10-30-2008

Mickey Dolenz

Lloyd Carr: Retired U of M coach talks about football and athletic prrogram

Monkee’s member comes to MCCC

Halloween

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THE

Monroe County Community College

October 30, 2008

Vol. 51, Issue 4

Future of MCCC debated by candidates for board Cassie Kane Staff

Above: From Left to right: Linda Lauer, Larry J. Mathewson, Edward (Pat) Kehoe, William H. Braunlich and MaryKay Thayer.

Teachers give day off to vote Kristin Stepinski Staff

College students are jugglers.

We are expected to juggle classes, school clubs and various groups and many other activities. Throw in writing a few papers here and there, finishing homework and finding some time to actually work during the week. It’s clear that students are busy people.

Now ask everyone 18 and up to find some time in that busy schedule to vote on Nov. 4.

James DeVries, professor of History and Sociology at MCCC, is making it a little easier on his students this year.

“I just told my students, don’t let my class be the reason you don’t vote,” DeVries said.

Instead of forcing students to

create some time in their Tuesday schedule, DeVries is planning to excuse any student voters from his classes on Election Day. Students are expected to be able to show their “I voted” sticker and are asked to write up a summary of their voting experience.

“I feel it’s important to exercise your civic duties as a citizen,” DeVries said. “Young people don’t participate, not because they don’t want to, but because they don’t have the time.”

Nov. 4 is rapidly approaching and with an election of this magnitude, people are taking notice. Numbers at the polls are expected to reach record levels and waiting in line is almost a guarantee.

“It might make it possible for a few people who can’t vote, to vote,” DeVries summed up.

INSIDE: Editorial...................2 Campus News.........2 A&E..........................3

Tuition, technology, nursing and smoking were among the topics addressed by the five candidates for the MCCC Board of Trustees at a candidate forum last week.

Candidates praised the college, its faculty and its role in the community during 90 minutes of questioning directed by a panel of students from The Agora, which sponsored the forum.

Tim Bennet, the vice president of business affairs for MCCC was present for the event.

“I came to see the candidates because I thought it would be interesting to see who is runing,” Bennet said. “I was also very impressed with how the Agora was able to put this together.”

Of the five candidates, two are present board members looking to be re-elected. There are three positions open on the board.

The first incumbent to speak was William H. Braunlich, who is running for his second 6-year term. He has served as general counsel to MCCC for over 20 years, has been an attorney for 29 years and is the

vice president of Braunlich Russow & Braunlich.

Mary Kay Thayer, also looking to be re-elected, has served on the MCCC board for over 17 years and is an executive board member of the Michigan Community College Association.

The newer faces at the candidate table included Linda Lauer, Larry J. Mathewson, and Edward (Pat) Kehoe.

Lauer is a practicing physical therapist, a long-time coach, and member of the MCCC women’s volleyball team.

Mathewson is a tax and financial planner for Mathewson & Associates, having earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Michigan University.

Kehoe is the owner of Resources Unlimited and is a member of the EMU Mechanical Engineering Technology Advisory Board.

All the candidates said they are committed to the future of MCCC. During their introductions, each candidate stated their reasons for vying for a spot on the board. Linda Lauer was the first to speak.

“People urged me to run because

I am an open-minded, ethical and responsible leader,” Lauer said. “I feel it is my duty and responsibility to give back to the college.”

Larry J. Mathewson said he believed MCCC has done a great job of serving the community and is an important institution in the state of Michigan, especially in such a weak economy. He also noted his experience on the Airport Community Schools Board of Education.

Edward (Pat) Kehoe was next.

“I was asked to run,” Kehoe said.

“I have great love for this college… and I believe in education.”

Incumbent William H. Braunlich presented his reasons for a second term as a board member.

“I love this college, its mission and what the college represents for the community of Monroe,” Braunlich said. “High quality, highly affordable and equally accessible higher education opportunities for the community.”

During Mary Kay Thayer’s introduction, she mentioned the projects accomplished by the board while she has been a member, including the LaZ-Boy Center and Meyer Theatre.

continues to page 7

Most Recent Election Poll: Which State for which party

Republican Democrat Undecided

The 2004 Presidential Results

Photos courtesy of hyerstandard.com and electionreferee.com

Feature....................4 Feature....................5 Sports......................6 A&E..........................7 Spotlight..................8

Enriching the students across Southeast Michigan

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Visit our website at: www.monroeccc.edu

2 THE AGORA

Campus News

October 30, 2008

Recycling program defunct Casey Cheap Staff

Those looking to recycle paper at MCCC have to leave campus to find recycling bins.

Since February of this year, there has been a search to replace Abitibi, the company that once collected for the college’s recycling program.

But replacement companies have not been willing to recycle MCCC’s paper for free, so the college’s recycling program has been suspended indefinitely.

The program should not be confused with the Math and Science Society’s (MASS) can recycling efforts.

Abitibi has bin locations set up throughout the Monroe area.

They accept paper products, ranging from heavy magazines to newsprint.

Because of other nearby bins, the company decided to stop the program at MCCC, citing that they do not get enough business from college campuses.

“They said we needed about

Student Government members got together on Wednesday, Oct. 22 to put together Breast Cancer buttons that they will be selling for $1 around campus until Oct. 31.

4,000 pounds per month,” said Penny Dorcey-Naber, Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Humanities.

Abitibi makes money selling the discarded products, based on weight.

For those looking to recycle paper-based products, there are other bins located at the Monroe County ISD, Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart, St. Mary Parish School, and other area elementary schools.

Student Government

Future look of MCCC Miranda Panik Staff

Students with classes in room 223 in the C building may have noticed things look a little different this semester.

That’s because over the summer, the room underwent a complete renovation. The college is using the room as a prototype.

If the changes work well, the plan is to remodel all the classrooms in the C building to look like room 223.

Jeff Peters, the coordinator of e-Learning and Instructional Support, said the college wanted to use the room to experiment with the best technology, furniture and materials for a college classroom.

“The room was done with the intent to create a better teaching and learning environment,” Peters said.

One of the changes in the room is the new flooring. It’s more soundproof, so other classes won’t be distracted by the noise.

Also, the heating and cooling system is now quieter. The intent was to mute the noises that could be distracting to students.

A new lighting system was put in place, and now the instructors

Holds election and begins delegating

Jennifer Niswender Staff

have the option of turning off individual rows of lights. That makes it easier for students to take notes when using the overhead projector without having to turn off every light in the class.

New furniture was added, including tables and chairs equipped with wheels so that students can move things around for group work.

As far as technology, there is a new electronic overhead projector, which allows the instructor to focus in on text, photos or materials, such as rock samples.

The computer also received an upgrade with an annotation screen, which is like an electronic white board.

The point of the new technology is to make every resource available for teachers to make their classes better, Peters said.

Instructors who are using the classroom are making suggestions for improvements.

At the end of the semester, decisions will be made on remodeling of other classrooms in the C building, planned for next summer.

Still looking for a way to get involved with the college? What’s better than joining Student Government?

This year Student Government is advised by Tom Ryder, who is the college’s new Student Activities Coordinator.

The president of Student Government is MaryGrace Cuccia. Other officers are Jacob McLaughlin, vice president; Kari Fuerstenberg, secretary; Monica Olmsted, treasurer; Sara Richter, liaison; and Caitlyn DeHoust, historian.

MCCC Student Government provides an opportunity for students to have their voice heard around the campus.

By supporting student organizations and planning campus activities, MCCC Student Government

works to create a fun atmosphere that fosters a community feeling among students.

Participation in these types of organizations and activities can be a great way to develop leadership skills and enhance the college experience.

When Jacob McLaughlin was asked why he wanted to join Student Government, he said, “To serve as a mediator for the students and the administration.”

Student Government meetings are usually held every other week.

For the fall semester the meetings are currently every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. downstairs in the back of the Cellar, which is located in the basement of the admissions building.

All meetings are open to all who want to have their voice heard or to get involved with the college and

Weather: The Snow is coming Station to Detroit

Toledo

WJR: AM 760 WWJ: AM 950 WTOD: AM 1560 WLQR: AM 1470 WKKO: FM 99.9 WXKR: FM 94.5 WTWR: FM 98.3 WWWM: FM 105.5

Station to Detroit

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listen to:

Watch :

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Next meeting: November 11 @ 12:30 Cellar

MCCC’s goal is to hold classes as long as the sidewalks, parking lots, and the main roadways are reasonably passable. If a decision is made to open late or close, the announcement from the Office of the Vice President of Student and Information Services will be communicated in the following Order: 1. A message will be sent via the MCCC AlertNow emergency notification system. Visit the MCCC home page at www.monroeccc.edu for registration instructions.

2. The “college Closing Status” link on the homepage will be updated.

3. An announcement will be placed on the MCCC Snow line (734) 3844223.

4. The media located on the left will be contacted. Please note that MCCC has no control over the timeliness or posting of incorrect information for this optional service.

Please note: 1. Opening up late - students should go to their class normally in session at the time of opening.

2. College is closed: all classes, workshops and activities are cancelled. All offices are closed unless otherwise noted

community.

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so this week and last week Student Government is selling breast cancer buttons to raise money for a National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Beginning Nov. 17, Student Government will be setting out bins in the admissions building and the Campbell Learning Center building to collect toys and canned goods for Toys for Tots.

So if you have any left over canned food or toys and are willing to give them away, remember to save them and donate them to the Toys for Tots.

Student Government is always looking and recruiting new members so if this is something you’re interested in, please get a hold of Tom Ryder at (734) 384-4201 or tryder@monroeccc.edu.

Public is welcome

Front row: Left to Right: Vice President Jacob McLaughlin, President MaryGrace Cuccia Back Row: Left to Right: Historian Caitlyn DeHoust, Secretary Kari Fuerstenberg, Treasurer Monica Olmsted. Not pictured: Liaison Sara Richter

Contact Tom Ryder for more info: (734) 384-4201 tryder@monroeccc. edu

Editorial

All college classes should be canceled on Election Day

Jennifer Niswender Assistant Editor

This Nov. 4 is a day that could change the world. We can show the rest of the world that we are not the lazy, uniformed, selfish Americans that we are perceived as.

Also, we can show how we have moved beyond the barriers of skin color and gender to elect someone who gives hope to a new and younger generation of voters.

This is why I believe colleges should cancel all classes on Election Day. This would allow young people, soon to be leaders of this nation, to voice our opinion on who we be-

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lieve can take this country in a new direction. In this current economy, most students are struggling with full time schooling and part time jobs.

Canceling all classes would be more convenient for all students and would take away any reason for someone not to vote.

We must stress to our young people to be involved in our local, state, and federal governments. After all, these are the people who are elected on our behalf. If young people are distracted by schoolwork and getting to work on time, where does it leave us time to participate in a

right that was fought for and given to us by our forefathers?

I have found that many people are in the “me, me, me” state of mind and don’t worry about what’s going on in the rest of the country.

Then when some crazy bill or law gets passed, they’re looking for someone to blame.

That someone to blame is themselves, for not taking that stand to exercise their right to vote. Most times the answer they give for not voting is they were too busy with school and work.

It wouldn’t hurt to cancel classes

The Agora Staff Members Editor-in-Chief Emily Chandonnet Assistant Editor Jennifer Niswender Adviser Dan Shaw

Staff Michael Crossman Casey Cheap Cassie Kane Miranda Panik Steven Sonoras Kristin Stepinski Andrew Thurlow

on one of the most important days in the United Sates of America.

A day that I’m sure will go down in the history books for years to come.

This being my first time to vote, it is very important to me, and I’m thrilled knowing I can vote for the next president. But I am also worried that going to class and having to work afterward is not going to give me enough time to exercise my right.

I find myself being quite busy and stressed out all the time, and canceling classes on Election Day would ease the stress. I wouldn’t

feel like I would have to be rushed.

Since this election is one of the biggest elections and record voters will be turning out at the polls, the lines are going to be very long.

So if I only have an hour after school to get to work, I don’t feel this would be ample time to cast my vote.

I would encourage all teachers and professors to give this a thought. As for everyone else, young or old, just please remember to vote on November 4. We can’t afford four more years of this, especially in Michigan.

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 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 edi-

tor 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 studentmanaged 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 Com-

munity College Journalism 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 alsoare welcome. E-mail them to Agora@monroeccc. edu or bring them to ouroffice.

Dan Shaw, Adviser

October 30, 2008

A&E

THE AGORA

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During Dolenz’s performance, two fans dressed in 70’s outfits who were dancing in the side aisle were invited on stage to dance out the rest of the song with him.

Believe It: A Monkee in Monroe’s Meyer Theater

Agora photos by Emily Chandonnet

Steve Sonoras Staff

Life is one long tour for former Monkee Mickey Dolenz, who played to a three-quarter capacity house at MCCC’s Meyer Theater on October 25.

Since The Monkees fizzled out decades ago, Mickey has kept himself busy doing voice-over work, acting, directing, and even hitting the road belting out his classic chart-topping hits.

“I’m doing what we call fly dates,” said Dolenz in a pre-show interview. “I live in LA, left yesterday, and got in last night. We’ll do the show and leave tomorrow. I’ve kind of been on tour for the last 40 years.”

Mickey began his latest gig at the Meyer Theater by thanking the songwriters who have given him nearly all of his material in the past, a respectable move for someone who has achieved fame performing primarily others’ material.

Regardless of origin, Mickey’s devoted fans still associate hits like “I’m a Believer” with the chimp-faced crooner rather than Neil Diamond, the song’s original scribe.

Amidst a crowd overwhelmingly comprised of screaming middle-aged women, probably many of the same who greeted The Monkees on their first US tour, Mickey and his crack band played several of The Monkees’ best-loved hits (“Stepping Stone,” “Last Train to Clarksville”) and a slew of welcomed covers (Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze.”)

Mickey’s sister Coco stole the spotlight several times throughout the evening, taking the mic to sing riveting renditions of Linda Ronstadt’s “Different Drum”

and Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit,” on which she proved a fair match for Grace Slick’s legendary brooding vocals.

The illusion of the wild 60’s atmosphere the band worked so hard to maintain was not sustained for long, though.

Even though Mickey bounded about the stage like an ape for much of the show, it became clear that time has not been kind to his most prized asset: his voice.

Thankfully Coco was able to help fill out the sound palette with some gutsy backing vocals.

While the strain of Mickey’s flawed pipes was not quite an overwhelming assault on the ears, the “psychedelic film” that served as the background for the stage show (really nothing more than a Microsoft Windows screensaver) could have burned the retinas off a bat.

Several of Dolenz’s band-mates seemed out of place as well—his keyboard player, adorned in satin pinstripes, looked more like a cast member of The Sopranos than a rock star.

Fortunately the energetic Dolenz prevented the audience’s eyes from wandering too far from his astonishingly buoyant presence.

Dolenz kept things interesting by repeatedly inviting enthusiastic fans onstage and peppering his set with amusing anecdotes about his younger years in the limelight.

While telling one such story — in which he recalled first meeting The Beatles — Mickey even made a quip that let the audience know he is aware The Monkees are not the most important act in rock and roll history.

Mickey joked about popping in on The Beatles while

“I sang this long before Shrek,” Dolenz informed a young fan before he ended his set with the perennial pop standard, “I’m a Believer.”

Mickey Dolenz Past Monkee’s Member

they were recording the album, “Sergeant…something.

I can’t remember what it was called. Whatever happened to that record? It was so good.”

Dolenz followed the anecdote with the concert’s highlight, an inspired cover of The Beatles’ classic “Oh Darling.” He proved that he’s no Paul McCartney, but Sir Paul can barely hit those eardrum-shattering notes anymore.

While Dolenz is clearly not at the top of his game, he’s still spirited enough to put on an enjoyable show.

His charismatic antics kept the mere 500-person crowd sounding like a full house. Many baby boomers in the crowd hopped aboard the YouTube craze, pulling out their cell phones to capture the star before he fades for good.

As for plans of a Monkees reunion, Dolenz is uncertain.

“No plans. I’ve learned never to say never, but there are no plans right now,” said Dolenz. “The Monkees was a television show about this imaginary band that didn’t exist except on the TV show. Then we went on the road and sort of became a real band. When the show went off the air, the production company dissolved.

There was never, from that point on, a Monkee organization or management. When we have gotten back together, it’s always been [because of] a third party.”

In the meantime, Dolenz is still out to attest his weight as a rock icon.

“I sang this long before Shrek,” Dolenz informed a young fan before he ended his set with the perennial pop standard “I’m a Believer.”

Above: After the show Dolenz sat and signed the huge line of fans memorabilia. The memorabilia ranged from old record albums that some had signed from the other Monkees, to CDs, ticket stubs, programs along with pictures they could purchase for $15.

Left: At the end of the show, Mickey Dolenz invited excited fans on stage to dance along to the last song, ‘I’m a Believer’.

They all got to take their turn next to his side and at the end all took a final bow and a group photo.

4 THE AGORA

Feature

October 30, 2008

Halloween is here Cassie Kane Staff

Jack-o’ lanterns, ghosts, candy and costumes are all the makings of a traditional Halloween. But with the invention of new and more malevolent monsters, the traditions of Halloween have evolved over time, and to different cultures.

Halloween has been celebrated for centuries and associated with goblins, ghosts, witches and magic.

All-Hallow’s Eve is the night believed to create a bridge between the living and the dead. Whether it’s vampires or the dead rising from their graves, nocturnal superstitions are synonymous with the spooky holiday. MCCC student Samuel Struth loves Halloween.

“I used to love getting dressed up as a zombie with my friends and binge on candy all night,” said Struth. “It’s by far my favorite holiday, but I guess I’m too old to be going trick-o-treating anymore.”

Halloween’s roots can be traced back to the Celts, who lived over 2,000 years ago. At the end of October through the first week of November, the Celts celebrated their new year which marked the end of the summer harvest with a festival.

During the festival, the Celts wore costumes made of animal skins

and took advantage of the blurred boundary between the living and the dead in order to make predictions for the future.

The Romans celebrated the passing of the dead during a festival called Feralia, and gave homage to a goddess of fruit and trees. From these celebrations, the tradition of apple bobbing was founded.

In the 800’s Pope Boniface IV named November 1 as All Saint’s Day in order to replace tradition pagan practices, but Halloween lingered on.

When America was colonized, Halloween customs followed. The tradition was not widespread at first, but fall festivals were popular. During these festivals neighbors would share ghost stories, sing, dance, tell fortunes and cause mischief. Halloween became national during the second half of the nineteenth century with the heavy immigration of the Irish. The traditions of actual costumes and “trick-o-treat,” became popular around this time.

Back then, candy wasn’t the only thing people asked for - mostly food or money was desired. Today, Americans spend over $6.9 billion annually on Halloween, making the holiday the second largest commercial holiday in the country.

One of the most popular symbols of Halloween is the jack-o’ lantern.

The legend behind the lighted hollow pumpkins is an Irish myth. According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. Stingy Jack didn’t want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should he die, he would not claim his soul. Soon after, Jack died.

As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven and the Devil would not let him enter hell. Instead, he sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carvedout turnip and has been roaming the Earth with ever since. Once called “Jack of the Lantern,” turned into the “Jack-O Lantern.” The pumpkin was not used until the Irish discovered the squash in America.

Another known Halloween-related phenomenon is the night before

the holliday, better known as Devil’s Night. The tradition predates World War II and originally started in Detroit, MI. During Devil’s Night, youths would commit acts of vandalism such as egging houses and stringing toilet paper on trees.

In the early 1970’s the tradition became dark because of numerous fires being set in many parts of the suburbs.

Under former mayor Dennis Archer, Angel’s Night was created to rebuttal the rampant arsons. Even today, as many as 50,000 volunteers gather to patrol the neighborhoods. Curfews were also instituted for youths during Devil’s Night.

Halloween is also infamous when it comes to cinema. The Halloween movies spawned a newfound fear for children and their parents when the sun went down.

“My mom told me the movies were so scary back then, that she and her friends didn’t want to go trick-o-treating some years,” said MCCC student Brandi Boythe.

“She still won’t watch them, but I love those movies.”

With superstition, decorations, telling stories and costumes, America loves to celebrate Halloween.

Maybe everyone needs to be scared at least one night out of the year.

Photo Courtesy of www.blogs.targetz.com

Card skimmers at the pump Kristin Stepinski Staff

Pay at the pump features at gas stations create a quick and efficient way to fill up your tank.

The only requirement is a credit or debit card to make the payment. The idea that someone could actually steal all of your information after that one quick swipe is upsetting.

This exact type of incident has already been recorded in California, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Washington. Thieves are installing hidden card readers, also called skimmers, at gas stations where they are so out of sight that few people would be able to see that they are even set up.

After retrieving data from the card reader, a cloned card is made and all of your cash could be gone

in as little as a few days. Before you even knew what happened.

Criminals and delinquents alike have been stealing credit cards since their inception. Data on credit and debit cards is not encrypted, run it through a skimmer and all of the card owner’s information pops up, ready for anyone to read.

Unfortunately for card users, the simplicity involved in retrieving the data makes this type of crime all the more popular.

There is less of a price to pay for a credit card user, rather than someone who prefers to debit their gas purchase.

Credit card data can be stolen and then used to purchase items, which then have to be re-sold in order to get the money. Even if a situation arises, there is always the possibility of placing a dispute on the purchases with the credit card

company.

Debit cards are a bit more dangerous. Once the data is stolen and the duplicate card is made, all of your money could be gone in the time it takes to punch four numbers into an ATM. How do they find out your PIN number?

Along with installing the skimmer to steal all of your information a tiny camera is also installed, aimed directly at the keypad where a customer punches the numbers.

In extreme cases, a fake keypad is slipped directly over the real keypad. This then transmits the code as soon as the customer enters it.

If gas pumps continue to be compromised across the country, it’s going to come down to either risking it for convenience’s sake or biting the bullet and just going inside to pay.

Which movie is the Scariest?

Agora photo by of Casey Cheap

GM, Chrysler talk ‘merger’ Casey Cheap Staff

The word merger is thrown around a lot these days.

That is why General Motors and Chrysler would like the general public, especially investors, to believe their latest “alliance” will turn one or both companies around.

As if the bleak outlook on the economy wasn’t stalling the hiring of college students enough, the post$700 Billion bailout era is about to begin, meaning things could get worse before there is relief.

“Things are tough out there,” Aliena Stevens, former MCCC student, said. “I’m just glad my job isn’t in the auto industry right now.”

Automakers were under extreme pressure to raise cash before the current credit crunch, and now the situation for GM, Ford and Chrysler is desperate.

The mortgage crisis has also been going on for over a year. Since then, the government has bailed out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Several major banks are also predicted to fail within months.

The idea of a merger in today’s world makes sense in order for companies to just survive. But in many ways, the term “merger” is merely a joke. Usually one business acquires another struggling business for the gain of both.

But in reality, the struggling, typically smaller company is absorbed into the one giving the bailout.

Bank of America did this after Merrill Lynch failed earlier this year. And the same type of deal went down between Northwest and Delta Airlines this year, creating the world’s largest airline.

But the fact remains, when two multi-billion dollar operations

merge, one is most likely phased out. It used to happen with telephone companies all the time. And these “mergers” usually lead to layoffs, plant closings and cuts where there is a redundancy in staff.

Another example is Chrysler’s former parent company. When it was announced Chrysler was merging with Daimler-Benz about a decade ago, most inside of Chrysler noted it was a takeover.

Daimler-Chrysler was soon formed, and the fact Chrysler’s name was second gives an indication of how much Chrysler’s opinion mattered to those calling the shots in Germany—not Detroit.

Sadly enough, it may be probable to state that one or more of Detroit’s three automakers may not come out of this crisis alive.

So in the most recent of turnaround plans, we have GM and Chrysler—not GM and Ford—having real high-level talks with Chrysler’s new parent company, Cerberus Capital Management.

What is at stake is enormous.

In one corner we have GM. Many investors fear the General will have to soon declare bankruptcy because of huge losses and the lowest auto sales in 15 years. GM may even have to sell off its own headquarters and have it leased back to them in a desperate move to raise cash.

In the other corner, we have Chrysler, who has always been the redheaded stepchild of the Detroit Three. Chrysler has been more of a black hole for profits than Ford.

Cerberus took over the ailing automaker just one year ago. Some skeptics believe Cerberus may not have understood what they were getting into.

The ideal way of going about

business was to cuts as many jobs, car models and factories as possible, in order to return Detroit’s No. 3 automaker back to profitability. But after all the cuts and layoffs, Chrysler is still too deep in the hole.

Chrysler of today is only a hallow shell compared to the thriving company Lee Iacocca turned away from bankruptcy in the early 1980’s.

Downsizing is just a way of life in Detroit, and may never be complete until there is no industry left.

Now GM, also in a fight for it’s life, is looking to take over Chrysler’s automotive operations. In return, Cerberus would take over GM’s struggling financing company, GMAC. Its another risky attempt at reviving the domestic auto industry.

But in this economic climate, some see this possible deal as necessity.

GM needs the $11 Billion in cash Chrysler has in order to fund its own operations. Cerberus is looking to off Chrysler, and Chrysler may not survive on it’s own.

Critics of the plan cite that GM already has too many brands and too many dealers. Adding Chrysler’s brands to GM—Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep—would only add to that problem.

Jeep is the only brand doing well, where as Dodge and Chrysler would likely become either phased out or integrated over time with other current GM brands.

But what will most likely happen, is after 83 years, Chrysler may go the way of Oldsmobile, Packard and Hudson, leaving embattled GM and Ford limping on by themselves.

And then there were two.

The Saw Movies The Ring The Shining Jeepers Creepers The Hills have Eyes The Exorcist Other

25% 10% 15% 5% 10% 30% 0%

* 100 MCCC students were polled. Poll taken by The Agora staff.

October 30, 2008

Feature

THE AGORA

Places to visit during the fall

Squeegeer of the Stars

Brandy Werner

Freelance Writer

It’s that time of the year again— time to hang up spider webs, tell ghost stories, and pick that perfect pumpkin to carve. This year there are many places to see in and around Monroe to get that perfect fall experience. Monroe is home to numerous corn mazes, haunted houses, and apple orchards. Here are just a few:

Wayne County Fairgrounds Spooktacular:

10871 Quirk Road in Belleville

The Wayne County Fairgrounds have put together a spooky group of activities for their Spooktacular, including haunted hayrides, a corn maze, and Halloween-themed movie nights. Every Friday and Saturday in October the Spooktacular and corn maze is open dusk until midnight. On Sundays, only the corn maze is open from noon6 p.m. Adult haunted hayrides cost $15, and kids ages 6-11 are $8.

Website:www.waynecountyfairgrounds.net/Spooktacular

He’s squeegeed Jeff Daniels, rapped onstage with Sugar Ray, and performed with Weezer.

Want to learn more? Check out our feature on MCCC student Chris Burlew in the next issue Photo Courtesy of Steve Sonoras of The Agora.

The Lab:

26505 Hornet Avenue in Grosse Ile

The Lab tells the story of a science experiment gone terribly wrong through an interactive, haunted adventure. As the story goes: GenTech Laboratories was involved in some strange experiments, and one day something went wrong. The lab went into lock-down mode, and now thrill seekers are able to go inside and discover just what went wrong. A single admission into the lab is $12, and there are discounted rates for groups. It is open 7-11 p.m. on weeknights, and on Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. to midnight.

Website: www.thelabhaunt. com

‘X-Tech’ highlights careers in industrial technology High school students and their parents, career-changing adults and all others interested in experiencing what it is like to study and work in the industrial technology fields offered at the college were invited to attend X-Tech at MCCC’s East and West Technology Buildings on October 23.

The following fields were explored at X-Tech: automotive engineering technology, construction management technology, electronics and computer technology, industrial electricity/ electronics technology, manufacturing technology, mechanical design technology, mechanical engineering technology, metrology/ quality systems technology, nuclear engineering technology and welding technology.

Participants also had the chance to weld metals, run state-of-theart machine tools,, control robots, draw with CAD equipment, test steel strength, program electronic equipment and more.

Haunted Hill Acres:

23740 Carleton West Rd. in Belleville

Proposals on Nov. 4 Kristin Stepinski Staff

With everyone in the country talking nonstop about the race to become America’s 44th President, the talk is mainly Obama, McCain or Biden and Palin.

It’s no surprise that everything else scheduled to appear on the ballot Nov. 4 is taking a backseat. The signs commanding you to “Vote NO on Prop. 2’ started popping up throughout Monroe just a few weeks ago.

There are two proposals to be voted on in Michigan next month.

Proposal 08-1 is known as the Michigan Medial Marijuana Act. “Modern medical research has discovered beneficial uses for marijuana in treating or alleviating the

pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with a variety of debilitating medical conditions,” the proposal declares.

A debilitating medical condition can mean a disease including cancer, glaucoma, hepatitis C, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and those diagnosed to be HIV positive along with other ailments.

Patients who qualify will receive registered identification cards and will also need written certification, have to pay renewal fees and also have a primary caregiver, along with a laundry list of other requirements.

The act would permit registered individuals to produce limited amounts of marijuana in a locked and enclosed facility only for those patients that qualify.

Permission to use medical reasons as a form of defense against any prosecution involving marijuana would also be granted. This includes both registered and unregistered users along with primary caregivers.

In addition to proposal 08-1, proposal 08-2 would amend the State Constitution to address human embryonic stem cell research in Michigan.

Proposal 08-2 intends to expand the use of human embryos for research.

Only four types of embryos could be used. The stem cells must have been created for fertility treatment purposes and they may not be suitable for implantation. Other permissions include cells that would be discarded unless they could be

5

used for research and donations by the person seeking fertility treatment.

Stem cells could not be taken from human embryos more than fourteen days after cell division begins.

The proposal would prohibit the selling or purchasing of embryos for research, and any future state and local laws that could prevent or restrict stem cell research would be prohibited as well.

There are many decisions to be made on Nov. 4. The choice for President of the United States is just one of those decisions.

Don’t let the Presidential race overshadow the rest of the issues on the ballot.

Haunted Hill Acres features halfhour long haunted hayrides, a large haunted pyramid maze, an enchanted house of monsters, and free entertainment in Frankenstein’s Castle Courtyard. The scares are mainly for children, however.

The hay rides are $8, the maze is $6, and the enchanted house of monsters is $4. The ticket office opens at 7p.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October.

Website: hauntedhillacres.com

Erie Orchards and Cider Mill: 1235 Erie Road in Erie

The Erie Apple Orchard is a working farm, consisting of about 70 acres. Some of their attractions include: fresh apples and cider, a petting zoo with goats, deer, calves, and rabbits, a children’s play zone and straw zone, a corn maze, and hay rides in the evenings. They are open Monday-Saturday from 9a.m.

-7p.m., and Sundays from 11a.m.6p.m.

Website: www.erieorchards. com

Wasem’s Fruit Farm:

Next door to Talladay Farms

Wasem’s is a family-owned orchard, selling various products including apples, pumpkins, apple cider, cherries, fresh donuts, and many others. Entry is free, and they are open from 9a.m.-6 p.m. every day through October 31.

Website: wasemfruitfarm.com

Talladay Farms: 6270 Judd Road in Milan

This is a large corn maze, with 10 miles of fun. It consists of two different mazes connected by the train.

Each maze takes about 60-90 minutes to complete. The mazes open on Fridays and the last entry is at 9:30pm. Saturday: 1:00-9:30p.m.

Sunday: 1:00-5:30p.m. Adult cost is $6, and children’s is $5 (there are discounted group rates) A flashlight is required after dark.

Website:www.talladayfarms. com

Fun Acres:

11665 Haggerman Road in South Rockwood

Fun Acres consists of a 10-acre corn maze, a petting zoo, and hayrides. Children can have fun riding a pony, and there’s also a “haunted crazy maze.” There’s a giant Jenga game, and a large cut-out of a dairy cow, that allows people to experience milking a cow firsthand. Fun Acres is open Fridays 4-10pm, Saturdays 11am-10pm, and Sundays 11am-dusk weather permitting.

The maze is haunted every Friday and Saturday night after dark. Admission is $10 per person.

Website: www.funacrescornmaze.com

Farmer Charley’s:

6421 N. Stony Creek Road in Monroe

Farmer Charley’s has it all, including 3 corn mazes, haunted hayrides, a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, bonfires, and even pig races. They also have plenty of food for hungry visitors, and kids can enjoy a ride on the “Hogwarts Express” train around the farm. The farm is open Thursdays from 4-10pm, Fridays 4-11pm, Saturdays 11am-11pm, and Sundays 11am-10pm, with the last tickets sold at 9 on Fridays and Saturdays and 8 on Thursdays and Sundays. Farm admission is $10.

Website: farmercharleys.com

Apple Charlie’s Orchard and Cider Mill: 38035 S. Huron in New Boston

Apple Charlie’s boasts fresh donuts and apple cider, hayrides, weekend entertainment in their pavilion, petting zoo, and the “Barn of Blood,” haunted house. Admission and parking are free. Their hours for October are 8 a.m.-8p.m. Starting in November, they are open from 8 a.m. until dark.

Website: www.applecharliesorchardandcidermill.com

Low on Gas $$ In this issue of The Agora we are five Your objective is to locate all five, write them down in the blanks below and drop them off in the mailbox outside The Agora room (L 202). If you have all five we will put your name in a drawing for:

$100 GAS CARD

that we will reward at the end of the semester. Each issue we will have more thinkgs to look for. You can enter each issue to better your chances. Happy hunting!

Name

Number

6 THE AGORA

Sports

October 30, 2008

Lloyd Carr talks athletics at MCCC Michael Crossman Staff

All Hail to the victor of all victors in the eyes of Michigan fans across the state.

Lloyd Carr, former University of Michigan football coach, visited MCCC last week, speaking to the education foundation within the Monroe public schools.

This was Carr’s first time visiting the campus.

Sen. Randy Richardville, RMonroe, was the man responsible for getting Carr to speak at the college.

“I wanted Mr. Carr to speak here because I felt he ran his program with great integrity. He is a great role model for this educational foundation” he said.

“We hope to raise $12,000 to $15,000 tonight for Mr. Carr being here” he said.

When Coach Carr sat down

with the media before his speech, he was asked what he was going to talk about.

“I’m going to talk about football. What else do you want to talk about? That’s all I know” he said.

Carr stressed that this has been a tough season for Michigan football.

“This is all part of a transition

process. Granted this season has been tough, but next year will be much easier,” he said.

It has been a total of 39 years since he has been absent from a coaching position in football.

When asked about returning to coach again, he replied “no comment,” but did not throw out the possibility.

With the upcoming game against

rival Michigan State University in the back of his mind, it wasn’t hard to see where the coach stood on the scouting report.

“This week’s game is a very big game. There is no game like it in the sense that it is very special to the team and fans, and it is such a great rivalry” he said. “There’s no week like this. Maybe across the country it doesn’t have the nation-

“It is a major financial investment to implement an athletic program. It all depends on the teamwork, from the trustees all the way to the students.”

Lloyd Carr Retired University of Michigan Coach

al interest, but in Michigan there’s nothing like it. “ When asked what he missed most about coaching he replied with a slight chuckle, “I miss the winning.’’

Carr spoke of recruiting, as it was one of his chores that he actually enjoyed doing. He went as far as quoting former NFL coach Bill Parcels.

“If I’m going to be responsible for cooking the meal, I ought to be able to do the grocery shopping.”

He also spoke briefly on what MCCC has to do to achieve a successful athletic program.

“It is a major financial investment to implement an athletic program. It all depends on the teamwork, from the trustees all the way to the students,” he said.

He also stressed the great leadership it would take to sell the idea to the trustees.

Carr Facts •Coached U of M Football from 1995-2008 •From Hawkins County, TN •Moved to Riverview, MI when 10 years old •Quarterback of Riverview Pirates •Won High School State Championship in 1962 •Played college football at University of Missouri and Northern Michigan •Assistant coach at Eastern Michigan University from 19761977 •Assistant coach at Illinois from 1978-1979 •Assistant to Bo Schembechler from 1980 and Gary Moeller from 1990-1994 •Named Michigan’s interim head coach on May 13, 1995 •Third Michigan coach to defeat Ohio State in the first three games •Active supporter of women’s athletics

Spartans regain confidence, while U of M continues to sink Andrew Thurlow Staff

The curse of Eddie Brown has ended.

After 18 years of adversity, the Michigan State Spartans finely overcame history and left Ann Arbor with their heads held high.

Everything was at stake on Saturday for Michigan, whose team hasn’t had a losing season since before Bo Schembechler in 1967.

After Saturday’s loss, it now appears they probably will go bowlless this season for the first time in 33 years.

“You need to play hard and well, and we are not doing that,” said Michigan Coach Rich Rodriguez.

And that goes without saying.

Michigan’s record now falls to 26 overall, and 1-3 in the Big Ten, which is their worst season since 1962.

They’ve now lost four games at home for the first time in four decades. If they plan on making it to a bowl, they’d have to win all four of their remaining games, including beating the No. 13-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. All bets are off for Michigan; it was a sad season.

In good news, Michigan State (72, 4-1) in getting its first win over Michigan since 2001, is now tied with Ohio State for second place in the Big 10 conference, regaining confidence after last week’s 45-7 massacre. The Spartans remain in great position for a bowl game in January.

“We were playing for respect,” Coach Mark Dantonio said. “I think we gained a little bit of respect back.”

Recap Javon Ringer was definately the key element in this game, running for 194 yards with two touchdowns on 37 carries. Ringer broke the tie midway through the fourth quarter, giving State the momentum they needed for the 35-21 win over the Wolverines.

The first lead came quickly for the Spartans, two minutes into the first quarter, when Blair White went deep for a 61-yard touchdown pass, putting State up by 7.

However, minutes later the Wolverines caught a huge break on a controversial catch by Brandon Minor. He caught the ball with one foot out of bounds and the other

landing on the pylon, but it was ruled a touchdown by officials.

Even though the NCAA rule book, states: “A player or an airborne player who touches a pylon is out of bounds,” this just proves that home field advantage is very real and that a rivalry isn’t a rivalry without a little controversy.

Late in second quarter, Javon Ringer scored a 64-yard touchdown, hoping to take the lead with him into the half. But the Wolverines again answered back, after a pass interference call placed the ball close to the goal-line. Michigan subsequently scored, tying the game 14-14 with 20 seconds left in the half.

By the end of the third quarter ,both teams had scored again leaving it tied 21-21 going into the fourth.

Midway through the fourth quarter, after Ringer’s touchdown put State up by 7, Threet threw an interception to Chris Rucker, giving State the ball on U-M’s 40. With just under 7 minutes left in the game, Ringer continued his fourth quarter onslaught, with what he recalls as his strongest moment ever, running 33 yards to U-M’s seven.

It was up to Dantonio, who on fourth-and-one could have settled for a field goal, but instead decided to go for the first down. Two plays

later, Hoyer’s game-winning pass to Josh Rouse put a cap on the win.

Spartan receiver Blair White, who had only three catches all last year, scored on the 61-yard reception in the first quarter and had a total of four catches for 143 yards.

Michigan running back Brandon Minor ran for a 55-yard touchdown and was credited with a 19-yard touchdown reception.

Michigan’s quarterback Steven Threet was 13-of-26 for 168 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions. State’s quarterback Brain Hoyer was 17-of-29 for 282 yards with a season-high of three touchdowns.

College Football Update Indiana 21, Northwestern 19: Quarterback Ben Chappell, who started in place of the injured Kellen Lewis, had 219 yards passing and a touchdown and rushed for another score, and the Hoosiers beat Northwestern 21-19 to snap their longest winless streak since 2005.

Minnesota 17, Purdue 6: The Golden Gophers, who came in leading the nation in turnover margin, forced four more in a 17-6 win over Purdue on Saturday. It was the third time in the past five games Minnesota has held an opponent to single-digit points.

Wisconsin 27, Illinois 17: Dustin Sherer threw two touchdowns to David Gilreath and ran for another, rallying Wisconsin over Illinois 27-17 on Saturday and snapping the Badgers’ longest losing streak in 12 years.

Penn State 13, Ohio State 6: Pat Devlin came off the bench for injured starting quarterback Daryll Clark in the fourth quarter, leading two scoring drives and sneaking in for the go-ahead touchdown to give No. 3 Penn State a 13-6 victory over No. 10 Ohio State on Saturday night.

Courtesy of Big Ten

The Madness is here Baby: A look at NCAA Men’s Basketball Michael Crossman Staff

With last year’s drafted stars now lacing up their Jordans in the high paying hardwood league, the ones left behind start their venture into their regular season hopes for a tournament birth.

The preseason AP top 25 rankings list the Tarheels of North Carolina at No. 1. Going down the list is UCLA, Memphis, Kansas, Georgetown, Louisville, Tennessee, Michigan State, Indiana, and Washington State, wrapping up the top 10.

The Spartans will begin their season minus high scoring point guard Drew Neitzel and the all-time leading blocker in MSU history, Drew Naymick.

Sophomore Kalin Lucas is stepping into Neitzel’s position as point guard and is looking to hit the ground full throttle. There is also top recruit freshman Delvon Roe to take the power forward or center spot for Naymick.

Tom Izzo says that Kalin Lucas is the quickest player that he has ever coached. That is saying a lot for a guy with as much experience as Izzo.

This year the Spartans will play North Carolina at Ford Field in Detroit for the ACC-Big 10 Challenge. They also play the defending National Champions in the Kansas Jayhawks at the Breslin Center.

“I love when this time of year comes around because normally the Spartans are not doing so well in football, so I enjoy watching

the basketball team,” Sean Hollbrook, MCCC student, said.

“So with the football team already gaining a bowl appearance, this year should be exciting. Especially being ranked #8, we look like we got a shot,” he said.

The Wolverines look to build off of their first season with new head coach John Beilein.

Coming off a 10-22 finish during his inaugural season, the Wolverines begin looking ahead to this coming year.

The Wolverines are embracing their coach’s plan with a little more consistency this year, despite Beilein’s known sophomore year jinx with prior teams.

They also will look to create more balance between the perimeter and the post, banking

on Deshawn Sims and junior forward Zack Gibson to carry the weight down low.

Another thing that Michigan has to be pretty proud of as late is their recruiting. Beilein traveled to Lake Forest to observe what he heard was “the unheard prodigy.” He went to speak with shooting guard Matt Vogrich.

The 6-foot-4-inch shooting guard from Lake Forest, Ill., gave Beilein a verbal commitment during his visit to Ann Arbor to join the Wolverines’ 2009 recruiting class.

“Well the men’s basketball team can’t be any worse than the football team this year,” Katie Burke, MCCC student, said.

“Who knows, maybe they’ll be this year’s Cinderella. That’s probably a long shot, though,” she said.

October 30, 2008

A&E

‘Twilight’ hits big screen soon Emily Chandonnet Editor-in-Chief

Absolutely captivating is the only way to describe Stephenie Meyer’s novel Twilight.

Not only is it a page turner, but she was able to create a couple that competes on the level of Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice), and Nicholas Sparks’ Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton (The Notebook).

Unlike typical romance books the main plot is dark and twisted. The storyline is easy, girl and vampire fall in love. The twist that he is a vampire makes their love deathly, literally.

Bella moves to Forks, Washington, the rainiest town in the U.S. New school and new friends is all she can handle.

But when her lab partner, Edward, obviously is furious about being around her, she can’t help but have him constantly in her mind, trying to figure out why.

So when he saves her life from a car, it only complicates everything

and intrigues Bella even more about the dark and mysterious Edward.

This is not the same old vampire tale and is definitely not always predictable.

Twilight is one of four in the series and Twilight only leaves you wanting more answers, new explanations and history of the Cullen’s family (Edward’s family).

This is a book for everyone. Now is the perfect time to start this 498page book before it comes out in theaters on Nov. 21.

It is an amazingly quick read because Meyer is able to capture your attention so deeply that you can’t help but continue on to the next chapter, especially since the previous chapter leaves you hanging in suspense.

The movie will star Kristen Stewart (The Messengers, Into the Wild) as Bella Swan and Robert Pattinson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) as Edward and a slew of other somewhat new faces to the TV and movie screen as the Cullen/Hale family and friends.

“It seems to be…much easier for you, now, to be close to me.”

“Does it seem that way to you?” he murmured, his nose gliding to the corner of my jaw. I felt his hand, lighter than a moth’s wing, brushing my damp hair back, so that his lips could touch the hollow beneath my ear.

“Much, much easier,” I said, trying to exhale.

“Hmm.” “So I was wondering…,” I began again, but his fingers were slowly tracing my collarbone, and I lost my train of thought.

“Yes?” he breathed.

“Why is that,” my voice shook, embarrassing me, “do you think.”

I felt the tremor of his breath on my neck as he laughed, “Mind over matter.”

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL Emily Chandonnet Editor-in-Chief

As cheesy and predictable as the High School Musical (HSM) series has been, HSM3 embodies the better of the first two.

They really stepped it up for the final movie on the BIG screen and took no chances at making anything too watered down. HSM3 without a doubt trumps HSM 1 and 2.

The Director, Kenny Ortega, also happens to be the chorographer whose impressive steps compare on

3

SENIOR YEAR

Page 299 and 300

the level of Chicago, but with more extras. There were no slipups to be found in these fancy movies by all leading, co- and backup actors.

The singing, to say the least, was the cheesiest part of the hour and 52minute film. From the very unrealistic outbreak singing in the middle of the opening basketball game to the guy duet in the junkyard, this movie truly embodies the genre musical.

The best songs featured are ‘Can I have this Dance’, ‘Just wanna be with you’ sung by Troy Bolton (Zac

THE AGORA

7

W Movie Andrew Thurlow Staff

Since the 1980’s, Oliver Stone’s left-sided melodramatic cinema interpretations have been arguably factual and usually unreliable.

His new movie is an exception, however. W., which is about the rise and “fall” of the Bush administration, takes viewers deep into the troubled life of George W. Bush and his constant struggle to live up to his father’s legacy.

A pitying and sympathetic portrayal, Josh Brolin plays Bush Jr., who maintains strong characterization throughout the whole movie, beginning from Bush’s Yale frat boy days, struggling with alcoholism, to being a born -again Christian, governor of Texas, and eventually President of the United States.

The movie touches deeply on the problems we have faced since 9-11, including the war on terrorism, The Patriot Act, and other skepticisms of a “war for oil” in the Middle East.

This movie isn’t overwhelm-

Movie Coming to Theaters Nov. 21

ingly great in any way, but it does balance well on the conservative and liberal scale, which is more than enough for an Oliver Stone flick.

Not to mention that it does bring up a few memorable linguistic moments for Bush critics.

Overall it’s an enjoyable movie with great impersonations.

Saw V

Leading Cast of Twilight the Movie Kristen Stewart Robert Pattinson Taylor Lauther Billy Burke Peter Faunelli Elizabeth Reaser Nikki Reed Ashley Greene Jackson Rathbone Kellan Lutz

Bella Swan (The Messengers, Into the Wild) Robert Pattinson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) Jacob Black (Cheaper by the Dozen 2) Charlie Swan (Fracture, Untraceable) Dr. Carlisle Cullen (Arc) Esme Cullen (Grey’s Anatomy) Rosolie Hale (The O.C.) Alice Cullen Jasper Hale (Beautiful People) Emmet Cullen (Prom Night).

Efron) and Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens), ‘I want it all’ by Ryan Evans (Lucas Grabeel) and Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale) and ‘Senior Year Spring Musical’ by the entire cast.

HSM3 was unique in the fact that each song had a taste of a song in the previous movies. You could truly hear the HSM theme music played within each song.

As to be expected, Efron and Hudgens, the true life couple, had incredible chemistry, maybe even a little too much at some points.

Various times throughout the movie there were Troy and Gabriella moments that lasted a little too long and then were abruptly interrupted as if they had snapped out of it and back into acting mode. When the two finally did kiss, it was good and natural, which leads me to especially think they should have been adding casual pecks throughout the movie to make those long starryeyed moments not so awkward.

They are a couple who have dated almost two years on and off screen,

so why would the two run from these face-to-face moments.

As for the plot, I say bravo. They kept it traditional and expected.

They captured only some of the many decisions high school seniors must make — the pros and cons, inevitable truths and independent factors. I really liked that they tried their hardest to show that college and your future is your decision and should be based off of you and you alone, only following your own heart.

Because of this, that is why I believe you can never be too old to watch Disney As for the rumors floating about on a HSM4, I say I hope not. So far, most of the leading cast has said no to the request, but now it looks as though they may create a HSM with an entirely new leading cast. I think they have hit their limit and will just ruin the last three. Come on, there are no more storylines to go on.

Disney should know when to stop and senior year should definitely be the end of the road. But who knows — Disney likes its sequels.

Michael Crossman Staff

Twisted Pictures and Lions Gate films have made your Halloween season once again one of sheer disgust and pure appreciation with the fifth installment of the Saw Franchise.

Director David Hackl, Toronto based director who originally served as production designer for all the Saw movies, now takes the reins as director.

Also the screenwriting psychotic duo of Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, who teamed up to write Saw IV, now have dug deeper in their diseased infested minds and created Saw V. The tandem also deserves much credit for Feast III and the upcoming Hellraiser.

In this picture, Lt. Detective

Hoffman is seemingly the last person alive to carry on the Jigsaw legacy. But when his secret is threatened, Hoffman must go on the hunt to eliminate all loose ends.

With original actors such as Tobin Bell (Jigsaw), Costas Mandylor (Lt. Detective Hoffman), and Scott Patterson (Agent Straum), this latest edition in the series is sure to impress.

The traps are even more innovative and gruesome than in the past, but in this series you witness a new approach to the intended meaning behind cherishing life.

So let the games begin and strap up, because Saw V is sure to make you grind your teeth in fright and dismay. Make your choice.

Body of Lies

Trustees answer questions of students and public Forum from page 1 “My continued focus is to provide superior education locally, at low cost,” Thayer said.

Issues covered during the forum included tuition, the nursing program, the future of MCCC, the new technology building, the smoking policy, and two-plus-two programs with other colleges such as Sienna Heights University.

When asked about what she would like to see happen with MCCC in the next ten years, Linda Lauer expressed an interest in sports teams.

“I would love to see sports teams come back to the college,” Lauer said. “The community will be more involved in the college, and so will the students if we were to bring back a sports program. I think we will see more and more students come to our campus if we offer sports.”

Kehoe expressed an interest in bringing more technological and engineering programs to the community college to expand the education for the important jobs that are springing up across the nation.

Braunlich mentioned the possibilities for the college with the implementation of a nuclear engineering technology program.

“Ten years from now,” said Braunlich, “I think Monroe County Community College can establish ourselves as an educational leader in nuclear power and alternative energy

technology.”

Braunlich also said he would like to see MCCC offer four-year baccalaureate degrees in the next 10 years.

Thayer added that legislation that would make four-year degrees at community colleges possible is being considered in Lansing.

All candidates agreed that the smoking policy that is being phased in is a good idea and that they look forward to 2010 when the campus will be completely smoke-free.

One question was posed to the two incumbents, Thayer and Braunlich, asking what they would have done differently after looking back on their term as board members.

Thayer expressed regret about the way the faculty contract was handled last year. The faculty is “second-tonone,” she said.

Braunlich said he wished he would have presented the idea earlier of having board meetings available to the public through video – on the Internet or broadcast live.

A question that seemed to catch the most attention from the audience involved the growing nursing program. Candidates were asked what they thought about expanding the number of students being allowed into the nursing program, which is highly competitive.

“I believe we can slowly work letting more people into the program,” Braunlich said. “…by an allocation of resources and continuing our

partnerships with the local medical groups.”

Kehoe suggested that such a change might now be possible, but he expressed concern over whether staff could be found due to the differential in salary from working in the field. Mathewson agreed that it would be a nice idea, but he and Lauer both said they would not want to substitute “quantity for quality.”

Thayer introduced the idea of offering more apprenticeship opportunities for nursing students.

The candidates were asked what they were willing to do to improve the transferability of MCCC credits to four-year institutions. They all said the board of trustees has limited ability to help.

“We are a policy board,” Thayer said. “We hire and fire presidents.”

“As a member of the board of trustees I am keenly interested in expanding those opportunities,” Braunlich said.

Lauer expressed her experience as a traditional and non-traditional student, recognizing the problems some students face.

“It’s really hard for some students to drive to Adrian, or even Toledo to go to college,” Lauer said. “I would really like to see the college continue the 2+2 programs.”

Thayer and Braunlich both said that students should look to their advisors and student counselors for help when it comes to trying to take classes that will transfer to a four-

year school.

Braunlich displayed pride in his work for the college and said he votes independently, when asked a question from the audience about his relationship with another board member.

“My life’s an open book,” Braunlich said. “But that doesn’t necessarily mean I have to read it to you.”

Kehoe expressed his commitment to bringing more technology-based programs to the college and said that he was excited to see plans for the new technology building.

Braunlich noted that the design for the new building will allow different kinds of technology-based programs to come to the community college and share the building.

Matthewson stressed that the college needs to collaborate with local businesses to create a broad spectrum of ownership of the new technology building in order to connect the community to project.

He also emphasized the importance of keeping the college’s staff for as long as possible. All five of the candidates agreed that the faculty is responsible for MCCC’s success over the years.

Thayer expressed confidence after the forum in the choices voters will face on the ballot.

“No matter who you vote for, any choice is great,” she said. “All of the candidates are excellent choices and they all mean to do good things for the college.”

Casey Cheap Staff

Body of Lies, a movie based on Washington Post columnist David Ignatius’s 2007 novel, stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe in two roles with sometimes opposite intentions.

It is yet another post 9/11 film about the CIA working with less than cooperative governments in the Middle East as part of a counter terrorism task force. The plot has been done before, most notably with Jamie Fox’s 2007 film, The Kingdom.

The end of the film seemingly works as it should; but in order to get to the end, viewers are subject to the roller coaster ride that seems to weave itself nowhere toward the middle of the film.

Rodger Ferris (DeCaprio) is

a CIA operative led all over the Middle East, from Iraq to Amman, and eventually Jordan. His job is to be the ground man for Ed Hoffman (Crowe), a CIA veteran who is calling the shots, usually from the U.S. But the general writing of the film was good. It is very clear to the viewer from the beginning, Ferris is the hero trying to unite those countering terrorism, and Hoffman is using every possible resource and betraying everyone he can in order to get the intelligence, or terrorist leader he needs.

Overall it is an entertaining, but long film. Had it not fallen into some clichés, Body of Lies may have stood above other films that also portray anti-American sentiment.

8 THE AGORA

Spotlight

Poetry Night at MCCC When: Thursday, Oct. 30 Where: The Little Theater (In the basement of “C” Building)

There will be snacks and refreshments!

Halloween Costumes are welcome!

Bring your favorite poem, poetry book, or use one of ours!

DON”T MISS OUT!!

Hosted By: The MCCC Writing Center

Auditions!

A Series of Shorts

Several Short Plays about Communication Parts available for mature adult men and women.

Current enrollment at the college is preferable but not required.

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday Nov. 3, 4, and 5 from 7-9 p.m.

Where: The Little Theatre (C-3)

Direct any questions to Scott McCloskey at 242-7300 ext. 5774

October 30, 2008

Cuisine 1300

Menu Inspired by Cultures from Around the World

Cuisine 1300 is an elegant dining endeavor of the students and chefs at MCCC. It is open to public by reservation only and includes fine cuisine at affordable prices.

Under the direction of Chef Kevin Thomas and Chef Vicki LaValle, the students will prepare a menu inspired by cultures from around the world. The Menu includes:

Germany:

German Beer Soup, Shrimp Croquettes, Chicken Wild Mushrooms and Garlic, Rubbed Pork Loin with Apricot Glaze and Sauerkraut

Mediterranean: Italian Wedding Soup, Fresh

Figs with Goat Cheese and Peppered Honey, Moussaka, pasta Imperial

France: Lobster Bisque, Crab Crostini, Steak au Thailand: Pumpkin and Coconut Soup, Thai LetPoivre, Cognac Shrimp Home:

Backed Macaroni Martini, Crab Cakes, Shrimp and Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms, Wisconsin Chicken Sandwich, “The” Philly Cheese Steak, Cornbread Chicken with Cheesy Potatoes, Southern Cornmeal Crusted Catfish

tuce Wraps, Thai Chicken Curry, Teriyaki Salmon with Asian Sauce

Mexico:

Mexican Tortilla Soup, Smoked Jalapenos, Braised Pork Tenderloin, Senorita’s Chicken Tacos

Open from Oct 17 - Dec. 11 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11:30 a.m. and 11:45

Not open: Nov. 24-28 To make reservation call (734) 384-4272 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Job Seeking Seminars

Create Dynamic Resumes & Cover Letters Monday, November 10 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Whitman Center - 7777 Lewis Ave in Temperance Admission: $24 or FREE to Currently enrolled MCCC students

Successful Interviewing

Tuesday, November 17 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Whitman Center - 7777 Lewis Ave in Temperance Admission: $24 or FREE to Currently enrolled MCCC students For more information or to enroll in the seminars call the MCCC Whitman Center at (734) 847-0559

Meet with Carol Holton, UT Transfer Academic Adviser, at Monroe County Community College. Call 734.847.0559 to set up an appointment.