#ACPLA Forum: Love, Sex, Media, and Money

The Associated College Press held the Midwinter National College Journalism Convention from Feb. 18-21 at the Sherton Universal Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Over the course of the four day convention, there were 125 practical sessions, workshops, and interactive opportunities.

One of the sessions was titled “Love, Sex, Media, and Money.” It was run by Devin Desjarlais, who is the director of communications at the ad agency Omelet, and her husband Jacob Desjarlais, who’s the director of marketing for the entertainment network Machinima.

The description for the session in the guide book for the convention says, “Two former college editors explain how they landed lucrative jobs not in journalism – from running social media for PETA’s music vertical to internet marketing for a swingers club to fundraising alongside Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul.”

Both Devin and Jacob had valuable information for aspiring journalism students. There main piece of advice was to think outside the box and be different.

Jacob described a time when he made a 20 page paper all on his own about a group of film students who were making a movie. He showed the paper to an editor at a newspaper and said “I made this.” Making that paper was a lot of work and only one person ever read it, but it got him a job.

Devin also had some interesting stories to tell. She talked about her involvement in the Pokémon commercial that aired during the Super Bowl this year. It was impressive to say the least.

Jacob stressed that people should find a company to work at that fits them.

“I like my job because I can take my dogs into work,” said Jacob. He joked that he would never work anywhere where he couldn’t take his dogs into work with him.

Devin and Jacob ended the session by inviting people to stick around to talk and answer any more questions. Most people stayed after to tell them how cool they are.

Getting Paid to Play: Meet Teddy "Bladewise" Seybold

Photo courtesy: Teddy Seybold Facebook

Teddy “Bladewise” Seybold is unassuming. Taken at face value, Bladewise is a normal, modest guy. There’s that old saying about not judging a book by its cover. Behind the run-of-the-mill exterior awaits a fierce and determined competitor and one of the best “Super Smash Bros. Melee” players in the world. 

"Super Smash Bros. Melee" is a party/fighting game made by Nintendo and released in 2001 for the GameCube. Melee was never intended to be played competitively, but do to the fast and interesting mechanics of the game, a competitive scene developed around it nonetheless.  

Bladewise is the second best Melee player in Washington, and a top 100 player in the world. His main character is Peach, and he has been sponsored by 62-bit Gaming since 2014. If you ever encounter him in tournament, good luck. You're gonna need it.  

While he’s amazing at the game now, Bladewise started at the ground floor and had to work his way up. 

“I started going to tournaments just over 10 years ago,” said Bladewise. “I had repeatedly watched many videos of top players at the time (Ken, Isai, Captain Jack, etc.) and wanted to play like them. That first tournament was a great experience, and I haven’t stopped attending them since.”

Bladewise is widely regarded as the third best Peach player in the world, behind Adam “Armada” Lindgren and McCain “MacD” LaVelle. He played all the characters early in his Smash career, but eventually settled on Peach.

“I was very competitive with my friend at school at the time. Beating him was a big motivator for me to improve,” said Bladewise. “At our scrubby level, Peach was quite easy to win with. I enjoyed beating my friend, so I ended up playing quite a bit of Peach.”

For those that don't know, Peach is a character from the Super Mario Bros. game franchise. She is considered to be the sixth best character in Melee. While she is not as high up on the tier list as other characters, such as Fox and Marth, she is still viable in tournament. Players like Armada and Bladewise are proof of that.   

Steven “Fat Goku” Callopy, who is currently ranked first in Oregon in Melee, admits that he was intimidated by Bladewise.

“I’ve known who Bladewise was ever since I started playing Smash competitively,” said Fat Goku. “It made me a bit nervous to talk to him because he is so good. It probably took me two years of playing to deem myself worthy to talk to him.” 

It’s the way he’s able to read his opponents mind that makes Bladewise such a threat in tournament.

“I think his best quality as a player is his ability to read minds,” said Fat Goku. “If you’re going to do something risky, he knows you’re going to do it. If you’re going to panic in a situation, he’ll punish that option before you even press the button to do it. He makes me feel so stupid when I play him.” 

Bladewise made $1,200 at the recent Oregon tournament Fight or Flight 6.

On top of his success in the Pacific Northwest, Bladewise has been ranked as a top 100 player in the world the last three years in a row (34th in 2013, 33rd in 2014, and 39th in 2015). He enjoys the recognition, but it’s not a primary source of motivation.    

“I do enjoy the recognition it provides me, as well as the semi-celebrity status at tournaments,” said Bladewise. “It isn’t a main source of inspiration though. The drive to improve was already there before these lists existed, and that won’t change regardless of how I’m ranked.”

In addition to his proficiency in singles, Bladewise is also a superb doubles player. Zach “FoosJr.” Barnett, who is currently ranked third in Oregon, has known Bladewise for 10 years and has teamed with him in the past. 

“I’ve teamed with him a few times. He’s pretty good about communication in doubles, which I feel is really important,” said FoosJr. “Aside from that, he’s just one of the most solid players ever...so yeah that helps.”   

Even though Bladewise has gained a lot of skill and praise over the last 10 years, there is one person he has yet to overcome: Otto “Silent Wolf” Bisno, the current number one player in Washington. 

“I usually lose to Otto,” said Bladewise. “Sometimes I lose so often to him that I start to doubt my ability and potential. It can be quite disheartening because I want to believe I can win, yet the continued losses shake my resolve.” 

Despite his shortcomings, there have been a few occasions where Bladewise clutches the win over Silent Wolf.

“When I do manage to win, it’s an excellent feeling,” said Bladewise. “It’s incredibly relieving to know that the hard work pays off and that I’m capable of overcoming this challenge.” 

Regardless of who wins or loses, there’s no animosity between the two players. 

“We’re good friends,” said Bladewise. “In a way, we need each other to improve in order to continue improving ourselves. In major tournaments, I root for him over all others.” 

Bladewise wants people to know that there is no better time than now to get involved in competitive Smash. 

“For any person who is interested in playing Melee, now is an excellent time to join the community. There is an absurd abundance of resources available to players right now. Video guides, character tutorials, tournament footage, social media groups, and more are easy to find,” said Bladewise. “This community is accessible to all, no matter how secluded you may feel. Whether you live in Peru, Estonia, or Australia, there's a way to join, participate, and compete.”

At a Glance

• Bladewise is currently ranked second on the Washington Melee Player Rankings and 39th on the Melee It On Me Top 100 
• He studied Psychology at Highline Community College in Des Moines, Wash. 
• He's engaged to Vivian Kwan.
• He loves the movie "Frozen" nearly as much as he loves Melee.
• Here's a link to Bladewise's Facebook page if you want to contact him.

Weiss Guy

    Mark Weiss
Photo Courtesy: ozzzie20 

Mark Weiss is one of many counselors at LBCC. He's spent the last 27 years helping community college students figure out their path in life. Now, this period in Weiss' life is coming to an end.

After 27 years at LBCC, Weiss is retiring.

Retiring is not an easy decision to make, but for Weiss, it felt like the right one.

“The decision really is just around energy. I noticed I have a little less and I’m also turning 66 in May,” said Weiss. “It just felt like time.”

Still, Weiss loves his job and it’s difficult to leave behind for good.

“I still love working with students and that’s sort of hard to think about giving up,” said Weiss. “I’ve had a couple of people feel me out for maybe working part time, which I might be open to but I don’t know if that will happen or not.”

Co-Department Chair of Counseling Angie Klampe has been at LBCC for 33 years and has worked with Weiss for as long as he has been at LB.

“Mark is someone who really cares about students,” said Klampe. “He’s just a real passionate kind of guy. He’s passionate about students, and he’s passionate about students’ success. He’s a good advocate for students, and he’s a really good counselor.”

Weiss used to be the Department Chair of Counseling at LBCC.

“Marked served as our department chair for quite some time. We appreciate his leadership and how he advocates, not just for students, but for counselors on our campus as well,” said Klampe.

The other Co-Department Chair of Counseling Charles Madriaga has worked with Weiss since 2007.

“He’s very wise, thoughtful, and compassionate. He’s one of the most patient individuals I’ve ever met in my life,” said Madriaga. “He has a demeanor that is so incredibly kind. He could work with or help anyone.”

For Weiss, the most gratifying thing about being a counselor is helping people.

“As a counselor, we work with students in a lot of different ways. We work with students who are in emotional crisis. We work with students who are undecided about what they want to do and need career counseling and advising. We teach and we do sort of retention counseling,” said Weiss. “I love all of that. I particularly love career counseling and advising. I like helping someone get from point A to point B in their lives.”

At a Glance:

• Mark Weiss is 65 years old and has been working as a counselor at LBCC for 27 years.
• His main hobby is music, which he plans to spend more time doing once he has retired. 
• If you're a student at LBCC and you're in need of advise or counseling, contact Weiss at weissm@linnbenton.edu.  

Oregon Transfer Days

Many students plan on transferring to a four-year university when their time at LBCC has concluded. The purpose of the Oregon Transfer Days event is to inform students about different schools and to make the decision easier.

Oregon Transfer Days took place on Thursday, Jan. 21 in Takena Hall at the Albany Campus from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tables were set up with representatives from 22 different schools. Students were encouraged to drop by to make connections and help decide what school is the best fit.

Schools present at the event included Oregon State University, University of Oregon, University of Portland, Linfield College, Southern Oregon University, The Art Institute, and Western Oregon University among others.

UO Assistant Director for Transfer Admissions and Residency Officer Brian Stanley said it’s important for students to choose a school that fits their career goals and learning outcomes.

“Visit campus if you can. Get a feel for what it’s like,” said Stanley. “As you’re comparing schools, get a good idea of what the program is like to see if it’s a good fit.”

Representatives had business cards or contact information available so students who are interested in transferring could contact them and begin the transfer process.

LBCC student and business major Mohammad Almoshares said that transfer day helped him hone in on which school he wants to go to.

“I want to make sure I stay in Oregon. I’m interested in UO,” said Almoshares.

Larry Wilson, a representative for The Art Institute, said students shouldn’t worry too much about costs for school because there are options available to everyone.

“Meet with financial aid at every school to see if you qualify for grants or scholarships,” said Wilson.

Jocelyn Allen represented The College of Idaho at Oregon Transfer Days and said students should be active members of the student body at whichever school they choose.

“Wherever you choose to go, get involved,” said Allen. “Get involved with student clubs and sport. It will make the transition easier.”

Students interested in transferring to a four-year university from LBCC should meet with their advisor to find more information and contact schools you may be thinking about attending.

At a Glance:

• LBCC isn't the only school participating in the Oregon Transfer Days. Here's a list of the different community colleges around Oregon where Oregon Transfer Days is happening.  
• These are all the colleges that were present at the event: Corban University, Grand Canyon, University, Linfield College, Marylhurst University, National American University, National College of Natural Medicine, Northwest Christian University, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Oregon State University, Oregon State University - Cascades, Oregon Tech, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Pacific University Oregon, Portland State University, Southern Oregon University, The Art Institute, The College of Idaho, The Ford Family Foundation, University of Oregon, University of Portland, University of Western States,Western Oregon University
• Here's a link to the Advising page on the LBCC website. This might be helpful for students seeking more information about transferring.
• For students seeking advice on campus, visit the Counseling Center located in Takena Hall at the Albany campus. 

Anime Club at LBCC

LBCC has an assortment of different clubs on campus that cater towards different interests. From Chess Club to Dance Club, there's something for everyone. For the anime enthusiasts at LBCC, there's Anime Club.

Anime Club meets every Wednesday at the Albany campus at 4 p.m. At the meetings, club members watch different anime and discuss and share their passion for anime with people who feel the same way.

For the uninitiated, anime is Japanese animation. It's basically the Japanese equivalent of American cartoons, only in Japan anime is made for people of all ages, not just children.

Anime Club President Nova Engelhart created the club a year and a half ago.

"The main purpose of the club is to show people that anime is no longer taboo," said Engelhart.

In the past, Anime Club has watched anime from different kinds of genres, from magical girl animes to slice of life. However, this term the club is experimenting by just focusing on a specific genre. For Winter term, the club is focusing on horror anime.  

Kylene Tyler, the faculty advisor for Anime Club, says club members are welcoming to any one interested in anime.

"They're just a really nice, friendly group of people who like watching anime," said Tyler. "If you like anime, go to one of the club meetings."  

Psychology major and Anime Club member Cody Froman joined the club because of his passion for anime.

"I've always been a huge anime addict, even since I was little," said Froman. "Here's 40-plus other people that enjoy the same thing I do, so that's how I got into it...Come together, meet new people, and enjoy time with people who enjoy the same thing you do."

In terms of events, Anime Club hosted a Studio Ghibli night last term where they watched the movie "Kiki's Delivery Service." Anime Club is doing another Studio Ghibli night this term, but this time they'll be watching "Howl's Moving Castle."

Engelhart wants to stress that anime and the Anime Club at LBCC is for everyone.

"A long time ago, if you said you watched 'Pokemon' or played 'Pokemon' or anything like that you were instantly considered a nerd or a geek," she said. "And now anime is becoming such a big, mainstream thing that I want to show people that it's okay to watch anime."

At a Glance:

• Anime Club has shirts available for purchase for $5.   
• Here's a list of all the clubs at LBCC