2-26-2004

Groovy pictures, page 8

AGORA

Fun food, page 6

Bush raises hopes, doubts VOLUME 46 ISSUE 6

MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Photo courtesy of Owens Community College

President George Bush spoke at Owens Community College to inform people about his “Jobs for the 21st Century” plan.

By Mike McHone During his State of the Union Address in mid-January, President George W. Bush announced his “Jobs for the 21st Century” plan to better prepare workers for jobs

available to them in the future.

The plan, aimed at mostly community colleges, will include a $250 million community based job training grant, and $33 million toward the enhancement of Pell Grants.

“Anytime community colleges are mentioned in the State of the Union Address, it’s a good thing,” Dr. David Nixon, president of MCCC, said.

Nixon fully supports the incentive.

Budget cuts and higher tuition have plagued most community colleges across the country. To some, the funding toward job placement seems like a good idea, especially in a slow moving economy where millions have lost jobs and health care.

However, others are not so sure of the plans validity.

“First, job-training doesn’t create jobs,” Dr. Terry Telfer, professor of English, said in an email interview.

“With the focus on job-training, less money will go to transfer fields, particularly in the present economic crisis. When a working-class student is trained for a job instead of provided an education, he (or) she will be unable (or more unlikely) to move to a different job(or) career if his (or) her present job is lost.”

The day after Bush’s State of the Union Address, he visited Owens Community College to go further in-depth in his “Jobs” incentive.

FEBRUARY 26, 2004

“If you’re running a community college, I want you to pay attention to what Owens is doing,” he said.

“Owens has a history of job training,” Martha Crawmer, dean of science and mathematics, said.

“I’m not in his head, but I think that’s what he meant.”

For the 27th consecutive semester, Owens has increased its enrollment. This past fall, according to the Owens Community College web-site (owens.edu), Owens ranked as the leader in Fall Semester headcount enrollment growth among all of Ohio’s public colleges and universities.

Telfer, however, thinks Bush’s statement has another motive than enrollment.

“Bush’s job-training program,” he said, “also includes money for those community colleges that develop Homeland Security departments. Bush didn’t come to Owens for nothing; they’re

see Jobs, page 7

“Click toBrick”supportsCenter Kerry carries polls

By Jenna Koch

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) is currently constructing a new facility for college and community use. The Instructional Center for Business Training and the Performing Arts will provide opportunities to both students and the community.

It will serve as a center for customized training, a cultural arts center, and a community resource.

The MCCC Foundation is currently campaigning to reach the $3 million goal to fulfill the remaining monetary needs of the capital campaign.

According to the MCCC website, the cost of the building is $12 million. Six million dollars is being provided by the State

By Victoria Schmidt advantage, but there are 35

The race for the top democratic presidential candidate is becoming clear. The withdrawal of Wesley Clark and now Howard Dean has left two major candidates: John Kerry and John Edwards.

Kerry is dominating the polls.

Of the 17 caucuses Kerry won 15 of them, leaving his fellow democrats wondering whether or not to stay in the race.

“Kerry appears to be running smart. He knows how to be Agora photo by Kelli Massa Concrete floors have been poured throughout the building, appealing and appears to be a and the entire building is being heated. genuine guy,” Paul Burkhardt, of Michigan, $3 million by the building can purchase a brick Monroe County Community college, and $3 million will be or a seat in the new theatre. College (MCCC) adjunct faculty, raised by a Capital Campaign.

The cost to purchase a brick said.

Those wishing to donate to ranges from $100 to $400 Edwards won South Carolina the construction can do so in depending on size, a theatre and tied with Clark in Oklahoma. several ways. First, those seat ranges from $500 to $1000 Kerry’s wins are a huge wishing to support the new see Brick, page 7

caucuses and primaries left.

The caucuses and primaries will be running until June 8, when the last two states, Montana and New Jersey, vote.

To be nominated for the presidency, the candidate must receive 2,161 delegate votes. The states will announce their delegate votes on television at the Democratic National Party Convention which will be held the week of July 26 in Boston, Massachussetts.

While some people are interested in what is happening, others are only concerned that President Bush does not return to office.

“The media covers it like a horse race. All I care about is that they don’t vote for the shrub (President Bush),” Scott Olemacher, student at MCCC, said.

Nixon proves fundamental

By Taryn Kapp

President David Nixon has accomplished many things since his arrival in the fall of 2003. His first official day as president was August 1, 2003.

When he came to Monroe County Community College (MCCC), the position for Vice President of Instruction was open. Leading a successful national search to find candidates for this position was at the top of his list.

“The person who accepted the job [Dr. Grace Yackee] was the one who was chosen by most of the people. We were very happy to find a very qualified person for the job,” Nixon said.

Nixon introduced a President’s council to the college. The council meets weekly and is composed of 15 members who represent all areas of the campus. Topics such as online instruction or student services are discussed, and it allows other faculty members to

participate in the leadership of the college.

“The group provides council to the President on a variety of topics that are important to the college. I feel it is important because it provides a forum for dialogue that may help to shape some of the President’s decisions,” Steve Mapes, council member, said.

“I’m trying to promote a new level of positive thinking on campus by demonstrating

an attempt to influence consensus, rather than dictating,” Nixon added.

Nixon initiated an employee satisfaction survey to help target areas that need further attention.

Results of the survey proved that communication was an issue that needed to be addressed.

“In most instances there Agora photo by Bob Oliver is very little Dr. David Nixon has increased com-

see Nixon, page 7

munication at MCCC, according to a recent survey.

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Opinion

Agora

February 6, 2004

Wanted: lessons in diversity

By Terri McConnaughey ride, he asked me a question.

I received my first kiss when I was five years old, and learned my first lesson in friendship when I was nine.

In kindergarten we always had relax time after a story. They don’t do the nap thing anymore in kindergarten, which is a shame.

It made us all slow down and appreciate the moral of the story, and sometimes morals to the story don’t enter your subconscious until years later.

Duane had huge brown eyes and was a little chubby. He was very nice and considerate, especially for a boy of five. He had a BIG crush on me.

One day our class went on a field trip, and Duane and I sat together on the bus. We went to the planetarium, which was thrilling. During that hot, bouncy

I don’t remember what it was, but when I turned to answer him—he kissed me—smack on the lips. I was shocked, but also excited. My first kiss!

This was an end-of-theyear field trip, and I only saw him a couple times afterwards.

We moved the following summer, and I started first grade in a new school. I was scared. New experiences were frightening to me, as they are to most kids. One of the first people who befriended me was Patty.

She was fun and liked to talk; she was someone very much like me. She had black curly hair, almond eyes and a turned up nose, just like me.

We got along very well, and for the next few years we would hang out together in

Bob Oliver’s

Twist

school, and also in after school activities. We were in a Brownie troop together, and our picture was taken for the Lansing State Journal. I still have a copy of that picture somewhere.

When I was nine, my father transferred from the Lansing division of Ford Motor Company to the Dearborn headquarters. This meant a big change for our family, and we planned to move to Livonia, Michigan.

Patty was the one person who cried and held me tight, not wanting me to leave. She and I promised to stay in touch.

Of course, when you are nine, things happen and you lose touch, which is something I will always regret. I still remember the

I am not a fan of the cold weather, but I am used to it. After spending a majority of my life in this climate, my body is accustomed to the winds, sporadic snow, and mild flooding done every time we approach what is thought to be spring, but is not.

I am also continually shocked by the annual stupidity of those who think that melting snow in early February is a sign that all is well and it’s time to break out the Luau supplies.

For me, the only true sign of spring is the Tigers at training camp, and this year will be no exception.

Why? First, they play in Florida, probably because their P.R. is too smart to risk the valuable practice time on the horribly unpredictable weather we get every March.

Second, because it means they will show off their new talent and convince the local residents that this will be a .500 season, unlike last

season. Or the one before that. Or the one before that one. Heck, we could do the joke six or seven times, but we’ll stop there because we all know they stink.

Live with it: Pudge Rodriguez will not help the Tigers do squat. If anything, he’ll break his collarbone stealing a base and oh… another 30 million donated to the “Get Paid to Lose Fund.”

And so much for baseball.

I am hard pressed to find anyone anymore who is as excited about the Tigers as they are about the Red Wings playoff hopes. Illitch owns both teams, and even he knows that unless the cats go 15-8 in April, they will get no airtime, no admittance, and no respect.

But the Tigers will go 15-8 when the National Enquirer

See Oliver, page 7

By Kelli Massa “What day is it?” This is often the first thought I have when the alarm sounds every morning.

When I set my class schedule this semester I thought I was giving myself a break by taking only ten credit

hours at MCCC, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Along with my part-time class schedule, I have other obligations such as working two jobs, tutoring, being on the newspaper, taking classes outside of MCCC, babysitting, and attempting to hang out with the few friends I have left. I hardly have time to shower, yet I continue adding more obligations to my color coded schedule every day.

So why do people schedule themselves to death? I do it as an escape, a way to preoccupy myself from feeling the pain inside. Despair, inadequacy, and worthlessness

seem to fade with each hectic day. If I block off these feeling I will be safe from crying. And by pushing my emotions down to the pit of my stomach they can no longer hurt me. I know if I can hide my feelings from others, I can hide them from myself, too.

It is almost impossible to slow down. With everything clouding my mind, sleeping is a nightly struggle. Keeping busy seems like the only way I can make it through the week. However, I know there is a better solution out there, but I have not found it yet.

Janet Jackson exposed

By Jenny Creekmore Although the half-time show didn’t consist of any artist I really liked, I decided to watch it anyway. Of course, when Justin Timberlake tore off the bustier cup, I was in shock that Janet Jackson would let that happen.

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

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

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

Mark Bergmooser, Adviser

I realized this until I had children and wanted to teach them the values I believe in.

Most people remember Martin Luther King’s, “I Have a Dream” speech for it’s passion and message.

Two passages stand out for me: “With this faith we will be able to transfor m the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood,” and “This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with a new meaning, ‘My Countr y tis of Thee, sweet land of land of liber ty, of thee I sing.’”

Busybee escapes

They’re Grrrrrrrrreat!!!

By Bob Oliver

softness of her cheek against mine, and the dampness of her tears.

Duane and Patty were both black.

The rest of my youth was spent in whiteness. Oh, there was the occasional family of color, but nothing like I was used to. I think I missed out on some valuable experiences in culture.

My worry is that my children won’t get to experience other races and cultures. Bedford Township is so “white bread” that someone on an Atkins diet w o u l d m o v e a w a y ! ( To o many carbohydrates!)

I try to educate and inform my children, but there is nothing like living amongst other cultures to learn about each other, and I don’t think

From what I remember, Janet Jackson was very modest. Okay, so maybe it was a problem with the clothing. But why was she wearing silver sun nipple shields?

The only time I saw her bare skin was in one of her videos where she bore her stomach. She had a six-pack.

Now why would she rather show her chest than her stomach is beyond me. I couldn’t believe she did that with 80 million people watching. Who can count how many kids were watching?

‘What kind of role model is she?,’ I ask myself. Why pull this stunt on CBS at the Superbowl? She could have done this for an MTV production; at least then parents know what they are up for when their children watch it.

Photo courtesy of www.janetjackson.com

Jackson’s exposure has caused controversy.

I thought this is one woman who didn’t need to show her body to be famous.

S h e ’s g o rg e o u s , s h e c a n dance, and, come on, she’s Michael Jackson’s sister!

Janet disappointed me when she did that. It seemed that she wanted publicity. Her CD came out the next day.

What a coincidence!

n

n t r

February 26, 2004

Campus News

Agora

3

Te a c h e r s return to student roles

By Greta Schartner Agora photo by Jenna Koch

A board saluting the efforts of MASS is on display in the Life Sciences Building.

MASS retur ns for fifth year

By Jenna Koch Five years ago, Tracy Kling, assistant professor of biology, and Lori Bean, associate professor of biology and chemistry, decided to create a club to bring students interested in math and science together.

Today, the Math and Science Society (MASS) is a popular club on campus that is actively involved in student life.

“We thought it was really important to have some type of social interaction for our students, and a way to bring our science and math students together to get involved in field trips to science museums, and math competition; for them to experience new things, to relate with the faculty,” Tracy Kling, one of the MASS advisors, said. “[MASS] is not a group of nerds who sit around and derive equations and talk about mitosis.

Mainly we talk about what we want to do to get together as friends and have fun.

“We have done some things that have to do with our careers, but basically the goal of this society is to get students together who have similar interests...to get together, to make friends, make connections, learn some networking skills, and get involved with their college,” Jacob Wheeler, MASS president, said.

Two faculty members at Monroe County Community College, (MCCC) are working to further their education, and a third faculty member is in the process of having his software published in an academic textbook.

Pat Nedry, Dean of Industrial Technology Division at MCCC, is working on his dissertation for a Doctorate degree in Education (EdD).

He began studies at Eastern Michigan University in 1997.

“When I was in the [Manufacturing] industry, I traveled 75 percent of the time,” Nedry said. He wanted to pursue graduate studies sooner, but his travels did not allow him the time to

work on the goal he set for himself long ago.

The topic of his dissertation is the impact of technology preparation on college readiness.

Terry Kovach, a Librarian at MCCC, is also working on a Doctorate Degree.

Her degree will be a Doctorate of Philosophy in Sociology (PhD). She studies at Wayne State University, and began her graduate studies in fall 2001.

“Professionally, this is something I have wanted to do for a long time, it was kind of a dream deferred,” Kovach said. She married and raised her two stepchildren after she earned her masters degree, and is now ready for the next

see, Faculty page 7

see MASS, page 7

Exchanging Inclement weather green for blue complicates commute

By Danny Carmack Guest Reporter There’s nothing better than spending money on a good pair of blue jeans, especially when you’ve already bought them.

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) is raising funds for various charities.

Blue Jeans Friday, a new donation drive, will occur on the fourth Friday of each month this year.

For a $ 3 dollar donation, faculty members may wear jeans. Twelve charities out of a total of 29 nominated by the Institutional Staff Development Committee (ISDC) were selected for 2004.

The first Blue Jeans Friday was held on Jan. 30 and benefited the Humane Society of Monroe. MCCC staff raised $102 to donate to the animal shelter.

“I think it’s a great idea that Monroe College is helping the Humane Society.” Janet O’Brein, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Monroe, said. “The donations help provide vet care, food, and the supplies that they need.”

By Jenny Creekmore “I emailed everyone asking them to nominate their favorite charities for Blue Jeans Friday,” Molly McCutchan, Director of Human Resources and Chairwoman to the ISDC, said.

“Then the ISDC sat down at one of our meetings, and on general consensus, chose the twelve charities. We wanted an international charity, and some to stay here like the George Rhodes Scholarship, the Ruth Merrit Scholarship, and The Foundation.”

The Foundation is a freestanding corporation and its sole purpose is the financial support and enhancement of the college.

Suzanne Wetzel is Executive Director of The Foundation and the Director of Institutional Advancement.

“We are basically the fund raising arm of the college,” Wetzel said. “The donations are unrestricted funds and those funds then can be used to help support special projects like field trips, the Jaws of Life project, and to build a car.”

Students can also make donations at the switchboard in the Administration Building.

“You just can’t win,” Lonnie Brunswick, vice president of student and information services, said. He justifies cancellation at Monroe County Community College (MCCC).

According to Brunswick, MCCC really doesn’t have a policy; it is a judgment call made by him. He keeps careful watch on the weather report and takes everything into consideration. He also gets up between 6:00-6:30 to test roads.

“I don’t test every road, but I do the primary and secondary roads. I check with the maintenance crew at MCCC to see about the parking lot and sidewalks,” Brunswick said.

Although MCCC does not close often, the college is considering a two-hour delay. It never has occurred at the college.

“I try to figure if the weather is going to change. Now if its 31 degrees and icy out but it is projected to rise, then I won’t close because it will not freeze. I keep in mind that we have no ‘snow days’ and we have no buses on the road. The average age of students coming here is 26.

I believe the students should be

Agora photo by Jenny Creekmore

For school closing information, visit the college website at www.monroeccc.edu or call (734) 384-4223.

responsible drivers,” Brunswick said.

Brunswick does get some grief from his judgment call, but he continues to take everything into consideration and make an informed decision.

“I drive on back roads to get to school with almost 8-foot ditches on both sides. It’s dangerous sometimes to get to school,” MCCC student Jon Squires said.

According to Squires, it would make more sense to close if two-thirds of the schools around us are closed.

“I think students shouldn’t be held accountable if they miss

class because of snow or bad weather,” MCCC student Steven Jones said.

“If everyone around us is closed, then we should be. I have to drive 30 minutes to get to MCCC and last Wednesday I went into a snow drift,” Cassandra Utley, MCCC student, said.

“Although I’m only 10 minutes away I still have problems getting to school. Last week I hit a patch of ice and hit a curb in the parking lot,” Jessica Siedl, MCCC student said.

“I cannot miss school. If I miss one day then I’ll fall behind. It’s really hard when the weather is bad,” Siedl explained.

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Agora

L OV E ’ S

Feature

February 26, 2004

M A NY S T AGES :

Dating thoughts revealed

By Kelli Massa Papers, exams, books, grades, and long lectures often come to mind when many people think of college.

However, love fills the halls at Monroe County Community College (MCCC).

Dating in the past often involved a guy making the first move and asking a woman out.

However, this traditional model of dating is not always the case in 2004.

“I’m shy, so I like when a guy asks me out. Overall I don’t think it really matters, but it seems harder for guys sometimes,” Jessica Ladwig, MCCC student, said.

Nicholas Cousino, MCCC alumnus, feels it depends on the situation.

“If a girl asks a guy out it takes a little tension off the guy so it’s easier for him to make the first move,” Cousino said.

Thirty-seven percent of MCCC students and alumni surveyed said school was somewhere they go to meet

“

...once you get to know someone you can share emotions and feelings, and that person’s beauty extends beyond a physical level.

potential boy/girlfriends. Other hot spots included: work, bars, and meeting through friends.

Although Cousino does not go looking for a long time companion, he believes you can never tell when and where you may meet them.

“I could bump shoulders with my future wife on the street and

What do you look for in the opposite sex?

What a girl wants... What a guy wants...

1. Morals/Values 2. Sense of Humor 3. Intelligence 4. Career 5. Confidence

not even know it at the time,” he said.

Ladwig tries to keep dating separate from her college life.

“At school I need to focus on my future career; dating is not my top priority right now,” Ladwig said.

1. Sense of Humor 2. Morals/Values 3. Appearance 4. Outgoing 5. Intelligence

MCCC students and alumni survey results.

”

When she is dating, Ladwig, like many of those surveyed, find morals and values along with a sense of humor as the two most important qualities they look for in a person.

“If your beliefs and morals are different then you run into conflict and problems in the relationship,” she said.

Cousino said he looks for someone who is outgoing and easy to talk to when finding a special someone.

Other important qualities those surveyed look for are intelligence, appearance, and confidence.

Appearance ranked high, especially by male participants.

Jeremy Langton, MCCC alumnus, feels finding someone physically attractive depends on personal taste.

Agora photo by Kelli Massa

Students Lesley Cook and John Lieto play pool in the Cellar.

Thirty-seven percent of those surveyed chose school as a place they go to meet potential boy/girlfriends.

“It (appearance) is important because you should be physically attracted to someone you want to be with,” Langton said.

“There has to be an attraction factor,” Cousino said.

“Then once you get to know someone you can share emotions and feelings, and that persons beauty extends beyond a physical level.”

When it comes to appearance, a person’s smile is the number one trait which attracts 40 percent of those

surveyed. Eyes tied with smile for females surveyed, and second place for males was also eyes, followed by nice buttocks.

Look for part two of “Love’ “Love’ss many stages” in the next issue of the Agora!

Osborne fills position Study Tips

By Dan Burnard One of the newest administrator positions at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) is director of institutional research, which has been filled by Mary Osborne.

The director of institutional research is in charge of statistics, surveys, grants, and assisting the MCCC administration.

“If I had a question to how many full time males are on campus Mary can answer it,” David Nixon, president of MCCC, said. “If I wanted to know the students average age, she can look that up for me.”

Nixon said when putting arguments together for grants or for customer service, it’s that information Osborne provides that makes the argument strong.

Osborne’s knowledge and experience make her a great addition to MCCC. Being a director of institutional research for the last 15 years at other community colleges and

universities in Texas and Arkansas, she came to MCCC, closer to where she grew up.

“She was able to bring her knowledge to this college to show us how it [institutional research] is done,” Nixon said.

“She’s a real team player; she’s flexible, willing to take on new challenges, and she’s nice to work with.”

Osborne interacts with many other administrators on a frequent basis. They include admissions counselors, registrar’s office, vice president of business, and the president.

“Mary has the know how on how to put a good survey together and pull out the data that you want for certain questions,” Randell Daniels, director of admissions and guidance services, said.

“It’s the best place I’ve ever worked. It’s got a great team of people. Some of the best faculty,” Osborne said.

She enjoys her job at MCCC and plans to retire from here.

By Dannica Michaud

Agora photo by Dan Burnard

Mary Osborne is the new director of instutional research at MCCC.

“It just suits me,” Osborne said. “Anything can come through the door. So, it’s always different and that attracts me.

It’s a comfortable place to work.”

Osborne likes to remind herself that the numbers she works with represent real people.

“This job can be very isolating from the students if you let it be.

So, I try to keep in touch with the students,” Osborne said.

Another semester means classes to attend, notes to take, books to read, and tests to study for.

“Make school a priority.

It doesn’t have to be number one, but make it a priority,” Martha Studnicka, Faculty Specialist, said. She reccomends the following tips.

Tip #1: Know your learning style. Figure out what works best for you. Are you a social learner or an independent learner, auditory or visual, creative or logical step-bystep? A website which will help you find your learning style is http://www.metamath.com/ lsweb/dvclearn.htm.

Tip #2: Read the textbook.

Don’t try to read a whole chapter in one sitting. Read for twenty minutes and take a short break before reading more.

“Do the end of the chapter summary problems; it’s a great review of what’s important in the text,” Beth Kamprath, faculty specialist, suggests.

Tip #3: Take notes. “Be disciplined in note-taking; do it on a regular basis,” Stacey Sachs, student-tutor, said.

When taking notes from lecture listen for key words: an example, three reasons, most important. Don’t try to write everything that is said during lecture. Also, create your own shorthand or abbreviate words. When taking notes from a book, highlight or underline main ideas and key words.

Tip #4: Try study groups.

Studying in groups allows you to work through problems together and reaffirm what you know.

see Study, page 7

Feature

4February 26, 2004

Agora

5

L a w s u i t s Blast i n s t i l l f e a r from the

By Andrea Poteet File sharing, or downloading music over peer-to-peer networks such as Napster and Kazaa used to be a normal event for many college students.

The file sharing revolution, however, was dealt a blow

Agora photo by Crystal Pierce

Culinary students create ice sculptures to match buffet themes.

Students create culinary feast

By Terri McConnaughey on. You can sit and read books The Culinary Arts students, Chef Kevin Thomas, certified culinary educator, along with Vicki LaValle, certified executive pastry chef, at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) will host a series of 6 buffets on selected Fridays between Feb. 27 and April 23.

The buffets will include appetizers, entrees, vegetables, starches, and salads. The dessert and pastry table will be 40 feet long.

First year students arrive on campus at 8 a.m. and are ready for service at 11:30 a.m. They prepare all the pastries, desserts, and even chocolate covered strawberries. They also set up tables and centerpieces for guests, make coffee, punch and signs for items on the buffet.

“A project is turned in by students on each buffet. They do all the garnishes, and vegetable carvings. It’s hands

till the cows come home, but until you get your handsin there and taste it, you just don’t know,” LaValle said.

When participating in the buffet, students are observed and graded on everything they do.

This includes food quality, presentation, personal dress and sanitation. The students also create an ice carving to match the theme of each buffet, and have been practicing food preparation for the past few weeks.

The buffet has been in operation for approximately 25 years. The college receives their produce from a company in Huron Ohio who has a select clientele, which includes the finest restaurants in New York, Chicago, and even the White House.

“We feel honored to be on that list,” LaValle said.

“It’s excellent. My wife has gone and she loved it,” Grant Strickland, professor of english, said.

Cuisine1300 Buffets Schedule of Buffets All Buffet’s begin at 11:30 a.m. and cost $15.00

Tour of Europe- Febuary 27 Mediterranean- March 12 Asian/Fusion- March 19 Islands of the world- March 26 The Great American Barbeque- April 12 The Ultimate Buffet- April 23 For ticket information call the cashier’s office 384-4231.

when the free-use network Napster was shut down. Still, the file sharing community was largely unaffected and

“

dollars,” Sarah Thompson, Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student, said.

According to Rollingstone.com, the RIAA pursues downloaders who have around 1,000 files on their hard drives, less than 16 percent of all file sharers.

Downloaders like MCCC student Carly Dahl are comfortable with those odds.

“So many people do it, so why would they catch me?” she said.

Although many users share Dahl’s belief, the lawsuits have scared off enough users to decrease traffic on the peer-to peer network Kazaa by 35 percent, according to Rollinstone.com The addition of pay perdownload networks such as Apple’s iTunes online music

So many people do it, so

”

why would they catch me?

switched over to other freeuse networks.

But according to msnbc.msn.com, the newest wave of over 261 lawsuits filed by the Recording Industry Association of America ( RIAA) has many file-sharers thinking twice before they download.

“I don’t want to be one of those people who you see in Rolling Stone who owe the government like six million

store seemed like a feasible compromise between the music industry and downloaders. “I think it’s a good idea but at the same time it’s paying for music when I don’t know what it will sound like,” MCCC student Melissa Maxwell said of the service.

Maxwell said that her desire for inexpensive music outweighs her fear of being sued, and that she still downloads music, only now she is much more careful.

past

By Kelli Massa Groovy tie-dye shirts, flower print outfits, bell bottoms, platform shoes, and peace signs filled the Health Education Building this Valentine’s Day at Monroe County Community College’s (MCCC) Retro Romance Dance.

“It (the atmosphere) was so nostalgic to me. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s with the peace signs, incense burners, and everything,” Julie Billmaier, foundation committee member, said.

Guests went back in time to a 1970’s basement as they walked into the multipurpose room. A multicolored carpet, bright orange couch, burning incense, records, bean bag chairs, and even leftover pizza decorated the entranceway.

“The decorations looked wonderful. It hit the late 60’s early 70’s mark right on the head,” Tom Ryder, foundation special events committee member, said.

Although the attendance was down from last year ’s Valentine’s Dance, the fun definitely was not.

“There was a lot more participation on the dance floor

see Dance, page 7 For groovy photos see page 8

Campus hosts events

By Bob Oliver For the last thirty years, the Campus Community Events Committee has been bringing live entertainment to Monroe County Community College. But how does an act get booked to perform on campus?

“Every year in late January/ early February we create a list of proposed acts for the following year,” Dr. William McCloskey, the chair of campus/community events, said. “Any cds, pictures, and biographies go to Tom Ryder, who handles the contracting.”

Thomas Ryder, the fitness activities and campus/ community events coordinator, has been in charge of these shows for five years. He has been on the committee for 16 years,

but did not take the reins until later, when former MCCC

Agora photo courtesy of Eric Jaffe

Steve Poltz recently performed in the cellar.

President Gerald Welch offered him the position.

Ryder also handles payment, meals, any hotel room needed, and other requests made by the performer(s).

Events that occur on campus are decided upon by a committee made up of staff, students (from student council), and community members.

According to McCloskey, this group has the largest community input of all college committees.

The diverse group is made up of 29 people, who are divided into 5 sub-committees.

These smaller groups are separated due to the varying events that can be held at the college. The five subcommittees represent music, art, dance/theater, speakers, and special events.

With a list of acts growing by the month, the committee meets and listens to the tapes to narrow the field down to about three or four performers. It is a procedure that McCloskey said is decided by a majority count

see Events, page 7

A&E Thriller and dinner satisfies appetites Food, 6

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February 26, 2004

By Jef f Ber r y and Victoria Schmidt

Brilliant! With a capital B. The movie, The Butterfly Effect is a psychological thriller that takes the audience through a two hour phenomenon. The definition of the butterfly effect is “the extreme sensitivity of chaotic systems in which small changes or perturbations lead to drastically different outcomes.”

From the beginning, young E v a n Tr e b o r n ( A s h t o n Kutcher) is plagued with blackouts. In the midst of a tragedy, Evan cannot remember what has happened and is stuck with incomplete memories for most of his life. When he grows up, Evan tries to put the missing pieces of his life back together. Trying to spawn complete memories once and for all, he turns to journals he has been keeping since childhood. Eventually he learns to control these blackouts and finds he can turn back time, change what happens, and start all over again.

I highly recommend this movie for anyone who is seeking an unforgettable

fun, and Folly

By Nathan Lyke

Agora photo by Kelli Massa

Steam rises as a “Grilla” prepares a custom stir-fry meal at Mongolian Barbecue in Ann Arbor.

masterpiece that won’t force you to blackout before the end.

Mongolian Barbecue, Ann Arbor, is the restaurant of choice for the evening. The look of the restaurant was an array of different native objects and pictures. Black umbrellas and faded yellow bamboo caught the eye. Cooks, hostesses and wait staff wore

shirts that said, “Grillaz in the Mist” and “We do it better on a grill.”

Mongolian Barbecue offers a fun-filled atmosphere good for any age and the freedom to create your own meal.

There is an array of items including; chicken, seafood, steak, sausage, carrots, bamboo shoots, baby corn, water chestnuts, and many different

spices. After composing your version of the ultimate stir-fry, the food is tossed on a big grill and chopped up by knifeswinging ‘grillaz’ right in front of you.

For an enjoyable evening of eating, drinking and trying to master the art of using chopsticks, turn to Mongolian Barbecue. Your taste buds will appreciate the experience.

Albom explores Academy awards h e a v e n , l i f e appeal to audience

By Dan Burnard

Photo by Lee Yoas

Prescription for relaxation: Mitch Albom’s “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” and a cup of coffee.

By Lee Yoas

Mitch Albom, author of “The Five People You Meet” in Heaven, draws readers into a story about an average man who experiences, through his demise, a most unusual passage through heaven, unlike anything the reader would expect. Albom offers ideas that will make his readers re-think the comparison of earthly life and the after life.

We meet Eddie, an aging war veteran, who feels his life has no meaning. He is stuck in a job going nowhere. He thinks he is like his father with no future and an every day existence. Eddie celebrates

many birthdays, like most of us, but on his 83rd birthday he meets his tragic demise. His last recollection is a falling cart from a ride and a little girl he tried to save. Eddie does not find heaven as most of us picture it; instead he learns what his life meant from five people who have crossed his path at one time or another during his earthly existence.

The five people take him through phases of his life he had forgotten, but upon listening to the people he found out what he had not realized before. He

see Albom, page 7

Inform the critics!

Roll out the red carpet!

Call the host!

Send out the invitations!

Announce the nominations!

That’s right, its time for the Oscars!

The 76th annual Academy Awards will take place Feb. 29, 8 p.m. EST. So who’s invited? For starters actors Johnny Depp, Ben Kingsley, Jude Law, Bill Murray, and Sean Penn populate the list nominated for leading actor.

Keisha Castle-Hughes, Diane Keaton, Samantha Morton, Charlize Theron, and Naomi Watts make the list for leading actress.

The most nominated films according to Oscars.com are “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl” with five nominations, “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King” with 11 nominations, “Mystic River” with five nominations, “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” with 10 nominations, and six for “Cold Mountain”

Billy Crystal is hosting the awards show, making this his eighth year. His performance has won him four Emmys.

“I can’t break the habit,” answered Terry Telfer, associate professor of English said about why he watches the Oscars. His favorite actors and actresses he’s watching for are Johnny Depp, Kirsten Dunst, Dustin Hoffman, and Christina Ricci. Like many others, Telfer believes others should have been nominated but weren’t.

“As far as American movies, ‘All the Real Girls’ should have been nominated,” Telfer said. “As for actors, Holly Hunter for ‘Thirteen’ and Christina Ricci as best supporting actress for ‘Monster.’”

Though the awards show is watched by many, some object to it.

“I just don’t watch it. I don’t consider it a relevant program,” Larry Leach, professor of humanities and theater at MCCC said. “It’s all hype.

Members of the academy?

That could be anyone.”

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) will soon be visited by Shepard’s Folly, a celtic quartet. The group includes four very talented musicians - Phil Shepard (tin whistle, flute), Ray Kamalay (guitar-vocals), Patti Anne Lea (Vocals-guitar) and Marty Somberg (fiddle). They specialize in Gaelic music from Scotland, Irish reels and jigs, as well as traditional ballads.

These four performers came together to make this band in Lansing, Michigan, released their first CD in October 2001, and recieved good reviews. Though the set they are playing at MCCC is one of festivity, dancing, fun, and refreshments, this band is very electic in performances.

Concerts, funerals, wakes, weddings, festivals, dinners, and parties; they do it all.

The band is well trained in their individual skills. Shepard studied the flute under Mark Thomas, a first chair flutist in the National Symphony Orchestra. Kamalay played everything from blues to jazz music in coffee houses throughout high school and continued to play during his college years. Lea has toured the Midwest playing at coffee houses, and can sing anything from rock to bluegrass. Marty Somberg took up the fiddle and traveled to Ireland to learn tunes from young and old performers alike.

Together, these four have a love for their music, which is brighter than any flame. They will perform on Mar. 17 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. in the cafeteria of the Administration Building.

Tickets cost 10 dollars and the festivities will include live music, refreshments, dancing, and, of course, fun.

76th Academy Awards Nominees DIRECTING · CITY OF GOD · THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING · LOST IN TRANSLATION · MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD · MYSTIC RIVER

BEST PICTURE · THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING · LOST IN TRANSLATION · MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD · MYSTIC RIVER

· SEABISCUIT From Oscar.com

February 26, 2004 from Nixon, page 1 communication,” a maintenance worker reported on the survey.

Since the survey’s release, communication has reportedly improved.

“We often talk early in the morning and I always enjoy those moments. He is positive, supportive and the college atmosphere is friendly and relaxed,” Jim DeVries, professor of history, said.

However, Nixon was always communicating with faculty and staff through internal publications, voice-mail, and e-mail. He also established an open-door policy.

Regular discussions are held with Faculty representatives to develop a problem solving relationship in a collective bargaining environment. Nixon is also seen frequently walking around campus.

“I walk around and try to talk to students, see how they’re doing. I want people to think I’m approachable and that they can come to me if they have a problem,” Nixon said.

For the 40th anniversary of MCCC, a campaign is started called, “Celebrating 40 years of teaching and learning.” There is a number of 40-year celebration events planned. One was the

from Oliver, page 2

runs a picture of Michael Jackson and Pete Townsend swapping home movies. They are doomed,and for my mind, so is the upcoming weather we will e n c o u n t e r .

Remember; don’t trust your eyes, senses, or any general conventional wisdom. In the Year of the Monkey, and according to Chinese tradition, there is no considerable lucky sign this year.

That must stand for weather too.

from Study, page 4 The people you study with may understand something you don’t and can explain it in a way that you would understand. This is great for social learners.

Tip #5: Repetition. Review the notes after every class and key concepts from the book. If you review within the first 24 hours you are more likely to remember what you learned. Study over three days for thirty minutes to an hour instead of cramming the night before the test.

Tip #6: Do not procrastinate: It is so easy and tempting to procrastinate, but don’t!

“Procrastination can be the biggest barrier for being a successful student,” Studnicka said.

Start with the most enjoyable part of the assignment and then work on the other part.

For more information on how to be a successful student, studying, or note-taking, contact the Learning Assistance Lab at (734) 384-4167.

In the Mix

Romance Dance, which was to raise money for student scholarships.

Another will happen at commencement. The key speaker will be Dr. Ronald Campbell, the man who started the college 40 years ago and was the first president. In the fall, there will be the grand opening of the Instructional Center for Business Training and the Performing Arts. A concert group has been signed to perform in October.

To make his presence known in the community, Nixon joined the Monroe Rotary International service organization, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Monroe County Industrial Council, Southeast Michigan M-TECH Consortium, and the Michigan Community College Association.

“In the short time Dr. Nixon has been in Monroe, he has impacted the college and the people of the county with his infection enthusiasm to learn about the college, the business community and the overall population. Comments from people in the community and the student population makes MCCC staff proud that we have such a strong leader,” Annie Germani, community relations specialist, said.

from Faculty, page 3 stage in her career endeavors.

Chuck Kelly, Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems , is in the process of getting his software published in an

from MASS, page 3 MASS has had a busy year. This year, membership is at it’s highest with 44 current members. They had a volleyball competition against members of the Society of Automotive Engineers. They went on an annual ski trip, and volunteered by participating in the Lake Erie Clean-up earlier this year.

This semester they held gaming tournaments to raise funds for their field trips. On Feb. 6 they held a Halo X-Box tournament with prizes

from Blast, page 5 this year. Personally, I had a ball!” Billmaier said.

Arms were swinging, hips were shaking, and feet were moving while the live band, Bonkers, played dance hits from the 60’s and 70’s. Billmaier was one of the many guests who “shook her groove thing” to the music.

“We requested a certain era, and everyone I talked to was really happy with the music,” she said.

Drinks were available for those over 21 at the bars called “The Mad Hatter” and “Santos Club 65,” old Monroe favorites.

“This was the fourth or fifth Valentine’s Dance, but it was by far the most fun,” Ryder said.

academic text book by Oxford University Press. The book is titled Computer Systems Architecture, by Professor Alan Clements of the University of Teesside in Tees Valley, UK.

according to the American Federation of Teachers, “Pell grants, for which the maximum grant today covers only 42 percent of costs, fall far short of need.”

The AFT goes on to state that to restore the Grant service to the value it held for students back in the 1970s, it would “require an additional investment of at least $12 [billion] to $15 billion annually.”

However, as with any governmental proposition, time will tell how the incentive plans to unfold.

It should also be noted that three days before Bush’s job placement speech at Owens, 9 people were terminated from their staff. Ironically, some of them worked in the job placement facility.

All donations do not have to be large however, and anyone can donate. Sue Wetzel, Executive Director of The Foundation invites everyone to support the instructional center.

“Donations to the Capital Campaign have ranged from $1 to $1 million. Donors can choose to make a gift in any amount. The Buy A Brick, Take A Seat appeal is just one way donors can join the growing number of individuals who are supporting the Instructional Center project, ” Wetzel said. “[The] development package is so impressive that I think students will really enjoy it,” Clements said.

Kelly has been working on the software since winter semester of 2003. It was originally started by one of his students.

awarded to the winning team and winning individual. On Feb. 27 MASS is sponsoring a Euchre tournament and prizes will be awarded.

This March MASS will be traveling to Chicago to visit three museums, the John G. Shedd aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium.

The Foundation at Monroe County Community College has helped to make the trip possible with a generous grant of $1570.

“We are selling MASS t-shirts for the scholarship that we give out every year to the winner of the math competition,” Wheeler said.

The math competition is statewide and MASS awards a $250 scholarship to the MCCC student who does the best.

MASS meets every two weeks on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. in room L 111.

Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of major. For any information regarding the Euchre tournament, MASS t-shirts, or about joining MASS please contact any of the three MASS advisors: Tracy Kling, Lori Bean, or Lisa Scarpelli or visit the MASS’s website at http:// hometown.aol.com/jdetox151/ myhomepage/business.html.

from Jobs, page 1 opening the Midwest’s largest Homeland Security department next year.”

At Owens, Bush reiterated the stance on increasing Pell Grants for low income students who participate in a State Scholars Program in high school. According to the White House web-site (whitehouse.gov), approximately 36,000 students are slated to qualify for this incentive.

But further research indicated something disturbing in this area.

According to writer Charles Bogel, and the Congressional Research Service, congress is planning to cut Pell Grant services by $270 million beginning in the 2004-2005 school year. And

from Brick, page 1 depending upon location in the theatre.

“It’s like you are buying a piece of history and you can look back on it and say, ‘Wow! I went to MCCC back in 2004 like 60 years from now,” MCCC student Molly Turner said.

There are also special areas that will bear the name of the person who finances the construction, such as the orchestra pit (for a $100,000 denotation) or dressing room number 1 (for a 25,000 donation).

from Events, page 5

and is informal.

With the list finalized, Ryder checks prices acts. By mid- February he submits the budget to the president and vice president of instruction at MCCC.

By July 1, the budget is ready, and the events are booked. Then smaller details are finalized.

Informal acts are likely to be seen in the Cellar, while shows with a larger following would be held in the cafeteria or the Gerald Welch Health Education Building.

But according to Ryder, with the Instructional Center for Business Training and Performing Arts coming, different shows will be seen at MCCC. “The new building will bring bigger names. About 200-300 people can enjoy a show in the cafeteria comfortably. We could have two or three big acts a year to command the bigger seat count,” Ryder said.

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RVeader’s oice What are your plans for spring break?

“I’m taking my kids to Las Vegas.”

Julie Billmaier

“All my buddies have a different spring break so rather than miss a week of school and go with them I’m staying home and working.”

Ryan Miller

from Albom, page 6 receives asked one of the five people if he had saved the little girl, and the answer was not what he expected.

The story made an impact on me, which will forever change my view of heaven. It makes one realize how much of an impression people make on our lives. During our lifetime we meet people who, whether for a short or long period of time change our actions and our way of thinking. Little do we realize how they impact our every day existence.

As Albom states in his book, “All endings are also beginnings.

We just don’t know it at the time.”

“I’ll probably be studying for my anatomy lab practical.”

Jessica Collum

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Spotlight etro R omance

February 26, 2004

D ance

Agora photo by Kelli Massa