Volume 124 Issue 48
kansan.com
Friday, October 28, 2011
DRESS TO IMPRESS
Julie Evnen, a graduate student from Lincoln, Neb., checks out face makeup for her zombie costume. Evnen purchased more than one costume for the Halloween weekend to add variety.
ARRY DAVIS/KANSAN
CHEAP AND CREATIVE
Great Halloween costumes don't have to cost a fortune
BRITTANY CLAMPITT bclampitt@kansan.com
With candy, decorations, parties and especially costumes, the cost of Halloween can really rack up. With some effort and research, however, students can find cheap options.
The Halloween stores that popped up in the last few weeks offer costumes from about $25 to $100 for adults.
"It's really just about what the costume is and how much there is to it," said Meagan Vestal, an employee at the Halloween Express located in the former Borders building on New Hampshire street. Vestal said the more detail work and accessories a costume has to it, the more it will cost.
This may mean dressing up as a doctor and wearing a set of scrubs, instead of Elvis Presley in a bedazzled jumpsuit just to
save some cash. But, if a doctor just doesn't cut it, there are many cheap options that can serve as the foundation for a costume that just requires a little more imagination and added accessories.
Katelyn Boehler, a junior from Overland Park, said she searches online for cheap Halloween costumes, but also has a large collection of old costumes from high school that she can choose from.
"I put all the effort into it, I feel like I can reuse it and it's cheaper," Boehler said.
Of course, for those people who have a specific, unique idea in mind, creating a Halloween persona from scratch can be beneficial. Some of the best costumes are those the wearer scrounged up from friends' closets and used-clothes stores.
"We see people coming and asking for more specific things, Vintage stuff usually, or things like
COSTUMES IN A JIFFY
FOR MEN: Find or borrow a crisp suit, a white shirt and a pocket square. Add to that a false beard — or if it can be managed, a real one
— some temporary white hair paint and a cigar and become "The Most Interesting Man in the World." If that seems too difficult, pull on a pair of jeans, a red and a white striped sweater, a red and a white knit cap, a pair of round glasses and disappear in the crowd as Waldo.
'Well if I was going to make a sailor costume, you guys have high-waisted pants?'$^{TM}$ Brandy Stratton, buyer for Arizona Trading Company on Massachusetts street, said.
FOR WOMEN: Halloween can be quite easy for women who want to dress like a favorite celebrity or public figure. A costume inspired by the iconic outfit in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" consists of a little black dress, costume jewelry and hair swept up into a high bun. Carry a cup of coffee and a danish and become Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly.
The people who are willing to do
a little work have the potential for great costumes. Often the best and most admired costumes are made from scratch.
Edited by Mandy Matney
FINANCES
Obama plan to ease loan debt
DAVID SCOTT
dmscott@kansan.com
The White House announced Tuesday that the administration will take steps to increase college affordability by making it easier to manage student loan debt.
Through an executive order, President Obama will move forward with his "Pay as You Earn" proposal that will help reduce monthly student loan payments. By 2014, borrowers will be able cap their payments at 10 percent of their discretionary funds and consolidate their loans, which will reduce interest rates.
Obama's proposal will allow more than 1.5 million students to take advantage of the cap and six million students the ability to consolidate their loans in 2012.
"In a global economy, putting a college education within reach for every American has never been more important," President Obama said at the plan's announcement in Denver. "But it's also never been more expensive."
"It's unfortunate that financial setbacks can prevent students from pursuing their true dreams," Iler said. "They have to get a job that they know will help them pay back their loans."
Molly Iler, a senior in English from Summit, N.J., is a bit skeptical about the feasibility of the idea. She wonders if the program can keep interest rates down while borrowers pay less. But she holds out hope that the president's proposal will help fellow students.
Jill Jess, director for news and media at KU University Relations.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH AND PLANNING
said capping the monthly payment allows former students in repayment to better manage their finances if they are in low-income
positions. The consolidation of the Direct Loan program and
SEE LOANS ON PAGE 3
HEALTH
NICK SMITH/KANSAN
Amanda Jaquays, human resource specialist for the Kansas Memorial Unions gets her flu shot during this year's flu clinic in Strong Hall on Oct. 18, 2011.
Flu shots available through next week
MARSHALL SCHMIDT mschmidt@kansan.com
Emily Bissell, a junior from McPherson, was heading through Strong Hall last week to change her major to classical antiquity when she spotted a flu vaccine clinic. In a matter of five minutes, Bissell checked in, signed a consent form and received a shot vaccinating her against the flu virus.
"My family has suggested that I get vaccinated since I am currently living in a residence hall," said Bissell. "I saw the tables and thought it was an easy way to get it taken care of. It's very accessible to students."
The flu vaccine clinics are part of an effort by KU Student Health Services to give students an easy, cost effective method to vaccinate against the flu virus. Clinics are offered around campus through the beginning of November. Flu season generally peaks in January, but cases of the flu have already been seen in the health center.
"We want to promote healthy living on campus," said Mai Hester, communications coordinator for the University. "Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent getting the flu."
Also starting this year, the Watkins Memorial Health Center is offering a walk-in clinic for students who become ill as well as a nurse's helpline available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Students can call the help line to find out how to alleviate their symptoms and to see if they need to see a doctor. This prevents unneeded doctor visits as well as the risk of students spreading the virus by coming on campus unnecessarily.
The flu shot also assists with students' education.
"We are hopefully preventing missing classes," said Ken Sarber, public health educator for the University.
Students have the option of immunization through a shot or nasal mist, which cost $15 and $20, respectively. Jacque Bagwell, a nurse giving vaccines for the clinic, sees the benefit of her work.
"It's important for your health and the health of those around you." Bagwell said.
The vaccination via shot consists of three inactive, non-life flu viruses that are expected to be most common this flu season out of the 200 flu strains in circulation. The flu mist consists
STILL WANT A FLU SHOT?
Watkins is offering shots and nasal sprays until the end of next week. Here's when and where you can find them:
Nov. 1-3 from 1-5 p.m.
Watkins Memorial Health Center
of the same viruses,but contains a weakened live virus instead. Those who have chronic medical conditions are recommended to get the shot. Both vaccinations allow the body to create antibodies against the flu.
Pharmacy students also have the opportunity to learn how to give immunizations at the clinic. Patrick Wenger, a second-year pharmacy student from Clay Center, puts his vaccination training and certification to practice through the clinics while under the supervision of a pharmacist.
"I get to help people out, and it's a good volunteering opportunity for all the pharmacy students," said Wenger. "I enjoy getting to interact with patients and becoming more comfortable with the process."
Wenger even considers opening his own flu clinic someday after he graduates. While there are concerns that immunizations might eventually be ineffective because of their widespread use, Wenger's confident that the vaccines will continue to help flu prevention without any long-term consequences.
As for Bissell's unexpected flu vaccination, she feels positive about her experience.
"I would highly suggest it. It's a really fast process," said Bissell. "I was in and out within five minutes between my classes."
CLASSIFIEDS 9
CROSSWORD 4
Edited by Sarah Champ
CRYPTOQUIPS 4
OPINION 5
All contents, unless stated otherwise, © 2011 The University Daily Kansan
SPORTS 10
SUDOKU 4
Have fun and stay safe over the Halloween weekend.
Today's Weather
V
HI: 60
LO: 29
Forecasted done by
University students. For
a more detailed forecast,
see page 2A.
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Sunny day and a chilly night
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