Issue 8 2011-2012

CARDINALS CONNECTING CREATIVELY

NEWS GOP hopefuls visit the Inland Northwest | Page 2 PERSPECTIVES Contraception conversations | Page 5

2012 creativity symposium happening March 12-14. | INSERT INSIDE

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theSentinel LIFESTYLES It’s getting better for the GSA | Page 7

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE

MONDAY | MARCH 5, 2012

WWW.NIC SENTINEL .C OM

CAMPUS

Remodel unites IT employees Help Desk will finally work under same roof in Siebert

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Sarah Munds Asst. News Editor

Owning the court Lady Cardinals earn No. 1 seed for Region 18 tournament after victory against CSI. Sports Page 10

QUOTABLE

he IT Help Desk, located in the Seibert building, is seeing changes with expansion and remodeling of old facilities. The goal of this remodel is to bring the IT Help Desk back together under one roof as well as increasing efficiency and flow of technological maintenance.

“It is going to be a professional space for our active group of part-time students and full-time employees,” said Steve Ruppel, director of information technology.

The most profound improvement heralded by the remodel will be the uniting of the IT Help Desk employees. Currently, the Help Desk is split between the Seibert and McClain halls. The Seibert’s IT department currently coordinates with a separate branch located near Outdoor Pursuits. The new remodel plans on consolidating these departments on the first floor of the Seibert building, allowing the entire department to work in one area designated for their use. Previously, the Center for New Directions and IT Help Desk shared this space.

Updates include private offices for full-time Help Desk workers, as well as more space for part-time students and employees. The new remodel helps the implementation aspect of IT by providing ample space for storage of equipment as well as room for maintenance and repairs. Currently crammed into a tiny office space overflowing with monitors and a variety of different cordage, the IT team has little room to work and maneuver.

Faculty can get their equipment serviced at the new Help Desk as well. More room for repairs and support means a faster turn around time, according to Holly Moore, supervisor of implementation and restoration and head of the Help Desk department.

The use of a storage room will also be available to IT employees. The storage room was fitted with a garage door this winter for easy loading and unloading of computer equipment. Higher security also means that these items will be safe for short and long-term storage.

A central heating unit was also installed with the new additions. Previously, the Help Desk’s part of the Seibert building’s temperature was monitored by window mounted air conditioning units. These, “window shakers” didn’t provide adequate ventilation or climate control.

“The new heating system in the Help Desk will allow us to work efficiently in the utmost of comfort,” said Corey Robins, employee at the Help Desk.

Ruppel said he hopes that the new renovations will turn the Help Desk into a sort of technological aid hub on campus. Students can receive help with the Angel website as well as student mail. Help Desk employees are also the people to go to with issues and concerns about the campus’ new local area network.

“The Help Department doesn’t just service equipment on campus, though,” Ruppel said. The Help Desk is also largely responsible for outreach IT work for all of NIC’s outlying locations. Campus locations farther north rely on the Help Desk for technical assistance.

The grand total cost of this remodel is running around $70,000. But the Help Desk isn’t the only department due for renovation. The IT branch residing in the Molstead Library is currently in the works for an infrastructure update. This section of IT deals with the operations of online classes and maintains the classroom equipment on campus.

“The remodel will largely help increase the efficiency of the two sides of the Help Desk,” Ruppel said.

The “two sides” of the IT Help Desk include implementation and restoration of the technology on campus. The first aspect, implementation, describes the Help Desk’s role in installing new equipment on campus. If staff members need a new printer or computer, for example, the IT Help Desk will be the unit on campus to install it. Restoration, the second major aspect of the Help Desk’s daily work, is centered around fixing problems with existing technology and maintaining the equipment around campus.

Volume 65 | Issue 8

Destined for glory?

Boswell may serve with 2012 Olympic medical staff

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Eric Rivera  Sports Editor Benaiah Cheevers  Staff Contributor

thletes, coaches and trainers might spend their whole life trying to make it into the Olympics. Dedication and a little bit of luck has sent many individuals in the past to compete at the international level, and one North Idaho College employee wants luck to be on his side this summer.

Randy Boswell, an athletic trainer for almost 20 years at NIC, has built up his career and may earn a chance to serve with the 2012 USA Olympic wrestling team medical staff in London.

He has been placed on a list to be considered as an alternate for the team.

“I don’t know where on the depth chart I am for the Olympics,” Boswell said. “You have to be good at what you do and have a good relationship with the people on the committee and the coaches. It is very important to be available at any time. It’s a 24/7 type position when you go on trips like this.”

Boswell has been working with USA Wres-

tling and had recently traveled to Russia for one of the world’s most prominent wrestling tournaments, the Ivan Yarygin Memorial Grand Prix held on Jan. 27-29. NIC head wrestling coach Pat Whitcomb played a pivotal role in getting Boswell the spot.

“It has helped to have people, like Pat Whitcomb, who are going to put in a good word for you, because you have to get your foot in the door,” Boswell said. “Pat had talked to the former USA Wrestling coach and said that I would like to get in on some trips.”

USA Wrestling evaluates medical personnel in order to hire medical doctors, athletic

trainers and coaches to travel with the U.S. wrestling team.

The process includes a two week visit at a USA Wrestling’s Olympic training center. Once someone gets on the list of qualified candidates, they receive a list of all the tours that occur throughout the year.

Boswell talked about his trip overseas at the NIC Booster Club luncheon held Feb. 14. He traveled between Russia and Serbia where he served as the official trainer for the U.S. wrestling team. As preparation for this Summer’s Olympics, he went on a 13-day trip that involved collaborative training sessions with the Russian team, as well as

See BOSWELL | Page 11

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“ I could never figure out why students weren’t interested in coming until after I wasn’t in the middle of it all ”

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Perspectives..................5

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Lifestyles.......................7

Comedy Clubbin’ It.......16

Perspectives Page 6

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

Creativity Insert......Inside

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GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES COME TO INLAND NORTHWEST

Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul talked about Constitutionalism in front of a crowd of 2,577 at the Spokane Convention Center. Jake Martin/Sentinel

Ron Paul visits Spokane Candidate discusses government ‘encroachment’ Christina Villagomez Staff Contributor Armed with a smile, homemade signs and freshly baked sugar cookies, Brandon Blasberg didn’t seem to mind being outside in the chilly February weather.

“We’re here to see Ron Paul,” Blasberg said over the excited chatter of his preschool-aged daughter, Ava. “We just want to help people figure out he’s here.”

The self-described “political junkie” has been an admirer of Ron Paul since 2007, when his interest was sparked by the congressman’s performance in debates. “I’m excited for this. I want to see more people out here, I’d like more people to hear Ron Paul’s message.”

The Blasberg family made up just four out of the 2,577 that turned out to see Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul when he came to speak at the Spokane Convention Center on Feb. 17.

“Four years ago I was told there was a brush fire started here for the cause of liberty,” Paul said. “It looks like it’s much bigger than a brush fire now.”

Paul’s speech focused primarily on ways he would cut back on what he said is a government that is increasingly encroaching on civil liberties. He often contrasted his view of the Constitution with how he feels the president does.

“The president buys into this argument that if it’s not prohibited by the Constitution, he can do anything he wants,” Paul said. “But it’s written the other way, the only thing the president is allowed to do is things he is given explicit permission to do.”

The theme of Constitutionalism was a constant in the speech that was littered with a mix of Old Testament imagery and

Colonial American historical references.

Paul compared the Patriot Act to the occupation of colonists’ homes by British soldiers, and stated that event as one of the leading reasons for the revolt in the colonies.

Paul said the Patriot Act flies directly in the face of the founding fathers’ intentions, saying that they specifically planned the Fourth Amendment to prevent such violations of privacy.

“If we can look at those X-rays on TV and say ‘Oh well, I guess we have to give up a little liberty to be safe,’ then there is something wrong with us and we need to change,” Paul said when discussing security protocol in airports and the use of fullbody scanners.

Paul also addressed concerns he has with the Patriot Act being used as an excuse to raid homes for drugs, avoid legal necessities such as search warrants and eliminate due process. He also criticized the National Defense Authorization Act, which he said allows the government to assassinate private U.S. citizens at will.

“Bad people deserve trials too,” Paul said. He explained to the audience that if the rights of one group can be violated, the rights of all groups can be violated.

A common grievance heard at the rally was that Paul receives minimal coverage by the media, and despite the fact that most political commentators say Paul’s chance of winning the nomination is unrealistically slim, many attendees seemed to be holding out hope.

“The man is electable, especially when he has all these veterans supporting him,” said Marian Lonam, one of the volunteers at the rally. Lonam, a Gulf War veteran, has identified herself as a Paul supporter since 1995, and volunteered for his 2008 race.

Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum spoke in the Hagadone Events Center in the Coeur d’Alene Resort Feb. 14. Courtesy of Mr.Conservative.com

Rally fills to capacity Santorum talks about religious freedom, family Christina Villagomez Staff Contributor Doug Cameron received a very special Valentine’s Day gift this year.

“My heart just about jumped out of my chest, because he very well could be the next president of the United States,” said Cameron, who was one of the lucky few able to speak to GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum when the candidate visited Coeur d’Alene.

“I heard on the news yesterday, when I was driving home from the gym, that he was going to be here and I couldn’t believe it, I knew this is where I had to be,” Cameron said. “I would have driven a thousand miles to see him.”

Cameron wasn’t the only one starstruck by the presidential contender.

“I just wanted to catch a glimpse of him. I missed the speech, but I just wanted to see him once,” said Colleen Pryor who had rushed into the building after the rally, only to have missed seeing Santorum by seconds.

Santorum appeared to have a certain bit of rockstar appeal to the crowd from being the first out of three candidates to visit the area, with many in the audience seeming to be almost equally excited about being in the physical presence of a national figure they’ve been watching, as much as the substance of the candidate himself.

The Hagadone Events Center where Santorum spoke has a maximum capacity of 500, but was full to the brim with the 600 people who managed to squeeze into the large banquet hall.

An additional 400 people were not even allowed to enter the gate.

A few people just managed to make it

inside the gate, but were initially locked out of the rally and given chairs outside the windows where they were permitted to watch the indoor proceedings.

Fortunately for the small but dedicated group, several security guards took pity due to the cold, snowy weather and let them “sneak” through a side door shortly before Santorum took the stage.

“It was just too cold out there,” said Larry Griffiths, an event center employee.

Santorum spent the majority of his speech talking about family, and accusing the government, particularly the Obama administration, of “a gradual erosion of states’ rights,” as well as religious freedoms.

Santorum also attempted to highlight a contrast for voters between himself and a Washington D.C. that he repeatedly described as being “centralized” and “elitist.”

“We [the Santorum family] fit into Idaho pretty well, I think,” Santorum said.

Glenys Leestma seemed to agree after hearing Santorum speak.

“He’s a regular guy,” Leestma said.

But more than a winning personality seemed to be at work in Santorum’s favor with voters.

Many in the audience seemed to be disenchanted Newt Gingrich supporters dissatisfied with the negative tone of his campaign, but too conservative to support Mitt Romney, who is generally perceived as a moderate.

Santorum has been reaping the benefits of the windfall, both in poll numbers as well as primaries, where he has become a serious challenger to the current leader in the delegates, Romney.

Newt Gingrich focuses on gas prices during speech Presidential-hopeful blames Obama, Environmental Protection Agency for price increases at pump

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Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich emphasized gasoline prices in his speech in the Best Western Coeur d’Alene Inn’s Conference Center. Jake Martin/Sentinel

Christina Villagomez Staff Contributor

ewt Gingrich didn’t ask much of his Coeur d’Alene supporters, just that they give him a little fuel for the road.

“I’m asking for one gallon of gasoline for the campaign,” said the presidential candidate during his speech to supporters at his recent rally in Coeur d’Alene.

The price of that gallon? According to Gingrich, a mere $2.50 if he is elected.

While the speech covered an assortment of national issues, the main topic was the rising prices at the pump, in contrast to his opponents, who have been focusing on the size and scope of the government in their own recent speeches.

“I represent $2.50 gasoline, he [Obama] represents $9 or $10 a gallon gasoline,” Gingrich said.

Gingrich promised repeatedly to return fuel prices to “pre-Obama” levels by allowing the development of the Keystone pipeline and re-opening the Gulf of Mexico for drilling as soon as he is elected.

He also attacked the Environmental

Protection Agency, saying he would turn it into an “Environmental Solutions Agency,” and called it part of the reason for rising gas prices.

Gingrich also sought to draw clear distinctions for voters between him and the president.

“I represent paychecks and jobs,” Gingrich said. “He represents food stamps and dependency. I represent freedom of religion. He represents a war on the Catholic Church.”

He also referred to Obama as the “vanguard of a radical America seeking to force the rest of us down the road he believes in.”

“What we have to do is get rid of Obama,” said Gingrich supporter Rick Seward.

The pre-speech chatter in the crowd made it apparent that Gingrich’s biggest rival might just be Rick Santorum, who has been competing heavily with Gingrich to earn the “conservative alternative to Mitt Romney” mantle.

“I’m leaning towards Santorum, but I like some of the things Newt has to say,” said Megan Henkle, an undecided voter. “I just have some questions about him.”

NEWs

www.nicsentinel.com

the sentinel | 3

VP of instruction bids goodbye to NIC post Jay Lee accepts Colorado college president position Christina Villagomez Staff Contributor The Driftwood Bay room in the SUB has seen plenty of traffic, but perhaps not quite the level it had on March 1.

More than 60 well-wishers gathered around to congratulate and bid farewell to one man: Vice President for Instruction Jay Lee. Lee is leaving NIC to accept the position of president at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado.

NIC President Priscilla Bell was the first of eight to make a small speech at the farewell reception.

“I send him off to Colorado with many regrets, because he won’t be here at NIC, but with lots of goodwill and so much excitement and enthusiasm,” Bell said.

Bell’s speech went over the highlights of Lee’s time at NIC, as well as his main accomplishments.

“You’re leaving your successor an easier path,” Bell said.

Bell’s speech also took a lighter note, teasing Lee about his love of sports and work ethic.

When talking about Lee’s sense of humor, she also displayed a bit of her own, telling a series of community college president jokes.

“A community college president is like a director of a cemetery—everyone’s beneath him and nobody listens,” Bell said.

Bell wasn’t the only one to rib the VP. Nearly every other speaker made a series of jokes about his sport’s prowess, or lack thereof.

“I kind of learned that Jay plays golf a

little bit like a wrestler,” teased Sheldon Nord, vice president for student services.

Athletics Director Al Williams said when describing Lee’s skill at basketball, “Whenever you’re tired, you want to guard Jay, he could be wide open, but he’s not going to make a shot.”

Williams also shared a story about someone summing Lee’s skills up as, “He can’t play dead in a cowboy boot.”

Sports weren’t the only topic speakers took aim at: many also made a series of jokes about the town Lee will be moving to.

“Jay, I want you to look around the room, you’re going to see more people in here than you’re going to see in Sterling,” deadpanned Ron Dorn, vice president of resource management, who has visited Sterling several times.

Mark Browning, vice president of communications and marketing, also had some words to share about Sterling. “I lived in Colorado for a time, I’ve been to Sterling.

It’s not hell, but you can see it from there,” Browning said.

But between the laughs were moments of heartfelt sentiment, too.

“In seriousness, I have learned a tremendous amount from Jay in just the short amount of time I’ve been here, and I’ve appreciated his willingness to pick up the phone or come over and say, ‘What do you need? What can I help you with? You’re looking pretty overwhelmed,’ and I’ve appreciated that,” Browning said.

Rayelle Anderson, director of development and NIC foundation executive director, also had some words of encouragement for Lee. “I think you love NIC, you came here

VP of Instruction Jay Lee will assume his new position March 12. Ethan Schlussler/Sentinel

with the genuine intention of doing right by the students and by the faculty and by the staff,” Anderson said. “That is deeply appreciated. You are genuinely a collaborative, team building leader and human being, and I have no doubt you are going to be a fabulous president.”

Bell echoed this thought, and ruminated on Lee’s connection with his co-workers.

“It’s been phenomenal to see Jay and how he’s worked to form many trusting, close relationships that have helped him to move forward in very positive ways at NIC, and this ability is going to serve him very,

very well at Northeastern Junior College, not just with the college, but the entire community,” Bell said.

Lee looked visibly affected when it was finally his turn to take the podium, and more than a few faces in the audience bore similar tell-tale signs of deep emotions.

“The hardest thing is saying goodbye,” Lee said, as his voice cracked with emotion.

“I do care about you, and I care about this college, and the time I had here was just wonderful and it’s been a great experience, and I’ve learned so much and enjoyed working with all of you.”

Communication students learn from flash mob Class attempts flash mob in local Target, discovers difficulties involved in coordinating efforts Joyce Hargrove Copy Editor

himself, Misner said his “subtle” mob was just “innocent, harmless fun” who set out to go about their business. The idea was to pretend they were Target employees and tudents from NIC instructor Josh observe the customers’ reactions.

Misner’s online communications/ Everett Cole, 21, communications, technology class donned red shirts Post Falls, appeared nonchalant as he reand khaki pants (the official Target arranged floor display models and asked uniform) Feb. 11 at the local Target store in customers if he could assist them. He said an effort to conduct an experiment on the it was believable until they saw the Sonic effects of social media through flash mobs logo on his shirt. Cole said he participates in our society. in activities like this all the time and really What began nine years ago in New York City as an editor’s “random act with the sole enjoys messing with people, which “violates their expectations of human behavior.” purpose of confusing others” turned into a Raife Nemitz and Molley Ourada paired global fad overnight. The desire to not be up as associates taking inventory of shelf left out was part of what made it grow. stock. They said they Misner, whose class is study“Everybody liked the idea, enjoyed themselves and figured they ing Clay Shirky’s but getting people to buy would have a fun ex“Here Comes Everybody,” initially into it was a whole different perience. Cody Lang had the attitude “the went on Facebook story.” more the merrier.” and invited 100 people to take part “Target doesn’t in the experiment, JOSH MISNER appeal to me, so playbut only four stuNIC Instructor ing a spoof on them dents showed up has no appeal,” Lisa to par ticipate in Young said. She said the actual flash mob, and four to five oth- the trick is to get an organization where ers showed up just to witness the event. there is more buy-in, such as the SUB. “I knew it was going to fail; I knew it The entire experience involved the wasn’t even going to come close and, in a exploration of how flash mobs aren’t as sense, I wanted it to fail,” Misner said. “Eveasy as they appear, Misner said, and that erybody liked the idea, but getting people human interaction is very complex and deto buy into it was a whole different story.” tailed “with lots of subtleties that go into Misner said they got the idea from the a recipe for success.” He then explained Improv Everywhere, a New York City prank Shirky’s three-par t recipe for success. group that entered a Best Buy dressed like “You must have a promise, a tool and the employees. A former Target employee a bargain,” he said, and all ingredients

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must be present in order for it to succeed. ing it to theater producer Joe Jacoby’s renThe promise is the “why” (why do I join, dition of the choreographed “Thriller.” why do I buy into this), the tool is the “how” Reino Hill said better planning would (how does it work, how do I do it) and the have put higher stakes in it, so one would bargain “sets the rules of the road” (what feel obligated to attend. do I expect and what is expected of me).

There was nothing to overcome the Ther e must be obstacles, said Kelly Harpole. enough of a why “The tools were there, but the to want to show up, timing was not right.”

Misner said, and evAdding in expectations eryone can fill in the takes the uncertainty element blanks with their own out of “the rules of the road” According to Stayfree why. He said he made and makes people more comit implicit and simple fortable going into flash mobs, Magazine, a flash mob is as in ‘I really like flash Misner said. He was “really an event where a large mobs.’ The “hook” vague” about the whole thing was providing extra group of people, having and left the bargain out comcredit to those who pletely, simply stating that “it received instructions in posted the best videos could be fun,” he said. advance, converge upon on Facebook or YouAlyssa Pinkerton said, “It tube. A larger group a place, do something needs a purpose. The overall must of fer a more statement has to resonate with odd there and leave explicit and attracpeople getting involved.” tive promise, he said. peaceably within “A flash mob is so out of “Maybe a prommy comfort zone that it would minutes. ise was needed take an act of God for me to to entail an incenparticipate,” Creighton said. tive other than It all goes back to the priextra credit,” Alina mary source of motivation, Creighton said. The class agreed that Misner said. Flashmobs require work and had he made this a required assignment, planning. It’s not as easy as just throwing it more people would likely have shown up. together and putting it up on YouTube, he The tool comes down to the planning said. of the event itself, Misner said. “I could’ve He said the failed exercise did not deter made the ‘how’ stronger by giving more him at all from planning future experiments, time to plan, but I simply said, ‘Show up on and the conclusion that can be gathered this date at this time.’” from all of this is that the relationship More instructions make it clearer and among all the factors to make a flash mob easier to enact flash mobs, he said, comparsuccessful is a delicate one.

A Closer Look

NIC student dies, leaves behind grieving family Derrick Meister studied Buddhism for years, was ‘deep thinker,’ ‘gentle soul,’ ‘irreplaceable thread’

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Derrick Meister, 21, Bonners Ferry.

Courtesy of Bonners Ferry Herald

Tala Wood News Editor

IC student Derrick Meister took his own life on Feb. 8 at the age of 21.

“It was very hard for Derrick to reconcile his nature to our world,” said Leah Meister, his mother. “Our world can be very harsh.”

Derrick studied Buddhism and, at 16, was the youngest student ever accepted into a program to become a Lama.

“He couldn’t kill a spider,” Leah Meister said. She said Derrick used to carry spiders he found in the house and put them under the water heater for the winter, and take them outside in the spring and let them go.

“He felt the pain of the world,” Leah Meister said. “He noticed everything.”

In the obituary, his family described him as a deep thinker and a gentle soul.

School, Mt. Hall Elementary School and “Derrick is the irreplaceable thread in Bonners Ferry Junior High School. the fabric of this family,” the obituary said.

“We can’t be whole without him.”

He graduated from the Idaho Virtual Academy with honors in 2008. Meister had Leah Meister compared the loss to an also completed the NIC CNA program. He arm amputation. had intended to become a phy“It’s that difsician. ficult to live withHe was one of ten NIC stuout him,” she said. dents who spent their spring “He was a great break last year in Skagit Councomfor t to me.” ty, Wash., building a Habitat His mother The National Suicide for Humanity house. described him as Prevention Lifeline can sweet, kind, smart, “Derrick was a very kind loving and sensitive. be reached at 1-800-273and considerate guy in an un“He was a very kind and inconsiderate world,” TALK (8255). comfor ting soul,” Leah Meister said. “He was she said. “When born in the wrong time and the you think of Derwrong culture.” rick, think of love.”

Idaho’s suicide rate is the Derrick was born in 1990 in Eureka, fourth highest in the U.S. Calif. He and his family moved to Bonners “For those who have a chance to help Ferry in 1998. their loved ones, I would encourage them to,” Leah Meister said.

He attended Valley View Elementary

A Closer Look

News

4 | the sentinel

Monday, MARCH 5, 2012

NIC announces dean’s list for fall 2011 semester Students eligible for dean’s list must be enrolled in minimum of 12 credits, have 3.75 or higher GPA Idaho Athol: Edward Bakker, Scott Cook, Hannah Kohl, Shane O’Hara, Chad Petersen, Jonathan Ringhand, Kasia Salois, Amy Shields, Morgan Sower, Austin Theander, John Tustison, Shane Tyler, Debbie Wagoner Blanchard: Lyn Story Boise: Shandy Carroll, Paden Gould Bonners Ferr y: Linda Fogel-Foley, Josie Guthrie, Dustin Hendricks, Melanie Huddleston, Leah Meister, Austin Tanner Careywood: Nicole Packard, Jay Raines Cataldo: Karen Acre Clark Fork: Trish Gannon, Zara Palmer, Donnetta Servis Cocolalla: Jonathan Andring, Lania Cambron, Jacque Carter, Jeremy Inman, Justin York Coeur d’Alene: Becky Akker, Tonya Alexander, DJ Allen, Rick Allen, Kevin Anderson, Mallory Bonthius, Lauren Brandt, Brandon Bunch, Jason Burns, Morris Butler, Devon Caperton, Tamarah Cardwell, Kevin Carr, Chad Carroll, Brittany Carroll, Robert Carson, Sara Casano, Michael Chesser, Carla Cleave, Kimberly Clemons, Jesse Cline, Jacob Cobb, Shelley Colhoff, Garry Cromer, Page Davisson, Cheryl DeSort, Ami Dittman, Dafinka Doneva-Jelic, Jonathan Dunlap, Tabby Fessenden, Tanya Fessenden, Bjorn Fjeld, Brendan Foster, Sheila Frasier, Caleb Frisbie, Nicholas Garren, Samantha Garrett, Toni Gibbs, Sara Glader, Patricia Glienna, Steve Goodwin, Chris Green, Teri Grubbs, Travis Gunderson, Jadrian Hammon, Paul Hardy, Casey Harris, Terra Harris, Brooke Hayden, Jordan Herold, Keifer Hofacker, Karissa Holt, Michael Huber, Michelle Hummel, Sadie Lott, Jennifer Jackson, Breanna Janshen, Tyler Jarmer, Annie Johnson, Jenna Johnson, Patty Kardash, Brianna Kellogg, Akasha Kelsick, Geoff, Keogh, Hannah Keogh, Danielle Kindel, Ryan Krempels, Kary Krieger, Sydney Krueger-Ashton, Jenna Krum, Heather LaFrance, Jared Lambert, Jesse LaSarte, Juli Latuseck, Ambre LaVigne, Susie Leifheit, Todd Lent, Gustave Lester, Zac Lillemo, Brad Lloyd, Justin Luppens, Kim Lutz, Richard Lyons, Valerie Marck, Zoe Marko, Teri Marshall, Lauryn Martel, Callie Martin, Kymber Martin, Andrew McCartney, Kim McCombs, Vickie McCoy, Jake McFarlin, Edrico McGregor, Justin Michael, Melissa Miller, Junior Miller, Sharlotte Miller, Blake Miller, Tyler Mitchell, Alexandra Monteleone, James Morales, Jessica Moyer, Kerri Nasser, Andy Nebrigich, Graham Neff, Canice Newey, Brandon Oakland, Ian O’Bleness, Richard Oldroyd, Gina Olsen, Cal Orr, Jack Ortiz, Tammy Pearce, Tiffany Pedersen, Larissa Pena, Eric Pezley, Sean Pinardi, Jeanie Prince, Bronwyn Riley, Eric Rivera, Erik Russell, Julia Salmio, Melissa Samayoa, Tib Sanchez, Kessa Sanchez, Michelle Schlager, Mary Schulte, Kris Schultz, Ray Sepulveda, Tia Sharp, AJ Sheffield, Sarah Siebrecht, Ryan Skinner, Robert Smalley, John Smetana, Brad Smith, Vanna Smith, Brian Smith, Christopher Sperry, Joshua Stearns, Cassie Stephens, Amanda Styer, Josh Swan, John Synovetz, Stephanie Terry, Pete Themins, Lisa Trout, Jenny Vanderhoef, Jason Vessar, Jaki Waldvogel, Ryan Waller, Jason Warr, Joy Weadick, Alaina Webb, Gavin Weiss, Josh Weistaner, Nadia Westly, Matt Whaley, Cory Williamson, Tala Wood, Clayton Woods Dalton Gardens: Brandi Bieber, Diana Dayton, Cami Gravelle, Rich Henning, Emily Hill, Josh Stagner Dover: Travis Shifley Fernwood: McKinzie Davis, Kelly Machado, Spencer Sines Harrison: David Grant, Rebecca Kemner Hauser: Sarah Munds, Jesse Prochnau, Mark Snider Hayden: Derek Adams, Mike Anderson, Ben Anderson, Aaron Baldwin, Vanesa Braun, Andreas Braunlich, Jennifer Brennan, Michelle Bristow, Ron Broesch, Amanda Brouillard, Amber Campbell, Russ Carrier, Chris Clark, Justin Coons, Lauren Deane, Kari Franks, AJ Landingham, Debbie Law, Jessica Leonardi, Alex Lohmeyer, Tara Lucas, Rachel Malin, Ryan Maskell, Cheryl Miller, Kayla Mills, Emily Minter, Jake Pleger, Robbie Quinn, Caleb Ratelle, Alysun Sanders, Heather Shannon-Shepard, Tiffany Spoerl, Cara Stewart, Erin Stone, Elizabeth Tedmon-Bury, Dan Tottenham, Stephen Troxel, Matt Vernon, Molly Walker, Terry Weichal, Connor White Hayden Lake: Andrew Baracco, Dean Kemmer Kellogg: Tanya Bosworth, Tina Christmann, Kimberly Lahti, Josh Mace, Joel May Kingston: Fallon Jolley Moyie Springs: Colton Telford

CAMPUS SECURITY LOG

Murray: Ray Williams Naples: Jenny Ennis, Leona Norman Oldtown: Kamie Granger, Brad Nirschel, Jeremy Stotler Osburn: Jeff Tryon Pinehurst: Felicia Beehner, Jason Hill, Briana Mays, Kelsey Williams Plummer: Kyndra McCully Post Falls: Aaron Angle, Brittani Atwood, Matt Bartlett, Jennie Beck, Joshua Brands, Cherrish Bruebaker, Jenney Burrow, Rafael Cansino, Amanda Chapple, Judy Christopherson, Brad Cleveland, Ryan Crutchfield, Scott Damiani, Kristen Damiani, Jamie Davis, Shaina Dightman, James Drapeau, Derrick Durbin, Quintin Edwards, Justin Enderud, Nate Epkey, Will Fancher, Kyle Gates, Caitlin Gaumond, Johanna Gerger, Deirdre Gilmore, Aubrey Graybill, Angie Harley, Scott Hice, Laci Hodges, Britny Hohenstreet, Liz Holbrook, Sara Jackson, Amanda Jibby, Brad Johnson, Donna Kirsebom, Kathy Larson, Daniel Lawrence, Steph Leddy, Leslie Linsao, Amy Maddox, Paige Marshall, Peter McCann, Sabrina McEnaney, Danielle Meehan, Bonnie Mitson, Andrea Mohney, Seth Mongan, Doug Morrison, Rob Oliveira, Kim Parcaut, Chrissy Pedersen, Robert Peluso, Toni Prince, Damon Randles, Lindsey Rasmussen, Raelyn Reed, Shannon Reed, Will Rodrigues, Mark Rohring, Matt Round, Jasha Sandford, Crystal Schneider, Wayne Stolley, Shorena Tatarashvili, Joe Tocco, Scott Tondee, Mikayla Trull, Gwen Turner, Katrina Uribe, Sherry Welling, Ashley Wetherelt, Drew Wetherelt, Felicia Williams, Danny Woodruff Potlatch: Tiana Allen Priest River: Ernie Bauer, Cara DeMent, Barbara Wilson Rathdrum: Stephanie Baker, Daniell Berger, Hannah Billick, Shasta Conrad, Tara Cope, William Davis, Brandy Davis, David Demers, Corinne Dickinson, Shawn Dickinson, Emilee Engle, Christy Gray, Casey Hammond, Tyler Haug, Amber Heuett, Todd Higens, Kiel Hutchinson, Sam Kern, Bernard Kleinsmith, Afton Morrison, Jeremy Munson, Spencer Newman, Kelsey Park, Dan Reuter, Garth Rogers, Joanne Roman, Shanay Tetherow, Michelle Thompson, Hollie Viernes, Scott Williams Rigby: Eliseo Santana Sagle: Jake Farley, Amanda Kitchen, Karen Prince, Janell Schabell Sandpoint: Amy Brandt, Wil Cook, Jon Covey, Chelsie DeMarco, Michael Grant, Bryson Kost, Jill Mix, Jenny Pitts, Ethan Schlussler, Alexa Wheeler, Shannon Williams Spirit Lake: Sarah Epps, Deanne Fultz, Dan Gardner, Brandi Howard, Ashley Job, Kylee Kramer, Chrissy Sturgill St. Maries: Brett Arrhenius, Adrian De Vries, Dot Dittman, Amanda Ratcliffe Twin Falls: Bri Bishop Worley: Lisa Rubinsky

Out of State Colorado: Kristin Kaufman (Loveland) Georgia: Sharon Solomon (Marietta) Hawaii: Doug Schabell (Hilo) Minnesota: Cory Henrich (Monticello) Montana: Trevor Muzi (Hamilton), Kelsey LaVaute (Missoula), Lynsie Williams (Townsend) North Dakota: Tarin Leach (Dickinson) Texas: Phil Estes (Oak Point) Utah: Jarrett Morrill (Logan), Ryan Neve (Sandy), Carissa Christensen (South Jordan) Washington: Scot Pearson (Fairfield), Emmy Sheffler (Farmington), Toni Bovino (Liberty Lake), Samuel Palmer (Newman Lake), Joseph Roth (Newman Lake), Harvey Ballman (Spokane), Bill Duffy (Spokane), Alyssa Evans (Spokane), Ryan Zumwalt (Spokane), Berto Edeza (Spokane Valley), Kayla Knicely (Spokane Valley)

New bills impact NIC State Congress talks finances, redistricting

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Christina Villagomez Staff Contributor

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The bill was introduced in the House, and it was brought to the House Education Committee for a vote, who ultimately decided to place an indefinite Idaho legislators have recently hold on the bill. looked at three pieces of legislation that “In essence, it means they will not affects North Idaho College.

The first, House bill 385, involves the act on it,” Browning said.

According to Browning, the bill manner that the college gets funding lacked the support of even one commufrom state liquor sales. nity college in the state, and was unable “It doesn’t change the amount, just to gain favor by the Education Comhow we get it,” said Vice President of mittee due to what was seen as comCommunications and Marketing Mark plicated, inefficient and unnecessary Browning redistricting.

In the current system, a portion of The final piece of legislative action the price of every bottle of purchased involved the Joint Finance Approprialiquor goes into a fund run by the State tions Committee (JFAC) passing the Board that distributes the money to community college apeach community colpropriation suggested lege twice a year.

by Gov. C.L. “Butch” House bill 385 reOtter in his state of the vises the process and state address. allows community The appropriation colleges to be paid In the fiscal year 2011, consists of $1 million on a quar terly basis the governor sugdirectly by the state the total alcohol profit gested be distributed liquor dispensaries. distribution in Idaho was to community colleges “It streamlines in the state. it [the process] and $50,181,649. Community NIC agreed to give makes it a little more colleges received 1.2 up its share if the apefficient in the distribupercent, or about propriation passes in tion, and that’s a good exchange for an enrollthing,” Browning said. $600,000, of that, while ment equity adjustThe bill was public schools received ment. passed with no op“It was pretty in position in both the 2.4 percent, or about line with the goverstate House and Sen$1.2 million. nor’s recommendaate, and is awaiting tions,” Browning said. the governor’s signa“The only difference ture, as of March 1. was that they included According to a percent raise for Browning, the goveremployees, where the governor had nor is expected to sign it into law. suggested a fund tied to state revenues.

The second bill recently looked at If state revenues met a certain level, by legislators was House bill 411, intromoney would kick in that would be up to duced by Rep. Frank Henderson, R-Post 3 percent, merit based.”

Falls.

The appropriation passed JFAC This bill would have redistricted unanimously, and is expected to pass counties for board of trustee elections both the House and Senate. for all Idaho community colleges.

A Closer Look

1 Feb. 15: A student reported damage to his parked car from being struck by another vehicle in the North Boswell Lot. The owner of the second vehicle was contacted and the matter was resolved.

2 Feb. 18: A non-student male suspected of carrying a concealed knife was seen briefly entering the gym foyer during an NIC basketball game. The Coeur d’Alene Police were called in and the male was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon.

3 Feb. 22: Alcohol containers were found during a health and safety inspection in a residence hall room. The student involved was referred for disciplinary action.

4 Feb. 22: High winds toppled a portable parking sign, causing minor damage to a parked vehicle in Parking Lot C.

5 Feb. 23: Two residence hall students were counseled for their involvement in a minor verbal and physical altercation.

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Feb. 24: A residence hall student reported that her parked vehicle was vandalized while in the residence hall parking lot.

The investigation is ongoing.

Feb. 29: Although the recent driving conditions were less than ideal, Campus Security received no reports of any vehicle accidents. Thanks go out to everyone for driving cautiously.

Perspective tip? Story idea?

Contact Devin Heilman

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

Perspectives

PAGE 5

MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

WWW.NICSENTINEL.COM

EDITORIAL

AND THE RACE IS ON

NIC connects with creativity

Christina Villagomez

Illustration by Sarah Munds

Creativity is catching.

It will be found in high quantities throughout campus March 12-14 during the 2012 Cardinal Connections symposium, “The Spark!

Connecting with Creativity.”

Humans can transmit ideas from one person to the next through drawings, songs, poetry, sculpture and so many more ways. We are gifted beings that have the ability to express feelings, thoughts and emotions in countless numbers of different languages and mannerisms.

This symposium will provide an array of outlets for those artistic gifts.

Students and the public are encouraged to attend the Chatauqua performances by instructors Joe Jacoby and Geoff Carr as they represent the monumental figures of John Lennon and Steve Jobs. People can take a self-guided tour through the school grounds to view more than 150 pieces of artwork. Applying creativity to business will be the main topic of keynote speaker (and internationally acclaimed author) Dan Roam’s presentation.

Everyone can get hands-on during collage and chalk exercises, and you might even learn a thing or two about making your own karaoke.

These are just a few things “Connecting with Creativity” will have to offer.

Creativity comes in all forms. This will be illustrated beautifully through the array of subjects and activities sprinkled through NIC’s campus next week. Whether you’re an art creator, appreciator or completely new to the concept of creativity, something for everybody will surely be available.

So come tap into your internal artistic well.

You never know what you might discover.

theSentinel Awards

Associated Press Five-Star All-American Newspaper National Pacemaker and Newspaper of the Year

Men don’t have uteruses, so why are they deciding how we use them?

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he recent congressional decision? My guess would be no, hearing “Lines Crossed: since they are unable to truly Separation of Church understand how it would affect your sex. and State.

Last I checked, men Has the Obama Admindo not have uteruses, istration Trampled on nor do they give birth.

Fr eedom of Religion When they do, they and Freedom of Concan fully represent science?” on Capitol Hill women on a healthcare made a serious mistake. panel, just like when The mistake: Diswomen develop ereccussing women’s health tile dysfunction, they issues without including can fully represent any women on the panel.

Tala Wood men on a healthcare I realize that the hearNews Editor panel. ing is labeled as being The base argument about religious freedom of the panel is largely a and fr eedom of conscience. However, it was prompt- moot point now anyway, since the ed by members of religious insti- mandate has been changed so the tutions who believe they should insurance companies must pay for be exempt from covering em- the contraception, not the religious ployee contraception and other institution.

But that did not dissuade the reproductive health. This makes it a discussion about healthcare. panel from comparing it to a hypothetical mandate requiring all Any healthcare decision that difood providers to serve pork, inrectly impacts only one sex should cluding kosher delis. What’s the be decided primarily by that sex.

I ask the men reading this: How difference? I think the fact that one is about a meal and the other is would it be to have your employer about a woman’s life is difference tell you whether or not you can enough. Besides, your employer have access to Viagra? Would you does not have a say in what or want an entirely female panel teswhere you eat – they do have a tifying before Congress about the

hand in your healthcare.

What if your employer is a religious institution that does not believe in antibiotics? Does that mean they should be exempt from covering them? Surely that would be considered wrong. Contraception is exactly the same. Both are a necessary part of our contemporary healthcare practices.

For those who say birth control is different from antibiotics, consider that contraceptives have other uses other than their primary function. The Pill can also help regulate menstrual cycles, treat menstrual cramps, acne and PMS and is sometimes prescribed to help with serious conditions like endometriosis.

As a human being, I expect that if I have a medical problem, I will get treated. But if I am a woman working for a religious institution, I should be denied that?

Women make up half of the population. Yet they make up only about 16 percent of the members of Congress, and zero percent of the religious panel discussing women’s health issues.

Math is not my best subject, but something about those numbers doesn’t strike me as proportionate.

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

Editorial Board Devin Heilman Managing Editor Tala Wood News Editor Noura AlfadlAndreasson A&E Editor Eric Rivera Sports Editor Michael Paquin Lifestyles Editor Ethan Schlussler Photo Editor Jantzen Hunsaker Webmaster Joyce Hargrove Copy Editor Eric Pezley Business Manager Geoff Carr Adviser

Contributors Amy Brandt

Kyle Breitenberg Garrett Cabeza Benaiah Cheevers Nick Dimico Katie Eppenstein Micah Gimlin Gabriel Green Jake Wright Martin Sarah Munds Carrie Rishsew Julie Salinas Josh Sloniker Angel Tesch Kaye Thornbrugh Christina Villagomez

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

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.

DID YOU KNOW? Ancient Egyptians used a contraceptive that included crocodile dung and fermented dough.

PERSPECTIVES

6 | the sentinel

CAMPUS VOICES

Whom do you favor for the presidential election? Why? Lizzie Welker ■ 18, theater, Priest River

“Obi-Wan Kenobi for 2012. He’s our only hope.”

Slimeball magnet

Creeps, sex offenders, cheaters... dating just ain’t what it used to be

I

have been dating recently.

For example, I enjoyed a nice pasta dinner about a week ago. We got along great. No awkward moments… until his girlfriend showed up and demanded why her boyfriend was eating marinara in seductive candlelight without her. I ran away as fast as my uncoordinated body would let me in my rather high heels. I didn’t look back.

About a month later, I was invited to a house party with a guy I had been interested in. Apparently, the definition of “house par ty” has shifted a bit since I last checked. I was under

Austin Briggs ■ 20, English, Post Falls

“I gotta be honest, I don’t like most of the candidates, but I would honestly go with Paul. ”

Dismal turnouts due to advertising failure

“I am not sure. I’m a Republican, but I’m undecided. I don’t know any of the candidates.”

Josh Guadarrama ■ 19, engineering, Royal City, Wash.

“I don’t really like any of the candidates.”

Diana Dayton ■ 18, gen. studies, Hayden

“Ron Paul. He seems like a generic person and I agree with his ideals. ”

out proper advertising to those Since I resigned from my position as ASNIC vice president, I have who choose no to be educated in the classic classroom environment, begun to understand what it is like many find themselves not attending to be a student without all of the anything. benefits and why students lack inIn all of this, I blame communiterest in school activities.

As a student, I take all my class- cation as well as those who adveres online. Like any other online stu- tise the events. When advertising dent, I log into the portal and begin an event, you can’t just put up a flier or send a little paragraph my class work. No going to the Week’s Worth (a on campus for anything; newsletter for weekly just classes on the Inevents). That’s great ternet and nothing else. and all, but the Week’s When I was active in Worth is only for faculty, the student government, staff and employees of there wasn’t a time that the college, so therefore I didn’t know what was students never hear happening on camanything that is posted pus. Usually it was bein it. Word of mouth or cause we were the ones Nick Dimico posting something on planning most of the Staff Contributor the portal is not enough events. So, throughout either. You must add time, I always thought, more ways for students “Why is it so hard to get people to attend an event?” to receive news.

Each day I tried to figure out After each event, we would talk other options that would create betabout how it went and how many ter advertising for students. What I people attended. Whenever we came up with is that event planners would discuss the attendance isultimately should send out text messues, we found ourselves sitting in sages, emails or a Week’s Worth for disappointment because we never students. Each of these could create got the numbers that we were lookbetter attendance numbers for the ing for. events.

I could never figure out why stuFor me, it has been extremely dents weren’t interested in coming difficult to get a grasp on when until after I wasn’t in the middle of things are scheduled. Without havit all. ing close relationships with those I began investigating by putting who are involved in planning events, myself in other students’ shoes.

I would never attend another event, Throughout the campus, many and it’s not because I don’t want go fliers advertise events and numerto the event. ous students try to spread the mesIt’s because I would never know sage. when an event is taking place.

If you are not a student who I find this to be a recurring issue goes on campus or into the SUB, for the students of NIC. I feel until you find yourself not knowing a lot we get new ways of advertising, we about what is happening on campus will never be able to attain the numwithin each week. bers in attendance that we are lookI feel that many students are ining for and events will continue to terested in school activities, events have dismal turnouts. and theater productions, but with-

Joshua Pays ■ 21, gen. studies, Portland

Melty the Snowman

“I’m not into it.”

Julie Salinas Staff Contributor

As any conscious person can see, the impression that par ties involved a group of people. According to this it’s obvious that my “creep-o-meter” has gentleman, though, you only need two broken in the two years that I didn’t to have a good time. The party had, have to deal with the terrifyingly disapparently, “sorta fell through, so it’s gusting world around me. Either that OK if you spend the night.” I told him or society has taken a dramatic turn for that I wasn’t comfortable being raped the flat-out weird.

Regardless, I used to go on dates in the wee hours of the night with no and not worry about the posone to hear me scream. sibility of rape and death. But I got a text later askunfortunately, guys, I’m not ing if I wanted to hang out out to get your STDs or satwith a friend and his crowd. isfy your fetishism. You get Sure, why not? The next off by cheating on your lady? text I received included Don’t bother asking me out. the stipulation that I could Save your breath. You’ll need only come if I slept with it to blow up the only date the guy at the end of the you’ll have left. night. After much strenuSarah Munds More than anything, this ous debate over the merits Asst. News Editor string of horrendous dates of whoring myself out for a taught me that it’s time for a hang-out session, I rejectre-evaluation of the people I ed this cordial invitation. hang around with, because it’s a small It doesn’t stop there. I was invited miracle that I’ve made it through the out with a nifty guy I had met through last couple of months without some lifesome mutual friends. We were into the altering catastrophe occurring. It has same music and stand-up comedy. Our also taught me that 99 percent of the senses of humor produced some rather people in this world are creepy. hilarious jokes that had me crying with In the meantime, I’ve made it a habit laughter. We had so much in common, to go to my dates with a baseball bat except the part where one of us was a and crossed fingers. Forget the job and registered sex offender and the other a car. I just need you to be sane. one was not.

Event promos need boost

Laura Tipton ■ 26, nursing, Idaho Falls

Devin Heilman Managing Editor

■

Micah Gimlin Photographer

Monday, March 5, 2012

 A drinking fountain in Winton Hall has a super cool special feature. A digital counter tells users how many water bottles have been saved when people use the designated spout that releases water directly into the reusable bottle rather than from the mouth faucet. As of last week, more than 7,500 water bottles were reused.

Way to go green NIC!

 When you’ve seen one shopping center, you’ve seen a mall.  Slip sliding away: Campus parking lots froze during the end of February, then thawed into asphalt slushies almost overnight.  A black VW with the license plate IMNOTOK also displays a "StraightXedge" decal in the window. Don't worry, we're not OK with the parking situation on campus either. Now go have a Pepsi.  A headless snowman was built on top of an outdoor bench outside the residence hall. As he melted, his branchy arms looked like they were reaching out for help.  Honk if you’re goosy: Canadian geese are back to the Cd’A beaches. They can be seen strutting their stuff along the water’s edge even in the snow, but they might be used to it... they are from Canada.  R.I.P. Monkee Davy Jones (Dec. 30, 1945 - Feb. 29, 2012).

You created a world of daydream believers.

READERS

WRITE

Dear North Idaho College, I have been employed as a North Idaho College Children’s Center classroom teacher for eight years. I work with an incredible staff who shares the same goals and passions. We work together serving our families of North Idaho College students, staff, and faculty. When I began I was excited to be a part of the Children’s Center Philosophy, (to be a part of a community that takes their education and puts it into practice) it gave me an overwhelming sense of appreciation for our profession. As the years went by I realized that the Children’s Center is not only dedicated to quality, but North Idaho College as a whole works together to uphold the highest quality education for our community, including our youngest students: the infants through 5-year-olds at the NIC Children’s Center.

Years of research has shown that the impact on young children’s development is associated with the quality of interactions provided by the world around them. With this understanding the North Idaho College Children’s Center staff has made it our mission to treat children as we see them; as individuals who are competent and inquisitive. For many years I have been passionate about our project approach and emergent curriculum. This is a process by which children learn through investigating ideas that are relevant and interesting to them. We value family and community participation as an intricate part of early education because we know that children form their views about the world through early relationships and experiences. We do this by partnering with various programs and organizations on campus.

I would like to personally extend a warm thank you to the community around us for its ongoing support in our investigations. A very special thank you to the following people: Head coach Jared Phay and the men’s basketball team (basketball project); Pat DeSmet in Student Health Services (blood inquiries); Matt Piekarski in the Carpentry program (art studio design); Information Services/Distance Education Librarian Jim DeMoss (library services); Art Instructor Allie Vogt (art project); Jeff Jenkins and Richard Schultz at Emery’s Restaurant (cooking project); Mail and Copy Center Services staff (robot project); Charlotte Warren of Facilities Operations (door mission); Peer Tutor Coordinator Penny Weiss (horse interest); Stacy Hudson of Communications and Marketing (photo opportunities); Sara Fladeland of the Development Office (grant writing); Mike and Rayelle Anderson (garden project); ASNIC (special events); Holly Edwards of Student Support Services (everything)… and so many more. Thank you again! I look forward to more years of collaboration and adventures that our children initiate.

Sincerely, Felicia Hopkins, NIC Children’s Center Teacher

Lifestyles tip? Story idea?

Contact Michael Paquin

-- Paqman_@yahoo.com

Lifestyles WWW.NICSENTINEL.COM

PAGE 7

MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

COMMENTARY

Science of astrology revealed Does anyone really believe in this?

Michael Paquin ■ Lifestyles Editor

GSA Vice President James Barker, 18, discusses his experiences in high school and discrimination while Lizzie Welker, 18, theater, Priest River, waits for her turn to support the LGBT community in a video that will be on the internet. Gabe Green/Sentinel

Students share stories, strength GSA makes contribution to popular YouTube video series Julie Salinas Staff Contributor The “It Gets Better” project shares positive messages for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth every day. The project supports LGBT youth by providing awareness and helping to fund suicide prevention and anti-bullying programs. The movement has resulted in more than 30,000 entries and continues to grow every day, and NIC’s own GSA has decided to contribute their own video.

In the SUB, the club sat together, two at a time, from president and vice president, secretary to the other members and began to tell their stories. Their accounts explained how they were picked on in high school for being different and weird, but, how it does get better.

“After high school, it does get better.

It’s easier for you to be yourself,” said James Majesty, 18, Harrison, Idaho, Art and Activism.

David Glenn, 24, Spokane, history said “We wanted to support the foundation, and we agree with what they have to say. It saves lives. It’s a great support to the LBGT community,” said James Majesty, 18, Harrison, Idaho, Art and Activism.

“Faggot. Queer. Dyke. It even hurts to say that. No one ever needs to hear that.”

Majesty went on to say that to him, the “It Gets Better” project was about providing opportunities for him and his peers to relate their difficulties to people going through similar trials. The viewers of the video would have the tools they needed to live life happily.

“I want everyone to know it gets better, but you have to do it yourself. If you ever have a problem there are people who are there to help you,” said Danni Bain, 22, Coeur d’Alene, Theatre.

Bullying and harassment to the LGBT community is understated, and to many, hearing the stories of these students was a realization that students need help, and to students who don’t think they have

help, there’s help everywhere for them.

All they need to do is reach out.

Students need hope. It’s the opinion of the LGBT community that schools, parents, and churches aren’t providing help to their students, when that’s exactly where the comfort and support needs to come from. The internet has tools that helps provide a safety net for struggling LGBT youth. By providing these videos, it shows the youth that as they get older, it does get better. Celebrities and other people of prominence have contributed to the foundation, and it’s continuing to grow and try to save lives every day.

The program was created by Dan Savage and Terry Miller in response of the vast amount of suicides in 2010 by LGBT youth and those who were suspected of being gay by their peers.

Even if students are not a part of the GSA, they can still submit videos or stories to the “It Gets Better” project. Go to www.itgetsbetter.org for information on the “It Gets Better” project.

NIC groups surprise chamber Flash mob, culinary students commence centennial celebration Jake Wright Martin Staff Contributor NIC’s drama club “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves” surprised attendees at the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce’s 100th anniversar y celebration flash mob style. Sporting authentic ’50s garb, they ran into the crowd when signaled by their adviser Joe Jacoby. Suddenly the back of the room was full of swing dancers, moving in and out in a series of dances and ending in a circle, in which they showed off their favorite moves.

Some of the attendees joined in, though careful to avoid spilling their wine.

The flash mob dance lasted about eight minutes. When finished, the flash mob stood for a brief bow and photo and then collectively “mobbed” the free food table.

Throughout the evening’s festivities, the reception area of the commerce building was packed well over capacity with a wide range of guests out to celebrate. Eventually, the crowd reached a density usually only witnessed at concerts. When the Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves’ dancers stormed, the party people could be seen tr ying to slide along the walls to get a better view.

The ’50s-themed anniversar y celebration was sponsored by North Idaho College, and food and refreshments were provided by NIC’s culinar y program.

“It’s a lot of fun to get out and help in the community,” said Matt Miller, 18, cu-

linar y arts, Sandpoint.

The culinar y students volunteered to be part of the celebration and to get a chance to treat the public to their delicacies. The chefs to-be brought an excellent variety of entrées including miniature hamburgers, shish kebabs, root beer floats, cookies, and Jello shots.

Lots of Jello shots.

Various prizes were awarded during the night, including $100 cash, a $50 iTunes gift card and $50 for skin care ser vices.

A hula-hoop contest was held, in which NIC’s president and vice president both participated, as well as several members of the chamber and other attendees. On-lookers roared with winefueled laughter and friends met and talked while enjoying kabobs from the well-stocked food bar.

A stor y was told by President Priscilla Bell about how during the ‘50s, NIC’s was going to be moved to Sandpoint.

Her stor y told of how the Chamber of Commerce banded together with the community to make sure NIC stayed here in Coeur d’Alene. Since then, NIC and the chamber have had a strong relationship.

“The commerce provides NIC with a conduit to connect with the community,” said Mark Browning, NIC’s vice president of communication and marketing Deanna Goodlander a member of the Public Works Committee, a board member and treasurer of Panhandle Area Council and city council liaison to the

Jordan Fezzaro, 18, CDA, theater and Cole Duzbin, 20, theater, dance for the chamber. Ethan Schlussler/Sentinel

Arts Commission was in attendance. Her father Orrin Lee was first president of NIC and Lee Hall was named after him.

Tim Herzog, county commissioner candidate and member of local car clubs, brought his custom 1950 Studebaker Commander (also known as a bullet nose, due to its distinctive front end design). Herzog’s hotrod added extra flair to the ‘50s theme.

Today my horoscope says I’ll be asked to spring into action so I shouldn’t resist it. I should also keep in mind the fact that things may not be as simple as they appear. That’s incredible. How did they know that sometime today it would be necessar y for me to complete a task of some sort? And the bit about circumstances appears simpler than they sometimes are? Brilliant.

I’m only bringing this up because I was recently asked why the Sentinel doesn’t have a horoscope section. As far as I can tell, there are two reasons why readers can’t find their astrological insights in the Sentinel. The first is, that as far as I know, horoscopes need to be syndicated from a firm, which costs money, and the second is that they’re complete bulls- -t.

How astrology ever got so popular and remains successful with almost ever y age group well into the 21st centur y is beyond me, but I have a theor y.

I maintain that horoscope writers are the unrecognized geniuses of information age writing. Day “How after day, they did they produce predicknow that tions and advice that are just spesometime cific enough to today it be worth reading and barely would be vague enough to necessary have a guaranfor me to teed application in my life withcomplete out discrediting some sort of itself. Example: “Today dear task?”

Sagittarius, you should focus on your personal relationships rather than your professional ones. It’s important to keep in mind that important accomplishments can be made in the home as well as the workplace.” I just pulled that out of thin air. It’s a subtle art, writing the horoscope.

Just once, I would like to see a rogue horoscope writer who isn’t afraid to take a shot in the dark and run the risk of alienating the majority of his readers. “Libra, you’ll have a difficult day today at work, namely, because after you walk into your driveway and discover the batter y on your ’89 Oldsmobile is dead, you’ll arrive 45 minutes late. Next time remember to turn off your dome light before you leave the car at night.” If that prediction was even close to accurate to at least one reader, that writer would be elevated to legend status almost immediately.

Last week I read in a quote from English philosopher Francis Bacon.

Bacon said, “The general root of superstition is that men obser ve when things hit, and not when they miss.”

While I think Bacon was right, I also think he may have been simplifying the phenomenon. Is it possible that people cling to their astrological sign because it’s reliable? The paper will never skip a a day and they can expect insight and advice on a regular basis (However arbitrar y that advice ends up being.) Maybe in retrospect we should run horoscopes in the Sentinel, if not for anything else than the guaranteed increase in circulation. As long as I get to write them.

Michael Paquin 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? Not all Republican presidents had beards, but all bearded presidents were Republicans.

8 | the sentinel

LIFESTYLES

Monday, March 5 2012

COMMENTARY

Getting nowhere American political system frustrating

Jake Wright Martin ■ Staff Contributor Politics, n: [Poly “many” + tics “bloodsucking parasites] Larry Hardiman, oh how true my friend, how true. In light of recent excitement over the impending 2012 presidential election I would like to take the opportunity to rant and rave to my heart’s content.

First of all, I hate the idea of political parties in general. What is the point? All it does is create an environment where people will vote based on their party affiliations and not what would necessarily be best for the country. Also if you are a democrat and live in a republican state your vote doesn’t really matter, and vice versa. You can vote for whoever you want, but if you live in a state with more of the opposite party than you, your vote might as well not even have been cast.

The Electoral College is a horrific breech in our constitutional rights. This system which makes only a handful of people responsible for the actual election of our president and vice president. Basically the electoral members are voted in at the republican conference and the democratic caucus. Then those elected go on to vote for president nationally. the only way to make your vote count, is to vote in the caucus.

Politics is bullshit because the president you elect only ever does half of what he says he’s going to do. Then people bitch and moan because they think he’s betraying them. One person can only do so much, especially when they have to deal with Congress and the federal government.

Just look at the criticism the Obama administration has gotten over the last few years. Remember that fiasco about his birth certificate? Really now people?

Are we really that dumb? He couldn’t have even have attempted to run for the presidency unless he was in fact born in America. I would like to ask all the idiots out there if they really believe that someone could become president without first having completed an ungodly thorough background check?

Society is partially to blame. If America didn’t value the things that go wrong above all others, then we may have noticed the massive amount of jobs that the Obama administration has actually created. Or the fact that Osama Bin Laden was finaly found. Or that the Obama administration has invested heavily in green energy.

Obama is not perfect. No one can claim to be perfect. All of the candidates running have their down sides, things that we don’t agree with. Most people consider politicians to be the scurge of the earth. Maybe they are.

But of course if we all attended law school then we might understand why politicians do some of the things they do.

I suppose if we had, then I might understand why we’re now fighting a war on “terror” that, by definition, is utterly unwinnable. Or why it is necessary to monitor all electronic communications inside the United States?

Somehow I doubt it has anything to do with the good of the people anymore.

If you ask me, politics is just big business.

On that note I would inquire of our leaders, why exactly is government surveillance of citizens of this country steadily increasing? Has anyone heard about the civilian drone program? Well with all the success that the military has had in the Middle East and Asia with unmanned attack drones, now everyone wants them.

The police, news agencies, and homeland security I’m sure will be purchasing a few thousand, along with the NSA and any other agency that would be aided by having an almost invisible eye in the sky.

What does this mean for the average Joe? It means the word “privacy” has just been removed from the dictionary.

Wake up people! Try to pay attention to what is going on! The system is walking all over us and we’re letting them. Get involved. Read the news, talk to people, have an opinion and defend your opinion.

Jake Wright Martin 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.

Max Mendez conducts the Chamber Singers at the ”Close Enough for Jazz” concert on Nov. 17 2011. The songs the band sang played included a cover of “The Flintstones” and “Blues for Elise” based on Beethoven’s theme. Ethan Schlussler/Sentinel

Max Mendez leaves his position to teach Division chair of communications plans to re-connect with students Nick Dimico Staff Contributor Division chair of communications and fine arts Max Mendez announced that he will be stepping down from his current position to focus on the teaching aspect of his career.

After three years of working in the position, Mendezsaid he is excited to focus on the students in his classroom.

“I feel like I have done some good work as division chair,” Mendez said.

“It’s bittersweet. I have been able to learn a lot in the position, but now I’m ready to fulfill my desire of being in the classroom and connecting with students.”

Throughout Mendez’s life he was always involved in many different experiences that have guided him to this part of his career.

During his education he attended school at Chabot Community College in Hayward California, California State Long Beach, and Eastern Washington University. He currently has a master’s degree in music and vocal pedagogy.

In ’89-’97 he worked as a professional singer in Los Angeles.

“To get by sometimes I had to take any jobs that I could get,” Mendez said.

“I worked at Costco passing food samples and I also managed a sheet metal shop.”

Mendez has worked for NIC for almost seven years. “As division chair I run eight academic departments,” Mendez said. The departments Mendez oversees are music, theatre, fine arts, graphic design, journalism, photography, speech, and humanities.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, but I love students and I look forward to spending time with my family,” he said.

Mendez also works as the director of choirs. Cardinal Choral, which consists of 60-80 singers and has a mixture of faculty, staff, students and community members who all participate as well as Chamber Singers which consists of 24 singers, and Jazz Co. which has 14-18 singers.

“I enjoy teaching music,” Mendez said. “Some issues that I face though are that some students either like me or they don’t, but if you are willing to show up on time, be respectful and do the best that you can, then you and I will be on good terms.”

Even after all the time that he devotes

to his career he still has time for more.

As chair of the annual symposium “Cardinal Connections” Mendez has creative dreams for the future.

Mendez said that he excited to be running Cardinal Connections this year as it all about the spark of creativity.

“I felt the idea of creativity is somewhat bound by the arts,” Mendez said, “but I also see creativity in other disciplines and other fields and I felt that was something worth exploring: how creativity crosses discipline.”

He said that he is in hopes that he will get to chair the committee next year as he has big plans for the symposium.

“Dream big,” Mendez said. “My goal is for students to dream their biggest dreams instead of settling for careers that they don’t really care about. I feel NIC is where students should and can explore their biggest dreams.”

Overall Mendez said he is ready to begin his new journey.

“I really enjoy the energy of students and I want to support those students with their goals. I’ve loved my position, but I feel I will be even more in love with the time I will be devoting to my students.”

Author reads ‘Body of a Dancer’ Renee D’Aoust’s book chronicles the life of a ballerina in New York City Julie Salinas Staff Contributor

of the stor y. Pain is one of the issues,” D’Aoust said. But despite the pain, she said she loves to dance. “I felt at home in my dancers body and there was no Renee D’Aoust’s memoir, “Body place else I would be.” of a Dancer” that is a collection of esD’Aoust said her book “pissed says that tells the stor y of her life as off people in the dance world.” a dancer in New York City at the MarThis has allowed her to “speak tha Graham Center for Contemporar y dance. At age 25, she came there with a up in a world where you aren’t allowed to speak.” Since her lot to prove. “Remember why you came books publication, she’s reto this city and do it,” she said. “The cived letters thanking her for dancer’s dreams are unattainable; you sharing her stor y. keep dancing because you must.”

“You need to While ever yone settled take a risk for what into their seats with cof“The dancer’s you want to share.” fee, chocolates, cookies, she said. dreams are and raf fle tickets, instrucAfter her reading, tor Jonathan Frey introunattainable; the room was opened duced Renee D’Aoust and you keep to questions and gave her flowers from the answers, durEnglish depar tment in dancing ing which honor of Valentines Day. because you period she She dedicated her reading must.” told people to Jonathan Frey and Bob she decided Bennett. to write her She labeled her book RENEE D’AOUST stor y in as “nar rative non-fiction, Author and dancer short epicreative non-fiction, and a logues memoir.” The book goes beinto her life as a dancer, how she felt physically and emotionally, cause her experias well as her successes and failures ences with the measured in the pain that she felt as art where epishe began her life as a dancer at this sodic. elite school.

Members of “The body of a dancer is tired,” she the audienc where said. “I had friends who were talented, given the opertunity and ever y bit talented, but didn’t see to win copies of her book in a their names in lights.” She continued raffle. to read through her book, telling stoWhile many students attendries of friends. “I can you my friends ed simply to hear her writing, physical problems more than their some were there to learn from family histor y,” she said. She also emher. phasized the amount of pain she felt.

“I came to get extra credit, “Pain is boring. Pain is so much apart and to learn better structure

in writing,” said Nicole Jennings, 27 Paralegal, Rathdrum, Idaho. Her book is available at the Mica Peak book exchange, as well as on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and through Etruscan Press.

Sports

Sports tip? Story idea?

Contact Eric Rivera

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

PAGE 9

MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

WWW.NICSENTINEL.COM

COMMENTARY Cor al S ea

Sea Timor

Gulf of Carpentaria

Pac ific Oc ean

NASCAR chars its reputation Jet fuel, wet road make for fireworks

Eric Rivera ■ Sports Editor

Indi an O cea n

D

Great Australian Bight Tasman Sea

ex p e r i e n ce s I d a h o l e t e l h t a d e t i fe s t y e co ra Story by: Garrett Cabeza ■ Photo by: Ethan Schlussler

T

he move from subtropical Australia to northern Idaho was more than just a weather change for one student-athlete. It was a basketball style change too.

North Idaho College’s Aimee Durbidge continues to adapt to it.

Durbidge said basketball in the United States has been more physical, skillful and faster-paced than Australian basketball.

“I just could not wrap my head around how different the concepts of playing were,” she said.

Durbidge, who lived in Boambee East, Australia, won two Most Valuable Player awards, two Player of the Year awards, was named to the AllStar team twice and named Athlete of the Year once.

After finishing high school, Dur-

bidge decided to travel to the United States to play basketball in high school competitions with an Australian team.

“I came over for the experience of it,” Durbidge said. “Fortunately, I had the opportunity to do it.”

After that experience, Durbidge wanted to play college basketball in the United States.

Besides the tradition of the NIC women’s basketball program and the fact that they are the defending national champions, Durbidge was drawn to NIC by its location.

“I wanted to experience somewhere where it was completely different to what I was used to,” she said. “I tell people I was going to Idaho and they’re like ‘where’s that?’”

One thing that she is not used to

le

from living in Australia is the snow, and she loves it.

“I just love sitting in a room watching it,” Durbidge said. “You go outside and you can run around in it. It’s freezing cold but you still have fun.”

Durbidge said she did not want to go to a Division I university immediately.

“I wouldn’t have been able to cope, I don’t think,” she said. “So this has just worked out perfectly.”

Durbidge has helped the Cards to a Scenic West Athletic Conference (SWAC) title, which she said was one of the team’s goals this season.

Durbidge accomplished a personal goal this season by earning a spot in the starting lineup after starting

See DURBIDGE | Page 11

Cardinals float near top of pack Region 18 seeding boils down to team’s overall wins Benaiah Cheevers Staff Contributor

Lewis levitates high off the court during the last home game. Gabe Green/Sentinel

The College of Southern Idaho Golden Eagles beat the North Idaho College Cardinals 64-58 in overtime to earn a second consecutive Scenic West Athletic Conference championship on Feb. 25 at Rolly Williams Court.

CSI led 39-23 early in the second half before the Cardinals mounted a rally.

Both teams had a chance to win the game in regulation, but Antoine Hosley’s 3-pointer rolled out of the basket and Fabyon Harris’s 3-pointer was no good either. Harris finished with a team-high 14 points for CSI. “They hit some shots right off the bat and got rolling a little bit in the overtime period,” said head coach Jared Phay.

CSI scored the first seven points and sealed the game on four free throws by Pat Swilling to take a 63-56 lead with under one minute remaining in overtime.

“I was really happy with our efforts to be honest,” Phay said. “I know we were a little bit out of a flow offensively and we were struggling to score, but we really locked up on defense and that enable us to get back into the game. We had a chance to win at the end of regulation.”

CSI (27-3, 13-2 SWAC) will now be the No. 1 seed in the Region 18 tournament starting March 8-10 in Salt Lake City.

NIC will be the No. 3 seed in the tourna-

ment after a win against Eastern Utah on March 4. The team’s 23-7 overall record put them below Salt Lake Community College when it came to seeding.

“We fell a little short, but we’re going to bounce back,” said Hosley.

Hosley scored a game-high 25 points for NIC, which lost starting guard Keon Lewis to an ankle injury early in the first half. Lewis tried to return, but was taken out of the game before the end of the first half. Freshman Kwame Bates scored 10 points in the game.

“We have to work harder, make better decisions on offense and play better defense,” Bates said. “We are as athletic as anyone. We just need to slow down and relax a little bit.”

On Feb. 28, NIC lost to Snow College 50-56. Teancum Stafford scored 21 point for Snow to lead the Badgers in the victory over NIC. Keon Lewis scored 14 points for the Cardinals and Antoine Hosley scored 12 points. Kaj Sherman added nine points for NIC. On Feb. 16, NIC defeated Salt Lake Community College 61-54. Antoine Hosley scored 13 points for NIC, which shot 42 percent (21 of 50) from the field.

Michael Middlebrooks had 15 rebounds and six blocked shots. Petar Joksimovic scored 12 points and Jordan McCloud added eight points. Kaj Sherman added seven points.

It would be safe to say that this year’s Daytona 500 hasn’t given the so-called sport of NASCAR a good image.

Personally, I don’t believe NASCAR to be a sport, but I can play devil’s advocate on the matter. It’s understandable that turning left with precise arm movements at high speeds for many hours can be tiring, both mentally and physically. But I still don’t think of it as a sport in the same manner that I do with hockey and football.

By those criteria, Wii Sports would be real and I would be a professional golfer and bowler, because I too can use precise arm movements for many hours. I do have to give the racers some respect, though, for being able to handle a couple tons of machinery at high velocities.

Though if given any Gran Turismo game for the Playstation consoles, I, too, could handle heavy “virtual” machinery, therefore making me a professional race car driver.

To me, NASCAR is more like an entertaining event. Crashes, explosions and people with two first names create great visual entertainment but lacks in the mental stimulation department. It would be grouped with WWE and Backyard Wrestling in my book, but to each their own.

When the Daytona 500 ended early in the morning last Tuesday, it had its fair share of crashes sprinkled throughout.

I sympathize for any victims of these crashes and that’s where I wish something different could be done. I know putting a robot into the driver’s seat could save a life, but it would also create two problems.

First, watching a robot race around a track would take out all the suspense of wondering if they are going to enter the turn on a perfect line. Where we have human error, computers do everything perfect every time. It would be like watching life-sized RC cars. If I’m not controlling it, it’s not fun to watch. And second, putting a robot into the driver’s seat will only result in many disgruntled race car drivers and redneck-like followers protesting the streets screaming aloud, “They took our jobs! Took our jerbs!”

Every Daytona race features one crash spectators call “the big one.” This year’s “big one” even had NASCAR president Mike Helton shocked. Juan Pablo Montoya, who drives the Target-sponsored #42 Chevy, was under caution with 40 laps remaining when it occurred.

Wet weather brought rain to the pavement, which postponed the race’s start and caused a few cautions. He came up to a stretch that had two track-drying trucks on it, both full of jet fuel, and something gave way in his rear suspension. He missed one but slammed full on into 200 gallons of fuel that instantly went ablaze. Both drivers amazingly walked away with little harm.

“About the time you think you’ve seen about everything, you see something like this,” Helton said to ABC News Corp.

It makes me wonder if NASCAR picks random people from the crowd to help plan and run their events. You know, like the bare-chested guy holding up two beers and screaming at the cars every time they go by. They seem like the kind of people who would send trucks full of jet fuel on the tracks while race car drivers fly by at dangerous speeds. The same kind that would send the drivers of those trucks full of extremely flammable hydrocarbons out onto the track without fire suits and helmets.

So it makes me want to say thank you to all the people who are hardcore fans. Those that push the notion that NASCAR is a true sport. You confirm my suspicion that being dumb and dangerous go hand in hand.

Eric Rivera 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? Australia’s first official game of basketball occurred at Melbourne, Victoria, in 1905.

SPORTS

10 | the sentinel

Monday, March 5, 2012

Dedicated cheerleaders lend insight about squad Stories and photo by: Eric Rivera ■ Sports Editor

I

daily and is “very hardcore” at what she n larger families, it isn’t uncommon does. that the older sibling tends to influ“I’ve done competitive cheerleading ence many of the behaviors of their and I love it,” Thode said. “I was part of younger siblings. The older child takes that world but not anymore. I’m just for the risk of trying something new so the college cheer now.” younger one can decide if it is something Thode said she will be finished takthey want to do when they get older. ing classes at NIC after next fall and For cheerleader Monica Thode, that plans to participate in commencement in role has been reversed in her family.

Thode is a 5-foot-5, 120 pound sopho- Spring 2013. She has been completing her more who was born in Phoenix, Ariz. in degree in general studies, but has con1992, but moved to Post Falls with her sidered going into Psychology for Child Development or Child Psyfamily when she was younger. chology.

She considers Post Falls her “The fear “I really like all the protrue home town. kind of cesses involved with PsyShe started cheerleading when she was a sophomore deludes away chology, like all the theories at Post Falls high school only after a while, and just figuring out how the mind works,” Thode said. “It after becoming inspired by after falling intrigues me.” her younger sister Sarah.

She said her GPA is Sarah is two years younger a couple around 3.3 and she has conthan Thode and began her hundred of sidered staying in the area cheerleading career around to attend the satellite branch times.” fifth grade. of Lewis-Clark State College “She inspired me to just (LCSC). tr y out and see if I liked it, MONICA THODE Last year, Thode was part and I ended up loving it,” high flying stunter of the NIC Cheer team that Thode said. took first place at nationals.

When family members The team only has Thode and play and compete in the same sport, it’s only natural for sibling rivalry two other returners, Jaclyn Hitchcock and Cassie Motley, from that team and they to occur. have been working toward another win “I would definitely say she is better at national competition. The team has 12 than me just because she does have more freshmen. experience, but we both excel in different Competition has changed from the ways,” Thode said. “We compliment each previous year’s format. Instead of having other.” a routine based on stunting and chanting, Thode said that she has more of the this year the team only gets to use the “cheerleading image” because she leads 2:30 for stunting with music. the crowds and cheers at sporting events Thode’s role changed as the team’s on campus. routine evolved. She started off as a base, On the other hand, she said her sister a person who holds up another cheerleadhas more of a competitive side and cheers er, and then became the cheerleader in a manner glorified by the “Bring It On” movie franchise. She said her sister participates in cheer clubs, trains to compete See THODE | Page 11

A

sking a coworker what they do out- helps and he is versatile.”

More weight can mean more muscle, side of work might yield a strange so Dean has become a pivotal member of answer. So when one of William the NIC Cheer squad by helping spot the Dean’s mechanic buddies asks him that lighter girls during routines. The squad question they get one answer: cheerlead. has been practicing weekly in anticipation NIC Cheer’s William Michael Dean is of this year’s National competition. NIC a 6-foot, 260-pound stunting base. He is 23 took first last year and Dean said the team years old and was born on July 31, 1988, is on the right track to make another run in Spokane.

Dean has a 3.0 GPA and has been for first.

“We only have one routine that we studying to earn his Mechanical Drafting certificate, a two-year program at NIC. He get drilled, and drilled and drilled into our heads so that we can do has been a mechanic in the it in our sleep with our eyes area for more than four years, “We had closed,” he said. but said his love for machines to push the Although practices can started early in life.

“I’ve been mechanically in- wrestling mat be filled with what he called clined since I was a little kid,” up and down “cheer drama,” he said the squad remains ver y close he said. “So, I just figured I the court for because it is a small group. go into something mechanically related.” conditioning. Since ever yone has almost the same schedule, they find He said his daily routine at Not fun, not themselves hanging out with work would involve taking in one another on a regular fun at all.” a client’s car, diagnosing the basis. issue and fixing the problem.

“After practice, all of us He said he loves his job beWILLIAM DEAN will go out and get something cause of the problem solvingcheer muscle to eat or hang out,” he said. aspect behind it.

“That’s mostly where the fun This was one of the same times happen, outside pracreasons he said he became a cheerleader. Inspiration to become one tice where we can be ourselves.”

He said some of the best things about came from the challenge that lied within it. being a cheerleader are being around the “[I enjoyed] how hard and fun it was girls, getting to know them, and being all in the same package,” Dean said. their friend. He said the best part for him “I’ve never done anything so hard in my is knowing that he can be someone the life and it’s extremely competitive, even girls can turn to if they need to talk. though most people don’t think of it that Dean said cheerleading can have its way.” cons also. Beyond arguing and missing Dean started his cheerleading career steps in the routine, he recalls a day that at the college level in 2007. With only five the squad had to endure an intense condiyears under his belt, assistant coach Lestioning drill. lie Pulley said that she can recognize the “We had to push the wrestling mat up talent he brings to the team. and down the court for conditioning,” he “It’s his first year on the team and he has taken a strong leadership position,” Pulley said. “He is older so that kind of See DEAN | Page 11

Ladies secure No.1 seed NIC, Snow College earn first round byes for tourney Garrett Cabeza Staff Contributor The Lady Cardinals defeated the College of Southern Idaho Lady Golden Eagles 69-63 on Rolly Williams Court Feb. 25 to earn their first Scenic West Athletic Conference title since the 2005-06 season.

“You want to be able to seize the opportunity that’s right in front of you,” said NIC head coach Chris Carlson. “We’re trying to be proactive, more proactive as a team, and I think that was big.”

Sophomore guard Korina Baker filled the stat sheet with 15 points, hitting nine out of 10 from the free throw line. She also collected five rebounds, six assists and four steals at her final game on Rolly Williams Court.

Freshman guard Katie Buskey led all scorers with 26 points on nine of 16 shooting from the floor and three of five from 3-point range.

Sophomore forward Julia Salmio also added 15 points for the Lady Cardinals.

“I think we execute well and Katie makes some really good shots,” Salmio said. “It’s good to help the team try to win those important games.”

CSI led at halftime 20-19, but the Lady Cardinals responded.

Baker scored two points on a fast break with 16:15 remaining to tie the game at 31.

Buskey later buried one of her three 3-point shots to extend NIC’s lead to 38-33.

After a 7-0 Lady Golden Eagles run, Buskey hit another three to put the Lady Cardinals back on top 41-40 with 12:40 to go in the game.

CSI led 46-44 until Buskey tied the game and then Baker put NIC ahead 48-46.

With 5:46 remaining, Buskey scored another bucket to increase their lead to 56-51.

CSI kept the NIC lead to single digits, but Buskey scored on a Baker assist with 2:04 to play. With less than a minute remaining, Buskey drew a foul, scored and made her free throw to complete the three-point play.

NIC never looked back after that point and avenged its 72-51 loss to the Lady Golden Eagles on Feb. 4 in Twin Falls.

“CSI had beat us by 21 at their place, so we had something to prove,” Carlson said.

The offensive production increased in the second half on both teams.

The Lady Cardinals shot about 52 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range, scoring 50 points in the second half.

CSI converted about 53 percent of its shots from the floor and 50 percent from 3-point land, resulting in a 43-point offensive performance after halftime.

The Lady Cardinals and Snow College will have a first round bye in the Region 18 Tournament in Salinas, Kan.

Ashleigh Kelman-Poto carves her own path when at home. Gabe Green/Sentinel

SPORTS

www.nicsentinel.com

the sentinel | 11

|Men’s basketball meets worthy opponents

BRIEFS NIC women’s soccer players commit to NCAA schools

Players teach ball skills to the “Firehuggers,” a team created and composed of kids from the NIC Children’s Center. Amy Brandt/Sentinel

>THODE

from page 10 she was once holding, also known as a top girl.

“She is doing fabulous, better than I thought she was going to,” said assistant coach Leslie Pulley. “She was a last resort originally and now she is a top girl. She is a perfection artist and that is why she is a good top girl.”

Thode said that going from base to top is a “huge change of pace.” She said that she trusts everyone who hoists her up into the air, but has acknowledged that falling sometimes happens.

“The fear kind of deludes away after a while, after falling a couple hundred times,” she said. “You won’t meet a flyer who says they have never fallen.”

Preparation for Nationals has the team making 5:30 a.m. practices at Flip Factory in Hayden. She said that some of the days can become challenging and overwhelming.

“Frustration comes from trying to do the

>DEAN

from page 10 said. “Not fun, not fun at all. It probably weighed around 500 to 600 pounds.”

With guidance from assistant coaches Tammy Androes and Leslie Pulley, Dean has begun to look at the future beyond NIC. Pulley is a graduate from Morehead State University in Kentucky and has talked to him about the potential of transferring there.

skills the coaches expect from you, which I guess is true for any sport,” she said. “You just have to push through that and that’s the hardest for me.”

Where some people might consider that early to become frustrated, Thode said she was OK with it since she works as a barista at Bear Necessities coffee stand in Post Falls near state line.

“I love making coffee,” she said. “I wake up in the morning to do it.”

Beyond NIC and work, Thode said some of her favorite things to do is hang out with high school friends at the beach in summer, socialize with her cheer friends during winter and spring, and spend time with her boyfriend, when she can, since he goes to the Moscow University of Idaho campus.

All the time, she said she plans to keep practicing her cheerleading skills. She has a passion and when asked what she does for fun outside of cheerleading responds first with “more cheerleading outside of cheerleading.”

It brings proof that sometimes a younger sibling might show an older sibling something interesting and new.

Morehead has taken home more than 30 national championships at the Division I level. If not Morehead, he said he might consider Hawaii University instead.

“They are two of the best cheer schools in the nation,” he said. “I can get a full ride there.”

When outside of NIC and work, Dean has been known to volunteer his time at Flip Factory in Hayden. He coaches stunting and tumbling to ages seven and up. He remains dedicated to the sport and helps those around him understand the mechanics behind it.

BY THE NUMBERS

Thode and Dean stunt almost every day of the week. Eric Rivera/Sentinel

32

National Cheerleading championships claimed by Morehead State University

21

Number of current consecutive first-place wins for Morehead’s cheer program

>DURBIDGE from page 9

the season on the bench playing limited minutes.

She said she knows she has to be consistent because her starting position “can be taken so easily.”

Her favorite basketball player is Seattle Storm’s forward center Lauren Jackson of the WNBA. “She’s an idol,” Durbidge said.

“She’s just one of those people that I like.”

Like Durbidge, Jackson is from New South Wales, and they both have won multiple MVP awards.

Head coach Chris Carlson said Durbidge brings athleticism and versatility to the team.

“She’ll hit some threes for us, she’ll take the ball to the rack for us, she’s really good in the open court and lately her defense has been awesome,” Carlson said.

The Lady Cardinals are ranked seventh in the NJCAA and are seeking a consecutive national championship.

The Lady Cardinals will play either Salt Lake C.C. or the College of Southern Idaho in the semifinals. The tournament runs March 8-10 in Salt Lake City.

Three sophomores from North Idaho College’s National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) eighth-ranked women’s soccer team have signed or verbally committed to four-year programs.

Rachel Crawford, a defender and a former Coeur d’Alene High School standout, has signed with a NCAA Division II school Western Oregon University of Rachel Monmouth, Or e. Crawford Crawford star ted ever y game for the Cardinals the past two years and was instrumental in allowing opponents to score only 11 goals against NIC in 2011.

Lauren Gibson, a goalkeeper from Mountain View High School in Vancouver, Wash., has committed to NCAA Division II school Hawaii Pacific UniLauren versity of Honolulu.

Gibson Fewer than 0.5 goals were scored against the Cardinals per game with Gibson at goalkeeper in her two years as a Cardinal.

Nicole Medeiros star ted as a defender and a forward while playing for NIC and had six goals and one assist in her career. The former Lake City High School player has signed to play Nicole with NCAA Division Medeiros I school Easter n Washington University in Cheney.

Five Cardinal wrestlers receive All-American honors at Nationals North Idaho College finished sixth in the NJCAA National Tournament team standings trailing No. 1 Labette Community College and No. 2 Iowa Central Community College.

The Cardinals had five wrestlers finish the tournament as All-Americans with Kyle Sweedman in the championship match at 174. Sweedman lost a close 3-2 match to Jahwon Akui of Iowa Central Community College to finish second.

Congratulations also go to Michael Rodriguez who finished fourth at 133 lbs.; Jarrett Morrill placed eighth at 141 lbs.; Ryan Zumwalt finished third at 157 lbs and Caleb Rivera took seventh at 184 lbs.

>BOSWELL from page 1

a three-day tournament in Serbia. He said that the Yarygin Memorial has been considered one of the toughest tournaments in the world.

Through the years, Boswell has been an active part in the global wrestling community and that has helped beefed up his resume.

He was invited to be an athletic trainer at the 2003-2008 U.S. National Freestyle/Greco Championships in Las Vegas and the 1999, 2002 and 2003 World Cup of Wrestling.

He was also chosen to work with the Pan-American Wrestling Championships in Mexico in 2010, as well as the 2011 Jr. Pan-American Wrestling Championships in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“I have had to work hard and put in the time, but it’s also good to have someone who can make a phone call and tell an organization like USA Wrestling to give someone like me an opportunity to prove myself,” he said. “You don’t always get recognized on your own.”

Although his schedule is packed full of events and plans for the future, Boswell has continued to show his loyalty to NIC since he was hired in 1993.

He has gone on many crosscountry trips with numerous different athletic teams over the years.

Countless injuries have been suffered by student athletes that he has helped patch up.

He has also entered his seventh year as assistant golf coach for both men and women.

“I have enjoyed my time here at NIC and I enjoy working with the athletes,” Boswell said. “Our school competes at a pretty high level, and we’ve had success with a lot of our teams and it’s something to be proud of.”

A&E tip? Story idea?

Contact Noura A.A. -- nealfadl-andreasson @students.nic.edu

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MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

COMMENTARY

Tribal belly dance, new girl power Tribal fusion turns belly dancers into warriors

NOURA A.A. ■ A&E Editor Like many art forms, belly dancing has evolved over the years. In this case, the sparkling belly dancer in bright, ruffled silks and jingly trinkets has morphed into a more sinister figure. This new belly dancer looks more like a warrior-earthgoddess-shaman. Clad in dark colors, wide-legged pants, heavy metals, and animal accessories such as leathers and feather headdresses, these belly dancers are a part of the scene known as Tribal Fusion.

I’ve witnessed plenty of belly dancing performances at Middle Eastern restaurants, private parties and weddings.

These belly dancers smiled and winked and jiggled around like plates of Jell-O. My first Tribal Fusion performance emitted different attitude. These bellydancers wore aggressive garb, were covered in tattoos (which is a no-no in Middle Eastern and Persian culture) and their movements were humorless. Tribal dancers look like they can own traditional dancers.

Tribal Style belly dancing began in the San Francisco bay area in 1967. Founder Jamila Salimpour passed on the style to feminist Masha Archer who then taught Carolena Nericcio, the innovator behind American Tribal Style (ATS). Archer’s vision was to remove the sexist stigma that has been attached to belly dance since the colonialist era of the mid 19th century. This vision is tangible in “Tribal hybrid femdancers look the inine-masculine like they costume worn in Tribal Fusion. can own Dancers often traditional look like a blend of a 1920s flapper, dancers.” an Arabian warrior, a shaman NOURA A.A. and the heroine A&E Editor in a classic noir film.

Tribal Belly dancers give off an air of danger and strength that surpasses the tough-looking clothes they wear. In order to express the smooth, sharp, controlled movements that are cherished in Tribal Belly dance, one must isolate every muscle in the body…muscles you didn’t even know you had! As a beginning belly dancer I now understand why groups of belly dancers are referred to as “troupes” and practices are called “drills.” It’s not about sauntering around in pretty skirts, it’s about building muscle and maintaining control.

Tribal Fusion incorporates Popping, Hip-Hop, Break Dance and ‘Egyptian’ or ‘Cabaret’ belly dance as well as traditional forms such as Flamenco, Kathac, Bhangra, Balinese and other folkloric dance styles. Tribal Fusion also uses electronic and world music. The best example of this would be the electronic trio Beats Antique, which gathers old world beats from places such as the Baltic and the Middle East and then mixes them into hypnotic modern beats. My favorite Tribal dancer, Zoe Jakes, performs during the Beats Antique live shows and produces the music, giving her dancing an edge that is truly mystical.

YouTube videos of Jakes show her in a costume complete in a deer antler headdress and dancing in a way that silences any thought of Jell-O and instead conjures the image of a boa constrictor.

North Idaho doesn’t have much in the way of belly dancing, but you can find traditional belly dancing on certain nights of the week at The Hubbly Bubbly in Coeur d’Alene or at belly dance studios in Spokane.

Noura A.A. is an editor 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.

From left, Dr. Nancy Gordon (Kathie O’Brien, NIC business instructor) sits with Dr. Laurie Jameson (Trigger Weddle, NIC theater instructor) outside a book store where they run into Third (Gustave Lester, NIC student). Ethan Schlussler/Sentinel

Guest director adds twist to famous play Todd Jasmin uses classroom to portray dilemma of ideology vs. understanding

“T

Noura A.A.  A&E Editor

hird” does not refer to the measurement, the place or the musical note. “Third” is the title of the recent NIC Theater Department production and its resilient protagonist, Woodson Bull III. “Third” was presented in Schuler Performing Arts Center Feb. 16-18 and 23-25.

Production began Jan. 9, the day students returned from winter break and featured a five-person cast consisting of NIC students, faculty and community members.

One impressed audience member coined the term “a touch of Todd” to refer to experienced guest director Todd Jasmin’s creative set design.

Patrons were encouraged to arrive at 7:30 “sharp,” lest they lose a seat. One reason for the punctual show time was because there was free admission and unassigned seating, but the real surprise was yet to come. Jasmin and his stage crew

created a makeshift classroom on stage, complete with the typical school-housestyle chairs with desks attached. The “classroom” had about a 120-seat capacity.

“He [Jasmin] came up with the idea and he brought it to us,” said assistant stage manager Sarah Welker, 18, theater, Priest River. “I thought he was just crazy, but then I started building it and I started to see it. Then I was like ‘Oh, you’re a genius.’”

The result was an intimate and interactive atmosphere for both actors and audience, which was reinforced by Patty Baker, house manager of Schuler, as she handed out syllabus-style programs before

the show.

“I really enjoyed working on ‘Third,’” Welker said. “It was not one of the normal plays that I usually work on. I usually work on a lot of comedies and older plays.

This was very modern and very relatable.

It was really unique.”

The premier of “Third” featured a nearly fully attended “classroom.” The opening night nervousness was expected, especially because of the close proximity of the audience, which spared no detail or slip-up from the performance.

“I’m so glad opening night is over,” said Trigger Weddle, 52, an NIC adjunct theater instructor, who played the antagonist Dr. Laurie Jameson. “After intermission I was like ‘are people going to come back?’ But everyone did.”

“Third” presents what often happens when people become too attached to ideology, whether it is liberal or conservative, and how it can hinder one’s

See THIRD | Page 14

Winter concert: Standing room only Patrons crowd church to hear NIC Chamber Singers, Cardinal Chorale Angel Tesch Staff Contributor

T

he free Winter Choral Concert at the First Presbyterian Church in Coeur d’Alene was so packed that people had to stand.

The church’s colors and stained-glass windows emitted a warm feeling Friday night, Feb. 24, as the North Idaho College Chamber Singers and the Cardinal Chorale performed. The featured work was “Te Deum” by Dan Forrest. The Chamber Singers sang Renaissance motets in addition to “Come to Me,” a piece dedicated to

The NIC Cardinal Chorale, conducted by music instructor Max Mendez, began with the song “Te Deum” (“We praise thee, O God”) by Dan Forrest. Gabe Green /Sentinel

choir member Roger Cardwell, who died in September, 2011.

“I may be a bit biased seeing as three members of the Cardinal Chorale are close friends of mine,” said Jesus Nunez, Coeur d’Alene. “I thought everything was great and would love to see them preform again.”

The NIC Chamber Singers started with the song “Non Nobis, Domine,” composed by William Byrd. The Chamber Singers delivered solid tenor/baritone section. “O Sing Joyfully,” composed by Adrian Batten, had a robust start and well blended vocals. The NIC Chamber Singers sang three more songs before it was time for the NIC Cardinal Chorale.

“The whole thing was very angelic,” said Randy Engle, Rathdrum, the father of one of the Cardinal Chorale singers. “The acoustics really support the singing and style.”

The NIC Cardinal Chorale, conducted

by Mendez and featuring Carolyn Jess as the accompanist, started with “Te Deum” or “We praise thee, O God,” composed

by Dan Forrest. This was a feature of the night. There was also a surprise piece not featured in the program and two other songs before the night ended.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Emily Engle, music, 19, Spirit Lake.

Mendez closed the concert by encouraging everyone to attend a variety of upcoming NIC events including concerts, plays and art exhibits.

For information on these events and more visit: http://www.nic.edu/events/.

DID YOU KNOW? The top two U.S. grossing films are “Avatar” and “Titanic.” Both are James Cameron films.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

the sentinel | 13

Mike Leptich, general studies, Coeur d’Alene, admires the work of Michael Horswill. The larger piece is entitled “Aladdin” and the smaller, “The Oculist.” Gabe Green/Sentinel

Experienced artists display work in Corner Gallery

Current art exhibit features work from 10 NIC instructors of various artistic backgrounds, mediums

O

Kyle Breitenberg Staff Contributor

nce again, NIC’s Corner Gallery is hosting an intriguing art exhibit for any curious student or community member wishing to attend. For those who have not dropped by, the Corner Gallery is offering the chance to dwell upon art made by NIC instructors, giving the exhibit a variety not commonly seen.

A total of ten NIC instructors shared their art in the gallery, including art instructor and Corner Gallery Director Priscilla Cooper, photography instructor Philip Corlis, and art instructors Fran Bahr, Donna Bain, Larry Clark, Robin Dare, Rachel Dolezal, Michael Horswill, Megan Riffe and Allie Kurtz Vogt.

With such a large number of artists showing their work in one space, one could see how difficulties might arise while deciding how to arrange each piece in preparation of the opening. For the Corner Gallery, there is only one man who holds this

responsibility, and that man is Tom Cooper, the assistant director of the Corner Gallery.

“All of the work was delivered, and it’s spread all over the room, and I take a chair and sit in the middle and regard all of the work,” Cooper said. “I’m bound to some degree by the fact that it’s a faculty show and I’m attempting to keep people’s work together and not spread it around.”

An exhibit of this fashion takes Cooper more than 20 hours to put together in a way that satisfies his artistic eye but, on occasion, he spends a generous amount more getting the flow just how he wants it.

“I’m a composer; I write musical theater and opera, and there are many of the same elements that go into the making of music and the making of art in terms of balance and in terms of composition and structure,” Cooper said.

Students in NIC art classes regularly drop by the gallery’s exhibits during class time. Rachel Dolezal’s piece “Emery” caught the attention of one NIC student.

“There’s something about it...the value, it’s kind of haunting, almost surreal, just the way he’s staring at you,” said Andrew Stone,

19, English, Coeur d’Alene. “It’s like looking at a portrait of a soldier almost, you know?

Like a war picture.”

“Emery” is an image of an African-American man wearing a bandanna. His face looks stern, but there seems to be more to it than just that.

Horswill’s work consisted of pieces built with organic and man-made materials crafted together to form structures of a sort.

“I bring different kinds of materials together, and they sort of find their shape through the drawing process, and through my exploration with materials,” Horswill said. “What I can do with them, and what I find they want to do and what they don’t want to do so much...So I’m kind of organizing a little party for things and they get together and they live.”

NIC yoga instructor Nancy Schilling said she was impressed with the textures of Horswill’s piece.

Allie Vogt’s piece, “Jeweled Losses,” hangs opposite of Horswill. A memorial to a friend, the pieces tell the story with passionate, bold and powerful images and colors.

“You work a lot at thinking about how

you want to compose an idea, and it’s this visual sort of start,” Vogt said. “Often times, I make a small drawing.”

Vogt’s work gradually transitions into Priscilla Cooper’s work, which incorporated a large variety of found objects, from bones to wasp nests. Cooper commented on her affection of areas such as Priest Lake for collecting material.

“I’m really interested in nature, and in decay and renewal,” Cooper said.

Philip Corlis’s work consisted of photographs from around the world, but referred to a statement by a famous photographer to help explain where he considered the art to lie in photography.

“Ansel Adams always said that the negative is like a musical score and the print is like a performance of that score,” Corlis said. “So you get what you get, and then you try to enhance it and make the picture look more like it felt, as opposed to what you saw.”

The Corner Gallery is open weekdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and is located on the first floor of Boswell Hall, Room 13. The Faculty Art Exhibit closes March 23.

Art instructor Donna Baine with “Canyon Dreams.” Gabe Green/Sentinel

Corner Gallery director Priscilla Cooper with series “Balancing Act.” Gabe Green/Sentinel

Ceramic perfume jars created by ceramic instructor Larry Clark. Gabe Green/Sentinel

Art instructor Robin Dare with “Goinker On Deck.” Gabe Green/Sentinel

14 | the sentinel

COMMENTARY

Gossip guy Grammys XOXO NIC’s source for the latest Hollywood drama

NICK DIMICO ■ Staff Contributor On Feb. 12 the 54th annual Grammy Awards took place and this year it was all about Adele as she was rolling in the gold with all six of her trophies. The artist won in all six of the category she was nominated in. The Grammys ended with Adele performing her number-one single of 2011 “Rolling in the Deep,” which received a standing ovation from the stunned audience.

Few people have heard Adele’s voice for the past four months since vocal chord problems forced her to cancel dozens of concerts and threatened to end her career. The young artist is back with more excitement and confidence than ever before. Although Adele brought great energy to the Grammys. Nicki Minaj, unfortunately, did not.

Minaj performed an exorcism on stage and brought a man dressed as the Pope to the red carpet. Many people were offended by Minaj’s weird performance and believe that this could be the end of her career. Even more shocking was the death of Whitney Houston on Feb. 11.

The legend died at the age of 48 and was found in bathtub at “My husband her the the Beverly can not f---- Hilton Hotel in -- throw the Los Angeles. L.A. County Coroner ball and catch officials have anthe ball at the nounced that the did not die same time.” singer from drowning, but rather from what appears to GISELE BUNDCHEN be a combinaSupermodel tion of Xanax and other prescription drugs mixed with alcohol.

Houston was laid to rest on Feb. 19, right next to her father John Russell Houston Jr. in a private ceremony at the Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, N.J. Her body was brought to the cemetery in a golden hearse and fans gathered outside of the funeral home shouting “we love you Whitney” as the hearse passed.

Victoria’s Secret Angel Gisele Bundchen also found herself in some hot water. When leaving the stadium after the Super Bowl XLVI Feb. 5, a New York Giants fan yelled, “Eli Manning owns your husband.” Upset, Bundchen lashed back with, “My husband [Tom Brady] can not f- - - - - - throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time.” Bundchen eventually apologized to New England Patriots teamates for the outburst Madonna made her way back into the spotlight at the Super Bowl halftime show with artists Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, MIA and Cee Lo Green. With her new single “Give Me All Your Luvin,’” Madonna is already climbing the ladder back to our hearts. Many fans are excited that she is back, while others are wishing that she would have stayed in the ‘80. Madonna isn’t the only celebrity “getting busy” these days.

Beyonce and Jay-Z recently gave birth to baby Blue Ivy on Jan. 8.

“Laguna Beach” and “The Hills” star Kristin Cavallari announced in January that she is pregnant. At age 25 the young reality star is engaged to football star Jay Cutler.

“Dukes of Hazzard” star and 31-yearold singer Jessica Simpson is about to pop as well. Simpson is due any day now.

Fiancé Eric Johnson (former NFL player) is keeping her company.

Watch out for a mini-meatball. “Jersey Shore” reality star Nicole “Snookie” Polizzi is reportedly pregnant. According to the New York Post, Snooki, 24, is about three months into her pregnancy.

The child was reportedly fathered by boyfriend Jionni LaValle.

Polizzi’s rep gave People magazine a “no comment,” but Marc Malkin of E! tweeted that a source confirmed the Post story that Snooki is indeed with child.

That’s all until next time…you know you dig me!

XOXO Gossip Guy. Nick Dimico is a staff contributor 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.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Monday, MARCH 5, 2012

National Young Artists conquer Schuler NIC students eligible for limited number of free tickets to megastar concert

Y

Noura A.A. A&E Editor

ears of training, hours of preparation and unfaltering determination has led eight young finalists to victory.

These exceptional classical musicians will be performing with the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m. in Boswell Hall’s Schuler Performing Arts Center.

A limited number of free tickets are available to NIC students in the Boswell Hall music office located in BOS 144 during their normal hours. Free tickets are not available at the door.

“This is a highlight of our concert season,” said David Demand, artistic director and conductor of the orchestra. “The talent of the competitors this year was extraordinary and we anticipate an outstanding concert.”

The annual National Young Artist Competition attracted 140 entrants from across the country and Canada. Finalists competed at the School of Music at Whitworth in Spokane on Jan. 7-8. Each of the seven categories had about 10 competitors. Each musician performed for 12 minutes in front of a panel of local professional musicians who judged based on musicality, technique and other factors.

Winners include pianists Nathan Lee (10, Wash.), Fan-ya Lin (22, Utah) and Jasmine Weiss (14, Utah); string bassist Nicholas Villalobos (24, Ariz.); violinist Nicole Oswald (15, Oreg.); bassoonist Benjamin Roidl-Ward (19, Wash.); mezzo soprano Kristen Choi (24, Calif.); and soprano Joann Martinson (professional, N.C.).

Coeur d’Alene Symphony Public Relations Coordinator and NIC music instructor Jill Cathey said many concerto competitions are limited to local participants.

Winner Nicholas Villalobos, 24, Temple, Ariz., will be performing Bottesini’s Concerto No. 2 for String Bass this Saturday in Schuler. Courtesy/Coeur d’Alene Symphony Since the National Young Artists competition has been opened up on a national and rium celebrates the winners. Each winner are sure to go on to further solo careers. occasionally international level, the level will perform a movement of their winning The next Wynton Marsalis or Yo-Yo Ma of performance is piece, accompa- will be performing next Saturday right phenomenal.

The National “The next Wynton Marsalis or nied by the Coeur here on the NIC campus.”

The show is expected to be approxiYoung Artist ComYo-Yo Ma will be performing d’Alene Symphony full orchestra. mately 2 hours with an intermission. petition star ted next Saturday right here on Movements will Tickets are available from the Symphoover 10 years ago include selections ny Office (208-765-3833), www.cdasymas a local competithe NIC campus.” from Mozart, Bot- phony.org, Great Harvest Bread Co. (2106 tion. This year 142 tesini, Bernstein, N. Government Way), Burt’s Music (1123 JILL CATHEY applicants fr om NIC Music Instructor Prokofiev, Saint E. Sherman Ave.)or at the door. all over the coun& Saens, Weber and Ticket prices are $20 adults, $15 setr y par ticipated, Coeur d’Alene Symphony PR Coordinator Bellini. niors, $8 students as well as a special “Buy and about half of “It is amazing to One Get One Free” offer available only via those were invited to compete based on taped performances have such a high-caliber competition in phone purchase prior to March 9.

Coeur d’Alene; these musicians are world For more information, contact Jeanne they submitted.

The concert at NIC’s Schuler Audito- class,” Cathey said. “These young artists Randolph at csosymphony@frontier.com.

>THIRD

from page 12 understanding of a situation or issue. The show was recommended for mature audiences only due to strong language and profanity. Many of the common curse words were used, but what elicited the most audible gasp out of audience members was the use of the C-word by Third (Gustave Lester, NIC student) when referring to Jameson.

“I am a little uncomfortable with the play promoting the stereotype of the ‘liberal’ college professor,” said Joe Jacoby, NIC theater instructor. “But it seems OK for us to do plays that make me uncomfortable. It’s an interesting play and it seems appropriate to discuss the issues it raises on a college campus.”

“Third” is set at an elite New England liberal arts college. Laurie Jameson is the prestigious instructor of a feminism literary critique course in which the main focus of the class is to explore Shakespeare’s play “King Lear.” At the very beginning of the course, Jameson tells students to not be afraid to “speak up” or “challenge” her. The sincerity of this statement soon wears away after meeting Third.

Third is a chipper, preppy wrestler.

Jameson immediately pegs him as a jock from a rich Republican family. She resents him because she believes Third will someday be in a position of power simply because he is white, male and privileged.

Although Third is sincerely polite and even sweet to Jameson, because of these

assumptions about his character and background, her respect for him is nil.

Her feelings go from distaste to an icy rage when the class turns in a critique of “King Lear” and Third’s assessment is not only good, it is outstanding. She refuses to believe that Third wrote the paper and puts him on academic trial for plagiarism.

No matter how much Third, and even Jameson’s friend and coworker Dr. Nancy Gordon (Kathie O’Brien, NIC business instructor) plead with her, she will not accept that Third could write such a brilliant analysis of “King Lear.”

“I think this [play] is very good and thought provoking,” said Adam Reed, 23, radiography technician, Priest River. “I think Jameson definitely has a vendetta against Bull [Third] because of personal reasons.”

Jameson’s socio-economic stereotyping of Third turns out to be tragically false. He is not a Republican meathead raised with a silver spoon in his mouth.

Third is actually “on the fence” when it comes to politics and his dad is a small claims lawyer in Ohio. Jameson’s personal tirade against Third nearly ruins his life because her accusation causes him to lose a sorely needed scholarship.

Contemporary music from artists such as The White Stripes and Nirvana punctuated the dark as the stage crew rearranged the set between scenes. Many of the scenes go from the school setting in which Jameson is displayed as smug and haughty, to home scenes in which Jameson’s more vulnerable sides are shown.

At home Jameson must cope with her beloved father Jack Jameson (Chris LeBlanc, NIC student) who is suffering from

Composer Contest { Category 1 - Singer/Songwriter 3-5 minutes of original material, lyrics, no recorded accompaniments, must be self-accompanied

Alzheimer’s disease, while also dealing with her inquisitive daughter Emily Jameson (Alyssa Maurer, community member) and the onslaught of war after the 9/11 attacks. She is constantly fretting over her daughter and father, or glued to the 24hour news channel.

“I enjoyed the play thoroughly,” said Aimee Clark, 23, art history, France. “I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality of the performance and I am not afraid to say there was a scene that made me cry. The one where the father with Alzheimers is dancing with his daughter. It would be so hard to slowly realize you’re losing your consciousness.”

“Third” was written by one of America’s great contemporary playwrights, Wendy Wasserstein. In “Third,” Wasserstein uses the school environment as a mirror to the real world. The play is purposely set in 2001-2002 in order to reflect the polarizing attitudes between liberals and conservatives that emerged during the Bush administration and which were expressed in the rocky relationship between Jameson and Third.

“The political aspect of it [the play] was interesting,” Clark said. “I like Third’s view on a liberal college as being too liberal. People are so extreme in their views, they don’t realize the ridiculousness of it.”

Wasserstein wrote numerous plays, including “The Heidi Chronicles,” which won a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize. She also wrote the screenplay for the 1998 film “The Object of my Affection,” starring Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd. “Third” was Wasserstein’s last play before she died of cancer in 2005.

Winner Runner Up

$50 $25

Category 2 - Electronic Composer 3-5 minutes of recorded material, no more than 4 seconds of copyrighted material, must be able to present live.

Submit mp3 files to Terry Jones at tmjones@nic.edu by March 9

GAMES

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the sentinel | 15

Crossword

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16 | the sentinel

Monday, MaRCH 5, 2012

Alvin Williams, son of NIC Athletics Director Al Williams, jokes about crazy women and a comic’s life during his stand-up routine. Katie Eppenstein/Sentinel/ illustration by Ethan Schlussler

Alvin Williams causes sides to ache during Feb. 18 performance

“I

Michael Paquin Lifestyles Editor

don’t think we’ve ever had a comedy night in Coeur d’Alene, and if we have, it wasn’t this damn big,” said comedian Alvin Williams about his show at the Best Western on Feb. 18.

Alvin, who is the son of NIC Athletics Director Al Williams, performed to more than 300 people in a sold-out show that included the two half-hour opening acts of Alaska-born comic Ryan Wingfield and comedian Nigel Larson before he began his hour-long set.

Topics the younger Williams touched on included popular media, Catholicism and a segment that revolved around the “crazy b---h battle cry,” which made the observation that drunk women seem to enjoy singing a very few specific recording artists over and over, namely Journey, Bon Jovi and, of course, Neil Diamond. The last bit went over especially well, considering the open bar in the back of the auditorium.

Williams also gave an inside look at the life of a comic throughout his routine, which he

painted to be more lucrative at some times than others.

“You ever been so broke that you just look at your bills and you just start laughing?” Alvin said. “I knew 90 days ago I wasn’t gonna pay that.”

“I thought the show was great. It was a great turnout. People were being turned away at the door,” Al, who was also in attendance, said.

From an early age, Alvin’s been interested in comedy. In high school, he won best of show for his comedy routines at talent shows, and later performed while attending the University of Idaho. Al said he believes that growing up in his household and the Williams’ large family made an impact on Alvin’s decision to be a comedian.

“In my house, we laugh a lot and sometimes you’re the jokester and sometimes you’re the victim of the joke, Al said. “You’ve got to learn to have a thick skin.”

In spite of his interest in comedy during high school and college, Alvin didn’t begin pursuing a career in comedy until four years ago.

It was at that time he approached his father and

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told him he wanted to make comedy a full-time career.

“I didn’t quite realize the level he was at as far as his ambition to be a comedian until after he graduated,” Al said.

Alvin’s endeavor to make a living out of his ability to make people laugh has since been met with success. He began touring and performing in larger venues like Miami, Chicago and New York and later hosted the “Mile High Comedy Festival” in Denver.

Regarding his recent night at the Best Western, Alvin said he couldn’t be more pleased about how well his material was received. He plans to return May 19.

“I thought it was really provocative. It was great having so many members of the community coming together,” said audience member Chelsea Dickinson.

“I enjoyed myself more tonight than I probably ever have in my career,” he said after his show ended with a standing ovation After the performance, Alvin included a disclaimer about the nature of some of his content with simple instructions: “If you’re offended by anything I’ve said here tonight, talk s---.”

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