As the semester winds down and the homework slowly starts to pile up on some students's desks, Late @ Lane employees still work very hard in ensuring that students have a safe alternative to drinking on a Saturday night. The latest Late @ Lane theme was "The Last Hoorah". Dedicated employee, Brittany Gossard, noted that it was supposed to be related to the supposed "end of the world" that the Mayans predicted, but they weren't allowed to say that directly. Not as many students attended as did during the first few Late @ Lane events, but the attractions were just as entertaining.
One main feature included an Illusionist, Jason Bishop. During his first show that began at 10:30 p.m., many were amazed by the things happening on stage. Bishop performed illusions that included a disappearing co-host, an empty can that mysteriously refilled itself, and a one dollar bill that turned into a $100 bill which he then gave to a random student. Bishop also performed an illusion which entailed him being tied by several knots into a cloth bag which was then put in a wooden box that was padlocked on three sides. He had three volunteers come up to the stage to make sure the box and bag had no hidden tricks inside that the rest of the audience couldn't see. They all confirmed there was none. After a couple of seconds, Bishop was actually outside of the box with his co-host inside. They crowd was speechless. When speaking to senior Lauree Holland about the tricks that she had just seen she stated, "I've never seen something like that! I was pretty amazed." After attending the first show, I returned for the 12:30 a.m. showing to see if I could figure out any of the illusions by watching different parts of the stage during the act. Much to my dismay, I could not figure out even one trick. After speaking to senior Anysa Taipow about what she thought pertaining to the show, she exclaimed, "I think there was black magic in that! Haha! That couldn't have just been an illusion. Some of the things I saw were just unreal." In contrast from the first audience, the second audience invested more interest in Bishop's illusions. The crowd got loud when it was confusing and asked a lot of questions. Obviously, Bishop didn't answer these and kept the mystery alive as the audience left the room with puzzled faces.
As the event wound down and the attractions were packing up, many employees looked relieved to have come to their "last hoorah"...well for the semester anyway.
Relaunched January 2010: The news and information blog of Andy Duncan's Journalistic Writing course, ENGL 336, at Frostburg State University.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
November Event Coverage
The first three selections the choir sung were He Reigns by
J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise, Testimony
by Patrick Riddick and D’vyne Worship and After This, by J.J. Hairston and
Youthful Praise. The choir was full of
energy and made the crowd stand to their feet and rejoice. Smiles were spread across the audience as the
choir danced and sang about God. The
next two songs, Hallelujah is the Highest Praise and Be Still and Know were
slower and more somber. One of the slower songs were joined by the Heavens
Angels dance ministry. Some members of
the audience were crying and felt the lyrics being sung by the choir. It was a beautiful experience.
After the choir’s selections, it was time for special
presentations for the seniors of the choir. Gifts were given out to Dana
Harrison, Shannah Bateman, Jimmese Hill and O’Dellshae Wiles. This was one of the most beautiful moments of
the program.
After the presentations, the Silent Praise ministry took the
stage and did a mime selection. Everyone
was inspired by the brilliance of the performance.
The program closed out with a joyous special selection
entitled Jesus Will by Anita Wilson. The
soloist of this selection was Robert Brown, who also happens to be the director
of the choir. He encouraged the audience to sing along with him, and soon, the
audience and the whole choir were singing together! This was an excellent
closing to the wonderful and moving concert.
After the concert, Tony Williams, a sophomore at Frostburg
University enthused about how he enjoyed the concert. “When the praise team got up to sing, and the
soloist blessed with her voice, it was very inspiring.
It was one of the most inspiring moments of
the concert”. Tony also talked about his
favorite part of the concert. “My
favorite part of the concert was when the seniors were acknowledged for what they
did for the choir.” He boasted. “Also, having prayer within the concert was
very cool. Not a lot of concerts have
that. It was kind of like a church
service for me!”
November Event: Leaving it all on the Gridiron
It is one of the best rivalries in all of sports. The
Baltimore Ravens against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This AFC North rivalry brings
out the best in the players and the coaches. It also brings out a ton of hatred
and animosity between the fans. This year’s games had a different yet similar
flare about it. To start, the two teams played each other twice in three weeks.
This made each game much more important in deciding who would win the division
crown, which has been the case the past couple of seasons. They met each on
November 18th at Heinz Field and again on December 2nd at
M&T Bank Stadium. The visiting Ravens enjoyed a narrow victory in the first
meeting with a final score of 13-10. However, the Steelers would exact revenge
and win 23-20 during the second meeting.
Also, each team had
their fair share of injuries to key starters. The Ravens lost cornerback
Lardarius Webb and middle linebacker Ray Lewis. Starting in place of Lardarius
Webb was Cary Williams and stepping in for Ray Lewis was Danelle Ellerbe. For
the Steelers, quarterback Ben Roethlisburger did not play in either of the games,
safety Troy Polamalu missed the first meeting, and corner back Ike Taylor sat
out the second game. Starting in place of Troy Polamalu was Will Allen, starting
in place of “Big Ben” was veteran Charlie Batch, and Ike Taylor was replaced by
Cortez Allen. Each of these injuries
limited what the teams like to accomplish on both sides of the football.
These two teams have hatred for each other that transcends the
field and into each side’s fans. That
same hatred can also be felt here in Frostburg, where fans of the two teams are
well represented.
Although most of the students were busy working on projects
to finish out the semester, these football games were considered a much watch. Alex
Baldwin, a junior at Frostburg State and a die-hard Ravens fan, enjoyed this
year’s games a lot. “The first game, the Ravens set the pace from the beginning.
The second game, they lost it. The Steelers didn’t do anything to win that
game. The Ravens made a couple of mistakes that lost them the game,” said
Baldwin. He brings up a good point if you take a look at the time of possession
from the first game compared to the second. The first game the Steelers had the
ball longer, but the Ravens still won which suggests that Baltimore controlled
the tempo to their liking. The second game, the Steeler won held the ball
longer and ended up on top. Junior
Brenden Williams, also a Ravens fan, blames the loss on Cam Cameron saying, “His
playcalls on offense are allowing our opponents to stay in the game. We need to
run the ball more. We have one of the best running backs in the league and he
is not touching the football enough.” Running back Ray Rice did not touch the
football in the entire fourth quarter in the December 2nd loss to
the Steelers. Senior CJ Eng, was estactic about the way his Steelers played saying, "We weren't supposed to win either of those games. I thought our season was pretty much done when Big Ben got hurt, but we manned up and put our big boy pants on to get the win." Baltimore still hold a two game lead over the Steelers in the division, but the Steelers are in control of one of two wild-card spots in the AFC.
Monday, December 3, 2012
November Event - Get Familiar Mixer
On Wednesday November 28th,
the Students for Women's issues group held an event called the “Get
Familiar Mixer.” The members of SWI labeled this event as a mock
party when they first advertized it to the student body. When you
first walked into the glass dining room area to the right of Java
City, no one had any idea what to expect. Members gave out a white
note card with a small shape in red on the upper right hand corner
and prompted students to take a seat anywhere. When everyone was
settled in their seats, SWI Vice President Jazmyn Jones made
introductions about the group and then gave instructions about what
everyone was going to do. Participants were to get up and introduce
themselves to people they didn't know and they were to trade the
shapes that they had written on their card. For example if Joe had an
'X' shape and Jane had a 'Star' shape, Joe would write a 'Star' on
his note card and Jane would write an 'X' on hers. Everyone mingled
and traded shapes for 15 minutes, talking happily, shaking hands, and
briefly getting to know each other. When everyone was settled in
their seats again, the SWI members lined up in front of the room with
large note cards.
“Raise your hand if you have a smiley face...” Erin Hickey, Treasurer, asked the group. When hands went up she said “Well you all now have AIDS.” Everyone in the room laughed but Hickey went on, “The reality of the exercise we just did is that STDS like AIDS or HIV can spread easily from person to person and can be undetected.” Each member of SWI read off a piece of information that had polls taken on campus involving safe sex, STD awareness, and pregnancy/STD prevention services that are available on campus. “96% of students said that they do not use a condom every time they have sex, while the remaining 4% said they use a condom every time,” explained Senior, Tajah Gloster.. Like this piece of information, the results from every single poll was jaw dropping. “We hold events like this to show the Frostburg community how uneducated and careless people can be when it comes to sex,” exclaimed SWI President Jenaee McWhirter, “We want to share this information so that the next time you attend a party or any kind of social gathering, you will thing before you act.”
The event was short, only going from 8 to 8:30, but many students with with a different outlook on their decision making process. Thanks to SWI, the small group of people who attended this event are a little more educated than they were before and they may go on to educate others.
November Event Coverage
A
Non-Traditional Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time
of year that many people consider to be a time to spend with your family and
friends. Most people would consider Thanksgiving to be a time of thanks. That
is exactly what Nicole Sisler believes. “Thanksgiving is time that people
should be thankful of what they have, and open to sharing with others so that
they have that type belief around Thanksgiving too,” says Sisler. This
Thanksgiving, instead of spending it with her family and friends, Sisler spent
it with one of her grandfather’s friends. Tyler Master is 84 years old and has
no extended family. This year Sisler was proud to be considered his family
during thanksgiving. When asked how Master’s felt about spending thanksgiving
with Sisler, he responded “I have never felt such a sense of home. Nicole has
done so much for me and others, and I know that it is truly from her heart.” Sisler
spent the Thanksgiving weekend with Masters. Sisler states “He has had so many experiences
that relate to my life. He is so insightful about everything that I am
interested in.” Sisler was raised by her grandfather from age 4 to 18. When
Sisler’s grandfather passed away when she was 18, she decided to start going to
counseling. During her time with counseling she thought that she would reach
out to people who don’t have families to be with on Thanksgiving and spend some
of her time with them.
This is the third year
that Sisler has dedicated her time on Thanksgiving to others. This year she
decided to hold an event at her home in Berkley Springs, WV. The event was open to the public and it consisted
of a Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day. This year there was six people
who showed up for the complimentary dinner at her house. When asked if she was
happy with the amount of people who showed to the dinner, she responded “I am
so happy. I couldn’t be happier with the turn out. My point of this dinner is
not to have a lot of people show up, but more focused on giving someone a
feeling of family on a day that family is needed the most.”
One of the six people
who showed up to the dinner was Jon Greenstone.
Greenstone has a family of many. However this year, similar to Sisler, he
wanted to give some thanks back to the community. Greenstone states “Sisler’s
idea is great. It’s bringing the older community together more than ever, especially
when this community usually would spend the holiday alone. What Sisler did was
inspiring and I hope that this tradition can continue.”
Sisler
hopes that within the next couple years this event can continue and grow. “All
I want is to give people hope and a chance to be happy during the holidays.
Sisler hopes that next year she can have the event at a public building so that
she can have more room and better access to cooking utilities. Sisler has plans
to talk to her local churches in Berkley Springs and hopes to get support from
them.

Above: Nicole Sisler speaking to one of her local churches about expanding her annual Thanksgiving dinner.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Dancing for The Future: The Davonne Walker Story
On a warm afternoon at Frostburg State University, there's the usual activity. Students playing outside, others in the game lounge, some watching college football, still others are preparing for Finals. The sun is bright at midday, and many are enjoying a healthy meal at Chesapeake Cafeteria. It's only been a week since everyone has returned from Thanksgiving Break, and many are still energized from their slight break. With so much constantly happening around campus, it's common that we forget the little things in life, like calling home, hanging with good friends, or our religious faith. As a reminder, Frostburg's own UVUGD Ministry hosts its annual Winter Concert as a reminder to be thankful, and give praise during the holidays. With acts that range from liturgical dancing, to a choir group, the concert also provides a stage for students to showcase their talents. In a sense, the focus of the Winter Concert, and much of their other events, is theses students and their abilities.
For Sophomore, Davonne Walker, dance is her imperative and the ministry gives her an outlet. "I've been dancing since I was 2 years old, it's my life" claims the spunky dancer. It also gives her an opportunity to be exposed to several different nationalities and peoples of all kinds. Her Heaven's Angels collective performs several styles of dance from liturgical to hip hop. "We practice a mixture of liturgical, modern, hip hop, and ballet twice a week," with young Davonne as the leader. The groups performance at the Winter Concert on Saturday warranted a standing ovation from many of the elders in the audience. Her solo to "Press in Your Presence" alone was enough to get many standing before the end. "It was just about letting go of all your dirty ways" she said in reference to the concert.
Dance may be her primary focus, but she has bigger plans than just dancing for the rest of her life. With so many different interests beyond just dancing, one may be curious as to precisely what Davonne wants to do with her life. When asked about her academic plans, she claimed to be a "major in Mass Communication, and a minor in Dance." Majoring in Mass Communication is just the first step for her. once she graduates, she wants to become a representative for a leading dance company. "If I can become representative for a dance company, I can learn the business, and save some money to eventually have my own dance studio that specializes in different styles of dance from african to clogging."
As it is for most students, everyday is a grind. Davonne's plans are what keep her motivated to work hard to reach her goals. The future looks bright for this young lady whose plans require a strong body and mind. Only time will tell if Davonne, like all other college students, will eventually be successful at her craft. For now, her plans are well on their way to fruition.
As it is for most students, everyday is a grind. Davonne's plans are what keep her motivated to work hard to reach her goals. The future looks bright for this young lady whose plans require a strong body and mind. Only time will tell if Davonne, like all other college students, will eventually be successful at her craft. For now, her plans are well on their way to fruition.
Storybook Holiday
By Autumn Vanous
Upon first entering City Place guests had the chance
warm up and grab a snack while perusing local crafts that were available for purchase
as handmade Christmas gifts for their loved ones. When entering the winter
wonderland children are happily greeted by joyous elves who explain all the wonderful
things they can do while visiting. The children then get tickets to the elves
secret workshop, a picture frame for their free picture with the elves, and
vote for their favorite elf. Adults have the opportunity to make donations and
are shown the lines for each the activities. The crowd thickened and the lines
seemly never moved, but the burden of the wait was eased by the many volunteer
entertainers making Christmas magic for the impatient children.
The day is as long for the elves as the lines are
for the parents. Logsdon plans to leave the event and work a three to 10 shift
at Sheetz. Close started her day in the morning parade as a candy elf, still bubbly
and energetic, she explains, “I love it, running down the street throwing candy
and high fiving kids .
It’s a Blast! ” Two more lines, accumulating to over an hour wait, one for photos
with elves and the other for the secret workshop were well worth the wait for
young Washington. He apprehensively entered the secret workshop guided by an elf
through a miniature green door. No adults are allowed inside that’s the secret
of the workshop. They are directed to claim the children on the other end at
another miniature green door marked exit. A few minutes later the children proudly
pop out the other end with self made Christmas ornaments in hand. The crowds
and lines are a small price for parents to pay when they see the pride and joy
on their child’s face at storybook holiday.
ENGL 336.002
The sun was shining, but there was a chill to the
air as the City of Frostburg kicked off their Ninth Annual Storybook Holiday Saturday,
Dec. 01, 2012. The event is organized and supported by: Children’s Literature
Centre at Frostburg State University, Frostburg First, City of Frostburg,
Frostburg Parks and Recreation, and Main Street Books. Families eagerly formed
a line down Mechanic Street to enter City Place, which was transformed into the
Elves’ Secret Workshop. One of the many events Storybook Holiday has to offer
during the daylong festivities. While waiting for their turn people enjoyed the
smell of fresh popped kettle corn and the sounds of Christmas carols drifting through
the streets; as well as, a guest appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Clause for the 11:30
a.m. opening.
First stop, tables where children write letters to Santa
Clause and deposit them directly in the North Pole Mail Box. Friendly elves
await shy children that need a bit of help. Cookie Dough and Stocking help 4 -yr-old
Taven Washington, a preschooler from Cresaptown, M.D., with his letter to Santa.
Cookie Dough, Cathy Close and Stocking, Ashley Logsdon, both FSU juniors
majoring in Early Childhood Education are volunteering for the
first time this year. Logsdon said, “The best part of volunteering is that I
get to kick off the holiday season with the kids .” Logsdon
writes down young Washington’s requests for Santa, “A Batman, Batman Lego,
soccer ball and a Lego truck.” Generally speaking most of the children are
sweet and they ask Santa for normal things. Logsdon shared her strangest
request, “A boy asked for violent toys. He wanted a real crossbow and a real
gun.” Baffled as to why such a young boy would want these things he explained
to her that he needs them to go hunting with his father. Logsdon said, “I was
relieved, though he seemed young to go hunting.”
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