Montage The
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St. Louis Community College–Meramec
Jan. 27th, 2011 Vol. 46 Issue 8
Faces of Meramec An inside look at STLCC-Meramec’s diverse personalities
Zerrie Campbell Interim President
Mike Cucchi Women’s Soccer Coach
Mourice ‘Moe’ Holmes Student-Turned-D.J.
Zerrie Campbell is the interim president of STLCC-Meramec. Ever since the resignation of ex-President Paul Pai, Ph.D., Campbell has taken the reigns and led the campus forward. Campbell often eats lunch with students in the Student Center. She has been involved in several decisions that have directly affected the Meramec campus, including the current smoking ban, the TRIO grant, and Achieving the Dream. “Last semester was a really positive, stimulating experience as I got to know many people,” Campbell said. “It’s been a very fulfilling fall... I’m excited at seeing Meramec come alive in the spring.”
Mike Cucchi has spent the past six seasons as an assistant coach for the women’s soccer team and the now defunct men’s team. However, Cucchi can now erase the “assistant” part of his job title. Effective Jan. 10, Cucchi received the women’s head coaching position after longtime head coach Jeff Karl retired in early December 2010. “It’s an honor with a lot of pressure and with some big shoes to fill,” Cucchi told Meramec after receiving the promotion. “Jeff [Karl] did a marvelous job through the years. It’s a very, very sought-after job and I’m just honored to have the opportunity.”
A former Meramec student who graduated in the ‘90s, Maurice “Moe” Holmes now hosts an online radio show about punk rock in St. Louis. His show, “Moe’s Big Takeover,” has reached audiences as far as the United Kingdom. After noticing the female demographic in punk rock, he shifted his show toward both men and women. The Meramec graduate attempts to revitalize St. Louis’ punk scene by hosting local bands on his program. “Meramec kicked off my career as far as me having such a profound intrigue for writing and exploring my writing abilities,” Holmes explained.
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Montage Reader Poll Where do you get most of your music?
A. I buy most of it online. B. I download most of it via file shares and torrents. C. I generally buy the CDs at the store.
Jan. 28 Poll Question
Are you taking an online class?
To vote, visit: www.meramecmontage.com
C 33%
A 33% B 33%
5
Online classes make learning more convenient
7
Tim Godfrey Student Comedian
Student Tim Godfrey decided to try stand-up comedy after a friend’s suggestion. His goal was to make every single member of the audience chuckle. With the support of his family and friends, his self-described hardworking attitude drives him to give his all in each performance. Godfrey tells about his experiences as he took the stage at open-mic night. “When I go up there I feel like I’ve inhaled all this air and I can’t let it out,” Godfrey said. “So I’ll just cough or something and let it all out, and you know have no regrets and let it all out, not thinking about any mistakes I make and just go with the flow.”
St. Louis crime rates are in a league of their own Students find benefits in It’s the violent acts of taking online courses stupid people that make it all possible
See Page 9 ILLUSTRATION BY: KAIT THOMAS
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Jeff Karl retires from women’s soccer Lady Magic coach of 28 seasons retires with 330 career victories
2 NEWS
January 27, 2011
Meramec Campus
Meramec Campus Healthy Sex and Relationship Day On Feb. 9, Campus Life is hosting a safe sex and relationship event in the Student Center lobby from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. The event will host visitors from Planned Parenthood, the Meramec Counceling Department and many other organizations as they speak about practicing safe sex. Campus Life will have a photo booth for couples and trivia games for students to win various prizes. For more information call 314984-7641.
Eating Disorders Awareness Week From Feb.8 to Feb. 22, Meramec will be displaying a variety of artwork to help raise awareness about eating disorders. According to the St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute press release, “The display was an event for Fat Talk Free Week, a public awareness effort to draw attention to the damaging impact of the ‘thin ideal’ on women’s self-esteem.” The event will be held in the humanities building lobby.
CAMPUS
BRIEFS Florissant Valley Campus
Florissant Valley Campus Kick-Off Celebration On Feb. 2, Florissant Valley introduce Wendell Covington as a keynote speaker for their kick-off celebration. The celebration will also feature the spirit of Angela-Kumasi Nankama Aswad Kambeng African Dance and Drumming. The musical performances will be performed by Florissant Valley students as they act out the life of Missouri legend Elijah Lovejoy. Located in the Student Center, multipurpose room the show will start at 11 a.m. and end at 1 p.m.
Tolkien Adventure Community The Tolkien Adventure Community is an organization dedicated to the contemplation, discussion and enjoyment of all things associated in some way with the fantastic and mythic universe created by the English author J. R. R. Tolkien. The fellowship is open to all those affiliated with St. Louis Community College. For those who seek access to the world of fantasy inspired by Middle Earth, be it through literature, Inkling studies, film, gaming or travel can contact sponsor Paul Nygard at 314-513-4419. FEATURE PHOTO BY: JOSEPH DOUGLAS
During the winter break, the former child care center was scheduled to be torn down, interim President Zerrie Campbell said. However, due to a protection law, the demolition was unable to commence because of a tree on the day care grounds.
Students with disAbilities
have Access at STLCC.
St. Louis Community College makes every reasonable effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you have accommodation needs, please contact the Access office at the campus where you are registered. While accommodations may be requested at any time, some accommodations may require many weeks to arrange. Florissant Valley Access Office 3400 Pershall Road St. Louis, MO 63135-1499 E-mail: fvaccess@stlcc.edu Phone: 314-513-4551 Fax: 314-513-4876 Relay Missouri: 711
Forest Park Access Office
Meramec Access Office
5600 Oakland Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110-1393 E-mail: fpaccess@stlcc.edu Phone: 314-644-9039 Fax: 314-951-9439 Relay Missouri: 711
11333 Big Bend Road Kirkwood, MO 63122-5799 E-mail: mcaccess@stlcc.edu Phone: 314-984-7673 Fax: 314-984-7123 Relay Missouri: 711
Wildwood Student Enrollment and Disability Support Services 2645 Generations Drive Wildwood, MO 63040-1168 E-mail: wwaccess@stlcc.edu Phone: 636-422-2000 Fax: 636-422-2050 Relay Missouri: 711
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NEWS
January 27, 2011
Students find a balance with online learning Kelly Glueck - Staff Writer -
In today’s world, balancing work, school and family may be a heavy burden. STLCC-Meramec online student Stephanie Amm relies on the convenience of her online courses. It gives her the flexibility to work, take care of her family, and progress toward a degree in information reporting technology (IRT). “I wouldn’t be able to complete this degree of study if it weren’t for online courses. The flexibility of online course scheduling allows me to work, take care of my family, and go to school,” Amm said. The demand for online classes at Meramec has encouraged a broader variety in available courses. According to the course catalog archive, in the last three years, there have been 64 online classes added
to the registrar. While other programs have taken cuts, there has been an increase in online courses. Assistant Professor of Information Reporting Technology Patricia Ziegler, Ed.D., said that online courses are convenient. “It makes [school] more accessible to people, [students] don't have to be right there on campus. Plus, they can use it 24/7. I even have students submit work at two in the morning. I’m not up that late, but it works for them,” Ziegler said. The IRT or court reporting program on campus is one of 12 accredited online programs; it allows students like Nebraska resident Amm to complete her degree despite the 800-mile distance. Ziegler said that military personnel will sometimes
take online classes to complete degrees while moving from military base to military base. While online courses can make schooling more accessible, some students may carry a misconception about enrolling in an online course. Associate Professor of English, Richard Long, Ph.D., said the following about the potential misconceptions that a student might have while enrolling in an online course. “I think some students think they will come to an online course thinking it's self-paced and that they can do the work when they want to do it. Within some boundaries they can, but then, also, they can't because there are deadlines,” Long said. The figurative doubleedged sword of the online
3
PHOTO BY: KELLY GLUECK
Students Mesker Sisley and Brittany Sanders use their free time between classes to work on their online coursework. Computer labs on campus are places for online students to work on coursework between classes.
class can allow a student the freedom to complete work on their own time, while also allowing room for error in meeting deadlines and staying on pace. According to Accounting Professor and department Chair Markus Ahrens success in an online course can depend on the motivation
of the student. “It really depends on what type of learner they are, what I mean by that it that, is a person in an online course needs to be self-motivated so that they can stay on pace to have everything done, they also need to realize that online is not an easy form of the course,” Ahrens said.
Zerrie Campbell sees glass ‘half full’ at the halfway mark of term Kurt Oberreither - Staff Writer -
Interim President Zerrie Campbell’s term at STLCCMeramec has reached the halfway mark, but she said the glass is half full. When classes resume in fall of 2011, a different face will be behind the president’s desk. Meanwhile, Campbell is determined to make the most of her time at Meramec. Campbell said she is very satisfied with how she has been perceived, and she looks forward to what the spring has to offer. “Last semester was a really positive, stimulating experience as I got to know many people,” Campbell said. “It’s been a very fulfilling fall.” Throughout the semester, Campbell has spent lunchtime in the cafeteria. She said the cafeteria has been a forum for her to touch base with students, faculty and staff, and to enjoy a bite to eat. “The activity level and the energy level at Meramec is invigorating,” Campbell said. From basketball games and chili cook-offs to work on important initiatives, Campbell said she has enjoyed supporting faculty, staff and students. “There have been efforts and attempts from all constituencies to understand, to communicate, to engage and to exchange ideas even if we don’t agree,” Campbell said. Campbell said commencement is an exciting part of the spring semester and she is charged up about college-wide initiatives and challenges. “I’m looking forward to continuing the dialogue
on Achieving the Dream with the rest of the college to identify strategies that we’re going to experiment with and improving the opportunity for folks to learn,” Campbell said. Another issue Campbell said she is anxious to attend to is the 2012 fiscal year’s budget concerns. “I’m looking forward to settling that because right now people are unsettled,” Campbell said. “We’ve got some decisions to make on how we’re going to address the budget struggle and that’s as a college.” Campbell suggests to the future president that the key to a “successful engagement“ in any leadership position is communication. “Always keep the lines of communication open no matter who the constituents
are. Always be accessible to provide clarification,” Campbell said. “That’s more important than anything.” Campbell said clarification is another equally important aspect of leadership. “I have found that when people understand the context, we understand the attendant issues. It kind of helps melt away any natural suspicions that occur or questions about people’s motives, and once you establish that as a course of action, then people don’t waste time deciding if they’re going to believe you or not.” Prior to her time at STLCC, Campbell was on the move traveling on cruise ships. Although she said she looks forward to continuing her travels, Campbell said she is anticipating a new start
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and more opportunities to improve higher education at Meramec. “I’m excited at seeing Meramec come alive in the spring,” Campbell said.
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OPINIONS Pursuit of Happiness
Self-improvement
A little at a time
Joe Douglas
- Editor-in-Chief -
S
tart small. With a new year and a new semester, big is everywhere; big plans, big projects, big bills, big classes and big responsibilities. Upon returning to school, most students will be surrounded by all of the above. The key is to start small and stay small. Starting big will lead to disaster. Stephen Shapiro, author of “Goal-Free Living,” said 45 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, and 17 percent make infrequent resolutions. Not surprisingly, only 8 percent of these goalsetters consistently meet their resolutions. So what’s up? In a December 2009 article in the Wall Street Journal titled “Blame it on the Brain,” writer Jonah Lehrer described New Year’s resolutions as “exactly the wrong way to change our behavior.” Self-control, she said, is fragile and should be treated that way. The prefrontal cortex, located directly behind the forehead, is largely responsible for focus, short-term memory, solving abstract problems and willpower. Most people think willpower is controllable and trainable. However, everyone knows how fragile the will can be—especially when facing a slice of their favorite cake—and everyone is susceptible to losing their self-control. People tend to make resolutions too big to accomplish and/or too vague to follow. Bigger is not always better when setting goals. The size of the job can be daunting and overwhelming from the start. “I will lose 30 pounds by June” is a great goal, but it’s really big compared to, “I will lose 5 pounds by the end of
POLITICS
January 27, 2011
Sex
Keeping Them Honest
Politics and Media
Violent rhetoric was the cause, right?
January.” Trying to lose 5 pounds in one month vs. 30 pounds in six means the goal is 25 pounds lighter on the mind, specifically the prefrontal cortex. Going small is the best policy. Set smaller goals, or break up the bigger goals into smaller ones over a longer period of time. This will preserve the willpower that’s needed to reach those goals. Even the new years themselves should start small. All December long, people create and accumulate numerous goals and resolutions. They figuratively stuff them into a big box with a sticker that says, “Do not open till New Year’s.” Then once they open it, they suddenly realize how much crap they shoved in there. The numerous plans and responsibilities become overwhelming and are shoved aside until next year. It’s easy to get excited about all of these plans of things to try, but clumping them together just makes change that much heavier and more difficult to carry into the new year. There’s also the possibility of burnout. According to an August 2009 article “Why Willpower Often Fails” on WebMD, people have a better chance of sticking to resolutions and goals if they avoid situations that would detract them from success altogether. In other words, avoid temptation when possible and spend less time around it. The temptation to buy something or loaf on the couch can still overcome anyone’s willpower, even if the goals are smaller and more spread out. Don’t overestimate willpower. Set small goals with small time frames. Spend only small amounts of time, or less, around temptation. Eat smaller portions, spend less money, be less of a couch potato; whatever the resolution, start small.
Patrick Olds
T
- Opinions Editor -
ragic events occur in our world that lead people to question what we could have done differently to prevent them. It’s only natural that we try to solve a problem. A few weeks ago, Jared Loughner walked up to a political rally and shot U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in the head and continued on to murder a federal judge, a 9-year-old girl and four others. Only by the grace of God did a few people find the courage to disarm this killer before he did more damage. After this horrific crime, it was the national media’s duty to report what occurred. It was difficult to find a report that wasn’t already blaming people or groups who “had influenced” the shooter to commit such an act. National media were blaming lack of gun-control, the political environment, and — most of all — violent rhetoric. It had to be a problem we understood. It had to be something political. It had to be something motivated by policy differences. Why was it so hard to think that Mr. Loughner was just a murderer, a psycho — someone who didn’t have all the screws on tight? No, he had to have been influenced by the tea parties, by Rush Limbaugh, by Glenn Beck — never mind that, they never once motivated people to assassinations or murdering. There is a bigger issue on display here that everyone, most importantly college students, should take to heart. The national media believes we are to be dolts, ignorants, cattle, etc. We can’t think for ourselves; we need an explanation — and if need be fabrication — of the facts to properly explain events or issues. We must now outlaw the use of “violent political rhetoric.”
The depths that national pundits will take this truly incredible. On CNN, host John King apologized on air for something a guest said. What was the offensive statement? He apologized for his guest using the word “crosshairs,” saying that they at CNN hold themselves to a higher standard and they were really trying to “get away from” that “violent rhetoric.” Are we really that stupid? Can we not say certain words now that have anything pertaining to violence? Are we really stooping to this level of political correctness to the point where we will implement real-world word police? It’s completely asinine to think that because King’s guest said the word “crosshairs” that one of his viewers was now motivated to load his sniper rifle and kill someone. Chris Christie, governor of New Jersey, talked about the difference between “violent rhetoric” and “straight talk” on a Sunday news program. He said plainly that “violent rhetoric” had to be toned down. When questioned whether his town hall meeting, where he used the words “that’s a load of crap,” was the kind of language that needed to be toned down, he responded that there is indeed a difference between that and violent speech, straight talk is fundamental. Politicians must be available to the public and politicians should be straight with the American people. There is no other way around this. In the end, there is no way to police free speech. When hearing the words “violent rhetoric,” decide how to take it but in reality there’s no way, in this country, to police speech.
Do you feel safe on campus?
Online Columns
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That’s what she said; that’s what he said
America kicks ass
Anna Spitz - Student “Generally, I don’t feel like Kirkwood is a town that I’m going to get attacked in.”
Lukas Baner - Student “Yeah, I mean I’m a guy, and I’m not too scared of people talking to me.”
Kelly Davis - Copy Editor -
Shane Rice - News Editor -
The myths of sex and relationships Kelly and Shane explore the aspects and rumors of sexual and relationship experimentation.
Kavahn Mansouri - Art & Life Editor -
Steakhouses kick ass Is there anything better than dropping ten bucks on a steak? Better yet, is there anything more American?
Kay Blalock - Professor, Ph.D. “Yes, I’ve never felt unsafe on the campus. I’ve been in my office late, until after 10 p.m. some nights, and felt safe walking to my car. You have to be aware of your surroundings. That’s important.”
5
OPINIONS
January 27, 2011
St. Louis: gateway to crime America’s most dangerous city in 2010 needs to ‘stop being stupid’ Tim Doty
- Copy Editor -
Congratulations, St. Louis! The home of the 10-time World Champion St. Louis Cardinals, toasted ravioli, actor Jon Hamm and actress Jenna Fischer, music artists Nelly and Chuck Berry, and the Gateway Arch was the most dangerous city in the United States in 2010. Isn’t that wonderful? It shouldn’t be. While it might sound cool to say, “Hey, I live in the most dangerous city in America,” the attitude should not be prideful. Nearly every year, St. Louis, Mo. is in the
top 10 of either worst, most dangerous or most miserable cities in the country. While my hometown may not have as much notoriety as Chicago, New York or Los Angeles for crime, it is still sad this city is ranked so high on these lists every year. A recent study by CQ Press shows that St. Louis has slightly over 2,000 “violent crimes per 100,000 residents.” This is compared to a national average of about 430. These violent crimes consist of not only murder but also other incidents such as rape, assault, car theft and burglary. The list only dealt with “violent crimes;” drugs were apparently not a factor in this compilation. Categories of crimes that had to do with drugs, whether it is hallucinogenic or narcotic, dealing or possession was not
included in this list. Last time I checked, drugs are dangerous. Other than the harmful side effects on the user, they can inadvertently also cause violence. Also, with Missouri’s notoriety of being called by some the meth lab capital of the United States, I can only imagine how many more crimes would show on the list if they had included drug-related incidents. Another note of interest in the list from CQ Press is that it did not distinguish numbers between St. Louis and East St. Louis, Ill., which is quite significant. They were both lumped under St. Louis. They did, however, separate Kansas City, Kan. and Kansas City, Mo. and broke apart Gary, Ind. and Chicago, Ill. With Gary, Ind. having carried the title of murder capital of the United
States a few years back, not including them with Chicago is interesting to say the least. Why was East St. Louis, a city in a different state than Missouri, not given its own ranking? Even though St. Louis does have its fair share (probably more than it should) of crime, it would have been interesting to note how many of these 2,000 crimes happened in East St. Louis and how many unfortunate events took place west of the Mississippi. I’m not trying to place blame on any certain area of St. Louis. It’s a shame that we “won” this award, and we did it together. I am tired of tuning into the local news every night and hearing about another gang shooting or another violent rape. Then the next story comes up and it’s another murder.
I am aware that people die every day. Bad things happen. It is inevitable; it is unstoppable. It would take a group effort to help extinguish some crimes in St. Louis. We can do one thing to help lower these numbers: stop being stupid. Another gang murder, another robbery or another drug deal is just plain stupid and it will not solve any problems. There are better answers than retaliation or popping another pill or taking something from its rightful owner. Don’t do drugs, don’t shoot people (unless for selfdefense), and don’t steal. These are things we (might) have been taught, but it doesn’t seem to be reflected at all on society in general. The solution is much, much easier said than done, but it can’t be that difficult, can it?
Oink, oink, officer! You may have won the battle but I have won the war. St. Louis is the nation’s most dangerous city!
ILLUSTRATION BY: JACOB HIGHT
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InDepth The breakdown on Break-ins Thirteen cars are stolen every day in St. Louis. Are Meramec students at risk?
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY: STEPHANIE STOUGH
Shane Rice - News Editor -
Leaving an iPod in the cup holder, a GPS resting on the dash, or CDs lying in the back seat may not seem like a risk at the time, but Kirkwood Detective David Smith said, “It’s when people start thinking this way, burglars, violent offenders and car thieves strike.” Auto theft and auto break-ins are nothing new. With technology advancing, it would become harder and harder for thieves to get away. However, this is not the case. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, a car is either broken into or stolen every 26.4 seconds; a number that has decreased over the years.
Although some measures like setting an alarm, locking away personal belongings, and leaving valuables at home can be taken to better secure a person’s belongings in a vehicle, the hard truth is, “If a thief wants in, they’re going to get in,” Smith said. “One of the things thieves look at when deciding on a break-in is location. Meaning they look for places that you would not normally take a purse or a wallet with you, like a gym or an amusement park.” STLCC-Meramec Chief of Police Paul Banta said it’s usually people between the ages of 17 to 25 that commit these crimes. However, according to the Missouri department of crime records, “It’s often younger kids looking for money and cigarettes.”
Student Voices
Most cars get broken into not because the thief wants the car but because they want the expensive item lying on the seat, Banta said. “Technology has gotten expensive and there are a lot of people that are hurting for money and they will do whatever is the easiest to get it.” Banta said criminals are usually lazy. The harder it is for them to gain access, the less likely they are to pursue. “Something people often don’t think about is the advertisement they put on their vehicles,” Banta said. “By blaring their music or putting stickers on their car about what’s under the hood, they are advertising to thieves and in not so many words saying, ‘Look what I got.’”
Although car crimes happen everywhere, it is more common in urban areas, according to a FBI prevention report released in 2009. Smith said Kirkwood gets calls about car breakins but it’s not as common as other crimes in the area. Banta, who has been in law enforcement for approximately 30 years and chief of police for campus officers at Meramec for three years, said they have had one call in the three years he’s been there. “Even that one call was speculative because the lady wasn’t sure if it happened here on campus or somewhere else, but that is the only call I know of in my time here.” Smith said some of the most common items that thieves look for are money,
loose change lying in the center console, CDs, iPods, GPSs, radar detectors, car stereos, speakers and even food. “Thieves want anything and everything and a common misconception that people have is a locked door is not accessible so they feel safe leaving it out in the open.” Smith said if at all possible, leave these items at home or put them in a backpack that can be easily carried. When looking at why some areas are targeted more than others when it comes to this sort of vandalism, Banta said thieves don’t want to be seen or noticed. “Our campus is covered with cameras and we have officers patrolling at all times. Even when we’re not seen, we still see everything.”
Do you take any special precautions to prevent being a victim of car theft? “No, if they want to take my car, they can. “
Micah Usher - Student -
“I would be happy if it got stolen. I have an alarm but I hate my car. “
“I lock it. I don’t have things out in sight, but if I carry valuables with me, I put them in the trunk. “
Porsche Perkins - Student -
Pat Whitworth - Secretary for Humanities -
January 27, 2011
It’s all about
What attracts a car thief:
7
prevention Items to keep out of sight in unsupervised vehicles
STLCC-Meramec Chief of Police Paul Banta said Kirkwood is not a real highcrime area when compared to others, but crime does happen, cars get vandalized, and property does come up missing. However, there are measures people can take to secure not only their belongings but themselves as well. — Keep all valuables out of sight. Cars can contain costly pieces of removable technology whether it’s an iPod on the seat or an entire stereo system running throughout the car. To prevent theft, it may be necessary to hide valuable items.
More often that not, according to STLCC-Meramec police Chief Banta, criminals are more likely to steal or break into cars because of the contents that may be inside. One visible item in a car can attract a thief.
Food and drinks Radar detector and GPS Don’t leave radar detectors and GPS devices left out on the car dash. To protect these belongings, hide or take out their cords.
It may be easier to a car theft to get food and drinks by breaking into a car than to actually purchase it. Food bags may even make criminals curious to see if there are any leftovers. To avoid this happening, throw out food. drinks and any food related trash.
CDs Auto car thefts may see CDs, among other things, as an easy way to make cash. Instead, hide them so they will not be in sight of someone looking through the windows.
— Lock all of the doors and set the alarm. Do this every time, and double-check that it’s done. Even the worst stereo looks a lot better when a thief can just open the door and not draw attention to him/herself by doing so. “If a car doesn’t come with an alarm system then I advise looking into one,” Banta said. “Many thieves will look for the blinking of an alarm light before attempting anything, no matter what is inside.” —Park cars in a well-lit area that is crowded with people.
Cash/coins
—Know that the make and model of a car has very little to do with thievery. All the thief cares about is what’s inside.
Ultimately, the main objective for thieves is getting cash, so leaving it out in the open may tempt criminals the most.
—Don’t draw attention: Blaring music may be advertising that there is nice equipment in the car and make the car more susceptible to theft.
Purse/backpacks MP3 players The more popular the MP3 player, the more cash a criminal can make. Anything valuable that can be sold for quick cash should be kept out of sight. PHOTO ILLUSRATION BY: STEPHANIE STOUGH AND MIKE ZIEGLER PHOTO BY: JAMES CARROLL
—If a robbery does happen, don’t freak out: Call the police and parents if needed. “Unfortunately there’s very little a person can do after a theft has happened,” Banta said. —Don’t leave registration or title in the car. This may make it easier for thieves to sell the stolen car. Instead, maybe store it at home or in an office, or keep it in a purse or wallet. —Keep a spare key out of reach to a criminal. Spare keys hidden under a car are also accessible to car thefts. —Park cars with the wheels turned sideways and the emergency brake on. This makes it harder for vehicles to be towed by thieves.
Since most purses, backpacks and other bags are not clear, they may intrigue the criminal even more to see the contents inside.
The top 1. 1994 Honda Accord
10
According to a National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) report, the car models below were the most commonly stolen vehicles in 2009.
2. 1995 Honda Civic
4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup 5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup 6. 2000 Dodge Caravan 7. 1994 Chevrolet Pickup (FullSize)
3. 1991 Toyota Camry
8. 1994 Acura Integra 9. 2002 Ford Explorer 10. 2009 Toyota Corolla
ART & LIFE
On the air with Moe
January 27, 2011
Meramec graduate hosts radio show while reviving St. Louis’ punk rock scene Kurt Oberreither - Staff Writer -
Maurice “Moe” Holmes sits adjacent to a roundtable surrounded by college-aged musicians whose hipness starts on one end of the spectrum, a guy sporting a melodica and granny glasses, and ends on the other side of
the table with a bald, slightly older male with skater shoes. “Eric, let ‘em in,” Holmes said with a grin and a laugh. Curse words and laughs ensue on air. Holmes is a St. Louis punk rocker who earned his associate degree in general education in the early ‘90s at STLCC-Meramec where
his interest for writing was sparked. From there, Holmes entered the scene with a band called Striek. His dedication to music and St. Louis has remained strong to this day. Holmes explained that a creative writing course at Meramec helped him hone his abilities to write poetry and lyrics.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Maurice “Moe” Holmes hosts his radio show “Moe’s Big Takeover” on http://riverfrontradio.com. Holmes graduated from Meramec in the early ‘90s and has played in several bands in St. Louis.
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“Meramec kicked off my career as far as me having such a profound intrigue for writing and exploring my writing abilities,” Holmes said. Holmes began writing music after graduating from Meramec. When he got to the local scene, he cited a lack of community between bands and show attendees. Holmes said it’s key for bands to support each other’s music. “The punk rock scene back then was totally scattered; now it’s more family oriented, we know each other, [and] a lot of the bands that are in the punk rock scene in St. Louis attend each other’s shows,” Holmes said as sweat beads at the edge of his receding hairline under the heat in the cramped studio. When St. Louis’ punk scene was on its last leg, white flag in hand, The Exploited’s battle cry “Punk’s not dead” still rang true for Holmes. “I was the guy that gave it that breath of life— resuscitation so to speak— when it was lying on its death bed,” Holmes said. “I was the one that was like ‘No, it’s not dead because if you didn’t start punk rock, then how could you say it’s dead?’ You can’t end something that you didn’t start.” In 2008, while he was a guest at Riverfront Radio, he realized there was not a show with a punk rock format. Holmes then pitched his idea, saying there was a niche in St. Louis. “Whenever Rancid comes through, whenever Dropkick Murphys come through, when a lot of those bands come through, it’s selling out,” Holmes said. “Obviously there’s a market
for that.” Holmes got the gig ,and despite a few time slot changes, he continues to provide a hub for local, national and international acts. His show, “Moe’s Big Takeover,” sits in the noon to 2 p.m. time slot on Sundays where he enjoys the scope and lack of FCC regulation on http://riverfrontradio.com. He said his show has been received well here and even overseas. “It’s been great, I’m reaching an audience in the U.K.,” Holmes said. “They love it so I just keep it going.” After realizing the amount of women who go to concerts he attended, Holmes said he found something to set his show apart. “A lot of different radio shows are geared toward males and my show is geared toward male and female. I try to play equal amounts of artists,” Holmes said. He still contributes to the St. Louis circuit through his band, Scene of Irony. Holmes said he has toured the United Kingdom and plans to go back in March. It’s 1:57 p.m. as Holmes hands the airwaves over to his guest, Roundheels, one last time for shout-outs. The band quickly goes up to get a picture with Holmes, he goes up to snap a picture with them before rushing off to his next destination, Lemmon’s, where he is hosting an allages birthday bash for the local band Captain Dee and the Long Johns’ lead singer. Holmes hops into his blue Dodge Ram truck and roars down the street until coming to a quick stop. “You guys need a ride,” Holmes shouted.
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ART & LIFE
January 27, 2011
Standing up A day in the life of student and comedian Tim Godfrey Kavahn Mansouri - Art & Life Editor -
It’s a crowded night at Westport Plaza’s Funny Bone Comedy Club. Two waitresses serve a room with more than 80 people seated. Stand-up comedians take to the stage ready to perform. It’s open mic night, a comedian finishes up his set, another comes on. It’s getting late, and the waitresses are serving bills instead of drinks. The MC thanks the last comedian and announces, “Coming up next is the very funny Tim Godfrey.” STLCC-Meramec student Tim Godfrey describes himself as a familyoriented person, sometimes goofy and immature, but nonetheless a hard worker, willing to take on any goal he sets for himself. One goal Godfrey set for himself was to take to the stage and force the laughter out of every single member of his audience. Godfrey said he first got introduced to the idea of pursuing stand-up comedy through a co-worker. “There was a guy at my work. He would go to different comedy clubs and he told me ‘Hey man, you should go and try it.’ I put it behind me because I didn’t think I could ever do that, I
had only dreamed of doing that,” Godfrey said. Godfrey put attempting stand-up comedy on hold, but the idea did not stay away for long. “I decided I’d go down there and see what would happen, so I told 50 people I was for sure going on. I
9
a week away, the first time I did it, and I did it like six hours before, because I didn’t know what to write. So I just did little recordings on my phone like an idiot. This past one, I had a week, I wrote jokes about four times, and each time I’d chip away at them. Right now I would
“Tim is a very determined person. When he sets his mind to it, he’s going to do it.” -Tim Doty
actually had no idea if I was going on or not. I just went down there, signed up and did my thing,” Godfrey said. Godfrey takes a second, reminiscing about his first performance at the Funny Bone. “The guy [MC] says my name and when the applause comes I get psyched up, and I get arrogant and loud, and walk all over the stage and it works out. After it, it’s like a huge sigh of relief like taking a big dump,” Godfrey stops and laughs to himself for a second, “or like I just told the truth to somebody, and it feels great,” Godfrey said. Godfrey said at first jokes didn’t come easy. “I’ll start writing like
write a joke if it came to mind,” Godfrey said. Godfrey said that after each set is over, he remembers to take mental notes about what went well and what went poorly. “I realize each time that I’m not as good as I think I am before I go on. I try taking mental notes of what I think I did wrong. Some positives, but mostly work on things I thought was not so great.” Godfrey said that his first time on stage forced him to take a deep breath and go with it. “I am always full of myself, so confidence isn’t really a big problem for me. The nervousnes and the stage fright kind of gets me.
PHOTO BY: KAVAHN MANSOURI
Tim Godfrey was introduced to the idea of stand-up comedy through an old co-worker who pushed him to try comedy out.
PHOTO BY: KAVAHN MANSOURI
Tm Godfrey performs at open mic night a Westport’s Funny Bone comedy club. Godfrey first started stand-up comedy with his friend and fellow student Tim Doty.
When I go up there, I feel like I’ve inhaled all this air and I can’t let it out,” Godfrey said. “So I’ll just cough or something and let it all out, have no regrets, not thinking about any mistakes I make and just go with the flow.” Godfrey is not alone in his conquest for laughter. When he got started, he shot the idea at his friend and fellow Meramec student Tim Doty. “When I first started the idea, I told Doty me and him were both going to do it. Well of course, Tim said ‘You go first’,” Godfrey said. “I finally dragged his ass down there, and from then on I said ‘every time I go down there I’m going to call you up ’.” Godfrey and Doty met during their sophomore year of high school at Oakville Senior High school. Doty recalls himself singing the Jim Croce song “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” when Godfrey chimed in during the chorus. Doty said that from that day on the two grew to be good friends. Doty said that Godfrey is someone who sets goals for himself that he will not give up on. “Tim is a very determined person, when he sets his mind to it he’s going to do it. He said almost a year ago, all the way back in January, ‘Let’s do it.’ I was a little hesitant, but I knew he was going to go do it. I had written a little bit of material, but performance wise I didn’t really want to
do it. But then I saw how into it Tim was, how pumped he was for it, and I said ‘You know what, I’m going to do it’,” Doty said. Doty said the brainstorming process he and Godfrey share helps their writing process. “It’s a back-and-forth between us. We both bounce ideas off each other. Friday nights if there is nothing going on we would go meet at a restaurant and bounce ideas off each other, give each other input and feedback on our material, and really say ‘Oh, I think this would be great if you said this, this describes you exactly’,” Doty said. Doty said that it is impressive to see Godfrey stand in front of a crowd. “It’s a big support thing, because how many other people can say that they’ve gone up and done standup in front of a fairly large crowd. It’s not something that’s easy at all. That’s another thing about Tim, he’s determined, no matter what the difficulty is he’s going to try his hardest at it,” Doty said. Godfrey always brings his family and friends to the Funny Bone when he performs. He said this helps him with his nerves and gives him more to take away from the gig. “It’s the experience, seeing family and friends, supporting me. The fact that I can make them and strangers laugh is a great feeling,” Godfrey said.
10 ART & LIFE
January 27, 2011
Ready for takeoff
Student finds passion through earning private pilot license Luelana Bustamante - Staff Writer -
During his second semester at STLCC-Meramec, Mike Beary, 34, decided to change the path of his life after witnessing his father’s passing from pancreatic cancer. “My father always pushed me to get my license to fly airplanes and I took it for about 20 hours, but it was boring for me,” Beary said. “Then, when he was in the hospital one night before he died, it just occurred to me why I just don’t try to fly a helicopter?” Shortly after, he quit his job, left New York, and moved back to St. Louis, where he lived with his mother. Beary arrived in St. Louis with a dream to fly high: a dream to become a helicopter pilot. Beary explained why he decided to be a helicopter pilot and how he got his start. Although Beary’s father worked as an airplane pilot in New York, Beary’s desire to fly helicopters came as a self-realization after his father passed away. “Basically, him passing away and not being there to push me made me realize that I wanted to do it for my own benefit,” Beary said.
In December of 2008, Beary took helicopter lessons. Two times a week for four months, Beary went to Midwest Rotor, located at Parks Airport in downtown St. Louis, to learn how to fly in the Dual R22, a two-seat, small, white helicopter. For these classes, he paid $250 per hour. After more than 40 hours of practicing through winter weather, Beary got his private pilot license in April of 2009. “There are not many crazyenough people who do classes during the winter time. It takes a while for those things to heat up,” Beary said. Frank Spavale, the owner of the Midwest Rotor flight training school, said winter weather makes flying a breeze. Flying a helicopter is very draining, Beary said. Pilots have to use both legs and hands at all times during the flight. After his first 30-minute lesson, he was so tired he headed home and took a nap. “I thought I would never be able to learn how to fly this thing. It is so tense,” Beary said. “Your legs, hands and butt are tense all the time and you are sitting like this for half an hour.” Even though flying a helicopter
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Mike Beary prepares to fly a helicopter. Beary earned his private pilot license in April of 2009. Beary learned to fly at Midwest Rotor in downtown St. Louis.
is exhausting, Beary said he had considered flying helicopters as a full-time job after getting his license, but he changed his plans. Beary now plans to study medicine, which led him to STLCC where he now studies. He currently takes classes at Meramec and Florissant Valley
campus simultaneously. Beary said that he will continue to fly helicopters in the future. “I really love flying helicopters and it’s pretty exciting, but I don’t want to do it as a career. Eventually, I would become an instructor, but just as a side job,” Beary said.
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SPORTS
January 27, 2011
Karl hangs up the cleats after 28 seasons
Magic coach retires with the most wins in NJCAA women’s soccer history Spencer Gleason - Sports Editor -
There has only been one women’s soccer coach at STLCCMeramec—ever. Since 1982, Jeff Karl has held that position and led the women’s soccer team to more wins than that of any other in the country. But time has a way of catching up, and on Dec. 2, 2010, it became official. After 330 victories and 28 seasons, Karl entered the world of retirement as the alltime wins leader for a
women’s soccer coach in junior college history. Karl expressed his appreciation for the program in a STLCC press release. “Leaving Meramec as the alltime wins leader shows the consistency this program has shown. It shows the hard work and dedication that many players have given to achieve success. I’m very proud of this achievement and so very grateful to so many,” Karl said. Karl’s career record of 330-137-38 gives him
a .653 career winning percentage. Throughout his coaching career, Meramec captured 13 Region XVI championships and six district titles. Ten times Karl’s squad found themselves in the country’s top 10 and competing in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) soccer tournament. The runs to the NJCAA tournament were highlighted by back-to-back national championships in 1991 and 1992 when the then-
Look who’s coaching now
—Name: Mike Cucchi —As a midfielder for Rockhurst University, Cucchi helped lead the Hawks to the NAIA Final Four as a junior and to the national championship game as a senior. —Men’s Magic assistant coach from 2005 to 2007. —Women’s Magic assistant coach from 2008 to 2010. —Named Women’s Soccer head coach in early January 2011.
Warriors outscored their opponents a combined 7-0 in the championship games in the two years. “Winning the national titles was really awesome and the greatest feeling at the time,” Karl said. “I will always remember the great ladies that have given so much to be a part of a truly special moment in our lives.” Throughout the years, Karl took the time to teach his players the ins and outs of the game. He always looked for a way to make his players
better and prepare them for a four-year school. “He was a great guy to be around,” said Amanda Aholt, Magic soccer player in 2003 and 2004. “He taught me a lot about methods and shooting. It was fun playing for him, but he was serious come game time.” Karl accomplished the feat of sending off numerous students to four-year schools with scholarships. In just under three decades, he had 37 NJCAA All-Americans
and a plaque with his name on it sits in two halls of fame—the Magic Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame. “He was the first coach I had that loved his job,” Aholt said. “It was in his heart. We could go to him for anything. He was like a father figure.” During halftime of the women’s basketball game on Feb. 9, Meramec will honor Karl and the past 28 seasons of women’s soccer at Meramec.
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12 SPORTS
January 27, 2011
Weaving Magic on, off the court
Women’s basketball team takes care of grades and opponents, recieves President’s Cup Spencer Gleason - Sports Editor -
With all the hoop-la surrounding the men’s Magic basketball team and head coach Randy Albrecht’s 700th career win earlier this season, the lady Magic have brought their “A” game to the court and in the classroom. In just her second season at the helm, head coach Shelly Ethridge has led the Magic to their best start ever in its program’s history. With a record of 16-1 and averaging just over 70 points per game, the
lady Magic are ranked number 20 in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) polls that were released on Jan. 19. “Our kids have a goal in mind,” said Ethridge during a post-game interview after their win against Penn Valley, 72-56. “They would like to be undefeated, but we’re taking it one game at a time. We don’t look past tomorrow. We realize that everybody’s getting better and anybody can be beaten on a given night. So we know we have to play come game time.”
Taking the goals they have set for themselves on and off the court to heart, the lady Magic have scored another kind of victory; this time in the classroom. When it comes to opening up a textbook and doing their homework, the lady Magic have proven they are a grade-A squad. Collectively, they posted the highest composite gradepoint average for the fall 2010 semester. STLCC-Meramec Interim President Zerrie Campbell presented the 13-member squad with the President’s Cup, the highest
honor a team can receive for their academic success. “It’s just fantastic,” Ethridge told Meramec after receiving the award. “I’m so elated for this team because they’ve worked so hard and deserve all the accolades that they’re getting. Not only are we doing the job on the court, but we also won the President’s Cup academically, so they’re getting the job done in the classroom as well. I’m really proud of this team.” From the get-go, Ethridge has stayed the course, keeping her
preaching to the Magic the same since preseason began. School comes first, play is second. Her team has responded by winning. They have won not just in the game of basketball but in the classroom as well. “Being 16 and 1 is just fantastic and I’m really happy about that,” Ethridge said, “but most important is that our kids are getting the job done in the classroom. Academics come first with my team and basketball is second. Receiving the President’s Cup is the best award that we could receive.”
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