Reflections heading into the election

By Shawntá McMillon

      On November 4, 2008 the world will witness one of the most life changing events of this time. The two candidates both democratic nominee, Illinois state  senator,  Barack Obama and republican nominee,  Arizona state senator, John McCain have provided the nation with key points that affect us daily, but it is time to choose. I am from New York and this is my first time voting ever. Since I am away from home I chose to do an absentee ballot, which will still make my vote count in New York State.

      This particular day for me is very special because I will be able to say to my children that on my 20^th birthday, I was given a chance to vote for the first black president of the Unites States. These past eight years has affected everyone around the world and this is an election that can possibly have a positive and hopeful effect on the economy and humanity as a whole. Both candidates have held firm to their beliefs and goals, all the while bashing the other candidate, but through it all I have been able to interpret the information received and choose who I would like to see run this country.

      I understand that many of the changes that the candidates have planned may or may not affect me directly or indirectly, but this hasn’t changed my perspective on this election. I do understand that as a young adult going through college my vote is extremely important. I also understand that if I didn’t decided to vote in this presidential election I would only be harming myself in the long run. Believe it or not, despite the election between Bush and Al Gore every vote counts and hopefully this will be a smooth election free from minor errors like those in the 2004. I strongly believe if you can vote now and don’t vote, then there is no use in you complaining about anything. You had a chance to help create change and you chose not to take that chance.

How will people react if their candidate loses?

By Hollyn Randolph

We have all heard it, maybe from a family member, a friend, or a co-worker, “If my candidate doesn’t get elected, I am moving to Canada.” With the 2008 election only days away, the reality of one candidate’s quest for presidency will be over. So how do the candidates and country deal with such loss?  

“Some talk about it while others just cry,” says Linda Kirkland-Harris, a Pastoral counselor and director of Hampton University’s counseling center.   

Anxiety is defined as worry or uneasiness about what may happen, while grief is a stronger emotion attached to a loss. “You can suffer from either or both depending on the individual or situation,” said Kirkland-Harris.  

Symptoms for those suffering from anxiety vary by person. Some common symptoms are tension in the joints, pressure, chest pain, a rise in body temperature, and shortness of breath.  

Many may begin to feel anxiety in these final days of the election. With major concerns over the economy, healthcare, and the war in Iraq, people are really looking for a candidate who will save the day and ease their fears.  

Ken Barton, a Barack Obama supporter attending Hampton University, admitted to feeling anxious in the beginning. “I felt like he wasn’t going to win at first but now I am more confident about his campaign,” he said. Maegan Smith from Washington, D.C., feels differently. “I’m moving to England,” she says with a chuckle.  

Candidates also have to deal with the loss. “Usually the candidates are with family and close friends to help cope with the results,” says Jared Leopold. Leopold, a spokesman for the Democratic party of Virginia has been working with elections and campaigns for six years. One thing that always remains consistent is “everyone in the campaign takes the results and reacts as they come.”   

For those who may be feeling anxious or grief after the election, Kirkland-Harris has some advice. “Just use whatever coping mechanism works for you such as talking about it with friends, writing, maybe volunteering, or you could move to Canada.” 

The Election and Fashion Trends

By Tristen Graves

    

      Will Trends in Fashion Predict Winner

      Whether it’s a political statement or just a fashion statement, this year’s outbreak in political campaign apparel has transformed into a must-have item this season.

      This year’s election really is the first in history where presidential candidates are being worn among everyday dress. As we flip through magazines, walk through our grocery stores, and even among Hampton University’s campus, candidate profile pictures, logos, and specific issues are being displayed freely and openly. 

      “I think it is amazing how the election is influencing society and young people,” said Leon Hendrix, senior, broadcast journalism major at Hampton University. “We see Barack’s face on so many T-shirt designs. There were no JFK shirts and other presidential faces on T-shirts. He might as well have his own clothing line.”

      The differences among the two candidates when it comes to apparel is that McCain and his campaign are being printed on more traditional items such as buttons, badges and bumper stickers, whereas, Obama’s apparel has expanded greatly to things like T-shirts, mugs and even underwear.

      In an article posted on newsmax.com, reports show that Obama represents 75 percent of political sales while the items showing McCain only cover about 10 percent. Large trendy fashion stores, such as Urban Outfitters, sell shirts that read, “Obama for yo mama,” and “Barack ‘n’ Roll.” They also have Republican items that read “Vote ‘08” and T-shirts with emblems such as the red elephant.

      Other T-shirt vendors such as Obamaapparel.com contain graphic designs with Obama’s face on them and slogans such as, “I love Obama,” and “Barack Obama 2008,” Many of the candidate’s apparel range in price from $12-$40, depending on style and quality.

      “I think it’s a great thing. It’s more publicity for him,” said Ebony Robinson, senior marketing major at Hampton University.

      “I got my T-shirts from D.C. when I went to Howard’s homecoming. I think it shows that younger voters care about what’s going on.” 

      T-shirt companies and merchandise vendors have greatly tapped into the social trends of this year’s election.

      Websites such as CafePress.com, which happens to be one of the largest online platforms for custom designed products, shows that Obama has more 87,000 T-shirt designs while McCain has 30,800. The trends across websites, such as CafePress and Zazzle.com, also show that many of the messages intended to support Obama express positive statements. Most of the McCain messages are anti-Obama instead of pro-McCain.

      “I think it is good to see that there is an educated black man running for president,” said Candyce Wilkerson, graduate counseling student at Hampton University.” I support him and what he is doing. That is what influenced me to buy a shirt.”

      Hollywood has exploded with the political agenda as a result of the political fashion trends becoming increasingly popular among celebrities and fashion designers. As reported on Nymag.com, designers in Paris have even begun adding to their collection pieces that are inspired by Obama and his campaign. French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac introduced his dress of a portrait of Barack Obama paired with gloves that read “yes” and “no” during his spring-summer 2009 ready-to-wear collection presented in Paris.

      The Obama campaign has also used the new trends in the fashion industry as a way to collect additional funds to help support his campaign. As stated on Runwaytochange.com, prominent designers, such as Juicy Couture, Russell Simmons, and Vera Wang have contributed their talents to the campaign by supporting the “Runway to Change” program. The initiative was launched on Sept. 9 in New York.

      “Because the T-shirts are being worn by people in the media it shows that often times people emulate what they see,” said Wilkerson.

      The McCain campaign has chosen to take a more traditional approach and not tap into the marketing trends like the Obama campaign and his supporters have done, however, the end result will tell if the fashion trends can predict the winner.

Coffee shop hosted debate party, CNN dropped by

By Amanda Carter

 

HAMPTON, Va. – On Oct. 15, food and drinks were served at a community coffee shop to a mix of customers wearing Sarah Palin shirts and Barack Obama hats and gathered around a projection screen.

 

The Phoebus Coffee House hosted a debate watching party for the third and final U.S. Presidential debate. Cameramen and a crew from CNN taped and reported the event.

 

“It was a happy accident that CNN came here,” said Anne Doop, owner of The Phoebus Coffee House. “They found us on the Internet as a non [political] party-affiliated event.”

 

Stuffed animal elephants and red coffee mugs accompanied a small crowd of John McCain, R-Ariz., supporters as they sat at a table.

 

Poster boards and volunteer sign-up sheets floated in the crowd of Obama, D-Ill., supporters who were double the number of the opponents.

 

“We were strong in our support even though there were only a few of us,” said Norma Hernandez, a McCain supporter from Woodbridge, Va.

 

The mix of partisans caused some ruckus at the coffee house, however nothing serious occurred. After the debate, loud cheers from Obama supporters and chants of “Yes we can” filled the room.

 

“I’m happy to be in such a critical state in the election,” said Larry Henderson, an Obama supporter from Virginia Beach, Va. “At worst the debate was a draw. McCain had to hit grand slams to redeem him, while Obama stayed solid and confident.”

 

“Judy Parker of Phoebus, a Hampton neighborhood, is currently undecided about the election. “I like Obama except for his views on abortion,” she said, “but he has answers, and McCain doesn’t.”

 

The writer is a junior at the Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications.

Coming to America

By Septima Glenn

Some people travel across the country to go to college. Imagine going to a new country all together. Junior Tashana Willock did exactly that. A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Willock has made the United States her home for the last two years.

The road hasn’t been easy. Willock, who has been running since the age of five, used track and field as her ticket to higher education.

“It has taken a lot of hard work and many sacrifices for me to get here,” Willock said.

The sacrifices weren’t just from Tashana, but her mother as well.

“My mom was a single parent,” Willock said. But she always made a sacrifice to make sure I had what I wanted growing up. She is still my biggest inspiration.”

Even though the move to the United States has its benefits, Willock isn’t sure she’ll be here after graduation.

“The surroundings, the climate, everything is different here,” Willock said. “I’m really not sure if I’ll stay.”

The vast differences are what keep her going back home. From the cuisine to the people, according to Willock, everything is better in Jamaica.

“In Jamaica there is always something going on, people selling things on the streets or some kind of party,” Willock said. “Here there is nothing. If you don’t know anybody you’re all alone.”

The atmosphere isn’t the only thing that’s different in the states. Politics is another thing Willock see differently. Although the upcoming election is a hot topic to many, Willock doesn’t see what all the excitement is about.

“Obama, I don’t understand what all the fuss is about,” Willock said. “I’m not going to vote. I don’t get how this country works. I don’t vote back home, why should I vote here?”

 

Key scoring carries Hampton over Norfolk 35-17

Two of the largest HBCUs in the Hampton Roads area geared up for a much anticipated showdown when the Pirates of Hampton University took on Norfolk State University’s Spartans.  This years’ Battle of the Bay marked the forty-fifth meeting between the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference powerhouses; the series’ overall record put the Spartans ahead of the Pirates twenty-three wins to twenty-one.  That was until the Pirates proved themselves over the weekend and defeated the Spartans 35-17 in the football face-off.

            The Pirates improved to 5-1 overall and they remain undefeated in the MEAC; after Saturday’s loss the Spartans fell to 2-5 overall and 1-3 in the MEAC. 

            Hampton senior and wide receiver Jeremy Gilchrist got the Pirates on the right track during the first quarter after he returned a punt for 60 yards to get the Pirates on the board.  The following quarter showed more of the same when the Pirates’ wide receiver Damon McDaniel scored off of a 70-yard pass from quarterback Herbert Bynes putting Hampton up 14-0. 

            At the beginning of the second half the Spartans turned it around when wide receiver Jamar Johnson put Norfolk State within a touchdown of the Pirates in the third quarter.  Hampton would allow the Spartans to score once more on a 28-yard field goal before the Pirates took ultimate control of the game. 

            The Pirates finished the fame with of 379 yards of total offense and 115 yards rushing.  Both Michael Swett and Herbert Bynes earned the offensive and defensive player of the game honors.

No secret: Hampton University goes Pink

By Mya Singleton

 

HAMPTON, Va. – The romantic lingerie store for women Victoria’s Secret, known for establishing the PINK Collegiate Collection line, has branched out to include Historically Black Colleges and Universities [HBCU]. In mid-December, the store is to feature Hampton University’s name and logo on its collegiate loungewear including fleece pants, T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, and tote bags.

 

The PINK Collection debuted in 2004 as a line tailored to young, college women with neutral school-inspired logos and phrases. However in June, the store established the PINK Collegiate Collection featuring 33 schools such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, Florida State University, and Boston College. The original universities were chosen based on regional appeal, student population, and revenue from store sales. 

 

Hampton University was recently chosen as the one of the new HBCUs for the collection, along with Howard University, North Carolina A&T State University, Florida A&M University, and Southern University.

 

Victoria’s Secret decided to expand its PINK Collegiate Collection to HBCUs in order to promote school diversity and appeal to all its college consumers.

 

Kiara Mayfield, a junior English major here said, “It’s good to see Victoria’s Secret expand their line to HBCUs, because all students from different schools and backgrounds shop at the store.”

 

Many Hampton students are excited about the collection featuring their school. Erin Jones, a junior broadcast journalism major said, “I’m glad they’re adding HBCUs because most people don’t know HU exists, but I will be proud to go to Victoria’s Secret to buy my Hampton apparel from now on.”

 

Naima Gethers, a Hampton alumna and public relations specialist in university relations, said, “Adding Hampton to the PINK line is good for HU because it makes our name look big along with the other well-known colleges.”

 

The apparel line will feature items with the HU Pirate mascot logo and school name. The items will be sold in select Victoria’s Secret stores, the online store site, and catalog.

 

The writer is a junior at Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications.

Hampton U. honor students gather for last presidential debate

By Matthew Cahill

 

Wednesday marked the last of three presidential debates and campus leaders at Hampton University organized viewings of the event. 

 

Holmes Hall, the honors dormitory at H.U., hosted a viewing in its lobby for building residents, while senior political science major Moses Wilson III, statewide coordinator for Students for Barack Obama, hosted a private viewing at his apartment in the Hampton Harbors.

 

“It’s fellowship,” Wilson said about his reason for hosting a viewing. “It’s political awareness of the issues and the current state of affairs.”

 

Debate viewings at Holmes Hall require permission from dorm director Joseph Taliaferro. He said tonight’s viewing will be smaller than the last, with no fliers or invitations. 

 

“We maxed out last time,” he said, referring to the 40-seat capacity lobby.

 

For Wednesday’s debate, Holmes resident assistants did not decorate as they did for previous viewings and Taliaferro did not request speakers or video projection equipment from H.U. Media Relations.

Senior political science major Justin Manning, head R.A. for Holmes Hall and campus coordinator for Students for Barack Obama, organized the events, but originally was not sure if Holmes would host a third debate viewing.

 

Wednesday’s viewing was to be exclusively for Holmes residents and via personal invitations from Manning.

 

“Holmes is an honors dorm, so I wanted to make sure it’s treated as such,” he said.  “It’s the university as a whole that wants this to happen.

 

“There’s a lot of swing states at stake,” continued Manning. “This is the one debate that has to stand out from the rest.”

 

The writer is a senior at the Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications.

Neighborhood campaign offices compete for Va. voters

By Kimberly Colander

Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain both realize the importance of winning the vote in Virginia. For the past 44 years the state has voted for the Republican candidate. In Hampton Roads, there were seven McCain-Palin offices and 12 Obama-Biden offices as of Oct. 5.

McCain’s running mate is Gov. Sarah Palin, R-Alaska, and Obama’s running mate is U.S. Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del.

Dawn Matheson, a volunteer at the Chesapeake McCain-Palin office, said that as a whole Virginia has more Democratic offices than Republican offices. “The Democratic campaign beats us 7 to 1 in offices throughout Virginia,” she said.

According to Matheson, the reason for the big difference is because the competition in the state is tight. But, as the election date gets closer, the Republican campaign is expected to open more offices. 

Jared Leopold, communication director for the Democratic Party of Virginia’s Coordinated Campaign, believes that the Democrats have established so many offices in this area because it is known that Hampton Roads is a key area to win in order to get Obama elected. He described Virginia as a battleground for the campaign.

Leopold said the Democratic tactic for winning Hampton Roads is to have offices located in the community neighborhoods so that neighbors can talk to each other. “We want to be convenient to the community,” Leopold said, “We don’t want people to travel far to get campaign information.”

A typical day in both of the offices is similar. Both parties serve as a local connection to a national campaign. The two offices answer phones and address questions from the public about the election. Neighbors can pick up bumper stickers, yard signs or campaign literature from either office.  

Democratic volunteers go door-to-door, making sure that people are registered and also give out information about the entire Democratic ticket. They inform the public about Obama’s campaign, as well as Mark Warner’s for the U.S. Senate and Bobby Scott’s for Congress. Republican volunteers conduct their own internal polls and also run phone banks.

Terry Williams, a volunteer for the Obama-Biden office in Suffolk, started her first day as a helper for the campaign on Saturday. She has been dealing with phone calls from the public and also walk-ins. Williams is passionate about this cause because she wants to “let the community know how important the process is.”

Matheson was able to meet McCain two weeks ago at a Naval Academy reunion in Indianapolis. “He was there signing things and answering questions,” Matheson said “and it was a pleasure to finally meet the man that I’ve been working for.”

Leopold started working for the Democratic campaign in June. He has been involved with politics for a while and is excited to be working with Obama during this “change movement.” He urges young people to get involved with this historical election.

The writer is a junior at Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications.

 

 

 

 

Hampton U. students struggle with voting options

By Michael Turner                

A Google search of the word “absentee,” yields 4,630,000 results. The first item is a Web site entitled VoteForChange.com, an attractive, interactive Web page dedicated to registering voters to cast absentee ballots in favor of Barack Obama.

 

Floating atop a sea of other sites with countless pages of information, divided into clauses and sub-clauses of rules and regulations is this one — simple, straightforward, and broadcast amid an appealing background of light and dark blue.  

 

If either of the Democratic or Republican parties is doing something right, it’s trying to resell the process of absentee voting as easy and convenient to this years host of potential voters.

 

Colleges across the country are composed of student bodies from all corners of the continent and globe. Those who are eligible to vote will have to make the same decision that students at Hampton University are making this month — whether they will vote absentee, return to their home states to vote, or re-register in Virginia.

 

With memories of the disputed 2000 Florida voting results resurfacing in some people’s minds, it is no surprise that in what may be the first and most important election for these voters, Hamptonians are already wary of the process.

 

Janelle Martin, a junior business management major from Maryland, represents one of a large population of students at the school from the Prince George’s County, Md. She applied for an absentee ballot online through the Maryland State Board of Elections Web site early last week after weighing her options.

 

“The process wasn’t hard once I read through the instructions,” she said. “My only concern is my ballot somehow getting lost in the mail.”                                                                                           

 Martin, however, claimed she was the only one among her close friends who had completed an absentee ballot application. Many, she said, either promised her they would but hadn’t yet done so, or simply distrusted the process.

The overwhelming majority of students do, however, plan to vote, according to Justin Manning, a senior political science major from New York and campus-wide coordinator for Students for Barack Obama. Manning has been urging probable absentee voters to re-register in the state. He carries Virginia voter registration forms with him at all times, and is surprised by the number of absentee voters he meets.

 

“A lot of students trust absentee ballots when they don’t realize that that’s the reason Bush is in office right now,” said Manning. “The Florida miscount had a lot to do with those votes. Students that I talk to don’t realize the considerable risk of leaving their privilege to vote entirely to the postal system.”

 

With the deadline nearing for absentee voter registration less than a month away in most states, students have little time to decide how to cast their vote. On Nov. 4, while many will be entering the polls in hopes of a brighter future as promised by either Obama or McCain.

 

Others will be placing their bets on the mailman.

 

The writer is a junior at Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications.

Hunt in Hampton for eligible Election ’08 voters

By Kathryn De Shields

 

When the Oct. 6 register to vote deadline arrived, 1½ months of employment ended for a voter registration crew at Hampton University.

 

Arron Mundy, a junior Management major from Inglewood, Calif., registered people to vote for a month. He joined the Community Voters Project to help people attending Hampton University to register for the first time, or re-register in Virginia.

 

“I was registered in California, but I re-registered in Virginia,” Mundy said. “I figured that Barack Obama is already going to win in California, so I want to take my vote elsewhere where it will matter.” 

Brittany Smith, sophomore biology major from Bronx, N.Y., decided to register people when she learned how many people she knew weren’t registered.

 

“A black man running for president is a big deal,” Smith said. “I would hate for my friends and people on campus to miss this opportunity to vote for a good thing.”

 

Smith and Mundy learned about the Community Voters Project through advertisements posted around campus and online e-mails.

 

Both students were paid by the hour to walk around campus and register people. There was a quota that they have to meet: A minimum of 12 voter registrations had to be turned in per day. 

“I had to chase people down and talk to anyone who was walking around,” said Mundy. “I’ve registered over 200 people so far.”

 

According to Mundy, along with the positive feeling of getting classmates registered, the $8.50 per hour he earned helped to pay his rent.

 

At the end of the day, Mundy, Smith and other participants returned to the Community Voter Project site located on Mercury Boulevard in Hampton to turn in applications for processing.

 

The fact that Virginia for the first time in over 40 years is a battleground state versus an automatic win for the Republican Party is a determining factor in the Voter Project. College students were encouraged to re-register in Virginia because some people believe that the absentee voting system is faulty and people don’t bother to vote at all.

 

“If everyone at Hampton was registered,” Smith said, “and surrounding colleges, it may make a big difference in who’s going to win the election.”

 

Legal constrictions and competition was a downside of the job.

 

According to Smith, about 20 people were getting paid to register voters and the numbers of remaining people not registered quickly dwindled.

 

“It’s getting harder because everyone I ask says that they have already been registered by someone else,” Smith said. “It’s hard to meet quotas now.”

 

According to a report on the WVEC TV-13 News Web site, three people were charged with voter registration fraud, and one of the suspects was a student, said the report. Voter registration workers can’t forge signatures, or mark an applicant’s paper in any way lest they face up to 10 years in federal prison per fraudulent form.

 

“Money is not worth time in prison,” said Mundy. “I don’t know why that person did what they did.” Despite strict rules in dealing with the forms, Mundy and Smith still believe the opportunity to register people was worthwhile.

 

“Knowing that I got people registered,” Mundy said, “and that they are going to vote on Nov. 4 is going to feel really good.”

 

The writer is a junior at the Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications.

Are College Age Men Ready to be Married?

by Ashli J. Washington

Well apprently they are, well at least that’s what I got from the young college men I spoke with. Now, either most or all of them are lying to me, or I was totaly wrong to think that college men are not ready to be married off.

As I spoke with these young men and asked them this question, some didn’t want to answer and some jumped at the chance to be able to prove that not all men are immature and aren’t ready for a committed relationship. A lot of what these guys were saying sounded good, but did they really mean what they said?  Or if what they said would work? 

For instance, one young gentleman told me all a marriage needed to work was love. To me that sounded unrealistic and naive. Yes, love is probably 50% of a relationship (or even less for some), but it takes other things to make a long term relationship like a marriage to work. That other 50% will vary from person to person, but it’s important to remember that the other 50% is important!

One young sophomore was ‘real’ with me and told me he didn’t believe college age men were ready to be married or husbands because, “ You don’t come to college ready to get settled down, you come to have fun.”  I must say this is probably the closest to how I think college age men feel. The fact that this young man told how he really felt was absolutely fine. Honestly, many college age women aren’t ready to settle down either. As long as both groups are honest with themselves and the people they get involved with, no one will get hurt, or worse.

So I guess the answer to my question is a MAYBE. Maybe if they are mature enough or maybe if they fall in love. So I’m more confsed now than when I started askng this question.

Miss Hampton University

The Miss Hampton University 2008-2009 Scholarship Pageant was a truly a testament to the class, beauty and grace of Hampton women. 14 contestants competed for the crown which was ultimately taken home by Shannon “Poetry” Cooper of Miami, Florida. Cooper wowed the crowd and judges with her grace in an elegant interpretive dance and excelled in the swimsuit competition.  2^nd runner- up Dominique Council of Baltimore, Maryland looked stunning in her shimmering black lace evening gown and exuded grace and poise during her “point-toe” ballet performance.  Ashli Janee Washington of Gaithersburg, Maryland brought the house down with her amazing vocals and excitedly added that this pageant has helped her “confidence grow”.  Courtney Ward of Augusta, Georgia twirled batons for her talent leaving the judges and the audience on edge during her performance and Constance Berryman did a stunning rendition of “My Funny Valentine” in a sparkling bubble-gum pink evening gown. Marquel Bohannon of Atlanta, Georgia sang a lovely song and looked statuesque in a salmon pink sparkling mermaid gown. All 14 of the contestants looked and performed wonderfully making this year’s 2008-2009 Miss Hampton University Scholarship Pageant one to remember.

-Danielle Canada

Hampton Men….READY?….OR NOT!….

 

Hampton University is a school full of young men and women struggling to find themselves. While these Hamptonian men and ladies do so, the college dating scene has suffered immensely.  A witness to the struggle herself, senior Onna Woods of Dover Delaware admits that her faith in the Hampton man has dwindled. Woods was asked a simple question. “Do you think that Hampton men are ready to be husband material?”Upon hearing the question, Woods stops a beat and then quickly makes her opinion known. “I don’t necessarily think that Hampton men are men, not yet anyway,” says Woods.  Woods continues on to give examples of why Hampton men act more like boys than men. “I think there’s too much testosterone with these boys”, says Woods, “if someone says something to them then they’re automatically ready to fight and they have to get three or four of their friends to help them fight, rather than talk it out like you’d think a man would do.” Woods may have a point there, any student on campus can notice the often over aggressive behavior of Hampton men. Fights between Hampton “men” are notorious for the cause various functions being shut down, such as block parties, Holland jams and even cabarets.  One should not forget the fiasco in Richmond, VA at the “No Child Left Behind” party that even managed to get aired on the morning news. Woods continues saying, “I don’t think marriage is something you can necessarily be ready for because you never know until you get there. Especially for your first time getting married, you’re combining different things such as financial things and household things; it’s a merge of two actual lives together.” Woods is right many adults in the college age range that get married are not ready; perhaps that’s why 38% percent of marriages end in divorce, a number that is much higher in adults age 21-32. So what’s the final answer to the question? Should Hamptonian women be looking to find their husband here at their “home by the sea”? Or should they give up and look elsewhere, to Onna Woods the answer is clear and concise. “To answer your question, “says Woods, “No I don’t think Hampton men are ready to be husband material.” Ms. Woods just may be correct in her assumptions but it all depends on who you ask.

-Danielle Canada

“Hampton Relationships”

Michele Byrd

Word Count: 341

Edited By: Tiffani Haynes

 

Relationships are an important part of the university experience. During four or more years of college students build new friendships, fall in love, get heart broken, break hearts and from time to time meet the person that they will be with for the rest of their lives.

 Some students armed with stories from their parents, daydreams and scenes from The Notebook even come to college with a pronounced goal of finding their soul mate. However, in that quest they must ask themselves the only question that really matters: are college age men and women ready to be marriage material?

According to the census bureau, many Americans don’t think so. A majority of people are choosing to marry four to six years after college. The median age of marriage for men as of 2002 is 26.6. For women, it is 25. 

At Hampton University, the question yields a variety of answers.

“Definitely not at this point in college,” said Erin Thompson,  a senior print journalism major from Memphis, Tenn. “Most guys in college are really immature.”

Loren Davis-Stroud, a senior music engineering major from Chicago had a different outlook and opinion.

“I do believe so,” she said. “They are more likely to be financially stable and be able to handle a family and I feel like they will be a little more cultured because they were able to travel.”

David Asbury, a senior business management major from New York said it is a matter that should be judged individually.

“I think that the women here at Hampton could be marriage material. It depends on how long you take it. It depends on the individual,” he said.

Some students think it is a question of commitment. College students may lack the mindset to commit to another person at such a young age.

“It just depends on the guy you meet and what he’s interested in,” said Alesha Johnson, a second year five year MBA major from Camden, N. J. “I wouldn’t try to commit to someone who isn’t ready to be committed to.”

Hampton University Men Aren’t Marriage Material

Tiffani Haynes

Hampton Men Aren’t Marriage Material

Word Count: 314

 

 

            The consensus it seems is clear: Hampton University men are not marriage material, at least right now. Most Hampton women believe that men on campus have the qualities of a good husband or becoming one but just choose not to act upon them while in school.

            Their focus isn’t finding Mrs. Right, it’s Mrs. Right Now,” said Sydney Finger, a senior nursing major from Hebron, Md.

            Finger even has proof that some Hampton men are thinking like that.

            “I always ask my male friends for their opinions on topics like this and they say that they’re not looking for Mrs. Right,” Finger said. “The girlfriends they have now are Mrs. Right Now but they could eventually turn into wife material.”

            All the women interviewed believe that it’s because men are still too interested in playing the field and meeting new women.

            “You don’t see people in exclusive relationships,” said Lianne Evans, a senior computer science major from Teaneck, N.J.  “A lot of relationships at Hampton are open because men are still testing the waters.”

            Kayla Emile, a senior communicative sciences and disorders major from Boston doesn’t believe that it’s only Hampton men.

            “A limited amount of men are ready for marriage at the age of 18-22,” Emile said. “I think this is playing the field time to see what type of female they like.”

            Shannon Cosby, a senior marketing major from Plainfield, N.J. agreed with Emile.

            “I don’t think any man is ready for marriage in college,” she said.

            Yet some are hopeful that love at Hampton is not a lost cause. Alaina Patterson, a senior English major from Los Angeles is one of the select few.

            “I don’t believe a lot of men are marriage material because I haven’t had luck with any of them but that doesn’t mean that somebody else won’t,” Patterson said. There’s still hope out there for some people.”

Financial Crisis Woes

By Danielle Canada

 

               On Friday, President George W. Bush signed a $700 billion financial bailout into law. The law which the president calls a “rescue plan” gives the National Treasury the right to spend up to $700 billion to buy mortgages and other assets from financial institutions such as banks and credit unions. The law also gives the Treasury the right to modify mortgages to help decrease home foreclosure. According to the Associated Press, many members of congress changed their vote from earlier in the week, and voted in favor of the bill citing their fear of a deeper recession as the reason for their vote in favor. Nationwide the “bailout bill” is getting mixed reviews. While some people are unimpressed, others are hopeful for change. “This bailout is just that, a bailout, not a solution,” says senior marketing major Alisha Glover of Delaware. “Banks cans still do the same thing they’ve been doing six months from now when I graduate college, so in six months I expect to be struggling just like everyone else is doing in the country!” Like Glover, Jennifer Canada, a graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University agrees. “Even though I don’t have assets and I don’t have a 401 K, the financial crisis could affect me and my loans next year when I try to go to dental school,” says Canada. “If the banks aren’t lending out any money then I won’t be able to go to school. It’s as simple as that.” Canada is correct but if the bailout works as promised that shouldn’t be an issue. With the bailout, the government will be able to buy and take over “troubled assets” which Bush is hoping will retract from the repression-like state it is currently in now.  Although President Bush promises the bill will bring about a positive change, questions about the bill still linger. Questions much like the ones asked by senior broadcast major, Randi McClain. “What happens if this doesn’t work? What if things get worse and wind up in a depression?” says McClain. “I’m not feeling the effects of this crisis yet but I will be in May when I graduate. I really hope things are better by then!” Many other students at Hampton University feel the same way as McClain. Senior Caresse Weatherford is most worried about her future in the business world after graduation. “Right now this crisis isn’t affecting me at all, I wake up every day and go to class like normal but I’m not sure what will happen in the future. Especially now that jobs are uncertain and there could even be a depression, I’m worried. How can I support myself on my own, with no job?” Students aren’t the only ones concerned; working adults have much to worry about as well. In one of the nation’s most famous and arguably greatest cities, New York, 46 year old Sharon Dawson hopes things improve for her family’s sake. “This crisis has made things so much harder for me,” says Dawson. “I need to refinance my house but I can’t because the banks aren’t willing to give me credit and my credit scores have been lowered. I hope the banks can eventually extend more credit so it will be easier to get a loan,” Dawson continues, “My daughter needs to college next year and without a loan that just won’t be possible,” With only three weeks left  till the presidential election, this bill has undoubtedly put a strain on both parties’ campaigns. Senator John McCain suspended campaigning all together to pay more attention to the crisis and Senator Barack Obama is equally concerned. Until a solution to the crisis is met Americans will continue to be on edge. “I just want a change,” says Senior Brittany White, “Something’s got to give, because we can’t go on like this. I need to know that I’ll be able to get loans in the future for my house, my career, my life. I need to feel secure and feel comfortable and right now I’m not.”Americans are hopeful that the biggest bailout of the U.S. banking system will make things better, partly because they are optimistic but mostly because they can’t handle anything much worse.

-Danielle Canada

700 Billion Dollar Answer?

By Septima Glenn

They were the best of times, they were the worst of times, but today many Americans are feeling the worst financial times since the great depression. With a 700 billion dollars bailout plan that has just been passed, many Americans hope this is the key to reverse the economic slump.

                “Something has to be done about the economy,” Blue Ridge High School assistant principal, David Smith said. “If not, there’s no telling how bad this thing could get.”

With gas prices soaring and the number of people with jobs is dropping, many wonder how this all began. Some blame it on the war and the current people in office, however others say it just happens.

                “The economy goes through cycles. Some cycles are worse than others, but it’s a cycle nonetheless,” said Idella Glenn who is the Director of Multicultural Affairs at Furman University.

For students who have not entered the work force or even started college, there is less concern, but there are still many questions to be answered. What does this mean for them? When it’s time for them to get a job, will the economy still be lagging behind? High school junior Natalie Glenn took more of a “who cares” stance on the topic.

“I mean I know gas is high and people don’t have jobs but that doesn’t mean anything to me,” Natalie said. “By the time I’ve got to get a job Obama is going to be president and everyone will have a job.”

Others are optimistic about the state of the economy right now. Pointing out there are some pluses to  times like these. According to Michael Forny, for people who are entering the housing market for the first time the economy is perfect.

“If there is a young couple, who is employed, has saved their money and is ready to buy a house, this is the time,” Forny said. “Houses are selling much lower than they did five years ago and builders are offering substantial upgrades to bring buyers in.”

Still others are relying on prayer and faith.

“I know the Lord will work everything out for the best,” 80-year-old Virginia Glenn said. “He always does.”

The Economic Crisis and those it affects

           Corrine Gray-Staples

Word Count: 375

Edited by: Tiffani Haynes

 

 

 

 With the 2008 presidential election underway, the United States continues to deal with financial blunders that have the nation in an economic crisis. Recently, a $700 billion bailout bill was passed to rescue the nation’s lending institutions and big businesses that have been affected by the defeat of Wall Street.

            However, many Americans do not agree with the bailout.

            “It’s wrong,” said Brenda Parkman, a retired veteran and working parent of a child in college. “The money should be spent on the people; those with homes in foreclosure, those who don’t have homes at all.”

            Hampton University student, Akina Conway agrees.

“There are better ways the government could use the money,” she said.

            Dave Smith, a supervising counselor in San Diego, believes the economy sunk to an all time low.

“it never should have come to this,” Smith said.

            Others have mixed feelings.

            Ashley Thornton, a senior computer science major at Hampton agreed with the bailout.

 “It’s a necessary evil,” Thornton said. “If something wasn’t done, there would eventually be even more chaos.”

However she isn’t sure if this was the best approach.

            Yet, even with the economy in a recession, the most that affects a lot of folks is high prices. The solution for Hampton sports management major, Sean Alston and Morgan State student, LaDonna Butler is to stay employed and save money.

            The state of the economy has caused Conway, Parkman, Thornton and Smith to adjust their lifestyles accordingly by putting more thought into purchases and places they need to go.

            As a graduating student, Bryan O’Meally plans to further his education in graduate school rather than jump directly into his field.

”It’s a win-win situation for me,” O’Meally said. “I’ll be educated and hopefully, by the time I graduate the economy will be better and companies will be looking to hire people like me.”

            So, as the most historic presidential election draws nearer, which candidate are people looking at to handle the economic situation the best?

 “It isn’t about handling the crisis because it’s already been handled (with the bailout),” Alston said.  “It’s about progressing from the recovery of the crisis.”

And most believe Sen. Barack Obama will be the best candidate. America will have to wait and hope for the best.

           

“Citizens respond to the Economic Crisis.”

Tiffani Haynes

Word Count: 473

 

             The United States is in an economic crisis. Though Congress has passed a $700 billion bailout to help Wall Street regain its financial foothold, many average Americans are worried about what that means for them. The economy may be getting better for Wall Street but the economic future for citizens is unsure.

            Most students are concerned with their impending graduations and a shaky job market. Samantha Olanrewaju, a senior business management major from Richmond, Va. is among those worried.

            “It’s going to be harder for me to find a job,” Olanrewaju said. “At my internship the company is firing people. They don’t have money to hire new people. It’s making me want to go straight to grad school.”

            The economy has others questioning their graduation plans too.

            “It affects me greatly because I’m a senior and I plan on going to grad school,” Kayla Emile said.

            Emile is a senior communicative sciences and disorder major from Boston had planned on taking a year off from school after graduation and now, like Olanrewaju, is thinking of going straight to graduate school.

            “Because I don’t know if the money will be there by then; Its not really there now,” Emile said. “Who knows where it will be in a couple of years.”

            Despite the country being in a recession, some students aren’t worried.

            “As far as the job market, I’m not worried about it,” Lianne Evans said.

            Evans is a senior computer science major from Teaneck, NJ and believes that her field will be more relevant now than ever before.

            “But I am worried about finding a home,” Evans said. “With the real estate market being like it is, I’m a little nervous about the rates rising and things like that.”

            Shemar Woods, a sophomore print journalism from Centreville, Va., is more concerned with knowing the full story of the economic crisis.

            “I think it’s a setup,” Woods said. “The timing of it seems a little shaky. I think there’s something deeper than that.”

            Times have been hard and people are resorting to dire methods. Lakisha Bolling, a credit fraud analyst at Wachovia Bank has seen first hand how bad the economy has gotten.

            “The amount of fraud cases we get has gone up, mainly with people stealing gas,” Bolling said. “I’ll see credit fraud where people are stealing credit card numbers and only buying gas.”

            Omar Wilder, a chef at Caritas Carney Hospital in Boston, is critical of Congress for deciding on Washington’s hold on America’s finances.

            “It wasn’t a good idea to put Wall Street in charge of the finances,” Wilder said. “They’re supervising it but who’s overseeing them?”

            When asked of job security, Wilder suggested that with this economy there is none.

            “There’s no such thing as job security,” Wilder said. “If the business goes under, you lose your job. That’s it.”

           

What is the Average American citizen saying about the bailout?

Kwasa Mathis

Word Count: 613

Edited by: Tiffani Haynes

 

Congress finally passed the $700 billion plan to bailout the economy’s banks and large businesses that have been affected by the downfall of Wall Street.  Many people are concerned with what this means for America and what it means for them as citizens.

Karen Turner-Ward, the chair off fine and performing arts at Hampton University is one of those apprehensive citizens.

“People are very anxious and it’s culminated to a point of frenzy or scare,” Ward said. 

Ward goes on to say that many people are not trusting of the government because of what has been happening with the economy and also the word “bailout” has a negative connotation.

Johnette Elder, dorm director of Moorings Hall and Modulars Hall at Hampton, is eager to see a better economy.

 “We should not have to pay for the government’s mistakes and CEO’s luxurious lives.  I’m tired of paying an astronomical price for gas and food.  Everything is going up, but our salaries,” Elder said.

General manager of WHOV 88.1 FM Robert Dixon does not agree with the bailout plan.  Dixon says, “We’re suffering because of the greed of big business and corporations.” 

Dixon goes on to say that the government should not give more money to these businesses that have already failed once before.  However, he understands that, “something has to happen,” in order to help the American economy.

If this bailout plan was not passed the livelihoods of the American people may have been compromised.  According to CBS News, the country has already been faced with its worst layoffs in over five years.  Nearly 160,000 people have lost their jobs during the year and many feel that this is just the start.  Some students are concerned that there will be a shortage of companies that will accept new employees.

Alex Gray, a music engineering and technology major at Hampton is glad that he’s not a business major. 

 “The bailout will definitely affect the type of jobs that people will go after and people are already losing their jobs left and right,” Gray said.

 He goes on to say that with businesses being shut down it will continue to be harder and harder for people to find jobs.

Some feel that the shortage of future jobs is already in the present.  Deonte Smith, an architect major at Hampton University knows the importance of the hierarchy in the workplace.

“The first people who are made to leave a job are the people who were last to be hired,”  Smith said. “It’s almost like we are already being counted out before we send in our resumes to be accepted into the job.” 

Smith feels that future students may need to look towards people like Bill Gates in order to secure finances for higher education because it will be even harder for children in low income households to receive an education.

There are many students who feel that their education might be in jeopardy when it comes to financing for college.  Sharise Darby, a broadcast journalism major believes the economic crisis will hurt her financial aid.

 “As a student the bailout will affect me simply through loans,” Darby said.  “We may not have enough money for FAFSA or Hampton University may not have enough money to give out scholarships.”

Needless to say, most people are somewhat concerned about what this bailout means for them.  It’s like being stuck in between a rock and a hard place, a Catch-22, or an act of irony.  If the government did not pass the bill the economy might continue to fall or it might not.  The problem is not knowing what will happen and so now America will play the waiting game.