PVCC: Spectrum Contents

Assuring everyone that her first book's rather wicked story bears no resemblance to her own childhood or parents, Gillian Flynn, daughter of two retired - and much beloved - Penn Valley teachers, appeared before a standing-room-only crowd at the Carter Arts Center on the evening of Monday, October 23.

While working her day job as Chief TV Critic for Entertainment Weekly, Flynn became an overnight sensation with the publication of her novel, Sharp Objects, a first-rate mystery thriller endorsed by Stephen King himself.

As the crowd sipped wine and munched on cheese and crackers provided by Rainy Day Books, Flynn, cheerful and appealing as the girl next door, thanked her family and supporters for helping with her success. She read from her book, then answered questions and signed copies.

Features

Election Guide

Kansas City citizens have an opportunity to cast their votes on Tuesday, November 7, 2006, in a general election that will determine important changes for the future of our community. The following ballot measures have been certified and can be found at www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2006ballot/

Constitutional Amendment 2 states, "Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to allow and set limitations on stem cell research, therapies, and cures which will: ensure Missouri patients have access to any therapies and cures, and allow Missouri researchers to conduct any research, permitted under federal law; ban human cloning or attempted cloning; require expert medical and public oversight and annual reports on the nature and the purpose of stem cell research; impose criminal and civil penalties for any violations and prohibit state or local governments from preventing or discouraging lawful stem cell research, therapies and cures." The proposed constitutional amendment would have an estimated annual fiscal impact on state and local government of $0-$68,916.00.

More Features Stories:

Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects
Kansas City Chiefs
Man of the Year

Opinions

Editorial: Why Don't Students Vote?

In 1971, Congress passed the Twenty-sixth Amendment, which lowered the legal voting age in the United States from 21 to 18. Since then, the vast majority of college students have had a say in the laws of the land.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, however, only 47 percent of 18- to 24-year-old citizens voted in the 2004 presidential election. 64 percent of total voting-age citizens participated in that election, and the voting rate for citizens 55 and older was 72 percent.

More Opinions Stories:

Editorial: News from Comedians
Tragedy in Darfur
Felon: America’s Worst Nightmare
Cartoon: Sprint to the Finish
Guy and Girl: Communication Breakdown
PV Quotables: Diversity at PV

Letters Policy

"Letters to the Editor" are welcomed, both from inside and outside the MCC community. Letters must include your full name, email address, and phone number; only the name will be published. Anonymous letters will not be published except under very unusual circumstances. Letters might be edited for readability or clarity and are published at the sole discretion of the Spectrum staff.

Spectrum does not publish mass produced policy statements that masquerade as letters to the editor. Only letters independently submitted by individuals to Spectrum are considered for publication. Please do not send any other documents.

Submit a Letter to the Editor by emailing editor@mcckc.edu