‘Austin Cooks’ chefs Brian Hay, left, and Brian McCormick.

Iron Chef, look out! ACC introduces distance learning with a twist. Chefs Brian Hay and Brian McCormick (instructors of ACC’s popular Culinary Arts Program) host “Austin Cooks,” a new instructional cooking show that takes viewers into the classroom, on the road, and behind the scenes of Central Texas’ best-kept culinary secrets. Don’t miss the world premiere of “Austin Cooks” on ACC’s TV station (cable Channel 19) and on the web Monday, February 4, at 6:30 p.m.

This just in… ACC Nursing Professor Kristin Benton, RN, CNS, has been appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Board of Nursing as the Vocational Nursing Education representative. Congratulations!

The second annual Art@ACC exhibit runs through January 31 in the foyer of the Highland Business Center. The exhibit features drawings, paintings, sculpture, prints, ceramics, blown glass, art metals, jewelry, photography, and commercial graphic arts.

Got talent? The Student Recruitment Office (SRO) needs you! SRO presents ACC’s GotTalent, the college’s first talent show benefiting the College Connection scholarship fund. The show is Wednesday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m. at Eastview Campus. Students, faculty, staff, and the community are invited to enter and perform for prizes. The entry fee is $5, and the deadline is Monday, February 18. All proceeds go toward scholarships for ACC students. For more information contact Raakhee Patel at 223.7704.

Austin critics give top honors to ACC’s drama team. “Funnyhouse of a Negro” made the top 10 list of theatrical treasures and pleasures in 2007. “Marcus McQuirter’s resurrection of this bold work proved that its nightmare visions still have the power to disturb and to make us think. This year’s most potent show, with a compelling performance by Feliz Dia McDonald”— Robert Faires, Austin Chronicle. The Austin American-Statesman calls the work “brilliant.” Check out the 2007-08 theater season.

Mario Lopez of TV’s “Saved by the Bell,” “Dancing with the Stars,” and “Extra” fame made a stop at ACC. Lopez joined film director Renny Harlin (“Die Hard 2”) and KVUE-TV anchor Christine Haas at Rio Grande Campus on Sunday, January 20, for Actors Expo. Austin-area actors and ACC students got the chance to learn how to get started inshowbiz, what directors look for, and how to bring an idea to the big screen. (Photo: Lopez, left, and Harlin appear together at the Rio Grande Campus.)

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On Saturday, January 19, ACC and the Austin Center for Peace and Justice hosted the first Neighborhood Dialogue on Police Relations at Eastview Campus. Austinites got the chance to voice their concerns and share important issues with representatives of the Austin Police Department. Chief Art Acevedo talked about the importance of strengthening relations between young people and police officers.

Do you have ideas for Accent stories? Would you like to promote your program to students? Get them in Accent, the student newspaper that takes stories ideas all year long. The next advertising deadline is January 30. Email [email protected] for more information.

What could you do with $100 or $1,000 added to your budget? The Campus Activity Board can help fund student projects and programs. Contact Stacy Wooten (223.4715) in the Student Life Office for more information.