The
Powderhom
ISSUE 1
VOLUME 2 Fain 993
Lincoln illegitimate!
Distant relative of
dead president dis-
covered atUSCS;
scandal ensues
Vampire
terrorizes
at H-PAC,
three
dead, one
saved
from
vampirism
Administration har-
vests grass on the
quad; details inside
Speed demon security officers on golf
carts liarass students. Students re-
spond witti angry words of protest
HAVE WE GOT
NEWS
FOR YOU
EDITOR'S
PAGE
By Jim Pennington
ALL THE NEWS
WE'RE
ALLOWED TO
PRINT.
Welcome to the first Fall issue of
the Powderhorn. The staff and I have
worked very hard to give you the best
possible product we could. While it
has been a challenge, I think we have
all learned from this experience.
I'm very proud of my staff for
their hard work and determination.
We have taken what was done in the
last two issues and improved it.
Hopefully, you will agree.
Let us hear from you at our office
at extension 2113, Hodge 246. Fill
out the form at the end of this book.
We are giving you the power to create
a publication you can be proud of. We
urge you to use it.
Copyright 1993 by The Powderhorn and the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg. The Powderhorn
is published every semester by the students of the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg.
Opinions expressed here are those of The Powderhorn staff and contributors, and they do not necessarily
reflect those of the faculty, staff. Publications Board, or administration of the University of South Carolina
at Spartanburg. The magazine is distributed free to USC Spartanburg students, faculty, and staff.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BACK TO SCHOOL THINK ABOUT
Registration Blues
IT
3
CAB: Not just free food
4
To the Blue Ridge
5
Reach Out And Touch
19
North vs. South
20
The Blood Is The Life
6
Balancing Your Time
8
AROUND CAM-
SPORTS STUFF
PUS
Intramurals
Parking Stress
10
22
Fear To Cheer
Ape in Hodge
12
24
The Old Ball Game
Quad Grass
13
25
uses FAMILY
Lilie Mae Nance
14
Christmas Movies
16
President Lincoln?
18
POWDERHORN STAFF
AND CONTRIBUTORS
THE STAF
Jim Pennington
F
...Editor-In-Chief
...Managing Editor
...Features Editor
...Campus Life Editor
...Sports Editor
...Photo Editor
...Business Manager
...Faculty Advisor
Tangela Rice
Lauri Sacco
JoshHatchell
Adam Stover
Ella Bennett
Lisa Painter
Dr. Nancy Moore
OUR CONTRIBUTORS
A special thanks to all who contributed to this making
of this publication. The editor would like to extend his
gratitude to the following:
Joanne Montague
Dr. Ray Merlock
Frances Brice
Katrina Ramsey
Travis Henson
Katherine Young
Becky Gray
REGISTRATION
BLUES
li\ Adiiiii Stover
As ail incoming frcsiiman, I wasn't sure
whether or not getting registered would be
dilTicuil. I came to freshman orientation in
July and scheduled four classes I wanted
without much trouble.
Paying my tuition, how-
ever, was not so easy. I
went to the Administra-
tion building in late
August to settle my
account. Due to problems
about whether or not I would receive a
stipend, I ended up getting about four
different bills and waiting a week to finally
get my tuition paid.
When I started asking other students if
they had any problems with registration, I
received so many complaints and sugges-
tions that I couldn't fit them all in this
article, but here are two typical answers I
received. Sophomore Tre Orvin said. "I
didn't get registered until last because
freshmen were registered during the sum-
mer." I knew that was true since I was one
of those freshmen, but didn't mention that to
Tre. Another Sophomore, Hollie Israel,
said, "I wasn't even notified about registra-
tion until two days beforehand."
Yvonne K. Gilliam, an Admissions
Counselor here at USCS, gave tips on how
to avoid these and other hassles that may
occur when signing up for classes.
"Get advisement and information on
deadlines earh . and ask questions before the
day of registration."
USCS Financial Aid Counselor, Bobby
Holcombe, gave the following advice about
paying tuition:
/ wasn 't even notified about
registration until two days
beforehand. "
"if everybody meets the given dead-
lines, financial aid will be processed on
time, and everything will fall into place."
Holcombe also told me about a program
being tested at Columbia
in the spring of 1994
which should alleviate
long lines and the frustra-
tion of registration.
Under this new
.system, each student will
have an account. All business transactions
(loans, stipends, etc.) will be done on a
credit/debit basis. In other words, students
won't have to come to the financial aid
Financial Aid Counselor Bobby Holcombe
office unless they have a problem. If all
goes w ell at Columbia. Spartanburg will
implement this plan in the fall of 1994. It'll
make it a lot easier on all of us.
Tlie Powderhom
CAB
NOT JUST FREE FOOD
By Katrlna Ramsey
It's fun, it's jokes, it's music, it's homecoming. It's CAB.
The Campus Activity Board is ready for
the new school year. They are here with
fresh faces and new ideas.
The board, which consists of ten
people, has undergone a new image. Gone
are the days of the checkerboard sign. CAB
President Lisa Richards said, "People
thought it was cab drivers on strike. It
wasn't representative of what CAB was
planning."
This semester CAB put on events like
the drive-in movie shown at the beginning
of the semester and the lunchtime activities
such as comedians. Other events are yet to
come. This year, passes are being sold to
help override budget slashes they received.
The passes are for all semester, allowing
students to get in free at paid events. The
money will go for upcoming events and
performances and cover the costs of food
and drink.
CAB is planning events for every
student, even the non-traditional ones. The
students at Rifle Ridge are a special con-
cern. Some do not have cars, and all are
stuck there for the weekend with nothing to
do and nowhere to go. CAB is all for
entertaining the Rifle Ridge crowd.
Hospitality Chair Stacey Mills says the
events are also planned for the high school
crowd. He agrees with Richards that certain
events would serve as an open house for
high school students to come and take a
look around and see if USCS could
possibly be their place for higher learn-
ing.
CAB is a way for students to break
the monotony of the school day by
coming to lunchtime events to eat with
friends and have a good laugh.
In order to get these acts, a national
conference is held where colleges come
to see the talent. They then decide who
they want to come to their school.
These conferences are an annual
event. The conferences are sponsored by
the National Association for Campus
Activities. NACA involves schools from
all over the country who gather and try to
get the best talent for the money.
The board listens to tapes and
watches videos. They then converse and
decide who would be best suited for the
students.
Richards said, "We talk to managers
to see how much the talent costs and
maybe strike a bargain."
Sometimes USCS, Wofford, and
Converse join together to buy talent. The
act, in turn, visits all three schools. This
way, no school has to pay the full price.
When asked about complaints,
Richards said, "Suggestions are wel-
comed and encouraged, but if you come
just to complain, please don't come."
-f The Powderhorn
A WHOLE NEW WORLD
THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
by Ella Bennett
On a cold and loggy October morning a group ol' nine sludcnls and their instructor
took a trip to another world. This world, right up the road from school, is the Mlue Ridge
Parkway.
The day began wilh a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant. There iJr. Gillian
Newberry treated the group to a discussion about new treatments for diabetics.
They then stopped at Craggy Valley on the Parkway. Dr. Newberry stopped every now
and then and pointed out different plants and wildlife. One discussion centered around red
berries on trees. The berries are caused by disturbances such as roadside construction.
Students found the trip both fun and educational. Amy Carr enjoyed the time off from
work. Science Club member Lyttia Stone has always enjoyed Dr. Newberry's trips. Every-
one came away from the trip with something new.
Stiident.s about to embark on their journey
Gillian Newberry explores the area
surrounding the parkway on this
mountainous adventure
Tlie Powderhom
THE BLOOD
IS THE LIFE
bv Joshua M. Hatchell
The adaptation of Draciila that was two hundred productions, Mary took a small
presented by the Shoestring Players was a part and made it come alive. The show was
refreshing theatrical journey. The Crane a team effort that required the efforts of the
Johnson version of the script, freely adapted entire department to produce the high
by Jimm Cox, is an original
change to the melodramatic
versions of screen fame.
As the plot builds the audience
is given new plot twists that
continue to astound. The innova-
tive use of a monochromatic
design gives the feel of an old
black and white honor movie.
The fact that Professor Van
Helsing's role was played by a
woman (Jennifer Lowney) was
particularly astonishing.
The characterization in
Dracula was superb, but the most
notable performance was given by
Joy Sieg as Abigail. Abigail was
one of only two identifiable
straight parts. The audience knew
what to expect from the character,
and Joy delivered. Abigail was an
amusing diversion during the most
serious scenes and always ap-
peared on stage exactly when a
laugh was needed. After all, one
of the most memorable scenes was
Abigail twittering about the stage,
turning on the lights.
Another memorable perfor-
mance was given by Mary Sparks.
Although it would be expected
from someone who has done over
6 The Powderhoru
Dracula (Bud Holland) feasts on Lucy (Paula McWhite)
qiuilily show. The scl's monochromatic
design showed die many hours that went
into eonslruclion. And the actors hard work
was evident in their flawless performances.
Top: The cast of Dracula, Bottom: Pro-
fessor Van Helsing (Jennifer Lowney)
and Dr. Seward talk
photos courtesy of Rick Sowsky
Dracula Cast
Lucy. Paula McWhite
Dr. Seward. Jeff Newman
Dracula Bud Holland
Abigail. Elizabeth Joy Sieg
Van Helsing Jennifer Lowney
Mrs. Marker. Mary Sparks
Renfield. Joshua Williams
Jimm Cox: Director
Dr. Raymond Lee: Technical advisor
Rick Somsky: Set design and construc-
tion
77?^ Powderhoni /
THE CLOCK
IS TICKING
by Lisa Painter
It's Monday. You have an English
paper due Wednesday. You work until
eleven o'clock on Monday and Tuesday
nights. Your classes take up most of your
free time. What are you to do? Stop
eating? Move into the library? Lose what
little bit of sanity you have left?
Has this happened to you before? If
you are a full time student and have a job,
you've probably been faced with this
problem more than once.
Lisa Burrell, a full time student at
uses, works a full time job at Cannon
Roofing in Spartanburg. Lisa is a junior
majoring in Business Management. Lisa's
position at Cannon's Roofing is Payroll
Clerk in the Accounts Payable/Accounts
Receivable department. She is also a
member of the USCS dance team.
"My job gives me a lot of experience
in the Business field," Lisa says. Lisa
works after her classes, a stress which
gives her very little time to study. When
asked how she keeps up with her studies,
Lisa replied, " I study right after I get
home from work."
The real reason why most of us are
going to college is to earn a degree so that
we will hopefully get a better job when we
graduate. In order to succeed, you must set
your priorities. What is more important,
going out on Friday night or getting an
"A" or "B" on your English paper? What
would benefit you the most in the future?
Craig Martin, a full time student,
works as a lifeguard at the Spartanburg
Swim Center. He is a junior majoring in
communications. He says that the best way
for him to keep up with his job and
schoolwork is to use a daily planner. His
planner helps to keep him organized. Craig
says, "I have a few hours in between my
classes and work to catch up on my studies.
I also have my books set out for studying
when I get home from work at nine o'clock."
So, on his days off, he catches up or gets
ahead on his studying.
Better ways to better deal with
stress and set aside time to study:
1). Study the days of your classes while
the information is still fresh in your
memory.
(2). Take your books to work and study
during your breaks.
(3). Take your books with you when you
are traveling long distance. While
someone else is driving you could be
getting a little studying done.
(4). Don 't procrastinate
(5). Become a bookworm
(6). Always plan ahead!
(7). Study, study, study! Work, work,
work!
Okay, now that you've got some ideas,
things can still get pretty rough by the end of
the semester, and most of us are completely
stressed out. But the Christmas break is just
enough time to rejuvenate ourselves to jump
back into the fast-paced world.
BALANCING TIME BETWEEN WORK AND
SCHOOL
8 The Powderhom
Lcl's liice it, school cosls
money. And il'you arc
among ihc luilucky lew (and
I'm sure there are more than
a few of us), you have lo
work lo pay your way
dirough school. All of this
hard work can't be a waste.
it will pay olT in the future.
When you feel like you're
losing it, look back at my list
of ideas for helping with the
stress and studying.
Always remember,
ONLY THE STRONG
SURVIVE. Make yourself
believe that you are strong,
and you will be.
Craig Martin
Lisa Burrell
Tlie Powderhom 9
WHERE DO WE PARK?
by Katherine J. Young
When I leave USCS I will take with me a
bachelor's in computer science, a phobia of
parking places, and a deep murderous hatred of
little golf carts. I will have obtained my degree
after five or six years of hard study, concentra-
tion, and work. I contracted my two other dis-
turbing mental phobias in my junior year.
I came from a small high school, which sat
in the middle of a cow pasture in Greer, South
Carolina. Parking was never a major problem.
For the few students who drove cars, the park-
ing lot was the biggest thing about the school.
There were rows upon rows of empty parking
spaces because half the student body either
walked or rode some four legged creature to
school. The major problem at my high school
was keeping your shoes clean.
After high school I went to a small two- year
community college where every one knew not
only your name, but the car you drove. Like
high school parking was never a problem. There
was always an empty parking space nearby.
Every thing and everybody was orderly and
content.
My orderly "hcissle free" parking world came
to an end when I came to USCS, the land of no
parking. I was warned about the horrors of
USCS parking, but I did not listen. I had to
finish my education . How bad could a school
with four letters for a name be anyhow? So, off I
drove down highway 85 into the setting sun to
finish my college career.
Since I was a rather bright student, I quickly
noticed there was a big problem . Over half the
parking spaces were reserved for either the
faculty or the staff. The parking sticker I was
forced to buy read STUDENT, not faculty or
staff.
According to the layout of the parking lot,
USCS had more faculty and staff than they had
students. On the first day of class, when I tried
to park my car, I knew this was not the case.
In fact, out of class, I hardly saw any faculty,
and I have yet to see an actual working staff
person. Yet those faculty and staff people had
all the best parking places. In fact, those guys
had better parking spaces than the handicapped.
The faculty and staff people either resigned,
car pooled, or rode the bus because their cars
were never in those glorious parking places. It
was disgusting. While you cruised up and down
the lot for a place to park in order to catch the
last twenty minutes of class, the only spaces
available were for the faculty and staff.
If you even looked like you were going to
park in one of those spaces, some old guy in a
golf cart armed with a tablet loaded with pink
and yellow tickets would magically apfjear to
warn you off. This is when my hatred for golf
carts started.
I had no problem with them before I came to
USCS. In fact, golf carts were my best friends.
They helped my poor father get around the golf
course with his limited walking, and this was
good. But the campus police using golf carts to
uphold justice and fight crime-that was bad.
The thought of fighting crime in a golf cart just
did not satisfy me. The campus police were
supposed to be like regular police, right? I don't
10 The Powderhorn
Ihink so! I can Just picture a criminal robbing the
bookstore, and the campus police in hot pursuit
in their mighty goll" carls. That criminal does not
have to run to gel away. He just has to walk
briskly, and he is home I'ree. Some of these carts
do not even have doors. So if they even catch
someone, what's to slop the criminal from simply
hopping out and skipping away?
However if you, as a student, would like to
park, you must go to the woods and take a left.
They are not loo far olT, but come thirty minutes
before your class, and bring comfortable walking
shoes. You will be taking the scenic road.
uses has gotten new "super duper" goll'
carts with little yellow sirens and doors. Also to
show uses is one for advancement, I saw two
real police cars the other day.
Link (/III. shidciiis. I'm cominf> after you.
®
WAL-MART
ALWAYS THE LOW PRICE
ON THE BRANDS YOU TRUST.
ALWAYSr
Westside Wal-Mart #1035 supports USCS
The Carolinas
welcomes the NFL.
Congratulations,
Jerry and Mark.
Tlie Powderhoni I J
NO MORE
MONKEY BUSINESS!
by Tangela Rice
What does a gorilla have to do with a rifle?— Nothing at all! USCS sports are recog-
nized as the "running rifles," but some students couldn't help but notice that a monkey has
been running loose at our basketball games. This scenario tends to puzzle students because a
monkey is so often seen as a playful animal with good intentions. As soon as a rifle is put
into play, thoughts and feelings of violence erupt. A monkey provokes spirit, but a rifle
sounds intimidating.
Some students feel that both the monkey and the rifle or rifleman should get the boot
in order to find a more consistent mascot . "I am not exactly sure what the mascot should be,
but it needs to be something that evokes more spirit within the students. I don't feel that a
rifle or rifleman could do that," said USCS junior Rebecca Jordan. It is evident that there
needs to be some kind of compromise or resolution involving the representation of our
school. If the students are confused about our mascot, then obviously our visitors and fans
have noticed this, too. If the school should decide to replace the mascot, it should be voted
upon by the students since it is for the students. Let's put an end to the monkey business.
Keep the rifle or the monkey but not both!
We Say...
At Spartanburg National Bank
We Sav Yes To You!
)arl
12 The Powderhorn
FIELD OF GRASS
the quad— what's it for?
by Amy M. Ellwanger
Have yoLi ever been on your way lo class or the library here a( USCS and lo(jked
longingly al the luscious quadrangle of green grass? Every time I stroll past. I
wonder.. .Why doesn't anybody ever
use it? It is sheer beauty at waste.
Nobody lies on it. Nobody plays on
it. Nobody even walks on it!
Speaking for myself, each time I
hurry past it on my way to Calculus,
I have the strong urge to throw
myself on it and roll around until
my heart's content. Call me crazy,
but it just might help some of us
make it through a rough day.
At times, we tend to forget
our carefree youth. While we sit
here every day and find derivatives
of functions, proofread essays, and
spend hours pulling our hair out in
the labs, wouldn't it help just a little
bit to kick our shoes off and mn
through the grass with wild aban-
don? It would help us remember
how easy it was to be young and
tiiat it's not too late to immerse ourselves in childhood, even for a little while.
I cannot think of a better study break than ignoring my age and doing something
simple that used to bring so much joy. Besides, I can hardly see myself sitting in class and
sucking my thumb or singing my ABC's! In times like these, when we are too big to sit in
Daddy's lap or have our "boo-boo's" kissed, at least there is something we can do to re\isit
that ultimate period of life, childhood.
It is for this reason that I suggest that USCS take a designated time w here no classes
are scheduled. This could open the door to new activities on campus. Students could use
this time to plop down in the grass and relax or play Frisbee. "Take-up" games of soccer
or football could be started. Perhaps, for those who just cannot teai" themsehes a\\a\' from
their books, study groups could meet. I cannot think of a better way to absorb class mate-
rial than to lie in the arass and bask in the sunshine!
TJie Powderhoni J 3
WHAT GOES AROUND
COMES AROUND
by Katherine J. Young
The life of my grandmother, LiUe Mae
Nance, was a perfect example of the term
poetic justice. My grandmother was born in
1907 in NewbeiTy, South Carolina. Lilie Mae
was a beautiful, intelligent child with one
major flaw; she was too brown.
Lilie Mae's mother, Rosa Nance, was a
pretty petite woman who wanted the best life
had to offer. In order to fulfill her dreams, Rosa
crossed both the Mason Dixon and the color
line. Rosa went up North and passed herself as
a proper white woman. Rosa had removed her
self from the country, yet she was unable to
remove the country from her heart. She made
frequent trips "back home" to visit her "South-
ern Kinfolk."
On one particular visit, after Rosa was
engaged to a certain white gentleman in the
North, she was reunited with an old black beau
from Greenville. One thing led to another, and
my grandmother was the result of Rosa's little
folly. In 1907 it was certain damnation for a
girl to get in trouble . It was bad enough for a
single woman to be with child. For a passing
engaged white woman to be carrying a black
man's seed jeopardized her new found social
standing. Rosa did the only thing a woman in
her condition could do. Rosa took a nine month
extended vacation to settle her family affairs.
When my grandmother was born, Rosa
gave her away to her darker relatives. Rosa
then conveniently removed herself from
grandmother's life and continued with her
plans. My grandmother was considered the
black sheep of the family. Because of her
father, she was darker than the rest of the
Nances. Because she was illegitimate, my
grandmother was a disgrace to the family.
Lilie Mae was not treated as an exten-
sion to the Nance family. Instead, she became
the Nance's little black housekeeper. When
Lilie Mae's cousins were told how smart and
light their eyes and skin were, Lilie Mae was
refeired to as "a curly headed, black eyed, blue
gum monkey." The rest of the cousins were
sent to school to prepare for their futures. Lilie
Mae was sent to work.
Lilie Mae escaped her situation when
she married Lum Burton. Like Lilie Mae, Lum
was also a family outcast. Lum's mother was a
Cherokee Indian, and his father was black. So
Lum Burton was too black to be an Indian, and
too red to be black. He was the perfect match
for Lilie Mae Nance.
Together, the Burtons had eight chil-
dren in "stair step order," and the family was
happy. This happiness did not last long. Lum
died of a stroke, and Lilie Mae was left with
eight children to raise alone. Lilie Mae could
not receive help from her family, because her
children were darker than herself. So Lilie Mae
relied on something she had done since she
was a child. She went to work as a maid. While
the older children went to school, the younger
two went to work with her. Lilie Mae would
awaken at 5:00 a.m. to get her family off to
school. She would arrive at work by 6:00 a.m.,
and work until 8:00 p.m.
Once, after Lilie Mae had cooked
breakfast, lunch and dinner; cleaned the house;
waxed the floors; washed and ironed the
clothes, Mrs. Annie, the house owner, claimed
1-^ The Powderhorn
dissalisfaclion. .She clitl not pay Lilic Mac lor the
work. Lihe Mae did not become biller. Instead
she made a mental note not to work for Mrs.
Annie again. She also passed this information
along to her friends.
Lilic Mae was a strong believer in what
went arc)nnd came around. She was confident
"God did not like ugly," and knew one day she
would receive her ultimate reward.
For over fifty years, Lilic Mae scrapped,
struggled, and prayed. Alone, she was able to
raise those eight children. From these eight
children, Lilic Mac iiad 45 grandchildren and SO
great grandchildren.
Toward the end of her life, Lilic Mae
suffered from a series of strokes. She was unable
to care for herself, and was in need of constant
medical attention. Because Lilie Mae's late
husband was a veteran of the great war and
worked for the railroad, she was entitled to his
social security. With her extra income Lilie Mae
was placed in an exclusive nursing home where
she would receive constant care. Lilic Mae was
now living with the people she worked for. In
fact, Lilie Mae roomed with Mrs. Annie, the
woman who didn't pay Lilie Mae for her work.
Mrs. Annie was punished more than one
way for her treacherous deeds. Her family had
dumped her in the nursing home and all but
abandoned her. Mrs. Annie depended on Lilie
Mae's family for companionship and her daily
necessities. For the five years Lilie Mae stayed
in that home, not a day went by where Lilie Mae
did not remind Mrs. Annie what came around
went around. Lilie Mae's life had come to a full
circle. Lilie Mae went from an abandoned
unwanted child to honored patron of an ever
growing family. Lilie Mae was surrounded b>'
"her people". She got the privilege of meeting all
her grand and great grandchildren.
The day Lilie Mae died she was sur-
rounded by the people who loved her the most.
Her family.
k**U4:'l
Lilie May Nance, a heroine for our times
Hie Powderhom •'•?
CHRISTMAS
ON THE SILVER SCREEN
by Jim Pennington
There have been many fine fihns made
about the joyous time of the year named
Christmas. Whether it's George Bailey
begging for a second chance at Ufe, or Kevin
McCallister home alone, these films I've
chosen are touching and memorable.
I thought I would give my favorites
with the reasons I enjoy them. It might even
enhance your viewing of these films. I've
also included some television specials that
appear every year and are available on
video.
What better way to begin than with It 's
A Wonderful Life . This is the classic
Christmas movie. It's the perfect mix of
warmth, humor, unforgettable characters,
and most importantly Christmas.
James Stewart plays George Bailey, a
man who feels life passed him by. Because
of incidents like a substantial loss of money,
the pressures of raising a family, and
missing out on college because of the
business, George feels useless. His life gets
to the point where he feels he has nothing to
live for. At the last possible moment, an
angel named Clarence rescues him from a
fatal mistake. He shows George what his life
would be like if he were never born.
Throughout the rest of the film, George is
shown his life has made a difference on the
little town of Bedford Falls.
Vintage direction by Frank Capra
makes this an unforgettable holiday treat.
Stewart and Donna Reed are perfect as the
troubled couple. Henry Travers is lovable as
the life saving inhabitant of Heaven.
This film runs an average of fifty times
each year. People love it, and it's easy to
see why.
Christmas Eve : This television movie
made in 1986 still shows up on cable
stations every year. It stars ageless Loretta
Young in her first television role in years.
Young plays Amanda Kingsley, a spirited
and eccentric millionairess who only
wants to spend the holidays with her
grandchildren. Her son is jealous of her
power in the company, so he alienates his
children. She never gets to see them.
Her urgency for a Christmas with her
grandchildren is prompted by an illness.
She has only months to live.
She hires a private detective to help
track them all down and invite them to
Christmas. One by one they all agree to
come, and they show up on Christmas
Eve.
This is a good old fashioned holiday
tear jerker. I wouldn't want it any other
way.
National Lampoon 's Christmas Vacation :
Chevy Chase may be in a rut with his
canceled talk show and lousy movies, but
he struck gold with this laugh- filled joy.
The Griswolds are back with one of their
usual bumbling vacations. The first two
were chaotic, why should Christmas be
any different?
Clark (Chase) decides he wants to
have a "Griswold family Christmas" at
their home. The strangest family ever
captured on film shows up to celebrate the
season as only the Griswolds would do it.
16 The Powderhom
The (ICC calclics on lire, grandma's cat is
elcclrocLitcd in a very lunny scene, Clark
gets loci<ed in the attic while the rest of the
ramily is shopping. It's one liin gag after
another. Yule love it.
Scroof^cil : This 1988 retelling oi'the
Charles Dickens' classic A Chnstnias Carol
could jingle the hells of even the coldest
hearts.
Bill Murray stars as Frank Cross (great
name), who is the meanest, crudest person
to fill the screen since Scrooge. Frank shows
everyone how much he hates Christmas by
firing a co-worker and refusing a raise for
his poor secretary (Alfrie Woodard). That
night, he is visited by the three Christmas
ghosts. The ghost from the past is a cab
driver from New York, who reminds
Frankie of his humble beginnings. He is
shown the many heartless Christmas Eves he
spent in front of the television. That's a
subtle hint to kids.
Christmas present is a fairy, brilliantly
played by Carol Kane. She shows Cross the
grim residence of his underpaid secretary,
and how his brother still loves him. Kane
also reminds him of the one that got away,
Claire (Karen Allen).
Christmas future is a tall, ghoulish
creature who shows Cross his lonely fiery
funeral. This gruesome image changes Frank
and prompts him to give a touching
soliloquy during the final moments of the
film.
An all-star cast has made this a classic,
at least in my household. Karen Allen. John
Forsythe, Kane, MuiTay, and Alfrie
Woodard are all memorable in ihis hilarious
Yuletide comedy.
I can't end this without talking about a
couple ol classic holiday specials.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer : Who
hasn't seen this jewel from the sixties half a
dozen times? True, this has turned into the
Rocky Horror of the holidays. The story
and animation are still a delight.
Everyone knows the story, so J won't go
into it. Rudolph sounds like he's got a cold,
and Hermie is annoying. Hey, it's tradition.
A Charlie Brown Christmas : My best friend
would hurt me if 1 didn't mention this
classic.
Charlie is picked to direct the annual
Christmas play. They need a tree for the set.
so Charlie and Linus are sent to pick one
out. They bring back a real but pitiful tree.
The gang ridicules him until Linus reminds
him that the first six letters of Christmas is
Christ.
The real star of this one is Snoopy, as
always. He enters his doghouse in the lights
and displays contest and wins first place. If
Charlie really got a normal dog. he wouldn't
be as lovable.
Special movies have been made about all
the holidays. I know I've left out some
classics like White Christmas and A
Christmas Stan-. If you haven't seen the
ones I've mentioned. I urge you to rent or
catch them off cable this year. It's beginning
to look a lot like Christmas.
TJie Powderhoni 1 /
PRESIDENT IN THE FAMILY
MY FAMOUS RELATIVE
by Craig Martin
My family's name on my father's
side is Martin. The Martins came from
Scotland and Ireland. They are tall, dark
haired, with large noses, sometimes called
the Martin nose. The really interesting part
of the family's history is a Martin that does
not claim to be one, Abraham Lincoln.
As the story goes, Nancy Hanks, the
mother of Lincoln, lived in Rutherford
County in North Carolina. She was a maid
for a plantation owner. Another owner in
that area had an overseer named Richard
"Dick" Martin. He was the brother of
Jeremiah Martin, my great, great, great
grandfather. Many of the townspeople
knew that Nancy and Richard were seeing
each other. At some point, Nancy became
pregnant, and the plantation owner was first
thought to be the father.
Nancy's father was very
upset and did not want
anyone else to find out that
Nancy was pregnant. Her
father took her out of town
to have the child. After she
gave birth, she was
brought back to town. The
plantation owner's wife did
not like Nancy. So, they
paid a traveling salesman
$25 to take her away and
marry her. That man's
name was Thomas Lin-
coln.
18 The Powderhom
Many people still believe that
Abraham Lincoln was Richard Martin's son.
There is also a place in Rutherford County
named Lincoln Hill, the alleged site of
Lincoln's birth.
Years later there was even a story of
a visiting preacher at the home of Richard
Martin's grandson. The preacher and
Martin's grandson were looking around the
farm when the preacher says, "That's inter-
esting to have a picture of Abraham Lincoln
above your fireplace. You don't see many
Southerners that would do that."
The grandson replied, "That's not
Abraham Lincoln, that's my grandfather,
Richard Martin."
And so it goes.
REACH OUT AND TOUCH
SOMEONE
hv Ixniri Scitco
Every day I come home
from school, I pass by a sweet
old man who siLs in his
wheelchair outside his
apartment door. More often
than not, I'm usually in such a
hurry that I have only time to
say hello as I'm running up the
stairs to my apartment. I can
immediately sense his feeling
of loneliness as he tries to ask
me a question before I can
close my door. I answer him
abruptly and then hurriedly go
in to get ready for the next
endeavor of the day. Before I
leave my apartment again, I
always find myself hoping that
he won't still be sitting out there, because I'd
feel bad having to ignore him once again. I
remember one afternoon when I started to
sneak by him and he called out my name.
When I turned around, before I could utter a
single word, he looked at me with such a
sympathetic face and told me that someone
had stolen his dog. Days before, he was just
telling my roommate how that dog was his
best friend and how he'd feel so empt\-
without him. My heart felt so sad for this
man. That's when I began to thmk, just how
happy I could make somebody by just giving
My Great-Grandmother, Maria Cenlore
a little of my time.
There are a number of
elders that long for some
attention. Many of them
ha\ e families. They could be
somebody's parents,
grandparents, aunts or uncles.
So why are they left so lonely
in what is supposed to be their
"golden years"?
The senior citizens are a
large part of our population,
and yet they are treated as
though they were the plague or
something. They are p)eople
too, only older. They have
more experience and wisdom
than we so often gi\ e them
credit for. They ha\ e feelings and w ant to be
touched too, whether it's simply holding their
hand or even giving them a hug. We should all
remember that aging is incMtable. Think of how
you would like to be treated when you become
old, if you are so luck\' as to make it to such a
point in your life.
I know that days can get hectic and the
simplicities of life can easily be forgotten, but
think of the smile you could put on someone's
face just by taking time to say hello. Think about
the self gratification if you took just a moment to
reach out and touch someone.
Tlie Powderhom 19
CULTURE SHOCK
THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH
by Laiiri Sacco
By attending college here in
Spartanburg, I have been introduced to a
new cultural world
compared to that of my
hometown, Syracuse, New
York. The cultural
differences between the
North and the South go far
beyond the accents we
hear when a Northerner or
a Southerner speaks.
I asked a few dozen
people how they perceived
the culture of the North
versus that of the South.
When I asked the same
question to both groups of
people, their responses
about these opposite
cultures were very similar.
They all seemed to agree on the basic
generalizations about the apparent
differences in religion, environment,
food, language, and attitudes.
Although Catholicism is the
primary religion practiced in the North, a
wide range of other religions are also
accepted. Here in the South, the Baptists
dominate and outweigh any other religion
by a landslide. Although the North takes
religion seriously, the rules which they
abide by aren't as strict as those in a
Baptist community. The Baptists hold
strong to the belief that Sunday is a day of
20 The Powderhorn
The war is over....
We unite, art by T. J. Sacco
rest, and they acknowledge this by
postponing business hours to after church
and by prohibiting alcohol
sales.
Rocky Clark, a
construction manager, said,
"I have been kicked off job
sites because of Blue Laws
that state this type of work
is not allowed on Sundays."
Up North, these laws do
not exist.
The number of retirees
that move from the North
to the South can tell you a
Northerner's perception
about the South's
environment. Now that I've
lived in both areas, I will
admit that the South's
surroundings are much prettier. The grass
is greener, and the winters don't get as
cold, but the North's skiing conditions
can't be beat! The North is more
metropolitan with a fast paced life-style,
whereas the South is more suburban and
more rural.
One thing I did notice immediately
during my cultural transition was that for
the most part, the foods are similar. I do
miss certain items, like Coneys, which are
white hot dogs, and Headlights, which are
a certain type of doughnut. I suppose
adding Grits and barbecued pig could
replace these things in my diet... hut that's
a little hard to swallow.
Both the language and the
vocabulary of these two cultures is
probably the strongest obvious difference.
Each group of people believes the other
has the accent. The vocabulary varies as
well. I think you all will agree that the
greatest slang word that the South is
known for is "ya'll." Words like "fixin"
had me a bit confused when I first moved
to the South, but I suppose "you guys"
didn't seem appropriate to address some
of my new friends, who were girls!
Where "ma'am" and "sir" are said
to be courteous to one another here in the
South, a Northerner may take it as an
insult. Calling a woman in her late
twenties "ma'am" in the North would be
like calling her an old lady. Many people
I spoke with about this issue also
commented that the North uses more
vulgarity and speaks with an altitude.
Speaking of attitudes, this was the
first reply every person 1 talked to had .
Whether they were from the Norih or the
South, everyone said the Northerners
have an attitude. They said the South is
more Iriendly and accepts people more
easily. They also stated that the North is
quick to give someone a dirty look or to
be inconsiderate. They said that where the
North is aggressive and frank, the South
is more hesitant and soft spoken.
With all the differences these two
cultures may hold. 1 believe that if we
look below the surface, we "re all one and
the same Just in different ways!
EVERY
STORY
Tlie Powderhom 21
p^
^SNyS*. »«*«»»*
Apri! McCniw
22 The Powderhorn
INTRAMURALS
hy Adam Stover
Over the past two years, the
Intiaiiuirals programs at USCS has qua-
drupled in size. Last spring a count was
made of everyone who took part in the
programs of the approximately 3500
students who attend USCS. When all
were counted, including students who
were in more than one event, there were a
total of 3700 participants. This year fifty-
one percent of all students are participat-
ing in the Intramurals program. When
Intramurals Coach Bobby Youngblood
was asked why interest in the program
is so high, he replied, "Most students at
USCS have sacrificed to be here. They've
had to work to help their parents or put
themselves through school, so they seem
to appreciate the program more than
students at other schools."
Intramural softball ended in late
October. Two divisions make up intramu-
ral Softball. The first is called the "Fun"
division. It's made up of different campus
organizations. The second is called the
"Open" division. It is open to anyone who
isn't a collegiate athlete. A team of all-
stars went to Columbia and won the
Carolina Classic Tournament. USCS won
the tournament for the third straight year.
USCS will host the state co-ed softball
tournament in late October at Chesnee.
All South Carolina colleges are in\ ited to
participate.
A variety of other acti\ ities are
offered in the intramurals program.
Aerobics and volleyball are held at nieht.
The Village Greens Golf Tournament is
held annually at Inman. It's the largest
single day intramural event. In the past,
80 to 90 people entered the tournament.
This year, due to budget cuts, only 36
people were allowed to enter. The tennis
singles tournament is down to the champi-
onship match as of our deadline. A rugby
club, golf club, and an instructional karate
course are being developed. We all need
to relax and take a break from the pres-
sures of college life, and many of us do so
by participating in intramurals. If the past
few years are any indication, the students
of USCS will continue to support the
intramural program, and ha\e fun doing it.
Susan Hall connects for a hit
The Powderhoni 23
A Fear To Cheer
uses athletics face a lack of support.
by Travis Henson
Go Rifles, Go! Give me a U!
These words are seldom heard around the
campus from anyone other than the cheerlead-
ers.
The students of this institution have
little school spirit. In fact, the athletic support of
this school is practically non-existent. Most
colleges and universities have exceptional
school pride and are not afraid to show it. Being
a student-athlete can be hectic at times. These
athletes need support and encouragement to
succeed.
Why is there an obvious lack of spirit at
uses? One drawback of this school, in terms of
athletic support, is that USCS consists of mostly
commuter students. Students who live off
campus do not want to come back to school to
show their spirit. Students refuse to drive fifteen
or twenty minutes back to school to show
support. They don't live here so they don't cheer
here. This is
the wrong
attitude to
have. The
athletes and
athletic events
receive very
httle publicity.
The athletic
program needs
more exposure
from the
school news-
paper, flyers,
and posters. I
feel that more
people would
attend the
events if they
%
^
were more publicized.
Why should students show more school
spirit? The athletes work and practice daily to
field a team that we should take pride in.
"Larger
Universities...have more
pride. USCS may not be
as large in size but we
can be large in pride."
These athletes practice an average of twenty
hours a week and must maintain at least a 2.0
GPA while taking a minimum of twelve credit
hours per semester.
Support and spirit would reward the athletes
for their hard work. USCS is a member of the
Peach Belt Athletic Conference. There are eight
teams in the conference. USCS has won the
Commissioner's Cup the past two years, which is
awarded to the PBAC school whose athletic
teams have the best overall record. USCS has
won more championships than any of the other
seven schools in the past two years.
USCS has also had the greatest number of
athletes with a 3.0 GPA or higher. You should
support USCS athletics because the athletes have
proven themselves to be simply the best in both
academics and athletics.
Please show your school spirit by supporting
our athletes and events here on campus. Larger
universities that field more athletic teams have
more spirit. USCS may not be large in size, but
we can be large in pride.
24 The Powderhorn
The Old Ball Game
a fan's reflections
hy Jim " Dodiicr liltic "I'cniiiiiiilnn
Every now and then, sonielliing happens
that ehanges a person's ways ol" thinking,
possibly for iii'e. AUhoiigh it may sound silly,
my life changed in a ball park
in Atlanta.
1 attended my first
Major League baseball game
in 1981 . I watched in awe as
"legends" such as Dale
Murphy, Bob Horner, Chris
Chambliss, Bruce Benedict,
and Brett Butler took the
field before my ten-year-old
eyes.
That was when Murphy
and Butler were at the height
of their popularity. Every kid
my age or younger would
stand at the plate on their
local sandlot and imitate their
heroes. I remember pretend-
ing I was Murphy hitting a
monstrous homerun. or Butler making an
incredible play in centerfield .
Afternoons on TBS during "Scooby
Doo" reruns, fans could see their heroes prais-
ing the joys and benefits of drinking milk. Kids
got the idea from these ads that milk can help
them become as strong as Murphy or as deter-
mined to succeed as Butler. That's not a bad
message.
The sad thing is, you don't see Tom
Glavine or even Steve Avery ad\ ertising much
of anything, do you? Maybe companies ai-e
having trouble finding someone charismatic
enough to sell products.
It seemed when 1 was younger more
people knew more personal details about their
Brett Butler
hcidcs. Whenever I tniind ;in article alxml
Butler or Murphy, I would inhale every
word. I think that's why I still respect and
admire Brett and Dale.
Over the years. I feel as if
I've gotten to know them.
I know the names of their
wives and children. I
know Brett's right eye
bears a scar on the blue
iris from a racquetball
accident that caused him
to lose his sight tempo-
rarily. I also know he
broke his big toe playing
shark with his son. They
are also both embarrassed
by the amount of money
they make for playing a
kid's game.
I was a
devoted Atlanta Braves
fan until 1983. when they broke my heart.
Butler was traded to Cleveland for a pitcher
whose name escapes me. Maybe it is be-
cause he never amounted to an} thing.
Yes, trades are common in baseball.
After all, it is a business. Try explaining that
to a twelve-year-old who just saw his hero
traded.
I ne\ er understood w h\ they dumped a
guy with a .28 1 average. At the end of the
season, he had one hundred and fifty -four
hits, thirty-nine stolen bases and thirty -
seven RBI's. For a child, the trade of his
hero is devastating. We didn't get ESPN
then, so I didn't see an} of the Cleveland
games. Because of this trade though. I have
ne\ er rooted for the Atlanta Braves since. I
The PoMdei'honi 25
never will again.
I lost interest in baseball and all sports
until 1989. That opinion changed when I read
a book that changed the face of baseball as 1
knew it. That book, sadly out of print, was
titled Out Of The Blue. This book, written by
Orel Hershiser, showed me that not all players
are in it for the money. Some still do it for the
love of the game.
The book also shows that success is best
enjoyed when it is shared. Happily married for
twelve years with two sons, Hershiser believes
he wouldn't be where he is now if it wasn't for
his wife, Jamie. He fully appreciates the
support his family and his fans bestow upon
him. Even if he doesn't win on the field, he's
always a winner with his fans.
In 1991 , 1 gained another reason to root
on the Dodgers. Butler was acquired from the
Mike Piazza be-
came the Dodgers
13th Rookie of the
Year. He finished his
first year in the ma-
jors with the most
homeruns by a
Dodger in a single
season, 34.
San Francisco Giants. I couldn't believe my luck;
my two heroes on the same team.
Butler seems to have the same belief about
family that Hershiser has. Married with four
kids, Butler lives in Los Angeles during the
season. His wife and kids live full time in At-
lanta as they have for the past ten years. Any
family that can stay together in that situation is
fully committed to each other.
Because I live on the wrong coast, I didn't
get to see the Dodgers in person until this past
summer. On August 1 8th, I finally got that
chance.
On a warm evening in Atlanta. I got to see
Hershiser pitch a beauty against the Braves. He
only gave up three hits through seven innings of
work.
We arrived at the stadium early. I wasn't too
Orel Hershiser
26 The Powderhorn
siicccsslul in my (.|ucsl loc aiilogiaphs. Most
players don't sign bccaiisc they arc loo I'ocusl'cI
on the game.
There was one moment that oeeurred that
night I will never forget. I got elose enough to
Butler (o get his autograph and say hi. It was an
exhilarating feeling to be that elose to someone
you have admired ibr the past twelve years. It
was also fun to watch the faces of the kids
around him and realize we shared the same
expression: respect for a pro.
Unfortunately, I was too excited and ner-
vous to say anything but thanks. After twelve
years, 1 finally got to meet one of the heroes of
baseball.
In those few precious moments, I didn't just
thank Butler for the autograph. I also thanked
him for giving fans like myself someone to
believe in. While so many "role models" are
requesting CEO salaries for playing a kids game,
Butler kept on playing as he always had.
Years from now. 1 hope to icii my
grandkids about my magical night under the
lights of i'ulton County Stadium, f-or just a few
glorious seconds, I was transported back lo
1981, and the magic ol childhood. I guess
baseball has a tendency lo do that to a person.
The baseball card I asked him to sign is
silting right next to me as I write this. It's a
Score '92 card. Anybody who collects cards can
tell you it's not wf)rth the paper it's printed on.
It's funny how a squiggly bit of writing on a
little piece of cardboard can make something
that's worthless to the rest of the world ex-
tremely valuable to its owner. I will gladly show
this card off to anyone who wishes to see it. I
guess you really can't put a price on sentimental
value.
I wonder it Bullcr u ill he remembered in
twenty years after he has been out of the game
for a while. He's not a power hitter, so probably
not many people uill.. I uill. though. I will.
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WHAT YA'
GOTTA SAY
The Powderhom staff would like to know what you think of your campus magazine. Please
complete this survey, and return it to our office, room 244 Hodge. Thanks.
1. Did you enjoy the articles? If so, which ones?
2. Did you like the photos? If so, which ones?
3. Was the magazine in a convenient place? If so, where? If not, where did you get it?
Where would be a better place to put future issues?
4. What topics would you like to see covered in our Spring issue?
5. What do you think should be changed about the magazine?
6. Any other comments?
REMEMBER THAT THIS IS YOUR MAGAZINE. YOU ARE WELCOME TO
HELP CREATE THE NEXT ISSUE.
Rifle Ridge Apartments
400 Rifle Ridge Road
Spartanburg, SC 29303
(803)578-1138
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Laurie Lee
Director of Student Housing
Experience campus living at its best at
Rifle Ridge Apartments. Your new home
away from home is designed exclusively for
uses students. The apartments are located
on the uses campus between the tennis
courts and the baseball and soccer fields,
and are just five minutes walking distance to
class.
The apartments are located in a land-
scaped, wooded environment, with a clear
running stream that flows through the
property. The quiet country atmosphere
makes it a pleasure to be able to walk to class.
Convenience is an added plus. Some of the
amenities you will enjoy include a swimming
pool, volleyball and basketball courts, grill
picnic areas, and a laundry facility.
There is also the convenience of being close
to all of the University's athletic facilities such
as tennis courts, racquetball courts, an indoor
basketball court, a soccer and baseball field,
and a weight training center.
We hope that you will make Rifle Ridge
your new home away from home.
RIFLE RIDGE APARTMENTS
For uses students, the best place
to live and learn is on-campus.
Laurie D. Lee
Director of Student Housing
(803)578-1138
Discover the "student appeal" of the
Rifle Ridge Apartments, on-campus
housing exclusively for USCS students.
Each apartment is smartly furnished- right
down to the study desks ! And our floor
plans are "roommate responsive;" four
students share two bedrooms, two full
baths, spacious living room and fully
equipped kitchen.
In case you're wondering how to spend
the time you create by living on-campus,
try your hand at tennis or relax poolside.
The Rifle Ridge Apartments have a full
line of recreational amenities plus school-
sponsored activities for your enjoyment.
DON'T LET CAMPUS LIFE PASS
YOU BY! Reserve your room today at
The Rifle Ridge Apartments.
Duke Power energy efficient rating
Central heat and air
Carpeting and mini-blinds
Completely furnished throughout
Fully equipped kitchen
Smoke detectors
Water and garbage service-included in rent
Swimming pool
Adjacent tennis courts
Volleyball and basketball courts
Ample parking
Handicap units
Laundry facilities
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