11-21-2006

Agora

The Vol. 49, Issue 3

November 21, 2006

MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

INSIDE Opinion, pg 2 Agora staff takes stance on the faculty contract negotiations

Mediation concludes district, faculty yet to reach agreement on contract dispute Lisa Ghigliazza

One writer points out this season’s trendiest fashions

Campus News, pg 3 Santa’s wonderland comes to visit Monroe County Community College MCCC’s Whitman Center hosts AIDS memorial quilt

Feature, pg 4 Voters in Monroe cast ballots for this year’s elections Students discuss Thanksgiving traditions and give thanks

Feature, pg 5 Energy drinks may not be as healthy as they seem Mental illnesses rise among college students

A&E, pg 6 Yahoo! time capsule preserves memories for years to come Agora staff member recommends tunes for everyone

In the Mix, pg 7 Reader’s Voice: How do you celebrate Thanksgiving?

Writing Fellows host bake sale on November 21 & 22

Spotlight, pg 8 National College Media Convention and World Series in St. Louis, Missouri

Copy Editor

Mediation between the Monroe County Community College Faculty Association (MCCCFA) and the district negotiating teams ended early, October 19. According to Dean Kerste, chief negotiator for MCCFA, after meeting with each side separately several times the mediator felt talks were going nowhere.

“He returned to our room and said we weren’t making any headway, maybe both sides needed to sit back and reconsider what they are discussing and try it again,” Kerste said.

Originally the meeting was scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on October 19 but it ended around 8:30 p.m. The mediator has left it up to MCCCFA and the district to decide how they want to proceed. Randy Daniels, chief negotiator for the district team, confirmed no date had been scheduled for further mediation at this time.

The question remains, what is preventing the two sides from reaching an agreement? Is the district asking the faculty to make concessions in wages and health care benefits? While the exact nature of the talks is not legally allowed to be shared, many members of the faculty believe these are the major issues. Vinnie Maltese, dean of the math and sciences division and former full time faculty member, believes if the faculty were offered a contract similar to the one the administration, support staff, and maintenance staff recently received it would be a fair solution. He also thinks the college has enough money to pay the faculty’s salaries and believes it would be unfair to ask the faculty to make concessions in wages and benefits.

“I believe the college has enough money to pay them,” Maltese, said, “I think that would be unfair [to ask the faculty to make concessions].”

Agora photo by Lisa Ghigliazza

Faculty members wear red to show unity during the contract negotiations

So where is the college at financially? Documents obtained by the Agora indicate Monroe County Community College [MCCC] is operating with a “fund equity” of 49% which is described as, “very high” and “hard to justify such a high amount of savings,” by the Michigan Education Association [MEA] whom had done a review of the 2005 financial reports of MCCC. The average “fund equity” amount throughout the state is only 14%. In their review of the 2005 MCCC audit, the MEA describe this as, “massive amounts of unrestricted funds.” Further, “unrestricted funds are at the discretion of the Board and can be easily undesignated by the

Board. Boards sometimes leave few funds undesignated in order to appear broke,” the MEA report said.

In short, surplus funds are moved to restricted funds to make it appear as the college is in a deficit situation. The total net assets MCCC reported in the 2005 audit was $42,566,300, of which $12,841,438 was marked as “unrestricted funds.” In another document entitled, “Monroe County Community College Back-Up Information for [2003-04; 2004-05; 2005-06; 200607] Budget – General Fund, figures reported show revenues greater than expenditures for the past 3 budget years. In 2003-04 this amount was $58,000, in 2004-05 it was $20,000,

in 2005-06 it was $25,000, and for the current budget year the amount is $25,000. The total, for these four years of revenues exceeding expenditures, is $128,000; when added to the $12,841,438 the sum of unrestricted is nearly $13,000,000.

According to those figures the college is not operating in a deficit situation. Tim Bennett, vice president of business affairs and treasurer refused to comment.

Additionally, some students at MCCC have joined in signing a petition in support of the faculty getting a fair and equitable contract. This will be

see "contract,” page 7

Litter detracts from campus appearance maintenance staff working hard to keep MCCC grounds clean

clean. But despite their work, students continue to throw their papers, bags, cans, and cigarettes butts on the ground.

“I’m a busy man, so when I’m walking around campus and there’s no trash can I sneakily throw my trash on the ground,” MCCC freshman, Tyler Helms said. “I believe the world is my trash can. What can my littering hurt?”

Not all students feel this way about littering on campus.

“It’s pure laziness of students to not walk a whole couple of steps to put their coffee cups in the trash. Sometimes it happens where something ‘slips’ but to just throw a pop bottle out next to your car in the parking lot is disgusting,” Stephanie Scheer, MCCC student, said.

Agora photos by Kirk Stoner, Photo illustration by Tonya Huffman There are four members of the maintenance Litter on campus takes away from the appearance of MCCC grounds crew. They include two Kirk Stoner Page Editor

The Monroe County Community College (MCCC) maintenance crew is working hard to keep the campus

students and two maintenance workers. Some of their daily duties include cleaning the trash receptacles and changing the trash bags the first thing in the morning, roaming around campus picking up litter, and emptying and cleaning out the outdoor ash trays.

“They [the maintenance crew] check for [ashtray] fullness,” Jim Blumberg, director of physical plant at MCCC said. “This semester I’ve noticed an increase in cigarette butts on campus.”

Blumberg has only been the director of physical plant for a year now, but already he has made changes around campus regarding the trash. One thing Blumberg noticed when he arrived at MCCC was that certain areas were heavily littered. Some of those areas included parking lot one and the new parking lot behind the La-Z-Boy building (lot seven) were particularly dirty with litter. Blumberg and the maintenance crew decided to put trash receptacles in those high traffic areas to reduce the amount of litter.

With maintenance staff and students alike doing their part to keep the MCCC campus clean, the campus will be a cleaner and better college institution for everyone.

2

Opinion

AGORA

November 21, 2006

Agora supports faculty Throughout the entire faculty contract negotiation process only one question lingers: Why? First of all, why the faculty? They are the ones dedicating a huge portion of their lives to the students of Monroe County Community College (MCCC).

They are the reason we walk out of class with new knowledge. We have instructors like Lisa Scarpelli, Gary Wilson, and Joanna Sabo who take the classroom experience to another level by creating hands on activities to get students involved. We have compassionate faculty like Vinnie Maltese, Terry Telfer, and Cheryl Hoy who are always more than willing to offer a helping hand. Then there are people like Ann Orwin who spend time outside of class furthering the education of their students and recognizing the

individual talents of each of them.

That is only a few of the faculty members who go above and beyond their call of duty… all while working without a contract. The MCCC faculty give the students an opportunity to learn in an encouraging and interesting educational environment. Why jeopardize that?

Furthermore, why now? With a surplus in the budget of 82 percent, the faculty should be receiving a raise in salaries, not taking a “pay cut.” MCCC has experienced record enrollment in 2006 and tuition per credit hour was raised. Dollars don’t equal sense here.

MCCC is doing well financially and we should be thinking of how to improve upon the weakness we have – lack of clubs and campus life for students and how to reward our strengths

– the hard working faculty.

Without MCCC’s faculty this institution would not exist. Many studnets return each year because of the incredible faculty. Our faculty is the glue which holds this college together.

In fact, each administrator must have been educated by an instructor during their lifetime while attending college to have the jobs they hold currently. Yet instead of thanking them, the administration is trying to cut back on the faculty’s health benefits and salaries. Again we ask, why?

As far as payroll goes, the faculty should be at the top of the list. That is, unless an administrator wants to come teach a class, assign homework, promptly grade and return it and then take time out of his own busy schedule to assist and answer the questions

list consists of jewelry for all times of the day, a bag as big as your best friend, comfortable shoes and large sunglasses. Just because it is winter does not mean that your eyes do not need protectionthink how bright it is on those sunny, snowy days. Girls, do not be afraid to wear those uber sexy peep-toed shoes this winter. And, that silly law about not wearing white after Labor Day was taken out of the rule books long ago. Long gold chains are super figure friendly.

They help make those who do not have a lot of height look taller. Red is one great color to accessorize with because it helps spice up anything which may other-

wise look a bit plain.

Men, you shall not be left out in the cold when it comes to fashion advice. According to GQ magazine, this season’s essentials include bomber jackets, chambray shirts in grays and blues, ankle high Chelsea boots, gold watches and aviator or shield sunglasses. This seasons popular colors are earth tones.

Most likely, if you buy or own anything black, brown, gray o r blue, it will be in. And, it will especially look great if it is one of those black turtleneck sweaters.

I have not found a guy I did not think would look good in one yet. Scarves are another winter must have. Long, short, middle length, no matter the length of the scarf they are always in those earth tones.

what transpired on the field during his tenure, Smith was destined for failure the day he was hired. Even though he was an accomplished coach at Louisville, Idaho and Utah State, Smith had never coached under the bright lights of a BCS school before, and had no solid recruiting base in the Midwest to build off of. The biggest problem, though, was that Smith was competing against Michigan, a task that has been nearly impossible for the Spartans to overcome in recent years.

In the last ten seasons, MSU has only finished the season ranked in the top 25 one time, never won the Big Ten title and won just two bowl games. During that same time frame the Spartans biggest rival, Michigan, has won a National Championship, five Big Ten titles, participated in a bowl game every year, and currently

resides in the thick of the national championship race.

One question comes to mind when looking at the tale-of-the-tape between the two schools above. If one was a top-flight high school football player in the state of Michigan, who would one choose: a fledging program with no coach and no clear direction, or a program that ranks #1 on the all time wins and winning percentage lists and annually puts there players in the NFL? Clearly, anyone with dreams of playing in front of the bright lights in the NFL would choose to attend UM over MSU. And therein lies the problem for Michigan State. Regardless who their next coach is, he will still have to compete against Michigan and the reputation that follows the school.

Current Miami Dolphins and former Michigan State Head Coach Nick Saban even admitted that one of the reasons he left MSU was because he was tired of playing second fiddle to Michigan.

So, is there a way to fix a reputation of a school that has plagued the university for years? My solution involves MSU hiring Todd Grantham, the defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns and a former assistant coach at MSU. Grantham has Midwestern ties so he’ll know the local high school coaches, has an NFL pedigree that will convince recruits that he knows how to get them to the next level, and will provide needed discipline to the program.

Winter fashion advice Bethany Younglove Page Editor

The snowy, blustery days of winter are coming upon us quickly and it is time to pull out the sweaters and parkas of last year. But fashions have changed since last year, so, what is trendy this year?

Women have the easiest time finding what is “in,” due to all of the fashion magazines out there. Even if a woman is not reading Vogue or Elle, strictly fashion magazines, they are still able to f i n d insight from Cosmopolitan or Glamour magazines. According to Harper’s Bazaar, Grecian frocks are coming back strong, and bags with textures, such as fur, are big this winter season. Elle’s essentials check-

Spartans search for coach, identity Brian Ready

Assistant Editor

In college football there is a level of excellence that is expected for every program. Some, like the University of Michigan or Ohio State, are college football powerhouses that are expected to and should contend for national championships on a yearly basis.

Then there are other programs, like Michigan State University (MSU), who appear to be stuck in mediocrity, regardless of what coach they fire or hire.

The recent firing of Spartan Head Coach John L. Smith was deserved.

Smith was 22-24 in his tenure, including a 0-4 record against Michigan, and had several players experience run-ins with the law over the course of the past season. However, regardless

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) 3844186, agora@monroeccc.edu.

Editorial policy: Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the Agora staff. Signed columns represent the opinion of the writer.

All letters to the editor must include a signature, address and phone number for verification purposes.

The Agora reserves the right to edit

for clarity, accuracy, length and libel.

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

Mark Bergmooser, Advisor

see "Spartans,” page 7

of each individual student. Are there any volunteers?

MCCC faculty: Delivering excel-

lence without a contract.

The Agora: Behind them 100 percent.

Stop, think, drive Tonya Huffman Photo Editor

Red brake lights, honking horns, and screeching tires are a few things driving has given me a privilege of experiencing day in and day out.

Frustrating, that’s what driving is, plain frustrating. Whether it be one car traveling at the rate of a snail holding up traffic for miles, or individuals randomly braking without using a turn signal, the whole experience can be exhausting.

Every car has been equipped with something called a turn signal. Use it. They are usually located left of the steering wheel and close enough to reach without strain. This is not an optional package; they come standard with the purchase of any vehicle.

Brakes are used to slow a vehicle down before a turn is made, or to stop at a red light. Caution: Braking excessively, if used improperly, may result in whip lash or other painful repercussions.

Riding the brakes on any vehicle may not only be damaging to the vehicle itself, but to the drivers following behind with red bright, blinding lights glaring back at them.

While driving on a two lane highway, each car receives one lane, not two, for their driving purposes, either the right or left lane. Do not be greedy and use an imaginary middle lane by

driving down the middle of both lanes.

Both of these lanes are not yours. This is what’s commonly called a “road hog”.

Tailgating is fun for pep rallies and football games, but on a regular basis I do not recommend it. If it is clear the driver in front of you is consuming a McDonald’s cheeseburger with extra pickle, then you’re probably following too closely. Tailgating may also result in a “domino effect” of cars when one suddenly brakes and the others cannot follow in a quick enough fashion.

I find it interesting and aggravating when someone just can’t wait to pull out in front of me, just to slow down at a crawl of about 20 miles per hour (mph) below the posted speed limit.

This makes absolutely no sense and only results in a long strand of screaming, cursing, late for work, pissed off drivers, including myself.

Don’t be that driver. Everyone on the road today should have taken a drivers course in which proper driving techniques and etiquette were reviewed. Think back to that day and try to remember what was learned.

Next time those annoying and illegal driving habits might be awarded with a hefty ticket fine, or worse another motorist’s life.

Stop, and think while driving; a careless mistake, such as not using a turn signal may not only anger one driver, but kill another.

Letter to the Editor Distance Education Assistant speaks out This is in response to two articles by Charlene Hunt, Blackboard wishes, 10.12.06 and A demand for convenience, 10.24.06. As the Distance Education Assistant at Monroe County Community College (MCCC), I am responsible for instructor and student technical support for online and traditional courses that use Blackboard.

Blackboard is an Internet-based system that is used to deliver online courses and to supplement traditional courses. Instructors teaching in a traditional face-to-face class may chose to use Blackboard’s tools, like the online gradebook or posting documents like their syllabus.

Online courses at MCCC full-up quickly. However, students need to be aware that an online environment is not the same as learning in a traditional face-to-face environment.

The lack of face-to-face contact in an online course requires students to be motivated, self-disciplined and responsible—it is not easier than their traditional counterpart. Online classes are just as rigorous as a traditional course, and for some students,

more difficult because the method of instruction in an online environment places more responsibility for learning on the student.

As a comparison, this term MCCC, enrollment 4368, offered 42 online courses; Lake Michigan College, enrollment 4043, offered 12; St. Clair Community College, enrollment 4523, offered 44. In A demand for convenience, Ms. Hunt’s comparison of MCCC’s online course offerings to Macomb Community College whose enrollment is over 20,000 and offered 152 online courses, and Owens Community College whose enrollment is again over 20,000, offered over 600 online courses was a misleading comparison. MCCC’s online courses have been growing steadily over the years—in 2006 MCCC has offered nearly 60% more online courses than the previous year; online course offerings continue to grow each semester.

Jennifer Yarger Distance Education Assistant

November 21, 2006

Campus News

AGORA

3

Whitman Center offers variety to MCCC students Robby Yensz Page Editor

The Whitman Center, a branch of the Monroe County Community College campus located in Temperance, Michigan, is often perceived as a simple group of classrooms.

Contrary to popular belief, the Whitman Center has much more to offer than a few select classes. There are full time academic counselors available and even a bookstore where students are able to purchase the textbooks they need. There is even ample parking.

“Most students might not be aware of the things they can do at the Whitman Center. Almost all of the things you do at the main campus, you can do at the Whitman Center. All of the student services are available here at Whitman and students get quality here,” Sandy Kosmyna, director of the Whitman Center, said.

Student services are not the only thing available at the Whitman Center, as there are several seminars and exhibits which take place there as well.

“From October 2 to the 13, we had the AIDS Memorial Quilt here. We had speakers here on the 11. One of the speakers had full blown AIDS. The importance of this exhibit is very

significant. I think it creates more of a learning atmosphere. Some instructors viewed the quilts and one teacher had their students write about the quilts and gave students extra credit for attending the events. It brings in an outside awareness other than just inside of the classroom,” Kosmyna said.

“We also had three career seminars on November 1, 8, and 15. Lunch and learn, on November 15, was part of the Great American Smokeout. Tips were given on how to quit smoking,” Kosmyna said.

Students who attend the main campus exclusively may want to make a trip down to the Whitman Center to see some of the exhibits. Some of the upcoming events include the Closeline Project which will take place in April. This event is to support women who have been violently abused.

Despite all of the this the Whitman Center is not perfect.

“If I could change one thing about the Whitman Center, I would add two more classrooms. One of them would be a fully equipped science lab so that students could get most of the courses they need here at the Whitman Center.

The other would be another computer lab for the students,” Kosmyna said.

Agora photo courtesy of Sandy Kosmyna

Students admire the AIDS Memorial Quilt at the Whitman Center, located in Temperance, MI.

Studying in America, experiencing new way of life Kristin Booth Copy Editor

Imagine attending college in a different country, where you would have to learn a new language and become accustomed to a completely different culture. For six students at Monroe County Community College (MCCC), they have all had a cultural experience of a lifetime. Ae-ran Lee is one of those students.

Lee lived in Seoul, South Korea, which has a population of 10,000,000 residents, before she came to Monroe, Michigan.

“This is a peaceful town, there are not many people [living here] compared to where I am from,” she said.

Lee was born in Masan, South Korea, a city by the sea and enjoys the delicacies of raw octopus and sushi.

“I could not find any seafood in the local grocery stores, so in restaurants, I always order seafood,” she said.

Since she has been here, Lee has

been to 13 states and traveled to Toronto, and Niagra Falls, Canada. She said this is all thanks to her host family.

“They are amazing. I consider them like my parents and we enjoy each other’s company. My host mom makes me lunch everyday,” she said.

She says she has loved this experience and is going to miss her host family when she returns home at the end of this semester. Yet at the same time, Lee says she is ready to go home and see her family.

“I miss them a lot,” she said.

Lee’s host dad, Gary Wilson, professor of art at MCCC, has enjoyed having her stay with him and his wife.

“It has been enlightening and a real joy. I have made a friendship for life and I love her like a daughter,” Wilson said.

Wilson has enjoyed understanding the cultural differences and has also enjoyed learning about the different

education system they have in Korea.

“She fit in with our family really well. It has been a rich experience for us and it has also been a real blessing,” Wilson said.

This is the first year that MCCC has participated in the foreign student exchange program. Youth for Understanding (YFU) is the organization that helps recruit students and helps with the criteria for placing the student with a good host family.

YFU requires the students to take the Toefl test. The student must score a 550 Toefl, which guarantees the student speaks English well enough to communicate with their host families.

YFU is an organization that is known internationally.

Mark Hall, the Director of Admissions and Guidance Services, feels the program gives our current students a diverse experience. “It has been a very worthwhile experience for the

see "YFU,” page 7

Winter wonderland to be held at MCCC

MCCC broadcasting proves beneficial, influential to all

Kirk Stoner Page Editor

It may be hard to believe, but it has already snowed a few times here in Monroe County. Snow can only mean that the holidays are just down the road are you ready to reign in the Christmas spirit? Santa Claus may be able to help get into the mood when he visits Monroe County Community College (MCCC) this December.

Starting on December 8 parents and family folk alike can bring their children to MCCC’s artificial Winter Wonderland. Santa’s annual display at MCCC will last from December 8 through the end of the day on December 10. The MCCC Alumni Association is sponsoring the event for the fourth consecutive year.

Beth Kohler, Coordinator of Alumni and Resource Development at MCCC teamed up with Tom Ryder, Director of Campus Activities four years ago to create a Domino’s Farm inspired winter experience on the MCCC campus.

There are many things that adults can bring children to enjoy at Santa’s

Winter Wonderland. Some of these activities include meeting and taking pictures with Santa and visiting the temporary post office where children can mail their lists and letters to Santa himself. There is also a “Sweet Shop,” where children and their parents or guardians can get their favorite cookie and enjoy hot cider. Another activity during the Santa’s Winter Wonderland experience is a nightly bonfire.

“Last year they averaged 120 people a night.” Kohler said. “It’s a really successful event.”

Tickets for the event are $3 for children and there is free admission for the parent/guardian. Santa’s Winter Wonderland will be set up in the southeastern part of campus. There are three permanent structures that will host the activities, a log cabin where the children will meet Santa, the post office and “Sweet Shop.”

Monroe County is packed with countless seasonal festivities, but for a Wonderland experience like no other, grab some mittens and sled over to MCCC’s Santa’s Winter Wonderland.

Agora photo courtesy of Ae-ran Lee

(left to right) Relatives of the Wilsons, Linda Wilson, Ae-ran Lee, Gary Wilson on vacation in Colorado.

Charlene Hunt Copy Editor

Since the late 1980s, Monroe County Community College (MCCC) has been offering introductory courses in television and radio broadcasting.

As communications becomes an attractive prospect for many students, experience in the field of radio and television becomes vital to a student’s success. In 2003 MCCC incorporated WYDM Radio, Monroe Public Schools, and Monroe Public Access Television into its curriculum and opened the gate to a truly beneficial broadcasting experience for its students.

“I didn’t even know we had radio show,” MCCC student, Anthony Ferrer, said. “I wouldn’t mind giving it a listen.”

MCCC now offers 13 classes wrapped around hands-on experience in the broadcasting field, including

three advanced television workshop labs and three advanced radio labs. Enrollment for these courses is high, typically leaving only two or three seats open at the end of registration. Students in the advanced courses are provided with the opportunity to produce television on the public access channel, and produce actual radio broadcasting. The primary instructor for the program, Milward Beaudry, had a lot to say about how the classes are run.

“With the exception of Communications 151, the classes offered here at MCCC focus on hands-on experience to produce radio and television shows,” Beaudry said.

The communications 151 class is not withheld from the excitement of hands-on projects, though. The students of the intro level courses are given opportunities to get a taste of what is to come by producing commercials, public service announce-

ments, and getting air time at the WYDM radio station to produce an actual two-hour long radio broadcast show.

The structure of the courses offered at MCCC have a few employers eager to hire students who have taken them.

“I do know that a [local] area broadcaster is interested in students from MCCC that have taken [these] classes based upon the structure of our courses,” Beaudry said.

Communications departments in colleges around the country are thriving, but the need for qualified and skilled individuals are not equal. This particular field is extremely competitive, and the courses here at MCCC assist students in getting a foot in the door. MCCC classes provide the criteria to help build a portfolio, references, and experience which helps students to build a better name for themselves within the industry.

4

Feature

AGORA

November 21, 2006

Americans express right to vote Kristin Booth Copy Editor

We listened to the telephone calls (if we did not hang up first), watched the television commercials (if we did not change the channel) and received the advertisements in the mail. It was obvious the time for elections had arrived. The last two years have gone by quickly and now the November elections have come and gone once again. The candidates for the different positions in the Michigan politics have been lined up for quite some time. Were democrats going to sweep the office positions? Or were republicans going to pull through? One thing was for sure; Michigan residents were ready for politicians who are going to make a difference.

Jean Schankin, Treasurer of Petersburg and Member of the Election Board of Summerfield Township, has been working on the elections for Summerfield Township of Monroe, Michigan for over twenty years. Over that period of time, she noticed that the people of Summerfield are more conservative in their voting and they also do not care what political platform the

candidate is for; instead, it completely depends on how good a job the person completes while in office.

“There is nothing to keep an individual from voting. Everyone can obtain an absentee ballot. If you don’t vote, you should not complain about things. Every vote counts and every vote is important. One family can easily sway an election,” Schankin said.

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student Michele Alvarez, a registered voter, believes regardless of who you vote for, you should get out there and vote.

“We live in a democratic society.

We have a tremendous privilege to vote, where in other countries you are unable to. Do no take that for granted,” she said.

There is also the question of which candidate people should vote for.

Kendra Hatcher, MCCC sophomore, says this is one of the main reasons she did not vote in this year’s election.

“I don’t know who to vote for. All they show on television are the bad things that their opponent has done and then you have to decide who is

the best candidate. I also did not do my research on the candidates either,” Hatcher said.

Another obstacle for voters is registering on time for the elections and knowing where to register. Whitney Miles, MCCC student, said this was the reason she did not vote. But she also says she feels it extremely important to cast your vote and is planning on voting in the next election.

“People in other countries are fighting and dying to get their chance to vote, while Americans just take it for granted,” Miles said.

Jenna McCormick, MCCC student, believes voting is her duty as an American citizen. She feels it is hers responsibility to vote the person into office.

“People have no right to complain if they have not voted, because they haven’t expressed their American privilege,” McCormick said.

Another aspect to consider before voting is to make sure you are educated about the candidates running.

“Educate yourselves before you vote, it does no good going into vote without being educated,” McCormick said.

Agora photo by Kristen Booth

Voters sign in at the poles at the Petersburg Township Hall on Tuesday, November 7, for this years elections.

Fantasy football excites, intrigues fans Gary Knox Reporter

Are you ready for some football?

Many fans have already turned on their computers, gotten their mouse’s ready and signed up to be a part of the newest grid iron craze, Fantasy Football. Fantasy Football allows competitors to take part in an online NFL draft, much like the pros. From there, competitors are able to set up their own team with the NFL players they drafted. Fantasy Football goes hand in hand with the real NFL season. A fantasy team is awarded points based on how players perform each week.

“My favorite aspect of Fantasy Football is that it gives me a reason

Don’t forget to schedule your Winter 2007 classes!

Register On-Line via WebPal at http://www.monroeccc.edu Register via SMART phone at (734) 384-4100 Register in person ‘til January 12, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each weekday

Student gives thanks unexpected events bring happiness, appreciation

John Burkardt Freelance Writer

When asked the question about thankfulness, most people would give the same bland, overused answer (i.e. friends, family), which begs the question: is there any thinking that goes into the answer that people give?

I am, of course, thankful for friends and family, but I also try to think outside of the box. I am referring to the so-called “blessings in disguise.” The reason behind the previous phrase is that there are times in life when unexplained, often terrible, events occur that after eventually turn out to be surprisingly beneficial. This is the case with me. The thing that I’m most thankful for this year (and probably the rest of my life) is… (drum roll please)…having cancer. Yes, that’s what I said; having cancer. It might be a little radical and counterintuitive for some. However, it is the thought process for someone who has cheated death not once, but twice.

Before I get into explaining how being diagnosed with cancer was a blessing, I have to say that I have been lucky in my circumstances. When the tumor was discovered, the doctors said that I had two types of cancer.

Despite this grim reality, I only had to have outpatient surgery, which was a complete success, to remove it. I went to school the next day and I have been clean for two years with no chemotherapy. From first-hand experience I can say that cancer, whatever kind it is and no matter what age it strikes, puts its recipient at a crossroads. Wallowing in self-pity would have been justifiable, but that option was the last thing on my mind. I needed a spark to rejuvenate me and reshape my focus.

A deadly and potent disease was my spark.

Cancer, ironically, was a blimp on the screen as far as the problems I have previously faced and will continue to face in the future. I only knew about it for barely a week before it was effectively sought out and removed. However, in this short time, my relationship with the Lord and with myself drastically changed. I’ve become more appreciative of my talents and I’ve tried to work solely for Him rather than any external factor.

As a result, I’ve been happier. I now have a renewed sense of purpose in a society severely lacking any direction.

This is especially true in the moral sense. As any Christian knows, em-

barking on that quest requires major supernatural assistance.

So where will I get my strength?

The strength comes from an unexpected source: the reservoir of my hidden “feminine” qualities. Just to clarify: I’m undoubtedly masculine. I love sports and can appreciate a woman who is attractive on both levels, but I tend to look deeper than pure physical appearance.

It isn’t that bad having a feminine side. Honestly, I’m thankful for it. A majority of women would probably find it refreshing if their men opened up occasionally. When it comes down to it in a tragic situation, women and emotionally healthy men are stronger than their virile, “macho men” counterparts. I will usually religion to prove my point. Mary, Mary Magdalene, and John were the only ones who stayed with Christ until the end.

This is set against Peter, His “rock,” who fled after cowardly denial. It’s clear that to fully live the Christian (or any) life “feminine strength” and the checking of self-pity at the door are required.

This Thanksgiving I thank God for His “blessing in disguise” and my unconventional feminine side.

to be interested in watching teams that normally I don’t care about. Because Fantasy Football involves many teams and their players, I can watch a team like Cincinnati play and actually root for their star quarterbacks and receivers to do well because they are on my team,” Josh Piippo, Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student said.

The scoring system in Fantasy Football varies. In most cases, points coincide with the point system in the NFL. For example, a touchdown is worth seven points, so if a fantasy player scores a touchdown they are awarded seven points. Points are also based on other statistics, like the amount of to-

tal yards, a fantasy player gains during a game.

“It can take up a lot of time following your fantasy team. It’s almost like a job,” Bryan Kloster University of Toledo student said.

A dynamic that makes Fantasy Football so popular is the chance to compete against friends. A League Commissioner can create a custom league and invite as many as ten friends to play along.

“I love competing against friends.

Even for people who know little about football there are a lot of resources which can hook someone up,” Trevor Robinson, MCCC student said.

Bethany Younglove

said.

Not everyone has the same food at their family’s holiday gatherings, either. Some families stick to the traditional turkey and others decide on goose, ham, or chicken. Food is an essential part of any holiday tradition to many people and to Leslie Burns, a student at MCCC, it is exactly that.

“Every year we have Chex Mix at all of the family holiday gatherings.

Last year my cousin and I made it during the Thanksgiving party, but most of the time, my aunt makes it,” Burns said.

Not wanting to be selfish, Burns gave out her family’s secret Chex Mix recipe.

The Original Chex Mix Recipe 9 cups of Chex cereal 1 stick butter 4 1/2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce 1 1/2 teaspoons of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt 1 cup of nuts 1 cup of pretzels In large microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in seasonings. Gradually stir in remaining ingredients until evenly coated.

Microwave uncovered on High 5 to 6 minutes, thoroughly stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool, about 15 minutes. Store the mix in an airtight container.

Thanksgiving celebrations

Page Editor

Nearly everyone celebrates Thanksgiving, but many people celebrate it in a different way. Some families have certain traditions, others do not.

For example, many people go to multiple Thanksgiving dinners each year, whereas some students go to just one.

“I have about three or four different Thanksgiving dinners to go to every year; my mother’s family’s dinner, her boyfriend’s family’s dinner, and my dad’s family dinner. And most of the time I have a girlfriend’s family’s dinner, as well,” Joshua Thomas, Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student, said.

“Normally, one member on my mom’s side of the family hosts a huge dinner and we eat lots of food.

It usually lasts until Christmas, then, the Christmas food lasts until next Thanksgiving,” Luke Corbin, MCCC student, said.

Thanksgiving may be a time to give praise to the things we appreciate, but it is also a tradition for families of religious faith as well. Some people say a prayer before eating their feast or say grace.

“I remember when I was little, my family always got together. Before saying ‘grace,’ we all went in a circle and said something we were thankful for. I also remember after everyone had gorged themselves on the delicious turkey dinner, they all took naps,” Erin Eighmey, MCCC student,

Feature

November 21, 2006

AGORA

5

Depression stigma injures recovery Charlene Hunt Copy Editor

All across the country, college students are pouring into classes, dashing out of work or trying to anesthetically remove their noses from textbook binders.

But college students have more to worry about than just exams and job opportunities. Are today’s students looking out for their mental health?

What is the criteria which makes an average college-age student a target for depression, bipolar, and other mental illnesses?

“Depressive illnesses tend to peak during the ages of 15 to 19. That’s when it starts to appear and the estimates are that probably 15 percent of the college student population may be

struggling with depressive illnesses,” John Gredan, M.D., executive director of the University of Michigan Depression Center, said.

Many college students are going through the day feeling overwhelmed or worthless. However, many people do not seek any kind of treatment or even acknowledge that they have a problem. The stigmas attached to depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and other illnesses are astounding.

The misconception that someone is overly dramatic, weak or too good to have one of these problems is dangerous and harmful. Awareness is essential in order to improve one’s lifestyle; they need to recognize what areas need attention.

“It is key to remember that mental illness does not mean that a person is tragically flawed,” Nick Hakeos, intensive case manager at Mon-

roe Community Mental Health and Monroe County Community College (MCCC) professor of psychology, said.

These problems do not simply get better and go away on their own.

Depression is defined as a chemical imbalance – it is not an attitude constructed by someone who seems to have a negative outlook, but a disorder which affects how you interact and perceive the world around you.

The human body’s immune system fluctuates, but when combined with insomnia and stress, it flounders. It is almost common knowledge that stress can cause a common cold or a missed menstrual cycle. Research has been showing it also affects the way the body handles its chemicals.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is another manifestation of bad moods during the winter sea-

students,” Angela Evangelinos, Professor of Business at MCCC, said.

Evangelinos was one of four faculty members from the business division who helped complete the agreement between the two schools. The other faculty members included: Wendy Wysocki, David Reiman, and Patrick Nedry.

The four faculty members worked for over a year on the agreement. They used designated “work days” in the college calendar to arrange meetings with faculty at Washtenaw Community College, and later on, meetings at EMU, to complete the agreement.

However, Nedry stated that MCCC’s former president also deserves credit for taking a risk in persuing the articulation agreement.

“This agreement was actually made possible by the wisdom and courage of the former college president, Ms. Audrey Warrick… This was a novel approach on MCCC’s campus at the time and quite controversial, but Ms. Warrick had the acumen and cour-

age to see how “work days” could be used to the advantage of the faculty, students, and the college as a whole,” Nedry said.

Students and faculty at MCCC are not the only people benefiting from this agreement. EMU and their business division are also excited about the potential infusion of more MCCC students on their campus.

The Dean of Eastern Michigan University of College Business, David Mielke, said, “I have reviewed GPA’s at the time of graduation and our Community College transfer students have slightly higher GPA’s than our traditional four year students. So not only are the number of Community College students important but they also are very qualified, very good students who have taken very strong programs delivered by excellent faculty members at the Community Colleges. Monroe County Community College is a perfect example of the quality I have described.”

MCCC, EMU ink articulation agreement Brian Ready

Assistant Editor

Jake Saum may have suddenly experienced a change of heart regarding his college of choice. The aspiring business major at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) has caught wind of the recent articulation agreement made between MCCC and Eastern Michigan University (EMU); which has caused Saum to reconsider his college plans. “(The articulation agreement) has seriously made me consider EMU over other schools I had considered in the past,” Saum said.

The articulation agreement is designed to provide a smooth curriculum transition from MCCC to EMU for aspiring business students. The agreement will allow these students the luxury of taking between 79 to 82 credit hours at MCCC, with the remaining 42 to 51 credit hours at EMU. This will allow students to spend three years at MCCC and one year at EMU. The agreement will also enable students to complete their Associate of Applied Science in Business Management Degree at MCCC, and earn their Bachelor of Business Administration Degree at EMU. “The most important thing is the service the agreement provides to our

“The most important thing is the service agreement provides to our students” Angela Evangelinos Professor of Business

Steroids not limited to baseball

NFL stars hit with suspensions, questions

Gary Knox Reporter

The steroids epidemic has spread from baseball to the gridiron. San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merrimen was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s steroids and related substances policy. The official announcement was made on October 23, just a week before NFL Pro Bowl Defensive Tackle Shaun Rogers of the Detroit Lions was also hit with a four game suspension.

“Steroids are just the bane of sports in general. Aside from personal damage it just ruins sports in general.

It’s not natural, it’s not cool, and it’s not fair. It’s cheating,” Josh Kraus, MCCC student said.

Both Merriman and Rogers are key defensive players for their respective teams. Rogers was said to have taken an appetite suppressant, which contained a banned substance. The substance Rogers tested positive for is not believed to be an anabolic steroid.

“My biggest concern,” Rogers said before going into surgery to repair a torn meniscus muscle, “is letting people know I didn’t take any steroid or performance enhancer. That’s not what I’m about. I’ve been blessed to be able to play the game well from a natural state.”

Merrimen claims that a dietary

supplement he took tainted with a banned substance called nandrolone is to blame for his suspension. Nandrolone is listed as an anabolic steroid.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported both of Merriman’s initial A sample and backup B sample came back positive.

“I know that people get tired of hearing it, but it is a fact and it is not going to go away until the Congress of the United States deals with it,” Shawne Merrimen’s lawyer David Cornwell said during a press conference.

“Supplements are not regulated and it is a dirty fact of this industry that many of them are tainted with prohibited substances and men like Shawne get hooked up and get penalized for taking something that they didn’t know was present in the supplement,” Cornwell said.

“Steroids are just the bane of sports in general. It’s not natural, it’s not cool, and it’s not fair.”

Josh Kraus MCCC student

Agora Photo By Tonya Huffman

Steroids are not just a problem in baseball anymore. Now they are wreaking havoc in the NFL. Members of the Detroit Lions were suspended from several games because of steroid usage.

son. S.A.D. occurs during the winter months when there is less sunlight during the day and the days are shorter. There is a direct correlation between sunlight and the chemicals that keep a person feeling content or satisfied.

“As seasons change, there is a shift in our ‘biological internal clocks,’ […] this can cause our biological clocks to be out of “step” with our daily schedules and younger persons and women are at higher risk,” according to the National Mental Health Association website.

Bipolar disorder is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 19 and 24 and can have a significant impact on one’s ability to work, interact and function. Extreme variations and shifts in mood from mania or anger to manic depression within a short time frame characterize the disorder.

According to American Psychiatric Association, manic episodes can be distressing because they are often associated with high-risk behaviors like substance abuse, sexual promiscuity, immoderate spending, violent behavior and disregard for danger.

Students should be on the lookout for behavior which does not typically flow with their everyday character.

Feelings of sadness or irritability, loss of interest in usually enjoyable activities, not eating enough or eating too much, loss of energy, extreme variations in sleep cycles, feelings of guilt, worthlessness or suicide should all be red flags that something is wrong.

“Stigmas occur from misunderstandings. It takes a strong person to ask for help. A big part of seeking treatment is admitting that a change is needed,” Hakeos said.

Agora Photo By Tonya Huffman

Monroe County Community College sells unhealthy herbal drinks in its vending machines.

Energy drinks ‘healthy’ beverages not always beneficial to wellbeing

Tonya Huffman Photo Editor

You stayed up all night studying for an exam. Now it is only a blink away and sleeping through the entire test is sounding like a good option. Do not fret; just grab an energy drink, right?

One of those should keep any college student going for hours.

Energy drinks have spread like wildfire throughout the food market, whether it be caffeinated drinks such as MDX and Red Bull, or herbal supplements, like Fuze and SoBe. Are these drinks healthy for human consumption, or are they all garbage, body degraders?

Some students at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) agree that non-caffeinated herbal energy drinks are healthier than the caffeinated ones.

“They are suppose to be all natural versus the caffeinated drinks”, Stephanie Shaffer, MCCC student, said.

New drinks such as Fuze claim that they can help reduce the risks of cancer and other infections, yet it does state on the bottle: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA has not been involved in the evaluating many energy drinks.

New drinks out on the market today have not been approved by the FDA, and in small lettering these statements can be found somewhere on each of the company’s bottles. Not all drinks claiming to be healthy are according to doctor’s research.

“I think we have to recognize that just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe,” Dr. Michael Hirt, director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center, said according to the Los An-

geles Daily News.

Drink companies like, SoBe, use herbal contents to promote their products, such as guarana, ginko, and ginseng. The chemical herb guarana is similar to caffeine and produces the same effect like an energy boosting.

The product is found in plants in Brazil and can also be bought in a pure form to boost energy.

Ginseng is taken from a couple different species of plants found in American and Asia. The common use of ginseng is to enhance physical, sexual, and mental performance.

Although this particular herb has good effects, there are side effects as well, some of those include, nervousness and excitability.

“Many times they [herbal energy drinks] contain other potentially harmful products, especially when consumed frequently,” Cindy Bathgate, MCCC student, said.

SoBe and other herbal energy enhancers also pose a high dose of sugar which may be overlooked with the claims of herbal contents.

Herbal does not always equal healthy when it pertains to energy drinks. Some drinks may have hidden contents that are not approved by doctors, while others may not.

“The labels simply don’t deliver all the facts, for example, while all list caffeine as an ingredient and most tell you exactly how much caffeine is in the drink, they also list guarana, a caffeine source, as a separate ingredient but don’t tell how much caffeine one gets from the guarana,” Carol Ann Rinzler, author of “Nutrition for Dummies, said.

Labels may no longer deliver all of the facts on what contents is inside popular energy drinks.

6

A&E

AGORA

November 21, 2006

Borat movie not ‘very nice’

Ashley Braden Editor-in-chief

Close your eyes, cover your ears, and protest against this film.

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan is quite possibly the most offensive movie ever made. It insults religions, ethnicities, sexual preferences, and moral choices of people everywhere. It is a disgusting display of tasteless humor and crude language that any human being should be ashamed of paying money to see.

The plot follows the uncensored Borat Sagdiyev, a Kazakhstani TV reporter, who is sent to the United States to give his account of American life.

Unfortunately, though, he does not depict the people of the U.S.A. (or his homeland Kazakhstan, for that matter) with any compassion. It is clear why so many people have been outraged by this movie.

For instance, Borat discusses how his sister is the number four prostitute in all of Kazahkstan. That is a completely despicable declaration. Did Borat forget to consider his sister’s feelings when he was announcing that she’s only the fourth best? She is working hard to make her way to the top and he tells the world that his sister merely holds the number four spot.

He is completely careless (...not).

After that, Borat calls African American and Caucasian people “chocolate” and “vanilla faces.” With those statements, Borat shows complete disregard for 30 to 50 million Americans – the lactose intolerants. It really is not humorous to make fun of those who cannot properly digest dairy products, and it is a low blow to compare them to ice cream. What disrespect (...not).

Furthermore, Borat travels to a rodeo and converses with a southern man who explains his views on Mus-

lims and homosexuals. Borat asks him questions that make the southerner seem like a prejudiced moron with closed-minded opinions of those who are different than he is. But honestly, it is not the southern man’s fault for being a discriminative idiot. It really is Borat’s responsibility for portraying that man in an unbecoming way and clearly forcing him to make those statements (...not).

Worst of all, Borat encounters a motor home full of fraternity boys and alcohol. The boys make contemptible proclamations like women are lesser than men and slavery should be reinstated. However, they cannot be held accountable for their unrestricted comments. They were intoxicated and probably coerced into drinking by Borat and his camera crew. It is unimaginable that Borat would compel those poor boys to become inebriated when they had probably never had a drop of

Agora photo by Ashley Braden

Borat booth set-up at the Associated College Press Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. Free prescreenings were given out so attending could view the movie.

alcohol in their lives. It’s shameful (... not).

Clearly, this movie should be banned from all theatres and burned

after it is taken away. We should all be crusading against it. I mean, it is obvious that Borat is a disgrace to the film industry… NOT.

Yahoo! bringing people together... in 2020 Danny Carmack Page Editor

Yahoo! is known around the world for bringing people together. Now Yahoo! will be helping people reflect on the past, with the help of a time release capsule.

The Yahoo! time capsule allows users to submit writings, snapshots, videos, drawings, and music. A copy will be saved in a digital archive and sealed. The capsule is set to be opened at Yahoo! corporate headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, on the company’s 25th anniversary in 2020.

Jonathan Harris, creator of the time capsule, said in an article he wrote on Yahoo!,“The presiding message of the Time Capsule is: ‘One World, Many Voices.’ The piece attempts simultaneously to express the differences between individuals, and to illustrate the shared ground between people of all ages, races, backgrounds, and cultures,” he said.

A copy of the material will be

sealed and entrusted to Smithsonian Folkways Recordings based in Washington D.C., officially taking a place in history. During October 25 to the

27, selected contents from the time capsule were projected onto the majestic Red Rocks of the Jemez Pueblo, located in New Mexico.

Using state-of-the-art projection technology, they used the face of the massive red rock walls to create a light show visible from space.

Contents of the capsule were then sent into space by using the beam of a laser light, from the Pueblo of Jemez and will travel on forever.

Harris began making the initial design sketches in August 2006, while on a trip in the Adirondack Mountains. After his trip, the project took up all of his free time until the launch at midnight on October 10th.

“The modern time capsule was born amid preparations for the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City, when Westinghouse constructed an 800pound metal ball, which it then filled with everyday items and buried underground.” Harris continued, “the Yahoo! time capsule sets out to collect a portrait of the world – a single global image composed of millions of individual contributions.

This time capsule is defined not by the few items a curator decides to include, but by the items submitted by every human on earth who wishes to participate.”

Robby’s rockin’ record recommendations Robby Yensz Page Editor

Tool “10,000 Days”

Beck “The Information”

For many people, their Beck fandome ended with Odelay and Mutations, renowned beck albums released in the mid to late nineties. But ladies and gents, Beck has a lot more offer than wildly tunes and unprectable melodies. He is back and better than ever with his new album “The Information.” The amazing thing about this (and every other Beck album) is that he plays just about all of the instruments himself and it sounds fantastic.

There are few artists who can claim to be as talented as our friend Beck.

If you are a fan of music and if have not bought this album, I have only one question for you, why not? If you want to talk about getting lost in a sonic landscape created by arguably the best band of our time, this is the album you should be listening to. It is the album of the year and it will not even get mentioned at the Grammy’s.

Tool is reminiscent of the Led Zeppelin of our age, because Zeppelin never got the credit they deserved until they were finished. It will be the same for Tool.

Justin Timberlake “FutureSex/LoveSounds”

A.F.I “Decemberunderground”

I have had enough of all of the old school A.F.I. fans who make fun of the new sound and say that old school A.F.I. was so much better.

Those who have followed them for years are aware of the vast alterations this band makes with every new album release. The dark feeling of Decemberunderground is great and despite being released on June 6, the album makes you feel like it is a cold winter’s day. Plus Davey Havok’s vocals and lyrics, like him or not, are incredible.

Yes, JT is the new undisputed King of Pop. This album is far more daring and much more adventurous than his debut album “Justified,” and he proves his chops with some great beats, aided

by Timbaland, as well as Will.I.Am. Not only that, but he also writes all of his music, which is a lot more than what I can say for any other pop artist. So whether or not you are a fan of pop music, you may end up enjoying the tunes being spit out by this former N’Sync star.

The Incubus single “Anna Molly” Incubus’ new album “Light Grenades” drops on November 21 and this is the first single from that album.

If you have not been lucky enough to listen to it, request it on your local radio station or give it a listen online.

Brandon Boyd always has a way of making lyrics about little to nothing sound so convincingly real. Incubus also took a two year break before writing this album, focusing all of their energy into releasing something their fans could be proud of.

In the Mix

November 21, 2006 from "contract,” page 1 presented at the November 20 Board of Trustees meeting. Those students feel there is much at stake because the faculty is the reason they receive the high quality education they do at MCCC. Even without a new contract, the students recognize that the faculty continues to work hard to deliver the same level of excellence expected from MCCC. Now it is up to the district to acknowledge this situation.

from "YFU,” page 3 college,” he said.

MCCC currently has six exchange students. They have come from Korea, Russia, France and the Netherlands to attend MCCC. The college would love to have more exchange students one day, but are currently unable to due to the shortage of host families.

“Our largest problem is finding host families. We have six students and are continuing at the level of six, although we would love to have more,” said Hall.

For anyone interested in the foreign exchange student program, or if you would like to be considered as a host family, contact the Admissions Office at (734) 384-4104 and ask for Stacy Jenkins. She will help you get on your way to becoming a host family.

from "Spartans,” page 2 Perhaps the hire will not help MSU reach the level of a Michigan or a Ohio State, but if the expectations are not placed too high and he is given time to clean up a mess of a program, then Grantham will lead MSU into a positive direction and possibly allow them to contend with the big boys every once in a while.

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send a letter to the editor.

Drop by our office (L-202) or email us at agora@monroeccc.edu

OOPS! Errors made in this issue will be corrected on our website at www. monroeccc.edu/agora/index.html

Concert Corner Smile Empty Soul - Fri, 11/24/06 @ 6:00 PM - Ritz in Roseville, MI The Australian Pink Floyd show - Thu, 11/30/06 @ 7:00 PM - State Theatre in Detroit, MI Ray LaMontagne - Sat, 12/02/06 @ 6:30 PM - Masonic Temple in Detroit, MI

AGORA

7

Reader's Voice How do you celebrate the Thankgiving holiday?

Andrea Fellman My husband, children and I will spend Thanksgiving at my in-laws, and then I am going to study.

Brian Setzer Orchestra - Fri, 12/08/06 @ 7:00 PM - State Theatre in Detroit, MI Spitalfield - Sun, 12/10/06 @ 6:00 PM - Headliner’s in Toledo, OH The Night 89X Stole Christmas - Thu, 12/14/06 @ 5:00 PM - Cobo Arena in Detroit, MI

Bake sale to support MCCC Writing Fellows!

Tuesday & Wednesday, Nov. 21 & 22 A-Building (outside of Registrar’s office) Great selection of pies, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and much more - just in time for the holiday!

Eric Mendrysa We spend Thanksgiving with immediate family, lots of food and fun.

The night before Thanksgiving, the cousins all get together and hang out.

Fresh, whole pies available on Wednesday!

Help support your Writing Fellows and take a tasty baked good home for Thanksgiving!

The MCCC Writing Center is looking for qualified students to work as writing tutors.

Top Ten Reasons to become a Writing Tutor at MCCC Earn tuition and bookstore money by tutoring other students Meet interesting students, faculty, and staff Acquire another nifty t-shirt (MCCC Writing Center) Respect from faculty and staff on campus Scholarships can be listed on your resume Great preparation to go into teaching and education Earn money at a convenient on-campus location Become a better writer and help others becomes better writers Learn to cope with chaos and deadlines Be part of a great MCCC organization

If you are interested in becoming an MCCC writing tutor, please stop by the Writing Center in C-218 to pick up an application. If you would like to know more about the Writing Center go to http://www.monroeccc.edu/writing.

Tan-u-topia any one $15.00 • acrylics • piercing • tanning • ear candle • pedicure • manicure We do brides for free! (call for more info) Located at 541 M-50/Custer Call: (734) 457-9000

Emily Hart Under the influence of Ltryptophan, I wash all of the dishes.

Timothy Dillon The family gets together, and I eat whatever vegetarian food is available.

8

AGORA

Spotlight

November 21, 2006

Agora photos by Tonya Huffman