North Texas Daily 2-11-16

MEAN GREEN MEN’S GOLF SEASON IN FULL SWING

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

VOL.106 No. 4

NTDAILY.COM

SAFETY

Student recounts unreported stalking at UNT

By Tiffany Ditto Staff Writer @TiffanyDitto

There weren’t any reported cases of stalking at UNT in the latest Security and Fire Safety Report, but education freshman Hannah Sullivan was one of an estimated 3.4 million Americans who were stalked last year, according to data found on the

dean of students website.

Sullivan lived in Maple Hall and said her roommate’s friend was her stalker. She felt uncomfortable in her own dorm because the man stalking her also lived in Maple Hall.

“I was afraid the night everything happened,” Sullivan said. “He asked us to go to a Sonic a few minutes away, and he drove to Sanger, almost an

hour away. He started talking about how he was violent as a young child and how depressed he was.”

According to the Colorado State University Women and Gender Advocacy Center, Sullivan is among 83 percent of other stalking victims who did not report the incident to the police. Instead, she turned to the university.

“My residential assistant reported [the stalking] to the main hall director,” Sullivan said. “We met with the director two days later. The director said there wasn’t enough evidence of someone stalking me, so he couldn’t do anything.”

Sullivan said after that she felt as though he was dangerous.

She was fearful of what his obsession with her could result

in.

“I never noticed him following me, but there was a time when he was waiting in the lobby for me,” Sullivan said. “I never caught him, he was just always around.”

Although Maple Hall director Russell Bouyer told her he couldn’t do anything, Sullivan

SEE SAFETY ON PAGE 2

Jessica Swann takes her time smoking meat at Bet the House Barbeque. She claims the slower the smoke, the better it tastes. Hannah Ridings | Senior Staff Photographer

Bet the House Barbeque and pitmaster extraordinaire smoke up a storm

WEATHER

Today H: 68°F L: 37°F

H: 65°F L: 45°F H: 70°F L: 43°F

FACILITIES

Friday H: 67°F L: 41°F Saturday Sunday

By Kyle Martin Staff Writer @Kyle_Martin35 Nestled in the same center as Twisted Bodies Pilates and Yoga, the North Texas African Food Market and Jack’s Tavern is a place where locals will find a friendly, personable staff, a simple, enticing menu and Jessica Swann—Denton’s own seasoned and skilled female pitmaster.

In the South, specifically Texas, barbecue rules the land. Native Texans know what they like: brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sausage, chicken, beans, potato salad, mac and cheese and coleslaw are not only demanded, but considered

7-Day Forecast

H: 64°F L: 44°F

Monday Tuesday H: 74°F L: 46°F Wednesday H: 77°F L: 54°F TRENDING

@ntdaily @thedose_ntdaily @ntd_sports

#NewHampshirePrimary

People hit the polls Tuesday in New Hampshire for the first primary in the election season. Donald Trump came in first for the GOP Primary, and Bernie Sanders beat Hilary Clinton by 22.4 percent.

#BeyonceSuperBowl

Controversy arises after Beyonce’s politcally charged Super Bowl performance.

Members of the National Sheriffs’ Association turned their backs on Beyonce during her performance, calling it “anti-police.”

#TheLifeofPablo

Kanye’s newest release since 2013 premieres today in movie theaters around the world.

EDITORIAL ON PAGE 12

DON’T WALLOW ON VALENTINES

PAGE 10

tradition. Bet The House Barbeque, located on South Elm Street, brings pounds upon pounds of favorites to the table every day.

“The first thing I do in the morning is drink a beer because I use the other half of it for the watering pan beneath the smoker,” Swann said. “I’m not a coffee drinker in the morning, I’m a beer drinker.”

Behind the restaurant is a modest, homemade shed containing an oak-and-pecan-fed cabinet smoker. A second wood-fed horizontal smoker sits next the hut, to be used on particularly busy days when the first smoker is stocked full of wholesome product.

The setup for the restaurant is efficient, but even more economical is what sits behind the restaurant:

the smokers, the trucks and the crew. Roughly a year ago, Swann moved to a prime new location.

Her house is perched atop an incline, directly behind the restaurant.

“I just wanted to smoke meat and drink beer all day,” Swann said.

Early in the mornings before the sun comes up, the pitmaster wakes up and walks out her back door past an assortment of hobbies—bonsai trees, pallet furniture, a newly purchased motorcycle project.

She swings down into the smoking room by a rope and begins turning and rotating 15-plus pound briskets to be smoked and served the next day.

SEE EATS ON PAGE 6

Academic Success Center opening delayed

By Adalberto Toledo Staff Writer @adaltoledo29

The Academic Success Center is no longer scheduled to open in March, but construction crews are set to fill Sage Hall all year.

“It won’t be open by then at all,” provost Finley Graves said.

“Sage has to be renovated to accommodate it, and it’s going to be a bit of work to get it to the

way we want it to be.”

Although Graves said the administration did not anticipate renovations to Sage Hall, which brought on the year-long delay, he said the hall needed reconfiguration. Modifications to Sage will begin with the first floor and move up to maximize the usability of the building during construction.

Some classrooms will be eliminated to make room for various programs.

“We want to make this center a place where students really want to go,” Graves said.

The funding figures for these renovations were not reflected on the most recent budget. They are anticipated to cost $3 to $4 million and will be cited in the fiscal year 2017 budget.

“We don’t know what it’s going to cost,” vice president for university affairs Elizabeth With said. “Right now, we’re trying to figure out what’s going

to go in there. But even from an estimate, it’s going to be in excess of $3 million.”

The office of disability accommodation, writing lab, parts of the math lab and advising services will move to the first floor of Sage Hall.

There will also be specific advising areas for undecided students and those wanting to

SEE FACILITIES ON PAGE 2

SOFTBALL

Fresh faces look to carry softball in 2016 and beyond

By Clay Massey Staff Writer @Clay_FC As the calendar inches closer to spring, the echo of a softball pinging off of an aluminum bat can be heard in Mean Green village.

The North Texas softball team has been hard at work preparing for the 2016 season, with its first pitch coming on Friday, Feb. 12 against The University of Arizona. Coming off of a 19-31 season in 2015,

head coach Tracey Kee and her staff have been getting a young squad into shape with hopes of returning to the Conference USA tournament.

With 13 players leaving, Kee has had a lot to observe over the past couple of weeks with a practically brand-new team.

“It was really an entire environmental change,” Kee said. “We wanted to really up the intensity and up our expectations. We knew we were

SEE SOFTBALL ON PAGE 9

Junior infielder Kelli Schkade swings for the ball during practice.

Dylan Nadwodny | Staff Photographer

ZIKA

Growing up with microcephaly

By Emily Miller Staff Writer @emily12miller “There’s something wrong with your daughter.”

The news came 30 minutes after Ashley Sanders had delivered a baby girl, Audrey, inside a small hospital in Austin, Texas in 2011. A terrifying sentence for a parent to hear at any time—let alone right after giving birth.

“Before then, the whole pregnancy was completely uneventful,” Sanders said.

“They had no idea, we had no idea … nobody knew anything.”

Audrey was born with microcephaly, a neurological condition that causes the head and brain to develop incompletely and measure abnormally small. This results in developmental challenges, including difficulty or inability walking and talking, seizures, inability to eat and, on rare occasions, it can be fatal.

In 2012, little to no information was available on microcephaly. Only recently has information come to light because of the mosquito-borne Zika virus, capable of inducing a slew of birth defects, including microcephaly.

“I had doctors telling me everything. We had the tests run and they said she would never walk, she would never talk [and] she was going to have seizures. One even told me she’d die at six months,” Sanders said. “And so we kind of just kept checking things off the list, like, ‘OK, well she’s not doing that, she’s not doing that.’ We kept on progressing.”

SEE ZIKA ON PAGE 5

UNIVERSITY UNION

Two-drink policy in progess

By Lisa Dreher and Alejandro Medellin Staff Writers Plans are underway to ensure individuals drinking in the University Union will not violate the two-drink rule for alcoholic beverages sold there.

Campus legislation passed by Student Government Association mandates a two-drink limit for patrons drinking at the Union. The board of regents must first approve alcohol sales, but in the meantime officials are working on an effective enforcement plan.

“We have a card-swiping system that would allow us to track it, hopefully,” vice president of Student Affairs Elizabeth With said. “The way we are going to monitor the behavior is by the training of staff and making sure that they are cognizant of the behavior of the patrons and keeping track of how much they drink.”

With said students might have to swipe their UNT ID cards to access alcohol if they are of legal age in order to track their drink amount for that day. Servers must be trained and have a TABC license to serve alcohol.

“I think there would be logistics we would have to work out if we were to do the two drinks per day,” With said.

SEE UNION ON PAGE 2

NEWS Page 2

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

NTDAILY.COM

Two-drink limit in progress for Union alcohol sale UNION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

There is no procedure set to monitor those suffering from alcohol abuse.

“I think having it in the Union is no more accessible than on Fry Street,” With said. “My hope is that the type of support we provide for those students would continue and not be compromised because of serving alcohol in the Union.”

The UNT police will not devote patrols through the Union if the regents allow retailers there to serve alcohol. The police will coordinate with TABC agents assigned to Denton to report any violations to UNT’s two-drink rule.

The university has served alcohol on campus before.

Alumni remember the Rock Bottom Lounge at the old union.

“I would go in the evening time and sip a beer and check out the young ladies,” Alumni Association board member Mark Miller said. “They often had someone playing jazz down there by some of the students, even some of the One O’Clock Lab Band folks.”

The Rock Bottom Lounge opened in 1976, which was also

Miller’s first year as a graduate student.

Miller said one time underage students were caught drinking inside, and the watering hole was almost shut down.

“I don’t think I ever had more than two [beers] down there because it was usually a place to go grab a beer or two and then go somewhere else,” Miller said. “I do not recall a drink limit.”

There is not a clear consensus among the student body about whether the twodrink rule is a good policy for the university. Some students support it.

“I think putting a limit on it is the best idea if you’re going to serve alcohol because you don’t want people going crazy,” advertising major Kristen Borrego said.

Others felt that the limit was inconsequential, and would prefer to drink elsewhere.

“Two drink max, what’s the point?” journalism major Bryan Murphy said. “If you’re going to serve the alcohol, then serve the alcohol.”

Illustration by Samuel Wiggins| Senior Staff Illustrator

Officials say Sage Hall Academic Success Center delayed FACILITIES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

cha nge t hei r major. T h is is i n a n ef for t to ke ep st udents at U N T a nd “g raduate t hem

i n a t i mely ma n ner,” G raves sa id.

Smat resk ment ioned some Academ ic Success

Center prog ra ms wi l l be i mplemented by t he end of spr i ng 2 016, but G raves sa id ot her wise.

“T here’s a lot of renovat ion to be done,” G raves sa id.

“I’m not hop ef ul t hat a ny of t he prog ra ms wi l l be ready

Officials announced that plans to build the Academic Success Center in Sage Hall will be delayed. Dylan Nadwodny | Staff Photographer

by t he end of t he semester.”

Delays in renovat ions a nd const r uct ion a re not uncom mon at U N T. For exa mple, t he Un iversit y Un ion was set to f ul ly op en fa l l 2 015, but const r uct ion workers a nd equipment rema i n.

Bet we en now a nd 2 017, crews wi l l move t he Vetera ns Center, Qua l it y En ha ncement Pla n, st udy abroad of f ices a nd t he ca re er center to t he second f loor of Sage.

T he Honors a nd TA MS prog ra ms, as wel l as t he test i ng center a nd schola rsh ip prog ra ms wi l l be housed on t he t h i rd f loor, where a mple space wi l l be given for a st udent com mon a rea, t a k i ng away classrooms on t hat f loor.

“T he 116 -seat classroom i n Sage wi l l be kept,” G raves sa id. “W het her we’l l ke ep a l l of t hem as classrooms, we don’t k now.”

G raves sa id i n order to ma ke Sage a me et i ng place for st udents, t he bui ld i ng ne eds to rema i n t ra f f icked, so doi ng away wit h a l l t he classrooms is not on t he

t able. K i nesiolog y sen ior Ch r ist i na L ey ton sa id it’s a bad idea to get r id of classrooms i n Sage.

“T here’s def i n itely be en a problem wit h space,” L ey ton sa id. “Somet i mes i n my chem ist r y classes we have to relocate because we don’t have enough space for a l l t he st udents.”

L ey ton a lso reca l ls classes where st udents t hat ca me i n late would have nowhere to sit, a nd sa id as t he un iversit y ke eps g rowi ng, t he classroom space issue wi l l on ly worsen.

I n add it ion, no prog ra ms wi l l dea l solely wit h t ra nsfer st udents who ma ke up about 11 p ercent of t he underg raduate st udent populat ion, accord i ng to t he U N T 2 016 Account abi l it y Repor t.

G raves sa id t he ser vices wi l l be op en to ever y st udent, rega rdless of st at us as t ra nsfer or f i rst-yea r.

“I’m not su re we a re t r yi ng to d i f ferent iate t ra nsfer a nd f i rst t i me st udents,” G raves sa id. “We hop e t hey’l l t a ke adva nt age of t hese prog ra ms.”

Student recounts unreported stalking at UNT SAFETY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

said something had to be done.

So she reached out to the dean of student’s office. Bouyer did not return a request for comment.

The dean of student’s office defines stalking as, “engaging in a course or conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others, or to suffer substantial emotional distress.”

It is because of this definition that Sullivan was able to seek help without tangible evidence.

She has since moved halls and said she feels safe.

“The [UNT] Survivors Advocate helped me get out of Maple,” Sullivan said.

“Everything has been good since I’ve moved.”

Officials at the Denton County Friends of the Family said this kind of reporting process is typical of stalking cases.

Victims are not often aware they are being stalked until an event happens that causes them to legitimately fear the person that is stalking them.

“Stalking is so intertwined with other forms of violence that’s why it’s so hard to pinpoint,” said Stephanie Aguilar, a Denton County Friends of the

Family victims advocate. “If any behavior by the stalker causes the victim to feel fear of bodily injury or some kind of harm to herself that would be considered as stalking.”

Friends of the Family recommends students get a protective order, but said many victims would rather just create a safety plan.

“We safety plan with them, that’s anything from ‘let’s take a different route to work today,’ to having a safe place where they can go stay,” Aguilar said.

Sullivan said she is now in counseling because of the event but is hopeful this semester will be better.

“I’ve learned when to talk to someone if I feel uncomfortable,” Sullivan said. “I don’t think it’s bad to worry about your safety.”

Students who feel like they are being stalked are encouraged to reach out to UNT’s survivor’s advocate, Renee LeClaire at 940-565-2648.

“I can assist a student by discussing reporting options, filing protective orders, contacting professors, facilitating room changes, and acting as their advocate,” LeClaire said in an email. “I am here to help students.”

Infographic by Erica Wieting | Features Editor

NTDAILY.COM | PAGE 3

DENTON COUNTY

The race for sheriff is on: Travis and Murphree vye for the star

By Adalberto Toledo Staff Writer @adaltoledo29

The two Republicans gunning for county sheriff differ in ideology, but they agree on the importance of fighting terrorism on the local level. Both pledge to establish close relations with the FBI as well as UNT and Texas Woman’s University to make sure students are safe.

The Texas primary is March 1. Here’s what you need to know before you vote.

Incumbent ready to continue Sheriff William Travis, elected in 2012, has spent four years battling crime in Denton County using “tough-on-crime” policies, making sure criminals are in jail and keeping with his staunch anti-marijuana policies.

He said the campaign has been “messy.” The Tracy Murphree campaign, Travis said, has been “slinging more mud than [he] knows what to do with,” but he did not elaborate on what specific claims were inaccurate.

“I’m just trying to run a clean campaign,” Travis said. “I’ve done an enormous amount while in office and I want to continue that.”

Travis boasted he has increased bookings while decreasing aggravated assaults and property crimes. To Travis, his most important accomplishment is confiscating $100 million worth of K2, methamphetamines, cocaine, marijuana and other illegal drugs.

Travis explained that in the fight against terrorism, the two

in Lewisville, Travis reminded attendees (as he does on his website) that his ancestor, Will Travis, fought at the Alamo.

Travis often mentions his care for children in every endeavor he takes as sheriff, carrying on the tradition of his family’s 179-year military and law enforcement service.

“I want to do something that’s going to help our kids,” Travis said. “We don’t want our kids to pass through our detention facilities.”

Travis has many years of law enforcement experience with the Dallas Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Air Force. He stumps on his leadership roles in local organizations including the Flower Mound YMCA. If reelected, Travis said he hopes to stay vigilant and do everything he can to get “every ounce of narcotics off our highways.”

Travis said he will try everything he can to remain “frugal” with the tax payer money if re-elected, and will attempt to address a pay equity issue in the sheriff’s office that he said is 17 percent below market value in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

It is this pay equity issue, as well as other internal issues, that made candidate Murphree run against Travis.

universities in Denton pose a big threat. He added that if there are any terrorist cells in Denton County, knowing who and where they are is of utmost importance.

College campuses, he said, are prime targets for terror attacks.

He feels international students who “come from countries that don’t agree with the U.S.” should be watched closely.

“I want to make sure we’re in constant contact with these universities,” Travis said. “Constant contact with Homeland Security and the FBI so we know what these students are doing at all times.”

At a Feb. 4 Republican forum

“

“I want to make sure we’re in constant contact with these universities,” Travis said.

“Constant contact with Homeland Security and the FBI so we know what these students are doing at all times.”

He has patrolman,

“

been an

a highway undercover

“[The UNT police department] needs to know we’re going to be there for them,” Murphree said.

“We will provide the manpower necessary.

We’re partners in this fight.”

narcotics agent, a Texas Ranger assigned to Denton County and a supervisor in the sheriff’s office for the last three years. Murphree believes his experience will help right the “morale issue” he sees in the sheriff’s office, though he didn’t detail the particulars of the morale problem.

He wants to reduce the 38

percent turnover in the sheriff’s office, and is endorsed by multiple mayors, as well as state and local law enforcement unions and organizations. He also boasts an endorsement from the Denton County Law Enforcement Association, claiming it highlights the concerns in the sheriff’s office.

Travis denies this is the opinion of his officers.

He was also awarded the 2012 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Denton County Crime Victims’ Rights group.

In an effort to bring integrity to the sheriff’s office, he has made it his goal to keep an open and transparent campaign.

His Facebook page, Tracy Murphree for Sheriff, has more than 9,000 likes and is often trafficked by members of the public leaving comments he addresses personally.

Murphree periodically posts evidence of his endorsements on the Facebook page, and has put many of Travis’ claims on blast.

Like Travis, Murphree said he wants to conserve the taxpayers’ money. Murphee said the turnover rate forces the sheriff’s office to use money unnecessarily.

The home front fight against terrorism is also a major goal for

Murphree.

“We need to re-establish our relationship with the FBI,” Murphree said. “Denton County has the opportunity to be on the front lines in the fight against terrorism.”

He agreed with Travis that college campuses are targets for terrorist attacks and plans to work side by side with the UNT police. “[The UNT police department] needs to know we’re going to be there for them,” Murphree said. “We will provide the manpower necessary. We’re partners in this fight.”

Tracy Murphree | Facebook

Murphree ready for the sheriff’s badge Murphree has 28 years of law enforcement experience and claims he has three times the amount of state training than Travis.

CITY COUNCIL

New City Hall deal reveals some distrust in Greg Johnson

By Jynn Schubert Staff Writer @JynnWasHere

restore the building that holds historical significance to the city of Denton, Briggs said.

“We want to find some creative way to preserve [the building],” Mayor Chris Watts said. “It’s City Hall, it’s a police station, it’s a fire station and it’s an important building in Denton.”

the summer.

“It bothers me that [Johnson] was involved in the sell of the DATCU property because it’s not beyond the scope of possibilities that he also had to know that the city was looking for new digs,” retired Denton resident Larry Beck said. “It raises the question of what he knew in advance about how likely the city would jump at this new property while he was negotiating.”

This, on top of Johnson telling fracking protesters he “hopes they become so disenfranchised by [their protest] that they will move” after citizens petitioned for the recall of councilman Joey Hawkins, comes not too far before the May elections. Johnson is up for reelection, against lifelong Denton resident Sara Bagheri.

Now that City Hall West is scheduled to be vacant, city officials are looking forward to finding a way to preserve or

Denton City Council signed a lease last week on the two buildings south of the Square formerly owned by DATCU Credit Union for a new City Hall that will cost $4 million over 10 years, but not everybody is happy about it.

Council members say there just isn’t enough space in current City Hall West for groups like the planning department to operate, and are looking forward to the extra parking spaces the new facilities provide, but are weary about the expense of the deal.

“The rent is a lot of money,” District 2 councilwoman Keely Briggs said. “I am hoping we have a better solution in the next few years and can move out of there into a more permanent building.”

Oher Denton residents are Greg Johnson | City of Denton speculative of councilman Greg Johnson’s involvement in the move to the new TAP INTO WHAT’S HAPPENING ON building.

Johnson’s CAMPUS AND BEYOND commercial real estate Download The Buzz: University of North Texas and brokerage, Verus keep tabs on national headlines, local news and Real Estate Advisors, events around campus. is helping the new owners of the DATCU find tenants for the building.

Johnson filed a conflict of interest form in April 2015, but plans to join discussions again in

Sheriff William Travis sits in his office. | DRC

= OPENING SOON IN DENTON =

NOW HIRING

This Valentine’s Day

POP BOTTLES with denton’s 1st Liquor store!

1010 W. University Dr. (next ot Movie Tavern)

3969 Teasley Ln. @ Robinson Road

LOCALLY OWNED & Operated

BARTENDERS - SERVERS - HOSTS - COOKS = APPLY ON SITE AT LOCATION = 3258 SOUTH I-35 E, DENTON, TX 76210

NTDAILY.COM | PAGE 4 GUNS

Local Facebook group unfazed by new gun executive order

By Tiffany Ditto Staff Writer @TiffanyDitto

A private Facebook group from Denton set up to buy, sell and trade firearms is defying the social media company’s wishes – and President Barack Obama’s.

The Denton Area Firearms Group is among the many targeted

by Facebook’s new policy to ban private groups devoted to selling firearms. Facebook made the announcement in late January following Obama’s executive order to reduce gun violence across the nation.

Bruce Dareing made the private group and has a license to sell firearms. His page violates Facebook’s policy because many members who use the page as

a medium to sell guns are not licensed. Still Dareing remains confident his page is exempt from these new terms simply because he is licensed. “[Facebook’s] new policy only affects unlicensed individuals, and I’m licensed,” Dareing said.

“My federal firearms license is a type seven, which means I am a manufacturer. I make and sell them.”

Facebook is relying on users to report pages that are breaking their new policy, at which point they will review the pages.

Facebook has ensured that legitimate gun selling businesses will not have their pages taken down, but are focusing on prohibiting individuals from using the site to sell to other

individuals. This also expands to the private messaging feature of the site. Facebook, however, is contending that they will not read private messages.

Dareing said that if Facebook does take down the group’s page, the group will still buy, sell and trade as a community.

Members can post weapons they would like to sell on the page and then be contacted by others who would like to buy.

While a background check is not required for person-to-person gun sales in Texas, Dareing offers to run background checks on any members wary about who they are selling to.

“Any sale I’m involved in I do a background check because of the terms of my license,” Dareing

LOCAL

said. “If [members] are unsure, I can run a background check on the person for them.”

Dareing moved to Denton about year ago. He currently owns and operates Dareing Arms, located at 93 Love Trail in Valley View, Texas. Dareing said the operation of the Facebook page is similar to that of Craigslist.

“It’s a minor concern but there’s really nothing I can do about it,” Dareing said. “In the state of Texas it’s perfectly legal to sell person-to-person without a background check. It’s the selling of property.”

Obama’s executive action, detailed here, aims to expand upon the legislature’s definitions.

They say that the courts point to several factors that determine

which side of the line one’s activities fall. These include: “whether you represent yourself as a dealer in firearms; whether you are repetitively buying and selling firearms; the circumstances under which you are selling firearms; and whether you are looking to make a profit.”

Dissenters argue Obama’s plan does little to deter gun sales because of the way these terms have been defined. National Rifle Association spokesperson Lars Dalseide said person-to-person gun sales are not affected by Obama’s executive action because these sales are not a business.

They are occasional or one-time transactions.

“The president’s examples don’t actually pertain to what the

law really is, so what we were getting is more political rhetoric,” National Rifle Association spokesperson Lars Dalseide said.

The legislature has defined “engaged in business” as a “person who devotes time, attention, and labor in dealing firearms as a regular course of trade or business with the principle objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms.”

The legislature also explicitly states that this “term does not include a person who makes occasional sales.”

Dareing said he doesn’t know how many guns the page has helped sell.

“I wouldn’t know if it was one or 100,” he said.

POLITICS

Denton public library ready for future UNT starting to #FeelTheBern Librarians help patrons in unexpected ways, Gibbs said.

For example, patrons can come Denton’s librarians continue to the technology library and get to find new ways to help the experience with equipment and community find answers no software before they make a major matter what the question might be. investment for their business.

They still shelve books and help “The advantage is getting an visitors find their way through an expert who isn’t interested in increasing, if not dizzying, array selling them something,” Gibbs of online resources. They also said. schedule classes, book community Patrons can also get help meetings and even provide some with the increasing demands of of the instruction themselves. the online world. Some people On Fridays, they load up a van are still trying to learn how to with library resources and drive use computers, and yet they are it to the city’s more far-flung expected to do more and more of neighborhoods. They even take their business online, she said. classes, or participate in nonprofit Some librarians are now groups, to bring research skills trained to help patrons apply to where the community needs them.

Texas Department of State Health The Denton City Council heard Services programs.

Patrons a report from Terri Gibbs, the can log on and apply for SNAP city’s director of libraries, during food benefits, the Children’s a brief workshop session Tuesday Health Insurance Program, at the South Branch Library TANF emergency cash help and meeting room.

Medicaid health insurance with Gibbs told the council to expect the help of a specially trained 2016 to be a transition year for librarian.

The program (available by appointment by calling 940-349-8752) gives patrons the help they need with forms that can be complicated and overwhelming — and keep matters confidential.

“It allows them to access vital services from the state,” Gibbs said.

Council members encouraged Gibbs and other library executives to remind them what the need to expand Carol Zhong, 7, colors Jupiter on a handout as her mother, Shuli Han watches during the Denton the mobile library and

By Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe Denton Record-Chronicle

the libraries as they finish up one strategic plan and get ready for the next plan that will take them to 2020.

Library officials are still planning for another branch in southwestern Denton. Some land has been dedicated to the future branch near Fire Station No. 7 on Vintage Boulevard, but no time frame has been announced.

Gibbs told the council the area is already considered underserved and will be more so after the major subdivisions planned along Interstate 35W get built.

The library announced several days in advance it would bring the van to the southwest side on a recent Saturday.

“When we pulled up, the kids were waiting for us,” Gibbs said.

“When we left, some of them had tears.”

Librarians also consider the city’s southeast side underserved, which might be addressed by putting a children’s library in a storefront.

Library south branch’s “Soar Through the Solar System” class. Kristen Watson |DRC

By Brandon Farner Contributing Writer Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders’ near-win in Iowa and victory in New Hampshire has brought him one step closer to Texas and to students at UNT, where support for his campaign is steadily growing.

Sanders has strong support among college-age voters and UNT is no different. The UNT for Bernie Sanders group has more than 200 people signed up to volunteer, 20-year-old merchandising senior and group president Cody Fikes said.

The group has also created a Facebook event page in hopes of bringing Sanders to campus before the Texas primary.

More than 3,900 people have expressed interest.

Political science professor Kimi King Ph.D. said she has seen evidence of this in her classrooms. In one poll she conducted, 53 percent of her students favored Sanders, while only 6 percent supported Clinton, and the remaining 41 percent was divided among the Republican field.

“It’s really not so surprising that both of the parties have gone to the outside edges of their parties’ ideologies to look for a candidate,” King said.

“The myriad of Republican candidates that we saw come forward freed up the Democrats to think outside the box and when they thought outside the box, here comes Bernie Sanders.”

Mechanical and chemical engineering student Sidney Hartz, organizer for the

Bernie Sanders Courtesy|Bernie Sanders Campaign website Sanders group, cited Sanders’ political zeal and enthusiasm as to why she and other students back him.

“He’s probably the most passionate about his views, out of every candidate,” Hartz said.

“He really does genuinely care about the outcome, and he puts a lot of thought and emotion and effort into his job.”

Texas, a Clinton stronghold among Democrats, could prove to be a challenge for Sanders.

However, graduate student and political science Ph.D. candidate Jared Perkins, 25, said there is potential for Sanders to take Texas from Clinton given the right circumstances.

“I definitely think secretary Clinton is likely to win,” Perkins said. “The exception

would be if Sanders can mobilize turnout on college campuses.”

The UNT for Bernie Sanders group has taken steps to combat low turnout through recent voter registration drives on campus.

“We got over 700 hundred people registered on campus,” Fikes said. “So that’s a big step to make sure everyone is registered in time for the primaries.”

Regardless of political allegiances, Fikes simply urges students to vote.

“No matter who people support, we want to make sure our campus is voting,” Fikes said. “We want UNT to vote.”

POLICE

Police Department to extend free safety programs

By Chelsea Watkins Staff Writer @chelloo

The UNT police are looking to offer more frequent public safety programs to the UNT community.

The programs, open to all students and faculty, provide lessons on how to interact with police, respond in an active shooter situation, how to be safe on campus and general self-defense.

UNT police community relations officer Kevin Crawford conducts the public safety programs. He said they are typically requested by organizations, such as residential halls, to host a presentation. Currently, the police are looking into holding open sessions at the police department periodically.

“These programs are important because you can take those people who just don’t know, and you can

educate them, you can talk to them,” Crawford said. “And it’s important that it’s free because if you start charging, people aren’t going to utilize it.”

Since coming to UNT, Crawford introduced a program that teaches people how to respond to police officers during traffic stops and other encounters. The program also explains, within limits, what the officer’s mentality is on the opposite

The Sullivant Public Safety Center is where the police safety classes are held unless the business who holds the class provides an area. Sarah Bradbury | Staff Photographer

side of the situation.

Officers have been trained to respond to certain situations and their response may vary depending how a person acts, he said. For example, cops may act more aggressively if someone opens their car door during a traffic stop, because they’ve been taught that it may lead to a shooting incident.

“Cops may ask you ask you to sit on the curb and it may be because they may think you are a risk to them,” he said.

“It’s not like we’re trying to sit there and say, ‘Oh, we’re the police officer.’”

If students could only choose one program, Crawford said he would recommend they take theft prevention, as it is a prevalent issue on campus police see happening again and again.

“Most of our crimes are self-inf licted thefts,” Crawford said, referring to students who leave their belongings unattended in open spaces like classrooms or the library and leave momentarily.

“Theft from a police officer’s standpoint is one of the more important ones because if we could get everyone educated on theft prevention we could reduce some of our numbers and incidents for crimes,” he said.

To help with theft prevention

Community relations officer Kevin Crawford stands in the Sullivant Public Safety Center lobby. Crawford runs the multiple free police classes on campus and in the Denton community. Sarah Bradbury | Staff Photographer the police will, upon request, engrave a person’s driver license number into valuable items.

“The idea behind engraving the number is it increases the probability of either catching the thief or recovering the property,” Crawford said.

However, Crawford encourages students to go

through the theft prevention program to learn more about how to keep their belongings safe before getting their items engraved, as it is a worst-case scenario option.

Anyone interested in setting up a program for a group can contact the police department.

Custom programs can be designed upon request.

ARTS & LIFE Page 5

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

NTDAILY.COM

COMEDY

Local group offers education and progress through comedy

By Victoria Monteros Staff Writer @ToriLaSuper

The organization Language of Laughter has dedicated itself to promoting literacy and helping kids across Denton.

The group was started in December when comedians Stu Hollowell, an English language arts senior, and UNT alumnus Shane Silagi decided to use their comedic talents beyond entertainment purposes. They reached out to kids ranging from ages 6-13 around Denton and started hosting comedy shows to raise funds. “[Hollowell] is a dreamer,” Silagi said. “I was like, ‘Nah, it’s not going to happen.”

But Hollowell’s optimism fueled his persistence, and he insisted upon moving forward with the efforts. In December, Language of Laughter hosted a charity show dedicated to Toys

for Tots that raised $400. Because of the show’s success, the pair decided to proceed with their efforts and aim toward education.

The organization’s inaugural charity showcase, which will be St. Patrick’s Day-themed, will be in March. Its goal is to raise at least $700 for Language of Laughter.

After that, it plans to host an allfemale comedian show, which will feature female comedians from both Dallas and Fort Worth.

“What’s great about all of this is that we’re putting on Denton entertainment to benefit Denton education,” Hollowell said. “It’s very Denton-based. We’re trying to give back to our community.”

Currently, one of the group’s focuses is raising funds to purchase books for bilingual children, who Hollowell and Silagi said make up about 10.5 percent of the student

population. These students are at the highest risk of falling behind because most schools don’t have a sufficient amount of bilingual books for them.

Provided the appropriate materials, bilingual students have a better chance at having home support and interaction with parents. Many of them speak Spanish only in their homes and may come from immigrant backgrounds.

With the acquisition of these books, parents can help promote literacy in the language they are most comfortable with while the child is still being helped out in the classroom. Silagi said he hopes the group’s efforts will help put education at the forefront of the minds of multilingual schools and educators.

“You have to start from the

people who need it the most right now, and you have to focus on the kids who need help, and who aren’t getting it,” Silagi said.

Although Language of Laughter’s efforts are mainly directed toward the Denton community, Hollowell and Silagi plan to branch out in the future.

One of the steps they have taken in order to expand their non-profit was applying to host a two-week summer camp in June for children at a recreational center in Keller.

At the camp, Hollowell and Silagi will sit down with the children who attend and help them write stories. By the end of the camp, they hope to be able to send the children home with their very own, self-published books, filled with original stories.

The group also hopes to provide test materials and even college

English senior Stu Hollowell and UNT alumnus Shane Silagi founded an organization called Language of Laughter, which is dedicated to promoting literacy and helping kids across Denton. Paulina De Alva | Staff Photographer textbooks. Another one of its goals is to raise money for a federal nonprofit license. The cost to become a 501(c)(3) is $850. They are hoping to pay for this license with money raised from Kickstarter.

Both Silagi and Hollowell pride themselves in helping children succeed. For Hollowell, the experience that led to him

becoming a comedian to being someone who gives back to society was a difficult one. “[Comedy] was extremely therapeutic. That’s when I realized I needed it to be more than just a hobby,” Hollowell said. “Education is my passion, and comedy is my passion, and it’s nice that they can come together to do some good.”

INTERNATIONAL

Sports teaching program expands its global footprint

By Kayleigh Bywater Senior Staff Writer @kayleighbywater They’re located 7,000 miles apart, but the University of North Texas and East China Normal University in Shanghai have more in common than one might think.

Since 2014, UNT’s College of Education and ECNU have worked together in a student exchange partnership to further current students’ knowledge in the field of sports pedagogy, a method of teaching an academic subject or theoretical concept.

“Sports and education come together,” Zhang said.

Immediately after finishing its second run-through of a semesterlong curriculum, the program and its participants are looking to further UNT’s international presence.

Kinesiology, health promotion and recreation assistant professor Tao Zhang, who leads the program, said sports pedagogy examines the

influence of policy and the program impact in physical education, physical activity and sports programs.

“The subject matter forms the foundation of effective teaching and coaching,” Zhang said. “We aim to develop new knowledge that can improve learning and lifetime physical activity by enhancing the development of [the] sports experience for diverse populations.”

During the fall 2014 and 2015 semesters, ECNU sports pedagogy students came to UNT, not only to learn about their major but also to experience a different culture.

Likewise, UNT sports pedagogy students made ECNU their home for the semester.

ECNU doctoral student Qiang Guo has studied at UNT since August 2014 and was the first sports pedagogy student from ECNU to do so. Guo focuses on youth physical activity, sedentary behavior and obesity prevention.

Although he goes back to China this summer, Guo has studied and conducted research at UNT. He has also attended local and national conferences in order to gain a better knowledge about his field.

“The way or mode of thinking in the research of sports pedagogy is really different between China and America,” Guo said. “It’s necessary to deeply understand what is happening and how to solve these problems from different aspects of ways of thinking.”

Guo said there are many factors affecting problems like youth inactivity. Factors like socioeconomic status, cultural background and sports habits vary across countries and regions, and all of them influence the way young people think and act.

ECNU students participated in P.E. teaching method classes at UNT and observed various P.E. classes at elementary and middle schools in Denton ISD.

The study abroad program allows both groups of students to simultaneously experience the study of sports pedagogy in a new and different environment. Kinesiology, health promotion and recreation assistant professor Xiangli Gu said although they offer the program to many students in the College of Education, the international program offers more than just a means to explore.

“This is such a big effort within UNT for international outreach,” Gu said. “It opens up a whole new world of knowledge and skill. China is so different compared to the United States, and there’s nothing like experiencing such a diverse place while doing something you are interested in.”

Gu said the UNT and ECNU program is different than many study abroad programs offered because of this. Additionally, the program is a way for UNT to further its relationship with Chinese

universities.

In November 2014, President Neal Smatresk visited ECNU to discuss strengthening the relationship between the two universities. UNT and ECNU also have a joint research laboratory that deals with technology and follows the phrase “big data, little devices and lifelong learning.”

“We are not only sending students to study in Shanghai; students from ECNU are coming here to learn, grow and develop in their skills as well,” Gu said. “This program provides such a great opportunity to build and increase our connections and presence in China and opens the door to so many other prospects.”

Although the program has only been in affect since 2014, it is opening possibilities for more joint programs through the university.

Kinesiology, health promotion and recreation associate professor Katherine Thomas said having this relationship with one of China’s leading universities could help propel

UNT and the College of Education into the international eye.

“This program puts UNT on the radar of students in Shanghai and beyond,” Thomas said. “The program benefits the graduate goals of UNT and our students. UNT students benefit by associating with international students. It provides a global perspective and helps us see that we are all more alike than different.”

Because she has been with the program since its inception, Gu is curious to see what the future holds for the program. She is, however, ready to see the next round of students go through the program to gain knowledge on sports pedagogy and culture.

“Now that UNT is a tier-one university, we need to put more of an effort on collaboration with outside universities,” Gu said. “This is just the start of a bigger picture. I cannot wait to see the program grow, just like the university.”

Against all odds: Growing up with microcephaly ZIKA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

There’s a broad spectrum of how microcephaly can affect an individual. For Audrey, that list was unknown. She was a “unique case,” according to her doctors.

The only thing Sanders and her husband could do was wait and hope.

“They sort of lump everything in there and say, ‘Cross your fingers. Wait and see,’ and it really is a wait and see kind of thing,” Sanders said. “We took it day by day.”

Playing with chance Microcephaly can be detected via ultrasound measurements during the later to third trimester of pregnancy to determine a child’s proportions. Several tests can be administered to gauge the child’s health, but most

tests for microcephaly center on measurements of the skull.

Sanders’ case was different.

“I’m five feet tall, so she was measuring small,” Sanders said.

“So they just assumed, ‘Oh she’s just a petite girl.’”

Unlike how the Zika virus can travel via mosquitoes, the Sanders carried a recessive gene that caused Audrey’s condition, among other developmental setbacks.

Audrey’s attention span, fine motor skills and ability to handle a new or over-stimulating environment are some of the few areas riddled with obstacles.

“My mother took me aside one day and told me I was an awful parent for how Audrey acted, how she moves around so much and struggles in busy places,” Sanders said. “I was so upset, I

came to her speech therapy that day in tears. I felt like I was doing something wrong, but this is the only parenting I know.”

Audrey’s current primary form of speech is American Sign Language and, at 4 years old, she already has an immense vocabulary. The language uses facial expressions, movement and hand signs to communicate.

“She’s trying so hard,” said Kathleen Miller, a speech therapist who sees Audrey at Keystone Pediatric Therapy.

“It’s frustrating for her to know and understand but be unable to express. When she makes those sounds, that’s her trying to get her words out.”

Miller has been seeing Audrey since she was 11 months old and said the little girl has come a long way since they met.

Audrey Sanders holds onto therapist Kathleen Miller’s hand during the more difficult part of her speech therapy.

Hannah Ridings | Senior Staff Photographer

Audrey Sanders celebrates a correct answer during her language and speech therapy session with Kathleen Miller at Keystone Pediatric Therapy. Hannah Ridings | Senior Staff Photographer “I’ve seen her go from not understanding or being able to make a sound to saying full words with consonants - which is so hard for kids like her,” Miller said. “Every day she’s doing something new.”

Audrey has surprised even her parents with her dedication and passion to learning.

“The other day she kept signing this one sign Mark and I didn’t know,” Sanders said.

“We kept thinking, ‘How does she know that?’ and we looked it up, and apparently she learned ‘basketball’ all on her own. She’s teaching us at this point.”

Making progress When offered M&M’s during therapy, Audrey happily turned to her mother to sign each color of the candy before eating it.

Eager and undeterred even as her small fingers struggled to create the ‘G’ figure for ‘green,’ Audrey kept trying.

“She’s been learning so quickly. She’s at 5-year-old’s level receptively,” Miller said.

“She was talking up a storm when Ashley [her mother] left the room. It’s like she waits for the chance to show off.”

Audrey’s eagerness and progress are unmistakable.

When prompted to hiss like a cat for speech practice, she lights up, rushing from her seat to point to the picture of a cat placed on one of the doors throughout the pediatric clinic.

“It’s like she’s going, ‘No, silly, that’s a cat, see?’” Sanders laughed. “She’s always so sassy, too, and she’s sneaky. She’ll hug you to try and make you stop getting her to do something, or to grab at something when you’re not looking.”

When searching images on Google or listening to the recent evening news about more outbreaks of the Zika virus, microcephaly has been either downgraded to “an abnormally small head” or “a horrific disease,” Sanders said.

“A piece of me is encouraged that it’s getting coverage now, so people can get more educated,

but another part of me is upset because it’s getting treated like an epidemic,” Sanders said.

“There’s so much negative association with it that it’s frustrating for me because here we are. Our child already has so many challenges that she has to face; I don’t want that stigma too.”

Audrey is no horrific case.

With high pigtails and plenty of smiles, even with the frustrations of learning, her progress is not an isolated incident.

The condition is lifelong— there’s no cure—but her parents said there is no denying that progress is progress. Audrey “burst right into the therapy room” for her session, despite doctors saying she would never walk, Sanders said. She will start kindergarten in the fall.

“It’s been rewarding,” Sanders said. “It’s challenging, but it’s been rewarding to see how much she is learning and developing and growing. She has a long way to go, but she’s going.”

NTDAILY.COM | PAGE 6

Bet the House Barbeque and pitmaster extraordinaire smoke up a storm EATS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Smoking meat, particularly brisket, is a lengthy and drawn-out process that can take up to 12 hours, depending on the temperature of the smoker, which must be steadily maintained between 225 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Both the weather and the wood being used affect the temperature. But when it’s done right, most Texans agree there are few things that taste as incredible as Texas smoked barbecue.

Technique and patience are not to be disregarded or ignored for risk of ruining the product and, in turn, the profit.

“It’s low and slow, and that’s how Cody and I were taught,” Swann said. “It’s all in the smoke, baby.”

Cody Smithers, 36, is co-owner of the Bet The House and older brother to Swann. The two work closely and have been barbecuing since they were young, growing up in Krum, Texas. At their restaurant, Smithers takes a backseat as his sister works the smokers.

“Jessica pretty much does 80 to 90 percent of the smoking,” Smithers said.

The siblings learned the tricks of the trade from their father while he smoked meat in their backyard.

Barbecuing was a family hobby.

The two used to be contenders in neighborhood “smoke-offs” and have since developed their own style for how to cook their meat.

The pitmaster herself said she works better with her blood by her side.

“I kind of hate it when he’s not here,” Swann said. “He and I think exactly alike, and we want the same things. We know what needs to be done. It’s always good to have that person with you that you can trust. I can walk in there and I know s--t’s not gonna be f---ed up.”

Quality is a big deal for the crew, and they don’t let the price for it get in their way. The restaurant buys the same Creekstone Farms USDA Prime Brisket as the esteemed Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas, which has been featured on Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations,” “Bon Appetit,” in the Huffington Post and other various media.

Prices for the slabs of beefflavored heaven cost anywhere from $2 – $4 per pound, and Bet The House averages $3,000 – $4,000 per week spent on brisket alone, its best seller.

“We probably go through about 700 pounds, just in brisket, a week,” Smithers said. “If you look at some of the other places, it’s really not that much. Franklin’s might do 700 pounds a day, but he’s one of the biggest names in barbecue.”

Chris Washington, 42, is at the point of the knife, working in the kitchen slicing assorted meats to be served to some of the restaurant’s regulars. Having worked in a steakhouse for several years prior

to Bet The House, Washington is at home behind the chop block. There is a style and finesse that comes with portioning out the product that, if done the wrong way, could ruin an entire day’s worth of work.

Working in such close proximity to such a small group of people develops relationships that last, and the word ‘family’ is often used to describe one such motley crew. Washington always speaks positively about the restaurant business and those he works with.

“They all want to be here,” Washington said. “They all want to work hard.”

Rebekah Benton, 19, and UNT kinesiology sophomore Baylie Taylor are the two main personalities that can be seen behind the front counter or running around the front of the House.

At the restaurant they are neither waitresses nor cashiers, but more so neighbors that welcome customers into the barbeque haven that is Bet The House.

“I feel like part of their family; they’re all really close-knit,” Taylor said. “The customers are great, and we have a lot of regulars.”

Both workers cater to the hungry patrons that walk through their doors and are key players in making sure business goes the way it should.

Benton said she enjoys the people she works with and respects the work ethic that shines throughout.

“Jessica is a hoot. She’s not like

Jessica Swann places a cut of meat on the middle rack at Bet the House Barbeque. Hannah Ridings | Senior Staff Photographer

anyone else you have ever met,” Benton said. “She’s 90-to-nothing all the time but does a damn good job of what she does. She’s scatterbrained, but everything comes back to place when it needs to. She’s a hard worker, and she knows what she’s doing.”

Those who step into the House most often are looking for one thing: good, home-style comfort food made with a little bit of love.

They find themselves coming back again and again.

REVIEW

BUSINESS

By Nicholas Friedman Editor-In-Chief @NMFreed

By John Hoang Staff Writer

Regulars are often Denton locals and barbecue-ers alike, whether they’re retired couples, college professors and students or, in one specific case, the Honorable David Garcia of Denton County Criminal Court No. 3. Garcia has been coming to the House since its conception in a smaller suite located two doors over from the current location.

In a smaller location, the restaurant used to sell out of product daily and closed its doors

in the early afternoons. Now, with a more fitting place of business, the barbecue pit is able to keep its doors open longer and feed more carnivorous patrons. They also have a mobile crew and trailer that cater private and public events.

“They’ve got a bigger place so they can stay open longer,” Garcia said while enjoying a heaping brisket sandwich and some traditional house-made sides. “I think it’s some of the best barbecue we have in Denton.”

The Dose: ‘Deadpool’ is the super- Local beer business outgrows old store and expands its market hero movie we need right now In a world where heroes like Iron Man, Ant-Man and Green Arrow are household names, it’s about time Deadpool got his day in the sun, especially after his abysmal appearance in 2009’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.”

Enter “Deadpool,” an R-rated, blood-packed romp for revenge in which Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) uses his weird regenerative mutant powers to take down the guy that turned him into what looks like an “avocado had sex with an older avocado.”

And the story is little more than that. Wilson meets and falls in love with Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) and things are going great until he’s diagnosed with late-stage cancer. A creepy guy shows up at his friend Weasel’s (TJ Miller) bar and invites him to undergo an experimental treatment, which turns him into the aforementioned avocado.

Despite Deadpool being very, very hard to look at, Reynolds makes up for it with some top form humor. For those in the know about Deadpool, his comic counterpart is known for talking smack and being self-aware. This is all everpresent here, with references to the blunderous “Green Lantern” film and a stunning running gag involving a certain Australian actor.

We also get the pleasure of great supporting characters in the form of X-Men Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand). Colossus (Stefan Kapičić) plays an angel-on-theshoulder type guy who really just wants everyone to sit around the campfire and talk things out. On the

Deadpool movie poster Courtesy | 20th Century Fox other hand, Negasonic is a faux-emo chick who doesn’t take crap from anyone and defies every trope out there, often stealing the scenes she’s in.

The villains are awfully bland, but we’re really just here to see them get taken down. The movie plays it safe in this regard and has a pretty sweet-looking final set piece.

But above all, the action is superb.

The film goes out of its way to capture just how badass Deadpool actually is. And though we should always avoid using the term badass, it’s hard not to here. This class clown trigger-happy Spider-Man lookalike does crazy backflips, pulls off triple headshots and still has time to make very inappropriate sexual references.

But the film never steps over the corny line.

That means no dank memes or superimposed cat pictures. Sorry guys.

“Deadpool” is more than just a festival of cussing, sex scenes and

quips. It’s an important paradigm shift for the superhero movie industry. We’ve got Marvel making movies on-par most of the time, with the occasional dip (looking at you, “Iron Man 3”) and DC still trying to kickstart its own cinematic universe.

And with the only other notable R-rated comic book films being “300,” “Watchmen and “Sin City” (and “Kick-Ass,” but let’s forget that one for a second), it’s a breath of fresh air to see something legitimately funny in the mix.

So the last thing one would expect would be Fox, producers of the solid “X-Men” film franchise and the vomit-inducing Fantastic Four films, to create a by-the-books, hell of a good time in “Deadpool.” And it really is for adults, though it’s tailormade for the social media generation.

So please, don’t take children to this film.

Pro tip: Stay after the credits. But it’s not like we had to tell you that anyway.

Midway Craft House owner Shakeel Merchant, 47, walks through the aisle, inspecting a wide selection of beer ranging from local breweries in Denton to international beverages from Germany and the Philippines.

His 43-year-old co-owner Shaun Tapia sits behind the counter, greeting customers as they walk in while he manages the cash register.

On Dec. 1, Merchant and Tapia, opened Midway Craft House located on Welch and Hickory streets, to create a market to reach college students by the bars on Fry Street. The original shop, located on Hickory Street and Carroll Boulevard, opened in 1995 as Midway Mart, with only a few types of beer. As the demand for craft beer grew, the store began to stock more local alcoholic beverages to meet customer needs.

“We spend so much time here in this community, and I love working here.” Tapia said.

“I think I actually spend more time here than at home.”

Merchant and Tapia look for new beers on websites and social media while making orders daily to ensure a unique stock. When looking for alcoholic beverages, they make sure it has been approved by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

The owners also take suggestions from customers who want to try something new.

“If a customer demands it, and if we can get it, we’ll make

sure it’s in stores,” Tapia said.

Merchant and Tapia educate their customers about how certain brews compare to other beers. The brands of the beverages have been an integral part of the business, Merchant said. The Midway Craft House is known for its IPA, sour beer, lagers and other selections. “[It’s necessary to] have good customer service and talk to them while having good knowledge on beer,” Tapia said. “And just being nice to people at work.”

To meet customer demands, Merchant and Tapia constantly look for new beer and merchandise to keep a unique and abundant stock.

They believe diversity holds a key component to success in Denton, as no one beer consistently sells the best or has the most demand every week.

“With the craft industry, so many breweries are coming up, and tastes have diversified,” Tapia said. “It’s different now.”

Midway’s market remains accessible to many customers by holding specials for packs of beer with affordable prices that are often cheaper than other stores.

“We have beers on special and people love it,” Tapia said.

People always come in looking for it.”

As the popularity of the original store grew, the size of the Midway Mart couldn’t manage the stock and the ambitions of Merchant. He searched for a new store for about a year before finding the location on Hickory and Welch

streets. “[Midway Mart] is too small, and it’s almost wall-towall,” Merchant said. “This new place came up, and we went in and bought it.”

The owners feel optimistic about the Midway Craft House’s future, and they feel their experience and the culture of Denton will contribute to future success.

“We’ve been doing this for a long time, and once we have new and fully-trained employees along with the store completely set up, it should be great,” Tapia said.

With the new store in a transition phase, Merchant and Tapia have worked to build up the new location. The Midway Craft House implemented new coolers and will feature buildyour-own six packs along with the conversion of the smoothie bar from the previous shop into a growler bar.

“I love customers and the variety of beer selections,” Merchant said. “The store is growing every day.”

Tapia and Merchant utilize social media to showcase new beers coming into the store.

Merchandise such as shirts, glassware and growlers are sold in-store to help advertise and build their brand. The owners hope to maintain good relations with the community by meeting their alcoholic beverage needs and presenting exceptional customer service.

“Denton is a good town, and people are friendly,” Tapia said. “People like the brand and will put their heart into the business.”

Kind Companions is seeking qualified Caregivers and CNA’s Part & Full Time $10-$15 Professional, Caring, Flexible, Non-Smoker Min. 1 year Experience Work w/Elderly References, Drug Screen & Criminal Check

Providing caring assistance and companionship in the home and hospital

teresa@kindcompanions.com 940.382.7548

NTDAILY.COM | PAGE 7

MYSTERY

Too close for comfort: Groups try to escape the Square puzzle room

By Matt Payne Copy Editor @MattePaper

A tall, middle-aged man with blonde hair felt his breath shorten. His hands shook as he fumbled with an assortment of items surrounding him.

The man, Cam Thompson, and his group of more than 10 comrades remained puzzled.

As the clock winded down, they began to worry about escape and their safety as the walls surrounding them seemed to compress. Tensions are high, anxiety pressurizes the air and the single hour the group is granted winds down quickly.

In the Opera House at 109 E. Oak St., adjacent to Recycled Books, Escaping the Square features rooms designed with clues, riddles and evidence that participants must decipher in order to escape. The current theme, dubbed “International Spy,” requires a party of at least two to collaborate in solving a mystery while racing against the clock.

“We all work together, but something adventurous like this required us to think outside the box,” Thompson said. “I definitely wouldn’t call this a waste of money.”

Thompson, owner of Texas Casino Parties, first heard about the interactive game through e-commerce site Groupon. After completing the challenge with his coworkers, he was smitten by the thrill of a sudden, speedy escape while simultaneously building team synergy.

“Not many people would pay to be locked in a room until, of course, they actually try it,” Thompson said. “This may be the start of a new trend for us.”

Co-owners Adriana Barker and husband Glenn established Escaping the Square after coincidentally finding a deal on Groupon for The Escape Room in Southlake and completing the

Accounding senior Jake Oas uses a cipher to decode a message required to unlock a padlock.

Kristen Watson | Visuals Editor

A sign advertising Escaping the Square sits on the sidewalk near Recycled Books. Kristen Watson | Visuals Editor first of five lock-in challenges.

The thrill they experienced after hustling to get out of their trap would lead to them completing all five of the individually-themed rooms and branching out to Dallas’ Escape Expert to do the same.

“You just don’t know the

The entrance to the Escaping the Square game located in the office building portion of the building Recycled Books is in.

Kristen Watson | Visuals Editor

thrill of being trapped and using critical thinking with your friends until you try it,” Glenn said. “Putting down your smartphones, having oldfashioned entertainment.”

Glenn suggested the two look for a space they could overlay with their own clues, which would lead guests trapped in the lair toward the key to escape.

Adriana discovered a suite located in the Opera House that piqued the couple’s interest and called its realtor. The couple took the entire week of Thanksgiving off to organize the room.

After hours of manual labor involving the transport of heavy furniture up a long flight of stairs, Escaping the Square opened. Since Nov. 25, 2015, guests have been paying to squirm and synergize toward the goal of hasty escape.

“We’ve only received one ‘bad’ review,” Glenn said.

Accounting senior Jake Oas puts in the final combination to obtain the key that will allow him to escpae the room. Kristen Watson | Visuals Editor “A three-star review on Yelp demanding more.”

With Adriana working as a wet chemist for the city of Denton’s environmental services and Glenn as the city of Lewisville’s water plant superintendent, the two have struggled to make time for their vice.

Even so, the opportunity of landing a spot on the Denton Square was too advantageous to pass up—even though it meant using money that would usually go toward paying their mortgage.

“This all initially started as an idea in our heads up to one big hobby,” Glenn said.

In spite of their enthusiasm for a clandestine indulgence, the couple is uncertain about the future of Escaping the Square, but its recent upswing in

A computer screen hangs high on a wall in the room with a countdown clock and an area where text will pop up to give players clues if they get stuck. Kristen Watson | Visuals Editor popularity only encourages their itch to keep the thrill alive.

“We had no plans of this after one date night; it wasn’t even on our radar,” Adriana said.

“But now, we’re sort of serial escapists. Do the guests have more fun, or do we watching them? I wouldn’t be able to tell you.”

TECHNOLOGY

Local game makers utilize VR in new app, set to premiere at SXSW

By John Hoang Staff Writer Trapped inside a small, dark room with a mechanical man, the prisoner must use his wits to unlock himself from confinement and be spared from the wrath of his jailer.

The app, ‘Escape,’ developed

by From the Future, features just that as a virtual reality experience.

From the Future will present its app at interactive festival South by Southwest in March.

CEO Mike Christian has high hopes for the future and said he wants the app to showcase the company’s talent and hard work to potential clients and viewers.

“We want to bring a lot of attention to Denton,” Christian said. “Lots of makers, from painting to building things, and we are a part of that.”

Users experience the app through the Samsung Gear VR, a virtual reality headset. The equipment will be set to external volume, allowing passersby to witness the demonstration. The creators made efforts to create immersion into the virtual world, such as a computerized belt buckle when the player escapes.

Producer Libby Mitchell said VR has expanded in past years and is being applied in medical, psychiatric, hospitality, real estate and development fields.

“It is a wonderful marketing tool, where games and apps can be used to show a product or concept coming out,” Mitchell said. “It’s very much a field that is just opening up and companies [are] racing to figure out how it will help them out.”

The multiple uses of virtual

reality equipment are recognized by both app producers and students.

“I don’t think it has to be limited to gaming,” undecided sophomore Christian Alcocer said. “I think it can open up a completely new world of experiences.”

Though the idea of the game began at the start of 2015, it is already in its final production stages to be presented at the festival.

“It’s an ongoing challenge— enough work to keep us busy and paid but not be overwhelmed,” Christian said.

From the Future launched the Dig Little d app in 2014 to

help alleviate the construction affecting businesses on Hickory Street. The app locates parking spots and provides information on local venues and restaurants in the downtown area.

“From our viewpoint it has been successful,” Christian said.

“Although we don’t see it as being as well-known as it should be.”

Although the app hasn’t produced the scope they hoped, it still brought a convenience and information to the local population.

“It hasn’t reached as many people as we would have liked,” Christian said. “That’s an ongoing struggle in any market.”

The app was created in

collaboration with the Denton Convention Bureau and with the gaming company making the app at a reduced rate. Although Christian viewed the project as a success, he’d hoped to give the local businesses more control over their pages in Dig Little d.

“We’ve always been mesmerized by visions of the future from the past century,” Christian said.

Originally a team of four members, From the Future has expanded to about 10 members to fulfill future ambitions and

meet deadlines set by clients. The company has worked on over 90 projects, both large and small. “[From the Future] has worked with some of the most wellknown virtual reality companies and are beginning to make their own apps and games for people to enjoy,” Mitchell said. “They have a ground-floor approach and creative atmosphere where people can express what they think about their projects, what is happening individually, how the team can help them and how the individual can help the team.”

The company has worked in a variety of industries, Mitchell said, and has continued to grow.

“Even boring projects can get fun when getting them to work, as we use some interesting technology,” Christian said.

Utilizing technology to implement their creativity, the studio hopes to remain at the forefront of the game development field.

“We want to stay on the cutting edge of technology,” Christian said. “And use our entertainment background for clients.”

SPORTS Page 8

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

NTDAILY.COM

“THE CRAZY ROMANIAN”

Senior swimmer Bianca Bocsa poses for a photo after practice. Colin Mitchell | Senior Staff Photographer

Senior swimmer Bianca Bocsa brings relentless spirit to Mean Green

By Torie Mosley Staff Writer @toriemosley The NFL has “Beast Mode.”

The NBA has “The Black Mamba.” MLB has “Big Papi.”

For North Texas swimming and diving, the nickname “The Crazy Romanian” is

UPCOMING GAMES Thursday •M Basketball: @ Old Dominion (Norfolk, VA) – 6:00 p.m.

•W Basketball: vs. Old Dominion (Super Pit) – 7:00 p.m.

Friday •Softball: vs. Arizona (Tucson, AZ) – 7:00 p.m.

•Softball: vs. Nebraska-Omaha (Tucson, AZ) – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday •Softball: vs. UC Santa Barbara (Tucson, AZ) – 12:00 p.m.

•Tennis: vs. Louisiana Tech (Denton, TX) – 12:00 p.m.

•Softball: vs. Southern Utah (Tucson, AZ) – 2:00 p.m.

•W Basketball: vs. Charlotte (Super Pit) – 2:00 p.m.

•M Basketball: @ Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) – 3:00 p.m.

•Track & Field: Herm Wilson Invitational (Wichita, KS) – All Day Sunday •Softball: vs. Purdue (Tucson, AZ) – 10:00 a.m.

•Tennis: vs. Oklahoma (Denton, TX) – 12:00 p.m.

•W Golf: Texas State Spring Challenge (New Braunfels, TX) – All Day

synonymous with one of its most talented swimmers senior Bianca Bocsa.

Bocsa’s nickname doesn’t completely stem from her exciting personality. Instead, it describes her freestyle technique and rapid swim stroke as a sprinter in the pool for North Texas.

“I have this warrior mentality,” Bocsa said.

“I don’t give up until my last stroke. I always try to stay pumped during meets, especially when I really need to crank it up for one last burst of energy.”

Bocsa breathes every two strokes to keep her stroke rate high during late swim meet events for the Mean Green.

The quick, consistent breaths help the Romania-native swim at her top speed and feed her non-stop motor.

Senior sprinter Michelle Balcaen joined the Mean Green as a freshman at the same time Bocsa did.

Throughout their four years together, Balcaen said Bocsa always came in clutch for North Texas with her impressive freestyle times.

“We need someone to be there on the last relay, and she’s like, ‘Okay Crazy Romanian, let’s go,’” Balcaen

said. “It’s a mindset [where] she has to go all out and leave everything in the pool.”

Bocsa left everything in Bucharest, Romania to come to Denton in 2012 after graduating high school as one of her native country’s top swimmers. While in Romania, she was successful academically and also received many awards, showcasing her as one of Romania’s best athletes. The senior earned a Master of Sport award for Olympic entry, the Carmen Bunaciu Cup for best backstroke, and the Olympic Gala Cup for Intelligence for succeeding in high school sports and academics.

Adjusting to Texas weather was one of the biggest differences for Bocsa coming to the U.S. According to Bocsa, her home country’s weather, much like her swim technique, stays extreme all year long.

“In Romania, we have our own four seasons,” Bocsa said.

“We have Russian winters with six-foot snow, we have hot summers like here in Texas, we have spring like Germany and then we have a nice autumn.”

Although Romania celebrates the sport of

swimming and diving with swimmers competing worldwide, the lack of funds towards competition compared to the U.S. was one of the reasons Bocsa wanted to come to America.

“We’ve had a few Olympians, but it’s just not as developed as it is here,” Bocsa said. “The facilities are old, and there’s not a lot of resources to be involved in that sport.”

When Bocsa joined the Mean Green in 2012, North Texas was in its last year as a member of the Sun Belt Conference.

During her freshman season, she placed as a consolation finalist at the Sun Belt Conference Championship in 10th place with a 100 butterf ly time of 56.96.

The Mean Green joined the Conference USA the following year and welcomed current head coach Brendon Bray to the program. Although Bocsa adopts the “crazy” moniker, Bray said it’s her warm personality that makes her a great captain and leader of the team.

“She has a big heart, and she’s a really caring person,” Bray said. “When she’s ready to go, she gives it all she can. She’s been able to rise above injury and continue to improve and swim fast.”

Bray has witnessed Bocsa’s improvement firsthand with some of the fastest times in school history in the 100M back (3rd), 100M free (3rd) and the 100M f ly (6th). This season, Bocsa won first place in events against Rice University, the University of Houston and Texas Christian University.

Bocsa’s “Crazy Romanian” freestyle swimming has made her one of the program’s best swimmers in history, but Bray still worries as a coach when he sees the senior pushing her limits.

“When she goes ‘Crazy Romanian,’ sometimes it’s scary,” Bray said. “We always teach our swimmers to pace themselves. But when she goes crazy, she usually does well.

So I like it.”

Bocsa is just as crazy about her team’s success as she is her own, saying she wants her and her teammates to take over the Mean Green record books.

“I really want to break all the records off that board,” Bocsa said, pointing to the North Texas record boards at the PEB Natatorium. “It’s getting boring. It’s old. There’s a 2010 record up there. I want all those records down.”

Bocsa’s aggressive style may scare her opponents and coaches, but “The Crazy Romanian” isn’t calming down anytime soon.

“It’s just me. That’s how I am,” Bocsa said. “I know I would not sleep well at night knowing that I could’ve been better. When you give it your all, that’s all that matters.”

The North Texas swim team prepares for the North Texas relays. File Photo

Student Service Fee Advisory Committee/Group Proposal Presentations Date: Friday, February 12, 2016 Location: Union, Room 412 Time: 8:00 AM

NTDAILY.COM | PAGE 9

Fresh faces look to carry softball in 2016 and beyond SOFTBALL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

bringing in a large class, and from day one we wanted to set the tempo that they were going to work hard, out-work people and be smart ball players.”

Only four players return from last year’s squad: junior pitcher Stacey Underwood, senior catcher Bryana Wade, junior infielder Kelli Schkade and senior utility player Karly Williams. Because of so many departures, Kee hit the recruiting trail hard, adding eight freshmen and three junior college transfers.

Wade knew coming into the offseason that she would have to increase her production from last season with the loss of so many players. Wade batted .250 with 18 RBIs and 28 strikeouts in 72 at-bats in 2015.

“Because we had lost so many people, my mindset was to help provide for this team,” Wade said. “Because we had so many young ones, I felt for me, I need to be more of an RBI hitter and provide extra base hits.”

One of the most notable losses for the Mean Green is left fielder Taylor Schoblocher. A junior last year, Schoblocher led the Mean Green last season in almost all offensive categories with a .389 average, .833 slugging, 17 homers and 42 RBIs. She left the softball program despite having a year of eligibility left and remains enrolled as a student at UNT. “The way I look at it, kids that want to be here, kids that want to play hard and kids that want to be challenged will be here,” Kee said. “For us, yeah we lost a lot

of power, but on the other side we lost pitching that gave up 30 plus home-runs. That’s really a plus.”

One of the grayest areas on the team lies in its pitching staff.

There are only three pitchers on the roster, meaning there will be higher inning counts compared to already high totals from last year’s staff.

North Texas said goodbye to last season’s leading innings eater, Monique Garcia, who pitched 117.2 innings in 2015.

Underwood, the team’s only returner, was second on the list by pitching 93 innings and finished with a team-leading 3.99 ERA and 22 strikeouts.

The drop off after Underwood in innings pitched from last season is sharp, with Kenzie Grimes logging 61.1.

Filling the void in the back of the rotation will be freshman Lauren Craine and junior transfer Jessica Elder. Craine won backto-back state titles in 2014 and ’15 with Aledo High School and was named the 4A and 5A Texas Sportswriters Association Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons. Elder was named to the Western Junior College Athletic Conference all-conference team two years in a row during her time at Howard College.

“We just have to bear down and get it,” Underwood said.

“Having three of us doesn’t really change our mindset.”

It will be sink or swim for most of the young squad, as the schedule opens with a game against Super Regional finalists Arizona, who lost to Louisiana State University to miss out on

a trip to the Women’s College World Series last season. In all, the Mean Green is scheduled to face six teams who advanced to the regional round of postseason play last season.

North Texas will also face opponents from the Big 12 eight times on the season, with notable match-ups at the University of Texas, Baylor University, Oklahoma University and a home double-header against Texas Tech University.

The Mean Green shocked the nation last season when it beat then No. 7 Baylor, the highest ranked team North Texas has ever defeated, in Waco.

“I’m a firm believer in scheduling hard,” Kee said. “We could easily pad our schedule just for wins, and for us that’s not going to move this program forward. Sometimes I feel like I’m in the Big 12, but for us those are the games we want to get on our schedule.”

With such a fresh and young team, Kee said she wants to raise expectations for Mean Green softball and set a precedent for the future. Dubbing themselves “Team 13,” in reference to being the thirteenth team in program history, the team is embracing the idea of starting a new era of North Texas softball.

“We’ve talked about [being a new era],” Kee said. “We respect what the other teams have done before us, but we understand it’s time to try and raise expectations and raise what we want to achieve. It starts with this group.”

Senior utility player Karly Williams fields the ball near home plate during practice. Dylan Nadwodny | Staff Photographer

Freshman utility player Harley Perella cocks her arm back to throw a ball to first base during practice.

Dylan Nadwodny | Staff Photographer

WRESTLING

Wrestling club looks to bounce back after forfeiting National Duals

By Alex Lessard Associate Sports Editor @alexlikechexmix Many people spent Super Bowl Sunday watching the big game with friends and family surrounded by buffalo wings, chips and queso, and a slew of beverages. But mechanical engineering senior Taylor Swanson spent his Sunday suffering a hardfought dual defeat at a North Texas wrestling meet in Arlington.

At practice the following night, Swanson, the team president, was the first to arrive but had trouble finding motivation to get back into his routine. He watched as others began rolling out the mats, ignoring the aches and pains radiating through his body while he walked gingerly toward his locker.

To Swanson, there was no way he was going to give up now. After all, embracing the grind is exactly what wrestlers take pride in.

“It hurts to lose. You put so much into this,” Swanson said. “Either you quit and be a little girl, or you can keep putting more work in until you get to where you want to be.”

After a successful year in 2014 where the team earned a No. 9 ranking in Division II of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association, the men’s club began its preparation for the January NCWA National Duals in Dalton, Georgia. They made travel arrangements, set up their matches and rented a van for the drive, but only took eight members on the trip because of injuries and a lack of consistent participation.

As a result, the club didn’t meet the tournament’s 11-member requirement. They had to take four forfeits per matchup, meaning they’d have to win five individual duals by pin to earn the victory. They finished with a 1-4 record and headed home early.

Now, the club has moved on

to focus on its next challenge: qualifying for the NCWA Nationals tournaments in March.

“It’s all about how you finish. It doesn’t matter what’s happened,” Swanson said. “All that matters is conference and that national tournament.”

Both the men’s and women’s clubs are preparing to finish their schedule in NCWA’s Southwest conference, which includes schools like the University of Texas and Texas State University. North Texas holds as many as eight optional practices per week at the Pohl Recreation Center, Lewisville High School and Liberty Christian High School, and is open to any dedicated students looking to give wrestling a try.

However, retaining steady participation has been difficult. Volunteer Head Coach and former olympian Andre Metzger, left, walks senior marketing major Kendrick Sousa The club reached its peak last year, through a move. Nathan Roberts | Staff Photographer but lost some key members and has struggled to get back on track. and proved to be a valuable asset in the club. In order to see consistent one of the most mentally draining Due to the sport’s physical nature, committing his players to put North improvement, he holds the club’s sports in the world, and determining members to a high standard, the winner of each dual is all about advertising and marketing senior Texas on the map.

“If you really want to stick to it, encouraging them to run anywhere who gives up first.

Kedrick Sousa said it’s hard to get coach is there to help you through the from four to eight miles a day to newcomers to stick around.

Metzger said the roughest thing “It’s just really not an attractive whole thing,” Sousa said. “He loves remain in proper fighting shape. for him is that no one thinks schools But with scattered attendance at in Texas are capable of winning, thing to do, and after you do it, you people that come to practice all the really don’t want to do it again,” time, and he’s there to work with practices last fall and this spring, he which is exactly what feeds his said the club has taken a step back.

Sousa said. “If you don’t want to run everybody.” hunger to keep coaching at North “Our conditioning was better Texas.

Metzger has received multiple some miles, getting beat up on by offers to coach at Division I last year. I think that’s where we’re somebody is not cool either.”

“I’d like these guys to win Sousa is one of the only original programs, including the University hurting right now,” Metzger said. Nationals. I’ll probably stay until I members still standing from the of Oklahoma. But as a Denton “We’ve got to get our kids in shape, do that,” Metzger said. “Who knows club’s inaugural season four years resident, Metzger decided to stay at and we’ve only got two or three what this program can be.” ago. Back then, the team would hold North Texas, where he’s helped give weeks to get there.”

With the club still trending Aside from conditioning, upwards from its inaugural season unstructured practices without a the club an identity and established coach, pursuing the goal of teaching the tradition of a competitive attitude resiliency is what Metzger preaches four years ago, maintaining a steady the most. He believes wrestling is amount of participants will be its the basics of the sport to men and on a daily basis.

“There’s no respect in wrestling women that have never competed in the state of Texas,” Sousa said. “If before.

Once former All-American Andre he can take us to be something, that Metzger agreed to become the club’s would be more of a joy for him than full-time volunteer head coach, the to start somewhere that gets all the club had much larger goals in mind. top recruits.”

Although he can’t always make Metzger’s knowledge, skillset and connections in the wrestling industry it to practice, Metzger commits a solidified the club’s long-term future substantial portion of his time to

Marketing sophomore David Wojciki, right, locks up with his opponent at wrestling practice.

Nathan Roberts | Staff Photographer

MEAN GREEN QUICK HITS Men’s basketball adds another transfer guard North Texas officially added 6’3 point guard Ryan Woolridge to the program on Tuesday.

Woolridge originally committed to play for the University of San Diego, but the Mansfield native did not play a single minute and decided to transfer closer to home. He has already enrolled in spring classes at UNT and hopes to be eligible to play in the fall, pending the result of an NCAA transfer waiver.

Men’s basketball climbing up the CUSA standings The Mean Green has won two straight home games, one against fourth place Louisiana Tech, and now sits at eighth place in the C-USA standings. The win streak is a muchneeded remedy to a five game losing skid the team was on prior to its current streak.

The recent success also resembles previous seasons, as the Mean Green have strung together four and five game win streaks in February in each of the last two seasons.

North Texas soccer signs eight players The Mean Green soccer team has officially signed eight players, seven from the DallasFort Worth area, for next year’s squad to fill the hole left by eight graduating seniors.

One of the recruits is a transfer graduate student from Texas A&M Corpus Christi, and the remaining seven are high school commits, including Oxford, Alabama native Miranda Schoening. The 6’1 goalkeeper is a six-year starter at Oxford High School in Alabama, starting for the varsity team since she was in 7th grade. She also played in the Alabama Olympic Development Program in 2013 and 2014 and was named to the 2015 North-South All Star Girls Soccer game last summer.

Mean Green sweeps C-USA Weekly Swimming & Diving awards Despite losing to SMU last Friday, freshman Rebekah Bradley and junior Samantha Scheck took home the Conference USA Swimmer and Diver of the Week awards.

Bradley has won C-USA Swimmer of the Week two weeks in a row, while Scheck’s honor was the first of her career.

biggest obstacle. Through social media, a continued search for high school talent and word of mouth, the club hopes to add on to what they’ve established in their short lifespan.

“There are probably wrestlers still hiding out here,” Swanson said.

“We’ve just got to find them.”

NTDAILY.COM | PAGE 10 BASKETBALL

Women’s basketball preparing for critical home stand this weekend “It’s critical that we have a good showing at home and that we try to get two wins,” head coach Jalie Mitchell said. “Not only because we have lost five out of six, but After losing three straight because it’s at home and you want games and seven of their last to protect your home court.” nine, the Mean Green women’s The Mean Green has struggled basketball team is facing a crucial mightily on the offensive side of home stand against some of the the ball in recent weeks, as the team has racked up nine straight games with 16 or more turnovers.

North Texas is the only team in C-USA to average more than 20 turnovers per game this season, and the team ranks dead last in assist to turnover ratio.

The abundance of turnovers has caused a decrease in offensive production, with the Mean Green tying its lowest scoring output of the season in a 57-38 loss to the University of Southern Mississippi last week.

“We haven’t been very conscious of taking care of the ball and valuing possessions,” junior guard Candice Adams said. “It’s something that we can control, but we have to value our possessions.”

Following the blowout loss to Southern Miss, Adams and the Junior guard Candice Adams (14) yells to a teammate during the game against UAB. Kristen Watson | Visuals Editor Mean Green held a team meeting to evaluate what was going wrong and try to get back on track. While the team still lost a competitive 77-71 matchup against Louisiana Tech in the next game, there was a noticeable difference in the offensive fluidity and the team’s intensity on the court.

The Mean Green held the lead for more than 19 minutes that game, which gave Mitchell hope for a turnaround at the Super Pit this weekend.

“It was great for our kids and for our confidence, so they know the Southern Miss game was just a one-time thing,” Mitchell said.

“It won’t be something that will affect us going forward.”

As the Mean Green offense tries to get back on track at home, the North Texas defense will be tasked with containing two of the most high-octane offenses in C-USA. Charlotte averages more Junior guard Terra Ellison (20) takes a shot during the game against UAB. Kristen Watson | Visuals Editor

By Brady Keane Staff Writer @BradyKeane3

top talent in Conference USA this weekend.

The team has been on a long, downhill slide since winning three straight games more than a month ago, and the Mean Green (8-12, 3-7) are sitting at 11th place in the C-USA standings with eight games to go in the regular season.

North Texas has a losing record at home this season (4-6), but the team knows the importance of its upcoming home contests.

North Texas hosts Old Dominion University on Thursday, Feb. 11 and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte on Saturday, Feb. 13.

Junior guard Kelsey Criner (3) works her way around UAB defense.

Kristen Watson | Visuals Editor than 75 points per game, which is the best in the conference, while ODU has the league’s top scorer in Jennie Sims, averaging 20.2 points per game.

The defense will be aided by the return of sophomore post player Bria Frierson, who has been suffering from an ankle injury.

Frierson could be key to a North Texas defensive turnaround, as the Frisco Liberty alum is the team’s third leading rebounder.

“It’s big,” Mitchell said of Frierson’s return. “She’s been a starter for us for the majority of the season, and she not only rebounds,

she takes a lot of charges. Our defensive scheme changes without her in the lineup.”

Ultimately, members of the Mean Green said they have to cut down on unforced offensive mistakes to get back on track at the Super Put this weekend to avoid digging an even deeper hole with the C-USA Tournament less than a month away.

“We just have to relax, play loose and let the game come to us,” junior guard Kelsey Criner said. “We are very motivated.

We’re trying to win games, and we have to find a way to do that.”

GOLF

Men’s golf begins spring season with high hopes

By Austin Jackson Staff Writer @a_jack17

It’s not a world tour or their girl’s tour, but the Mean Green men’s golf team starts spring ready to go backto-back.

After finishing out fall with a breakout win at Quail Valley, head men’s golf coach Brad Stracke is looking to lead his senior-less squad of over-performing freshman and veteran leaders to consecutive C-USA titles for the second time in five years.

“We didn’t play quite like we should have, but we ended up playing great at the end of the year,” Stracke said. “After winning that last one, I’m expecting big things out of them by the end of spring.”

With a winter regiment consisting of workouts, range sessions and six practice rounds per week, Stracke has the Mean Green working hard to live up to expectations. The spring season began Monday, Feb. 8 with a trip to San Antonio to face off against No. 10 Oklahoma University,

last year’s winner Baylor University and conference foes at the UTSA Oak Hills Invitational.

North Texas finished fourth out of 15 schools at the tournament thanks to standout performances from freshman Ian Snyman and junior Alejandro Villasana and will now set their sights on their upcoming five tournaments leading up to the C-USA championship in April.

After the Mean Green lost their two best players on their C-USA championship team to graduation, Stracke replaced former standouts Juan Munoz and Jason Moetz with two international freshman.

“I think some of the other teams thought we weren’t going to be as good this year,” Stracke said. “But I knew we had a good class coming in and the guys returning. We’re good.

I think we’re actually going to be a little stronger this year.”

Snyman and fellow freshman Thomas Rosenmueller proved Stracke right in the fall, stepping up as two of the team’s best players.

Rosenmueller became the team’s ace, living under par all year by

carrying a scoring average of 71.16.

That is almost two strokes better than Munoz, the team’s former ace.

“It was an amazing first season, especially as a freshman,” Rosenmueller said. “But there’s a lot of things I can take to a higher level.”

In the fall, Rosenmueller finished 12th at the Memphis Intercollegiate and second at the Windon Memorial, but he saved his best play for last at Quail Valley. In his final tournament, Germany’s No. 2 ranked amateur stormed to a blistering nine-under 63 in the second round, finishing the tournament on top of the leaderboard at 12-under.

Snyman, the Mean Green’s other freshman phenom, has goals to defend the team’s C-USA title and make a run at the NCAA championship, but said his sole focus is on the present.

“I feel like my game is getting better,” Snyman said. “I just need to put a good score on the board.”

The South Africa native held the team’s second best scoring average, 72.66, after the fall season and was

Presidents’ Day Sale Monday 2/15/16

Everything 50% off!

named C-USA player of the week after finishing fifth at the Memphis Invitational - the best Mean Green freshman debut since 1999.

Sophomore Michael Cotton tied Snyman in scoring average, but had mixed results in the first two tournaments of the fall. Cotton finished seventh at the Bayou Classic then posted a team-best 68 in the final round at Quail Valley, securing the Mean Green’s first victory of the season.

In the final round of the Texas Amateur Championship, he wobbled, turning a two-stroke lead into a two-stroke deficit after going four over par through eight holes.

But instead of imploding, Cotton showed resilience by draining putt after putt to go eight-under in his final 10 holes, ascending three strokes ahead of the runner-up to win Texas Amateur Championship.

The big stage brings out the best in junior Cory Churchman as well.

With the 2015 ConferenceUSA title on the line, Churchman sank a five-foot birdie putt, sealing North Texas’ fourth conference title in eight years. After sweeping UAB in match play, he took over as team captain.

But fresh off his postseason heroics, Churchman began his junior year in a funk. In his first two tournaments, the Mean Green captain failed to string three cohesive rounds together, finishing outside of the top 50.

“At the start I didn’t play well. It was rough,” Churchman said. ”I’m one of the older guys. I should be the one everyone can count on to put a good score up there.”

By the third tournament, Churchman righted the ship, finishing 12th at the Bayou Classic and sixth at Quail Valley.

North Texas men’s golf enters spring ranked No. 66 nationally, second in conference behind No. 27 ranked University of Alabama at Birmingham. Churchman said the ranking didn’t stop them from winning a title last year, adding that rankings that really matter come after the season is over.

Churchman, Cotton, Rosenmueller and Snyman started every tournament in the fall with the fifth spot being shared between four other players.

The fifth man rotation included Villasana, sophomore Ross Martens, and juniors Colin Pearson and Nick Rodriguez. Each posted rounds

Junior Cory Churchman swings a club during practice. Courtesy| North Texas Athletics 9TH ANNUAL

20% Student Discount tickets!

Discounts taken at box office day of.

Must present a student ID

F E B R UA RY 1 7- 2 1 Sponsored in part by

1701 Brinker Road 9AM-9PM

outside of the top 50 in tournament play, leaving the door open for junior Andrew Hudson and freshman Kyle Berkshire to make their first tournament appearance this spring.

Martens said the competition for the fifth spot has galvanized the team.

“It’s different than any other sport, really,” Martens, the team’s only lefty, said. “We’re all great friends off the course and you want your teammates to do well, but you want to play.”

Stracke brought six players to compete at Oak Hills: Churchman, Cotton, Rosenmueller, Villasana, Snyman and Pearson. He said regardless of what a course dictates, he will always lean on whoever plays the best.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a tight golf course or wide open. My best players are my best players,” Stracke said. “They can play anywhere.”

W W W.T H I N L I N E.U S City of Denton, Ramey King Insurance, Golden Triangle Mall, UNT of the Square, Ben E. Keith, Dallas Film commission, Little Guys Movers, Mellow Mushroom, Mochila, Lucky Lou’s. Cool Beans, Riprock’s, Dallas Observer, Axis Reality Group, Point Bank, Ed Steele Photography, Denton CVB, Pyware, Denon Film Company, Atomica Music, Earthworks, Texas Commission on the Arts

OPINION Page 11

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

TECH

That hoverboard isn’t that cool, plus it could explode

By Preston Mitchell Staff Writer @presto_mitch While “Back to the Future Part II” rocks, its vision for 2015 hasn’t quite panned out. The hoverboard, which was popularized by Marty McFly as a literal hovering saucer that resembled a skateboard, was every child’s dream the moment it appeared on screen.

Being a huge “BTTF” fan growing up, hoverboards looked awesome to me.

Watching McFly miraculously evade bullies by surfing around the laws of physics was a wondrous sight to behold.

That being said, the sad excuse for hoverboards available to us in 2016 aren’t just a sad knockoff of the vision given to us all those years ago, they can be quite dangerous. For our generation, “hoverboard” is something of a vague term and not at all reminiscent of the one we were crossing our fingers for. It refers to self-balancing, electric scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries with two ugly wheels and cheap, hard plastic.

New scooters range in prices from $200 to $1,800 making them glorified Segways for people who are too cheap to buy a real Segway. Despite their lackluster appearance, they have become extremely existent in today’s market for those with enough money to blow on flamboyant, impractical transportation.

With these supposed advantages in mind, many of the hoverboards owned by visible students “peddle” at a walking speed with campus long-boarders and fast-walkers easily outpacing them.

Sure, owners of the faster hoverboards are possibly just being courteous to pedestrians, but these individuals can be hard to find in a sea of slug-like zombies humming their way to class.

At the same time, it’s ridiculous that someone in a rush can out-walk even the most experienced hoverboard user.

In addition, the reliability of hoverboards is generally lackluster.

Within the past few months, these motorized two-wheelers have been reported to catch fire in legion. Most notably includes the Louisiana, New

NTDAILY.COM

NETFLIX AND VOTE

Presidential candidates should stop underestimating millennials

By Morgan Sullivan Staff Writer @sadsquatch

Sean Atkins, 9, rides his hoverboard at South Lakes Park. Kristen Watson | DRC York, and Washington pyres that damaged homes and a mall. Therefore, many of the available hoverboards aren’t even safe.

This stems from how China packages the lithium-ion batteries into the product. Since the upper-echelon models are made with obvious hazards in mind, more affordable brands produce hoverboards with substantially cheaper components. And thus, cheaper lithiumion is used to accommodate the shoddier models.

Once these cheap hoverboards reach their maximum speeds, the interior lithium-ion is punctured and combusts.

In short, the hoverboards that most college kids use are mini-combustibles

North Texas Daily Editorial Board

Editor-In-Chief...................Nicholas Friedman nicholas.friedman1@gmail.com....@NMFreed

News Editor...............................Dalton LaFerney laferneyd@gmail.com.............@daltonlaferney

Arts & Life Editor..........................Erica Wieting ericawieting@gmail.com........@ericawootang

Sports Editor......................................Scott Sidway s.sidway@gmail.com.....................@ScottyWK

Visuals Editor..............................Kristen Watson kristenwatson2@my.unt.edu............@kbwatts

Visuals Editor............................Meagan Sullivan meagansullivanphotography@gmail.com....@meagansullivan_

Opinion Editor.............................Harrison Long harrisonlong@my.unt.edu..............@HarrisonGLong

Production

Design Editor........................Hannah Lauritzen Copy Editor......................................Linda Kessler Copy Editor..........................................Matt Payne For Advertising, please call 940-565-3989 or email adsales@unt.edu

waiting to ignite.

Problems with lithium-ion are not new. Ever since Sony commercialized the first lithium-ion battery in 1991, they’ve exploded inside smartphones, cars and laptops. However, the difference between standard electronics and hoverboards is that the latter was meant to be science fiction.

Despite the hoverboard’s popularity, it seems to be more of a fad than game-changing carriage. Segways are practically the same technology and its handlebars safen the user’s ride.

All in all, until we get an actual floating skateboard that defies the laws of gravity, let’s leave the hoverboards in 1989.

It was only a matter of time before presidential candidates started vying for votes on the Internet.

When President Obama was elected nearly eight years ago, Twitter was just two years old, and having Internet on your phone was still somewhat of a luxury. The very first iPhone had just been introduced a year earlier, and although social media was a bit bigger when he was reelected in 2012, the conversation still wasn’t centered on millennials or engaging with voters on social media itself.

Since millennials have now surpassed Baby Boomers as the largest voter group, this makes them a hot commodity.

Consequently, all of the presidential candidates are now running social media campaigns hoping to capture a piece of the millennial vote.

For Hillary Clinton, her team’s strategy appeared to be approaching the Internet like a grandmother.

But she’s not a regular grandma - she’s a “cool” grandma!

Not. From the beginning of her campaign, it has been

clear Hillary has no idea how to successfully interact with us. To Clinton (and most Baby Boomers), millennials are a selfie-obsessed, social media-dependent zombie herd. Which, maybe we are, but do they really want to start stacking up stereotypes?

We aren’t an algorithm.

We are a complicated mixture of past, present and future. You can’t simply tweet using memes and emojis and hijack our slang without actually understanding the humor behind it and then expect us to take you seriously. We see through the ruse.

Baby Boomers don’t want to believe millennials are intelligent. They want to blow us off by complaining that we don’t care about politics or the world around us because they can’t relate to us the way we relate to each other.

Sure, we laugh at memes. We send texts riddled with emojis and sometimes converse through double-chinned Snapchats.

Sue us!

We aren’t going to apologize for being more entertained by our iPhones than shooting marbles on the back porch with Jimmy from

across the street.

Awkward situations have always existed.

Just because we don’t laugh at your jokes does not mean we don’t know how to socialize - we do!

Honestly, most people are just not that interesting, and we’d rather have a conversation through text than have to feign interest in person.

The truth is, millennials DO care about politics - we care about a lot of things. We have issues that we deeply care about, from social justice to student loans to human trafficking.

We don’t want to send you three emojis that sum up our thoughts about student debt, Hillary. Truthfully, no emoji can capture the horror students feel when thinking about how long it will take to pay off their student loans.

The problem isn’t that political candidates are trying to interact with us on social media. The issue at hand is that political candidates don’t care to learn about us – they simply want our votes and half-heartedly engage us in an attempt to do so.

Talk to me about where you stand on issues, Hillary. My friends make better memes, anyway.

POLITICS

Looking closely at the political world’s money

By Sidney Johnson Staff Writer @Sidjohn87

Money in politics is more of an issue in politics now than ever before.

Old-school politicians like Jeb Bush are relying on the dated method of using big corporate money as fuel and the effects have proved detrimental to the working-poor and middle-class.

If we are to assess the danger of money in politics, we must first get to the meat of the issue. The landmark cases of Buckley v. Valeo, McCutcheon v. FEC and 2010’s Citizens United v. FEC have proved instrumental in giving corporations, unions and non-profits qualification for limitless contributions to candidates. Goldman Sachs, for example, has contributed $250,000-$500,000 to the Hillary Clinton Foundation as well as $1 million to Sen. Ted Cruz directly. It would be naïve to suggest this is solely

based on its policies.

In the words of former President Jimmy Carter: “We’ve seen a complete subversion of our political system as a payoff to major contributors, who want, expect and sometimes get favors for themselves after the election is over.”

The negative effects of money in politics are manifested in policy and legislation, or lack thereof.

Former Vice President Dick Cheney is credited with creating the “Halliburton Loophole,” which exempts the crude practice of fracking from the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974.

Furthermore, in April of 2013, President Obama introduced his 2014 budget, which included $23 billion for clean energy and would end “inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.” But with a Republican-led House, these issues are often decided by big money interest at the peril of the will of the majority, a direct violation of our foundation as a nation.

The correlation between Super PAC

spending and poll numbers cannot be ignored, but it’s not what you may think.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has received the largest amount from Super PACs amounting over $120 million while his bully - GOP frontrunner Donald Trump - has no Super PAC. You would think a Bush would have a hefty lead against a narcissistic misogynist that retweets neoNazi propaganda, right?

Wrong.

Jeb Bush has virtually nothing to show for his $120 million and is barely holding on while Trump continues to thrive by his hate-filled rhetoric.

Yet, in the midst of this insane and sometimes comical show that is our current political system, there is hope.

Last week, Vox Media polled Americans, asking if they were in favor of a “political revolution” by redistributing wealth from the super-rich to the workingpoor and middle-class. The poll showed that 54 percent of Americans were in favor of this “Political Revolution.”

Even more telling were the 51 percent of Independents and 54 percent of Tea Party supporters polled were also on board. If this wave holds true, we could witness this revolution and begin to amend the wrongdoings of corporate donors who’ve caused to our election process.

The only question that remains is each side’s definition of the words “political revolution,” as it’s hard to know if a hardlined Tea Partier would desire to shake things up the same way a Democratic Socialist might.

The standard of cranking out television ads, accepting donor checks and touring the country shaking hands and kissing babies to get into office is becoming stale.

Policy is finally being effectively broken down and social media (in part) has given the power of informed discernment to an unprecedented amount of voters. Citizens can now fact-check faster than ever.

The injustice dealt to American citizens by establishment politicians is clearer than it has ever been.

NTDAILY.COM | PAGE 12

Even if you’re single, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to suck

By The Editorial Board North Texas Daily Remember when you were in kindergarten and you actually looked forward to Valentine’s Day? Not because of its romantic undertones, but because it was a chance to stop learning those awful Hooked on Phonics flashcards, talk to your friends while eating ice cream

and drinking cherry Kool-Aid. Maybe (if you were lucky), you could slip a note into your crush’s papier-mâché heart-shaped box and giggle all the way home as they tried to figure out who it was that signed in X’s and O’s.

Fast-forward about 15 years and suddenly everything’s changed. Your Hooked on Phonics is now a 15-page

research paper or expense report; your Valentine’s card is a creepy Tinder message; your Kool-Aid is wine, and your ice cream - well, you’re probably still eating ice cream.

But why? Instead of enjoying your naïve capacity for romance, you cry as you drive back to your apartment and clutch your cat watching re-runs of “Grey’s

“TEXAS DROUGHT”

Anatomy.” Why not take this holiday for what it is, and use it as an excuse to have some fun?

This Saturday night, when the dread of waking up alone on Valentine’s begins to plague your soul, take a step back and make the choice not to wallow.

It can be understood that the idea of an “AntiValentines Day,” when you celebrate being single, sounds like one of the worst episodes of “How I Met Your Mother,” but the idea can be taken in whichever direction you choose.

Grab a friend and hit the town. Make some memories and enjoy the fact that, at least for now, you don’t have to answer to anyone.

No single friends? Go out and make some new ones. Appreciate family, coworkers, maybe even your dog. Just please, don’t feed it any chocolate. The great thing about the Internet is how easy it has become to connect to whole groups of like-minded people, beyond Netflix-and-chill.

Whatever you do, don’t spend the evening crying, scrolling through Facebook, looking at your ex’s profile or despising those posting about their night with their significant other - as

Cartoon by Samuel Wiggins | Senior Staff Illustrator COMICS

Comic by Jake Bowerman | Staff Illustrator

This Valentine’s Day

POP BOTTLES with denton’s 1st Liquor store!

KUNG FU PANDA - REALD 3D [PG] 1100 1150 130 400 440 630 900 THE FINEST HOURS - REALD 3D [PG-13] 1100 450 1040 STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS REALD 3D [PG-13] 335 THE FINEST HOURS [PG-13] 155 745 KUNG FU PANDA [PG] 1240 215 310 540 720 950 PRIDE AND PREDJUDICE AND ZOMBIES [PG-13] 1055 135 420 705 955 HAIL, CAESAR! [PG-13] 1135 220 510 800 1045

DEADPOOL [R] 700 900 1030 1201 THE CHOICE [PG-13] 1105 150 445 735 1035 THE REVENANT [R] 1130 305 STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS [PG-13] 1155 THE BOY [PG-13] 1145 225 515 750 1020 FIFTY SHADES OF BLACK [R] 1115 210 THE 5TH WAVE [PG-13] 1110 200 455 740 1030 DIRTY GRANDPA [R] 1125 205 435 725 1000 13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI [R] 1140 320 700 1015 ZOOLANDER 2 [PG-13] 715 1045 HOW TO BE SINGLE [R] 730 1015

Entertainment Listings Sunday, February 14, 2016

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Deadpool Night - 6:00 PM @ Oak St. Drafthouse Open Mic at Audacity Brew House! - 7:00 PM Trivia Night - 8:00 PM @ Mulberry St. Cantina

Friday, February 12, 2016

1010 W. University Dr. (next ot Movie Tavern)

3969 Teasley Ln. @ Robinson Road

LOCALLY OWNED & Operated

Driving Miss Daisy - Kayleigh Bywater | Senior Staff Writer For one of its first performances of the year, the Denton Community Theatre is taking the audience into the past.

“Driving Miss Daisy” by Alfred Uhey is set in 1948, a time when segregation and extreme hate existed throughout the southern United States. Through the turmoil of the early 20th century, the play’s two main characters form an unlikely bond as Hoke Coleburn, a black man, spends his days driving around Daisy Werthan, an elderly white woman.

Together, the two story-tell, share and bicker their way to a unique friendship. Performances will be held at the Black Box Theatre at 38 E. Hickory St. on Feb. 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. for those who missed it the weekend before. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling 940382-1915 or visiting www.dentoncommunitytheatre.com.

Kappa Karnations - 10:00 AM @ Library Mall Go Red for Women - Hearts Around the World - 11:00 AM @ UNT Gateway Center Friday Night Dart Tournament - 7:45 PM @ The LABB Ghosts of Denton Tour - 8:00 PM @ Jupiter House Coffee Ed Vargas - 8:30 PM @ Jack’s Tavern

Saturday, February 13, 2016

The Sweetheart Market - Jessica Donaldson | Contributor It’s February and love is in the air in Denton. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, local vendors are preparing handmade gifts for you and your special someone.

The Denton Community Market is hosting a Sweetheart Market. Bring your sweetheart for a fun pre-valentine’s date, or stop by on your own to pick up a surprise gift. Nothing says I love you like a one–of-a-kind handmade gift. There is no entry fee for the Sweetheart Market. Everyone is welcome to come peruse the displays of locally-made merchandise.

The event begins at noon on Saturday, Feb. 13 inside the Golden Triangle Mall at 2201 S. I-35 East. Guests can come into the market through the food court entrance of the mall anytime between noon and 6 p.m.

Jazz Brunch - 10:00 AM @ The Chestnut Tree Winter Tree Identification Hike - 10:00 am @ Lake Ray Roberts State Park Isle du Bois Intro to Beekeeping - 11:00 AM @ Denton Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center Sweetheart Market - 12:00 PM @ Golden Triangle Mall Valentine Date Night - 7:00 PM @ Sugar Ridge Winery Sanger

Robson Ranch Denton Valentine’s Day Menu - 5:00 PM @ Wildhorse Grill Robson Ranch Denton Free Roll Texas Hold Em Tournament - 6:00 PM @ Jack’s Tavern Walking Dead Watching Party - 6:00 PM @ Sweetwater Grill & Tavern Love Bites - Three Course Wine Pairing Dinner - 7:00 PM @ Wine Squared Suit and Tie Jazz Night - 10:00 PM @ Paschall Bar

Monday, February 15, 2016

3D Printer Orientation - 7:00 PM @ North Branch Linrary Live Jazz - 10:00 PM @ The Greenhouse Open Mic Night - 10:00 PM @ Andy’s Bar

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Speaking about Black History - LaMecia Baines | Contributor Join UNT historian Todd Moye and novelist Sanderia Faye as they discuss the civil rights movement.

The two will be speaking as part of UNT’s commemoration of Black History Month. Faye will discuss her novel, ‘Mourner’s Beach,’ inspired by the civil rights movement in Arkansas. Moye will talk about his novel, ‘Let the People Decide: Black Freedom and White Resistance Movements.’

Together, they will focus on the history of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which played a major role in sit-ins, freedom rides and voter registration drives.

The event will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Tuesday, February 16, in Business Leadership Building, Room 180, and is be open to the public.

Singer-songwriter: Christ Watson - 7:00 PM @ Sweetwater Grill and Tavern Real Texas Radio Live Broadcast - 7:00 PM @ LSA Burger UNT Tuesday Night Jazz - 9:00 PM @ UNT University Union: The Syndicate

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Drawing Class - 10:00 AM @ A Creative Art STUDIO Live Music - 7:00 PM @ LSA Burger Wednesday Night Social Run - 7:00 PM @ Oak St. Drafthouse Movie Night - 10:30 PM @ II Charlie’s Bar and Grill

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Open Mic at Audacity Brew House! - 7:00 PM Trivia Night- 8:00 OM @ Mulberry St. Cantina

Mention this ad for $5 off any repair!

One Stop College Shop School & Art Supplies UNT Apparel · Textbooks · Greek Wear

940.387.1313 1314 W. Hickory Street voertmans.com voertmans@gmail.com

Screen / LCD Repair Charge Port Battery Replacements Speakers Cameras Volume / Power Buttons

Yeah, we x that.

603 Sunset St. Denton, TX

(940) 999 6777

llustration by Samuel Wiggins | Senior Staff Illustrator

obnoxious as it might be.

The best part about being a 5-yearold on Valentine’s Day was that you didn’t feel pressure to be a certain way or attach to someone else at the hip. You just lived.

Newsflash: it doesn’t have to be any different now. In fact, it can be better! You have far more

resources, intelligence and capabilities than you did in kindergarten. Granted, it would be a lot easier if your mom would stop calling you and asking why you’re single, but who would she be if she wasn’t always nagging you?

Bottom line: Valentine’s Day is about more than romantic love. If you are committed to wallowing in your single-ness, just know that someone out there loves you.

Be it your parents, your friends, your pet or your Xbox Live pals, there is someone, somewhere, who cares deeply for you.

There is no reason you shouldn’t take this opportunity to realize that. If you are lucky enough to spend the evening with someone, good for you! If not, then heed the words of the infamous Barney Stinson and “suit up.”