March 4, 2013

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Ballers compete at Friday hoops

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Aug. 2010Vol.Vol. March26, 4, 2013 56,55, IssueIssue 16 1

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“One Amazing Thing” comes to MCCC Julia Wells Agora staff

Photo by Tim Green

Cheryl Johnston is the co-chair to this years One Book, One Community project.

Storytelling has a way of bringing people together, much like in the novel, One Amazing Thing, the book of choice for this year’s One Book One Community project.

The third annual event will be held March 18 through April 12.

Participants will read the book One Amazing Thing, by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, and come together to discuss it.

Book discussions will be held throughout the county at difference library branches, through March and April.

The story is about nine people who may face death in the wake of an earthquake.

While trapped together, they each share “one amazing thing” about their lives.

A highlight of the month’s activities is the Meet The Author night on March 27.

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni will speak at the La-Z-Boy Center.

Divakaruni is an award winning author who has published numerous fiction novels and books for young readers.

Her book, Mistress of Spices, was made into a successful American film and released in 2005.

“I think we live in a world where we sometimes think we are disconnected from each other.”

Cheryl Johnston Assistant Professor of English

She also is set to release her latest novel, Oleander Girl, in March of this year.

Cheryl Johnston, Assistant Professor of English and co-chair of the event, said the idea is to bring everyone together through literature.

“I just think the book shows us how we are connected we are.

I think we live in a world where we sometimes think we are disconnected from each other,” she said.

She also talked about what made the book so relatable to an entire community.

“I think it’s the humanity in the story, and I think people are hungry for that,” she said.

The kickoff event will be at 6 p.m. March 18 and feature activities that incorporate the theme of the book.

Festivities include henna painting, presentations on the benefits of yoga and meditation, and

an interactive storyboard called “Degrees of Separation-Have we crossed paths before.”

Several other events for One Book One Community will be held on the main campus, including a lecture on the power of storytelling, a Women Storyteller History Fair, and a Brown Bag Discussion of the book, led by MCCC’s English faculty.

American and Irish humorist, Yvonne Healy, will put on a performance of storytelling at the LaZ-Boy Center on April 2.

A panel discussion featuring media experts talking about how

compelling stories are written and produced will be held April 2.

The month-long event will come to a close April 12 with an Asian and Indian buffet, celebrating the themes of the book. Tickets will cost $20 per person.

At Ellis Library and Reference Center, the film Crash will be screened and a discussion of the story will talk place.

A full list of events is at www. monroeccc.edu/onebook.

Students and community residents are encouraged to share their “one amazing thing” on the Monroe Evening News website, www.monroenews.com, or by record them at MPACT studios i downtown Monroe from 10 a.m.

- 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16.

Students also can record their stories at The Agora any Tuesday or Thursday from 2-3:30 p.m.

The stories and videos will be shown at the kickoff night at the La-Z-Boy Center.

“I think it’s the humanity in the story, and I think people are hungry for that.”

Cheryl Johnston Assistant Professor of English

President search committee formed Consultant hired to smooth process Katie Mullin Agora Staff

The search for a new MCCC president will get a little help from an outside consultant.

The college Board of Trustees decided Feb. 25 to spend $30,000 to hire the consulting firm Association of Community College Trustees to help with the presidential search process.

The board also decided on the shape of the search committee, which will include four college employees, three board members, a student, an alumnus, a MCCC Foundation member and four or five community members, for a total of 14-15.

The college employees will include one representative each from the Faculty, Staff and Administrator councils, and a second faculty member representing the faculty union.

The board decided to hire a consultant after a teleconference with Narcisa Polonio of ACCT. Polonio and two colleagues discussed the firm’s potential role in the search process.

ACCT also was hired 10 years ago to handle the search that resulted in hiring current president David Nixon, who is retiring after this school year.

Polonio is the Vice President of Education, Research & Board Leadership Services for ACCT. “We would love to be of service,” Polonio said. “The target is to identify the right president now and in the future.”

Polonio added that in today’s world, one must look beyond the surface of a candidate.

The board held its regularly scheduled meeting after the two-hour teleconference.

“I make a motion we hire ACCT,” said board member Joe Bellino, who had opposed hiring a consultant at the board’s Feb. 18 meeting.

The firm and the board settled on the $30,000 charge for the search.

There was a $5,000 discount for using ACCT’s services 10 years ago.

“I think this is the real investment,” said board Chairman Bill Bacarella, affirming the board’s decision.

The board decided to select search committee members without waiting for help from ACCT. “I don’t want them to pick our committee,” Bacarella said.

Polonio emphasized that the board, not the search committee, would have the final word when selecting the new president.

“Ultimately, the board makes the decision,” she said.

Unity and open communication must become the building blocks in the process, she said.

“The board has to be together. The board has to trust each other to make the best choice for the institution,” Polonio said.

Polonio encouraged board members to identify characteristics of a leader, desirable skill sets, and their concerns in the search.

“I would like to see him as an exceptional communicator,” board Treasurer Linda Lauer said.

“I would like to see someone having taught in classes,” board member Mary Kay Thayer said.

Mounting budget constraints, including finding money for the new Career Technology Center, the new shared governance leadership model, and declining enrollment were concerns mentioned by board members.

“You need a unifier and a vision,” Polonio said about calming internal struggles within the college. “The board needs to speak with one voice.

You have a good college and good faculty.”

Getting support for the college’s current capital campaign, which is designed to replace reserve funds that were spent to build the CTC, is critical, Polonio said.

“You need the community,” she said.

Finding the right president won’t be easy, Polonio noted, because of the complex skills that are needed and the challenges that face college presidents.

Board members said they knew others with talent and leadership skills who chose to not apply for the position.

“It’s the best job in the world, but it’s not for everybody,” Polonio said.

Inside: Campus News.................2,4,6 Sports...................................3 A&E................................5

Photo by Katie Mullin

The Board of Trustees met with a consultant on February 25 to discuss the best ways to continue their search for a new president.

Have some money? Name a road!

Katie Mullin Agora Staff

For $1 million, you can name the access road around MCCC’s main campus.

If you are not that fortunate, for $1,000 you can put your name on one of the 28 welding bays in MCCC’s new Career Technology Center.

“We are working to raise as much money as possible,” said Joshua Myers, coordinator of the college’s capital fund-raising drive.

So far, 75 donors have pledged toward the campaign, raising a total of $765,298.79, Myers said. Virtually every room, hallway and feature of the building is available to be named —for a price.

Myers reported to the MCCC Board of Directors Monday on the status of the capital campaign, which was launched to replace some of the roughly $8.5 million college share of the cost of the CTC building.

Jim Blumberg, director of the MCCC physical plant, presented an update on the construction process.

Construction is on schedule and the building is 86 percent complete, Blumberg said.

“We should have carpet down at the end of the month,” he said.

Myers said several events, including two “Hot Dogs and Hard Hats” tours of the new facility, were vital to gaining publicity for the capital campaign.

“Everyone has been blown away by the facility,” he said. “These were very important events in the prelude to securing donors. We continue to meet and talk with donors.”

The board also approved three-year contracts for all the college’s 19 administrators, after new board member Jim DeVries questioned whether the contracts would handcuff a new president who will be taking over the college this summer.

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Bill Braunlich, board vice president, explained that a new president will have the authority to move any administrators into faculty positions if changes are desired.

Nixon noted that all the administrators voluntarily took pay freezes three years ago to help the college balance its budget.

“These are all good people and they deserve the three-year contract,” Board member Marjorie Kreps said.

The board also approved probationary contracts for faculty, staff and administrators who are still in their first three years of service.

Continuing contracts were approved for four faculty members who completed their three-year probationary periods: Holly Boylan, assistant professor of Practical Nursing; Penelope Dunn, assistant professor of Criminal Justice; Kristine Gerlach, coordinator of Disability Services; and Dawn Lymond, assistant professor of Nursing.

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“The Big Gig” comes to MCCC Dylan Jobin Agora staff

Within ten minutes of the doors opening, the Meyer Theatre was filled almost to capacity.

There was big crowd for The Big Gig, Monroe County’s 26th annual Black History Month Blues Concert.

Renowned blues group The Lionel Young Band, along with John Latini and his band of Lovers, Liars and Losers and blues legends Gaye Adegbalola and the Reverend Robert B. Jones, performed to the cheers and applause of the crowed Meyer Theatre Saturday night.

Before the musicians worked their magic, the dimly-lit stage was populated with guitars and drum kits, and even an old piano, just waiting for the right people to come in and unleash the bittersweet tune everyone had come there to enjoy; the cultural and music phenomenon known as The Blues.

The atmosphere was electric with anticipation as the start of the show got closer and closer with each minute.

As each musician took the stage, every single person cheered. When they got off, it was

to a standing ovation.

From old fans to new converts, every person seemed to leave the event in the high spirits that only a certain type of music can get you to. It was evident in the sway in their steps, the tune on their tongue and the smile on their face. That night, everyone was a blues fan.

A night of exclusively blues was what everyone was expecting but, as Willie Dixon said: “Blues is the roots, everything else is the fruits.”

This was evident most in the full bands that played.

In addition to the blues, there was also a sampling of jazz, soul, bluegrass and good old fashioned rock and roll for the listening pleasure of the packed venue.

While distinctively different, the other types of music cut from the blues tree, as was evident in their sound.

Though all that was said and done by the performers at the concert was an example of blues music and culture, nothing shows the true feeling behind the blues better than the personal motto of Gaye.

“Pray for peace, work for justice, and boogie for survival.”

Photo by Tim Green

Photo by Tim Green

Gaye Adegbalola cracked jokes of all kinds during her performance.

Award winning musician John Latini plays during MCCC’s “The Big Gig.”

College goal day helps students William Miko Agora staff

MCCC’s West Tech building was busting at the seems on College Goal Day Sunday, Feb. 10.

Members of Student Government and the Financial Aid office were on hand to help the 79 families who attended the event fill out their financial aid forms for the upcoming semesters.

Renee Drouillard, who works in the Financial Aid office at the college, said this was her eighth time

helping at the event.

“If they have any questions, we are here to help,” Drouillard said.

Much of the financial aid comes from the federal government, specifically the U.S. Department of Education.

The money helps students pay for higher education expenses such as tuition, fees, room and board (if necessary), books, and supplies.

The three main types of financial aid are; work-study, loans,

Briefly: GSA holds meet and greet The Gay Straight Alliance held two “Meet and Greet” events Feb. 6-7.

The events were designed to give students the opportunity to see what the group was about, according to GSA member Natasha Wickenheiser.

“The GSA’s Meet-and-Greet is a great opportunity for MCCC students to meet and speak with our group’s members,” Wickenheiser said.

There are a lot of misconceptions about the group, Wickenheiser said.

“If there were incorrect, preconceived ideas about the people in our student club, this event allows those stereotypes to be demolished,” she said.

“We’re a pretty cool group of people.”

The events consisted of both night and day meet and greets, with refreshments being served by Kosh Catering at both events.

Penny Bodell, GSA advisor, found the events to be a success.

“Although the turnout wasn’t huge, everyone seemed to enjoy the camaraderie and refreshments,” Bodell said.

“I believe both events were relatively successful.”

The GSA now focuses its attention on the Diversity Mural, a project the Diversity Council and the GSA are working on together to complete on the MCCC campus.

and grants.

Loans are to be paid back by the student upon graduation, whereas grant money does not have to be paid back.

Financial aid provides people with the chance to further their education and become competitive in the professional world.

A lot of people want to attend college but can’t due to financial issues. The cost of textbooks and tuition can be very taxing on families who are struggling to make

Blackboard portal gives students new place for news Students have a new place to go to find out what’s hapening around campus.

The portal page on the Blackboard E-learning system now includes a variety of information blocks.

Included are student updates, such as payment deadlines, upcoming events and the MCCC Twitter feed.

When students log on, MCCC discussion/classified, and updates for specific departments at the college can be accessed with the click of a mouse.

On the portal’s left hand side are useful links to areas on the college’s website and other related websites.

MCCC hosting third annual career and opportunity expo Monroe County Community College is hosting the third-annual Career and Opportunity Expo this spring.

The college is still looking for employees, colleges, businesses and service organizations interested in taking part.

MCCC is partnerwith with Siena Heights University, Eastern Michigan University, Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology, Monroe County Employment and Training Department Michigan Works!, Pure Michigan Veterans Services Division, South Central Michigan Works!, and MCCC Student Government.

ends meet.

One father whose son is attending Bedford High School heard about the event through the local newspaper.

He said he was looking for any help that he could get with the financial aid forms.

Current and potential students registered for the event in the lobby outside of the computer lab, found an open computer and began filling out their financial aid information.

Randy Daniels, Vice President of Student and Information Services, was on hand to help as well.

He said he was pleased with how the event turned out.

FAFSA added a new tool to the financial aid process.

The new addition to the financial aid form is online instant tax retrieval.

The IRS data retrieval tool allows students to retrieve their tax information directly from the IRS and have it automatically trans-

Each group or institution will have resources for students, veterans, and the community at the event.

The expo will be held on Friday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Welsh Health Education Building on the college’s Main Campus. Check-in will run from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

The Career and Opportunity Expo is designed to bring students, colleges, employers, veterans and community members together to show employment opportunities and other services.

The registration fee for the Career and Oportunity Expo is $50 for employers and $25 for service organizations, with breakfast and lunch included.

The event is free and open to the public.

Higher Learning Commission visiting MCCC this week The Higher Learning Commission will be visiting MCCC on Monday and Tuesday, March 4-5, for its 2013 focused visit.

MCCC is an accredited institution through the Higher Learning Commission. In 2009, the HLC re-accredited MCCC, but highlighted three areas that needed to be revisited in three years: Shared Governance, Communication and Institutional Effectiveness.

The three-member HLC review group will be holding open meetings with faculty, administrators, support staff and maintenance, as well as an open meeting for students.

The open meeting for students will be on Monday from 4:30-5:15 in Room 257 in the La-Z-boy Center.

ferred to their financial aid form.

Samantha Smith, a dual enrolled student, was really happy with the event.

“As you are doing it you are able to ask questions, Samantha said. “I prefer this instead of a lecture, then going home and needing help.”

With events like college goal day, and government programs such as financial aid, college is more of a possibility, rather than just a hope or dream.

Whitman Center hosts several upcoming events Monroe County Community College’s Whitman Center will be hosting a variety of upcoming events including: • Transfer Fair, March 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Atrium. Students who are considering transferring to a four-year college or university will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from regional colleges and universities.

• One Book One Community of Monroe County Book Discussion, March 28, 1-2 p.m., Atrium. Led

by Cheryl Johnston, assistant professor of English and reading, and Bill McCloskey, professor of English, participants will explore the important themes of “One Amazing Thing” by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and discuss their relevance in today’s society.

• Blood Drive, March 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Rooms 8-9. The American Red Cross will partner with the Whitman Center to host a blood drive.

• Dual Enrollment Night, April 18, 6:30 p.m., Room 9.

Parents and students from all Monroe County high schools are invited to attend this information night concerning the dual enrollment of Monroe County high school students.

The event will feature a comprehensive presentation of the pros and cons of dual enrollment.

Staff from the Office of Admissions and Guidance Services and selective offices from around campus will be on hand to answer questions and to explain the procedures to dual enrolling.

Features

March 4, 2013

mcccagora.com • The Agora |

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Grants provide money for student trips, clubs $20,000 provided to various groups “We usually get 800 to 1,000 people. We do this more as a community service.”

by Foundation Tom Ryder Carla Crockett Agora Staff

Every year, Monroe County Community College’s Foundation receives applications for enhancement grants.

This year more than $48,000 was requested by faculty and staff at MCCC, and $20,000 was awarded.

Tom Ryder, Student Activities coordinator and Engligh professors Cheryl Johnston and Carrie Nartker received the largest grants —$2,000 each.

Family Fun Night, an event created by Student Government and overseen by Ryder, provides a variety of activities for children and families.

The grant money will help with expenses for this event for 2013 and 2014.

“We usually get 800 to 1,000 people,” Ryder said “We do this more as a community service.”

Only costing $1 admission, it allows families to come together and have a fun and cheap evening.

Cheryl Johnston and Carrie Nartker were awarded a total of $2,000 for the One Book One Community project.

This event, in its eighth year at MCCC, will be hosted on campus and will feature the author as well as a variety of other programs.

Music professor Catherine Brodie was awarded $1,600 for the MCCC Prelude group, which was created for students who are interested in pursuing singing or learning about music. The grant money will help purchase music for students.

Technology professor Bob Leonard was awarded $1,550 to fund the creation of a “self-driving” robot that when programmed can be made to fight other technologically advanced robots.

This involves electronics, automation, machining, welding and design technology.

The Solid Works User Group Network was awarded $1,500

Events and Student Activities Coordinator, talking about Family Fun Night

for students to network with other students by sharing their experiences and making a presentation.

The Math and Science Society (MASS) will be visiting Chicago museums and the Shedd Aquarium for four days, learning about the impact on Lake Michigan.

They were awarded $1,400 to help students afford the trip.

MCCC’s Culinary Program and Chef Kevin Thomas requested funding to help the expansion of the Campus’ V1300 Vineyard and to purchase additional wine making equipment.

The program was awarded $1,500.

The Study Abroad program was awarded $1,400 for its trip to Spain and Portugal this summer; The trip allows students to earn as many as nine credits while studying Spanish history, art, culture and politics.

Five teams from MCCC will compete in an annual Sputum Bowl Competition in Kalamazoo.

The Sputum Bowl competition is similar to a quiz bowl.

Respiratory Care students were awarded $1,400 for 2013 and $500 for next year’s competition.

Cheryl Johnston was awarded another grant with Engligh professor William McCloskey in the amount of $1,400 for students to see live theater productions.

“Mrs. Johnston and I are very excited that the Foundation has awarded us money to take students to Stratford Island,” McCloskey said.

The plays they will see include “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “Othello.”

“We are also looking for other funding sources that we have used in the past,” McCloskey said.

The Agora Staff will travel to New York City in later this month

to attend the National College Media Convention. They were awarded $1,400 to help fund the trip.

National Student Day started by the the National Association of College Stores (NACS) helps students to volunteer and gives them more responsibility with events.

The NACS was awarded $1,200 to help fund National Student Day and help students to learn how they can help.

Political Science professor Joanna Sabo’s International Studies class will be traveling to the United Nations in NYC with the help of $1,000 from the Foundation.

One of the highlights is talking to a UN official during the trip.

MCCC’s Career and Opportunity Expo, a job fair, is open to alumni and current students.

It gives students and alumni a chance to find employment and advancement opportunities.

It was awarded $750 to help fund the event.

A diversity mural will be painted on campus showing MCCC’s commitment to diversity.

Anyone who is interested in helping can contact Penny Bodell at 384-4316 and/or Molly McCutchan at 384-4245 They were awarded $500 for supplies.

Students in the African-American history class will be taking a field trip to the Charles Wright Museum in Detroit.

They were awarded a $200 grant to help with their admission into the museum.

Students in professor Terri Kovach’s Sociology 161 class will be visiting the Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills.

The grant of $200 will help with their transportation and admission.

Phoro by Katie Mullin

MCCC’s Student Government painted the Spirit Rock for Black History Month.

Historic movie opens eyes of students, staff

Katie Mullin Agora Staff

A movie and music tops this year’s Black History Month at MCCC. Sponsored by Student Government, a movie entitled The Help was shown at the Whitman Center and the Little Theatre on main campus last Wednesday.

The member of the diversity committee and advisor of student government said that Black History Month is about honoring those with African descent and the struggles they have been through.

The film “The Help” is based on the 2009 novel by Kathryn Stockett. It is set in the segregated city of Jackson, Mississippi in 1962 where blacks and whites had separate drinking fountains and toilets.

The 2012 film documents the lives of domestic servants Aibileen and Minny who are both African-Americans working in upper class white households. They assume several roles in the household which includes taking care of the family’s children, cleaning and cooking.

Skeeter, a budding 23-year old reporter for the Jacksonville Journal, follows and writes about the lives of African-American domestic servants.

Skeeter was raised in an affluent family with a servant named Constantine, who raised her when she was a child.

As Skeeter delves into the maids’ stories, she realizes the gaping disparity with how black and white employees are treated.

She also realizes that a profound

“Racism exists today and it always will.

Our children just have to understand it and overcome it. The only way to change the future for the better is to change our youth. ” Christopher Holmes President of Student Government

humanity exists beyond the apron and dress of a maid.

A Middle College student and a Student Government member viewed the film as positive and uplifting.

“I really loved it. It was a great movie. It was inspiring,” Samantha Brooks said.

“The Help” proved to be a lot of help to others.

“This movie could improve a lot of people. The whole mode of the movie was captivating. Unfortunately, we only had this chance to show it,” Student Government President Christopher Holmes said.

Holmes, who is AfricanAmerican, is also a member of the newly formed MCCC club the Black Student Advancement Association.

Holmes said that it’s rare to have a film so meaningful.

“It blew me out of the water,” the third year student said.

Holmes said that the movie showed a different side of the Civil Rights Movement. Violence was in the background and the focus was centered on the domestic aspect.

Overt segregation may be a thing of the past but covert racism is still being played out today, he said.

Brooks believes there is still a form of racism, but not as it was in the past.

Brooks added she has great friends who are African-American.

Holmes explained that the situation is not as bad as African Americans make it out to be, but people do segregate themselves.

“Racism exists today and it always will. Our children just have to understand it and overcome it,” Holmes said.

“The only way to change the future for the better is to change our youth,” he said.

After all, skin color is only the surface.

“It doesn’t matter what’s on the outside but what’s on the inside,” Brooks said.

Bookmarks, pencils and other items commemorating various African-American figures are available free of charge to students at the Administration building table.

Women are now able to serve in combat Julia Wells Agora Staff

Defense secretary Leon Panetta, announced on Jan. 24 that the ban which excluded female service members from combat roles in the military has been lifted.

The policy, which was put in place by the Pentagon in 1944, excluded women from being involved with artillery, armor, and other roles of combat.

Reconsideration of the ban comes after a year of more than 130 woman dying in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

On May 15, combat jobs in the Army and the Marines will open up to women.

While president Obama approved of the decision, the majority of support was being driven by the military itself.

Women in the army are currently excluded from nearly 25 percent of the Army’s active-duty jobs.

Mark Hall, director of Admittance and Guidance Services and a former veteran, said he is not sure whether this new policy will influence women any more or less to join the service.

“I don’t believe it will influence any more or less to enroll. It may however influence more females to attend a service academy since it should open up more opportunities for advancement.”

Combat roles in the military are a vital opportunity for advancement. With this ban lifted, women will now have equal opportunities to further their career.

Daniel Wiley, who was a sergeant in his Military Occupation Specialty, thinks that this decision will ultimately weaken our military force.

“Since the average woman is less strong, less swift, less able to deal with suffering on the battlefield, women shouldn’t be allowed into combat.”

He also brought up an interesting point concerning women and the Selective Service.

“Opening combat roles to women means that there no longer is a reason that women shouldn’t be required to register for the Selective Service. We cannot have equality on one hand and not the other.” Wiley said.

Arguing from the other side is Penelope Dunn assistant profes-

sor of Criminal Justice.

“I believe that women should have the same opportunity as males.

“That being said, I also believe that the environmental factors of combat will challenge most humans, male and female, therefore women who have the qualifications and character should be allowed to defend the United States.”

She is unsure though of how this will affect enlistment.

“I am not sure this will increase their participation, but give those already serving and interested more opportunities.

“Many other countries have women in combat and have been able to balance the complexity of this issue.”

Dunn however does believe that this will strengthen our military.

“I am a firm believer that diversity in the workplace is beneficial to all, so I believe this will help our military in the long run.”

This topic is sure to be one of debate, from both parties, in the coming months of the new policy.

A&E

March 4, 2013

Netflix takes new twist on television Joshua Rains Agora Staff

Commercial-free and only $7.99 a month, Netflix has already changed the way many people watch their favorite television shows.

“It’s all I watch now,” MCCC student Rob Sielski said.

“TV is garbage now that you can watch all of the same shows without commercials, whenever you want.”

While Netflix has already become popular among the masses for offering them their favorite television shows and movies ondemand for a low-monthly-price, it has decided to take on a new venture: producing their own series.

House of Cards, starring Academy Award winning actor Kevin Spacey, is Netflix’s strongest sign that they want to compete directly with cable.

Offering new original content, as opposed to the repeats of already popular television series, shows that Netflix is serious about offering their streaming service as a direct alternative to cable.

Not only are they offering a new series, they are releasing it in a way that may or may not revolutionize the way the public receives new programming.

Instead of following the longpopular cable/television practice of releasing one new episode each week, Netflix is making the entire first season of House of Cards

available at once.

This idea is bold, and is receiving mixed reviews from MCCC students.

“It’s awesome,” said MCCC student Jessica Nadeau.

“I’m more likely to get into a show if I can watch episodes back-to-back.”

Second-year student Shelby Brennan had some reservations about the new format.

“It’s cool, but having time in-between new episodes builds suspense,” she said.

Netflix is attempting to change the way people view their favorite shows, only time will tell if they will succeed.

Agora Staff

“The 20/20 Experience” comes out March 19. This is the first album Justin Timberlake has released in the past seven years.

Justin Timberlake’s new album, “The 20/20 Experience” is set to release March 19.

It has been seven years since Justin’s last album, (Future Sex/ Love Sounds).

Though the album hasn’t been released, Itunes, a popular media player by Apple, has preleased the song “Mirrors”.

The background tempo sounds very similar to his old hit song, “Cry me a river”.

His style of singing is the same as it’s always been but unlike his old band ‘N Sync, he doesn’t know when to quit.

Make a few more million while you still can I suppose.

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Netflix incorporated was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph. In 1998 is when the company started offering DVD’s for rent and sale.

JT brings new songs to life Carla Crockett

mcccagora.com • The Agora

The song itself isn’t horrible.

It just feels like every other song he’s ever sung besides maybe carryout which had “Rapping”.

Singers such as Mr. Timberlake and Britney Spears don’t realize, they are kind of old news.

Besides the feeling of Déjà vu, the song is 8 minutes and 4 seconds long.

Bohemian Rhapsody, voted 166 of 500 greatest songs of all time according to Rolling Stone was only five minutes and 55 seconds long.

Why does a song like this need to be 8 minutes long?

I think Justin needs to hang up his boy band headset and focus on something else.

Movie moves views, touches the heart Christine Pettit Agora Staff

Life doesn’t always go the way you may have planned.

Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) finds that out the hard way.

He has lost just about everything including his job, house, and even his wife, Nikki (Brea Bee).

After spending eight months in a state institution on a plea bargain he ends up moving back in with his mother (Jacki Weaver) and father (Robert DeNiro).

His parents only want what is best for him.

They want him to get back on his feet and share the same obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles as they do.

Pat’s only concern is getting his wife back.

Though with the circumstanc-

es and restraining order she has against him it’s a little more difficult than he intended.

He doesn’t want to be the bad guy and it breaks him to hear that she is afraid of him.

His life takes a turn in a different direction when Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence).

Tiffany, have many problems of her own offers to help Pat get his wife back if he helps her out in return.

Tiffany, being the sister of Nikki’s best friend tells Pat that she can deliver the letter he has prepared for Nikki with ease.

All she needs in return is a dance partner for the upcoming local dance competition.

When unexpected friendships turn into romance the silver lining appears in both their lives in the Silver Linings Playbook.

Sports

March 4, 2013

mcccagora.com • The Agora

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Basketball brings students together William Miko Agora staff

A sheet of snow and ice blanketed Raisinville Road early Friday afternoon, but it didn’t stop the dedicated ballers in MCCC’s intramural basketball league.

Although the college does not have a basketball program, there is still a chance to play in an organized fashion.

The Intramural basketball league was started

by Karen Turner, the Fitness Coordinator at MCCC. “This league helps the students bond, and helps get to know other people on campus,” Turner said.

Curtis Ledford, who studies criminal justice at MCCC, helps with the organization of the league. He is also the score keeper and color commentator.

“I don’t play, it wouldn’t be fair to the other teams,” Ledford joked.

This is the fourth season of the intramural basketball league; there are sessions during both the fall and winter semesters.

The intramural basketball league consists

of four teams of eight players. There are two games every Friday, with two 20 minute halves. Ledford and Turner run the scoreboard and keeps the stats.

Even though it is a small league, there is a lot of passion as students play for bragging rights on campus.

For most college students Friday is a day of rest, the majority of students attend classes Monday through Thursday, with Friday their only day off.

Why dedicate yourself to a small intramural basketball league on your day off?

Matt Little, who is studying communications and broadcasting, has been playing in the league every season that it has been available.

“I love basketball. It’s been my entire life,” Little said.

He said he joined the league so that he could keep playing a competitive style of basketball, and also said that it is great conditioning.

Kenny Stritt, who is studying accounting at MCCC and works at the YMCA, also plays in the league. Stritt said he signed up for the league because it is more competitive than

playing an ordinary pick- up game.

“Karen does a good job of organizing,” Stritt said.

He said he doesn’t mind coming on his only day off.

“I’d come even if I had school,” he said.

On Feb. 22, the Cupid Stunts beat The Shizz 65-61 in a game that came down to the wire.

Nick Dempsey, who plays for the Cupid Stunts, was thrilled about the victory.

“It feels good to win – ready to take this team to the title,” Dempsey said.

The playoffs start March 8 at 11 a.m. All games are played in the gym inside the Health Education building.

Although it’s a small league, the teams play with passion. There is a surprising level of talent that is showcased on Friday afternoons.

“I’d come even if I had school,” Stritt said.

Several students said there are a lot of talented players at MCCC who want to play organized basketball – maybe even enough for the college to one day support an official basketball program.

Photo by William Miko

Karen Turner and Curtis Ledford run the scoreboard for MCCC’s intramural basketball.

Photos by William Miko

Above: MCCC students seporate into teams for a fun way of relieveing stress after a long week of school work.

Left: Players work hard to block the oposing team from passing the ball.

Bottom right: Both teams are in position, as they wait for the outcome of the free throw attempt.

Bottom left: Students move quickley to recover a ball during a free throw shot.

NBA trading deadline ends Josh Rains Agora Staff

The NBA trade deadline has become a favorite part of the season for many fans.

They get to see where their favorite players will end up, and if there team is willing to take on additional salaries to make a push for the playoffs.

The deadline came and went this past Thursday without much happening.

The biggest name to be traded was J.J. Redick, a longtime backup, playing starters minutes for the first time this year.

Based on the activity of teams over the past few seasons this came as a shock.

In each of the prior three seasons, former all-stars and big contract players were traded This is in stark contrast to what happened during this year's deadline.

The most logical explanation for the inactivity at this year's trade deadline can be found with new luxury tax laws found in the newly negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Under the new CBA teams can go over the salary cap, but they have

to pay the league a dollar for every dollar they spend above what the league calls a "tax level".

The tax level for the new CBA is much lower than that of the previous CBA. This new law was intended to deter teams from overspending and help smaller franchises compete. When in reality, it might have had the opposite effect.

Big market teams like the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers continue to spend big money, while smaller market teams like the Memphis Grizzlies shed some of

their bigger contracts, and best players in a trade earlier in the season, to make it under the tax level.

For fans hoping to have an exciting trade deadline it was a disappointment, but under the new CBA this might become the new norm.

JJ Redick born June 24, 1984 currently plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, while holding six years of experence under his belt.

campus news

March 4, 2013

mcccagora.com • The Agora

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“One Sweet Night” another huge success Celebration event brings students, staff together

Lezlee Downing Agora Staff

The Annual Sweethearts ball was once again hosted Monroe County Community College’s Student Government.

This year the event was named “One Sweet Night” and followed a candy theme.

The event took place at the River Raisin Banquet Center in downtown Monroe on Feb. 16.

This event was followed bymany months of planning from event chairs Lezlee Downing, Charlotte James, and Paula Anders.

“It was a lot of hands on work this time around, with making decorations along with making sure everything went according to plan,” James said.

In addition to students and their dates were Vinnie Maltese, dean of Mathematics and Science, Mark Naber, professor of Mathematics, and his wife, Penny DarcyNaber, administrative assistant of the Humanities/Social Sciences Division, and Tom Ryder, Events and Student Activities coordinator.

As guests arrived, they received voting ballots to crown a king, queen, and court jester of the night.

Paul Bupte was crowned king for his tuxedo and dance moves, James was

elected queen, and Aaron Kipfmiller was voted the court jester of the night.

Guests were treated to a large buffet of food ranging from chicken parmesan and garlic roasted potatoes, to herbed pork loin and bow tie marinara.

To top off the meal, there was a large candy bar with cookies, mini cheese cakes, and a wide variety of candy for dessert.

The music that evening was provided by DJ Manny, who spun tunes that got people on their feet and moving all through the night.

There were even a few students who got up and showed their talents off by singing and dancing throughout the evening.

“It was a blast! The food was great and the music was fantastic for all ages,” said Student Government member Sara Bijarro.

“It was a fun college experience. I really had a good time.”

During the event, there were four hourly giveaways of gift cards and free meals from Kosh, a chance to take photos in the photo booth and more candy then anyone could possibly eat.

“It was a well-put-together event. The venue was clean and a cool setting. The balloons made sure it was an interesting night,” said Student Government VicePresident Joshua Zarza.

Photos by Nichole Borowski

Above: Paul Bupte, Aaron Kipfmiller and Charlotte James are crowned the Sweethearts Ball royalty.

Left: Hwi-Ram Jeong and Melissa Bohmer dance the night away.

Right: Andrew Shown and Tawny Johnson show off their dance moves.

Bottom-Clockwise: -Dean Vinnie Maltese and Jo-anna enjoying an evening out with the students.

-Amanda Lee and Blain Hubbert take a break from studying to enjoy an evening out.

-Shawn McCullough, Nichole Borowski, Michelle McDevitte and Miracle Mason pose for a photo before dinner is served.

-Celina Dusseau and Christopher Allen take a break from dancing to have their picture taken.