12-13-2004

VOLUME 47 ISSUE 3

AGORA MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

December 13, 2004

Bachelor’s degree possibility interests community colleges

them to receive an associate’s degree before moving on to a four-year university.

Recently, there have been some Michigan community colleges proposing to amend the

Michigan Community College Act to allow the institutions to offer Baccalaureate degrees.

This, in theory, would mean that students would not have to leave the community

college campus to earn their bachelor’s degree in certain fields.

At Monroe County Community College (MCCC), Sienna Heights offer students the option of continuing their education at the community college. Potential degrees include business administration, psychology, accounting, multidisciplinary and teacher education, as well as an associates of applied science.

“I would get my [bachelor’s] degree from MCCC if they offered it,” Melania Cupp, a Sienna Heights student, said.

Cupp is a business major at Sienna Heights but takes classes at MCCC. With amendment to the Michigan Community College Act, MCCC would be allowed to structure its own departments and programs to help students earn a four year degree.

Southwestern Michigan College (SMC), in Dowagiac, is

In rare and extreme cases, blurry vision, severe leg pain, stroke and blood clots can occur.

Deaths, even though possible, are very rare.The contraceptive patch has been found responsible for 17 deaths in women age 17 to 30 since its release in 2002.

Zakiya Kennedy, 18, from New York died from a blood clot caused by using the patch.

Kennedy was only on the patch for three weeks when a blood clot entered her lung causing her death, according to www.lifesite.net.

“We question customers to make sure they are not taking another medication that isn’t supposed to be taken with their birth control. We like to caution them because they can be at risk if we don’t know about the

other medications they are taking if they are going to other pharmacies,” Jack Blitz, pharmacy manager, said.

Smoking cigarettes increases the risks while on

on switching to the shot because I’ve heard other people like it,” Megan Lay, Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student, said.

“I’ve gained five pounds since

Agora photo by Heather Wilson

Margie Bacarella helps student Jeremy Wood discuss scheduling in the Sienna Heights office, located upstairs in the L building on MCCC campus..

Veronica Terry

Page Editor he mission of the community college has always been to offer students a platform by allowing

interested in offering bachelor’s degrees. According to MCCC president, David Nixon, students at SMC college do not have the opportunity to get a four year degree unless they travel far. “[SMC] in particular has been trying to convince the other community colleges that it would be something all the community colleges would want to do… there are a number of community colleges that either oppose it or there are community colleges like ours that already have four years degrees being offered on their campuses,” Nixon said.

“Do community colleges have to offer the degree or could you enter a partnership with one or more universities to accomplish the same end?”

Conway Jeffress, president of Schoolcraft College asked.

involved, doctors remind patients that the likelyhood of these extreme risks occuring are very low.

Patients can even benefit from taking a form of birth control. According to Baylor College of Medicine, the pill protects women against ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, painful and irregular periods, breast cysts, iron deficiency anemia, ectopic pregnancy and infections of the fallopian tubes. Benefits of DepoProvera and Ortho Evra are similar.

“The additional risk is outweighed by the health benefits of oral contracept i v e u s e , ” D r. C l a i b o r n e Johnston, University of California San Francisco Department of Neurology, said.

T Birth control: health risk or benefit?

Jenny Creekmore Page Editor

T

hree popular birth control methods include Ortho Tri-cyclen (pill), DepoProvera (shot), and Ortho Evra (patch). All of these may pose some type of health risk.

“Our policy is that when a birth control method is dispensed, information is given about the risks,” said Patsy Bourgeois, nursing supervisor at Monroe County Health Department.

According to Bourgeois, possible side affects for all of these products include change in appetite, weight gain, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache and nausea. Doctors say these can be fixed by taking the pill before bed, if an oral contraceptive is used.

Inside:

Opinion 2

Our policy is that when a birth control method is dispensed, information is given about the risks.

“ ”

Patsy Bourgeois, nursing supervisor, Monroe County Health Department

birth control. Many of the birth control methods black box this (having a black line around the caution) to be sure that women read it because it is very important.

“I’ve been on Estro Step, which is the pill, for about nine months. I’ve lost weight since I’ve been on it. I plan

Campus News 3

Not just a silly Christmas carol Can the Pistons win it Think “The 12 Days of Christmas” is about all...again? some weird gift exchange? Think again. (10) Better than VH1 Take a walk down memory lane and revisit the decade that influenced everyone in one way or another: the ’80s. (6-7)

(4)

see “Degrees,” page 11

I’ve been on Mircette (pill). I’ve been on it for three years and go to a clinic to get it,” Becky Stoehr, MCCC student, said.

According to various health organizations, it is almost impossible to tabulate actual statistics for these risks because they are so infrequent.

Even though there are risks

Feature 4-8 Litter bugs One writer ponders why the parking lots have become our personal garbage can. (2)

Asexuality Read an intriguing story about a different sexual orientation (5)

A&E 9-10 Bored but broke?

We tell you how to get the good t i m e s rollin’ without spending a fortune. (9)

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Agora

Opinion

December 13, 2004

Cups, trash litter campus grounds hump on the floor in the center window, there were severe of the front seat and was consequences. On long trips the Copy Editor weighted down on either side by basket overflowed, but was We all have pet peeves. vinyl sandbags. If any of us emptied in the garbage can that Some of mine include improper dared to toss something out the was provided at the rest area. grammar, smacking mouth noises while eating, the toilet seat left up (especially at night), and garbage left in inappropriate places. Our parking lots at Monroe County Community C o l l e g e (MCCC) are loaded with litter, and it bothers me.

When I was a child, my parents had a Agora photo by Terri McConnaughey wastebasket in A discarded plastic cup lies in the parking lot at MCCC. Although there the car. It are trash receptacles at every building entrance, most trash doesn’t make straddled a it that far.

Terri McConnaughey

Coming out, testing tolerance Kelli Massa Veronica Terry Page Editors

This isn’t a love story. It’s a simple tale of two reporters, Veronica Terry and Kelli Massa, walking out of the closet and onto the straight streets of Monroe County for a day.

Posing as a homosexual couple in conservative Monroe came to us when Proposal 2 passed and banned gay marriage in Michigan. We were curious to gauge reactions when confronted with a young, attractive, female couple.

We began at a clothing store in Frenchtown Mall. We picked out sexy outfits, complimented the other ’s shape, and shared conspicuous kisses. Female clerks watched us out the corner of their eyes and whispered.

One approached us and asked if we needed help. She looked uncomfortable as Kelli gave Veronica a peck on the cheek.

“No thanks, we’re fine, but if you could open a dressing a

room for us that’d be great,” Veronica said.

“It’s against store policy to allow two people in the dressing room at the same time. Sorry,” she replied.

Before leaving, we saw two high school girls come out of the same dressing room, talking about boyfriends.

Interesting.

Next stop: movie theater.

While in line, we stood with our arms around each others’ waists, whispering and giggling. People looked at us with confused and surprised faces.

An elderly couple stood behind us in the ticket line. As the couple approached the box office, they told the cashier our “behavior was inappropriate in public.”

Movie: check, now it’s time to eat. While at a local restaurant, we shared our entrees and discussed the possibility of eventually moving in together, speaking loudly so other people could hear.

However, other customers were too focused on their own conversations and dinners to

notice. We thought the restaurant was a bust.

Apparently we were wrong.

Our server, a young male, noticed our “antics” and, assuming we were goofing around, made a lewd comment.

Veronica reacted without hesitation.

“This is my girlfriend, and I would appreciate it if you treated her and I with the same respect you would any couple.”

He was surprised and embarrassed as he mumbled an unintelligible apology and left.

After all was said and done, the outcome was exactly as we expected. Generally, people have a hard time accepting situations out of the norm.

What we, society, need to realize is regardless of laws determining who homosexuals can legally marry, they will continue functioning just like any heterosexual couple. Until we recognize every person is equally important, we are doomed. We will be stuck in a loop, singling out minorities and robbing them of civil liberties.

Shame on us.

The Agora Editorial Policy The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Michigan, 48161. The editorial office is located in 202 of the Life Science Building, (734) 384-4186, agora@monroeccc.edu.

Editorial Policy: Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the Agora staff. Signed columns represent the opinion of the writer. All letters-to-the-editor must include a signature, address, and phone number for verification purposes. The Agora reserves the right to edit for clarity, accuracy, length, and libel.

The Agora is a student-managed newspaper that supports a free student press and 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

While walking along a local road recently, I was disgusted by the amount of trash lining the street. There were cans, bottles, broken C.D.’s, ketchup packages, and bags from fast food restaurants with half eaten food inside; all items decorating the ditch. It seems no one cares about our environment anymore.

The college maintenance staff tries to keep lots clean.

“Our grounds people go out at seven in the morning and police the lots,” Wayne Bezeau, MCCC Maintenance Forman said. He felt most of the trash in the lots comes from students who arrive later in the day. Is it

that difficult to carry your garbage up to a building?

We all know there is a w a s t e receptacle in front of every entrance.

Whatever happened to the mantras of the eighties, such as “Let’s Pitch In”, and “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute”? What happened to the sense of personal responsibility? Looking at our college parking lots, responsibility, not trash, is in the dumpster.

NBA fight scene ruins kids’ game Jackie Pacheco Assistant Editor SCENE ONE, setting is November 29 game, Indiana Pacers (6-3) vs. Detroit Pistons (5-3)at the Palace of Auburn Hills (enter teams). The Pacers have taken the lead 9782 with 45.9 seconds left when guard Ron Artest fouls forward Ben Wallace. Irritated with Artest’s cheap fouls and trashtalking all during the game, Wallace seemingly forgets he’s a professional and gives Artest a hard two-handed shove in the throat.

SCENE TWO (enter players). Almost instantaneously, players on the court and from both benches charge at each other. The basketball court soon looks like a scene between two rival gangs in the streets of Detroit instead of two professional basketball teams on the Palace court. Artest seems to be the only one not involved; standing on the outskirts of the scuffle without having to be restrained.

Wallace, fuming, throws a wristband at Artest.

SCENE THREE (enter fans). As the shoving match on the sidelines escalates, Artest, still not involved, is pushed back against the scorer’s table. Apparently trying to act too unfazed by the players, he reclines on the table and even puts on a headset he took off a scorekeeper’s head. The fans are not amused

by Artest and one fan even goes as far as to throw a cup of beer at him, hitting him in the chest.

Artest snaps, vaults over rows of seats, and proceeds to swing at numerous fans. Pacers guard Stephen Jackson is right on his heels. Fans react to the trouble

photo courtesty of ESPN.com

Indiana Pacer Ron Artest

they caused by ganging up on the players and fighting back.

One fan in particular deems it a good idea to launch a folding chair into the mosh pit of players and spectators. Also excessively involved in the brawl: Pacers forward Jermaine O’Neal.

SCENE FOUR, setting is the newsrooms at every local sport and television channels (enter media). Artest doesn’t even have time to take off his newly stretched out jersey before the media swarms on him. As journalists broadcast the mayhem, viewers from children to adults attempt to change the channel but see the same scene.

SCENE FIVE (enter NBA commissioner David Stern).

Stern suspends Artest for the rest of the season (73 games).

Jackson: 30 games, O’Neal: 25 games, Pacer Anthony Johnson: five games, Pacer Reggie Miller: one game. Also suspended are Wallace: six games and Pistons Chauncey Billups, Elden Campbell and Derrick Coleman: one game apiece.

SCENE SIX, setting is December 3 game at a local basketball court, five school aged children vs. another five school aged children (enter children). A small argument erupts and, mimicking their favorite stars, the children use punches to solve the dispute.

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December 13, 2004

Agora 3 Campus News MCCC considers forgiveness policy Susan Rhodes

Agora photo by Heather Wilson

Students Jeff Bower and Angela Berr y work on assignments in the new biology lab.

Biology labs renovated Andrea Poteet

Copy Editor The biology, chemistry, and zoology labs at Monroe County Community College ( MCCC) have all been remodeled this semester.

According to Bob Pettit, assistant professor of Biology, the labs needed improvements for a variety of reasons including air circulation, old equipment and substandard learning conditions.

“Students were sitting half with their backs to the instructor and half not,” he said.

The new labs, planned extensively with the faculty,

display many new features including handicappedaccessible doors, eyewashes, showerheads for chemical spills, and tables complete with chairs.

“The equipment is a lot nicer,” Amy Cousino, MCCC student, said.

The original labs were over 30 years old.

“It needed updating, it needed revamping,” Andy Parsons, associate professor of Biology, said.

The remodeling was discussed for over 10 years, but an architect was chosen three years ago and construction started two years ago.

The Biology lab was renovated in the summer of 2004, with Architect DSA a n d c o n t r a c t o r Wi l s o n Builders. The cost was $600,000.

The Earth/Physical Science and Astronomy labs will also be redesigned in the summer of 2005.

The architect will be DSA, and the construction manager will be Wilson Builders. Estimated cost is $900,000.

“Doing it piecemeal means you’re not closing your building down,” Pettit said.

Page Editor Academic forgiveness policies are a way for students who did not do well early in their higher education to exclude failing grades from their grade point average ( G PA ) .

All grades are r e c o r d e d o n t h e s t u d e n t ’s transcript with a special notation added to the forgiven grades.

“It would give people a second chance to obtain their career goals later if they need to,” Mitch Rabideau, MCCC student, said.

At Monroe County Community College (MCCC) the proposal for a forgiveness policy was introduced to the school board in September 2004.

“We (MCCC) do not have a forgiveness policy, and may never have one. Students shouldn’t assume that it would eliminate their bad grades if we do implement a f o rg i v e n e s s p o l i c y, ” J o h n Holladay, professor of English, said.

Not all colleges and universities have a

forgiveness policy in place.

Adoption of such a policy may take years to implement and would be for the future students of MCCC. “I would be in favor of a forgiveness policy,”Damien Ricklemann, MCCC student said.

Lansing Community College (LCC), Southwestern Michigan University (SMU), and The Ohio State University (OSU) have all adopted academic forgiveness policies.

According to the handbook at Lansing Community College, five or more years must have elapsed since the last grade for which forgiveness is requested, and the student must have earned 12 semester credit hours in courses numbered 100 and above at LCC, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 since the last grade.

At Southwestern Michigan University, if the previous overall GPA was less than 2.0, and

see “Forgive,” page 11

Archaeology: no bones about it Kelyn Dillon Reporter MCCC students who are interested may get the opportunity to study archaeology here on campus.

The program is still in the discussion phase and there are steps toward approval, but several faculty members are thrilled to see the program taking shape. The program may be available to students as soon as the fall or winter semester of 2005. James Devries, Ken Mohney, and William McCloskey have worked hard to gain support for the program.

“This program is being considered because it answers a community need. Monroe has a plethora of prehistoric sites, and we also have the battlefield,” Devries said.

Mohney, the newly hired anthropology instructor, is scheduled to teach the entire program. He is considered the resident expert for Monroe County.

Several courses will be offered, according to Devries.

“I believe an introductory course in archaeology will be

offered in the fall of ’05,” he said.

Also, according to McCloskey, a field work experience course may be offered this spring. Courses may be offered at both campuses, but lab courses will be held at the main campus because there is more space.

The program offers students possible career placement after graduation. Students will receive a certificate for 45 hours of coursework in Cultural Resource Management.

It’s an entry-level job that allows trained people to participate in archaeological digs. In the future, a degree in anthropology/archaeology may become a reality for students.

To be approved, the college must request permission from the college committee. Once the committee approves the program, the college will then request transferable credit from four-year institutions.

“There is a definite procedure, not only with our institutions but with four year institutions, to go through before everything is in place,” Devries said.

What to find in the La-Z-Boy Center

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Agora

Feature

December 13, 2004

Media sex influences public Kelli Massa Page Editor

“Sex sells.” The media and advertising world do not hesitate to use sex and sexual innuendos to get people’s attention.

Artists like Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears are infamous for using sex appeal to help sell music.

Terry Telfer, professor of English at Monroe County Community College (MCCC), teaches a class on Visual Media Literacy. Telfer has studied media and said advertising controls much of what is in media and can influence what is aired and what is not.

“If you can push the boundaries of sex in American TV then that means you’re doing something radical and taking a chance.”

MCCC student Kelli Strimbel, 20, said that when Britney Spears first started out wearing pig tails she had a less sexual look. Now that she is

wearing belly shirts and has “boobs hanging out and she’s selling way more, she’s out of control.”

Cassandra Dietrich, 22, said kids are easily impressionable and when they see stars dressed sexy or being sexual it makes an impact on them.

“All music and rap videos are all chicks, all sex,” she said.

“There are beautiful women everywhere, boobs everywhere.”

Telfer said media, mostly TV and movies, in the past dealt with sex but in a natural way, not as a “soft core porno.”

“Every movie has some sort of sex,” Dietrich said. “I think it makes people want to have sex more.”

Strimbel said she thinks the amount of sex in movies is inappropriate.

“There’s so much sex in movies now. I mean seriously can you go see a horror movie now without there being some naked person in there?”

Television shows and movies in the past dealt with issues other than sex.

On the famous ‘50s show “I Love Lucy,” Lucy and Ricky were married and still slept in separate twin sized beds.

“When I was young you did not hear profanity on the TV or the radio. It just wasn’t there.

The worst thing I ever saw on TV was Elvis Presley movies, and my mother covered my eyes and/or changed the channel,” Cindy Conn, MCCC student, 41, said.

Young people now are exposed to much more sexual content on TV than when Conn was younger.

Although Telfer doesn’t know if the large amount of sex in the media makes young people more promiscuous, he does think younger people, especially teenagers, are impacted.

Television sitcoms like “Friends” and “Sex in the City” present sex as an average everyday event.

Telfer said that these shows are not realistic.

“Who really lives those kinds of lives?” he said regarding the shows. “They went from one to the other, no one got AIDS, there were no real consequences.”

M e d i a definitely encourages more sex, according to Dietrich.

“I think shows that have sex in them make it more socially acceptable, you think well they’re doing it so why don’t I?” she said.

According to Telfer, sex often replaces real life issues previously used by media.

“Sex is seen as a commodity, rather than sex as a very important part of life,” Telfer said.

Muscian Christina Aguilera

Pistons poised to defend NBA championship with Big Ben, new players, experienced staff Danny Carmack Reporter

The Detroit Pistons are set to defend the NBA championship this season. In the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Pacers, New Jersey Nets and the Miami Heat, with the addition of Shaq, are possible contenders waiting in line for a title shot.

The Western Conference has their corner of the ring packed with number one contenders such as San Antonio, Dallas, Seattle, and Phoenix.

“Without question; you have the Indiana Pacers and then with Shaq going to Miami now, it definitely makes them a contender. So, I would say Indiana, Miami, and you can’t rule out New Jersey as well. So, when you get past them, the western conference is loaded

the off-season are important to a team that lost Corliss Williamson and Memhet Okur due to trades and free agency. Williamson was lost in a trade to the Philadelphia 76’ers and Okur ended up with the Utah Jazz “I think that our bench is just as strong, if not stronger photo courtesy of espn.com Toronto Raptors player Jalen Rose, hits than it was last the arm of Detroit Pistons Richard year,” Lewis said.

Hamilton.

“Our team is going to with teams that could possibly be competitive, and you’re going contend for the title,” Cletus to see a good product on the Lewis, Pistons media relations basketball court every time you assistant, said. go to watch.”

The additions of Antonio Known as a blue-collar city McDyess, Derrick Coleman, and for all of the hard working Carlos Delfino to the Pistons in residents, the likeness of the city

is reflected on the basketball court by all of the blue-collar players led by a blue-collar supervisor by the name of Ben Wallace.

“Without a question, it [the team leader] has to be Ben Wallace. He leads by example; he leads by his play. He’s the hardest working guy on the court. I don’t care who he is going up against, he is going to give you 110% every time he steps on the court,” Lewis said.

“If they stay healthy, I think they... will be right back in the championship,” Charles Williams, MCCC student, said.

On November 20, the Pistons placed guard Carlos Delfino on the injured list with a bruised knee and activated guard Smush Parker.

Suspensions and injuries have

made the Pistons bench become more cohesive in the face of adversity.

“It will be nice to see Big Ben back after his six game suspension, which I think was well deserved. They did prove one thing, they can play without him, not as well as they could play with him, but they can play without him. Perhaps this is going to be the wake up call the Big Ben needs to check that attitude,” Jo-Meyers Dickenson, professor of English, said.

“Joe Dumars has put together a team and a staff that… he expects to go out there and contend for a title every year. So, anything less than that would fall short of the ultimate goal. Our goal is to repeat,” Lewis said.

Put on your gloves and take on the challenger, Detroit. It’s time to defend the title.

Comic store popular through the years Kelyn Dillon Reporter

On April 12, 1988, Donald and Debbie Grames of Monroe set up a shop for anyone interested in collecting comic books. Comics and Collectibles is located on 19 W. First Street in downtown Monroe. The store has action figure heroes painted on the glass windows. Also,

there is a room for Magic tournaments. The business has stayed in the family for sixteen years.

“My brother Brad worked [here] temporarily,” Grames said.

They sell comic books, gaming materials for Magic, Warhammer, Dungeons and Dragons, paintball guns, and sports cards. He also carries

vintage comic books from the 1930’s and 1940’s. His collection is considered one of the best in the state. Grames wanted to be his own boss.

“I like the idea of free enterprise… not having a boss was a big incentive,” Grames said.

His wife Debbie helps with customers and the details of the business.

About 80 percent of sales come from the college aged crowd, but the majority is male.

Magic is the most popular with the 18 and over crowd.

Adam Phillips, 20, is a faithful customer and likes the selection of Magic game cards. He has participated in several tournaments. Grames would like to see more sales come from women and children.

“[I have] the Japanese Manga and Drag-N-Ball Z comics, which is a book form of anime,” Phillips said.

He receives all of his new merchandise from large corporations such as New Comics and Magic Distributors.

He also gets DVD’s, video games, vintage comics, and some Magic cards from trading with customers.

December 13, 2004

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Asexuality: not just Tidings of for amoebas anymore Diversity Travis Seppala Guest Writer Jessica Bull is an 18-year-old high school student from Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Like most teens, she hears about sex… a lot.

Her friends talk about their sexual encounters and she has to

and Education Network (AVEN) at www.asexuality.org. AVEN was created in 2001 by 22 year old a man named David Jay. He dealt with the same thing as Bull.

“Everyone was discussing sex and sexuality, and I just couldn’t relate,” Jay said.

Jay began looking for information on his unique situation,

Perhaps it will not be long before the issue of ‘A’ pride starts attracting more attention.

Quoted from New Scientist Magazine, regarding asexuality.

“ ”

h

Feature

endure catcalls from the guys.

Bull, however ,does not partake in these conversations.

“For two to three months I was exploring my sexuality and trying to find where I fit in the world,” she recalled. “But nothing I came up that felt right. I realized why the different sexualities didn’t quite fit. I wasn’t interested in sex.”

It was then on the Internet Bull came across The Asexual Visibility

where he simply had no desire to be with anyone sexually. All he could find was information about plants, amoebas and worms reproducing without the use of sexual intercourse; a term called asexual reproduction.

Jay was not reproducing asexually. The term asexual, however, seemed to fit right. He was not sexual after all and since “a” can be used as a pre-fix

meaning not, the term asexual stuck.

The only information on humans having no sex drive was found in a medical journal of mental disorders. The term used was “Hypoactive Sexual Desire,” in which a person had little or no sex drive and hence doesn’t find people of either gender to be sexually attractive.

Nicole Prause, a graduate student at Indiana University says that it is not, however a disease.

“People are using it as a sexual orientation,” she said.

Jay decided that there must be others like him, and he went to work founding AVEN. The homepage announces, “Asexual: A person who does not experience sexual attraction.”

Jay’s idea was to get information about asexuality out to the public.

“While sexual people are shown a multitude of ways to live a life which involves sex, most asexual people find very little information on how to live life without it. We (AVEN) provide

a safe space for asexual people to discuss our experiences in our online forum, and actively organize for the recognition and acceptance of asexuality.”

Thanks to AVEN, Bull was able to discover that there was not only a term for her lack of sexual desire, she found that she’s not alone.

“There are millions of asexuals scattered about the planet,” Geraldin Levi, cofounder of The Asexual Society, said In fact, a sex study performed by Anthony Bogaert, a psychologist and human sexuality expert, shows that as much as one percent of the population is asexual, roughly 70,000,000 asexuals. This number is almost as high as the three percent that are homosexual.

Many people think asexuality is celibacy. This is, however, a misconception. The difference is that while celibate people choose to refrain from sex,

see “Asexuality,” page 11

Young college student fills schedule with competitions, class, job, studying Jackie Pacheco Assistant Editor

t d It’s another busy lunch hour at y Monroe County Community College as students try to shove their way through the masses to order t something to eat.

You elbow your way between two boys argueing over the latest r video game and find yourself beside a short girl with one of the d prettiest smiles you’ve ever seen.

“Hi,” she said.

Her name is Bailey Vaslo, full time MCCC student. The r clincher? She’s only 16 years old.

Over 4,100 students roam the buildings and halls of MCCC, and almost every single one deals with the struggles of pricey lunch menus, long classes and late homework. Seeing Bailey’s face in the crowd, you wouldn’t think she was any different from anybody else.

But she is.

As you get to talking with her, you’re stunned at how this kid, just shy of 17, can be so ahead of her game. For starters, her age. How did she end up in college so soon?

“I was home schooled from sixth grade to ninth grade, so I got way ahead. Then I went to Jefferson for a little while, but I went back to home schooling and

finished high school early,” Bailey said.

Now she’s enrolled in four classes with a total of 14 credit hours. But that’s not all the time she spends on school related activities. Bailey is a member of MASS (math and science society) and regularly attends the weekly meetings.

She’s involved in a study group that meets at least once a week and she also spends about three hours every day doing homework.

“I have political science, chemistry, calculus, and English composition I. It’s tough, but that’s what I’m taking,” she said.

“Mondays are probably my busiest days. I also have a job at Magic Wok and work sometimes up to 25 hours a week. I’m always doing something. I have a boyfriend that I only can see about once a week because I’m so busy,” Bailey said.

Sounds like a hassle.

“Yeah, I also don’t have a car.

I never even had time to get my license and besides that, it’s so expensive to drive now. My parents or a friend take me everywhere I need to go; to school, work, physical therapy and practices.”

Practices?

“I’m a cheerleader for the Ply-

Agora photo by Jackie Pacheco

Bailey Vaslo, a 16 year old MCCC student, sits at a table in the cafeteria doing her math homework during her lunch br eak. Vaslo is cur r entl y enr olled full-time.

mouth Eurostars. We’re a competition cheerleading team and we get to travel to so many places, like Florida or Columbus. That’s why I have physical therapy three times a week; I broke my leg awhile ago doing a stunt,” Bailey said.

“People are always amazed when they find out that’s how I broke my leg because they think it’s just cheerleading. But we do hard stunts and stuff all the time.”

Not only is Bailey involved in competitive cheerleading, she also lifts weights about three times a week. Her partner at the gym?

Her own mom, an intermediate body builder.

“I don’t know how I have time to do all this, I just make time. I have a career plan — I want to transfer to either University of Michigan, Michigan State or Central Michigan and be a pediatric oncologist to take care of sick kids with cancer, leukemia or blood diseases,” she said.

Now, as you’re standing at the cash register paying for your lunch, you breathe a sigh of relief that your life isn’t quite as hectic as Vaslo’s, the small girl with enormous dreams.

Kelyn Dillon Reporter

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. That is a familiar phrase heard during the holiday season, but what about wishing someone a happy Chanukah, or a prayerful Ramadan? What about the Indian New Year?

There is an estimated 7,000,000 Jewish citizens in the United States according to the Adherents World Religion Census. Many still practice the 2300 year old tradition of Chanukah. Chanukah this year starts December 7 and lasts until the 15 th. In the Hebrew calendar, Chanukah starts on the 25 th day of Kislev.

Chanukah is a celebration of the early Jews and their triumph over the Syrian army. There are specific rituals such as the lighting of the menorah and giving and receiving gifts. A lot of time is devoted to friends and family.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. It is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar. It is believe to be the month when the Quran was sent down from heaven.

Many already know that Ramadan is an entire month devoted to fasting.

Muslim families are allowed small meals after sunset. Before the meal, a special prayer, or iftar, is said. After the meal, friends and family are invited over for some quality time.

Ramadan is mostly a time for prayer and spiritual reflection.

Finally, Hinduism is concentrated in northern and central India, but it is becoming increasingly popular in America. The biggest holiday in the Hindu faith is the Indian New Year. It is celebrated in the middle of November and lasts four days. Ashwin Shah is a Monroe county resident and has practiced Hinduism his entire life.

“It [the Indian New Year] is a celebration of women in their support of the men going off to war.”

The symbol for the holiday is the Ohm, which is a symbol for prayer. The symbols for all three holidays are close relationships with friends and family and an intense devotion to prayer.

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Flashback: We

Anyone alive during the 80s knows it almost impossible to forget the impact mu American culture.

Entertaining an extraordinary era Jackie Pancheo Assistant Editor

Aside from being the birth era of many Monroe Country Community College (MCCC) students, the 1980s set the tone for many trends still around today.

It was the phase of the Brat Pack; a group of eight young actors and actresses moving up in the entertainment industry. Molly Ringwald, Demi Moore, Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Rob Lowe, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy and Andrew McCarthy paved the way for many young stars who would follow in their footsteps over the years. Many of their movie hits are still popular today, such as The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink and Sixteen Candles.

In 1982, Drew Barrymore The Simpsons first appeared o “The Breakfast Club” stars five members of the famous “Brat Pack.” In the film made her debut and wowed au- 1989. they wear many popular styles of the mid 1980’s. diences in the movie E.T., a highly praised flick about an extraterrestrial that found his way to earth and the children who help him return to space.

“As far as movies went, they were way more fluffy in that time. Nowadays, movies are science fiction and action packed, Taryn Kapp feet if it was a hot days, and your feet got like the Matrix,” Lisa Scarpelli, instructor of geosciences, said.

On a musical note, Madonna was busy revolutionizing music Editor-in-Chief sweaty,” Becki Maddux, student, said. with daring songs such as “Like a Virgin” and “Material Girl” that When it came to clothes, leggings were hot were oozing with sexual innuendo. and layers ruled. The leggings came in every The big shoulder pads, big belts, and big hair “I love Madonna. She’s a genius entertainer that knows how to color and were complimented by scrunchy that were, well, big in the 1980s have doomed use sex appeal as a way to make money,” Jean Bryant, MCCC ankle boots. Loose, oversized shirts that were the decade to an endless stream of fashion jokes. student said. cut around the neckline were worn over tank While the style of the ’ 80s was certainly original, At the closure of the ’80s, the band Nirvana also began the era tops to recreate the “just at the gym” look. it touched everyone in some way or another. where “grunge” became popular — most accredited by the dirty, Girls had so much to choose from, no Accessories made the ensemble in the ’80s. ripped jeans and long hair two ensembles were the same.

No outfit was complete without a Swatch watch, that became in style.

“The outfits were crazy. One day I Other big names in the which came in a million different colors and could try to look like a ballet dancer 1980’s were New Kids on designs. Bangle bracelets, the ones that came in just coming from her workout and the the Block, Michael Jackson, 10-15 in a pack, were also popular. To “wear next day I was sporting acid washed Beastie Boys, Fleetwood them right,” they had to be worn all at one time. jeans with an Angora sweater. And that Mac, Guns N’ Roses, Kiss, “I remember I used to overdo the bangle was ok,” Kathy Marshall, student, said.

Metallica, Pink Floyd, bracelets, but I loved them. I wasn’t just wearing Boys’ fashions were on two Queen, Tom Petty, U2, ten of them, I was wearing 25-30 all at once. different sides of the spectrum. One Van Halen.

You weren’t cool if you didn’t do it like that,” side was the ultra-preppy and jock look.

“I think a lot of musiJulie Hand, student, said.

Everything matched with trademark cians try to mimic the styles Slap bracelets were also a must have. The items like Izod brand polo shirts. The used by bands in the ’80s. eight inches of neon-covered plastic were seen polos matched the shorts, which Bands or people that were on girls of all ages. However, some elementary matched the band on the socks. Then around through that time, schools banned them because they were a there was the punk look, which the rock like Alice Cooper, are still potential hazard. Other frequently worn stars created. This included chains, being copied today by accessories included belts (the thicker, the better), excessive jewelry, and bright colors.

Marilyn Manson and others slouch socks, and jelly shoes. like him. Alice Cooper had “Jelly shoes were worn past the ’80s. I’m the original shock value that only 19, and I remember wearing them when I Photo courtesy movies.yahoo.com see “Bigger,” page 11 so many bands are trying to In 1982, Drew Barrymore made her was five years old. The only bad thing about recreate,” Bryant said. acting debut as Gertie in “E.T.” them was that they were hard to take off your

Bigger was better

December 13, 2004

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love the awesome ’80s

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ullets, the “Brat Pack,” Madonna, Rubik’s cubes, and the Challenger had on

Phenominal

developments Veronica Terry

Page Editor The Rubik’s Cube, Microsoft, cell phones, The Simpsons— all products of the ’80s. The 1980s paved the way for many of the gadgets and phenomena that continue to occur to this day.

“In 1980, Ronald Reagan was elected US President with George Bush as vice president. Reagan won 489 electoral votes to 49 for President Jimmy Carter. [Reagan] and [Bush] took office January 20, 1981,” according to www.eightyeightynine.com.

Sixties and seventies icon Photo courtesy of Andera poteet.

John Lennon was shot and All seven crew members on the Space Shuttle Challenger were killed January 28, 1986 as killed in New York by Mark America watched.

Chapman in 1980. The death of the Beatle hit the nation hard. Lennon was only 40 when he was brutally slain.

Photo courtesy www.kjm.org. exploded during its tenth launch into orbit. All Early in the ’80s, Atari on the Tracy Ullman Show in Susan Rhodes seven astronauts aboard the shuttle were killed. was released. Atari was an Page Editor Challenger’s maiden voyage was on April 4, 8-bit video games system 1983. A few months later on June 18, Sally Ride with games such as Missile Command and Asteroids with no In the early 1980s, the personal computer (PC) became the first American woman in space aboard way to save. According to millionaireplayboy.com, Jakks Pacific changed the way in which business, homework, and the shuttle Challenger. has released a 10-in-1 system that allows users to plug the games On October 5, 1984, Challenger carried two communication is done with others. into their newer systems, while still getting that 1980s nostalgia The first generation of microcomputers, which American women to space for the first time. At vibe. appeared in the early 1970s, was a technological that time, Kathryn D. Sullivan became the first In September of 1989, Matt Groening played 5 short films breakthrough. Bill Gates and his Microsoft technology American woman to make a space-walk. featuring The Simpsons at The Second Animation Celebration.

Nuclear power generated kilowatts for the simplified usage of computers in the early’ 80s.

They had originally been seen on The Tracy Ullman Show, but The popularity of PCs for personal and business masses were the answer to the energy shortage the festival made them a hit. use increased dramatically in the 1980s. Lower costs, in the 1980s. In America, it was the Three Mile “In 1989 easy to use programs, and the Island accident that put us on the nuclear F o x beginning of the information super meltdown map. commissioned In 1986 the historical city of Chernobyl almost highway increased the necessity of nearly every household to have wiped itself off the map when on April 26, 1986; a whole a computer for work, school, and an explosion rocked the nuclear power plant series: 13 fulllocated 12 miles south of the city. chatting with friends. l e n g t h Clouds of radioactive particles were released “I want my MTV,” was also a episodes. The into the air, several damaged containment units cultural phenomenon of the early animation was leaked radioactive matter, and more than 100,000 1980s. still a little MTV first broadcast in New people were evacuated from the city and crude, but the York City in 1981, and became an surrounding areas in the contaminated zone. show was a The fall of the Iron Curtain and the end to the instant success with its Video huge hit Jockey’s introducing the latest Cold War finished the decade. The term Iron nonetheless,” bands to their fans, in their living Curtain refers to the boundary line, which divided a writer Europe into two separate areas of political rooms. www.doheth.co.uk In 1984, MTV produced its influence. said.

Eastern Europe was under the influence of own awards show, “The MTV The ’80s the communist Soviet Union, and Western Europe Video Music Awards.” gave the ’90s By the mid 1980s, MTV’s was under the United States’ democratic hope for programming included heavy- influences. better fashion Photo courtesy www.entremundos.org metal and rap music as well as The Iron Curtain served to keep people in and a n d Former Hollywood actor Ronald Reagan was President of the information out. The 40 year barrier had finally cartoons, reality shows, and United States from 1981-1989. entertainment, crumbled enabling East to meet West on neutral comedy skits to their schedules. while clearing a path for advances in technology. Many have In 1985 a spin-off of MTV, VH1, was introduced to the ground. referred to the decade as a menagerie of mistakes, when in world. VH1 featured more music videos than MTV. On January 28, 1986, millions of Americans reality, it has brought with it some amazing developments and watched in horror as the Space Shuttle Challenger discoveries that we’ll no doubt depend on for a long while.

Globetrotting:

International 80s Events

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December 13, 2004

Humanity, compassion prevail Andrea Poteet Copy Editor

Pennie Iott, Monroe County Community College ( MCCC) student, couldn’t imagine she’d have a relationship with Meleny Woy two years ago.

On December 13, 2002, 16 year-old Meleny Woy, upset from a fight with her mother, lost control of her car and hit Phil Iott’s car, killing him. Phil was Pennie’s husband of 28 years.

After initial feelings of disgust and anger, Iott began to feel sorry for Woy. “It could have been me, it could have been my daughter,” Iott said.

She attributes her forgiveness of Woy to her husband and God. “If I would let God do it [forgive Woy] through me, he would,” she said.

“I gave the yes, and God did the rest.”

Woy was convicted of negligent homicide and ordered to perform 600 hours of community service, a sentence she is still serving. As part of the Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ) program, she

photo courtesy of Valerie Tobias, Monroe Evening News

Pennie Iott (left) and Melaney Woy (right) speak at a high school after Woy killed Iott’s husband in a car accident in December of 2002.

and Iott teamed up to make public appearances to tell their story.

BARJ, a part of Monroe County’s juvenile justice system, is meant to show juveniles charged with crimes the direct results of their actions.

According to their website, www.mibarj.org, “BARJ…is a philosophy based on the premise that repairing harm, reducing

risk, building competency and collaborating with the community, especially victims, offers the best promise of helping people learn to lead productive lives within the law.”

“I would have never seen myself doing this…but I think it’s a wonderful program,” Iott said.

“It makes reparations in the only way you can.”

Iott said her relationship with Woy has helped her to also heal.

“It’s a very healing thing for both of us to work together,” she said.

“When people find out about that, it’s like ‘wow,’ it’s wonderful,” Macomb County Deputy Sheriff Rich Mitrak, who has been present at several of Iott and Woy’s speaking engagements, said.

“Her relationship with Meleny is beneficial to them both,” Iott’s daughter, Sarah, said.

Iott also credits her husband with her ability to forgive Woy. She is sure he would have gladly given his life to save Woy’s had the roles been reversed.

“He would have had a hard, hard time living,” she said.

Iott and Woy speak on the phone frequently and Iott appears at Woy’s court dates.

They also attend prayer groups and church functions together.

“There’s a mutual respect that they have for one another,” Nancy Dietrich, Iott’s friend and member of her church, said.

“It evolved into a great friendship,” Iott’s mother Norrine Raymo, said. “It’s very natural.”

“She developed some hatred in the beginning and turned it into love,” her father, Jim Raymo, said.

Iott recently started a college scholarship in her husband’s name for juveniles in the BARJ program. Donations can be made through the Foundation at MCCC.

Midwivery making a comeback Temperance now offering home-style birthing center Terri McConnaughey Copy Editor Midwifery dates back to Greek and Roman times, and is mentioned in the Bible. The word midwife translated in English means “with woman.”

Mother’s Own Birth Center in Temperance, owned by Linda Johnson, Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), has been open

center looks as comfortable as a county home. One room holds books and information about the birth process and is used for mother support meetings, prenatal yoga and other pregnancy related classes.

There is a massage room, and a quiet bedroom for expectant mothers to be able to nap.

The birthing room contains a double bed, and large tub for

Agora photo by Terri McConnaughey

A water birth is one of the many options offered by Mother’s Own Birth Center to expectant mothers.

for three years and has assisted with approximately 55 births.

“I would rather go to a birthing center someday, because I don’t like hospitals in the first place,” Ashley Oloshone, Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student said.

The outside of the building looks like any other office

labor or delivery. Clients are encouraged to bring any items from home to personalize the space. Only people who are invited to be part of the birth are allowed in the room.

“Some of the families who come here want that first little bit of time when it’s just going to be the three of them. Some people want their kids here. We

and they usually do fine with it,” Johnson said.

The center encourages complete freedom of movement during labor and delivery.

Parents eat or drink as they wish.

Water birth is available. They do not use IV’s. After the birth, cord cutting is delayed—there is no separation of the baby from its parents.

Bet and Phil LaPoint plan to use the center for the delivery of their first child. Bet worked as a nurse for an obstetrician, and did not like the indifference shown to women by their doctors in hospital settings. She conducted extensive research when deciding what type of birth she preferred and has high hopes for a water birth. Three free massages are included in the prenatal phase. These are given

by Shelly DeMeo, Licensed Massage Therapist, who is also licensed in pregnancy massage.

She can attend the birth, if the client would like her services.

“Shelly rubs your feet, back, hair, everything,” LaPoint said.

The cost for use of the facility and the professional fees of the midwives is $3,500. Extra costs include an ultrasound or lab work, which is conducted

“We don’t have any narcotics like Nubane or Demeral.

Sometimes women ask for pain medication because they are afraid they aren’t going be able to cope. We prove to them that we are going to be right there.

If they honestly think something is wrong and they really want pain medication, I’m going to

respect that, and we can always just go to the hospital,” Johnson said.

“I don’t like hospitals. I think I would have less pain in a setting like this,” Amanda VanDusen, MCCC student, said.

Mothers Own Birth Center is located at1715 Dean Road, Suite C, in Temperance, Michigan.

Dennis Miller,Jr.

Pfc. Dennis Miller, Jr, a Monroe County Community College student and Mason High School graduate, 2001, was killed November 10, 2004 in combat in Iraq. The Agora staff sends

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Local band breaks mold Heather Wilson

Reporter One Inch Brigade is a local band from Monroe.

They are made up of Andy Hayes, lead vocals and guitar, Andy Murphy, bass guitar, and Chris Capaul on drums.

as Pee Wee Herman. We also have Murphy jumping around like a monkey while playing his bass. I try to have as much fun as possible while playing the drums,” Capaul said.

The band has invited people to perform on the stage along with them.

“”

A police officer came up and told us after our performance that if we don’t make it in the music industry then he doesn’t know who will.

Chris Capaul, drummer

The band’s reputation of wild stage shows is one reason why they have such a vast local fan base.

“Our shows are outrageous.

One show Hayes dressed up

“I had a great time performing on stage with One Inch Brigade,” Tom Hulstmann, Monroe County Community College Student, said.

The band’s influences range from The Misfits, to The Sex Pistols, to Nothing Cool.

“I like their old school punk style, I think that it has a cool beat and it reminds me of all my favorite old school punk bands,” Hulstmann said.

Their CD is titled A is f o r A n a r c h y, B i s f o r Balloon.

“We got the idea as a knockoff of the famous A is for Apple, B is for Balloon,” Hayes said.

The band played a battle of the bands show at Dundee High School on October 30. They placed in the top five of 12 bands.

“We thought it was really cool. A police officer came

Agora photo by Heather Wilson

One Inch Brigade band members from left to right: Andy Murphy, Chris Capaul and Andy Hayes.

up and told us after our performance that if we don’t make it in the music industry then he doesn’t know who will,” Capaul said.

One Inch Brigade has t-shirts, CD’s and stickers available on their website.

Orders can be placed through w w w. 1 i n c h brigade.cjb.net.

Nintendo, Oakleys evolve ‘Sandlot’ brings nostalgicmemories Danny Carmack Reporter

Little kids aren’t the only ones who like getting toys.

Nintendo DS and the Oakley’s MP3 player are the hot new things for college students.

The Nintendo DS, standing for dual screens, offers a wide variety of options.

T h e

s n

k two three-inch LCD screens a come with touch capabilities and a the Pictochat software allows . users to text chat or draw s messages to another user.

Pictochat will also make a e DS that is in sleep mode be awaken by another DS that is in transmitting range encouraging two DS users to a game or to chat. An available microphone

port in the future will allow the user to be able to control the game with the sound of their voice.

The graphics engine produces 60 frames per second, and the 16 channel sound expands the uses for voices and music. A rechargeable battery and low energy expenditure allows between eight to ten hours of gameplay.

Game Boy Advance games are readily playable for DS. ” All told, the Nintendo DS is an interesting piece of hardware, and it is the most versatile piece of hardware the company has ever put out. The design is unusual...but the number of features crammed into it is certainly impressive,” Ricardo Torres, Gamespot writer said.

Oakley’s new wireless mp3 player is a new design that blends eyewear with digital music. Oakley Thump comes in seven color combinations and

two types: a 128 MB version and a 256 MB version with premium Oakley polarization for glare filtering without the haze and distortion of conventional

polarized lenses. A universal serial bus connection transfers music quickly and easily. An optimized audio engine gives an ultra-clean playback of compressed digital music files. It packs more song files into the memory without sacrificing audio quality. The integrated speakers adjust in three directions and when indoors the Oakley lenses flip up from the frame so that music does not stop.

“Due to the steep price, we haven’t sold any Oakley’s yet but people who normally buy Oakleys are use to the high price and with an mp3 player it’s like an added bonus,” Ken Savchuk, Circuit City associate, said.

Help! I can’t afford entertainment Andrea Poteet Dannica Michaud Reporters From gas to grub, books to bills, expenses always seem more plentiful than money to spend on them. But everyone needs to unwind, and luckily there are plenty of choices that won’t wreak havoc on the wallet.

One easy and inexpensive option is renting videos. For around $3.00, as many people that can squeeze into a living room can view a movie. The library even rents out movies and DVDs for free. Rentals

can also be kept for around a week.

For more avid moviegoers, some theatres offer more current selections at student discounts.

At MJR Southgate Cinema 20, a student rate is $6.50 with a student I.D. Another option is a bonfire. While the weather

is still chilly, a bonfire can create heat-and an instant party. The only equipment needed is a few logs, some matches, and of course marshmallows.

For Christmas presents that will keep friends-and the w a l l e t - h a p p y, a g a g g i f t Christmas party provides laughs and savings. Instead of spending a lot, a gag gift, especially one based on an inside joke; will delight them for mere dollars.

Budgeting doesn’t have to mean boredom. With a little price comparison, entertainment won’t break the bank.

VHS: Veronica’s Hollywood Scoop Veronica Terry Set in 1962 in Los Angles, the David Evans film The Sandlot lets viewers experience exactly what it would be like to be an 11 year old boy at that time.

Imagine: swimming at the local pool with all the neighbor kids and their incurable diseases, scoping hot chicks, riding bicycles. Most of all, imagine the baseball games.

The movie is about Scotty Smalls, a young kid in a new city looking for some friends.

He meets the guys from the Sandlot, a local rugged baseball field. They spend their summer playing some serious baseball.

On one beautiful day, something extraordinary occurs, an “omen” as the boys call it. Benny Rodriguez, the best ball player in the history of the Sandlot, hits a ball so hard it falls apart.

The other boys, including a nerdy kid, the fat kid from The Big Green, a couple kids who looked like they could have played the Lost Boys in the Peter Pan remake Hook

and some less important characters are amazed.

More than amazed though, they’re bummed because they can’t play ball anymore and no one has a buck to buy a new one.

The clueless Smalls decides he’s going to steal his stepdad’s baseball, signed by baseball legend Babe Ruth. With that ball, Smalls’ hits his first home run.

Ready for the catch?

Surrounding the field is a fenced in yard which is home to The Beast. Smalls, being the bright young thing he is, realizes who Babe Ruth is about the same time he realizes his stepdad’s going to kill him.

The boys figure that what Smalls’ pops would do to them is much worse than what anything the beast would do.

The boys embark on the adventure of a lifetime, trying one bad plan after another to get the ball back.

It turns out the beast is Beethoven on steroids and best friend to an old blind man, who replaces the autographed ball for a better one.

Smalls must come clean about his little indiscretion to his stepdad, but at least pops got a cooler ball.

This is such a great family film. It’s got sports, m o r a l s , h u m o r, g i r l s i n swimsuits, a monster— anything you want. It’s no wonder producers didn’t turn it down when it was “pitched” to them.

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Frankenmuth entertains all Terri McConnaughey Copy Editor

Located just an hour and a half north of Monroe and a few miles off Interstate 75 is the hamlet of Frankenmuth, Michigan.

The town was settled by German immigrants and boasts a bevy of activities and shops. The towns’ two main restaurants, The Bavarian Inn and Zhenders, dish out family style chicken dinners.

While driving onto Main Street, the first attraction is Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. Wally Bronner opened his first Christmas store in 1945, and the family has expanded the business

since. The building, and the grounds surrounding it, occupies a space equal to five and a half football fields.

Entering the store, eyes are astounded by the twinkle of lights. Children of all ages stare upwards, unable to take it all in.

Nativity sets from miniature to life-size are on display, as are hundreds of bulbs and other tree trims.

“The Christmas place is really neat, and a great place to go in the off season. Where do

you find a strand of lights in May?” Jo Ellen Locher, instructor of English at Monroe County Community College (MCCC), said.

Bronner’s is open 361 days a year, features over 50,000 holiday

items for all seasons, and has over two million visitors per year.

Shoppers find an array of stores just beyond Bronners.

Some include The Yankee Candle Shop, a German Black Forest clock store, Rau’s Country Store, The Cheese Haus, and Mac’s Fudge Shop.

St. Julian’s winery also has an outlet on Main Street which features free wine tastings.

“I love the cheese house, because you can try chocolate cheese,” Jennifer and Melanie Begeman said.

“Frankenmuth is awesome.

There is a ton of stuff to eat, from candy to cheese to chicken. You get to watch them make fudge and taffy. I have been going to Frankenmuth since I was a little kid, and I still love the place,” Bradley Celski, MCCC student, said.

The Bavarian Inn and Zehnder’s restaurant are in the center of town. Both are owned by the Zehnder family and serve similar dinners.

“I ate at Zehnder’s, best home-style eating! The chicken was awesome. The wait to eat was a bit long, however,” Locher said.

All-you-can eat, family style chicken dinners at Bavarian Inn cost $16.95 per person. The first

Agora photo by Terri McConnaughey

Visitors can watch fudge being made at Mac’s in Frankenmuth.

course is nudelsuppe, (noodle soup), accompanied by various breads, crackers and jams.

Next, coleslaw and three house made relishes arrive.

Soon after, wait staff hoist huge trays over their heads and bring them out to tables. They are brimming with platters of chicken, bowls of mashed potatoes, noodles with a butter

crumb topping, baked dressing, and gravy. Sherbet is served for dessert.

The Bavarian Inn hires many local college students.

“It’s the best, flexible hours around my school schedule, and we can switch hours...if we need to. They also are the best paying place in the area,” Eli Adams, Saginaw Valley Community College student, said.

Christmas Song Reveals Hidden Meaning Partridge in a pear tree Jesus Christ

In the song The 12 Days of Christmas, a suitor appears to be giving his love a list of strange gifts. In reality, the song serves as a symbol of the tenets of the Catholic religion. From 1558-1829 in England, being Catholic was a crime and this song was written to teach young Catholics about their faith.

Four calling birds The Four Gospels

Seven swans a-swimming The Seven Sacraments

Two turtle doves The Old and New Testaments Five golden rings The first five books of the Old Testament Three French hens Three Theological Virtues Eight maids a-milking Six geese a-laying The six days of creation The Eight Beatitudes

Source: www.all-creatures.org

Eleven pipers piping The eleven faithful Apostles

Nine ladies dancing Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit Twelve drummers drumming The twelve Points Ten lords of doctrine a-leaping in the The Ten Apostles Creed Commandments

New, jazzy albums spark Christmas cheer Taryn Kapp

Editor-in-Chief It’s amazing how the music industry continues to recycle the same Christmas tunes every year in different packages.

They are sung by every artist known to man, from the Chipmunks to Elvis Presley and everyone in between. Bottom line, Christmas music sells. Here are a few CDs worthy of consideration.

A fun CD to pick up for only $13.99 is Boogie Woogie Christmas by The Brian Setzer

Orchestra. The Brian Setzer Orchestra takes their rocking big band formula and applies it to the classic holiday music.

The almost overplayed songs of “Jingle Bells,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Sleigh Ride” are dominated by Setzer’s guitar. He also puts his own personal touch in the song “Jingle Bells” by changing the closing line to “Oh what fun it is to ride in a ’57 Chevrolet.” Songs such as these help the CD live up to its name.

Setzer slows it down with the song, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” a

duet with Ann-Margaret. Another welcome ballad is Setzer’s own song, “So They Say It’s Christmas,” which is the only original on the entire CD. His version of “O Holy Night,” recorded with a 30 voice choir, is truly emotional.

Next is James Taylor’s first ever released Christmas CD, simply titled A Christmas Album.

This CD is sold in Hallmark stores only and costs $6.95 after the purchase of three greeting cards.

While Hallmark has a history of featuring less-than-awesome

Christmas CDs, this time the company has outdone itself.

A Christmas Album features Taylor on all 11 tracks and is produced by jazzman Dave Grusin. A special feature is Natalie Cole on “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Others such as guitarists John Pizzarelli and Michael Landau are prominently featured throughout the album, as is Grusin’s piano.

The CD never strays too far from the soft rock feel, but it also has a bit of jazz added because of Gruslin’s influence. One of the

best songs on there is the bluesy version of “Jingle Bells.”

For those looking for a pop Christmas CD, take your pick from any big name. Christina Aguilara, Jessica Simpson, Destiny’s Child and NSYNC belt out the classics while also bringing original songs to the stage.

The cool thing about Christmas music is that people will listen to artists they would never otherwise consider. Get to the store and spend some of that Christmas green on tracks you know and love.

December 13, 2004 from “Asexuality,” page 5 Not all asexuals are young people, even though it’s a fairly new sexual orientation. Nancy is a 51 year old asexual, and she says she began identifying herself as such as early as 1970.

So, do asexuals date?

from “Bigger,” page 6 The only thing bigger than the outfits of the’ 80s was the hair.

People focused on one simple concept: volume. If it wasn’t teased, moussed, or feathered, it just wasn’t cool. There was

from “Forgive,” page 3 completed 12 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or better since reentering SMC. A period of at least five years has passed since the grades to be dropped were earned.

from “Degrees,” page 1 “[Entering into a partnership] is a good solution assuming you have space and cooperation. If that solution is not an option then why shouldn’t students have the opportunity to get a B.A. without the expense and transfer hassle?” Jeffress continued.

Some institutions fear community colleges will lose grip of the original mission of beginning secondary education, according to Nixon.

Ed Haring, president of Kellogg Community College referred to this phenomenon as “mission creep.” “[Mission creep is] trying to be all things to all people… [it] will significantly weaken our ability [as community colleges] to continue to carry out our

In the Mix

“Some form romantic intimate relationships, some do not,” Jay said.

Many do, however, and some even marry. Nancy, for instance has been married for the past 6 years. She and her husband do not engage in sexual activity, and she says he’s fine with it.

The same can be said of 23year old Esther Dail, who told her husband of her asexuality when they were dating.

“He doesn’t push me to have sex,” Dail said.

Perhaps sometime soon, people will recognize the new sexuality.

“If asexuality is indeed a form of sexual orientation, perhaps it will not be long before the issue of ‘A’ pride starts attracting more attention.”

For most asexuals, this is the plan.

“But I don’t think we need a parade,” Jay stated.

also the simple style of the side ponytail, accompanied with a brightly colored scrunchie.

“I loved teasing my hair. It was almost a competition between me and my friends to see who’s hair was bigger. Of course, washing it at the end of

the night was another story,” Michele Barnet, student, said.

Guys teased their hair slightly, like Kirk Cameron from Growing Pains. The Joe Dirt mullets, now considered the biggest hair mistake ever made, were also prevalent.

Whether we were a child, teenager, or even adult of the ’80s, we looked up to those who donned these styles. The fashionistas of today are poking fun at the divas of yesterday, but that’s all right. We loved it anyway.

The Ohio State University (OSU) online information offers students the use of the forgiveness rule for up to 15 credit hours. A student may only retake the course once and before they earn 90 hours. If the student earns a worse grade

the second time, that grade counts, not the higher grade.

“I wouldn’t object to the policy,” Katie Grochowicz, MCCC student, said.

Forgiveness policies are generally not accepted by other institutions. The forgiveness

only applies to the institution you are currently attending.

“Grades don’t transfer – period. Whenever you enter a different institution, your grade point average begins at 0.00; they only review your transcripts from other institutions,” Holladay said.

current educational missions successfully,” Haring wrote in September, regarding the Baccalaureate debate.

“Some colleges argue that if community colleges like Southwestern try to offer baccalaureate degrees in addition to associate’s degrees that it’s going to dilute comprehensive mission of that community college,” Nixon said.

“Because resources are limited, meaning … these are times when our state government is not giving us a lot of money, so what would happen then is they would probably have to raise to cost of tuition to afford it because they would have to hire more faculty,” Nixon said.

“When the general population thinks of college degrees, they

are thinking of the Baccalaureate not the associate,” Jeffress wrote about the debate.

MCCC students are included in that “general population.” A number of the students who get their associate’s degree here transfer to a four year university to pursue a higher degree.

The chances of MCCC offering its own baccalaureate degrees are slim. According to Nixon, the only reason MCCC would consider it, assuming the amendment would pass, would be if there was a perceived need. If, however, the institution would adopt bachelor’s degrees, the probability of tuition rising would be definite.

“There is no law that says the state must give us any money at all. So every year, when the

state authorizes the allocation for community colleges across the state of Michigan, we’re fortunate because we know there is no law that says they have to do that,” Nixon said.

“I take classes here because it’s cheaper than taking classes at the Sienna Heights campus,” Cupp said.

Sixty percent of MCCC’s funding comes from local taxes, twenty percent is from the state, and twenty percent.from student tuition. MCCC has the third lowest tuition rate of 28 Michigan community colleges.

Four year universities receive less funding from the state because the tuition is higher.

There is no exact figure for how much MCCC’s tuition could rise, but there is no doubt that it would.

Corrections

Agora

11

Reader’s Voice What does Christmas mean to you?

Jennif er Co x ennifer Cox

“Our family’s tradition is to go to my aunt’s house in Grosse Ile over the holidays. There are about 50 of us; all close and extended family members.”

Jer maine Lehr ermaine

“Christmas means the day Jesus was born and the whole present-giving situation is based on Jesus’ birthday.”

In the last issue, information was printed incorrectly in the story “Vending costs rise.” The article should have read that although vendors do determine the prices, if MCCC requests a change it is honored since if the vendors incur a loss, the college will make up for it.

Br yan De bus Bry Deb

Go Back…

Get Ahead.

EMU–Monroe at Monroe County Community College

•Nursing (R.N. to B.S.N. Completion) •Social Work Segue 734.384.6090 monroe@emich.edu www.ce.emich.edu

Eastern Michigan U

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To ffaculty aculty f, aculty,, sstt af aff, administrators and students: A note of thanks for your suppor acation. supportt during m myy vvacation.

Peace and health to all of you, my friends.

TTerr err elf er elfer erryy TTelf Professor of English

“Trying to make my family members happy. This year I’m giving up making a Christmas list — just get me something that you’ll think I’ll like.”

Agora 12

Spotlight

December 13, 2004

On No Novvember 9, the Industrial Tec hnolog echnolog hnologyy Di vision at MCCC put on Division a hands-on pr og ram to prog ogram hat is lik sho w students w likee show what to w ork in vvarious arious work tec hnolog ields. technolog hnologyy ffields.

All Agora photos by Heather Wilson