Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
O G G C O M M U N I T Y C O November L L E2013 GE
www.kellogg.edu/br uin
ing students in with their children pull strollers up what used to be only steps, the first on OConnell and the architects 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, OConnell 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, OConnell 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, OConnell explained. You used to have a button but now you have an electric sensor and it automatically opens, OConnell
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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. Dont come in right before
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November 2013
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
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 mohlt@kellogg.edu
rtunity "Its 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. Its 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, were able to use our donations for home owners programs. The volunteerism continued with Community Action, where students were preparing food supplies for the non-profits Emergency Food Assistance Program, which provides food for needy families in seven Michigan counties. Angela Winght, Community Actions 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. Its 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-masters 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 1940s 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
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
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 bruin@kellogg.edu
November 2013
CAMPUS NEWS
The art of war: student veterans to display their artwork for Veterans 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, theyre 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 Ill 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 Veterans 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. Its 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 Veterans 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 Veterans Art Exhibit and Veterans Month Celebration, contact TJ Mohl at mohlt@kellogg.edu.
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 colleges 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 days 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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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 x 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
KELLOGG
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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 honors 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,
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 Ive yet to be challenged. Jasmine MacIntosh
FEATURE
November 2013
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 didnt 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 doesnt 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 Dawn.Craig@VA.gov
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. Thats the idealistic goal.
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, thats 10% of their total have to memorize a lot of different comtips. So lets 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 lets 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 dont make job requirements for each member of anything. If they get walked out on (the
ole Dinerndash) 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 lets 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.
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 husbands suicide brought back the old demon. The three years since his death have been a roller coaster. Ive returned to school, found a new love, bought and sold a house, and suffered a miscarriage. Each time I think that Im one step ahead of depression, it comes roaring back. If youve never struggled with depression, its 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 its so easy; they just get up and do it. I cant. I cant even try. Every day is the same I make plans, lists of what I want to accomplish the next day. Morning rolls around and its 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 Im not tired because Ive 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. Im not actively grieving anymore. I have a good life, great kids, an awesome boyfriend, and school. But if I dont 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 dont understand how someone who is so involved and seems to have it all together during the school year can crumble during break. Ive been called lazy. Ive been told to get a grip. Ive 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. Youre fat. Youre ugly. Youre 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 Im forced out of the house to run errands or to go to meetings. On those days I can barely remember why I didnt leave the house before. I feel encouraged and excited about the future. I run around like a crazy person trying to do everything while Im feeling good. Yet, in the back of my mind its always there, that nagging beast. Its whispering, Ill be back. I know that its 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
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, its 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
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.
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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 students 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 boyfriends family for the first time. They are big hunters and love turkey. Im 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 dont need anything else! Dr. D. Dear Doctor Destiny, Im undergoing a minor surgery on my stomach, which I know will help me lose weight, but Im scared. I know this is silly, but Ive 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. Im 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 dont choose to be their friend now, but now you know. Dr. D.
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 dont 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
Come see us! Ohm Information Technology Center, Upper Level, Room 207
November 15
http://www.kellogg.edu/socialscience/ servicelearning/registerServLearn.html
CULTURE
November 2013
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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
Your Credits to DU
Whether you have college credits or valuable learning or work experiences from outside a classroom, you may be able to turn these into course credits. We simplify accepting your credits when you graduate from your community college, so that you can apply them towards your DU degree in business, technology or health. We offer transfer scholarships up to $4,000! Sign up for courses at your local DU campus held days, evenings or online. Classes start January 6. 200 West Van Buren St., Battle Creek 4123 West Main St., Kalamazoo 800-686-1600 | davenport.edu/apply
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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 didnt place, I had many compliments and an amazing reaction from the crowd. Now for the Pros and the Cons. Lets get the bad out of the way first. This convention was a total blastbefore 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 someones table
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 dont 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
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 couldnt 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 youre at a con you see a consistent theme with the cosplays so this was very exciting to see. Now, there isnt 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
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.
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 fans most
well-known Doctor (next to Tom Baker in the 1970s and 1980s)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
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 Leones 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 games 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 elses bootstraps.
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Johnathan Hogan Staff Writer Rockstar Games Grand Theft Auto franchise hardly seems to have anything admirable going for it. Whether its copkilling, robbing banks, or mowing over pedestrians with stolen cars, there just seems to be so much about the game thats 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 ones bootstraps. GTA V, which was released last month and quickly became the most financially successful entertainment product in history, is instead about Americas 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
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 theres 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
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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
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."
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 theyre 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
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coach fired up. Were 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. Well 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 mens basketball team is hard at work. Although its 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 Ive got some pretty mouthy freshman, that have been doing a lot of talking, Bruins head coach Melvin McKnight explained. But, its good to see that. Battle Creek Centrals 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 youre a head coach of a college basketball team, its twice as difficult to balance a full-time job and coach a practically rookie team. Ben Reed hes been really helping me out a lot, McKnight said Hes a division one caliber guy, and Nathan Taylor drives to the basket. photo by Nick Garrison hes bringing division one quality to these guys. Every college basketball players them days. Its 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 Ive been getting ball experience to the Miller Gymnasome great reports, McKnight said. sium. Not every college basketball player is Bens been doing all the workouts fortunate enough to play division one and doing it all, McKnight said hes 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 Reeds 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 its 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
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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
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(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)
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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
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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 *KZOO 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
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(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)
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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
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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 Im not there. It will get interesting during the spring with our 3 oclock 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; thats who we want to beat. Q: What are your teams 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.
Limewood Apartments
572 Limewood Dr., Battle Creek, MI 49017
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 December L L E2013 GE
www.kellogg.edu/br uin
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. Thats why Im so busy, Lott said. Everyone is afraid of losing their money. As the workload grew,
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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
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Veteran's Reections... Pg 7
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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.
Lacey Jones checks her email while taking calls in student services.
KCCs 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. Its 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 loads 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.
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 cant help but stare as she signs the lectures for her deaf students. Lowrie doesnt 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 Lowries 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. Lowries 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 Foundations 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 rsum, at least three letters of recommendation, and their transcripts from all colleges theyve 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
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
Instructor Rose Swartz as Emily Dickensen and Selias Pithman as Paul Lawrence Duhbar
the Bridge
ACADEMIC SUPPORT DEPARTMENT
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, Youngs 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 dont know.
December 2013
CAMPUS NEWS
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
credible diversity, in both the people you meet and the projects you can undertake. If you can imagine a service, its already probably going on, and if it isnt, 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 Mens 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
CAMPUS NEWS
December 2013
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 Creeks 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 were 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 years 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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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 1950s 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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FEATURE
December 2013
Veteran's reections
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."
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 veterans 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 dont 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 AFSCs 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 thats not what many these people knowingly signed up for when saying I do. The fact that a majority cant 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 soldiers 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 yous. 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? Id have to say YES, but it is slowly changing.
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 Kwanzaas 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-
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 dont feel rushed if you cant make it to an event right away. For a full schedule of whats going on downtown, check out www.bcfestivals.com for more information.
KELLOGG
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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
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. Its 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 departments 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
Painting Poetry
Spencer Lawson Humanity is unsocial, because of socialization Ill 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 Cant 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 dont know someone, we will learn by Facebook stalking.
BRUIN BOOKSTORE
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-somethings 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 youve 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 Im 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 wouldnt know that this fall Im allowed to wear black leggings and brown boots, I wouldnt know about women all over the country that have had worst first date experiences than mine, I wouldnt know how fabulous Kelly Osbourne really is and how great red lipstick looks with cream sweaters. (I know, my life wouldnt 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-somethings into promiscuity and binge drinking?
Feminist failure
Lacy Janousek Co-Editor As a female in my twenties, Im 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. Ill sum the articles advice up quickly for you to save you the trouble of scrolling their twitter log to find it: if youre 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 youre taking Cosmos other advice and have been drinking too much, dont. 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. Theyll 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 todays 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 wasnt 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 shell 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.
Dear. Dr. D Many of my favorite films dont 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! Its 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 arent 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, youve
Elizabeth Kerlikowske Advisor Driving into Battle Creek each morning, Im 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 bruin@kellogg.edu
OPINION
December 2013
11
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 weve had bad experiences with someone that the person made us think of? The world hasnt been the kindest to some, and this can change the way we see. To quote one of my favorite series, "Silent Hill," When youre 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 cant 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 cant 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 faade. 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, Ive 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 dont buy things for myself. I dont 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 others life choices? And why do I feel like I have to defend the choices Ive made? When did we become so obsessed with what other people do? I admit that Im guilty of doing the same thing. Ive scrutinized the purchases of someone paying for groceries with The Bridge card and getting angry when I see candy bars and soda. Why? Its 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?
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 didnt 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
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 ones 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 others moves, patterns, and body language. April and Alicia arent 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
and Alicia feel about playing with each other April responded, Its 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 didnt quite click for her, but when she joined her mother in roller derby, she rolled into a new life and Alicia fell in love.
KCC Theatre
Winter
Featuring work by Acting I, Acting II, and Encore Theatre Company. Monologues, scenes, short film, and other surprises.
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
LEL K E L L O G G C O M M U N I T Y C OK L LE EG
www.kellogg.edu/br uin
Margaret DeRitter
Using YouTube... Pg 6
Online dating... Pg 10
February 2014
CAMPUS NEWS
struggles. Holly McKee, director of Support Services at KCC and team coordinator for the Colleges 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 days 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
(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 hadnt gained any of it back through the holidays. McKee says, My cholesterol levels are the lowest that theyve 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.
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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February 2014
CAMPUS NEWS
male Mentor Coordinator serving women on parole and probation. Most people have made mistakes and poor choices in their pasts. Becktels 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 persons 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 Womens 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 theyll 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 Womens Life Recovery Program. The individual to fill one of these positions just might be you. If youre interested in finding out more or want to sign up for this rewarding opportunity to fulfill both a need in someones 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 dont wait to call them. CityLinC is a non-profit organization that functions on the generosity of loving concerned individuals. Marlene Lawson, Ministry Network Director mlawson@citylinc.org Stacy Becktel, Second Wind Female Parolee Coordinator stacyleigh68@live.com Sherry Showerman, Girls Night Out Coordinator sshowerman@citylinc.org Becki Larson CityLinC ofice and Pregnancy Center Administrator info@citylinc.org Abby Davis, Fit4Life Fitness Cordinator abby33.davis@me.com
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 buildings expansion in allowing space for both students and staff. Its 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 KCCs 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.
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 states 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 colleges 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 KCCs 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.
February 2014
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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 Womens Basketball vs Lake Michigan College Miller Gymnasium 5:30 pm KCC Mens 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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KELLOGG
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Eleanor R. & Robert A. DeVries Gallery Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Opening Reception February 13, 4 - 6 pm
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 cant 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. Stephensons 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 natures 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
and then try to figure out a way to use them outside the realm of the original owners 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 Im 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 dont know where to start, should start here: Markiplier: This man is simply amazing. Not only does he play videogames for our entertainment (known as lets 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, its 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
tricks, ways to win bets, and illusions presented by psychologist and author Richard Wiseman. This channel will test your mind in way you couldnt 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, Pokmon, and even covers of todays 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 its 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 opponents 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, Devils 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 didnt 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 wasnt 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
February 2014
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, youre 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 isnt based in Raptures like the series previous plot lines. A whole new story with new characters, a million possible stories, but only one ending.
Field trip
Charles H. Wright Museum and Motown Hitsville USA
February 2014
CULTURE
THE NAGGING MOTHER
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 worlds worst guesser. In Pictionary, hell draw one thing and stab it with the pencil until the table shows through rather than move on. My penmanship is dismal, and I dont blame him for not being able to read it. I found an app called Speak for Me. Without my glasses I cant see the keypad, so Im 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 Marks 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? Its easy to be silent alone. When the real voice rest came, the doctor said I could talk lightly but dont try to get anyones 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 ofces: 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 Amal 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
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. Its 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 parents 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
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, thats 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. Im not nave 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 doesnt 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 wasnt 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. Im not cold turkey yet and Im not entirely sure I ever will be. Im enjoying a new found energy, healthier looking skin and fewer stomachaches. I dont know if cutting back on my Diet Coke will help me to conceive, but it cant hurt. And that is enough to keep me working towards my goal of being sodafree by 2015.
U2R library@KCC
Library Hours
7:45 am - 9:00 pm 7:45 am - 9:00 pm
Monday
Tuesday
7:45 am - 9:00 pm
7:45 am - 9:00 pm
BRUIN BOOKSTORE
books...apparel...school supplies... and weve got snacks!
KELLOGG COMMUNITY COLLEGE
7:45 am - 5:00 pm
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
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 wont 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 its 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. Im 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 Valentines 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 Valentines 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 wont be alone. I have been married for a very long time, and we never celebrate Valentines 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 doesnt mean bad practices dont 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 Applebees. 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 isnt based on if it is a local or a chain. It is whether its a pleasurable restaurant with varied and delicious food, exceptional service and a great atmosphere. Find that, and it wont 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 bruin@kellogg.edu
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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 womens 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 arent 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 dont 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 Mirrors 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 nave 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 Perrys new filthy awesome album as the title states. Its apparently empowering for a woman to write songs exclusively about her genitalia or about seeing someones 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 isnt 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 movements foundation was based on- pure, simple gender equality.
February 2014
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"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.
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February 2014
SPORTS
Mary Emington Staff Writer After the rush of holidays from Thanksgiving to New Years 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 Russias tightening of LGBT policies and the possibility of terrorism. There have been 3 suicide bombings since October
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