12-15-2006

Agora

The Vol. 49, Issue 4

December 15, 2006

MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

INSIDE

Contract unsettled District, MCCCFA fail to reach agreement, mediation unfruitful

Lisa Ghigliazza Copy Editor

Opinion, 2 & 3 The “12 Woes of Winter” as recited by an Agora reporter Agora staff stands behind newspaper and its content

Campus News, 4 & 5 Are you aware of the sign policy at MCCC? Find out more information inside Professor Cheryl Johnston attends english teacher convention in Nashville, TN

Feature, 6 & 7

Learn about the season’s hottest video game consoles Two MCCC students to attend World Series of Beer Pong

Entertainment, 8 & 9 Give a listen to this year’s “five best albums you haven’t heard”

Students and faculty members were given an opportunity to state their concerns at the November 20, 2006 Board of Trustees meeting. Speaking on behalf of the Monroe County Community College Faculty Association (MCCCFA), Roger Spalding, professor of physics & astronomy and president of MCCCFA, addressed concerns regarding the cost of the faculty’s health insurance policy.

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student, Lauren VanHouten, presented a petition to the Board signed by 294 fellow students supporting the faculty and urging a fair and equitable contract with no concessions. Nursing students Michelle Baumann, Tammy Ruttinger, and Beth Grider were also present.

Baumann asked the Board to consider the value the faculty at MCCC brings to the college academically. She and other students also feel they have benefited personally and professionally from the faculty.

Members of district and MCCFA negotiating teams were present at the Board meeting. The following week, mediation was scheduled with both teams and mediator, Jim Amar.

The MCCCFA and the district negotiating teams met with Bureau of Employment Relations mediator James Amar on Thursday, November 30, 2006, at 5:15p.m. The purpose: to reach a contract agreement. The teams met until 12:45 a.m., Friday, Decem-

Agora photo by Tonya Huffman

Student Lauren VanHouten collected signatures for a petition that was handed out at the board meeting on November 20. She also spoke on the contract issue and how students listed on the petiton were in support of the faculty.

ber 1 but no contract was approved.

“We had been meeting with [the mediator] in separate rooms and by 9:30 p.m. we had an agreement. So, to clarify what the agreement was the three of us (Randy, Jim, and I) sat down together. So, [Randy] took it back to [Dr. Nixon] and he said ‘No,’” Dean Kerste, associate professor of mechanical design technology and

chief negotiator for MCCCFA, said.

According to Kerste, the entire team, including the district’s lawyer, went back to the president to talk with him about the agreement; Nixon did not agree to it. The district team went back and forth between the MCCCFA negotiating team and President Nixon many times. Each time the result was the same, no approval by the

president. This continued until 12:45 a.m. when negotiations ended, at the suggestion of the mediator. Another meeting with the mediator will not be scheduled until after the holidays.

“At this time, negotiations for a fair and equitable contract continue,” Randy Daniels, vice president of student and information services and chief negotiator for the district team said.

LPN program stirs institution

How can the Lions improve?

One reporter gives his ideas

Charlene Hunt Copy Editor

In the Mix, pg 10 Check out the Concert Corner

Spotlight, 11 & 12

Outstanding students are recognized The spirit of the season is everywhere. See pictures of festive holiday decor

Agora photo by Charlene Hunt

Amanda Gerlach, a nursing student at MCCC practices a sanitary dressing on a dummy for her check off, which is similar to an exam.

Starting in January of 2007 Monroe County Community College (MCCC) will accept ten students to begin the newly administered licensed nursing practitioner (LPN) program. MCCC had an LPN program in the past but had discontinued the courses until recently. The program will require LPN students to fill 30-32 general education requirements along with additional coursework and appropriate prerequisites.

LPN graduates will be capable of successfully performing a large variety of tasks. Many procedures will require the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).

Also offered by MCCC are, the internet RN from LPN/LVN (licensed vocational nursing) associate’s degree program, nurse’s aid course, and the RN associate’s degree program.

MCCC is tackling the nursing shortage in this area by implementing and maintaining these programs, but some students notice the change has not been an easy one. MCCC will be starting the program off with 10 students, but plans to increase the number by next fall. This increase depends on how successful the program proves to be.

“This was more of a struggle for faculty to accommodate all of the new students as opposed to the students feeling the pressure of additional attendance,” 2nd year nursing student Elaine Arold said.

“The community perceives [the nursing program] as a worthwhile program. Our graduates are sought after,” Suzanne Wetzel, director of institutional advancement, and one of two administrators who spoke on behalf of the Department of Health Sciences said.

Wetzel agreed she believed much of the nursing program’s success hinged on Gail Odneal, the current dean of health sciences, and her leadership abilities. At the end of the fiscal year when her contract as dean expires, Odneal will become a full-time faculty member, a change which will affect the already changing Department of Health Sciences. Odneal declined to comment. “[Having a new dean] is kind of scary,” Arold said. “My experiences with Gail have been good ones. She was always sure to be supportive and seemed to have our best interests at heart.”

The position for the new Dean of Health Sciences had not been posted, as of December 4th, 2006.

Applicants for the position will have to demonstrate their teaching skills in a presentation which can be viewed publicly by the MCCC faculty.

Overall, the growth is not expected to injure the integrity of the program, even with more students being admitted into the program and the changing standards. “[It is] going to be rigorous,” Joe Verkennes, director of marketing, said.

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Opinion

AGORA

December 15, 2006

Book policy needs change

Robby Yensz Page Editor

For many college students, $200 is a hefty price to pay for something which does not fall under the utility category. For most, the last time $200 was spent on something they were not excited to buy was probably when the Fall 2006 semester started up. These students were most likely at the campus bookstore, where price gauging is abundant and selling back your used books is practically useless.

I have only been attending Monroe County Community College (MCCC) for one semester and I have noticed some of the books I bought from the bookstore are never really used in my classes. I apologize if this offends anyone, but I am personally tired of paying so much for so little. What makes it worse is selling these books back to the bookstore might get you enough to buy a double cheeseburger the next time you visit McDonald’s.

It is time to put a dent in the power the bookstore has over us. There is a way, we, the students of MCCC can counter this; we boycott the bookstore and start our own way of networking books.

If you think about it, it really would not be hard. One day in between semesters, we could take our books to a place on campus and set up an

equal trade-in value system based on the prices of books in the bookstore.

You don’t want that old math book anymore? Trade it in for a much more useful chemistry book. Say you had

a speech book, but it would not be worth anything when you trade it in.

You could take it to our book trading fair and receive a new math book for a discounted price.

It could work if enough students start caring about how much money they are blowing in the bookstore on books they hardly use. One more reason students might want to consider boycotting the bookstore is because right now the students are in a greater level of financial need than MCCC. If you do not agree with my whole trade-in proposal you can still boycott the bookstore by going online and buying your books from several different sites which offer severely discounted prices on the books you need for class.

From a students standpoint, it is still a much cheaper alternative than going to the book store and buying the much more expensive books. For heaven’s sake, you could at least trade books with another student you know who might need help financially.

The bookstore at MCCC is a helpful commodity at times, just largely prone to price gouging. Many students stand on the side of the student’s rights to purchse academic books which are affordable as well as helpful, not just convenient for the college.

So the next time you go to the book store, I ask you to at least consider my proposal. It might end up saving you a few bucks and you can help support the students in an effort to make ourselves financially stable.

I am sure all of this is more valuable than any double cheeseburger.

Twelve woes of winter Tonya Huffman Photo Editor

The first woe of winter begins with a sniff and a sneeze. Whether it be me, my brother or my mother, someone is bound to catch a cold. The wonderful trait about a cold is it spreads from one being to another as quickly as money is swapped in a supermarket.

The second woe of winter does not crack me up: ice. It is everywhere; on my car, the sidewalks and the roads. Ice causes my driver’s side door to stick and therefore refuse to open. Not only am I standing in the cold, but I am also looking like an idiot using both hands to forcefully open my door.

The third woe of winter involves one of my least favorite experiences as a driver; pumping gas in the cold.

The fact gas stations require me to stand at the pump and watch it as I freeze is ridiculous. Is the pump go-

ing to do, run away? I am inclined to believe this is doubtful.

The fourth woe of winter is crusty, cracked, and chapped lips. Who wants to kiss cracking lips? Not me! To prevent this, a device called Chap Stick is quite useful and rather inexpensive, yet always winds up lost in the wash. Bummer.

The fifth woe of winter I wish to complain about is darkness.

Why is it always night time? Why does night begin at 5 pm and end at 7 am? It makes me sad as I long for sunlight with each day; it slips further into the dark abyss.

The sixth woe of winter is snot worth running from because it will catch you and at the worst possible moment. The runny nose syndrome is hardly a blast as you calmly fill in the bubbles on question number seven of your midterm exam. It is impossible to hold it in and a loud annoying sniffing noise escapes, how embarrassing.

The seventh woe of winter is salt.

The road commission salts the roads and local businesses salt their sidewalks, which are wonderful ways to keep the ice from creeping in. This salt, however, has horrible side effects. These effects include crusty white film on the bottom of jeans, boots, and exterior of vehicles. Yuck!

The eighth woe of winter is heat.

Heat, you ask? Yes, heat is expensive and it also causes dryness. Dry hair and skin are results from the absence of moisture of the body. Lotion can fix this problem, but it is a slimy solution.

The ninth woe of winter causes everyone to appear as marshmallows.

Layers of clothing are a great way to keep warmth in and cold out, but after many layers are applied a marshmallow appearance may take place. Refer to a local Michelin dealer for more information on the term “marshmallow appearance.”

The tenth woe of winter is misin-

Chuck E. Cheese must pay

Funny? I still cannot watch Stuart Little without sobbing, is that funny? I have been in therapy for the last year, As a young boy, I loved one place is that funny? During next week’s sesabove all others: Chuck E. Cheese’s. sion, my therapist wants me to face There were pizza, games, and even my fear by wearing a pair of Mickey animals singing and playing instruMouse ears for a full five minutes. ments. It was truly a place where a No, nothing about my experience is kid could be a kid. Sadly, all my fond funny. memories of Chuck E. Cheese’s have I tell this story primarily as a warnsince dissipated. Now, I only rememing to those both young and old. Stay ber, “the incident.” away from Chuck The date was “[...] Chuck E. Cheese himself snatched my hat from my head E. Cheese’s. Forget May 18, 2005. about how tasty the My friend Me- and proceeded to mock me with the stolen merchandise [...] I can pizza is. Go to Pizza lissa Haener had Hut, they have cheese still picture that rat smiling gleefully at my expense.” decided to have baked right into the her 19th birthGary Knox crust. Forget about all day party where?

Reporter the games there are Yep, at Chuck E. to play, just go to Big Cheese’s. I could Boy, they have a claw hardly contain my excitement. I final“I thought it was kind of funny. I bet machine. If you want to see singing ly had the chance to be a kid again… it was a girl under that mouse suit try- animals, go to the video store and rent or so I thought. ing to flirt,” my friend Isaiah Turner Babe. Please, do not make the same Soon the party was in full swing. said. mistake I did. That rat is still out there, I decided to purchase a hat to comdo not be another victim.

Gary Knox Reporter

memorate my joyous experience. It was a beautiful hat, and I wore it with pride. Suddenly, something horrific transpired. In one malicious moment, my childhood role model, Chuck E. Cheese himself snatched my hat from my head and proceeded to mock me with the stolen merchandise, prancing around and waving the hat just out of my reach. I can still picture that rat smiling gleefully at my expense.

terpreted, but snow is not always a good thing. There are times when it is unwanted. Those include: making me late for work, forcing my Grand Am into oncoming traffic, and slush. Slush is cold as it seeps through my shoes and onto my socks.

The eleventh woe of winter is the Christmas season. There are people angry because their Christmas tree is dying since they put it up during Halloween, or someone said “Merry Christmas” which offended them.

Who cares, that is why I live in America where I can say Merry Christmas and have a special time with family. I hate the commercialization.

The twelfth woe of winter is sleepiness. All I want to do is sleep. My brain is thinking the animals do it why can’t I? After twelve woes of winter I’m afraid my brain might be right about hibernation. I guess winter will have to continue without me. What a shame.

Academic Integrity

Lisa Ghihliazza Copy Editor

The word integrity, as defined in The Oxford American Desk Dictionary and Thesaurus, means moral uprightness; honesty. As a student I pride myself on my academic integrity. I have never cheated on a test, plagiarized another’s work, or misquoted a source. I have worked diligently to maintain the highest level of academic excellence in all my school work.

Working as a member of The Agora staff has been no different. I have sought to investigate accurately the stories I have been assigned to cover. I believe in fairly reporting both sides of the story in an unbiased and impartial manner. I believe I have accomplished this in every story I have written, including the teacher contract stories.

Yet, I have recently been accused by some members of the Monroe County Community College (MCCC) administration who think I have not been fair in my reporting. Accusations of bias, manipulation by the faculty, editorializing, and unintelligent incompetence, are just a few of the things members of the MCCC administration have said about me. For example, it was alleged the figures I reported in contract articles one through three were inaccuarate, yet I got those figures directly from “Community College District of Monroe County, Michigan Annual Financial Report June 30, 2006 and 2005.” These allegations are completely unfounded and untrue.

I have maintained honesty, fairness, and unbiased reporting in each of my three previous articles on the contract issue and in this edition’s story as well. In an attempt to be fair and present both sides of the story, I have requested interviews from both the faculty and district sides. In the first story the district was more than willing to talk with me and share its side. I presented the facts as stated in recorded interviews. I also sought interviews with the faculty side, recording and reporting those interviews as well.

After the first issue of The Agora, the district side denied my requests for additional interviews which I reported in the third contract article. It was after this article, the MCCC administration began to make the allegations of bias and manipulation against me. I have continued to try and reach members of the administration to verify my facts and seek their comments to questions I have regarding the faculty contract. My attempts have been met with hostility and stonewalling.

As a student at MCCC and a reporter, I am disappointed with the administration’s lack of judgment and confidence in my abilities. I have maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout my academic career at MCCC, am on the National Dean’s List, both of the research papers I presented at the 2006 Land Student Scholars Conference garnered first place awards, I was the recipient of the George Rhodes Scholarship for 200607, and was one of two student’s from MCCC to be nominated to the AACC - Phi Theta Kappa - USA Today 2007 All-USA Community College Academic Team. I think my academic record and level of integrity speaks for itself.

Opinion

December 15, 2006

AGORA

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Agora stands behind articles A news article is written with facts, gathered by research and interviews of the parties involved. An editorial expresses the opinion of its editors.

This is an editorial.

The Agora is a student led and student run newspaper. As journalists, we work hard to uphold the journalism code of ethics.

The articles within this newspaper are written, edited, and placed by students. The newspaper is not and will not be censored, as we are protected by constitutional and student press rights. The Agora staff members are the only individuals who review the newspaper before it goes to print. All final decisions regarding the content of the paper are made by the editor-inchief and assistant editor.

Although we took a stand on the

faculty contract negotiations in our last issue by writing an editorial, we still report facts in all of our news articles. While working as professional journalists, our opinions do not stand in the way of reporting the truth.

According to various administration members, Agora reporters are being “manipulated by teachers who hold grades over our heads”, and are letting “disgruntled” faculty members put these ideas in our heads. Do we not have minds of our own? Can we not vocalize our own ideas? We, as students and journalists, have earned a right to express interests in complex ideas and investigate information we believe the public should know. Additionally, it is our duty to convey that information to our readers. We have chosen to cover the faculty contract issue because it is news that students

and community members should be aware of.

Please take note that in this issue of The Agora most comments made on the administration’s behalf are from Suzanne Wetzel, director of institutional advancement and executive director of The Foundation, and Joe Verkennes, director of marketing.

They currently act as “middle persons” between Agora reporters and President Nixon and the vice presidents.

Again, we mention that this newspaper is run by students. We take pride in the articles we write. Not one person can force stories or manipulate us, because each and every one of us has our own ideas and minds.

The Agora is our newspaper and like the faculty, we stand behind it 100 percent.

The Agora Editorial Policy

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

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

All letters to the 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

Giving shows appreciation Bethany Younglove Page Editor

MaGuire books dissappointing Charlene Hunt Copy Editor

I am quite the fan of The Wizard of Oz, and one day while strolling through the bookracks at Barnes and Noble, my eyes were drawn to a particular book with a brilliant cover depicting the Wicked Witch of the West.

I recognized the author and decided to give the fellow a shot. The author is known for being a revisionist of classic fairytales. He has published rewrites for Cinderella, Snow White and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, for example. Surely someone would not send a rewrite of my childhood addiction to the press if he had butchered it, right?

I snuggled in at home to read Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, by Gregory MaGuire. The book was published in 1995 and was such a success that it was promptly made into a musical which swept Broadway by storm. The story is centered around a misjudged girl named Elphaba, the infamous Western witch. The book is heavy in politics, culture, and ethical controversy.

Reminiscent of Orwell’s Animal Farm and even slightly of Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, the reader is led to believe that something complex is about to take place. I clung to every page, noting MaGuire’s creative ability and waiting for a moment when he would stun me with a brutal, unknown truth about misinterpreted Elphaba.

However, three hundred pages later, I was left in a pool of neglect. The most shocking aspect of the story includes a small chapter on Elphaba’s first sexual experience and the reader is provided with no other truly fun story line until the end of the book. Really, the ending itself appeared rushed.

Determined to be impressed, I then read another of MaGuire’s novels. The

sequel to Wicked targets a boy that may or may not be her son. In Son of a Witch, MaGuire took even longer to build a suspenseful, intriguing story.

In this edition, Elphaba is seen as an inspiration and a guru and no longer an oppressed, vision-clouded woman. Readers are reminded of folklore throughout both novels that they assume will tie into some grand finale at the end, but again are left without it.

MaGuire stays true to bringing politics and metaphor to high peak but lacks a little in overall ability to impress.

Many writers have set to revising classic stories. Valerie Martin tampered with Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in her book-turned-movie Mary Reilly, for example. Most revisions I have personally read have taken an unknown or villainous character and given the reader a new perception of the story, tweaking their curiosities and forcing them to put the two pieces of the story together. MaGuire has the talent and creativity, but he seemed lacking in gall. MaGuire read as if he were holding back throughout the span of all three of his books that I read. They were interesting enough to finish, but hardly worth the hype placed on them by critics.

Neil Gaiman rewrote the classic tale of Snow White as a short story and although he got more lewd and vulgar than some people enjoy, he was definitely out to make the revision his very own. MaGuire tries his best to accomplish this, but the reader is left so often with unimportant stretches of story that the thrill of the change dies off.

I recommend MaGuire’s rewrites to those who enjoy having something to read, but if you are a fan of these stories and expecting something monumental, then perhaps he is not for you.

I was disappointed, overall, but at least I have those pretty books to add

A principle I have grown up with my entire life is “It is better to give than to receive.” Over the years, I have found great joy and fulfillment in giving to others, whether it is a gift of my service, talents or material objects. As a Christian, giving is also something I am called to do. Second Corinthians 8:12 says, “Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you do not have.” I have learned from giving and it is not as joyful to do when you do not give eagerly.

I have also learned how to say “no” when I feel spent and I need to recuperate. One of the most enjoyable ways I have volunteered my time was

helping out with Agricultural Awareness Day at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. Young grade-school children came to the fairgrounds, went to different stations, and learned different things about agriculture. I enjoyed being an example and talking with the children, especially since I am planning on working with children in my career. Another reason why I love to give to others is because it makes them feel important.

I encourage you to find the joy in giving to others. If you have ever wanted to volunteer your time and energy, many organizations would be very happy to accept your services.

The most known agencies are the American Red Cross, the Michigan Humane Society, and the Salvation Army (yes, those people who ring

the bells in front of stores). But, there are many organizations out there not as well known that need just as much help, like the Motor City Chapter of the Women Marines Association, which need donations and help putting together boxes to be shipped to service members who are deployed.

Another institute which needs help is the Covenant House Michigan.

This house helps homeless and at-risk youths and young adults. Their, volunteers tutor and mentor the young people at this institution and many, many other things. If you would like to help, you can visit www.joboyroots. com/usmc.htm. for information on the Motor City Chapter of the Women Marines Association, or www.cevenanthousemi.org for information on the Covenant House Michigan.

Re-accredation update: Areas of oppurtunity Dr. David Nixon MCCC President

I believe the best activity for improving campus life is to involve students in the communication process.

Recently, the faculty and staff of Monroe County Community College (MCCC) embarked on a major strategic planning effort called Vital Focus as part of the college’s re-accreditation process with the Higher Learning Commission.

Every employee at MCCC met for one full day – aptly named “Conversation Day” – and discussed what mattered most at MCCC. Conversation Day was an excellent way to gather information from our faculty

and staff, but we also need to learn from our students.

Therefore, I am submitting a series of articles in the Agora to challenge students to follow the details of MCCC’s re-accreditation process and give me their opinions by e-mailing me at dnixon@monroeccc.edu or by stopping by my office.

MCCC’s HLC Re-accreditation Steering Committee has utilized the data from Vital Focus to identify six initial areas of greatest opportunity at MCCC:

Effective Communication Employee Partnerships Visioning/Planning

Budget Employee Training Decision-making Each area of greatest opportunity has been assigned a subcommittee charged with defining its area within the context of all the Vital Focus data and tying it to the HLC’s criteria for accreditation, the college’s mission and the college’s 2005-2008 planning themes and goals. These areas may be expanded based on information gathered from other MCCC stakeholders not included in the Vital Focus data.

Again, I encourage you to e-mail me your comments at dnixon@monroeccc.edu, or just stop by my office.

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AGORA

Campus News

December 15, 2006

Signage policy enforced on campus Ashley Braden Editor-in-chief

Truck cap for sale.

Freelance musicians wanted.

Need your computer repaired?

The bulletin boards at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) are plastered with signs and flyers.

There is, however, a policy regarding sign posting.

According to the MCCC Policy and Procedure manual’s 6.18 (c), signs must be placed on approved surfaces. Those surfaces include bulletin boards, sandwich boards, and tack posting strips. Additionally, all signs “must bear the name of the individual, organization, or entity sponsoring, and must bear the date on which it was posted.”

The policy also states that the college reserves the right to remove any sign that is not in compliance. If it has not met the aforementioned requirements, is over 30 days old or dated for an activity that has passed, is obscene or threatening, or “inconsistent with legal obligations of the College” it may be taken down.

Recently, Dean Kerste, assistant professor of mechanical design tech-

nology, was contacted by Randy Daniels, vice president of student and information services, regarding the faculty’s signs about the contract negotiations.

“There were complaints about faculty signs in the East Tech building.

[Daniels] called me and asked that the signs either get in compliance with the policy or be taken down,” Kerste said.

Following that, the faculty signs were updated to make them in accordance with the procedure.

Suzanne Wetzel, director of institutional advancement and executive director of The Foundation, and Joe Verkennes, director of marketing, said the sign policy is enforced campuswide, but is “complaint-driven.”

“Is there someone that’s walking around on ‘poster patrol?’ No. But if someone notices it, be it an administrator, a faculty member, a student, a visitor to campus, that would bring that to someone’s attention, then certainly it would be looked at; it would be checked to make sure it had the appropriate markings and the appropriate date frame,” Wetzel said.

Wetzel and Verkennes said anyone posting a sign on campus must follow the policy.

Agora photo by Tonya Huffman

Signs are posted all over bulletin boards around campus.

Employees utilize travel benefits administration, faculty receive different compensation for expenses

Tonya Huffman Photo Editor

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) provides travel benefits for all of its employees by offering a college van, mileage reimbursements, and expense allowances. The college owns two vehicles that are used for private transportation purchased at Monroe Superstore according to information received from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

A 2006, red Chrysler Town and Country van was purchased on April 21, 2006, by the college for $16,910, after a rebate of $3,000 the total purchase price equals $19,910. This vehicle was purchased for employee use for college business trips and errands.

The van can be signed out through the business office.

“That [the college van] is available to college administration, faculty, and student assistants if they’ve received

“We are encouraged to use the van if it is available, because that’s more cost effective, but if it’s not available we can use our own vehicle.”

Joe Verkennes Director of Marketing

the appropriate authorization to be allowed to drive college vehicles to run errands” Suzanne Wetzel, director of institutional advancement and executive director of The Foundation, said.

If an employee, whether it is faculty or administration, decides to travel in his or her own vehicle the college offers a mileage reimbursement at $.44 per mile. The college will also pay for gas during the trip as well as the cost of food.

“We are encouraged to use the van if it is available, because that’s more cost effective, but if it’s not available we can use our own vehicle.” Joe Verkennes, director of marketing, said.

The vice presidents do not receive a mileage reimbursement when they travel in their own vehicles, because

they are allotted an expense allowance of $9,000 per year. This figure is equivalent to 12 full time students’ tuition for one semester of classes at MCCC. Before July 2004 the college provided the vice presidents with a vehicle to be used for business, but not an expense allowance such as what is received currently. These vehicles provided were only for business use, not for personal use. Due to risks involved, the college changed to the plan currently installed.

“If you get in a wreck with a college vehicle the college is responsible. It is better to give people an allowance, because if they get in a wreck it’s their own insurance.” Tim Bennett, vice president of business affairs and trea-

surer, said.

The only employee on campus who receives a vehicle provided by MCCC is President David Nixon. A 2006, stone white Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 was purchased on July 6, 2006, for $21,592. After a rebate of $2,000 and a trade in of a 2003, fourdoor Lincoln for $12,700 to equal the total purchase price of $36,292.

The president’s vehicle is for both professional and personal use, and according to Nixon all colleges provide their presidents with a vehicle.

“They [MCCC] pay for the insurance and they pay for the gas and in the contract it states that it is both for my business and personal use. It’s all part of my compensation package.”

Nixon said.

Workforce development helps students find jobs Gary Knox Reporter

Walkin’ in a winter wonderland...

Agora photo by Tonya Huffman

Santa’s wonderland was held at the MCCC A-building on December 8, 9, and 10.

The Office of Workforce Development at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) offers students, alumni, and Monroe County residents free assistance locating job opportunities.

The Office of Workforce Development provides information regarding any available part-time, full-time, permanent, or temporary job position.

Student assistant positions are also listed through this office.

“Having a student assistant is good for the student because we are able to work around their work schedule.

Also, it offers real work experience which can be very beneficial for a student as they go out into the work force.

It is good for me because it lessens the workload and allows me to step away from the front desk and accomplish other important tasks,” Denise Howe, MCCC circulation public service assistant said.

All available job postings are listed

in the Corporate Community Service offices in room Z-286 in the new Laz- Boy Center or online at www.monroeccc.edu/ccs.jobs.htm.

Job seekers interested in utilizing services the Office of Workforce Development provides, may register by using the Internet Candidate Registration Form. To access this form, go to www.monroeccc.edu/ccs/candidateform.htm Once registration is complete, the office will maintain credential packets for job seekers. These packets may include: a copy of a detailed resume, letters of reference and recommendation, a copy of college transcripts, as well as any other information impressive to potential employers. Not only will the office maintain this packet of information, they will also mail or fax any information to employers upon a job seekers request.

“It is very rewarding to witness someone getting their first job and to see the work pay off,” Barry Kinsey, director of workforce development said.

Campus News

December 15, 2006

Holiday Hours LIBRARY Monday (18th) 8:00am-9:30pm Tuesday (19th) 8:00am-4:30pm Wednesday(20th) 8:00am-4:30pm (Closed 11:30am-1:00pm for Campus Holiday luncheon) Thursday (21st) 8:00am-4:30pm Closed Dec. 22, 2006 --January 1, 2007 Tuesday January 2-Friday January 12, 2007, daily weekday hours will be 8:00am-4:30pm.

We will resume regular hours on Saturday, January 13, 2007.

LEARNING ASSISTANCE LAB Monday (18th) 8:00am-7:30pm Tuesday (19th) 8:00am-7:30pm Wednesday(20th) 8:00am-7:30pm (Closed 11:30am-1:00pm for Campus Holiday luncheon) Thursday (21st) Closed Closed Dec. 22, 2006 --January 2, 2007 FITNESS CENTER Tuesday, December 19 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 20 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 21 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Friday, December 22 Monday, January 1 - CLOSED Tuesday, January 2 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 3 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 4 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Friday, January 5 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 6 CLOSED Monday, January 8 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday, January 9 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 10 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Friday, January 12 Winter Hours Begin REGIONAL COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY CENTER December 19 - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (for Compass Testing) Dec. 20, 21 - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (for Compass Testing) Dec. 22, 2006 thru Jan. 1, 2007 - Closed Jan. 2, 2007 - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (for Compass Testing) Jan. 3, 4, 5 - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (for Compass Testing) Jan. 8, 9, 10 - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (for Compass Testing) Jan. 11 - 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

January 12th - Normal hours begin

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Cheryl Johnston promotes reading Kristin Booth Copy Editor

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) has something to be proud of, Cheryl Johnston, assistant professor of English and reading, has just returned from a reading convention in Nashville, Tennessee. The convention took place over November 16 to 21, 2006 at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

“The convention was very lively this year. The people were very friendly and eager to share ideas about classroom activities. It was also a nice environment because there were teachers there who teach preschool up through college,” Johnston said.

At the 2006 National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention, Johnston explained the importance of reading and why young adults need to become model readers.

“It [reading] is a gift. It allows you to expand not only knowledge, but also experience. If you learn to read you can experience the world even if you do not leave your small community,” she said.

During the convention, she presented an overview of a parallel reading project that she and Mary Steinhauser, an English instructor and chair of the English department at St. Mary Catholic Central High School in Monroe had just completed. The project was enjoyable for the students at both MCCC and St. Mary Catholic Central.

MCCC students had fun over the past few weeks preparing for the project presentations. Students from MCCC were paired up with students

from St. Mary’s Catholic Central.

Each pair had to brainstorm over a book and come up with fun ideas on how to present the story in front of the MCCC and St. Mary’s classes. Renee Collier, MCCC student, enjoyed the experience while she participated in the “Read with Me” project.

“I liked the project a lot. I enjoyed learning to work with new people and learning what someone I had never met thinks about books. It made me interested in other books I would not normally consider reading. It also helped me realize what it’s like to be in front of a group of people I have

Agora photo by Kristin Booth

Chery Johnston promotes others to read as she browses through a book during one of her classes at MCCC.

never met,” Collier said.

The teams had a month to read a book they, as a group, chose. Then they had to create a book review, poster and presentation to explain to the rest of the class why they liked or disliked the story they read. The experience for Kellie Sulfaro, MCCC student, was not as pleasant.

“When we first got the assignment, I was excited, and when I met my partner at the high school, I was really excited. Then the excitement fell because my partner was not co-operative. Everything went down hill from there because he was not participating in the program,” Sulfaro said.

Sulfaro went onto say that because of unexplained circumstance, she and her high school partner were no longer paired up. This helped her with the project later on, but overall she was disappointed with the entire project.

“The whole experience was somewhat of a let down because I had set my expectations too high. I would have had a better experience if I had a different high school partner,” Sulfaro said.

No matter what the outcome, the project was a learning process. Students from St. Mary’s Catholic Central were greatly encouraged by their partners at MCCC. The outcome of the overall project was an experience in itself. The project was made possible because of the efforts Johnston demonstrates daily while teaching the class.

“She is a really good teacher and invokes different teaching styles. I never get bored in her class,” Sulfaro said.

MCCCFA files grievance Brian Ready Assistant Editor

On October 27, the Monroe County Community College Faculty Association (MCCCFA) filed a grievance against the college after faculty members from the Tech, Business and Science/Math divisions were required to attend a World Wide Instructional Design System (WIDDS) training seminar, a program designed to help teachers develop a common syllabus.

This was in addition to their regularly scheduled work days already listed in the previous contract. In the previous contract, the faculty were required to attend 15 additional days per year for

special training. These days are not part of the regular instruction days.

The mandatory WIDDS training session the faculty were required to attend pushed them over this years 15 scheduled days.

The administration declined comment on the matter because of Article IX, A. 4 of the Master Agreement between the Monroe County Community College District and MCCFA which states, “all discussions regarding a grievance shall be kept confidential among the aggrieved party, the MCCCFA representative, and the administration in the absence of the consent of the aggrieved.”

Dr. David Waggoner, Grievance Chairman of MCCCFA, also declined comment on the particular grievance.

However, he did state a grievance in general is a good “last resort to solve issues.”

Faculty who participated in the WIDDS training session questioned the logic behind the requirement of taking part in the seminar outside of their regularly scheduled work days.

“Because we do not teach that day does not mean we aren’t working that day. It’s not a day off,” Angela Evangelinos, professor of business, said.

Evangelinos and other instructors use Friday’s to grade papers, meet with

students, and handle any other classroom business.

The training day also hindered the students, according to Donald Kehrer, assistant professor of automotive engineering technology.

“Normally I work with the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineering) club helping them to build a race car on Fridays. That day the students were fabricating the front control arms. After the WIDDS training, I checked on their progress. I found they had made a critical mistake which required them to start over all again on the control arms. So, not only did I waste a day, so did the students,” Kehrer said.

Tech division proposes upgrades Request for expansion of building, technology updates

Danny Carmack Page Editor

The Technology Division at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) is looking to upgrade. It is in the early stages of proposing the construction of a new technology building to help alleviate some of the overcrowding in classrooms. The tech equipment is also in dire need of replacement or upgrade.

Classrooms are overflowing into the east tech building and equipment is wall to wall in some rooms.

“We need more room. Right now we are extremely crowded in the areas that we have,” Thomas Harrill, associate professor of electronics and computer technology said. “The equipment is jamming

the walls and we have a real problem with where to put students, tools, and things like that.”

Parmeshwar Coomear, dean of industrial technology, Harrill, and four students held a meeting with the heads of the administration, Dr. David Nixon, college president, Dr. Grace Yackee, vice president of instruction, and Tim Bennett, vice president of business affairs and treasurer, to plead their case for new equipment and to propose the building idea.

“Our need in the electronic department is immediate. Most of our equipment is very old; the oldest piece of equipment is from 1967,” Harrill said. “We are desperate as far as getting new equipment.”

Harrill mentioned the new equipment would be

put to use right away and would be easily transportable if a new building was built.

Tim Bennett, vice president of business affairs and treasurer, sat in on the meeting and estimated the cost of the new technology building to be around 15 million dollars. Half of the amount would come from the government and the other half would be picked up by the college. The idea of a major donation from a corporate sponsor like La-Z-boy, Dell, or the Ford Motor Company would relieve the college of some of the pressure of having to come up with the whole amount on their own “We may have businesses and industries that are willing to help out,” Bennett said.

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December 15, 2006

Back to school for choices Kristin Booth Copy Editor

People returning to college later in life has become more and more common in today’s society. There are many different reasons why individuals are returning to the college life. Some reasons include: financial stability, change of career, inspiration for their children or for a love of learning.

Michele Alvarez, Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student, has returned to college for reasons of stability.

“My husband works for Ford, which the future does not look good and one of us needs a reliable job with benefits,” she said.

Alvarez’s decision to return to college also had a lot to do with her daughter. Her desire to be a good role model for her child drives Alvarez to complete her college education.

She wants to be an inspiration to her daughter by going to college, and feels that her daughter has a large influence on her actions and thoughts toward school.

“The biggest reason for going back to college is my daughter. I want to be a good role model for her. If I did not have my child, I could pick up and go and do anything I want. But because of her, I could never think of quitting,” she said.

Deb Pearce, MCCC student, has returned to school for reasons of changing careers.

“My father told me to treat college as a job and that you should do your job well. I love school and I have a better appreciation for learning now that I am older,” she said.

Pearce had worked as a teacher’s aid for a local school district for 12 years. She has been attending college for the past ten years.

“I enjoy learning. There are so many new things that I want to learn while at college. There is an appreciation factor. I also have more respect and determination as an older student. If I did not have to work, I would go to school full time,” Pearce said.

Ken Mohney, assistant professor of anthropology, has noticed over the years that, in general, students whom have returned to college tend to take their studies more seriously and work harder than students who are just out of high school.

“They have a drive to complete their studies at college. On average, students who come back to college are more dedicated. They have seen life and have dealt with issues where their life does not go the way they want. They truly want their education,” Mohney said.

Alvarez thinks that women especially need an education. She feels that if there is a divorce or a death in the family, women who are uneducated are unable to support themselves financially.

“I do not want to be stuck and not

Agora Photo by Kristin Booth

Non traditional students are those who have decided to return to college after being out of college for several years.

able to support myself if something happened to my husband. I don’t want to uproot my child or sell my house because I am unable to afford the bills,” she said.

Both Alvarez and Pearce agree that they have taken their studies more se-

Assistant Editor

The saga that is O.J. Simpson took another bizarre turn in recent months when Simpson was set to release a book and air a TV special titled If I Did It, a portrayal of how Simpson would have committed the 1994 murders of his ex-wife Nicole and her friend Ron Goldman. Recently, the News Corp. pulled the book from newsstands and cancelled the planned TV special before it hit American households.

“I and senior management agree with the American public that this was an ill-considered project,” Rupert Murdoch, News Corp. chairman, said.

“We are sorry for any pain that this has caused the families of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson.”

Simpson, the former football star, actor, and announcer was acquitted in a 1995 murder trial of Goldman and Nicole Simpson, but was later found guilty of murder in a civil case. The latest development appears to be a sorry way for Simpson, who recently had to sell the Heisman Trophy he won at USC, to earn money.

“I think he’s wrong for writing the book because he’s putting doubts in everyone’s mind,” Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student Jake Luthy said.

“People may think that he did kill them, only to get away with the murder.”

Before the book If I Did It was pulled off the shelves, it was experiencing moderate success. It cracked the top 20 on Amazon.com, but had fallen to number 51 at the time of its cancellation. MCCC student Brad Gakenheimer believes the reason for the drop-off occured because the American public was tired of hearing about Simpson, and people may have realized that Simpson was going to make a profit from his possible murders.

“I wouldn’t have bought the book.

Who cares about O.J. Simpson? Besides, he would be making money off of a book in which he may have really been confessing to the murders,” Gakenheimer said.

Regardless why book sales dropped, this recent controversy created by Simpson continued to underscore his recent downward spiral. The Hall-ofFame NFL running back with great charisma and personality has now been reduced to a man just grasping to restore his public image. That, Gakenheimer says, is the hardest thing to fathom about Simpson.

“Its amazing how far he has fallen,” Gakenheimer said.

Video game systems popular, plentiful this year

Kirk Stoner Page Editor

The video game craze started in 1972 with a little black box, a joy stick, and a red button called the Atari. Video games and the video game systems have boomed into a multi-billion dollar business. Throughout the years many systems have been made and millions of people have enjoyed playing video games.

This year there are three new video game systems that have hit the market.

They are the X-Box 360, Playstation 3

Holiday programs on TV December December 16 – Lifetime 15 – ABC The Christmas Wish – 9 Family PM The Year without a Santa Claus 7 PM

she said.

Alvarez and Pearce also think they fit in well with college life. They agree that the best advice they could give any high school or early college student is to stay in school and persist until an education is completed.

Console crazy

Simpson show, book nixed Brian Ready

riously the second time around at college. Alvarez said that she no longer procrastinates on her schoolwork.

“In the real world, you cannot procrastinate when a report is due. It is due, and you cannot come up with an excuse on why you did not finish it,”

(PS3), and Wii. Microsoft started distributing the Xbox 360 last year, which was a great success. It is the second video game system that is made by Microsoft.

There are two different types of 360 you can buy. For $300 you can purchase the core system which includes the consoles, controller, and video cable. For an additional $100 dollars you can get your 360 upgraded.

This package includes: the console, a 20 gigabyte internal hard drive, wireless controller, headset, HD video, and Ethernet. It also plays DVD’s and CD’s. This system may be the easiest to find during the holiday season.

This season will be Sony’s third generation of video game systems.

The PS3 is the newest system to hit the market. Like the X-box 360, there are also two different types of console.

The first is available for $500 and it includes a 20 gigabyte hard drive and an Ethernet cable. The second includes a 60 gigabyte hard drive and a built in WiFi connection. For $600 you can get the upgraded system. Both systems play games from past systems including original Playstation and Playstation 2. There is free access to the Playstation network for on-line gaming and like the 360, it also plays DVD’s and CD’s. While unlike the

360, the PS3’s are very hard to find.

The PS3 is brand new and Sony has not worked out all the kinks just yet but a local Gamestop employee Jerry Cook commented on the console.

“It [PS3] has excellent graphics, they’re a little better than the 360.”

Cook said.

Nintendo has been around the longest of the three. The entire craze started with Nintendo’s first system.

Now as technology has progressed, so have Nintendo’s game systems. They have all changed drastically.

see "games,” page 10

December 19 – CBET Jingle All the Way – 8 PM

December 17 – ABC The Santa Clause 2 – 8 PM

December 20 – TNT A Christmas Carol – 8 PM

December 18 – CBET Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas – 7:30 PM

December 23 – December 21 Disney – CBS Rudolph – 8 PM The Polar Express – 9 PM

December 22 – AMC Prancer – 8 PM

Feature

December 15, 2006

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Students seek beer pong title Kirk Stoner Page Editor

Everyone has heard of the Major League Baseball World Series, the World Series of Poker and there is even a World Series of Video Games.

One competition you may not have heard of is the World Series of Beer Pong (WSOBP).

This competition is a five day event, held in Mesquite, NV just outside Las Vegas in the Oasis Resort & Casino. There is a $20,000 grand prize for the championship team. Each team has two players and they compete in a series of games against other teams from across the country.

Two students from Monroe County Community College (MCCC) will be making the trip to Nevada this January to try their hand in the WSOBP. Lester Marks and Dave Spence have been looking forward to this event for a while now.

“Right now we’ve been practicing two to three days a week, but once the school semester is over we are going to practice everyday leading up to the day we leave for the tournament.”

Marks said.

The two have played beer pong for

a while now and have gained a lot of experience through the years.

“We always win a lot games around here and are usually running the table for awhile.” Marks said.

The practice has paid of and now they think they’re ready for the big time in Nevada.

Marks and Spence can expect some tough competition when they get to Nevada. Last year’s WSOBP champion came from Ann Arbor, so the two hope to bring the championship back to Michigan.

The two chose “Pandemonium ‘07” as their team name. One thing is for sure, if they win the WSOBP championship, pandemonium will occur between the Monroe beer pong faithful.

After three days of competitive beer pong, Marks and Spence expect to be tired and a little hung over. According to them, though, a WSOBP championship title, a $20,000 grand prize and all the fame that comes with it, can cure any hangover.

For more information about beer pong and next years WSOBP visit www.bpong.com. Please remember: all WSOBP participants must be 21 year of age or older to enter.

Agora Photo Courtesy of Lester Marks

Lester Marks (right) and Dave Spence practice their beer pong skills to tune up for the World Series of Beer Pong. Marks and Spence plan on continuing training as soon as the fall semester is completed.

Students pay tribute to professors Kristen Booth Copy Editor

College students around campus have seen teachers across campus wearing red shirts, especially on Mondays and Thursdays. This is because that professors at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) are now making a statement. They are demonstrating to the students that they are giving us the best education and doing so without a contract.

During this time, students have begun being informed on what is happening at MCCC regarding the teacher’s contract. Many students feel the

desire to help their teachers in some way. Teachers play a large role in helping their students find the career that is best suited for them. MCCC has excellent teachers who have gone above and beyond the call of being a teacher.

Jessica Winger, MCCC sophomore, is behind the teachers completely on the issue.

“I am standing with the teachers 100% because if the college does not agree on a contract, they will begin to lose great teachers,” she said.

And for most students at MCCC, if you ask them if they have a teacher that has made a difference in their life,

they would answer immediately with a name. For Angie Underdahl, freshman at MCCC, there have been two teachers who have made a difference in her academic career.

“Dawn White, an English 151 professor, would stay after class and help me with any questions or problems I had. She was always smiling and very friendly,” Underdahl said.

Underdahl goes onto say that Dr. Joanna Sabo, political science professor, was also an amazing teacher.

“Dr. Sabo made class fun and interesting. She opened me up to the political aspects that affect me on a day

to day basis. She inspired me to vote in the election,” she said.

Since the teachers started going public with the contract, students are beginning to realize that their input is needed. Ellen Wolfe, a student at MCCC, is standing behind the teachers.

“They deserve to be paid worthy of their qualifications and the work they put into teaching. I stand with them,” she said.

Wolfe has also had a professor that made a difference in her life, Jack Staas, professor of psychology.

“He put psychology to work when

the students did not even realize it. He would spend time helping students and he would extend a project due date if something came up and you were unable to finish in time,” she said.

Many students at MCCC are now wondering what is going to happen.

They have seen the signs, shirts and buttons and are standing with the teachers and they have many thanks for the work that the professor’s at MCCC put in. Without the teachers, Monroe would not be the college it is today.

Local holiday festivities Bethany Younglove Page Editor

Agora photo by Tonya Huffman

Vermin invades Agora

The Agora room, L-202 was taken over by a mouse on December 9, 2006. He was found endulging in a bag of chips around 10am and hasn’t been spotted since.

Winter break is upon us, which means more free time. No more papers, no more homework, no more class time. Now, there are days filled with sweet nothingness, at least until January 12, when the winter semester begins again. What are you going to fill your days with? Shopping? Holiday baking? Parties? Maybe nothing comes to mind. Well, here is a list of the many activities around the Monroe area that may help inspire your mind.

There are always dozens of holiday movies on the TV guide menu, and if life is too busy to watch them at the scheduled time, the Monroe County Library System has a wide selection to choose from. According to the Detroit Free Press, some of the most popular Christmas classics are “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “A Christmas Story,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The new movie “Happy Feet” is playing in the IMAX theatre at the Henry Ford Museum right now and for those who would like a more religious themed movie, “The Nativity Story,” now in theaters, re-tells the story of the Christ child.

The Monroe Evening News gave a list of events taking place during the holiday season. The Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo is one of the many holiday favorites in our area. Last year, the Toledo Zoo had hundreds of visitor who came to the event. At the Lucas County Recre-

ation Center, the Children’s Wonderland is set up for all to see. Both of these events are running from now through December 31.

For those closer to the Detroit area, there is ice skating downtown at the Campus Martius Park. Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village is another great experience of the season, which is open from 6:30-10:00 p.m. Dec. 1517 and 19-23. Tickets are available through www.henryford.org. Another beautiful sight is the Wayne County LightFest. It is a four and a half mile drive through a light show with nearly one million lights. This drive goes down Hines Dr., starting at Merriman Rd. in Westland.

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and the Toledo Museum of Art are always offering special exhibits, some of which students can view for free with their student I.D. card. The DIA is currently running an exhibit called Anne Leibovitz- American Music now through Jan. 7. The Toledo Art Museum also has two exhibits currently running: In Stabiano: Exploring the Ancient Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite, running through Jan. 28, and The End of Mortality and Rememberance, running through Jan. 14. These exhibits allow people to learn about the many different views and concepts of death and the afterlife; as portrayed throughout time and in different cultures.

Agora Photo by Bethany Younglove

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December 15, 2006

Craig excels as new Bond Brian Ready

Assistant Editor

Even after 21 James Bond movies, the fast-paced action movie never strays far from its roots. From film to film one can find the 007 secret agent, a stunning Bond girl, and several explosive fight scenes that highlight the film. However, the latest version of the movie series, Casino Royale, adds several additional twists which makes this movie a unique blend of humor, action, and wit.

Casino Royale is based off of the 1953 novel written by Ian Fleming.

The film allows the audience to see Bond, played by virtual unknown Daniel Craig, in a new light.

Bond is introduced to the audience before he has attained his 00 status, and unlike past Bond movies, he is human. Instead of witnessing a beau-

tiful girl instantly falling in love with Bond, the audience witnesses Bond attempting to woo the girl, and in the process, fall in love with her. Bond also is the victim of torture during one gruesome scene in the movie, a sight unfamiliar to James Bond movie buffs which rarely see Bond in any danger.

The main villain in the movie, Le Chiffre, played by Mads Mikkelsen, also portrays a flawed man. Le Chiffre has a cut around his eye that weeps blood. Le Chiffre also runs a flawed organization and needs to win the $150 million dollar prize in a winnertake-all poker tournament or else his organization will be ruined. Knowing the stakes of the game, Bond enters the high-stakes game and plays Le Chiffre for the money and his life.

The development of more realistic characters in the movie, though, would not have been complete without superb acting. Craig plays a bril-

liant Bond, and although he does not posses the persona displayed by Sean Connery in the earlier Bond days, his performance is more than adequate.

Mikkelsen provides a nice contrast to Craig and fits the description of what a villain should look like with his cold, glaring eyes and mischievous smirk.

Perhaps the only flaw of Casino Royale was the performance by Eva Green. Green, who played Bond girl Vesper Lynd, seemed uneasy and nervous around Craig during the romantic scenes and never was able to convince the audience that she loved him, or even pretend like she did.

Casino Royale is a Bond movie that does not stray too far from its roots, but it adds enough new wrinkles into the plot to make it an enjoyable film to watch. With a brilliant performance

by Craig and Mikkelsen the movie certainly lives up to the 20 Bond movies made before.

Agora photo courtesy of www.agenturblog.de

British actor Daniel Craig plays James Bond in the 21st film in the series.

Jibbs ruins classic children’s song Charlene Hunt Copy Editor

This past fall, the evolution and sanctity of music died. Music, in general, is dying. Say goodbye to future generations of expression and admiration, because the music train just got derailed. There is a smudge on the virtual face of creativity, and its name is Jibbs.

I could point a cynical finger at quite a few musicians over years which have tainted something that had formerly been imaginative. I pondered its downfall in the late ‘90’s when LFO released their “Summer Girls” single.

I even rolled my eyes but gripped tight to my conceptual image of hope for something better when Lou Bega spat the “Mambo #5” at us. These songs were certainly a step backward on the talent-meter, but could they really be the worst?

Just as my intrigue for music was refurbished, I was struck directly through the heart. My eyes leaked, my heart wept, and my ears tried furiously not to bleed from the inside out. The world could tolerate boy bands, even love them for a brief period of time,

Agora photo courtesy of collegeclectic.wordpress.com

Rap star Jibbs gives his neck and back a rest by proudly displaying his low hanging chain.

but the phenomenon that is Jibbs was simply too much for me.

I would like to admit lots of people love and appreciate the rhythm of rap, but I am typically not one of them.

Naturally, since I do not listen to rap, it does not bother me. I try my best to mind my own business, and in all truth I can respect the kid’s persistence and morale. However, watching people in

their mid to late twenties grinding to a children’s song remake in clubs every night brought an epiphany.

The childhood sing-along song about ears that hang low, wobbling too and fro, has been transformed into a rap icon. “Do Your Chain Hang Low” all but destroys an already overly simplistic tune. And if the lack of supreme expression is not enough, this child is condoning the usage of absurdly long chains.

Chains which are platinum and gold should not be long and heavy – think of the damage they could do to your vertebrae! The physical repercussions of long hanging chains should be enough, but obviously Americans have their priorities out of whack.

One thing I personally love in a smooth talking rapper is his ability to rewrite children’s songs and make them a trend for club hoppers everywhere. The revision of a song which four-year olds usually sing not only screams originality and talent, but also the ‘artist’s’ skill at developing melody. It is vital to artistic expression that all songs are packed in redundancy and simplicity.

Music was one aspect of human

culture which never stopped evolving. Where we are rigid and closed minded, the melody which floats from the mind of a single individual has the power to say what millions of us could not put into words. Music has relaxed, entertained, educated, and inspired us for hundreds of years.

This is not to say rap is incapable of being artistic, respectable or even monumentally inspiring, just not the majority of it. In fact, the rap genre is hardly the only one which has rewritten already terrible songs and made them even worse. If this were not bad enough, we as listeners are constantly subjected to self proclaimed child prodigies which just happen to have a famous relative. Ashley Simpson and Little Bow-Wow come to mind.

The reinvention of songs like “Do Your Ears Hang Low” has shown me what Americans consider to be good music is nothing more than a trend, and a good marketing stunt. I am sure Jibbs is a good kid with great dreams, but he confirmed the slaughtering of something many of us held in high regard.

Do my chain hang low? No, just my head.

MSU, U of M seek identity in Big Ten Conference Kirk Stoner Page Editor

The Big Ten basketball conference is one of the more successful conferences in all of basketball. One team that stands out when one thinks of the Big Ten is Michigan State University (MSU). Michigan State has six Final Four appearances in history and a National Championship in 2002. They have two national championships since 1979.

But to expect another Final Four visit this season would be far fetched. After a first round loss in last years NCAA tournament to dark horse George Mason University, the Spartans were sent home early after

many experts predicted Michigan State to go far in the tournament. That game marked the final game for four of MSU’s starters, including Maurice Ager, Paul Davis, Shannon Brown and Matt Trannon. The only returning starter is junior Drew Neitzel.

This season, Neitzel goes from a player out of the limelight to the outright leader of this team, only as a junior. MSU starts Big Ten play against Iowa on January 4.

The University of Michigan basketball team has had some up and down season since their NCAA championship victory over Seton Hall in 1989. Inconsistency can best describe the Wolverines play since that time. But, the 05-06 season

showed that the Wolverines could handle the competition, even in the very tough Big ten conference. Wins over instate rival Michigan State and Big Ten powerhouse Illinois proved significant to the Wolverines season. Michigan did not make it to the NCAA tournament last season, but they made it to the NIT (National Invitation Tournament), and lost to the University of South Carolina.

The steal of this years recruiting class went to the Ohio State Buckeyes. They landed 7’0” tall 250 lbs. true freshmen, Greg Oden. There were whispers of Oden going into the NBA draft, but due to recent NBA rules changes an athlete must be at least two years out of high school to be eligible for the draft. So Oden chose the Buckeyes. In a recent ESPN.com article Buckeye coach Thad Matta commented on Oden and his play.

“When Greg committed to us I said

Agora photo courtesy of the Detroit News

Lester Abram and Michigan will look to make their first appearance in the NCAA tournament since 1998, this year.

we got the only big guy in the country who wanted to be a center. We’ve always said he’s got the highest basketball IQ.” The buckeyes are currently ranked

fourth in the country. Look for the Buckeyes to continue there dominance, and be in the thick of the Big Ten standings, as well as contend for the National Title.

A&E

December 15, 2006

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Top five unheard albums of 2006 Steven Sonoras Freelance Writer

Artist: Yo La Tengo Album: I Am Not Afraid of You… Label: Matador Yo La Tengo, Hoboken, NJ’s finest band, just celebrated their 26th anniversary with 12th studio album, entitled I am Not Afraid of You… The strangely retrospective feel of the new album is sure to please not only hardcore Yo La Tengo fans, but also lovers of rock, pop, and indie music.

The album showcases YLT’s abilities to craft soft, melodic, pop tunes “Mr. Tough,” “Sometimes I Don’t Get You.” Fuzzed-out guitar-rockers “Pass The Hatchet,” I Think I’m Goodkind,” and atmospheric, minimalist songs “The Room Got Heavy, Daphnia.”

Artist: Tapes ‘n Tapes Album: The Loon Label: Ibid The Loon, the debut album by Tapes ‘n Tapes, seemed doomed to underground obscurity, until a wave of internet buzz made it one of the indie-rock scene’s most acclaimed gems. The album is ripe with complex, high-energy pop masterpieces influenced by such underground idols as Pavement, Modest Mouse, and Pixies. The Loon is an unpretentious work of genius which should catch the ear of even the most demanding music lover.

Artist: Neko Case Album: Fox Confessor Brings the

Flood Label: Anti Neko Case, non-touring member of the New Pornographers, released her fifth solo album in March to both critical and newfound commercial success. Fox Confessor Brings the Flood eerie alt country ballads with roomfilling reverb and top-notch musicianship from members of the Sadies, Calexico, and The Band. Neko Case has crafted her fines achievement with Fox Confessor. The singer-songwriter has never sounded so dark and powerful, as on album tracks such as “The Needle Has Landed” and “Margaret vs. Pauline.” The album has finally gained Neko a well-deserved place in music’s mainstream.

Artist: New York Dolls Album: One Day It Will Please Us

to Remember Even This.

Label: Roadrunner

Artist: Built to Spill Album: You In Reverse Label: Warner Bros.

Somewhere between Neil Young and Pavement, there lies Built to Spill.

BTS have been fusing experimental indie-rock with folk and pop music for years, but their latest effort, You In Reverse, may be their crowning achievement. To reach this assumption one needs to go no further than the album’s epic guitar-filled opener, “Goin Against Your Mind.” The nine minute tour de force is breathtaking at its worst moments.

After a 32 year hiatus and the deaths of four band members, the two remaining New York Dolls have made a triumphant return. David Johansson and Sylvain Sylvain have formed a new band, including guitarist Steve Conte. Their new record exhibits everything that was once wonderful about Dolls, except for their former knack for catchy titles. One day… features the unique brand of ambiguous, rollicking glam-rock fans and critics swooned over in the bands heyday. The New York Dolls may be old enough to have grandchildren, but they aren’t afraid to rock.

Lions need plan to improve ANALYSIS

Gary Knox Reporter

The Detroit Lions need a plan and everyone knows it. Little is accomplished however, (besides popping an ulcer) by merely complaining about how bad the Lions are. A better option is to decipher what this team can do to improve. Solutions for the Lions will only come when acknowledging the team’s mistakes. Here are two glaring miscues committed by the Lions and solutions to fix them.

Bad draft picks: In 2002, the Lions were poised to draft a quarterback who could lead them to a first ever Super Bowl. Instead they drafted Oregon quarterback, Joey Harrington.

Harrington looked great in college,

but his career with the Lions was another story. The result was five unsuccessful years in Detroit before being released in 2006. In 2003, the Lions made another bone headed move, drafting Michigan State wide receiver, Charles Rogers. Much like Harrington, Rogers was great in college.

His stint with the Lions however, included two broken collarbones, a drug suspension, and eventual release by the team before the 2006 season.

Solution: It would serve the Lions better to focus on addressing defensive deficiencies on draft day. The acquisition of safety Ernie Simms during 2006 draft was a step in the right direction. Simms currently leads the Lions in tackles. Sticking with this defensive-minded formula for future

draft picks should pay big dividends.

A great offense may win games, but a great defense wins championships.

Hiring Matt Millen: Anyone who has attended a Lions football game has probably heard a popular chant from fans, “Fire Millen!” This wrathful proclamation is geared toward Lions President, Matt Millen. Millen took over the Lions organization in 2000.

Under his regime the team has posted the worst six-year record of any NFL franchise.

Solution: FIRE MILLEN! He is responsible for the poor decision making which has lead to the Lions struggles. A change in management could do wonders for the future of the Detroit Lions.

Agora photo courtesy by the Detroit News

Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford (left) and Lions president Matt Millen greet each other prior to a recent game at Ford Field. Millen has come under fire recently for the teams poor performance.

Incubus makes strong comeback Robby Yensz Page Editor

Change has become a lost art for rock bands in today’s world of music. If it isn’t generic, or hasn’t been shoved down your throat a thousand times, then it probably isn’t on any of your local radio stations.

That’s one of the reasons why a new Incubus album is so appealing on paper and in your headphones. Incubus took a much deserved two year break after finishing touring in support of the album A Crow Left of the Murder.

Now they are back with Light Grenades, their sixth studio album, which is filled with goodness. It’s also an album Brandon Boyd, the lead singer of Incubus, believes is their best work ever, according to their MySpace page, and for good reason.

The lead single, “Anna Molly,” along with the rest of the album, takes Incubus in a newer direction then they have ever gone before. While some of the songs are the heaviest Incubus has conjured in years. It also features

much more intricate musicianship than previous albums. Mike Einzinger, the guitarist, also heads up all of the string sections. DJ Chris Kilmore adds piano, as well as Mellotron, Marxophone, and Theramin, just to name a few.

The musicianship isn’t the only thing better this time around. Brandon Boyd not only hits notes almost no mortal could even dream of hitting, his lyrics are more clever than ever before. On the track, “Paper Shoes,” Boyd muses, “You are about as reliable as paper shoes in bad weathers, but pain will roll off like water on feathers.”

While maintaining a fresh sound, songs like “A Kiss to Send Us Off,” “Anna Molly,” title track “Light Grenades,” and “Pendulous Threads,” rock like something you would have

heard on S.C.I.E.N.C.E., which was Incubus’ much heavier debut album.

Incubus throws in some ballads, including the spectacular, “Dig,” which is sure to be a #1 rock hit when it is

released as a single. “Dig” fits into the mold of supreme ballads along with “Stellar,” and “I Wish You Were Here.”

While listening to the album, Incubus appears to hit an even higher standard of production and organization, even on the near pop song “Diamonds and Coal,” and on the first of the two part “Earth to Bella (Part 1).”

Though it was the longest break of Incubus’ career, it certainly was a worthwhile one, as the album Light Grenades, ranks with their defining record Morning View as one of the best records they have ever recorded.

Bottom Line: Incubus’ new album scores 9.5 out of 10.

Download Now: “Dig,” “Anna Molly,” “Paper Shoes,” and “Pendulous Threads.”

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from "games,” page 6 “The new Nintendo Wii game console challenges designers to think outside the box with the inclusion of a special motion-sensitive game controller that looks like a television remote and allows you to play games in a remarkably intuitive fashion,” said Charles Herold, of the New York Times.

For $250 you can take a Nintendo Wii home with you. The Wii has free wireless networking, free online service for web surfing, and downloading classic Nintendo games. You can purchase any of the consoles locally at any of these stores. Any superstore like Meijer, Wal Mart, or Target. Some video game stores include Electronics Boutique or Gamestop.

Dear Santa, I want it all!

Come in for gift certificates!

Tanning, Nails, Feet $500.00 for 3, $250.00 for 2, $100.00 for 4 pedicures

That’s one whole year for 1/2 price!

Tan-u-topia

In the Mix Letter to the Editor Concert Corner

December 15, 2006

Nursing student voices opinion on faculty contract issue I am a nursing student and I have many concerns facing me here at MC3. I have attended MC3 for a couple years now and watching some of the recent changes taking place at the college leaves me with a bit of anxiety. I am not particularly happy with some of the changes especially with the Headstart program, but I will leave that for another time. The issue which has my attention and the attention of many of my fellow students is that of the contract negotiations for our faculty. Can we really get a sound reason from the administration why our faculty has to make concessions? I was at the Board of Trustees meeting, November 20, along with some of my classmates, and other students attending the college. I have been attending this school for almost 2 years now.

I came here out of convenience as many of other non-traditional students choose to do. I was so surprised to see what a generous faculty we have here.

Our professors go out of their way to see the students reach their maximum potential while they are here. I’ve gotten to know many of my professors, some full time, and some adjunct. All are incredible educators. I could have gone anywhere for the nursing program. I was already accepted several

other places when I applied here. With this program being so difficult to get into, I really had no idea if I would be here this year. I was so excited to have been accepted knowing I wouldn’t have to leave this place. The faculty at MC3 have done SO much for me and I am so grateful.

I can’t imagine why we, as taxpayers, can allow the administration to give up their health care benefits.

I know companies are taking things away from employees all the time, but if we continue to let this sort of thing happen when will it end? When we are working for nothing? Are we going to sit idly by as students, taxpayers, and administrators and say, “we don’t think you’re worth quality health care” or “we don’t think you are worth a fair and equitable contract?” I’m not going to say this with my tax dollars, are you? If you care about your faculty, stand up and be heard, let them know you support them. This is YOUR COLLEGE, this is MY COLLEGE, and the teachers who support you in your education deserve your support in return!

MCCC Student

Brian Ready Assistant Editor

Young Jeezy - Sun, 12/17/06 @ 7:30 PM - State Theatre Detroit, MI Bob Seger - Wed, 12/20/06 @ 7:30 PM - The Palace Auburn Hills, MI Insane Clown Posse - Fri, 12/22/06 @ 8:00 PM - Clutch Cargo’s Pontiac, MI Love Arcade - Sat, 12/23/06 @ 8:00 PM - Shelter Detroit, MI Crossroads Ceili - Fri 12/29/06 @ 7:30 PM - The Ark Ann Arbor, MI Rock ‘N Roll Ball - Sun, 12/31/06 @ 7:30 PM - Hyatt Regency Dearborn, MI Kill Hannah - Fri, 1/5/07 @ 7:00 PM - Headliner’s Toledo, OH

High School Musicial - Tue, 1/16/07 @ 7:00 PM - The Palace Auburn Hills, MI

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

Larry the Cable Guy - Fri, 1/19/07 @ 8:00 PM - Fox Theatre Detroit, MI Rod Stewart - Tue, 1/23/07 @ 8:00 PM - The Palace Auburn Hills, MI Cirque Du Soleil - Thu, 1/25/07 @ 8 PM - The Palace Auburn Hills, MI Lonestar - Fri, 1/26/07 @ 8:00 PM - Celebrity Showroom Warren, MI

agora@monroeccc.edu

The Agora staff presents:

Gogol Bordello - Sat, 12/16/06 @ 7:00 PM - Majestic Theatre Detroit, MI

Dancing with the Stars - Sat, 1/6/07 @ 7:30 PM - The Palace Auburn Hills, MI

Michelle Baumann

Drop by our office (L-202) or email us at

Located at 541 M-50/Custer Call: (734) 457-9000

Will Downing - Fri, 12/15/06 @ 7:30 PM - Music Hall Center Detroit, MI

Electric Six - Sat, 1/27/07 @ 9:30 PM - Blind Pig Ann Arbor, MI

All I Want For Christmas Is...

“Continued good health, and for everyone close to me to have a safe and wonderful 2007.”

Lisa Ghigliazza Copy Editor

“7 days of solid, uninterrupted sleep.”

Tonya Huffman Photo Editor

“I want a hippopotamus for Christmas... not crocodiles or rhinoceroseses, I only like hippopotamuseses. And hippopotamuses like me, too!”

Kirk Stoner Page Editor

Charlene Hunt Copy Editor

“Johnny Depp or Paul Bettany.

Really, though, a new car with new rust stains to hate would be awesome.”

“Lots of money, ‘cause then I can stop being broke.

Also, I want Florida to beat Ohio State in the National Championship game.”

Ashley Braden Editor-in-chief

Bethany Younglove Page Editor

“I want an Offical Red Ryder carbine-action twohundredshot range model air rifle! (Big Grin)”

“All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, my two front teeth.”

Gary Knox Reporter

“I could use some summer clothes. I also want some video games for my PS2.”

Robby Yensz Page Editor

“I would like to receive a piece of coal, just to say that I got it for Christmas. Or maybe a new air guitar.”

Kristin Booth Copy Editor

“Books! I love to read and when I receive a book, it gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside!”

December 15, 2006

Student Spotlight

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Reader's Voice

What is your biggest accomplishment this semmester?

Ken Mohney I made my anthropology lectures more interesting and built wigwams.

Agora photo by Lisa Ghigliazza

Student sings national anthem

Jenny Ferioli

Korean exchange student Jong-Chun Ahn sang the national anthem at Alterra, a nursing home for the elderly. Ahn is in the youth for understanding program at MCCC. He sang for a Korean war veteran’s birthday.

Students speak-out

Nursing students spoke at the board meeting on Monday November 20 to show their support of their teachers. Michelle Bowman, picture left was one of the two students who voiced her opinion during the meeting.

Agora photo by Tonya HUffman

Dealing through five classes and doing well.

Molly Oneil

Being in the culinary arts program.

Picketing on campus

Students choose to picket around MCCC campus to show their support for their teachers.

Student Roman Rimmer is pictured to the right holding a sign in protest of the current negotiations at the college.

Agora photo courtesy of Shelly Bowman

Michael Adams Becoming a swim coach at the YMCA.

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Spotlight

December 15, 2006