100,000
Denton
Sunny Chance of clouds. High of 69. Low in the high 40s and 50s.
Learn about when TWU opened its doors and how the university has grown through the years.
PAGE 3
TWU Spotlight Features Rooster's Roadhouse featured on Food Network's "Heat Seekers" ..........p. 6 Clearman has experienced the Hell Burger firsthand. “I have tried it once,” she said. “I took a bite of it off a spoon, and never again.” She can also attest to the experience others have had while trying the burger. “Everyone thinks that they love hot stuff and then they try it [hell burger] and they start sweating and get red faced and they think ok, maybe I don’t like it that hot.”
Thursday │ January 19, 2012 │ Vol. 98, No 15
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remembered in Denton march Honoring MLK’s legacy Students, community paid tribute to civil rights leader Jan. 16 Drew Maggs News Editor A large crowd gathered in front of the Union at University of North Texas and waited in a quiet stir for word to begin the march toward Fred Moore
Park. Alpha Kappa Alpha, a sorority chapter on the UNT campus, organized the event for Martin Luther King Jr. Day to commemorate the civil rights leader as well as pay homage to his message.
see MLK page 3
Opinions Learning in TWU's global classroom offers life lessons, new perspective ..........p. 9
http://www.mlkonline.net/images.html Photography by Jeni Berry
Attendees gather before the MLK memorial march Jan. 16.
Sports TWU basketball victorious against A&M-Kingsville, now 9-7 overall ..........p. 8
Presbyterian Center campus closes doors Dennis Barbee Features Editor This semester, about 200 students in occupational and physical therapy will begin their classes and work in the T. Boone Pickens Dallas center. The last class was held at the Presbyterian Center Dec. 17, and all items were removed from the building Dec. 19–22. The Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy departments both have notices listed on their websites that classes are relocating to the new Dallas center and all future information sessions for both
departments will be held there. While the move is beneficial, it has created a parking problem, Chre Parnell, Student Life Coordinator for the Dallas Center, said. The area is tightly packed with other medical centers, making parking spaces a premium. Administrators are correcting the problem with a new parking structure. Parnell said, “A new parking garage is being built and two levels are open to students and faculty with another three levels to be completed soon.” The parking in the new structure is free to students and staff.
A new parking garage is being built and two levels are open to students and faculty with another three levels to be completed soon. — Chre Parnell, Student Life Coordinator—Dallas
Vaccinations could pose problems for students Drew Maggs News Editor A new Texas law requiring some college students to receive vaccinations for bacterial meningitis went into effect this month. An email from TWU administrators to students explained the vaccine would be required for entering students. "An entering student is defined as a new student or a student who has had a break of enrollment for one or more fall or spring semesters," the email stated. "Transfer students are considered entering students." Authored by Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, the new legislation is titled the Jamie Schanbaum and Nicolis Williams Act. The law is intended to protect others from being exposed, Davis said,
according to the Star-Telegram. However, the law has had an unexpected consequence for uninsured students, who may not be able to afford the shot.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meningitis comes in two forms.
see Vaccinations page 3
Photography by Drew Maggs
According to the CDCP, there were an estimated 1,000 cases of meningitis in the U.S. from 2005-2010.
Inside this issue News
Sports
Special Section
Opinion
100K Degrees....................3 Back to School..................5
Features
COPE Lab..........................6
No. 1 LSC Moment................7 Study Abroad Photo Essay....9
Arts & Entertainment
Be Kind Rewind...................10
Have questions or comments about the Lasso? twu_lasso@yahoo.com
twulasso.com
Thursday, January 19, 2012 | 3
Weekly Roundup
Local Weather
Photos of the week
Denton
Houston
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
High 69˚ Low 43˚
High 72˚ Low 61˚
High 70˚ Low 47˚
Friday
Friday
High 75˚ Low 41˚
Photography by Jeni Berry
TWU students stroll in front of Hubbard Hall on the first day of spring classes.
High 74˚ Low 45˚
Cloudy
Cloudy
Cloudy
Saturday
Saturday
Saturday
High 59˚ Low 48˚ Slightly Cloudy
High 73˚ Low 58˚
High 61˚ Low 51˚ Slightly Cloudy
T-storms Sunday
High 74˚ Low 47˚ Slightly Cloudy
High 76˚ Low 63˚ Cloudy
Police Report TWU students search for textbooks on the Free Speech Bulletin Board as the spring semester commences on the Denton campus.
Friday
High 74˚ Low 65˚
Sunday
Photography by Jeni Berry
Dallas
Sunday High 74˚ Low 50˚ Slightly Cloudy
Injured Person
Disturbance
Building Search
An injured person was reported at
A disturbance was reported at
The Fine Arts Building was
the Parkland Campus Tuesday,
Lowry Woods Thursday, Jan. 5.
searched after an odor was
Dec. 13.
An arrest was not made.
reported Thursday, Jan. 12
Unlawfully Carrying a
Telephone Harassment
Public Intoxication/Medical
Weapon
A report of telephone harassment
Escort
A report of unlawfully carrying
was made Wednesday, Jan. 11
A report of public intoxication
a weapon was made in the
at the TWU DPS lobby. An arrest
was made, and a medical escort
library parking lot on Oakland St.
was not made.
needed at the Counseling Center
Wednesday, Dec. 21. It is unclear
Lasso staff Adviser’s Editor-in-Chief
Aaron Claycomb • aclaycomb@twu.edu Managing Editor
Erin Marissa Russell • erussell2@twu.edu Assigning Editor
Ginger Renee Hughes • ghughes@twu.edu Copy Editor
Amber Mitchell • amitchell9@twu.edu News Editor
Drew Maggs • amaggs@twu.edu Features Editor
Dennis Barbee • debarbee@twu.edu Opinions Editor
Morgan Griffin • mgriffin7@twu.edu Arts and Entertainment Editor
Stanton Brasher • sbrasher@twu.edu Staff Writers
Laura Hilton • remember2smile247@ymail.com Marygail Lakner • mlakner@twu.edu Stephanie Terrell • sterrell@twu.edu Katherine Braun • kbraun@twu.edu Graphic Design
Cliff Caster • ccaster@twu.edu Photo Editor
Jeni Berry • jnberry@gmail.com
tip of the week
Spring Semester is underway. To start the semester off right, make sure your class schedule is correct and you are following your degree requirements. If you see an issue with your schedule, contact your adviser immediately. Not sure who your adviser is? Go to http://www. twu.edu/aac/staff.asp for a listing of all TWU advisers.
Scholarships are now available for new and current students for Fall 2012 via the STARS application in the Pioneer Portal. The deadline is March 12, 2012. https://stars.twu.edu/stars If students are interested in information regarding additional scholarships, they may contact their individual departments.
Thursday, Jan. 12.
whether an arrest was made. Burglary of Habitation
Medical Emergency
Suspicious Person
A report of burglary of a habitation
A medical emergency was
A report of a suspicious person
was made at Lone Star
reported at the Student Center
was made at 1005 S. Bell Ave.
Apartments Thursday, Dec 22.
Wednesday, Jan. 11.
Sunday, Jan 15. A warrant arrest was made.
This is a part of the daily activity log produced by the University Police Department. To report a criminal incident on campus, please call 940-898-2911
TWU Calendar
Denton Saturday Jan. 21 Gymnastics vs. OK, Utah St., & Centenary in Kitty Magee Arena @ 7 p.m. Monday - Thursday, Jan. 23-26 Community Dance Classes @ The Community Dance Center Classes are offered in a variety of dance forms and taught at the level of the students enrolled. Wednesday Jan. 25 Basketball vs. Angelo State in Kitty Magee Arena @ 7 p.m. Wednesday Jan. 25 Campus Activities Board Kickoff in the Student Union @ 11 a.m. Friday Jan. 27 Last day to sign up for TWU Fitness and Recreation Center’s Intramural Dodgeball Tournament, which takes place Feb. 1. Wednesday Feb. 1 Spring 2012 Graduation Application Deadline http://www.twu.edu/registrar/graduation.asp
Houston
Business Manager
Saturday Feb. 4 Open House at TWU’s Institute of Health Sciences—Houston Center @ 8 a.m.
Business Assistants
Dallas
Yeleinne Rayo • twugirl08@yahoo.com
Alisha Sarfani • asarfani@twu.edu Leah Walker • lwalker8@twu.edu
twulasso.com
The Lasso
Monday Jan. 23 Students celebrate the start of a new semester at the Dallas campus Welcome Back.
Advisor
Bo Carter • scarter5@twu.edu
All Rights reserved. The Lasso is a weekly student publication of Texas Woman’s University, written and produced by students and printed at DFW Printing. Editors develop their own editorial and news policies. The presentation of news and editorials and the personal opinions expressed in The Lasso are those of The Lasso staff and writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, staff, students, administration, or the Regents of Texas Woman’s University.
LETTERS AND VIEWPOINTS POLICY We value reader submissions. As a university newspaper we have certain criteria that limit what we will place inside our newspaper. Please limit letters to 300 words. Columns submitted should be no longer than 600 words. Please include your name, address, phone, and email address. Your contact information will not be published. Unsigned submissions will not be published. All submission are also edited for length and clarity. Submissions become property of The Lasso.
Email twu_lasso@yahoo.com Website twulasso.com Mail Letters from Readers The Lasso Stoddard Hall Rm 311
4 | Thursday, January 19, 2012
News
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The Lasso
TWU celebrates 100,000 degrees awarded to graduates Dennis Barbee Features Editor When graduates threw their caps into the air Dec. 1617, TWU celebrated 100,000 degrees awarded to graduating students. This landmark achievement was noted during the commencement addresses by Chancellor and President Dr. Ann Stuart. TWU’s operation has a more than a century of history. In 1903, TWU began classes, and in 1904 had one graduate. TWU has increased its number of graduates over the years, and in 1953 began awarding doctoral degrees in addition to its baccalaureate and master degrees. TWU enrollment has
increased, and the degree count reflects that. Enrollment at the Denton campus alone has risen from more than 22,000 in 1991 to almost 28,000 in 2009. For the Dallas and Houston campuses, the numbers reflect growth as well. In 1999, the Dallas campus had more than 2,900 students enrolled, and in 2009 that number had grown to almost 3,400; Houston grew from 2,100 to 3,400 in the same timeframe, according to statistics provided by the Office of Institutional Research and Data Management. In 1993, TWU ranked first in Texas and third in the nation for the number of doctorates granted in health sciences. In 2004, TWU awarded more degrees to nurses than any other
program in the state. According to the Fact Book, TWU has also been recognized for offering a specialist degree in school psychology, producing more speech language pathologists and deaf educators than any other university in the state. In 2010, TWU also became the first university in Texas to offer a Ph.D. in women’s studies. TWU is the largest university in the country with a primarily female student population. The 89 percent female enrollment is reflected in degrees awarded. As a teaching and research institution historically concerned with creating opportunities for women to excel in fields of study, 100,000 graduates is a milestone to remember.
Commencement Dec. 16-17 marked 100,000 degrees granted by TWU.
Photography by Jeni Berry
CONT. from pg. 1 MLK UNT senior public relations major and AKA member Shannon Raymond said: “Our chapter is really the one that coordinates everything for the march, but we also work with the city of Denton. During the march we will stop at the American Legion Center and pick up senior citizens who can’t make the entire march, but that way they will be able to march some.” Before the march, Forest Turner Jr., UNT African American studies senior and member of the UNT chapter of the fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, spoke about the importance of King and his vision. “MLK was who we are not and he is who we should aspire to be,” Turner said. “He embodies the best of what God’s love is. He had a loving spirit and a giving spirit.” Martin Luther King Jr. was born Jan. 15, 1929, and died after being shot by an assassin while standing on the balcony of his motel room
in Memphis, Tenn., April 4, 1968. He spoke out for the rights of black Americans and the impoverished. In 1963 he was named Man of the Year by “TIME Magazine,” and at age 35 he became the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. His “I Have a Dream” speech continues to touch hearts and inspire minds. Turner discussed those who worked with King in his pursuit for equality. “I ask that you learn the history and understand that there were many individuals who helped him and were vital to his success,” Turner explained. “They were vital to us, to our opportunity to be here, of all colors, race, genders, ideologies.” Many people have found inspiration in King’s words, but the most important attributes of King’s legacy were his actions, and what he accomplished for the otherwise voiceless Americans of his time.
Photography by Drew Maggs
A crowd gathered in front of the Union at University of North Texas gathered to march in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 16.
wide. These numbers indicate mandatory policies requiring vaccination of all college freshmen are unlikely to be cost-effective, according to the Vaccination CDCP. viral and bacterial, and is an in- meningitis vaccine.” The center also stated risk TWU freshman and el- is increased for students with flammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal ementary education major immune deficiencies, those cord. Symptoms can appear Ashley Forest said she had who have traveled to countries quickly and include high fe- no problem finding the shot with higher rates of meningitis, ver, diarrhea, vomiting, severe at drugstores, but the govern- or research, industrial and clinheadache, and sensitivity to ment-subsidized shot ran out ical laboratory personnel who light, among others. There is quickly. “Almost everyone has could be exposed to the bacteno discernible treatment for vi- them,” said Forest, “except for ria in aerosol solutions. ral meningitis; most people re- places that are cheap.” Forest The price for the vaccine at cover in two weeks time. Bac- said she ended up paying $125 the Dallas County Health Deterial meningitis is treatable, for her mandatory vaccination. partment is $150, according to Under the old law, which WFAA, whereas a three-hour but needs to be identified early and treated with antibiotics be- required only freshmen who course at any of the Dallas fore it has a chance to develop. lived on campus to receive a County Community College The vaccine attacks a strong vaccination, the CDCP stated, District schools costs $135 and strand of bacterial meningitis “Vaccination of freshmen who a three-hour class at North caused by Neisseria meningiti- live in dormitories would result Central Texas College costs des, which reside in the nose of in the administration of ap- $147, both lower than the cost humans and can become dan- proximately 300,000-500,000 of a full-price vaccination. gerous if allowed WFAA reported some to colonize on the administrators blamed back of the throat We’re seeing it in Harris County; we’re drops in attendance on of a carrier, accordthe new law. Failure to seeing it in Tarrant County. There’s ing to Brown Uniget vaccinated on time clearly not enough of the low-cost versity’s website. can result in potential meningitis vaccine. Dallas County missed classes, accordhealth inspec— Zach Thompson, Dallas County health inspector ing to the Star-Telegram. tor Zach ThompBrookhaven College has son said in an interview with doses of vaccine each year, seen a 9.1 percent drop in enWFAA-TV he recognizes price preventing 15-30 cases of me- rollment, WFAA said, while may be a problem. “This is ningococcal disease and one to Northlake College saw a 7.7 not just a Dallas problem,” he three deaths each year.” percent decline. Under the new law, approxsaid. “We’re seeing it in Harris “I don’t think (the vaccinaCounty; we’re seeing it in Tar- imately 1.4-2.3 million doses tion) should be mandatory,” rant County. There’s clearly a year would be administered, Forest said, “unless you live in not enough of the low-cost possibly preventing 37-69 cases the dorms.” and 2-4 deaths a year nation-
CONT. from pg. 1
Illustration By Cliff Caster
The Lasso
twulasso.com
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Back to School
5
Buildings
to By Aaron Cla know on campus ycomb First off, school. There welcome back to and location are several buildings s about — wh students must know ere to get food, take a quiet stu dy break, and watch squirrels cl imb trees.
Under-used websites for students Erin Marissa Russell Managing Editor www.uloop.com: This site hosts classified advertisements specifically geared toward college students. Users can buy and sell textbooks, find a roommate, arrange carpools, look for jobs or internships, or sell unwanted items. Much like craigslist is broken into categories by city, uloop uses colleges and universities as categories. TWU’s uloop can be viewed at: http://twu.uloop.com/ main/ www.studyblue.com: This study aid website takes the old-school flashcard concept and modernizes it by allowing
flashcards to be reviewed on smartphone devices or online. Studyblue tracks students’ progress each time they study, and flashcards are searchable. That means if a user has entered flashcards for a course, anyone can view them by looking up the course number or professor’s name. http://www.memotome.com/: No matter how well a student’s day planner is organized, some tasks require a reminder to ensure they get done. Although memotome doesn’t run a flashy site, the simple tool does exactly what it should: students can schedule alerts sent by email for a one-time event, a week, every Monday, or an entire semester.
The site can also be used to send reminders out to several people, for example, to keep a team on track for a group project. http://www.online-literature. com/: Before purchasing textbooks, check onlineliterature. Students can read books, poetry and short stories by more than 266 classic authors. The site also provides basic biographical information. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/ pdf: Purdue University’s online writing lab offers free assistance in several topics related to English, such as grammar, research, resume writing, plagiarism and MLA formatting.
Students look for bargains on TWU’s Facebook wall Drew Maggs News Editor As another semester begins to roll into motion, students are turning to Facebook for deals on textbooks and opportunities to meet new roommates. Before this article’s publication, of the 29 most recent posts on TWU Denton’s Facebook, 14 are from students either selling or looking to purchase books. Two other students posted looking for roommates or lease exchanges. Dietetics student Amber Nicole Thomas posted a notice she was selling her old English and history books. “The TWU Facebook page has been very useful in selling my book,” Thomas said. “As for roommates, I think Facebook could be effective for that as
well.” Students can also view posts from companies with open positions. Representatives for both CK Sports and Newt Global posted on TWU’s Facebook wall, seeking potential new hires. Students can also find updates and information on a variety of events. The Center for Student Development at TWU recently posted information about an event featuring acclaimed poet Maya Angelou while Platinum Urban Magazine posted they will attend the “Ballin’ In Paris” fashion show hosted by Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Whether TWU students are looking for books, roommates, jobs, or art and entertainment, they can find it all at the TWU Facebook home page.
Denton, Houston campuses open doors to new recruits Laura Hilton Features Writer
Students will venture to TWU’s Denton and Houston campuses in the next few months to participate in Open House. With more than 14,000 current students at TWU, Open House is an opportunity to display what TWU offers. The Denton campus offers sessions 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan.28, Feb. 18 and June 16. The Feb.18 Open House will also be offered in Spanish, and the June 16 Open House will be geared toward undergraduates. Cayla Bartolucci, Office of Admissions project coordinator, said guests will receive a welcome speech from Chancellor and President Dr. Ann Stuart after breakfast, followed by admissions and financial aid information for freshmen, transfer and graduate students. There will then be smaller group sessions on housing, commuter services, distance education, and TWU scholarships. “A Student Life and Services Fair will host different student organizations to spread the word of what they do on campus,” Bartolucci said. Department representatives will also be present to answer questions and
“Something I find really helpful is making a to-do list right after I get out of class.”
give more information on their respective departments and the programs they offer. At the end of the day, guests will have the opportunity to register to win a $1,000 scholarship. Three scholarships will be awarded: one each to a freshman, transfer and graduate student. An optional campus tour will be offered by the Pioneer Ambassadors, students who promote TWU to prospective students. The Houston campus will also offer several Open House sessions. The next is scheduled for 8 a.m.-noon Feb.4. The events for the Houston Open House will be similar to those at the Denton campus, but will specifically apply to transfer and graduate students in the health care field, including nursing, health care administration, nutrition, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and Executive MBA program. For more information or to register for Open House at the Denton campus, students can visit: http://www.twu.edu/admissions/open-housedenton.asp. For the Houston campus, students can visit http://www.twu.edu/admissions/ open-house-houston.asp http://www.twu.edu/ admissions
Tips for new students For more tips, search for The Lasso on Facebook.
“My tip would be, instead of cramming one night before the test, spread it out. It becomes more manageable, and also psychology research shows that every night you get a good night’s sleep, it helps consolidate your memory. That will help you learn and do better on your tests.”
Ann Truong
Shannon Fredericks
“I recommend listening to your professors when they tell you how to make an A in the class, because that will definitely help you follow the directions and not slack off.”
Christopher Slack
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Thursday, January 19, 2012
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Features
Food Network visits Rooster’s Roadhouse Everyone thinks that they love hot stuff and then they try [the Hell Burger], and they start sweating and get red-faced and they think, ‘OK, maybe I don’t like it that hot.’ — Brittany Clearman, TWU student/Rooster’s employee
Dennis Barbee Features Editor Sunday, Food Network’s program “Heat Seekers,” starring Aaron Sanchez and Roger Mooking, came to Denton to try out the “Hotter than Hell” burger served up at Roosters Roadhouse. The “Heat Seekers” chefs sample spicy dishes every week from unique spots around the country. Rooster’s Roadhouse has been growing its brand locally for four years and has become famous for its Hell Burger. The burger comes with grilled jalapeños, Hell Sauce, and is topped with their hot chili, aptly dubbed ghost chili. In order to eat one, customers must be over 18 and fill out a waiver. Also becoming famous is the challenge accompanying the
burger. The challenger has two minutes to eat each slider, and only has to finish one to have a photo put on the board of champions. Brittany Clearman is a TWU general studies major and has worked for Rooster’s since its opening. Clearman waits tables and tends bar at Rooster’s. She was excited to learn about the filming. “I grew up in Krum, not far from here, so this has been a really neat experience for me,” she said. Clearman has experienced the Hell Burger firsthand. “I have tried it once,” she said. “I took a bite of it off a spoon, and never again.” She can also attest to the experience others have had while trying the burger. “Everyone thinks that they love hot stuff and then they try [the Hell Burger],” she said, “and they start sweating and get
Photography by Jeni Berry
The Food Network’s “Heat Seekers” crew traveled to Rooster’s Roadhouse Jan.8 for the legendary Hell Burger red-faced and they think, ‘OK, maybe I don’t like it that hot.’” The film crew arrived in the morning and set up all its equipment. Filming began before restaurant doors opened.
“There was a full film crew here for most of the day,” Clearman said. “The entire staff of Rooster’s was here and the film crew interacted with a lot of the customers.”
Construction, alterations for TWU
Rooster’s Roadhouse has built a good reputation locally: online reviewers generally rate Rooster’s in the four and fivestar range. Its national debut on “Heat Seekers” aired Jan. 16
Department of Education to open new lab Laura Hilton Features Writer
Photography by Dennis Barbee
TWU started construction for the spring semester during winter break. Several locations around the Denton campus are still under construction, such as in front of the Fitness and Recreation Center and in front of the ASB.
$ SELL BOOKS EVERYDAY FOR CASH $ TWU NEW AND USED TEXTBOOKS SOLD AT LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED!
940-484-6528
1421 OAKLAND ST Behind the TWU library parking lot
on Food Network. The episode is available online through foodnetwork.com.
A new test preparation lab soon will be available to students pursuing a career in the field of education. Passing the teacher certification examination is required by “every person seeking educator certification in Texas,” according to the State Board for Educator Certification’s website. The exams exist to ensure prospective teachers have mastered the “prerequisite content and professional knowledge necessary for an entry-level position in Texas public schools,” the site stated. The Texas Education Agency requires students have a minimum of six hours clocked in preparation for the exam, Dr. Nan Restine, Dean for the College of Professional Education, said. TWU has been providing services for students who want help preparing for these exams, but now they are looking to expand, improve and make the resources more accessible, Jerry Whitworth, Associate Dean for the COPE, explained. It’s not something new, Restine added: “Our plans are to have a physical location.” Because many different departments offer education programs, the lab will benefit the students in these programs, Whitworth said. Last year alone, 557 students completed programs in education, according to TWU’s Office of Admissions. There will also be a number of online resources students
can utilize: practice exams, workshops, tutoring sessions, print and online materials, both custom-made and those provided by commercial companies. “Course assistants, graduate assistants and other faculty members — a combination of people will staff the prep center,” Whitworth said. While some other colleges and universities implement programs to help students pass the educator exams, the program at TWU will be unique, Whitworth noted, because of how the resources will be provided. Workshops and videos will help pinpoint students’ specific strengths and weaknesses, making future materials customized for their needs. “TWU already has a 95-98 percent passing rate for students who take the certification exams,” Whitworth said. “The new lab will ensure every student is able to pass.” Restine credited Dr. Whitworth and the COPE faculty’s dedication and hard work with enabling students to succeed in their education programs. The new lab, Texas Exams for Educator Standards Preparation and Resources for Educator Proficiencies, or TExES Prep, is set to open in Stoddard Hall at the end of this semester or the beginning of the 2012 fall semester. Within a month, Whitworth said, COPE plans to have the website up and running.
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Thursday, January 19, 2012
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Sports
Basketball head coach becomes Pioneer basketball all-time winningest coach team had #1 LSC moment of 2011 It’s the people I’m surrounded by ... you can’t win games without players that work hard on a consistent basis.
— Beth Jillson, head basketball coach
Terry Colquitt Contributing Writer
The Pioneer basketball team’s 72-58 victory over Texas A&M—Commerce Dec. 13 was career win No. 72 for TWU head coach Beth Jillson, making her the most successful basketball coach in TWU history. Kaycee Crump, who coached Pioneer basketball from 19861993, previously held the honor. The win not only broke Crump’s record, it also improved TWU’s standings to 7-2 for the season and 3-2 in the Lone Star Conference. The Pioneer victory came after the Lions tied the score 3434 with 3:29 left to play. Junior guard Brittney Nuzum, senior guard Jessica Hanna, and sophomores Crystal Atwood and Tabbatha Thurmond all had
double-digit point totals during the Dec. 13 game. Jillson said she is honored to gain the title of winningest coach, and was quick to share the credit with players and coworkers. “It’s the people I’m surrounded by,” Jillson said, “the administration, the coaches that I get to work with … and, of course, the players. You can’t win games without players that work hard on a consistent basis.” Before coming to TWU, Jillson was recruiting coordinator and assistant coach at Charleston Southern University in Charleston, South Carolina. She is originally from Fort Worth, Texas, and played college basketball at Weatherford College and Hardin-Simmons University, where she was team captain.
The first-ever TWU LSC title in any sport represented a milestone for head coach Beth Jillson, her 2010-11 team and the entire TWU athletics program. Photography by Jeni Berry
Head coach Beth Jillson guides the Pioneers at a recent game
TWU overpowers A&M‑Kingsville 60-51
Photography by Jeni Berry
TWU forward Brittney Nuzum (#22) drives for a basket during TWU holiday action.
Terry Colquitt Contributing Writer The Pioneer basketball team broke a three-game losing streak Jan. 11 with a victory over Texas A&M—Kingsville. TWU drew first blood with a score by senior guard Cambria Smith. The Javelinas were quick to tie up the score, but the Pioneers swiftly regained the lead and held it for the rest of the game. Although the Javelinas showed a strong defense, a series of missed shots and failed rebounds kept their score below
We did a better job of on-the-ball defense, forcing pressure on them and rotating on the dribble drive. —Beth Jillson, head basketball coach
the Pioneers’. TWU’s aggressive offense led to an early offensive spree, but it tapered off toward the end of the first half. Within the last six minutes of the first half, the Pioneers regained momentum and brought the lead up to 28-19. The game’s second half began with a forceful run by the Pioneer offense. Junior guard Brittney Nuzum scored two goals and a 3-point shot within the first three minutes of play. The Javelinas’ continued failure to score or retrieve rebounds gave the Pioneers a wide lead until a 3-point goal by TAMUK senior guard Amanda Haven. However, the Pioneers were able to bring the lead back up to double digits with a goal by senior guard Jessica Hanna at the 10:31 mark. TAMUK began to shrink TWU’s lead late in the second half, but sophomore guard Tabbatha Thurmond’s 3-point score, followed by another goal at the 5:00 mark, once again
put the Pioneers ahead. As the final buzzer loomed closer, the Javelinas’ defense became desperately aggressive. Three fouls on TAMUK allowed TWU to score three more points and secure a final score of 60-51. Head coach Beth Jillson credited the Pioneers’ defense as a major contributor to the team’s victory. “We held them to 25 percent shooting” she said. “I thought we did a better job of on-the-ball defense, forcing pressure on them and rotating on the dribble drive. We knew that they just wanted to get to the rim and kick it or score the layups, so I was really happy with our defensive effort.” Jessica Hanna, who scored a total of 20 points during the game, attributed the victory to “playing good defense and then taking care of the ball.” The Pioneers’ next game will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at Kitty Magee Arena against Angelo State. TWU is 9-7 overall and 4-6 in conference play.
SPORTS WRITERS WANTED! Ever dreamed of seeing your name in print? Do you enjoy writing about sports? Then The Lasso is the place for you!
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Terry Colquitt Contributing Writer The Pioneer basketball team’s victory at the 2011 Lone Star Conference Championship was named the No. 1 Sports Moment of the Year by the LSC. TWU basketball won the championship last March for the first time, and that victory gave the Pioneers their firstever appearance in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament. TWU fought hard to eliminate West Texas A&M, Northeastern State University and University of Central Oklahoma from the tournament. The team’s win over Central Oklahoma during the championship game did not come easily. A 17-foot shot by senior Kayla Weaver gave the Pioneers a one-point lead with only seconds left on the clock. With a successful block of UCO player Alex Richardson’s field goal attempt, TWU made its own history with its first-ever LSC Championship win. Guard Jessica Hanna, then playing as a junior, recalled thinking, “I hope No. 3 doesn’t shoot the ball,” during the game’s intense final moments. “Because she’s 6-2, and I’m 5-7,” Hanna said, “I thought, ‘Please don’t give her the ball. Please don’t give her the ball.’” Head coach Beth Jillson said she vividly remembers the heart-stopping game ending. “The final few seconds after we scored was just defense, defense, defense,” Jillson said. “We were
up by one, we had to get a stop, and it was an unbelievable finish for us.” The fact an LSC championship victory was unprecedented at TWU did not occur to Jillson until after the win. “I was just so proud of our defensive effort at the end, and just overwhelmed because it was the first time for our program
The final few seconds after we scored were just defense, defense, defense. We were up by one, we had to get a stop, and it was an unbelievable finish for us. —Beth Jillson, head basketball coach
and the first time in school history,” she noted. “So it was definitely a surreal feeling when they were taking down the net.” Video footage of the LSC’s top moment can be viewed online at http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=d4LbuGpYdRA&f eature=player_embedded and the winning moment can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=Ylpe55yYnJM&feature=play er_profilepage.
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Thursday, January 19, 2012
twulasso.com
Opinions
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To go or not to go: travel is not a question Love & Skates My meaning of travel, or intro into escapism
Lessons from four TWU faculty-led tours of Europe Katherine Braun Opinions Writer Many of TWU’s rising stars make their mark on the university before they walk across the graduation stage. Some become student regents, presidents of organizations or fill student positions in governing bodies of our university. My mark here at TWU will be not only be made in Denton, Texas, but also all over the European continent. I have travelled and studied on four European faculty-led tours affiliated with TWU, and I don’t think my education would have been beneficial without those experiences. For those who may be contemplating studying abroad, and especially those considering the benefits of studying abroad with our university, hopefully my reflection can aid you in seeing the great opportunity it is for all students. A single article could not cover all the lessons I have learned, but I will share the top three things I discovered while making the world my classroom. You don’t need as much stuff as you think you do. On my first trip to Italy in January 2010, I packed a rolling duffel bag, a backpack, and a large purse. This is how my tour went: I didn’t wear half the clothes I brought; I had to carry all of this stuff up a ton of stairs because two-star Italian hotels don’t usually have elevators; and when a certain foreign airline lost my group’s bags for an extended period of time after our return, I was devastated I couldn’t perform my best in classes at the
beginning of the semester. On my most recent trip to Central Europe, which encompassed five countries from Hungary to Germany, I had a small personal bag and a hiker’s backpack, which both qualified as carry-on luggage.
students. While there are times not to call attention to oneself as a foreigner, such as in areas known for pickpocketing, I have learned it’s OK to pull out a camera, map or guidebook in front of the locals. I got some great experiences by admitting
Quoting one of my past leading professors on tour, it’s hard to look like you belong somewhere when you are in a group of more than 50 students. This is how that tour went: I wore everything I brought; I didn’t end up with the responsibility of spending time, money and space on collecting a ton of souvenirs; and if the worst scenario happened and I had to stay in a foreign country for an extra day (oh, the humanity), I would have had everything I needed on me. Being less materialistic doesn’t have to be a permanent lifestyle, but it was a great lesson to keep in mind when I moved into my first apartment. I didn’t have a ton of money for new furniture or to make every wall an accent wall, but I had already learned how to live with less on tour. I made a commitment to live with less after I stepped off the plane, and it has only helped me have less on my mind ever since. It’s OK to be a tourist. So many students I traveled with were obsessed with looking like locals and not like a tourist. Quoting one of my past professors who led a tour, it’s hard to look like you belong somewhere when you are in a group of more than 50 Katherine Braun is a senior art education major currently student teaching in a North Texas school district. Though her time at TWU is quickly coming to a close, she has big plans (and backup plans from B-Z) for when she is an alumna. Look for future articles from Katherine on what life is like as a distance education student at TWU.
I was a tourist, such as meeting a couple of college students in Vienna because we had an assignment to get two or more locals to sing “Deep in the Heart of Texas” on film. I got some fantastic shots on my camera, because I wasn’t trying to hide it and went for the shots I knew would be great. And, of course, I tried on a native language or two, but always apologized for the communication barrier. Accepting I am not a native of the lands I study and visit opened my eyes to the experiences of those who travel to my country, my state or my city and hope for acceptance. It’s one thing to mess up a language or custom in a tourist shop and never go there again, but to permanently move to a place and possibly adopt every mannerism, language nuisance and social practice would be far too much pressure for me. TWU professors are pretty amazing — and so are their friends. I have had the opportunity to travel with three TWU professors who are seasoned international travelers. The preparation before the plane takes off is astonishing and usually involves more of a team effort than a one-person operation. The time these dedicated faculty members spend on training, paperwork and answering questions by phone and/or email are efforts many students take for granted while on tour. After witnessing them in action a few times over,
what these professors do in the name of their students’ learning seems to be superhuman. They were truly committed to making the world a classroom, and their work set me up for some of the best learning I have ever done. Then there are the helping hands behind the scenes. The knowledgeable and savvy tour guides are some of the best in the business (who else would these awesome professors get to take care of their students’ global classroom?). They sculpt an experience for each individual to make the trip a memorable and safe one. My past tour guides have arranged free wine tastings in Italy, stopped the bus for an encounter with Connemara ponies in Ireland, presented me with recordings of Strauss’ famous works after listening to them in concert in Vienna, Austria, worked to give my university its own unique pieces of the Berlin Wall, and performed countless other small gestures throughout my tours to make my time traveling memorable and powerful. And, of course, there are those in the background who seem to be the magic that keeps everything together. Whether it is the helpful wife of a professor or dedicated staff member who comes along, they are the ones who keep the rooming list in order, hold the first aid kits and remind the group of any potential problems. While they may not get the attention or recognition they deserve on tour, they are the vital pieces of the puzzle when it comes to group travel abroad. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and do a bit of traveling while in college because I thought it was a part of the college experience. Now I can say I have studied in more than half a dozen countries, and cannot wait to share my experiences with future students in my own classroom. It was a very awesome and intense experience to explore a country on my own and to aid a student of mine in having his or her own adventures is something I look forward to as a future teacher.
Morgan Ashton Griffin Opinions Editor My trip to Central Europe marked my third international journey with the Honors Scholars Program at TWU. In 2011 I trekked to Ireland, and the year before, to Italy. From the beginning, Italy to Central Europe, my travels have held a different meaning for me than for the 50-plus other women on the group trip. My trips were freedom trips. A statement of independence. Proof that I was my own person. See, I signed up for my first trip days after I broke up with one of my most notorious boyfriends, Jack White. After my first few weeks in college, I told Jack I wanted to take a semester abroad somewhere. I didn’t care where. Anywhere would do. I needed to get away. Everyone on campus, my teachers, and even people in the honors program kept telling me I could. They kept telling me I was good enough. Jack told me I couldn’t. Not in those words, exactly. He told me I could, because I could do whatever I wanted, but he said he didn’t know what he would do without me. He didn’t know if he could make it a whole semester. “Do what you want,” he told me, “but I know when you come home I won’t be good enough for you anymore. You’ll leave me, I know it.” I decided not to go and to put it out of my mind. When the spring semester of my freshman year started, days after I broke up with Jack, I received an email: there were still a few spots open on the Italy trip. I signed up that day. Each year, I spend our
breakup anniversary in a different country, living my life in a quiet rebellion against the guilt he caused in preventing me from being myself. The defiance kept my mind away from anger, sadness and regret. The day our one-year breakup anniversary occurred, I was in Florence. I rode in my first taxi, sang karaoke for the first time, went to my first club (where I danced to Spice Girls), and didn’t think of him at all. In Ireland, I fell in love, or something like it, with an Irish microbiologist, who could do voice impersonations of more than 15 “Star Wars” characters. We danced to Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” and talked in the rain. For a while I thought how poetic it would be if it worked out between the two of us, meeting in a foreign country, playing the rushing game to get to know each other, only to be together forever. It didn’t. And that’s okay. This year I returned home to a boyfriend who loves me, and loves me right. He doesn’t poison the air I breathe with manipulation. Knowing I had his arms to return to made this year’s trip the most beautiful of all. I didn’t have to occupy my time with trying to find love or over-experiencing, I could just be me and be okay with that. Being able to pick up and go, to leave behind anything or everything, to have no ties if only for an hour or two or a day or nine, is the most beautiful feeling of all. And I can have it any time. I’m free now. You know that, right? That I don’t think of you like I used to. And when I do, all I do is laugh, because my soul is so much lighter now. Morgan is glad to be back writing Love & Skates. She hopes all her readers had a splendid holiday and stayed safe. She definitely did. Make sure to check out the Opinions page next week for burgers and cupcakes.
Finding yourself in somewhere else a photo essay
Photography by Morgan Ashton Griffin
Sunset over Charles Bridge in Prauge, Czech Republic.
Photography by Katherine Braun
Photography Contributed by Sara Nickell
Morgan Ashton Griffin in front of the famous Hunterwasserhaus.
Katherine Braun bundles up in front of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland during her trip with Athenian Honor Society in January 2011.
Photography contributed by Christina Wagoner
The Central Europe travel group posing together in Berlin, Germany.
Photography Contributed by Rochelle Denisha Gregory
Battle of the Burgers Morgan Ashton Griffin consumes a kangaroo meat burger at Crossfield, an Austrailian pub, in Vienna, Austria. In comparision to a beef burger, the texture of the meat is more rubbery like salisbary steak. The burger and fries were amazingly delicious.
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Thursday, January 19, 2012
Arts & Entertainment
twulasso.com
The Lasso
Marygail’s night out: highway to the Brunswick Zone Marygail Isobel Lakner A&E Writer
One: I haven’t been bowling in years. Two: my arms are embarrassingly weak. Three: even air hockey can betray you.
Winter break can get repetitive, especially if you aren’t from Denton and all your usual gang has gone home for the holidays. There are places to go, though, if it’s just a small group, and perhaps you could even make a couple of new friends. Let’s face it — bars get old. Besides, some of us don’t drink, some of us aren’t old enough, and some of us are getting concerned about cirrhosis of the
liver. Some places are better for mixed company than others. Specifically, I’m talking about Brunswick Zone, a bowling alley near the Golden Triangle Mall. They have concessions, league play, pool tables, a lounge, an arcade, electronic scorekeeping, and for those of age who would like a drink, they do have a bar. Even though they don’t have any student discounts, they
have specials nearly every night after 9 p.m., group specials, cosmic bowling specials — let’s just say they have a lot of specials. Thursday night was $5 cover, 25cent games, and $1 shoe rental. My night was chosen right there. Now, as I said, I haven’t been bowling in years. The last time was probably about six or seven years ago, so to say that I’m out of practice is a severe understatement. I went with my good friend Jon Bryant, who hadn’t been bowling in about as long. The first game, I won by one pin. After that, I rolled mostly gutter balls, which I would like to blame on my weak arms. I slowly got worse as my arm got more tired. Then I realized I needed a lighter ball. The bold 12 printed over the finger holes
apparently managed to escape my notice. I switched to a 10 and got better for a little while, but not for too long. For a while, Bryant was getting gutter balls, too. Despite his gentlemanly insistence that he wasn’t doing it on purpose, I’m pretty sure he was just trying to make me feel better. After the first game, he won each by at least 10 points. On the last game, he beat me 87—48. Not too long into our games, a few college students took up the lane next to ours. “This is the second time I’ve been bowling this week,” UNT student Sarah Tritch said. “Before, it was a friend’s birthday. Tonight, it’s quarter bowling night.” After my defeat on the lanes, I resolved to regain my
dignity in the arcade. The first game was skeeball. After three games and a count of the tickets, Bryant creamed me again. A carnival–style game where you shoot a smiling horse’s teeth out had Bryant win again. Once we got to air hockey, I felt more confident. After all, air hockey is a game I’m pretty good at. After four games of bowling, though, my arm was tired, and Bryant beat me four to seven. Finally, we moved on to NBA Hoops. Somehow, I tapped in to my fifth grade basketballplaying self. The sheer number of tickets produced set our sights on one of the big prizes on the top of the case, so we chose to save our tickets and come back. Of course, that just means a rematch next week. I hope my arm is up to it.
Photography by Stanton Brasher
Future strike champion but current strike failure: Marygail rares back to plunge a deathly blow to Brunswick’s pins.
Loud, close and incredibly heartbreaking Stanton Brasher A&E Editor Sept. 11, 2001, was a day that impacted the lives of everyone from Manhattan to Sunset Strip. The tragedy of the lives lost was almost insurmountable. However, America prevailed and was left with a multitude of heartbreaking stories and memories. These themes are examined in “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.” Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn) is not your average nineyear-old. He is a self-described inventor, Francophile and pacifist. He is also introverted and scared of interaction with people, especially strangers. His father, Thomas Schell (played by a mischievous Tom Hanks), has figured out a way to help his son break free from his mental constraints by sending him on a “reconnaissance mission” to find artifacts from “the sixth borough.” Of course, there never was a sixth borough in New York. The clues and information Oskar finds can only lend themselves to his imagination. Every time Oskar questions their authenticity, his father Image courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures just shrugs his shoulders as if to suggest Oskar has more seemed to really understand the as “The Renter” was amazing. digging to do. Oskar loves this meat of the character. From the He could not speak, so he had routine and progresses past his way he rattled his tambourine “yes” and “no” tattooed on his emotional hinderance because like a nervous rattlesnake to palms. This was a true study of it — until one morning in the way he presented his case in acting, because he had to September 2001. to each of the potential lock- convey emotions with nothing After tragedy strikes and holders, he embodied Oskar but his face. takes away his father, Oskar The only actor who I Schell. survives with his mother (Sandra Tom Hanks’ character was needed more from in this movie Bullock), his grandmother (Zoe energetic and positive. I found was the always-wonderful John Caldwell) and an old, mute man myself making recollections Goodman. Goodman played the (Max von Sydow) who rents a doorman in Oskar’s room from his condominium. grandmother. Oskar and the A year doorman have a At the end of the film, I looked around the later, Oskar is theater and could see I was not the only one unique relationship, just as much of playfully taunting who was affected emotionally. a recluse as ever. and insulting each He has a hard other. Although the time relating to his mother, about my own father. Sure, part was small, it offered some but his relationship with his some of his jokes were corny, much-needed humor. I would grandmother grows stronger but his love for Oskar gave the have liked to see his character due to a pair of walkie-talkies. audience a reason to adore him, play a bigger role. One day, when Oskar finally The film had some very as well as a reason to cry. Sandra decides to go into his father’s Bullock’s performance was emotional moments, and made closet, he finds a key and a atypical compared to most of me think back to what Oskar name. This launches him into her roles. Instead of being sassy, calls “the worst day.” It was a search to find the right lock she was broken and struggling. hard to choke back those tears. and to keep his father alive in It was definitely interesting At the end of the film, I looked his mind for that much longer. to see her in a drama of this around the theater and could This movie was Horn’s magnitude after playing mostly see I was not the only one who first film. He generated some comedy (“The Proposal”) or was affected emotionally. If you buzz when he won “Jeopardy’s” light-hearted drama (“The ever wanted to hear a collective kid’s week with over 30,000 sniffle, watch this movie with Blind Side”) in recent years. points. For a newcomer, he Von Sydow’s performance about 100 people.
Photography by Stanton Brasher
Video games are a great way to regain dignity stolen by the waxy, wooden lanes.
Musical theater comes to the Redbud
Marygail Isobel Lakner A&E Writer
TWU Drama is holding auditions for the 2011-2012 season’s musical, “The Robber Bridegroom,” book and lyrics by Alfred Uhry and music by Robert Waldman. The show will be directed by Steve Young, choreographed by Rebecca McDonald and stage managed by Brett Schmidt. “Auditions are open to anyone. A one-minute comedic monologue should be prepared, as well as at least 16 bars of a song that is in the bluegrass, gospel, country, or showtune style,” Schmidt said. “Actors should be sure to bring their own sheet music if they want accompaniment.” “The Robber Bridegroom” is a folkloric tale set in 18th century Mississippi that opened on Broadway in 1975. Jamie Lockhart, a character reminiscent of Robin Hood, saves a plantation owner from being attacked by a gang, after which Jamie begins to woo the plantation owner’s daughter, Rosamund. Like so many storystyle stepmothers, Rosamund’s stepmother, Salome, is jealous of Rosamund’s beauty. Along with her lust after the robber of the woods, who just so happens to be the same Jamie wooing Rosamund, Salome begins plotting her stepdaughter’s murder by involving the simpletons of the village. It’s a show full of twisted plots, evil and idiotic bandits, and a talking head in a trunk. For those unfamiliar with the story and music, the book and soundtrack are available to check out from the Blagg-Huey Library. “One of the reasons I love this show is that it’s very interactive. [The actors] will talk, joke and wink at the audience. It’s very theatrical,” Young said. “There’s no attempt to hide the fact that it’s a play.” With five male and five female characters as well as an ensemble, there are a plethora of roles for all types. Auditions
will be 5-8 p.m. Jan. 24 and 6-9 p.m. Jan. 25. Callbacks will be Jan. 26, time to be determined. Auditions will be held at the Redbud Theatre in Hubbard Hall, across from the library. Students interested in auditioning or working in technical crews backstage should make an appointment
with the stage manager, Schmidt, at bbutler1@twu.edu. The show opens April 19 and runs through April 22 at the Redbud Theatre. “It’s quite a bawdy show — funny, a musical, a great show that will be enjoyed by all,” Schmidt said.
Artwork by Lisa Cunningham