Twilight - The Movie

Photo courtesy MTV Movies

Beware !!!
Vampires are invading Theaters on November 21st

By Margarita Brown

Senior Staff Writer

Everybody has read or seen the first five movies of Harry Potter’ books, soon to be six. Now, it’s time to step aside and welcome the new and expected movie about one of the best-seller authors.

I’m pretty sure every Harry Potter’ fan went into comma when they heard the bad news that the new movie, Twilight, supposed to be released on December 12th, is now replacing the release date of Harry Potter 6th movie on November 21.

However, at the same time, the new movie’ fans call them “Twilighters” were extremely happy about the news.

Twilight is the story of a seventeen-year-old girl who is going to fall in love with a seventeen-year-old perfect guy; but he has a secret. He is a 107-year-old vampire.

Besides being the first book of the phenomenal four book series written by best- selling author, Stephanie Meyer, it is also the first to be on screen Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn are written by Bella’s perspective; however, Midnight Sun is Twilight but from Edward’s perspective.

Before this big movie sensation started, fans had already posted on YouTube trailers about the movie, and there are tons of web pages dedicated to the movie, such as http://www.twilightthemovie.com/, http://www.hisgoldeneyes.com/, http://www.twilightmoms.com/, http://www.edwardandbella.net/, and many more.

Now, with only a day before the big premiere, Twilight has already become a huge success with many teenagers, especially girls, and moms, too.

MTV News has dedicated every Tuesday specially for Twilighters, and it’s called Twilight Tuesday, where they cover every minute of this movie. They have interviews with the cast, the director, the author, and they also show Twilight’s trailers.


The story takes place in the small town of Forks, WA; a rainy and no-sunny place. It is also set in Port Angeles, WA; Phoenix, AR; and La Push, which is the Quileute Indian Tribe. However, the film was shot in St. Helens, OR; Portland, OR; and Vernonia, OR.

On one Twilight Tuesday, MTV had an interview with the person who is the brain behind this movie, Director Catherine Hardwicke. She described the vampires with “No fangs allow.” “These are beautiful, super sexy vampires. They’re stronger enough and powerful and they can kill you any way,” she added.

But as all books that become movies, there are always some things that are left out in the process of being made into a movie.. On another Twilight Tuesday interview, Producer Greg Mooradian announced that “We are not making Twilight the book, the movie. We love the book, and we know the audience loves the book. But at the same time, you have a separate responsibility to make the best movie you can make.”

The last Twilight trailer submitted on You-Tube by Summit Entertainment ends up with Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen saying, “You are [Bella, play by Kristen Stewart] my life now.”

On November 4th, the Twilight soundtrack was available in stores A 12 song CD which includes bands such as Linkin Park, Muse, Paramore, singer Rob Pattinson, and many more.


For more information, check out:
Stephanie Meyer web site http://www.stephaniemeyer.com
Twilight The Movie website http://www.twilightthemovie.com
The Official Twilight Film on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/officialtwilightfilm?ob=4

Coming Up Next (Part II)

By Peter Glagowski
Staff Writer

Our previous article gave you all a good guideline to some of the new fall programs, but Part II will go more in-depth with actual critic and fan reception. You can also expect a wider range of channels and shows to be discussed so you can keep your entertainment value high for the entire fall (and possibly winter) programming schedule.

NBC just launched their new season of “Law and Order” on the 5th of November. Though starting the 19th season of a show may appear to be overkill, critics seem to have different ideas. Maureen Ryan from the Chicago Tribune writes that, “All in all, the show is much better than it was when it was rotely doing “ripped from the headline” stories, which was only a few seasons ago.” David Hinckley from The New York Daily News mentions, “As you would expect from a show entering its 19th season, the acting and the pacing are strong and confident. L&O has always been smart enough to stick with what works.” Overall, critical reception has been generally positive and fans seem to have tuned in well to the season start of one of the longest-running shows on television.

NBC also started the 3rd season of the hit show “30 Rock.” The show always had fascinating writing and wonderfully angelic performances from actor Alec Baldwin and actresses Tina Fey and Jane Krakowski, but apparently the cast is bonding closer as the series grows. Verne Gay from Newsday even went so far as to say that, “This is TV's best comedy. And there's nothing in the first two episodes that would suggest otherwise.” The writing is supposed to be even more screwball and hilarious, which should keep viewers in stitches while waiting during the commercials.

Showtime started the 3rd season of their show, “Brotherhood,” to some fairly positive reviews. Gillian Flynn from Entertainment Weekly writes that, “If Brotherhood isn't as brilliant as The Wire, it's just as believable. The cast is so solid.” While not all critics have praised the show as much as Entertainment Weekly, they all do agree that the cast is the main draw to the show. Jason Issacs, Jason Clarke and Annabeth Gish have all been turning in superb performances which are keeping their viewers glued to the television screens.

The Oxygen network has recently started their attempt at Reality TV by giving rapper Coolio his own show, “Coolio’s Rules,” which premiered on November 28. Fans of Coolio have been enjoying the show, but any sensibility or plot is simply missing. Critics have called the show a disaster, but not because of the writing. The show is said to have no cohesive platform to establish conflicts and just ends up being more like surveillance tapes. Ellen Gray from the Philadelphia Daily News says that, “Like so many of the celebrities who open up some version of their home lives to camera crews, Coolio comes off as a guy with way too much time on his hands.”

Starz began a spin-off series on the movie “Crash” with their new TV series, “Crash”. The series stars Dennis Hopper as the lead and continues to take the non-linear approach to storytelling that the movie showed. While the movie received positive buzz from critics (and even won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2005), the TV series seems to have taken a turn for the worse. David Zurawik from the Baltimore Sun writes that, “Not surprisingly, Crash, the TV series, does not measure up very well against the film in terms of atmosphere and acting.” The show is broadcast for an hour each week, yet the story never amounts to anything. Just like the movie, a lot of the dialog seems to be racist for the sake of provoking people into rage.

Comedy Central started another controversial series this season with “Chocolate News.” The show is a sketch comedy act from Comedian David Alan Grier and tackles ideas pertaining to the press. Fan reaction has been next to awful, which means that the show may not ever see another season, but critics seem to be enjoying Grier’s performances and writing a lot. James Poniewozik of TIME Magazine writes, “In all, not a great debut, but one with potential, and it shows off Grier's versatility well.” This seems to be the general reaction; anything deserves due credit for being different.

ABC has begun their second season of “Eli Stone” to positive reception. Fans see the show as the ultimate “feel good” series on TV, and critics seem to agree. Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly says, “In this warm, charming episode, the underappreciated legal show proves it's still fit to practice.” Rob Owen from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette also says that the show is, “A quality series that's the TV equivalent of comfort food.”

ABC also launched a remake of a British drama with “Life on Mars.” Jason O’Mara stars as a cop who gets transported back into the 1970’s after a freak accident. Both fans and critics note that the show really does feel like a distant planet with the 1970’s setting. Matthew Gilbert of the Boston Post writes that, “They've [ABC] pulled together a vivid cast and evoked the ideal tone - not comedy, not psychodrama, not sci fi, but an intriguingly evasive blend of them all.” Fans are also taken by the performance of lead star Jason O’Mara. With such an interesting premise, “Life on Mars” will probably be on the air for the next few years before becoming stale.

ABC does have a severely lacking show in their schedule and that is reserved for the second season of their show, “Private Practice.” No response to the show has been favorable, with critics and fans both panning the show universally. Fans have been disgusted that it focuses mainly on sexual tension while regretting leading lady Kate Walsh, yet Critics see the show as merely poorly written. Ken Tucker from Entertainment Weekly writes that, “The combined writing talents of creator Shonda Rhimes and Buffy the Vampire Slayer mainstay Marti Noxon cannot resuscitate the ailing subplots now infecting the Oceanside Wellness medical practice.” This writer watched around 20 minutes of the show and was completely lost and disturbed at the utter lack of characterization in the script.

One of the best networks on cable, FX, started what has to be seen as the worst show of the season, “Testees.” Critics have no love for the show, but fans are taking a more laid back and accepting tone. Ginia Bellafante from The New York Times abhors the show: “All of this might be vaguely defensible if “Testees” were trying to satirize the abuses of Big Pharma, or the limited opportunities for dumb white men, or really if it were trying to satirize anything at all. But it just sits there, inert, like a patient on a gurney.” Having seen the first episode, this writer can vouch for how idiotic the show really is. Fans may enjoy it, but in a way that evokes gross-out laughs.

Finally, CBS launched a new take on the sitcom with, “Gary Unmarried.” The show has been a flop so far and does not seem to be gaining any attention. The show began on September 24, yet Nielsen ratings have been shaky. Fans note that the editing is off and works against the show, but critics seem to think that the show lacks interesting side characters. David Hinckley of the New York Daily News writes, “While they're entertaining together, the show needs other characters to avoid becoming just an endless exchange of the snarky things TV writers love to have exes say about each other.”

While some shows were left out of this write up (Gray’s Anatomy and Desperate Housewives, which have both been receiving good buzz/ratings), what is included should be enough to sustain viewers for the entire fall season. A lot of shows do have competing time slots, but DVRs and digital streaming off network websites should allow you to watch any show you may be interested in. If readers have any more questions about the fall schedule, please feel free to contract the writer or editor for more information at housatonichorizons@yahoo.com.

Student Senate Meeting Draws Confusion from Clubs, Senators

By Brandon T. Bisceglia
Co-Editor in Chief

October 15, 2008 – Wednesday’s meeting of the Student Senate began spiraling into a cacophony of confusion and consternation during discussions of two items regarding student trips.

The difficulties began when Student Life Coordinator Shanté Hanks introduced a set of new guidelines for bus trips to all present, explaining that increases in fuel prices and questions from club advisors had prompted the revised policy.

The guidelines set prices for students based on average ticket prices and bus fares, with a 25-30% discount per student subsidized by club funds. If, for instance, a ticket for a show or event costs $50.00 and the average 53-seat bus to New York costs $23.00, the total cost is $83.00. Under the plan, the club would pay the $23.00, and the student would pay out-of-pocket the $50.00 for the ticket.

“I wanted to bring this to your attention,” said Hanks, “so that you didn’t think that some higher authority sits somewhere and makes these decisions and isn’t aware of your expenses and thinking of you.”

But some students were not satisfied, including Chemistry club representative Kyle Durkota, who was visibly perturbed by the guidelines, asking how the rules were to be implemented in various situations that the chart did not appear to address. He also wondered aloud why the clubs could not make their own decisions regarding mode and cost of transportation, thereby retaining greater control over their allotted funds. He pointed out that if a club wished to use its entire pool of funds to completely subsidize a trip, it should be able to.

“Why shouldn’t clubs be able to use their money to make things as cheap as they can?” he asked. “We go to a community college. I don’t have a lot of money – maybe some people here do, but most don’t.”

Hanks rebuffed the remarks, saying that her policy was not meant to stifle the autonomy of the clubs – only to offer them a clearer idea of prices. She suggested that local trips with small groups could make use of the HCC’s two vans, which would significantly cut the cost of transportation.

The Senate pressed on despite the dispute, but hit another snag when the topic of the annual Senate-sponsored trip to Italy arose. This time, it was Senator Kaitlyn Shake who expressed doubts. After Hanks explained that the trip had to be held during winter session classes (instead of the traditional spring break) because of Holy Week, Shake pointed out that this in effect excluded any students who were taking winter courses.

Shake and several others then began questioning how the decision to go to Italy even arose. Because the Senate was subsidizing up to $8,000 for the trip, she believed that the choice of destination ought also to rest in the hands of the senators. When Hanks replied that she was responsible for making the choice in concert with the travel agency and with approval from administration, Shake grew perplexed.

“So the discount’s coming out of students,” she asked, “but we don’t actually have a voice as to where we’re going to go?”

Hanks remained unperturbed. “You do have a voice… I tried like a million other places… and they’re all about the same price. But Italy is the one that so many students wanted to go to.”

When asked how the desire of those alleged students is determined, Hanks replied that they come to her personally. “(They say) ‘We’d like to go here,’ or ‘We’d like to go there,’ and they make the suggestions.”

The issue did not end there, though. Shake brought up the Senate meeting from May when possible destinations for the trip had been discussed. “I recall other alternatives we collectively agreed on,” she said. Peru, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Egypt were all mentioned, “but nobody said anything about Italy. I remember because I seconded the motion.”

Hanks maintained that Italy had been talked about at the meeting in question, and the two proceeded to quarrel over whether Shake’s recollection was accurate until President Jackielyn Hudson interjected, ending the debate because of time.

Hudson concluded by saying that Hanks’ office was open anytime for questions or concerns from students.

An Active Turkey is a Happy Turkey

Lending a Helping Hand this Thanksgiving
By Janiece Jackson
Managing Editor

Food, food, food and more food, is the main focus of Thanksgiving for most. Don’t get me wrong it’s up there on my list of important fall factors, but the older I grow the more I am able to appreciate the holiday and the season in which it falls. I’ve learned that more significant than food is helping and blessing others with the opportunity to enjoy the day as much as I do.

There are a plethora of activities that take place during the Thanksgiving holiday that support certain organizations, communities and families in need. From food drives, to 3K races; there is always something to get involved with.

“This will be my third year participating in the Southport Thanksgiving Day Race,” said Alex Carrel, an HCC Student. “The money that runners pay to participate goes to support Non-Profit children’s organizations… That’s a big deal to me.”

I too, along with Alex, will be running that race. And although it will be extremely cold outside Thanksgiving morning, my little Turkey Trot will warm up not only my body but my heart as well.

Pro-Health Chiropractic of Fairfield will be hosting a food drive. However, this is no ordinary food drive. Throughout the commencement of November up until Saturday, November 22, Pro-Health will be offering a comprehensive physical examination that includes an orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic analysis, along with x-rays in exchange for 2 bags of non-perishable food items.

Those that wish to simply donate, and not receive an analysis, are also welcomed to do so. This is a great opportunity to see if chiropractic care could help you or a family member, while also helping out families in need. All food items will be donated to The Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County to help make this Thanksgiving one to remember.

As always, churches, and clinics will be gratefully accepting donations of all sorts from non-perishables to clothing. These items will without a doubt, be offered and available to families who need them the most.

“Every year my family and I gather bags of clean colorful leaves and take them to schools all over Fairfield County to be used for art projects,” said Meghan Arrea, An Early Childhood Education student. “This may not seem like a big deal, but school officials appreciate this because the kids really love hands-on artwork.”

This simplicity in the act of kindness offered by Arrea and her family is multiplied by the excitement of the students when they are able to put their individual artistic ability to work.

Take the time to find the act of volunteering that’s right for you. But keep in mind that there are many activities taking place all around you. To schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one at Pro-Health, call (203) 333-2700, or to simply make a donation, items may be dropped off at Pro-Health Chiropractic, located at 1515 Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield.

So before you get hit with your annual dose of tryptophan, put your holiday energy to the test. Jump on the band-wagon of helpful hands. A little Turkey Trotting never hurt anybody.