Happy Holidays!
“Eighty percent of the final exam will be based on the one lecture you missed and the one book you didn’t read.” -Third Law of Applied Terror
December 6 , 2007 Wilson College Chambersburg, Pennsylvania Vol. XXXIX, No.9
Wilson Rocks Around the Christmas Tree
In This Issue 2 Editorials & Letters • Letters to the Editor
3 News
by Sarah Martin
On Friday November 30th, Wilson College held their annual White Dinner. The festivities began at 5pm with hors’ d’oeuvres’ served in Laird Hall. Tables were set with white table linens and white roses in glass vases adorned each table. The dance floor was covered in balloons and children who attended with their mothers were out chasing them. Dinner was served at 6pm with a meal keeping in the theme of the evening—white chicken, white noodles, and white sauce. Desert consisted of strawberries and chocolate fondue. A DJ played soft, formal dining music throughout dinner, but as soon as dancers started to crowd the dance floor the formal tone was replaced with more upbeat tunes. The lights dimmed and a strobe light lit up the dance floor as hip-hop, rap, and rock music blared from the stereos. Everyone got into the music, and several children even began to break dance. Even those who do not like rap or hip-hop could be seen tapping a foot or nodding their head to the beat. The Chicken Dance, the Electric Slide, and the Macarena added to the fun of the evening. Festivities continued well past midnight though only a fraction of students, faculty, and their guests were left. White Dinner has become a much-needed retreat from the stressful end of the semester weeks. With final exams just around the corner, students are studying day and night. An event such as this one acts to break the monotony and gives students a chance to have fun.
•Clinton Leads Dems Obama trails closely Edward places third Four runners follow • Wilson Campus Covered in a Blanket of White
4 Sports
• Wilson Basketball Players Sacrifice Winter Break for Love of Game
5 Education Students, faculty, and staff celebrate tradition and enjoy a fun-filled evening during White Dinner Photos by Sarah Martin
Of course, White Dinner has a long history at Wilson. The event started in 1914 during World War I. Herbert Hoover, soon to be President, asked Americans to help with a relief plan for Belgians affected by the German invasion. Wilson College and its students stepped up to the plate and participated in a “self-denial campaign” to raise money for the war torn country. Their goal was $150, and they gave up their traditional Christmas parties and many other luxuries to achieve this. White Dinner eventually became an annual event to raise funds for foreign-based organizations and scholarships for foreign students. The tradition was to keep the decorations and food simple. Everyone would wear white—not just the seniors—and the room was decorated with seasonal greens and Christmas trees. The White Dinner of yesteryear isn’t exactly the one students attended on Friday. Dresses included every shade of color and the music was nothing like what played so long ago. The dancing surely was not the same. However, the laughter and cheerful atmosphere has remained. It just goes to show that some traditions never fade.
•Career Corner: Don’t Let Verbal Crutches Cripple Your Search! • How Pussy Cat Met Wiener Dog A Feminist Children’s Tale
6 Features
• Lovable Villian of Christmas Steals Whoville Hearts Broadway Style • He Knows When We’ve Been Bad or Good, But What Do We Know About Santa? • Scrooges, and Zoos, and Fuzzy Bears, Oh My! Of the Stuffed and the Not-so-stuffed Kind •This Holiday Season, Focus on Giving Back…To Yourself •Ten Helpful Ways to Keep Your Holiday Shopping Spirits Bright
9 Kids
• Perfect Gadgets for the Little TechnoKid This Holiday Season
10 Entertainment
• His and Her Movie Review • His Side:Perspectives of a Wilson Man
11 Fiction
•Feminist Stories for Children
12 Classifieds
2Opinion Many Cultures Celebrate Family and Faith in Month of December by Kimberly Maske-Mertz
Most of us know the history behind the Christmas holiday—how it is the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a time of charity and generosity. The holiday seems to dominate local department stores with tinsel, lights, and a overabundance of Christmas carols. However, aside from Christmas there are a number of other holidays that give many around the world a reason to celebrate the winter season. Hanukkah is probably one of the more familiar winter holidays that coincides with the Christmas season. It is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated for eight days and nights, which this year will begin at sundown on December 4th. In Hebrew, Hanukkah means “dedication.” It is a time when those of the Jewish faith celebrate the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Syrians had defiled it. The tradition of lighting the menorah symbolizes the miracle of the eight nights its flames burned despite the fact there was only enough oil for one night. Other traditions of this holiday include the game of spinning a toy dreidel, and feasting upon latkes (fried potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (fried jelly donuts). Kwanzaa, a non-religious African American holiday, begins on December 26th and is celebrated for seven days. It is a time of family, community, and African American culture. Dr. Maulana Karenga created the holiday in 1966 as a way to bring African Americans together after the Watts riots. Kwanzaa celebrates the time of harvest by combining traditions from a number of African tribes. On each night of the holiday, the kinara (candleholder) is lit and the family tells stories, sings songs, and discusses the seven principles of African culture that promote community. There are many other holidays celebrated throughout the world in the month of December. These include Maunajiyaras (Dec. 12), a Jainist time of meditation, silence, and fasting; Tohji-taisai (Dec. 21), the Shinto celebration of the end of the yin period and the start of the yang; Yule (Dec. 21), a Wiccan celebration of the birth of God as the king of winter; and Ghambar Maidyarem (Dec. 26), the five day festival in the Zoroastrianism faith which celebrates the creation of animals. However you choose to celebrate this holiday season, please remember to take time to reflect on all the good things in your life. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you, donate to a charitable organization, and pull aside any military service man or woman that you may see and thank them for their sacrifice. Most of all have a happy, healthy, and safe Winter Break. I’ll be seeing you in 2008!! To learn more about various religious and non-religious holidays throughout the year, visit the Religions for Peace website at http://www. rfpusa.org or the History Channel at http://www.history.com
Reminder to students:
Please remember to check your campus email during Winter Break. Important information may only be a click away!!
Letters to the Editor I wanted to respond to your editorial on services for CCE students. To make it easier for CCE students to have appointments at the Counseling Center, this year (beginning August 2007) we expanded our hours. The Counseling Center is open Monday’s until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday’s until 6:00 p.m. and Thursday’s until 7:00 p.m. Cindy L. Shoemaker, L.P.C. Director of Counseling
The Wilson Billboard is Looking for
Writers, Photographers, Copy Editors, and Cartoonists for the Spring 2008 Semester!! Skills are a plus, but not necessarily needed. If you are interested in working for a publication where members not only build their resume but have a lot of fun doing it, email Kimberly Maske-Mertz (Editor-inchief) or Dr. Aimee-Marie Dorsten (Advisor) at billboard@wilson.edu We want to hear what you have to say!! Contact us TODAY!!
Photo by Kimberly Maske-Mertz
On behalf of the entire Billboard staff… Petie would like to wish everyone in the Wilson community Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year.
3
News
Clinton Leads Dems Obama trails closely Edward places third Four runners follow by Jon-Chris Ecker
As the year 2007 slowly ends, and 2008’s interesting political landscape begins to take shape, here is a brief overview of the candidates vying for the Democratic Presidential nomination. Most polls currently have Hillary Clinton leading all candidates. While the voters of America seem polarized in their opinions of her candidacy, Clinton’s supporters have proven to be steadfast. This, along with her obvious political name recognition, seems to have kept her in front despite a strong ground swell for Barack Obama. Clinton is best known politically for her fight for universal health care during her husband’s time in office. This campaign failed due in large part to a Republican Congress, and Clinton has since slightly revamped her health care plans. Clinton supports civil unions and abortion choice rights, along with receiving high marks from environmental groups. However, her initial support of the Iraq War has drawn considerable criticism. Obama has also received high marks from environmental groups, and also supports civil unions and pro-choice measures. Obama spoke out against the Iraq War before it began, and continues to back troop removal plans. Despite famously admitting his penchant for marijuana in his youth, Obama does not support marijuana decriminalization efforts. Former Senator John Edwards is still looking to regain his popularity from 2004 during this election. Edwards has received high grades from labor unions along with environmental and educational groups, while voting prevalently against the stances of the National Rifle Association (NRA). Edwards backed the Military Force Authorization resolution two days after 9/11, and also supported the 2001 Patriot Act. Dennis Kucinich is most famous for having served as the youngest mayor of a major city in American history, when he was elected
by the city of Cleveland in 1977. Kucinich has since worked predominantly toward protecting the environment, raising pay for workers, universal health care, and ending the war. Kucinich is also pro-choice, supports gay marriage, and backs the decriminalization of marijuana in small quantities. He has opposed the Iraq War resolution, the Patriot Act, and NAFTA. Also running are: New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who is the only Democratic candidate to receive support from the NRA; Connecticut Senator Christopher Dodd, who largely supports traditional Democratic values; and former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel, who spoke out against the faulty CIA intelligence before the Iraq War. Gravel also supports gay marriage, marijuana legalization, and full freedom of the 2nd Amendment. Don’t forget to check online to see when your home state will hold it’s Presidential primary! Iowa is first on January 3rd, while Pennsylvanians will have to wait until April 22nd.
Photo courtesy of Joohee Son
Photo courtesy of Heather Drumm
Muhibbah members take a break from festivities to model traditional costumes from around the world.
Snow blankets the Wilson campus after storm on December 5 Photo by Heekyung Kim
Wilson Campus Covered in a Blanket of White by Kimberly Maske-Mertz
The Wilson community received a greeting from Old Man Winter on Wednesday morning. Thanks to a clipper system that arrived in the area Tuesday night, the Chambersburg area was treated to the first real snow of the season. Snow accumulations were expected to total only 1-3 inches by the time the storm system moved out of the area by Thursday morning. Road crews worked throughout the day Wednesday to clear snow and make driving safer for commuters. However, Thursday’s forecast calls for sunshine to dominate the area that could create a blinding glare, making driving difficult for some. The snow did not disrupt many schedules on Wednesday. While the Chambersburg Area School District dismissed students two hours early, Wilson College remained open throughout the day and classes met as scheduled. The newly fallen snow proved a beautiful addition for the last week of classes, however students should enjoy it while it lasts. Temperatures are forecast to rise steadily through the rest of the week, and another storm system will bring rain just in time for final exams.
4Sports
Wilson Basketball Players Sacrifice Winter Break for Love of Game by Nikola Grafnetterova
While most (if not all) Wilson College students can’t wait until the final week of classes is over and the winter break begins, our basketball team has a different outlook. After winter sports student-athletes turn in their final exams and end-of-term papers, they will have only two weeks to spend at home and relax before they have to come back to Wilson campus. The last basketball practice before the winter break will take place on December 12th—the Wednesday of finals week. However, since the team has to travel to Keuka College in New York on January 5th to play an important
NEAC Conference game, players must return to campus early on December 29th to practice for this and eight other upcoming games in January (followed by nine games in February). Since J-Term begins on January 2nd, most of the players will take the opportunity to pick up an additional credit while playing basketball. Freshmen Megan Dennis and Victoria Wilcox will take Fitness for Life. Wilcox said, “Since I have to be on campus anyway, why not to take one of the required classes now?” Basketball players will stay on campus for New Year’s Eve, and even though it may sound pretty cool to “dominate Wilson College” for a few days, some student-athletes are not looking forward to it. “It [stinks] that I can’t be home with my
Scores Wilson Basketball Tip-Off Tournament
friends and family for a longer time,” Wilcox said. Dennis added that she doesn’t like the fact that all players have to return to Wilson before New Year’s Eve, but otherwise she doesn’t mind. Since the Jensen Dining Hall will provide only one meal a day during J-Term, basketball players plan to spend a lot of their free time driving to a number of local restaurants to appease their hunger. Due to the fact that all January games are away, they will also spend a great amount of time on the road, traveling. Being a student-athlete sometimes requires making sacrifices, but Wilson basketball players will make them over this winter break for the love of the game.
Basketball Schedule for January
(16 & 17 November, 2007)
date
location opponent
time
Cedar Crest 63, Wilson 48 (L)
5
away
Keuka College*
2:00
Christendom 53, Wilson 46 (L)
8
away
Philadelphia Biblical University*
7:00
Other games
12
away
Penn State University Berks*
1:00
15
away
Baptist Bible College*
5:00
18
away
Penn State University Abington
7:00
21
away
Chatham College
7:00
26
away
Keystone College*
1:00
29
HOME
Baptist Bible College*
7:00
20 November, 2007 Wilson College vs. Notre Dame (MD) 41-66 (L) 27 November, 2007 Penn State Harrisburg vs. Wilson College* 55-51 (L) 1 December, 2007 Cazenovia College vs. Wilson College* 67-32 (L) 2 December, 2007 D’Youville College vs. Wilson College* 74-35 (L)
*NEAC Conference Game
*NEAC Conference Game
Correction:
We inadvertently printed the wrong name beside the photo of Erina Tallman. Her name is really Erin Shaffer. We’re very sorry for the mistake.
5
Education Career Corner:
Don’t Let Verbal Crutches Cripple Your Search! Typically the topic of verbal crutches is something that people are coached on when they are improving their group presentation skills. Verbal crutches are those little “connector” words that all of us use from time to time. These are the ums, ahs, and even in the case of one candidate I interviewed, fabulous, that we unconsciously toss in while we’re thinking about the next sentence. Let me tell you—this will KILL, and I mean RUIN your chances for a follow up interview, especially if your first interview is a phone interview. As the interviewer on a phone interview, I have nothing else to focus on other than the sound of your voice. If that sound is constantly interrupted by an “umm” or a “ya know,” I’m really going to notice it. If the job I’m considering hiring you for has a lot of phone work involved, I’m not going to subject the person on the other end of the phone to your poor verbal abilities. At this point, I don’t care if you are the most qualified person on paper—you’re out of the running because your message is being lost in a sea of these verbal crutches. It’s a very silly way to get eliminated. Here’s how you clean up your act. First, you need to either ask your friends very seriously and honestly if you are a verbal crutch offender. Explain to them how important this is in your job search, and unless they want to hear you whine for an additional six months about not finding a new job— they should help you. Verbal crutches are bad habits that can become more apparent when you’re in stressful situations like job interviews, but are probably apparent when your guard is down like when you’re hanging out with friends. They don’t just appear when you pick up the phone for an interview. Your other option is to record yourself while you practice for the interview. This can be trickier because you will of course know that you’re taping and will make more of an effort to clean up your act, but it could work. Another option is to just make a conscious effort throughout the day to listen to what you are really saying. Too many times I find that if I’m not completely engaged in what I’m saying and am not truly “in the moment” that I will start umming and ahhing as my brain searches for the next coherent thought. When I focus on the message I’m trying to convey, my speech patterns clean up immediately and I’m back on track. I sound more professional and people have a tendency to not tune me out because they’re tired of trying to sort out the wheat from the umm and ahh chaff. So bottom line, if this could be a problem for you—fix it NOW! Make an effort every time you say something during the day to really listen to what you are saying—don’t tune out! If you want the interviewer to pay attention to you—you need to pay attention to you. For some people, this will be a hard habit to break, but it is well worth the effort. I guarantee it. Contributed by Melanie Szlucha
How Pussy Cat Met Wiener Dog A Feminist Children’s Tale
by Amanda L. Provo, Alicia Newman, and Michelle Knight
6Features Lovable Villian of Christmas Steals Whoville Hearts Broadway Style by Julie Reed Associated Press Writer
Nov 26, NEW YORK (AP)—He may be “as cuddly as a cactus” and “as charming as an eel” but Patrick Page—in the title role of the musical “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”—slithers and slinks his way into being the most lovable Christmas villain of them all. Living just outside Whoville, the Grinch, as just about everyone knows, is a creature that hates Christmas, all its noise, and how happy it makes the Whos. So, he hits on an idea—“a wonderful, awful idea”—to stop Christmas from coming. The production draws from the book by Dr. Seuss (the late Theodor Geisel) and uses music from the 1966 perennial holiday animated special that introduced the songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome, Christmas,” with music by Broadway composer Albert Hague and lyrics by Dr. Seuss. The show, with a limited run at the St. James Theatre, is framed by narration from Old Max, the Grinch’s faithful dog, played with grandfatherly delight by Ed Nixon. Old Max tells the story of how, when he was just a young pup, he was enlisted to help the Grinch steal Christmas from the uber-cheerful Whos down in Whoville. As Page suavely glides around the stage, expertly costumed by Robert Morgan in feathery chartreuse fur and vaguely tribal green-striped makeup, he describes his evil self to Young Max—charmingly played by Rusty Ross—in a rip-roaring solo, “One of a Kind.” This number is the best of the new songs written especially for the show by Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason. There are seven, including the “Annie”-like “Santa for a Day” and the sappy-sweet “It’s the Thought That Counts.” The two original songs from the animated special are well represented and the crowd-pleaser “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” has an imaginative sing-a-long segment. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the book, and the visually arresting sets by John Lee Beatty are faithful to Dr. Seuss’ wonderful illustrations. The Grinch’s sleigh, laden with the Whos’ presents and tipping over the edge of Mt. Crumpet, is vividly imagined as is the home of Cindy Lou Who. Costuming for the citizens of Whoville also remains true to the original drawings—adults and children alike are dressed in bulbous bubble-gum and candy-cane colors with Bozo-esque hair and elflike shoes. The children of Whoville are clearly having a blast on stage and the rotating cast of 24 child actors is great fun to watch. The adult Whos are less interesting. But really, this story is all about the big green meanie and his (literal) change of heart. Page transforms as he hears the Whos singing, even after he’s taken all of their Christmas presents. So he decides to give them back instead of dumping them off the tip of Mt. Crumpet. The joyous celebration as he returns to Whoville and helps carve the “roast beast” is full of holiday cheer with its glittering confetti and sparkling snow falling onto the audience. The musical opened Nov. 9, but a walkout by Local 1, the stagehands union, the following day shut down more than two dozen plays and musicals. The reopening of the $6 million production was ordered last week by state Supreme Court Justice Helen Freedman. Her ruling came after hearing arguments from producers and Jujamcyn Theaters, which owns the St. James. Producers, citing a special contract between the show and
Jujamcyn, wanted the show to go on. Freedman based her decision on a provision of the theater lease, and said she believed the production company would be irreparably harmed if the show wasn’t permitted to resume its run. The intimate atmosphere of the St. James serves the production much better than the cavernous stage of the Hilton Theatre, where the show was staged last year. Briskly directed by Matt August, based on a concept by Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien, this 85-minute production is just long enough to be a wonderful introduction to live theater for children. It is performed without an intermission. This Grinch brings the Dr. Seuss classic fancifully to life—you might find your heart growing a few sizes, too
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Features
He Knows When We’ve Been Bad or Good, But What Do We Know About Santa?
Scrooges, and Zoos, and Fuzzy Bears, Oh My! Of the Stuffed and the Not-so-stuffed Kind
by Brittany Gauss
by Kimberly Maske-Mertz
The inspiration of books, plays, and modern films, Santa Clause has become the icon of American Christmas celebrations. But where did the man in the red suit come from? The story of St. Nicholas goes back to around 280 A.D. He was the subject of many legends due to his kindness. The legend most relevant to our current belief is that he gave away all of his inherited wealth to help the poor and the sick. St. Nicholas was very famous in Europe, especially in Holland where he was known as Sinter Klaas. Saint Nick didn’t come to America until the 19th century when Dutch families would celebrate his feast day in December. In 1809, Washington Irving popularized the “Santa” image in his book The History of New York. In 1822, an Episcopal minister depicted today’s idea of Santa with a poem about a “right jolly old elf” who could ascend chimneys. Then in 1881, cartoonist Thomas Nast illustrated a rotund man with a white beard and sack full of toys—the first likeness of today’s Clause with a bright red suit and elves. Around the world, other people very similar to Santa give gifts. German and Swiss children are visited by Kris Kringle or Christkind. In Scandinavia, the jolly elf Jultomten delivers gifts in a sleigh. Father Christmas fills stockings in England, and Pere Noel places treats in the shoes of French children. In Russia, a woman named Babouschka leaves gifts by bedsides and in Italy a witch, La Befana, rides her broomstick down chimneys to deliver presents. Santa Clause is an iconic symbol in America as are his counterparts around the world. Department stores did not invent him, nor did Coca-Cola. He was a real saint, and though he has been Americanized, he remains a legend in the minds of children and the hearts of all.
Sticking around Chambersburg for the holidays and dreading the snowy days ahead? Although you may be dreaming of a sandy rather than a white Christmas this year, there’s no reason that staying put should chill your holiday mood. While South Central PA may not be the tropical paradise you crave, it is not without it’s perks. There are actually many interesting, even fun things to do if only you do a bit of research. Believe it or not, the holidays in and around Chambersburg can be just as fun as sitting on a Florida beach sipping a margarita…which is highly overrated I might add! So, without further ado…here are my top picks to keep boredom to a minimum and your emotions warm and toasty this holiday season: Boyds Bear Country “Countdown to Christmas:” Now what self-respecting person doesn’t secretly have an affinity for teddy bears? They’re fluffy, adorable, and great to snuggle up with on a cold winter night. Of course, some teddies are better than others and the folks at Boyds know a thing or two about everything “bear.” Right up until Christmas Eve, Boyds Bear Country in beautiful Gettysburg, PA is all decked out in traditional holiday splendor. Even Santa’s in on the festivities! Christmas trees, carolers, and hot chocolate abound. And of course, teddy bears of every shape, size, and color dominate this unique attraction (which is FREE). If for some reason you think visiting a teddy bear shop/museum/landmark is a bit childish, just take a trip down there. It is guaranteed to bring out the child in you, which is what the holidays are all about!! Visit http:// www.boydsbearcountry.com for information and directions. Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol at the Patriot Point Village Theater in Gettysburg: You’ve never heard the old Dickens tale told like this. The behind-the-scenes efforts of Jacob
Photo by Kimberly Maske-Mertz
A Beary-cute angel greets customers at Boyds Bear Country in Gettysburg, PA
Marley to save Scrooge from a terrible fate are highlighted in this original and hilarious retelling. Tickets are only $15 and aside from the theater, Patriot Point Village offers old timey shopping and dining as well. Visit http://www. patriotpoint.us for more information on show times and directions. Zoolights at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.: What is better than mixing a much-loved holiday tradition—viewing Christmas light displays—with the cuteness of fuzzy (and not so fuzzy) animals at the zoo? New to the National Zoo this year, the festivities include thousands of sparkly lights, holiday crafts, ice sculptures, music and storytelling. The best part is it is relatively cheap—only $10 for admission, and kids are free. The event runs Wednesday through Sunday, November 28–December 30, 2007 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oh, and did I mention the cute and fuzzy bears and baboons?? Of course, these are just a few of the many things to do in the area. If driving an hour or two isn’t your cup of Christmas tea, there are a ton of unique shops in downtown Chambersburg to fit your holiday gifting budget. Also, the Capital Theater currently has a number of productions scheduled in December, including The Nutcracker and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. So don’t just sit around and mope while staring out your window at the snow and barren landscape. Get up off the couch, put on your Christmas mittens, and explore what our area has to offer this season. And don’t forget to channel that inner child that is yearning to have some fun this holiday season. Happy holidays everyone!!
8Features Counselor’s Couch This Holiday Season, Focus on Giving Back…To Yourself by Kathryn Brooks
I’d like to offer some simple tools to help you navigate through the end of the semester. First, I must say, I’m really enjoying this opportunity to share little counseling tidbits and gems I’ve collected. I actually feel rather eager to give away my “secrets.” So here’s one I’d like to divulge, especially if you’re in counseling now or considering it in the future. There’s a fine line between giving and receiving. If the notion of focusing completely on yourself seems, well, selfish, keep in mind that most counselors are happy when you do just that. The more clients allow themselves to “receive,” i.e. to trust and relax into the counseling process, the more of a pleasure it is for me too. Here’s another secret. Although a safe and supportive relationship is important in counseling, it’s within you that change happens and doors open. The strengths and abilities for untangling, reworking and moving forward through life’s challenges are inside you. Sometimes you just have to embark on a journey, with company, to discover the wealth of inner resources you possess. That’s why the Wizard of Oz is a great metaphor for the counseling process, and for life. Sometimes, like Dorothy, you have to go all the way to Oz to find your way back home; or to discover that you already have what you seek, whether it’s a heart, a brain, or courage. Or maybe you develop those things along the way, in the process of seeking them. The idea of tapping inner strength reminds me of Harry Potter reaching way inside for his very best memory. This brings me to another secret, which trauma therapists know. There’s something special about engaging both sides of the brain, to work through distressing emotions and/or to access and hold on to inner resources. I think going for a walk or jog, or otherwise rhythmically engaging both sides of the body, accomplishes that too. So, to give yourself an inner boost before the end of the semester, go take a walk. I’m serious. As you’re walking, think of an experience or time when you felt wholly yourself, free of your current struggles or selfdoubts. Think of someone who evokes a feeling of being unconditionally loved. Or someone with whom you feel safe, secure and protected. With each step, I suspect you’ll find those inner resources more securely rooted within you.
A Day in the Life of Jessica… Non-Traditional Student by Jessica Klein-Carnes
I’ll refrain from a discursive essay on the wonderful vacation awaiting all of us after finals. I’m sure many of you still need to shop for spouses, children and extended family members. I hope some of you are looking forward to a vacation away from home such as down south or out west. If you’re not so fortunate and you have to work, I hope the pay is worth it. Is it ever? For all of you adult kids who hope for that one special gift – I really pray that
Ten Helpful Ways to Keep Your Holiday Shopping Spirits Bright (ARA)—Ah, the holidays: the joy, the snow, the rush … the frustration, the crowds, the bad-tempers, the rudeness! ‘Tis the season to be jolly, but how do you survive the holiday shopping season while keeping your spirits bright at the same time? Peggy Post, author of “Emily Post’s Etiquette” and 1-800-FLOWERS.COM’s etiquette expert offers 10 ideas: 1. Smile, Smile, Smile. You can’t do it enough. Your face and your soul will thank you for it. 2. Lose the ‘Bah Humbug!’ attitude. Yes, it will be crowded and there will be lines, but don’t let that dampen the season’s joie de vivre. 3. “Please, Thank You and You’re Welcome.” Make this your mantra and you will smooth the way for better service and create a kinder, gentler atmosphere all around. 4. Be Gracious. You have circled the lot for the fifth time when you spy a space, only to see that someone else is already waiting for it. Be gracious. It’s the right thing to do. 5. A Little Patience, Please. Whether it’s the checkout counter or airline counter, the rules are the same: first come, first served, one at a time. 6. Friendliness. Say “hello” to the harried clerk behind the counter and don’t forget to smile. It will make a difference in her attitude and could be the best part of her day! 7. Complain to the Proper Person. Yelling at a salesclerk because a store is out of an advertised item only makes you look foolish and rude. Ask to speak to the manager. Frame your complaint clearly and simply and no venting, please. 8. Cell Phones: They’re useful when trying to find out your Aunt Mary’s glove size, but turn them off when you are working with a sales clerk or checking out at a register. 9. Shopping with Children: Don’t! It’s best to arrange to leave your children home when it comes to holiday shopping. If they must accompany you, make sure they are well rested and fed, and bring along some small toy to keep their attention. 10. Don’t Forget the Lights. Traffic lights, that is! People are distracted this time of year. Stop at the red lights and use your turn signals to alert other harried, distracted shoppers.
Of course, you can always join the ever-growing number of consumers who are avoiding the crowds, are cozying up at their computers and shopping online. Best of all, you can still convey thoughtfulness with each gift. Sites such as 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, for instance, offer gifts that have a real personal touch. “Flowers will convey your deepest emotion every time,” says Julie Mulligan, floral designer for 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. Julie’s Glorious Bloom arrangement, for example, will show how much you care, while taking some of the pain out of holiday shopping at the mall. Make this truly a season to be jolly and take the stress out of shopping. Courtesy of ARA Content
you receive it. If you still need to decorate, let me assure you, there is plenty of time. After the holidays, New Year’s Eve celebrations are right around the corner. I advise you to have designated drivers and drink responsibly. A DUI could impede your way to school, and put an unwanted expense on your finances. I will leave you with some wise words from St. Francis of Assisi: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace! Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.” Please also remember the soldiers that are fighting for our freedom over the holidays. I’ll see you next semester. Till then…
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KidsKorner Kids
Perfect Gadgets for the Little Techno-Kid This Holiday Season (ARA)—The holiday season is the busiest time of year for a lot of people, and one of the most time consuming tasks you have to get done is shopping for gifts, especially if you have a lot of grandchildren. While the little ones are always happy with whatever you pick out for them, and the teens and preteens have made it pretty clear they’re hoping for cash, finding that perfect gift for the four- to ten-year-old can be a challenge. They already have a room full of toys and lots of books, but they probably don’t have too much technology of their own yet, even though they have certainly expressed an interest. These days, kids get their first exposure to computers when they’re still in preschool. While you can’t really justify the cost of getting such a young child their own laptop, there will be some affordably priced gadgets sure to catch your eye on store shelves this holiday season. Among them, portable DVD players, digital cameras and hand-held video games; but if you want to make a big impression without spending a lot of money, get your grandchild a gift that will make him or her feel really grown up -an MP3 player they can call their own. One you may want to consider is the Klegg Electronics Mini, an MP3 player, FM radio and digital picture frame unit in one that sells for less than $50. Not only is it small enough to fit on a keychain, but the perfect size for little hands. It may look like a toy, but the device is packed with capabilities. It has a USB port for easy plug-in to a computer, and software that allows the user to drag and drop files right onto it. The one gigabyte capacity allows it to hold between 300 and 500 songs and hundreds of digital pictures. It also has the ability to store short sound clips and record songs from the built-in FM radio that the kids can listen to with the enclosed earphones. The Mini comes in three different colors—black, white, and pink. With technology changing so fast, it’s hard to keep up with what’s hot and what’s not; but you can’t go wrong with a gift like the Mini that will grow with the recipient. For more information about the Klegg Mini, or to place an order, log on to www.klegg. com. Courtesy of ARA Content
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The Four Puppies by Kathy Shirey Iulianna Matalica Meredith Yeager
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Once upon a time, there were four hungry puppies living on a farm. The farmer fed the puppies a big bowl of food for them to share. There was one puppy who believed all the food belonged to it and tried to eat all of it. The other three puppies said, “No, no, no. You can not eat all of the food because the food is for everybody.” “Why not?” asked the puppy. “Because there is no domination over anyone – you must share with everyone!” “I have seen the light! I will overturn my food dish to end domination! We will al be equal from now on!” All the puppies shared the food and they lived happily ever after.
10Entertainment His and Her Movie Review Jessica Klein-Carnes and Jon-Chris Ecker give you the scoop on the lastest box office hits
Five Films to Keep One Laughing Singing Otters to Slick School Slackers, These Films are Sure to Tickle Your Tinsel Through the Holiday Season by Jon-Chris Ecker
by Jessica Klein-Carnes
This Christmas, instead of going out to see another kids’ movie where the “bah humbug” curmudgeon catches the Christmas spirit (I’m looking your way, Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium)... why not rent a movie for much cheaper and stay home away from the perpetually cold theater? Here are my top five rent-worthy picks for a relaxing holiday break: The Hebrew Hammer: I had to lead off the list with a holiday movie, didn’t I? Technically, this is a great Christmas or Hanukkah movie... hey, even Kwanzaa is represented! It doesn’t get more all-encompassing of the holiday spirit than this. Adam Goldberg stars as a Jewish version of 70’s street hero “Shaft.” He and his love interest (Judy Greer) take on an evil Santa (Andy Dick) who wants to crush Hanukkah and monopolize the holiday season. Lost in Translation: A funny and thoughtful film about the perils of life, and being far from home. Set in Tokyo, this movie could be perfect for any international Wilson students longing for home over the break. Dr. Strangelove: This movie is for anyone looking to take a break from the season by watching an eerily prescient, often-hilarious drama about a war-hungry American government bent on bringing down it’s enemies. One of the many 1960’s movies which stars Peter Sellers as all sorts of characters, most notably the wheelchair-bound ex-Nazi nuclear scientist. Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas: A 1977 Muppet movie from Jim Henson about an otter family of a son and mother who try desperately to win a musical talent show so as to afford nice gifts for one another. It’s a genuinely heart-warming Christmas story about love and family... and how could you say no to a movie with a heavy metal band led by a singing bear? Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: A classic 80’s movie about uber-cool high school guy Ferris skipping school with his young love Sloane and his neurotic best friend Cameron. Perhaps the best of the 80’s teen movie genre, Ferris is full of humor, fun, and friendship. I highly recommend you rent this one right before the spring semester begins. (Also highly recommended? Skipping your first classes to go on Ferris-esque adventures...)
The holidays stress many of us into distraction. I decided to review five movies that may cause you to chuckle. Some are old, some are more recent, but all of them helped me laugh at a stressful day or situation. I’ll begin with a recent film, Evan Almighty (PG). The movie stars Morgan Freeman as well as Steven Carell from NBC’s The Office. It pleasantly surprised me and despite the fact that it’s too fantastic for reality, it earned several laughs from my belly. The next film, any movie chain probably has for rent. The film is Knocked Up (R) starring Grey’s Anatomy star Katherine Heigl. I walked by this film at the rental store for a month. I visited family for Thanksgiving and there it sat in a friend’s movie collection. It’s funny and sweet and left me smiling like an idiot. Another film in the rental store that surprised me is Talk to Me (R), starring Don Cheadle. It’s a tragically funny, true story about an AfricanAmerican comedian in Washington D.C. during the era of Martin Luther King’s assassination. It’s witty, compelling, and it kept me glued to my television set. This one is definitely an entertaining as well as (dare I admit it) educational movie. A must see! Another film that I recently watched, Cinderella Man (PG-13), may not be funny but it’s another true story that I believe every human being should see. It’s a story about hard work and determination when the entire country, in the state of an economic depression, found a small town hero from New Jersey (Russell Crowe) who became one of the most famous boxers in the world. It is a story about courage, and another feel-good movie. Lastly, I recommend Grandma’s Boy (R) to any struggling individual who may need a chuckle after the stress of finals. You’ll laugh your kiester off. Happy Holidays!!
His Side:Perspectives of a Wilson Man
by Jon-Chris Ecker
Dear Jon-Chris, What are the best ways to spend the holiday break if you’re stuck in Chambersburg? - Christina Malina. One of the only things I take pride in about Chambersburg is how beautifully they decorate the square. Make sure you check out the tree and our lights; and while you’re at it, grab a coffee or hot chocolate somewhere and go for a drive around town to see everyone’s lights. C-burg residents really seem to get into the decorating spirit every year. Also, throwing a few walnuts to the squirrels and chipmunks around campus is always nice when it gets this cold, as is going back to the corrals and saying “hi” to the horses. The Wilson wildlife is bound to get lonely with everyone home for the break!
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Fiction
Feminist Stories for Children
The following children’s stories were written in the class, Wilson’s Women and the Mass Media students from the Fall 2007 class. They reflect the basic principle of feminism, which is equality for all.
“Leaf’s Journey”
“The Lion and The Giraffe”
by Heather Dunkin, Lori Clement, Danyelle Reid
by Alisha Faith, Amber Beltz, Heather Gruber
One day the leaf looked out of the tree and noticed salmon swimming upstream, and it wondered why the salmon chose to go that direction. It asked itself, “Is there something out there I should know about?”
The leaf jumps from the tree and catches the summer breeze. As it flies through the air, it begins to notice new things. Leaf notices Beaver teaching little beaver to build a dam.
It then overlooks a campsite, where it sees people are sitting around a campfire singing. Every person had a part in the song. Leaf wonders why they all sing the same song. The song is about unity.
One upon a time there was a giraffe and a lion at a local zoo. The lion and giraffe were sworn enemies. The lion always taunted the giraffe for his long neck and awkward body. Even though the lion picked on the giraffe he knew it was wrong. The giraffe was always sad. One day a large storm swept through the zoo. Great winds and rain swept through and killed all animals except the giraffe and lion. Even though the lion and giraffe were sworn enemies, all they had left were each other. Their cages had been broken; they were scared and became friends. They worked together to find food in the rubble. Although the lion could have eaten the giraffe, he was scared to be alone. When the zoo keepers came back the animals would not leave each other, so they gave them habitat to themselves.
12Classifieds Classifieds
Eden Hall Fitness Center Hours for Finals Week
Lost: Eyeglasses, blue in color on the inside and they have welded sides because I have broken both of the sides in the past! Mariza Cooray x2629
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Lost: USB Stick the weekend before Thanksgiving break. It is silver and has green stripe around it. Tes Tadesse x2730 If you are interested in taking the practice GRE, GMAT, MCAT or LSAT in the spring, please contact Heather Drumm by December 14, 2007. KAPLAN still has openings in the spring if we have the interest at Wilson. A $5 deposit is required to hold your spot. It will be returned to you the day of the tests. hdrumm@wilson.edu or X3314 Jessica Buchanan lost a gold necklace with diamonds hanging down the center; could have been lost in Disert stairway or outside in the fire lane. Please email her at jbuchanan@wilson.edu if you find it.
Please wear proper workout clothing to get on the machines! Returning members and New members need to see front desk for paperwork. Thank you!
November Events Calendar : Campus Thurs, Dec. 6 Thurs, Dec. 6 Spindles, Shoes and Senior Mathematics Sorrow: Artifacts Presentations and American History 1:00pm An Exhibit and Smart Room, Presentation John Stewart Memorial Library 9:30am-10:45am Presentations by Presentations by Dana Bennett, Aliyah Johnson, April George, and Deon Seeman, Jacinta Reeder and Nicole Welsh FREE FREE
Sat, Dec. 8 Initiation of New Members into Pi Gamma Mu The social science honorary society 2:30pm Hankey Center Inductees include Angela Lawrence, Michelle Mullins, Mark Moyer, Tara Neil, and Jennifer Markley FREE
Billboard Staff Adviser Dr. Aimee-Marie Dorsten Editor-in-Chief Kimberly Maske-Mertz ‘08 Art Director Go Woon Lim ‘08 Entertainment Editor Jessica Klein-Carnes ‘11 Sports Editor Nikola Grafnetterova ‘10 Features Editor Jon-Chris Ecker ‘08 News Editor Sarah Martin ‘11 Calendar & Events Editor Nicole Twigg ‘11 Business Manager Brittany Gauss ‘10 Billboard Mission Statement The Wilson Billboard is a tri-weekly student-run newsmagazine serving the Wilson College community. Our mission is to relay important information to the campus and provide a forum for intelligent and democratic discussion. To fulfill this mission, the Billboard recognizes the many goals of the Wilson community and strives to encourage communication between students, faculty, staff, and administration in an ethical and non-biased fashion.