Boondock smokers

“Moooo!” No, it’s not the sound of cattle being herded along the farm road; it’s the sound of smokers being herded into any one of the nine tiny boxes where we are now allowed to smoke on campus. All we need now are faculty members standing around us with electric cattle prods to make sure we stay within the lines.

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Holiday Special! A look at Candy Cane Lane!

Southern California may not get very much snow, but that doesn’t stop a Woodland Hills neighborhood, just minutes away from Pierce College, from transforming into a winter wonderland. Every year, around Christmastime, the four streets of Candy Cane Lane stemming from Oxnard Street just east of Winnetka Avenue, illuminate the valley with its festive decorations and lights of every color.

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Virginia’s Santa: Answering a child’s question about a well-known myth

What would you say if a young girl, about seven, asked you if Santa Claus is real? Would you shatter her innocence proclaiming that her jolly, rosy cheeked, and gift giving friend is nothing more than an image created by years of being remade? Or would you tell her that he is real, saying that a jolly fat man hops down into your chimney, knowing who’s sleeping or awake, leaving presents for young boys and girls who have been good while those who have been naughty are given coal? Most children find out at a young age that Santa is not real by family and friends, witnessing parents delivering gifts, or learning that the Santa at the mall is an imposter.

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Designer duds:

I noticed while shopping in the mall the other day that we are all puppets ready to be programmed into what designers wants us to buy this holiday season. Will it be the latest Burberry polo shirt, Christian Dior sunglasses, Lacoste shoes, Baby Phat jeans, Dolce & Gabbana perfume, Yves Saint Laurent belt, Versace or Prada handbag? It was endless buffet-watching consumers demagnetize the strip on their credit cards for the prize.

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