10-1-2003

Inside...

Editorial.................pg. 2 Campus News........pg. 3 Feature...................pg. 4 Feature.................. pg. 5 A & E......................pg. 6 In the Mix..............pg. 7 Spotlight................pg. 8

AGORA

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MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

October 1, 2003

VOLUME 46

ISSUE 1

Nixon takes charge, Bush takes stage MCCC welcomes new president, goals

By Greta Schartner Reporter

The winds of change are sweeping through Monroe County Community College (MCCC). This includes a new college president, Dr. David Nixon.

Nixon first heard of the opening at MCCC through the consulting team that assisted in the search for a new president, the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). He was referred to the college website.

“When I looked at the website at Monroe County Community College, everything I saw…I liked, and it encouraged me…to apply for the job,” Nixon said. He

applied at two other colleges before accepting the position.

“My experiences at a community college mirrored Monroe County Community College. All of the things they were listing, that they were looking for in a president, I had done, and had a lot of experience at doing them,” he said.

Nixon began his career in radio and television, including anchoring the Photo courtesyof MCCC 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. news in Fall 2003 marks the beginning Iowa. He began teaching of Dr. David Nixon’s presidency radio and television in 1991 at MCCC. at Iowa Lakes Community had never even heard of College, where he taught for Monroe. His wife, Judy, 12 years. traveled with him from their Before learning about home in Emmetsburg, Iowa the presidential position at for the interview. They agreed MCCC, Nixon said that he

that Monroe would be a nice place to live.

Nixon believes being new to Michigan benefits the college as well as himself.

“I think that there is an advantage to being an outsider, and that is, I have no biases…therefore, I feel I can be fair and objective when making decisions. I believe in integrity, hard work, and being nice to other people,” he said.

Nixon also faces the task of making the final decision on whowill be the next college vice president.

“The most fair and equitable way to seek new employees is to open it up to everyone. …whether they are here in the college or outside the

college, they will go through a screening process much like I did for the [college] presidency,” he explained.

The applicants will be narrowed down to three or four, and the best candidate will be obvious.

The fourth President of MCCC plans to hold the position as long as the trustees will have him.

“My goal is to be able to satisfy the requirements of the students, faculty, and staff, hoping the trustees will evaluate my performance favorably. We are all at the center of this process for the students, and in a student centered environment…we are the stakeholders in the student’s success,” Nixon said.

Bush visits DTE Monroe Power Plant

By Crystal Pierce Editor

President Bush visited Detroit Edison’s Monroe Power Plant on Sept. 15 to speak about environmental protection, energy reliability, and national and economic security.

Detroit Edison’s coalfired power plant is one of the largest in the country.

Surrounded by members of Local 223, Utility Workers Union of America, Bush spoke of national security, referring to Sept. 11, 2001 and expressing thanks to those currently serving in the U.S. military forces.

The President explained changes in the federal regulations involving energy production and environmental protection. He also acknowledged an employee of Detroit Edison, Claire Jennings, for her efforts at preserving the wildlife habitats and wetland

a r e a s surrounding the Monroe Power Plant.

Monroe C o u n t y Community C o l l e g e President Dr. David Nixon said, “I thought it was great that the nation’s President came to Monroe for the purpose of acknowledging efforts by D e t r o i t Edison to p r o d u c e e n e r g y cleaner and m o r e efficiently.” “ I wish the President would have had time to

Photo courtesy of Randy Spaulding

President George W. Bush speaks to an audience of utility workers, local officials, and community members. He gave his speech on Sept. 15.

visit the campus of Monroe County Community College so that more students would have had a chance to see or meet him. In the future we will make every effort to

invite high profile government, business, community leaders, and celebrities to our campus as part of the educational experience for our students,” President Nixon added.

In his s p e e c h , President Bush also l i n k e d America’s n a t i o n a l security to our economic security.

“There’s still people looking for work…we’ve got to continue to try to create the conditions necessary for job growth,” Bush said.

MCCC’s President expressed the relationship b e t w e e n unemployment and college enrollment, noting the

related increase.

Many have also faced unemployment since the change in administration and policies at power plants.

“I think it’s ironic that I got three days of work to clean the [Monroe Power Plant] up,” Kevin Rice, member of Laborers’ Local 465, said, “but last year, when Clinton’s policy was still in effect, I worked 60 hours a week [there] for eight months.”

Dr. Joanna Briganti, Professor of Political Science at MCCC, said, “My opinion on the reason [Bush] visited the Monroe Plant is that they’re in the begining of campaign visits.

H e ’s reaching out to workers in industry sectors who might have a tendency to vote for the democratic candidate.”

For more information on environmental efforts visit www.epa.com.

The Agora page 2 October 1, 2003

Monroe County Community College

EDITORIAL

Hazardous roads: our fault?

By Nathan Lyke Copy Editor Picture this: you are driving down Raisinville Rd., on your way to the first class of the semester. A pleasant summer wind whips through the windows fighting back the heat from the smoldering sun. Just then something smashes into the back windshield. Before you have a moment to think about what just happened you hear something collide with your windshield and notice that it cracked.

The culprit? Rocks put down by the road commission to supposedly help the everyday drivers of Monroe.

This process is called a chip seal project, a low cost way to fix the road and at the same time, extend its life by three to seven years. If you talk to me I would tell you that they threw too many

Sticks and stones may break your windshield rocks on the road that are now damaging vehicles and, in a couple cases, injuring people as well.

Not to mention that they picked one of the most inopportune times to do it, the beginning of the fall semester.

By Sept. 10, Chris Sims, Administrative Assistant of the Industrial Technology Division, already collected 41 reports of car damage from faculty and

students, not including one student who was actually hit in the hand by a rock on the way to an on campus orientation.

Just imagine how many more people may have unreported damage or injury in the county if there are already over 40 cases here at MCCC alone. In a Monroe Evening

Agora photo by Nathan Lyke

Lyke’s windshield shows the result of unkept roads in Monroe County.

Twist

Garried in June As a student of language, I propose that society adopt a precise, objective designation for a same-sex legal union. The proposal is one of the logic and usefulness of precise language, and does not touch upon moral or other issues.

I suggest that a same-sex legal union be designated garriage. Such a term presents numerous advantages and might eliminate angry arguments from all groups.

For thousands of years marriage has designated a widely respected, legal malefemale union. Respect is naturally highly desired by virtually all human groups.

Garriage is a precise, objective term that would show respect for gay people. Gays who argue that they want their union to

be called marriage should remind themselves that if we want respect, the beginning is to respect other groups. Call a gay union marriage as much as we will, it is not marriage, because it defies the powerful precedent of so designating male-female union.

By referring to legal gay union as garriage, we are not criticizing, not passing moral judgment, not being unkind or arrogantly superior. A gay union can be just as close, deeply intimate, loving, and spiritual as any marriage that ever existed, but its own precise designation might bring some peace to troubled people of various persuasions.

By Grant Strickland, Associate Professor of English

Blackout 2003:

The youth of today

off the road in one to two working days. In approximately one week the sealing is that quick and easy in Oregon, why were people still getting hit by loose stones over a week and a half after the chip sealing was done.

See Roads, page 7

As my car lies dying Bob Oliver’s

Letter to the Editor...

News article, Nancy Tienvieri, a spokeswoman for the road commission said, “We followed the chip seal process that we follow all over the county.”

After reading this I received an online document originating in Marion County, Oregon, that stated, “county maintenance crews will sweep excess gravel

Ah, the end of another summer. Less pay, more work, and a trunk full of memories inside a car that is falling apart.

Not a metaphorical car, but a real life 184,000 mile clunker that surprises me every morning that it starts. I have had the beast for almost four years now, and it has been in the family for probably seven.

It was given to me after I completely handicapped my first car by driving way too fast down dusty country roads.

Usually at night, of course, when the probability of being pulled over is minimal, which it always is in South Rockwood.

But that was my first car, and it has its own stories and memories. We should be talking about my present car, the Spirit.

It was a fine car when I got it, and in many ways it still is. In fact, I believe that many of its problems stem from age, not erratic driving.

I blame age for why the car shakes horribly through every gear every time I come to a complete stop. Not just some light bounce that I could replicate with a loud stereo, but a horrible crash that makes me think that the fluid pan just exploded off the transmission with fantastic force.

The force can only be judged by feel. I am no longer able to

hear anything other than incredibly loud and highpitched sounds over the fine rumble of my catalytic converter. I have no muffler.

There is a lot more wrong with the car (suspension, brakes, leaking covers, blown Kanooter valve), but we’ll stop there for space restrictions. Hopefully, the car will stay reasonably healthy and allow me several thousand more miles.

If not, I imagine something can be worked out.

Besides taking caution on questionable roads I can try to protect everything that still works on the car. How? I don’t know. But if worse comes to worse I know I can always drill out the VIN numbers and push the car into a swamp.

Change confronts all

By Crystal Pierce Editor Change. It exists in countless forms and confronts us every day. We’ve started a new semester, new classes, met new people. We start new jobs and new roles, and we feel our perspectives evolve with new experiences.

It’s strange, isn’t it? We resist change, deny it is happening; sometimes we fight it as if it would kill us. It is often difficult.

Intimidating. Change can be stressful, sorrowful: it can be scary!

But it doesn’t have to be negative. Change really isn’t all bad. Often it requires us (forces us) to step out of our comfort zones, but that is good for us!

Call it bittersweet if you will.

Change strikes us in the form of death; loved ones inevitably die.

But we also experience it in the form of life; new babies are born, and other kinds of births take place in all aspects of our lives.

Change might be difficult, but take comfort in the fact that it is

always happening. This is the one thing that does stay the same.

As one door closes, others will open wide or crack open enough to invite curiosity.

This inevitable, constant evolution means we’re always facing new beginnings. How exciting! Imagine how dull life would be if our world weren’t ever-changing.

Make an effort to be positive about change. Learn to embrace it, savor it. Look forward to it.

With each change comes new opportunities. New experiences enrich our lives. Welcome them.

The Agora Editorial Policy Mark Bergmooser Advisor The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Michigan, 48161. The editorial office is located in 202 of the Life Science Building, (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.

Cartoon by Jennifer Summer and Jason Douglas

The Agora is a student-managed newspaper that supports a free student press. The Agora is a member of the Michigan Community College Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, College Media Advisers, the Student Press Law Center, and the Community College Journalism Association.

Monroe County Community College

The Agora October 1, 2003

CAMPUS NEWS

page 3

Business, arts meet in new building

ystal Pier ce

By Cr Crystal Pierce onica Ter and Ver eronica errr y Reporters At Monroe County Community College (MCCC), 53,000 square feet of the campus is having a makeover.

Construction began for the building of the Instructional Center for Business Training and Performing Arts at MCCC on July 1. Original planning began in 1999, although the building was part of the original campus plan, according to Timothy Bennett, Vice President of Business Affairs and Treasurer.

The $12 million facility will meet various needs for students and the community.

“The Instructional Center will be a facility poised to provide exciting new opportunities for both students and the community,” Suzanne Wetzel, Director of Institutional Advancement/Foundation, said. “[It] will be used for instruction (credit and noncredit), business and industry training, cultural arts programming, educational programming (seminars and conferences), and community events,” Bennett said.

third of the masonry will be done and work will have started on the building’s roof.

It is expected that the erection of structural steel will be started by the end of September.

“This is one of the critical points, or milestones, on the construction schedule,” Bennett said.

Agora photo by Crystal Pierce

Monroe County Community College’s vision materializes as work on the Instr uctional Center for Business Tr aining and Perfor ming Ar ts continues.

It will also be used for “meetings, seminars, conferences, and formal and informal gatherings” for both MCCC students and Monroe country residents, according to Wetzel.

Construction will be completed on September 13,

2004, according to Jerry Woelmer, Project Superintendent for Rudolph/Libbe, Inc. who currently coordinates a crew of about 34. He anticipates the number of workers will increase gradually this fall.

“We started the job right away, but a lot of materials weren’t here

right away,” Woelmer said. The workers have faced typical obstacles, but progress is evident.

“All the building foundations are in,” Woelmer said, noting completion of all the underground lines as well.

By the end of September, Woelmer expects at least one

“We are performing our own concrete and masonry,” Woelmer said, but other elements of the construction are sub-contracted to other companies. In addition to mason workers, Rudolph/ Libbe has employed carpenters, laborers, operators, plumbers, and electricians. Other trades will be added as the construction progresses.

Work will continue through the winter, and workers expect to start installing interior walls around the beginning of 2004.

“We’re trying to get weather-proofed, exterior walls up, and the roof on, so we can install temporary heat for the winter,” Woelmer said. Work is progressing on schedule, “if not a little ahead,” according to Woelmer.

Students face parking woes MCCC welcomes two new faculty

By Jeff Berry Reporter

With the construction of the new performing arts building and the increase in fall enrollment by 115 students from last year, the parking lots at Monroe County Community College have reached maximum capacity.

“They should construct a parking garage instead of a parking lot,” student Dennis Reid said.

“From my understanding they have a lot of land.”

According to Tim Bennett, Vice President of Business Affairs, the parking situation is a temporary setback and so far there have been no plans to construct a new permanent parking lot.

“We are monitoring the problem,” Bennett said. “Things should clean up … I am aware that inconveniences still occur.”

To help with the parking problem, two overflow parking lots have been put in place, one

By Greta Schartner Copy Editor

Agora photos by Crystal Pierce

Designated overflow lots fill with student vehicles.

behind the Administration building and the other behind the Life Sciences building.

“I was almost late for class,” student Brenda Morrin said. “It took me ten minutes to find a parking space, I parked in the A building parking lot, [and] I chucked it to the C building.”

Deputy Officer, Kess Booker advises students to park in all parking lots except lot five, the parking area behind the West technology building, which is reserved for staff members and handicapped students.

Booker advises staff and faculty members to place their parking permits in the lower left corner of the front windshield because later model vehicles have dark tinted windows to the rear and it is difficult to see the permits.

According to Booker, there have been about 20 or 25 parking tickets issued to students this semester.

“Use common sense [while parking].It’s a big frustration right now; we’re all going to have to cooperate,” Booker said.

The Business Division and the Industrial Technology Division of Monroe County Community College, (MCCC) each have a new faculty member aboard this fall, Ron Hong and Craig Militello.

The Business Division welcomes Ron Hong, who will be teaching in the Computer Information Systems area. He is instructing classes in Networking, Operating Systems, and Computer Hardware. He holds ten computer certifications, including Microsoft Certified Professional, and Macintosh Fundamentals 2.0; and a Master’s Degree in Management from Walsh College.

Agora photo by Bob Oliver

Ron Hong joins the Business division at MCCC.

Hong hails from the Clinton Township Area, and has relocated to Monroe. His position at MCCC is his first full-time teaching job. “It is something I have always wanted to do.

I want to give back what I learned,” said Hong.

Agora photo By Bob Oliver

Craig Militello joins the Industrial Technology Division.

Craig Militello, the newest full-time instructor in the Industrial Technology Division brings a variety of experience and education to MCCC as well.

He is a Certified Welding Inspector, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Integrated Manufacturing Engineering Technology. He has taken over

aculty ge 7 see F Faculty aculty,, pa pag

The Agora page 4 October 1, 2003

Monroe County Community College

FEATURE

Athird world: Briganti visitsAfrica By Victoria Schmidt Copy Editor

Close your eyes and imagine Africa: Mud huts, skinny Africans with barely any clothes on, unclean water, guns, and possibly violence.

Now open your eyes, what do you see around you? A nice room or hallway, healthy looking teenagers wearing Express or Abercrombie clothing, a water fountain, a woman holding a well behaved child.

Most Americans believe that southern Africa is a place of poverty and chaos. In some

A Swazi woman carries her baby in Hlatikhulu, Swaziland.

places this may be the case. In other places though, this poverty may seem beautiful.

This summer twelve community college professors had a chance to visit southern Africa on a Full Brite scholarship. The Full Brite-

Dr. Briganti instructs students at the University of Zululand.

Agora photos courtesy of Joanna Briganti

do not believe this is ugly; to them it is normal.

Marishka Wile told a story in her journal about meeting a family in Africa.

Dr. Briganti poses with children in the hills of Swaziland.

These children live in a clay house.

Hays Group Abroad Program is a very competitive scholarship program that only takes a handful of scholarly teachers to foreign lands to research a particular subject.

In this case they traveled to three countries in southern Africa: Botswana, Swaziland, and the KwaZulu-Natal Province also known as Zululand. Dr. Joanna Briganti, Professor of Political Science at Monroe County Community College (MCCC), traveled there to research their government representation which included voter turnout, the structure of their government, and bureaucracy.

Her roommate, Marishka Wile, Professor of Anthropology at Hocking Community College, went there to study research for her

cultural anthropology unit on art but expanded her “module” to a variety of topics since every place she visited held significance for her class.

Each professor found the trip touched their lives in different ways. Dr. Briganti recalls jogging through a village where barbed wire surrounded the huts as a means of protection. She saw a man outside brushing his teeth in a dirty bowl, fences made out of sticks surrounding their gardens, and women with naked babies in one arm, food in another, and wood on top of their head. And although this may seem out of the ordinary for us, she said, as she reached the top of the hill and looked over the village, “It was strangely beautiful.” She says that the African people

Children play in Otse, Botswana.

“There was one papa at home with three children; the youngest had a terrible bone condition that had left his legs badly bowed. The others had runny, crusty noses. The papa was in rags. He humbly asked us for some money. Mark gave him some. His eloquent thanks

Tips to Help Succeed at a Job Interview

By Kelli Massa Page Editor Another school semester has arrived and with the costs of classes, books, and vending machine snacks on the rise, it’s time to get up and get a job.

When it comes to getting a new job many students are afraid of the dreaded interview process.

When asked what she fears most about job interviews, student Kim Billmaier replied, “I’m most afraid of sounding stupid.” Fellow student, Chris Dotson said, “I fear not being able to answer the question correctly.” The following tips are sure to ease some fears and help students to succeed at almost any interview.

Tip #1: Prepare. Timothy Dillon, Associate Professor of English, advises students to “Find out as much information about the company as possible so that you can show how your experiences match up to their needs.”

Reviewing potential questions is also helpful prior to the interview Tip #2: Create a good first impression. Be on time and bring requested materials, (resumes, references, etc.). Dr. Lawrence Leach, Professor of Humanities and Theatre, stresses that many employers make their decision early in an interview based on, “[...]their gut feeling of a person.”

Tip #3: Dress the part. Wendy Wysocki, Associate Professor of Business and Economics, said, “I had an instructor once tell me,

“If you are going to a corporation where they all wear purple polka dot suits, then you should show up in a purple polka dot suit!’”

Tip #4: Be honest. One can never be exactly sure what the interviewer wants to hear, which is why honesty is always the best answer. “I want honest, but I also want some tact,” Wysocki explains, “if you’re not [honest], it comes out in other answers.”

Tip #5: Persuade. Convince the interviewer you are the best person for the job, but be careful not to brag. Dillon said, “It’s about identifying your accomplishments, your skills, and what you can bring to the job, not what the job can do for you.”

Tip #6: Listen. “People listen with their bodies, not just with their eyes or their ears,” Dillon said.

Look attentive and interested, this includes having good posture and making eye contact. Also, be sure to listen to the whole question before blurting out an answer.

Tip #7: Speak-up. “In a successful interview the interviewee does 55-60% of the talking,” Leach said. Besides giving complete answers to questions, one is also expected to have questions for the interviewer at the end of the interview.

For more help with preparing for a job interview and writing a resume contact the Career Center, located in the Administration Building on the main campus, at (734) 384-4264. Good luck!

almost choked me up,” Wile wrote.

She continued in her passage to write of the sadness that she felt by not offering them the food that was in her backpack.

She writes, “Maybe I feel that they have plenty of apples and oranges and the gift would be a stupid one. That they would look at me like, why are you giving me this? But the truth is that I don’t know if they have food or not. I don’t know if the gift is needed or appropriate or inane, so instead of doing what is probably the right thing, I don’t because I don’t want anyone to think I’m a dumb white tourist that thinks people in this country don’t have a regular supply of fruit.”

Briganti said, “Poverty isn’t always defined in material wealth. Richness can be found in other things. Third world countries might just mean they haven’t been wrecked yet.”

F : ast acts

* On Oct. 27, the “College & Technical School Night” will take place in the Gerald Welch Health Education Building from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. All students are invited, and representatives will be in the multi-purpose room. Grant, loan, and scholarship information will be available. * As part of the MCCC Coffeehouse Series, Singer/Songwriter Becky Schelegel will be performing on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Cellar. * Another upcoming event through the MCCC Coffeehouse Series is a Poetry & Music show featuring Ray McNiece, poet, and Jeremy Kittel, musician. It will take place on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Cellar.

Monroe County Community College

The Agora October 1, 2003 page 5

FEATURE

MCCC welcomes all ages

Freshmen face N o n - t r a d i t i o n a l challenges s t u d e n t s r e t u r n

By Taryn Kapp Assistant Editor

As the new semester begins, freshman students face different challenges college life has to offer.

Students cannot glide by in their classes. Homework is harder and assignments are longer. On the first day of class, Dr. Jim DeVries tells his students they must learn to process information.

“Once you learn to process information, you become successful. You learn it not because you memorize it, but because you understand the

process and what it reflects,” DeVries said.

Freshmen Corey Yokom and Eric Letasse agree that their classes are a bit more on the professional side.

“Everything isn’t sugarcoated,” Letasse said.

Time management is another challenging factor.

“I work two jobs and go to school full time. Sometimes it’s hard to make sufficient time for all my homework,” said freshman Emily Ferguson.

One freshman, who wishes to remain anonymous, found

see Freshmen, page 7

By Terri McConnaughey Copy Editor In the fall semester of 2002, 3,828 students were enrolled, and the number of students between ages 21 and 50 was 1,976, according to the College statistics. These statistics represent a high rate of returning, or nontraditional students.

Returning student, Cheryl Cortese went to college for three semesters after high school, and then quit to

Agora Photo By Terri McConnaughey

Student Jackie Monroe enjoys the challenges of college.

become a full time wife and m o t h e r. S h e i s c u r r e n t l y taking accounting and

business math to pursue her dream of being an accountant.

It is difficult for her to balance her family life and college.

“Everyone is very supportive. It’s hard to get back into things I haven’t thought about in 20 years. I know that I know it, but it’s just been so long since I’ve done it. I would like to get my bachelors degree, but we’ll see. I’ll take it as it comes,” Cortese said.

“They know what a days work is, they come to class really ready to work,” Grant

see Return, page 7

Distance Museum offers art Learning: fit for a king The Wave of the Future?

By Nathan Lyke Copy Editor College courses online.

No more teachers yelling and screaming on a daily basis, no more lectures, no waking up early, no problem.

For the highly independent students this may be the case, but those used to the traditional classroom atmosphere should be careful if making this choice. Unknowing students may be biting off more than they can chew.

Vincent Maltese began teaching the online Intermediate Algebra class here at Monroe County Community College (MCCC), thinking it was, in fact, “the wave of the future.”

“It’s tough to enjoy it [online course] because I lose the face to face contact [with the students], that’s what’s enjoyable,” Maltese stated. The 15% success

rate for this class shows that it is not as easy as some people anticipate.

“I took it [online intermediate algebra course] to free up some time in my schedule, but not having the teacher telling me what to do on a regular basis makes it harder to keep up with homework,” sophomore Joel Monday said.

Maltese also mentioned that the higher the level of math taken, the higher the success rate tends to be.

“Kids that are taking the higher level courses are generally people that will use it in their career,” he said.

According to Maltese, the majority of people taking this course come from all different majors.

“It is time consuming and you have to have great discipline,” he added.

Maltese does not think the course should be dropped

see Online, page 7

By Veronica Terry Page Editor The Toledo Museum of Art has housed numerous exhibitions over the past years, including famous artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso. It also holds one of the largest Egyptian exhibits and an extensive collection of glass works, paintings, sculptures, and many more priceless works of art.

The museum will not disappoint this year. Now t h r o u g h N o v. 3 0 , t h e “Princely Pursuits” exhibit will be held at the Community G a l l e r y.

“Princely Pursuits” will feature 27 works from the m u s e u m ’s a “ M o d e r n American Photography” exhibit. In addition to the many modern photographs being displayed, the museum is offering a few programs and activities. On Oct. 10, there will be a modern dance concert in t h e M u s e u m ’s C l a s s i c Court.

Photography classes will also be offered

in the darkrooms.

Admission to this exhibit is also free, with support from the Ohio Arts Council and member of the Toledo Museum of Art. Perhaps the largest and most prominent exhibit to hit Toledo this fall will be the H e n d r i c k Goltzius exhibit, Photo Courtesy of www.toledomuseum.org opening Oct. 17 An example of work from the and running “Princely Pursuits” display at through Jan. 4. the Toledo Museum of Art. The exhibit will consist of 70 drawings, an ID. Art Museum 80 prints, and 15 paintings, members and children according to the museum under 5 are free. Prices Community Gallery. are higher for audio tours.

Exhibition hours are The museum is located Tu e s d a y - T h u r s d a y, 1 0 at 2445 Monroe St. at a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday, 10 Collingwood, west of a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 To l e d o ’s downtown a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday, business district. For more 11 a.m.-5 p.m. information call 419-255Tickets cost $6 for 8000 or 800-644-6862, or adults; $5 for seniors; $5 email at for children between six information@toledomuseum.org. and 18; $5 for students with

The Agora page 6 October 1, 2003

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Monroe County Community College

Have a Halloweek of Fun Zoo-goers in for a treat

Haunted events for all ages

By Veronica Terry Page Editor Every year, the Toledo Zoo offers children, as well as adults, safe and fun options for Halloween.

This year, MaskZOOrade 2003 is scheduled for Oct. 17 from 7 p.m. until midnight.

MaskZOOrade is an adult only, costume-optional party. The party will include events such as live music, astrology readings, a

By Victoria Schmidt Copy Editor 50/50 raffle, and other entertainment. There will also be a best costume contest, offering prizes for the most creative costumes.

Tickets are $35 per person, or reserve a table for 8 for $350.

For reservations, contact Robin Brown at 419-385-5721.

Carrying on the tradition, on Oct. 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., the zoo is offering

the 19th annual Pumpkin Path.

This year, it will feature trick-ortreating stations, performances, and a great candy selection.

Ticket prices are: Adults $8.50 (non-members); Children (11 and under) - $4.50 (members), $5.50 (non-members);

see Zoo-goers, page 7

Top Ten Horror Flicks

By Mike McHone Reporter

10. “Silence of the Lambs” (1991). “I ate his liver with fava beans and a nice Chianti.”

I have no idea what fava beans and Chianti are, and after Anthony Hopkins spoke that line I have no desire to find out.

9. “The Serpent and the Rainbow” (1988). Wes Craven directed this horror classic about voodoo, black magic, and people rising from the grave.

Here’s the kicker – it’s based on a true story!

8. “Night of the Living Dead” (1960). Every zombie film that

has come tumbling after has had to beg, borrow and steal from this film.

7. “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974). The only thing more frightening to come from Texas besides this was George W. Bush.

6. “Dracula” (1931). We cannot forget that the Universal horror films of the thirties set the ball rolling for what was to come later in Hollywood. This one, along with “Frankenstein,” is one of the best.

5. “The Shining” (1980). One of Stanley Kubrick’s finest films, based on one of Stephen King’s finest novels, starring one

of the finest actors of all time: Jack Nicholson. This film will make you think twice before staying in a hotel with your dad.

4. “Jaws” (1975). Before Steven Speilberg made “A.I.”, “Minority Report,” and “Catch Me If You Can,” he actually made good films. “Jaws” has to be the number one reason for hydrophobia.

3. “Halloween” (1978). This is the mother of all slasher flicks. Period. And here is a little piece of trivia: The original Michael Meyer’s mask worn in the film is actually a William Shatner mask painted white.

2. “Psycho” (1960). It is because of this movie I have not showered in a very long time. Next to “The Birds” this is Hitchcock’s finest.

1. “The Exorcist” (1973). If you do not find this film the least bit scary, something is horribly wrong with you. For all its head-spinning, pea-soup spitting, neck breaking glory, “The Exorcist” qualifies on my list as the scariest film of all time.

October is here which means candy, costumes, and callings from the dead. And although Monroe is a fun and great place to live it doesn’t exactly have a lot of Halloween adventures. So included below are some events that are scary, exciting and approximately within an hour drive.

The Labyrinth of Screams, located at 137 Fairchild Dundee, MI is presented by the Dundee Jaycees and is being held on October 11, 12, 18, 19, 24-26, 30 and 31. This particular haunted house will be open from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. or on demand.

Admission is $10 a person.

The Haunting, located at 602 N. Dean Street in Adrian, MI has been voted number one in the state of Michigan three years in a row. It has a 20,000 square foot haunt with two houses inside. Admission is $10 and this attraction will be open October weekends starting at 7 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 p.m. -10 p.m. Sundays.

If you would like something a little scarier try the Fright Nights Haunted Attraction, located at 29598 on Seven Mile Road at the Livonia Mall. It will open October 3-November 2

from 7:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., and is described as one of Michigan’s largest indoor haunts. Every customer has a chance at winning up to $500.

This haunt is not for the weak of heart. Admission is only $13.

If you are not looking to go anywhere too scary, try something local such as the HALL-O-BASH. The HALL-

O-BASH will be held at the Fraternal Order of Police hall on Strasburg Road on Friday October 17 from 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Admission is $15 and will be featuring the band Irrelevant Extras, a D.J. and others. For ticket information call (734)-6450368.

Or try camping out at the Kampgrounds of America for a few nights and enjoy camper Halloween parties. For more information on the campsite go to www.koa.com.

photo courtesy of warnerbrothers.com

Liner Notes: The Stories of Warren & Johnny

By Mike McHone Reporter

On Sept. 7 and Sept. 12, the world lost two of the finest musicians to ever grace a recording studio, stage, or radio.

Warren Zevon, 56, and Johnny Cash, 71, both died, leaving a legacy of wonderful music behind them.

Zevon, who passed away from lung cancer due to asbestos complications, was diagnosed with his illness in September 2002. The months of November 2002 to April 2003 were highlighted in a documentary on VH1 called “Warren Zevon: Keep Me in Your Heart,” and showcased his collaborations with such notables as Jackson

Browne, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and the Eagles, for his final album entitled “The Wind.” The documentary was sometimes somber but often hilarious, displaying Zevon’s trademark dark humor and off kilter wisdom. Zevon was asked

by David Letterman what he thought might have contributed to his illness.

“Well, I think avoiding the doctor for 25 years might’ve had something to do with it,” Zevon said, perfectly deadpan. His hits include “Werewolves of London” and “Excitable Boy.” Johnny Cash, who was preceded in death by his wife June Carter Cash in May 2003, was stricken with a variation of Parkinson’s Disease and various

lung and heart problems. His most memorable songs include “Ring of Fire”, “I Walk the Line”, and “A Boy Named Sue.” Most recently, Cash was nominated for Video of the Year at the 2003 MTV Music Video Awards for his rendition of the Nine Inch Nails song “Hurt.”

see Liner, page7

Monroe County Community College Liner, pg 6 Although Cash lost the category, many, including Snoop Dogg, believed that he should have won.

In the last 50 years, Cash had charted over 140 songs on the Billboard Music Charts, more than The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Garth Brooks, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and U2 combined.

His recent nomination at the MTV Awards makes him the oldest person in MTV history to be nominated for an award. He has influenced the greatest songwriters of the last 40 years including Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen,

Freshmen, pg 5 the start of her college career to be more humorous than others.

“I was late to my first class because I didn’t realize there was no bell. It’s funny now, but I felt so dumb walking in there while the teacher was writing on the board,” she said. Also trying to

The Agora October 1, 2003 page 7

IN THE MIX a n d , o f c o u r s e , Wa r r e n Zevon.

The two most recent and final albums of these men are by far the most honest, raw, beautiful, and all around best albums to come out in the last 10 months. Zevon’s “The Wind” fills one with reminders of how funny he could be at times with songs like “Disorder in the House,” and yet it is a snapshot of a man who knows that his time on Earth is short. His rendition of D y l a n ’s “ K n o c k i n g o n H e a v e n ’s Door” is quite possibly the greatest version that has ever been put down on record.

Cash’s “American IV: When the Man Comes Around” is filled with a few original songs, but mostly

covers of other people’s material, ranging from Hank Williams to Depeche Mode and all points in between.

The sound that rises off of this record is haunted and dark, keeping it simple with guitar, piano, and bass.

It has recently been certified Gold by the Country Music Association of America.

Tr a c k d o w n t h e i r albums. Listen to their songs. Hear what they are telling you about life, love, d e a t h , a n d h u m o r. O n e could drone on for days about the greatness of these two men, but it is best to just let the music do the talking.

That’s probably what they would have wanted anyway.

get across campus in five minutes or less is something new students are trying to master.

There are different things that can help any student conquer the challenges he/she may face.

Keep a schedule and stick to it.

There are also learning centers students can visit for extra tutorial help.

Return, pg 5 Strickland, Associate Professor of English, said of returning students. He also felt students who return to college put value in their education and want to get the most for their money.

Jackie Monroe, an MCCC non-traditional stu-

Online, pg 5

Agora photo byJeff Berry

Freshman Josh Duvall reads quietly in the library before class. Many freshmen can be found there studying or working on computers.

Maltese does not think the course should be dropped from the curriculum. He believes that, given time, this online course will become prosperous in semesters to come.

Some online courses are just as easy online from home as they would be on campus. Greg Leinbach teaches Microcomputer Spreadsheet and Microcomputer Database.

“The classes I teach are not as much trouble as some of the other ones,” said Leinbach.

This was clearly shown when

Roads, pg 2 You would assume that a problem of this magnitude would be remedied by the ones who caused it. Sims says that that is not the case. She spoke with the insurance company and they confirmed that they were denying all claims on the basis of governmental immunity.

Naturally my curiosity level began to soar when Sims told me that the four damaged sheriff cars were fixed. She said that they were fixed because they

Faculty, pg 3 the position once held by Mike Mohn, and is teaching Industrial Materials, Manufacturing Processes, and Weldment Evaluations. This is his first teaching job as well. “I’m enjoying the school and school environment so far. It is

Zoo-goers, pg 6 Seniors (60+) - $5.50. Adult Members are free unless they are trick-or-treating.

For younger trick-ortreaters, the zoo is offering “Little Boo at the Zoo.” On Oct. 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., preschoolers can enjoy goody bags, a hay maze, pumpkin decorating, and much more. Tickets are $3.50 for members and $5 for non-members.

The zoo is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. May 1 through Labor Day, and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. from Labor Day until April 30.

For more information, call 419-385-5721. dent, said, “I get it faster, before younger students, especially in history classes, where she has actually, “been there.”

Monroe’s husband, Ken, supports her schooling. He works an afternoon shift so she can attend college during the day. They have three children, age’s three to seven.

Monroe quoted her grandfather, “He said, ‘Well Jackie, it’s just like in life, it’s a matter of priorities.” he showed that last fall 75% of the students completed the online spreadsheet course and last winter 85% completed the online database course with a “C” average or higher. This success rate was nearly identical to ones taken from the on-campus course.

Students must have great discipline and the ability to be both independent and productive at the same time.

These qualities together with a timely schedule will make completion of the online course less stressful and easier in general. were sent to those roads that were chip sealed to conduct traffic.

It is clearly ridiculous that the road commission will not accept the blame for an obvious problem. Either they put too many stones down or not enough tar to contain them.

Now it seems that we as motorists are at fault for these rocks damaging our vehicles. If you are interested in filing a claim, forms are available by calling 240-5100, but don’t get your hopes up. pleasantly challenging,” Militello said.

Militello comes to Monroe from Forrest City, Arkansas, where he was employed as a Welding Engineer.

According to Patrick Nedry, Dean of Industrial Technology, Militello was chosen over 95 other applicants.

R V

eader’s oice

What do you think about the Ten Commandments being removed from the Judicial building in Alabama?

“I think it should be in the court because you need to have a conscience and God should be involved.”

Lacy Engle

“It’s cool to have it in there, but if it’s offending people then there shouldn’t be a problem with removing it.”

Glenn Mudzia

“I don’t like it too much.

I think the U.S. citizens need God in their lives to provide good morals”.

Kristen Nevel

“Being a Wiccan I don’t think its right to have it in court because I don’t believe in God or Satan.”

Laurie Barnett

The Agora page 8 October 1, 2003

Monroe County Community College

SPOTLIGHT

MCCC: W hat’s inside?

The Learning Assistance Lab (LAL) provides free tutoring, including Writing Center services.

Hours: Monday- Thursday 8:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

LAL phone# Saturday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

(734) 384-4167

The Library provides a quiet sanctuary for hard-working students: Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Fri. 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Sat. 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Kiddie Campus offers child care. For more information, call (734) 384-4208.

The Fitness center is located in the Health Education building. (384-4423) It is open: Mon.-Thurs. 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Fri. 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., and Sat. 9:00- 1:30, except it is closed from 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday.

The Campus Cafe, which is located in the A building, offers a variety of refreshments for all.

1 The 1

Agora photos by Phillip Koch, Jeff Berry, and Elizabeth Zochowski

T

Located in the Administration building, the Cellar provides room for study, dining, or relaxation.