Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Monthly Archives: October 2012

College president Terry Calaway announces retirement

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College president Terry Calaway announced his retirement, effective Aug. 1, 2013, in a statement released Friday.

The Board of Trustees is planning the process of selecting Calaway’s replacement and is expected to announce the plans in coming weeks.

Calaway cited a desire to spend more time with his family as his reason for leaving and said his health is good. The complete statement follows.

“Today I am announcing my retirement as president of Johnson County Community College. My health is fine. I am retiring to spend more time with my family; I plan to leave the college Aug. 1, 2013.

When I joined JCCC, I was charged with refocusing the college around students and their success. We have been able to do that as well as improve retention, reduce unnecessary overhead, and grow our foundation endowment and scholarship funds. Recently our bond rating was reaffirmed at the highest level possible, and we have maintained or reduced our mill levy each year that I have served. It is now time, though, for the college to prepare for the next generation of leadership. I leave the college with much admiration for our team and board. I am indebted to everyone in our community for their kindness and support.

In my time at JCCC, these are the accomplishments of which I am most proud:

  • Enrollment has increased by 8 percent, making JCCC the largest institution of undergraduate education in the state. The college has undertaken new initiatives focusing on student success and retention, including learner engagement and Dream Johnson County. Other initiatives, such as outcomes assessment and healthcare simulation, help teachers support student success in the classroom and on the job. A new Center for Innovation fosters creative thinking about all aspects of the college.
  • I’ve helped develop articulation agreements with the state’s four-year schools, which assure that at least 55 credit hours of general education courses will transfer to Kansas public colleges and universities. JCCC has also signed reverse transfer agreements with Kansas State University, Pittsburgh State University and Emporia State University, which allow students to finish an associate’s degree while attending one of those four-year schools.
  • In a community scan sponsored by the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce Foundation released in January, JCCC received a 93 percent approval rating from both voters and businesses, who said JCCC plays a key role in economic development in Johnson County.
  • Campus expansion during my time includes the opening of the Regnier Center and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, additions to the Science Building (for dental hygiene and emergency medical science) and the Student Center (additional space for the bookstore), the construction of the Olathe Health Education Center on the grounds of Olathe Medical Center, and the construction currently in progress of a new Hospitality and Culinary Academy.
  • In 2008, I signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, making sustainability an important part of JCCC. Since then, JCCC has incorporated sustainability into the curriculum; developed new recycling initiatives; planted a campus farm as well as an edible schoolyard; built new “green” buildings, including Galileo’s Pavilion; and launched energy efficiency measures that have saved the college more than $700,000.
  • The college has developed a new emphasis on emergency preparedness, with a new office of emergency management and an enterprise risk management initiative. More than 1,500 employees have been trained to respond during emergencies or life-threatening situations.
  • JCCC now allocates dollars in ways that fund the college’s priorities and has placed greater emphasis on grants with the creation of a new grants office. The college has also implemented a plan whereby $3 of the cost per credit hour goes toward technology, which has allowed JCCC to improve its infrastructure for networking and telephony. The college has also maintained its AA+/AAA bond ratings.
  • Contributions to the JCCC Foundation for student scholarships have grown from $500,000 a year to more than $900,000. In 2012, the Foundation’s total assets reached an all-time high of more than $26 million.

JCCC has the best faculty and staff of any college in the nation. I deeply believe you are ready to be even better. I look forward to watching this happen as a member of the community, and I will be your loudest cheerleader.

The JCCC board of trustees is considering next steps for finding a new president for JCCC. The board expects to announce its plans in the next several weeks.

I will still be here for several months, so I won’t say goodbye just yet. Please know how much I have enjoyed being president of JCCC and working with all of you.

Terry Calaway”

 

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu

SNC Unscripted – Pilot episode

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Here’s the pilot of SNC Unscripted, a new convergence project by JCAV-TV, ECAV Radio and The Campus Ledger staff. Enjoy, and please let us know what you think!

Web-exclusive Review: “Paranormal Activity 4”

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By Spencer Pressly

Horror is marketed a lot in movies, but very rarely does it actually work in the final product. Still, the “Paranormal Activity” series actually managed to be scary and remain popular after four yearly sequels.

After the vast change in the third movie, “Paranormal Activity 4” tries to go back to modern times and focus on a new family. This leads to a familiar but still scary movie while not really pushing the series forward as much as it could have.

At first the movie seems to be just another family experiencing another odd series of events. After a somewhat slow opening showing the main girl, Alex, and the people in her life, things ramp up.

Alex has a neighbor across the street named Robbie and after Robbie’s mom is sent to the hospital he lives with them for a few days. This is when things start getting strange in Alex’s house and she decides to set up all of the laptops in her house to record at all times with her boyfriend’s help. Without giving anything away this movie decides to have the thrills bigger and earlier than past movies.

Still in past movies the need to set up camera and record everything comes mainly from a main character having an obsession with finding out what is going on. Alex starts off curious and scared, but not once in the movie does she actually go back to look at the past footage. The excuse for why she doesn’t is that she can never remember the username or password to look at the recordings.

This takes away a big part of the film where we see what happens to the family in the night and then the next day they are horrified to find out what happened. Having the 15-year-old girl forget something that simple really takes away one of the best parts of these movies.

The fact that this movie does actually scare is a testament to a movie on its fourth title now. The scenes have you scanning all over almost like a “Where’s Waldo?” book looking for anything that might catch you by surprise. Even knowing something might come out of nowhere, it still is able to surprise you.

Modern day-additions like iPhone filming and using the Kinect make the experience feel a bit cheapened. On the other side, the laptop camera angles give a personal feel when a character is actually using it and leads to many memorable moments.

Surprisingly the rest of the cast does a good job and Alex’s boyfriend Ben feels the closest thing to a real teenager in the whole movie. Ben could have had a better-developed relationship with Alex instead of only seeing them as an average teenage couple. Also, seeing a certain character return from the past three movies makes this one feel more connected to the past movies than you may think at first.

When it comes down to it, “Paranormal Activity 4” will not answer many questions the past films have presented, but it does a good job telling a scary story. Nothing makes this feel like a drastically different movie, but still a solid enough film that fans of the past movies will enjoy. The future of the series still has a lot of potential and the fourth iteration sets this up well enough to make you want more next year.

Contact Spencer Pressly, staff reporter, at spressl2@jccc.edu.

BREAKING: Trustee Weiss has resigned

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The Board of Trustees has approved the resignation of Trustee Don Weiss at their meeting Oct. 18.

Updates will follow as more information becomes available.

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu

New season, new reason to fear the dead: Review, “The Walking Dead,” ep. 1 season 3

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By Spencer Pressly

Click for full size

Even though it hasn’t been a year since the second season of “The Walking Dead” ended, fans couldn’t wait for season three to premiere. The show has been known as not only one of the best zombie shows out there, but one of the best shows period.

Season 3starts off strong and does not disappoint. Whether you are a fan of killing zombies or character development, the premiere episode has you covered.

After leaving Hershel’s farm, Rick’s group has now been surviving by going house to house in order to survive the winter. Now that they are running short on time until Lori’s baby is born, they need to find a safe place to stay for as long as possible. The group finds a prison and decides to take it for their own in the hope of finding medicine, food, and safe shelter.

On the other side of things Andrea has been surviving with the help of the Katana-wielding Michonne. Andrea got separated from Rick’s group and Michonne saved her life. Ever since then the two have spent the past months helping each other survive and getting to know each other better.

This leads to a very different feeling when compared to the past two seasons. Now that both parties have been surviving for quite a while they all seem to have gotten used to doing whatever it takes to survive. Still, the show does take a few liberties that are hard not to question when it comes to everyone in Rick’s group being a great shot and landing headshots on every zombie they come across.

The zombies are as great as ever when it comes to makeup and creativity. The prison introduces a new challenge to the survivors with zombies in riot gear, which can’t get cut through or shot and requires stabbing them under the helmet.

Being inside a prison really changes the dynamic of the show while also having more of a creepy feeling. Even though the characters are relaxing and singing you will still notice zombies are close by at all times.

As far as Rick is concerned, his relationship with his wife Lori has become cold and distant. His son Carl is no longer a nuisance to the group and contributes as much as the rest even though he is the youngest.

All the characters in Rick’s group get a chance to show the change they have undergone since leaving the farm (besides T-Dog, of course). This episode focuses more on the prison instead and hopefully later episodes will show more even coverage between the two groups.

The premiere episode hits on everything a season premiere should cover besides a few gripes. Once you get past everyone being an amazing shot and patiently wait to find out more about Michonne and Andrea’s story, everything you need to get excited about the upcoming season is here. If all of that wasn’t enough, the cliffhanger makes fans’ wait for next week’s episode feel like a month away.

Contact Spencer Pressly, staff reporter, at spressl2@jccc.edu.

Hole in the wall review: Flavor of India

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Traditional Indian design and art permeates the cozy dining room at Flavor of India. The restaurant is located at 12112 West 87th Street Parkway in Lenexa. Photo by Daniel De Zamacona

By Jon Parton

Traditional Indian design and art permeates the cozy dining room at Flavor of India. The restaurant is located at 12112 West 87th Street Parkway in Lenexa. Photo by Daniel De Zamacona

If I live to be in my 70s, I plan on acting like a stereotypical old person. I’ll complain about kids on my lawn, drive 10 miles under the speed limit and frequent local buffet restaurants. After discovering Flavor of India, I might just add it to that rotation.

I found this little gem hidden away in part of a small row of shops in Lenexa at 12112 West 87th Street Parkway, just west of Quivira Road. It can’t be seen from the street, but like all grand discoveries it just takes a little searching.

I was hesitant to go in at first. I have a hard time trusting any location with darkened windows unless it’s a bar.

I wasn’t sure what to think when I stepped inside. Traditional Indian designs covered the walls while Indian folk music softly played over the speakers. We were instantly seated at our table by the wait staff as our drink orders were taken. Coca-Cola may not be what most Americans think of when it comes to Indian beverages. Most Americans would be wrong. Coca-Cola controls nearly 60 percent of the carbonated beverage market in India, according to Euromonitor International.

The buffet itself, just like the building, was pretty small but it managed to hold a large variety of choices. I started with the tomato soup, which carried enough spice to distinguish it. I found myself dipping garlic naan, an oven baked Indian flatbread, into it, creating a unique rush of flavors that can’t be replicated with American-style cuisine.

The brinjal eggplant was unique, fried with a variety of spices and a hint of sweetness. It was the only dish to which I found myself going back for seconds. The chicken tikka masala (spicy chicken), made famous in Great Britain, was creamy but lacked that signature spice the dish is known for. More than likely, this was done to make it more palatable for American tastes.

The chicken Vindaloo, spicy curry chicken, was a favorite of our table. Much to my surprise, the strong mixture of garlic and other spices enhanced the flavor rather than detract from it. As good as it was I much preferred the tandoori chicken, roasted chicken prepared with yogurt and spices, due to its great blend of spices and the tenderness of the meat.

Our hospitable server was kind enough to answer my dining companions’ questions and always quick to make sure the drinks were filled. The total bill for three people came to a little more than $30, or $10 per person. That’s not bad for lunch.

As an average guy from Kansas, I had no idea an Indian buffet could be as good as Flavor of India. Then again, I just had to look for the hole in the wall.

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

Review: A tale of revenge and despair: “BecauseHeCan” offers solid plot, suspenseful atmosphere

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Student actor Dejuan Boyd plays out a scene from the play “BecauseHeCan” as character Costa Astrakhan. The play focuses on computer hacking, identity theft and the potential consequences of such crimes. Photo by Kelly Daniels

By David Hurtado

Student actor Dejuan Boyd plays out a scene from the play
“BecauseHeCan” as character Costa Astrakhan. The play focuses on computer hacking, identity theft and the potential consequences of such crimes. Photo by Kelly Daniels

Your bank account is empty, dark secrets from your past are exposed and a malicious hacker is set on shattering your life. This is the tale of “BecauseHeCan.”

Out of all the school plays I have seen, “BecauseHeCan” is probably one of the better ones. Story-wise, the plot unfolds in a manner worthy of George Orwell with a cast of characters that aptly compliments the dark nature of the play.

“BecauseHeCan” centers on newlyweds Joseph Elliot (Sam Holder) and Joanne Summerhays Elliot (Lauren Hambleton). Their lives are upended by sinister computer hacker Costa Astrakhan (Dejuan Boyd). Astrakhan, who operates under the alias ISeeU, desires revenge upon Joseph for kicking him out of his writing class.

The play opens in a warehouse in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood, with Joseph being interrogated by Secret Service agents Orin Slake (Amanda Carter) and Dennis McAlvane (Erik Meixelsperger). This was one of two scenes I took issue with.

In this scene, Joseph is sitting under a single bulb like in classic spy thrillers, bombarded with nonsensical questions about names and aliases. Not to be nitpicky, but I felt like I was watching the protagonists of “The X-Files” meets “CSI: Miami” played out in a cliché manner.

It didn’t help that McAlvane and Slake resemble younger versions of Mulder and Scully from “The X-Files.”

Apart from that, “BecauseHeCan” kept me rooted to my seat with its captivating plot and solid performances from the actors. The characters were well-developed to the point where I wasn’t watching a play; I was observing segments from the lives of real, breathing people.

All of this was further compounded with occasional interjections into the main action of the play from Astrakhan. Right off the bat, he comes across as egotistical, power hungry and downright insane. Astrakhan, through these sequences, illustrates perfectly the overarching theme of the play: absolute power corrupts absolutely.

By the time the story comes to a close, the Elliots’ lives have been utterly devastated to the point of no return through Astrakhan’s usurping of their identities. Joseph has been accused of committing numerous sex crimes against children, with surmounting evidence stacked against him. Joanne, meanwhile, finds herself remade into a porn star through pictures showing her with multiple men at a hotel.

Perhaps I’m overanalyzing here, but wouldn’t it be a simple matter for Joanne to verify the hotel’s records to prove she is innocent? Hotels usually keep guest records for years, if not decades because of tax requirements. Or if Astrakhan has falsified those records as well, couldn’t law enforcement officials interview the individuals from the pictures?

The same could be said for Joseph. Did the federal investigators even bother interviewing the kids he allegedly had sex with, or did they just see the doctored video and think, “Guilty, guilty, guilty!” By now, I thought Astrakhan was finished with the Elliots. As it turned out, he had a few final surprises up his sleeve.

Furthering his revenge, Astrakhan falsifies records to show he is the son of Joseph and his first wife. In addition to stealing their identities, Astrakhan drains the couple’s bank account, leaving them penniless.

When the curtain fell (figuratively speaking), I departed the theatre with my mind in a state of content. Hollywood directors may have special effects and a hefty budget at their disposal, but that can’t compare to forging a personal connection between the audience and actors.

Yes, Michael Bay, I’m looking at you.

Contact David Hurtado, features editor, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

Student Sustainability Committee hosting contest for “green” ideas

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By David Hurtado

The Student Sustainability Committee is holding a contest for students who have ideas on how to make the college a more sustainable environment.

The contest, which runs until Monday, Dec. 3, accepts proposals of all kinds as long as they focus on sustainability and benefit the college community. Suggested projects can range from waste management to energy efficiency or student awareness programs. Proposals must include an estimated cost and the benefits to the college.

Sara Johnson, co-chair, Student Sustainability Committee, said the committee was hosting the contest to increase environmental awareness on campus. She also said the committee was interested in having more ideas from the student body as projects for the college.

“We did a similar contest last semester and we liked the results that we got, so we thought we’d try it again,” Johnson said.

Students who submit proposals the committee selects for development will receive a $100 CavCard which can be used at the JCCC Bookstore, Business Office or Dining Services. There is no limit to the number of cards a student can receive.

At the end of the semester, a $500 CavCard will be awarded to the most beneficial and well-developed idea.

The contest is being funded by the student “green fee,” a $1-per-credit hour fee students pay. The Student Sustainability Committee allocates those funds toward sustainability initiatives.

Other projects the committee has funded include the Hydration Stations scattered around campus, three BigBelly solar trash compactor and recycling units and Galileo’s Pavilion.

Kim Criner, sustainability education and engagement coordinator, Sustainability Initiatives, said winning a CavCard does not automatically guarantee the idea will be implemented.

“There could be ideas that come to the committee that are really excellent ideas, but down the line there could be campus service issues,” Criner said. “For certain projects, a lot of different people on campus come in to play that maybe it’s not possible to implement the idea.”

Nicholas Roudebush, co-chair, Student Sustainability Committee, said last semester’s winner, Taylor Hall, proposed solar-powered charging stations for personal electronic devices. The charging stations are expected to be built on campus throughout the fall and spring semesters. Students in the solar technology program will be constructing the panels.

“[The charging stations] will be for phones, laptops and other personal electronic devices,” Roudebush said. “It will have a regular plug-in, but it’s going to be off the grid; you can get [power] from the sun.”

The contest will take place again next semester depending on student engagement and participation in the current one.

Students interested can submit their ideas via email to sustainability@jccc.edu. Small-scale models are asked to be dropped off at Criner’s office in CC 305K.

Contact David Hurtado, features editor, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

Staff Editorial: A call to any action

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The apathy on this campus is widespread. We at The Campus Ledger have had a very difficult time recruiting staff, and we’re not the only ones.

There are organizations to suit a wide variety of interest groups, yet many of them suffer from low membership.

The Athletics department struggles with low game attendance and lack of involvement, hence the introduction of the new school mascot, Jean Claude the Cavalier.

Some students aren’t aware of the new mascot or that there is a library on campus; between the walks from their cars to class and back to their cars they’ve missed an entire building. We personally find many students who don’t know they have access to a student-run newspaper, television station and online radio station.

Classmates, we call upon you to become more involved in this campus. Even if you will only be here for a year or two, this is your community for the time being. Why shouldn’t you care about what’s going on?

A quick glance around campus can inform you of new opportunities: club meetings to attend, contests in which to participate and endless fliers which wallpaper the hallways advertising special events. The outdoor courtyard and COM Plaza host spectacles of all kind, from solo guitar players to salsa dancing and more.

If you’re a shy, reserved person, here’s a tip: everyone wants you to join their cause, whether it be a club, a department or any other social group on campus. We all want to see our fellow students interested in our passions.

Even if the social scene isn’t for you, there is a plethora of resources on campus available to all students.

Those who struggle with classes or personal issues may not be aware of the outlets available to help them – for example, the Academic Achievement Center (OCB 304) and the Student Success Center (SC second floor). One of many ways to further develop your leadership skills is to attend Cavalier Leadership Development Program sessions. (Visit SC 106 for more information.)

Home games are scheduled on campus almost every day in the coming week for Men’s Basketball, Soccer and Baseball and Women’s Volleyball and Soccer. Their schedules are all available online at http://www.jccc.edu/cavs.

You hold in your hands a resource which we thank you for discovering. We at The Ledger strive to do our best to inform you but even if we didn’t have trouble filling our staff, there would be things we miss. This is why it’s important to stay involved and informed of what’s happening on your campus; in your community.

If nowhere else, start with the college’s website. It is host to a wealth of information that may benefit you or someone you know, all available at the touch of a button. But remember, there’s more to life than the page that appears before you click “Login.”

We will continue to provide you the best information we can, but the fact that you’re reading this means you’re not exactly the demographic we’re aiming for. Reach out to your friends who don’t read The Ledger and get them to join the cause of doing something.

Don’t be the walking dead, Cavaliers. It’s time to join the living.

Sports Column: What’s this doing on my lawn again?

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By James Russell

Well, Cassel, you did it to us again.

Obviously this isn’t really the case, but I’m sure some of the “It’s All Cassel’s Fault”ians are capable of finding some way to make it so.

I don’t have the energy for this. One more blowout loss for my beloved team, and one more week without a reason why. One more game that I am glad to have at least partially washed out in the fog of game day hangover.

Everything I’ve believed about the Kansas City Chiefs is apparently wrong. Saying we have the talent to do great is an argument I stand behind, but the words themselves are beginning to burn like bile within my mouth.

If the talent’s there, then where is the proof?

So it all goes back to coaching, right? In my opinion it has to, but those words are just as unpleasant upon my tongue.

I don’t want to diagnose our maladies or figure out the cure. I’m lost. I’m confused. I don’t understand what’s happened, and the truth is no one in Kansas City outside of the Chiefs locker room has even the slightest chance of knowing for sure.

We are in the middle of what seems to be a complete disintegration of what has been termed a “building process” since 2009. Something is so wrong, so deeply wrong, with this team, that I want to simply curl up, go to sleep and ask someone to wake me the next time we make the playoffs.

My fear, of course, is that I’d be pulled out of my slumber to find a world in which cars zip around without any need for wheels and all those I hold dear would have long since passed on from old age.

This is my frustration talking, of course. We’ll make it there soon enough. Hell, it could technically still be this season for all I know.

I’m just sick of seeing what I’m seeing and not being offered any type of explanation from management. I don’t want Crennel to tell me once again that he’s not sure what the problem is.

Dammit, man, you’re the head coach for a reason!

Pioli, stop letting your guy leave these piles of crap on my lawn! If he can’t deal with it, then demote him back to where he was and find someone else to walk your dog!

I’m getting really sick of stepping in it every Sunday.

Contact James Russell, sports columnist, at jrusse24@jccc.edu.

New kid on the block: College gains new mascot as result of rebranding efforts

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By David Hurtado

During the English Civil War, cavaliers fought on the battlefield as cavalry troops under the king’s banner. In modern times, they serve as college mascots.

Last month the college added a new mascot, Jean Claude, to the campus community. Tryouts for the role of college mascot were held Oct. 2 in GYM 125.

Amy Sellers, dance team coach, said judges were looking for students who were energetic, exciting to watch and could give the mascot a personality. Sellers also said the size of the uniform played a role; the judges did not want the uniform to appear too big or too small on the selected candidate.

“We were looking for outgoing, energetic, spirited students who wanted to increase the energy of the atmosphere at athletic events or campus events,” Sellers said.

During the first round of tryouts, students were asked to come up with their own skits before taking the stage. Round two involved the judges asking interview questions, allowing them to get to know the candidates better. Cuts were made between three rounds.

Once cuts were made, selected applicants were asked to don the mascot uniform and spend a minute energizing the judges like they would at a game. Candidates were also asked to deal with a scenario they might encounter at a game. Scenarios included interacting with small children who are afraid of them or accidentally bumping into someone.

Pam Vassar, assistant dean, Student Life, said the mascot will most likely be attending the same athletic events the Golden Girls do. Vassar also said the mascot has attended the state of the college address and the soccer game between the Lady Cavs soccer team and Butler Community College on Sept. 28.

“The plan, I think, is to have the mascot at the athletic events that are like basketball, kind of the same events where our dance team performs and participates in,” Vassar said. “In addition, they will go out to some of the soccer games and he’s already been out to one of the soccer games.”

Sellers said the Golden Girls plan on including the mascot in a few of their events.

“I think the mascot will be on his own for awhile, free styling,” she said. “We’d like to incorporate him into a few things, but he will not be a regular team member.”

Although the college has spent months promoting the mascot to the student body, not everyone is aware of the changes. Ben Steffen, student, said he did not realize the college had gained a new mascot.

“I’m kind of neutral, I don’t mind it,” Steffen said.

According to Sellers, the schedule of events Jean Claude will be attending is still being worked out. However, she said students can expect to see him at major athletic and campus events.

The college mascot is not a paid position. Sellers said the identity of the student playing the mascot will not be revealed.

Judges for the tryouts included Sellers; Carl Heinrich, Athletic Director; Julie Haas, associate vice president, Marketing Communications; Arvaughn Baker, Men’s basketball player; and Kalyn Maugh and Audrey Reynolds, Golden Girls.

The college conducted a poll for the Cavalier mascot’s name Oct. 8 through 10. Poll participants could choose between Carlton, Carl, Calvin, Jean Claude and Johnny. Jean Claude, or JC for short, won 48% of the vote at 69 of 143 responses.

Contact David Hurtado, features editor, at dhurtado@jccc.edu.

Letter to the editor from Diane Kappen: Less stress with pets

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David [Hurtado],

Your column, “Less stress with pets,” was well written, thanks. There has been lots of research in social psychology and health psychology showing that caring for pets and the care you get back from pets improves health in everyone from little kids to the elderly.

Your research on pet research shows that cat owners tend to be introverts, people who tend to be shy, reserved and quiet. There might be an additional cat owner characteristic (not scientifically supported, at least as far as I know). I have four cats. My cats are independent, loving, curious. They don’t respond to “sit” or “fetch.” Demanding that they stay off of the couch or the countertop is a waste of time and energy. I admire their independence. They teach me that there are people and events that may not be in line with my way of thinking and that I can’t and shouldn’t try to control everything.

-Diane Kappen, adjunct associate professor, Psychology

Police briefs – Oct. 18, 2012

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Cell phone theft in Carlsen Center

A student contacted campus police to report he left his cell phone in CC 215 while making a trip to the restroom on Thursday, Oct. 4. He said when class was over he returned home and realized his T-Mobile HTC One, valued at $600, was missing.

The victim said he has sent text messages to the phone but received no response. The cell phone providers were unable to assist the victim in tracking phone calls made by the suspect.

Finding a common bond

A housekeeping employee contacted Campus Police after discovering torn bondage photos in a recycling bin outside CC 174 on two separate occasions, Thursday, Oct. 4 and Friday, Oct. 5. Campus Police sealed the photos of an unknown man and woman in an envelope for any pending investigation.

 

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu

Guest column: Cannabis rally in Kansas, by Chuck Weismiller

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On Saturday, September 29th, 2012, I was one of over a hundred supporters of medical marijuana who rallied on the steps of the Capital building in Topeka. The rally was organized by Kansas Medical Cannabis Network and was sponsored by Kansas City NORML and Free State NORML. Why did I spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon in front of the Capital, speaking with perfect strangers?

Two words. Medical cannabis. First off, those of us in the anti-prohibition movement use the term ‘medical cannabis’ instead of ‘medical marijuana’. The term ‘cannabis’ is the scientific name of marijuana ever since the Materia Medica back in ancient Greece. ‘Marijuana’ on the other hand, is a fictional word created with racist undertones to demonize cannabis in the thirties. We in the movement prefer the science terminology over the propaganda term.

The rally was held to show our Kansas lawmakers that the majority of Kansans support medical cannabis as a single item issue. According to a SurveyUsa poll taken in 2010, 58% of Kansans support a system where cannabis can be perscribed to terminally ill patients to ease their quality of life. Despite this number, the Health and Human Sevices Committee, chaired by Brenda Landwerh (R-Wichita), in Topeka have refused to vote on the Kansas Compassionate Use Act introduced by Rep. Gail Finney (D-Wichita), citing ‘low public support’. The rally was held to show that there is public support for this cause and to encourage people to make their representitives aware of that fact.

The event’s speakers were varied, from patients, to physicians, to politicians. Dr. Jon Hauxell of Hays encouraged research and severe discretion when perscribing to minors. “I emphatically don’t recommend cannabis use, medical or otherwise, by people whose brains are still maturing — that is youth.” Esau Freeman, newly named director of the Kansas Medical Cannabis Network, extolled the necessity of running for public office. The Topeka Capital-Journal quotes Mr. Freeman as saying, “Friends, it’s time to take off the funny hats, it’s time to put on a bra, it’s time to put on a tie, and it’s time to walk into the Libertarian Party, the Democratic Party or the Republican Party and do something about this now.” Topeka City Councilman and former chair of the Libertarian Party of Kansas, Andrew Grey, promoted personal choice and responsibility. Thomas Ballard of Kansas City disseminated the for-profit prison business model and Cheryl Riley, previous director of Kansas Medical Cannabis Network passed the reigns of leadership to Esau Freeman. David Mulford of Kansas Hemp Yes, explained how medical cannabis has improved his quality and length of life, and Lisa Sublett, of Kansas Medical Cannabis Network, gave an impassioned speech about personal sovereignty.

Those of us working tables also did our part. We gave away literature on medical cannabis and jury nullification. We also educated Kansans to the best of our ability, on where their current politicians stand on this issue. We also stressed the importance of being in direct contact with your lawmakers.

Medical cannabis should be a non-issue. Study after study finds that cannabis has medicinal effects in a myriad of areas. According to a page posted (and redacted in less than twenty-four hours, I might add) on the National Institue of Cancer in March 2010, cannabis may shrink cancerous tumors. Cannabis increases appetite. Cannabis relieves muscle pain. Recent studies have shown medical cannabis may help with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. There are indications that cannabis can help a myriad of other medical issues from the known issues like AIDS and cancer, to lesser known diseases like Bi-Polar Disorder, anxiety, and depression. DEA Judge Francis Young was quoted as saying, “Marijuana is the safest, most therapeutic substance known to man”.

The crux of cannabis law is scheduling. Under current federal law, cannabis has ‘no accepted medical value and a high potential for abuse’ as a Schedule I drug. Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have all found that cannabis has enough medical value to implement medical cannabis programs. There is enough medical value that a synthetic form of cannabis is on the market under the brand name ‘Marinol’. (Never mind the fact that Marinol users frequently complain of feeling ‘too high’ and the three recorded deaths from Marinol versus the fact that smoked cannabis dosages are better self regulated and there has never been a deathin recorded history attributed to herbal cannabis alone.) There is accepted medical value in our country whether our federal and state lawmakers can see it.

Cannabis was listed in every major pharmacopeia since the birth of writing. Kings and Queens have used it for therapeutic value. In the 1800s, cannabis tinctures were widely available to assist in a range of ailments. Today, we realize the mistake of our forefathers in banning this miracle drug out of racism and fear, and are making an effort to rectify the errors of history.

You can join us in our efforts. Free State NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) has been working dilligently to support medical cannabis in ‘The Wheat State’, and we always need more support. Without direct action on our parts, Topeka (and Washington) will not get the picture. Visit FreeStateNORML.com and educate yourself. Attend a rally or event. Buy a membership in your local organization. Make a donation. Share, Tweet, or thumb up our articles and videos. Educate yourself first, and then educate your friends and family. Most importantly, contact your lawmakers frequently. If you support medical marijuana, let your reps know. Flood their offices with information, calls, and e-mails. Direct contact is needed. Above all, vote.

As with any issue, Doctor Seuss said it best. “Unless someone like you cares an awful lot, it’s not going to get better. It’s not.”

-Chuck Weismiller, director, Free State NORML

Sports briefs – Oct. 18, 2012

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Cross Country to run in Kansas City Marathon

The men’s and women’s cross country teams are participating in a 5K race at the Kansas City Marathon Saturday, Oct. 20. The 5K runners start at 7:20 a.m. after the marathon and half-marathon runners have crossed the start line. The race is the second largest marathon in the state of Missouri.

Women’s Volleyball seeks to finish season on a winning note

The women’s volleyball team plays against Cowley College at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24 at home. The team will then play host to the Baker University Junior Varsity team a week later on Oct. 31. These will be the last two regular games of the season before the start of the District Championships.

Compiled by Jon Parton, jparton@jccc.edu

News briefs – Oct. 18, 2012

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Student Senate to host trick-or-treating

For its third year running, Student Senate will host Trick-or-Treat for Kids 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26 in COM 319 and 322. This year’s festivities include a scavenger hunt, costume contest and more.

For more information, contact Mindy Kinnaman at mkinnam1@jccc.edu or ext. 3534.

LUNA to sponsor DÍa de los Muertos display

LUNA (Latinos United Now and Always) will sponsor an altar on the second floor of COM to celebrate Día de los Muertos from Friday, Nov. 2 through Wednesday, Nov. 7.

Decorations for the altar may be dropped off with Mysti Meiers, recruitment specialist, Admissions, in SC 319.

Any questions about appropriate items may be directed to Veronica Soto, club president, at vsotov93@gmail.com or Luis Aparicio, vice president, at laparici@stumail.jccc.edu.

 

New look for Kansas driver’s licenses

Kansas driver’s licenses are updated every six years with a new style and new security measures to curb counterfeit and fraud. The Department of Revenue rolled out the newest design in an event with Gov. Sam Brownback Tuesday,
Oct. 16.

The new style of licenses features a photo on the back visible only under ultraviolet light and various security measures not visible to the naked eye. Magnetic strips on the back of the cards containing driver information are gone.

Motorists began receiving the new licenses this week.

 

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu

Presidential debates drive opinions across campus

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By Jon Parton

The country once again is steeped in the midst of presidential debates. The debates are a relatively recent tradition in American politics, dating back to the first debate between Democrat John F. Kennedy and Republican Richard Nixon in 1960.

Not only was it the first debate between two presidential candidates from opposing parties, it was also the first televised debate. The next debates would not be held until 1976, but have become a mainstay of the presidential election cycle ever since.

Political scientist James Stimson has studied the effects of the debates on the general election and have generally found little to no correlation between debate performance and vote results. He wrote the findings in his book “Tides of Consent: How Public Opinion Shapes American Politics.”

Jerry Magliano, professor, Personal Computer Applications and adviser to the College Republicans, said that the debates have never changed his opinion about a candidate but believes they could.

“In this particular election cycle, it didn’t matter because I’ve been studying the candidates for a long time,” Magliano said. “I never felt anything but good about Romney.”

The first debate between President Obama and Mitt Romney was memorable for the tendency of both candidates to speak longer than their allotted time, much to the chagrin of moderator Jim Lehrer. Twitter users quickly tweeted about the job Lehrer was doing and the debate was parodied on Saturday Night Live.

Magliano said despite the complaints, he enjoyed Lehrer’s moderation.

“I’m not as critical of him as maybe other people might be,” Magliano said. “I thought it was a good debate. I really did. It was something that I didn’t have any problems sitting through for an hour and a half.”

Brian Wright, professor, Political Science, said the first debate might have confused some voters since both candidates spoke about policy.

“If you listened to what he [Obama] was saying, I think it was so policy wonk that no one could actually follow it,” Wright said. “So then they just followed the popularity type thing. They’re watching the image of the performance.”

Wright said he believes the debates are only informative for people who do not follow politics.

“It’s not that informative,” Wright said. “It’s not really a debate, right? So more of a trying to manage what you’re going to say to the people out there rather than a real debate.”

Joseph Gideon, student, believes the debates do have some impact on the election, but not for the reasons most people think.

“I don’t think the view of the candidate changes,” Gideon said. “I think it’s the charisma and articulation of the candidate that may sway voters. But overall, most people have already decided before the debates.”

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

InFocus: Four-legged family members + JCAV Video

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Web-exclusive Sports Column: KC will beat Tampa Bay – but at what cost?

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By James Russell

No one reads what I write. Whether in print or online, no one reads these words.

I get that.

But I still want to date-stamp what I think is about to happen tomorrow, if for no other reason than to be sure that it’s written somewhere.

Cassel hatred reached a crescendo last Sunday with KC ‘fans’ cheering an injury to our starting quarterback. You cheered, Kansas City – for what turned out to be a concussion to your team’s leader. It wasn’t the entire stadium, granted, but I’m sick of so many people pretending like it was a small minority.

The sheep-like mindset of KC fans has led us to follow along with whatever we’re told we should think, and what we’ve been told to think is that Matt Cassel is somehow responsible for the awful start to this season.

Bullshit.

Is that a vulgar way to state what I think? If so, I apologize. But you know what, I know no other way to make clear how much I disagree with what we have become as Chiefs fans, so I’m going to say it again:

Bullshit, KC fans. You have made me ashamed to be counted among you.

But this is not my main point, just my frustration.

What I am writing my first online-exclusive content for is to state what I believe happens tomorrow against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so that if I’m right, it’s proof and if I’m wrong then it is likewise proof that I was wrong.

Kansas City faces a pass defense against the Bucs that we should dominate. I am not only calling for a win tomorrow, but a definitive one. The Cassel haters will have a field day as Quinn will take advantage of that, and we will decimate a team that is not equal to us. “We were right,” will be the order of the day, with everyone believing that tomorrow’s game proves Cassel is crap.

I can’t help but want us to win, and I believe we will. But the negative to this is that Quinn will do well against a team that can’t defend the pass, and thus he will become a hero based on a game that is not a fair representation of his abilities.

If Quinn is our future, great. I don’t believe that to be the case, but I’d be thrilled if he became the next Manning.  I only want KC to win, and I remain vigilant in the opinion that we are one of the most talented teams to be playing in the NFL currently. My issue is that I am worried about management listening to a bunch of idiot fans instead of looking at facts, and I hope they are better than that.

When you see Kansas City win against Tampa Bay tomorrow, please extricate yourself from the mob-mentality that is a current fact in KC, and understand that Quinn should not be compared in this particular game to what Cassel would have done against the same defense.

I hope Cassel is back following our bye week, and that he can prove himself to be the deserved starter. If Quinn performs admirably, I would love to see that be something that provides competition for Cassel and pushes him.

But I will continue to stand behind the statement that Cassel is the best QB on our roster and that all those who think otherwise are blinded fools committed only to following the masses, not what is best for our team.

Go Chiefs!

Contact James Russell, sports columnist, at jrusse24@jccc.edu.

 

Read Russell’s last column: A letter to Matt Cassel

See all of Russell’s columns on the Kansas City Chiefs

Attention: Zombie fans needed!

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Illustration by Sara Scherba for Vol. 34, Issue 12

Attention JCCC students and zombie fans in general: Did you participate in the Lawrence Zombie Walk, or do you just enjoy doing zombie makeup every once in a while? Share with us! We’d love to run your best photos of your zombie makeup in the next issue of The Campus Ledger. You can either post them to our Facebook page or email them to mclark68@jccc.edu.

Illustration by Sara Scherba for Vol. 34, Issue 12

Web-exclusive Column: If you can’t say anything nice, don’t work in customer service

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By Natalie Goodwin

My day started by going shopping at the grocery store. When I reached the check out, I placed all my purchases up on the belt and the frowning checker proceeded to ring my groceries with no ‘Hello,’ no ‘How are you?’ no nothing. The only thing she uttered the entire time was, “$110.76.”

So was this the total of my bill or the number of times she had ignored a customer completely that week? When I am paying $110 for groceries, which helps pay her salary, I expect a ‘hello’ and most importantly a ‘thank you,’ but from her I got zilch.

My next stop was at the drive-through of a fast food chain to get a drink. I asked at the intercom for a large Sprite. “That’s a large fry?”

“No, not French fries, I need a drink, a large Sprite.” I understood how the misunderstanding could happen; Sprite and Fry do sound alike. I went to the first window as asked and when the window opened, the young man just stuck out his hand for payment; again, no ‘hello,’ no nothing.

I proceeded to the second window where I was handed large fries. OK, well I explained I had asked for a large Sprite, not fries. The look of complete disgust on her face was undeniably clear. She was annoyed. Was she irritated with me for asking that my order be made right? Maybe she was peeved with the young man who took my order. I don’t know, maybe she is just an unpleasant personality.

I spent the rest of the morning running several other errands, and in each place, rudeness was the protuberant characteristic amongst everyone who waited on me. My last stop of the day was the ultimate experience in inauspicious customer service, the DMV.

I inquired at the information desk what I needed to do to get tags on a new car. The woman there said, “Take a number and wait your turn.”

Well, I did. I waited two hours and 15 minutes. When my number was called, and I received the ‘it’s your turn’ text on my phone, I proceeded to the window. I sat down with all my paper work (that I thought I needed) and the lady at the window barked, “This is a Missouri title,” and stared at me like I was wasting her time; like it was inconveniencing her to do her job.

I asked what a Missouri title meant. She snapped back at me with, “Well, what it means is that you needed to get an inspection before you came to me.” I wasn’t communicated that at the information desk. I had called the day before to get details and was on hold for over an hour before I finally disconnected.

I asked where to go to get this done. The ever so agreeable lady told me where it was, the cost and with a smirk finished by saying, “And by the way they closed two minutes ago, you’ll have to get it done another day and then come back.”

I was the one who had over two hours of my day drained and was going to have to do the whole thing over another day.  She was being paid to be there. I, on the other hand, just had my only day off exhausted by errands and discourteous, ill-mannered people. People who were getting paid for their time, but spending my time and filling it with the most unfavorable customer service ever.

By the time I managed to get to the only fun thing I had planned for the day, going to dinner, I was again blessed with a waitress who must have really loathed her job. She grumbled about her hours, her wages, her tips, her boss, her co-workers and even her personal life while waiting on me. Really, must I endure yet another offensive person, a person annoyed to wait on me, when that’s their job?

No, I had enough of unpleasantness for the day.  So on the tip line of my receipt, I wrote: “Here’s your tip, stay out of customer service, or any other position where you have to be around people. With your personality, try collections. People expect bill collectors to be rude.”

Too harsh? I don’t believe so. I have managed to work almost 30 years in retail and still be pleasant. I expect the same courtesy.

Customers are not always right, not always pleasant or even friendly, but when working in a position that deals with people, remember they pay our salaries. It is your job: customer service with a smile.

Contact Natalie Goodwin, reporting correspondent, at ngoodwi1@jccc.edu.

Staff Editorial: Crazy cat ladies and… dog people

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Design by Morgan Daigneault

 

Who is your team’s biggest rival and why?

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Design by Morgan Daigneault

Increased thefts in Library

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By Jon Parton

Since the beginning of the semester, there have been 12 reported thefts. Half of those occurred in the Billington Library. According to Judy Korn, manager, Library Access Services, the issue of theft is on the minds of the Library staff.

“The staff knows about it,” Korn said. “We have signs pasted everywhere, ‘Do not leave your items unattended.’ We have little signs that sometimes we’ll stick in someone’s book if they walk off and we see it.”

Korn said the staff is trained to curb the occurrence of theft by taking actions to prevent it.

“If we see someone that just goes off and leaves their things, we will either try to catch them and say, ‘Don’t do that,’ or what we’ll do is take it and hold it at the desk because students will walk off and 20 minutes later, they’re still not back,” Korn said.

Four thefts occurred at the library in one day back on Sept. 4, a third of all thefts reported for the semester. Korn believes it was more than coincidence.

“So it was either someone who had come planned to do that or just saw the opportunities,” Korn said. “One, I believe, was a young woman who was asleep and she just had her purse on the floor. Somebody ran off for a few minutes and left their backpack and when they came back, it wasn’t there.”

Korn said it is important for students to use common sense when it comes to leaving their belongings out in the open.

“We want people to feel safe in the library, but not that trusting,” Korn said. “You have to be smart.”

According to a crime report compiled by the Campus Police, there were 79 incidents of larceny on campus property in 2011. That number is more than all other incidents of reported crime combined. That number is an increase from 2010 when 55 larceny reports were made to the police.

Despite the recent increase of thefts, Jacob Beck, student, feels safe leaving items unattended. He said that he does it all the time and has yet to have anything stolen.

“I feel most people don’t do it to each other out of fear that they don’t want it done to themselves,” Beck said. “Unless it’s something extremely valuable, like a tablet or something, I’ll leave it out. If it’s keys or something, I’ll just leave it.”

Joey Beeler, student, said he feels the opposite and is reluctant to leave his belongings out of sight.

“If I’m at the library and I need to go to the printer, I’ll leave my stuff there,” Beeler said. “But I won’t if I have to go really far away.”

Korn said that people need to always be cautious when leaving their items behind, even for a second. She said that mid-terms and finals are popular times for thieves due to the increased opportunities for theft.

“I think people feel too safe here to really think that something’s going to happen,” Korn said.

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

What’s your #JCCC problem?

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By Mackenzie Clark

If you frequently sleep in the hallways or hang out in the Fountain Square, you may unknowingly become an instant campus celebrity.

Two female sophomores are behind the Twitter account @JCCCProbs, which has more than 250 followers since its inception at the beginning of September. The creators of the account did not want to share their names.

The first creator said she noticed tweets from other schools such as KU and Wichita State University and started using the hashtag “#JCCCprobs.” After asking some friends their opinions, she decided to create the account and then invited a friend to participate. (See some highlights of @JCCCProbs’ tweets and retweets here.)

“All I’m taking is stuff that people are actually saying about this school and I’m just putting it all in one place,” the account creator said. “I’m not asking people to say these things, I’m mainly retweeting everybody. So it’s stuff that they would have said whether I had this account or not.”

Tweet topics range anywhere from rolling backpacks and longboarding to photos of students sleeping outside classrooms. The women said they are not “making fun of anybody,” and they try to hold content to certain standards.

“People tweet us a ton of pictures, but if it’s a straight-on face shot I won’t put it up,” the creator said. “I find that really rude.”

Both accountholders agreed if anyone ever complained about something they tweeted they would “absolutely” take it down, but so far the response has been good and they have not received any complaints.

“I think it’s a way for students to bond, for people with the same interests on campus to bond, because when you walk around campus there’s some weird things that go on,” said freshman Jacop Freitag. “It’s pretty hard to find a lot of friends, or people you know or relate to on campus, so I think it’s a way for people just to connect with other people who may see something the same way.”

Freitag said he is not offended by any of @JCCCProbs’ tweets.

“I find it entertaining, and part of it’s weird but I can relate to it because everything they post, I see the same stuff every day,” he said.

Asked his opinion of the account, student Seth Kern tweeted, “#IllMarryIt [sic].”

Last November an account with the username @JCCCProblems was created but the women in charge of @JCCCProbs said they did not create that one. (See @JCCCProblems’ tweets here.)

The women said they do not target anyone specific with their tweets and try to be sensitive about what they post. However, sometimes identifiable descriptions of various people are posted.

“We make fun of ourselves, too,” the creator said, citing a time when someone tweeted about her and she reposted it.

Although the women said they don’t feel they have violated any policy nor done anything punishable, they are concerned about making their identities known.

“I’ve been waiting to get a tap on the shoulder,” the second accountholder said.

The two said in the future if they have to take down the account they will, but “right now it’s just fun,” the creator said.

Contact Mackenzie Clark, editor-in-chief, at mclark68@jccc.edu.

2012 Election: How do you decide your vote?

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By Natalie Goodwin

American voters have advertisements coming at them every day, trying to influence how they vote. Both endorsements and attack ads run nonstop in the media. Signs are practically in every other yard.

Along with the encouragements that bombard us from signs, television and radio, persuasion and perception have an impact on how we vote.

Compiled by Natalie Goodwin

According to a US Census Bureau report, 49 percent of voters aged 18 to 24 exercised their right to vote in the 2008 elections. Sophomore Shelby Wheat said she does not support either party or presidential candidate so she is choosing not to vote in the upcoming election.

“It is not the party I would vote for, it is the individual, what I think of the candidate themselves,” Wheat said. “I pay close attention to their platforms and what issues they claim they will address while in office. I do not let slanderous commercials weigh much on my opinion. I think politics should be more about the people and less about mudslinging.”

Wheat said the low voter turnout in her age group in 2008 would not affect her decision.

“I still feel my voice will not be heard,” she said. “Any party besides the Democrats and the Republicans do not get the same amount of media attention. Parties that do not have enough money to campaign or compete will not win, pretty much David versus Goliath, but in America the little guy, or the one with less money, cannot win.”

Wheat said she feels her vote will be “lost.”

“However, I do feel since my generation will soon be the adults of the world that maybe, in the future, my peers will have more say-so, with a viable, independent candidate,” she said.

Freshman Ashley Jagow, 18, will be a first-time voter in the 2012 elections.

“This is the first year I can legally vote, so I feel that I need, as a young American, to cast my vote on the future of the country I live in,” Jagow said. “I feel society encourages people who become of age to vote.”

Jagow said she believes it’s partially an obligation to vote but more importantly she should have a say in who runs her country. She has already decided who she plans to vote for but is not supporting a specific party.

“I have not chosen a permanent party affiliation; I intend to always vote for the individual and not a specific party,” she said. “My vote will go against my entire family, at least in this election. Who knows how I will vote next time? It will all depend on the nominees as a person, what each of them stands for.”

Toby Klinger, professor, Psychology, made several observations about what impacts our vote.

“It seems as though you’ve got to have an enemy,” she said. “You are more than likely to get people to vote if they think one’s the bad person and the other one is a nice one.”

Klinger also said even though there are negative ads, “if you have already made up your mind it would take an awful lot of to change your mind between candidates. It would take a lot of smut to make you alter your point of view.”

She continued, “In several lines of research you will find the neurocognitive people pointing out that people do not vote necessarily out of logic or reason but gut reactions or how it emotionally triggers off parts of the brain.”

Klinger suggested negative campaign ads may work because of that reason and feels it is an interesting line of research. Some literature makes the point that it is not necessarily rational reasons why we vote but may be part of egocentrism.

Klinger said she feels family definitely plays a role in a voter’s point of view.

“Especially family culture; there is something about personality and how we are brought up that may affiliate us with a party,” she said. “People tend to go with what they were raised in.”

Klinger said she intends to vote, and people should know they do have a voice and can create change.

Come November, some voters will choose to go with what they have learned at home. Some might just go by campaign ads, signs, or what they learn from the media. Some will not vote at all, feeling their vote won’t matter because they are not supporters in the major parties.

For more information or to register to vote in Johnson County, visit http://www.jocoelection.org.

Contact Natalie Goodwin, reporting correspondent, at ngoodwi1@jccc.edu.

 

Related article: Voting where it counts

Related column: Column: Voting, an American duty

Sports Column: A letter to Matt Cassel

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By James Russell

Mr. Cassel,

I was at Arrowhead for this game against the Chargers. Fairly cheap tickets, as it’s all that our family could afford currently, but I was there. I took my 14 year old daughter – something I’d been waiting to do for a long time, as she’d never before been to a Chiefs game.

I can’t say the outcome was what I would have liked, especially as it was her first time seeing you guys play live, but that isn’t what I’m writing to you about. She got to see one of the most beautiful stadiums in the country and interact with one of the best fan bases in the entire NFL.

Or at least I thought our fan base was one of the best, and that brings me to the point of a letter that you, personally, will likely never read: I’m sorry for the conduct of an entire stadium of assholes. I’m sorry Chiefs fans don’t have the capacity to understand that while there seems to be something wrong with the entire team right now – something that not a single person outside of your locker room can truly know the reason for – that making a scapegoat of one of the few players that actually looks to give a shit when things go bad is not right.

We have extremely selective memories, it seems, and for that I also apologize. You had a bad game. There’s no sugar coating that or pretending it didn’t happen, but so did the entire team. The play overall Sunday was inexcusable. We as fans expect to see you guys win, or at the very least remain competitive.

But I heard no ‘boos’ for Charles with his 2 fumbles. I heard no ‘boos’ for the defense when they failed time and again to keep San Diego from spanking them like unruly children. I only heard ‘boos’ for you, and I refuse to accept it as something Chiefs fans of years past would have allowed.

Kansas City has been a long time without a team that we feel is a legitimate powerhouse. We’re approaching nearly 20 years since a playoff win and it’s been over 40 since our last Super Bowl appearance. That can be a pill that gets just that slight bit harder to swallow with each passing season.

But time-grown angst over lack of wins is not an excuse for the way you have been treated in this city. It is undeserved, unwarranted and unreasoning. I remember 2010, even if no one else does, and personally I am sick of how many people lay the current state of an entire franchise at your feet.

Maybe people just need a scapegoat. The media loves to hate you for some inexplicable reason. Or maybe this city is just so frustrated that they will lash out at whoever they’re told to (it’s my personal opinion that Jason Whitlock started this whole mess). Whatever the reason, it’s not a good enough one.

This Sunday I found myself ashamed to be a Chiefs fan, and not because of the numbers on the scoreboard.

Again, even if I am the only one, I apologize on behalf of not only a city, but an entire kingdom, for behavior that belongs in Oakland among the Black Hole dwellers, not here in a city with such a great and rich football tradition.

We have been rude, demeaning, unreasoning and just plain stupid. And, unfortunately, the majority will likely continue to their own shame.

I look forward to you proving these classless assholes wrong.

Sincerely,

James Russell

 

Contact James Russell, sports columnist, at jrusse24@jccc.edu.

Police briefs – Oct. 4, 2012

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Banshee bathroom

Campus Police were called to the Library’s second story bathroom Sept. 17 after reports of hearing an unknown female screaming inside. Upon arrival, the subject did not open the door but said she had not been screaming. Police informed her they needed to see her identification and ensure she was safe. Upon seeing her identification police informed the female she was put on interim suspension that morning due to previous disruptive behavior. She was then escorted to the police department and advised to leave campus.

 

“Lucky find”

A campus police officer found a vehicle parked with no handicapped permit in a handicapped spot in one of the Carlsen Center’s parking lots Sept. 19. Upon further investigation the officer discovered a marijuana pipe in view near the center console. When the subject returned to his car, the officer questioned him and asked about the pipe. The subject then said the pipe and three partially used marijuana cigarettes were not his, but that he picked them up from the center of the road and forgot to throw the paraphernalia away. The subject was placed under arrest and upon further investigation the officer found another marijuana cigarette along with what looked like marijuana seeds in the front of the car. The subject then stated he had been lying and was released after being cited for unlawful possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

 

Let me in, I said!

Campus Police were dispatched to the second floor of the Library Sept. 20 because a computer lab supervisor stated a student became loud and began using profanity when asked to sign in to the lab. The subject denied using profanity or raising his voice and said the supervisor exaggerated the story. The subject seemed agitated at being stopped and was asked by police to lower his voice in the hallway. He was advised to control his behavior or not return to the lab and to not approach lab personnel negatively. The report was forwarded to Paul Kyle, dean, Student Services.

 

Compiled by Tasha Cook, tcook15@jccc.edu

Sports briefs – Oct. 4, 2012

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Men’s soccer tries to shore up some wins in October

The Cavaliers will face off against Dodge City Community College in a home game at 3 p.m. on Oct. 7. The team will then take on Allen Community College with home field advantage at 4 p.m. on Oct. 10. As of time of printing, the men’s soccer team has a record of 4-6-0 and is trying to shake off a two-game losing streak.

 

Women’s soccer seeks another winning season

The Lady Cavs play host to Iowa Western Community College at 2 p.m. on Oct. 5. The team then plays at home against Dodge City Community College at 1 p.m. on Oct. 7. The Lady Cavs are 7-5-1 for the season and are less than a month away from the first round of NJCAA Regionals.

 

Student athletes honored with awards

The college had 15 student athletes win 2011-2012 Academic Student-Athlete awards handed out by the NJCAA. Winners included Mary Pat Specht, Jessica Andersen, Elisabeth Barnes, Evan Brummett, Jessica Jacob, Maisha Mitchell, Javier Segura, Hayley Wagner, Luke Arnold, Kylie Cooper, Chad Shannon, Katherine Sharp, Crystal Simon, Jordan Slater and Elizabeth Walters.

 

Compiled by Jon Parton, jparton@jccc.edu

Guest column by Steve Gochenour: ‘Are we our brother’s keeper?’

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Concerning recent thefts (5 in one day) that the college has experienced on the second floor of the library on September 4th of this year, I am wondering if some of our library personnel would have spoken up if they witnessed the actual crime. As you read further ask yourself the same question.

Today (September 24, 2012), I was studying on the 2nd floor in the library, when I needed to go to the bathroom. Since I was only a short distance away from the library attendant’s desk I thought perhaps, she would not mind keeping an eye on my school bag for a few minutes. So I casually walked over to her sitting comfortable at the main desk and politely asked her if she would not mind doing me this favor.

She replied, “Nope, you will have to take responsibility, but if you want to take a chance and leave it that is your choice.”

I thought to myself, WOW, is this what this world is coming to? A nation full of weak people who cannot look after one another? As I strolled back to my study area my mind drifted back to the articles that I read in the JCCC newspaper last Friday concerning the string of thefts on the second floor of the library. If this woman would have witnessed one of the crimes on that particular day would she have been a leader and reported it, or would she (out of fear) look the other way? I say she would have done the latter. How do I know this? Keep reading folks and I will prove my point.

Thirty minutes before I asked her to watch my school bag there was a tall, white male that was climbing up the stairs from the first floor of the library to the second, whom was having a conversation on his cell phone in a loud, audible voice. His vocal chords echoed throughout the library floor without constraint or reservation. I glanced behind me at the same library attendant waiting for a demonstration of her leadership abilities. Is she going to react, I asked myself, and approach the student about the “quiet area, no cell phones,” policy rule on the second floor or sit still and do nothing? Reluctantly, she did not care or was not even concerned for she did not even budge from the chair. What a shame.

If I had witnessed her getting robbed by someone in the parking lot at JCCC late at night would I be brave and diligently fight for her safety? Yes, I definitely would. To borrow the words from a former Alaskan Governor, “YOU BETCHA.” I would not hesitate, but would spring into action and put her safety before mine. Not only would it be ethical and serve me good to do so, for I would have to answer, not only to myself and my peers, but also to my leaders, (thank you Charles Adcox and Mark Johnson) whom inspired, guided and taught me to be accountable for my actions throughout this journey we call life.

In Dave Krug’s accounting one class, we are learning it is all about balancing the books. In this book of life it is full of checks and balances that we continually make every day. Our character is what defines us and every choice, decision or road we choose to take, either increases or decreases the accountability in our books. My friends, being held accountable to the highest regard is doing the right thing.

We, the students at JCCC have a duty and a moral responsibility as future leaders to stand up for what is right and shun that which is wrong. It is called, “balancing the books.” Responsibility and a moral obligation is just a few of what the Cavalier Leadership program here at the college teaches us students about “always doing the hard right over the easy wrong.” We are taught that integrity is a personal choice we all have to make. It is one of those many characteristics that helps balance our life book.

If we, the students at JCCC would actively get involved by volunteering to watch their classmate’s belongings, while they go to the bathroom or local vending machines when asked, then all would benefit and therefore decrease the thefts on our campus. By doing this you will gain respect, honor, courage and a selfless personal duty to one another that will define your character resume for many years to come. We all know that the campus police cannot be everywhere at any given time, but WE ARE EVERYWHERE and WE CAN help them by being a watchful eye and stop these thefts from increasing.

On a final note let me say that integrity, is something that former presidents, congressmen, senators and Hollywood actors have been trying to buy for years thinking morality has a price tag and that it can be purchased. Folks, please don’t be deceived. They can hire the best attorneys, doctors or psychiatrists that money can buy, but let me tell you folks integrity cannot be bought. Either you have it or you don’t. It is your choice.

-Steve Gochenour, student

Letter to the editor from Graham MacCollum: “Columns on Affirmative Action and the failure of the Obama presidency”

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Just read your column from 9/6/12 on affirmative action. It’s not often I see someone your age able to see the truth/facts through the fog of affirmative action policies—especially someone on a college campus. Although I think many of the principles of affirmative action were/are well-intentioned, what has been unleashed over the years has often resulted in perverse incentives for minorities and disincentives for “non-affirmative” individuals. Instead, let’s go back to the old idea of evaluating people based on their accomplishments, abilities, and potential.

Also, regarding your column on the failure of the Obama presidency, I am in agreement with you. Any other president – especially one with an R after his or her name – would be held to a much higher standard by the mainstream/lamestream media than Obama has been. High unemployment for a record period of time, record deficits, an unpopular health care plan, slow economic growth, and record high prices for gasoline are just some of the issues the major media would be hammering any other president over. If this is as good as it gets with President Obama, it really is time to move on with someone else. As a bonus, maybe then the media will get their “mojo” back and hold the new president accountable.

Keep up the good work.

-Graham MacCallum, JCCC community member

Review: Jet Set Radio leaves its mark on the gaming world

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By Spencer Pressly

The Sega Dreamcast is a video game system that never gained popularity like the PlayStation did in the late 90s.

The Dreamcast still had many amazing games and one of the most beloved of all the games is Jet Set Radio. Released in June of 2000, the game was called Jet Grind Radio and introduced people to cel shading. Cel shading is what gives a game that cartoony and almost Pixar like feeling in a game. This has been used in Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Borderlands and the new Walking Dead game.

Jet Set Radio is still unlike any other game to this day. Even though the game never sold well the series gained quite the cult following and now Sega has re-released the game in HD as a downloadable game for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.

The game has an extremely minimalistic approach to the story and how it portrays its characters. The story follows main character Beat as he starts his skate gang, the GG’s, as they take over all of Tokyo-to, which is based on real life Tokyo. You will encounter many other skaters who can join your gang as well as other rival gangs who will try and stop you from taking over their turf. The city also has an oddly obsessed police department that will stop at nothing to keep these gangs from tagging the city with their graffiti.

The characters you play as the GG’s give little to no information about what they are doing in the gang, but that doesn’t matter in the game. The characters all look so different visually and have such personality with the tricks they do and the way they skate, which leads to a very diverse gang at the end of the game.

Unlike other alternative sports games of the era, such as Tony Hawk, Jet Set Radio takes a very simplistic take on how the game plays. You skate around the city tagging wherever you can and pulling off tricks as you grind all over the place. Tagging a wall with graffiti can be done with the press of a button, but bigger tags will need some finesse. This leads to a series of analog movements until your art is all sprayed on perfectly.

The controls are nowhere near perfect and are one of the most dated aspects of play. The controls can feel unresponsive at times, normally when it really matters and this can lead to an unnecessary moment of rage. After a few hours of playing you get used to it, but that doesn’t excuse the controls not being fixed when other aspects of the game, such as the camera, were greatly improved.

Presentation is where this game holds up the best and what keeps it a timeless classic. It is only too bad that the slowdown from the original game is still in this HD version and it really takes you out of the experience.

This is such a great visual style that is not used enough in today’s games. Art direction really shines in this just from looking at the city and all the different graffiti designs. The re-release also includes fan-submitted designs to use as your tags around town, which was a nice touch for diehard fans of the game.

Visuals don’t make this game alone, the other half of what made this game a classic is the soundtrack. Many different genres are represented here such as J-pop, rock, hip hop, acid jazz, funk, electronic dance music and Trip Hop. Playing this game with headphones on and turning background music up all the way makes you feel immersed in the experience. There are not enough good things to say about the wide variety of songs and even though they seem to be a mix of completely different genres,
it works.

The game is nowhere near expensive and it is extremely convenient to download and start playing. The $10 price point is a good fit for the amount of content in the game. The story mode will not take you more than a weekend to complete. There are a lot of side missions to complete and trophies and achievements to unlock when it is all said and done.

Sega truly did a great job by re-releasing this game for fans new and old to enjoy once again. Even with its few problems, the game holds up as the classic people talk about 10 years after its original release.

So if you are a fan you probably don’t need any more convincing to pick up this game. Thankfully there is a demo you can play to check out the game if you are still unsure if this will be the right fit for you.

Note: this game was played on PS3.

Contact Spencer Pressly, staff reporter, at spressl2@jccc.edu.

Column: No one cares that it took you 30 minutes to park

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By Jon Parton

The first day I started working for The Campus Ledger, I learned that people like to complain about the parking. It doesn’t matter what time I show up to school, I’m always able to find a spot. Why are there so many people complaining about the parking?

We don’t have a parking problem at the college, we have a walking problem. Even the furthest parking spot only requires a five minute walk to the campus. I know because I’ve timed it.

I see them everyday I’m on campus. I call them parking buzzards. They’re students circling around and around until the perfect opportunity arises. I stare in puzzlement as I watch them do laps around the parking lot, waiting for a car to leave. Never mind the fact that if they had parked further away, they would have been on campus already. No, no, no. They must wait for the perfect spot to appear.

It’s absolutely ridiculous to hear people complain about parking, as if it were a brand new problem for the school. There are more people going to this college than there are at KU. Anyone with half a brain can figure out that parking is an issue, just by noticing how many parking garages are on campus. It’s like complaining about summer having hot weather. Is this your first day on Earth?

Maybe it’s a Johnson County thing where people have a false sense of entitlement. People somehow think that walking is beneath them. One of my co-workers goes out to their car to smoke, only to have one or more buzzards wait nearby. They usually fly off after a few minutes, but it’s very entertaining to watch.

What I really don’t understand are buzzards who circle the parking lot over and over again, following any pedestrians that might look like they’re leaving. I had one classmate show up half an hour late for class, blaming it on the parking problem. Like I said, it’s not a parking problem, it’s a walking problem.

Why is it that no one has a problem with the amount of walking they do from class to class, but when it’s from a car to the campus it becomes an issue? I’ve expended more energy walking up and down stairs on campus than I have walking to and from my car. By the looks of some of you, you could stand doing a bit more walking.

It’s time we stopped making parking an excuse. There are more than enough parking spaces available. If you spent more time walking and less time circling the lot like a bird of prey, you might actually get to class on time. Better yet, wild idea incoming, try coming to school earlier. Did I just blow your mind?

Contact Jon Parton, managing editor, at jparton@jccc.edu.

News briefs – Oct. 4, 2012

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College to host Japan Festival

The college will host the 15th annual Greater Kansas City Japan Festival from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 in the Carlsen Center. Tickets are $10 for adults and the general public, $5 for students and children and free to children under 5.

Various performances highlight this year’s event; including three sumo wrestling performances in Yardley Hall, traditional Japanese drum band Denver Taiko! and vocalist Aya Uchida. Cultural displays with various souvenirs and demonstrations will be available all day.

For more information, visit http://www.kcjapanfestival.com.

 

Overland Park City Council approves open carry ordinance

A new city ordinance allowing individuals to openly carry holstered handguns with the safety on went into effect Tuesday, Oct. 2. It was approved 11-1 by the Overland Park City Council at their meeting Monday, Sept. 24.

In accordance with Kan. Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s legal opinion, the ordinance allows for open carry in city parks, at various attractions such as the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, the Overland Park Soccer Complex and on public sidewalks.

Open and concealed guns are prohibited in government offices, private buildings and businesses that display a state-approved placard forbidding guns.

 

College, ESU sign reverse transfer agreement

Emporia State University President Michael D. Shonrock met with college president Terry Calaway Thursday, Sept. 27 to sign a reverse transfer agreement that will allow ESU students to continue pursuing their degrees at JCCC while enrolled there.

The agreement allows students who have completed at least 45 credit hours to achieve an associate degree while enrolled at ESU. It is also intended to benefit JCCC by increasing completer rate.

 

Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu