Students Sift Through Ancient Iron Age Ruins Archaeology and Anthropology Program goes to France

hcc timesTHE

OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE II

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWS SOURCE OF HOWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE

VOLUME XL

Jaimie WilderHCC Times Staff

See France on page 5

Page 5 Howard Community College Students dig through the ruins at the site of Bibracte, France as the only team of American students in the program.

Horror Films Page 16Addicted ? Page 7 Halloween Events Page 14 Tanorexic? Page 10

Jaimie Wilder/HCC Times

Slowly, calmly, deliberately, a trowel is raked over a thin layer of soil. Suddenly the rhythmic motion stops, and a hand carefully brushes away the loose soil and feels the smooth, round edges of a silver coin, a coin that has not been touched by another human for over 2,000 years.

Shouts of excitement fi ll the air as the group of excavators gather around the delicate fi nd. In an instant, another piece of evidence is unearthed to help unlock the story of what took place on site so long ago.

The site is Bibracte, and it is a Howard Community College student that has revealed the important fi nd. From August 6-23, archaeology/anthropology professor, Dr. Laura Cripps, with students Charlie Gait, Patrick Gotis, Stephen Cox, and myself, traveled across the Atlantic to the Iron Age oppidum (fortifi ed town) of Bibracte, France as the fi rst and only team of American students invited to dig at this notorious site.

Researchers and archaeologists believe that the hilltop town of Bibracte had over 15,000 inhabitants during its time as a center of trade with the Roman Empire. The site is most known as the place where Julius Caesar fi nished his work on his ‘Gallic Wars.’

As members of the American team, the other HCC students and I had the

opportunity of a lifetime to work side by side with Master’s and PhD students from University of Lausanne, Switzerland, Paris Sorbonne and the National Center

for Scientifi c Research in France, Durham University in England, University of Bologna, Italy, University of Brussels, in Belgium, University of Mainz and Leipzig

of Germany, and University of Budapest in Hungary.

Th e HCC Times Staff

Editor-In-ChiefMaureen Evans Arthurs

Managing Editor Kathleen Fanske

Associate EditorJesse Moll

Advisor Jennifer Garner

Production Advisor Mike Scrivener

Advertising ManagerChristina Soto

Circulation ManagerCraig Zolotorow

Photography EditorMaureen Evans Arthurs

Staff WritersTaariq Adams, Jorge Benavides

Julie Blair, Lauren BuccaTracy Grimaldo, Cheryl Lyons

Briana Ragler, Matt ReidAmanda Robbins, Jaimie Wilder

Craig Zolotorow

Photographers Cheryl Lyons and Jaimie Wilder

ArtistGabriel Del Valle

The HCC Times is published monthly by students of Howard Community College. All opinions expressed are those of the individual authors, and not necessar-ily those of The HCC Times or the college adminis-tration. All submissions, including but not limited to articles, photos, and letters to the editor, become the property of the Times upon receipt, and may be edited for length, clarity, or otherwise as determined by the Editor. The Times reserves the right to deny publica-

tion of any letter for any reason.

Th e HCC Times Staff

Editor-In-ChiefMaureen Evans Arthurs

Managing Editor Managing Editor Kathleen Fanske

Associate EditorJesse Moll

Advisor Jennifer Garner

Production Advisor Mike Scrivener

Advertising ManagerAdvertising ManagerChristina Soto

Circulation ManagerCirculation ManagerCraig Zolotorow

Photography EditorPhotography EditorMaureen Evans Arthurs

Staff WritersTaariq Adams, Jorge Benavides

Julie Blair, Lauren BuccaTracy Grimaldo, Cheryl Lyons

Briana Ragler, Matt ReidAmanda Robbins, Jaimie Wilder

Craig Zolotorow

PhotographersPhotographers Cheryl Lyons and Jaimie Wilder

ArtistGabriel Del Valle

The HCC Times is published monthly by students of Howard Community College. All opinions expressed are those of the individual authors, and not necessar-ily those of The HCC Times or the college adminis-tration. All submissions, including but not limited to articles, photos, and letters to the editor, become the property of the Times upon receipt, and may be edited for length, clarity, or otherwise as determined by the Editor. The Times reserves the right to deny publica-

tion of any letter for any reason.

GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR CAMPUSDiscover what it has to offer

2

campus life

October 2009

Be a part of SGADo you have ideas about the school that you want heard? Come to the

Student Government Association (SGA) meetings every other Friday from 11:30-1pm. SGA will hold their next meetings on October 23 in MH 116

and November 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in SA 201.

Join SPBThe Student Program Board will host the Fall Festival on October 16

from 12-5 p.m. on the Quad and the Smith Theatre. Events will include food, games, prizes, face painting, a showing of the Disney movie, Up, and more! Admission prices vary with discounts for canned goods donations.

Contact SPB@howardcc.edu for more information. SPB will also host a Halloween Costume Contest from 12:30-2 p.m. in

the Galleria on October 29, and Movie Monday on November 2, featur-ing The Hangover, from 12:30-3 p.m. and 5- 7 p.m. in the Kittleman Room. Another day of student performances will be held with Artful Thursday on

November 5 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Café on the Quad.

Travel to New YorkGet ready for a day of shopping, attractions, and all around fun in the

city! Get your tickets early for the annual New York City trip. The bus is scheduled to leave at 8am on Saturday, November 7 and return by midnight.

Tickets are available for purchase in the bookstore and cost only $35 for students and $45 for non students.

Support the Bake SaleThere will be a Support Group bake sale on October 21 from 9:30-11:30

a.m. The group is asking for baked goods donations to sell at this event. Profits will go to fund Support Group special events and well-being occur-

rences that arise over the year. If you are interested in donating, please include the recipe with a list of ingredients and contact

Jlepore@howardcc.edu or disner@howardcc.edu.

Rep StageRep Stage will present "Hysteria," a comedy about Sigmund Freud’s final

days with cancer, starring Jeff Baker, Bruce Nelson, Conrad Feinninger, and Sunshine Capelletti. It will be held in The Studio Theatre and run until

November 1. Tickets are $16-$30.

Watch FilmsThe HCC Film Program will present the Rep Stage Film Series, held

in the Smith Theatre, to coincide with the themes of Rep Stage’s plays this season. This month’s free film is Spellbound, which will be shown on

October 27 at 7 p.m. and October 31 at 10 a.m. to accompany the current performance of Hysteria.

letters

3October 2009

Maureen Evans ArthursEditor-In-Chief

Kathleen FanskeManaging Editor

Have an opinion on this months content? Want to see your viewpoint in print? Please contact us at

Newspaper@Howardcc.edu

It’s hard to believe it is already October! We’ve made it through over a month of Fall semester and are now over half way through to Winter break already. Once classes began I thought the semester would drag on, but here I am staring at the calendar, wondering how the beauti-ful month of October crept up behind us with its autumn aura. Pretty soon we will be picking classes for the Spring, which will be many student’s last semester here at Howard Community College, includ-ing mine.

This leads to the inevitable prospect of “the future” and thoughts of “life after HCC.” Many of you may be contemplating various majors and different colleges to transfer to, adding significant stress to your already full plates of current obligations.

The thought of going through the college application process once again may make you cringe but the fact is, if you plan on transferring to a four year college, you will have to submit your applications on time. The good part is that most transfer applications are not as time consuming as the applications in senior year of high school. Many do not even require essays or teacher recommendations!

Colleges are more interested in your current grades than your high school grades, so even if your SAT scores were horrible you still have a chance if you improved at HCC. It is definitely impor-tant to apply early, as many schools have

rolling admission, and will get back to you within two weeks of sending in your application. Making a checklist can be beneficial as well in order to check your current application process.

In the event that you are uncertain where you want to send off your applica-tion, going on a college road trip can be a fun and beneficial idea. Most colleges have visits that you can schedule to see what life in the classroom and on campus is like.

Setting priorities is an essential strategy for a successful year, and is a good way to reduce stress between school, work, and everything else that life asks of us. Making a list may sound old-fashioned, but it is still the key to physically seeing what you have before you and lets you contemplate how you will go about completing said task.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to others for their advice and help- you can’t do everything on your own all the time! Independence is good to an extent, but your peers are there to help you. Always remember that advisers and teachers are more than willing to help you plan your future or answer any questions regard-ing college. Advisors can aide in making the process easier by telling you what you need to take and what will transfer. Be sure to set goals that are practical, which you know you are capable of.

At times life may seem very over-whelming, but it is important to remember to stay focused and keep your eye on your goals. The many roads of life will be winding at times, but that is what makes it so intriguing. Picking the right path may be difficult, but remember that you can always turn back and choose another.

Also, there may be other branches that extend from the original path that can lead to a whole new perspective. Life is full of tricky decisions, and it is up to you and only you to make that choice worth it and plan to make a difference in life.

Friday nights at 10 p.m. are usually spent huddled with my husband on the couch while laughing heartily at other peoples’ expense courtesy of ‘The Soup’ on E! Network. If you have never tuned in, the basic premise of the show is to play the most appalling clips provided by the copious amount of awful reality shows that make me fear for humankind.

Although the show typically leaves me speechless, it makes me reflect on signifi-cant issues facing our society and what infuriates me: reality TV and opposition to gay marriage. How do these two topics go hand in hand? Keep reading.

Sanctity can be defined as the quality of being holy, respected, and sacred. Marriage is in fact a union that is worthy of this title, however, one of the main arguments I’ve seen against gay marriage is that it would ruin the sanctity of marriage. Seriously?

There are TV shows in which desperate and pathetic heterosexual men and women vie for each other’s affection for what? A chance at $100,000 and cheap publicity that will snowball into another reality show in which the inevitably doomed couple will end up divorced. How’s that for sanctity?

What’s even worse is that millions of Americans tune in weekly for this brain rotting garbage that perpetuates the notion that it is completely ok for heterosexuals to toy with the sanctity of marriage but in most states, homosexuals can’t even take a shot.

To say homosexuals would contribute to the demise of the sacred institution of marriage is almost as absurd as a reality TV couple lasting long enough for the ink to dry on their marriage license.

According to a 2009 poll by the National Constitution Center, 54 percent of Americans believe gay couples should be entitled to the same governmental ben-efits as heterosexuals. On the contrary, a Gallup Poll states 57 percent of Americans believe same sex couples should not be recognized as valid along the same lines as traditional marriage.

Simply put, a large percentage of the population actually supports gays having equal rights when it comes to jobs, housing and benefits, but when it comes to a tra-ditional marriage, HALT!

What is traditional marriage exactly? Is it a marriage between a man and a woman? What about a marriage between a white man and a white woman? Decades after segregation was ruled illegal, a 1983 Gallup poll found that 50 percent of Americans still disapproved of interracial marriage, which during the segregation era could have been percieved as an attack on tra-ditional marriage.

If our country was still abiding by what was right and traditionally acceptable, women would still be second-class citi-zens, Barack Obama surely would not be in the White House and my union with my own husband would be considered illegal. When are we going to realize that tradi-tion is not always justification for denying citizens fundamental human rights?

Let’s be honest, gay individuals aren’t going to ruin the sanctity of marriage, we heterosexuals are doing a fine job of that ourselves. We need to stop enabling hypocrisy and either allow gays to marry already or ban the abomination that is relationship driven reality TV, both of which I am in favor of.

News

4 October 2009

NewsNew Legislation Regarding Community College Finances

On September 17, the House passed the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (H.R. 3221), one of the single largest investments in higher education ever. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) will make college more afford-able for students in America, therefore having a definite impact on community colleges.

Supporters of SAFRA hope the act will help modernize the workforce in this country by supporting partnerships between community colleges, businesses, job training and adult education classes. This will happen through a new competi-tive grant program for community colleges to improve various aspects of the edu-cational process that are involved with community college education. Among these are improving instruction, working with local employers, and improving student support services.

To motivate community colleges to achieve excellence, the bill will also require community colleges to meet bench-marks so that they can participate in the Challenge Grant program. These four-year challenge grants will be awarded to community colleges and other two-year degree-granting institutions to support

Jennifer IngramHCC Times Contributer

innovative pilot programs and policies. The minimum grant that can be awarded

is $1 million. Funds can be used to carry such activities as expanding academic and training programs that provide relevant job skill training for high-wage occupations in high-demand industries. Money may also be allocated to create workforce programs that blend basic skills and occupational training to industry-recognized credentials.

SAFRA also strives to ensure that more students graduate with the expertise needed for high wage jobs and high-demand indus-tries. In order to do this, the bill awards grants to students in need as well as pro-grams that focus on preparing students for jobs in fields that need workers and will continue to grow.

The Secretaries of Education and Labor would also be able to award six-year com-petitive grants to states to implement successful Challenge Grant Program reforms at other community and junior colleges within the state.

Another interesting feature of the bill that would improve the community college experience is that it would expand access to education by supporting free, high-quality online training, and high-school and college courses. Finally, SAFRA intends to help community colleges con-struct, renovate and repair their facilities

by providing $2.5 billion, which will lever-age additional funds. The funding is to be used for facilities that are primarily for instruction, research, or student housing.

Clearly, there will be a major impact on community colleges if this bill passes the Senate. The community college aspect is only part of the picture – it will affect most American students pursuing a college

education, especially those with student loans.

By October, the Senate will probably have come up with its own version of this bill, which will mean that the House and Senate will have to work together to form one bill. Contact your Senator if you would like to show your support for this legislation. ■

As the time gets closer for Congress to pass President Obama’s healthcare reform bill, many people are still in the dark as to what is going to happen as well as what exactly the bill entails. There have been many rumors floating around in the media, and it has become difficult to discern the truths within the concepts. This is an attempt to clarify some common misconceptions.

President Obama’s bill will add as much as $1 trillion to the national deficit.

Over a 10 year span, the estimate of

how much will actually be added to the national debt is actually about $239 billion. This will be over a 10 year period, adding up to about $24 billion a year. This is just a drop in the bucket when compared to the current almost $12 trillion national deficit.

Taxes will be raised if this bill is passed.

In his address at a rally in College Park last month, President Obama stated that he will not pass a bill that will raise the taxes of the American citizens. In fact, single-payer insurance is cost neutral.

If a single-payer bill is passed, this means that the money to cover costs will be re-appropriated from other less important

government programs, meaning that taxes would not be raised if such a bill is passed.

If a public option is passed, care will be rationed so that everyone is covered.

Care is already rationed by private insurance companies in the U.S. by denying claims. This is how insurance companies make their profits.

If a public option bill is passed, the government will take over the insurance industry leading to socialized medicine.

A public option is just that, an option for the public to either keep the insurance that they have, or opt into a government-sponsored plan. It would not ban private insurance companies.

The healthcare industry does not need to be reformed.

There are millions of uninsured and underinsured legal citizens in the country that are not afforded healthcare through their jobs or cannot pay for insurance out-of-pocket. This is problematic to not just the individuals, but to hospitals and other healthcare providers as well, as costs must somehow be absorbed.

The House Bill will provide free insurance to undocumented immigrants.

This has seemed a distraction from other rumors that are keeping this bill from

Healthcare ReformCraig ZolotorowHCC Times Staff

See Reform on page 5

Photo Courtesy of the HCC PR Department

On Thursday, September 24, Howard Community College Security was alerted by Howard County Police of a suspected armed student threatening to harm himself. Police and HCC Security performed a search of the area with a K9 unit and heli-copters. The student’s car was later found on campus, and a lockdown for all house-keeping staff was reported. The suspected student was discovered later, uninjured, by the track, and a gun was discovered in the nearby woods around 2 a.m. The student was brought into custody immediately and taken for medical evaluation.

Theft On Campus

Crime Close Call

5October 2009

Be aware of theft on campus this semester! Security reports that catalytic converters are being stolen from cars at HCC and the surrounding Columbia area. Thieves can access these converters by crawling under-neath vehicles and sawing them off from the exhaust. Please contact the

security office if you witness any sus-picious activity around campus.

News in Brief News

France from front page

The HCC students worked on ground breaking research and excavations on the area immediately outside of Bibracte. Dr. Cripps summed up the main reason why the excavations were so critical when she said, “we know some things about the Iron Age from the Roman texts, but history is always written by the winner and the only ‘true’ record of these people is the archaeology itself.”

This dig was more than your normal academic study abroad program. Not only did we uncover artifacts that are changing the way the professionals are interpreting the entire site, but we formed friendships that will last a lifetime, and essentially brought history back to life.

Our finds included nine Iron Age coins, several of which have never been found inside the ramparts of the oppidum, a copper wrist bangle, Roman fine ware pottery with intricate designs, and the structural remains of two house-like buildings.

HCC was offered a six year con-tract in which the students in this study abroad program will be able to further

excavate the site of 2009, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of life and trade in the Iron Age.

“Our students now have the oppor-tunity to work alongside [these] professors and grad students, to be part of groundbreaking research and to experience a level of academia not really available to your average ‘community college student’,” Dr. Cripps said.

This trip certainly changed my life, not just because I was able to spend a week in Paris before the dig, or because I love archaeology, but because I was a part of something that will change the way we look at Iron Age history, and did so with fellow students from around the world. You don’t have to be an archaeology major to appreciate the ‘wow’ factor of going on a trip like this, all you need is the desire to have your hands on history, and the will to get a little bit dirty. Who said history has to be boring?

To learn more about the 2010 France trip, contact the study abroad office or trip coordinator, Dr. Laura Cripps at lcripps@howardcc.edu. ■

Laura Linback of Long Grove, Illinois, won two first-place trophies at the Columbia Classic Grand Prix Classic, held on Sunday, September 20 at its new location, Marama Farm in Clarksville. This is Linback’s second year in a row winning the first place prize of $40,000 with her horse, As Di Villagana, from Woodrun Farm. Tracey Weinberg of Lovettsville, Virginia, took the second place prize, earning $8,800 with her horse, Linda Z. The third place prize went to Alexa Lowe, of Upperville, Virginia, who took home $5,200 with the help of her horse, Nadyleen. Linback competed against 26 other horses and raced through the jump-off course in 46.704 seconds and zero faults, earning her a $12,000 purse. Proceeds from the event raised $60,000 for student schol-arships at HCC.”

Grand Prix

being passed. In his address to Congress and the nation on September 9, President Obama stated that this bill would not cover undocumented workers.

The House Bill will implement death panels.

Reform from page 4 Death panels were actually a creation

of the Republican Congress in 2003 and passed into law by former President Bush as a supplement to Medicare Part D. In reality, a death panel is not set up by the government, but by a doctor whose patient has requested the end of life counseling. ■

Jaimie Wilder/HCC TimesMulti-national students gather in the dirt to uncover history at France's Bibracte archaeology site.

Photo Courtesy of Quent Kardos

6 October 2009

Professor Spotlight

Professor Nancey Parker has traveled throughout the United States with her family, seen the sun rise over Mt. Kilimanjaro, and has coached a cross country, indoor and outdoor track team. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh (“Go Panthers!” she adds) and also went to the University of Maryland College Park for her Bachelor of Science in Biology Education. At the same univer-sity she obtained her Master’s Degree in Biology Education. I had the pleasure to interview Professor Parker, who is a pas-sionate and fascinating addition to the Howard Community College faculty.

Q: How long have you taught at HCC?For five years I taught at night, Anatomy and Physiology 204; for the

past six years Biology 101, 102, 103 (lecture and/or lab).

Q: Have you taught at any other schools?I am a retired Prince Georges’ County Public Schools Biology teacher,

having taught 33 years, concurrently at night at HCC for five years.

Q: What fascinates you the most about biology?Biology changes on a daily basis, which is amazing! Things we were

taught a few years ago have evolved, and many concepts have been refuted.

Q: In your career, what was the funniest thing that has happened?

When I was a student teacher, I arrived at school before my cooperat-ing teacher. Unbeknownst to me, he had ordered a shipment of live frogs, which he put into a deep sink. As I unlocked the dark classroom I saw things moving. The light revealed a number of huge frogs jumping all over the classroom. I did eventually retrieve them, but there was a scene in the movie E.T. that captured the moment. Years later, when I took our daughter to Middle School orientation, there was my teacher, now the principal of her school. Life is good.

Q: What’s an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?

I was an assistant cross country, indoor and outdoor track coach. We won the state championships in every sport, and I have coached 13 All-Americans.

Q: What do you like to when you’re not teaching?I love to travel, meet new people, take photographs. I’ve seen the

sun rise on Mt. Kilimanjaro and [scuba] dived the Great Barrier Reef. Because our daughter has been dancing competitively since she was 9, my husband and I have hit a lot of cities in the U.S., photographing the team.

Nancey Parker

features

Lauren BuccaHCC Times Staff For many students in the process of

working on their general required prereq-uisites, there is an extra presence in the classroom. This person gets to sit through lectures without a single test or graded assignment. This person actually gets paid to fill a desk. This person’s sole purpose is to be available to the students lucky enough to suffer the scrutiny of their professors on the grading rubric. These are HCC's First Year Education Peer Leaders.

The FYE Peer Leaders are available to help students through some of the more trying and time-consuming classes

available for use in a variety of ways. Professor Robin Allen-Klein has

used some of her FYE Peer Leaders to run grammar groups outside class to help students improve their English fundamen-tals. Some Leaders have also been used to facilitate small group literature discussions during class time. They are not used as the typical teachers’ assistant commonly associated with larger universities, but rather as extra individualized help.

Student Justin Mauritz expressed one quality that he has found particularly useful in his English 122 class. “[Peer Leaders] are beneficial because they can be easier to relate to than the teacher.” He stated that the “smaller groups help with more one-on-one attention, [providing] a private school versus public school feel.”

Besides the academic help FYE Peer Leaders can administer, they can also serve as campus gurus. These students have had the opportunity to explore the campus and its amenities. They can assist students in answering questions beyond the classroom, offering information about health services, club offerings, personal and career counsel-ing needs, among other services. And they do so confidentially. It should be noted, though, that Peer Leaders are still bound to certain codes of conduct that include notifying advisors of the program regard-ing any serious, life-threatening issues.

In order to become a Peer Leader, a student must first be nominated by a faculty member. Typically, the student will serve the teacher that nominated them, but on occasion, the teacher who originally made the suggestion is unable to use the particular student. In this case, they are then referred to other teachers who have expressed an interest in having student assistance.

The beginning stages of college can be the most daunting, no matter the age of the student. FYE Peer Leaders are avail-able to soften the blow. While students may at first be apprehensive to exercise their presence to the fullest extent, there is a simple solution: Ask them something. They might have an answer. ■

required in the initial semesters of college. They are students who have already been through the particular prerequisite class for which they now aide. Classes with this type of student support varies from English to science. Their function ranges from in-class assistance to the professors and students, to sometimes out-of-class aide as information resources.

Upon introduction, many students don’t often fully understand the FYE Peer Leader’s capabilities or specific role. And at times, teachers also balk at employing them for the same reason. The unique quality of these students is that they are

HCC's Best Kept Secret

Kathleen Fanske\HCC TimesLeaders Zina Richardson and Jesse Moll.

Jesse MollAssociate Editor

7October 2009

With the holidays coming up, it is hard to ignore the fact that there will soon be plenty of shopping to do. Christmas deco-rations have already been put out in stores, and there is no escaping the holiday panic that is soon to come. With so many gifts to buy, there may be worry about how to fund a gift-buying spree.

However, there is no need to stress. There are plenty of ways to deal with gift-buying when on a tight budget. Let these holiday tips help you with your shopping needs.

Shop little by little.If you buy gifts sporadically, a gift

here and there as money is available, the holidays will not sneak up on you so easily. If a perfect Christmas gift is found in September, buy it! It is never too early to

start shopping, and you will thank yourself for getting some of it out of the way when December rolls around.

Start a gift-buying fund.Whether you simply throw your pocket

change into a jar or set aside as much as $20 a week, it is wise to start setting some money aside now. When the holiday season begins and you are short on funds, you can exchange your coins at a bank or Coinstar machine for cash. It can really add up to a lot and assist in buying some holiday gifts.

Make a Budget (and stick to it).When a budget is made concerning how

much to spend, it is often hard to stick to. This is the main cause for overspending while gift-buying. Impulse buys can make a serious dent in your budget if you are not careful. Though these purchases may sometimes seem as necessary, they can leave you spending far more than you would have liked to. Try to avoid doing this and you

will save a lot. Make your own gifts.This may sound cheesy, with home-

made Popsicle stick ornaments and colored noodle necklaces coming to mind. However, there are plenty of gifts that can be made affordably and end up looking very professional. Plus, you add a lot of thought by spending time creating it. Jewelry is easy to make yourself, and can often be inexpensive.

Also, there is a large variety of orna-ments that can be painted or put together with beads. Knitting is another good idea because it is easy to learn, and does not take up a lot of time. Decorating a frame for a photograph is another good personalized gift that is easy to put together.

Baking a variety of cookies and making platters to hand out is another inexpen-sive yet thoughtful idea. Plastic trays and plates can be found for reasonable prices

at many supermarkets and other stores, such as Target or Wal-Mart. They can be easily decorated with colored saran wrap, ribbons, and stickers.

Look out for sales and shop for the best prices.

While going to ten different stores to find the best price for a gift may not be on your agenda, it really can save you a lot of money. To save time, check online before heading out to the stores. The Internet is a good resource for finding sales and discounts.

Don’t forget about Black Friday sales.

If you are looking to buy something big and expensive, it may be worth it to brave the crowds. Also, check discount stores such as Marshall’s and Loehmann’s, which have many name brands for discounted prices all year long. ■

features

Tips for Stuffing Holiday Stockings on a Budget Amanda RobbinsHCC Times Staff

Do You Need a Twelve-Step Program for Social Networking?

In the past decade social networks, like stealthy ninjas, have quickly been advancing and claiming their territory on humanity. They have found a way to sneak into our homes, our phones, our schools, and our jobs. Society is now constantly obsessed over their Facebook status or the latest tweet from Miley Cyrus or Kanye West on Twitter.

Almost everyone belongs to a social network. The next door neighbor belongs to one and can secretly stalk you without having to use his binoculars anymore. A sibling is waiting for the perfect moment to show mom or dad those condemning pictures of your prom posted on Myspace.

The boss is browsing your Facebook profile to look for the perfect excuse to finally fire you. Grandma belongs to a social network too. Grandma having an account on a social network is a good thing though, as those frequent visits will no longer be as necessary.

distractions and aids to procrastination they are a communication bridge. Thanks to social networks, communicating with a person thousands of miles away or in the next room, is no longer an issue.

Sites such as Skype and Oovoo allow its users to video chat with other users free of cost, or charging a small fee, by simply being a member. Facebook and Myspace are ways to communicate with a class

Tracy GrimaldoHCC Times Staff Why is it that we are all logging on and

off of Facebook or Myspace every five minutes? Because they are addictive, like a cyber drug! These networks have lured and hooked society, with their games, quizzes, fan clubs and various other applications. Take Facebook’s Farmville for example, a game that involves cultivating a garden and raising animals.

Thousands of people are addicted to planting virtual carrots and tomatoes. Too bad cyber food is not actually edible and starving children are still very hungry in third world countries.

Along with the many interesting forms of entertainment social networks provide they also help us “interact” with other human beings without having to actually interact. Relationships are being exposed and sabotaged through chats and tweets without the usual slap across the face or uncomfortable public scene.

Although social networks may seem to be taking over, there is a bright and functional side to them. Apart from being

member without having to give or ask for their phone number, being misinterpreted and getting shutdown.

Social networks will soon influence and define society’s outlook on relationships, political views, jobs, and even restrain-ing orders. Mankind will succumb to the addicting and mesmerizing components of social networks and reach its downfall… until the Internet connection is lost. ■

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

8 October 2009

Public School Price or Private School PrestigeeditOrialsIrfan KhanHCC Times Staff

AdviceMy mom has been on my rear end about how imperative it is to make a smooth transition from high school to college. She said this means no longer being my disorganized self. It is crazy for her to expect me to

apply that to my life so soon. I can’t even decide on a major, let alone better organization skills. I want to make her proud and I want to feel like I have actually accomplished something this semester. Any ideas

as to how I can start to make this happen in a timely manner? - Belly of the Beast

Dear Belly of the Beast,

I completely understand that feeling. I always try to make my parents proud. But what you have to do is make yourself proud. What you should do is take one step at a time. To show her that you can be organized, you could sort out all of your school stuff, such as your notes, your homework, anything simple like that. Once you’ve organized all of the small simple things then move on to something bigger and a little more complex. Do not overwhelm yourself. And as far as deciding on a major, you should research different majors that you find interesting and something that you would like to do with the rest of your life. Then when you find that major, pursue it.

- Julie

Vs.When looking for the dream univer-sity after high school, many students are confused as to whether they should go to a public or private university. When analyzing each category by itself, there are pros and cons.

Going to a private university can ensure a much better chance at getting admitted to a prestigious graduate program, while a public university may offer the same path, but not be as competitive. Based on the U.S. News and World Report, private universities typically stay in the Top 10 ranking. Thus, private universities have higher academic reputations compared with public schools.

When considering education, public universities want to give an equal chance to all its applicants and students. Public universities basically want to educate people without exception, making public universities’ admission easier compared with private universities. Private schools are typically more competitive in terms of

admission. They select the applicant who has a special talent or higher GPA which leads to more competition than in public university admissions.

Public colleges are also much cheaper than private universities. At private univer-sities, both U. S. residents and international students have to pay the same amount of tuition. However, at public universities, United States residents do not have to pay as much as international students. International students can pay four times

as much as United States residents. Public universities are funded through state and federal money, whereas private universi-ties are typically supported through fund raising, tuition, or donations from many corporations for research and developmen-tal purposes. The lack of governmental money can affect both resident and inter-national students.

Public universities tend to offer more inclusive programs in areas like foreign languages, music, sports, design, and more. However, in terms of research, public

universities fall behind compared with private institutions. Private universities are often heavily funded through private grants. Therefore, they have more advances in research in terms of their facility and resources. Many great noble laureates and brilliant minds have graduated from private universities.

This does not mean, however, that private universities are a better choice when stacked against public schools. This is only dependent on the source of opportunities. Public universities are often restricted in their financial abilities. The state budget often limits the amount of money, resources, and facilities that the public universities can receive, use, and build upon.

There is no definitive answer regarding whether going to private or public school is best. The most important thing to consider when making the decision is understand personal values, goals, and possible limi-tations. Some people are focused on the cost while others value more greatly the academic reputation. In the end, it is all up to personal preference. ■

9October 2009

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perspectives

10 October 2009

If you could tellanything, what

Ayo Omolewa Pre-Pharmacy

Stop reading straight from the Power Points!Colleen Moskala Nursing

"Compiled and photographed by

Kathleen Fanske and Matt Reid

Enuciate your words better, I can't understand you."

"

Emily Fuller Dance

Talking in circles is unnecessary. I would rather be sleeping or

making money.""

Tristan Caron PianoKeep your opinions as opinions."

""

"

"Thanks for teaching us, just be more organized.Jesse Myers General Studies

11October 2009

perspectivesyour professorwould it be?

Give me an "A" and help me strive for my goals so I can

become a better student and transfer.

"

"Sunny Patel Accounting

I know more than you do about the subject.

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"Andrew Mason Woods Elementary Education

Try and teach things on the same page as other teachers.

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Manny Agosto Music

Stop reading straight from the Power Points!

perspectives

Tristan Caron PianoKeep your opinions as opinions.

Mom Knows BestTanning's Deadly Beds

12 October 2009

health

The risk of skin cancer jumps by 75 percent when

people start using tanning beds be-

fore age 30.

"

"

Now that summer is officially over, many people are beginning to complain about losing their tan. The truth is people should not be missing the damage that is done to their skin in the summer months.

The media makes us believe that having tan skin is beautiful, but it can become deadly. Skincancer.org states that one in five Americans will suffer from skin cancer in the course of his or her lifetime. Another scary statistic is that one American dies from skin cancer every hour! This is because it is the most common form of cancer in the United States.

Putting on tanning oil and lying in the sun can be relaxing, but it makes skin defenseless to the harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun. Also, while that pale winter skin may seem unattractive, tanning beds are just as hazardous as the sun. Dangerous levels of ultra-violet radiation being exposed during your session can cause suppression of the immune system and increase the development of skin cancer, according to Skincancer.org. An article on Foxnews.com states, “the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 30.”

With summer behind us, it is still very important to know how to protect your skin. Apply a lotion with at least SPF 30 on all exposed skin when leaving the house. Even when it’s overcast, the sun can still harm the skin, so wearing sunscreen is a good daily habit. Also, reapply sunscreen

Cold and Flu season is just around the corner, and try as we may, many of us will end up fighting a bug one way or another. If you find yourself dealing with a cold, now would be a good time to remember all the things mom did to make you feel better.

As it turns out, her remedies had more benefit than we might have thought. WebMD gave mom some scientific backing, and here are the top five mom- approved remedies.

Chicken Soup That’s right, not only is it good for

the soul, but eating chicken soup when sick does more than just remind you of childhood. Inhaling the steam from the soup helps to alleviate nasal congestion and sipping the broth soothes a sore throat while helping to fight off dehydration.

Hot Tea Pick whatever flavor you like, cinna-

mon, orange pekoe, black, etc. The liquid will not only soothe a sore throat but will keep you hydrated. If you like, you can also add honey which tastes good and aids in coating a sore throat.

A Hot Shower Whether you actually take a shower,

or just fill the bathroom with steam, this remedy will ease congestion and help with an oh-so-annoying runny and/or stuffy nose. Be careful though, don’t stand in the steam too long as this can be dangerous.

Menthol Ointment The most familiar example of this is the

brand ‘Vick’s VapoRub.’ There are other versions out there; however, the value of this remedy comes from it containing menthol and camphor. The vapors of these open up nasal passages and can even help quiet a cough.

Bed Rest No surprise here folks, we all know (or

should know), just how important rest is when you’re healthy but it is even more important when you’re ill.

Wrap yourself in a comfortable warm blanket (keeping warm allows your body to use its energy on the cold), and just let your body do what it’s designed to do. Easier said than done, right? If you can’t take a day or so off, try taking mini naps whenever you can- and don’t push yourself over your limit.

There is no cure for the common cold, but with the a few at-home remedies, you can ease your symptoms and get on your way to feeling better faster. If your con-dition persists or worsens, seek medical advice immediately.

Of course, working to avoid getting sick in the first place is always better than being sick, so wash your hands often, eat right, and get as much rest as you can. A healthy body equals a healthy mind and those are the makings of a successful college student. ■

Jaimie WilderHCC Times Staff

Cheryl LyonsHCC Times Staff

throughout the day. These suggestions apply to those with a darker skin tone as well, as no one is exempt from skin cancer.

Fortunately, it’s not too late to change bad sun habits, since 80 percent of sun exposure occurs after the age of 18. Even for the young, skin cancer is still a major possibility, so keep an eye on moles that appear to be blistering and growing. As with any cancer, early detection is essential to successful treatment. ■

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13October 2009

features

Apply by January 15: You can apply for admission to Towson University online at www.towson.edu/discover. Click on “Apply Now.” You can also request a paper application by calling 1-888-4TOWSON.

0509.058

How does the Early Registration Program benefit me?If you wait until Towson University’s summer orientation for transfer students, class selection may be limited. Our Early Registration Program offers you an opportunity to register in April 2010 so you’ll get a better selection of classes.

How do I participate? n Towson grants priority admission to Maryland public community college graduates in good academic standing. You’ll need 45 credits by the end of fall 2009 (and a total of 60 credits by the end of spring 2010).

n Apply for TU admission by January 15.

n You’ll receive a notification of TU’s admission decision and information about how to sign up for early advising and registration.

n Submit your enrollment contract and deposit by March 1.

arOuNd tOwNMaryland's Halloween Tricks and Treats

October 200914

Olde Ellicott City Tour

See Old Ellicott City through a new perspective with the “Ye Haunted History of Olde Ellicott City Tour.” This walking tour fea-tures one of the most haunted towns on the East Coast, and highlights paranormal activity throughout the town’s past. Tours run Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. through the end of November. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children under 12.

Clarks Elioak Farm

Clarks Elioak Farm is a great place for all ages to discover the fun in picking your own pumpkin in their homegrown pumpkin patch! Located off Route 108, it is easily accessible and provides fun for the whole family with hayrides, a petting zoo, pony rides, and even the magical statues from the Enchanted Forest! It is open from

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 7 days a week through November 8. Admission is $4.50 per person, with an addi-tional $2 for hayrides and pony rides. See Clarklandfarm.com for more information.

Six Flags

Experience frightful rides and events at Six Flags Fright Fest, which runs through November 1. This event features ghostly char-acters, scare zones, haunted tours and terrorizing rides in the dark!

If the rides are too scary for the kids, they can enjoy their own trick-or-treat trail, a Monster Mash Bash, and a Not-So-Scary Kiddie Hayride! Tickets are $49.99, with a buy one get one free offer on the Six Flags website. Check out Sixfl ags.com/america/events/FrightFest2009.aspx for more information.

Bennette's Curse

Bennett’s Curse has been selected as one of America’s Best Haunts of 2009. Beware of the House of Vampires, and prepare to get lost in the Sanctuary of Insanity and the Dominion of Darkness. It features an infl atable labyrinth with pitch black hallways and creatures creeping in the dark. It is located at Arundel Mills and tickets are $20. Visit Bennettscurse.com/main.htm for additional information and hours.

Mexican on Main at La Palapa

If you’re looking for food that has a little punch, try La Palapa Mexican Restaurant in Historic Ellicott City. This restaurant operates as a family style dining area, with a sports bar and college style hangout atmosphere. It sits in a walled-in, set back area, a little off Main Street, creating an atmosphere where diners can have conversations without being forced to shout over loud traffi c.

This is a great place to go after a long day of shopping or a hectic day, just to relax. Some of the main dishes that are

Briana RaglerHCC Times Staff big hits include the Chili Aztec, which

consists of massive hunks of meat and tomato, with a long lasting rich fl avor. But if you just want to stick to the standard fare Mexican food, burritos, enchiladas and tacos are served as well. Their menu is somewhat traditional, including pork and steak options, as well as various weekly specials. In addition to the original dining room, there is a glassed-in, indoor/outdoor seating area. The service is very friendly and welcoming to all.

La Palapa is located at 8307 Main St in Ellicott City. Call 410-465-0070 for hours and additional information. ■

The National Zoo

The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. offers Boo at the Zoo, a beloved Halloween tradition. Event goers can enjoy trick-or-treating in the dark, encounter zoo animals, enjoy festive decorations, and expe-rience haunted trails! This event runs October 23-25 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and tickets $25. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the Zoo.

Compiled and photographed by Kathleen Fanske and Cheryl Lyons

The Asylum

Experience The Asylum, the area’s longest running haunted house, located at the Bowie Baysox Prince George’s Stadium. It runs every Friday and Saturday night throughout October from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and tickets are $15 each. Tickets and additional informa-tion are available online at Baysox.com/events/house.

Creepy Woods Haunted Forest

CreepyWoods Haunted Forest, located in Kingsville at Huber’s Farm, is sure to put you in the mood for Halloween with their haunted trails featuring monsters, special effects, and live actors. Tickets are $15. Visit CreepyWoods.com for more information.

Briana Ragler/HCC Times

15October 2009

a & eFrankenstein and

Dracula, From Page to Screen

One moves with outstretched arms like a mummy, while his poorly reconstructed face smiles sheepishly as he is about to attack his victim. The other hides the lower part of his face with his great black cape to stare, while his two red eyes gleam in the dark. They are Frankenstein’s monster and Count Dracula, two characters from classic novels that have been reinvented by popular culture since they were originally published in the 19th century.

Time has taken away the intelligence of Frankenstein’s monster and the evil of Dracula. They have been reduced to icons of what people think is frightening, instead of what is truly horrifying. Their evilness has been made light, and there is little to fear in them. Yet they are not merely monsters—they hold in literature a far greater, if not more terrifying, stance than they have taken in popular culture.

Mary Shelley was in her late teens when she wrote her novel, Frankenstein. Her story was about Dr. Frankenstein, who succeeded in creating a man, but “playing God” backfi red on him, as he created a monster instead. The monster, shunned by society, dedicated his life to taking revenge on the man who created him.

Originally, Frankenstein’s monster was a far cry from the one we recognize today. He was not the green, idiotic monster that had been reinvented by actor Boris Karloff. Physically, he was not very green at all, but wrinkled and pale like a newborn baby or a man past his death day. Instead of being a cruel, mindless beast as we now know him as, he was a psychologically monstrous and intelligent creature. Made for good, he became wrought by evil.

The monster speaks with intelligence and feeling even though his life is set on revenge. To the reader, the monster is a character to be pitied and hated. The terror readers may feel from Frankenstein’s

Lauren BuccaHCC Times Staff

monster is evoked from his intelligence, as the crafty villain is always more terrifying than the mindless monster.

Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula conjured a monster that, much like Frankenstein’s creation, was meant once to be a man. This man no longer lived on bread and water, but on the blood of his victims. This turned him into the dreaded creature that has become redundant in today’s media: the infamous vampire.

Stoker’s character was infl uenced by a real man who lived in the medieval ages who shared the same name. Count Dracula was supposedly a vassal to the Prince of Transylvania, notorious for impaling his victims, which numbered in the thousands. When the Prince of Transylvania incarcer-ated Dracula, the villainous man spent his time impaling rats—hence the reference to stabbing the heart of a vampire to kill them.

The book does not scream the horror of this bloodthirsty villain, but rather plays the terror of the monster through the book, like the soft note of a bow on a violin, which fl ows throughout the entire work, making the reader hold still and feel as haunted by Dracula as his fi ctitious victims.

The world now knows Dracula as a laughing and haughty vampire with two great white fangs, as was depicted by the actor Bela Lugosi. Yet the story writes him more subtly as a tall and lean old man, with graying hair and two teeth that simply seem unnaturally large. He is soft-spoken and gentlemanly, until he decides to turn into a bat or mist, and prey on his victims. Vampires, the children of a new, dark mythology, are an evil to be shunned.

These two characters have survived over the ages and lived beyond the pages of their stories. In literature, they are true villains. The lines between good and evil in their stories are not blurred, but stand out like sharp, jagged lines. ■

Bat Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS 1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate

cake mix1 (16 ounce) container prepared choco-

late frosting1 (11.5 ounce) package fudge stripe

cookies1 (6 ounce) bag milk chocolate candy

kisses, unwrapped1 tablespoon red gel icingDIRECTIONSPrepare the cake mix according to

package directions for cupcakes. Cool. Frost cupcakes with chocolate frosting.

Break the cookies in half, and press

two halves into the top of each cupcake for wings, stripes facing the frosting. Place a chocolate kiss in front of the cookies with the point facing forward for the body. Make two beady little eyes with the red gel icing towards the point of the kiss. Let the fun begin!

Cheryl LyonsHCC Times Staff

Creepy Confections for Halloween

See Cake on page 17Cheryl Lyons/HCC Times

16 October 2009

a & eJorge BenavidesHCC Times Staff

The 10 Best Halloween Horror F licks

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On Halloween’s cusp, the couch beckons and the home theater is itchin-for a scream. The horror film genre has been a favorite for generations and will likely not cease to terrify. For a dark and stormy night under a blanket, prepare to be scared with the top ten horror films of all time. Whether its camp or suspense, we’ve got you covered.

10. Child’s PlayA bolt of lightning causes a deceased

notorious killer to take the form of a doll. Trouble ensues after the doll starts murder-ing in an attempt to transfer his soul back to his body. He later realizes that in order to transform back, he needs the soul of his friend, Andy. Child’s Play chillingly removes the innocence of a once simple toy. The first movie was followed by four

sequels.9. Silence of the Lambs You can’t go wrong with a movie

involving the FBI, cannibals, and serial killers. In this thriller, an agent-in-training is set to interview Hannibal Lector in hopes to provide the FBI with information to find a murderer at large.

8. PoltergeistThis is the cream of the crop when it

comes to horror films, the type of movie you have to watch with the light on. With a connection to another world through the static on the television set, ghoulish terror wreaks havoc on the Freeling family. It’s definitely a film that’ll leave you shaken up for days if not weeks.

7. Texas Chainsaw Massacre A bloodbath from start to finish, this

film tells of five individuals and their encounter with a psychopathic family in Texas. This independent movie took horror films to a new level with the gruesome violence that can make anyone cringe at the sound of a chainsaw. It is still consid-ered a classic among movie buffs and was followed by four sequels and a remake, released in 2003.

6. Psycho Nearly fifty years later, this movie is

still highly praised for its cinematography. From the mind of Alfred Hitchcock comes the story of a woman on the run that flees to motel owner Norman Bates and his elusive mother. There may not be as much blood and guts in this film, but what it lacks in

Photo Courtesy of Collectingtokens.com

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

See 10 Best on page 18

17October 2009

a & e

eggs according to package directions.If your package requires different

ingredients to make cake, follow those instructions instead.

Grease and flour a glass 13x9-inch

Celebrate a festive atmosphere

every weekend until October 25 at the Renaissance Festival in Crownsville, Maryland. Enter the 25 acre 16th century English Tudor Village called “Revel Grove” as the populace celebrates a visit by King Henry VIII and his Royal Court. Enjoy the many performances which range from the Parody of the Bard (Shakespeare Scum: Leave it to Hamlet), to the side splitting comedies (The Bloody Drama) and the Human Chess Games.

Listen to a variety of musicians and sample foods such as giant turkey legs, tasty meat pies and knave sandwiches as you stroll around the village. Visit the many shops that display handicrafts and works of art. There is also stained glass, sculptures of wood, metal and ceramic, original jewelry, pottery, glass blowing, an armory and leather works.

On my recent visit to the Renaissance Festival, I joined the multitude of visitors who were dressed in 16th century cloth-ing. Men dressed as knights, peasants and monks with women dressed as ladies of the royal court, wenches, and a few in pirate outfits. Young boys were dressed

Taariq AdamsHCC Times Staff

Prepare Ye For Merrimentas would-be Robin Hood and his merry men with wooden swords and fake bows and little girls dressed as fairy princesses. For those who arrived unprepared, there were shops to rent an outfit for the day.

Upon entering the village, I was greeted by the king’s welcome party and musicians playing Irish music of the period. Strolling through the village, I saw people tempt-ing their fate at Jacob’s ladder, climbing the castle walls, and testing their skills at an archery range and other target based games like star, ax, and knife throwing. I chose a three-dimensional maze game that was controlled by two levers. Though this game was a challenge for many, I won and received a free drink as my prize. My luck continued as I played a wooden pinball machine with a castle siege setting and won another free drink. Being under the age of 21, I had to settle for a soft drink instead of a beer. But a good time was had by all.

There were numerous stages through-out the village with shows for all ages and taste to enjoy such as “Robin Hood,” “A Fool Named O and La-La,” “Othello Having a Bad Day” and “Sword Swallower Extraordinaire.” In addition, peddlers such as the wandering Beef Jerky Man, street

magicians, jugglers, and the village idiot mingled with the merry crowd. From time to time, the town crier would loudly announce certain upcoming events. One of the biggest events of the day was the jousting tournament, where knights in full armor tried their skills with lance, spear and sword to win trophies from the king. All in all, it was a full day of non-stop entertainment.

The Renaissance Festival is winding down with only a few weekends remaining

before it closes for the season. The Scottish weekend on October 17-18 will feature special musical guest, Albannach. Besides fun and food, there will be a caber toss demonstration and competition. The finale is the Chivalry weekend on October 24-25, which will include an enhanced jousting tournament. Be sure to participate in these weekends and join the fun while it lasts. Then again, there is always next year.

For more information, visi t MarylandRenaissanceFestival.com. ■

Halloween Graveyard Cake

For the Cake1 (18 1/4 ounce) package cake mix (I

used Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Devil’s Food)

1 1/3 cups water 1/2 cup vegetable oil 3 large eggs To Decorate10 ounces Nabisco Oreo cookies,

crushed (may use gingersnap crumbs if it goes with your cake)

6 - 1 0 P e p p e r i d g e F a r m Milano cookies (or suitable oval shaped butter cookies)

1 1/2-2 cups prepared vanilla frost-ing (or other suitable flavor)

1-4 package cake decorating gel (green, black, orange or brown, etc, as needed)

1 cup candy corn (or pumpkin-shaped candy)

1/4 cup harvest colored sprinkles or colored crystal sugar (orange, green, yellow, etc)

6-12 l abora to ry decora t ive candies (chocolate candy foil-wrapped like eyeballs, ears, lips, body parts, etc) (optional)

4-6 ghost-shaped peeps marshmal-lows (may also use cats or pumpkins)

DirectionsPreheat oven to 350°F.Mix together cake mix, water, oil, and

Cake from page 15 cake pan.

If you use a dark or coated pan, do your baking at 325°F.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake in a preheated oven for approx 35 minutes (38-40 minutes for dark or coated pans) or until cake is done.

Allow cake to cool in the pan.Spread frosting evenly on cooled cake.Sprinkle frosting with crumbled

cookies (oreos or whatever you are using).Using gel frostings, write sayings on

1/2 of the milano cookies (R.I.P).Press 1/2 of cookie down into cake and

icing to resemble a standing tombstone.Arrange ghost marshmallows in a

standing position on top of cake.Scatter candies and/or sprinkles or

sugars on cake to garnish. ■

Midieval music is just one of the main attractions at the Renaissance Festival.Taariq Adams/HCC Times

Cheryl Lyons/ HCC Times

18 October 2009

a & egore it makes up in suspense with great camera shots and lighting techniques which help set the mood for moments like the classic shower scene.

5. The Nightmare on Elm StreetThis is a classic film about a child

murderer who is burned to death by townspeople. Freddy seeks revenge but attacking the townspeople’s children in their sleep. With his badly burned skin and razor sharp claws, Freddy terrorizes countless teenagers throughout the eight Elm Street movies. One of the most notable scenes is the bed scene, where actor Johnny Depp is laying down watching television when a hole sucks up him and the TV. A rush of blood comes spewing out the bed and onto the wall. It’s a disturbing image which has yet to leave my mind.

4. HalloweenNo Hallows eve is complete without

John Carpenter’s Halloween. The movie tells the tale of Michael Myers, a serial killer who took the life of his sister as a

child. He pops out of closets, backseats, and various other places with his kitchen knife. Like Jason and many other notable villains, the Halloween series has earned a spot as one of the best horror movies

Crystal Lake to Manhattan. The franchise as a whole is still going strong. Earlier this year, a remake of the movie was released which did exceptionally well at the box office. With his signature machetes weapon in hand, Jason shows no sign of slowing down.

2. The ShiningStephen King’s unforgettable cult

classic captures a family who house sits a hotel with a haunted past. Strange events push the father, Jack, over the edge leading him to turn on his own family. Jack Nicholson’s standout performance as the crazed father is both disturbing and horrifying. Dramatic scenes like the son riding through the hotel on his tricycle and coming across the ghost twins and the image of a bloody hallway is enough to make anyone squirm.

1. The Exorcist This is hands down one of the most

horrifying movies in cinematic history. Set in Georgetown, this story revolves around a twelve-year old girl named Regan and

of all time.3. Friday the 13th

This masked killer has become an iconic figure in the horror film genre. He has been slashing innocent victims for nearly thirty years in various places from

her mother’s desperate attempt to free her demon-possessed daughter. Who could forget the chilling scene where Regan spider walks down the stairs and spits out blood! There was another spine tingling scene in which the demon levitates Regan and proceeds to throw furniture across the room. This movie will give just about any moviegoer the chills. ■

10 Best from page 16

Photo Courtesy of Movieweb.com

Photo Courtesy of ObscureHorror.com

19October 2009

spOrts

team’s detriments, the players have stepped up and continued to come through for their other teammates. They are also working heavily on position fundamentals in hopes of executing plays consistently. Some members are even showing true devo-tion and commitment by practicing their skills on their own time.

When the team is not worrying about extra practice or their health, they are optimistic and adamant about winning and working together. “I would say the greatest accomplish-ment so far is that they each believe in the importance of everyone on the team. As far as our play is con-cerned, our attack has been our biggest strength as Brandi Cook and Carly Pruitt are averaging over three kills a game,” said Troy.

Troy is extremely proud of his team this year, and rightfully so. This is his first year coaching volleyball at Howard Community College, but he brings experience from past work with the Carroll Vipers Volleyball Club (CVVC) in Westminster as a club coach and Assistant Coach at Gettysburg College.

The team began their season on August 1 and plans to end the 3 week of October with the District Tournament. If they succeed, they will move on to Nationals, which take place on November 14. ■

#1 Marcia Bond Position: Right Side Hitter

#2 Niusha Abdeshah Position:Right Side Hitter

#3 Christina Johnson Position: Setter #5 Carly Pruitt

Position: Outside Hitter

Meet the Team

#13 Mide Sokoya Position: Outside Hitter

#15 Brandi Cook Position: Middle Blocker #16 Brittany Sillyman

Position: Middle Blocker #17 Jackie Allen

Position: Setter

Upcoming GamesFriday, October 16

Women’s Volleyball vs. College of Southern Maryland, 12 p.m.

(Away)Tuesday, October 20

Women’s Soccer vs. Cecil County CC, 12 P.M. (Away)Men’s Soccer vs. CCBC-Essex,

7 p.m. (Away)Wednesday, October 21

Women’s Soccer vs. Cecil County CC, 12 p.m. (Away)

Women’s Volleyball vs. Montgomery Rockville, 7:30p.m.

(Home)Saturday, October 24-Sunday,

October 25Women’s Volleyball District

C Regionals vs. Anne Arundel (Away)

Tuesday, October 27

Men’s Soccer Regions 1st Round, 12 p.m.

Thursday, October 29Men’s Soccer Regional Semi

Finals, 12 p.m. (Home)Saturday, October 31

Men’s Soccer Regions Finals, 12 p.m. (Home)

Friday, November 6Men’s Basketball Dragon Invitational, 12 p.m. Saturday, November 7

Men’s Basketball Dragon Invitational, 12 p.m.Men’s Soccer District 4

Championships, 12 p.m.Friday, November 13-

Saturday, November 14Women's Volleyball NJCAA Nationals

(Away)

The women’s volleyball team, led by Coach Matt Troy, is on a roll this season and intends to go all the way to Nationals in November. The team is proving that practice and teamwork pay off, with their record of 6-0 in the Maryland Junior College Conference (MDJUCO) and the top 10 spot in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) polls for two out of the three weeks.

They also have won nine of their matches so far and are currently 12-9 and 6-0 in the conference. Troy and the team are on their way to fulfilling their prominent goals of finishing in the top three in the MDJCO Conference and in the top 10 in the DIII JUCO, along with making it to Nationals by the end of the season. Troy states that, “so far we have put ourselves in a great position to reach all three goals. We are currently one of three teams with an undefeated record in MDJUCO, and have defeated the defending DIII District Champs, Anne Arundel, earlier this season.”

According to Troy, the biggest chal-lenges this season have been injuries and staying healthy. “We have a small squad, this of only eight players, so when we’ve had injuries, it has put a greater physical toll, as well as mental, on the other players.” Through the

Kathleen FanskeManaging Editor

Women's Volleyball TeamSpikes Competition

Photo Courtesy of Matt Troy

20 October 2009