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St. Louis Community College–Meramec
Dec. 9th, 2010 Vol. 46 Issue 7
Coach Albrecht Wins 700 5
$2 million for 24 songs In an age when downloading music is common, some punishments go too far
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PHOTO BY: DAVID KLOECKENER
With 10 seconds left in the game, the Magic fans stand up with signs celebrating coach Albrecht’s 700th win in college basketball. The “700!” posters were handed out to visitors as they walked in.
Approximately 36 years after the beginning of his career, Albrecht scores his 700th win Spencer Gleason - Sports Editor -
The game of basketball is a team game. Coaches prepare their team for the game at hand. They send their players into battle where natural athleticism takes over until the ultimate goal is achieved—a win. Rarely is one game put on a pedestal, yet sometimes just one win can have more meaning. On Monday, Nov. 29, after the Magic defeated the Fontbonne J.V. Griffins, 53-93, the Magic players took a step aside for their coach allowing him to relish the moment. Head coach Randy Albrecht had just won his career 700 game. “It means a lot to be a part of such an accomplishment,” Magic guard Dietrick Sooter said after the game. “Seven hundred wins is very rare to come by. I’ve never been a part of it and I’m very excited for him.” Albrecht ranks 21st alltime among National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) basketball coaches with his 700 career wins. The NJCAA, which was founded in 1938, has only ten active coaches with 700 or more victories. By season’s end, Albrecht could be in the top 15 all-time. “It’s really exciting because it’s history,” sports information director Bob Frischman said. “It’s history
in sports and it’s something very few men’s basketball coaches in the nation have ever achieved—700 wins.” Albrecht’s head coaching career dates back to 1974 when he coached the St. Louis University (SLU) Billikens. While coaching the Billikens for three seasons, Albrecht gathered a record of 32-47. Since leaving SLU and coming to STLCC-Meramec in 1977, Albrecht has compiled a record of 669-424. His lifetime record of 701-471 gives him a winning percentage of .598. Albrecht said his ability to recruit local talent and mix them with other athletes, even at times going outside the country, has given him the opportunity to recruit the best players he sees. When the NJCAA instituted divisions in 1985, Meramec was placed in Division II. Since then, Albrecht has guided the Magic through a winning streak of 25 consecutive seasons. “I think that’s more than half the battle,” said Rick Hummel, Hall of Fame sportswriter and St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist. “No matter how good of a coach you are, if you don’t have the players, you’re not going to win anything. A lot of coaches may recruit only to fit their style of play. I would think a good coach would recruit the best players and he’ll suit his style of play to fit the players.” Observing the historical moment were Meramec
Art professors show off Meramec’s art faculty and staff display their own prides and joys
12 PHOTO BY: DAVID KLOECKENER
Coach Albright (fourth from the left) holds a congratulatory banner presented by the Magic basketball team.
athletes, friends of players, players’ families and the local media. Those in attendance were able to witness Meramec Magic athletics and the spectacle that followed.. It was the scene. It was the moment. It was the man. “To be able to achieve that kind of milestone, that’s a big deal,” said Jason Montgomery, father of Magic guard Jordan Jones. “For my son to be a part of it, he’s definitely excited. He’s talked about it a few times.” Albrecht has been elected into three halls of fame, including the Magic Hall of Fame in 2003, Missouri Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004 and NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2006. He has two President’s Cups and his coach of the year awards exceed 20. “Albrecht stands out every game, every town we go to because of his
professionalism,” Frischman said. “He looks like a NCAA Division I head coach. He acts like one. He has always represented Meramec extremely well. He’s a true asset in every since of the word to the college.” As the game clock approached zero, fans rose to their feet while holding signs that read “700!” They gave Albrecht a standing ovation. It is during moments such as this, when pure elation is felt and shared by everyone— even Albrecht’s biggest fan, his wife. “It feels good to get this one out,” said Albrecht, while holding the game ball. “The kids performed well. A lot of our kids contributed. The bench helped out. Everybody got to play. But it’s just a testimony to having a lot of good kids over the years.”
Clubs duke it out in dodgeball Student ambassadors host the first annual dodgeball tournament
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How do you get your music? To vote, visit: www.meramecmontage.com
2 NEWS
December 9, 2010
Campus police set out to make safety improvements Shane Rice - News Editor -
In recent news, St. Louis was named the No. 1 most violent and dangerous place in the country. With safety becoming a growing concern, STLCC-Meramec Campus Police are taking new measures to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff. According to Meramec Police Chief Paul Banta, a new public address system is being placed on campus. “One of the things holding us back from installation being done immediately is Federal Communications Commission approval and training.” Banta said the system will be wireless and run on radio waves. The new P.A. will be used to alert students, faculty and staff of storms, intruders and a list of other emergencies that have yet been determined. Interim President Zerrie Campbell said that even though Meramec is considered a safe school, it’s always good to be more prepared. “The system
should stop people in their tracks when they hear it. It is only for emergencies and will not and should not be used for general announcements.” The PA system is just one item the campus is having placed. In addition, Meramec is looking into installing newer and brighter bulbs throughout the parking lots and inner grounds. “This may be down the road a bit but by adding more lighting would add better safety measures for the campus,” Campbell said. Banta said he would like to see deadbolts placed on classroom doors to help prevent theft and potentially invasive behavior. “Through training with different organizations and agencies, one thing that we learn or hear the most about is teachers being injured while trying to hold a door closed while a disruptive and/or violent student tries to enter and cause harm,” Banta said. Both Banta and Campbell said these are just safety measures and are not
meant to intimidate students or anyone else on campus. Campbell said, “Eventually it would be nice to see some blue boxes placed near some of the more gathered areas.” According to Banta, this idea is something he will be looking into for the upcoming budget projections. “We have nine sets of eyes throughout the campus; meaning three officers for each shift,” Banta said. “Even though we have placed cameras and more foot patrol, we still need our students to keep their eyes open for suspicious behavior and report it to any of our officers.” In addition, Banta said he feels the education of the Meramec students is just as important as the safety. “We are here to not only assist students but to make sure they are secure and safe throughout their stay at Meramec,” Banta said. Visit
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Code Blue Pictured on the left is one of seven blue boxes around campus. These boxes are meant to assist people on campus in case of an emergency. When a person is in need of emergency assistance, press the button and wait for a response from a police dispatcher. —Blue Box #301 is located at the college police station. —Blue Box #302 is located between parking lots G and F. —Blue Box #303 is located between parking lots B and C. —Blue Box #304 is on the side of the Business Adminstration building. —Blue Box #305 is located on the side of Clark Hall facing Communications South. —Blue Box #306 is located between parking lots S and T. —Blue Box #307 is located between parking lots U and V.
Correction In the Nov. 18 issue, Zerrie Campbell’s title was listed incorrectly. She is the interim campus president.
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NEWS
December 9, 2010
What’s happening at STLCC NEWS BRIEFS Innovative students wanted STLCC is looking for innovative and creative students to create “campus projects that solve problems and create solutions.” The Innovation of the Year Committee will be accepting applications from students until January 28, 2011 at 4 p.m. The innovative ideas should contain at least one of the following: quality, efficiency, cost effectiveness, replication, creativity, and/ or timeliness. Applications/ nominations must contain the name and department of the project, a one-page document detailing the project, necessary materials, and anything relevent; a statement describing how it satisfies the above criteria; letters of support; and other documents that may be appropriate to present to the selection committee. Turn in applications to Susie Herman in counseling or Jean Cromley in advising. Winners will receive a plaque and recognition.
Classified development certificate program STLCC staffs from around the district have a learning opportunity next semester. The Classified Development Certificate Program (CDCP) takes place during the spring semester and is facilitated by Communications Consultant Diane Savoca. The CDCP is an eight-module session that addresses a variety of topics ranging from communication, work styles, customer service, writing, workplace ethics and goal setting. These modules will help participants increase their knowledge, skills and effectiveness in the work place. Applications are being accepted and reviewed in December and January. The sessions are held at the various STLCC sites from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for Feb. 2 which is 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Certified staff wishing to attend must have permission from their immediate supervisor and submit a formal application including a goal for participation in the program. Completion of all eight modules is required for the certificate. For more information, interested certified staff should contact Donna Nelson at 314-513-4476 or dmnelson@stlcc.edu, or by visiting STLCC’s website under the Classified Development Program.
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New campus president search under way experience.” Staff member Kim Fitzgerald said it’s important that the president knows their responsibilities. “I’d like to see someone come in who understands the difference between leadership and management,” Fitzgerald said. Furthermore, Gail Heyne Hafer, professor of said PHOTO BY: JOSEPH DOUGLAS economics, Narcisa Polonio asks STLCC-Meramec faculty and staff what qualities they are looking for in their that the president future president. The comments and suggestions will be considered in designing the job posting. should possess a over to the attendees to master’s degree in a subject Kurt Obbereither provide a chance for Meramec area. - Staff Writer to express challenges Toward the end of the and opportunities for the In order to gain a meeting, Mike Roman, an rounded idea of what STLCC- incoming president to tackle attending student, said as a Meramec and the community while she took notes on her tutor, the president should is looking for in a president, laptop. “I would like to have focus on his or her digital Narcisa Polonio, Ed.D., chose a president that ensures presence. a “triangulated approach.” “Why don’t we look at On Nov. 22 Polonio, vice that there’s transparency, online courses,” Roman said. president for research, and communication, and takes “There’s a lot of students the Education and Board advantage of the resources that come on and don’t get Leadership Services at the of faculty and staff,” Sophia anything out of it.” psychology ACCT hosted two forums to Pressman, Doug Hurst, co-chairman compile a list of important professor at STLCC-Meramec, on the search committee, qualifications desired by the said to Polonio. said it was interesting to give Next, Associate Professor Meramec campus and the staff, faculty and students an surrounding community. of Information Systems Gary opportunity to provide input. Later, she met with the search Sibbitts said the president “There’s no doubt that committee members as a way should address Meramec’s each constituent will have to orient them and outline the reputation. different opinions,” Hurst “We’d like to have higher presidential profile. said. At the second forum, there visibility and be known as a After the public forums, were numerous committee respectable, agile institution,” Polonio met privately members, staff, faculty and Sibbitts said. with STLCC President one student in attendance. Steve Brady, manager of Issues ranging from Internet campus life, said certain skills Zelema Harris and the Diane presence to future budget should be advertised for search committee. Brietweiser, communications concerns were addressed. campus leadership. “We’re and search “It was a good exchange,” probably not looking for professor Polonio said following someone on their first stop committee member, said the forum. “It’s good that on their presidential tour. after charge was given and people are taking this very However, I think we would the timeline was overviewed, seriously.” be open to individuals that confidentiality was discussed. “We can’t talk about After a brief introduction, have a considerable body Polonio turned the meeting of high-level administrative anything outside of the
committee because that’s not how an effective job search is conducted,” Brietweiser said after the meeting. According to Brietweiser, each committee member was given a notebook that was collected at the end of the meeting. Next, the information received from the previous forum was looked at. “Raw data from the forum was discussed, ideas were tossed around and shaped, but the profile is still in process,” Brietweiser said. Brietweiser said the next opportunity for the campus to get involved is in February when the applicants are narrowed down. “At a certain point where everyone comes into play is the open campus forum when candidates come to campus and everyone has a chance to ask them questions,” Brietweiser said. In closing, Polonio addressed the lack of enthusiasm in the room at the second open public forum. “I can’t see grumpy faces, you’ve got to get excited,” Polonio said. According to Polonio, the word “student” wasn’t mentioned until 30 minutes into the meeting. Roman said leadership’s view of students is in how their goals are perceived. “I feel like if you really listen to what they’re talking about, they have [students] on their minds,” Roman said. “It’s important that good leaders help us understand these things.” Visit
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OPINIONS
December 9, 2010
Self-improvement Pursuit of Happiness Expanding opportunities by dreaming Joe Douglas
- Editor-in-Chief -
Progress is measured by goals. A dream is the compilation of those goals. The results of setting goals, reaching them, and using them to move forward can and will make it possible to reach any height. Dreams are long-term goals. Unlike most goals, however, dreams may seem unreachable, fantastic, and/or physically impossible. Some common dreams include: being elected president of the United States, becoming an astronaut, curing cancer, or owning the next monopoly. Many of these accomplishments are for the cream of the crop, the best, and therefore not everyone who has that dream can attain it. It’s not because it’s impossible for all but one person, but that it takes one person with undying resolve and determination to reach their desired destination over the compeition. However, some of these unbelievable dreams are subject to ridicule and put-downs. Phrases like “You’ll never be able to do that,” “That’s stupid,” and “You should focus on something that will make you more money” are common.
POLITICS
There are countless temptations to give in, give up, and throw the dream away. Every day is full of reasons why a dream could be unattainable. It takes the aforementioned resolve to see the value of dreaming and challenge the everyday critics. Take Judah Folkman, M.D., a surgeon and cancer researcher. In a 1971 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, Folkman announced his theory that cancer tumors triggered angiogenesis, the growth of blood vessels to help support the tumor’s ever-increasing requirements of nutrients. According to an article written in the July 2005 issue of Reader’s Digest, Folkman’s theory was disregarded and thought impossible for years. He was told by fellow doctors he was “studying dirt,” meaning his efforts to find evidence of angiogenesis were futile. During a speech he gave to other medical minds about the importance of his discovery, half of the audience walked out on him. It took more than a decade of resilience, determination and self-confidence to prove the world wrong. In a 1984 issue of Science Magazine, Folkman published the culmination of his research: the detailed discovery of angiogenesis. Overnight, he went from a foolish surgeon to a world-renowned cancer
Politics and Media
researcher. The discovery has lead to numerous improvements in treatments for cancer and Type 2 diabetes, and to the development of antiinflammatory drugs used widely today. Folkman had something to give the world. He didn’t give up or give in to the critics he was faced with on a regular basis. He was confident, persistent and determined. Unfortunately, not everyone has a dream. Cynics have extinguished every candle that gave them a shimmer of hope. They may be going through the motions, waiting for the next day without anything but retirement or their next paycheck to look forward to. Dreams revive a lost energy, an energy that children have when they look up to their mom or dad and say, “I want to be just like you.” Dreams grant a new sense of purpose in life, provide direction, and by denying the critics they become a source of budding self-confidence. Begin thinking about some big goals or dreams that feel important. Maybe it’s starting a new business, writing a book, or having a family. Don’t give up. No one is too old to find a new dream. No effort is unreachable with the undying resolve and self-confidence that one day that dream will be realized.
Keeping Them Honest
U.S. intelligence on display for world Patrick Olds
- Opinions Editor -
Whistleblowers have a tremendously positive effect as government watchdogs. Julian Assange is one whistleblower that most should not appreciate. Assange is the founder of the website WikiLeaks. This site was created for the purpose of whistle blowing on governments by reportedly hacking and using sources within the military, sometimes by illegal means. The website’s main server is housed in Sweden which holds very strong protective rights for people like Mr. Assange. Until recently, WikiLeaks had one major leak over the summer about interactions of soldiers and intelligence officials concerning the Afghanistan war. Gravely damaging to our soldiers’ efforts, this leak of some 11,000 documents only began by making the interactions of Afghanis that were helping NATO’s cause public. Afghanis may now be targeted by the Taliban network if they haven’t already been. The United States raced to brace for the impact but
deafening damage has now been done. Information about the United States intelligence is now on a public platform for the world to view. These documents were not classified as “top secret” but only “secret” files. If the leak were about one specific occurrence, event or world relationship, then the fire could be controlled. These leaks span frayed major relationships with Russia and China to crucial Middle Eastern countries. It is all coming out at once. According to the New York Times, some of the more important leaks include: The discovery that the United States secretly tried to remove uranium from Pakistan could have major negative impact on the Pakistani people trust in the U.S. United States administration has tried to bribe smaller foreign governments to take prisoners from Guantanamo Bay through rendition. Amid suspicions of corruption, a top Afghanistan official reportedly took more than $50 million in cash out of the country. A Chinese spy for the United States reported a coordinated cyber attack carried out by the Chinese government against
Google and the United States. King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia does not seem to trust the presidents of Iraq or Pakistan. There is information that leads the United States to believe that Russia and Italy are growing very close, even going as far as saying that the president of Italy is Putin’s mouthpiece into the European Union. It should be obvious why this information is terribly damaging to the efforts of the United States when a country is fighting a war, building trade and overall international relations. WikiLeaks is irresponsible and does not act as a whistleblower. They act as spies that have obtained a large amount of secret information and broadcast it to the world. As the worldly renowned newspaper Spiegel Online International said, “Never before in history has a superpower lost control of such vast amounts of such sensitive information – data that can help paint a picture of the foundation upon which U.S. foreign policy is built. Never before has the trust America’s partners have in the country been as badly shaken. Now, their own personal views and policy recommendations have been made public – as have America’s true views of them.”
Adult Content
Sex
The better way to orgy Jacob Hight-
- Graphics Editor -
This is the last edition of “Adult Content.” It has been an adventure writing it and hopefully it has been an adventure reading it. Sex, while just another facet of life, should be a sanctuary. Just as bed covers ward off imaginary boogeymen during childhood, in adulthood, real life monsters of social expectations, judgments and labels should not be able to penetrate the bed sheets of two lovers. Making love is more than letting our psyches fly higher and higher on the wings of our partner’s erotic libido. The physical aspect is such a terribly insignificant part of it. The love and humanity unchained during lovemaking can be sustained and cultivated. Harvesting this heart can bless everyday life, and can even benefit how we interact with and treat other people. Ultimately, our sex can be used to benefit the world. All the world’s a bedroom and all the men and women are lovers. It is our hearts, not our bodies that are our greatest gift to each other. It is our hearts, not our bodies that we need the most. We have such extraordinary power to do good, to make the world a better place. Happiness is what we feel when we love. The more we love, the happier we are and the happier others are. We have the power to see every being as our soul mate. The notion of a soul mate, while romantic, is most likely a misunderstood or completely false concept. Whether true or not, believing
there is only one perfect person for each lover, or that there even is such a thing as a perfect partner, perhaps causes more suffering than it alleviates. The love, security and acceptance we offer our partners is something we can offer everyone. All beings are lovable; it is only the limitations of a lover’s heart that gives the illusion of being unlovable. Love does not blind the heart. It sees something underneath, something more important, more precious than social expectations, labels and judgments. The heart has the power to see human divinity and frailty and know they are not enemies. But, our heart is blinded by arrogance, bigotry, judgment and indifference. The most pitiful and bitterly selfish way to see others is to believe what happens to them is of no consequence because we’re not that person. As we grow older, we see the benefits of fitting in and the consequences of social independence. Others’ judgments, labels, and opinions constantly bombard us, but these words and thoughts are not just phantoms. They are the actions and choices of others, also our own when we fall prey to indifference and become a part of the mob. Without sacrificing the discernment of what is beneficial or harmful for ourselves, we should disarm our graceless judgments and labels. These gratuitous indulgences in subjective reality blight the face of our spirit like blemishes and boils. How beautiful the bright smiling face beneath. Each word we speak, every action we take is magic, and it does change the world, for better or worse. Nothing is negligible. Until next time… make love.
Online Columns That’s what she said; that’s what he said The big bang Kelly and Shane expand on the first experience of saying those three special words.
Shane Rice
Kelly Davis - Copy Editor -
America kicks ass
- News Editor -
Traffic cones kick ass The orange triangular-shaped objects on the side of the road must be respected.
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OPINIONS
November 18, 2010
Unloading on downloading Woman held up as example of illegally downloading music Rory Sullivan - Staff Writer-
Jammie Thomas-Rasset, a Minnesota woman, stands as the first person in the United States to go to trial for illegally downloading music. ThomasRasset is still in court fighting the 2009 verdict from which she was fined $80,000 per song. While she only downloaded 24 songs, it’s enough to bring the total to almost $2 million. The illegal downloading of music has long been a problem for record companies and artists.
Since so many people participate in file sharing, finding these people and stopping them has been a big issue. It’s completely understandable that the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is trying to stop people from illegally downloading music. Music is, after all, a product and therefore must be paid for. Finding a loophole around paying is against the law, and people who steal music should definitely be fined. However, assigning such a large punishment for such a small crime is just ridiculous. The punishment should fit the crime, and a fine of $2 million just doesn’t fit. Songs
on iTunes cost a measly 99 cents, making the cost of 24 songs just under $24. If a person got caught walking out of a record store with $24 worth of music, they would probably just get a slap on the wrist and be forced to return the goods. The RIAA is obviously just trying to make an example of poor Mrs. Thomas-Rasset. Why did they decide to make a stand against a woman like Jammie ThomasRasset? She is a married mother of four who is certainly not the kind of person capable of paying off millions of dollars in fines. When the owners of the torrent tracking site http:// thepiratebay.org were sued, the fines added up to about
$3.8 million. So to straighten things out. The huge website that is responsible for making copyrighted music, movies and games available to more than 4 million users is being fined $3.8 million while a helpless mother of four is being fined $2 million? What? Granted, the owners of The Pirate Bay were also sentenced to one year in prison, but still. There are plenty of people out there who have downloaded thousands or even tens of thousands of songs, and instead of going after them, the RIAA goes after this poor woman. So far it doesn’t look like taking her to court has set an example either. Word about this case has been getting
around and people are still downloading music, so what is the point? This is America. We are supposed to be the greatest country in the world. We should be able to find people who are breaking the law and give them a fair trial and a fair punishment. Thomas-Rasset has already spent three years in court and if she is eventually found guilty she will be fined an exorbitant amount that she doesn’t have the means to pay. It seems that if the RIAA wants to stop the illegal downloading of music, they should come down hard on the people who make it possible rather than harm the individuals who are minor offenders.
To the left, to the left Making the left hand turn isn’t right; students should obey the law Kait Thomas - Staff Designer-
College parking lots are crazy. Why? Because the biggest driver risk group according to insurance companies is young adults. There’s the morning parking rush and then there are the frequent rushes to leave campus. Students will do whatever they can to get away; some may even break the law. The east parking lot has three exits. The seemingly most popular one leads to Big Bend Boulevard. At this exit, drivers
encounter a median separating the entrance from the exit and a “No Left Turn” sign. Most people obey the sign and turn right. However, some turn left illegally and can possibly cause accidents. Insisting on making a left turn in a “No Left Turn” zone is not only a driving faux pas and incredibly inconsiderate to the other drivers, but it’s also dangerous. Making an illegal left turn causes several things to happen. While waiting to make this turn, the driver must ensure that both sides of the road are clear (That’s four lanes plus a turn lane). This holds up everyone behind them. Inciting road rage is the least of their problems.
They have to be doubly aware of the traffic flow and extra careful not to cause screeching tires with a metalto-metal love tap or two. Now, frequenters of turning right onto Big Bend have probably noticed how easy it is. The traffic on that side is often sparse – or downright nonexistent – due to the train tracks at the Geyer Road light. Anyone with a decent grasp of common sense and common courtesy would gladly make right turns all day, but no. There’s that handful of people who lack this level of respect and end up complicating things for everyone else. Spotting an illegal leftturner-to-be is fairly easy.
They don’t go when the traffic is clear. More importantly, they stop the steady flow of cars that actually turn right. When they pull up to the road, they usually angle their car to the left ever so slightly. And finally, they use their left turn signal, or worse, they don’t. Anyone who is fed up with being stuck behind these people probably never does anything about it. They could probably inform the campus police for stronger enforcement of the sign. Or maybe step it up by installing a camera on the sign that will snap a photo of left turners and send them a ticket in the mail for each offense. But does it really have to go that far?
A similar measure was taken in March on stop signs in money-desperate cities in Los Angeles, Topanga and Pacific Palisades in California. According to http://photoenforced. com, “failure to come to a complete stop or roll through [a camera-equipped stop sign] will get you a ticket of $125 in the mail.” That’ll pay for a textbook or two. No one likes getting fined, especially college students. So here’s a simple and free solution. Head toward the exit west of lots T and S and make a right onto Geyer Road. Pull up to the stoplight and make a legal turn. Face it, that illegal left turn leads to the same stop light anyway, so no one gets anywhere any faster.
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Video star Tim Doty
- Copy Editor -
One minute past midnight on Aug. 1, 1981, John Lack spoke the words “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll.” The music video for the song "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles started playing, and MTV: Music Television was born. During the first night of airing, black screens filled TVs throughout America as the MTV employees put the video tapes containing the music videos into VCRs. “I remember when MTV was the hot scene in 1981. It made a very big splash,” said David Abberton, mass communications professor at STLCCMeramec. “When MTV created an entire cable channel, they created this new phenomenon.” Nearly three decades later, MTV is still on the air along with its family of music-oriented channels such as MTV2, mtvU, CMT and VH1. In its early years, MTV made the Video Jockey (VJ) a household term. VJs were on-air personalities that introduced the videos before they were shown on TV similar to a disc jockey on a radio station. Bands and artists such as Bon Jovi, The Cars and Def Leppard were given a popularity boost from the network since their videos were exposed to a much larger audience. “Artists became popular because of MTV,” said Susan HuntBradford, assistant professor of mass communications at Meramec. “It was so smart, too, to see music
1992 Choose or Lose, a political campaign run by MTV News, encouraged 20,000 people to vote.
1987
1985
The term “VJ” (video jockey) is coined, playing off of “DJ” (disc jockey).
“The birth really is MTV’s attempt to do a d Suchland, adjunc at Meramec. “In you throw a bu into a house tog the pot stirs.” Over time, replaced music Shows such as “S version of “Yo! M moved to MTV’ and “Total Requ taken off the air c MTV2 was MTV started to reality programm started to air m its older counter outlet for more d even classic mu reality TV. “They reali around the era o started to tune wanted to offer s invented MTV2,” VH1, which One” on Jan. 1, 1 an older demogr success with M of MTV became documentaries li and the “I Love t “Very few p how old VH1 is. FM radio statio thought of thems then VH1 was th
ILLUSTRATIONS BY JACOB HIGHT
f o n o i t Evolu
MTV is launched on Aug. 1, 12:01 a.m. “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles is the first music video ever played.
videos on TV. Now they were making a story with the music. Everybody loved it.” Today, an average of four hours of music is broadcasted on MTV. The other 20 hours are filled with shows such as “Sixteen and Pregnant,” “Is She Really Going Out With Him?” and reruns of programs like “That 70s Show.” These four hours of music videos are played usually between the hours of 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. and aren’t regularly scheduled every day of the week. In recent years, MTV has placed more of a focus on reality and scripted programming and has drifted away from showing only music videos. There are currently 19 regularly scheduled programs running on the music station, but 12 of those programs are based on reality, such as dating shows and shows about real life, like “True Life” and “Teen Mom.” “There was probably an oversaturation of applying visual images to music. It became burdensome after a while,” Abberton said. This change from a music concentrated channel to a reality-based channel didn’t come overnight. MTV found success with their shows such as “Yo! MTV Raps” and “120 Minutes,” which featured VJs playing the latest and greatest music videos. “The Real World,” a reality show about a variety of young adults living under the same roof, made its first appearance in 1992. It’s had 25 seasons and is credited as creating the reality genre.
The Live Aid concert is held to raise funds for famine relief in countries like Ethiopia. MTV aired 16 hours of the event, compared to a very little amount on cable channels.
“The Week in Rock,” which evolved into “MTV News” went on the air. Kurt Loder became the first news correspondent.
1986 “120 Minutes,” later known as “Subterranean” on MTV 2, played alternative music videos.
1988
“The Real World” made its debut and is credited for starting the reality TV genre. “The Real World” is the longest running program on MTV and the longest-running reality show in history.
“Yo! MTV Raps” premiered. Today, it’s now known as “Sucker Free” on MTV 2.
MTV starts to recieve cri playing less music. Fo broadcasted music such Live,” “Total Reques What?” and “12 Angry V
December 9, 2010
of reality TV, which ‘Real World,’ was an docu-drama,” said Colin ct professor of sociology nstead of paying actors, unch of 20-somethings gether and see how bad
reality shows have c-concentrated shows. Sucker Free,” the modern MTV Raps,” have been ’s sister station, MTV 2 uest Live” (“TRL”) was completely. created in 1996 when shift gears into more ming. The new network more music videos than rpart and provided an diverse, alternative, and usic videos rather than
ized that somewhere of TRL people like me out to MTV and they something else, so they ” Suchland said. h began as “Video Hits 1985, tried to hone in on raphic to cultivate more MTV. The sister station e famous for showing ike “Behind the Music” the…” series. people actually realize . If MTV was the pirate on, which is how they selves in the early days, he top 40 radio station,
the safe station. VH1 continues to play that role,” Suchland said. Hunt-Bradford said that maybe a reason why there has been such a change in programming is due to saving money. “Cost is probably a reason why MTV drifted away from music videos. It’s cheaper to make those kinds of shows than a sitcom or drama. Music videos are expensive to make. People are still not sick of reality shows; they are still intrigued by them,” HuntBradford said. More and more people are starting to use social networking sites and implement the Internet more into their daily lives; it offers instant gratification. The Internet serves as a resource for those looking for various types of information from the news, or in this case, music videos. The Internet has made it possible for anyone to watch a music video within seconds of searching for it. Suchland said that people don’t tend to watch TV for the newest music videos anymore. “I remember very vividly being eager for the videos to come around in the rotation because I wanted to find out what the new music was,” Suchland said. “Now you’d go to the Internet. I think MTV understands that, so they have evolved into a new type of media entity.” Abberton said that the convenience of the Internet has let people search for music videos at their own leisure. “The Internet punched a hole in their viewing market,” Abberton said.
“It’s more convenient for people to click and watch what they want and not wait for videos to appear on TV. It puts the music video consumer in control.” According to Time Warner Cable, MTV’s main demographic audience has always been between the ages 18 and 24. Since the invention of YouTube in 2005, according to http://youtube. com, it has become the most popular online video community; people watch 2 billion videos on YouTube every day and has a broad demographic ranging from 18-55. Artists such as Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Kanye West and My Chemical Romance all chose to premiere their highly-anticipated music videos on YouTube instead of MTV. “There’s got to be a correlation between an uprising of YouTube and less music on MTV.” Hunt-Bradford said. “On-demand is what YouTube is. What you want to watch is there,” Hunt-Bradford said. The original concept of music television may be dead, though, because of the de-emphasizing of the “M” in “MTV”or maybe the lack of “music” in music television. “It used to be that we all fed at the same trough and that trough was called MTV,” Suchland said. “Instead of what you would call the monolithic MTV that owned cool, you have a much more fragmented media universe because of where we are in the chronology of pop culture.”
2008 2000 MTV plays an average of eight hours of music per day. “Total Request Live” reaches its peak with host Carson Daly, a studio audience, a top ten countdown and daily celebrity guests.
iticism for our shows h as “MTV st,” “Say Viewers.”
2005 YouTube is invented. By 2010, 2 billion videos are watched every day.
2007 According to http://npr. org, MTV changed its programming to function as a “lifestyle network.”
MTV plays an average of three hours of music per day. Pete Wentz hosts a live show, “FNMTV,” where a live studio audience and people online could give instant feedback on music video premieres. After this show quickly went off the air, MTV went without a VJ for the first time since its launch.
2010 Depending on the day of the week, a few hours of music play in the early hours of the morning. Most of the time, reality shows take up most of the schedule.
7
ART & LIFE
December 9, 2010
Creative sparks fly at the annual faculty exhibition
PHOTO BY: KELLY GLUECK
The annual faculty exhibition displays are of art of Meramec art instructors. The exhibit is on display until Dec. 10 and features 37 different pieces of work.
Kelly Glueck -Staff Writer-
With critiques almost every week, the average STLCC - Meramec art student is involved in a repetitive cycle of creating and critiquing. Often, their academic lives are full of coaching and premeditated demonstrations by faculty, while art faculty members get the opportunity to see students create and grow every day, it is a rare treat when students get the same opportunity. Ceramics instructor Ruth Reese explained how seeing
completed work varies from the demonstrations shown in the classroom. “It’s one thing to give a demonstration, but that tends to be rushed, then when [students] actually see something finished that you’ve the extra time and craftsmanship to finish, it can be a great motivator, or at least it was for me,” Reese said. Reese is one of the 37 individual full-time and adjacent faculty members participating in the Annual Faculty Show, hosted by the Meramec Contemporary Art Gallery on the first floor of
Humanities East. The show features work in a variety of disciplines including painting, photography, ceramics, and mixed media.Taking time out of their busy schedule between teaching, family and other obligations, faculty members utilized the show to offer students and the community the rare peek at another side of themselves. Full-time faculty member and seven-year veteran of the faculty show Jim Ibur, ceramics instructor, explained what the show has to offer to students and faculty. “Sometimes it’s the only
work we see if a person is not showing publicly. This is that moment where we see it as colleagues, and certainly students get a chance to see a very different side of their instructor. This is their other life; this is their work,” Ibur said. Speaking of double lives, featured artist-instructor Lizzy Martinez has been working on a series of figure painting involving the idea of doubles. Her work, “Seeing Double,” is currently hanging in the show. While describing how her life as a teacher affects her life as an artist, Martinez mentioned the physical change it has on her work. “Often times I have to base my lighting situation around when I’m not in class. If I’m here during the day I know I’m working on a night painting when I get back to my studio,” Martinez said. While scheduling around the classroom can affect the complex arrangement of warm and cool colors on a palette, decade-long faculty contributor and photography professor David Hanlon has noticed, it can also motivate artist-educators to continue progressing within themselves and their field. “For artists that are
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PHOTO BY: KELLY GLUECK
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Jim Ibur’s artwork sits on display at the annual facutly exhibition.
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teaching here, the activities that they do in the classroom certainly allows them to see what’s important for artist to explore and to learn and to continue to learn over a period of time,” Hanlon said, “It’s that energy in the classroom which really helps motivate faculty to carry on in their own work.” Ibur said that the codependency and complex balance of teaching and making has the ability to blossom artistic careers. It allows artist-educators the ability to explore themselves, reflect, and continue an ongoing dialogue with their students about art and their preferred medium. “When teachers find out about themselves through their work, they bring real world experience to the classroom versus just experiencing art through their students work or looking at other people work,” Ibur said. The students now have a chance to see how their teachers have grown artistically, deal with deadlines, and how the techniques described in their art classes are exemplified through the work of their educators. According to Reese, getting work out there can be difficult, even for educators, but it makes them create better work and become a better teacher. It also gives faculty the opportunity to inspire students to show their work in gallery settings. Martinez described how faculty shows can help inspire students to become part of a growing art community. “When students come to group exhibitions or faculty shows, I think it’s a good motivator to encourage students themselves to enter into exhibitions to help build their resumes and break into the St. Louis art community,” Martinez said.
Holiday
Happenings Anheuser-Busch Holiday Lighs Display Through Jan. 2, Free admission. 6 p.m. to midnight. Santa vs. the Snowman Through Dec. 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 314-286-4634 for admission price. Steinbergh Outdoor Skating Rink Through March 6, 10 a.m. to midnight. 10 dollar admission. Kelly Glueck -Staff Writer-
ART & LIFE
December 9, 2010
9
“Films are windows on the world.” - Diane Carson, Ph.D.
PHOTO BY: KAVAHN MANSOURI
A day in the life of a film specialist Kavahn Mansouri -Art & Life Editor-
Traveling across the sea to Myanmar, formerly Burma, and Vietnam, presenting documentaries, taking in foreign cultures, and flying home to judge a film festival are just a few things that retired STLCC-Meramec professor Diane Carson, Ph.D., can fit into a month. Carson began teaching at St. Louis Community College in 1970 and continued teaching at Meramec until 2007 when she retired. Carson still team teaches Acting for
the Camera, a class offered on the Meramec campus when she is not travelling Carson, who was originally an English teacher, headed down the path of film in 1972, credited for launching STLCC’s first film program. Until her retirement, Carson had a hand in the film program, acting as a pilot to its future. Looking back to 1972, Carson lives in her own world of film for a moment as she explains how her love for cinema drove her to start the film program at STLCC. “I was just interested in
it; I was in love with it. I got really interested in film, so I thought, ‘I’ll pursue this a little bit,’” Carson said. “Film can be something more than Hollywood, it can be a work of art, it can carry impact, and make some really critical and political statements.” Carson also helped form the St. Louis International Film Festival in which she judges on several panels each year. Carson said that this time of the year is a very special time for her. “I think what I take from it [the festival] most of all, is how powerful a good film is, what a really good film can do to you, and how quickly it can,” Carson said with a smile on her face.
Film and Video Association. This gives Carson the opportunity to travel around the world presenting films with directors and writers. Carson’s most recent adventure was to Myanmar and Vietnam where she helped present the Academy Awardnominated documentary “Trouble the Water.” Carson brings up a picture gallery on her desktop and begins flipping through several pictures of Vietnam and Myanmar, reminiscing, explaining the cultured differences and how films can make two separate cultures clash. “I just love learning about different cultures, we’re just very different, we have different ways of looking at the
of the film. Each embassy then picks a film to be screened that they believe would be relevant to their country. They then can invite the filmmaker, usually the director or producer, and a film specialist like Carson. Carson describes some of the films she has screened in her most recent voyage and explains how cinema can break down barriers between different cultures and attitudes. “It opens doors for communication and for thinking about problems,” Carson said. “Helping us realize we have a lot more in common than we do different. We do have a lot of differences, but we also share a lot of problems, especially environmental, but personal
“Film can be something more than Hollywood. It can be a work of art, it can carry impact, and make some really critical and political statements.” - Diane Carson, Carson’s viewing of films, world, and different customs Ph.D. that she can only explain as that are interesting,” Carson
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Diane Carson feeds Koi in an outdoor pond at The Citadel in Hue, the historical capitol of Vietnam.
revelations, are what she said made her fall in love with cinema. “I saw some really, really good films. Everything from clique as it is, ‘Citizen Cane,’ to when I was in grad school and I saw some Bergman films. It was just a revelation to me,” Carson said. “I saw some independents, some foreign films, some art films. ‘Rashomon,’ Akira Kurosawa’s film, to this day is my favorite film.” Carson has presented films across the world as a film specialist for the University
said. “In Burma, you never pat anyone on the head, not even a child; it’s grossly insulting, and that’s really interesting thinking about how that could develop.” The University of Film and Video Association’s panel of experts picks 30 documentaries to be screened overseas each year. The documentaries must be by Americans, about American topics. These documentaries are sent to embassies around the world. The embassies get descriptions and often DVDs
too in many ways. You never get the perspective on your own situation, the way you do when you go somewhere else and experience there’s.” Carson said that she will never lose her love for films because they provide insight into almost anything. “Films are windows on the world. I think we always learn as much about ourselves as we do about the movie. It gives us insight into people, insight into ideas, insight into art; that’s what I still love about film,” Carson said.
ART & LIFE 10 Zumba transforms dancing into 60-minute exercise
December 9, 2010
Luelana Bustamente - Staff Writer -
While a mix of Latin rhythms such as Merengue, Samba, Salsa, Cumbia or Reggaeton came out of the sound box, 15 women of all ages were shaking their bodies up and down, moving their hands from one side to the other, nonstop, for approximately 60 minutes. They were not in a party or in a Latin club. These women were in a Zumba class. Zumba is a new trend of workout exercise, which has attracted over seven million fans around the world since 2001, according to an article published in Shape Magazine. “The music beat of Zumba is energizing. I don’t feel like I’m exercising at all,” said Kathy Cissill, 60, after finishing her 10 a.m. Zumba class at Dynamic Edge Dance Center at Fenton, Mo. on a freezing Saturday. “Another advantage of Zumba is that this is an excellent, low-impact aerobic workout, depending on the dance option, that works both sides of the brain simultaneously,” said Katherine Hanewinkel, physical education professor at STLCC–Meramec. “Zumba also helps
with coordination, agility, rhythm, balance and some core strength. I think that it would be a popular class if the community college were to offer it,” Hanewinkel said. A Zumba class is a class where 70 percent of the music is a blend of Latin and international songs, according to a Zumba Fitness Instructor Training Guide. According to the manual, the workout program was created by Colombian instructor Alberto “Beto” Perez in the ‘90s, when he realized he had left his traditional aerobics music at home and had to improvise using his favorite Latin music tapes in his class. However, Zumba class has nothing to do with aerobics, said Dee Meadow, Zumba instructor at Dynamic Edge Dance Center. “At Zumba, you don’t have the aerobic talking. Every song has arms, feet, and waist movement and you just get a full body workout at once instead of focusing on small sections of the body,” Meadow said. After creating Zumba, Perez became so popular in Cali, Colombia, that music star Shakira hired him as a choreographer for her “Pies Dezcalsos” album. In 2000, Perez moved to
Miami, Fla., and in 2002 his new dance class got the attention of two entrepreneurs, Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion. The three men joined together to create the Zumba Fitness LLC company. The company created a Zumba class video and launched it in the U.S. market with an infomercial that created a demand for Zumba instructors. Since 2003, Perlman’s group has trained 20,000 instructors around the world and sold more than three million DVDs on the Internet and through infomercials, as reported by Judy Fortin, CNN Medical Correspondent. Meadow is one of the 410 licensed instructors in the area within 50 miles of St. Louis. She decided to be an instructor on August 2009. Now, she teaches four classes and takes two classes per week with another instructor. “I decided to be an instructor after taking a few classes at my local YMCA and started to lose weight,” Meadow said. “Since December 2009, I lost 65 pounds.” Meadow said that Zumba is a fast and easy way to lose weight because an average person can lose between 500 and 900 calories per hour in a class. Now, she has
PHOTO BY: SARAH SOUDERS
Dee Meadow leads the Zumba class at the Dynamic Edge Dance Center in Fenton.
approximately 55 students taking her classes. “Since I started, I can feel my body more toned. I love to come here because Dee’s classes are so intense. She
has a dance background and that’s what makes her a good teacher. Besides that, she can move her body,” said Shirley Null, 63, one of Meadow’s students.
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ART & LIFE
December 9, 2010
The weight of an education
11
Students balance full-time school with full-time jobs and parenting Amber Davis - Staff Writer -
Many students at STLCCMeramec struggle with being full-time students while managing their personal lives. Having kids, working a fulltime job, or being in a band can overload a student. Three students who attend Meramec are on their way to acquiring a degree but they face other responsibilities as fulltime students.
Work before play Nathen Johnson, 19, is a full-time student at Meramec, who works full time as a supervisor on the grounds crew at Bethesda, a retirement facility. Johnson is also busy playing bass in the band Captain Dee’s and the Long Johns. The band is currently playing shows around St. Louis. According to Johnson, having to juggle work, school
and his band all in one week is like having three jobs. Johnson finds it easier to plan a study hour into his schedule so he can still be on top of his schoolwork. “I plan every class around my work schedule, even with my school schedule I purposely plan out two hours between each so I can force myself to study. I think it’s important to have a study hour in your day because it makes you want to
study,” Johnson said. Adjusting to new experiences Mary Travis, 57, is a proud parent of four grown children and she has 10 grandchildren. Travis works as a sales representative for Kraft selling new products to customers and is a part-time student studying to finish her paralegal degree at Meramec. Travis said she likes the challenge. “I know I’m not used to using the updated version of computers, and having to use Blackboard was overwhelming because I was brought up with hard copies of everything,”
“I plan my time according to my daughter’s schedule. For example, if she is awake then that’s my time with her, but on her naps throughout the day, that is my time to get my homework done. Or if I have a great amount of homework to do, and she is being good then I don’t need to tend to her as much so I can focus on studying,” Craft said. “I have a great amount of help from my husband when he is home and our parents, when they can.” Craft said she has to stay focused to succeed academically. “Remember why you do what you do every day, for
“Remember why you do what you do every day.”
- Lauren Craft
Travis said. “But I think being a non-traditional student, I look at it as a new experience and think of it as I’m updating myself.”
PHOTO BY: KELLY GLUECK
Meramec student Lauren Craft has her arms full trying to balance school and her three-month-old daughter Naila Blagajcevic.
Academics and parenting Twenty-year-old Lauren Craft is a full-time student at Meramec who plans on majoring as an ultrasound technician. Not only is Craft a student at Meramec, but she is also a wife and a mother to a threemonth-old daughter.
your son or daughter, so that you can provide and give your child everything he or she needs and more. No matter how hard things get between balancing both, it’s only going to make you that much better of a student and a parent, so stay strong,” Craft said. Visit
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Online dating provides options for singles Luelana Bustamante - Staff Writer -
According to research from http://match.com (Match.com), one way people meet their spouse is through work or school. However, not everyone can find love at STLCC-Meramec. For those who are still single, it could be time to try something new. According to Online Dating Magazine, more than 20 million people are visiting at least one online dating service per month looking for a partner. At Match.com, 29 percent of users are under the age of 30; 51 percent are between ages 30 to 49; and 20 percent are older than 50. “The Internet does open up whole new dating pools. Whereas it would seem impossible to have the physical or cultural capability of dating someone outside of your geographical or cultural region, the Internet has opened up this possibility,” said Lindy Hern, adjunct professor of sociology at STLCC-Meramec. According to Match. com, recent studies of more than 11,000 people revealed that one in six marriages are between people who met
through an online dating site – more than twice the number of people meeting at bars, clubs and other social events. Meramec student Lucyane Teixeira-Everett, 38, was one who found her husband on an online dating site. After finishing a longterm relationship, she decided to try an online dating site for the first time two years ago. “I was the only single [person] in my group. I have a friend who found her husband online, so I decided to try it, too. John was the only man with whom I exchanged e-mails and phone calls,” Teixeira-Everett said. The couple dated for one year and got married on Sept. 18, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nev., with their friends and family as witnesses. “I never knew what real love was until I met John. I’m thankful to God every day for having John in my life,” Teixeira-Everett said. STLCC-Forest Park student Elizabeth Gonzales, 27, also met her husband with the help of the Internet. Oscar Domingues, 35, was living in St. Louis, Mo., and she was in Mexico when his aunt decided to work as cupid by giving
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Meramec student John Everett (left) and Lucyane Teixeira-Everett (right) met via online dating and married in 2009.
each other their e-mails two years ago. The couple talked through e-mail for two months, exchanging only pictures, until they started talking by webcam. After four months of talking, Domingues traveled to Zamora to meet Gonzales in person for the first time. “I was working when I saw him walking toward me in the hospital aisle. He came and hugged me. After lunch, he went to my house and met my parents to make our relationship official,”
Gonzales said. The couple dated for one year and a half, living in different countries, meeting once a month, talking by phone, text message, webcam and everything they had until he proposed to her. “He took me on a trip up in the sky inside a balloon when the sun was rising. It was so romantic,” Gonzalez said. She now has been married for almost two years. According to Online Dating Magazine, even though there are more than 120,000 marriages a year as a
result of online dating, Hern said that there is still the opportunity for dishonesty and malicious intent due to Internet openness. She advised students to be cautious about which sites they choose to use, and if they ever decide to meet someone via the Internet to make sure it is in a very public place and to tell friends or family about their plans. “Internet dating is not something to reject offhand, but it is something that you should be very cautious about,” Hern said.
12 SPORTS
December 9, 2010
Every small step can help
Faculty and staff go for strolls in the gym each day to stay healthy Tim Doty
- Copy Editor -
A few teachers prepare assignments to help their students. Some professors stay after class and tutor
their pupils. Some, however, simply walk for a few minutes a day for the betterment of students and themselves. Throughout each year, every Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., the gym at STLCC-Meramec is cleared for faculty and staff of Meramec. For that hour, any professor, faculty or staff m e m b e r and even students a r e welcome to walk around the gym. “We do this for the students,” said Angel Fingers, aerobics
ILLUSTRATION BY: KAIT THOMAS
instructor at Meramec. “It’s one hour a day so they can be more productive, serve students better, and be healthier overall. We’re here because we want to be better for our students.” According to Fingers, she wants her fellow staff and faculty to “take 10.” “Just 10 minutes [of walking] a day will make you more productive. A lot of the time, they walk 10 minutes then they go back to their desk or job,” Fingers said. The staff and faculty participate in a walking program for their health, mental and physical wellness in this program conceived by Bob Bottger, manager of physical education and athletics at Meramec. The program was put into effect for the betterment of the campus as a whole. The program has been running for about five years. Velma Tharp, a cashier in the business office of Meramec, has been walking since the inception of the program. “I’ve been doing this for five years,” Tharp said. “I got an e-mail that the new program would start. I do this five days a week now
during my lunch. It’s brought my blood pressure down.” Fingers said that walking helps people from both the cardio aspect and the release of being able to relax. According to an article by http://runnersworld. com, researchers at Syracuse University found that people burn an average of 74 to 88 calories while walking one mile and burn approximately 105 to 124 calories running one mile. “Studies have shown that for some 10 minutes of walking can lower blood pressure, increase circulation, and help them feel better psychologically. It’s a way to de-stress, and it helps them be better for the students.” Some of the Meramec staff that go for a stroll do so on their free time. “That time [that they walk] is not the college’s time,” Fingers said. More females than males are usually present for this daily opportunity to walk. One of the men that walks on a regular basis is Mike Kuchar of the maintenance department. He walks with the staff “just about every day.” “I get here at 5 a.m., so I like to walk here during my lunch break,” Kuchar said.
Biology lab technician Jan Bast has been walking with the group for over a year. She does so for the break that it provides during the day. “It makes me feel better, and it’s a nice break in the day. We enjoy doing this,” Bast said. The faculty members of Meramec that walk do so for the exercise, camaraderie, and enjoyment. Kelly Hadley, advising and counseling, was encouraged by Fingers to start walking. “Angel encouraged us. I knew that I needed to walk, so I started to come up here,” Hadley said. Fingers wants more people to come to the gym and walk. She said that walking is “so simple and easy” and that the effects are powerful. “Try it for 10 minutes and tell me how you feel afterwards. It’s such a powerful program,” Fingers said. “I get to know people. These aren’t just my walkers, they’re my family.”
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vs Penn Valley
Women’s Basketball
12/18 @ 1
vs Triton
12/20 @ 5
vs Florissant Valley
1/12 @ 5
vs Forest Park
PHOTO BY: COURTNEY STARK
Team members of Lethal Injection race toward dodgeballs during the dodgeball tournament held on Dec. 1. Admission was given to those who brought can foods and donations as charity to help the St. Louis Humane Society. Each player donated five dollars. The tournament was held in the gymnasium. Twelve teams participated with team Lethal Injection taking the top award.
1/19 @ 5
vs Mineral Area
1/22 @ 1
vs Penn Valley
*all games played at Meramec