10-26-2011

gora A

‘Be an Ally’ enlightens students - Pg. 4

Chorale, band amaze audience

THE

Aug. 26,26,2010 55,Issue Issue October 2011 Vol. Vol. 56, 41

Pg. 7

www.mcccagora.com www.mcccagora.com

MAIN CAMPUS GUIDE

Campus road closing soon Lorrie Mayzlin Agora Staff

The road through the north end of campus will be closed soon due to construction.

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, a school-wide email was sent out with the following message: “Campus road between the Gerald Welch Health Education Building and Life Sciences Building will soon close to begin site preparation for the new Career Technology Center.

All parking lots will remain open; however, lots 3-7 will only be accessible through the south entrance of campus once the road closes.

The road will remain closed until building construction is complete in the Fall of 2013.”

The road closure will take place on the north driveway entrance to the college, and will begin just east of the entrance to

ROAD CLOSED

Parking Lot 4

Parking Lot 3

Lots 1 and 2. In order for students to get to the parking areas behind the L-building and behind the A-building, they will need to use the south entrance.

Some students weren’t happy about the road closure.

Will Schwab said he is frustrated as the college begins preparations for the new Career Technology Center.

“Basically, it effects me a lot because I have to find another way around; they just made a bigger headache,” Schwab said.

Parking Parking Kylie Schmitt said she was worried about how the construcLot 1 Lot 2 tion will affect parking, even though the college announced that no parking lots will be closed.

“I feel that it’s going to be an inconvenience because it will take longer to get over to the parking in that area. I also feel that it will cause more traffic to build up going in and leaving the To M-50 1555 South Raisinville Road college,” she said.

No official date for the road closure has been released.

The section of road that will be closed is marked in red.

Bon Appetite!

A C E H L W Z

Parking Lot 5 Parking Lot 6

Parking Lot 7

To Dunbar Road

New college policy arms security officers

Audrey M. Warrick Student Services / Administration Building - Bldg A Campbell Learning Resources Center - Bldg C East Technology Building - Bldg E

Gerald Welch Health Education Building - Bldg H Life Sciences Building - Bldg L

West Technology Building - Bldg W La-Z-Boy Center - Bldg Z

Nicki Kostrewza Agora Staff

photo by Michille Dangler

Culinary students run Cuisine 1300. The students develop the menu, prepare and cook the food and also fill other typical restaurant positions.

Culinary restaurant Cuisine 1300 opens

Michelle Dangler Agora Staff

“Thock- thock- thock- thock- thockthock . . . Whiiirrrrrr! . . . HisssssPOOF!-sssss . . .”

The enticing din of a restaurant kitchen preparing to open – vegetables and herbs being chopped, heavy cream whipped in a mixer, and oil set aflame in a pan.

The sights, sounds, and smells that await people curious enough to explore the Cuisine 1300 kitchen are enough to set their mouths watering.

The fresh, vibrant colors of carrots, parsley, and other vegetables.

The scent of sweet, creamy butter.

A pan of oil suddenly alight with bright, dancing flames, ready to begin searing a succulent pork roast.

The amazing part of this particular kitchen, however, is not merely sensory delights, but who runs it.

Operated by second-year culinary students, Cuisine 1300 provides MCCC students the opportunity to gain experience in restaurant management through “on the job training.”

“Each student will rotate through the stations,” said chef Vicki Lavalle, an instructor of the culinary program. “So,

Inside:

someone will start out as the maître d’ and be the highest point of the restaurant of supervising the dining room staff.

Then they’ll rotate down and be servers, and try the three different positions. Then we have what’s called a captain. They come and cook tableside for you.”

Along with the second years, the first-year students in the Culinary Program also have jobs to do.

Their responsibilities include food preparation, baking bread, making soups and stocks, sauces, salad dressings, among other things.

It is also, as a first project of the year, the responsibility of the second years to research and put together a packet of different recipes to use for the menu. Chef Kevin Thomas picks and chooses his favorites from these.

The students love the program and the opportunity to work in the restaurant.

“It’s cool and fun. I like it,” said Kirsten Sutherland, a first-year student.

Each student, when asked why he or she loves the program, seems to have his or her own unique reasons. Each student has a favorite part of the program that makes him or her happy to be in the restaurant.

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

“Everything. I just like chopping, baking, sautéing, anything really,” Sutherland said. “I just like cooking in general.”

Sutherland was grinning ear to ear as she spoke about the program and the restaurant. Her pride in the program was obvious.

However, it is not only the culinary students who benefit from the student-run Cuisine 1300. Anyone can enjoy the variety of high-quality foods from around the world, all priced for a modest budget. . sive item on the menu is $14.

See CUISINE 1300, Page 2

photo by Michille Dangler

First-year culinary students aren’t afraid to turn up the heat in the kitchen.

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MCCC security personnel have been given the ability to carry and use registered weapons while on duty.

According to Randy Daniels, vice-president of Student Services, the policy is meant to create a more secure campus.

Daniels also noted that all the security officers are retired police officers and are certified to carry firearms.

“Security guards will have their qualifications and be background checked, so I see no problem with it,” Garrett Gaut, an MCCC student, said.

According to the new college policy, all officers on campus must gain a Concealed Pistol License (CPL), which allows them to carry the firearm. The permit is to be kept current, and as a condition of employment for all security personnel.

These officers must carry this documentation with them while they are on duty, along with their driver’s license. Officers are also required to attend sidearm training not less than once a year, or whenever the college has scheduled the training.

“I like it, as long as they know how to use a gun,” MCCC student Brook Willer said.

The policy also states that the sidearm shall be carried in a manner that is considered safe while on duty or in uniform. The sidearm will also be fully loaded, and will not be left in unsecured locations.

The college will not issue, own, or purchase any of the firearms. The college will also not issue or purchase any ammunition needed for the firearms.

The policy limites the use of firearms too severe situations. Harm to the officer or others in any form of bodily harm, sexual assault, or loss of human life fall into this category. Discharging the weapon not in these circumstances is not allowed.

An officer cannot open fire in an attempt to apprehend a person while under suspicion that they were connected to a crime, according to the policy.

The only time an officer can use a firearm to affect the arrest, or prevent the escape of someone, is when they have witnessed a murder, rape, robbery, arson, or an assault which resulted in a loss of human life.

All students don’t support the new policy.

“Honestly, that makes me feel less safe,” said Hope Laurain, another MCCC student. “The idea that they can shoot someone and possibly kill them is very nerve-racking, even if it was for my own safety.”

If a firearm is discharged — either accidentally or intentionally — there are certain procedures that must be followed.

The Vice President of Student Services and Security Supervisor will be notified. Then the details surrounding the incident will be investigated.

Bookstore Hours:

Library Hours:

Mon, Tues: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

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

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

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

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

LAL/Writing Center:

Fitness Center Hours:

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

Tues - Thurs: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fri: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Serving Monroe County Community College since 1968

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

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

2 THE AGORA

Opinion

Oct. 26, 2011

NBA lockout makes for better NCAA The NBA lockout saga is starting to turn into a joke.

Millionaires are arguing with billionaires about how to split money that the majority do not need. Players aren’t in serious danger of medical issues after their careers end, as NFL players are. Owners are asking for money that they have no need for.

However, there is a good side to the lockout.

Currently, the NBA game is horrible. Players Tyler Rogoff can’t play defense without being Agora Staff called for a foul, ball handlers travel almost every time they catch a pass or pull a crossover move, players stand in the corner for three-pointers and just wait for a pass, and the vast majority of players can hit a three too easily.

This is without even bringing up one of the stupidest rules in sports: the no

charge circle under the basket.

Players have become too good for the game, and the rules aren’t being enforced as they need to be. Although I highly doubt the lockout will even remotely fix the NBA game, as the NHL’s lockout did for it, I have a sliver of hope that the NBA will again be watchable in the future.

Besides just the immediate effects on the NBA itself, the NBA lockout has given the college game a huge boost.

Freshman stars like North Carolina’s Harrison Barnes and Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger decided to stay in school and develop their game, instead of going for the instant money in the NBA, then riding the bench for years on end, unable to develop – such as former collegiate players Brandan Wright and Hasheem Thabeet.

Many college teams also will have more continuity, with players who had been expected to jump to the pros sticking around another season. The all-around talent level in the college game is at an all-time high, with incoming freshmen being more prepared

than ever for the game.

Without the NBA lockout looming, there’s no possible way that a team like North Carolina would have returned all five starters, when three were guaranteed to be first round picks.

Being a diehard college basketball fan (and maybe the largest North Carolina fan in the entire state of Michigan), seeing so many talented players staying in college for an extra season is a huge bonus.

For teams as good as North Carolina or Ohio State to return a majority of their starters is nearly unheard of these days. North Carolina returning every player from the previous season hasn’t happened since 2009, when Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, and Wayne Ellington did the same.

That 2009 team ended the season with a championship, and I’m hoping the 2012 team does the same.

Without the NBA lockout, this upcoming college basketball season wouldn’t be anything outside the norm.

Superstar freshmen would have bolted for the draft instead of returning, and

many top teams would have freshmen inserted into the starting lineup before they are ready.

The only downfall to this is there is less parity between the superstar teams and the mid-majors, which rely on team chemistry to win over talent.

But having the chance to watch ridiculously talented teams with chemistry outweighs the negatives.

Come December, when North Carolina travels to Kentucky, fans will be watching NBA-level talent all over the floor – without the downfalls of the NBA game. Any basketball fan will want to watch this game, and it could be a preview of the national championship game come April.

We can all thank the NBA players and owners inability to strike a deal for that December game, and for the upcoming college season. All we need now is for the new collective bargaining agreement to up the NBA draft entry age by a year, so every season can be more like this.

Both the college game and the NBA will reap the benefits.

Join local Emergency Response Team

Knowledge of emergency disaster preparedness could save lives While walking through the Health building, students may have noticed a couple of flyers for something called C.E.R.T. C.E.R.T., or Community Emergency Response Team, is a Citizen Corps organization that trains average citizens in proper disaster preparedness.

The training that C.E.R.T. provides has many benefits, both for those who receive the training and those who know the trainees. It is helpful at home, workplace, and wherever else a trainee may be.

Michelle When receiving training, Dangler new team members are taught how to handle many disaster Agora Staff situations, such as earthquakes, weather disasters (tornados, etc.), fires, and many others, when regular emergency responders (police, fire, EMS, etc.) cannot be called or respond to the situation immediately.

C.E.R.T. trains beginners in basic first aid, CPR, triaging, scene assessment, crowd control, and other necessary life-saving skills.

Outside of this basic training, the local team may also provide extra training to broaden their members’ knowledge in the area of disaster preparedness.

If students want to join, there are many teams across the United States, so it is fairly easy to find one locally. There are, according to their website, over 1,100 communities and growing that have formed teams and listed themselves on the C.E.R.T. Directory. Anyone who is interested may join.

One community happens to be Bedford. To join, contact Kenneth Kilman of the Bedford Township Team via email or telephone: klkilman@aol.com or (419)-261-4020.

There is much more to learn about C.E.R.T. and how it operates. That information can be provided by the local team or the C.E.R.T. website: http://citizencorps.gov/cert/about.shtm.

There is currently one event still being advertised for C.E.R.T.: Citizen’s Preparedness Exercise. Saturday, November 5. As the flyer put it: “Victims needed” (people from the community pretend to be injured to help the new team members with their training).

To learn more, or to register for this event, contact the Monroe County Emergency Management via the web: www.co.monroe.mi.us/emd, or by phone:

(734)-240-3135. Anyone, C.E.R.T. team member or not, can participate in this event.

C.E.R.T. is a fantastic group to join, with many opportunities for new and old members. With the CPR and other life-saving skills training as a part of its program, C.E.R.T. also looks fantastic on job and university applications.

After becoming a member, students gain leadership skills, a new knowledge base in disaster preparedness, new friends, and a greater sense of be-

Cuisine 1300 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The most expesive item on the menu is $14.

With tempting menu items like the Asparagus Bisque, described as a crab “soufflé”, and Bacon Wrapped Trio, which consists of scallops, cream cheese and almond stuffed dates, and Boursin and mushrooms all wrapped in bacon as appetizers, it is difficult to not drool.

Taking this year’s menu to an even higher level is the Lobster and Bacon Spaghetti, a combination of simple but yummy foods served in a rich, savory cream sauce, cooked to order by the Captains at your table.

Something else that students might notice on this year’s menu is next to some items there is a little symbol with “gf.” This symbol means that the meal is Gluten Free (GF). This is the first year that Cuisine 1300 has noted which meals are GF. For students and faculty who want to try any of the aforementioned items, there are a few things to know about the restaurant.

To eat at Cuisine 1300, students must book a reservation. It is not a walk-in restaurant.

To book a reservation, go to the Cashier’s Office in

What makes a college great?

By Lorrie Mayzlin Agora staff

At the Back to School BBQ this year, The Agora asked students to submit story ideas, and ideas poured in.

One particular suggestion was to write a story about why there aren’t many beautiful people on campus.

As silly as this sounds, because true beauty lies on the inside of each of us, I was starting to wonder if this anonymous suggestion was hitting the nail on the head for what is wrong with our campus.

In the last issue Lorrie of The Agora, I creMayzlin ated a seek-n-find Agora Staff stumper for students to find on campus, a bit of campus history and something to look forward to for students to read and participate in.

Out of my own pocket, I offered a drawing for all correct entries for a $10 Amazon gift certificate.

I received absolutely no responses. I was deeply disappointed. I know that I personally told many students about the contest, and how they should enter the drawing.

Crickets!

That “failure to respond” had me wondering. After all, the contest was not overly difficult to participate in.

Then, while sitting in my German class, I overheard one of the more boisterous classmates say, “Hey, have you read the latest rag?”

When the student in front of her said, “What rag?” she replied with, “The Agora, it’s a joke.”

I said absolutely nothing to this student, but felt my heart break in the process. I know how hard many of us work on getting the student newspaper out on time, every time. I am sad that many students do not read our school newspaper.

It’s not a rag; at least the Michigan Press Association feels we have a quality newspaper, since we took third place in the entire state of Michigan for community college newspapers.

What makes a school great is the dynamics of a student body; when the student body cares about their school and works to make it better.

Outside of Student Government and other clubs on campus, we do not have that dynamic with the general student body. It’s very sad.

Joke or not, we work very hard on The Agora. We all receive a grade at the end of each semester for a class.

I guess I am finding myself with the anonymous suggestion asking where have all the beautiful people gone, and why have they been replaced with students who could care less?

The Agora Editorial Policy The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. The editorial office is located in Room 202 of the Life Sciences Bldg., (734) 384-4186, agora@monroeccc.edu.

Editorial policy: Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of The Agora staff. Signed columns represent the opinion of the writer. All letters to the editor must include a signature, address and phone number for verification purposes.

The Agora reserves the right to edit for clarity, accuracy, length and libel.

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

Story suggestions are welcome. Let us know what you’d like to see in The Agora - it’s your newspaper.

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

Staff Members

photo by Michille Dangler

First year students do most of the preparation work so that the second year students can focus on cooking for the restaurant, as well as managing it.

the A building or call the office at: (734) 384-4231.

Only lunch is served in Cuisine 1300, so seatings are scheduled for 11:30 and 11:45AM. Opening day was Friday, Oct. 21. Cuisine 1300 will only be open Mondays, Wednedays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

The restaurant will be closed on Tuesdays and week-

ends, and the following days: Nov. 3, Nov. 16 and Nov. 21 through 28. The last day will be Wednesday, Dec. 7.

When booking a reservation, be aware that of the restaurant’s accepted method of payment. Cuisine 1300 accepts cash and personal checks only.

Bon appetite!

Editor Tyler Eagle Assistant Editor Nicki Kostrewza Designer Morgan Hofbauer Adviser Dan Shaw

Staff Mandi Davis Michelle Dangler Lorrie Mayzlin Matt Mullins Taylor Pinson Tyler Rogoff Jacob Thompson

Oct. 26, 2011

Campus News

THE AGORA

3

Several crimes reported at MCCC Security officers see accidents, injuries, suspicion during Fall semester The following incidents were reported to the MCCC Security office:

Accidents

Sept. 8: A victim slipped and fell in front of the Registrar’s office. The complainant said the floor was not wet.

Sept. 8: A victim allegedly entered the Administration Building and slipped on what the victim assumed to be a freshly mopped floor.

The victim also claimed there were no warning signs in the area.

Sept. 19: A complainant went to the security office to report that someone had struck their vehicle in the L-building parking lot on Sept.

14. After leaving class, the complainant said the front driver’s side of the vehicle had been hit, breaking out the headlight.

Oct. 4: A victim contacted an officer regarding his vehicle being hit in Lot 4 while he was in class. A note was found in their car stating that a witness to the accident saw a red vehicle pull into the parking space next to the victim’s vehicle and strike the car. The suspect parked two rows from the victim. The officer approached the vehicle and found damage to the front right quarter panel. The victim was advised to contact the county Sheriff’s Office.

MCCC crime reports: August - September

Accidents (4) Injuries (4) Trouble with subject (2)

Other (2)

Injuries

Aug. 25: At the close of the Miss Monroe Scholarship Pageant, an elderly woman who was leaving fell and hit her head on the stone.

The victim was kept still and given ice to place on the cut until the EMS arrived.

Oct. 9: The fall victim in the Administration Building (listed as number 2 under Accidents).

The victim came in to have paperwork signed by security for the hospital.

Sept. 20: A maintenance worker from the HBuilding reported to security that someone in a karate class was board breaking, hitting the board. The victim hurt a middle knuckle on the right hand. The victim declined immediate attention for the injury.

Sept. 28: A victim had fallen down the west staircase of the C-Building. The victim said she was walking down the steps when her foot caught; she fell and hit her knee on the step.

A witness was in the area and assisted immediately. The victim did not want further attention and was assisted to her car. The officer obtained ice for the victim’s knee.

Trouble with Subject

Aug. 24: A suspect contacted a witness regarding a sign that is on campus which advertised a campus activity. The witness stated that the voicemail message had the suspect saying he would like to participate in the activity but is not allowed on the property. In order for the suspect to see the signs, he would have to be

on campus. The security officers are going to investigate further. Student Services will record the voicemail and keep it on file.

Sept. 8: The Switchboard contacted an officer to respond to a call about a white male in a vehicle exposing his genitals as well as masturbating. Due to the weather, the officer couldn’t see inside the car, but the officer did see the suspect buttoning his pants and putting on his t-shirt. The suspect then rolled his window down as ordered by the officer and was unable to show any identification. He stated that he was waiting for his mother and her boyfriend, who were in the W Building. The officer then contacted a patrol car for the Monroe County Sheriff’s office. The responding officer concluded that no one had actually saw any exposure.

Photos by Lorrie Mayzlin and Michelle Dangler

State Police visited MCCC when the window of a car, owned by student Jennifer Mushung, was smashed outside of the West Technology Building.

Other

Aug. 25: In an accident classified as “suspicious,” a custodian entered the men’s locker room (H-building) and an unknown person was standing completely nude in front of the mirrors by the sinks which are not near the showers or lockers. The custodian apologized but the unknown person began to shout at the custodian and told them that they had no business being in the locker room.

Aug. 29: A complainant lost their MCCC assigned keys. Security and maintenance have been informed of the missing keys.

Briefly: MCCC to host “A Grand Night for Singing” “A Grand Night for Singing” is a performance which features the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein.

The event will take place Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. in Meyer Theater.

Tickets will be $15 and can be purchased on the college’s website or through the Cashier’s office located in a-building. A $3 fee will be incurred for all online purchases.

Student Government raises money for charity Student Government will be accepting money to donate to combat breast cancer. SG representatives will be at the information desk outside of the Admissions office in A-building on Oct. 26, 27 and 28. SG will also be selling little trinkets.

SG will also be collecting silver tabs from canned drinks to raise money for The Ronald McDonald House in honor of Gabriel Jordan, a young infant with a heart condition. Tabs can be given to any member of student government. Donations will be accepted through May 2012.

Poetry Night to be held in Little Theater The MCCC Writing Center will be hosting Poetry Night. Students may read original works or can select a poem by a favorite poet and recite it. Faculty members are also encouraged to participate and attend.

The event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Little Theater in the basement of C-building.

A $20 gift certificate from the MCCC Bookstore will be awarded to a student who submits a typed copy of an original poem. A panel of Writing Fellows will judge submissions..

Cellar to host Halloween Bash The Cellar, located in A-building, will host the Halloween Bash, a party with dancing, free food, games and contests (costume contest and pumpkin painting contest).

The event will take place on Friday, Oct. 28, from 7 p.m. until midnight. Admission to the party will be $1 or a non-perishable item, such as canned food or clothing.

Proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army’s Manor House. Music will be presented by DJ Zarza.

The event is being sponsored by Student Government, the Math and Science Society (MASS) and the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) The prizes for the costume contest include a $50 gas card (1st place), a $25 restaurant card (2nd) and movie passes (3rd).

Tabs collected for Gabriel Jordan fundraiser Student Government is collecting the silver tabs from canned drinks for the Ronald McDonald House, in honor of Gabriel Jordan.

Jordan, born May 11 this year, received open heart surgery at six-days-old due to transposition of the great arteries, which causes the heart to pump blood improperly.

After 24 days at CS Mott’s Children’s Hospital, she was brought home and is now a healthy 5-month-old baby.

Her mother, who stayed at the Ronald McDonald House while Jordan was recovering, will drop off the collected tabs on May 17, which is the anniversary of Jordan’s surgery.

Tabs can be given to a Student Government member, or look for collection jugs to be set up around campus soon.

MCCC to host college fair

Car window broken in campus lot State troopers were on campus Oct. 17 to investigate the break-in of a car in lot seven, located between the C and West Tech buildings.

The front passenger-side window was smashed in. No one was hurt, and no items were taken from the vehicle, which belonged to 29-year-old MCCC student Jennifer Mushung.

The state trooper who responded said there is a suspect, but no charges have been filed.

If anyone has information regarding this crime, please contact the Michigan State Police at (734) 242-3500.

Solar energy workshop to be offered A workshop focused on solar energy its effectiveness will take place on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in room 259 of the La-Z-Boy Center.

Solar applications for homeowners, farm operators and small business will be discussed.

The cost of the course is $149. The cost for seniors is $87. To register, call the office of Lifelong Learning at (734) 384-4127.

The Grascals to Visit Meyer Theater

The musical group The Grascals will be performing in Meyer Theater on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m.

The group’s music can be classified as a mixture of bluegrass and country music.

General admission will be $20, and VIP seating will be available for $30. Tickets can be purchased on the college’s website or through the Cashier’s office located in a-building. A $3 fee will be incurred for all online purchases.

Learning Bank remains open until end of Oct., officials waiting to hear about grant

College Night, an annual college fair sponsored by the Monroe County Counselors in cooperation with MCCC, will be held in the Health building on Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Several regional colleges and universities will be attending, as well as grant, loan and scholarship professionals.

For a full list of anticipated attendees, visit the college website: www. monroeccc.edu.

For more information, contact the Admissions office at (734) 384-4104.

Monroe Bank and Trust has made a $20,000 donation to fund the Learning Bank. This will keep the learning consortium open through the month of October, one month longer than anticipated.

The Learning Bank was funded through grant money. The current grant expired. College officials are waiting to hear whether they have been awarded another. If a grant is not secured, the doors will close, which impacts roughly 70 students.

MB&T, who also owns the building that houses the Learning Bank, waived rental fees for the month.

Study Abroad documentary to be screened

One Book, One Community novel chosen

A 30-minute documentary chronicling the 2011 Study Abroad trip will be shown in A173-B on Thursday, Oct 27 at 12:30 p.m.

Students, faculty and alumni traveled through Central and Eastern Europe during the 2011 spring semester, and received credit for the experience.

Journalism professor Dan Shaw filmed and produced the documentary, which includes footage from people who went on the trip and also footage of the locations the MCCC group visited.

A panel of students and faculty who participated in the trip will be answering question after the documentary’s airing.

Shaw, who will be the 2013 Study Abroad advisor, will also be discussing plans for the next trip, and will also present a survey in which students can vote on the trip’s next destination (options include Africa, Asia, the British Isles, Spain or Western Europe.

The 2012 One Book, One Community novel will be “March” by Geraldine Brooks.

This year’s committee, co-chaired by MCCC professors Carrie Nartker and Cheryl Johnston, unanimously voted to make “March” the official selection.

The novel is based on the experience of the father character in Louisa May Alcott’s novel, “Little Women,” and details life in the time of the Civil War.

Chili and Soup cook-off to take place at MCCC The 2nd annual MCCC Chili and Soup Cook-Off will take place Thursday, Nov. 10 from 12-1 p.m. in the dining room in A-building.

Benefits from the event will go to the Kimberly Reaume Memorial Scholarship fund.

Reaume, who passed away last year, worked in Financial Aid.

4 THE AGORA Campus News ‘Be an Ally’

Oct. 26, 2011

Dr. Melissa Grey discusses struggles LGBTQ youth face Ryan Smith Contributor

In honor of Ally Week, Monroe County Community College’s Gay-Straight Alliance hosted a seminar on “What it Means to Be an Ally.”

Ally Week takes place from Oct. 17-21, and is a week for students to organize events that serve to identify, support and celebrate allies against antiLGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning) language, bullying and harassment in America’s schools.

Presented by Melissa Grey, associate professor of psychology at MCCC, the presentation centered on what it means to be an ally to LGBTQ people, and what one can do to help stand up and support their LGBTQ friends and family who may be in a hostile situation.

The news has recently been littered with stories of LGBTQ youth committing suicide as a result of bullying and intolerance in their schools. Some faculty in attendance expressed their interest in learning how to handle issues of discrimination when they arise in the classroom.

“As an instructor, I get concerned about how people treat the students in my class,” said Terri Gower, adjunct instructor at MCCC. “I don’t want to see students mistreating the other students in my class, or refusing to do things with them because of life choices they make.”

The president of MCCC, David Nixon, was also in attendance, and extolled the importance of maintaining a diverse campus.

“The diversity initiative (at MCCC) is about 8 years old now, and the reason for it was to create understanding in the campus community for the students, because the richness of the campus, and the campus atmosphere, is enriched by our students’ ability to learn to live and work with people who are different from them,” Nixon said. “So I’m really grateful to see this; pleasantly surprised, because this brings another dimension to the campus and education and understanding.”

An ally is someone who recognizes they have privilege where others experience prejudice created by society. They assist in getting rid of negative attitudes and language and help stop bullying, in all of its forms.

The most prevalent of these types of negative attitudes that allies seek to tear down is the use of derogatory phrases like “That’s so gay” and “No homo.” Both have become cornerstones photo by Michelle Dangler in the vocabulary of modern Gay-Straight Alliance President Mandi Davis (left) and vice-president Ryan Smith (right) had a table set up outside of the AdmisAmerican youth. sions Office which gave out information regarding National Coming Out week. Several GSA members were present and talked “These phrases are really about their personal coming out experiences. blatant displays of the negativity we’re talking about,” Grey said.

“It’s not true that sticks and stones can break your Some in the audience expressed their distaste for what they view as the unfair treatment of LGBTQ bones, but words will never hurt you. People who are people in American schools. supportive and accepting of LGBTQ people can actu“I have many homosexual friends, and being as they’re my friends, and I’m a pretty defensive ally reduce the negative impact of that prejudice and person, it makes me angry,” said Robert Jividen, a harassment.”

Monroe County community member. “I don’t like being made fun of, so obviously they aren’t going to Dr. Melissa Grey like being made fun of for feeling the way that they Assistant professor of psychology do either.”

When asked by Grey why those in attendance ������������������������������������������������� Grey stressed the importance of allies to the LGwere interested in becoming an ally, many shared common among the audience, others expressed their negative experiences and anecdotes as their opinion of acceptance for people from all different BTQ community as the presentation drew to a close. walks of life as being their motivation for becoming ��������������������������������������������� “We now know that about 90 percent of all LGmotivation.

BTQ people experience bullying in high school, “I have an uncle who’s gay, and while I didn’t, my an ally.

“Me, personally, I don’t care, it doesn’t bother me verbally and physically,” Grey said. family kind of disowned him,” said Natasha Wick����� “It’s not true that sticks and stones can break your enheiser, a student at the school. “It was really hard if you’re gay, straight, or anything of the like,” said for me to see that, because we were so close and he Michelle Dangler, an MCCC student. “It doesn’t bones, but words will never hurt you. People who matter to me if you’re purple when you’re born. I are supportive and accepting of LGBTQ people can was such an awesome person.”

While the themes of hurt and rejection were also don’t care about your religious beliefs; you’re a actually reduce the negative impact of that prejudice human being, and that’s all that matters.” and harassment.”

Sienna Heights offers BA program on MCCC campus Taylor Pinson Agora Staff

Siena Heights University is now offering a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication program at MCCC. This is the sixth program offered at MCCC by SHU. It is targeted at students interested in marketing, graphic design, broadcasting, or journalism.

“We saw a need for it,” said SHU Assistant Director Julie Edwards.

Some of the courses in the program include Intercultural Communication, Professional Speaking, Business Ethics, Leadership, and Consumer Behavior.

Edwards gave several reasons why students should consider SHU if they want to further their education beyond what MCCC offers.

SHU focuses on flexible class scheduling as a way to attract students, making many classes available at night, on the weekend, and online.

“All of our classes are offered at MCCC or can be done online,” Edwards said. “We focus this on an adult student.”

Edwards talked at length about SHU’s transfer system, and considers SHU to be “transfer friendly.”

It allows students to transfer up to 90 credit hours towards their 120 hour degree compared to programs offered by other colleges that typically only permit up to 60-80 hours to be transferred. She said this helps to make SHU more affordable.

“The main benefit is that SHU at MCCC allows for 90 hours at the MCCC price. The student pays for only 30 hours at the university cost,” said Edwards.

“Most traditional transfer programs allow transfer of credits up to 60 hours. This would mean the student would pay for 60 hours at the university cost.”

Edwards also said that taking SHU classes at MCCC help students to save money in other ways.

“The student doesn’t have to pay for the cost of commuting to another campus. All of our classes are offered at MCCC or can be done online,” said Edwards.

Because SHU classes are available on MCCC’s campus, it allows students to remain as members of MCCC organizations they may have joined. Edwards considered this another benefit.

For more information about the programs offered

by SHU, go to www.sienaheights.edu/mccc or stop by their offices in the L Building on campus.

Program offers immediate jobs Taylor Pinson Agora Staff

There are more jobs than students to fill them in one program taught at MCCC. Dean Kerste, MCCC’s professor of mechanical design technology, has placed all of his students interested in a job and still can’t keep up with demands from employers.

Kerste has been getting phone calls from companies looking to hire workers for full-time positions, part-time positions, and jobs on a contract basis.

These jobs typically pay between $20-30 an hour.

“The design industry is booming. I have more job offers than students,” said Kerste, “I’ve always had jobs in this field no matter how bad the economy has been, but this past six months has been especially big.”

Kerste teaches a variety of courses where students learn how to use computer-aided design and drafting programs, known as CADs. CAD programs are

used in designing everything from perfume bottles to fighter jets.

One of the courses offered at MCCC teaches students how to use SolidWorks, a 3D mechanical CAD program that has been increasing in popularity amongst the design industry. Demand for people proficient with the program has outstripped the supply of qualified users.

“A student can come off the street, pass the class, and get a job right away,” said Kerste. “The people who are interested in working will have jobs.”

Kerste is currently working with five different employers interested in filling positions. Three of them are looking to hire people that have earned their Certified SolidWorks Associate certificate. The other two companies are willing to hire students that have only completed the SolidWorks course.

“It’s a shame we can’t fill these positions,” said Kerste. “Employers are swamped.”

MCCC currently offers a two-year design

photo by Mandi David

Student Government officers hand out popcorn to attendees of the National Student Day event held Oct. 6 in the Administration Building.

Student Day celebrated Mandi Davis Agora Staff

Singer Kevin Daniels entertained with classic hits in the Adminstration Building hallway as clubs and organizations passed out information to students.

In the Cellar, Jack & The Bear performed as other student’s grabbed pizza.

National Student Day was sponsored Oct. 6 by the MCCC Bookstore and Student Government to thank students who help serve the community on top of studying.

There were plenty of giveaways and prizes at the event, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pepsi gave students 20 oz bottles of pop and Student Government handed out popcorn.

Student clubs and organizations lined the hallway outside the admissions office. International Studies, International Students for Social Equality, Drama, SME Robotics, Gay-Straight Alliance, and Volleyball all participated.

Kevin Daniels, a Monroe singer, opened the event with a soft mellow tone of classic hits in the A Building hall. Jack & The Bear gave the event a folklore finish with their Cellar performance.

Brandon James, lead singer of Jack & The Bear, said the group felt right at home and would consider doing another act at the college.

“We love MCCC,” James said in an e-mail Travis Durkin, president of Student Government, was one of many volunteers who helped out with the event.

“National Student Day went really well. Students who came through seemed to appreciate something extra,” Durkin said.

Kelli Plumb, administrative assistant to the director of Purchasing & Auxiliary Services, helped with the event planning.

“The event was a success,” Plumb said. “Definitely going to have the even again next year.”

Sarah DeMoss was one of the students who lined the halls for hours.

“It was a great idea. Students and staff looked like they enjoyed the event,” DeMoss said.

The Bookstore sponsored a t-shirt design contest.

Six students submitted t-shirt designs and the winner was Ben Stradler. Details on when his design will be available in the bookstore are still to be announced.

Oct. 26, 2011

Features

THE AGORA

5

Snapshots: A look around campus

photos by Lorrie Mayzlin, Mandi Davis and Mark Spenoso

Upper left: Students who attended the International Studies dinner were treated to dance lessons. Students pictured here are learning the traditional Spanish dance, the pasodoble.

Above: The Whitman Center, located in Temperence, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The building was erected to give students from the southern part of the county a closer place to study. The celebration was widely attended.

Far left: The Blood Drive on Tuesday, Oct. 25, drew a large crowd of students who in turn donated a lot blood.

The drive took place in the cafeteria in the administration building.

Left: The MCCC Welding Center, located on Hurd Road, recently opened.

An official ceremony was held to dedicate the building, with a metal sheet, designed by a student, used as the official ribbon cutting.

Try grocery discounts to save money on gas Lorrie Mayzlin

Most of our gas doesn’t come from Mideast

Agora Staff

MCCC students who completed a survey last month said they’re cutting elsewhere in their budgets to afford the higher cost of gasoline.

Three grocery chains in the area offer the best options for saving at the pump.

The Agora explores the pros and cons of these store policies to help the consumer get the best deal.

By far, the easiest way to get discounts on gasoline is by doing the things you already do – like eat.

There are several grocery stores in the Monroe area that offer such programs.

A common misconception regarding gasoline pricing stems from the media’s coverage of the turmoil in the Middle East.

It is also a common argument among groups rallying to “drill baby drill” on American shores.

“Many Americans do not realize from where most of our oil is imported,” said MCCC Political Science Professor Joanna Sabo.

“Although we don’t get a great percentage of our total oil imports from the Middle East, we currently need what we do import from those countries—in particular Saudi Arabia,” she said.

U.S. efforts to develop alternative

Kroger

There are four Kroger locations in Monroe County. The closest are on Monroe Street just south of downtown Monroe and on Dixie Highway just northeast of Monroe. Other Monroe County locations are in Dundee and Lambertville.

Kroger gives you several methods to save on gasoline. The first way is to buy groceries and other products in their stores.

For every $100 you spend, you get 10 cents off a gallon.

You accrue these points monthly, and months do not combine. Customers have 30 days to use points accumulated the month before.

In the last six months, Kroger has finally allowed the combination of points from Ohio and Michigan, meaning you can earn your points in one state and redeem them in the other.

The policy regarding coupons varies from state to state and store to store.

Most Kroger stores in Michigan allow unlimited like coupons to be doubled, up to 50 cents.

Kroger stores in Ohio and Michigan offer double points for the purchase of prescriptions and gift cards (albeit not Kroger gift cards), so customers can enjoy 20 cents off when they spend $100.

“At certain times during the year, however, Kroger offers quadruple points for

Consumers receive 20 cents off for each $100 spent in the store and 10 cents for each $100 spent anywhere else (including at a competitor grocery store).

It accrues monthly and months do not combine.

The final way that Kroger helps you save money is with the Kroger shopper card itself. It is free to apply and keep.

You simply swipe your Kroger Shopper Card at the pump and get 3 cents off per gallon instantly.

Meijer

If a horse and buggy isn’t an option for getting to class, try these money-saving tips.

the purchase of gift cards, giving customers the opportunity to earn 40 cents per $100 spent”, said Anthony Corrick, at Kroger’s, Perrysburg, Ohio, store.

“Basically, the policies [for coupon redemption] for each store are based on how close the store is to the competition as well as the volume of sales for the store.”

This is a very good way to build up discounts in a hurry, especially if you know that you are going to go shopping or din-

ing out, or if you need a quick gift to give someone.

The second way Kroger offers gas discounts to consumers is for every $100 spent in store, you can redeem it for 10 cents off a gallon at Shell gas stations (maximum redeemed is 10 cents off).

This helps customers who have a Kroger store without a gas station.

The third way that Kroger helps you save money for gasoline is through the Kroger 1-2-3 Rewards MasterCard.

There are several Meijer locations in Monroe County and nearby cities. The closest is on Telegraph Road in Frenchtown Township just north of Monroe.

The discount program for gasoline only applies to customers who have the Meijer credit card. With it, you get 5 cents off a gallon no matter how much you purchase with the card. Remember, however, that the Meijer credit card carries a high interest rate, so it can be costly if you carry a balance.

Meijer doubles coupons to 50 cents, with a limit of two like coupons.

energy sources could have both good and bad effects on our international relations, Sabo said.

“From one perspective, it will keep the U.S. from having to work cooperatively with authoritarian governments in the Middle East,” she said. “ Conversely, without the cooperation that trade brings, it could alienate us further from foreign nationals already hostile to U.S. interests.”

The top four countries from which we receive oil imports now are 1) Canada; 2) Mexico; 3) Saudi Arabia; 4) Venezuela.

The U.S. now imports more oil from North and South America combined than from the Middle East.

While it is not a gas discount program, it is worth noting that gasbuddy.com is a website dedicated to providing instant and on-the-go information regarding prices in your area.

Prices are submitted by users of the website. The website offers a phone app for most smart phones.

Giant Eagle

There are two locations just across the border, in Sylvania and Perrysburg, Ohio.

For every $50 you spend at Giant Eagle, you receive 10 cents off per gallon on your Giant Eagle shopper card (free to sign up and receive).

Giant Eagle offers higher bonus cents off for prescription redemption and “bonus” buys, which vary from week to week. You can bank these discounts, which will give you upwards of $1 or more off per gallon.

Giant Eagle also doubles coupons to 99 cents daily, with a limit of four like coupons doubled. The discounts for gasoline accumulate after coupons and without tax.

6

THE AGORA

Tango

A&E

Oct. 26, 2011

and

Tea

Dancers entertain diners on stage at Meyer Theater

O

n the stage of MCCC Meyer Theater, arranged in a crescent, were fifteen tables dressed in white linen table cloths, adorned with red long stem roses and china tea cups.

About 70 guests gathered at the tables to enjoy The Tango Tea, an event directed by Kellie Laginess, MCCC dance instructor.

Guests were treated to tea or coffee and a variety of desserts, while dancers weaved their way around the stage, displaying the numerous versions and interpretations of the Argentine Tango.

The master of ceremonies, Mark Felder, presented a brief history of the Tango between each variation of the dance.

Guests participated in two brief “lessons,” giving them a personal taste of Tango.

A $50 gift certificate for free ballroom dance lessons and a $20 gift certificate for the British Tea Garden (Tecumseh) were given as door prizes.

A highlight of the evening was the Tango/Viennese Waltz performed by Allen Desterhaft and Rachel Mercedes, friends of Laginess who came from Chicago to perform.

The music for this segment was “Don Quijote (the ballet)” by composer Leon Minkus.

Story by Lorrie Mayzlin; Photos by Michelle Dangler and Lorrie Mayzlin Agora staff

Top: Allen Desterhaft and Rachel Mercedes perform a Tango/Viennese Waltz.

Above: Master of ceremonies Mark Felder discusses the history of Tango.

Left: John and Nora Cimaglia, professional tango dancers, perform as guests dine.

Far left, top: Members of Inside Out Dance Ensemble, MCCC’s dance company, incorporate scarves in their routine.

Far left, bottom: Guests were given a dance routine by John and Nora Cimaglia.

Technology, music create connection

Evolution of electronic music attributed to Detroit Michael Mayzlin Contributor

Electronic music evolved tremendously since its inception in the late 1970’s.

As groundbreaking as 1977 Kraftwerk’s “Trans-Europe Express” album was at that time, today it sounds like nothing more than a combination of a 4-bit sound put together into a 3-minute composition.

Nevertheless, Kraftwerk started the trend that moved forward as fast as technology itself.

Those four robotic Germans announced to the world that even with a lack of physical instruments, music is possible. The electronic music revolution was about to begin.

In the early 80s, while house music was playing in Chicago nightclubs to the likes of local DJs Ron Hardy and Lil Louis, the Detroit electronic scene was developing its own identity. Detroit is considered to be a birthplace of

Technotronic

techno. Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson, all three Detroit area residents, friends from attending Belleville High School, and local DJs, pioneered the concept of creating electrifying dance music only using Roland TR-808 synthesizers and drum machines.

The new sound was so unique and groundbreaking that the trio decided to create their own label called Metroplex and release singles under the label’s name. In 1985, Atkins and Saunderson released “Triangle Of Love,” a classic example of wonderful sampling, synthesized beats and melodies that were way beyond its time.

My curiosity toward electronic started back in 1988. Musically speaking, I remember that year very well because Technotronic’s “Pump Up The Jam” was playing over and over on all New York City airwaves. So, naturally, I ran to the store and paid almost $10 for a cassette tape (yes, a cassette tape, the definition is available

on Wikipedia) of “Pump Up The Jam-The Album”. Then came Quadrophonia in 1991, and a landmark The Prodigy in 1994.

I saw The Prodigy live at Limelight nightclub in midtown Manhattan. The experience of that performance left me amazed at the fact that electronic music and technology took a giant leap toward the future, incorporating so much computerized hardware that Kraftwerk would probably faint just from the size of a table on which all this gear was standing.

As far as the progression of the sound, it was an expansion of what was started by the trio from Belleville High School in the early 1980s: fierce, melodic, rhythmic techno music with a personal touch of an individual artist. This is another piece of history that came out of the Detroit area that not too many people are familiar with. On a global scale today, it is a movement, a culture, and for some people, a way of life.

Quadrophenia

“ ...amazed at the fact that electronic music and technology took a giant leap towards the future...”

Michael Mayzlin

On a final note, here is a trivia question to ponder. Cassette tapes were widely used in conjunction with a pencil. Why a pencil and how are the two related? If you can’t find an answer, I’ll write about it in the next issue of The Agora.

The Prodigy

A&E

Oct. 26, 2011

THE AGORA

7

Chorale, band enchant crowd Audience sings praise for college musical groups

Lorrie Mayzlin Agora Staff

The rumbling applause given to the Agora Chorale could be heard from the lobby of the La-Z-Boy Center, and it was all that guests needed to hear if they were a late-comer to Monday night’s first performance for both groups.

The Meyer Theater holds 541 guests, and almost all seats were filled at the event. In return for the thunderous applause, both the Chorale and band wowed their crowd.

Initially, while guests were finding unreserved seats, the Chorale lined the stairs on either side of the stage. Dressed in black pants and white shirts and/or black dresses, they waited patiently for the almost full house to settle into their seats.

“Every time I see the Symphony Band and Agora Chorale perform, the show is better than the time before,” said MCCC Dean Vinnie Maltese.

“Mark Felder and Catherine Brodie are doing an outstanding job leading their respective groups.”

When the piano rolled onto the stage and the large screen announcing “rules” for pictures and cell phones retracted, the Chorale moved to the stage in song.

The song was called, “The Stars Stand Up In The Air.” The piece was “haunting, beautiful and melancholy” as the audience was told by a member of the Chorale.

“They are true stars in my eyes,” Agnes Muelheim, a visitor from Köln, Germany, said.

The Chorale sang a total of seven songs; some were very soulful, while others were light and playful. The Chorale received a standing ovation from the audience.

After a ten-minute intermission, during which the stage was reset for the Symphony Band, many people mingled in the lobby, talking about the Chorale performance and how they seemed more like a professional performance than a group of MCCC students.

“Every time I see the Symphony Band and Agora Chorale perform, the show is better than the time before.”

Vinnie Maltese

MCCC Dean

“I couldn’t believe what I was hearing for free,” Muelheim said. “I gladly donated $10 to the basket upstairs because this performance was worth every penny. I wish that every performance were to this caliber.”

Once the Monroe County Community Band took the stage, the most obvious visual was the light reflecting off all of the brass instruments on the stage.

From the start of the band’s half of the concert, guests were awestruck by the power behind the instruments and the passion that flowed from their fingertips and hard work.

The group’s second song, Panis Angelicus, was of a caliber one would hear if they were listening to Andrea Bocelli.

“Simply amazing, I was wowed out of my seat,” Damian Pellick said.

The Overture 1812, another piece that was performed, lasted 18 minutes. Included was a brief history of the song, so that those who did not understand the passion behind it could appreciate it more.

The National Emblem March by EE Bagley was the final piece. It is one of the songs that is traditionally played at each US Navy Pass In Reviews (Graduation).

“As usual, the Agora Chorale continues to stretch its musical repertory, especially the Purcell and Mendelssohn piece” said professor William McCloskey.

“My favorite, though, was the symphonic band’s rendition of The 1812 Overture. Overall, it was a great concert by both groups.”

Reviews Nicki Kostrewza Agora Staff

Gears of War 3, a third person shooter game, had so much hype that hours before it was released people started lining up to purchase the game. I was one of them.

For starters, the game’s graphics are amazing! The pictures are not only great, but the animations are just as awesome. All the characters move, run, and speak the way one would picture they would. The weapons, the gore, and the aftermath are wrapped up fine and clear for all those who are playing.

Beast mode is so much more entertaining than the other modes in the game. The player becomes one of the Locusts, set out to destroy the COG. Tier after tier after tier, the player can gain higher ranking members of the Locusts. Unlockable Locusts become more destructive

Photos by Lorrie Mayzlin and Michelle Dangler

The Agora Chorale and the Community Symphony/ Band played to a full audience in Meyer Theater.

Catherine Brodie, the director of the choir, and Mark Felder, the director of the symphony/band, and their respective groups received positive reviews from members of the audience.

and devastating as the game progresses, making the purchase totally worth it.

Co-op is also another interesting facet of the game.

No matter what side the player is on, the characters are equally strong; either way the player is a dominant warrior, fighting for his side.

And to top it off, the game carries a great story line!

There is something to reel everyone in. The storyline has so many twists and turns that the player may never want to stop playing and is left wanting more.

As a game player, I was highly impressed with this latest addition of Gears. Gamers want amazing graphics, animations, and a story line that sucks them in. Gears of War 3 has that, and so much more to offer.

Final grade: 10/10.

Nicki Kostrewza Agora Staff

The Red Hot Chili Peppers formed in Los Angeles in 1983. Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Michael “Flea” Balzary (bass), Chad Smith (drummer), and John Frusciante (guitarist) are all known for their musical mix of punk and hip -hop.

In 2009, Frusciante left the band, allowing him to produce and/or record with the WuTang Clan, The Mars Volta, and a few others.

This then allowed Josh Klinghoffer, their guitarists of today, to join the band.

Their album “By The Way” was amazing! Their music and lyrics flowed together smoothly; sending electric chills down the spines of many. Songs like “Can’t Stop” and “By The Way” are two incredible songs! The

mix of the musical talent and the crisp voice of Kiedis made them worth listening to.

Then “I’m With You” came out, and that ‘flow of talent’ went down the tubes. There is no doubt that Flea, Smith, and Frusciante can play; they are all wonderful performers.

However, there was a great lack of creativity when it came to the lyrics. The lyrics lacked in captivity and charisma, not to mention that they did not make any sense. One should not have to turn back a song numerous times to try to understand the song. Music is supposed to flow and be a calming, soothing experience; not another puzzle.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers had something going for them before “I’m With You.” Now they are looking at a very poor album, with not too many downloads. In the end, I have no choice but to give this album a 3/10.

8

THE AGORA

Sports

Oct. 26, 2011

Lions start strong, but what next?

5-2 start still has fans hoping Tyler Rogoff Agora Staff

The Detroit Lions are off to their best start since 1956, when they also started 5-1.

But two loses in a row, dropping the Lions to 5-2, have fans worried but still hopefull.

The Lions have been led by the outstanding play of wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who leads the NFL in touchdown receptions and is fifth in receiving yards and receptions.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford was sixth in the NFL in passing yards after six games and third in the league in touchdown passes with fifteen, compared to four interceptions.

On defense, linebacker DeAndre Levy is leading the team with 48 tackles, while defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch has four sacks. Vanden Bosch also leads the league with 3 forced fumbles.

Cornerback Chris Houston is tied for second in the league with 3 interceptions.

The Lions became the first team in NFL history to come back from a 20-point deficit in back-to-back games, which they did against Minnesota and Dallas. Detroit has also defeated Tampa Bay, Kansas City, and Chicago, before losing to San Francisco and Atlanta.

While the Lions’ passing game has been one of the best in the NFL, the rushing game has left much to be desired.

Jahvid Best, the Lions’ second first round pick in 2010, has looked tentative at times when running between the tackles.

When Best was hitting the hole quickly instead of dancing behind the line, he has been fantastic.

But that Best was only seen in the Monday night game against Chicago, where he ran for 163 yards and a touchdown. His next highest output of yards in a single game is an average 73.

The defensive line, which was supposed to be a huge strength for the Lions, is showing weakness.

Although the pass rush is arguably the best in the league, their defensive line has been very weak against the run.

Ndamukong Suh, the 2nd overall pick in 2010, has been fantastic rushing the quarterback, as has Vanden Bosch, but offenses are learning to use Suh’s overaggressive style against him on the run, by allowing him to get penetration and opening up a hole for the running back to run through.

The linebacking corps, led

by DeAndre Levy, is much improved over last year.

The additions of Justin Durant and Stephen Tulloch have been

Tyler Rogoff Agora Staff

Photo courtesy of neontommy.com

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson is leading leading the Lions’ office and leading the NFL in touchdown receptions

huge, as Levy has been able to move to the outside and use his athleticism better. wTulloch has come up with plenty of big tackles, especially on the goal line.

Detroit’s secondary has looked better than expected, although it was expected to be a weakness.

New arrival Eric Wright, a cornerback who played for the Cleveland Browns previously, has looked very good in coverage.

Houston has also looked good in coverage, although he has been overly aggressive a couple of times.

Free safety Louis Delmas seems to have improved his coverage abilities as well, but is still plagued by the love of going for big hits at the wrong time.

The offensive line has been a huge weakness for the Lions.

False start penalties are plaguing the line, and they are also strug-

gling to hold blocks for any extended period of time.

Left tackle Jeff Backus has been decent, along with left guard Rob Sims, but the right side of the line has been awful.

Right tackle Gosder Cherilus has been awful, and right guard Stephen Peterman is a below average lineman. Center Dominic Raiola has been serviceable.

The Lions are attempting to make their first playoff appear-

ance this century this season, and are well on their way to making that goal.

But the schedule gets more difficult throughout the year, with the Lions playing the currently undefeated and defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving and the final game of the season.

The Lions finally will play a relevant Thanksgiving game this season.

IndyCar racer dies in tragic accident Tyler Rogoff Agora Staff

IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon was killed in a horrific 15-car accident at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 16.

Wheldon was the first driver killed in an IndyCar crash since 2006, when Paul Dana was killed in an accident during practice.

On lap 11 of the IndyCar series finale, the fiery crash eliminated 14 of the 34 cars in the race.

Wheldon’s car ran over a slower car in front, became airborne, and sailed about 200 yards into the catch fence, where the top of his open cockpit made contact with the fence.

The area behind Wheldon was ripped off the car, and his helmet made contact with the wall as the car came down, causing severe head injuries.

The race went to a red flag immediately after the accident.

“I’ll tell you, I’ve never seen anything like it,” Ryan Briscoe, a driver who was not involved with the crash, said.

“The debris we all had to drive through the lap later, it looked like a war scene from Terminator or something. I mean, there were just pieces of metal and car on fire

Tigers tease fans with title, then flop in playoffs

Indy Car driver Dan Wheldon died in a 15-car accident at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Oct. 16.

in the middle of the track with no car attached to it and just debris everywhere.”

Drivers were told to bring their cars onto pit row and were asked to leave the car.

As track crews cleaned up debris on the track, truckloads of parts were dumped in the garage area.

tragicNearly an hour after the accident, drivers were called into a private meeting. As the drivers discussed whether to continue the race or not, news broke that Wheldon had died.

After the drivers had heard the news, the meeting continued behind closed doors to allow time to grieve. IndyCar CEO Randy Ber-

nard then suggested to the drivers that they cancel the race.

“IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries,” Bernard said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today. IndyCar, its drivers and owners, have decided to end the race. In honor of Dan Whel-

don, the drivers have decided to do a five-lap salute to in his honor.”

In the crash, championship contender Will Power, rookie JR Hildenbrand, and Pippa Mann were also taken to University Medical Center.

Power suffered back pain and was released, while Hildenbrand and Mann stayed overnight.

Hildenbrand was held for further evaluation for a bruised sternum, while Mann had burns on her right pinky finger.

Wheldon was a two time Indianapolis 500 champion, winning in 2005 and 2011, and also won the 2005 IndyCar series.

Wheldon was in the race due to a promotion where if a non-full time series driver could win the final race starting in the back, that driver would earn $2.5 million and a random fan would also win $2.5 million.

Wheldon had only run two races prior in the season, including his Indy 500 victory. He had advanced ten positions in 11 laps to 24th when the accident occurred in front of him.

It was announced that Wheldon had died from blunt force trauma to the head.

The Detroit Tigers’ season ended in a whimper with a 15-5 shellacking by the Texas Rangers in game 6 of the American League Championship Series.

The Rangers won the series 4-2.

The Detroit Tigers had their best season since 2006, when they went 95-67, the same record as 2011, and lost in the World Series.

This year, the Tigers finished off the regular season as the American League Central Division champions.

Starting pitcher Justin Verlander had a season for the ages, leading the league in wins, with 24, strikeouts, with 250, and innings pitched, at 251.

He only lost 5 games all season, and had a streak of 12 straight starts with a victory.

Verlander also led the majors in WHIP (Walks and Hits per Innings Pitched) with a .92, and had the third lowest ERA at 2.40.

Most analysts are predicting Verlander will win the AL Cy Young award for pitcher of the year.

The Tigers also acquired starting pitcher Doug Fister from the Seattle Mariners in a trade deadline deal.

Fister started ten games for Detroit after being acquired, and had eight wins, one loss, and a WHIP of .84 in that time period, to go along with a 1.79 ERA. Rick Porcello, a third-year starting pitcher, has appeared to flat line in development, as his numbers have never matched his rookie season. Porcello went 14-9 with a 1.41 WHIP and 4.75 ERA. Max Scherzer, acquired in 2009 in the trade involving former Tiger Curtis Granderson, was inconsistent.

Scherzer seemed to either pitch fantastic or awful in every start, and that inconsistency came back to haunt the Tigers in game 6 of the ALCS, as Scherzer was bombed for 6 runs in 2 1/3 innings.

Closer Jose Valverde had a fantastic season closing out games, converting all 49 save opportunities in the regular season.

Although Valverde was mediocre in non-save opportunities, he shined in the role the Tigers’ signed him for.

MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera, the first baseman, had another outstanding season.

Cabrera led the majors in batting average with a .344 average, to go along with 30 home runs, 105 RBIs, 111 runs scored, and was third in the majors in walks, with 108, all team leading numbers.

Victor Martinez, the big off-season addition this year, excelled in his role as the designated hitter. Martinez hit for .330 and led the league by hitting .394 with runners in scoring position.

Catcher Alex Avila had a surprising season after only hitting .228 last season.

Avila hit .295 in 2011 with 19 home runs and threw out 32 percent of base stealers, fourth in the majors.

Jhonny Peralta, the starting shortstop, hit .299 with 21 home runs on the season, and surpassed his career averages in almost every offensive category.

Avila started in the all-star game, while Peralta, Cabrera, Verlander, and Valverde were all voted onto the team as well.

The Tigers’ season may have come to a disappointing end, but fans have no reason to not be happy with their season.

Verlander put on a show for all baseball fans, and the team achieved more than most expected.