The L asso On the scene since 1914
Student-run newspaper | Never a dull moment
Wednesday, August 27, 2014 | Vol. 101, No. 17
News Feature | Safety
A time for precaution: Red zone Until Thanksgiving break, students have a higher chance of experiencing unwanted sexual contact
N
RED ZONE
Shelby Baker Editor-in-Chief sbaker3@twu.edu Aug. 25 marked the start of the Red Zone, a six-week period in which the most unwanted sexual experiences take place on college campuses. This is a national issue, one that all universities experience, including TWU. Sexual assault is
the act of sexual contact without consent or consent given under the influence of anything that can impair judgment. While TWU is among the safest colleges in the country, cases of sexual harassment or sexual assault may still arise. According to university statistics from a CLERY report, TWU Denton campus had two forced sex offenses in 2010, and five non-forcible sex offenses
in 2010-13 in residence halls. It is important to note that unwanted sexual contact can be experienced by both genders, although it is more common for women to experience it than men. According to a 2007 Campus Sexual Assault study, more than 50 percent of cases occur during the fall semester. In a research study conducted by Elizabeth Wible at the
University of New Hampshire, results pointed toward a higher number of unwanted sexual contacts in the overall population than unwanted sexual intercourse. According to officials at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the reason that first-year students are victims is because they are unused to looking out for themselves. They are also unaware of preventative and
Denton Campus Event
Graphic by Toi Ferguson
safety measures, which is why UNCW began educating students on tips for avoiding potentially bad situations. According to TWU’s Department of Public Safety website, DPS offers the Sexual Harassment, Assault and Rape Prevention course, which is comprised of three different units.
Continues pg. 4
Goverment Ordinances
Block party starts year right Denton voters Students got a taste of TWU spirit and life on campus have a ballot Monica Alcaraz Reporter malcaraz@twu.edu
Incoming first-years were welcomed to TWU with a bang: First-Year Commencement Friday morning, color group meetings throughout the day and lastly the Block Party. Pioneer Camp typically keeps a tight schedule of activities and meetings for the first-years that arrive to on-campus living each year, and this past weekend was no different. First-Year Commencement began simple enough. It served as a welcome to the new students at TWU and provided a guided tour through our history: the university seal, the presidential medallion and the academic regalia worn by graduates based on their level of degree. The students were warmly welcomed to the university and were presented with their first-year rings. At the
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Opinions Siren, a woman’s dating app.......2
News Lake Lewisville deaths.................4
Community Denton Farmer’s Market.............5
Arts & Entertainment 010 Art Gallery opens................7
Dentonites prepare for Nov. vote Sarah de Schweinitz Reporter sdeschweinitz@twu.edu
Photo by Tammi Paul
conclusion of the event, students were taught and asked to join in singing the TWU Alma Mater. That evening the Block Party began. This year it featured many options, from a mechanical bull ride to hamster ball races to do it yourself
tie-dye T-Dub T-shirts. Junior Biology Major Kaylah An’drea said: “I’m ecstatic, I’m taking pictures, found a bae (cute guy) and it’s great to meet the new students here at TWU.”
Continues pg. 5
On Nov. 4, important issues that affect Denton county residents and temporary residents — from the condition of our streets and parks to alcoholic beverage options — will be addressed and taken to a vote. On the ballot is the much talked about fracking ban, where liquor sales in Denton County, the issuance of money toward public improvements and the authorization on the sale of North Lakes property. “Fracking” has caused an uproar of responses from the community because of claims that it is dangerous not
only to the land but also to anyone who drinks the water that may be contaminated by the process of hydraulic fracturing. Fluid is drilled or injected into the ground at a high pressure to fracture shale rocks and release natural gas. It takes one to eight million gallons of water to do every fracturing job according to http://www.dangersoffracking. com. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality put Denton County on a Level One drought watch in May of this year, meaning that use of water for non-essential purposes is restricted.
Continues pg. 3
Student Life
Veterans Center opening soon Jones Hall rooms are revamped and ready for Veteran students to connect Emily Nickles Page Editor enickles@twu.edu For the men and women who serve our country, returning to civilian life is not so easy as it would seem. In fact, according
to the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, the rate of veterans who have committed suicide is 22 deaths per day. In a news release published by the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, that rate has been declared to be
steadily increasing. These saddening statistics reveal a need for support towards veterans. This is part of the reason why Director of Commuter and Non-Traditional Services Amy O’Keefe decided to apply for a federal grant. The
grant would supply TWU with the funds to create a center for veterans, which would function as a haven on campus.
Continues pg. 4
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Opinions
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
twulasso.com
Dallas public transit
DART hits the bullseye with DFW Airport train Better late than never: DART adds DFW Airport to its list of locations served Alex Ancira Managing Editor aancira@twu.edu All aboard the DART hype train, DFW denizens. With news earlier last week that the Dallas public transit system will now reach DFW International Airport directly, there is much support from the public outpouring on the internet. It’s not just Dallas residents either, as publications as far away as The Chicago Tribune are penning a piece on our little slice of public transit paradise. Of course, to act
like this is a miracle or random act of kindness borders on the absurd because this decision took way too much time to implement. Past misgivings and miscommunications aside, I remain steadfast in my loyalty to the DART system. It’s a relatively affordable way of getting around the metroplex in a pretty short time. I’ll even go so far as to suggest that, while not the best public transportation in the nation, Dallas has one of the best local infrastructures in place for public transit. Admittedly
this is primarily out of necessity, but it’s still a feat. With the airport on the mind and all positive feelings out of the way, would it have really been so much to ask that this change be made a little bit sooner? DFW is one of the largest Metroplexes in the U.S., and as a result it’s a pretty ridiculous proposition for citizens to be forced to drive all the way from Plano or Garland to DFW International Airport and have someone take that car all the way back. Not to mention international
travelers coming to Dallas to — oh, I don’t know — visit a city with a rich arts district and pair of amazing zoos known around the nation. You’re telling me that in order to get around they are going to need to rent a car for the entire trip? Yeah — if it were me, I just wouldn’t be a tourist in Dallas if I could avoid it. Dallas as a city can’t hope to draw in tons of conventions like San Diego, New York and Miami with such terrible international travel infrastructure. Hotels are nowhere near the airport,
and traveling to and from the airport has been a pain for non-natives up until this point. The wonderful thing here is that this can be an unpleasant memory that we can look back on with disdain. With the train running right to the airport, DFW is more connected than ever. Tourists can land, jump on the train for $2.50 and head right into Dallas where their hotels might be located, or even reroute to head to Fort Worth on the Trinity Railway Express, which connects the two cities.
There is no way this is a bad move for anyone. Maybe Dallas Comic Con can finally blossom into a convention to be consistently proud of. And we have many Anime conventions, such as A-Kon and AnimeFest, that are hugely popular around the nation that may be better served now. Why it took so long is a travesty that no amount of political reasoning can change or make better. All we have to do now is make sure the trains are on time.
Online Dating
Student Resources
Amazon helps you study sooner Siren helps With the help of Sunday fulfillment and Amazon Prime, maybe you can get your books sooner
you fend off the creeps
A dating app by and for women Sarah de Schweinitz Reporter sdeschweinitz@twu. edu
Photo courtesy of Carl Malamud, Flickr Creative Commons
No post on Sundays is now a thing of the past as Amazon gets students the books they need any day.
Amanda Clark Page Editor aclark9@twu.edu Maybe you’re on your fall semester game and you’ve already bought all of your books, but for students who wait until the last minute or after the first week, shipping becomes a major concern. If you’re still buying your books at the TWU bookstore, that’s an issue we’ll save for a later date to address. For our more experienced book buyers, you know that buying used books on Amazon and different sites can save your wallet. But what do you do when it’s eight days later and your books still haven’t arrived? Maybe you’re like me and you ordered books two weeks ago, so the last are coming in right as school starts, but a good majority of students will wait until after the first week of classes to see
which books are actually required. This is smart for those who don’t want to make unnecessary purchases and returns, but can leave you in a bind when your professor wants to start using various texts the second week of class, or even the second day. Something Amazon has recently rolled out in partnership with the United States Postal Service is Sunday fulfillment shipping. Although the U.S. Postal Service doesn’t deliver on Sundays, they have now partnered with Amazon, which means you can place an order on Wednesday and get it on Sunday. And if you’re an Amazon Prime member, your Friday orders will hopefully arrive on Sunday as well. The problem is that there is no guarantee with Amazon standard shipping that you’ll get your books on time, and
if you don’t want to pay an extra fee for quicker shipping, you’re stuck waiting on books that seem like they’re never coming. Even though the Sunday fulfillment adds another day that may cut down on shipping time, one day in the long wait doesn’t really make a difference. The best advice I can give for those ordering with Amazon is to consider joining Amazon Prime. As I did more research and looked into Amazon Prime, I’ve started to consider becoming a member myself. As a college student, the first six months are free, and the cost is cut in half to where you’re paying under five dollars a month. The greatest perk of this membership would have to be the free two-day shipping. As an English student who finds myself ordering books for classes
The Lasso editorial staff Editor-in-Chief
Designer
Managing Editor
Page Editors
Shelby Baker • sbaker3@twu.edu Alexander Ancira • aancira@twu.edu
Reporters
Toi Ferguson • lferguson2@twu.edu Emily Nickles • enickles@twu.edu Amanda Clark • aclark9@twu.edu
Monica Alcaraz • malcaraz@twu.edu Matt Olson • molson3@twu.edu Sarah de Schweinitz • sdeschweinitz@twu.edu
Copy Editors
Photographer
Advisor
Tammi Paul • tpaul1@twu.edu
and for pleasure, there’s nothing like getting your books quickly after you order them. Regardless of whether you order with Amazon or choose to buy your books through another source, I would recommend sometime Tuesday night or Wednesday morning making your order because you just never know how long it will actually take for your books to come in. If you’re concerned about getting them on time, join Prime and then cancel your membership before your six months free is over. In the meantime, visit the TWU library or the UNT library for some loaner books until yours make it in the mail. My personal condolences go out to those who are still waiting for their books. I’m holding out hope for you that they’ll show up soon.
Finding the right person to date can be difficult. With busy schedules made up of school and work, who has the time to meet a potential mate, and where do you even go to meet them? Bars can be risky, and asking out a cute classmate can be nerve-wracking. Since the mid ‘90s though, there has arrived a new way to date — online. Online dating has opened doors for people to get asked out or rejected in the comfort of their own home, all while perusing the site for any other potential coffee dates or Friday night companions. I have tried online dating before through http:// www.PlentyOfFish.com, although I gave up fairly quickly as I grew tired of receiving messages from guys with horrible grammar and shirtless photos of themselves telling me how special they thought I was, all from reading my short profile. I have since sworn off online dating because it seemed like a waste of time, but one new app called Siren created by artist Susie Lee promises to be different and significantly better for women. So why is it supposedly better for us females? The idea is that women are the ones to make the first move
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 Lasso staff and writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, staff, students, administration or the Regents of Texas Woman’s University.
This week’s issue Vol. 101 No. 17
in order to avoid getting advances from people they have no interest in. It also sets itself apart with its unique approach to users getting to know each other through answering questions written by sponsors such as movie trivia and describing your perfect sandwich. Similar to real life, this app puts people in situations where their response shows some insight into who they are. If a woman sees that someone is answering the questions in a way that tickles her fancy, she can contact them. While I think online dating can be exciting because of the potential for meeting someone that you never would have come into contact with otherwise, I’m also still wary. It can be easy to hide behind a good profile picture and neatly condensed version of yourself in order to impress potential dates, which can lead to not so authentic interactions. Even with Siren, some expert creep could sign up and attract women by saying all the right things and then guess what? You have a stalker. What ever happened to strangers’ eyes meeting across a crowded room or blind dates set up by mutual friends? Call me old fashioned, but I think I’ll hold on to the belief that if someone is meant to be in my life, we will meet, online profile or not. Mail
Letters from Readers The Lasso Stoddard Hall Rm 311
Email lasso@twu.edu Website twulasso.com
Savannah Peer • speer@twu.edu Tiffany Lam • tlam6@twu.edu Rhonda Ross• rross7@twu.edu
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. 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.
News
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Wednesday, August 27, 2014
TWU newspaper celebrates 100th year Emily Nickles Page Editor enickles@twu.edu
We all celebrate the anniversary of something to commemorate an event or establishment, whether that’s every year on a certain day or every 100 years. These anniversary celebrations signify an accomplishment, a milestone, a moment to reflect on what has been achieved and learned in the past. For TWU, this is a year of centennial festivities as we honor the establishment of the TWU Music Department and 100 years of our student-run newspaper. The very first student organization to be formed on campus, The Lasso student newspaper, has influenced the community and student body since its first issue on Nov. 7, 1914. At that time, when TWU was known as the College of Industrial Arts,
women were discouraged by society from furthering their education. Here at TWU a community-wide influencing newspaper was being published. The first staff of The Lasso set the stage for what would be years of influential writing and an example of integrity to the community. Aside from the impact The Lasso has had on campus, the student newspaper has affected individuals, especially those involved in the making. One alum from the Class of ‘55, Carol Fulmore, remembers fondly her time juggling staff positions on The Lasso and how it prepared her for her future career: “The Lasso provided essential on the job training experience for serious journalism students, and I am grateful.” Fulmore held several editing jobs before owning her own ad agency for 35 years and is one of a large number of students who continued to lead
journalistic careers postLasso, two of which were Pulitzer Prize awardees. In honor of the freedom of speech for students and our right to express our opinions and concern through this venue, TWU is holding several key events this year focused around the theme “Women and Media.” A committee was formed last year specifically for the purpose of celebrating this monumental occasion for the university. Several university departments will be involved and connected to the campus events, including Commuter Services, Division of Student Life, Campus Activities Board, Cultural Connections Leadership Conference, Alumni Relations, Global Connections, Mary Evelyn Blagg-Huey Library and The Lasso itself. The Lasso, in partnership with the CCLC, will be
hosting a keynote speaker event for students and alum with guest speaker Lisa Ling, a prominent female reporter who has made waves in her career in journalism. Ling will be visiting the campus on Nov. 6 to share her experiences. In addition to The Lasso Birthday Bash, to be held Nov. 7 in the Student Union, there will be another collaborative event in the spring. On March 26, Commuter Services and Global Connections will be hosting a special showing of “MissRepresentation,” a documentary based on historically significant women in media. Following the screening there will be a Q&A with the director of the film Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Additional events are being hosted all year by various campus departments. As the university continues to acclaim the newspaper and honor its accomplishments, I
challenge you, the students on campus, to question yourselves about why we have a student newspaper. What are we trying to accomplish? Do you read the student newspaper, why or why not? Where do you get your news sources, and are they reliable? Who can you count on and have faith in to report the Truth, candid and unbiased? If that’s not us, then I dare you to challenge us back. How can we be the source of information you need? As the first staff of The Lass-O wrote, which carries through time to the present, in the first issue printed on Nov. 7, 1914: “Permit Us To Say: Long Live The Lass-O. May its popularity and usefulness more than reflect the fondest expectations of all who are responsible for its publication.”
First, making Denton wet would be a vast improvement. They are currently in the process of raising money towards efforts of changing the law. Through the website http://www.gofundme.com, supporters of lifting the ban are offered a chance to donate money that will contribute to the cause. “Costs of getting something like this done include hiring a small army of signature chasers
going door to door and Next on the blanketing the town, ballot are the four phone calls for consumer public improvements education, campaign signs, propositions. First is the billboards, ads, events and issuance of $61,710,000 everything that goes into toward bettering our a real political campaign,” streets. Second is the local business owner and issuance of $16,565,000 for member of Denton First public safety facilities for Chris Hawley stated. “This police and fire departments. change could mean big Third is the issuance of things for Denton. We $8,545,000 towards storm could gain nearly $700,000 water drainage and flood dollars per year in local sales control improvements. B:9.25” tax revenues and create Fourth is the issuance of hundreds of new jobs.” T:9.25”$11,355,000 for park system
improvements. Lastly is deciding an ordinance should be enacted authorizing the sale of just less than two acres of land in North Lakes Park. The state of Texas requires cities to ask voters before selling any parkland. The last day to register to vote is October 6. For more information, check out the upcoming election information page on http://www. votedenton.com.
Ballot reveal for fall propositions
Continued from pg. 1 Members of the group Denton First are in favor of wetting Denton and have created a petition that over 7,000 people signed. As of right now, only businesses choosing to operate as private clubs are allowed to sell liquor in any form. This allows them to sell the beverages as long as patrons have their IDs scanned to be entered into the bar or restaurant’s database as a member. According to Denton
3
Campus Blotter
Theft A report of theft was made to the Dallas campus on Aug. 19. No arrest was made. Minor Accident A call was made reporting an accident in the Big Lot on the Denton campus on Aug. 20. No personal injury, but property was damaged. Medical Emergency A call was made regarding a medical emergency on Aug. 20 on Bell Ave near the Denton campus. . Evasion and Resistance On Aug. 21, an arrest was made at a residence on the grounds of evading and resisting arrest. There was no personal injury or property damage reported. Trespass: Arrest An arrest was carried out on Aug. 22 in the early evening for trespassing. The perpetrator was found prowling the Texas Gardens. Medical Investigation An investigation was underway Aug. 23 after a call was made reporting injury in the Library Lot on the Denton campus. No further inquiries were made. Assisting an Agency TWU DPS assisted an agency on Aug. 23 in response to a call regarding a residence at Mary Hufford Hall in the Lowry Woods Community. Property Damage An active case was opened Aug. 25 in response to a report of failing to give notice upon striking an unattended vehicle. The offense took place at the Lowry Woods Community.
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Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Red Zone
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Continued from pg. 1 Prevention Psychology is geared towards individuals who are less interested in a physical self-defense class but still seek more information. “Managing Social or Professional Physical Harassment” supplies information and tactics on responding to harassment in a professional setting without damaging relationships. The third unit, “Assault Countermeasures,” is the sequel to “Prevention
Psychology.” In this unit, attendees learn effective self-defense techniques that will help them protect themselves should the need arise. The SHARP course, meant to educate and train members of the TWU community in preventing unwanted sexual advances, is also a way for students to earn credit hours in Kinesiology. The focus of the class is to teach people practical skills instead of numbers and
information that can make a difference in case of a sexual assault or harassment. Project REV is also available to students who have been victims of sexual assault, abuse or stalking. The organization offers help regarding assistance with protective orders, shelter services and raising awareness about violence before it happens. The organization offers a number of panels and seminars each semester,
with the previous events available for viewing online. If you are sexually assaulted, report the crime to the police immediately. If you decide to press charges, it is important that you do not change your clothes, bathe or brush your teeth, as doing so can remove evidence. Remember and relay everything you can about the assault. Every detail can be critical. Under the influence of drugs or
alcohol is not an excuse for crime, nor does it criminalize you when making a report. The Counseling Center at TWU is prepared to help victims heal from both the physical and emotional trauma. They also have detailed instructions on how to reduce the risk of sexual assault and what to do if you are a victim. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, 60 percent of sexual
assaults go unreported. 1-800-656-HOPE is recommended by both the TWU Counseling Center and RAINN as a source of immediate help. For more information on SHARP, call 940-898-2915 or visit http://www.twu. edu/dps/service-programs. asp. For more information on Project REV, call 940898-2744, or visit http:// www.twu.edu/project-rev. asp.
News | Local Interest
Local | Activism
‘Swim at your own risk’ holds new meaning for lake dwellers
survivors and struggling individuals
Heartwalk Disturbing Lewisville Lake body count Denton TWU leaders reach out in support of Matt Olson Reporter molson3@twu.edu Over the summer, Lake Lewisville has amassed a body count to rival that of a horror film. Drownings have occurred across the lake, with occurrences near Dallas, Denton, Lewisville and Little Elm. Visitors are urged to use extra caution and safety measures while swimming. Meanwhile, warning signs ominously prompt: “Swim at your own risk.” WFAA and KTXS reported that, over the Father’s Day weekend, 38-year-old Michael Quach jumped into the lake in an attempt to rescue a relative in distress — who survived — but drowned. His body was discovered by search crews the following Wednesday. Quach had not been wearing a life jacket. CBS’ local news and http://www. myfoxdfw.com reported on the July 12 disappearance and drowning of an unidentified 35-year-old man, who is said to have been swimming at the time. Diving crews found the man’s body the following Monday. Details on the tragedy were sparse. Dallas News’ Crime Blog and the Denton Record-Chronicle reported on the death of a man accused of assault. 52-year-old Jack Vernon Cochran went missing July 26 after stabbing a younger relative. He and the relative had left a Lake Lewisville marina aboard a boat, but only the victim returned. Cochran’s body was found two days later, and the cause of death was ruled an accidental drowning. He had not been wearing a life jacket.
Emily Nickles Page Editor enickles@twu.edu
Photo by Tammi Paul
One myth is that gators at the bottom of the lake drown unsuspecting visitors. Some suggest that the majority of the drownings are due to negligence. NBCDFW and the DRC also followed the drowning of 27-yearold Kevin Nguyen. On the morning of Aug. 18, Nguyen and his father were in shallow water while fishing when the younger man fell and never resurfaced. Some suggest that he had lost his footing near an edge into deeper water and had likely been weighed down by his fishing equipment. His body was discovered shortly after. Nguyen had not been wearing a life jacket at the time of his drowning. Experts suggest that low water levels have likely contributed to the death toll. According to a Dallas News article, recreation
manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers James Murphy states that “this is a new lake this year. ... Every day, a new stump pops up, a new rock pops up. The shoreline is a lot closer than it used to be.” Murphy additionally suggests that the use of life jackets and similar devices can mean the difference between life and death. He said: “The majority of people that drown had no intention of being in the water. They simply either fell overboard, were wading along the shoreline and stepped off in deeper water, or they just did not know how to swim in the first place.”
Chances are you have come across a friend, uncle, grandmother, brother, mother or cousin who has suffered from some form of heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Diagnosed individuals and their loved ones are not unaffected by the impact of such medical conditions. According to the American Heart Association handouts, strokes are the No. 4 leading cause of death in adults within the U.S., and heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death. Together heart disease and strokes cause 1 out of 3 deaths. By sponsoring the AHA’s 5K Heart Walk on Sept. 13 in the UNT Apogee Stadium, The Leadership Institute at the Denton campus is hoping to promote a consciousness of caring for the heart and sense of community among survivors and their loved ones. Completely free to those who wish to participate, students and members of the community can sign up online at the AHA website or visit to donate. Interested parties can register under a team or as
individuals. Leadership Institute member KeriAnne Jones revealed that 80 percent of heart disease is preventable: “So if you start at a young age realizing you need to eat healthy, you need to work out, you need to try your best to be in balance, then you can stop this now. It’s [about] prevention.” Jones shared that the Institute’s goal is to have at least 100 students sign up on their team to represent TWU in the North Texas event, but to be ambitious and keep them challenged, Major General Mary Saunders has set a goal of 500 participants. “It’s to create an awareness of heart attacks and how detrimental it is to our society right now. It’s also to create a sense of community because we’re all walking together to support this cause. We’re supporting individuals and research because it affects a lot of people,” Jones expressed of her views and the Institute’s views on the upcoming event. The Leadership Institute will also be holding fundraisers in the next two weeks to donate to the Denton Heart Walk.
Veterans Center to open on September 3 Continued from pg. 1 O’Keefe, who has worked with veterans at TWU for over five years, had noticed that two major issues were making it hard for veterans to find their place in the working world. One, the transition is difficult without the support of a community, and two, isolation tends to occur among veterans when they are unable to relate and connect with other students who share similar experiences. Not only did O’Keefe’s observations prompt a desire for change, but the unified voice of the veterans on campus declaring that they wanted a space of their own contributed as well. To even be designated as a military-friendly university, all public universities in Texas must meet the requirements set by the state legislature. Part of that criteria includes a center for veterans.
As a result, two students, Jasmine Wiley and Kaity Shepard, were asked to put together a video promoting the need for such a center on campus. Together they filmed interviews with several veterans on campus, two of which had served in the U.S. Navy and one woman who had served in the U.S. Air Force. Wiley, whose father had served in the Navy, shared that for her and partner Shepard, they “felt it was important for students to step in who weren’t necessarily veterans to show our appreciation towards them. ... It was important that they had their own zone to come together.” Last spring they were denied the federal grant money, which was only handed out to a select few but held on to the video anyway with hopes of putting their hard work to good use. By chance,
“... it was important that they had their own zone to come together.” - Jasmine Wiley, Student assistant
the Veterans Center came to be sponsored by Jason Weir who, as stated in the July issue, is the successful owner of 5W Collision Repair and a veteran himself. Because of his generous sponsorship and recognition of the needs of veterans on the TWU campus, the Veterans Center has been able to be built and completed. The official ribbon cutting and opening ceremony will commence on Sept. 3 at 4 p.m. and the center will then be open for viewing by the public. Throughout the month of September, there will be specific hours where the Center will be open to all students, although the main goal is to keep it a safe, comfortable and quiet place for veterans wishing to connect and relax. Shepard said of her experience working with the veterans on campus: “It was cool to work on the video and interview the veterans and hear from their mouth what they needed to become successful. I just edited the video. It was the veterans who made it happen for themselves.”
Photo by Tammi Paul
The center consists of a study room and a social room, both with black leather couches and tasteful interior design.
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Community
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Wednesday, August 27, 2014
5
Community | Farmer’s Market
Denton’s farmers market draws in students Fresh picks on Saturday mornings provide options for Denton community Sarah de Schweinitz Reporter sdeschweinitz@twu. edu Every Saturday morning on Carroll Ave. people come together for food, music, fresh air and fun. There are all sorts of vendors set up selling things from nutrientdense, cold-pressed juice to waffles to local produce. The fruits and vegetables sold at the market are grown by Johnson’s Backyard Garden and Cardo’s Farm Project. Earthwise owner and JBG Farm Manager Ryan Crocker encourages people to come out and not only try his local food, but also learn why urban gardening is making a
difference in the way some people are starting to see food. “We’re really proud that we just got our official organic certification, so we’re Denton’s only certified organic urban farm and we’re here for Denton—for the community,” Crocker said. “We want people to just have that local option every week at the market and at our shop at Earthwise.” Offered at this table were a variety of fresh produce such as onions, okra, jalapenos and some fruits. He recommends the melons and the sweet peppers. Just a few feet away from the JBG table was the Cardo’s Farm
Project, which had unique options to choose from, like the jujube, a small but juicy date, and even freshly-cut flowers. The owner Amanda Austin runs the farm with the community and a number of volunteers, six of which come from TWU and UNT. Austin offers a program called a Farm Share in which the consumer and the farmer have a direct relationship. Participants can sign up as a shareholder and then go to the farm in person to pick up their weekly produce. Food, flowers and free-range eggs can also be purchased. Among the many vendors was Pi House Bake Shop owner and
Kristina Smith, who sells vegan baked goods. She said she has been making and selling the desserts and breads, of which include chocolate brownies, snicker doodles and banana nut bread. Smith has been baking on and off for about four years and procured a table at the market this past June. Denton Community Market is open every Saturday at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from April to November. Earthwise Gardens & Produce is located on 728 North Elm Street. For more information on the market, go to http://www. dentonmarket.org to see the list of vendors and upcoming events.
Photo by Tammi Paul
Above: Cardo’s Farm Project also sells brightly assorted boquets at the Saturday market in addition to produce.
Community | Leadership Conference
Building better leaders, making it reality Block Party
The Lasso Managing Editor shares his personal experience Alex Ancira Managing Editor aancira@twu.edu Most students head to college to find a skillset, find a job and, above all else, find themselves. Four years to discover who you are — no pressure now. Who would believe that six days would be enough? A trip to Champaign, Illinois. Corn fields so wild and omnipresent that any vestige of urban life is swallowed whole. A group of student leadersin-training from every corner of the country. Looking back, it feels more dream than reality. But The Leadershape Institute is a reminder that the dreams we have can become a reality everywhere. The Leadershape Institute is, according to its website, an organization dedicated to changing the world. Not to making your meetings go more smoothly or any other number of paltry, transient goals — making the world a better place is the sought end result. Through national sessions, where students gather from different universities for six days of intensive learning about how to lead more effectively, and newer programs like “Catalyst,” developed to jumpstart leadership in more
Photo courtesy of The Leadershape Institute
Above: Leadershape prints this graphic on the back of business cards handed out identifying Leadershape graduates. “Begin. Lead. Repeat.” is one of the organization’s trademarked phrases.
locations by leading oneday sessions, Leadershape helps breed a new class of leaders ready to, according to the Institute’s mission statement, “lead with integrity” and embrace a healthy disregard for the impossible. The session I attended was the last of the summer sessions, taking place at The Robert Allerton Park in the Allerton House. The setting felt relaxing and rustic, with the inside of the house laden with soft oil paintings and the outside a gallery of wildlife juxtaposed with
fine art. Every day was packed with activities in large groups, small groups and individual reflections, with the primary constant being the Allerton Library, filled with ancient tomes and an atrium that guided attendees toward healthy conversation. No amount of page space could do justice to the time I spent with all of my new lifelong friends, mentors and peers at Leadershape. The small talk and deeper moments are etched into my brain like hieroglyphs on pyramid walls, and every
activity’s hidden goal or message has started to sink in at last, or at least my own versions of those messages have. From my personal experience, lifechanging is describing this trip too lightly. The fruit of Leadershape’s seed is to send leaders out into the world ready to share their vision of a better world. My only regret is that more people do not choose to buy into Leadershape’s experience. The scholarship application process is simple, and the trip is frankly too good
and too valuable for you to not consider spending a small time filling it out. A number of TWU students go every year, whether it is to the Allerton House or to Boston or even Atlanta. My question then becomes why not more TWU students per year? Is the event not marketed loudly enough? Do the students not know about the benefits? Could it be a matter of time constraints? Every student I spoke to at Leadershape stressed the amazing opportunity they took on and every one of us, myself included, seemed happier and more prepared to share our individual brands of leadership after those six days were over. No one person should be a leader; we all must be leaders in our daily lives, with or without title or obligation. TWU is no different. So when thinking about this next summer, make sure to remember the difference a week in the quiet corn fields can make. It’s more than you can imagine, I assure you. For more information about Leadershape, go to http://www.leadershape. com to find out about the cost, scholarships and travel accommodations, along with testimonials and additional resources available.
Continued from pg. 1 This year, things were done a bit differently. In past years, students received two activity-specific tickets and two food tickets, but this year, they were given multiple non-specific tickets to use at any booth for the price of one ticket per activity or food item. This provided a simple way to experience everything at the block party for students, and it made things easier on volunteers and the booths themselves. Students poured in from all over the campus to enjoy the festivities and have a good time with their friends while making new friends. Different businesses and organizations were also allowed space to set up and promote their products and gain membership. Charter Cable, Overflow Denton and the TWU Counseling Center were just a few booths at the Block Party that drew a crowd and passed out flyers and words of knowledge. These starting events were just what the students and staff on-campus needed to build community and get everyone pumped for the start of classes for the Fall semester.
6
A&E
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
twulasso.com
Campus art
Gaming
Senior Tammi Paul featured in gallery
Role-playing game provides more than meets the eye
010 features wood prints
RPGs bleed into reality Shelby Baker Editor-in-Chief sbaker3@twu.edu
Photo and art by Tammi Paul
Matt Olson Reporter molson3@twu.edu The 010 Gallery has been a means for Art and Photography students to display their works to their fellow students and the public. The first showing, “Through a Daughter’s Eyes” by senior Fine Art Photography and Photography with Business major and Lasso photographer Tammi Paul will open on Monday, Sept. 1. “Through a Daughter’s Eyes” will feature photographs transferred onto a wooden base. The works featured in the show have a common subject. “The project is about my dad, Robert Tinsley,” the artist related. “He was born in the 1930s and was raised mostly in South Carolina.” Paul recounted how she helped her parents move to Denton from Mississippi in recent years. Her parents had lived in their Mississippi home for
three decades, but relocated to be closer to their daughter. Over the course of the move, Paul photographed various elements of her parents’ home and life. She said: “After looking over the photographs, I felt they were honest representations of how I have always visualized my father, a hard working man from the South.” For the 010 Gallery Showing, Paul transferred some of these photos onto wood. Explaining her reason for doing so, she said: “When I think of my dad, the two main things that come to mind are the smell of fresh cut wood and going fishing.” She additionally described her featured work: “ All of the photographs fit into a wooden box that [my father and I] designed and built together. The photographs will be on rustic shelves and in frames that he built.” The process Paul used involves Digital Art
Studios Seminars transfer film paper. An image is printed onto the specialized paper. From there, the artist applies a solution and places the printed image onto a surface. The image then transfers. Paul compared the process to temporary tattoos children use. “Through a Daughter’s Eyes” will be on display in the 010 Gallery from Monday Sept. 1 to Friday, Sept. 12. A reception will be held Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 4-6 p.m. Joining the artist at her reception will be her father, the subject of her work, as well as her mother. The 010 Gallery is located on the lower floor of the Student Union. It is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 1-9 p.m and is closed Saturdays.
Welcome, dear travelers. It is at this point in your adventures that you encounter a mystic book, passed down from the ancients. In it is arcane knowledge, unlocking the deepest, darkest secrets and answers to the game that is Dungeons and Dragons. As most fellow gamers are aware, D&D edition 5 player’s handbook was just released at the beginning of this month, with a start set tease in stores the month prior. While there are many reasons to love and celebrate the new arrival (no more edition four), let’s take a moment to talk about roleplaying games. Role-playing is often used as a teaching tool, one that builds problem-solving skills and group cooperation. Some professors and professionals use this approach in class or training sessions. D&D is just like that, but has a story behind each session. While training for a new job, one may have to role-play customer interaction or how to operate a piece of equipment. In game, players are encouraged, and given no other choice, but to find their own solution to crazy situations. Useful skills that may not be associated with the game but are refined include organization, planning and decision-making. Most people use these in everyday life, and D&D strenghens these throughout a play sessiion for both all involved. Often cooperation is essential to make any possible solution work. There is a reason that we form research
teams, partnerships between businesses, and friends to swap notes with in class. We can’t do it alone. The game creates a safe environment to share ideas and trade thoughts in group discussion. There are puzzles in D&D that often take more than one person to solve and execute. Storytelling is another skill that can be developed through gaming, as a Dungeon Master is responsible for creating the fantasy world and drawing the players in. For people looking to be writers, comedians, or any form of entertainer, there is practice a plenty running a D&D campaign. It is up to you to make the story and actions of characters believable, and often requires improvisation. D&D also teaches us about alignments and understanding others. Just because someone doesn’t agree with you doesn’t make them crazy or evil. The game teaches acceptance at the core of all interactions with friendly characters. Suprisingly, role-playing can also teach players ettiquette. D&D is a turn-based RPG, which means everyone waits, listens and engages outside of combat. During combat, rules are very strict, so players face a list of actions to take before completing a turn. Edition five is a huge improvement of editions 3.5 and four. I encourage everyone, those hesitant to play and players with years under their belts, to give it a test run. If you’re going to engage in the game, this is the one you’ll likely enjoy.
Photo courtesy of Wizards of the Coast