5-22-2008

Agora

The Vol. 50, Issue 11

Spring 2008

MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

INSIDE Editorial.........................2&3 Feature..........................4 & 5 Graduation Special......6&7 Campus News....................8 Community News..............9 A&E.............................10-11 Spotlight...........................12

Cyber bullying causes suicide..................................3

First pregnant man in history appears on Oprah..................................5

Graduation 2008.....6&7

Gas Crisis A few tips on how to save pennies while pumping gas Andrew Thurlow Staff Writer

With gas prices booming this year more students continue to lose faith in the U.S economy.

“I had to quit work so I could ration my gas more efficiently for school and food,” said Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student Josh Wood.

“I was spending more money driving to work than I was making.”

The average Michigan retail price for gasoline last month was $3.255 up from $2.806 a year ago, according to the Daily Fuel Gauge Report, AAA‘s media site for retail gasoline prices.

Currently, Michigan ranks 12th for the most expensive average gas price at $3.581, 78 cents higher than last year, depending on daily oil fluctuation.

And while people think our government seems to be ignoring this great problem, in fact, the problem might not be as bad as everyone thinks.

For instance,

in 1949, the average gas price was $.27 a gallon, according to U.S Government statistics from the Energy Information Administration. Minimum wage was $.40 an hour, which is equivalent to a 67 percent differential.

Currently, the average gas price is $3.581 a gallon, depending on oil fluctuation. Minimum wage is currently $7.15 an hour in Michigan, which is equivalent to a 50 percent differential.

That means in 1949 people were paying 17 percent more for gas (proportionally) than we are today.

“Back then, energy and gas bills were the higher proportion for income. We didn’t have the efficiency we have today and as a result we are more dependent on gas and less on alternatives,” said MCCC economics Professor Wendy Wysocki.

Despite the current gas and oil inflations, critics predict gas prices to decrease $.12 by 2009. Below are a few money saving tips for pumping gas more wisely.

Gas Tips: Cheap summer activities ...................6

Movie Reviews: Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Teeth, Prom Night, Street Kings....................7

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Because gasoline evapBecause service stations do not have temorates, it is better to fill perature compensation at the pumps, only your tank up when it is fill your gas tanks early in the morning when ground temperatures are still cold. All service half full. The more gas you have stations store their gas tanks underground and when in your tank the less amount of temperatures rise, gasoline expands making your air it occupies, resulting in less gallon not exactly proportionate. Therefore, the evaporation and more gas for colder the ground, the more dense the gasoline, the your money. more money you save.

All gas pump triggers have three speeds and create vapor return from Gasoline prices change frepumping. If you are pumping on the quently and may vary widely fastest speed, an additional liquid that goes to within only a few blocks of your tank becomes vapor, which is eventuyour home. To find the cheapest gas ally being sucked back into the underground prices in your zip code you can sim- storage tank and ultimately giving you less ply log on to fuelmeup.com, where for your money. It is best to fill up your tank gas station prices are updated three using the low speed, thereby minimizing the times a day nationwide for 82,000 vapors that are created while you are pumpgas stations. ing.

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Agora photo by Emily Chandonnet

As of Friday, May 9, gas was at a high for $3.79 per gallon plus tax at Marothon Gas Station on the corner of North Custer and Telegraph.

MCCC’s own charged

Seger is charged for the embezzlement of the GI scholarship Michael Crossman Staff Writer

Renee Seger was formerly charged with embezzlement between $1,000 and $20,000 in funds. She has been arraigned in the First Circuit Court and sent to pre-trial on May 30.

Seger, 42, was a student at Monroe County Community College (MCCC), and was planning to graduate this spring.

“I knew Renee and was shocked when I heard she had been arrested for any crime, let alone embezzlement.”

Melissa Colbert, MCCC student said.

Embezzlement is defined as theft/ larceny of assets (money or property) by a person in a position of trust or re-

sponsibility over those assets.

Seger allegedly took money from a privately funded scholarship for MCCC that was in the name of a Monroe fallen soldier Nicholas Greer.

Greer died in October 2005 in Iraq, and the fund started shortly after.

Kelly Greer, Nicholas’s mother, and Seger were the co-founders of this scholarship.

“It’s a double tragedy. Renee Seger was a student at MCCC for a number of years and was so exciting about graduating, and now because of the charges, she is not going to graduate,” MCCC President Dr. David Nixon said. “The other tragedy is that she violated the trust of her friend, Kelly

Greer, the soldier’s mother.”

He said the college was not managing the PFC scholarship at the time.

This was a third party scholarship with accounts set up through a local bank.

According to Seger, she states that the money she took was electronically taken to pay her phone bills and an electric bill.

“I never went to the bank and withdrew cash for any reason. Everything I did was done electronically. Kelly (Greer’s mother) gave me permission to pay my phone and electric bill,” she said. “I trusted a friendship instead of getting this all in writing. I put my heart into this and look what it got

me,” she said.

Kelly Greer started the PFC Nicholas Greer Foundation in late 2005.

The $1,000 annual scholarships have been given in 2006 and 2007 to Monroe County residents who were interested in a career in the computer science field, which is what Nicholas was intending to pursue.

Seger claims to have coordinated the clean up of Veteran’s Park, was also involved in the March of Dimes’ Bowling for Babies, and helped in raising $50,000 for a 9/11 fund.

“I was like a second mom to Nicholas after he left home at fifteen. He patched things up with his mother before he left for the service, and I am

PFC Nicholas Greer Died in Iraq in October 2005 continued on page 8, Embezzlement

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Editorial

THE AGORA

Part Deux Michael Crossman Staff Writer

Five years ago, this month, the Iraqi capital city of Baghdad fell to U.S. forces. Today, with more than 140,000 US troops on the ground the question of where this occupation is heading is one being overly debated in Congress, and many communities

in the US. The body bags continue to come home; Iraqi civilians continue to pay the highest price, and the resistance holds power in significant portions of the country. The million dollar question that keeps arising involves the withdraw of our troops.

I find it extremely hard to compre-

Spring 2008

hend how we can even expect to have these troops brought home, without finishing the initial job they are there to do. You don’t just go to war and leave when you feel you’ve had enough.

Did Generals Douglas MacArthur or George S. Patton withdraw when they received negative criticism, or lost many American soldiers?

No, they stayed, sucked it up, and eventually destroyed their enemy while achieving their initial goal.

With this being an election year all the candidates seem focused on more issues than the war. And with all the problems with our economy and gas/ oil prices rising by the minute, who could have time to come up with a plan for the war?

Then answer me this question.

How do you plan to evacuate troops, with no plan for the country after we leave?

People would suggest not being concerned with their country, and letting them “duke it out”.

But looking at U.S. history, it shows there is only one conflict that we intervened in and surprisingly it was successful. The situation in Bosnia proved that intervention is pertinent.

It was also a region that the majority

of the population was Muslim. Peace has returned to Bosnia. One million refugees have returned to their homes.

Two armies, three intelligence services and two customs services have all been welded into single state institutions. All three ethnic groups are cohabiting peacefully, if not yet cooperating, and the economy is growing.

Pulling the troops out prematurely will bring them home, but will it just prolong them going back. Any unfinished business is priority for the new president.

“If we do that [withdraw troops from Iraq] then al-Qa’eda wins, we will have chaos and genocide throughout the region and they will follow us home. That’s been my position - forever,” said John McCain in a U.S. Weekly interview.

I strongly encourage our troops to stay put. I believe holding our position can educate their military on tactics, preventative measures, and also by boosting their economy, which may in turn help with the recession in our own. Aiding these people in their battle for freedom is what America has stood for since our independence.

Unless we take a real hard look at the situation abroad, and not just the fatalities, but the mission at hand ,gradually our great American leadership role in the eyes of the rest of the world would diminish, (if it’s not already diminished).

Remember the pull out method is not always effective.

ing thrifty and wisely using money is a commendable action; however, being cheap and miserly is not. Michigan is going through some of its toughest economic times ever. Monroe county residents are losing their jobs left and right and are trying to reeducate themselves at MCCC to compete in a new global economy. Every time tuition is raised, it automacticly begins eliminate those who need it most.

And tuition is not the only money issue that needs to be looked at. The cost of textbooks is crippling to struggling students. What has MCCC done to help reduce the cost of textbooks?

Sometimes it seems that the people in charge here don’t realize how incredibly hard it is to afford school.

Finally, the last issue I think that needs to be addressed is the inability of the MCCC staff to tolerate dissent among one another. Countless times during my time here, there have been cases of groups of professors, administrators, or others on campus thinking that they are entirely right on an issue.

Faculty contracts, new programs such as the middle college, and buildings are only some of the issues that have

showed this weakness in our college.

Groups on campus have knee-jerk reactions to new ideas or proposals and then will not budge from their positions, not even when those new ideas turn out to be relatively logical proposals. As adults in an academic setting, we should be able to come to one another and discuss our problems in an open manner, deciding on a solution only after analyzing the pros and cons of each action or inaction.

But we don’t do that here. Dissent, especially constructive dissent, is a sign of health in an organization.

I want the best for this college, and that is why I would like to see these issues examined. Coming “straight from the trenches” of MCCC, these are the issues I believe that need the most immediate attention.

As I continue with my academic endeavors, I will always remember the excellent education I received at a little college in Michigan. I hope that MCCC continues to play a vital role in the higher education of thousands of local residents. I am glad I came here, and I hope others have the same opportunities I have had.

Changes for the better Editor offers advice, says bye Jefferey Kodysh Editor-in-Chief

We need to change. Monroe County Community College (MCCC) has three issues that reduce our quality of education, and something needs to be done about them. Let me preface this possibly controversial editorial by giving a quick history of my academic experience here at MCCC. I have had a varied and successful time at MCCC. I have been awarded numerous MCCC awards, such as the President’s Academic Achievement Award and the Excellence in Journalism award. I have been active in student clubs and organizations; I was vice-president of the Math and Science Society last year and was Editor-in-Chief of The Agora for the past two semesters. I represented my fellow students at every board meeting for the past 9 months, along with providing student input at numerous meetings across campus.

I think these attributes give me at least a little credibility in talking about issues that should be important to the campus.

The first issue I think that needs to

be addressed is the applicability of an associate’s degree to a person’s career or further educational endeavors. There are many students here that think that they can receive a general associate’s degree and enter the workforce making $40,000 a year. This can’t be farther from the truth. Unless students are in occupational program such as nursing or studying to be a nuclear technician, the chances of landing a decent paying job with an associates degree, let alone one making $40,000 a year, are slim. Counselors, professors, and others that are in constant contact with the students need to make it continually clear that a decent job most likely involves technical training or advanced schooling.

An associate’s degree is a beginning, not a means to an end in itself, and we shouldn’t say otherwise.

The second issue the needs to be fixed is the issue of money. It seems like that money is the only thing that our college thinks about. Weather it is raising tuition rates in the name of fiscal safety, or deciding not to upgrade science labs, the issue that we focus on most on is the issue of money. Be-

The Agora Staff Members 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

Design Staff Kelsi Kachar Rosemarie Mikrees

Advertising Manager Casey Cheap

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

President defends radio 97.5 Jeremiah Werstein

President, MCCC Broadcasting Club and Dream 97.5 On-Air Personality

To the Editors of the Agora, in response to Mr. Sonoras’ article, All of us here at Dream 97-5 are sorry that Mr. Sonoras does not enjoy the music that we play. Mr. Sonoras is correct that our intended demographic is 25-55 year old women.

After months of research along with years of experience in the field, the advisor to the broadcasting courses here at Monroe County Community College, Milward Beaudry found that the current format would work well for our community. Proof of this over the past three years has indicated that people from many age groups, both male and female, have called in to say that they enjoy the mix of music on our station. You can also walk into several businesses around Monroe and hear Dream 97-5 playing.

I realize that our music is not hip and trendy and right off the current top ten list. There are those of us at the station that wish we did play current hits, and there are those of us who enjoy what we play currently. None of us enjoy everything that is played, but that is the way radio works.

While there should be something for everyone, we cannot have such an eclectic mix that no one knows what style of music is going to be played and at the same time playing music from that genre/period that appeals to many different people.

I feel that Mr. Sonoras is also wrong on several key points: First, most good radio programs do not allow students to pick the music played on their shows. While I will agree in saying that there are many things I would add to the song list out of personal preference, that is not how modern radio jobs work. To give students an unrealistic expectation of the industry would be unfair of the college. Stations such as WONB (Ohio Northern University) are entirely student run, but do not allow students to choose their music on air.

Secondly, even if we were to change tomorrow to a trendier format, it is highly unlikely that many college students would change their current listening habits because of that. Most will continue to listen to commercial stations such as WRIF, and Tower 98, that have DJ’s who can and do get away with far more than students on a college station would be able to. We have had a guest-lecturer (and former MHS/MCCC student) who worked in radio and described working at radio stations that played music he disliked immensely. If you love working in radio, you will work anywhere, in any format if the job is offered. Thirdly: There are no high school DJ’s due to the cancellation of radio classes at Monroe High School.

There are many people in the broadcasting industry, and students who are looking to go into it that long for the days of DJ’s picking their own music. Those days are long gone and not likely to return. For those that do not enjoy WYDM’s music – we are sorry, but there is an upside. This winter we were informed that we are able to increase our transmitter power. If we are financially able to update our transmitter, we will be purchasing a modern HD radio transmitter that would allow us to broadcast multiple channels, including one just for college students.

I, for one, enjoy the majority of the music we play.

On Behalf of everyone at DREAM 97-5 and The Broadcasting Club,

Editorial

Spring 2008

THE AGORA

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Cyber bullying is a crime Cassie Kane Staff Writer

A cyber bully is an oppressor that chooses internet highways instead of dark alleyways. These internet bullies have found a new playground: Myspace.com.

I myself have been bullied on this website. To be honest, these virtual attacks can be just as harmful as those in the real world. We may recall the story of Megan Meier, who committed suicide over such an incident on Myspace. My heart goes out to those affected by this tragedy, but I must share their hatred for the person responsible for pushing this young girl off the proverbial edge.

Myspace bullies play pranks, cause damage, and are out to hurt people, but under all the makeup and encryption, these bullies are pathetic. I’m talking about those people who have nothing better to do on Myspace than to intimidate others in order to make themselves feel better. Sounds like a reverse psychology used on grade school bullies, but in reality, they are

one in the same. Bullying people over the internet, whether you know them or not, is pathetic.

Most of the time, internet bullying is strangers bullying strangers. But on Myspace, many people do get bullied by people they know. This proves cyber bullying to be cowardly and ridiculous. Myspace bullying can be committed by people of all ages, both genders, or by any race. Why do people bully? What is the point?

Bullying people over the internet could be a way for people to vent, but what is the point of venting on the internet? If you’re a cyber bully looking for someplace to vent, get up from your computer chair and go talk to a human being. If face-to-face conversation still frightens you, then use the telephone.

My Myspace bully experience was a typical case. There was this girl who tried dating my boyfriend, and obviously I told her what I thought. Well, her best friend sent me numerous messages calling me out to fight her and using more specific words, called

me terrible things.

Many people, who have bullied over the internet, including Myspace, may claim that they had no intention of actually hurting the person. Tell that to the thousands of people on an international website who can read all of your bully messages anytime, anyplace, and anywhere. Bullying in the real world is hard enough, but when people bully others through bulletins and message boards, it can be even more detrimental.

Myspace bullies are the lowest of the low, and one city has finally started to crack down. The hometown of Megan Meier has made cyber bullying a misdemeanor. The crime is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and 90 days in jail.

Those who bully people on Myspace or on any internet site should be punished. Some may argue that it would be against freedom of speech, but I don’t think Megan Meier’s parents would agree with you.

Megan Meier committed suicide after being bullied on Myspace.

Photo courtesy of abcnews.com

Texting drivers endanger road Most students agree texting while driving is dangerous but admit to doing it Casey Cheap Staff Writer

Agora photo by Emily Chandonnet

I recently realized how dependant society is on their cell phones. Text messaging is more popular than ever.

It is a different way to communicate.

Over the past few years, I have become a text whore.

Texting has spoiled this generation.

The convenience of communicating with anyone whenever and wherever has helped build an impatient, fastpaced society, and the world is smaller because of it.

College students are typically the targeted demographic for the phone companies’ text plans. One can see it everywhere. Sending a text is like instant gratification; it is quicker and easier than just calling someone.

In fact, texting is like a whole new method of communication, considering there is a different language in doing so. As time goes on, phone com-

panies who have consumers hooked make it really easy when they give a 500 allowance or some kind of cheap unlimited plan.

The public is seemingly hooked, and there is no going back. Whether one has something funny to say, a question about an assignment, or is just bored, texting has become an addiction for college students.

I’m not saying this technology is a bad thing. But there is a time and place for everything.

Sure, it is good to have the ability to know something important when one can’t necessarily talk out loud.

But there are certain times—namely driving—when cell phone use may or may not be appropriate.

A driver can either pay attention to the road, or the screen on their phone.

Doing both things well is close to impossible, and if a driver messes up, the results can be disastrous.

According to a report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted drivers account for 80 percent of all auto accidents in the U.S. A staggering 91 percent of Americans feel texting and driving is just as dangerous as D.W.I., and 57 percent admit to doing it. 89 percent of those surveyed believe texting while driving should be outlawed because it is dangerous.

Although, a clear majority feels texting while driving is dangerous, 66 percent admitted to doing it.

The states of Washington and New Jersey have both outlawed the practice. Here in Michigan, there is no ban on cell phone use while driving, although it is illegal to drive and text in Detroit.

The survey showed teens text more frequently. Six percent were 55 or older while 64 percent were between 18 and 34.

Mario Manningham is a prescription for disappointment Cassie Kane Staff Writer

This past January, ex-Wolverine Mario Manningham, was announced to join the NFL draft. The New York Giants picked him during the third round, aside from Manningham’s less than impressive college career as a receiver, in which, he was involved in illegal activity.

The six foot, 180 lbs receiver is surely a risky pick for any NFL team looking to pick up a new player this year. First of all, his U of M football career was less than impressive. Manningham only caught 72 of the 142 passes thrown to him for a measly 1,174 yards during his senior season.

Let’s not forget the six drops during the always crucial game against Ohio State.

During Manningham’s first meeting with NFL coaches, he claimed he had never failed a drug test. Only after the records had been found, Mario did

confess to failing two marijuana drug tests during his time at U of M. According to the rules concerning athletic drug testing at U of M, Manningham should have been sat for 10% of the maximum games to be played after failing the second test. He only sat for one game.

Manningham has also been involved in illegal possession of prescription drugs (Vicodin), while another teammate (Johnny Sears) was in possession of marijuana in the same vehicle. The two teammates were also sued for $3,300 in unpaid rent to their apartment complex.

Mario Manningham has always been about Mario Manningham. This guy is a passive blocker, and he shies away from contact. He shows little willingness to sacrifice his body to get the ball. What is even more pathetic is that he does not care what is going on if he is not the intended receiver, which can cause damage to the passing game for any team. Manningham

will not face up to his opponent and is noted to have poor concentration, which ended up causing costly drops in games against Ohio State, Michigan State, and Oregon. Maybe his drug use carried over into his playing time.

Mario has been compared to Sinorice Rice of the New York Giants, who is also known for his inability to break away from opposition, and a reputation for shying away from contact. The Giants cannot be doing themselves a favor by adding Manningham to their roster. Of course, being an NFL receiver, a player needs to get used to clashing contact, and concentration needs to be solid. Manningham has proved he is scared of being tackled and that his concentration is unstable. Manningham will be unhappy when he faces the strong defense of the St. Louis Rams, during this upcoming season. That is, if he survives training camp.

Photo courtesy of

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Feature

THE AGORA

Spring 2008

Broadcasting Club provides one of a kind opportunities Jefferey Kodysh Editor-in-chief

Are you an actor or musician looking for your 15 minutes of fame? The Broadcasting Club has just what you need.

The Broadcasting Club wants to highlight the musical, acting, and other talents found on the Monroe Coun-

ty Community College (MCCC) campus by broadcasting them on MPACT, the local public access cable channel.

Jeremiah Werstein is the current president of the Broadcasting Club, and is excited about this endeavor.

“The Broadcasting Club wants to produce a television show highlighting the talents of MCCC students, faculty, and staff,” Werstein said. “We

President Jeremiah Werstein shows off the college’s braidcasting equipment.

Photo courtesy of MCCC

really want to show off the talents of the people at the college, because we have so many talented individuals here who don’t necessarily have an outlet for their talents. The Broadcasting Club can provide an opportunity to present those talents to the community through MPACT.” MPACT reaches over 22,000 viewers in the Monroe area.

The Broadcasting Club is a student club that accents the communication courses students are already enrolled in at MCCC. The club uses the mediums of radio and television to provide outreach and community service to the local area by promoting nonprofits, covering local events such as MCCC’s Antiques in April, and announcing public service messages.

The club is not limited to broadcasting students, as club members may major in areas other than broadcasting or communication. Millward Beaudry is the advisor to the club, and brings over 20 years of broadcasting experience in the Metro-Detroit area. According to Beaudry, the Broadcasting Club is unique among MCCC clubs as it is active in the summer.

“We are different from most clubs on campus because we are still going

in the summer. For instance, we will be doing remote broadcasts over the summer. Our first live radio broadcast will downtown for the Jazz Fest.” Beaudry said.

The Broadcasting Club hopes to start highlighting local talent this summer. Local musicians, dancers, and almost anyone else with a talent is invited to contribute. If all is successful, the Broadcasting Club will continue to produce MPACT shows through next year.

“We want to start taping college talent this summer to place on MPACT,” Werstein said. “As soon as we have material for several shows, we hope to begin broadcasting, hopefully about once a month. If you want to present your talents to the community, whatever they happen to be, we will make time to record them.”

Along with talent, the Broadcasting Club is also actively looking for people that would like to become involved with broadcasting aspect of the show as well. According to Werstein, numerous opportunities are available for those students that are interested, especially for those interested in turning broadcasting into a television or radio career.

“We do a lot of cool stuff that you probably wouldn’t get an opportunity to do otherwise. We get to do remote broadcasts for the radio station by running the control board at the station at Monroe High School while other members are at the live event. Everything that we do at the radio station mimics the professional broadcasting experience you might find at stations like Tower 98 or WRIF. This is a great thing for people that want to go into broadcasting, and is a great thing for a resume. Being a part of the broadcasting shows employers that you really want to be a part of the broadcasting industry.” Werstein said.

“The only requirements for joining the club are that you are current MCCC student. Community members are also welcome to participate in the Broadcasting Club,” Werstein said.

The Broadcasting Club usually meets once a month. Persons interested in learning more about the Broadcasting Club or presenting their talents to the public are invited to visit the official website, www.monroeccc. edu/dream97-5/index.htm or call 734265-3549 for more information.

Who knows? You might just be the next big superstar.

International studies class is bound for Thailand Andrew Thurlow Staff Writer

The 2009 Study Abroad program is traveling across the country “for the experience of a lifetime,” said Dr. Sabo, the program organizer, to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

The program is set to leave in May of next year and will be funded by Education First Tours and the International Studies Club.

MCCC Political Science Professor Dr. Sabo recommends students to register before August 1 because the cost

could go up substantially from additional surcharges.

“If you’re already enrolled in the program they can’t change the price on you,” she said.

Benefits include learning far more about a topic or culture than you would in a classroom, the experience of a different culture and the chance to earn six transferable credits in Political Science 211 and Art 180 that apply to most two or four-year.

The price for the 18 day trip is $4,500 if you’re under 23 years of

age, and includes all travel and meal expenses, tuition, and course registration fees. Student loans and financial aid applies.

Students are required to have a passing G.P.A higher than 1.8 long with two letters of recommendations from Professors. Students must all pass a criminal background check, which includes no drug or alcohol convictions.

All balances must be paid by February 1st of 2009.

See Dr. Sabo or go online at EFtours.com to register.

Photo courtesy of Robert Gordan

Protests mar pre-Olympic events Rosemarie Mikrees Staff Writer

The 2008 Summer Olympics are scheduled to begin August 8 in Beijing, China, but with the opening ceremony still months away, protests have already marred events.

The torch is scheduled to travel 85,000 miles on it’s around the world trip, from Greece (the site of the ancient Olympic Games) to Beijing.

According to the Associated Press (AP), the torch relay which began on March 24 has already been met with numerous protests.

“Criticism of China’s human rights record has turned the relay into one of the most contentious in recent history.

Anti-Chinese protests have dogged stops in Greece, Paris, London and San Francisco” AP press writer Ali Kotarumalos said. “Countries have responded by sharply modifying routes and boosting security. Indonesia deployed water cannons and 3,000 police officers in the capital.”

On April 7, 2008, the United States congress passed a resolution “condemning the violence in Tibet and calling for restraint by the Government of the Peoples Republic of China and the people of Tibet.”(Senate Resolution 504). The resolution clearly denounces the Chinese government’s actions regarding

issues of religious freedom and the restriction of journalists in the area.

The following is an excerpt from this resolution.

“The Constitution of the People’s Republic of China guarantees freedom of religious belief for all citizens, but the 2007 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom of the Department of State, states that `during the period covered by this report, the Government [of China]’s respect for freedom of religion remained poor’, and following the demonstrations that began on March 10, 2008, the Government of China began severely restricting access to journalists and diplomats and creating a shortage of independent verification of the situation on the ground in Tibet’ ” This issue is expected to profoundly effect this year’s Olympic Games. International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge understands this but is hesitant to condemn the actions of China.

“As to entering into these issues, this is the line that we do not have to cross,” Rogge said.

“This is a sovereign matter for China to decide.”

Though protests are sure to be an ongoing event at this year’s Olympics, the athletes are extremely limited in their ability to express their personal views on this and other political is-

sues. The Olympic charter bans athletes from protesting on Olympic sites or venues. Despite this restriction, Jacques Rogge explains that athletes will still have ample opportunities to express their opinions.

“There is absolutely no problem for an athlete to express his or her views in an interview with media people,’’ Rogge said. ``This can be done in his or her own country before the games. This can be done in the host country of the Olympics during the games and, of course, after the games.

The only thing we ask is there should be no propaganda or demonstrations of political, religious and racial origin.’’

At this time, the United States has no official policy regarding participation and conduct of U.S. athletes during the games. But, according to the Associated Press, a number of high ranking officials are considering a boycott.

“British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will not be attending the opening, and French President Nicolas Sarkozy is considering staying away. U.S. Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton have called on President Bush to boycott the ceremony,” according to the AP.

Feature

Spring 2008

THE AGORA

5

Trumbullplex Roof crumbles Alternative arts center seeks funding for structural fault Steven Sonoras Staff Writer

Living on the fringe of society has its price. The price of a new roof, to be exact.

There are many indie art and music venues in Detroit, but the Trumbullplex, or simply the T-Plex, is the longest running and most prolific. The building, which is comprised of two Victorian houses on either side of a theater, is both an anarchist housing collective and an independently run show space. The events showcased at the T-Plex are often far more diverse than the playbill of any commercial venue.

“The Trumbullplex is a remarkable space because it has been completely volunteer-run and D. I. Y. for its entire existence,” Megan Miele, a former resident of the T-Plex, said. “The events that have taken place there over the years have been truly diverse: from traditional theatre, to puppet shows, from poetry to punk, from fashion shows to hip hop. The space is unique in that it provides an affordable place for music and art performances for local and touring performers.”

The eclectic nature the T-Plex brings the community is at stake, though. The theater’s roof is in dire need of repair.

The theater was closed for the first three months of the year so that mem-

bers of the collective could assess the structure’s damage. According to the venue’s Myspace page, $10,000 must be raised to mend the roof.

“The continuation of the space depends on raising funds to fix the theatre roof,” Miele said.

Fixing the roof will not only save the venue itself, but it will help maintain a vital aspect of the community.

“I can say, from the perspective of a current member of the theater collective and a community member involved in the T-plex more and more over the past several years that the Trumbullplex provides an important community space for the presentation, performance, dissemination, discussion, and interpretation of radical ideas, information, and lifestyles, to put it one way.” Bobby Colombo said.

The Trumbullplex collective also contributes to a nearby school for teenage mothers, the Catherine Ferguson Academy, to Detroit organizations promoting agriculture, and to a variety of other organizations in Detroit.

The Trumbullplex’s cause can be supported in a number of ways. Community members can reach out to the venue by attending events at the theater, setting up private benefits, or even donating funds via the Trumbullplex Myspace page.

Upcoming Events at the Trumbullplex (4210 Trumbull, Detroit MI) May 13 2008: John Muther/ Annie Palmer/ Heliogoats 8:00 PM May 16 2008: Nana Grizol/ Witches/ Beekeepers 8:00 PM May 17 2008: Plex Benefit! w/ Bermuda Mohawk/ Anahata/ Unicornium 8:00 PM May 20 2008: Bridge and Tunnel/ the Summer Pledge/ Young

Hearts/ Smear Campaign 7:00 PM May 24 2008: Plex Benefit! w/ Heartworm, Dimentia/ Vasculator/ Selector Catalogue/ Metria/ more 7:00 PM May 26 2008: Jennie Khaggs/ The Great White Jenkins/ Chewing Pics 7:00 PM

May 30 2008: Double Dagger/ Prussia 8:00 PM June 10 2008: Good Luck! 7:00 PM June 13 2008: I, Crime/ How New Mexicans/ Bold Slug 8:00 PM June 15 2008: North Lincoln/ The Hadituptoheres/ 1000 Gallons Gasoline/ You, Me & the Atom Bomb 7:00 PM

Students play music for seniors Kelsi Kachar Staff Writer

Photos courtesy of abc.go.com

Thomas Beaties, the pregnant man, appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show on April 3 to reveal how this happend and that is was not a hoax.

Pregnant man is guest on Oprah Kelsi Kachar Staff Writer

At last, mankind has accomplished the impossible. Well, kind of. Thomas Beatie is pregnant. Born a woman, he decided to become a man 10 years ago so he started taking testosterone treatments and had breast surgery to remove glands and flatten his chest.

However, he decided to keep his reproductive organs so that he could have a child one day.

He is married to his wife Nancy, who is a female. Their marriage is perfectly legal and he is recognized under state law, technically, as a man. They are planning on having Thomas play the role of the unborn child’s father, and Nancy will be the mother. The couple shocked America when they made their public debut on the Oprah show.

Many think that society might have a hard time accepting this one. Monroe

County Community College (MCCC) student Jake Burman believes that this may open a whole new world for the transgender population. “I think that we’ll see a rise in transsexual people trying to have babies. Personally, I think it’s really weird. The first thing that comes to mind is where is the baby going to come out of? I also feel really bad for the kid because he’s going to grow up being the child of Mr. Mom.” Beatie’s wife inseminated him herself with a syringe full of sperm from the sperm bank. Beatie told Oprah that “it’s not a male or female desire to have a child. It’s a human desire.”

Many students are shocked at Beatie’s life before his gender change. “It really blows my mind that before he decided to be a man that he was feminine enough to be in beauty pageants.

When he was a girl she was actually pretty,” MCCC student Simone Pez-

zino said.

Beatie was born Tracy, and then throughout college she did a lot of self discovery and decided that she felt she was born in the wrong body.

This resulted in her taking testosterone, growing a beard and changing her gender from female to male.

The couple had a hard time finding a doctor who was willing to help them conceive. They saw nine obstetricians before one was willing to help them.

Even Oprah was left pretty speechless when hosting the couple as her guests; it was definitely a first for her.

Is this first of more to come?

MCCC Student Brady Pierce believes this is an insult to manhood.

“This is so ethically wrong that I really have nothing nice to say about it.

There are some lines that should not be crossed, and this is why America has the messed up reputation that it has.”

What started as a mere request from the Frenchtown Senior Center has turned into a rewarding experience for students and senior citizens.

When the center contacted Dean Bruce Way and asked for a group of music students to come perform, no one had any idea just how much it would benefit all of those involved.

Joy Schroeder’s Elementary Music class visited the Frenchtown Senior Center twice this semester. No one really knew what to expect and could have never guessed just how well this experience was going to go. The students taught the seniors songs, motions, rhythms, and even put the names of seniors into their songs to help them feel even more involved.

The seniors were encouraged to sing and clap along. Some of the students even had guitars and flutes, among other instruments.

Many of the seniors were truly touched by the performances, which impacted the students also. Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student Becky Thornton

said that she “left with a feeling of importance, and was definitely the most meaningful thing I’ve done in a long time.”

If she could choose one word to describe her experience, Thornton chose “rewarding. I’ve done the same work in a daycare, and in contrast between the two both groups enjoy it. However, with the seniors, it seems to mean more and they have more recognition of the importance of it.”

Schroeder agreed and hopes to keep doing it. “I’m really hoping this grows into something bigger, possibly something we could do four or five times a term, maybe even once a month.”

Their last visit was April 22, and went even better than the first. The seniors got a good laugh out of the students attempting to play recorders, and really enjoyed learning the art of music. The feelings of importance the students gained from giving back to the community has really motivated them to do it again.

Schroeder said this event “benefitted the class and the seniors, and seeing a senior smile really inspired students.”

Agora photo by Jefferey Kodysh

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Direct Left: Student Michael Crossman, 26, raises his arms in excitement as he crosses the stage after receiving his diploma. Crossman served in the Iraq with the Marines during OIF and OEF and received Associate of Science.

Second to Right: A basket of Jolly Ranchers was sent around to the graduates as they entered into the auditorium for the ceremony.

Third to Right: Graduate Kelli Johnston, 20, receives help from her mom with putting on her gown and pinning the awkward shaped graduation cap.

Graduation Special

Spring 2008

Spring 2008

Graduation Special

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Congratulations Class of 2008 Agora photos by Emily Chandonnet

Above: Jon Amazeen, 28, is congratulated by cans of silly string from his family. His family said he should have expected it because it is a long time tradition in their family and recently did the same thing to his sister who graduated from Michigan State.

Right: Professor Karen Brook spots a knot in her tassel during the ceremony and attempt to fix it with the help of a fellow teacher.

Directly Above: Graduate Emily Hart, 27, uses the mirror wall in the meeting room before getting into line.

Above Left: Monroe County Community College accommodates a vast diverse group of students including young and old, retired and first comers.

Above Right: As graduates passed by the stands pack with audience members they all glanced up at the crowd in hope to spot their loved ones.

Spring 2008

Campus News

MCCC develops threat survival Dummy’s Guide Michael Crossman Staff Writer

The thought of a deranged student storming the doors on any campus building with an automatic assault rifle pumping rounds through the walls has been a topic of discussion here at Monroe County Community College (MCCC).

Are MCCC students prepared to handle a hostile situation on campus?

To help prepare students here for a violent crime, MCCC has posted a threat management plan. The link to the plan can be found at the college’s website (www.monroeccc.edu) in the general information section.

In the plan, it lists the proper escape plans and emergency contact information in case a situation arises. Found on the page President Dr. David Nixon stresses his message to the students at MCCC. “In general, how you respond will be dictated by the specific circumstances of the threat, bearing in mind that no two situations are alike,” he said. “If you find yourself in a threatening situation, use these guidelines to help you plan a strategy for survival.”

Nixon also stresses, “Remember your actions could save others.”

Vice President of Student and Information Services at MCCC, Randy Daniels, is in charge of the threat management plan and all its training.

“The first thing I want students to know is that we are currently developing a system that can get students an important message sent to their email, pda, or cell phone, warning them of a

situation on campus. Students need to get their information registered on this notification system as soon as possible, so if anything does happen, God forbid, they can get a warning right away,” he said.

“One thing I want faculty to understand is with some of these shooters there was no build up to what happened. All of a sudden you are sitting in a lecture and some knucklehead shows up with a gun and just starts shooting,” he said.

Daniels asks the question to the faculty, “What are you going to do?”

“I want people to understand is we are all at risk anywhere we go.

Whether it is to a movie, out to dinner, or even here on campus you are at risk. I want everyone to just be aware of your surroundings,” he said.

“If you see something out of the ordinary please do not ignore it, and report it to the proper authorities.

Whether it is campus security or the police just don’t ignore it,” he said.

“Honestly if I heard gunshots I would immediately take charge and tell everyone to get down on the ground,” Ben Schreiber, MCCC student, said.

“Then I would wait to see of they entered the room, and then I would tackle him. I know one thing I wouldn’t do. I’m not walking out of that room,” he said.

Schreiber is partly correct. According to the plan, you are supposed to secure the immediate area and turn off all the lights. After securing everyone properly, remain quiet and calm.

“This whole notion gives a bad stereotype to my generation,” he said. “It traveled with us from high school, and now we are still not safe in schools. I knew we had a threat management plan though, I got an email from the school giving me the link.”

“First thing I would do is run and hide behind a desk so nobody could see me,” Julie Pete, MCCC student, said.

“I would have no idea what to do next, because I’d be extremely afraid,” she said.

When asked if she was aware of the steps in the threat management plan on campus Pete admitted, “Seriously I had no idea we had even came up with a plan. I mean seriously this is Monroe,” she said.

The next Steve Kazmierczak or Cho Seung-Hui could attend next semester, and none of us would have any clue. Ignorance is never bliss when it ends with a bang.

Certainly, the students at both Northern Illinois University, and Virginia Tech thought the same exact thing. The same kid who pulled the fire alarm, and called in the bomb threat are now shooting innocent people in schools across the country.

Whether you believe this is all hogwash, or are skeptical that the person in your Tuesday morning class is suspect, never stay quiet.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Nothing in the world is more dangerous than a sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”

Scholarship embezzled Embezzlement continued from page 1

so ashamed this has happened,” Seger said. “I never purchased a bus ticket or paid my daughter’s cell phone bill like they are accusing me of doing,” she said.

Both Seger and Amanda Huber, a close friend of Renee’s, claim Kelly Greer paid Seger’s phone bill with her own credit card once.

“I was with Renee when she went to the bank and deposited money, along with the time she paid her phone bill,” Huber said. “I heard Kelly give Renee permission over the phone to pay the

bill.”, “She didn’t do what they are accusing her of doing.

I mean she took the money, but it was not without Kelly’s permission ever,” she said.

Kelly Greer has appointed her sister, Robin Reeck, the new co-executive of the scholarship. Several attempts were made to contact both Greer and Reeck, but they both were unable to be reached for comment.

“This is the lowest and sickest thing that anybody could do to someone who was so vulnerable. I feel like I was the victim of a predator. It is like I am reliving my son’s death all over again,” Kelly said in an interview with the Toledo Blade.

“The scholarship still exists,” Suzanne Wetzel, Director of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation at MCCC, said. “In fact, it was awarded to a student for this year already. The financial aid department determines who receives the funds,” she said.

Previously, Seger had three counts of uttering and publishing dismissed after she pleaded to a lesser count of false pretenses of $200 or more.

She received probation and had to pay more than $3,200 in restitution, according to First District Court officials.

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Photo courtesy of http://www.sfgate.com

Dennis Archer visits MCCC Casey Cheap Staff Writer

Former Detroit mayor Dennis Archer was featured at the Meyer Theater in the La-Z-Boy Center at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) on April 23.

The focus of Archer’s presentation was “Keys to Success in Our Diverse World.” The Monroe County Chamber of Commerce’s Koffe Club sponsored the speech.

Archer’s main focus was how important diversity has been in both his role as a politician and businessman.

His speech given at MCCC reflected his own insight on the subject matter.

“As complex as it seems to be [diversity], it really is the core of our nation,” Archer said. “There are 141 languages spoken in just metro Detroit.”

Because Archer is such a prominent figure in Michigan politics, he was the best candidate for a speech on diversity.

Although not an official “Big Read” event, Archer’s speech was supposed to coincide with the “Big Read,” which dealt with the diversity issues in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Archer had to admit the concept of “diversity” has not been around for very long. He noted how much diversity issues have changed over time.

Hispanics are now the largest minority group in the country. AfricanAmericans have traditionally been the largest. Archer explained how there was a turning point called “the browning of America.”

“In 1982 the largest minority group was the African-Americans, but we

were told the Hispanic community would take over,” Archer said. “At the time, I could not fathom how the Hispanic population would overtake the African-Americans.”

Archer went on to describe the majority of the U.S. population would be people of color by 2056. In 2004, it was predicted the Hispanic and Asian communities would double by the same year. Currently, the U.S. is a country of 300 million, with 30 percent people of color.

“From a business sense, we do not reach out to minorities,” Archer said.

It is an unfortunate fact traditional businesses typically have not advertised directly to minorities. More recently, General Motors (GM) made a special pilot program from scratch in the 1980’s aimed at advertising for minorities only. Today, as the world becomes more diverse, it has become a billion dollar industry.

Archer actually sits on the board of Johnson Controls—a billion dollar roundtable business. But Archer noted in his speech that diversity has as much to do with gender as it does with race.

“Women today start more businesses than men. They make 82 percent of all consumer purchases, so if one is selling something, they sure as heck want to appeal to a woman’s eye.”

The effects of being diverse are not just social, but economical as well. To compete in a global economy, diversity is important for American corporations to survive.

But diversity must start with understanding.

“Education is the key,” Archer said.

Special Recognition

Faculty Award Tracy Kling, Biology Professor

From left to right is Kelly Greer, Renee Seger, the first GI schoarlship winner, President David Nixon, and Suzanne Wetzel.

THE AGORA

Adjunct Faculty Award Cheryle Hoy, English Professor

On Wednesday, April 23, the 2008 Honors Reception was held in the La-Z-Boy Center starting at 7:30 p.m.

At the end of the program the Faculty Association Outstanding Student Award, the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award and the OUtstanding Faculty Award was given.

Here are the recipiants of each award.

Student Award Thomas Fisher

Community News

Spring 2008

THE AGORA

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Summer Hot Spots Cheap vacation spots in local Michigan

By Rosemarie Mikrees Staff Writer

With the increase in the cost of gasoline and new passport requirements, students are finding travel more difficult. One solution to this dilemma may be vacationing within our own state of Michigan.

One popular vacation spot in Michigan is Mackinac Island. In an AAA travel agent survey, Mackinaw Island ranked number 2 (after Chicago) in top Midwest vacations destinations.

In addition, National Geographic Traveler Magazine, in its November/December 2007 issue, rated Mackinac as number 5 in their list of “Best Rated Islands.” They cited several reasons why the island is appealing. “‘No cars [banned since 1898], no high-rises and little development pressure earn praise for the iconic isle in Lake Huron. Overall the island is a gem. Downtown is a bit too touristy, “they said.

Monroe County Community College (MCCC) student Vanessa Burkey has fond memories of her last trip to Mackinac Island.

“They had horse drawn carriages, it was kinda neat. The mansions are interesting to look at, and there are a lot right on the water,” she said.

Vanessa also likes to go to Frankenmuth, which has been nicknamed “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” because of its distinct German heritage. According to the city’s official web site, www.frankenmuth.org, approximately 3 million tourists visit Frankenmuth each year. Vanessa likes Frankenmuth’s shopping and Bavarian influenced architecture.

“Frankenmuth is a nice getaway for a day or so. I like the shopping and the architecture is unique,” she said.

Other popular vacations spots in the lower

peninsula of Michigan include Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Grand Rapids.

The upper peninsula of Michigan also has some very popular vacation destinations.

Among the most popular are Sault Ste Marie and the Soo locks, Tahquamenon Falls, Isle Royal National Park, the Porcupine mountains, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

MCCC student Thomas Grant hasn’t been to Pictured Rocks, but would like to go there in the future.

“My sister and my mom went up there and they said it looked really cool. The colors [of the rocks] were phenomenal. The sunsets were beautiful. I’d love to see it some time,” he said Michigan, which has the longest freshwater shoreline in the world and over 11,000 in land lakes, is ideal for those who enjoy a vacation at the beach. Our state has a wide variety of beach vacation options which include Traverse City, Grand Haven, and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon.

For those who prefer camping, Michigan has a wide variety of facilities that range from rustic to those with full amenities. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground, and Tahquamenon Falls state park are favorites.

For more information on these and other vacation spots in Michigan, go to www.michigan. org, Michigan’s Official Travel and Tourism Site.

Screw gas PICNIC SEASON Stop 1: Stop 2: Stop 3: Stop 4: Stop 5: Stop 6:

Find a basket some friends or a special someone and head to the local Meijer to pack yourself a cheaper dining expereince. Park on the left side of the parking lot and follow the Grey line if your with friends and the white if with a special someone. Here are the items you should grap along the way:

Pick out your favorite candy Grab some chips and muchies Toss in some beer and if not 21 go back to isle 7 to get some pop Pick up some bread for homemade subs Order some luch meat or a pre made sub Hit the cash register and enjoy

Stop 1: Stop 2: Stop 3: Stop 4: Stop 5: Stop 6: Stop 7:

Pick out some hard cheeses Grab your favorite crackers Pick up some assorted chocolates Toss in some wine and if not 21 go back to isle 7 to get some pop or go for sparkling wine Choose some hard salami like summer sausage Gather your favorite fruits and veggies from the fresh produce Hit the cash register and enjoy 6&7

3

Fruits and Veggies

3 2

2

4

1 Cheese

5 Raw Meat

Fish

Pre-packaged Lunch Meat

Deli

1

6 5

4 Bakery

Agora graphic by Rosemarie Mikrees

Make this summer less expesive by utlizing local parks and creating old fashion games and activities Emily Chandonnet Assistant Editor

Lets face it, it is hard enough to find things to do in little old Monroe, let alone cheap things to do. Well this summer that can all change and your gas budget won’t suffer, and here’s how.

First remember all the games that you use to play when you were little, like tag and kick the can, who says you still can’t play them. Bring out the old games from your past and make them more challenging.

Second, it doesn’t matter whether you are good at sports they can still be fun. Munson Park is a great place to play soccer, beach volleyball, tennis, softball, bike, roller blade, and roll down the hill. Plus the play-scape can always be fun to attempt to climb through and swings are for all ages.

Eating out can be predictable and most people choose the same places to go every time.

So mix it up and use the chart to the left to help you make a special meal with your friends

or special someone.

Now there are only so many nice days, so instead of just sitting around doing nothing on those dreary rainy days get out the old board games. Trust me they are a lot of fun no matter what age you are. However, I would stay away from Monopoly, unless you put a time limit on it. Some great games are Balderdash, Apples to Apples, Pit, Gestures, and so many more.

Another game that can be played with small or large groups is a town scavenger hunt. You can make it easy or difficult, a picture hunt or object hunt, and local and far. To the right are a few item ideas.

Set a side outings to do throughout the summer, make sure to spread them out otherwise you have nothing to look forward to and spend all you money at once. There is Cedar point, the wave pool, Go Karts on LaPlaisance, Put-Put Golf on Monroe Street, Nortel Lanes for bowling, and the ice rink at Monroe’s Sports Center. Most of these activities you can do

more than once and they will still be just as fun.

Plan movie nights. Double features or a theme can make them more fun and last longer.

Find a friend that has a pool and set pool party dates for during the summer. The earlier you set the dates the more people will be able to make them.

Bonfires always last along time and all you need is wood, matches and s’more materials.

Monroe is small but sometimes it is easy to forget all the different things to do. Take my advice and utilize the parks and your old memories to come up with cheap activities to do.

Scavanger Hunt Items Pictures: Labrador Sea gull High School Rock Lotus fountain Biggest Pothole Out of state license plate Cornfield Objects: Pinecone River Raisin water Ginko leaf - Monroe’s tree Frenchtown Square Mall on it Ruby Tuesday Coaster A&W Straw Vince’s Hot Dog

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A&E

Spring 2008

Soundtracks for sunny days

Summer song playlist to complete every occasion Summer is still a long reach away for the Midwest, but it’s never too early to start compiling that perfect mixtape to soundtrack the sunny season’s characteristic moments. You might want to grab a few tracks off the following albums for your most treasured occasions.

Maybe it’s the driving Spanish guitars on “Alone Again Or” and “A House is Not a Motel.” Maybe it’s the dreamy and relaxing melodic swirling of “Andmoreagain” or the charging rebellion of “Maybe The People Would Be The Times.” I can never decide quite why, but Forever Changes is the perfect disc to spin while cruising with the windows down on a blistering summer afternoon.

For the road trip...

Love: Forever Changes (1967)

For lunch at the park...

The Zombies: Odessey and Oracle (1968)

By Steven Sonoras Staff Writer

“The Summer is here at last. The sky is overcast...”

The luminous opening lyric of “A Rose for Emily” perfectly sums up the mood of the entire record. Odessey is packed with bouncy piano riffs, tremolo guitars, and soothing layers of vocal harmonies—the ideal mix of whirling sounds for a calm afternoon in the park. As a psychedelic record, I even prefer this one to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Not only are these songs catchy and artful, but they’re packed also with more energy

and atmosphere than a measly 4-track should be able to handle.

For the pool party...

Weezer: Weezer (2001)

Where Weezer discovered the tablature for the perfect pop song structure we may never know, but on their Weezer they flaunt and exploit it with all the style and grace of a band of well-practiced professionals. At just a bit over 28 minutes, the record’s strict formula doesn’t have time to get old.

There’s not a song on the record that isn’t a sunny pop gem. You might even want to forgo the cool comfort of the pool to clap and sing along to Weezer’s A.M. radio choruses.

For chilling in the shade...

Caribou: Andorra (2007)

I once heard that psychedelic music works best when it takes the substitute

of drugs. If that’s true, Caribou’s Andorra is some of the best psychedelic music out there. Andorra’s harmonies seep out of the speakers like molasses. Its fluttering flutes tremolo off into obscurity like fleeting butterflies.

Its kitschy string arrangements, twinkling percussive flourishes, and chiming guitars catapult the mind back to a time when intricate musicianship was as important as careful song-craft. If you’re looking to trip out in the shade, let Andorra be your drug.

For the summer job...

Guided By Voices: Bee Thousand (1994)

Even the perfect job can put a damper on your summer plans. If you need a boost of inspiration and enthusiasm to keep you from watching the clock, look no further than Guided By Voices’ lo-fi masterpiece, Bee Thousand. Robert Pollard and crew were so excited to make this record they did whatever it took to get it out to the public--even resorting to recording it on dated equipment in a noisy laundry

room. The band’s rampant giddiness shines through the tape hiss and background noise. There are few things more inspiring than the sound of a band that’s just excited to be heard.

Bee Thousand should get you through even the most tedious day.

For the all-night party...

The B-52’s: The B-52’s (1979)

In the 1980’s, the B-52’s were the quintessential party band. Not much has really changed for the group. Their debut is still as quirky and danceable as ever. There’s a strange rawness to the record that has helped to make it such an enduring classic. Every song is densely woven with crunchy guitars and spastic tambourines layered over Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson’s iconic vocals. I don’t think it’s possible to listen to tracks like “52 Girls” and “Lava” without breaking out into the Camel Walk, Hip-o-crit, or even the Shy Tuna.

Photo courtesy of ondashasura.com

Tigers inconsistent; Movie Review Prom Night to early to ring alarm

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Andrew Thurlow Staff Writer

Rosemarie Mikrees

By Kelsi Kachar

Forgetting Sarah Marshall is the latest movie by the producers of Knocked Up, and 40 Year Virgin. Jason Segel (Knocked Up, How I Met Your Mother) wrote and stars in this entertaining comedy.

Peter Bretter (Segel), is a music composer who is left in a state of depression after his girlfriend of five years, Sarah Marshall (Heroes, Veronica Mars) dumps him. In an attempt to forget Sarah, Peter dives into a series of one-night-stands, but soon discovers that gratuitous sex is not the answer. After Peter suffers a nervous breakdown at work, his brother Brian (Bill Hader), encourages him to take a vacation.

The movie also stars Mila Kunis (That 70s Show), who plays Rachel Jansen, a warmhearted hotel employee, who feeling sorry for the despondent Peter, befriends him.

Her carefree lifestyle and attitude have a positive effect on Peter, and he gradually comes to accept the realization that he can survive without Sarah.

This movie has a somewhat believable storyline and the characters are well developed. Segel designed the characters to fit the personalities of the actors chosen to portray them, and each character, despite his or her flaws, remains likeable. Russell Brand, as the rock star Aldous Snow, is extremely humorous and Mila Kunis who plays Rachel Jansen, a warmhearted hotel employee, is very believable. Although the movie is somewhat predictable, small quirks keep it funny and entertaining from start to finish.

Imagine your prom night being a lot more than the most anticipated event of your high school career.

Imagine it not only being one of the last times you and all your classmates will all be together, but being your last night alive.

American Dreams star Brittany Snow stars as Donna, a senior in high school trying to get over the trauma of witnessing her entire family being murdered right before her eyes. The vengeful killer was actually a teacher of hers that had become obsessed with her, and stalked her in order to be with her. He ended up breaking into her home and killing her family, unaware she was hiding under the bed witnessing the whole thing.

Donna finally seemed to get back on track while living with her aunt and uncle, and is preparing for prom and going away to college.

Her prom night starts off as a dream come true, with her perfect date, perfect dress, limo and friends.

However, magic turns to mayhem when she finds out that her family’s murderer, whom she thought was in prison for life has escaped, and of all nights, on her prom. The movie instantly turns from your typical dream prom to your worst nightmare. Donna’s friends start dropping like flies, and the police cannot seem to catch the psychopath on the loose.

The story line was pretty cliché, but the suspense and thrills will keep audiences on their toes. The jumps and scares make the movie a fun thriller that exceeded expectations.

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

A month ago they were the worst team in baseball. After losing opening day to Kansas City and 6 consecutive games after that, the Tigers were beginning to rekindle memories of the horrendous 2003 season.

But now, despite injuries, the Tigers are winning more consistently than they’ve done all month, finishing a three-game sweep victory over the New York Yankee’s last week and for the first time at Yankee stadium since 1966. Since then after losing four out of the last five with being swept by the Twins and a tough series against the Red Sox, they rallied to get some victories against the visiting Yankee’s.

“Now that Granderson’s off the DL and back in the lineup, the Tiger’s have their old team back and are certainly capable of winning more games,” said Monroe County Community College student (MCCC) Jake Phillips.

Curtis Granderson was injured late in spring training by an inside fastball that fractured his middle finger on his right hand. He stayed on the disabled list for 15 days and then played 5 games for Michigan and Toledo’s minor league triple A organization.

With his return, the Tigers had to say good-bye to the young and talented Clete Thomas, who, before this season had never played above Double A, certainly proved himself worthy for the big leagues, hitting .295 with four doubles, a triple and five RBIs, while filling in for Granderson.

“If nothing else, I think Clete Thomas proved that he should be a big league player with the skills that he showed,” said Tigers manager Jim Leyland, reporter Jason Beck, after Wednesday’s game. “I’m going to miss him. I like him. He brings some energy. He’s got some speed. He can do some things. But obviously, we’re replacing him with a pretty good player,” said Leyland.

Fan’s enjoy Wednesday’s game at Comerica Park.

Photo Courtesy of Rosemarie Mikrees

Player

Injury

Dontrelle Willis

15 day disabled list/ hyper extended right knee

Vance Wilson

Unknown/ reconstructive ligament surgery to right elbow

Joel Zumaya

Unknown/ right shoulder surgery

Fernando Rodney

15 day disabled list/ right shoulder tendonitis

A&E

Spring 2008

THE AGORA

11

Warped Tour 2008 excites all

By Cassie Kane Staff Writer

The patent clash of music and attitude you have been waiting for is coming to Detroit once again.

Warped Tour 2008 promises the same variety, brazenness, and mosh pits that have made the tour famous over the past years. With forty-six dates spanned over the U.S. for three months, the tour itself has become a beacon for bands everywhere looking to make it big. Last year was the thirteenth anniversary of the tour’s development, grossing $18.6 million.

Many predict this year’s tour may be even more successful.

This is true for a number of the bands on this year’s tour. Some of these bands include 1997, Cinematic Sunrise, Pierce the Veil, Staylefish, and Your Highness Electric. Warped Tour is one of the ways bands begin to create a broader fan base. In fact, it is noted that bands who appear on the Warped Tour for the first time end up doubling their fan base. Craigery Michael Owens, the lead singer of Cinematic Surprise (a band straight from Michigan) is excited about the tour.

“When we were invited to play on the tour, I can’t explain how excited we all were,” Owens said. “Our new CD will be coming out in May which will set the scene for us when we finally play. It’s going to be so awesome.”

Of course, there are a few bands coming back for the Warped Tour this year. Paramore is one, who made a smash with their CD “Riot” last year. Anberlin, the sizzling Christian rock band, will also be returning. As I Lay Dying, a hardcore thrash band, known for their harsh lyrics and thrilling rythym will be returning for the whole tour. Other well-known bands such as Angels and Airwaves, Story of the Year, Norma Jean, Against Me!, Relient K, The Academy Is…, and The All-American rejects will also be present this year.

Many Monroe County Community College (MCCC) students have been to Warped Tour before, and most plan on returning to Comerica Park this year. MCCC student Valerie Stone is one of them.

“The first time I went to warped tour, I was sixteen. I haven’t been there in a couple of years now, but I can’t wait to go again this summer,” Stone said.

“You can’t miss with this tour. Every year I went to the tour, hoping to see a favorite band of mine, and I would end up in love with five other bands. This year I am mostly excited to see Angels and Airwaves for the first time. Seriously though, not all tours can carry the amount of weight that warped tour does on the rock nation.”

Other expansive tours have made their way into the arena, such as Taste of Chaos, but Warped Tour can only

be matched if not bettered by Ozzfest.

Ashley Dzucko , who recently graduated from Airport high school compares the two.

“Warped tour has always been fun for me, but Ozzfest definitely gives it a run for its money,” Dzucko said.

“I understand that the music is a little different, but I enjoy both tours. Of course, I have to say that warped tour does a better job of getting the public closer to the bands.”

Warped Tour will be swinging into Detroit in the Comerica Park parking lot on Friday, July 18 at 11:00 a.m.

General admission tickets will be sold for $28.50. This year, there will be two ticket auctions hosted by eBay, and the T.J. Foundation. The proceeds from both auctions will go towards funding for conducting cancer research at the Mayo Clinic, Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, and others.

Kevin Lyman, the tour’s founder has teamed up with Declare Yourself to be the tour’s voter registration initiative partner for 2008. The band Against Me! has also teamed up with Declare Yourself, being voter registration advocates themselves.

Warped Tour 2008 looks like another exciting chapter to add to the tour’s success and longevity. New bands, old bands, old fans and new fans will rally together in Detroit this summer to celebrate the new explicit culture rock n’ roll has produced.

Movie Review Teeth

Street Kings

Photos Courtesy of Cassie Kane

Potter encyclopedia causes debate over publishing rights

By Cassie Kane Staff Writer

How much do you know about Harry Potter? Michigan resident Steven Vander Ark probably knows more; he is attempting to publish an encyclopedia. The book includes a handbook for Quiddich, a visitor’s guide to Hogwarts and a compendium of spells.

The issue is whether or not Vander Ark’s lexicon would infringe upon Rowling’s copyrights. Rowling seems to believe the book does. The case, held in Manhattan, New York, is presided over by the U.S. District Court.

Whether this be a misunderstood mistake of plagiarism, or a deliberate attempt to encroach upon Rowling’s copyrights is to be decided.

“This book constitutes wholesale heft of seventeen years of my hard work,” Rowling said while testifying in court on April 14th. Supposedly the case has blocked her creativity, as she has reportedly begun to write a new book (and no, not an addition to the Harry Potter series).

Under the Copyright Act of 1976, others are allowed to incorporate copyrighted materials “for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship or research.”

To determine if the lexicon infringes on Rowling’s copyrights, the judge must utilize four guidelines. First: does it add to the culture’s appreciation and/or knowledge of a work, or does it merely seek to supersede the original? Second: is it fiction or nonfiction, published or unpublished?

Third: how much of the whole text appears in the work? And Fourth: will the publication of The Harry Potter lexicon take away from sales of Harry Potter or stop anyone from seeing the movie, buying toys, etc.?

The judge presiding over the case, U.S. District Judge Robert Patterson Jr. urges the two parties to settle, or the case could drag on for years through the court of appeals.

So far, the small publishing house, RDR books from Muskegon, does not contest that the book does impinge on Rowling’s copyrights, but that Vander Ark’s using the information fairly, according to the law for reference books.

Of course, copyrights were not an issue on the internet. Steven Vander Ark is mostly known for his website called “The Harry Potter Lexicon” (hp-lexicon.org). The website receives 1.5 million page views a month. J.K. Rowling reportedly praised the website, and admitted to visiting the web-

site more than a few times.

RDR books contacted Vander Ark after the release of the last book. It seems electronically, it is okay for Vander Ark to compile his knowledge, but he goes too far to try and sell it in a printed version for $24.95.

Steven Vander Ark was a teacher and school librarian in Bryon Center, MI who moved to London to begin a writing career. At first he declined the idea of having the encyclopedia, weary of copyright violations.

“An RDR employee told me that the book would not violate copyright law after the final book was released,” Vander Ark said.

Whether Vander Ark’s statement is true or false, Rowling has no intention of letting him slip away with her copyrights. The popularity of the Harry Potter books has sparked movies, web pages, fan clubs, and a new type of fantasy world. The series of books has produced five movies, has been translated into 65 different languages over 200 territories, and has sold over 38 million copies in just the U.S. alone. A reference book seems to be the next logical step, though it seems J.K. Rowling intends to keep her copyrights. Perhaps she will produce a Harry Potter encyclopedia.

By Steven Sonoras

By Casey Cheap

Sex is a major component of every bad horror movie. Spontaneous acts of love between horny teenagers usually mark the oblivious fools for death. In Teeth, though, indulgence in pleasure does not simply give a masked killer the opportunity to disembowel his prey—the sex actually kills.

Teeth takes an uncomfortably close look at a woman who is protected from the perils of unsavory attraction from the opposite sex by a grotesque physical mutation. Its heroine is a peculiar product of adaptation that has a built-in defense from the perils of angst-ridden young men: a set of shark-like incisors in her vagina. It’s not a high art concept, but it’s not treated entirely like one either. Director Mitchell Lichtenstein doesn’t let his film’s outrageous premise exist in sincerity. In Teeth, no act of castration goes by without a chuckle and no stretch of sappy dialogue occurs without a wink and a nod. Even stranger is Teeth’s artful direction. The film is filled with environmental symbolism and some of the most bizarre sight gags ever conceived; it’s the only movie in recent memory to strike a pun by simply displaying a gas station’s logo (“Super Quick”).

A conjugation of high art and lowbrow trash, Teeth is a refreshingly self-aware horror-comedy with the Charles Darwin stamp of approval.

A movie that is entertaining at best, Street Kings is wracked with cop clichés and a tired plot.

There is our hero, Keanu Reeves, the dirty cop with the troubled past.

Forest Whitaker plays the role of an overly ambitious police chief. There is also the inexperienced sidekick, played by Chris Evans, and a bizarre performance by Hugh Laurie.

Reeves’ portrayal as a tough-guy cop is somewhat of a stretch, even after the The Matrix trilogy, a role that required liberal use of Marshal Arts.

But for those who crave action, shootouts, and busting heads, this movie may be the best 109 minutes of your life.

Although Street Kings features a formula used time and again, there is somewhat of a twist in trying to determine just who is the bad guy.

As Reeves goes on a killing spree to avenge his ex-partner’s death, innocent people and thugs alike get caught in the line of fire.

The best thing that may come out of Street Kings is getting people to question just how corrupt our society has become, especially within the criminal justice system.

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Spring 2008

Spotlight

THE AGORA

UP g n

12

i w

o r

G

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.

Game of Love

Best Date Movies Aim for thrillers and adventures with a little romance and mild violence Pirates of the Carribean Series Click Top Gun Ocean’s 11,12, 13 Gone in 60 Seconds National Treasure James Bond Series Thomas Crowne Affair

Recently my brother shared with me his metaphor for my family’s love life in comparison with frogs. It went like this: “My eldest sister, from the time I can remember has dated all kinds of guys. There were a few that I liked and few that sucked but in the end she has dated enough frogs to fill three ponds. My other sister didn’t date in high school and very little in college. She was able to find her frog prince with one try and it ended up being her best friend from high school. My brother believes

himself to be a frog prince and is currently waiting to be found. And as for me, my brother decided to bluntly state that I was still on the path searching for the pond.”

As funny and embarrassing as this metaphor is, it is also very true. This story got me thinking and I found that each frog prince and princess has their own relationship mode, their own way of searching. My siblings and I are four prime examples of these basic searches. Not only are there different ways to search the pond, you may come across different types of frogs along the way. Here are a few: Poisonous Dart Frog Attractive but deadly relationship

Classics

Killing me softly with his song Robert Flack Hit the Road Jack - Ray Charles Love is a battlefield - Pat Benatar Achy Breaky Heart - Billy Ray Cyrus Always on my mind - Elvis Presley Yesterday - The beatles Careless Whisper - Wham!

Believe - Cher

Angry

Friendly and your best friend Photos courtesy of google.com

Break Up So

What kind of morning are you? Here is a list of songs for everyone. Everything from inspiration to rage, crying to old school these songs can make breaking up a little easier.

Bull Frog

Easliy held

Poisonous skin very pretty

Best

ngs

Jagged little pill album (You Oughta Know) - Alanis Morissette (I hate) everything about you - Three Days Grace Since you’ve been gone - Kelly Clarkson Never Again - Kelly Clarkson Song for the dumped - Ben Folds Five Over You - Daughtry Sad What goes around...comes around Tonight I wanna cry - Keith Urban Justin Timberlake Like we never loved at all - Tim Don’t go away - Oasis McGraw and Don’t speak - No Doubt In the End - Linkin Park Faith Hill Empowering The Scientist - Coldplay Fighter - Christina Aguilera Burn - Usher Survivior - Destiny’s Child (I just) died in your arms - Cutting Crew I will survive - Cake With or without you - U2 One week - Bare Naked Ladies

Assistant Editor

Worst Date Movies

Stay away from horrors, bloods and guts and long confusing movies Father of the Bride Clint Eastwood western Texas Chainsaw Massacre Mist Alien Series Titanic Saving Private Ryan 27 Dresses

does not make it a good date movie.

Just because it is a good movie......

The

Pond

Emily Chandonnet

Girls:

African Clawed Frog

Tongueless and clawed

Back stabber and sweet talker

Pacman Frog Covered in horns

Devilish and rocky

American Bull Frog

Leopard Frog

Most commonly found

Ordinary and nothing special

Camouflage frog

Sensitive and shy who blends in to the crowd

Magnificent Tree Frog

Lives near humans

City lover nature hater

First of all, ladies give the guys a break.

We say we want a sensitive, intelligent man but then always go for the meat-headed bad boys. We say we want them to be chivalries but then don’t give them the chance gentleman, and then proceed to push all this feminism stuff on them. So here is what you do.

If you want a gentleman for a guy sometimes you just have to give him hints. For instants: If you want a guy to open a car door for you, or any door for that matter, then DON”T OPEN IT. Just stand there in front of it, a little off to the side. Let him walk a step ahead of you when a door is approaching so he has the chance to reach for the handle first. If a guy does get in the car don’t get in, just stand there. He definitely won’t make the mistake again of not open the door for you.

Don’t come outside if he honks from the driveway to pick you up, make him come in.

Shiver a little when you are cold, that might get him to put a jacket around you.

These are just a few hints to give guys.

However, we do want to do things for them too, so here are some hints that guys give us: If a guy ask if you if you want dessert, say YES. He isn’t really asking you if you want dessert, he is telling you that he wants dessert.

Guys CAN’T read minds, girls are natural intuitive.

So when they ask us what we want to eat or to do, tell them. Don’t say I don’t care.

Guys like compliments too. If you like the shirt or color they have on, tell them.

Don’t dominate the conversation, let him talk about himself, his likes and dislikes.

Don’t correct their grammar or mistakes all the time, or act like you know everything.

White Lipped Cat noise at others

Catty and self absorbed

Tomato Frog Defends self

Agressive and attaker

Boys:

I would first like to apologize to all the decent guys who are just confused about girls, it isn’t your fault you can’t win with us, well not completely. However, if you want to be a charming guy who pulls out all the right moves on a date here are a few tips: DON”T EVER let a girl open a door, whether it is your girlfriend or not. You may think it is lame and old school, but I don’t know any girl that doesn’t light up when a door is opened for her. Either make sure you are in front of her when you’re coming to a door or just plain out say, “ I’ll get that for you,” before she can reach for the handle.

Always come to the door and pick up your date, don’t honk from the drive way.

Flowers are always a good idea, even if it is a little violet from the ground.

Compliment her in every way possible throughout your relationship, not just at the beginning.

E-cards are nice, but homemade ones are better.

When you see her cross her arms really close to her body this means she is cold, so give her your jacket or be prepared with a blanket.

When going in a outside help her put on and take off her jacket.

Drop her off at the door anywhere you go, especially in bad weather.

Never ask someone out through an IM, text message, email, voice mail etc. Phones are nice, letters are romantic, but in person is always best.

Good gifts can be as simple as a mix CD with songs that remind you of her, or learning how to make her favorite meal and cooking for her. There doesn’t always have to be jewelry involved, some girls even see jewelry as a cop-out, unless of course it is diamonds.