FUND-RAISING -- ICC’s annual fund-raising campaign, called Partnerships: Past, Present & Future, was started with a phone-a-thon last weekend.  The campaign will end with a recognition dinner Jan. 26.

BOOK BUY BACK -- The ICC bookstore will buy back textbooks from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 17 and 19, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 18.   Spring textbooks will be available in the store Jan. 4.

JOBS CUT -- According to figures compiled by the Independence Daily Reporter and published Dec. 2, Independence has lost 900 jobs in the past two years.  The job cuts were at the areas three largest employers, Cessna Aircraft Co., Dana Engine Controls and Hackney and Sons.

CLOSING -- Chris Bauman, part-time ICC instructor, says he will be closing his Neodesha haberdashery store in January. Mr. Bauman, who bought the store in 1977, is economic development director for the Neodesha Chamber of Commerce.

RHODES SCHOLARS - 32 American students have been named to receive the education’s most prestigious honor, a Rhodes scholarship.

What Would You Do with Osama bin Laden?
Compiled by Mandy Smith, Jacqueline Cueni, and Steve Disbrow

Who is on top of most every Americans’ “Most Wanted” list?

It is no surprise that suspected terrorist leader, Osama bin Laden, tops most lists for his involvement in the Twin Tower attacks that shocked the nation September 11. 

One of the first terrorist attacks bin Laden made on the U.S. was in 1992 when a hotel housing U.S. troops was bombed in Yemen.  In 1993, bin Laden financially helped Ramzi Yonsef bomb the World Trade Center in New York City.  In 1998, bin Laden was linked to bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. 

Since then, he has funded at least three terrorist training camps and been tied to attacks in Albania, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle East countries.  Needless to say, bin Laden is definitely a bad guy.

While American troops are busy combing the rough Afghanistan terrain searching for bin Laden, questions have arisen here at home concerning his punishment if he is caught.  The Buccaneer staff asked students and teachers around campus about what they would do if they caught bin Laden.

Foreign Language instructor, Leo Carvalho, feels bin Laden should be put on trial and let justice prevail.  “He should be put to justice for crimes against humanity,” Mr. Carvalho said, “and punished to the maximum.”

Masayo Ueta, sophomore from Japan, feels similarly.  She thinks bin Laden needs to be put in prison forever.

Others feel that bin Laden should be turned over to the authorities to receive his punishment.  Jessica Howell, sophomore from Nickerson, wasn’t sure what she would do to bin Laden herself.  “I would just turn him over to the authorities and let them deal with him.”

Economics instructor, Bob Shaw, also feels that turning bin Laden over to the FBI would be the best thing to do with him.

Stoney Gaddy, computer technology instructor, would also turn bin Laden over to the United States.  Mr. Gaddy would not kill him because he feels the bin Laden would suffer more by living.

Matt Tallman, sophomore from Neodesha, has the large reward of up to $25 million on his mind.  “I would turn him in to get the reward,” he said, then as an afterthought, “after I kick the c*** out of him.”

Eric Smith, sophomore from Wichita, would also turn bin Laden in for the cash.

Several students would take bin Laden’s life for the thousands that he’s taken in the United States.

“I would shoot him with a gun because then the war would be over,” said Jessica Francoeur, freshman from Independence.

Melissa Alton shares Jessica’s opinion and would kill bin Laden also.

Trey Hightower, freshman from Owasso, Okla., would put bin Laden in an airplane and let it crash with C4 dynamite in Afghanistan.  Lisa Willard, freshman from Neodesha, would do the same, only without the dynamite.

“I’d make him suffer for what he did,” said Dimas Marquez, a sophomore from Wichita.Some females on campus have a different way of punishing bin Laden.

“I’d let the women of Afghanistan do what they want with him,” said Emily Hamlin, sophomore from Garden City.  “I’d let out the wrath of a woman on him.”

Karen Roush, technology instructor, said, “I’d give him a sex change and leave him in Afghanistan.”

“I’d let the women of Afghanistan have their way with him,” said Teresa Vestal of the ICC Bookstore.

Jake Grzenda, sophomore from Olathe, gave a humorous response.  “I’d take him on “Let’s Bowl,” on Comedy Central, and embarrass him on national TV.”

What Would Be Your Perfect Gift?
By Mandy Smith, Trish JuAire, and Ryan Wade

The holiday season is here. Most everyone has been thinking about Christmas; and not necessarily about religious thoughts, family get-togethers, or seasonal cuisine, but about presents.  Most people have a perfect, ideal Christmas gift that they dream of receiving.  The Buccaneer editorial staff went out to ask what ICC students and faculty consider their “dream” gift and why.

Regina Douglas, freshman from Cherryvale, has the perfect spot in mind for her in-ground heated pool.  “I would want an in-ground heated swimming pool because I love to swim and exercise,” she said.

Cars are on several wish lists this year.

Jacob Hoppes, freshman from Parsons, has a dream car on top of his list.  “I want a 1962 Impala 409 convertible.  ‘62s look cool!”

John Favero, math instructor, wants to replace his old truck.  He would get a new Chevy Avalanche, like the one his son has.

“I would want a puppy,” said Staci Robinson, freshman from Goddard.  Staci explained that her dog had to be put to sleep in May and she had never been without a dog in her life.

Kelly Duke, freshman from Independence, considered the happenings in the world today when choosing her perfect gift.  “I hope for peace on earth forever, because then there will be no more wars.”

“I want $1 billion,” said Chris Williams, freshman from Independence, “because money makes me happy.”

“I would like to have 300 acres in secluded Wyoming with no taxes,” said Doug Comstock, sophomore from Elk City.  “I enjoy nature and living off the land.  Society has become to money-oriented.”

“I would like to be happy for the rest of my life,” said Holly Thomsen, sophomore from Independence.  “Everyone deserves to be happy.”

“I would like all the answers to life,” said Amber Jefferson, freshman from Independence, “then there would be no confusion.”

“I would wish for all unfortunate children to have gifts,” April Thompson, freshman from Caney, said.  She believes everyone should have a gift and would provide them if she could.

When asked what she would most like to receive for Christmas this year, Annie Stark, sophomore from independence, said a Steinway Concert Grand would be her ultimate gift.  Her reasons are simple, she plays the piano and this piano sounds beautiful.

Brandon Seiwert, freshman from Altoona, said there would be two things.  One would be to see his brother, who went to Georgia to work several months ago.  However, since he knows that his brother is coming home, his ultimate Christmas gift would be a GMC Envoy, because he saw one recently and “it was just…  The thing has blinkers in the mirrors.” 

Brenda Thomason, ICC sociology instructor, said her ultimate gift to receive would be a two week vacation to Tuscany, Italy, because it is somewhere she really wants to visit. 

Gwenda Core, freshman from Caney Valley, Okla., wants a new Chevrolet Silverado for her ultimate gift this year. She has a car, but Gwenda said she is sick of it.

David Aikins, ICC physics instructor,  also wants a car for Christmas.  According to Mr. Aikins, the ultimate gift for him would be a 1964 bright yellow Volkswagon Karmmanghia.  He had one of these sports cars for his first car and would love to have another one.

Alvin Dockery, sophomore from Kansas City, wants a gift that has no monetary value.  He said his ultimate Christmas gift would be to find Jennifer Lopez, wrapped in nothing but a ribbon, under his tree.  No explanation was needed for why he wanted that.

Mary Henderson, sophomore from Independence, said her ultimate gift would be two weeks anywhere tropical.  She said she just wants to get away to somewhere nice.

Anita Barisich, Faculty Administrative Assistant, said she wants “a car that runs!” Anita didn’t care what kind of car, as long as it runs good.

Bill Foster, freshman from Caney Valley, Okla., also wants a car that runs, sort of.  Bill rolled his last vehicle, so he wants a new Chevrolet short-wide pickup for his ultimate Christmas gift.        

Carlene Smith, English and literature instructor at ICC, wants a new garage for Christmas.  Not just any garage, but a large garage with plenty of storage shelves.  She said her garage right now is full of her husband’s John Deere collection and she would love to be able to store things in a nice, new garage instead of in the attic. Jessi Goad, a freshman from Ochelata, Okla., said, “I want my family to settle their differences, because I want them to be happy.”

Markita Dickens, a freshman from Neodesha, said, “I want a 2001 Dodge Ram.  It has to be yellow and a big old truck!  I want it to pick up guys.”

“I want a 2002 Dodge Viper because everybody likes cars,” said Travis Dunhan, a sophomore from Independence.

Jasper Durbin, a freshman from Independence, said, “I want to spend a week with Hugh Heffner.”

Mark Spellman, also a freshman from Independence, said he wants a 2002 Hummer.  “They are awesome!  I always wanted one, but can’t afford one,” he said.

Boyfriend, Girlfriend Gifts!
How, When and How Much?
By Trish JuAire, Buccaneer Assistant Editor

Here it is, just 11 days till Christmas, and people are wondering what to get that special someone in their life. 

The question of what to give becomes an even larger problem when the two people haven’t been together for a long time.  What do you get that boyfriend of six months?  Should you give that girl you’ve been dating for six weeks anything? Another problem can occur when the reverse happens.  What do you do with the gift you already purchased, if the relationship ends before Christmas?  These questions were put to some ICC students and staff members, to help all of the people in these situations.

The first question asked was “What do you buy your boy/girlfriend if you’ve been dating, seriously, for six months?”   Next, the people were asked “What do you give someone who you’ve been seeing for six weeks?”  Lastly, they were asked “If you’ve been dating for six months and already purchased the gift, what do you do with it if the relationship ends before Christmas?  Two choices, give it to the person anyway or take it back?”      I was amazed to find that sex and age made little difference in the answers to these questions.  The people who gave dollar amounts were in a close range.  The gifts mentioned followed along the price ranges given.  And the majority of the people at ICC, men or women, student or staff, said “TAKE IT BACK!”

Emily Hamlin, sophomore from Garden City, felt that clothes were the gift for six months and cologne would be good for six weeks.  Emily, unlike the majority, felt that you should give the person the gift.  That was who it was purchased for, so they should get it.

Bo King, sophomore from Ramona, Okla., said that $60 was a good price for six months.  Bo said he would buy jewelry for a six-month girlfriend.  If it was six weeks, he would give the girl roses.  After a breakup, Bo said to definitely return the gift.

Anthony Chambers, sophomore from Liberty, Tex., said that a nice sweater (around $40) was a good gift.  At six weeks, candy would be given.  Anthony also said to take the gift back after a breakup.

Jennifer O’Neill, freshman from Fredonia, said that something personal for around $60-70.  If dating for six weeks, Jennifer said she would still get something personal, but would only spend about $30.  And, like Emily, Jennifer is one of the nice ones.  She would give the gift, even after a breakup.

Ashley Secrest, sophomore from Neodesha, would give a gift certificate for $50 to someone she had been dating for six months.  The six weeks gift would be cologne.  And Ashely adamantly said to take the gift back if the relationship ended.

Sheila Jarrett, enrollment office manager for ICC, showed that students and staff think alike.  Sheila said that a personal gift for $30-50 would be appropriate for six months.  For six weeks, Sheila said that a generic, or non-personal, gift for less than $30 would be good.  As for the question of what to do with the gift, Sheila did not feel there was a question - you take it back.

Sonja Conley, Admissions Counselor for ICC, said she would spend between $50-75 on a personal gift, if she had been dating someone for six months.  If she had been seeing them for six weeks, Sonja said she would spend $20-30 on a fun gift.  Sonja was definitive about returning the gift if the relationship ended.

Chad Day, freshman from Independence, pondered the questions for a while before he would answer.  He decided that he would get something kind of personal, for about $50, if he had been dating someone for six months.  At six weeks, he would give the girl a nice card.  Chad felt that the question of what to do with the gift was difficult.  He finally said that whether to return the gift or go on a give the gift depended on the situation.

Joey Steffen, ICC Computer Technician, said he would want to look like a nice guy, so he would spend about $50 on a woman, if they had been dating for six months.  At six weeks, he would probably send an E-card.  Joey would take the gift back, if a break-up occurred.

Elizabeth Bishop, freshman from Independence, said that $75 on something personal would be her idea of what to get a six-month boyfriend.  Elizabeth would send a nice card, if it had only been six weeks.  If broken up, Elizabeth would return the gift.

Chris Williams, freshman from Independence, is a nice guy.  He said he’d spend about $100 on a woman he had been in a serious relationship with for six months.  At six weeks, he would still find something personal, but he would only spend about $20.  Chris is a member of the “Take it back” club.

Lisa Meek, nontraditional student from Independence, said this was difficult.  She buys meaningful gifts, with no concern for money.  She said that six months or six weeks, the gift she would give is based on the value of the relationship and should mean something to both parties.  As for an ended relationship, Lisa would still give the gift.     

Candice Gray, sophomore from Gary, Ind., said that she would get a nice, personal gift and spend between $100-150 after six months.  At six weeks, Candice said she would get something general for $30-50. Candice mentioned we are talking about Christmas gifts, not a birthday, so the gift should be nicer.  Nice ends at the door, though.  If the relationship ends, return the gift, don’t give it.

Tracy Williams, administrative assistant of Student Support Svcs., ACE, said that if she were dating, instead of married, she would give something personal to her boyfriend of six months.  She said it would be in the area of $100.  $30 would be the amount she would spend, still on something personal, for someone she had been seeing for six weeks.  Tracy felt the circumstances of the breakup dictate whether the gift is still given.  If it is a friendly breakup, go ahead and give the gift.  If it isn’t friendly, take the gift back for a refund.

Cindy Neises, admissions counselor for ICC, said she would spend about $60 on a gift, if dating for six months, probably a sweater or shirt.  For six weeks, she felt that something kind of personal, like cologne, but not as expensive (about $25), would make a nice gift.  The decision of taking the gift back after a breakup was easy.  She said to take it back, definitely.

Courtney Prezel, freshman from Independence, agreed with Cindy.  She feels that $60, $10 for every month you’ve dated, is a good amount to spend on a gift for someone who you’ve been dating for six months.  At six weeks, Courtney said she would probably still get something personal, but would only spend $20-30.  Definitely take the gift back, if there is a breakup.

Hopefully, this will take some of the pressure off for those of you who have yet to do your Christmas shopping.  Or for those of you who shop early, only to find yourself with a gift and no boyfriend.  Just make sure if you are dating one of these people, you take note of what they think is appropriate.  If you have been dating Bo King, for instance, for six months, you know that you should be looking in the $60 range for a gift.  If you have been dating Chris Williams for six weeks, he will probably expect something in the $20 range.  Remember, people usually spend what they expect to receive when dating.  The amount of money, or the personal aspect of the gift, signifies the importance they place on the relationship, as Lisa Meek mentioned.

International Christmas Customs
By Jacqueline Cueni, Buccaneer Staff

Christmas is just around the corner. People are busy buying presents, decorating their houses and putting up Christmas trees. Children are looking forward to opening their presents and the postman is busy delivering hundreds of Christmas cards.

We all know how Americans celebrate Christmas. But do you know how other people from different countries around the world celebrate Christmas? Do you know if they also believe in Santa Clause?

Let’s have a closer look at several countries.

Brazil: “On Dec. 24 people go to somebody’s house. They stay there all day long and at midnight they start to celebrate Christmas. They drink champagne, eat turkey, and about 5 a.m. they begin to return to their homes.  At 11 they have a barbecue. During Christmastime it’s summer in Brazil,”said Priscila Augusto, freshman volleyball player from Brazil.

Puerto Rico: Reggie Huguet, a freshman baseball player from Puerto Rico,  said that the Christmas celebration in his country is about the same as in the USA. They gather together with friends on Dec. 25. They exchange presents, eat rice with pigeon peas and pork, and drink beer. People believe in Santa Clause. They also decorate their houses with lights on the outside and set up a Christmas tree.

India: “In India Christmas is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm. Two services are conducted on Christmas day, one in the morning and one in the evening. During the service the youth and the Sunday school perform their Christmas plays, also special music is sung by the church choir. After the church service,  members go to the pastor’s house for a cup of coffee and also to have fellowship. On Dec. 24  the youth group goes house to house singing carols. On the same day the youth group also helps decorate the church,” said Andrew Singh, sophomore from India.

Bosnia: “I don’t celebrate Christmas because that is not part of my religion. But I go to my friend’s house to eat cookies. Sometimes I go with my friends who celebrate Christmas to the downtown area at midnight. There we meet other people,” said Anisa Secerovic, freshman basketball player from Bosnia.

Thailand: “Christmas in my country in not really a big season, because Thailand is a baddish country. We celebrate in church, sing Christmas carols and we just have a lot of fun. After church we eat Thai food,”  said Jutaporn Gib, freshman from Thailand.

Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Azabaijan: “We celebrate Christmas on the Jan. 7. On Jan. 6  in the evening we usually have a family dinner. The table must be set with 12 dishes, because there were 12 apostles a long time ago. During this religious holiday we normally don’t give presents to each other but we do set up a Christmas tree and decorate the house with lights. On the Jan. 7 children go from house to house singing carols. Instead of Santa Clause we believe in Father Frost,” said Iryna Kushniruk, freshman from Ukraine.

Korea: Chorong Park, freshman from Korea, said that in her country people usually decorate Christmas trees, fix turkey, sing carols, send cards and give presents to people. “It is almost the same as in the USA,” she said.

Switzerland: Before Christmas people decorate their houses, bake cookies and set up Christmas trees. They celebrate Christmas on  Dec. 24 and 25. During these two days families come together, give each other presents, and eat a lot of food. Santa Clause exists in Switzerland. There is even a special Santa Clause day in the beginning of December. On this day several people with costumes go from house to house to tell the children to behave and to be good in the following year.

Are You Ready for a Kansas Winter?

“If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes and it’ll change.”

Kansas natives often use that phrase to joke about the state’s inconsistent weather patterns.  For example, the weather took one of its crazy turns the last week of November, threatening a full-blown winter storm.  Luckily, Independence escaped the worst and received only a dusting of snow and a day’s worth of frigid temperatures.  Less than a week later, temperatures soared into the 60s and hit record 70s.

The southeastern Kansas area has had  mild winters recently with warmer than average temperatures and low snowfall totals.  But as the saying goes, it can all change quickly.  Winter weather conditions, with freezing temperatures, sleet and snow, are always possible in Kansas. 

I have compiled some tips from various sources to help you “survive” Kansas winters when the cold, stormy weather hits --- and it will.

Look out for wind chill.   According to weather.com, wind chill is the temperature that the human body feels.  It is based on both air temperature (the thermometer reading) and wind speed. For example, if the air temperature is 15 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind is blowing at 35 miles per hour, the wind chill factors out to be a negative 27 degrees!  Your body loses more heat on a cold, windy day than on a cold, still day because the heat is literally blown away from you, weather.com says. 

When you are exposed to extreme temperatures for long periods of time, hypothermia can occur.  Hypothermia is defined as a “subnormal body temperature.”  The Kansas City Red Cross website lists shivering, slow and irregular pulse, numbness, glassy stares, and decreased levels of consciousness as symptoms.

Frostbite can also occur when exposed to cold temperatures.  Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a pale appearance to exposed fingers, toes, ears, and nose.

According to the KC Red Cross website, the best ways to avoid hypothermia and frostbite are to dress appropriately and limit your time outside.  By wearing loose, warm, lightweight clothes in layers, trapped air insulates the body.  Outer garments that are water-repellent and hooded provide the best protection.  Since at least half of the body’s heat is lost from the head, wear a hat.  Mittens also protect hands better than gloves.

When winter storms are forecast, they can include freezing rain, sleet, and snow in addition to the bitter cold temperatures.   Television and radio stations commonly refer to winter storm watches and warnings.  According to the Sedgwick County, Kansas Emergency Management website, everyone should know the difference between a watch and a warning.  When a watch is issued, stay tuned to local radio and television stations or the Weather Channel for developments.  Be aware of changing weather conditions and try to avoid unnecessary traveling.

When a warning is issued, stay indoors during the storm.  If you must go outside, dress in layers, wear a hat and mittens, and cover your mouth to keep cold air out of your lungs.  Travel with caution and walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks or driveways.

While traveling should be limited during a winter storm,  the KC Red Cross website advises travelers who have to go out to carry a winter storm car kit for emergencies.  Some items to include in the kit  are sleeping bags or blankets, winter clothing, nonperishable, high-energy foods, first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, small sack of sand, shovel, tow chain or rope, and jumper cables.

Icepack.org, a website designed for winter travel preparations, offers tips on handling roadside emergencies in undesirable weather.  They say pull off the road as far as possible to avoid being struck by other vehicles. Open your hood, turn on flashers, or put up a “Call Police” sign in your back window to indicate trouble.  Stay in the car – don’t walk or hitchhike.  You could get caught in the storm or be forced into dangerous situations involving strangers.  Ask strangers to call for help if they stop to help you.

According to icepack.org, winter driving requires a lot of patience and practice.  To practice safe driving in the winter weather, try to follow some tips the website offers.

Always wear you seatbelt.  In most cases, the risk of death or injury is reduced by wearing a seatbelt. Remove ice and snow from car windows, license plates and lights.  Clear accumulated snow from the vehicle’s hood, roof, and trunk. Reduce your speed.  Posted speed limits are for dry, clear conditions only. Watch for slick spots on bridges and overpasses. Keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent fuel lines from freezing in your car.  Don’t make sudden stops.  Plan ahead.

Skill, Knowledge, and Good Timing Benefit ICC Instructor Karen Roush
By Steve Disbrow, Buccaneer Staff Writer

The path leading to Karen Roush’s job at ICC has not been a predictable one.  She came to ICC by having a lot of skill and knowledge in her field, and by showing extremely good timing.

For the past four years, on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., you could usually find Mrs. Roush in the main computer lab, doing all the things she does with students as the Office Technology Instructor.  How she came to be in that position is an interesting story. 

She earned her Associate of Applied Science degree from ICC in the spring of 1992.  After that she earned her Associate of Science in Business degree from Barton County Community College in July of 1995, and her Bachelor of Business Administration from Fort Hays State University in December of 1995.

When she finished school, teaching was not her first full-time job.

“I was working as an accountant in Bartlesville, Okla., when I stopped by ICC to see a few of my former teachers,” Mrs. Roush explains.  “While I was there, I was encouraged by Glenn Williams (retired full-time math teacher, who’s now in the ACE Center) to teach a summer developmental math class.  I was in the bookstore getting my books for the class, when I asked if there were any full-time positions open.  As luck would have it, the Office Technology position was open.  Within six weeks, I was hired.”   That was the fall of 1997.

Since becoming a Phi Theta Kappa advisor in the fall of 1998, Mrs. Roush has had spent many hours with the program helping to build it to one of the top rated in the country, and feels that work  has benefited her teaching. 

“I spend about 400-plus hours a year working with Phi Theta Kappa.  Becoming an advisor has been, and continues to be, a real adventure,” Mrs. Roush said.  “I believe that I have learned to be more outgoing as a teacher.  Also, becoming an advisor has strengthened my management skills.”

Job requirements at ICC forced her to earn her masters degree, which she did in 1999.  She completed her Master of Science in Technical Teacher Education from Pittsburg State University.

The classes that Mrs. Roush teaches cover many aspects of business, office technology and computers.

“The classes I teach are ‘life classes’.  Most of the classes in my area are required for Office Technology degrees, and can be classified as electives in the transfer program. 

“In my classes you learn important skills that can be applied to your life,” said Mrs. Roush when asked why her classes are important.

For those students who think they might want to become a teacher, Mrs. Roush offers some simple advice.

“Talk to a teacher you really trust.  If a teacher inspires you, ask them to explain all the nuts and bolts of the job.  Teaching is much more than being in class and grading papers.”

According to Mrs. Roush, teaching has had a great impact on her life in many ways and she is very happy with the direction her professional career has taken.

“Teaching has impacted my professional life by actually giving me a purpose.  I worked and did well in other professions, but teaching gives me satisfaction and peace,” she said. 

“Every morning I wake up and still want to be teaching.  I really care about my students, and their success.  My most enjoyable moment is watching their reactions as they figure things out, and my saddest moment is telling them good-bye.”

CHRISTMAS is an especially busy time of the year in cafeteria, but still they manage to decorate for the season.   The staff, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, is, from left: Betty Krause, Carol Loganbill, Chuck Jarrett, and Marilyn Jarrett.  (Buccaneer Photo)

Larry Bale Finishes First ICC Semester, 30-year Math Veteran Looks to the Next
By Ryan Wade,  Buccaneer Sports Editor

When I walked into the room to ask him if I could interview him, Larry Bale was standing tall and lean, with a pair of light brown pants, matching neck tie, and a white button-up shirt. His head was bent down looking at the stack of papers he was thumbing through and he had a big smile on his face. 

“Hello Ryan,” he said just like he had said numerous times before.  I quickly replied before asking him if I could take up some of his time.  He gladly granted me the opportunity, so we both took a seat around a large wooden table and began.

During the half an hour or more that we spent talking we covered a variety of subjects.  We talked about his love for people, young and old alike, that lead him to become a teacher.  He told me that he loves doing construction and working with his hands, but he chose to teach because of the interaction that he would have with other people. 

Mr. Bale has taught math classes ever since he began teaching in the mid 1960’s.  “I like math and sciences because there is a solid structure and exact answers.  I don’t write very well because I don’t understand the different structures, so I couldn’t be an English teacher or anything like that,” said Mr. Bale. He also told me that he hopes to get a chance to teach a Calculus class while he is teaching at ICC.

I asked Mr. Bale what, in his experience, were some of the positive and negative things about teaching.  “Grading papers is a big negative!  I hate grading papers.  I’d rather dig ditches for eight hours than grade papers,” he said with a large smile on his face and a slight chuckle. 

On the positive side he restated that he loved the people he’s  around, and the opportunity to meet new people constantly.  Another good thing he said is that unlike working construction he is always indoors, so in the winter he’s not cold, plus he gets summers off when it’s nice outside.

In our conversation we also discussed his point of view on the American educational system.  He referred to the standards of today as being “dumbed down” from our standards of 20 years ago.  He feels very strongly that everyone should realize they need to get a good education. 

Our next topic made Mr. Bale start to speak with more conviction in his voice.  We talked about how America has gone from a “majority rules” country to a country that tries to change for the minority.  That discussion lead us to talking about why young people of our nation don’t have respect for other people or property.  We agreed that people being afraid to properly discipline their children for fear of going to jail or being sued has a lot to do with the decline of respect in the United States. 

We also talked about how just because a few people didn’t like the Ten Commandments being posted in schools that they were taken out.  Also we talked about how public prayer isn’t allowed in schools anymore because one or two people didn’t believe in God. 

Mr. Bale began to change from one pair of glasses to another.  That caught my attention so I decided to ask him why he had so many different pairs of glasses.  He explained that a few years ago he decided to have radiocaratonomy eye surgery.  The pupil of his eyes are different shapes during different times of the day so he has to have glasses of different strengths in order to see. 

After a short conversation that had nothing to do with the interview we were able to get back on track one last time to discuss how Mr. Bale likes teaching at ICC versus Caney and other high schools that he has taught at.  With a smile on his face he said that he loved teaching at Independence Community College more than at the high school level.  He went on to say that he likes the amount of respect that the students have for the teachers at this level as opposed to the high school level.  

With his first semester of teaching college almost under his belt, Mr. Bale says that he is looking forward to another semester and meeting new people at ICC.

How About A Homemade Dinner for Mom?

With all of the ideas in The Buccaneer about gifts, you shouldn’t forget the most important person on your list. Mom!  The perfect, inexpensive gift for any mother is a night without having to cook or clean up.  Here’s a recipe from Mandy Smith’s mom that might be just right for you.  This recipe will make it easy for you to fulfill your mother’s ultimate Christmas wish.  You can prepare this recipe for less than $15 and it will feed around six people.  Persuade a sibling, or father, to do the cleanup, and Viola! The perfect gift for Mom. 

Enchilada Casserole

1-1 ½ pounds ground chuck - 1 small onion, chopped -1 teaspoon minced garlic - 1 ½ cups picante sauce -1 - 8 ounce can tomato sauce - 2 medium sized tomatoes, chopped - salt to taste - 12 corn tortillas - 1 cup sour cream - 1 package of shredded cheese.

Brown ground chuck in a large skillet.  Add onion and garlic.  Brown about 5 minutes then add picante sauce, tomato sauce, tomatoes, and salt.  Simmer 15 minutes.  Arrange 6 tortillas on bottom of a 9x12x2 inch greased casserole dish.  Spread half of meat mixture over tortillas.  Add another layer of 6 tortillas.  Spread sour cream over tortillas then spread remaining meat mixture. 

Let it stand for 30 minutes, then bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.  Scatter shredded cheese over the casserole, then bake for an additional 5 minutes.  Can be served with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, or corn chips.

Serves 6-8 people.  Cost: around $10-$15

The Best of the Worst Movies
By David Aikens, ICC Physics Instructor

Do you want to have a good time this Holiday Season?  Don’t watch “It’s a Wonderful World,” instead watch a very bad movie.  There are some excellent stinkers out there to view.  Most are hilarious when they are trying to be serious or scary.  Here are some examples of how to have a good “bad” time:

Plan 9 From Outer Space – Voted the worst movie of all time by many critics.  Watch for the pillows on the ground to blunt the fall of the “fair damsel” in case the zombie drops her.

The Giant Claw – Supersonic Bird from outer space.  Looks like Woody Woodpecker on a very bad day.

Ishtar – Who would want to sit through a whole movie of Dustin Hoffman and Warren Beatty singing insipid songs very badly.

Terror of Tiny Town – A singing cowboy movie from 1940.  All of the actors are midgets and they all ride Shetland ponies.  This movie is so bad it is side splittingly funny. One of my favorites.

Reefer Madness – The title says it all.

The Battle of the Bulge – The most inaccurate of all war movies.  Idiotic story line with great actors needing a paycheck badly.

The Blue Bird – Shirley Temple turned down the lead in “Wizard of Oz” but made this bomb.  Very dumb script, poor actors and Shirley acting like a total brat the whole time. 

Hurry Sundown – A film about the racist south in the 30’s.  Michael Caine stars with the worst “southern” accent on record. 

The Happening – A 1960’s now movie with just a really dumb plot that you can guess from a mile off.  The Supremes sing the title song which is their worst song ever.

Any movie staring Elvis – They are all so bad that even his singing is badly out of place.

The Yellow Rolls Royce – A set of stories about the succession of owners of the Rolls.  The movie should have been titled “Yellow Yugo”

Baby – The Secret of the Lost Legend – The first Disney movie on the Touchstone Label.  About a baby dinosaur.  An earthworm would have a better screen presence that the baby.

Remember there is a whole new world out there with the blinking neon sign saying, “Really Bad.”   Check with your local video store manager he’ll have a list of real stinkers for you to watch.

Remember if it’s really bad, it’s really funny.

“FLAT CAMERON”, a creation of five-year-old Cameron Mitchell, grandson of ICC Instructor Leo Carvalho, visits Mr. Carvalho’s French class.   “Flat Cameron” is a bulletin board boy created to take mail-away trips and report back to Cameron and his kindergarten class in Tennessee.  Cameron’s parents are Yvette and Gregg Mitchell.  “Flat Cameron” also visited the Bank of America in Independence to see Cameron’s grandmother, Ruth Carvalho, and her coworkers, and visited Mr. Carvalho’s Spanish students in his “efforts to promote international understanding.”   Members of the French class are, from left, Masayo Ueta, Sarah Friend, Dimas Marquez, Mary Wylie, Sabuhi Sardarli, Jutaporn Chaipornkaew, Jacob Lowery, Hanna Brusyk, and Holly Thomsen. (Buccaneer Photo)

Copyright 2002 / Independence Community College