Linn Benton Legends

Many would argue “League of Legends” is the most popular video game on the planet right now. Its deftness at blending the addictive qualities of “World of Warcraft” with the tactical decision making of a real-time strategy game, has resulted in a loyal following of 67 million devoted players monthly.

 So, it’s no wonder LBCC’s very own club dedicated to the game, Linn-Benton Legends, has achieved a member base of over 50 players.

 Started winter term of 2015, Linn-Benton Legends has provided an excellent platform for fans of Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs) to connect in the most meaningful way possible, by repeatedly destroying one another in a virtual environment. The current presidents of the club are Noah Schuetze and Nicholas Pugliese, who both have gaming roots stretching back to the late '90s.

 “My earliest gaming memories are of playing ‘Pokémon Yellow’ on my Gameboy Color,” said Schuetze. “I even managed to get myself stuck on the second gym leader and had to ask my dad to beat her for me.”

Together, Schuetze and Pugliese have over six years’ experience with “League of Legends,” with Schuetze picking up the game in November 2011. Since then, “League of Legends” has only grown in popularity, to the point it was officially recognized as a legitimate sport by the U.S. Government in July 2013. This classification allowed foreign professionals of the game to obtain work visas easier.

 “I think the reason for 'League of Legends' popularity is its hidden diversity and sheer complexity,” said Schuetze. “It appeals to so many different gamers at once without really sacrificing the quality of the game itself.”

 Although “League of Legends” is known for its addicting gameplay and incredible depth, it also has the less desirable reputation of having one of the most unwelcoming and brutal player communities in all of gaming. Linn-Benton Legends does not condone any trash talk, but for new players trying the game for the first time, Schuetze recommends that you, “Turn off all chat in the setting menu. It will make life easier,” while Pugliese warns, “'League' is a competitive game at heart. Don't let losing go to your head.”

 Linn-Benton Legends has taken on an online-centric approach to its membership this term, completely abandoning the scheduled meeting time of 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays in McKenzie Hall.

 “We have so many members, but only two-five people actually show up to the on campus things,” said Schuetze. ” People may be on and playing from 3-5 p.m., but we aren't on campus anymore, this term anyway.”

 Both presidents are still enthusiastic about attracting new members to Linn-Benton Legends, and recommend that anyone interested in joining sign up on the club’s Facebook page.

 “People should join our club because talking to other people with a common interest can lead to interesting conversations, and even friendships,” said Pugliese. “I talk to friends I’ve made in the club all the time, even about things other than ‘League.'”

At a Glance:

Linn Benton Legends

Presidents: Noah Schuetze, Nicholas Pugliese

Contact info: linnbentonlegends@gmail.com

LBCC African American Film Screening

Roger Ebert famously described film as "a machine that builds empathy."  They allow us to witness lives as they unfold and build appreciation and compassion for the the people being depicted on screen.

In celebration of Black History Month, LBCC’s Diversity Achievement Center will be screening films that focus on African American culture every Thursday at noon. The upcoming movies include Rick Famuyiwa’s “Dope” on Feb. 18 and Spike Lee’s “Chi-Raq” on Feb. 25.

“It gives America the opportunity to look at other forms of art by predominantly artists and producers,” said Diversity Achievement Center Administrator Raven Womack. “All of these movies touch on a lot of cultural things, as well as show a different form of art.”

Originally the brainchild of Womack, this will be the second year in a row the DAC is hosting this event. The initial inspiration for the screenings was to showcase the art of moviemaking through the lens of the African American experience.

“I wanted to show that there were actually really good films out there with really strong African American leads,” said Womack.

Womack later added that it’s now more important than ever to encourage the viewing of movies developed by people of color, citing the recent controversy over the lack of diversity in Academy Award nominations this year, spread through twitter under the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite.

“There was no diversity. And this is not the first time there hasn’t been any nominations of color. But that’s the reason why I put this event together, to showcase that there are tons of great actors and actresses of color out there that just might not be recognized. To snub someone due to race or an inferior movie selection is a problem,” said Womack.

Womack’s statement about this not being the first year the Oscars have snubbed people of color is absolutely true. According to a study conducted by Lee and Low Books in 2015, in the entire history of the Academy Awards less than 5 percent of acting Oscars have been awarded to black actors. And according to a study by the Los Angeles Times, 94 percent of Oscar voters are Caucasian, and 77 percent are male.

“If there were more members of color on the staff, they would have a broad spectrum of views of how Hollywood should look.”

Womack later added “We are all the same. We all make art together, and we all need to be recognized for that art no matter what color we are.”

In a short speech Womack gave on Thursday after the screening of F. Gary Gray’s “Straight Outta Compton,” he discussed the representations of police brutality in the film, and how this theme is just as relevant today as it was in the late 80s. The enlightening effect of “StraightOutta Compton” was felt by at least one viewer, as LBCC student Giovanni Hernandez said of the film, “I didn’t know about the police brutality NWA had to deal with. I learned a lot.”

At a Glance:
Films shown: "Dear White People", "Straight Outta Compton", "Dope", "Chi-Raq"
Location: Diversity Achievement Center
Time: Noon, Every Thursday in February