Your pumpkins, corn stalks, and hay bale decorations at home are still usable luckily, so don’t get rid of them yet. However, no holiday would be complete without the turkey, gravy, and holiday themed cookies.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reconnect with relatives you may have lost touch with since you came to college, so take advantage of the opportunity to spend some quality time with your family over the holiday break. If you are planning on vacationing away from home for the Thanksgiving or winter break, make sure you are going to a place where you can have the most fun.

Be picky when choosing your hotel or motel to stay while on vacation. One way to save money on a vacation is staying with someone you know. So if you have not seen a friend in a while who moved away, don’t hesitate to ask them to hang out over break, this way you get to travel a little bit and reconnect with a friend.

Beware while on vacation, however, because while relaxing and having a good time, people generally don’t tend to watch what they eat. You could gain the “freshman 15” while on vacation and not at college!

If you are planning on staying home this winter and not really traveling, here are some fun things to do: you could go ice skating on a local pond, build a snowman, and make a snow angel in the yard.

Winter is one of the best times to roast marshmallows around a fire and even have a barbecue in the middle of a snowstorm. Speaking of building snowmen, you could have a contest, and whoever makes the best snowman gets a cup of hot chocolate.

Don’t forget to create a snow fort and challenge your nearby neighbors to a snowball fight. Take your dogs out to enjoy the weather too, most love the snow and rolling around in it.

Make sure to just relax one day and watch the snow fall; it can be surprisingly comforting. It might sound crazy, but put on suntan lotion one day in the middle of winter; your friends will thank you, and it will remind you of fun summer days.

Take a trip to the Poconos and toboggan down the slopes, surf with your snowboard, and ski like there’s no tomorrow. Create your own Winter Olympics. Get a bunch of your buds together and have them rate the tricks you can do on your snowboard or sled down the hill.

It is possible to have fun while it is freezing cold outside! Another contest in your own Winter Olympics could be building snow furniture and then it is great to relax on later.

Most importantly bundle up this winter, because it will be our coldest yet and we are already seeing the signs. Not everyone will be able to do that this winter, unfortunately, so the Salvation Army is taking used coats.

If you, or anyone you know, has an old coat they do not want or need anymore, get them to donate it because there are people out there who really need a coat this winter.

In addition, if you want to donate your current coat to a consignment shop while looking for a new one, they are always taking coats, and they will give you money toward a new one. Have an awesome holiday break!

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The Matthew Shepard Act, as it is more commonly known, received its official name from two particularly violent and brutal crimes with a hate based motivation. The first was the killing of Matthew Shepard, a 21 year old whose savage beating and subsequent death in 1998 brought national attention to the plight of the LGBT community, pushed by the efforts of his mother, Judy Shepard. The second was the murder of James Byrd Jr., a 49 year old Texan killed the same year, in a similar fashion.

The Act had been pending for approximately eight years prior to its successful legislation, having first been introduced in 2001 by Representative John Conyers, but died after failing to make it through committee; a fate it would suffer twice more in 2004 and 2005. It successfully passed the house in 2007, but failed in the Senate committee in April of 2007. Reintroduced as an amendment to the defense reauthorization bill in July of the same year, but was this time dropped due to pressure from then-President Bush, as well as Antiwar Democrats and conservative lobbying groups. It was reintroduced in 2009, when, after a protracted debate, it was successfully signed into effect.

Here are the changes that the Act institutes: it expands the 1969 federal hate crime law to include crimes based off of a person’s actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Removes the prerequisite that the victim had to have been engaged in a federally protected activity. It also expands the ability of federal authorities to engage in the investigation of potentially hate motivated crimes that local authorities choose not to pursue. The changes provides five million through the fiscal years of 2010-2012 to help state and local authorities investigate and prosecute hate crimes, and requires the FBI to track statistics on hate crimes against transgendered persons.

In fact, the act is the first extension of legal protections toward the transgendered community. It is hoped by many that these changes will help to prevent any more senseless tragedies like those witnessed in 1998, and in years both before and after

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1. Start early. It can take up to six months to get a job in a good economy, and in a bad economy it can take much longer. Sassaman explained, “You need to network with people you know, who know other people that are in the position you want to be. Don’t assume employers will fit you in. Figure out what you want to do early and make that very clear in your marketing tools.” Later she added, “Lots of big companies will be done looking for employees in November, like Vanguard, and will hire to start in May and June. School systems start the process at the end of February.”

2. Work on your marketing tools. These tools are essential. They are your résumé, cover letters, applications, interview skills, and portfolios if needed for your field. “One résumé does not fit all. There should be one résumé for each potential position. Don’t use a Word or Works template. Make it specific for each job,” emphasized Sassaman.

3. Do your research. “Know the company you are applying to,” Sassaman stressed, “And be able to present yourself and communicate that you know these things. Know the position you want. Show that you have the skills that position requires. Look at job descriptions; this will help build your résumé for that description. If the description requires ‘x,y, and z,’ you need to show that you have ‘x, y, and z.’”

4. Make plans. Plans should include making your marketing tools, as well as constant revision to them. “You should have a plan B, plan C, maybe even a plan D,” Sassaman said, “Don’t take the first offer right away. Make sure it is a good fit, but remember it might not be perfect. You can still find an ideal job in a back door by working your way up.”

5. Be prepared. Sassaman next explained the crucial steps to good preparation, “Interviews are a two way street. You are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. Ask the questions you need to make sure it is the right field and the right fit for you. Relate your skills to the positions.”

6. Hit up Career Services. Career Services starts by helping the student figure out what field they want to go in, what skills they have to perform specific jobs, and what companies they want to apply to. They also help develop the marketing tools by developing a solid résumé, helping fill out applications, and performing mock interviews.

7. Perform the mock interviews offered. “We have heard back from students who attend job fairs,” Sassaman explained, “And they feel successful. They feel better prepared from the mock interviews and more comfortable and can communicate better outside the mock setting.”

8. Identify your unique qualifications. “Employers are looking for communication skills, the ability to grow within the organization, and basic skill sets to do the job,” Sassaman said, “Make sure you show why you qualify for the position. Develop a 30 second commercial to present yourself to the employer. Freshmen and sophomores should get internships and summer employment that will get them that job. Seniors still have time to do that as well.”

9. Pound the pavement. Good impressions are made in person. “I don’t recommend using Monster.com,” Sassaman said, “It is not the most effective way to market yourself. Companies with high turnover will utilize Monster.com.”

10. Be persistent. “The biggest problem for people looking for a job is they think one size fits all and they don’t do their homework. They are also impatient and give in too early. You never exhaust your options. Even 10 companies isn’t enough,” advised Sassaman.

For more information, contact Career Services located on the third floor in Lyle Hall, or check out their website, http://www.millersville.edu/careerservices/.

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In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians had an autumn harvest feast. Although this feast is presumed to be the first Thanksgiving celebration, there had been a tradition for many years to celebrate the harvest of good crops.

They may have had turkey at this feast, but there were many other meats on the menu. According to the website, http://www.history.com; wild fowl, including goose, duck, crane, and swan were a part of the feast. Venison and seal were eaten as well. Seafood such as cod, eel, clams, and lobster were staples of the pilgrims diets. These seafood items were probably present at the first Thanksgiving.

Vegetables, which are a key component in our feasts, did not play an important role for the pilgrims on Thanksgiving. Many vegetables were unavailable to the pilgrims. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams were not common to pilgrims, and corn was used primarily for making cornmeal. Potatoes were thought of as barely appropriate for animals. Potatoes were not consumed by humans until the famines of the 18th century.

Pies and other sweets were probably not included in the first Thanksgiving feast, because their supply of sugar was diminished. Since sugar was not available, the season favorite; cranberry sauce, was not on the menu. Pilgrims most likely did not have butter and flour to make a pie crust, so they did not have pumpkin pie; although, they probably served stewed pumpkins. Pumpkin pie became popular in America during the 17th century.

Nuts play an important role in holiday foods because since ancient times, they have been associated with living a long life and having prosperity. The pilgrims also used many spices in their cooking, including nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. Perhaps this is why these spices are associated with Thanksgiving.

William Bradford, a leader of the pilgrim community, wrote journals about the first 30 years of the Plymouth colony. When these journals were found in 1856, Thanksgiving was made into a national holiday.

Bradford wrote in his journals about the colonists hunting wild turkey during the autumn of 1621. Since turkey is a unique American bird, it became the number one choice of meat to eat on Thanksgiving. Turkey is a better choice than chicken for a feast for obvious reasons. Turkey is larger and feeds more people. Unlike other meats, turkey is less likely to be eaten on a regular basis, making it special.

According to the website, http://www.foodtimeline.org, by the 19th century, the Thanksgiving dinner menu had changed drastically. Turkey, stuffing, white bread, apple pie, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and various fruit pies were served. Ham, cole slaw, peach pickles, oysters, chicken pie, tomato ketchup, and stewed prunes were commonly served on Thanksgiving as well.

In the 20th century, scalloped potatoes replaced mashed potatoes, and butternut squash became a delicious gourmet alternative to the average potato.

Many things have changed over the years. Now there are countless ways to cook a Thanksgiving turkey. Fried turkey, beer-brined turkey, tofu-turkey, and “turducken” (turkey stuffed with duck, stuffed with chicken) are all contemporary recipes.

There has been a rise in recent years to buy wild turkeys, also known as “Heritage Turkeys.” These breeds are being raised sustainably around the country and are more moist and rich tasting than turkeys sold in most supermarkets. These birds eat fresh grass and insects. They have a longer lifespan and are able to reproduce without being artificially inseminated. Today’s commercial turkey is selected to produce meat at the lowest possible cost.

According to the website, http://www.localharvest.org, while supermarket turkeys grow to an average of 32 pounds over 18 weeks, Heritage breeds take anywhere from 24 to 30 weeks to reach their ideal weight. Raising these birds is more time consuming and costs more than other breeds. Breeds including the Standard Bronze, Bourbon Red, Jersey Buff, Slate, Black Spanish, Narragansett, and White Holland were around when the colonists had their Thanksgiving feast in 1621.

The foods served at Thanksgiving dinner have evolved over the years and vary from family to family. Any dish that is served is sure to be filled with love and comfort for all enjoying it. It is interesting, however, to sit back and think about how people ate hundreds of years ago, and how they have effected the way we eat today. While many side dishes have come and gone over the years, one thing is for certain, turkey is not leaving the Thanksgiving table anytime soon

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Students usually have a schedule that varies from day to day. We all know that it can be stressful trying to fit all our obligations into one week. Classes and jobs are scattered throughout the day. By the time classes and work are done, students still need to have time to study and have a social life. So, how does this get done?

College students’ schedules vary. Some students may have to work full time while taking 15 credits. While others may take 15 credits but are involved in sports and other clubs that fill their time. No matter what the situation, everyone gets stressed about managing time. Time is of utmost importance in our society. Our days revolve around scheduling.

Using a calendar or a PDA to schedule out activities is useful in managing time. Also, having a calendar or another place to write down responsibilities makes it easier to plan ahead. Prioritizing activities is important. The goal of managing time wisely is to find a balance between things you want and need to accomplish.

As college students, it is okay to be self-focused. By accomplishing your own goals first, you will have more energy to be attentive to friends.

Making your schedule flexible and sensible will make it easier to follow. Breaking down big tasks into smaller sections can make them less overwhelming. Smaller tasks are also easier to fit into your schedule. When doing school work, focusing on a little at a time can help to decrease stress levels.

According to the website, http://www.dartmouth.edu, the advantages of time management are: you will gain time, reduce avoidance, be motivated, eliminate cramming, and reduce anxiety.

Though it is important to make school work a top priority, it is also equally important to have a social life.

“I take 15 credits and work part-time. I manage my time wisely by having a schedule,” Casey Rule, a psychology major said, “I make sure to incorporate a social life into my schedule even if it’s only once a week.”

The key to managing time is making a list of priorities for the day.

Working part-time or even full-time is a reality for many students. Having to manage classes, studying, and work all at once can be difficult. Cutting down on social activities, credits, and work hours may be necessary if life gets overbearing.

The website http://www.timemanagementhelp.com places emphasis on taking time to relax, “Build some flexibility into your schedule. Give yourself extra time to cope with interruptions in your schedule. As well as time to work, build in some time to play. Scheduling recreational activities and regarding them as important parts of your day gives you something to work towards.”

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Prince St. Cafe's logo is well-known throughout Lancaster. DJ RAMSAY/SNAPPER

Offering varieties such as “Red Eye” (coffee with a shot of espresso) and “Cocoa Joe” (half hot chocolate, half coffee), Prince Street is known for their exquisite coffees.

In addition to coffee, Prince Street serves an amazing cup of tea. With an extensive loose-leaf tea menu that changes daily, you will never get the same thing twice.

On the other end of the beverage spectrum, Prince Street has a wide variety of cold beverages, smoothies, milkshakes, and “Old Fashioned Floats.” The smoothie menu alone lists a dozen different varieties, including “Strawberries ‘N Cream,” “Maui Surprise,” and “Mint Oreo,” a delicious infusion of Oreo cookies, fresh mint extract, and vanilla blended with ice.

Located at 15 North Prince St. in Lancaster, Prince Street Café hosts live music most Monday evenings, as well as every third Friday evening. Additionally, Prince Street showcases and sells the artwork of local artists. This month they are featuring Ryan Martin’s series titled “Historical Figures of Lancaster.”

For more photos and information, visit Prince Street’s website at http://www.princestreetcafe.com/

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Students usually have a schedule that varies from day to day. We all know that it can be stressful trying to fit all our obligations into one week. Classes and jobs are scattered throughout the day. By the time classes and work are done, students still need to have time to study and have a social life. So, how does this get done?

College students’ schedules vary. Some students may have to work full time while taking 15 credits. While others may take 15 credits but are involved in sports and other clubs that fill their time. No matter what the situation, everyone gets stressed about managing time. Time is of utmost importance in our society. Our days revolve around scheduling.

Using a calendar or a PDA to schedule out activities is useful in managing time. Also, having a calendar or another place to write down responsibilities makes it easier to plan ahead. Prioritizing activities is important. The goal of managing time wisely is to find a balance between things you want and need to accomplish.

As college students, it is okay to be self-focused. By accomplishing your own goals first, you will have more energy to be attentive to friends.

Making your schedule flexible and sensible will make it easier to follow. Breaking down big tasks into smaller sections can make them less overwhelming. Smaller tasks are also easier to fit into your schedule. When doing school work, focusing on a little at a time can help to decrease stress levels.

According to the website, http://www.dartmouth.edu, the advantages of time management are: you will gain time, reduce avoidance, be motivated, eliminate cramming, and reduce anxiety.

Though it is important to make school work a top priority, it is also equally important to have a social life.

“I take 15 credits and work part-time. I manage my time wisely by having a schedule,” Casey Rule, a psychology major said, “I make sure to incorporate a social life into my schedule even if it’s only once a week.”

The key to managing time is making a list of priorities for the day.

Working part-time or even full-time is a reality for many students. Having to manage classes, studying, and work all at once can be difficult. Cutting down on social activities, credits, and work hours may be necessary if life gets overbearing.

The website http://www.timemanagementhelp.com places emphasis on taking time to relax, “Build some flexibility into your schedule. Give yourself extra time to cope with interruptions in your schedule. As well as time to work, build in some time to play. Scheduling recreational activities and regarding them as important parts of your day gives you something to work towards.”

Having down time is important in maintaining a sense of peace. Allow yourself to take a break. This will help you feel rejuvenated and help you to deal with stressors in a positive manner. Do not forget to work hard, and manage your time wisely while allowing down time into your schedule.

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1. Start early. It can take up to six months to get a job in a good economy, and in a bad economy it can take much longer. Sassaman explained, “You need to network with people you know, who know other people that are in the position you want to be. Don’t assume employers will fit you in. Figure out what you want to do early and make that very clear in your marketing tools.” Later she added, “Lots of big companies will be done looking for employees in November, like Vanguard, and will hire to start in May and June. School systems start the process at the end of February.”

2. Work on your marketing tools. These tools are essential. They are your résumé, cover letters, applications, interview skills, and portfolios if needed for your field. “One résumé does not fit all. There should be one résumé for each potential position. Don’t use a Word or Works template. Make it specific for each job,” emphasized Sassaman.

3. Do your research. “Know the company you are applying to,” Sassaman stressed, “And be able to present yourself and communicate that you know these things. Know the position you want. Show that you have the skills that position requires. Look at job descriptions; this will help build your résumé for that description. If the description requires ‘x,y, and z,’ you need to show that you have ‘x, y, and z.’”

4. Make plans. Plans should include making your marketing tools, as well as constant revision to them. “You should have a plan B, plan C, maybe even a plan D,” Sassaman said, “Don’t take the first offer right away. Make sure it is a good fit, but remember it might not be perfect. You can still find an ideal job in a back door by working your way up.”

5. Be prepared. Sassaman next explained the crucial steps to good preparation, “Interviews are a two way street. You are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. Ask the questions you need to make sure it is the right field and the right fit for you. Relate your skills to the positions.”

6. Hit up Career Services. Career Services starts by helping the student figure out what field they want to go in, what skills they have to perform specific jobs, and what companies they want to apply to. They also help develop the marketing tools by developing a solid résumé, helping fill out applications, and performing mock interviews.

7. Perform the mock interviews offered. “We have heard back from students who attend job fairs,” Sassaman explained, “And they feel successful. They feel better prepared from the mock interviews and more comfortable and can communicate better outside the mock setting.”

8. Identify your unique qualifications. “Employers are looking for communication skills, the ability to grow within the organization, and basic skill sets to do the job,” Sassaman said, “Make sure you show why you qualify for the position. Develop a 30 second commercial to present yourself to the employer. Freshmen and sophomores should get internships and summer employment that will get them that job. Seniors still have time to do that as well.”

9. Pound the pavement. Good impressions are made in person. “I don’t recommend using Monster.com,” Sassaman said, “It is not the most effective way to market yourself. Companies with high turnover will utilize Monster.com.”

10. Be persistent. “The biggest problem for people looking for a job is they think one size fits all and they don’t do their homework. They are also impatient and give in too early. You never exhaust your options. Even 10 companies isn’t enough,” advised Sassaman.

For more information, contact Career Services located on the third floor in Lyle Hall, or check out their website, http://www.millersville.edu/careerservices/.

No related posts.

According to History.com, the history of Halloween dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Samhain was the end of summer celebration of the Celtic New Year on November 1. The Celts celebrated the harvest and the beginning of winter, which they associated with darkness and death.

The Celts believed the night before their new year allowed the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead to become undefined. This allowed the ghosts of the dead to return to earth to cause trouble and damage to crops.

To celebrate, the Celts built sacred bonfires and burned crops and animals in sacrifice to their gods.

In 43 A.D., the Romans took over the Celtic lands and made two holidays out of Samhain. The first was Feralia, which celebrated the passing of the dead and was celebrated in late October. The second holiday was Pomona, a day in which to honor the Roman goddess of fruit and trees.

The symbol for Pomona was the apple, which lent itself to the tradition of bobbing for apples.

In the 800s, the Christians took over the lands and tried to influence the area and their traditions by ridding the people of their Samhain tradition. Pope Boniface IV made the ceremony a church sanctioned holiday, and ended up incorporating the Celtic traditions with his own. November 1 became All Saints Day to honor saints and martyrs.

This day was called All-Hallows or All-Hallowmas. According to Thehalloweenspot.com, “hallow” in old English meant “to sanctify.” The date was originally moved to May 13, but was changed by Gregory III to November 1 again.

The night of Samhain was then called All-Hallowmas Eve and eventually evolved into Halloween.

The tradition of costume wearing came from the Celts, who wore costumes with animal heads and skins at the burning ceremony of Samhain. However, this is not the only origin of wearing costumes on Halloween.

They also dressed up if they left the house at night to avoid detection by wicked spirits. In 1000 A.D., the day was made to honor the dead, where they used big bonfires like in the days of old, held parades, and dressed up like devils, angels, and saints.

On All Souls Day in England, poor people went around asking for food, and were often given “soul cakes” in return for their prayers for that family’s dead relatives. Children picked up on this idea and were given ale, food, or money.

In the colonial era, celebration of Halloween was restricted in the northern colonies due to influence of the Puritans. However, as immigrants crossed the ocean to America, they still brought their Halloween traditions with them. In the southern colonies, it was more popularly celebrated because of the lack of Puritan presence.

The first colonial celebrations were public events to celebrate the harvest and talk about the dead, and also to dance, and sing. They also told ghost stories and made mischief for others.

During the Potato Famine of 1846, increased immigration from Ireland caused the tradition of Halloween to spark interest again and become more popular. Americans began to dress up and go from house to house asking for food or money.

The focus of the holiday shifted by the 20th century to a family and community-oriented holiday. The concept of trick-or-treating evolved from the asking for food or money into the bribe idea that if you feed kids candy, they will not be mischievous.

The modern version of Halloween that we celebrate today is a rich mix of different ethnic cultures that immigrated to the United States, including Native American influences.

Trick-or-treat has developed into a tradition of fun and fright for little kids, as well as a time to dress up and party for older adults.

Halloween today is a time to celebrate the strange and the weird, as well as have fun scaring people and pulling pranks on the stingy.

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There might be a decline in the economy, but that does not have to keep you from looking great during the fall months. This year it is all about affordability, as well as color and texture.

The classic cardigan is making a comeback this year, but in a new, edgy way. Mustard yellows, deep teals, and various purple colors can be found in any department store.

These cardigans should be matched with brightly colored tank tops that play off of a duller shade, such as a mustard yellow cardigan with a deep orange shirt, or a purple cardigan with a teal shirt. These styles can be complimented with a dark skinny jean and a knee-high boot.

Accessorizing is a must this season, and no one should leave his or her house without a bright scarf or long necklace. Gold is the new silver this year, and the simple set of pearls should be left for your grandmother to wear.

This year’s styles are mixed; pearls, silver, and gold chains are tangled together. It is all about funky charms like sparrows and bows. These small accents will liven up the simple sweaters that are “in”.

The ever-popular legging continues to haunt the runway and all the stores. This year, substitute your pants for gray leggings underneath a bulky striped sweater. Bright leggings underneath a soft brown sweater.

Black is out. This year it is all about the browns and the oranges. This includes purses; which can range in any size, from the bulky dog-carrying bag, to the slim over the shoulder purse that only fits a cell phone and credit card (perfect for going out). Purses should be an expressive color, matching is not as important as before.

Shoes are ever changing, and this year throw those ballerina flats out and try an over-the-knee high-heeled boot over your leggings or skinny jeans. Or try a funky colored ankle boot, or for a going out look, try a cage heel with your jeans. Also try some moccasins, which never go out of style.

These fashion trends do not have to put a hole in your pocket. All of these items can be found at your local Target, which sells fashionable clothing at an affordable price.

Do not forget the most important accessory as the months grow colder is yourself, your attitude, and your smile. Remember that you wear the clothes, they do not wear you.

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