The North Idaho College Sentinel Vol.66 No.5, Dec 10, 2012

MASTER CHIEF ROAMS CAMPUS

NEWS Cecil Cardinal to get new plumage | Page 3 PERSPECTIVE U.S. should support Israel | Page 4

Student constructs costume based on video game | Page 7

theSentinel el SPORTS NIC dominates Bigfoot Cardinal Classic | Page 9

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE MONDAY | DECEMBER 10, 2012

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Volume 66 | Issue 5

CAMPUS

Trustees commend new plan

Women’s basketball ranked first in nation

Master plan outlines future course draft of the new educational master plan was unveiled to members of the NIC board of trustees Nov. 28.

The master plan will provide a road map for the college over the next three to five years and “keep NIC from deviating from where we should be going,” said NIC President Joe Dunlap.

Now that board members have seen the plan, they will take the next month and a half (until the next meeting in January) to review and discuss possible changes they would like to see, said Vice President for Student Services Graydon Stanley.

“It’s a dynamic document. Next year you’ll review and stay within the big plan but tweak it a little bit,” Stanley said.

“The concerns that it addresses are changes that we don’t have any control over.”

Stanley went “There’s on to explain so much that there has been so much wisdom turnover within going into the campus adthis one ministration over document.” the past couple years that those who had been at GRAYDON STANLEY NIC for a longer Vice President for period of time Student Services were unsure of the school’s new direction. NIC needed a vision that wouldn’t change based on “who’s driving the boat,” Stanley said.

The plan also addressees unexpected changes with the economy. With large institutions like NIC, when a problem arises, people often try to find a solution by throwing money at it, Stanley said.

With the master plan, instead of facilities driving programing, the programming will drive what facilities are needed to provide that.

For funding, the plan will look at all possible sources beyond just that of the state.

“It’s happened in education forever,” Stanley said. “When the state says no, we say, ‘Oh, well, I guess we can’t do anything.’ Now with the educational master plan, you don’t change direction because this one source says they can’t pay for it.”

The plan was developed during Dunlap’s President’s Cabinet retreat. During the retreat, the group held activities discussing “goals, priorities, initiatives and needs,” Stanley said.

“And as we brought that back to the table,” Stanley said, “Joe [Dunlap] said, ‘Congratulations, you’ve all just made the first contributions to the educational master plan.’”

Each member then went back to his or her division and discussed further the issues he or she would like to see addressed.

“There’s so much wisdom going into this one document that it’s so solid, I think it would be hard to take issue with it,” Stanley said.

Wrestling takedown Top-ranked NIC wrestlers defeat three schools at home Sports Page 10

The topranked North Idaho College women’s basketball team continued its winning ways the last few weeks and finds itself undefeated with an 11-0 mark heading into conference play Thursday at Colorado Northwestern Community College.

The Lady Cardinals beat the Community Colleges of Spokane on the road Friday with the score 60-43.

Freshman guard Georgia Stirton scored 18 points on the night and sophomore guard Katie Buskey followed closely behind with 17 points.

NIC defeated the North Idaho All-Stars on Saturday, Dec. 1, 90-51.

Stirton hit three of four three-pointers and finished with 17 points and six re-

bounds for the Lady Cardinals against a team with many former NIC players.

The friendly matchup began with the North Idaho All-Stars up by six points within the first three minutes of the game, but this year’s team quickly came back.

Buskey added 16 points and Kabri Emerson had 14 points and nine rebounds for NIC. The night before NIC defeated the North Idaho All-Stars, the Lady Cardinals beat the Community Colleges of Spokane 59-31 Nov. 30 at Rolly Williams Court.

NIC held Spokane to 13 of 49 (27 percent) shooting from the field, forced 15 turnovers and outrebounded them 49-34.

“We mixed up our bench a little bit and came out well,” said NIC head coach Chris Carlson. “We pushed through and that’s what a good team does, and that’s what we needed to do.”

Stirton led NIC with 11 points while Buskey and fellow sophomore Tori Davenport had 10 points each for NIC. “We got to keep playing good lock

down defense is our main thing, and come out a little stronger,” Carlson said.

Over Thanksgiving break, NIC traveled to Sheridan, Wyo., to play in the Lions Club Tournament hosted by Sheridan Community College. NIC defeated the Sheridan Community College Lady Generals 64-62 on Saturday, Nov. 24. The Lady Cardinals also beat the Gillette College Pronghorns 62-56 on Friday, Nov. 23.

On Nov. 20 NIC hosted the Columbia Basin Community College (CBCC) Hawks.

Stirton led NIC with 17 points and five assists in victory over the Hawks 83-61.

“I thought we got off to a great start on our home court,” Carlson said. “I think our defense was strong and we pushed the ball pretty good too. I thought we worked the ball around well and scored some good points.”

Emerson had 12 points, three blocks, and six rebounds for NIC. “I think what we have to take away

See UNDEFEATED | Page 10

The NIC women’s basketball team looks on as one of their fellow members adds two points. The women’s team proved their merit against the NIC All-Stars, a team of alumni basketball players. Gabe Green/Sentinel

Governor tours NIC welding facility Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter picks up some tips from North Idaho College Student Dan Bach, of Coeur d’Alene, during Otter’s tour of the NIC welding facility Thursday Nov. 6. Otter has taken several welding classes at the College of Southern Idaho. Courtesy photo.

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Nels Carlson Staff Writer

Benaiah Cheevers  Assistant Sports Editor Chad McIntosh  Staff Writer

“The biggest thing is the awkward stares you get from people. They tend to give you looks, like you’re doing something dirty.”

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WHERE TO START News...........................1

Sports.........................9

Perspectives............4

Games...................11

Features....................7

AISA..........................12

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class days left

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BREAK

News tip? Story idea?

Contact Christina Villagomez

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Campus News

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2012

State denies funding for Joint Use Building Building intended to link NIC, U of I, LCSC campuses Christina Villagomez News Editor The final leg of NIC’s education corridor will not receive state funding.

The college was denied the $4 million they requested from Idaho’s Permanent Fund Building Advisory Council to break ground for the joint-use building that would have united NIC with University of Idaho and Lewis and Clark State’s satellite campuses.

The facility is estimated to cost $12 million.

The rejected proposal outlined a plan to have the state appropriate $4 million for two years, while the three colleges would privately raise the remaining costs themselves.

Mark Browning, vice president of marketing and communications, said the council only approved a total of $9 million for the entire state.

“Almost everything that was presented to them was not funded,” Browning said.

Browning said despite the slowly recovering economy, legislators have remained cautious about funding projects similar to the joint-use building.

“I think it’s very much the mindset of ‘let’s work first to refill those rainy day accounts and then we’ll go from there,’” Browning said.

Browning said although the building will not be a part of the general funding request the college will make this year, NIC will attempt to request the funding for the building next year.

“We’ll continue to make the case for the need. Just because the funding doesn’t go away doesn’t mean the need does,” Browning said. “We’ll look to see what we

can do on our own here, we’d love for the state to partner with us, it makes a lot of sense, but in the meantime we have an obligation to the students and to the citizens of this area to our very best to make this happen.”

Vice President for Resource Management Ron Dorn said he doesn’t see the building remaining a priority for the college if it has to be privately funded in its entirety.

“It doesn’t look like they will be funding it in the foreseeable future,” Dorn said. “It might still remain on the list, but I doubt it would be number one.”

Additionally, Dorn said the need for the building may be overshadowed by other projects, such as a professional technical facility the board of trustees is currently considering constructing.

“They’re looking at alternatives, but not for that building in particular because we have other needs,” Dorn said.

Browning said a clear answer on what direction NIC’s expansion might go may not be answered until next year when President Joe Dunlap reveals his educational master plan.

The joint-use building, originally planned to be 80,000 square feet and three stories high, has seen much change in its planning since the initial proposal.

The current incarnation’s plans are 45,000 square feet, with its two stories envisioned as being a “one-stop shop” for students registering for any of the three colleges.

Browning said if completed, student accounts, registration and advising services would all be moved to the new building, with the empty office spaces in Lee Kildow retrofitted into classrooms.

The future of education?

NIC to explore massive open online courses David Brands Staff Writer NIC is considering massive open online courses (MOOCs) to provide students with potential venues to receive college credit.

“This could be a revolutionar y development in higher education, and MOOCs could teach us a lot about how to develop high-quality online learning experiences that complement faceto-face instruction,” said Josh Jarrett, senior program officer for postsecondar y success in the U.S. program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Jarrett said that MOOCs still have a long way to go to fulfill this vision, but the potential is there.

Because MOOCs have the potential to increase access to and reduce the costs of education, NIC faculty are being asked to serve on a task force to research and develop a strategy with regard to offering NIC credit to students who have successfully completed a MOOC, said Kathie O’Brien, instructor of technology.

O’Brien organized a group that would work with administration, staff and faculty to look into the possibilities of MOOCs at NIC with the goal of faculty representation from a variety of divisions.

Through the leadership of Lita Burns, vice president of instruction, NIC plans to look at these courses in terms of content and how they might apply in terms of credit for students, with the idea of making sure that the institution’s education continues to remain affordable and accessible, O’Brien said.

These classes are offered on many different topics, often by highly qualified university profes-

DID YOU KNOW?

sors, and have a variety of purposes, O’Brien said.

MOOCs provide free online college-level courses to anyone with Internet access in a variety of subjects ranging from advanced math and computer science to social science and humanities courses.

MOOC providers consist primarily of university consortia or university-affiliated institutions such as Stanford, Berkeley, Harvard, and Columbia.

MOOC courses, like conventional college courses, progress sequentially in difficulty, enabling the student to develop from beginner to advanced.

To test the individuals enrolled, frequent quizzes and mid-course or end-of-course exams are administered. The exams are then graded by peer groups or other students taking the same course.

Currently, MOOCs do not offer college credit or count toward an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Instead, they are aimed at people who want to gain valuable skills and knowledge for enjoyment or practical use.

However, many MOOC providers have been working to move forward and award degrees thus tapping into the vast market for college, graduate, and professional education, said the Becker-Posner Blog.

MOOCs are a recent development and most of them have only been around for a couple of years.

The Becker-Posner Blog said the movement toward online higher education could have an enormous impact on American higher education, comparable to the impact the Internet has had on bookstores and publishers. And the results could mean a considerable consolidation of colleges and universities.

Land designated for the potential $12 million joint-use building will remain a parking lot, as funding for the building was denied by the Idaho Legislature. Only a total of $9 million was approved for construction projects across the state this year. Ethan Schlussler/Sentinel

Breastfeeding finds new formula The Mothers’ Nook offers privacy, convenience Christina Villagomez News Editor For most, motherhood is a source of joy.

For 22-year old Stephanie Gutterud, it can also be a source of unexpected stress.

While the Post Falls resident juggles her psychology major and four month old daughter, she must also deal with the challenge of having chosen to breastfeed her child.

“The biggest thing is the awkward stares you get from people, they tend to give you looks, like you’re doing something dirty,” Gutterud said. “I think that people tend to assume that you’re just going to have to feed your baby formula to make others comfortable.”

Gutterud, who said she’s often forced to trek out to her car during the school day to feed her baby, is just one of many students and NIC employees currently

without a private place to breastfeed or pump milk.

All that will change in January, however, when NIC unveils The Mothers’ Nook lactation room in Lee Kildow.

“There was a need,” said Tami Haft, director of admissions. “There’s never been a space that would accommodate employees or students on campus before.”

While there are no specific statistics on how many mothers with young children currently attend NIC, Lynn Covey, executive assistant to the vice president of Student Services, said the campus’ Children’s Center annually enrolls between 58 to 62 children from newborn to 5 years old each year.

“I don’t think there is a large need, but there still is a need.

We’ve just never really taken the time to look at it.” Haft said.

Haft said the discussion began after she noticed more expecting moth-

ers on campus once the semester started.

She said during the same time the staff was struggling to accommodate a co-worker with a nursing baby. While trying to meet the needs of the employee, it was decided that the room should be a permanent expansion to the campus.

Vice President for Student Services Graydon Stanley said the timing couldn’t have been more perfect for planning the room.

“It was one of those moments where everything came together at the perfect time,” Stanley said. “All parties that had to do something to make this happen were exactly on the same page.”

Haft said to have the room completed and ready to use at the start of

See BREASTFEEDING | Page 3

Almost three-quarters of moms produce more milk with their right breast.

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A bird of a different feather

Marketing department looks into updating mascot costume, school colors Alex Rodal-Cubillas Staff Writer NIC’s beloved Cecil may be molting his feathers for the second time in campus history.

The marketing department is collaborating with ASNIC and the athletic department to redesign the mascot and school color scheme.

The decision, which is still in the planning phase, depends on the availability of funding.

New mascot costumes cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 depending on custom design and originality.

“The current Cecil costume is just not in great shape, the

need is absolutely there, he’s getting quickly outdated and tattered,” said Communications and Marketing Director Stacey Hudson.

Ideas being tossed around the departments involved include giving Cecil a more fierce and intimidating look.

“We want to keep Cecil fresh and updated as (Cecil) is really gaining prominence at events,” said NIC’s Vice President and Communications and Marketing Director Mark Browning.

Discussions on this subject are still in its early stages and no time frame for the new costume has been made at this time.

The marketing department at NIC is also looking to refresh the school’s traditional red, black, gray and white color scheme.

“We’re alive, we’re

vibrant, we’re responsive, we live, breathe and adapt every day,” Browning said. “We want the pieces we produce to reflect that.”

Colors seen on the NIC homepage such as orange, purple and green will be changed to NIC’s modernized colors.

Browning said that research done by the marketing department showed that people wanted to see more of the school’s colors and found the current look to be “stale,” lacking recognition factor.

The long-standing NIC logo will remain the same; however, the marketing department will add more brilliance and accents within the NIC color scheme to make the colors pop more.

“I think it’d be cool if they continue changing them for seasons or occasions but I think definitely as a default keeping those reds and grays would be cool,” said ASNIC senator Joshua Brand.

Changes in marketing will be gradual as it takes time to replace current marketing material with the new designs; however, changes are now taking place.

Stacey Hudson, communications and marketing director; Heather Butler, senior graphics designer; and Nick Granier, marketing coordinator; have worked closely together with Browning to put this new look into place.

“Marketing is not static,” Browning said. “You have to continuously work every day at it.”

What do Y drawings OU think the new Cecil s o sentin See The to uld look li Sentinel’eslsocialmedia@ghm ke /nicsenti nel for de Facebook pag ail.com by N?eSend your e at www.f tails. The w Years. a fan favor ite will reccebook.com eive a priz e.

>BREASTFEEDING from page 2

the spring semester.

Stanley said over winter break the team will decorate the room to make it a more welcoming environment.

The logistics of how exactly the room can be scheduled by

mothers also remains to be worked out, but Haft said the team is currently leaning toward having an open-use room with locks that display whether the room is occupied or vacant on the outside.

Gutterud said she looks forward to being able to use the room because she’ll no longer have to feel judged about

her decision to breastfeed.

“I got really excited, because it means more people are coming around to understand that as mothers we like to feed our babies without [having to use] formula,” Gutterud said. “We aren’t feeding our babies to make others uncomfortable; we’re feeding them because we need to.”

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GED program seeks funding options 4

Students applaud professional guidance, academic support David Brands Staff Writer A new program that allows students to obtain their GED and successfully transition to college is undergoing some changes in funding models as it looks into additional funding sources.

Funding for NIC’s Integrated Based Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) had been previously provided for by the Albertson’s Foundation Grant along with a few other grants with retention components on them, said Mike Mires, dean of professional, technical and workforce education.

“The hope is to be able to expand the retention strategies that we use here, and that work for students that are at risk populations, to the greater NIC and professional technical population.” Mires said.

I-BEST is currently working with soft money and is a grant funded effort but ultimately hopes to move toward a state-funded model, Mires said.

“I don’t think we’re going to rely on soft money forever,”

Mires said. “What I’m looking forward to is to have it become a totally state-funded effort as part of a bigger retention model.”

I-BEST staff offers aid and support for students in finding financial assistance, applying at the college and registering for classes.

I-BEST students are responsible for their tuition, fees and books and materials. It is designed to improve student success, engagement, study skills, utilization of support services and academic resources said Molly Kreyssler, I-BEST coordinator of professional-technical education.

“We’re always working on expanding student retention and success,” Kreyssler said.

“What we learn here and what works for students is what will be implemented for other NIC students who can benefit from it as well.”

Mires said that one of the many keys of reaching success in this program is going to a cohort, or educational group.

It’s having the students feel that this is a place where they can come and acquire profes-

sional guidance and help.

“If you want to call it handholding I guess that would be OK,” Mires said. “But sometimes I believe we think students are just going to walk into school and figure it all out and that it’s obvious, but it isn’t obvious at all. In fact, almost nobody gets that.”

Charles McCall, 28, a student in the I-BEST program pursuing a career as a machinist, said that he certainly wouldn’t be here without them.

“The venues they took to find us were amazing,” said McCall. “They helped me obtain my GED over the summer before my classes even started. These people genuinely care about us, it’s not just about school here.

It’s been like a family.”

Kreyssler said the I-BEST program goes to great extents to find at-risk students within the community.

“We find them at tattoo parlors, we find them at Wal-Mart, we find them on the streets, wherever they come from, and then see where they’re at and what they need to do and how they need to get there,” Kreyssler said.

CDAPD responds to student’s reckless driving 1

November 17 - An alcohol violation involving students in the lobby of the Residence Hall was referred for disciplinary action.

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November 22 - The Coeur d’Alene Police were called for a vehicle that drove through a construction area causing damage in the overflow lot. A student was identified as the driver, and a report was filed for disciplinary action.

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November 26 - An ambulance was dispatched to the Student Union Building for a medical call.

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November 27 - A vehicle was towed from campus proper ty

due to numerous unpaid parking citations.

5 November 28 - Minor vehicle collision took place between a NIC golf car t and a privately owned vehicle. No injuries were sustained.This was the second car crash involving an NIC golf cart this semester

6 December 3 - An NIC student was referred for disciplinary action for being vocally disruptive in an NIC facility.

7

December 6 -An electrical transformer malfunctioned on the north side of campus. Some buildings were without power overnight. Avista completed all repairs prior to classes on Friday.

Perspectives

Perspective tip? Story idea?

Contact Kaye Thornbrugh

-- kayethornbrugh@gmail.com

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2012

EDITORIAL

Holiday spirit abounds What does this season mean to you?

Maybe one (or more) of the holidays this month has particular religious significance for you. Maybe you don’t celebrate any holidays, but you enjoy the season anyway, as well as the opportunities for generosity and cheerfulness it brings.

Maybe December brings back childhood memories of snow angels and light displays, or maybe you just relish the opportunity to unearth that special Christmas sweater from the back of your closet.

Despite what the Mayan calendar might say, 2013 is coming. It’s a fresh start, a chance to start over and do things differently. But before the date rolls over, take advantage of this time.

Do something special. Take time to hang holiday lights; write cards or letters to loved ones; build a snowman; or even just take a moment to appreciate those Coca-Cola cans with polar bears on them.

Don’t just do it for yourself, either. The holiday season is the perfect time to share with others.

Try donating a few dollars to a favorite charity, or volunteer your time in the community. Additional random acts of kindness are always in season, but they can be especially meaningful during the holidays. Help a stranger carry groceries across an icy parking lot, or hold the door open for someone you’ve never met.

Of course, between decorating, gifts, parties and everything else, it’s easy to go overboard during the holidays. Case in point: Black Friday.

While it can be fun to get caught up in the spirit of things, it’s important to leave time to relax and take advantage of the holidays as a time to unwind, recharge those batteries and reflect before tackling the challenges of a new year.

A question of integrity Supporting Israel a moral obligation

theSentinel Awards

Associated Press Five-Star All-American Newspaper National Pacemaker and Newspaper of the Year Three-Time Robert F. Kennedy Award-Winner Society of Professional Journalists National First-Place General Excellence Award National Hall of Fame National Society of Professional Journalists First-Place Online Idaho Press Club General Excellence Award

Contributors Editorial Board

Hunter Allen

Kaye Thornbrugh Managing Editor

David Brands

Jantzen Hunsaker Web Master Christina Villagomez News Editor

Nels Carlson

Kaycie Baird Trevor Brezee Connor Coughlin Christopher Deane Katelynn Eppenstein

Garrett Cabeza Sports Editor

Israel Gonzales

Sarah Munds Features Editor

Andrea Jackson

Gabriel Green Photo Editor Benaiah Cheevers Assistant Sports Editor Geoff Carr Adviser

Thomas Hansen Tyson Juarez Haleigh Kerr-Wissink Chad McIntosh Alex Rodal-Cubillas Isaac Schaefer Ethan Schlussler Rachel Single-Schwall Beau Valdez Jake Wright Martin

Letters to the Editor Policy

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he Sentinel welcomes letters to the Editor.

Those who submit letters must limit them to 300 words, sign them legibly and provide a home phone number in order to verify authenticity. Some letters may not be printed because of space limitations, or because they: 1) are similar to a number of letters already

DID YOU KNOW?

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just one issue facing the merica, we have nation of Israel. There’s a problem. It’s a also the centuries-old problem far beconflict between the yond our economy, our environment and Jews and Muslims living our education. It’s both a in Israel.

It takes two to make logical and ethical proba relationship work. But lem facing us presently, what if one wants nothand each day it’s getting ing to do with the other? worse.

What if one left the What is this problem?

It’s a decision, a decision other on its own in times of trouble? Now, I would that hasn’t been made say that’s a and it’s af fectdisgraceful ing a good “I believe thing to do friend of Amerto another ica, Israel. that if person. If It seems the U.S. the United like probsupports States will lems with Isnot suprael have been Israel, we por t Israel, happening for will be where does quite some time now, esblessed as a that leave integripecially over nation. Why our ty? We have the past centurn our to do what’s t u r y. R e c e n t best for our ly ther e have back on a countr y as been news refriend?” a whole. por ts about IsDon’t we? rael por traying many of Israel’s current What if what’s best for pr ob lem s . Fr om r ock - our countr y is suppor tets being fired over the ing our friend, Israel?

A well-known verse Gaza-Israel border to Israelis being in conflict i n t h e B i b l e , G e n e s i s with Arabs and Palestin- 12:1-3, states that “The ians, there is more than Lord had said to Abram,

‘Leave your native coun- States was established, tr y, your relatives, and our founding fathers your father’s family, and governed our nation with faithful go to the land values. Many that I will of them were show you. I Christians. will make you Would they into a great have supnation. I will por ted Israel? bless you and In my mind make you fathe answer mous, and you to that queswill be a blesstion is yes, of ing to others.

Benaiah course.

I will bless Cheevers If you those who Assistant Sports go online to bless you and Editor CNN.com or curse those other reliable who treat you news web with contempt.

All the families on ear th sites and search for curwill be blessed through rent news about what’s going on with Israel you you.’” will discover all of the I believe that this problems Israel is havverse is absolutely true. ing. Your question may I can’t make you hold be, “Why should we the same belief, but I do have anything to do with encourage you to check their problems?” out this reasoning for Well, why have many yourself. Should the U.S. nations over the years suppor t Israel? I believe failed to suppor t Israel, the answer is absolutely, a nation seeking the best and if Israel does need for its people? I believe assistance, then we that if the U.S. suppor ts should help them.

Israel, we will be blessed Go with me back as a nation. Why turn to the basics for a moour back on a friend? ment. When the United

received on the same subject; 2) are possibly libelous; or 3) are illegible. The Sentinel reserves the right to edit letters. Letters may be mailed to the paper, e-mailed, faxed or brought to Room 203 of the Siebert Building. The Sentinel’s address is 1000 W. Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID, 83814.

The prehistoric ape called Gigantopithecus stood up to nine feet tall and weighed up to 1,200 lbs.

PERSPECTIVES

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The reason for the season Staffer ponders meaning of holidays

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gave gifts? hy do we come Is it to create a reason for together for the people to buy things, so retailChristmas season? Is ers can deplete their it the hope inventories to help getting together with them have a profitable family or friends, or year? is it just the feeling of Is it to commemowanting to belong? rate the winter solOr what compels stice, and perpetuate a us to of fer peace and Druid rite? good-will toward our Is it to inser t a celfellow man? Is it beebration half-way because we believe all David Brands tween the har vest and men are equal?

Staff Writer spring planting?

And why do we Whatever the give gifts during reasons (to each Christmas? What “And why their own), it is cermakes us want to give do we give tainly wor thy of some that which we are, or have, or have worked gifts during thought; after all is ver y little for?

Christmas? there one can do to avoid But most of all, What makes being impacted in did we conceive these some way. seeds of thought on us want to Studies show that our own or were they give that if one is to promote first planted into our health and a positive minds by some faithwhich we one must ful farmer? are, or have, outlook, not read into their Why do people or have environment in a celebrate and come together during this worked for?” negative way or tr y to change something time of year? that so clearly brings Why do people so much joy and happiness to so buy and send cards and scurr y many. around buying presents and decorating?

Why do people commemorate this season by the buying and giving of gifts?

Why do people sing carols and put up lights, or naments, and trees?

Why is Christmas an event that occurs all over the world?

Is it to commemorate the bir th of Christ, the Savior, and give gifts just as He was the Gift of Salvation to the world, and just like the wise men who also

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the sentinel | 5

Film festival Holidays ideal time to indulge inner child

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features an unexpectedly Claus.” This cycle of viewing is the season to stir ring love stor y). There’s and weeping will repeat itself watch children’s also “Rudolph and Frosty’s a few times between Thanksmovies.

Christmas in July,” that inFor some rea- giving and New Year’s Eve. explicable crossover movie. s o n , m o s t h o l i d a y m o v i e s It’s a surprisingly emotional I’m not sure why it exists, seem to be gear ed towar d movie.

Like most people who have but I’m glad it does. children, and that’s just fine (It’s wor th noting that, with me. During the rest of ever bought clothes at Hot the year, I tend to get side- Topic, I rank “The Nightmare in addition to the holiday ways looks when I indulge in Before Christmas” ver y highly specials, the fine folks o n m y at Rankin-Bass also cremy passion for “... as if there’s something l i s t o f ated “The Last Unicorn”; an holiday oddly charming animated kid’s m o v - unusual about a 20-year-old movies. version of The Hobbit; and woman loving Zac Efron I f y o u an absolutely terrifying aniies by d o n ’ t mated version of “The Redoing and ridiculous musical f i n d turn of the King,” complete things numbers designed to thrill yourself with spooky rotoscoping.) l i k e As far as I’m concerned, moved renting preteen girls.” b y t h e the best par t of the holi“High m u s i c day season is the excuse School M u s i c a l 3 , ” a s i f t h e r e ’ s and stor ytelling, you should to indulge my inner child, something unusual about a probably check your pulse whether by flopping around 2 0 - y e a r - o l d w o m a n l o v i n g and make sure you’re doing in a snow-covered yard, takZ a c E f r o n a n d r i d i c u l o u s all right. In addition to being ing on the challenge of tr ymusical numbers designed a fine example of filmmaking, ing to catch snowflakes on my tongue and to thrill preteen girls. Appar- “ T h e N i g h t m a r e avoid being hit by ently there’s also something Before Christmas” a car while I cross slightly unusual about the is also a multipura parking lot, or aforementioned 20-year-old pose movie: It can sitting down to woman getting so worked up be watched at Halwatch the Spongeby the season finale of “The loween and Christbob Christmas Legend of Kor ra” that she mas, and be in seaSpecial. finds herself actually yelling son both times. Two That’s my adbirds, one stone. at the screen. vice this holiday Let’s not forBut once Thanksgiving Kaye Thornbrugh season: Enjoy it. get those claspasses, none of that matters.

Managing Editor Allow yourself sic Rankin-Bass I’m free to watch as many the freedom to be Christmas spe(seasonal) children’s movunironically and cials. While “Ruies as I please without being dolph the Red-Nosed Rein- unabashedly excited about judged for it. After all, I’m deer” is a good little movie, all the little things that only just being festive.

I think it’s a bit over rated. come around once a year— For tunately, there’s a I’ll never understand why holiday movies, mall Santas, wide selection of movies to choose from. I generally kick it’s so much more popular endless covers of “The Little than its fellow specials, like Drummer Boy,” or whatever of f the holiday season with “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to happens to warm the cockles the first viewing of “Fred To w n ” ( s t a r r i n g a y o u n g , of your hear t. Really, isn’t Claus,” which coincides with redheaded Santa Claus pup- that what the holidays are all the first open weeping sespet) and “Jack Frost” (which about? sion while watching “Fred

Readers Write: ‘War on Christmas’ imaginary

A

s we crawl deeper into December, the Internet and the people take their turn fanning a fire that shouldn’t even exist. The annual Christmas vs. Holiday war rages on, with no end in sight. As it fills up my Facebook feed and Google News, it eats away at me that this is even a topic of discussion. The truth of the matter is that there is no “War on Christmas.”

There, I’ve said it. Maybe take a second, give it another read. In fact, I’ll repeat it: There is no war on Christmas. It doesn’t exist.

Before you disregard what I’m saying with a scoff, and a brochure of every Christmas – holiday word change in the past 50 years, allow me to explain. This debate consists largely of two parts: winter greetings, and trees.

In the case of the greetings debate, the answer is simple. There

jority of people are not saying “holiday” in order to deliberately persecute Christians who want to celebrate. Say “Christmas” all you want! Christmas, Christmas, Christmas! Nobody is walking around with a nightstick, threatening to beat you for celebrating Christmas. Nobody is telling you that you are wrong. Anyone who is replacing words isn’t doing so against Christianity, they are doing so for the rest of the population who isn’t, and that’s okay! Acceptance is okay, I promise.

I do not personally believe that there is any real need to make the switch and call decorated pines “holiday trees.” But at the end of the day, it hasn’t affected me at all. Must your religion receive constant validation from the government in order to remain real?

If you are comfortable with your faith, and your reason for celebra-

days.” are multiple holidays in a short As for the “holiday tree” despan of time. If you celebrate bacle, I honestly think it’s dumb Christmas, you may happen to in its own way. Mostly, it’s such a notice on any calendar ever, that it rare occurrence, I’m not even sure is quickly followed by New Years, it’s worth mentioning. The media which, incidentally, is also a holihas a way of taking individual and day.

Businesses would see benefit relatively isolated incidents, and popularizin promoting them. ing the term “Nobody is walking The “happy holimore days” bearound with a night stick, we see cause they threatening to beat you for someare selling thing, to people celebrating Christmas.” the more who may or inclined may not celebrate. It is never a bad thing to we are to believe it’s a big deal. It’s encompass the beliefs of others, a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy. especially when you’re tr ying to As soon as people hear about it, an make sales to a large anonymous opinion is formed, a side is taken, group of people. God will (likely) and a tiny thing becomes the beast not strike you down if you aren’t it never was.

This “war” is only exists as enraged that a business would promote the term “happy holi- long as we allow it. The vast ma-

tion, how will these changes truly affect your celebration?

This year, when you’re about to repost an Internet story about that one thing that one guy said about Christmas, and how mad you are it’s being stolen away, remember, this isn’t about you, and it doesn’t change anything. Perhaps you can make a goal out of it: Every minute you spend mad because you’re entitled to the term “Christmas,” you can spend the same amount of time volunteering your time to a food bank, or give some money to a charity, or do anything (I mean it, anything) else that will actually do some good. There is no time or reason for this battle to continue.

Let the fire die, and whatever you celebrate, let’s make sure everyone has a good one.

Signed, Melaina Bell, NIC student

CAMPUS VOICES

What are you most looking forward to about the holidays?

Alex Rodal-Cubillas Staff Writer Beau Valdez Staff Photographer

Justin Petersen ■ 20, nursing, Cologne, Germany

“December 21, I will be at the fire department dealing with a whole bunch of crazy people.

Candice Rizzie ■ 23, early Christmas break at childhood development and education, Oxnard, Calif. the fire department “Going home to California is always busy and exciting!” to visit my family.”

Candace Rownquillo ■ 19, nursing, Corona, Calif.

“I’ve never been snowboarding before, so I am looking forward to that!”

Thomas Gillilan ■ 19, mechanical engineering, Post Falls

“I am most looking forward to going to Kansas to see my girlfriend.”

6 | the sentinel

PERSPECTIVES

Starving artist New Bohemian seeks cheaper campus food

I

vice of a microwave, meant was the same stor y cost me $15 to $20 a day to ing I can only choose beevery time I walked into eat no more than two full tween getting frozen meals NIC’s cafeteria. Each meals. When Dining Sertime I would push my vices is your sole source of and dry foods.

Today for lunch I ate way through those metallic food, this adds up quickly turnstiles, I let out the heavy over time. It soon becomes the last piece of the $2 tortured sigh of a man who the same situation as a per- expired apple pie and a piece of bread with peanut is given the same exact op- son who eats out for every butter on it. For dinner tions to eat ever y single single meal every single I had half a package of day. day: Cheese It’s for this $1 rice curry. It’s “nutripizza, calzone, reason I find my- tious” choices like these fried bologna self in a Catch-22 I’m forced to make that and cheese position. I live in have left me constantly sandwich, fried the dorms and lethargic, tired, and emptychicken diphave no vehicle stomached. pers. I find it Maybe this is finally of my own for ironic that Dintransportation. I my chance to start calling ing Ser vices’ am almost com- myself a Bohemian, since mission statement says they Connor Coughlin pletely trapped I’ve quite literally become on campus, only a starving artist. Maybe provide “nutriStaff Writer having my bike then it would give me the tious meals” or my own two right to complain about the when at least two-thirds of their food se- feet to lead me to the near- “elitist bourgeoisie.”

I know I’m lections run along this ar- e s t g r o c e r y not the only store. Luckily tery-clogged vein.

“Maybe this one experiencfor me though, But I can put these there is a bus problems far behind me is finally my ing these kinds of troubles, system I can now because I’m lucky if chance to so maybe I’ll take to stores I get three full meals each day. The money in my food that are cheapstart calling spearhead a student moveer though furaccount ran out in late Ocmyself a ment to get ther away… tober and since that point, Bohemian, Dining Servicbut because it has been a struggle to es reformed. of the wonderget myself food. My acsince I’ve Or maybe, ful inconvecount would have been nience of this quite literally just maybe, refilled if it were possible, I’m nothing bus system, a but my parents underbecome a more than standably can’t afford to do simple trip to starving a delirious, Wal-Mar t will that. They have two chilartist.” hunger-ridden often take sevdren in college, numerous fool who is too repairs to be made on their eral hours to accomplish. Living in the hopeful for his own good vehicles, and monthly bills dorms offers another gas- and can sense nothing but to pay on a single income. tronomic conundrum as I’m the sad grumbles of his Food on campus is overlimited to the cooking de- own belly. priced, plain and simple. It

Monday, december 10, 2012

get the message

B

‘Friend zone’ nonexistent, immature

If you don’t have the guts to tell reaking news! “Friend zone” someone that you like them, how disproved! are they ever going to know? Simply You heard me: The “friend dropping hints does not zone” is a sham, work. You can’t just assume a fake, a lie. The more I that they are going to know think about it, the more how you feel because you ridiculous it sounds. This happen to laugh at their might get offensive, so jokes, or smile at them. stop reading now if you’re Now onto the second faint of heart. thing. This one really gets In popular culture, me going. Let me get this the “friend zone” restraight: You’re ‘friend fers to a platonic rezoned’ because someone lationship where one Kaycie Baird you have interest in isn’t inperson wishes to enter Staff Writer terested in you? Pardon my into a romantic relafrankness, but that sounds a tionship, while the heck of a lot like you being other does not. There rejected and being unable to handle it. are two ways to enter into the soThere is no such thing as the called “friend zone.” friend zone. It’s just a phrase that The first way is to find yourself was made up by some pathetic saps attracted to someone, but be unable who couldn’t handle the truth of reto tell them how you feel due to your jection, or who was letting some jerk lack of courage. or trollop lead them on. Wake up, The second way, much like the first, people! The friend zone doesn’t exist. is to find yourself attracted to someone You either need to grow a pair, speak who uses it to his or her advantage. up about your feelings, or move on.

Let me start in on the first way.

The blame game Guys not solely at fault for 'friend zone’ F

“friend zone” we are talking alse premises and about needs to stop being non-existent are two circulated among the Ameriwords I’m going to can people. In my mind, it’s use to define the not even a real “friend zone.” thing. It’s just a Sorr y, ladies, made up idea to but it’s not alattempt to define ways the guy’s what naturally fault that there’s takes place, no an awkwardness matter who you that occurs when are. a guy is nice to To me, the a lady. It’s too “friend zone” is naïve, in my opinonly useful for ion, to label the Benaiah comedic purposweak attempts Cheevers es. If you search of men tr ying Assistant Sports “friend zone” on to woo women Editor Google, you can with kindness. find many InWho created ternet memes depicting the the “friend zone,” anyway? “friend zone” in a comedic I think it was a girl once light. upon a time who wanted a So if you were to take way to define how silly men anything away from readcan be sometimes. ing this article ,I hope it I remember all the would be that the “friend cliques in high school. zone” isn’t real. It’s only There were many instances awkward if you make it where awkwardness took awkward. I’d say that the place between male and fe“friend zone” is just young male teens, especially when people who need to learn young hopeless-romantic how to be real and straight boys attempt to win the heart of a girl by being over- up ask one another on a date. ly nice. But I think that this

Connor Coughlin

off the grid

Staffer tackles challenges of online learning in rural environment Israel Gonzales Staff Writer

D

rop your mind off in the most rural part of your imagination. I am talking literally over the mountains and through the woods, other side of the railroad tracks kind of Idaho rural, way out in the boonies.

Deep in the valley between the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountain Ranges rests my neighborhood.

I live beyond the “drop zone” of cell reception. Not even a text message relays here. High-speed Internet? Forget it. What’s that, anyway? Does it have something to do with the Google?

Internet is available to some folks out here via a satellite provider. The problem with satellite Internet is that speeds vary, and the service can fall out with the passing of a thick cloud.

My home happens to be on

right they should. We are operatthe wrong side of the mountain, ing in the 21st century, competing where the trees are too tall. I do with other 21st century students. have great views and, frankly, I However, the completely online love where I live. Online educadelivery of education seems like it tion in a mostly rural situation should be cheaper, even though it would make sense for many costs the students, same as when con“The problem with satellite traditional sidering transportaInternet is that speeds vary, classes.

Whether tion cost and the service can fall out logged in and busy a camschedules. with the passing of a thick at pus comHowever, puter lab I have cloud.” or loosely learned the connected hard way ISRAEL GONZALES to the that when Staff Writer net at a faced with friendly latency, neighbor’s house, countless hours updates and upgrades, repair this drift by, time spent waiting for or defrag that, I prefer the lively online studies to load, download, classroom old-school education open, search, and attach. in contrast to the ominous online I remember much of what was classes void of human contact. taught and explained in the live The live classes still require classrooms. I am grateful for those a strong computer literacy, and

students who thought of a question and courageously spoke up. Logging onto a discussion board does not seem to have the same effect.

I have become one of those students who avoid the online classes, unless all else fails. Not out of a fear or ignorance of technology, but out of a discontent for that type of an educational delivery. Then again, I began my first semester with yoga...just yoga.

That’s right, only one class that semester. I loved it.

Online classes are not less difficult, and the semester schedules still apply. The online classes do allow for more creative use of one’s time, the course material is available to download, and the instructors do respond quickly to questions. However, apprehension lurks with the lack of development of one’s interpersonal skills that the online environment fosters.

Improvement of cooperative problem solving and the enhancement

of one’s educational experience warrant the “online classrooms” role rather than the devaluation of academia.

Just because students ask for a “McEducation” does not mean a college need provide one. Perhaps we can find a way to integrate the two delivery methods a little more effectively. Online classes are great for conflicting schedules and reducing a student’s transportation costs. However, online classes do not deliver an education as well as a live classroom setting. Should they cost the same?

I am appreciative of the educational opportunities that NIC provides. Thank you, NIC, for the outreach centers. Otherwise, the whole idea of going back to school would have simply remained a dream, not only for me, but also for many other students who live in the rural, mountain-locked areas of this state.

Lifestyles

Lifestyles tip? Story idea?

Contact Sarah Munds --

smmunds@students.nic.edu

WWW.NICSENTINEL.COM

PAGE 7

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2012

COMMENTARY

‘But why?’ they asked Renegade thinkers revive dead philosophers’ club

Connor Coughlin Staff Writer

upcoming events

See Lucas Cole and David McKerracher on campus and you would have little idea that the two laid-back NIC students are zealous philosophers. Cole and McKerracher, both philosophy majors, decided to channel this enthusiasm for intellectual inquiry into forming a philosophy club.

“A lot of times in class you don’t have enough time in open discussion to take ideas as far as you want,” said Cole, the president of the club, “so we wanted to create a setting where we can take as long as we need to.”

Each meeting will focus

on a certain philosophy or there will be enough genphilosopher; there will be a eral interest to bring more talk on the respected subphilosophy classes to NIC.” ject and then it will be open A larger number of phito discussion. losophy classes is important Among the many acto Cole and McKerracher. tivities According planned, to Boise the club “...everything’s going State Uniis sponto be on the table. It’s versity, soring philosophy not for the faint of lectures, majors attending rank higher mind.” philososcores on phy conthe LSAT ferences, (Law School DAVID MCKERRACHER and hostAdmisphilosophy club revivalist ing movie sions Test) nights that and GMAT will be (General open to the public.

Management Admissions “We plan on being pretty Test) than all other majorsactive next semester,” said excluding math and ecoMcKerracher, the vice presnomics. But this importance ident of the club. “Hopefully runs on a deeper, more per-

sonal level for the two.

“There’s a misconception about philosophy majors we’re trying to fix,” said McKerracher. “A lot people think we’re like the character from the movie ‘Grandma’s Boy’ who thinks he’s in ‘The Matrix.’ We want to show them that it’s nothing like that; it’s actually pretty fun and the classes are fascinating.”

The first meeting is upstairs in Echo Bay of the Student Union Building, December 11 at 4:30 p.m.

“Everybody’s welcome,” said Cole. “You don’t have to be a philosophy major to come.”

“But everything’s going to be on the table.” added McKerracher. “It’s not for the faint of mind.”

Boswell Pottery Sale

12 Days of Sales

Drama Fundraiser

NIC Christmas Pottery Sale from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11 and Wednesday, Dec. 12 in Boswell Hall room 158

Clothing, NIC mugs, movies and ear buds will be among the merchandise discounted at the Mica Peak Exchange’s 12/12/12 celebration sale.

Actors, Vagabonds, and Such presenting “Fiction” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 in the Molstead Library to raise money for club events.

7 HALO feet of

Crushin’ the Covenant in time for Pre-Calc Sarah Munds Features Editor

After five months and 700 hours of 3-D rendering, wrestling with fiberglass molds, and painting meticulously, Master Chief was born, 7 feet tall, to designer and constructor Jonathan Groves.

But he isn’t a Halo nerd. Groves, who nears seven feet without his shoes on, built a suit of the popular video game’s protagonist, Master Chief.

A cyborg, Master Chief leads the inhabitants of Earth to victory after victory against a coven of alien races hell-bent on activating an ancient weapon designed to destroy all life.

“There are different classifications of people out there. There are fanatics and there are nerds. I would definitely say I’m a Halo fan, but I would say that the nerd classification falls under the people who literally adore Halo. I’m just a casual gamer,” Groves said.

Instead of video games, Groves nerds out to design. As a graphic design major, he embarked on the Master Chief project to explore his interest in fiberglass sculpture.

“I built it specifically to understand the materials, just like you would in a drawing class,” Groves said, “and to just unleash my ultimate design potential. I see more to show my design, really.”

The process was grueling, Groves said. First, he used a computer program to make a digital 3-D model to design the suit. After that, the model was printed out on various sheets of paper to make a paper fold. Groves then applied fiberglass resin to both

sides to harden the model. Fiberglass matting reinforces individual pieces. Finally, the finished costume was painted in a less traditional black and gold scheme.

Each part of the suit took approximately three hours to complete.

“When I attempted to do it my first try, I had no previous knowledge about how to use the materials. I didn’t want to poison myself; I didn’t want to die from harmful chemicals,” Groves said. He taught himself how to build his Master Chief creation by watching instructional videos and perusing various costuming websites.

Groves was surprised to see his photo in the Wall Street Journal after he wore the suit to the Halo 4 premier.

He wasn’t even aware that he had been featured until a friend noticed the picture by chance.

Since his original premiere in the suit, Groves has journeyed to a variety of different locales as Master Chief.

His next appearance will be at Triple Play on New Years.

To see more of the suit and Groves’s other projects, visit jgrenders.com.

To see a day-in-a-life photo gallery of student Master Chief, visit nicsentinel.com.

Overexposed Better high-definition isn’t always beneficial

Jake Wright Martin Staff Writer “The Hobbit” takes high defintion to new level, shot in 48 fps (frames per second) versus the 24fps that most full-length films have been shot at in the past.

What does this mean? It means high definition like you’ve never seen before. Most films you’re used to seeing are shot at 24 fps.

Why? Because movie theaters can run them and because this speed offers a certin amount of cover for actors, cinematographers and designers. Small mistakes and shortcuts can be made at 24 fps because the viewer won’t notice.

At 48fps, (that’s twice the frame rate of normal movies) the detail is so refined that viewers can see the actors contact lenses, individual water droplets in a waterfall in the background, and every single tiny hair sticking out of Gandalf’s nose.

Twice the picture quality is a good thing, right? Not necessarily.

Reviewers of “The Hobbit” say the movie is too real, so real it feels fake. From the HRP (high rate of play, 48 fps and up) clips I’ve seen, I can attest to this.

Some scenes feel less like a movie and more like watching a dress rehearsal on a movie set. The crispness and clarity of 48fps also tends to remove the viewer from the movie. The focus on hyper-realism takes away the immersion factor.

Another issue talked about was that the brain isn’t used to processing images at 48 fps, an optical illusion that makes actors seem to be moving faster, although words match lips.

Only ten thousand or so theaters will be able to support the 48 fps version by the time “The Hobbit” drops, so Peter Jackson, director of the movie, in all his wisdom, has filmed “The Hobbit” in six, yes six different formats: 2D, 3D, and 3D IMAX all in both 24 and 48 fps.

Sound scary or exciting? Do your own research, pick a theater that will support the format you want to see and enjoy.

Im looking forward to the IMAX in 48 fps.

Jake Wright Martin is a writer for The Sentinel. His opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sentinel. Respond to this column online at nicsentinel.com.

Beau Valdez/Sentinel

DID YOU KNOW? Halo 2 ranks as X-box’s top-selling video game. Over 8 million copies have been sold.

8 | the sentinel

FEATURES

COMMENTARY

Author in the East

Dorm Life Christmas is here, along with relief of the semester’s end

Andrea Jackson Staff Writer Well, fellow students, Christmas break is just around the corner. These three short weeks will close the semester… my first semester of college. Before I know it, I will be on a plane flying back to my house in Nampa. Seemingly in the blink of an eye, I’ll be sitting in my living room, with the aroma of my mom’s homemade snicker doodle cookies wafting through my house. Maybe then I will finally allow myself to sink into the comforting-relief of a whole month free from school, as I blankly doze off while gazing at the flickering bulbs of our fake tree.

Downtown Coeur d’Alene, on the other hand, does not have a single bulb out of whack. In fact, their lights twinkle with that little magic something you felt inside each year as Christmas approaches.

Apparently, I’m not the only one who feels this way.

“I know right! I love the lights downtown! The view is way better if you go around the marina so you can see the lights up close,” exclaimed Liz Grisez.

Liz Grisez is your average eighteen-year-old girl next door with whom conversation comes naturally. Liz is majoring in Photography and is from Kingston, Washington, a town across the water from Seattle that she claims is full of inconsiderate people who rarely ever stop to say “please” or “thank you” and glare at you when you make eye contact with them in the grocery store.

Grisez is thankful she is living here at NIC for this reason and for the freedom she gets living six hours away from her family, no longer needing to ask her parents when she wants to go somewhere.

She did not always feel this way though. She confessed how weird it was going from a place where she has a lot of friends, then coming here to Coeur d’Alene where she knew absolutely no one.

“Well you’re kind of alone but everyone is alone so it isn’t too hard to make friends and I’m having a lot of with the whole college experience,” Grisez said.

She is also fed up with the laundry situation and having to constantly gather quarters.

She chuckled when she said “the Dollar Store has become my new favorite store.”

Grisez said there isn’t much to do in CDA, so for fun she usually just spends time with her roommate or goes on late night runs to Sonic.

She really likes the different events the dorm hosts.

Though she said the “Pamper Party” was a snore. They just painted nails and watched a movie but that night the dorm was having their annual Holiday Extravaganza and Grizes asked me if I’d go with her.

We made ornaments, decorated cookies, and drank hot chocolate. It was a swell way to celebrate the holiday season here, and to my surprise, I made a new friend along the way.

Andrea Jackson is a writer for The Sentinel. Her opinions are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sentinel. Respond to this column online at nicsentinel.com.

Self defense instructor writes novel Andrea Jackson Staff Writer

Imagine a young man, wanting to advance his skills in the martial arts, who discovers more about himself through his service in the Army. A man who is thrust into situation after situation, testing his stamina, skill and faithfulness to his wife, while wondering if he has what it takes to perservere through his trials.

Michael M. Foley’s novel “James Mclain, Operation Green Harvest” describes this young man, a story based off of his own life.

Foley, a Coeur d’ Alene local, teaches hand-to-hand combat and even foreign language. Currently, Foley works as a project manager in Afghanistan and wants to get the word out about his new book.

“James Mclain, Operation Green Harvest” is currently offered as an e-book.

“He was a Green Beret, Special Forces, Army Special Operations Unit and an ex-Army Ranger. He has been in nearly every position in the Army. His book is about his struggle balancing his family life with his life in the Army,” said Melanie Warner, Foley’s daughter. “He took it up himself to teach hand to hand combat for free to our troops so they know how to defend themselves, even without weapons.”

Foley’s training started with Jiu-Jitsu in high school. After graduating, he’d train in Omega Systems of Karate and Kempo

Chuan Fa. He also began an acting career at this time, beginning in college.

Later, Foley joined the Army in 1976 and was stationed in Hawaii. During those four years, he trained in Koden Kan Karate, Danzan-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, Kyokushinkai Karate, Shotokan Karate, Taekwondo, Hwa Rang Do, Shorinji Kempo and Muay Thai Kickboxing. Foley also has experience in Tai Chi. He trained under the founder of Kyokushinkai Karate, Mas Oyama in Japan. Foley has traveled over the whole world for his work in the army and his martial arts training. He has trained Koden-Kan Karate-do for over 30 years.

He has his own training center in Post Falls for Martial Arts, the Hand to Hand Combat Training Center, or H2HCTC, that both he and his daughter teach at.

Foley suggests that discipline is most needed for our youth and says they can obtain this characteristic through martial arts.

“In Koden Kan, we emphasize one more very important aspect of training; control. Desire is first because it is needed just to get through the front door the first time. Then, it’s what keeps you coming in over months and years of regular attendance,” says the H2HCTC. For more information about Michael M. Foley or to join a selfdefense class, go to www.h2hctc. com. The Hand to Hand Combat Center is located on Seltice in Post Falls.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Comedy Night

Jokes and laughter grace SUB movies, haunted houses and colleges, stories from her college days and roommates who “pee in refrigerators,” relationships and grocery shopping.

Alexandra McHale presentMcHale states on the topic of ed a comedic stand-up perforproduce bags, “I did this survey mance for North Idaho College about men and women who use Thursday. these produce bags on bananas.

“I know you’re all wonderWomen always use the bags. ing how they paid for the main But men, never bag their bacharacter of Brave to be here,” nanas. They say that they don’t McHale joked, referencing her like the way it feels.” She laughs, bright red hair.

“And if you didn’t get The event, joke…just always sponsored by “Yes, this is that use protection.”

ASNIC, took big news. Me She ended her place in the SUB. McHale standing two performance with a story about a guy who started off with feet from the commented on how a few potato and Twilight jokes. ceiling in a many calories where the cheesecake she “In Idaho basement.” in was about to eat. “Beyou grow a lot of fore he could tell me very pointy pine how many, I reached trees…it’s like ALEXANDRA MCHALE across the table and going to a new comedian punched him in the land…like some throat. And since Bella and Edward he couldn’t swallow, I ate his stuff is going to jump out at any cheesecake too.” moment.”

McHale has been seen on She then started getting NBC’s The Tonight Show with more involved with the audiJay Leno, The Late Late Show, ence.

“I’m happy there is a dude in Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, and has been a commena fur hat taking pictures of me in tator on VH1’s “I Love the 80’s.” the front row. What is this for?”

She has also headlined at over McHale asked.

300 colleges and was voted the “It’s for our newspaper,” 2002 and 2003 “Female EnterEthan Schlussler, Sentinel photainer of the Year” by Campus tographer, replied.

Activities Magazine.

“Yes, this is big news. Me For more information about standing two feet from the ceilthe event and future upcoming ing in a basement,” McHale events you can contact ASNIC at joked.

McHale then went on in her (208)769-5933 or visit their Faceperformance, joking about scary book page.

Haleigh Wissink Staff Writer

Christmas trees, lights, and melodies

Boswell Christmas performace showcases NIC choir and wind symphony Tyson Juarez Staff Writer Two Christmas trees sat in the dimly lit Boswell hall as people entered. They were decorated with blue, green, red, and yellow lights; they were covered in bows and garland.

The glow of the season fell upon the crowd as the tree was lit.

On the first of December, The NIC choral and symphony students, much like the Christmas tree, revealed the holiday spirit. The performers took to the stage, singing and playing songs that reflected the cheer and happiness of Christmas and other holidays.

Many students, parents, and music appreciators gathered

to watch the annual Sounds of Christmas concert. The performance featured jazz and traditional chorales alongside orchestral band performances.

The evening showcased the performances of very talented musicians. The choral performers and wind symphony played a three hour set for a crowd of around 300 or more. The performers played upon a festive holiday stage that was illuminated by Christmas lights, wreathes, and the two Christmas trees.

The musicians brought forth the magic of the holiday season by playing many classics including “Frosty the Snowman” and “O Holy Night.” The choral singers also performed foreign pieces, opening with the Zim-

Porking Out at Porky G’s

Filling up on Northwest Boulevard’s pulled pork and home cooking

babwe greeting, “Sorida,” and later performing the French song “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella.”

All of the music was diverse and covered holidays from Hanukah to Christmas. The performers’ hard work paid off as they awed the audience with dazzling medleys and carols.

The choral jazz performers put a twist on classic Christmas songs by performing more upbeat versions. The jazz choir performed a swing rendition of “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” The musicians also did a piece arranged by Kirby Shaw called “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” which created some toe tapping in the audience.

“We like to approach a more adventurous take on traditional

Christmas songs,” said Max Mendez, NIC chorale conductor.

The Wind Symphony brought excitement to the stage under conductor Terry M.L Jones by performing pieces such as “Finale for a Winter Festival” and the wondrous arrangement by Julian Bond, “Fantasia on Silent Night.” The symphony proved to be loud and powerful, but they also played very peaceful and intricate pieces that created a sense of the holiday’s true meaning.

The wind symphony and the cardinal chorale ended the night by performing together for a holiday sing along and a visit from Santa. Much of the crowd participated and kept the beat along with the songs.

Jake Wright Martin Staff Writer

Porky’s meats are slowly smoked in a closed-smoker pit using seasoned hardwoods at low temperatures to produce the best flavor and tenderness. Beef briskest and pork shoulders can take as long as 14 hours and ribs can take five hours to cook to perfection.

Most entrées come with one or two sides and, as long as you’re in the restaurant, your drink is bottomless. Porky’s will have beer on tap soon.

In a hurry? Porky’s has a drive through so you can get your baby back ribs on the run or pick up a meal for your crew.

Porky G’s is also in the Spokane Valley on Sprague Ave. Open Monday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call the restaurant at (208)665-0044.

Walking into Porky G’s your shnauz is assaulted by the sensuous odors of fresh, southern-style cooking. While you wait for your meal, you can sit at the bar-style window table or at a spot by the heater and watch the skilled staff tend porky’s trailer-mounted smoker pit.

Located at the corner of Lacross and busy Northwest Boulevard, Porky G’s is a mid-priced lunch spot serving southern barbeque cuisine. Choose any number of combinations from the massive, yellow menu board or just order a meat platter to taste a little of everything. For dessert, try cobblers and pies made daily.

Ethan Schlussler/Sentinel

Sports

Sports tip? Story idea?

Contact Garrett Cabeza

-- gmcabeza@students.nic.edu

PAGE 9

WWW.NICSENTINEL.COM

Winning with style

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2012

COMMENTARY

Johnny Football or Te’o?

Manziel wins Heisman, Te’o had good case too

Garrett Cabeza ■ Sports Editor

Freshman forward James Webb III dunks with authority while he attempts to duck his head out of the way of the backboard against Edmonds Community College Nov. 30 at Rolly Williams Court. Gabe Green/Sentinel

NIC 12-1, Bigfoot/Cardinal Classic champions Benaiah Cheevers Assistant Sports Editor Chad McIntosh Staff Writer The 15th-ranked North Idaho College men’s basketball team is riding a 10-game winning streak, during which the team earned some hardware in the Bigfoot/Cardinal Classic at

NIC about a week ago.

Keon Lewis scored 21 points for the Cardinals in a 96-65 win against the Columbia Basin Hawks Wednesday night.

Jordan McCloud had 15 points and 12 rebounds for NIC (12-1), which travels to Colorado Northwestern Thursday.

Three days earlier, the Cardinals beat Green River Community College of Auburn, Wash., 109-56 in the champion-

Sophomore wing Jalil Abdul-Bassit drives to the hoop against Edmonds’ Shaquielle McKissic. Gabe Green/Sentinel

By the Numbers

ship game of the Bigfoot/Cardinal Classic at Rolly Williams Court.

“We play at a fast pace and it kind of wears teams down,” said NIC head coach Jared Phay. “For them (Green River), when they’re legs get a little bit tired it’s hard to shoot the ball as good. So I think we did that to them tonight.”

Green River knocked down eight three-pointers in the first half, which helped them stay ahead of NIC at the start. But the Gators made four of their 15 three-point shot attempts in the second half.

The Cardinals’ defensive pressure and height advantage was showcased as the game wore on.

NIC forced 21 turnovers, had 18 steals and outrebounded the Gators 68-19.

“We’re just long and athletic and they just weren’t able to beat our press, so we just kept on doing it really well,” said NIC forward James Webb III, who scored 13 points, one of six Cardinals who scored in

10

Number of games NIC has won in a row coming into week

94.9

NIC’s scoring average during winning streak

60.1

Average number of points NIC has allowed during streak

23

Number of blocks NIC had against Green River C.C.

See MEN’S BBALL | Page 10

Upcoming basketball, wrestling schedule at Christianson Gymnasium Men’s basketball • • • • •

Dec. 21 Portland C.C. 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 28 Treasure Valley C.C. 8 Jan. 17 USU-Eastern Utah 7:30 Jan. 19 Colorado Northwestern 5 Jan. 24 Snow College 7:30

Women’s basketball • • • • •

Dec. 20 North Idaho All-Stars 5:30 Jan. 17 USU-Eastern Utah 5:30 Jan. 19 Colorado Northwestern 3 Jan. 24 Snow College 5:30 Jan. 26 Salt Lake C.C. 3

Wrestling • •

Jan. 31 Simon Fraser University 7:30 NIC will make up a home match against Highline but the match has not been rescheduled yet.

Most people were not shocked when Texas A&M freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel’s name was announced in New York City as the winner of the 2012 Heisman trophy.

But if you asked folks a month ago, people might have thrown around names like Collin Klein, the dual-threat quarterback from Kansas State or maybe Kenjon Barner, the talented running back from Oregon.

Oh, how things change in a hurry.

Manziel, or Johnny Football as many like to call him, propelled himself into the Heisman conversation after he led his team to a 29-24 upset of then No. 1 ranked Alabama Nov. 10 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Klein lost a lot of steam when his Wildcats got thumped by Baylor Nov. 17, though he still received the Heisman invite to New York City and took third in the voting.

Manziel recorded 4,600 yards of total offense this season, a Southeastern Conference (SEC) record.

That’s right. Not even Cam Newton or Tim Tebow could accompish that feat in their college days, and both of them brought home Heisman hardware too.

He also threw or ran for 43 touchdowns.

But how does a 20-year-old quarterback shred SEC defenses for abundant yards and touchdowns? Well, I have no idea.

The SEC is regarded by most as the cream of the crop when it comes to defenses, but when Johnny Football steps on the field, defenses are tested and as the season progressed, I would say most defenses failed.

The other Heisman candidate in New York City Saturday night was Notre Dame senior linebacker Manti Te’o.

If there was ever a year a defensive player had a great shot at winning the Heisman, it was this season.

Te’o finished second in the voting and received the most points ever by a defensive player.

It’s easy to give the award to Manziel.

He’s a quarterback. He has more stats to win voters over than a linebacker.

His running and trowing abilities are more graceful and more appealing to the eye than a linebacker clogging up running lanes and devouring running backs.

Te’o did have some impressive numbers of his own though.

He recorded 103 tackles and seven interceptions. He also led his team to a perfect 12-0 season and a berth in the BCS National Championship.

He’s made countless big plays during tough times this season to preserve Notre Dame’s flawless record.

Against then No. 10 Michigan State, Te’o recorded 12 tackles just days after his girlfriend and grandmother passed away to help his team to victory.

Te’o picked off two Michigan Wolverine passes in Notre Dame’s 13-6 win earlier in the season.

He also brings things to the table that don’t fill the stat sheet every Saturday.

Te’o is the heart and soul of Notre Dame’s defense and leads by example.

Both Manziel and Te’o were deserving Heisman candidates. The safe bet was probably Manziel, but Te’o could have easily been hoisting the Heisman Saturday night if voters ventured off the offensive bandwagon.

Will a defensive player ever win a Heisman, or will they just keep inviting them to the Big Apple so they can clap for quarterbacks as they walk up the steps and on to the stage that few have walked before?

Garrett Cabeza is an editor for The Sentinel.

His opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sentinel. Respond to this column online at nicsentinel.com.

DID YOU KNOW? Backboards in basketball were invented so that fans in the balcony couldn’t interfere with the ball.

10 | the sentinel

sports

Monday, December 10, 2012

NIC sophomore Michael Rodriguez gets good position on Northwest College’s Teancum Guild Friday at Christianson Gym. Rodriguez won the match 12-1. Ethan Schlussler/Sentinel

NIC routs conference rivals

No. 1 Cardinals earn three conference wins over weekend Isaac Schaefer Staff Writer

dual with a 149-pound match in which freshman Jeremy Golding beat Southwestern’s Ryan Bullock.

Later in the day, the Cardinals The top-ranked NIC wrestling took an early 18-0 lead against their team defeated three conference second opponent, Clackamas (Oropponents over the weekend.

The Cardinals won both duals of egon City, Ore.).

All-American redshirt sophotheir doubleheader at home Saturmore 165-pounder Jake day afternoon, beating “I think Mason was explosive conference foes Southof the gate as he western Oregon Comtoday we did out quickly pinned his opmunity College 35-6, more things ponent, improving his and later third-ranked Clackamas Community to be positive team’s score to 12-0.

“Mason had two College 33-15. about than tough losses and then After splitting the negative.” bounced back, got first two matches the pin, and wrestled against Southwestern solid,” said NIC head Oregon (Coos Bay, Pat Whitcomb Ore.), the Cardinals NIC head wrestling coach coach Pat Whitcomb.

Midway through went on a run, winning the match, Clackamas all but one of their restarted a comeback. maining matches.

Lead by Jacob Laden and Redshirt sophomore Brock Jacob Mitchell’s back-to-back pins Banta earned six points for the against Guiseppe Dippolito (197) Cardinals in the 125-pound match and Bryan Smith (285) of the Carupon pinning the opposing Michael dinals, Clackamas came within six Nguyen of Southwestern Oregon. points, down 18-12.

The Cardinals concluded the

>MEN’S BBALL

In the first round of the tournament on Nov. 30, NIC defeated from page 9 Edmonds Community College of Lynnwood, Wash.

Abdul-Bassit had a game-high double figures.

23 points.

Webb was named an all-tourNIC was defeating Edmonds nament selection along with teammates Jalil Abdul-Bassit and Chris 28-24 halfway through the first half by holding Edmonds to seven of Sarbaugh, who won tournament 30 shooting from the MVP. field. NIC finished the NIC opened up the “We’re game 37 of 62 from the second half on a 16-0 field (60 percent). scoring run to extend unselfish.

“We have a lot of their lead to 59-34.

We don’t depth and can use it, The Cardinals outbut I think we need to care who scored Green River unselfish and it’ll 66-22 in the second scores. We stay work for us,” Phay said. half. just want to A few days earlier, “We’re unselfish,” NIC defeated the GonSarbaugh said. “We win.” zaga club team 108don’t care who scores.

52 at Rolly Williams We just want to win.”

Court.

NIC beat Yakima Chris Sarbaugh NIC won its preCommunity College NIC point guard vious matchup with 113-75 Saturday, Dec. Gonzaga 80-54 in 1 in the second round Coeur d’Alene Nov. 13. of the tournament.

“We talk about getting better NIC shot 68 percent from the every game,” Phay said. “We’ve floor, 60 percent from the threepoint line and 80 percent from the played this team before and if you look at the score it definitely free-throw line. shows improvement.”

Lewis finished with 23 points Hope scored 17 points. and Webb had 20 points and five “We had a goal to keep them blocked shots. under 50 points, and even though “Our height advantage helped we didn’t reach that goal we are us a lot with the rebounds,” Phay improving,” McCloud said. said. “We knew Yakima would NIC triumphed over Columbia make it a fast pace, high-scoring Basin Community College 87-52 game. We weren’t aggressive Nov. 20 at Rolly Williams Court. enough in the first half, but the second we were.”

Hope finished with 20 points.

The Cardinals were once again quick to respond, returning the favor with two pins of their own by All-American sophomore Michael Carreon (133) and, for the second time that day, Banta.

NIC and Clackamas split the final two matches earning three points each.

The Cardinals concluded the day with a total of four pins.

“I think today we did more things to be positive about than negative,” Whitcomb said. “I am really pleased going into the break with that win.”

The previous night the Cardinals battled Northwest Wyoming College of Powell, Wyo., beating the 11th-ranked Trappers 35-6 at Christianson Gymnasium.

NIC sealed the win at the end of the dual with three pins.

All-American redshirt sophomore Caleb Rivera pinned Randy Andrews in the 184-pound match; Dippolito pinned Braden Gibson and Smith pinned Jade Parsons.

Banta and sophomore Michael

NIC freshman Bryan Smith puts Northwest College’s Jade Parsons in a difficult position. Smith pinned Parsons. Ethan Schlussler/Sentinel

Rodriguez each picked up wins to lead off the Cardinals’ lineup before Zach Loveless of Northwest earned a 2-1 decision over NIC sophomore All-American Jarrett Morrill in the 141-pound weight class.

NIC is 6-1 overall, 4-0 in conferene after this weekend’s matches.

The team will have about a month off before their next match on Jan. 17 against Highline Community College in Des Moines, Wash.

Shooting for good cause NIC faculty, coaches play basketball game for charity Garrett Cabeza Sports Editor North Idaho College coaches dropped their clipboards and took to the basketball court to take on the Noon Basketball Association (NBA) for charity Nov. 29 at Rolly Williams Court.

People who attended the game were encouraged to donate at least one food item to the Staff Assembly Food Drive to benefit St. ASNIC. “The biggest thing is they put this on to make sure we remember the people who are less fortunate,” said NIC men’s assistant basketball coach Corey Symons, who played on the NIC coaches’ team. “That’s what the whole thing was about.”

Adam Mortensen, a member of

>UNDEFEATED from page 1

from this game is that we can never give up on defense,” Buskey said. “We need to keep pushing

the NBA and facilities technician at NIC, put on the event in order to help out with the food drive.

The NBA is comprised mostly of NIC faculty who play basketball together two or three times a week.

Some of the members of the coaches team included NIC athletic director Al Williams, head volleyball coach Kandice Gregorak and head women’s basketball coach Chris Carlson.

The NBA defeated the NIC coaches 53-43.

The coaches got off to a 10-0 start but the NBA crept back into the game cutting the lead to 30-22 at halftime, although the scoreboard operator took four points off the coaches’ score to make it 26-22 for unknown reasons. It was an exhibition game and not all basketball

and scoring rules were followed.

Williams, who served as a player-coach in the game, wanted to score early and often before his team ran out of gas.

“We wanted to get up by a lot and hold on until the oxygen tanks got here,” Williams joked.

“Unfortunately we got up by a lot, but somehow we lost points at halftime. The strategy worked but the scoreboard didn’t.”

Despite the setback, Symons opened up the second half scoring with a three-pointer.

After the NBA regained the lead, Williams made the score 36-34 in favor of the coaches after converting an old-fashioned threepoint play.

The NBA got into rhythm after that, ending the game on a 19-7 run.

each other in practice and making each other better.”

NIC went up 7-0 before CBCC scored its first points, but the game changed pace as CBCC came within one point with 13:30 left in the first half.

NIC lead at halftime 36-24.

“If we take our time we can be better on offense,” Stirton said.

“We know what we have to do, so if we just take our time when looking at our options on offense we can play our best.”

www.nicsentinel.com

ACROSS 1. Travelled on a horse 5. Moved fast 9. Smidgen 14. Culminating point 15. Protagonist 16. Pass-the-baton race 17. A digestive juice 18. Goddess of discord (Greek mythology) 19. Make smile 20. Acquaint 22. 10 cent coins 23. The end of life 24. Acknowledge 26. Anagram of “Aid” 29. Necessitate 33. An idiomatic term for being in disfavor 38. Order of business 39. Mélange 40. S S S S 42. Cozy corner 43. Bavarian or Prussian 45. Blabbermouth 47. Dignified and somber 48. Caustic

GAMES

49. Trap 52. Choose 57. Marble 60. Can’t be seen 63. Periods of discounted prices 64. Chief Norse god 65. Diving bird 66. Skirt fold 67. A hard smooth ivory colored dentine 68. “Oh, my!”

69. Poorly kept 70. Notices 71. A birthday dessert

DOWN 1. Fanatical 2. Express a thought 3. Triangular formation 4. Bring to bear 5. Small storage structure 6. South American country 7. Heath 8. Drugged 9. Exchanging 10. Abating at intervals 11. Astringent

the sentinel | 11

12. Receptacle 13. Visual organs 21. Cleveland’s state 25. Paltry 27. Chaperone 28. Donkey 30. Dwarf buffalo 31. False god 32. Body of water 33. Canines 34. Margarine 35. Young woman 36. Estate 37. Estimate (abbrev.)

41. Moray 44. Pardon 46. Bottom of the barrel 50. Violent disturbances 51. Endow 53. Pale purple 54. Hemorrhagic fever 55. A loose outer garment 56. Anxious 57. Vipers 58. Battering wind 59. Away from the wind 61. A type of clamp 62. Writing fluids

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Protect yourself. Get the naked truth about STDs at www.nakedtruth.Idaho.gov, or dial the Idaho Careline at 211.

Crossword and sudoku puzzles courtesy of Mirroreyes.com.

AISA

12 | the sentinel

Monday, DECEMBER 10, 2012

Taylor Abrahamson, 18, nutrition, winds up to roll her ball down a lane at Sunset Bowling Center Friday, Dec. 7, during the American Indian Student Alliance’s family game night. Students and their families bowled free of charge at Sunset in an effort to increase student involvement with the club. Gabe Green/Sentinel

American Indian Student Alliance spreads holiday cheer Alex Rodal-Cubillas Staff Writer

T

he American Indian Student Alliance created the Che’nshish scholarship designed to help enrolled and descendent Native American students attend college.

This year, AISA raised $20,000 for the Che’nshish scholarship through fundraising events and in the last three years since the scholarship began has raised close to $60,000.

The Che’nshish scholarship was started in 2010 by AISA members and club president Tim Clark with money given to AISA by the Kootenai Tribe meant to sponsor the club.

AISA does a lot of events on campus such as the American Indian heritage week, to raise awareness about Native culture

and ultimately raise funds for the Che’nshish scholarship.

“Our goal on campus is to bring awareness to Native American culture and the awareness that there are Native American students that go here,” said AISA treasurer Brock Boutain Club alumni, AISA family members and individuals from other clubs such as the Latino Club, and the Gay Straight Alliance have also had a hand in helping raise funds for the Che’nshish Scholarship.

“We welcome everybody to be part of the committee and also be part of the club,” said AISA advisor Evanlene Melting Tallow.

AISA also does the annual Yapqi’nm beach cleanup started

by AISA alumni and Coeur d’Alene tribal member Jason Smith. The event focuses on cleaning the beach surrounding the NIC campus, which used to be part of the

Coeur d’Alene Tribe homeland.

“I think what makes us different is how active we are in the community we have a lot of volunteer events that we do and also we want to stand out as Native Americans, we want to teach not only other clubs but the campus about Native culture as individuals,” said Boutain.

There are currently around 15 active AISA members, not including alumni who are still involved in AISA and help with events as well as family members.

“I’ve seen such a growth with students being part of the club,” Melting Tallow said.

AISA encourages Native and non-Native students alike to join.

The club hosts multiple cultural events that are meant to educate the community on the different traditions of Native Tribes.

In honor of the holiday season, AISA will also be sponsoring and

delivering gifts to families on the Coeur d’Alene reservation as well as donating gifts to St. ASNIC. AISA anonymously donates presents to three different families on the reservation to six children between the ages of two and 16.

Each receiving child will be given three to four gifts from AISA consisting of jackets, snow pants, boots, other clothing and toys.

“As a Coeur d’Alene Tribal member, I feel great being able to do this,” said AISA president Amanda Johnson.

This is the second year AISA is involved in sponsoring families for the holiday and has taken on two more families since their first year in which only one family was sponsored.

Last year, AISA received a phone call from one of the organizers of the Christmas coalition from the CDA tribe and asked if AISA was inter-

ested in sponsoring a family.

AISA advisors and members found this to be a good opportunity to give back to the community and jumped right on it.

“It’s really nice to be able to pay it forward,” said Johnson Excited by the opportunity to give back to the community all AISA members worked together as a group and took part in a shopping trip to buy presents for these families.

“The Kootenai tribe has been there for us, giving us money so we can turn around and use that money for something good,” Johnson said.

At the moment AISA has 25 presents to wrap and is looking for volunteers to help wrap these presents on December 11-12.

Students interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact AISA down stairs in the SUB or advisor Evanlene Melting Tallow.

From left to right: Josh Blakely, 20, graphic design; Taylor Abrahamson, 18, nutrition; and Theresa Dittman, 20, Spanish; react to a fellow bowler during the American Indian Student Alliance’s family game night. Gabe Green/Sentinel