To Be, Or Not To Be Beautiful

 (photo from http://goodnewspic.com/2010/08/23/miss-universe-2010.html)

As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And if the beholder happens to be a guy you've had your eye on, surely you're gonna pull out all the stops to make him catch give you a second glance.

So you've gone to the gym, diligently stuck to your diet, waxed EVERYWHERE, gotten your hair, nails and makeup done...right?

Ladies, if you are not that high maintenance, then you have a problem.

Now, I am aware this is the OPPOSITE of what most you believe: it's beauty on the INSIDE that counts. Well, sorry girls, but I have some honest, bad news: men do care about what's on the inside, but they also care a lot about what's on the outside.

To quote Psychology Today's writer Amy Alkon, "being beautiful means being sexually appealing to men. And then instead of snarling that male sexuality is evil, we need to accept that it's just different..." (from her article "The Truth About Beauty")

According to psychologists, men are just more sexually "visual" than women. Men like to be "turned on" by what they see when they are having sex. So if a woman isn't physically attractive, their sex life will most likely have problems, if it even exists at all.

It seems unfair.But takeYourTango's contributing author Evan Marc Katz's advice: "Would the world be a better place if being 60 lbs overweight didn't matter? Sure... But that's not the world we live in. And the people who do best in the world we live in are not the ones who try to rewrite the rules of society but, rather, figure out how to navigate them successfully." (from his article "Why It's OK For Men To Judge Women On Their Looks")

Waiting for work

Summer vacations were fun back when I didn't have to worry about supporting myself. Now that I do, lazing around most of the week is driving me insane.

I don't understand why it's so hard for me to be motivated to engage in one of my hobbies (well besides running, as it's usually too hot to do that after 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.).

I should be keeping up with being involved in journalism. I should be reading my books, keeping up with new trends, etc. At least I still use Facebook and Twitter regularly.

Living on my own is great, don't get me wrong. Even though I live in a crowded room in a state where the only people I know are my roommates and my boyfriend, I have this new feeling of freedom that is one of the sweetest things I've ever tasted (besides Yoplait peach yogurt).

Now, it's only a matter of time. Hopefully, Sears will contact me very soon about orientation/training. Same goes for Babies R Us. In the mean time, I have to be patient, and try to make the most of each day where I have nothing scheduled (that means I need to lay off South Park reruns).

Am I hiding from the heat or just feeling lethargic?

Radio claims 80 degree weather today, so I'm guessing I'm lethargic :)

Shaun and I are doing pretty well by ourselves and with each other. We're working on overcoming feelings of dependency and claustrophobia.

These are two of the top causes of break ups. Someone feels either smothered or too heavily depended on, so they end the relationship rather than really talk about what's causing those feelings (this is the usual scenario).

Regardless of whether the couple lives together or not, this problem is bound to creep up at some point. So as an alternative to splitting up, talk over these feelings. It's a painful and tedious process, but it's also well worth it.

Pepper: my adopted (well, bought) chinchilla

Having been in Idaho for almost three weeks now, I still don't have much company while I spend the day watching TV and applying for jobs. So  asked my roommates and Shaun if I could get a chinchilla to counter the lonely, boring days.

A couple days ago I adopted Pepper from Petco. He's incredibly soft, cute and fast. We've gotten to the point where I can open the cage and pet him or pick him up and hold him without a fuss.

I'm very thankful John, Arielle and Shaun agreed Pepper could spend time at either location. I am not lonely any more and Pepper is very entertaining all hours of the day.

This here is Pepper. I still need to find out how old he is. He's a treat in my life. I feel happier now and much less bored. :)

Life in Boise

I'm still looking for work, so life is rather lonely. Shaun's at work all day, and I'm inside applying for job after job on the internet (and sometimes at a potential work place). Why won't anyone call me for an interview/hire me? I'm almost sure it's my not local phone number.

Other than the no job situation life is pretty good here. The weather is still hot but not humid, so it's tolerable. I've been keeping busy with regular cleaning, tasks I've been putting off for awhile (like getting my hair cut), and playing lots of Solitaire.

It's time I did journalism related stuff. I miss being connected with that part of my life. I have some plans, and I need to force myself to execute them.

Life in Boise update

It's been a little over a week since Shaun and I moved to Boise, ID. We've been struggling with work or lack thereof, illness, navigation and emotionally adapting. Things have improved now.

Shaun is finally starting to like his software job at Micron Technology. I'm still responding to job postings on Craigslist.

My roommates Arielle and John are both welcoming and pretty chill. Arielle has two fat cats, one of which has bonded with me. I'm in the stages of convincing Shaun he should get a cat at his place.

I have my own room and bathroom, and plenty of fridge space (not that it's ever filled with much). Shaun's townhouse is cozy. The neighbors are interesting. One was BBQing in a Tye-Dye T-shirt. A few of the little neighbors challenged Shaun and I to a game of tether ball. Of course they kicked our butts.

Recently I got the ERG valve on my car replaced. The mechanic promptly informed me of many other things that need to be fixed. I also pumped my own gas by myself for the first time this week. I'm still pretty proud of myself.

It's been hard on both Shaun and I not having a social life. We've made some tentative plans for dancing. Tonight Arielle's friend is coming over and the three of us are having a "girl's night." I'm not sure how I feel about this yet.

Story 5: Office Hours with Mike Houglum

At A Glance:

• Classes taught at LBCC: Speech 111, 112, 218, 219
   
• How long has he been at LBCC: 26 years
   
• Usually has: A 16-ounce cup of house coffee
   
• Speech topics heard most often: How to make a speech, and the classics like legalizing marijuana and lowering the drinking age to 18 aka the file folder speech in the frat house.

Quote: “Well you know how it is. The students are all with their energy drinks, or something like that, taking some sort of brain stimulants and if you’re not on the top of your game you really feel like you’re behind. I’m already fighting that.”

 (Mike Houglum at left in his office after the interview)

Unfortunately for staff and students, speech instructor Mike Houglum is soon approaching retirement. In fall 2012, Mike Houlgum will leave the speech department and students he has influenced.

While he doesn't advise any clubs or host any events, he is still loved by many of his students. It will be a loss to LBCC when he retires by fall 2012.

Mindi Jones (one of Houglum's students) changed her major to speech because of  Houlgum.

"He inspires me to work harder than any of my other teachers. He's interested, he's not boring, and he knows his stuff. He pays more attention to what I have to say than other teachers do. He always gives outside references so I can do outside research on my own."

Emma Barry hasn't converted to a speech major, but she is really into Houglum's classes and teaching style.

"I took interpersonal communication my first term here in fall 2009 because the class sounded interesting and I took it with Mike just on random chance. He turned out to be my favorite teacher. I'm taking all of his classes just because his enthusiasm makes anybody like the subject."

While Houglum doesn't bounce off the walls with excitement, he demonstrates his passion for the subject by providing students with a variety of useful and applicable information in his speech classes.

Houglum has been teaching communication classes at LBCC for 26 years. With his 16-ounce cup of coffee and the choir serenading in the adjacent classroom, Houglum put his communication skills to practice. Having graduated from California State University Northridge with a BA and master’s and earning a Ph.D. from UO, it’s safe to say Houglum knows his subject.

Commuter: You’ve mentioned in class that you were originally going to declare your major to be psychology. What made you change your mind?

Mike Houglum: A serendipitous series of events occurred and I was unable to declare that major. At the time I was told that they didn’t have enough resources to do advising for anymore psychology majors. A lady told me that I could declare a speech major and I said ‘sure.’ So she changed my entire destiny just by a suggestion. The dominoes really fell after that. I may not have gone for a Ph.D., I wouldn’t have met my wife (she was in speech at UO), everything changed.

C: What would you say your favorite speech class to teach is?

MH: I like two of them really well: persuasion and small group communication. I think those are both the most fun because in those classes students push to really explore things. They take it because they are interested in those topics and not because they are required to. I think it draws an audience of students that are really interested in the subject and so they push me to do better or try to stay ahead. And I learn a lot of things in those classes.

C: What do you learn?

MH: I learn new theories, I learn new ways of doing things, I learn about topics I would NEVER study on my own but that are really interesting and/or really significant to society. I get a chance to do what I originally set out to do, which is to learn things and try to find ways to teach other people about them.

C: Being a speech instructor, would you say it would be difficult to persuade you on anything?

MH: No, the overriding quality is being a teacher. Teachers are generally easy because they want to help students, just like agreeing to this interview, and even though I know a lot about persuasion it doesn’t always help protect me. It makes me suspicious but it doesn’t make me immune.

Where to find Mike Houglum
Office: SSH - 231B
Phone: 541-917-4281
E-mail: mike.houglum@linnbenton.edu
Office Hours: Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday 10-11 a.m.

Profile: Katherine Sanders lives to dance

(at left LBCC dance club members perform at the concert "Inspirations")

Katherine Sanders is known for her enthusiasm when teaching her jazz, modern and hip hop dance classes here at LBCC.

Sanders is also the staff representative and creator of the new LBCC dance club. She not only teaches her students to dance, but also provides them with opportunities to stretch their wings and choreograph their own work. 

Daniel Rasberry is appreciative of what Sanders is doing with the club. “I talked to Katherine and loved what she believed in. It fits me and my personality and the way I am.”

Jim Bell of the Athletic Department is also impressed with Sanders’ contributions to LBCC. “Her energy and enthusiasm, the motion and expression of dance have been caught by the students in the club and in her classes. It’s nice to see this new innovation.”

Katherine Sanders has brought a unique experience here to LBCC. With a variety of dance classes and this new performing dance club students have a wide range of opportunities to express themselves through dance.
Sanders explained, “I think anyone can dance.”

Commuter: “How and why did you first get involved with dancing and teaching?”

Katherine Sanders: “Both of my parents, and my entire family, are teachers. I just come from a family of teachers. My mother was my first dance teacher. She owned a dance studio when I was growing up so that got me involved with dance originally.

I definitely kind of went away from it for a little while but I always kept in my life a bit. Finally when I was just finishing high school and entering college I really realized that I was much happier when I was dancing regularly.

And since then I’ve just danced five days a week almost consistently since then. So it just kind of made sense … the teaching I guess and my family background … it’s jut what I do. I can’t imagine any job I would rather do.”

C: “What sort of dancing do you personally do in your free time?”

KS: “I don’t [laughs] because I dance so much during the week for my job. It’s rare for me to go out dancing or take any extra classes. In the summer time I go to New York City and I give myself a dance intensive that LBCC offers financial support for professional development and so I take a lot of modern and hip hop just to get a sense of the current moves coming out of New York City.”

C: “How did you become an instructor here at LBCC?”

KS: “When I moved up here from Eugene almost four years ago I was working at Willamette University and I noticed there was very little dance offered for adults in this area and especially through this college. [I also noticed] there was only one ballet class offered at the Benton Center and maybe some country line dancing for community ed., but [there wasn’t] a lot [offered].

I actually was just really proactive and called the people who do the community ed. in Corvallis and just let them know that I teach among other things hip hop, which is really a popular dance form right now and that they might want to consider offering it.

So about three and a half years ago they offered it as non-credit and it filled right away. So then I worked my way over here and said to the people in the PE department that since that class was obviously so popular that I encouraged them to offer a credit class of it.

As soon as people realized it was there it caught on and started to fill. Once hip hop was doing well I started offering other dance forms … It seemed like the community was missing that and I’ve been really happy to be able to fill that gap.”

C: “What’s your favorite thing about teaching here at LB?”

KS: “I would have to say the student population. I always liked the feel of a community college. To me there is so much more diversity because in the same class you could have a 17 year old who’s straight out of high school  mixed in with a 26 year old coming back after having two children and a 50 year old who is on their second round of trying to find a new career."

I love that because I feel it creates a really rich classroom. So for me as a teacher having people come in from those different walks of life that’s the best part [of teaching]. I feel like here people are living real life.”


*At a glance*

Classes taught at LBCC:
PE 185R & 186F, Modern Dance

How long she’s been at LBCC:
3 years

Life before LBCC:
She taught at dance schools where ever she lived and at Willamette University.

Office space:
“I don’t actually have an office because I’m part time. I joke with people that my office is right in front of the stereo cart because that’s where people meet to talk with me.”

Hobby:
“Glorified taxi driver” for two teen children, working in the garden, and taking walks in the park with the dog.

Three things Edna taught me

"My God Martha did you read this!"

This is just one amusing line from Edna Buchanan's "The Corpse Had a Familiar Face" over all was a compelling read and also inspiring. Buchanan paints an interesting picture of what a reporter should be like on and off the job.

A story she tell us involves her racing back to the office on deadline to write a story she had just been gathering information for. Another story opportunity presented itself. Buchanan barely hesitated before making and immediate and scary U-turn.

"Cops are people too." This is Buchanan's catch phrase all through the book. Her constant interactions with the police remind her (and everyone who reads "The Corpse Had a Familiar Face") that cops can be average, good or bad. Some are heroes. Others end up in their own jail cells (if the system is just).

Buchanan is fine with the single life. However, she did try out a few relationships during her crime beat carrier. They did not last long. It seems like a warning. Even though a reporter is always interacting with people, their intimate relationships either come last or don't happen at all (unless you have eight adopted kitties and a dog).

The stories in this book are very entertaining and highly recommended for journalists and those who just love a good read. Witty and gripping, it's a challenge to put it down.

Other books by Edna Buchanan:

• "Cold Case Squad"
• "Shadows"

Hamann focuses on moving LBCC forward

 At a Glance:

•  President Greg Hamann has a message for LBCC
• "Leadership comes from everywhere," Hamann said.
• Charles Madriaga: "I really appreciate him."
• Karelia Stetz-Waters: "I'm getting a good impression..."

While many students used the April 15 in-service day as an opportunity to sleep in, staff gathered in the Russell Tripp Performance Center to hear new LBCC President Greg Hamann give his first speech to all campus employees. Hamann shared his enthusiasm for his new role at LBCC, along with his thoughts on the future of the college and his concept of leadership.

Karelia Stetz-Waters, of the English department, is looking forward to Hamann’s influence.

“I think he’s going to do a good job. I’m getting a good impression from him.”

Upon entering the theater, staff were greeted with “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas blasting from the walls. As soon as everyone was seated, the Roadrunner danced out on stage and stood behind the podium. The room was full of gasps and laughter when it removed its head and President Hamann was revealed.

Still in the costume, he gave a teaser for his address later in the program:

“It isn’t about me, it’s about us.”

True to his word, President Hamann spoke to LBCC staff members about what he sees in store for the
college.

“I know that we are going to change,” Hamann said.

With that in mind, he voiced a fear held by many: there will come a point when the college will need to learn to do less - because enrollment increases are outpacing funding. One of the staff members asked how they would know when that point came. Hamann answered that everyone would have to decide together what that point would be. However, he also acknowledged that no matter what the challenge, everyone must be sure not to violate one of LBCC’s most noble principles: the students always come first.

Counselor Charles Madriaga is ready for whatever new innovations President Hamann might make to
LBCC.

“There’s a strong sense of hope,” Madriaga said. “I really appreciate him. And, quite honestly, he’s a good man.”

President Hamann also has some interesting ideas about leadership. He wants every staff member to understand that leadership is not about power. It’s about purpose.

Hamann’s definition of leadership contained five parts to leadership: unity, creativity, adaptability, persistence, and sharing. In order for this institution to work, he noted, everyone needs to be united. Sides can’t be taken. Staff members need to share their creativity. “Creativity is not just about one idea. It’s about bringing things together,” he said.

To illustrate how leadership must be adaptive and involve persistence, Hamann cited changes that needed to be made at his former college, Clatsop Community College, in Astoria. A few of the changes
involved constructing new buildings. The only way for that to happen was for everyone involved to be flexible and to persevere.

“Leadership does not just come from the top. It comes from everywhere. Everyone has a role to play.”

Hamann said about his role, “I’m most excited about coming to a place where I can be part of this community.”

LB students dance the night away (story #2)

 (at left dance club members have a laugh while practicing)

LBCC is dancing the night away, and then some.

Right now, members of the dance club are rushing rehearsals for the upcoming dance concert on May 7 and 8. The group is really enthused about the concert.

Chante Marvin, one of the dancers, said, “I’m looking forward to the performance. I’m really excited to see the other pieces people have come up with.”

Dance instructor Katherine Sanders explained, “We’re really putting on a show that takes a lot of people from the community to make it happen.”

Sanders has created a dance club open to any LBCC student with an interest in dance. Sanders explained, “I think everybody can dance.” Both genders and people of all levels (from no experience to professional) are highly encouraged to check out this new club that meets on the Albany campus and sometimes at the Benton Center.

Liz Pearce, one of Sanders’ students and an LBCC staff choreographer, said, “It’s great to have this opportunity on the Albany campus. There’s never been anything like this.”

Sanders began this club during fall term with the ambitious intention of having a dance organization originating out of LBCC and performing for the community. She felt that there was a desire and need. Forty students rose to the call.

Mia Sanchez, the student representative of the club, was “all over the idea.” As a dancer and one of the six student choreographers, she is very optimistic about this new club.

“I’m having a great time … it is a little frustrating when you go over it [the same dance] over and over and you have somebody else’s vision you’re trying to fulfill … but it’s a lot of fun.”

Sanders says that all types of dance are welcome in the club, but right now student interest mainly lies in hip hop and modern dance. Students choreograph most of the dances practiced.

Daniel Rasberry, one of the student choreographers and dance club members, said, “I love hip hop. I love the feel of it. I talked to Katherine and loved what she believed in and what she represents with her dancing. It fits me and my personality and the way I am.”

Sanders is a strong advocate for the arts, but her main passion is dance. She hopes this concert and the club will artistically inspire people, particularly other students. Her goals are to provide a creative learning experience for students outside of the classroom and to touch the community at large.



At a glance:

• For more information about the club contact Katherine Sanders at sanderk@linnbenton.edu or (541) 917-4235
• Concerts are 7:30 p.m. May 7 and 2 p.m. May 8 at the Russell Tripp Performance Center on the Albany campus
• Cost for concerts: $5 adult $2 children ages 5 to 12, free for children 4 and under
• check out this website for an explanation of hip hop
• for a definition of modern dance click this link

Top 3 from 100 things journalists should never do

With the media as a fabulous tool and a dangerous weapon, journalists have to decide how much integrity they want to exercise in this business. In my opinion, it is best to be a good person. That way, if people know you for being a fair, honest reporter, they will be more likely to talk to you and give you an excellent story.

Keeping that snippet in mind, journalists really should consider living by the phrase "treat others as how you would want to be treated". They should also live by other mantras, including these three:

1. A journalist should never be a friendly dog when reporting then go snake at the keyboard

2. Journalists should follow the facts where they lead, especially if that's somewhere unexpected and uncomfortable.

3. Never say you're unbiased. You are biased. The best journalists mitigate their biases; they don't hide them.

I chose these three because one of my goals in life is to be a very compassionate person. The first "never do", the one where it mentions being a friendly dog, is what I always try to do when reporting. If you are friendly and fun, people will be more willing to talk with you and work with you on a story.

Secondly, following the facts is less likely to get you in trouble. As Rob reminds us, the truth is your best bet. Also, facts are what people want. People want the truth. And some things are meant to be told. Uncomfortable things need to be discussed.

As for the third quote, there is so much truth to it. No matter what a person will be biased, even if it is just slightly. As a reporter, it is our duty to put aside our facts to "get the story".

These three items came from this site. Poynter is working on compiling 100 items (they are not there yet). They are receiving tips from Twitter and emails. A few of these "never do's" are similarly found in Tim Harrower's book "Inside Reporting".

LBCC soccer is run over by Southern Oregon University (1st newsreporting story)

Racing into the freezing rain LBCC the boys soccer club fought fiercely against Southern Oregon University only to be defeated by three goals.

Despite the cold and the rain, approximately 25 fans sat in the stands or stood on CHS’s track on April 4 to watch the soccer match. Both SOU and LBCC played gripping games with the final score being 4-1 to SOU.

LBCC Roadrunners worked an aggressive defense. TJ Comini , LBCC goalie, dove madly for the ball and had thrilling saves. Cesar Pablo Reyes darted into the skirmishes and attempted to steal control of the ball.

Mickey Allapach charged toward Southern Oregon’s goalie and managed to score LBCC’s first and only goal of the game.

Max Sampson played a feisty offense assisted by Motahana Al Zabidi. As a whole the team played a strong game.

Mark Uff says, “The team has good chemistry.”

While LBCC regularly stole the ball, they could not keep control of it and allowed three goals to glide through Comini’s outstretched arms.

Head Coach Art Mota comments, “The first half was disappointing. I think the effort was lacking on our part. They definitely out worked us. They took advantage of the open space ... we made some adjustments in the second half … played much better in the second half. The guys showed a little bit more heart, worked a little bit harder.”

The loss though is not devastating. Zabidi comments, “We tried our best. But we still have one more game. Next game we will do better.”

Amedce Ngarnkiye ads to the positive spirit: “We still have our pride.”

Everyone is looking forward the final upcoming game on April 17. This game will determine the Roadrunners placement in the league. The game will be held at LBCC, and Coach Mota believes the team will perform well.

“We still have something to play for. If we win our last game we can finish in third and then with the realignment the league is going to do next season we’d be in the Premiere league.”

Ian Chapman also has great faith in the team. “Our game has really stepped up this season. This is one hell of a team.”


At glance:

• final score: 4-1 SOU
• for past and future game details check out the Cascade Collegiate Soccer League website
• for more info about the soccer club check it out on LBCC's website
• if you want to join the soccer club email club advisor Coach Art Mota at art.mota@linnbenton.edu or call 541-917-4467
• next home game: April 17 12 p.m. LBCC Albany Campus

And the winner is ...

If you're an avid coffee drinker, you've probably wondered which of the "popular" coffee places you should go for an exceptionally tasty cup of coffee, but you don't want to spend a lot of money. You might also want to order some food while you're there. It might be late in the evening, and you don't know who's open.

In the end, it really matters who is worth your time. Now, everyone has different tastes. May this objective popular coffee comparison (of the Corvallis area) assist you in your search for the perfect cup of coffee whenever you need it.

Coffee Culture at a glance:
hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. except Sunday (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
sit-in locations: 9th Street and Kings Street
pricing: moderate

The coffee house on Kings is warm and cozy with colors of red, brown and beige. This is an excellent place for socializing, studying or just sitting solo. The varieties of food, coffee, tea and wine are more than satisfactory as well as the prices that come with them.The coffee feels like a warm silky robe with it's foamy top and subtle sweet taste. The food is filling and unique. In a word: classy.

Dutch Bros at a glance:
hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
sit-in location: Monroe Street
pricing: low

Upon entry you are greeted with a large silver peace sign. There's plenty of seating for those who want to study or just hang out. The entire building shimmers with shiny silver and black painted on the walls and tables. Besides coffee, they offer tea and simple food like bagels and muffins. The coffee itself is like slipping on your favorite pair of inexpensive jeans. The espresso is balanced by the flavor of your choice. In a word: college-oriented.

The Beanery at a glance:
hours: vary by location
sit-in locations: 26th Street, 2nd Street, Circle Boulevard
pricing: low - moderate

The Beanery claims it is "fiercely independent with it's Allann Bros coffee. Each location offers good seating as well as good coffee and food options (with similar prices to Coffee Culture). The set up is also similar to Coffee Culture with the difference being that the atmosphere is more hippie-like with water color paintings on the beige walls and simple wood tables. The coffee is foamy, simply flavored and rocks the espresso taste. In a word: retro.

Starbucks at a glance:
hours: vary by location
sit-in locations: Kings Street, various store locations
pricing: high

Starbucks very accurately reflects the price in coffee, as it is the most expensive of the four. The goldenrod and white walls provide a spacious feeling to the small study area in the back cove of their Kings location (in the Winco shopping area).  Starbucks also offers a variety of food ranging from bagels and muffins to wraps and pie pieces. The coffee is extremely sweet and milky to the point where you can't taste espresso at all. Starbucks takes pride in their "shared planet" logo: you and Starbucks. It's bigger than coffee.  In a word: upper-class.

All the coffee places discussed above are very close in price. On the other had, different food and atmospheres are offered. Each coffee location provided good customer service. So go out there and have that cup of coffee you've been craving.

Jennifer and Katie: the naked truth

Note: All names have been changed for the confidentiality of those interviewed.


It's Friday night and the girls are ready to head out. Jennifer's sweet face is adorned with make up and subtle glitter. Katie's clothes hug her bronze body and move over her luscious curves as if a second skin. These two best friends are off to work. They're going to shake their bodies up on stage, completely naked.

Here's the honest, bare naked truth: strippers are ordinary people. Not all are drug users. Many aren't whores. Most are just trying to make ends meet.

Jennifer and Katie were seniors in high school at the time they started stripping. Katie starts from the beginning, "I called Jennifer and said hey I need $10,000 [for tattooing school], and I need to make it fast, so you should be a stripper with me."

Way kept her answer simple and to the point: "um, ok."

That very night, at 2 am., they auditioned. And made it.

Both made $10,000. And more. The goal was to make enough money to not burden their parents with paying for their education.

However, Katie's mom loathed her daughter stripping. Noxima (one of Katie's former roommates and a friend to both girls) gives a summary of the mother's reaction "No daughter of mine is going to be a stripper. If you can't abide by my rules, then get out."

Katie moved out and into an apartment with a few other roommates. Jennifer still lived at home as her mother remained unaware that she stripped. Noxima testifies by saying that "her mom is a sweet woman, but kind of daft."

Way spent a lot of time at Katie's shared apartment. Noxima describes life at the apartment: "They were mature, but they were still teenagers." Both Katie and Jennifer were guilty of leaving dirty dishes in the sink and wet towels on the floor. However, when asked, they would clean up their messes. And they were always good about paying their fair share of the bills.

Brandon (a friend and former roommate of Katie and Jennifer) describes what it was like living with these two strippers. "It was interesting. They definitely had a bit of a wild side ... a few parties ... a little bit of typical girl drama  ... it was like living with two typical college students. At first it was like holy shit this is crazy, then it was like, 'ok'. You'd think living with strippers there'd be naked girls everywhere (that's the thought that goes through any guys mind). After a few months you think 'they're just roommates. When they're not stripping they're regular people'."

Katie and Jennifer made good money as strippers. Katie mentions that they easily made $30,000 (as they made about $300 a night). The job was taxing though. Katie began elaborating by saying, "Physically, it takes a toll on you," when Jennifer chimed in, "Not only the heels but then the pole, like the first time you go up on the pole your whole thighs are black and blue."

Worse yet, it was mentally exhausting. Jennifer says, "I know for me personally it wears on me. I could only do it twice a week or else I would feel overwhelmed...you just start feeling like a whore."

Jennifer and Katie fought the emotional overload by remembering to separate stripping from sex. Katie says, "I can either be me, or I can be a stripper." Jennifer describes the experience as being like acting. "I'm just going to be an actor right now. I'm going to be this [other] girl. And when I'm done I'm going to take off all my stripping stuff and just be myself again."

While the job was a challenge, it gave both Katie and Jennifer a new found confidence they'd never had before. Katie explains, "I feel so comfortable in my own skin. Overall I just feel so comfortable with myself. I'm glad I did it."

Jennifer says, "There's a few negative things here and there, but they're just blown away by all the positives. You get so many compliments and you're like 'wow, I don't look as bad as I thought I did'. You just feel good about yourself. And I paid for school, so I felt self-worth, and I felt like I was independent and that I was doing stuff with my life."

Brandon noticed the change in confidence in both girls. "Over time Katie got more confident. Jennifer got a lot more confident and very much as a result of that [stripping]. Jennifer went from kind of being unsure of herself to being a lot more sure of what she wants out of life."

Right now, both girls are done with stripping. Katie is attending school for nursing and Jennifer is studying physical therapy while working part time at Goodwill. Katie and Jennifer are both relieved to not have to strip anymore. Jennifer comments on her job:

"I love it ... I enjoy it a lot more than stripping."

Katie also would rather do "normal" work. "The difference is indescribable. You can't compare the two."

Katie has some enlightening secrets about the world of stripping: "At first we just assumed that the people working there would be crack-heads and they just care about making that extra buck and they don't care how they do it.We thought we'd be the only 'decent' people working there. We figured that if we stuck together that we wouldn't get caught up in the drug world or anything like that."

Jennifer adds, "A lot of people are parents and college students just like us. We've seen so many girls at school that strip. And a few of them have other jobs too. They just needed more money to get by ... it's different than you might think."

Katie concludes about how we as a society should view people that strip: "People should actually talk to someone [one of the strippers] before they judge them. People should bite their tongues and at least take into consideration that maybe someone who does something like that [stripping] isn't doing it because they're a whore or because they're a druggie. Maybe the case is they're trying to get by just like everybody else."

At a Glance:

Strippers can be loved too
Issues of stripping
What would you do?

Stephen King is my hero

I loved "On Writing". The anecdotes are incredibly funny yet also very insightful. For example, the stories he shares concerning his wife always make me smile, but they also help me things in my relationship, and how it all applies to writing (i.e. support). Another interesting clip was when he discussed his problems with abusing alcohol and drugs. He finally acknowledged that good writers don't have to be in a drug induced altered state to be good.

Three specific things that I learned consist of understanding that the paragraph is the framework of a story, great writers have a talent so you can't make a great writer out of a bad writer, and all you really need is one supporting person to continue writing. I really appreciate this book and all the wisdom and tips it has given me.

Blog Commentary

I never knew Frank was so into writing until I read one of his blog posts. His review on the Book of Eli will help you decide whether or not you want to see the movie (if you haven't already). I'm actually considering watching it now. The preview didn't do much for me. Frank's post was way more insightful. I like how there were other sources included that also reviewed the movie. I also like how Frank's voice was separate from the other reviews. One of my favorite lines from the other sources was "It grips your attention and then at the end throws in several "WTF!" moments". Frank's description of the Book of Eli as being a "page turner of a movie" was an excellent description. Being an avid reader, that really peaked my interest.

Great post Frank!

Stephen King thoughts

From pages 51-100, Stephen King continues to entertain me with anecdotes and tips on how not to be stupid in life and become a better writer. In these pages, King mentions a few important pieces of advice, one of which being that a writer does not need drugs or alcohol to write well. Second he discusses character development, particularly how a character may "change unexpectedly". Toward the end, King gives very concrete instructions to "put your desk in a corner....and don't come lightly to the blank page". I think the desk in a corner represents the need for humility and that not coming lightly to the blank page implies that while writing is fun, if you're going to make a living out of it you have to take it seriously. One final thing that King wrote that stood out to me was that "Having someone who believes in you makes all the difference". He described that person as "someone who knows". I'm very grateful to have a few of those in my life right now.

And for the record, my favorite quote is in the anecdote about his drinking days. King's friend had such a problem that he was forced to go see a counselor. The counselor asked King's friend, "How much do you drink?" His friend disbelievingly replied, "All of it!"

I'm too young to die ("The Lovely Bones" Review)

“My murderer began to feel safe…but there was one thing he didn’t understand…how much a father could love his daughter," Susie Salmon said. She was 13 when she was murdered Dec. 6, 1973 by her deceiving neighbor. Back then little girls did not go missing, nor were brutally killed.

“The Lovely Bones” is based on the novel by Alice Sebold and directed by Peter Jackson ("Lord of the Rings"). The movie is dramatically narrated by Susie (Saoirse Ronan) as we travel through parts of her brief past, rush through her present, and then slowly watch her family’s and murderer’s future unfold.

Susie confesses that she wants her murderer (Stanley Tucci) “cold and dead” because of what he did to her. Her father Jack (Mark Walberg) and sister Lindsey (Rose Mclver) become unhealthily obsessed with finding the killer, however her mother Abigail (Rachel Weisz) withdraws from the household after she yells at her husband, “Can’t you just leave it alone!” Of all of them, Susie’s brother Buckley (Christian Thomas Ashdale) is calmed by the understanding that “Susie is in the inbetween”, watching over them.

While stuck in the “inbetween” Susie is torn between her craving for vengeance and her desire to move on to heaven. However, it is the haunting that pushes her to side with vengeance. As Susie watches in the blue horizon, she sees her father and sister piece together clues that could lead them to her murder.

While sitting in the theater or at home, "The Lovely Bones" will make your heart race (even though you know what's going to happen). The light background music or normal noises set the scenes for anticipated suspense and quiet contemplation of relationships and the afterlife.

The acting is satisfactory overall, but particular actors stand out as above average. Saorise Ronan (Suzie) of course does an excellent job of playing the dead girl. Her far away, yet passionate voice guides the plot along. Mark Walberg (Suzie's father) is exceptional with displaying a variety of dramatic emotions, such as the grief and anger he feels. Finally, Stanley Tucci (the murderous neighbor) is fantastic. How he can be so creepy and insane yet appear completely normal in different circumstances is quite the achievement in the acting department.

The movie plot is similar to the novel plot, however some details were more craftily hinted at and not immediately obvious. In the summary from Wikipedia, it states that Suzi was not only murdered, but raped as well. Later in the movie, it shows that Suzie can't quite move on until she makes one last connection with the boy she liked. The movie barely implies this, but like in the novel, they end up making love, which enables Suzie to finally move on.

Unlike the novel, the movie also doesn't develop some of the more interesting relationships Suzie has in the book (like with her best friend, they boy she likes, or the "lonely creepy" girl that can connect with the dead. Having read about these relationships, I'm disappointed the movie couldn't weave those in. On the bright side of the tragedy, the movie does an excellent job of portraying the strain a death in the family causes on the family unit itself, as well as friends of members of the family.

While “The Lovely Bones” is not as action packed as "Lord of the Rings", it is a thrilling  film that is full of strong emotions. The ending is at least satisfactory, while the plot is spattered with instances that will make your heart jump or break.This movie gets four stars out of five.

Movie Details (At a Glance):

• Rated PG-13
• Length: 2 hr 15 min
• Genre: Alternative Thriller
  
• Showing in Corvallis and Albany
  

Published Article: Up in the Air Review

 Two thumbs "Up in the Air"
Alx George
The Commuter

Jason Reitman (director of “Juno”) has us laughing again with his newest release, “Up in the Air.” The film is a gender-neutral, light-hearted, only slightly romantic comedy, and its creative plot glides through the turbulence that Ryan (George Clooney) and Natalie (Anna Kendrick) experience on the job as downsizing experts. To complement thought-provoking insights, Reitman incorporates well-placed comic scenes and subtle recurring jokes.
The movie lifts off by introducing us to Ryan, head of a downsizing corporation, who almost immediately meets Alex (Vera Farminga), an attractive frequent flyer like himself. After discovering how much they have in common, the two catch different planes and Ryan meets Natalie (his not-so-lovely coworker), who has the nerve and ambition to revamp the corporation by “letting people go” via webcam. Ryan feels it’s his duty to help Natalie see “the light”: there are some things that just shouldn’t be done over a phone or a computer. While Ryan metaphorically beats Natalie’s head against a computer screen, Natalie protests Ryan’s chosen isolated lifestyle and Alex attempts to seduce Ryan from the sidelines.
This movie was definitely worth watching - if not in theaters, then at least on DVD. There are some interesting twists, quite a few laughs, not to mention plenty of I-told-you-so moments.

First feature story: Epic fail

Epic Fail

Most of us have heard this phrase (epic fail), but do we know what it really means? Briana Conrad, a student here at LBCC, sums it up pretty accurately as a “major set-back."

So what constitutes as an epic fail? You'll notice in the blurps below that there are two common factors: embarrassment and more problems. Let's look at those stories that have happened to LBCC students...

Wrong side of the bed

You’ve had “one of those mornings” right? Jaerod Case is having one of them now. He is supposed to carpool with Ivan Watts. Of course Watts is unreachable.

Case has now arrived tardy to school, hence the hurried grabbing of textbooks. Case comes to find (in class) that they are the wrong books.

Now, in class, Case has discovered that he has an assignment due. This assignment is not complete. Case quietly exits the class to go do his assignment.

 You might want to check your alarm and your time management skills Case.

Run Forrest, Run!

Every term Devin Winters makes an effort to memorize his schedule. Today, he remembers what his classes are, however the times are a little mixed up in his brain

He is now standing in the Athletic Center, realizing that he actually has a speech class in North Santiam, happening right now.

“I quite literally run to my class”, Winters confides. On one of these unfortunate days, his overburdened back pack suddenly breaks at both straps.

Winters, it's time you got a new backpack.

Oh $%!&

It is fall term of 2009. Bryce Kuenzi is sitting in his 3D Design class and has just instructed them to do an assignment involving form and function (“or whatever”-Kuenzi).

Now that the instructor is out of sight, Kuenzi feels it is appropriate to colorfully voice his displeasure about the assignment and the instructor.

The entire class is witness, as well the instructor herself (who is crouched down fixing a computer).

What will Kuenzi do? “Deny, deny, deny!” (Kuenzi). However, Kuenzi is feeling a little guilty. He is going to apologize to the instructor and fess up.

The truth shall set you free Kuenzi.

Dude, where’s my class?

Corey Breitbach has successfully obtained permission to take Illustration II even though he hasn’t taken Illustration I. Unfortunately, he can’t find the classroom.

He asks a friendly lady in North Santiam to direct him. He takes a seat, and begins to absorb the new, unfamiliar material to him.

This goes on for about two weeks when one day the instructor approaches him and asks “Did I sign a waitlist slip for you? I don’t have you on my roster”.

At this moment, Breitbach is suspicious that he is attending the wrong class. “Now I have to take as much as I can of Multimedia II, however, I will receive an incomplete”, Breitbach laughs.

Apparently Breitbach missed the memo (aka the syllabus).

Based on these incidents, it's understandable that an epic fail is hard to define. However, now we can recognize one when we witness it

At a glance:

If you liked these stories, you'll like this website
If you liked Urban Dictionary's definition, check out what Wikipedia has to say

Published submitted article: Ancient traditions for the future

 Ancient traditions for the future
Alx George
The Commuter

New Year’s resolutions are nothing new. The tradition of making goals for self-improvement started around Babylonian times (as far as we can tell) to bring about favor from the gods. During the time of Julius Caesar, the Romans would give each other gifts of sacred branches that would bring them good fortune. And like the Babylonians, they would also make promises of good conduct to their gods.
   
Today, Americans make similar promises of improved behavior to themselves, their friends and family, and even God. Albrecht Powell of About.com provides us with a compiled list of the Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions (if your resolution is one or several of these, some classes/activities that would help are listed):

1. Spend more time with family and friends
    Social and Individual Health Determinants (HE 225)
   
2. Get fit
    Body Conditioning (PE 185G)

3.Lose weight
    Jogging (PE 185P)

4. Quit smoking
    Lifetime Health and Fitness (PE 231)

5. Enjoy life more
    Turning Point Transitions (9.983A)

6. Quit drinking
    Lifetime Health and Fitness (PE 231)

7. Get out of debt
    Financial Future (0.667)

8. Learn something new
    Any class you’ve never taken before

9. Help others
    Pick up trash around campus

10. Get organized
        Get Organized (0.446A)

While these goals are great, very few people actually achieve them. With this in mind, professor Cindy Falk includes a section on making and obtaining achievable goals in course HE225, Social & Individual Determinants of Health. The following suggestions will help you be more successful carrying out your New Year’s Resolutions:

1.  Keep a diary of what you are doing and the progress you are making

2. Choose a buddy you can “report to”

3. Make a plan with achievable little goals that will help you accomplish the “big one”

4. Reward yourself at significant intervals (i.e., after conquering a little goal)

5. Make constant, continual, and conscious effort