Relying on the imperfect
Opinion by Collegiate Editorial Board

In this world of technology, service, and interaction with all different kinds of people, students need to be diligent and pay attention to their own affairs.

For example, Clayton Jipping, who had trouble with the GRCC Web site not dropping his class, was tired of dealing with the different departments in the school because of it.

He probably handled his frustration as well as he could have at that time, but maybe the
situation could have been prevented if he stayed more involved. Students should prepare themselves for such incidents.

This college is not perfect; there are departments here that can drive a student crazy when
they deal with them. We could name a few, but not at this time.

Everyone should know technology is not going to make everything right either. Glitches can
happen, or students do not follow through with all the steps. It has happened, and will most likely continue to happen.

GRCC is an educational system, but it is also a business and is run like a business. The staff here is not going to do anyone a favor, go out of their way to make sure individual’s classes are right or that they are on the right path for their educational plans.

As students, we will have to pay special attention to paperwork at GRCC and be sure to remain diligent when dealing with departments at the college.

Students can stand by, trust everything is fine, and not worry. That is the student’s responsibility, and they should seek the appropriate answer from the appropriate staff.
Students however, should not act like irrational idiots when questioning a possible error, or when making an appointment to see a staff member or faculty member at the college.

Appointments can be difficult when playing 20 questions with a receptionist who believes they can give you the help you need. Do not fall for it. Make sure you speak to the expert who can help with your particular question or problem.

One hint to get by those people at the desk, who are holding you from whom you’re trying to see, is to give them as little information as possible. You will get nowhere if you try to explain the problem.

The best bet is to just ask to speak to whom you came to see. Make the appointment and wait.

You will be much happier knowing you waited than taking some assistants advice who is answering phones and making appointments. The most important thing is to remain patient and calm, but stay very involved in your path at GRCC.

Be the change that the world needs
Opinion by Yirssi Bergman
News Editor

As students, we have a lot of of decisions to make on a daily basis.

Cook at home or order pizza? Study for the test or go out tonight? Move out from your parents’ or wait a little longer?

These decisions affect us and affect the people around us. But there are other decisions,
bigger ones, which can reverberate in a chain-like reaction from person to person and even through space and time.

You might be thinking ‘yeah right’ or‘whatever.’ Incredulity is understandable, since we
get mixed messages. On one hand, we have Gandhi’s words, “Be the change that you want to see in the world,” calling us to action.

On the other hand, we have popular singer John Mayer telling us he keeps “waiting on the world to change.”

So which is it? Do we have power to make the world change, or should we leave it to the people already in power and just wait?

I believe it really depends on us. If we have the guts to stand up and make the decision to take action, instead of just staying stagnant, we truly have the power to change the world.

Last month I went to the Diversity Lecture Series to watch Dr. Richard Heinzl deliver a speech about his life. I was impressed. Here was a guy who, at 22 years old, went out of his way to create the first North American branch of Doctors Without Borders.

He was so young, but even after encountering opposition, he worked hard to achieve his goal. His actions have affected thousands of people all over the globe, and they continue to do so after almost 20 years from the moment he made this single decision.

Then there is Paula Crisostomo, who also came to speak for the Diversity Lecture Series.
At age 16, she was part of the biggest organized walkout in the history of the United States, which led to the better treatment of minority students all across the country.

Closer to home, in Holland, a group of Hope College students did a documentary for a film class about the unsolved murder of 1976 Hope College student Janet Chandler. The case was never solved, but because of the documentary the case was reopened and the murderers brought to justice. Thanks to these students, and the police, Janet Chandler’s family finally found some answers.

In an interview with Crime Library, the professor called Schock said, “What I hoped would happen was that somehow this would make a difference...that somehow this would help.” The moral of these stories is that we all have power.

Whether the world we change is our community, our country, or the globe, the important thing is to go out there and do something.

Volunteer your time, care, and give of yourself in some way, and I promise the rewards will be better than you ever expected.

Confessions of a TV time-shifting addict
Opinion by Charles Jurries
Collegiate Staff Writer

I rarely watch television programs when they air.

Instead, I’ve joined a growing trend known as“time-shifting,” where viewers record a program, usually with a digital video recorder, and watch it later.

However, this can also serve as a distraction and cause a loss of sleep.

A few years ago, ABC started a revolution by offering some of their more popular programs on iTunes. Other networks followed suit, and soon millions of people were paying to download their favorite shows for their video iPods.

Months later, ABC once again led the charge by putting a select few programs up on their Web site for free streaming.

Other networks soon followed.

Today, most shows that air on public airwaves are available for free online.

Cable networks are also starting to put shows online for free, allowing people to catch up on the program and also exposing that show to people who may not have cable, or that particular channel.

This is like having access to drugs 24/7; I can get my fix anytime I want.

Free programs available online are a godsend for television addicts like myself.

Whether working late shifts or attending a night class, you no longer have to miss your favorite program and you do not have to worry that your TiVo or VCR wasn’t set correctly.

If I don’t have anywhere to be in the morning, I may stay up late and watch a few television shows, choosing to take in a couple of hours of fun rather than be“responsible.”

While I enjoy watching episodes of “Bones” and“House” late at night when I get home from work, I know it is also not the best use of my time.

I could be spending that time doing much more productive things than wondering about the fates of my favorite fictional characters. But it makes me feel happy, knowing I can come home at night to“my shows.”

Time-shifting television is already gaining popularity among the general population.

According to an annual report on On-Demand TV for 2007, one in every 13 homes has a DVR.

Television ratings recorder Neilsen has even started adding ratings data for people who watch programs on their DVR’s up to three days later. The group says close to 95 percent of TV watching is still done “live.”

However, with DVR’s becoming cheaper and online video becoming more popular, that number may continue to shrink.

Time-shifting television, I think, is here to stay. And with new trends, people have to make appropriate adjustments.

Time-shifting is great, but it also serves as distraction for hours that could be better spent elsewhere.

No matter how convenient recording a show may be, no matter how revolutionary it is to watch a show for free online, it’s not worth losing too much sleep over.

Manufacturer's errors ruins toys for tots
Opinion by Nicole Hoffman
Collegiate Staff Writer

Aqua Dots.

The name alone sounds like it would be fun.

But what has this world come to when a children’s toy, which needs water to activate, turns into a date rape drug when the water is added? How can something like this happen?

It’s even gotten to the point where some toy drives aren’t going to be accepting toys this year. The fact that manufacturers are getting reckless could ruin the holidays for too many children. Some locations for Toys For Tots won’t be accepting toys now because of the recent finding of toys containing lead.

I thought that problem would be in the past by now.

I don’t think its right that they are becoming so reckless. It just baffles me how a toy can turn
into GHB, a date rape drug, when the water is added. It’s geared towards children, and most
people know that children are apt to put things in their mouths.

More testing should be done, not only on the Aqua Dots, but on other things as well. It shouldn’t be asking too much for manufacturers to check their products. They know the
products are geared toward children, and yet things like lead and GHB find their way into toys.

I find it notable that all of the toys that are being recalled were produced in China. It is known that China has different safety regulations than we do here in the US.

It would only seem right, if companies are going to continue manufacturing toys in China, that they should check their products for safety.

As someone who doesn’t even have children, this still scares me; I wonder how parents feel knowing that something like this can happen? Or that it is happening at this moment. Aqua Dots are on recall, and some Toys for Tots locations won’t be collecting toys.

Think of how many children might not receive toys because of this. Not only are these toys harmful to children’s health, but it’s also disappointing to those who won’t be able to celebrate the holidays because of manufacturer’s recklessness.

Mike Bloomberg, an American revolution
Opinion by Brandon Hall
Collegiate Staff Writer

Meet Mike Bloomberg, New York City’s Independent mayor.

Bloomberg, who overcame a lower-class upbringing to become a self made billionaire, is a straight shooter with innovative ideas, and has shown throughout his life to be a brilliant executive.

Because of Bloomberg’s resounding success in the corporate world and New York City, and considering his coffers are lined with billions of dollars, Bloomberg has been frequently mentioned as a possible Independent candidate for President next November.

Bloomberg is just what the majority of Americans are looking for. He governs from the center: a socially liberal, fiscal conservative. He’s pro-choice, pro gun control, and pro gay marriage. He’s also very business friendly and is a strong believer in balanced budgets. On Iraq, he freely admits no good, clear solutions exist, and he chastises those who would have people believe any different.

He’s also the only candidate supporting single payer, government run, universal healthcare, which almost 2/3 of the country supports.

Despite his billionaire status and moderate political views, the most impressive part of Bloomberg’s resume, the meat and potatoes of any potential presidential campaign, is his success on numerous issues in New York City.

He’s been hailed by famously ‘Green’ Governor Arnold Schwarzenhagger as the nation’s “most environmentally friendly Mayor,” and for good reason.

Bloomberg’s Plan NYC mandates sweeping cuts in the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, provides incentives for companies to go green, will turn all city vehicles into hybrids, and much more. Bloomberg believes New York needs to maneuver itself to brace for a million more people by 2030, and sustainability is key.

In the education realm, Bloomberg initiated a city takeover of the school district and has revolutionized it. By creating huge incentives for principals (and increasing their financial discretion as well as accountability), and a 43 percent raise in salaries for teachers, New York schools were the most improved schools in the nation this year, and continue to be on the rise.

For New York’s less affluent population, Bloomberg has been a strong ally. New Yorkers without health insurance can still receive healthcare, and the city will pick up the tab. Because of a Bloomberg initiated partnership, an affordable housing program will help half a million New Yorkers. Perhaps most impressive, Bloomberg has convinced businesses to invest in New York’s notoriously slummy Harlem, and Brooklyn as well. The much-needed economic boost to those areas will bring thousands out of poverty.

The aforementioned is only the tip of the iceberg. Bloomberg is a man for the times. The two party system in America is not working. Period. We need new blood in Washington D.C. Don’t take my word for it, just look at the legislative and executive accomplishments of this decade. Let me know when you find them.

Bloomberg has everything this nation needs now, arguably more than ever. An open and honest, free thinking innovator who makes decisions based on what is best for people, not political parties. Bloomberg has beat the odds his entire life, 2008 will be no different if he pursues the presidency.

Election '08 ignoring the issues facing the U.S.
Opinion by Dana Finkler
Collegiate Staff Writer

As the 2008 presidential election nears, I have a growing fear that the focus of the important issues that need to be addressed will simply be ignored.

This upcoming election is the first time in United States history where an African American candidate, Barrack Obama, and a female candidate, Hilary Clinton, are in the running. Personally, I believe too much of the focus of this election is on their chances of making history instead of the real issues of growing problems in America.

Three issues I believe need to be addressed are jobs, reduction of costs in college tuition, and the homeless population in America.

Many forget the president does not have the power to make legislative changes. He can only propose change, which must then be approved by Congress.

In 1993, President Bill Clinton proposed the NAFTA Act, which allowed businesses to outsource jobs within the US, Canada, and Mexico. Big business took every advantage, outsourcing jobs so they can pay half the amount in salary to their workers, rather than having upper management take a hit in salary. Many of us in Michigan have seen or been personally affected by outsourcing.

In an effort to help that cause, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm proposed raising minimum wage. As soon as that took effect, businesses simply raised their prices to protect their income. A line needs to be drawn.

As for college tuition, many students struggle with making ends meet and paying outrageous amounts of money for an education to get a job that isn’t guaranteed. In the 1940s, college tuition rates were near a few hundred dollars. Now it’s in the thousands.

I believe it is a rarity for people to attend college to study something they are passionate about. Instead, they are more concerned about making enough money to make ends meet or pay off college loans.

As for the homeless population in America, we need to remember that many of the homeless are war veterans. They were soldiers who chose to put their lives at risk in defense of our freedoms many other people take for granted. Often people are quick to jump the gun.

A common opinion is, “If you give them money, they will just spend it on drugs or alcohol.” Something needs to be done to help the homeless. The sad thing is, most of the focus of this election will be on overseas affairs.

I am not saying there are not issues overseas that need to be addressed, but there are more problems in America than meet the eye.

As life goes on, lifestyles, ideas, and how people think change constantly. Before the 1920s, women were forbidden from voting. Then they united and fought for their right to vote. Through the 1960s, African Americans were treated poorly, so they sought to gain equality.It gets old to hear people complain. Words can move, but action gets results.

Change was made when women wanted to vote. Change was made when African Americans wanted equality. Change was made because they voiced their needs, and America listened. I’m hoping this election that many will become a voice again and address the issues I’ve discussed. I can only be a voice to place focus on issues, rather than political history. Your vote is your voice for change.

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