WCC Auto Show students show off their skills for car enthusiasts

WHERE YOU GET YOUR SCARE

The Voice's guide to local haunted houses BAM! POW! DC's "New 52" in review

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Assault alert causes more fear and anger

Matt Durr
Editor

October 10, 2011

Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, Michigan

washtenawvoice.com

An assault was reported on the campus of Washtenaw Community College last Wednesday, but very little information about it was released by the college officials, leaving some students frustrated and angry. A physical assault was reported on campus and is under investigation. Please stay alert, was the message sent out to all employees and students of WCC around 6 p.m. Twenty hours later, another update was issued by WCCs Director of Campus Safety and Security Jacques Desrosiers. The physical assault re-

ported to you on Oct. 5, 2011 appears to be an isolated incident and is being handled by the Washtenaw County Sheriffs department, the message

POINT OF VIEW
'I dont feel good about it all. Thats putting a vague statement out there and getting everyone worried.' JAKE GOLDBERG 19, Business

Delay of game
ASSUALT CONTINUED A6

said. I want to assure you that your welfare while on campus is very important to the college. Always remember to be aware of your surroundings,

on or off campus. The ambiguous nature of both of these statements had many on campus wondering what happened. And more importantly, feeling even less safe. I dont feel good about it all. Thats putting a vague statement out there and getting everyone worried, said Jake Goldberg, a 19-year-old business major from Montclair, N.J. You dont know if this person goes here or if its some random person. Morgan Foreman, 22, from Superior Township is an education major at WCC. She too feels that the college can do more to inform people.

A screenshot of the message that appeared on the Washtenaw Community College website last Wednesday.

When the chips are down. . .

Computer Trauma Unit club here to help students
Managing Editor

New soccer field shut down

Ben Solis

James Lewis, a computer technology and network security instructor, is not a billionaire. Yet like an aristocrat, he collects rare art. Im a purveyor of hightech art, Lewis said, looking at the different motherboards and computer chips that hang in his office and classroom. Lewis may know a few things about computers, yet he knows that the average student doesnt possess that knowledge. Thats when the light bulb, or LED in this case,

went off inside his head. We had some students in class about a year ago who couldnt afford to get their computers fixed, Lewis said. It was something as simple as taking off something or getting something cleaned off their computers. I got to thinking, lets get the students involved and give them some real experience. From there, the Students Helping Students Computer Trauma Unit, a collective of computer technology and network safety students who help
COMPUTER CLUB CONTINUED A7

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Left, soccor players on the first day of drop-in sports last month. Right, a sign is posted the soccer field to remind athletes that the field is closed for the season.

Anna Fuqua-Smith
Staff Writer

After a $2.2 million investment to build the Washtenaw Community College athletic fields, the soccer field was abruptly closed last Monday, just five weeks into the Fall semester. For Club Sports, athletes participating in soccer or lacrosse, both practices and games have been relocated after grounds personnel made the determination that the turf needed to be seeded and preserved until next spring.

College officials blamed excessive rain for the field conditions. We have had record-setting rain in September. If you play on the field, it needs time to recover, said Damon Flowers, associate vice president of Facilities Management. So with rain and saturation, it didnt appear that it would be very viable to continue playing. While that may be key for the fields to be ready for play next spring, the call to shut the fields down didnt come until Sept. 29 after a season of soccer games had already been scheduled by

Club Sports. It was a four-day window, said Erica Lemm, Club Sports coordinator. We actually made it work pretty quickly. Its not the ideal situation but its working fine. While Club Sports has the first option to use the athletic fields, they are rented out to the community if not in use. Since April 1, Club Sports have utilized the fields for more than 740 hours, or about 65 percent of the playable
JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

ATHLETIC FIELDS CONTINUED A6

Low water pressure sparks fire watch for OE

Managing Editor

Under No Sunday testing angers some students Need A Job? Employers are hiring pressure
Allie Tomason
Staff Writer

Club member Jacob Brabbs, 35, of Ann Arbor, reaches inside a computer to show off the motherboard and other components.

Ben Solis

While the Occupational Education building renovations had been near flawless and without setbacks, the completed project has brought to light the inadequacies of Washtenaw Community Colleges fire-safety systems. Due to different extensions of campus buildings, like the Health and Fitness Center and the nearly finished parking structure, the water pressure running through the colleges pipes has dropped as water is redistributed throughout the college, acOE FIRE WATCH CONTINUED A6

In what has been viewed by some as a harsh blow to working students, the Testing Center at Washtenaw Community College is now closed on Sunday. Typically some instructors will have students take tests in the Testing Center so that valuable instruction time can be spent for teaching and learning, but that can be inconvenient for the student who has already had to build a sch edule around a full-time job and family. Where are you supposed to find the time, asked Tara Tokarski, a 41-year-old nursing major from Chelsea. And what if you need a sitter? Its much easier to find a sitter on Sunday. In some cases, the inconvenience has been making academic success challenging. Students dont want to fly

through a test and do poorly when they might otherwise do well. I have to go between classes now, and rush it. I used to go on Sunday because it is the only day I have available, said Andrew Giles, 18, an environmental science major from Saline. I work five out of seven days. Even some faculty mem-

bers find the new schedule to be less than optimal. I hate that its closed on Sundays, said Laura Perez, a WCC math instructor. I think there are certain students who have a hard time getting here during the week. Its not that all the students need it, but when you work all week and take classes, it makes it tough.

Of course, it isnt that the Testing Center is trying to make it hard on students. Most of the staff are part-time proctors, and to run the center on Sundays costs thousands of dollars, according to Robbie Vaughn-Bellow, lead proctor. Its not like no one cares,

Anne Duffy
Staff Writer

TESTING CENTER CONTINUED A3

For Jen Delarosa, looking for a job is essential and she hopes to find one when employers gather at Washtenaw Community Colleges annual fall job fair next week. I do plan to attend. I think its a great opportunity to network and really see whats out there, said Delarosa, 35, an accounting major from Ann Arbor. Im working on a resume and preparing a cover letter for this event. Michigans biggest concern is the economy and finding people jobs. WCC plans on being part of that solution by sponsoring the job fair on Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m.2 p.m. in the Morris Lawrence building. Our fall job fair centers
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SOURCE: AllEn WURStER, tESting CEntER MAnAgER

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October 10, 2011

News

The Washtenaw Voice

The Washtenaw Voice

News

October 10, 2011

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OCT. 12 THE WAY. The Michigan Theater, 7 p.m. 603 Liberty Street. Ann Arbor Sons often walk in the footsteps of their fathers. Yet when an American doctor (Martin Sheen) travels to France to collect the remains of his adult son (Emilio Estevez), he must walk the trail his son never finished. The real-life father-and-son duo star in this limited release film, written and directed by Estevez. Event sponsored by North Peak Brewing Company, and will offer a bottle of its Wanderer Session IPA. Event is free; online reservations required. For more information, visit http:// gofobo.com/rsvp/promotion/c9b079718c788cbef292753d8b81db4d more info or call (734) 668-8463.

St. Andrews Hall, 7 p.m. 431 East Congress Street, Detroit; $20. For more information, visit http://livenation.com or call (313).961.8961

OCT. 12 MINUS THE BEAR.

Human guinea pigs

The heroes of medical science
Bob Conradi
Staff Writer

ter, 7 p.m. 1629 South State Street; $35 at door. For more information, visit http:// visitannarbor.org or call (734) 663-7848

OCT. 14 (UN)CORKED HOLIDAY EDITION WINE TASTING. Ann Arbor Art Cen-

OCT. 14 WIDESPREAD PANIC.

The Fillmore, Detroit, 7 p.m. 215 Woodward Avenue, Detroit; $40. For more information, visit http://livenation.com or call (313) 961-5450

OCT. 15 SMASHING PUMPKINS.

The Fillmore, Detroit, 6 p.m. 215 Woodward Avenue, Detroit; $45-$60. For more information, visit http://livenation.com or call 313) 961-5450

OCT. 17 KARAOKE. The Blind Pig, 9:30 p.m. 208 South First Street; No Cover; 21+. For more information, visit http://blindpigmusic.com or call (734) 996-8555

North Fourth Avenue; $10-$30 individual tickets; $50 Saturday pass; $135 Edgepass. For more information, visit http://visitannarbor.org

OCT. 19-22 15TH ANNUAL EDGEFEST. Kerrytown Concert House, 7 p.m. 415

OCT. 17-22 STATE STREETFASHION WEEK. Downtown Ann Arbor. Celebrating the anniversaries of several downtown clothing stores. All-day events held at various locations during business hours. Event is free; two hour free parking for first 50 customers at participating stores. For more information, visit http://visitannarbor.org/

OCT. 22 BEETHOVEN FEST-ANN ARBOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. The Michigan

Theater, 8 p.m. 603 Liberty Street; cost varies. For more information, visit http://visitannarbor.org/ or call (734) 668-8463

of Auburn Hills, 7 p.m. 6 Champion Drive, Auburn Hills; $30 VIP floor, $20 reserved or $15 general admission; Doors: 5 p.m.; visit http://ticketmaster.com for tickets or call (248) 377-0100

OCT. 22 MMA EXTREME CAGE FIGHT WAR. The Palace

Today when someone feels ill or are concerned about a health issue they often go to the Internet to find current information on their condition. But where does this knowledge originate? Most such data comes from clinical research on volunteers. Nothing new can be generated without research, and we really look at our research volunteers as heroes, said Molly White, assistant managing director for Outreach Partnerships and Implementation Science at the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research. Almost anyone can be such a hero. The University of Michigan regularly conducts dozens of clinical studies for which it solicits volunteers. These can be normal healthy people or people with a specific medical

condition. The university also seeks people predisposed to certain illnesses due to genetics or environmental or, lifestyle exposures, like smoking. Clinical studies at the university are divided into two broad areas: cancer and everything else. The U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center conducts the cancer investigations. According to Linda Beekman, administrative director of Oncology Clinical Research, the cancer studies mostly involve patients who have a form of cancer or who have an elevated risk of getting it. The major focus of the cancer center is testing drugs for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. New cancer treatments are evolving through such studies, treatments that are less toxic and more effective than traditional chemotherapy. The university conducts a broad range of other clinical studies, from hard-core medi-

cal studies to behavioral experiments, White said. Medical research could involve various treatment protocols, blood collection, electronic imaging, special diets or even short hospital stays. Or it may be much easier. Behavioral studies could involve simply filling out surveys or playing specially designed games. Every study is different. The goals are also different. An investigation may seek better cures, better diagnosis or better prevention of disease. It may seek only understanding. By law, clinical studies are carefully reviewed to assure that they are safe and that they answer legitimate questions. Volunteers are informed upfront of the protocol, purpose, benefits and risks. Also, a volunteers consent can be withdrawn at any time. Many volunteers participate out of a pure desire to help their fellow man. Others

may have a particular stake in progress on a disease because they or a loved one are afflicted. Some studies offer financial compensation or gift cards, another motivation. The people that we need are all ages from pediatrics to geriatrics and everything in-between, White said. Nearly everyone should be able to find a study. Volunteers can register for studies through the U-M website and be matched with appropriate protocols. They can also search study protocols based on their personal qualifications and preferences. Even though thousands of individuals participate in these clinical studies, there is always a shortage of volunteers. Enrolling is one way to step up and be a hero.
To learn much more about MICHR studies, visit, http://umclinicalstudies.org To enroll as a potential volunteer click on Volunteers then Enroll as a Volunteer

WashtenaW student Wins GLOBaL cOmpetitiOn Toko Shiiki, a photo student and lab assistant at WCC, has gained the recognition that many photo students only dream of, winning first place in the 2011 International Photography awards. Shiiki developed the awardwinning work in her portfolio class taught by Lisa Steichman last year. The collection features all black-andwhite pictures of a man whose face is obstructed. Shiiki intends to explore the mans search to re-discover his identity through the shots. The competition was massive: including more than 8,000 submissions from 90 different countries. LiOns BOss FOrd tO address ecOnOmic cLuB William Clay Ford Jr., the Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Co. and vice chairman of the Detroit Lions, will address the Washtenaw Economic Club on Monday, Oct. 17. The clubs Program Manager Nancy Clay hopes to broadcast the speech in simulcast to spectators in the Towsley Auditorium. Ford also will be invited to tour WCCs educational facilities, an offer put forth by Interim Dean of Vocational Studies, Ross Gordon. For more information and seats

at this and other events, corporate and individual memberships to the Economics club are still available for the 2011 season. Grant heLps aata GrOW The Ann Arbor Transit Association has received $2.7 million from the Federal Transit Association for improvements to the local bus system. The money will be used to add 10 hybrid vehicles to the AATAs fleet, bringing the total to 41, and to triple to size of AATAs Blake Transit Station from 2,000 to 6,000 square feet. Building is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2012. cOmmunity cOncert Band Opens seasOn The Washtenaw Community Concert Bands 34th season gets under way on Oct. 20. With new conductor, Dr. Christopher Heidenreich, the band is set for its first performance dubbed Postcards from America. The inaugural performance 7:30 p.m. at the Towsley Auditorium will feature performances of classic works by artists such as Robert Russell Bennett, Robert Shelton, Frank Tichelli and John Phillip Sousa. Heidenreich is the assistant professor of music and band director for the University of Michigan-Flint.

NOAA invests $2.3 million in U-M to restore state waters

Anne Duffy
Staff Writer

Lions, Russell Brand tickets among discounted Fall offerings

Adrian Hedden
Staff Writer

Abortion demonstration spurs student debate

BLOOd drive Tuesday Oct. 11 and Wednesday Oct. 12, noon-6 p.m. A blood drive sponsored by the American Red Cross will be taking place to help meet the blood needs of Southeastern Michigan. Joins Student Activities at the ML building on either day to help a worthy cause. taLent shOW auditiOns Wednesday Oct. 12, 5-9 p.m. Audition for a chance to participate in the WCC student talent show on Nov. 17. Students must be enrolled in a credit class to audition. Pick up your application in SC 112 and get ready to show your campus what youve got. Auditions will be held in the ML Auditorium. JOB Fair Tuesday Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. About 25 employers will be on hand to meet with people looking for jobs. Attendees should dress professionally and brings multiple copies of their resume to distribute in ML 101. hiGhWay tO hiGhdemand JOBs Wednesday, Oct. 19, 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. A panel of pharmacy students, faculty and professionals will share first-hand experience and give details about the WCC Pharmacy Tech program. This seminar is part of an ongoing series of Highway to High Demand Jobs. The seminar is in ML 105. dinner and a mOvie Friday, Oct. 21, 5:30-7 p.m. Enjoy a vegetarian meal at Garretts Restaurant and after dinner you will receive two vouchers that can be redeemed at Quality 16 cinema on Jackson Road in Ann Arbor. Cost is $15 for WCC students and can be purchased at the cashiers office on the second floor of the SC building. Dinner will be served from 5:30 7 p.m. cLOud Gate dance theatre OF taiWan Friday, Oct. 21, 8-10 p.m. The Cloud Gate Theatre of Taiwan will be performing at the Power Center for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. The CGTT will present: Water Stains, a dance which incorporates elements of tai chi, meditation, modern dance and ballet. Discounted tickets available at the cashiers office for $16.50 for WCC students.

The federal government is investing nearly $2.3 million in grants to the University of Michigan for research supporting the Great Lakes. These grant announcements are wonderful news for the U-M and our Great Lakes, said U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, said in a news release. The grants were issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to U-M for research supporting Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. NOAAs investments will have lasting effects, NOAA added. These conservation efforts will boost public awareness to the potential harms that need to be addressed in order to protect and restore these waters. Congress and President Barack Obamas Administration have made it clear that the restoration of the Great Lakes needs to be a national
JOB FAIR FROM A1

priority. The Great Lakes contain one-fifth of the worlds surface fresh water and could cover the entire continental United States with more than 9.5 feet of water. The lakes are large enough to influence the regional climate, cooling summers and tempering winters, as well as increasing amounts of rain and snow in the region. The Great Lakes restoration project is key to protecting the the bio-balance of North America, Dingell said. These conservation efforts will boost public awareness to the potential harms that need to be addressed in order to protect and restore those waters, Dingell said. There is a growing set of expertise here at U-M focused on the Great Lakes. U-M was the hallmark of Great Lakes research in the 1960s and 70s and sort of dwindled in the next couple of decades, said Donald Scavia, director of the universitys Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute. I think these grants

to U-M are an indication that we are moving back into the space of where we we were before in terms of being academic leaders of research. Scavia further explained that U-M decides the innovative science behind the methods, tracking as to whether or not certain actions will be effective over time for successful clean up. The $2.2 million U-M received out of the $300 million is going to support the research behind the action. The rest of the money is going to the state agencies implementing the projects, such as restoring wetlands or removing contaminated sediments. These are really important pieces of the overall federal investment in the Great Lakes restoration, Scavia added. It is really nice that the agencies are recognizing, in addition to the real boots on the ground, boots in the water action associated with restoration that they are putting in a good amount of funding to support the research

that supports those efforts. Seven individual grants were issued to U-M from NOAA totaling $2,281,708. Among some of the sections of the grant that Scavia felt were most interesting were related to water levels and climate change in a $480,459 award. I think this particular project is an important one to help resolve the question whether the lake levels will decline, increase or not change, said Scavia. Another issue of special attention to Scavia is the grant portion of $312,515 allotted to assessing the risk of Asian Carp invasion and impacts of that on lake food webs and fisheries. If the Asian Carp get into the Great Lakes, what will the impact be? he asked. Is it going to be a hugely dramatic impact as it has been in other places, or are the productivity of the lakes so low now that is its not enough to support the Asian carps? What are the impacts are in the food web?

Whether students are dedicated to sports or just looking for an easy laugh, WCCs Student Activities Department has them covered. Starting Oct. 7, tickets to the Dec. 11 Detroit Lions game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field are available to students at a discounted rate of $25 for seats in a $46 section. Transportation is provided

to the 1 p.m. game. Students can buy a maximum of four tickets. Also, comedian Russell Brand is coming to EMUs convocation center on Nov. 16 for a performance at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the cashiers office for $25. Seats are located in rows 4-6 and six and are valued at $50 each. Students can buy two tickets. Later this semester, Student Activities will have tickets to U-M basketball and hockey games as well.

Part-time instructors pick students over labor union

Adrian Hedden
Staff Writer

Employers come bearing jobs

around a particular career field and this year we have decided to do technology and we are being very broad (with that definition), said David Wildfong, professional services faculty and student adviser. There will be companies in attendance that represent the computer field, automotive companies, office professionals and a lot of different technologies. These are all local companies so they wont be out-of-state jobs. Wildfong expects the list of employers to number about 25. The event is free, open to the public and WCC students and there is no registration. You just have to show up. Its a big draw every year, Wildfong added. And candidates were looking forward to the opportunity. Im going to go to gain some insight from the employers working in different jobs that pertain to my major, said Gavin Hanert, 24, of Ann Arbor, who is studying business finance. Im actually currently employed, but my options are always open to leave my job for a better one. Job seekers can expect most of the available jobs to be technical, but in a wide variety of different career fields. Tenneco, a global automotive technology company that has local offices in Monroe, is attending the fair and looking for a wide variety of employees. We have a number of potential opportunities coming up here now or next summer, said Matthew Sims, human resources manager for the North American Automotive Aftermarket Group for Tenneco. We are looking for automotive technical support for our customers. He added that in order to support their catalog group there were other potential jobs for graphic designers, photographers, marketing positions and opportunities in the finance area as well. Beverly Ramirez, 44, a nursing major from Ypsilanti, planned to take advantage of WCCs resume writing workshop on Oct. 10 and was excited to learn about the job fair. Next phase, Im putting together this wonderful resume to take to the job fair, Ramirez said. All the (employers) are hiring. They are all looking to fill positions within their company, Wildfong said. Its a mixture of everything. There will part-time, full-time, permanent and temporary positions available. Some companies will do interviewing right on the spot. Our hopes are to find some good candidates ready to work, said Maria Wagner, branch manager of Phoenix Services Ann Arbor office. We are currently looking for electronic assemblers, machine operators in all three shifts and we have 30-plus open positions. Right Brain Networks, LLC, an information technology company in Dexter, will be at the fair also and is focusing on finding people for Webbased application development jobs. I am hoping to tap into some entry-level Web development people, bring them in here and get them trained to be a long-term member of the team here, said Jamie Begin, president of RightBrain Networks, LLC. It would be a great opportunity to work with WCC to find some entry-level people to introduce them into an environment of seasoned professionals here. There are two WCC job fairs every year, one in the spring and one in the fall. The spring fair is bigger, with about 70 employers in attendance. It includes employers seeking candidates from a wider variety of career fields. The fall fair is much smaller, but is more of what Wildfong calls a focused fair. In years past, focused fairs have highlighted healthcare, culinary arts and the customer-service fields.

HELPING CANDIDATES PREPARE

Several workshops will be held this week to get prospects prepare for the annual fall Job Fair on Oct. 18. All workshops take place in room SC 287: MOndAy Oct. 10 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Resume Development Workshop: Learn how to develop a resume and which type of resume works best for you and what mistakes to avoid. Cover letters will also be discussed. tuesdAy Oct. 11 4:30-5:30 p.m., Job Fair Preparation Workshop: Learn what to do before, during and after the fair. WednesdAy Oct. 12 noon-1 p.m., Job Fair Preparation Workshop: Learn what to do before, during and after the fair. thuRsdAy Oct. 13 noon-1 p.m., Interview Skills Workshop: Learn how to prepare for an interview and what skills and behavior is appropriate. thuRsdAy, Oct. 13 3:30-4:30 p.m., Employment Application Workshop: How to properly complete online and paper job applications FRIdAy Oct. 14 1-2 p.m., Job Search Techniques Workshop: Explore the job search process and what employment resources are available to students and alumni.

JOB SHOP

Earlier this Fall, Eastern Michigan Universitys parttime faculty approved their first-ever collective bargaining agreement and union contract. Washtenaw Community Colleges part-time instructors will not be following suit. Jean Rishel, a part-time instructor in the humanities department, accepts her peers decision not to unionize. Rishel does, however, retain faith in the power of negotiation as a means to achieving what her peers deserve and still sees unionization as a possible avenue. As long as communication lines are kept open and our concerns are taken into consideration, we see no need to unionize, Rishel said. If this were to change, unionization would be considered much more seriously as an option for us. Rishel looks to the schools financial situation as a reason for recent scrutiny of how WCCs funds are appropriated, specifically in the way of teacher pay rates. I have heard students comment about wages the faculty make as problematic, Rishel said. Due to economic times, everyone is weighing very carefully how to balance the budget. Comprising more than 35 percent of Washtenaws faculty last year, the part-time facultys rights, concerns and accommodations are perpetually on the minds of school administrators. Vice president of Instruction Stuart Blacklaw has always been supportive of parttimers. We provide some of the best facilities to parttimers, Blacklaw said. For instructors who teach at other institutions, Washtenaw compares favorably. When the school was asked by the state of Michigan to increase contributions to the state employee retirement

funds, some part-timers saw money coming out of their salaries for a cause few of them would ever benefit from. Everyone had to pay more into the retirement fund, Blacklaw said. Few part-timers will ever see a return. Youd have to teach part-time here for 20 years to get that money. BLACKLAW We thought this might make it easier for them to get it back. Last year, when complaints from part-time faculty reached administrators ears, a survey was sent out to evaluate the part-timers interest in a union of their own. They voted 2-1 against organizing. People who are seriously trying to make a living as an instructor, just want to teach as much as possible, said Blacklaw, citing fear as the motivation behind many parttime instructors dissent in regards to organizing. Some people were afraid enough of the system to back off, Blacklaw said. It got controversial, so the college decided not to pursue it. Mary Gmeiner, director of Labor and Employee Relations, has seen plenty of collectivity amongst WCCs parttime faculty for years. Some of our part-time faculty is already organized, Gmeiner said. The adjunct faculty has been in place since the 1990s. Reminding scrutinizers of WCCs rank of seventh out of the 10 community colleges in Southeast Michigan in the way of part-time faculty payrates, Rishel points out the schools continued position as one of the top community colleges in all of Michigan as a distinction never gained through high funding. It is the dedication to our students by all the faculty that makes this so, not the money being paid in wages for teaching, Rishel said.

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

A two-sided board lets students passing by voice their opinions on one of society's most-divisive issues for others to read.

WCC, St. Joes spar over roads

Managing Editor

Ben Solis

As construction began on the nearly finished Washtenaw Community College parking structure, associate vice president of Facilities Management Damon Flowers thought the road to the finish line would be as smooth as freshly laid asphalt. And while the process of building the structure has been relatively easy, the problems moving forward now lie on the path leading to the structure, and the street that shuttles all traffic to it: E. Huron River Drive. Late last year, the WCC Board of Trustees moved to begin construction on the structure, ultimately needing permission from the Washtenaw County Road Commission to go ahead with the planned service drive that would route student, faculty and staff traffic from parking lot No. 1 toward the garage. Thats when all the problems began. At first, the issue was about where and whom the money would come from. Flowers opted to have both sides, WCC and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, pay equal amounts for the project, he said. St. Joes balked.

They werent thrilled about it at all, Flowers said, addressing the initial backlash from the hospital about why such a project involved them at all. They had come to the Road Commission for different reasons. They wanted to change (the private, hospital owned) McCauley Drive. The argument was that the new structure would change the flow of traffic, Flowers said, to which a widening of their entrance was needed. Yet the new road did not directly affect the traffic of the proposed lane, only the hospitals emergency medical services entrance drive. After a lengthy review of traffic flow and many negotiations later, the colleges trustees, Flowers, the WCRC and St. Joes have yet to sign a contract about who will pay what part of the $300,000 project, although a small agreement has been made. Two weeks ago, at the latest BOTs meeting, Flowers asked for a motion to move forward with contracting an asphalt company to put the finishing touches on the structures driveway and the road surrounding it. As it stands, the agreement made by all parties is that St. Joes will pay $125,000, less than half of the projects cost,

and leaving WCC with the rest of the bill. The WCRC, which is a state-funded organization, will approve the contract after both parties have signed on, according to Flowers. The WCRC still insists on widening the road between the two drives and filling a now decrepit tunnel that was to be used as a form of travel synergy between to the college and the hospital. These additions ultimately increased the cost of the project from $250,000 to $300,000. Yet this contract dispute was said to have been resolved in late May of this year (see St. Joes resists splitting $250K road bill with college). What exactly caused these delays? It was because (St. Joes) came into this kicking and screaming, and didnt have a dog in the fight, so to speak, Flowers said. He explained that after a lengthy review of the colleges traffic patterns on Huron River Drive during the Spring and Summer semesters, the WCRC ruled that the colleges Morris Lawrence Building entrance and the adjacent emergency drive would need designated right-turnonly lanes. The WCRC then told Flowers that it was up to him and the college to work

out the details with St. Joes, Flowers said, and that if not, the WCRC would close the emergency entrance drive permanently by rescinding the roads permit. That was the first time in 25 years of being in this business that I had ever heard of any one rescinding a permit for a drive, he said. But they have the right to do it so what they giveth, they can taketh away. Obviously, closing down the emergency drive was not an option, and the dispute over who pays what has been waging on ever since. This time around, Flowers is just as confident as he was in May of getting results. The contract has been tentatively awarded, but not signed, Flowers said. I spoke with the city (on) Friday (Sept. 30). Were expecting to have the road improvements done by Nov. 15 or 16. A portion of Huron River Drive will be closed during tunnel work, which will last for one day, Flowers said. The college is looking into whether the WCRC will allow traffic to flow through the colleges parking lot drives. Traffic will be affected minimally during all road work, Flowers said.

the FOLLOWinG inFOrmatiOn is repOrted FrOm redacted incident repOrts prOvided By campus saFety and security:
traFFic accident: Two vehicles collided at the main intersection of the Student Center entrance on Sept. 7, at 10:35 a.m. The first vehicle, 2003 Chrysler Town and Country, drove north out of the bus loop when the second vehicle, a 2005 Pontiac Sunfire, ran the stop sign. No one was injured. traFFic accident: A 2010 Toyota Prius collided with a WCC forklift at 9:02 a.m. on Sept. 26. The driver was heading west on the Plant Operations building service drive, attempted a left turn and struck the front end of the lift. No one was injured. assauLt: A student reported being assaulted while driving through Parking Lot 6 on Oct. 1 at 8:20 a.m., by the driver and passenger of silver Chevrolet Truck. The victim was driving along the pond drive when the truck approached. The driver of the truck threw paintballs at the victims car. The Washtenaw County Sheriffs Department was notified. disOrderLy cOnduct: Campus Security received a call at 9 a.m. on Sept. 29 regarding a disturbance in the Gunder Myran Computer Commons. A male patron had been loudly arguing with an employee about six young girls who were cussing loudly in the lab. The six girls, ranging in ages 12-14, were then spotted without adult supervision and asked to leave. hit and run: A 2003 Toyota Camry was hit while parked in Parking Lot 7 at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 16. The 20-year-old male student noticed damage to his rear bumper and that there was no one parked next to him. traFFic accident: Two cars collided in Parking Lot 4 at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 12. The driver of the first vehicle, a 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio, was heading eastbound on the WCC service drive, when a second vehicle, a 2002 Dodge, pulled

out into the service drive and hit the right front side of vehicle No. 1. Both cars were damaged. There were no injuries. Larceny: An A-frame parking lot sign was reported missing at the entrance of Parking Lot 4 at 4:25 a.m. on Sept. 7. Larceny: A students purse was stolen at 3:48 p.m., Aug. 31, on the first floor Student Center. The20-year-old woman was studying at a table and had her camouflage purse on the floor. Another female in a blue tank top approached her and asked where she could register for classes. When the victim pointed out where to go, a man who knew the tank-topped female came around the corner, addressed her abusively and said to her to hurry up. After they argued, the couple left. When the victims boyfriend returned from the bookstore, she noticed her purse was gone. A wallet was also inside the purse and contained $100. Larceny: Two books were stolen from a student at 1:53 p.m. on Aug. 30 at the vending machines near the LA and SC buildings second-floor bridge. The student had placed both books on top of the machine, saw his instructor and ran after him. When the student came back three minutes later, the books were gone. hit and run: An auto accident occurred at in the bus loop at 9 a.m. on Aug. 30. The victim, driving a 1999 Chevrolet Station Wagon, had entered the bus loop from Huron River Drive and was hit by a woman driving red Ford. After telling the victim that she was going to pull around for her information, the woman who hit her drove away. hit and run: A 32-year-old student returned to his vehicle after class at 3 p.m. on Aug. 30 and discovered damage to his 1999 Honda Civic. The vehicles bumper that had an 18-inch, white paint mark scratched onto the surface. Whoever hit him did not leave any contact information. To contact Campus Safety & Security, dial 3411 from any school phone, press the red button on red security phones, or use your cell phone to call (734) 973-3411. Visit washtenawvoice.com for security updates and more helpful tips.

Continue the conversation @ washtenawvoice.com

A4

October 10, 2011

Voices

The Washtenaw Voice

The Washtenaw Voice

News

October 10, 2011

A5

In the know? You're ahead of WCC

When news broke last week about an assault on the campus of Washtenaw Community College, students and employees were instructed to please stay alert. No other details were given, and it took almost another 24 hours before we got another vague, un-informing and, frankly, worthless message from the school. As details have emerged, (which were also just as vague) the incident seems like merely a dispute between two people that was not violent in nature which is a relief for many people on campus. But it is totally irresponsible for the persons who broadcast those messages to send out an alert about an assault at 6 p.m., just as it is getting dark, that reads A physical assault was reported on campus and is under investigation, and not tell people anything regarding where and when it happened. For all we knew, someone could have been robbed, beaten or even worse, raped. Its not out of the question to think in those terms as anyone who has paid attention to the events on the U-M campus and downtown Ann Arbor can tell you. While WCC is typically a safe place, and we can thank Campus Safety and Security for that, when news like this breaks, the college cannot release a bulletin like that and then wait a day to give another update. If that were the case, writing for a newspaper would be easy. Can you imagine if the Detroit Free Press wrote Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick lied, details coming when they broke the news about the textmessaging scandal that led to his downfall? Obviously someone thought this assault (or nonassault) was worth notifying people about, and we should appreciate that. But with a lack of protocol or foresight, theyve seemed to cause more confusion, concern and fear than necessary. Some students immediately left campus when they heard this news. The next time one of these incidents occur on campus, how many students and employees will simply overlook the message and ignore it based on the lack of useful information from the previous alert? While we appreciate the attempt to keep us aware of potentially dangerous and harming situations, to leave us all in the dark about what to be on alert for is simply inexcusable.

EDITORIAL

Voice dominates class in state newspaper contest

Washtenaw Community Colleges vows to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, signed by former President Larry Whitworth in 2008, still stand. After implementing a recycling plan, and increasing building standards for energy efficiency, WCC looks to its students for suggestions on reducing its carbon footprint. Which raises our Voice Box question for this issue:

WCC students full of ideas to reduce the schools impact on our planet
ADRIAN HEDDEN STAFF WRITER JARED ANGlE PHOTO EDITOR

QUESTION: What can WCC do to become more environmentally friendly?

More buses. Especially to Ypsi. Solar energy. All the buildings are flat, so they should have access. A smoking pavilion to keep the butts off the ground. Enforce recycling. Right now its just kind of voluntary.

WARREN NElsON

42, Ypsilanti, media service employee

35, Dallas, culinary arts

JOHNITA TAylOR We need a stronger recycling service. Thatd be a good start.

20, Ann Arbor, welding

DylAN WOOD

17, South Lyon, elementary education

KATIE yOUNG

The Washtenaw Voice won first overall in General Excellence, one of 29 awards for Washtenaw Community College in the annual Michigan Press Associations Best Collegiate Newspaper Contest. The Voice took first place in 15 of the 21 categories in the contest. Its next closest competitor was Schoolcraft College, with one first among eight awards. The results were announced on Friday, Sept. 30. The contest included work performed during the 2010-11 academic year. A story about absences by WCC Trustees won first place in the News Story category. It was reported by Quinn Davis, last years editor, and Matt Durr, this years editor. In a competitive category, this is

superior work, one judge said of the piece. Outstanding reporting put it in first place. Former Features Editor Nicole Bednarski won first in Investigative Reporting for her story on human trafficking. Jared Angle, photo editor this year, took first in two categories News Photo and Feature Photo, with his work from last springs Hash Bash in Ann Arbor. These awards help reaffirm that the amount of hard work we all put into this newspaper is worth it, said Voice Editor Matt Durr. It takes a lot of effort and a few late nights to build a 16-page newspaper from scratch every two weeks. Everyone on our staff from reporters and photographers to designers and our ad sales staff deserves a round of applause.

Im immensely proud of everyone involved in producing a really fine newspaper. In all, 16 WCC students were honored. Other multipleaward winners include: Davis, with four: two firsts a second and a third Former Design editor Kate Bizer, with four: two firsts and two thirds Durr, with three: two firsts and a third Managing Editor Ben Solis, with three: two seconds and a third Bednarski, with a first and third Videographer Chris Ozminski, with a first and second Videographer Eric Hill, with a second and third

General excellence First Place: The Washtenaw Voice, Washtenaw Community College, Judges comments: A quality newspaper. Overall easy to read with a professional design. It has extensive news and features. The editorials were good. The arts section was extensive. The headlines and skyboxes were eye-catching. The newspaper also had extensive enterprise reporting. I liked how it all comes together. The newspapers arts and sports sections also are noteworthy. news story First Place: Quinn Davis/Matt Durr, Trustee Absences; Judges comment: In a competitive category, this is superior work. Outstanding reporting put it in first place. third Place: Nicole Bednarski, Saline Board divided; Judges comments: In a tight race, the subject and depth of reporting edge the rest of the field. InvestIGatIve rePortInG First Place: Nicole Bednarski, Penny for your daughter; Judges comments: An excellent plunge into the world of human trafficking. Well told. third Place: Robert Conradi, A Frackin Shame, judges comments: The reporter dives into drilling and readers are rewarded. Feature story First Place: Matt Durr, All gave some (Veterans Day package); Judges comments: A compelling story about one family that, in their grief over the loss of their son, a war casualty, created a living memorial to benefit the families of others like themselves. second Place: Ben Solis, Cuppa Joe; Judges comments: A colorful musician whose life story is well-told in an illuminating profile. MultI MedIa rePortInG second Place: Ben Solis/Chris Ozminski, Dr. Feelgood; Judges comments: None Third Place: Matt Durr, Welcome Day; Judges comments: None coluM/revIew First Place: Quinn Davis, American idiots; Judges comments: This is a well-written column on an important issue. You take a brave stance and dont let up. Good job. This is concise. There are no wasted words. Good argument. Thanks. third Place: Ben Solis, MLK: Parental guidance; Judges comments: Your voice is evident in this, which makes for a good column. Its very concise, no wasted words. This is well-written and easy to read. Its an important topic, and you tell the story well. edItorIal second Place: Quinn Davis, Tolerating Intolerance; Judges comments: Weak in spots, e.g. the graph on the newsroom make up and the somewhat clichd first graf, but overall good writing and a very nice ending. Good writing.

news Photo First Place: Jared Angle, Hash Bash; Judges comments: At first, this photo looked like a reprint from a 1970s demonstration. On second look, it is a well-composed shot demonstrating the crowd size and commitment from the 2011 event with an old school feel from the B&W choice and somewhat fuzzy texture. Perspective, a sense of anonymity for participants and action in the picture tell the story. Bravo! Feature Photo First Place: Jared Angle, Hash bash musician; Judges comments: Though the judges did not understand what a crowded diag is, the photographed moved the judges to easily rate this photograph as the first-place winner. Nicely captured moment. Lens position is nearly perfect. Well seen by the photographer, Jared Angle. third Place: Jocelyn Gotlib, Family Reunion; Judges comments: A very wonderful moment of emotion. Captured with good lens position. Subjects are unaware of Jocely Gotlibs presence, which is a great gift this photographer possesses. vIdeo ProductIon or onlIne audIo slIde show ProductIon First Place: Brian Steinberg/Chris Ozminski, Chocolate Holiday; Judges comments: None Second Place: Eric Hill, Take Back the Night; Judges comments: None Third Place: Quinn Davis/Eric Hill, Turkey Talk; Judges comments: None orIGInal cartoon, edItorIal or entertaInMent First Place: Frances Ross, Coddle Me; Judges comments: Smart, edgy, great artwork, original concepts wellconceived and presented. third Place: Tiffany Goodman, Ninja Smokers; Judges comments: Good concept; should be better drawn, composed and executed, though. news PaGe desIGn First Place: Kate Bizer; Judges comments: Clean design, clearly identified top story. Photos/graphics have a color consistency, clarity, focus. Full, but not too busy.

doesnt need to read any further than the first sentence to know that Orchard Radio exists. Simple. Classy. Communicates a message without saying anything at all. sPot/Full color dIsPlay ad First Place: Gino Detone, Student Activities Winter; Judges comments: Nice use of color to signify the season and give the ad a nice, clean, crisp feel. The ad is pretty straightforward schedule of events, but its clean, conveys the message and makes good use of the space. second Place: Rachelle Malaney, Student Activities Valentines Day; Judges comments: This ad makes nice use of February/Valentine colors and conveys the message of the season. The art was an interesting choice and maybe not as appealing as more contemporary graphics might be to the college audience, but the message was communicated. In-house ad First Place: Josh Chamberlain, March Ad-Ness; Judges comments: What a great way to drive revenue, engage your advertisers and play on a popular annual sporting event. I love the concept of engaging your advertisers in a project that pays dividends back to them in the form of advertising. It helps to create value in your product. third Place: Kate Bizer, Open House; Judges comments: This ad is simple and makes excellent use of a full page. The print quality is outstanding. The ad wouldnt have had the same effect in washed-out shades of black. sPecIal advertIsInG sectIon First Place: The Washtenaw Voice, Winter Wonderland (Kate Bizer); Judges comments: None onlIne newsPaPer First Place: The Washtenaw Voice; Judges comments: The newspapers website reflects a dynamic and hardworking staff that covers campus news in all its variety.

More trash cans coming up from the parking lot.

They should use the geothermal technology in the OE building in all buildings on campus.
15, Canton, baking/pastry

Recycle more. Use air dryers in the bathroom rather than paper towels. HENRy MATA

Blackboard on your smart phone?

Theres an app for that, but only for a few at WCC
Jael Gardiner
Staff Writer

sARAH sCHAFRAN
21, Ann Arbor, sociology

BRANDEN COTE
23, Ann Arbor, nursing

KANDACE TROMBly

34, Ypsilanti, liberal arts

Lay off the Postal Service but dont layoff the Postal Service
Staff Writer

Nathan Clark

Volume 18, Issue 4 4800 E. Huron River Dr. TI 106 Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (734) 677-5125 thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com
The Washtenaw Voice is produced fortnightly by students of Washtenaw Community College. Student publications are important in establishing and maintaining an atmosphere of free and responsible discussion and in bringing matters of concern and importance to the attention of the campus community. Editorial responsibility for The Voice lies with the students, who will strive for balance, fairness and integrity in their coverage of issues and events while practicing habits of free inquiry and expression. A copy of each edition of The Washtenaw Voice is free to everyone. Additional copies are available at the Voice office for 25 cents each. The Washtenaw Voice does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the information or content in advertisements contained in the newspaper or its website, thewashtenawvoice.com, nor the quality of any products, information or other materials displayed, or obtained by you as a result of an advertisement or any other information or offer in or in connection with the services or products advertised.
EDITOR Matt Durr mdurrwcc@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR Ben Solis bensolis1@gmail.com PHOTO EDITOR Jared Angle jared.angle@gmail.com DEsIGN EDITOR Josh Chamberlain josh@vgkids.com DEsIGN EDITOR Ashley DiGiuseppe ashley.digiuseppe@ gmail.com CONTRIBUTING DEsIGNER Hafsah Mijinyawa sTAFF WRITERs Nathan Clark Jael Gardiner Anna Fuqua-Smith Adrian Hedden Allie Tomason Anne Duffy Chuck Denton WEB EDITOR Jesse Glacken jesse@glacken.us AD MANAGER Becky Alliston ealliston@wccnet.edu ADVIsER Keith Gave kgave@wccnet.edu

When times get rough, sacrifices are made. Everyone has that moment in life when money is tight, and we begin considering things we can get rid of, or do without, to save money. In this challenging economy, businesses are no different. But there is one business that has been struggling for quite some time now, and no one seems to care. Some say we dont even need it anymore. I am talking about the United States Postal Service. With the rise of other private mail delivering companies and email, the Postal Service has been on an apparent downward spiral to obsolescence. While it is true that mail volume has declined over the

years, that does not mean that we no longer want or need standard mail service. The so-called snail mail still serves its purpose in keeping the cost of shipping merchandise and other miscellaneous items down. The Postal Service has contracts with thousands of different companies that help keep shipping prices low for products such as magazines and mail-order rental services. Without the Postal Service contracts, imagine how much it would cost to have a magazine delivered to your home? Everyone loves to save money, and the best way we do that is by looking at multiple options before purchasing. If you actually go on the Internet and compare shipping prices with all the maildelivery services out there, the Postal Service is still by far the cheapest. I went online and checked

to see how much it would cost to send a five-pound package from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti within two days and the Postal Service was the only delivery service that stayed in singledigit costs. What about the people who say we dont need a Postal Service because we have email and pay our bills online? Thats like saying, my house has never been on fire, therefore, we dont need a fire department? Even though America is a technologically advanced country, not everybody can pay bills online because not everybody has access to the Internet. Some officials have recommended getting rid of Saturday deliveries to save money. While that sounds all well and good, they seem to forget that just because you dont deliver the mail for one day, the mail doesnt disappear from exis-

tence. It just means theres going to be more to deliver on Monday. With email, we can send messages to loved ones in faroff countries instantaneously, but we lose the connection we feel when we get to physically touch something that a loved one has spent so much time writing for us. Even with all its benefits, the Postal Service still remains the butt of a joke. I remember the old line about the only place in the universe where light slows down is through the window at the post office. Postal workers have a tough job that they carry out every day, rain or shine, with little acknowledgment. Give the Postal Service a break. How many people do you know that would be willing to deliver a piece of paper to a strangers house for 44 cents?

No excuse for not using blackboard

Jael Gardiner
Staff Writer

Elise Magnuson doesnt think that its fair that only certain students have access to the Blackboard application for smart phones and tablets. The school should either buy it for everybody or not use it at all. Magnuson said, 20, a liberal arts student from Ann Arbor. According to Amin Ladha, the chief information officer of information technology services, the Blackboard app is still being researched. He said he doesnt want to spend a lot of money on this app until it has been proven to work well. Also, he needs to fully evaluate the student need. We need to figure out how easy it is for students to use and for instructors to use, Ladha said. Student input is essential. The Blackboard app for smart phones has a lot to offer, but only to a few students. Washtenaw Community College only uses the free version of this app, not the full version. The free version of the app only works for students who use the Sprint network or use an iOS device on wi-fi. Although recently, Sprint is suing because it signed an exclusive contract with Blackboard, but Apple devices are using the free ver-

sion over wi-fi. I think this app is going to be really useful for any student, its really convenient to use a phone instead of a laptop, said Jeremiah Clark, 19, a general studies student from Ann Arbor. Is it worth it to spend the money to get this app available for more students when some can use the app and all of the others can use it from any computer? Although a representative from Blackboard said that it would be impossible to come up with that number right now, Ladha thought that it would be between $20,000-$40,000. This version is described on the website for Blackboard Mobile Learn as being available for more smart phones and available on any carrier. Right now, some people around campus are happy with the free version that is available for only a portion of students. I can understand that the economy is down, so if they can afford it they should pay for it so that students can use no matter what kind of device or service theyre using, said Robert Schlosser, 19, an information systems student from Ann Arbor. Is it unfair to some students to allow others to use the free version based on the products that they own? According to Ladha, it is possible that in the future WCC may get this for everybody.

At the moment, information is being tracked about how many students are using this now. Im not going to say it will never change. Im very open minded. Ladha said. So many students have smart phones that they carry around with them, and phones can be easier to keep up with during classes than computers. WCC is getting the most out of the free version, but do students want more? The other version of Blackboard is supposed to work on many types of mobile devices, including Android, BlackBerry, and iPhone. This allows teachers to upload several different formats of documents, and even upload media to supplement their other course materials. Students can see everything teachers from their classes post. Students can use this app to keep up to date with their classes when they arent able to get to a computer. The cost is significant enough to make it not a priority, said Jared Slayton, a distance learning online technical specialist. Now, its like Sprint pays for some people to use this app. The free version of the app that we use has been recently updated for use with Blackboard 9, and those who have access to the free version can try it out.

Feature PaGe desIGn third Place: Kate Bizer, Santas Workshop, Judges comments: Playful, colorful, interesting, but not much depth. Clearly captures theme. Black and whIte ad First Place: Kate Bizer, Orchard Radio; Judges comments: This is one ad that should make radio want to advertise in print! Exceptional use of black space with just enough art elements to draw the readers attention. A reader

Students are busy. Blackboard is a big way that students can get that assignment that they lost, or find out what grade they got on that big test, all while on the go. When teachers dont take the time to create anything at all for their class on Blackboard, it makes me wonder if they understand how students today operate. Using Blackboard isnt rocket science. It concerns me when instructors say that they cant figure out how to use it, or that they have huge

difficulties with it. It doesnt look wildly complicated, and we even have Blackboard help on campus. Being so completely computer illiterate that even with specialized help they still cant use Blackboard is a pretty big problem when working at a college. I understand that it might not be the easiest thing for some of them to do, but most students use Blackboard, so they need to make the effort. Then there are some teachers who are great with computers but still refuse to put anything on Blackboard. That doesnt make much sense at all. There arent many good excuses for a teacher not to

put up information on Blackboard. Teachers who wait forever to post anything are annoying too. Sometimes it will be weeks before they get anything on Blackboard. What is the point of waiting to put anything on Blackboard until four weeks into a 15-week semester? I understand that teachers have a lot they need to do, but it becomes useless after a while. Recording scores on Blackboard is the only way that I can get an accurate idea of what my grade is like in a class. Sometimes teachers wont use Blackboard, but theyll throw out a few numbers every now and then to try to clarify even further

about what my grade could be. It has never done anything but confuse me, because I have no clue how they weigh grades. I like to know my standing in each class during the semester, but teachers who dont post anything leave my grade a mystery. Once a teacher who recorded nothing explained to the class that we were all doing fine, whatever that means. This is an essential way for students to keep connected with the classes and often with their teachers. Instructors who take the time to keep Blackboard updated have the best classes and probably the best SOQs.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A physical assault was reported on campus and is under investigation. Please stay alert.
This is the best our college can do on a busy Wednesday evening when classrooms are crowded with students? A few words on the home page of the colleges website, and on our cell phones through the alert system that do little more than scare the heck out of everyone just before our 6 p.m. classes are about to begin? So there I sat, on an exam night, sitting there for three hours wondering how I was going to get to my car in the back of the parking lot. And I was not alone. The whole class was anxious, wondering, worrying. During a break from class, I called Campus Security to get a little more information just a bit more like where something like this might have happened, where I might avoid being in order to feel safer. They told me they had no more information, that they knew nothing more than we knew. Seriously? If thats the case, then I worry about what theyre doing in that office to keep us safe. Whoever answered the phone directed me to Janet Hawkins, the public relations coordinator, for more information. Really? A PR person, at 7:30 p.m.? Thanks a lot. So I ventured out of class at 9 p.m., and there was absolutely no evidence of Security anywhere. I found this a little scary, walking across a large, dark parking lot alone knowing that someone had been assaulted a few hours earlier. Nice. The same message about the assault remained on the home page of the colleges website Thursday morning, so I called Janet Hawkins. Naturally, she told me that the college couldnt give out any more information. Thanks again. If this is the best WCC can do for its students when an incident like this takes place, then I worry for everyone who signs up for classes. The college absolutely has to tell us more than something bad happened, be careful. Elizabeth Alliston Ypsilanti To the Editor: I am just writing to let you know that the article titled Too much cheating students say offended many of the nursing students on campus. The article put us in a bad light and made us out to be immoral and dishonest. The article took a quote from a random person, who saw one situation, and generalized it to seem like all of us cheat. It is really annoying and not right. It is fine to address the From the Web: When you cheat, you are only cheating yourself. If you dont get caught, then the real shame of not knowing your major field of study will reveal itself on your job. Personally, I would rather know the information at a C level than not know it for an A. Scott Gregory problem and flaw in the Student Center, but it is not fine to pin it on the nursing students. We are some of the hardest working and moral students in the school. Next time, your paper should be more careful with who they quote and what they say so the message gets across without pointing fingers at one group of people. Thanks! Julia Krause Ypsilanti

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GETTInG IT STRaIGHT
In the article, Kids, parents get a head start at Childrens Center in the Sept. 25, issue of The Voice, Carrie McCrorys name was misspelled.
The Washtenaw Voice is committed to correcting all errors that appear in the newspaper and on its website, just as we are committed to the kind of careful journalism that will minimize the number of errors printed. To report an error of fact that should be corrected, please phone (734) 677-5405 or e-mail thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com.

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A6

October 10, 2011 of sprinkler heads on a system. When a new system is put in place, like a new subdivision or in the colleges case, brand new buildings those variables change completely. A change in water density in turn makes for a lower water pressure. Initially, the buildings were manufactured without certain measures to accommodate these changes, causing an issue 40 years in the making. Had the buildings been designed correctly, to accommodate the pressure, this would be non-issue, Flowers said. When we renovated the Henry S. Landau Building, we had to replace the entire fire suppression system because it was inadequate. The reason the buildings were purposely built to accommodate lower pressure was because the college originally had one source for its water: the City of Ann Arbor, and more specifically the Washtenaw Avenue and U.S. 23 pipeline. This is where the true water pressure inefficiency lies, according to Flowers. When the college was built, The soccer field is just one of those circumstances. With the quick-changing weather in Michigan this time of year, when its difficult to accurately forecast a frost, grounds personnel needed a one- to two-week window with no play to allow the seed to germinate before freezing temperatures hit. The drainage on the fields didnt help either. We have a lot of clay on this campus just generally, Flowers said. Clay is not a soil material that drains very well. Rain plus clay equals a muddy mess. For now, plans are to move both soccer teams to Community Park for practices and reschedule soccer fields in nearby facilities for games. We are working on plancurred. We havent figured out if an assault happened or not, said Derrick Johnson director of community engagement There have been some inconsistencies in the stories as to when the incident happened and where, as questioning has continued, which has delayed the investigation. That information wasnt released until 2 p.m. on Thursday, leaving students in the dark for nearly an entire day. I would like more details about what happened, said Jennifer McMillan, 18, from Ann Arbor, a liberal arts major. Its definitely concerning, considering I walk alone to my car after class.

News
Ann Arbor Township had not yet been established. After the township had been established and took control of the line, which is still fed by the city, the township mandated that because the pipe was old there would need to be another line put in that feeds the college. The old Washtenaw Avenue-U.S. 23 line would then only feed water through at a rate of 65 percent PSI, due to various breaks within that main line over years of wear, tear and high water pressure. From there the college requested that the line be bumped up to 95 percent PSI to adequately feed all the systems properly, Flowers said. The request was denied. They told us it wasnt going to happen because the pipe was old, he said. Any break would be at the expense of the college. A higher-pressure water system would eliminate all of WCCs water woes. Meantime, multiple valves and vaults have been put underground to slow down the water pressure to ensure that main breaks do not occur, ning ahead for next year to schedule some of the maintenance in, Leshkevich said. Meanwhile, administrators will meet next week to schedule a maintenance plan in advance to avoid another short season. Intramural soccer has been postponed until next semester. And the lacrosse team practice is being moved to the out fields of the baseball and softball field. We are trying to balance those two areas out so they dont get the extreme wear and tear that the soccer field got, Leshkevich said. Although an opening date for spring hasnt been determined, Flowers suspects the soccer field will be back for play in the end of April or the beginning of May. Other students were not as concerned about the incident. Im sure if I was on campus I would be more worried about where it was, said Jill Bourbonais, 18, an undecided major from Hartland. While Bourbonais wasnt overly concerned about the issue, others in the community are on edge. A string of sexual and physical assaults have recently hit the downtown Ann Arbor area and residents have been cautioned to be on high alert at all times. WCC has encouraged all staff and students to follow these same guidelines. Several telephone calls to the Campus Safety and Security office went unreturned. Flowers said. More recently, the 24-hour watch, which required at least one person to be present in the building at all times to literally watch for fire, has been dropped to an hourly watch. The reason: the colleges proposal for a new water pressure pump house that will ensure that water pressure stays at the appropriate level of around 50 PSI, according to Flowers. That pump has been approved by the WCC Board of Trustees, and is slated for completion by the end of the year.

The Washtenaw Voice

The Washtenaw Voice

COMPUTER CLUB FROM A1

News
also show students how to do everything from dismantling equipment to measuring voltage. Lewis works closely with Washtenaw Community College computer lab assistant Dennis Kilgore, who has been doing CTU work on his own ence. For 35-year-old Jacob Brabbs, a computer security and networking student and the clubs president, the CTU is more than just a learning experience, it is a unique extracurricular activity. We consider ourselves to As new to the campus as they are, Brabbs said that the CTU has already fixed a handful of computers or laptops, and have even fully repaired three whole computer systems, which they have donated to students. Fixing, cleaning and repairing computers aside, the most exciting thing the students have done so far, Lewis said, is building the large network mainframe hub, housed in the Technical Industrial building, which exists solely for the clubs benefit Its fully functional, and weve been building it for a while now, Lewis said. The school doesnt use it. Its just for us. It helps our students get real experience learning how to secure a new network. But what Lewis and his students are most proud of is the fine-art installation hanging in his small office. Inside a glass case, Lewis has a run-

October 10, 2011

A7

OE FIRE WATCH FROM A1

cording to Damon Flowers, associate vice president of Facilities Management. Any time a renovation is underway, the water pressure will drop as it is re-routed, Flowers said. In these cases, the Office of Fire Safety, a national fire prevention association, has put that renovated building under a fire watch. Seven months ago, the agency ordered a 24-hour fire watch be in place for the building, citing its low water pressure as a cause for concern. Yet the problem is nothing new, by a long shot, and is fairly common with all new or renovated buildings, Flowers said. Its not that we dont have fire-suppression systems, or that they dont work, we just have a lower water pressure, Flowers said. The colleges fire-suppression systems were initially designed for a certain density of water, Flowers said. The calculation of that density depends on everything from the diameter of the pipes or the number

Whitworth to be honored in OE re-naming ceremony

Matt Durr
Editor

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

The OE building has several fire extingushers set up in the hallway.

Former Washtenaw Community College President Larry Whitworth will return to campus on Sunday, Oct. 23, when the college renames the Occupational Education building in his honor. Im very, very deeply honored, said Whitworth, when asked how he felt about the renaming of the building. The OE building renovation was one of the last major projects that Whitworth saw to completion before leaving office in August after 13 years on the job. The $13.7 million project was close to Whitworths heart; he was a major supporter of the occupational education programs during his tenure at WCC. The ceremony will be by invite only from 2-3 p.m.,

when the actual ribbon-cutting will occur. The building will then be open to the public from 3-4 p.m., where there will be self-guided tours of the facility and faculty and students will be on hand to help show off some of the new additions for each department. Refreshments will be served, and all are invited.

students fix their computers, was born. The club started during the Summer semester, using donated parts from students, staff members or friends of the groups core members, and now allows anyone with computer issues large or small to have it fixed free of charge. Not only do we fix things, but were learning how to do it right in the process, he said. We have students building complex networks, learning how to secure them, how they are compromised. We just want to help anyone who needs help. While the clubs parts are limited based on the amount of donations they receive throughout the semester, if a student needs replacement software or hardware, odds are Lewis and company have it. In addition, the club will

We consider ourselves to be WCCs Geek Squad, better than the Geek Squad from Best Buy.
~Jacob Brabbs
since he was employed at the college. Weve been doing it on and off for about 10 or 11 years now, said Lewis, who has held positions in computer networking all over the country and with big computer security firms before becoming an instructor at WCC in 2000. But with this club we have an extreme crossfire of experibe WCCs Geek Squad, better than the Geek Squad from Best Buy, said Brabbs, from Ann Arbor. We want to be there for people who share the intense focus on computers. Were open to anyone, whether they know a little bit already or not. We want to give students an outlet for what they are learning here.

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

ning timeline of the computer processor history. Starting from the earliest micro-processor to the most recent incarnations of DVD discs and other miscellaneous hardware, Lewis considers it to be fine art. We had a Saturday meet-

Members of the Computer Trauma Unit Club, back from left: student Doug Jarvis, lab tech Dennis Kilgore, instructor James Lewis, student Tony Nader; kneeling from left, instructor William Reichert and student Jacob Brabbs.

ing and had students put this together, Lewis said of his creation. We still have more work to do on it, but students will stand here and stare at it. They understand this stuff, and we have a good time learning it.

WhitWorth

ATHLETIC FIELDS FROM A1

time. Of that time, from July 11 to Aug. 19, the soccer field was used from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday by local community soccer camps renting the facility, according to Patrick Downey, conference services manager. For Peter Leshkevich, director of Student Development and Activities, this is just a growing pain for the new fields and the Club Sports program. The field has been getting quite a bit of play, more than it did in past semesters, Leshkevich said. With the new Club Sports program, its in an infancy stage so we are trying to learn as we go.
ASSUALT FROM A1

Interested in a Pharmacy Career?

If you are interested in a career in Pharmacy, this is your chance to learn and become acquainted with the Pharmacy Tech program at WCC and careers that need a four-year degree.

When: Wednesday, October 19 , 2011 11am-1:30pm

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

th

Where: ML 105-120

Careers in Marketing and Sales and Health Insurance Companies, Managed Care Organizations, Community Pharmacies, Retail Drugstores, Public Healthcare Services or the Armed Services, College Faculty, Teaching Classes and Performing Research in a wide range of areas.

Lacrosse players practice on the soccer field. The soccer field was abruptly closed last week.

Our campus is supposed to be a safe place. When we come here, we should feel safe, Foreman said. They (WCC officials) need to let us know details and if I want to know about it, I should be able to find out. Finding out what exactly happened during the assault has those inquiring minds running in circles. According to the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Department, the assault was still under investigation, but the incident was not violent in nature and investigators are trying to determine whether or not an actual assault even oc-

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Students built a professional-quality server, which they will later learn to defend from hacking attacks.

Contact the Student Resource and Womens Center at (734) 677-5105 to make your reservation now.

Nearly three out of four of Americans (74%) personally know someone who is a survivor of domestic violence.*

Washtenaw Community Colleges

834 friends on Facebook? Wow. 128 followers on Twitter? Nice.

Fall Job Fair!

99 percenters Occupy Ann Arbor

14 people in your accounting class? Perfect.

Thursday October 13, 2011 10:00 am-12 noon Great Lakes Bldg., Room 202

Come listen to a Panel of Professionals including:

Pittsfield Township Department of Public Safety Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney

Reserve your seat by calling 734-677-5105 (Lunch provided to the first 30 people to register) Washtenaw Community College SRWC

Approximately 25 technology related companies will be attending to speak with job seekers regarding positions within their organizations.
Tuesday, October 18th 10am2pm Morris Lawrence Building Free of Charge to Enter! For more information, contact Employment Services (SC287) at (734) 677-5155.

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

A crowd of more than 100 people gathered in the Diag at the Univeristy of Michigan listen to a group of speakers in support of the Occupy Wallstreet movement. TESTING CENTER FROM A1

but when you look at the numbers, the amount of students who come in to test on Sundays is significantly lower than the rest of the week, Vaughn-Bellow said. As a non-traditional student in the past, she said she can definitely empathize, and maintains that WCC always puts the needs of the students ahead of all else. Which explains why the college is reconsidering its policy. I havent heard the complaints directly, said Linda Blakey, associate vice presi-

dent for Student Services. But I have heard of the complaints from certain individuals, and I am currently working directly with the testing center to try to find a way to open the Center again on Sunday. These words may be of little comfort to students who have Saturday classes when the Testing Center is actually open. Sunday is the only day I have available, said Sara Viland, 29, a physicians assistant major from Ann Arbor. Its a pain. I have to go on Friday after work. The general consensus

seems to be in opposition to the Sunday closings, and there has been some talk of faculty pushing for the Sunday hours to be reinstituted. I havent heard the complaints myself, but its on the agenda for our general faculty meeting (last Thursday), said Jen Baker, president of the faculty union. I think Vice President Blakey will be speaking to the faculty about the changes for the Testing Center. Sundays is significantly lower than the rest of the week, said Vaughn-Bellow.

15th Judicial District Court Probation Agent

Visit us.

Take our virtual tour anytime at www.udmercy.edu/virtualvisit.

Alternatives to Domestic Aggression/RENEW SafeHouse Advocates

OCTOBER
is

We want great things for you. udmercy.edu/great

A survivor of domestic violence

DOMEsTiC ViOLENCE AWARENEss MONTH

*Allstate Foundation National Poll on Domestic Violence, 2006. Lieberman Research Inc., Tracking Survey conducted for The Advertising Council and the Family Violence Prevention Fund, July October 1996

A8

October 10, 2011

News

The Washtenaw Voice

Despite weather, Cars and Bikes on Campus attracts large crowd of gearheads
Jael Gardiner
Staff Writer

The Washtenaw Voice Section B

Midnights Stadium

October 10, 2011

When Daryl Zemke wanted to learn the tools of the trade to spruce up his car, he came to the auto body program at Washtenaw Community College. At Cars and Bikes on Campus, he brought a clone car of a 1982 Camaro, the type featured in the Indy 500. Whenever there is a racing car made, clones are made, said Zemke, 65, from Ann Arbor. Enough so that each Chevy dealer can buy just one. The atmosphere at the car and bike show on Saturday, Oct. 1, was pretty laid back. Orchard Radio was playing songs like Smoke On The Water and people were sauntering through rows and rows of vehicles. Everyone kept their jackets pulled tight; there was

a chill in the air. And there were cars of all sizes, and even a big, green fire truck came to campus and gave people rides up in its basket. One car even had a stuffed man standing next to it with two small stuffed dogs at its feet. This is the first year Ive worked here, and this is the best turnout weve had so far, said Russ Torp, 22, an autobody repair student from Ypsilanti. All the proceeds go to the scholarship fund. Even for students who dont have cars themselves, this was still a great opportunity to come out and support friends and family. Its amazing just to see everybody here, said Laura Stubbe, 20, a nursing student from Belleville. My dad has a photo album of all the cars hes ever owned.

Car enthusiasts loved telling the stories behind their cars. One of the more unique vehicles was a purple and pink Scion that had a Hello Kitty stuffed animal sitting atop it, and other Japanese characters on the windshield. This is a car that Tohnya Mccall has only had for two weeks, but has still put some time into. I just wanted something newer, a new theme, a new style, said Mccall, 25, a nursing student from Ypsilanti. This is the second show its been in. I just love showing it off. People who arent students had just as much fun showing off their cars. Steve Kulakowsky is fiercely proud of his car and its custom paint job, which required 25 layers of paint. I took first place in class

at Autorama. said Kulakowsky, 51, from Gibralter. It was painted by Chuck Miller, who did a car called The Red Baron. One of the highlights of the show was the way that the motorcycles were put to the test. The motorcycle Dyno shootout was the competition in which motorcycles were each brought in and subjected to tests that could determine the limits of each. It can also simulate various weather conditions such as temperature. Were one of the few institutions in North America that has an enclosed dynamometer. said Ross Gordon, the interim dean of Vocational Technologies. We let the public come in and test their motorcycles to win an award. People sat behind the sectioned-off enclosure and

watched through the glass as motorcycles would be taken in one by one and revved up while a screen above showed the stats of each motorcycle. As each was roaring inside the small room, it was revealed onscreen how fast it was going and a chart at the end showed all of the information for the bike that was tested. For those who had never been to campus before, seeing this machinery was an experience. Its pretty wild. I didnt know this equipment was here, said Dennis Russella, 59, from Dearbon Heights. There were awards given to the winners of categories such as Best of Show, Best Custom Car, and Best Import. There were trophies awarded in over 15 categories, and the trophies were on display for most of the show.

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

An aisle packed with comic books at Stadium Comics, located on Golfside Road between Washtenaw Avenue and Clark Road.

Comic shops survive, thrive on loyalty

Managing Editor

Ben Solis

JAEL GARDINER THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Daryl Zemkes Indy 500 clone car that was on display at the auto show.

Curtis Sullivan remembers the day he first began to appreciate the intelligence and strength of Conan the Barbarian. Across the county, a teenage Mark Fenwick was reintroducing himself to his collection of baseball cards. I started out like most kids

and collected on and off, said Fenwick, owner and operator of Stadium Comics and Cards. Then I got into high school and discovered girls and all of a sudden the card world didnt matter as much anymore. Fast forward some 30 years later, and the iconic name of Fenwicks Ypsilantibased Stadium Comics and Cards is a piece of local nerd

history that has stood the test of time. Originally a stamp, coin and trading-card shop located in Wayne, Stadium offers hundreds of newly released comic books and trading cards, as well as vintage gems that harken back to the golden age of comics and cards.
JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

COMICS CONTINUED B8

A selection of graphic novels at Vault of Midnight, located on Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor.

the Gunder Myran building with some of their projects on display, such as printed bags, shirts, cards and other unique Jael Gardiner projects printed on a variety Staff Writer of surfaces. This class took place for the first time over George ODonovan was the Spring, but it has already shocked when he looked over gained a lot of popularity. at the local news while he was Learning on such a basic brushing his teeth and saw his level is something that most Washtenaw Community Col- designers dont get to do, lege screen printing teacher ODonovan said about his on the TV screen. class. Ironically, the class barely The class took place during the Spring semester, and ran last semester due to low was taught by Tim Gralewski. enrollment; 12 students regStudents in this class have a istered and only 10 ended up display on the Garden floor of taking the class. Those who

New screen printing class pushes edgy art

did want it to run again. The low enrollment allowed students to get more time to print. This is a process that is used in the graphic design industry, and it can help make students more employable. Alan Traxler gained a lot from the class, and said he plans to continue to use these skills. I know that Ill be using it throughout the rest of my career, said Traxler, 26, a graphic design student. Some of my pieces will be in my portfolio. Besides boosting their portfolios, the students loved the class despite its early

start. It was at 8 a.m., but it didnt matter because it was really fun, said Crystal Minor, 20, a graphic design student from Howell. It was a really good class. The teacher was perfect. Students also enjoyed learning the design process and seeing it through to the end. They learned to print on surfaces that cant be shoved through a printer. I think having this class has helped me as a graphic designer, ODonovan said. I
SCREEN PRINTING CONTINUED B4

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

The ladder of a fire truck owned by the Ypsilanti Firehouse Museum extends to 150 feet, and offers a sweeping view of the car show.

A customized 1960s Ford Econoline sits on display in front of the Occupational Education building.

WCCs auto programs rev while others stall

Jael Gardiner
Staff Writer

For Nathan Campbell, Washtenaw Community Colleges Automotive Service program has a lot to offer. He began at the electronics program at Mott Community College in Flint, but wasnt satisfied with what the program had to offer. He decided to come to WCC to get his training instead. I was unhappy with the electronics program, said Campbell, 21, of Ypsilanti. From what Ive seen so far, this place is gearing me up for going out in the field. Near the Motor City, it is surprising to think that any community college would think to close their auto programs. However, Mott is planning to do just that,
JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

with a proposed plan to shut down its auto body repair and painting programs because of dwindling enrollment caused by a lack of job opportunities. Some WCC students dont believe there will be many jobs waiting for them when they graduate. Nevertheless, Cody Horstmann still enjoys working on cars. There are plenty of people in the program, said Horstmann, 18, from Ann Arbor. Interest in the area is down. It probably wont help me get a job, its just interesting. Other programs are closing at other schools, too. There are several other community colleges that dont have automotive programs, such as Schoolcraft College. An admissions and enrollment employee said that there has never been an

automotive program at that college, and it wasnt believed that it would be a very popular program. However, Henry Ford Community College has several different programs in the automotive area, such as automotive service and several types of automotive technology. Wayne County Community College District has an automotive program, too. Enrollment has increased since last semester, it definitely has, said Noshen Anwar, a constructional technician at HFCC. Theres other jobs in the auto-body industry; its not just repairing accident damage, said Michael Duff, faculty auto services professor. Some of them will work for prototype places that will crash the car, then they have to take the car apart. All of the

automakers have to crash the car and make sure its crashworthy. WCC has recently rewritten its auto-body program and is now offering training with alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles. Duff thinks that there are jobs that students can get in the auto industry, although it might not be strictly fixing cars that have been in accidents. Its pretty good for the price it costs, said Austin Johnson, 18, an auto mechanics student from Ypsilanti. Getting the most for the amount paid for this program is important to students here. Duff guessed that there were several hundred students in auto programs, while Mott was struggling with only a handful of graduates over the last few years.

A print on an alternative, textured surface by Shannon Kuchera.

An Indy 500 Camaro Pace Car, with the hood open to show its powerful engine.

Check out more pictures from the car show online @ washtenawvoice.com

A screen print by Jakob Trombley across a friends back.

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October 10, 2011

THE CIrcus Bar

Come for the bluegrass, stay for the party
continue to expand the parameters of their music and strengthen the artistic statement for a modern audience. Its not your grandaddys bluegrass, Sicheneder said. We call ourselves, bluegrassfolk rock with a shot of Irish whiskey. That pretty much says it best. Situated above the Millennium Club on South First Street, in downtown Ann Arbor, The Circus Bar has seen many themed events and nights come and go within its walls. Featuring rock, hip-hop, rhythm and blues, rockabilly, techno, dub-step, and even country in the past, the diverse music on tap at the Circus Bar is not its only draw. Its a combination of things, Easton said. Really good music is of course number one, but we also offer free pool, popcorn and admission. Our drinks are priced reasonably, but we can mix fancy cocktails if thats what someone orders. People dont have to spend a lot of money here, but they can if they want. Thats important during a recession. Eric Huston, 25, from Ann Arbor has been enjoying the roots-rock experiment for eight months. Journeying to The Circus Bar, clad in flannel, to dance, drink, and enjoy the music with his friends, Huston sees the Circus as just another piece of the Ann Arbor experience. The bands always sound really good, Huston said. I try to come at least twice a month. Its really the local flavor. Story and Photos by Adrian Hedden
Staff Writer

Culture Sync

The Washtenaw Voice

The Washtenaw Voice

Sports
Detroit sports fans have a lot on their menus
Editor

October 10, 2011

B3

Three more coaches added to Club Sports rosters

Anna Fuqua-Smith
Staff Writer

Pass the remote, the games on

Matt Durr Ive been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My earliest memories of going to a sporting event date back to when I was 5 years old and my family went to go see the Detroit Tigers play the hated New York Yankees. At the time neither team was very good, and it was a meaningless game in the middle of the summer. Fast forward 22 years later and the same two teams were playing for something a lot more important: a birth in the American League Championship Series; which got me to thinking. Has there ever been a better time to be a sports fan in Michigan? Besides the accomplishments of the Tigers, the Detroit Lions are 4-0. Let me repeat that, the Detroit Lions are 4-0. Ill be the first to admit, I didnt think it was possible for the loveable Lions to get off to this good of a start. Not to mention the excitement of two historic come-from-behind victories to help propel them to their first such start since 1980. With Monday Night Football broadcasting live from Ford Field tonight, Ive never been more proud to be a Lions fan. Detroit may claim to be a baseball town, but clearly the success of the Lions has trumped an outstanding season for the Tigers. The same Tigers that reached the playoffs for first time since 2006. The same Tigers that feature one of the best all-around players in Miguel Cabrera, and the best pitcher in baseball, Justin Verlander. The same Tigers who ran away with their first Central Division crown. And the same Tigers who bounced those hated Yankees from the playoffs. But it gets better. Here in Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan football team once again started the season 5-0 and was ranked No. 12 in the latest Associated Press before this paper went to print.. The Wolverines are in the process of rebuilding their once-proud legacy and have put together a strong first half of the season. Led by Heisman Trophy candidate Denard Robinson, U-M has the country turning its football eyes toward Ann Arbor once again. Up in East Lansing, Michigan State is still a force to be reckoned with despite losing to Notre Dame early in the season. The Spartans are a contender to win the Legends division of the Big Ten if they can get by Nebraska. And this coming weekend, MSU plays host to Michigan and the Spartans can run their win streak to four straight against their in-state rivals. Oh, and perennial Stanley Cup contending Red Wings just opened their regular season, and once again the winged-wheel is expected to be a force this NHL season. Superstars Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg make every game a must-watch with their highlight-reel plays and this could be the final season for future NHL Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom. Every night seems to feature a game with some sort of important implication. Whether it be a playoff matchup or a season opener, sports fans are experiencing an onslaught of athletic overload that is a welcomed changed from autumns past when we were forced to wait for April in the D.

When Nick Easton, a native of Southern California, opened the Circus Bar in 2003, the experiment had just begun. Constantly at work trying new concepts to draw the public through his doors, Easton has always enjoyed the freedom of his job. Its one of the main advantages to having your own business, Easton said. Were always trying something different to see what works. After eight years of exploration, starting out with just a mere, solitary juke box, Easton may have finally found what hes been looking for. Our slogan used to be: Come to the circus, home of the singing jackasses, Now were quite a draw, Easton said. Hosted every Wednesday, starting at 10:30 p.m., Bluegrass Night at the Circus has developed a dedicated following in just three short years

Don Sicheneder, of Romeo, plays guitar and sings lead for Dragon Wagon.

as it packs the bar every week. Attributing its success to a large roots-rock fan base in Ann Arbor, Easton is glad that he has found a genre that the town, by large, has embraced. We seem to have hit a nerve with Bluegrass Night, Easton said. I think its because we got a lot of children of hippies around here. Bluegrass really took off. We expect about 300 people most of the time. Beginning with a posse of local bluegrass and roots-rock outfits including the Bearded Ladies, Black Jake and the Carnies, and Dragon Wagon. Easton is always on the hunt for remarkable talent to grace his stage. Right now were getting quality bluegrass bands from all over, Easton said. Weve seen a lot of talented people here. Since Bluegrass Night began, Dragon Wagon, of Ann Arbor, has seen continued success. Taking its bluegrassfusion with folk rock and Celtic influences on national tours throughout the Midwest, the band has seen the appeal of its panache take shape at many well-known music festivals, such as Electric Forest in Rothbury, Mich. last July. Theres a huge roots-rock music scene on the national scale, said Don Sicheneder, guitarist and vocalist for Dragon Wagon. But the Circus Bar is kind of our home gig. Founding the band with mandolinist Troy Radkin, of Hartland, Sicheneder hopes the bands unique blend of traditional rock leanings will

Almost a month into the newly revamped Club Sports program, most sports are already off to a great start, and competing in local recreation leagues. While some teams will remain student-run clubs, such as lacrosse, cricket and cross-country, others are being led by new coaches, including: Ron Callison womens softball After retiring in 1999 as a health and physical education teacher from PlymouthCanton Community School District, Callison has been enjoying his retirement by doing what he loves playing softball. Before retirement, Callison coached boys and girls softball for Plymouth-Canton Schools. He also teaches pickleball, a paddle game on a mini-tennis court, for the Ann Arbor Public Schools. He and his partner recently won the pickleball gold medal in the Senior Olympics. Over the next year, Callison is hoping to get as many students involved in softball as possible. Its a great opportunity for students to become athletes as well. Its an opportunity to make lifelong friends, he said. Many of the people that Ive played sports with are my great friends today. Callison is in the process of recruiting players, and Erica Lemm, club sports coordinator, is confident he will be able to field a team by spring. Ron is the only coach who doesnt have a full team yet and hes doing an amazing job trying to get there, Lemm said. Everybody who has come and shown interest in softball, he has put a phone call into. leyball, Lemm said. I think he was the perfect person for the job because hes a great For Tan, coaching a com- role model. They really undermunity college mens volley- stand him." ball team presents several challenges. Korrine Miller Right now, we have a team womens soccer that has a wide variation of skills, from A-Z, he said. Soccer has been a part of There are men who have nev- Millers life since she was five er played organized volleyball, years old. and there are men that have Miller, now 29, of Ann Arplayed in an organized set- bor played at the club sports ting. level at Western Michigan Originally from the Philip- University, where she majored pines, Tan, 31, of Ypsilanti, has in broadcast cable production been playing in leagues wher- and minored in journalism. ever he could, including a stint Since then, shes been in Chicago for a couple years. coaching four- and five-yearFrom Chicago, Tan ended olds in Pittsfield Township back up in Grand Rapids play- and subbing for teams out of ing two-on-two and six-on-six Wide World Sports in Ann Artournaments while teaching a bor. course in volleyball at Grand And Lemm has already takRapids Community College. en note of her enthusiasm for For now, Tan is working to- the team. ward bringing the team to the Shes so energetic. I think same level so it can compete thats what the womens soceffectively. cer team will need, Lemm My goal is to get them said. By her coming in with a playing near the A level, Tan lot of energy, it will help keep said. I believe by the end of these players around. the season, we can get there. For Miller, coaching the Last week, we just played one team on the value of open of the best teams in the league communication is her main and we beat them. goal. And Tans efforts havent This college has never gone unnoticed. Lemm has had a womens soccer team, taken note on how difficult and so this is our first go Tans job could be due to the around, she said. I want the varying skill levels of the team. girls to keep their priorities Doug has a tough job be- like school and family at the cause most of his players have forefront. If they do that, evnever played organized vol- erything else will work out. Doug Tan mens volleyball

Dragon Wagon performs for an enthusiastic audience at the Circus Bar on Sept. 28.

U-M looks to regain state supremacy

But will Little Brother MSU relinquish its stranglehold?
Matt Durr
Editor

Diana Ladio, of Chelsea, plucks her fiddle and sings during the Dragon Wagon concert.

A2s Blind Pig: still writing musics history

Adrian Hedden
Staff Writer

At The Blind Pig, one of Ann Arbors most storied attractions for local and touring musicians to perform at, the aromas of beer, popcorn and hardwood floors instantly greet patrons at the door. Visitors are engulfed in the Blind Pigs fumes as they wander from wall to wall, inspecting the large collection of historical, music memorabilia on display remnants of mythical past performances at the venue and bar on South First Street in downtown Ann Arbor. As far as The Blind Pigs staff is concerned, the Pig is the epicenter of Ann Arbors burgeoning music scene. The Blind Pig is the only

rock venue in Ann Arbor, said a sound technician at many of The Blind Pigs shows who would only be identified as Wolfie. If you wanna hear rock music, you gotta come here. First built in 1901, the Blind Pig has gone through several changes in management and function over the years, taking its name from one of its shadier bygone purposes. It used to be an illegal speakeasy during the Prohibition Era, Wolfie said. Theres a lot of history here. Hell, Jimi Hendrix played downstairs. With prestige running high due to its historic concerts, the Pigs booking manager, Jason Berry, is well aware of his venues national reputation as the pull for big acts.

Renowned Brooklyn rapper Talib Kweli, is scheduled to pack the pub with his group Idle Warships on Oct. 28. Our name rings out to New York. Were pretty big on the hip-hop touring circuit. Berry said. But the city itself is the biggest advantage. Enjoying the capture audience of Ann Arbors surrounding college campuses, Berry, like his technician, is firm in his belief of the Blind Pigs musical monopoly on Ann Arbor. Its the only place in Ann Arbor to bring big tours, Berry said. Many up-and-coming acts are taken here as a test by their agents to see if they got what it takes. The Blind Pigs position as a stepping stone for new talent to break themselves in on a large scale is revered across Ann Arbor. When Nick Geil, a nuclear engineering major and the social chair of the Triangle Fraternity on U- M campus, decided to raise funds for Habitat for Humanities, he looked no further. Over the summer, I really took charge of the fundraising and decided to organize benefits of our own. Habitat is our nationally associated charity,

so we want to raise money for them and hopefully get a build date, Geil said. We wanted to have a concert for our friends to play, and the Blind Pig is the place to go in Ann Arbor. Dubbed Trianglepalooza the concert featured five local bands ranging from funk to garage rock and ended the night with electronica DJ, Wakeless. Drew Hill, 20, of Ypsilanti, felt honored to play on the same stage as many of his heroes. The MC5, the Stooges, those are some of my biggest influences, Hill said. The coolest part about it is that theyre from right here! Urging fellow Ann Arborites to enjoy the Blind Pigs concerts as he has for more than 30 years, Dick Whaley, 52, host of Grey Matters on WCBN Ann Arbor, respects the diversity and sees the end result as being a vast multitude of quality concerts. Twenty days out of the month, you get really great bands coming through here, Whaley said. They keep an open mind and definitely see music as an expansive and intellectual art-form. Its got character; you cant beat that.

Hip-hop finds a home in Washtenaw County

LUPEFIASCO.COM COURTESY PHOTO

Lupe Fiasco will be performing at the EMU Convocation center on Nov. 5.

Adrian Hedden
Staff Writer

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Left, the sign above the front of the Blind Pig on South First Street in Ann Arbor. Right, Zac Lavender sings at the Blind Pig on Sept. 30.

An increasingly robust thirst for hip-hop in Washtenaw County has drawn numerous acts and performers in the genre to seek gigs here. Jake Lemanski, 18, a business major from Ann Arbor, explains this by simply referencing the mammoth popularity of the music amid youths at the college and throughout Washtenaw County. Theres enough kids here to support it, Lemanski said. Its really popular to students. Several bars, clubs and performance halls have taken heed to the recent mainstream preference as several high-profile hip-hop and rap shows across the county are planned for later this fall. Jason Berry, booking manager at the Blind Pig in downtown Ann Arbor believes hip-hop to be his clubs main attraction. An Oct. 28 performance from Brooklyn rapper, Talib Kweli and his group Idle Warships, is projected to sell out. Hip-hop and rap is really big here right now, Berry said. Weve got an ungodly amount of huge acts this fall. Talibs show may be our biggest. Marcia Szabo, assistant director of marketing and events at Eastern Michigan Universitys Convocation Center, scheduled a gig from Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco with one thing in mind: sales.

Our goal is to sell out, Szabo said. We book artists that we think will fill seats. With maximizing ticket sales as her mission, Szabo looks to the popularity of Fiasco and the affection communally shared for the rapper at EMU. We all love Lupe, Szabo said. We think he will be a positive show for our community. Washtenaw County has previously seen a gradual increase in the number of nationally touring hip-hop artists taking the stage at local bars and college campuses. Evan Grayson, a 22-year-old, pharmaceutical science major from Ypsilanti, sees the craze as having been sparked by a performance from New Yorkbased rapper, Jay-Z. Its gotten bigger ever since that Jay-Z concert last year, Grayson said. Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti is for them a whole nother market for them to showcase their performances. Orchard Radio, Washtenaw Community Colleges performance arts radio station, recognizes the popularity of hip-hop amongst their listeners. One part-time DJ, Katie Ferguson, 19, of Howell, broadcasts from 8-9 p.m. on Thursdays and harkens to successful past events featuring hip-hop music, such as last years Spittin in the Mitten. When we play it, its popular Ferguson said. Hiphops great.

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

New lacrosse club recruiting members

Anna Fuqua-Smith
Staff Writer

Lacrosse players swarm the goalkeeper at a team practice on the new athletic fields.

For recent high school graduate Carl Baker, having a lacrosse team at Washtenaw Community College is an essential part of his educational experience. Baker, 18, an undecided major from Dexter, has taken on the task along of bringing the ancient sport to WCC with two fellow students, Ryan Hunter and Cameron Green. Green, 21, of South Lyon, an automotive service major, is very excited about getting the team off the ground and says the group is working hard to recruit members. We are doing whatever it takes, Green said, sporting a shirt that says Do you want to play lacrosse? The students have also started hosting clinics on Mondays beginning the week of Sept. 26. Were going to show players who are inexperienced that maybe dont know the game as much as they would like to, Hunter, 27, of Ann Arbor, a po-

litical science major. We want to show the basics of the game so when they come out, they wont be so new. The students are setting up tables around campus in the next few weeks to get the word out, and theyve started a Facebook page. We are hanging up fliers, carrying our gear around to spark questions and conversations about the game, Green said. For Baker, lacrosse plays an important part into his daily routine. I love the mental awareness, the attention to detail you need to play this game, Baker said. And so much of what you learn in lacrosse, you can apply to daily life. And thats something he hopes to promote and establish once the team is off the ground. Erica Lemm, Club Sports Coordinator is already recognizing how hard the three students have been working to make the team come alive. I schedule drop-in lacrosse, and theyve been doing what-

ever they can do to promote it, Lemm said. Whether its Welcome Day, setting up a table at the student center or sending out emails, they are getting involved and trying to recruit in every way possible and I definitely applaud them for that. If they can recruit enough members, there are leagues around and we would definitely find something for lacrosse, Lemm said. For now, Baker, Hunter and Green are encouraging all skill levels to come out on Wednesday nights to practice from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the athletic fields. We want to teach and mentor so when the spring comes, were ready for recognition (from club sports), Hunter said. Each of these guys have experience through high school and on, Lemm said. Its a good group and they are willing to take and teach anyone the game.
For more information on the lacrosse team and other club or intramural sports, visit SC 118.

on fire with his electric feet and big-play ability. However once Big Ten play started he For years the University was wildly inconsistent and of Michigan football program became largely one-dimenwas the premier college in sional as a QB. MSU was the the state for top high school first team to beat the Wolverfootball prospects looking for ines last year and did so by a place to continue their ca- keeping Robinson in check, forcing him into three interreers. But for the last three sea- ceptions and just 84 yards sons, the Michigan State Spar- rushing. Robinson will have tans have made their case for to protect the ball better and supremacy, having won the use his feet as a weapon if last three matchups between U-M has a shot at winning the game. the in-state Big Ten rivals. This year, with Michigan ranked No. 12 in the Oct. 2 Associated Press Poll, the Wolverines travel to East Lansing Will the MSU offense be to visit the Spartans hoping to able to put up points? While the Spartans have reclaim their standing. As the reigning Big Ten rolled over lesser opponents champions, a title it shares in Central Michigan and with Wisconsin, MSU entered Florida Atlantic, they strugthe season with expectations gle to put up points against of repeating as champs. De- Youngstown State and manspite an early season loss to aged only 23 points combined Notre Dame, MSU can still against tougher opponents in win the Legends Division and Notre Dame and Ohio State. play for a conference title in Both of those games were on the first Big Ten Champion- the road, so maybe the Sparship game on Dec. 3 in India- tans will benefit from some napolis. home cooking. Watch for wide The Wolverines, mean- receiver B.J. Cunningham and while, entered the season running backs Edwin Baker hoping to restore their legacy and LeVeon Bell to power the as one of the top programs offense. in the country. U-M was 5-0 before playing Northwestern this past weekend (The Voice went to print prior to that Will the defenses keep matchup) and has given fans it up? hope that this season will reEntering last weekends mind them of seasons past play, the Wolverines were tied where it dominated MSU. Pri- with MSU as the No. 3-ranked or to 2008, U-M had won 10 of teams in terms of points althe previous 12 matchups. lowed per game. While this is With the two teams set not a surprise for MSU, which to collide this Saturday, The was expected to have a good Voice breaks down the five defense, it is for U-M. Last things to watch for in this game. season, U-M was unable to play consistently on the defensive side of the ball, and so far this year that problem Can U-M quarterback De- hasnt resurfaced. Not only nard Robinson be effective are the Wolverines a top team in all aspects of the game? in scoring-against, they were Last season, Robinson also tied for fifth in turnover set the college football world margin with a plus-seven

through five games. The Spartans have proved they can keep Robinson in check, but this is their chance to show that it wasnt a fluke.

TWO

How will U-M react on the road? The Wolverines have only won three conference road games over the past three seasons and the Spartans have only lost three conference home games over that same span. U-M has to prove it can go on the road and win a big game before anyone will take their comeback effort seriously, and this Saturday provides that opportunity. While there will no doubt be some maize and blue in the stands, this will be the most hostile atmosphere U-M has faced so far.

FOUR

THREE

Which team gets off to the better start? Both teams have come out flat in a majority of games this season. Michigan didnt score a single first quarter-point through the first three games. MSU has only scored 17 firstquarter points all year. With both teams featuring seemingly potent defenses, it will be pivotal for these offenses to get going early before the defense has a chance to get comfortable. While U-M has been better since week four at scoring early, a regression into their past habits could be costly.

FIVE

PREDICTION:
This game comes in the middle of a tough stretch for MSU, which is coming off a bye week. Despite the extra preparation, Michigan wins a tough road game 27-20.

ONE

JONATHAN KNIGHT THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Vincent Smith runs for a touchdown in Michigan's 58-0 victory over Minnesota.

B4

October 10, 2011

Culture Sync

The Washtenaw Voice

Michigan Mud
Ceramic creations on display at WCC
Hundreds of ceramic artisans put their creations on display last weekend at the annual Michigan Mud conference of the Michigan Ceramic Art Association. The biennial event brings together more than 300 members. The conference featured sessions on ceramic techniques such as glazing and surface treatments. Artwork was on display in the Student Center building and the Liberal Arts and Sciences building. On Friday and Saturday, there were demos by several artists, along with a wheel, throwing and clay play activity.

AIM HIGHER

the computer. They had to get up and get their hands dirty used to be impatient, but now with ink. I know everything that the There were many unique printer is doing. We learned screen prints during the class, how the ink reacts and how such as printing on T-shirts, the surface reacts as well. wood, bags, towels and even Graphic design students human skin. Their last asgot the opportunity to do signment was to print on an something more hands-on alternative surface. during this class. While they The whole class looked still spent time designing at him and said what? said with a computer, they also got ODonovan. They printed the opportunity to carry out across her back. It came out the entire process and screen really well. print it. Jakob Trombley brought I love working with my a girl to class and printed on hands, Traxler said. Its nice her back. Skin was a good surto do something besides star- face to print on because mising at a computer screen. takes could easily be removed The students did things and he could try again. There like printing on Plexiglas, is a picture of a bat on the printing on wood, metal, womans back in the display things like that, Gralewski case. said. Students got out from It was definitely a good
SCREEN PRINTING FROM B1

experiment, said Trombley, 20, an animation student from Whitmore Lake. Our last project had to be an alternative surface. Some people wanted to print on metal, and I thought skin! This was also an experiment for the faculty who helped to get this class going for the first time. It didnt always go smoothly, and it was a learning experience for everybody involved. Basically, this is the first time for everything, said teaching assistant Toko Shiiki-Santos. The biggest thing was figuring out what we needed to do. This process is even being incorporated into other design classes around campus, and the class will most likely be offered again.

Ready to take the next step?

Find out why so many community college students advance to Wayne State University. Join us at our open house. Saturday, Oct. 29 9 a.m. - noon openhouse.wayne.edu

Ceramic art creations on display on the LA buildings first floor at the conference of the Michigan Ceramic Art Association last Friday and Saturday. A work by Megan Dooley featured next to other ceramic pieces at the show.

The Kettering Advantage

Scholarships up to $15,000 Transfer friendly

PHOTOS BY JAEL GARDINER

A shuttle drivers burning desire to come back to WCC

Managing Editor

Driving the dream: a labor of love

Ben Solis When Lori Clark, a new Rynearson Stadium parking lot shuttle driver, was taking classes Washtenaw Community College a year ago, she got a sneak peek into her sons life. Each morning, she picks up students going to and from the auxiliary Rynearson Stadium lot and the college and wishes she could step off the bus and go back in to attend class. But parking in the bus loop is currently as close to WCC as she can get. Unlike other drivers contracted with Golden Limousine Inc., Clark and WCC share an interwoven history that goes past her days as a student. Both of her sons attend classes at the college; her husband Joe Clark was an instructor in the schools auto body department. Yet her seemingly normal life was turned upside down six years ago, when her husband passed away and Clark was left to fend for herself. I needed to go back to school to get a job, she said, recalling her initial struggle to put food on the table for her two sons Nicholas, 24, and Alexander, 18. It was then that Clark, 46, completed her GED and went on to take classes at WCC in human resources management. All that was left was to find a decent job. Then, miraculously, Clark had a vision that would lead her to the service she provides today, in the form of a very different type of golden limousine a big yellow school bus, No. 90 to be exact. I had just considered dropping out of WCC and was kind of lost, she said. I was driving up to Lincoln High School to pick up my sons work permit, and I saw bus No. 90 come up over the hill. I thought, God that looks fun. It was like something was telling me thats where I needed to be. Almost overnight, Clark was driving a bus for Lincoln Consolidated Schools, and has been for the last four years. But even with employment, the financial burden became too great, and Clark was forced to drop out of college last year. I really wanted to stay at WCC, but I had bills that had to be paid and financially I couldnt stay, she said. And when her youngest son decided to go to WCC this semester, Clark was again given another sign. Now she moonlights on the Rynearson shuttle in between her busdriving gig and motherhood. My youngest son tells me that I only started the shuttle to stalk him, she said, remembering the experience fondly. While Clark misses stalking her youngest son and leaving her eldest I love you notes on his car, what she misses most are the day-today struggles of being a student.

Balancing life is hard enough, and then throwing school in there, it gets tough, she said. When I was going to WCC, it was only mandatory to gain employment if I had an associates degree, and now its gone as far as that you need a bachelors degree. So here I am, a drop out, but not because I want to, but financially I have to keep what I have. But I would love to find a way to blend school into that. And although she is helping to provide students the much-needed relief to campus parking, Clark said that every day at work is a sadistic tease. The first day I started, it was very emotional, and although Im a part of it, I cant be in school at Washtenaw, she said. Its like the whole world is locked out of my reach. When I went to Washtenaw, it was like I was needed there. Sometimes I didnt want to leave. But until that day comes when Clark can find a way to return to the college of her dreams, her services are duly needed by students every day. A couple of days ago, a young lady rode my shuttle, and she had forgotten something in her car, so she needed to go back, Clark recalled. So she was saying she was having a bad day and I said Well get your book and everything will all better. And Clarks advice does not come heavy handed. She speaks from experience.

Transfer Information Sessions

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 4:00 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2011 6:00 p.m.
A totebag printed by George ODonovan.

DROP-IN SPORTS CALENDAR

when
basketball Thursdays, 3:305:30p.m. until Oct. 27 Thursdays, 56:30 p.m. until Nov. 17

Schedule an appointment for your personal consultation by contacting:

Roger Smith, Associate Director of Transfer Admissions rsmith1@kettering.edu 800-955-4464, ext. 7865

where
WCC Athletic Fields

flag football

Community Park

INTRAMURAL SPORTS SCHEDULE

when
coed cricket practice coed lacrosse practice Mondays, 4:306 p.m.

Classes start in October and January.

where
WCC softball field

Learn more. Experience more. Achieve more.

800-955-4464, ext. 7865

Kettering University
flint, michigan admissions.kettering.edu/transfer

Wednesdays, 5:307p.m.

WCC softball/baseball fields

B6

October 10, 2011

Mediaphile

The Washtenaw Voice

The Washtenaw Voice

Play

October 10, 2011

B7

Dream House: Daniel Craig is finally crazy

Adrian Hedden
Staff Writer

RATING PG13 RUN TIME 92 MINUTES

wandering, along with Craig, from scene after scene. Craigs psychosis, accented by dank and depressing light filters, and complimented by standard eerie strings, makes for an uncomfortably mysterious plot. At first happy and satisfied with his perfect life, Craig quickly jumps down the emotional totem pole to a depressed, delusional loser that nobody wants around. As he wanders, red-eyed and disheveled through a quiet neighborhood seeking answers, Craig takes audiences to new levels of voyeuristic suspense. Dream House is driven by Craigs performance. The once-beefy secret agent from the most recent string of James Bond films, Craig diminished his sculpted look and became a scared, hunched and traumatized little man, achieving more range than ever before. With plot twists abound, and an over-acting supporting cast to bounce hysterics off Craigs stoic resolve, Dream House provided a canvass for the hero to downplay his brawn and finally, with disturbingly realistic results, portray a nut.

After transferring to a new job to be with his family, successful magazine editor Will Atenton, played by Daniel Craig, feels like hes got it made. Spending more time with his family in their new, spacious, New England abode, Atentons life seems too good to be true. And it is. Turns out, Atenton is not who he thought he was. His real name is Peter Ward. Accused of murdering his family, Ward has been a violent

patient at a medical facility for the past five years. His job transfer was really his release due to lack of evidence. Convinced that he didnt do it, Ward sets out to get to the bottom of this terrible development in his once-perfect life. Ive got to find out who killed my family, Ward exclaims, when he hears the shocking truth about his identity. Even if its me! Set to a dreary landscape of a desolate suburbia in the chill of fall, Dream House, opened on Sept. 30, and left audiences wondering and

Nothing small about Moneyball

Matt Durr
Editor

MOVIE

RATING PG13 RUN TIME 133 MINUTES

ways of finding and developing talent. His staff, however, is stuck in the methods of old baseball, and cannot see the error in the franchises dated ways. After a chance meeting with Peter Brand (played by Jonah Hill) at a trade negotiation with members of the Cleveland Indians, Beane recruits Brand to help introduce a new method of player evaluation to his club. The pair works tirelessly, pouring over obscure statistics in order to find the best value for a player at any particular position, while the old staff members fight to preserve their way of doing things. For those familiar with the story, the film does a wonderful job of tying in real-life footage of the events while sticking to the main focus of the film. Pitt and Hill play well off each other and despite some awkwardness early in their relationship, the duo form a tremendous bond while sharing their love of the game. The film delves into Beanes past as a player and his personal life, including his relationship with his daughter. The classic tale of David vs. Goliath, Moneyball is a great sports-themed movie that appeals to both men and women. The remarkable story of how a small-market team tries to reinvent baseball out of necessity is charming and unbelievable. Directed by Bennett Miller (Capote) and written by Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network,) Moneyball is an entertaining journey that reminds us that money cant buy everything.

Based on a true story, Moneyball, is the film adaptation of Michael Lewiss book of the same name. Brad Pitt stars as Billy Beane, the General Manager of the Oakland Athletics who is forced to rebuild his team after it loses its three best players to free agency after the 2001 season. The Athletics are a small-market team and cannot afford to pay for large contracts, so Beane and his staff must look for new

When dope has been replaced by a new, wonder-pill, the consequences can be deadly and un-dead. A brand-new comic from Voice Managing Editor Ben Solis and artist Frances Ross.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY FRANCES ROSS THE WASHTENAW VOICE WRITTEN BY BEN SOLIS THE WASHTENAW VOICE

For last weeks answers go to washtenawvoice.com

MOVIE

CONGRATS!
(to us)
1st place General Excellence
Michigan Press Association October 2011

Bridesmaids for guys? Yep.

Matt Durr
Editor

RATING R RUN TIME 125 MINUTES

comedy and R rated material to enjoy. Wiig (who also wrote and produced the film) stars as Annie, a woman whose best friend Lillian (played by Rudolph) is getting married. She has been asked to be the maid-of-honor. Unfortunately for Annie, she has to compete with the snobby and devious Helen (Rose Byrne) in order to prove who is a better friend with Lillian. On top of the problems with the wedding, Annies personal life is a disaster. Her business has just closed, her roommates are unbelievably difficult and her love life is complicated at best. Jon Hamm, (TVs Mad Men) plays Ted, the man who calls Annie whenever he is in need of a booty call. Annie questions this relationship, especially after meeting Officer Nathan Rhodes (Chris ODowd). Rhodes and Annie strike up an odd relationship which is much different than her relationship with any other man in her life. The other bridesmaids really keep this film on the comedy track with some vulgar and hilarious banter between one other. Melissa McCarthy (TVs Mike and Molly) steals the film as Megan, the sister of the groom. McCarthy plays her character perfectly as a tough girl who doesnt apologize for who she is and what comes out of her mouth. Bridesmaids was great in theatres, but with added unrated content, deleted scenes and gag reels as special features, this package gives viewers plenty of reasons to own the DVD. If buying movies isnt your thing, do yourself a favor and rent Bridesmaids.

1st place General Excellence

Michigan Community College Press Association April 2011

MCT COURTESY EDITORIAL CARTOON

2nd place Best in Show

Assiciated Collegiate Press, National Conference October 2011

When I sat down to watch Bridesmaids, starring Saturday Night Live star Kristen Wiig and former SNL cast member Maya Rudolph, I was skeptical. I was told the film was a romantic comedy that guys would enjoy. Two hours later, my doubts had turned into glee. Bridesmaids is exactly that, a romantic comedy that guys will find funny. That was in May, when the film was in theaters. Now that the unrated DVD has been released, there is even more

Crossword

MOVIE

Classifieds
Students and WCC employees: Classified ads in The Voice are free. Local business owners: Looking for help? Post your free help wanted ads in The Voice. Send ads to thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com.

Deadline for the Oct. 24 issue is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18.

help wanted
Classic Cup in Ann Arbor seeks experienced servers for mornings and afternoons. Apply in person at 4389 Jackson Rd. Village Kitchen Restaurant in Ann Arbor seeks experienced grill cooks, full-time and part-time. Top pay. Apply at 241 N. Maple or phone (734) 995-0054 Anthonys Gourmet Pizza seeks cooks and drivers. Apply at 1508 N. Maple, Ann Arbor, or phone (734) 213-2500.
network proposals and implement proposed solutions; excellent written and verbal skills; presenting technical solutions to prospects with PowerPoint, Visio, or other visual aids; and excellent knowledge of WAN protocols and network security solutions. Full-time position in Commerce, Mich. Afternoon and/or Weekend Shift Managers (2378496) This is a hands-on working supervisor position being responsible for assisting and supervising the work of all staff on duty during the shift (up to 8 staff members). You will also be responsible for insuring prompt courteous service as well as a fun, comfortable, safe atmosphere for customers of all ages. You must be a happy, fun, people person who enjoys working with the general public. No experience necessary. Full or part-time positions in Ann Arbor. Baristas for Morning/Afternoon Shifts (2378683) Seeking applicants who have an outgoing personality, possess good communication skills, perform well under pressure, pay close attention to detail, are able to work individually and as a team to exceed customers' expectations and produce satisfying results for customers under extreme time constraints. Previous coffee shop experience preferred. Part-time position in Canton, Mich. Sales Associate (2379595) Footware store seeks applicants who can assures an instore experience that exceeds the customers expectations by: prioritizing customers first to assure they are greeted and provided the level of service desired; maintaining visual standards consistent with company guidelines; processing shipments and completing tasks as directed and communicating and acting upon maintenance and repair needs. Part-time position in Canton. Office Assistant (2379604) To work under the direction of the campus director and be the first face of our organization to all visitors, students, alumni and staff and is responsible for providing exceptional customer service. Responsible for creating a welcoming environment by preparing for scheduled arrivals, greeting each person, and paying attention to and anticipating student needs. This position interacts closely with other campus teams to provide warm transfer" of potential and current students. Also provide support to all departments, order supplies for class starts and distribute information to staff. Full-time in Redford. Front Desk Clerk (2380017) This position involves providing guest service working the front desk of the hotel. Flexibility to work either the 7 a.m.-3 p.m. or the 3-11 p.m. shift is preferred. Weekend and holiday availability are required. Accounting/math skills desired; previous hotel experience preferred. Full-time position in Ann Arbor. Guest Service Representative (2380337) Responsible for product sales, responding to guest inquiries, answering phones and supporting promotions and marketing events. Must have strong selling background, general mathematical and effective communication skills, be computer literate, able to multi-task and work a flexible schedule including weekdays, weeknights, weekends and holidays. Part-time position in Ann Arbor. Resident Care Aides/Nursing Assistants (2380807) Seeking part and full-time hard working, reliable, caring students that have experience as a nursing assistant/resident care aide either in an assisted living retirement community or a nursing home. Computer Support Specialist (2380890) Installs, maintains, analyzes, troubleshoots and repairs end-user computer systems, hardware and computer peripherals. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Provides technical assistance to computer users by answering questions or resolving computer problems for clients. Documents, maintains, upgrades or replaces hardware and software systems. Provides assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, email and operating systems. Part and full-position in Northville. Automotive Research Technician (2381413) Understanding of vehicle exterior and interior parts. For example: tire sizes, suspension, lighting, seat adjustment, etc. Must be very detail oriented, and able to work in a fast paced environment. Applicants must know Photoshop, possess good lighting skills, and Flash. Must have excellent computer skills and basic knowledge of Excel. Must be available to travel outside the United States. Full-time position in Ypsilanti.

21 a triumph for pop and Adele

Managing Editor

ARTIST ADELE ALBUM 21 LABEL COLUMBIA

Take It All are excitingly operatic. Some songs are hiphop in nature, while others harken a neo-folk vibe akin to India Arie. Yet the sums of its parts are not greater than the albums whole. What makes it work is that all the songs are arranged musically and physically on the album to represent a larger theme: heartbreak is crippling, but can be mended with time and grieving. Its obvious that Adele is still grieving, but what is more important is that she has allowed us to walk that journey with her, something Gaga and others refuse to do. What is so astonishing about 21 isnt just the integrity of the music, it is the fact that physical copies of her album are actually flying off the shelves. For the first time in about five years, a ballad Someone Like You has topped the charts and has stayed there. While remixes have been made, mainstream radio stations and listeners actually prefer the piano-accompaniment-only album version instead. Clearly, through 21, Adele has tapped into something special. It isnt good marketing, and it isnt a popular production team. Adele has tapped into herself, and the results are breathtaking.

Ben Solis

The dull and rusty blade of cutting-edge pop music hasnt been sharpened since the mid1990s. Even with recent industry shakeups created by Lady Gaga and others like her the novelty hasnt shown listeners anything new. And if anything, it has left a stale and bitter taste in the mouths of those who are less concerned about flash, and are every bit more concerned about finding universal truth in the music they are consuming. It begs the question: Is it really too much to ask for emotional fidelity in pop music?

Sadly, the answer is yes. Breaking the mold isnt enough anymore; its about building a new machine from scratch. Adeles 21 is the blueprint for that greater piece of musical architecture. And she didnt build it with glitz; she did it with honesty. That is the one quality in character that separates the singer-songwriters newest album from anything that has been released this year. Its completely unclassifiable, and yet has a clear genre or mix of genres depending on which song you are listening to. Rolling In The Deep and Rumor Has It are all rock n roll. Turning Tables and

Across white as snow 1 Its fleece was

for rent
1, 2 or 3 Bdrm apartments across from EMU campus on AATA bus lines 3 & 7 to WCC. Visit www. aymanagement.com, or phone (734) 482-4442 or (734) 483-1711.
Following is a sample of recent employment want ads that have been posted with WCCs Employment Services Center. For more information about these ads, contact Employment Services at (734) 677-5155, or visit SC287 to review the complete posting. Network Engineers (2377859) Entry to senior-level network engineers needed to aid in designing, deploying, and supporting our customers networks. Minimum requirements: Remote troubleshooting and diagnosis of network connectivity issues; working with a variety of customers and vendors (some technical some non-technical); must be able to communicate technical jargon to non-technical people; research and design work for new opportunities; develop

You can blink Neighborhoods is a bore

Managing Editor

ARTIST BLINK 182 ALBUM NEIGHBORHOODS LABEL INTERSCOPE

with Cure band leader Robert Smith on the bands last selftitled album. Neighborhoods, Blinks latest album released this year, is the logical next step for the band, jumping off of their ambitious last album. The only problem with Neighborhoods is that it lacks depth and its executed poorly. Synth heavy and rough-around-the-edges, Blink is clearly trying too hard to expand its sound, as the band finds itself experimenting on hopelessly unfamiliar ground; the kind of careless chemistry that usually blows up large nuclear facilities and major metropolitan areas like a neighborhood. The album does have some redeeming qualities, and Blink deserves credit for at least attempting to find something different by way of its teeny-bopping legacy. Yet the changes are forced, rushed and even premature. Blink has lost touch, not with its audience, which is evident by the bands ability to stay in the game; even worse Blink 182 has lost touch with itself. By growing up too fast, the boys have locked themselves into perpetual puberty, and not even Robert Smith can help them become men.

Ben Solis

The main symptom associated with late 90s pop-punk is that anyone making the music or listening to it didnt have to grow up. The whole genre, manufactured to prolong evergreen, prepubescent angst and loathing in postadolescence, offered nothing more than an avenue for pretty boys with guitars to seem deeper than they were. With the advent of postpost-hardcore yes, this is a genre the pop-punk scene has become less about powerchords and cut-time drum-

ming and more about tattoos, girl-pants, screaming and ripped-off Metallica riffs. And if the music didnt follow that path, it went even further into 80s style Goth rock, which can rarely ever be emulated properly. Blink 182, one of the more affluent and popular of the sissy-punk sound, has chosen to trek down the latter trail. They could have done it with their eyes closed: both Tom Delong and Mark Hoppus have openly shared their affection for bands like The Smiths, Joy Division and The Cure, and have even shared a one-time sonic collaboration

career note:
If youre a technology related student/alumnus, plan to attend WCCs Fall Job Fair, focusing on technology opportunities on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For assistance in preparing for the Job Fair, sign up for a Job Fair Prep Workshop: Tuesday, Oct. 11, 4:30 p.m., or Wednesday, Oct. 12, noon. Contact Employment Services at (734) 677-5155 for more information.

ALBUM

5 __ Sutra 9 Go with the flow 14 Pastoral verse 15 Pink-slipped 16 Ladies man 17 Nicolas of Adaptation 18 Got ones uniform dirty, maybe 19 Mississippi, e.g. 20 Understand how things are done 23 Many frozen dinners are high in it 24 Taker of vows 25 Def Jam genre 28 Native American group 31 As plain as day, e.g. 33 Tax pro 36 Places to see links 38 Friend 40 Cancn uncle 41 36-Across opening 42 Simple floral garlands 47 Fair-hiring initials 48 Forensic facility 49 Spy wear 51 S or oui 52 Do-favor link 54 Broadsided 58 Stage name of Ehrich Weiss, for whom the ends of 20-, 36- and 42-Across were props 61 Wife of Abraham 64 Long, long time 65 __ Three Lives: TV oldie 66 Michelangelo figure 67 Pear variety 68 Charity 69 Suisse peaks 70 Like an animated Pea? 71 Cold-cock

Down gets the last ones 1 The home team

2 Herseys A Bell For __ 3 Nearer, __, to Thee 4 Messed up 5 Former Asian state known for goat wool 6 Wheel holder 7 Golda of Israel 8 Supplement 9 Poison in some whodunits 10 Kids book connectables 11 GPs gp. 12 Gently stroke 13 Place for a ring 21 Racetrack surface 22 Door sign 25 Go through energetically, as drawers 26 1966 Michael Caine title role 27 Pasta topper 29 Little Women woman 30 Pioneering computer 32 Letters before nus 33 Tea leaves holder 34 Wood shaver 35 Fake name 37 Slinkys shape 39 Fashion monogram 43 Steinway alternatives 44 Trucker with a handle 45 Never 46 Elephant Boy actor 50 Alaskan brown bear 53 Iraqis, usually 55 Nabisco brand named for its flavor 56 The Penguin, to Batman 57 Playground retort 58 Cant stand 59 Ouch! 60 Fire truck item 61 Mineral spring 62 Feel sick 63 Workout unit

ALBUM

B8

October 10, 2011

52
Managing Editor

Culture Sync

The Washtenaw Voice

REASONS TO

LOVE HATE THE NEW DC COMICS UNIVERSE

the renumbering, which has put all 52 issues back to Issue No. 1. The costumes are different, and even some of the characters origin stories have been rearranged to allow more freedom in terms of storytelling. For fans sick of reading up on 40 years worth of old and outdated continuity, the renumbering is a blessing. And while some readers were initially skeptical of the New 52, single-issue sales have shot through the roof, selling out titles that had been sluggish for years. Times are tough for comic book companies, and events like these build hype fast. The characters are drastically younger some look to be in their late 20s which makes for younger audiences and a new generation of fans. Yet DCs reboot may have tricked both faithful and wideeyed readers alike into an ongoing, event-sized marketing trap. Over the past 30 years, the company has periodically set forth a concept called Crises, which has shifted, fused and recreated hero timelines for the sake of good storytelling. These events are not only hard to read and often boring, but they take away sales from more impressive titles. If DCs new plan is to run another year-long Crisis event without labeling any of the titles by that name, we have all been pathetically duped. Only time will tell if the renumbering and hype was worth the money and energy spent reading each of the 52 titles, but for now, the stories are a triumph even if on merit alone.

Ben Solis

Comic book continuity and hero origin stories are among the most sacred pieces of history to any geek and hobby nerd. But sometimes the continuity of these grand, fictional universes can get messy as in absolutely cluttered. This mess can be caused by everything from too many sidekicks or the reoccurring deaths and rebirths of well-known characters. For newer fans, the task of catching up on 40-50 years worth of story arcs and events can be time-consuming and expensive.

Luckily for fans and haters alike, some companies are willing to take certain risks to ensure that their readers will stay throughout the disarray. With Detective Comics New 52, that risk has paid off in spades. Jumping off from a fivepart event entitled Flashpoint, the entire DC universe has been delicately rebooted with 52 new titles and a renumbering of longstanding icons like Action and Detective Comics both books had reached issue No. 900 shortly before

Paying top dollar for cheap thrills around Halloween

For Hannah Stadelman, going to multiple haunted houses throughout the fall season is essential to her Halloween experience. I go to do something with friends and to get the pants scared off me, said Stadelman, 18, of Ann Arbor, a culinary arts major. And shes not alone. Many thrill-seeking students have no problem paying anywhere from $25 to $100 in a single night to be placed in a real-life fright flick. Im a fan of horror movies. But movies just dont do the job anymore, said Kyle Clegg, 19, of Ann Arbor, a film production major. Im willing to pay $20 if I travel to more than one place, with some freaky music and fog. For some, its not just about getting scared or replacing the cheap thrills o of a horror film. Its the interactive
Staff Writer

Anna Fuqua-Smith

THE STORY
Now that each of the 52 No. 1 issues is on the stands, the overall story line has been, to some extent, revealed. In this new timeline, an unnamed alien threat that has attacked the Earth before, has deliberately twisted the timeline of this new DC universe. According to lore and a mysterious red-hooded woman, the three former Crises were all attempts to weaken DCs heroes in continuities past. Each attempt had failed, but the glowing, cloaked woman promises that this time the invasion shall not be foiled. The splintering is evident: some characters dont know why they are superheroes and some no longer wish to have super powers at all. Superman is emotionally fed up with his responsibilities, Bruce Wayne has let his demons go for a change and Green Lantern Hal Jordan has been stripped of his powerful ring. If this womans words are true, this time the invasion might be successful after all.
COMICS FROM B1

STORIES THAT WOWED

While each of the New 52 issues brought its own special flavor to the universe, these are the stories that absolutely blew the others out of the water. The Savage Hawkman: This story deserves the highest merit. It was innovative and perfectly showcased the brooding contempt certain heroes have for their powers. Action Comics: Writer Grant Morrison can be either hit or miss, and with Batman he often struck out on the regular. But with Superman, Morrison brings raw emotion to a usually flat and predictable character. Justice League: The introduction for the entire New 52 line. Set five years before any of the main titles, JL gives readers a redefined look at how its favorite heroes formed DCs superteam. Swamp Thing: This title reintroduces one of DCs citadels. Again, the idea of heroes waking up from what seems like a bad dream is told in full force here, and the artwork is fantastic. Batman - The Dark Knight: As a huge Batman fan, I am sad to say that Detective Comics and Batman both did not live up to the high standards and expectations for the character. This title, on the other hand, is a great mix of the dark and brooding 80s and the altruistic 90s versions of the character.

side to the experience that brings Phillip Sohoza, 29, of Ypsilanti, a photography major, back for more. I go to shoot zombies with a laser or a paintball, he said. And if you dont shoot them, they eat you and game over. While a lot of students are perfectly content to spend big bucks this Halloween, some are leery for fear of disappointment.
FREAKS CONTINUED C2

Fenwick first started working at the shop when it was back in Wayne, and was hired purely on a good business strategy, according to Chad Thornton, an employee at Stadium and the shops resident comic guru. During the 1980s in the sports-card boom, people were bringing them in and selling them and the owner started buying them and buying them, Thornton said. Eventually Mark was buying them from him and the owner knew that Mark knew what was going on, so he ended up hiring him. While he enjoyed being close to the action, Fenwick eventually had to go to college. Graduating from Schoolcraft College with a business and marketing degree in 1990, Fenwick had to make a tough choice about his lifes work and ambitions. I said either I can get a real job or keep doing what Im doing here, and thats when I decided that the time was right to branch off and start my own store, said Fenwick, 44, of Canton. That store became the iconic Stadium shop, located on Golfside Road, and has been in business for 20 years. Fenwick chalks his success up to dedicated customers and reaching out to younger audiences. Comic customers are very loyal, he said. They keep coming back if they know youll have their comics and if they can get them on time. For younger kids, Topps

(Trading Card Company) will send me hundreds of cards for kids who bring in good grades on their report cards. Well give them a free pack if they do well. Fenwick always tries to pay attention to what classes they are taking, in hopes that by striking a conversation, the children will stay on as loyal customers. Thats the idea. Usually, not always, but usually the kids wont bolt as soon as they get their free pack, Fenwick said. Theyll stick around and get a binder or plastic sheets for their cards. Hopefully we can turn them into customers. Curtis Sullivan, co-owner and operator of the downtown Ann Arbor shop Vault of Midnight, the business process is similar. Vault has been located on Main Street since 2005, a prime spot for walk by traffic, said Sullivan, 38. We have people who walk in and say Oh my God, there are this many comic books? Sullivan said. Im never offended by it. Im just trying to turn them on. Both Stadium and Vault share a healthy working relationship. If one shop doesnt have what a customer is looking for, they send that customer to either shop. Those guys are rad! Sullivan said about Stadiums Fenwick and Thornton. Im from the area and used to shop there when I was a kid. While both shop owners said that their target audience is adults, they are both happy that younger readers are coming in.

The meaning of Halloween, Please?

We had a kid come in after karate class and was totally amped about picking up the new Superman No. 1. Its just awesome, Sullivan said. Its 2011, and a kid is still getting excited about a single-issue book. Its phenomenal. Situations like these are a blast from the past, Sullivan said, and remind of his early days as an all-around hobby nerd. Its like when The Death of Superman hit the stands, he said. There were lines around the block. People were skipping school. It was crazy. Im happy thats still happening. Anne Duffy
Staff Writer

ILLUSTRATION BY HAFSAH MIJINYAWA

A selection of art from the covers and pages of recent Action, Detective, Superman and Batman: The Dark Knight comics.

Halloween: A holiday that is evil and crime ridden or fun and festive with spiritual reverence for the dead? The meaning of this holiday is what Im trying to figure out. Sometimes I just think Halloween is stupid and downright dangerous. Other times I feel the spirit, and it seems fun. This is one holiday thats all over the map with feelings both far and wide. There is so much mystery behind Halloween and how it got to be what it is today in America: a highly marketed holiday that is one of the most profitable but also the most dangerous. According to a history of Halloween documentary on the History Channel, the ancient Celts, my people, celebrated Samhainpronounced Sowenon Nov. 1, the end of the harvest season and the coming of the dark of winter. They held ritualistic bonfires to honor those who had passed in the last year and believed that on this day the veil between the living and the dead was thin and souls would roam the earth. The Celts devised ways to appease certain unfriendly spirits.

Animals enjoy tricks and treats, too

Anne Duffy
Staff Writer

They would parade out to the edge of their villages in masks and costumes and leave food and sweets as offerings to keep the spirits away from their homes. I suppose this gave way to the costumes and trick-or-treating as we know it today. The church denounced Sowen as evil centuries ago, and many churches and Christians still believe it to be evil today. However, I see many Christians letting their children go trick-or-treating and participate in this holidays events every year. Apparently, the fun of the season and parents wanting their children to fit in with others overrides their religious convictions. I get it. Its a family and community holiday. As a parent, its novel to dress your child up and show their costumes off to all of the neighbors. There are many parties, games and gatherings for little kids. And who wouldnt want candy given to them in copious amounts? Even for adults its exciting and creative to dress up and pretend to take anothers identity on for the night. But that often encourages people to behave in ways they wouldnt normally. The evil side of Halloween: setting fires, break-ins, poisoned candy and razor blades in apples, stranger danger and wild teen and adult drinking parties where people get into all sorts of trouble. The list goes on and on, but I digress. And Im still confused. Really, what is this holiday about anyhow?

Downtown Main Street, library can be spooky places

Anne Duffy
Staff Writer

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

The Vault of Midnight storefront (top). A wall of relatively rare comics preserved in Vault of Midnights basement (bottom).

The Humane Society of Huron Valley is sponsoring a Muttster Mash Bash, a Halloween party geared for children ages 4-12 years old on Oct. 22 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Youngsters can enjoy a scavenger hunt combined with a trick-or-treat maze through different stations while learning about animals, getting a face painting, watching magic tricks, hand feeding a dog and making crafts toys for a cat. We are really excited to have the kids in the community come in, said

Karen Patterson, the humane educator on staff. Patterson said children can sit down with the HSHVs Mascot, Happy the Hound, for professional pictures. Happy the Hound is kind of like a Santa Claus. The Muttster Mash Bash is part of a new program that Patterson spearheaded in June that develops community projects for youth to encourage compassion, care and respect towards animals.
Tickets for the Halloween bash are on sale at the HSHV or online at http://hshv.org for $3 or $5 at the door.

The Main Street Area Association is putting on the 11th Annual Halloween Treat Parade in downtown Ann Arbor on Halloween Day from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Families can walk the streets begging for candy from store owners. Participating downtown stores will have black and orange balloons outside their doors from Ashley Street all the way to Fifth Avenue and from William over to Washington Streets. It is such a feel good day downtown, said Maura Thomson, executive director

of MSAA. Even if you dont have children, its a great people watching day. A lot of adults and store owners dress up. We will have well over 50 businesses that will participate. Our sidewalks will be packed with little kids. Last year, nearly 700 children attended. Main Street Area Association always partners with The Ann Arbor District Library. The library is hosting two spooky stories hours, one at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. on the same day. So for families you can take your kids downtown and go to a story hour at the library, which is always important, said Thomson.

C2

October 10, 2011

Freaks Frights & Fears

FREAKS FROM C1

The Washtenaw Voice

Horrific Haunts to explore this month

Ive been to some pretty bad haunted houses before, Stadelman said. Its either because they are too small to feel like you accomplished something by being scared, or it was really super-amazing and it was worth spending the money. There isnt a happy medium. Standing in line for these haunted houses is comparable to a ride on the best roller coaster. People will wait at Cedar Point and they pay to get in to have fun. To me, getting scared is fun, Stadelman said. For Fred Tondreau, 30, of Westland, a radiography major, going to a haunted house is an escape from reality. Its better than doing drugs, he said. And safer.
Anne Duffy contributed to this report.
For more information on area attractions, visit http://bit.ly/12maeg

Crypt of Carnage in Westland

Nathan C lark
Staff Writer

Krazy Hildas Barn of Doom, Saline

Chuck Denton
Staff Writer

With three haunted houses opening so close together, Westland is a city that should not be ignored. The Crypt of Carnage opens for six nights of terror and one day of friendly monsters for all ages. After seven years of operation, this year promises to be the best yet with many terrifying fan favorites from years past and some new frights. For children and the weak of heart, the crypt will be having a friendly monster event for children 12 and under on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 4-6 p.m. There will be no scares, the lights will be on, there will be free candy for children, and the first 100 children will be given a free miniature pumpkin. Admission to the friendly monster event will be one nonperishable food item that will be donated to the Salvation Army.
WHAT
Crypt of Carnage

Career-focused.
Transfer-friendly.

Voice staffers previewed several haunted houses in and around Washtenaw County. Here are some of the freaky few that made the cut:

Chelsea Feargrounds
Chuck Denton
Staff Writer

The haunting around Chelsea will be bigger than ever this year after local fear-mongers moved their headquarters from an eight-room haunted house to the Chelsea Feargrounds. This will be a Hollywood-quality show with custom animatronics, said Paul Jameson, of Reanimation Services. Jameson teamed up with Jeff Londos to form Reanimation, and together they have many years of experience creating stateof-the-art Monster-Tronics attractions. Our goal is to immerse people into the haunted environment like they have never been before, Londos said. Innovators in Haunt Technologies, they will be rolling out wearable animatronics costumes, toilets that come alive and bite, and sensory impressions that will tingle every nerve. You will experience sights, sounds, smells, lighting and more, said Jameson.
WHAT
Chelsea Feargrounds

When you see the Saline cemetery, make a quick left on Monroe and hit the gas. Youre just a few miles away from Krazy Hilldas Barn of Doom and Colemans Field of Fear Corn Maze. Once there, you must get past the blue-eyed guard goat, Obi. The horns are real, so dont test him. Obi is a nice kid and usually stays in his pen. If you want to get on his good side, feed him. While the children run the Animal T rain, Hay Hide, Corn Maze or the Barn of Doom, you can relax over some hot cider and fresh farm-made doughnuts. Krazy Hildas offers two levels of monsters, friendly and not so friendly. We have a kick-ass haunt and we will scare the crap out of you, said Krazy Hilda. And she means it. It is rumored that the Corn Maze feeds this time of year. If all the screaming and spattering is any indication, make sure you leave with everyone you came with. We use professional actors, rather than animatronics, said Krazy Hilda. Krazy Hildas Barn of Doom is carried on in the memory of her mom, Gee Gee, who died of lung cancer three years ago. She enjoyed watching the customers reactions to being scared and helped make the props and dummies.
WHAT

WHERE WHEN

1645 Wayne Road, Westland Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 from 7-11 p.m., but will stay open as long as people are in line for admission. Oct. 22, 4-6 p.m. for friendly monster night.

HOW MUCH

$10 for adults, $5 children 12 and under, one non-perishable for the friendly monster night. Oct. 21, $1 off for any active duty service members or veterans with ID.

CHEAP THRILLS

Lots of thrills in a walk-through of this haunted house.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

(734) 837-8320

Haunted Woods, Westland

Jael Gardiner
Staff Writer

Krazy Hilldas Barn of Doom; Colemans Field of Fear Corn Maze

WHERE WHEN

12758 Jordan Road, five miles south of Saline Sept. 2-Oct. 30, Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m.; Sundays until 10 p.m.

HOW MUCH

WHERE WHEN

20501 Old U.S.12 Highway, Chelsea Oct. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-31

Krazy Hildas $13, children 10 and under $11; Field of Fear, $9, children 10 and under $5

CHEAP THRILLS

Friendly and not-so-friendly monsters; screams are free.

HOW MUCH

FOR MORE INFORMATION

(734) 429-1212 http://colemancornmaze.com http://krazyhildas.com

$17, group discounts available

CHEAP THRILLS

Smell rot and decay when walking through the graveyard; when a zombies head explodes, youll not only see it but feel the blood splatter on you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

http://chelseafeargrounds.com

Night Terrors at Wiards Orchards, Ypsilanti

Allie Tomason
Staff Writer

This is a fairly new haunted attraction, offering a walk through the woods in deep darkness, in which the ground is uneven and difficult to see. There are a few costumed characters that jump out with deadly items like a chain saw or the occasional loud scream, and one character even barks like a dog. The scene is decorated with small candles and props that hang from the trees that line the eerie path, which starts with a foreboding story about Bloody Mary. During the walk, it was so dark and difficult to see that a group of visitors wandered off the path. There were only a few people in the woods, and it was a very long walk. The ground was so uneven that several people tripped and fell. And not everyone felt scared or entertained, for that matter. One visitor commented that for the money he spent, he felt raped. Overall, there a few bridges to walk over and some strobe lighting which makes walking across the bumps and pits in the ground even more difficult. Other than that, there wasnt much else, and the entire walk takes close to half an hour.
WHAT Westland Haunted Woods WHERE 37550 Cherry Hill Road, Westland (in the woods behind Skateland Roller Rink) WHEN Opens at dusk and closes at midnight on weekends; opens at dusk and closes at 10 p.m. on weekdays HOW MUCH $15 for adults and $12 for children under 12 CHEAP THRILLS As much as a walk through the darkness can provide MORE INFORMATION (734) 326-2801

Haunted Funeral Home, Inkster

Allie Tomason
Staff Writer

The funeral director will meet you at the door, and if you are squeamish, he will unexplainably put you at ease before leading you to your final fate in The Haunted Funeral Home. This Halloween haunt has an immediate creep factor going for it just in its origin. Once a working funeral home, it looks calm and serene on the outside. But on the inside, terror waits. The walk-through takes about 15 minutes or so and is accompanied by the intimidation and suspense of walking through dark corridors, where monsters are lurking at every turn waiting to devour your flesh. The flashing strobe lights in most of the maze can be disorienting, and the music is loud enough to drown out the screams to the outside world, but not to quiet the fear as Get the chainsaw Charlie, is heard in the distance. According to the funeral director, all who enter dont always return, and the bloody footprints on the floor seem to serve as evidence to that fact. At $12 per person, this spooky venue is a little pricey, but worth the time and the surprise that waits at the end of the tour.
WHAT
The Haunted Funeral Home

Stand in line to enter the Mined Shaft and hear blood-curdling screams from The Asylum next door. It is enough to cause Night Terrors. In the spirit of Halloween, Wiards Orchard goes the extra mile to amuse and entertain with six, designed-to-scare attractions. This outdoor thrill park promises to thrill and chill, and it does just that. The deployment of actors, animated props like talking crypt keepers and rattling crates, fog machines and optical illusions give an authentically spine-chilling experience to those who dare to indulge. Each attraction has its own theme, which adds diversity to the haunt, and thrill seekers can purchase tickets for individual attractions or for all six. However, if making it through all of them in one night seems overwhelming and it can be then tickets can be redeemed for the remaining attractions at a later date. And if you dont happen to be a haunted-house enthusiast, there are other activities to consider, such as Scareyoke (Wiards version of scary karaoke) and miniature golf. This venue is family friendly and emulates a homey kind of feeling with its row of fire pits, perfect for gathering and taking a little breather, sipping hot cider with donuts or just hanging out with friends warming up and waiting to go on to the next fright. And the staff is friendly and helpful unless theyre trying to scare the wits out of you.
WHAT
Night Terrors at Wiards Orchards

DAYS
10 a.m. 1 p.m. FRANCISCAN CENTER LECTURE HALL Learn about MADONNA UNIVERSITY majors, minors, mission and more: scholarships, financial aid, career services and student life. Tour our beautiful campus, ask about instant admission and enjoy a free lunch!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2011

WHERE WHEN

3880 Inkster Road, Inkster Through Oct. 31: Fridays and Saturdays: 7 p.m.-midnight; Sundays: 7-10 p.m.; Halloween Night: 7 p.m. until midnight or later

WHERE WHEN

5565 Merritt Road, Ypsilanti Township Ticket office is open at 7:15-11.30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; 7:15-10:30 on Sundays until Halloween

HOW MUCH

$12 per person ($11 with online coupon)

CHEAP THRILLS

A walk through a once-operating funeral home (creep factor)

HOW MUCH

FOR MORE INFORMATION

(734) 956-2101 http://hh.hdwl.us/

$16 individual event or $32 for six events. Ask about V.I.P. package and season tickets.

CHEAP THRILLS

The Haunted Barn, Mined Shaft, The Asylum, The Haunted Hayride, Alien Caged Clowns and The Labyrinth Haunted Maze

MAJORS, MINORS, MISSION AND MORE!

100+ undergraduate programs 32+ graduate programs 11 mens & womens sports teams 13:1 student/faculty ratio 91% employment rate after graduation

We specialize in three of the top five career fields: business, technology and health. Our courses give you the skills employers want. And well transfer as many of your credits as possible even occupational and experiential credits. Keep working toward the career youve been dreaming of. We offer flexible schedules and generous transfer scholarships. Call or click today!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

(734) 390-9212 http://wiards.com

800-686-1600 | davenport.edu/livonia
Business Technology Health

Get where the world is going

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE A life-size rubber zombie lurks in a corner at the Feargrounds in Chelsea, MI.

MAIN CAMPUS: 36600 Schoolcraft Road Livonia, MI 48150 madonna.edu > Events visit@madonna.edu 800-852-4951 ext. 5339

Come visit our campus at 19499 Victor Parkway, Livonia

WE ARE MOVING FORWARD NOW

ROUTE 4 IMPROVEMENTS
Your opinion is important to us and we would like to hear it. TheRide is proposing service improvements on Route 4, serving the popular Washtenaw Avenue corridor. We need your feedback on how to make it the best it can be.

................................................................................................

We are holding a series of drop-in sessions for you to share your ideas. Please join us.

GLENCOE HILLS APARTMENTS CLUBHOUSE OCT 6 5-7PM . . . . . . . . .2201 .GLENCOE. HILLS .DRIVE, .PITTSFIELD. TOWNSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . ................................ .... ....... ..... ..... ......... ......... UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CLASSROOM #2C108 OCT 11 ACROSS FROM THE GIFT SHOP & CASHIERS OFFICE 9-10AM OCT 11 1-3PM MICHIGAN UNION WOLVERINE ROOM AB

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DOM BAKERIES OCT 12 9:30-11:30AM 1305 WASHTENAW AVE, YPSILANTI OCT 18 5-7PM

ANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY MULTIPURPOSE ROOM - 343 S. FIFTH AVE, ANN ARBOR

Talent Show Auditions Wednesday, October 12, 2011 5-9 p.m. in Towsley Auditorium Can you sing? Dance? Play an instrument? Have another talent that is sure to wow us? Showcase your skills at the Talent Show. Please sign-up at: http://tinyurl.com/SDAGotTalent Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan Friday, October 21 at 8 p.m. Power Center, Ann Arbor Only $16.50 for students! Learn more at: www.ums.org Crash Course in Money and Credit Get a handle on credit and budgeting Thursday, October 13 Noon - 1:30 p.m. SC 304 Snacks provided FREE!

Blood Drive: Save a life. Or Three! Tuesday and Wednesday, October 11 and 12 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Morris Lawrence Building Sign-up online at: www.redcrossblood.org, and use sponsor code: wcc13 Death of a Salesman Thursday, October 27 at 8 p.m. Ann Arbor Civic Theatre at Arthur Miller Theatre Only $5 for students! Tickets are on sale at the Cashiers Office, 2nd floor of the Student Center Building, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Stop by SC 112 to learn more about Student Activities!

FIND US: @CATCHTHERIDE

734.996.0400 THERIDE.ORG

UPCOMING SPORTS
Intramural Ping Pong WCC Students (18 and older please) and Employees Registration: November 7 November 15 (Register at SC 118 9 a.m. 5 p.m.) League Period: Mens on Wednesday, November 16 and Womens on Thursday, November 17 at 5:30 p.m. Location: Student Center 1st floor Cost: FREE Have some rec room fun! Join us for our first ever ping pong tournament! Intramural 6v6 Coed Dodge Ball WCC Students (18 and older please) and Employees Registration: October 31 - November 4 (Register at SC 118 9 a.m. 5 p.m.) League Period: Sunday evenings November 13 - December 11 Location: Health & Fitness Center Cost: FREE Flash back to a favorite schoolyard game and dodge your way to an intramural championship! Sign up as an individual or sign up an entire team. Rock Intramural Rock-Paper-Scissors WCC Students and Employees November 30 at 1 p.m. Location: WCC Sports Office SC 118 Cost: FREE Play the classic hand game with a other WCC students and employees rock-paper in our first ever rock-paper-scissors tournament! Stop by SC 118 to learn more about WCC Sports!

ARE YOU TRUEMU?

EXPLORE EASTERN OPEN HOUSE OCT. 15

November 21, 2011

Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, Michigan

washtenawvoice.com

Say goodbye to Ann Arbors guerilla canvas: a photographic eulogy to the Liberty Street graffiti alley. B8

Black Friday is close upon us! A special section devoted to the steals, the deals, and the post-Thanksgiving anarchy. C1

The colleges hottest acts, sexiest dancers, and most talented musicians converge for competition at the WCC Talent Show. B2

IVE COME BACK TO FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF MY ACTIONS

Counselor comes forward in 40 year-old case

COLE JORDAN SPEAKS
Read his letter to WCC on page A6

MCT COURTESY PHOTO

Cole Jordan, 67, center, known to authorities as Ronald Bridgeforth, is flanked by counsel Jason Cueva, left, and Paul Harris, right, as he speaks to Judge Lisa Novak in the courtroom at the San Mateo County Courthouse in Redwood City, Calif. Jordan, who has lived in Michigan for 40 years, working for nearly 33 years at Washtenaw Community College, turned himself in to face charges related to a gun battle with South San Francisco police more than 40 years ago.

actions, Bridgeforth said during his hearing. Bridgeforth, 67, pleaded no Cole Jordan, former aca- contest to the charges in March demic counselor at Washtenaw 1969, but did not appear durCommunity College, faces life ing his sentencing the followin prison after turning himself ing April. Bridgeforth fled the in to California authorities on country and went to Africa becharges of assault with a dead- fore returning to the United ly weapon in connection to a States and earning a masters shootout with police in 1968. degree. Jordan, known to authorities Bail was set at $25,000, as Ronald Stanley Bridgeforth, and he was expected back in appeared in San Mateo County court on Nov. 22, when his atSuperior Court in Redwood torney, Paul Harris, had said City, Calif., after being on the Bridgeforth will plead guilty. run for more than 40 years. He Harris is asking that his client turned himself in on Nov. 10. be sentenced to probation, but I guess Ive come back to Chief Deputy District Attorney face the consequences of my Karen Guidotti is seeking the
Editor

Matt Durr

maximum of five years to life in prison. At this point, I think that shooting at a police officer merits a severe sentence, Guidotti said in a telephone interview with The Washtenaw Voice. Its very unusual for someone to come back after all these

years and Im open to hearing what he has to say. But that doesnt take away from shooting at three police officers. Harris thinks his clients actions over the last 40 years
COLE JORDAN PLUS JORDANS LETTER TO WCC CONTINUED A6

THE FACTS
Nov. 1968 Arrested for shooting at police, known as Ronald Bridgeforth. March 1969 Pleaded no contest to charges of assault with a deadly weapon. April 1969 Jumped bail and fled to Africa. Dec. 1978 Began employment at WCC as Cole Jordan. Nov. 2011 Resigned from WCC, turned himself in to California authorities.

WCC EMPLOYMENT HISTORY 1978 Hired as a custodian in Custodial Services. 1987 Promoted to Supervisor in Custodian Services. 1995 Appointed Director of Human Resource Development and Counseling in Human Resource Management. 1998 Transferred to Counseling, Career Planning and Employment Services Department where he assumed the role of Professional Counseling Faculty. 2011 Terminated employment with WCC.

Assault victim AWOLinvestigation frozen

College promises better communication
Adrian Hedden
Features Editor

Students pumped for presidential politics

Campaigns under way for candidates on both sides
Jared Angle
Photo Editor

The alleged sexual assault that created some anxieties on campus and caused the college to review its alert notification policy remains under investigation. But the probe is going nowhere, authorities say. The woman who reported the assault last month is not cooperating with police. Without more information law enforcement cannot proceed, according to Steven Hardy, vice president of Administration and Finance. Hardy is urging the victim to contact Safety and Security with more information so that inquiry can resume. In the meantime, Jacques Desrosiers, director of Safety and Security, reminds everyone of Washtenaw Community Colleges long history of being safe and secure, and that his

department is doing everything it can to keep it that way. I want them to know that were here, but not to worry, Desrosiers said. Just chill. Since the assault alert notification went out on Oct. 5, however, Shellee Hoff has had a hard time following Desrosiers advice. A student at WCC, undecided in her major, Hoff was nervous and confused after the schools efforts to inform its students of the assault on campus left many oddly uninformed. Im all for protecting a persons identity, but tell us what happened, Hoff said. I know its bad, but I want to know how bad. Hoff wishes more details would be released about the assault, reported the day after it was alleged to have occurred so that she and her fellow students could understand the

gravity of the case. I would kind of like to know more about the assault, said Jordan Wright, 20, of Saline. I dont have to know all the details. Finding out it was a sex crime makes me more uneasy. Wright, a math and science major, worries about the assault the more she hears about it. The victim said she was assaulted on Oct. 4, in a stairwell of the LA building, according

POINT OF VIEW
I would kind of like to know more about the assault. I dont have to know all the details. Finding out it was a sex crime makes me more uneasy. JORDAN WRIGHT 20, Saline, math and science major

to police reports. When the college learned of it the next day, a one-line message was broadcast over the schools emergency-alert system. This was a departure from the way the college has handled these matters in the past. We tried to do something different by communicating with students, Hardy said. Were always looking to refine. Our biggest efforts this year have been to increase communication with students. Hardy admits that the sentence-long voicemail, combined with a brief text message sent out to all students a day after the alleged incident, was less than ideal. He is certain that future efforts will make better use of computers. We would have rather sent it through email. The alert
ASSAULT CONTINUED A6

With one year left until the 2012 presidential election, politically active Ann Arbor-area students are getting a head start in their volunteering efforts an opportunity afforded to them by the recent openings of campaign offices representing President Barack Obama and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas. Opened in mid-September, the Ron Paul 2012 office at 122 South Main St. in Ann Arbor provides a space for local residents to get involved in the Republican primary campaign.

Michigan Coordinator Adam de Angeli, 30, directs grassroots activities statewide, including organizing roughly 300 supporters to show their support outside the CNBC Republican Debate, held on Nov. 9 at Oakland University in Rochester. Stretching in a single-file line down a service drive adjacent to Oakland Universitys Orena, enthusiastic Ron Paul supporters from cities across Michigan displayed political signs as motorists drove past before rushing toward the debate entrance as Rep. Paul arrived. Further from downtown Ann Arbor on Eisenhower Parkway, President Obamas campaign office has also kept busy while serving as a base of operations for young
STUDENT POLITICS CONTINUED A6

A2

November 21, 2011

News

The Washtenaw Voice

The Washtenaw Voice

THANKSGIVING
Some people put the emphasis on helping others
Bob Conradi
Staff Writer

Handels Messiah Sunday, December 4, 2011 2:00 p.m. Hill Auditorium $15 for students $20 for staff/faculty Lunch with the President (Contest) Monday, December 5, 2011 Times: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Relax in the company of eight lucky students as you get to know WCCs new student-focused leader. Enter to win at: http://tinyurl.com/wcclunchcontest Tickets are on sale at the Cashiers Office, 2nd floor of the Student Center Building, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Cirque Dreams: Holidaze Saturday, December 17, 2011 2:00 p.m. Fox Theatre, Detroit, MI $25 for students $35 for staff/faculty Much Ado About Nothing Thursday, January 26, 2011 8:00 p.m. Arthur Miller Theatre, Ann Arbor, MI $5 for students $7 for faculty/staff

Pilgrims. Turkeys. Feasting. Detroit Lions Football. Thanksgiving can mean many things, but giving is the key for some area businesses. For example, the downtown Ann Arbor Cottage Inn Restaurant has been providing free Thanksgiving dinners to the homeless, the underemployed and the lonely for 28 years. The serving job is too big for the regular restaurant staff, so about 60 volunteers are recruited for the effort. Finding volunteers turns out to be, well, a piece of cake. Volunteering officially opens on Nov. 1 and the full quota is usually reached within a day, according to Katy Cole, Catering and Banquet Coordinator. Volunteers are called through posts on social media sites or notices in their churches. Their ranks include college students who cannot go home for the holidays, retirees and many others in between. This year, Cottage Inn, located at 512 William Street, will be serving as many as 300 free meals on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Holy Trinity Student Parish, 511 West Forest Avenue, Ypsilanti, has also been serving free feasts on Thanksgiving Day. This parish ministers particularly to college students at Eastern Michigan University and Washtenaw Community College, but Deacon Stan Kukla said that all people are welcome at the dinner. The food is provided by Food Gatherers and by contributions from parishioners. Church members serve the food. The church also maintains a food

pantry for the needy. This year, mass will be held at 10 a.m. and the dinner will start at 11 a.m. The dinner will be open until about 1 p.m. or whenever the food runs out. New Testament Baptist Church, 1230 Michigan Ave., in Ypsilanti, serves family style dinners every Thursday of the year from noon until 2 p.m. On Thanksgiving Day the lunch will include turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce and other traditional fare. As with Holy Trinity, much of the food is provided by Food Gatherers and the servers are from the congregation. Thursday attendance is usually between 80-110 people, according to Patricia Davis, the churchs feeding program coordinator. St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 306 N. Division, Ann Arbor, serves free breakfast to all comers every day of the year, including holidays, said Kate Riedel, communications coordinator. The program is now a separate 501-3c organization supported by the church. The breakfast program is entirely volunteer-based; even the director is a volunteer. Between 5-10 volunteers are needed each day for basic food preparation, dishwashing, coffee pouring and greeting. The number of people offering to help increases around holiday time, according to Riedel. Breakfast at St. Andrews is served daily from 7:308:30 a.m. Here at WCC, donors and volunteers are also doing their part. The Student Resource and Womens Center (srwc) provides Thanksgiving food baskets to about 20 needy families identified by case managers. The recipients pick

up the baskets at the srwc office in the Student Center, said Manager Liz Orbits. The food for these baskets comes from two main sources. The WCC Bailey Library has a Food for Fines program in which canned goods brought to the circulation desk may be offered in lieu of paying fines. One item will pay for up to $7 in late fees, according to Kate Karain, of Access Services and Course Reserves. The collected cans go to the holiday food basket program. Students in the academic skills On Course program also bring in non-perishable food donations as part of a community service assignment in a unit on emotional intelligence. These items either go to the baskets or are stored in a WCC food pantry. Baskets also include a frozen turkey that is purchased through Food Gatherers using money in a turkey fund maintained by the srwc. Students in the Culinary Arts program also get in on the giving. The WCC students prepare a pre-Thanksgiving community dinner that is served Nov. 17, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Perry School Gymnasium in Ypsilanti. Everyone is welcome. For this event the students cook, slice and portion 80 pounds each of turkey, chicken and ham. Some of the students also participate in serving. Chef Terri Herrera said that this dinner and WCC participation is a 17-year tradition. As all these volunteers demonstrate, giving back to ones community is a rewarding and effective way of expressing gratitude, during the holiday season and anytime.

Hope

News

November 21, 2011

A3

for college students battling depression

WCC A TOP 20 PLACE TO WORK, AGAIN Washtenaw Community College again ranked among the best Michigan based places to work in the state according to the annual Detroit Free Press rankings. Employers are ranked by business size and placement on the list is based on surveys submitted by employees to their places of occupation. With 559 full-time employees, Washtenaw Community College ranked No. 14 in large business, above Quest Diagnostics and below Real Estate One. The best big business to work at is Quicken Loans, a mortgage-lending firm with 3,039 employees. Edward

Jones Financial Services, with 942 employees, came in second. HANDELS MESSIAH TICKETS DISCOUNTED Discounted tickets to a Dec. 4 performance of George Frideric Handels classic Messiah have been made available to students. Featuring collaboration between the University Musical Societys Chorale Union and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, the performance will be held at Ann Arbors Hill Auditorium. Tickets are available to WCC students at the cashiers office for $15. Each student is limited to four purchases.

ILLUSTRATIONS HAFSAH MIJINYAWA THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Brandon Shelton
Contributor

Club News: The WCC Corps of Student Veterans is now recruiting WCC veterans and active military personnel. Get involved: http://tinyurl.com/wccvets

UPCOMING SPORTS
Intramural Rock-Paper-Scissors Who: WCC Students and Employees When: November 30, 1:00 p.m. Location: WCC Sports Office SC 118 Cost: FREE Play the classic hand game with other WCC students and employees in our first ever rock-paper-scissors tournament! Womens Club Volleyball Tryouts (for winter semester) Who: WCC Students registered during the winter semester (18 and older, 2.0 gpa, taking at least 3 credits at WCC) When: Thursday, December 8 and Monday, December 12, 2011 from 9:30 p.m. -11:00 p.m. Where: Health and Fitness Center at WCC Cost: Free WCC will be holding tryouts for the womens volleyball team who will play in the Ann Arbor Rec and Ed league on Tuesdays from JanuaryMarch. Students will need to be enrolled during the winter semester to play. Practices will be held on Mondays and Thursdays. Mens Club Volleyball Tryouts (for winter semester) Who: WCC Students registered during the winter semester (18 and older, 2.0 gpa, taking at least 3 credits at WCC) When: Tuesday, December 13 and Thursday, December 15, 2011 from 9:30 p.m. -11:00 p.m. Where: Health and Fitness Center at WCC Cost: Free WCC will be holding tryouts for the mens volleyball team who will play in the Ann Arbor Rec and Ed league on Thursdays from January-March. Students will need to be enrolled during the winter semester to play. Practices will be held on Mondays and Tuesdays. Student Activities: SC 112 WCC Sports: SC 118
BOB CONRADI THE WASHTENAW VOICE

From left, Culinary Arts majors Steve Hamilton, 36, of Dexter, Jacob Guralnick, 21, of Ann Arbor, and Raniah McClelland, 36, of Ypsilanti, slice and portion turkey for Garretts Thanksgiving banquet on Wednesday Nov. 16.

Derek Baggot had always excelled in school; it came to him with little effort. When his homework was done he could often be found playing hockey or video games with friends, or making music. That all changed dramatically in high school. Hed go through one semester with ease, but the next hed struggle just to keep his head above water, when he could. Baggot would suffer from long bouts of depression that affected every aspect of his life, his relationship with family, friends, and not the least, his grades in school. There wasnt a specific trigger, Baggot said. It was simply debilitating. I would do great one semester and then entirely fail another. After high school, Baggot attended Eastern Michigan University, but changed his degree often because of a lack of confidence in himself. Baggot eventually left EMU and enrolled at the University of Michigan-Dearborn in hopes of starting fresh. School was agonizing because I had such high standards for myself, he said. Everything changed recently when Baggot was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, the cause of his depression. Depression, a life-threatening mood disorder, affects approximately 17.6 million Americans a year, or one in six people. Depression impacts people across all ages, races,

and both genders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (nimh). The potential link between depression and heart disease is being studied by Dr. Jesse C. Stewart, a member of the psychology department at Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis. Untreated depression not only affects the mental health of an individual, but physical health as well. Depression is the cause of up to two-thirds of all suicides. Worse still, suicide is the third leading cause of death among Americans aged 15-24, and the second-leading cause of death for college students ages 20-24. Data from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention also suggests that depression itself may be a risk factor for heart disease and not simply a role in its severity. It can be hard to seek help when you are feeling hopeless or at times even more difficult to realize you need help. For students at Washtenaw Community College and many other colleges and universities, there are options available to get assistance with mental health issues. John Rinke, the director of Support Services as WCC, takes great pride in the evolving and growing wealth of programs and safeguards in place for students. Our process is never static, said Rinke, who oversees two part-time therapists, Edwina Jarrett and Audrey Hering. Both work on campus exclusively with students.

Their days start at 11 a.m. and their schedule is often full until closing, Rinke said. The responsibility for seeking help is not placed solely on the students, however. Staff and faculty are asked to keep an eyeout for students who may be in emotional trouble. A broadcast email recently sent to all faculty advises them to take all students who are in immediate crisis (in a highly emotional state, or have stated an intention of suicide or self-harm) to see a counselor or therapist in the Counseling Center, or a member of the AtRisk Assessment Team. WCC provides students with information about programs that are available to them through the school on TVs throughout the campus. Pay attention to the TVs sometime, youll see up-to-date information there, Rinke said. The WCC website also offers students information for outside sources of help such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a virtual pamphlet collection hosted by the University of Chicago, and Half Of Us, a website that works in collaboration with mtvU and The Jed Foundation. Depression is a very serious but treatable illness, according to the nimh. It has no one specific cause and therefore has no one universal treatment. The most common methods are cognitive behavioral therapy and or medication. The first step, however, is accepting the fact that help is needed. Justin Jacobs, a former WCC student, has also suffered from

depression for as long as he can remember. My depression didnt really have an impact on my social life, Jacobs said. It did affect one of my first semesters at Washtenaw Community College, I failed my second or third semester entirely. Jacobs described his depression as a constant low level of sadness that often had a snowball effect. When something bad happened, it just compounded, he said. Id miss one class and just not come back and little stupid things would just ruin my day. Jacobs was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and comorbid depression in 2000, while he was still in high school. However, it wasnt until several years later he found treatment methods that worked for him. I went through cognitive behavioral therapy and was prescribed Wellbutrin, Jacobs said. The CBT taught me how to cope and the medication put a little bit of pep in my step. Im now motivated, more active in my personal life, and currently applying for grad school to get my Masters (degree), Jacobs said. Baggot eventually sought treatment for his condition as well. He says now he has the tools necessary to succeed in aspects of his life. The help Ive received taught me the coping skills I need, he said. This isnt going to just go away, but Ive developed techniques to manage my condition, move on and not let it interfere with my life.

NOV. 22-25 Thanksgiving Recess NOV. 22 Board of Trustees Meeting- In ML 150 from 4-5 p.m., all invited to the Board of Trustees monthly gathering NOV. 28 Job Search Techniques Workshop- From 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in SC 287, students can learn job search processes and strategies for finding the right job. NOV. 29 Resume Development Workshop- In SC 287, from 3-4 p.m. students will learn to develop a resume that employers look for and discuss common mistakes.

NOV. 30 College VisitationsEastern Michigan University and Concordia University will be on the second floor of the Student Center from 1-5 p.m. to answer student questions. Wii Wednesday- 11 a.m.1 p.m. in the Student Center cafeteria. There will be free pop, pizza, and Wii games such as Just Dance 2 and Mario Kart. Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament- From 1-2 p.m. in SC 118 students who are 18 years or older with at least a 2.0 GPA and WCC I.D. can play rock, scissors, paper. Interview Skills Workshop- From 4:30-5:30 p.m. in SC 287 students can learn interview skills, and how to research companies at the interview skills workshop.

Learning a foreign language not necessarybut beneficial for many

Nathan Clark
Staff Writer

Continue the conversation

washtenawvoice.com

BOB CONRADI THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Chef Terri Herrera of the WCC Culinary Arts program wheels trays of turkey out of the cooler for a Thanksgiving feast.

Imagine yourself walking through a park. You stumble across a man lying on the ground, apparently drunk. The man looks at you and says Bitte, bringen Sie mich in ein Krankenhaus. If you had the good fortune to understand German, you would quickly realize that the man is not drunk, but in fact injured and begging to be taken to the hospital. And you could save a life. For students interested in learning another language, Washtenaw Community College offers credit courses in Spanish, French, German and Arabic. But how important is learning a foreign language for students wanting to transfer to a different college, and is it really needed for transferring? Studying a foreign language isnt necessary to apply for transfer, but a foreign language is needed to graduate, said Alexandra McCracken, M-POD (Michigan-Pursuing our Dreams) coordinator at WCC. Most of the undergraduates at WCC transfer into the

college of Literature Science and the Arts (LSA), and that school requires a foreign language to graduate. McCracken says that transferring to LSA is competitive among undergraduates and that having some foreign language credits on an application can be a distinct advantage for some students. I think any alternative activities that you do while youre in school will help to you get noticed, and language is one of those things, said Craig Cammann, a 35-year-old college graduate studying to get into the Masters program to become a physicians assistant. Anything that makes you look more culturally diverse will help your chances of getting in. On a personal level, Camann said, learning a foreign language shows students a whole different way to think. I can speak Spanish fluently, learned some French and German when I was in grade school and learned some Thai when I lived in Thailand. I think everyone should learn Chinese. In terms of the world economy, learning Chinese will be critical.

The Chinese economy has been steadily rising for the past couple years and is said to be on schedule to surpass all other nations by 2016. People should learn Chinese, Spanish and English, said Juan Redondo, WCCs foreign language chair. I think we should be teaching Chinese, but there is a drawback. It is very difficult to learn how to draw characters, and there are a lot of characters. When he was in China, Rodondo learned that the average person there knew more than 10,000 characters. According to Redondo, Spanish is the most popular language at WCC saying that for every one student enrolled in French, there are 14 studying Spanish. Learning Spanish or Chinese will give you the edge when its time to look for a job, said Redondo. Americans live like isolationists where we have become accustomed to the world coming to us. Times are changing. WCC is offering three French, four German, two Arabic and 19 Spanish classes in the Winter 2012 semester.

FENDER BENDER IN DAMAGE TO SCHOOL PARKING LOT PROPERTY A minor accident occurred On Nov. 8, an automotive in Lot 1B on Nov. 2 at 1:14 p.m. instructor reported damage to When attempting to reverse to a hydraulic cylinder in the OE allow more space for a semi- buildings car barn. After leaving truck blocking a lane in the lot, the cylinder in its proper place at one car struck another with its 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 7, the teacher rear bumper, leaving minimal returned the next day at 8:05 to no damage. There were no a.m. to find it removed from a injuries. hydraulic lift and damaged at a hose fitting. The damage caused HIT AND RUN a leak, which dropped the lift. A motorist reported damage to her car from an unknown origin on Nov 3. The damage was To contact Campus Safety & Security, said to have been sustained, on dial 3411 from any school phone, Nov. 1, by the vehicles rightpress the red button on red security front-bumper, spanning 18 phones, or use your cell phone to call (734) 973-3411. inches from corner-to-corner. The owner said she left her car Visit washtenawvoice.com for parked on the West service drive security updates. at 9 a.m. and returned to find it damaged at 8:30 p.m.

Having a plan can make scheduling easier

Jael Gardiner
Staff Writer

Audrey Bell had some difficulties during one semester when she wanted to take a radiology class, but soon discovered that only one section was offered on Saturday mornings. The timing made it difficult for her to get to class, and she really wished the college schedulers could ease the way a bit. Some classes are only offered in the springtime or only in the Fall, said Bell, 21, a health care student from Ann Arbor. Its really frustrating when I want to go full-time. Its also annoying when classes are only offered on the weekend. What if you have to work? Vice President for Instruction Stuart Blacklaw, agrees that there are times that students may have a hard time getting the classes they

need. He emphasized the importance of laying out all of the classes that will be needed for the entire program, instead of just waiting to schedule classes at the last minute. We try to encourage people to see an adviser and talk to people, Blacklaw said. Best case scenario is you write out your entire academic plan. Blacklaw also understands that when there is only one section of a required course offered, it is more likely to conflict with students work schedules. He also sees some problems with classes that are canceled due to low enrollment, and there are several ways that Blacklaw said students can deal with it. Sometimes the classes will just run with fewer students or students who just cant get it and are planning on transferring can take it at another institution. However, the college tries to focus on

accommodating students who are here now, according to Blacklaw. Other students worry about getting the classes they need and working at the same time. Ariana Boland wonders if shell have to quit her job in order to have the time to take one of the classes she needs. There is a math class that I would have taken if it wasnt only offered in the middle of the day on Tuesdays, said Boland, 24, a liberal arts student from Ann Arbor. Im working, but I wanted to get it out of the way in the Winter. Hopefully its offered at a different time next year. There are times when classes will run with so few students that instructors have to be paid per student. Students who are having issues getting classes they really need can talk to counselors and find out what they can do. Some classes are also offered online.

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November 21, 2011

Voices

The Washtenaw Voice

The Washtenaw Voice

Voices

November 21, 2011

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EDITORIAL WCC Trustees: Respect your elders and do the right thing
When Washtenaw Community College recently renamed to the Henry S. Landau Skilled Trade Annex and the Larry L. Whitworth Occupational Education Building, many of us around campus were left scratching our heads in confusion. Last year, The Voice uncovered documents revealing that the Student Center building was to be named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. To date, the building remains unnamed. While we are disappointed that Kings name doesnt crown the Student Center, we are even more concerned with the way the board and administration are handling it by avoiding it. In an interview last spring, then-President Larry Whitworth indicated that official board policy was against renaming any more buildings. Since then, they have named two buildings after people in the last four months, after two more white men to be specific. Meanwhile, the powers that be have held fast on their policy to not give King the recognition he deserves according to the best intentions of the boards predecessors. While we are inclined to say shame on the current WCC trustees, some of the blame lies with those who have seemingly failed to properly lobby those powers. There has been a dedicated and effective petition drive, with thousands signing on that they support putting Dr. Kings name on the building. And individuals leading those drives have gone to two different presidents in the hope of seeing that it gets done. More distressing, however, was Whitworths assertion that King might not be as relevant, as he once was, to todays college students. Excuse us, but doesnt WCC repeatedly tout its diverse student population? Of course we do. Because its true, and were proud of it. But this wouldnt be possible without the sacrifices of King and other Civil Rights activists. We encourage and urge those passionate about the name change to continue fighting. But instead of pleading with administrators, take your fight to the Board. Offer the elected trustees the proof of the actions of a previous board, and give them no alternative but to put Kings name on the building. If President Rose Bellanca is serious about the concerns of her students, and we have no reason to doubt her, then this should be among her highest priorities. Take the leadership and do not offer or settle for compromise. To our students in favor of the change: Dont settle. Overcome. To our Board of Trustees: Do the right thing. It is long overdue.

Paterno deserves jail time. PleaseHold the jingle bells

Anna Fuqua-Smith
Staff Writer

Bite me?

Matt Durr Jael Gardiner

Staff Writer Editor

The vegan diet its not all about PETA

Just to clear the air I hate peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). peta is just like a Jehovahs Witness coming to your door on your day off. Its disrupting, disturbing and just plain annoying. My motivation to be a vegan is not just about the perception of animal cruelty. I also want to know where my food is sourced. More than half of all antibiotics produced in the United States each year are given to farm animals, resulting in antibiotic resistance in the humans who eat them. And for craps and giggles, heres a list of chemicals in meat, poultry, seafood and dairy commonly found in factory farmed meat: benzene hexachloride (BHC), chlordane, dieldrin, dioxin. . . Its safe to say, if you cant pronounce it perhaps you shouldnt eat it! Initially, yes, I was motivated toward veganism by animal cruelty issues. In many ways, I still am. To shed some light on that: Did you know that at factory farms, egg-laying hens are stockpiled into cages? Most of the time, the cage is designed to hold one hen, but frequently four are crammed in. This treatment forces the hen to become defensive, so the farmer responds by cutting off the beak of the hen. Dont forget about the antibiotics and hormones as well. Hens are pumped full of them to produce more eggs. And all the science indicates we are what we eat. Lets not forget about cattle. Forced into pens that are so small, they cant lie down or turn around comfortably. The cattle are forced to stand in their own feces and urine, and farm workers dose them with more antibiotics to decrease infection. Yum. The point: Do your homework before you criticize people about their eating habits. And one more thing: I saw a vast change in my palate, my weight and general health when I changed my diet. Being a vegan is not the only way to be healthy, but questioning where youre food is produced is, or should be, essential to a long and healthy life.

Eating meat isnt going to kill you

As a former vegetarian, Ive found that eating meat is essential to my diet. After close to a year without eating any meat, I got sick, and I was tired all the time. I was sleeping through my classes. I found out I had mononucleosis, and I wound up in the hospital. While it is hard to tell if the lack of eating meat contributed significantly to my illness, I did start feeling a lot better when I began eating meat again. Not long ago, I watched a documentary called Fat Head, about how eating fat, particularly from meat, was healthy. One of the facts listed on the documentarys website is that there has never been a study that proved that saturated fat causes heart disease. Many people who have heart attacks have normal cholesterol. It also cites studies that have shown that children have been treated for attention deficit disorder (ADD) with the introduction of fats from meat in their diets, and epileptics have been treated as well. I agree that meat probably has some additives that arent great. However, I dont think that means that I should throw away the benefits that can be gained from including it in my diet. Recently, the cave man diet has risen in popularity. This involves eating almost exclusively meat, in the way that hunter-gatherers have in the past. Fat Head contests the idea that vegetarians are healthier, that people as a society have only become agrarian in the more modern era. It is a common perception that vegetarians have a longer life span than those who eat meat, but this is not something that has been conclusively shown. As a matter of fact, there are several studies that have shown eating meat can lengthen life. Yes, there may be some bad additives in meat, but those additives are in many products Americans consume every day. Take it from me because Im living proof: The health benefits of a meaty diet outweigh the risks.

When the Penn State University board of trustees made the decision to fire head football coach Joe Paterno this month, it was the end of a storied career for Paterno. Termination should be the first step toward putting the face of PSU behind bars. Firing Paterno and those who covered up the child rape and abuse crimes committed by former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky is not enough. Everybody who had the slightest bit of knowledge of Sanduskys transgressions deserves to spend time in jail. There is absolutely no excuse for not contacting the police as soon as this issue was brought to their attention 17 years ago. As an adult, you have an obligation to report this crime to the proper authorities, not up the chain of command. Joe Paterno is the guiltiest member of those involved in the cover-up and should spend

the rest of his life behind bars. As early as 1994, Paterno had to be aware of accusations against Sandusky. In 1998, more accusations came forward, and ultimately Sandusky was allowed to leave the program gracefully. In 2002, when Sandusky was no longer employed by the school he was allowed to use facilities on campus and bring young boys along with him. Paterno saw no conflict or reason to question his boss. When an assistant coach caught Sandusky raping a young boy, Paterno downplayed the incident and as early as a week before the news broke, Sandusky was still on campus! While he did not actually commit the crimes, Paterno was an accessory to the crimes and is responsible for every incident that took place after 1998. He had a chance 13 years ago to put the pervert behind bars, and he chose football over decency and the protection of children. Along with having to send those involved to jail, the PSU football program should receive the death penalty from

the NCAA. By covering up and perpetuating the evil actions of Sandusky, this school has lost the right to run a football program. The level of corruption far surpasses anything on the football field, and the football program should cease to exist because of it. The amount of money that PSU earns each year from football is extraordinary and to allow this group of criminals to profit from the game, while allowing a predator like Sandusky to roam around is unacceptable. Everyone from Paterno, to the athletic director, to the president of the school knew this would be a public relations nightmare, so they decided to cover it up. This group of administrators sold their soul to make money for the school and they were arrogant enough to think that no one would ever find out. The ironic thing is that now we all know what happened, their image has been shattered, and it will never be the same again. If I had my way, its an image that will never be repaired.

until the turkey is cooked

Staff Writer

Allie Tomason

I ran across a cartoon the other day in which a turkey and Santa Clause were featured. The turkey, symbolic of Thanksgiving, was screaming at a downtrodden Santa. December, Fat Boy! This month is for MY holiday! Now hop in that sleigh and WAIT your TURN! I couldnt help but laugh and thought, Wow! I have been feeling this way for years. It occurred to me that, obviously, some others feel this way as well. Every year, it seems, Christmas paraphernalia is being pushed earlier and earlier on the consumer. Now it isnt that I have an aversion to Christmas, but for the last two years I have seen evidence of its premature manifestation as early as two weeks before Halloween. Really?

By the time Christmas actually arrives, I am already over it. What used to be an anxiously awaited season is now a nightmare perpetuated by the competition of large department store chains to see who can generate the most revenue. Whats worse is that the insatiable need to have stuff is greater than realizing that we, the consumers, are becoming complacently brainwashed into this capitalistic theft we call holiday shopping. It pains me to be in the thick of it when doing something as basic as grocery shopping. It seems that this time of year, ironically, rude behavior becomes the norm, and the closer it gets to Christmas the ruder the behavior. Whether its competition for a parking space because we are too lazy to walk half the length of the parking lot, or jostle people to get the last $100 big screen television set on Black Friday, Christmas has become a time of selfishness instead of a time of selflessness.

And I believe that the earlier its presence, the more intolerant people become with each other. I, for one, dislike feeling shackled to commercial greed. As a mother of three, I can only handle one holiday at a time and I like to enjoy each of them for their own attributes. It kind of steals Halloweens thunder when I go into Target to purchase peanut butter kisses and get bombarded by candy canes. Instead of enticing me to do early shopping, in preparation for the wrapping paper massacre that is Christmas morning, it actually makes me dread the time leading up to it. So much so that I cant wait until it is finally over, and all is right with the world again. One thing I have noticed, though, is that while the commercialization of Christmas has been reviled by many a consumer, most are okay with it after Thanksgiving. Wow! I think that turkey might actually be on to something. Just sayin.

TO THE EDITOR:

As news broke of former WCC counselor Cole Jordans shocking past, opinions have varied on campus. Below are some of the comments from washtenawvoice.com readers on the issue.
Cole Jordan added so much richness to my life. As a young man from a rural area, I experienced very little diversity. Mr. Jordan opened me to the beautiful diversity of our campus and our world. He gave me books that moved me to live a life that is dedicated to helping others. The past is what it is, but the man I know is a hero and a sage. He always took a few extra minutes to show you he cared. I have never met anyone with more compassion. Our community college is weaker without him. Much love and respect to Mr. Jordan, his family, and the victims. Zach Baker Regardless of what Cole has done in the past I have come to known him as a spiritual and caring individual. He has extended more help and courtesy to me than ANY academic advisor/ counselor regardless of what school I have attended. He went above and beyond his job description and actually cared about my personal well-being in addition to my academic. He had a great deal to do with my growth and progress as an individual since the day I met him. Shonte Cole While Cole may have done many for things for the students of WCC, that is not excuse him from his criminal actions. He acted cowardly by running away, and I feel he deserves the maximum sentence. If he wasnt prepared to face the consequences of his violent actions, then he shouldnt have done them. I find it in poor taste for people to have sympathy for someone who thinks after a full career and nice life that now its okay to own up to his actions. What kind of example is he to the young adults he has served? He should feel deeply ashamed for all he has done. Elizabeth

Warning: You dont need to eat the whole turkey in one sitting
Staff Writer

Nathan Clark

The Washtenaw Voice

Volume 18, Issue 7 4800 E. Huron River Dr. TI 106 Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (734) 677-5125 thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com
The Washtenaw Voice is produced fortnightly by students of Washtenaw Community College. Student publications are important in establishing and maintaining an atmosphere of free and responsible discussion and in bringing matters of concern and importance to the attention of the campus community. Editorial responsibility for The Voice lies with the students, who will strive for balance, fairness and integrity in their coverage of issues and events while practicing habits of free inquiry and expression. The Voice is committed to correct all errors that appear in the newspaper and on its website, just as we are committed to the kind of careful journalism that will minimize the number of errors printed. To report an error of fact that should be corrected, please phone (734) 677-5405 or e-mail thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com. A copy of each edition of The Washtenaw Voice is free to everyone. Additional copies are available at the Voice office for 25 cents each.
EDITOR Matt Durr mdurrwcc@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR Ben Solis bensolis1@gmail.com FEATURES EDITOR Adrian Hedden ahedden@wccnet.edu PHOTO EDITOR Jared Angle jared.angle@ gmail.com DESIGN EDITOR Josh Chamberlain josh@vgkids.com DESIGN EDITOR Ashley DiGiuseppe ashley.digiuseppe@ gmail.com STAFF ILLUSTRATOR Hafsah Mijinyawa oradium@gmail.com GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATOR Frances Ross frantooth@gmail.com AD MANAGER Becky Alliston ealliston@wccnet.edu WEB EDITOR Jesse Glacken jesse@glacken.us STAFF WRITERS Nathan Clark Jael Gardiner Anna Fuqua-Smith Allie Tomason Bob Conradi CONTRIBUTORS Brandon Shelton Danielle Ritter Anna Potter Timothy Clark ADVISER Keith Gave kgave@wccnet.edu

Every November, Americans gather around the dinner table for a feast of epic proportions, contradicting that New Years resolution to eat healthier and lose weight. America may not be number one at many things, but were still the champion of overeating. Thanksgiving, the Super Bowl of the obese, is a holiday where, depending on your viewpoint, we either celebrate a day when colonists and Native Americans werent trying to

kill each other, or we gather with friends and family to be thankful for how much we have. I guess no one considered the idea that we might have too much. As Thanksgiving gets closer and closer, the media constantly reminds us of how fat and gluttonous Americans are by providing charts detailing how many calories are consumed in the typical Thanksgiving meal and stock B-roll footage of fat people at the mall. Granted, the Thanksgiving dinner typically consists of the largest turkey you can afford, baked or deep-fried to perfection, potatoes, rolls, cranberry sauce, a magical variety

of vegetables, quart of gravy, stuffing and pumpkin pie or, if youre feeling extra festive this year, sweet potato pie topped with Cool Whip. Calculating the calories for this kind of meal really could be used as a story problem in an algebra text book. Am I saying we should stop having Thanksgiving dinner every year? No way! I love turkey and, more importantly, lots of delicious food. No one brings a salad to a Thanksgiving dinner and if you did, no one would look at you the same, or at all, ever again. By no means am I a healthy looking individual, but my size has very little to do with how or

what I eat, and more to do with my inability to run as much as I used to, so layoff. Celebrate Thanksgiving anyway you please. All Im asking for is a little restraint this year. Just because theres plenty of food on the table, that doesnt mean that you need to cram as much down as you can. If youre fortunate enough to have people in your life who deeply care about you, celebrate Thanksgiving and have a good meal with them. Also remember, the more people you surround yourself with, the better the odds that someone around you knows that Heimlich maneuver. Hopefully you wont choke to death, you fat bastard.

Readers of Jewish Federation offended by protests; security office unruffled (Washtenaw Voice, Nov. 7, 2011, p.3) could be forgiven for not catching the falsehoods of David Shtulman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, in the article. I would like to take this opportunity to correct them. First, he claims that our group, Jewish Witnesses for Peace and Friends (JWPF), has no connection to the Jewish community. Three of our members, including this writer, are Jewish, meaning we identify as Jewish and have cultural, religious and familial connections to the larger Jewish community. When our Beth Israel Congregation (BIC) vigils started almost half of the participants were Jewish, but our Jewish ranks have been depleted due to the passage of time and by the relentless Zionist onslaught of the mainstream Jewish community. We note that we are not the only Jews of conscience to have been driven to the margins by the inhumanity of Jewish support for

apartheid in Palestine. Mr. Shtulman also claims: They want our prayer for peace in Israel to be removed. The prayer is found in the Siddur Sim Shalom, and is entitled Prayer for the State of Israel. It is hardly a prayer for peace. Strengthen the hands of those who defend our Holy Land. Deliver them; crown their efforts with triumph. It sounds more like cheerleading for the Israeli military, which repeatedly commits war crimes against Palestinian and other Arab civilians. Despite the evident militarism of that prayer, we have never demanded its removal. Nor have we demanded that references to Israel be removed from the doctrines and effigies used in the synagogues ceremonies. We have, however, offered to terminate our vigils if BICs Board of Directors would only support basic human rights for Palestinians: (1) The full civil and political equality of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel within Israel, (2) The prompt implementation of the rights of Palestinian refugees of 1947-8 and 1967 to return to

their homes and properties in Israel and Palestine as stipulated in UN resolution 194, and (3) The prompt end of Israeli occupation and colonization of all lands seized by Israel in 1967. Contra Shtulman, whatever our individual members may think, JWPF has never issued any statement in regards to Israels right to exist. Further, Mr. Shtulmans charge that our members ate bacon-cheese-burgers at our October 8 protest is false. We didnt eat anything in front of the synagogue on that day or any other. Readers interested in the full story are welcome to read the 9/26/2011 at zionistsout.blogspot.com. Finally, Mr. Shtulman complains that in the end, theyre really irrelevant. But readers must wonder why, if were so irrelevant, did he spend so much time with the student reporter, and why would the Voice dedicate an entire article, not to his Federations fund raiser, but to our protests instead? Henry Herskovitz Jewish Witnesses for Peace and Friends

(734) 662-6133 ext. 101 apartments@gobeal.com www.GoBeal.com

Now that midterms have come and gone, students find themselves getting closer and closer to the end of the semester. What can the college improve before its all over?
INTERVIEWS ADRIAN HEDDEN FEATURES EDITOR PHOTOS JARED ANGLE PHOTO EDITOR
Short-term lease options available Pet-friendly Pre-leasing for Spring /Summer 2012 24-hr maintenance

1-bedroom starting at $450/mo 2-bedrooms starting at $599/mo 3-bedrooms starting at $850/mo 4-bedrooms starting at $1050/mo

MCT COURTESY

student living at an affordable price!

Parking kinda sucks, but I like it a lot better than LCC (Lansing Community College). I like it here. JACE BERRY 20, Howell, Computer Programming

I wish there could be an intramural football league. Anything with football.

More study rooms in library. It sucks having to pay after only two hours.

They should also enforce the smoking policy better; armed guards.

Holiday Made Beautiful.

Gifting Made Easy.

DAVID MAGUMBA 19, Cincinnati, Vocal performance

ANDY CHEN 25, Ann Arbor, Health and Science

JEREMY GILMORE 19, Ypsilanti, undecided

I hate the Writing Center. It takes so long. Its just ridiculous.

More jobs on campus. With a lot of people being up here, it would help to have more resources. ANTONIO WASHINGTON 23, Ypsilanti, Business Management

The outdoor tables are a bit rickety. You feel like its gonna tip over when you sit in it.

Vending machines arent always working and there is no one around to help in a way that is timely. IRIS PIERZO 21, Orlando, Culinary Arts

DYLAN NEATZ 19, Brighton, Criminal Justice

MAHARA COLEMAN 16, Ypsilanti, Graphic Design

Put more tables in the Student Center. Whenever you reserve a spot, and get up for a few seconds, boom! Its taken. MIMI OLSSON 15, Ann Arbor, Undecided

All classes should start on the hour or half hour. Its frustrating when my class starts at a weird time. JUSTIN WISE 16, Ann Arbor, Graphic Design

I wish I could turn Writing Center assignments in to my teachers. Its a big inconvenience.

Bus people from around parking lots on rainy days. One time, I had to park all the way in the back. I came home drenched. BENJAMIN KEHN 18, Brighton, History

NATALIE FORTUSHNIAK 18, Brighton, Nursing

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November 21, 2011 me the ropes. Jordans influence on students made him one of the more popular counselors on campus. Although they were shocked by the news, they understood why he turned himself in. He was a cool dude. He was always laid back and about his job, said Prince Logan, an 18-year-old business student from Ypsilanti. Its good that he turned himself in, but if he got away with it for so long, I dont know why he did. Its funny, I went to go see him last week and he wasnt there. Now I know its because hes in jail. Jordan has said that the reason he came forward was because he wanted to set a good example for his two sons and take responsibility for his actions. That example was not lost on students at the college familiar with the story. You cant always hold people accountable for the things they have done in the past. He made up for it in his job helping people here. You cant judge people on things like that, said Anna Olsson, 17, a culinary arts major from Ypsilanti. One of Olssons fellow culinary arts students felt the same way, but understands the other side of the argument. People do things with a good reason, even if goes back that far. Sometimes you can make a wrong a right. If he helped that many people out, then that counts for something, said Hannah Stadelman, 18, of Ann Arbor. Maybe back then he had some personal things going on, but you can never really know. But I can see how some people

News

The Washtenaw Voice

COLE JORDAN FROM FRONT PAGE

including changing students lives during his tenure as an adviser at Washtenaw are proof that he is reformed, and jail time is not necessary. I am extremely hopeful that the judge will take into consideration all the good things he has done all these years, Harris said. I understand this act as an aberration in the arc of his life. Harris added that the judge did not consider Bridgeforth to be a public threat. Harris feels that the amount for bail was an indication that the judge understood the unusual circumstances surrounding this case. Bridgeforth remained in jail until Nov. 11, when he posted bail. He was free on bond, and Harris has assured the public that his client will appear at the Nov. 22 court date. People at WCC knew Cole Jordan (Bridgeforth) as a kind, laid-back counselor who was easily approachable. He was a good counselor, very calm, mild-mannered. Lots of students loved him, said Arnett Chisholm, the dean of Admission and Student Life, and a former counselor. He had a passion for counseling and helping students. Bridgeforth resigned from his position at the college a week before turning himself in after being employed at the school since 1978. I got along with him great, said Sandro Tuccinardi, an academic adviser and colleague of Jordans for 4 years. He was really my mentor. He had been here so long, he showed

Cole Jordan: I have an opportunity to heal my family

To the WCC Community: I would like to apologize to the Washtenaw Community College community for bringing this unwanted attention to the college. I would have done almost anything to spare you the spotlight that may have distracted from the colleges mission. I cannot change the past. I can only influence the future. I have made mistakes in my life, and am now attempting to right those wrongs. I want to thank all the people who have offered their support and understanding to my family and I. We are overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. Words cannot convey our appreciation. It is truly humbling to know that we are not alone. I love the college and what it represents. Retired WCC president, Dr. Myran often said, WCC is democracys college in Washtenaw County. For me WCC symbolizes an important part of the dream that is America. When I came to WCC in 1978, I had little education, few skills, no job, and a young family. The college gave us the opportunity to take care of our family, to learn and to be of service. For me education became a sturdy ladder to achieve a meaningful life. As a nineteen-year-old Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Field Secretary in Mississippi, I found my purpose in life. In the words so popular in the 1960s: serve the people. During my time at WCC, my definition of the people expanded to include anyone who was in need of help. A number of people have asked me, why I have chosen to return now. There is not a single or simple answer. However, I can say this. My reckless actions on that terrible night in 1968 have left my family fractured. The only way for me to heal those wounds was for me to return, stand before the court, and pay my debt to the people of California. While we do not know what is going to happen now, we are at relative peace. There have been only a few times in my life when the way forward was clear and certain. This is one of those times. We know that what lies ahead is daunting. However, from my perspective, it is also a privilege. I am a man who is a father, a husband, a son and a brother, and in this moment, I have an opportunity to heal my family and do what is right. Cole Jordan/Ronald Bridgeforth

MCT COURTESY PHOTO

Jordan enters the courthouse on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011.

can feel like they were lied to. Some may feel betrayed. Others on campus were not so forgiving of Jordans transgressions. Whats wrong is wrong. You cant do something that long ago and skate by and not have it come back to you. If you hurt someone, you hurt someone. Whether you stole $10 or $1,000, you still stole something, said an employee of the college of who asked not to be named. I dont know (referring to whether or not turning himself in makes a difference). Ask the families of the police department on whether they think that makes a difference or not. Some people around here thought he was a nice guy, but if you talk to other people, theyll tell you that he was rude. He walked around here like he was above the law. When he became a boss, it was worse. You cant expect something that long ago

to not come back and catch up with you. Meanwhile, administrators have declined comment, sending all inquiries through the public relations department. Janet Hawkins, the associate director of public affairs, said the college had no prior knowledge of Jordans past and that he did not give a reason for quitting his job when he resigned. Authorities were also seeking Bridgeforth in connection with the murder of a San Francisco police officer in 1971. Authorities believed that Bridgeforth was the getaway driver in the murder. Guidotti said those charges were going to be dropped. Bridgeforth was relieved that the murder case was dismissed, but was scared of what he faces for the assault charge, according to Harris.
Ben Solis contributed to this report.

Career-focused.
Transfer-friendly.

ASSAULT FROM FRONT PAGE

system only allows so many characters, Hardy said. We acted on the side of caution. We didnt have enough information, but we wanted to make sure folks got the information as soon as possible. Hardy plans to employ broadcast emails in the future to alert students of non-pressing crimes so that future hysteria can be avoided. The WCC crime alert email will be sent out to all students and staff whenever there is a crime not requiring immediate attention, he said. But emails dont cure darkness. Hoff, 40, of South Lyon, remains fearful of impending danger in the schools sprawling parking lot, following nightfall. Sometimes Ive seen things in the parking lot that scare me, Hoff said. They need more visibility in the lot. More of a presence. And they need to revamp communication. Desrosiers is on board, and he advises students to keep their eyes peeled for potential safety concerns, a tactic utilized by his department as well. Prevent yourself from becoming the victim by looking around and being aware of your surroundings, Desrosiers said. Its just common sense. Stuff youd use in a mall. Right now, were trying to ramp up

visibility. Using the 150 security cameras in and outside of the school and by increasing signage for emergency phones, Desrosiers believes his crew of 30 employees is enough to safeguard the colleges large student body. If you have thousands of people, some of them are going to have issues, Desrosiers said. Fortunately its a low percentage. Linda Blakey, associate vice president of Student Services, encourages that WCCs campus is harmless and students

need not fear. We have a very safe campus, Blakey said. If students are nervous about walking to their car, call security and get them to walk you. Blakey looks at the assault situation as a good learning experience for the college, as well. In light of the recent concerns, Blakey believes efforts are already in place to better inform students of emergencies and have been hastened. We learned a lot from that. It was kind of trial by fire, Blakey. If we had to do it again, wed do it differently. We would not

have sent the alert out. It was a learning experience. Blakey acknowledges that the alert system, in the past utilized for school closings and natural disasters, may have been misused in reporting the incident. What we have used that alert system for in the past is something you immediately need to know, Blakey said We havent used it for that type of event before. Because its coming on this alert, youre assuming that you immediately need to respond to it, and that was not the case.

Only some WCC employees undergo criminal background checks, college officials say
Managing Editor

Ben Solis

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

One of the campus safety vehicles that patrols the campus and parking lots every night.

With former academic adviser Cole Jordan out on bail and waiting to be sentenced for a 43-year-old assault with a deadly weapons charge in California, the questions surrounding how Washtenaw Community College administrators did not know about his past remain unanswered. Jordan, also known by his real name Ronald Bridgeforth, was first employed at WCC as a custodian in 1978, 10 years after the crime. But college officials were unable to say whether Jordan was required to complete a criminal background check on his employment. I cannot speak to the past, said Marla Stuck, director of employment in the Department of Human Relations. Stuck has only been in her position for five years, so she could not speak to the way that Washtenaw hired its employees and which background checks they required in the 1970s. There are people who still work here who were around since then, she said, but they werent in charge of (dealing

with records regarding background checks). Currently, WCC only runs criminal background checks for certain positions, according to Stuck. Those positions include custodian and facilities maintenance workers, child-care professionals in the Childrens Center and positions held in Campus Safety and Security. Other positions, such as executive staff members and financial services employees, must go through a financial and credentials background check on top of the criminal records check, Stuck said. No other positions, according to Stuck, require a criminal background check. Yet Stuck ensured that the colleges current criminal checks are effective, and she acknowledged that the Jordan case has prompted her department to review its policies. Yes we have gone back and looked at it, Stuck said. We update (the background check requirements) based on what information we can get. As time changes we change. Even after 9/11, the federal government helped us out with the different changes then.

STUDENT POLITICS FROM FRONT PAGE

volunteers. At the offices open house on Nov. 6, a large group of supporters of all ages arrived to talk with campaign organizers and sign up as volunteers while listening to a speech by Rep. John Dingell, a Dearborn Democrat. Engaging students, especially minorities, is a crucial step in organizing campaign support at the grassroots level, said Garrett Arwa, 30. Serving as the state director in Michigan for the Obama re-election campaign, Arwa stressed the importance of giving back to students, including reforming the student loan system and putting more money into Pell grants. Student engagement is an important focus for Clark Pettig, 30, Michigan press secretary for the Obama campaign. Pettig said that 300,000 Michigan youths were too young to vote in 2008, but are now registered. Securing the support of these voters is key, he said. The other priority is to get unregistered people registered to

vote, he added. While officials like Pettig and Arwa direct the campaign from a higher level, hundreds of students in Michigan are taking part in the grunt work for the Obama and Paul campaigns calling voters, canvassing neighborhoods and holding fundraisers. University of Michigan freshman Pavitra Abraham, 18, of Farmington Hills, works from the Obama campaign office with two things in mind getting Obama reelected and fighting for minority rights. Obama paved the way for young people to get involved, Abraham said. WCC political science student Don Crawford takes part in the campaigns phone call efforts, cooperating with the College Democrats at the University of Michigan, reaching roughly 1,000 voters every two weeks. Crawford says that the current focus is to work with Obamas core supporters and youth, while working to attract older voters over the next several months.

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JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

A large group of Ron Paul supporters swarm the candidate entrance at the Nov. 9 Republican debate at Oakland University in Rochester.

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November 21, 2011

News

The Washtenaw Voice

The Washtenaw Voice Section B

November 21, 2011

INTERNATIONAL AEROSPACE COMPANY CREATES JOBS

in Saline by way of Germany
of the landing gear on planes, Osterling said, the majority of them have most likely been through Saline for repairs. Construction workers broke ground on Liebherrs new facility a month ago, and with weather and other complications in mind, the repair shop should be fully functional by April. The new addition will be only for servicing and repairing large landing gear components and fixtures. With that date in mind, Liebherr will begin hiring a total of 15-20 new certified mechanics to work on parts as early as March. We will only be hiring mechanics, Vlilander said. This is for a very specific type of work, which is landing gear work. By definition they are fairly big components, so we will need the space to move them around with overhead cranes. While these new openings sound like a boundless opportunity for the everyday mechanic, the type of employees Vlilander is looking for is limited to specific sets of skills and knowledge bases. Typically, more than 80 percent of the people that we employ as technicians are aircraft mechanics, Vlilander said. If we find a good mechanic with a very solid background in electronics or any other type of servicing industry, we will hire them. But our preference is to have someone who has been through FAA, Federal Aviation A u t h o r i t y, training so we know that they understand regulation type training.
Managing Editor

Ben Solis

While many American cities struggle to make a comeback from a devastating recession, residents in Saline have barely noticed the difference. Weve been lucky, said Larry Osterling, executive director of the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce. We have the most hi-tech jobs and employment. We havent been affected as adversely as other Michigan cities. The jobs are local, some right in Saline citizens own back yards. The most prolific company hiring American workers isnt even homegrown its German. Since the early 2000s, Saline has been home to Liebherr, a German-based aircraft, ground moving, and

manchester For more than six months, Kellie Guttschang has been working with Sasha Farm, the largest Midwest farm sanctuary dedicated to housing and caring for farm animals. Shes bringing her experiences to the classroom. An Internet Professional instructor, Guttschang, of Ann Arbor, developed the idea of the Digital Media Arts foundry to help Washtenaw Community College students in photography, animation, video, graphic design and Internet Professional programs to complete realworld work for the non-profit farm. They are rebranding and redeveloping marketing materials for Sasha Farms. In Guttschangs words, as a way to give back while making grades. So far this semester, Guttchangs User Experience II class has written an export review and a usability document for its website in preparation for the Internet Professional class to redesign the site. They were looking for better ways to get donations in through their site rather than through print media, she said. Next term, were going to have our INP student code the site and program the interactivity. For Amanda Hitt, 36, of Manchester, operations manager, all of this means updated

photos of the farm, short videos of the animals and their stories and a redesign of the website and new marketing materials. WCC students are all contributing to the overhaul. Now is the time for us to do this because there is a bigger awareness in the general culture of veganism and farm animal cruelty, Hitt said. Were sort of at an awkward period due to still having the donor base of a small organization, but the needs of a bigger one. WCC photography instructor Don Werthmann, of Ann Arbor, has already embarked on a trip to the farm with 14 Advanced Studio Techniques students to photograph the animals and the farm for the marketing and website material. He looks at this experience as a way to embrace new problems in an environment that is uncontrolled rather than learning just from the studio. A lot of assignments I give, theyre driven more by tools, techniques, process and the personal vision, he said. We can produce a lot of photographs that are driven more towards ones personal interpretation, but rarely does

WCC students pool talents to

Sasha Farm
Non-profit sanctuary for animals creates real-world opportunities
Anna Fuqua-Smith
Staff Writer

Photos by Benjamin Lopez

Staff Photographer

this class get a context where theres a potential client. To Werthmann, this opportunity is a game-changer and presents several problems for the student. When I presented this to the class, a lot of students were looking to me with all of these questions, Werthmann said. My answer: I dont know. Lets figure that out as we go. Students have been embracing the project in both departments so far. Mark Hutchinson, 21, of Ypsilanti, believes that if this project wasnt proposed, he wouldnt have come to this location otherwise. You have no control over anything. Its a matter of working with what you have and just basically going with the flow, Hutchinson, a Photography major said. As opposed to the studio, you can control everything. Theres no worry about cloud or direct sunlight. And while the environment presents problems that the student must figure out, Hutchinson embraces WCCs support of local Michigan. A lot of bigger art schools have internships and this is WCCs way of doing the same

thing, working with people that we would never work with before, he said. Its a really new and cool situation. The farm is nestled on 75 acres and has been a non-profit organization for 11 years. Sasha Farms is not supported by larger organizations, and all money donated is strictly from individuals passionate about the cause. Hitt believes that WCCs involvement of the rebranding will allow for Sasha Farms to expand in areas necessary to grow both its donor and support bases. Right now, theres a big disparity in the law that protects dogs and cats and the law that protects livestock, Hitt said. Our goal is to make sure that people understand that animals are all the same, and since we are the only farm sanctuary in the area, we need the expansion. Werthmann and Guttschang admit to never doing something like this in their classes, they only hope to continue in the direction of giving back to non-profits in Washtenaw County. This is a bit of experiment, and we want to perpetuate this and take it to another level, Werthamnn said. Its going to be fun to watch this place change over the winter and deteriorate and its just going to present more problems that my class has the opportunity to solve.

MIC

HIG

gear technologies components manufacturer that has been creating those hi-tech jobs and employing local residents in the process. Back in 2006, Liebherr was approved to expand on its 67,000-square-foot facility in Saline by another 33,000 square feet. In 2008, the company acquired another 54 acres worth of land. L a s t s u m m e r, A l e x Vlilander, president of Liebherr Aerospace Saline, and his crew decided that another 33,000-square-foot facility was needed to meet the demand of high product output, due in part to federal servicing requirements for all airplane components. We service about 9001,000 components a month, Vlilander said. We do a total of about 11,000 servicings a year. Liebherrs international factories, based in Lindenberg, Germany, and Colmar, France, create and manufacture the components. When the components break down, or reach a set time for servicing meaning repairs and general maintenance the parts are shipped directly to Saline. If you look at most

AN

Among the key places V l i l a n d e r finds his aerospace gear-heads are the Michigan Institute of Aeronautics, in Canton, and from aerospace technician courses taught at Willow Run Airport. Vlilanders company prerequisites not only highlight the need for specialization in terms of education, but the diversifying of a students skill set, according to Washtenaw Community College student Kevin Aldrich, 25, from Ann Arbor. If you dont sit and do it as a hobby, youre screwed, Aldrich said, who is working toward his associates in applied mechanics and a Master Automotive certificate. You have to be

ERM G

a wannabe mad scientist. Grease monkeys are a dime a dozen. Scientist grease monkeys, not so much. Having an international company hiring local workers and keeping them here is a feat of business that Osterling is immensely proud of. They have an excellent community footprint, and we appreciate that they are here, Osterling said. Yet even with such growth, Osterling did say he wished more local American companies would follow suit. We would like to see local ownership do that, he said. It doesnt influence as much without that. Wed rather not see the local plants close. While local businesses have closed, Osterling was optimistic with the recent upturn in the local economy, which Liebherr has been a part of. Part of Liebherrs success, Vlilander said, is because of Salines increasingly pro-business attitude. This is an interesting

FLIGHT LOG:
Liebherr has two main, international manufacturing plants one in Lindenberg, Germany and the other in Colmar, France. Liebherr Saline repairs and performs maintenance on a majority of the aerospace industrys various parts and components a total of 1,000 components a month and around 11,000 components a year. Liebherr is an international leader in ground moving equipment, gear technologies and aerospace components. With a new landing gear repair shop under construction, Liebherr is looking to hire 15-20 new certified aircraft mechanics or those mechanics well versed in hi-tech electronics and manufacturing. Saline and Liebherrs native Lindenberg are sister cities, and share a cultural identity through social gatherings, events and educational exchange programs.

ANY

LIEBHERR CONTINUED B5

ILLUSTRATIONs BY HAFSAH MIJINY AWA

Putting lipstick on a pig

Anna Fuqua-Smith
Staff Writer

Hitchin a ride

And the pig wins when WCC earns sweetest car tag by Motor Trend
What started out as a joke and an immense challenge for Gary Sobbry and his Washtenaw Community College automotive technologies students fixing up a totaled car earned the highest praise from a leading trade magazine at a Las Vegas convention this month. Ford wanted a four-door car that got the younger generation interested, Sobbry said. We jokingly said that a Ford 500 is not sexy in the eyes of America, but that we could cut it up and make a Ford 500 appealing. And they did. WCCs version of the vehicle, a formerly wrecked Ford Five Hundred that transformed in the tantalizing vehicle the students had worked on for more than a year was ranked as a one of Fords 8 Sweetest Vehicles by Motor Trend at the Specialty Equipment Market Association convention. Christian Seabaugh of Motor Trend admitted to judging a book by its cover in the car-judging process of the convention. While the ridiculous red and black paint job is what initially drew us to the Five Hundred GT-R, what got us drooling was its power plant, Seabaugh wrote on Motor Trends website. The Five Hundred GT-R is powered by a 5.4-litre supercharged V-8, just like the GT. Its pretty much what Sobbry, of Dexter, had in mind when he suggested that WCC take on the project. Sobbry never imagined Ford would take him seriously because he thought there would be no way the company would donate a rare Ford GT to the college. But it did. Ford challenged Sobbry and 40 students to finesse the vehicle and offered to pay for all parts and materials. The result: Stunning to look at, and unimaginably powerful from behind the wheel. Its what WCC students do, and the college has a trophy case to prove it. David Storch, 25, a lab assistant in vocational technology at WCC, of Walled Lake, has always been amazed at the colleges prolific involvement with the convention. The school has been taking cars there even before I started here, Storch said. For a community college to be in that and presenting a vehicle donated by Ford, its huge, especially getting the award and also the awareness we get from everybody already working in the industry. There were thousands of cars being judged in several different categories, Storch said. Our car was featured as a Ford featured car so it was displayed in the hallway where it would be most seen. The SEMA convention is held annually for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, publishing companies, auto restorers, street rod builders, re-stylers, car clubs and race teams to provide an opportunity to show off new products or vehicles produced yearly. Automotive instructor, Mike Duff of Canton, credits events like SEMA for educating students in all areas of his field. The automotive industry entails a lot of other aspects rather than just fixing a grocery-getter every-day car, he said. We want to show our students the whole spectrum of the system so they can go wherever they want. And while the Ford Five Hundred was originally wrecked in a 2008 accident on its way to WCC following the Woodward Dream Cruise, Sobbry was willing to rise to Fords challenge once more and build a family trickster with
FORD 500 CONTINUED B5

A taxi service for those in need from preschool to middle college

COURTESY PHOTO KIDS KRUISER Left, Santonya Thomas, driver for Kids Kruiser, LLC. Right, Angela McCommons, owner of the company standing in front of their van.

Allie Tomason
Staff Writer

Top, a goat nibbles on Torrence Allisons shirt while he is occupied with setting up a shot. Torrence is one of the Advanced Studio Techniques students taking photographs for marketing and web site material for Sasha Farm under instructor Don Werthmann. Left, two chickens wander around the farm. Right, Mark Hutchinson, 21, of Ypsilanti, photographs a small goat. The Ford Five Hundred GT-R finished at the Specialty Equipment Market Association in Las Vegas.

COURTESY PHOTO AUTO BODY REPAIR PROGRAM

Satonya Thomas saw a curious thing as she was dropping her twin boys off at school: a purple minivan with Kid Kruiser painted on the side. Thomas, 40, a school bus driver from Ann Arbor, was intrigued. She was pleased with what she found. I loved that this was a kids service, Thomas said. Indeed, Kid Kruiser is a service for children, a taxi service, catering to the transportation needs of children with on-thego parents. I have been in business for about six months now, though I have been offering this service to friends and neighbors for about a year, said Angela McCommons, president of Kid Kruiser, LLC. As a parent herself, McCommons assessed her own needs and talked to other parents and friends to find out if this was a service they would pay to use. What she found out: yes, they would. As a result, McCommons services more than 50 families with 2-5 children as young as 3 years old. That may seem surprisingly young, but McCommons says that all of her drivers have stringent requirements to meet. Drivers must obtain first aid and CPR

certification, pass a drug screen, maintain a clean driving record (submitted biannually), have a minimum of two years experience working with children, and gain central clearance through the Department of Human Services (essentially, for background checks). In order to use the Kid Kruiser services there is a registration process and parents must attend a meeting. We dont feel good about just showing up and not having a meeting, McCommons said. And we dont just pick up random children. Service is based on availability, so there are no contracts in place, but week-to-week schedules are considered. Currently McCommons employs three drivers at $2 per mile, with a $2 fuel surcharge per ride. She says her service is 50 cents below Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti cab fare rates. McCommons predicts that the trend for growth in her business will rise as the menacing economic crisis forces parents to work more furiously than ever to keep up. Parents just dont have the flexibility that they used to, McCommons said. Were gonna grow at a careful and steady pace. And by the looks of it, she
KIDS KRUISER CONTINUED B5

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November 21, 2011

Culture Sync

The Washtenaw Voice

The Washtenaw Voice

Culture Sync

November 21, 2011

B3

Singer Abraham wins best-ever WCC Talent Show

The four best kept secrets on campus

For struggling students, case workers at the Student Resource and Womens Center are here for you
Adrian Hedden
Features Editor

Application deadline approaches for SRWC grants

Anna Potter
Contributor

Wealthy or not, if youre a Washtenaw Community College student, Elisabeth Orbits can help you.

BOB CONRADI THE WASHTENAW VOICE Delphine Abraham & The Pips (Casey and Chantel Campbell) sang Neither One of Us by Gladys Knight & The Pips to win the annual show.

Jael Gardiner
Staff Writer

Despite having almost lost their voices in the last week, Dillon Brown and Jay Lee still rocked the stage at Washtenaw Community Colleges Talent Show. Although their rap performance didnt win, they still loved the response that they got from the audience. At first the pair wasnt sure if they would be able to perform, because they didnt know about the auditions in time. Lee, 24, a music and audio engineering student from Ann Arbor, asked to audition late and was able to perform among the 23 acts in the Nov. 17 show.

Ive been waiting for this for weeks, Im really excited, Lee said. Brown, a Cass Technical High School student from Detroit, was just worried about his voice. I was really nervous at first, because my voice wasnt 100 percent, Brown said. But I gave it my everything, and the crowd was really receptive. The Towsley Auditorium in the ML building was filled with spectators at the Talent Show that started at 6 p.m. Despite being late on a Thursday night, the audience stayed until the show ended at around 9:30 p.m., keeping their cheering and excitement all the way

through to the last act of the night. WCC President Rose Bellanca, one of the judges, said that she loved the performances and the students were fabulous. Another judge was Princeton Dudley, a WCC graduate who has gone on to work with companies such as Speedway Gas Stations and Universal Music Group. This is my third year judging. I actually came back from California last year to judge, Dudley said. This is where I got my start. Rachel Barsch opened up the door for me. There was a jazz band last year that was amazing. There was a metal band that played here last time; they were some of the most

talented musicians Ive met. The winner was Delphine Abraham for singing, along with her nieces, Neither One of Us by Gladys Knight & The Pips. This was Abrahams last year at WCC, but she was happy to perform and support the school again. She finished third in last years competition. Dominique Mathews came in second place for her recital of original poetry, and Morgan Foreman came in third place for her modern dance performance. There were acts such as pieces played on piano and drums, dancing and singing. Dance groups, Patchwerk and Maverick Crew performed. I liked it when I was in the

middle, said Bernard William, 21, a graphic design student and Maverick Crew dancer from Ann Arbor. I was in the spotlight. The audience enjoyed cheering on its favorite acts. Its really fun. I saw Nicole Barley in the Talent Show, she was here again from last year, said Lena Harbali, 17, a secondary education student from Ann Arbor. My favorite act was the poet. One girl both danced with a dance crew and performed a song she wrote and played on the guitar. Kate Sizemore, 21, a liberal arts student from Saline, has watched the talent show for several years before she got

involved with it. I prefer dancing. For me, dancing is my passion, Sizemore said. Im involved with two dance crews, but I only danced with one. This show was really great; the last few years have been amazing. According to Rachel Barsch, Student Activities events coordinator, it took a lot of work to get the show going, but in the end, it came together well. She also said that the event was supposed to last three hours, but it had ended up going over. It took hours, probably close to 50 hours of work, said Barsch. I think it was a success, its my favorite event of the year.

Dexter Buck Pole draws deer, spectators on Opening Day

Photos and words by

Bob Conradi
Staff Writer

DEXTER A half-dozen deer carcasses hung from a pole here on Main Street. For the Ross brothers, and one son, this was a place for a family reunion. Joe Ross drove down from Cadillac to see Southern Michigan bucks on opening day. Tom Ross delayed his annual migration to Southern California to meet at the pole. Toms son, Mark, was also

with the group. He recently retired with the rank of colonel from the U.S. Air Force, where he flew various aircraft including Air Force 2, the plane carrying the vice president. He also served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He took time out from working on his retirement home on a small farm in northern Ohio to join his father and uncles at the pole. The Dexter buck pole draws men and women of all ages. They come to admire the majestic animals, remark on their racks,

discuss hunting tactics or just hang out. It is a November tradition in places all over Michigan during the opening week of deer season. The Mill Creek Sport Center in Dexter hosts what is possibly the only buck pole in Washtenaw County. Hunters who take bucks locally bring their trophies to Mill Creek. Workers there hoist the bucks up the pole suspended by their antlers. For gawkers, it is a chance to see prize bucks; for hunters, it is about bragging rights.

The six bucks were slim pickings compared to other years. Glen Bolling, a gunsmith at Mill Creek for 22 years, said that the warm weather was to blame. He said this was the third-warmest deer season since he started working there. Warm weather can reduce deer activity, causing hunters to see fewer bucks. It also reduces a hunters desire to hang their deer out for viewing. One buck, an 8-point, was shot by Alicia Klocek, 17, of Dexter, who skipped early classes at Dexter High School on

opening day so she could hunt. She restored the good graces of her biology teacher by bringing in the heart of her buck for class study. Her proud dad called her, the most accurate shooter I know. A smaller button buck, one lacking antlers, was brought in by Joey Ferullo, aged 10, of Ypsilanti. It was his first. Both Alicia and Joey had brought their bucks in earlier in the day, but came back in the evening to enjoy the spectacle and bask in the glory. The buck parade did not stop. By 8 p.m., the six bucks had grown to 14. Some of the later arrivals were among the largest. Dave Vetican, 62, of Gaylord, brought in a 10-point. While most Southern Michigan hunters head to deer camps up north, Vertican goes south where he

says the deer grow bigger. For years he has been traveling south for Opening Day to his mother-in-laws Washtenaw County farm. He planned to hunt again the next day with his teenage daughter to help her get her buck. Other harvesters of big bucks included Joe LoBello, 56, of Chelsea, and Patrick Wheeler, 44, of Redford. Both bucks had impressive racks. Around dusk, only occasional visitors were stopping to see the bucks. By 7:30 p.m. there were perhaps a hundred onlookers, and the gathering took on a festive quality. Are buck poles in Michigan a big deal? Even in the southern Lower Peninsula? You betcha!
Check out more photos from the Dexter Buck pole online at http://washtneawvoice.com.

ORBITS The manager of the Student Resource and Womens Center urges students from all backgrounds to seek help, if needed, regardless of their financial situation. We see students at all socio-economic classes, Orbits said. Our main goal is to help all students stay successful, but we are particularly sensitive to non-traditional students. From merely signing timesheets to aggressively lobbying school administrators for funding, Orbits has been pleased at WCCs support of her department and its constituents. The college is very generous. Our community is very generous, Orbits said. The administration is very student-centered. Aiding in the plight of those students who did not continue their educations after high school, Orbits and the SRWC have seen and assisted single-parent students, displaced home owners, workers in transition, and first-generation students, along with students experiencing a multitude of economic disadvantages. We provide case managers to help students negotiate the system, Orbits said. We offer access to federal financial aid, scholarships and other learning support services so that successful students stay that way.

Referring to just a couple examples of useful seminars provided by the center, Orbits is confident that any obstacle between her students and their education will be taken care of. We offer test anxiety workshops, and a vocational series for those seeking employment, she said. We will address whatever might interfere with their success in class. Orbits urges those interested to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Although federal assistance is not required to take advantage of the SRWC, FAFSA application is required. The SRWC usually works by appointment, but Orbits asks students to call or stop by the front desk for more information at any time. We strongly believe in education, Orbits said. Its the only way out of poverty. A perfect fit Cheryl Finley has never doubted her place at Washtenaw Community College.

had barriers to reaching their educational goals, Finley said. And it was in a Womens Center. So I thought, this sounds exciting. Knowing how much it can help students, Finley urges students to approach the SRWC right away for access to all the resources it has to offer. I think its really a hidden gem on campus, Finley said. I know how it may be difficult and you may not want to go and ask for help. But if you dont go ask for help, you cant get help. Along with the typical caseload, Finley coordinates the Off Campus Child-Care Grant and hosts programs for domestic violence and abuse awareness, breastcancer awareness and sexual-assault programs. Finley hopes to start a healthy lifestyles program for next year, hopefully including massage therapy and talks from nutrition experts. Itll try and help students have balance between school, work, family, Finley said. We have that on the calendar, but were really not sure how were going to approach it. Steering students toward success Face to face is the best way for Eleanor Brundage to do her job.

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE The SRWC is located on the second floor of the Student Center.

FINLEY When Finley saw a classified ad for an advising position at WCC, the Detroit resident, convinced from the start that it was the best place for her, leapt at it. I just answered an ad in the local newspaper, Finley said. At the time, it was perfect. Finley looked forward to working with students to help them rise above their struggles for success. It was academic advising, it was working with students who

BRUNDAGE Sitting across her desk from students on a daily basis, Brundage, a SRWC counselor, helps them navigate their paths at WCC in a system that is ever-changing. We offer one-on-one intensive attention, she

said. Minimally, we hope to see our students about twice a semester. In dealing with students, Brundage endeavors to plot a students academic path at Washtenaw, seeing education as her main agenda. We help students develop a really solid educational plan because thats our focus. Brundage said. Theyll be successful. With annual alterations to the rules confusing many students, Brundage anticipates conducting her students through an often-puzzling system. I try to get them to meet with all the new rules and regulations and policies, Brundage said, because theyre constantly changing. Aside from her students, Brundage coordinates the Carl Perkins Grant, which provides funding for working students in need of rent, supplies and even childcare. The grant helps those suffering at the hands of the job market, she said. It really works well for workers in transition, Brundage said. People who may have been laid off, unemployed, or have a degree that doesnt make sense. To be loan-eligible for the Carl Perkins Grant, students looking for a change must already have finished a degree. On campus, Brundage has been working to establish an Alcoholics Anonymous group as

well as an Al-Anon program for families of addicts. She is also coordinating Friends of Bill W., a substance-abuse panel currently meeting on campus weekly. Brundage also is committed to helping students suffering from depression. Our students fall into the age group that is most susceptible to depression, she said. There are a lot of variables. Making connections Leslie Neal is on the prowl.

NEAL Neal, a case manager at the SRWC, has been heading up the schools mentoring program for the past three years. I go out and do recruiting for the program, Neal said. I also have help from funding from the Womens Council here on campus. Theyre great with finding us mentors in the community. Initially started with one-on-one counseling,

Neals program was not gaining the public ity it needed to flourish. Converting to larger discussions that are now held in a bigger lecture room in LA 275, Neal is proud of a very accommodating student-mentor ratio. We have about 1012 mentors in our discussions per about 2526 students, Neal said. Thats what our goal is. The mentors seem a lot more apt to talk during a big event. After the initial, large-group discussion, mentors provide times for students to meet in smaller groups for lunch meetings, conference calls and job shadowing. Neal wishes for students to use this chance to begin building a rapport with those in a desired field of employment. From that point forward, it can kinda bridge networking opportunities and start to build a relationship, Neal said. We hope it takes off. Success for the mentoring program has been largely dependent on instructor referrals. Neal encourages teachers to point students in her direction. Were finding students through faculty and advisers, and students who show interest, Neal said. They have to be already taking some of the core classes in the program. They have to think that this is really what they want to do.

The clock is ticking for students seeking assistance next semester, as the Nov. 28 grant-application deadline for the Student Resource and Womens Center quickly approaches. SRWC Case Manager Elisabeth Orbits said that there are about five grants available, funding tuition, books and childcare. Childcare, Orbits said, thats the biggest one. Its a huge barrier for low-income parents that could prevent them from going to school. Rather than trying to determine eligibility on their own, Orbits suggests that students seeking assistance should make an appointment, go in, and complete an intake. Youll sit down with a case manager and youll talk about any issues that might prevent you from being successful here at the college, Orbits said. Then we create a file for each student and they stay with that case manager. According to Health Care Foundations major Michelle B., 68, even if you arent eligible for grant funding, the center can guide you to helpful resources. Michelle (who asked that her last name not be used) is thankful for the centers help, confidentiality and respect, and for reminding struggling students that theyre not alone. Theres always help, Michelle said. Just ask! According to Orbits, the SRWC averages about 200 students per case manager and they get booked up quickly around the deadline. If you call and there are no appointments left, just come anyway and fill out an intake, Orbits said. If its before the funding deadline, Ill take a look at it and see if theres eligibility for you if youre looking for funding. We have different pots of money, so Id encourage students not to limit themselves.
To make an appointment, or for more information, contact the Student Resource and Womens Center, phone (734) 667-5105.

ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS
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The Ross family had a reunion at the Dexter Buck Pole. They are, from left, Mark, John, Tom and Joe. Mark is the son of Tom. The other three are brothers. Joey Ferullo, 10, from Ypsilanti, shot his first deer, a button buck, on opening day of deer season and displayed it at the Dexter Buck Pole.

www.northwood.edu 8006.22.9000

B4

November 21, 2011

Culture Sync

The Washtenaw Voice

The Washtenaw Voice

BOEHME FROM B4

Culture Sync
and academics. I hope when he comes home, hell be way more independent, Mirko said. In the U.S., he has to take care of his own obligations rather than us, as his parents, mentoring him. After the Fall semester, as part of his program, Boehme will have to find a job for the rest of his tenure here, in a concentration related to his major. Unfortunately, hes facing several challenges, just like most U.S. citizens trying to find work. Im looking for a job now, but not finding anything as of yet, he said. I didnt realize how difficult it was going to be to find a marketing or business position. Mens volleyball coach Doug Tan said Boehme will be missed when he has to leave the team. Johannes is instrumental in every aspect of the game, whether it be passing, hitting or serving, Tan said. He was probably the best player to tryout when he came to us. Lemm will also miss him around the Club Sports office. When he comes out to the Ping-Pong table, other students fight for him to be on their team, she said. Despite losing an essential player next semester, Tan but is looking forward to being a fellow teammate with Boehme in a recreational league in Ann Arbor. Doug has always joked with him on the court that if the situation gets too intense, to say his words in German, Lemm said. Hes a funny guy and is always encouraging of the young guys on the court who havent played organized volleyball.
LIEHBERR FROM B1

November 21, 2011 for half a century. Weve had the Brecon sister city for 45 years now, Nehring said. The city of Brecon, Whales was Salines first sister city, a relationship that has thrived since. When looking for a sister city, Nehring said that everything from the size of the foreign city to the geography and way of life are considered before building the partnership. Those perquisites drive the decision, but that was not the case for Lindenberg. Liebherr knew we were looking to find another European city and they suggested Lindenberg, Nehring said. So we looked into it and sent a group of five people over there, and they looked to see if it was going to be a good marriage. By adding Lindenberg to its like NASCAR team owner Jack Roush will put 100 people on it for 24 hours a day, for six months. For our students to do that in a 30 session class at 7.5 hours a week, it becomes a lot more than the class entails. Time commitment may be of concern in some cases, but Storch looks at it as helpful for students down the road. WCC has helped me a lot with the instructors,

B5

Record turnout for tryouts results into two Club Sports mens basketball team
Anna Fuqua-Smith
Staff Writer

His teammates call him Dr. White Chocolate on the court. Off the court, hes Kenny Grimm. The 41-year-old Ann Arbor resident will now represent Washtenaw Community College on one of its two mens club basketball teams. An astounding 48 students attended both practices held on Nov. 2 and Nov. 5, forcing Club Sports to form a second mens team to give everyone a chance to compete. For Grimm, a liberal arts major, to be selected when he didnt even think he had the

second chance to play is nothing short of amazing at least for him. I was just glad I showed up, and making it was a surprise, he said. Being selected to be an ambassador to your school out of 48 people after not playing for so long is an honor. Mens basketball coach Michael Mosley looks at it as a challenge worth embracing. I think it gives more of a realistic look to Club Sports being more competitive and more than just drop-in, Mosley said. Its comparable to a varsity and junior varsity team and gives players the opportunity to advance.

BENIJAMIN LOPEZ THE WASHTENAW VOICE ESean Hogan, left, attempts to block Deron Wilson, right, from dribbling the basketball.

BENJIMAN LOPEZ THE WASHTENAW VOICE Bruce Williams,right, 32, of Detroit, an automotive engineering major attempts to make a shot while another player blocks.

And while a new coach will be added to Club Sports before the first game on Dec. 4, Mosley has already had to act quickly to revise a practice that accommodated so many players. Ive done this before, so Im used to the dynamics, he said. The plus side is it poses opportunities and gives Team A someone to practice with inside the college. Club Sports Coordinator Erica Lemm said forming two teams is right in line with her idea of always having a place for students to compete if theyre willing and eligible. Another reason there are two teams is because

some students that came to tryouts are not current students so they cannot play until January, she said. I wanted to have extra spots for these students and can make changes to the roster on Jan. 21. While budget was of concern as to whether or not Club Sports could afford two mens teams, Lemm had already done her homework in that department. For most sports, they run two seasons typically played in the fall and the spring, she said. For basketball, the season runs from December to March so it was easy to find the money because I budget two seasons for each sport.

While Team A has 12 players on the roster and Team B has eight on its roster, the new coach, when hired, can make changes and additions to the roster in January. Players can move from Team B to Team A if interested. A tryout would be conducted if Team A had space on its roster. Weve already done it with one person and it can be done again, Mosley said. In the Ann Arbor Rec and Ed league, Team A will compete in the B division and Team B will compete in the C Division. The difference in competition is minimal, but Lemm also didnt want both

teams competing with each other. By having them compete in different divisions, they will compete on different days in the week, she said. Im hoping this will create a support amongst all three basketball teams (mens and womens). Business major, E Sean Hogan, 19, of Ypsilanti admits to be being out of shape, but welcomed the opportunity to compete. I was on the freeway when I got the news and literally got out of my car and put my hands in the air, he said. I was that excited.

coordinator, describes Boehme as multi-talented. Johannes is a very intense player. When hes there, hes there to play, she said. Hes a good role-model talent wise. Typically in the exchange program, the students would live with a host-family that could oversee his actions while in the U.S. Instead, Boehme is living in a house with three roommates, all about the same age as him and studying or working in various areas. Its really different, because I am the only one in the program living without a host family, Boehme said. Hes enjoying life here. Boehme finds some things that many Americans take seriously, like the MichiganOhio State football game and college rivalries in general, rather amusing. We dont have all of these college teams, he said. In Germany, everything is in their separate clubs. Schools dont have teams, and you must go to the city to compete in a club. Recently, in preparation to go home, Boehme enrolled in the University of Leipzig and is saddened that he cant compete on a sports team at school there. His father, Mirko Boehme, 44, is extremely proud of his son for making it into such a prestigious program. I have no fears of him being in America, and wish the best for him, Mirko said. I hope hes found some good friends and created a support base here in the U.S. As described by his parents, Boehme has always been an athlete and did well both in sports

statistic, Vlilander said. About 80 percent of the people employed by Liebherr Saline live within 10 miles, so we employ a lot of local people. Weve benefitted and so have they. But Liebherrs success doesnt just lie in its job creation and productivity. It creates social ties where it does business, as well. In 2003, Liebherrs native Lindenberg was added to Salines list of sister cities. Its a small town, not unlike Saline, in the fact that it is semi-rural, said Dick Nehring, a Saline resident who sits on the Board of Trustees for the Saline-Lindenberg sister city program. The sister city program, created by President Dwight

D. Eisenhower, was a key tool in helping the U.S. curb the spread of the Soviet Union in Eastern and Western Europe. As a cultural exchange partner-

POINT OF VIEW
If you dont sit and do it as a hobby, youre screwed. You have to be a wannabe mad scientist. Grease monkeys are a dime a dozen. Scientist grease monkeys, not so much. KEVIN ALDRICH 25, Ann Arbor, Automotive technologies

ship, the program allows Saline residents to bask in Bavarian culture. Aside from Salines Lindenberg partnership, the city has had a separate sister

family, the foreign company now has a reason to feel a little more at home. There is a connection there outside of just we are a tenant here, we own property and we employ people, said Vlilander. There is also a cooperation from the city from a social standpoint. Aside from making the Germans feel cozy, the partnership opens doors for Americans too. There was recently an Oktoberfest, and we had people from the sister city come over, Vlilander said. We send students every year in a student exchange with Lindenberg. Its all a cultural exchange, so even music groups will go to Lindenberg and other places in Germany to play. It is a very good cooperation. department chairs and the faculty to get where Im at now, Storch said. And now I can say Ive worked on a Ford-featured award-winning car along with several other students.

KIDS KRUISER FROM B1

FORD 500 FROM B1

PING-PONG FROM B4

himself a regular at the table and enforces the rules of signing up and getting waivers from each new player. Whenever Im not in class, Im here at the table, he said. I spend about four hours a day and use it as a de-stress between classes, especially when I have a big test.

And while the table is here to stay, Linda JachumOwczak, Club Sports assistant, emphasized that beginners like Naqshbandi and Aisheemary are always welcome to play. Everyone has been terrific sportsmen, she said. They dont care if youre a beginner, and theyre willing to teach anyone.

may be right. Mathnasium Learning Center, in Canton, refers Kid Kruiser to its students as an alternative when transportation issues surface. Rashonda Arnold, 36, an owner of the learning center, said that probably 10 percent of her students use the service. I have actually used her service a couple of times myself. My husband and I both work, McCommons said. WCC is another frequent stop for the Kid Kruiser. Washtenaw Technical Middle Colleges Tyler Freitas, 15, has been a passenger for a couple of months and is looking forward to the next couple. Its nice to be able to get a ride somewhere, instead of waiting in the cold, Freitas said. Also looking forward to the next couple of months is Thomas. Remember her? The school bus driver is now a Kid Kruiser driver in training, and she hopes to make the most of a new opportunity. Hopefully this will be my full time job, she said.
For more information go to the Kid Kruiser website: http://kidskruiser.com

the motor and suspension of the Ford GT comparable to a Ferrari. Although opportunities like this present real world challenges to WCC students, Duff looks at this as a double-edged sword for some students. Its a huge commitment on time to build a car like that, Duff said, adding that someone

To see pictures of the award winning car and full Motor Trend remarks, visit: http://wot.motortrend.com/2011-sema-fords8-sweetest-sema-vehicles 132173.html

COURTESY PHOTO AUTO BODY REPAIR PROGRAM Auto Body Repair students repair the Ford Five Hundred GT-R after it was wrecked.

WCC student enjoys sports, life outside of Germany

Anna Fuqua-Smith
Staff Writer

Ping-Pong popularity spins out of control

Anna Fuqua-Smith
Staff Writer

The Kettering Advantage

Scholarships up to $15,000 Transfer friendly
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When you first observe Johannes Boehme doing his thing on the volleyball court, he appears intense to the point of intimidation while having fun and making friends. The casual observer would never suspect that Boehme is living in a strange land without the support of his family or friends across the Atlantic Ocean. A business major, Boehme, 22, of Gera, Germany was selected to par- BOEHME ticipate in a year-long exchange program called the CongressBundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals. Boehme

is one of 75 German scholarship recipients spread throughout the United States. He is at Washtenaw Community College in a program designed to strengthen ties between the younger generations of the two countries. And hes doing his part. Not only is Boehme a member of the mens soccer and volleyball teams, but he is also an official for intramural sports. Boehme is known to be one of the many frequent players at the Ping-Pong table in the Student Center. Erica Lemm, Club Sports
BOEHME CONTINUED B5

Saran Naqshbandi is often seen playing Ping-Pong dressed in hijab in the Student Center in between classes like so many others. The new Ping-Pong drop in sport offers a safe sanctuary to participate in a sport that doesnt require contact with men. As part of her Muslim religion, a contact sport such as football or wrestling would be deemed inappropriate for the 17-year-old biology major from Ann Arbor when competing with men who arent family. Contact with other men would bring feelings up, Naqshbandi, said. It is against our belief system and because were not used to that kind of

culture, it would change the meaning around. Naqshbandi explained that if a Muslim woman is interested in a particular sport, it is certainly embraced by her religion. Sometimes other accommodations must be made to compete. For example, Im in a martial arts class with men and women, she said. Im allowed to compete with the other women and my brother who is also apart of the class. Zeinab Aisheemary, 18, of Ann Arbor, a biology and chemistry major, is also seen playing a lot in between classes learning the game because of the set-up of the table. My friend and I picked up the paddles and were playing as if it was tennis. We were hitting it back and forth rather

than being gentle and one of the main guys of the table taught us, Aisheemary said. I didnt know how to play until two weeks ago. And they are not alone. Signups for playing are being conducted in between games, and more than 15 people at one time have been seen waiting to get on the table to play. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., its literally in use the entire time, said Erica Lemm, Club Sport coordinator. Its very rare to see the table get a break. The addition of Ping-Pong is new to Club Sports, and its sudden popularity came as a surprise. While preparing for the Ping-Pong tournament that took place on Nov. 16-17, Lemm brought the old table out from the basement of the Student Center to ensure it was in good

working condition. As I wheeled it in, she said. Before it was even out of the box, people were surrounding the table wanting to play. Its exciting. Initially, the table was set up directly in front of the Club Sports office with half of it taking up the space in front of The Sweet Spot. It was moved to the sitting area, so students could play and the Club Sports staff could better supervise it. For now, the students have been extremely respectful and we havent had any issues with how the table is operating, Lemm said. Bruce Williams, 32, of Detroit, an automotive engineering major, considers
PING-PONG CONTINUED B5

Apply for admission today!

Generous Scholarships available

Schedule an appointment for your personal consultation by contacting:

Roger Smith, Associate Director of Transfer Admissions rsmith1@kettering.edu 800-955-4464, ext. 7865

CLUB SPORTS CALENDAR

MENS VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS When: Dec. 13 and Dec. 15, from 9:30-11 p.m. Where: Health and Fitness Center WOMENS VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS When: Dec. 13 and Dec. 15 from 9:30-11 p.m. Where: Health and Fitness Center

Classes start in January.

Registrations for tryouts are conducted in SC 118.

INTRAMURAL SPORTS CALENDAR

ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS When: Nov. 30 at 1 p.m. Registration: None Division: Co-rec

Learn more. Experience more. Achieve more.

800-955-4464, ext. 7865
JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE Students play Ping-Pong in in front of the Club Sports office in the Student Center.

DROP-IN SPORTS
PING PONG When: Monday Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m

Kettering University
flint, michigan admissions.kettering.edu/transfer

B6

November 21, 2011

Mediaphile

The Washtenaw Voice

The Washtenaw Voice

Play

October 10, 2011

B7

J. Edgar an enlightening look at a complex man

Jael Gardiner
Staff Writer

RATING R RUN TIME 137 MINUTES

lie whenever its convenient. The true relationship between Hoover and Clyde Tolson was left very fuzzy in this movie. Although it is unclear exactly what was going on, the scenes between the two of them are touching and beautiful. These are the scenes that evoke tears and attempt to bring the man to life. The movie is a bit long, and the plot skips in and out of every decade, but it was an interesting look into the life of a man who helped shape America.

While viewer emotions ran high in J. Edgar, the movies facts were a mess and the plot was a revolving door of confusion. The movie attempts to capture the entire life of a man, J. Edgar Hoover, who built the Federal Bureau of Investigation, while spending a lot of time on rumor and innuendo. M a ny f a c t u a l q u e s tions were left unanswered. Hoover is portrayed as being a man deeply dedicated to his job, protecting the morals and safety of the people of America, while also having a homosexual relationship with one of his closest colleagues. Throughout the beginning, Hoover is dictating the

adventures of his time with the FBI to be made into a book. It alternates scenes between J. Edgar in his youth and when he is old, thanks to ridiculous makeup. Leonardo DiCaprio does a wonderful job, despite the awful get-up. The transitions from past to present arent apparent enough, making it easy to get lost in the plot. Aside from the focus on Hoovers personal life, the movie offered a fascinating account of the early cases of the FBI and how he built the bureau we know today. J.Edgar was about a man with little respect for personal privacy and a great disdain for anybody who he believes to a Communist. The man hade no problem performing wire taps without regard to legalities, and hes never afraid to

MOIVE

When dope has been replaced by a new wonder-pill, the consequences can be deadly ILLUSTRATIONS BY FRANCES ROSS THE WASHTENAW VOICE and un-dead. A brand-new comic from Voice Managing Editor Ben Solis and graphic artWRITTEN BY BEN SOLIS THE WASHTENAW VOICE ist Frances Ross. Installments throughout the year. Read them all at washtenawvoice.com.

Immortals captures the spirit of men

Managing Editor

RATING R RUNTIME 110 MINUTES

just, and sincerely evil. Rourke, a fine actor with a knack for developing character, was sadistic in ways that only he could portray. With movie baddies, we are attracted to two archetypes: the villain we relate to and the villain that we revile. Hyperion was undoubtedly the latter, and gracefully went from eating pomegranates on his throne to burning captured men alive in mere minutes. If the producers of the comic book movie vehicle Marvel Studios would have spent more time with its edits, this would have been the noteworthy performance that could have been achieved by Rourke in Iron Man 2. Aside from well-cast roles, Immortals was rich with visual motifs most impressively found in the transitions between key sequences. The techniques of long cuts and careful editing made the film feel more like Jason and the Argonauts than 300. It seems that by straying from the played-out and knocked-off conventions of modern epics, Immortals may have forged its place in the ranks of those like Ben Hur and even the Ten Commandments. For it is not the everlasting of flesh that makes you immortal; it is in deeds and actions that one will live forever.

Crossword

Across

Ben Solis

Following the always trendy path of returning moviegoers to the wild, and often oversold, world of 12th century war and mythological epics, Immortals chose form, finesse and tact over the visual masturbation of modern incarnations in the genre. Featuring rising star Henry Cavill as Theseus, a p e a sa n t - t u r n e d - h e r o, Immortals tracks the rise of the evil King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) and his murderous quest for the most powerful weapon in all of Greece, one crafted by the

Gods themselves. Anyone going into this film with the bar set low will be pleasantly surprised to not only have their expectations met, but to be exceeded three-fold. For action buffs, the blood, violence, and torturous agonies of classic warfare were abundant in Immortals. The film was full of wellchoreographed fight scenes and just the right amount of slow-motion edits to give it an extra edge. But Immortals was not only mindless treachery. Both Cavill and Rourke shined in their respective roles and drew clear boundaries between what is truly

1 Up in the air 6 Runners woe 11 Very funny TV station 14 Instrument for the musically challenged 15 Panting, perhaps 16 Art, now 17 1-Down follower 19 Ad __ 20 *Public distribution 21 Subject to debate 22 *2011 NBA finals runner-up 25 Mao follower? 26 Garden purchases 27 A pop 28 Golly! 31 *Loose 32 Routes for two-wheelers 36 1962 NASA launch 38 Hairstyle with an appendage of sorts 40 Modern information sources 42 Java jazzman 43 *Bond, for one 44 Scratched (out)

45 Hightails it 48 Stephen of Citizen X 51 Causes of grins and groans 52 *Champagne, e.g. 53 Wall-mounted safety device 56 Baby carrier 57 Prevailing tendencies 61 72, at Augusta National 62 Door support 63 Time piece? 64 Take a shot 65 Of yore 66 Stage device

Down

1 Letters before a 17-Across 2 __ Cruces 3 Wt. units 4 21-Down group 5 Heavy reading? 6 Yields 7 Went ape 8 Turkish titles 9 Unit of cultural information 10 Fix opening 11 Chevy SUV 12 Group of chicks

13 Doctrinal offshoots 18 The Book of __: 2010 film 21 Interview show since 1947 ... and what this puzzles starred answers do in two ways 22 Test by lifting 23 Dog-__ page 24 Speedy Amtrak train 26 Relief for a commuter 29 Take it! 30 3.0 and 4.0: Abbr. 32 Pig movie 33 Founding member of OPEC 34 17-syllable work 35 Emergency indicator 37 Puts out, in a way 39 Old Fords 41 Adjective for Ripley 45 Won all the games 46 Gag that might explode 47 Explosive 49 Clampett player 50 NYC dance troupe 53 Author Godwin 54 Fruit cover 55 Met excerpt 57 Old reciprocal electrical unit

58 __ always say ... 59 Pie material? 60 Reference word

For last weeks answers go to

http://washtenawvoice.com

MOVIE

Adam Sandler is a desperate man

Adrian Hedden
Features Editor

RATING PG RUNTIME 90 MINUTES

suburban lifestyle. Or does it? Opening with sappy, yet quirky interviews with what appear to be real-life twins, Jack and Jill, Adam Sandlers latest outrageous effort for laughs attempts to make light of sibling rivalry with the same clich fart-and-fat jokes that litter the comedians entire career. What makes this one different? Sandler wears a dress. Playing both brother and sister for his latest in a string of family themed comedies, Adam Sandlers obnoxiously nasal, middle-aged, female New York accent, screeches across the theater abrasively throughout the film. Viewers only respite is that it will all be over in a mere hour-and-a-half. In an early scene at the Thanksgiving Day table, Jacks young son socks dragSandler in the face. Although the reason for the punch was fuzzy, applause was necessary as a shot to the chops is just what the desperate Sandler deserves. Maybe it knocked some sense into him. After films such as 2008s You Dont Mess with the Zohan and last years Grown Ups slapstick humor seems to be all Sandler has left in his bag. Jack and Jill saw the comedian taking his loudmouthed impressions into new territory with disastrous results. Contained in Jack and Jill are the most predictable gender-bending and annoying sibling jokes ever projected on the silver screen. From Jacks embarrassment when his sister attempts to converse in an imaginary childhood-language, to Jills continuous pestering to lay down together, a chuckle and sigh was occasionally heard for the sheer oddity of seeing the former Big Daddy in both roles. True it was a bit out-ofthe-ordinary, but Jack and Jill marked a low point in Sandlers career. With an illogical plot centering on Jills attempts to find love, the films comedic timing was entirely predictable as Sandler bounced jokes off of himself. It was Sandler vs. Sandler, and it became very stale very fast as Sandler was the only actor who made any jokes at all.

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Local business owners: Looking for help? Post your free help wanted ads in The Voice. Send ads to thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com. Deadline for theDec. 5 issue is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Ah, the overstaying houseguests. No matter how closely related they are to the main character, annoying visits from relatives always make for easy-to-digest and predictable holiday comedies. With a beautiful wife, a witty pair of kids and a beautiful home in California, thanks to a lucrative career in advertising, the only thing Jack Sadelstein dreaded was Thanksgiving. Enter Jacks squawking twin sister. Visiting from Brooklyn for the holiday, the oddly masculine Jill Sadelsteins brash and demanding, yet charmingly clueless, personality runs contrary to Jacks soft-spoken,

Transfer.
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than you ever imagined. Our faculty are committed to developing your talents. And with a bachelors degree in one of our 100+ majors, youll go all the way to success. And beyond.

Help Wanted
Anthonys Gourmet Pizza seeks cooks and drivers. Apply at 1508 N. Maple, Ann Arbor, or phone (734) 213-2500.

Accounts Receivable Clerk (2415838) Balancing driver and sales collections as well as posting any payments that are received on a daily basis. Also handle incorrect and nonpayments. Mail customer statements and handle any problems customers may have with their billings. Full-time position in Ypsilanti. Bistro Attendant (2418193) Taking food orders and inputting them into the terminal. Heating food items and serving the guests. Making a limited selection of coffee drinks. Basic cleaning duties, e.g. bussing tables, washing dishes, taking out trash, vacuuming. Part-time position in Ann Arbor. Package Handler (2106357) Loading and unloading delivery vans and trucks. Must be able to lift an average of 50 pounds. Parttime position in Saline. Sales Support (2420698) Applicants must have a strong interest in sales and enjoy working in a fast-paced challenging environment. This is an entry-level position that offers a flexible schedule. Candidates should remain fair, respectful and moral in all situations and work well both independently and as part of a team. Full- and part-time positions in Ann Arbor. Care Manager (2324410) Assist seniors with their activities of daily living. Participate and lead activities such as bowling outings and assist in the dining room. Perfect job for those considering the nursing/healthcare field. Equal opportunity employer, tuition reimbursement. Full- and part-time positions in Ann Arbor. Marketing Assistant (2423519) Develop call lists based on input from field marketing as well as individual research efforts such as Web and patent searches. Call prospects and log opportunities for follow-up by sales reps. Log all important discussions with customers and convey feedback to appropriate parties. Full-time position in Ann Arbor.

MOVIE

For Sale
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Bilingual Customer Service Rep (2373452) Bilingual Spanish/English speaking individual to provide exceptional customer service. Main responsibilities include providing quotes, filling requests and following up on orders. The ability to respond to and resolve customer issues in a timely and polite manner is imperative. Qualified candidates must have outstanding problem-solving abilities as well as the ability to work well under pressure. Full-time position in Belleville. Manufacturing (2425973) Candidates must be dependable, conscientious individuals who can demonstrate a strong work ethic and positive attitude. No experience necessary; will train. Some heavy lifting involved. Innovative company. State of art facility. Full- and parttime positions in Plymouth. Software Test and Support Intern (2385536) Assist Software Test and Support Team at Ann Arbor office. Tasks may include software testing and validation, researching and reproducing customer support issues, training video production and scripting, and documenting process. Exact duties will depend on the applicants talents and education. Applicants with a background in science and engineering are preferred but those with non-technical backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Paid Internship in Ann Arbor.

Services

A welcome change of form for Coldplay

Anna Fuqua-Smith
Staff Writer

ALBUM: MYLO XYLOTO LABEL: CAPITOL RECORDS YEAR: 2011

every way. The lyrics begin with I turn the music up, got my records on. I shut the world outside until the lights come on. This song is clearly designed to suit many moods and personalities. Initially, I was surprised at Coldplay s new mainstream, pop-star-like sound. After several listens, a love and appreciation for the new sound will surely unfold. It should be acknowledged that Coldplay has abandoned most of its sappy love songs that made its music so boring 10 years ago. Its nice to see the group finally singing about something different. Interestingly, one of the unique qualities of this release is that it hasnt been aired on Spotify, Pandora, or any other streaming website. Although Coldplay followed in Adeles footsteps to not release its songs as individuals to streaming websites, it will turn out to be the right choice. Mylo Xyloto wasnt designed to be listened to as a group of singles, but rather as a start-to-finish composition something that is longforgotten in the mainstream music industry today. Finally, Coldplay has gotten something right.

Coldplays latest release, may be its most unique. While Chris Martin, the bands front man, had every intention of creating a name for the album that so far had no hits on Google, the group now has more than 100 million hits on Google for Mylo Xyloto. For die-hard Coldplay fans that have been a part of the experience from the beginning, Mylo Xyloto doesnt completely abandon the former sound of sappy, crazy-inlove lyrics. The album not only

delivers high-energy songs, but experiments with some somber, mellow tracks like Paradise, which speaks of a young girl running away to a better life. Paradise not only intends for you to feel for this unnamed young person, but forces a look back to your younger days to remember those feelings. Tracks such as Charlie Brown and Up with the Birds bring the soulful sounds similarly heard on earlier albums. But the album is definitely not shy of booming anthems, either. The track Every Tear is a Waterfall resembles a bringme-back-to-life anthem in

Radiography tutoring available: Having difficulty in the Radiography Program? As a recent WCC radiography graduate, I can help you learn exactly what you need to know to pass the quizzes, exams, and also prepare you for the A.R.R.T Exam. For more information , call Joe at (734) 657-4596.

For Rent
1 Bdrm apartment for rent, third floor unit. Located on Golfside. Phone (734) 635-1186 1, 2 or 3 Bdrm apartments across from EMU campus on AATA bus lines 3 & 7 to WCC. Visit www.aymanagement.com, or phone (734) 482-4442 or (734) 483-1711.

Important Career Tip

Youve heard of the old expression, Its not what you know, its who you know? This is especially true when it comes to the job search, and networking is an excellent way of finding out about job opportunities that are not advertised. Talk with friends and family, instructors and neighbors, business executives and member of professional organizations anyone who might be able to give you access to a more diverse group of employers. For further assistance regarding networking, please contact Employment Services at (734) 677-5155.

ALBUM

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Employment
The following is a sample of recent employment want ads that have been posted with WCCs Employment Services Center. For more information about these ads, contact Employment Services at (734) 677-5155, or visit SC287 to review the complete posting.

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November 21, 2011

Culture Sync

The Washtenaw Voice

soon to be a memory
Photos and Words by

Adrian Hedden

Features Editor

ILLUSTRATION BY ERIC STEIGER

Why Black Friday? Retailers shoppers: have a little patience

Sean Handler
Contributor

Ann Arbors government hopes to do away with graffiti. Starting in November, the city again decided to crack down on the outdoor wall-art. After business owners were demanded to clean it off their walls, at their own expense, graffitis storied and continuous history in Ann Arbor is threatened. Those who cherish local artwork built directly into the concrete and steel of an urban setting are running out of time to enjoy. Soon, photographs of the towns renowned Graffiti Alley will be all that is left.

Think of Black Friday: Early mornings. Long lines. Great deals and lots and lots of shopping. An American tradition. But where did this come from? How did this consumer holiday get its name? There are several contexts in which the term Black Friday has been used. Some say it dates to 1966, when the Philadelphia Police Department used it as anything but a term of endearment, referring to a day that brought out masses of shoppers causing traffic jams and overcrowded sidewalks. However, the term itself didnt really gain much popularity until 1975, when newspapers began the term to describe the day after Thanksgiving.

The Associated Press wire service quoted an unnamed department store sales manager about shoppers on buying sprees on what was then widely known as the first day of the holiday shopping season: Thats why the bus drivers and cab drivers call today Black Friday, a sales manager at Gimbels said as she watched a traffic cop trying to control a crowd of jaywalkers. They think in terms of headaches it gives them. Black Friday is also said to refer to an accounting process the making of much more profit, more black ink than usual. Of course, the shopping ties in to the holiday season, which is the main reason for the shoppers to be out in force, to get the best deals on potential Christmas presents for friends and family.

Rachel Tuthill
Contributor

Where to find the hot deals

Jamie Fletcher
Contributor

Black Friday. Just the name sends shivers down the spines of retail employees everywhere. At the Green Oak Village Place mall in Brighton, Claires manager Breanna Broghamer has many Black Friday war stories and the medical case file to prove it. I was at Aeropostale as a sales associate. We had just opened at 10 a.m., and they (customers) were running into the store, she recalled. I bent over to stock and fold clothes, and was literally stepped on, which bruised my rib cage. Later that same day, I was on a stepstool filling jeans. Someone kicked the stool, and I fell down and dislocated my knee. Customers can add insult to injury, too. Broghamer, 22, of Howell, has received verbal abuse as well as physical. Any type of profanity has been blurted at me, really, she

said, citing a litany of profane phrases hurled her way on Black Fridays. People are nasty. She remembered a time when she broke up a fight over a graphic t-shirt. One lady told me to keep my little white ass out of it. The other woman was a crazy soccer mom. She looked like shed injected coffee directly into her veins. As bad as bigger cities such as Ann Arbor and Detroit may be on this shoppers holiday, smaller towns can have their moments, too. We arent too bad, at least with this company, said Broghamer, referring to Claires. At Aeropostale, Black Friday is a nightmare. Especially at Howell. The Tanger Outlet Mall opens so early; we were required to open at 10 p.m. the night before. Its very intense. The parking lot is full at 9:30 a.m., and the back lot is filled with trailers. The day after Thanksgiving is filled with chaos as shoppers

turn into monsters, trampling worker and customer alike in their mad rush to buy their daughter a pair of earrings, or their son a video game on discount. Its a guarantee that stores such as Best Buy and JC Penny will be swamped in this violence, but what of the smaller stores? We dont have the doorstoppers, said Dress Barn manager Kate Cogswell, 29, of Howell. And the customers tend to behave themselves at Sallys Beauty Salon, also located at the Green Oak Village Place in Brighton. But manager Kathleen Kunkle, 45, from Brighton, remembers dark times from when she used to work at a restaurant. They would all come at once, said Kunkle. The restaurant opened at 11, and many of them had been up since 3 a.m. Despite there being open tables, there were not enough waitresses to take orders; as a result, customers became testy. Were gonna be busy, so have

patience. Do it with a good sense of humor. Sandi Wilbanks, 20, of Brighton, remembers Black Friday from when she worked with Bed Bath & Beyond. A lot of customers throw their stuff on the counter and expect you to get it done in five seconds, she said. People are really grumpy, and theyre just rude. With all of the drama and insanity in the air during Black Friday, there are some things that retail workers want shoppers to keep in mind: Were people, were moving as fast as we can, but its Black Friday and we can only move so fast, said Wilbanks. I would recommend them to pay attention to the sale rack signs, said Cogswell. A lot of shoppers misinterpret or misread the signs. Also, stick to yourself, and youll be fine.

What is it that attracts customers to wait in long lines in frigid cold, waiting for stores to open their doors on Black Friday? Sams Club is hoping its the Samsung 32-inch 720p LCD HDTV for the low-low price of $278. Or the Nintendo Wii for $99. Or a $100 iTunes gift card pack for $79.88. Looking for a new laptop or digital camera for the upcoming semester? Look no further than Office Max on Black Friday. Its offering an HP 15.6inch laptop with Intel core i3370m processor for $389.99, and a Vivitar Vivicam v25 2.1 megapixel digital camera for $19.99. Opening at midnight, Target will be selling very much marked down electronics, including an Amazon Kindle keyboard 3G for $85, and an Apple iPod touch 8GB mp3 player with a $40 gift card for $195. JC Penney is giving at least

50 percent off most items in store including: 50-70 percent off winter gear, 60 percent off handbags, 60 percent off blankets and sheets, 60 percent off jeans, $20-30 womens boots, and 60 percent off diamond and pearl jewelry. Penneys is also giving away iHome color changing docks for $50. If youre looking for gifts for the kids, they also are going to have $3.99 select toys, and there will be 60-80 percent off all childrens winter wear. Best Buy will be opening at midnight with deals such as a Toshiba Wi-Fi ready and Netflix-streaming Blu-Ray player for only $39.99. And if youre a wizardry fan, the newest and last Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 will be on sale for just $9.99.

Downtown businesses offer savings, too

Anna Potter
Contributor

These are just some of the many deals available to shoppers on Nov. 25 Black Friday. For more information on more deals, many of them not announced until just a few days before the sales, visit http://blackfriday.com.

For shoppers who want to take advantage of Black Friday specials but dislike bigbox stores and shopping malls, there is another option. Ann Arbors downtown businesses are prepared to slash prices and offer deals to attract holiday spenders for the biggest shopping day of the year. Vault of Midnight, Ann Arbors largest slinger of comic books, vinyl toys and board games, will be offering 10 percent off all graphic novels, 30 percent off all single issue comics and 20 percent off all statuary. Board games will be buy one, get one 25 percent off and the store sweetens the deal with free gift-wrapping, November through December. We are really, really sweet gift wrappers, said Curtis Sullivan, the resident Stalwart

Steward of Pictographic Narratives, Treasurer at Vault of Midnight Our gift wrapping is better than the rest. Downtown newbie Bongz & Thongz will be offering a buy one, get one 50 percent off deal on all items in the store. When asked what attracts customers to his store, owner Kilo Hassan smiled and pointed to the store name, saying, Its the best of both worlds! L o c a l r e c o r d st o r e Underground Sounds will be participating in the second annual Black Friday Record Store Day. It wasnt that huge last year, but people are getting really excited for it this year, said owner Matt Bradish. More than 100 new and rereleased titles will be put out for sale on Black Friday morning, selling on a first-come, firstserved basis. Details on releases can be found at http://recordstoreday.com.

Sams Basic Clothing doesnt offer a store-wide sale, but manager Peter Cole did reveal that he would be putting out some deeply-discounted items, saying Black Friday is an important day for downtown businesses. Local dispensary, The GrasStation, will be offering Black Friday specials this year for new and existing patients, running through the entire holiday weekend. Patients can expect to see 10 percent off all medicines, with an addition 5 percent off for members of NORML and Students for Sensible Drug Policy. Well have discounts for all patients, said manager T.J. Rice, with a bonus for activists. On top of the store-wide discount, the $12 membership will be waved for the weekend and new patients who are also veterans will receive

$40 off their in-clinic doctor recommendation. Business owners and employees had mixed reviews about participating in Black Fridays of the past. Two-thirds of what we offer cant be found anywhere else in town. We get totally squashed, said Sullivan. Its great! Its busy, said Cole, and downtown shoppers stay downtown. Asked what attracts shoppers downtown, he added, Its a city. A mall is only good for shopping, but a city gives you stores, bars and restaurants. Bradish, meanwhile, likes to think his shoppers are just a little smarter than the rest. I already sell stuff as cheaply as possible, he said. Sales are manipulative. They just trick people into thinking theyre saving when theyre actually spending.

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MCT COURTESY PHOTO

Batman: Arkham City

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Matt Durr
Editor

Battlefield 3
trademark MW3 perks that provide such an unrealistic advantage that calling MW3 a shooting-simulator a stretch. And while Im sure that it happens occasionally in Battlefield 3, I cannot tell you how many times I spawned from a death only to start directly in front of an enemy only to be killed right away. The ability to spawn-kill in MW3 is an inexcusable oversight by developers. The new Frostbite 2 engine and ANT makes this game standout in terms of graphics and playability. Destructible environments have been a feature of the series that gamers love, but now, Frostbite allows for a more authentic destruction to occur. Tired of that camper in the third floor? Pack some C4 on exterior of the building and bring that sucker to the ground! Destructibility in MW3 is essentially restricted to breaking glass and walking into a room. The engine also allows for wide open maps and condensed maps to run at peak performance. Unlike the COD franchise, maps on Battlefield feel like warzones and not sandboxes. Too many times in COD, players are able to take control of a central area and filter opponents to one area that is inescapable. Battlefield 3 allows for a multitude of entrance points and strategies based on the sheer size of an area. The ANT animation technology lets your character behave more like a person and less like robots with minimal movement. Players can take cover and come out of it in a way that

There is no denying the mass appeal and selling power of the Call of Duty franchise. Millions of gamers will flock to their local gaming supplier to get their fix. And while I believe that the better game for the masses is Modern Warfare 3, the real king of shooters is Battlefield 3. What sets the gameplay in Battlefield 3 apart is the realistic nature of how the game plays. Unlike in MW3 your character cannot glide across the ground and stab a person from five feet away. Bullet damage is more powerful and doesnt allow for players to absorb an entire clip of ammo in them before dying. That is unless you have one of the

resemble actual movement and not pre-programmed animations. You can also drag allies out of dangerous areas and interact with other characters like real people. Sure the campaign is a stale and is nothing really groundbreaking in terms of story and plotlines, but most players will look at the campaign as a second game. Multiplayer is where its at and thats where most gamers will spend their time anyway. If you want a pick up and play type of game, then by all means continue with what is essentially the same game youve been playing for years in MW3. But if you want an authentic experience filled with realistic gunbattles and environments that feel like the real thing, go with Battlefield 3.

The Skyrim is the limit in latest Elder Scrolls edition

Danielle Ritter
Contributor

Timothy Clark
Contributor

vs. Modern Warfare 3

has nearly perfected this time around. Sorry to tell the fans of Battlefield who bought it in October, you should just trade your copy of Battlefield 3 in for a copy of Modern Warfare 3 Maybe you arent sold on this yet, maybe you need more reason then my word; lets just stick to the facts. In the graphical department Modern Warfare 3 runs at 60 frames per second on Xbox 360 and PS3, while Battlefield 3 only runs at 30. This means that youll notice a much smoother experience in the shooting and the graphics as a whole. It never dips below 60 no matter how many explosions, buildings crumbling, and enemies on screen. In a competitive game like this, it can be one of the biggest deciding factors in a battle. Multiplayer is one of the main focal points of these games and looking at the numbers you may get excited about Battlefield 3. 64 players in one match, giant fields and vehicles to use, it sounds like a recipe for success. Sadly these numbers are for PC versions only, and if youre stuck with a console youll be reduced down to 24 players, smaller map sizes and fewer vehicles. For Modern Warfare 3, nothing is trimmed and every map is perfect for the size of the squads. While it has no vehicles outside of killstreaks, it keeps the focus on the speed and ferocity of the shooting. With the enhancement of Call of Duty Elite for stat tracking and chances to see everything in your past matches, Modern Warfare 3 marvelous multiplayer is better than it ever been. Many will see the cooperative play and campaign as an extra to multiplayer of these

Every year since Nov. 5, 2007, one video game series comes out that smashes sales records and goes above and beyond expectations. This series is the Call of Duty franchise. This year Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 released and has already reported 6.5 million sales on day one, which breaks its predecessors record. If youre a gamer looking for a military first-person shooter, you dont need to look for anything other than Modern Warfare 3. Why does Modern Warfare 3 stand head and shoulders above its competitor this year in Battlefield 3? The simple answer is no shooter has the silky smooth controls, robust online community, and fast pace shooting mechanics that Modern Warfare 3

games, Modern Warfare 3 trumps Battlefield 3 in both of these modes. The Campaign finishes the story from the previous Modern Warfare titles and can only be described as a summer blockbuster of videogames. In Battlefield 3 the story nearly rips many components that we saw in Call of Duty: Black Ops last year. On the cooperative side of this, battlefield only includes 6 co-op missions compared to the 16 spec ops missions that Modern Warfare has. To top it off, Modern Warfare 3 also includes a survival mode as you face increasingly difficult enemies and provides more value then youre already getting. So stop wasting your time trying to decide which one to get, the answer is simple. Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 is the best value in gaming; prepare to be addicted once again.

Its been five years since Bethesda released Oblivion, the fourth installment of their Elder Scrolls, the role-playing video-game series. And in those five years, the producers have managed to expand on a great concept. The newest installment of the series, Skyrim, takes place in a mountainous kingdom in the throes of a bloody civil war. The sheer scale of the world available to play in is amazing, with soaring mountains and towering waterfalls. The level of detail present in everything from the pebbles on a rocky path to the snow-capped peaks that always seem to be looming is incredible. Each city and town has its own flavor, and every dungeon is unique, unlike the cookie-cutter caves and forts players experienced in Oblivion. Of course, one of the most talked-about aspects of the game are the dragons, which appear in force in Skyrim, often without any warning aside from a deafening roar from above. Then it will swoop into view, destroying everything in its path with

fire or ice breath. Armed with huge teeth, claws and capable of snatching victims off the ground and dropping them from great heights, these are some mighty foes. Walking into any village on the map, children can be found playing tag with each other, while men and women go about their work at the resident sawmill or farm. Bards play songs and sing in the taverns, and villagers have conversations with each other, based on previous events. Outside the villages lurk saber cats, wolf packs, trolls and bandits not to mention giants tending herds of mammoths making their way slowly across the tundra. It seems that Skyrim manages to include fan-favorite aspects of the previous game, while side-stepping its pitfalls. Rather than creating hundreds of villagers with the same eight voices, Bethesda has expanded its cast, creating a bit more variety. Quests tend to be creative, rather than repetitive and while the guilds for fighters, mages and thieves still exist, the quests they give are more interesting and their stories each have its own

amusing twist. Players of the Shivering Isles might also appreciate a special guest appearance by Sheogorath. The game play is still pretty solid, even better than before due to the introduction of the ability to dual-wield either weapons or magic spells, something that hasnt been available in previous games. This opens a lot of doors and allows players to completely customize their combat. This game isnt perfect. There are still a few glitches in the game play, causing some non-player characters to act strangely, but this is a small price to pay for more than 300 hours of play in such a beautiful, atmospheric world with a really well-done soundtrack. Skyrim is impressive, to say the least. It took what made Oblivion a great game and improved upon it.

PC, XBOX 360, PS3 BETHESDA RATED M FOR MATURE $59.99

Skyrim

MCT COURTESY PHOTO

Modern Warfare 3 makes enough changes to stay on top

Matt Durr
Editor

Looking for a realistic shooter? Battlefield 3 is worth a shot

Matt Durr
Editor

MCT COURTESY PHOTO

Modern Warfare 3

THINK TRADITION
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Give the gift of education.
Steeped in tradition, Madonna University combines career preparation with liberal arts and service learning. Students have access to more than 100 undergraduate programs and over 35 graduate programs, and there are several certificate programs at both levels. Small classes are the hallmark of a Madonna University education. Professors know you by name and are dedicated to your success.

The Dark Knight blows your mind with a well-placed bat-grenade

Nathan Clark
Staff Writer

Enroll now for Winter Semester! Classes begin January 9, 2012

After the events of the runaway hit Arkham Asylum, Batman could sure use a vacation. But being the worlds greatest masked vigilante is a job that doesnt offer vacation days. Crime never sleeps so neither does the Bat. Batman once again fights criminals and deranged lunatics in the new game Batman: Arkham City, a third-person, open-environment action game in which you play as Batman, and occasionally Catwoman, using the best technology Wayne Tech can provide. The goal beat down criminals with Batmans vast martialarts skills. Months after the events of

Arkham Asylum, Arkham psychiatrist, Dr. Hugo Strange constructs the massive openair prison named Arkham City in the middle of Gotham, populated by every lunatic from Arkham Asylum and every violent criminal from Blackgate prison. Its a melting pot of psychopaths, murderers, criminal masterminds, thugs and generally nasty people. While speaking at an antiArkham city protest, Bruce Wayne, who Strange knows is really Batman, is abducted by Stranges men and thrown into Arkham City. The prison is an every-man-for-himself-fightto-survive kind of correctional facility, with no guards, no cells and no rules a place where only Batman is law. Aside from the common

thugs scattered throughout the city, Arkham City is also now home to many of Batmans more notable nemeses, such as the Penguin, Harvey Two Face Dent, Poison Ivy, the Riddler and the Joker, who is once again voiced by Mark Hamill. The graphics put in to Arkham City are nothing short of superb. The lighting and gritty detail put into every character and environment is so sharp you can almost smell the fear pouring from your enemies as you stalk them from the shadows. Arkham City is rated T for teen, but dont let that rating fool you. This is not your Saturday morning Batman; this is the Dark Knight. The idle chatter of criminals throughout the game by itself speaks

of harsh realities that no one would openly talk about around children. Arkham City may not seem that different from the previous game Arkham Asylum, but after playing it for an hour, you wont want to stop playing. With the many side missions, collectibles and challenges are scattered throughout the game, Arkham city is well worth paying full price for and then some.

As the reigning champion in the shooter wars, the Call of Duty franchise is the measuring stick for first-person shooters. After years on top, though, the series is starting to become a bit stale for many fans. However, with Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, subtle changes and upgrades have made this newest installment a must-own. Nobody buys the COD games to play the off-line story mode exclusively; we buy this game for the online multiplayer. Fans of the series will notice a few minor tweaks to the largely unchanged formula, but these tweaks refine the gamers experience. The first thing I noticed was the new kill-streak reward choices. In past versions, killstreaks were usually only offensive in nature, but this year

defensive strategy comes into play when choosing your killstreaks. You can now choose a support package of streaks that can help not just you, but your teammates. Ballistic vests and better radar are just some of the things that come with having support as a kill-streak option. New weapon leveling gives players a chance to make major changes to their weapons as they progress through the game and modify how the guns behave. As you progress, you can add features like less kick to improve accuracy or how powerful the bullets are. As far as the offline story mode is concerned, the game offers roughly six hours of new game-play that looks and plays a lot like previous versions. The special-ops mode gives players some new challenges, including a hoard-like mode where constant waves of enemies are unleashed on the

virtual heroes, with the goal being to last as long as you can. Special-ops can be played offline or with an online partner. Sadly, the graphics remain the same with a few nice visuals, but really they are the same tired animations that gamers are already used to. Critics of the series also say the bullet damage and shooting physics are not nearly as accurate as Battlefield 3, and for the most part, those critics are spot on. Still Modern Warfare 3 has made enough improvements and slight adjustments to remain as the go-to game for games with an itchy trigger-finger.

XBOX 360, PS3 ACTIVISION RATED M FOR MATURE $59.99

It takes a lot of guts to call out the second highest-selling game of all time, but Battlefield 3 and the people behind it have done just that. With their sights set on the Modern Warfare franchise, Electronic Arts has gone all-out to give gamers a worthy alternative to MW3. As with every first-person shooter game, this one will be judged for its online multiplayer and how it holds up. First let me say that Battlefield is not a game for newbs. Meaning that unlike its competition, there is a much sharper learning curve. It takes time for players to learn the expansive maps and how vulnerable they are at all times. Unlike other FPS games, the environment is all-destructible,

which means players are not safe if they decide to camp and wait for opponents to come to them. Players cant survive an entire clip being shot into them only to recover moments later, either. Also, players can take control of vehicles that only add to their arsenal of destructive weapons. When used properly, the vehicles can truly change how a match plays out. Where Battlefield truly shines is in its beautiful visuals. The scenery at the varying venues looks like youre playing on the actual places the maps are modeled after. Small details like bullets sitting in the wall only add to the realistic feel of the game. Unfortunately Battlefield gets a little too complicated for the average gamer. Unless you have endless hours of time to

put into the game, youll never truly get to experience everything that it has to offer. While Battlefield 3 is not for everybody, it definitely made strides that fans of the series will truly enjoy. With more realistic game play and deeper options during online multiplayer mode, Battlefield 3 is the perfect alternative for gamers whove become bored with Call of Duty.

XBOX 360, PS3 EA RATED M FOR MATURE $59.99

WCC returns to
Educational Services Center
Because of economic conditions that have affected all of us, as a public institution WCC felt an obligation to save costs by consolidating Livingston County programs into one location Brighton. Although we will continue to hold classes at Brighton, WCC students and Livingston County residents have told us that WCC was still needed at Hartland as well. So, starting January 2012, the college will again offer some of the more popular classes at the Hartland Educational Services Center.

XBOX 360, PS3 EA RATED M FOR MATURE $59.99

Put one of these majors on your wish list!

Accounting Addiction Studies Art Biochemistry Biology Broadcast & Cinema Arts Business Administration Chemistry Child Development Clinical Laboratory Sciences Computer Science Criminal Justice Deaf Community Studies Dietetics Education Emergency Management Fire Science Forensic Science Gerontology Graphic Design Hospice Hospitality Management Journalism & PR Marketing Merchandising Management Music Nursing Religious Studies Sign Language Studies Social Work Sport Management
N. Old US Highway 23

Ha

Hartland Educational Services Center

rtl

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For dates and times of classes go to www.wccnet.edu/schedule

M59

734-432-5339 800-852-4951 (ext. 5339)

madonna.edu

Bla in

36600 Schoolcraft Road Livonia, MI 48150-1176

Highland Rd.
US 23
eR d.

MCT COURTESY PHOTO

734-973-3543 www.wccnet.edu

Battlefield 3

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November 21, 2011

Consumer Chaos

The Washtenaw Voice

Behind the chaos of those never-ending lines

Nicolette Salagean
Contributor

A Black Friday with less drama, more fun

Amy McMichen
Contributor

The atmosphere is reminiscent of a tailgate party at a football game. Call it Black Friday night lights. The crowd is excited and charged with electricity as the wait in line with an adrenaline rush in the early morning hours, hoping to score a good deal. Black Friday equals crazy people that are completely irrational and will do anything to get some stupid item that they could probably find online for cheaper anyways, said Josh Trif, a Best Buy employee. While some shoppers may seem bonkers on Black Friday, they have good reason to be. With big-ticket items going for unheard of prices, and always in limited quantities that sell out fast, most people cant resist the temptation. With lines of several people long at smaller stores to thousands huddled outside larger big-box stores, the night air is full of expectations what deals

lie behind locked doors. We didnt even bother waiting in line, we just watched the people in the line that wrapped all around the building, said Rachel Pantis, a student at University of Detroit-Mercy. Some of the shoppers waiting in line are less than kind when it comes to getting themselves a deal. It may be the time of night that causes some to be more aggressive, but for others just the thought of someone else getting their deal is enough. This guy tried to go in front of this one lady, and she flipped out! said Pantis. People are not nice on this day, said Penny Haragos, a registered nurse. They will push you out of the way to get what they want. But yet I go every year with my girlfriend. Its fun getting things that are a little bit cheaper. But if you drive, be extra careful, too. Parking is also horrible, Haragos said. You have to be a New York driver to survive.

Why would any sane person take four kids with two strollers out on Black Friday? The answer is like the lyrics of Fiddler on the Roof: Tradition! Coming from a broken family, I wanted to establish with my husband certain roles and compromises to keep the peace with our competing family members. We set certain boundaries for the holidays so that our families could not dominate the time and create serious holiday drama. We also had very little money. Our solution was to create our own family tradition of going to the largest mall we could find every Black Friday to break

the drama and to window shop while searching for crazy good specials. This was also the best way for each of us to find out what the other really liked for Christmas. The first year we went to Atlanta, we did not need to spend money to have a fabulous time. Watching the people alone was like enjoying a threering circus of entertainment. It presented the perfect party atmosphere with popcorn and helium balloons given out by the competing jewelers. The mall had several lounges located in the middle of the hustling shoppers. Taking a break, we seated ourselves and watched our first mall lizard, as we affectionately called all the bored men waiting on their wives. He sat with his head tilted back spitting his tongue out like a hissing snake. A small boy, about 3 and

playing with his ball, was also intrigued by our mall lizard. The youngster came over and began trying to throw his little bouncy ball into the sleeping mans mouth while the boys unsuspecting mother shopped. The gentleman awoke when the ball finally made contact with his nose. Both the man and the boy were so shocked they jumped and walked hurriedly away, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. We were hooked. A holiday custom was born. The tradition of simple window shopping morphed through the years as children were added to the mix to include the newest Disney or kid-friendly Christmas movie along with a bucket of popcorn. As the kids became public proof, we also added lunch or dinner at their favorite restaurant.

The children grew up looking forward to the one day a year of family shopping and the assurance that if they dont know what to get that difficult sibling for Christmas, they will know by Black Friday. We have traveled a lot through the years and the one thing they count on is shopping on Black Friday. We have shopped in Atlanta, Chicago, Lexington, Ky., Detroit, San Antonio, Frankenmuth, To l e d o , I n d i a n a p o l i s , Southgate, Novi, and Milwaukee. One year, we even took a special trip to the Mall of America in Minneapolis which is not for the first-time Black Friday shopper. Tradition is the single thread that ties our hearts to special holiday memories. I encourage you to make your own, or I will be glad to match you up with mine.

How a couple found the best buy of their lives on Black Friday
Khatja McKay
Contributor

Cyber Monday is the real deal

Beau Keyes
Contributor

The thought that Friday is better than Monday may well be a thing of the past. At least one weekend a year. Although many retailers continue to offer online deals on Black Friday to capture the stay-at-home customer, the real hot shopping day for the online community is the Monday following the Thanksgiving holiday. The term Cyber Monday was first used in November 2005 by Shop.org, and the concept quickly became popular with both retailers and shoppers alike. Online sales have grown steadily over the last several years as awareness increased. ComScore, a research company specializing in digital marketing intelligence, reported that the 2010 Cyber Monday total shopping revenue reached a record $1 billion, an increase of 16 percent over 2009. This one-day shopping total was bigger than either Black Friday or the following weekend sales and showed average buyer spending to be growing. Many retailers often pull out their best deals and offers while hoping for impressive sales numbers on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and several now include an online component to their Black Friday sales to capture elusive stayat-home shoppers. To y s - R - U s h e a v i l y

promotes its sales for both online and in-store sales. Many other stores do the same thing, including Walmart, Meijer, Target, and Best Buy. While the stores still offer door-busters, perks, free add-on products or other incentives to get people into the stores, many retailers make purchasing online an inviting alternative. Retailers know who has the power on this day, and understand its just not going to make it worth the early hours and crushing crowds for some shoppers. For this reason, theyve made it easy for customers to just stay in. While not as widely known by the public, Cyber Monday is gaining ground on its more popular Friday sibling. Also, with the increasing use of mobile shopping via smart phones and tablets, Cyber Monday may one day surpass Black Friday in popularity. In general, stores position different items for the Cyber Monday crowd and avoid simply rehashing the same Black Friday deals. Many retailers promote their sales in advance on CyberMonday.com, and this is a valuable resource for anyone interested in shopping on that Monday. ComScore also noted that nearly 50 percent of Cyber Monday sales came from work computers, indicating that a large number of shoppers are still willing to continue shopping started over the holiday weekend, regardless of the fact that they are at work.

You never know who youll meet or what might happen in line outside a big-box store on Black Friday. Edward Burbo and Jennifer Dykstra, both from Southgate, met in line on Black Friday 2003 at a Best Buy store in Allen Park, and they eventually married six years later, in line on Black Friday at a Best Buy store. For some employees, that story tops the list of all the crazy things theyve experienced among customers on the busiest shopping day of the year.

I enjoy working Black Friday, said Cordell Tipton, 33, a portable electronics sales associate at the Ann Arbor Best Buy on Lohr Road. He has worked the past 10 holidays at Best Buy and has had his fair share of craziness. But he tends to look on the bright side of customers running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Other employees dont share his sentiment, with the majority of them scheduled for 12hour shifts that day, its easy to see why. Eric Okon, 34, of Garden City, who works in the

warehouse at the Lohr Road store and also teaches at Oakland Community College, remembers fondly one year when a customer came rushing in the store upon opening looking for a bathroom. The customer had soiled his pants waiting for the store to open. Before Best Buy began its crowd control on Black Fridays, violence would regularly break out in the lines. In the past, we had a fight breakout within the first 10 people in line over the coupons being handed out, said Kelsey McGuire, 22, a customer service representative from

Britton. Managers had to call the Pittsfield (Township) Police for back up. Thats why we have police officers all the time now on Black Friday. While things can get quite chaotic, employees agree that Black Friday goes by relatively quickly. The crazy stuff has died down in recent years, and employees are coached weeks in advance on how to handle demanding customers. People wait in line and have no idea what theyre waiting for, Tipton said. Its surprising how people value electronics more than their health or common sense.

Students watch their wallets

Nick Young
Contributor

Emily Samar is skipping the big, post-Thanksgiving shopping day this year for a very good reason. I work and plan on making lots of money on Black Friday, Samar said, a liberal arts major. Shes a waitress at a Brighton restaurant, and knows a good opportunity when she sees one. Money is to be made from the crowds of people that feel obligated to go out and spend this year, she said. Many people will be out and about scurrying around to get the latest deals, and they will be very hungry and in need of a good meal. Major stores such as Sears, Kohls, Lowes, JC Penney, Target, Best Buy, Walmart and Kmart are all offering tremendous discounts on a variety of needed items like kitchen appliances, refrigerators, washers and dryers, and electronics. Students can save on major brands such as Kitchen Aid, LG, Electrolux, Maytag, Brita, Keurig, and General Electric. Typically, a consumer can expect savings of up to 25 percent off on kitchen appliances during Black Friday sales. But theyre also paying closer attention to their wallets. Unlike last year, I am

definitely going to be out looking for items that I can get a good deal on, said Kat Leitzau, who is majoring in human services. I have an idea of the things that I am going to look for, so I dont spend frivolous money on items that which I dont need. Id rather have the feeling of saving a ton of money and get my shopping done early rather than rushing to get gifts for my friends and family at the last minute and spend more than I would prefer to. Retailers nationwide are predicting that Americans will spend just as much this year as last, but there will be a higher demand for popular products that consumers can save with the holiday discounts. However, here in Michigan the recession is still in session, and shoppers dont have the extra money to spend on things that they dont need. With unemployment rates still high, consumers dont seem to have a lot of confidence in the economy. Consequently, theyre prone to spending less and avoiding unnecessary purchases. Money is tight right now, said Ben Rogers an undeclared student. I am not a Black Friday shopper and will definitely be staying in and sleeping off my turkey coma from the day before.

Despite changes for safety, Black Friday chaos still reigns at big box stores
Karen Bedore
Contributor

Linda Griffin can testify that prices arent the only thing to drop at the Ypsilanti Walmart on Black Friday, when things can get pretty crazy at the bigbox store. The longtime floor assistant recalled an incident from three years ago when a customer was tripped up at the entrance as the store doors were opened. He went all the way down and his (sweat) pants come off, Griffin said. He did get trampled, but wasnt seriously hurt. Patsy Becerra a vision center associate, who is looking forward to working her 19th Black Friday this year, thought shed seen it all until witnessing that scene. Can you imagine sitting there with your pants down all the way down and people walking all over you? she asked. Thats what can happen when a large crowd of shoppers who had been waiting in line out in the cold rushes the

entrance. One of the doors was broken off its hinges, said Scottie Brown, a front-end associate and veteran of numerous Black Fridays. Weve had arguments about dolls and TVs, but nothing really serious. I dont think its that bad anymore. Its fun. I like it. Tammy Waite, a customer service manager, said she loves working Black Friday because people are hilarious. But when it comes to being one of the crowd on the other side of the cash register, she doesnt hesitate to emphasize how she feels: I shopped one year on Black Friday and couldnt stand it! At least one Ypsilanti Walmart associate isnt happy with her holiday work schedule. Dortha Smith is upset because she is not working on Black Friday this year. Thats my main day, she moaned. I wait all year for this one. Lorenza Matthews and Rubie Jones, soft lines

associates, recall pre-dawn openings on Black Fridays from only 3-4 years ago, when they would watch the bustling crowd push through the store at opening, flowing like a swarming mosh pit, all wanting to be first to secure their deal of the day. Crowd-related injuries during special retail sales and promotional events have increased during recent years, prompting OSHA to establish the Crowd Management Safety Guidelines for Retailers, and causing retailers to take creative steps to keep things safe for everybody, while still maintaining the excitement of the main event. No longer do shoppers have to bundle up and prepare to sit outside for hours before the opening. Walmart has resorted to allowing people to line up in the stores on Thanksgiving night, waiting for shopping to officially start. Theyll still wait in ridiculously long lines, but not out in the cold, and there is no mad rush of hundreds or thousands of people trying to

squeeze in all at once for the race to the deals. Subtle marks are already on the floor and down certain aisles marking paths to where the deals will be staged and waiting for Black Friday purchase. Meantime, anticipation is building for the associates, who are scheduled to work the event. They look forward to it like hockey players waiting for the referee to drop the puck. Employees say they can actually feel the adrenalin starting to pump through their veins. The Ellsworth Walmart will be open overnight on Thanksgiving Day, accommodating determined powershoppers, and hopefully keeping things under control. Its not a 24-hour store, except from Thanksgiving through midnight on Black Friday.
For more information on OSHA-imposed safety standards for crowded shopping areas, visit: http://osha. gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/Crowd_ Control.html.

Team Black Friday

Editors note: Content for this Black Friday postage was produced by the following students in the Journalism 111 class on Monday nights: Karen Bedore, Tucker Biallas, Jamie Fletcher, Sean Handler, Beau Keyes, Khatja McKay, Amy McMichen, Anna Potter, Nicolette Salagean, Eric Steiger, Rachel Tuthill and Nick Young. The class is taught by Voice adviser Keith Gave.

check out washtenawvoice.com for more Black Friday stories

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washtenawvoice.com

In this issue...

Cole Jordans sentencing delayed until March

DERBY GIRLS These tough girls will knock your socks off, and your skates. B1

SPICE Using incense as an alternative to marijuana. B1

GUN RANGE An inside look at WCCs on campus gun range. B1

MCT COURTESY PHOTO

Former WCC counselor Cole Jordan, when he appeared in a California court room in November, on charges of assult with a deadly weapon.

President Barack Obama addresses a cheering University of Michigan crowd on the affordability of higher education.

Matt Durr
Editor

FOR FULL COVERAGE SEE PAGE C1.

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Bellanca heartened by Obamas stance on education

Matt Durr
Editor

TACO SHOWDOWN We visited ve local Mexican eateries and picked our favorite taco spot. A8

When President Barack Obama spoke in Ann Arbor r e c e n t l y, Wa s h t e n a w Community College President Rose Bellanca listened intently from the stage directly behind him. Obama demanded that colleges across the countries strive to keep the cost of education affordable for students. However, during his speech, he praised community

colleges and their viability for students looking to gain an education without going broke. Bellanca appreciated what she heard. As a graduate of a community college and a transfer student and now a leader in the community college system, I agree, Bellanca said. A community college o ers the same quality learning experience as found in colleges and universities, which is veried
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U-M RECRUITING CLASS Brady Hoke brings fresh faces to Michigan football team. B4

Fo r m e r Wa s h t e n a w Community College counselor Cole Jordan appeared in San Mateo County Superior Court in Redwood City, Calif. on Friday, when he was expected to be sentenced for a crime he committed more than 40 years ago. However, the sentencing was delayed until March 23 by Judge Lisa Novak because of the amount of cases on the courts calendar. Jordan, better known as Ronald Stanley Bridgeforth to authorities, pleaded no contest to charges of assault with a deadly weapon in a confrontation with a police o cer in 1968. Chief Deputy District Attorney Karen Guidotti is seeking a prison term. Jordans attorney, Paul Harris, feels that prison is too harsh of a punishment. Although the district attorney and probation o ce agree that Mr. Bridgeforth is

rehabilitated and poses no threat to society, they are arguing for a prison sentence, Harris told The Voice. Jordan has received more than 60 letters of support from students, parents, colleagues, ex-police officers and others in the Ann Arbor/ Detroit area, Harris said in a statement. He also received letters from prominent people in the San Francisco/Oakland area asking that the judge allow Jordan/Bridgeforth to do community service counseling instead of going to prison. Guidotti has maintained all along that a prison sentence is necessary given the severity of the crime. At this point, I think shooting at a police o cer merits a severe sentence, Guidotti said Friday, conrming what she said in an interview with The Voice in November. Im open to hearing what he has to say. But that doesnt take away from shooting at three police o cers.

O ce space: Arm-wrestling begins for space at former Campus Security o ces

Adrian Hedden
Features Editor

With Campus Security now perched on the second oor of the new parking structure, 2,500 square feet of prime ofce space is now vacant. Despite continued concerns over space at Washtenaw Community College, the area in the Facilities Management Building is to remain in disuse for the time being, according to Associate Vice President of Facilities Development and Operations Damon Flowers. Nothing has yet been decided, Flowers said. There are a number of suggestions. The area has typically been for maintenance. The vacant area, a rarity at the college, according to Flowers, wont remain idle for long. Demand for space runs high at WCC. Typically we have no vacant space, Flowers said. There are a lot of needs on this campus. While the value of the space is unquestionable, the best way to use it still must be agreed upon. Our primary goal is to wait for the strategic plan to be completed, said Steven Hardy, Vice President of Administration. That will drive space utilization. Right now, were in a factnding mode. In hopes of addressing the

viability of various educational programs, Hardy expects accommodations to be made based on demand for available jobs. We need to advance our programs that have employment opportunities, Hardy said. Filling space is based on enrollment and what the communitys needs are. Instruction is always No. 1. The strategic plan will span 3-5 years, according to Julie Morrison, executive associate to the President. Morrison has considered several avenues of community input with students her top priority. The plan looks at broad priorities for the college. It is a document to guide decisionmaking, Morrison said. Weve got to make sure that the space matches what students need. Drawing inspiration from numerous sources in the professional community, Morrison hopes to not only look inward to address needs, but outward into the community. We are looking at internal and external data and feedback, Morrison said. We have had listening sessions with the leaders of industries to gure out what the current di culties are for certain industries. Flowers cautions administrators to also consider the intended and past uses of the building, stating that not all forms of education would suit

ADRIAN HEDDEN THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Since Campus Security relocated to the parking structure the leftover space in the Facilities Managment building has remained vacant.

the space. He is concerned for storage for the ever-growing occupational education programs. If the space is used for academics, it should be for OC Ed, Flowers said. We have three skilled-trades programs here, and they have a lot of stu .

Although fearful that expanding liberal arts programs into the building would be a bad t, Flowers remains condent that whatever is decided on will be achieved by the college. Its not a commercial building set up for traditional

instruction. English classes would not make sense, Hardy said It would take major renovations, but could it be? Sure. We can do anything. Through meetings and listening sessions on campus, as well as Lunch with the President promotions,

administrators are open to feedback from students and faculty. According to Morrison, the first draft of WCCs strategic plan will be ready by early-spring. She is unsure of when the actual plan will be finished.

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THE COMING FORTNIGHT

at a glance the best of the areas events
FEB 6 THE GLOBAL JAZZ PROJECT. The Ark. 8 p.m. 316 Main St., Ann Arbor. This high-energy ensemble has been swinging Detroit jazz-heads, and now is Washtenaw Countys chance to experience the funky jubilation. $15. For more information, visit http://theark.org. FEB 6-MARCH 8 WILD SWAN THEATER PRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF HARRIET TUBMAN. Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College. Show times vary. 4800 E. Huron River Dr. A timely production chronicling the struggles of abolitionist Harriet Tubman with a story told through her own words. Ticket prices vary. For more information: (734) 995-0530, or email Kathy@ wildswantheater.org. FEB 8-MARCH 11 BILL DWYER. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. Show times vary. 314 East Liberty, Ann Arbor. The comedian known for lending play-byplays for Comedy Centrals Battle Bots will visit Ann Arbor for a special set of performances. Ticket prices range from $10-$15. For more information: (734) 996-9080, or visit http://aacomedy.com.

Climate change symposium

Photos and Words by:

What we have here is a failure to communicate

Bob Conradi
Staff Writer

FEB 10 CLIMBING EVEREST. 5:30 p.m. 218 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. This dual speaker presentation and marketplace exhibit will feature an inspirational discussion led by two-time Everest dominator Pem Dorjee Sherpa. Event is free. For more information: (734) 997-7229, or visit http://thehimalyanbazaar.com. FEB 10 THE DARKNESS Saint Andrews Hall. 7:30 p.m. 431 E. Congress St., Detroit. Bringing some much-needed camp to modern rock, hair metal reanimations The Darkness will play with Michigan favorite Foxy Shazam. $29. For more information, visit http://livenation.com.

FEB 10 UMS PRESENTS: CHAMBER ENSEMBLE OF THE SHANGHAI CHINESE ORCHESTRA. Rackham Auditorium. 8 p.m. 915 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor. A night of classical Chinese music played by the renowned smaller ensemble of the Shanghai Orchestra. Tickets range from $18-$38. For more information: (734) 764-2538, or visit http:// ums.org.

FEB 10 DILLA DAY DETROIT. The Fillmore Detroit. 8 p.m. 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit. A day of musical celebration for the late, great producer and emcee J Dilla, featuring former cohorts Busta Rhymes, Jay Electronica, Guilty Simpson and Danny Brown. Ticket prices range from $19-$75. For more information, visit http://livenation.com.

A crowd of more than 100 met to discuss Cures for Climate Confusion in a town hall meeting held recently at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. With the aid of an expert panel, they held a courteous conversation on the disconnect between broadly accepted science and public opinion. Climate change has become less of a debate within the public about climate models or CO2 and more about ideologies, values, beliefs, said Dr. Andrew Hoffman, of the U-M Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise. If the roots of public viewpoints on climate change are examined youll find that the conversation is quite often not about

climate change at all. The group gathered on Jan. 20 hoping to find better ways to communicate the urgency of decisive action on climate change. Merely reporting the compelling evidence for global warming has not been working. The percentage of Americans who believe the science has actually declined in recent years, Hoffman said. Most agreed that the issue must be addressed in language tailored for particular groups. In the religious community we have extended the definition of neighbor, said The Rev. Sally Bingham, leader of Interfaith Power and Light. Neighbor now is not just the person next door. Neighbor includes the next generation. If you love your neighbor, you dont pollute your neighbors air and water, Bingham said.

tRansFeR FaiR The annual Winter Transfer Fair is scheduled for Feb. 22 on the second floor of the Student Center. The event will host representatives from 54 different colleges and universities. Participating schools include the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Eastern Michigan University, Wayne State University and even Columbia College in Chicago. viCtoRy by design A group of design students from WCC will be attending the Ann Arbor Ad Clubs Addy Awards on Thursday Feb. 9. Hosted at a local bar, Babs Underground. The ceremony will award students studying in the fields of graphic design and other creative services. WCC entered six students in the competition, and the school was awarded two gold medals and four silvers. Gold medalists will be sent to a district competition and from there could move on to the nationals. pay it FoRWaRd, sda asks In celebration of National Random Act of Kindness Day Feb. 17, Student Development and Activities staff will surprise some students with random acts of kindness on Feb.

13, in hopes that the student will pay it forward and treat another student similarly. Random acts of kindness could include: holding a door open for others, offering an open seat in the library, buying someone a soda, and so on. SDA will start the week with a random act of kindness and handing the recipient a small booklet filled with tearoff sheets. All it asks is that students who receive a random act of kindness tear off a sheet, write the act down and bring the sheet to the SDA office (SC 112). The sheets will be displayed in the Student Center on Feb. 17. u-M aniMe event set FoR Feb. 12 The University of Michigans Anime Club will hold its annual Con Ja Nai convention on Feb. 12. Con Ja Nai, roughly translating to Not a Con(vention) attracts hundreds of visitors, many of them in costume, and features opportunities to cosplay, meet new and likeminded people, watch plenty of anime and attend a variety of panel discussions throughout the day. The event runs from 10 a.m. to midnight in the Modern Languages Building. Admission is free.

SDA ad here
Skate into Break Friday, February 24 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Looking for a way to kick-off your winter break? Join Student Activities at Yost Arena! $5 gets you admission, skate rental and snacks! We need YOU! Join the WCC Service Corps And give back to your community. http://tinyurl.com/wccgives

Sweet Honey In The Rock Friday, February 17 8:00 p.m. Hill Auditorium Sweet Honey In The Rock focuses on music that challenges, inspires, teaches, encourages, and empowers. Only $15 Tickets are on sale at the Cashiers Office, 2nd floor of the Student Center Building, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

FEB 17 ARTINI MARTINI CRAWL 2012. Ann Arbor Art Center. 7-10 p.m. Various locations. A local favorite, this bar crawls proceeds will go to help fund programs at the AAAC. Tickets can be purchased at the AAAC between Noon-8 p.m. Tickets cost $40 each. For more information: (734) 994-8004, or visit http://annarborartcenter.org.

FEB 11 FORD LAKE FROZEN LEAP. Lake Shore Apartments. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 2500 Lake Shore Blvd., Ypsilanti. Take a flying leap into a frozen lake or better yet, watch someone dive in with this event to support community services via SOS. Teams of three or more are required to raise a minimum of $50; all proceeds go to SOS Community Services. For more information: (734) 531-8939, or visit http://crowdrise.com/ fordlakefrozenleap.

FEB 12 MY FOLKY VALENTINE. The Ark. 7:30 p.m. 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. Share Valentines Day with your special someone listening to tunes written by three singer-songwriting duos which happen to be couples, too. $15. For more information: (734) 7611800, or visit http://theark. org.

Katharine Hayhoe, associate professor of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas Tech University, spoke of why climate change will greatly disrupt human society.

GOT A HOT TIP ON AN UPCOMING EVENT? email: bensolis1@gmail.com

CHECk OuT OuR NEw wEbSITE wASHTENAwvOICE.COM

From the audience, Paul Edwards, a professor in U-M School of Information, speaks out at the townhall meeting. He argues that government incentives are needed to jumpstart alternative energy production.

In the conservative community we need to appeal to an enlightened consumer acting in enlightened self-interest, said Bob Inglis, a former sixterm Republican congressman from South Carolina. He said that addressing climate change is a terrific opportunity for the United States to serve the rest of the world and to make a lot of money in the process. Steven W. Percy, CEO of BP American during the 1990s, emphasized that successful businesses must consider climate change as a future business risk. Its hard to find a major corporation now that does not have a very aggressive program addressing the issue of climate change, Percy said. Some of the meetings participants faced strong opposition from their own constituencies by accepting the science of climate change. Percy and BP were accused of leaving

the church by fellow oilmen. Inglis was accused of committing not just a political heresy but a religious heresy. During the town hall meeting, many participants asked thoughtful questions. Panelists and other members of the audience offered possible answers. Inglis suggested several concrete policy proposals that he hoped conservatives would accept. Many in the more progressive audience took issue with his proposals, especially his call to end all energy subsidies. Throughout the exchange, however, there was a climate of civility, far different from the rancor that often pervades debates on this issue. This is the sort of climate change that is needed before the deeper issues can be addressed. Participants felt that this kind of forum could be the start of real progress toward mobilizing a reluctant public.

Feb. 6, Monday night Joe Enjoy free coffee courtesy of Student Development and Activities, 5-6 p.m. on the second floor of the LA building Feb. 7, tuesday night Joe Enjoy free coffee courtesy of Student Development and Activities, 5-6 p.m. on the second floor of the LA building ResuMe developMent WoRkshop This hands-on workshop will show students how to manage and develop their resumes in hopes of employment. 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. in SC 287 Colleges visitations Each of the following universities will have representatives on the first floor of WCCs Student Center to answer questions from students curious about transferring to the different schools. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., International University of Nursing Visitation and University of Medicine & Health Sciences, St. Kitts, West Indies 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Johnson & Wales University 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Spring Arbor University

Feb. 8, Wii Wednesday Come play videogames on the Nintendo Wii in the student center. Games include Wii Sports, Just Dance 2, and Mario Kart, 11 a.m.-1p.m. inteRvieW skills WoRkshop This hands-on workshop will polish student interview skills, 4:30-6 p.m., SC 287 College visitation Concordia and Eastern Michigan University, second floor of the Student Center, 1-5 p.m. Feb. 9, thuRsday speed bingo Snacks and drinks are provided for students looking to play a fast round of bingo on the first floor of WCCs Student Center College visitation Eastern Michigan University, second floor of the Student Center, noon-4 p.m. Feb. 10, Job seaRCh teChniques WoRkshop Participants will be educated in how seek employment and what resources are available in the process. 1-2:30 p.m. SC287

(missing from tub)

Intramural Arm Wrestling Registration: February 13 15, 2012 in SC118, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Game: February 15 Time: 5:30 p.m. Division: Mens, Womens FREE! Intramural Foosball Registration: February 20 22, 2012 in SC118, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Game: February 22, 2012 Time: 5:30 p.m. Division: Coed FREE! Mens Club Lacrosse Sunday Afternoon Training Stop into the WCC Sports Office (SC118) for more information and to fill out appropriate paperwork You will need a helmet, gloves, and a stick. FREE! Mens Club Soccer First practices/tryouts Days: Tuesday, February 21, 4:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, February 23, 4:20 p.m.- 6:20 p.m. Location: Wide World Sports Center2140 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor Bring your WCC ID, indoor shoes, and arrive early for to take care of paperwork The men will practice Tuesday and Thursday evenings at WCC and play games at Wide World Sports Center on Wednesday or Sunday nights in March and April. FREE and all skill levels welcome!

UPCOMING SPORTS

Womens Club Soccer First practices/tryouts Days: Wednesday, February 15 and Wednesday, February 22 Times: 6:20 p.m.- 7:20 p.m. Location: Wide World Sports Center2140 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor Bring your WCC ID, indoor shoes, and arrive early for to take care of paperwork. The women will practice Tuesday and Thursday evenings at WCC and play games at Wide World Sports Center on Wednesday nights in March and April. FREE and all skill levels welcome! Coed Running Club Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. North Athletic Fields Bring your WCC Student ID card and warm running clothes. FREE!

Long, strange trip

Managing Editor

Countywide transit authority vote stalls out in city council

Ben Solis You cant fight city hall, but you can drag out a city council meeting into the wee hours of the night. Thats exactly what happened recently when Ann Arbors City Council held a special public hearing to gauge the community opinion on the creation of a county-wide transit authority, spearheaded by the Ann Arbor Transit Authority. The new authority proposal, which was drafted by members of the AATA last year, aims to create a master transit authority that would oversee various modes of public transportation in Washtenaw County over the next five years. The authority will be governed by an unincorporated countywide transit board, overseen by an Unincorporated Act 196 Board of Directors, and would include participation from the four major parties involved: Washtenaw County, the AATA, and the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. The AATA project is called Moving You Forward, and is still in its planning stages. The Jan. 23 meeting was not held just to hear residents views about the new plan. City council had planned to reach a vote that night on how and in what ways the new authority would be governed and structured. The vote would move the process forward into the next phase, which would allow the communities involved to start making the financial decisions necessary to fund the project. However, the vote was ultimately delayed due to the length of the public hearing, and was rescheduled for Jan. 30. Yet that meeting was ultimately cancelled as well in order to reassess the language of the proposal and the amendments discussed in the Jan. 23 meeting. Lasting four mind-numbing hours, the public discourse from angered citizens focused mainly on where the money would come from to fund the project. Some folks were confused about what we were talking about tonight, said Ann Arbor Council member Carsten Hohnke (D-Ward 5).
AATA CONTINUED A6

Winter Wednesdays Time: 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. on the 1st Floor of the Student Center January 25 - Womens Ping Pong Tournament February 1 - Basketball Shootout Contest February 8 - Drop-in Table Tennis/Foosball Extended February 15 - Arm Wrestling Tournament February 22 - Foosball Tournament Drop by the WCC Sports Office to learn about upcoming sports and have a little fun!

BELLANCA FROM FRONT PAGE

by transfer agreements and the success of our students as they enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Bellanca also emphasized the hands-on attention that students at community colleges receive from their instructors and staff. Our faculty and staff make student success a priority, she said in an email. That personal attention and quality is offered at approximately half the cost of a four year degree and is the smart choice for students who want an affordable, quality education offered in a flexible format. For Bellanca, it was the fourth time she has heard a president speak. Previously she has met and heard Presidents Reagan, Bush and Clinton. It was an honor to have the opportunity to hear President Obama speak at the University of Michigan, she said.

the FolloWing inFoRMation is RepoRted FRoM RedaCted inCident RepoRts pRovided by CaMpus saFety and seCuRity: noise CoMplaint Security officers responded to call from the Bailey Librarys computer commons on Jan. 26 at 1:08 p.m. to quell a conflict between a student and a member of library staff. The student had refused to turn down the music he was listening to at one of the stations after being repeatedly told to do so, according to a report provided by Campus Security. After refusing to cooperate, the student was escorted from the library. paRking lot CRash A driver reported that another motorist who wasnt paying attention collided with her in an

attempt to merge with traffic while turning into parking lot 6H on Jan. 25 at about 9 p.m. The other driver said there was damage done to the front passenger side of her vehicle, the Campus Security report said. auto vandalisM A man found his car vandalized in lot 3G after he returned to it from class on Jan. 25. The man alleged that someone had severely and deliberately scratched the paint with a key. He had no prior confrontations that day, according to the Campus Security report.

To contact Campus Safety & Security, dial 3411 from any school phone, press the red button on red security phones, or use your cell phone to call (734) 973-3411. Visit washtenawvoice.com for security updates.

JaRed angle THE WASHTENAW VOICE

WCC President Rose Bellanca stands with several dignitaries behind President Obamas podium.

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EDITORIAL As election approaches, Voice strives to stay in the middle

With each passing day, the first Tuesday of November gets closer and closer. On that day, we as Americans will be asked to vote on who will be the next set of leaders to guide our nation and set the policies that impact all of us. Whether youre a freespirited liberal or the strictest conservative, Nov. 6 shapes up to be an important day. As the election of 2012 approaches, The Voice is committed to providing coverage of as many political events and rallies as possible. However, we are keenly aware that as we attempt to provide that coverage, we will no doubt be accused of slanting one direction and not providing equal coverage. As part of what some like to describe as the liberal media, we know that many of our readers will assume that our newspaper supports one side over the other. This will be the first election that most of our staff has covered, and we will strive to present information as evenly as possible. As students we are taught to remain unbiased in our reporting and writing. Thus far, we think weve done just that. When President Obama visited Ann Arbor recently, The Voice was there in full force to cover not only the speech but the spectacle surrounding it. As a staff we discussed making sure that our coverage was not completely directed to just Obama, but also the protesters around the University of Michigan campus that day. In December, Photo Editor Jared Angle traveled to Iowa to witness the Iowa caucus and to hear what most of the Republican candidates had to say. Angle also covered a Republican debate on the campus of Oakland University late last year. There will be many more rallies, speeches and protest along the way, and as we learn about them, well be there to provide coverage. As always, if our readers feel weve been unfair, well be available to discuss our content and hopefully after our discussion you wont be seeing red or blue.

Tea Party Patriots: Step up your game!

But it has been several months since I have heard anything noteworthy from the eternally provocative appendage of the Republican Party, and in an election year, that might as well be a political lifetime. Ben Solis As important as it is to have Managing Editor potential voters well-educated and informed on the issues I could be wrong or selec- that will become the hot-buttively forgetful, but has the en- ton topics in the coming year, tire Tea Party movement fallen its much more exciting to see into some dark bottomless hole people who have no idea what off the face the planet? they are talking about out Maybe its the cold of winter in the streets sharing their that forces any group dedicated misinformation. to full frontal assembly into a Sure, itd be ideal to have self-imposed hibernation pe- groups from both sides of the riod that is to blame for the lack political aisle engaging in a reaof recent media attention or sonable discourse. Still, who public appearances. can deny the rush of being stuck in the middle of two opposing activists with picket signs and pitchforks ready to tear each others heads off? As far as I can tell, the political legitimacy score is favoring the liberal Occupy movement over the conservative Tea Party 2-to-1, and that isnt because one is more hip or popular than the other. The Tea Party is disintegrating in its own hot water because the Occupy movement, equally as misguided and poorly organized as members of the red equivalent, has taken much more drastic steps to get their voices heard. Occupiers are ready to be mace-sprayed, beaten and jailed for their relevance, while the Tea Partys only avenue of protest are clever shirts and frustrated buzzwords. We k n ow y o u h a t e Obamacare, and we know you are overwhelmingly worried that your long-held white privilege is at a crossroad, but its time to take your protests into the next phase of development. Call me a provocateur, but both sides need their Robin Hoods, and if a civil war breaks out, well, it was long overdue. All Im asking for is a little chutzpah from both sides of the aisle. The liberals have revolutionary behavior embedded in their DNA. So Tea Party patriots, put on your best war paint and step up your game! The White House and your own political legitimacy depend on it.

Strike one on me for smoking on campus

end of my smoke. Not only was it embarrassing and startling to have the director of Campus Safety and Security pop out of nowhere like a CIA agent, but it puts everything I do here at The Voice into an ethical paradigm. Fortunately, I was only given a stern verbal warning, but it could have been a lot worse. Some of you may ask why I am outing myself if I didnt get the maximum punishment. The answer is because as a member of the press, whatever that means, I am obliged to follow all of the rules that I clearly know like that back of my hand. How can I write articles asking students to follow the rules, or else, if I dont? I believe in personal responsibility and accountability, and I am willing to admit when I screwed up. So if you feel you need a smoke on campus, learn from my example and just wait till you leave the college. Trust me (Im a journalist), I know exactly how stressful a nicotine fit can be. But if you take you college career seriously, hopefully youll butt out with me off campus

Managing Editor

Ben Solis

Want to understand Valentines Day? Ask a single person

Valentines Day. I know a lot of you are probably saying you cant rename a holiday. Im not renaming it, Im redefining it. Valentines Day has typically been associated with two types of people: people who adore the holiday, believing that buying some flowers and chocolates will win them some brownie points with their significant other, and scorned the people who believe Valentines Day is just another way for businesses to make a little extra cash in February. It doesnt matter how someone views a holiday that makes it significant; its who the holiday effects that makes it significant. And no one is more affected than single people. If theres one thing that Valentines Day can do effectively every year, its remind single people of just how alone they are. When single people go shopping around Valentines Day, they have to wade through aisle after aisle of flowers, love cards and heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates. Most people wouldnt pay attention to all the items, but a single person does and that can be depressing. Some of the stores I go to have been ballsy enough to have all of the Valentines Day items lined up like a trail to the liquor aisle. Thanks for the walk of loneliness you jerks. If the Valentines Day merchandise wasnt bad enough, single people have to deal with the significant increase in relationship questions from family members and friends in relationships. The answers to all of their relationship questions are not going to change just because its Valentines Day. Some singles are lonely enough to venture out of their comfort zone, but Valentines Day is no reason to go to a nightclub you hate, hoping to find that special someone in one night or to troll Craigslist for somebody who likes to party. If youre single on Valentines Day, dont feel like youre being left out. Being single on Feb. 14 holds no greater significance than being single on Feb. 20. That reminds me, what am I going to do for Presidents Day this year?

Nathan Clark
Staff Writer

For the past two years, The Washtenaw Voice has covered the Washtenaw Community College campus smoking ban like a blanket. We know the rules, regulations and what kind of trouble students or employees can get into if they are caught lighting up on campus. So it would make sense that I would know better than to smoke on campus, seeing as how I know exactly what it means for my college and newspaper career if I get kicked out of school for smoking. Well, just because I know that I shouldnt do it, doesnt mean that stopped me from lighting up a cigarette last week in front of the TI building. As you can guess already, I was caught red-handed at the

check out our new website! washtenawvoice.com

were portrayed in this brief account as being negligent, a portrayal which effects campus perception of the caliber of both campus security and local law enforcement. It also conveyed the impression that these entities do not take either child safety or Michigan Law seriously. While I am less disturbed about the content of the brief, I am disappointed in The Washtenaw Voice.

When I check my calendar every morning, I usually groan and begin procrastinating whatever task is scheduled for the day or I look ahead and make plans for how Im going to enjoy the next holiday. Groundhogs Day has already come and gone, so I guess its time to plan something for Singles Appreciation Day, more commonly referred to as

TO THE EDITOR:

SHAME ON THE VOICE While skimming The Voice, I read and became extremely disturbed by the security notes brief titled, Child Endangerment? While the idea of unsupervised children was upsetting enough, even more problematic and disturbing was the described response of the vaguely described law enforcement personnel involved. By police, did the reporter mean campus security, the Ann Arbor police, or the county sheriffs department? In any event, law enforcement personnel are considered mandatory reporters in the state of Michigan, and if the situation

ADRIAN HEDDEN FEATURES EDITOR PHOTOS KELLy BRAcHA CONTRIBUTOR

Volume 18, Issue 12

Cars, daycare, CCW license and gifts for friends

How students spend their financial aid overage checks

were as confusingly described (LA building?, parking lot?) whoever responded to this call was remiss in their responsibilities. Considering the source, I contacted Campus Security to verify this account and was informed that the situation had not been accurately described in the paper. The children had not been left in a car and there were more details. I am now wondering what other information in this short article was incorrect? News should be accurately reported. The fact that these were news briefs does not lessen the responsibility of the paper or those who compile the information. The campus safety and police

EDITORS NOTE:
As part of our duties as the campus newspaper at Washtenaw Community College, The Voice makes every attempt possible to inform its readers when incidents and crimes occur. However, it is almost impossible for our reporters to do a responsible job reporting the news when the information given to us by Campus Safety and Security contain more redacted details than information on the incidents. The report featured to the left of this letter is an example of just what we are left to deal with on a weekly basis when trying to report the news on

Patricia R. Hill, PT, MA Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Director Washtenaw Community College

campus. Weve tried repeatedly to work with campus security officials and others responsible for protecting us here on campus and apparently this is the best they can do. Thats not say campus security is poor or not doing its job, but when college officials fail to provide critical information to the public, it makes our jobs very difficult. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act does not restrict the disclosure of any of this information and under the Freedom of Information Act, our newspaper has a right to view those reports in full. It should be up to the judgment of this

publication and its editors in charge to make the decision on what information is included in our reports. The Voice is committed to putting an accurate account of what happens on this campus out for our readers and doing it in a timely manner. However, when we are illegally prevented from providing all the detail, we simply cannot to our jobs effectively.

Matt Durr Editor The Washtenaw Voice

4800 E. Huron River Dr. TI 106 Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (734) 677-5125 thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com

With overage checks in the bank, students who receive financial aid at Washtenaw Community College are left to spend the refunds as they see fit. But we couldnt help but ask: Where should this money go? What will you spend yours on?
I used it to move. I had to move from Detroit to Novi. I wasnt happy that I had to move, but Im glad that I had the refund. Paid in full. LAuRA JONEs, 29, Detroit, Pharmaceutical Science Just save it and use it to pay back loans and interest rates. When I transfer to Wayne (State) next year, things will get more expensive so I save it rather than going out and spending it on dumb shit. JIzEL HIcKs, 19, Detroit, Secondary Education I use it on transportation; were supposed to use it for that, and housing. Use it wisely. sTEVEN RADcLIff, 19, Belleville, Secondary Education

The Washtenaw Voice is produced fortnightly by students of Washtenaw Community College. Student publications are important in establishing and maintaining an atmosphere of free and responsible discussion and in bringing matters of concern and importance to the attention of the campus community. Editorial responsibility for The Voice lies with the students, who will strive for balance, fairness and integrity in their coverage of issues and events while practicing habits of free inquiry and expression. The Voice is committed to correct all errors that appear in the newspaper and on its website, just as we are committed to the kind of careful journalism that will minimize the number of errors printed. To report an error of fact that should be corrected, please phone (734) 677-5405 or e-mail thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com. A copy of each edition of The Washtenaw Voice is free to everyone. Additional copies are available at the Voice office for 25 cents each. The Washtenaw Voice does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the information or content in advertisements contained in the newspaper or its website, thewashtenawvoice.com, nor the quality of any products, information or other materials displayed, or obtained by you as a result of an advertisement or any other information or offer in or in connection with the services or products advertised.

Books was sky high and I needed stuff for my car. Paid for my CCW liscense. Im really still saving it, still have about 600 bucks. Books first, then pleasure. ALAN BANKs, 21, Detroit, Construction Management

It goes to gas to get here and basically bills: mortgage payment, car payment and to pay for daycare for my daughter, my beautiful, 3-year-old daughter. JOHN WAgENTI, 27, Whitmore Lake, Radiography

On a car and house appliances. TV, furniture, silverware, clothing, soap and tissue. I also buy people gifts as well as pay bills. Thats the bad part. Buy what you need and then save the rest. VAN MOsLEy, 19, Detroit, Anesthesiology Im relocating. I havent decided where yet. I just want a different house. It should help, but I might have to add some out-of-pocket. It all depends. I bought books too. JAsMINE gREENE, 33, Ypsilanti, Nursing

A few hours of discomfort to save a life? Count me in

needs a life-saving bone-marrow transplant. After finishing the call, I rushed off to class. And I have to admit, sitting there listening to the professor drone on about regulatory capture was not easy. I wanted to shout, Who cares? I might be able to save a life! But I managed to stop myself. Count me among the lucky ones. I signed up to be on the Be the Match National Bone Marrow Donor registry in March 2011 right here at Washtenaw Community College, and have been excited ever since about the prospect of being a donor. But I wasnt holding my breath. I have heard from countless people that they have been on the list for many years with nary a call. This runs through my mind as I return the call, and I cannot help but think about my good fortune. Ive made it on to Step Twoblood donation for DNA-level testingin just 10 months. During the time between the initial call and giving the blood sample on Jan. 30, I have thought incessantly about being a donor. While I do not wish to place a value judgment on anyoneI realize people have many reasons for doing or not doing somethingI wonder why more people do not join the registry. I recently read an article about a JapaneseAmerican young woman who needs a transplant, but is finding some difficulty finding a donor because of her somewhat unusual heritage. The image of the striking young woman haunts me. I have told anyone who would listen, and even some who cared not to, about being a potential match. Many expressed excitement for me while others have politely mentioned that bone marrow aspiration hurts. Apparently big time. However, I cannot help but think that a few hours of discomfort is worth it if it gives another human being a chance to live a longer, more productive life. I have birthed four children, and while that caused some discomfort, I cant think of anything that has made me prouder. In fact, since having children, being on the registry has been a goal of mine. If one of my offspring were to be in need of a bone marrow transplant, I would hope they would find the help they needed from like-minded people who signed up to be tested. So how can I do anything less for anyone else? Testing on my blood will take several weeks, and can even take up to 90 days. In the meantime, I will think often of the cancer patient who is awaiting the test results with me a wait more excruciating than mine, to be sure.

Gas, house payment, car payment. It was gone the first day. Also day-care for my daughter. It was very helpful. I wouldnt be here without it. ANgELA AVERy, 25, Whitmore Lake, Radiography

EDITOR Matt Durr mdurrwcc@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR Ben Solis bensolis1@gmail.com FEATURES EDITOR Adrian Hedden ahedden@wccnet.edu PHOTO EDITOR Jared Angle jared.angle@gmail.com MANAGING DESIGN EDITOR Josh Chamberlain josh@vgkids.com DESIGN EDITOR Ashley DiGiuseppe ashley.digiuseppe@ gmail.com STAFF ILLUSTRATOR Hafsah Mijinyawa oradium@gmail.com

AD MANAGER Becky Alliston ealliston@wccnet.edu WEB EDITOR Ikram Fatah ifatah@wccnet.edu STAFF WRITERS Nathan Clark Jael Gardiner Anna Fuqua-Smith Allie Tomason CONTRIBUTORS Mike Adsit David Artushin Jena Jenkins William Isaac Winston ADVISER Keith Gave kgave@wccnet.edu

Rachel Barsch After returning to my office after six straight mind-numbing meetings, I wasnt quite ready for the words urgent request for you while I was checking my voicemail at the end of a long day. Thats all I needed as I tried to get my mind on my Administrative Law class that evening. Turns out, it was exactly what I needed to help me realign the priorities in my rather hectic life. The message was from the National Bone Marrow Registry telling me that I am a potential match for a 51-year-old patient who

Want to save a life? You can!

Be a part of Student Activities Be a Lifesaver Week! April 9-13h! Register for the Be the Match Bone Marrow Registry representatives will be on campus during this week (TBA) Give blood at a blood drive in ML 101 on April 11 or 12 Sign-up for an organ donation drive (TBA) Take part in a suicide prevention panel discussion with area experts (TBA) Take part in a self-defense workshop (TBA)
For more information contact Rachel Barsh at rbarsch@wccnet.edu.

Outstanding bills. It usually helps out. Some of it goes into an emergency fund. If like, a car breaks. Ive been here a year-and-a-half and gone through two cars. Other people should do the same: save for emergencies. IAN RILEy, 31; Wagga, Australia; Business Management Everyone is saving up for a car because no one wants to take the city buses. Theyre nasty and they stink. Its not sanitary and its just too cold this time of year. DANIELLE HugAN, 18, Ann Arbor, Secondary Education

I just put it in the bank to save it like for a car or something. A house maybe. People should save it to put it towards something really good that they need. MARLENA cALMETER, 19, Ypsilanti, Criminal Justice

Pretty much on my mortgage, basically rent. In the past I spent it on electronics. Its probably for people to spend on whatever they need. It takes the pressure off of having to work so much. Its great. BRIAN JOHNsON, 40, Ann Arbor, Psychology

Rachel Barsch is the events coordinator for Student Development and Activities.

A6

February 6, 2012

News
call Campus Security. But if the situation seems life threatening, like a seizure or something like that, we call 911 as well. Campus Security arrived moments later, took control of the scene and notified EMS of the situation. Paramedics arrived to transport the student to the hospital. We might get three medical emergencies in a week and then we might go a few weeks without anything, said Jacques Desrosiers, director of Campus Safety and Security. Sometimes there are students with low blood sugar who push themselves all day, dont eat anything and pass out. Give them a candy bar or orange juice, and theyll come back. We dont have to call for medical transport as many times as you would think. While calling 911 would never be discouraged in a life-threatening emergency, Campus Security is trained to handle emergency situations. The staff of Campus Security has training in basic first aid, CPR and how to use emergency medical devices. Littered throughout the WCC campus are Automatic External Defibrillator s (AEDs). They are emergency devices that deliver a jolt of electricity to a person in cardiac arrest. The device verbally leads you through how to use it step by step, so in an emergency nearly anyone can probably figure out how to use the device, said Desrosiers, adding that Campus Security is fully trained on how to use them, so calling there is preferred. In the event of a major emergency requiring the evacuation of campus, Campus Security has drafted a protocol on how to conduct a mass evacuation. Drills were conducted in the Liberal Arts building during the break after the Fall semester ended, and more drills are planned in the future.

The Washtenaw Voice

The Washtenaw Voice

News

February 6, 2012

A7

What to do in an emergency New club to help promote Black History Month events
Nathan Clark
Staff Writer

Medical emergencies occur every day in America, and occasionally one of those emergencies happens on campus. When lives are in jeopardy and time is critical, only trained professionals with the right equipment can swing the odds in your favor. Washtenaw Community College strives to have the right people with the right tools. On Jan. 12, a student had a seizure and collapsed in the middle of the Student Center. Another student who witnessed the collapse, rushed to the nearby Student Development and Activities (SDA) office and immediately called Campus Security and 911. We have really good responders, said Rachel Barsch, Events Coordinator for SDA. We try not to be the expert when someone is sick, so we

William Isaac Winston

Contributor

AATA FROM A3

This meeting was not on how to finance the proposal. It was simply to lay out for the voters what the structure would look like. Misinformation and a general lack of understanding on the proposal dominated the hearing, and the citizens of Ann Arbor present took the opportunity offered in the public hearing to talk about issues not relating to the initial vote, Hohnke said. These issues ranged from government corruption to mismanaged city funds. The point is that you have another project that you want to develop, said Ann Arbor resident Odile Hugonot-Haber, who insisted that the city council was not telling the public everything it needed to know to make an informed decision about the new authority. You

take public land and public money, and only after you do the groundwork do you hold these public hearings where we are invited to speak. Instead you should have involved us from the beginning. Haber saw the proposal and its mode of funding as another way the city would pull federal and state taxes from priorities, like improving the existing transportation services of the AATA, to fund pet projects of city council, like a potential light-rail system. While the majority of those who spoke openly about their concerns to city council shared only negative attitudes, many were still in favor of the plan, even if they didnt agree with every step in the process. I am here in support of the four-party plan, said Chuck Warpehoski, the director of the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice. Some of the

arguments I have prepared are some of the same I have already heard from both sides here tonight that we need to do a better job connecting our cities in transit. We need stable funding, and I want better bus services in Ann Arbor. But we cannot wait for the government to get all of this in order before we move on to the next process. Another speaker, an Ann Arbor resident named Keith Borg, shared his sentiment. Transportation is one of the most powerful engines for economic development, Borg said. We often hear from companies that the availability for employees to commute to work is among the highest factors of their employability. Until a vote can be reached on how to structure the plan, no action can be taken by the parties involved. The next public hearing on the issue was scheduled for Feb. 6.

In late January, the Black Student Union, a new club, burst into action to fill the void left by the African American Student Association and the African American Humanities Club. The AASA and the AAHC disbanded last semester after their respective advisers left the college. There wasnt a club that focused on issues that impact African American students at the end of the fall semester, said Rachel Barsch, events coordinator in Student Development and Activities. Aveia Morris, the adviser for the AASA, left the college after the grant ran out that funded her position. Also, Cole Jordan, the adviser for the AAHC, retired after working for the college for more than three decades. Those were longstanding clubs that were largely supported by their faculty members, said Ryan Hunter, the president of the BSU and a Washtenaw Community College student. When those faculty members departed from this college, some of the momentum in driving events was lost. In the BSUs first meeting, the members worked with Peter Leshkevich, the director

of Student Development and Activities (SDA) and Barsch to schedule events for Black History Month. We are trying to jumpstart African American events and programs, said Hunter. Also, I believe the faculty and the administration would support what we would do as long as it is positive. Barsch added that Student Activities wants student-driven Black History Month activities. Her department is working to support what the BSU is planning. The club and SDA are cohosting several events during Black History Month. They are scheduled to hold a movie discussion each Tuesday in February in the Student Center. The dates for these events are Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Also, they are slated to have a Make it, Take It event Monday, Feb. 20, from 11 a.m.1 p.m. in the Student Center. Near the end of February, SDA is scheduled to host a summit that will feature a panel discussion about diversity issues in the local community. Burton Lowe, a Tuskegee Airman and a retired WCC faculty member, will be leading the discussion at the summit. Hunter said the BSU wants to host events on campus that are meaningful to people from all backgrounds.

In additional to the BSU events, Gallery One has an exhibit on display by Jacob Lawrence, a Harlem renaissance artist, called The Legend of John Brown. The artwork depicts the life of abolitionist John Brown, and it will be available until Feb. 17. The exhibit was provided by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Student Activities is going to post a picture and biography of an influential African American from history for each day of February, said Barsch. The pictures and biographies will be posted in front of the doors of the Student Center. Barsch said that with the help of the past AASA and AAHC leadership, WCC hosted a trip to the Holocaust museum and a trip the Underground Railroad in Cincinnati. These events attracted a diverse group of students. Hunter said the BSU wants to continue the spirit of African American clubs from the past, but be something entirely new that is built from the ground up. A core part of the BSUs mission statement is creating strong bonds with the surrounding community through diversity. To learn more about the Black Student Union, visit Student Activities in SC 112.

Rainbow reaches resource center

Adrian Hedden
Features Editor

Student resource library expands for LGBTs

More than instruction weighs on the mind of Layla Ananda. She has always understood the hardships of the LGBT students populating her classes. Openly bisexual, the parttime psychology instructor at Washtenaw Community College has lived it. Ive found times in my life where Ive been misunderstood and often times rejected for my sexual orientation, Ananda said. Its part of my motivation. Being gay and out can be very hard. Anandas personal connection with the LGBT community drove her to contact Eleanor Brundage and Liz Orbits of the Student Resource and Womens Center in hopes of increasing support and visibility for the LGBT community on WCCs campus via the SRWC. It was very important to me that there be some kind of ongoing, stable, school-supported presence that would be supportive of LGBT students, Ananda said. We want to let them know that we know theyre there and we are aware of their unique issues. This fall, I was finally able to meet with Liz and Eleanor. They were very supportive. With the SRWCs initiative to increase visibility for the LGBT community in full swing, Orbits, manager of the SRWC, is eager to help a minority group that she believes to have often been misunderstood. We are a non-judgmental, open center. Students come to us, Orbits said. It is a safe place for them to get help if they need to talk. We are hoping to provide resources to a population that has historically been oppressed. One of the faculty advisers for the Spectrum Center, WCCs LGBT student club, Ananda worked with the SRWC to establish a special section in the centers resource library, providing pamphlets and other literature concerning developments and events in the LGBT community. The space also serves as an area for students looking for a haven from the general campus population. Danielle Mack, 31, of Ann Arbor, asserts that the SRWCs new accommodations are long overdue. The elementary education major points to LGBT resource centers at both the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University that have long provided countless resources for students in need as well as space to congregate. It says that these people are here, another flavor of humanity, she said. Its about time Washtenaw got something going. Other colleges have it. UMs library got so huge, they had space issues. Mack is not only excited for the literature offered in the SRWCs library. Born male, Mack is well aware of the important role communication and belonging take in developing a personality that is not always accepted. For non-LGBT students, she hopes the increased visibility will expose unawares to the reality of LGBT. I would like to see it become a separate entity, a space to socialize and network, Mack said. I think thats really important. People who have never met or been exposed to this can come and meet an actual person. Ultimately, I think it will outgrow the space. WCCs LGBT club is resurfacing this semester as the Gay/ Straight Alliance. As time goes on, Ananda hopes to keep adding materials to the list of LGBT resources, but asserts that her mission is to provide care to students of all walks of life at WCC. Unity is Anandas main concern. My hope is that we will be able to grow in terms of all students, not just LGBT, Ananda said. I really want to thank the SRWC for taking this role. As with any minority group, its very helpful to know there are others like you who understand. Located in the SRWC on the second floor of the Student Center, the resource library is open to any students in need of information or just a place to relax, according to Orbits.

LGBT RESOURCE MATERIAL

Literature now offered in the SRWC resource librarys LGBT section will contain reading concerning recent developments and events in the LGBT community. Titles included are
Lesbian mom network pamphlet U-M Spectrum center pamphlet EMU LGBTRC pamphlet EMU LGBTRC Top Ten list Between the Lines weekly paper Transgender Visibility guide Resource guide to coming out Pridesource Mich., LGBT yellow pages Lesbian Connection magazine Spectrum Center magazine

Crusaders of many religions fight for peace and justice

Words and Photo by:

Bob Conradi
Staff Writer

ADRIAN HEDDEN THE WASHTENAW VOICE

A shelf in the SRWCs resource library has recently been dedicated to the LGBT community.

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The Ann Arbor-based group Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice counts among its members: Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Bahai, Native Americans, and atheists and they get along. From whatever religious or philosophical background, there is a shared call to be peacemakers, and we are able to better fulfill that call if we work together across our differences, said director Chuck Warpehoski, 33, of Ann Arbor. That collaboration is also part of peacemaking. ICPJ was founded in 1965 when a group of Unitarian, Christian and Jewish religious leaders came together to promote peace and social justice. Now the group includes about 750 members and six task forces focusing on specific concerns. The six divisions are: NOW -- NO Weapons, NO War; Hunger; Latin America; Racial and Economic Justice; Common Ground for Peace in Israel/Palestine and Climate Change and Earth Care. In each task force there are about six members who design programming and make it all happen. Three paid staff members oversee these events. The staffers are also assisted by a group of interns. Interns are not paid, but they have more set schedules and office hours like the staffers. Their work is mostly behind the scenes. Shahar BenJosef, 22, of Ann Arbor is an intern helping with the NOW and Common Ground task forces. So, for example, when the

Common Ground task force wants to have some sort of event, then youll have the task force members and the intern and Chuck, who is the staff member for the task force, all work together to pull together this event, Ben-Josef said. Sarah Jadrich, 23, of Ann Arbor, is another intern helping with the Racial and Social Justice group. Janrich is working on a masters degree in social work at U-M and is required to do 16 hours per week of fieldwork. Her work for ICPJ not only expresses her passion, but also helps her toward a degree. At noon on Wednesday, Jan. 11, about 20 members of the NOW task force of ICPJ assembled in front of the University of Michigan Museum of Art. They were there to protest the detention camp at Guantnamo Bay. Some of them were dressed in orange, symbolizing the orange jumpsuits worn by the detainees. The occasion was the 10th anniversary of the opening of the prison. The Ann Arbor demonstration coincided with the national day of action against Guantnamo sponsored by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. Protestors want the prisoners released or at least given a fair trial. Anne Garcia, a psychology instructor at WCC, was one of the demonstrators. Garcia has been a member of Michigan Peace Works, which is disbanding, but which has often cosponsored events with ICPJ. She, like many of her companions, will now put her energies into ICPJ activities. Garcia has also been the faculty adviser for Students for Peace and Justice at WCC. The group did not form this year

because student commitment was too low. Sporting a cervical collar, Garcia explained that she had recently been in a car accident and was forced to take a semester off from teaching. It has not diminished her zeal. People are being held without due justice, without habeas corpus, without a defense lawyer, without even being accused, Garcia said of Guantnamo detainees. Everyone cant be guilty until proven innocent; its against the American system! Garcias passion for justice was shared by the other demonstrators. There are a lot of ways people can get involved, director Warpehoski said. Some people get involved being on one of those six task forces, helping us make things like this happen: coming up with the ideas, doing the outreach, doing the publicity, organizing logistics. Other people want to get involved in more behindthe-scenes levels, they do data entry or they help in website design or other tasks. Warpehoski emphasized that the staff tries hard to match the skills and interests of volunteers with the jobs they are assigned, so everybody is getting something out of the engagement. Those who are burdened with concern about social injustice, racism, wars, environmental degradation, world hunger, and other such causes will find a way to make their voices heard through ICPJ.
To find more information, a list of upcoming events and to volunteer, visit icjp.net. There is a volunteer form under the heading, Get Involved. ICJP staffers are available at (734) 663-1870.

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Anne Garcia, an instructor in behavioral science at WCC, participates in a protest at U-M against the prison at Guantnamo Bay.

A8

January 9, 2012

Voice vs. Food

Managing Editor

The Washtenaw Voice

FINGER-PICKIN GOOD:
Folk and bluegrass on hand as the Roots Rock Revival hits The Voice. Pages B5 and B8
February 6, 2012

Ben Solis

Managing Design Editor

Josh Chamberlain

When it comes to getting great food, real fast, at cheap prices, the overall quality of the items are often sacrificed. With fast food joints like McDonalds, Wendys and Burger King cornering the burger market, Taco Bell seems to be the only reigning champion of quick, albeit highly Americanized, Mexican food. Weve all become accustomed to think outside the bun, as the restaurant claims its customers do when choosing their product, but what about the real deal? What about the kind of authentic, tacos that only a local restaurant or market can offer? Where do these places exist in Ypsilanti or Ann Arbor, and are they worth the time?

HOT WHEELS
tacos not sold a la carte; platters range from $6$8

Si Habla?
Were going for the real deal, so to save time and space, well use real Spanish words to name the meats and other items we encountered. al pastor: marinated pork carnitas: braised pulled pork en pollo: boiled, pulled chicken carne asada: marinated, grilled steak chorizo: spicy, ground sausage jarritos: a product of Mexico, this soda comes in many different flavors, including lime, tamarind, mandarin orange, and strawberry, and is made with real sugar. goya: the Mexican equivalent to American food suppliers such as Kraft or Nabisco. cilantro: a leafy herb chopped with onions to top authentic tacos.

Dos Hermanos Mkt.

410 West Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti

La Fiesta Mexicana
529 West Cross St. Ypsilanti La Fiesta Mexicana is a family owned restaurant founded in Ypsilanti by Michelle Roman in 1989. Romans authentic recipes are exclusive to her kinfolk in Jalisco, Mexico, and have been keeping Eastern Michigan University students full ever since. La Fiesta has similar items to the other restaurants we visited, but our focus was on tacos. Each taco item is served with different fixings depending on what you order. However, the items are only served in platters, and ala carte items are not available. Each taco is served on two lightly fried corn tortillas. joshs tacos: Fried potato bens tacos: Steak Taquitos josh: The standout at La Fiesta is the potato taco, with soft chunks of potato seasoned perfectly inside a lightly fried corn tortilla. Here, I welcome a little sour cream and lettuce to bring some freshness to the dense potato. With La Fiestas excellent homemade salsa, this meal wins an award from the annual Taco Tour every time. The service is hit-or-miss, however. Despite this, its hands-down the best sit-down Mexican restaurant out there.

price per taco $1.60

Dos Hermanos Market is exactly what it says it isa large Mexican market store featuring everything from fresh meats, fruits, imported snacks and beverages and most importantly hand made tacos. The small taco stand in the middle of the store serves freshly cooked marinated meats like Carnitas, Lamb and Beef. Each taco is served on a corn tortilla, fried to perfection on a flat iron press. The tacos come with fresh onion, cilantro and lime but can be garnished with lettuce and tomatoes. joshs tacos: Carnitas, Barbacoa beef and lamb bens tacos: Carnitas josh: Each choice of meat is unique and incredibly flavorful, due to the authentic tradition of keeping chunks of bone in the mix while being braised. Children used to this learn to chew carefully early on for the occasional (one in every 20 tacos or so) bonedont let this scare you away, because the flavor is well worth it.

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Lead Jammer Kortney Roofs on Fire Roof forces her way past a member of the Mid Michigan Derby Girls.

A F

Staff Writer

-S

We graded the tacos on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 tacos being the best.

Tios

401 East Liberty St. Ann Arbor

ben: Dos Hermanos rocked my world. Everything tasted fresh, warm, and you could see that the meat was stewing and broiling from earlier in the day. These tacos stole the show. Plus, the addition of eating imported Goya treats and Jarritos soda made the whole experience that much more valuable.

price per taco $2.49

Tios is well known around Ann Arbor, and has been visited by Man Vs. Food star Adam RichmanRichman took on Tios signature, five-pound heavyweight, the Mount Nacheesmo nacho platter. Each taco was served differently. Two of the tacos were served on flour tortillas and one of them was served on a crunchy corn shell. Each taco had its own flair based on the order. Drinks were extra, but be sure to check out Tios signature Sangria. josh and bens tacos: Al Pastor, Americano, Authentico (The Americano and Authentico are Tios creations). josh: While not authentic, the Americano satisfied our hunger the best of the threeit was crunchy, fatty, and full of dairy, and were in the Midwest. The Al Pastor had pineapples to sweeten the deal, but was nothing compared with the flavor of the other restaurants. Our wallets empty and stomachs grumbling, we left disappointed.

Sabor Latino

211 North Main St. Ann Arbor

ben: While the food was excellent, the service and prices at La Fiesta Mexicana were undoubtedly horrible. At first, the owner did not greet us at the door and barked across the restaurant in an attempt to ask how many people we had in our party. When we sat down, she brought us fresh salsa and no chips. After ordering the $6 item, chips were still not brought to our table. Finally I asked, and was charged $2 for the minute basket of burnt chips. Great food, but I probably wont go back ever again.

price per taco $1.99

Sabor Latino functions more as a sit-down restaurant than a taco stand with a full bar and menu. Sabors menu is panLatino, meaning that it covers dishes and delicacies from the entire Latin world. The price was modest considering the atmosphere, but a tip is expected. Each taco was served on three corn tortillas, with fresh onion, cilantro and lime. Tortillas were steamed, and items were served a la carte. During happy hour, enjoy frozen margaritas for $3. joshs tacos: Al Pastor, Ground Beef bens tacos: Grilled Shrimp, Roasted Veggie josh: The free chips and salsa lacked any spice besides garlic, and couldnt even be used to add interest to our bland tacos. Each of the choices lacked flavor more than the last, with the only dominant taste being oil. Sabor Latinos full menu is renowned in Ann Arbor, but we were disappointed with the tacos. They appeared authentic, but bored us out of the restaurant.

On a cold, Saturday night in a small central Michigan town, two ambulances sit outside the Skateland Arena, motors running, just in case. Inside fans cheer as 30 women dressed in fishnets, booty shorts, ripped-up tank tops, tattoos, dyed hair and gaudy makeup are sporting the tools essential to their trade quad roller skates and elbow pads. They skate onto the at track. More than 100 fans begin to cheer, A2D2! A2D2! As part of a pre-bout warmup routine, a woman in a jersey that reads, Big Banger, yells, Keep your butt low and skate

to a stop. As all come to a stop, she yells, And skate. Their wheels take them on a sprint. There goes Queen McLighting, Hermione GankYa, Courtnasty, General Strike and Whiskey Drifter fierce and proud women of roller derby or, as they call themselves, derby girls. Among them is Amy Collete RL Jammage Fredell. With a kid-in-a-candy-store smile, she leans over and whispers, This bout is going to be intense. Which is exactly what the crowd expects, especially those who strategically positioned themselves near a sign on the track that reads: Suicide seating, 18 and older allowed. These are the Ann Arbor Derby Dimes. Or A2D2 for short.

Ill even joke with the other girls when we get to practice and Ill say Girl, I just got to hit a bitch right now.
Kayleigh Queen McLightning Cyrus
Danielle Cranberry Muntz, 27, of Ypsilanti, a graphic design major at Washtenaw Community College, revels in the glory of being a derby girl. Straight out of the 12-week fresh meat boot camp training program, Muntz passed the di cult qualifying test on her

rst try, a rarity on the circuit. The skills test is all of the information that you need to know before you get in, and its very challenging, Muntz said. You have to learn how to skate and skate fast, fall small (tumble without getting injured), get through the pack and not get penalized. Its tough and a lot of information to memorize. In January, Muntz was drafted to one of the two home teams, the Tree Town Thrashers. The Ann Arbor Derby Dimes is comprised of two home teams, the Thrashers and the Huron River Rollers. Top players from both teams make up the Brawlstars, A2D2s travel team.
A2 DERBY DIMES CONTINUED B5

Ann Arbor Derby Dimes get down and dirtyand look good doing it
Roller derby basics
Bouts last one hour and are broken up into two 30-minute periods. Each period contains two-minute jams and there are 30-second intervals between jams to allow for a new line-up of skaters. The bout contains 10 women on the rink, ve for each team. A bout consists of two positions throughout: jammer (one for each team), the player who scores points and breaks through the pack. The next is the blocker, the women who protect their jammers and try to keep the opposing jammer from coming through the pack. Once the jammer makes it through the pack the rst time legally is when they start scoring points for each person they pass. Each opposing team member is worth one point.

and the winner is

Dos Hermanos Market
Not only did Dos Hermanos meet our expectations on taste and authentic flavor, but the fact that you can only get these tacos on weekends before 4 p.m. makes them a hot commodity. The small barrio feel of the store, and the fact that every sign is written in Spanish, gave us the feeling of being in the heart of Mexico.

ben: I thought that these tacos were at least better than Sabors, but they still lacked the authentic zing of fresh ingredients and biting lime. The sour cream, cheese and beans added to the Americano was a different take, although it was an American take, and spiced up our lives from the onslaught of tacos we had been consuming all day. Tios was not what its cracked up to be.

Looking for the right university?

ben: I wanted to try something out of the box, and the veggie and shrimp were much too far of a reach in terms of getting a good taco. The shrimp had no flavor, and the veggies were mushy. Even the tiny bit of cilantro and onion couldnt save it. Steamed tortillas made the unsavory combination even worse. Sad for a joint with much better, more traditional dishes.

La Casita

2866 Washtenaw Ave. Ypsilanti

price per taco $1.59

La Casita has a simple atmosphere with a few small tables packed in. Its a great to-go stop for residents of the nearby apartments on Golfside Road, and as a result focuses on food over atmosphere. Each taco was served on two corn tortillas, with fresh onion, cilantro and lime wedges. Tortillas were lightly fried, and items were served a la carte. Mexican Coke and Jarritos are extra. Joshs tacos: Al Pastor, Carne Asada, En Pollo Bens tacos: Chorizo, En Pollo, Al Pastor josh: The Al Pastor was a definite highlight, with strong flavors and decent spice. The chicken tacos were too juicy and lacked flavor, but we still had no problem finishing them.

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Kayleigh Queen McLightning Cyrus talks with teammates during halftime at the Jan. 28 bout.

The jammer from the Mid Michigan Derby Girls falls to the oor during a jam.

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WCC goes bang!

Campus gun range is locked and loaded for law enforcement training

SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012

9 a.m. 1 p.m.

Spice aint nicethe price of a legal high

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Contributor

36600 Schoolcraft Road, Livonia

MADONNA UNIVERSITY

Kresge Hall

ben: La Casita was met at an advantage because it was first on our stop. The meat was a little overcooked, and the chicken was a tad bland, but the combination of the meats and the fresh ingredients sold the package.
ADRIAN HEDDEN THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Ofcer Bernie Mundt of U-M Public Safety res a handgun down Lane 4 of WCCs gun range.

Features Editor

ILLUSTRATIONS BY HAFSAH MIJINYAWA THE WASHTENAW VOICE

RSVP online at madonna.edu > Events or by phone: 734-432-5317 or 800-852-4951 (ext. 5317)

Shots rang out on campus, deep in the Morris Lawrence building. But there was no danger. No one was in peril. Out on Washtenaw Community Colleges gun range, it was business as usual for Sergeant Gene Weinco of University of Michigan Public Safety.

Taking his o cers to WCCs shooting range at the schools Police Academy for their annual hand-gun qualication exams, Weincoff has always been pleased with the facilitys state-of-the-art accommodations available to the law enforcement community. Every department should have one, Weinco said. It has everything we need, a real

asset. Behind sound-resistant glass, o cers operate a cutting-edge computer console, controlling targets on electric tracks and altering lighting settings for the various drills and tests required. Exclusively for law-enforcement training, the indoor
WCC GUN RANGE CONTINUED B3

Actress Demi Moore was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital recently after she allegedly smoked a mysterious blend of herbs. A friend who made the 911 call on Jan. 23 was concerned when the star lost consciousness and began convulsing on the oor of a Beverly Hills home. Euphoria hasnt been easy for Brenden Liss to achieve either. The 20-year-old Brighton resident fearfully recalls a medical emergency he su ered while experimenting with a legal, smoke-able blend of herbal incense. Once the smoke cleared, Liss found himself further from the party than he had ever been. It was the summer of 2009, and he was down for the count. I got dizzy, next thing I knew all my friends were helping me o the ground, Liss said. Its like every possible negative thought I could have ran through my head and it

only took one big hit. Users experience a psychedelic, paranoid sensation upon inhaling the smoke from the incense. The blends are being smoked through various paraphernalia such as small hand pipes and rolling papers. Herbal incense blends have been available across Michigan for years, but only until recently have they been marketed as alternatives to illegal drugs. Customers can now purchase these products in small plastic baggies, under brand names such as Spike Maxx or Zombie Matter. Like tobacco, the legal age to purchase these products in Michigan is 18. But at age 17, Kaleb Franks has had no problem acquiring it. Getting your hands on the stu is easier than buying cigarettes, Franks said. The Brighton resident has noticed several business owners making age exceptions. Hes even seen some cashiers go as far as recommending certain blends of the incense for their potency.

We are selling the hell out of the stuff, said Wanda, a manager at Smoke N Gifts, a Brighton head shop. Wanda refused to reveal her last name to avoid association with the potential misuse of her products. Psychoactive herbal blends contain a variety of di erent chemicals. Each spice blend has its own, unique, chemical makeup. The active chemicals in these products are designed to stimulate the cannabinoid receptors in the brain causing the euphoric e ect. This incense is very popular amongst those who are looking to achieve a marijuana-like high without failing a potential drug screening. Its keeping me out of jail, said Nathan Spence, a music production major from Brighton. It gets me high, and I wont fail a drug test. While public knowledge and awareness of the relatively new product have recently increased, potential dangers
SPICE AINT NICE CONTINUED B3

The Washtenaw Voice

Culture Sync
Rink rash and injuries
Cyrus lay on the flat-track rink injured while other derby women tended to her. While everyone takes a knee to show respect, theyre all hoping and praying their fallen friend will get back up and skate again. Injuries frequently happen at the bouts, and sometimes their weekly practices. While derby is a serious contact sport with a concrete competitive disposition and major potential for injury, the women are also expected to carry their own health plans along with the USA Roller Sports insurance (usars). While usars doesnt cover major injuries like broken bones, it does cover spectators sitting in suicide seating at the bouts. John Coach Slyde Miller, 50, of Ann Arbor is no stranger to roller derby and how not to get hurt. When one of the girls gets hurt, they all take a knee just like in any sport, he said. And thats my No. 1 goal when coaching: Teach them how to fall small and how not to get hurt so they can return day-afterday to play this sport. A veteran to coaching hockey with his son, Miller started skating at Riverside Roller Rink in Livonia and got a chance at a little fame when Drew Barrymore came to town to produce the derby girl-themed film Whip It. A lot of derby girls from Detroit started showing up and I started teaching them how to skate, he said. And then the movie, Whip It came to town, forcing roller derbys explosion in Michigan. With injuries, comes equipment and getting the best that one can afford. The knees are the most vulnerable in this sport, he said. We do exercises at practice to strengthen and to avoid as much injury as possible, and I always tell the women to buy the best pads they can. It will only save their body in the long-run.

February 6, 2012

B3

A2 DERBY DIMES FROM B1

Mother and student by day, derby girl by night

Kayleigh Queen McLightning Cyrus, 24, of Ypsilanti, is a technical writing major at Washtenaw. She is mother to 2-year-old Audrey Grace, and holds a full-time job as a hairstylist. Roller derby is more than a hobby or pastime for Cyrus, who describes it as the foundation to everything else in her life. When my child grows up and is able to understand derby, I want her to be able to say, Thats my mom and she is tough and that is so cool. How many of my friends mothers do that? she said. For Cyrus, derby is another way for her to channel her natural aggression. Ill even joke with the other girls when we get to practice and Ill say, Girl, I just got to hit a bitch right now, she said. Sometimes after a drill or two, if we didnt feel like we got it out, well keep hitting each other until we feel better. For Cyrus and Muntz, derby takes away from studies, time with their daughters and time away from their families. But is it worth it? Hell yes, Cyrus said, unflinching. Although the adrenaline rush is addictive and the time commitment challenging, most women find derby for the camaraderie it brings to their lives. I have never had 105 best friends and no one can say that, Cyrus said. If I need a babysitter, a friend or a shoulder, those 105 friends are always there no matter what. A2D2 founder Kellee ChaCha Chingona Gallarel, 34, of Saline seconds that notion and credits the fellowship of derby for getting her through her divorce. You post something on Facebook about having a bad day, youve got 20 people commenting on it for encouragement, she said. Its a force field to be reckoned with.

For the skater, by the skaterThe birth of A2D2

The seed was planted in May 2010 when Gallarel stepped out of her house and said, Lets form a derby team. The next month, A2D2 started scouting for practice space unsuccessfully in Ann Arbor. The closest flat-track roller rink happened to be in Belleville about 20 minutes from Ann Arbor. Closed due to lack of business at the time, A2D2 approached the owner of Rollers Skate Park asking for him to reopen so A2D2 could have a place to call home. There was no carpet there and no paint, but we were able to use the floor, said Amber General Strike Cooper, 31, of Whitmore Lake. The owner originally opened just so we could practice but eventually he opened it back up for open skating and its been great ever sense. While A2D2 calls Rollers Skate Park their home for now, the long road that lies ahead is eventually to become affiliated with the Womens Flat Track Derby Associationa network of other leagues to help facilitate development of athletic ability, sportsmanship and good will among member leagues. wftda is also the guideline that A2D2 uses for training, testing and bouting. Gallarel marvels at what has transpired in such a short time. My gosh, seeing these women and the way theyre competing brings tears to my eyes, she said. Of course, I love how far theyve come but I didnt think that in just a year and a half, we would have three teams competing at a level like this.

Cant wait to see A2D2 in action? Heres the chance to attend their first home bout of the year. what: Brawlstars vs. Killamazoo Killa Crew and Tree Town Thrashers vs. Huron River Rollers when: Feb. 11, 7 p.m. where: Total Sports Complex 46039 Grand River Avenue. Novi, 48374 cost: $10 for more information: http:// a2derbydimes.org

PRZEMEK OZOG CONTRIBUTOR

Kayleigh Queen McLightning Cyrus waits on the sidelines as the next jam is about to start.

Follow this QR code to go to the Derby Dimes web site, http://a2derbydimes.org

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Kayleigh Queen McLighning Cyrus hugs a friend after the Brawlstars 13989 win.

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JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

The jammer from the Mid Michigan Derby Girls races toward the Brawlstar blockers to score points.

A referee watches the action from the sidelines.

WCC GUN RANGE FROM B1

range boasts 10 lanes, each roughly 45 feet long. It can be rented out by any law enforcement agency in need for $85 per hour at a minimum of two hours. The variety of settings and ability to fine-tune situations sets WCCs range aside in the eyes of Officer Pete Pressly of U-M Public Safety. Pressly often works the console for his department, gleeful at the convenience. The main benefit is the ease and quickness where we can run drills in low-light training. Pressly said. Its really the ability to do multiple things out here. You can change things up quickly WCCs gun range can go from night to day, in a matter of seconds. The ability to control lighting allows for flashlight drills, where officers carry a gun in one hand and a flashlight in the other, Weincoff said. The variety of instruction has been embraced by Weincoffs colleagues as well. It saves a lot of time because

targets can move and change faster, said Janet Conners, another instructing sergeant with UM Public Safety. You can challenge them more. Eric McLaughlin met that challenge. The 2008 graduate of WCCs public safety program admires his schools unique provisions at the range, seeing such a hands-on experience as essential to an adequate education in law enforcement. He now works as a patrolman for the Milan Police Department. Its nice WCCs program has the range on-site, McLaughlin said. We can do drills right there in the range. The fact that it was right down the hall was a big benefit. The Police Academy runs for six months from June to December. For the rest of the year, the shooting range will serve several law enforcement agencies, providing firearms training in a controlled setting a rarity according to the academys Director, Larry Jackson. Sometimes departments have to travel very far to find facilities, Jackson said. Theyre all looking for a place, but these places are tough to find.

Jackson points to the difficulty of keeping in-door ranges up to legal standards as the cause of ranges like his being uncommon. He thanks his school for its assistance in range maintenance. The Facilities Management team has worked closely with us to keep this thing going, Jackson said. Were really lucky to have such strong support. Lead content in the air is kept below dangerous levels by large fans circulating air. Only companies with proper certification can be brought in to remove the hazardous waste resulting from the excess lead. A forklift must be used to remove lead by the barrel. According to Jackson, lead barrels usual weigh about 800 pounds. Despite the challenges of maintaining the indoor range, the freedom it permits is nevertheless valuable to the experience behind the barrel. There are some private ranges that are smaller. They limit you, Weincoff said. Youve gotta go slow. Usually its a shot per second or two, but here its bang bang bang!

ADRIAN HEDDEN THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Officer Bernie Mundt communicates with his fellow officers from the control station at WCCs gun range.

B4

February 6, 2012

Culture Sync

The Washtenaw Voice

The Washtenaw Voice

Culture Sync
SPICE AINT NICE FROM B1

February 6, 2012

B5

WCC hoops star has sights set on EMU

Anna Fuqua-Smith
Staff Writer

Hokes first recruiting class draws raves

name Blake Bars Joe Bolden Ben Braden Jehu Chesson Jeremy Clark Amara Darboh Devin Funchess Allen Gant Matthew Godin Willie Henry Sione Houma Royce Jenkins-Stone Drake Johnson Kyle Kalis Erik Magnuson Dennis Norfleet Mario Ojemudia Ondre Pipkins Terry Richardson Kaleb Ringer James Ross Tom Strobel A.J. Williams Jarrod Wilson Christopher Wormley pos. OL LB OL WR DB WR TE DB DT DT RB LB RB OL OL RB DE DT DB LB LB DE TE DB DE ht. 65 63 66 63 64 62 64 62 66 63 60 62 61 65 66 57 62 63 59 61 61 66 66 62 65 wt. 275 230 319 175 195 200 205 205 265 273 215 215 205 305 275 170 220 320 165 225 215 265 275 190 250 hometown Nashville, Tenn. Cincinnati, Ohio Rockford, Mich. St. Louis, Mo. Madisonville, Ky. West Des Moines, Iowa Farmington Hills, Mich. Sylvania, Ohio Novi, Mich Cleveland, Ohio Salt Lake City, Utah Detroit, Mich. Ann Arbor, Mich. Lakewood, Ohio Carlsbad, Calif. Detroit, Mich. Farmington Hills, Mich. Kansas City, Mo. Detroit, Mich. Clayton, Ohio Orchard Lake, Mich. Mentor, Ohio Cincinnati, Ohio Akron, Ohio Toledo, Ohio

On the court, Kiere Daniels is a force to be reckoned with. Off the court, hes been the right-hand man to his mother his entire life. At a shade under 6-feet, basketball is his game and he doesnt take well to finishing anything but first. His passion and his drive are second to no one on the court. I think it has a lot to do with my father leaving when I was born, he said. I got into this mindset that I had to prove everyone wrong about me and be better than my dad. It started at a young age about the time he picked up a basketball for the first time. It got him through Canton High School and now Daniels, 21, of Belleville, is an electrical engineering major at Washtenaw Community College, playing on one of its two mens basketball teams. The extra roles throughout his childhood taught him discipline and how to schedule his time, said Kim Daniels, 43, Kieres mother. Instead of being a follower, hes a leader, and it shows through to his two younger brothers. His leadership on the court has his team undefeated, and the talent hes displayed so far has made him a prospect for a Division I program like

Eastern Michigan Universitys when he concludes his studies at Washtenaw, according to Daniels coach, Jamal Poplar. Kieres getting-to-thebasket ability is phenomenal, Poplar said of his floor leaders ability. I currently have three players prepared to play at Division I and Im taking the proper steps to getting them ready to be seen. In other words, if Poplar has his way recruiters from some of the larger schools in the region will soon be in attendance at WCC games. But that only means higher standards by the coach with his players. You come to practice, Jamal wants nothing but 210 percent, Daniels said. He pushes me hard and knows I got the talent. I get no breaks with Jamal. Along with his full-time studies at WCC and the basketball team, Kiere works at Bayloff Stamped Products in Belleville. It helps him pay the bills and give back to his family. My mom is a single mother, and having the added income helps make things a little easier on all of us, he said. For my brothers, I just want to show them how to overcome a situation like this. Through hard work, perseverance and dedication, they can get what they want. While Kim made sure to get Kiere involved in sports to

ensure he had some discipline in his life, shes thrilled about how he has developed as a role model for his younger brothers. The things that he does make an impact on others, and at such a young age, she said, and Im proud that he understands that. Club Sports Coordinator Erica Lemm views Daniels as a great role model for the colleges sports program, too. Hes the first one out there and the last one to leave, she said. Hes also very coachable and has a complete game. Poplar has faith that Daniels can do well for himself at the next level if he can continue to improve his game over the next few months, making his resume more appealing to university programs. Playing at a Division I school for him is a very real possibility, Poplar said. If we could just refine that jump shot of his, his game will be complete, and hell be ready to move out. While Kieres sights are set on transferring to EMU, his immediate goal is to keep his team at WCC undefeated if for no other reason than that he doesnt have to deal with defeat. I hate to lose, he said. I show no mercy out on the court, but when I lose, Im very sore about it. Its something I need to work on.

Banjos on their knees

Tree Town Flyers strike a note with bluegrass sound
Anna Fuqua-Smith
Staff Writer

Matt Durr
Editor

DAVID ARTUSHIN CONTRIBUTOR

Kiere Daniels prepares to shoot at the Jan. 30 game.

Last year at the time, University of Michigan head football coach Brady Hoke had been on the job for less than a month. Essentially he dropped his stuff off in Ann Arbor and hit the recruiting trail. This year, Hoke has had plenty of time to recruit the players he wantedand it showed. We hit some needs, and some areas of need that we needed to address, Hoke said about the style of recruits coming to Michigan.Im excited about the kids in the class. As of Wednesday afternoon, Hokes class was rated the number eight class in the nation by ESPN.com and sixth by Rivals. com two spots behind rival Ohio State in both rankings. On scout.com, the Wolverines were fourth, one spot behind OSU. When Hoke took over last year, he made it clear that recruiting in Michigan and Ohio was a priority. With 18 total recruits from the two states, it appears that he has reached his goal. One commit from Ohio is offensive lineman Kyle Kalis. The No. 1-rated prospect in the state according to Rivals.com, Kalis comes to the Wolverines hoping to make an impact on a line that just lost All-American David Molk. A powerful, strong, roadgrating type of offensive lineman that we want to have in the offense, very talented, said Hoke about Kalis. Kalis is part of a recruiting class that focused on adding depth to both the offensive and defensive lines, something that Hoke says can never be fully

stocked. Were always going to take guys up front. You just think about the pounding of the game of football, Hoke said. Weve always got to be recruiting three or four or five offensive linemen a year, same thing with defensive line. Blake Bars, Ben Braden and Erik Magnuson round out the offensive line recruits. On the defensive line, Ondre Pipkins, a five-star rated recruit by Rivals.com comes to Ann Arbor via Kansas City and leads a class that includes Matthew Godin, Willie Henry, Mario Ojemudia, Tom Strobel and Chris Wormley. Hes a big man, and hes a big man in the middle, which you need in the middle, said Hoke about Pipkins, referring him by his nickname Pee Wee. Hoke and his staff surprised many experts by pulling in running back Dennis Norfleet, who was a verbal commit to Cincinnati until the day before national signing day. This guy is a guy that

returns kicks. Hes got speed. He can do a lot of things catching the football, said Hoke. Norfleet attended Martin Luther King high school in Detroit and joins Ann Arbor Pioneer running back Drake Johnson in joining the Wolverines. He had tremendous numbers, Hoke said. Hes a bigger back, physical runner, I really like what Drake does. Johnson led the state of Michigan in rushing yards and touchdowns last year with 2,800 yards and 37 touchdowns. Hoke attributed the ability to spend more time with recruits and their families as a reason why the class was much stronger this year. Youve got a chance to start on guys, having a whole year to get to know families and make those relationships, Hoke said. The longer youre engaged in building those relationships, its like going to the bank, youre putting your money in the bank.

Roots rock is resurfacing across Washtenaw County. For local bluegrass band, The Tree Town Flyers, one instrument reigns supreme. Mike Knight, 61, of Ypsilanti, part-time instructor and comanager of the Washtenaw Community College video lab, believes that the banjo is the No. 1 instrument of bluegrass. The banjo has a head like a drum. It expands and contracts, so its 80 percent of the time out of tune, he said. So the joke is to always pick on the banjo player for tuning, and Ive got three here. Also including Mary Henderson, Robin Sarris, Ethan Konnet and Kristin Tomy, TTF started out with a chance meeting. When Knights band members met at a banjo camp last summer, it was love at first sight. The setting was Olivet College. In the tree-dotted little town of the same name about 30 miles south of Lansing, the musicians met for Midwest Banjo Camp. The annual music gathering has been described by its participants as a kind of adult sleep-over. You can just play late into the night, said Tomy, 43, of Ann Arbor. Wear your bedroom slippers and stay in the dorm and you kind of feel like youre in college again. With no musical experience and a hand-me-down banjo

that once belonged to a dead man who lived in her apartment, Tomy found what she was looking for. Its true that banjo is a central instrument to bluegrass, but most of the world is guitar centric, she said. Its nice for that weekend to just be focused on banjos. But for Sarris, of Ann Arbor, playing the banjo has been a labor of persistence and love. It takes a long time for me to learn a song still, she said. Most of the time, my set is played really fast, and to be really good at a song you not only have to learn it but then you have to really get it up to tempo. Although TTF has only been playing together for six months, Sarris believes that performing bluegrass has earned the band some dedicated followers. This groups really been dedicated to sticking with it, she said. People have more time one week than others, but we always are ready for the songs and everyones really trying and committed to making it happen. While the band technically has four banjo players, Konett did branch off into guitar to avoid too much of the instrument on their tracks. Knight joined TTF in September, bringing with him his enormous upright double bass, adding just the edge to the banjos and guitar that was needed. As far as resurgence in bluegrass, TTF is optimistic. Theres a lot of young

acoustic, bluegrassy, rootsy bands out there such as Dragon Wagon and Black Jake and the Carnies, Knight said. Bluegrass is not a dying breed. If anything, its coming back. Konett, 32, of Ann Arbor, has had several musical incarnations, playing rock and roll and progressive funk. Playing bluegrass has given him a chance to experiment with another genre that to him is not only easy, but fun. I showed up to a picking party and had never had so much fun playing music, he said. At those parties, you can just keep going and going around the circle playing and theres no real competition to it at all. I dont have any dreams of being famous but just want to play in an atmosphere like that. Sarris seconds the notion of bluegrass being fun to play but by no means is it easy for her. Its not the music I would choose to put into my CD player or iPod, but its the first music I would choose to play, she said. As for Knight, TTF gives him the outlet to be expressive. Hes found his niche. It gives me a chance to be creative and rekindle those lost years of not playing music, he said. TTF will play its next gig at Brewed Awakenings in Saline on Feb. 18 from 7-9 p.m. The event is free.

have been brought to light. The Drug Enforcement Agency has been consistently placing bans on known harmful chemical compounds in the incense. Any product containing these newly controlled synthetic cannabinoids are now Schedule I controlled substances and illegal to possess without a license. Purveyors have removed them to maintain the products viability. Young people are being harmed when they smoke these dangerous fake pot products and wrongly equate the products legal retail availability with being safe, said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart in a press release on the DEAs website. The DEA has concerned itself primarily with keeping the dangerous drug out of reach of children. Parents and community leaders look to us to help them protect their kids, and we have not let them down,

Leonhart said. The bans action, while temporary, will reduce the number of young people being seen in hospital emergency rooms after ingesting these synthetic chemicals to get high. Although certain compounds in the herbs have been made illegal, creators of the products continue altering the chemical makeup just enough to keep it on the shelves. Thus far, the creators have been successful in keeping ahead of the legal curve. And Wanda says she is certain that sales have not dropped. Since the March 1, 2011 ban, when manufacturers succeeded in removing the dangerous chemicals, Wanda asserts that the sale of spice incense is at a ratio of 10-1 compared to any other product. Even on a slow day, 50 customers come in to purchase spice, Wanda said. She has observed that some regular customers purchase up to four grams, or $60 worth

from her store, daily. Although efforts have been made by law enforcement officials to keep these new drugs off the streets, the incense producers continue to unintentionally make a profit off those looking to achieve a legal high.

All aforementioned items in this report are labeled not for human consumption. On March 1, 2011, the DEA published its final notification of the temporary scheduling of five synthetic cannabinoids on the list of Schedule I narcotics. These five synthetic cannabinoids banned are: cannabicyclohexanol, CP47 497; JWH-018, JWH-073 and JWH-200) all have been found in Spice-like products (Spice, K2, etc).

For more on the revival, check out the back page of this section to read about the Ann Arbor Folk Fest.
ADRIAN HEDDEN THE WASHTENAW VOICE

A legally purchased herbal blend called Purple Haze comes ready to smoke.

For WTMC students, its all school, no play

Jena Jenkins
Contributor

Washtenaw Community College offers 36 sports-related activities for most of its students, but for those under 18, mainly the Washtenaw Technical Middle College students, sports activities are hard to come by. We have an Ultimate Frisbee team, said WTMC Dean Karl Covert, who estimates that about 10 percent of the WTMC population participates in that activity. Some people enjoy the Ultimate team and think its the perfect sport for students here, but others dont feel its enough. I think that although Ultimate is really awesome, we need more sports, said Travis Anderson, 17, a music major from Ypsilanti. There have been a few attempts to start sports teams at WTMC. Recently cricket and soccer teams have been brought up. I feel like Ultimate Frisbee is not a good replacement for sports here at WTMC, said liberal arts major Taylor Shaffer, 16, of Ypsilanti. Some people dont even realize that the team exists. Others think its really nerdy. WTMC students are encouraged to participate in the physical fitness classes offered here on campus, such as yoga or dance. Others choose to participate in community club sports. Monica Cialek, a WTMC base adviser and math

instructor, agrees that sports activities are important, but cites a combination of a lack of funds and resources for not having more sports available for the charter school students. Sports play is an important developmental part both physically and mentally, she said. Sports also build camaraderie and teach conflict resolution. But the school has its mission, and it doesnt include athletics, Covert said. Our priority is academics, he said. It would be more than just coaches to build a team. It would take time, equipment, fields, transportation and participation in a league for teams to work. With WCCs club sports program, however, a different issue prevents WTMC students from participating. The college insurance doesnt allow for minors to participate, its a liability issue, said Erica Lemm, club sports coordinator. Meantime, some WTMC students lament what they passed up to attend the school. I gave up varsity baseball to do WTMC, Anderson said. Lack of sports here honestly made me not want to come, Shaffer said. I even considered transferring to the Early College Alliance program at Eastern because of the access they have to sports. Id love to have the WTMC students participate, Lemm said. They just cant It would be nice to see WTMC have sports too.

THE 2012 MARCH ADNESS

An advertising campaign of The Washtenaw Voice
Four advertisers will win a chance at $1,103 worth of advertising space in The Voice, prizes awarded on the following: the advertiser whose team wins the national championship gets a free full-page ad valued at $519; the advertiser with the national runner-up gets a free half-page ad valued at $292; and the advertisers who were paired with the other Final Four teams receive a free quarter-page ad valued at $146 each. In reality, everybody wins since The Voice will promote your company in three consecutive issues in March and April as well as on its award-winning website for the months of March, April and May. March 11: March 12: March 1314: March 1516: March 1718: March 19: March 2223: March 2425: March 26: March 31: April 2: April 11: Welcome to the 2nd March Adness advertising campaign held in conjunction with the NCAAs March Madness basketball tournament. Now your business can be part of our special bracket that pairs advertisers with the 64 teams in the tournament. Whoever rides their team to the championship gets a full-page ad in the award-winning Washtenaw Voice, the campus newspaper of Washtenaw Community College. Heres how it works: For just $25, advertisers secure a berth in the bracket, and theyre placed by a blind draw. On Selection Sunday, the NCAA fills out its bracket. We will have a random draw that will pair our advertisers with their teams. We will all follow the tournament for three weeks, with the full bracket published in The Voice in three consecutive issues. This will give all advertisers an opportunity to have their business name and phone number in front of our nearly 15,000 students and 2,500 employees, in each issue.

What a great way to drive revenue, engage your advertisers and play on a popular annual sporting event. I love the concept of engaging your advertisers in a project that pays dividends back to them in the form of advertising. It helps to create value in your product. Michigan Press Association judge

Selection Sunday March Ad-ness bracket, with advertisers, published in The Voice Round One Round Two Round Three March Ad-ness bracket update published in The Voice Sweet 16 Games Elite 8 games March Ad-ness bracket update published in The Voice Final Four, March Madness National Championship Game, March Madness March Ad-ness bracket published in The Voice, winners announced

WINNER

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WINNER
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WTMC students practice Ultimate Frisbee in 2006 at the Concordia University soccer fields.

B6

February 6, 2012

Mediaphile
One for the Money

The Washtenaw Voice

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Play

February 6, 2012

B7

Man on a Ledge

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Man on a Ledge should just jump

Adrian Hedden
Features Editor

High above the crowded streets of Manhattan, a man steps out of a window. Balancing precariously, he soon grasps the attention of concerned onlookers below. Questions about the mans agenda immediately arise, and by the end of the boorish and clich Man on a Ledge, audiences will be just as confused and exhausted as the film itself. Sam Worthington stars as Nick Cassidy, a desperate man. Fitting the profile of the standard renegade cop on the edge, Worthingtons character endeavors to turn the entire city upside down to clear his tarnished name. As in nearly all crime-drama suspense films, the protagonist is a good guy who feels he was handed a raw deal. Moviegoers will be cheated as well if they expect anything they havent already seen before this flick. From the crusty police captain barking orders, to a saucy femme fatale involved in the heist, the characters fill the basic requirements

for a movie of this nature with no additional flare to make Man on a Ledge original or worth seeing. The plot twists around about as much as it can in a film with no more drama or suspense than an episode of Law and Order. Audiences are left to yawn in their seats, easily predicting the outcome early on, despite looks of false surprise and fear on the faces of the actors. This fast-paced nail-biter heaves predictable scenarios and one-liners at viewers in rapid succession. Scenes are hastily developed as the direction rushes through the plot, stopping for a breath only to wallow in the beefy charm of its hunky star. Man on a Ledges only saving grace is the speed at which it unfolds. Sure, the characters end up poorly developed, and many of the scenes struggle to connect with one another, but at least the pace keeps viewers distracted as they must claw blindly to make sense of this wannabe thrill ride. Youll wish he would just jump, putting you and himself out of misery

One for the Money not worth it

Anna Fuqua-Smith
Staff Writer

GENRE SUSPENSE RUN TIME 102 MINUTES RATING PG-13 RAVE $7.50 QUALITY 16 $7

One for the Money stars Katherine Heigl stepping into the high heels of the cutesy and witty yet unemployed lingerie saleswoman, Stephanie Plum. Sporting brunette hair, a dull wardrobe and an awkward, wobbly Jersey accent, as the turned bounty hunter, Heigl wavers throughout. The execution is embarrassing. A broke Plum is forced to beg a job off her sleazy cousin Vinnie (Patrick Fischler). Plum takes on the $50,000 job of bringing in ex-boyfriend and first lover Joe Morelli (Jason OMara). While trying to play investigator, Heigl comes up short, finding herself in less-thannice situations, constantly having to be saved by fellow bounty hunter Ranger (Daniel Sunjata). Heigl isnt remotely close to the tough-as-nails character in Janet Evanovichs book. Plums weakness in the film adaptation will doubtlessly leave fans disappointed. The plot revolves around her assignment to capture a dishonest, crooked Morelli in a constant cat-and-mouse

game that bears distinct resemblance to the genderswitching disparity of 2010s, The Bounty Hunter. Oddly, very little romance seems to coagulate between Morelli and Plum, but love seems to come to fruition for her with Ranger. Perhaps because Ranger predictably comes to her rescue every single time shes in trouble. It isnt until Plum becomes defeated that she starts toughening up a bit. But by then the flick is almost over. Many of the surrounding characters in this cheaply-done film deliver highly comical performances, including Fischler as her bail-bondsman cousin, Sherri Shepherd as the sociable and heavy-set hooker and Fisher Stevens as Plums doomed rival. However, John Leguizamo as the sketchy gym owner was not only un-convincing but also awkward to the point of annoyance. He did not fit. For fans of Evanovichs novels that may have grown up with Stephanie Plum as their heroic role-model, this film does not do the character or the story itself any justice. For those looking for a cheap laugh, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.

MICHAEL ADSIT THE WASHTENAW VOICE

The objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers.

GENRE COMEDY RUN TIME 106 MINUTES RATING PG-13 RAVE $7.50 QUALITY 16 $7

There are three very simple constraints to follow: Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order; Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order; Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

The Grey
HAFSAH MIJINYAWA THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Ani DiFrancoWhich Side are you On? Sundance Festival Ann Arbor For a Good Time, Call

Classifieds
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Deadline for the Feb. 20 issue is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

help wanted
Tutor Wanted for an 11-year-old boy interested in game designing. One or two days per week, up to $15 per hour. For more information, phone Lori at (734) 686-9295
Below is a sample of recent employment want ads that have been posted with WCCs Employment Services Center. For more information about these ads, contact Employment Services at (734) 677-5155, or visit SC287 to review the complete posting.
Reception assistant (2481499). Growing dental office in the Dexter area looking for front-desk receptionist. Must be motivated, enthusiastic with excellent people and communication skills. Any clinical assisting abilities or interest in clinical care preferred. Part-time with the possibility of full-time, with some clinical assisting responsibilities. Care Manager (2470820). Assist seniors with their activities of daily living with a world-class organization. Participate and lead activities such as bowling, outings and assist in the dining room. Perfect job for those considering the nursing/healthcare field. Administrative Assistant (2411514). Support assistant and graphics coordinator with day-to-day activities, including, but not limited to, maintaining office supplies, putting together customer books and company presentations, filing. Experience using Microsoft Office programs (PowerPoint, Work, Excel). Maintain basement showroom. Keep area clean and supplies orderly. Run errands as needed. Update and maintain company travel log. Also responsible for filing travel requisitions. Assist with making hotel and car reservations. Reconcile billing for travel. Bookkeeper/Customer Service (2493354). Candidate should thrive in a fast-paced, learning atmosphere. Should be able to multi-task with accuracy and attention to detail. Specific skills needed include strong knowledge of A/R and A/P bookkeeping with Quickbooks, good phone communication skills and excellent organizational skills. This position will entail answering phones for inbound sales as well as existing customers, so the ability to converse fluidly with prospective customers is a requirement. CNC Programmer & Operator (2480773). Proficient level of CNC programming. Use knowledge of machine operations to develop code to control machine operation. Will prepare process plans, including positioning of carriage and tool, rate of feed, speed of rotation, tool changes and sequence of operations. Set-up and run various machine shop equipment and perform basic material fabrications including: autoTurn turret lathe, small and large surface grinders, drill press, material fab brazing, bridgeport mills, CNC vertical lathe, CNC Engine lathe, CNC multi-spindle lathe and CNC Cinturn. Sales floor stock associate (2486115). Restock shelves while assisting customers in the store. Physical Therapist Assistant Opportunity (2169444). Conduct therapeutic interventions in an interdisciplinary team environment under the direction of a physical therapist. Provide patient and family education. Contribute to program development, quality improvement and productivity enhancement activities. Welder (2487296). Mig welder to weld mild steel in a production setting. Front Desk Clerk (2469106). Provide guest services working the front desk of the hotel. Flexibility to work either the 7 a.m.- 3 p.m. or the 3-11 p.m. shifts is preferred. Weekend and holiday availability are required. Network Engineer (2494553). Implement server systems and various enterprise applications within an organized IT department. Work directly with software manufacturers to determine and ensure best practices. Proactively work with lines of business to anticipate their needs and deliver solutions. Provide support and assistance to peers and internal clients and will be required to assist with internal helpdesk calls.

services
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The Grey is missing some color

Nathan Clark In the cold dark reaches of northern Alaska, survival of the fittest is the law of the land and humans have no place being there. In the movie The Grey, wolves run the show while man does a lot of running. Isnt Liam Neeson supposed to be fighting these things? Liam Neeson stars as John Ottway, a lonely man contemplating his purpose in life hired by oil investors to protect their Alaskan workers from wolves while they work. While flying to Anchorage, the plane has a mechanical failure and crashes into the barren wilderness, killing everyone except Neeson and six of the workers. As night descends, so do the wolves. Knowing the likelihood of being rescued is nonexistent and how much of a threat the wolves are, Neeson takes charge and leads the survivors south toward civilization. The Grey is featured as an action-adventure thriller, but it has far too many slow, dramatic scenes to qualify as an action movie. Moviegoers looking forward to seeing some man vs.
Staff writer

wolf action, look elsewhere. While there are a few graphic scenes of the wolves attacking, the animals are visually absent throughout the majority of the film. The attack scenes are so fast and chaotic that you know the wolf is going to win the fight. And as for the idea of man taking the fight to the wolves, forget about it. Kudos to whoever chose the location for this movie. The film does an excellent job of making the audience feel extremely cold and isolated. Every fine detail put into makeup and wardrobe in the film paid off. Every close-up of Neeson looks like its the worst day of his life. Given his characters current predicament, it probably is. The Grey has a lot of dramatic scenes that could have made it a hit with drama fans, but the action scenes derail any hope of catching any attention from that audience. The film isnt that bad; its just not what the previews pumped it up to be. The Grey is worth seeing at matinee prices, but viewers beware. Never judge a book by its cover and never judge a movie by its trailer.

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No disappointments from the dividing line

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Sundance Festival provides Good Time for Cinephiles

Timothy Clark
Contributor

GENRE ACTION RUN TIME 117 MINUTES RATING R RAVE $7.50 QUALITY 16 $7

For independent filmmakers, the Sundance Film Festival has been a staple for more than 30 years. In an attempt to expand audiences across America, nine select cities, including Ann Arbor, were chosen this year to screen one of the movies from the original festival in Park City, Utah. The Michigan Theater was elected to screen the movie For a Good Time, Call to a sold out crowd of 1,700 people on Jan. 26. Its a very special theater, said Laurie Raymond, one of those moviegoers. In 2010, I saw the Sundance shorts here and laughed my butt off. Raymond added she hopes Sundance continues to include the Michigan Theater in the future. This theater has a very old and ornate feeling to it, she said. Its great.

Russ Collins, the executive director and CEO of Michigan Theater, took the stage before the movie and called it the biggest venue in Sundance history. For a Good Time, Call is a self-proclaimed raunchy comedy directed by Jamie Travis and stars Justin Long, Seth Rogen, Lauren Miller and Ari Graynor. One of the supporting actors, James Wolk, is a native to Farmington Hills and a graduate of the University of Michigan drama school and was one of the surprise guests at the Q&A after the show. During the session, there was a big announcement made. We got a distribution deal about 24 hours after the debut said Miller, who also co-wrote the movie. Ten-thousand films get submitted to Sundance, and there are literally a dozen or so that get decent distribution deals, Collins said, calling for a round of applause. The Sundance festival in Ann Arbor also had a second showing on Jan. 29, which showcased the best Sundance shorts from 2011.

Managing Editor

Ben Solis

After two decades of crusading for social awareness and change, Ani DiFranco has retained the universal appeal to continue her musical message of equality and justice for people of all ages and walks of life. While the singer-songwriter continues to put out quality, thought-provoking music as evidenced on her latest release Which Side Are you On? the groundbreaking artist has sadly not given herself much room to grow. But the same old sound does not deter listeners from enjoying the overall brilliance of her newer work. Still Relying on intricate acoustic guitar work, with added flourishes of fuzzedout guitars and studio tricks, Difrancos words are still the focus. While she may not be tackling the common thread themes of rape, abortion and human rights, her strong push for a wider understanding of a contemporary feminist dialogue is still intact. For old fans of DiFranco, the disc is a welcome addition to her

catalog. New fans will find joy in a modern classic. However, the disc still draws a dividing line. Listeners looking for the angry rallying cry of early Alanis Morrisette and DiFrancos first few albums may not be able to comprehend the overly positive lyrical and sonic compositions on Which Side Are you On? The music requires a certain amount of introspection and prior exposure to the strong subjects displayed on the album, which could make newer listeners uncomfortable. This is not a negative reflection on her output itself, but rather on a society that still exudes the same patriarchal and cultural stereotypes that prevent women like Difranco from being fully accepted by a wider audience. But these pressures hardly affect her state of mind, and a wider appeal would only hurt DiFrancos hard-fought struggle for her social status as folks most righteous babe. If you are willing to take the time to explore a new way of thinking, all you have to do is buy this disc, and ask: Which side are you on?

Radiography tutoring available. Having difficulty in the Radiography Program? As a recent WCC radiography graduate, I can help you learn exactly what you need to know to pass the quizzes, exams, and also prepare you for the A.R.R.T Exam. For more information , call Joe at (734) 657-4596.

for rent
1 Bdrm apartment for rent, third floor unit. Located on Golfside. Phone (734) 635-1186. 1, 2 or 3 Bdrm apartments across from EMU campus on AATA bus lines 3 & 7 to WCC. Visit http:// aymanagement.com, or phone (734) 482-4442 or (734) 483-1711. Mobile home on lake with a great view. 8 miles to Chelsea and 8 miles to Dexter. Great swimming beach. Large deck. 2 brms, 1 bath. Outdooor storage shed. Bring your boat, great fishing lake. Credit check. $675.00 per month. (734) 665-7912.

Across

for sale
1999 Ford Taurus. Excellent condition with less than 100,000 original miles. 4-dr, leather seats, power seats, locks and windows and a sun roof. $3,800. Email lviers@sbcglobal.net. Mobile home on lake with a great view. 8 miles to Chelsea and 8 miles to Dexter. Great swimming beach. Large deck. 2 brms, 1 bath. Outdooor storage shed. Bring your boat, great fishing lake. Credit check. $675.00 per month. (734) 665-7912.

important career tip:

Volunteering is a fantastic way of gaining valuable and marketable skills while helping out your community. Volunteer experiences are also excellent opportunities to network with other volunteers. Whether its at a church, hospital, school or local non-profit agency, volunteering has great potential for personal and professional growth, and can lend a helping hand to those who are in times of need.and transportation.

GENRE FOLK ROCK LABEL RIGHTEOUS BABE RECORDS ITUNES $11.99 AMAZON $11.99

1 Esther Williams number 12 One who must have three different names: Eliot 15 Stage managers exhortation 16 Opposite of hence 17 1870s period costume named for a Dickens lass 18 Grille cover 19 Composer of The Lovely Bones music 20 1986-to-2001 orbiter 21 In sequence 23 Masons fee 26 Ones waiting for bottle openers? 27 Storms dir. 28 Ulster, for one 30 Indicate indifference 33 Printers primary colors 34 Debt-laden fin. deal 35 Derisive call 36 Pep rally climax, perhaps 37 Transfer consequence, familiarly 38 Wood used in bows 39 Grinds 40 Auto club recommendation 41 Its for the dogs 43 Trig. function 44 Like some prescription lenses 45 Took after 50 Establish firmly 52 __ Zion Church 53 Soprano Marton 54 Milne tyke 55 Hippie era swinger? 58 Heel in a bakery 59 Life-support system? 60 Pariss Pont __ Arts 61 Mona Lisa Vito in My Cousin Vinny, for one

Down
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13 14 22 24 25 29 30 31 32 33 36 37 39 40 42 43 46 47 48 49 51 56 57

Improved, perhaps, as a road Mark Yom Kippur Letter-shaped workbench groove School subj. for an au pair Seuss hallmark Big ox, say Au courant Copier tray size: Abbr. Adriatic vacation destination Coming into view Chicken option Two-wheeled carriage with a folding hood Easy Forest dweller with a cap Ref. work Everybody Loves __: Johnny Cash album Sovereign euphemism 37-Across rentals Like a prime candidate for disillusionment Duffers dream Mars and Mercury Mint family plant Eleventh-hour panic The Horse Fair artist Bonheur String in a preschool class? Subterranean rodent Narrow waterway: Abbr. Fluffy clouds Colorful talker Style, as hair into a bouffant Crusaders targets Kierkegaard et al. Butlers estate, for a time __ Bund: Swiss newspaper Pewter component

B8

February 6, 2012

Ann Arbor Folk Festival

The Washtenaw Voice

PR ESIDENTIAL
The Washtenaw Voice, Section C February 6, 2012

Michigan gets

OBAMA CHEERED AT U-M,

unveils Race to the Top for college affordability
Devotchka showcases their blend of Eastern European gypsy punk.

Photos and Words by:

David Artushin
Contributor

An eclectic mix of performers gathered at the Hill Auditorium and delighted the sellout crowd at the 35th Annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival. The evenings line-up included bands like Elephant Revival, a five-piece neo acoustic quintet and a folk girl with a guitar, Sunny War. Headliner Ryan Adams closed the Jan. 27 show with a very intimate, all-acoustic solo performance, playing some of his most popular songs and bringing a satisfying finale to a night of amazing music.

JOSH CHAMBERLAIN THE WASHTENAW VOICE

President Obama addresses the audience of 3,000, backed by dozens of dignitaries at the University of Michigans Al Glick Field House on Jan. 27.

Anna Fuqua-Smith
Staff Writer

President Barack Obama called Friday for the reconstruction of the higher education tuition system and cautioned colleges and universities to control tuition increases or face federal funding cuts. Addressing more than 3,000 students in the Al Glick Field House at University of Michigan, Obama said he was putting colleges on notice that

the era of never-ending spikes in tuition each year was over. You cant assume that youll jack up tuition every single year, Obama said on a stop near the end of his three-day post-State of the Union address. If you cant stop tuition from going up, then the funding you get from taxpayers each year will go down. At the start of an election year, the president directed his address toward students and working families, two groups

important to his 2012 re-election. And he conceded that his college affordability plan may face odds down the road because each aspect of it has to be approved by a contentious Congress before it goes into affect. Higher education is not a luxury, he said. Its an economic imperative that every family in America should be able to afford. And when I say higher education, I dont just mean

four-year colleges and universities; I also mean our community colleges and providing lifelong learning for workers who may need to retrain for jobs when the economy shifts. As Obama came to the defense for families and students, he announced that his administration is increasing federal student aid so more students can afford college. Tens of billions of dollars that were going to subsidies for banks are now going to

students in the form of more grants and lower rates on loans, he said. Weve capped studentloan payments so that nearly 1.6 million students are going to have to pay 10 percent of your monthly income towards your loans once you graduate. Obama asked the crowd to urge Congress to do more. They (Congress) need to stop the interest rates on student loans from doubling this July, he said. They need to extend the tuition tax credit that

weve put in place thats saving some of you and millions of folks all across the country thousands of dollars. Obama advocated to Congress to give more young people the chance to earn their way through college by doubling the number of workstudy jobs in the next five years. If tuition is going up faster than inflation, faster than even health care is going up, no
OBAMA RECAP CONTINUED C3

Conservative protesters send message to Obama:

Dawes, a self-described American rock and roll band, brings a classic rock edge to the evening. Heywood Banks, the Ann Arbor Folk Fest MC for the night, entertains the crowd in between sets with a variety act of musical comedy and one-liners.

GET OUT OF ANN ARBOR!

Managing Editor

Ben Solis

Last-minute touches are put on lighting and sound before the show.

While President Barack Obama gave a campaign speech to nearly 3,000 adoring supporters at the University of Michigan, a small political storm was brewing outside the Al Glick Field House. He is the worst president in American history, said Hal Dotson, 63, a conservative protester from Scio Township. Hes just as bad as slick Willie (Bill Clinton) and the peanut farmer (Jimmy Carter). Gathered near the gated entrance of the building where Obama roused his supporters, different crews of anti-Obama and Conservative groups held steadfast with signs, shirts and flags as the presidents supporters moved past them. However, the activists did not find a large or receptive audience. Many of

the attendees had made their way inside the building before the bulk of the protesters had arrived. Amassing a total of nearly 50 Obama objectors, the miniature rally did not fail in expressing the individual protesters controversial views, and signage, on the president and his policies. Were here to let people know that Obama-care doesnt work, said Otto Gago Jr., a 50 year-old protester who was joined by his friend Ian Chapman, 59. Free health care de-incentivizes companies from offering their employees health insurance, and makes them want to employ less people. Among the groups represented were the anti-abortion oriented Students for Life,
OBAMA PROTEST CONTINUED C3

BOB CONRADI THE WASHTENAW VOICE

A group of about 25 Tea Party activists presented their dissenting views outside of Al Glick Field House where President Obama was to speak. Left, a security man tells acitivists to move to the edge of the street.

TIMELINE: The Voice staff keeps up with the president

5:30 p.m.The Voice editors Matt Durr, Jared Angle and Ben Solis leave Washtenaw Community College for Metro Airport to see Air Force One land on a secluded runway. 7:15 p.m.Along with other local newspaper and television staff, The Voice editors load a special shuttle and are transported to the tarmac of the runway. 8:188:22 p.m.President Obama exits Air Force One and enters a vehicle at the bottom of the steps. The motorcade departs. 6:45 a.m.Voice staffers Matt Durr, Jared Angle and Anna Fuqua Smith arrive at Al Glick Field House to check their gear and wait to enter the field house. 9:20 a.m.Sen. Stabenow meets U of M quarterback Denard Robinson and poses for a picture. 10:37 a.m.Voice staffer Josh Chamberlain shakes President Obamas hand.

6 p.m.The Voice editors arrive at the former Nomads hangar at Metro Airport for press check-in.

8:10 p.m.Air Force One lands on a secluded runway at Detroit Metro Airport.

8:25 a.m.U.S. Sen. Carl Levin arrives and speaks with media about education affordability

9:59 a.m.President Barack Obama hits the stage to begin his speech.

8:15 p.m.Air Force One taxies and parks on the runway and Metro Airport.

9:01 a.m.Voice editor Matt Durr interviews U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow about community college affordability

10:33 a.m.President Obama finishes his speech and leaves the stage.

10:38 a.m.Anna Fuqua Smith and Matt Durr interview former WCC Board member and current state representative David Rutledge on his feelings about the speech.

10:40 a.m.Obama exits the room and disappears behind the curtain.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 26

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27

C2

February 6, 2012

Michigan gets presidential

The Washtenaw Voice

The Washtenaw Voice

Michigan gets presidential

February 6, 2012

C3

I met Obama
Josh Chamberlain
Staff Writer

Shaking the presidents hand, and learning the secrets of success

OBAMA RECAP FROM C1

When the President of the United States approaches you for a handshake, you forget everything. The most important person in the country is, for the briefest moment, focusing his attention on my hand, my two words, mouthed because of crowds noise: Thank you. He had already spoken for 35 minutes, and was making his way around to the first few rows of the standing-roomonly event recently at the University of Michigan. The crowd was no longer manic with anticipation, but we still leaned forward to meet the president. President Obamas hands are cool, strong and smooth from shaking thousands of hands. Theyre small, to fit his bodyhes imposing but hes a slender dude. Standing next to dozens of suited guards, he might have disappeared if not for his crisp white shirt and instantly recognizable face. Secret Service agents silently edged behind us in the narrow roped-off area. The shouting high school girl behind me had been replaced by a 6-foot-4 wall of a man, moving parallel to the president around the semicircle of people. We were instructed to keep our hands

visible at all times. Every person within 20 feet of President Obama was within arms reach of at least one man who never smiled and kept his eyes on your every move. President Obama had just finished his speech to follow up his State of the Union address a few days earlier. Cynics might know it as a campaign speech. The audience was no longer manic, from anticipation, and absolute silence fell when he commanded it. The tone was light and the president acknowledged many interjections from audience members, but the palpable respect held the crowd and kept us listening hard. From the start to the end of the address, there was one theme: fairness. The idea that all Americans should have access to an education and a job is a cornerstone of the hardworking American perspective. This focus is an important one, because everyone feels they have worked hard for their money and status. He identifies with the majority of Americans who feel cheated by the wealthy minority between this and a go, Blue! President Obama, in an instant, has the crowd behind him. Apparently, hes done this before. The speech continued to build on the bedrock of hardworking mentality in the Detroit area, with references to the formidable power of a successful automotive industry. Im sure I wasnt the only one taking pride in the place I live, motivated to take action and

focus Michigan on education. It was the power and energy represented by that car commercial from last years Super Bowl, but Eminem had been replaced by the leader of the free world. The bulk of the speech dealt with higher education, and how we must work together to make it affordable for everyone. To work most jobs, some college education is required, so to make college unaffordable is to limit our own potential. People who have succeeded in this country did so by standing on the shoulders of the infrastructure and education system thats unique to powerful nations such as ours. By paying the country back with employment opportunities and a fair tax system, the cycle of education and prosperity for everyone can continue. President Obama wasnt here to fire liberals up about his campaign, though many organizers were in attendance. He wasnt here to ask for donations, though his supporters would have gladly showered the stage in checks had security allowed it. He instead came to our city to speak frankly about how wrong it was that the top tier of Americans pays less in taxes than their fellow citizens. He is trying to prove his allegiance to the people by imploring Congress to extend a tax cut for poor Americans, and by openly calling for people like himwealthy Americansto be taxed fairly. And the crowd went wild.

JEWEL SAMAD AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Josh Chamberlain, one of several Voice staffers to attend the event, extends his hand towards the President of the United States seconds before the handshake.

JOSH CHAMBERLAIN THE WASHTENAW VOICE

President Obama greets audience members after exiting the stage.

Ann Arbor on lockdown for President Obamas visit to campaign for education, jobsand himself
Adrian Hedden
Features Editor

U-M campus a ghost town

police-secured events on UMs campus. Gago knows what goes on. They secured it like a week ago, Gago said. The community just shuts down when the president comes. Gago remembers Obamas 2010 commencement speech to U-M graduates as having a stronger police presence than this years campaign stop. (Then) they had him flown in in a helicopter. There were planes and officers everywhere, Gago said. It was a bit more intense at the commencement speech. Displaying hand-made signs along with Gago, Ian Chapman, 59, of Ann Arbor was fairly pleased with the few interactions he had with officers, citing the good manners of police at the event. We were stopped on foot trying to cross the baseball field. It was blocked off and they asked what we were doing, Chapman said. No one has really bothered us since. Theyve been very polite this time. On the day of President Obamas visit to Ann Arbor, officers of the law descended from across Michigan onto U-Ms south campus around the site of the address, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. From 5 a.m. to noon, police were situated with barricades and large utility trucks to block access to South State Street from the corner of State and Stimson and northward to Granger Avenue. Pedestrian traffic was restricted to the east sidewalk only. Officers lined State Street in groups of three or four, watching to keep pedestrians back. Our agenda is to ensure safe movement of participants and speakers in the event as well as to control crowd movement, said First Lt. Joel Allen of the Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post. Our job is providing a safe environment. Coordinating with the presidents secret service, MSP officers throughout the state assisted in blocking roads along the path of the presidential motorcade from Detroit Metro Airport to his hotel and then into Ann Arbor. Police could not reveal what hotel the president was staying at. Secrecy was also high on the agenda of law enforcement in preparation for the visit. Only able to confirm that check points were to be utilized as the president approached his destination, Lt. Renee Bush of the Ann Arbor Police Department was wary of potential dangers involved in revealing any other information. We alert the public as soon as the plan is ready, Bush said. All I can say is that we work with Secret Service to ensure the safety of the president and the community. But we dont discuss it at all ahead of time because it is a safety issue. Knowledge of the visit wasnt made public until Mon., Jan 23, four days before the speech. A press release from the aapd regarding the road closures was not sent out until Jan. 25. The University of Michigan was also tasked with keeping information about the Presidents visit under wraps. If we talked about security measures, they would not be secure, said Rick Fitzgerald of U-M Public Affairs in an email. It is something we never discuss. Surveying the streets after the president had finished his final words and the event began wrapping up, Sgt. Matt Lige of the aapd, in charge of his

matter how much we subsidize it, sooner or later, were going to run out of money, he said. And that means that others have to do their part. Colleges and universities need to do their part to keep costs down as well. While asking Congress, colleges and universities to take responsibility, he also challenged the states. Were telling the states, if you can find new ways to bring down the cost of college and make it easier for more students to graduate, well help you do it, he said. We will give you additional federal support if you are doing a good job of making sure that all of you (students) arent loaded up with debt when they graduate from college. And you know what else it means? It means that we renew the American values of fair play and shared responsibility. JOSH CHAMBERLAIN THE WASHTENAW VOICE Obama further expressed President Obama waves to the crowd just before exiting the stage. his displeasure by saying that the future thats on the table isnt the future he wants. I want this to be a big, bold, generous country where everybody gets a fair shot, everybody is doing their fair share, everybody is playing by the same set of rules, he said to rousing cheers. While Obama applauded students who made the decision to pursue higher education, he made sure to remind everyone that he can sympathize with their current situation. Your president and your first lady were in your shoes not that long ago. We didnt come from wealthy families, he said. The only reason that we were able to achieve what we were able to achieve was because we got a great education. And we could not have done that unless we lived in a country that made a commitment to JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE JOSH CHAMBERLAIN THE WASHTENAW VOICE opening up opportunity to Christina Beckman, a University of Michigan sophomore, DeAndree Watson, president of the U-M student all people. introduces President Obama. government, speaks before Obama.

BOB CONRADI THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Beth Justice, 68, of Dexter, holds two signs outside Al Glick Field House.
OBAMA PROTESTS FROM C1

Slamming car doors, blue and red flashes of light and the beeping of construction vehicles in reverse shook Ann Arbor. Despite being choked of traffic, the typically sleepy streets in the downtown area were brought to life earlier than usual on the morning of Jan. 27. The president of the United States was coming. The entire area will be locked down, said Diane Brow n, a Universit y of Michigan Public Safety spokeswoman, three days before President Barack Obama was set to speak on University of Michigan campus at the Al Glick Field House. The streets will be blocked and no pedestrians will be allowed. It will be a ghost town. One thing was clear outside during the presidential address. The community was at a hush. Ann Arborites young and old stood to watch the police activity as it unfolded, some stepping right out of their front door from the houses lining the west side of State Street. Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Otto Gago Jr., a 50-yearold demonstrating outside the event has seen his fair share of

departments security detail, was satisfied at a lack of incident. He pointed to teamwork exhibited by the various law enforcement outfits present. Its gone very smoothly. A successful operation, Lige said. It was a good example of cooperation between state and federal agencies to protect the president. There was not a single adverse occurrence during the presidents visit to U-M, according to Lige.

members loosely affiliated with the Tea Party and agents of the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, all of which had something different to say about Obama. We want him to know that we dont want him here or in office, Chapman said. Hes not here to help or do anything. Its just a campaign speech about education. We dont need that. Chapman added that as a parent of two, he would have liked the president to explain how to create more jobs, instead of focusing on an education system that may not hold much for students like his 25 year-old daughter, a WCC student. We need jobs in our state first before (students) can take care of planning their education, Chapman said. Gago and Chapman identified themselves as Republicans and held signs attached to the long cardboard boxes that called Obama a liar and a cheat. Neither men heard the presidents speech, but hoped that their involvement outside would send a clear message to the GOP candidates to take Michigan, and Ann Arbor, as seriously as Obama has. We thought that by having Gov. Snyder here in office, less of Obamas policies would affect us. Now were playing experimentation with our economy and we dont know if itll work, Chapman said. Other protestors focused instead on social issues. President Obama has taken away our right to practice our religion openly, asserted Beth Justice, 56, of Dexter. Im here to protest his attack on the Catholic Church. Justice held a sign denouncing the president, calling him an Uncle Tom and claiming that he supports the genocide of African Americans. She also told passersby that Staff Writer Bob Conradi the Planned Parenthood contributed to this report.

organization aids in sex trafficking and prostitution. A Right to Life protester even went so far to tell a reporter for The Washtenaw Voice that Obama was a goon and that he wanted his cohorts out of his church. Others carried signs of dead fetuses, protesting the presidents stance on abortion. Yet not all objectors chose to protest Obamas appearance in anger and were happy to have him as an honorable guest. While we dont always agree with the presidents policies, it is an honor to have him visit the University of Michigan again, said Brian Kozaria, the vice external chair of the U-M College Republicans, a day before the presidents address. We know that he will be talking about education, we just hope that it wont be another campaign speech. As opposed to being Campaigner in Chief, instead wed rather have him come up with some solid education proposals and work with congress in getting them done. However, Kozaria did admit that much of the U-M College Republicans work to bring awareness to important party platforms happens off of the U-M campus, a serious challenge in a vastly Democratic stronghold such as Ann Arbor. For Dotson, the occasion was about sticking it to all parties in support of Obama with Ann Arbor included. Im just here exercising my right to protest, but you couldnt pay me to live in Ann Arbor, said Dotston, a WCC graduate who has held various positions within the Republican Party and even ran for mayor of Saline in 1988 after serving two terms on city council. The city council here thinks that art is more important than employing the police and fire departments.

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Attendees who arrived hours early got space in front and began waiting for President Obama to take the stage.

Unity in the shadow of the president

Chanters called for concord in advance of Obamas speech
Adrian Hedden
Features Editor

JOSH CHAMBERLAIN THE WASHTENAW VOICE

ADRIAN HEDDEN THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Along with other security efforts, Several Secret Service agents faced away from the stage inside the event, watching the audience for any sign of trouble.

Top, police stand near a road block on State Street outside Al Glick Field House. Bottom, a group of police seen through barricades used to keep pedestrians on the sidewalk.

Behind the Al Glick Fieldhouse, as President Barrack Obama prepared to take the stage inside, the air was thick with political tension. Bands of opposing demonstrators continually collided in clouds of heckles and namecalling while police nervously looked on. One group however, stood aside from the conflict, and stood outmusically. Accompanying the cries of protestors and gruff scolding from police officers as they kept pedestrians in line, chants of, Hare Krishna could be heard echoing harmoniously from within the dissenting crowds. We chant Hare Krishna because it is a spiritual sound vibration. It cleanses the atmosphere and uplifts the

conscious, said Navadwipa Das, leader of the band of Hare Krishnas situated at the demonstration. Its a different form of medication. Members of the iskon Temple of Detroit journeyed to the University of Michigans south campus on Friday, Jan. 27, playing hand-drums and chanting to spread their message of unity amid crowds gathering in response to the presidents address. We go wherever there are lots of people, Das said. We go to Lions games and any other big event in our community. Followers of Hare Krishna hold a non-partisan stance, simply insisting on global harmony through the belief in an inherent connection between all people on Earth. All humans are related, according to temple members who adopt spiritual names to reflect various

holy locations. People must come together. The whole world, we are a single family, said Riz Kahn, of Detroit. We believe Hare Krishna will improve lives. It means no war and no violence. Das voiced opposition to organized religion, fearful of cultural barriers resulting from such social constraints. Sectarian religion only separates people from one another, Das said. We come from all different religious pasts. I was Christian, but we have members who come from Islamic, Hindu and many other backgrounds. The iskon Temple of Detroit is eagerly open to membership. The temple encourages those interested to attend a free vegetarian feast every Sunday at 6 p.m. For more information, visit detroitiskcon.org. There is only one sun,

ADRIAN HEDDEN THE WASHTENAW VOICE

A Hare Krishna group gathered outside the Al Glick Field House because of the large audience, drumming and chanting their message of global harmony.

although it may shine through many different windows, said a member known as Kun Kun Bhaddacharya. We are one on this planet.

BOB CONRADI THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Hal Dotson of Scio Township says, Im just exercising my rights to protest, like I did in the 60s.

C4

February 6, 2012

Michigan gets presidential

The Washtenaw Voice

State political leaders rally behind President Obamas U-M message

Matt Durr
Editor

While President Barack Obama is traveling across the country to support the various agendas he laid out at the State of the Union Address, politicians here in Michigan are rallying support for Obamas vision. I really believed that when he said weve got to out-educate and out-innovate in the world economy, thats exactly what I want, said U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. Obama visited the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor last week to deliver a speech on the affordability of higher education and the importance it has on the future of the U.S. Stabenow also felt that

Obamas message applied to the struggles workers in Michigan face as the economy tries to rebound. I think that first of all, as a lifelong Michigander, we want the president of the United States here in Michigan understanding the sacrifice, the hard work and the turnaround thats going on, Stabenow said. The president has really focused on Michigan for all of his presidency in the sense that understanding that we need to make things in America. In his speech, Obama spoke about the need to keep tuition rates at a level that college students can afford without having to go into debt to do so. U.S. Sen. Carl Levin felt the president made a good choice of where

to deliver his message. Theres no better place than Ann Arbor to make a speech like this because Ann Arbor has played such an important role in higher education in the country, not just in Michigan, said Levin. While the majority of the speech was focused on fouryear institutions, Obama did mention the practical role that community colleges play in students lives. Higher education is not a luxury. Its an economic imperative that every family in America should be able to afford, Obama said. And I dont just mean four-year colleges and universities; I also mean our community colleges and providing lifelong learning for

workers who may need to retain for jobs when the economy shifts. Former Washtenaw Community College trustee and current state Rep. David Rutledge said the presidents remarks were in line with the beliefs and goals of those in charge at WCC. This is a unique space and place in order to talk about student tuition and keeping tuition low. And of course, at the community college level we know that, Rutledge said. Our board of trustees and administrations are always seeking ways to keep tuition low, because it is education that is the key. During his speech Obama made it clear that colleges that do not make efforts to lower tuition will not be given as much

federal funding. Rutledge, however, said he believed that sentiment was directed towards four-year institutions. Obama also said that as industries change, students must be able to adapt to those changes without having to go broke doing so. Stabenow agreed. Its not only critical for four year institutions like U of M, its critical for community colleges as well. When we talk about the future and the opportunities for us in new technologies, in skilled trades, engineers, science, it doesnt happen without education, Stabenow said. And it doesnt work if when you get out of school, youve got more debt than if you were buying a house. Education was the focal

point of the speech, but Obama also used the opportunity to criticize the wealthy for not paying their fair share of taxes. Levin was extremely frustrated with how the tax code allows for more deductions than he thinks are necessary. Weve gotta do something different in the tax code, Levin said. Weve gotta close the damn tax loopholes. With the Presidential election just around the corner, Levin thought that Obamas visit was a clear indication about how important Michigan and its 16 electoral votes will be in deciding the next president. The state is always a battleground state, he said, Were confident that the president is going to win Michigan.

MATT DURR THE WASHTENAW VOICE

JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

MATT DURR THE WASHTENAW VOICE

Clockwise from top left: U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (DMich.) talks with Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje after President Obamas speech; Mayor John Hieftje speaks to media after the event; U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) speaks to media; Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, poses for a photo.
JARED ANGLE THE WASHTENAW VOICE

2012 Michigan Community College Press Association Judging Form

Place of award: First Place
*Second Place Third Place

Honorable Mention

Category: Overall Design Div 1 Headline/title of entry: Washtenaw Voice Contestants name: Chamberlain & DiGuiseppe College name: Washtenaw CC Judges comments: This is a very solid, consistent well designed paper. The paper has excellent design, photography and some of the best stories in the division. To be a clear 1st place winner in "Overall Design Div 1", I would like to see more risk taking and innovation in design. Things to consider when designing: Hierarchy of headlines, bigger headlines should be at the top of the page and get smaller as they go down. Cutline font could either be a little bigger or a heavier weight- sometimes hard to read. Keep up the good work.

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