Who to be, what to be, on Halloween

By David Thompson

Well it’s that time of year again at Hampton! One of the most anticipated holidays has quickly approached and has students at Hampton University buzzing. But with another year comes another debate on what are going to be the most popular costumes this Halloween.

Seeing how many Hamptonians participate in Halloween I figured that because of this it would be easier to get some inside scoop on what students feel are the most popular costumes and also how some of them are going to dress up.

Last Halloween, a very popular costume was Michael Jackson, mostly to pay tribute to his life since he died that June. It’s very unlikely that you see men and women dress up as the same character of Halloween but this was the case for last year.

A source told me that more women at Hampton dressed up as MJ than men did. Since Michael Jackson took over the costume parties last Halloween I think it’s safe to say that he will “rest in peace” this year.

I surveyed a couple of students around the campus about what they anticipate as the most popular costume this Halloween, and also what they were dressing up as.

Many of the females across the campus predicted that the most popular costume varied from Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, and I even got a couple Michelle Obama’s.

Many of them said that Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga are popular choices because they have different personalities and styles, and the two dress like every day is Halloween with their ridiculous wardrobes.

Jasmine Berry, a junior from Miami, said “Halle Berry is also a popular choice as a costume because you can go out of character and still look beautiful at the same time.”

When asking students how they felt about the whole “True Blood” theme dealing with vampires, I got responses such as “That’s so old-fashioned,” or “that’s so boring and unoriginal.”

I also got the same responses when I asked students about “Twilight” that deals with werewolves so I guess that’s “played out” as well.

I found out what many of the females across the campus were dressing up as, but I still had no clue what was popular for males to dress up as. Is it still “cool” for males to dress up on Halloween?

I asked sophomore Tyrone General of Washington, D.C. and he said “Myself personally, I don’t dress up on Halloween, but if I was to be someone it would probably be President Obama.”

When I asked many other males across the campus Obama was also their costume choice.

Saturday night and Sunday will probably be an unforgettable Halloween at Hampton University when it comes to the variety of wild and interesting costumes.

Thompson is a member of the Intro to Media Writing class at Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

By Kathryn Kenny Halloween is here and H…

By Kathryn Kenny

Halloween is here and Homecoming is just around the corner and there is plenty to do on and off campus. For the freshman, there is one major event that has the class in a buzz: Freak Fest.

“I heard Freak Fest was a wild party,” said freshman Ewing Carter 18. “It’s a play on words, if you know what I mean.”

Freshman all across the campus are trying to figure out where the hottest parties are going to be, how much they cost, and most important, who is throwing the party. “Hopefully there is a good party this Halloween,” said freshman Camille Gaynus, 18. “I’m expecting to have a lot of fun”

Most of the parties off campus are typically word of mouth to the freshman. Many freshmen said that they hear about a party a few hours before it happens usually through text messages or from upperclassmen and or people in their dorm who have received the news. But as for Freak Fest, there were flyers and banners around campus spreading the word about the event.

“An upperclassman just randomly patted me on the chest with a flyer one day,” said Carter.

Along with every off-campus party, comes the cost of admission. A typical off-campus party is $3 to $5. The Freak Fest cost $5 per person.

For some freshmen, this price may be steep, but many are willing to pay if the party is worth it.

One student offered insight to the upperclassman philosophy towards these parties: “These parties are all created for the freshmen,” said sophomore Sean Johnson. “They are designed to take advantage of the freshmen. It’s a way to make money and because the freshmen are ignorant, they pay the money.

“People make money off of other people’s ignorance every day.”

Those who attend the off-campus parties rely on transportation from their big brothers or big sisters on campus. But for many freshmen, they cannot attend these events due to lack of transportation, leaving many of them to wander over to the off-campus Hampton Harbor Apartments for late-night partying.     

“You can always rely on the Harbors to be live and jumpin,’” said Johnson. “Friday nights are a nights of unprotected sex, drugs, alcohol, and partying. But somehow, the police always end up there.”

For those deciding to go to the Freak Fest or even to the Hampton Harbors, students offer their advice. Never go to a party alone, because anything could break out.

Run first, ask later.

Kenny is a member of the Intro to Media Writing class at Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

Campus costumes: Naughty or nice this Halloween?

By Marissa Morgan

Hampton University students are bubbling with excitement and a bit of deviance as they plan for Halloween weekend, on or off campus.

Halloween is a time when the unnatural, the paranormal, and the unusual roam the streets. At Hampton University, the student body is gearing up for their weekend plans, whether celebrating in town or out. Aside from deciding plans, the main focus is what costume everyone will don as Oct. 31 approaches.

Pop culture phenomena such as “The Twilight Saga” movies, numerous reality shows, and shifts in music industry fashion have shaped many of the ideas for costumes this year.

Whether store bought or homemade, many are planning to step outside of themselves for a night to delve into the psyche of another character

I walked around the Student Center Thursday seeking out students to get their views on Halloween in regard to dressing up and popular costumes.

“I want to be a police officer,” said freshman math major Cheri Morris. Her answer for the most popular costume for women was a little different compared to her other classmates. “Probably some sort of animal,” said Morris, “with the little skimpy outfits!”

Slowly, the tradition of women dressing in very risqué costumes on Halloween has become less taboo.

Freshman psychology major Brittany Jones shared the same sentiment as Morris. When asked what she believed to be the most popular costume this year, Jones replied “a dirty girl!”

It seems that what is now known as “Whore Halloween” is widely accepted, if not expected.

Paris Ford, a freshman double major in broadcast journalism and technical theater arts, seemed to know her Halloween facts. “Paris is going to be a ninja,” she revealed in a bubbly tone.

Ford was also correct in naming “Lady Gaga or one of the ‘Jersey Shore’ people” as the most popular costumes. Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, one of the more popular characters on the reality series “Jersey Shore” as well as avant-garde pop sensation Lady Gaga are among the most popular costumes this year because of their over-the-top looks.

In all, it appears that the student population at HU is quite excited about the possibilities of this Halloween weekend, whether they’re planning to dress up or not.

Morgan is a member of the Intro to Media Writing class at Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

Guys and dolls anticipated for Halloween at HU

By Breana A. Hubbard

Snooki, Kim Kardashian, and Nicky Minaj?

The ladies of Hampton University are trading in the traditional scary Halloween costumes to dress as their favorite reality television stars and the newest female rap artist of 2010.

Spending hours at the mall shopping for just the right outfit replaced the usual 30 minutes at the costume store this year.

“My wig was so hard to find,” said one student when asked Thursday what was the best part of her costume.

Male students are anxious to see the ladies in their costumes. “Halloween is just an excuse to dress promiscuous,” said James K. “I can’t wait!”

He might be right. Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is infamous for wearing short dresses and high heels, Kim is known for her bikini modeling and Nicki is known for “butt pads” and push-up bras.

It will be interesting to see how ladies pull this one off.

The men are “keeping it simple” with popular costumes such as Scream, Freddy and Mr. T. Some guys have had the same costume for years and plan to reuse them again next year.

“I prefer something scary,” said a student when asked why he chose to be the Scream character.

Police later arrested him for walking around campus in his costume a couple of days too early. Apparently, he was making people uncomfortable.

On Saturday, Oct. 30, a Fright Fest party is being held in the atrium of the Student Center.

Many people are planning to attend, fully dressed in their costumes and outfits.

It is sure to be a fun-filled night with plenty of scares.

Hubbard is a member of the Intro to Media Writing class at Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

By Jade Banks, Dardinia Joseph and Darre…

By Jade Banks, Dardinia Joseph and Darrell Robinson

While President Barack Obama was encouraging the same young voters that put him in office to journey to the polls next month, various student organizations and majors on Hampton University’s campus are making sure young voters are registered.

The Student Government Association and the university’s student chapter of the NAACP have joined forces to ensure the job gets done. Last week, the organizations posted registration tables during the weekly noon-to-2 p.m. event in the student center and at the Miss Hampton University pageant.

Jeffery Eugene, a senior and SGA president, said the partnership was crucial to ensure the same success seen in the 2008 election.

“NAACP and SGA linked up so we could reach our students on campus and encourage them to vote,” said Eugene. “No matter what party.”

Although both organizations must remain non-partisan, members within each organization realize the importance of preventing the undoing of several bills passed under the Obama administration, including the health care bill.

“If we want to stay on our parents’ insurance until we are 26, we need Congress not to repeal the president’s recent health care bill,” said Charles Graves, NAACP Parliamentarian. “ And we can make sure it gets done with the people we send to Congress. Everything from the food we eat to the health care services we use to the cars we drive and the loans we pay are regulated and monitored by government.”

Although the Nov. 2 mid-term election contains several issues dealing young people, the two student organizations are finding it hard to raise awareness about the election.

“I am truly disappointed in my classmates and fellow Hamptonians this year.” said Graves. “In 2008, everybody was excited to go out to vote. People were registering early, sending in absentee ballots, and even spending their precious time at campaign offices getting ready for the election. But this year, very few of my classmates know when the election is.”

Eugene says that it’s the job of student organizations to encourage voting among their peers.

“We have to activate more blacks, young blacks in the political process,” said Eugene, “Voting is the initiation to the political process.”

Eugene believes that voting in this election will be the deciding factor for the future our country.

“This election matters because it directly affects us, the young people,” said Eugene, “We have to step up and have a voice in our future.”

Seasme Street debuts new muppet that celebrates Natural hair

By Michael Howard

Seasme street is debuting a new muppet with a beautiful brown perky fro. The nameless muppet manages to trim away generations of yearning for  long, silky locks with her song. I Love My Hair and has become an  Internet sensation. Now her creator wants to give her a life beyond  YouTube. The video is being shared on Twitter, and posted on gossip sites and blogs. Writers for the popular show want to create an identity for the new muppet star and hope to expand her reach beyond just youtube to help children of color accept their skin and hair opposed to what the media deems as good hair and skin.

Zombie Night in Norfolk

On your mark. Get set. Run for your life !!!! The city of Norfolk will host a game of zombie tag  in Ghent tomorrow night, says Pilot Online.  It will be  quite an event compared to Whitney Metzger’s original plans. She hanged a few fliers and invited 100 Facebook friends, challenging them to “Survive Norfolk”. The invitation list grew and grew from there.  In order to play, you had to RSVP for an armband. The 1500 participant limit has been set. If you didn’t get an armband, you can still enjoy the evening. Observe the madness or attend any of the local after parties. “Survive Norfolk” will be held from 8pm-11:30 pm.  The city will shut down part of Colonial Avenue on Friday night.  The street will be closed between West 21^st St. and Spotswood Avenue from 8pm-9:30pm. Proceeds from the night will be donated to charity.

 

VA Miltary Families are Part of Plan to Improve Access to Care

Pilot Online reports that Virginia is one of 13 states chosen for a Department of Defense pilot program to improve access to early child care programs for military families.  Virginia was chosen to participate because of its high concentration of military families. Details of the program have not been completed yet.  The purpose is for military families living off base in the participating states to have access to more quality child care.  A liaison will be hired to help assess child care and after-school care offered to military personnel and identify opportunities for improvement in communities where military families live. The Defense Department could also offer assistance to programs that serve significant numbers of military children.  The other 12 states chosen to participate are North Carolina, Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Texas, Vermont and Washington.

Teach for America is an option for loan repayment

By Danyelle Gary

As total student loan debt increased to an amount greater than the total U.S. credit card debt, more college students are utilizing loan assistance incentives available through programs like Teach for America.

The recent acceptance of a $50 million federal grant could greatly aid Teach for America in its loan repayment program, through which it agrees to pay as much as 100 percent of interest incurred during a participant’s teaching term.

Much of the program’s funding is in conjunction with its partnership with the U.S. federal government program AmeriCorps.

“AmeriCorps [with assistance from the federal government] will supply each TFA corps member with roughly $10,000 over their two-year commitment with the purpose of going into education,” said Teach for America member and 2010 Hampton University graduate, Ken Barton.

Barton is a social studies teacher at The B.E.S.T. Academy [Business, Education, Science and Technology] at Benjamin S. Carson, an all-boys middle school in Atlanta.

Other financial assistance available through Teach for America includes loan postponement and loan cancellation.

Teach for America is a non-profit program that recruits and train college graduates to teach in low-performing school districts for a minimum of two years.

According to an Aug. 23 article in The Washington Post, the grant is expected to double participation to 4,500 members within the next four years.

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

By Jov’An Benjamin, Alaya Boykin and Cam…

By Jov’An Benjamin, Alaya Boykin and Camille Madison

Hampton University is reconstructing history. The launch of a new dining facility has many students on campus anxious and curious as they anticipate the new features of the grand structure.

In October 2006, HU embarked on a $25 million campaign to create a first-class, market-style dining facility for students. During this time, the aim was to have alumni contribute $5 million to help construct it. According to the HU New Cafeteria Campaign booklet, over the past few years the university has raised $20 million.

With the help of an anonymous donor matching alumni contributions dollar for dollar, alumni have raised a total of $3.6 million. There remains $1.4 million to be raised before construction is to begin.

The new cafeteria is promised to be a striking structure that features a three-story atrium hall, a waterfront view of downtown Hampton and an outdoor terrace. There will be two dining halls: one for students, which will seat 1,500, and another for special university dining and entertainment events, which will seat 1,150.

Although the plans of a new dining area can be exciting, some students are wary about the outcome of this project.

“A nice building mixed with food that’s not good won’t work,” said Carmena Bell, a junior broadcast journalism major from Los Angeles.

In the past, students have complained about the quality and nutritional value of the cafeteria food.

The timeliness of the development also creates angst among some students. They wonder when they will physically see the cafeteria, instead of empty ditch.

A spokesperson in the office for development said an official ground breaking date has not been set, but is anticipated to be sometime in 2011.

In October, a former muddy pond was smoothed into level ground and vertical posts were erected at the construction site off East Queen Street.

Out with the old and in with the new means replacing a historical HU landmark. The new dining facility will replace the dining hall located in Virginia Cleveland, which was built in 1874, is listed on the national historic register, President William R. Harvey told several hundred parents on Oct. 16.

The building will not be eliminated completely, but renovations will be made in order to convert Virginia Cleveland Hall into a residential space for female students.

According to the new cafeteria website, its last renovation was on the exterior in 1996 when slate roofing, windows and ornamental architectural were restored.

The interior was renovated in 2003 to include installation of heating ventilation and air conditioning systems; structural and mechanical upgrades; and interior finishes.

The new cafeteria will also make changes with their food traditions. Many students said with a new cafeteria there should also be new choices of food.

“Before I came to Hampton I always heard the food was bad,” said Cameron Lawson, freshman architecture major from Clinton, Md. “I have now experienced the food and can agree with all of the rumors. I hope the new cafeteria will be an upgrade of what we have now and bring a better food variety.”

The new cafeteria will offer new cook-to-order food stations, a cereal and fruit bar, grill station offering hamburgers and steaks, vegetarian bar and gourmet dessert station.

As part of the HU campus undergoes an upgrade, students that were looking forward to experiencing the progress will have already graduated by the time the dining facility is finished.

Upon breaking ground, the building is projected to take two years to finish. Although some may feel that they are missing out on a monumental creation, HU administration has welcomed all alumni to come back and enjoy the new dining facility.

The writers are students at the Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications