9-30-2008

Smoking policy at MCCC continues to change ..........pg 5

Olympic swimmer shares her story of being sexually abused.........pg 4

‘Ghost Town’ and ‘Traitor’ Movie Reviews .........pg 6

‘Tango’ makes the banned book list......................pg 5

GORA A THE

Monroe County Community College

September 30, 2008

Auto Show Results

Vol. 51, Issue 2

Democratic office welcomes celebrity telephone helpers the Young Dems.

Cuccia and Sisung have created a constitution, filled out the club forms and are now just waiting to hear back from the Student Government for approval.

“We want to find passionate young people who will do whatever it takes to make a change,” Cuccia said.

During the process of creating the club, they already have started helping with phone banks, getting young people to register, handing out absentee ballots, and spreading the word about Obama’s platform.

Patrick Miller, an adjunct professor of Political Science at MCCC, is the planned advisor for the club.

One of the main campaigning methods is the phone banks. People working on phone banks make calls to ask registered voters who they are voting for and how they can gain their support.

After the opening words and a few group photos Sunday, Brody and Cook were served food – made

by Cuccia. The two actors then were briefed by Josephine Younglove and Kate Killingback on how to call, make notes, what to say and what

Emily Chandonnet Editor-in-Chief

Actors Adam Brody (O.C.) and Rachel Leigh Cook (She’s all that) visited Monroe Sunday to promote Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.

Cook and Brody worked with volunteers on phone banks at the Monroe County Democratic Campain Office on Washington Street.

Cook said, “When I heard about the volunteers and how young they were I was really inspired.”

Many of the volunteers there on Sunday were in high school or in their first years of college.

“It is such a cool thing what you guys are doing,” Brody said. “You are helping a really important cause, because this is influencing the next two-term president. You get to tell your children that you helped people get to vote, and I too want to tell my kids that I was involved as well.”

Cook’s and Brody’s comments are some of the main reasons that MaryGrace Cuccia and Billy Sisung have started the process of forming a Democratic Club at MCCC, called

not to say.

“It was good,” Cook said. “I got a lot of hang ups, but it was fun.”

Cuccia added: “Phone banks are very interesting. You talk to a variety of people and you really get to learn about what kind of community members and neighbors you have.

Some are strong left or right but others are willing to listen about the facts you have to offer.”

Brody ended up taking a ten-minute call with an elderly man and seemed very excited about his conversation, sharing the details of it with Cook.

After 45 minutes of calls, Brody and Cook took some more individual fan photos and then headed out.

If anyone would like to get involved in campaigning for the Democratic Party for this upcoming election and in the future, contact Miller at millerpf@hotmail.com.

Or go downtown to the Democratic Office at 17 Washington St. and ask how you can help. Continue to look for information that will be posted around campus.

For more phots contiue to pg 7 Billy Sinung and MaryGrace Cuccia, organizers of the Young Dems Club in progress, grab a picture with Adam Brody and Rachel Leigh Cook before the two celebrities leave after contributing 45 minutes of phone calls toward Obama’s Phone Bank.

Above is the Student’s Choice Winner for the 22nd MCCC Auto Show held on campus on Sunday, Sept. 28. Frank and Connie Hymore are the owners of this 1965 Fast Back Series Ford Mustang.

Agora photos by Emily Chandonnet Agora photo by Emily Chandonnet

Hollywood invades Detroit Metro Airport Steve Sonoras Staff

Take one look at the Detroit Metro Airport’s L.C. Smith terminal and it feels just like something out of a classic Hollywood movie.

Ironically enough, the half-century-old terminal, which was just recently decommissioned, may have a second life as a Hollywood film set.

Though many Detroit residents were happy to see the Smith Terminal take its final bow as an active facility on September 16, Hollywood producers who have visited the structure say it is a dream loca-

tion for a film set.

“You wouldn’t believe the interest we’re getting from Hollywood,” said Scott Wintner, a spokesman for the Wayne County Airport Authority. “They say there’s a lot to like about the Smith.”

Many who frequented the terminal over the years complained about the building’s dated appearance, dim lighting, low ceilings, and lack of restaurants. So, what do Hollywood executives see in the Smith?

“The L.C. Smith Terminal is especially appealing to Hollywood for a number of reasons, perhaps

the most significant being that it’s a full-size, working airport terminal facility that is not operational,” said Wintner.

Though the aging terminal is one of very few of its kind in the entire country, the 51-year-old structure boasts complete emptiness and freedom from modern security concerns while still maintaining all the classic makings of a typical airport.

“Another reason why Smith is particularly appealing is that it’s not very distinctive, so it can easily “stand in” for an airport in any city,” said Wintner. “So, even if the

INSIDE:

Campus News.........5 Editorial...................2 A&E..........................6 Feature....................3 Sports......................7 Feature....................4 Spotlight..............8 Enriching the students across Southeast Michigan

movie or show doesn’t actually take place in Detroit, Smith can pose as any airport anywhere.”

The L.C. Smith Terminal is not the only site filmmakers are eyeing in Michigan lately. Since Gov. Jennifer Granholm passed a new package of bills offering incentives to film companies that choose to bring their projects to Michigan, studios have been taking their talent to the state frequently over the last year,.

The new Michigan film incentive, or film production credit, is a refundable, assignable tax credit that covers up to 42% of a production company’s expenditures in-

curred in the production of a film or other media project in Michigan.

The incentive has brought several film projects to Michigan in the last couple of years. Blockbuster maven Michael Bay filmed Transformers and The Island against several famous Detroit backdrops, including the dilapidated Michigan Central Station. Further west, hit director Doug Liman (Mr. and Mrs. Smith, The Bourne Identity) set up a studio Ann Arbor. He has most recently toured the state to shoot for Jumper, which included some on-location shooting in Monroe last winter. This summer, Ann Arbor and Ferndale residents got used

to seeing Drew Barrymore, Ellen Page, Jimmy Fallon, and Michael Cera inhabiting some familiar locales. Barrymore, Fallon, and Page have been shooting for the upcoming film Whip It! and Cera has been spotted in downtown Ann Arbor literally stopping traffic to shoot 2009’s Youth in Revolt.

With Jennifer Granholm’s new film production credit incentive and several new studios popping up all over the state, it’s no surprise that Hollywood is certainly taking a lot of interest in Michigan. Filmmaking could be the wave of the future for the automotive capital of the world.

Fitness Center Hours:

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Saturday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Mon - Thurs: 8 a.m. - 9:30 Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

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Monday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

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Visit our website at: www.monroeccc.edu

2 THE AGORA

Editorial

September 30, 2008

Downtown needs spirit You know what might make Monroe a better community?

A better downtown area.

Seriously, how many MCCC students have been to downtown Monroe in the last month, not counting Café Classics? Those in the majority would have to say no, which gives a strong indication of downtown’s future.

In a city with a population of just over 22,000, I would like to foresee a day where downtown Monroe could have some real hang-out spots, for those in college who are just under 21.

In the future, I hope a discussion about Monroe’s “hot spots” will not utter such phrases as Nortel Lanes or Frenchtown Square Mall.

The ever-decaying mall has been going downhill for years, and if the Monroe County shopping market can no longer support it — whether it’s five or ten years — then I say good riddance.

If something ever does happen to the mall, there would be another (hopefully not missed) opportunity for downtown retail and office space to be filled.

To put things into perspective, downtown is not the worst. It’s just not living up to its best potential.

Monroe is average.

It would be hard to compare Monroe to bigger cities such as Detroit, Toledo, or Ann Arbor. Monroe would definitely lag behind the larger cities, but it also has the advantage of much less blight than Flint or Dearborn.

When compared to other average sized cities, Monroe is way behind.

Chelsea, Tecumseh and Frankenmuth have all done wonderful things with their downtown areas.

Although those towns have thriving small business districts, it wouldn’t hurt if Monroe could attract some national retailers as well.

For example, downtown Ann Arbor has a Borders and Steve & Barry’s store, amongst other national chains.

Maybe we could, dare I suggest, attract business downtown from the mall when it finally goes ka-put?

It would be nice to bring some

creates progression

Emily Chandonnet Editor-in-Chief

Casey Cheap Agora Staff

trendier restaurants downtown.

Bringing places such as Buffalo Wild Wings, T.G.I. Fridays, or Red Robin couldn’t hurt. Other businesses that could bring college students or young professionals should not be overlooked.

There should be a relentless pursuit of attracting business to Monroe. Once one building is completed or remodeled, the city should build off the momentum of one project to the next.

This process of revitalizing downtown would take a major commitment. If current structures cannot be modified for the 21st century, or put to any kind of good use, they should be torn down.

Selling the old space so someone else can build is better than just leaving buildings vacant. Building new, modern office space can only be a plus. Monroe Bank & Trust helped downtown by building a new office building at the intersection of Washington and Front Street.

People claim parking is also an issue with downtown. On a typical day, especially during rush hour, Monroe, Washington, First and Front Streets are terribly congested.

There may not be any parking spaces open along Front Street, but typically the parking lots along the River Raisin are nowhere near capacity. That is, for those willing to walk.

That is what could be great about Above are pictures of empty downtown Monroe with no one walking the sidewalks and cars only driving by to downtown. Having so many things get to there next destination outside of Monroe. within walking distance would be Agora photos by Casey Cheap positive for Monroe’s economy.

Day Care hours hinder its usefulness Miranda Panik Agora Staff

Many young parents use community college as a stepping stone to further their education. For the convenience of its students, MCCC initiated a Child Care Center more than 28 years ago.

This amenity is useful because of its location and pricing. The Child Care Center is located on the north end of campus in the Health Education Building, and costs only $25 per family per semester.

However, the hours of operation and restrictions hinder the usefulness of the establishment. The day care is only open from 7:45 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Fri-

Student email access

day. Also, it only accepts children that range in age from 18 months to 6 years old.

According to Time magazine, 2006 experienced a 3 percent rise in teenage pregnancies, the first shift in nearly 15 years. www.teenshelter.org also showed statistics that over 40 percent of adolescents will become pregnant before reaching the age of twenty, and 20 percent of those teens will become pregnant again within a year.

The importance of this information is to show that thousands of young women get pregnant at early ages each year and have to put off going to college because there is no one to help them take care of their child.

Working a full-time job leaves a student with a limited time frame to schedule classes around. It’s nearly impossible to make sure all of your

classes fall between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The hours the day care operates makes it harder to take night classes. Taking a Saturday morning class is also not an option.

Because the youngest age the day care will accept is 18 months, people who can’t afford a babysitter or have no one to help them will have to wait over a year to begin college.

The longer you push off going to college the less likely it is that you will actually wind up going.

According to Kids Having Kids, “Teen childbearing alone costs U.S. taxpayers nearly $7 billion annually for social services and lost tax revenues.”

This money, provided by taxpayers, is given to families in the form of subsidies for food, clothing, and even shelter. If money from working Americans is going to these families to help them support their Child Care Center kids Tyler, Ryleigh and Alexis sit and eat a snack children, it’s time for the day care around 4 p.m. given by chaperones Kim and Ms. Cramer. to step in so these parents can get an Agora photo by Kristin Stepinski education and help themselves.

M 4,514 Students C 81 ↑ from 2007 C 39,244.5 Credit hours C 1,121.5 ↑ from 2007

Breaks Record! Constitution Day winner results!

FREE STUDENT ADVERTISING! Need to sell your books, looking for a roommate, or want to teach music lessons but don’t know how to get the word out? Send your Ad to agora@monroecc. or drop it off at room L 202. You can design it or we can, just give us the info and we will put it in our 12 page October issue.

Questions? Call 384-4186 or email us at agora@monroeccc.edu

The Consititution Day quiz contest in the Sept. 16 edition of The Agora was won by:

Jeannie Connelly Freshman from Monroe

The winner receives a $25 gift certificate to the Frog Leg Inn Bistro.

Two entries correctly answered all 10 of the questions on the Constitution Day quiz.

The winner was chosen in a drawing.

The question that stumped most of the entries involved the 1819 Supreme Court case that decided a corporate charter was a legal contract. The correct answer was, “Dartmouth College vs. Woodward.”

The Agora Staff Members Editor-in-Chief Emily Chandonnet Assistant Editor Jennifer Niswender Adviser Dan Shaw

Staff Michael Crossman Casey Cheap Cassie Kane Miranda Panik Steven Sonoras Kristin Stepinski Andrew Thurlow

The lack of efficient communication on MCCC’s campus between students and staff is finally being addressed by a committee that is creating solutions for this important need through personal Live email accounts.

For a number of years the topic of a communication system has been discussed in committee meetings. After much research through observing other college communication systems, MCCC decided to invest in the Windows Live@edu program.

They chose this system three fold. First was because of the similarity between Windows Live@edu and programs that student’s already use. Brian Lay, Manager of Information Systems, said that committees looked through the list of email addresses that student’s submitted when they registered for classes.

From that list they noticed most used programs like Hotmail, Yahoo and Google. These three programs have a similar set-up to Windows Live@edu.

Secondly, the three systems offer the Live feature. According to get. liveatedu.com a Live program allows you to save, share and access documents and files online.

Thirdly a ‘Home’ information page will give MCCC the opportunity to set-up a system of portals that will connect students to information about clubs, events, announcements, etc.

At the bottom of the college’s home page is a link to get you started at getting your own MCCC email address. (monroeccc.edu) The committee is still working out all the details and features of Live@edu. It hopes to have all information out soon so by next year this system will be used by everyone associated with MCCC. Taking a year to perfect the system and prepare students for the switchover is a intelligent process to take.

Students who register for classes will automatically get an email address.

The CSI 130 class, a required class toward graduation, includes teaching students how to use Live@edu.

Personally, having a college email address will open many opportunities of accessing information for classes and college events.

Instead of giving out my cutesy 5th grade email address I will be able to give a more professional email address to teachers and prospective employers.

Because everyone’s email address is set-up the same, it gives me and other students the option of emailing fellow classmates to obtain notes and ask questions. A list of your classmates and their email address will be available on blackboard because of this system.

After graduating from MCCC, they are working on having the email addresses acquire an alumni status, which will focus on giving them appropriate information along with all of the other features.

Because of this alumni address set-up students, could theoretically continue to use this email address and have it be their permanent contact information.

Lay said, “The more we can introduce programs like Windows Live here at the college, the better off they (students) will be in the future.”

Windows has various versions of Live programs and accounts which are used in most business places.

The college is preparing students to be familiar with a program used in the working world.

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 edi-

tor 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 studentmanaged 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 Com-

munity College Journalism Association, College Media Advisers, Associated Collegiate Press and the Student Press Law Center.

Story suggestions are welcome. Let us know what you’d like to see in The Agora - it’s your newspaper. Submissions of stories or photos alsoare welcome. E-mail them to Agora@monroeccc. edu or bring them to ouroffice.

Dan Shaw, Adviser

September 30, 2008

Feature

THE AGORA

3

Chemical found in plastic may cause disease

Jennifer Niswender Assistant Editor

Drinking out of your water bottle, you would never imagine the effects it could actually have on you. Water is good for you and your body, but drinking out of a plastic bottle may not be.

A new study found that a chemical called Bisphenol A (BPA), mostly found in plastics that include baby bottles and packaging for food and beverages, may put people at risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in April that BPA was “safe and that exposure levels to BPA from food contact

materials, including infants and children, are below those that may cause health effects.”

There is more diabetes and heart disease among people with higher BPA levels. People who are eating a lot of things out of cans and water bottles are going to have more BPA in their urine, and they’re probably not eating the healthiest diet, so diabetes and heart disease is more likely.

“While scientists continue to assess the health risks of BPA to consumers, the FDA is taking on a bigger risk by taking no action to protect the health and safety of consumers. Consumers expect to buy products that have a proven safety record, not a lack of proven harm,” Rachel Weintraub, the director

of product safety and senior counsel for the Consumer Federation of America, said in a prepared statement.

“Too many examples of potential risks today become tomorrow’s hazardous reality.

FDA should not take that gamble in the face of mounting evidence of harm.”

In a study, led by Dr. David Melzer, of Peninsula Medical School, in Exeter, United Kingdom, researchers looked at the association between BPA, heart disease and diabetes.

At total of 1,455 adults participated in the 2003-2004 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey led by Melzer.

Melzer’s analysis found that people with

high levels of BPA were more likely to have heart disease, including heart attack, or diabetes. In fact, the results showed that high levels of BPA increased the risk for these diseases by 39 percent.

BPA has been the subject of extensive scientific testing and government reviews worldwide. These reviews have consistently concluded that human exposure levels to BPA are low and within the safe limits set by government authorities.

Everyone is exposed to a mixture of chemicals every day, so trying to figure out which one causes heart disease and type 2 diabetes is really hard to determine.

Tattoos: Taboo or Treasure?

Cassie Kane Staff

Tattoos have always been a subject of scrutiny, especially in societies with conservative ideals, such as Monroe, MI. A tattoo is described as a permanent marking made by inserting ink into the layers of skin to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons. Tattooing these decorative pictures and symbols has been practiced throughout the world, yet not all cultures accept this form of art.

Pat LaVoy is a tattoo artist at the New Skool shop in Flat Rock where many people from Monroe venture to ink their skin. He has been tattooing for over six years and loves his job.

“I love the look on people’s faces when they look in the mirror at their tattoo after I’m finished. It’s a look of awe and excitement,” LaVoy said.

A customer of LaVoy’s and MCCC student Chuck Knabusch is planning on receiving another tattoo very soon.

“A lot of people want their artwork on a canvas,” Knabusch said.

“I like my artwork on my body for everyone to enjoy.”

Tattoos can depict memories, beliefs, hobbies, favorite things and even other people. These images are used to express many different

feelings and recognize ones own uniqueness.

People get tattoos for different reasons. Different cultures attribute special meanings to tattoos, and tattooing has been a profession for ages.

The earliest evidence of tattoos was found in 1991. An assortment of 57 tattoos consisting of carbon dots and lines were found on a mummy found in the Otz valley of the Alps, which dates back to the fourth or fifth millennium B.C. It is thought that tattooing was invented accidentally.

There are two main techniques used for tattooing. One is called “stick and poke.” The tip of a sewing needle is wrapped in ink-soaked thread, leaving only the point protruding. Keeping this simple instrument saturated with ink, the skin is pricked over and over, creating a design. The purpose of the thread is to keep the point of the needle coated in ink, increasing the quantity of ink that penetrates the skin. This method is not as commonly used anymore, unless for private usage.

The second technique is more commonly known - the electric tattoo machine. It inserts ink into the skin via a group of needles that are soldered onto a bar, which is attached to an oscillating unit. The unit rapidly and repeatedly drives the needles in and out of the skin,

usually 80 to 150 times per second.

Tattoo removal is becoming a commodity as well. In August, a study was conducted consisting of 200 people. It found that women are more likely to want their tattoos removed than men. Women who have their tattoo(s) removed said they did because of the social stigma their tattoo(s) provoked.

The same study showed that 44 percent of participants chose to have a tattoo to feel unique, 33 percent got a tattoo to feel more independent, and 28 percent said to make their life experiences stand out.

Many jobs do not allow employees to have visible tattoos. The armed forces, specifically the Marines do not allow their soldiers to wear large tattoos on their arms or legs. Some say these rules are necessary in order to remain presentable to the public. MCCC student Brittani Peterson agrees somewhat.

“Tattoo rules for business are a good idea, just for public impressions,” Peterson said. “But I think that tattoos are special because whatever we desire can be tattooed on our body, and it can last forever.

It is an everlasting symbol of what we believe in. Tattoos are almost a language.”

Jacob Luthey receives a tattoo by Steve from State of Mind Tattoo Parlor on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Agora photo by Cassie Kane

New leader takes reins in Detroit Casey Cheap Staff

Michigan’s largest city is under new management. Now that Kwame Kilpatrick is finally gone, Detroit and Michigan will soon continue economic progress.

That message was signaled by Detroit’s 61st mayor taking office.

Kenneth Cockrel Jr. was sworn in Sept. 17, officially ending Kilpatrick’s scandal-plagued administration that will haunt the city for years.

“Its about time Detroit gets a new mayor,” Amanda Seitz, MCCC stu-

dent, said. “It is just too bad it took so long to come to that conclusion.

The city wasted millions of dollars from innocent taxpayers for Kwame’s trial.”

Plans that have been stalled by Kilpatrick can now be resumed.

This is essential to Michigan, a state now in a sixth year of recession.

Because of the emergency state Detroit is currently facing, Cockrel decided not to throw a huge gala for his inauguration. Instead, it was very low-key, and a stark contrast to predecessors Kilpatrick and Dennis Archer.

“I’m not looking to do any parties,” Cockrel said in an interview with the Detroit Free Press. “That to me is something that if you’re going to do, you do that as a result of obtaining the office of mayor through an election.”

Cockrel later stated his inauguration should be kept brief given the unusual circumstances he obtained office. Cockrel came to power when Kilpatrick pleaded guilty to two felonies, and was forced to resign. Cockrel has already won praise by the local media for being Kilpatrick’s polar opposite.

With the new administration,

Scholarship Winners

there will be big changes coming to Detroit City Hall. Amongst other challenges plaguing the city, Cockrel has the monumental task of cleaning up the police and law departments. Add to that the long time problems of blight, crime, and the massive population loss to the city.

In just his first day as mayor, Cockrel was praised for appointing former U.S. Attorney Saul Green as deputy mayor. Green is seen as someone with impeccable morals, and someone who will have no problem putting the city back on track.

Cockrel is also closer to naming a new Detroit Chief of Police. Ella Bully-Cummings had served as chief since 2001, Kilpatrick’s first year in office. Bully-Cummings retired this year when Kilpatrick was ousted.

Another daunting realization for the city is the deficit-ridden budget.

One of Cockrel’s first announcements as mayor was a private meeting with area business leaders.

Cockrel hopes money from the private sector can be used to help the city balance its books.

Cockrel is breaking tradition by not moving into the Manoogian

Mansion. The lavish long-time mayor’s residence is now seen as what is wrong with Detroit. It is a 4,000 square foot home on the Detroit River. The Cockrels want to see the mansion become a public place, although details have not been elaborated, the mansion’s upkeep and security are a burden Detroit taxpayers can no longer afford.

The first major project Cockrel is taking on is the expansion of Cobo Hall. Cobo must be expanded to keep the North American International Auto Show (N.A.I.A.S.) in Detroit.

Low on Gas $$ In this issue of The Agora we have hid five

(The MCCC symbol in

color and grey) Your objective is to locate all five, write them down in the blanks below and drop them off in the mailbox outside The Agora room (L 202). If you have all five we will put your name in a drawing for:

$100 GAS CARD

that we will reward at the end of the semester. Each issue we will have more things to look for. You can enter each issue to better your chances.

Happy hunting!

Brian Barnes

Michele VanWormer

Philip Cousino

Helen M. and Eugene W. Beach Scholarship

The Strikes, Spares and Scholarship Award

Helen M. and Eugene W. Beach Scholarship

* Not Pictured : Dawn Crisman and Randi Paschall winners of the Helen M. and Eugene W. Beach Scholarship

Name

Number

4 THE AGORA

Feature

September 30, 2008

Terrorists: Possibilities lead to Americans Cassie Kane Staff

Reports are flooding in from all over the country addressing the newest terrorist threat: American terrorists.

In a recent interview with NBC News, former National Security Council official Roger Cressey commented on the reports.

“There is no bigger worry for the U.S. counterterrorism community than young Caucasian men who have turned to Al-Qaeda,” Cressey

said.

According to several media sources, United States counterterrorism specialists have intercepted communications between Al-Qaeda operatives saying that dozens of Caucasian westerners have undergone training. Caucasian westerners have been targeted for training because they are less likely to attract the attention of security agents.

There are also reports of Europeans, specifically Germans, being trained as well in Waziristan,

Pakistan. Earlier this month, three Germans were charged with a plot to kill American soldiers in a club they frequented in the European country.

The director of the human resources bureau of the Detroit Police Department, Lawana Ducker, was asked if police in Detroit are taking any action due to the news.

“I cannot give any details,” Ducker said, “but this organization does not practice racial profiling, so for us the situation has not changed dramatically. We are always updat-

ing our terrorism prevention strategies and constantly helping other law enforcement organizations with terrorist threats.”

There are also reports of ‘American’ terrorists acting on their own or with other lesser known organizations (not Al-Qaeda). USA Today spoke with John Miller, the FBI’s assistant director of public affairs.

“The trend we’re seeing is that we are uncovering more instances of people here who have been radicalized [changed drastically]… where there is not a direct thumb-

print of Al-Qaeda.”

The idea of Americans training with Muslim terrorist groups has been a concern for intelligence officials since September 11, 2001, but up until recently, these concerns have been mere suspicions.

Examples of Americans working with Al-Qaeda or the Taliban have been reported as well. Those like John Walker Lindh, the Californian who fought alongside the Taliban against U.S. forces in Afghanistan; Jose Padilla, the Illinois man convicted of conspiring to kill Ameri-

cans while overseas; and Adam Gadahn, the California video-gamer turned propagandist for Al-Qaeda, who is still at large. MCCC student Jessica Wisienski offered her opinion regarding the newest terrorist threats.

“It’s very scary. I never thought that after 9/11 Americans would ever take part in helping terrorist groups who could do such terrible things,” Wisienski said. “It makes me angry. Those Americans deserve worse than the terrorists from the Middle East.”

Gifts boost Extreme Makeover candidates to continue sharing their home, blessings Mary Rose Takacs Freelancer

On Monday Sept. 15, in the morning, Aaron and Jackie Frisch’s jaws dropped as Larry Burns represented the University of Toledo in presenting fully funded scholarships for all 11 of their boys.

Aaron Frisch arrived at his new home on Edgedale Circle after an interview to join his family for another emotional day.

The Frisch family gathered in a line to take photos before starting.

Shock and gratitude still shined through their eyes and wide smiles from the big unveiling on Sunday the 14th.

With much excitement and awe, Aaron and Jackie, along with eight of their children, watched people from forty different companies bring forth gifts.

Wendy’s restaurant donated a full year of free dinners, and Marco’s Pizza gifted one year free of all you can eat for the Frisch family.

The company known as TNT (Fire Prevention and Ventilation Services LLC) gave equipment and an additional $26,000 to Aaron Frisch, a Toledo firefighter, and fire house 23 where he works.

Several children from Central Elementary School gave baskets containing movies, games, and school

supplies. Jackie lovingly asked each child’s name as she gave hugs and kisses of gratitude.

One of the most highlighted contributions was the University of Toledo providing all eleven boys with full scholarships. Aaron and Jackie could hardly utter words at such a gift and the seven boys that were there stood in amazement.

Others, such as Family Christian Book Store, Office Max, Buckeye Cable and Lourdes College gave donations to the Frisch family.

A hand full of photographers and news reporters attended. Efrem Graham, from Channel 13 ABC News, came out to broadcast, along

with Buckeye news and others.

In closing, Jackie and Aaron extended their gratitude to all who gave donations, came together in building their home and to the community who has, in their words, loved them with open arms.

Aaron and Jackie Frisch have also stated that they are praying and planning to adopt additional children, as long as that is in God’s plan.

Their final plea was to the city of Toledo. They have asked that people pray to help raise and take in the children of Toledo who are lacking homes and loving families.

Below: Part of the finished Frisch house.

Center: The Company TNT is giving Aaron Fisch the equipment for the firehouse and the $26,000.

Far Right: Jackie Frisch reads a letter of thanks to the crowd gethered outside their new house.

Photos courtesy of Mary Rose Takacs

Board of Trustees Forum A forum featuring the five candidates for Monroe County Community College’s Board of Trustees will be sponsored by the Agora next month.

The event will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the cafeteria in the A building.

Two members of the current board are running for re-election, William H. Braunlich of LaSalle and Mary Kay Thayer of Lambertville.

They are being challenged for the three available seats by Linda Lauer of Monroe, Larry Mathewson and Edward (Pat) Kehoe, both of Carleton.

One current trustee, Thomas R. Waldecker, is re-

udying t s n i d te Interes road? ab

tiring after 28 years on the board.

“The staff of The Agora decided that students and faculty should have a chance to meet the candidates for the board of trustees and ask them questions before the election,” Agora Editor-in-Chief Emily Chandonnet said.

“Many students don’t even know who the trustees are. This is their chance to find out,” she said.

The candidates will be questioned by a student panel and there will be a chance for questions from the audience.

Want t o to Thailan visit d?

Join the International Studies Club

Olympic swimmer sexually abused Jennifer Niswender Assistant Editor

It’s a proven fact that one out of four girls and one out of seven to ten boys will experience unconsenting sexual assault before their 18th birthday.

Margaret Hoelzer, three-time Olympic swimming medalist was one of those four girls, experiencing unconsenting sexual assault at the age of five.

She revealed her secret to press less than a month after the Beijing Olympics, where she won a bronze medal in the 100 meter backstroke and silver in the 200 backstroke and silver in the 4x100 medley relay.

Now Hoelzer, 25 years old, shares her story so that what happened to her doesn’t happen to anyone else.

“It’s nerve-racking,” said Hoelzer in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press.

“Some days I feel great about it, and I’m completely at peace

with it, completely calm and ready to do this. Then, there are other days where I’m like, “Oh my God, do I really want to do this?” she said.

She was five years old when she was sexually assaulted by a playmates father and it continued on for about two years until that family moved away. Hoelzer was going to the house on a regular basis and spending the night from time to time.

She was put in a situation where she was taught to trust that person.

She had trusted that person for so long that she wasn’t even sure what he was doing was wrong.

75 percent of all reported sexual assaults on children are committed by someone the victim knows and trusts.

Finally, at the age of 11, Hoelzer realized what happened was actually very wrong. She was taking a walk with her friend when the awful truth was finally revealed. Her friend urged her to tell her mother right away. Her mother listened to

everything she had to say believing her 100 percent.

Hoelzer’s mother immediately told her father who then called the police right away. Hoelzer was then directed to the National Child Advocacy Center, which has counseling for everyone in the family and showed them how to pursue legal action.

The alleged molester was then arrested and taken to a grand jury.

Because there was no real physical evidence Hoelzer was raped and the passage of time and a child’s stilldeveloping memory raised doubts about whether a conviction could be reached in the harsh scrutiny of a courtroom.

No formal charges were ever brought.

Now, 20 years later, Hoelzer is still trying to cope with what happened but now she is helping people just like her. She is hoping after sharing her story that people will be more aware of what’s going on around them.

The International Studies Club will be holding an alcohol-free Halloween dance on October 28 from 8.pm. - midnight. The dance will be held in the Health Education Building. Tickets will be available at the door for $6. High School and College students are welcome. Costumes encouraged, with cash prizes going to the three best costumes. Proceeds will benefit the 2007-2008 Study Abroad Class.

For more information about the dance or the International Studies Club, contact Joanna Sabo.

Phone: 734-384-4297 Office: C-208 Email:jsabo@monroeccc.edu

Student Government Have any suggestions for the Community College?

Want to share those ideas with your fellow students?

Then join Student Government For more information contact Tom Ryder Office: Z-245 Phone: 734-384-4201 Email: tryder@monroeccc.edu

Photo curtesy of nydailynews.com

September 30, 2008

Campus News

THE AGORA

5

MCCC President speaks on revised smoking policy Michael Crossman Staff

Smoke if you got ‘em.

The old saying used to describe break time for the 20 percent of the population that are smokers has now been revised.

No longer at MCCC can you just walk outside the building doors and light up a Newport.

“This is probably a good thing for those of us that are non-smokers at the college,” said MCCC student Jamie Langst.

“I was just always sick of walking in or out of the doors and getting a cloud of smoke blown in my face. That’s just rude, and disgusting,” she said.

MCCC President Dr. David Nix- to make a revision to the policy. on feels the policy is going to be a The policy states that as of Aug. successful transition.

1, 2008, smoking will be prohibited “The concern for this began two to 30 feet from building entrances. years ago, when we received com- Beginning Aug. 1, 2009, smoking plaints from non-smokers about will be restricted to only campus the second hand effects from oth- parking lots. And Aug. 1, 2010, ers’ smoke,” said smoking will be Nixon.

“I feel that we are prohibited on all The MCCC simply just trying College grounds.

Health and Safety “I feel that we Committee have to help the smok- are simply just been conducttrying to help the ing a study for ers prepare for the smokers prepare two years on the eventual state wide for the eventual effects of secstate-wide ban,” ond hand smoke. ban.” said Nixon.

Their results were “That was the Dr. David Nixon reasoning behind conclusive enough MCCC President the to persuade the transitional board of trustees

process. Giving the students here now enough time to graduate, and move on. This we thought would be easier than instead of cold turkey,” he said.

As far as enforcing the policy the revised edition states that Dr. Nixon noted that security officers will be asked to enforce the policies revisions.

“Flagrant violators that are found blatantly disobeying the policy, security officers will then seek to take action, but we’re not concerned about having any problems.

The Board will reconvene in the spring and look at the progress of the policy. If there are any changes that need to be made, they will do so then,” he said.

Agora photo by Kristin Stepinski

Banned book read-a-thon encourages controversy Emily Chandonnet Editor-in-Chief

Sept. 27 started National banned book week and goes until Oct. 4.

In honor of it for the second year the Writing Fellows will be holding the Banned Book read-a-thon on Oct. 1-2 from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. in the Library foyer.

For 12 hours each day the writing fellows will take reading shifts.

They will read selected passages, chapters or entire books of their choice from off of the national banned book list.

They want to make sure to include the top ten banned books in their readings and take any requests.

They will be selling buttons and bookmarks. According to Misty Braden, a Writing Fellow and organizer of the read-a-thon, “We read no matter what last year even if no one is present to listen.”

They will have a display of banned books and why they are on the list “Many people would walk by our display of books and be completely surprised by what books were banned and many are people’s favorite books,” Braden said.

Books are put on the American Library Association Banned Book list for various reasons.

“Some get banned because teachers don’t want their students reading them, along with libraries, parents and people from the community. Sometime it is just local bannings and others are nation wide,” Braden explained.

The Writing Fellows plan to continue the read-a-thon each year and possibly coincide it with the BIG Read so they can have two each year.

Braden shared her favorite memory of last year which sums up the

main reason they want to continue the read-a-thon.

She reminisced saying a student had been studying in the foyer while they were reading and he didn’t seem to really mind their reading or even be paying attention.

As he left he came over and asked what the name of the book was. He explained that he never read for fun and only really for homework but he wanted to find out how that specific book ended.

The Writing Fellows are not only reading banned books to let people know about the bannings but to also encourage more reading in general.

To read more about banned books go to forbiddenlibrary.com, ala.org, plymouthlibrary.org/bbw. htm, onlinebooks.library.upenn. edu/banned-books.html, booksatoz.com/censorship/banned.htm.

Above and to the left are photos taken from last years first Banned Book Read-a-thon.

Photos courtesy of the Writing Fellows

Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2007 And Tango Makes Three The Chocolate War Olive’s Ocean The Golden Compass The Adventures of Huckleberry Fin The Color Purple TTYL I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings It’s Perfectly Normal The Perks of Being A Wallflower

Vending machines: costly convenience Miranda Panik Staff

First it was gas prices, but now, they’ve hit us where it really hurts: the vending machines.

Vending machines are spread all across campus as a convenience for students, but as the economy gets worse, it’s becoming more costly for the manufacturers to produce these goods.

Over the summer, the Pepsi Company contacted Jean Ford, who is in charge of the vending machines on campus, to tell her that this fall they would be implementing a .25 cent increase in their pop prices. This raise is due to the rising cost of fuel, labor, and raw materials needed for production.

Curious to see if this raise was justified, Jean then checked local grocery and convenience stores to see how their prices matched up.

“I found that prices for a 20 oz carbonated beverage varied from $1.29 to $1.49, plus an additional .10 for bottle deposit,” said Ford.

“I’m sure you can find deals with larger stores or when specials run, but from my findings, our vending beverage prices seem to be in line with convenience stores and other vending machines.”

Comparatively, MCCC has actually had low prices for their vending machines. Since their contract started with Pepsi in 2005, this has been the first rise in prices.

“Many colleges were at $1.35 or $1.50 last year, with many others scheduled to go to $1.50 for fall.

Michigan State, Schoolcraft, Central Michigan, St Clair Community College, Kellogg Community Col-

lege and Oakland, to name a few, all sell their 20 oz beverages at $1.50. Since we signed a contract with Pepsi in 2005, this is the first price increase that has been implemented,” Ford added.

The snack machines located on campus, run by Sterling Services, will also be rising by an average of ten cents per item. These changes should take place within the next few weeks. To accompany the rise in prices there will be new healthier options for students to purchase.

However, the money the college makes off of the vending machines is put to good use.

“Commissions from vending over the years have been used for improvements in the cafeteria dining area, as well as cafeteria renovations.

Some recent improvements have been new tables, chairs, ceiling, lighting, painting, art work. Some new soft seating in one corner of the cafeteria, which is due to arrive Sept 30, will be funded through vending commissions.

There is also a $7,000 yearly Pepsi scholarship which the financial aid department awards to students on campus,” said Ford.

Though this money gets put to good use, Jean Ford is ready for the price increases to stop.

“Do I think we will continue to see more of a rise as the economy worsens? We seem to experience price increases each time we purchase gasoline, grocery items, etc.

When suppliers pay more, the consumer pays more. It’s a chain reaction. Everyone is ready for price increases to taper off. I myself hope it happens soon.”

W

The Writing Fellows Host

Banned Book Read-A-Thon

Justin Richardson/ Peter Parnell Robert Cormier Kevin Henkes Philip Pullman Mark Twain Alice Walker Lauren Myracle Maya Angelou Robie Harris Stephen Chbosky

hitman

C

Octber 1-2 9 a.m. - 9p.m.

C Building Library Foyer

enter

Designed to serve the residents of Southern Monroe County and Northern Toledo, the Whitman Center in Temperance offers a wide range of credit courses applicable toward an Associate Degree, as well as many Lifelong Learning classes. Most of the student services are available at Whitman Center, including placement testing (COMPASS), academic advising, and career counseling. The staff is available to provide the services that MCCC students need throughout their educational experience.

Office Hours

Monday through Thursday: 7:30 am - 8:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Saturday: 8:15 am 12:45 pm

7777 Lewis Avenue Temperance, MI 48182 (734) 847-0559 Fax: (734) 847-4107

Financial Aid Advising

Business Learning Lab (BLL)

Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Saturday Closed

Wednesday, October 22: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Upcoming Events The Silent Witness Display October 20-30

Whitman Atrium

This project is part of a national initiative to remember those murdered in acts of domestic violence. Each of the 17 freestanding life-sized silhouettes bears a gold shield on the chest providing information about the woman and circumstances of her death.

Lunch and Learn Wednesday, Oct. 29

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. WC#9

Gabrielle Davis, Clinical Professor of Law at the University of Toledo, will discuss the results of a recent study conducted by the Lucas County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team.

The major findings will be outlined as well as recommendations to help reverse alarming trends.

Her Story Must be Told: Women’s Voices from the Holocaust November 3-28

Whitman Atrium

View an exhibit from the Cincinnati Holocaust Museum. The memories, photos and stories of 15 women survivors are featured. They are from a dozen countries, reflecting a variety of survivor experiences during the Holocaust.

In Search of Memory: A Hidden Child in Poland During the Holocaust.

Thursday, Nov. 20

7-8:30 p.m., WC#6

Miriam Winter (Maria Orlowski) is one of the hidden children of the Holocaust and will be speaking at Whitman. She survived the horror of concentration camps by assuming a false identity as a young child and was passed from family to family. She is the author of “Trains: A Memoir of a Hidden Childhood During and After World War II” which details her experiences.

6 THE AGORA

A&E

September 30, 2008

RRCA open to community, welcomes volunteers Brandy Werner Freelance Writer

Monroe’s River Raisin Centre for the Arts is gearing up for another busy marquee season, kicking the year off with a show by the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra on October 19.

With the new marquee season getting under way, no one is busier than Calley Duffey, the Associate Executive Director for the Centre.

From coordinating close to 100 volunteers to paying the bills, Duffey controls much of the production.

Duffey books all of the talent that performs at the Centre on a yearly basis. She also maintains the building, and oversees the programs. She enjoys working behind the scenes for the Centre.

“My favorite part about my job is meeting all the new people,” she said. “The volunteers give up so many hours of their time, and it is fun to interact and socialize with everyone who walks through these doors.”

Duffey has many great stories to share as well. “Every star I meet has a different personality,” she said.

The Centre has booked numerous celebrities, including Sherman

Hemsley who played George Jefferson in “The Jeffersons.” People came all the way to Monroe from Europe to watch Hemsley perform.

The River Raisin Centre for the Arts is a nonprofit organization, and because of that, it must rely on volunteers and donations.

“The ticket sales cover only a fraction of the cost,” Duffey explained.

For example, the Centre lacks a janitor. When something goes wrong, Duffey must either fix the problem herself or find someone else who can repair it for a small cost.

Despite having to rely on donations, the Centre seems to be doing extremely well—offering and hosting everything from dance classes to violin lessons for all ages.

In fact, it is growing so much that some of the practices are held at Monroe Middle School. Through the Centre, would-be performers can learn to play a variety of instruments and perform their new skills as well—all in one place.

The Centre is always looking for new volunteers. From painting to sewing, anyone—no matter their age—has something to contribute.

“The volunteers give up so many hours of their time, and it is fun to interact and socialize with everyone who walks through these doors.”

Calley Duffey Associate Executive Director

Take, for example, Marge Souva. who has been volunteering her Fridays for eleven years. She started volunteering in 1997 planning to be an usher, but quickly moved up to the position of running the box office when the present bookkeeper left.

“I enjoy numbers and making the accounts balance,” she said.

In her time at the Centre, she has gotten to meet many stars, including Vicki Lawrence and Mickey Rooney.

“I like watching the musicals,” she said. “But my favorite show was Vicki Lawrence’s comedy act.”

When Souva started volunteering at the Centre, they did not have the advanced ticketing system that they have now. They used to have to order the tickets, and they would come in a big box, and she would have to sort through them and mark off seats on a piece of paper.

“The system has definitely improved,” she said. “The more shows we do, the better we get.”

With the marquee season opening up soon, the River Raisin Centre for the Arts is a great place to go to see some quality entertainment for a reasonable price.

If anyone is interested in volunteering at the Centre or wants more information on upcoming shows and ticket prices, log onto www.riverraisincentre.org or call (734) 242-7722.

Photo courtesy of Brandy Werner

of Montreal ‘Skeletal Lamping’ Steve Sonoras Staff

Traitor

Ghost Town

Cassie Kane

Steven Sonoras

Traitor is a stereotypical movie about the fight against terrorism. A former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier who is a devout Muslim is caught up in a dangerous game.

The main character, Samir Horn, played by Don Cheadle (Ocean’s Movies) keeps turning up in the FBI’s investigation of an infamous Muslim terrorist group. There have been several bombings in which the group and Horn have been linked to.

FBI agent Roy Clayton, who is played by Guy Pearce (The Count of Monte Cristo), is in charge of the investigation and is sure Samir Horn is connected with the terrorist group. Clayton tracks Horn’s movement across the world trying to stop the bombings and capture Horn.

The story, which was written by Steve Martin (The Pink Panther), is surprisingly decent. The few twists the movie presents are more or less obvious, and the director can’t keep the mystery intact either. The movie is directed by Jeff Nachmanoff. His directing debut with Hollywood Palms was, shall we say, “hit and miss,” so not much is to be expected of his latest feature anyhow.

Don Cheadle does an extremely fine job acting. He plays his part to a tee and he tries to authenticate every detail of character’s personality and beliefs. Guy Pearce gives a pleasing performance as well.

Traitor is decent as far as movies go, but it is not much of an action film—in other words, no “special effects.”

The movie does give viewers an interesting look into Muslim and Arab culture. It also explores the evolution of modern terrorism and the threat of non-stereotypical terrorists—that is, everyday American people can be part of a jihad.

Traitor is suspenseful at points, and includes some entertaining fights scenes, but the movie as a whole was not as good as critics claimed it to be.

One critic claimed Traitor to be the best movie of its kind since The Bourne Ultimatum. In all sincerity, it isn’t even close.

Ricky Gervais, creator and star of the BBC’s The Office and HBO’s Extras, has been slowly building a lot of buzz over the last few years as one of the freshest faces in comedy. His big screen debut as a lead actor might be a bit premature for the Emmy and Golden Globe winner, though. Gervais is charming and surprisingly loveable in his latest vehicle, but it hardly seems like the perfect match for his trademark wit.

Ghost Town follows Betram Pinctus (Gervais), a miserly dentist who dies briefly and acquires the ability to see ghosts. Once they find out they can communicate with him, they pester him to tie off their unfinished business so they can make it up to heaven. The smooth talking Frank Herlihy (Greg Kinnear) coerces Pinctus to set his former wife, Gwen (Tea Leoni), up with a proper man. Pinctus jumps at the opportunity to change his ways and woo the lovely Gwen.

Ghost Town’s concept is neither entirely typical nor shockingly unusual; it’s a chick flick with a male lead and, well, ghosts. The whole of the film is a ghastly mish-mash of sappy romantic comedy, quick-witted humor, and subtle satire.

David Koepp’s directing is the real reason for the lack of cohesion.

Too many moments in the film are destroyed by irritating musical cues and distracting camera tricks.

The performances in this romantic comedy are strong enough to forgo smoke and mirrors, but Koepp still resorts to standard mainstream filmmaking fare—an unusual strategy for a movie with such a quirky plot and such an unfamiliar lead actor.

Ricky Gervais suitably steals every scene in Ghost Town with his snappy one-liners and his believable transformation from curmudgeon to charmer.

The screenplay serves a poor opponent for his sharp intellect, but Gervais’s performance is one of the few elements that keeps the movie from becoming a real horror-show.

Staff

On his latest self-produced record, of Montreal’s Kevin Barnes begins—for a change—in complete sincerity. “My lover, I’ve been donating time to review all the misinterpretations that define me and you,” Barnes sings with surprising

confidence that seems to hint at forlorn ballads to follow. This introduction is merely a façade, though; things get weird quickly.

Consistency is not a factor of Montreal fans tend to expect, and rightfully so. Barnes’ wide-ranging catalogue began with lo-fi pop jaunts before morphing into psyche-

delic pop territory and eventually the sleazy dance-funk of his latest efforts. The paradigm shifts within those individual albums are just as unpredictable. Songs change tempos, styles, melodies, and themes without notice. Even still, Skeletal Lamping manages to shock with its spontaneity and lewdness. Its

Staff

Photo courtesy of polyvinylrecords.com

Doubt: A Parable Friday, Saturday and Sunday October 3, 4, and 5 La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday at 2 p.m.

Reserved Seating $15

The plot involes a Catholic grammar school and the possible misbehavior of a populist priest in the parish. Despite the rippedfrom-the headlines scenario, the play actually takes place in 1964, right around the time of Catican II

2008-2009 Sponsors La-Z-Boy center and Meyer Theater DTE Energy MB&T Michigan Gas Utilities

songs are packed so full with ideas that they may take multiple listens to fully ingest. Lamping’s epic opener “Nonpareil of Favor” is a microcosm of the entire collection.

It changes keys and tempos no less than 5 times, creating a dizzying cocktail of pulsating pop, melting psychedelic rock, jolting feedbackdriven noise, and sexy funk. The album’s other bookend, record closer “Id Engager,” contrasts greatly—its more coherent sound echoes the style of the band’s previous album, Hissing Fauna.

The real fun begins when Skeletal Lamping’s song titles and track lengths become totally irrelevant.

Songs halt, accelerate, and collide like inner-city traffic. The contents filling the vast middle ground of the record find Barnes at his most mentally depraved. His newest batch of songs is his most sexual and surreal; it’s a colorful pastiche of dramatic romantic flair and gritty boudoir voyeurism. The bleeding heart piano ballad “Touched Something’s Hollow” lies buried among the sweat and heavy breathing of much of the rest of the disc. The lyric “We can do it softcore if you want, but you should know I take it both ways,” is really one of the most “normal” things Barnes has to say here. His id is certainly engaged, but by something more peculiar than we’ve heard before. He has borrowed Brian Eno’s skillful musicianship and David Bowie’s raw sexuality to create an exotically fun and vibrant record.

September 30, 2008

Sports

THE AGORA

7

Detroit Tiger’s never in hunt Casey Cheap Staff

What a shame. A bust. A complete failure. One expensive mistake.

This baseball season has not been anything Detroit Tigers fans were expecting. For the first few months, even the most cynical fans were hoping for a turnaround. But the Tiger’s 0-7 start to the regular season was only a terrible omen.

High expectations were put into the hearts of many Tigers fans before baseball season even began.

The Tigers had the third-highest payroll in all of baseball. If not for all the preseason hype, maybe the stinging disappointment would not be so bad. But this was the team that was supposed to make history.

“This team was guaranteed a playoff spot, if not the division title,” Chris Kasper, Tigers fan, said.

The Tigers blockbuster trades— three well-known veterans for six young prospects—were supposed to solve their problems.

Edgar Renteria and Miguel Cabrera’s potent bats were supposed to add more power to a seemingly lethal offense, which includes Curtis Granderson, Gary Sheffield, Magglio Ordonez, and Placido Polanco.

Renteria and Cabrera were going to add big numbers to a would-be World Series contending team.

Although Cabrera leads the Tigers with 125 RBIs and is batting .294, Renteria has mostly been a disappointment. Renteria has been

at the bottom of the lineup most of the season, with only 54 RBIs and is averaging .271.

Without any doubt, newly acquired pitcher Dontrelle Willis has been a complete failure for the Tigers.

Willis was supposed to add some stability to the Tiger’s bullpen. He made his way among the starting rotation with ease. He was amongst pitching aces Jeremy Bonderman, Justin Verlander, Nate Robertson, and Kenny Rodgers.

But Willis soon went on the DL for the better part of the season after just five starts. He was immediately sent all the way down to Single A Lakeland for a rehabilitation assignment. Bonderman has also been out most of the season with an injury. He will not be back until next season.

The pitching woes only continued into the summer with usually reliable starters such as Verlander (10-17) and Rodgers (9-13) who are both holding losing records.

Rodgers often had trouble staying ahead on the pitch count, and was often taken out of the game earlier than Jim Leyland would have liked.

He has also been rumored to be retiring after this season.

Robertson’s (7-10) 6.15 ERA was bad enough to have him demoted back to the bullpen as a reliever.

The unbelievably hard throwing Joel Zumaya (0-2) has also spent some time on the DL this season.

Zumaya’s 100-mph arm was large-

ly inconsistent before leaving but impossible to hit in the strike zone when he could find it.

Long-time Tigers closer Todd Jones was also demoted this season, and like Rodgers, is not expected to back next season. Fernando Rodney took Jones’ place as closer.

The Tigers God-awful bullpen this season only adds to the notion that good pitching wins games, not so much having big, overpaid names in the offense.

“To me, the formula for success in the major leagues is great defense, solid pitching, and timely hitting,” Kasper said.

And another casualty of this season to be mentioned was the Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez for Kyle Farnsworth (2-3) trade. The Tigers seemingly gave up one of the league’s best catchers—for Farnsworth.

“Trading Pudge was a very big mistake on the Tigers part,” Ashley Stevens, Tigers fan, said. “Farny boy hasn’t done anything to help improve the Tigers and their not so together relieving pitchers.”

There are a few bright spots, however. A relatively unknown Armando Galarraga (12-6) has been most consistent, boasting a 3.58 ERA. He is the only Tigers starter with a winning record besides Zack Miner (8-5) and Aquilino Lopez (3-1). Ordonez, the former AL batting champion (.321), and Polanco Edgar Renteria shatters his bat earlier in the season. Renteria is one of the Tigers not expected to back next (.308) are in the hunt for the AmeriPhoto courtesy of www.daylife.com season. can League batting title.

MSU Spartans cream Indiana Hoosiers Andrew Thurlow Staff

With their 4th straight win, the Michigan State Spartans continued their winning streak on Saturday by defeating the Indiana Hoosiers 4229 at IU Stadium.

Michigan got on the board first after Hoyer completed passes to Garrett Celek for 18 yards and Keshawn Martin for a pair of seven and 15 yard gains, which eventually set up a 45 yard field goal for Brett Swenson early in the 1st quarter.

Indiana answered back however, confusing Spartan defense with their no huddle offense and short passes up the middle, moving them quickly down field. Quarterback Kellen Lewis then threw an 8 yard out pass to Ray Fisher for a Hoosier touchdown putting them up 7-3.

Swenson later added a 41 yard field goal to make it 7-6 Indiana.

In the second quarter, Indiana’s starting quarterback Kellen Lewis injured his ankle and was replaced

by Ben Chappell. On 3rd and 19 Chappell forced a pass which was tipped off the hands of a Hoosier tight end and picked off by Ross Weaver, who returned it all the way to the Indiana 6-yard line. Ringer got the Spartans down to the one yard line and Hoyer sneaked up the middle on the next play for his first rushing touchdown of the year, giving Michigan State a 13 to 7 lead.

Later in the second quarter despite a pass interference call on 3rd down against State, Indiana went three and out, punting into Spartan territory. Then Javon Ringer took over, breaking 5 tackles in a 23 yard carry, which eventually lead Hoyer to complete a touchdown pass to Mark Dell that gave MSU a comfortable lead of 20-7.

Indiana scored next after MSU’s Johnny Adams was called for pass interference on the Spartan’s 5 yard line. The Hoosiers later capitalized with a touchdown from Marcus Thigpen.

On the ensuing kick, Indiana’s

defense held, forcing State into a punting situation that was blocked inside the 10 yard line by Jerimy Finch and recovered by MSU’s kicker Aaron Bates in the end-zone for a safety, making the score Michigan State 20, Indiana 16.

State scored with 2:00 minutes left in the 1st half, when Hoyer lobed an 82 yard touchdown pass to Charlie Gant giving State an 11 point lead.

However, just when it looked like the half would end with State leading 27-16 Indiana’s Marcus Thigpen sprinted up the middle for a 78 yard touchdown. The two-point conversion was intercepted and run out of bounds and the first half ended with Michigan State 27, Indiana 22.

Michigan State scored early in the 2nd half when Hoyer, went deep to Cunningham, who made a leaping catch at the 1-yard line. Ringer then scored his 12th touchdown of the season from the one.

Kellen Lewis returned to the game and on his second play from scrimmage found Thigpen open for a 79-yard touchdown catch, cutting State’s lead to five points.

The Spartans only got to midfield

on their possession, despite some nice throws by Hoyer, who completed 4-of-5 for 36 yards. Following the Spartan’s punt, Indiana took over at its own 20-yard line.

A 24-yard completion from Chappell got the Hoosiers to midfield, but the offense stalled. On fourth-and-12 Indiana lined up with Lewis in the shotgun, who punted to the Spartans 13.

Late in the second half, MSU got the ball to midfield but the Hoosiers defensive line put consistent pressure on Hoyer. Bates punted and it went out of bounds at the Indiana 1-yard line, setting up what became the turning point in the game From his own one yard line Chappell found a receiver wide-open down the middle, with which appeared to be a 99-yard touchdown pass. But Indiana was called for holding in the end zone, resulting in a safety. Instead of leading 36 to 34 Indiana now trailed the Spartans by 7 who got possession.

Both teams exchanged possession in the 4th quarter. Indiana failed to score and Michigan State added 2 late field goals to make the final score 42-29.

Millen; from fame to shame Michael Crossman Staff

If you look up into the press box at Ford Field on Sunday, you may notice that the pot bellied polo sport coat wearing cheese ball is not in his usual chair.

On September 22, the Vice Chairman of the Lions Bill Ford spoke to reporters after a Detroit Economic Club meeting. The vice chairman of the Lions said he was disappointed in the team’s performance and said “the fans deserve better”.

That very night the Lions administrative team had a meeting and decided to fire Millen. The news came as a shock to fans across the state. It was the news these fans have been protesting to hear for the past three years now.

“That piece of crap is the reason I hate Lions football now,” James Sullivan, MCCC student, said.

“I have no idea how the Fords allowed this inexperienced mo-

ron to run an organization right into the dirt. I am now starting to see some sign of light now that he is gone” he said.

Lions President and C.E.O. Matt Millen had been in this position with the organization since 2001.

Since taking control of the team the Lions have a record of just 31 wins with 83 losses in just seven full seasons of football. Millen’s career wasn’t always this shameful.

Millen began playing in the NFL in 1980 when he was selected in the second round of the draft by the Oakland Raiders. During his 12-year NFL playing career, Millen played for the Raiders, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Washington Redskins.

He won two Super Bowls with the Raiders (one when the team was based in Oakland and one during their stint in Los Angeles). He won one Super Bowl each with the 49ers and Redskins, though he was de-activated for Super Bowl XXVI while with the Redskins.

During his NFL career, he was selected to play in one Pro Bowl,

in 1988. Millen finished his 12 NFL seasons with 11 sacks and 9 interceptions, which he returned for 132 yards, and 8 fumble recoveries.

He also returned 7 kickoffs for 72 yards.

Following his football career he began doing color commentary for such networks as Fox, CBS, and provided game time analysis for the Monday Night Football radio broadcast.

“It’s stunning that a man can take over a 9-7 team, as Millen did in January of 2001, and run that team into the ground while suffering no consequences at all,” Michael David Smith, ESPN analyst, said.

“It’s about time something happened in Detroit. Now if I were Rod Marinelli, I would be worried because now with a new G.M. he may want to hire an entire new staff”, he said.

The same old Lions have started this season off to the infamous 0-3, and many fans have already written it off as a loss. The 1998 Bills were the only team ever to begin the season 0-3 and make the playoffs.

Brody, Cook visit Monroe

Standings Overall

Big Ten Conference School

W-L

PF

PA

W-L

PF

PA STRK

Northwestern Penn State Michigan State Ohio State Michigan Purdue Minnesota Wisconsin Iowa Illinois Indiana

1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-1

22 38 42 34 27 0 21 25 17 24 29

17 24 29 21 25 0 34 27 22 38 42

5-0 5-0 4-1 4-1 2-2 2-2 4-1 3-1 3-2 2-2 2-2

125 249 155 134 83 121 166 127 142 133 125

62 64 84 80 91 105 104 68 51 128 100

W5 W5 W4 W2 W1 L1 L1 L1 L2 L1 L2

Top left: Adam Brody works on his first call.

Top right: Brody and Rachel Leigh Cook receive introduction from organizers on their visit.

Middle left: Cook talks to the youth about how they have inspired her.

Above: Cook receives instruction on how to make a proper phone bank call Left: The group of volunteers gather around Cook and Brody outside the Democratic Campaign Office on Washington Street.

Agora photos by Emily Chandonnet

8 THE AGORA

Spotlight

September 30, 2008