The Crier
“T’he Voice of the CCC Student “Body”
December	ISSUC	Fall 2003
The Craft:
Its meaning to me, Why I wish to be a part of it
And what it really is (or at least what I think). By Raven’s Blood (E.House)
The Craft to me is a way to worship the Goddess and the God, a way to show my love for them and to experience their love to me. The magical aspect of the Craft though important to me is secondary, my involvement in the Craft is to worship.
But it also means other things to me, things that are harder to put into words. Since I’ve started to follow the Craft I’ve felt a greater connection to the world around me, to nature and to the universe. I no longer feel separate from everything, I feel connected, as if something had been blocking me, but that has now been removed.
For most of my life 1 followed the Christian path, but never really felt connected to it, many of the things which Christianity teachers are good, but the negative aspects of it
unfortunately outweigh the good. About two years ago I started to become less and less comfortable with the Christian path, and I start to search, I began to look at other religions, at first I told myself that it was only an “academic” interest. But soon that faijade fell away, and I started to look in earnest for a new religion. 1 looked at many different ones from different sects of Christianity, to Taoism and other eastern religions, and Paganism. After a lot of study I found that many of my believes about the world and how things are in it and around it were already found in Wicca, I have taken all that 1 have learned from Christianity, to the Eastern Paths, to other forms of Paganism to enhance my life and to honor the Goddess and the God better.
The Craft is the gift of the Goddess to her children, a way to commune with her and for her to commune with us. Magic is her blessing away to strengthen ourselves through the power which is her, the power that resides in all things from you and me to the universe to the smallest rock, to the largest tree, to the quarks and strings the comprise all of the physical reality.
Meet the staff of The Crier By Sarah Meyers
Jennifer Betser
Adorable and very creative,
Jen writes our advice column.
She also write extra poems, and Likes animals. Jen is very open minded And open to questions and comments For advice or just everyday life.
James Dean
Jason is a staff writer/bum
of The Crier. A poet, he is at present
single
and looking. Currently Jason is playing Command and Conquer, “Red Alert II”. He writes our game reviews and loves to sleep.
Grant “Peaches” Blackburn
Assistant Editor of The Crier, Grant does “Whatever needs doing”. This two fisted journalist specializes in crowd control. Also
known as Peaches, or “My Giant” Grant is
A lamb in hard shell (kind of like an oyster).
Missy Faber
Secretary of The Crier, this Wonderful mother of one writes Our quotes column. Missy also writes Our minutes for the meetings, and the Movie reviews. Who would have thought
That this cutie would love to read, and oh
Yeah, write.
Joshua Lahnum
This mildly cynical, very sarcastic Journalist loves wolves, reading, and Mongeese. The main editor of The Crier.
Dashboard Confessional goes Professional:
By Sarah Meyers The newest album from the boys of Florida, named “A Mark, a mission, a brand, a scar” is nothing short of fantastic, The only thing this album lacks from the MTV Unplugged cd released last year is the sing along chicks and the cries of heartbroken teenagers. The first single, “Hands Down” reeks of lovelorn teenagers engaging in their first physical love. With lyrics such as “Your legs are smooth as they graze mine, we’re doing fine, we're doing nothing at all....” You can see they are just an indication of the youthful hope and naivety expressed by these two young lovers. They give off this sense of sneaking around giddy James Bond style with the lyrics “The words are hushed, lets not get busted. Just lay entwined here, undiscovered.” This album is full of contributions from all of the band members, which is unique from the rest of Dashboard’s albums. In that sense, it loses it lonely heartbreak underlying theme of Chris’s emotional songs. However, for those less nostalgic, this is a break through in more guitar riffs, and catchy choruses. 1 predict the next single off this album will be... dun dun dunnnn... “Ghost of Good thing”, classic opening of the acoustic solo, but it develops into a ballad of lost love and chasing off the best thing you could have had. All in all, the album is fun, and hopeful, therefore 1 give it all five out of
five rocking skulls. Already released in stores, so get your emo ass out and buy this album to add to your collection of heart-core.
“Lost Soul”
By: Melissa Faber
Wandering about,
Lost and scared in a fascist society.
Distend to find happiness.
Yet none is found.
Desperation to find myself,
A hole so deep inside my soul, And it burns.
Aching with sorrow,
And all the pain.
Feeling everything and nothing all at once.
Scared to look deep inside myself,
To find myself.
What if 1 am not who 1 hope? Will it change me?
And if so,
Will it be for the good?
Or have I become the heartless *itch,
I once was long ago?
Has the constant door mat syndrome broken me?
Have I no heart anymore?
Has the heartlessness of society, And the desire to be like everyone else,
Threatened to rip my soul in half? Why can’t I be me?
Why is it so hard to feel,
Who I am?
corning community college
Advice
By: Jennifer Betser
Somehow my boyfriend got the mouth disease, Thrush, and his family thinks I gave it to him, and wont stop making sarcastic jokes and rude comments to me about it. I didn’t give it to him, and I don't know how to make them believe me.
The first thing you should do is to tell your boyfriend how much it upsets you that his family is treating you this way. He should talk to his family on your behalf, and if he doesn’t want to go at it alone, then go with him. You both should sit down with his family (I would suggest only a couple family members at a time. For example:	you, your
boyfriend and his dad, then you, your boyfriend, and his sister... etc.) However when you sit down with them, don’t get your back up at first, misunderstandings are common, and his family might not mean any harm by their remarks, but may think it’s a joke. If that’s the case make sure you tell them how much it bothers you, and that should put an end to it. If they are making these remarks on purpose, still tell them how much it hurts you and upsets you when they speak of you that way. If it doesn’t stop, let it ride. Everything in life goes on, and in a couple of months they will have a new topic to gossip about, and wont even remember this whole incident.
Why won’t my girlfriend get
rid of everything/anything that has to do with her ex- boyfriend (notes, pictures, etc.)?
This can be upsetting for a lot of “new” boyfriends in a girl’s life. She may have MANY different reasons for wanting to keep the memories, and it might be due to certain circumstances. If it has been a long time since she dated this other guy, she probably doesn’t have feelings for him anymore, but just wants to keep the memories. She’s not going to sit there and go through the notes and pictures every waking moment of her l ife, and probably not at all. Itmightjustbethefact of keeping memories from a certain stage in her life. Girls do weird things like this, and they probably can’t even explain it, but it most likely means nothing or close to nothing to her. So don’t worry about the things she kept from her old boyfriend, only start to worry about it if she looks at her “memories” every moment she gets, and cant stop talking about her ex-flame. Then, only then, might you have a problem. For now, spend ever)' moment you can with her, that way you can make your own memories that she can keep for a lifetime, whether you are together forever or not.
I recently ended a relationship with a boyfriend of 1 year, and while we were dating I was extremely close to every memberof his family. After the breakup his younger sister still talks to me. Today her friend contacted me and told me his
sister was having some problems. She started drinking, smoking and has tried to kill herself. I am not in the family anymore, but I can't just ignore what is going on, what should I do?
Since his sister seems to really like you, and feels close to you, I would try to talk to her. See if there is anything you can do to help, just be there to stand behind her, and help her through a rough time. Don’t get too involved since you aren’t a member of the family anymore, but defiantly see what you can do to help. Since she is younger than you, you have probably experienced some of the same feelings she may be going through. Offer her that. Tell her you were there once, and you can relate to her feelings. Other than that I would leave it up to the family to decide what is best for her. Just help comfort her through everything she is going through, and I’m sure everything will turn out ok.
I have an older boyfriend (He is 24,1 am 18) and I really like him and enjoying being around him. The only problem is, I feel like a little kid around him and I hate it!! Is there anything I can do to feel "older" or do I just need to put up with it?
If you enjoy being around him so much, than try not to worry about it, just think before you speak, and if you think it sounds childish bite your tongue. Also think before you act, if it seems childish, don’t do it. Try not to
get mad about little things (they may seem big to you, but to him they may not), and if you do get mad, try your hardest not to yell a lot, or jump at him. However, if he is with you in the first place, he must see something special in you, and most likely the last thing on his mind is how much of a “child” you are acting like (you may not even be acting childish, but just feel that way in your own mind).
Well, that’s it for this semester. Hope you liked the issues we put out. Don’t worry, there will more next semester. We thank you for any and all support you’ve given us and hope that it conitues come January. Good luck on finals and all that other stuff people say to other around this time.
I’m not even supposed to be here today!
-Dante
November 21,2003 Letter to the Editor:
Hi Josh. Let’s talk. Okay, scratch that. I’ll talk; you listen. Sounds like you’re mad. Why don’t 1 talk about that? You say that I must think your paper sucks. You say that I haven’t read it. You say that the apparent sucky-ness of the paper is my fault because I won’t write back.
I say you are wrong, wrong, and...hmm, oh I don’t know...wrong! First of all, I don’t think “our” paper sucks. 1 think the paper is a great idea, and, moreover, tends to highlight lots of local talent (albeit of a sometimes satirical nature). Maybe it’s just your attitude that sucks. You make assumptions about me; I’m going to “just move right on to throwing out [my) entirely uniformed opinion of it”? You imply that is possible, although apparently unlikely, that we have a body of literate students on campus. You are writing a column in a newspaper that people are only going to see if they are literate, and reading your paper!!! And you are going out of your way to piss that audience off. Why?
Also, I would like to feed you this little tidbit of information: 1 have read ever article published by The Crier in the last year and a half. I even wrote a column last semester. And Fm not alone. Among my closer friends on this campus, I can name at least fifteen offhand that read The Crier (when it’s published), and would like to enjoy the articles. Sometimes we
actually do. Your editorial predecessor was a friend of mine, and I recall that he was the first to admit when there were errors in his newspaper (But we all read it anyhow). If there are problems, own up to them. Doing so will only increase your audience.
Finally, I would like to bring to your attention that 1 am writing back; however, it is not my job to proofread your paper. I understand that you were haying trouble dealing with employee turnover, and a lack of enthusiasm for the paper in general. I even sympathize with you. But I think you have mistaken the situation: 1 don’t think the issue is the students who don’t like your paper...sounds to me like you don’t like your job!
Righteously indignant,
Sarah L Roe
I am prepared to meet my Maker.
Whether my Maker is preparec ‘or the great ordea of meeting me is another matter.
-Sir Winston Churchill
Letter From the Editor:
Sarah L. Roe,
I’d first like to thank you for responding to my editorial. This is just the reaction I was looking for. Yes, you are right; I did write this with the intent of angering audience to elicit come sort of response out of them. Maybe it was the wrong approach, but it was the one I decided to go with. 1 can see you don’t agree with my methods, and that’s perfectly acceptable. It’s a free country and you’re allowed to disagree with me all you like.
Something I’d like to focus on though is that the way you make it sound is that this letter was a personal attack against you. I know this probably wasn’t your intent, or 1 at least hope it wasn’t. I assure you, this wasn’t aimed at anyone specific. This was a piece written about a general group of people on campus. I realize not everyone hates the paper and thinks it’s a joke. I’d have to be an idiot to think that given the fact that the organization still exists at all. I am appreciative of those who do support us and all of them have my thanks. This article was not aimed at the people who support us and want us to stay around. This was aimed at those who like to run their mouths and not help out in any way. And as for the remark about people being illiterate, it wasn’t a statement that people on this campus can’t read. I know they can read, or they wouldn’t be at college. It’s because I know they can read that I made that remark. If they can read, then they have no excuse for
not reading the paper.
Another point you made was that you wrote for the paper last semester. This is something 1 am aware of. I believe we have even met once or twice. Again, this wasn’t a personal attack against you. I also admit there are problems with the paper. Some of them are staff related. All the members of my staff, including myself, are quite busy with our academic careers. We do the best we can with the small staff that we have, while juggling our schedule of classes at the same time. It goes without saying that our education comes first.
I’m also aware that it’s not your job to proofread the paper, and I thank you for doing so anyway. There is no excuse for that. The only thing I can say to that is we will be more vigilant in the future. This is a college paper and it should look like one as well.
There’s just one more thing I’d like to address. You said it sounds like 1 don’t like my job. Nothing could be further from the truth. I must enjoy this job if I haven’t quit by now. Nothing is forcing me to stay; I could turn my back on this paper at any time. As with any other job though, I get frustrated from lime to time, especially when it seems that all the effort we put forth means nothing. I’m sure even you have days where you wish you didn’t have to do your job even if it’s a brief, fleeting moment. I do like my job and I plan to stick with it till the very end.
With all respect,
Joshua Lahnum
Editor-in-Chief
Chapter 1 The Chase
By E. House & Melissa Faber
Rayvn Cloudbearer rushed inside the inn, and slammed the door shut. She was being chased. She brushed her long dark hair out of her face, and stepped over to the window. She peered out it, and saw nothing. She breathed a small sigh of relief, and sat down at a near by table. A young woman walked over to her table.
“Can I get you anything to drink Miss?” The barmaid asked. Rayvn looked at her, and quickly answered “ Jack Daniels, on the rocks.” The woman nodded and walked back over behind the bar. Rayvn surveyed the room, and found that there was only one other person in the inn. It was a young man sitting in the comer. She paid no attention to him, and turned back to the waitress.
“Here you are Miss.” She said, handing Rayvn the glass. Rayvn nodded and laid a five-dollar bill down on the table.
“Keep the change.” She replied, bringing the cup to her lips. As the cold liquid traveled down her throat, she noticed that the young man in the corner was watching her. She set her glass down and pulled out her dagger that was attached to her ankle. She examined the emerald incrusted handle, and then the stainless steel
blade. She retrieves her honing stone, and began to sharpen the sliver blade. Out of the corner of her eye, she was watching the young man. She watched him get up, and head toward her.
“Hello, may I sit with you? There is no point in both of us sitting here alone.” He asked, as Rayvn sheathed her dagger again. She pointed to the empty chair and he sat down. Now she could get a good look at him. He was a tall, with light blonde hair and pale blue eye. He wasn’t that bad looking. Rayvn found herself a bit attracted to him.
“My name is Marcus Whitman. I am the owner of this bar.” He said extending his hand to her. Rayvn shook it replying “Rayvn.”
“Pleasure to meet you Rayvn.” Marcus said, kissing her hand. “I have never seen you around here before.” He released her hand.
“No, I wander.” Just then the waitress came over to them again. Rayvn drank down her drink and asked for another. “Anything for you Marcus?” The waitress asked.
“No thank you.” He answered and she went to fill Rayvn’s glass. Rayvn glanced at the door, getting the feeling something was going to happen. Marcus noticed, but didn’t think anything of it.
“So what brings you here, in such a rush I might add?” He asked, as the Waitress came back with Rayvn’s drink.
Rayvn took the drink and nodded at the woman. Then she turned to Marcus and took a sip of her drink.
“I am currently hiding.” She calmly replied. She glanced at the door again. Marcus looked over at the door this time.
“1 am here on family business.” He said turning back to Rayvn. She nodded her head, and fingered her dagger, still looking at the door. “Oh yeah....” She half-assed replied. Marcus noticed her grasping her dagger. “What kind of work do you do, if you are a wanderer?” Rayvn looked at him, her face shown puzzlement.
“Can’t say.”
“I see. I take care of other peoples problems.” Rayvn’s mouth dropped open. ‘What if he’s after me too?’ She started to pull out her dagger, but Marcus piped up. “ Don’t worry, I am not after you.” Rayvn looks at the door again. “That is not what I am prepared for.” She replied and stood up, downing the rest of her drink. Marcus looks at the door again.
“ What then?”
“I told you I was being chased. There is a reason behind that.” She walked over to the window, and peaked out it. There was a large man walking up to the inn. “Shit!” She muttered, and whipped out the staff that was strapped to her back. Marcus was now on his feet and already locking the door.
“Is there a back way out?” Rayvn asked Marcus.
“Yes.” He answered. Rayvn readied her staff, and look at
Marcus. “Go out it.” She said, turning back to the door. Bang! Bang! Someone was pounding on the door.
“ GO!” Rayvn yelled at Marcus, but instead, he whipped out his 9mm pistol.
“I am not leaving you here.” Marcus said. Bang! Bang! A loud voice bellows from behind the door.
“ I know you are in there Cloudbearer! You might as well come out!” The voice was booming, and all too familiar to Rayvn.
“Look I will take care of it!” Rayvn growled, throwing her body against the door. Marcus was right behind her.
“No.” He said one more time, as the large man burst through the door, knocking both Rayvn and Marcus into a table that broke with they’re weight. Rayvn was the first to get up, jumping to her feet, her staff armed and ready. Marcus had lost his gun, and stood up just in time to miss a swing that the Large, smelly man had given. He missed by an inch, and Marcus jumped away from his grasp. He ran over to Rayvn and stood next to her, his fists up. “Marcus, please go!” Rayvn begged, but Marcus didn’t move. “I’ve got you now, Cloudbearer!” The man said, advancing toward them. Marcus moved first, with a sucker punch to the face. The man staggered and turned around, and Rayvn pulled out her cross bow, that was always loaded and shot it into his back. A loud grumble was heard, and the man went unconscious.
List of Top 20 Dogs for Families
From PetPlace.com
By Jennifer Betser
Below is a list of the Top 20 Dogs for Families... My dog is #8!!
1)	Golden retriever. The golden retriever is an excellent choice for families that enjoy lots of outdoor activities. Though originally developed to help hunt birds, the golden rapidly proved himself as a loyal and devoted family member.
2)	Welsh corgi. At about 25 pounds, the Pembroke Welsh corgi is a popular pet. This stocky short tailed breed needs daily exercise and loves romping with the kids.
3)	West Highland white terrier. This small white terrier is playful and loveable but does require some exercise to keep him happy. The Westie is a good watchdog and faithful friend that needs some grooming to keep his coat mat and tangle free.
4)	Irish setter. This beautiful red dog was originally developed to help with hunting but early on, the breed showed his natural aptitude as a companion. Loved by many and always eager to please, the Irish setter is a part of many families.
5)	Schnauzer. The schnauzer is a wonderful family pet. Eager to please and to keep the family safe, this breed usually requires regular grooming and daily
exercise. This breed thrives on human companionship and is available in three different sizes.
6)	Labrador retriever. The lab is a popular choice for active families, especially those that enjoy water sports. The Labrador seems to have boundless energy to keep up with the kids as well as natural protective instincts. Though originally developed to help hunt birds, the lab is also a loyal and devoted family member.
7)	Poodle. The poodle is an intelligent and friendly dog that craves human companionship. Happiest when allowed to run and play, the poodle is well known for being low shed, and comes in three different sizes to suit any taste.
8)	Bichon frise. This white fluff ball is a happy-go-lucky dog. Faithful and obedient, the bichon is a wonderful addition to any home. The bichon does require regular grooming to keep his coat looking great but loves to investigate and participate in anything.
9)	Airedale. A sturdy dog, the Airedale takes his job as a family friend and protector seriously. Willing to join in the fun anytime, the Airedale always keeps a watchful eye out for any potential dangers.
10)	Basset hound. With his sad droopy eyes, you may think the basset is a lazy hound. But, as soon as kids are around, this dog
will jump right in and keep up with the best of them.
11)	Beagle. The beagle may be an active breed but he fits in well with very active families. Needing a good place to sleep and plenty of games to play, this breed can easily join any family.
12)	Shih tzu. Originally bred as a companion animal for royalty, the Shih Tzu still enjoys a life a luxury. Not too proud to get down and dirty with the kids, this dog loves nothing better than sharing time with people, even if that means getting dressed up for a tea party.
13)	Boxer. The boxer may look a bit intimidating but he is actually a sweet and friendly dog. A natural guardian, the boxer prefers to spend his time with people than with other canines. Though this breed can do well in quiet homes, he can also thrive in busy active families.
14)	Cairn terrier. Despite their small size, the Cairn terrier is a tough little dog. This breed does well in any living environment as long as there are people around. As a terrier, this breed does need exercise and a romp in the park or running with the neighborhood kids suits him just fine.
15)	Collie. Forever connected to "Lassie", the collie is considered by many to be one of the best family pets. Intelligent yet patient, the collie is loved by families all over the world.
16)	Boston terrier. The Boston is a small black and white terrier that loves to make you laugh. After brief periods of activity, the Boston loves to curl up on the sofa while you read a good book. Obedient and loyal, the Boston is a good watchdog and loyal family pet, especially for the not so active families.
17)	Newfoundland. This gentle giant may drool a little too much for some people but has made a wonderful big protective teddy bear for many lucky children. Because of his size, families with very young children may want to wait a few years but those families who enjoy life near water can rest easy with this dog near by.
18)	Pomeranian. This little fluff ball looks just like a tiny fox. Weighing around 5 pounds, the Pom is an adorable breed that thrives on human companionship. Requiring little space, the Pom is great for a family with older children.
19)	Pug. Not at all pugnacious, the pug is an affectionate, loveable, even-tempered breed with great charm and dignity. Pugs love being part of the family. They are playful companions for children and will happily curl up on your lap for a nap.
20)	Whippet. Whippets are quiet, gentle and loyal. This dog tends to greet strangers with a kiss and loves children. The also love to
chase things so should always be kept on a leash or in a secure yard when venturing outdoors.
“The Meaning Of Life”
By: Melissa Faber
1 believe that 1 have discovered the meaning of life, and I wanted to share it with, you the student body. Take all that I say, in any form that you want.
Everyone is searching for the reason to why we are here, what our purpose is. To learn, it’s as simple as that. Think about what we do in our lifetimes? We take chances, and hope they are right. We make mistakes, and to be taught from them. We feel our whole world crashing down on you in an instant.
We feel happy.
We fall in love, and have our heart broken.
We are lost, and then
found.
We fear death, then stare him in the face.
We discover who we are, what we want to do, and where we want to go.
We have remorse, and feel doubt.
We see hatred, witness sorrow, and grieve.
Learning, it never ends, until our hearts stop beating...and maybe not even then.
Quotes for a Rainy Day (well any day really...)
By Jennifer Betser
My all time favorite Quote: (and a lot of other peoples)
Work like you don’t need the money
Love Like you’ve never been hurt
And Dance like you do when nobody’s watching.
Love is the glue that holds together everything in the world.
Somewhere there’s someone that dreams of your smile And finds in your presence that life is worth while,
So when you are lonely, remember this is true: Somebody somewhere is thinking of you.
Always behave like a duck on the water
Keep calm and unruffled on the surface
But paddle like the devil underneath.
Don’t compare yourself to what others are, but to what you could be.
Sometimes there is no next time, No times outs,
No second chance.
Sometimes it’s now or never.
Love your enemy... it will drive him nuts.
Every man dies, but not every man really lives.
-Brave heart
To those who can dream, there is no such place as far away.
Don’t be afraid of death; be afraid of a life unlived.
-Tuck Everlasting
Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all of its pupils.
You laugh because I’m different; 1 laugh because you are all the same.
Learn from the mistakes of others, you cant live long enough to make them all yourself.
Learn from yesterday, Live for today, Hope for tomorrow.
Great minds discuss ideas, Average minds discuss events, Small minds discuss people.
Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die.
He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever.
These Quotes are all anonymous unless otherwise stated.
The staff of The Crier would like to wish everyone at CCC a happy holiday. Be safe and we'll see all of you next semester.