Issue 7, Feb. 5 -- The Spectator

ENTERTAINMENT: Don’t miss an opportunity to see two exciting comets later this year, pg. 4

BACKPAGE: Ukrain has lots of history, pg. 8

S SPECTATORTh

e

us on Facebook

Stacy Wilson, a foreign language instructor at WNCC, recently made yoga part of her new lifestyle.

February 5, 2013 Volume 59, Issue 7

Touching the intellectof students at WNCC

Wilson makes yoga part of her lifestyle

WNCC math instructor Gustavo Seminario enjoys

making a diff erence in students’ lives

 BY JOY ANITEYESpectator Feature Editor  Gustavo Seminario is a math instructor at WNCC. He enjoys teaching engineering classes and all math classes, from basic math-ematics to calculus 3. Seminario is originally from Piura, Peru. He underwent his univer-sity studies in Lima, Peru, and came to the United States as an engineer and a university professor in 1975.

 Q: Why did you come to the U.S.?A: At the time, I was a university professor, and there were many political views that went against the freedom of expression. Th ey aff ected what I call ‘academic free-dom.’ You cannot be an intellectual if you’re not free to express your ideas without any fears or remorse. And that’s why I came to this country. Q: What was your childhood like?A: It was a very happy one. I come from a very old family in Peru. One of the things I learned from home is that if I wanted some-thing, I had to work for it. Of course, I was never denied anything, but as soon as I start-ed to grow, my parents taught me to work. My mother made sure that we enjoyed our

COVER STORY

See Gus, page 3

‘The bestGala we’veever done’

See Gala, page 2

Yoga helps WNCC instructor improve her strength, fl exibility

By ALEXANDRIA MOREEFashion Editor

Eight years ago Stacy Wilson, a language instruc-tor at Western Nebraska Community College, was introduced to yoga through her then current

interest belly dancing. Aft er more and more exposure to yoga, Wilson grew to enjoy the practice of yoga even more so than the belly dancing. “I started doing yoga really seriously four and a half years ago aft er I had a car accident and injured my neck,” explains Wilson. “I couldn’t do a lot of diff erent types of exercise due to the neck injury, but yoga was one thing that I could still do.” By doing the singular form of physical therapy that consis-tently helped to ease her chronic pain, Wilson began to build up strength. “I realized that as I was doing yoga my body was transforming, not just the ability to manage my pain, but my body was transforming into something much stronger, especially in my core,” says Wilson, also noting that her balance and fl exibility

improved dramatically as she devotedly practiced yoga. “For a lot of people in the western world, when they hear the word yoga they think simply of movement, or asana, part of yoga,” says Wilson of the misconception that yoga is only a series of movements. “Little by little, the word is spreading and people are

See Yoga, page 7

BY LENZIE COLESpectator Reporter

Miranda Nicholas is a freshman at WNCC. She is pursuing a degree in early childhood education. She’s also involved in choir. Q: Why did you pick WNCC?: A: “It’s close to home, and it’s a good school.” Q: Are you enjoying being part of WNCC’s music program? A: “It’s really good because of a very good music teacher. I’m glad I came up here for the music program.” Q: What else do you like about it? A: “We get to travel a lot, and we get to sing a lot of cool songs.” Q: What are your other interests? A: “In my free time I like to hang out with friends, and I like to ride horses when I can.” Q: What do you hope to do in the future? A: “Hopefully, I will eventually be able to open my own daycare. I’m majoring in early child education, so that is where I’m hoping it will go.” Q: How will you use what you’ve learned about music to help other people? A: “I’ll be able to tell how they are feel-ing. Maybe you can express how you feel [through music] when you can’t tell some-one in words.” Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why? A: “I would probably go to Italy. It would be neat to go there. I have not really been out of the United States, so that would be pretty cool.” Q: How has music changed your life? A: “It helps me express myself in ways words can’t.” Q: What kind of music do you listen to and why? A: “I like country. I listen to anything, but I like country the most. I don’t know why that is; it’s just what I really listen to.” Q: What does the type of music you like say about you? A: “I really don’t know what it says about me, just that I’m a country girl, I guess.” Q: What inspired you to go into music? A: “I’ve loved to sing ever since I was little.”

Student SPOTLIGHT: Miranda Nicholas

By JOY ANITEYESpectator Features Editor

Jessica Littlejohn has one big goal for her future. She wants to become Miss America, just like her friend, Teresa Scanlan, did a couple years ago. Littlejohn said there are many reasons she looks up to Scanlan, a former student at both Gering and Scottsbluff

high schools. Littlejohn got to know Scanlan quite well when they were going to high school together. “She is her own person. She is not afraid of whom she wants to be, and that’s a really good thing,” Littlejohn said. “She’s got her head on straight.” Late last year Littlejohn took

‘Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do it’

See Littlejohn, page 2

Photo by Alexandria Moree/Spectator

Western Nebraska Community College

WNCC’s Jessica Littlejohn pursuing her dream of becoming Miss America

Photo by Lenzie Cole/Spectator

WNCC instructor Gus Seminario touches his

students by teaching them math and en-

gineering. But at the same time, Seminario

teaches them about life. On a recent trip

to Machupichu, Peru, he realized that a

spiritual bird of the Incas was above his head in this picture that his family took

of him.Courtesy photo

SPORTS: Soft ball, baseball teams to open their seasons this week, pg. 5

Jessica Littlejohn is crowned Miss Crane Watch Festival last year. Littlejohn hopes tosomeday become Miss America.Courtesy photo

Annual event set forFeb. 22-23 at WNCC

By ALEXANDRIA MOREESpectator Fashion Editor

Aft er 16 years of sold out Gala events, Rita Stinner is once again preparing for what she confi dentially says will be “the best Gala we’ve ever done.” On Feb. 22-23, Western Nebraska Com-munity College will entertain and inevitably “wow” the Scottsbluff Valley with “All You Need is Love,” the theme of the 2013 Gala. “Th e theme is just about love. It is not a Beatles theme; however, we do have some Beatles songs. It is simply about love,” says Stinner. “We have romantic love, we have love for family, we have love for country, love that is unrequited, and love that is re-turned. We have every aspect of love.” Stinner said the event will be colorful. “I told the students to think popsicles when they picked out their outfi ts,” Stinner said with a smile. With a color theme of or-ange, red, yellow, and white, it is sure to be a feast for all the senses. While many faculty, staff , students, and patrons of the vocal program at WNCC at-tended the “Varsity Vocal Showcase” in the fall, Stinner explained that “the Gala is a more formal event. Th ere have been years in which people attended wearing tuxedos and ball gowns; however, in our valley we

CATStudents

Major: Pre-physical therapyHonors/awards/activities: President’s list, Academic All-American, WNCC

softball playerFavorite TV show: “Criminal Minds”Hobbies: Playing softball, snowboarding, wakeboarding, runningFavorite book: “Green Eggs and Ham”Who is your role model?: “My mother. She has gone through so much in her life and has overcome any obstacle that has come at her.”What is your motto?: “Never give up.”If you had one piece of advice to share with everyone, what would it be?: “Set a goal and do the things you can to get there. It is possible!”

— By Joy Aniteye, Spectator

Feb. 5, 2013 — Page 2NNewsews

Siaka SannehThe Gambia

Melanie RowsonVancouver, Canada

Continued from page 1

Littlejohn

M a j o r : Nursing

H o n o r s /a w a r d s /a c t i v i t i e s :SI leader for c h e m i s t r y ; Phi Th eta

Kappa member; president of the Muslim Student Association; vice president of Student Govern ment

Favorite TV show: “24” and “Prison Break”

Hobbies: “Playing soccer”

Favorite quote: “Do unto others as you would like others to do unto you.”

Who is your role model?: “Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”

What is your motto?: “Th e sky is the limit.”

If you had one piece of advice to share with everyone, what would it be?: “Respect humanity and be yourself.”

— By Joy Aniteye, Spectator

Two hundred and thirteen students made the Western Nebraska Community College President’s and Dean’s lists for the fall semes-ter. Th e 40 students making the President’s List with a 4.0 grade point average include: Al-liance, Neb. -- Shawn Gasseling; Big Springs, Neb. -- Mark McClung; Bridgeport, Neb. -- Ashley Stevens; Chadron, Neb. -- Larrence Addleman, Patrick Buller, Nay May, Toniya Perry, Taylor Rimpley; Gering, Neb. -- Joseph Cole, Bernardo Garcia, Heather Listermann, Samantha McKay, Andy Tompkins; Kimball, Neb. -- Tanner Hinton, Trevan Hinton; Mina-tare -- Carli Rose; Omaha, Neb. -- Shane Al-exander, Plei Say; Scottsbluff , Neb. -- Alison Anderson, Matthew Beason, Nancy Chacon, Brittny Coleman, Kelsey Empfi eld, Sean Gud-gel, Shelby Olson, Halia Ross, Crystal Seiler, Danielle Vesper, Sara Vogel; Sidney, Neb. -- RIchard Fisher, Dillon Freburg, Patsy Yager; Julesburg, Colo. -- Jason Benson, Lehi; Utah -- Jennifer Cottle; Windsor, Colo. -- Kelsey Dod-dridge; Pine Bluff s, Wyo. -- Mark Michaud; Sterling, Colo. -- Haylee Park; Upton, Wyo. -- Ty Schmidt; Laramie, Wyo. -- David Schmitz; and Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, Mela-nie Rowson. Th e Dean’s List students who maintained a 3.4 to 3.99 grade point average include Al-liance, Neb. -- Deandra Adonis, Jerry Ash, Bridget Best, Sara Charambira, Jade Gasseling, Jared Hoff man, Erin Jensen, Austin Kehn, Sar-ah Lunbery, Luanita Peterson, Jenni Sample, Jennifer Sampson, Jimmy Smallfoot, Macken-zie Walker; Asby, Neb. -- Shawn McKimmey; Bayard, Neb. -- Jody Colson-Cabarrus, Linz Douglas, Christopher Keller, Timothy Kramer, Amanda Norman, Joseph Norton; Brewster,

Neb. -- Benjamin Pickering; Bridgeport, Neb. -- Dianne Bunch, Stephanie Christensen, Laramie Goeman, Lydia Hanson; Broadwater, Neb. -- Benjamin Goding; Chadron, Neb. -- Kariah Goynes, Anthony Munelo, Dagoberto Ramirez; Crawford, Neb. -- Tyrell Homrighau-sen; Gering, Neb. -- Nicholas Brady, Casandra Case, Jerath Cherry, Coulter Cooper, Howard Downer, Randy Graves, Katie Gutherless, Lose Hernandez, Victoria Hernandez, Kathy Holli-day, Christopher Jackson, Amy Kicken, Zach-ary Kilthau, Alexandra Murillo, Staci Murillo, Colton Neal, Kayla Romey, Keshia Santero, Whitney Schultz, Kelsey Sylvester, Linsey Weimer, Brent Youman, Jessiellee Ysazaga; Harrisburg, Neb. -- Jessica Bruce, McKenzie Duncan, Catherine Eich, George Lapaseotes; Hay Springs; Neb. -- Seth Badje; Hemingford, Neb. -- Samantha Hahn, Pavana Mallya; Hy-annis, Neb. -- Patricia Ayer; Kimball, Neb. -- Taylor Brown, Anastasia McCoud, Rachel Moeser; Lexington, Neb. -- Karen Barraza; Lodgepole, Neb. -- Kurt Daniels; Lyman, Neb. -- Sarah Peterson; McCook, Neb. -- Danielle Kiss; Minatare, Neb. -- Joy Aniteye, Morgan Broussard, Amanda Dugger, Nathan Lofi ng, Katherine Reichert, Nicole Sarnirand; Mitch-ell, Neb. -- Jacob Avila, Valarie Fuller, Masison Hicks, Ashley Hill, Colton Keller, Gary McCle-nahan, James Russell; Morrill, Neb. -- Jessica Aratani, Trevor Schneider, Victoria Seibert; Ogallala, Neb. -- Julie Bedell; Oshkosh, Neb. -- Terri Obrien; Scottsbluff , Neb. -- Dylan Barin, Carolyn Beahr, Diane Bellamy, Ezekiel Bowen, Cammie Branon, Kayla Brush, Christopher Camacho, Summer Carey, Matthew DeHaven, Ashley Dillman, Deanna Garcia, Raul Garcia, Spencer Gowin, Jennifer Gutierrez,Heidi Han-cock, Joe Huck, Elizabeth Huff man, Michael

Klein, Allison McMann, Elizabeth Miller, Bri-anne Mize, Gladys Orona, Tyler Patrick, Sarah Reagan, Teri Robinson, Alexandrai Schluter, Jessica Schulter, Joseph Schumacher, Ousman Sey, Heather Silva, Natasha Teall, Anna Teght-meyer, Scout Wilson; Sidney, Neb. -- Xina Balandran, Randall Bunner, Michelle Conroy Holt, Timothy Grimm, Beomhee Han, Nicho-las Hays, Kaylee Jenkins, Sheila Laiti, Eric Lindeken, Rehney Martin, Lauren McAllister, Shelbi McAllister, Minho Park, Arianna Peter-son, Justin Sage, Dana Sparks, Amanda Tafol-la, Michael Williamson; Centrnnial, Colo. -- Ashley Baker; Deer Trail, Colo. -- Gina Hrelja; Parker, Colo. -- Katie Kerkhoff ; Fleming, Colo. -- Amber Mekelburg; Padroni, Colo. -- Jar-vis Nelson; Yuma, Colo. -- Nancey Ochoa; Greeley, Colo. -- Haley Paxton, Kimmie Widick; New Raymer, Colo. -- Jessica Fiscus; Englewood, Colo. -- Kyle Shoutta; Longmont, Colo. -- Breanna Maria Smith; Aurora, Colo. -- Cameron Snyder; Peetz, Colo. -- Zachary Wood; Torrington, Wyo. -- Mikayla Brower, Bernard Yego; Wheatland, Wyo. -- Kali Johnson; Cloquet, Minn. -- Chad Calcaterra; Adairsville, Ga. -- Jodi Blackwell; Salt Lake City, Utah -- Gathoth Dewtang; Sandy, Utah -- Megan Johnson; Springville, Utah -- Lexi Lister; Ogden, Utah -- Nicole Weiss; Boise, Idaho -- Aaron Gaines; Tucson, Ariz. -- Kris-tine Lewis; Salam, Ore. -- Barbara Rowden; Miami, Fla. -- Osvaldo Gonzalez; Jacksonville, Fla. -- Poe Poe; Birch Hills, Saskatchewan, Canada -- Adena Hagen; Seoul, South Korea -- Younghwa Kim; Ankara, Turkey -- Idil Oz-bayrak; Vega Baja, Puerto Rico -- Alexandra Rivera; Rongstad, Denmark -- Gritt Ryder; Santa Cruz, Bolivia -- Christian Coronado; and Perth, Australia -- Chris Wescombe.

213 students make President’s, Dean’s lists

a step closer to her goal of becoming Miss America. She was crowned Miss Crane Watch Festival. By winning the competi-tion, which took place in Kearney, that qualifi ed her for the Miss Nebraska pageant this summer. Littlejohn said she takes a lot of pride in her current title. “Going up against some of the girls that have competed in the Miss Nebraska pag-eant and have been in the top seven and knowing you still beat them, that is kind of a confi dence boost,” she said. Littlejohn’s participation in beauty pag-eants took an unexpected turn two years ago. A week aft er being crowned Miss Scotts Bluff County 2010, she was attacked by a bull at a county fair. She suff ered numerous injuries, including a serious concussion and a dislo-cated hip. Aft er the accident, Littlejohn, a Scottsbluff High School graduate, decided to begin her college education at WNCC while she recovered from her injuries. “I decided to stick around where I knew everything and everybody and thought that would help,” she said. “Come to fi nd out, it was even a struggle [physically and mental-ly] to come here a year aft er [the accident].”Littlejohn is focusing on her general stud-ies at WNCC. She’s considering obtaining a business degree. “I’m not quite sure where I will go with it, but I’m sure that I can use it for whatever I’m planning on doing later,” she said. Littlejohn, who loves to smile and main-tain a positive attitude, has danced all of her life. Not only does she dance for the talent portion in beauty pageants, she also enjoys

being a member of the WNCC dance team. “Being able to dance still is one thing I’m re-ally grateful for because I could have very well been paralyzed,” Littlejohn said, referring to her accident at the county fair.           She participated in her fi rst pageant when she was 13 years old. She competed in pageants during Oregon Trail Days and also par-ticipated in the Scotts Bluff County Fair Pageant. Her title as Miss Scotts Bluff County in 2010 qualifi ed her to compete in the Miss Nebraska beauty pageant for the fi rst time. “Th e fi rst year when I went to Miss Ne-braska, I was so scared,” she recalls. “You think that it’s going to be so much harder than the local pageants and you have to do everything just right and everybody is watching you. And the thing is, I went there, and I experienced it. I know now that each of us is diff erent and that’s what the Miss America Organization is looking for. You can be your own person, and being your own person is being able to be a leader.” Littlejohn has some advice for girls who want to participate in pageants for the Miss America organization. “Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do it,” she said. “If you want to do it, go ahead and do it.” Th e Miss America organization gives participants a choice of platforms that the

beauty queens discuss in public. Littlejohn, who was kidnapped when she was 5 years old, said her platform is Kid Power: “Strang-er Danger.” She said the Miss America orga-nization has helped her become a stronger person, enabling her to talk about this issue in front of the public. Being involved in pageants has helped Littlejohn boost her confi dence, speaking abilities, and ability to be in front of large audiences. Over the years, she has learned to improve her performances and has found more and more admiration for the Miss America Organization. “Each time I go and do it, I realize I’m able to go and talk to people more than I used to. I can be a leader in more situations than I thought I could be. It’s just one of those things where you just better be your-self each time you do it.”

welcome everyone, so you may see jeans and you may see tuxedos.” When pressed about her choice of attire, Stinner replied, “I would wear a cocktail dress, not a formal dress — a lit-tle, black dress, if you will.” With a shining career behind her, Stinner has year aft er year fi lled her choir with in-credibly talented students. Th is year Stinner believes she has an abundance of talent. “I have, probably, overall the fi nest women I’ve ever had at WNCC,” she said. “I’ve always had wonderful women, but I have a lot of wonderful women this year. It’s been a very exciting year for me because we can do a lot of wonderful literature with so much talent.” Featuring a few of the talented students Stinner has in the program are the Quintes-sence girls group, featuring six members, and the male group Just Bluffi n’, with four members. While the fi nal acts are still being selected to the Gala and have yet to be an-nounced, Stinner did say that “I can tell you that Quintessence and Just Bluffi n’ are com-bining for a song, and it is a Beatles song. Never in the history of Quintessence and Just Bluffi n’ have they ever joined together to make one ensemble.”

With the varsity show choir being a feature of the evening, Stinner pointed out that “the Gala is every single person that is involved in the vocal program; we have accompaniment of instrumentalist, but the evening is a feature of our vocal program. Collegiate Corral is the heart and soul of my program; they are an ensemble that represents the entire vocal program here at Western Nebraska Community College. Th e Gala really features concert choir.” Stinner, giddily explaining the plans for the ensuing event, paused briefl y to eluci-date the incredible amount of work that

goes into the preparation of such an event by not only Stinner but also the students that participate in it. Th e reward to devoting copious number of hours to the Gala is each year hearing, “Th at’s the best Gala you’ve ever done. How are you ever going to top that? And each year when the Gala is over, people say the same thing,” says Stinner. “Having unique and wonderful students, supremely won-derful and varied talent, diff erent themes each year, diff erent colors and music every year, and diff erent food every year mean that every year can be the best ever.”

Continued from page 1

Gala event

Jessica Littlejohn poses for a picture with a young queen candidate during the Miss Crane Watch Festival.

Courtesy photo

Nik Chizekplays thetambourine during a rehearsal for the Gala evening that will be Feb. 22-23 at the Gering Civic Center. Tickets are on sale now.

Spectator photo

Top

Top

You

rY

ou

r

VoiceOne question,many answers!

“Hopefully, I’ll have a date with a cute guy.”

— Kimmie Widdick ,

Greeley, Co.

“No Valentine”

— Cody Johnson,

Salt Lake City, Utah

“Unfortu-nately, my Valentine will not be here because she has a softball tournament. So, no plans for me. … So sad.”

— Jonathon Borges, Scottsbluff

[Lindsey will be traveling with the WNCC softball team on Valentine’s Day] “If not, I’d with my boo boo.”

— Lindsey Shiels-Brophy,

Broomfi eld, Colo.

“Look for a very cute girl to take out and do something nice.”—Osvaldo Gonzalez,

Miami, Fla.

“No special plans as of yet. I haven’t found that special someone.”

— Darrius Davis,

Flint, Mich.

What are your plans for

Valentine’s Day? Do you have a

Valentine?

Feb. 5, 2013 — Page 3NNewsews

— Compiled by Danielle Hearn, Spectator

“Buying huge teddy bears and lots of chocolate for the lady.”

— Jimmy Russell,

Mitchell, Neb.

By LENZIE COLESpectator Reporter

Th e fl u bug is taking hold not only in the country but also Ne-braska. Th ere are four diff erent types of fl u that an individual can get, and many of the types of fl u have hit Western Nebraska Commu-nity College. Th e four types of fl u are Infl uenza A (H3N2), Infl uenza B, 2009 H1N1, and the seasonal fl u. Th e Infl uenza A is the most common this season, and it is in full swing at WNCC. To avoid get-ting Infl uenza A or any other fl u, there are many steps one can take. Th e best way is to get the fl u shot each year, but if people can’t do that, they need to make sure they wash their hands. Also, if some-one has to cough, it is important to cover your mouth. Th is fl u bug has hit several places around WNCC, including nine people at Conestoga Hall. If someone is sick with the fl u, it is important to notify the col-lege or if they live in the residence halls, he or she should contact the RA staff . Individuals can notify the college of sickness through their portal. Once a student notifi es

the college, an email will be sent to their instructors to be excused from class. By reporting that a stu-dent is sick, the college will know how bad the fl u season is and how to respond to it. Susan Yowell, vice president of Student Services, said the college is doing everything possible to control the fl u bacteria. “Th e people that we have hired to clean our college is FBG, and they will be cleaning more door knobs, railings, and other objects that are touched by hands,” she said. “So, the windows might be a little more dirty than normal.” She recommends that students monitor their temperature and stay at home until 24 hours aft er their fever has broken. “It depends on the person on how long they get over the fl u,” Yahosh Bonner, Conestoga Hall Residence Life director, said. Bonner and Yowell said there are posters on campus telling stu-dents how to avoid getting sick. Th ey stress that the fl u season is just getting started. If anyone has questions about the fl u, please call 1-800-cdc-info or go to the website www.fl u.gov. Yowell said that students can come to her with questions, too.

Take extra precautions during the flu season

GusContinued from page 1

childhood, but as we got older, re-sponsibilities started to appear. Q: What impressed you the most when you fi rst came to the United States?A: Its openness. It is a very open so-ciety, a very well-organized society. Th e law, you are free to do whatever you want to do as long as you do it within the law. You are not sup-posed to be afraid of speaking your mind or getting your point across. Q: If you could be anywhere in the world, where would it be?A: You never forget home. Home is home; it’s based on memories. I always miss my home and my par-ents. Th ey are gone, but life goes on. I have decided to stay in Scottsbluff , Nebraska. Why? It’s one of the few little places where a hamburger still tastes like a hamburger. Q: What’s your favorite book?A: It will have to be a mathematics book. I have a book that is called, “Th e Foundations of Analysis.” When you read that book, it leads you to the conclusion that no mat-ter what you see out there, things don’t happen randomly. Th ere is always a reason for that; things are interconnected. Q: What’s the best place you have ever visited?A: Machu Picchu, Peru. Machu Pic-chu is beautiful. It is quiet and spiri-tual. Q: What do you miss most about your home country?A: My mother and my father, es-pecially my mother. Both of them were great people. My mother was a very wise person. I owe a great deal of what I am today to my mother. She was an educator. She infl uenced me the most. Q: Do you have a favorite sports team?A: I will say a soccer team. Brazil and Argentina have very good soc-cer teams. I like quick sports, like swimming. I get to see the winner very fast. But I also enjoy very much coming here to watch the Cougars play.  Q: What’s your favorite part about teaching?A: My favorite part about teaching is to touch the intellect of students. Teaching is not passing knowledge in a disorganized way. Teaching is to understand the subject in and out and to be able to transfer it ar-tistically to the other person. And make the student aware that edu-cation will pay off . Knowledge is power and the survival of our so-ciety.

Q: What advice would you give students who struggle with math?A: Don’t make shortcuts! Th e num-ber one mistake students do is to make shortcuts. It’s not the grade that matters, it’s the knowledge. Accept reality. Don’t set goals too high, and work toward your goals. Dreams do come true as long as you have your feet on the ground. An-other thing is patience. I always tell them be patient, it takes time.

 Q: What’s your favorite movie?A: “Th e Planet of the Apes,” the fi rst one. Not because I see monkeys; it’s what could happen if we go back-ward and fail to educate people.  Q: What do you like to do outside of school?A: Spend time with my family. I’m a family man. Th ere was a time when I was single, and I went to a lot of par-ties, but that time is gone. I still do

some partying with my family, but that is a diff erent type. I always say to the students in my classes: “Don’t do things I haven’t taught you.” Q: What is your most treasured memory?A: When my son was born. When I was able to see that I created life. When I realized that I was no lon-ger Gus, and I was responsible for a newborn. Now it’s Gus & Company.

“Celebrating my last name with the old lady.”

— DonavonValentine,

Torrington, Wyo.

Morgan Yost sings a song during a rehearsal for the Gala evening event that will be Feb. 22-23 at the Gering Civic Center. Tickets are now on sale.

Providing a tuneSpectator photo

1. What country is it a crime to drive a dirty car?

2. What animal can use human’s birth control pills?

3. What animal has the largest eyes?

4. What is the longest word that you can type with your left hand?

5. How many newborns are given to the wrong parents every day?

Answers: 1. Russia; 2. Gorillas; 3. Giant squid 4. Stewardesses; 5. Approx. 12; 6. Tail lights; 7. Shakespeare; 8. Black; 9. Texas; 10. Acorns

Feb. 5, 2013 — Page 4EEntertainmentntertainmentAll of us have seen pictures

of comets, but most of us have not seen one with

our own eyes. Well, that’s about to change. This year we are very lucky because there are two comets that people will be able to see with the naked eye or with binoculars. One of the comets will come in the next month and the other one will arrive at the end of the year. The best one to see is the one that is coming at the end of the year. It’s a comet that was just discovered, and it will make its first pass around the sun this year. The first comet that will be coming around the sun for us to see will be in March. That comet will be low in the west sky, but each

evening it will move north-ward. The name of this comet is C/20011 L4 or PANSTARRS. This comet was discovered in June 2011 in Hawaii with the Pan-STARRS telescope. The comet is named after the telescope that discovered it. The comet will begin to fade in April, becoming part of our night sky. At that point, people still might be able to see it with a good telescope. And if the comet is truly bright then, people would

have a great opportunity to take a picture of it, if one has the right equipment. Scientists believe that this comet will not be seen again for another 110,000 years, so when March comes around, plan to go into the country to take a look at it. The other comet that will come later this year is C/2012 S1, also known as ISON. It was found on Sept. 21 by Vitali Nevski and Artyom Novichonok, both of whom are from Russia. They believe that this is a new comet because of its near-parabolic or-bit. It will come close to the sun. They think this comet will out-do the comet Hale-Bopp of 1997 and maybe even out-do the comet that we will see in March.

The C/2012 S1 comet is from the Oort Cloud, which is a vast zone of icy objects that is outside of our solar system. Scientists believe that the Oort Cloud is remnants from the formation of our solar system. Most of the comets that have already been seen most likely come from there. The C/2012 S1 can be seen right now by people who have a powerful telescope. It can be found in the right hand corner of Cancer. It will reach binocular visibility by late summer, and by early November you’ll be able to see it without any help. The comet will reach its peak brightness in late November and will gradu-ally dim; however, you will still be able to see it with any optical

aid until mid-January of 2014. It might get so bright that you’ll be able to see it in the daytime for a short amount of time. Northern hemisphere observers are espe-cially likely to see ISON. Don’t miss an opportunity to see these comets because it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see not just one comet but two comets with the naked eye. The comets might even turn out to be more awe-inspiring than what scientists predict. Sources: http://ometography.come/lcomets/2011l4.html , http://earthsky.org/space/comet-panstarrs-possibly-visible-to-eye-in-march-2013 , and http://www.space.com/17762-newfound-comet-dazzling-2013-display-c2012s1.html. Lenzie Cole is a reporter for the Spectator.

Don’t miss your chance to see two exciting comets later this year

Lenzie ColeScience

Columnist

The movie industry is cruel and not just because the men who call the shots in it have

an obsession with perfection and money-making but also because we have tastes that are just as discrimi-nating and ever-changing. We (the public) know what we want (or at least that’s what the shot-callers say), and we don’t mind whose career we throw in the dust bin; barriers we create for aspiring actors, or sleeper hits we shun to settle for what we want to pay for. But sometimes it just can’t be helped.  In no time was this more true than in the 1930s, when the on-set mic was invented. Many actors and movie-makers scoffed at it, calling it a gimmick. “Talkies,” they called them. A crude attempt to evolve an established silent art form that would never catch on. But to their surprise, it not only did but also led to the end of their careers. Millions of silent film actors were no longer wanted—out of work as Hollywood made way for a whole new genera-tion of “talking faces” that we wanted to see (and hear!).  And virtually (and vocally!) no

film has told this story better than a black-and-white silent movie, of all things. Made just a year ago at that! The first French film (and first silent film) ever to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, The Art-ist (2011), is one of the best artistic

achievements of our time. George Val-entine is a proud star of the silent screen who’s got it made and is living his dream. But after an in-nocent mishap, he hurdles a fan of his into the spotlight. He not only sees

the start of a new career but also the end of his, as silent films fall out of fashion.  But the story, as fresh and mean-ingful as it is, is not what makes it so brilliant. It’s the films’ reflexivity that steals the show (a film’s awareness of itself as a can-be-unconventional story teller). As aforementioned, The Artist is silent, but it is the best silent film (and one of the best films) ever made. How so? Well, let me tell you spirit of this film. Silently! I am writ-ing this thing after all!

The film’s silence is indicative of the world actor George Valentine is made for. He’s a silent film actor, after all, but in a world that is as susceptible to change as the movie itself. In fact, when Valen-tine’s world starts to change in one scene, he suddenly finds himself in a film with sound, out of place, and frightened on our screens. The mere sound of a leaf falling, deafening to him.  Indeed, who knew a silent film in 2011 would be such an ingenious idea. The movie often uses twenty-first century special effects to genu-inely surprise us in a film that looks a hundred years old. The new age takes on old cliques make it nostalgic but feel new and deceptively unpre-dictable at the same time. (Expect it plays tricks on you!)  More impressively, the film’s use of caption cards make it always feel endearing and light-hearted, even when it’s heart-wrenchingly sad. Every line has a double meaning and a purpose, and by the end, you feel like you just witnessed a very long journey for both the actors. In fact, if

you’re an inspiring actor like myself, I’m sure you’ll consider this film one of your all-time favorites like I did. The story speaks volumes without saying a word.  Nothing else can be said about The Artist (because it is a silent film, after all). Or maybe because it’s just that close to flawless. Or maybe both. Not everything is black-and-white, after all! All right, I’ll stop! I don’t know why you’re mad. I haven’t said anything!  But in all seriousness, the ending will surprise you, and overall it’ll make you appreciate the magic and the world of movie making in more than one way. Go watch it and be left speechless. Grade: A+ Johnny “Krr’ej” Escamilla is the Entertainment Editor of the Spectator.

A picture’s worth a thousand words, even silent ones

Johnny “Krr’ej”

EscamillaMovie Review

2011 fi lm:Th e Artist

By DANIELLE HEARNSpectator Sports Editor

The WNCC baseball team heads into this sea-son with lots of talent and experience — and high hopes. “I’m excited to see what this team has in store,” said WNCC sophomore Zach Ostergard. Th ere are 11 sopho-mores on the team, and 10 are returnees. WNCC opens its season Th ursday and Friday against McCook Community Col-lege beginning at 2 p.m. at Cleveland Field in Scotts-bluff . Both games will be doubleheaders. Following those games, WNCC will compete in

Odessa, Texas, Feb. 16-17. Ostergard said this year’s team appears to be even stronger than last year’s squad. “Th e team this year has a better work ethic. Th e chemistry and overall atti-tude is better. We all bond together very well,” Oster-gard said. Among the Cougars’ goals this season, Oster-gard said, is winning a Region IX championship after last season the Cou-gars failed to make the re-gional tournament and this season the team wants to change that. “As a sophomore, that would be the most reward-ing feeling,” he said.

SportsSportsFeb. 5, 2013

INSIDE:WNCC men’s basketball WNCC men’s basketball team looking to get on a roll team looking to get on a roll this weekend, page 6this weekend, page 6

Rising to the challengeDespite going through some adversity

this season, Cougar women’s basketball team remains one of nation’s top squads

By HEIDI HANCOCKSpectator Assistant Sports Editor  Th e WNCC soft ball season is right around the corner, and fresh-man catcher Jennifer Cottle has a positive perspective on how the Cougars are looking. Jennifer comes to WNCC from Westlake High School in Lehl, Utah. Th e fi rst WNCC soft ball game is Feb. 9 at Colby Community College in Colby, Kan.

Q: Why did you choose to come to WNCC?JC: Coach [Maria-Winn] mainly. I saw a lot in her, and I knew she would coach a great team, so that is why I came.

Q: What do you like best about being at WNCC?JC: Th e school. I like how all of the athletics are really closetogether, and we are all friends.

Q: How is your team looking so far?JC: Looking really good. Our practices are going strong, and we arelooking good as a team.

Q: What do you feel is your biggest strength as a team?JC: As a team, I think our bats are probably our biggest strength, andwe look good on off ense.

Q: Looking ahead to the season, what are you looking forward to the most?JC: Hopefully, making it to regionals and then beating out Kansas in the

region. Also, going to play nationals.

Q: What have you and your teammates been doing to make sure you’re prepared for the season?JC: Doing two a days every day and going outside as much as possible

Couch to 5Kprogram can help peoplestay healthyand happy

The holidays are over, but I’m still feeling a little sluggish aft er all the yummy food I ate in recent weeks.

It’s a tradition to start a new workout plan aft er the fi rst of the year, and who am I to break tradition?

Th is year, though, I didn’t buy a gym membership, nor did I join an exercise group. Nope, I am going to start straight from my couch. A couple years ago I was told about a new exercise program called Couch to 5K, but I never thought it was

something that I could actually do myself. I’m trying it now, though.To begin with, all new workout plans should be closely researched and, if possible, checked with your doc-tor before you try them. You should never dive into an exercise regime head fi rst; all you’ll

do is end up miserable and most times that results in your giving up. Th e Couch to 5K program is designed to slowly ease you into a workout routine and help you accomplish your goal. Hence the couch part of the name. Yes, you can actually start from your couch. In this program, you don’t start with a running program from the very beginning. Instead, you slowly ease from walking to jogging. In just two months, if you follow the program guidelines, you can be running a 5K or a three-mile run. Th e best part about the Couch to 5K program is that it is completely based on your ability level. Program organiz-ers even recommend that you repeat weeks if needed and move ahead only when you feel ready. Th ere is no pushing or nipping at your heels to be better or faster; it is all at your pace. If you are like me, you probably don’t have the desire to work out seven days a week. Th at is the magic of the Couch to 5K program. It is only meant to take up 20 to 30 minutes of your time, three times a week. Th is program is meant to get you fi t, not make you a marathon runner. Don’t worry about how fast you’re going. Running faster is not the initial goal. Wait awhile until your bones are stronger and you’re in better condition. Gradually increasing the time or distance of your run is the best way to start off . Th ere are two ways to follow this program: measure your runs by time or by distance. Th ere is an easy step-by-step guide to follow for each day and week of your program. Oh, and here is my favorite part of the entire thing: there is an APP for your phone. You can keep track of your progress right in the palm of your hand! How can you resist that? I have to admit, this program seems to have been made just for me. I am not the most self-motivated person on this planet, and the Couch to 5K program has literally made it easy as pie. So, when you look in the mirror and think to yourself that maybe you could use a new exercise program, look no further, the Couch to 5K program is the way to go. I know that I am going to give it a shot. If you would like more informa-tion, go to http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml.

Let me know how it goes for you, and I will keep you posted on my progress as well.

HeidiHancock

Commentary

IN the HUDDLE: Jennifer Cottle

See Women’s, Page 6

By HEIDI HANCOCKSpectator Assistant Sports Editor

Th e WNCC women’s basketball team has certainly encoun-tered its share of adversity this season. But that hasn’t kept the Cougars from putting together another solid season. WNCC, which is 10-13 overall, has ripped off 10 straight wins and sits atop the Region IX South Sub-Region standings with a 6-0 record. Th e winner of the sub-region hosts the regional tourna-ment the fi rst weekend in March. WNCC’s latest victory came Tuesday, Jan. 29, when the Cou-gars toppled Northeastern Junior College 85-45 on the Plains-women’s home court. Cougar assistant coach Ipek Turkyilmaz said she’s proud of how her players have pushed through some obstacles to become one of the nation’s top teams again. “We have a very special group that cares about each other and knows we have the potential to reach our goal of getting to the regional championship,” Turkyilmaz said. Going into the season, the Cougars fi gured they would have a chance to be pretty good, especially with the return of three start-ers and a incoming group that featured plenty of talent.

WNCC freshman Jennifer Cottle swings during an intersquad scrimmage on Sunday, Jan. 27.

WNCC sophomore Kelsey Doddridge goes up for a shot during the Cou-gars’ game against Casper College on Jan. 26 in Casper, Wyo. WNCC dropped Casper, 56-50.

WNCC baseball team to open season this week

See Cottle, Page 6

Spectator photo

John Timmins throws a pitch during a Sunday aft ernoon practice. Th e baseball team opens the season Th ursday against McCook and Timmins is scheduled to start a game on Friday.

Spectator photo

Spectator photo

Th e Western Nebraska Com-munity men’s basketball team picked up a big win on the road against Casper College, but aft er that win, the Cougars lost mo-mentum by dropping three sub-region contests. Th e sub-region losses are mak-ing the Cougars fi ght for a top seed in next month’s Region IX tour-nament, and they will have three home sub-region games to get things moving in a positive way. Th e Casper game was a con-test in which the team put every-thing together. WNCC coach Russ Beck was pleased with the way his team played in getting the 88-81 win against Casper on the road. “It was a great win for the Cou-gars,” Beck said. “I am so proud of how they have responded and the roster changes we have had to deal with. We will keep working hard and get better every game. It is very hard to go into a place like Casper and win. We were without Cody Johnson and Youssoupha Kane because of sickness, but we were a family. “We played through mistakes. We played through the refs foul-ing out fi ve of our 10 players, and we just simply found a way to win. All 10 of our Cougars stepped in and did their job. We need to keep working hard on our defense and keep getting better every day.” Th e men’s win was historic especially aft er Casper defeated the Cougar men 86-74 back in November. WNCC took the lead midway through the fi rst half and never trailed again.

As much momentum as the team gained against Casper, they lost it in the three sub-region games last week. WNCC lost to NJC 75-62, and then fell to Lara-mie County Community College 74-68. WNCC played well against LCCC in the first half, leading 29-26. In the second half, LCCC shot the lights out in taking the win. Th e Cougars followed that game with a loss to North Platte

Community College, which is leading the South Sub-Region standings. Th e Cougars played well, but committed 22 turnovers that resulted in 27 points for the Knights in suff ering the 100-69 loss. WNCC will have three straight home sub-region contests begin-ning Feb. 8 when it hosts Lamar Community College followed by NJC on Feb. 9 and then Laramie County on Feb. 12.

Feb. 5, 2013 — Page 6SSportsports

Cougar Scoreboard

Men’s Basketball Schedule11/2-3 @ Gillette Classic Won 98-78 — Gillette CollegeLost 104-107 OT — Sheridan Lost 49 - 102 — @ South Plains11/16-17 @ Reg. 9/18 ChallengeLost 67-68 — Southern IdahoWon 82-76 — Salt Lake CCWon 96-81 — Western WyomingLost 74-95 — Casper College11/30 @ Holiday ClassicWon 65-61 — Gillette CollegeLost 84-69 — Sheridan CollegeWon 96-85 — Northwest Kansas12/14-15 @ Northwest ClassicWon 68-59 — Miles C.C.Lost 91-83 — Northwest CollegeLost 77-76 — NW Kansas TechLost 81-74 — Lamar C.C.Lost 69-64 — McCookWon 80-69 — Trinidad State J.C.Lost 100-93 — Otero J.C.1/22 Eastern Wyoming, homeLost — 82-73 Eastern WyomingWon 88-81 — CasperLost 75-62 — Northeastern J.C.Lost 74-68 — Laramie CountyLost 100-69 — North Platte C.C.2/8 Lamar C.C., home2/9 Northeastern J.C., home2/12 Laramie County, home2/15 @ Otero J.C.2/16 @ Trinidad State J.C.2/19 @ McCook C.C.

2/21 @ Eastern Wyoming2/22 North Platte C.C., home

Women’s Basketball Schedule** Won 88-29 — Nebraska All-stars11/8-10 @ Colby Classic** Won 62-24 — Colby C.C.** Won 58-41 — Colorado Northwestern** Won 75-40 — Hastings J.V.** Won 96-31 — Colo. Christian JV,11/16-17 @ CWC Tourney** Won 80-48 — Central Wyoming** Won 68-43 — Miles C.C.** Won 72-42 — Casper College11/29-30, 12/1 @ Prep Tourney** Won 64-38 — Adams State** Won 91-68 — Ft. Carson** Won 90-36 — Air Force12/6-8 Holiday Classic, home** Won 94-47 — Colby** Won 90-41 — Hastings** Won 92-44 — Air ForceWon 71-52 — Colo. Christian JVWon 88-52 — NW Kanasa TechWon 79-52 — Lamar C.C.Won 72-54 — McCook C.C.Won 94-61 — Trinidad State J.C.Won 68-35 — Otero J.C.Won 69-52 — Eastern WyomingWon 56-50 — Casper CollegeWon 85-45 — Northeastern J.C.2/8 Lamar C.C.. home2/9 Northeastern J.C., home2/15 @ Otero J.C.

2/16 @ Trinidad State J.C.2/19 @ McCook C.C.2/21 @ Eastern Wyoming2/27 NW Kansas Tech, home3/3-7 Region IX Tourney3/18-23 National Tourney** indicates games team at to forfeit

Baseball Schedule2/7-8 McCook C.C., home2/16-17 @ Odessa College2/22-24 @ Barton C.C.3/2-3 @ Trinidad State College3/9 Lamar C.C., home3/10 Otero J.C., home3/13-14 @ Iowa Western C.C.3/17 @ El Paso C.C.3/18 @ Glendale C.C.3/19 @ Seminole State C.C.3/20 @ Yavapai College3/21 @ Seminole State C.C.3/23-24 @ McCook3/26 @ Northeastern J.C.3/29 Trinidad State College, home3/30 McCook C.C., home4/6-7 @ Otero J.C.4/13-14 Northeastern J.C.4/17 McCook C.C.4/20-21 @ Lamar C.C.4/24 @ Northeastern J.C.5/3-5 First Round Region IX Playoffs5/10-12 Region IX Champs

5/16-19 West Districs5/23-28 College World Series

Softball Schedule2/9-10 @ Colby C.C.2/15-17 @ Midland College Torney2/24 @ Lamar C.C.3/2 @ Frank Phillips College3/3 @ Western Texas College3/6 @ North Platte C.C.3/9 @ Otero J.C.3/10 @ Garden City C.C.3/13 McCook C.C., home3/14 Dawson C.C., home3/16 @ Trinidad State College3/17 @ Luna C.C.3/18 @ Adams State College JV3/20 North Platte C.C., home3/27 @ Northeaster J.C.3/29 Lamar C.C., home4/3 @ North Platte C.C.4/5 Otero J.C., home 4/6 Trinidad State College, home4/9 @ McCook C.C.4/11 Northeaster J.C., home4/13 @ Colby Tourney4/16 North Platte C.C., home4/19 @ Hastings College JV4/20 @ Muscatline College4/21 @ Iowa Western C.C.4/27 Garden City C.C., home5/ Region XI Tournament

MVCMost

ValuableCougar

Ashley Stevens

Sport: Basketball

Grade: Freshman

Position: Post

Hobbies and Interests: I like to go to my grandpa’s farm. I raisesheep and showed sheep when I was younger for 4-H.

Favorite Movie: “A Walk to Remember”

Nickname: “Ash,” or as Mikayla likes to call me, “Ash Town.”

What do you like best about WNCC?: I like that it’s small and that it’s kind of close. That way, if I have a question, there is always someone to answer it.

-By Heidi Hancock

Cougar men take down Casper, but drop key sub-region games

1. A surcharge fee will be applied by the ATM owner, unless they are participating in the MoneyPass® network. Deposit productsoffered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2012 U.S. Bank. All rights reserved.

usbank.com/studentchecking 800.771.BANK (2265)

Scottsbluff North 308.632.9106 Gering 308.436.5066 Torrington 307.532.7063

College is full of lessons, and U.S. Bank can help you with the financial ones –

like getting 4 free non-U.S. Bank ATM transactions every statement cycle1.

Start college a step ahead with U.S. Bank Student Checking.

CottleContinued from page 5

WNCC freshman David Martinez gets a lead off of fi rst base during practice on Jan. 27. Th e Cougars open their season at home on Th ursday against McCook.

90 feetcloser to home!

while the weather is good. Also, taking hits outside.

Q: Who do you think will be your toughest opponent during the sea-son?JC: Trinidad State Junior College out of Trinidad, Colo. Th ey wereour toughest opponent last year.

Q: What is the biggest diff erence you have noticed between high schooland college soft ball?JC: Practices are run much diff er-ently. Practices for college are more

strict, and soft ball in high school is more relaxed and not soordered.

Q: Where do you hope to go aft er WNCC?JC: Mesa State in Grand Junction, Colo., or Dixie State in St. George, Utah.

Q: Favorite memory at WNCC?JC: Probably Halloween. Being a grandma and grandpa with my friend Lexi [Lister]

Q: Favorite movie?JC: “Litte Mermaid,” for sure!

Continued from page 5

Women

WNCC’s Angel Council throws to fi rst base during a prac-tice. Th e Cou-gar soft ball team opens its season this weekend.

Giving it her all

WNCC, however, couldn’t have imagined the obstacles it has faced so far this season. In addition to having to forfeit 13 games due to one of its players being declared ineligible by the NJCAA late last year, the Cougars have had numerous players go down with injuries. “Th e team has had to take on more responsibility [on the court] because we as a team do not have very many post players,” Turky-ilmaz said. “It has hurt the team, but the girls have never given up, and they are working very hard.” Th e players’ hard work is being recognized nationally, too. Fresh-man Mikayla Brower is fourth in the nation in 3-point shooting, hitting shots at a clip of 52.9 per-cent. Gritt Ryder, a transfer from the University of Alaska Anchor-age who committed to Colorado State last semester, is ranked fi ft h in steals. Ryder has 88 steals on the season, just 29 behind the leader. Ryder is also 22nd in the na-tion in assists at 105. Th e team is also making noise nationally. Th e Cougars rank fi ft h nationally both in scoring and on defense. Th e Cougars are scoring at a clip of 78.9 points a game, while giving up 40.9. Shelton State leads the country in scoring at 87.9 points a game.

A big reason for the Cougars’ suc-cess in the last few weeks, Turky-ilmaz said, is their ability to rise to the occasion regardless of what’s thrown their way. “Th ey are a great group and have a good attitude,” Turkyilmaz said. “It doesn’t matter if they are on the court or off the court, we have a 3.2 GPA team, and they do everything the best that they are able to.” Even the younger players, Turkyilmaz said, have grown rap-idly this season. “Th ere are a lot of freshmen that have stepped up and shown what they can do,” Turkyilmaz said. Although Turkyilmaz likes the progress the Cougars have been making, she said they still have plenty of room to improve. “Lately, we have not been play-ing the outside very well,” she said. “Off ensively, we have some work to do. All of the teams have been checking up on us, so we have been forced to change our of-fense.”

WNCC’s Charles Ward drives in for two points in a game against Casper College in January. Th e Cougars beat Casper 88-81, but then lost three straight sub-region contests.

Women’sSouth Sub-Region

StandingsTeam Conf. OverallWNCC 6-0 10-13EWC 4-3 13-7McCook 4-4 17-5Lamar 4-4 17-9Otero 3-4 13-7Trinidad 2-4 12-9NJC 1-5 11-12

Feb. 5, 2013 — Page 7EEntertainmentntertainment

Video Game ReviewBy Johnny “Krr’ej” Escamilla

Th e unfi nished swan reinventsthe classic childhood storybook

Let me paint the big picture for all you gamers and non-gamers read-ing the paper this issue. Among

the most absurd statements about games I’ve ever heard, “Games not being a form of art” is probably the worst. Let me make a statement equally absurd: “Games are evolving into the greatest form of human expression ever produced.” …In stark contrast to that first statement, however, there’s little evidence against my statement to support the contrary. I’ve been writing about games at WNCC for over five years now, and this belief of mine has been clear in my writing and my choices, but truly, The Unfinished Swan is a testament to the re-naissance of inspiration that both games and my writing have been experiencing in that time. We’ve all had that favorite childhood book. That we would cling to our chest and pester our family to read to us again and again—about the kid who’d find a door to another world in their room and boldly venture into it and the wondrous adventure waiting for them. Well, the endearing magic of that childhood story has been brought back into our lives, and to life, in the form of a video game. Narrated like a storybook, The Unfinished Swan is a first-person adven-ture about a boy who recently lost his mom but ventures into the world of his mother’s unfinished painting of a swan

after it disappears, and a door appears in his orphanage bedroom. Now, this game is so unlike any other game out there and so enigmatic that it can’t be categorized, nor can it be described as anything but a take-away escapist dream into imagina-tive landscapes that are drastically differ-ent every chapter. When you start the story, you have to find your way through a great blank void by splattering balls of paint on it and revealing the invisible world around you (pictured above). Later, you’re scaling the walls of a kingdom that’s been frozen in time, scaling it by watering the vines wildly consuming it. While later you’re trying to escape a pitch black forest that only exists in form inside pools of light you must stay inside to navigate the for-est.

The first thing I’ll say about it is how this is a great game for kids but also the kids at heart. The story is easy to understand on the surface but has so many themes in its unique way of story-telling to keep an adult wondering about the deeper meaning and metaphorical nature behind it. It’s a game that will feed into the imagination and perplex the mind with its conundrums that are simple enough for a kid to solve but fresh enough to make an adult think. In the end, The Unfinished Swan stands and soars as an artistic marvel that new studio Giant Sparrow can be proud of under its umbrella-studio, Thatgamecompany, responsible for the multi-Game-of-the-Year winning title last year (and mine!), Journey. The game will constantly surprise gamers with

art styles never before seen and a story that deals with themes like accomplish-ment in life, impermanence, loss, pride and ego and the passing of one genera-tion and the beginnings of the next, etc. It’s told with narrated drawings before selecting the next chapter and large story pages found in the worlds you explore. The soundtrack is also a spellbinding hodgepodge of French minuets, whimsi-cal orchestral movements and even trip-hop techno. This game is the classic child-hood book experienced in a new way where its reader is not a mere passive witness to a story but an immersed participant in it. The only downside to this $15 downloadable PlayStation 3 game is that it’s just shy of two hours long, and I felt it had the potential to be so much more grandeur and seam-lessly immersive than it was (Selecting chapters and the loading screens broke the illusion for me.). But in those two hours, it never over-stayed its welcome, always pushing the boundaries in how so many forms of art converging in this one medium could affect you emo-tionally— always compelling, always baffling—especially near the end. A finished work of art. Grade: B+

Boots becoming the latest fashion

trend aroundBy ALEXANDRIA MOREESpectator Fashion Editor

Th igh high or ankle high, leather or suede, lace up or zipper, no matter the style, color or brand boots are an essential staple for every wardrobe and every season. “Just right above the ankle,” Victoria Seibert, a sophomore at Western Nebraska Community College, replied without miss-ing a beat as to her favorite boot height. “In high school I got my very fi rst pair of ankle boots. I hadn’t seen them around being from such a small town, but I loved them.” Since the 1700s, women and men alike have been sporting the ultra versatile foot-wear. Since then, the boot has only grown in popularity. Perhaps the largest group of footwear to sweep the market, labels ranging from Channel to Mosimo churn out dozens of styles each year to please the ever growing demand for new and interesting boots. “Boots are so great because they can be dressed down with jeans; they can be dressed

up with a classy little black dress; and you can wear boots with anything,” says Seibert. Although boots have been “in fashion” now more than ever, the diversity that the fash-ion world is experiencing with the boot has designers pumping out outfi t aft er outfi t delib-erately made to show off the ever chic boot. While ankle boots have made a revival

of sorts in the last three years, they were the original boot design. Intended to be worn with long dresses to keep the ankles covered when walking, people in the ultra conserva-tive early 1800s used boots for their func-tion rather than their fashion. It wasn’t until 1913 when Denise Poiret made waves in the fashion world by wear-

ing knee high boots by her husband, French couturier Paul Poiret, that the boot really took off . Now, buckles, zippers, laces, and almost any other adornment imaginable has been sewn, glued, or tacked on to boots.While the thin line between fashion feat and disaster is perpetually being crossed, the verve that accessorized boots have spread worldwide has surprised even the most tra-ditional designers. Chanel, a house known for its love of ac-cessories, was one of the fi rst major labels to introduce a true thigh high boot, stretching from ankle to top of the thigh and adorned with black taught laces. Seibert feels much the same way about laces saying, “I’m all about the laces. I have a pair of army boots that lace up, and they are by far my favorite pair of boots.” While heels are forever in style, nothing has made the boot as popular as the incred-ible insurgence of fl at boots to the market. Making boots easier to adapt to everyday life, better for walking commuters and all around more comfortable function have found a harmonious coexistence with fash-ion in the fl at boot. Although a supporter of the fl at boot, Seibert quickly said, “Heels, always,” when picking between the two. Whether rain, snow, or shine, a pair of boots proves to be a timeless choice when pulling together an outfi t.

Choosing an outfi t? Don’t forget the boots

becoming more knowledgeable about yoga and that in terms of traditional yoga, the physical practice actually came last.” Traditionally started as a spiritual practice, yoga, at its core, is really about “connecting your consciousness with universal conscious-ness.” Over the many years since yoga’s incep-tion, the practice has blossomed, yielding fi ve very diff erent branches of yoga. “Hatha yoga, which is based on movement, is used to warm your body up so you can sit more comfortably in meditation,” explains Wilson, continuing with, “it’s hard to sit in meditation for a long time. Muscles cramp, you get uncomfortable, your mind wanders, and you are not at all open.” Hatha yoga, the most practiced branch of yoga in the Western World, is composed of asana (move-ment), meditation, pranayama, mantras, and chanting. While asana is used to help warm peoples’ bodies and prepare for meditation, mantras and chants are used as a way to help focus and center one’s mind while in meditation. “People have the idea that meditation means sitting down for an hour and trying to

meditate on something and it ab-solutely does not require that kind of time commitment,” says Wilson, quickly adding that meditations “can be a 5 minute meditation in your offi ce with your door closed. Th ere is no rule on how long a meditation has to be.” While there are copious amounts of diff erent yoga poses, nearly every pose can be modifi ed to cater to physical individualities. “Th ere are all diff erent levels of yoga; there all types of yoga that will challenge you; and there are types that are focused completely on getting your body and muscles to relax,” Wilson said. “It is a prac-

tice that can be taken on by anyone, no matter shape, size, or fi tness level. Th e important part is that you go at your own pace. Yoga is not a practice that you feel you have to keep pace with anyone else.” While there are varying degrees of diffi culty in yoga, Wilson emphasizes the point

that “yoga is defi nitely not ‘no pain, no gain,’ it is the opposite of that. It’s really about taking it slow and listening to your body.” While yoga can be adapted to anyone’s schedule, fi tness level, and personal needs,

Wilson says that aft er long-term practice, yoga off ered much more than just the physical ben-efi ts she originally sought. “It has turned into more of a lifestyle and a life changer for me. I am much more centered. I’m much calmer in general. I have great pa-tience. I was patient before, but I feel like it has grown tremendously, not only patience with myself but patience with the world in gen-eral. As I continue through the yoga journey, it becomes much more spiritual than I had intended it at the beginning.” Wilson teaches yoga at “Th e Warehouse” on Tuesdays and Th ursdays at 5:45 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Membership is not required.

Continued from page 1

YogaEmerging Voices

the WNCC Journal of

Literature and Art seeks

submissions of poetry, prose,

artwork & photos

Deadline is February

25For more

information,visit wncc.edu

Stacy Wilson performs yoga. Photo by Alexandria Moree

Boots are becoming the latest fashion trend, not only around WNCC but also around the world. Boots come in many diff erent styles, from ankle boots to knee-high boots.

Photo by Alexandria Moree

Five Branches of Yoga Jnana Yoga: the yoga of knowledge Bhakti Yoga: the yoga of devotion Karma Yoga: the yoga of service Raja Yoga: the royal yoga Hatha Yoga: the yoga of technique

Commentary

With an area of more than 603,600 square kilometers, Ukraine (Україна), situated in Eastern Europe, is the second largest juxtaposed country on the European continent, next to Russia. Ukrainian Natalie Keller found her way from Mukachevo (Мукачів) to Chadron State Col-lege, where, while studying, she met her current husband, who is employed at Western Nebraska Community College. When asked what the most common misconception she has heard about Ukraine while in the United States, Keller smiled, rolled her eyes and said, “People think that Ukraine is a part of Russia.” Like several now independent countries, Ukraine was under the rule of the United Soviet Social-ist Republic (USSR), which in the United States is erroneous as being present day Russia, from 1922 un-til its dismantling in 1991. Composed of 24 provinces (oblasts), Ukraine is considered a republic; however, it is more specifi cally a unitary semi-pres-idential state. While the offi cial language is Ukrainian, a Slavic based language, Russian is under-

stood by the vast majority of the population, similar to the copious amounts of recently independent countries, including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, or Georgia. While Keller calls Mukachevo home, the capitol of the sprawl-ing country resides in the north central part of Ukraine on the Dnieper River. Kiev (Київ), the largest city in Ukraine, is home to nearly 3 million people. One of the major political hubs of Eastern Europe, Kiev, is also one of the area’s oldest cities. It is home to several well-known tourist attractions such as the Mykhailiv Square, the Vydubychi Monastery and doz-

ens of museums and galleries, the most popular being the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. Doubling as a memorial complex honoring the fallen soldiers of the German-Soviet War of 1941-1945, this museum attracts more than a million visitors annually. A short 6 ki-lometers outside of Kiev sits the Boryspil International Airport (Міжнародний аеропорт), one of three airports that serve Kiev and the largest airport in Ukraine, contracting with more than 30 different airlines. “Everybody uses public trans-portation almost every day,” says Keller of the best way to get

around while visiting Ukraine. “We have lots of buses, subways, and taxis,” all of which, accord-ing to Keller, are inexpensive and tourist friendly. Unlike many of the coun-tries, who aft er the absolving of the USSR and gaining of inde-pendence adopted either Islam or Christianity as the most popular religion, 60 percent of Ukrainians claim atheism. “I think that so many people are atheist because when Ukraine was under communist rule reli-gion was not allowed,” explains Keller. While the majority of the country claims atheism Christmas and Easter are still the most widely celebrated holidays, “It’s a time for people to see family members be-cause most places are closed over these holidays,” says Keller. Like all other European coun-tries, Ukraine has its own list of “must try” foods while visiting. “Borscht (борщ) is the most pop-ular,” says Keller, also naming Va-

renyky (варе’ники), a dumpling, and cabbage rolls as other popular dishes. Borscht, also popular in most Eastern European countries, is a soup with beetroot as the star ingredient and can be eaten either hot or cold. “Visit the western part,” said Keller thoughtfully about the best places to visit in Ukraine. Th e western portion of the country harbors cities such as Lviv, Halych, and Chernivtsi and is home to countless castles, palaces, and mu-seums. Additionally, the western part of the country hides smaller towns, like Keller’s hometown Mukachevo, several of which hold annual festivals featuring choco-late, wine, cheese, and even an in-ternational blacksmith festival. No matter the center of the country or the western portion, Ukraine is undoubtedly a destina-tion full of cultural diversity wait-ing to be uncovered. Alexandria Moree is the Fash-ion Editor of the Spectator.

Ukraine: A destination full of cultural diversityFeb. 5, 2013 — Page 8BBackpageackpage

What do you think?What do you think?

International Country Spotlight: UkraineBy Alexandria Moree

Nic

ole

C

urra

n

What is your dream car?

Old bumblebee Camaro

What is your favorite exotic

animal?

What is thebest class you have taken?

What is your favorite type of

music?

Seba

stia

n W

alto

n

Elle

n H

aley

Dou

g Va

lude

Mustang’69 FirebirdF3-50 Ford pickup truck

Tiger

Anatomy and physiology

Panda White tiger Emu/Lemur

Christian rock Techno Country R&B

History of fi lmFirm and toneActing

Broadway in the Bluff s an inspiring, impressive event

ABOVE: Esdan and Wil-liam Fluckleer perform “Gaston” from Beauty and the Beast during Th eatre West’s “Broadway in the Bluff s” on Feb. 2. Th e event was a fundraiser for the Th eatre West Repertory Company’s summer theater program.

RIGHT: Marikita Payne performs “Breathe” from the play “In the Heights” during Th eatre West’s “Broadway in the Bluff s.”

Spectator photos

thetheSpectatorSpectatorWestern NebraskaWestern Nebraska

Community CollegeCommunity CollegeContact the newspaper at:Contact the newspaper at:

Th e SpectatorTh e SpectatorWNCCWNCC

1601 E. 27th street1601 E. 27th streetScottsbluff , Nebraska 69361Scottsbluff , Nebraska 69361

Phone: (308) 635-6058Phone: (308) 635-6058Email: [email protected]: [email protected]

2012-13 Staff Members2012-13 Staff Members

Alexandria Moree, Fashion EditorAlexandria Moree, Fashion EditorDanielle Hearn, Sports EditorDanielle Hearn, Sports Editor

Heidi Hancock, Assistant Sports EditorHeidi Hancock, Assistant Sports EditorJohnny Escamilla, Entertainment EditorJohnny Escamilla, Entertainment Editor

Joy Aniteye, Feature EditorJoy Aniteye, Feature EditorKayla Romey, Design EditorKayla Romey, Design Editor

Lenzie Cole , ReporterLenzie Cole , Reporter

Mark Rein, ProductionMark Rein, Production

Jeff Fielder, AdviserJeff Fielder, Adviser

Fundraising eventa kickoff for

summer theater company

By ALEXANDRIA MOREESpectator Fashion Editor

Broadway in the Bluff s, hosted by Th eater West, was once again a local star-studded spectacle for the nearly sold out auditorium Saturday at the Little Th eater at Western Nebraska Community College. A staple on the social events calendar for musical lovers, the event featured several recogniz-able names to local theater pa-trons, including Darla Heggem, Jessica Schluter, and Will Th omas, to name a few. While the name of the event suggests that the songs are those of only Broadway musicals, sev-eral performers veered away from Broadway and chose equally as moving pieces that originated from singer/song writers. Ranging from operatic bal-lads to the light, even humorous Broadway favorites, the gamut of talent and emotion were paraded before an ever captivated audi-ence. While the majority of the en-tertainment is generally centered around vocal performance, as was the case this year, Tiff any Tabor Mackrill and the Fluckleer fam-ily brought dancing to the table of talent in the form of tap and jazz. Th e annual fundraiser for Th eater West lasted just over an hour and was, as usual, followed by a chocolate feast, including a

chocolate fountain.Members of the Th eater

West Board annually prepare delicious bite-sized chocolate delights for the benefi t and cover table aft er table with chocolate-fi lled trays. While the event is a welcome highlight to an otherwise gener-ally socially bland February cal-endar, this year saw some of the highest attendance by the valley in the last several years. Perhaps due to the uncharacteristically warm weather, only a few seats were left unoccupied. WNCC was represented not only by Schluter but also by the all-boys quartet, Just Bluf-fi n’. Both Schluter, who fl awlessly performed “Maybe I like it this Way” from the off Broadway play “Th e Wild Party”, and Just Bluffi n’ will appear in the Gala later this month, hosted by the vocal pro-gram and the Gering Civic Center.

While Th eater West has yet to hold auditions for the 2013 summer theater season, one can be sure that more than a few of the voices that entertained the crowd Saturday evening will be returning to the stage for Harvey, Spamalot, and Beauty and the Beast. Th e 2013 plays begin in early May with Harvey and run until early August with Beauty and the Beast. With the amount of talent hiding in Scottsbluff , Broadway in the Bluff s was, as the 2013 season proves to be, an impressive and inspiring evening, made only bet-ter by being topped off with choc-olate.