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Montage The

VOTES

ILLUSTRATIONS BY: JACOB HIGHT

St. Louis Community College–Meramec

Oct. 28, 2010 Vol. 46 Issue 5

inds of e polls. th See what’s on the m to o g y e th re fo e b

Meramec students

s c i t i l o P l a n o i t a v i t Mo a i d e M e and th

Pakistan Relief Campus clubs donate for relief

Proposition B When an issue becomes political football

History of Horror

A Reference

Exploring how the genre and culture came to be

Explore the minds behind Meramec’s young voters

for

Skating to 5-0 ILLUSTRATION BY: JOE DOUGLAS AND KAIT THOMAS

Everyone.

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In the 2008 Presidential election, the number of voters ages 18 to 24 increased the most compared to other age demographics. The number increased to approximately 49 percent, according to http:// census.gov. Younger voters turned to the polls in higher numbers during that election year, according to John Messmer, Ph.D., professor of political science at STLCC-Meramec. “2008 was significant for all age groups. There was a significant increase in young voters,” Messmer said. With the 2010 Congressional elections occurring on Nov. 2,

politicians will be looking for votes to win their seats. If politicians want to secure the younger demographic, they should focus on issues that are more important to the youth, according to Messmer. “If politicians wanted more youth votes, they need to talk about issues young voters care about,” Messmer said. If issues are more pertained to the issues of younger people, more youth may vote, according to Meramec student Niki Zehnle. “People will vote if they feel the issues are important to them. Even though we are younger, we still have

opinions. Everyone that votes is going to have their own views,” Zehnle said. However, younger voters seem to be less informed on some issues and are swing voters, according to Messmer. “Young voters don’t respect the fact that politicians are out to manipulate them. They tend to be less informed because they’re young and not experienced,” Messmer said. According to Messmer, politicians have figured out two main things to win elections. “Number one is appeal to the base. Number two is to win over swing voters. Swing voters, without exception,

are the least intelligent, least informed, and most easily manipulated part of the population,” Messmer said. Some younger voters may not vote at all because one issue may not be as important to them as another. These are trends that can be seen at the polls, according to Messmer. “I’ve noticed younger voters are much more liberal on social issues. More young voters may vote if social issues were on the front burner. Now it’s all economy all the time. What’s discouraging is

“Students see voting as right, not responsibility” See page 2

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October 28, 2010

Students see voting as right, not responsibility about, but it should be [about] tough social issues like gay marriage which is the segregation of our time. No one’s bold enough to fit that into a 30-second TV slot,” said Jason Klefisch, Meramec

ILLUSTRATION BY: KAIT THOMAS

if we see younger voters not keep up.” Some students and younger adults agree with social issues needing to be more prevalent. “This isn’t what our generation cares

student. While social issues may not be the main target for elections, issues such as the economy, tax spending and energy are important to some younger voters, said Meramec student Tim Godfrey. “I think that the issues that are most important to younger Americans are the

economy, taxes and energy. I know younger people are finding more and more ways to become greener, so a great way to make a bigger impact is to vote for politicians who want to find alternative ways for energy,” Godfrey said. Political ads are prevalent on television and radio and may discourage people from voting, according to http://thisnation.com. “Ads pinpoint going and voting, but it’s not directly towards us. I don’t even own any property or anything,” Zehnle said. Godfrey said advertisements from politicians running against each other have become increasingly dirty. “A lot of political ads don’t have anything to do with running a political office. Nothing is sacred anymore and these politicians are too disrespectful.” Klefisch said many political commercials are smoke and mirrors. “Personal slander is easy to sell. It’s the oldest trick in the book. I don’t have to convince you that you like vanilla ice cream, just that chocolate is better.” According to Messmer,

many politicians know that this strategy can be executed. “Do you do research or rely on a 30-second TV commercial? Candidates know they work,” Messmer said. Even with the eruption of social media and networking such as Facebook and Twitter, it does not necessarily mean that younger people will be better voters. “As much as I’d love to think technology impacts younger people socially, they’re not using it to become stronger voters. Social networking can be more of a distraction,” Messmer said. Some students may see voting as a right and not really as a responsibility. “You need to speculate the pressure put on young voters. If you’re 18, it’s ‘I got to vote.’ You’re human; you have to take the path of least resistance. Old people see it as a duty, responsibility,” Messmer said. “Fewer young people see it as a responsibility.” Godfrey said that not all youth see voting as a right. Some vote because they feel it’s their duty to let the government know their opinions. “It’s their American duty to vote and they get to

let their government know what they have to say.” One benefit of voting is that it is a way for younger Americans to let politicians know what they want. “When enough of them vote, they get politicians accountable to them,” Messmer said. “Not telling every 18-yearold to vote shakes us at our foundation. [Youth] shouldn’t vote if they don’t know enough about issues. Not every 18-year-old should be voting, but not every 28, 38, or 48-year-old either.” Younger people that are voting need to be properly informed, Godfrey said. “Be smart about where you get your information. Get it from a reasonable source like Fox News or CNN or Google the topics being voted on. Don’t be an idiot and look at someone’s Facebook status and Wikipedia.” If younger Americans decide to vote, they should do it with more information beforehand, according to Klefisch. “I think younger people should vote more informatively,” Klefisch said. “Young voters should pull their heads out of their ass before they punch a ballot.”

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What’s happening at STLCC NEWS BRIEFS Ornaments for Officers Partnered with the Backstoppers, one Kirkwood business owner decided more needed to be done for the fallen officers, firefighters and EMS that gave their lives so others could live theirs. Rick Ruderer, owner of Richard Roberts Jewelry in Kirkwood, Mo., put together a non-profit charity program in light of the holiday seasons to assist the families of police, fire and EMS officers who have been killed or received a permanent/catastrophic injury in the line of duty. The Ornaments for Officers was designed to allow people and organizations to donate holiday ornaments, in good shape, to help raise money for these courageous families. From now until Thanksgiving, individuals, organizations and businesses can donate their new or used holiday ornaments to either 10424 Manchester Road in Kirkwood or at any of the drop off locations listed on http:// ornamentsforofficers.com. After Thanksgiving until Christmas, all donated ornaments will be available for purchase and displayed on trees at various retailers throughout the St. Louis area. Ornaments can be purchased for $3 each and all proceeds will go to the Backstoppers for disbursement to the needing families. Donations are tax deductible. For additional information people can contact Rick Ruderer, Ornaments for Officers founder, via e-mail at ornamentsforofficers@ yahoo.com or call him at 314-681-0401. Also people can contact Chief Carl Wolf of the Hazelwood Police Department, at 314513-5200 or e-mail him at crwolf@hazelwoodmo.org.

3 Meramec students step up to the majors NEWS

Shah Jahan Ali - Staff Writer -

STLCC- Meramec held its second annual Meramec Majors Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 20 in the cafeteria. The event is designed to help current Meramec students and high school students choose a major. The event was organized by Tracy Lampkins from the academic advising department. According to Lampkins, students benefit from learning about their career options. “This event helps them understand about different majors and decide on a major.” Students were given the opportunity to speak with faculty members in the area they were inquiring about. “There are many degrees that are at the event,” Lampkins said. “[The] various degrees Meramec carries.” Johna Grier, another event coordinator said the turnout was similar to last years. “It was a very good turnout last year. They had 300 students that showed up for the event. This year they

had almost 300 students show up.” One of the booths at the event was the nursing booth. Janet Walsh, program coordinator of the nursing program, gave out information about nursing and answered questions from students. “They need to talk to advisors before taking classes and inform students about the majors and help them understand,” Walsh said. “A lot of people are coming to learn about this major.” Jennifer Klug, Lindbergh High School counselor, said she brought her seniors to this event so that they could learn about different majors while preparing for college. “I have visited 75 percent of the booths and the information has been very informative,” Klug said. In addition, the 38 seniors who attended the event took a tour of the campus and were required to visit booths of different majors. “Everything they leave with is helpful,” Klug said. Erica Van Buren from enrollment management helped organize the event. She

recruited several high school students to attend the Majors Fair. “Last year we had three high schools visit this event. The schools were Rockwood Summit, Lindbergh and Pattonville. Combined there were a total of 100 students last year from all three schools,” Van Buren said. She said the students gave her positive feedback about

the Majors Fair and said they thought it was very helpful, so she decided to invite the high schools again this year. In addition, Van Buren invited another three schools : Lindbergh, Valley Park and Oakville. “We had 83 students this year and they really liked this event,” Van Buren said. “I really wanted them exposed. The sooner they are exposed to a major, the better.”

Student clubs donate money for the Pakistan Relief Fund Joe Douglas

- Editor-in-Chief -

The historic Pakistan flood that commanded the attention of the international media in July is still affecting millions of Pakistanis three months later. In response, STLCCMeramec’s Muslim Student Association held a fundraising event in the Student Center quad on Oct. 26 to help support the cause. “I thought maybe having the flood event/fundraiser would help somewhat, not a lot, but maybe we can help some people who really need

food, clean water, medicine, shelter, you name it,” said Abbas Ali, president of the Muslim Student Association. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., booths provided several ways to donate and experience the Pakistani culture. Among the events were $2 to $5 Henna designs (temporary tattoos); $1 sweets like baklava from the Middle East and Kulfi, a dessert akin to ice-cream; and sports trivia. In addition, T-shirts supporting the Pakistani Flood Relief were sold for $15 apiece. “I think it’s a good cause

because it’s not getting enough attention as it is,” said Meramec student Adam Hassan. Proceeds from the event will be sent to Pakistan through the American Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America. APPNA has supported previous efforts like Haiti, Katrina and Pakistan’s earthquake reliefs. The Pakistani Flood, which has claimed more than 2,500 lives and affected more than 20 million people has caused approximately $4 billion in structural damage,

according to a report done by Ball State University in August 2010. In a story written in the Jakarta Globe on Aug. 19, officials estimate the economic impact of the flood to have reached $43 billion. According to ReliefWeb, as of Oct. 26 the United States has donated the most funds to Pakistan for its flood relief, totaling $488,071,721. Private individuals and organizations ranked second, having donated $292,307,162. “I think we should all lend a hand first and try to help people out,” Ali said.

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Possible grade scale change One thing that separates STLCC from many other community colleges and universities is its grading scale of A, B, C, D and F. Now STLCC is considering adding + and – to those grades. The Forest Park and Florissant Valley campuses originally approved +/grading, but Meramec and Wildwood voted it down. The Meramec Academic Governance Council and Student Governance Council have been working to approve a campus-wide survey. Nothing has been finalized.

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OPINIONS Self-improvement

October 28, 2010

Pursuit of Happiness

Adult Content

Sex

The negative of positive self-affirmations Joe Douglas

- Editor-in-Chief -

What some psychologists have been practicing for many years could, in fact, be doing more harm than good. S e l f affirmations, someone saying or thinking, generally posi t i v e , attributes that are true of him/ herself, a tool used to improve self-esteem and increase happiness may, in fact, lower a person’s self-esteem if that person is not already a positive thinker. Many self-help articles and professionals suggest that people with low self-esteem should tell themselves “I am strong,” “I am beautiful,” or “I am smart.” The expectation is that these positive, self-affirming statements should recreate the concept of the self or override negative, self-masochistic thoughts like “I am weak,” “I am ugly,” or “I am stupid.” Self-affirming is a relatively new technique. The original theory was first proposed by Claude Steele in 1988. This makes the concept as old as many college students. From there, it has been employed in many modern therapeutic exercises to improve self-

POLITICS

esteem. But it’s not for everyone. In 2009, researchers from the University of Waterloo and the University of New Brunswick performed a study on people with high and low self-esteems. The group with high selfesteem and the group with low self-esteem told themselves selfaffirming statements. That’s where the results took a 180. The people with high selfesteem reported a small increase in happiness levels. Those with low self-esteem reported feeling worse after telling themselves positive phrases. On the other hand, people with low self-esteem who were told to think positively but were allowed to think negatively felt better after the sessions. The results could mean that people who hear or tell themselves self-affirming statements that are contradictory to what they actually believe. This may cause the consciousness to disregard the information. This may lead to a situation of reverse psychology where the consciousness instead reminds the individual how he/ she actually feels, making the person feel worse. The results aren’t what most people would have expected. Many people have been taught by their parents, friends, doctors, professors and psychologists not to talk badly or think negatively about themselves. Instead,

Politics and Media

“affirmation breathing room” could be the best approach to tackling low self-esteem. Take Rick Foster’s and Greg Hicks’s “How We Choose to Be Happy.” The happiest people the authors interviewed didn’t view the glass half full like common knowledge would expect. The happiest people saw the glass half full and half empty. Basically, in order to be truly happy, limiting thoughts to only positive, self-affirming ones can make someone less happy, especially if that person already has low self-esteem. People with high self-esteem are more likely to get away with more frequent, positive self-affirmations. People with low self-esteem looking for ways to be happier and increase their self-esteem should first know themselves well, including what they like and what they don’t like about themselves. They should view weaknesses as opportunities to grow and use them to develop new strengths. For people with normally high self-esteem but are just feeling emotionally under the weather, speak and think in positive self-affirmations. It will make the day seem better, if just a little. Don’t say, “Life’s wonderful,” if it isn’t. Say, “Life sucks, but I can change that.” Recognize the problem and then address it. Don’t pretend it doesn’t exist.

Keeping Them Honest

Voters swayed by pendulum of power Patrick Olds

- Opinions Editor -

The upcoming election on Nov. 2 should be a good indicator of the American public’s view of President Barack Obama. Sure, midterm elections usually shift away from the party of the president, but this election is different. Right now, many are still feeling the recession and some feel lost in an underground tunnel of sorts with no way out. Coming into this year, it was difficult imagining a large takeover of seats in the Senate for the opposition party, the Republicans. This was because there were a large number of Republicans retiring or leaving office and, in turn, would make it difficult to hold those seats as well as pickup even more. One of the most accurate polling websites, http:// RealClearPolitics.com, has predicted an eight seat pickup for the Republicans in the 2010 Senate elections, with the possibility of 10. That is quite a dramatic shift in just two years. If the predictions hold true, the Republicans have an outside shot of doing all of the following: taking back the majorities in the Senate and the House, taking

the Senate majority leader’s seat and halting a strong progressive agenda. There are many factors that influence an election such as this and most of them start and end with President Obama. Since his inauguration, Obama has led the Congress in passing two enormous stimulus bills, a largely unpopular health care reform bill, a troop surge in Afghanistan, and naming two liberal justices to the Supreme Court. He issued an executive order saying that he would close the prison at Guantanamo Bay but never did so. His Justice Department has fought against an Arizona immigration law and for the continuation of the “don’t ask, don’t tell policy” about gays serving openly in the military. He has taken a large stake in major U.S. corporations such as General Motors and a major part of the financial industry. He issued an executive order about abortions and stem cell research. It is difficult to wade through the enormity of decisions made under his reign and find a popular issue. No wonder Democrats are ready to suffer at the polls. Even one Rhode Island democrat said that Obama could, “take his endorsement and really shove it.” Democrats in close races are finding that distancing

themselves from Obama is the only way to victory. If states such as California, Washington and Illinois are within reach of Republicans, something is going very wrong for the Democrats. Those states are progressive strongholds that should hardly ever be threatened. Obama has a real electoral threat on his hands. If all goes the Republicans’ way in a week, then he has to dramatically slow his progressive agenda. Any chance of passing cap-and-trade or large government expansion bills goes out the window. The job at hand for the Republicans is to remember what got them voted out of office in the first place. They expanded deficits and spent with reckless abandon. They resembled what the Democratic Socialists of America stand for. They thought that ignoring banking atrocities and the mortgage crisis wouldn’t hurt them. There is reason for hope again in this country. If one of two things happens, this country could get back on the right track. First, if Obama sees this as a huge sign to come to the center as Bill Clinton did in 1994 or, second, if the Republicans can stand by small government, low spending and ethics, then there should be light at the end of this dark tunnel.

Supernatural ‘O’s Jacob Hight-

- Graphics Editor -

*Explicit Content* Halloween approaches like a zombie, inescapable and deceptively slow. Stores are filled with latex masks, fake fur, gossamer bats wings, and the inevitable eye rollers like novelty c o s t u m e s designed around euphemisms for male genitalia. Unleashed with makebelieve demons come shadowy fantasies bedecked with things like handcuffs, riding crops and other things that appeal to haunting impulses. What about supernatural ways to haunt the moaning spirit? For example, someone with a vivid or particularly suggestible imagination can be lead into orgasmic heights and depths through hypnotic suggestion. It really can be as easy as counting to 10. Then again there is the exotic and mysterious Tantra, learning to control mind-body energies. However, true Tantra is a spiritual path and should only be pursued under proper guidance and with proper motivation. As with other exotic imports from the east, the true nature of some arts are discarded, degenerated to make it more marketable to the western consumer. Then, somewhere in between hypnotism and Tantra is inducing intense pleasure through trance. Three preliminary exercises will facilitate attempts at selfinduced ecstatic trance. The first is candle gazing. Learning to focus attention on the candle flame is beneficial. Gazing at a lit candle in a dim room will produce an after-image. When this effect presents itself, close the eyes and focus on it, and discover how to intensify the image through concentration. The second is shaking the right hand as if flinging water from it. Notice the tingling sensation. Then without

shaking the left hand, focus on it, and attempt to feel that tingling in the left hand. The third is to hold up an index finger and vividly imagine the sensation of it curling forward. If done properly, the finger will begin to twitch or feel tense in the front, but deliberately bending it is cheating. To begin, find a comfortable place to lie down and set aside about 20 minutes. Begin by consciously relaxing the entire body. Imagine the sensation of it melting away or some other image like floating in water. After sufficiently relaxed, focus attention on a target spot of the body. For men, the prostate will most likely be the best place to start; likewise, women may try beginning with their G-spot (prostatic tissue). Just relaxing the target area and focusing attention on it may begin to induce sensation. It may take a few moments. Some spots may take a few minutes to locate mentally since they are at different depths within the body. If attempts to mentally locate the target area are met with a twinge of pleasure, focus there. While remembering the candle and hand-shaking exercise, experiment with intensifying the sensation or inducing new ones. Fortunately the prostatic tissues are surrounded by muscle (the same ones involved in orgasm). As with the finger exercise, imaging sensations of tension, or motion may induce small contractions and motions around this sensitive tissue. This will spark new sensations that can then be developed as in the paragraph above. First attempts may prove to be mild. This is only because these nerves are learning to be used in new ways, the muscles as well. Over time they will respond more readily, and concentration will improve as well.Be sure to take time to wind down, to distract the focus, and relax. If unable to pull attention away from the sensations, it is possible to “get stuck” in a feedback loop of attention and pleasure for unintended lengths of time.

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OPINIONS

October 28, 2010

Proposition B becomes political football When a political issue is disguised as good cause to further a political agenda Mark Livingston - Staff Writer -

It’s time for some football, but not what one may think. This year the United S t a t e s citizens have the opportunity to vote for some pending propositions on the ballot and congressional members in the state and national elections. Many use the proverbial football to push their agendas. For young voters, it might be their first attempt to cast votes and shape the course of this nation; it can often be an overwhelming experience. Television advertisements demonize both candidates such as “He did this,” “She voted for that,” etc. It seems like voters have to decide who is the least terrible person. For most young voters, they still have hope, hope that they can

change the establishment by voting a certain direction. Young voters are led to believe they are smarter than the previous generations and this is exactly what politicians would like. Former Vice President Al Gore said, “There are some things about our world that you know that older people don’t know.” This is an example of a politician pandering to the young voters in order to harvest their vote. It happens every election cycle. And so the youth is duped into a reliable vote for a professional politician. It’s very easy to massage the young voter’s mentality, which, almost always, will fall for this pandering. “Oh, you’re so smart, in fact you more keen to the problems that plague this world. I’m willing to listen to you and change this reputation of politics as usual.” So, with a wink and a nudge they begin picking out the color for the

walls of their new office, never to do anything they say, yet spit the same rhetoric two years later during the next election cycle. Old people are dumb and young people are smart. Until one day when those young reliable voters become independent thinkers, who investigate the issues and holds their representatives to their campaign pledges. Puppy mills: who likes puppy mills? Who wouldn’t cast a vote against puppy mills? Proposition B, in Missouri, is just another example of politicians using a cause as their football. After all who needs to investigate any proposition, for which its main purpose is to ban puppy mills? The Humane Society of the United States or (HSUS) is not the same as the Humane Society of America. Proponents of the proposition claim the HSUS has accumulated more than $162 million in assets, yet

donates less than one percent of that to helping animals. Ninety-nine percent of their budget goes to lobbyists, pensions, salaries and infomercials to raise more money. The HSUS is not affiliated with animal shelters; they do not promote spaying or neutering, nor do they take in stray, neglected or abused pets. If you give $19 a month to their organization, $1.03 will actually make it to a pet shelter throughout an entire year. This group has brought the puppy mill issue to the ballot box. The bill touts itself as an anti-puppy mill law; however, this law could potentially end the ability for most to own a pet, as most breeders will be strong armed out of the business, thus lowering supply and increasing costs. The HSUS has already passed similar laws in Florida and California destroying the pork and chicken egg industry

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in those states. The law would also create a Class C misdemeanor for a breeder to have a piece of food in a water bowl, a cobweb in a corner or a scratch on a painted surface. The HSUS president has said, “We are going to use the ballot box and the democratic process to stop all hunting in the United Sates,” all this detailed by http:// alliancefortruth.com. In life, and especially in politics, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Anti-puppy mill laws are already the law, instead of passing new restrictions, how about enforcing the ones already on the books? When voting this November, don’t allow yourself to be used as the proverbial political football. Understand the system, understand the issues, understand the policies, and then vote. But don’t vote blindly, after all that is what some politicians want.

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InDepth

Frights in the night

Horror culture brings out the scariest of monsters ILLUSTRATIONS BY: JACOB HIGHT

The Boogeyman Children with expansive imaginations might think that someon or something is under their bed or in their closets waiting to get them. Thanks to urban legends, this person is the Boogeyman. The Boogeyman has been used in different arrays of media, such as in movies like “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993) and “Boogeyman” (1980, 2005), a song performed by AC/DC and is the title of one Stephen King short story.

The origin of Boogeyman is unknown and this monster has no specific appearance. According to http:// monstropedia.org, the Boogeyman is portrayed in Victory Herbert's 1903 operetta “Babes in Toyland” that took place in Boogeyland and Raymond Briggs' film “Fungus the Boogeyman.” For generations now, parents may have used this fictional monster into scare their children into behaving, for if they don’t, the Boogeyman might get them.

RIP

October 28, 2010

Stephanie Stough - Managing Editor -

Trying to account for all the different types of monsters, demons and beasts that haunt in the night may or may not be impossible. For those who have an imagination, these creepy creatures have developed over time through the media to continue making the hairs on the back of necks stand up and arise goosebumps everywhere. Some of these frightening monsters evolved from urban lengends and old crime stories from hundreds of years ago. Regardless of their origin, these imaginary and real horrors will continue to haunt dreams for years to come.

According to legend, the first werewolf to terrify villages took place in the 1500s. Peter Stubbe, known as the “World’s First Werewolf,” would haunt and murder men and little girls in German small towns.

Werewolves

According to http://trutv.com, he was known to disguise himself as a wolf and feast on humans, such as pregnant women and their unborn children. More than 500 years later, werewolves haunt pop culture in

books and movies. The first film about werewolves, “The Werewolf,” premiered on the screen in 1913 and according to http://werewolf-movies. com, there have since been hundreds of films dedicated to this half-human/

half-wolf creature that all started with the Stubbe urban legend. Hollywood could be the blame for making werewolves less threatening after the “Twilight” novel and films portrayed werewolves as romantics.

Ghosts A ghost is “the soul of a dead person, a disembodied spirit imagined, usually as a vague, shadowy or evanescent form, as wandering among or haunting living persons .” No one can prove that ghosts exist and it could be

up for argument whether or not ghosts have been lurking in the dark since the beginning of time, but that isn’t going to stop people from being scared of them. Ghosts are the subject of haunted tales due to the mystery that lies behind

what happens to the dead. There are several different theories of where ghosts come from and why they linger around the living, such as they have unfinished business on Earth or refuse to move on to the next world but ghosts

have been a part of history since Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt and even in the Bible. According to http:// m o n s t e r o u s . c o m , people living in Ancient Mesopotamia believed that the ghost took form at the

moment of death and the Egyptians believed ghosts lived in a subterranean world where they communicated.

rituals in a vampire subculture that were introduced to them through popular literature, such as Anne Rice’s “Interview with a Vampire.” These self-proclaimed vampires congregate in bars and clubs and also dress in lots of dark clothing and wear

fake fangs. The adaptation of vampires vary based on authors and directors. For example, they are allergic to garlic and have no reflections, but the one thing remains the same, they want blood and they want it now.

Today, ghosts are the subject of countless horror films and still remain a mystery to those still in the living world.

Vampires These blood-sucking humans have been haunting nightmares since the 1800s when the novel “Dracula” was published by Irish author Bram Stoker. According to http:// monstrous.com, this novel was based on the life of Vlad

Dracula, a Romanian prince in the 1430s. Dracula means “son of the Devil” in Romanian language. Dracula and other vampires have submerged popular culture since the first horror movie “Nosferatu” spooked audiences in 1922.

Vampires have been in the spotlight after the “Twilight” saga started the beginning of a blood-soaked trend that resulted in shows like “True Blood” and “The Vampire Diaries.” Extreme vampire enthusiasts even practice

Clowns Whether or not they are sporting a smile and oversized shoes or an evil grin and a weapon, enough people are afraid of clowns that it’s been dubbed “Coulrophobia.” Coulrophobia is the fear of clowns or mimes and is usually diagnosed to people who have been scared of clowns since they were a young child.

Media depictions of clowns over time have given these children’s entertainers an evil image, such as Pennywise, the evil clown from Stephen King’s novel and film “It” and the clown from “Poltergeist.” Children and adults alike might associate all clowns as being evil because of such portrayals.

Zombies “Dawn of the Dead,” “Night of the Living Dead,” “Return of the Living Dead” and “The Crazies” are all examples of films that have taken the fear of the dead coming back to life and brought it to the big screen. Zombies are bodies of dead people that give the semblance of life, but are unable to speak and will-less and usually live for some evil purpose. According to an article published in the Los Angeles Examiner, the word zombie originated in the Africa Voodoo religion, which means departed spirits or ghosts. The Voodoo believed that a zombie was a body without

a soul that was brought back to life by a Voodoo sorcerer and was just a living corpse. These lifeless creatures became feared by the masses in 1968 after the success of George Romero’s film “The Night of the Living Dead.” This film was followed by his other blockbusters such as “Return of the Living Dead” and “Dawn of the Dead.” In present day, there are books dedicated to surviving a zombie attack, such as “The Zombie Survival Guide” by Max Brooks and movies such as “Zombieland” and the TV series “The Walking Dead” are dedicated to what it would be like to survive a zombie apocalypse.

According to BBC News Online, in a study 250 children were asked if clown paintings were scary to them and most of them found them frightening. Aside from a fearprovoking image and media representations, one man, John Gacy, used acting as a clown as a way to get closer to his victims, all 33 of them.

Gacy, also known as “the Clown Killer,” entertained at children’s parties as Pogo the Clown. With such dark and scary representations of clowns in the popular culture, one could raise suspicions o n

what’s really going on behind that painted on smile.

ART & LIFE

October 28, 2010

The History of the Horror Flick

Exploring how the genre and culture came to be Kelly Glueck - Staff Writer -

“Scream” taught us that the virgin always survives and “Zombieland” taught us to always check the backseat. So now that all movie-goers know how to survive a horror movie, the next logical question is where did scary movies originate? A silent 1922 German Expressionist Dracula recreation titled “Nosferatu” was one of the first horror films to pave the way for the film genre. From “Nosferatu” until the slasher reign, audiences around the world have willingly subjected themselves to motion pictures featuring an array of cutting edge special effects supporting the mystifying monsters starring in these films. Film Studies Director of STLCCMeramec Robert Hahn explained that horror audiences have a curious fascination with monsters such as Frankenstein, Dracula and King Kong, “Creatures and this ‘darkness’ can represent an archetypal shadow aspect of our psyche, something we refuse to accept might be an aspect of ourselves that we project outside ourselves, where it’s easier to objectify. We are somewhat fascinated by the power of these creatures, but repulsed by them,” Hahn said. This theory became more apparent when the subject of particular 1950s

and 1960s horror films shifted from imaginary monsters to spirits, aliens and the undead, in films such as “House on Haunted Hill,” “The Body Snatchers” and “Carnival of Souls.” Hahn explained how some of these creatures, particularly aliens, have known to subtlety allude to ideas of communism or other prominent social or political tensions occurring during the making of the film. “Or the ‘Aliens’, like Invasions of the Body Snatchers or hordes of creatures can also be read as fear of Communism or ‘the other’ in general,” Hahn said. This idea of invasion was later paralleled with George A. Romero’s zombie takeover in “Night of the Living Dead.” According to the Horror Film History web page, at the turn of the Vietnam war, troops began coming home, and the public eye moved from the invasion of foreigners and foreign ideas to changes within themselves and those around them. This lead to a new, more personal villain. Roman Polanski’s “Rosemary’s Baby” tackled this new found paranoia head on. In this film, evil was uncontrollable and part of the innocent. This is also apparent in “Village of the Damned,” “The Omen” and “The Exorcist.” The 1970s thriller genre brought horror to a different level. Hahn explained how the innovation of film school

bettered the understanding and thrill of such movies as “Jaws,” “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Halloween.” “You had film school graduates making movies raised on classics of the genre, and younger artists using classic makeup techniques with new freedoms of what could be shown meant a lot more visceral movies,” Hahn said. “That kind of close watching can help speed up the level of accomplishment of the genre and opens up classic ideas to a new audience again and again,” Hahn said. So with the birth of the VHS and the beginning of film studies, filmmakers were able to better reach their audiences through referencing the horror classics preceding them. Take “Jaws” for example. The leitmotifs, or reoccurring music used as the shark is approaching can be directly related to the blood-curling screech Alfred Hitchcock used in “Psycho.” The use of movement cuts and angled shots can be compared to that of “King Kong” and “Godzilla.” These filmmakers grew up watching and studying these films, it was their turn to take the success of the past and recreate scary movies. Horror movies eventually diverged into several subgenres with a specific set of guidelines inspired by Alfred Hitchcock, Romano and Wes Craven.

I n d i e Film Director o f “Dinocroc” and visual effects supervisor for “Piranha,” “Blade” and “Xena Warrior Princess,” Kevin O’Neill listed his idea of necessary qualities in a successful horror film. “Creating a successful element of fear, tread, suspense and surprise; populating the story with at least some sympathetic characters; and establishing a set of rules that the audience can willingly accept at some point in the story,” O’Neill said. Quintessential Scary Movies According to Indie Film Director Kevin O’Neill

1. “Jaws” 2. “Bride of Frankenstien” 3. “Aliens” 4. “Amadeus” 5. “The Exorcist”

Discover Benedictine University at Springfield

Visit Our Campus Today!

Transfer students and their families can learn more about Benedictine by attending a campus visit day and meeting faculty, student services representatives, admissions counselors and financial aid counselors.

Attend Campus Visit Day

Saturday, December 4 beginning at 10:00 a.m. in Angela Hall.

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ART & LIFE

October 28, 2010

A day in the life of a tenacious fighter

Meramec student Ben Barret fights cerebral palsy through the practice of martial arts Kurt Obbereither - Staff Writer -

Ben Barret, 27, is a student at STLCC-Meramec who chooses not to surrender to adversity but to challenge it. Barret is studying to become a motivational speaker or creative consultant. He said he starts most of his days like a typical college student: with a caffeine pick-me-up, a quick peek at his friend updates on Facebook, class preparation, and a rush to classes. Barret, however, did not start his life like most others do. Barret was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that causes physical disability in various areas of the body affecting balance and muscle

Souljar Mills, a former gang leader turned mentor, that his dreams would come closer to reality. “[Mills] was the first person to say, ‘Why do you have to be in a wheelchair, why do you have to be on crutches, why do you have to be on a cane, why do you have to accept this? You’re going to have limitations, but why not push beyond them’,” Barret said. After studying in other martial arts classes that were modified to meet his ability, Barret said Mills opened his eyes to kung fu. It was later on that he enrolled in classes at the Shaolin Lohan School of Kung Fu. Barret said it was

example, when I first joined the school that I’m now a part of I was in full leg braces. I was on a cane constantly. I lost my braces after the first class because my instructor said it was limiting my footwork, and I haven’t gone back since. I haven’t needed to,” Barret said. Barret said he has even been called “insane” for what he does. “I’m doing this art in what some have called a very vain attempt, [and what] others have called an inspiring attempt to remove every physical aspect of my condition from my body. I’m hoping to one day be able to do full blown high kicks,” Barret said.

“I had always been told by doctors that it wouldn’t be possible,” said Barret. “I don’t take kindly to being told I can’t do something.” -Ben Barret growth. While he did receive physical therapy loosening muscles during his earlier years, his teenage years brought way to something different: martial arts. “I had always been told by doctors that it wouldn’t be possible,” said Barret. “I don’t take kindly to being told I can’t do something.” Barret said he drew inspiration from cinema heroes such as Bruce Lee and Jean-Claude Van Damme, but it wasn’t until he met

refreshing that his sifu, or master, Vincent Cabais, did not alter the system to meet special needs. “It’s thanks to that attitude [that] I’ve gotten so much stronger because I was used to people modifying things,” Barret said. According to Barret, he has gained strength beyond anyone thought he could. Although he still uses a cane to get around school, his mobility has greatly improved. “As a form of therapy it’s worked wonders because, for

PHOTO BY: KURT OBBEREITHER

Ben Barret practices a fighting style he learns through his training in martial arts. (Above and Below)

During tough high school years, Barret said martial arts were a way to release peppedup anger. “It was my main outlet because I had the world’s biggest temper and no way to express it,” Barret said. Barret said the martial arts also tie in with his pursuit of a communications degree. “It’s another tool I can use when speaking,” Barret said, “I mean look where I’ve come from. I came from being born dying, literally.” In regards to his choice of career in motivational speaking, Barret said he had a realization when he read Napoleon Hill’s self help book, “Think and Grow Rich,” and changed his major to communications almost immediately. “I like to consider myself an intellectual so I’ll read a lot of different kinds of stuff. It’s partly inspired by being at Meramec and partly just the fact that I love learning. I believe that if a person never lets themselves stop learning, they’ll be essentially immortal,” Barret said. Furthermore, Barret said he likes to mediate arguments between friends and said it is one reason he chose to become a motivational speaker. “I’m always the peacemaker; I’m always the guy who is thinking things out. I’m always the guy who finds the bridge between this problem and that solution,” Barret said. Barret said while not practicing martial arts and going to school he is always

PHOTO BY: KURT OBBEREITHER

Ben Barret was born with the condition cerebral palsy, it causes physical disability to various areas to the body.

striving for new experiences and likes to occasionally cut loose. “You’re looking at a guy that will occasionally drive 20 minutes out of his way to hang out at a different branch of a book store, or mall I never go to, or check out this bar or club I don’t frequent just because it’s a new experience,” Barret said. Barret said he plans on

advancing through the ranks at the Shaolin Lohan School of Kung Fu and continuing to break ‘molds’ his condition brings. “Everyone has things about themselves that make them unique, and sometimes these things can be seen as detrimental,” Barret said. “It’s up to us to fight past negative stereotypes, embrace who we are, and use it to own it.”

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10 ART & LIFE

‘Paranormal Activity 2’

October 28, 2010

Featured Photo

Sequel provides more frights and terror for audiences Kelly Davis - Copy Editor -

Paramount Pictures theatrically released the suspenseful fear-factor sequel “Paranormal Activity 2” on Oct. 20, 2010. The movie takes place in a suburban home in Carlsbad, Calif., where everything seems perfectly normal until a robbery occurs. However, nothing is stolen. The family, including the husband, second wife, toddler and the teenage daughter from the first marriage, immediately have hidden surveillance cameras installed throughout the entire house. The cameras provide the audience with a view of every bump and scare in the night over a period of six months, often providing the jumps and the scares throughout the movie, as it did in the first movie. At a slow pace, disturbances arise. Loud noises are heard, objects move on their own, and the toddler becomes an object of fascination. The nanny feels a presence and tries to warn the family but instead she is fired. The wife’s sister, Katie, who is also the star in “Paranormal Activity,” tells the family to ignore the illusions. Her husband from “Paranormal Activity,” Micah,

appears in this movie as well. As the mystery unfolds, the family is taunted and spooked by the supernatural presence, which leads to a dramatic downfall. It is truly a movie that will tickle the audience with terror. It influences sweating, jumping, shrieking and nail biting. Of course, everyone bursts with laughter after realizing there is nothing to be scared of. However, the sequel is very similar to “Paranormal Activity.” The scary occurrences, loud bangs and possessing of humans relate to the first movie, but the ending is by far more abrupt, which is incredible considering the ending to its predecessor. Also, for those who have seen “Paranormal Activity,” the reappearance of Katie Featherston brings up many questions that cause much over-explanation. This would entail that “Paranormal Activity 2” would actually be a prequel. Thus, confusion may strike one’s mind. Overall “Paranormal Activity 2,” rated R for language and violence, will keep audiences on their toes through this roller coaster ride of a horror film. With Halloween right around the corner, now is the perfect time to check “Paranormal Activity 2.”

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PHOTO BY: COURTNEY STARK

Student Rosie Herwig (right) holds a playing card during a voo doo trick performed by international illusionist Daniel Cullen.

SPORTS

October 28, 2010

Magic keeps rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ to a 5-0 start Roller hockey team begins 2010-2011 season striving for success Elizabeth Rousseau - Staff Writer -

After coming off of a season in which the STLCCMeramec Magic roller hockey team had a record of 12-13-1, the Magic are kicking off their season by bringing new faces to the team and winning their first tournament of the season. “The guys that we lost last year we replaced with young guys that are just as good,” said head coach Ben Lambert. This is Lambert’s second season coaching the Magic roller hockey team. Before joining the Magic, Lambert played for and coached the roller hockey team at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. In early October, the Magic went to the First Annual Illini Invitational tournament in Homer Glen, Ill. They won the tournament, going

undefeated. With the majority of the 15-man roster being filled by incoming freshman, Lambert is relying on the leadership of the seven returning players. “The guys who are returning from last year have one year of experience in the system and all know what to expect,” said Lambert. “The young guys are all guys that want to listen and want to get better. If there is one strength, it’s just the strength of the team in itself.” However, Lambert is aware of the risks in having such a young squad. “I don’t think the team is mentally prepared for what they are going to face,” said Lambert. “I think that a lot of the new guys think that because we went up to Illinois and did so well in the Illini tournament, that somehow college will just be a cakewalk.

The guys who were here last year know that’s not true necessarily. The stuff that works in high school isn’t going to work in college.” The Magic will be experienced in the goalie position. Patrick Woodling, who did not play last year but did play for the Magic during the 2008-2009 season, will be one of three goalies the Magic will carry. “He’s a great goalie,” said Lambert. “If we go far, that’s what should take us far.” Part of Woodling’s goalie instincts comes from visualizing himself in certain situations. “I like to sit alone and play the game in my head,” said Woodling. “It keeps me calm.” According to team captain Jared Miklasz, the Magic visualize themselves turning last year’s sub-.500 season into

“If there is one strength, it’s just the strength of the team in itself.”

-Ben Lambert, head coach

MUSIC

at Meramec

PHOTO BY: JOE RAY

Members of the Magic roller hockey team scrimmages during practice on Oct. 19. The Magic have started the season 5-0.

a positive, making them strive to be better. “We are looking forward to redeeming ourselves and playing well this year and making it to finals,” said Miklasz. “We need to work on getting more W’s this season.” On Oct. 22, the Magic defeated their rival, the St. Charles Community College Cougars, 8-5, to open their regular season. They’ve kept piling up the wins, starting the season 5-0. Their next game will be Nov. 5 against the Maryville University Saints.

“We have a good roster this year,” said Eric Dauernheim, the Magic’s alternate captain. “I feel like we have a better connection with everybody.” Miklasz said that the team’s number one goal is to win nationals this year. “We have a lot of depth. We are a good team top to bottom,” said Lambert. “Everybody is really talented this year.” Visit

Meramec

Montage

Career and Employment Services Presents:

The Music Department at Meramec offers courses and ensembles for all students. You may take courses for general education credit or pursue the Associate of Arts in Music degree to prepare for transfer into a Bachelor of Music or Music Education program.

In te

n Fi

MUS 101,102,201,202 MUS 103 MUS 113 MUS 114 MUS 115,116 MUS 121,122,221,222 MUS 128 MUS 130 MUS 138,139,216 MUS 141,142,241,242 MUS 143 MUS 211,212

Music Theory I,II,III,IV Basic Music The History of Jazz The Enjoyment of Music Class Voice I,II Class Piano I,II,III,IV Survey of Rock Music Beginning Guitar Jazz Improvisation I,II,III Applied Music (Lessons) I,II,III,IV Introduction to Desktop Publishing Music History I,II

Interested in performing in an ensemble?

Music 132 – Orchestra Music 133 – Jazz Lab Band Music 134 – Symphonic Band Music 135 – Concert Choir & Chamber Choir All ensembles hold a seat/part assignment hearing during the first rehearsal. Members of the Concert Choir may audition for the Chamber Choir.

a ir

Bring Your Resume Dress Professionally Business Attire

All Meramec students may participate. No audition is required!

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** SC H O LA R SH IPS A V A ILA B L E **

COURSES

.com

for ‘For the love of the game’

Take Charge of Your Future St. Louis Community College—Meramec November 3, 2010 9:00 am—12:00 pm Room 105 Business Administration Building

For more information, contact the Meramec Music Department Gary Gackstatter, Director of Instrumental Music, ggackstatter@stlcc.edu, (314) 984-7636 Dr. Jerry Myers, Director of Choral Activities & Music Theory, gmyers34@stlcc.edu, (314) 984-7638

St. Louis Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you have accommodation needs, please call 314-984-7893 within two working days of the scheduled event to request needs. Documentation of disability may be required.