For the Students, by the Students March 2014 Volume 44 Issue 6
More Than Just Your Average Professor by Kiersten Connolly Staff Writer Sometimes students meet a professor that is not just an educator, but a friend, and even an inspiration. Peter Hussey, music professor, can be described as an energetic and enthusiastic person that loves to be involved in everything he can. Hussey has been active with the p e r c u s s i o n ensemble, the wind ODDsemble, REMOHealthRHYTHMS and organizes diversity projects around the campus. Hussey’s positive outlook and bubbly personality are two of the attributes, among many, that his students find to be the most enticing about him. “He allows you to be yourself and helps you develop who you are,” said Daniel Nosce, one of Hussey’s former students. The best testament to how Hussey allows his students to be themselves is through his group, the wind ODDsemble, simply because it isn’t the typical
ensemble of musicians. It can include any kind of musical instrument, from the horn, to the guitar, to the tambourine. There’s a place for everyone in Peter Hussey’s eyes. This year Hussey has been recognized by the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA). The ICCTA 2014 Outstanding Faculty Member Award is given out annually at every community college in the state of Illinois to a full time faculty member. Requirements include multiple letters of recommendation, data on impact the professor has had on clubs/organizations, and a list of the major programs they are included in. Most importantly, they must be voted on by their own colleagues before, that vote is sent to a group called the Rank and Promotion Committee who make the final decision. Hussey not only met all the requirements; he exceeded them. Although he has been
Breaking the Stigma Against Mental Disorders by Brooke Lavite Staff Writer
Picture provided by L&C Media Services Lewis and Clark’s Peter Hussey won the nomination for Illinois Community College Trustees Association’s Outstanding Faculty Member Award in 2014. given this honor he remains humble saying, “I am very honored. Many faculty members at Lewis and Clark are deserving of this award, and it means a lot that I was selected. It was a complete shock.” During faculty inservice, the speaker presenting the award used hints such as
“he,” “marches to the beat of his own drum” and stating that he is a “symbol” while using a picture of percussion symbols. He has been invited to the state meeting in June in Chicago where they will announce the statewide winner.
kierstenconnolly1@ gmail.com
Mad, insane, crazy ─ these are a few derogatory terms that persons suffering from mental disorders are labeled with. Affected people face a social stigma against mental illness that may leave them feeling even more isolated. M e r r i a m - We b s t e r ’s dictionary defines stigma as “a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something.” This inclination to discriminate against those who are suffering from psychological issues can be traced to the media. In film and television, affected fictional characters are often portrayed as manipulative, dangerous, and sociopathic. Those who have no experience with mental illness often associate these
Article continued on page 10
Respected Security Guard, John Langley, Retires by Darick Earney Staff Writer In this day and age, campus security guards are seldom recognized for their achievements, but for John Langley, doing the right thing is the true achievement. John Langley, 70, has dedicated the past 10 years of his life to being there to help the students and his fellow coworkers at Lewis and Clark Community College. Anyone who has attended Lewis and Clark may recognize Langley for his uniform, his skills at giving directions to new students, and, of course, his trademark black and yellow glasses. From his co-workers, Langley deserves to be remembered for much more than his badge. “John is a very sweet man with a heart of gold. He’s taught me very much,” said
Barb Helmkamp, a member of campus security. On Thursday, Feb. 20, Langley had walked the halls of L&C one more time to say farewell to his friends on staff. Later that evening, Langley was awarded a plaque of honor for his hard work and dedication to his job on campus security. In his own words, Langley feels humbled for the plaque he has received and wishes to always use it as a reminder of how blessed he feels for his time on campus security. However, a plaque will not be the only thing he will use to look back on his time served, but also the memories he shares with his co-workers: “It’s been an absolute privilege to work on such a beautiful campus, with wonderful coworkers, and studentswhoareatthehighest caliber. I will miss them, dearly,” Langley said. Langley spent 36 years of
his life as a postman in Alton. Before that, he was a Combat Engineer in the military for six years after graduating high school in 1964. After servinghistimeinthemilitary, he, too, was a student of Lewis and Clark Community College for six years. Langley has worked many jobs in his lifetime, but one of the jobs he’s loved the most, is his job as a tour guide at the Alton Museum of History and Art. Langley believes Alton is one of the most historical places in the world, and is perhaps a walking encyclopedia of Alton history. Some of his hobbies include building and collecting old fashioned vehicles, spending time with his girlfriend, and checking off goals from his bucket list. This year, he plans to fulfill his dreams of going to Europe and, hopefully, learn more history. Langley may have been just a man with a badge to some, but
Photo Submitted by June Carpenter Chief of Security, Eric Thomas, awards John Langley with a plaque for his time at Lewis and Clark. he is a mentor, a good friend, and a wonderful human being overall to many. His job on campus may be over, but his legacy will be carried on. Langley can now be seen
every Saturday at the Alton Museum of History and Art, and he encourages anyone to come and visit him and what he calls the “living museum."
hatternhare511@yahoo.com
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Opinions www.thelcbridge.com
Volume 44 Issue 6
March 2014
Photo provided by www.petsnakereggie.com Gay athlete and Mizzou defensive end, Michael Sam, in uniform.
Coming Out of the Locker Room
Cartoon by Eric Welch by Dane McGuire
Altering Reality Out of the Media by Athena Whitty Editor-in-Chief Turning an eye to magazine covers, television or the big screen for beauty isn’t something new. Society tries to keep up with celebrities featured in magazines, movies and commercials. Never giving it much thought, I’ve blurted out “Wow, I want to look like that” and played into the
vicious cycle. After doing more research, I found the very people society strives to resemble are airbrushed, lightened, brightened, recolored, stretched, contoured, and slimmed down to achieve media quality perfection. I realized that the people on magazine covers and in movies don’t look like that until editing is complete and there is no app or program that can airbrush my physical skin so, what was I doing? This is where the slippery slope of realistic editing comes in. Altering photos and videos can be a great tool for improving the overall look artistically. Editing with a heavy hand can leave models looking extremely lean, have rearranged bone structures, poreless and wrinkle free skin. Dixie Gausling, who teaches digital photography here at Lewis and Clark, draws the line at focusing her editing on temporary situations like blemishes or only softening wrinkles. “I’ve had to send people to other photographers because I won’t Photoshop them to look slimmer, even though they are more expensive. Some women will pay hundreds for that,” Gausling said. Actress Jennifer Lawrence has asked for the media to be accountable during an interview with Barbara Walters. “I think when it comes to the media, the media needs to take responsibility for the effect that it has on our younger generation,
Whitty on these girls who are watching these television shows, and picking up how to talk and how to be cool, so then all of a sudden being funny is making fun of the girl who’s wearing an ugly dress,” Lawrence said. Lawrence has been vocal about being asked to lose weight for her role in “The Hunger Games” as Katniss Everdeen. In an interview with BBC, Lawrence stated she thought it was a great chance to banish unbelievable body types from the industry by shining the spotlight on more realistic ones. Poor body image is not a problem of youth. It touches a plethora of ages from many walks of life, and why wouldn’t it when we are bombarded with images that don’t reflect us? It’s time for us to break the cycle. Instead of the media altering images to fit into an unattainable bubble of beauty, media should take the more strenuous challenge and alter its idea of beauty to more authentic terms that encompass all its fans.
athenawhitty@yahoo.com
Copy Editor
Earlier in 2014, after defensive end Michael Sam completed his football career at the University of Missouri, he publicly came out as gay. If he is drafted into the NFL, which is likely, he will be the first openly gay active player in NFL history. When I decided to write this column, I wanted to make a point. I was talking with my step-mom about this situation with Michael Sam and she simply responded, “Who cares?” Let me clarify something. The reason this issue is getting such publicity is not because Sam happens to be gay. He is a gay athlete in pro football, a giant in the sports world. Other gay athletes now have someone to look to, to show that it’s okay to come out during their playing career. The world of sports is changing, just like the real world around it. Gareth Thomas, a former rugby player, came out after retiring, Orlando Cruz came out, but competes in the almost dead sport of boxing. Fred Rosser, who performs as Darren Young, is the first “open” WWE superstar. Jason Collins did the same as well, but the NBA’s popularity is dwarfed in comparison to the NFL. Now there is a mainstream face to put with this movement. The announcement by Sam has had its fair share of backlash, because the locker room is “a man’s world." Newsflash: the locker room is also a woman’s world, a disabled person’s world,
McGuire and a home to a multitude of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Whether you agree with this lifestyle or not, Sam is still a human being, and the lesson to be learned here is: acceptance. His Missouri coaches and teammates have known all of this since August. He told ESPN that he did date another athlete, but not another football player because,hesaid,“It’sabusiness workplace; we have to act professional. I’ve never been attracted to any of my team mates, because I didn’t want that problem in the locker room.” Now that I have said my piece, can we all just treat Sam like any other SEC Defensive Player of the Year and fourth round draft prospect? I know that the next time I put Michael Sam in L&C headlines, his athletic accomplishments will warrant it. Welcome to the new age of football, the new age of sports. As reported by the New York Daily News, Sam said it to the media at the NFL combine the best. “I just wish you guys would see me as Michael Sam the football player instead of Michael Sam the gay football player," he said.
ndmcguire@lc.edu
Campus News Volume 44 Issue 6
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Stop and Smell the Flowers by Sierra Beckwith Staff Writer
With spring just around the corner, Lewis and Clark's Monticello Sculpture Gardens, located here on campus, will soon begin blooming and buzzing with a freshly planted and carefully designed, eye appealing landscape display. "Bee Dazzled" is the theme for the Monticello Sculpture Gardens’ annual summer garden show this year. The theme is based around plants and flowers that will provide food for and help attract the local pollinators to prevent the effects of the Colony Collapse Disorder. Colony Collapse Disorder means that the bee populations are dying off, but not here at Lewis and Clark, if its efforts have anything to do with it. Local schoolchildren will be actively participating in making native bee boxes, beehives, and bee-themed stepping stones in efforts to welcome many of these hard working natives to the college gardens. Welding students will be get ting involved with creating the display this year as well, building 8-, 10- and 12-foot tall vine tunnels and columns. These displays will be dripping with buzzing gourd blossoms, Dutchman’s pipes, passion vines, morning glories, daffodils, alliums, corcus' and streams of flame honeysuckle. “We’ll have vertical plants for the first time ever,” said Kara Mayfield, Horticulture Manager. Tulips, which will be the first to appear during the month of March. There are fresh bulbs
Graphic by Athena Whitty
Picture by Brooke Lavite Fountain Court, a part of Monticello Sculpture Gardens on L&C's Godfrey Campus. planted each fall, and the old bulbs don't go to waste. They are picked from the ground each year, bulb at ached, still in bloom, and handed out to passing staff and students on campus so they can start fresh again the next fall. Planting starts the first week of May, and will provide for a beautiful sea of colors during May graduation. This year the campus will not only be swarming (hopefully) with bees, but also many variations of the dahlia flower. The flowers should be in full blooming peak around the end of June to early July, and will be looking their finest when the students return to campus for the fall semester. Each spring since 2002, Terra Design Studio's landscape architects, as well as many other contributors including L&C's Kimberly Baker, lead architect, and more recently, Kara Mayfield, have been working hard to turn L&C's campus into
a wonderland of varying plants and flowers. The display is different every year to keep the garden always looking vibrant and fresh. Within the gardens, there is a collection of 14 bronze sculptures created and dedicated by renowned artists ranging from 1969 "New Heritage" to the most recently dedicated in 2013, "Crazy Horse." Baker and Mayfield are hoping that by June, a sunflower labyrinth will be placed somewhere on the campus. It will remain until late September to early October, so incoming and returning fall students will be able to experience the brilliance as well. The Monticello Sculpture Gardens are a public garden, partnered with Missouri Botanical Gardens, and are doing their best to meet botanical garden status.
sbeckwith@lc.edu
LC Pride Raises Equality Awareness by Kiersten Connolly Staff Writer Equality is defined as a state in which no one person or thing is more valuable or important than any other person or object, and equality among all. LC Pride is our campus' gay/straight alliance. It joins both people in the LGBT community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) and their allies together. Currently, the club is small but speaks in volumes, according to president Lyn Campbell. “We stand together; a united front is the basis of our group,” she said. As a club, they are organizing an event called Pledge Week. During this week, or March 17 through March 21, students can pledge to help stop discrimination over sexual orientation,
race, and promote suicide awareness. “Currently, the club is small but we are always welcoming new people both those of the LGBT community and those that are allies," Campbell said. LC Pride is a great way to meet people one may never have considered approaching before. When a student attends a meeting and the environment is relaxed, nondiscriminatory and completely welcoming, one can’t help but feel like a part of a little family. LC Pride is always accepting new members, so take a chance and stop by one of the meetings. They are every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. in the faculty dining area in the Reid Restaurant.
kierstenconnolly1@ gmail.com
Sustainability, the Utmost to be Upheld by James R. Greene Sustainability Student
As this century proceeds further into the future, all the world over is increasingly abuzz with the topic of sustainability. Paradoxically though, we arrive at this theme coming up from the backside. We have arrived from the opposite end because for nearly all the modern, capitalistic advancement that has lead us here, we have cast other lifeforms to the way side, even the living earth we walk upon. If we placed the living world as the utmost to be upheld, this would set the trajectory for all of our decisions from the outset,
Greene and equate to sustainability. Looking through this lens, it would therefore seem quite contrary to our advancement, to live lifestyles that consume more than their necessary allotment, produce a plethora of things maligned with nature’s domain, and spend
up every resource in sight. Swept together by the ocean currents and estimated at twice the size of Texas, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch has an area ever increasing. Such behavior and compounding madness makes one wonder if the whole focus of human life is to see how fast we can stamp out the steady-burning wick that is the human race. Thus, characteristics of the current plight are the quintessential opposites of sustainable practice. To be sustainable is to live within the means of our fundamental needs. Sustainability is a choice that honors life, and the truth that life must go on, for it is the
inherent inclination, thereby facilitating a harmonious relationship with right now and all that surrounds. Sustainability calls forth from us our very best, because that’s what is everlasting. The dynamics of our climate and our adherence to sustainable practice are in direct relation. The environment is a constant reflection of that which goes on within it, a most faithful mirror. The very fact that so much life and diversity in species made it this far proves the life styles of our ancestors to have been relatively sustainable. Daily extinctions, constant endangerment of new species, and such widespread fouling
of environment are certainly not characteristic of a species that sees itself as a permanent fixture in it’s space. If our decisions and practices were sustainable, it would surely see to it that life is thriving, affording new heights and further diversity, not narrowing every facet to a quickened oblivion. Since humans are the dominant species on earth, the questions are left with each and every one of us: Can we live with other forms of life in mind? Can we uphold what life is left, and make choices to secure their survival? There is no easy answer, this is a serious issue which requires earnest consideration.
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Campus News www.thelcbridge.com
Volume 44 Issue 6
March 2014
Class for Comic Book Fans and Literature Majors Alike by Eric Welch Staff Writer
Let's play a guessing game. What do Batman, Superman, Harry Potter, Twilight, and "50 Shades of Grey" have in common? If you guessed that they are all works of literature, then you are correct! This is the argument presented by LITT 200, “Comic Books As Literature,” which is offered every spring and is an amazing opportunity for people who enjoy the addictive fun of reading comic books. It is also a chance to take a deeper look at comic books as a story medium, rather than purely for entertainment. “Some Superman comics are just Superman punching Lex Luthor, but, some are serious drama,” instructor Steven Higgins said. “No
one assumes that the Kardashians are the only T.V. show. There are also quality shows like "Game of Thrones" and "Breaking Bad.” Lets look at the character Batman for example, the Batman comic series features stunning visuals and lots of action but sometimes people forget to dig deeper. Bruce Wayne is a man who has experienced fear and the pain of loss. He has struggled with what is right and he has made mistakes. The character of Batman can be explored and analyzed just the same as any other literary character of fiction. “It's a critical thinking exercise. It's taking a frivolous object and taking a deeper look and seeing what lessons can be learned,” Higgins said. To sweeten the class even further, a guest speaker comes
to speak to the students during the course. The previous speaker was a writer for both D.C. and Marvel Comics. “The reason for a speaker is to see what comics are by the people who make them and what it takes to put a comic together. Each speaker has done both, frivolous and deep comics and they have a different perspective,” Higgins said. Higgins gives away free comic books to his students every year. “I have always been a comic fan, it taught me to read,” Higgins said. “I grew up reading comics and I knew it went deeper than people thought. Over the last 20 years, graphic novels have entered into the English curriculum and I wanted to be a part of that.”
ericwelch@gmail.com
Photo by Brent Maisero Professor Steven Higgins shows off a portion of class materials, his comic book collection.
Get Smart with New Smart Student Trustee Elections Going Virtual by Kiersten Connolly · Your GPA must be must be approved by Student Grid Technology Classes Staff Writer maintained at 2.5 cumulative. Activities in River Bend Arena
by Megan Brummet Staff Writer
Lewis and Clark Community College now offers a certificate in Smart Grid Technology. This certificate offers students with a basic knowledge and an entry level foundation in computer networking, renewable energy technology, power transmission, and distribution, and energy efficient buildings. “A Smart Grid is a modernized power distribution system that uses information and communications technology to improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of production and distribution of electricity” Smart Grid Technology Coordinator Chris Reese said. Smart Grid certification can lead into a multitude of career possibilities including electrical and electronic engineering, electrical and electronic technicians, maintenance technicians and energy production. “In coming years, utilities will continue implementation of smart grid technologies and will rely on new employees with unique skill sets. Smart Grid career possibilities span several occupational categories, including electrical and electronic engineers, electrical and electronic technicians, computer network administrators, computer system analysts, installation technicians, maintenance technicians and energy production
occupations,” Reese said. Any students that are interested in renewable energies, modernization of the power distribution system, and use of new technologies to solve problems may find that smart grid technology is a good and rewarding field of study. “The unique part of this program is the ability of students to design their own certificate according to the individual interests and choose a course sequence that emphasizes different aspects of the smart grid. For example, a student may choose to focus on metering, networking, and network security or, alternatively, on power transmission and production including distributed generation,” Reese said. There are several classes within this certification to completion including; the first one required is Smart Grid overview course (SGRD 100), then students can choose any of the three other courses following: Efficient Electrical Power Systems (SGRD 101), Smart Grid: Command and Control (SGRD 102), Metering and Home Area Networks (SGRD 103), Smart Grid Network Security (SGRD 104), Microgrids and Renewable Energies (SGRD 105), and Energy Efficient Buildings (SGRD 106). Those wanting more information, or how to enroll contact Chris Reese at (618) 4684836 or by email at creese@lc.edu.
mbrummet@lc.edu
Elections for Student Trustee this year will be completely online. The elections begin on Monday, March 24 at midnight and will end Sunday, March 30 at 11:59 p.m. All ballots will be sent out to all Lewis and Clark Community College students through L&C e-mail address. Students can only vote once. Interested candidates for Student Trustee may pick up a packet in River Bend Arena 111. There are a few qualifications: · You must be currently enrolled at L&C for the term Fall 2014 ─ Spring 2015.
Tuition scholarship awarded. · You are to be a liaison between the college trustees and the student body. · You absolutely must be able to attend all L&C Board Meetings on the second Tuesday of each month and attend all Student Government meetings which consist of the general meeting the first and third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Underground Connection and all Executive Board Meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Underground Connection. · Negative campaigning techniques will not be tolerated. · Any campaign materials
111. · Campaign materials are to be posted only on approved bulletin boards. Don’t place flyers on people's cars. · Any violation of these rules can result in the revocation of the Student’s petition for the office of student Trustee. Signed petitions and agreements will be due no later than noon on Monday, March 3, 2014. Please return them to Kimberly Ruby in River Bend Arena 111. If you have any additional questions, you can reach Kimberly Ruby at (618) 468-6001.
kierstenconnolly1 @gmail.com
Campus News Volume 44 Issue 6
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Green Speaker Series Celebrates Jobs for Green Thumbs by Eric Welch Staff Writer
Photo by Brent Maserio Students gather for the Green Speaker Lecture in the Olin Science Building room 115.
L&C's Green Speaker series is a collection of speakers from “green energy” industries that have come to L&C's campus to speak to those interested in Sustainability. “It’s (the series) about trying to connect students to a green collar job, getting advice, and how that job relates to the green energy economy,” said Nate Keener, director of Sustainability at L&C The series had a wide range of experts that spoke ranging from solar installers, sustainable architects, and sustainable farmers. Another topic covered in the series is referred to as “green building.” One objective of “green building” is to use recycled materials in construction. To illustrate, this
newspaper can be used to make ceiling tiles and the rubber in shoes can be used to make a carpet. Besides being healthy for the environment, “green collar” jobs present economic opportunity for business and employees alike. “In 2012, 154 million in private capital was invested in the green industry and 22 trillion is expected to be invested by 2020,” Keener said. This means the market is growing in green building and recycling materials. “Median wages are 13 percent higher in the green economy than in U.S. median wages,” Keener said. “That contributes to green collar workers are walking around with a little extra green in their pocket.”
ericwelch@gmail.com
Climbing to New Heights with Art
Photo by Brent Masiero Students enjoy a temporary break from the cold weather by exploring the new student made sculpture outside of Reid Restaurant.
Graphic by Adam Hill We at The Bridge would like to congratulate everyone who made the President’s and Dean’s List for Fall 2013 semester because of hard work and dedication to their studies. The President’s List requires a minimum GPA of 3.75 or higher out of a 4.0. The Dean’s list requirements are 3.25 to 3.74. For a complete list of students who made the lists go to http://thelcbridge.com/. You can also tag yourself or friends who made the list at https://www.facebook.com/thelcbridge.
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Arts & Culture www.thelcbridge.com
Volume 44 Issue 6
March 2014
New Art Exhibit, Rocky Fork, Opened in Hatheway
by Megan Brummet Staff Writer
Rocky Fo r k is a new art exhibit that re c e n t l y opened in Hatheway C u l t u ra l C e n t e r G a l l e r y. T h e ex hibit fe at ures reco rdi n g s of A f r ic anA me r i c a n se ttle rs of the n ear by Roc ky For k co mmu n i t y du r ing the 1 8 0 0 s and 19 00s, s uc h as W illiam Bailey ( Hal b er t ), Mar y Ann O tl ey, Edith and Fran k Kenne dy, Jo hn A nd ers o n Ma tloc k, and many o t he rs that br ing i t to li fe. There are also a handful of mini biographies featured on the walls as well, including three big family trees of the Hindman, Green and Baker families. On Wednesday, Feb.12, the Rocky Fork Exhibit opened. The event took place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Hatheway Cultural Center Gallery. Speakers began at 7 p.m. Lewis and Clark Community College President, Dale Chapman began by welcoming everyone to Rocky Fork. Ed Hightower, an L&C board member and superintendent of the Edwardsville School District followed. High tower also expressed admiration for Mannie Jackson, who attended
Photo by Adam Hill Opening night of the Rocky Fork exhibit in Hatheway Cultural Center. the opening. Jackson, is a p h i l a n t h ro p i s t , and an Ed wardsville native. “I am impressed with how the Rocky Fork books are going, the initiative is change. Change will have some affect on us,” Jackson said in closing. Jim Price, professor of Art, History & Culture at L&C conveyed that these extraordinary and ordinary stories bring everyone together and tie into Rocky Fork. “I am humbled to be a part of this school project!” As the night progressed, Charlotte Johnson, who does community and genealogical research, also addressed those in attendance. She mentioned that freedom and worship is what the people who attended Rocky Fork were
seeking. Preaching to the exhibit visitors that were present, was Pastor Brian Williams, of Rocky Fork New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. He prayed over everyone that was in assemblage, and ended with “The world is still spinning, and we’re still serving the Lord!” “I think it’s beautiful that they put it out like this so people can see it. It makes you feel good to know where you came from and how you got there,” said exhibit observer Janet Berry. The exhibit is open in the Hatheway Cultural Center Gallery from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from Feb. 12 to Mar. 21, 2014.
Photo by Adam Hill Entrance to Rocky Fork exhibit’s adaptation of Rocky Fork New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.
mbrummet@lc.edu
Photo by Adam Hill Inside the Rocky Fork Church adaptation as the African Methodist Episcopal Church Choir walks up to the stage to sing for opening night of the exhibit.
Photo by Adam Hill Exhibit goer listens to stories about everyday life recorded on an iPod.
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Arts & Culture Volume 44 Issue 6
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Drafting Classes Alive with the Sound of Rock Music by Sierra Beckwith Staff Writer Second-year Coordinator of the Architectural Technology and CAD/Drafting Luke Jumper and a class of nine recently embarked on a journey to make their own electric guitars. Making these guitars teaches students how to use different programs in the engineering process, techniques and the science involved in development, Jumper said. To make a guitar, students need to understand the history of the different types, styles, and brands of guitars that exist. From there, a company sends sheets of blank wood, and blank necks and the students are allowed to draw up any design as long as it fits on the dimensions of the blank. “It’s literally whatever you want,” said Vincent Kwas, an Architectural Technology major. The guitars were set out for the public to see at Halpin Music for the first month after they were finished. They are currently on display in the stairway of The Commons in the Math and Science Building here at the college. As the guitars were being hung on campus, a couple of students shared their experience throughout the project’s development, one of which was still in the finishing stages
of his guitar. They said the procedure was fun, but definitely had its challenging moments. “All the sanding was the most brutal part,” Kwas said. The Product Design and Development class (DRFT 251) had seen better days. The class lost the interest of the CAD/Drafting students over the past six years. Jumper wanted to increase enrollment, and knew he had just the thing to recapture the interest of his students. Jumper attended a conference centered around taking the interests of the students, and implementing it into their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) education. While at the conference, Jumper made a sample guitar in four very long days, which he brought to the school to entice the students enthusiasm in the project/class. Jumper is also working with a dean at the college about making this class more accessible to students without having to have the prerequisites it already requires, DRFT 140 and 253. A class in guitar design will hopefully be run this summer, or by Spring 2015 at the latest, he said. For more information on this class, contact Luke Jumper at ljumper@lc.edu.
Guitars from DRFT 251 students decorate The Commons in the Math Building.
sbeckwith@lc.edu
Photos by Brent Masiero
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Entertainment www.thelcbridge.com
Volume 44 Issue 6
March 2014
‘Mockingjay’ Star Takes His Final Role Dad by Day, Bat by Night by Darick T. Earney Staff Writer A star was born, and on Feb. 2, 2014, that star’s life came to an end. 46 year old “Capote” star Philip Seymour Hoffman suffered a fatal overdose in the midst of filming “The Hunger Games’” third and final installment, “Mockingjay Part One and Two.” Before Hoffman was widely known for his portrayal as “The Hunger Games” game maker, Plutarch Heavensbee, he was known for a variety of roles. Hoffman had once played the eccentric 20th century non-fiction novelist, Truman Capote, in the 2005 film “Capote,” which had earned him his first and only Academy Award. Hoffman had been best known among fans and movie buffs throughout his career for his supporting roles. In one of his more notable roles Hoffman portrayed the sleek assistant to millionaire, Jeffrey Lebwoski, in the 1998 film “The Big Lebowski.” Others include his work on “Almost Famous,” “Boogie Nights,” and more recently, “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” Despite his reputation as a screen actor, Hoffman had earned recognition on the stage, as well. He earned up to three Tony Award nominations throughout his lifetime. One of Hoffman’s best known stage performances include his leading role as William ‘Willy’ Loman in the 2012 Broadway revival production of “Death of a Salesman.” Hoffman’s
performance had gained so much notoriety that he would earn his third, and final, Tony award nomination that same year. With all of the success spanning his career, Hoffman had always remained a very humble individual. “Success isn't what makes you happy. It really isn't. Success is doing what makes you happy and doing good work and hopefully having a fruitful life. If I've felt like I've done good work, that makes me happy. The success part of it is all gravy,” Philip Seymour Hoffman is quoted on www. imdb.com. Hoffman was a native of Rochester, New York and was the second of four children by father Gordon Hoffman and mother Geraldine Stowell. Hoffman had originally participated in sports throughout his youth until a wrestling injury had left him off of the mats, and lead him further towards the stage, and eventually, to the big screen. At 17-years-old, Hoffman’s mother, Geraldine, had taken him to see an offBroadway production of Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons.” From the moment the play had ended to the rest of his life, Hoffman would refer to it as a “life changing experience.” It was then that Hoffman was determined to become an actor of great talent. Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation,” said Lionsgate Films via usmagazine.com.
by Kiersten Connolly Staff Writer
Photo provided courtesy of www.raindance.org “The great thing about Philip Seymour Hoffman was his ability to convey the inner pain of a character through the hesitations in his speech. In essence, he embodies the character externally and internally,” says Lewis and Clark professor, Jim Price. Hoffman’s final productions are “God’s Pocket,” A Most Wanted Man,” and the highly anticipated 2014 release of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1”. Philly.com has recently confirmed that Lionsgate has determined to make Hoffman return in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2”, with editors using CGI effects to digitally resurrect the “Magnolia” actor for what is left of the shooting process of the film. It’s safe to say that “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2” will be Philip Seymour Hoffman’s final production, but it will certainly not be the only one he will be remembered for.
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“Ben Affleck is the perfect choice for Bruce Wayne be cause nobody would ever suspect him to be Batman.” These are the kinds of jokes you can read daily all over the Internet from people who don’t feel Ben Affleck is properly equipped to Batman. Looking back on the public’s opinions of previous Batman characters that they didn’t feel were correct; they often turn out great. Some could even be considered legendary. Anne Hathaway as Catwoman was one of the strongest performances given by a female in the Batman series. She managed to take the stage by storm and give the audience a show that they wouldn’t soon forget. Hathaway was known for being the good girl of Hollywood, previously starring in movies such as “The Princess Diaries.” This relates to Ben Affleck because he is being seen as too soft for the role of Batman. Affleck is a dad and acts as such. He, much like Hathaway could be a shock to everyone by releasing his inner bad boy. Another famous role that was often criticized before they performed was Michael Keaton as Batman. Keaton ended up being what is arguably one of the best Batman portrayals of all time. Critics claimed that he was America’s “Mr. Mom” and wasn’t physically meant for this kind of role, being considered virtually not muscular, and stood at only
5-feet 9-inches tall. Keaton took the Batman world by storm with his performance that nobody would soon forget. Ben Affleck has been vilified because he, too, isn’t built as a Batman is expected to look. He may not be broad, but he stands at a lanky 6-foot 4-inches. Affleck will do just as Christian Bale has done previously and make a significant body transformation for the film. Arguably the most under rated performer of all the Batman movies was Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker. Many people made assumptions about his acting abilities because of previous movies he had been in, until seeing him in the role. Ledger never had to play the mean guy; he was always the sweet eye candy. Many didn’t think he’d have the chops to successfully fill the characters shoes. Affleck is having the same assumptions made about him. People assume that because he hasn’t done a superhero movie since “Daredevil,” he doesn’t have what it takes to make a good hero. People fear he is going to be an amateur in comparison to past actors in this role. Although Ben Affleck has some massive shoes to fill, and many people don’t believe that he has what it takes to play this historical character. Don’t count him out just yet. Some of the most frowned upon casting choices have turned out to be the best and arguably the most legendary.
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Oscar s Pr edictions for Best Pictur e, Leading and Suppor ting Role by Kiersten Connolly and Darick Earney Staff Writers When thinking of the Oscars does your mind touch on the moment that Heath Ledger won an Oscar for his role as the Joker, or when the late Philip Seymour Hoffman asked everyone in the audience to thank his mother? Wherever your train of thought may go to, it is easy to say that this year’s Oscar bash was nothing short of amazing. This year, there were many exceptional choices for best picture and best actor in a leading role. We rooted for “The Wolf of Wall Street” for both categories. This movie recollects the personal memoir of former Wall Street broker, Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Jordan Belfort morphs from a timid man who just wants to provide for his wife into a person engulfed with greed. As you watch the horrifying story of the rise, fall, and redemption of one of Wall Street’s most notorious characters, one can’t help but be mesmerized by DiCaprio’s performance.
Sadly the judges didn’t hear our pleas through the T.V. and the Oscars didn’t go to “The Wolf of Wall Street” or Leonardo DiCaprio. “12 Years a Slave” received best picture and Matthew McConaughey’s role in “Dallas Buyers Club” earned him best actor in a leading role. For best actress in a leading role, as the matriarch of an extremely dysfunctional family, Meryl Streep shined as Violet Weston in “August: Osage County.” Streep’s character is hauntingly beautiful in depth. She makes you want to hate her, you can’t help but have a soft spot for this profound character. Again, our cries were in vain as the Oscar went home with Cate Blanchett for her role in “Blue Jasmine.” No leading role could ever be complete without the dedication of the supporting actors and actresses. Our top choice was Jared Leto as Rayon in “Dallas Buyers Club.” Transgender Rayon, who is HIV positive, befriends Ron Woodroof. They embark on a mission to help treat others suffering with AIDS.
While our predictions may have been off for the previous categories, this one was spot on. Jared Leto humbly accepted his Oscar while thanking his family. Rounding out the big five awards was best actress in a supporting role. Jennifer Lawrence portrayed the role of Rosalyn Rosenfeld in “American Hustle.” Rosenfeld is a pill popping mother in her twenties whose unpredictable antics jeopardizes her husband’s scams. “12 Years a Slave” walked away with another golden statue in its pocket for best actress in a supporting role. Lupita Nyong’o gave a touching acceptance speech as she was beside herself with joy. These were are our predictions for the 86th Academy Awards, which aired on March 2nd at 6 p.m. Winners or losers, the Oscars can be summed up with a quote from Daniel Day-Lewis, who once said: “You don’t become your character; your character becomes you.”
kierstenconnolly1@gmail..com hatternhare511@yahoo.com
http://www.thewolfofwallstreet. com Jordan Belford, portrayed by Leoardo Dicaprio, in “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
Entertainment Volume 44 Issue 6
March 2014
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Parodies Done by Celebrities by Darick Earney Staff Writer Normally, celebrities are associated with high dollar clothes, limousines, and really expensive mansions. What some forget about celebrities is that they, too, are human beings. They love to sing their favorite songs, dance to their favorite tunes, and even re-enact their favorite videos with some of their celebrity acting buddies. “The Fast and The Furious” star Vin Diesel doesn’t fail to participate in this Hollywood trend as he boogies down for 7+ minutes in a recent YouTube video. From the start of the video, Diesel lip-syncs some of his favorite lyrics, and occasionally drowns out the music with his own singing voice. He also pantomimes singing into a small micro
phone and makes a series of hip-hop influenced hand gestures. Diesel demonstrates a plethora of modern, and possibly made-up, dance moves to Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse” and Beyonce’s “Drunk on Love.” About 3 minutes and 12 seconds into the video, Diesel takes time to deliver a personal message from him to his fans for making his recent film “RIDDICK” #1 on the DVD charts. He also asks his fans for their opinion on the 2014 Grammys, just before breaking off into another improvised dance routine. Five minutes and 42 seconds into the video, he attempts to hit a falsetto note sung by Beyonce, as he proceeds to sway back and forth, shaking his hips. Perhaps Diesel busting a move is a victory dance? Either way, it’s quite
entertaining. Vin Diesel isn’t the only star who was bored out of his mind recently. In fact, James Franco and Seth Rogen had to get in on the action as well. In the midst of shooting a new comedy film titled “The Interviewer,” Franco and Rogen participated in a shot-for-shot re-enactment of Kanye West’s “Bound 2.” After Kanye West released his 6th studio album, “Yeezus,” he shot a video alongside his fiancé, Kim Kardashian. The video gained notoriety for its low budget background effects, explicit lyrics, and a top less Kim Kardashian. All of the video’s fame didn’t stop Seth Rogen and James Franco from deliberately parodying the video, with a topless Seth Rogen embracing a fully clothed James Franco, riding a motor-scooter. If seeing Seth Rogen topless isn’t enough to satisfy (or horrify), there is always the instant classic cover of Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball,” featuring America’s favorite adult film legend, Ron Jeremy, on vocals. Jeremy doesn’t fail to entertain the audience with shock and disgust as he licks the end of a sledgehammer and rides a wrecking ball half naked. This video is bound to have any one saying: “Wreck-ek-ek” with the same unenthused emphasis as Jeremy once the chorus drops. If nothing else, Ron Jeremy sure gives tank tops and tighty-whiteys a good advertisement out of it. As aforementioned, celebrities are people too. They have their views on other celebrities as much as anyone else. But, of course, not everyone has the time, or the money, to record shot-for-shot parodies of other artists. That’s why YouTube has allowed fans around the world to enjoy celebrities like Vin Diesel, James Franco, and Ron Jeremy, for using their fame to express what the fans want to say. Even if it includes wearing tighty-whiteys. For links to any of these videos check out our Face book - https://www.face book.com/thelcbridge and our website- http://thelc bridge.com./ . Link us some of your favorite par odies!
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Graphic by Adam Hill
Ideas for Spring Break Staycation by Brooke Lavite Staff Writer
Are you staying local for spring break this year? Some students will be going out of town, but many will be sticking in the area. Don’t allow your lack of travel plans keep you from having a memorable break. If you aren’t going out of town and you’re stuck in a routine, there are some things you can try to have a more eventful or productive break period. • Go to a local park or go for a bike ride if the weather permits. If inclement weather occurs don’t let it stand between you and an enjoyable day, instead try playing some board games with a group of friends or your family. All of these ideas are excellent ways to spend time with your friends or children if you have any. • Get some new clothes for low pricing; go thrift shopping at Goodwill or try yard sales. You will save money, and you’ll have a fresh look for the second half of the spring semester. • Try hosting a movie night
or binge watching a television series. If you want a real cinematic experience go see a new film. Change your moviegoing routine by going to an independent theater such as the Hi-Pointe or Tivoli. • If you are short on funding, there are a lot of items in your refrigerator that could serve for a day of self-pampering. Honey, coffee grounds, vine gar, eggs, and cooking oils are all powerfully helpful home beauty ingredients. Coconut, olive, and almond oils work best for skin and hair maintenance. • Visit your local library or book store to find a good read. This may not sound very glamorous but there are many books that will have you changing your mind only after a couple pages. There are a lot of interesting things you can do during break without leaving the area. Don’t let your break get away from you just because you aren’t roadtripping or “Spring breaking” in the popularized MTV fashion.
brookecelestelavite@ yahoo.com
Page 10 Volume 44 Issue 6
Campus News www.thelcbridge.com
March 2014
Talk to the Bridge What are your plans for Spring Break?
Graphic by Nicole Leith
Breaking the Stigma Continued from page 1
Stephanie Richardson “Hanging out with friends, boyfriend, and relatives.”
Julien Crawford “Participating in outside activities.”
Rosie Brownes “Shopping Sprees, Partying with friends.”
Jassi Williams “Going camping and relaxation.”
Heather Richardson “Gardening.”
Tyler Toussaint “Playing pool at the Riverbender with friends, relaxation.”
negative characteristics to all persons affected by the illness they witnessed via cinema. The affected person is then ostracized and fearful. This can perpetuate their problem and make them feel more lonely than before they felt the threat of discrimination. “One in four people are affected by mental illness; 75 percent go untreated,” said Sarah Rankin, M.A. assistant professor of psychology at Lewis and Clark Community College said. The aversion many people have from mental illness of ten discourages the afflicted from getting the assistance they need. Those suffering are often afraid to seek attention, as they may be viewed as weak, unstable, or a
myriad of other misconceptions. Mental illness is just that − illness. People who are affected should be afforded the same respect as someone who is afflicted with diabetes or high blood pressure. A psychological condition is not something that a per son can control; it is some thing that needs treatment as does any other illness or disorder. “If it’s not you [affected], it is someone you know and love,” Rankin said. Don't feed into the idea that mental disorders define a person, it affects them but doesn't make them who they are.
brookecelestelavite@yahoo. com
Local/Lifestyles Volume 44 Issue 6
Page 11 March 2014
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Battle of Wits Approaches Lewis and Clark by Sierra Beckwith Staff Writer
Graphic by Nicole Leith
The Truth about St. Patrick’s Day by Darick T. Earney Staff Writer Following the obscurely known holiday of “Everything You Do Is Right” Day (March 16), and 24 hours prior to “Supreme Sacrifice Day” (March 18th) is everyone’s favorite green holiday. No, it’s not Christmas! It’s St. Patrick’s Day! To celebrate the “Day of Green,” here are some facts you may not know. • The man it’s named after isn’t even Irish. In fact, according to National Geographic’s official website, Saint Patrick was actually a native of Britain, being born in 390 A.D. • After being kidnapped and heldasaslaveinIrelandforseven years, Saint Patrick converted to Christianity. Following his conversion, Patrick had begun to teach his religion to his fellow Irish citizens, and became a Saint. • St. Patrick’s Day was not originally a green holiday. Frances Romero, a blogger for TIME magazine, says that the color most identifiedwithSt.Patrick’sDaywith-green--is actually an inaccuracy. Saint Patrick himself was m•ore fond of the color blue. But, during the 1978 Irish Rebellion, the clover became a common symbol of nationalism. The popularity of the clover, and it’s color, is believed to have been the inspiration for why citizens began wearing more green. However, there is an additional theory that the wearing of the green was inspired by the nation’s nickname “the Emerald Isle,” because of its lush greenery. Either way, this is a tradition that still carries, and wearing blue on St. Patty’s Day will earn those wearing it a hard pinch on the arm. • Leprechauns are actually fairies. Normally, Leprechauns
are associated with the marshmallow cereal obsessed Irishman in Lucky Charms commercials, or the psychotic serial killer in the low budget 1993 film “Leprechaun.” However, Leprechauns are a very traditional part of Irish folklore. • Leprechauns were originally depicted wearing the color red, and were believed to be fairies with magical powers for both good or evil. Their name, “Leprechaun,” spawns from the Celtic word “luchorpán” meaning “small body,” and they are often referred to as tricksters. Because this folklore is still commonly shared in Ireland, the Leprechaun has become a symbol, or mascot perhaps, of Saint Patty’s Day tradition every year. • Despite what many may have heard in their lifetimes about the luck of finding a four-leaf clover, Shamrocks are a sacred part of ancient Irish history. During the time Saint Patrick was still alive, he used the shamrock to teach the concept of holy trinity (The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit) to the nation. “Just as the shamrock is one leaf with three parts, God is one entity with three Persons,” Saint Patrick had once stated, according to english-zone.com. Eventually, this teaching would grow to be so popular among the Irish community that shamrocks would forever become a symbol of tribute to Saint Patrick. Making the shamrock a very significant part of Saint Patrick’s Day, and Irish culture in general. • On March 17, 461, Saint Patrick died and would grow a legacy as “Ireland’s Most Famous Saint.”
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Trebuchets, better known as a form of catapult in the medieval days, were used as weapons to blast down enemy castle walls during battle by hurling heavy objects at them with a great slinging force. Here at the Lewis and Clark Community College, it’s still a battle of the best, but a friendlier one of all sorts. On March 28 at 9 a.m., instead of a military infantry aiming for castle walls, high school teams of four to five battle for points in a competition against other high school students from the surrounding area. This year there are 12 high schools participating in the event. Bunker Hill High School physics students, sponsored by Jay Goltz, physics teacher, have been putting their skills to the test since mid January. There are four students in the class and they are building and taking a total of three trebuchets. “It’s pretty interesting to see how far it fires off, I was definitely not expecting that,” said Gavin Shaw, a Bunker Hill High School senior. The students have been spending quality class time in preparation researching, drawing up designs, building and testing their trebuchets. They are anxiously awaiting putting their hard work into motion on the battlefield. Theteamswillpairoff,shooting balls into five gallon buckets, or targets. They will also have the opportunity to knock out the op posing trebuchet by making their balls into smaller targets, which are worth more points. There are $3000 awarded in cash prizes to the first through
Photo by Sierra Beckwith Veronica Pavesi, Bunker Hill High School Physics class senior, works on her Trebuchet project. third place winners in three different categories including the battle, the design, and the drawing. There is also a trophy awarded for the overall winner of the en tire competition, which will go by rankings after all categories have been judged. Each team was supplied $100 cash from the school upon regstration to the event for use of materials to create their trebuchet. They then teamed up in the designing and building of their trebuchet. The event is funded by L&C, and the National Science Foundation. Kevin Bodden, professor of mathematics has been the event coordinator for the last seven years. This event is set up to enlighten students on the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) fields that Lewis and Clark and other colleges have to offer. There will be tables set up at
the event with information on pro grams that L&C has in this field, as well as tables from other colleges that offer STEAM-related career programs. The event will be taking place in River Bend Arena, here at the Godfrey campus.
sbeckwith@lc.edu
Volunteers needed! “We are asking faculty predominantly, but we are also looking for upper level engineering and calculus students. Students who are interested in volunteering but aren’t in those programs should feel free to contact me as well,” said Molly Freimuth, the volunteer coordinator for the Trebuchet event. You can reach Freimuth via email at mfreimuth@lc.edu.
Get Your Game On At LAG by Kiersten Connolly Staff Writer
If you ever got the chance to combine everything you love into one place, what would that place look like and what would it be called? For Scott Hampton, it is a video game, card game and comic book hobby shop called LAG Hobby and Gaming. This cozy hobby shop is a video game lounge where anyone can come and play for hours on end for only a small fee. The cost of joining this group is $6.50 per two hours. $30.00 per week (unlimited gaming and entrance to all tournaments), or $100.00 per month (unlimited gaming and entrance to all tournaments). Every Saturday at 3 p.m. the shop has tournaments where you can come and enjoy watching or participating in a video game or card game tournament. At LAG, they don’t only sell these memberships. They also give patrons the option to pawn or trade in items that you may
Photo by Athena Whitty L&C students, Dustin Asbury, above, and Coty Berts (not pictured), face off during LAG’s weekly MAGIC tournament. have lost interest in. “I brought everything cool to one spot,” Hampton said. “What is more cool than sitting around and relaxing with friends while still being able to play some awesome video games?” LAG is located at 5727 Godfrey
Road, in Godfrey. The hours are 11 a.m.-9 a.m. Monday through Saturday and there is an option to rent the space on Sunday. For more information call Hampton at (618) 616-9158.
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Sports www.thelcbridge.com
Volume 44 Issue 6
March 2014
Inside L&C’s Adopt An Athlete Program by Dane McGuire Copy Editor A team is more than just a randomly assembled group of people, eventually, it be comes like a family united in a common goal. In high school, sports teams are made up members of the same or surrounding schools, most of whom have known each other their entire lives. In college, that is not always the case. Many students continue their education away from home, at least temporarily, leaving the lives they knew behind. Lewis and Clark want ed to provide a more stable environment for its athletes, and that’s where a sort of “adoption” process came into play. “The intention was to provide some of our athletes, especially those from other parts of the country or other countries, with an additional support network and to help some of them deal with homesickness,” said Vice President of Student Engagement, Sean Hill. “The goal of the adoptan-athlete program is
to contribute to the in creased well-being and academic success of our student-athletes by pairing them with caring L&C faculty and staff.” Adopt-An-Athlete is less about sports and is more personal than that, this program helps build lasting relationships. Currently, 13 athletes are involved and that number continues to grow. “Overall, I think the reaction to the program has been positive,” Hill said. “Positive testimonials from some program participants has led to additional interest by L&C faculty and staff.” “Life in Serbia hasn't always been so great. People in Serbia went through a lot. We had wars going on with our neighbor countries, a lot of corrupt politicians, and it all resulted as a poor country that cannot offer a lot to a college student,” said Ivana Kova, a Serbian basketball player. “Personally, I always had a wish to study abroad, and basketball is the main thing that made it happen. There
was this girl from Serbia that I know, and that played in a club that I played in. She went to the States before me, played basketball, and got a college degree,” she said. “I was still in a search for a school last spring, when I realized that she might help me finding a school that was right for me, so I decided to contact her. She connected me with my coach, Jaron Young, and that is how it all started.” The family that Ivana was eventually matched are now some of her biggest supporters, and a real stability network. “I don't know about other athletes in the program, but I was lucky to get a great family. I was adopted by the Brantley family, and I can't say nothing but the best about them. They are a great family, that comes to all of my home games, support me and is always there for me, and there is nothing else I can ask for.”
ndmcguire@lc.edu
Photo courtesy of L&C #21 of the L&C women’s basketball team, Ivana Kova, member of the Adopt-An-Athlete program
Spring Ball in the Sunshine State
Bringing The Fight: MMA On The Olympic Stage
Spring is here, and that means three things: decent weather, spring break and America’s national pastime, baseball. The pro teams have already been playing Spring Training games in Florida since Feb. 28, (the St. Louis Cardinals fell 4-5 to the Miami Marlins), and the Lewis and Clark Trailblazers baseball and softball teams are spending spring break in the Florida sun as well. The trip is scheduled annually event for both the softball and baseball teams. Men’s coach Randy Martz said, “We came up with the spring trip to get better weather to play baseball. Also, it is a chance to make the players feel like a bigleaguer going to spring training.” The trip does come with its fair share of expenses, which the teams cover through fundraisers like a trivia night or raffle. All the hard work does eventually pay off. “We travel in a charter
Boxing, judo, taekwondo and wrestling are the four Olympic fighting styles that also contribute to the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, and its most popular league, the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Now the Olympic landscape is about to mix things up. A sport that, in its infancy, wasn’t even allowed on PayPer-View, MMA may now get an international audience. Former UFC champion, Randy Couture first told TMZ Sports, “I think there's 34 or 39 countries that have signed petitions." TMZ Sports reported that a likely form to be used in Olympic competition is the style of Pankration, the only rules were no biting or eye-gouging. With some alterations, this idea may be a real possibility. Most importantly, it’s hard to ignore the cry of almost 40 nations. “Mixed martial arts, under the global leadership of UFC and us really inspiring and pushing the envelope, I think has a great chance to become an Olympic sport because it is participated
by Dane McGuire Copy Editor
bus and then stay on the beach for the hotel accommodations.” Martz said. “There is ample time to go to the beach and sight see.” The trip usually lasts five days, includes team dinners, and allows for a more relaxed environment. The L&C groups don’t get the chance to see the pros, but they have the chance to feel like them. “The pro teams are further south so we don’t get to see any spring training games but the field we play on will be the best field we will play on all year,” Martz said. There is an ultimate, underlying goal: unity. “We get to see all our players play,” Martz said. “Then we have a better under standing of what our team is like concerning strengths and weaknesses.” Strengths win titles, managing those weaknesses wins, titles and hopefully what the men and women of L&C learn and apply in Florida will lead to the greatest result: championships.
ndmcguire@lc.edu
by Dane McGuire Copy Editor
now by countries literally all over the world,” said Mark Fischer, UFC's managing director of Asia Pacific in a related article. If the sport of MMA is put on an Olympic platform, great, but the sports most popular brand has come back from near-extinction to become one of the fast est growing sports in the world. “Do we need it? No, we are going to survive and continue to grow,” Fischer said. “Would it help to put us on that next level of interest and really capture everybody’s imagination and understanding? I think it would help tremendously. But we are talking about theoreticals.” There is also the fact that the UFC as a league would need to address, since it bought and closed down both Pride FC and Strike force as well as bringing in the lighter weight class from its sister promotion World Extreme Cagefighting, the UFC now has virtually all of the world’s fighters. Is the potential for in jury and losing fighters
for events worth the risk? Even as the UFC enters its 21st year in existence, the question can still be asked, is MMA too brutal for the Olympics? The sport is actually more safe than it looks, gloves weigh no more than six ounces in any weight class unless approved by a state athletic commission. Boxing matches can go up to 12 rounds while MMA on the other hand, under the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial arts, non-title fights are only up to three rounds, and championship bouts go no more than five rounds. Most importantly, martial arts fights allow for different ways to win, while boxing focuses on punches. According to a 2006 Johns Hopkins study published in the New York Times, only 28 percent of MMA fights end via a blow to the head. Even after 21 years of UFC action, the biggest MMA presence in the U.S., it still all comes down to public perception. Will MMA in any form be a part of the Olympics? For now, fans can dream can’t we?
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