International Students - Pg.

THE

Presidential candidate visits MCCC

David Topolewski
Agora Staff

gora A
Aug. 26,28, 2012 Vol. 55, Issue 71 February 2010 Vol. 56, Issue

MCCC student groups visiting landmarks around U.S. Pg. 3

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A presidential candidate visited MCCC on February 23, but few may have noticed. Jerry White does not have hair like Mitt Romney and is not as well known as Newt Gingrich, but nonetheless is running for president. White, 52, is the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) candidate. He does not support conventional political views and finds fault in the two major political parties. This government is hostile to the working class, Republican or Democrat, he said. The presidential candidate has attacked both President Obama and Republican leadership, saying they want starvation wages. He also does not view President Obama as any different than the previous photo by Miles Lark administration. They all agree, defending the elite against the Jerry White, the presidential candidate for the Socialist Equality Party, spoke to members of the International working class, he said. Students for Social Equality club on Thursday, Feb. 23. White slammed the president, saying he was elect-

ed to repeal legislation such as Homeland Security and the Patriot Act, but has not fulfilled his promises. It is an absolute continuation of Bush, he said. He argues that America is made up of two classes, the working class and the capitalist elite. He also wants people to know there is an alternative to this system and attacks the current state of politics. I appeal to ignorance backwardness politics dominated by billionaires, he said. Socialism is the alternative he offers; the SEP website describes socialism as genuine social equality, on a world scale. As a reference for this model White highlights the Russian Revolution and calls it the greatest historical event. He also attacked President Obama and the people he has appointed to work in his administration. Obama has filled the White House with corporate heads, he said. Running as a strong anti-war candidate, he supports an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of

all U.S. troops from Iraq and Afghanistan as well as disbanding of the standing army. Recognizing foreign threats, he does understand the working class would have the right to defend themselves. White, as president, would end support for Israel. He criticized Israels possession of certain weapons, saying they illegally have scores of nuclear bombs. White is critical of the wars in the Middle East and believes they have hurt the image of America. Bushs wars discredited the United States, he said, adding that Obama has not changed this and has only used troop redistribution. The only way to stop war is if the working class takes political control, according to White. Wars have to do with elites, he said. As for the current uprisings in the Middle East, he said he supports the working class of those countries, but would not intervene. He also warned of an imminent threat of a new war with Syria and Iran.

See JERRY WHITE, Page 2

Should professors friend students?

Kaitlyn Durocher
Agora Staff

With the world of social media growing, there are new methods and concerns that come along with it. When it comes to relationships between students and their professors, social media sites, such as Facebook, can be a controversial issue. Social media sites allow people to communicate with and get to know others more freely than the more traditional options, such as emails. However, is a professor adding a student on a social media site appropriate? Or is it crossing a barrier in student-professor relationships? This question has been raised by people in colleges around the globe. When it comes to MCCC, the opinions on this issue are divided. Numerous people support professors and students connecting via social media sites, while

Culinary program begins annual Winter buffet season

Michelle Dangler
Agora Staff

others are against it. I dont really see a problem with it, if the student allows it, then its their responsibility to conduct themselves in an adult-like manner, said MCCC student Kyle Corollo. Multiple students, including Ally Williams and Angelique Bedee, agree that it is a good method of communication, as long as the relationship is kept professional and mature. Facebook is a public website, so who is to say whom a person is allowed to friend or not? Jamie Newcomber, another MCCC student, said. Professors also hold opinions about this method. David Reiman, professor of business, is one of the professors who has a strong opinion on the matter. This is a decision that should be left with each faculty member, Reiman said. I do believe that if a professor chooses to friend students, they should not be exclusive. If he or she accepts an invitation

Rachel Wehner I would say adding a student or professor is wrong because if a professor sees a students Facebook page, they might judge them.

from one student, they should accept any student. Personally, Reiman has a Facebook account, but has not friended any students on it. He suggests using LinkedIn, another social media site that is more professional for students and teachers to communicate. Also, Reiman believes the relationship between a student and professor should start in the classroom, but social media sites can strengthen and maintain that relationship once formed. While some people believe adding students or professors on social media sites improves communication and relationships, others think it is inappropriate. I would say adding a student or professor is wrong because if a professor sees a students Facebook page they might judge them, positively or negatively, based on their page and be inclined to give them a grade based on their judgment rather than their academic scores, Rachel Wehner said.

David Reinman This is a decision that should be left with each faculty member. I do believe that if a professor chooses to friend students, they should not be exclusive.

We have blackboard and student email for a reason; I like to keep my social media out of professors hands if I can help it, Dylan Miracle said. I think theyre professional people and they shouldnt be adding their students because that could lead to trouble within the relationship, Marissa Kitts said. Clearly, not everyone is supportive of professors and students building relationships or communicating through social media sites. Other alternatives to Facebook include LinkedIn, which is less personal. Or people could always use email or face to face contact to prevent problems from arising. Issues with this subject include exclusiveness, inappropriateness, and judgment, while the positives that come from it include such things as better communication and staying in contact outside of the college years.

Chicken, beef, veal, oh my! Culinary delicacies abound as MCCCs secondyear culinary students and their professors are outdoing themselves again. Last semester, many at MCCC were fortunate enough to try delicious new foods at Cuisine 1300. This semester, the community is welcomed to join in a sampling of foods from all over the world regional American, Mediterranean, and more. Employing new cooking techniques, the students will be able to make meals that are beter than ever before. One such technique, Sous Vide, makes even the toughest meat as delicate and yummy as choice cuts like filet mignon. Students can take the meat; put it into the package (a vacuum pack that sucks and seals out air) with seasonings and butter. They then put it in the vacuum, and cook it at a low temperature around 150

degrees over night, explains Chef Vicki LaValle. Then they cook the meat on the grill to sesar it. The flavors of the seasonings permeate the food totally, she adds. The meat that is cooked Sous Vide is made to near perfection if it is cooked medium-rare, it is light pink all the way through, not just in the middle. The first buffet of the season, Mediterranean, was a mix of foods from Italy, Spain, Greece, Morocco, and others, many of which are gluten free. It was on Friday, Feb. 24. From cous-cous with lemon, cranberries and almonds, veal and beef, there was considerable variety. The next buffet, on Friday, March 2, will be a Global buffet, offering foods from all over. Dishes from Australia, Germany, Italy, Greece, Hawaii, and many others will be available to tantalize the palate. The third buffet, on March 16, is Ethnic Celebrations. All the old family recipes from Germany, Poland, Jewish meals, traiditional Italian, etc., will be showcased.

photo by Michelle Dangler

See WINTER BUFFETS, Page 2

Culinary students prepared various desserts, such as colorful tarts, mini eclairs, cream puffs and other confections.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
On other social issues such as gay marriage rights and abortion, he takes a left-of-center stance. He calls abortion a basic democratic right. Social Security, according to White, should be included with rights such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We believe retirement income is an essential social right, viewed as an inalienable right, he said. The rights to a job, livable income, quality healthcare, and a healthy and safe environment are inalienable, according to the SEP website. The occupy movement did not come as a surprise to White, who

mcccagora.com The Agora

|2

Youth for Understanding students enjoy classes

Jerry White speaks to ISSE members

is a supporter of the movement. He has written numerous articles defending the movement that can be found at the World Socialist Website. President Obama has touted the auto bailout as a success. White does not agree, pointing out the number of jobs lost since the companies went bankrupt. He attacked the United Auto Workers (UAW) for promoting wage cutting. The UAW worked with the administration to impoverish workers and restore corporate profitability, according to an article Mr. White wrote for the World Socialist Website. Potential of the working class is so under-tapped, he said. He is a fierce opponent of capitalism and blamed it for events such as World War II and the 2008 financial crisis. He claimed they were the inevitable outcome of capitalism. White and Vice Presidential Candidate Phyliss Scherrer will be on the ballot where they can get on and will hold write-in campaigns where they cannot. He admits that his campaign is not conventional and is asking for donations. We need money. Were not a Super-Pac, hedge-fund-backed campaign, he said.

Patrick Hemmen, Netherlands

Michael Mayzlin
Agora Staff

Patrick Hemmen

Hwi-Ram Jeong

Patrick Hemmen doesnt wear wooden shoes and if the world was going to end tomorrow, he would eat everything he can today. Patrick is an exchange student from Dalfsen, Netherlands, which is located east of Zwolle, one of biggest cities in the Netherlands. He came to MCCC in August 2011 through YFU (Youth For Understanding), an organization sponsoring foreign students who want to study in high schools and colleges. Patrick picked the U.S. over Argentina primarily because he already spoke English and wanted to learn about American culture. Prior to coming here, Patrick studied English for seven years. The field of study wasnt really important to me. I am interested in Engineering, which is primarily studied in English. It was the whole experience of

going to the United States and learning the culture, Patrick said. YFU picked MCCC for Patrick and matched him with a host family living in Frenchtown Township. His host family has four children, two boys who still live at home and two others who are away at college. Patricks major is Automotive Engineering at MCCC. He hopes to eventually study Aerospace Engineering when he goes back to the Netherlands this summer. He says a fundamental difference between education in the Netherlands and the U.S. is that here he has a variety of classes to choose from. In the Netherlands, the educational direction is more structured from early on. Its more of your own choice of what classes you want to take. No one really cares if you take stupid classes that you dont need, he said. The teachers seem to be more laid back as well. It was more difficult for Pat-

Hwi-Ram Jeong, South Korea

Shana Kritzer
Agora Staff

rick to adapt to an American lifestyle than he initially thought. The language barrier was present and some cultural difference proved to be difficult, too. For example, Patrick noticed that the United States is greatly dependant on cars. In the Netherlands, bicycles and motorcycles are a preferred method of transportation. He also observed that the people here live extremely fastpaced lives and are constantly on the move. People in the Netherlands dont work as much as they do here. Life in general is more laid-back, he said. Another major hurdle for Patrick was a difference in how Americans tend to present their opinions. In the Netherlands, Patrick added, you just state your opinion as a fact. Here you have to be more careful about what you say. As for Patricks hobbies, he loves soccer and Dutch music of all kinds.

2012 Winter buffet season begins

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
The fourth, American BBQ, will be on March 30. This event, featuring all the barbequing favorites, is sold out. The last buffet of the season is American Regional. Served on April 13, this will be a sampling of foods from across the U.S. New England fare, Tex-Mex, Floridian (with Cuban influence), Southern, and Midwestern meals will make for a delightfully scrumptious afternoon. All the buffets will take place on Fridays at 11:30 a.m. It is by reservation only, $18 per person. To book a reservation, go to the Cashiers office and ask for a form. Most major credit cards and checks will be accepted. If students cant make it to the Cashiers office in the A building, they can make their reservation by phone at (734) 384-4272.
photos by Michelle Dangler

Michigans harsh winters are nothing new for Hwi-Ram Jeong. Hwi comes from Gang-Neung, Korea, a small city nestled in the mountains of South Korea. Because its in the mountains, it tends to snow a great deal. There is a lot of snow, Hwi said, Very deep, about waist high. Youth for Understanding (YFU) helped Hwi become an exchange student in the United States. Students dont choose where they will go; YFU tells them about two months before moving. Hwi arrived in Michigan on Jan. 3. This is his first time as an exchange student. The host family he is staying with lives in Temperance. The hardest part of being an exchange student is the cultural and language barriers, Hwi said. Every child in Korea learns English grammar, but speaking it is a

whole different story. Hwi is majoring in mass media at MCCC. He already has spent one year at a Korean University studying marketing. Korea has obligatory military service, which Hwi will have to take part in when returning home. Afterward, he hopes to return to the United States. Life in Michigan is very different for Hwi. In Korea, parents support students while they attend school. Students ride the bus or the metro. Here, many students work while attending school. Students in America usually have their own cars and are much more independent, he said. Hwi enjoys the Michigan landscape. In Korea, its hard to see past the tall buildings. Here, I can see very far. All the trees and the land, he said. It is nice. Not everything is different in Korea. Hwi delights in many of the same pastimes as American students. Pop culture is the same

in Korea as it is here, he said. Some of Hwis favorites are the television show, How I met your mother, the Transformer movies, and singers like Beyonce. Just like American students, Hwi passes his time studying and hanging out with friends. This summer, Hwi is hopeful to do some traveling around the county. Places on his list to visit are New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. He is also going to take a trip to Florida, where he has family to visit. His goal while there is to visit Disney World. Hwi is warming up to his new life in Michigan. Koreans tend to be very shy, especially compared with Americans. He enjoys meeting new people, so if you see him around campus, make sure to introduce yourself. This April 9, Hwi will celebrate his 21st birthday. He cant wait to get out and see some American clubs, make new friends, and experience the best of what America has to offer.

Above: Lemon marcapone cheesecake with an almond crust was served as a dessert at the buffet. Left: Board member Margerie Kreps and her husband Roger Kreps (left) attended the buffet, and stopped to pose for a photo with MCCC President David Nixon (right). Lower Left: Chocolatecovered strawberries were also served as dessert.

Safe Space Kits coming to campus

Mandi Davis
Agora Staff

RT Program receives accredidation support

Shana Kritzer Robin Lawson
Agora Staff

Briefly:

Sweetheart Ball at Toledo Zoo features dining, dancing, karaoke

Insulting slurs are hurtful to those in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. To help make MCCC a safer campus, the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) recently received a grant to order lunchboxes, which are essentially Safe Space kits. The kits are designed to help a campus protect those in the LGBT community from harassment and bullying. When the kits arrive, members of the Gay-Straight Alliance will be first to undergo training on how to use them. Then the GSA hopes to get other clubs involved and trained. Penny Bodell, one of three coadvisers for the GSA, said its important for the GSA to have the Safe Space Kits. These allies have to be trained in order to understand what being an ally truly means and the responsibility that goes hand-inhand, Bodell said. Amanda Bennett, another coadviser for the GSA, said members of the club really need the kits. It is important that we have allies for you guys everywhere. It is long overdue, she said. Many members of the group are

also happy to hear that the club received an enhancement grant from the MCCC Foundation to order the kits. Brandon VanBelle, one of the co-chairs of the club, said the kits are needed. We need to teach people that it is not okay to say certain things, he said. We have every right to disagree on something. To use just certain words toward a certain group just makes an unwelcoming environment. Terri Gower, secretary for the GSA, said the group needs to stand up against bullying. We should watch out for things like that because once you correct one, you can correct the others, Gower said.

MCCCs Respiratory Therapy Program has reason to breathe a little easier after a visit from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoArc). CoArc has recommended that MCCCs Respiratory Therapy Program be granted continued accreditation status. This announcement came after the CoArc team made its visit to MCCC on January 15-16. The team will be submitting its recommendation that MCCC continue accreditation without conditions, for the maximum period of ten years. CoArc reported no deficiencies in the RT Program, as well as a number of strengths. RT students were found to be enthusiastic about the program and have a clear understanding of the admissions process and program outcomes. The program boasts an accommodating and energetic medical director, who is committed to not only the program, but to the students as well, according to CoArc. The program also has a spirited and passionate faculty, the report said.

Bonnie Boggs, the RT Program director, was recognized as an outstanding director and mentor. Boggs is known for her passion, energy and concern for her students. Nicholas Prush, instructor of RT/ director of clinical education, also was recognized for his exceptional skill and experience. Dr. Grace Yackee, vice president of instruction at MCCC, also acknowledged Jack Woltmann as an important factor in the programs achievements. Woltmann retired last year as associate professor of respiratory therapy/director of clinical education. Woltman played a essential role in MCCCs success by assisting with the self-study documentation, providing numerous reports, and aiding Nicholas Prush to transition into his new role, Dr. Yackee said. The accreditation from CoArc is a valuable asset because it shows that MCCC is National Standard Appropriate. MCCC is one of only 400 accredited schools in the country. Final action from the CoArc team will take place in March. The team will be submitting its recommendation to grant MCCCs accreditation without conditions for the maximum ten year time period.

MCCC Student Government is hosting a Sweetheart Ball at the Toledo Zoo on March 17. The ball is open to all students, staff, and alumni; it will be held between 7 p.m. and midnight. Tickets will be sold at the MCCC cashiers office for $25. The money covers the catered dining, dancing, event souvenirs, photo booth pictures, and a karaoke hour. Also, there will also be four hourly giveaways during the night. A king and queen, duke and duchess and court jester will be elected at the end of the night.

Otis Day, The Outsiders and other bands to play at Meyer Theater

Badfinger, The Outsiders, Climax, and Otis Day will be presented on March 3 at the La-Z-Boy Center. Badfinger, which was discovered by Paul McCartney, was the first group to be signed to The Beatles Apple Records. The hit, Time Wont Let Me, made The Outsiders a wellknown band. One of the most famous love songs, Precious and Few, was recorded by Climax. And of course, Otis Day earned his fame from his performance in National Lampoons Animal House. Tickets for reserved seating for this event will be $25, while VIP seating will be $35.

Keepin It Live

The MCCC Inside Out Dance Ensemble and Director Kellie Lajiness will present a concert of dance and live music collaboration. This performance will be a collective force of contemporary movement styles meshed with some of Monroes distinguished and recognizable music and vocal talents. The event will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24, with a matinee performance at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 25. The cost of attendance will be $15.

campus
Redwoods tower more than 300 feet to the sky in the John Muir Woods north of San Francisco one of the sites that will be visited by the MCCC Math and Science Club in April.
Photo by Michael Schweppe

mcccagora.com The Agora

February 28 2012

Go
Clubs and classes are visiting both Coasts, along with local restaurants and conferences. Math-Science students checking out redwoods, earthquakes
Christina Cusumano
Agora Staff

MCCC
on the

MCCCs Math and Science Society Club [MASS] is headed to the Northern Coast of California, with the help of an enhancement grant provided by the MCCC Foundation. Students will be accompanied by advisers to the MASS club, Kathy Shepherd, assistant professor of mathematics, and Lori Bean, associate professor of chemistry and biology. They will visit the John Muir Woods, a redwood forest, the San Andreas Fault, the California Academy of Sciences, and potentially the Berkeley National Lab, Yosemite National Park, and the San Francisco Bay. We wanted to go somewhere ecologically different than Michigan, Bean said. Were hoping that taking students to see these different places will reinforce or offer new interests toward their career

paths. Fifteen students will be attending the trip this year, including Kasie Miehlke, president of MASS, and secretary Eryn Meeker. The four-story rainforest at the California Academy looks really cool, said Elizabeth Puvy, a student in Beans Organic Chemistry class. I also hear there are earthquakes there all the time, which is crazy. Although science, geography, and ecology-related destinations are the main focus of the trip, Shepherd said students interested in math can benefit from the trip, reasoning that math is the invisible force behind all sciences. MASS allows anyone with a curiosity and appreciation for math, science, or the natural world to join. We have mix of a little bit of everyone this time, including an art major, Shepherd said.

Shepherd and Bean agree that the trip is an excellent way for students to socialize outside of the classroom, gain valuable experience in their fields of interest, and extend their classroom experience. Since this is a commuter campus, students need an opportunity to meet on a social level, Shepherd said. In addition to learning with their peers, this trip will allow students to talk to professionals in the field, peruse thoughtprovoking exhibits, and explore Northern Californias environment and ecology, which is very different than Michigans temperate climate. Also, students will be better equipped to connect science and math experienced in the classroom to actual working fields. Finally, students will benefit from a richer, firsthand experience that cannot be compared to simply reading a textbook. This trip is something you would never be able to do on your own, Shepherd said. Its definitely something students will remember forever. When asked what MASS members will accomplish on this trip, Shepherd mentioned that students can be introduced to emerging job opportunities or jobs stu-

This trip is something you would never be able to do on your own. Its definitely something students will remember forever.
Kathy Shepherd, Assistant Professor of mathematics
dents have never came across. I was going to be an accountant my freshman year of college, Shepherd said. Then I read a book, Dilemmas and Decisions, and it taught me to follow what I really want to do, and that, of course, was teach. Im hoping that this trip will open students eyes to all the possibilities out there. Bean said she is most excited for her students to see the giant redwoods of Muir woods, all of which tower over in-

digenous Michigan trees. The tallest are above 350 feet in height, making them the largest living things on this earth. [Going there] is kind of like being at the Grand Canyon, Bean said. Once you see nature at that magnitude, it really reminds you of how small we are. MASS has been doing large amounts of fundraising for the trip, which will cost up to $10,000. Currently, MASS is hosting a bottle drive; students can recycle cans and bottles around campus as a green way to fundraise. They are also selling Little Caesars Pizza orders and candy bars. This trip to Calif. is MASSs ninth as a club, and no trip has ever been repeated. MASS has traveled to Washington DC, New York City, Chicago, Cleveland, Toronto, and Cape Canaveral, Fla. It has taken other small trips around Michigan, including the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Bodies: The Exhibition, and Ann Arbors Natural History Museum. If youd like to donate cans and/or bottles, you can drop them off in receptacles around campus or you can email Lori Bean at lbean@monroeccc.edu to arrange a date to pick them up.

International Studies heading to UN, Ground Zero in New York

Nicki Kostrzewa
Agora Staff

Photo courtesy of Professor Joanna Sabo

The International Studies class at the United Nations two years ago.

MCCCs International Relations class takes its next trip to New York this April to visit the United Nations. In addition to class members, anyone in the International Studies Club also is welcome to join the trip, making the student count between 20 and 27, according to Professor Joanna Sabo, who teaches the International Studies course. The trip will include tours of the United Nations Headquarters and the Ground Zero Memorial. During the tour of the UN, students will see the main chamber, where world issues are debated,

The staff of The Agora also will be visiting New York this spring. They will be attending the College Media Spring National Convention March 18-20 at the New York Sheraton. A MCCC Foundation grant also helped finance the Agora trip. Nine Agora staff members are participating. as well as displays of works that include imagery of children with guns, landmines, and a statue that was in Hiroshima, Japan. The statue shows the damage done by the radiation, making visitors think deeply about how that effected the citys residents. Also while in the UN, students usually hear an informative briefing, Dr. Sabo said. During this visit, the briefing may be on the Arab Spring. There is a lot of that real-life sadness, and then the real-life attempts at trying to fix that, Dr. Sabo said. I think a lot of people, till they go there, think the UN is sort of useless. Students who have attended this trip have been visiting Ground Zero since 2002. In the early days, Dr. Sabos said, there wasnt much to the memorial, but the

Agora staff also visiting the Big Apple

feeling and atmosphere was still fresh from what happened Sept. 11, 2001. The trip received a $1,500 grant from the MCCC Foundation, and students are working to raise more money. Dr. Sabo is the only faculty member on the trip. The truth is, because there is so little funding by the school, I end up paying my own expenses myself, so to ask another teacher to go, is like going Yeah, so you want to come, but I dont have any money for you, Sabo said. Besides the tours of the United Nationa and Ground Zero, Dr. Sabo said she also hopes to let the students see some of the many other multicultural experiences in New York City.

Cultural Night attracts 25 to Hungarian restaurant

Michelle Dangler
Agora Staff

Good food and great company were highlights of the International Studies Clubs Cultural Night. The IS Club held a dinner Feb. 17 to share and celebrate foreign culture with students and others. Eating at the Hungarian Rhapsody restaurant proved to be a wonderful chance to try something new, club members said. I have never been to a restaurant like that before, student Mandi Lynn Davis said. So to go and try something new was a great experience. Among the 25 or so students and their guests who showed up for Cultural Night were Linda Lauer, MCCC Board of Trustees member, Joanna Sabo, Political Science profes-

sor and IS Club adviser, and Julie Billmaier, the administrative assistant to the Director of Administration and Guidance Services. Another student, club member Joyceelaine Cutliff, also said she enjoyed herself. It was great! Good food, good service. Lighting was my only issue, she said. A charming restaurant with a warm atmosphere, the Rhapsody had much to offer in the way of showing guests the food and culture of Hungary. One of the first sights greating guests when entering the restaurant is a unique, almost shrine-like museum dedicated to the culture of Hungary. The dcor features paintings of various landscapes and cityscapes, soft lighting, cream-colored linen table-

Business students attend Ethos week at Eastern Mich.

Taylor Pinson
Agora Staff

Photo by Lorrie Mayzlin

About 25 students and guests attended Cultural Night at the Hungarian Rhapsody restaurant in Southgate Feb. 17.

cloths, and charming clusters of red peppers hanging from the ceiling. The smells of delicious dishes like Goulash or Chicken Paprikas wafted through the building. The menu offered many items to tempt hungry visitors,

including Fettuccine Rhapsody, a Hungarian spin on the classic Fettuccine Alfredo, Veal Paprikas, and Shrimp Budapest. There also was a selection of cakes and other confections, like double chocolate cake, cheesecake, and others.

This years Ethos week holds an important first for MCCC. This is the sixth year of the event, but it marks the first time students from MCCC will be attending. Ethos week is March 12-16 at Eastern Michigan Universitys College of Business. Students are taught the values needed to be ethical business professionals. Its a huge event, said Pat Nedry, MCCC Professor of Business. They probably have a thousand people. Nedry spoke about the work MCCCs faculty members have done to allow students to attend Ethos week. There were some different components to it. One was how do you

get students involved with this, and how do you select them said Nedry. The other part was we had to see if we could get some money. The money for the project came from a $1,000 enhancement grant from the MCCC Foundation. EMUs College of Business also invites people from the business community to talk about applying ethics to various business situations. Previous guest speakers have included Robert Bobb, the Emergency Financial Manager for Detroit Public Schools, and Barbara McQuade, the US Attorney and Chief Federal Prosecutor for the Eastern District of Michigan. They have some pretty top-notch people that they bring in, The entire interview with Professor Nedry can be heard at www. mcccagora.com

opinion
mcccagora.com The Agora
Football season may be over, but that doesnt mean preparations for the next season arent under way. I love football. Nothing gets my blood pressure on the rise faster than a close football game. Truth be told, college football is my favorite. However, I still enjoy a good NFL game. Football season brings tailgating on brisk mornings, parties with friends, and some friendly rivalry. I even have my own fantasy team, and I love every Shana moment of the Kritzer football season. Agora Staff Everyone has opinions, and people want their opinions to be heard. There comes a point when giving an opinion becomes too much for me. Some things about sports leave me confused. I dont yell at my television, I am not that crazed naked fan sprinting through a stadium, and I dont try to tell anyone who will listen how the NFL should draft their players. Should it matter to me who a 40-yearold garbage man thinks is best for the draft. Should I care that a retired teacher believes one quarterback is superior to another? Honestly, I dont. I have gotten so sick of listening to long-winded rants regarding football. Maybe I just misunderstand. But when a person is not currently an NFL player, a coach, a general manager or a team owner, they are not a football expert. For instance, if I spent hours researching players, teams, and statistics, then put these findings together in a report, who would actually want to read it? Im sure someone, someplace would find my thoughts interesting. But that doesnt matter. The NFL is not looking to hire me for my utter brilliance. They already have on their payroll employees

February 28 2012

Leave drafting to actual NFL experts

...when a person is not currently an NFL player, a coach, a general manager or a team owner, they are not a football expert.
I understand, its merely for fun and it amuses some folks. It just irritates me. I would never tell an attorney how to do her job, and I would never tell a professional NFL player how to do his job. My thought has always been if you think you can do better than the person you are criticizing, then prove it, or shut-up. I guess what it comes down to is that its a judgment of another person. When people criticize football players for the way they played a game, they are making a judgment about the player that is really not fair. Everyone has good days and bad days. Yes, the players are out in the public eye, and they are representing a team, but whose entire job revolves around drafting players. Now if John Madden was to work up a mock draft, I may be interested. I would consider him a football expert. An annoying football expert, but still he has the experience and insight to have a valid opinion. Joe Shmoe from down the street is not in any way a football expert. Watching games, trolling the internet, and having a fantasy league does not qualify anyone as a professional football critic. If Joe was so great at football, why is he not playing for the NFL? Why does he not work there?

we could give them a break sometimes. There has to be an enormous deal of pressure to stand out on a football field in front of thousands of people. Fans expect these men to be invincible, when in fact they are only human. I should admit that this whole editorial started because I read the mock drafts that my fellow Agora staffers had written. If you are interested, please go to the sports page and read them. The guys who wrote the drafts are wonderful journalists. I just think that mock drafts are ridiculous. Maybe if we had more sports at MCCC to cover, we wouldnt have to run a page full of mock NFL drafts. We should start a sports program. Anything is better than nothing. Wait, I take that back, we have volleyball. Moral of the story: if you feel the need to criticize NFL players or anyone else, make sure that you can do their job more efficiently than they can.

Time to start planning for Spain

For the next few weeks, Ill be working to make an awesome trip to Spain seem, well, awesome. Its time for students to start thinking seriously about joining MCCCs next Study Abroad trip, which will be to Portugal and Spain in May of 2013. Im working now on marketing materials you know, brochures, posters, videos, slide shows the stuff that will give students all the details they need to make a decision. In one way, marketing this trip will be easy. I really believe it will be an incredible trip, an experience of a lifetime for everyone who joins. Im confident of that partly because I tagged along on MCCCs 2011 trip to Central Europe. Ive traveled quite a bit 49 of the 50 states and 15 countries and none of my travels compared with the overall experience of that trip. Part of what makes study abroad so wonderful is the camaraderie. In Central Europe, Dan Shaw we werent just seeing forts, castles, museums, cathedrals, Adviser death camps, Turkish baths I could go on and on but we were experiencing them as part of a group. All 26 people were sharing, learning, laughing and sometimes crying together. Another aspect of college study abroad that impressed me was the quality of the tours. Time and again, local guides were provided who offered insight into the history, culture, politics and art that simply isnt available to regular tourists. They helped the professors on the trip Joanna Sabo and Gary Wilson connect students with the politics and art of each country in a way that simply isnt possible in a classroom.

The Alhambra, a fort and palace located on a hilltop outside Granada, was built in the 14th Century by the Moors, who occupied parts of Spain for nearly 800 years. Its one of many historic and cultural treasures on the itinerary for MCCCs 2013 Study Abroad trip to Spain and Portugal.

The research Ive done preparing for the Spain/ Portugal trip has me excited and convinced the 2013 trip will be just as incredible as Central Europe in 2011. Portugal and Spain offer essentially the same mix walk down one street and see amazing history and culture; turn a corner and youre in a modern, hip

city full of trendy shops and great restaurants. Spain was a major player in the development of Western Civilization. The Spanish Armada patrolled the seas of the world while its rulers built spectacular castles and cathedrals and filled them with gold and art. Before that, the Moors Muslims from Northern

Africa occupied parts of Spain and Portugal for 800 years, building their own monuments and putting their stamp on the culture. Even earlier, the Roman Empire dominated Spain, leaving its own artifacts behind. The Prado in Madrid is one of the worlds great museums; the Alhambra in Granada and the Mezquita in Cordoba are among the worlds best examples of Moorish architecture; the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the worlds most spectacular cathedrals. All of these will be stops on the MCCC trip in 2013, along with many more. And, of course, theres the food Spain is famous for its ethnic dishes. And the beaches Barcelona is known for some of Europes best. And the music ever hear of Flamenco dancing? As I work on the marketing materials choosing which pictures and videos best tell the story of Spain and Portugal I cant wait to start talking with students and other members of the MCCC community about the 2013 trip. It seems like a long time away May 2013. But professors Sabo and Wilson, who will be taking their fourth MCCC Study Abroad trip tell me its important for students to starting planning now. Stay tuned. In March and April, there will be several chances to attend meetings, watch videos, peruse brochures and otherwise learn about the May 2013 trip. Students can begin signing up soon so they can start planning, saving money, getting passports and otherwise preparing for an incredible trip in May 2013. Viva la Spain. (Dan Shaw teaches journalism at MCCC and is adviser to The Agora. He is leading the 2013 Study Abroad trip.)

College needs uniform attendence policy

MCCC has an academic policy governing all classes. As an example, if you are taking an English class, you will be learning the same thing in that class offered by one professor as you would being taught by another professor. The differences come into play with how an instructor delivers this to the student. As an example, in addition to the academic standards for English 151, an instructor may choose to supplement or incorporate Greek literature, and have the students apply Lorrie skill sets to relate it Mayzlin to current events in their lives. Agora Staff This, according to MCCC President David Nixon, is called academic freedom. Instructors must meet the minimum academic standard established by the college, but are allowed to deviate beyond that minimum to customize their agendas to their own personal standards of teaching. It is my belief that there should be a standard established campus-wide regarding attendance. Most instructors on campus do have their own version of attendance requirements, which generally involve a lower grade for missing more classes than allowed. Most of us are adults with families and lives outside the classroom. There are many things that can occur outside the classroom that might affect our attendance, and because we are adults, is it really justified to fail a student if they miss three classes? The miss three classes and fail the class attendance policy, has to be the harshest policy I have yet to hear about on this campus. To do the simple math on this policy, if the course meets twice a week for fifteen weeks, and is not the type of course that builds on the previous lessons of the class, missing any three classes during the course of the semester is the equivalent to ten percent. Thats crazy miss three classes, get a zero on your semester grade. It is always healthy to question policy and procedures, and its good that students have the freedom to do so said Victoria McIntyre, English professor and administrative assistant to MCCC President David Nixon. I believe the best assessment of your academic achievement is shown through testing, and not whether you come to 100 percent of your classes. In the real world, even employers are more forgiving and lenient than this ludicrous policy; granted, you might get a written reprimand for calling off three shifts in a row, but most employers would not fire you for three call-offs. There are many instructors on this campus who would like to see MCCC come up with one overall attendance standard, a supremacy clause. Much like the Supremacy Clause of the United States, which guarantees that no state law will supercede the federal law, and maintains that the federal is the minimum base law that all states must follow. MCCC should create their own supremacy clause, whereby instructors must follow a set base standards for all things regarding students and programs, but may also deviate from for their academic freedoms. As an example, if MCCC had issued their supremacy clause stating that all students attending classes on the campus are required to attend at least 70 percent of all their classes or they would face grade reductions of 25 percent for every occurrence beyond six absences, that would be the base from which all instructors could deviate (but not make more stringent). At this point, the instructor may change the policy for attendance, stating that if you miss six classes, the student would lose 15 percent of their grade; for seven absences they would lose 25 percent; and if the student had eight absences, they would fail the course. Another instructor may have a syllabus that reflects that students must attend 70 percent of all registered classes, but if they miss seven classes (for any reason), they would suffer a grade reduction of 10 percent; missing nine classes would result in a grade reduction of 50 percent; or missing 10 classes would result in automatic failure of the course. With the present polices in place, as long as the instructor puts his version of attendance in his syllabus, he is good to go. Unfortunately, most students do not receive this syllabus until after the start of the semester, which means that if they do not agree with it, they would have to drop that class and hope that they can register for another lateral class. This presents a problem if the classes meet once a week, however, because by the time a student receives the syllabus, it is too late to get into a different class if they do not agree with the instructor s syllabus. I think the college should take a hard look at what it considers its constitution and adjust it to cover all things that affect students. It would provide instructors with a base to follow, as a guideline of what the college expects as a minimum standard. It also might put an end to the crazy attendance policies that some instructors are presently subjecting students to.

The Agora Editorial Policy

The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. The editorial office is located in Room 202 of the Life Sciences Bldg., (734) 384-4186, agora@monroeccc.edu. Editorial policy: Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of The Agora staff. Signed columns represent the opinion of the writer. All letters to the editor must include a signature, address and phone number for verification purposes. The Agora reserves the right to edit for clarity, accuracy, length and libel. The Agora is a student-managed newspaper that supports a free student press and is a member of the Michigan Community College Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, College Media Advisers, Associated Collegiate Press and the Student Press Law Center. Story suggestions are welcome. Let us know what youd like to see in The Agora - its your newspaper. Submissions of stories or photos also are welcome. Email them to agora@monroeccc.edu or bring them to our office.

Editor Tyler Eagle Assistant Editor Nicki Kostrewza Adviser Dan Shaw

Staff Members
Ted Boss Christina Cusamono Mandi Davis Michelle Dangler Kaitlyn Durocher Shana Kritzer Miles Lark Robin Lawson Lorrie Mayzlin Michael Mayzlin Taylor Pinson Tyler Rogoff Jacob Thompson David Topolewski

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Agora Staff

mcccagora.com The Agora

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The second book, Pennies From a Heavn: The Joy of Making Family, is a story of his family that Josaitis wrote to tell his first granddaughter about the family members she did not get to meet. This book is my love story to the world, Josaitis stated about his second book. However, his first book, Breaking Grand Silence: A Former Catholic Priest Speaks Out, is what Josaitis returned to MCCC to speak about. This book was written about the reasons why Josaitis left the Catholic Church and priesthood. It is a controversial subject that he addressed both in his book and to his audience during his presentation. Due to philosophical reasons including sex, celibacy and views about women and men, Josaitis decided he could no longer be a priest because he did not support or believe in what he was preaching. These three topics were viewed as paradigms by Josaitis, which is basically our way of thinking that we are taught and that shapes the way we behave as we

February 28 2012

Ex-priest discusses faith, beliefs

grow up. Since Josaitis did not agree with these ways of thinking, he did not want to continue being a priest. Although these topics are controversial and people believe different things about them, Josaitis presented a great speech that made his audience think. The presentation was very interesting and thought provoking. I bought both books and am halfwqay through the second one; his theories make you think, William Bacarella, chairman of MCCCs Board of Trustees, said. I was impressed by Dr. Josaitis teaching ability, MCCC President David Nixon said. As he would in a classroom discussing extremely sensitive topics without offending anyone in the audience; and each one of us learned something about ourselves and the paths we have taken. While these topics may never be completely agreed upon, it is clear that Jophoto by katie Durocher saitis speech raised a lot of questions and Marvin Josaitis signed copies of his books Breaking Grand Silence: A Former Priest thoughts for the people in the audience. Stands Out and Pennies from a Heavn: The Joy of Making Family after his presentation.

Kaitlyn Durocher

Marvin Josaitis, a former Catholic priest, came to MCCCs Meyer Theater to talk about his two books: Breaking Grand Silence: A Former Priest Stands Out, and Pennies From a Heavn: The Joy of Making Family. Josaitis presentation brought out a large crowd of citizens from around Monroe County. People gathered in the theater to hear his story of why he quit the priesthood and the reasoning behind his two books. After being a pastor at St. Michaels Church in Monroe from 1967 to 1969, Josaitis resigned and became a professor of philosophy and English at MCCC. However, after seven years of teaching, he then went on to work in corporate positions all around America. In 1998, Josaitis retired to focus on his other interests, which include writing, and being a volunteer and Realtor. In December of 2011, the former priest released both of his books within a weeks time.

Robotics competition inspires students

Christina Cusamono Nicki Kostrzewa
Agora Staff

For the first time, MCCC hosted a national and world-qualifying robotics tournament. The VEX robotics tournament was hosted by the colleges Society of Manufacturing Engineers and FIRST Team Virus; both robotic teams meet in the West Tech Building. The Feb. 11 event gave MCCC a chance to highlight its technology programs and the new Career Technology Center, which will house them. The center is designed to support the needs and devices necessary for developing the skills for high-demand, highskill jobs for the future. MCCCs current technology buildings, East and West Tech, do not have enough space for this constantly growing field. Coming here to see what MCCC has to offer and the schools affordable nature can only assist in getting good students to attend, said Jeff Demaray, mentor and coordinator for Team Virus. Sixteen high school and middle school photo courtesy of Elizabeth High robotics teams from around the state Students from across the state converged on MCCC for the competition. College students mentored the high school students gathered to present their robots and com- who competed. pete to qualify for the 2012 VEX National Competition in Nebraska, and the to the SME robotics club on campus, in- skills. Four robots compete at a time, two ro2012 VEX Robotics High School World troduced Team Virus, Monroes entry in The name of the competition is Gate- bots on the blue alliance and two on the Championships in Anaheim, Calif., in the competition, and explained MCCCs way, played on a 12-by-12 square field red alliance. The alliance with the highApril. growing engineering and technology divided into three zones: the interac- est score wins. Members of MCCCs Society of Man- programs. The robots pick up barrels or balls and tion zone, and the red and blue isolation ufacturing Engineers (SME) volunteered place them into the high and low goals. Monroes team was formed through zones. their time to help coordinate the event the Technology First organization, which Nine balls and fourteen barrels are Thus, the game requires precise and efand provide space in their lab for the allows any high school-aged Monroe on each side, four floor goals are in ficient movements of the robots. younger students robots. County student to join the robotics team. each corner, and nine circular goals sit Besides winning points, judges also Chad Martin and Nicole DeFelice, look at each teams design innovation, VEX offers students a chance to learn throughout the field. students in Marty Dubois Nuclear En- about career opportunities in the fields The game begins with a 20-second programming, presentation, strategy, gineering and Technology class, volun- of science, technology, engineering and autonomous period, where the robot is and teamwork. teered to help coordinate the event as math. Judges included First Solar representaprogrammed to control itself by senswell. On top of exploring these careers, the ing white stripes on the floor of the field, tives and technicians. Bob Leonard, assistant professor of VEX Robotics project teaches team- followed by two minutes of driver-conThe teams of high school students manufacturing technology and adviser work, leadership and problem solving trolled play.

each develop an 18-by-18-by-18 inch robot, which can cost upwards of $2,000. Some time is needed to build the most innovative robot. We see if the group really preformed as a team, or if one person did all the work, Jason Shaaer, a First Solar judge said. A creative approach to winning is important. Athena Rising from Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills won the Excellence Award and the Tournament Championship. Athena Rising, has previously placed in the Vex World Competition, and has been planning its model since the summer of 2011. We start out by working with legos, a member of the all-girl team said, We try to come up with a more efficient design, building off our friends past ideas. Our robot is our own, and we take a lot of pride in it. Orderly Chaos from De La Salle Collegiate High School in Warren won the other Tournament Championship and Design Award. Monroes Team Virus won for its Programming/Documentation Skills. Virus used Autodesk Inventor, an advanced software package to design and develop its entry. The Fighting Polar Bears from Highland Park Public Schools won the Judges Awards. Other schools that participated in this competition were Youthville High School and George Washington Carver Academy, from Highland Park, Detroit International Academy for Young Women, and De La Salle Collegiate High School from Warren. Sponsors of the event were Technology First, Autodesk Company, leaders in 3D design, engineering, entertainment software, and MCCC.

A Look Around Campus

Photos by Miles Lark

Above: Sam James, a student at MCCC, played his music in the cafeteria to entertain students during Black History Month. Right: The Big Gig, at MCCCs Meyer Theater on Saturday, Feb. 25, highlighted the 25th anniversary of Monroe County Librarys Black History Month.

Collin Raye hypnotizes crowd with music

Shana Kritzer
Staff Reporter

A &E
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mcccagora.com The Agora

February 28 2012

Audience members sang along as Collin Raye mesmerized them with songs both old and new. Country singer Collin Raye played at MCCCs Meyer Theater Feb. 18. He brought to the stage an energy many entertainers lack. Playing a mix of his most remembered hit songs, some great cover songs, and some songs from his new Christian CD, Collin had the crowds attention for all of his 90 minutes on stage. The show was almost sold out the night before the concert. Tom Ryder, event coordinator, was enthusiastic that the show would sell out before starting time. There are about 125 tickets remaining, with sales in the afternoon, and some door sales, it should be close to a sold out show, Ryder said. Collin Raye has sixteen No. 1 country hits, as well as 44 top 10 hits. Rayes new album, Undeafeated, is his first Christian album. It was written after Raye had lost his granddaughter to a rare neurological disease. Its about being strong when you feel like giving up. Raye did an amazing cover of Elton Johns Rocket Man as well as two songs originally sung by Bob Dylan. The audience danced, sang and laughed along with Raye. His songs bring to mind memories of long ago, buried deep in the past. Songs like Love Me and Little Rock have a wonderful meaning behind them, helping the audience to feel a kinship with the artist.

Photos by Lorrie Mayzlin

Collin Raye, left, and his guitar player, above, had the audience dancing in the aisles.

Students prepare for DiffrACT, McCloskey to direct

Ted Boss
Staff Reporter

Scott McCloskey likes to keep theatergoers on the edge of their seats. McCloskey is directing a series of eight, 10-minute plays that will be presented at MCCC March 16-17. He said one advantage of short plays is that nearly everyone who tries out can get a part. I like doing the shorts because I can cast more people, he said. McCloskey began directing about 10 years ago. He enjoys acting, although he didnt start until college. The creativity in the art is what brought him to directing. Of the short plays in the DiffrACT collection, he thinks that he might like The Last Tennis Shoe, by Shel Silverstein, the best. He said he often has been required to play a part in a production that he directed. Sometimes I am sort of forced to, if not enough people try out, he said. A couple of years ago I had to play a part in fact I had to play two parts I want to say. And thats fun, too. It is a different thing when you are acting and

directing in the same play. He said it is hard to see the big picture when you are on stage, making it more difficult to direct. Nearly 20 people tried out for DiffrACT, so McCloskey had a good pool of actors to choose from. In the beginning of actors careers, Scott said, they tend to rock back and forth from nervous energy. Its an easy adjustment to make, however, with practice. McCloskey said if you are interested in acting, just audition. You will likely not get a lead roll, but if you watch the leads you can learn a lot from them by just being a part of it. He said he often enjoys working with actors who seem to have no talent. They may just lack experience and training. He said its worth spending time to help improve their acting, so they also can have more fun. He has written a play himself, but has yet to direct it. He said he thinks it would be wonderful to premier the play, but it is years away. DiffrACT will premiere in the Little photo by Ted Boss Theatre at 7:30 p.m. March 16 and 17. It is free and designed for mature audiences. Left to right: Actors Joshua Rains, Jake Drouillard, Ryan Reynolds and director Scott McCloskey rehearse scenes from DiffrACT.

Whitney Houston remembered, honored at Grammys

Kaitlyn Durocher
Staff Reporter

The weekend of the Grammy Awards, America lost one of its legendary singers. The diva of pop, Whitney Houston, died on Feb. 11 from unknown causes. A member of Houstons entourage found her in her hotel bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel just moments before she was to perform for a pre-Grammy show. It may take weeks for the coroners to determine Houstons cause of death and then even more time for officials to release their statement to the public. While the cause of Houstons death is unknown, the police say they are not ruling out any possibilities including fowl play. However, they say that heart attack seems to be the main possibility. Houston was a six-time Grammy winner. To honor her death, the Grammys devoted a lot of their time to a memorial for the singer. Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Wonder, and Jennifer Hudson were among the celebrities who honored Houston during the show.

Hudson closed with I Will Always Love You, a song by Houston herself, to respect and remember the life of the singer. Sunday morning Houstons daughter was taken into the hospital to be treated for stress and anxiety and then released later that day. At this time, Houstons family and especially her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, are asking for privacy and time to grieve their great loss. By age 48, Houston had already achieved six Grammy Awards, four U.S. No.1 albums, two Emmy Awards, six Peoples Choice Awards, seven Soul Train Music Awards, 11 No. 1 songs, and numerous other awards and nominations. Over 170 million of her albums, singles, and videos were sold worldwide by the time of her death and that number continues to grow as her most famous song was the most downloaded single on iTunes following her death. The death of this well-known singer has impacted many Americans. However, her legacy and music will continue to live Whitney Houston performs on Good Morning America on Sept. 1, 2009. on in her remembrance.

I dont intend on sounding insensitive, but why are we still talking about Whitney Houstons death? A death of any person is tragic, especially a FORMER pop music icon. However, we need to carefully look at the circumstances leading to her death: careless lifestyle, alcohol, drugs, and Bobby Brown out of all people. The media doesnt mention the fact that Houston was on a path to self-destruction for several years. Instead, they describe her as an inspiring role model. The world may never know exactly who she inspired beyond her singing triumphal of the endless pop and RnB hits, but the reckless train that was Whitney Houston of the late 1990s and after has finally hit the brick wall and ended tragically. We need to remember

Death of pop-star prompts suggestion for alternative sound

and forget. On a positive note, 19-year-old Frances Bean Cobain, a daughter of Nirvana former frontman Kurt Cobain and his always unpredictable wife Courtney Love, turned out alright. Michael She recently reMayzlin leased some modeling pictures and Agora Staff is being scouted by Christian Dior. Winter 2012 is turning out to be a great season for electronic music. With new releases from Armin Van Buuren and Dash Berlin, it sounds like its going to be a great year for progressive trance. There are some hidden gems to discover in addition to big ticket names. I recently came across some electro tracks that were not only inspiring in sound, but also monumentally epic in production. First, there is Jochen Miller, a DJ turned producer from the Netherlands. This guy has been DJ-ing since 2003, but only recently started producing his own tracks. His latest, Bamm! and Flashback, are clubready electro monsters that are rich in innovative sounds and mind-boggling basses. Also, Dakota, a somewhat unknown entity, was introduced to the world by Marcus Schultz, a leading DJ and radio personality. Dakota produces progressive dance music, but some of the mixes that were released last month are nothing more but banging electro tunes. Klauss Goularts remix of Dakotas Terrace takes the cake in that category. There is a lot more great music to adore this month, so here is my Top 10 list of what electronic music had to offer in the last two months: 01 - Cerf Mitiska Feat. Jaren - You Never Said (Dash Berlin Remix). 02 - First State feat. Sarah Howells Reverie (Dash Berlin Remix). 03 - Headstrong feat. Kirsty Hawkshaw - Love Calls (Original Mix). 04 - Armin Van Buuren pres. Gaia Stellar (Marlo Remix). 05 - Marcel Woods - Advanced (Tiesto Remix). 06 - Jochen Miller - Bamm! (Original Mix). 07 - Jochen Miller - Flashback (Gregori Klosman Remix). 08 - Suspect 44 - Japanese Schoolgirls (PROFF Remix). 09 - Dakota - Terrace (5am Klauss Goulart Remix). 10 - Lange vs. Gareth Emery - This Is New York (Heatbeat Remix). A non-stop mix of all these songs and many more can be heard at: http://www. divshare.com/download/16732184-22d. Im off to CNNs iReport section to post how I am going to mourn Whitney Houstons death.

February 28, 2012

Atlantas southern rock

arts and entertainment

mcccagora.com The Agora

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The Fight of Our Lives

Review
David Topolewski
Agora Staff

Students hear sounds of Atlanta Rhythm Section

Lorrie Mayzlin
Agora Staff

FF XIII-2 disappoints players

Tyler Rogoff
Agora Staff

The Atlanta Rhythm Section graced Meyer Theater on Feb. 10, and rocked the house. Well over half of the attendees were members of the baby boomer generation who seemed to appreciate ARS and its southern rock roots. While the crowd appreciated the entire band for its performance, you could hear thunderous applause for the variety of drum and guitar solos that scattered throughout the event. After the band had exited the stage, the crowd refused to leave until band members came back for an encore. The Atlanta Rhythm Section began in 1970 in a small town northeast of Atlanta, Georgia. It is billed under the Southern rock influence and modeled its sound after .38 Special, Starbuck, Lynyrd Skynyrd and B.J. Thomas. Originally, the members came together as a house band at Studio One, and later became a session band. They reached the height of their success between 1977 and 1980, and diminished quickly when music began to move toward harder rock and roll (hairbands). While ARS did not reach the commercial success of Lynyrd Skynyrd or The Allman Brothers, they did have several charted hits, including Imaginary Lover in 1978 and Spooky in 1979. The Atlanta Rhythm Sections original lead singer, Ronnie Hammond, died on March 14, 2011 in a Georgia hospital at age 60. Overall, it was a nice trip to the past for much of the audience, and its nice to see that southern rock is making a comeback. The MCCC International Studies Club sponsored a 50/50 raffle at the event to raise money for its upcoming trip to the United Nations in New York City.

The Atlanta Rhythm Sectionrocked Meyer Theater on Feb. 10. Above are Dean Daughtry on keyboards and Jim Keeling on drums; far left, Steve Stone on guitar; and left, David Anderson on guitar.
Photos by Lorrie Mayzlin

The Fight of our Lives is a book dedicated to explaining the threat radical Islamist terrorists, pose to America. Bestselling author William J. Bennett and Seth Leibsohn co-authored the pro-War on Terror book. The writing is a criticism of both the Bush and Obama administrations, but also gives praise to both as well. The authors are much more critical of the Obama administration, however. Bennett and Leibsohn open with the tragedy of Fort Hood. Readers may be surprised to know Nidal Hassan (the terrorist who killed 14 Americans at Fort Hood) gave a Powerpoint in which he was supposed to have discussed a medical topic, according to the Washington Post. Instead, his presentation highlighted the war on terror. Hassan concluded with a quote from Osama Bin Laden, We love death more than you love life, just two years before his attack on Fort Hood. Saddam Husseins horrific human rights record is also acknowledged, explaining what a former Clinton administration official wrote: This is a regime that will crush all of the bones in the feet of a two-yearold girl for her mother to divulge her fathers whereabouts. This is a regime that will hold a nursing baby at arms length from its mother and allow the child to starve to death to force the mother to confess. While discussing the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the authors explained the country became war weary and why. President Bush stopped casting the vision, and the nations vision became consequently obscured, they said. The Fight of our Lives praises early rhetoric by Bush phrases such as, Smoke them out of their holes, bring em on, and wanted dead or alive. This praise is followed with disagreement of rhetoric during the later years of the Bush presidency. With the exit of President Bush, President Obama brought a new vision to the war against radical Islam. This was much criticized by the authors, because they believed the presidents new vision was, Ending the wars abroad, not winning them. The cited a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, The corruption of man is followed by the corruption of language. Also discussed is the threat that Iran poses to the security of the world and the need to stop the countrys nuclear ambitions. Bennett and Leibsohn write that if Iran does obtain a nuclear weapon, it will be much regretted by America and the world. They conclude that if Iran succeeds, a book titled While America Slept, would explain how America allowed it to happen. The Fight of Our Lives is a defense of Americas initiative to take the battle to people who intend to harm America and its citizens. Lifting our veil and engaging the fight, as both a matter of military and civic strength, is our greatest task.

Final Fantasy XIII was by far my least favorite Final Fantasy game. But I decided to give XIII-2 a shot, and I ended up honestly shocked. The sequel, although keeping the same battle and level-up systems as the predecessor, doesnt have the same feel that XIII had. I found myself unable to keep going in XIII at multiple points due to boredom with character development and the story. Im not saying XIII-2 has a fantastic story that made me reminisce of my many playthroughs of FFX, but the storyline is respectable enough to keep you playing, and at points doesnt allow you to put the game down due to unexpected twists and unforeseen events. The linearity of XIIIs story was the main downfall. Players were forced to do exactly what was expected to advance the main story. XIII-2 rids this fault through the Historia Crux. Noel and Serah, the main characters, travel through time using gates that lead to the Historia Crux. Players are able to choose where to go next and will find Artefacts to open up new gates. Gates that lead to new story areas open up by finishing the story, but players will have the option to explore areas that arent story-required as well. The battle system is a direct copy of XIII with one improvement: Players now are able to capture monsters to act as their third-party member. This adds a new level of strategy to the game, as at times players should grind an area in an attempt to capture monsters. All monsters have their own

FF Xiii-2 is the lastest installment of the Final Fantasy game series. Like FF X, the game is a continuation of a previous release.

capture rate, so many of the best monsters in the game will take a good number of battles to capture. I went into this game expecting that the demo just got my hopes up and that Id get the same burnout as I did with XIII, but I ended up playing the game nonstop in my free time.

I wont spoil anything about the ending, but I will say that it was the first game in a long time to have me screaming more colorful versions of What the heck? multiple times at the television. I cannot recall a time when the ending left me staring at the screen in shock for as long as I did with XIII-2. The story is not overly long, but with the amount of sidequests, many hours can be spent. Downloadable content also has been promised, and some have been released. Multiple endings also are in the game at different points in the story, which opens up new areas as well. I was expecting this game to be a time filler and holdover until Kingdoms of Amalur and Mass Effect 3 are released, but I found myself picking up a game that Im ready to play through again with the new unlocks that are received after completing the story. Any role-playing game fan should give this game a chance. Even if you never completed XIII, it is worth picking up. Those who are playing XIII and have yet to complete it should wait until finishing XIII, as even the early parts of the game show scenes from the end of XIII. For those with no connection to XIII, a primer is available to read that sums up each part of the story for you. Ill give Final Fantasy XIII-2 a 8.5 out of 10. The drawbacks are that the story can be confusing at times and that it is somewhat short if a story run is done, but the game more than makes up for these weaknesses.

Journey through NES land, saves Nintendos Aboboy

Jacob Thompson
Agora Staff

Its a peculiar game with the peculiar name, and odds are very good you havent heard of Abobos Big Adventure before. Well, thats a shame. While most gamers are taking a leap forward with groundbreaking titles and their shiny new Playstation Vita, this game allows you to take a step back. From 1985-1995 the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) graced U.S. shelves, spawning over 700 titles and single-handedly saving the medium after the gaming crash of 83. A self proclaimed labor of love, Abobos Big Adventure sets out to let the player relive all 10 years of glory at once. The end result is utter chaos in the best way possible, the type of thing any veteran of the old system would come to expect. What sets it apart from these games of yore? While those cartridges cost a beefy $60 a pop, Abobos Big Adventure is absolutely free! Who is Abobo anyway? A good question; he is the first boss of the NES title Double Dragon.

Why is he the main character of this grand adventure? Another good question So, when his son Aboboy gets kidnapped by, well everyone, you must set out on a journey through NES land to save him. The first level plays as a standard beat m up affair through the landscape of Double Dragon. However when you encounter Goombas of Mario Bros. fame and the like outside their home turf, you know something is amiss. The subsequent levels come from other flagship NES titles such as Megaman II, The Legend of Zelda, Contra, etc. The true beauty of this game is that the controls and perspective change to fit those of the title it is currently emulating. To put it simpler, when you are in a dungeon from The Legend of Zelda, you are playing The Legend of Zelda. Bursting at the seams with nods to virtually every NES title there is, and even Xbox style achievements, this game is almost too much to handle. Expect to lose lives frequently but then thats what the Nintendo Entertainment System was all about!

sports
mcccagora.com The Agora
Christina Cusumano
Agora Staff

February 28 2012

8
just worn out, Dushane said. We make sure students are careful and know when to stop. Dushane encourages everyone to join his classes and take advantage of the many benefits. Youre getting about $250 worth of private lessons for $150, which is the lab fee. If you dont have equipment and need to rent, its about $195 for snowboarders and $185 for skiers (total for the five weeks). Its a really good deal. Renting at Mt. Brighton costs $28 a day for skis, and the same amount for snowboard and boots. Helmet rental is only $6 dollars, which all students are required to wear. The Shell gas station in Dundee also has a deal going on for skiers and snowboarders through April 6. All you have to do is buy 10 gallons of gas and youll receive a voucher for one free lift ticket to Mount Brighton and other ski resorts in Michigan. The vouchers are valid at Mount Brighton on Monday-Tuesday, all day; Wednesday-Friday, day only; Saturday after 6 p.m. and Sunday after 5 p.m. Besides the winter classes, Dushane is also hoping to add on another health and physical education class not currently offered at MCCC, Adrian College, or Siena Heights University a class that would qualify students for a Michigan High School sportsofficial certification. I think its a good way for students to make some extra money, Dushane said. Im actually an official for high school baseball and football. Were hoping to get the word by next semester and see how many people are interested. The Mount Brighton Ski Resort is located in Brighton, just a few minutes from I-96, Exit 145. From the MCCC campus, the trip takes about an hour and five minutes. If youd like more information pertaining to the classes or Mount Brighton, you can contact Mark Dushane at mdushane@monroeccc.edu.

MCCC students take to the slopes

This 2012 winter semester, there was enough interest on campus to create four ski and snowboarding classes teaching students how to Shred the Gnar, or for the rookies, just ride down the slopes without wiping out. The classes, beginning ski and snowboard and intermediate ski and snowboard, offer winter fun, a great way to exercise during the sluggish days of winter, and five weeks of cheap private lessons at the Mount Brighton Ski Resort. Each class counts as a Health and Physical Education credit, and like most classes offered at MCCC, are transferrable to four-year universities. Mark Dushane, a retired Summerfield teacher of 33 years, directs the class and supervises the six snowboarders and two skiers. Dushane has been with MCCC since the fall of 2010 as a replacement for Al Thom, a once full-time physical education teacher. Mount Brighton is really good with providing instructors, Dushane said. They stay with the same student each lesson, which is really nice. That way time isnt wasted trying to see what level the students are at. Michigan weather this year hasnt been very conducive to optimum ski and snowboarding conditions. The first class of the semester was rescheduled because of heavy rain and more often than not, students were riding on man-made snow, which some consider different than fresh pow aka (powder snow). Beginners like Jennifer Mushung and Katie Jacobs are quickly learning what the best conditions are to snowboard. I think real snow is definitely better, Mushung said. The fake snow makes more ice-chips, and you fall more often, so it definitely makes a difference. Advanced skiers like Dushane do not seem to no-

Six students joined instructor Mark Dushane at Mount Brighton Ski Resort for beginning and intermediate ski and snowboard courses this semester.

tice a difference. The majority of Dushanes students were new to the sport when they joined the class. Other students, including Chris VanWinkle and Audra Vanbrant, can perform at the intermediate level. Im good, but Im ages away from Shawn White, snowboarder VanWinkle said. I know how to hit the jumps and rails. The best I can do is probably a 540 rotation, which is rotation and a half. I can do a Rodeo too (turning front-side 180 degrees while completing an inverted 360 degree rotation).

Vanbrant, a math teacher at Bedford schools, brings her kids, 6 and 8, along to ski with her. This class allows her to keep up a certification in physical education. The physical aspect of skiing and snowboarding is an effective way to keep moving during the winter season. Strength training and balance is promoted, and upper body, quads, and hamstrings are also being worked. The class has physical exertion written all over it. Sometimes, when youve skied all day, youre

You heard it here first: NFL draft report

The 2011 football season is beginning to be a distant memory, but that hasnt cooled interest in the NFL. Across America, experts and expert wannabes are building their mock drafts. Here are two from Agora staff members:

Lions will pick ILB Vontaze Burfict

Agora Staff

Tyler Rogoff

Indianapolis: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford. Luck has the look of a future annual All-Pro quarterback. Has Hall-of-Fame potential. St. Louis: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State. Blackmon can start as a top receiver for a team like St. Louis, and St. Louis needs a major threat at WR for former top pick Sam Bradford. Minnesota: Matt Kalil, OT, USC. Kalil can defend the blind side of last years first round pick, Christian Ponder, right away. Cleveland: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor. Griffin has loads of potential and athleticism, but is coming out of a spread offense and should spend a year sitting behind current QB Colt McCoy. Tampa Bay: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama. Running backs arent usually drafted this early any more, but Richardson has the potential and lack of mileage to be a impact player for years. Washington: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU. Claiborne is the best man-to-man coverage corner in the draft. Washington needs talent all over the field, and Claiborne is

the most talented player available. Jacksonville: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina. Jacksonville had the lowest sack total in the NFL last season. Coples is the best defensive line prospect in the draft and can boost the pass rush. Miami: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa. Right tackles arent normally high picks, but Reiff is a mauler who can open up the run game for Miami instantly, and provide decent enough pass protection. Carolina: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU. Carolinas defensive line hasnt been a strong point since Julius Peppers left, and Brockers is a start to rebuilding. Buffalo: Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama. Buffalo is transitioning to a 4-3 defense this season, and Upshaw fits the mold as a prototypical outside LB in the 4-3. Kansas City: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford. After blocking for Andrew Luck in college, Martin has developed into a solid left tackle with room to grow. Seattle: Devon Still, DT, Penn State. Still can step in and help retool the defensive line if Red Bryant does not resign. Arizona: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia. Arizona has not spent an early pick in recent history on an offensive lineman, and the weakness has become glaring. QB John Skelton has talent, but needs protection to make reads and use his accuracy and arm strength. Dallas: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama. Dallas has one of the worst secondaries in the NFL, and Kirkpatrick can help instantly. Although not very strong in man coverage, Kirkpatrick is the best

Photo by James Santelli

Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State inside linebacker, is one player projected as a possible first round pick of the Detroit Lions.

zone coverage corner in the draft. Philadelphia: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College. Kuechly may not have the athletic tools, but he has the best instincts of any linebacker prospect in years. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, OLB/DE, South Carolina. The Jets biggest weakness last season was their pass rush. Ingram can

step in and help improve on that instantly. Cincinnati: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama. Jenkins has had a troubled past, being kicked out of the University of Florida, but he is still a top ten talent. Cincinnati has a history of ignoring intangibles and going for talented players, and Jenkins is no exception.

San Diego: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame. If current WR Vincent Jackson is not resigned, a big play WR will be their biggest need. Floyd has the talent to contribute right away, although questions remain about his maturity. Chicago: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State. Jay Cutler, the current quarterback, ended up on the ground far too often last season. Adams can step in and help protect Cutlers blind side. Tennessee: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois. Tennessee had the second worst pass rush, and drafting the NCAA leading sack man can only help the team out. Cincinnati: David DeCastro, G, Stanford. Having already worked on the biggest weakness in their secondary, the Bengals can look to help out the offensive line. A mauling guard like DeCastro will help out in the running game. Cleveland: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor. If Cleveland drafts Robert Griffin III with the fourth pick, this pick makes even more sense. Wright was his top target and the chemistry will already be there. Detroit: Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State. Although secondary is the teams biggest need, the linebacker corps is awful against the run. Burfict is a run stopping beast. Pittsburgh: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis. Pittsburghs lack of depth on the defensive line showed in their playoff game against Denver. Poe can learn the NFL game for a year or two before being inserted into the starting lineup, and will contribute well early in a rotation.

Denver: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State. Denver is also weak on the defensive line, and Worthy can help fill a hole as a rotation player. Houston: Reuben Randle, WR, LSU. Losing Andre Johnson to injury for half of the season exposed how weak the entire receiving corps is. Randle can instantly become a stretch No. 2 and be a threat in one-on-one coverage. New England: Nick Perry, DE/ OLB, USC. New England has not had much talent on the defensive line, and Perry will help contribute early in a front-seven rotation. Green Bay: Mark Barron, S, Alabama. Green Bay could use depth in the secondary and Barron is talented enough to start. Baltimore: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin. Centers are not often taken in the first round, but Konz looks to be a career starter in the middle of the offensive line. San Francisco: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina Jeffery has been a top wide receiver in the NCAA since stepping on campus as a freshman, and will help shore up the 49ers biggest weakness. New England: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska New England has drafted corners early in the draft the past few seasons, but none have turned out. Dennard can help out and maybe be a day one starter. New York: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson. The Giants lack of depth at tight end showed in the Super Bowl when injuries struck. Allen is the best tight end in the draft and can contribute instantly in a two TE set like the Patriots.

Lions go for tackle Kelechi Osemele

Ted Boss
Agora Staff

Indianapolis: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford. Luck has stated in interviews that he would be fine sitting and learning behind Peyton Manning in Indy if the Colts draft him. St. Lewis: Matt Kalil, OT, USC. This big left tackle is the best tackle in the draft and the biggest position of need for the Rams. Kalil would be able to assume the left tackle position, moving Rodger Saffold to right tackle, adding protection to Sam Bradfords blind side. Minnesota: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU. Claiborne will fill a gaping hole at corner. Claiborne would be a perfect replacement for #26 Antoine Winfield as he brings a similar physical style in the running game. Claiborne has excellent quickness, speed and coverage abilities

and is much larger than Winfield. Cleveland: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor. This is the most interesting prospect in the 2012 draft. It is highly unlikely that the Browns will trade up for Griffin. The Browns could trade out of this pick if Robert Griffin III is snapped up with the second, or third pick. Tampa Bay: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama. Richardson is an amazing player and will be a radical upgrade over current starter LaGarrette Blount. He is in his comfort zone whether he is powering through defenses or by using his speed and elusiveness. Washington: Justin Blackmon: WR, OK St. Blackmon is one of the most consistent receivers coming out of college football. He runs his routes well, and his reach makes him an extraordinary target. Jacksonville: Jeremy Mincey, DE, UNC. Mincey has developed into a good pass rusher, leading his team with 8 sacks, four Forced Fumbles and an interception. He will be a good addition to

a struggling Jaguars defense. Miami: Riley Reiff, LT, Iowa. The Dolphins selected LT Jake Long in the first round in 2008. Four years later, theyre looking to find help on the right side. Reiff is a balanced athlete, being as strong in pass protection as he is in the run game. Carolina: Devon Still, DT, Penn St. Still is a very competent pass rusher. Next to Johnson he could revitalize the Panthers defense that looked lack-luster at best for much of the 2011 season. Buffalo: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame. Michael Floyd isnt Megatron, but he is big at 63, and is athletic enough to out-jump and out-muscle defenders in the red zone. Floyd was a consistent receiver in receptions per game with 7.7. Seattle: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois. The Seahawks need to beef up their pass rush. Clemons, it seems, is the only one that can get to the quarterback. Mercilus will have no problem in the pros as he posted 16 sacks and attained

nine forced fumbles, second highest numbers for a season in NCAA history. Kansas City: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State. Adams can play either tackle position in the NFL. He has very good footwork, but can lose battles when in a zone blocking scheme. He will likely be the starting right tackle for the 2012 season. If he is developed well he could challenge Branden Albert for the left tackle Position. Arizona: Jonathan Martin, LT, Stanford. Dallas: Dre Kilpatrick, CB, Alabama. Philadelphia: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College. New York: Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama. Cincinnati: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford. San Diego: Donta Hightower, LB, Chicago: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers. Tennessee: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin.

Cincinnati: Janoris Jenkins, CB, N. Alabama. Cleveland: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina. Detroit: Kelechi Osemele, OT, Iowa St. Pittsburg: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis. Denver: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi St. Houston: Kendall Wright,WR, Baylor. New England: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska. Green Bay: Nick Perry, DE/LB, USC. Baltimore: Vontazo Burfict, LB, Arizona St. San Francisco: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech. New England: Chandler Jones, LB, Syracuse. New York: Mark Barron, SS, Alabama.

Late Night Catechism - Pg. 8

THE

Students raise awareness for Ronald McDonald house

Kaitlyn Durocher
Agora Staff

gora A
Aug. 26, 2010 Vol.56, Issue 6 1 January 30, 2012 Vol. 55, Issue

www.mcccagora.com www.mcccagora.com

Vineyard planted on campus Pg. 4

MCCCs Student Government has teamed up with a family that recently stayed in the Ronald McDonald house to bring about awareness for the houses cause. Gabriel Jordan was born on May 11, 2011, with a heart condition known as Transposition of the Great Arteries. This heart defect means Gabriels aorta and pulmonary arteries were switched, preventing her heart from properly pumping blood to her lungs. Gabriel also had holes in both the upper and lower chambers of her heart. At 6 days old, Gabriel had surgery to fix these conditions.

If not for the Ann Arbor Ronald McDonald house, Gabriels mother, Kyleigh Jordan, would not have been able to be with her daughter as much as she was throughout the surgery. The Ronald McDonald house provides services to families with hospitalized children. Families who live far away from the hospital are given a place to stay in the house so they can be closer to their child during the hospitalization. The house is incredible; it has an amazing atmosphere, says Kyleigh Jordan. At only $10 a night, or whatever donation a family can afford, the house provides private rooms and bathrooms, a kitchen, home-cooked meals, and interaction with other people going through

Community celebrates MLK Day

Christina Cusumano
Agora Staff

the same ordeals. Gabriel and her family now want to give back to the house for the services it offered to them while Gabriel was undergoing surgery. The families goal is to raise 1 million pop tabs to turn into the Ronald McDonald house by May 17, the one year anniversary of Gabriels surgery. That many tabs equals about 637 pounds in weight, which determines how much the tabs are worth upon being recycled. The family also wants to collect 1 million tabs per year, with an ultimate goal of donating a total of 5 million tabs. To get involved, all you have to do is put tabs from any cans in collection jars found around campus. There are jars in

the cafeteria, Cellar, and library. If you wish to donate tabs off of campus you can contact Alyssa Davis, a member of student government, or Tom Ryder , Campus Community Events/Students Activities Coordinator. Also, be sure to like the page 1 Million Tabs for Gabriel on Facebook to get further information. Today, Gabriel is a smart and gorgeous baby girl. She had an amazing outcome with her surgery and will be able to live a normal life and perform the same tasks as any other children. Gabriels success was helped made possible by the Ronald McDonald house. By collecting tabs for Gabriel, students can help others receive the same kind of Student Government is raising money in assistance. honor of Gabriel Jordan.

DJ Zarza cultivates musical talents at MCCC

Mandi Davis
Agora Staff

MCCC hosted Celebration VII, a free production in Meyer Theater to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the principles he stood for over forty years ago. The celebration brought together contemporary songs, gospel hymns, dance routines, poems, and spoken word to remind generations, young and old, of the progress King made in America towards civil rights, equality, and resisting oppression through peaceful protest. MCCC President David Nixon used the celebration as an opportunity to express the importance of students having dreams. No one in my family went to college, so that became my dream, Nixon said. What dream do you have that drives you to go to those classes and write those papers? Kelly Vining, director of the show, cast a variety of performers, including college students, church choirs, and interpretive dancers expressing what King means to them. Keeping faith through adversity, equality, justice, and Kings dream of a more compassionate world were at the forefront of the performances. Mary (Mimi) Epps opened the show with a lovely rendition of God Bless America. Following her was Myrna Allen Austin, a talented choir director who performed a soulful rendition of the Black National Anthem, originally a poem entitled Lift Every Voice and Sing by James Weldon Johnson. India Smith, a transfer student to MCCC, performed the spiritual song,

Black History Month

Student Government will be holding several events in honor of Black History of Month. Blues artist James Samuel will be performing in the cafeteria on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 11:30 a.m. The film Crossroads will air Thursday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. in C3, the Little Theater. Blues artist Keith Scott will be performing in the cafeteria at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27. The annual Blues Series concert series will also take place in February. To learn more, see page 8. He Wants it All by Forever Jones. Next to perform was Christopher Holmes, vice president of student government on campus. Holmes read two pieces of spoken word entitled, Sonnet VII by Kathleen Delicato and Diversity by Gene Griessman. A slideshow of famous photographs of King was presented, set to the introspective song Man in the Mirror, by the late Michael Jackson. Richard Hoffskin read an original poem entitled Still Dreaming and Demarcus Smith performed an original rap song. Synia Boswell, 15, played the piano and sang Misty by Sarah Vaugh and A Change is Gunna Come, by Sam Cook. The youngest performers, a kids choir called the Carry Chapel Gospel Group, preformed I Wanna go to Heaven. by the band Mary Mary. Dereck Brown, Khadija London, and Destany Parker, members of the dance group Gods Chosen Few, performed a routine based on the importance of praying and individual self-expressions of faith.

photo by Michelle Dangler

Synia Boswell (above) performed two songs at Celebration VII. The two songs were A Change is Gonna Come and Misty.

Gods Chosen Few is through our church, London said. Its nice to be here because our group has been separated for a while, but now we get to reunite for Martin Luther King Day. Epps performed another song, Crossroads by Beyonce.

The Monroe Gospel Church Choir performed two hymns, directed by Myrna Allen Austin. It was our first time performing for MLK day, Samantha Brody, member of the choir said. But I think it went really well.

Victor McCadd, master of ceremonies, felt that the show did well although there were several changes to the program. I liked the message of the show, Kim Daniels, a member of the audience, said. I liked that the whole show was faithbased.

photo by Mandi Davis

DJ Zarza has performed at several MCCC events.

DJ Zarza could go on to become the next Skrillex, but for now he is just a student who enjoys spinning for his fellow classmates. DJ Zarza, known by the first name of Josh, has been attending MCCC since his sophomore year. He is majoring in computer science and even thinking of picking up a secondary major with math when he transfers to the University of Michigan. Zarza found his musical talent at the young age of 13. The first time he showed his talent was when a friend asked him to compile a playlist for an upcoming party. A few more parties like that happened, and then I decided rather than making a playlist, I could be like my uncle and start to mix, Zarza said Mentoring and teaching Zarza all the skills to become a disc jockey was his uncle, Brent Zarza, who has been a DJ himself for 20 years.

Id say the music is what led Josh to start deejaying. His own desire to be a better musician compels him to learn new things, anywhere he can, Brent said. Being a DJ does require a good amount of musical knowledge, background, and definitely requires the skills of carrying rhythm. According to Zarza, having good taste in music is also something that is highly beneficial, but not essential. Music doesnt matter. If the DJ is having a blast, everyone is having fun, he said. Zarza cultivated his musical talent by joining Airports high school band in his sophomore year. He played the saxophone, grabbing first chair in the section. I loved being in band. We played awesome songs that were from wellknown bands like Metallica, My Chemical Romance, and so many other huge band names, he said. Knowing to play an instrument may

only be a small benefit to the spinning. The huge benefit to being in band is the conducting; spinning beats is similar to what a band director does. A conductor has to be aware of the sound of the whole orchestra the way a DJ has to be aware of all the sounds in his composition a mix, Zarza said. He loved band so much in high school that it gave him the guts to try out for the college symphony band. While I can play my sax, I cant compete with the men and women in the MCCC band who have masters degrees in their given instrument, he said. Zarza moved on and found a different group that really works with his talent. This group happens to be Michigan Electronic Dance Music Association (MEDMA). MEDMA was founded at the University of Michigan in the fall of 2005. Members of the group range from music lovers, producers, DJs, and even those who just love to get down and

dance; however, it is only open to students and potential students of University of Michigan. Finding the group was an accident in disguise. I more than likely am going to transfer to the University of Michigan, so making it in the symphony band was not such a big deal, Zarza said. According to Zarza, all the disc jockeys in the group take turns spinning for the events. Events draw crowds of more than 500 people. He typically plays for a wide variety of events ranging from weddings, birthdays, school events, to even spinning for MEDMA. According to Zarza, starting off as a DJ can be quite expensive with all the equipment one must have. Getting started at the age that he did, he had to seek alternative routes of finding the funds.

See DJ ZARZA, Page 6

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January 30, 2012

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Roman resigns as Health dean

Dr. Cynthia Roman has resigned her position as dean of the Health Sciences Division and Director of Nursing to accept a similar job at Oakland Community College. Dr. Roman started at MCCC in May of 2010 and her last day will be April 27, 2012 a little less than two years later. Dr. Grace Yackee, vice president of Instruction, credited Dr. Roman with establishing an excellent relationship with faculty, staff, students, clinical partners, four year nursing programs, the Michigan State Board of Nursing, and the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC). MCCCs nursing program was accredited by the NLNAC through fall 2013 in order to give the program time to address several problems that surfaced during the acceditation review, Yackee said. Over the last year, Dr. Roman has led the nursing faculty in addressing program deficiencies identified by the NLNAC, Yackee said. The position will be posted soon, Yackee said, with the goal of hiring a new dean prior to Dr. Romans last day at the college.

MCCC heading to Spain

campus news

mcccagora.com The Agora

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The Sagrada Familia, left, one of the worlds most famous cathedrals, is still under construction in Barcelona. The Alcazar Castle in Toledo, above, was built in the 3rd century by the Romans and rebuilt in the 16th century. Both will likely be visited by the MCCC students visiting Spain on the 2013 Study Abroad trip.

Campus wind turbine planned

An 80-foot wind turbine is going to be erected on the MCCC campus to help students learn in the renewable energy curriculum. Clifton Brown, assistant professor of Renewable Energy, and Jim Blumberg, director of the Physical Plant, have recently meet up with a construction companyto discuss the final designs. In my previous careers, I have used this exact turbine as a teaching aide, Brown said. Plans are to have the wind turbine constructed before May. A commercial wind tower is 300-feet tall and can be described as a football field standing up. The tower the college plans will supply small amounts of electricity and provide a hands-on experience for students, Brown said. It will be located east of the Gerald Welch Health Education building.

Study Abroad announces destination, plans trip

Nicki Kostrewza
Agora Staff

Ex-priest holding book signing

Dr. Marvin Josaitis, an author and former local Catholic priest who resigned on philosophical grounds, will speak at Monroe County Community College and hold a book signing for his two new books. The presentation and book signing, which is free and open to the public, will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8 in the La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater. Josaitis served as a priest at St. Michaels Church in Monroe from 1967-69, then resigned from the priesthood and left the Catholic Church. He went on to serve as an associate professor of philosophy and English at MCCC from 1969-76. He served in a number of positions in corporate America, before retiring in 1998 to pursue other interests, including being a hospice volunteer, pianist, realtor and author. Breaking Grand Silence (A Former Catholic Priest Speaks Out) is published by Tate Publishing Company and was released Dec. 6. Pennies From a Heavn: The Joy of Making Family was also published by Tate Publishing. It was released on Dec. 13.

Spain and all its wonders is the next destination for MCCCs Study Abroad students. Journalism professor Dan Shaw, who will lead the Spain trip, has been working for the last two months to plan the details. Doing all this research for the trip has opened my eyes about how exciting Spain will be to visit, Shaw said. In an online survey during fall semester, Spain was chosen as one of the top three locations students wanted to visit. Details are still being worked out, but a side trip to Portugal or Northern Africa may be worked into the mix, Shaw said. The trip is planned to be roughly 16 to 20 days, with a week spent in Barcelona. Joanna Sabo, the International Studies Club adviser who has led past trips, said shes excited about spending time in the east Spain seaport. I have heard in Barcelona youre in a very posh, sheik, modern part of downtown one minute, then a very, very old Spanish colonial city the next, Sabo said. Highlights the club is certain to see, according to Shaw, include Museo del Prado, which ranks as one

worlds greatest art works. In Barcelona youre in a very I am looking forward to seeing this art, he said. I have been teaching for 41 years, and now Im posh, sheik, modern part of down- finally seeing what I teach about. town one minute, then a very, very Sabo, who has led three other MCCC Study Abroad trips, also will be going on this adventure. old Spanish colonial city the next. She intends to teach comparative politics. Joanna Sabo I want them to learn a lot about comparative govInternational Studies Club adviser ernments, just by looking in that one country, Sabo said. Shaw plans to teach Photojournalism. of the must-see art museums in the world, holding I think a Photojournalism course really fits Study some of the finest collections of pre-20th century EuAbroad, because it teaches students how to tell storopean art. Another likely stop is the Alhambra, a fifteenth ries with pictures, Shaw said. In last years trip to Central Europe, students and century palace and fort that is considered to be one of the worlds best examples of Moorish architec- faculty spent 20 days in Austria, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Students were able to exture, located in Granada. Another feature of the trip, Shaw said, will be perience life on the cobble-stoned streets and see the Sagrada Familia, a world-famous cathedral de- the grand, towering cathedrals. I believe the students, the college, and the comsigned by Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona. Students who go on the trip can register for none munity benefit from MCCC study abroad, and I or all three of the classes that will be offered. How- would love to see it expanded to offer an opportuever, the faculty members recommend only taking nity each year, said Vinnie Maltese, dean of the Science/Mathematics Division. one or two of the classes. A video of the 2011 trip is available on the Agora Gary Wilson, one of the professors participating in website, www.mcccagora.com. Students interested in the trip, will be teaching an art appreciation course. He said hes thrilled at the chance to see some of the the Spain trip should contact Shaw, Sabo or Wilson.

Two employees receive enriching awards

Kaitlyn Durocher
Agora Staff

Chaffin heads CTC campaign

MCCC has picked Douglas Chaffin to run its fundraising campaign for the Career Technology Center building. Chaffin is the president and CEO of Monroe Bank & Trust, and had worked on MCCCs campaign for the La-Z-Boy Center in 2003. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have Doug at the helm of the campaign, said MCCC President David Nixon. The CTC will cost $17 million to build, with half of the money coming from the state of Michigan. The campaign is charged with raising the $8.5 million needed to replace the money MCCC used from its reserves to pay for its half of the project.

Two members f the MCCC staff Penny Bodell and Vicky Lavelle won recent Enriching Lives Performance Awards. Bodell, who is the administrative assistant to the V.P. of Student and Information Services, won the September-October award. Lavelle, who is a technician in the Culinary Arts Program, won the November-December award. Bodell works in the Student Services department, where her job duties consist of everything from dealing with students requests and concerns to editing the colleges catalog. If someone is honest and deserving, the college finds a way to help, Bodell said when asked if she ever gets frustrated with her job duties. Monthly emails are sent out to the

staff from Molly McCutchan, Director of Human Resources, asking for nominations and announcing the recipients of the award. Bodell discovered she had won the award through one of the monthly emails. She said she was grateful and touched to have even been nominated. The winner receives a certificate and a traveling award they can display until the next recipient is chosen. Vicki LaValle was honored for her interaction with students in the culinary program. This award has been given out since March, 2010, McCutchan said. There have been nine award winners since that time. A person is nominated based on their demonstration of the colleges ICare brand values, which are: investment, community, accessibility, responsiveness, and enrichment.

Penny Bodell

Vicki Lavelle

Anybody can nominate a person to be the recipient of this award, McCutchan said. It was started in an effort to recognize staff for their work performance.

Not only does this award recognized worthy employees, but it also demonstrates what MCCCs vision statement is all about, she said.

Whitman Center hosts events; mental health featured in exhibits

Autumn Jackson
Contributor

Student enrollment down 7 percent

Taylor Pinson
Agora Staff

Tired of the new semester already? The Whitman Center is helping to bring some excitement to the mundane class schedule. Three upcoming events and exhibits will take place soon at the Whitman Center. The Winter 2012 Enrichment Events will have a different display for February, March, and April. Did you know that more than 1,900 people were buried in unmarked graves in the Toledo State Hospital Cemetery? MCCC, in association with Gardens of St. Elizabeth, will host an event which will feature speakers from the Toledo State Hospital Cemetery Reclamation Committee discussing the restoration of the cemeteries and the efforts to identify those buried by name. On display will be an overview of the history of mental health in the United States. This event will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 7-8 p.m. in room 9. In March, students can expect to see beautiful art in Whitmans lobby. March will be art appreciation month.

Todd Matteson, Associate Professor of Art at Lourdes College, will be giving a crash course in art appreciation. On display will be 25 reproductions of some of the worlds greatest artists, along with information about their lives. Also on display will be the work of future artists, our own Bedford Township elementary school students. Marchs event dates and time are to be announced. For the semesters home run, April will be incorporating Americas favorite past time. Aprils theme is From base ball to baseball: Evolution of the early game. Rich Adler, local baseball historian, will speak about the early development of baseball. On display will be Baseball: Across a Divided Society, from the Library of Congress. This will consist of twenty images depicting early baseball (1860s-1920s). This event will be held on Thursday, April 19, from 7-8 p.m. in room 9. For more information, contact Sandy Kosmyna, Director of the Whitman Center at 734-8470559, ext. 22.

Student enrollment at MCCC is down 309 students, or about 7 percent from this same time last year. MCCC has faced declining enrollment numbers for the last four semesters. Mark Hall, MCCCs Director of Admissions and Guidance Services, presented a report about the decline in a Board of Trustees meeting on Jan 23. Every community college in Michigan is down in enrollment, Hall said.

Hall also mentioned that MCCC has increased academic standards, including score cut-offs and prerequisites for taking certain courses, designed to improve student success rates, which has affected enrollment. Any time you raise your standards, it limits your pool of potential students, Hall said. Changes to the Federal Pell Grant regulations enacted in July 2011 were a major cause, forcing 128 students to drop classes after they were denied financial aid, he said. Other factors cited as reasons for lower enrollment included the Affordable Health Care

Act, fewer high school students in Monroe County, and the end of No Worker Left Behind and other job re-training programs. MCCC isnt alone. Hall said the surge in enrollment that has affected community colleges nationwide in the past few years is expected to end as the economy improves. As the economy picks up, we tend to lose students, Hall said. The decrease in enrollment has brought the number of students at MCCC back to its 2008 level, he said.

Moorman new early childhood professor

Michael Mayzlin
Agora Staff

Felice Moorman is a new addition to MCCs faculty, teaching Early Childhood Development. Moorman said shes looking forward to working with students in the program. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with future early childhood educators, helping to facilitate their development as future teachers, Moorman said. The Early Childhood Development position at MCCC is a perfect next step for her, Moorman said. It will blend her love of children with her love for working with future teachers. This semester, she is teaching ECDV-105, ECDV-106, ECDV-107, ECDV-210, and ECDV-218 courses. Moormans career began as a third grade

I realized that while I will always love working with young children, I really enjoyed working with adult future teachers as well.
Early Childhood Education professor

Felice Moorman

teacher in a public school district in Southeast Michigan. After the birth of her children, Moorman took a leave of absence to stay home. It was during that time that she decided to complete the coursework for a graduate degree. After finishing her Masters Degree in

Early Childhood Education at Eastern Michigan University, Moorman was asked to join MCCCs Early Childhood Education faculty as part-time instructor. During this teaching experience, I realized that while I will always love working with young children, I really enjoyed working with adult future teachers as well, she said. Moorman, her husband, children, and a 1-year-old Goldendoodle, Fuzzy, reside just outside of Ann Arbor. She and her husband enjoy running, an activity that began this past fall. Both of them participated in several 5K races. She said she always loved sports and physical activity, but running is now her favorite pastime. I can run whenever it fits into my schedule and it helps me let go of any stress from the day, Moorman said.

Local musicians perform in Celebration VII

Artists inspired by event
Michelle Dangler
Agora Staff

campus
For many people, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time of reflection, remembrance, and celebration. It is a chance for everyone to come together regardless of race or creed and express their joy at the leaps and bounds in civil rights that Dr. King made. The evening of January 15 was no exception. It was a heart-warming event featuring poetry readings, soloists, choirs, a mime act, and a hearing-impaired, but beautifully talented pianist. Well received by the crowd, people in the audience were standing up, clapping, cheering, and singing along with the performers. The atmosphere was one of love, acceptance, and unity. In that theater, there was no black or white, or anything in between. There was only pure joy and a living example of what the world can be if skin color is only overlooked. For one performer, a Monroe High School senior, it was also a chance to shine. Mary Mimi Epps, 17, did indeed shine when she stepped up to the microphone. She wowed the audience with her passionate rendition of God Bless America the first musical performance of the evening and wowed them

mcccagora.com The Agora

January 30 2012

photo by Michelle Danlger

India Smith performed Forever Joness He Wants It All.

again when she later performed a cover of Beyoncs Listen. Listening to her sing, it was clear that she loved what she was doing. However, when one stops to talk to Mimi, one learns that singing is not all she is passionate about. No, this girl has dreams of becoming a chef. I want to go into Culinary Arts, she said. Singing and cooking thats my passion. Mimi was funny, sweet, and glad to talk about her passions during her brief interview. She also mentioned that one of the other performers, part of the mime act, was her brother. Another performer, Student Governments vice president, Christopher Holmes, recited two inspiring poems about diversity. Poignantly setting the stage for the nights celebration, Chris read Sonnet VII (Kathleen Delicato) and Diversity (Gene Griessman). At the end of the reading, Chris gave his own parting words on diversity and also enlightenment. Those that forever let the sun set on their ignorance give way to enlightenment. It was inspiring to be part of the celebration honoring Dr. King, what he stood for as a man, and his many contributions to society, he said. Being chosen to express what diversity and equality means to us at MCCC was a wonderful opportunity that I would graciously accept anytime.

photo by Michelle Danlger

Mary Mimi Epps performed God Bless America.

Students receive insight at MLK diversity fair

Shana Kritzer
Agora Staff

photo by Michelle Danlger

Myrna Allen Austin performed The Black National Anthem and Lift Every Voice and Sing.

photo by Michelle Danlger

Members of Krishna Conciousness also attended the diversity fair. Its booth featured traditional Indian fudge known as Burfi.

The halls of MCCCs A Building were filled with the rhythmic sounds of jazz on Jan.16. The enchanting notes heard were those of Flute Juice Productions, playing in the cafeteria to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Flute Juice is a musical entertainment company that provides music and lectures to colleges, universities and many others all over the world. MCCC students were treated to a lecture on Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement, from 10 to 11 a.m. Beginning at noon, a musical performance took place featuring Pat, the pianist, Nic, the bassist, John, the drummer, and Galen the Flutist. We enjoyed playing for you and the other students as well, Galen said. We enjoy keeping the flame burning of Americas only original music, jazz. Many students were present to listen to the smooth flow of jazz coming from the bands instruments. Victoria Bushaw-Boichot, a student at MCCC, was thoroughly enjoying the performance, even taking the time to get up and dance. I love this band, BushawBoichot said. I saw them before at Jazz Fest. They are wonderful. In addition to Flute Juice, the hallway in the administration building was brimming with clubs and organizations from numerous diverse backgrounds. MCCC was represented by the

International Studies Club, the International Students for Social Equality Club, the Ballroom Dance and Drama Club, the GayStraight Alliance, Student Government, and the Criminal Justice Club. In addition to the college clubs, quite a few outside organizations donated their time to the Diversity Fair, including: Islamic Religion, Persons with Disabilities, Native American Culture, and the International Society of Krishna Consciousness in Detroit (ISCON). The Native American Culture showcased hand-beaded items. Members of the Krishna group taught students how to make Indian fudge known as Burfi and distributed samples. Students and faculty enjoyed learning about different cultures, and taking a few hours to appreciate the entertainment. I really loved the turnout to see the spectrum of different cultures, and different groups that come together to show their support for diversity, said Brandon VanBelle, a student at MCCC and member of the Gay-Straight Alliance. I stopped at every table that I can to understand about the different ethnicities, politics, and religion on what makes them diverse, he said. In the background, students could hear the famous speech made by Martin Luther King Jr., played on a television. The Diversity Fair not only was a celebration of Kings life, but a way to commemorate the freedom and equality he worked so hard to bring to the nation.

photo by Michelle Danlger

A dancing and miming group known as Gods Chosen Few performed at the event. Members of the crew included Khadija London, Derreck Brown and Destany Parker.

photo by Michelle Danlger

A group known as Islamic Religion participated in the diversity fair. Its booth passed out literature regarding the Islam religion.

photo by Kaitlin Bereczky

photo by Michelle Danlger

A group representing the Native American culture exhibited beaded jewelry.

The band Flute Juice performed for students and faculty in the cafeteria.

January 30, 2012

Vineyard finds home on campus

Shana Kritzer
Agora Staff

campus news

mcccagora.com The Agora

|4

Culinary program begins wine-making process

When people think of wine, usually it begins with Italy, or maybe France, even possibly with Californias Napa Valley. Rarely does Monroe County come to mind. Thats all about to change, thanks to Chef Kevin Thomas and the Bacchus Society. Bacchus is the god of wine the society is a mix of faculty, support staff, and administration. The Bacchus Society was formed with the exclusive goal of creating a viticulture and enology program at MCCC. In other words, students will take part in the study, science, and production of grapes and wine. Last year, while watching the installation of solar panels at the college, a brilliant idea was hatched to erect a vineyard on the college campus. Wine is no stranger to the state of Michigan, and more importantly, Monroe County. Monroe was once the birthplace of the commercial wine industry in Michigan. Joseph M. Sterling planted his first vineyard in the Monroe area in 1863. Later, Sterling became the first in Michigan to commercially produce wine under the Pointe Aux Peaux Wine Co. of Monroe in 1868. At one time, over 1,000 acres of grapevines were grown in the county. Sadly, Monroes wine industry seemed to die along with its founders. In comes the Bacchus Society. With a enhancement grant of $1,000 dollars from the MCCC Foundation, the vineyard was started. The vineyard began with 30 grapevines planted on the far southeast end of the campus. The vines are Vignoles, which are a medium bodied, white wine. While the vineyard is sleeping through the winter, students are still able to learn about wine making. There is currently a batch of wine fermenting. This batch was made from locally grown grapes since the newly planted Vignoles wont produce wine quality grapes for a few years. The wine should be ready within the next 30 days. The vineyard not only benefits the students, but will be a benefit to the community as well, Thomas said. He is hopeful the vineyard could be expanded, possibly in locations around Monroe County. Ideally, the Bacchus Society hopes to be able to use the wine produced by the college for special events on campus, such as the colleges 50th anniversary in 2014. While the ultimate goal would be to sell the wine produced at the college to the community, that goal is a long way off. The main focus is to bring a Certificate Program in Enology and Viticulture to MCCC, adding to the current Culinary Arts Program. This has just taken off, Thomas said, I get excited just talking about it. Culinary students will be part of bringing back the history of wine to Monroe County. The vineyard, dubbed V1300 by the society, will get ready for 30 more vines set to be planted in the spring. V1300 will soon be home to numerous varieties of white and red grapes. The name given to the vineyard was in part in honor of Cuisine 1300, and the V stands for Vision, Viticulture, Veritas, Vignoles, and Vineyard. The Bacchus Society hopes to soon begin accepting donations toward the V1300 project, which could assist to bring back the countys rich heritage in wine.

photo courtesy of Mark Spenoso

MCCC will be the first community college in the state to have its own vineyard. With the addition of the vineyard, a program in viticulture and enology has become a possibility, one which Chef Kevin Thomas (above) hopes to explore.

They were chosen based on their hardiness. Any vines grown would need to be able to survive the harsh Michigan seasons. Grape vines need good climate, adequate rainfall, cool breezes at night and sunny days. Every three weeks during growing season, the culinary students, along with

the society, head out to the vineyard to till the soil, pull weeds, and train the unruly vines to grow on trellises. Not many community colleges can boast that they have their own vineyard. In fact, in the state of Michigan, only larger schools have such an opportunity.

Chef Thomas is thrilled at the learning experience this will provide for current and future culinary students. We want to be the first community college in the state of Michigan to offer a program in viticulture and enology, Thomas said.

photo courtesy of Mark Spenoso

The culinary program has harvested grapes from the vineyard and in the future hopes to produce wine that can be sold and used for college events.

Administration fills research position

Christina Cusumano
Agora Staff

Jamie DeLeeuw hired as faculty member, to work with professors

ing, acting and able to do what is expected they should upon graduation, both in general education and specific programs? To research this question effectively, DeLeeuw said she will spend a lot of time with faculty, supporting their student assessment activities. DeLeeuw earned her undergraduate degree at Grand Valley State University, where she majored in political science and psychology. She earned a masters degree in Psychology and a Ph.D in Community Psychology at Wichita State University in Kansas. Community psychology, a relatively new discipline, was introduced in the 1960s when a group of psychologists where unhappy with the ability of clinical psychologists to handle broader social issues. I wasnt interested in Clinical Psychology so much, but helping individuals and communities on a broader spectrum, DeLeeuw said. Its about looking at multiple variables for the bigger picture. DeLeeuw finished her dissertation in 2010, which involved research on animal shelter dogs at the Kansas Humane Society and the factors predicting adoption vs. euthanasia. She returned to GVSU is 2011 to teach psychology and, not surprisingly, do research. Yackee felt DeLeeuws career prepared her well for her new position at MCCC. She has handled a wide variety of research projects in a variety of environments, including private sector, public sector in higher education, community, as well as non-profits. Her Ph.D includes an emphasis on research methods and analysis, and she has experience in college teaching, research in higher education and community organizations. As for working at MCCC, DeLeeuw says she feels very welcomed and valued. She is smart, articulate, and very likeable, Yackee said. She readily offers methods and solutions to research-related needs and dilemmas. Outside of work, Deleeuw enjoys foreign

Presentation cancelled due to bird death

Nicki Kostrewza
Agora Staff

MCCC has filled a research position that has been open for the past five years. Jamie DeLeeuw, who started work in January, will be serving MCCC as Coordinator of Institutional Research, Evaluation, and Assessment. Deleeuws position, eliminated in 2006 as a cost saving measure, involves evaluating whether MCCC and its programs are effective, ultimately to improve the institution by means of research, evidence, and evaluation. The purpose of my job is to further assess and enhance institutional effectiveness, which includes supporting faculty and the assessment of student learning at the course, program and institution levels, DeLeeuw said. DeLeeuw will work with the Learning Assessment Committee, which is developing a process to help professors assess how well students are learning in their classroom. None of what I am researching will be on anybodys record, DeLeeuw said. I am here to analyze the broader picture and help instructors better communicate to students. DeLeeuw, an avid researcher since college, was happy to hear about MCCCs culture of evidence for the decision-making process. Im a research nerd, DeLeeuw said. I found this job through higher education jobs online and what drew me to this institution was your mission statement and the emphasis on evidence. Grace Yackee, vice president of instruction at MCCC, said DeLeeuws love of research will be an asset to MCCCs faculty. She gets it, Yackee said. From the moment the search team first met Jamie, it was clear that she understood the role of IR (institutional research) in a community college setting. Yackee hopes DeLeeuw can help answer an important question: Are students think-

photo by Michelle Dangler

Jamie DeLeeuw has accepted a position at the college as the coordinator of institutional research, evaluation and assesment. She will be working with the Learning Assesment Committee, a group which is comprised of college faculty members. DeLeeuw began her duties in January.

. . . what drew me to this institition was your mission statement.

Jamie DeLeeuw
Coordinator of Institutional Research, Evaluation and Assessment
movies and working out. She is a huge supporter of animal rights and has spent time advocating for them. She published a paper, the Call to Action Community Psychologist, and conducted several studies including, Support for Animal Rights and a factory farm educational study. Much of her research has involved animals, animal psychology, and the agribusiness of factory farms.

Friendly faces from the Erie Shores Birding Association gathered in room 201 in the Life Science building on Jan. 18 to discuss one of natures most beautiful creatures, birds. At this meeting, Mary Seeth, owner of Wings, Paws, and Prayers, an animal rehab shelter, was supposed to be their guest speaker. Sadly, one of Seeths birds, which she was going to bring with her and present to the group, died just hours before the meeting. In light of the development, Seeth was unable to deliver her presentation. Members of the meeting kept it going with heavy hearts and sad faces. The meetings main focus was on birds seen and photographed this past month by members. Then, to fill in the gap of the guest speaker, the movie Above the Grand Canyon was played. The movie talked about nature and how it has constantly changed and formed over the years. Despite this setback, the Erie group plans on continuing to provide guest speakers for the rest of the year. The Erie Shores Birding Association typically holds its meetings at MCCC.

opinion
mcccagora.com The Agora

January 30 2012

How not to break up with your girlfriend

Cartoon by Jacob Thompson

The etiquette of how to properly end a relationship

She said its not my habit to intrude; Furthermore, I hope my meaning wont be lost or misconstrued; but Ill repeat myself at the risk of seeming crude; there must be fifty ways to Michelle leave your lover. - 50 Ways Dangler to Leave Your Agora Staff Lover by Paul Simon Indeed, there are many ways to leave a girlfriend, but there is such a thing as a right or wrong way of doing that. Breakups are difficult and painful, but sometimes for the best. The best way, no matter how hard, is to break up in person. There is no way to make such a task any less stressful, but there are certain methods that should always be avoided. Here are a few simple rules to live by to ensure that an already hurtful experience is not made worse for either party involved. a means to breakup. This is a cheap way out of a confrontation, and considered by most as tacky and cowardly. Chatroom coversations gone awry (especially ones that occur at odd hours of the night), sudden, unexplained relationship status changes on social networking sites, emails, etc., are all unacceptable. They are just a few examples of methods that should not be used. ing a girlfriend over the phone is, to a lesser extent, cowardly. Suddenly changing a personal phone number to break up with a girlfriend is also not good. It is, though not as bad as the internet, grossly impersonal. Post-it notes, through friends, sending a new girlfriend to break up with the current girlfriend, trashing friends houses in fits of jealousy, or any means other than than face-to-face these are all unacceptable methods of breaking up. These means, like the others above, are cheap, cowardly, and impersonal ways out. If a guy cannot grant a girl the courtesy, respect, and dignity of a face-to-face

Rule 3: The Other s

Facebook, AIM, email, MySpace, or other social media are great tools for communication. They allow people to talk to each other over a distance quickly and efficiently. However, they should not be used as

Rule 1: The Web

Rule 2: The Phone

The telephone, in all its forms, is another great means of communication. However, calling on a landline, a cell phone, or talking through text message is not an acceptable means of breaking up. Just as with dumping a girl via the internet, leav-

breakup, then why is he in a relatioship? To employ any of the aforementioned tactics is immature and insensitive, and disrespectful to the soon-to-be ex-girlfriend. It makes a girl feel like she was not good enough or important enough to be faced. Personally breaking up is harder to do, but it is still a courtesy to a girl. In addition to avoiding the above ditching methods, there are certain other things that should be put on the taboo list. Breaking up because of a lost job, cheating on a girlfriend and then accusing her of cheating, breaking up on a holiday, birthday or anniversary, are a few examples of other relationship no-nos. Breaking up, making up for Christmas, then breaking up again, and cheating on a girlfriend with young girls and then stalking

Letter to the editor

MLK Jr. day a sign of hope Shipshewana remains

a vacation destination
Employee responds to critique
Recently we were made aware of someone who visited Shipshewana and wrote about her disappointing experience in this paper. We are sorry she was disappointed, and we dont mind criticism, but when those criticisms are not based on fact and put into print, we need to address those issues and invite the reader to form his or her own opinion. We are not sure what her expectations were but the Shipshewana Flea Market has never been an all Amish market. All of Shipshewana is a unique blend of Amish and English entrepreneurs working together to do business. We are driven by the desire to do honest work and give others the opportunity to exchange goods and earn a profitjust like any other place in the world which offers goods and services to the public. We are not driven by greed. The goods offered at the Flea Market and Shipshewana vary. The statement was made that there are no Amish goods here and only foreign made goods are available. You will find things from many locations which offer a variety of goods and prices. You will also find Amish made goods which offer quality, craftsmanship and character. The statement that there were no Amish vendors, no fruits, vegetables, Amish furniture, fine fabrics, fresh flowers or fresh honey is simply untrue. This description is not about Shipshewana. You cant go anywhere in Shipshewana and not find some of, if not, all of these items. For approximately 300,000 visitors the Shipshewana Flea Market is a place to visit not just once but many times not just in a lifetime but in a summerand for some, in a week! Please go to tradingplaceamerica.com, shipshewana.com or backroads.org to discover for yourself why Shipshewana is a worthy vacation destination.
Rene Halstead
Shipshewana, IN

Ryan Smith
Contributor

Editors Note: This letter to the editor is in response to an opinion piece written by staff reporter Lorrie Mayzlin. The article, which detailed Mayzlins vacation experience, appeared in the Sept. 22, 2011 edition. To read this article, visit mcccagora.com/opinion. Rene Halstead is the director of the Marketing Department of Shipshewana Auction Inc.

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. Martin Luther King Jr. The great Dr. Martin Luther King spoke these words nearly forty years ago, but when one stops to consider what hope really is, theres no concrete answer. It seems that hope is something vague and nebulous. It is wrapped in neat packaging, maybe with a nice little bow, and either given or stolen away. The world is intimately familiar with Dr. Kings message and accomplishments, but his concept of hope is one that is largely overlooked. When faced with such a conception of hope as Dr. Kings, how does one hold on to something that is intangible and keep its flame burning in their hands? When anyone on earth has the power to steal that flame away, to take the stars from the sky of life, how can hope be protected? Give it away. Give it to another person in their time of need, when they have been robbed of its grace, when their skies have gone dark. In the passing of hope to another, hope rekindles in ourselves; the flame that drives us to endure the chaos of modern daily life grows. Eventually, that gift will be returned its giver, because hope cant be stolen from one if one no longer claims ownership. Of course, as Dr. King said, there will be disappointments along the turbulent path of life. Hope is not infallible, it is not perfect, in the same

photo courtesy of David Erickson

Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his infamous I Have A Dream speech on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963.

way that people arent. Yet, just like people, hope can be regained, and it is never truly lost. At some point in life, the crushing realization that everything has gone completely contrary to the carefully plotted plan appears. It is in that moment that hope is extinguished. One by one, day by day, the stars in the sky that guide us fade away. Accept that disappointment; acknowledge that life is more often a sour lemon than the sweet lemon-

ade produced from it. However, also keep in mind that that same disappointment is always finite, and that a lemon can easily be made into lemonade, given the right tools. Let hope be that tool, the lynchpin that holds everything else in life together. Give hope to others and, in turn, find it renewed within. If hope is given the chance to float up, it will, for as Dr. King said: Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.

The Agora Editorial Policy

The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. The editorial office is located in Room 202 of the Life Sciences Bldg., (734) 384-4186, agora@monroeccc.edu. Editorial policy: Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of The Agora staff. Signed columns represent the opinion of the writer. All letters to the editor must include a signature, address and phone number for verification purposes. The Agora reserves the right to edit for clarity, accuracy, length and libel. The Agora is a student-managed newspaper that supports a free student press and is a member of the Michigan Community College Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, College Media Advisers, Associated Collegiate Press and the Student Press Law Center. Story suggestions are welcome. Let us know what youd like to see in The Agora - its your newspaper. Submissions of stories or photos also are welcome. Email them to agora@monroeccc.edu or bring them to our office.

Assistant Editor Nicki Kostrewza

Adviser Dan Shaw

Editor Tyler Eagle

Staff Members
Christina Cusamono Mandi Davis Michelle Dangler Kaitlyn Durocher Shana Kritzer Miles Lark Robin Lawson Lorrie Mayzlin Michael Mayzlin Matt Mullins Taylor Pinson Tyler Rogoff Jacob Thompson David Topolewski

f primaries gain momentum GOP

mcccagora.com The Agora

eatures
Mitt Romney
Former Massachusettes Governor

January 30 2012

Newt Gingrich

Rick Santorum

Ron Paul

Former Speaker of the House Former Georgia Governor

Former Pennsylvania Senator

Texas Congressman

Students discuss opinions on candidates, potential Obama re-election

Miles Lark
Agora Staff

The race to win the GOP nomination is heating up as four candidates vie for the chance to run against Barack Obama for the presidency in the 2012 election. These candidates are former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, former Georgia Congressman and ex-Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and Texas Congressman Ron Paul. For the past few months, Romney has been the strongest in the polls, until the Iowa Caucus. Romney went in confident that he would carry the state and continue his run for the nomination. However, he lost to Santorum by a slim margin, 34

Coupon clipping proves to be way of life

Agora Staff Reporter Lorrie Mayzlin has been offering solutions and suggestions in a threepart series to help readers stretch their budgets. The third part examines how readers can utilize coupons to minimize the impact of the current state of the economy.

votes. Romney won the New Hampshire primary, then Gingrich took his turn, beating Romney by 12 points in the South Carolina primary. Gingrich won a little over 40 percent of the vote and Romney received 28 percent. Santorum follwed in third place with 17 percent of the vote, with Paul trailing. The debate over who should face Obama in the fall is gaining momentum at MCCC. Many students dont think that any one of the Republican candidates have a chance beating President Obama. I feel bad for the conservatives in a way, the Republican Party is split into Tea Party members who would never vote for regular Republicans and the regular Re-

publicans who would never vote for a Tea Partier, Tyler Brettschneider said. Romney is the best candidate because he is the only one who hasnt made himself look like an idiot on national television, he went on to add. Student Dylan Jobin doesnt really think that any of the Republicans have a chance of winning, but has been paying close attention to the race.. I think that Gingrich needs to drop out, so Mittens (Romney) has a chance of winning the nomination, he said. On the other side of the issue, there are Republicans who would never vote for Obama, but who also dont think that any of the candidates have a chance of beating the incumbent president.

Gary McClain doesnt like President Obama and his stance on many of the issues I dont agree with Obamacare and I dont think that he should have pulled troops out of Iraq, he said. McClain also said that he hasnt really been paying attention to any of the candidates. If Obama continues to run for the office, then he is going to win, he said. Some students continue to support Obama. Student Kris Lampson is among them. The State of the Union address was great. I though it was awesome that he said people like me who are in the 1 percent need to pay our fair share of taxes.

Obama all the way, Lampton said. Michigans primary will be held on Feb. 28, but before the primary happens, eight other states will hold their primaries or caucuses. The first of these is the Florida primary, which will take place on Jan. 31. Nevadas and Maines caucauses will take place on Feb. 4. Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri will hold their primaries on Feb. 7. During this time, there is a very good chance that one of the four candidates will drop out. If the South Carolinia primary results say anything, it will either be Paul or Santorum. Despite running in previous elections, this electoral season marks the farthest Paul has advanced.

Third of three parts

photos by Lorrie Mayzlin

Left: Binders offer an easy to manage system that helps shoppers keep coupons organized. Right: Using the coupon system, Lorrie was ablle to purchase dozens of candy bars for 50 cents. Lorrie Mayzlin
Agora Staff

My best shopping trip ever was $1,198 worth of products for negative $78 out of pocket, and I was paid to leave. While my total is impressive, it is not as common as television shows purport. Welcome to the world of couponing and refunding. I have saved hundreds of dollars every year at grocery stores by using coupons and refunds that are available to everybody. The average family can easily slice 50 percent or more from its grocery bill, every week, year-round. When people hear about my tales of dreamy deals, they ask if I am one of those extreme couponers. The answer is no. This show has been detrimental to those of us who have to coupon and refund to make ends meet. The show is on television not to help viewers coupon, but to raise ratings and make stockholders money. Stores are now revamping their coupon acceptance policies to accept less, thus hurting the families it was meant to help. Clip and save every single coupon you can find for products that you use or would be willing to try. You can throw brand loyalty right out the window. You can find coupons in magazines (like the exclusive Wal-Mart magazine

called All You) and newspapers, along with tear pads, wine or beer tags (coupons found on the neck of beer and wine bottles), coupons you receive when you check out at a store (called Catalinas), coupons mailed to your home, or even those you download to your discount shopper card or cell phone. Coupons are literally everywhere. As you are shopping, look for peelie coupons on products you are purchasing. Dont forget you can print coupons and refunds too! Some stores take internet-generated coupons; some stores do not. When you download coupons to your card, you can NOT use a physical coupon for the same item at checkout; this is called stacking and is against most store policies.

Organization
Many people simply use a plastic recipe box with tabbed paper to separate the coupons into categories, however my preferred method is a photo album that you can get from Wal-Mart, K-Mart or Meijers, and then separate your coupons into like-groups and insert where you would normally have pictures. By using a photo album, you can organize your coupons according to the aisle in which their matching products are found, or you can make one album for food products only and another album for house, pet and non-food items.

The Basics

As you clip coupons, put them directly into your choice of filing systems. Do not shove them in the kitchen drawer or in your purse you will lose them or forget to use them.\ How do you know what to clip? Clip everything within the categories of products you use. Forget about being brand loyal. For example, if you use margarine, clip every margarine coupon you can find; if you use batteries, clip all brand name coupons for batteries. Do not pass up good coupons just because the brand is unfamiliar to you. Brand loyal shoppers buy the same product month after month and year after year. Brand loyalty costs a LOT of money. Manufacturers LOVE these types of people, because once you are hooked, they will never have to convince you to purchase again. By ignoring that different products go on sale weekly, the brand loyal customer pays full price when its not necessary. Lets say that you use Tide detergent, which normally sells for about $7.99 a box. You will pay the full price rather than experiment and buy the same size (or larger) in a different brand, and you will ignore a $2 savings because it isnt my brand. The bottom line is, all detergents will clean your clothing. Every manufacturer would like us to believe that their product is better than their competition, but it really makes no difference. One common argument is, there are no

coupons for things I buy. If you feel that way, ask yourself, do I use toilet paper, toothpaste, soup or paper towels? What about deodorant, margarine or pet food? There are coupons for just about every product in every store. The truth is, everyone can save money with coupons, and it takes no more time than an exercise regimen, and once you are used to working out, you no longer count the minutes dedicated to this event. All coupons, wine tags, and beer tags change with the seasons and upcoming holidays. As an example, starting around the end of April, wine tags and beer tags will start appearing for items dedicated to Fourth of July, including aluminum foil, hot dogs, hamburger, etc. Around September, you will see coupons and wine tags for Halloween, and starting November 1, you will see stuff for Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving and Super Bowl.

Using Coupons
The first step in using coupons is to take your binder or file to the store every single time you shop for anything. There is nothing more frustrating than to buy an item and realize that you had a coupon for it at home. There are many different ways to coupon; the first way is called a DOUBLE PLAY where you match a sales

price with a coupon. The second way, which is better than a double play, is a TRIPLE PLAY this is where you use a coupon at a store that doubles the coupon and the product is on sale. However, realize that the very best you can ever do, is called a QUADRUPLE PLAY. The Quadruple play is where you use a coupon, on a sales priced item, at a store that will doubled the coupon and there is a rebate for the product or you get a Catalina at the register. As an example, Meijer had 3 Musketeer Mind candy bars on sale for 75 cents each, but if you bought 30 of them you would get a free $10 gift card. With simple math, that would mean spending $22.50 out of pocket for 30 of those candy bars getting $10 back. But I had 22 coupons in my binder for $1 off any Mars candy bar, and a whole bunch more I hadnt cut out of the flyers yet at home! WHAT A STEAL! My fantastic find got me 30 candy bars for $22.50, minus 22 coupons for $1 each or 50 cents out of pocket. And I qualified for the $10 gift card, so 30 candy bars cost me NEGATIVE $9.50. That simply wasnt enough for me the next day I returned with more coupons and did the deal several more times. The candy ended up going for Halloween. For more information or to learn how to coupon to save your money for your next vacation, feel free to contact Lorrie at lmayzlin@my.monroeccc.edu

Josh Zarza becomes MCCCs unofficial DJ, work pleases students

Needing help with getting started with the equipment, Josh could only think of one person, his mom Karen Zarza. Helping Josh with the cost of the equipment was a hard decision. I did have reservations because that money could have been used toward his education. Then I realized that part of his education is his life experiences, Karen said. This life experience was one that took Karen a while to get used to. I was happy and I tried to be supportive, although, I dont really like him being out until 3 or 4 a.m., she said. Zarza also has done things with the community college. Hanging out in The Cellar was how he got to be part of the Student Government. It is not what you know, it is who you

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

know, Zarza said. When students realized that he knew how to spin, he was asked to spin at a couple events at the college. First, it was the black light party, the Welcome Back BBQ, and then it eventually leads to the Halloween Bash, he said. The Halloween Bash was the recent event that Zarza has performed at where the crowd heard his mixture of Halloween songs with everyday hits. It is without a doubt that Zarza has made fans at the college. Kristopher Lampson had nothing but praise. He is a great DJ, hands down, Lampson said. Another student who attended the event, Klarissa LaFlure, also enjoyed his performance. His performance at the bash was great,

LaFlure said. Dylan Jobin, Zarzas best friend, has been at an event Josh has performed at for moral support. I love watching him work and I can really tell he loves it, too, Jobin said. The feeling of making a party successful is something Zarzah enjoys, and it is one of the many things that keep him wanting to pursue more events. Before I started deejaying, I wasnt as comfortable meeting new people and now it is something I have to do, Zarza said. With Zarza, it doesnt matter how many people he plays for. He enjoys giving people a great time to remember, with music that gives it a memory. Id rather play for an event of 50 who love the music than play for a room full of 2,000 who dont care for the music, Zarza said.

photo by Mandi Davis

Josh Zarza (left) and Student Government president Travis Durkin (right) examine playlists during the Halloween Bash.

January 30, 2012

Unemployment on MCCCs mind

David Topolewski
Agora Staff

features

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Political issues conference reveals student concerns

Students at MCCC and across the state agree that unemployment is the most important political concern. More than 600 students who attended the Michigan Student Political Issues convention ranked unemployment as their biggest concern. The convention, held at Henry Ford Community College, included 21 MCCC students led by Dr. Joanna Sabo, professor of political science. According to Sabo, the 21 MCCC students also agreed that the most important issue was unemployment. Sabo added, however, that students also were concerned about U.S. soldiers and overseas wars. They also wanted to see the troops come home, she said. Unemployment, however, was the big concern. We need jobs, Matt Fhanestock said. Fahnestock, who lives in Carleton, said he thinks it will be tough to get America going again without jobs. If we dont have jobs, people cant buy things; if people dont buy things, business suffers. If business suffers, then America suffers, he said. According to Michigans official website, the states current unemployment rate is 9.3 percent, almost 1 percent higher than the 8.5 percent rate of the entire country. Gay marriage also was rated as an important issue by the students who attended the convention, but some MCCC students did not agree. I dont think gay marriage should be an issue, Molley Kellie said. Kevin Barron acknowledged gas prices as a major political issue but also stated his view on gay rights. Id say gas prices, but restrictions on gay rights are also important to me, he said. Currently in Michigan, Gov. Rick Snyder and the Republican majority in the legislature support a ban on gay marriage. Ten years after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, terrorism tied for the 13th spot of 23 issues voted on at the political convention. MCCC student Dustin Morrison said he thinks we must stay on the offensive against terrorism. People have to understand they are our enemy, period, he said. Also at 13 on the list was the move to lower the drinking age. MCCC students found this to be unncessary. The fact the drinking age is an issue is a little silly, said Juliana Prine. Of all the other issues, it seems unimportant. Despite the many diverse political issues at the convention, unemployment was the reoccurring theme. Unemployment, Im worried about it for when I graduate, MCCC student Branden Berns said. Students also listened to a list of politicians speak. Former congressman Bart Stupak gave the keynote, followed by long-time congressman John Dingell. Sabo said listening to Dingell speak is a real opportunity.

photo courtesy of Joanna Sabo

Joanna Sabo, professor of political science, took several MCCC students to the Michigan Student Political issues conference at Henry Ford Community College. Students listened to politicians such as John Dingell and attended workshops.

You got to see someone who sits down to speak with President Obama on a daily basis, she said. After hearing several speakers, Sabo

did confess the students lost enthusiasm. The more politicians that got up and spoke, the more students lost interest, she said.

She does believe that it is a worthy experience for the students. I would take students again - its that valuable, she said.

MACRAO offers chance to minimize cost of transferring

Taylor Pinson
Agora Staff

A recent study shows that the most major Michigan universities are over-priced. Twelve of the fifteen public universities in Michigan cost more than the national average for similarly ranked schools, according to a recent analysis by Bridge Magazine. The three schools that arent currently above the average are U of Ms Flint and Dearborn branches, and Wayne State. Grand Valley State was the highest above the average cost, coming in at nearly $6000 per year above the median for its group. U of Ms Ann Arbor branch came in about $4000 higher per year than its median. EMU was about $2000 per year above its. One way potential students can reduce the amount of money they pay for their

education is to take advantage of something called the MACRAO Transfer Agreement. MACRAO stands for Michigan Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers. The MACRAO Transfer Agreement is a program that allows students at community colleges to transfer up to 30 semester credit hours towards general education requirements at a fouryear college. The agreement was signed in 1972. More than 50 Michigan colleges participate in the MACRAO Transfer Agreement. Its a big benefit for students, said Mark Hall, MCCCs Director of Admissions and Guidance Services. Getting the MACRAO stamp on their transcripts is a tremendous advantage. The agreement allows students to go to a more affordable community college and take many of the lower-level classes

that are required by four-year institutions, and transfer those credit hours to meet the general education requirements of the four-year school the student intends to go to. Its a big deal for a transfer student, said Hall. This is a well-rounded general education curriculum. Students interested in meeting the requirements for MACRAO are required to take six credit hours of english composition, eight credit hours of social science courses, and eight hours of humanities courses, and a combined eight credit hours of math and science classes, which must include a course with a laboratory. Students interested in the program should talk to their MCCC college advisor about which classes to take. Additional information about the MACRAO Transfer Agreement can be found at on the colleges website.

photo by Taylor Pinson

Eastern Michigan and Siena Heights University, both of which have programs through MCCC, utulize the MACRAO. Amy Westover, pictured above, works in the Eastern office on campus.

A Look Around Campus

Upper Left: Professor Joanna Sabo and the International Studies Club visited the Arab marketplace in Dearborn, where students were able to try ethnic foods and embark on a shopping trip.

Above: Professor Patrick Nedrys Quality Management class had a tour of the Spartan Steel Coatings plant in Frenchtown Township. The tourr offered students interested in the field a hands-on look.

Left: Students and faculty were given the opportunity to donate blood at Student Governments blood drive. The drive was held in honor of Nathan Hayes, an MCCC student who suffered liver problems earlier this year.

Standing ovations greet Sister Mary

Lorrie Mayzlin
Agora Staff

A &E
rts

ntertainment
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January 30 2012

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get everything except grudges. When it came time to pick on Monroes order, the IHM (Immaculate Heart of Mary), she referred to them as the, I Hate Men order. Ilene Kazensky, liturgist at St Annes Catholic Church, appreciated the humor. This is such a fantastic show, and that just shows that we Catholics have a sense of humor. Sister is quick witted, sounds just like the nuns we had in school back then, and I liked the audience participation. Kazensky graced the stage to help Sister with a game called Compatibility, which pitted two couples against one another, as Sisters Vanna White. Ilene played the part well, strutting hands on hips while announced the scores to the crowd throughout the game. According to Sister Mary, Episcopalians are just Catholics with money, and Lutherans are considered Catholic Light. Former MCCC President Ron Campbell, who attended the show, announced that he was a Lutherist, which is a combination of Lutheran and Methodist. Sister Mary announced that there is a phone app available to help Catholics in the confessional so they dont forget the sins they have committed during the week. Sister Mary was portrayed by Mary Zentmyer, a Catholic who was born and raised in Chicago. Zentmyer played Sister Berthe in The Sound of Music and holds several degrees.

As soon as Sister Mary arrived on stage, the crowd was reprimanded for not greeting the sister appropriately. True to form for Catholics reminiscing back to grade school, the entire theater responded with, Good morning, Sister. Her reply? I dont know about you people, but its 7:30 at night here. The Late Nite Catechism 3 played to a sold out show of more than 600 on Friday, Jan. 27. Sister Mary had fun picking on the crowd for being tardy to class, chewing gum in class, and of course talking on a cell phone while sitting in the front row. She picked out married couples as her first victims, and narrowed it down to two couples who had each been married 61 years. As she questioned their length of marriage, secrets to success, religions and how many children and descendents they had, she handed out Miraculous Medals and prayer cards. One couple, Ralph and Jean Setzler of LaSalle, received Miraculous Medals and a statue of Mary because they have six sons, 17 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Their daughter-in-law, Heidi Setzler, attends MCCC as a nursing student. Ralph and Jean became stars of the show as they were called upon several times to participate on stage. This show is such good en-

Agora Photos by Michelle Dangler and Lorrie Mayzlin

Top Left: Sister Mary offers nstructions; Bottom left: Sister with Brandon Marie, an audience member who was banished to the forgiveness chair at the back of the state; Above: Sister at her podium.

tertainment, Jean said. I dont mind being called to stand up. Sister was quick to remind the crowd that back in the day, nuns would have jars on their desk with red crosses on them, and students were able to give what change they had to buy a pagan baby. In those days, when the class would reach $5, they met their class goal and money would be sent to a mission in a far-away country to baptize a pagan baby to

be raised in the Catholic faith. A guest who came in late for class, was told to put $1 into the jar for pagan babies. Because the guest only had $5, Sister was ecstatic that a baby could be purchased with just the one donation. Each person who stood up in the audience was asked about their middle name. As one gentleman approached the stage to move the podium for Sister, she asked his name.

Sister, my name is Brandon, he said. Sister then asked his middle name, and he responded: Marie. Sister, my middle name is Marie. The crowd roared with laughter, and Sister punished Brandon Marie for getting smart. He was sent to the back wall of the stage and required to sit in the forgiveness chair, facing the wall, until he felt forgiven.

Sister had many funny quips regarding various orders of nuns in the Catholic faith. For the Felician Sisters (motherhouse in Livonia), who are a predominately Polish order of nuns, her salute was Daj mi buziaka i da mi piwo, which translates into Give me a kiss and give me beer. For the Irish-oriented Dominican Nuns, Sister said that when they get old, they get Irish Alzheimers, which means they for-

February Blues celebrates 25th

Miles Lark
Agora Staff

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Monroe County Librarys Black History Months Blues Series. The library system will present 10 different blues shows around the county at different library branches throughout the month. Every musician who will play is an alumnus of the series. The gem of the series, The Big Gig, will take place Feb. 25 at Monroe County Community Colleges Meyer Theater. The series will begin on Jan. 31 at the Ellis Branch Library. Big Gig emcee Rev. Robert B. Jones, Ann Arbor harmonica king Peter Mad Cat Ruth, and series creator, Tim McGorey, will reveal stories on the series, video of the series and of course some music. The show will begin at 7 p.m. The second show will be held at the Carlton Library at 7 p.m. on Feb. 7. Blues man and entertainer Samuel James will regale the crowd with dynamic musicianship, compelling story telling and songwriting. The third show will be on Valentines Day, Tuesday Feb. 14, in downtown Monroe at the Dorsch Memorial Library. Local Ann Arbor singer/songwriters/guitarists Shari Kane and Big Dan Steele and Lansing singer/songwriter Rachel Davis team up for a night of songs and stories about love and heartbreak. The following days its Moozapalooza at Ellis Library. Nashville based singer songwriter Farmer Jason will sing children s songs about his wild and crazy life down on the farm. Included are songs like Punk Rock Skunk, and Moose on the Loose. The following morning, Farmer Jason will play Bluesapalooza, a show that many of the countys youth will attend at the Meyer Theater. The following day, on Thursday Feb. 16, guitarist Johnnie Bassett and vocalist Alberta Adams, the king and queen of Detroit Blues, will perform together. They will play at the spot where the se-

MCCC prof featured in art show

By Miles Lark
Agora Staff

The Rev. Robert B. Jones will emcee the Big Gig on Feb. 25. Here hes show performing at MCCC in 2010.

Agora photos by Ashley LeTourneau

Johnnie Bassett is one of the many alums of past Monroe Blues Series performers. Here hes show performing at the Meyer Theater in 2010.

ries began 25 years ago in 1988. The show will start at 7 pm at the Navarre Library. The following Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m., Bedford Library will host blues and boogie woogie piano player Mark Mr.B Braun. The Michigan native has played with mu-

sicians such as John Hammond and Duke Robilard. He has been featured on such shows as All Songs Considered and Mountain Stage. On Saturday Feb. 25, the gem of the series will held at the Meyer Theater. The Big

Gig will feature the whos who of the last 25 years of the series. Rev. Robert B. Jones will emcee the show, and also will perform. He will be followed by Ann Arbor Harmonica king Peter Mad Cat Ruth, Muddy Waters guitarist Bob Margolin, Blues Series favorite Ann Rabson, mandolin master Rich Delgrosso, boogie woogie piano player Daryl Davis, Detroit blues singer Thoretta Davis, Ann Arbor rockers George Bedard and the Kingpins, and drummer Mike Shimmin. The show will start at 7, and there will be an intermission. The last show will take place where the month began, at Ellis Library on the last Tuesday of the month, at 7 p.m. Feb. 28. This last show will be a memorial for a blues series great, Howard Louie Bluie Armstrong. His son, Ralphe Armstrong, guitarist Kalamay with multi-instrumentalist John Reynolds and special guest Rich Delgrosso, will celebrate his life and his musical career.

Texas Gov. Perry is fed up with Washington

David Topolewski
Agora Staff

Rick Perry is fed up. The Texas Governor lays out exactly who and what he is fed up with in his book, FED UP! Our Fight to Save America from Washington. Now, do not misunderstand me, America is great, writes Perry. The governor goes after Washington, D.C., and expresses his feelings about the abysmal job Republicans and Democrats both have done. Perry, a Republican, calls out the mistakes of members in both parties, including his friend, former President George W. Bush. He dismisses the fact that he decided to write FED UP! because he seeks higher office. Rather he wrote the book because he be-

Review
lieves America is great, but also America is in trouble. The governor designates his second chapter to explain why states matter. He simply states Americans want to live free. Numerous times he defends his stance on states rights with excerpts from the Federalist Papers. States allow us to live with people of like mind, which he explains in a personal story. Texans, on the other hand, elect folks like me. You know the type, the kind of guy who goes jogging in the morning, packing a Ruger .380 with laser sights and loaded with hollowpoint bullets, and shoots a coyote that is threatening his daughters dog, he writes. Washington is bankrupting the country, the

governor says. He puts numbers on the page explaining Runaway Entitlement Spending and A Culture of Reckless Spending. Federal interventions in health care and education have helped Washington expand its power, he says. In his criticism of the federal health care overhaul, Gov. Perry pokes fun at Nancy Pelosis statement that they have to pass the bill so they can find out what is in it. As governor of a border state, Perry attacks the federal governments inability to secure the nations borders. He shares stories of illegal immigrants committing crimes, describing numerous murders. Gov. Rick Perry has been quoted saying, I do not believe Washington needs a new coat of paint. It needs a complete overhaul, and in Fed Up! Perry makes the argument that Washington is the problem and only an overhaul will fix it.

An MCCC professor will be featured in Monroe Magazines Artist Showcase next weekend in the IHM Motherhouse Ballroom. Art professor Gary Wilson will be one of 14 artists at the showcase Feb. 3-5. This is Wilsons second year at the event. He plans to show 50-60 of his own ceramics. Many of his pieces are both functional decorative cups and biblical themes. The thirteen other artists and studios who will be featured include: Blue Turtle Studios, Mary Gaynier, Patti Kerr, David Larkins, Christy LaRoy, Laura Lemke, Jiro J. Masuda, Sylvia Pixley, Catherine Rehbien, Kim Phoney, Laurie Sharkus, Nancy Lee Smith and Richard Sowa. All of the artwork and items from local businesses will be sold off in a silent auction, with 25 percent of the profits going to the River Rasins Centre for the Arts. Two different events will take place at the IHM Motherhouse Ballroom. The first will be on Friday, Feb. 3, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations will be needed and it will cost $35 a person. The second event will also take place at the IHM Motherhouse Ballroom. It will be a free event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4. Professor Wilsons art has been featured in Monroe Magazine in the past. He has handpicked four MCCC students to also be featured in the event. Erika Van Kark, Laura Strimel and Kaitlyn Bereczky are all ceramicists, and Nick Wilson is a painter. Wilson has been making art work since he was a teenager. I was failing out of Spanish when I was in high school so I dropped the class, and I took illustration in its place, he said. I first took it because the class was full of girls, and I was a teenage boy. After I started it, I figured out that I was good at it.

January 30, 2012

arts & entertainment

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Software you can chose for mixing beats

Two and a Half Comics bring smiles to crowd

Story by Robin Lawson Photo by Lorrie Mayzlin

Michael Mayzlin Music columnist

With the emergence and availability of advanced music-making and DJ software, even an amateur musician or DJ can practice their craft in a comfort of their own home. Some of the more advanced programs may not be financially affordable to a regular college student, but there are cheaper alternatives. Virtual DJ 7 ($299 at www.virtualdj. com) is a full-featured, professional DJ/VJ (Video Jockey) bundle that for starters requires nothing more than a laptop and a pair of speakers. Virtual mixing decks, a mixer and the rest of bells and whistles are easy to control with a click of a mouse. Virtual DJ supports MP3 songs and flash videos. Beat matching feature assists perfectly in creating a seamless mix. This program also gives you an advance capability to use an external USB controller. For amateur musicians who are thinking about simply connecting a keyboard or a guitar to a computer, there is Audacity (free at www.audacity.com). Audacity is a linear audio editor that is also capable of capturing sound coming in through your computers USB port. If your instrument has USB capabilities, you can simply plug it into your computer and start playing. This free software option is perfect if youre not looking to do any kind of advance recording with a band. Audacity works great though for simple sound capturing. My favorite advanced music-making software is Propellerhead Reason ($449 at www.propellerheads.se). This incredible program will allow you to create complete musical masterpieces with or without any physical instruments. Composing with Reason is like spending time in a multi-million dollar recording studio where everything you need is available to you. In Reason, you build your virtual music rack out of dozen of available virtual instruments and effect panels that include synthesizers, drum machines, delay/reverb panels, a distortion processor, and mixing/mastering just to name a few. There is a capability to virtually rewire the entire rack to produce personalized touches in your composition. Thousands of sounds are included and ready to be played and tweaked in your virtual instrument rack. Music editing and recording is linear, which makes for a straight forward and simple operation. I wrote a few compositions using Reason and I have to say that the results are outstanding. Fruity Loops Studio ($99 at www. image-line.com) is another favorite full-featured music-making program along with Garage Band which is normally already included with a purchase of a Mac. The options a limitless to what you can do when you combine the power of a PC with an instrument that you can already play. All you need is about 10 songs and from there, it is a short

Comedians Bart Rocket and Scott Wood and Barts little buddy Woodie Two-and-a-half Comics performed Jan. 13 in the Meyer Theater. When five people came into the theater late, Rocket grabbed the microphone and called out, Come on in! Can I get you anything like a watch! That pretty much set the pace for the whole show. Later, Rocket pulled out Woodie and his half-pint friend offered a statement on how his girlfriends teeth are just like stars. They come out at night, Woodie said. The show was a family event for all ages. At one point, Bart took a piece of paper, used his oragamic skills and folded it into a wonderful paper rose. He then pulled a 9-year-old girl from the audience Monroe resident Lauren Swallow - and lit the paper flower on fire, right before her eyes. What was left was a genuine, dewy, real-life red rose, which became a gift for Lauren to take home. Later, when asked if she was nervous, Lauren replied, a little bit. When asked about her favorite part of the show, her face lit up and she replied, My rose! Wood finished off the show with his western mannerisms and enough panache to impress the audience. Woods resume is extensive, including work for Disney, Pixar and Wii games, as well as voice impersonations of Barrack Obama, John Travolta, and Nicholas Cage.

Fallen Empires lacks the lyrical tune it needs

Nicki Kostrzewa
Agora Staff

Snow Patrols latest album, Fallen Empires, currently sits as the third most popular album in the United States something that should shock us all. Usually alternative rock music done by bands is highly popular with fans because it offers so much more compared to a regular, single genre. Alternative music allows bands to mix multiple forms of music together; this in turn peeks

Take Care is better than Thank Me Later

Mandi Davis
Agora Staff

every hard core music lovers interests. Snow Patrol was formed back in 1994 at the University of Dundee. The band now resides in Bangor, Ireland where they record their music and enjoy their ever growing lives. Members of the band go to include Gary Lightbody (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Nathan Connolly (lead guitar/backing vocals), Paul Wilson (bass guitar/backing vocals), Jonny Quinn (drums/percussion), and Tome Simpson (keyboards/samples).

Now, like with every band, there are a few good things to say about Snow Patrol. One being that some of their instrumen-

tal work and their lyrics go well together; they also incorporated a bit of a blues and country sound into a few of their songs as well. They also seemed to experiment with some techno, which when done for the first time, can come out bad but Snow Patrol did an okay job at it. Now here comes the part where ill things start being said, in this case some really ill things. A good portion of the songs on this album didnt flow at all; the lyrics and the instrumental work following behind it were just all

atrocious. Then there were some points were the vocals were just too much; they tried explaining too much with their words what this song was about, drowning out all the background music. The rest of the complaints are just to the fact that the songs were poorly done. They didnt flow, they didnt sound right, anything that makes a song a band one, could be said for a great chunk of this album. To simply put it this album gets a 3 out of 10, and even that is pushing it.

Taking more time was something that Drake definitely made noticeable in his second studio album, Take Care. Drakes second album was released on Nov. 15. It was one of the highly anticipated albums of 2011. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard charts, selling 631,000 copies within the first week.

Take Care is more dark, lowtempo, and senous than Thank Me Later, with a mixture of hiphop, electronic, and R&B. It features many artists like Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, The Weekend, Rihanna, & Rick Ross. Headlines was the leading single off the album and had hit the charts with its defining scheme for the album. No song shapes this album like Headlines with a beat and flow that most rappers cannot even

get with a perfect transition into the next song, Crew Love fea-

ture The Weekend. Nicki Minaj helps Drake out with giving the album its second single, Make Me Proud. Together the two make this song stand out with the lyrical and beat relationship that even makes it seem that the album is who Drake is proud of. On the deluxe version is where you can find the third single, The Motto, that features Lil Wayne. Containg elements that Drake helped with in Waynes

She Will, this one helps end the album. Drake named the album Take Care after having production for the album taking close to a year. With the time spent on it, it made number two spot on the Top 50 albums of 2011. Overall, this album has a great musical and lyrical flow that isnt so noticeable in Thank Me Later, giving this album a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

2013 Dodge Dart makes triumphant entrance

Ted Boss
Agora Staff

With the 2012 International Auto Show in Detroit, there was a lot of hype about a new line from Chrysler - the Dodge Dart made its return. At first I was skeptical because they rebuilt it as a compact sedan. When I saw it with my own eyes, my tune changed. This little car is pretty amazing. With a base price of $15,995, the Dart really appeals to the small-car crowd. The Dart is based off the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, but they look nothing alike. The Dart has an enlarged platform that gives it better handling all around, with a four-inch-longer wheelbase and a slightly wider track. I like this cars aggressive stance. There will be three drivetrain options: a 2.0-liter Tigershark inline-four producing 160 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, and a 1.4-liter turbocharged MultiAir four cylinder

with 160 horses and 184 lb.-ft. of torque in which I believe will be the most fuel efficient engine of the three. The Transmissions at launch will be the six speeds: one manual, one automatic and a dualclutch gearbox with the turbo mill. A nine-speed automatic is slated for 2013. There is a really cool seveninch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display available to take the place of the analog gauges, which is in turn paired up with an 8.4-inch touch screen panel at the center of the dash. The Dart boasts an interior space with a total of 97.2 cubic feet. With 35.3 inches of rear legroom, it has more than some mid-size cars. Buyers looking to customize the Dart will be happy to see 14 available interior and trim variations. Buyers will also be able to choose from 150 accessories that range from an integrated Wi-Fi system to aerodynamic add-ons.

Chrysler says that the Dart will feature the first wireless charging station for phones and other battery-powered gizmos. Just install a device-specific case and lay the item in the charging zone. The battery gets topped off without having to plug in wires. The Dart will make Chrysler very competitive in the C-Class of cars this year - somewhere they have not been since the Neon was in production. As for fuel economy, this is one of the most exciting things for me, boasts a whopping 40 milesper-gallon. The 2013 Dart will be available in SE, SXT, Rally, Limited and R/T styles. It will also have the full-LED wraparound tail lights available, like the Charger. The 2013 Dodge Dart is scheduled to hit dealerships this summer, I just wish now that I had the money to purchase one 2013 Dogde Dart was on display at the 2012 North American International Auto Show of these gems.

Photo by Chris Mehki

sports
mcccagora.com The Agora

January 30 2012

10
Basketball league adds athletic diversity to MCCC
Tyler Rogoff
Agora Staff

The MCCC intramural basketball league started again on Jan. 27. Games will be played every Friday for seven weeks. The league is free of charge for all players. Games are refereed by a player from a team not playing in that game. Anybody interested in playing must have attended the first meeting to be eligible. All games will be played on Fridays at 11 a.m. and noon, and players were divided into five teams of eight using the schoolyard selection method. This is the second running of the basketball league. The first league also had five teams and ran for five weeks during fall semester. The Cybersharks won the first running of the league by going undefeated in their games. Nick Jordan captained the Cybersharks. Also on the team were Ian Schubargo, Bryan Spotts, Blaine Whitlow, Josh Thornsberry, John Stahl, and Henry Jones.

photos by Tyler Rogoff

The addition of an intramural basketball league brings oncampus athletic activities to a total of four. The other three are volleyball, bowling and the running club.

Tigers welcome Lions have several needs to fill Prince Fielder

Ted Boss
Agora Staff

Tyler Rogoff
Agora Staff

First baseman Prince Fielder has signed a 9 year, $124 million contract with the Detroit Tigers. Fielders father, Cecil Fielder, played for the Tigers from 1990-1996, and his son would take batting practice at the teams. A young Prince started hitting shots into the upper deck at Tiger Stadium at twelve years old. At the old ballpark, Cecil, after Tiger games, would come up to the box and bring me food and say thanks a lot and hed sit down and all wed talk about is Prince, and Prince is gonna do this and Prince is gonna do that, owner Mike Ilitch said. Prince started putting it in the upper deck, and I told him you dont have to come up here anymore and tell me about him. Fielder, who was born in 1984, spent much of his childhood growing up in Detroit. Its awesome, I dont know what to say, its an awesome moment, said Fielder. Im glad I get to be here with my family, one of my sons. Its awesome, a special day. I cant wait to get it going. With Fielder signing to play first base, current first baseman Miguel Cabrera will move to third base, where he played when breaking into the majors with the Florida Marlins. Ca-

Photo Courtesy of Steve Paluch

Newest Tiger: Prince Fielder

brera will look to lose 15-20 pounds to prepare for the transition. Many are skeptical about Cabreras move back to third base, though. With Fielders reported demand to play first base instead of being a designated hitter, concerns have risen in the event that Cabrera cannot successfully convert back to third base. Yeah, I mean, Im a team guy. Im sure well talk about it. But right now, Im confident Miguel can do a good job at third base, Fielder stated when asked about the possibility. Fielder became a viable option for the Tigers to sign when designated hitter Victor Martinez was lost for the season with a torn ACL in offseason training. Martinez is expected to return to his role as the designated hitter next season. It is assumed that Fielder and Cabrera will occasionally fill in the designated hitter slot this season to give them breaks.

With the regular season being a lingering memory, the Detroit Lions have some pressing needs to address before the 2012 season. There are many free agent players available that the Lions could benefit from signing. Lets start by position. Offensive Guard, Offensive Tackle and Center are all positions of need. All too have current players on the downside of their career. (Over 30) Offensive Guards on the market that the Lions may look at for future employment would be Carl Nicks, G, New Orleans Saints. Nicks is a pro bowler with super bowl experience and would bolster the offensive line greatly. Next Position would be Offensive Tackle. Demetrius Bell. OT, Buffalo Bills, Would be an excellent pick up if the Bills let him slip through the cracks. He is a good pass defender on the blind side

Photo Courtesy of Bill Striffler

Lions taking a huddle to pick their next play

and an even better run blocker off the edge, something that has been a thorn in Detroits side for years. The Center position is a place of need in the fact that Rayola is in his thirties and mediocre at best. It would seem though that Detroit would do best in waiting for the draft to address this in that the

free agent market is not stacked well enough to find someone better and younger. Linebacker is a position for the Lions that is in great need of bolstering. If we are able to keep Stephen Tulloch, then we would only need to add Anthony Spencer, OLB, Dallas Cowboys to the

mix to have a solid front 7. As for the back field, I would be absolutely delighted if Schwartz was able to snipe yet another Tennessee player in Cortland Finnegan, CB, Tennessee Titans. He is an outstanding Cornerback and would really tighten up the Lions backfield. As for the draft, there are a few different players I would like to see Detroit address. In the first round, with the 23rd pick overall, I would like to see the Detroit Lions select Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida St. University. He has what it takes to really bolster the left side of the line and help in keeping Matt Stafford healthy. I will have my full Mach Draft in the next issue. In a local turn, nfl.com has Audie Cole, ILB, N.C. State, a player that hails from Monroe, going in the third round to the New York Giants. Wouldnt that be neat if he could get back home and come to the Lions? I think so.

Wings lead in points at midseason

Tyler Rogoff
Agora Staff

The Detroit Red Wings have cruised into the all star break with the most points in the NHL. The last two times the Wings led the league in points at the all star break, they went on to win the Stanley Cup. Goaltender Jimmy Howard has been leading the league in wins for the majority of the season, and was the first to thirty wins for the second straight season. The only other goalie to be the first to thirty

wins in consecutive seasons was Martin Brodeur. At the break, Howard has 30 wins to go with 11 losses and one overtime loss. Howard is also tied for second in the league with five shutouts. The Wings balances has been fantastic all season, having the fifth most goals scored a game while allowing the sixth least goals per game. The special teams have been pedestrian though, with the twelfth best power play with an 18.5% success rate, and only have the twenty second best penalty kill, stopping the other team

81.2% of the time. Center Pavel Datsyuk is leading the team with 53 points on the season, averaging a little over a point a game, and is also leading the team in power play points, with 17. Winger Johan Franzen has been a two way force, leading the team in goals with 19 and having the highest plus/minus of any forward on the team with 25. Defenseman Ian White, an offseason addition, has been solid on the blue line, and is tops on the team with a plus/minus rating of

27. White has been the defensive partner of captain Nicklas Lidstrom, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, who has 28 points on the season to go along with a plus/minus of 22. The Red Wings look to be serious Stanley Cup contenders this season, but with an aging team, the window this this current core could be closing. Lidstrom is 41 this year and could retire after this season, while Datsyuk is 33. Franzen, Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall are both on the other side of thirty as well.

MCCC Chernobyl survivor - Page 5

THE

Students visit Europe

Group views art, different forms of government
Tyler Eagle
Agora Staff

gora A
Aug. 26, 2010 Vol. 56, Issue 2 1 August 25, 2011 Vol. 55, Issue

www.mcccagora.com www.mcccagora.com

Adele, Bad Meets Evil live up to expectations pg. 7

Taylor Pinson
Agora Staff

Enrollment declines 5 percent

From heart-wrenching tours of Holocaust internment camps to firey Czech soccer games, the 2011 Study Abroad trip was an eventful learning experience for all who attended. Dr. Joanna Sabo, professor of political science, led students and faculty on the Central Europe trip. The group from MCCC made stops in Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; Krakow, Poland; and Prague, Czech Republic. Students could take either or both of two classes while on the trip: POLSC 211 Introduction to Comparative Politics, which Sabo taught, and ART 155 Art Appreciation, taught by art professor Gary Wilson. Regular class meetings were held, and students were expected to complete projects and assignments like any other class. Each student was required to keep a comprehensive photo journal. Sabo was pleased with how students performed in the classes. This was such an amazing group of students, she said. They approached it like a study trip. Collin Keehn, a political science major, was particularly pleased with the class taught by Sabo. The classes were great. Comparative Politics was right in my field of study, so naturally, I loved it. But Art was a class out of the ordinary for me; I really liked it. Dennis Polzcynski, another student who went on the trip, was more partial to Wilsons art class. Gary Wilson really knows his art, Polczynski said. His class gave me a better understanding of what I was looking at. MCCC students departed from Monroe on May 10, arriving at their first stop, Vienna, Austria, on May 11. They spent three days there. I felt architecture was the most interesting thing about Vienna. All the buildings are absolutely breathtaking, Keehn said. The city was so clean, and looked very nice, Polczynksi said. From Austria, the group headed to Budapest, Hungary. Our tour guide claimed that the Hungarian people are very unique and unlike anyone else we would see on our trip; he was spot on with that claim, Keehn said. While in Budapest, a group of students and faculty visited the Szcheny baths, which are heated through thermal ducts close to the Earths surface. It was interesting to be at these baths, to know that

photo courtesy of Dr. Joanna Sabo

Olivia Webb (left) and Brooke Sweeney (right) take part in a scavenger hunt in the Czech Parliament in Prague.

Tyler Eagle
Agora Staff

COMPASS placement scores, limit on course repetition to be affected

ing to Yackee. As of now, if a student withdraws from a class, it will not count toward the limit of three attempts. This revision went into effect for the Fall 2011 term. The policy that defines how the ACT and the COMPASS tests are used to place students into college courses also has been revised. It shifts how students will be placed into reading and writing courses, and for the first time sets bottom cutoff scores for ENG 090 and RDG 090. Under the new revision, students who receive below a score of 50 on the COMPASS Reading test or 32 on the COMPASS Writing test will not be allowed to enroll in ENG 090 and RDG 090. Students will need to work on their skills elsewhere until theyve improved their scores. Students who score between 50 and 60 on the COMPASS Reading test and between 32 and 40 on the COMPASS Writing test will be placed in 090 classes; students with higher scores can can be placed into higher level college courses. The changes only attach a bottom cutoff score to the Reading and Writing tests. At this time, students can take Math 090 regardless of their COMPASS score. Instead of cutoff scores, the Math faculty is experimenting with a phased approach to developmental courses. The new use of placement scores will go into effect for the Winter 2012 term. Students who test into RDG 090 will be required to complete the course before being allowed to take most 100-level or higher courses, while ENG 090 will need to be completed before students can take higher level English courses. Effective Fall 2012 term, students who test into the developmental education classes will have to complete both ENG 090 and RDG 090 to take higher-level courses.

MCCC revises two academic policies

theyve been here for so long and have such a long history, Polczynski said. The group then travelled to Krakow, Poland, where they also spent three days. Everything about Krakow was beautiful. The buildings, the landscape, and the art were all amazing, Keehn said.

While in Krakow, students took a side trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. According to Sabo, it was an emotional experience for everyone involved.

See STUDY ABROAD, Page 3

Enrollment at MCCC for the 2011 Fall Semester is down 5 percent from last year. Preliminary numbers place enrollment at 4,244. Last fall semester, enrollment was at 4,489. The decline in enrollment reflects the financial hardships students are facing these days, at a time when higher education is more important than ever, said MCCC President David Nixon. When compared to the 28 other community colleges in Michigan, MCCC had the tenth largest decline in fall enrollment from the previous year. Tracy Vogt, MCCCs registrar, attributes the decline to four major factors: a lack of jobs; new graduation standards for high school students; the end of certain government programs; and changing requirements for college courses. Due to the high unemployment in Michigan, many families are leaving the state and attempting to find work elsewhere. With fewer people living in Michigan, fewer people will go to college. State requirements for graduating from high school were recently changed. The 2011 class was the first to graduate since the policy change. The number of high school graduates was expected to be fewer than previous years, according to Vogt. Michigans No Worker Left Behind program, which provided unemployed and displaced workers with two free years of training or community college, has ended. Many students who participated in that program have graduated. Vogt also said counselors for MCCC have reported enrollment in sciences classes is down because of new prerequisites required to take those classes. Nixon said he hopes MCCCs low cost will attract more people to the college. Students will appreciate the fact that MCCCs tuition remains one of the most affordable in Michigan, Nixon said. Recently, a U.S. Department of Education study suggested MCCCs tuition was one of Americas low net tuition rates of two-year public community colleges the similar in size, he said. Mark Hall, director of guidance and admissions, said he thinks the decline in enrollment can be attributed to the new health care law. They can enroll part-time or not at all and still have coverage, he said.

Two new policy revisions at MCCC may keep some students out of the classroom. The colleges course repetition policy now limits to three the number of times a student can repeat a course. Previously, students could repeat courses as many times as they chose, as long as a grade of C or better was not achieved. Students should not need to take more than three times to pass a class; unless of course they are simply retaking to get a better grade, said Dr. Grace Yackee, vice president of instruction. If a student has reached the maximum number of three repeats and wants to retake a course, the student must receive permission from the dean of the division. This type of situation will be approached on a case by case basis, accord-

See POLICY, Page 2

The figure above illustrates the shifts in how the COMPASS test will be used to determine where a student will be placed. Red text indicates score ranges that will require students to improve their scores before admittance to developmental education classes will be permitted.

Inside:

Opinion...............................2 Campus News..................3,4,5 Features.................................. 6 A&E..........................................7 Sports. ..................................8

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2 THE AGORA
Nicki Kostrewza
Agora Staff

Opinion
someone is in the home. Some apps allow one to see local pedophiles and any other persons with criminal records in the surrounding area. Do parents have the right to protect their children? Well of course. Should parents know where their children are? Yes. However, does the new wave of android technology make the whole process more invasive and critical than it should be? Yes. Parents should trust their children. Kids are bound to make mistakes, or else how would they learn? When someones child is attending college, should their parents make sure theyre really in that classroom? Is anyone going to check and make sure they go to work every day? No, of course theyre not. People grow up, and move on in life. Parents do not have to let go right away by any means, but we have come to the point where checking in has reached a whole new level.

August 25, 2011

New apps take parent snooping to new level

It has been a parents dream for centuries to be able to pinpoint their childrens exact location; especially when they hit the teen years. The only reason parents want this information is so they know their child is safe, and whether or not the child is always telling the truth about their whereabouts. Well, thanks to the new-fangled Android powered phones, parents now have the power! Certain GPS apps allow one to check in with a list of friends and family, allowing the user to see where people are at any given time. Some apps will actually show where in a house someone could be, either sitting or standing (creepy), and if you zoom in close enough you can see an image of the location and its surroundings. Its like Google Earth all over again! Except in addition to getting an up-close picture of someones home, car, and front yard, you get to see where

Amish vacation ruined by imported goods

My family and I took our vacation this year to Shipshewana, Indiana, one of the nations largest Amish populations. We paid over $600 for five nights stay in an Amish- built log cabin, which featured two queen beds, indoor-plumbing and a nice porch in a pine forest. We didnt have a kitchen, so that meant everything would have to be cooked on the gas grill that we brought from home creature comforts, I guess. It was quite interesting that it rained almost like clockwork around lunch and around dinner daily. The location was gorgeous and the countryside was dotted with big white farmhouses with pristine Lorrie Mayzlin Agora reporter yards. Having the benefit of arriving on a Saturday, knowing that Shipshewana would not come abuzz until Tuesday and Wednesday, we had several days to explore the surrounding area of northern Indiana on our own. It was quite enjoyable to sit on the porch and listen to the clip-clop of hooves on the pavement and marvel at how well Indiana integrated the Amish people into their world. Tuesday rolled around and Shipshewana was swamped with visitors from more places than I can count on two hands. We paid our $3 for parking at the market area and were excited to see rows upon rows of Amish horse and buggies tied to their respective fences outside the market area. For years Id heard and seen signs to visit Shipshewana for the Amish experience, for their quality furniture, for pure American-made goodness and I was deeply disappointed on that Tuesday morning, after we were raked over for parking. Shipshewana greed had taken over what used to be an all Amish market, and it has been replaced by all things made in China. As it was, there were no Amish vendors at all, no fruits, no vegetables, no Amish furniture, no fine fabric to make those beautiful dresses and no fresh flowers or fresh honey. It was all made in China. Perhaps it is because I am spoiled from Michigan, but if you havent been to Shipshewana, save yourself the trip, toll roads, hotel stay and frustration. We are graced with two different locations for Gibralter Trade Center. One location is close to us, in Taylor off Racho and Eureka roads. The other

Cartoon by Jacob Thompson

Greed has taken over what used to be an all-Amish market, and it has been replaced by all things made in China.
location is Gibralter Trade Center North located in Mount Clemens near I-94 around 22-Mile Road. So you might wonder why I mention GTC? Well, if you take GTC and triple it in size and remove the actual building, you will have all that Shipshewana can offer you which is mostly someone elses used treasures with a Chinese flair. At least with GTC, you dont have to pay for parking and they have some cheap food vendors inside. I went into several shops in the downtown area that appeared to have Amish tatted table runners, only to turn one over and see the made in India sticker yet the label says Yoder Linens. At another little shop, they had Yoder Cheese and the location for the company; the other label says Real California Cheese. It makes me angry that they have stolen a name, a way of life, an identity, for greed. It makes me angry that the vibrant area which has a way of life different and slower than our own has been exploited. In the end, I wont ever go back to Shipshewana until they go back to being the Amish centered community they used to be, instead of being treated like a circus sideshow. But what are the odds that the greed will go away?

Agora photo by Lorrie Mayzlin

An Agora staffers vacation to an Amish community turned disapointing when she found the markets full of imported good from China and India.

Policy changes affect unprepared students

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Discussion of the changes began when the state recommended the college examine its course repetition policy. A state audit suggested we have a policy to address lack of student progress among students who repeat courses, Yackee said. The State Audit emphasized the concern regarding duplication of costs. The performance audit, done by the state in December 2010, found there were 834 occurrences in which a class had been retaken by a student more than three times. The 834 occurrences were linked back to 684 individual students, meaning that several repeated multiple courses more than three times. The audit examined the time frame between the Fall 2007 semester and the Spring 2009 semester. The audit noted that the courses repeated the most were English Comp I and English Comp II. The number of students taking the classes for at least the third time totaled 186, with some students repeating the courses as many as eight times. The second highest course was Introduction to Political Science, with 117 students retaking the course more than three times, and some taking it for seventh time. The state of Michigan views that as a waste, Nixon said. Humanities professor Mark Bergmooser shares a similar opinion. Repeating courses is not the problem; the use of state funds for the repetition of these repeated courses is the issue at hand, he said. According to Valerie Culler, director of financial aid, a student may only receive financial aid to repeat a course once. Nixon said he thinks there is a correlation between course

We are not denying admissions... we are delaying admissions until students show readiness for college-level study. Would you throw someone into the middle of the ocean who cannot swim?
MCCC Vice President of Instruction
repetition and students entering courses who are unprepared. There is somewhat of a relationship between repeating classes over and over again and whether students were ready, he said. Yackee stressed that the college is not denying admission to students, but trying to better prepare students for college success. We are not denying admissionswe are delaying admissions until students show readiness for college-level study. Would you throw someone into the middle of the ocean who cannot swim? she said. We are doing just that when we enroll students into college level courses for which they are not prepared to learn. Look at the levels we expectthe high schools expect higher levels, she added. According to Yackee, the revised policys cutoff scores are much lower than what the state of Michigan expects from students graduating from high school. The state is expecting all high school students to graduate college-ready. Their definition of college ready is an ACT score that equates to an 82 COMPASS read-

Dr. Grace Yackee

ing (ACT 21) , 71 COMPASS writing (ACT 18), she said. MCCC views students as college-ready when they have either successfully passed the basic skills courses (RDG 090, ENG 090, MATH 090) or achieve scores on the COMPASS that place them above the developmental education classes (scores of more than 60 on Reading and 40 on the Writing). Our requirements are lowerthe question in the future is whether we went high enough for the minimum scores on COMPASS a student must achieve to enroll in developmental education and/or college level courses, Yackee said. The administration and faculty also looked at how unprepared students affect other students ability to learn. Yackee acknowledged that the atmosphere of a classroom can suffer because of unprepared students. When emphasis is placed on teaching students content they should have already mastered before enrolling in a course, faculty are often forced to spend time remediating students to the detriment of spending time on the actual course content, Yackee said.

Students not prepared for the course suffer as do students who are prepared and distracted by the remedial efforts often taking place in class, she added. Bergmooser said he thinks accurately placing students is important. An unprepared student, just as a disruptive student, can affect the communication climate in a classroom, so its important for students to be placed accordingly, Bergmooser said. David Waggoner, a chemistry professor, said he thinks a community college professors job is to help students to be successful. Much of what determines if a student will be successful is beyond my control, he said. But what I can do is to make sure that each student leaves my class with the skills needed to be successful in the next class. When teachers and professors approach instruction with this attitude, there are fewer students repeating courses, he said. According to Yackee, enforcement of the revised policies could prove to be beneficial for all. Preparedness is a win-win for all, the under prepared student, the prepared student, the faculty, college administration, and the community at large. That being said, college preparedness is not a college issue, it is a community issue, she said. Yackee said the college and the community are working together to find places students can go to find help if they arent ready for college courses. Honestly, we have the answer; we know what worksthe Learning Bank, which is a consortium of nearly two dozen community organizations and educational institutions, she said. Yackee said she thinks it is the communitys duty to better prepare students who are not collegeready.

The answer to under-preparedness for college lies within the communityit is a complex issue that begins way before a student starts even high school. It is a community problem that is in need of a community solution the Learning Bank is the solution, she said. The Learning Bank offers a wide variety of services, most notably in the area of adult education. While it would benefit students needing remediation, the funding for The Learning Bank will run out in September. The Learning Bank will shut its doors on September 30, 2011, if we cannot secure funding, Yackee said. We hope to continue operating the Learning Bankor at least the Learning Bank concept.

The community must find a way to keep its doors open, she added. Nixon said he thinks the Learning Bank has had a positive impact on the college. The Learning Bank process has been essential to student success, he said. The college also will offer some methods of remediationhelp for students who need to raise their test scores. The office of Corporate and Community Services is offering prep classes for the COMPASS test and will also be offering non-credit bridge courses. For some students, simply better preparing for COMPASS is the solution, not remediation, Yackee said.

The Agora Editorial Policy

The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. The editorial office is located in Room 202 of the Life Sciences Bldg., (734) 384-4186, agora@monroeccc.edu. Editorial policy: Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of The Agora staff. Signed columns represent the opinion of the writer. All letters to the editor must include a signature, address and phone number for verification purposes. The Agora reserves the right to edit for clarity, accuracy, length and libel. The Agora is a student-managed newspaper that supports a free student press and is a member of the Michigan Community College Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, College Media Advisers, Associated Collegiate Press and the Student Press Law Center. Story suggestions are welcome. Let us know what youd like to see in The Agora - its your newspaper. Submissions of stories or photos also are welcome. E-mail them to agora@monroeccc.edu or bring them to our office.

Editor Tyler Eagle Adviser Dan Shaw Designer Morgan Hofbauer

Staff Members Staff Mandi Davis Nicki Kostrewza Lorrie Mayzlin Jeff Papworth Taylor Pinson David Topolewski

Campus News THE AGORA 3 College adopts 2011-12 budget

August 25, 2011
Taylor Pinson
Agora Staff

MCCC is facing its third consecutive year of declining revenues sources. To compensate for this loss of income the school has decided on numerous budget cuts and a plan to build a Career Technology Center to teach additional programs in the hopes of attracting new students. Some of the cuts more likely to affect students include the complete defunding of the colleges radio station, Dream 97.5, the elimination of the Career Focus magazine, and the transfer of $2 million dollars to the construction of the new facility from the schools Maintainance and Replacement Fund, which has resulted in the delay of some of the schools maintainance programs. We can make adjustments to the bud-

get if we have to, said David Nixon, MCCCs President. He attributed the staffs and facultys willingness to accept pay freezes as one of the biggest reasons the budget cuts had not been deeper. If it had not been for that, it would be much more of a challenge, he said. The largest change to MCCCs budget is a massive construction project called the Career Technology Center. The project will cost an estimated $17 million dollars, with half of the funds coming the state government. It is necessary, Nixon said when asked about the project. He said the schools current facilities are old, outdated, and inadequate, and that a new building would be cheaper than expanding and modifying what the school already has.

We have stayed within our means, Nixon said. The new building is on schedule and holding to its cost estimates. We expect to break ground after January 1, he said. See page 6 for an article regarding Dream 97.5.

MCCC proves to be affordable

Mandi Davis
Agora Reporter

We have stayed within our means. The new building is on schedule and holding to its cost estimates.
Dr. David Nixon
MCCC President

Monroe County Community College was ranked the fourth most affordable college in Michigan. The findings were posted by the U.S. Department of Education. During the 2008-09 academic year the net price per full-time student was $2,790. The national average net price is $6,780, almost a $4,000 difference. MCCC President Dr. David Nixon was notified and congratulated via email from Dr. Adriana Phelan, vice president of public policy for the Michigan Community College Asso-

ciation. Having a low tuition in times like these is not an easy feat, especially in todays economy. State funding and property taxes have been decreasing consistently for MCCC. Nixon said he thought that MCCCs Board of Trustees, faculty and staff have all been fully committed to helping keep tuition costs down, even with the recent increase. This is a huge accomplishment for the MCCC Board of Trustees goal at keeping tuition affordable for students, Dr. Nixon said.

Study Abroad
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
The Holocaust museum at Auschwitz was far more graphic than any Holocaust museum in the US. Students were breaking down, crying. Keehn shares similar sentiments, claiming that the trip was life-changing. I can say with certainty that it was the saddest day of my life, he said. During the ride from Krakow to the concentration camp, Keehn tried to prepare himself for what he was about to experience, but found that it was in vain. The concentration camps are a long hour and a half bus ride away, and on the way there you try to ready yourself for what you are going to see, but there is nothing anyone can do to make what you see any easier, he said. Students learn about the Holocaust all throughout school but nothing can prepare you for what you see when you arrive there. Hearing stories about what went on at Auschwitz while taking the tour had the greatest impact on Keehn. When you go through each building, you see so many little stories from what went on during that time. A person cant help but get emotional when they go to that place, I know every person I saw there had tears in their eyes, he said. Polzcynski had a deeper connection to what he witnessed at the museum. I have always been a student of the Holocaust, he said. The trip yeally showed the atrocities. Polzcynski, who is a Jehovahs Witness, felt a connection to the camp, considering how followers of the Jehovahs Witness religion were treated during the Holocaust. Many of Jehovahs Witnesses were intermed [sic] in the camps. Many were shot to death, Polzcynski said. They would not sign their allegiance to the government. Those who identified themselves as a Jehovahs Witness were forced to wear a purple triangle, which indicated their re-

ligion, according to Polzcynski. During the groups visit to Krakow, Polzcynski wore one, too. I wore this in remembrance of those who lost their lives, he said. Also, while in Krakow, the group visited a model Communist city, Nowa Huta, which was constructed to deliver a positive view of communism. Sabo said she thought the tour guides did an amazing job with the students, and offered them more than any American could. . It covered so much. They taught the students with humor. It was almost directly out of the textbook, she said. They (the tour guides) came back with a different definition of socialism than any other American, because they lived with socialism and communism. The groups final destination was Prague, Czech Republic. They stayed in Prague for 11 days, to have a more indepth experience within a culture. The city itself is busy and crowded more so than any other we went to. But photo courtesy of Dr. Joanna Sabo the people of Prague were the most gracious and friendly. Everywhere I went I On a side trip while in Poland, the group visited Nowa Huta, a model communist city. It had been constructed to project a positive would learn a new world in the Czech image of communism. Group members (above) pose upon a tank that had been placed in the city. language because the locals would help me, Keehn said. While in Prague, the group visited sev- were generally positive. and domestic politics with the three in a small cafe is exactly why MCCC aleral historic sites, including the Prague lowed us to go. I would have to say one of the funni- strangers, he said. Zoo and the Czech Republics Parliaest parts of the trip, outside of meeting As it turns out, the couple was from This was Dr. Sabos third Study Abroad ment building. While at the Parliament many new people, was going to a Czech France while the single man was from trip. While she has been the coordinator building, students participated in a scavleague soccer match for the Club Bohe- Denmark. The conversation was held for the last three trips, journalism profesenger hunt. Sabo was impressed with the mians 1905, Keehn said. in three different languages all trans- sor Dan Shaw plans to take over for the building itself. The team would score a goal and lated between each other. I feel like this next trip. Owls, loose peacocks were running would set a bench on fire. The firemen small interaction between a few people around the grounds. The gardens were came with buckets to put it out, and then beautiful, she said. Journalism professor Dan Shaw said. China, Africa, Europe, the they would wait for the next one. It was Keehn enjoyed witnessing firsthand pretty wild, Sabo said. is already planning the next Study Mediterranean Ill ask students the differences between the systems of Abroad trip, scheduled for May for their thoughts and then well deA chance encounter at a caf in Prague government. 2013. cide. was one of the trips defining moments, Seeing the different types of govern- according to Keehn. Sabo and a few stuShaw went on the 2011 trip to He decided to lead a Study Abroad ments was very interesting. It was really dents, Keehn amongst them, partook in learn how to lead Study Abroad trip when Sabo announced the Eastunique learning about the forms of gov- an interesting exchange. classes. He plans to survey students ern Europe trip would be her last. ernments while youre standing inside of during fall semester to help decide Dr. Sabo and Gary Wilson are We overheard a political conversation their countrys parliament building. where the 2013 trip should go. incredible mentors for leading study at the table next to us. It was between a The group also experienced a Czech couple and another man. Interestingly Its wide open right now, Shaw abroad, Shaw said. soccer game. Reactions to the experience enough, we began to talk international
Left: Some of the group climbed a peak in the Carpathian Mountains in the Czech Republic.

Right: Some of the group members pose outside the Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria.

Briefly:
International Students arrive
The new and returning Youth for Understanding foreign exchange students have arrived. Patrick, 18, is from the Netherlands. He hopes to fine tune his English skills while in the US, as well as take classes that he may not have the opportunity to in the Netherlands. Johnny, 18, is from China. He hopes to study business courses while at the college and continue to work diligently on his English skills. Grace, 19, is from South Korea. This will be her second semester at MCCC.

Previously, she worked as the business manager at Summerfield School District, and also has experience as a public accountant. Beagle is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and also holds a certification as a Chief Financial Officer from the Michigan School Business Officials. Beagle holds a bachelors degree of business administration from Adrian College. She began her duties August 22. Every now and then, classes are offered at MCCC as a special topics course. These are classes that can be offered for up to two semesters and act as feelers before they are submitted to the Curriculum Committee for addition to standard classes. The Fall 2011 semester has one such class: Russian 1 (Elementary Russian), taught by Magdelena Kotanova. Generally, classes need to have a minimum of 10 students per class, or they cancel. A few days before the first class, eight people were registered to take Russian. According to Vinnie Maltese, acting dean of the Humanities-Social

Science Division, special topic classes are proposed by faculty members and suggestions from students can be sent through an electronic suggestion box. Former NFL player Kevin Everett will deliver a presentation at MCCC in the La-Z-Boy Center on September 10. The event will begin at 7 p.m. A ticket will cost $10. After three years of playing for the Buffalo Bills, Everett suffered a spinal cord injury and was temporarily paralyzed. He has since regained use of his legs and arms. Proceeds will benefits scholarships at MCCC.

Kevin Everett to speak at La-Z-Boy Center

Special topics classes at MCCC

25th Annual Auto Show/ Craft Show

The 25th Annual MCCC Auto Show and Craft Show will take place Sunday, Sept. 25. The auto show will be held throughout campus and will go from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The craft show will be held in the A Building, and will go from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free to both events.

Director of financial services named

Deborah Beagle has been hired as the director of financial services. She is replacing Dan Schwab, who retired in June.

4
Tyler Eagle
Agora Staff

THE AGORA

Campus News
Culler received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, and completed a Masters program at Madonna University. Currently, she is 75 percent of the way through the doctoral program at Eastern Michigan University. As a student who once needed financial aid, Culler feels its essential to give aid to students who need it. Financial Aid has opened the door for many students, she said. Thats why it breaks my heart when I hear the government might cut any financial aid. Theyre talking about cutting opportunities. In her free time, Culler enjoys running and exercising. It just clears my head, she said. She also has several other interests. In the fall, Culler and her husband find cider mills and map out routes, to which they ride their bikes. I love to read, just about anything I can get my hands on, she added.

August 25, 2011

MCCC hires instructors, administrator

Culler accepts position of Director of Financial aid, off to smooth start
Culler most recently held the position of Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Wayne State University. She worked there for three years. It was a promotional opportunity. I got my foot up in management, she said. She also has experience working in the community college sector. Culler worked at Henry Ford Community College for three years. I very much believe in the mission of community colleges, she said. Theyre wonderfully diverse. I like the amount of variety that a student has at them. In comparison to WSU, Culler feels there are more opportunities to interact with her coworkers and students. WSU is a huge, huge campus. The financial aid office had more than 40 people, she said. MCCC is smaller in scope. You get to know your students, you get to know your community. Its a much more personal environment. Valerie Culler has joined MCCCs administrational staff as the Director of Financial Aid. The position had been vacant since former director Tracy Vogt accepted the position of Registrar. Culler officially started working at the college on August 1. So far, she has had a positive experience at MCCC. Everyone on campus has been welcoming. Everyone I pass has a smile and a hello, she said. Culler also likes the community and where it is located. After coming from Wayne State University in Detroit, she finds the atmosphere more uplifting. I love the area and I like the community, she said. The urban environment is very different than here. There was a lot of urban blight. It was disheartening.

Agora photo by Mandi Davis

Valerie Cutler took over as MCCCs director of Financial Aid on Aug. 1.

Health Sciences Division welcomes new faculty instructors

David Topolewski
Agora Staff

Tracy Giacomini lives in Plymouth but believes she will fit in just fine at MCCC. Im a country gal, said Giacomini with a smile. The new MCCC Nursing professor believes her job here isnt a fluke or wave of good luck. I think it was one of those meant-to-be things, she said. Giacomini, 44, is married to John Giacomini and has two daughters, Sabrina and Gina. She displays her family in a picture frame on a filing cabinet in her office. Growing up in a military family, Giacomini moved several times, but spent her senior year at Roseville High School. She attended Macomb County Community College, Wayne State University, and Eastern Michigan University. Giacomini has taught in the

Eastern Michigan University nursing program in the areas of obstetrics, fundamentals, and medical/surgical. She also has taught in the nursing program at Schoolcraft College and worked at Madonna University. Her staff nursing experience includes nine years of obstetrics and two years in the Progressive Care Unit at St. Marys Hospital. Her bachelors degree is from Wayne State and her Tracy Giacomini masters degree is from Before being hired at MCCC, EMU. She also holds a Gradu- Giacomini had two full-time job ate Certificate in Teaching in offers, but she decided to take a Health Systems from EMU. chance in winning the opening At age 18, she was certified at MCCC. to teach fitness, which she did Its something Ive always for 10 years. However, being a wanted to do, she said. nursing professor is what shes The drive from Plymouth always wanted to do. takes 45 minutes, but Giacomini Ive always loved teaching, does not mind it. she said. I love it out here, she said.

David Topolewski
Agora Staff

Jason Karamol
Karamol has been hired as an instructor of welding. Karamol achieved his AAS degree in welding and GTAW and GMAW certificates at Owens Community College.

Nick Prush would be lying if he said it was not luck how he earned his new job. Its kind of funny how it worked out, he said. The 31-year-old Wyandotte native was leaving his part time job at Oakland Community College when he ran into Dr. Cynthia Roman, dean of the Health Sciences Division. I handed her my business card, he said. The two met in a parking lot and the rest is history; Prush is now the instructor and director of Clinical Education, Respiratory Therapy at MCCC. He will be taking over for Jack Woltmann, who is retiring. Prush attended Henry Ford Community College and Sienna Heights University. He received his Associates Applied Science (AAS) in respiratory therapy from HFCC and his Bachelors in Applied Science (BAS) in respiratory therapy from Sienna

Nick Prush

Kimberly Lindquist
Lindquist has been hired as an intructor for the nursing program. She received her ADN degree from MCCC, her BSN degree from EMU and her MSN degree from University of Toledo.

Heights. When Prush is away from his office, he likes to spend time with his family at his home in Carleton. He is married to Angela Prush and has two daughters Alexa, 2, and Ella, 8 months. This new MCCC faculty member will not be easy to miss; Prush stands about 6 feet 3 inches tall. Yeah I guess I am pretty tall, he said with a smile.

Nursing program reaccredited

David Topolewski
Agora Staff

MCCCs associate degree of nursing program has received full NLNAC accreditation for the next two-anda-half years. Although the accreditation was approved, the nursing program has been placed on warning status by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The NLNAC expressed concerns in three areas, resulting in a shorter period of re-accreditation than the standard 8 years. The three areas which need improvement include: hiring more adjunct faculty with Master of Science of Nursing (MSN) degrees; addressing inconsistencies in the curriculum; and developing a systematic plan for measuring student learning outcomes. We have a lot of work ahead of us, said Dr. Cynthia Roman, dean of the Health Sciences Division. The Nursing program hosted a three day visit for members of the NLNAC. The on-site visit by two visitors was one step of the accreditation process. Roman and the nursing program were also required to submit a self-study report. After the visitation, the site visitors then submitted a preliminary report to the NLNAC review panel, which made recommendations to the NLNAC board of commissioners, which then made the final decision.

Roman and Dr. Grace Yackee, vice president of instruction, traveled to Atlanta to attend the review panel discussion. The two MCCC administrators said the review panels recommendation was bittersweet. While the nursing program received accreditation for the next two and one-half years, it is much less than the expected eight years the college had expected. MCCCs nursing program has held continued accreditation since 1987; not receiving the maximum number of years was a disappointment. Our program has very high standards, Roman said. Accreditation is optional, but is desired because hospitals can deny clinical experience to non-accredited schools of nursing. The nursing program is not opposed to making the improvements suggested and welcomes the feedback given by the NLNAC. I am confident that the nursing faculty will accomplish this task, resulting in a stronger program, Roman said In addition to the accreditation process, the nursing program has discontinued the online LPN to RN program. Despite the cancellation, the five students who remain. will be allowed to complete the program. The projected completion date is April 2012.

Dr. Dean Kerste, associate professor of Mechanical Design Technology, was awarded a golden shovel in honor of his recently earned doctoral degree at the Fall 2011 Employee Recognition Breakfast. The shovel was passed on by Dr. Carrie Nartker, who received her doctoral degree two years ago.

New doctor

photo courtesy of Mark Spenoso

August 25, 2011

Campus News
get cuts and low enrollment. To keep the station running, the high school formed a partnership with MCCC that allowed students from the colleges radio broadcasting program to use it for learning and experience. In exchange, the college was to pay all costs associated with operating and maintaining Dream 97.5, effective January 2005. Faced with three years of declining revenues, MCCC chose not to fund Dream 97.5 in its 2011-2012 budget and to terminate the position of radio station technician, held by Milward Beaudry, who also teaches the colleges radio and TV courses. Theres difficult decisions to be made, Verkennes said. Beaudry declined to comment, referring questions to Verkennes. The college expects to save $31,290 by cutting the program. Despite the cuts, Verkennes said MCCC will continue to teach radio broadcasting, as long as enough students enroll in the program. The Radio and Broadcasting Club is also expected to continue, pending student interest. We see the value of maintaining the station, even though we dont have the demand from students said Robert Vergiels, Monroe Public Schools public relations director. With MCCCs involvement ending, the

THE AGORA

College cuts radio station funding

By Taylor Pinson
Agora staff

The fate of Dream 97.5, the college radio station, remains unknown weeks after MCCC chose not to renew its partnership with Monroe Public Schools. Everyones trying to work together on a solution. Wed love to keep this radio station alive as long as possible, said Joe Verkennes, MCCCs director of marketing. Its a great asset to the school. MCCC officials told representatives of Monroe Public Schools via conference call on June 16 that the partnership would be ending on July 1. A letter had also been sent prior to that. The partnership dates to 2004, when Monroe High School was faced with bud-

high school has taken steps to keep Dream 97.5 on the air. A five-week agreement was reached to keep the station manned through August, and the school intends to broadcast the first MHS football game of the season on August 26. MHS has also been actively seeking a new partner to keep the station going, and is currently expecting proposals from two local entities. Bill LaVoy, director of Monroe Public Access Cable Television (MPACT), has confirmed that IMPACT has submitted a proposal to assume control of the station. The current proposal has a provision that would allow college students to continue using the station for educational purposes.

Mary Lyons receives Life Saving award

Jeff Papworth
Agora Staff

Agora Photo by Taylor Pinson

Kick andTae Kwon Do for his own success Pull MCCC professor credits
MCCC Speech professor Mark Bergmooser is in his 13th year teaching Tae Kwon Do at the college: I hope everybody can take a class like this, he says. Taylor Pinson
Agora Staff

Mark Bergmooser started teaching Tae Kwon Do at MCCC in 1998 and has been teaching it year round ever since. I love it now more than I ever have, Bergmooser said. Bergmooser started teaching part time in 1996 and became a full time member of the faculty in 1999. Besides Tae Kwon Do, he also teaches four speech courses, several humanities courses, and various self defense courses. Im very lucky in terms of all I teach, he said. Im constantly learning new things as I teach.

Teachers get smarter as they get more practice, he said. Weve got a great group of people out here. The school supports it, and I plan to teach it until I retire, Bergmooser said. Its my place to go no matter how bad my day has been. The class brings students and exposure to the college, he said. Im really lucky that I get to spend my life doing the things I love. His Tae Kwon Do class is open to everyone, with students as young as 5 and as old as 72. Its a dynamic class all year. Theres always something new because of the students, he

When I went to that first Tae Kwon Do class, I knew it was my thing.
Mark Bergmooser
Speech Professor

said. I have people take it for a month. Some have been taking it for ten years. Bergmooser believes that Tae Kwon Do teaches students discipline and gives them self confidence, and he credits it with his

own success. I would have never gotten this job were it not for Tae Kwon Do I hope everybody can take a class like this, he said. Bergmooser attended his first

Tae Kwon Do class in February 1985. I just wanted to learn how to defend myself, he said. He added that his cousin and The Karate Kid helped spark his interest in martial arts. I tried Kung Fu class for a few months before discovering Tae Kwon Do, he said. It was reccomended to me by my Kung Fu instructor. When I went to that first Tae Kwon Do class, I knew it was my thing he added. After that there was no turning back. Its been with me my whole life. New classes start August 30.

Mark Bergmooser, center, instructs students in a Tae Kwon Do move during a class at Monroe County Community College.

Agora Photo by Taylor Pinson

Abandoned kitten needs home

Lorrie Mayzlin
Agora Staff

On a fateful day last August, Mary Lyons love of helping others played a role in earning her the Life Saving award given by the Monroe Community Ambulance. For the past two years, Lyons has served as the MCCC Administrative Assistant for Events/Reservations. In the past, her jobs as a paraprofessional for a special education department, as well as a worker for Hospice and a flight attendant have also required the ability to manage people in a kindhearted way. I feel the satisfaction I have received from all my jobs is the fact I was able to help others, which I love doing, Lyons said. After Lyons and her friend, Shawn Maviglia, grilled their steak at Steves Tavern in Monroe, they went upstairs and found Chris Parlette on the floor, choking. Maviglia, who is a nurse, gave Parlette CPR for an uninterrupted 22 minutes. Lyons directed the crowd to give room for Maviglia and the paramedics. Lyons pulled a man away and realized it was Parlettes son, Chris Parlette, Jr. after he said No, no, thats my father. She then started asking Chris Parlette Jr. questions regarding his fathers medical history. Maviglia said Lyons fit the role as equalizer quite well. Shes very caring. Shes outgoing, easy to talk to, Maviglia said, adding that she is the kind of person who will take charge of a situation. Tom Ryder, who Lyons assists at MCCC, agreed with Maviglias assessment. She is always the first one to volunteer when help is needed, Ryder said. Unfortunately, Parlette perished, but as a result of Maviglias and Lyons efforts, he was put on a respirator and his organs were harvested. Parlette was the first tissue and organ donor at Mercy Memorial Hospital System. His donations improved the lives of over 40 people. It doesnt have a very happy outcome, except for the fact that he went on to donate his organs, Lyons said. Lyons and Maviglias efforts also put the Gift of Life in motion at Mercy Memorial Hospital. The Gift of Life is a national organization that raises awareness of the need for donors along with providing assistance to patients, who want to donate. Mercy Memorial Hospital System decided to be a part of the gift of life, since Parlette donated his organs. In conjunction, the hospital has formed a committee to plan for future donors. Furthermore, Parlettes family was grateful Lyons and Maviglia never gave up on Parlette. For their efforts, Parlettes mother nominated them for the Life Saving award. Lyons was happy to receive the award but said she would have done it for anybody, anywhere, anytime.

Four abandoned kittens that were less than 5 days old were discovered July 28 behind the E Building on the MCCC campus. Julie Edwards of Sienna Heights University and Amy Westover of Eastern Michigan University found the kittens. I got out the door under the awning of the Administration building and I could hear them screaming. Westover said. I said, They are little babies. Westover said no one would pick the kittens up. So since she worked at the Humane Society in Monroe County and was experienced with animals, she volunteered to put the four kittens in a box and take them home to try to nurse them to health.

Unfortunately, three of the kittens did not survive the weekend. One kitten, who is now four weeks old, just got his teeth and is starting to wobble around the house, Westover said. They were so tiny they fit inside the palm of your hand. I tried to call for their mom, but there were no other cats on campus, she said. The location where the kittens were found indicates they were not placed there by a mother cat. Cats usually choose a well covered area for their young. These kittens were out in the open without any protection. If you would like to adopt this month old, long-haired grey tabPhoto courtesy of Amy Westover by, contact The Agora staff for further information: agora@mon- The only surviving kitten from four that were found abandoned July 28 roeccc.edu. is now starting to wobble around the house.

Student government hosts Welcome Back Barbecue

Lorrie Mayzlin
Agora staff

The Fall Welcome Back Barbecue will be Sept. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., sponsored by MCCC Student government. Other sponsors are Midas Mufflers, Buffalo Wild Wings, Siena Heights University, and MCCC. Last year, 440 students and faculty were served hot dogs and veggie burgers; about the same number are expected this year. The picnic tables for the event are generously loaned to us by the Monroe County Fairgrounds, said Tom Ryder,

Campus Community Events/ Student Activities coordinator, DJ Zarza will be providing music for the event. Midas Mufflers will provide deep-fried goodies like Snickers and Twinkies. Buffalo Wild Wings will be providing samples for students. Hot dogs and veggie burgers, along with carbonated beverages and chips, will be provided by Student Government. The event will take place in the courtyard outside the LaZ-Boy Centre. It it rains, the barbecue will move into the Administration Building. Student clubs and organizations will have tables available for interested students.

After 25 years, Chernobyl still relevant

Tragedy offers perspective on clean energy
By Lorrie Mayzlin
Agora reporter

THE AGORA

Features

August 25 2011

The push for clean energy in the United States has never been greater than in the last few years. Our dependence on foreign countries for energy supplies and volatile price fluctuations have caused American citizens to consider other alternatives. 2011 is an important year in clean energy because it marks both the year that the Fukushima nuclear power plant melted down and the 25th anniversary of the worst nuclear plant disaster in the world, at Chernobyl in the former Soviet Union. This issue is relevant for MCCC students and faculty for several reasons. Aside from students cash-strapped budgets, MCCC has a new nuclear technology program, and it has a student who survived the Chernobyl disaster. There are 361 square miles in Belarus and Ukraine that have been designated as an exclusion zone around the Chernobyl site. They are mostly off-limits to visitors, but especially for residential purposes. The ground will remain contaminated for at least the next three generations. Although the red forest no longer glows red, undeniable signs of the long-lasting devastation still are there. In 1986, shortly after the Chernobyl reactor melted down, a temporary sarcophagus was placed over the exposed reactor to contain the nuclear fallout. Today, the reactor is still melting, the sarcophagus is cracked, and radiation is leaking. The government of the Ukraine does not have the $840 million required to build a new containment unit. Buried in Mitino Cemetery in Moscow, Russia, are 14 liquidators, who were the first responders (firefighters and operators). They were exposed only briefly to the immense radiation and were all dead within one month. William Lorenz of Belleville, who is the father of this articles author, worked at the United States Embassy in Moscow, Russia, during the mid-1990s. There is a cemetery in Moscow, which your mother and I used to pass on our way to and from our job in the United States Embassy, Lorenz said. When we entered this cemetery, you could see that there was a special section with decorative blocks surrounding about 20 graves, and there was a plaque written in both English and Russian which said that the graves were of the first helicopter pilots who dropped the cement to cover the hole created by the explosion. Pictures of the villages and cities that surrounded Chernobyl are grim and ghostly schoolbooks scattered in classrooms, apartment homes with furniture and clothing where people once lived, and finally, Mother Nature taking back the areas that man covered with concrete. When Fukushima melted down earlier this year after an earthquake and subsequent tsunami, the Japanese government tried to downplay the numbers of casualties and severity of the damage, thus putting hundreds of thousands of people (including our own military service members) in harms way. It took several months before Japanese government officials admitted their power plants had indeed gone through a full meltdown, and the grounds, food supplies and water supplies had been contaminated with radioactive fallout. Much like Chernobyl, the Japanese government simply told nearby citizens to stay indoors and do not open your windows. The stark difference between Chernobyl and Fukushima is that Fukushima was caused by a natural disaster; Chernobyl was caused by human error. The Chernobyl Forum (made up of eight U.N. agencies) put the death count as just a few thousand, while the Chernobyl Union, a non-government body, put the death toll at over 730,000 so far and Greenpeace estimates that there will be an additional 93,000 cancer deaths. One of the biggest problems from nuclear fallout is thyroid diseases and cancer. Many of the adults who died after the explosion were never acknowledged as casualties by the government. Another cost of Chernobyl is the care needed by the many children orphaned in the Ukraine and Belarus, without families to call their own and left there because of how their bodies developed after their exposure to radiation and other nuclear fallout. Some of them are living out the rest of their lives in state-run mental institutions; others moved with their families to other parts of the world. The cost to house them, clothe them, medicate them, feed them, and to educate them is in the millions of dollars annually.

The Funfair at Pripyat, the city closest to Chernobyl, was set to open on May 1, 1986, four days after the reactor meltdown. It never opened and remains abandoned.

MCCC student was 12 when he survived Chernobyl

By Lorrie Mayzlin
Agora reporter

ally know the severity of the situation. I heard from my case each in hand, my mom, dad, and myself were in friends that radiation makes living things explode in a taxicab on the way to the airport. The entire process growth, but I didnt realize that the bushes in front of took about 4-5 months and included a trip to Moscow our apartment building will turn into large trees. for a visit in the U.S., Austrian and Italian embassies. I guess when I came back and couldnt see the play- Austria and Italy were transfer points that we had to ground behind those trees, I knew that it was more go through. severe than what we were told. Q. How much did it cost to move to the U.S.? Q. What were your fears? Dreams? Worries? I cant possibly begin to imagine the amount of monMy biggest fear was not being able to come back to ey my parents had to gather to make this move hapKiev again. Although we were told that everyone will pen. A lot of it was, of course, visa and paperwork fees. be back in September, I was afraid that this was going The bulk of it, however, was under the table money that had to be paid to various government agents that to take longer. Being 13 at the time, I really did not fully under- were processing the paperwork to get it moving along through the channels. I would think now that some stand the severity of amount was paid to the the situation. I didnt local KGB and militia know about the mediagents to prevent them cal repercussions or from harassing our family. long-term effects. Back then, if you wanted My friend in Kiev to leave the motherland had his dads radioacyou were considered a tivity meter. He used traitor and the lowest eleto take it out on the ment of society and were playground and show constantly persecuted by it off to everyone. It the authorities in a variety would make a fast of ways. clicking sound when Q. What was that day radioactive levels Michael Mayzlins visa photo in 1987 like? were high. That May it was clicking like crazy. That scared me a bit, because It was actually unusually sunny, warm, and I reI knew something was wrong, but I was also fascinated member the sky being very clear. April 26 was a Satby it because I thought to myself that I am here while urday, so we were in school only until noon (school something big is happening. I was telling my newly in the Soviet Union was 6 days a week). I came back found friends in Moldova about the clicking. from school and went outside to be with my friends. Q. When did your grandparents die; were they Usually we would sit around and talk for a while, tell each other anecdotes, see who can tell the funniest one. exposed to the fallout? That day though, I remember someone said that his Only my maternal grandma; on my moms side. mother is packing up their rugs and valuables, which Grandma passed away in 1989. My mom has thyroid was unusual because expensive rugs were usually hung problems (which is associated with nuclear fallout and on walls and served as a room decoration. radiation exposure), and my grandma died of cancer. Another one of my friends said that he heard someQ. When did your family apply to thing was happening in Chernobyl but it was probably leave the country? nothing. In those days the first thing on your mind in The first time, we applied to leave this kind of a situation was if we were in a nuclear war in 1979, but were denied because my with the United States. mother worked in a factory at the time Q. Do you remember if you celebrated May Day? that was making airplane parts and Everyone celebrated May Day. That was one of the knew some information that the government didnt want to get out of the biggest, most grandeur holidays of the year. Whats interesting about May 1, 1986, is that very country. few people in these parades knew about the severity Sometime in the early spring of 1987, my dad came back from work. of what happened just four days before in Chernobyl. He opened the daily mail, and ex- Ironically, everyone was out in the streets celebrating claimed: Were going to America! Communism and the government, pretty much trapped We never had to apply a second time, below the cloud of radioactive air. My parents and I, too, went to the parade, came home the government approved our exit visa based on the application from 1979, and had a big family dinner, and then went right out at thanks probably in part to President dusk to watch the fireworks that celebrated our great Reagan and President Gorbachev com- communist country. ing to a deal that allowed more Russian (Anyone interested in reading more about my life in the old Soviet Union can visit my blog at: Pripyat, a ghost city that was abandoned after the Chernobyl catastro- immigrants to the United States. In the fall of that same year, one suit- http://musicalwristwatch.wordpress.com/.) phe, has grown to a forest.

MCCCs Chernobyl survivor is a healthy (thankfully) 38-year old Deans List student, and my husband, Michael Mayzlin. I would imagine that he is the only Chernobyl survivor in all of southeast Michigan. Over the span of our 13-year marriage, I have listened to his thoughts, fears, dreams and memories of Chernobyl, which is about 60 miles north of his former home in Kiev. Generally, Michael is a shy and quiet person, who is not one to make too many waves wherever he goes. This being the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, its a good time to tell his story. Q. How old were you when Chernobyl occurred? I was 12 years old in April 1986, just before my 13th birthday. Q. What did you hear from the government? Absolutely nothing on the day of the accident. I think the first official announcement came May 1 in a 30-second blurb during the nightly newscast. The announcer read a short prepared statement about a small accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and said everything was under control. Q. How was it determined when youd evacuate? The school year always ended at the end of May. One day, about two weeks before the end of school, local government officials in Kiev made verbal announcements in schools and various work places that the school year would end early and everyone under the age of 18 is to evacuate the city of Kiev within the next couple of weeks due to health hazards associated with the accident at Chernobyl. Q. Who determined where youd go? Families were given a choice to take their kids out of Kiev. Those who did not have anywhere to go, would be taken in bus loads to summer camps. Luckily, we had relatives living in Chisinau, Moldova, deep in the south of the Soviet Union on the border with Romania. I was actually excited to go because it was like taking a summer trip to another country. Some of my friends simply left the city for their summer dachas in the countryside. Q. What if people had no money? Money was needed only for a train ticket and personal expenses if you were not on a government bus going to a summer camp. Actually, not too many people had too much money anyway back in those days. Q. How did you get there? I traveled by train with one of my parents, my mom, I think. My parents bought a ticket (which was not very expensive in those days) for the Kiev-Chisinau train. Took about 12 hours to get there. I loved taking the train because all long-travel trains had several rooms that would carry four passengers each. I would lie on the top bunk, look out of the window, and enjoy the countryside. Q. How did you know it was safe to come back? During the initial mass-evacuation, we were told that all kids who evacuate would be coming back for the first day of school on Sept. 1. Whether it was safe or not is a different story. No one really knew if it was safe. Most people didnt re-

Very few people in these (May Day) parades knew about the severity of what happened just four days before in Chernobyl. Ironically, everyone was out in the streets celebrating Communism Michael Mayzlin and the government, pretty much trapped below the cloud of radioactive air.

After the Chernobyl explosion, the people of Pripyat flocked to a railway bridge just outside the city to get a good view of the reactor. Initially, they had been told that radiation levels were minimal and that they were safe. They found out later that the radiation levels here were very near lethal.
Photo by Ben Vivo

August 25, 2011

A&E
even helped to revive the sales of Adeles first CD, 19. There is irony with this CD, as the first album was all about falling in love, and the second is about falling out of love. There were some songs on 21 that either repeated themselves, or were just too whiny? Yes, whiny. Songs like Dont You Remember and Love Song seemed redundant and unappealing. However, looking at the album overall, it deserves at least a 7/10. Yes, some songs were a little cheesy, but there were still some wow factors, one being that every song seemed to stick out from the rest. She wasnt afraid to explore the world of instrumentals, giving each song the chance to carry its own tune. Another is that she really put feeling into the lyrics and into her voice, keeping you captivated and open at all times to all the emotions that were flowing out. In conclusion, there may be a wonderful future for Adele, but it might take a couple of tries and some lyrical improvement.

THE AGORA

Music Reviews

Nicki Kostrewza
Agora Staff

Rolling in the Deep, a popular song that can be heard at least three times a day because its been the number one single of 2011, is the most notorious track on Adeles new album, 21. While the album was released in February, it has been at the top of the album charts since, not only in the U.S., but in the United Kingdom as well. The album

Nicki Kostrewza
Agora Staff

Love, finding love, making love, and keeping love alive seem to be the main point of Kelly Rowlands new album, Here I Am. This album contains the chart-topping song Motivation. The song is said to have helped the albums release on July 26, making it four years since Rowlands last musical publication. However, the long hiatus has not caused Rowland to lose her touch. The main thing one would notice in this

album, compared to the group works of Destinys Child, is that Rowland has personalized. She has the power to make her music the way she wants it. Being solo gives her a chance to show off her voice. It was clear that there were songs in the album that Rowland wanted to play with. There are two versions of the song Motivation, both featuring Lil Wayne, but only one is considered a Rebel Rock Remix. Also, the song Commander has a regular version, and an Urban Remix with Nelly. The song Lay It On Me, featuring Big Sean, is amazing. Rowland shows her potential as a soloist by hitting many different notes while the song holds a steady beat. Aside from the album topic, or featured artists, or Rowlands popular past, this CD is brilliant. The music flows with a quick, steady beat, and sends women everywhere an empowering message. It speaks for what women think, need, and want. With the combination of lyrics and musical talent, it rightfully belongs in the genre of R&B/Soul. All of her songs put me in a chilled atmosphere, yet kept my attention. This album deserves an A, not just for its quality, but for its liveliness. into trouble and jail. It asks if the boy will ever come home to the ones who love him, or if he will stay with the ones who pretend to. Not only is the song touching, but it clues into the reality of most kids today. Another delightful song by Church is Springsteen, in which he describes flashbacks of his first love and everything that reminds him of her. Not only is it cute, but it carries a wonderful beat that makes you close your eyes and think of the past. The song allows Churchs listeners to, again, relate to him and his music. With the title Im Gettin Stoned, the first thing one would think of is drugs, right? Church took it a different way. In this song, he explains how she got a rock and Im gettin stoned, or basically he screwed himself when he got married. This song shares the relatable opinion of some men after marriage. There were some transitions in the album that were awkward, but the overall quality was appropriate for the genre. Church is a little more upbeat and in your face than most country artists now-a-days, which won him some brownie points. All-in-all, Church is a decent artist and shares his stories well. This album deserves no more and no less than a 7/10.

Film balances sci-fi, western themes well

Nicki Kostrewza
Agora Staff

Cowboys and Aliens came into theaters July 29, fascinating people with its action packed storyline and creative twists. The film made a little over $36 million its opening weekend, beating The Smurfs by about $1 million. The main character, Jake Lonergan (played by Daniel Craig), wakes up in the middle of the desert, and cant remember a single thing, well, except for English. As he fights to remember who he is, he runs into more and more trouble on his way; not just the law or your typical bad guys, but alien trouble. Figuring he has nothing to lose, Lonergan puts himself out there to save the many people who were abducted. Not to mention hes determined to show these outsiders that man will not tolerate them, and they will never give up a fight. This movie was simply fantastic. Major acknowledgements have to go to the writers of this screenplay. The place in time was not only creative, but the characters were as well. Then, of course, with Craig and Harrison Ford (who played Woodrow Dolarhyde) as the two leads, the movie only got better and better as it went along. These actors are not only famous for their performances in previous films, but for their ability to bring their characters to life. There is also the director, Jon Favreau, and the special effects crew, who also deserve recognition for the major influences they had on the film. The special effects werent too flawed, and Favreau planned out the scenes just right.

Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig star in this western sci-fi flick about a hostile alien invasion.

For any western and/or paranormal fans out there, or just lovers of major plot twists, Cowboys and Aliens is your kind of movie.

Conan film flops on-screen

Taylor Pinson
Agora Staff

Nicki Kostrewza
Agora Staff

Eric Church, who was selected as the 2011 Academy of Country Musics top new solo vocalist, has just released the album Chief. The title derives from a nickname given to him by his crew and close friends. He viewed this as a proud achievement, since his late grandfather had the same nickname. Many people can relate to Church through his way of storytelling. His most popular song, Homeboy, speaks of a young boy who has strayed

Conan: The Barbarian is the worst movie yet this year. The film is a medieval fantasy loosely based on the works of Robert E. Howard. It stars Jason Momoa as Conan, a barbarian who to avenge the death of his parents against an evil war lord who seeks a powerful magic artifact with which he will rule the world. The film is overstuffed with characters. All of the actors involved turn in either poor or underwhelming performances.
Left: Conan: The Barbarian, starring Jason Momoa, features poor fight scenes, a plethora of forgetable characters and an awful screneplay.

Mandi Davis
Agora Staff

After a feud that lasted almost ten years, Eminem and Royce da 59 are back and they have brought with them a debut album that has a great mixture of both rappers: Hell: The Sequel. Initially, the duo had meant to collaborate on one song, but eventually created an entire album. The debuting album topped number one on U.S. Billboard 200 with 171,000 copies sold. Bad Meets Evil originates from the song on Eminems album The Slim

Shady LP. The duo recorded the single almost 12 years ago. At the end of the track they sing bad meets evil, see you in hell for the sequel. Here they are with an album 12 year later. Two songs leaked before the albums release: Living Proof and Echo. Both songs are bonus tracks on the deluxe edition; they are said to be songs that helped finish the album. Echo is used as a closing song with just a verse from each rapper with guest vocals from Liz Rodriquez. The album took six months to develop. It features nine singles with three guest artists. Lighters, featuring Bruno Mars, made its live debut performance at the 2011 Bonaroo Music & Arts Festival, and was considered the highlight performance of the festival. Just hearing Eminem and Royce creating music together is interesting. The Reunion seems to show that the duo has dropped the feud. Those who are familiar with Eminem and Royce have been waiting for more. Never did they think the two artists would get together after a feud and make music together. This album has proved otherwise.

As a result, none of them have enough screen time to become memorable, with the exception of Momoa, who is given little to do except look angry, shout at things, and mutter incredibly awful lines to the films mandatory love interest played poorly by Rachel Nichols. The movies plot is a mess and does little more than move Momoa along from one boring, poorly choreographed fight scene to another. The fight scenes, already dull, are filmed with the bane of the modern action movie: the shaky cam, a technique that renders the action unwatchable. This movie is so terrible that it makes Conan: The Destroyer look good. If you want to watch a good Conan movie, stick with the vastly superior 1982 Conan: The Barbarian.

Ron Paul shares libertarian views

David Topolewski
Agora Staff

Republican U.S. Rep. Ron Paul is not a fan of the Federal Reserve. The New York Times #1 bestseller, End The Fed, expresses his feelings about the United States central bank. During a time of bailouts, national debt, and an expanding federal government, Ron Pauls new book will increase distrust with the central bank. Paul explains how the Feds ability to print money out of thin air has created the countrys soaring debt and given the risk of hyperinflation. The congressman goes into detail about the current mess, describing that free-market capitalism was not to blame because the markets were never really free in the first place. Paul explains the influences of his free market mentality, such as living through the Great Depression, discussing the mistakes made by Presidents Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roos-

evelt, and his belief in a gold standard. He supports his belief in ending the Fed in his chapter Why End The Fed? The Federal Reserve should be abolished because it is immoral, unconstitutional, impractical, promotes bad economics, and undermines liberty, Paul writes. He discusses his position on the Fed, arguing with economic, philosophical, consitutional and libertarian angles. He defends each case with history and his personal beliefs. Paul admits the title of his book is not his own, but rather 4,000 students from the University of Michigan. After a Republican presidential debate in Dearborn, Paul spoke in Ann Arbor. When he spoke of monetary policy the crowd began to chant END THE FED, END THE FED! Ron Paul is a libertarian wearing the republican badge, and in his book he expresses his true economic beliefs.

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, a Republican, shares his libertarian views against the Federal Reserve in his new book.

Balance of power shifting

Spartans prepared to wage war
Jeff Papworth
Agora Staff

THE AGORA

Sports

August 25, 2011

Wolverines attempt to rebuild

Jeff Papworth
Agora Staff

The Spartans continuity signals a power shift in the state of Michigan. It has been triggered by a 6-1 record against teams in Michigan over the last three seasons. Entering his fifth year as head coach for the Spartans, Mark Dantonio has compiled a 33-19 record. Every other year has been marked with successful seasons for Dantonio. In 2007 and 2009, the Spartans ended their season in a lower-tier bowl. In 2008 and 2010, they were one step away from The Granddaddy of them all by playing in the Capital One Bowl. Last season can best be described as unexpected. Besides their surprising wins against CoBig Ten Champion Wisconsin and Michigan at the Big House, they also caught opponents off guard with plays like The Little Giants and The Mousetrap. Maintaining success has been a problem throughout Michigan States history. Fortunately, they have a quarterback in Kirk Cousins, who has good head on his shoulders and was selected as the keynote speaker at the Big Ten luncheon. After hearing his speech, humbling and humorous can be added to his repertoire. When a child asked him if he wished he was as good as Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson, he said he responded with a yes, and added, I heard Denards only wish is that he could run like me. Cousins will be leading the strength of the team with six other offensive starters returning. In his career, he has amassed 41 passing touchdowns, while accounting for 20 interceptions. The three years hes been a captain have also been beneficial for the Spartans. [Cousins] provides a lot of leadership for us, Dantonio said at the Big Ten media day. He brings a sense of calm, a sense of confidence to our football team. Hes got great game management skills. The Cousins-led offense also has assurance from junior running back, Edwin Baker and sophomore LeVeon Bell, who combined for 1,806 rushing yards last year. Larry Caper is also a dark horse after accumulating the most carries in 2009. Cousins also has a solid group of receivers, consisting of three seniors, to throw to. Wide receiver B.J. Cunningham is 10 catches away from being the receptions leader in Spartans history. Keshawn Martin has gradually progressed throughout his career. Martin caught 14 more passes than in 2009 with 32 and also contributes in other ways. He has rushed for 427 yards over his career. Keith Nichol got a taste of being a receiver after being at the other end of the spectrum as a quarterback during his high school and early college career. He had 22 catches last year and was a great asset as a blocker. In what is expected to be a tight race in the Big Tens Legends division, Michigan States kicker might give them an edge. Dan Conroy has missed only one of 16 attempts in his time with the Spartans, including a 5/5 mark from 40-plus yards. The Spartans did not lack motivation during the off-season after they were dismantled 49-7 by Alabama in the Citrus Bowl. The Spartans start the season with an easy non-conference schedule that includes Youngstown State, Florida Atlantic and Central Michigan. Their toughest test before the conference schedule begins will be at Notre Dame, which is always a hard-fought game. In their last 10 meetings, the victor has alternated every year, except for the 2007 and 2008 seasons, when Michigan State won two in a row, making them win-

The visual experience has been improved in NCAA Football 2012, providing realistic images and a collision-based tackling system.

Game Review: NCAA Football 2012

Jeff Papworth
Agora Staff

NCAA Football 12 is best described as a pool of minor tweaks to its predecessor. The visuals have been improved, especially the lighting, and the game is now available in 1080p resolution on the PS3. The new game has a collisionbased tackling system; in the older version, defenders were sucked toward anyone carrying the ball. Zone-defense has been slightly improved, with defensive backs now covering receivers in their zone instead of standing around. The playbooks are customizable, which allows players to mix formations used by Brady Hoke and Rich Rodriguez if they dont want Denard Robinson under center. EA has added an entire high school season to the games Road to Glory mode. It allows players to play on both sides of the ball in high school, unlike last years version. The growing hype over recruiting has resulted in EA having players pick their top three schools as well as other schools trying to gain the players interest. The players star rating will change during the season based on performance. Concurrently, players will accumulate scholarship offers, although there wont be a cash incentive if a player becomes a 5-star athlete. The added seven to 11 regular season games to Road to Glory is a nice feature, and seems to draw its inspiration from the popularity of TV shows like Fri-

day Night Lights. Its biggest problem is the lack of difficulty. Players can become superstars far too easily, sometimes as early as the third game of their freshman year. Rating increases should not be

earned so easily. The inability to call plays also gets frustrating at times. It does add another level of realism, but calling more run plays than passing plays on third and long situations is dumbfounding.

All in all, the good cancels out the bad making Road to Glory mode an average playing experience. Coaching Carousel is new to Dynasty mode. It starts players as an offensive or defensive coordinator and lets them move up the coaching ranks. The school you select will give you a contract that include tasks that must be completed, such as tallying a certain amount of touchdowns. It can be gratifying to start as an offensive or defensive coordinator at a doormat and work your way up to a head coaching position at a perennial power. It is a nice addition to the series because of the massive exposure college football coaches receive. The only thing that needs tweaking is the coordinator. He should only be able to recruit players on their side of the ball or not at all. The online mode is also fulfilling. Presentation is not the biggest concern for a video game, but it is frustrating in this one. The menu layout looks great, but suffers from severe lag. There are also a few issues with online play if you are using a low-end broadband internet connection, but otherwise the online experience continues to be almost perfect. Overall, NCAA Football will satisfy the avid college football fan clamoring to play in the untied shoes of Michigans quarterback Denard Robinson or use the arm of MSUs gun slinger Kirk Cousins, but the casual fan would be better off sticking with a copy of last years edition.

ners of six of the last ten games. The introduction of Nebraska into the Big Ten will make the Spartans conference schedule more difficult than last season. Michigan State will renew its battle against Ohio State in the Horseshoe after the Buckeyes were left off the schedule last season. While Tressel will not be at the helm, the Buckeyes do not lack talent. The two games after that will be at home against Michigan and Wisconsin. Quarterback Kirk Cousins will look to leave East Lansing with an undefeated record against the Wolverines in his three years as a starter. Due to a scheduling flaw with the Big Ten realignment, the Spartans will host Big Ten championship contender Wisconsin for the second year in a row. The end of the difficult stretch

of games will be a long shot for the Spartans. They will travel to Lincoln, Nebraska to play the Cornhuskers, who are the favorites to win the Big Ten. The last four games will be an easier task. They will face teams in Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana and Northwestern, which are in the middle-to-bottom of the pack in the Big Ten. Will the Spartans handle the pressure of the high expectations and the target on their back after clinching their first Big Ten Championship in 20 seasons? The answer to that question will determine if Michigan State is the Spartans of old or new. We climbed one mountain and you think youre getting to the top of the mountain, but you find out, there is another mountain there to climb as well, Dantonio said.

Game Schedule
MSU
09/02/11 Youngstown State 09/10/11 Florida Atlantic 09/17/11 Notre Dame 09/24/11 Central Michigan 10/01/11 Ohio State 10/15/11 Michigan State 10/22/11 Wisconsin 10/29/11 Nebraska 11/05/11 Minnesota 11/12/11 Iowa 11/19/11 Indiana 11/26/11 Northwestern

U of M
09/03/11 Western Michigan 09/10/11 Notre Dame 09/17/11 Eastern Michigan 09/24/11 San Diego State 10/01/11 Minnesota 10/08/11 Northwestern 10/15/11 Michigan State 10/29/11 Purdue 11/05/11 Iowa 11/12/11 Illinois 11/19/11 Nebraska 11/26/11 Ohio State

The Wolverines will be unrecognizable when the first play kicks off their season at the Big House. Rich Rodriguez is out, Brady Hoke is in. To Michigan fans delight, the spread offense and the 3-3-5 defense are out and the prostyle and the 4-3 are back into the fold. There will also be many nuances during the season. The Wolverines will face Notre Dame in the first night game in Michigan Stadium history. To commemorate the event, Michigan will join a long list of teams that wear alternate uniforms occasionally. Michigan will also play against new conference foe Nebraska at the Big House. One thing that does remain the same is quarterback Denard Robinson, who will enter his junior year at Michigan. Much like three years ago, many are wondering how the new coach will use a quarterback who does not fit his system, but luckily for Brady Hoke, he will have the Big Ten offensive player of the year in his arsenal instead of a walk-on. If there was a mid-season Heisman Trophy given out last season, Denard Robinson would have ran away with it. In three of Robinsons first five games, he tallied more total yards than any Michigan player before him. However, injuries and stronger competition slowed him down, making victories for Michigan more difficult to come by. But even with these troubles, he still became the first NCAA player to amass over 1,500 passing and rushing yards in a season. Even though the firing of Rich Rodriguez did not spur any key players to transfer, the roster may still face a hit because of receiver Darryl Stonums uncertain future. Stonum was arrested in May for operating a vehicle while visibly impaired, and was punished for the same offense in 2008. I wanted to wait and go all through the summer and see how hes handling all the things he needs to do, Hoke told AnnArbor.com. Brady Hokes record as a head coach sits at 47-51, but that has not stopped him from winning people over. His recruiting class is in the top five in most rankings. Defensive Coordinator Greg Mattison looks to turn around a defense that was ranked 108th in points allowed last year. For going from coaching Ray Lewis and Co. to a defense that went from bad before Rich Rod arrived in Ann Arbor, to horrid after he was fired, Mattisons yearly salary will be $750,000. Michigans non-conference schedule sets up well this season, with every game played in Ann Arbor. As always, whoever wins the contest between the Wolverines and Fighting Irish will gather national attention. An interesting matchup is set for the fourth game against Hokes former team, San Diego State. A game at Michigan State could be the toughest test on the schedule. Some say, Mark Dantonio has the most talented team he has ever fielded as the Spartans head coach. The end of the season will not be any easier. The Wolverines begin the last four games on the road against Iowa and Illinois. They end with traditional powers Nebraska and Ohio State at home. Brady Hoke and Luke Fickell will be roaming the sidelines in The Game for the first time. Theyre also both entering programs that have faced NCAA violations. Unlike three years ago, new coach Brady Hoke is inheriting an experienced roster. Although chances of a Big Ten Championship look bleak, he should be expected to beat rivals Ohio State and Michigan State, which have dominated the series against the Wolverines over the years.