Tigers Have a Day For Firsts
by Jason Baird

The Tigers started their 08’ season with a loss in extra innings.

Justin Verlander was the first of six pitchers to take the mound for Detroit and pitched through six innings giving up four hits (one home run), four runs and one walk going 6-0 career against the Royals.

Newly acquired Miguel Cabrera, playing his first game as a Tiger went yard in the fifth inning of the opener. It was the first homer of the season for the team.

Fans rose to their feet in the eleventh as Royals SS Tony Pena dropped a single in front of Inge at center to score the go-ahead run making the score 5-4.

Joakim Soria pitched closer for the Royals giving up a double to Clete Thomas for his first major league hit. Inge advanced the runner to third with a sacrifice bunt. After Renteria went down on strikes for the second out, Polanco took the plate. A contact hit to third made for a routine throw to first to give the Tigers their first loss of the season.

The Royals defeated the Tigers 5-4 in the bottom of the eleventh inning. Denny Bautista gets credited with the loss.

The Tigers next game will be April 2nd against the Royals. The game is scheduled to start at 1:05 p.m. Kenny Rogers is expected to start on the mound.

CMU Junior Relives Study Abroad Experience

By: John Morelli
Edited by: Mariah Richards and Erin Hillard

Niki James, Howell junior, spent more than 4 months in Argentina last semester studying, and said she cannot wait to go back.

She studied at Universidad del Salvador, spending the majority of her time in their humanities program. However, not all of her time was spent studying or in class.

“I did not have to study nearly as hard as I do here,” James said. She added that everyday life in the city was one of her favorite parts of the trip. It was possible to ride the bus during the day and watch people.

James previously studied in Spain but said the two trips are incomparable due to their different cultures.

“I would compare (the trips in Spain and Argentina) to spending time in Mt. Pleasant and Australia,” James said. “Yes, the languages are the same but the cultures are polar opposites.”

One of the differences of the two countries is their cuisine. According to James, many people expect both countries to eat spicy foods, like they serve at Taco Bell.

“There’s no spicy food in Argentina, it’s a very heavy Italian influence on their diet, a lot of pastas,” James said. “And Spain has a lot of tuna, seafood, and mayonnaise- not what people expect.”

James also warned that a major misconception of studying abroad is the cost of the program. She said the program has a flat rate of $6 thousand for studying in Argentina, but after scholarships from varying university programs it was closer to $3,400.

“I saved money by leaving the country,” she said after pointing out that the $3,400 was cheaper than her cost of schooling when staying at Central.

James said that one of the most popular concerns is the cost but she asserted that the experiences of her trip heavily outweighed the costs.

“I have no regrets, I would pay it over and over again,” she said.

James plans on traveling to different countries while she is young and able to and suggests that everyone else does too.

Beal City prepares for Spring Break

Mariah Richards
Edited by Erin Hillard, John Morelli

Spring Break is a time for all students to enjoy life, hang out with friends, stay up and out all night, and generally have a good time, free from the pressures of schoolwork.

And it’s not just for college students anymore.

High school students at Beal City high school are getting in on the action too, some going as far away as Florida, and others planning to just catch up on schoolwork. Break begins on Monday the 31st, and runs for a week.

Some students, like Molly Ley, 18, are working hard to see and do as much as they can before they have to go off to college.

“My friends and I are going on a road trip to Mackinaw City,” Ley said. “It’s our senior year and we wanted to do the road trip thing while we can still afford it.”

Ley's older sister advised her to take the trip. “I told her to go for it while she’s still debt free,” said Ley’s sister Ashley. “I missed out on a lot, because I spent all break studying almost every year.”

For other students, money is the main reason they will be staying at home this year.

“I’m not going anywhere,” said Caleb Recker, 16. “I’d like to, but I can’t afford it.”

“I’m going to be catching up on math homework,” said student Tyler Yates. The junior also plans on working a few extra shifts at his job.

Some students are luckier than others.

“My parents take me and my sister to Florida every year for Spring Break,” said sophomore, Amber Gecco.

The senior and her twin have been going to Florida and staying with relatives, since they were seven years old.

“I’m just hoping this year my sister and I get to go some places on our own, because we finally have our driver’s licenses,” she added.

Famous pollster speaks at CMU

Erin Hillard

John Zogby, political pollster, came to speak at Central Michigan University on March 28.
“Everyone always says this, but this is a personal pleasure for me- we were colleagues,” said Tim Hartshorne, CMU psychology professor, who brought Zogby to campus.
Hartshorne said he had no idea Zogby was a professional pollster until he was listening to a radio interview in his car.
Zogby has been doing political polls since 1984. He discussed issues encircling this year’s election, including the mood of America and the battle for the Democratic candidacy.
“I don’t think Hilary is going to win,” Zogby said, “but she also has a different playbook.”
He wrapped up her political future in one sentence.
“Someday, she will serve two terms as president, then she will become chairwoman of defense and convert to Catholicism, where she will serve out the rest of her life as Pope.”
Zogby went on to say that the number one issue this election was the economy, listing health care as a reason.
“One in four voters with employer-based insurance fears losing it,” Zogby said. "They see it as the difference between middle class and poverty.”
The two other issues Zogby thought were important were the War in Iraq and the environment.
When asked if Bill Clinton could potentially drag Hilary’s candidacy down, Zogby said that it became clear in South Carolina that it was all about Bill.
“But Hilary is a candidate in her own right,” Zogby said. “Why demean her by making this about Bill’s third term?”
Nicholas VonGlahn, CMU graduate student, said he thought Zogby’s presentation was excellent.
“I don’t know the truth of his claims,” VonGlahn said. “But this is his knowledge of the American people and you have to take it for what it’s worth.”
John Zogby will also hold a discussion Saturday for the Terror at the Voting Booth conference.

Edited by: Mariah Richards and John Morelli

The Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival

By Benjamen Evers

   Edited By John Kennet   

      The people of the small town of Shepherd are preparing for their 50th annual Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival beginning Thursday, April 24 and ending Sunday, April 27.

According to Pete Alexander, chairman of the festival committee, sap from the maple trees has been running and over 500 gallons of maple syrup have been made so far.

It takes 40 to 45 gallons of sap to make one gallon of maple syrup.

Alexander said that the town can expect to feed anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 people, depending on the weather.

"The turnout will really depend on the weather,"  Alexander said.  "Its so unpredictable."

Come rain or shine, Alexander said, they will be serving pancake breakfast.

This being the 50th year, every 50th pancake breakfast will be free of charge.

The festival weekend will see many familiar attractions from past years:  such as a carnival, tractor pull, and classic car show.

However, this year, the festival will also be home to a flight simulator, brought in by the Navy, an emergency vehicle parade, and in celebration of it's 50th year, there will be a fireworks display on Saturday night.

Alexander said that locals have been working hard at making the very popular, "whole hog sausage."

He said that it is not uncommon for the town to go through 7,000 pounds of sausage on festival weekend.

According to the website, all of the proceeds will go to improve the kid's  recreation program.  

Specifically, Alexander said, that the money will go towards making some new soccer facilities.

More than 500 people volunteer to make the festival happen.

March Madness Popular with College Students

By Justin Marr


Even if you’re not a college basketball fan, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of March Madness.
It’s tournament time for the best teams in country.
It’s a time for upsets and incredible athlete performances.
But the best part is, it’s all captured on national television and watched by millions.
“This is my favorite time of year man,” said Central Michigan junior Kyle Adams. “I actually skipped classes last weekend just to watch the games.”
Adams is one of many students who take this time of year seriously.
His roommate, senior John Taipalus, said he doesn’t care about anything else while college basketball is on.
“Kyle and I literally sat on the couch from 12 [pm] to 9 drinking beer and watching the games,” Taipalus said. “There’s nothing like it.”
Students like Kyle and John fill out March Madness brackets, a traditional pastime in America.
The students fill out a blank tournament bracket to predict which teams are going to advance to the finals.
The more teams predicted correctly, the more points one will receive.
In some cases, brackets are part of a pool, competing against other people for money.
Oddsmaker.com, Sportbet.com, and docsports.com are only a few of the many legal basketball betting websites mediated in Las Vegas.
Despite it being illegal to bet on sports in Michigan, Adams and Taipalus bet anyways.
“We usually get a pool going between some friends,” Adams said. “You get 10 or 15 friends in a pool at $5 a person, you’re talking about a nice pot to win. It’s illegal, but I don’t think it’ll ever be enforced.”
It might be tough to win money this year though.
Just two known people in the country have picked their brackets correctly thus far, according to ESPN.com.
According to Adams and Taipalus, basketball education isn’t necessary for this years tournament.
“There’s been so many upsets so far in this tournament it’s ridiculous,” Adams said. “I was telling my buddy the other day a girl will guess it [the winning team] right this year just because it’s a toss up this year, and she didn’t know anything about the game.”
The tournament will continue Thursday at noon, and various times throughout the weekend.

Former teacher and principle celebrates milestone birthday.

By Noah Shepardson
Edited By: Dan Schultz and Trisha Vankoughnett

Robert Bates, former teacher and principle of Shepherd High School, will turn 99 years old on Sunday, April 13.

Robert Bates has lived just south of Shepherd in Coe Township since he was six years old. He arrived by way of a railway car which was hauling livestock, farm equipment and household furnishings. Once there he attended Walling School, Coe No. 7 through eighth grade and then on to Shepherd High School.

After high school Bates attended Central State Teacher College in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. There he received his two year Life Certificate in Education. His first teaching job was at the school he formerly attended, Walling School.

After the Great Depression, Bates returned to Central to finish his undergraduate degree. He majored in mathematics and agricultural science. While teaching at Beaverton Rural Agricultural School World War II broke out and Bates tended to his country and had so serve time in the South Pacific.

Upon return Bates went back to teach in the Shepherd Public School system and later became the high school principal, a title which he held for 23 years until his retirement in 1973.

Bates, an active member in the Shepherd community for the last 35 years, has donated time to helping at the Community Soup Kitchen, volunteering at Meals on Wheels, Food for Friends and remaining active in the Shepherd United Methodist Church. He was also involved in the creation of the Shepherd Historical Society.

“He was a great man and he has done a lot for his community and I am proud to be a part of that community”, said current Shepherd High School Principal Doug Bush. “It’s great to see a man give back like he has.”

MARCH MADNESS?

Why the experts say madness will lead to recession

By: Dan Schultz

Edited by: Alexis Kowaleski and Trisha VanKoughnett

It’s that time of year again, the bitter days of winter slowly surrender to spring’s encouraging sun and green landscapes. It’s time to clean out the dust bunnies, wash the neglected car, and engineer the most calculated bracket possible.

It’s time for March Madness.

“We tend to go all out for games, even when we are sitting at home with face paint, pompoms and flags,” Ashley Malisa shyly admits.

Malisa follows every National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball game.

But she is a rarity in some cases—many fans solely jump on the March Madness bandwagon, ignoring the prior season.

“Basketball has too many games,” CMU senior Matt Terman said.

The NCAA men’s basketball season spans six months and includes 341 teams competing for 1 of 65 seeds in the single elimination tournament.

“There really isn't any reason to watch it during the regular season,” Adrian senior Kyle Cessna said. Cessna is only concerned with one thing every year: the little guy.

“I’ll try to pick the underdog in most cases… everyone deserves a chance,” Cessna said.

Experts predict corporations are taking their chances with employees distracted with March Madness—a distraction that could cause a recession, believe it or not.

In a recent article titled “Will March Madness Lead to Recession?”, Chicago-based consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas claims the three weeks of March Madness will cost the economy $1.7 billion.

Co-workers can catch an upset special from the comfort of their cubicle thanks to CBSSports.com. The numbers are maddening, too.

In 2007, college basketball fans viewed 2.6 million hours of the games online, up from 2.1 million hours for the 2006 tourney. CBS predicts a huge boost this year, too.

CBS does offer instructions for company’s IT departments to shut down access to live webcasts. Though this is alongside a download for a “boss button”—a button that pops up a dummy spreadsheet and hides the game instantly.

“I’m not surprised—it's like a month of the Super Bowl for college basketball lovers,” Robyn Martin said in response to the article's bold prediction.

“It's a great time for fans and family to stand behind their teams.”

Western poetry comes to Central

Alexis Kowaleski

Western Michigan University professors Bill Olsen and Nancy Eimers read their poetry at Central Michigan University’s library on Tuesday, March 25, receiving rave reviews.

“I had never been to a poetry reading and this is definitely a good first experience,” CMU student Jillian Pekel from Fremont said.

The two professors, who are also married, shared their poetry, both new and old, giving poetry students a new and different perspective on poetry writing.

“The two both had such different styles, I really enjoyed being able to hear the back stories to each of their poems,” CMU student Alexandra Crosson from Livonia said.

Olsen read first and shared his inspirations to his Americana themed poetry. His poems reflected everyday life including his mother’s recollection of his birth.

“His poems were very realistic while giving readers a very vague image about who he is,” Pekel said.

Eimers’ poetry was very different from her husband’s. Her poems are based on an event or location that most people may take for granted, but Eimers sees poetry in every event around the world.

“I was a bigger fan of Nancy’s poetry…my favorite was the poem that reflected on the mining accidents that were plastered all over the news a few years ago, who thinks to write about that,” Crosson said.

The poetry reading itself was a success, with the audience giving the two a standing ovation.

Sharing the spirit of Christmas

By John Kennett
JRN 312
Tom and Holly Valent, longtime Midland residents, have turned a passion for Christmas into a life of volunteering.

Tuesday, the Valents were presented with the Wally and Irene Bronner Spirit of Sharing Award during the 8th Annual Wally and Irene Bronner Spirit of Sharing Gala at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bay City.

“We feel very humbled by it,” said Holly. “It is very exciting to see all these wonderful people come together. We try to work hard at making people happy. It is a great honor.”

After Tom received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, the couple moved to Midland in 1974 as Tom took a position at Gerace Construction Co. Presently, he serves as president of Gerace.

Holly is a former special education and elementary teacher in the Midland Public Schools, who has been a stay-at-home mother since the birth of her second child.

Since 1995, she has volunteered as president and registrar for the world-famous Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School.

The school is set-up as a non-profit organization dedicated to educating men and women to be the finest representatives of the Christmas spirit throughout the world.

In 1977, Tom received a degree from the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School. As a volunteer, he has been a coveted speaker for Santa Claus in Michigan and internationally.

“One Christmas, 1975, I’m not trying to be silly, I had a calling,” said an excited Tom. “I just said, ‘I want to be Santa.’ I don’t know why. I always had good Santa experiences when I was growing up.”

Tom thoroughly enjoys his involvement in the school.

“It is a privilege to be Santa,” he said. “We have this school and people just love to come. It is a real privilege for us to have the school. It is set up as a non-profit organization. We do not draw a wage from it.”

Tom was instrumental in the design and construction of the Midland Santa House in 1986.

“I cry every year when I see lines out to the street (at the Santa House),” said Holly. “Tom and I work extra hard to make it extra good for (visitors to the Santa House).”

Daughter Caroline Oosterhouse flew in from Austin, Texas, to deliver a warm and loving tribute to her parents.

“They do what they do, not because of the rewards, but because they have genuine hearts,” said Oosterhouse. “They are very special to me. My parents are givers.”

All proceeds from the gala will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association and help children and adults with one of the 43 forms of neuromuscular disorders covered by MDA.

Edited by Ben Evers

SGA elections get little response

By: Amanda Crabtree


The Student Government Association at Central Michigan University is holding elections for the 2008-09 school year, even though many CMU students with don’t know or care about the elections.

“I don’t know anyone who voted,” said Melissa Stokoski, Farmington Hills freshman, “I feel like it had nothing to do with me.”

There are short candidate biographies on the voting Web site, www.vote.cmich.edu, where students can see their key campaign issues.

After logging into the Web site with a student ID and password, voters are given an introduction, instructions, candidate information and then a ballot for the 2008 elections.

Students can also vote on an amendment to the SGA Constitution.

Andrew Verburg and Paul Prigeon are the two candidates in the running for SGA President.

Elections run from Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28. Election results will be given at 5 p.m. on Friday in Powers 136.

All ballots are done online said Tracy Holt from the Office of Student Life. As of Thursday afternoon, voting traffic was unknown.

While candidates work hard on their campaigns, few students actually get reached about the SGA elections.

The Student News Listserv included the elections as the first event on the list, urging students to let their voice be heard.

Edited by: Sarah Schuch and Meredith Mayberry

Rounding-up at Renaissance

By Meredith Mayberry
Edited by Sarah Schuch and Kelly Morse

Renaissance Public School Academy rounded-up kindergarteners Tuesday evening.

Kindergarten Round-up, an annual event that gathers and informs future kindergarteners and their families about the Renaissance Academy, lasted from 4 to 7 p.m. in the school, located at 2797 South Isabella Road in Mount Pleasant.

“Parents in the community are invited into the classrooms to get to know the teachers,” said Holly Abcox, assistant principal of the academy.

About 20 families attended the event.

There are two kindergarten classrooms at Renaissance. The two teachers take turns talking with the parents and future students.

“We interview the children,” said Rachel Biedenbender, one of the Kindergarten teachers. “We ask them what their age is, the names of colors, how high they can count. We like to see where they’re at.”

Biedenbender said the round-up gives parents a chance to see how she runs her classroom, as well.

“We let them see the school and introduce ourselves so parents have the opportunity to see me,” Biedenbender said. “We let them feel comfortable.”

The parents received additional information about the workings of the school during the event. Parents were given a handout explaining the schedule of a typical kindergarten day at Renaissance, a description of the school uniform, and a list of the special studies given to studends, such as Spanish, music, art and gym.

Speech and hearing tests were given to the students at no charge.

“It’s a convenience thing, so the parents don’t have to make a trip to the clinic,” said Biedenbender. “It’s nice to have it here.”

Renaissance’s kindergarten classes run all day, which is another convenience and an attraction for many families, Abcox said.

The two classes are usually filled with about 24 students in each classroom. Biedenbender said this year’s round-up attendance is a good sign at this point in time.

“The numbers are normal for this time of year. We’re in good shape,” she said.

Poets bring a voice to CMU’s campus

By Sarah Schuch

Edited by Meredith Mayberry, Amanda Crabtree and Kelly Morse

Poets share their life and their voice with students Monday night.

William Olsen and Nancy Eimers read some of their poems to more than 60 people and had an informal talk with students Monday afternoon.

Olsen said the audience can connect the voice on the page to a human voice at poetry reading.

“It creates some sense of community in the air,” he said. “There’s something about a really good poetry reading that creates intimacy.”

Olsen, who has written four books of poems, read to the audience first.

He said he tries to get an entire world into his book. He started from the beginning with his first poem about birth.

“It’s impossible to remember your birth,” Olsen said. “But it’s impossible not to try.”

Speeding up and slowing down as he thought was needed, Olsen read the poems like he thought they should be read. He read his poem “Bedside” and “Grocery Night.”

Olsen wrote poems about loved ones and one was about his 20-year-old cat. The poem was titled “Trust.”

When Eimers stepped up to the microphone, she explained to the audience how she came up with most of her titles. At the class session, the poets talked about which came first: the title or the poem. Some of her titles came from real events.

Eimers’ poem “May Not Be Found” came from a headline in headline in the Aug. 20, 2007 issue of USA Today, she said. The headline was “Trapped miners may not be found.”

She described different uses and meanings for all the words in the title.

Another poem she read was “Derby winner clings to chance of recovery.” She read poems about her father, where she used to live and experiences she had.

One of her poems was about watching the neighbors and hoping that they don’t notice, because then they wouldn’t act natural.

“I liked in the work of both the strong presence of everyday life,” said Eric Torgersen, English language and literature professor.

Lansing sophomore Alissa Hooker said it was interesting to get the background stories and situations that inspired the poets to write the poems. It was good to hear them read their own work.

“You know exactly how it’s supposed to be read,” Hooker said.

The informal talk was with Torgersen’s ENG 392 class along with four or five other students. It was mainly just a question and answer session, Torgersen said.

Spiritual student organization promotes learning, diversity

By Kelly Morse

Edited by Sarah Schuch, Meredith Mayberry, and Amanda Crabtree

The Open Grove Society, a religious registered student organization, had a lot to celebrate recently—Easter, the Vernal Equinox and a full moon.

The approximately 40 member organization promotes religious diversity and learning through events and weekly meetings.

“We’re the only campus organization that is all inclusive: religion, sexual preference, race, gender, and nationality,” said Jeremy Moffitt, a senior from Houson, Texas and currently public relations chair for OGS.

The members often research and give presentations on different religions and their practices, even on social patterns such as communism.

Under the purpose section on Central Michigan University’s RSO System, their purpose is listed as, “We are W.I.E.R.D., Working for Education in Religious Diversity.”

They recently talked about the meaning and importance of Easter and the Vernal Equinox.

Cassie Whitaker, a senior from Detroit and former OGS president, took the holiday weekend to visit friends and meditate.

“I personally visited a couple other people and we did a group meditation. We talked about the change. It’s a time to focus on the things you want to change and help grow,” Whitaker said. “We try to put some thought and energy into that.”

While Whitaker takes a more Elemental Pagan perspective on religion, Moffitt said he follows a couple of different religious teachings.

“I fall into the category of several different religions,” Moffitt said. “I practice a hodge podge of different religions.”

Although the group is open to all religious beliefs, the members are primarily Pagan.

“Full moons are a big deal to Pagans. It’s the culmination of all the power in my eyes,” Moffitt said. “It’s the symbol of all our creators. It’s like our mother basically.”

Natural phenomenons, like full moons, are considered special to Pagans. Others include any show of the elemental forces, like thunderstorms, earthquakes, wind and even camp fires.

“I follow a Muslim nature base. I am very big into green projects,” Whitaker said. “It’s more of a spirituality. I try to be more thoughtful of people and my surroundings.”

Aside from the unplanned celebrations by Mother Nature, OGS has a few events they’re looking forward to.

Beltane is a celebration of the rights of summer on May 1. A lot of different religions celebrate this day.

OGS is also in the process of planning their body and soul festival coming up on Nov. 1.

“It’s a giant holistic fair and festival,” Moffitt said.

Student research discussed at Brain Awareness Week

Erin Hillard

The Central Neuroscience Society hosted Brain Awareness Week, with discussions and tours of the lab and Brain Research And Integrative Neuroscience Center (B.R.A.I.N. Center) on March 18 through March 21.
The week was a chance for both graduate and undergraduate students to talk about their current research in the study of neuroscience.
Much of the research talks centered around treatments for Huntington’s Disease, a genetic mutation that eventually leads to a lack of muscle movement.
According to Nicholas Dey, a graduate student at CMU, much of the current research on Huntington’s Disease needs to be researched further.
“Many of the techniques scientists are working on now are invasive surgeries,” Dey said.
He said more research needs to be done on the other possible effects of treatments that are currently being tested.
On Thursday, Mary Heng, a graduate student from University of Michigan, came to give a presentation on the usefulness of mice in Huntington’s Disease research.
“We’re very pleased that Mary Heng could be here to join us this week,” said Gary Dunbar, Central Neuroscience Society advisor.
Heng said that for ethical reasons, mice were the preferred choice in research.
“The mouse models are very powerful to use in pharmacology and real-life situations,” Heng said.
She said the mouse models have provided researchers with a lot of insight, but have not yet been transferred to human models.
Heng also gave a presentation on Friday, March 21, about the more technical aspects of her research. Her presentation was followed by a discussion on ways in which virtual reality could be useful in the laboratory.

Edited by: Mariah Richards and John Morelli

Leaping stingray kills Michigan woman.
by Jason Baird

A spotted eagle ray weighing 75-pounds leaped from Florida Keys water Thursday colliding with a Pigeon, Michigan women.

Judy Kay Zagorski, 57, and her sister moved across the water at 25 mph at the front of a boat driven by their father.

Without any warning a stingray erupted from the water’s surface and struck Zagorski in the face. The impact threw Zagorski to the floor of the boat.

The impact likely killed the woman, and she did not appear to have puncture wounds from the ray's barb, said Jorge Pino, spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. An autopsy is planned.

The 75-pound stingray with a 5-6 foot wingspan was killed by the collision, officials said.

They can push upwards to a 10-feet wingspan and weigh up to 100 pounds, said wildlife biologist Jeff Corwin. They can easily leap 5-7 feet into the air.

The rays are protected in Florida waters and are typically seen swimming on the water's surface.

In 2006 a stingray leaped onto the boat of James Bertakis and left a one-foot barb in his heart. He has since recovered.

Shepherd Blue Jays already working hard

By Noah Shepardson
Edited By: Alexis Kowaleski Dan Schultz

With the loss of some key players to the varsity baseball team, improving on last year’s record will be a challenge for the Blue Jays junior varsity baseball club.

After last year’s .500 season the Blue Jays are looking for a little redemption, Ryan Harkerater, a senior at Central Michigan University, will once again take the helm of the junior varsity baseball program at Shepherd High School.

“We did lose a couple of our best pitchers to the varsity team, but there are some strong arms that will be coming up from last year’s freshman team”, Harkerater said.

Working hard is an understatement. For the last week and a half the Blue Jays have been conducting 6 a.m. practices with workouts including wind sprints, weight training and endless position drills.

The fun is only beginning though; the team will travel to Florida next week to play a few preseason games around the state with game sites yet to be determined.

“The team always enjoys the trip to Florida, we are not always sure who or where we will play but that is part of the fun. It really brings the guys together as a team”, said Harkerater.

Once the team returns they will play just one more preseason game before the regular season starts on March 9.

For a complete spring sports schedule go to http://shepherd.edzone.net/hssports/hssports.php.

POPULARITY’S PRICE

Today’s media paints a dangerous picture for young America

By: Dan Schultz

Edited by: Noah Shepardson and Alexis Kowaleski

Flipping through a magazine never used to hurt so much. Advertisements rendering a chiseled man or a toned woman only remind a person about the “perfect body” they do not have—a body that scares doctors.

“More and more pictures show people with that perfect body,” said Erica Fisher, a nutritionist for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Fisher, a Central Michigan University alumna, was taught to be aware of the excessive pop culture images.

“It used to just be female models, but now you see more and more of images of men with zero body fat and tons of muscle,” Fisher explained.

In a recent study done in Life Science Weekly, 8 percent of all girls and 12 percent of all boys reported using products in the past year to improve their appearance.

The study mentions both sexes of adolescents that read magazines and watched television regularly were “twice as likely to use supplements to increase muscle mass and definition.”

The influence of the media cannot be ignored—Calvin Klein advertisements make the burly man or curvy woman a goal for society.

Anabolic steroid usage can be connected through the internet where drugs lure the customer with appealing products to fuel their self-esteem.

“The Internet is full of sites where these substances can be purchased, and many are advertised in popular health and fitness magazines,” Dr. Alison Field, an epidemiologist at Children's Hospital Boston, said during an interview in Life Science Weekly.

These advertisements cover up the dangers of steroid abuse, which has been associated with heart attacks, strokes and tumors.

Despite these dangers, adolescents continue taking steroids to match the media’s portrayal of the perfect body; a portrayal that doctors know is usually impossible to achieve.

“Most of us (doctors)… think it's best to stay away from these products altogether,” Field said.

There's a new coffee in town

Alexis Kowaleski


Move over Starbucks, Biggby’s Coffee offers students a more convenient and cheaper way to get their caffeine.

Since their opening Feb. 19, Biggby gives CMU students a faster way to get their gourmet coffee on their way to class located little over a mile away from each other.

“When we got Starbucks up here last year I was so excited,” Sandra Thach of Clinton Township said.

Starbucks, usually the reining king of the coffee industry, finally popped up in the mid-Michigan area last year, with barely any competition.

“I live at Copper Beach which is literally across the street from Biggby’s so I never bother going to Starbucks anymore, “Thach said.

Besides prime real estate Biggby also offers customers late nights, bright atmosphere and free refills of their carefully selected Costa Rican coffee beans.

Their coffee itself is less expensive than Starbucks and to some people tastes not much different.
“I’d definitely say I’m a coffee snob…I would put Biggby’s on the same level as Starbucks, not as high but it’s definitely up there,” Josh Lady of Traverse City said.

Whether it’s convenience, price, the taste or just the simple fact that it’s new to the area, Biggby’s has made its mark on the college scene and is ready to go toe-to-toe with Starbucks.

Biggby’s is located on Blue Grass Road in the plaza across the street from Wal-Mart.

Holy Week is special to school

By Meredith Mayberry
Edited by Amanda Crabtree and Kelly Morse

Sacred Heart Academy’s elementary school is finding new ways to illustrate their love for Jesus this week.

The students are not only drawing on Christ’s love, but literally learning to draw his face, said Mary Gagnon, director of religious education for the Sacred Heart Parish, located at 302 South Kinney Blvd.

A mix of first through sixth graders at the Academy will focus on the special symbols of Holy Week, a celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ.

“The face of Christ with the crown of thorns will be a main symbol,” Gagnon said. “The children will learn to draw this.”

The elementary school celebration is called Holy Week Special and will include special lessons in religious symbols as well as art projects, such as making crosses out of sand.

"They'll make pins out of beads," Gagnon said. "They'll be shaped like crosses, but they're made like those American Flag pins."

Group projects are also an important part of the week.

“The children will make a giant cross puzzle with their own personalized puzzle pieces,” Gagnon said.

Holy Week began last Sunday, Palm Sunday, and will last until Easter Sunday, March 23.

There was an all-school Mass held on Wednesday to celebrate the somber feel of the week, she said.

“All parents are invited and encouraged to join us,” according to the school’s official Web site, www.sha.net.

Gagnon said Holy Week is, for the most part, a Parish event. There will be Parish celebrations throughout the week, including Thursday night and Friday afternoon Masses.

“We focus on the somberness and toughness of the week and continue to try and model our lives after Jesus,” Gagnon said.

Graduation around the corner

By: Amanda Crabtree


Spring Break is over, midterms have passed and graduation is only six weeks away. However, there is a lot to accomplish before May 3rd for graduating seniors.

This week the Central Michigan University Bookstore hosted a Grad Fair at the University Center Rotunda, for May graduates. Students could come in to buy their cap and gown for a $10 discount while browsing other CMU merchandise, such as diploma frames and souvenir tassels.

The Alumni Association and Career Services had tables at the Grad Fair to assist graduates. Class rings were available for purchase, as well as graduation announcements. Future grads could have their picture taken in a cap and gown by professional photographers.

The most important table was the dissemination of the caps and gowns, along with specific color tassels depending on the degree grads are going to receive.

Students graduating with honors do not receive their awards until they pick up their graduation tickets in Rose Arena on May 1, two days before graduation, said Darlyn Curtiss, CMU Bookstore employee.

Curtiss also mentioned how much easier selling caps and gowns was during the Grad Fair rather than in Rose, like they used to.

Two days before graduation is just too soon, she said.

While the Grad Fair was helpful to Bookstore employees to disseminate caps and gowns, it was not as helpful as some students expected.

“I can take my own pictures in my own cap and gown,” said Sarah Meier, Waterford Senior, referring to the professionals taking photos at the Grad Fair.

Graduating seniors still have a lot on their mind in the next six weeks. Passing required classes, getting their final audits, along with either finding a job or getting accepted to Grad School are not easy tasks. However, with caps and gowns now hanging in their closets, grads are one step closer to finish what they’ve started at Central Michigan University.

Edited by: Kelly Morse, Sarah Schuch and Meredith Mayberry

John Stossel receives standing ovation

By: John Morelli
Edited by: Erin Hillard

On Wednesday, reporter John Stossel spoke to a full crowd in Central Michigan University’s Plachta Auditorium about a multitude of topics.

Stossel discussed errors in capitalism, education and drug control to a mostly supportive crowd.

“I think it was awesome,” Commerce junior Jon Tarrant said. “More people nowadays should think like him, especially here in Michigan.”

Tarrant supported Stossel’s standpoint on education. Stossel believes a major hindrance on the education system in America is that the money for every student in K-12 schooling is attached to the school and the government but not the student.

According to Stossel, American students in 12^th grade are far behind the intelligence levels of students in countries where the money is attached to the student.

Stossel’s standpoint on socialized medicine and universal systems in general was also a topic of discussion by many students.

“I think (socialized medicine) is popular because it looks appealing,” said Howell junior John Reineke II. “Everything ‘free’ looks appealing, but there’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

Stossel argued that if a government guarantees protection it will be taking money from the rich to pay for the health care services.

A percentage of the money taxed from the rich would be taken by the government and the poor would not receive all the funding they should. Additionally, the rich would stop supporting new medicine research so the poor would never truly get healthier.

Every student seemed to have found a different point made by Stossel to be the most important comment of the night.

“He talked about how poverty is the number one thing that will take days off your life,” Fraser senior Steve Cullen said. “Wealth is health.”

Stossel discussed how people below the poverty line live, on average, 7 to 10 years less than those above it.

After living below the poverty line, the next two causes which take days off of the average person’s life span are smoking cigarettes and driving.

According to Stossel, airplane crashes and terrorists attacks cause a small fraction of the damage to lives caused by cigarettes and automobiles.

However, Stossel pointed out how the media uses a multitude of scare tactics in relaying the news to the public, the news will discuss the things that are rarer more than the common problems, which makes people fear things which are not likely to happen.

Stossel was brought to Central by the Students for a Free Economy, CMU Campus Conservatives and the Young America’s Foundation.

Video Gaming spans across all age groups

By Justin Marr

Video gaming has never had an age barrier.
However, according to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the average of 18 year-old gamers has given the impression that gaming isn’t for everyone.
The top-selling Nintendo Wii has changed that though, especially for senior citizens.
“I bowl on my Nintendo Wii all the time,” said 58 year-old Ann Addleman. “By the time I’m done I’ve worked up a sweat, and had fun while doing it.”
The Wii is an interactive system requiring arm and hand movement rather than the traditional finger requirement.
Addleman is a retired mother of three with a haunting shoulder injury that she suffered last winter in Michigan.
Her husband Keith gets equal use out of the game.
He had knee surgery in 2003 on his right knee.
“I used to go to the hospital for physical therapy which was painful at times,” he said. “I gave up on that as soon as I got the Wii.”
Keith and Ann are only a few senior citizens playing video games at their age.
Hospitals and physical therapy clinics all over the country use the system for all patients from stroke victims, to amputees who must learn to rely on other limbs.
“Putting fun into therapy makes it way more enjoyable,” Ann said. “When you don’t realize that your rehabilitating, it just makes it that much easier.”
Senior citizens aren’t the only demographic enjoying video games.
Since the revolution of music-oriented games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band, the younger generation (8-12 years old) of gamers has increased by 38 percent, according to ESA.
The games use mimicked instruments, such as guitar, and drums, to play hit rock songs.
Bradley Bourney, 11, began playing Guitar Hero at the age of nine.
He now enjoys the game with friends around the world and in his hometown of Mount Pleasant.
“I don’t play anything but Guitar Hero,” he said. “I’m (on) an expert level now. I love this game so much, I don’t know what I’d do without it.”

Plasma donation centers attract students by incentives

By Kelly Morse

Edited by Sarah Schuch and Meredith Mayberry

Companies offer large incentives to persuade adults to donate plasma the maximum amount of times regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which can lead to health issues.

In order to meet the increasing need for plasma, the pale yellow liquid portion in blood, companies give incentives to donors. Students flock to plasma donation centers that offer them incentives like $200 a month for donating eight times during that time period.

“I go in twice a week,” said Lynn Fischer, a Manistee sophomore. “I sit there for maybe an hour while I donate. I do homework. I usually bring my lap top.”

The American Red Cross, which does not offer monetary incentives, limits the number of time a person can donate a year to 12. While on the other hand, Biolife has no yearly limits.

“The only limits [Biolife] puts on donating plasma are the ones outlined by the FDA saying that a person cannot donate more than twice a week,” said Katie Pietrzak, Mount Pleasant Biolife assistant manager.

By adding up the figures, a person can donate 96 times a year at Biolife, compared to the American Red Cross' limit of 12.

When people donate the maximum amount, they increase their chance of bruising which can lead to more severe hematoma and localized infections as well as an array of other side-effects as outlined in the FDA’s Informed Consent Recommendations for Source Plasma Donors Participating in Plasmapheresis and Immunization Programs.

Biolife Plasma Services, located at 4279 Bluegrass Road, receives over half of their plasma donations from students.

“We have a very large student base here, probably because we are so close to campus,” Pietrzak said. “There are plasma donation centers located near college campuses all over Michigan and the United States.”

Despite the possible risks, students sign up to donate at Biolife because of not only monetary incentives, but prizes as well.

“Donate in March and you will be entered in a drawing to win Detroit Pistons' tickets, free food and gas cards,” states the Mount Pleasant Biolife Web site. “The more you donate, the more chances to win.”

Although donating plasma to the maximum limit may increase side effects, very little health risks are associated with the procedure if done in moderation. Plus, the plasma, which cannot be synthetically made, helps save millions of lives.

“There is a high demand nationally for plasma,” said Sarah Yonder, a university health services physician. “It is used for a wide variety of patients including those with certain blood disorders and cancers, cardiac conditions, burns, and transplants.”

Borrowed bowling ball leads to perfect game

By John Kennett
Journalism 312

A borrowed bowling ball turned into the game of a lifetime for a Midland area teen.

John Baker, 17, borrowed a Roto-Grip Saturn ball from his brother-in-law, Todd Cross, and bowled the first 300 game of his career on March 1, at Northern Lanes in the Jr. Mgr, Sr. 1 Division youth league.

“It was the first time I had ever thrown the ball,” said Baker, a senior at Bullock Creek. “(Friend) Trevor Terrill knew I was looking for a new ball and thought it would be a good one for me to use.”

Terrill just had the ball drilled the previous Wednesday and encouraged Cross to let Baker use the ball.

Originally, Cross had not planned on Baker using the ball for the whole game.

“Todd was only going to let John use the ball for a couple of shots,” said Terrill. “But, when John started off with two strikes, I told Todd to let him use the ball until he misses, which turned out to be the end of the game.”

After bowling the perfect game, Baker didn’t want to give the ball back.

“Todd definitely wanted the ball back, but my sister (Colleen) stopped him,” Baker said. “I was planning on giving it back anyways.”

Along toward the eighth frame of his perfect game, Baker started to feel the pressure that comes with the possibility of bowling a perfect game.

“I kept talking to Trevor and he settled me down between balls,” Baker said. “He told me to take it one shot at a time.”

A crowd formed around Baker as word quickly spread throughout Northern Lanes that a 300 game was in the making.

“It was kind of nerve-racking with the crowd gathered around,” Baker said. “Most everybody stopped what they were doing and watched me bowl. I was pretty much the only one bowling.”

With a 300 game on the line, Baker’s anxiety elevated in the 10th frame.

“My hands started shaking on the 11th ball,” Baker said. “After I threw the last ball, I kind of closed my eyes.”

When he opened his eyes and realized all 10 pins had fallen, he put his arms in the air and gave high-fives to teammates while the crowd began to clap and cheer.
“Three hundred games are hard to come by,” Terrill said. “He kept his head in the game. He didn’t throw a really bad shot. All his shots were pretty good shots.

The 300 game was part of a 653 series for Baker. His previous high series was 682 and best game was 290.

Baker comes from a family of bowlers.

“All my family bowls,” said Baker, who started bowling at age 3. “Bowling is a tradition in my family. My 300 game is pretty important to me.”

Baker, plans on attending either Saginaw Valley State University or Ferris State this fall where he hopes to become a member of the intercollegiate bowling team.

This spring, Baker has joined the track team for the first time and plans on throwing the shot and discus.

Edited by Justin Marr and Sheri Krotzer

Running in the family

By Sheri Krotzer
Edited by John Kennett and Ben Evers

Political careers often run in the family such as the Bush and Kennedy families.

Kingsford junior, Brad Sjoquist is also following in his father’s footsteps. Sjoquist is running for vice president of the Central Michigan University Student Government Association, alongside Reading junior presidential candidate, Paul Pridgeon.

“My dad has always encouraged me to get involved,” Sjoquist said. “He’s 100 percent behind my campaign and is pretty excited about it.”

Growing up, Sjoquist was always involved in school organizations and didn’t have too difficult a time speaking in front of people.

He often looked to his high school teachers who “helped me develop my leadership abilities quite a bit.”

Sjoquist said he "enjoys working on good causes and trying to effect change to improve the way things are."

Sjoquist’s father, Mayor Jeff Sjoquist was elected this past November in Kingsford, Mich.

"I don’t think much has changed except that I get to call him ‘Your Honor’ now,” said Sjoquist. “He has a little more work to do, but it’s more or less just being a city council member.”

Sjoquist is hoping for the best in the elections next week.

“I’m really excited,” said Sjoquist. “And I hope that students turn out in force to vote.”

Sjoquist has gained much experience working in SGA, most recently as House Leader.

“I hope to [continue] to serve students’ interests," Sjoquist said. "I think that I’ve had a lot of experience at this university in a number of different capacities that have prepared me to work well with faculty and administrators.”

Sjoquist hopes to tackle some specifics on campus.

“There are a number of issues related to four year graduation rates, textbook prices, and campus safety that we would like to look into,” Sjoquist said. “In addition, I hope to continue serving students’ needs by being an advocate for them at the Academic Senate and in other areas around campus.”

Professor and student injured in chemistry explosion

By Sarah Schuch
Edited by Amanda Crabtree, Meredith Mayberry and Kelly Morse

An explosion occurred Monday at 4:30 p.m. in a research lab on the third floor of the Dow Science Complex injuring two people.

“It was simply an experiment that went wrong,” said Stan Dinius, chief of police at Central Michigan University.

There were three people in the room, Dinius said. The third person was able to hide behind a wall.

Steve Smith, director of media relations, said Choon Lee, assistant professor of chemistry, and the student only had minor injuries.

According to a press release from CMU police, the CMU hazardous material team, Hazmat, arrived on the scene along with police and the fire department. The student and Lee were taken to Central Michigan Community Hospital and treated for their injuries.

Laura Danielson, Caledonia sophomore, said she was walking back from class when she saw two fire trucks, an ambulance and a police car, so she followed them.

Danielson said the female student was wheeled out on a stretcher. She overheard a police officer say the student was a senior working on a research project.

There was no fire in the lab, there were just a lot of chemicals, Danielson said.

The lab was cleared and cleaned up by about 5:30 p.m.

David Ash, chairman of the chemistry department, said he doesn’t know how or why this happened. He will know more when he gets the chance to talk to everybody involved.

Road Commission faces long running budget trouble

Edited by John Kennet

Local residents are paying a high price for Isabella County Road Commission's budget woes.

Due to flat revenues, financial loopholes and burdens placed on administration, Isabella County’s funds for road maintenance and repair have taken a drastic hit for 2008 resulting in roads that are in need of repair

Jasey VanHaitsma, Central Michigan University senior, dislocated the right front tire from her car and bent the rim when she drove over a pothole on Broomfield Road.

"It was dark and I could not see the hole until it was too late to avoid it,"  VanHaitsma said.  "I went back the next day to see the hole and it was huge."

She said that she was not speeding or driving recklessly when she hit the pothole.

John D. Niemela, director of the County Road Association of Michigan said that, "Michigan roads have nearly $9 million in unmet needs."

The funding for the Michigan department of transportation has not increased since 1997, yet there is high demand for new roads and road repair. 

"We need to put every available dime into road construction and repair,"  Niemela said.

The effect of low funding is taking it toll locally.  

The low funding for road repair is due in part to the diversion of money to different departments statewide.  An example given by the Isabella County Road Commission website is that money in the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF) has been used to fund grants for the Department of Treasury.

High and climbing gas prices are another financial burden for the road commission, mainly because of the large quantities of diesel fuel needed to operate the trucks and equipment needed to perform routine maintenance.  

"This never-ending demand is unavoidable, as employees must be able to drive vehicles to plow, salt and repair the roads" ,Niemela said, 'less driving would mean less maintenance and slower or incomplete repairs.

He said that routine maintenance, such as filling potholes, salting and plowing, must come first.  Projects beyond these could be delayed until funding increases.

Tony Casali, manager of the Isabella County Road Commission was not available for comment

Clare celebrates with Irish festival

Erin Hillard

Traditional Irish music could be heard through the streets of Clare this weekend as the city celebrates its 33rd Annual Irish Festival.
The festival, held the week of St. Patrick’s Day every year, began Monday, March 10, and ended Saturday, March 15.
Clare was named after a county in Ireland with the same name, and the celebrations honor this connection.
Throughout the week, several events were held, including an Irish recipe contest, a parade, and several fish fries.
Many businesses in Clare get involved in the celebration, including Bob’s Lounge, a small bar which held a fish fry and Reuben sandwich special on Friday.
People came from all over to partake in the events, bringing a lot of business to the local shops.
“We came here this morning and we’ve already done some shopping and we’ve walked the downtown strip,” said Peggy McMillan, who came to the festival for the first time this year.
She reserved a room at the Doherty Hotel with her sister, Sharon Clark.
“I figure this festival has to be good because we had to book the hotel months in advance,” Clark said.
The sisters were looking forward to several activities, including the parade and the craft show, held at the Clare Primary School.
Clark and McMillan said they enjoyed the festival so much they planned on making it a yearly tradition.
“We’re already thinking about reserving a room for next year,” McMillan said.

Edited by Mariah Richards and John Morelli

CMU football meets its toughest opponent

The program’s 2008 schedule
features new rivals, challenges

By: Dan Schultz

Edited by: Alexis Kowaleski and Trisha VanKoughnett

With an impressive 2007-08 season under their belt, the Central Michigan University Chippewas find a greater obstacle in the 2008—their schedule.

The Mid-American Conference announced March 11 the 2008 schedule for Central Michigan University, including opponents such as Purdue, Temple and defending Sugar Bowl champion Georgia.

But with larger opponents come larger rewards.

CMU will host a pair of appearances on the ESPN networks. ESPN2 or ESPN 360 will televise the game Nov. 12 against Northern Illinois, a team which finished last in the conference last season. The following Wednesday, Nov. 19, CMU will match up with Ball State in a televised bout on ESPN2.

“Our program has benefited greatly from the exposure we receive on ESPN,” said CMU head coach Butch Jones in an interview on cmuchippewas.com.

“Everywhere we go, people recognize the flying ‘C’ and know about Central Michigan football.”

The CMU football program has certainly earned recognition.

The two-time defending MAC champion boasts an offensive package backed by quarterback Dan LeFevour, the second player in Division I Football Bowl Subdivision history to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a single season.

“2008 has a lot of potential for CMU,” Tamra Fletcher said. Fletcher, an avid supporter of CMU football and recent alumna, was surprised with the performance of CMU over the last two seasons.

“We had our tough times… but it seems like each game we (the fans) know CMU can compete on any level,” Fletcher, a Mount Pleasant resident, explains. “It’s a relatively new feeling.”

The new schedule excites some, and worries others, like Cory Richards.

“It’s definitely a whole new playing field, with teams like Georgia and Buffalo thrown into the mix,” the Lapeer senior said.

CMU is 3-1 all-time against Buffalo, which will be making its first trek to CMU’s Kelly/Shorts Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 27. Georgia, a team touted to possibly reach No. 1 this year, plays CMU on Saturday, Sept. 6.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited,” Richards said. “But it’s not going to be easy.”

Local bars celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day twice
By: Noah Shepardson
Edited By: Trisha VanKoughnett, Alexis Kowaleski

News from the Vatican that St. Patrick’s Day will is moved to Saturday, March 15, rather than the traditional March 17, has come as a welcomed surprise to local bar owners of Union Township.

The Pope issued a directive to move the official celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day to March 15, the Saturday before Holy Week, which is the week leading up to Easter Sunday.

Dave Hunter, Owner of O’Kelly’s Sports Bar and Grille, anticipates a big crowd on both days.

“We were going to celebrate (Saint Patrick’s Day) on both days regardless of the Vatican’s decision,” said Hunter. “This is a college town and lots of students have class on Monday so we wanted to make sure we celebrated the holiday weekend along with the actual day itself.”

“I’m glad that the bars are having all the drink specials on both days. I have an exam on Monday so I won’t be able to go out. Saturday is my day to celebrate”, said Central Michigan University senior Rachel Patterson of Harrison.

Coco Joes, O’Kelly’s Sports Bar and Grille, The Greenspot Pub and Buffalo Wild Wings will all be serving drink specials early Saturday morning in honor of Saint Patrick’s Day.

New Student Meeting

Alexis Kowaleski

Edited by : Trisha VanKoughnett, Noah Shephardson, Dan Schultz

Shepherd Schools is asking that parents of future Kindergarten students please attend the important meeting Wednesday, March 12 at 6:30 at the Shepherd High School Cafeteria.

It is important to note that parents are asked not to bring their children with them but they should bring their child’s shot records, social security card, birth certificate and proof of residency.

To qualify for the 2008-2009 Kindergarten year students must be 5 years old by December 1, 2008.

For any further questions about the Kindergarten Roundup parents are urged to call the Shepherd Elementary at 989-828-5998.

Broadcast professional offers words of wisdom

By Kelly Morse

Edited By Meredith Mayberry, Sarah Schuch, and Amanda Crabtree

Ned Waugaman advised an audience of about 300 people at the National Broadcasting Society’s annual convention to live their lives by the ABC’s.

Waugaman, vice president of customer service and training for Arbitron Company, said attitudes, behaviors and consequences make or break a person, not only in the broadcast industry but in life.

The convention, located at the Disneyland Park in Anaheim California started Tuesday, March 11 and commences Saturday evening.

Waugaman has given motivational speeches to more than 25,000 people over the past 10 years on goal setting and personal achievement.

“It really made sense when he talked about focusing on the future, and not dwelling on the past,” said Chester Krowll, a Ravenna junior and speakers and tours chair of Central Michigan University's National Broadcasting Society.

The speaker used the analogy of driving a car to emphasize one of his points about focusing on the future. Waugaman said to focus on the road ahead of and not in the rear view mirror.

“I kinda thought he was an average speaker,” said Justine Mooney, a Muskegon sophomore and public relations and community service chair of NBS. “I think he didn’t say anything that I didn’t know before.”

Midland School Board considers declining enrollment

By John Kennett
Journalism 312

Declining enrollment continues to be a major concern for the Midland Public School Board of Education.

Monday, Linda Cline, MPS director of finance, shared projected enrollment with the MPS School Board for the 2008-09 school year.

After consulting with Stanfred Consultants out of Lansing, Cline stated that MPS would base its 2008-09 budget on an anticipated enrollment of 9011 students. This represents a drop in enrollment of 144 students from the 2007-08 school year.

Each student represents $8,848 in state aid, meaning that MPS will have approximately $1.37 million less for the 2008-09 school year.

“There is not a lot of good news,” said Cline. “Our kindergartens are getting smaller.”

Stating statistics from the Michigan Department of Community Health regarding the number of live births since 1994, Cline mentioned that Midland County has a greater percentage decrease overall than the state of Michigan.

The time period of 1994-present has seen Michigan’s live births decline by 7.5 percent while the same rate in Midland County has decreased by 19.6 percent.

Since 2001, live births in Midland County have declined 14.1 percent while statewide there has been a 7.5 percent decrease.

In other items, the school board received a report from the Advisory Board on Instruction in Sex Education and Birth Control regarding sex education curriculum for use in the eighth grade Topics for Teens classes and high school Health and Wellness classes.

The advisory board has reviewed and approved the DVD, ‘Sex Still has a Price Tag’ (public school edition).

The school board will vote on the DVD at its next meeting March 24. Anyone desiring to preview these materials may do so by contacting Jeff Pennex, MPS coordinator of physical education and health, at 923-7945.

Colleen Horrocks addressed the board regarding her desire to see the book publishing industry implement a labeling/rating system similar to the system used in motion pictures, video games, television and movies.

“I am asking for guidance from (the MPS school Board) regarding this issue,” said Horrocks. “I also want awareness to be raised about this issue.”

This issue started when Horrocks’ seventh grade daughter brought home the book “Winds of Fate”, by Mercedes Lackey, from the Jefferson Middle School library containing sexually explicit material.

The school board also unanimously passed a proposal to discontinue membership in the North Central Association. Presently, MPS is receiving accreditation from both NCA and Ed Yes! Michigan.

A concern was raised regarding whether MPS graduates would be able to get into the university of their choice without NCA accreditation.

Several universities were contacted and stated that as long as the district schools have the state of Michigan endorsement, students would be OK in completing the application process.

Also Monday, Kathleen Ellison, MPS director of curriculum, presented a recommendation from the Staff/Curriculum Development Committee of 29 proposed curriculum changes. The proposed changes would cost $176,489, which Ellison stated is within the budgeted amount for these changes.

The board unanimously approved all 29 recommendations.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the MPS School Board will be March 24 at 7 p.m.

Edited by Ben Evers and Sheri Krotzer

Central students learn about studying abroad in forum

By: John Morelli

Edited by: Erin Hillard and Mariah Richards

Central Michigan University peer and study abroad advisors met in the Bovee University Center Wednesday with students to discuss options for studying abroad and student teaching in an open forum.

A dozen Central students were in attendance with questions and answers about the program and some of the benefits of teaching or studying abroad.

“It was very informative,” said Mike Mueller, a Warren junior. “The discussion provided me with a lot of insight into what I may be getting myself into.”

Many scholarships are provided for students who teach or study abroad. They can be anywhere from $2 thousand to $15 thousand.

The advisors discussed what may happen in a typical day and highlighted many of the things people should try to do and avoid while over seas.

“If you spend 5 hours looking on Facebook, you lost 5 hours you could have spent seeing the country,” said study abroad advisor Amber Schneider.

Schneider also warned that Americans stereotypically wear white tennis shoes and baseball caps and by doing these things you will stick out.

“You don’t need to hide who you are though,” Will Sartore said. The Grand Rapids junior studied for five months in South Africa last semester.

Sartore said there were many Americans studying there as well and they all stick out as soon as they begin to speak. Schneider agreed with this adding that something to try to control is the volume of your voice while overseas because Americans tend to speak louder than people of most other countries.

“There are many long-term benefits to studying abroad,” Sartore said. He plans on continuing to see the world and teach English in Vietnam in the future.

“You’ve never had pineapple or papaya until you’ve had it in Ghana or somewhere on the equator,” Schneider said. She commented many times that teaching and studying abroad were some of her favorite memories.

Carnegie classes teach local educators

By: Amanda Crabtree

Dale Carnegie designed a communication class so inspirational to Jon Morey, a local businessman, he decided to pay for local educators to attend the classes.

“He is doing such a service for the community by doing this,” said Natalie Merryman, pre-school teacher at Morey Public School Academy.

Merryman had nothing but praise for Wendy Groll, the “phenomenal” Carnegie trainer, and assistant Cindy, who worked with local educators and business people from Dow Chemical and at least five different schools, including Morey, Beal City and St. Joseph.

The Dale Carnegie class consisted of 12 weekly meetings where teachers from all levels, a superintendent, school counselors and even one kitchen staff person learned how to use familiar skills in a way to make a difference in children’s lives.

During the classes participants shared stories from their classrooms as well as extremely personal stories, including overcoming dyslexia and attending special education classes as children.

“Not only did it change all of our lives, but we grew so close I would do anything for any of them,” Merryman said of her fellow educators.

The Carnegie class takes skills people already know, such as listening to others and avoiding arguments, and making sure people actually apply them to real life. While most people see these actions as common sense, some do not often practice this proper communication with others.

Merryman said the classes were fun and face paced, and the participants were frequently put out of their comfort zones.

Participants voted to give their peers awards, “They meant so much coming from people you know,” Merryman said. The kitchen staff person won the “gold key,” the highest award given. Anyone in contact with children can make a difference in their lives, not just their teachers, Merryman said.

Dale Carnegie training is represented in all 50 states, as well as 75 other countries. Founded in 1912, the training is based on Carnegie’s belief in the power of self-improvement, according to dalecarnegie.com

Edited by Meredith Mayberry and Kelly Morse

Visa no longer an option for students

By Meredith Mayberry
Edited by Sarah Schuch and Kelly Morse

Beginning July 1, Central Michigan University will no longer accept Visa for tuition payments.

Paying with a credit card requires an extra payment for processing the transaction, said David Burdette, vice president for Finance and Administrative Services.

Burdette said Visa was different than other credit card companies in one important way.

“Visa charges a flat rate, so if a student makes a $20 payment, it would be exurbanite,” Burdette said.

The Vice President said companies such as MasterCard and Discover Card charge percentages rather than fixed rates.

Visa is not the only affected payment plan, however. All credit card payments will require an additional charge of 2.75 percent of the payment.

“That number is the rate that’s charged by the third party, which handles the payment,” Burdette said.

Third party carriers are middlemen in the payment process of credit cards and charge for their services, he said.

“They only give us the net amount of what the bill is,” Burdette said of the University.

Thomas Anthony, a faculty member in the department of Finance and Law, said the convenience fee, or handling fee, is relative to a percentage based on account activity.

Anthony said the fee would decrease with increased activity.

“If I made $1 million, the fee would be considerably less than if I made $100,” Anthony said.

Visa, however, does not operate based on percentages. Their fixed rate creates a problem for students who use credit cards to pay for tuition and books for convenience’ sake.

“For a lot of students, it’s just an easy way to pay,” Anthony said.

Burdette said there is a staggering amount of students who will be affected by this new policy.

“I don’t know of the exact number,” he said, “but the percent of students who pay with credit cards is higher than I thought it was.”

Health care for all might not be the best system

By Sarah Schuch

Edited by Amanda Crabtree, Kelly Morse and Meredith Mayberry

Government run health care will become a hot topic of discussion next week at Central Michigan University. Is it right for the United States?

20/20 investigative reporter John Stossel will be visiting CMU March 19 to give a speech “Socialized Medicine Stinks” in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium.

Isaac Morehouse, director for Students for a Free Economy, said socialized medicine refers to any health care system that is completely run by the government. The application of the system meant a lot of government regulations and restrictions.

“There are a lot of problems with health care in the U.S.,” Morehouse said. “The answer is not more government but less government.”

Chase Canning, Herrig sophomore and Campus Conservatives member, socialized health care has the benefit of everyone having health care. But it can be deceiving, he said.

“I think if you tell anyone they get something for free they want it,” Morehouse said.

However, there is a cost. The cost is the quality, Morehouse said.

Canning said it costs taxpayers so much and eliminates the private health care industry. It would take away the incentive for people to become doctors because they wouldn’t be making as much working for the government.

“It would cost America so much more than it would help,” he said.

Dennis Lennox, Topinabee junior, said some prefer socialized medicine because it favors a system of institution where the responsibility doesn't fall on the consumer but the state.

Governments with socialized medicine give patients a list of doctors they can see, Lennox said.

"I think each person should look out for themselves," Lennox said. "I don't want (my health care) to be decided on the whim of the government."

Morehouse said there are solutions which Stossel will address that are beneficial to the U.S. but move away from socialized medicine. One positive solution would be to get rid of a lot of government mandates on insurance companies.

Another draw back of “free” health care for all is that with so many people getting health care eventually the government has to start rationing what people can and cannot get. The cost is quality, Morehouse said.

In Canada where there is socialized health care individuals can be put on a waiting list for several months for something like a MRI, CAT scan or surgery, Morehouse said.

“People actually die on waiting lists,” he said.

In the “20/20” special “Sick in America: Whose Body Is It, anyway?” hosted by Stossel, he looks at the insurance industries, the need for competition to create better care and experiments aimed at combining lower costs with better medicine.

Morehouse encourages everyone to attend Stossel’s speech even if they don’t agree with what he has to say.

“(Stossel’s) good at digging up facts,” he said. “They might learn something new.”