Show Your Love for Mother Earth

By Tia L.S. Holmes

You don’t have to wait for Thursday, April 22, to celebrate Earth Day. There are changes you can implement right now to make every day an Earth Day.

Even, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley is a documented supporter of environmentalism. He declared Maryland an official Earth Hour state and turned off the lights in his own home in support of the worldwide event.

During Earth Hour, states, countries, celebrities, and citizens join forces to turn out nonessential lighting and electricity. Scheduled for the final Saturday of each March, this year’s third annual Earth Hour event fell on March 27 at 8:30 p.m.

With respect to the governor, yourself, and the environment, here are the “Rs” that the EPA and other environmental organizations suggest will help defeat climate change and its harsh effects.

Reduce. Lessen the amount of items or resources you consume by using only the amounts you need and by looking for alternatives that will reduce use.
* Buy permanent items instead of disposables.
* Buy and use only what you need.
* Buy products with less packaging.
* Buy products that use less toxic chemicals.

Reuse. Extend the life or re-purpose an item rather than throwing it away.
* Repair items as much as possible.
* Use durable coffee mugs.
* Use cloth napkins or towels.
* Clean out juice bottles and use them for water.
* Use empty jars to hold leftover food.
* Reuse boxes.
* Purchase refillable pens and pencils.
* Participate in a paint collection and reuse program.
* Donate extras to people you know or to charity instead of throwing them away.
* Reuse grocery bags as trash bags.

Recycle. Recycling is processing old used items in order that the material can be used to make new products. Recycle paper (printer paper, newspaper, mail, etc.), plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans. If your community doesn’t collect at the curb, take them to a collection center.

Respond. Implement these changes in your life to be more environmentally conscious and become helpful in spreading awareness.

*Purchase some cool post-consumer products at
www.uncommongoods.com.

More information is available on these sites:
www.42explore.com/recycle.htm; www.epa.gov/epahome/home.htm#recycle; www.cheasepeakebay.net/atschool.aspx?menuitem=16885

How Much Is Too Much?

Students, administrators frown on excessive displays of affection

By Willie Fenner and Peter Jackson

It’s a well-known fact that sex sells, but students here on the campus of Prince George’s Community College seem to sometimes get a complimentary peepshow from some of their peers to go along with their education.

To some PGCC students, it can be quite disturbing to witness public displays of affection (PDA). What’s even more disconcerting is trying to get around the public make-out sessions in the already crowded hallways.

According to an informal survey conducted on behalf of The Owl newspaper, PGCC students are not partial in their disdain for PDA, regardless of whether it is heterosexual or homosexual. Mentioning PDA inspired the same reaction from most students—a roll of the eyes in disgust.

Most people were not happy about witnessing so much PDA on campus. Many students had the same reaction: jolly faces quickly became distressed. “I don’t care for it whether it’s homosexual or heterosexual. Holding hands is okay, but kissing and groping is too much for both,” said Michelle Whitehead, a 25-year-old accounting major.

Another level of judgment was expressed when students were questioned about homosexual PDA. Males that took the survey didn’t mind seeing two females displaying affection. However, they showed anger when asked about two men.

Brandon Moore, a 21-year-old music major, shared his opinion on the matter saying, “I feel it’s like a religion at the end of day. You can do what you feel, just don’t involve me.” But Avery Sturdivant, a 19-year-old student, said: “There’s nothing wrong with holding hands or a small kiss before a couple departs from each other.”

Over-the-top PDA also is prohibited by the PGCC official standards of student conduct. According to the “2009-2010 PGCC Student Handbook,” lewd, indecent, and obscene conduct on college property are listed as types of misconduct for which students are subject to disciplinary action.

“It is not appropriate behavior to be displayed in an educational environment such as Prince George’s Community College,” said Dr. Tyjuan Lee, Vice President of Student Services. College officials have nine options for disciplinary action ranging from warnings and probation to dismissal or expulsion of students, according to the handbook.

PGCC President Dukes Speaks Out on Student Issues

For nearly two years, Dr. Charlene Dukes has served as the first female president of Prince George’s Community College. During her busy tenure, Dr. Dukes has overseen a 20-percent expansion in student enrollment, a rehabilitation of the campus library in Accokeek Hall and the construction of a new Center for Advanced Technology building. Currently, she is managing the construction of a new $40 million Center for Health Services building, which will break ground this spring.

As PGCC’s eighth president, Dr. Dukes brings a wide range of experiences to her position. In addition to serving as the college’s vice president for student services for 12 years, Dr. Dukes has also worked as a member of the Prince George’s County Public Schools Board of Education and dean of students at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburg. She was appointed by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley to serve on the Maryland Board of Education.

In a wide-ranging interview with editors of The Owl newspaper last month, Dr. Dukes gave insightful answers to questions involving campus enrollment, developmental courses, campus crime, civility, public displays of affection, and the college’s reputation in the community.

Q. College enrollment is up more than 20 percent in the last two semesters. How is the college handling the stresses that come with that?

A. We believe the economy plays some role in that, but we also believe it is the message that’s out in the community relative to the quality of education and the opportunities that exists for students.

In the fall we were 13 percent up in enrollment, and this spring were about 19 percent up in enrollment. That means we have maybe somewhere around 1,000 more students on campus over the course of this entire year than we had a year ago.

We’ve hired more faculty on an adjunct basis. We have more part-time faculty working here in order to ensure that we can provide the classes that students are looking for. We also have classes spread more throughout the day.

Q. Last semester, the school began a civility program asking students to police themselves and take responsibility. Is the program working?

A. We understand that we are a college where people are coming at a point where they are transitioning into adulthood, or they are already adults. The civility campaign is not there to force or to mandate. It is really to ask people to look at themselves and understand where they are currently in the world and where they are headed and that civility plays a big part in that.

We didn’t’ expect things to change overnight. We understand that college is not all work, and I would say, no social engagement. But how do you balance both of those and how do you do it in ways that respect the environment that you’re in?

Some of the profanity that may occur is very commonplace today, on radio, on television. What we’re suggesting is even in this environment, a collegiate environment — where we want to respect academic freedom, freedom of speech, how we interact with one another — you are also preparing yourself for the world.

Q. One of the things that we hear among students sometimes and among the community is that this is 13th grade. How are you changing that perception?

A. Well I would suggest to you that there are probably a wide variety of perceptions in the community. I’ve worked at the Community College of Allegany in Pittsburg. We had the same issues where people don’t view you as a real institution. Well, one of the ways that I think that we can combat that is to look at how we market the institution. I think that we’ve done a great job with that with our logo and our branding.

I do believe that people think that there is a difference between what they see here and what they might see at a four-year institution. But I also know that students realize the quality of the education they’ve received when they transfer and they are able to compete one on one with students who are native to that four-year institutions. And I think we have to keep pushing, both internally and externally, the message of high quality, high standards, and high reputation.

Q. How well has the Prince George’s County School system prepared its graduates for education here? I’ve noticed there are a lot of developmental classes. Or are they more geared to people who’ve been in the workforce?

A. It’s a combination. I will tell you that the one developmental class that most people take when they’re coming in as incoming freshman is math. And there’s a reason for that. The placement test is geared toward Algebra. Most of us, even if we had Algebra in high school, have been away from it some time. I don’t know about you, but I don’t sit around doing algebraic equations, that’s not what turns me on.

If you look at the fact that our median age here is 29, we’re getting a lot of first-semester students who are not 18 or 19, just getting out of high school. So they’ve got to come back and do some refresher in math. Simultaneously, if you took algebra 1 in the ninth or 10th grade, and you’ve been away from it for two years, it is likely that you might need some refresher work. Everyone’s not starting at the lowest level of mathematics.

The percent of students needing developmental course work has decreased over the past three years. At one point we were hovering around 67 or 70 percent. This past fall it was 54 percent, so clearly there are some great things happening in our public schools.

Q. One thing that’s of major concern is public displays of affection. How is the school trying to make it known that this is what you can do and this is what you can’t do?

A. We certainly talk about that in every fall and spring at new student orientation. It is in the code of conduct that people cannot engage in behaviors that are inappropriate to being in a collegiate environment. And quite frankly, we have to not only police others we have to police ourselves.

Are there inappropriate behaviors here? Yes, and we’re tackling those each and every day. We do use the code of conduct. We will either give students a warning or censure, they are suspended. And in some cases, we’ve had the unfortunate opportunity, if we can call it an opportunity, to expel students , which means that they can no longer come back to the institution.

Q. But, where do we draw the line? Some people kiss and some people go that extra mile?

A. I would suggest that that’s a discussion that we need to have. I know that in many instances that people when they leave each other will peck or kiss. We do that in public. I think that as a community, we should engage in a dialogue, and it should include students. Where do student believe that the line should be drawn and how do students help us to draw that line.

Md. Governor Visits PGCC to Launch Work Force Initiative

By Adelaja Obajimi

Maryland Govenor Martin O’Malley visited the Center for Advanced Technology on March 2 to launch Skills2Compete Maryland, a statewide program to boost college success and strengthen Maryland’s long-term work force. O’Malley talked about how the program will enhance the lives of current students, who will be able to earn a better living for themselves and their families.

“In this economy, we must do everything we can to build the middle-skill and high-skill work force that is so critical to economic recovery and long-term economic success,” he said. “Economic recovery takes more than just attracting business and creating jobs, it also means equipping those businesses and filling those jobs with a world-class Maryland work force.”

At a packed press conference, O’Malley tapped Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown to lead the new work force initiative. Brown said Skills2Compete is “part of our overall effort to create jobs, protect jobs and to assist Marylanders.” Brown is a former member of the PGCC Board of Directors. The briefing was also attended by presidents of other local community colleges. PGCC President Dr. Charlene Dukes introduced her fellow presidents and referred to them as her colleagues.

The goal of the Skills2Compete Maryland program is to increase the skills of Maryland’s work force by 20 percent by the year 2012. According to the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, jobs suited for holders of associate's degrees make up half of the state’s labor market. The program will focus state agencies, community colleges, local Workforce Investment Boards, apprenticeship programs and other stakeholders on preparing more Marylanders for middle-skill jobs.

Students Cry Foul Over Lack of Gym Access

By Arthur Duckett, Jr.

There has always been a comparison between the various experiences, opportunities and amenities received in community colleges versus traditional universities, especially how similar they are in terms of quality. Unfortunately, the basketball court is one basic amenity that students of Prince George’s Community College can’t boast about. Although there is a basketball court in the Novak Field House, PGCC students can’t use it for recreation since the rims are almost always cranked upward to disallow use.

When asked why this policy was set in place, Eva E. Toler, PGCC’s Chair of Health and Human Performance, had this to say: “I’ve been at the college for 20 years and there’s been a standing policy that the gym has not been open for students just to walk in (due to) liability issues.” Students are only allowed to play basketball in the gymnasium during specified times set by the school’s intramural activities schedule, said Toler.

The allowed times provided, however, are few and far between. According to the schedule of events published in the February issue of The Owl newspaper, open gym access for basketball games is only scheduled for three hours between February 5th and April 14th.

Other local schools do not have such a restrictive policy. For example, the University of Maryland and the University of North Carolina were faced with the same “liability issues” and solved the problem by placing a disclaimer on their school's website. Both schools have set in place regular hours of operation for their basketball gyms in addition to their school’s intramural activity schedule.
Isai Hamid, a first-year forensic science major said, “I understand why the gym isn’t just open for students to use. The Novak building has classrooms where instructions are taking place.” She said that “if the gym were open, the noise from students playing basketball would disrupt students in their classes.” William Fitzgerald, a first-year computer graphics major said, “It isn’t fair that we aren’t allowed to use the Novak basketball court, especially since we the students pay for the facility.” Funding for the basketball gym comes from instructional and activity fees that are included in a student’s tuition.

When asked her opinion on this subject, Toler said, “We do the best we can to meet student needs with what we are given. Liability-wise, I am in no way in support of letting the rims down and letting students in, because we are seeing an increase in unacceptable behavior in this building.”

This Juke Joint Was Jumpin’!

Even a Juke Joint Saturday Night party must come to an end sooner or later.

By Adelaja Obajimi

After a spectacular 14-year run, Prince George's Community College’s celebrated its final Jook Joint fundraiser on a snowy night in mid-February. This year’s event combined New Orleans-style food and fantastic 1920s dress as hundreds of party-goers filled the night with joy and dancing to the music and performances of the Jewels, Hardway Connection, Memphis Gold and PGCC’s own Dynasty Dance Crew.

Since 1996, PGCC has hosted the yearly event to raise funds for the college and celebrate music like it was done back in the 1920s, said Dr. Yvette Galloway, Dean of College Life Services. Galloway cited a lack of funding as one of the reasons why the event would not return next year. Although it seemed a little sad to know that this would be the last Juke Joint ever, the evening still sparkled with style and excitement.

To brighten up the already lovely mood of music and dance, the Jewels, a three-woman singing group, got the crowd on their feet dancing. Their voices were amazing. The Jewels claimed to have worked with the legendary James Brown and one of them even paid tribute to the Godfather of Soul by entertaining the audience with her rendition of his famous dance moves.

Also on hand to treat the guests to a wonderful night was PGCC’s own Dynasty Dance Crew, a new student choreography group led by Habeeba Serry. These girls looked dazzling in their flapper costumes and the guys looked just as good in their Fedoras and suspenders. Even better than the costumes was the performance they presented. For a just moment, time was suspended and the audience was transported back in the 1920s.

The highlight of the evening had to be the couple of party-goers who seemed to have a choreographed routine for every single song played. Thanks to them, there was not a single dull moment throughout the night. The party went on and everybody made the most of it - as if to say they were going to enjoy every last minute since this was the final Juke Joint.

Don’t Get on My List

By Stephen K. Cooper, Associate Editor

I normally don’t keep track of the people and things that bother me, but the editor-in-chief is fond of making daily announcements about the things that are really starting to piss him off. So, why can’t I? Usually, I’m a happy go lucky sort of guy, but today I’m picking up bad habits from the company I keep. In a perfect world, I would really rather let all my troubles roll off my back, but sometimes you just have to get a few things off your chest.

Number five on my list of irritants: The busted up Prince George’s Community College canopy that is barely attached to the Largo Student Center. Some people say impatience is the hallmark of the young, but I think a month after the snow storms are over is enough time to get a ladder and remove the debris from the campus.
Number four on my list of least favorite things: Is it too much to ask for a parking space somewhere in the same zip code as my classes in Marlboro Hall? Sure the campus has seen a jump in enrollment this year and last, but does everyone have to beat me to all the good spaces all the time?

Number three on my list of tantrums: Once the library closes up, there is no quiet place to study on campus. All the empty classrooms are usually locked up tight as a drum (especially on weekends) and the Largo Student Center is not really the right atmosphere for studying.

Number two on my list of ailments: Random people clogging the hallways doing random things. I stepped over the girl sleeping under her coat on the floor of Largo Student Center, dodged past the couple engaged in a lap dance, and then slid past the string of obscenities from the thug-wannabes on the stairway. What else would I pass on my way to the overcrowded parking lot?

Number one on my list of things I hate most of all: Missing all the things that colleges have to offer to make students excited about their school. I never see anyone wearing PGCC T-shirts or sweatshirts. The school mascot might be a pigeon for all I know — at least that’s the big bird statue in the main courtyard. Just once I’d like to see some students excited about being here and not simply trying to get grades and get out.

Puppet-Show Politics

By Adelaja Obajimi, Editor in Chief

During my first semester as a student of Prince George’s Community College, I was excited about a lot of things but also naïve about many others. One thing I was naïve about was how student government works. During a television production class, we shot a debate for student leaders Kien Bui, Erika Scott, and a few others. Two PGCC staffers served as moderators for the debate. There was only one problem: the campaigners had no one debating or contesting against them. It wasn’t that their opponents didn’t show up; the problem was they didn’t exist in the first place.

When the so-called debate started, the “moderators” asked the leaders various questions, which from where I stood, looked like the answers had been prepared. The whole process looked like some kind of staged, puppet-show Q&A program, and my classmates and I couldn’t relate to the questions. I couldn’t help asking myself if my class had somehow been meant to represent the greater population of students on campus. Quite frankly, I was beyond disappointed, I felt like I’d been robbed. Even worse, my intelligence had been insulted. I’ve seen high schools with better electoral processes.

I wondered if the current leaders were elected or handpicked. It seems like all a student needed to do was fill out some paperwork and skate into a new position. I never saw any posters or ads anywhere around the school that said anything about student government re-elections. I didn’t see anyone else campaign and even when the final elections took place, I had no idea where and when it occurred. Had I failed to pay attention? Did I miss the ads in the newspaper?

The elections are coming up again and I’m willing to bet my next paycheck that this is news to you. I believe a lot more should be done to enhance student participation when it comes to school politics. Our school should be graduating students who are brave enough to reach for the sky and dream of becoming the next President Barack Obama or Justice Sonya Sotomayor. So riddle me this: how do we expect that to happen when the basic example of campus democracy is ignored and yet no one cries wolf. A robbery of our basic American rights went highly unnoticed and it most likely will happen again, a few weeks from now. The Caribbean Festival gets more promotion than the election of the Student Governance Board President who represents me in front of the PGCC Board of Trustees. And that’s just not right.

Hospitality Job Fair Offers Students a Myriad of Opportunities

By Elizabeth Borelli

In an economic climate that is often unkind to young job searchers, looking for the right job — or any job — can be incredibly stressful and disheartening. To make the process easier on PGCC students, the Hospitality and Tourism Institute and Career and Job Services teamed up on February 25 to hold a job fair specifically geared toward students interested in hospitality, seasonal, or culinary careers.

Companies represented included The Country Club at Woodmore, Wegman Food Markets, Peachez Café and Lounge, and even Six Flags. According to Step-Hi Hospitality Grant Director Vonzell Mattocks, many of the companies in attendance weren’t simply looking to employ students in desk jobs; some of them are hiring 400 to 500 positions including plumbers, servers, and cooks. The Ridgewell Catering Company, for example, is hiring for 400 positions as servers, cooks, planners, and coordinators.

“I find it inspiring that there are just so many opportunities, and it really is a learning experience just talking to all these people and seeing what’s available,” said PGCC student Lamarq Bailey. Statistically speaking, the hospitality industry is a good place to start. Annually, this industry pays more than $1.6 trillion in wages and creates 12.5 million new jobs, more than 1,000 of which could be applied for at the job fair. With such booming business, it’s no wonder the hospitality and culinary arts programs here at PGCC have taken a boost in enrollment.

Also in attendance were representatives for the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation, promoting the One-Stop Career Center. This resource provides computers, resume help, and job postings for college students. PGCC student Wayne Toombs said that he found their attendance extremely helpful, because “I need a desk job — that kind of lifestyle. I don’t want to work in foods, and most of the other companies here are offering food-related jobs.” Well, the One-Stop Career Center can help him find that job. All you need is your resume and a can-do attitude.

Walk Your Path

By Candra Teshome and Ivie Okungbowa

In the midst of Dell Rhoden’s life, he found himself on the verge of realizing his dream of becoming a millionaire by the age of 30. Suddenly, his life took a turn with a divorce which awakened him to the realization of a simple question, “Am I happy?”

Hands neatly folded, a perfectly placed purple and white polka-dot bowtie adorning his neck, the Prince George’s Community College Media Professor talked about his life. Although Rhoden was raised Catholic, which is a Christian denomination, he practices a combination of Catholicism and Islam or Catholic-Islam. He wore a hat in observance of lent to cap his tall stature, but he also attends a mosque. He also learns and accepts the tenets of Christianity. He believes purpose defines us and that adhering to religion takes on many forms. He was happy to share some of the wisdom that he has learned.

“‘Are you happy’ is not an outer question,” Rhoden said. As students, we focus on earning our degrees. Although this is a crucial step in life, sometimes there is more. For some, searching for one’s own purpose including exploring religion is a step toward walking on a path to happiness. Whether the journey begins with a religious class, or spending time at the library, or sitting at your computer for an extra 10 minutes in search of other spiritualities, realizing self-importance does matter.

“Everyone has to find his or her own path,” Rhoden stated. The idea of subscribing to a religion turns many away. Some view religion as an ideology that smothers life with rules and requirements. A powerful technique for cultivating purpose, religion serves those who seek guidance. Religion empowers us and brings us vitality.

“An individual journey should have teachers,” said Rhoden. Discovering your inner faith may require that you explore beyond mainstream ideas. “Practice in an open-minded fashion,” Rhoden expounds as he advises those seeking structure to research several religious texts. An individual and powerful journey of defining your purpose and discovering your faith is necessary. Otherwise, as professor Rhoden asked, “Why do we exist?”

Stand Up and Be Counted in the U.S. Census

By Brandon Lee Smith

Our nation has the honor of being one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse in the world. Although we have a long road ahead of us toward racial equality, we can take pride that America continues to move forward toward the goals of creating a unique, yet unified nation. As we enter the year 2010, we can look back and see how much we have already accomplished, as well as how much further we still have to go.

In our attempts to better understand our cultural diversity, the federal government embarks on an epic undertaking in the form of a national survey called the U.S. Census. On April 1, National Census Day occurs as implemented by the U.S. Constitution. Once every 10 years, the federal government must count every person that lives in the United States, whether a citizen or not.

The 2010 census has only 10 questions and should be filled out completely in order to obtain an accurate count of the U.S. population. The questions on the census will ask the following of each person in every household in America: Name, Gender, Age, Race, Ethnicity, and Relationship to head of household and whether the householder owns or rents the home. The census is completely anonymous and answers cannot be shared or distributed by the federal government, under penalty of the law.

The U.S. Census is safe, simple, and significantly important to our nation. It helps the federal government allocate more than $400 billion to the funding of countless programs including hospitals, schools and universities like PGCC, public works, community centers, emergency efforts, health care, and social security. Not only does the census help determine where federal spending is most needed, it is also a crucial factor in making sure that all states are fairly and equally represented in Congress.

Without question, the U.S. Census is continually the most important questionnaire in U.S. history. It has been aiding our country since 1790 as the most efficient way to have a clear understanding of our country and its future.

PGCC Reaches Out to Victims of Haiti Disaster

By Marquis Morris

Not long after devastating earthquakes rocked the island nation of Haiti on January 12, 2010, Prince George’s Community College began looking for ways to help the nearly four dozen Haitian students attending school here.
PGCC put together a team of faculty, staff, and students to develop a school-wide effort to help the people of this distraught nation. The earthquakes caused as many as 230,000 deaths, 300,000 injuries and left an estimated 1,000,000 people homeless in Haiti.

PGCC Vice President for Student services Dr. Tyjaun A. Lee said the college has provided financial and personal support to the 43 Haitian students affected by this tragedy. The PGCC effort is a three phase program to provide necessities for those living on the island as well as financial or emotional support to help students remain in school.

Phase 1 included a 45-60 day monetary donation drive that started only eight days after the earthquake. Donations are being raised through the Heart for Haiti Drive and from proceeds from the upcoming Spring Formal. Phase 2 or “Hope for Haiti Kids” will be from March 1st – April 15th and will be responsible for the collection of hygienic items including deodorant, soap, and feminine products, etc. to be sent to the Haitian Embassy. The final phase of this Haiti relief effort will be the collection of books and baby items to be sent to Haiti. The Nursing Department and Hospitality Club will help collect these important resources. For more information on Haiti relief efforts, call the Office of College Life Services at 301-322-0853.

Photos from the Third Multi-Cultural Artists' Exhibition

Photography by Adelaja Obajimi

Artwork by Michael Spears:


"Players"


"Comforting Proposition"

Artwork by Henry Bazemore:


"Fancy Dancer II"



"Run and Vault"

Artwork by Sharon A. Keyser-Jackson:


"Glam Girls"



"Madly...Deeply"



"Tribal"

Reel to Real: Edge of Darkness

By Arlisha Jackson

Finding out deep, destructible, dark secrets can put you right on the edge. This is the scenario in the movie “Edge of Darkness,” starring Mel Gibson. Trying to uncover the truth, Thomas Craven (Gibson), a homicide detective, is faced with a special and very different type of case that is very close to his heart. Throughout the movie, Craven is more than determined to reveal the truth by any means necessary and to finally put an end to the case.

Edge of Darkness is a modern day film that takes place in Boston, Massachusetts, and if you take a close look at the film you will notice at least one familiar face. Craven has a lone daughter Emma, played by Serbian actress Bojana Novakovic, who recently starred in the horror film “Drag Me to Hell”.

Edge of Darkness is not one of those movies where you notice that the plot is unrealistic or even horrible. This movie avoids all that; it ebbs and flows together very well. With the excellent sequence of events, you will never find yourself wondering what is going on. But, you will be trying very hard to figure out what is coming next. The best part of this movie is the ending, and I won’t spoil it for you.

This is a great movie to watch if you are very interested in homicide- and detective-themed stories. Even if you’re not that type of person, you may like that this movie is filled with entertaining, action-packed features that are out of this world.

Elly Elz Gets Ready to Make it Big

By Michael Timmons

The District, Maryland, and Virginia, also known as the DMV, is widely known for its Go-Go music influence. From “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” by Chuck Brown to “Overnight Scenario,” by Rare Essence, Go-Go has staked its claim as the number-one music genre of the DMV. Despite this, PGCC students have been going against the grain and expanding their music-genre horizons.

Enter Allan Richardson, stage name Elly Elz. He is one of many PGCC students that are going against the DMV’s popular Go-Go flavor. Elly Elz has dedicated himself to joining artists such as Wale in putting the DMV on the top music charts. Elly Elz spends most of his time in the studio recording, writing clever lyrics, and working on his rapping craft. “I don’t call what I write and talk about ‘music.’ I call it my therapy,” he said. Elly Elz feels that rapping is one of the biggest passions in his life. “I’m on the grind and I’m just chasing my dreams,” he said.

By studying and researching his favorite artists such as Jay Z, KRS 1, Lil’ Wayne, Gucci Mane, and Soulja Boy, Elly Elz found his sound and is mastering it every day. “I encourage all artists to do what they love to do. There are a lot of opportunities and connections in the DMV’s music scene. You just have to have the drive and willpower to press through the Go-Go barriers.”

Today, Elly Elz is working on his debut mix-tape, “Emancipation Elly.” He also has performances coming up in Philadelphia and Virginia. You can hear music and learn more about Elly Elz at www.twitter.com/ellyelzbaby and www.myspace.com/emancipationelly.

Lady Owls Upset by Allegany 74-68 in the MDJUCO Tournament Semifinals

By Jeffrey Eaton and Adam Long

The basketball game started off slowly for the Lady Owls as they struggled to get a shot attempt to fall against the 2-3 zone defense used by the Allegany College of Maryland Trojans. The Owls tried to come out with a quick start against Allegany with their own pressure defense and a potent offense, but it didn’t work out that way. The Owls quickly found themselves down 10-0 after four minutes of play in the semifinal game of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference on February 20.

Poor shooting plagued the Owls and continued for the entire half as the PGCC athletes only managed to make two field goals; however, they went 12-13 from the free throw line. Allegany also turned the ball over 16 times in the first half. The Owls were able to get the lead down to one point in the first half, but Allegany went on a 5-0 run to create some separation making the score 22-28 at half time.

During the second half, the Owls started off hot by hitting two three pointers and were able to tie the game early on. The Owls even got a 43-39 lead, but it did not last very long as Allegany went on a 9-0 run in three minutes by breaking The Owls’ full court press defense with relative ease. The Owls did not help themselves out after the run, as the offense burned out and seemed to settle for back and forth passing on the wing. The contest ended with The Owls falling 74-68.

The Owls failed to ride the momentum of a 72-38 win in the Quarterfinals of the MDJUCO Championship tournament over the 7th-seeded Montgomery-Rockville Knights. Several PGCC players were in double figures in that blowout.

I'm Just Sayin...

By Adelaja Obajimi, Editor in Chief

As we begin the new semester, one troubling issue on my mind is the lack of certain campus amenities, specifically “hang out spots” for students. There’s no doubt Prince George’s Community College has made a name for itself as one of the best community colleges in Maryland. Unfortunately, it’s also made a name for itself as “13th grade Largo University.” It’s a nickname meant to poke fun at the unbelievably high number of immature high school graduates that flood the hallways and disturb foot traffic every semester, especially during the first two weeks of class. On any day of the week, you can walk by the cafeteria or the printing office around 12:30 p.m. and watch the campus police officers force rowdy people to leave the building.

The Hollow tree, located in the Largo Student Center right next to the Office of College Life Services was provided to address just such a problem. So why would anyone pick a somewhat narrow hallway without chairs to hangout instead of the Hollow Tree, with its comfortable seating, television, massive space and vending machines? The answer is pretty simple. Rather than sit in a secluded room away from the “action,” people want to be where it’s all happening. Here’s a suggestion that might work. Maybe PGCC could expand Bladen Hall and create a new hang out spot in the hallway across from the printing office. With a good wireless internet connection in a coffee house setting like Starbucks, maybe people would stop hanging out in the hallways leering as girls pass by.

All colleges add value to the community they represent by enriching the minds of the scholars that pass through it. Enrichment comes not just through academic excellence, but also through other social opportunities and interactions provided on campus. Looking around at some of the amenities we lack here in PGCC, one wonders if it’s all part of some deliberate structural arrangement of the school, or maybe PGCC is just lacking behind other academic institutions in some areas. A school as prestigious as ours should have an open gym, faster, more reliable campus-wide Wi-Fi access, some type of boarding would be nice, and not one, but a couple of themed hang-out spots that help scholars relax, interact and develop minds and ideas. PG really needs to pick up the pace...I’m just saying.

Not the Announcement Paper

By Stephen K. Cooper, Associate Editor

Welcome back to a new semester and a brand new, redesigned OWL Newspaper. We’ve been working hard this month to bring you news and information that you won’t find anywhere else on the planet.

In celebration and recognition of Black History Month, we, the editorial staff of this paper, have embarked on a campaign of excellence. We are taking up the call of one of the most famous African American journalists in U.S. history, Frederick Douglass, who urged young people to "agitate, agitate, agitate."

We’ve decided to put as much real news in the paper as we can manage. Timely stories about PGCC issues that answer the questions who, what, where, when, why and how. Make no mistake; we enjoy printing good news about the campus sent to us by the administration and faculty. Everyone, including us, likes being recognized for excellent work.

But, we won’t shy away from getting to the bottom of controversial stories, either. We’re dedicated to news for, by, and about students. Anything less would be a disservice to this truly great institution. Our goal is to get students talking about campus issues, and in so doing, inspire them to get involved to make PGCC a better place to learn.

In addition to a more professional look, with reader- friendly graphics and a cool layout style, we’ve also added the ‘Etcetera’ page that includes John Adjei’s witty comic take on campus life, Sudoku and crossword puzzles, and other fun stuff to pass the time. After all, you know what they say about all work and no play. In coming issues, we’ll also focus on PGCC’s sports teams and profile interesting professors. We’ll offer more beauty and fashion tips as well as music, theatre, restaurant and movie reviews. From time to time, we’ll even include the occasional humor column.

So, if you were expecting to read a student paper full of stale press releases and recycled news, look again. This is not the announcement paper. This is The OWL Newspaper, the voice of PGCC students. We are simply doing what our professors keep urging us to do: use critical thinking, look beyond surface issues and change the world.

Having Second Thoughts About Attending PGCC?

By Tia L.S. Holmes, Associate Editor

There are many trivial reasons why people may feel ashamed or are being mocked by others for attending a community college. We live in a society that is obsessed with prestige, so with that mentality, why would anyone want to attend a community college? To combat that foolish way of thinking, here are a few points that will reinforce your sensible decision to attend PGCC.

One of the essential benefits of attending a community college is the cost. Community colleges are meant to be an affordable way to earn a degree. The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) listed the average annual tuition costs of four-year and two-year institutions, both public and private, at $6,585 and $2,402, respectively. In this economy, it’s a logical choice to save a few thousand dollars where ever possible.

Community colleges educate almost half of the nation’s undergraduates, according to the AACC. President Obama even spoke about and visited 30 community colleges during his campaign. When referring to his Community College Partnership Program, he stated, “Without community colleges, millions of people would not be able to access the education and skills they need to further education or succeed in the workplace.” He recognized community colleges once again in his 2010 State of the Union Address.

Here at PGCC, there are programs and centers that keep you linked with other colleges. PGCC offers six collegian centers, and an honors program, society, and academy. To make transfers seamless, PGCC is partnered with many four-year institutions, enjoying such benefits as the Maryland Transfer Advantage Program, among many others. There are student groups here that are present on some four-year campuses, such as the newspaper, magazine, and theater groups. In essence, many differences between a community college and a four-year institution are minor.

In case you were wondering, many successful people have attended community colleges. The Pulitzer Prize–winning poet, Gwendolyn Brooks, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Maxwell Taylor, and NASA astronaut, Eileen Collins, have attended community colleges, to name a few. AACC Vice President for Communications, Norma Kent, commented, “Community college graduates have gone on to Ivy League schools.” So, always remember that among you are many future alumni who will go on to become famous and/or influential leaders

PGCC Instructional Service Fees Going Up Next Fall

By Stephen K. Cooper

Students attending Prince George’s Community College next fall may have to dig a little deeper into their wallets to afford a higher education. The PGCC board of directors, at its early December meeting, unanimously approved a $95.9 million budget for fiscal year 2010 that includes a $1.5 million hike in instructional service fees for students beginning with the Fall 2010 semester.

PGCC Vice President for Administration and Finance Thomas E. Knapp said the fee increase will boost the college’s spending on student clubs and activities as well as the inter-collegiate student athletic programs. It will also help meet the college’s general expenses, he said.

PGCC’s move to higher instructional fees comes at a time when many colleges across the nation are facing a choice of boosting tuition rates or cutting teaching staff to make financial ends meet during the recession. Although tuition rates are not currently set to increase at PGCC, the college’s budget won’t be finalized until June when the Prince George’s County Council and the Maryland state legislature decide on funding levels.

Knapp called the proposed fee increase fair, and said that students are getting a quality education at an affordable price compared to other local colleges. “Certainly, we remain incredibly less expensive than any of our four year institutions. I think we provide every bit as good instruction as they do, or better, and yet we’re a cheaper price than they are,” Knapp said. “I don’t believe there’s another community college in the state that’s better than we are.”

Student reaction to the proposed fee increase was intensely critical. Chris Monroe, a second year sociology major, said the college already makes enough money and did not need to raise fees. Donele Smith, a second year business and accounting major, said PGCC should keep prices at a minimum so that students can afford to come to school and get an education.

“This will affect me personally because my dad is paying out of pocket,” said Crystal Lindo, a first year general education major. She suggested that if the athletic department really needs money for student teams that they should try fundraising activities rather than raising fees on students.

The proposed $1.5 million increase in instructional fees would be imposed under a new structure. Under the current instructional services fee structure, students either pay $27 (Level 1), $32 (Level II) or $37 (Level III) per credit hour based on the type of class in which they are enrolled. Students are also required to pay a $1 per credit student activity fee, up to a maximum of $15 per semester. For a three credit, Level I class, a student would pay $288 in class tuition, a $25 registration fee, a $3 student activity fee, and an $81 instructional services fee. As a result, the total cost of a three credit class is $397.

Beginning next fall, the college wants to eliminate the three-tiered instructional service fee and the $1 student activity fee and replace them with a flat fee of $38 per credit for all students, except senior citizens and those retired early on disability. The result will be that for the same three credit course, the total bill would be $427, or an additional $33 per class.

Put another way, for a student enrolled in 15 credits of Level 1 classes, the total bill is approximately $1985 for one semester. Under the new system, the same student would pay $2,135, or an additional $150 per semester.

Knapp said that most PGCC students are enrolled in Level II and Level III classes, so their instructional fees will only be increasing by roughly $6 per credit, or an additional $90 per semester for 15 credits.

Reports of Alleged Lewd Conduct Rock Campus Christian Club

By Adelaja Obajimi

Last semester, around mid-to-late November, two students were caught by a third student allegedly engaging in inappropriate sexual acts in the office space assigned to the Bethel Campus Fellowship (BCF) in Largo Student Center. An eyewitness, who asked to remain anonymous, reportedly heard strange noises coming from the student club and peeped over the office’s wooden wall only to find two people being sexually inappropriate.

The eyewitness immediately notified the College Life Services Office (CLS), which oversees all campus clubs. According to CLS Program Director Paulett McIntosh, a staff member from her office was sent to investigate. When the staff member arrived, the occupants of the room denied any wrongdoing, the eyewitness said. The students claimed they were not BCF members, but somehow they had access to the office.

Seun Adebambo, BCF President, said the alleged incident gave the club a bad image because it happened in the group’s office, but he maintained that the perpetrators were not actual members of the club. He said one student was a BCF member, and the other two, who were allegedly engaged in the inappropriate behavior, were guests. Regardless, the club still met its goal last semester of holding a program to show people how to be successful using Biblical principles, Adebambo said.

The incident occurred even after a new civility campaign was launched by CLS at the beginning of the Fall 2009 semester to reduce a lot of the irresponsible behavior exhibited by students on campus. The ongoing civility campaign is intended to address ill-mannered behavior exhibited in noisy computer rooms, crowded hallways and, of course, the college’s noisy and rowdy cafeteria. The aim of the civility campaign is to have students pledge to help keep order in the school by policing one another.

The incident also marks the second time in the same semester that a student club has come under scrutiny. In September, members of the Music Department faculty decided not to organize the student Concert Club, thereby forgoing funding from CLS.
As the Spring 2010 semester began, CLS posted several signs near the student club offices in Largo Student Center that read, in part, “spooning leads to forking” and reminded students of the rules for acceptable behavior.

When asked about the BCF incident, McIntosh confirmed that students of another campus organization informed CLS “that there were some students in the BCF office acting inappropriately and (it) was of a sexual nature.” She said that the CLS staff member sent to investigate the incident did not witness anything, but saw students leave the office.

McIntosh said she and Dean of College Life Services Dr. Yvette Galloway met with the BCF faculty advisor and Adebambo to discuss the incident. Moreover, she also stated that this was the second incident in which alleged, non-members of BCF were engaging in inappropriate behavior, although the first was not sexual.

“The club members are responsible for the office space. It’s a privilege to (use) the office space because not all clubs get an office space,” said McIntosh. “We felt that they did not need the space anymore, so we put the organization on probation and took away their office space.”

Adebambo said BCF is still active and has submitted the appropriate paperwork to CLS to be recognized as an official club this semester. In fact, the group is planning to hold two events, including the Gethsemane Experience, which is a Christian revival, and a Day of Prayer for PGCC. “We have not been told that the incident will have an impact on whether the club can operate this semester,” he said.

Adebambo said the lack of space will not deter the club from meeting its mission of leading students to Christ and preparing them to be reliable men and women who can be trusted with His word.

A Message from the President

Welcome to what is certain to be an exciting Spring semester! Whether you are new to Prince George’s Community College or returning from winter break, there is something here for each of you!

You are part of a community of 40,000 students from 103 countries who have chosen Prince George’s Community College for their education. We have more than 2,600 faculty and staff who are eager to teach and assist you in reaching your goals. We have more than 30 student organizations and 12 intercollegiate athletic teams to enhance and enrich the learning environment you have chosen to be a part of. Our students are of all ages and backgrounds which contributes to a rich, diverse and thriving community of learning.

Last fall we launched a campus-wide civility campaign. It is intended to remind us that we are here to teach and to learn, that hurtful words and actions interrupt the learning process and interfere with the educational goals we set before us. We are all encouraged to speak freely in this democracy and on this campus, but we can hold back from hateful, hurtful speech. That takes effort, self-control, and an honest desire to see individuals, not types; people, not things; issues, not absolute truths. We must reach out and support one another during these times of economic stress and worldwide conflicts.

As we support each other, let us remember those who have been affected by the devastating earthquakes which recently struck Haiti. Let us support our Haitian students in whatever ways we can. Some have lost homes, loved ones, dear friends. We are seeking ways in which we may offer hope, healing and assistance. To this end we have launched a campus-wide Haitian Relief Committee, which will be raising funds through donations and fundraising events. I encourage you to contribute and to volunteer for this effort. Contact College Life Services to see how you can help.

Volunteering while you are a student here will not only give you a great deal of personal satisfaction, but you will also gain valuable knowledge and experience which will serve you well in your chosen career. VITA (Volunteers in Tax Assistance) is a good example. This service provides training in tax preparation. Volunteers help prepare tax returns for students, individuals with disabilities, elderly taxpayers and those with low and limited income. Another way to volunteer is to share your knowledge of a subject with a student who may be struggling and offer your service as a tutor. Again, contact College Life Services to learn of the wealth of opportunities available to you as a student at Prince George’s Community College. I hope that you, too, will discover the joys of the classroom and enjoy the many co-curricular activities we offer to make our student’s time with us more memorable, meaningful and fulfilling. If you take advantage of what we have to offer here and ask for help when you need it, I know you will thrive. We care enough about you to give you our very best and we ask that you give us your very best effort in return. Thank you for selecting us as one of the most important stops you will make on your lifelong journey to success.

Fourth Annual World Cup Indoor Soccer Tournament Held at PGCC

Special to The Owl

More than sixty PGCC students, alumni and friends donned their socks, shin guards and indoor shoes for a fun end to the soccer season on November 21st. Eight teams played one another in 15-minute games, followed by 20-minute semifinal and final rounds of competition. The tournament was sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Performance and the International Education Center, as part of International Education Week. The tournament director was PGCC men’s soccer coach Richard Todaro.

The teams were named by their captains’ first names: Team 1, Everson; Team 2, Oji; Team 3, Mike; Team 4, Stephen; Team 5, Nana; Team 6, Armand; Team 7, Israel; and Team 8, Pascal. Many countries and the US were well represented by some fancy footwork, fast action and terrific saves.

Teams Stephen, Armand, Israel and Mike made the semifinals. The final round was between Team Stephen and Team Israel. Team Israel won 5-2. The semifinal winners took home soccer mini-balls and the winners took home Adidas soccer balls. Former PGCC and American University soccer All-American Hector Vargas served as referee.
Team Stephen was made up of famous PGCC alumnus Stephen deRoux, Adrian Clarke, Daydrian Givans, Kenroy Campbell, Ricardo Jarrett, Rondine Crawford, and Tiaye Akinmboni.

Winning Team Israel was made up of Israel Akanbi, Kunle Akinfeleye, Isiaka Kamara, Andy Ojinmaka, Tunde Banjo, Leroy Oligie, Kunle Banjo, and Sam Taylor.
MVP awards were given to Ricardo Jarrett and Kunle Banjo.

If you’re anxious for more soccer, contact the men’s and women’s PGCC soccer teams about joining their conditioning and tryouts, starting in early 2010, in preparation for the Fall 2010 season!

PGCC, Higher One, Inc., Unveil New Student Debit Cards

By Tia L.S. Holmes

Prince George’s Community College has begun distributing new student debit cards this semester in order to speed refunds of financial aid money or tuition overpayments, but careless use of the new cards could cause extra fees and charges. The college has partnered with Higher One, Inc. of New Haven, Conn., to disburse refunds to the college’s 14,000 students through FDIC-insured Higher One bank accounts and new PGCC Owl Debit cards.

In order to get the quickest refund, students should first make sure they have activated their new PGCC Owl Debit Cards as soon as they arrive in the mail, said PGCC Student Accounting Specialist James Devenney. About 3,000 students should have already received their cards and logged on to http://www.pgccowldebitcard.com/ to manage their accounts.

PGCC will experience great savings in time and money by instituting the use of the new banking accounts and debit cards, he said. The previous process for the school was to send paper checks for refunds of class payments and for rebates of student financial aid overages. This process was costing the school thousands of dollars in printing and postage owing to incorrect student addresses to which they would mail checks then re-mail, once returned.

With the new Higher One account, students will now be able to access rebates with their PGCC Owl Debit Card in as little as 24 hours after financial aid becomes available to PGCC. Devenney predicted that refunds will be available as early as February 8th, after the add/drop class period.

If classes were paid for with a credit card, then students should expect to see those charges back on that card, not in the Higher One account, Devenney said. For students who do not wish to use the Owl Debit Card, the Higher One website does provide the option to wire-transfer funds to other personal checking accounts. Choosing not to activate the account will result in the mailing of a check 21 days after Higher One does not receive a request for activation.

Student Jennifer Fair sees the use of the card as a benefit based on her past experiences with waiting for refunds. She also admitted that she did not do research on the card, but that she would before using it.

The Higher One bank accounts operate as any other checking account, minus the minimum balance requirement and monthly checking account fees; however, other banking fees apply, some unexpectedly. Among the most egregious fees are the Abandoned Account Fee ($19.00) and the Lack of Documentation Fee ($50.00).

Higher One ATM machines are already being installed around the campus to dispense cash. Using any non-Higher One ATM will cost $2.00 per transaction, including buying gas, food, clothes shopping or any other transaction that requires a pin number.
The best advice given to avoid fees is to always use the PGCC Owl Debit Card as a credit card; remember to always swipe and sign wherever MasterCard® is accepted. Buying on credit is fee-free with the exception of online bill paying; for free online bill transactions, you must maintain a $1,000 balance or sign up for direct deposit pay.

To ensure benefit from the Easy Refundsm system, verify your address with the college and the U.S. Postal Service and read the fee schedule and account usage information provided on the Web site, before signing up.

More information is available at www.PGCCowldebitcard.com and http://www.higherone.com/.

PGCC Star Wins NJCAA Women's Basketball Player of the Week

Special to The Owl

Asyja Smith of Prince George’s Community College was selected as the NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Player of the Week for contests played through Jan. 31st. Smith, a guard from Washington D.C., earns the Division II Player of the Week honor for helping PGCC to three wins in the last week of January. She averaged 26 points per game on 52 percent from the field (23-44), 43 percent from three-point land (6-14), 63 percent from the line (15-24), and had 27 rebounds, ten assists and two steals.

On Jan. 25, in an 81-36 win over College of Southern Maryland, Smith scored 19 points on an 8-of-15 shooting performance, with nine rebounds, three assists, and five steals. Two days later in a close 59-57 win over Allegany College (Md.), she dropped 30 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the field, 3-of-4 from three-point land, 7-of-13 from the line, and also had five rebounds two assists and one steal. Next in an 84-76 win over Hagerstown CC (Md.), Smith did it again dropping 30 points on 8-of-14 from the field, just 2-of-7 from beyond the arc, 8-of-10 from the line, pulled down 13 off the glass, and had five assists and two steals giving her a double-double on the day.

PGCC VOICES: Do you think there is there too much PDA (public display of affection) on campus?

By Katryna Fernandez



Stephanie McCarthy (Pictured above): Actually, yes, cause I’ve seen a lot of rolling on floors and stuff…just wow.

Seneca Matthews: From what I hear, yes. But, I don’t think so, no. Let me be straight, no, I don’t see a lot.

Ivan Crump, Jr.: Yes I do. I believe that there’s a little bit too much cause I’ve seen some “stuff”, especially in this area (outside of the club rooms). I’m not going to state any names, but I believe they were doing a little bit too much, and this is a school and not a club. I see it in the cafeteria, the club rooms, the Hollow Tree, and just the whole Largo Student Center.

Janet Kilpatrick: Yes, I do, at times and certain places. I don’t see a whole lot of it but I hear a lot about it going on in certain places.>

Jeryle Greene: I haven’t been at this school that long, so I haven’t seen that much of that lately. Just this one time, but it didn’t affect me.

KAT FINDS BEAUTY TIPS FOR YOU!

By Katryna Fernandez

Let’s talk LIPS! Between ChapStick®, lip balm, lip gloss, and lipstick, there are limitless possibilities for your lips. For all skin colors and lip types, there is a product or a combination of products for you. From high-grade products like MAC to drugstore products like Revlon, hundreds of colors and color finishes are waiting to be tried on your lips.
ChapStick® or lip balm is the best way to start a perfect lip, (By the way, these lip tips can go for both male and females!). One could wear it alone for moisture, or better yet, to prep the lips for a lipstick or lip-gloss. Personally, my favorite way to give my lips the moisture they need is to use Carmex lip balm; it gives a tingly finish and leaves my lips smooth and moisturized. But, even that won’t do the job sometimes, since it is still winter. I find myself re-applying lip balm more than a couple of times a day. To get rid of the unwanted dead skin on your lips that many people are cursed with during the winter, try a lip exfoliator. I strongly recommend the Neutrogena® Lip Nutrition Lip Balm, in Berry Smooth. This lip balm has tiny beads that gently remove the dead skin from your lips. This may sound kind of gross, but it literally rolls away all the dead skin, leaving a smooth finish.
Now, on to the fun stuff: lipstick and lip-gloss. Lipstick used to be a total turnoff to me because it would leave my lips pretty dry, and if this is still how you feel, worry no more because there is a cure. Lipsticks are not as bad as they used to be, many brands are trying to come up with lipstick formulas that won’t dry your lips. Even though many still do there is a simple solution. First, apply your favorite ChapStick® or lip balm. Then, apply the lipstick of your choice. From there if you are still not satisfied, top that with a lip-gloss. These three simple steps open the doors to many possibilities. Choosing both a lipstick and lip-gloss, changes the look of the lipstick and even the color completely. For example, add a sheer lip-gloss to a matte red lip color and it adds some pop and shine; or add an opaque red lip-gloss to that same lipstick and it will give it a more vibrant, fun color. A combination I like to use is a nude lipstick from MAC called Blankety topped with a Peachy-Pink lip-gloss from N.Y.C. (New York Color), this is perfect for an everyday look, or to complement a dark smoky eye.
Need to find specific beauty tips? Anything from makeup tips to healthy skin tips, e-mail requests or questions to Katryna at theowlnewspaper@hotmail.com!

Snow, Snow Go Away

By Stephen K. Cooper

Blizzards Mangle Largo Student Center Canopy, Extend Spring Semester into late May
The twin snow blizzards that paralyzed the Washington metropolitan area in early February did more than just cancel classes for nearly two weeks at Prince George’s Community College. Heavy snow collapsed a canopy located above the Largo Student Center and transformed the main campus parking lot into a snow filled maze with limited visibility for drivers.
But long after the snow melts into memory, PGCC students will still be dealing with the aftermath.
Dr. Sandra F. Dunnington, PGCC vice president for academic affairs, said that in order for students to get the appropriate instruction time in the Spring 2010 semester, classes will be extended by an extra week. For all full semester courses, the final class week/exam week will be held May 18th to May 24th, not May 11th to 17th as listed in the current schedule.
Weekender, Saturday and Sunday courses will also have additional classes during the semester to make up for the snow closings. Commencement will be held as scheduled on May 27th. However, diplomas will be mailed to graduates, rather than being handed out at the ceremony, since the college will not have time to complete the graduate certification process.
“We didn’t cancel Spring Break,” said Dunnington. “We felt it was too close to cancel it. People might already have plans and reservations in place.” The current Spring break is scheduled for March 29th to April 4th. Dunnington said that if there are more snowstorms that cancel classes this winter, the schedule will only permit another three additional days of instruction in May.
The additional week was required by the state Secretary for Higher Education in order to meet Maryland Higher Education Commission guidelines for making up time missed in classes, labs and practical experiences. Dunnington said the extended week was approved by PGCC President Dr. Charlene Dukes, following a recommendation made by academic and student services leaders on February 16.
The nearly three feet of snow dropped on campus required the Facilities Management Department to hire contractors with heavy equipment to clear the parking lots. Dr. David Mosby, Dean of Facilities Management, said he was seeking estimates on the cost of repairing the crushed canopy and would also report the damage to the college’s insurance company. “When you have a snow load like that on a span with canvas on it, it eventually will give way,” he said.
His department’s efforts to clean the parking lot didn’t go unnoticed by students. Cheyanne Johnson, a third semester student, said she thought the Facilities Management Department did a “really good job” of clearing the snow from campus. Johnson said she spent part of the week off from school studying for a history exam.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

by Dr. Marlene Cohen
Thank you all first for a very full and informative issue. Adelaya clearly took the time to understand how the work shopping of “For Colored Girls” works and showed how important an event it was for PGCC.
Thank you in particular, Nkem, for such a complete and descriptive picture of the International Education Center and our services. I hope it will bring in students who didn't previously know of us.
Also the Calendar was full and correct...I know that is hard.
Keep up your hard work.
Dr. Marlene CohenProfessor, Communication & TheatreCoordinator, International Education Center 301-322-0177Email: mcohen@pgcc.edu

BRITISH DEBATE U.S. HEALTHCARE REFORM

by Neo Moneri and Kien Bui
On November 6, Rennie Forum was almost filled to capacity as students, staff, faculty and community members came to witness a very lively debate over which healthcare system is preferable: the U.S. system or the British system.
The debate was sponsored by the Honors Program and was a part of the British Debate Tour of the English Speaking Union across the country. The two debaters were Andrew Tuffin, a graduate of King’s College London, and Dan Bradley, a Ph. D candidate from the University of Manchester.
Tuffin argued for the British universal health care system, in which all citizens are insured regardless of income or health condition. Tuffin pointed out that the U.S. has the most expensive private healthcare system in the world, spending twice as much as the British. Yet, in the U.S., there are still 40 million people either uninsured or underinsured, and people with pre-existing conditions are still denied coverage. Stressing healthcare to be a right and not a privilege, Tuffin argued mainly the right to equality provided by nationalized healthcare, as necessitated by moral obligation.
However, Bradley argued that the American healthcare system is the best system in the world. He pointed out that millions of people from all over the world come to the United States each year to seek better medical treatments. Also, the U.S. has the best medical technology and innovation. Bradley asserted that funding for research would be reduced if there was a government takeover of the healthcare system.
A recent NBC/Wall Street Journal poll shows that 25 percent of Americans generally believe that the government can always do the best job for them. The poll challenges Tuffin’s suggestion that government can best manage the $2 trillion healthcare system.
On the other hand, 70 percent of bankruptcies in the U.S. are linked to medical costs, and millions of families lose homes each year due to expensive health coverage and associated bills. The fact that 70% of all bankruptcies are linked to medical costs lends to the argument that the private market is dysfunctional and in need of urgent governmental intervention.
Resolutions remain debated, but all can agree that healthcare reform is the utmost priority.

Mr. Moneri is a member of the Honors Academy. Mr. Bui studies financial economics at the College.

KAT FINDS BEAUTY TIPS FOR YOU!

by Katryna Fernandez
Fall is here and winter is quickly approaching, so here are a few skin-care and makeup tips to help you look your best in this cold weather!
This first tip is for both males and females. No matter your skin type (oily, dry, or combination), the cold weather can severely dry your face. The best thing you can do is moisturize your face every morning, and even at night. You can use any facial moisturizer, but I strongly suggest you use one with SPF that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Though it's cold outside, you should still protect your face from harsh elements.
Leaving your face unprtected can really damage your skin try using some kind of sunscreen, e.g. Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer. Not protecting your skin can cause premature aging and have you saying hello to wrinkles at 35. For the ladies, using a makeup foundation with SPF can help if it has the right amount, especially if you put it on top of your already moisturized, protected face. Try something like Revlon’s Color Stay Makeup with Soft Flex. It’s a liquid foundation with SPF 6.
We all know your lips can become very chapped when the weather gets cold, so make sure you moisturize your lips too! It isn’t as important to have an SPF lip balm as it is moisturizer. An example of a good lip gloss would be Carmex Original Stick, which contains SPF 15.
Ladies, though it’s cold and gloomy outside, we shouldn’t let that reflect on our faces. Here are some fall/winter makeup tips for every part of your face. Let’s start you’re your foundation. Like I said before, something with SPF would be ideal. Just make sure that you set it with some kind of powder, and it shouldn’t be too light in color. During the winter, your skin starts to lose pigmentation, so using something you use in the summer might not work anymore.
To give your face some color and warmth, use a bronzer to contour and give you an allover glow. The ideal bronzer is two shades darker than your skin tone. For your eyes, stay neutral. Use golds, browns, and bronzes. If you want to add some color, nice dark blues and plums would be an awesome look for fall/winter. Last but not least, your lips, using regular lip gloss and lip balm is fine, but if you want to add some color, try using nude colors and frosty browns. An amazing fall/winter lipstick is Rimmel London in Frosted. It’s perfect for this season, and it’s just a really nice light copper brown lipstick.
Need to find specific beauty tips? Anything from makeup tips to healthy skin tips, e-mail requests or questions to Katryna at theowlnewspaper@hotmail.com!

ENROLLMENT GROWTH AT PGCC

By Tia L.S. Holmes
Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) has made great strides toward its strategically planned goal of increasing enrollment through 2010. According to the Office of Planning and Institutional Research’s annual “Third Week Credit Enrollment” report for the fall 2009 semester, PGCC has experienced a 43.4-percent increase in full-time enrollment and 2.7-percent increase in part-time enrollment, with an overall total enrollment increase of 13 percent from the fall 2008 semester alone. This represents a consistent year-on-year increase since fall 2007. The total credit headcount for this semester comes in at a whopping 13,685, up from 12,110 for last year’s fall semester. These figures exceed the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s (MHEC) 2009 projection for PGCC by 1,421 students (see “Fall Semester Comparisons”).
The Office of Planning and Institutional Research reported that this semester’s credit enrollment is the largest since 1984. Current statistics show a 44.9-percent increase in full-time students since last fall. The MHEC stated in its report that total enrollments at community colleges are expected to grow by 15 percent by 2018, with full-time enrollment at a 22-percent increase. According to the “Fast Facts” page of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges website, “Community colleges educate about half the undergraduates in Maryland with about one-third of the total space in public higher education.”
While enrollment has increased overall, a number of the students have amassed in other learning areas. Distance Learning has seen the greatest enrollment growth since last fall at 38.7 percent. The second- and third-greatest increases were at the AAFB and Laurel College Centers — up 21.1 percent and 20.3 percent, respectively — while the Largo Campus jumped 14.9 percent and University Town Center 10.3 percent. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that last year’s population garnered a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. There is no data for this year’s student-to-faculty ratio; although, the average class size is listed at 20 on the college’s website.

GANGS DO EXIST IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, SAYS POLICE

by Latanya Bagley and Ivette Lucero
Today’s typical gang can be defined as a group of three or more people who share a unique name, have identifiable marks, signs or symbols, congregate on a regular basis, baselessly claiming territory, and always working towards unlawful antisocial ends. The definition given to the audience by Sergeant George Norris of the Prince George’s County Police was very similar at a gang seminar sponsored by Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) Administration of Justice Collegian Center. The seminar was held in Marlboro Hall on November 12, 2009.
There are several major gangs in the United States with approximately 900,000 members. The recruiting age averages between 12 and 13 years of age, and even younger, if raised in a gang home. “In Prince George’s County, we have a number of gangs that commit violent crimes and corrupt our youth,” said Norris, who heads a regional gang task force. “The common misconception is that we don’t have real gangs,” he explained. People often assume that some gang members are “wannabees,” “but little do they know that most of the time, the “wannabees” are the most dangerous because they have something to prove,” Norris said.
Norris also explained that some gangs, such as Bloods, Crips, and MS‑13, are just a few of the gangs that surround the Washington metropolitan area. People who “rep” their “hood” including Kentland, Cheverly Terrace, and Hill Road, see it as “repping” their territory, but the gang definition suits them, he said. Repping means representing in the form of tattoos, graffiti, colors, and signs, such as hand signals.
Norris listed the reasons why people join gangs: lack of identity, discipline, and need for recognition, love, belonging, respect, money, fear, and protection. It is ultimately up to parent to stop children from joining gangs.

RECESSION AFFECTING STUDENTS’ CHRISTMAS SPENDING

by Tia L.S. Holmes
College students are often burdened with the costs of student-loan and tuition payments. The last thing needed is bearing the effects of an economic crisis.
Well, now it’s that time of year when excessive spending is almost inevitable. Students were asked if they planned on changing their holiday spending based on the rough economy.
Only one-third of the students polled said they are not affected by the recession; these students were mostly between the ages of 17 and 20.
One student, Johnson, who is frequently involved in community service claims she has been affected by the recession, she added, “I think this Christmas, folks who are downtrodden by the economic crisis should volunteer for those in need and gain some perspective as to how fortunate we truly all are to have health, home and family during the holidays.” The student says she’ll spend the holiday with immediate family because she realizes that gift-giving is not measured by the amount of money spent.
Another student, Atkinson, said she will only give her children gifts they need, not those they want.
Here are a few tips that will help you recession-proof your holiday spending so you can bring joy to your friends and family, and survive through this rough economic holiday season.
Keep an eye out for sales and promotions. As with most holidays, stores will offer merchandise and services at a discounted rate in order to attract more consumers.
Lay it away. Layaway allows you to shop early and spend comfortably while you avoid the rush of holiday shopping. The option of making payments always eases the cost burden associated with buying multiple gifts.
Go for it online. Online shopping is convenient in that it allows you to avoid the crowded marketplaces; however, its disadvantage is shipping costs. But the best thing about online shopping is the chance of finding “online exclusives,” which are often lower-priced items and specials that are found only online.
Become a “Secret Santa.” This is the most efficient way to save money and please all of your loved ones. “Secret Santa” gift-giving is always a fun way to get everyone in the group involved while you are only expected to buy ONE gift. There is also usually a price maximum.
These tips will be useful in helping you spend wisely and, hopefully, within your budget so you can enjoy a stress-free holiday.