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politi socia cs and l med ia A NATIONAL PACEMAKER AWARD NEWSPAPER
VOL. 22, NO. 6 The student publication of Washtenaw Community College
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2015 www.washtenawvoice.com
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
Then and now: A music journalist’s journey
Jas Obrecht and Eddie Van Halen after Eddie had his first interview in 1978. | COURTESY OF JON SIEVERT
BY TAYLOR ROBINSON
Editor
When music journalist, Jas Obrecht, was first starting out, a game of one-on-one basketball turned into the first-ever interview with rock and roll guitar legend, Eddie Van Halen. “Why don’t you interview me? No one ever wants to interview me,” Obrecht recalls Van Halen saying in 1978. Little did both of them know, Van Halen would become one of the most well-known guitarists and this interview would essentially lead other
musicians to Obrecht’s pen, paper and recorder. Obrecht, a writing instructor at Washtenaw Community College, is also a music journalist and has been for the past 40 years. A guitarist himself for the past 50, the ability to combine his writing with his music has allowed an abundance of opportunities throughout his career. Beginning in highschool, Obrecht’s exposure to blues guitarist John Lee Hooker was “life-changing.” “I didn’t know much about blues music,” Obrecht said. “It’s just a man and his guitar,
keeping time with his feet and I was mesmerized...This music is unlike anything I’ve ever heard. It’s really deep, it’s really beautiful, it really tells a story.” Obrecht explains that studying music is like a backwards journey – researching one artist’s music leads to another one farther in the past, leading to another and yet another, taking him back to the earliest recordings of blues in the 1920s. “I’m a natural born storyteller,” Obrecht said. “I thought this was a really big story to tell. It’s like all the rock and roll we have today and all the blues
From WCC to an Antarctic freeze: one faculty member’s icy adventure
CAITLIN DUDZIK
BY COLIN MACDOUGALL
Contributor
Behind the desk of Washtenaw Community College’s Counseling and Career Planning Center sat Caitlin Dudzik, who was recently selected for a once-ina-lifetime experience to work in Antarctica. After being told on Oct. 7 that she received the position, barely a week later she was boarding an airplane. Dudzik, a 27-year-old Ypsilanti resident, considers Antarctica to be “the Olympics of research.” “I look to get experience out of this trip. I want to see everything and meet a whole bunch of new people,” Dudzik said. “All these nations come together just for research and hopefully learn from them.” Dr. John Rinke, director of Support Services and Dudzik’s supervisor, hired her into her current position. “I think that she is a wonderful employee… She does a great job at front getting students in to see a counselor or getting them to the place they should be instead,” Rinke said. He advised Dudzik before her next big adventure: “Just to have a good time.” Janine Shahinian, counseling and career planning
administrative assistant at WCC, has worked alongside Dudzik since February. She says that she’s happy for Dudzik and wishes her well as she pursues her dreams, desires and goals. “She is extremely resourceful, very bright, a quick learner and she can pick up information quickly. She knows how to look things up and do whatever it takes to find the answer,” Shahinian said. “Those are the skills that she used to get the job in Antarctica.” Shahinian looks forward to reading her blog, just like she enjoyed reading the one about Dudzik’s previous adventure to the Pacific island, Johnston Atoll. Dudzik had completed a degree in aviation flight technology from Eastern Michigan University before going to the Pacific. She worked as a flight dispatcher working midnights. “I was working midnights and I couldn’t do it. I ended up just quitting my job and had saved up enough money to prepare for a long application process of trying to find cool and adventurous jobs,” Dudzik said. “It took me six months….I was sent to Hawaii and lived there for a month… I took a three day boat ride to the island. I lived in a tent with no toilets, I had to bathe in the ocean and I did that for seven months.” According to Dudzik, that trip solidified her adventurous side. “I had major culture shock when I got back, it’s loud here. I could hear the humming of the lights and so many people… It was intense. Once I got over that I started looking for jobs
and I found this one here at the Counseling Center.” Although she had only been with WCC since February, because of her ambitious nature, she decided to apply for a job in Antarctica – inspired by a documentary she had recently seen. Just a Google search later, she found numerous companies looking for people. Now, through Pacific Architects and Engineers Incorporated, Dudzik will be working as an air transportation specialist for Lockheed Martin, an American global aerospace, defense, security and advanced technologies company. Essentially, she’s making sure that cargo is packaged correctly and reaches its destination for researchers. “PAE deals with finding people for missions all around the world for these companies like Lockheed Martin,” Dudzik said. She explained that Antarctica is under an international treaty and one can only conduct research. There’s no one nation that can go in there for profit looking to drill for oil. People who work there are doing research like ice sampling, global warming studies and an observatory for astronomy, according to Dudzik. However, Dudzik noted that during her time there, there will be sunlight 24 hours a day She will be in Antarctica for their summer season which spans from August to February. “I want to go everywhere and I love to travel,” Dudzik said. “I don’t like to pay for it, so you got to find those interesting ways of getting out there.”
Jas Obrecht | COURTESY OF SAROYAN HUMPHREY
music we listen to today, are descendants of the music I wrote about in this book which is the first stuff that ever made it on records.” Collecting a copious amount of interviews with musicians allowed Obrecht to build an extensive compilation which are amassed into one of his most recent works, “Early Blues: The First Stars of Blues Guitar,” to be published on Nov. 9. It’s taken 35 years to gather all the information for Obrecht’s book and he wouldn’t have had it any other way. Giving thanks to the internet, it’s helped him to create a
well-rounded story. “I couldn’t have told a complete story in the pre-internet days because the material wasn’t available,” Obrecht said. “I really wanted the book to have a lot of different layers and a lot of voices coming in and out. So, I wanted to make it as three-dimensional as possible so people who read it will really get a strong sense of the lives of these blues men, and what their value’s been to us and how they changed music.” Long-time friend and fellow writer, William Ferris, first encouraged Obrecht to write the book. Ferris, professor at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and named one of Rolling Stones top 10 professors in the country in the 90s, says that he’s long admired Obrecht’s work as a music critic and a writer. “We’ve kept up over the years and I’m just really thrilled to see his latest work coming out, ‘The Early Blues,’ ” Ferris said. “No one knows the guitar history better than Jas and especially its contributions to the blues tradition and from that tradition into rock and roll. He’s interviewed so many of the great See OBRECHT, Page A3
Mammoth of a find discovered in Lima
The woolly mammoth skull found by farmers, Jim Bristle and Trent Satterthwaite, of Lima Township now sits in the catacombs of the Museum of Paleontology at the University of Michigan. COLIN MACDOUGALL | WASHTENAW VOICE
BY COLIN MACDOUGALL AND MADI TORTORA
Lima that day. “I got a couple of emails that Contributors Wednesday morning, and that afternoon I visited the site with Imagine, more than 14,000 the landowner,” Fisher said. years ago, Michigan is covered “Basically, we decided then that in ice. In the 4,000 years that if more was going to happen, it followed, mammoths and mast- needed to happen the followodons roamed the earth and ing day.” very well could have walked the That evening, Fisher assemstreets WCC students take to- bled an excavation team and day. In the not so far away Lima the next day they headed into Township, a farmer named Jim the field. Bristle stumbled upon some“I could easily tell (the fosthing extraordinary: the fos- sils) were part of the pelvis sil of one of these Pleistocene and shoulder blade. I was fairheavyweights. ly certain that it was a mam“It was a chance find. It was moth rather than a mastodon,” a very lucky placement of a Fisher said. drain that led to the discovRountrey earned his Ph.D. ery,” said Adam Rountrey, the in Paleontology by studying research museum collection mammoths in Siberia. manager for vertebrates of “Both mammoths and mastthe Museum of Paleontology odons were elephant-like anat the University of Michigan. imals – both Proboscideans Dan Fisher, the director of the related to modern elephants,” Museum of Paleontology at the Rountrey said. “They both are U-M was called out to investi- present in Michigan at the gate the fossils that the farmer same time, perhaps slightly stumbled upon in the fields of different environments.”
Rountrey estimates there are around 250 mastodon specimens reported in Michigan since around 1839, whereas only around 40-50 mammoths have been reportedly discovered. Dr. Rountrey explained that this is an old male mammoth probably on the larger end of the spectrum. Mammoths like this one stand around 11.5 feet tall and tipping the scale at around 6.5 tons. That puts it at a weight a little more than that of a Hummer H2, and stands at a height taller than a school bus, surpassing the size of any pickup in the parking lot here at WCC. Mammoths and mastodons only existed for a relatively short period of time in Michigan’s history. 14,000 years ago there was still ice over Michigan. As the glaciers began to retreat, Michigan became a more habitable See MAMMOTH, Page A3
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Nov. 2, 2015
The Washtenaw Voice
NEWS
The Washtenaw Voice
IN BRIEF VETERAN’S DAY CEREMONY AND RECEPTION On Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 4 p.m. there will be a ceremony and reception held to show gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of WCC student veterans. The event takes place in front of the WCC Veterans Center on the second floor of the student center. Cake and drinks will be served.
EMPTY BOWLS On Nov. 18, an Empty Bowls event will be held from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Attendees can purchase a handcrafted bowl from WCC’s Ceramics Department and the proceeds will benefit Student Resource and Women’s Center and Food Gatherers. Tickets are $20 a bowl and will be on sale soon at the Cashier’s Office.
BRAVO 50: THE ART OF PERFORMANCE On Friday, Nov. 6, WCC students, staff, faculty and alumni will gather in the Towsley Auditorium for an evening of WCC performance art and to show off their talents. Doors open at 6:30 and the performance begins at 7. “Join us as we celebrate the talents of WCC’s extended community with performances that include dance, song, poetry and music of all genres,” said WCC Performing Arts Department Chair Noonie Anderson.
INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO THE NURSING PROGRAM AT WCC? Attend the Nursing Information Session on Nov. 9 in TI 108. From 4-6 p.m. attendees will learn about admission requirements, application process, eligibility and more.
NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL TRIP On Friday, Nov. 13, there is a visit to the Ziibiwing Cultural Center in Mount Pleasant with provided transportation. For $5 ticket price, attendees get a presentation with a native elder, a bus tour of the Reservation, and lunch. Tickets are on sale now at the Cashier’s Office.
INTERESTED IN TRANSFERRING? Representatives from the following schools will be on campus to provide information and answer questions for any interested students:
Concordia University Visit WCC main campus, SC first floor
Nov. 2, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 10, 1 p.m.–4 p.m. University of Michigan-Flint, School of Management Visit WCC main campus, SC first floor
Nov. 3, 9 a.m. –1 p.m. Wayne State University Visit WCC main campus, SC first floor
Nov. 4, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Eastern Michigan University Visit WCC main campus, SC 206
Nov. 4, 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Nov. 5, 12 p.m.–4 p.m. Nov. 11, 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Nov. 12, 12 p.m.–4 p.m. University of Michigan-Dearborn Visit
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basement or out,’ ” Krantz said. “I think he’s got a great sense of humor and his students love him.” As an English and creative writing instructor, Obrecht applies the knowledge he’s gained over the last few decades and strives to help his students reach their fullest potential. “I see like, younger versions of me sometimes in the classroom and think, ‘Ya know what? This person’s got a talent, this person could really do something. I’m going to help him or her figure it out.’ So, that’s far more rewarding than the paycheck,” Obrecht
said. He says that if someone has a passion in any field, no matter what it is, if there’s a talent for writing, a person can go places they never imagined. “Writing can transform your life in wonderful ways and beyond what most other endeavors can do,” Obrecht said. “Writing doesn’t care what you look like, it doesn’t care what time of day it is, it doesn’t care what you’re wearing. It’s just you and your creativity. That’s a wonderful world to be in and I’m happy there.”
mammoth was most likely hunted down and stored in the pond. “There have been some experiments that have shown that meat preserved that way in the fall will be edible through the winter, into spring and sometimes even into early summer,” Rountrey said. “It’s sort of the Paleo refrigerator.” This “refrigerator”, explained by Rountrey, created a sort of anoxic environment and almost pickles the meat floating in the center of the pond. The idea of floating meat is so it is harder for wolves and other animals to get to it. “When things come out of wet sediment like (fossils), they are retaining a lot of moisture.
To avoid getting fractures in the bone, they have to be dried slowly.” Rountrey says, “So this bone still has a collagen matrix, the organic matrix, and that will cause it to shrink a little bit as it dries.” It is preferable that it happens uniformly so there ends up being no fractures in the bone itself. Dr. Rountrey also explained that the tusks are the most sensitive part of the mammoth, and need to be dried separately. When the fossils were discovered, the tusks were still connected to the skull. The plans for these fossils, according to Rountrey, is that they’ll be assembled and put on display at U-M once they have had sufficient time to be dry.
blues and rock-and-roll artists about guitar playing and this book is a very important part of that legacy he’s created.” Not only a professor of history, Ferris is a trained folklorist and according to Obrecht, one of the best. Sharing a love for music, the two have created a lasting friendship that even nearly 600 miles of separation can’t come between “I love the guy, I really do,” Obrecht said. “I wish he was my neighbor. We are so similar, we love the same music and when we start talking, it just goes on Books in Ann Arbor is hosting the lauch AtAt77pm p.m.on onNov. Nov.12, 12,Nicola’s Nicola’s Books in Ann Arbor is hosting the forever.” party for “Early Blues: The First Stars of Blues Guitar” launch party for “Early Blues: The First Stars of Blues Guitar.” A published writer of several books himself, Ferris considers Obrecht to be an inspiration to his own works and refers to Obrecht as a seminal resource for blues music. “Jas is among the very finest music writers today. He’s prolific, he’s written extensively and much of his work is based on personal interviews with the musicians,” Ferris said. “So, he works from the source in his articles and they represent a very important window on American music and the guitar.” Obrecht’s extensive research and writing skills ultimately helped him land a position in the English Department at WCC more than a decade ago. After years of interviewing and writing, he’s translated his work into helping students perfect their own. Carrie Krantz, head of the department, recalls hiring Obrecht. “When I first hired him he said ‘Yes, my wife gave me an ultimatum: I had to get out of the ”Early Blues,” a book by Jas Obrecht | COURTESY JAS OBRECHT
WCC main campus, SC first floor
Nov. 4, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Lawrence Technological University Visit WCC main campus, SC first floor
Nov. 5, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
ATTENTION VETERANS On Tuesday Nov. 11, the following businesses will be offering items free of cost for Veterans. Please bring some proof of service and consider calling ahead to ensure the participation of your nearby location.
Applebee’s Olive Garden Chili’s Starbucks Texas Roadhouse Krispy Kreme Outback Steakhouse Golden Corral Bar Louie California Pizza Kitchen Denny’s LongHorn Steakhouse Max & Erma’s Menchie’s Red Lobster
OBRECHT, From A1
Nov. 2, 2015
MAMMOTH, From A1 environment, and the remains of these animals began appearing, Rountrey explained. This particular set of remains, discovered on Bristle’s land, has since been donated to U-M, and now sits in their research lab where it will dry out. Fisher and Rountrey both explained that the mammoth was preserved in sediment called marl: an organic, rich lime mud that forms in the bottom of ponds. “What we believe early humans are doing is storing the meat in ponds and coming back to get it later.” said Scott Beld, a field researcher and an archaeologist at U-M This means that the
A fractured wooly mammoth tusk found in Lima Township sits in the Museum of Paleontology at the University of Michigan. COLIN MACDOUGALL | WASHTENAW VOICE
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VOICES
Nov. 2, 2015
The Washtenaw Voice
LETTERS FROM READERS
EDITORIAL
Obama expresses need for Create joint clubs between standardized testing reform WCC and EMU to provide opportunities for students
“If my future were determined just by my performance on a standardized test, I wouldn’t be here. I guarantee you that,”
-First Lady Michelle Obama On Oct. 24, President Barack Obama announced a plan to reduce stress for younger students: less time spent on standardized testing in the classroom. While an ongoing debate has ensued concerning the pros and cons of such tests, studies are showing that there is no direct correlation between taking these tests and student educational achievement. Where there is a correlation, however, is between standardized testing and more stress put on teachers and students. Testing throughout K-12 grades puts pressure on students to feel that they are going to be represented by their test scores. That same feeling can add a burden to educators who think their value can be set by their students’ scores. As highlighted by a tweet from the National Education Association, students, parents and educators can finally feel that their concerns over these stressors have been heard. These testing reforms highlight that testing can be a good thing in moderation,
but moderation is in no way being practiced. In a survey from the Council of the Great City Schools, as cited by the New York Times, it was revealed that 112 mandatory standardized tests are given between pre-kindergarten and high school graduation, – coming out to about eight tests per year. Even in eighth grade, the year with the lowest amount of testing, the currently recommended amount was exceeded. Obama expresses that testing should be utilized simply as a measurement tool of success, among others, rather than “crowding out teaching and learning.” Obama’s new plan recommends that students spend no more than two percent of classroom instruction time to take these tests. It also suggests that parents be notified if the testing duration will exceed that. However, Obama’s standardized testing reform is mainly a suggestion. According to CNN’s White House report, more details will be released in January
about Obama’s plan. As of now, testing differs from state to state, so ultimately the decisions lie amongst the school districts. Parents, students, and educators have seen now that their voices have been heard on a national level. This sentiment should be inspiration for those who care to take their complaints to the authorities on a local level. Student success measurement is key to understanding the quality of education being given and how students fall across the spectrum, but the amount it’s being administered is excessive. If what the administration is ultimately looking for is a way of measuring success from student to student, why not administer the same standardized tests nationally, the same way the ACT is given now? Either way, Obama’s testing reform shows yet another way the president is trying to ensure he gets the conversation started on the big issues before the end of his term, and education is a great place to start.
TO OUR READERS You may notice that our current issue is lacking a B section. Every year, members from The Voice team take part in a national journalism convention. To accommodate the timing of travel, we completed this issue earlier. Some campus news might be missing and we’ll catch up with anything significant via our website, washtenawvoice.com. Based on past experience, we’re confident that what we see, hear and learn will result in improvements in The Voice throughout the rest of the school year and beyond. Thank you for your understanding.
Many clubs at both Washtenaw Community College and Eastern Michigan are host clubs which don’t have enough members. There are also clubs which can’t be active at the schools because of lack of funding. If WCC were to form some sort of agreement with EMU which certain clubs could include students from both schools, then the clubs which are being inactive could become active. Many club sports do not have enough players to fill back-ups for their positions, or sometimes even enough
players to fill a full team. There are also multiple clubs and organizations that are not sports-orientated that are lacking adequate members to fill the position and member quotas needed. The rugby team at EMU for instance is just barely bridging on having enough members to fill a field a team for each of their games. WCC housed a rugby team in the past, but ceased activity due to the same reason. If these two schools could host joint-clubs, then both WCC and EMU could have flourishing rugby teams.
Many other clubs, organizations, and teams could fare much better if WCC and EMU would have more joint-schools organizations. Sports teams in particular have a great deal to gain with the joining of two schools, along with under-funded clubs. Many important positions could also filled within these organizations with the addition of more members. Please Washtenaw, urge Eastern to commit to more joint clubs between the schools. Alex Petre, Ypsilanti
Build bridge between the Student Center and Technical and Industrial building I am a student here at the college and I have seen many changes made at the school. But, the one change that I would make that would make a difference would be an addition. I would like a bridge from the Student Center to the Technical and Industrial building. There is already a bridge from the Student Center building to the LA, and a bridge from LA to the Gunder Myran building. There is even a bridge from the TI to the Business Education building. If there was a bridge built, there would be no need to go outside on bad days. Just coming and going to school would be the only time
the students have to be outside at Washtenaw Community in the elements. When it’s rain- College. ing outside, there is no need to Laura Carter, Wayne get wet, and when it’s cold you will not be in the cold, when it’s hot outside, the bridge is The Voice welcomes letters cool and comfortable. Also, it to the editor from its readers will save us students time tryand will make every effort to ing to get to class from the LA publish them. We reserve the building to the TI building or right to edit letters for space LA building to the BE building, considerations, and ask that just cut through the Student writers limit their comments Center. It’s almost the heart of to no more than 400 words. All the school. The Student Center letters must include a name and is where all the students get contact information, such as an their first introductions to colemail address or phone number, lege life, and that is where you so the letters can be verified get your curriculum, financial before they are printed. aid, counseling and whatever you need to succeed here
POINT TNIOPRETNUOC Does body art have a place in the professional working world?
RYAN PRESTON
ryguy1396@gmail.com
Think before you ink In recent years, body art has become more prevalent than ever before. With things like gauges and unique tattoos becoming more present, how has the business world adapted to these changes? Most companies and businesses have a policy regarding what employees are allowed to have on their skin. However, just because it’s allowed, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Anthony Sapienza, a daytime manager at McDonald’s, said “We sink or swim based on customer service. There is always another McDonald’s down the street. I can’t afford to have my customers driven off because someone wants to have a tattoo.” His policy is strict on gauges and piercings of the face, save a stud or hoop in the ear, but sleeves and other tattoos are OK as long as they are not visible with the uniform on. Sapienza also mentioned
that while this is only a policy at his location, many others have similar policies – but ultimately it’s up to the managers at each location to decide. So if even minimum wage jobs are cracking down on body art, what can be expected at other employers? John Snyder, a branch manager at the U-M Credit Union, said “If it can be seen when customers get a loan or deposit a check, then it has no place in this bank.” The policy on body art at the bank is outlined during orientation according to Snyder, and all employees are asked about piercings and tattoos before being hired. “You have to keep work and your personal life separate. Tattoos are actually fairly common, even in the professional world, but you would never know that at most businesses,” Snyder said. Getting yourself inked provides an even bigger barrier once you enter the world of white collars and cubicles. Jennifer O’Connor, a manager at Volkswagen Group of America, said, “It’s bad enough trying to climb the corporate ladder as a woman. I can’t afford tattoos or anything that would jeopardize
my job.” O’Connor described the authority and respect that managers expect to have in the professional world and have to look the part in order to receive it. “Volkswagen as a company wouldn’t have a problem with it, but my co-workers and my boss would certainly look at me different.” O’Connor wasn’t sure what the exact policy was at Volkswagen until she looked at an application and learned that tattoos, while they are allowed, can never be visible during the work day. So while tattoos may seem like a good idea, ultimately it seems to be counterproductive and counterintuitive. If you’re going to spend money on a tattoo but then just have to cover it up most days of the week, what’s the point investing money into it? Gauges may seem cool and countercultural now, but what happens when you’re out of school and looking for a job? Even the local fast food restaurant just might have a problem. Your future is closer than you think, and it’s not worth the risk for an expression on your skin.
MADI TORTORA
madisontortora3@gmail.com
Don’t lose the tattoos Just a fraction of a small tattoo showed while Ingrid Ankerson, professional faculty in the Digital Media Arts Department at Washtenaw Community College, extended her arm and pointed to her whiteboard filled with information. In a world where professional people dominate the work environment, it’s a struggle finding creativity and self -expression being portrayed in the work atmosphere. A c c o r d i n g t o a Pe w Research Center report, about 73 percent of all people get their first tattoo between 1822 years of age. Anyone who has ever had a tattoo is sick of hearing, “Wow, you’re going to have a hard time finding a job with that,” because, especially in 2015, that just isn’t true. Businesses including ICare,
Volume 22, No. 6 The Washtenaw Voice is produced fortnightly by students of Washtenaw Community College and the views expressed herein will not imply endorsement or approval by the faculty, administration or Board of Trustees of WCC. Student publications are important in establishing and maintaining an atmosphere of free and responsible discussion and in bringing matters of concern and importance to the attention of the campus community. Editorial responsibility for The Voice lies with the students, who will strive for balance, fairness and integrity in their coverage of issues and events while employing the best habits and practices of free inquiry and expression. The Washtenaw Voice does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the information or content in advertisements contained in the newspaper or its website, www. washtenawvoice.com, nor the quality of any products, information or other materials displayed or obtained as a result of an advertisement or any other information or offer in or in connection with the services or products advertised. The Voice welcomes letters to the editor from its readers and will make every effort to publish them. We reserve the right to edit letters for space considerations, and ask that writers limit their comments to no more than 400 words. All letters must include a name and contact information, such as an email address or phone number, so the letters can be verified before they are printed. The Voice is committed to correcting all errors that appear in the newspaper and on its website, just as it is committed to the kind of careful journalism that will minimize the number of errors printed. To report an error of fact that should be corrected, phone 734-677-5405 or email thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com. A copy of each edition of The Washtenaw Voice is free to everyone. Additional copies are available at The Voice newsroom, TI 106, for 25 cents each.
Best Buy, and Bank of America have slowly opened up their policy to make tattoos A-OK. “It really depends on what industry you’re working in and who you’re dealing with on a day to day basis,” Ankerson said. In certain tattoo shops, tattoo artists are considered more credible if they are covered in tattoos. Some places allow tattoos, but require them to be nearly invisible. Ankerson had jobs before WCC, including teaching at a technological college, where she experienced this. “They allowed tattoos there, but they had to be covered,” Ankerson said. “I worked with a guy who had full arm tattoos, and he had to wear a sweater.” Piercings and body modifications have also been an issue in the corporate workplace. Employers are put into hard places because, when it comes to piercings, certain religions hold affiliations with them. According to Indiamarks, both Muslim and Indian women wear nose rings that relate back to their cultural background. In India, nose rings signify marriage, and are never removed once the woman is officially married. Although young
people in the culture wear nose rings with no affiliation to marriage, it is a fashion statement and a freedom of expression. The way that people – particularly customers – react to tattoos is a worry that is very common to people who are just entering the workforce with tattoos. It is good to give it thought, especially when getting your first tattoo, because people can and will be judgmental. It is almost a “do it at your own risk” warning, because not everyone will be open-minded about tattoos, and you need to think about how that will affect your job. It can be very common to experience an especially unsupportive customer, which can put you in a bad place, even more so if you work for commission. Tattoos can be very symbolic and nostalgic for the people who have them. They can be a constant reminder of a loved one, or something from the past that one holds dear. It is extremely possible for a professional, hard-working person to have tattoos and piercings. That does not affect how well they do their job, or how they interact with people.
EDITOR ............................................................ Taylor Robinson
taelrobinson@wccnet.edu
MANAGING EDITOR ............................... Sofia Lynch
snlynch@wccnet.edu
4800 E. Huron River Drive TI 106 Ann Arbor, Mich. 48105 734-677-5125
PHOTO EDITOR .......................................... Gray Bancroft
gwbancroft@wccnet.edu
ONLINE EDITOR ........................................ Colleen Mulder-Seward
cmulderseward@wccnet.edu
thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com
CARTOONIST .............................................. Sanaa Naeem
sanaeem@wccnet.edu
CONTRIBUTORS ....................................... Courtney Ditto
courtneyditto@gmail.com
washtenawvoice.com @washtenawvoice TheWashtenawVoice @washtenawvoice
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS ............................ Rachel Johnston Greg Powell
rdjohnston@wccnet.edu gmpowell@wccnet.edu
Ryan Preston
ryguy1396@gmail.com
Taylor Mabelitini
tmabelitini@wccnet.edu
Madi Tortora
madisontortora3@gmail.com
Ivan Flores
medianoxmus@gmail.com
Colin MacDougall
cmacdougall@wccnet.edu
ADVERTISING MANAGER .................... Becky Alliston
ealliston@wccnet.edu
ADVISER .......................................................... Judy McGovern
jumcgovern@wccnet.edu
VOICES
The Washtenaw Voice
Nov. 2, 2015
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5 FACTS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT COLD AND FLU SEASON
M.M. DONALDSON
mmorrisdonaldson@wccnet.edu
Lurking around on a door handle or a cookie that was too close to a cough, germs are waiting to take up residence in the next unsuspecting person. These five facts likely will not help with staying healthy this winter season, but will provide great thoughts to ponder while recuperating from whatever sickness may ail you.
1. 262.5 MILLION ANTIBIOTICS ARE PRESCRIBED EACH YEAR IN THE U.S. The Centers for Disease Control estimate is for outpatient and does not include use in long-term care, such as nursing homes. The number of antibiotics prescribed are not going down despite the growing knowledge of antibiotic resistance, according to a Princeton
University data analysis on global use. Medical professionals are worried about antibiotic resistance, the term to used to explain the phenomenon where the genes of pathogens mutate so that medicines are unable to kill future germ generations. A 2013 CDC report offers recommendations to improve prescribing appropriate antibiotics for specific infections and when to not prescribe.
2. 268.2 BILLION FACIAL TISSUES PRODUCED EACH YEAR
facial tissues are the CDC’s first choice for covering a sneeze and the upper sleeve is strongly recommended if nothing else is available.
3. VITAMIN C DOES NOT PREVENT COLDS Multiple studies have shown that Vitamin C does not prevent colds, but consuming high doses while feeling under the weather can minimize symptoms. Harvard Medical School promotes eating a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables to keep the immune system strong, winning the battle over germs before you even know there’s a war. Getting enough exercise and sleep are also an important part of staying healthy.
Estimated from the 419,000 tons of tissues produced in 2014 for U.S. consumers, according to the organization RISI that tracks and collects data on the “forest products” industry. From single-ply to triple-ply, 4. 60 PERCENT OF scented or unscented, lotion infused or anti-viral protect- HUMAN DISEASES ed, travel packs or a myriad of ARE SHARED WITH decorator designs, the growing ANIMALS number of facial tissues produced is nothing to sneeze at. Zoonosis is the technical Many a tissue has been term for sickness that can be used to dab a few tears, but transferred between humans
SANAA NAEEM | WASHTENAW VOICE
and animals.In a 2012 report by the International Livestock Research Institute, researchers from several different countries mapped zoonosis in relation to poverty around the globe. The concentration of zoonosis are located in developing countries where the population relies heavily on livestock for their livelihoods and poor sanitation education and infrastructure contribute to disease outbreaks. With global travel, epidemics can quickly affect and threaten every continent, resulting in pandemics. Americans are likely to recognize the more recent outbreak threats from Ebola and the Avian Flu.The World Health Organization estimates that 2.5 billion people contract
a zoonotic illness while 2.7 million humans die per year from those diseases. The actual rates are likely higher due to underreporting.
and colleagues of bacterial and viral infection studies. Young children, older adults and individuals with compromised immune systems have a greater risk of dying from pneumonia. The research5. 1 IS SURVIVABLE, ers recommend that healthy 2 MIGHT KILL YOU adults and children receive vaccinations, decreasing the When a bacterial or viral in- need to use antibiotics. fection weakens the immune system, it leaves you suscepM. M. Donaldson is a contible to another pathogen that tributor with The Voice and happens to be hanging out at a journalism student at WCC. the same time, or one that ar- She has a bachelor of science in rives later, and that can really family and community services bring the body down. from Michigan State University, Upper respiratory viral in- and has several years’ experifections are the most common ence with nutrition issues afpath for contracting bacteri- fecting infants through older al pneumonia according to a adults. Follow M.M. Donaldson 2013 analysis by Carol Joseph on Facebook.
If could choose the theme song to your life, what would it be and why?
WCC students share their best looks for fall fashion What’s your favorite fall trend or staple?
“Fight Song,” by Rachel Plattern “I think we all encounter different trials in our lives and this song reminds me to persevere and hold strong to myself no matter what. It’s extremely inspirational.” Rachel Braun, 21, Canton, business
“All the Small Things,” by Blink 182 “I really love that song, and there is a lot of truth to it when the lyrics say ‘Work sucks,’ because in my case, work sucks.” Chris Tray, 20, Ypsilanti, accounting
Breanna Petersen, 18, Canton, WTMC “My favorite fall trend is probably burgundy. Anything burgundy. That’s one of my favorite fall trends, just that color in general. My staple, I would have to say is my green utility jacket. It goes with everything.”
Janie Nieman, 17, Dundee, WTMC “Dark lipstick. It just goes with everything. It goes with a lot of stuff. It makes you look sexy, and intriguing. For a staple, cute jewelery or cute hats. I like bucket hats or beanies. Dark is nice for fall, anything dark. And you can do so much with your hair in the fall, ashy colors look really nice, cool colors look really nice.”
Jimmy Berlucchi, 19, Dexter, graphic design “Trends would be layering. I do a lot of different things with socks and shoes, it all depends. Embroidered socks with dogs on them or geese, or a Fair Isle pattern of some kind. I get Roots’ cabin socks, they’re a Canadian company, they’re kind of like Lululemon but Canadian. Bean boots are a must-have for fall.”
“Where the Hood At,” by DMX “It’s my favorite song, and it doesn’t fit me. People wouldn’t expect that song to be my favorite, but I take joy in being a different person and that says a lot about me. I think there is power in being different.” Michael Mishler, 15, Ann Arbor, WTMC
“Worth It,” by Fifth Harmony “Mainly because I am worth it. I’m worth everything and it’s a powerful song for women.” Amanda Brooks, 16, Ypsilanti, WTMC
“Love Myself,” by Hailee Steinfeld “Because I do love myself. It’s a very inspirational song that taught me to just be happy and love who I am.” Gemma Muldoon, 15, Saline, WTMC
Brandon Bastasic, 30, Ann Arbor, meteorology “Beanies. I have my favorite beanie I’ve had for about six years and I actually have to sew it this year because it has holes in it because I wear it so much. They don’t make them anymore. They’re the ones with the small brim on them. Black and gray hooded sweatshirt, it’s a must. It’s all I wore through winter last year. A staple for most of us (guys) for fall is beards or mustaches. Gotta get that facial hair.”
Emily Petersen, 16, Canton, WTMC “I think my favorite fall trend is ponchos. I love the ponchos. My staple would probably be my longer boots that lace up in the back.”
“Fight Song,” by Rachel Platten “All of the struggles I’ve gone through, I’ve learned to not allow them to defeat me, and this song teaches me to be stronger.” Marissa Bergman, 16, Brighton, WTMC
“Say It,” by Tory Lanez “That would be my theme song because it’s extremely funny. In the video, there’s a guy who takes a girl to a party but then she leaves with someone else, and it’s just really funny.” Laura Delgado, 17, Ypsilanti, general studies
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CLASSIFIEDS Send ads to wcc.voice.advertising@gmail.com or ealliston@wccnet.edu Note: Deadline for the Nov. 16th issue is Tuesday, Nov. 10th at 5 p.m.
S E R V I CE S VOLUNTEER TUTORS: Washtenaw Literacy needs volunteers to tutor adults in basic reading, writing, math and English as a Second Language. Help change lives – one word at a time! Contact info@washtenawliteracy.org or call 734-879-1320. NEED HEALTH CARE? Are you between the ages of 12–22? Contact the Corner Health Center at 734-4843600 or visit online at http://www.cornerhealth.org.
H E L P WA NTE D ANN ARBOR CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW FIRM LOCATED near Briarwood Mall is seeking a full-time Receptionist. Ideal candidate is friendly and organized. Position will include light secretarial work. No prior experience necessary. Please contact Robert at 734-726-0225 or send a resume to robert@annarborslawyer.com to apply. GET SOME BURRITOS is looking
to hire cashiers and cooks who are enthusiastic and passionate about delivering high customer satisfaction. The cashier’s responsibility is to process sales quickly and be efficient. The cook will be responsible for maintaining the highest level of food quality. The cashiers and cooks must follow all health and safety regulations as well as communicate and work well with co-workers and management team. Come fill out an application at: 707 Packard Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104. WAIT STAFF: Michigan Catering is looking for student wait staff who are able to interact with guests, work as a team and manage time efficiently – all with a positive attitude. Shifts can be anytime between the hours of 5 a.m. and 3 a.m., depending on your availability. The starting pay is $3.40 per hour plus tips. Tips are automatically paid by the event sponsor and average $6-$7 per hour, making the typical rate about $9.40-$10.40 per hour. Apply online at http://www.jobs.studentlife.umich.edu, send an email to: workforus@umich.edu,
STUDENTS and WCC EMPLOYEES Classified ads in The Voice are free. LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS Looking for help? Post your free help wanted ads in The Voice. or at 734-615-6759. DINING STAFF: Michigan Dining is looking for students who enjoy working with people and want to be a part of a team. Flexible schedule, promotional opportunities and a fun social environment. Starting wage: $9 per hour with a free meal with a three-hour shift. Also, free AATA bus transportation is available. To apply, visit http://www.jobs.studentlife.umich.edu, send an email to: workforus@umich.edu, or call 734-615-6759.
Below is a sample of recent employment want ads which have been posted with WCC Career Services. Students are invited to read these ads and to contact Career Services to find out how to apply for the openings. Career Services is located in ML 104. For more information, phone 734-6775155, email careers@wccnet. edu or visit http://www.wccnet. edu/careerconnection/.
DOMINO’S TECHNICAL HELP DESK REPRESENTATIVE. Domino’s is consistently one of the TOP 5 COMPANIES in terms of online transactions, behind companies such as Amazon and Apple. Over 50% of Domino’s sales in the U.S. come through our digital ordering channels. We’re not kidding when we say that Domino’s wants information technology to think big. That’s why the department is structured in a way that allows its roughly 200 corporate team members to work on many different platforms and projects. So, if you’re feeling hemmed in by a traditional technology role where you focus on only one area, there’s an escape route right here. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. Assist with month end accounting close. Spreadsheet updating and management. Customer support. Administrative support: billing, collections, payables. PART TIME CAKE DECORATOR. Duties: Frost, decorate, and keep track of cake inventory. Keep work space clean, and sanitary. Experience not required but preferred. Training available with commitment. CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER – QUALITY IMPROVEMENT. In order to meet the objectives described above, a Quality Improvement Client Services Manager should have: 3+ years of relevant experience in a healthcare setting, including working experience in health IT
and knowledge of HIE/HIT/EHR adoption, implementation and use. Demonstrated knowledge of measurement and reporting of clinical process in ambulatory settings. CMM OPERATOR. Dimensional measurement utilizing CMM (PC-DMIS software). Inspect, test, and measure products, components and materials using analytical equipment and hand gages. Communicates inspection results to Production. Assist as needed in the calibration and certification of all process inspection and test equipment. LAB TECHNICIAN. Top Three Skills: chemist, lab technician, quality technician. This candidate will be responsible for working within the chemistry exposures lab at NSF. It is very entry level, they will be on their feet for 7-8 hours a day. Record keeping in LIMS, glassware washing, exposure water changes, sample prep, sample deliver, etc. NURSE TEAM LEADER. Are you a nurse who has a passion for helping others in a skilled nursing facility? If going the extra mile to provide exceptional care and service is important to you, then Glacier Hills may be right for you. We are looking for nurses in our Care and Rehabilitation Center, as well as our Long-Term Care and Memory Care units. ASSISTANT TEACHER – FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE – SIGN ON BONUS. Childtime
in Plymouth is hiring Full and Part Time Assistant Teachers!! We offer a flexible schedule and 4% raise after 90 days. Ask about our sign on bonus! CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANCE. Provide health care tasks, personal hygiene services and other related support services essential to the client’s health. Observes, records and reports all changes to supervisor. Traveling to client’s home. HR INTERN. The Human Resources Intern will directly assist the Human Resources Generalist/Manager with a wide range of projects related to HR compliance, recruiting, onboarding/orientation, employee benefits, etc. OFFICE ASSISTANT. We are looking for a person interested in an office position in a plumbing and remodeling company. Our company has been family owned and operated for over 40 years. We have been serving the community since 1975. Our company is growing every year and we are now looking for someone to join our team. Currently need part time position but may be able to develop into full time with benefits. REGISTERED D E N TA L ASSISTANT. Expanded duties of the RDA position. Inquire with Career Services for more details.
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POLITICS GAIN MOMENTUM THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA Among the daily flurry of tweets, hashtags, and statuses, in today’s society, social media exists as a vital element in the way people communicate. According to Pew Research Center, as of Jan. 2014, 74 percent of online adults use social networking sites. The rise of social media use has even worked its way into the realm of political campaigning. Political figures have recently started to capitalize on the powers of social media in their campaigns, from Hillary Clinton’s presidential announcement on Facebook, to Donald Trump’s consistent presence on Twitter. For politicians, social media provides an audience far wider than that of a debate stage or a public appearance, and can be a very useful tool. University of Michigan Telecommunications Professor Scott Campbell believes that the use of social media in current politics is an opportunity for candidates to “shake things up,” outside of the traditional advertisements premiered on television. “Social media isn’t inherently good or bad, it’s about how people use it. It’s become part of the structure, candidates have to use it. I don’t think they can ignore that
outlet anymore, especially if they’re trying to attract young people,” Campbell said. With the wide range of resources provided by the internet, political news is often hard to ignore, highlighted by another Pew study which shows that 38 percent of those who use social networking sites promote material related to politics or social issues that others have posted. Washtenaw Community College Political Science Instructor Francisco Sanchez considers social media to still be a “young” technology that has yet to find a set place in politics. Sanchez says that it remains as a good starting point for anyone looking for information on political candidates, however. Sanchez emphasizes that social media should only be the foundation for a knowledge of politics as opposed as using the sole information found on social media to form an opinion. “It (social media) creates a social discourse, it gets people talking about politics. On one hand, it’s positive, but because of the influx of sources, any consumer of that information needs to develop a set of skills so that you can differentiate between good information and garbage,” Sanchez said. “Social media does have it’s pluses and minuses. Yes, we like the discourse, yes, we
like that people are reading about it and talking about it, but at the same time, it’s astonishing to see the kind of of information put out there without facts. That’s the drawback: people are forming opinions based on facts provided by people who aren’t qualified to put them there.” The distrust that comes from social media is very common with the public and why many people steer clear from social media altogether. Campbell is in agreement, referring to this common problem as “uncivilized.” “The internet provides a place for people to be unaccountable for what they say,” Campbell said. “I think a downside is that it provides a lot of anonymity and freedom for individual voices to have collective power. It makes it easy to participate in non-constructive discourse.” Despite the doubt that comes from pairing politics with social media, state Rep. Adam Zemke, D-Ann Arbor, says while he likes that conversations about politics and legislature starts on social media due to its ability to reach more residents, he prefers to follow up with a more personal approach. “I always request, very openly, that we have a conversation face-to-face because I think that just, like with email, when
HILLARY
2016
TAYLOR MABELITINI | WASHTENAW VOICE
BY COURTNEY DITTO
Contributor
utilizing social media platforms to communicate, things can get confused or emotions can get misread, and I don’t want people to misinterpret something, especially something that matters to them,” Zemke said. “It is a great way of starting and engaging with folks who care about the political process and who care about the legislative process, but it has its limitations in terms of personal interaction, so I always try to follow up with that.” Aside from the possibility of
miscommunication, Campbell believes that social media provides a voice for voters on an “individual level” and uses the most recent Democratic debate as an example. “After the debate, everyone will say that Hillary won, but if you look at social media, Bernie Sanders was the one generating the most amount of recognition and positive attention. Social media is an opportunity to really counter some of the institutional structures and forces that have kind of shaped the contours of the political theme,” Campbell said. “It’s very controversial. We’re seeing a lot of powerful evidence through social media.” Both Sanchez and Zemke also stated that mostly good can come from gaining the starter knowledge of politics
through social media. Zemke refers to social media as a “communication tool” and speaks of an office policy that every vote processed is to be posted on social media. Zemke says that he has received mostly positive feedback by being an advent social media user and politician. “I keep all of my social media very open. Now, that doesn’t mean I haven’t had a negative interaction where I haven’t disagreed with something someone has said, but that’s part of the conversation,” Zemke said. “If we all agreed, we wouldn’t have much to say, so I think the back and forth dialogue is important, and I like being able to do it. So, I think this experience has always had positive value.”
3-D design class uses art to give back to community BY SOFIA LYNCH
Managing Editor
With Thanksgiving on the horizon, Washtenaw Community College students are getting in the holiday spirit and gearing up to give back. For WCC Instructor Belinda McGuire’s 3-D design class, giving back to the community and complementing the class curriculum can be simultaneously achieved. “The study is, of course, 3-D design as it applies to all arts,” McGuire said. “We make all kinds of things to explore materials, but this particular thing really was initiated by the students because we were talking about how can art apply to the community and what we can give back. And we came up with this idea.” The project that resulted was a universal, fall-favorite activity: pumpkin carving. Pumpkin carving uses a subtractive process, which is a procedure a 3-D design class will utilize often. “It’s a subtractive process,
carving is part of 3-D art, same as Michelangelo’s David was carved,” McGuire said. The class decided that they wanted to give the carved pumpkins as decorations to a local nursing home, the Ypsilanti Senior/Community Center. The class’ donations go beyond just decorations as well. The innards of the pumpkins will be given to McGuire’s cows to eat. Also once the pumpkins have withered, the senior center will use them in their compost, which will hopefully sprout pumpkins the following year. “It’s the community college students putting their work back into the community,” McGuire said. The students all cited the avid class discussions that “sporadically” transpire as the reason the idea came to life. The class supported the cost of the pumpkins and brought in the tools to make them, as well as all the supplies to sustain the artists.
“We have a lot of open discussions in this class and we talk about things as a group,” said 39-year-old Christy King from Whitmore Lake. “Somebody will have an idea and the next thing you know ,we’re all bringing cake and doughnuts and coffee.” Discussions like these create a spirit of togetherness amongst the classmates. “Everybody sort of knows each other and talks to each other... There’s a real sense of camaraderie when it comes to this class and that’s why I really appreciate it,” said 19-year-old 3-D animation major Cameron Tripp. The class got to benefit from their philanthropy not only because they could get together with friends and give back, but because they learned and had fun along the way. “Any time you can do something that you enjoy that other people can also enjoy, it makes you feel good about yourself, and happy,” King said.
Cameron Tripp, a 19-year-old 3-D animation student from Brighton works with his class to carve pumpkins for the Ypsilanti Senior Citizens Center. GRAY BANCROFT | WASHTENAW VOICE
Meet the Political Science Club:
What pushes most people apart, draws these ones together BY IVAN FLORES
politics and encouraging students to vote. The PSC is a place for peoIn the Political Science Club ple with wide-ranging interests at Washtenaw Community to come together and explore College, half a dozen mem- the role politics play in evbers stand together to fight eryday life, and then to take political apathy, according to an active part in the process. the club’s bylaws, by promot- The club participates in local ing a general understanding of campaigns, raises awareness
Contributor
for environmental issues and helps register voters. Last year, they started the Green Fund Initiative to redesign the recycling bins in the Student Center to make waste collection more environmentally friendly. They collected 2,400 signatures and presented the issue to the board of
As a leadership shift happens in the Political Science Club, new club bylaws must be drafted. GRAY BANCROFT | WASHTENAW VOICE
trustees. The measure was approved and is currently awaiting implementation. The PSC practices a democratic process. After key members graduated, a new president, Rosie Van Alsburg; vice president, Joe Chapman; marketing director, Nick McLellan; and recruiter, Hunter Muirhead were elected to fill the roles. During a recent meeting, the club ratified its bylaws, which explicitly state the club’s purpose and rules. They also swore in all of the newly elected officers. They will continue to participate in Constitution Day, a voter registration drive and Voter Registration Day. Muirhead explained the importance of the PSC’s outreach: “(Politics) affect the way we operate society. I want people to understand the system,” Muirhead said. Their efforts will be particularly important as the 2016 election approaches. In the wake of the 2012 election, a Politico article directly attributed Barack Obama’s victory to the youth vote. Young,
educated and active voters will make a difference again in November of next year. For the members of PSC, being part of the club isn’t just about politics. It’s about forming new friendships, sharing interests and embracing diversity. McLellan said, “Everyone is passionate about something, and I like that.” Last May, the PSC took a trip to Washington D.C. to attend a political science convention. The club met with counterparts
from across the country, saw the national monuments, and met with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. It was a learning and bonding experience in more than one way; after spending 20 hours in a van, they got to learn a lot about each other. “It was incredible… We’re all growing and learning together, and we’re all just trying to find a way to make the world a better place,” said 16-year-old Van Alsburg.
Bella Pense, 16, helps the new club Treasurer Davon Shackleford, 21, swear into his office on a copy of the constitution. GRAY BANCROFT | WASHTENAW VOICE
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SPORTS
The Washtenaw Voice
ILLUSTRATIONS BY SANAA NAEEM AND TAYLOR MABELITINI | WASHTENAW VOICE
Kayla Hilton, a 19-year-old criminal justice student of Plymouth takes control of the ball during the women’s club soccer practice. GRAY BANCROFT | WASHTENAW VOICE
Sarah Silvasi, 21, a nursing student from Ann Arbor, and David Cabrera, 22, a student from Ypsilanti, battle to kick out one another’s balls during a men’s soccer practice. GRAY BANCROFT | WASHTENAW VOICE
Near the end of the men’s club baseball practice, the team takes bunts. GRAY BANCROFT | WASHTENAW VOICE
During men’s soccer practice, the challenge was to communicate with each other because they were only allowed to touch the ball twice. GRAY BANCROFT | WASHTENAW VOICE