2-12-2008

Superbowl XLII wrap-up.........4&5

Agora

The

Vol. 50, Issue 7

National water crisis ?

Should MI help?.......2

February 12, 2008

MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

3Toward STEPS A

VOICE

This is a simplified version of the Secretary of State’s process for registering:

1 Verify voter eligibility To register to vote in Michigan, you must be: • A U.S. citizen • At least 18 years of age by Election Day • A resident of Michigan

2 Fill out an application • Fill out an application at least 30 days prior to the election.

• Some locations to pick up an application: MCCC’s Student Services/ Administration Building (Bldg. A), secretary of state, any military recruitment center, and any Monroe County Library System branch location.

3

Submit your application

• To your local city or township clerk’s office.

• If you hand-deliver your application, then on Election Day, you are eligible to vote in person or through an absentee ballot.

• If you choose to mail in your application you must also meet an identification requirement. You must be physically present the first time you vote if you register by mail or through a third party.

• A voter registration card will be mailed to you and will let you know where to go to cast your ballot.

• If you do not have, a form of picture identification with you at the polls on Election Day you can still vote by signing an affidavit to verify your identity.

• For more information go to www. michigan.gov/vote.

Maggie Smith Staff Writer

Statistics show that young Americans, even with their fresh ideas and newfound privileges, leave the voting up to their grandparents.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2004 only approximately 20 percent of 1824 year olds voted; this is the lowest voter turnout among all age groups. The highest participation was the age group 65-74 years old with just over 70 percent casting ballots.

“It’s a ‘catch-22’ why young adults don’t vote” Dr. Joanna Sabo, Monroe County Community College (MCCC) Professor of Political Science said. “Most students focus the majority of their attentions on relationships, school, work, and their futures. Politicians target issues, such as social security, that favor the older generation-who tend to vote more often. So youths see these issues and they can’t identify the connection between election results and what is important in their lives.”

Many students believe that schools don’t do enough to prepare young adults for the responsibilities that come with voting.

MCCC student Carrie Reaume agrees.

“I know voting is central to our government, but since I didn’t really know how to start the whole registering process, I just haven’t had the time to learn between school and work. I definitely think schools should take a more proactive role in preparing seniors on how to register and vote.” she said.

In an effort to politically educate its students, a basic political science course is required at MCCC, Henry Ford Community College, and many other colleges.

“Faculty and administration have made it a priority that all students will

understand their civic responsibility when they leave MCCC.” Sabo said.

MCCC student Mary Amber Bryant hopes to change her voting apathy through taking Political Science 151. She believes that learning more about politics will inspire her to be more active in upcoming elections.

“It has been a while since I last voted,” Bryant said. “I just haven’t been thrilled about candidates lately. I guess I have been turned off by politics. I hope that Dr. Sabo’s political science class will inspire and help me to get out and vote.”

MCCC student Katie McGregor, who recently turned 18, thinks that many people her age do not vote because they do not know enough about the issues or political parties. “More young people would vote if they knew more about a candidate,” McGregor said.

“I know that when I go to vote, I want to be an educated voter.”

“It is an American’s duty to both find out and to vote. Ignorance isn’t an excuse for not voting because the resources are there for you to use. Anyone can go to candidates’ webpages and get a snapshot glimpse of their platform,” Sabo said.

“People can watch the news with a cynical eye and compare biased channels such as Fox (conservative) to NPR (liberal).

Foreign channels such as BBC give insight on what other countries think of our politics.”

MCCC student Debbonique Barnes said her heritage plays a major role in why she always votes.

“It is important to vote. It is your right and responsibility to vote as a citizen. Our government is a representative democracy, and if we don’t vote, are we really a democracy?” she said. “Being an African American woman, I understand how hard it was for my ancestors to vote, and I am not going to forget that.”

Dr. Sabo agrees with Barnes’ emphasis on the importance of voting to both our form of government and way of life.

“If our voter turnout doesn’t increase we will be a far cry from a true democracy.” Sabo said. “If only ten percent of our population votes, then they will have complete control of our government. Essentially, a coup will be able to change our constitution and take away our rights.”

Vista causes technical problems on campus Cassie Kane Staff Writer

Windows Vista Home Edition is the latest operating system for computers. Since the system is so new, some programs are not able to communicate with the Vista operating system. Here at Monroe County Community College (MCCC), Vista is causing problems for students and faculty members because the college uses Windows XP. MCCC student Heidi Turner has experienced problems with Vista on her PC. “Whenever I have to send a document to the college, I have to change it to rich text format because no one at the college could open it otherwise,” Turner said. “I wish I still had XP.” Today, most of the new desktops and laptop computers are sold with the Vista operating system, and with so many college students buying new computers, the problem grows more and more challenging.

The Vista operating system is differ-

ent from the other Windows editions in a number of ways. For example, Vista computers offer protection against identity theft, appealing to students concerned with security issues.

“I only had Vista for six days.

Windows XP is almost perfect, so I don’t know why Vista was created,” MCCC student Ben Walls said. “Vista does protect against viruses very well though.”

Vista has many programs and components which are different from the older Windows systems. One of the bigger problems for MCCC students is the new text configuration. Before,

like with Windows PE and XP, text files such as those in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Database, were saved to different file extensions like .doc, or .exe. Now, all of Vistas text files are saved to .xml. This simple change keeps students from sending important documents to faculty members.

Many teachers at MCCC use blackboard, or email for turning in assignments or group discussions. Mr. Dillon, a professor of English and the head of the writing fellow program, is one such teacher. During one of his classes he discussed some of the problems concerning Vista.

“If you send me a document from your computer, and it has Vista, I will not be able to open it here at the college,” Dillon said. “We wouldn’t have all these problems if everyone would just buy a Mac.” At present, a class which goes into detail about Windows Vista is unavailable.

“We still teach Windows XP because that’s what the industries are using right now.” William Hiliker, a professor in PC operating systems at MCCC, said .

In a proposal for an integrated library system, made by the Learning

Resources Center in June of 2007, it was mentioned that MCCC is hoping to convert to Vista within the next year or so.

Chuck Kelly, who teaches CIS courses at MCCC, was asked what he thought about the possible switch.

“I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing, but it is a necessity because students are buying computers with Vista pre-loaded and soon these students will outnumber those using XP,” Kelly said. “Vista is not compatible with the applications we run here at the college, but as time goes on the companies who produce these applications will come out with new ones that will be compatible with Vista.”

Brian Lay, the manager of information systems here at MCCC is familiar with Vista’s problems.

According to Lay, “In fall of 2008, the teaching labs will be switching from XP to Vista as long as all the departments are approve of it.” Lay also said that they “will be installing Microsoft Word 2007.”

2

Editorial

THE AGORA

February 12, 2008

Talking ‘bout my generation Andrew Thurlow Staff Writer

Agora graphic by Casey Cheap

Great Lakes water in peril Casey Cheap Staff Writer

Let’s be honest. Michigan has been blessed with a lot of water.

Because of this gargantuan supply, many dry states in the southwest have long cast a jealous eye toward the Great Lakes state.

In cities such as Albuquerque, N.M., aquifers that provide most of the city’s water have started to dry up. Because of issues in states that will become increasingly water stressed, the possibility of water being piped from the Great Lakes becomes greater as time goes on. The idea of water being diverted to dry states has been around for a while, but was deemed too expensive when studied further.

With growing population out west, global climate change, and an exodus of Michigan’s population, residents could someday find themselves in a political battle over water.

As the world population continues

to grow, the World Bank predicts water could replace oil as the world’s most coveted resource by 2020.

36 states in the U.S. predict they will have water shortages long before 2020.

As the population shifts from the northern states to the south, legislative power is starting to tilt in favor of states that will need water.

Michigan lawmakers sensitive to how residents feel about the removal of water have been acting quickly to ensure it is protected.

The state of Michigan made a gutsy call when they told Nestle Waters North America they could not sell bottled water outside of the basin. Nestle sued.

“It doesn’t seem the issue could be totally taken out of our hands,” James DeVries, Professor of History at Monroe County Community College (MCCC), said. “But don’t forget, Canada is also an issue with the lakes.”

As Michiganders, it is hard to think of other states getting our water. It is the life-blood of recreation and a means of trade for Michigan. If other states get

their way and get an expensive pipeline built from one of the Great Lakes to somewhere out west, there could be disastrous environmental effects.

Most of the Great Lakes were at record lows during parts of last year.

It bothers me to know there is such an immoral waste of water in this country. Take one look at cities such as Phoenix or Las Vegas.

There are days in Phoenix where water can’t be used—unless it’s for a golf course. Then it’s okay.

And what happens in Vegas certainly doesn’t stay in Vegas with many millions of gallons of water being flushed away at places such as casino fountains and wasteful water parks.

States in the southwest claim they should have a legal right to our water, but my question would be “you covet our water, so why do you live in a desert?”

“In a time of global climate change, we need to move cautiously with vital resources such as water,” DeVries later said.

Students of Monroe County Community College (MCCC), are you aware that you’re on the way to becoming an uninformed and self centered generation?

Take a look around you and observe your fellow students. How many of them are obtaining information from celebrity gossip columns or PerezHilton.com, instead of reading the newspaper or watching a daily news broadcast.

How many of you even have a concept of America’s intentions in the Iraq war, or an idea of what’s happening in the rest of world today?

Do you know that according to the Associated Press, 3,934 members of the U.S military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war?

Do you know oil accounts for more than 90 percent of revenues in Iraq, and since America’s presence, oil exports have risen 9.2 percent last year?

What would happen if Iraq or Afghanistan suddenly revealed that they had the weapons of mass destruction that the U.S never found? Would any of you be willing to fight for your country that you take for granted?

Because a large number of students are not reading the news and are content to ignore today’s important issues, we are proven to be less

informed than other countries.

According to the book “IQ and the Wealth of the Nations “by Richard Lynn and Tatu Vanhanen, America is ranked 23 out of 81 countries on an average IQ study. Lynn and Vanhanen take the average IQ estimates and yearly populations for each country and correlate the figures with the world’s long term economic development and growth.

They discovered that over a century the mean IQ decreases at 25 year intervals in the countries with lower IQ’s. These countries are also less wealthy and have a higher birthrate.

If this remains at a constant, the average IQ of the world will decrease over time, since a larger portion of the population growth will occur in low IQ countries.

In other words, people with higher IQ’s are reproducing at a lower rate than people with lower IQ’s.

So wake up people before it’s too late. South Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan are ranked in the top three, with an estimated average IQ of 106. Even Poland and France are beating us.

If we maintain this level of intellectual laziness, the number of countries who exceed our average IQ will continue to grow at our expense. I warn you, America’s fate rests upon your shoulders.

MCCC HLC Subcommittee

By HLC Communications Subcommitee

Monroe County Community College has formally kicked off its campus-wide Higher Learning Commission Self-Study report process with the goal of another 10-year HLC accreditation beginning in the fall of 2009.

The college’s HLC Self-Study Steering Committee is comprised of 30 individuals representing a cross section of campus constituencies. These steering team members are leading ten subcommittees consisting of more than 130 individuals who have volunteered to be actively involved in the college’s HLC accreditation process The following is a list of MCCC’s 10 HLC subcommittees and summaries of their self-defined charges:

Criterion One: Mission and Integrity Provide evidence that the college’s mission embraces the concept of a diverse community and a global economy and show that members of the campus community understand the mission and work together with the highest integrity to fulfill it.

Criterion Four: Acquisition, Discovery and Application of Knowledge Outline the institution’s commitment to the long-term goal of a life of learning. This includes the college’s internal needs for professional development for its staff, faculty and administration.

Criterion Five: Engagement and Service Examine how MCCC, according to its mission statement, identifies its constituencies and serves them in ways both value.

Federal ance

Requirements/Compli-

Assemble, and report data for various aspects of compliance, including credits, program length and tuition; institutional compliance with the Higher Education Reauthorization Act; student complaints; advertising and recruitment; federal compliance at off-campus sites; and other professional accreditation.

Resource Room/Data Management Provide information and data storage support for the SelfStudy Steering Team and each of the Self-Study subcommittees.

Communication Keep the MCCC community informed about where the college is in the Self-Study Process and communicate as-needed with the general public.

Logistics Arrange for the logistical needs of the visiting HLC Team and other HLC-related activities as needed by the Self-Study Steering Team.

Human Resources As the responsibilities and functions of the Office of Human Resources are interwoven throughout the five HLC criterion and Federal Compliance, the HR Subcommittee will of evidence to applicable criterion core components.

Criterion Two: Preparing for the Future

The Agora Staff Members

Demonstrate how the College will fulfill its mission by establishing a framework for planning, evaluating and strengthening quality in the years to come.

Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Kodysh

Chief Copy Editor Steven Sonoras

Assistant Editor Chief Design Editor Emily Chandonnet

Copy Editing Staff Michael Crossman Cassie Kane Maggie Smith Andrew Thurlow

Criterion Three: Student Learning and Effective Teaching Focus on how the college fulfills its mission as an institution of higher learning by detailing how it assess learning outcomes, supports effective teaching, creates a positive learning environment and provides learning resources for students and faculty.

Design Staff Kelsi Kachar Mitchel Migliore Rosemarie Mikrees Courtney Snider

Advertising Manager Casey Cheap

Agora illustration courtesy of Rosemarie Mikrees

Letter to the Editor

The last issue of The Agora dealt with the college financial aid bill before Congress and its attempt to stop illegal music downloading on campuses. The outrage over this should be less about the potential penalties for illegal downloads and more about the provision that requires colleges to “offer alternatives” to it. The bill text itself is rather vague on this point, but it’s reasonable to assume it means paid online services like Rhapsody or Napster. The recording industry is using the cover of “digital theft prevention” to intimidate colleges into promoting virtual music stores, and it’s using our government to do it.

It’s corporatism at its finest. What’s next, a government mandate to put a Merriam Webster outlet on campus,

in case we’re tempted to steal reference books from the school library?

Not to mention that music pirates aren’t even going to use these services. Those with the resources to steal music are undoubtedly aware of them already. It’s akin to putting a jewelry store in a subway to thwart pickpockets. That’s the bad news. The good news is that the text of the bill doesn’t mention what qualifies as “offering alternatives to illegal downloading.”

Watching TV in the Cellar is an alternative activity to downloading illegal music, isn’t it? Problem solved.

Christopher Slat MCCC Student

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

Campus News

February 12, 2008

THE AGORA

3

“Spirit in the Night” Blues concert kicks off Black History Month on campus

evolved from hymns, work songs, and field hollers. It also served as music to “Spirits in the night, all night, stand accompany spiritual, work, and social right up and let it shoot right through functions. Blues is the foundation of jazz as well as the prime source of you.” rhythm and blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and It is that time of year for Monroe’s country music. st 21 annual celebration of Black HisThe show was a huge success, but tory month begins. What better way to kick it off than celebrating the cul- this performance was mostly being ture with the sound of music. A roof- used to promote the next show on rattling revival swarmed the theater at February 23 at the River Raisin Centhe Lay-Z-Boy on February 2, and it tre for the Arts, located at 114 South was nothing short of sonorous. Artists Monroe Street.

That event, titled “The Big Gig,” such as legendary will host some Marie Knight, more legends of Sister Bernice Comming Soon the blues, such as Jones, Monroe’s Chicago native favorite Rev“The Big Gig” Lonnie Brooks, erend Robert When: February 23 Michael Powers, B. Jones, along and Monroe nawith the Sweet Time: 7p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. tive Cetan ClawKingdom MisWhere: Lay-Z-Boy Meyer Theater son. Clawson is sionary Baptist returning to the *FREE Admission church and choir event since 2001, made special apwhen he opened pearances. Bill the show at age 13.

Reiser, the event coordinator, named the event.

“Pack your dancing shoes, and “I named it ‘The Spirit in the Night’ maybe even some earplugs, as “The for two reasons,” Reiser said. “It Big Gig” goes electric,” Reiser said. evokes the central theme of the show, To most people celebrating Black which explains the relationship be- history is an ongoing tradition that tween blues and gospel music. And I will continue to be passed on from am a huge Bruce Springsteen fan.” generation to generation. From re“The blues series speaks to the in- peated family traditions, to simply just formational, educational, and recre- the sound of music, this has always reational needs of the community,” Rei- mained a joyous time for all people to ser said. “I always call it the history remember this historical culture. lesson with a backbeat.”

“The Big Gig” starts at 7 p.m., with Born in the South, the blues is an doors opening at 6 p.m. This event is African American derived music form free admission. For more information, that recognized the pain of lost love you can contact the Monroe County and injustice and gave expression Library System at (734) 241-5277, or to the victory of outlasting a broken visit them online at www.monroe.lib. heart and facing adversity. The blues mi.us.

Michael Crossman Staff Writer

Top left photo: Gospel vocalist Marie Knight.

Top right photo: Monroe favorite Rev. Robert B. Jones and Sister Bernice Jones, who lead their Sweet Kingdom Missionary Baptist Church Band & Choir.

Left photo: Guest star Kim Wilson, singer/songwriter/ harmonica genius.

Outstanding Faculty Nomination

E

njoy one of your professors or advisors? How about a MCCC librarian or counselor? Nominate them to win an outstanding faculty award.

Criteria for nomination include leadership, knowledge, interest, fairness, and integrity as they pertain to the nominee’s professional activities, college service, professional organizations, community service, honors, and awards. Nominations will be accepted from current MCCC faculty, staff, administrators and students. Faculty who have received this award during the past five years are ineligible this year.

Nomination forms must be received by Friday, Feb. 22 in order to be accepted.

Nomination Form: MCCC Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award Faculty member you are nominating ________________________________

Your Name___________________________________________ Date_________ Address__________________________________________________________ Phone number

cell: _____________

home:_____________

NOTE: Nominations will be accepted from current members of the following staff and student categories only.

Your MCCC status must be current:

Student

Faculty

Support Staff

Administrator

On a separate sheet of paper, please state the reasons why you believe this candidate is worthy of this award.

Attach this form to it and turn both in to the OPA nomination boxes located throughout the campus by Friday, February 22, 2008.

Student Government to hold Sweetheart Dance Cassie Kane Staff Writer

“Looking for love in all the wrong places?” Well, on February 15, there is a Valentine’s Day dance here at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) in the Health Education building. It will be hosted by the student government events committee.

The dance will be held from 8 pm until 11 pm. To get into the dance it will be $4 per person, and only $3 if you present your student ID. With the coupon to the right, couples will be able to get in for only $5. Most of the music that will be played at the dance will be variety Top 40 hits.

Monica Olmsted, an MCCC student and member of the events committee plans on attending the dance.

“Our goal is just to try and get more events going for the students, and to reach different age groups here at the college,” Olmsted said.

Of course, in the past there have been other dances here at MCCC such as the Halloween dance that was hosted by the International studies club in 2006. These events are really a way to bring people together and an opportunity to meet new friends here at MCCC. “I think we will have a good turnout because it’s something fun for everybody to go to,” MCCC student Tessa Gamble said. “Plus, it’s the weekend.”

The dance is conveniently on a weekend and is the day after Valentine’s Day, so turnout is expected to be high. But what do other students

have to say? Amber Morris, a student at MCCC, thinks the turnout will be low.

“It seems to me that dances are really for high school, and it seems weird that we are having one at the college,” Morris said. “I liked going to dances in high school, but I don’t think I’ll be attending the Valentine’s Day dance.

Honestly, I think it would be hard for a lot of students to go because of work schedules and homework.”

MCCC student Kay McLaughlin disagrees.

“I think it’s a great idea,” she said.

“Sometimes college can be all about just getting your homework done inbetween going to work and class. I went to the Halloween dance and I had a good time. I hope I have as much fun at this dance.”

The Valentine’s Day dance looks to be promising occasion, and a chance to have some fun. Whether you’re going with your significant other, or you are going to meet new people, the dance will be a great opportunity to make some memories.

4

Feature

THE AGORA

February 12, 2008

Super Bowl Staff Writer

Fitness for free

Campus provides exercise facility

By Maggie Smith Staff Writer

It is only the middle of February have you broken your resolution yet?

With the hectic lifestyle many college students enjoy, it is often hard to find the time to exercise as we should. It’s hard, definitely, but not impossible to get in shape and stay that way this year.

“I could probably spare about an hour a day a few times a week.” Jason Schriber, a Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student said. “Do I always want to? No, definitely not, but fitness is about more than physical muscle. To be truly fit, you must have mental strength and self-motivation.”

Here is a very basic workout plan that you can perform at least three to four days a week. Make sure you keep altering your workout plan so you don’t become bored. Also, try to challenge yourself by learning new techniques that will target the muscle groups you are most interested in improving.

First, stretch for about ten minutes.

Stretching warms up your muscles, in-

creases flexibility, and helps to prevent injuries. No matter what your workout plan may include that day, be sure to stretch thoroughly, especially your arms, shoulders, back and legs.

Next, perform about twenty minutes of cardio exercise. The purpose of cardio is to increase your heart rate and improve endurance. Great cardio workouts include running, biking and swimming. Increase your pace and degree of resistance as you gain stamina over time. Tips: When out of breath, remain standing upright so oxygen can reach your lungs easier. Also, the best cure for a stitch in your side is to just push through it.

After cardio, a great exercise would be weightlifting. It is best to isolate muscle groups as upper body, core and lower body. Choose just one section per day to exercise. The core is arguably the most important, so begin there and it will be the first you repeat.

Do not try to lift a thousand pounds the first day. If unsure about how much weight to begin with, a good starting point is lifting about three sets with seven repetitions per set.

MCCC’s fitness center is free for

all students and faculty and has both high quality equipment and proficient workers if you’re in need of guidance.

Traditional exercises may not be as effective as many weight machines, but they can be modified when equipment is unavailable. Perform crunches on a yoga ball or inverted on a bench.

This helps gain balance and also works more muscles than a standard crunch performed on the floor. Pushups become harder when you place your hands in a diamond shape directly under your chest. Squats and wall sits are useful in firming up buns and thighs.

Lastly, cool down your muscles by stretching and walking. This is just as important as the warm-up and prevents muscle cramps by flushing out the lactic acid that builds up while exercising. Collapsing on the floor does not count as a proper cool down!

“I like to listen to music when I run, and working out is always more fun with a friend so you can push one another. It’s all about finding your motivation and running with it, literally,” said Conrad Miller, a Toledo University and MCCC student.

Feature

THE AGORA

5

XLII

By Michael Crossman

Agora photo by Maggie Smith

February 12, 2008

After such a drastic season full of emotions from shock to grief, and with the entire saga of the Falcons quarterback Michael Vick being convicted of animal cruelty from dog fighting, to the tragedy of the Washington Redskins free safety Sean Taylor being carelessly murdered in his home midway through the season.

Unfortunately, for the Falcons and the Redskins they did not make the big game this year. Instead, we were given a better and historical match up with the Giants of New York taking on the undefeated New England Patriots.

First, the Giants have had a remarkable season of their own. Start with pre-season, and hall of fame defensive end Michael Strahan not signing with the team due to indecisive retirement issues. Strahan would later sign, and only miss training camp and preseason. When the season started many analysts did not predict the Giants to do well at all. In fact, most did not predict playoffs in the future for them.

The Giants did not give them any reason not to believe so, by starting the season 0-2. Coach Tom Coughlin did not expect his ball club then to go on to not only receive, but also earn the nickname Road War-

New York Giants

23.3 points (14th) 331.4 total yds. ( 16th) 197.1 yds. passing (21st) 134.2 yds. Rushing (4th) Record 10-6 Playoffs record 4-0

riors. With the NFL expanding overseas to play a game in London, showed the Giants crushing the Miami Dolphins. After their slow and shaky starts, the Giants finished the season 13-4. They became the fourth team since 1947 to follow a 0-2 start and later play in the Super Bowl. They also finished with a record ten consecutive road victories. Along these victories came a long road of gut wrenching adversity. A team that has no expectations to be a champion has nothing but motivation driving them, as it did these Giants.

The New England Patriots also have had a memorable season as well. With all the allegations of cheating in their week two victory over the New York Jets, the constant eyes on wide receiver Randy Moss, along with their unbeaten streak, their road

S

eason tats

was not an easy one. Through all the clouds of distraction it has been leader and quarterback Tom Brady that took his team here to the big game.

The Patriots have become now the first team to go 18-0 in the leagues prestigious history, since implementing the two divisions. Along with the perfect season, he finished the 2007 regular season with a total of 50 touchdown passes. Brady eclipsed the previous record of 49 scoring passes in a season, set

by Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning in 2004. Moss also set NFL records for both touchdown passes (49) and receptions (22) in a season.

The game began with both teams showing a look of star studded determination, as well as shear concentration. The Giants struck first with an impressive first drive to put three points on the board with a field goal from Lawrence Tynes. The Patriots throughout the game showed signs of struggling with the hard nosed defense of the Giants. The Giants maintained pressure throughout the entire duration of the game. The half gave us a score of Patriots 7 and Giants 3. The Giants held the Patriots to record low yardage for the season, again accredited to the defense. With all the excitement of the second half with amazing catches from Giants receivers, Smith, and Tyree. The Giants managed to answer the Patriots surge leading them to be known as this year’s NFL Champions. So much for the perfect season, well for the Patriots that is.

New England Patriots

36.8 points (1st) 411.2 yds (1st) 295.7 passing yds. (1st) 115.6 rushing yds. (4th) Record 16-0 Playoffs record 3-1

Photo courtesy of imagies.google.com

Tanning effects prove deadly, many students unaware of risks

By Kelsi Kachar Staff Writer

With spring break rapidly approaching, the majority of students are trying to get a so-called “base tan” so they do not burn when attending their trip. This means that this season is one of the busiest for tanning salons. Tanning is obviously a popular trend in Monroe, with at least four tanning locations.

The young adult population freely engages in high-risk tanning behavior despite adequate, and even exemplary, knowledge of the risks involved.

Female students are much more likely than males to tan, but a good percentage of males are also starting.

Individuals who use tanning beds before age 35 have a whopping 75% higher risk of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Indoor tanning is a big business, with tanning trade publications reporting this as a $2 billion-a-year industry in the United States. This does not bode well for the health of the nation.

In 1994, a Swedish study found that women 18-30 years old who visited tanning parlors 10 times or more a year had seven times greater incidence of melanoma than women who did not sue tanning salons. Society today portrays that those with a bronze glow represents a healthy and admirable appearance.

What people fail to realize is that most of those in Hollywood who are advertising this healthy glow actually use sunless tanner, they’re intelligent enough to realize they don’t want to damage their skin. The intensity of lights used in tanning devices is much greater than sunlight. Indoor tanning can cause skin rashes, cold sores, eye injuries, premature wrinkling and increase the chance of developing skin cancer. Not to mention it weakens your immune system.

“Every time I get a tanning package, it seems like I always get a cold, I believe it really does weaken your immune system,”said MCCC Student Erin Newcomer.

And yet, even with all this evidence,

the tanning salons remain unrepentant. Several attempts have been made to regulate the industry, by physician groups as well as state and national congress people and the World Health Organization, with limited success.

The FDA is enforcing stricter controls over tanning devices, but has not yet instituted any changes. Policymakers in some states are regulating the use of tanning beds by minors. Currently, at least 28 states and 4 counties regulate tanning facilities for minors.

Michigan’s state law requires that parents must accompany children under the age of 14. Also, parents must present a statement similar to other customers that they read and understand the risks tanning poses to their child and that the child will wear protective eye wear before someone under 18 may tan.

It will take a concentrated joint effort on behalf of health care organizations, industry, and physicians to bring about an eventual change in the believe that damaging tans are attractive amd healthy.

Detroit landmark’s fate sealed

By Casey Cheap Staff Writer

We needed to have a new ballpark, right?

Now that we’ve got it, the question becomes “what happens to the old one?”

The argument, at least at the time, was Tiger Stadium had become too old and dilapidated to remodel.

After all, the city of Detroit was just starting major downtown projects and felt it necessary to host both the AllStar Game and Super Bowl.

In order to host such prestigious events, the city would have to build a new football field and ballpark. It only made sense to build them adjacent to one another, easily accessible within walking distance of downtown.

Forget about the historic landmark.

Nowadays, corporate naming rights such as Comerica and Verizon are taking the place of those such as Joe Louis or Tiger Stadium.

“The Corner,” as Tiger Stadium has Photo courtesy of images.google.com

often been referred because of its location on the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues, has been closed— and its future debated—since 1999.

Between that time and the present day, the city has made some half-hearted attempts to save the park, although nothing has ever panned out.

The stadium, built in 1912, was already starting to show its age in the late 1970’s and into the 80’s. Although it had obstructed views and was considered rickety, the park was loved by true baseball fans for its historic feel.

In the early years, the current Tiger Stadium was a smaller field that seated about 36,000 fans. Named after then-owner Frank Navin, Navin Field eventually expanded to its current day size under the name Briggs Stadium.

Under the new name, seating was expanded to 53,000.

In its 87-year history, Tiger Stadium was the home of four World Series wins for the Tigers, and the 1941, 1951, and 1971 MLB All-Star Games.

Under its tenure as Briggs Stadium,

the NFL also worked out a deal for the Detroit Lions. There was a football configuration for Lions’ home games until they moved to the Pontiac Silverdome in 1975.

But it is the baseball legends that played here fans will remember the most.

There were 11,113 home runs hit here, more than some of the other great parks such as Wrigley Field or Yankee Stadium. Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs at Tiger Stadium. Legendary Tigers such as Al Kaline and Norm Cash hit 226 and 211, respectively. The Tigers won 3,764 games here, giving them a .549 home average. It was tied with Fenway Park as baseball’s oldest stadium when it closed in 1999.

Now the glory days of Tiger Stadium are over.

It can be quite a chilling thought for longtime fans. After all, it was the home of their beloved team for 87 years.

So on Dec. 18, 2006, when bidders were invited back to try and salvage

the park one final time, no deal was worked out. The city once again was able to explore tearing the whole facility down.

In August of 2007, the city held an auction to sell off most of the priceless items inside the ill-fated park. Most of the lower deck seats, along with the center field flagpole, auxiliary scoreboards, and neon “Tiger Stadium” lighting were auctioned away.

Because the stadium is located in the historic “Corktown” neighborhood, the city wants to expand housing in the district. After the auction, it seemed that plan would be demolishing the stadium, no matter who protested.

That fear became reality in October 2007 when the Detroit City Council approved a plan that would demolish the entire park, except for one corner, at Michigan and Trumbull Avenues.

Instead of restoring the park to continue playing there, the city wanted a new one. Instead of using the old facility for something else, anything else, it was left to decay and fall apart.

Agora photo courtesy of Casey Cheap

6

Community News

THE AGORA

February 12, 2008

Remember the Raisin

The River Raisin Battlefield Visitor Center Rosemarie Mikrees Staff Writer

The War Several issues led to the War of 1812. United States fought against Great Britain, to end the trade embargoes, British involvement in Native American relations, and to eliminate the practice of forcing American sailors to serve in the British navy.

The War of 1812 began in 1811 when William Henry Harrison defeated the Indians at Tippecanoe, Indiana, and ended on December 24th 1814, when a peace treaty was signed in Belgium.

Battles of the Raisin River The Raisin River battles began on Jan. 18, 1813, when 600 U.S. soldiers along with 100 local residents, quickly defeated a British contingent consisting of 63 Canadian militiamen and 200 Potawatomi Indians. The U.S. soldiers remained in the area and set-up camp on the north side of the Raisin River.

General Winchester soon arrived in Frenchtown (now called Monroe) with additional troops. There were a total of 934 American soldiers (on

January 22nd), when the army was attacked by a British contingent, which consisted of 597 British and Canadian soldiers and 800 Indians. Greatly outnumbered, the U.S. was forced to surrender. The terms of the surrender included the agreement that British troops would remain to protect Frenchtown, and the wounded.

The River Raisin Massacre But later that day, the British soldiers took the captured U.S. soldiers and abandoned Frenchtown. Left behind were the seriously wounded and a few volunteers to care for them. On the morning of January 23, 200 Indians returned and ransacked the homes, killing Americans who were unable to walk. The homes were burned and the remaining Americans were marched to British controlled Detroit, where they were ransomed. During the remaining years of the war, the battle cry “Remember the Raisin” was often used to rally U.S. troops.

The Visitor Center The River Raisin Battlefield Visitor Center (established in 1990) stands as a reminder of these events in the his-

Agora photos by Rosemarie Mikrees

tory of Monroe. It is located on Elm Avenue, east of Dixie Highway. Every year, in the month of January, a commemorative ceremony is held to remember those who lost their lives during the events of January 18 – 23, 1813. This year’s event took place on Saturday, January 26. For more information, go to www.riverraisinbattlefield.org.

Upcoming Events Monroe County Community College in cooperation with the County Historical Society has scheduled Professor Donald Hickey, from Wayne State College in Nebraska to conduct a lecture titled; “What We Know that Ain’t So”: Myths of the War of 1812. This lecture will take place in the Meyer Theater in the La Z Boy center on March 20, at 8 o’clock. Admission is free.

The First Michigan Colonial Fife and Drum Corps, the War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee, and the River Raisin Battlefield Visitor Center will present the River Raisin International Fife and Drum Muster on June 21, 2008. For more information call (734)240-7780.

Students puff, puff, pass Mitchel Miglore Staff Writer

Strip clubs, lottery tickets, and credit cards soon might be overshadowed

by Monroe’s newest 18 and up recreation.

Hookah Mocha, a local hookah bar, has recently become a regular hangout for many college-aged students. This might be a result of their low prices, late hours, coffee and espresso based drinks, vast menu selection, varieties of tobacco and of course, their hookahs.

In this café style hangout, students are able to either grab a table and study or sit along couch-style wall seating with enough room for as many friends as they can squeeze around.

“It’s our high quality tobacco and huge variety of flavors that set us apart from the rest,” owner Abe Marouf said, “We also have excellent service.”

Customers seem to understand where Maurouf was coming from.

Monroe natives Patrick Bodette, Scott Damske, and Crystal Hoffman all agreed that Hookah Mocha offered more flavors than their former hookah

bar Maxwell’s of Toledo.

“My favorite flavor is blueberry mint,” Hoffman said as she smiled, “I also really like how we don’t have to sit outside like at Maxwell’s.”

Despite the negative reputation of the hookah’s cousin, the cigarette, hookah tobacco (or shisha) isn’t nearly as chemically altered and contaminated. According to Hookah Mocha’s website shisha is only made up of tobacco and treacle, honey or sugar, and distilled water with fruit flavors.

The shisha is smoked by breathing air in through the hose which lowers its air pressure. This then forces air through the headpiece, down the metal pipe and is then cooled by the water in the base.

Actually, the shisha is never even burned. A layer of tinfoil punctured with tiny holes separates the shisha from the coal burning on top. The pressure of the air causes the coal to burn which results in the molasses and distilled water boiling off of the tobacco, taking the flavor with it.

Regardless as to whether or not you choose to partake in the hookah experience, Hookah Mocha

The re-enactors are laying the memorial wreath.

Muster at the corner of Elm Avenue and Dixie Wighway

Michigan primary unfolds, reveals dubious results Casey Cheap Staff Writer

still offers a variety of caffeinated drinks sure to keep you awake for hours of studying or socializing.

Hookah Mocha is open Monday through Thursday from 12pm until 12am, Friday and Saturday from 12am to 2am, Sunday from 4pm to 12am and is located at 610 North Telegraph Rd. next to Hungry Howies. For more information, visit www. hookahmocha.net.

Agora photo by Mitchel MIglore

The state of Michigan held both its Democratic and Republican primaries on Jan. 15.

The primaries were held much earlier than in years past, with Michigan taking place just after Iowa and New Hampshire.

Unfortunately, many citizens across the nation considered the primary irrelevant. Major Democratic players took their names off the ballot and would not have them re-instated because Michigan broke the Democratic National Committee (DNC) rules.

Under the DNC rules, only Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina are allowed to hold caucuses before Feb. 5.

Because Bill Richardson, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and John Edwards all took their names off the ballot, Hillary Clinton won a whopping 55% of the vote, in a mostly uncontested Democratic election.

It was widely rumored that many Democrats would vote “not committed” to protest the lack of candidates on this year’s ballot. Clinton avoided being embarrassed by those “not committed,” which still tallied about 40% of the total, by winning such a large margin.

At Monroe County Community College (MCCC), students reflected the low voter turnout and disgust with their choices that showed in opinions across the state.

“I wanted to vote, but I didn’t have time between work and school. There weren’t any choices for Democrats anyway,” Tareasa Drewior, MCCC student, said.

The date of this year’s Michigan primary was pushed-up because lawmakers in Lansing wanted to give Michigan a more relevant voice in

this year’s elections. It is tradition for Iowa and New Hampshire to be first every election year.

On the Republican side, things went a bit more smoothly, with all the candidates’ names on the ballot.

In the weeks leading up to the primary, The Detroit News showed the battle between Republican frontrunners John McCain and Mitt Romney as too close to call.

Although Mike Huckabee and Rudolph Guiliani were also on the ballot, they both largely ignored campaigning in Michigan and decided to campaign in states with upcoming primaries such as South Carolina and Florida.

In the end Romney used his “home state” card to trump McCain, who had beat George W. Bush in the 2000 Michigan primary. Romney won a substantial 39% of the vote while McCain walked away with 30%.

Not long after the polls closed, it was reported only 1.46 million of Michigan’s 7.14 million registered voters took part in the primary, which is only about 20%. Of those votes 60% were Republican.

Voter turnout may have also been low because of snowstorms across the state and the earlier date of the primary. Michigan typically has its primaries much later in the cycle, and many residents were not aware of the change.

This year may have had its controversy but turnout was still higher than the Republican-only primary in 2000. A significant majority of registered Americans view the primary as a sham, especially Democrats who didn’t have many options this year.

It’s true lawmakers in Lansing wanted to give the state more of a voice on a national scale, but Michigan only made brief headlines that showed Clinton winning unopposed and Romney taking his home state.

A&E

February 12, 2008

THE AGORA

Auto show shines

7

Movie Reviews

Photo courtesy of toxicshock.com

There Will Be Blood Steven Sonoras Agora photo courtesy of Jeremiah Werstein

Kelsi Kachar Staff Writer

It’s hard to believe what started as a mere car show in 1907 has evolved into the only auto show in the US to earn an annually distinguished sanction from the Organisation International des Construceurs d’Automobiles (OICA). The OICA is a Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. The 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit showcased an immense amount of exhibitors from Chrysler, Lexus, and Mercedes, and everything in between.

For the last several years the International Car of the Year (ICTOY) has been the kick-off event of press week.

This year’s top winners were the Honda Accord Sedan as the International Car of the year and the Chrysler Town and Country won International Truck of the Year.

The sports car of the year came as no surprise when awarded to the Audi R8, and the SUV of the Year was the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid.

Hybrid vehicles are being seen more at the shows and winning awards in recent years. Hybrid Electric Vehicles combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors and can be configured to obtain different objectives, such as improved fuel economy, increased power, or additional auxiliary power for electronic devices and power tools.

Regardless of the freezing weather during the big event and despite an

economic turndown, organizers say they were pleased with this year’s turnout; even with a drop in the attendance for the fifth consecutive year.

702,814 people visited Cobo Center, including charity and industry previews that were held before the opening to the public Jan. 19. The figures were considered fabulous by show officials.

Joe Serra, auto show co-chairman said, “People realize the show is a great value for the ticket price and it’s a fun thing to do.”

MCCC student Emily Owens spent a great deal of time at the Honda display, being a current driver of a 2006 Honda Civic, she also admired the Honda Accord Sedan that won International Car of the Year.

type and one who happens to smoke the ganja, The Well bar offers live acoustic bands in a smoky basement type atmosphere. It is one of the only venues in Detroit where you can catch the occasional reggae band, and it is considered a favorite hangout for Wayne State University students. It is located west of Greektown on Randolph St. “I go to The Well for the brewhaha’s and the women,” Josh Wood, MCCC student, said. “Everyone’s living their own life out there, and it’s a cheap one.”

Now, if you are the complete opposite and you would rather listen to Iron Maiden tributes while slamming $4

Jager bombs, the I-Rock Night Club features live music and that essential hard rock clientele. The club looks like something out of a 1980’s rock n’ roll hall of fame museum, and features bands like Genitorturers, Iced Earth and Rotting Christ with Immolation.

It is located on Harper Ave between Cadieux Rd and Outer Dr. East.

If you are someone who likes a variety of music, The Lager House features live independent rock shows in a comfortable drinking environment.

It has two floors: the bar, which is located on the first floor, and the stage, which is located on the second. The Lager House is in Corktown, three blocks east of the old Tigers stadium.

“I’m definitely just looking. Well, dreaming more or less, instead of buying,” Owens said.

A display bound to get attention was the Fisker Karma booth, featuring the Karma that will accelerate from 0 to 60 in less than six seconds.

It can reach a top speed of up to 125 mph and the driver can select between Stealth Drive for quiet economy and Sports Drive for full power.

In terms of sheer show-presence, many car aficionados found Mazda’s Furari race car concept to be one of the most eye-catching. In fact, all the concept cars offered a fascinating look into the future.

Student Ravin Massingill said he was “surprised to conclude his favorite display was actually in the basement, the DUB display.”

Motown’s new sound Andrew Thurlow Staff Writer

Detroit: the city that only occasional sleeps, when it’s not drinking.

Last year Detroit murdered St. Louis to become the nation’s most dangerous city, according to a private researched group analysis of the FBI crime statistics. But is that really a bad thing?

It’s a city of sports, gambling, lust and music, and if you are a student of MCCC and you are tired of going to Toledo every weekend, Detroit might be the fix you crave.

If you are a student who refers to himself as more of the “laid back”

“The Lager House is the best bar in Detroit,” Chris Durhum, a student at Wayne State University, said.

For the appreciators of alternative rock, The Shelter is a relaxed urban club located in the dark basement of St. Andrew’s Hall. It features live concerts in a smaller atmosphere, which means it is exceptionally loud; however they offer cheap beer and free pool.

Now if you just want to drink, the bar for you is called Third Street Saloon, whose specialties are happy hour. It is located on Forest between Woodward Ave. and Rosa Parks Blvd.

Staff Writer

Glowing green skulls, ill-fitting thrift store apparel, hypnotic visual art, and songs about crystal cats and pizza horses—it is either a drug-addled daydream or another Dan Deacon show.

Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, the indie media darling and burgeoning icon is on a road-trip across the country to support the release of his recent psychedelic-electronic music video release, Ultimate Reality.

Though he is not yet appearing in iPod commercials or playing venues

listed on Ticketmaster, electronic musician and anti-chic dork Dan Deacon seems to be teetering on the verge of breaking into mainstream consciousness. The legions of Pitchforkmedia. com readers will no doubt recognize his oversized red glasses and two-shirt wardrobe as the belongings of a frequent news figure.

In the past year, Pitchfork has covered everything from the theft of Deacon’s treasured glowing skull prop to his public outrage against the Greyhound transportation system. Deacon is pleased with the unusual publicity Pitchfork has given him.

Photo courtesy of www.pitchforkmedia.com

Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood chronicles the decadesspanning decline of supposed family man and greedy oil purveyor Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis). Like a modern Citizen Kane, we see Plainview transform from a seemingly honest businessman into a greedy recluse devoid of any semblance of humanity.

Plainview’s penchant for blind excess in the film is matched only by that of Eli Sunday a teenage priest who is as hungry to expand his congregation as Plainview is to suck the Eli’s land dry of precious oil.

Over the course of nearly three hours, Anderson paints a slow and detailed portrait of the film’s seminal rivalry. Oil can literally be heard bubbling beneath the surface as things heat up.

Many viewers may, however, find the thick mood of Anderson’s subtle horror film to be eclipsed by the film’s deliberate pace and Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood’s schizophrenic and often distracting score.

The casual viewer may have trouble finding Blood to be rewarding, but the film keeps the title’s ominous promise nonetheless. There will be blood, but those distracted by the mood-obscuring music and lagging tempo of the film might not find the primal satisfaction that Anderson is drilling for.

Photo courtesy of 27dresses.com

Dan Deacon deconstructs ‘Ultimate Reality’ Steven Sonoras

Staff Writer

“I think the press is something a lot of people have a hard time with,” Deacon said. “If it works for you, that’s great. If it doesn’t, you’ve just got to remember that it’s just someone’s opinion.”

Since the release of his mind-bending Spiderman of the Rings album last spring and a subsequent rave review from Pitchfork, Deacon has seen a considerable growth in attendance at his shows.

“I guess it’s been steadily growing,” Deacon said. “You could compare it to a population growth chart, how it just jumps up at one point.”

With all the excitement of a child playing with a new action figure, Deacon is equipped with the energy to entertain his newfound fan base in pack lofts and clubs across the country.

On his current tour he can be found playing up to three hour-long sets a night: a live performance of Ultimate Reality, a solo set, and in special cases a routine of older material. He jokingly attributes his stamina to the “stored-up energy” around his bulging mid-section.

Ultimate Reality, a dual effort between Deacon and Jimmy Joe Roche,

is a performance spectacle graced with an adventurous score and a seizure-inducing visual narrative that combines footage and concepts from nearly every Arnold Schwarzenegger film.

Though Ultimate Reality is currently available on DVD, Deacon recommends seeing the live show as well, which features musical accompaniment by Deacon and two drummers.

“It’s sort of like how it’s really nice to have good, professional wedding photos, but they’re very different from the wedding itself,” Deacon said. “The scale is very different.

Ideally it would be ‘all you can see is the video, all you can hear is the music.’”

While Deacon’s fan base steadily increases throughout his rapturous new tour, the surprisingly serious musician and expects to have several new projects out to entertain his disciples in 2008, including Take it to the Max (Ultimate Reality II), a new album, and a series of pieces written for player piano. Sometimes being a hard-working nerd really does pay off.

27 Dresses

Maggie Smith Staff Writer

27 Dresses stars Katherine Heigl (Knocked Up, Grey’s Anatomy) and James Marsden (Enchanted, X-Men) in a witty romantic comedy that will have audiences laughing out loud.

Heigl’s character Jane Nichols always puts her friends and family first; often at her own expense. But when the man she loves becomes engaged to her selfish and immature sister, Jane has to re-examine her role as “always a bridesmaid, never a bride.” Add to the mix a cynical and sexy journalist named Kevin Doyle (Marsden) and the sparks start to fly. The humor varies from slapstick and sarcastic to brilliant deadpan delivery. 27 Dresses carries a unique blend of humor and sentiment. While the minor characters seem comically superficial at first, many will be surprised by the depth and sincerity portrayed. 27 Dresses earns 3.5 out of 4 stars because it is a fun and entertaining hour and 47 minutes. Even the guys in the audience will be holding their sides during the drunken rendition of Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets.” It will be hard for anyone to keep from cheering for Jane and believing in happily ever after.

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THE AGORA

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Spotlight

UP

February 12, 2008

Getting our driver’s license, taking a first job, graduating from high school, moving out of our parent’s house and entering college are a few events that lead us a little closer to adulthood. But what about the little things your parents never taught you? Car maintenance? Laundry? Cooking? In our society we are afraid to ask questions, but knowing these basics are as important as knowing when 35¢ wing night is. So join The Agora in this five part series which will explore, explain and simplify the tasks we need to grow up.

Emily Chandonnet

CK

Assistant Editor

ar

How to change a tire

Supply Check List

Leverage Pipe Lug-Nut Key (locking lug nuts only) Chock Rag

Step 1

• Park your car on level ground, a safe distance away from traffic • Apply the parking brake.

• Turn off the engine • Turn on hazard lights

Step 2

• Place a wheel chock or large rock behind (if facing uphill) or in front (if facing downhill) of the wheel diagnal to the flat tire to prevent the car from rolling.

Spare Tire (with air in it) Flashlight Jack Lug-Nut Wrench Screwdriver

Step 5

• Carefully jack up the car • Check owner’s manual for correct and safe place to put the jack.

• Jack the car a little higher than is necessary to remove the tire.

Step 6

• Remove the lug nuts all the way and put them in a safe place.

Step 7 Step 8

• Remove the flat tire

Step 3

• Lift new tire onto the wheel studs * REMEMBER the valve always faces out

• Remove hubcap if necessary

Step 4 • Loosen lug nuts, which hold the tire in place, before jacking up the car.

• Place one end of the lug nut wrench over a lug nut. Use a hollow pipe for leverege.

• Turn the wrench counterclockwise • Loosen each lug nut in a star pattern, loosen one a few turns, then loosen the one opposite.

• Loosen each one a little bit at a time

Step 9 • Replace lug nuts • Tighten them the same way you loosened them

Step 10

• Slowly lower the jack and remove

Step 11

• Tighten the lug nuts again as much as you can

Step 12

• Put the hubcap back on

Congratulations you’re done!!!

it

The following are all the things that you should keep in your car:

F

ender bender?

Steps after an accident 1. Stay Put 2. Get Help 3. Gather Info

Moving away from the scene can cause legal problems.

Check for major injuries and seek out help. Call the police.

Talk to the police before anyone else. Tell a complete and accurate story. Collect all info from the other driver, from witness and passangers.

You should get phone numbers, addresses, insurance info, license number and license plate info.

4. Snap photos

Take pictures of the car damage and of the scene.

GET

Basic First Aid Kit containing at least: Bandages, Cotton Swabs, Ice Packs, Medical Tape and Gauze, Aspirin, Flashlights Cell Phone Emergency Flares Notepad and Pencil Water Heavy Blankets Maps Disposable Camera Umbrella Gloves Granola Bars Jumper Cables Ice Scraper Spare Tire Jack Tire Gauge

DialedIN

All the numbers everyone should have programed in their phone

I.C.E.

Choose a person who you wouldike to be your ICE (IN Case of Emergerncy) contact.

When you program their number have their name be (ICE + who they are in relation to you). ICE is recognized worldwide Example: ICE Mom; ICE Husband

800-GOOG-411

This number will give you a free Google phonebook directory. Call this number and state your location and the business type you are searching for and they will connect you for free.

866-411-SONG

Use this number to find out the name of a song on the radio. Dial this number, hold it up to the radio for 15 seconds and the service will ID the song. They will send a text message containing the name along with a $.99 charge to your monthly bill.

If you use this feature frequently buy the unlimited text ID feature for $3.99/month.

112

This number is the worldwide emergency number for cell phones. If you are out of the coverage are of your cell phone network, use this number in emergencies and you will be connected to an existing network.

Tips&Tricks

When changing a flat tire open your hood to show drivers you are stopped for repairs Penetrating oil helps loosen tight lug nuts Check your spare tire pressure once a month BE CAREFUL when you jack up your car because it can easily slip off the jack Remember to pull rather than push when you are removing the lug nuts; this will help you to avoid cuts and bruises Remember righty tighty, lefty loosy when removing and tightening lug nuts

Check your tire pressure frequently, such as evey time you get gas. If your tire loses 1 psi you will loose one to two miles per galloon. Your tires lose 1 to 2 psi a month.

During winter don’t let your gas get below half full Every other fill-up check your fluids; oil, anti-freeze, transmission, brake, power steering and windshield washing fluid Switch your windshield wipers every 6 months Every 7,500 miles rotate your tires Check your tail lights every six months Every 30,000 miles have your brakes checked