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AlertNow system announces closings - Page 5

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Students unaware of Fitness Center

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Aug. 26,27,2010 Vol.55, 55,Issue Issue January 2011 Vol. 6 1

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2010 in Review

‘I know I can make it’ MCCC student balances school, motherhood

MCCC enrollment decreases Agora Staff

Tyler Eagle

Agora Reporter

Jodie Campbell didn’t want to be another statistic.

She knew the chances of a high school girl who got pregnant attending college weren’t that great.

Now in her second semester at MCCC, she juggles two hard roles – college student and teen mom.

During her freshman year of high school, at the age of 14, Campbell learned she was going to become a mother.

Despite the challenges she knew she would face, Campbell always knew where she would end up.

“I was going to college. There was never any doubt about it,” Campbell said.

But going to college would be a feat for any pregnant teen to accomplish. According to the organization Family First Aid, less than one-third of teen moms complete high school.

Out of that one-third, a mere 1.5 percent attain a college degree before the age of 30.

Statistics were constantly thrown in Campbell’s face, but did little to deter her from her goals. From the moment she found out she was pregnant, her unborn daughter became her priority.

“Everything I did was for Lilly. I wanted to make sure she would have a good life,” Campbell said.

Teen motherhood has been highlighted in MTV shows such as 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom. As a teen mom, she has an interesting take on the popular shows.

“I watch 16 and Pregnant to laugh at it,” Campbell said.

“I don’t really like it. I feel that the girls come from two extremes: they either have a perfect life or they have a horrible life.”

One thing Campbell does like about the show is the honesty behind the conversations between the children and the adults. She feels that they look scripted, but she has experienced first-hand how hard it is to tell parents about an unplanned pregnancy.

“The conversations they have with

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Photo by Tyler Eagle

MCCC student Jodie Campbell with her daughter Lilly. Campbell became pregnant at age 14 and beat the statistics of teen moms by completing high school and going on to college.

their parents are real, they’re actually very real, but they don’t happen the way they’re shown. In real life, telling your parents you‘re pregnant doesn’t sound like it came from a script,” Campbell said.

Her parents, divorced since Campbell was 10, had different reactions to the news.

“My mom was super shocked, but she did what had to be done. She made doctor’s appointments. She also cried a lot, and did the whole disappointment thing,” Campbell said.

Her father’s reaction was at the opposite end of the spectrum.

“He stopped talking to me. I saw him once after he found out. When I had Lil-

ly, he didn’t show up,” Campbell said.

A common feature among 16 and Pregnant cast members is they either dropped out of school or their grades suffered. In Campbell’s case, her work ethic actually helped her to improve her grades.

“I was mainly an A and B student, with

For the first time since 2004, MCCC has seen a decrease in student enrollment.

Enrollment for the Winter 2011 semester, which was final after the Jan. 14 add/drop deadline, is 4,460, a 2 percent decrease -102 studentsfrom last year’s 4,562.

Billable contact hours are also down. Students enrolled in 43,298 contacts hours this semester, a 6 percent decrease from last winter semester’s count of 46,003.

“We may have lost 102 students, but it is still our second highest year,” said Mark Hall, Director of Admissions and Guidance.

MCCC President Dr. David Nixon doesn’t react to the news negatively.

“It means 102 fewer students enrolled compared to Winter 2010,” Nixon said.

“It’s not statistically significant, too early to make a conclusion that the economy is turning around—we hope it is, but too early to tell. Perhaps those 102 got jobs or moved away.”

Full-time enrollment dropped from 41 percent to 35 percent, while part-time student enrollment increased by 6 percent.

Out of county/state grew from 13 percent to 15, with out-of-state enrollment staying steady at 4 percent and out of county growing 2 percent from its previous 11 percent.

The largest decrease in a group came from men age over 50 enrolled full-time (15 percent drop), with the second largest decrease being in men age 40-50, according to Hall.

The college’s population, compared to last winter, of male students dropped 2 percent overall. Female students in turn gained two percent.

The decrease in students and contact hours breaks a six-year streak of record growth.

See MCCC TEEN, Page 3

Trustees approve financing for Career Tech Center Tyler Eagle

Agora Reporter

The MCCC Board of Trustees approved plans to make $8.5 million available to build the Career Technology Center The motion, which was unanimous among members of the Board, was approved at the Jan. 24 meeting.

The $8.5 million will be taken from a combination of reserve funds and gifts to the college. The remaining $8.5 million required to build the $17 million tech center has been granted to the college by the state.

The college must spend its money first before the state will provide its half.

Mary Kay Thayer, board secretary, pointed out before the vote that the college only gets the grant if it proceeds with the building.

“We either do this now or we lose the money,” Thayer said.

A capitol campaign by the college and The Foundation at MCCC will be conducted to raise money so that there will be somewhat of an equilibrium between reserve funds used and gifts to the college.

Inside:

A feasibility study that was done last year concluded that MCCC would be able to raise $8 million to $10 million in donations over 3-5 years, according to Suzanne Wetzel, Vice-President of Administration.

Vice Chairman William Braunlich said he thinks MCCC will receive plenty of support from Monroe County residents.

“People have embraced MCCC as a philanthropic choice,” he said.

Chairman William Bacarella showed his support for the new building seconds after the motion passed.

“I’ll be the first to make a pledge. I pledge $1,000 a year for five years,” Bacarella said.

While a campaign drive hasn’t officially begun, two donations of a couple hundred dollars were made in the name of the Career Technology Center before financing was even approved, according to Wetzel.

How the operational costs (the money required to maintain the building), estimated to be $550,000 a year, will be raised is yet to be decided. Wetzel laid out several possible ways of generating a stream of revenue. One way would be to ask local voters for an increase in the

Opinion................................2 Campus News......................3-5 A&E........................................6 2010 Year in Review...............7 Sports...................................8

Photo courtesy of MCCC

This is an aerial view from the northwest of the proposed new Career Technology Center.

college’s tax levy.

The possibility of a .10 mil increase, which would equal $10 per $100,000 value of property, was discussed. While the current millage is perpetual, the increase would have to be voted on by taxpayers.

Another possible option Wetzel touched on was an increase in student tuition. An increase of $5 or $6 per credit hour would generate enough money to

operate the building, Wetzel said.

“No one is advocating a tuition increase, but it is an option,” she said during the meeting.

The construction of the Career Technology Center will create 100 construction jobs in the immediate area.

Construction is slated to begin in July, with the new center located between the H and L buildings. According to a press

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Mon - Thurs: 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Fri and Sat: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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release from the college, the building is expected to be ready for occupation in September 2012.

The Career Technology Center would become home to the Industrial Technology classes that are housed in the East and West Tech buildings. Programs such as welding, quality assurance, construction, automotive engineering, C.A.D. and electronics, as well as programs in green technology and renewable energy, would benefit.

In addition to new industrial tech labs, administration offices and general education classrooms will also be part of the building.

The building will ease the college’s space crunch and provide new facilities for students.

“We’re being held down by the space.

We’re literally busting out of it,” said Dr. Grace Yackee, Vice-President of Instruction, during a special meeting of the board Saturday.

“Monroe County Community College has been talking about building this technology center for 15, 20 years. I think the people are ready for it,” said Marjorie Kreps, Board of Trustees member.

Library Hours:

Mon - Thurs: 8 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Bookstore Hours: Mon and Tues: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Wed - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

2 THE AGORA

Editorial

Can’t censor history

January 27, 2011

The greater evil:

Changing “Huck Finn” denies accurate past Boobs or brutality?

Mark Twain has been quoted as saying, “Censorship is telling a man he can’t have a steak just because a baby can’t chew it.”

Twain is probably rolling in his grave at the news that his classic novel, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” is being censored for use in elementary schools.

The new edition, being published through NewSouth publishing,

will replace ‘the N word’ with the word ‘slave’ and also do away with the word ‘injun.’

Many Twain scholars and avid readers are angered by the change, and with good reason.

“Huck Finn” is a historical novel, one linguistically accurate for the time it was originally published. Updating the language to modern-day standards of po-

litical correctness is like rewriting Shakespeare to make it easier to understand.

The book has been controversial from the time it was published; why should that change now? If the content is too strong or inappropriate for young children, then young children should not read it; the audience should be tailored to the book, not the other way around.

High school and middle school students should be perfectly capable of reading “Huck Finn” and accepting it as a historical, classic novel. They are old enough to understand that, while the language in the book was common for the time it was published, it should no longer be acceptable in our society.

However, that is part of the problem; the word shouldn’t be commonly used, but the fact of the matter is that nearly every hiphop song on the radio includes it - often bleeped out just enough so you can still tell exactly what the artist is saying.

Language like that — and sometimes worse — is heard in high schools across the country every single day, common ‘harmless’ banter between teenagers; but try to teach a novel that includes the word and people want it censored.

What is this teaching children and teenagers? That it is okay to use the word in common, “joking” ways, but an outrage when used in a historical novel? It sure seems as though that is the case.

Mariah Bruce Agora Reporter

The fact of the matter is that “Huckleberry Finn” is considered one of the greatest American novels for its honesty and accurate portrayal of the America that existed in the 1800s. The use of ‘the N word,’ slavery, and racism are all part of our history. They are not things to be proud of, but they shaped who we are today as a country. To water that down or try to hide it is shameful.

It is an old cliché, but the old adage is true: those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

We are doing future generations a disservice by trying to hide and cover up the controversial, ugly parts of our past. “Huckleberry Finn,” all it stands for and all it represents, is part of that past whether people like it or not.

Censoring the novel to make it a bit easier to digest is the sad result of a society that apparently cannot handle controversial subjects with finesse and tact.

Public shouldn’t take MLK Day for granted There seem to be only four words from the Or that his house was bombed famous King speech that people remember and he was arrested after leading today. the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Because issues of racism are no longer which lasted 385 days after Rosa strongly persistent, the words, messages, and Park’s famous refusal. According life of Dr. King seem to be slowly slipping to the MLK Jr. National Historic Site, King was arrested 30 times from public attention.

In politics, community events, media and for his nonviolent activism.

Many don’t know that King business, the holiday remains important, but visited the birthplace you won’t hear a word uttered of Mahatma Gandhi, about Dr. King during a friendly one of his major influconversation. ences, in 1959.

Martin Luther King, Jr. looks out at the crowded capiIn fact, every year, I typically tal mall before announcing his iconic “I have a dream” Or that he excelled hear just one repetitive message past ninth and twelfth speech. in reference to the federal holiday: grade and entered into Why don’t I get the day off work/ a university at age 15 school? most of what he hoped for has been estabwithout formally completing high lished.

For those who do have the day school. He received a doctorate off, time is spent catching up on That doesn’t mean, however, that his work degree in philosophy at age 26. homework or taking a mini-vacais done. As long as King’s words are rememKing’s focus went beyond anti- bered, he can continue to make a positive diftion.

Morgan Hofbauer Agora Reporter racism efforts. Near the time of his ference.

Even if racism is no longer a dire death, he worked to end poverty issue, the holiday, and the memory His peace-promoting tactics should be reand stop the Vietnam War. of King, should still be important. membered and applied in many contemporary The March on Washington for Jobs and topics.

Almost everyone knows that Martin Luther Freedom, where King delivered his famous King, Jr. was a clergyman, activist and iconic He took advantage of his freedom of speech figure in the African American civil rights “dream” speech before 250,000 to 400,000 and went to extreme lengths in doing what he people, assisted the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the knew was right, even though a large portion of movement.

1965 Voting Rights Act, and the end of Jim his own county despised him for it.

Most know that he was assassinated in April Crow laws in the South.

1968 by James Earl Ray. Even if you spent MLK Day angry at your For those who haven’t seen King’s speech, However, not many know that in 1964 he or those who want an inspirational reminder, desk or pleased with the 24-hour vacation, take time this month –even if it’s for only five became the youngest person to receive the find a link on www.mcccagora.com. minutes– to remember Dr. King’s struggle Nobel Peace Prize for his work in ending raForty-seven years after King announced his and accomplishments. cial segregation and discrimination. epic dream in front of the Lincoln memorial,

Briefly

Audition for “compAct” Feb. 2

Faculty negotiations settled

Scott McCloskey is holding open auditions in The Little Theater (C-3) for a show named “compAct, Several Short Plays about Love and Flatware.”

Parts are available for adult men and women.

Auditions are on Monday Jan. 31, Wednesday Feb. 2 and Thursday Feb. 3. From 7-9 pm.

If you have any questions call McCloskey at 242-7300 ext. 5774.

The months of negotiations in agreeing on afaculty contract have come to an end.

The new contract was approved by the Board of Trustees at a special meeting on Dec. 18.

The Trustees voted 7-0 in approving the contract for the 71 full-time MCCC employees.

A component of the contract is a freeze on the salary over the two years.

Another change on the contract is the faculty’s health insurance. The result projects savings up to $300,000 for MCCC. The previous contracts expired in August and negotiations have continued since Spring 2010.

The new contracts will be valid through Aug. 24, 2012.

The new Faculty Association Master Agreement is available on the MCCC Web site in the “Finance and Operations” section, which can be found at www.monroeccc.edu/ finance.

War on fat has started Health/Science Division 1 is leading the charge with 1.9% of their total weight loss in the MCCC War on Fat. The top five individuals in weight loss is Bob Leonard with 3.1% followed by Cynthia Roman with 3%. Mary Harras comes in third with 2.9% lost and Melody Carmichael is fourth with 2.7%. And coming in fifth is Elizabeth Raymond with 2.4% weight loss.

Consultants to assist MCCC’s internal governance Three potential consultants to help MCCC improve its internal governance will be visiting campus in the next two weeks.

In preparation for MCCC’s 2012 visit from the Higher Learning Commission, the college’s Institutional Governance Committee began a search for a consultant to help the college improve its employee communication and shared governance.

When the HLC approved a new 10-year accreditation for MCCC last year, it said the college needs to work more on its communication and shared governance, and scheduled another visit in 2012 to check on progress.

The committee narrowed a list of potential consultants to three, who will visit on the next two Fridays.

Here are the dates and times of the presentations, which will be in Room 259-260 of the La-Z-Boy Center.

Friday, January 28: CLARUS Corporation, 9-10 a.m.; Ahles and Associates, Noon-1 p.m.

Friday, February 4: Cyto Communications, 8:45 a.m.

Why is it socially acceptable to watch someone be curbstomped, or have their head torn off, but it is disgusting to show a butt or a boob?

For years, movies and video games have had a rating scale. As the rating goes up, the violence and sexual content increases. But the difference between “PG-13” and “R,” or Teen and Mature for video games, seems to be whether or not the entertainment in question contains nudity.

From this, and other observations I have made about our society, I have come to the conclusion that America as a whole accepts graphic violence and gore more than it accepts the human body, and I find this conclusion to be completely backwards.

The human body for centuries has been considered a work of art. The Greeks considered the human body to be a work of art, and many sculptors and painters used this idea to create the greatest works of art in history.

American society has turned what was once the biggest artistic inspiration into a piece of filth that should not be looked upon unless it is in the act of reproducing, and even that should be done in the dark.

What are we telling future generations? That sex and nudity are bad things, but in the right situations they are not, and are perfectly natural?

The majority of the world has come to terms with the thought of both public nudity and nudity Christina Clark in movies. In fact, the British Agora Reporter have little to no censorship at all.

This is not a bad thing.

All of the censorship, this un-rational fear of showing a butt or a boob is not helping future generations.

It’s slowly creating a world where no one is going to be comfortable taking their clothes off in any situation, whether it be on a wedding night, or even be comfortable in a bathing suit at the beach.

I’m also curious why most movie producers and game creators are much more willing to show full frontal female than male.

This is rather sexist and I want to know why, especially when the stereotype in this country is that if a female shows skin she’s “easy,” but if a male does he’s awesome.

This type of double standard, and fear of the human body can’t be doing as much good as we think it is.

But getting back to my original point, what is worse: violence or nudity?

More and more video games and movies are getting more and more of both. These aspects make for more interesting entertainment, but younger viewers are allowed to watch more violence than nudity.

There is a rating scale that is meant to keep children from watching violence in movies, but how well is that working?

My favorite Disney movie, The Lion King, involves a character murdering his own brother.

Episodes of Spongebob involve the characters driving off of a cliff.

Even a happy-go-lucky show like Dora the Explorer has a small form of violence, when Swiper tries to steal from her.

We may not realize it, but there is subtle violence all around; it’s not a big deal. With everything in moderation, a little violence won’t do much harm.

It’s the irrational fear of being naked that is the problem. Instead of ignoring sexuality, or worse, making it something disgusting, we should embrace it as something natural, beautiful, and educate younger people about it, rather than ostracize it.

Bottom line, we flock to death and pain, whereas we shy away from something that is perfectly natural.

American society has turned what was once the biggest artistic inspiration into a piece of filth.

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 you’d like to see in The Agora - it’s your newspaper.

Submissions of stories or photos also are welcome. E-mail them to agora@monroeccc.edu or bring them to our office.

Staff Members Editor Marissa Beste Assistant Editor Tyler Eagle News Editor Morgan Hofbauer Adviser Dan Shaw

Staff Nicole Bolster Mariah Bruce Christina Clark James Dluzen Matthew Mullins Jeff Papworth Joe Prestia Kayla Tubbs Whitney Patterson

Campus News

January 27, 2011

THE AGORA

3

Fitness Center underutilized by students Kayla Tubbs

Agora Reporter

With the New Year beginning, many people have made their new sets of resolutions.

But the fad to not be fat doesn’t seem to have reached MCCC’s own Fitness Center.

While many students and employees do use the workout facility, there are many more who do not, according to Karen Turner, Fitness Activities Coordinator.

“During the week, about 60 to 80 students use the Fitness Center per day,” Turner said.

There are often only three to four people using it at a time, however.

So where are all of the other people?

Alumnus Jason Childress, who works out at the center, said most students are more interested in gaming or other aspects of life than being in shape.

“I also think there is a misconception that you have to already be in pretty good shape to show up at a gym,” he said.

Dillion Messer, an MCCC student, said some students may not use the college fitness center for obsessive-compulsive reasons.

“The students who don’t use the Fitness Center may want a certain brand of equipment. Maybe they want more room,” Messer said.

According to Turner, all students are automatically given a free membership to the Fitness Center.

“Students should take advantage of this because if you’ve ever used a membership to a gym, they are expensive,” she said.

The YMCA of Monroe’s Web site says that a monthly membership for an adult is $31 and for a young adult it is $25. For a yearly membership, the cost for an adult is $374 and for a young adult is $300.

Snap Fitness charges $34.95 per month, plus an additional $49.95 enrollment fee for an adult membership.

Photo by Kayla Tubbs

Garrison Diehl (above) works with free weights for a quick workout between classes. The Fitness Center is free for all current MCCC students.

Anytime Fitness Center’s Web site says: “Monthly dues are generally less expensive than the average monthly cell phone bill.”

Sarah Schneider is an MCCC student in the Registered Nursing program and uses the Fitness Center almost daily.

“It’s a good reason [that it’s free] when you’re trying to pay for nursing school, because I used to go to Snap,” she said.

Three groups of people can use the Fitness Center, according to Turner.

“Students that are both credited and non-credited have free membership; all MCCC staff has free membership; and members of the alumni are given membership. An alumni member has to have 24 credit hours from MCCC and be a

part of the alumni association. They pay an alumni association fee of $15 and then a $50 membership fee per year. Guest passes are unavailable.”

The Fitness Center consists of a workout room, the gymnasium, and locker rooms. With the membership, students, alumni, and staff have access to all three.

The workout room has a wide range of different types of Hammer Strength weight-machines, free-weight dumbbells, Stairmaster training equipment, elliptical cross trainers, rowing machines, stationary bikes, stair steppers, life shapers, and treadmills.

To entertain members as they exercise, there are multiple TVs in front of the cardiovascular machines, and there is a

radio that plays through speakers around the room.

“Everything is nice,” Messer said.

“The equipment is nice, the facility is clean, and the equipment isn’t too old.

There’s not much that I don’t like about it.”

“Most of the time I work out and take classes at the YMCA here in Monroe,” Danielle Prusaitis, a 19-year-old first year student at MCCC, said.

“I go to the ‘Y’ for their fitness classes. I wish the college had more of those classes, like yoga.”

“I also wish they had more treadmills and elliptical machines because when it’s busy I have to wait to use them,” Prusaitis said.

Devin Kachar is a 19-year-old, second year student at MCCC and does not use the Fitness Center.

“I used it once, and wasn’t really impressed,” Devin said. “I like the facility as a whole. For cardio it’s good; they have good cardio and endurance machines, but I was not impressed with the overall weight-training department.

“The weight-machines seem out-dated compared to the 24-hr gyms in Monroe,” he said.

Kachar suggested that the Fitness Center should invest in not necessarily new equipment, but more of a variety, such as a bench press for guys who want to lift heavy weights.

As for starting new fitness classes, that project is already up and running. MCCC has built a whole program for non-credit classes through the Lifelong Learning department.

In this program, there is a wide range of classes from sports and recreation to computer training, business and professional development, medical, health, and wellness.

The fitness classes include different levels of yoga, tae kwon do, zumba dance fitness, belly dancing, and boot camp.

There also are personal trainers students can hire to help them succeed in losing weight, or just getting in better shape.

There even is a personal fitness trainer certification class for students who want to earn a personal trainer’s certificate.

Messer said he works out at the Fitness Center because it is convenient. Prusaitis said she likes the weight-room, and Schneider said she loves the hours the Fitness Center is open.

Messer and Prusaitis agreed that better advertising would help more students know about the Fitness Center.

“I don’t think everyone’s aware that it is even there.” Prusaitis said.

“If students don’t have a class in the health building, they usually don’t know the fitness center, (or the gym) even exists.”

Wasted paper, ink may lead to printing fee Matthew Mullins Agora Reporter

When an MCCC student prints a document on campus computers, a dialog box appears stating they will be charged $0.00 fee.

The dialog box can be ignored for now, but it signals the college plans to eventually charge students for printing.

Thousands of pages per day are printed by students. With the economy in the shape it is in, college officials are questioning whether they can afford to let students print for free.

Dan Schwab, MCCC’s Business Manager and Treasurer, said he wasn’t able to provide information on the amount currently spent by the college on student printing.

“These types of expenses are included in the supply accounts for each department responsible for the printing in their area. We do not have totals for just printing expenses,”

Schwab said.

Brian Lay, Manager of Information Systems at MCCC, said some students print out many pages at a time and throw away the majority of them.

He said no final decision has been made so far on the proposed print-and-pay system.

Lay also said that college officials are working on ways to curb the wasting of paper.

One way would be to help students learn more about their computers. Students should know that an easy way to save paper could be to e-mail the link or the content of the page to themselves.

Lay wants students to know that there are many other ways to receive information without having to print.

Other schools, such as Henry Ford Community College and Wayne County Community College, charge a 10 cent fee per printed page.

Some MCCC students say a charge wouldn’t bother them, considering the costs of ink and paper.

“It’s no problem at all; I just think the convenience is awesome,” Beth Laura, a student at MCCC, said.

But not everyone feels the same way.

“That’s nuts, especially when you have English classes that have 15-page papers and you are just trying to make ends meet as it is,” said Phil Borowski, an almost 2-year-student at MCCC. “I just hope they don’t do it.”

Other students approve the printing fees for environmental reasons.

“Going green is important right now; we have to do all we can to save paper and help the ecosystem,” said Shanna Swift, a first sememster student. “Paying for paper would lower the number of printed papers and help When a student prints a document, a window like the one pictured above appears. us recycle.”

MCCC teen balances life as mom, college student Continued from Page 1

a few C’s, but after I found out about Lilly, I worked to make my grades all A’s. It wasn’t easy.

I went to school all day and then I went to work. Any and all free time went to Lilly,” Campbell said.

During her time in high school, to help give her daughter the life she wanted, Campbell started working at Tim Hortons.

“I would go to school, to college (dual enrollment) and then work. Some days I would be gone from 9 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.,” Campbell said.

“I felt bad because it would fall on my mom. I think with teen moms their moms become their kid’s moms.”

On top of being pregnant, many of the Campbell’s friends through her freshman year of high school stopped talking to her. According to Campbell, she had two groups of friends: her party friends, who quit talking to her, and the friends she had before freshman year.

“My original friends were really shocked when they found out.

They knew me as this innocent girl. But they turned out to be the most supportive,” she said.

With the help of several teachers in high school, Campbell managed to make it through, graduating with honors.

“Teachers were really amazing.

They were caught off guard at first and they kind of were testing the water to see how to interact with me.”

One teacher in particular took Campbell under her wing and helped her prepare for motherhood.

“Julie Oddo pulled me outside of class and asked how she could help,” Campbell said. “She got me diapers and things.”

Oddo, a math teacher at Monroe High School, has nothing but good things to say about Campbell..

“Jodie was absolutely wonderful. She never used her pregnancy for excuses. She was very dedicated to her academics and never allowed her situation to get in the way,” Oddo said.

“She came to school up until the day before she delivered.

When she returned to school from the delivery of Lilly, she had all of her missing work completed and had to take a test that day she returned –and she aced it.”

Oddo looks back on Jodi as one of her most memorable students.

“I have had other pregnant students in my class and none of them have ever compared to Jodie.”

Monroe High School counselor Sandy Kreps also has accolades for Campbell.

“To be a mom and a student, at any age, is a huge challenge when juggling responsibilities.

I admired how Jodi never compromised her desire to be a great mom while staying on track and graduating on time. No easy feat, but one she achieved admirably,”

Kreps said.

Since coming to college, Campbell has noticed a big difference in how she is treated. In high school, everyone knew that she was a teen mom. In college, she doesn’t receive any special treatment.

“Here at MCCC it doesn’t really factor in,” Campbell said. “It is more common here for students to have children and stuff. It’s not bad, just different.”

Campbell is currently working towards an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice and managed a 4.0 GPA for the fall semester. She spends all of her free time with Photos by Tyler Eagle her daughter Lilly, who is doing Jodie Campbell loves spending time with her daughter. One of her favorite things to do is read to her. well.

“She is very smart and very sociable. We have all the learning toys for her.

“I know statistics say kids born from teen moms have problems with school, and I want to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Campbell said.

In the end, Campbell embraces her experiences as a teen mother.

She looks at the glass half-full.

“I know I can take on any bad situation. I know I can make it,” Campbell said.

“I don’t regret having Lilly.

Getting pregnant in high school made things harder than they had to be, but I wouldn’t change anything.

“I have Lilly now. She’s my world.”

4

THE AGORA

Campus News

January 27, 2011

Slurs to be omitted from Huckleberry Finn Classic Mark Twain novel to be published without racial remarks Whitney Patterson Agora Reporter

Photo by Whitney Patterson

Adjunct English professor William Barr.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a Mark Twain classic, is being “sanitized” by publishing company NewSouth Books.

Editors of NewSouth Books, led by Alan Gribben, have decided to replace the “n” word with the word “slave”, and “injun” with the word “Indian.”

Gribben decided to do this because he thinks this book is an important piece of literature that all should be allowed to read.

With the changed language, he hopes the school bans will be lifted, allowing younger generations more access to it.

This new edited version of the book has been criticized and approved of by

teachers, librarians, book lovers, and parents.

The main reason most don’t think the book should be edited is because it’s just sugar coating the history of American racism.

The ones who approve of it, like William Barr, an adjunct English professor at Monroe County Community College, do so because they don’t think kids should read the non-edited version until they are older and can understand the use of the language.

“Introducing a new version to them without the n-word is great because then they get to be introduced to Huckleberry Finn and then go back and compare it when they get to college,” Barr said.

Barr also says that the original book

shouldn’t be taught through 12th “Introducing a new version grade because if it is taught then, the meaning of the word and how it was to them without the n-word is used should be taught as well, and that would take too much time for just great because then they get to one book. be introduced to Huckleberry “As a teacher it’s too much work... what do you use a whole semester to Finn and then go back and teach the book and the word, the use compare it when they get to of the word, and the social connotations of the word today versus then,” college.”

Barr said.

William Barr So what would Mark Twain think Adjunct English professor about the change?

He died over 100 years ago, so we will never know what he thinks, but right word and the right word is a resomething he once said might give an ally large matter — it’s the difference idea of how he would feel. between the lightning bug and the light“The difference between the almost ning.”

One Book author visits MCCC in April

MCCC hosts blood drive, saves up to 150 people James Dluzen Agora Reporter

Blood is a precious gift that someone could give, and on Jan. 20 MCCC hosted a Red Cross Blood drive.

Fifty-two students and faculty gave blood that afternoon, amounting to 6.5 gallons of blood given.

That much blood could save up to 150 people. And with the Red Cross’ help, the blood will get to the right people.

Donating blood can be a scary thing to do but some students felt the need to give no matter what.

Tyler McCormick has donated blood four times over his life; once at high school and three more times at MCCC. “I feel really good about giving my blood to people who need it,” said McCormick.

James McBride to talk about memoir ‘The Color of Water’ during April 4 visit to college Mariah Bruce

Another student who gave blood was Candince Sallioltte. She has Photo by James Dluzen donated blood Tyler McCormick gave blood Jan. 20 in the cafeteria during the blood drive. six times in her her next class, otherwise she’ll be Durkin. life.

Donating blood does have a few “It’s because I know people who late.

“I was nervous, but I wanted to rules though. A person cannot doare suffering,” said Sallioltte. get to class,” said Poupard-Turill. nate if they have gotten a tattoo or Even though she has given blood That ultimatum just helped save piercing in the past year or have six times, she said she still gets nerbeen using blood thinners. three lives. vous each donation.

Although Durkin could not give Even though the blood drive was One student gives blood because blood he still donated his time and about people giving blood, the stuof vampires. Desirae Poupard-Turrill started donating blood because dent council had volunteers to help effort to the cause. He was at the of her fascination with vampires, with the paper work. Travis Dur- blood drive for five hours. He was but eventually that reason turned kin, co-historian for the student the person who watched the recovgovernment, wanted to give blood ery cantina, handed out the safety into helping people. booklets and gave water bottles to Poupard-Turrill has been ner- this year but couldn’t. people who needed them.

“I’ve given blood in the past, vous donating blood since her first The next Red Cross blood drive time, but she gives herself a dead- but can’t this year because of my at MCCC will happen on March 17 line. She has to give blood before tattoo. I have to wait a year,” said 2011.

Photos by James Dluzen

Fifty-two students and faculty members gave blood during the drive. Faculty member Tom Scheer (left) and student Kristina (right) participated.

Agora Reporter

Author and musician James McBride will be coming to the MCCC Meyer Theater, located in the La-Z-Boy Center, on April 4th to speak about his memoir, “The Color of Water.”

The memoir has been chosen for Monroe County’s “One Book, One Community” program.

“The program will help our county feel like we’re doing something together as a community,” said Cheryl Johnston, an English professor who helped bring Mcbride here.

In the past, Monroe has taken part in the “Big Read” program, but did not receive a grant this year.

“One Book, One Community” is a non-funded program, but is being made possible here in Monroe by community sponsors. Pearson Higher Education Publishing is making it possible for McBride photo by Matt Mullins to speak here.

“Anyone from 15 to 50 will relate Besides “The to this book,” said English profesColor of Water,” sor, Cheryl Johnson.

McBride.” has written two other novels, “Song Yet Sung” and “Miracle at St. Anna.”

He is also an accomplished musician, playing saxophone in his six-piece jazz and R&B band.

McBride has been a staff writer for the Boston Globe, The Washington Post and People Magazine, and a contributor to The New York Times, Rolling Stone and Essence.

He is a native New Yorker and received his Masters degree in Journalism at Columbia University. He is currently a Distinguished Writer in Residence at New York University.

One Book, One Community runs from March 15 April 15. An official calendar of events is expected to be released sometime next month. Plans for several community events such as book discussions, writing workshops, and film series are in the works.

“The Color of Water” is available for purchase in the MCCC Bookstore.

Blues music to be showcased in concert series Kayla Tubbs

Agora Reporter

For the 24th year in a row, Monroe County is proud to present another great year of celebrating Black History month with its annual Blues Series events!

The events are put together every year by the Monroe County Library system.

Each event consists of a concert put on by blues groups and individual artists.

The Blues Series began in 1988, whenRobert D. Jones, a popular Detroit Radio host from the show WDET’s “Blues from the Lowlands,” was asked by the Monroe County Library system to help celebrate Black History Month.

On a Friday night at the Navarre Branch Library, Jones played and nar-

rated blues songs for about 75 people.

“We considered that a success,” said Bill Reiser, the series coordinator for the MCLS. “So we invited Mr. Jones back in 1989 and added a local electric blues band to the event to both increase attendance and broaden the project’s view beyond the acoustic blues of Mr. Jones.”

The next year, the MCLS met Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation. Dixon’s foundation was created to keep the spirits of blues music alive and known.

Willie Dixon is a legend of the blues.

One of his popular songs is “Wang Dang Doodle.”

The MCLS was ecstatic when he agreed to take part in the Blues Series

event for free.

The turn-out for that year’s event was an incredible 650 music fans. Bill Reiser and the rest of the MCLS staff knew this was a start of a great thing.

Every year since, the Blues Series has accomplished Dixon’s mission to spread the word of the blues.

Next month, the Blues Series concerts will fall on every Tuesday with the theme, “Tuesdays are Bluesdays.”

All concerts are free and require no tickets. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Feb. 1 welcomes Arthur Migliazza, a pianist who will perform at the Carelton Branch Library. The show starts at 7 pm.

On Feb. 8, the Dorsch Memorial Library is hosting another concert. The

information as to who is performing has not been published yet.

On Feb. 15 will be “Bluesapalooza!” the county’s largest children’s music extravaganza. Mr. Seley & The Troublemakers will be performing fun, up-beat songs for kids to enjoy. The matinees are RSVP -only performances that will be held at MCCC’s Meyer Theater.

Also on Febr. 15, later in the evening, “The Pretty Big Gig!” will perform, also at MCCC in the Meyer Theater.

“The Pretty Big Gig!” this year is starring the blues group The Starlight Six. The concert will start at 7 p.m. and seating is first-come, first-serve.

On Feb. 22, a local Blues band, The Macpodz, will be performing at the Bedford Branch Library. This show starts at

7 p.m.

On Saturday, Feb. 26, the annual Blues Series will end on a high note with “The Big Gig!” This will be Monroe County’s 24th annual Black History Month blues concert, starring The Holmes Brothers, The Ebony Hillbillies, and Rev. Robert B. Jones.

The mass concert will be held at MCCC’s Meyer Theater and the doors will open at 6 p.m.

Enjoy the music and be a part of celebrating Black History Month!

For more information on Monroe County’s 24th Annual Black History Month, Blues Series, check out this website: www.monroe.lib.mi.us/blues.htm.

Or call this number: (734) 241-5770.

Campus News

January 27, 2011

THE AGORA

5

Library of Congress comes to Monroe

Photo by Joe Prestia

The Library of Congress visited Monroe County Community College when its traveling exhibit parked in front of the La-Z-Boy Center.

Traveling exhibition called “The Gateway to Knowledge” parks in front of La-Z-Boy Center Joe Prestia

Agora Reporter

The spirit and history of the Library of Congress rolled into town for a visit aboard a traveling exhibition dubbed, “The Gateway to Knowledge” this month.

“We have three primary goals. First is to get people familiar with the Library of Congress, because they’re not. The second thing is to get people to go to the website and learn more about all of the resources that are available through the Library of Congress.

The third goal is to get people to go to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.”, said Mike Crosson, a program developer for MRA Experiential Tours And Equipment who

worked with the Library of Congress to help design the exhibit.

The exhibition, which is mounted on an 18-wheel custom semi rig that expands to three times the trailer’s road width, was parked at the main campus Jan. 4-5.

Inside, the first wall is lined with a brief history of the library, recalling its conception in 1800, its burning down in 1814 and 1851, the John Adams and James Madison buildings eventually added to the complex in order to facilitate the collection’s rapid growth, the addition of the National Audio Visual Conservation Center to the library, and the Jefferson Building’s recent restoration.

Alongside the library’s history are many photographs of the building throughout time, and a picture of the Jefferson Building’s great hall, showing its intricate artwork and architecture, with the photo focusing on a large painting mounted atop the main staircase depicting Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and the arts.

The next portion of the exhibit featured a bust of Thomas Jefferson and briefly explained his involvement with the Library of Congress.

Jefferson offered to sell his personal book collection to Congress after the library’s destruction in 1814, but

would only sell it as a whole.

When some members of Congress doubted the need to buy the entirety of the collection due to its diverse subject matter, Jefferson retorted, “There is, in fact, no subject to which a member of Congress might not have occasion to refer.”

In 1815 Congress agreed to purchase all 6,487 books in Jefferson’s collection for $23,950, and by doing so laid a new foundation on which the library was rebuilt.

The exhibit also stressed how Jefferson kept such scrutinous records of his library and how this helped rebuild his collection after onethird of it was lost in the 1851 fire.

“They’ve rebuilt about ninety percent of it. Most things that haven’t been replaced are pamphlets and things like that”, said Josh Van Gelder, who with his wife Abigail form a duo of docenttrucker hybrids who operate the exhibition across the country year-round.

The rest of the exhibition is arranged in three sections: memory, reason, and imagination; the same fashion in which Jefferson arranged his library.

Included are short histories and facsimiles of items such as a first edition of the 1455 Guttenberg Bible, the 1507 Waldseemüller map, the Huexotzinco Codex, the first draft of the Declaration of Independence including changes and side-

notes by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, a Bell Lab notebook, the first-ever copyrighted 1894 motion picture, “Fred Ott’s Sneeze,” ancient Persian calligraphy, song manuscripts written by Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Morton, who is described as Americas first jazz composer, a first edition copy of Walt Whitman’s “Leaves Of Grass,” and a copy of the first “Spider-Man” comic by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.

At opposite ends of the exhibition, televisions play featurettes about the Library of Congress and its vast resources, while computers stationed in the central area of the exhibition allow visitors to explore the library’s enormous digital collection, which contains more than 19 million items.

The tour will stop in 60 locations on its voyage, most of which are in small towns and rural locations throughout the Midwestern and Southern states.

Funding for the “Gateway to Knowledge” tour was provided by a philanthropic group known as the James Madison Council, and was the idea of Abby and Emily Rapoport, granddaughters of founding council members Audre and Bernie Rapoport.

For more information about the Library of Congress, the “Gateway to Knowledge” exhibition, or to access the Library of Congress’s trove of digital resources, visit its website at www.loc.gov.

AlertNow system informs students of opening status Nicole Bolster Agora Reporter

MCCC has many ways for students and faculty to be notified of an emergency, such as a snow storm or power outage.

The primary method of announcing a school closure is the AlertNow System, which sends text messages, e-mails, and calls to everyone who is registered for the system.

The college also displays on its Web site when there is a closure or delay. And there is a number available to call for the

campus status, 734-384-4223.

The AlertNow System has already been used once this semester. The college used the system to announce a twohour delay on Jan. 12.

After the delay, the number of people registered for the AlertNow System increased, according to Randy Daniels, Vice President of Student and Information Services. There are now 4,264 people registered for the system.

“This is the most we have had sign up for the system since it has been started,” Daniels said.

The AlertNow system was first

launched last year. To register for the Alert Now, simply go on the college Web site and click on the AlertNow Notification link on the right hand side of the home page. Students should allow seven days for the information to be uploaded into the system.

When the system has an alert, the caller ID displays a 411 number and, if unanswered, leaves a voicemail. On Jan. 12, some people were unable to hear the message when the phone was answered, Daniels said.

In this case, he said, students or employees should press any number key

on the phone (1-9) and the message will replay.

For the Jan. 12 delay, the system sent out around 3,800 emails, 5,500 voicemails, and 3,200 text messages, Daniels said. It took the system 20 minutes to send all of the messages.

The system will make four attempts at any number and/or e-mail given. For example, if there is only one number for a person, the system will attempt calling the number four times.

If someone also has registered an email address, cell phone number and house number, the system will send an

e-mail, call both numbers and send a text.

Daniels is in charge of deciding whether it is safe enough for students and faculty to come to campus.

“I drive around at 4:30 in the morning and talk with the maintenance guys at the college to see how the campus is looking,” Daniels said.

The AlertNow system only works if a person is registered, however. Also, the system does not delete the information when students leave MCCC. To stop receiving these alerts, students can go to the Web site and remove the information from the system.

MCCC Library provides valuable online resources Tyler Eagle

Agora Reporter

MCCC’s library has several resources that are available to students.

Barbara McNamee, the director of learning resources, praises the usefulness of the databases.

“The biggest resource the library has to offer are the databases. They provide 24 hour access to library from home. It’s really beneficial.

Students aren’t as dependent on us being open as students were 15 years ago,” McNamee said.

Around two dozen databases are accessible to students. Whether it be on campus or from home, so long as a student has an active library card and is enrolled for classes that semester, the databases offer a wide range of information.

One database that is useful for school projects is CQ Researcher, which stands for Congress Quarterly. Articles found in this database are originally written for members of Congress and have very detailed components, such as sub categories for timelines, facts and quotes.

Reference books are also very useful materials. The college’s collection is as extensive as it can be, and new books are added to meet the curriculum as it changes and grows.

“There is this perspective that you can get everything online. The reference books allows students to

get at things quickly. We’d like to see students use them more often,” McNamee said.

Another service offered by the library is interlibrary loan. If a student cannot find a certain book or academic reference, the library can find a copy at another location, such as Eastern Michigan University or any other community college, and set it up so that the student would be able to receive the book as if it were part of MCCC’s collection.

Students seeking this service would have to fill out a form at the circulation desk and when the book came in, standard borrowing periods would apply.

The library also has more than 300 periodicals available for students to view and copy for research.

Located in the room designated for quiet study, current issues are displayed on racks.

Many of the magazines are selected because they support the curriculum and can be referenced in assignments. Issues dating as far back as fifteen years can also be requested since the library keeps them on file. In order to access back issues, a student must fill out a slip and a library employee will pull the magazines.

The librarians are there to help the students, according McNamee.

“We’d like you to think of us as your expert helpers,” McNamee said.

Photo by Matthew Mullins

Students Jooyoung Baek and Eunjung Bae use computers in the library between classes.

6 THE AGORA

A&E

January 27, 2011 Photo by Marissa Beste

Gary Grantham (left) and Gary Hagen of The Long Run Experience the Eagles jam along to an Eagles’ song.

Rock & Roll comes alive Tribute bands wow crowd at Meyer Theater Jaymes Dluzen Agora Reporter

They said rock and roll was dead, but a rockin’ show on Jan. 21 at MCCC brought it back from the grave.

The American Rock & Roll: A Tribute to the Eagles, ZZ Top and CCR show at Meyer Theater excited the crowd and moved some feet.

People were lined up outside the theater doors all trussed up in their band t-shirts eager to get in. Once inside the concert hall the seats quickly filled to a full house, jam packed with nostalgic fans.

The show started off with an amusing rendition of ZZ Top, performed by Fang-

dango! Tribute to ZZ Top. Songs included Sharp Dressed Man, Gimme All Your Lovin and ended up with the famous La Grange. The beards where swinging and the audience was clapping along.

After the hard rock of ZZ Top, Bradley Ford, teaming up with Fangdango, went down south with his John Fogerty persona in a tribute to Credence Clearwater Revival.

Showing off the signature ascot, Ford decided to involve the fans in the show.

On his cue were many ‘yeehaw’s and over-the-head clapping. Many of CCR’s best songs were covered by the band, including Susie Q, Who’ll Stop the Rain, and Born on the Bayou.

After a quick intermission, the show

got rearing again with The Long Run Experience the Eagles. The band whipped out a couple of keyboards and even a double necked guitar, as they proceeded to blow the minds of the audience.

With grace and skill, The Long Run played the biggest hits of the Eagles, like Hotel California, Heartache Tonight, and Take it Easy. During the music experience some of the VIPs started to show off their dance moves.

To wrap up the show, all the entertainers decided to team up together and play Proud Mary, a large and flashy ending to some of the top rock and roll songs. That ending earned the bands a standing ovation from the audience and a few even shouted ‘encore’.

Photos by Marissa Beste

Left photo: Ron Ota (left) and Bradley Ford perform a Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival. Above: Ron Ota (left) and Mike Franceschini of Fandango! rock out to a tribute to ZZ Top.

Big Band makes big bang at Meyer Theater Matthew Mullins

3-D movie craze is here to stay Morgan Hofbauer Agora Reporter

Photo by Matthew Mullins

Agora Reporter

The Monroe Big Band performs at the Meyer Theater Jan. 15.

Picture Frank Sinatra singing his best in MCCC’s own Meyer Theater on Jan. 15. You couldn’t have gotten any closer than the Monroe Big Band featuring Kevin Sands, Joel Zmuda and Lisa Young.

Kevin Sands has that undeniable charm, charisma and voice.

You would think Sinatra was standing right in front of you.

Sands belted out chart toppers such as, “Come Fly With Me,” “Fly me to the Moon” and “I’m Gonna live till I Die.” His impressive vocals and presence left the audience clapping long after each song.

Joel Zmuda came out like a natural sinning that delightful tunes of the 60’s and 70’s such as “Me and Mrs. Jones” and “It had to be you.”

Zmuda was very enthusiastic about the nights turn out.

“I appreciate everybody coming out, certainly is nice for us to all join together; our three vocalists Kevin and Lisa and I, and Monroe’s band has been around a long time. We are having fun here, getting booked into this venue here. We appreciate everyone helping us, letting us show our abilities,” Joel said.

The beautiful Lisa Young sparked like lighting. She sang numbers such as “Georgia”,”Sunny” and “Baby it’s Cold Outside” along with Joel Zmuda.

The audience was pleased with the night’s performance.

“I loved the lady up there. She certainly knew how to work a crow,” Jeff Conrick, 48 of Trenton said.

“Young is a natural performer with extraordinary singing abili-

ties. She could definitely stand her own with the best,” Conrick said.

The main part of the act was the Monroe Big Band itself. The band is composed of different music teachers from around the area.

Each performer holding amazing talents that they sure proved to the audience; from different soloists to perfect harmonies, you could feel the power in every note hit.

“There is nothing like real instruments live,” Tim Lentner, the band leader who also plays the tenor saxophone, said.

The band has spectacular players, delightful singers and they even invite the audience to dance on stage with them. It is an allaround great show. You will leave with a smile on your face, that’s a guarantee.

For anyone as sick of 3-D as I am, beware of 2011.

There are 32 3-D movies to be released over the next year, which is a 28 percent increase from 2010.

Although ‘pros’ like better quality and cinematic experience weigh strong with the flashy technology introduced in recent years, many heavy ‘cons’ push back.

Firstly, it’s no longer a decision to see a movie in 3-D. To see any of the top box office hits, be prepared to fumble with the dorky glasses.

Every popular film series, modern remakes, and most of the nation’s top directors are consumed by the 3-D craze, whether for hopeful publicity or the extra cash.

Viewers should be concerned with a continuing price hike for 3-D films. After increasing 20 percent over 2010, an additional $5 fee is to be added throughout this next year, according to Hollywood News.

Phoenix Theaters, Monroe’s movie theater located in the Frenchtown Mall, has kept the same price since 2009: $11.50.

Still, that’s $3 more than a 2-D ticket.

According to a survey by BTIG Research Analyst Richard Greenfield, 77 percent of movie-goers

already thought the price for 3-D was too high in July 2010.

“It is pretty clear from the [respondent] comments that they are not happy with the movie exhibition industry and are clearly differentiating between paying ‘up’ for movies like Avatar vs. less exciting, lower quality movies,” Greenfield said in a statement.

Beside the strain of 3-D movies on your wallet, also be worried about your head and stomach.

3-D Films in 2011: The Green Hornet; Sanctum; Gnomeo and Juliet; Drive Angry; Justin Beiber: Never Say Never; Mars Needs Moms; Thor; Priest; Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides; Kung Fu Panda 2; Green Lantern; Cars 2; Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part II; Captain America; The Smurfs; Conan the Barbarian; Fright Night; Spy Kids 4; Final Destination 5; Piranha 3DD; Dolphin Tale; The Three Musketeers; Contagion; Puss in Boots; Immortals; Happy Feet 2; Arthur Christmas; Hugo Cabret; Sherlock Holmes 2; Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked; and The Adventures of Tin-Tin

A few months after Avatar was released, the New York Times published, “The Claim: 3-D Movies can Induce Headaches and Sickness.”

The article states that because of necessary unnatural eye movements, some 3-D movie-goers experienced headaches, nausea, blurred vision and other motion sickness symptoms.

Human eyes respond to approaching objects in two ways: by converging inward to follow the movement, and by changing the shape of the lens to better focus on the object and maintain a clear image, the article explained.

The latter process is called visual accommodation.

“A 3-D object flying off the screen causes sensory conflict.

The eyes rotate inward to follow it, but they must also maintain a fixed focus on the display surface,” the article stated.

“So they converge without accommodating, an uncoupling of two natural processes that – over the course of a long movie – can be stressful.”

So 3-D movies have caused motion sickness, headaches, and a rise in movie prices, in addition to eliminating other 2-D alternatives.

Although 3-D appears to be the popular trend for director’s in 2011, the public’s appreciation may quickly slip.

2010 Review

January 27, 2010

THE AGORA

7

MCCC milestones from 2010 Morgan Hofbauer Agora reporter

The college was busy in 2010.

From retirements and congressional debates, to faculty negotiations and a Chinese delegation, MCCC underwent changes, improvements, and some chaotic experiences.

Here are some highlights: • Winter 2010 enrollment records were shattered for the second time at MCCC. Student enrollment gained 5 percent, while credit hours went up by 9.5 percent.

• The Blues Brothers performed to a full house at the Meyer Theater on Jan. 23.

• On Jan. 25, a ceiling on contact hours at MCCC was proposed to the Board of Trustees, but was rejected at the February meeting.

Architectural drawings for a new Career Technology Center on MCCC’s campus were released in March. By the end of 2010, funding was in place and plans were set in motion to make the new building feasible.

Photo by Ashley Hammer

The grand opening for the Learning Bank was on Feb. 6, at the Arthur Lesow Community Center.

• On Feb. 6, the Learning Bank, which provides adult basic education and GED preparation, opened its doors for the first time. MCCC partnered with 13 other Monroe County organizations to make the institution possible.

tions on MCCC’s campus were discussed for a new Career Technology Center and presented at a regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting.

• In April, tuition rates for Fall raised from $67 to $72 for in-county students.

• On March 31, two possible loca-

• Congressional candidates John Dingell and Rob Steele debated at the Meyer Theater on Oct. 20.

• Earth Day, April 22, was celebrated at MCCC with a rededication of the observatory and new deck by the Math and Science Society.

• Between March 3 and 10, the MCCC Bookstore had $8,000 worth of merchandise stolen. The thief was never caught.

• The Agora staff visited New York City to attend the College Media Advisors Spring National Convention journalism conference from March 12 through 16.

• Public Access, a local TV sitcom featuring MCCC students, alumni and English professor Bill McCloskey, premiered on Sept. 28.

• The Higher Learning Commission granted MCCC a 10-year accreditation in May, with the provision of a follow-up visit in 2013.

In March, the bookstore suffered a loss after this suspect stole $8,000 worth of goods.

The MCCC observatory was rededicated by MASS on Earth Day.

Take the next step!

Complete your bachelor’s degree with CMU Online.

• Dr. Cynthia Roman took over as the new MCCC dean of Health Sciences Division and director of Nursing on May 24.

• The stars of Beatlemania performed at the La-Z-Boy Center on Oct. 22.

Agora photo by Marissa Beste

The Stars of Beatlemania entertained a crowded Meyer Theater.

• The MCCC Nursing Program received accreditation from the Nursing Accrediting Commission in November.

• On June 11, eligible MCCC employees announced their decisions on an early retirement plan proposed by the state; of the 50 employees qualified, 17 accepted.

• On June 25, Animal Planet star Jeff Corwin came to Monroe to help dedicate the River Raisin Heritage Trail, and spoke at MCCC on the importance of saving endangered species.

• In July, MCCC employees Sue Wetzel and Dan Schwab were promoted to fill the position left by Tim Bennett, former vice president of Business Affairs, who accepted the state’s retirement plan in June.

• We’re transfer credit friendly • You complete your degree from home • No entrance exams required

• On July 19, Victoria McIntyre settled into her new position as executive assistant to the president and Board of Trustees, replacing Lynn Goldsmith who was one of the 17 retirees.

Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Leadership Studies – Online

• Penelope Dunn, a Criminal Justice professor, joined the MCCC faculty in August.

This program offers you a solid base in leadership studies plus a specialized track in one of three areas: • Enterprise Leadership – the corporate track • Military Services Leadership – the military track • Public Sector Leadership – the non-profit & gov’t track Photo by Marissa Beste

Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology – Online Better understand human behaviors and enhance your interpersonal skills. This online degree prepares you for management positions where understanding people is fundamental to team success.

According to salary.com, on average, a person with a bachelor’s degree earns $10,000 more per year than a person with an associate’s degree.

More online bachelor’s degree programs are available. Check out cmich.edu/online.

Your future starts now.

Apply today!

We make it possible. Central Michigan University Online.

Call toll-free 877-268-4636 today!

cmich.edu/online

cmuoffcampus@cmich.edu

CMU, an AA/EO institution, strongly and actively strives to increase diversity within its community (see www.cmich.edu/aaeo). www.cmich.edu/offcampus 29861a 12/10

Former retiree Lynne Goldsmith and board member Mary Kay Thayer embrace at the Retiree Recognition Breakfast.

Photo by Denise Kukwa

The solar panels installed by DTE energy are located on the far East side of the MCCC campus.

• Ground was broken on Nov. 15 to begin the installation of a $3 million solar panel project on MCCC’s campus, as part of DTE Energy’s SolarCurrents program.

• The Michigan legislature approved MCCC’s Construction Authorization for the proposed Career Technology Center on Dec. 3.This action provided MCCC with the state funding for 50 percent of the construction costs.

• On Dec. 18, the MCCC faculty contract was approved by the Board of Trustees at a special meeting.

The previous contract expired in August and was met by months of negotiations. The new contract will expire in August 2012.

Photo by Marissa Beste

• A retirement breakfast banquet for the 17 retirees was held on Aug. 25.

Above: Animal Planet Star Jeff Corwin spoke about endangered species at the Meyer Theater on June 25.

• On Sept. 22, six delegates from a Chinese college visited MCCC to discuss an international partnership.

Below: Members of the Chinese delegation admired art in MCCC’s library while touring the campus.

Photo by Christina Clark

8

THE AGORA

Sports

January 27, 2011

V-ball team improving at mid-season Players working on communication and chemistry Jeff Papworth Agora Reporter

Communication is still the main concern among coaches and players on the MCCC volleyball team as they reach the mid-point of the season.

In league play on Jan. 19, they lost two of three games.

Player Holly Morin was unimpressed with both the team’s play and her own performance.

Morin said one of the team’s biggest weaknesses is not knowing how to handle free balls.

Morin did find some positives in the game.

“I think passes were pretty good today, and our serving was pretty good.” she said.

MCCC volleyball player Amelia Contreras had the similar thoughts on how the league games went.

“We didn’t really show it in the first couple games, but the third game was pretty good,” Contreras said.

There were a lot more positives drawn from the previous week’s game against the Wayne State Volleyball Club.

“I think it was good, I mean we’re improving a lot and there were a lot of things you could see we had improved on,” Contreras said.

The team chemistry seems to be improving despite new players joining the team and other players quitting.

Contreras said she now knows where everyone wants the ball to be set.

Assistant coach Chrystal Caldwell said the player who has improved the most over the course of the season is Sammy Ballard.

Caldwell said the communication problems should be solved when they can figure out what position each player is best suited for.

She also pointed to Amelia Contreras and Leigh Toeppe as the players who have stepped up as leaders this season.

The Volleyball Club is scheduled to play in a tournament in Ann Arbor on Jan. 29 and also plans to host a tournament on Feb. 19.

Photos by Jeff Papworth

Assistant coach Chrystal Caldwell, left, talks to the MCCC volleyball team after the Jan. 19 games. At midseason the team is improving, according to Caldwell, buy has struggled with communication as new players are added and others leave.

Super Bowl features quarterback match-up Jeff Papworth Agora Reporter

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers will leave their colder confines to play in Jerry’s World in Dallas, Texas, for the Lombardi trophy.

Most odds-makers have the Packers as a two-point favorite.

The last time the Packers and Steelers matched up against each other was at the end of the regular season a year ago.

It was a phenomenal game that ended with a phenomenal catch for a touchdown by Pittsburgh receiver Mike Wallace with zero seconds remaining to win the game 37-36.

Quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger combined for 915 total yards in that game.

As impressive as the stats look for Roethlisberger and Rodgers, they have both had to face their own obstacles.

Aaron Rodgers had to replace the beloved Brett Favre, but he has made the transition seamlessly.

Rodgers and Steve Young are the only two NFL quarterbacks

Michigan well represented Twelve players from Michigan universities are represented on the Super Bowl rosters. But it’s not just graduates from the Big 10 powerhouses. Players come from:

Michigan – 4 EMU – 2 WMU – 1 to accomplish the feat of following legends (Young followed Joe Montana in San Francisco).

On the other hand, most of Roethlisberger’s obstacles have been caused by himself. Since Roethlisberger arrived in the league, controversy has surrounded him.

Roethlisberger was suspended four games this season for violating the leagues personal conduct policy.

Just like Rodgers, he responded. The Steelers won three of their first five games with Roethlisberger back and then went on a tear and won six out of their last seven games in the regular sea-

CMU – 4 MSU - 1

son.

Despite one of the largest stadiums in the NFL hosting Super Bowl 45, tickets remain sparse and expensive. The cheapest ticket on StubHub to get inside the stadium is $2,470.

They are also offering tickets on StubHub to view the game outside the stadium on a big screen TV for $294.50.

The old moniker that defense wins championships rings true in this Super Bowl.

The Steelers ended the season ranked No.1 in points allowed and the Packers finished ranked No.2.

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UM has new coach, new hope Nicole Bolster Agora Reporter

The University of Michigan has a new head coach and a new direction.

After a stretch that may have been the worst in Michigan football history, Athletic Director Dave Brandon decided it was time to part ways with Head Coach Rich Rodriguez on Jan. 5.

Rodriguez had been the football coach for the Wolverines for the past three seasons. He was previously the head coach for West Virginia.

The University of Michigan had been known as the winningest program in college football history, but with Rodriguez as the coach the Wolverines went 15-22 over the three seasons.

It did not take long for the Wolverines to find

the 19th coach in the program’s history. Six days after Rodriguez was fired, former Wolverine asistant coach Brady Hoke was introduced.

Hoke comes to Michigan after showing his coaching skills with both Ball State and San Diego State. Hoke is a true “Michigan Man,” after spending eight years on the staff, including the 1997 national championship team.

UM fans are hopeing Hoke can help the team return to its former status.

“It’s been hard being a Michigan fan lately, so I’m really hoping Brady Hoke can do for the University of Michigan what he did at his previous two stops,” MCCC student Matthew Pitcher said.

“He wasn’t many people’s first choice and he definitely wasn’t mine, but I’m willing to give it a chance,” Pitcher said.