dramatic results on the scale. I encourage readers to try this for a month – cut out fast food or regular pop and see the difference! Throughout the time we would share different tips/ tricks with each other via email. Some of those included adding healthy fats to our diets like olive and coconut oil, how to eat clean and cut out processed foods, and what websites worked best to track food and activity. Many participants used www.myfitnesspal.com for tracking. It is amazing what you learn about your own habits when you right it all down and truly take note of your day’s calorie intake and fitness level.” Each team member experienced a success on some level. EAC secretary and participant, Jean Rice said, “When I saw my doctor after we did the Win by Losing he was really pleased that I had been able to finally lose some of my
KCC employees win big by losing
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor Thirty-eight KCC employees worked together to take first place in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Win by Losing weight loss challenge this past semester. The event ran from Aug. 29 through Oct. 24 and required participants to weigh-in weekly. The team that had the greatest percentage of weight loss over the length of the competition won. The KCC employees took first place out of nine teams in their division. This is the second time KCC employees have participated in the event. Each employee entered the competition with a different personal goal, but worked with other team members with support and encouragement to reach those goals. There were no designated team meetings or workout schedules, but that didn’t stop team members from banding together to walk Spring Lake, workout at Miller gym, or walk the halls on their lunch breaks. Participants encouraged each other by sharing their successes and
(front row, left to right) Holly McKee with Lisa Rebman of BCBS, and KCC team members Jamie Kline, Dawn Larsen, Gwyn James, (back row, left to right) Simon Thalmann, Mike Loader, Matonya Seuell, photo by Kay Keck Vicki Rivera, Pam Newman, Lisa Shanks and Patrick Casey.
weight. He was extra pleased when I saw him this week and hadn’t gained any of it back through the holidays.” McKee says, “My cholesterol levels are the lowest that they’ve ever been.” McKee offers these tips to those looking to live a healthier lifestyle. • Set realistic goals. When you see progress, it is easier to stay the course to reach bigger goals. • Drink water! It helps you feel full and improves digestion and brain function! • Track your food and activity. It changes everything. • Read food labels. The more you know the better decisions you can make.
• Reduce your portion sizes. • Increase the amount of whole food you eat and decrease the amount of processed foods. • When you make poor decisions, get right back at it and look to the future. Surround yourself with like-minded people that support your healthy choices. Everything is easier when you have cheerleaders! The Win by Losing weight loss challenge is a free competition open to all BCBS of Michigan customers held to help individuals lose weight while having fun at the same time. The competition runs twice each year; the next round begins in February.
A good book is only a playaway "Bus Stop"
Kelly Frost Librarian “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body,” Richard Steele Most people in today’s society would not doubt the importance of reading, but for many, reading can be a struggle. At the library we have a wealth of mind workout gear (also known as books and journals), but sometimes the sheer size of our collection can be overwhelming. Librarians love to help people find something to read we regularly offer excellent recommendations ranging from mysteries to graphic novels. For those who find it difficult to get into the reading habit, listening to audio books can be helpful. Transitional English instructors Paula Westdorp and Pam Feeney both recommend listening to a book while following along with the words. Here is a list of some great reads that the library has in both book and audio form. The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music by Steve Lopez. The true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a musician who becomes schizophrenic and homeless, and his friendship with Steve Lopez, the Los Angeles columnist who discovers and writes about him in the newspaper. The Camel Club by David Baldacci. The Camel Club is a four-man group of Washington, D.C. misfits that meet weekly to discuss political conspiracies they believe exist and what actions they might take. One night club members witness the murder of Secret Service employee Patrick Johnson, thus thrusting the wacky crew into the middle of a bigger conspiracy than they could ever have imagined. The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls. Jeannette Walls tells the story about her childhood. She talks about living like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Retreating to the dismal West Virginia mining town--and the family--her father, Rex Walls, had done everything he could to escape. He drank. He stole the grocery money and disappeared for days. As the dysfunction of the family escalated, Jeannette and her brother and sisters had to fend for themselves, supporting one another as they weathered their parents' betrayals and, finally, found the resources and will to leave home. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. John, a high school dropout, enlists in the Army not knowing what else to do with his life. While in the Army he meets Savannah, they fall in love and she awaits his return from the Army. After 9/11 John feels it's his duty to re-enlist. Richard Steele During their long separation Savannah falls in love and marries someone else. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. The drama of a U.S. missionary family in Africa during a war of decolonization. At its center is Nathan Price, a self-righteous Baptist minister who establishes a mission in a village in 1959 Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor In the middle of a howling snowstorm, a bus out of Kansas City pulls up at a cheerful roadside diner. All roads are blocked, and four or five weary travelers are going to have to hole up until morning. Thus sets the scene for KCC’s spring theater production Bus Stop. Bus Stop, written by William Inge, is considered a comedy but is more of a drama with some romantic and comedic elements. The story focuses on Cherie, an aspiring nightclub singer, who is being pursued by Bo, a twenty-one-year old cowboy with a ranch of his own who intends to return her to Montana and make her his wife. Cherie rebuffs his clumsy advances and worries that she will somehow still end up in Montana. The other travelers and diner employees work as a counterpoint to the main romance. The owner of the café and the bus driver develop a friendship, a middle-age scholar finds himself, and the young waitress experiences her first romance. The cast is as follows: Amber Isaacson (Elma), Donna Daines (Grace), James King II (Will), Teri Noaeill (Cherie), Nick Mumma (Lyman), Lars Loofboro (Carl), Scott Whitesell (Virgil), Joe Dely (Bo). Show times are Feb. 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, and March 1 at 8:00 pm and Feb 22nd at 3:00 pm Due the renovations taking place at the Binda Theater on campus the play will take place at The Much Ado Theater located at 4071 Dickman Road in Springfield. Tickets are $5 for KCC students with a valid student ID.
The Glass Castle
photo by Tiffany Thatcher
“Reading is to the mind what excercise is to the body.”
Belgian Congo. The resulting clash of cultures is seen through the eyes of his wife and his four daughters. By the author of Pigs in Heaven. Most of our audio books are available as “Playaways,” which are small MP3 players. They are easy to use--you simply plug in headphones, hit play, and listen away. These “Playways” are located on the main (3rd) floor of the library in the Young Adult area. Please ask at the Information Desk, and we can help you find these and many other reads to help you exercise your mind. Or you can find a listing of these titles (and more!) at http://guides.kellogg.edu/picks All summaries courtesy of Hennepin County Library.
CAMPUS NEWS
February 2014
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The student's Bruin bookstore
Bob Psalmonds Staff Writer Catherine James begins ordering books two to three months prior to the start of each semester. As students find different ways to purchase books, Assistant Manager Charles Bard and all those involved with the bookstore grow concerned. “How many of the twenty students in a class will come into buy their textbooks here? There’s a lot of online competition we have to contend with,” James, Manager of the Bruin Bookstore said, “The initial ordering and return shipping is not cheap, which means being conservative when we place our orders.” Assistant Manager Charles Bard points out the Bruin Bookstore is one of the few campus stores still being operated by the college itself. Unlike online purchases, all the money made from bookstore purchases goes back into the school’s general fund. Amongst other things this fund supports the theater, athletics, and many other student enrichment activities. The shipping, store staffing and other costs is partly covered by a modest 23% mark-up. Most of the states’ colleges bookstores are leased out to some large company giving no input on the inventory nor the price being charged in the manager’s control. Bard and James explain they try hard to provide a nice selection of non-textbook type items for the students along with all the possible requested items teachers across the campus want their students to have on hand. Student's frustrations rise dramatically when the bookstore is out of the book they need for a course, but James and Bard explain it’s not easy deciding the number of textbooks needed per course. The spring 2014 textbooks and study guides had to be figured out by mid-November for the January 6th bookstore sales to begin. A rough estimate using many uncertain factors has to be used to determine how many of each text will be needed. Therein lies many of the problems. The number of classes that are planned compared to those that actually survive the registration process routinely changes. If too many sign up, a new class might be added. Not enough students enrolled could mean two classes could be combined and the students given the option of changing to the remaining course may take an entirely different class. The first scenario means not enough books with the need to order a new shipment and wait for delivery. The second option will result in too many textbooks which have to be sent back adding yet another unplanned expense. Though students with federal grants and loans usually purchase through the bookstore to avoid taking money out of their pockets, many others select the online options mentioned in the November article. A lot of students are now using the bookstore’s online book access code option so they can just read it off their computer screens or tablets. This is usually cheaper, but lowers the number of sales for those books now received and placed on the shelves even further. Subtract those who are quick enough to pick up a book from a fellow student now finishing the same course from the semester before. This practice should be done carefully since a textbook normally has only two or three years before the publisher puts out a new edition. James went on to explain that when this happens, the older versions are no longer available for order and any books on the shelves or in the backroom are no longer returnable. The old textbooks cannot be sold back because the bookstore cannot resell them. Although teachers in a particular field of study often know the textbooks are being changed, the store normally finds out when attempting to order the textbook for the next semesters’ classes. A lack of publisher field sales representatives broke most of the communication lines between the originating publishers and the end markets, meaning the bookstore. Bard talked for a while about the software options available to the students with a connected class that needs them. Getting books as part of a suite not only saves money but means the chance to play with some of the other programs prior to the mind numbing project assignments they’re designed for. Remember that the browsing walk to get to the textbooks will provide a chance to buy all kinds of cool and useful things, so bring a little extra cash. Support the college bookstore when and if you can putting money back into our other great programs.
Minute to Win It Manufacturing Success
Heart disease is on the rise in the U.S. and the Wellness committee hopes to that this event will raise awareness with students. Tom Shaw, Physical EduTiffany Thatcher cation Chair and Director of Athletics, Co-Editor explains, “Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women Dizzy Mummy, Elephant March, Junk in in the United States. Someone in Amerthe Trunk, Nervous Nelly, Office Tennis, ica has a coronary event every 25 secThis Blows, Tortilla Head may sound like onds. insults, but really they are a series of MinHeart disease symptoms can occur ute to Win It games that KCC faculty, at any age. Even though the average staff, and students will be competing in age of a heart attack to promote heart for women is in the s i e s a e health. The KCC s i early 70’s, more d t “Hear f o wellness commite women in their s u ca tee is sponsoring the leadingng men and early twenties die A Minute to heart disease death amo the United of Win It competition than of breast canwomen in on February 14th cer. Plus, the rate to bring attention of heart attacks States.” Tom Shaw to heart disease and among younger honor Healthy Heart women, ages 35 month. to 54 has been rising over the last 20 Minute to Win It is the popular years. Getting a handle on heart health television game show in which contesat an early age can prevent heart disease. tants compete in 60 second challenges Getting checked and monitoring your using objects that are commonly found blood pressure, getting your cholesterol around the house. For example: The as low as possible, maintaining a low game Junk in the Trunk requires the conhealthy body weight, exercising and not testant to attach a tissue box filled with smoking are all things younger people ping pong balls to their rear, and they can do to prevent heart disease.” have one minute to get all of the balls out President Dennis Bona has agreed to of the box by shaking their booty. The compete along with some favorite KCC results are hilarious for the participants employees. The KCC staff will be pickand audience. ing students to compete against them The Wellness committee has always to win Minute to Win It bragging rights. run a faculty vs. women’s basketball team “We expect a lot of smack talk before the game for the Healthy Heart Month activgames,” jokes Shaw ity, but that event has lost some steam The Minute to Win It competition over the last few years. will take place from noon to 1:00 pm Math professor Pat Koph came up on February 14th in the Miller gymnawith the idea to do a Minute to Win it style sium. The event is free and the public is competition to have some fun and raise welcome. Donations are welcomed and some money for the Heart Association in encouraged. Calhoun County. T.J. Taylor Staff Writer For students interested in manufacturing programs at KCC, look no further than the RMTC (Regional Manufacturing Technology Center). Located a mere 10 minutes from the Battle Creek campus, “(the RMTC )fills the role of skilled trades training for the Battle Creek area, and specifically the manufacturers in the area,” RMTC instructor Kevin Barnes said. “It is part of KCC and students registered here have the same benefits and privileges as any student at KCC.” Programs taught at the RMTC are very open to the student's decision and pace of learning. Classes are all very hands on; students are frequently on the floor working with equipment they will be using in their future trade. "All programs are open entry and open exit,” Barnes explains . “Meaning they can be started at any time of the year and are self-paced. Also, if a student only needs a certain portion of a subject, we have the opportunity to do that." The main programs taught include Electricity, Machine Tool, Welding, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Pipefitting, Industrial Technology, Robotics, and Renewable Energy. Every program at the RMTC, except for Instrumentation and Tool and Die, offers options for certificates of completion and associate degrees. Signing up for programs is very straight forward and all payments are to be made only at the RMTC. Job growth rate for manufacturing trades is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years, making the RMTC programs all the more enticing for incoming students.
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male Mentor Coordinator serving women on parole and probation. Most people have made mistakes and poor choices in their pasts. Becktel’s desire is to get the individual beyond the stigma and limitations of that past. While the errors of the past cannot be changed, what a woman decides to do at this moment is what Stacy cares about for it is today that will help set what the person’s tomorrows will look like. This area often takes patience and a lot of supportive love, something many of these individuals coming into the program have never known their entire lives. Becktel is very outgoing with a refined sense of humor. A talented photographer, she sees life through a unique filter. Under the W2W ministries umbrella is actually five programs that act as the community outreach of the Women’s Resource Center of CityLinC Ministries. Their goal and mission is providing positive opportunities for spiritual and educational growth, friendship and personal development, community connection and networking. This is the place where Real Women help each other experience Real Life and Real Faith. These women are committed to uniting women with real needs to women who have the desire to help fulfill them. The programs include the Pregnancy Help Center, Fit4Life, Girls Night Out, Mentoring Network, Ministry Network and Discipleship, and many other opportunitiesand programs that serve both men and women. A few reasons individuals may contacted CityLinC would be help in finding temporary and safe housing, and help in transitioning to a better life situation for them and their families. Many volunteers with a giving heart and loving spirit are what makes the Youth Guidance Foster Care and Adoption system of this organization possible. Those with a desire to go into the justice field might like to find out about those individuals they’ll run into during their careers. The Calhoun County Parole and Probation offices actually support this as a life changing program with a proven track record. There is also a mentor training program that churches and interested women in the community to encourage relational involvement. Of course the counselors who wish to go into fields that deal with individuals can join the CityLinC Second Wind Mentors to experience the joys and trials first hand before getting hired or drafted to do it later. Think of any volunteer or Service Learning chance as a compass check of where you want to go in the future. The fact is CityLinC partners with other faith-based and non-profit organizations in the area to meet the needs in our community and connects individuals with other volunteer opportunities, ie: The Haven and their Women’s Life Recovery Program. The individual to fill one of these positions just might be you. If you’re interested in finding out more or want to sign up for this rewarding opportunity to fulfill both a need in someone’s life AND a Service Learning requirement, contact the individuals listed below. CityLinC is a faith-based non-profit organization that functions through the generosity of caring individuals and organizations in the community. Funding, though always needed, is only one way of giving to this fantastic outreach operation. Think of things you need to survive or get through the day and then envision someone who has nothing trying to accomplish the same without it. Need the above services for yourself, these people definitely want to hear from you, so please don’t wait to call them. CityLinC is a non-profit organization that functions on the generosity of loving concerned individuals. Marlene Lawson, Ministry Network Director [email protected] Stacy Becktel, Second Wind Female Parolee Coordinator [email protected] Sherry Showerman, Girls Night Out Coordinator [email protected] Becki Larson CityLinC ofice and Pregnancy Center Administrator [email protected] Abby Davis, Fit4Life Fitness Cordinator [email protected]
Service Learning opportunities just for women
Bob Psalmonds Staff Writer The Service Learning opportunities possible through CityLinc and Woman 2 Woman (W2W) are virtually endless with a critical need for female volunteers. Most students probably have no idea where to go or who to talk to about these unique and satisfying volunteer positions that fulfill Service Learning requirements. Thankfully this is where several agencies and independent organizations run by women and geared toward women come in. Marlene Lawson and Stacy Becktel are two of those, Go-to women. Lawson is a prominent guest speaker at various women’s retreats and conferences across Michigan and even out on deep waters during several cruises. Within CityLinC’s vast ministry of outreach network, Lawson is the Ministry Network Director. She also served on staff with Gull Lake Ministries, a Christian retreat and conference center. Lawson left to embrace a wider outreach. One statement she is fond of saying is, “It’s all about the relationship”. Somewhat free spirited and a rebel by anyone’s standards, the woman has a get-it-done attitude. Very honest and accepting of the past faults of others, she also likes to point out that “A person does not have to be defined by their past.” and her patented famous quote of “Everyone’s poop stinks!” Stacy Becktel is the Second Wind Fe-
Student donations warm homeless
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor The Bruin Bookstore collected over 200 sweatshirts during their Hoodies for the Homeless campaign. The proceeds of the drive, which ran during the month of November, were then donated locally to the Charitable Union, Mike’s Place and The Haven of Battle Creek. The campaign was a huge success collecting 226 hoodies, more than doubling the original goal of 100. The community project was not just for students. Faculty, staff and people from all over Battle Creek dropped off sweatshirts. The bookstore offered a 25% off coupon on a new hoodie to students for each hoodie they dropped off. Must people just dropped off and only a few took advantage of the discount. Catherine James, Bruin Bookstore manager said, “We are so excited and pleased by the wonderful turn out from the community, students, faculty, and staff. Everyone has been really great, not only dropping off gently used, but also new sweatshirts.” The idea for the campaign came from a Michigan Association of College Bookstores meeting this past October. Spring Arbor University had run a similar campaign and said they had a lot of support in doing it.
EAC Expansion
John Hogan Staff Writer After five months of construction, the Eastern Academic Center unveiled the newest additions to its building. The EAC began construction back in August in order to make room for students and staff from the Marshall Alternative High School, which has shared the EAC with Kellogg Community College since July of 2011. The center added three new classrooms meant to seat 30 students each, three new offices for staff, and an all-purpose room for general needs, adding a total of 4,608 square feet to the building. The Marshall Alternative High School, containing 112 students today, allows its junior and senior students to duel enroll in the Opportunity School, a joint program in which students begin taking college level classes at the EAC while finishing up High School. A $750,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation helps MAHS students to pay for classes, books and school supplies. The program benefitted from the joint use of the building. The lack of space, however, made it difficult for staff from both schools to make room and schedule classes with the increasing amount of students. Colin McCaleb, Director of the Eastern Academic Center, noted the importance of the building’s expansion in allowing space for both students and staff. “It’s a great outreach and a really unique program,” he said of the Opportunity School. He also said that the additions to the Eastern Academic Center made sharing the building much easier “so that we could have our KCC students and they could have their side of the building.”
226 hoodies collected at this year's hoodies for photo by Simon Thalmann the homeless drive
“Everyone was very supportive and it was amazing having people from the community stop by to help out. They went out of their way to help,” continues James. The Bruin Bookstore is located on the first floor of the Lane-Thomas Building on KCC’s North Avenue campus, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays.
Wednesday, Feb 19, 2014
11:30 am - 2 pm Kellogg Room
CAMPUS NEWS
How we decide to close during inclement weather
Simon Thalmann Digital Marketer/Writer As Michiganders know too well, the ice and snow that make our state’s winters so beautiful can also lead to hazardous road conditions, making the morning commute treacherous for those traveling to work or school. In rare cases, weather-related incidents may lead to the cancellation of some or all classes at some or all Kellogg Community College campuses. In general, the decision to cancel classes or close due to inclement weather-related events is based on a variety of factors, all of which are centered on the safety and comfort of our students and staff. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Road conditions. We check with the Michigan State Police to determine road conditions in terms of drivability and visibility. In addition, we personally have someone drive local roads near the Battle Creek campus and communities within the college’s district to gauge their safety. 2. Weather conditions/forecast. We consider current weather conditions as well as the weather forecast for the day. 3. Campus parking lot and sidewalkconditions. We determine if there is ample time for our contractors to clear and salt campus parking lots and sidewalks at least one hour prior to the start of classes. 4. Availability of utilities. We determine if there is adequate heat, lighting and water to support college facilities and any special events. 5. Other considerations. Generally speaking, we also consider accreditation-based attendance requirements for many of our occupational programs, our inability to make up instructional time for students, and the philosophy that our students are capable of making adult decisions about whether or not they are taking unreasonable risk when traveling to and from the college. Even when the college is open, we encourage students to make decisions that they feel are safest and best in regards to their individual situations. In the case of a campus closure or the cancellation of all classes, a notice will be posted online on KCC’s Operating Status page at www.kellogg.edu/facilities/opstatus.html. Through this link you can also find information about how to sign up for electronic text, email and RSS alerts that distribute information about weather and security incidents as they occur.
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1 1 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 KCC Women's Basketball vs Kalamazoo Valley Community College Miller Gymnasium • 1:00 pm KCC Men's Basketball vs Kalamazoo Valley Community College Miller Gymnasium • 3:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Western Michigan University Admissions Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Davenport University Central Walkway • 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm Center Welcome: Fehsenfeld Hastings • 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Center Welcome: Eastern Academic Center Albion • 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Academic Workshop: Transferring LRC Spring Lake Room • 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Western Michigan University College of Education & Human Development North Walkway • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Center Welcome: Grahl Coldwater • 4:30 - 6:00 pm Center Welcome: RMTC Battle Creek • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Academic Workshop: Computer Basics OITC 08 • 10:00 am - 11:00 am PTK & KAB Valentine's Day Sale Student Center • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Gallery Exhibit: "Reflections on Identity" Devries Gallery, Davidson Visual & Performing Arts Center 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Academic Workshop: Resume Writing & Job Interviewing OITC 08 • 10:00 am - 11:00 am Opening Reception: "Reflections on Identity" DeVries Gallery, Davidson Visual & Performing Arts Center 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Soul Food Lunch Student Center & Kellogg Room • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Spring Play: "Bus Stop" Students with KCC ID $5, Seniors, other students, and military personnel get 10% off regular ticket price What A Do Theatre, 4071 W. Dickman Rd, Springfield • 8:00 pm KCC Women's Basketball vs Muskegon Community College Miller Gymnasium • 1:00 pm KCC Men's Basketball vs Muskegon Community College Miller Gymnasium • 3:00 pm Cereal City Concert Band: Winter Concert Lakeview Middle School Auditorium • 7:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Davenport University Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: WMU College of Education & Human Development North Walkway • 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm Academic Workshop: Google Like a Librarian LRC Spring Lake Room • 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Coffeehouse Concert: TBD Student Center • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Academic Workshop: Student Success LRC Spring Lake Room • 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Volunteer & Civic Engagement Fair Kellogg Room • 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Transfer College Tour: Western Michigan University Kalamazoo • 8:30 am - 3:00 pm Black History Month Field Trip: Motown Museum & Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Detroit • 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Bruins Give Back Battle Creek • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm KCC Women's Basketball vs Jackson College Miller Gymnasium • 1:00 pm KCC Men's Basketball vs Jackson College Miller Gymnaisum • 3:00 pm Spring Play: "Bus Stop" Students with KCC ID $5, Seniors, other students, and military personnel get 10% off regular ticket price What A Do Theatre, 4071 W. Dickman Rd, Springfield • 3:00 pm Leadership Summit (GVSU) Allendale • TBD Transfer Student Information Table: Miller College Central Walkway • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Transfer Student Information Table: Western Michigan University Haworth College of Business Central Walkway • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm KCC Women’s Basketball vs Lake Michigan College Miller Gymnasium • 5:30 pm KCC Men’s Basketball vs Lake Michigan College Miller Gymnasium • 7:30 pm Academic Workshop: Emerging Technology for Job Search OITC 09 • 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
10-12 Feb 10Mar 24 11 13 13
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Mixed media with handmade paper by Holly Stephenson
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February 10 — March 21
KELLOGG
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Eleanor R. & Robert A. DeVries Gallery Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Opening Reception February 13, 4 - 6 pm
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CAMPUS NEWS
member of the Kalamazoo Paper Guild. With an Art degree from Western Michigan, Stephenson has continued over the years to create impressive pieces. Many figures of historical significance have been referenced in her body of completed artworks including Amelia Earhart and Joan of Arc. Future pieces in this platter series will be Lincoln, Gandhi, and Sojourner Truth. Many of her recent works incorporate portrayals of social issues or historically relevant events, such as in the ‘More or Less Series’ pieces. This collage series in shadow boxes reflects her fear of the loss of the physical book to the ever increasing popularity of e-books and computer technology, and culminates in the fourth collage piece which symbolizes the eventual detriment of the “book”. Her insights, just like her artwork are deep with multiple layers of meaning. “Art is very personal to me. Writing and the visual arts are interconnected,” Stephenson said. “I start most of my pieces for myself, as a way to express my personal beliefs.” For Stephenson, each piece means working from concept to physical visual product. Working from her studio to create the paper bases, the works eventually take shape from a variety of pulps and additives. Next comes the assembly process and finding the desired inclusive materials. From a collection of oddities she calls ‘things out of place’ comes an abundance of objects that may be incorporated in her works, things like old rusted roller skates. Shadow boxes become homes to things that can’t be helped by paper. “I find items in the weirdest places
Reflections of Identity
Bob Psalmonds Staff Writer Holly Stephenson is a retired art teacher that uses one of the oldest and most tactile and rudimentary mediums to create her pieces: handmade paper. The Three Rivers resident will bring Reflections of Identity, a mixed media exhibition to Kellogg Community College at the Eleanor R. & Robert A. DeVries Gallery . Mixed with her own photography, historical imagery and poetry, this multi-media talented artist creates works in both two and three-dimensions. “All artists hope for a reaction, positive or negative,” Stephenson explained. “But it ultimately comes down to the experiences of the viewer to derive what they will see as well as how they will interpret my pieces.” Stephenson’s voice is filled with enthusiastic descriptions of how she conceived and completed many of the twenty- five pieces that will hopefully make an emotional connection with those who take the time to attend this display. “Paper is formed by simple natural things then manipulated by the artist,” Stephenson said. “It is a wet and very tactile medium. I occasionally even use a wasp nest mixed with my pulp, which is nature’s first version of paper. It adds wonderful color and texture to the sheets!” Stephenson was a teacher for 38 years and former curator of the Permanent Art Collection at WMU. She developed the curriculum and taught papermaking to art students at Kalamazoo Central High School. She is also an active
"Reflections of identity" on display beginning February 10th in the Davidson building.
photo by Holly Stephenson
and then try to figure out a way to use them outside the realm of the original owner’s use,” Stephenson said. She explained the skates were found in a field near her home. Though she prefers the individual viewer gather his or her own idea of what she is trying to convey, sometimes written text is incorporated to heighten the importance of a concept. Their existence can last for centuries or very short lived. “I like to work in series and to do things in odd numbers. The conception of the work is obviously very powerful to me because I’m in them when the piece is born,” The artist said. “Over time, an art-
ist may lose track of the deeper meaning letting the artwork speak for itself-adding a third party viewer to interpret what the work may say adds an important third dimension to the artistic experience.” The haunting photographssnippets of lost moments from the past, frozen in time-take on a presence of their own within the confines of her pieces. Nameless and standing on their own as reflections of an unidentified person, she playfully offers us an uncanny “identity”. The show Reflections of Identity runs Feb 10 through March 21 with an opening reception Feb. 13 from 4 to 6 pm.
YouTube as a tool
Cara Clingan Staff Writer The obsession with social media is growing on youth around the globe. Facebook, Myspace, twitter and the newest sensation, Vine, allow teens, twenty-somethings and adults to connect or play games with friends, family members, even strangers. However YouTube is a different kind of social meda, allowing users to record their “talents”. Idiots running in front of trains for a thrill, eating a spoonful of cinnamon only to choke videos are endless on YouTube. Looking for a video of someone falling in a hilarious fashion? Hundreds of them. Want to see a video of an adorable kitten? Thousands of them. There is an infinite amount of videos to be found on the site. Yet, YouTube can be used as a tool for learning new, unique things. Users that want to get away from the daily giggles of the fails and wins of the internet, but don’t know where to start, should start here: • Markiplier: This man is simply amazing. Not only does he play videogames for our entertainment (known as “let’s plays”) but every so often he does a twelve hour livestream (Video• • stream of himself playing videogames, etc) to raise money for charity. Even in October he raised $55,000 for the Extra Life, a site that raises money for local charities in various cities. Vsauce2: literally a channel about the strange and unimaginable in our world. Learn all about the living rock with organs or the telescope that you can smell from. There are many different items that come up on this channel. Epic Rap Battle of History: As the title of the channel says, famous figures of history battle each other verbally. Adolf Hitler vs Darth Vader, Mozart vs Skrillex, and even Batman vs Sherlock Holmes. This channel is awesome not only for its awesome music, it’s for the comedy and dedication they put into their videos is remarkable. SwedishMealTime: A bunch of angry Swedish guys cooking in their kitchen. So much screaming and yet the food always turns out amazing looking. Complete other spectrum compared to Swedish Chef. iLL WiLL PrEss: Not a cartoon for the weak hearted. Follows the adventures of Germaine, an ever changing, overly sexualized gal and her roommate a very angry squirrel named Foamy. Seriously, this is not for children. Quirkology: A channel full of mind
Lindsey Sterling covers popular songs and posts them on YouTube.
photo by Cara Clingan
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tricks, ways to win bets, and illusions presented by psychologist and author Richard Wiseman. This channel will test your mind in way you couldn’t even imagine. • Lindsey Sterling: An amazing violinist. While she does write her own pieces, Sterling also takes on some of the well-known themes on her violin: The Legend of Zelda, Lord of the Rings, Pokémon, and even covers of today’s hits such as Radioactive and Thrift Shop. • aniBOOM: A great channel filled with many different kinds of animations. From the creepy clay-mation
to the beautifully designed 3D artworks, this is a channel you could get lost in for hours. • HISHEdotcom: quirky little animations about how movies should have ended in hilarious ways! • KNOWYOURMEME: Ever wonder about the strange things you find on the internet that seem really popular such as the Grumpy Cat or stupid challenges like the Cinnamon Challenge? This channel will explain everything.
FEATURE
beautiful world begins to fade to darkness as we see the true nature of the city: racism, religious fanaticism, and mechanical advances that man could only dream of below. Now Booker must make his way through the city, battle mechanical wonders, save Elizabeth, and find out the true reason why Elizabeth is so important. Skyhook is how you travel the railways of Columbia. Of course one could walk to most places, but it’s so much more fun to ride the railways. Not only is the Skyhook convenient for travel, but it is one gruesome weapon. Players can rip their opponent’s neck open with the spinning blades or use the railways strategically get the jump on unsuspecting guards. Skyhook is one of the best weapons of the game. Vigors are the powers of this universe. Powers such as Shock Jockey that will shock your enemies, Devil’s Kiss that allows you to blast fireballs at your enemies, and Bucking Bronco that thrusts your enemies into the air make the game interesting. I sat down with Eric Vest Jr. as he played the game for the first time. While he didn’t enjoy the first game of the series, he absolutely loved the third. “While there could have been a lot more weapon choices, the powers were as cool as always,” Vest said. “Murder of Crows was my favorite because it was a handy way to get a break from enemies as the crows pecked them to death.” While he did enjoy the game, this wasn’t the same case for everyone. A lot of people were disappointed by the repetitiveness of the combat system. There are a limit of a few guns and your vigors
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Vigorous Bioshock: review
Cara Clingan Staff Writer Humans have always dreamed of what the future holds but honestly, how often has that idea became reality? From the over-the-top flying cars to the robotic engineering of tomorrow, humans have dreamed many dreams of scientific advancement. Even though we read of scientific advancements in the news daily, it makes us wonder what else isn’t being shown to the mass media. What if someone created a whole city above in the clouds that couldn’t be seen by the naked eye? Those ideas lead video game creators to the gaming world of Bioshock Infinite. Welcome to Columbia, the holy city in the sky and the third installment of the Bioshock series. The year is 1912. We follow the story of Booker Dewitt, private investigator with a serious gambling and drinking problem, as he is offered a chance to wipe his slate clean. “Bring us the girl, wipe away the debt,” Booker was offered. He would later travel to the beautiful city of Columbia high up into the sky to retrieve the girl known as Elizabeth and be forgiven for all his pass transgressions. The city of Columbia is under the reign of Father Comstock, or the Prophet as some know him for his abilities to see into the future. Comstock warns his people about the false shepherd, Dewitt, that will lead their lamb astray and bring about the end of Columbia. This once
Fan showing love by dressing as one of the main characters, Elizabeth.
photo by Cara Clingan
that you can make combos from, but people were craving new guns. The Skyhook, while amazing, was the only “new” creative gun other than your basic grenade launcher or carbon. “The combat system was alright, but I just wish there were more weapon options,” Sebastion Micheals said. He felt the creators could have improved weapons for the third installment. “I mostly used skylines and vigors to kill my enemies unless I was forced to use a gun.” As the third installment of the Bioshock series, this game did not disappoint. Rated 10/10, this game was stunningly both visually and musically.
This game is very story-driven and will keep you on the edge of your seat as you ride the skylines of Columbia above the clouds. When you first enter the candlefilled baptizing room at the beginning, you’re overwhelmed by the soft glow and heavenly music. A whole new set of powers known as Vigors and a new city bring a fresh taste to the series, especially because this story isn’t based in Raptures like the series’ previous plot lines. A whole new story with new characters, a million possible stories, but only one ending.
Bumper stickers: the world at a glance
Cara Clingan Staff Writer To make something our own, people often have to add their own little style to it. There are thousands of the same models of cars in the world and when the right car is purchased, we have the need to make it our own. Some people hang things from their mirrors and others use custom seat covers to add that little something. Then there are bumper stickers. Sometimes they make us laugh, some make us cry, and some make us wonder what the hell were they thinking when they put that out in public. Bumper stickers can be about anything and everything, and they are everywhere. As I wandered our very own campus parking lot, roughly one in every three cars had some kind of bumper sticker(s). Most commonly, I’ve seen political, Star Trek, hunting, and even Big Bang Theory bumper stickers. Much like the clothes we wear, our cars give the world a glance of what we are into and our style. I’ve seen cars covered bumper to bumper with stickers while some have a simple awareness ribbon. To each their own, or so they say. Next time you’re out and about, take the time to stop and read the bumper stickers. (Preferably not when you’re driving!)
Field trip
Charles H. Wright Museum and Motown Hitsville USA
February 21, 2014
Departure, 8:00 AM Tickets $30 KCC Students $40 Non-students
Sign up at Student Life
Bumper stickers show a glimps of who a driver is.
photo by Lacy Janousek
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CULTURE
THE NAGGING MOTHER
Choral Calendar 2014
At Kellogg Community College, much is happening in the world of music this upcoming Spring 2014 Semester. The KCC chorus will perform worldwide over the next six months, visiting Battle Creek, Coldwater and traveling to Rome and Italy at the end of June. Gerald Blanchard, music area coordinator, is eager for the music season. “This year’s season is supported by Mr. and Mrs. Devries as well as corporate sponsorship by Randall Foods,” Blanchard explained. With such support, we are able to offer the community, both college and Battle Creek, a wide variety of musical options.”
Silent power
Elizabeth Kerlikowske Advisor The doctor said I would need to practice “voice rest.” That sounded ominous to me, a natural chatterbox. I went online to discover that “voice rest” ranges from a breathy Marilyn Monroe voice to no laughing, crying, sneezing, coughing, talking. I thought I should practice silence, at least. To start silence, I had to tell my husband in out-loud words. He says I am terrible at pantomime, but he is the world’s worst guesser. In Pictionary, he’ll draw one thing and stab it with the pencil until the table shows through rather than move on. My penmanship is dismal, and I don’t blame him for not being able to read it. I found an app called Speak for Me. Without my glasses I can’t see the keypad, so I’m back to pantomime and scrawl. Everything I would normally say popped into my mind, but nothing could leave from the usual exit. Writing was certainly going to be necessary. I wrote little messages that could be read like poems: shoes / NO / the deer can hear you / sorry turd. I was frustrated for 16 hours and never stopped thinking about what I had lost instead of what I could learn. The second day was different. I woke not
February
Cereal City Concert Band, Winter Concert Saturday, Feb 15 at 7 pm Lakeview Middle School Auditorium — Battle Creek
March
Davidson Student Recital Series Wednesday, Mar 19 at 1 pm Music at the Bruin Student Center Community Outreach Event: Legislative Breakfast Friday, Mar 28 at 7:00 am Burnham Brook 200 W. Michigan Ave — Battle Creek — Kellogg Singers
April
KCC Jazz Band Concert Monday, April 22 at 7:30 pm Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Auditorium Davidson Student Recital Series Wednesday, April 23 at 1 pm Performances by KCC students studying through the individualized Music Lesson Program Area Davidson Visual and Performing Arts CenterAuditorium Choral Series Event: “Singing in the Spring” An Afternoon of Choral Splendor Sunday, April 27 at 1 pm Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church 27 East Chicago St. — Coldwater — Free-will donation KCC Jazz Band Concert Monday, April 28 at 4:30 pm Student Center Student Recital Series Wednesday April. 30 at 1 pm Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Auditorium
breaking the silence. The cats, though, had not taken the vow, and they sang in the kitchen needing nothing from me but food. I felt less need to say anything to my husband except “Salmon?” and point him toward the basement. After he left for work, the silence in the house in the snowstorm was exquisite. With no one to talk to, what did I really need to say? It’s easy to be silent alone. When the real “voice rest” came, the doctor said I could talk lightly but “don’t try to get anyone’s attention.” I was silent for three days though I perfected “Happy Birthday Mr. President” and sang it to myself on my birthday. Racing thoughts slow when ideas are not vying for articulation. I felt calmer not speaking. I loved my silence. It was tremendously interesting to be in groups where there was no expectation of my commentary. I almost hated to start speaking again; I liked my quieter public persona. L i ke y aw n ing , s i len ce r ip ples through a crowd. If one person whispers, everyone starts whispering. At first, it annoyed me, but then, the environments seemed less harried, easier, gentler. Every utterance seemed an important and valuable secret. My voice is back, but I write this column to remember how during the silence, every communication was sifted into what absolutely mattered, and that was communicated. Silence simplified things and speeded up some processes. I realized how much of what we say is unimportant, and I took this column to say it.
May
Choral Series Event “Oh, What a Night!” An Italian Musical Celebration and Feast Friday, May 2 at 3, 5, and 7 pm Barista Blues Cafe, 91 Michigan Ave W., Battle Creek
Advance tickets $15 for adults, $12.50 for seniors and students, $10 for children 5 ages and older. At door price is $20 per person. All funds raised will support the 2014 KCC choir tour of Italy. Tickets available in the Arts and Communication Department offices: Call (269) 965-4126 ext. 1
Spring Cabaret 2013, Choral Series Event Branch County Community Chorus Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 pm Tibbits Opera House — Coldwater — Free-will donation Cereal City Concert Band Spring Concert Saturday, May 3 at 7 pm Marshall High School Auditorium 701 N Marshall Ave — Marshall Special Community Event: 33rd Annual Community Prayer Breakfast Featured Choir, Kellogg Community College Choirs Tuesday, May 6, at 7 am Kellogg Arena 36 W. Hamblin Ave — Battle Creek
KELLOGG
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
June
Kellogg Community College Choral Union European concert tour June 26 through July 2 Rome and the Amalfi Coast of Italy
The Spring 2014 Season Sponsor is Randall Foods, INC (Randall Beans) with additional support provided by Mrs. Eleanor R. & Robert A. DeVries.
CULTURE
February 2014
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The older student
Coke head
Tiffany Thatcher Co-Editor Hi, my name’s Tiffany and I’m a Diet Coke-aholic. I know it sounds like the opening of a bad joke, but it’s the truth. On a normal day I down at least 5 cans of Diet Coke on top of any fountain drinks consumed at restaurants or fast food places. That’s pretty bad, but when you add in the fact that I drink no other liquids, ever, it only gets worse. I detest coffee. I never acquired a taste for juice or tea, and I can't stand water. It has no taste. It’s like disappointment in a glass. Someone needs to invent Diet Coke flavored water. I’d drink the heck out of that stuff. I’ve been a full-blown addict for the last 16 years. It started when I moved out on my own. Growing up, my mother rationed the pop I could drink. She said it was full of sugar, would rot my teeth, and make me fat. My parents were Pepsi drinkers and would buy a case of Pepsi every few weeks. This was back when Pepsi was sold in tall glass bottles. Pop-
ping the top of an ice-cold glass bottle of pop is what I imagine popping the top of a beer feels like to an alcoholic. It’s magic. My sister babysat me after school and as a treat we would split a bottle of Pepsi. She would have hers in a cup, and I would take the bottle even when I knew her “half ” was closer to three quarters, just so I could feel the icy glass upon my lip. When I moved out of my parent’s house, I decided that being an adult meant that I could drink as much pop as I wanted, and I did. I moved in with roommates that were constantly dieting, and they got me hooked on Diet Coke. It was like a dark God, and I was more than happy to bow down at its feet. I longed for a day when I could put Diet Coke in an IV and inject it directly into my veins. I never noticed that surviving on a liquid diet, which relied only on pop, impacted me in any way. I always maintained good blood pressure, low cholesterol, and was considered generally healthy. I have been heavy my whole life, so I never blamed my pop consumption for my weight. Then some weird things started happening. In my thirty plus years I have never had a cavity until recently when I was shocked to find out I had seven. Then there was the issue with my stomach. I have struggled for the last two years with unexplained stomach ailments: constant stomachaches, bouts with colitis, and burps that could rival a frat guy after a keg stand. When doctors could find no
Diet coke addicts beware of dangers.
photo by Tiffany Thatcher
physical explanation for my stomach problems, I looked to the Internet for guidance and was shocked to read the statistics on pop consumption, primarily Diet Coke. Diet Coke has been linked with rotting teeth, skin problems, kidney issues, stomach ailments, and obesity. Yes, that’s right obesity. I thought I was making the better choice by drinking a diet soda when in fact diet soda was making me hungrier. With all of this information at my fingertips, you would think
that I would have broken my habit. But who are we kidding? I am an addict and addicts could care less about side effects. It took a major life event to finally open my eyes to the horrors of Diet soda. I suffered a miscarriage this past summer. I’m not naïve enough to blame my miscarriage on Diet Coke. In the seven months following my loss, I have tried unsuccessfully to get pregnant. Frustrated and confused I once again turned to the Internet and read the studies linking Diet Coke consumption to reproductive issues. That little bit of knowledge, whether scientific fact or not, finally got me thinking that I needed to make a change. At the end of December I began forcing myself to drink 2 bottles of water a day. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but it was a step in the right direction. At first it sucked and I still drank my normal obsessive amounts of Diet Coke. Then a weird thing happened. I began to realize that I wasn’t as thirsty as I use to be. The water was keeping me hydrated unlike the Coke that made me thirstier with every sip. I am now down to one can of Diet Coke a day. I’m not cold turkey yet and I’m not entirely sure I ever will be. I’m enjoying a new found energy, healthier looking skin and fewer stomachaches. I don’t know if cutting back on my Diet Coke will help me to conceive, but it can’t hurt. And that is enough to keep me working towards my goal of being sodafree by 2015.
Nostalgia: the hottest selling product
Heidi Myers Staff Writer The yesteryears are longed for more than ever. Everywhere you look there’s ‘retro’ this and ‘throwback’ that. Although remaking consumers’ favorite products is nothing new, what is happening today is on a much larger nostalgic scale. Childhood holds some of the best memories for most, and those memories become ingrained in the toys we held, shared, and coveted. One of the more high-tech toys of its time was the Furby, released in 1998. Furby was an electronic interactive owl (or possibly chipmunk) that became a must-have item in nearly every household during its two year reign. Smaller and different variations of the furry favorite were released for a few years, but nothing worthy of its past toy aisle rush. Now, over a decade after its release, it has been revamped and is being marketed as the “new Furby.” Furby isn’t the only toy making a comeback. Reproductions of classic toys like the Etch-a-Sketch, painted wooden blocks, metal xylophone, Tinker toys, Slinky, and Lite Brite are all easily found and even come in vintage-style packaging. When I last perused the toy aisle, I noticed that Barbie and her packaging were modeled like the older versions. From the carefully chosen color scheme, clothing, and hairstyles, she appeared as if she could shift from 2013 to 1985 and no one would notice. Apparently even the seemingly unshakable empire of Barbie has succumbed to turning back the clock. Although fashion trends are always being recycled, usually we wait more than a decade to repeat them. So is it not the case with the current “grunge” trend which includes lots of high-waisted pants, crop tops, velvet, combat boots, oversized sweaters and acid-washed everything? Sounds a bit familiar…like the not so faraway 90's. In fact, the 90's appear to be the most coveted times. Television shows that may otherwise have fallen into obscurity are now being released in special edition box sets because of the huge fan-followings. (For examples see Daria or Boy Meets World) Favorite movies are being rereleased on newer formats, others are getting decade-delayed sequels. More and more television shows are having reunion specials and or even coming back on the air. So all of this raises the question: why? Are things so horrendous and unbearable that we must run back under the comfort of our nostalgia blanket? Are there no original ideas anymore? Are we just unwilling to accept anything new? Are our decisions based solely on what we enjoyed as children? I offer an alternative. With shows like Jersey Shore and Toddlers and Tiaras, one cannot be chastised for picking up the Friends box set. When even the biggest franchises are blatant copies or rip-offs of earlier made material, how does one have any faith in the media industry? (Looking at you, Hunger Games.) If more movies and books stopped recycling and remaking old stories, maybe we wouldn’t be so quick to run back to our beloved Disney movies and Harry Potter books. And perhaps if so many people didn’t feel as hopeless or see the future as darkly as they do, so many wouldn’t retreat to the times when things seemed so much brighter.
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10
February 2014
OPINION
“These sites can get quite costly and if they are not a paying member, then communicating with them is impossible,” Whitman said. “POF or formally known as "Plenty of Fish" is free and has a lot of local people to meet, so I would that is where I would suggest someone to start their journey." As Whitman explained, there are prices involved in meeting people online. For example Match.com costs $14.99 for 6months, $16.99 for 3 months, and $29.99 for 1 month. These sites can become expensive and can also throw in hidden costs that you won’t find out about until you look at your credit card statements. However, online dating is risky. A catfish is someone who pretends to be someone they're not using Facebook or other social media to create untrue identities, especially to pursue deceiving online relationships. People meet online, start creating a relationship and in the end find out they have been talking to a different person than they originally thought and will end up in a bad heartbreak or dangerous situations. Studies show only 2 in 10 people are actually who they say they are. Despite the risk, online dating helps thousands of people meet new friends everyday, even if it’s not their life-long partner. It is predicted that more relationships are being created through social media websites while the divorce rate also continues to climb because of this same reason. To know more about what goes on and how it works, you would have to make your own account and try it yourself. These online dating sites may not always be the safest but neither is meeting people in person nowadays. Online dating could be great way to meet new friends and eventually find that lifelong partner.
Online dating
Caitlyn Whitman Staff Writer Ron Whitman, my father, started his online journey as his comprehension of technology increased. He tried out dating sites and met many different women online that he has pursued friendships with but not much more. "I wanted to open up my options to more than the women that I was meeting at church, work and other venues." As Whitman became smarter with technology, he figured out how to use Facebook and how to join sites to meet friends. He joined a group for single fellowship Christians, a site that requires potential members to be approved by another member. Whitman explained his favorite part about this group on Facebook was meeting a certain woman. The two began texting and Skyping to learn more about each other. "I have made more friends than I have actually dated. Anyone from online dating and a lot of my friends are in different states and countries," Whitman said. "Match.com is okay for more local people and Christian Mingle.com is good for meeting people with the same beliefs.” Whitman pursued this friendship by flying to Australia to see this woman for a week-long vacation. He says if he could change anything about these websites, it would be the prices and hidden costs involved. Facebook sites are not the only way people use the internet to date. okcupid, Match.com, farmersonly.com or eharmony.com offer users the chance to meet a variety of singles.
Dr. Destiny
food that was given to them. A lot of the spices and seasonings come from the food these folks loved in Africa. Wherever and whatever its source, it is a proud part of many African American lives and enjoyed by a much larger group! More Greens, Please! Dr. D. Dear Dr. D, What are a few tips to lessen seasonal depression short of sitting under a sun lamp eight hours a day? Blue Dear Blue, Surround yourself with happy people! If you suffer from seasonal depression, being around others who are constantly finding fault and depressed will not help you at all. Laughter is season-less, so find reasons to laugh and people who laugh! Developed Funny Bone Dear Dr. D, This is my final semester at KCC. I’m worried about funding my future education. Where should I begin? Help!!!!! Future Graduate Dear Future Grad, Congratulations on finishing the first lap of your education! That is something to be proud of. Financing a college education is difficult, but at least you have some credits to start with. Now evaluate the colleges you are interested in and decide what school can give you the education you want at the best price. Investigate scholarships at those institutions; work-study programs; on-campus job opportunities; and every scholarship that comes up in an internet search. Congrats and continued success! Dr. D.
Dear. Dr. Destiny As a single person on Valentine’s Day, what can I do to lessen the sting of no flowers, no dinner, and no love? The Shriveled Heart Dear Shriveled Heart, You can be thankful that you are not in a lousy relationship! Actually going out alone on Valentine’s Day is a real bummer, but ask some friends who are also alone over for a pot luck dinner or an evening of playing cards or games or whatever suits your group. Immerse yourself in a great book or a great DVD and a huge bag of M&Ms and enjoy being with YOU. When you meet the right person for you, you won’t be alone. I have been married for a very long time, and we never celebrate Valentine’s Day. We love each other, and show it, every day. Dr. D. Dr. Destiny, I hear the Soul Food Luncheon is back again this year at KCC. What makes food “soul food?” Hungry for Corn Bread Dear Fellow Corn Bread Lover, I believe soul food is defined as food beloved by and often developed by the African American population. Some of it comes from the days of slavery when slaves had to be creative with the
Choosing chains
Heidi Myers Staff Writer The arguments over fast food have come, gone, and come again. Evidence of unsafe or damaging processes has surfaced for numerous food chains over the years and will probably continue to do so. And yet, despite the lawsuits and shortcoming of good meal preparation, billions of people continue to eat at these chains every day. They have not changed, and they will not change. If someone chooses to knowingly expose themselves to unhealthy or unsafe foods it is their own poor choice. Small businesses are not exempt from unsafe practices. They can just as easily have an unsanitary kitchen, messy employees, and unsafe food prep process. Just because they are smaller and we do not hear about them doesn’t mean bad practices don’t happen. The idea that anyone working at a locally owned establishment does so because they enjoy it and big business employees just need a job is a gross generalization. There are some people who simply enjoy doing what they do, be it in a small town diner or Applebee’s. Also, how many people have jobs because they need them? No matter where a person works, it is a fair assumption they need the income they are working for and are not simply there to kill time. Work is just that, work. Ultimately, the quality of a restaurant isn’t based on if it is a local or a chain. It is whether it’s a pleasurable restaurant with varied and delicious food, exceptional service and a great atmosphere. Find that, and it won’t matter who is behind the counter.
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BRUIN Staff
Co-Editors Lacy Janousek Tiffany Thatcher Managing Advisor TaNisha Parker Editorial Advisor Elizabeth Kerlikowske Graphics Advisor Kathryn Jarvie Layout Design Linda Helton Brandon Smith Doug Wheaton David Hopkins Sports Editor Mary Emington Staff Writers Eleanor Alexander Cara Clingan Jonathan Hogan Heidi Myers Ashleigh Olmstead Cavin Smith TJ Taylor Caitlyn Whitman Bob Psalmonds
Editorial Policy
The KCC Bruin is a free student publication produced monthly by Kellogg Community College students during the fall and spring semesters. The KCC Bruin welcomes letters to the editor from members of the College and the community. Letters must be signed and submitted with a current telephone number or email address. All letters become property of the Bruin and may be edited for clarity and length. By-lined opinion columns represent the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Bruin staff or the College. Letters may be submitted by mail to: KCC Bruin student newspaper, c/o Kellogg Community College, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek, Mich. 49017. Letters may also be submitted at all three KCC sites. At the Battle Creek site, letters may be dropped off in the English Department on the 4th floor of the C Building; the College Life Office in the Student Center; or the student newspaper office. At the Grahl and Fehsenfeld Centers, letters may be submitted at the information desks. The Bruin office is located in room 302 of the Roll Building. The staff can be reached at (269) 965-3931, Ext. 2630 or e-mail the Bruin editor at [email protected]
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OPINION
Burning bras or burning bridges?
Heidi Myers Staff Writer Feminism was originally built on the idea of equality. It focused on women’s suffrage and political equality. It later expanded to include societal and cultural equality as well. Now feminism has very murky and at times completely unclear goals. Feminists have multiple complaints, some very valid, but the laundry list of things that are being fought against has become unbearable and at times, totally ridiculous. There are certainly legitimate and reputable feminists and feminist organizations out there, but they are overshadowed by the callous and, for lack of a better word, whiny ones. One of the most frequent complaints heard across the internet and media is women being objectified and stereotyped in video games. This is seen on numerous websites such as Feminist Frequency, which had backlash after posting a feminist video about “damsels in distress” in video games. The basis of the complaint is that there aren’t strong female characters in games, and video games always hyper-sexualize the female figure. The biggest problem with this argument is that many people making the claims don’t play video games because there are some hardcore female characters. Lollipop Chainsaw was a game with a singular lead character named Juliet, a zombie-killing cheerleader. Not only is she a strong woman, although ditzy at times, but she breaks the stereotype of the helpless cheerleader that cannot do anything for herself. Other games with capable female characters include Mirror’s Edge, Tomb Raider, and Metroid. Is the video game world dominated by males? Yes, overwhelmingly so. But that domination stretches farther than just the video game console. Associating this issue so largely with gaming is misleading when it is a media-wide norm. Hyper-sexualizing is almost guaranteed in video games. But what would one expect in a world where everything is over exaggerated and fantastical? The boobs are bigger, the blood is redder, and the explosions are louder. In games where realism is the goal, the bodies are proportionate. Feminist irritation has covered outrage at specific commercials, products, magazines, politicians, bloggers, and celebrities, to name a few. The strangest areas of irritation are aimed at product advertising, generally with the view that products being sold to women (deodorant, shampoo, razors, makeup, shoes) are being marketed as if women must have X or Y to be considered attractive. Personally, I buy the shampoo that gives me shiny hair because I want to have shiny hair. To assume all women are so naïve as to buy every item they see based on a commercial and the opinion of men completely discredits the very gender they are trying to validate. An extension of this issue is that feminism has a tendency to exclude a huge number of women. Females that are homemakers, extremely beauty oriented, or uneducated get nearly socially banished from the movement. The idea that a woman might choose to be a wife and mother and be completely satisfied seems foreign. Enjoying the benefits of products available and catered to women (some of which make life easier or more enjoyable) is almost frowned upon. I find it more insulting that the very people fighting to get female stereotypes erased have such specific ideas as to what makes an acceptable woman. The most outrageous part of the accusations of sexism is how hypocritical some are. Numerous songs have been highlighted as blatantly sexual, most of which are always attributed to a male artist. Yet on the popular feminist website Jezebel, there is an entire article dedicated to sexual euphemisms and metaphors on Katy Perry’s new “filthy awesome album” as the title states. It’s apparently empowering for a woman to write songs exclusively about her genitalia or about seeing someone’s “peacock,” but if a man refers to himself as say, being well-hung or interested in sleeping with a woman, he is automatically a sexist pig. The line between empowering women and degrading men has been blurred. Feminists cannot be so one-sided with their anger if they intend to be taken seriously. This is just one of many examples of prejudice and wrongful assumptions against men that exist. To clarify, not everyone that identifies as a feminist has voiced these grievances or agrees with any of this. The outright truth is that society has plenty of issues, some gender related, but there comes a point when one must choose her battles. Movies, video games, comic books and the like are a business, plain and simple. Businesses cater to demographics, and if someone isn’t the primary demographic, they are not the first to be appeased. The bottom line is that feminism has long wandered away from its once admirable goals. Perhaps one day we can get back to original ideals the movement’s foundation was based on- pure, simple gender equality.
February 2014
11
"Oldboy" review
T.J. Taylor Staff Writer What necessitates a remake? Was the original bad? Has it been a long time, so the original may look terribly dated? Is the original in a different language? Sadly, that last reason seems to be the cause for more and more remakes lately. Someone scared of subtitles thought it would be a good idea to remake the South Korean revenge thriller, "Oldboy" (which is an adaptation of a Japanese manga of the same name), even though there aren't many improvements to be made on the original. Spike Lee, director of such movies like "Do the Right Thing" and "Jungle Fever," takes the reins from Chan-Wook Park and doesn't really change much. The American remake replaces Min-Sik Choi with Josh Brolin as the protagonist, and Ji-Tae Yoo with Sharlto Copley as his nemesis. The film follows a man who is kidnapped and imprisoned in a hotel room for twenty years for reasons unknown, who upon release hunts down his captors in search of truth and revenge. A lot of visual elements of the original remain in this movie, probably because Spike Lee knew he couldn't top Chan-Wook Park's brilliant direction. There are at least two scenes ripped directly from the original, which was a good idea on Lee's part because doing them any other way would pale in comparison to the original (though it still manages to be disappointing). This is not to say that Lee doesn't put his own voice into the movie (his trademark close-up dolly shot makes an appearance, along with a lot of his recurring actors), but it just doesn't quite live up to Park's. One of the scenes Lee copies in the remake is the famous hallway fight sequence, probably the most well-known sequence of the original. Even though it is necessarily the same scene, it is ruined in this version by bad sound mixing. Many scenes in the remake could be good but are hindered by minor mistakes like that. Another major element that seemed to be lacking in the English version was the raw emotional brutality of Park's version. Hits don't seem to land as hard, both physical, and emotional, hits. Copley's take on the villain, while actually being closer to the manga version than in Park's movie (which is strange since everything else in the remake is nothing like the manga), just doesn't seem as ruthless or as unforgiving as Ji-Tae Yoo's performance. The same thing goes for Josh Brolin's performance. This is not to say that he (or Copley for that matter) is a bad actor; he just can't capture the insanity of the protagonist that Min-Sik Choi brought to the screen so wonderfully. Not all remakes are bad ideas. David Fincher's remake of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is superior to the original in virtually every way, from the cast to the script to the soundtrack and especially to the direction. Even the remake of the cult classic "The Evil Dead," a personal favorite since as far as I can remember, was an amazing achievement and a much better movie by far (though I still love the original more in a different way). The reason that those work and this one doesn't? Those movies respected the originals and weave in some elements of them, but they had originality that hit all the right marks as well. In the case of "Oldboy", save your money and just watch the original on Netflix.
12
February 2014
SPORTS
Step into Sochi and the Winter Olympics
in the Russian city, Volgograd, only 600 miles from Sochi. U. S. citizens are cautioned to remain away from large crowds and demonstrations. Despite the somewhat controversial setting, athletes and the world alike are excited to witness the 2014 games. The worldwide event will display 15 sports: Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Bobsleigh, Cross Country Skiing, Curling, Figure Skating, Freestyle Skiing, Ice Hockey, Luge, Nordic Combined, Short Track Speed Skating, Skeleton, Ski Jumping, Snowboard, and Speed Skating. The United States is currently second in the total medal count for all-time Winter Olympic games at 253, including 87 gold. Norway takes first with an overall total of 303 medals, including 107 gold. Some Americans to take notice of in these games include Julia Mancuso Alpine Skiing, Shaun WhiteSnowboarding, Kelly ClarkSnowboarding, Hannah KearneyFreestyle Skiing, and Bill Demong-NordicCombined. One American favorite, Lindsey Vonn, recently announced she would not participate in the Sochi Olympics due to pain from her knee injury she endured during the world championships. Tune in for primetime coverage on NBC February 7th for the opening ceremonies. Get ready to chant USA!
Mary Emington Staff Writer After the rush of holidays from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, there is a void leaving a space for the winter doldrums to set in. Thankfully, this year there is an event to send those winter doldrums packing. After four long years it is finally time for the 2014 Winter Olympics! The Winter Olympics will take place in Sochi, Russia. This is the first time the Winter Olympics will be held in Russia since its inception. Participants and visitors alike will witness an amazing opening ceremony. The Olympics are scheduled to run from February 7th to the 23rd. Recently, some controversy in the news has arisen regarding the safety of travelers to the Winter Olympic games. The U. S. Department of State has issued a warning for travelers to “remain attentive regarding their personal security at all times." Some individuals speculate this warning was given in response to Russia’s tightening of LGBT policies and the possibility of terrorism. There have been 3 suicide bombings since October
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