Writing Assignment #5
Skateboarding on Towson University’s campus is considered prohibited unless it is being used as a mode of transportation, but some believe this is an unreasonable policy and a misuse of university time.

“Especially when there is a decent amount of crime on and off campus, focusing police efforts on stopping skating is a waste of resources,” said Derek Boden, 21, a senior at Towson.

Boden who has been skating for years, says he has been stopped by police numerous times for both long and short boarding on campus. However, skateboarding is not listed on Towson University’s list of prohibited conduct nor are there any listed policies concerning this behavior.

“Some of the cops are cool about it and some are not, it’s a 50/50 shot,” Boden said. “I think a lot of it is in the way you talk to them first, but sometimes the police have a bad attitude right from the start, you never know.”

Boden says skating appeals to him because it is fun and he can do it with friends and also alone in his free time. He also enjoys the “scene” and music associated with it. It provides a positive outlet and a reason to get together and hang out with friends.

“Skating can boost your confidence a bit too,” Boden said. “Especially if you’re with the right people, they will give you a lot of encouragement to try new things that are out of your comfort zone.”

With all the positive aspects associated with skateboarding, Boden says he can’t understand why TU Police are so restrictive. There is a negative association with skaters that they are trouble makers and destructive.

“I can understand if you’re causing damage to school property or endangering bystanders, but long boarding in a parking garage at 1 a.m. or skating a curb isn’t harming anything,” Boden said. “So until you can provide an example of skateboarding threatening campus life, than I see no reason why students can’t have fun through skating while everyone else is allowed to pursue their interests,” Boden said.

Writing Assignment #4
A 10-day-old infant was unharmed when an explosion from a neighboring apartment caused the wall to collapse on his crib around 12 a.m. Wednesday in Baltimore, the 36-yr-old female neighbor received burns.

Arnetta Sands was spraying insecticide from an aerosol can when it was ignited by a heated stove and caused the combustion and wall to collapse. Andre Henderson was asleep in the crib; firefighters had to remove the wall to reach him.

Both victims were transported to the hospital. Sands was treated for first-degree burns on her arms and back and Henderson was treated for possible smoke inhalation. Renee Henderson, 23, mother of Andre, was not injured.

Captain Thommen said the incident was accidental. Fire damage to Sands’ kitchen and furnishings was reported.

Three armed men robbed Provident Savings Bank on Greenmount Ave. of an undisclosed amount of cash Tuesday afternoon.

One suspect pointed a .22 cal sawed off rifle at the bank manager and ordered the four employees and two customers present at the time to lie on the floor. The two other suspects leaped over the counter and ransacked the teller’s cages, they stuffed the money into two pillowcases, police said.

The men then ran eastward along the alley on the north side of the bank, dropped the rifle and were lost from sight.

No injuries or arrests have been reported.

Writing Assignment # 2

A freshman at North Harford High School made the Hawks varsity lacrosse team Monday in Pylesville, Md.
“I was just really excited,” said Brittany T. Boden, 15, Pylesville. “I didn’t expect to be put on varsity as a freshman, and just I’m really looking forward to this season so we’ll just have to see what happens.”
Boden has played offense as either an attackman or midfielder for seven years. She also currently plays for the elite club team North East Maryland Select (NEMS) in the summer, and travels to tournaments in the surrounding Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania area.
“At the NEMS tournaments there is a lot of tough competition and playing those teams really makes you step up your game and that has definitely made me a better player, Boden said.”
Kids who are involved in sports at a young age and are faced with tough competition on a regular basis have the potential to become very talented athletes.

Writing Assignment #1 Post #2
The 200 pound chimpanzee that mauled its owner’s friend and was fatally shot Monday also attacked another woman in 1996.

Leslie Mostel-Paul said the chimp bit her hand and attempted to pull her into a vehicle. She told the owner, Sandra Herold, and the police of the incident. Mostel-Paul said this recent attack may have been able to be prevented if actions were taken when she was injured.

I think there should be tighter restrictions on ordinary citizens owning wild animals. When incidents like this occur, it becomes a danger to the public and that cannot be tolerated.
Herold said the chimpanzee’s actions were “out of character” and he was being protective of his owner. Animal control officer, Lynn DellaBianca said after another incident in 2003, the animal’s behavior was “worrisome” and needed to be kept under control.

I think one thing that must always be kept in perspective is that animals will always be animals no matter how much we like to think they are domesticated. They still have animal instincts and will react with them.

Authorities have not yet released whether or not criminal charges will be pressed against Herold.

When anyone decides to own a pet they take full responsibility for taking care of and supervising the animal and that can be especially difficult for wild animal owners. Regardless, I do believe Herold needs to be held accountable for the actions of her pet.

Writing Assignment #1 Post #1
The 200 pound chimpanzee that mauled its owner’s friend and was fatally shot Monday also attacked another woman in 1996.

Leslie Mostel-Paul said the chimp bit her hand and attempted to pull her into a vehicle. She told the owner, Sandra Herold, and the police of the incident. Mostel-Paul said this recent attack may have been able to be prevented if actions were taken when she was injured.

Herold said the chimpanzee’s actions were “out of character” and he was being protective of his owner. Animal control officer, Lynn DellaBianca said after another incident in 2003, the animal’s behavior was “worrisome” and needed to be kept under control.

Authorities have not yet released whether or not criminal charges will be pressed against Herold.