A bird perches next to a Cool Whip container to block the wind.

Alright, so we all know it’s getting cold out there. When I say cold, I mean so cold that if you leave any part of your skin exposed, it’s going to go numb. I honestly hate cold weather. I try not to be outside too much, but that’s never accomplished since 1) I have a job, 2) I go to school full-time, and 3) winter provides some of the best photo opportunities you can experience.

So, what I like to do is bundle up in layers whenever I have to leave the house, and if that doesn’t work, I usually try to imagine myself somewhere warm. Believe it or not, that has worked a couple of times before. I’m not really sure how, but as long as it gets me through those breathtaking icy winds, I’m pretty much down for whatever. Those are just a couple of my tactics for combating the forces of nature. What’s your favorite way of keeping warm?

Micah Taylor

Is it spring yet? is a post from: The Correspondent

The club became official in the middle of last fall’s semester, but the Wood and the other members have tons of plans.

“Because folklore encompasses so much, we are able to do a lot more than people think,” Wood said. “It covers everything from legends to ghost stories to the everyday music and movies we all enjoy.”

This semester, they plan to go ghost hunting and have already scouted many different locations. They are also planning to bring a guest speaker to campus to discuss the origins of urban legends.

“We didn’t have the opportunity to do everything we wanted to do in class, and that’s why we decided to start the club,” Wood added.

Paranormal activity is an increasingly popular topic among people today, and the discussions of urban legends and conspiracy theories are always fun to explore. Wood and Faulkerson wanted to give all the students on campus the opportunity to engage in the world of folklore while having fun, too.

The group hopes to increase membership, but ultimately have a diverse group of students who will make this club a success. Wood enjoys these subjects, so he is looking forward to hearing the ideas the campus has. If you want to go on a trip and explore local legends or simply watch videos about the supernatural, all can be made possible with this group.

If you’re interested in joining this group, contact Faculty Advisor Carol Garber at cagarber@iuk.edu or President Anthony Wood at anthwood@iuk.edu. Other officers include Vice President Josh Faulkerson, Secretary Mary Kennelly, and Finance Officer Amber Sheetz, who will direct your interest as well.

Mary Olk

Folklore and Urban Legends Club comes to campus is a post from: The Correspondent

If we are not happy with our quality of life or the direction of our nation, we know that we have the opportunity to choose a new leader at the end of four years. Sometimes, even four years seems too long for one man to govern. Imagine the people of North Korea living with the knowledge that not only will their individual and collective voices never be heard, but it will take the lifetime of the leader until a change in government can take place. The death of supreme leader Kim Jong-Il has provided an opportunity for change, and the rest of the world is watching to see if there is even a glimmer of hope that life for Koreans will improve and the world will be a safer place.

Kim Jong-Il died of a heart attack on December 17th, 2011. The state-run media attributed his death to mental and physical overexertion, caused by working tirelessly for the people, and reported strange phenomena connected with his exit from the world, such as flashes of light in the sky, tremors in the earth, and even a family of bears mourning instead of hibernating. These hyperbolic statements may seem strange or even humorous to us, safely removed from their context, but they are typical of the godlike view of the supreme leader which is beaten into North Koreans from birth. Like his father, Kim Jong-Il was supported by a powerful propaganda machine which exalted him as a deity, as well as a fearsome military that crushed even the slightest deviation from this view.

North Korea has never known a leader besides Kim Il-Sung, who ruled the country from its founding in 1948 to his death in 1994, and his son Kim Jong-Il, who ruled for the last 17 years of his life. Kim Jong-Il selected his third and youngest son, Kim Jong-Un, as his successor in 2009. He had originally tried to groom his oldest son for the role, but Kim Jong-Nam humiliated his father in 2001 when he was deported from Japan for sneaking into the country to visit Tokyo Disneyland, using the Chinese alias Pang Xiong, meaning “Fat Bear.” His second son, Kim Jong-Chul, was considered too effeminate to take his place. His youngest son, however, was a perfect fit. During his education in Switzerland, Kim Jong-Un revealed his competitive nature and proved resistant to Western influence, besides sharing his father’s love for NBA basketball. Knowing his health was failing, Kim Jong-Il sought to strengthen his son’s position over the last couple of years, appointing him a four-star general in 2010, despite a complete lack of military experience.

While Kim Jong-Un has been enthusiastically promoted by media and military, he still seems eager to prove himself and consolidate his power. The missile tests that have been conducted since his father’s death seem to be proof of that. In his late 20s, Kim Jong-Un is the youngest head of state in the world. His insecurity and inexperience could make him even more dangerous and unpredictable than his father, or he could prove to be a reformer that brings the change his people so desperately need. The chances of reform are slim, but in a country as hopeless as North Korea, even the slightest hope is something to hold on to.

Andrew Jones

North Korea changes: what does it mean for us? is a post from: The Correspondent

Now that I am twenty years old, being a “grown-up” is becoming more real, although I sometimes feel like the awkward twelve year-old who can’t open her over-sized locker. I am finishing my third year of college, working a great job, and realizing that I am that “grown-up” that my fifteen year-old self dreamed of being. I work in the marketing office at IU Kokomo and write articles that are featured on its website, work the professionals around me are doing daily. I’m diving deep into areas and opportunities some people dream of at my age. I’m editor of a campus newspaper, something I wished to do in high school but never got the opportunity.

For a while, I was unsure of my graduation date, what track I wanted to focus on as I worked through my communications degree, and the career I would pursue once the degree fell into my hands. To this day, I’m still unsure about a lot (except my graduation date, which is May 2013. Insert rock on hand signal here.). But I am very excited to work through my public relations focus track, continue and improve my writing, and find my niche in the professional world of communications.

My boyfriend, Kyle, always tells me that “everything will work itself out.” Although I’m leery about putting it in writing, he’s right. Everything is working out and will continue to work out. I could not be more excited about where I am going and the unknown that lies ahead.
Mary Olk

Excited is a post from: The Correspondent

The movie being filmed is called County Line. The basic premise for this movie—get ready, because it’s a shocker—is a zombie outbreak in a small town. Now, I know what you might be thinking, because I thought the same thing when I first heard about it. A zombie film? That’s so original! I don’t think there’s that many zombie films out there, right? Oh, but this one is in a small town— not a big city, like those other films. Oh right, Night of the Living Dead happened in a tiny town. Let’s not forget about The Return of the Living Dead. If you think about it, County Line is almost identical to that movie. The only difference is that a deadly gas wasn’t what caused the zombie outbreak…that and it’s in a different town.

I’m not one to talk badly about independent films. I know what goes into them and how much hard work it takes to get everything just right. I don’t understand why another zombie film needed to be made. I honestly don’t think there are any other directions left that you could go with a zombie movie. I know it’s being made because it is a fun idea, and everyone would like to do a zombie film. But I think that’s where it should stay: just a small film that you do sort of off-the-cuff and throw it up on Youtube when it’s finished.

The original interviewee for this article, who is taking part in this film, told me that before I could even do the interview, the “higher ups” had to be notified since they’ve apparently had a few other stories written about them before, which ended up being too shady for their tastes.

I can’t really see this movie going anywhere other than perhaps to a small film festival and some recognition in a few local newspapers. But that’s just my opinion on the whole thing. Some of you reading this may be part of County Line and totally disagree with everything I’ve just said, and that’s fine. We are all entitled to our own opinion.

Micah Taylor

Overrated? I think so (County Line movie) is a post from: The Correspondent

Chancellor Michael Harris

He is a visionary who looks towards the future of what IU Kokomo can become. He is innovative with the accomplishments he holds. The establishment of the Nursing Simulation Lab is an accomplishment that aids in the success of the nursing students in the IU Kokomo’s School of Nursing, the third largest nursing school in the state.

His leadership has directed the record fundraising that IU Kokomo has experienced for the Wellness and Fitness Center. Fundraising was a major aspect of IU Kokomo’s ability to have this wonderful facility that we will see in the near future, and Chancellor Harris has demonstrated tremendous effort in the fundraising process.

He has also established club sports. Women’s volleyball and men’s basketball are just the beginning of what IU Kokomo’s athletic program can contain. His future plans involve IU Kokomo joining the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics League (NAIA).

Aside from the athletics, Chancellor Harris has a vision for his students. He wants us to succeed and become the best we can be, both individually and as a community. With his vision for his students, Chancellor Harris added twelve new academic programs, allowing students the opportunity to succeed even more.

Enrollment for the fall 2011 semester increased by 6.7 percent, which included the largest freshman class in IU Kokomo’s history. Along with this, our campus has experienced the largest number of full time students ever seen during IU Kokomo’s existence- 70 percent!

I am honored to be a part of the IU Kokomo family with Chancellor Harris leading the way to a brighter future. When looking back at his previous eighteen months, he has truly made a difference in the lives of those around him. By making his dreams of what our campus can be come true, Chancellor Harris has paved the way for what’s to come. He wants IU Kokomo to be “the best regional campus in the world.” He wants everyone to follow him as he makes history. He believes that we can be the best. Do you?

Hollie Boyles

Chancellor Harris named Person of the Year is a post from: The Correspondent

First, you need to throw all conventional study habits out the window and forget what everyone has told you thus far about success. The very first thing you should do before studying or taking any final is the what-do-I-need-to-get-on-my-final-to-pass-the-class math problem. If your grades are based on total points, then do the math. You may come to find you only need a fifty percent on a final to get an “A” in the class. If that’s true, then you really don’t need to spend six days studying for that final. Figure out which classes require a high final grade, and put those as your first priority, regardless of which final you have to take first.

Next, finish all of your final papers, projects, and assignments. Truth be told, no one cares if you don’t do your part of the group project. The other members will be mad and you will fail. Oh, and the professors don’t care either. You’re still going to fail. Get your stuff done by the due date and save yourself the stress of receiving an “F.”

Third, eat breakfast. I know this may come as a shock, but if you actually eat a healthy breakfast filled with eggs, fruit, maybe some whole grains, your body will be nice to you and not let you fall asleep during your sociology final. Crazy, I know.

My next piece of advice is also quite shocking: do not go to sleep until your assignments are finished or until you’ve studied every single thing you need to study for a particular final. Again, no one cares about your fatigued body and mind.

Finally, don’t complain. I know your finals are extremely hard compared to the rest of the student body and you are the only person enduring the tragedy that is finals week, but it’s best to just keep your terrible test-taking troubles to yourself.

Story by Mary Olk, Editor-in-Chief

Five tips to breezing through your finals is a post from: The Correspondent

“Yea, that’s what they told me. I guess it’s over now,” the man said, looking away into the distance. “It can’t be, though I don’t know what anything means and why there was—”

Suddenly, an explosion went off in the distance. The man turned his head and said, “They came back.”

“It doesn’t make any sense. Why? I don’t understand any of this!”

The man chuckled, “Look Lee-Ann, these people are not who you and I think they are.  They are bad people. Or things.” 

“Chuck, listen. I only want to know–no, need to know what their motive is, and why they committed such a terrible crime before.”

“These people are not normal. I mean, who robs all the banks in Los Angeles, then kills 10 cops? Flees the city and burns towns in the country?” Chuck asked staring at her.

“I understand they are crazy. What I want to know is why. They hated someone or something,” she replied, walking ahead of him towards the sound of the explosion. “I’m going to go see what happened over there and I’m going to get to the bottom of this!” Lee-Ann said, walking off in a huff. 

 ”It’s really hopeless. There is no point,” Chuck said, walking behind her. 

“What do you mean ‘it’s hopeless!?’ Don’t you even care? These are not people! They are too crazy too be human!” she said, exasperated. “If you want to come, then come, but I need to find out what is going on here!” she added, walking away. 

Chuck sighed, then watched her walk away. “Lee-Ann Saunders, investigative reporter, on the case of the mysterious alien species! Unfortunately, she also chooses to drag along her brother, or as she like to call him, “my secret banker brother.” Chuck sighed, then jogged to catch up to his sister, unsure of what to expect.

“What is it?” Chuck asked. 

Lee-Ann looked at him and sighed, “I should be excited. I am not.” 

“Why? What’s wrong? Didn’t you–oh,” Chuck said following her gaze.

On the ground, there was a mashed up car and four small animals.  A light was flashing in a box above the car. It seemed clear that “they,” whoever they were, were not human. 

“Listen, don’t lose heart. The aliens, if that’s what they are, have a mission. That mission is to mess with you, and you are falling for it,” Chuck said, looking at her. 

Lee-Ann nodded and said, “You’re right. I lost sight of what was right, but honestly, I don’t know what this means anymore.”

Story by Syra Sharif, Staff Writer

The Lost Species: Part 1 is a post from: The Correspondent

I was ten, and my little sister was two years old. I had many oatmeal baths and itched horribly. Still, there was no schedule to keep. I didn’t have to open gifts in a few minutes and then get ready to head out the door for yet another Christmas with extended family. In fact, I spent Christmas Eve eating and drinking whatever I wanted, not what was seasonally in style. No hot chocolate…not with my fever. I enjoyed pizza, pickles, chips and dip, bubbly grape juice, and ice cream. Never since have I been able to pick such a menu. 

I got to open as many gifts as I wanted on Christmas Eve because I looked so pitiful that my parents felt sorry for me. My sister and I stayed up late and played video games (new ones, of course) and watched movies. We got up late, because there was nowhere we had to run to get to in a hurry. I opened presents and enjoyed them one at a time, with no poses and not a single camera in sight (no one wanted to see me looking like that). Once again, I got to play and eat whatever I wanted…not Grandma’s famous oyster dressing, because she worked so hard on it.

As we gave thanks before our holiday meal, I realized how valuable one’s health is. As much as I enjoyed being pampered and lazy, I was “itching” to run and play with my family and friends. Yes, this sickness was to pass, and good health was to return, with more gifts to come.  Meanwhile, I enjoyed one of my favorite Christmases ever. I hope you have yours this year.

Story by Andrew Jones, Staff Writer

The perfect Christmas is a post from: The Correspondent

Take a moment and try to decipher the common element in each of those answers. That common element that seems to be the glue that holds our social and personal lives in tact is technology. While it is excellent that most people (especially the teenage generation) are available twenty four/seven, is our society abusing the power and the ease of correspondence?

For people who claim to be “best friends,” most exchange I see is between two screens of a computer rather than a face-to-face conversation. I understand that it is not uncommon to go out of state for college and that using a computer is the only option that is available, but what about those that live in the same neighborhood or city, or even on the same street, that chose to tip-tap away on their phone or keyboard rather than having a real conversation?

I got my first phone at 14 and was giddy with excitement. I was about on par for the average age to get a cell phone and could barely contain myself yet again a few months later when I sent my first text. I felt so cool because it was the new to me at the time and was genuinely appreciative for what I had available.

Now I walk through the aisles of Wal-Mart, or any store for that matter, and see kids that cannot be older than the age of 11 with nicer phones than I even have now! Okay, maybe I really am just jealous, but this truly does concern me. What is to become of the next generation whenever they aren’t forced to have the experience of personal interaction with the person they are conversing with because it is so much easier to text?

Do not misunderstand me, it is imperative for functionality to have technology like smart phones and Facebook for businesses to survive, and for those in long distance relationships to converse. However, I implore you to take a second and pause the next time you prepare to send a text. Could you call that person and talk and hear them instead, or better yet invite them for coffee or dinner to catch up? Don’t sacrifice personal interaction with fellow friends or colleges just because it might be easier or more convenient.

Story by Bobbie Jo Ridenhour, Staff Writer

Is technology taking over? is a post from: The Correspondent