The Advocate Vol. 49 Issue 12 - Jan. 10, 2014

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The Independent Student Voice of Mt. Hood Community College

January 10, 2014

Volume 49 Issue 12

Faculty invade the gallery Delving into the dark with a MHCC faculty member

by Danny Perez-Crouse The Advocate

R

ichard Cutshall, a visual arts instructor whose paintings delve into the dark and unknown, is one of the MHCC faculty members featured in a month-long exhibit in the Visual Arts Gallery.

Cutshall has been painting for most of his life, and drawing since he was a child.

“My first memories are of making art. At an early Richard Cutshall age I relied on MHCC instructor drawing to help make sense of the world,” he said.

Cutshall says his paintings focus on duality, life and death. “I tend to work from the unconscious very intuitively.”

He also says he likes to use his paintings to delve into the areas of our psyche that we don’t often broach. “I think it’s very healthy to engage that part of ourselves.”

Even in the grotesque, there is beauty.

Faculty

Above: Nathan Orasco’s bronze, aluminum, plastic, steel and plaster artwork, “Humira.” Right: Richard Cutshall’s mixed media assemblage, “Bride’s Gasp.”

Do you need help paying for school?

Learn about Financial Aid Day

Three tough losses for Mt. Hood men

Continued on page 5

- More artist profiles next week -

Dates to know Sunday is the last day to drop a class with a refund.

page 3 Jan. 17 is the last day to add a

Are you guilty of taking selfies?

class.

Jan. 20 the campus will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Hitting the gym?

Read our advice!

page 2

Photos by Carole Riggs - The Advocate

College hires new leader for budget office Bill Farver, vice president of administrative services, will retire in mid-January after three years of service to the college.

“We are grateful for the time and commitment Mr. Farver has given to our college, its board and the students,” said MHCC President Debbie Derr in an all-staff email Wednesday.

Some of Farver’s accomplishments, in a part-time basis over the last three years, include reducing an $8 million deficit and reducing ongoing administrative expenses, Derr said.

Bill Becker, who previously served the college for nearly a decade as executive vice president of administrative services and for 10 months as interim president (20002001), will return to MHCC on Jan. 16 on a full-time limited contract basis through June.

“He will take a lead role in the development of our budget for the next year and assist us with a number of other important initiatives,” said Derr.

“I know that his experience and expertise at MHCC, as well as his passion for fulfilling the community college mission, will serve as well.”

- Katelyn Hilsenbeck

Turn to page 8 2013 First place

General excellence Oregon Newspaper Publisher Association

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@mhccadvocate

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Opinion

Jan. 10, 2014

Editorial: New Year’s gym newbies up wasting everybody’s time, looking like an idiot and possibly getting yourself hurt in the process. Find someone who can give you a crash course on gym equipment, so you can look like a seasoned gym veteran. The same goes for free weights, where it’s even more likely to get an injury without knowing the proper techniques.

This may seem obvious, but the gym is not social hour. Nobody wants to hear you talking on the phone or with a friend while they do their thing. For many, the gym is a time of relaxation and Zen, and noisy conversation is not welcome.

Meantime, dedicated health enthusiasts, don’t think you are superior because you are a regular at the gym or in better shape. It’s a terrible, elitist mentality to have. You should be encouraging the newbies to accomplish their goals. We are not saying you should give them a big sweaty hug or cheer them on as they struggle on the elliptical. Just hold back that face you make when you are annoyed or dismissive of someone else. Going to the gym takes a lot of courage for the not-so physically gifted, and annoyed looks only make them feel crappier. And, if you feel like going the extra mile, introduce yourself and make them feel welcome.

This is the time of year when the most people are in the gym or trying to exercise; let’s make it stay that way. We seriously can’t afford to slip down the obesity ladder any further.

So, health nuts, don’t give newbies the stink-eye, and newbies, don’t give them a reason.

It’s not far into the new year, which means that there are plenty of resolutions that haven’t been broken yet. And because there are so many Americans struggling with their health (one-third of adults are technically “obese” now), the most popular resolution is getting healthy. This means that there will be plenty of new faces at the gym.

While the New Year’s gym spike is commonly the topic of jest, it’s sad that these memberships usually expire within a month or two.

Fitness expert Michael Chang suggests the best way to get in the habit of exercising is to do it every day. It doesn’t need to be a major workout, but you have to find some time during your day where you can get at least ten or twenty minutes of exercise.

Getting the act of exercising ingrained into your daily routine is key.

Popular health websites, such as WebMD, also advise setting reasonable goals, such as losing ten pounds or being able to run a mile. And then go from there.

Now that you know some ways to stick with it, here are some ways to perform and improve like a seasoned gym veteran. After all, you can’t just stroll into the gym without any prior experience and expect a smooth workout or instant results. You have to have a game plan, and figure out a routine that works for you and follow it when you get in the gym.

If you are new to the gym, a lot of the equipment can seem quite daunting. If you don’t know how to use something, don’t use it. You are going to end Illustration by Heather Golan - The Advocate

The problem with selfies

by Rebecca Gaulke The Advocate

2013 = the year of the “selfie.”

In case you aren’t familiar with that term, you’re in luck. Merriam Webster officially added the word to the dictionary after the constant usage last year: “a picture you take of yourself.”

If that still doesn’t ring a bell, just check your Facebook or Instagram feed.

I’m sure the plethora of smiling and/or duck faces will give you an idea of just how widespread it is.

But, luckily, 2013 has come to an end. And with it (fingers crossed), the “selfie” trend.

I’m so tired of the constant photos clogging up my newsfeed. I don’t care what outfit you wore today. I don’t want to read some sappy unrelated song lyrics as the caption while staring at your face. And I certainly won’t click “like” to give you those 120 likes as your daily confidence booster.

From my perspective, a selfie a day screams “I’m so vain” or “I need attention and/or compliments.”

After all, photos are meant to capture a special moment so you’ll always have a way to remember it. Are you really going to forget what your own face looks like?

Ladies, instead of posting photos

From my perspective, a selfie a day screams “I’m so vain” or “I need attention and/or compliments.” as a confidence booster or a way to get attention (which is clearly what it is for some people) why don’t we, as a society, try to fix the fact that (most) females need constant reassurance to begin with? Let’s start building confidence at a younger age, telling those you love that they are beautiful through more than a social media comment, and find new ways to encourage each other.

As for the men, nothing screams desperation like a selfie of yourself without a shirt, flexing in the bathroom mirror. Don’t. Seriously.

Now, don’t get me wrong: I myself

Photo by Carole Riggs - The Advocate

have been guilty of the selfie on more than one occasion. I believe there are totally acceptable circumstances when taking said picture is valid, even useful: If you dye your hair from blonde to purple, get your braces off, are standing on top of a mountain, shaved your head, etc., then you clearly are showing off more than just Monday’s hairstyle. You take that selfie proudly, and then you will face fewer questions and remarks from Facebook friends when you see

them outside of the computer screen.

Let the initial shock wear off from your drastic change by posting that cheesefilled picture.

But if you want to post a daily picture of yourself simply to post a picture of yourself, then can’t you see why that might get a little bothersome to your 500 Facebook friends? Try taking the time to post something more worthy of people seeing. After all, so many people that you interact with through a com-

puter screen only know you through what they see on your social media.

Leave a more lasting impression than 100 of the same pictures of your adorable face.

Post about a small act of kindness you witnessed that day, or even some inspirational words that might make someone else’s day. This year, let’s all try to make social media a positive and more useful place to log on to (if that’s even possible). Let’s make it less about ourselves, and more about others.

If there’s nothing I can say to get you off the selfie bandwagon, then please, at least make it funny. If you do it right, selfies can be hilarious: if you want an example, search #SelfieOlympics on Twitter and Instagram and see what I’m talking about. Hours of laughs just from a picture! It has actually turned into a big joke, and the good thing about selfies is that the possibilities are endless. So if you’re gonna do it, at least make it funny or creative and give your followers/cyber friends something to chuckle at. Make it less vain and more entertaining.

If everything I just wrote had absolutely no impact on you and you are still into selfies on selfies on selfies, you keep doing your thang, girl. But don’t expect to keep all your cyberfriends and followers —especially me.

New Year’s resolutions “Make a big impact in someone’s life.”

Comment from MHCC student Ryan Buhler

“I just want to make people happy.”

Comment from MHCC student Ryan Hancock

the Advocate Editor-in-Chief Katelyn Hilsenbeck

Living Arts Editor Rebecca Gaulke

News Editor Katelyn Hilsenbeck

Asisstant News Editor Greg Leonov

“To quit smoking.”

Comment from MHCC student Patrick Harkins

Submissions Sports Editor Aaron Marshall

Copy Editor Rebecca Gaulke

Photo Editor Carole Riggs

Opinion Editor Danny Perez-Crouse

Reporters Lindsay Frost Q Quarterman Brandon Raleigh Domonic Say

Ad Manager

Edgard Valencia

Cameron Miller

Emily Wintringham

Advisers Howard Buck

E-mail: advocatt@mhcc.edu 503-491-7250

Dan Ernst Bob Watkins

Video Team Melissa Casey

Jared Lichtenberg

Graphic Designer Heather Golan

www.advocate-online.net #mhccadvocate

Mt. Hood Community College 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham, Oregon 97030

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Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc.edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print.

Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC.

News

Jan. 10, 2014

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Filling out FAFSA, scholarship forms

by Emily Wintringham The Advocate Need help with FAFSA? The College Goal Oregon annual fair is returning to MHCC Saturday, Jan. 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. above the library in Room AC3333.

This is an opportunity for students to receive help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is now open and ready for use.

Filling out FAFSA is a vital step toward receiving financial aid from federal and state sources. This process must be completed annually to receive assistance.

Many agree that filling out FAFSA

can be both tedious and a nuisance. But students can meet one-on-one with experts for assistance at this financial aid event.

“Attending MHCC has always been a great value,” says Christi Hart, manager of financial aid. “We know that filling out the financial aid application can be daunting, so we are inviting the public to this special event that will help parents and students navigate the process.”

To be prepared for this year’s FAFSA application process, students should bring their 2012 tax returns from the IRS, end-of-2013 pay stubs, current value of assets, Social Security number, their parent’s Social Security number, driver’s license or state ID and alien

Time to get insurance?

by Katelyn Hilsenbeck The Advocate Jan. 1 has come and gone but the question remains: Do you have health care?

The Cover Oregon program was originally intended to launch Oct. 1, yet employees are still processing paper applications.

If someone applied for health insurance through Cover Oregon, but was not able to finalize the paperwork in time for coverage to go in effect at the beginning of the year, they had the option to go straight to insurance companies.

Those who may qualify for subsidies were still able to purchase insurance outside of the marketplace, but would not receive the subsidy until February or March.

According to a Cover Oregon press release on Dec. 24, an estimated 136,000 Oregonians were able to enroll in a plan with coverage starting at the first of the year. Thirty-six thousand enrolled through Cover Oregon; the remainder are enrolled through the Oregon Health Plan.

In addition, 70,000 people were determined “eligible for

health coverage beginning Jan. 1 for private plans or the Oregon Health Plan. “ To apply for coverage, visit www.coveroregon.com to fill out an electronic copy, or download the application and mail or fax it in.

Open enrollment for commercial plans will continue through March; you can enroll any time this year for the Oregon Health Plan.

If you do not have health insurance, but enroll in coverage by March 31, you will not have to pay a fee for being uninsured during months before coverage began; your coverage would begin in May (www.healthcare.gov).

However, paying the penalty for not having insurance does not cover your insurance needs. You are still responsible for the cost of your care.

If you had insurance prior to Jan. 1, but do not currently hold a policy, you will not be charged a fee for having a lapse in coverage for three months or less.

Insurance available thorough the marketplace will not be available until the next enrollment period, for most circumstances.

registration card (if needed). It would be highly beneficial for parents of young students to attend Financial Aid Day as well.

In addition to expert assistance, several seminars on applying for scholarships will be available from the Oregon Student Access Commission.

FAFSA takes time and commitment, says Cat Parrish, financial aid adviser/ student employment coordinator. “Apply early, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, read everything, submit documentation as quickly as possible, and have patience with the process,” she said.

The sessions for scholarship information will be at 9:30 a.m., 11a.m. and 1p.m.

Graphic by Heather Golan - The Advocate

Speakers on a wide range of topics with a free lunch!

by Lindsay Frost The Advocate Looking to engage in a good conversation on a beefy topic or two while connecting with other fellow students?

You’re in luck: The MHCC Diversity Resource Center – casually known as the DRC – and the Associated Student Government are presenting The Conversation Project, designed to help engage and inform students in provocative issues and ideas, over lunch.

These conversation sessions last 60 to 90 minutes, and engage participants in thoughtful discussions while building a greater understanding of the topic.

They also help connect students through thought-provoking questions on deep topics that help to build critical thinking skills.

“The Conversation ‘Lunch and Learn’ project has been an integral part of the inaugural year for the (DRC),” said Melinda Bullen, DRC coordinator.

To offer this level of programming, including visits by esteemed experts, “is exactly what the DRC was created for,” she said. “Not to mention, that it’s one more brilliant example of our powerful collaboration with the (ASG).”

The events are free, so students may bring their lunch down to the Student Union Lounge, put on their thinking cap and be ready to learn something new.

In fact, the first 25 guests to arrive receive a free boxed lunch, offering further incentive.

Interested? Here are some of the upcoming topics: From noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday

Photo by Carole Riggs - The Advocate

A painting by Daisy Patton, an artist from Colorado who presented, “A Reconstructed Family Reunion,” in the Diversity Resource Center on Wednesday. Patton did not know her father, so she found a man she believed could be her father, found pictures of him and began to paint photos of them interacting.

in the DRC, Jim Lommasson will cover the topic, “Life After War: Photography and Oral Histories of Coming Home.”

Conversation threads include: What happens after the war when the soldiers return home? Do they bring parts of the war back with them?

On Jan. 30, Leslie Dunlap will explore the topic, “Something Old, Something New: Exploring the State of Mar-

riage,” also from noon to 1:30 p.m. Up for debate: What is marriage? How do you define marriage?

On Feb. 13, Richard Etulain presents “Lessons from Lincoln: Is Political Bipartisanship Possible?” Can Americans employ the same bipartisanship that Abraham Lincoln once used to cope with the many simmering controversies today?

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Living Arts

Jan. 10, 2014

‘Lone Survivor’ so much more than a typical war movie

by Rebecca Gaulke

HHHHH

The Advocate “Lone Survivor” is not your typical war movie. You’ll be stressed out, so tense it hurts, thoroughly entertained and heartbroken all at the same time — and you’ll love every minute of it.

This suspenseful movie is probably the closest many of you will ever get to being in war, with vivid imagery you won’t forget for a long, long time.

When I say you will still feel the heaviness of this movie on your chest long after you leave the theater, I mean it.

Directed by Peter Berg and based on the true story of the failed 2005 “Operation Red Wings” mission, “Lone Survivor” centers around four members of SEAL Team 10 on a mission in Afghanistan to take out a senior member of the Taliban terrorist group, Ahmad Shah.

Alone in the middle of the forest, a chance encounter leads them on the course of the rest of the movie, where they find themselves outmanned, outgunned and with no choice but to fight for their lives.

Starring Mark Wahlberg as Marcus Luttrell, Taylor Kitsch as Michael Murphy, Emile Hirsch as Danny Dietz and Ben Foster as Matt “Axe” Axelson, the star-studded cast portrays the members of the mission and do an amazing job with each of the characters, giving them the tribute they deserve. Each of the characters remained positive while on the brink of a possible death, a refreshing addition to a war movie.

“Lone Survivor” is rated R for a reason: it is straight up brutal.

The kills are extreme, the blood and guts is gruesome and the images are captivating yet terrifying at the same time. From the crunching sound of bones breaking to the wide variety of weapons, every aspect is spot on and really give the movie something special.

Movie Review Going into the movie, I knew nothing about the details of the “Operation Red Wings” mission, refrained from reading about it beforehand, and was sweetly surprised by the ending. However, if you know all about the real life case and won’t be surprised like I was, it won’t detract from the overall movie one bit.

Wahlberg, Kitsch, Hirsch and Foster provide a particularly realistic portrayal of the Seal Team 10 guys.

Their characters are tough as nails: throwing themselves off mountains, suffering multiple injuries, and still pressing on in true Navy Seal manner (at least true to what we see in movies), all while showing the true bond of a brotherhood that unavoidably happens when these men face things most people couldn’t even dream up.

If you’ve seen the commercials, you basically know the premise of the movie and you’ll be waiting for the action to start. The movie does a excellent job building suspense; it gets to the point that you feel as if there’s a volcano about to erupt at any second.

And don’t mistake the lull in the action as boring, because when the action finally happens and doesn’t let up until it’s over, you’ll be grateful for the few moments of calm before the storm.

The movie clearly shows who the enemy is and the unyielding, astonishing force of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Their sheer numbers, incredible speed and artillery prove to be a match for even the most highly trained Navy Seals.

Of course, the movie had a deeper meaning about the war on terror.

TO BE DETERMINED

Crystal Ballroom, Portland

Tonight & Saturday, 8 p.m. $10 per person

If you’re looking for something exciting to do this weekend and you’re 21 and over, it’s ’80s weekend at the Crystal Ballroom. Tonight, there’s the ’80s Video Dance Attack, and tomorrow there will be live ’80s music from Radical Revolution. Dress up in ’80s attire and get ready to dance with your friends to some classic ’80s tunes.

and loved ones. The movie glorified heroics of strong-willed men who were on an unwinnable mission without the proper backup, with essentially no idea what the hell they were getting themselves into, and without the

Web photo

proper intelligence for the scale of the mission.

If you enjoy action-packed war movies with a deeper message, don’t miss out on this one. “Lone Survivor” opens everywhere today.

Viral Vid of the Week

some fun ideas!

3 TV Pick: The Fosters

“Last Chance Winter Dance”

In the beginning, the mission felt exciting, almost glorified. But by the end, the realization set in that they were fighting a losing battle that in the scope of things really didn’t matter in comparison to the value of their lives

Looking for something to do? Check out our revamped weekly calendar for

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Ben Foster, Emile Hirsch and Mark Wahlberg star in “Lone Survivor,” which is based on the true story of a failed mission to take out a senior Taliban member. The movie opens everywhere today.

Reel Science: Stop Motion Visual Effects & Coraline

Tuesday, 9 p.m.

ABC Family

The second half of ABC Family’s new original series, “The Fosters,” returns on Tuesday after a long break since the show’s premiere this past summer. Starring Maia Mitchell as Callie, the show centers around reallife issues, like the struggles of being a foster child and teenage relationships, and even more adult issues such as alcoholism and pregnancy. Tune in on Tuesday to catch the second half of the hit TV show’s first season.

Wednesday, 6 to 9 p.m.

OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave. Portland, OR. 97214-3354 $5 non-members, $4 members This event is perfect for science and film lovers alike. Watch and learn at The Empirical Theater and see your favorite movies come to life on the big screen. This new monthly event is open for all ages.

This month’s event will focus on the 2009 stop-motion film “Coraline.” For more information, email events@omsi.edu.

Signs You Might Be Obsessed With A TV Show In the mood for a laugh? As part of our weekly feature, we will show you one awesome video and tell you why you should watch it.

Jenna Marbles is basically famous on YouTube, with more than 12 million subscribers to date. With new videos every Wednesday, there’s no shortage of funny topics and opportunities for a good laugh. This week, she talks about signs that you’re way too into your favorite TV show, and if you’ve ever obsessed over a TV show, you’ll totally be able to relate to more than one point in this video, including seeing every episode ever and having a dance you do during the opening music number. Search it on YouTube to figure out if you fit the mold.

Living Arts

Jan. 10, 2014

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Annual faculty exhibit open now Part-time instructor Cutshall paints about the deeper psyche

Faculty

Continued from page 1

He compares his style to the northern side of the Renaissance, which is more scary and grotesque than its idealistic counter-part. “Even in the grotesque, there is beauty.”

Cutshall says that people don’t expect him to be so normal after seeing his “dark” paintings.

He says the process of creating the paintings is natural and open-ended.

“They are sort of organic, so they grow out of this place where I don’t know where it’s really coming from.” He said his paintings can take years to finish.

“I never really know where they are going to end up, which is what drives me.” Despite his long and

organic process, Cutshall knows when his paintings are done. “It’s more of when it just hits you.”

Cutshall was able to pick a favorite from his works in the gallery: the painting “Pulling My Face Off.” Cutshall says the painting revolves around the hidden tendencies of individuals who are bottled up.

“Sometimes you feel at any moment, people are going to crack and pull their face off.”

He says his paintings are mainly mixed media, which means they involve a lot of different applications and materials. “Pulling My Face Off” uses ink, watercolor, pastel charcoal and paint.

Besides the dark imagery, something else to note is the price tag. Many of Cutshall’s paintings cost more than $1,000 to purchase. “Art is an investment,” said Cutshall. He also

said people tend to dismiss paintings as “just” paintings. “It’s sort of a moment that people are buying. I wouldn’t just give it away. It’s not a hamburger.”

In his artist statement, Cutshall writes, “I invite viewers to see the remnants of this excavation and hope that the mythos created through my work makes a lasting connection.”

Cutshall, commenting on the entire exhibit, said, “With faculty, there is a certain level of professionalism. I think it’s good to have exhibits with the faculty.” He also said it’s important for programs like these to be an inspiration for the art students.

Cutshall’s website is richardcutshall.com, but he is just the tip of the iceberg at the faculty show. Check out the Visual Arts Gallery to see all of the other instructors’ works through Jan. 30.

Check back next week for more faculty exhibit profiles

Photo by Carole Riggs - The Advocate

The annual faculty exhibit is open through Jan. 30 in the Visual Arts Gallery. It includes the work of many part-time and full-time Visual Arts instructors, and features Cutshall’s piece “Pulling My Face Off,” pictured above.

“Ghosts in the Machine” takes over Fireplace Gallery

by Greg Leonov The Advocate Mt. Hood will be featuring art by Mark Crummett in the Fireplace Gallery through Jan. 30.

The works is part of Crummett’s “Ghosts in the Machine” exhibit, which illustrates humanity’s interaction with technology. “What I hope people get out of this show is a different way of looking at technology. It’s so ubiquitous, it’s really easy to make it disappear into the world,” said Crummett.

Along with the prints displayed, Crummett also creates assemblages, which are pieces of art that consist of miscellaneous items in a certain arrangement.

Most of Crummett’s assemblage work illustrates the flow of energy.

“They are modifying whatever mysterial energy is flowing through them,” he said. This idea of the flow of energy also gets translated into his prints.

Crummett explained that his art demonstrates a deep and personal connection between the figurines and the technology that surrounds them.

“Most of my people are kind of everyman. They’re kinda working class Joes who technology comes to pervade their lives,” he said.

The exhibit contains work from different series, one titled “Pilgrimage,” and another called “Climbing, Jumping, Falling, Flying.”

Work from the pilgrimage consists of little people who wander to sites and facilities that they see as sacred and mysterious. The figures often appear to deeply revere the electrical components that surround them.

Images from “Climbing, Jumping, Falling, Flying” consist of exactly what the title suggests. Some of the images feature people being lifted by a beam of light. “I kind of like the idea of these people being snatched up off the earth by a mysterious beam of light,” said Crummett.

He views technology as a “benign mystery.” He said, “It’s easy to do art sometimes that makes technology look evil, and I don’t think technology is inherently evil. Technology is what we make of it; we could also do a lot of really good things with technology.”

Crummett has a degree in comput-

er technology. “I’ve taken classes in computer repair and stuff,” he said. “I found I like the look of the stuff that’s inside the box, rather than what it did.

That’s kinda how I got into taking pictures of the little people.”

Initially, Crummett started setting up the figurines for his prints, he used one figurine at a time, “But then I put two characters together on a board, and all of a sudden I had a story. All of a sudden these people were interacting with each other and the environment around them. The addition of one more character adds a whole many layers of meaning to the story,” he said.

Although Crummett’s art may have deep meaning and a mysterious vibe, he hopes that students will also laugh.

“I mean, they are kind of amusing silly pictures. Some of the pictures I shoot, I just have to laugh out loud at them.”

Being surrounded by technology in the real world, Crummett encourages everyone to “enjoy this stuff; what we have available to us now is just mindblowing, and we take it so for-granted.

Step back and look at what you’ve got sometimes and appreciate it for what it’s doing.”

Photos by Carole Riggs - The Advocate

The Fireplace Gallery display, “Ghosts in the Machine” by Mark Crummett will be in the Student Union through Jan. 30. Top photo: piece titled “Blessing the Chip.” Above photo: titled “Relay Whisperer.”

January planetarium show looks ahead

by Katelyn Hilsenbeck The Advocate Tuesday’s planetarium show took its guests through an anticipated highlight of the new year and used a new projection system to give them a look at the night’s sky.

The “2014 Astronomy Preview” revealed some “must see” events for astronomy lovers including the solar eclipse expected on Oct. 23 and the lunar eclipse on Oct. 8.

Can’t wait that long?

With the help of the telescope, Saturn— the “crowd pleaser” according to Pat Hanrahan, MHCC

planetarium director — is in a position to show off her rings and Mars will be at its brightest in almost two years during April.

This was the planetarium’s second show with the new system which gives an incredible closeup and far-off view of the sky. The images are clear and impressive.

Although the transition and zooming between objects may make sensitive people a little dizzy, it is definitely worth the view.

Hanrahan said one thing to keep in mind when gazing at the sky is not to mistake Venus for a UFO. The planet sits low in the sky and may

appear to be wavering, but Hanrahan assured the crowd it is just an optical illusion. Venus will be in the eastern sky during dawn for the later half of January.

Jupiter is the largest visible planet and will be present from dusk to dawn this month.

Hanrahan also said Uranus is just within the human perceptibility, but only as a faint star. When magnified, Uranus and out-of-sight Neptune will appear as little blue or blue/green discs.

When it comes to the solar eclipse on Oct. 23, Hanrahan emphasized it is necessary to take

precautions and not look directly at the sun because 40 percent will be directly exposed. There are, however, several methods he recommended to safely viewing the eclipse: In an area with trees, look at the ground and an image of the eclipse should form as light passes through the trees; hold your hands so sun can shine through the space between your fingers and onto the ground; or purchase solar glasses made of mylar film.

Hanrahan has secured the mylar film to his binoculars and carefully covered the remaining surface area with cardboard to both protect his

eyes and enjoy the view.

On April 8 the Mars Opposition will occur. This means Mars, the Earth and the sun will be lined up.

Mars will be as close as it will get per every two years.

As we near April, you may be able to view details such as polar ice caps and color differences on Mars with magnification, he said.

Mars is currently the brightest object in our sky.

The next planetarium show will be “Deep Sky Wonders” on Feb. 4 at 6, 7:15 and 8:30 p.m. Admission is free with MHCC I.D. and $2 for the general public.

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News

Jan. 10, 2014

First Thursday Left: Reggie Houston and Janice Scroggins perform gospel music in the Student Union.

Center: Houston playing his saxophone Right: Errick Lewis plays bass during the performance Thursday.

Photos by Carole Riggs - The Advocate

News Briefs FlashAlert

weather warnings

MLK Jr. volunteer opportunity

In the event of inclement weather, MHCC offers several ways to find out if you need to brave the cold and journey to class.

MHCC encourages students to sign up for FlashAlert, a system that sends alerts if there are cancellations. You can do so at http://www.mhcc.edu/About. aspx?id=854#here.

The system is free to register, but you must re-register each year.

The home page of the website and the MHCC phone greeting will also have closure or delayed opening messages.

Local television and radio broadcasts and websites may also display the weather-related information, as well as The Advocate’s social media pages.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, MHCC will be joining seven other college campuses in community service projects at David Douglas High School and nearby areas as part of the 5th Annual MLK National Day of Service.

On Monday, Jan. 20, ASG will offer transportation and lunch for 100 student volunteers. The day will begin at 8 a.m. in Parking Lot A and end there by 2 p.m.

“It’s a collaboration of students coming together to volunteer on their day off,” said Melinda Bullen, Diversity Resource Center coordinator.

How will you spend your day off from school? To register to join MHCC’s volunteer effort, visit www. tinyurl.com/MLKDay2014 by Jan. 15.

- Katelyn Hilsenbeck

- Katelyn Hilsenbeck

Board meeting canceled The MHCC District Board meeting for January has been canceled due to scheduling conflicts.

The monthly meeting was to have been held Jan. 8, but was postponed until this coming Wednesday, because the meeting agenda must legally be submitted one full week in advance -- a deadline that fell on Jan. 1.

Several board members, including Diane Noriega, the board chair, and MHCC President Debbie Derr, reported conflicts that ruled out any meeting next week, however. The board would

lack a quorum required to approve any formal actions, said Wendy Patton, board secretary.

Patton said ongoing contract negotiations with full-time faculty and classified employees did not play a role in canceling the meeting. She said it was “strictly a scheduling issue.”

The next board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 5, a week earlier than normal to compensate for the missed meeting.

- Katelyn Hilsenbeck

Success starts now!

by Emily Wintringham The Advocate If you’re down on your luck and struggling to pass classes, regaining your academic focus is easier said than done.

But don’t lose hope: Starting this term, MHCC is requiring a brand-new, twocredit course called “College Success” (HD100B) to get lagging students back on their feet and on the road to success.

Already, nearly 200 students are enrolled in one of more than a dozen HD100B class sections.

The class is mandatory for probationary students with low grades and fewer than 45 credits earned, to provide the skills needed to manage a successful academic career.

Skills taught include time management; financial literacy and budgeting; emotional intelligence; finding motivation to succeed; educational planning and goal setting; understanding college expectations; and, designing habits for academic success.

Besides honing the necessary skills, the class aims to dig deeper into the core, by strengthening each student’s ability to make connections with their peers and instructors.

Included are engagement strategies from the AVID (Advancement Via Individual De-

termination) Center.

“Research shows that making connections with faculty and peers is key for struggling students,” says Lauren Smith, AVID Center coordinator at Mt. Hood.

The college success course is not optional for students placed on academic probation, but those students shouldn’t let that intimidate them, advisers said.

They should treat the class as a lifeline, a way to keep from falling into academic suspension.

“It is hard for many to ask for help, and we, at Mt. Hood Community College, feel it is our responsibility to do whatever we can to be sure our students have the skills and confidence needed to succeed,” said Nancy Fisser, coordinator of the College Success program.

With recent statistics showing that half of students under probation did not return for additional classes, and those that did continued to slide in academic performance, there’s a demonstrated need for the new course, advisers said.

Students who wish to learn more about the College success course may contact Fisser at nancy.fisser@mhcc. edu. They also may find FAQs on the MHCC website, listed under the “For current students” and then “Academic Support” tabs.

Student Success Seminars “Get Organized With the Perfect Binder” Friday and Monday from 1:10 to 2 p.m. in the Bob Scott Room (library) and Tuesday from 2:10 to 3 p.m.

*The first 20 participants at each session receive a free binder!

“Take Control of your Time” Wednesday from 12:10 to 1 p.m. in the Bob Scott Room.

“Understanding Your Syllabus and MyMHCC” Wednesday from 1:10 to 2 p.m. in AC3333 (above the library).

“How to Succeed at a Job Fair” Wednesday from 1:10 to 2 p.m. in the Bob Scott Room.

“Success With the TI-83 and 84 Calculators (for Math 60/65)” Thursday from 11:10 to noon in AC3333 “Basic Computer Skills for College” Thursday from 12:10 to 1 p.m. in AC3333

marylhurst student body:

90% transfer students.

With determination and disregard for obstacles, each of them is finishing a four-year degree while transforming their lives in the process. If this sounds appealing, we have one thing to say: Welcome.

Columbia

River

84

admissions@marylhurst.edu 503.699.6268 | 800.634.9982

Mt. Hood CC

205 Lake Oswego You. Unlimited.

17600 Pacific Highway [Hwy. 43] | marylhurst.edu/mthood

CommCollege_8x5_MtHood.indd 1

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M.U.

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Take exit 8 off I-205 Oregon City 12/23/13 9:16 AM

Sports

Jan. 10, 2014

7

Photos by Carole Riggs - The Advocate

Top Left: Freshman Hannah Wahlers goes up for the basket with SWOCC defenders following her. Top Right: Freshman Taylor Scott shoots over a SWOCC defender.

Lady Saints remain resilient, motivated

by Q Quarterman The Advocate The Lady Saints outscored Chemeketa in the second half Wednesday night but it was still not enough and they fell 71-59 in Salem.

Chemeketa, with three players ranking in the top 20 in steals, field goal percentage and rebounding, had built a 43-25 lead at halftime that proved too large for MHCC to overcome.

Freshman Marley Yates scored a team-high 14 points as MHCC outscored the Chiefs 32-28 after the break.

Sophomore Whitney Warren added 13 points, shooting 3-6 from three-point range. Freshman Alana Wilson added 10 points.

As further evidence of that trend, the Lady Saints held a five-point halftime lead Saturday against the region’s number one team — but ultimately lost to 61-46 to South Western Community College in Gresham.

Some key areas in which the Saints

struggle are scoring, turnovers, and rebounding. They are also working to put together two strong halves in the same game.

The Saints are still without injured point guard Chanel Celis and continue to adjust their style of play and rotation to fill that void.

Head Coach Tyler Rose, asked how his team is able to take this type of losses and remain resilient and focused, said, “Our girls are beginning to understand they can compete with anyone at this level. Putting it together for 40 minutes is their biggest challenge and we remain confident day in and day out that we are taking one step at a time to build our confidence.”

During December, Mt. Hood fell to some teams by huge deficits, such as losing 98-43 to Clark College on Dec. 17.

In many of these games, the Saints held leads but most often could not hold on for the win. In the Warrior Classic held at Walla Walla on Dec. 6-7, the Saints lost to Walla Walla and Columbia Basin

But now that the team is entering league play, whatever occurred in December is behind them. Rose said the only focus for the Lady Saints is getting better and creating a chance to compete in the NWAACC tournament at the end of the season. MHCC is currently in last place in the Southern Region with an 0-2 conference record.

Playing without Celis, Rose said the team “has had to adjust to more of a passing game than a driveTyler Rose and-kick approach.

Head Coach Our backups can still manage the ball handling, but the court leader is no longer out there to direct The team did earn a win during the us. Our offensive strategy has adjusted Chemeketa tournament on Dec. 28-30 to help us get more shots off the pass.” when they defeated Treasure Valley 72Rose said, “Rebounding is the key 68 but lost the other two games in the first and foremost. Limiting the other tourney to Wenatchee Valley and Highteam to one-shot opportunities is our line Community Colleges.

Community Colleges.

In the Dec. 20-22 Clark X-Over Tournament, the team lost both of its games, to Peninsula Community College and Wenatchee Valley Community College.

Limiting the other team to one-shot opportunities is our Achilles heel from day one

Achilles heel from day one. We have to focus on that aspect.

“Our confidence levels on offense are a direct result from our defense.

Our turnovers have been pretty good over the past five games; we have kept it well under our season average. It’s the turnovers at key points of the game that we need to focus on, not taking too many high risks when the right play is to make that one extra easy pass,” he said.

Impact players recently have been Warren, averaging nine points per game, and Yates, who has stepped up her play both offensively and defensively over the past few weeks. Freshman guard Hannah Wahlers has also picked up her game since the injury to Celis.

This Saturday, Mt. Hood hosts Lane Community College (14-4) at 2 p.m. and next Wednesday the Saints travel to nearby Portland Community College (5-8) to take on the Panthers. Game begins at 5:30 p.m.

Portland’s time to shine?

by Brandon Raleigh The Advocate When the NBA season began, experts had the likes of the Heat, Pacers, Thunder and Spurs pegged for success.

Most had Portland failing to reach the playoffs. No one expected the Blazers’ dominance this season.

After tough losses against the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings, Portland ended its two-game losing streak with a big second-half comeback win over the Orlando Magic.

Portland is currently third in the Western Conference standings with a record of 27-9. They trail the Russell Westbrook-less Thunder by half a game and the San Antonio Spurs by a game.

The Trail Blazers are undefeated against these teams, with two victories over the Thunder and a victory over the Spurs.

Last season, Portland lost their last thirteen games of the regular season to finish with a 33-49 record. Aside from spectacular play from All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge and Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard, Portland lacked two key ingredients of a contending basketball team: size and depth.

GM Neil Olshey took notice of these issues, making key moves during the off-season. Olshey traded for big man Robin Lopez and signed veterans Mo Williams and Dorell Wright out of free agency. Williams and Wright were brought in to back up their respective positions, and to give Portland solid

scoring options off the bench.

Another key acquisition was trading basically nothing for the former fifth overall pick Thomas Robinson, an athletic power forward.

The size and depth of the “new look” Blazers has made all the difference in Portland’s amazing turnaround from last season. Portland now has the ability to defend the basket and get buckets. Portland leads the league with an astounding 109.0 points per game average.

The play of Aldridge has been nothing less than the level of a superstar.

Aldridge is averaging 23.3 points and 11.0 rebounds a game. The sure-tobe All-Star sits third in the MVP race (based on an nba.com poll) and has taken home multiple “Western Conference Player of the Week” awards.

Lillard is building on his rookie of the year performance last year by averaging 21.9 points and 5.8 assists a game.

Lillard has been clutch for the Blazers, hitting multiple game-winners. He recently set the Blazers franchise record for points in a quarter by scoring 26 points in the final quarter against Sacramento. Lillard is currently eighth in the MVP race (nba.com).

The last time Portland hit the 60-win mark was the 1990-1991 season when the Blazers and Clyde “The Glide” Drexler finished with a 63-19 record. Winning 60 games isn’t too far of a reach for the Blazers. Their current record of 27-9 equates to a 61-21 record

by season’s end. I believe the Blazers can continue their tear on the league and reach 60-win total.

Contending for an NBA title is a daunting task, but I’m confident the Blazers have what it takes to get there and even take home the crown. The

Blazers have played admirably against the best the league has to offer, beating Indiana (who hold the best record in the league), Oklahoma City and the Spurs.

The Blazers did suffer a heartbreaker against the Miami Heat when Chris Bosh hit a game winner as time expired.

The Western Conference is talented this year, meaning a ticket to the finals will be challenging. If the Blazers can rally together and continue to play team-orientated basketball, I believe we might be watching Portland fight for the title come June.

LaMarcus Aldridge (left) and Damian Lillard celebrate a play during an outstanding early NBA season.

Web photo

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Sports

Jan. 10, 2014

Men’s basketball stays strong during break

by Edgard Valencia The Advocate Three straight razor-thin losses have cooled a red-hot run by the Mt. Hood men’s basketball team to begin the season, but optimism remains.

A 6-2 winning record over the Christmas break pushed the Saints to a No. 1 ranking in the NWAACC league coaches’ poll. But three tough defeats – by a combined 11 points – has pushed them back into the pack.

The most recent loss came Wednesday night in Salem, where Chemeketa Community College beat MHCC 87-83 in overtime, outscoring the Saints nine to five in the extra period.

Mt. Hood shot 10-17 from three-point range compared to Chemeketa’s 5-for-21, but it wasn’t enough. Sophomore Landon Rushton had a teamhigh 22 points, shooting 9-for-14 from the field and 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. Second-year

League play is a grind.

You just gotta take care of business each day.

Geoff Gibor Head Coach

players Brock Otis, Blake Updike and Mac Johnson also scored in double figures with 19, 13 and 11 points, respectively. Johnson also added 17 rebounds to notch a double double.

The loss followed another tough defeat last weekend. In an exciting back-and-forth game decided in the last seconds, Mt. Hood dropped its Southern Region league opener on Saturday with an 81-80 home loss to Southwestern Oregon Community College.

With the two teams enjoying their best start in years and having recorded similar statistics, the contest lived up to expectations of a close matchup. Ultimately, Southwestern survived largely by scoring 26 points off 22 MHCC turnovers.

The Lakers arrived in Gresham with the NWAACC’s third-best offense, scoring 94.5 points per game. But the Saints countered by out-rebounding them by 20, and held them to their second-lowest scoring total of the season.

“Any time a team scores 26 points off your turnovers, it makes it hard to win,” said MHCC head coach Geoff Gibor. “Our guys played hard and competed, and as a coach, that is what you want to see out of your team. We just came up a little bit short.”

Top scorers for the Saints were sophomore forward Otis with 17 points in 37 minutes of playing time, while Johnson had a double-double with 17 points and 17 rebounds from the center position.

Gibor credited his top performers: “Brock and Mac have been great for us this year. They are both tough, physical players who give 110 percent all the time.”

Rushton and Updike also contributed. Rushton scored 16 points and went 2-for-2 from the threepoint line, while Updike finished with 13 points.

The first half was virtually even, with MHCC trailing 39-38 at halftime. It was more of the same in the second half, with the Saints’ turnovers proving the narrow difference.

“We haven’t had big problems with turnovers all season. We did not execute extremely well, and they (SWOCC) capitalized on our mistakes,” said Gibor.

The Saints shot 47 percent from the floor, while Southwestern shot 45 percent. But the Lakers made more three-pointers, with 18 in all.

The defeats haven’t knocked the shine off a stellar December, however. Mt. Hood went 6-2 defeating Blue Mountain and Walla Walla Community Colleges and won two tournaments, including the Portland X-Over Tournament and the Lassen College Tournament, the latter played in Susanville, Calif. One of those losses was to number one NWAACC seed Clark College that went to double overtime and the Saints ended up losing to the Penguins 95-89.

Johnson is 15th in the NWAACC in scoring and third in rebounds. This week he was nominated for NWAACC player of the week, an honor that went to freshman Dominque McClendon of Everett College.

-

Sport

Sophomore Thomas Simien battles off a SWOCC defender during the game on Jan. 4.

On page 1: Sophomore Mac Johnson attacks the rim against SWOCC.

On Saturday at 4 p.m., Mt. Hood will host Southern Division rival Lane Community College.

Gibor says positive things should help his team bounce back from recent close defeats. “We have to play Mt. Hood basketball, just go out and

SC

entral

New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks -

New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks Saturday, Jan. 11 @ 1:35 p.m.

(Fox Network)

Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots Saturday, Jan. 11 @ 5:15 p.m.

(CBS Network)

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers Sunday, Jan. 12 @ 10:05 a.m.

(Fox Network)

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos Sunday, Jan. 12 1:40 p.m.

(CBS Network)

One of the biggest matchups still left in the playoffs, New Orleans and Seattle was a big game the last time they met in the playoffs in January 2011. The Seahawks ended up winning in a thriller, 41-36. New Orleans had won the previous Super Bowl against the Colts. Now, New Orleans returns to Century Link Field after a dominating 34-7 win by the Seahawks during the regular season. Seattle is playing its first game of the playoffs after finishing the regular season tied for first in the NFL and number one in the NFC. earning a week one bye. The Saints advanced after winning a 26-24 nail-biter in Philadelphia against the Eagles. Seattle will have the advantage being at home and has the best conference record in the league at 10-2.

Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots -

This should be an exciting game given both teams’ surge in the second half of the season. Andrew Luck and the Colts come off a stirring comeback win over the Kansas City Chiefs, who fell victim to multiple defensive injuries. Meanwhile, the Patriots have suffered high turnover at their skilled offensive positions – losing Rob Gronkowski to injury, Aaron Hernandez to criminal charges and Wes Welker to the Denver Broncos by free agency. Tom Brady has guided his young, green teammates to a 12-4 season record. The last time these two met, the Patriots whipped the Colts 59-24, with Brady tossing three touchdowns and no interceptions. Expect a closer result with the Colts riding high on confidence and on the backs of their two offensive stars, Luck and T.Y. Hilton.

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers -

These two teams met Dec. 10, the Panthers winning a 10-9 defensive battle.

The 49ers are fresh off a tight 23-20 win at Lambeau Field against the Packers.

Besides riding a suffocating defense, SF has come alive with the offensive trio of Anquan Boldin, Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis. Dual-threat quarterback Colin Kaepernick is a handful with his strong running. Arguably the hotter team of late, the Panthers went from wild card hopefuls to NFC South champs and clinched a week one bye, winning 11 of their last 12 games finish 12-4. The Panthers are at home, which should help, but we will see if former top draft pick Cam Newton has what it takes to advance his team to the NFC title game.

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos Denver Broncos’ Peyton Manning and Demaryius Thomas

San Diego wasn’t even expected to make the playoffs but clinched a postseason spot by winning their last four regular season games. They then went on the road to upset the AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals, 27-10. The Chargers are definitely underdogs in this matchup, but they already beat the Broncos earlier in the season at Denver, 27-20. Good news for the Broncos as wide receiver Wes Welker is expected to return after suffering a concussion on Dec. 8. Denver averages 37 points per game compared to San Diego’s 24. With AFC West rivals battling it out for a chance to go to the AFC Championship, it should be a compelling game.

Photo contributed by Mindy Clark

make plays happen. We have a lot of options with our depth,” he said. “League play is a grind. You just gotta take care of business each day.”

On Wednesday, the Saints travel to North Portland to play PCC at 7:30 p.m.