Gills Got Globetrotters

By: Michael Rivera

Staff Videographer/Contributing Writer

The LBCC Commuter

Corvallis, OR: As the sound of “Sweet Georgia Brown” played through basketball arena, the sounds of leather and hardwood, thousands of people cheered and laughed at the world famous “Harlem Globetrotters” put on another great show on their road trip.

The Harlem Globetrotters came out with an unorthodox, fancy style of basketball at Gill Coliseum on Thursday, April 27th, to a welcoming crowd of 6,000-6,500 that reaches capacity at 10,000 people, said event staff. The Globetrotters booked the gym and ran, mostly on their own staff.

The show started at little after 7:00 p.m., with “Globey”, the Globetrotters Mascot, getting the crowd to with interesting dance and tricks. From getting four guys to sit without chairs and getting a little girl to spinning a basketball on her finger for the the first time, the Globetrotters really impressed a crowd, especially the first-time viewers.

The Globetrotters are making history for themselves this season, as rookie TNT becomes the first woman Globetrotter in 20 years, says the Globetrotter organization. Also, they have the shortest player in their history at 5’3”. This goes to show everyone that their hard work has paid off.

Lindsay Hedding took her son, Chris, for both their first times and describe with excitement and laughter.

“It’s hilarious and so funny; We missed seeing  them for their Portland show, so we were glad to see them in Corvallis,” said Lindsay.

“It’s so cool. My favorite part had to be when they pants people,” says Chris, with a smile.

According to the Globetrotter staff, their current U.S. tour began on Christmas day in Auburn Hills, MI as they tour for four months in the states before the start their international tour. All-in-all, the Globetrotters play an average of 300 plus games a year. Under Globetrotter policy, the staff are not allowed to do formal interviews.

The Globetrotters were fun of amazing basketball moves, dribbles, dunks and jokes. One player, Bull periodically climbed onto the basketball hoop to spite the ref or kick an incoming shot. The referees had a run for their money as the Globetrotters provoked them all night. From mimicking them to arguing semantics, the crowd was left to laugh and cheer as they comedy came and went.

Big Easy ran the show, setting up all the Globetrotters basketball plays and being the team leader for the night. Players like Bull, TNT, Stretch, Scooter and Hop all contributed with precise and well-practiced ball handling, passing and alley-oops style dunks.
“We’re having a great time. I haven’t seen them since the ‘70s, so it’s nice to see them now.” said Marty Fitzpatrick, a father taking his son Barron for his first time.

Vandon Haugen thought that the Globetrotters were pretty funny. “They are pretty amazing. I always think its funny when they mess with the refs.”

At a Glance:
If you are interested in looking for more Globetrotter information, such as players or schedules, you can refer to their website, www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

JN 134: Joe Hunter Mugshot and Portrait

Joe Hunter aka "Philly Blunt", born on
May  14, 1978 in Treasury Island, CA.
 Was in a military family that moved a lot.
As a child, he moved from California, England
, Germany, The Philippines, China, Delaware.
During the beginning of his music career, he lived Philadelphia,
Florida, Maine, Louisiana and ,now, Oregon. 

J

As he works on his next project,
\ you can find Joe as a cook at Elmer's in Corvallis.
Other times, you will find him strolling around with his
guitar trying to make some real music.
"As long as you got a guitar and music
 in your heart, you'll never be lonely," said Hunter. 

JN 134: Video on Photojournalist in the Thick

By: Michael Rivera

Staff Videographer/Contributing Writer

The LBCC Commuter

Check out this story by the Huffington Post: shocking footage of a college party gone bad at Kent State University. In the video, you will see the use of flash bang grenades and tear gas. Usually, I would take the opinion that this is excessive, but you have to see the videos of the college students openly rioting against the police. All I have to say is that if you're in a crowd of 3,000 people and are throwing beer bottles at policemen, you have all the bad things coming to you.

Check out this video of the photojournalist at work. See how much she's moving and how fast she's taking pictures. I found this quite interesting since she was there right in the middle of the riot happening:

Marijuana: Heath, Legal and Student Opinions

By. Michael Rivera

When it comes to the current state of marijuana, there is a strong force working for and against reforming its legalization. Some automatically judge against it and condemn those who use it, even if they know nothing about it. Some believe when compared to alcohol and tobacco, marijuana has much greater health benefit potential, without as many addictive characteristics.

According to Norml.com, in 1998, 55 percent of Oregon voted in favor of Measure 67 (the Medical Marijuana Act) under the guidelines of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) in order to treat “cachexia; cancer; chronic pain; epilepsy and other disorders characterized by seizures; glaucoma; HIV or AIDS; multiple sclerosis and other disorders characterized by muscle spasticity; and nausea.”

Many patients prefer medical marijuana over synthetically created prescriptions because of the effect of THC (the active chemical in marijuana). It helps stimulate an appetite, especially for cancer patients. Some prescription medications have many harmful side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Marijuana has minimal side effects, in comparison, such as sleepiness and hunger.

Fiscally, treatment for these diseases can be extremely strenuous for those who cannot afford health insurance. Medical marijuana offers OMMP patients a cheaper option. Even so, people are under the assumption that the toxins inhaled when smoking are bad for us, no matter what. However, according to Anahad O’Connor, writer for the New York Times, a new government study shows that moderate smoking over several year does not make a significant difference to someone’s health.

“The researchers followed more than 5,000 people over two decades and found that regularly smoking marijuana – the equivalent of up to a joint a day over seven years – did not impair performance on a lung function test,” says O’Connor.

The study did find that after 10 years of daily smoking, lung function was compromised.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “It was estimated that marijuana users have a 4.8-fold increase in the risk of heart attack in the first hour after smoking the drug. This may be due to increased heart rate, as well as the effects of marijuana on heart rhythms, causing palpitations and arrhythmia.”

Even O’Connor says that “smoking marijuana irritates the airways and can cause coughing, and public health advocates stress that it causes impairment that reduces attention, lowers motivation and heightens the risk of accidents.”

This is why many medical marijuana users prefer edible-marijuana foods to smoking it. Food that has been made with extracted THC is processed by the liver (that processes the toxins) prior to entering the bloodstream. This also produces a body high, instead of a mental one.

It is true that the abuse of marijuana can have adverse effects on your health, but when used responsibly and in moderation, there are few harmful effects, unlike tobacco.

Tobacco and nicotine are legal drugs found in cigarettes, which are known to cause lung cancer, wrinkles, and heart disease. They also contain other harmful toxins, such as tar and rat poison.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are about 5 million deaths related to cigarette use anually world-wide. “In the United States, tobacco use is responsible for about one in five deaths annually (i.e., about 443,000 deaths per year, and an estimated 49,000 of these smoking-related deaths are the result of secondhand smoke exposure).”

For example, the use of alcohol versus marijuana has  adverse statistics. In a CDC report, it says that the United States, from 2001-2005, had 43,731 alcohol-related deaths. In Oregon, we experienced 523 of those alcohol-related deaths, yet there is no information on marijuana-related deaths.

If alcohol and tobacco are more harmful and more addictive than marijuana, why are they legal?
Some people fear that the legalization of medical marijuana will increase the chances of underage use and DUIs. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) claims: “A study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse surveyed 6,000 teenage drivers. It studied those who drove more than six times a month after using marijuana. The study found that they were about two and-a-half times more likely to be involved in a traffic accident than those who didn’t smoke before driving.”

Impaired driving is wrong and shouldn’t be condoned. Though marijuana may benefit patients when used in moderation, one must not be ignorant to the harm that is associated with its abuse. With any substance, correct doses and responsibility is key.

The DEA says any illegal drug made legal will increase crimes – the cost of controlling legalized marijuana would increase tax dollar spending by youth prevention programs and addiction recovery. The DEA claims that in 2002, “federal drug control spending is minimal … the amount of money spent by the federal government on drug control was less than $19 billion in its entirety.” This money is said to be “used for treatment, education and prevention, as well as enforcement.”
“If the number of drug abusers doubled or tripled, the social costs would be enormous,” stated the DEA.

There is a thin line for marijuana’s legality. There is concern that if legalized, people could abuse it by going to their doctor and requesting a medial card for minor, or false issues. Permits for medical marijuana cards are state issued; if the state has decided that this patient needs a medical marijuana card, which are pre-approved by primary physicians.

This does not guarantee anything. Even though it’s legal to use medical marijuana with a card, it doesn’t mean you are free from trouble with the federal law. According to the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act, OMMP will protect the cardholder in the state of Oregon, however you may not be protected from the federal government. This should bring concern to patients applying for their medical marijuana cards.

No matter the side you stand on, it is hard to understand something when it has been considered a “horrible drug” and dismissed quickly. The best way to find your own opinion is to do your own research. If we don’t look at the pros and cons of this issue, there is no way to fully understand either side.

JN 134: Assignment 3

2nd Annual Earth Sustainability Fair, LBCC Albany Campus
April 18th, 2012

I love how this caputures journalism on LBCC's campus.

Michelle Strachan interviews Bryan Schiedler

Joesph Schmidt shows me the the LBCC Horticulture Club's
Farm

It's 420, Everywhere

By: Michael Rivera

This is a day that all can rejoice,

This is a day that all have a voice.

A toke here, a toke there,

it’s 420 everywhere.

So pack your bowls and roll your joints,

for tonight's a night that will end all points.

whether it’s sativa or indyca in the air,

it will smell of 420 everywhere.

Bake some chronic cakes or cookies,

but don’t eat them all like an experimenting rookie.

Break off a piece, pass it to a friend, and share

it’s a community aspect when 420 is everywhere.

so bring your bags; don’t be shy,

gather ‘round so we may all get high.

with the sounds of stupid laughs or aimlessly glued to your chair,

just realize that its 420 everywhere.

As the smoke-filled room permeates the room and the mood goes hazy,

your squint as your eyes have gone lazy.

hungry as hell, but don’t want to leave your lair,

this is the only struggle when it’s 420 everywhere.

Just remember to be free and glad,

because not that your baked, you can’t get mad.

Have pipe, blunt or bong, because we only really care,

that you have a great day when it’s 420 everywhere.

10 Ways on How Not To Be a College Asshole

By: Michael Rivera

College is full of diversity; diversity of people, beliefs, beauty and of course... assholes.

Before I continue this rant, we need to define a couple things. Most people get the words , douchebag, dick and asshole mixed together. In order to properly address "how not to be an asshole", we should cover these basics:

A douchebag is a person that most people tolerate, but particularly don’t like. They come well-manicured and display narcissistic tendencies. If you are in need of an example, please watch one episode of “Jersey Shore”.

A dick is man showing either masculinity or dominance. These situations usually occur when two males are interested in the same female. They do and say things in order to make their second brain seem bigger than the others; whether by funny, mean, demeaning, or racy comments or gestures. These types of thick-headed fleshy pods are compensating for a lack there of...

The assholes are people who go out of their way to piss you off. They possess a cynical lack of care for other people’s feelings or beliefs. There are few who are rarely friends with asshole, because they are that repulsive to be around. Most assholes are friends with other assholes because no one likes them and they can stew together.


Assholes can be the aristocrat; they don’t have to answer to anyone and they have enough money to do what they want, when they want. Yes, your boss can go under this category as well. It's that dude at the DMV who hands you one page of information to fill out, only to makes you grab another number slip and wait 45 minutes to see him again. This is the guy who passes you on the freeway, cuts you off and drives slower than you were driving.  

Let's face it: from time to time, we find ourselves in that category of the flatulent gatekeeper. Now you understand how the asshole works; here are some tips on how to avoid being an anus in a college environment, starting least to most important:

10. If laundry in the dryer is still wet, please don't take too long:
This applies to people living in apartment complexes or shared laundry units. Nobody likes waiting around to use the dryer. We have homework to do, beer to drink, etc... If they packed the dryer too tight, then they are the assholes and should have to deal with that problem.

9. Don’t be a hater:
“If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say it at all” is a phrase that everyone’s mother has told them over and over again. Why? People aren’t trying to hear you bitch about someone or something. No one gives a cares about your negative opinion. This also coincides with racism, sexism and making fun of homosexuals.

8. Drunk is not an excuse:
How many times have you heard a friend say, “I’m sorry I was an asshole last night; I was just really drunk...” That’s like saying, “I’m sorry I smashed your girlfriend and gave her three orgasms; I was drunk...” or “I’m sorry I took a shit on your floor...” I could go into more lengthy and reproachful scenarios, but I feel you understand my deposition.

7. Don’t cheat:
Yes, we are young, dumb and full of... well, you get the picture. We are experimenting with relationships at this age of our lives, but it is never cool to go screw someone else, regardless of the circumstance. There’s nothing worse than figuring out that your partner slept with someone, like your BFF, siblings, parent, etc. It’s hurtful to be unfaithful to someone and loses a lot of trust. It's something that will always be in the back of their mind; they’ll do it back to spite you. Then, people catch wind of the situation, and you find yourself lonely to a box of tissues and the World Wide Web.

6. Clean after yourself:
When you are dirty and don’t clean up, people will start to hate you; especially roommates. If you are regularly being called out by your roomies for being a pig, just clean the shit up. People will start liking you more. Example, you make some food. DO YOUR DISHES! If you puke on the driveway. SPRAY OFF THE DRIVEWAY! Your mom isn't around to follow you, cleaning up after as you go. If she is, then you are a tool. If you live with your mother, then still clean up. She's probably sick and tired of you acting childish.

5. Be respectful:
When you give respect, you get respect. Assholes, generally, don’t give a shit about what people think of them; thus, why we refer to them as an orfus of which feces is excreted. Plus, if you talk smack to someone who is bigger than you and they hit you in the mouth, just know you had it coming. If you go to jail and aren't respectful, you will most like experience very unpleasant consequences. As a wise man once said: "Don't crap on the hand that feeds you."

4. Let it go:
If you have a disagreement with someone, just release it into the wind and let it float away. Assholes like let things fester sometimes, which cause severe constipation of the attitude. These anal-retentives like to re-harsh problems from long ago, even after there was closure. Trust me, people already know when they messed up and sure don't like it when there is a constant reminder. If its something that drastic, you probably don't want to be friends with that person, anyway. So get the hell over it, please.

3. Be quiet in the library:
We like the library because it’s a quiet, serene place to study. We pay a lot of good money for our education. Some students have no other outlet for a study environment than the library. Nobody cares about your overly excited conversation with your frat bro on how you tag teamed some “drunk bitch” or got super wasted and pissed yourself. Do this quietly via text message or go outside of the study area.

2. Shower regularly:
Sometimes you wake up late for class and you are in a rush, so you skip the shower to make it to class on time. Please do everyone a favor: take a damn shower so you don’t smell like ass. Guys, if you don’t shower, girls will not want to fuck you. Girls, if you don’t shower... well guys will still try to pork you.

1. Don’t give people STDs/STIs:
The worst impression to give that special someone is some gonorrhea. Herpes isn't the gift that keeps on giving that you want to give away. Generally, people will be disgusted/horrified, will tell their friends and you will become a social piraha. Regular checks with the doctor will save you much hatred.


Please do your best to watch out for these types of behavior. Remember, its better to be nice to somebody that it is to act like a shit puppet.

Ruggers Help Community and Head to Playoffs

There is two thing that Corvallis Brewers do extremely well; helping the community and playing rugby.

The Corvallis Rugby Club (a recently granted non-profit organization) is part of the Pacific Northwest Rugby Football Union Men’s Division III League. From players and members ranging 18 to 50, this social club brings people from around the Linn, Benton, and Marion Counties together.

Jeff Billings, member an LBCC student, says that the recently turned non-profit organization wants to focus on community by starting rugby clinics during the summer, help other organizations (such as Habitat for Humanity) and establishing their women's team. Billings says that the club wants to be involved around the communities to show people that rugby is a sport for everyone.

“This is a great club throughout the whole league. We are a lot more organized since past years, our first year with a coach, and a really tight-knit group that meld as a unit,” said Billings.

The Corvallis Brewers started in 1973. The program ended up folding in the early ‘90s, yet some members held onto the bank accounts and uniforms. After approaching many ex-rugby players at OSU, who were past the eligibility, the club started back up. Except this time, they’re growth has been exponential every new year.

“The club is growing,” said Yonatan Weiss, Team Representative. “Our practices went from 8-15 players to 15-30 players this year.”

From a small group of friends to a community club, the Brewers have banned together to put their home town on the page of prestige in the rugby community. Members range from Corvallis, Albany and the Salem area. Fighting tooth and nail, tit for tat, the Brewers are making a rumble throughout Washington and Oregon as a force to be reckoned with.This club rugby team has been able to hold the number 3 ranked spot in the Pacific Northwest Rugby Union as they head off into the playoffs, starting April 15th at Skyliner Park in Bend, Oregon.

“Our best qualities are the team spirit, encouragement and the inclusive culture,” said Winston McCullough, first-year coach of the Brewers, “One thing that has improved us from last year is the commitment of these players.”

Jake Jones, President of the Corvallis Rugby Club, was a former Oregon State Rugby player. He talks about the club as an opportunity to continue rugby, a lifelong passion, and a place of great friendships.

“Overall, the mentality isn’t super competitive. Don’t get me wrong; we still do compete to win, but our club is more social with everyone on our team and within our conference. Think about it; how many club sports teams house the opposing team as they visit? You don’t find that very often.”

At a Glance:

If you are interested in joining:

Corvallis Rugby Club

website: www.corvallisrugby.com/contact
e-mail: info@corvallisrugby.com
phone: (541) 321-0879

JN 134: Assignment 2

Beautiful Sunny Day on the LBCC Campus

Jake Jones, President of Corvallis Rugby Club,
prepares a  double straw for the "Das Boot"

Yonatan Weiss, Representative for the Corvallis Rugby Club,
celebrates his birthday with all his friends with the boot

The Recipe for Freshly-Baked Confusion

The Recipe for Freshly-Baked Confusion

By: Michael Rivera

Start with a base of illustrious illogical fantasies, 
comprised of lucid lengthy language;
that cannot be measured in what we perceive as measurements,
but by the abstract,perpetual glyphic called the mind.

Boil to medium, as the author illuminates the infamous indecision,
the contrasting cynic that closely relates to the reality of hypothetical ingenuity;
on the grounds of nothing in the existence of concrete physics,
but everything that thrives on the sense, defying and dominating the theory.

Mix the message that slips slowly through the incoherent mind,
the attentions span is diligent in its attempts to select something we call other,
so where roses are red with the redemption of captivated thought,
the mind wanders aimlessly drunk with the ignorance that fills us with bliss.

Bake at the temperature of childish ambition,
Let is sit on a train of reproachful thought;
seasoned with the calibrated mendacity,
serve on a hot fresh plate of quantified deceptions.

"The 2nd Annual Life is a... Cabaret" Raises Money

By: Michael Rivera

Elise Hermes captures the audiences
with her stellar performance.

April 5th, 2012

Albany, OR: It was a night filled with song and celebration as the LBCC Choir showed the large audience how to have a lot of fun with song and dance.

The “2nd Annual Life is a... Cabaret” on April 5th at LBCC’s Forum 104 building proved to be a great success for the LBCC Choral Department. With over three months of work, the student-choreographed event was held in order to raise money for the choral department activities. 

After an audience packing the choir room the first year, they moved the cabaret to the Forum 104 auditorium, where there was plenty of space for the crowd and performers. Many performers played songs such as “Beauty and the Beast”, “Chasing Cars”, “Poker Face”, and “Crazy for You”. 


There were many different types of costumes, most with associated with spring colors. There were specific themes in most performances, like the Several of the students played instruments, such as piano and acoustic guitar.

Katherine Lee, a performer in “Life is a... Cabaret” says, “It is a student-led spotlight show in its second year. We hope to show our talent in music.” 

Overall, the audience seemed impressed with the student-led program. Reactions were positive all around. 

“It was very fun; I really liked the diversity,” said Sarah.

“This performance shows a great bunch of talent for Albany and LBCC,” said Patti. 

“Last year, I brought the idea to James. People absolutely loved it. We hope to accomplish fundraising for our travelling. So far, we have 30 people and about $1,500 per person,” says Graham. 

“They (the students) did an excellent job due to them putting in the time, effort and energy. Attendance has doubled from last year, the caliber of performances has improved and the ability to use the sound system has definitely improved our performance from last year,” says James Reddan, Director of Choral Activities here at LBCC. 

The choir department plans on making “Life is a... Cabaret” an annual event as its popularity grows every year. If you are interested in becoming involved or make a donation, contact the LBCC Choral Department here at LBCC.


At a Glance:


Linn-Benton Community College Choir
2nd Annual "Life is a... Cabaret"
Thursday, April 5th, 2012
Start Time: 7:30 p.m.
Forum 104 Auditorium
Tickets: $5
Link: http://www.linnbenton.edu/go/performing-arts

JN 134: The Overall, Medium and Close Up Shots

 I like this overall picture of a girl looking around trying to find where she is when the map is right in front of here.

This medium shot was taken at the "Life is a... Cabaret". Elise Hermes brings a cool calm that insinuates a happy, hippy vibe.

I love this close up of Tiffany at "Life is a... Cabaret" as she sings Lady GaGa's "Poker Face". 

Unappreciated

By: Michael Rivera


Today is greeted by the warm yellow sun, nestled gently against a blanket of soft, tender clouds.
The daisy are waking, as the morning slips away slowly from its long winter sleep.
Though tired they still are, heads still slumped low. The beauty is all around;
you can feel it in the breeze, smell it in the air, feel it in the grass, see it in the colors.
Nature that we so love like a child.

The students gather around; smiles and waves to old friends
as they text on their cell phones or update their twitter accounts
oh no! whats the new drama on Facebook?
walking aimlessly to their distint locations while the flowers sit and wait for someone
to stop! and enjoy their vanity.
yet, we are so into our inane interests of other things that preoccupy the time that we so shortly
waste on what our society has consonance of completely compromised concepts.

With so much convergence, our worlds go from the five senses,
to the captions that we take and hold, yet loose the experience.
In the forest behind us is the vast opportunity for adventure
and splendor, yet in front of us is the computer that we consume
like an addict snorting cocaine; it's just that this habit is accepted by the populous.
Its the little things that we walk away from that cause us to loose,
the sanity of when we could just enjoy the simplicity of things.
Its the little things that we look at like a glass object and forget about; unappreciated....

A Term of New Beginnings

By: Michael Rivera

I was awoken this morning to a soft knock by my roommate, telling me that it was about time for us to get ready for school. I mumbled something as I began to slip back into my hard slumber, when five minutes later my alarm clock blasted the Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa "Young, Wild and Free" in my ear. Looks like today was not my day to sleep in. My usual routine starts with smoking a cigarette with my cup of coffee, so as I reach over for my pack, I find that they are not there. I shoot up from bed in a panic, my heart-pounding, blood boiling of why my damn cigarettes aren't on my night stand. Then, I start to realize: I quit smoking.

I am a ridiculously addicted cigarette smoker. I'm the pack-a-day, stressed college writer who thinks about cancer sticks like sex: an absolute necessity. I've been around cigarettes my entire life. In my family, it was just the thing to do. Well, I want to change that. It has been two days since I've had a cigarette and let me tell you what: I think about them more and more. I've never been a cold-turkey quitter, but just the thought of smoking right now doesn't sound appealing; it sounds like I need my fix. So This is why I will try my hardest to quit this horrible vice of mine.

It's funny how the Daily Grind will continuously come back to the fact that we have choices to make; we either do or don't. This is not a topic up for debate because the doers are out there shaping the world as the latter live in it. But before we can go out and change the world around us, we have to have some sort of personal change. Why? The experience speaks more than the notion of doing. I could sit here and write to you about the what my life would be like if I did this or that. You might be interested, but we only have so much time for the hypothetical.

Anyway, I thought to myself this morning: what do I want to do this term that will change my life? What is significant that I can do that will be good for me? What will be good for me to write about (not just what my reader finds interesting) that will help me become better? Well I had a few thoughts that I think would be great.

As now that you know my struggle and need for change, the writer turns to the audience and points the curious question that only you can answer. What will you do to change this term? This is the start of the movement that will not stop, because as much as we'd like to, the world keeps going even if we don't. How are you gonna change the direction?