12-11-2007

Agora

The Vol. 50, Issue 6

December 11, 2007

MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Campus crackdown on

music downloading ?

By Josh Kraus Staff Writer

The Record Industry Association of America (RIAA) is trying to put a stop to all illegal music downloading by ordering universities to either stop students from downloading music, or face the possibility of being denied financial aid funding.

With the reauthorization of the “Higher Education Act of 1965,” or what is now being called “The College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007” (COAA), this bill now carries a Congressional mandate for all colleges and universities to stop illegal person-to-person downloads. The bill, a 750-page document, discusses illegal downloading in section 494.

This section mandates that universities warn students about using college computers or networks for illegal downloads, discuss disciplinary plans in case students violate the warnings, and finally provide an “alternative” to illegal downloads. The bill recommends that universities offer a music subscription service to their students, such as Napster or Rhapsody.

The bill also states that universities that fail to cooperate or do not monitor students’ downloads may be denied access to federal grants and financial aid. If the bill passes, some university students could lose financial aid, regardless of their involvement in illegal downloading.

According to technology news Web site Laptoplogic.com, a letter signed by the chancellor of the University of Maryland, as well as presidents from Stanford University, Yale University, and Penn State, was addressed to Con-

gress about the possibility of denying financial aid funding.

“Such an extraordinarily inappropriate and punitive outcome would result in all students on that campus losing their federal financial aid--including Pell grants and student loans that are essential to their ability to attend college, advance their education, and acquire the skills necessary to compete in the 21st-century economy,” the letter said. “Lower-income students, those most in need of federal financial aid, would be harmed most under the entertainment industry’s proposal.”

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student Gary Knox also felt strongly about the possibility of students being denied federal aid.

“I think the denial of financial aid, or any punishment like that is way too severe,” Knox said. “They are putting a student’s education in jeopardy. Stopping the downloading of music isn’t worth losing the student entirely.”

So then where does the RIAA come into play? Assuming the bill gets passed, universities will have the responsibility to report any possible illegal downloading activity directly to the RIAA. The RIAA would define what is considered an illegal download, and may then proceed in taking civil action against the student.

If universities fail to cooperate by providing an alternative to illegal downloads and providing the names of students involved in illegal downloading, they would face the likelihood of losing financial aid. Rob Fitzgerald, writing for The Mirror, estimated that universities could lose more than $100 billion a year in financial aid funding

Agora photo by Emily Chandonnet

An anonymous student searches for the song ‘Bubbly’ by Colbie Caillat off of an illegal downloading website.

as a result of the bill.

MCCC student Josh Piippo said he feels that such punishments are not fairly justified in the long run.

“I feel that the denial of financial

aid, and ultimately the denial of education to students will have much more of a long term impact on our country,” said Piippo. “As opposed to some one who is downloading the latest Fallout Boy album.”

According to Kenneth Green, writing for college news Web site InsideHigherEd.com, of the over 8,400 lawsuits related to illegal downloads filed by the RIAA in 2004-05, eight involved college students.

Student government seeks fresh approach

By Kelsi Kacher and Jeffrey Kodysh Staff Writer and Editor-in-Chief

Monroe County Community College’s (MCCC) student government hopes to make some serious changes to its election and representative processes. Because of a lack of student participation in student government this semester, student government adviser NeCole Day is introducing a new way for MCCC students to become involved.

Day hopes to spur involvement in student government by nominating student division liaisons based on the division dean’s recommendations.

“I have been trying to find a way to create greater opportunity for student participation on campus and to foster greater avenues for leadership development among students,” she said in an e-mail to MCCC’s seven deans.

“With the blessing of Mark Hall and

INSIDE Editorial...............................2 Campus News....................3 Feature..........................4 & 5 Community News..............6 A&E.....................................7 Spotlight.............................8

Dr. Nixon, I have come up with a way that you can assist me in this process through nominating a student liaison from each of your divisions to be a Division Liaison to student government.”

Each division dean was asked to recommend one or two students whom they think would represent their division, and who would voice the opinions of fellow classmates in that division. Once chosen, these representatives will form the student government team and then elect their own president. Some divisions might have more than one or two students depending on division size.

This team will consist of about ten MCCC students, which is likely to fluctuate according to division population. Day stated that a successful member is someone who wants to “voice their opinions and views, and

Tasers being abused on college campuses...........2

impact the student body, and then the community.”

Student government currently consists of approximately six members that meet bi-monthly on Tuesdays between 12:30 and 1:30. The current members are students who have shown an interest in voicing their opinions and creating activities to get the MCCC student body involved.

Activities this year have included a campus cookout held in Oct. that offered hot dogs, Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream, and blow-up slides. Currently, the student government members are working on collecting Toys for Tots on campus to donate to children in need around Monroe County.

Student government this semester has not been as powerful as in semesters past. MCCC student Scott Lehman was involved in student government last year. He cites both busy

BIG Read 2008: ‘To Kill a Mocking Bird’......... 3

student schedules and people leaving MCCC for universities as the major reasons student government has not played an active role on campus this year.

“Many of the students that want to be a part of student government aren’t able to attend because of their schedules,” he said. “A lot of the students involved in student government from last year also went on to bigger schools, and so that has hurt them too.”

MCCC student Charlotte Ghigliazza was also involved in student government last year, but was unable to continue because of her schedule. She is disappointed that student government has had such low participation, but thinks that student government could be a real asset not to just MCCC, but the larger community as well.

“I think it is very sad the way stu-

Men vs.

Women: Christmas Tree..............5

dent government is this year,” she said. “I think that student government should be stronger on campus. Student government has incredible potential on our campus and could start changes for the better in our state and nation.”

Day eventually plans to hold student goverment elections by division-wide student voting instead of division dean recommendations, allowing students to pick their own representatives to student government.

Day said that she wants the student body to know that “yes, student government does exist at MCCC.” The new student government intends to plan campus wide events this upcoming winter semester, such as Valentine’s Day activities, “Dessert Before Finals,” an event in which students have ice cream and other sweets right before finals, and possibly a dance.

Global warming: Tips for pervention.......6

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THE AGORA

Editorial

December 11, 2007

Single all the way Single for the holidays? Perks for “singles-only” are endless.

By Kelsi Kachar Staff Writer

Holidays filled with joy and danger?

By Charlene Hunt Staff Writer

Americans have had their share of crises already this holiday season, and it is hardly a week into the month.

Staying safe and jolly may be a bit more difficult this year, but some of us are determined to see it through, despite some setbacks.

A distraught, suicidal teen named Robert Hawkins slaughtered 8 people and injured 5 more before turning the gun on himself, in the middle of a busy shopping mall on Wednesday, Dec. 5.

This story is saddening on a number of levels, but the most eye-opening for me is that most of us recognize that the world seems somehow more peaceful and more dangerous at the same time during the holidays. It is peaceful because the majority of people have that “holiday spirit,” but dangerous because many people are robbing one another, driving erratically and being careless. The volume of mall-goers increases so much during the holiday season that the thought of it as a target area is shockingly discomforting. The thought of a shopping mall being hit by a wild gunman is just as unnerving as a similar attack in a school yard.

Looking back less than two weeks to Lee Eisenberg and his hostage situation in Rochester, New Hampshire, a couple of things come up. Eisenberg decided to raise awareness for bipolar disorder by strolling into Sen. Hillary Clinton’s campaign office pretending to have a bomb strapped to his chest.

Luckily, the bomb actually consisted of duct tape and road flares, but the situation itself was no less disconcerting. The man called every possible lead to get Clinton on the telephone, before doing the same to CNN. Both agencies gave the man the runaround and would not put their respective individuals in contact with Eisenberg.

The American perception of hostage use and hostage negotiation has definitely changed, at least for many people who followed the story.

What Hawkins did to the people in Omaha is unsettling to the point of… well; I won’t be shopping at the mall anytime soon, that’s for sure. But the most bothersome thought is that America is the land of copycats. As with other monumental traumas that have happened in the past, we eventually grow weary about how much focus our media places on such tragic events because overexposure occasionally spawns copy-cat criminals.

Some people count their blessings that it did not happen to them, while others worry that the next attack will be against them.

The world is definitely less safe today than it was sixty years ago, but we have to find a way to come to terms with our fears and concerns. I am very, very big on the holidays and I do not want to be so worried about a disaster, whether it is an automobile accident thanks to crazy-shopper-syndrome, or a mass shoot-out in a parking lot.

The news of such horrible events has made me question the purity of a snowy-white Christmas and the enjoyable jingle of silver bells. Here’s to hoping the rest of the season, as well as the year, proves better.

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful.” Who said that you have to enjoy that delightful fire with a significant other?

Personally, I’d be just as “delighted” to curl up in a blanket with some hot chocolate and a book, by myself, than to share that blanket with some guy that I probably won’t still be dating next Christmas. Who is it that made it so hard and socially unacceptable to be single during the holiday season? Contrary to popular belief, couples do not have a copyright on holiday cheer. In fact, if you’re single for the holidays, lucky you! There is a bright side to being single around Christmas time; it’s just hard to see

when all the happy couples holding hands and making snow angels are blocking your view.

Many singles find it pretty easy to pity themselves for not having someone right now, but there are a few perks to the single experience.

Think about it, there will be many other years to stress out over about finding that gift to satisfy whoever you’re dating at the time. Guys, you don’t have to worry about buying a sweater that’s possibly too big for your girlfriend if you aren’t dating anyone! You know that instead of her dragging you to the mall to hint at all the things she desires that you’ll never afford, you would much rather be watching football on the couch.

And girls, if you think about it, you’d

rather go shopping with your friends who actually have fashion sense, instead of seeking the opinion of a boyfriend who will just nod and impatiently tap his foot.

For all those who are single for the holidays, think about how great it is that you don’t have to go visit two different families on Christmas.

You just have to survive the reunion of your one and only family, and not have to drag anyone else along.

Wouldn’t it be a little more beneficial to the greater good to go serve soup to the homeless at the local soup kitchen instead of selfishly attending two Christmas dinners? That’s not to mention that you’re free to kiss whoever you want under the mistletoe!

For all of those happy couples this

year, good for you, and enjoy it! Next year, you could be the single one envying all of the holiday lovers and feeling as lonely as can be. If you’re single this year, don’t be fooled. Not all of these “happy couples” are as happy as outsiders perceive them to be. Who’s to say they’ll even be together by next Christmas? Besides, just a few days after Christmas come the New Year’s celebrations where you’ll be free to mingle with fellow “lonely singles”. Make your New Year’s resolution to better yourself so you’re perfect for your Mr. or Ms. Right whenever they may come your way. Not to mention you will have your pick of kissing whoever you want when the ball drops to bring in the New Year!

Agora photo illustration by Bethany Younglove

Taser crazy: protection or punishment?

By Jen Shadle Staff Writer

Recently there has been a huge increase in Taser use and related deaths, not only in the police field, but also in small security towers and on college campuses.

From the journalism student at the John Kerry convention to a 12-yearold on a school bus, a UCLA student Tased in a school library for not presenting ID, a 15-year-old autistic boy, a 12-year-old girl for skipping school, a handcuffed 9-year-old girl in a school for special needs children, and the death of a woman six months pregnant, Tasers created to protect officers from “dangerous and violent subjects” are putting the public at risk. One 6-minute-long attack has been posted on YouTube and other

Web sites. Six people have died this week in the US and Canada from the “non-lethal” weapons.

Many campuses are purchasing Tasers in response to the Virginia Tech shooting, a case in which a Taser would have been of no use.

Several hundred people have died from shocks by Tasers. Still, the police insist on calling the Taser “nonlethal”. One man, Jeffrey Turner, died in 2005 after being shocked 9 times, 5 times by police and 4 times by correction officers after loitering “in a suspicious manner” with no ID. While officers admitted it is against police policy to arrest him in the manner they did (cuffing his hands, feet, and cuffing them together, referred to as being “hog-tied”), there was no one held responsible in the death,

The Agora Staff Members Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Kodysh

Assistant Editor Emily Chandonnet

Chief Copy Editor Patrick Dunn

Chief Design Editor Bethany Younglove

Copy Editing Staff Charlene Hunt Josh Kraus Jen Shadle

Design Staff Kelsi Kachar Morgan Sopko Emily Chandonnet

Advertising Manager Chrissandra White Eagle

which was ruled a homicide. Being Tased in jail, in custody, in a cell, is something that is hard to understand.

This is because it is nonsense.

The officers involved in the homicide were not fired (or Tased), and remain on active duty. Turner’s brother Sean believes the “non-lethal” devices have no use or purpose in a situation such as his brother’s.

“If there was no use for excessive force, why did they have to shock him?” Turner said. “Here I am without a brother and they still have Tasers. Nothing has changed. They ruined my life, and I pay their salary.”

The line between civil rights and police procedure is being crossed.

Although he was offered a cash settlement, Turner said, “I don’t want a settlement. My brother is dead. I want

people to see how bad this was; by settling out of court nothing would be justified. I want people held responsible. My brother was healthy.”

There must be a reasonable excuse for shocking someone to death while locked in a cell away from harming anyone. Turner described the motive for the homicide. “[Jeffrey] was banging his food tray,” Turner said.

With no officer in immediate danger, why was Jeffrey Turner’s cell entered? According to a 13 ABC News interview with Sheriff James Telb’s office, “It was three hours of constant, up and down screaming and yelling, kicking and banging, and that is what it was the whole time.”

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, Adviser

Campus News

December 11, 2007

THE AGORA

3

Harmonies of winter

mas selections, which are a major work for the band. Our featured solohe Monroe County Commu- ist this year is William Marr, playing nity College (MCCC) Col- the euphonium.”

The Agora Chorale is another perlege/Community Symphony Band and the College/Com- formance-based group. Like the Symmunity Agora Chorale perform high- phony Band, the Chorale is a mixed quality and well-attended concerts vocal ensemble comprised of singers four times a year. Both ensembles from the community and college. The Chorale performs at will be performfour concerts ing their annual “The college band is least a year as well as at holiday concerts probably the college’s commencement. this December.

“I have seen both The Symphony best-kept secret.” groups perform in Band is a very Mark Felder the past and I am popular perform a n c e - b a s e d Director of the Symphony Band really excited to see what they are doing group. It is open this year,” MCCC to college students, high school students currently student Michael Reyes said.

The Symphony Band will perform enrolled at MCCC in the dual enrollment program, and citizens from the at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, December community who have experience with 17. The Chorale will perform the folinstrumental music. In addition to the lowing night, Tuesday, December 18, regular concerts, the band also plays at also at 7:30. Both performances are free and open to the public. the MCCC commencement.

MCCC will host both concerts at “The college band is probably the college’s best-kept secret,” Mark the La-Z-Boy Center Meyer Theater.

Felder, director of the Symphony The community is invited to attend Band, said. “This year’s concert will for a melodious selection of music be a lot of standard Christmas music. certain to please the ears of all ages The highlight will be Russian Christ- and tastes.

By Chrissandra White Eagle

T

Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of Beth Waldvogel

Mark Felder directs the Symphony Band.

Kazakhstan connection Reader’s Voice First foreign exchange student to graduate from MCCC

By Jeffrey Kodysh Editor-in-Chief

­Dmitriy Zelinski has set a major milestone at Monroe County Community College (MCCC). Zelinski, a native of Kazakhstan,, will be the first international student to graduate from MCCC. Zelinski is part of the Youth for Understanding (YFU) college program that

Photo courtesy of Joe Verkennes

Dmitriy Zelinski, or Dima to his friends, will be the first foreign exchange student to graduate from MCCC.

provides international students with the opportunity to pursue college-level academics while living with a host family.

Zelinski first came to MCCC in January 2006, and will graduate this December with an associate of applied science degree in business management. He decided to major in business management because it will help him if he decides to work with his father.

“I decided to go for the business management degree because I think that I am going to work in my father’s business back in Kazakhstan selling power tools,” Zelinski said.

Although his degree is in business management, his favorite classes have been in math and computer science.

“Introduction to computer programming was my favorite class here on campus,” Zelinski said. “Calculus was also nice. We take calculus in high school in Kazakhstan, so it was fun taking it in college.”

Many Americans now associate Kazakhstan with the recent film Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.

Zelinski says that although Borat is a funny movie, it could not be farther from the truth of what Kazakhstan is really like.

“Even the text on the Borat movie was made up. It was nothing but scribbles,” Zelinski said.

While attending MCCC, Zelinski has

enjoyed staying with his host families.

“I like it a lot,” he said. “It is quite different than Kazakhstan. I like the people here. Everyone here is so nice and friendly. I have stayed with many people here at the college. Dr. Nixon, Jennifer Smith, and Timothy Maloney all have hosted me. All of my hosts have made me feel at home here.”

Many who have met Zelinski are struck by his sense of humor. According to Stacy Jenkins, MCCC Youth for Understanding coordinator, Zelenski is well liked by his fellow international students.

“He just has a great personality,” Jenkins said. “He really likes to have fun and enjoy himself and his friends. He also has a car, and that draws a lot of international students to him because he has the mobility that they lack.”

MCCC student Mike Adams, one of Zelinski’s friends, is impressed by Zelinski’s accomplishments and personality.

“He is not your average Kazakhstani,” Adams said. “He is really funny and cool to hang out with. He is one of the coolest international students I know.”

Zelinski, after graduating from MCCC, hopes to continue his education at Eastern Michigan University.

“I plan on attending Eastern after I am done here,” Zelinski said. “I plan on getting a bachelor’s degree in business management.”

Q:

Do you think it is a fair punishment for students who are caught illegally downloading music to be denied financial aid, and possibly the college be denied financial aid funding as well?

“No, because you can do it at home. People should do it [download music] on their own time, not the school’s.”

Jason Smith

Age: 20 Major: automotive engineering “I’m against illegal downloading.

On the other hand I find that approach to be heavy-handed. I feel as if the record companies are getting the colleges to do their dirty work, which isn’t right.”

Tim Dillon

Associate Professor of English “I feel like the individual should be punished, but not the college in general.”

Jim Beach

Age: 20 Major: statistics and philosophy

‘Big Read’ kicks off in March with diverse programming

By Charlene Hunt Staff Writer

T

he second Big Read event for Monroe County will include a smorgasbord of events highlighting valuable lessons and knowledge taken from Harper Lee’s classic yet controversial novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Monroe County Community College (MCCC) received $16,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and an additional $26,000 from in-kind donations and resources to fund this year’s event, according to a recent MCCC press release.

The event kicks off on March 14 with the Monroe Community Players performing “To Kill a Mockingbird” in MCCC’s Meyer Theater. The Big Read is scheduled to run from Jan. – June 2008, with an official calendar of events coming out the first week of 2008.

Monroe County is one of only 127 institutions, libraries, education centers and municipalities to receive this year’s grant. The Big Read was inaugurated by the NEA in 2006.

It is projected by 2009 there will be nearly 400 American communities hosting Big Read celebrations.

The Big Read was created when the

NEA and the Institute of Museum and Library Services conducted a study of how many Americans read literature.

Beth Kohler, MCCC coordinator of alumni and resource development, explained the results.

“The results of that study were less than what they had preferred and anticipated and it lead to the creation of this program,” Kohler said. “The goal of this program is to engage nonreaders and lax readers of literature.”

Last year, The Foundation at MCCC and the Monroe County Library System (MCLS) brought the first Big Read to Monroe County featuring Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451.”

This year, through a Monroe Evening News poll, Monroe citizens selected “To Kill a Mockingbird” as the featured title for 2008.

“It was almost our first choice anyway,” Kohler said. “It’s a very familiar book for a lot of people.”

Bernie Smith, MCLS public relations officer and Big Read committee member, agreed that the title was a natural choice.

“Everyone on the [Big Read] committee tried to decide what book would be best to read,” Smith said.

“We thought we could do a lot of programming around [“To Kill a Mockingbird”], so it worked out.”

At the kickoff people will be able to win free copies of the book as well as audio-guides and other activities. Other events for the celebration include: a bird watching session, genealogy research sessions, book discussions, a Southern cooking demonstration and cookbook, an Internet-based virtual visualization of life in the 1930s South and life in 1930s Monroe, book swaps, and film festivals.

One of the largest events for the Big Read will be a mock trial held in May by the Monroe Bar Association, followed by a discussion of the history of equality and inequality in the justice system.

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Feature

THE AGORA

December 11, 2007

Collegiate Buy Local campaign Kitchen to improve economy

By Emily Chandonnet

A

Assistant Editor

Agora photo by Bethany Younglove

A family tradition: Christmas cookies

By Bethany Younglove

C

Staff Writer

hristmas cookies have been a family tradition for years, beginning during Europe’s medieval times. According to thefoottimeline.org, “Dutch and German settlers introduced cookie cutters, decorative molds, and festive holiday decorations to America.” The two most common Christmas cookies, gingerbread and sugar cookies, were introduced by the German and English, respectively. Though these are the most popular, many families’ traditions include other types of cookies.

“My mom makes these really great cookies called Butterscotch Haystacks,” Monroe County Community College student Anthony Ferrer said.

“They are really different than traditional Christmas cookies.”

ccording to the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce website, “Everywhere you look there’s a need in Monroe County. A need for better schools, expanded health care services, more parks, increased fire and police protection, additional social services, more jobs, and improved transportation systems.” The Chamber of Commerce has started a program which they hope will help to address Monroe County’s needs.

In Monroe County over $700 million is earned by workers annually.

More than 33 percent of that money is used to buy goods and services from out- of- town providers in areas like Detroit, Ann Arbor and Toledo.

The Buy Local Campaign is urging individuals, organizations and businesses to shift only 5 percent of their expenditures from out-of-town shopping back into Monroe County to help boost local economy. If everyone committed to 5 percent, the Chamber has calculated that over $36 million dollars per year would be brought back to fund county improvements. The Chamber is not expecting the people of Monroe County to be able to find everything that they are looking for in and around our local townships.

In her campaign video, Monroe County Chamber of Commerce Manager Michelle Dugan commented on the program.

“Please remember to shift some

of your out-of-town spending back to Monroe County, but only when price, quality, service and availability are comparable,” Dugan said.

“It goes without saying that will not be the case for every purchase,” Monroe Community College (MCCC) President David Nixon said. “It is a marketing plan by the Chamber to raise the level of awareness.”

The Chamber thinks that many Monroe County residents would be surprised at the number of services and goods found in near by areas.

They suggest to consumers to take a few minutes to look in phone books, search the internet or call ahead to local stores to check and see if their service or goods are available, instead of assuming they must go outof- town.

The Buy Local Campaign also encourages local businesses, government and organizations to shift some of their spending back into Monroe County as well. Economic statistics show that every dollar used in Monroe County will be spent three times over, and this effect will help businesses, government and organizations grow.

Dozens of businesses and individuals have already committed to the Buy Local program. Volunteers are educating business leaders, government officials, groups, and organizations, hoping to create a domino effect by talking to the highest in power first. As the program starts small, its creators are hoping the program will grow through publicity and word of mouth.

Old Fashioned Christmas Cookies Cookies: Cream together: 1 cup butter 3 eggs 2 cups sugar 8 oz. softened cream cheese Mix well into the creamed mixture: 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon lemon extract ¾ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon nutmeg Add: 3 ½ cups flour Chill six hours, or overnight. Roll out on a well floured surface ¼ inch thick. Cut into desired shapes.

Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Frosting: 1 cup shortening 1 teaspoon salt 7 cups powdered sugar 1 drop butter flavoring ¼ cup cream (or whole milk) 1 tablespoon glycerin 2 egg whites 1 teaspoon anise (or vanilla) Mix slowly until there are no bubbles.

When cookies are completely cooled, frost and decorate.

Agora photo illustration by Jen Shadle

E-Dr. controversy

By Jen Shadle

S

Staff Writer

omething new is accessible via Internet: A diagnosis for what ails you, complete with prescription from an M.D. Whether this is moral or crazy is up to the patients of Dr. Jay Parkinson.

The doctor is utilizing the Internet to pay off his student loans, working only online and avoiding the process of opening a private practice.

Parkinson calls himself a pioneer.

The e-doctor will visit future patients at home, work, cafes, etc. After 2 visits and a $500 annual network fee, a doctor’s visit can take place not across town, but in cyberspace.

After analyzing patient photos and online symptom forms, Parkinson can e-mail a diagnosis and treatment options or prescriptions to the patient, often catering to the uninsured.

Dr. Parkinson’s patients are restricted to his zip code in most cases, and must be between the ages of 18 to 40. Not only criticizing Parkinson’s “cherry picking” from the healthiest age group, traditional doctors also question the retainer fee, required

to allow a patient to have a 24-hour doctor available for text messages and e-mails.

Dr. Parkinson considers himself a new kind of physician rather than an e-doctor. While some may think this is a new, fast and easy fix or a break from waiting rooms, others think online diagnoses are inaccurate and hold privacy risks.

MCCC student and former nurse, Dawn Rote, has worked in E.R. and cardiac units as well as recovery rooms.

“There is no way a doctor can diagnose someone without an accurate assessment,” Rote said. “You can’t expect a patient to self-assess their injury/illness. While that may be legal, it is not ethical. A patient needs to be seen in person any time there is a medical concern.”

With more than 50 patients and 10,000 Web site hits daily, Parkinson has attracted much media attention, including talk of a possible reality TV series. Parkinson says he is not so much an online doctor, but a “doctor who utilizes good communication for my patients.”

1990

W

By Patrick Dunn Staff Writer

hen asked what she’ll miss most about her job, Ann Orwin doesn’t hesitate.

“I will miss the students,” she said.

“I love my students. I find them interesting human beings.”

Orwin will retire from her position as assistant professor of humanities and social science at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) at the end of the fall 2007 semester. Still known for her vigorous personality, her smart appearance, and the “Question of the Day” that starts each of her classes, Orwin’s energy shows no signs of flagging at age 61.

To numerous colleagues, students, and friends, Orwin’s dedication to her students has consistently been her defining characteristic through her 21 years at MCCC. “I’m not sure I’ve met somebody who cares about her students as much as Ann Orwin,” Bill McCloskey, MCCC professor of English, said.

First teaching high school and then teaching at St. Clair Community College, Orwin was hired as an adjunct MCCC faculty member in 1986.

Former MCCC President Audrey Warrick, who was dean of humanities at the time, recalled when she first met Orwin.

“She radiated warmth, energy and a very positive attitude,” Warrick said. “I’m sure if you asked her current students, they would describe her the same way today.”

Former MCCC President Jerry Welch echoed Warrick’s sentiment.

“Students did not feel apprehensive or have any anxiety in her class,” Welch said. “My

Feature

December 11, 2007

Orwin bids fond farewell to MCCC impression has always been that students generally enjoyed going to her classes.”

Although she could have gotten her doctorate and gone on to teach at a four-year institution, Orwin said community college teaching has always appealed to her most.

“I love the act of teaching,” she said. “Community colleges, as far as I’m concerned, are primarily teaching institutions. If you go to a fouryear school and you are full-time, you are required to do research. That is not my passion. My passion is my students.”

Initially handling mostly English Composition I classes, Orwin would specialize in several particular and diverse classes at MCCC. The first

Agora for the 1993-1994 school year, recalled her experience with Orwin.

“Being part of the Agora was like an arm of my family,” Riggs said.

“Ann was like ‘the mom’ and kept us all working together toward our goal.”

In the winter 1994 semester Orwin began teaching MCCC’s Exploring Teaching class. In addition to inclass lecture sessions, the class required students to complete 60 hours of work in a position similar to that of a teacher aide at various county schools.

“It’s a marvelous way for these young people to figure out right away if they ever want to be teachers,” Orwin said. “Sometime in that sixty hours, they know.”

really was a fantastic wife and a fantastic mother and a fantastic professional.”

In the fall 2000 semester Orwin began teaching MCCC’s Introduction to Humanities class. Orwin’s love of the arts is sincere and deeply felt as she discusses the class.

“I knew from the get-go that the way I wanted to approach humanities was to expose [the students] to as many of the humanities as I could, not in a hands-on way but in a direct way,” Orwin said. “I like to think of the humanities class as preparing you for exposure to the arts that will perhaps be with you for your whole life.”

Orwin’s “direct” approach to humanities is most notably exemplified

“I’m not sure I’ve met somebody who cares about her students as much as Ann Orwin.”

Bill McCloskey MCCC Professor of these came after she joined the full-time faculty in 1990, when she became advisor of the Agora.

“It was kind of scary because I had no journalism background,” Orwin said. “It was a culture shock to teach journalism, coming out of the literary tradition.”

Obtaining a crash course in the field through a “new advisors” panel at a college journalism conference, Orwin would eventually move on to teach MCCC’s Introduction to Journalism class, created in the fall 1996 semester as a separate prerequisite to the Agora. Suzanne Wisler, who coedited the Agora for the 1992-1993 school year, remembered Orwin’s unique advising style.

“She wasn’t one to constantly be in the Agora office managing what was going on,” Wisler said. “We got to make decisions and mistakes, but still had Mrs. Orwin around to guide us and to give advice.”

Liesel Riggs, co-editor of the

MCCC alumnus Jeremy Potter, now a teacher at Ida Middle School, took the class in 1993.

“I can probably count on one hand a certain number of people who gave me the drive to want to go into this, and she would be one of those people,” Potter said. “She had an impact and it wasn’t just in teaching. It was kind of a life impact.”

In 1999, Orwin’s career became an escape from difficulties in her personal life, when she and her husband Jim were divorced.

“My job was just a wonderful salvation at that point,” Orwin said.

“Concentrating on my students took the emphasis off myself.”

Orwin’s daughter Katie McGormley also recalled the importance of her mother’s career during the divorce.

“It gave her a lot of strength during that time,” McGormley said. “She

Ann Orwin (middle) with colleagues Mark Bergmooser and Joellen Locher in 2003.

by the class’s yearly trip to see live theater at the Stratford Festival in Ontario. Orwin first organized the trip in 2000; it is sponsored by the Foundation at MCCC. “I think it’s going the extra mile,” Cheryl Johnston, MCCC assistant professor of English and reading, said of Orwin’s efforts to obtain Foundation sponsorship for the trip. “It makes it affordable for students.”

English has been another major area of specialization in Orwin’s MCCC career. Orwin said that after working primarily with English Composition I classes earlier in her career she became “burned out” by the class, and requested that then-dean of humanities Bill McCloskey release her from the class for a semester.

“You’re grading papers all the time,” McCloskey said. “That’s just the nature of the beast. After doing it for so long, she just got a little tired of it.”

Orwin ended up leaving English Composition I behind entirely and focusing her attentions on other composition classes, specifically English Composition II and Basic Writing Skills (ENGL 090).

“My favorite class to teach, I think, might be Comp II now,” Orwin said.

She also

Photos courtesy of Humanities and Social Science Department

THE AGORA

5

2007 noted a more personal commitment to her ENGL 090 students.

“I truly felt needed teaching the 090s,” she said. “I think I have a compassion for students who are struggling, who for lots of reasons need some extra help. I think if I have a strength it might be that I do have a genuine concern for those students.”

MCCC faculty and alumni both expressed reluctance to see Orwin leave the campus, John Holladay, MCCC professor of English and psychology, among them.

“Ann is someone we can all emulate,” Holladay said. “She deserves all the joys that retirement can bring, but she will be very hard to replace.”

Jeremy Potter elaborated on Holladay’s sentiment.

“It’s a cliché whenever someone retires to say they’re irreplaceable, but her methods, her style, her interactions with the students are going to be very difficult to replace,” Potter said.

Orwin will be a nominee for the Outstanding Faculty Award at this year’s commencement ceremonies; she has been nominated for the award seven times but has not yet received it.

“I would love to see her get it since she is retiring this year,” Joyce Haver, MCCC professor of counseling, said. Haver, one of Orwin’s oldest friends on campus, nominated Orwin for the award.

Orwin said one of her chief motivations for retiring is to spend more time with her two grandchildren.

“Nothing in my life has been such an unexpected joy,” she said. “I’d heard people go goo-goo over their grandkids and I thought, ‘how can you be that nuts over grandbabies?’

But now I am [a grandparent] and I’m as obnoxious as the next person.”

Orwin listed a number of other activities she hopes to pursue in her retirement, including traveling, volunteering in hospitals and schools, participating in community theater, training to become an art museum docent, and reading “just maybe two or three of the stack of a hundred books sitting next to my bed.”

However, Orwin still displays a definite uncertainty about leaving the classroom, and her students, behind.

“If it’s traumatic for me and I’m away from it for maybe six months and I can’t stand to be away, then I would hope to come back and teach a course or two,” she said.

When Orwin speaks of creating “a sense of family” in her classroom, she gives the impression that she not only wants to create a comfortable environment for the students but that she feels a strong, almost familial, bond to them herself.

“What I think will be tough will be saying goodbye to students, and knowing that this is the last group, perhaps, of students that I will ever be teaching,” she said. “I really love my job.”

Man’s woman’s VS. tree tree

Agora photo illustration by Bethany Younglove

By Bethany Younglove

I

Staff Writer

t has been well established by many psychologists that men and women are vastly different. But while these documented differences encompass personality traits, just how far do these differences go?

Do they stretch as far as how a Christmas tree should be decorated?

They do, in fact. A recent survey showed nearly 70 percent of men preferred colored lights, while only 15 percent liked white lights or combined white and colored lights.

“My dream Christmas tree would be big and very colorful,” Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student Martin Rios said.

Women, on the other hand, preferred white lights (41 percent) over colored lights (38 percent) and mixing white and colored lights (21 percent).

“My dream Christmas tree would

be a silver and pink colored tree with white lights and a star on the top,” MCCC student Pat Morris said.

The differences of opinion do not end at Christmas light colors. Men also tend to be vaguer as to how the tree should be decorated.

“I like anything but a Charlie Brown Christmas tree,” MCCC student Tony Goins said.

“I like a pine tree. A ‘dream’ Christmas tree doesn’t matter. I settle for what I can get,” MCCC student Kyle Jarvis said.

Women were much more detailed in their descriptions of their dream tree.

“My dream tree would have all gold ornaments with glitter and strings of white pearls and presents underneath,” MCCC student Liz Beaudrie said.

“I like a very full tree with my favorite ornaments from childhood, not cluttered though,” MCCC student Kacie Kansier said.

Area Christmas events

1 3 5

Santa’s Mailbox- Children can write letters to Santa with their wishes for Christmas and mail them in Santa’s Mailbox. The Main Street Area Association is taking care of the postage and handling and the child’s letter will actually be answered by Main Street Area elves. Friday, Dec. 21. Sidewalk in front of Real Seafood Company, 241 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor.

2

Birmingham Historical Museum- Christmas Music Boxes: A collection of Christmas music boxes collected over the past 35 years.

Through Jan. 5.

4

Children’s Wonderland: Through Dec. 31 (closed Christmas Day), Monday- Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Lucas County Recreation Center, 2901 Key St., Maumee, Ohio.

Ambassador Hall- New Year’s Bash: Including hors d’ oeuvres, dinner, desserts, open bar all night, comedy show, dancing, party favors and midnight pizza snack. For reservations call: 457-0606; 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31.

Lights Before Christmas: Monday-Thursday, 5-8 p.m., Friday-Sunday, 5-9 p.m. through Dec. 31, Toledo Zoo, Anthony Wayne Trail, Toledo, Ohio.

Wayne County Lightfest: 7-10 p.m. through Jan 1, Hines Dr.; Enter off Merriman Rd. between Ann Arbor Trail and Warren Ave. in Westland.

6

7 8 9

Greenfield Village Christmas Home Tour: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday-Sunday, through Dec. 30, Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn.

The Holidays at the Henry Ford Museum: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Jan. 6, Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn.

Trans Siberian Orchestra: Dec. 26 at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Palace of Auburn Hills.

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THE AGORA

Community News

December 11, 2007

Detroit deemed dangerous

Photo courtesy of Wigwam Jones

Detroit’s gleaming skyline is contrasted by poverty and high crime rates in many of its neighborhoods.

By Jeffrey Kodysh Editor-in-Chief

Less than a half-hour’s drive from Monroe County lies Detroit, the most dangerous city in America, according to City Crime Rankings: Crime in Metropolitan America.

Detroit, the manufacturing capital of the country, is suffering with extremely high crime rates. Detroit was ranked as the most dangerous city in the country because of the high number of crimes as compared to city population.

Included in the statistics are total number of crimes committed, along

with rates and trends for the total amount of crime. Breakdowns of this data included violent crimes, murder, rape, robbery, assault, and all types of theft. Detroit ranked high in most of these categories.

Ronald Shannon, adjunct instructor of political science and criminal justice at Monroe County Community College (MCCC), believes that when evaluating Detroit’s ranking, it is important to look at the statistics behind the ranking.

“For instance, the FBI does not require law enforcement officials to report crimes in their areas. They report the crimes to the FBI voluntarily,” she

said. “I think that a proper ranking requires looking at all of the data. How many crimes occur? Where do they occur? What is the poverty rate in the city? The key is to look at all of these variables fairly when ranking a city.”

Detroit has not always had such a dangerous reputation. Judith Hamburg, former director of MCCC’s Whitman Center, grew up in East Detroit during the 1950s, and remembers her childhood home as a safe, familyfriendly area with great schools.

“It was just a really safe place,” Hamburg said. “When I was a little girl, about 10 years old, I loved to swim and I would walk to the local

high school to practice. I never thought twice about it. It was a perfectly safe neighborhood.”

According to Hamburg, Detroit’s schools in the 1950s were funded by its famed auto makers. Ford, GM and Chrysler provided millions of dollars in tax revenues for the some of the best schools in the country.

“The schools and the high schools were phenomenal. I have never come across others like them,” Hamburg said. “They were excellent schools.

All of the schools there had beautiful auditoriums and gymnasiums. Junior high schools and high schools automatically had pools. Other schools in

America did not have those things. It never dawned on me that they were supported by the auto industry. That’s why they were so wonderful.”

Two other cities within close distance of Monroe County were also included on the list. Flint was ranked third most dangerous city, while Toledo was ranked 47th on the list.

MCCC student Todd Wilkson, originally from New Jersey, thinks that although Detroit is a rough town, it is nowhere near as dangerous as Camden, N.J. “In Detroit you might see drugs and robberies, but in Camden, you see bodies,” Wilkson said.

‘Beaner’s Coffee’ converts company name to ‘Biggby’

By Chrissandra White Eagle Staff writer

Agora photo by Morgan Sopko

The shore off of Mackinaw Island along with the rest of the Great Lakes’ shores might be affected by global warming.

Prevention tips as temperatures rise

By Morgan Sopko Staff Writer

Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of near-surface air and ocean levels of the Earth.

Recent studies have shown that human activity may be the cause of the increase of global warming and the greenhouse effect.

The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration’s National Research Council’s 2001 report, “Climate Change Science: An Analysis of Some Key Questions,” states that there may be cause for increased warming rates in the future due to rising carbon dioxide levels.

“I’m not necessarily sold that global warming is completely because of human use because the earth does heat and cool itself,” Monroe County Community College student Kristen LeForce said. “But I think that this scare will help move people into more efficient ways with energy and transportation.”

According to www.stopglobalwarming.org, studies show that there are effective ways individuals can help reduce global warming, besides the typical actions such as planting a tree and car pooling.

Fuel asdassssssssssssssssssssasssss The average driver of a hybrid could eliminate up to 16,000 pounds of carbon dioxide. By driving a fuel efficient

car, the few extra miles per gallon will help save money, natural resources, and cut down on the carbon dioxide output of the car.

Car maintenance Keeping car tires properly inflated can eliminate up to 250 pounds of carbon dioxide going into the atmosphere per year. Changing the car’s air filter monthly can save 800 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

Electronics Electronics that are turned off still use energy. Unplugging unused electronics can save over 1,000 lbs of carbon dioxide per year coming into the environment.

Household Reduce garbage by buying products with less packaging and recyclable paper. Recycling plastic and glass can eliminate 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Composting can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the number of trips trucks must make to the landfill, along with the amount of methane released by landfills. Using recycled paper can also help the environment. When printer paper is 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper, it can eliminate 5 pounds of carbon dioxide per ream of paper. Buying minimally packaged goods could reduce household garbage by about 10 percent. This small percentage can eliminate 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

Beaner’s Coffee, the third-largest retail coffee chain in the Midwest, announced in September its plan to re-brand the company to Biggby Coffee. The change will be inclusive of all 79 of Beaner’s stores, in addition to those currently under construction.

The storewide conversion is expected to be complete by January 31, 2008.

Beaner’s Coffee is the largest 100% operator-owned retail coffee franchise in the U.S., and is among the fastest-growing franchises in the nation. As the company has grown from a single store to a regional chain, the need for a new name became evident amidst growing concerns over the use of the word “beaner” as a disparaging term against Hispanic Americans.

“Beaner” is a term long used by some Americans to describe Mexicans as “bean-eaters.” The word, first seen in print in the 1960s as a derogatory term, is a racial slur.

“As we’ve continued to expand into new markets, we’ve heard more and more comments about our name, to the point that we had to take a hard look at changing it,” Bob Fish, Beaner’s CEO and co-founder, told the Associated

Press. “We ultimately felt we would be condoning the use of a disparaging term if we chose to do nothing.”

“I’d like to believe the founders of Beaner’s Coffee were thinking of ‘coffee beans,’ not, ‘sleazy Mexicans,’ when they founded the chain,” Myra Leticia said while sipping her Carmel Marvel at Biggby Coffee in Westland.

Beaner’s believed the most critical aspect to the success of the transition was to retain as much of its popular identity as possible. An outside consultant was retained to help with the

naming process and Biggby was a top choice. The new name is a clear reflection of the large orange letter “B,” that adorns its signs, cups and other merchandise. Beaner’s expects to invest nearly $1,000,000 in its rebranding effort.

“I do not think the change will have an effect on the business,” Linda Wangbickler, co-owner of the Monroe location, said. “What matters most is that the store experience will be exactly the same, only our name will be different.”

Beaner’s plans to utilize an inside-out approach to the conversion. Biggby Coffee will appear first on its Web site, cups, shirts and in-store materials before exterior signage will be converted. The franchise will allow its stores to exhaust current supplies of paper cups and other printed materials in the interest of conservation.

“Maybe Mexicans should consider renaming ‘Gringas,’ [a snack made up of flour tortillas, ham, cheese and pineapple],” Jonathon Reaz, Monroe County Community College student, said. “No vaya a ser que ofendamos a nuestros vecinos del Norte [Then no one will know that we offend our neighbors of the North].”

New & Transfer Students New Student & Express Transfer Night at MCCC

What to Expect? On-site financial aid information, complete steps to admissions, and answers to specific questions regarding academic plans

In Attendance:

La-Z-Boy Center

Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008 6:00pm New Students 7:30pm Transfer Students

Monroe Comunity College, Eastern Michigan University, Siena Heights University, Lawrenece Technological University, Wayne State University, Madonna University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, University of Detroit-Mercy, University of Toledo

A&E

December 11, 2007

Trans-Siberian

THE AGORA

7

Orchestra excels Photo courtesy of movies.yahoo.com

‘August’ music offers emotional ‘Rush’

By Emily Chandonnet Assistant Editor

Photo courtesy of flickr.com

By Morgan Sopko Staff Writer

To some people, TSO may stand for Trans-Siberian Orchestra, but to me it stands for Total Sensory Overload.

Not only does the Trans-Siberian Orchestra entertain its audience with amazing music, but they also create a perfectly timed light show to dazzle the audience’s eyes.

Unlike your usual “Jingle Bell Rock,” the TSO band members are all perfectly in sync with each other. Created by Paul O’Neill in 1996, the TSO is made up of three electric guitarists (including two lead guitars), nine vocalists, one narrator, a bass guitarist, a lead violin, a drummer, and a select few members of the local symphony.

O’Neill and his composers mix classical, rock, Broadway, and R & B to create “rock operas” to satisfy my Christmas music craving.

As soon as I found my seat among the other 11,000 I could tell that I was about to be blown away by music. The industrial-like stage towered over the front seating sections and continued overhead all the way back to the ele-

vated seating in the rear of the theater.

The sound booth and lighting on the ground level took up the entire width of the center aisle seating area. It was impossible to look at the stage and not see a light, an instrument, or a speaker of some kind.

The anticipation alone was enough to get me humming my favorite song.

When the house lights went out for the start of the show, mixed with the sound of bells and guitars echoing throughout the theatre, it gave me chills. Fog filled the stage and fell to the ground. Lasers pierced the fog and flashes of lights synchronized with the bass drum, not only catching my eye but also causing my seat to vibrate.

After a couple of warm-up songs, the narrator stepped forward and began a Christmas story. At the snap of his fingers, a million stars sparkled around the stage and audience. Also right on cue, snow began to fall on the center-seated crowd. The band took a small intermission once the story was finished and introduced the band.

Once all of the members were introduced, the second half of the concert exploded into all the songs we all know and love. The crowd seated

on the ground level were on their feet dancing, singing, and clapping along.

I found myself dancing a little in my seat and singing out loud too. When I said the concert was a “sensory overload,” it was almost an understatement.

Just when I thought the lights and effects couldn’t get any more extravagant, fire blew up into the sky in an array of different colors at the back of the stage. It seemed the harder the band rocked, the more effects magically appeared to match their talent.

As if all of this were not enough, I could tell that the musicians loved their fans and wanted to get them involved even more than they already had been. The vocalists and guitarist, not being restricted by microphone or guitar cables, walked around and into the audience still singing and playing. Toward the end of the show, two guitarists made their way to the back center audience and were blasted off into space on a platform. The show ended with the crowd, including myself, wanting more. The band was also eager to meet their fans and they were all available in the lobby for pictures, autographs, or even just to talk to their

fans.

The TSO concert was one of the best concerts I have ever attended.

Though the story in the first half was a little slow to me, the effects during it were enough to keep me entertained, and the second half was worth the wait. The combination of lights, lasers, fog, fire, and incredible music took me through a Christmas adventure.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be returning to the area at the end of December.

For tickets or further information go www.trans-siberian.com.

LOCAL TOUR DATES: Wed. 26 Dec. Detroit, MI, Palace of Auburn Hills 3:00 p.m. Wed. 26 Dec. Detroit, MI, Palace of Auburn Hills 8:00 p.m. Thu. 27 Dec. Columbus, OH, Nationwide Arena 3:00 p.m. Thu. 27 Dec. Columbus, OH, Nationwide Arena 7:30 p.m.

Sun. 30 Dec. Cleveland, OH, Quicken Loans Arena 3:00 p.m. Sun. 30 Dec. Cleveland, OH, Quicken Loans Arena 7:30 p.m. Mon. 31 Dec. Cleveland, OH, Quicken Loans Arena 9:30 p.m.

Wide selection available at near-by area record shops

By Josh Kraus Staff Writer

A A Records Are Us: A A Records carries a variety of different musical genres, offering everything from tapes to CDs and LPs. Located at 3010 Lagrange St., Toledo, OH 43608. Phone: (419) 726-6050.

Distance from Monroe: 19 miles.

Allied Record Exchange: One of Toledo’s better known record exchange stores. They offer a selection of records, CDs, and DVDs, and also buy back all of the above. Located at 1710 S Reynolds Rd., Toledo,

OH 43614. Phone: (419) 861-1605.

Distance from Monroe: 21 miles.

Culture Clash: A record store differing from the norm, Culture Clash specializes in indie music, as well as promoting local bands’ premiere CDs and LPs. Along with this, they often host local bands inside the store, and offer a plethora of local band swag for sale.

Located at 4020 Secor Rd., Toledo, OH 43623. Phone: (419) 536-5683.

Distance from Monroe: 28 miles.

PJ’s Used Records & CDs: PJ’s sells and buys all types of

LPs, CDs, and DVDs. Located at 617 Packard Street Suite B, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Phone: (734) 663-3441.

Distance from Monroe: 36 miles.

Encore Recordings: Encore Recordings specializes in all types of music, including CD, LP, 7”, 78 rpm, 16 rpm, tape, and reel-toreel. They also buy and trade all of the above. Located at 417 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Phone: (734) 662-6776. Distance from Monroe: 37 miles.

Wazoo Records: Wazoo has been serving Ann Arbor

for over 30 years. They carry indie, electronica, hip-hop, jazz, country, fold, and many more genres. The stock is both used and new, including both CDs as well as vinyls. 336 1/2 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

Phone: (734)-761-8686. Distance from Monroe: 37 miles.

Record Time: Specializing in everything from rap to hip-hop, techno, and indie music, Record Time is Detroit’s real, original record store. They carry everything from brand new music to older selections. Located at 262 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, MI 48220.

Phone: (248) 336-8463. Distance from Monroe: 53 miles.

“I believe in music the way some people believe in fairytales,” August Rush says.

This statement by the title character of the new movie August Rush summarizes the movie brilliantly.

Rising young actor Freddie Highmore (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Finding Neverland) stars as Evan Taylor or “August Rush,” the orphaned son of two musicians who meet at a party and fall in love after a one-night stand. Keri Russell (Felicity, Waitress) and Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Match Point, The Tudor, King Henry VIII) play the musician parents Lyla Novacek and Louis Connelly. Even though their love seems unrealistic for modern times, August Rush clearly shows the rare power of love at first sight. It is also reminiscent of childhood romances in movies like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, where the handsome prince rescues the fair maiden or searches for his dance partner with the glass slipper.

The musicians’ one-night stand love was unrealistic, but it was hard not to just accept that their love was true because it flowed well with the story line. Their love made sense because the movie showed how their music connected them spiritually. Even though the musicians were torn apart from each other after that single night, they both felt each other through playing their instruments for years afterward.

Inevitably, the central theme of August Rush is the power of music. Though it was not a musical by any means, the music told the story from beginning to end. This is one soundtrack that I cannot wait to purchase. The music played by the characters along with the background music greatly enhances the enjoyment that comes from watching this film.

The original music was created by Mark Mancina, winner of eight different music awards, and Hans Zimmer, winner of 28 movie awards and numerous other nominations.

In every fairytale-themed movie there is a villain, and August Rush is no different. Viewers were surprised

by August Rush’s non-traditional villain, making the climax that much more electrifying.

Other actors featured in this movie are Robin Williams (Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji) whose character takes August in and coins the name “August Rush”; and Terrence Howard (Pride, Four Brothers) who plays a social service worker who helps Lyla find Evan.

Overall, this film is a must-see for all hopeless romantics, or simply those who believe in the power of music and love.

December 11, 2007

Spotlight

THE AGORA

8

Little girls and boys walked down Monroe Street hand in hand during the crisp winter day for Monroe’s Holiday Parade.

Monroe County

Holiday Spirit Holiday

Monroe County locals and business are showing their holiday spirit through bright lights, lawn displays and festivals.

Neighborhoods are filled with aluminous trees and lawn figurines. Downtown Monroe started their holiday celebration on Friday, Nov. 23 with the annual tree-lighting ceremony, and the holiday parade was held on the following Sunday.

Ida celebrated their 25th Anniversary of their Annual Christmas in Ida which took place Nov. 30 through Dec. 2.

Santa Claus waves to crowds as his float ends the Holiday Parade that took place on Nov. 18 starting at 3 p.m.

Monroe County’s treelighting ceremony that took place on Nov. 23, featured the huge pine that stands outside of the Monroe County Court House.

Along with the Christmas tree, holiday signs, wreaths and lights were put up in various places along the streets of Downtown Monroe.

Agora photos by Emily Chandonnet

A little boy wears a Rodulph the reindeer nose and antlers.

Many of the parade float entered in the Holiday Parade had volunteers passing out brochures, coupons and candy to viewers that packed the sidewalks of Monroe and Elm Street.