Vacations

By Susie Rempfer

Vacations are the perfect time to sit back, relax, and smell the roses. While vacations can be soothing to the senses, they can also be damaging to the checkbook, credit cards, and wallet.

Vacations don’t have to be expensive. Whether its spending a day at Six Flags or the Baltimore Aquarium, spending a few days visiting loved ones in California, or spending a week in Europe or Mexico there are simple ways to eliminate the amount of money spent.

When planning a vacation, research is essential to cutting back on cost. Researching things such as the locations of the cheapest gas stations and the airlines with the cheapest airfare can start saving you money right away. Another quick trick to budgeting for a vacation is to go on the Internet and look up prices for hotels and restaurants you want to visit. By doing so you will be able to estimate how much money to set aside each day for meals, and you will be able to relax about finding a four-star hotel without ridiculous pricing.

 Another key thing to remember when planning a vacation is to spend what money you do bring wisely.

Although it may be the kids’ first trip to Disneyland, spending hundreds of dollars on souvenirs that will soon be forgotten at the bottom of a toy box is unnecessary. And although you may see something and say to yourself, “I have to buy this,” remember to shop around first. Some stores offer the same merchandise for less, or may offer something else that will make the first spontaneous purchase seem asinine. One tip for shopping for souvenirs is to pick an amount you’re willing to spend in total on every souvenir you buy. After each purchase of a shot glass or stuffed animal subtract that from the initial souvenir fund and budgeting money for trinkets will be worry free for the remainder of the vacation.

Another thing to think about when buying souvenirs is to stop buying something for everyone. Although a co-worker might have sent you a post card and key-chain from Hawaii, that doesn’t mean you have to buy him a twenty-dollar Mickey Mouse paperweight. Buy souvenirs for yourself and forget about everyone else; let pictures show off all the places you visited to interested friends and family members.

 VacationBy considering these few things, planning that dream vacation is no longer out of reach. Spend an evening researching where you want to go, and get estimates on everything you can think of; it may surprise you to realize that you could already have enough money saved up for that trip to Bermuda you’ve been dying to go on.

Fit for the summer

Are you ready to wear this?

 

By SUSIE REMPFER

Staff Writer

Summer time is the most awaited time of year for almost everyone. However, bikini season for many girls means starvation and anxiety.

 Instead of dreading those long days on the beach, there are simple changes that can be made now to get the best possible figure for when summer arrives.

 Exercise is an important factor to consider when the desire to wear a two-piece pops into the brain. Exercising is healthier than restricting calories, and can also be enjoyable. Cardio exercise (which gets the heart beating quicker) is a key factor when working out to lose weight or to sculpt muscle. Doing things like dancing to your favorite iPod playlist, jumping rope, or running on a treadmill while watching reruns of Sex and the City are great cardio exercises that are easy and simple to do.

 Websites such as fitnessmagazine.com or shape.com offer entire workout routines that range from working out abs and things to getting rid of love handles and belly fat. While it may be cliché sounding, workout videos are a great way to have fun while exercising.

 Yoga is also a good exercise to help lose weight. Yoga is relaxing, and helps with stretching. Use yoga as a warm up for cardio, or to help yourself relax before bed.

 Activities such as bike riding, swimming, and even swinging on swings are also simple ways to workout and have fun.

 Although dieting is a big part of losing weight, that doesn’t mean you need to stick to celery and water. Spring and summer boast the best tasting fruits and vegetables to make flavor-filled snacks and side dishes.

 Fruit smoothies are a delicious, stomach satisfying drink that can make anytime of day feel like dessert. With summer’s strawberries, blueberries, peaches, nectarines, mangos and other fruits right around the corner your taste buds will never know they’re on a diet.

 Salads are also a great way to slim down. Lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots, thrown in with tender pieces of grilled chicken are filling and nutritious. Taco salads, BLT salads, and other creative salad dishes are just as filling as sandwiches, but are better for you. Indulge your taste buds with flavorful healthy alternatives and see the difference it makes in your body.

 A little bit of exercise and a few less cookies is all it takes to feel confident on the beach. Rather then living off of diet pills this summer, spend a little bit of time having fun in the sun.

Cost of cigarettes on the rise

 

By SUSIE REMPFER  

Staff Writer

Smoking on CCC’s campus is everywhere. With the declining economy, it is surprising how much money students still invest in cigarettes.

Since its discovery, tobacco use has been a substantial part of society. Although health-related problems can arise from smoking, most smokers are more concerned with the constant rise in cigarette prices. 

According to cigbuynow.com, “Marlboro remains the world’s most profitable brand of non-durable consumer goods, surpassing even Coca-Cola.” The amount of sodas bought on campus is high, yet it is surpassed by the amount of cigarettes bought.

In the early 1990’s cigarettes only cost about $1.67 per pack. Now, nearly two decades later, the average cost for a pack of cigarettes is seven dollars. About $2,352 is spent in one year by those who smoke a pack a day. 

“I started smoking when I was about fifteen. I’m twenty now and still smoke, so I can only imagine the money I’ve thrown away on cigarettes,” said CCC student Tiffany O’Connell. 

With the cost of gas, food, books for school, and other essentials it is hard to find extra money anywhere, let alone seven dollars for a pack of cigarettes. 

Since prices are elevated almost everywhere, the question is how do students budget their money to afford cigarettes?

An anonymous male freshman explains how he allots himself cigarette money: “I put half of my paycheck in my bank account, and the other half I keep in my wallet for spending money. More than half of my cash goes to buying cigarettes. There’s been several times when I’ve given up going to the movies or out to eat with my friends so I’d have money for smokes.”

Andrea Quinones, a sophomore at the college, says budgeting is not a problem for her. “What is annoying is when people see me smoking and come bum cigarettes off me without offering me money. I’ve experienced this more times than I can count, and have probably given away five full packs within my two years here.”

Although being a smoker is expensive, the process of quitting smoking can often be more costly. Nicorette Gum, and other gums designed to help a person quit smoking can cost as much as thirty dollars per pack. Similarly, Nicoderm CQ and other patches cost around forty dollars per box. “I still smoke because trying to quit ended up being more expensive,” said O’Connell. 

The new electric cigarette, sold to those 18 and older, consists only of nicotine.  The tiny white stick lets out vapors of nicotine that supposedly gives the smoker a nicotine buzz. This battery-powered device does not produce smoke so it is acceptable in places where regular cigarettes are not. However, like all regular cigarettes, the electric cigarette is still harmful and should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. 

The  electric cigarette costs around $140 depending on the brand, and cartridges for the e-cigarette run more than $3 dollars and last up to two days. The e-cigarette, although more versatile, is not a cheap alternative.

Gourmet or ground: coffee is coffee, right?

Gourmet coffee shops may charge more for coffee, but the quality is reflected in that extra cost.

By SUSIE REMPFER

Staff Writer

Coffee shops offer the luxury of gourmet blends, freshly brewed coffees, delicious desserts, as well as an area to socialize with old friends. But while currently working nights and weekends in this atmosphere it seems customers are less than satisfied. 

Each shift is filled with complaints from both frequenters and new customers. Usually the complaint is about the prices. Although places like Wawa, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald’s, and corner diners offer coffees for much less than several big name coffee shops, the taste and quality are lacking in comparison. 

The important thing to remember while arguing with your barista about price is that coffee shops specialize and focus on coffee, and not just any average brew. Coffee shops offer many gourmet blends and authentic roasts that are often imported from areas all around the world.  

“I get yelled at a lot by people who think the coffee’s too expensive,” said Nicole Kopp, a student at CCC who works at a coffee shop. “The important thing to realize is that my boss makes the prices, not me, and not the other people working behind the counter.”

Like Nicole, I’ve experienced these kinds of remarks from customers. For those who love specialty drinks like lattes and hate the prices, making these drinks at home can be a cheaper alternative. Although a lot of coffee shop drinks have complicated names, they are simple to make. By making popular coffee shop drinks at home, you can increase flavor and cut back on cost. 

One popular drink that is simple to make at home is the café mocha. This drink consists of one or two shots of espresso, depending on the strength desired. A chocolate syrup, or powder, is then added to the espresso and stirred together. Milk is then steamed to serve the drink hot, or poured in a cup of ice to make it a cold beverage. The chocolate espresso beverage is then mixed into the milk. In coffee shops, whipped cream is generally added for an additional treat. 

Cappuccinos are a simple, and tasty drink to make at home. A shot or two of espresso and steamed milk is all there is to it. To add additional taste flavored syrups like vanilla and caramel are available for reasonable prices at coffee shops and turn any coffee beverage into something sweet. 

For additional drink ideas and information the Internet is a great place to search. Not only can you learn to make drinks you can also find nearby coffee shops that aren’t as expensive as places like Starbucks. 

The next time you drink a flavorful gourmet coffee you won’t need to be dreading the cost, and you can enjoy it from the comforts of your own home.

Brutal facelifts for classic horror movies

Jason is no stranger to facelifts

 By SUSIE REMPFER

Staff Writer

Since the beginning of the new year, there’s been a trend in remaking old movies. My Bloody Valentine, Friday the 13th, and most recently, The Last House on the Left have all been reborn into a new generation. Whatever the reason for the remakes, both old and new fans are enjoying these horrifying films, and are paying even more attention to the originals from which they are inspired. 

Perhaps the remakes were to bring old classics into the eyes of new viewers. “I honestly didn’t know that My Bloody Valentine or The Last House on the Left were remakes. I did go see them in theaters, and they were both good. It would be interesting to see how they evolved from their originals,” said CCC student Michael Muzzarelli. 

Another possible reason the movies have been remade is to bring them not only up to date, but also to improve them. CCC student Shannon Desire said, “I haven’t seen the new Friday the 13th movie yet. The original was good, but I’ve heard that this one is even better so I definitely want to see it.”

The new My Bloody Valentine was released on January 16, 28 years after the original’s date. While the original scored only a 4.4 out of ten stars on rottentomatoes.com, the remake earned 5.7 stars. And compared to the original, the remake offers a more believable plot and added suspense. “If there’s one thing that 2009’s remake of ‘80s Canadian slasher, My Bloody Valentine isn’t, it’s scary,” stated William Gross from cinematical.com. 

The 1980 release of the original Friday the 13th was very successful. It became a well- known horror flick no movie collector could be without. But on February 13th of this year, Jason became a whole new character to fear. “Friday the 13th is about the best Friday the 13th movie you could hope for. Its technical credits are excellent,” stated movie critic Roger Ebert. 

 But for those who hold the original movie close to their hearts and are hoping to see a fresher, identical version prepare to be disappointed. “Now we get the 2009 Friday the 13th, which is billed as a ‘remake’ of the original, but is clearly not,” stated Ebert. 

The most recent remake came out on March 13, 2009, and scored 7.0 stars on imdb.com, compared to only 5.8 stars from it predecessor. The Last House on the Left was originally released to the public eye on August 30, 1972. 

“The old Last House was pure unstable trash, a grindhouse item provoking all sorts of protests and cuts regarding the content. The comic relief and chipper bluegrass musical score didn’t just belong to another movie; they belonged to another galaxy,” stated Michael Phillips, a critic for the Chicago Tribune. 

The original was written and directed by Wes Craven, who is best known for The Nightmare on Elm Street (which is also in the process of getting remade). He helped to produce the remake, which although disturbing, is somehow touching. 

“It hinges on humiliation and vengeance, which makes it like most other modern horror titles. The movie proceeds with a grim sense of purpose, its actors portraying characters approximating real people and plausible behavior, amid plausible tension, borne of a terrible situation. I wouldn’t call it a good time, but I would call it an unexpectedly good genre film,” stated Phillips. 

As the years continue to go by, more remakes are certainly to come. Whether a fan of the old or curious  about the new, spend an evening watching back-to-back movies and decide for yourself if remakes are better than originals. 

Hanger 84 saves the day

By JACQUELIN VOEGTLIN

Contributing Writer

On October, 25th, 2008 Michele Cocagna and family brought the rock back to Vineland, New Jersey. Hangar 84, concert venue and music studio, opened to a packed house, drawing fans from as far as Colorado and Iowa. This was a sure sign that Michele Cocagna, owner of Hangar 84, put together an excellent lineup. With acts like The Crosstown Rivalry, a fairly new, up and coming pop punk band, the old but beloved Moneen, Anthony Green, and headliner Saves the Day, she couldn’t go wrong.

  On the front line, fans from 15 to 27 years old danced, moshed, and surfed the crowd showing their appreciation. There is a common misconception The backstage buzz was entertainingly positive. Band members from The Crosstown Rivalry and Saves the Day mingled behind the scenes raving about the new venue.

The weather was less than desirable that evening, but the line to enter ran around the building. One cold and wet fan said that this was his 47th time seeing Saves the Day. This separates Hangar 84 from any music venue Cumberland County currently has to offer. Lawrence Theckston, front man of The Crosstown Rivalry said, “I absolutely loved the venue, it is definitely the best thing Vineland has to offer and I would love to play there again. The staff was very accommodating.” Cocagna’s ability to bring such large acts to the corner of 6th and Elmer street has been no easy feat, but has paid off. Hangar 84 has what the Vineland coffee houses lack: sufficient space, and a design reminiscent of Philadelphia venues such as The Theatre of Living Arts and the Trocadero. 

Space and design aside, the concert itself did not fall short of anyone’s expectations. While speaking of Anthony Green’s solo performance, Nick Seabock of Mauricetown, said “The fact that he is now doing his own thing, separate from Circa Survive is interesting and different. I love it!” Anthony Green’s name was on everyone’s lips that evening, and his performance more than satisfied his fans. Word spread quickly when Green arrived, and fans were utterly star struck as he set up to sound check. “Oh my God, Anthony Green’s here! I can’t believe he is just behind those doors. This is amazing!” These comments flew about the venue from inside the box office to the wet outdoors, where fans waited eagerly to enter. 

Doors opened at 6:30 p.m., and the ecstatic crowd poured in. The once empty venue boomed with movement and noise. Some fans set up house directly in front of the stage, while others chose to stand and mingle with friends. The show began and Hangar 84 was packed with smiling and enthusiastic music lovers.

The first act to hit the perfectly set up stage was The Crosstown Rivalry, winners of the Battle of the Bands contest. Through this contest, they were selected to open the show for Saves the Day. Theckston said “It was an honor, almost surreal to open for Saves the Day. I mean, this is a band that we’ve been listening to for years; they got us into what we do now-performing.” They did a stellar job, and started the night off with a bang. According to the members of The Crosstown Rivalry, the crowd’s response was incredible and more than they’d expected. The fan’s energy ran high throughout Moneen’s performance as well; a pool of bodies bounced up and down, with arms flailing, and mouths wide open.

At 9 p.m., the much anticipated Saves the Day performance began and the fans were clearly stoked. The crowd  shouted word for word, every lyric that Chris himself sang. The band revisited old tunes like “Tomorrow Too Late,” much to the crowd’s liking. The vibe was incredible as they rocked the stage, and they sounded just as they do on their studio recordings, which is a tough element to master for any musician. 

Earlier that afternoon, Saves the Day’s sound check was anything but routine. The band ran through certain songs over and over again, ensuring they’d put on an incredible show. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Chris Conley, hit notes that even I, a female, can not hit! He pulled it off beautifully, as David Soloway, second vocalist and guitarist; bassist Manuel Carrero; and drummer Durijah Lang also perfected their expertise as musicians.  

Saves the Day hails from Princeton, New Jersey and didn’t necessarily plan on becoming the band that they are today. For one year they were students at New York University, and in 1998 started a tiny side project, simply playing around campus. Soon after, they managed to draw a huge following and decided to take a year off from school. Suffice to say, they never looked back and have no regrets! Their new album, “Under the Boards,” is now in stores, and a few tracks can be listend to on their Myspace site: www.myspace.com/savestheday. 

All in all, October 25th’s concert at Hangar 84 was an incredible success. The fans, musicians, and staff were thrilled that evening. Every band agreed wholeheartedly that the venue is an excellent addition to Vineland, New Jersey, and will reestablish the lost music scene. A huge point of interest for the performers that evening was the fact that Michele Cocagna allows each band to keep 100% of their profits from merchandise sales. Michele knows how rare this is but believes that “…it is the only way to treat your guests. My son is a musician and I know how the industry works, how hard it can be.” Booking and upcoming concert information can be found at www.hangar84.com and www.myspace.com/hangar84.  

 

First published in The Grapevine.

Beating boredom in Cumberland County

Club Shampoo, located on Willow Street in Philadelphia.

By SUSIE REMPFER

Staff Writer

Living in Cumberland County, there are not many places to go to have fun. Our mall is tiny, the movie theater gets boring week after week, and there are few hang out places. However there are several places nearby in which college students can go for a new experience.

 

Clubs are a great way to party and have a good time meeting new people. Nearby Philadelphia clubs have a lot to offer. 

Club Shampoo located on Willow Street has a great environment for college kids. At Shampoo it is seventeen to enter and twenty-one to drink, making it a great place to party with people of the same age. Shampoo opens its door at 9pm and stays open until 2 in the morning. The General Admission cost to enter is $12 a person. Shampoo also offers an event called Lifted Sundays, which gives half-price admission to college students with proper ID. 

The Roxxy, another club located in Philadelphia at 939 Delaware Avenue, is also a great place to relax with friends. The Roxxy offers a night of dancing ad the latest music. Open bar packages and bottle services are also special features available. The Roxxy’s best offer includes a birthday package offering free admission to the guest of honor until 12 in the morning. The entire party is free until 11pm, and all drinks are reduced until midnight. 

Atlantic City is also a great place to have fun. Rapper Jay-Z opened up a 40/40 Club at 2120 Atlantic Avenue. The club is designed to be an interactive sports bar with a club-like music scene and overall vibe. The club is open seven days a week. Mondays thru Fridays it is open 5pm until 4am, and weekends it is open 12pm until 5am. 

Atlantic City also offers a series of shopping outlets known as The Walk. The outlets are also located on Atlantic Avenue, and they are open 10am to 9pm Mondays thru Saturdays. Sundays they open at 10am as well and close at 6pm. The outlets boast major stores such as Adidas, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, H&M, Liz Claiborne, Tommy Hilfiger, and Zoo York.