10-23-2007

Agora

The Vol. 50, Issue 3

October 23, 2007

MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Michigan’s state

‘Waiting for Godot’

budget woes

affect colleges

By Charlene Hunt Staff Writer

Agora photo by Emily Chandonnet

Didi (actor Steve Ryder) and Gogo (actor Dave Wahr) tackles Lucky (actor Jim Keck) to the ground as Pozzo (actor John Coker) holds him from behind with a rope. Samuel Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot’ was performed in the Meyer Theatre from Oct. 5-7. Review on 2.

Senate passes hate crime bill Jen Shadle Staff Writer

T

he United States Senate recently passed a bill entitled the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. The Shepard Act would add crimes based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability to the legal definition of hate crime. Federal law currently bases hate crimes on motivation by bias on race, color, religion, and gender.

The current federal hate crime legislation was originally enacted in 1968, prompted by acts of violence toward the African-American community. President Clinton attempted to change the legislation in 1999 to include sexual orientation, women, and people with disabilities, but his bill was rejected by the House of Representatives.

The new bill is named for 21year-old Matthew Shepard, who was robbed, pistol-whipped, beaten, and left for dead in 1998. Shepard lived 19 hours before dying from his injuries, his homosexuality being the motive for the attack. Shepard’s attackers, Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney, were not prosecutable under Wyoming hate crime laws.

Currently states determine whether or not to include these groups in their hate crime laws on a state-by-state

basis. Michigan is among the 19 remaining states to not explicitly consider sexual orientation in the legal definition of a hate crime. If President Bush signs the bill into law, this would change nationwide. Hate crimes allow courts to consider motive when sentencing a criminal for conduct that is not protected by the First Amendment, and may enhance the penalty for the crime.

“All acts of violence or verbal abuse, in my opinion, are hate crimes,” Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student Mark Tefend said.

“Some believe being gay is a choice.

I have many gay friends and the addition may help them feel safer. By adding heavier legal consequences I don’t feel people will have to hide who they are to the extent they do at this point.

All change is gradual, but over time I believe this bill will make them feel more safe and able to be themselves, without the fear of abuse.”

“I think it [the bill] is a really great thing,” homosexual MCCC student Steven Sonoras said. “Previously there have been many hate crimes.

Having that kind of violence recognized is a good thing on one hand; singling out someone because of their sexual orientation is the same as singling out someone because of their race. On the other hand, it could be detrimental in that the person committing a violent act may be punished more severely without intent of a hate

INSIDE Editorial...............................2 Campus News....................3 Feature..........................4 & 5 A & E...................................6 Community News.............7 ‘Halo 3’ hits stores, Spotlight.............................8 attracts crowds................. 4

crime.”

According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report Hate Crimes Statistics, 2005, sexual orientation was the third most common hate crime motivation

in 2005 after racial and religious bias. According to the report, 1,017 hate crime incidents in 2005 were motivated by sexual orientation bias.

53 hate crimes in 2005 were prompt-

Hate crime classification by state

Sexual orientation and disability not covered under state law Sexual orientation and disability covered under state law Agora map by Emily Chandonnet

‘Our Body: The Universe Within’ creates controversy Learning Assistance locally..........5 Lab offers help for students.................................7

Four hours into the statewide shutdown that closed campgrounds, reduced patrolmen on Michigan highways, halted lottery sales, stopped road construction and closed other state services, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed a 30-day budget extension to permit the state of Michigan to continue functioning. The budget was technically due hours earlier, at midnight on Oct. 1.

A direct result of indecisive lawmaking, the Michigan shutdown loomed close enough to worry countless Michigan residents. According to Michigan.gov and the Detroit Free Press, 35,000 of the government’s 53,000 employees would have been banned from going to work the day of the shutdown.

Michigan residents frantically swarmed state offices days before the shutdown was due to begin, fearful of what would happen if loose ends were not tied up before the offices closed. The false alarm has Michigan residents worried, but the agreements made between Granholm and other lawmakers have created numerous other results.

With the budget deficit climbing to match Michigan’s unemployment rate, legislators proposed and passed measures to raise the state’s income tax to 4.35 percent. The raise will provide an additional $765 million for the state, but the bill itself was written so that the rate may gradually return to its original 3.9 percent between the years 2011 and 2015.

The new budget plan enacts nearly 449 billion dollars in cuts to numerous services and programs across the state. The cuts are expected to come from areas such as prison food services, Medicaid percentage reductions, switching foster children’s health insurance to HMOs, and eliminating fund increases for Michigan’s universities and community colleges.

Colleges and universities have been feeling the blow of budget cuts for the last four years. The State Fiscal Agency shows that legislative appropriations to Michigan community colleges has dropped 20 percent the past four years.

“Common knowledge suggests that an investment in education by the legislature is an investment in Michigan’s future,” Monroe County Community College (MCCC) President Dr. David Nixon said.“Currently, lawmakers are more worried about losing their elections if they raise taxes.”

The Michigan Education Association, the state’s largest teachers’ union, will be affected by a controversial measure passed by both House and Senate. The measure will change the way state worker and teacher health benefits are determined.

“I have not studied the state’s budget, [but] from a personal standpoint what concerns me is that they throw teachers’ health benefits into the mix,” MCCC Professor of History Jim DeVries said.

Hunters prepare for the opening of hunting season...............................7

2

Editorial

THE AGORA

The Political Rag

October 23, 2007

Taking aim at ‘hunters’ Hunting season a lame excuse to take temporary leave of absence

By Kelsi Kacher Staff Writer

For some, October 1 was just another day. But for some wives, it’s a day when they temporarily say “adios” to their husbands; for some daughters, it’s the beginning of some quality mother-daughter time because

father is going to be MIA for a while.

Attendance in some classes probably decreased, and a lot of vacation time is conveniently being taken off at work.

So what is it about this particular date of October 1? If you haven’t made the connection yet, it is the opening of bow-hunting season.

I want to know how hunting justi-

fies calling off work, skipping class, and altogether bringing your life to a screeching halt. If men have the right to do this, then why can’t the women take time off for shopping during the opening of Fashion Week? It seems to me that hunting should be something more of a hobby, not an excuse to take a leave of absence from your life.

By Charlene Hunt Staff Writer

Gore wins Nobel,

stirs controversy The deafening crack that everyone heard about a week ago was the sound of Republican heads popping off and into the victorious face of former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.

Either someone finally counted the votes correctly or the GOP gremlins were not accurately doing their jobs, because Gore won something.

He won something big.

Thanks to his wide-reaching efforts to educate the world on the dangers of global warming, Gore is sharing the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize and $1.5 million with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

During Bill Clinton’s eight years as president, Vice President Gore pushed for climate measures harder than almost anyone. Before his Oscar-nominated documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, Gore was still widely known for his determination to educate us all on the risks, dangers and horrible truths of global warming.

Regardless of if you are one of the many people who think the $49 million box-office gross was a “bit too much,” or found the film profoundly exaggerated, odds are you are more aware of your planet’s wellbeing.

The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded for Gore’s involvement in raising awareness, not his ability to run our country or shoot films.

Countless vice presidents and presidential hopefuls have dissolved into the background of modern politics once they lost the power of persuasion over the American people. It may seem odd to say, but it seems like most of them have class enough to know when to step down and walk away.

The 2000 election was a mess in and of itself, and surprisingly Gore was able to maintain a reputation beyond the eruption of political propaganda. Frankly, I forgot the man existed until I saw him in a heated argument on CNN sometime before An Inconvenient Truth hit screens.

After the shocking and in-yourface documentary, people around the world took a few moments to consider what they were doing before tossing the pop can out their window. Countless environmental panels and experts warn that global warming could claim hundreds of millions of human lives as a result of increasing droughts, floods, storms and diseases.

I do not think much of Gore as a politician, but as an environmentalist I think the attention he places on the world’s issues is fantastic, even if embellished. As Americans we have a tendency to disregard all news that is not immediately life-threatening or gossip-worthy.

Gore knew exactly how to emphasize certain facts to get us to listen, and for that he is half a million dollars richer – or at least the charities he gave the prize money to are. I never thought I would be excited for Clinton’s right-hand man, but there it is.

What entertains me the most is how many men come back from “up-north” without a deer. We all know what they’re really doing up there: hanging with their buddies, playing cards, sipping beers, and every once in awhile taking a trip to their tree stand, only to fall asleep and miss any game.

As for the lonely wives and women at home, we hold down the fort and make sure everything is just the way it should be when our avid “hunters” come home. What we really should be doing is celebrating the vacation by convincing these amazing hunters to leave the credit cards at home, and treat ourselves to some shopping and evenings out on the town! If they can sit around a campfire roasting marshmallows after not taking a shower for three days and call that hunting, then we can surely take a break from our lives.

The time that our “avid hunters” take off from their lives is a matter that is never going to change, just as what they actually do “up-north” is probably never going to change. All the ladies at home can do is laugh and tease them about it. Not to mention they can also count down the days to their next shopping spree on November 15, when gun season opens.

Long distance relationships strive for communication

By Morgan Sopko Staff Writer

Whether you’re going to separate universities or moving away, long-distance relationships are every couple’s nightmare. While some may believe the most difficult part of being in a long-distance relationship is not being able to see their significant other, a few other components are key to making the relationship successful.

Good communication is important to any healthy relationship. When being apart from your loved one, talking on the phone, texting, or even emailing each other may be the only way to connect with your significant other. Thankfully, technology has de-

veloped so we don’t have to resort to old-fashioned snail mail. But making the time to talk on the phone for a long period of time can make or break your long distance relationship. Although it may seem like a chore sometimes to find a quiet area so the person on the other end of the line can hear, those hours of talking to the love of your life are crucial. It makes what you talk about even more important than if you were sitting next to the person on the couch.

Falling into a habit of talking about each other’s day can be the death of a relationship by becoming boring and repetitious. What we need to remember is that the time you have with your boyfriend or girlfriend is special; use

it not just to talk about what may be happening while you are apart, but to actually go deeper than small talk. Get to know each other’s past and what expectations or goals one another has for the future. Use these conversations to grow together as a couple, not just to keep the relationship going.

The saying, “Time apart makes the heart grow fonder,” has a lot more meaning for those who must live long distances apart. Going a couple of weeks without seeing someone will make it that more special when you do finally see them. Plus, the time apart gives time to think about what we should do in our free time when we do see each other. Nothing is more appreciated than taking into account the little things that your boyfriend or girlfriend loves to do, such as a walk in the park or even just going to see a movie that one of you has been si-

lently dying to go see.

A critical problem with long-distance relationships is staying faithful.

The temptation to cheat is there, especially when you have not seen your boyfriend or girlfriend for a while. It is hard to remember that some things are worth being strong for. Though it may seem like a good idea because you are unable to wait to see your partner, cheating on them will only jeopardize and ruin something that could last a lifetime.

Long-distance relationships are not easy; they never have been and probably never will. But if you are serious and care about the person you are with, the dreaded long-distant relationship problems can be defeated easily. If two people can withstand being apart from each other and still have a strong relationship, they can probably withstand anything.

The Agora Staff Members Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Kodysh

Chief Design Editor Bethany Younglove

Assistant Editor Emily Chandonnet

Design Staff Kelsi Kachar Morgan Sopko Emily Chandonnet

Advertising Manager Chriss White Eagle

Chief Copy Editor Patrick Dunn Copy Editing Staff Charlene Hunt Josh Kraus Jen Shadle

The Agora Editorial Policy

Agora illistration by Morgan Sopko

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 202 of the Life Sciences Bldg., (734) 3844186. 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, the Community College Journalism Association, College Media Advisers, Associated Collegiate Press and the Student Press Law Center.

Mark Bergmooser, Adviser

October 23, 2007

Campus News

THE AGORA

3

Writing Center, LAL supply needed advice

By Cary St. Charles Freelance writer

Agora photos by Morgan Sopko

MCCC student Nader Awad (above, left) and Writing Fellow Jenna Sims discuss his paper.

The Writing Center is located in the Learning Assistance Lab, C-218, on the second floor of the Campbell Learning Resource Center.

Julie Manor, MCCC student, logs out of the Writing Center. Any time a student comes to the LAL or Writing Center they must use their student ID number to log in.

The Monroe County Community College (MCCC) Writing Center has been in existence since 1986, and schedules on average 1600-1800 appointments per term, most coming at the end of the semester.

The Writing Center offers one-onone tutoring sessions ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending upon the type of assignment. Sessions are held at the main campus and also online, which makes the service more accessible and user friendly.

The Learning Assistance Lab (LAL) is located along side the Writing Center in room C-218, and shares the same goals and motivation as the Writing Center. “Contribution of the tutor/professors allows students the opportunity to gain further instruction in areas of study that they are having difficulties in,” LAL director Dr. Cindy Riedel said.

The LAL offers 30-minute sessions, for one-on-one tutoring with either trained student tutors, or available faculty, depending upon the subject and availability of the tutors. The LAL offers assistance in all subject material taught at Monroe County Community College (MCCC).

As with the Writing Center, the LAL offers walk-in appointments.

Their staff on hand is for the core curriculum of study, but with prior scheduling Dr. Riedel says, “any course can be tutored.”

The student tutors for the LAL are chosen by the faculty, and have been accredited to be level I or level II student tutors. The tutors not only cover the credited courses, but also offer a plethora of instruction about skills needed to succeed in the classroom.

Those courses include: Better Note Taking, Organizing for Study, and Preparation for Exams.

The LAL also offers workshops ranging from how to effectively use a textbook to overcoming the fears of math. The workshops are available to all students, but registration is required.

The Writing Center’s success comes through in the overall quality and grades of the participant’s papers. Dr. John Holladay, MCCC English professor, mentioned a student who went to the Writing Center for help.

“The grades on the paper that he receives are at least one grade higher,” Holladay said. “The students take the assignments much more seriously.”

Dr. Tim Dillon, MCCC associate professor of English and director of the Writing Center, said, “The quality of the turned in assignments, and overall quality of work, greatly increases when the students meet with a writing fellow.”

Debbie Laurain, an MCCC student and writing fellow, shared her first experience with the Writing Center while she was enrolled in the Sociology of Death, Loss and Grief class.

Laurain expressed her fears of writing and having someone read and judge her work.

“After being out of school for 30 years, I had fears of not being able to write at the college level,” Laurain said. “After meeting with the tutor, those fears were dispelled. Having someone go over the technical aspects of writing and offering a different view point allowed for my confidence to grow within myself and learning about the MLA style of writing really helped me understand what was expected of me.”

Newly arrived student to MCCC, or as a returning veteran, the LAL/Writing Center can be a very useful tool in the arsenal of higher learning. The Writing Center/LAL is willing to work around most schedules.

From the dedication of the faculty, to the student tutors, they are there to help guide you along your collegiate path. So stop by, or call, and discover for yourself the opportunities available to you.

The Learning Assistance Lab/Writing Center phone number is (734) 384-4167. The Writing Center can be contacted by email at Writing@monroeccc.edu.

Speakers give writing advice

By Jeffrey Kodysh Editor-in-Chief

On Oct. 16 and 18 students in English instructor Cheryl Hoy’s technical writing class at the Whitman Center had a chance to see how what they learn in class is applied to real life.

Two guest speakers, Monroe County Community College (MCCC) security guard Joe Focht and Michigan Works program coordinator Julie Montri, both talked to the class about how technical writing is applied to their careers.

Hoy wanted to demonstrate that technical writing is a skill that will be utilized often, whether in writing police reports, preparing a professional resume, or other profesSpeaker sional documents.

Joe Focht Hoy said she invited

both speakers “to help demonstrate technical writing in the working world.”

On Oct. 16, Focht told the students about his career as a deputy, and how writing clearly was vital to his job.

“In 1972 I was hired by the Monroe County Sheriff,” he said. “At that time they swore you in, gave you a gun and a ticket book and told you to get to work.”

Focht explained how police work at that time was not as paper intensive as it is now, but even then, correct paperwork was a vital aspect of a law enforcement career.

“I remember even back then that sometimes with felony crimes we would still be working on paperwork as the criminal went to court,” he said.

On Oct. 18, Montri gave the students an informative PowerPoint presentation on effective interviewing and resume writing. She also showed students examples of ideal resumes,

and offered advice to students on improving their own resumes to help make them stand out in a tough job market.

MCCC student Nick Walters, who is taking the class to fulfill requirements for a criminal justice degree, already knew that writing clearly was an important part of working in law enforcement.

“I thought that it was interesting speech,” he said. “I think it was an absolutely great experience to hear from someone experienced in their field to talk to a younger generation.”

Agora photos by Jeffrey Kodysh

Instructor Cheryl Hoy’s students listen intently to guest speaker Joe Focht.

Agora illustration by Jen Shadle

OrangeBand Initiative

thrives across nation

By Jen Shadle Staff Writer

A new grassroots movement is popping up on campuses across the United States. The OrangeBand Initiative began at James Madison University (JMU) by Kai Degner in Harrisburg, VA, in the hopes someone on campus would ask “What is that orange band?” Without a specific cause, the band is nothing more than an orange piece of fabric.

An OrangeBand issue originally focused on different aspects and views of the Iraq war. Within days thousands of orange ribbons and different opinions were sparking meaningful discussions on the JMU campus.

The idea of OrangeBand is not to debate, but to engage in respectful conversation among college students and allow them to exchange ideas on what is important to them. The OrangeBand Initiative differs from other ribbons where the cause has a specific color and meaning. The meaning of the orange band can change from one person to the next.

OrangeBand Initiative has attracted media attention as well as inquiries

from more than 40 campuses wanting to start their own chapters. Some in Virginia, Vermont, Iowa, District of Columbia, Oregon, Connecticut, and California have already taken active roles in the campaign. All a student needs to participate is a purpose, passion, belief, or idea to share with other students.

“I see students ask one another all the time about their bands,” Mindy Sexton, a grad student at the University of Utah, said. “I’ve seen the topics range from health insurance issues to the environment, to both sides of the abortion issue. It gives them an opportunity to talk about what matters to them in a respectful way.”

The three main purposes of the initiative are to understand different points of view without criticism, develop a sense of community, and to encourage student involvement in democracy.

“I think the OrangeBand Initiative is a great concept,” Monroe County Community College student Jenna Sims said. “It opens up the opportunity to meet new people and share ideas.

My OrangeBand stands for thinking of others by being free of drugs and alcohol while driving.”

4

Feature

THE AGORA

October 23, 2007

Scrapbooking as art

By Morgan Sopko Staff Writer

W

hether you want to preserve that special vacation, or just an artistic way to organize your favorite pictures of your closest friends, scrapbooking is not just a pastime for the average stay-at-home mom anymore.

“My boyfriend and I are working on a scrapbook from our vacation that we took over spring break,” Lawrence Technological University student Amanda Kight said. “Working on the pages together is relaxing and it provides good bonding time for us, plus it allows us to be creative.”

Some couples stay in for the evening to scrapbook their recent traveling excursions, while other couples keep scrapbooking as a tradition.

“For our first Christmas my girlfriend made me a scrapbook of us of the different big events that happened early on in our relationship,” Michigan State University student Matt Miller said. “Since then, we have taken tons of pictures at vacation and different holidays, so we

always need to add more pages on to the scrapbook. Twice a year we plan a day to sit down and work on the new pages together. It’s fun and something that we get to do together that is different from the other days.”

Scrapbooking is not just an activity for dating couples. Groups of friends meet together to get different ideas for their own scrapbook designs and to grow closer to each other.

“My mom and I, plus one of my closest friends and her mom, get together to scrapbook,” Spring Arbor University Nicole Zraik said.

“We talk, eat, and laugh a lot while we’re scrapbooking. They can help me when I am unsure of how to lay out a page. When you’re by yourself you can easily run out of ideas, but with friends you can bounce different ideas off of each other.”

In 2006 scrapbooking grew to a $2.6 billion business, according to the Craft & Hobby Association.

This is one bandwagon millions of women and men have jumped on.

Chopped Apple Cake fills house with fragrance Students strive for healthy eating habits

By Kelsi Kachar

By Bethany Younglove Staff Writer

Monroe County Community College student Trevor Robinson loves many things, such as playing basketball and teaching middle school kids in his church’s youth group. One of his favorite recipes is Chopped Apple Cake.

“This is my favorite food because it is delicious and it makes the house smell amazing,” Robinson said. “I liked this apple cake before I even tasted it, it smelled so good.”

This recipe has been in Robinson’s family for a great deal of his life; his mother received it from a friend when he was in elementary school.

“I remember waking up one Sunday morning and I could smell the apple cake baking because my mom was making it early for when we got home from church,” Robinson said.

Staff Writer

M

any students dread gaining the “Freshman Fifteen” when starting school. Whether a freshman in college or not, there are many ways to make sure excess pounds are not gained this year.

The freedom to select what and when you eat in college represents one of those challenging transitions into adulthood. Without always having parents around to lovingly en-

sure a well-balanced diet, facing a cafeteria full of temptations can make healthy eating habits hard to keep up.

According to healthcheck.org, students make the mistake of consuming unnecessary calories in two main places: fast food and pop.

Fast food is a quick and convenient way to satisfy hunger pangs, as well as the quickest and most convenient way to take in excess fat, sodium and calcium. Fast foods also tend to be low in fiber and important nutrients such as vitamins A, C, D and folic acid. Danger also lies in the temptation of “super sizing” a meal. Having

Some of the many supplies of a scrapbooker.

a short lunch break in between classes and no time to run home makes fast food convenient for students, and also poses the biggest health risks and weight gains. Experts say that if you are going to eat fast food, eat it in moderation. If eating out is done only on special occasions or once a month, then sit back and enjoy the meal.

Eating fast food, rather than being a freshman, is to blame for gaining the freshman fifteen.

Another important thing to avoid when fighting the freshman fifteen is pop and energy drink intake. Many students are addicted to energy drinks

Agora photo by Morgan Sopko

and pop for the caffeine that they offer. Some depend on the energy drinks to get them through long days or long nights of cramming for a test.

“Energy drinks keep me awake during boring morning classes, and help me focus when I study,” student Ravin Massingill said.

Overall, the key to avoiding that risky freshman fifteen is to walk past the pop machines, fill up a water bottle at the water fountain, and to pack a lunch instead of filling up on the McDonalds dollar menu!

Chopped Apple Cake

Serves 16 4 cups baking apples, such as Macintosh or Granny Smith 2 cups sugar ½ cup oil 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons of vanilla 2 teaspoons of cinnamon 1 cup of chopped nuts (optional) 2 teaspoons of baking soda 1.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.

Peel, core and chop apples.

3.

Mix apples, sugar, oil and eggs together. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.

4.

Pour into un-greased 9x13 inch baking pan.

5.

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes.

Agora photos by Bethany Younglove

Call (734) 384-4272 for ticket information, or order tickets on the Web at www.monroeccc.edu/events

Feature

October 23, 2007

THE AGORA

5

Student explores computer career Second in a series spotlighting MCCC’s non-traditional students

By Patrick Dunn Staff Writer

Getting under skin Photo courtesy of Kelly Fulford

By Chrissandra White Eagle Staff Writer

W

here does the line between art and science fall? And why has anyone bothered plasticizing hundreds of corpses?

These are just a couple of the questions that swirled in the mind of Jennifer Consuls at the “Our Body: The Universe Within” exhibit, currently on display at the Detroit Science Center in Detroit, MI. With music typical of a funeral home playing in the background, a skeleton posed on a platform in the entryway greets visitors.

Created by Professor Gunther Von Hagen, the exhibit explores the fascinating anatomical structure of the human body. The most unique element of the exhibit is that instead of using models, everything on show is constructed from real bodies. Their poses and the manner of their dissection demonstrate how muscles flex, how sinew and ligaments work, and just how packed the human body really is.

The method to preserve the bodies

is called “polymer impregnation,” or plastination, a process that replaces the body’s fluids with reactive plastics. The plastic is initially pliable, enabling the bodies to be placed in life-like positions; it then hardens after infusion. Every tendon, nerve and muscle is perfectly captured in their original form.

Questions of ethics have arisen from the display of fetuses in a side room. Displayed in a series of jars, a variety of fetuses of different ages and ailments are on show. The effect an unborn child has on some visitors is overwhelming. One female visitor knelt before a mangled infant, who had died shortly after birth, praying with a rosary laced between her fingers.

“The exhibit does not, in my view, lack dignity or respect for the human body,” art critic Adrian Searle said.

“For that, try a war zone, the aftermath of a bombing, the torturer’s table.”

Context is the issue. The exhibition cannot fail to be hugely instructive, nor can it fail to engage us in an extreme way. The outrageous exhibition design and the publicity machine is what taint the enterprise.

Halloween Haunts

Looking for some great haunted attractions this Halloween season? Here are some in the south-eastern Michigan area.

1. Brandywine Cemetary

2727 Brandywine St. Ann Arbor, Mich.

Oct. 29-31 Cost: donations accepted 2. Deadly Intentions 20900 Dequindre Rd. Warren, Mich.

Oct. 25: 7:30-11p.m.- Adult Only$15 Oct. 26-27: 7:30p.m.-1a.m.- $13 Oct. 28-31: 7:30-11p.m.- $13 3. Dr. Phobia’s Haunted House (Located inside Universal Mall) 12 mile & Dequindre Warren, Mich.

Oct. 24-31 7:00-???

Tickets: $14 4. Erebus Four Story Haunted Attraction 18 Water St. Pontiac, Mich.

Oct. 24, 25, 28-31 & Nov. 1: 7-11 p.m.

Oct. 26, 27 & Nov. 2, 3: 7p.m.1a.m.

Tickets: $20

5. Night Terrors

5565 Merritt Rd. Ypsilanti, Mich.

Oct. 26-29: 7:30-11p.m. $14-$35 6. The Haunting 602 N. Dean St. Adrian, Mich.

Fri. & Sat.: 7p.m.-midnight Sun.: 7-10p.m. $15 7. The Haunted Mansion 17270 Washburn Detroit, Mich.

Oct. 18-31: 6p.m.-2a.m. $15 8. The Lab 26505 Hornet Grosse Ile, Mich.

Fri.-Sat.: 7p.m.-midnight Sun.-Thurs.: 7-11p.m. $12 9. Terrified House 245 Swarthout Rd. Pinkney, Mich.

Fri.-Sat.: dusk-midnight Sun.-Thurs.: dusk-11p.m. $7-$20

For more haunted houses visit: http://www.vrmetro.com/halloween/hauntedhouses.html

Blaine Lindemann needed a new direction.

Stuck in what he describes as the “dying trade” of automotive research and development, the 36-year-old Milan Township resident decided to return to school at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) in January this year. Determined to pursue a career in a more promising field, Lindemann began working towards an associates’ degree in computer science.

“It looked like the job field was pretty strong,” Lindemann said. “Everyone wants information.” Despite a rural upbringing and his history in mechanical engineering, Lindemann has an undaunted interest in the contrasting field of computer science.

Lindemann grew up on a Carleton

farm and graduated from Airport High School in 1989. He chose to take a series of odd jobs after graduation rather than attending college, a decision which he says he now regrets.

Lindemann did eventually go back to school, attending MCCC for the first time and earning an associates’ degree in engineering technology in 1994.

Lindemann worked almost eleven years at the Federal Mogul research and development plant, and then began working at the Global Engine plant in Dundee. Working a stressful swing shift, Lindemann decided it was time for a change. He quit his job and returned to MCCC as a full-time student for the winter 2007 semester, also taking on spring and summer semester classes. Lindemann is currently carrying 22 credit hours for the fall semester.

Lindemann admits that some of his colleagues in the automotive industry

Agora photo by Patrick Dunn

Blaine Lindemann works on homework in one of MCCC’s computer labs.

were surprised at his decision. “They think it’s unique but they understand my decision,” he said. Although he may be entering a slightly unusual field for his age, Lindemann expresses enthusiasm for technology. He gained some knowledge of computers while still working in the automotive field, where much of the computer work was given to him as a “younger guy.”

Lindemann says he “embraces” technology, although it still often surprises him.

“I learned to type on a typewriter, and there are kids in my class who can type ninety words a minute,” he said.

“That was just unheard of in my day.”

Lindemann’s computer science professor, Gregory Leinbach, spoke highly of Lindemann. “Most often, they [non-traditional computer science students] are very motivated and successful,” Leinbach said. “There are many computer professionals who started out in a different field. Blaine is doing very well in his classes and I think that will likely lead to computerrelated job opportunities.”

Lindemann credited his family for their support of his educational endeavor. “I couldn’t do it without my family,” he said. Lindemann’s wife Denise, a bookkeeper at MCCC, expressed enthusiasm for her husband’s decision.

“I encouraged him because he wasn’t happy at his job,” she said.

“I’m very happy for him. I hope he gets through this and he’s successful at it.” The Lindemanns have two children, 2-year-old Katelyn and 1-yearold Ryan.

Lindemann displays a deeply held dedication to the importance of college education. “I have two children and I can guarantee you they’re going to go to college,” he said. “It’s not a question of if, but where.”

6

A&E

THE AGORA

October 23, 2007

Halo havoc for threequil release

By Josh Krauss Staff Writer

The day Halo 3 was released in America, the game racked up a stun-

ning total of $170 million in sales, making it the largest selling videogame of all time.

Halo 3 is the final installment of the Halo trilogy. Unlike the cliffhanger

Halo 3 fans eagerly await its arrival at Game Stop on Telegraph Rd.

ending in Halo 2 which had many fans in dismay, Halo 3’s subtitle, “Finish the fight,” is aptly chosen for it allows the player to do just that. A minor improvement is in the single player game, where players will no longer

Agora Photo by Josh Krauss

waste time playing as a secondary character. That’s right, in Halo 3 the center focus is directly on main character Master Chief, as it should be.

There are a large number of different items that can be found in the game, and each one serves a different purpose. Some items that are picked up include shields, healing regenerators and offensive drains against enemy shields. These different strategies provide a refreshing, new element to the game play experience.

Compared to the past two games, Halo 3 is without a doubt the shortest game in the series. The entire game is only nine levels long. The storyline of Halo 3 is dense, short and lacking in overall quality, especially in comparison to the previous storylines, which were already pretty terrible.

Another thing that bears mention in this game is the sound. The guns themselves sound weak, but the music suits the mood of the game and really encourages movement during game play.

The biggest reason to actually pick up this game is its multiplayer capabilities. Multiplayer consists of three different modes, co-op, versus and forge. The first two modes are self-explanatory, but forge allows players to edit pre-existing maps and add every-

thing from different vehicles to landscapes and secret power-ups.

In my opinion, playing co-op over Xbox Live with friends is honestly some of the most fun any game player will have. A lot of the problems that exist in the game are hardly noticeable when one is blasting away aliens with their pals. I have heard of a fair amount of people complaining about lag in co-op, but personally I have never experienced it. Forge mode certainly adds a great level of replay to the game as a whole, simply because it gives players complete control over the way games are played, as well has how they are experienced. Forge mode is nice to have, especially to go to when the other game modes are starting to become stale. Overall, the entire multiplayer experience of Halo 3 seems very well thought out and nicely balanced.

Overall, Halo 3 is really a great game. Despite some issues with the single-player game, the rest of the game seems quite spotless. Some may criticize Halo 3 for its lack of innovation, but the truth is Halo has never really been about innovation. In the end, Halo has always been about getting together with your buddies and just having fun, and in this area, Halo 3 truly shines.

‘Godot’ challenges audience

By Emily Chandonnet Assistant Editor

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett was one of the most confusing yet insightful plays I have ever seen.

From the initial scene to the end nonsensical topics are thrown together, making it hard to comprehend.

However, within the gobbledegook of lines my mind became engrossed in every word. Godot forced me to explore every avenue of my mind, making myself try to relate the words back to anything in my life. I sat level to center stage, intently watching every action and emotion that the actors portrayed. They wanted the audience to listen, they wanted them to think, and they wanted them to connect with their words. I couldn’t help but want to figure out the secret meaning be-

tween the lines.

The program told the audience to listen.

“Listen tonight. Listen to the words.

Listen to the silence. Listen to the feelings. Listen to thoughts spoken.

Listen to thoughts withheld. Listen.

Listen. Listen. Listen to Beckett. Listen to Life.”

So that is what I did - I listened.

This play is not meant to be analyzed for one secret meaning. It has multiple meanings that only the individual can choose as the right one.

It can be taken for a metaphor of life, a religious perspective, a political statement and many more possibilities. All answers are correct because the play has no plot, no climax and no end. It was written as a tragic comedy in two acts, but it could be one act

play, four acts or ten and it would not make a difference. In the end everything would be the same. This play is meant to make one wonder and create his or her own theory, but it will never give away the answer.

When talking to some of the audience members one woman said that this was her third time seeing the play and she still didn’t understand it. And that is just the thing, there is nothing to understand.

Waiting for Godot is a play for everyone and should be seen by everyone. It is a play that will last in the memories of all viewers. They might not remember who the actors were or each individual scene but they will remember the impact it had. The confusing back-and-forth thought process will still stand years later, along with whatever lesson you learned from it.

John Bevere produces audio theatre

By Bethany Younglove Staff Writer

John Bevere, international best-selling author (The Fear of the Lord, The Bait of Satan) and founder of Messenger International, has written Affabel, an audio theatre taken from his newest book Driven By Eternity– Making Your Life Count Today and Forever. A talented cast voices the characters in this epic tale of how choices and actions in this life affect what happens at the judgment seat in Heaven.

The story tells of a news reporter in the war-torn Middle East who receives a chance from a man named Sageous, voiced by Barry Dennen (Titanic, Fiddler on the Roof), to view five citizens of Affabel as they journey through life. In the Kingdom of Affabel, King Jayln, voiced by John Rhys-Davies (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), sends every child at the time of their birth to the Community of Endel. The children are taught and live out their lives until the day they are called to the Great Hall, where they are judged and either rewarded with an eternity of life in Affabel, or punished by being sent to the terrible land of Lone.

Other voices include Beng Spies (Area 51), Mark Christopher Lawrence (Christmas with the Kranks, Garfield), Townsend Coleman (Inspector Gadget), Julianne Buescher (The Wild, Chicken Little), Erin Tor-

pey (One Life to Live), Keith Ferguson II (voices in many video games), and Sean Donnellan (Nip/Tuck).

Not only is this program an interesting listen, it also answers some fundamental questions about Christianity, such as: “If God is all merciful, why would he condemn us to hell?”

“Is there such a thing as “once saved, always saved’?” “If someone is a terrible person, is there any way for him

to get into heaven?” The answer to every question is backed by Scripture references.

The result of powerful voicing and strong grounding in Scriptures is stunning and has changed many lives.

“I shared the story of Affabel with people from various walks of life, both the young and old,” said Bevere.

“Each individual was profoundly impacted.”

Photo courtesy of www.messengerintl.org

Photo courtesy of michaelclayton.warnerbrothers.com

Investigating ‘Michael Clayton’

By Patrick Dunn Staff Writer

Bourne trilogy screenwriter Tony Gilroy makes his directorial debut with Michael Clayton, a quietly suspenseful legal morality play starring George Clooney (Ocean’s Eleven, Syriana), Tilda Swinton (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), and Tom Wilkinson (In the Bedroom, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). When corporate lawyer Arthur Edens (Wilkinson) begins sabotaging the case of one of his firm’s clients, his close friend and colleague Michael Clayton (Clooney) begins to investigate the situation. Arthur’s client, the UNorth Corporation, has been fighting a lawsuit regarding their manufacture of cancerous weed-killers despite a confidential internal memo acknowledging the product’s toxicity. When Arthur is mysteriously found dead, Michael realizes that UNorth chief counsel Karen Crowder (Swinton) is willing to resort to murder to keep the memo secret. Michael must choose to either stay safe by keeping the information secret, or to risk his career and his life by exposing the truth.

Fans of the Bourne trilogy’s hightension action fireworks may be somewhat surprised, even disappointed, by the tone of its writer’s directorial debut. Although it does incorporate an exploding car or two, Michael Clayton is decidedly quieter in tone than the Bourne films; this is certainly not a film for action aficionados. The most notable carryover from Gilroy’s Bourne scripts is the taut, entertaining, and realistic dialogue; Gilroy writes political-speak and legalese just as well as conver-

sation. Clayton is not a stand-upand-cheer film, and viewers may not even necessarily have an immediate strong response to its ending; like the rest of the film, it is emotionally subtle and underplayed. Although Michael makes the morally right choice in the end, Gilroy doesn’t shy away from implying the overall negative consequences for the character. After writing the commercially acceptable Bourne films, Gilroy is to be commended for applying his talents to such an unconventionally low-key and realistic drama.

Gilroy elicits strong performances from his lead actors. Wilkinson is not particularly subtle, but certainly enthralling, as the raving Arthur, and Swinton also excels in the role of chilling control-freak Karen. Clooney, however, drives the film in an unaffectedly human performance that really sells Clayton’s often bitter realism. The audience may not necessarily love Michael right away, but they will certainly relate to his humanity. Clooney gives a weary everyman hero performance that is as quietly understated as the film itself.

At this time of year, numerous films are fighting for attention at this year’s Oscars ceremony, each trying to take emotionally raw performances, sweeping cinematography, and dramatic shocker moments to a new level. Although his film deserves awards recognition, Gilroy makes the admirable choice to make a film that, although impactful, isn’t yelling to be noticed. Unfortunately, Gilroy’s refusal to simply create “Oscar material” will likely leave his excellent film out of this year’s list of Oscar hopefuls.

October 23, 2007

Community News

THE AGORA

7

Hunting season begins

By Jeffrey Kodysh Editor-In-Chief

Anyone who has watched the Jeff Daniels movie Escanaba in da Moonlight, a comedy in which a man’s status is determined by whether he has harvested a buck, knows how important hunting is to Michigan residents.

The memories associated with going to deer camp in “da UP, ai” or back to the family farm for hunting are familiar fall rituals for generations of Michigan residents.

Michigan’s 2007 hunting season is well underway. Many upland species such as rabbits are currently in season, while firearm deer season starts November 15th.

Michigan is one of the top states for hunting. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), Michigan has around 790,000 licensed hunters, ranking 3rd in the nation.

Many Monroe County Community College (MCCC) staff and students enjoy hunting. MCCC maintenance worker Bill Pickard likes to hunt waterfowl in local marshes.

“I like being outdoors,” he said. “I

like seeing the different animals and birds while I am out hunting. It is relaxing.” Hunting, according to Pickard, is mostly about being in touch with nature.

“It’s not just about killing animals, but is mostly about being outside with nature,” he said.

MCCC student and hunter Cara Peterman uses her time hunting to help slow down a hectic life.

“I have always believed that my soul lies very closely with the earth,” she said. “As busy as our lives are, this [hunting] gives me that much-needed quiet time to reestablish ties and help me restore equilibrium in my life.”

Cara is an example of the many women across the nation that has recently started hunting. Hunting has typically been a male-dominated sport, but recently more females have decided to participate in hunting. According to official figures from the MDNR, around 8 percent, or 63,000, of the total 790,000 hunting licensees sold in the state were to female hunters. A niche retail market has developed to cater to the increased number of female hunters, with outdoor retailers such as Cabela’s selling

camouflage and hunting boots made specifically for women. Cara has been an active hunter for around four years, and has found other women at MCCC that share her interest.

“There was another woman in my Engineering Physics class the first semester that hunted,” she said. “I think that we were the only two that were worried that a test was going to fall on opening day.”

Hunting has a large economic impact in Michigan. According to the MDNR, the average Michigan hunter spends around $1600 on a combination of food, fuel, lodging, hunting equipment, licenses and other expenses associated with hunting. Altogether, Michigan’s hunters contribute about $1.3 billion annually to Michigan’s economy. The largest economic impact comes from deer hunters.

“What many Michigan citizens do not know is that deer hunting is a significant part of our state’s economy,” MDNR Director Rebecca Humphries said in an informational podcast from the state website. “Deer hunting is big business. This year deer hunters will spend more than $500 million for food, lodging, transportation, and

Agora photo by Jeffrey Kodysh

Hunters Caleb Baumann and Al Bradford pose in front of Cook’s Sports with their deer from northern Michigan.

equipment.”

Hunters also play an important part in conservation. The fees that hunters spend for licenses and permits directly fund state conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration and anti-poaching efforts. According to the MDNR, over one-third of the MDNR’s own budget comes from licenses and fees.

“The license fees that our hunters pay out are put right back into wildlife and habitat conservation projects that

the DNR works on everyday in this state,” said Humphries in the podcast.

Many college students might have difficulty in finding extra time to hunt.

Peterman has found a unique way to help pass the time while waiting in a deer stand.

“I can’t say that I am an active hunter,” she said. “I take homework with me. I was doing assigned problems by the light of my headlamp in the deer blind.”

RRCA lines up year

By Josh Kraus Staff Writer

The River Raisin Centre for the Arts (RRCA) is celebrating its 20th year by hosting a plethora of different shows, events, movies, and plays for its upcoming season.

“We’re much more than just a one show a week type of place,” said Calley Duffey, associate director of the RRCA. “We are always doing something, all the time.”

The RRCA will be presenting a number of shows featuring famous dancers from across the United States. On Nov. 2, San Francisco group Tap City will be featured. Tap City features an international cast of seasoned tap dancing veterans, as well as up and comings. Ticket prices are $35 for adults and $18 for students. Along with this show, the dancers from Tap City will be taking time to instruct tap dance hopefuls in a workshop class environment. The class is on Nov. 1 and costs $20.

Aside from dance specialists, the RRCA will also be providing a number of musicals on stage. The famed musical Chicago will hit the stage Nov. 9-11 and Nov. 15-17. Locally

produced, sponsored and acted, Chicago is an award-winning musical in its third year running at the RRCA. Tickets are priced at $25 for adults, $15 for students.

“We really try to have something for everyone,” Duffey said. “We even have student prices, we really want to make it so anybody can afford to visit us.”

Following the RRCA’s plan for bringing back favorites, The Irish Rovers will be on stage March 2, performing Irish-inspired music.

The Irish Rovers are in fact the only band in the RRCA’s history to ever completely sell out at the box office.

Tickets are $35 for adults, $18 for students.

Besides plays and musical performances, the RRCA has started a movie night. On various Friday nights throughout the fall and winter months, a number of classic movies will be shown. Along with this, on select Sundays from mid-October to late May, six different children’s movies will be shown. Movie tickets are $5.

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student Kelly Reaume was pleased with the idea of a movie

night.

“Classic movie night is a nice idea.

I like that the theatre is doing what they can to get in touch with, and promote the cinematic roots of classics and originals,” Reaume said.

Terry Telfer, MCCC English professor and classic movie fan, was glad to hear the RRCA was finally doing a classic movie showing.

“I think] these movies were intended to be shown on a big screen.

Even if you were to watch one of the ‘classics’ on television, you’re likely to miss visual details,” Telfer said.

“As students in my film class have observed, the writing and acting, as well as the commitment to realism, are superior to many contemporary movies.”

The movies in the movie night series will include American Graffiti, Citizen Kane and Toy Story 2, as well as many others.

“I think people are used to driving out of town for something to do, but little do they know that there is a hidden jewel right in their own town,” Duffey said. “That jewel is the RRCA.” For a list of shows and times visit, http://www.riverraisincentre.org/.

Agora photo illustration by Chrissandra White Eagle

Street in downtown Ann Arbor marked by Making Strides Against Breast Cancer symbol.

Breast cancer awareness rises

By Chrissandra White Eagle Staff Writer

“When the doctors said, ‘We need you to have a biopsy,’ the first thoughts that popped into my head were, ‘I never took those tango lessons, I never read those books, I never did any of those things, and, I’m not going to have the opportunity to do them ever again,’ because I thought it was a death sentence,” Carol Lingerman said, reflecting on her battle with breast cancer.

“In the end, cancer was one of the best things that ever happened to me,” Lingerman said. “It showed me that for the last 45 years, I was not really living, I just existed. There’s something about looking death in the face that made me think, ‘I don’t care anymore. What can hurt me? Who can threaten me?’ It turned me into a person who is much more willing to take risks, much more willing to be who I am.”

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer affects one in eight women during their lives.

Breast cancer kills more women in the United States than any other cancer, with the exception of lung cancer.

Each year more than 211,000 American women and 1,700 men are diagnosed with this disease. With these grim odds, the ACS has started a program called Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC). The program is a noncompetitive walk to help fight breast cancer and provide hope

for those facing the disease.

Many individuals walk MSABC as proud survivors, others walk for their family and friends. One thing is clear; these men and women are waging war against cancer, and their commitment to defeating the disease is not wavering.

Tiffany Wright, early childhood development instructor at Monroe County Community College, will be walking in the Ann Arbor MSABC event on October 20, 2007.

“I have a few friends who have had breast cancer,” Wright said. “Since I recently began walking for exercise, I thought I could do something I enjoy for a good cause. I felt this was an opportunity to walk for a purpose. The High/Scope Educational Foundation has a team, which invited me to either donate or join the walk. I wanted to do both. I am walking for all those who have faced or had family and friends with cancer.”

Scientists are studying breast cancer to find out more about its causes and looking for ways to prevent, find and treat it. Screening for breast cancer before symptoms arise is important. Self-exams are the easiest ways to check for any changes in one’s breasts. Breast self-exams cannot replace regular mammograms and clinical breast exams. Individuals are encouraged to speak with their doctor about when to start examinations and how often to do them. Treatment is more likely to work well when cancer is found early.

October 23, 2007

Spotlight

THE AGORA

8

Tall Bowls The Tall Bowl is pleasing and challenging for me to make. The deceptively simple form must be done with care for there is nothing to distract from imperfections.

The Round Vase The Round Vase form is deceptively simple but I find that to create a simple shape well is more difficult then a complicated form, perhaps because there can be no distractions from small flaws in the lines of the piece or in the surface.

Navase The shape of the Navase is derived from Navajo traditional forms. The form is definitely contemporary but not overstated.

Tea Pots Tea Pots are among the most challenging forms to create. All of the parts must fit together and work well as a functional object and an artistic object as well! Tea pots can have the handle over the top or on the side.

RT A XHIBIT E

Pitchers Pitchers are a favorite object for me to design and create, perhaps this is because there are a number of elements within the piece, such as the handle and the spout, which must work together. Shown are the Round Pitcher and the Serving Pitcher

Visiting artist Tom Kendall decorates each piece with glazes of his own design while the clay is still wet in order to achieve the watercolor like qualities of the surfaces. Most of the forms are functional and all are food-safe. The pieces are then fired to over 2400 degrees in his gas kilns. Since each piece is individually thrown, shapes and surface patterns will vary. His designs are inspired by intimate landscapes and impressions of deep woodlands.

Flair Bowls The Flair Bowl series has been one of the most popular. Perhaps this is because the open shape works well with the decoration.

Agora photos by Bethany Younglove Descriptions by Tom Kendall

Answers to the Oct. 3 Agora Spotlight 1. Statue in front of main entrance to the La-Z-Boy Center 2. Mail box in the entry way of the Administration Building 3. Painting displayed in the Administration Building 4. Statue between La-Z-Boy Center and Campbell building

5. Brick sidewalk in front of the La-Z-Boy center 6. Sign for the Cellar 7. Plaque below the small maple tree in front of the La-Z-Boy Center 8. Light on the wall under the covered walkway in-between the Administration Building and the East Tech Building