The play of race, class and gender roles in the 2008 election was the subject of a discussion Oct. 28 about the dynamics of various factors that might possibly influence the way people will vote in this year’s election.

Don’t rock the vote. Don’t get out the vote. Don’t vote or die. Simply put, don’t vote.

The amount of sheer ignorance supporters of both candidates have espoused during this campaign cycle is astounding.

On one side, you have fanatics hoping for change, because you have to hope for a change in failed policies. On the other side, you have supporters stating “McCain, at least he isn’t Obama.”

It is sad – and disappointing – to see people within the U.S. who find satisfaction from belittling others for not being “patriotic” to their own country.

Gov. Sarah Palin, Republican vice-presidential nominee, stated at one of her rallies she likes to visit “pro-American parts of the country,” implying there are certain parts of the country that are anti-American or unpatriotic.

There are so many problems with this statement.

Halloween is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect time for lingering thoughts or fears about ghost stories or spooky tales. With North Florida’s rich historic background, it’s no surprise the area has a few hauntings of its own to satisfy curious minds. Here’s the Spinnaker’s list of some local spots’ eerie backgrounds that might make your skin crawl and send chills down your spine.

A black cat made of tinsel sits in the window. Bats and ghosts hang with cob webs and mannequins are dressed like iconic figures in pop culture to entice the Halloween costume shopper, including Andora from the ‘60s television show “Bewitched,” exercise guru Richard Simmons and Margot and Richie Tenenbaum from the film “The Royal Tenenbaums.”

If these don’t fuel some Halloween costume ideas, the Clothing Warehouse has plenty of other options and a wide selection of vintage clothing for everyday wear.