GLOBAL CONNECTIONS SPECIAL
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Wednesday │October 24, 2012 │ Vol. 99, No. 10
Texas Woman’s University | Student run since 1914
Students vote yes to new student union
YOU COULD WIN A FREE PASS TO PARKER HAUNTED HOUSE LOOK INSIDE TO SEE IF YOU’RE A WINNER >>>>
TIMELINE TO A NEW U
Shelby Baker Sports Editor The results are in; after much publicity and lobbying for students to vote in favor of a new union, TWU has received the students’ permission to up the fee to fund a new union. Months of campaigning and hard work paid off for the Student Union office and Student Government Association. They visited various other universities’ student unions, held events promoting the vote on campus in multitudes, and had an area set up in the student union so students could vote as they walked to buy food. Out of the 1,400 students who voted, 61 percent favored the new union and approved increasing the student union fee to $149 per semester. “I compliment the student’s involvement in the whole referendum project – from recognizing the need for a new student union to giving presentations and encouraging voter turnout,” commented TWU Chancellor and President Dr. Ann Stuart. According to the TWU Student Union Referendum online, the compiled wish list of features for the new union
OCTOBER Referendum on October 16 & 17 NOVEMBER TWU Board of Regents presentation and recommendation MARCH Higher Education Coordinating Board approval Construction could begin in 2013
JANUARY Fee increase begins
All dates are tentative pending approval and may be subject to change
A new union is in place by 2015
Continued pg. 6
Graphic by Maura Teague // Timeline information courtesy of TWU Student Union
BOO at the U brings Halloween to you Shelby Baker Sports Editor
Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays for children and adults alike. It’s a time to dress up, eat sweets without regret and enjoy scaryish movies and adventures that will be gone with the morning. In honor of this fun holiday, TWU is hosting Boo at the U for students, children and the community. Boo at the U will be held tomorrow from 5:30– 8:30 p.m. at the Student Union and Hubbard Oval. Admission is free and open to the community. Children are welcome and will be treated to train rides, carnival games and inflatables as well as trunk–or –treating. Trunk–or–treat is a spin on the childhood favorite trick –or–treating, where cars are decorated in the spirit of All Hallow’s Eve and the trunks are filled with candy and parked in the Student Union parking lot. Candy will be given away from the trunks as children peruse the lot. “I’m making my own costume, and I thought it would be a good idea to wear to the school festivities,” freshman Naomi McDowell said. Since she and a friend are
Graphic Courtesy of TWU Student Union
The Boo at the U fall festival takes place outside the Student Union and Hubbard Oval tomorrow from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
News
On Oct. 1, Governor Rick Perry addressed his initiatives for the upcoming legislative session concerning higher education. According to a press release: “More and more young Texans of all backgrounds are thinking of college as a vital component of their personal success and they’re taking active steps to get themselves there,” Perry said. “Implementing these measures will meet the growing demand for higher education in a way that provides encouragement for students to complete their degree in a timely fashion and with financial certainty.” Currently, 30 percent of college students graduate in four years, while 58 percent graduate in six, according to the press release of Perry’s plans for higher education. Perry proposed that funds for colleges transition from being completely focused on enrollment to also being focused on outcomes. He has proposed that 10 percent of an institution’s state funding be based on the number of students who graduate. Basically, if a university is not graduating its students, the institution will get less state funding. The amount of time it takes for students to graduate ties directly into the amount of debt many students are left with once they graduate. The national average debt for college graduates is still larger than Texas’. Perry said that Texas is taking steps to keep it that way. Previously in 2011, Perry asked institutions to offer bachelor’s degree plans for $10,000 or less. Perry said that there were many who were in opposition on this front, but currently nine institutions are doing this or are in the process to start it soon. The progress Texas has made in the last 10 years can be found in the Texas Public Higher Education Almanac on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s website. Also involved in increasing the success of higher education in Texas is the THECB, which launched Closing the Gaps by 2015 in 2000 to “expand access, increase postsecondary completions, facilitate more research and improve quality at Texas institutions of higher education,” according to its website.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Phi Kappa Phi Award................3
Features
Student publishes novel...........4
twulasso.com
Amanda Clark Reporter
Continued pg. 4
Continued pg. 8
Follow The Lasso
Changes to Higher Education in Texas
Features
Zumbathon..............................7
Sports
Special Section
Think Pink Games....................8
News
Goat Man’s Bridge...................9
Study Abroad...........................5
Opinions
Armed Robbery........................6
Arts & Entertainment
Day of the Dead .....................10
Questions or comments about The Lasso? twu_lasso@yahoo.com
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Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Lasso staff A student-run publication since 1914
Editor-in-Chief Aaron Claycomb • aclaycomb@twu.edu Managing Editor Dennis Barbee • debarbee74@gmail.com
Local Weather Denton
Partly Cloudy
Copy Editor Brianna Casey • bcasey1@twu.edu
Opinions Editor Marygail Isobel Lakner • mlakner@twu.edu Sports Editor Shelby Baker •sbaker3@twu.edu Photo Editor Jeni Berry • jnberry@gmail.com
Dallas
High 81˚ Low 50˚ Mostly Sunny
Partly Cloudy
Thursday High 84˚ Low 54˚ Mostly Sunny
High 82˚
Low 67˚
Partly Cloudy
High 86˚ Low 68˚ Partly cloudy Friday
High 56˚ Low 45˚ Few Showers Wednesday
Saturday
Wednesday
Houston
Thursday
Friday
High 51˚ Low 42˚ Few Showers
News Editor Shannon Quick • squick1@twu.edu
Arts and Entertainment Editor Stanton Brasher • omegakatproductions@gmail.com
Thursday
Friday
New Media Editor Erin Marissa Russell • erussell2@twu.edu
Features Editor Laura Hilton • remember2smile247@ymail.com
The Lasso
twulasso.com
Weekly Roundup
High 58˚ Low 41˚ Am Clouds/PM Sun
High 85˚
Low 68˚
High 79˚ Low 54˚ Partly Cloudy
Saturday
Wednesday
High 60˚ Low 44˚ Am Clouds/PM Sun
High 87˚
Low 70˚
Saturday High 69˚ Low 53˚ Partly Cloudy
Photo of the week
Senior Reporter Ginger Hughes • gingerreneehuges@gmail.com Stephanie Terrell • sterrell92@hotmail.com Reporters Megan Pillow • mpillow@twu.edu Amanda Clark • clarkamandarose@gmail.com Kyla Rae • krae@twu.edu Allie Beaurline • abeaurline@twu.edu Marlou Macaraeg • mmacaraeg@twu.edu Christa Teller • cteller@twu.edu Photographer Amanda Amaral • ama.e.amaral@gmail.com Designer Maura Teague • maurateague@gmail.com Business Manager Alisha Sarfani • asarfani@twu.edu Asst. Business Manager Bethany Wineinger • bwineinger@twu.edu Business Assistant Leah Walker • lwalker9@twu.edu Germaine Balanon • germaine92@yahoo.com 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.
Lasso history >>>
1937 1937 Lasso news— 75 years ago
TWU, then known as Texas State College for Women, had 16 students selected for the beauty section of the Daedalian Annual, six of those were selected to have full pages in the book. An invasion of rats in the Book Room reports they are “devouring knowledge faster than the students.”
1962
1962 Lasso news— 50 years ago
The Lass-O received First Class Honor Rating in the annual Associated Collegiate Press All American Critical Service ratings for the 1961-62 second semester. Dr.
John Guinn, TWU president, spoke at the dedication ceremonies for a new cerebral palsy center in Wichita Falls.
Photography by Jeni Berry
Students were given the chance to visit with perspective employers, including the U.S. Army at yesterday’s Professional Career Expo in Hubbard Hall.
the editor also address the lack of parking on campus.
1952 1987
TWU Police Report
1952 World news— 60 years ago
1987 Lasso news— 25 years ago
University of Tennessee admits its first black NFL took A reported stock market student. price change like this control of the football week’s computer driven New York Yankees. “crash” will not have adverse Baseball Yankees tie affects on TWU. A letter to their own record of the editor from someone four consecutive World who is “working on the Series wins. Elizabeth TWU record for having the II is proclaimed Queen most tickets in a single of the United Kingdom. semester” addresses U.S. Pres. Harry S parking issues and states Truman settled 53-day that when parking tickets steel strike. The United are issued during festivals States barred Charlie that close off a parking Chaplin from re-entering lot, then the sponsor of the country after a trip to the event should have to England. Earthquake and pay. Two other letters to flood strike Kamshatka, South America. First postage stamp For further historic Lasso articles U.S. please read pg. 4 “From the TWU in two colors (rotary archives” process) introduced.
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.
Medical Emergency
Criminal Mischief
A report of a medical
A report of criminal mischief
emergency was made at 307
was made at Lowry Woods
Administration Dr., Monday,
Apartments, Wednesday, Oct.
Oct. 15.
17.
Off-campus Arrest of TWU
Building Search
Student
A report of a building search
An off-campus arrest of a TWU
was made at Bent Tree
student was reported to TWU
Apartments, Sunday, Oct. 21.
DPS Monday, Oct. 15. Suspicious Person Building Check
A report of a suspicious person
A report of a building check
was made at the Art Building,
was made at 1005 N. Austin
Sunday, Oct. 21. No arrest was
St., Tuesday, Oct. 16.
made.
Suspicious Person
Criminal Trespass
A report of a suspicious
A report of an arrest for criminal
person was made at 309
trespassing was made at 1700
Administration Dr., Tuesday,
N. Bell Ave., Monday, Oct. 22.
Oct. 16. No arrest was made. Minor Accident
Mail Letters from Readers The Lasso Stoddard Hall Rm 311 Email twu_lasso@yahoo.com Website twulasso.com
Armed Robbery
A report of a minor accident
An armed robbery was
was made at the intersection of
reported at 1700 block of N
University Dr. and 1700 N. Bell
Bell Ave., Thursday, Oct. 19.
Ave., Monday, Oct. 22.
No arrest has been made and DPS continues investigation.
This is a part of the daily activity log produced by the TWU Police Department. To report a criminal incident on campus, please call 940-898-2911
The Lasso
twulasso.com
News
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
3
Retired Navy Captain Compassion, grace: from receives Chancellor’s Award TWU to Misi Village, Africa Dallas
Stephanie Terrell Sr. Reporter
For the third Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award, retired Navy Captain Dr. Maggie Johnson Richard was chosen to recognize her military and nursing career. According to the Office of Alumni Relations’ website, this award recognizes TWU graduates for their accomplishments in public service or in their career. Richard will have a permanent spot on the recognition wall in the foyer of Hubbard Hall on TWU’s Denton campus, she will also come to the TWU campuses each year to give advice and present her work. Richard said in an email she felt honored when she was told she was the recipient for the Chancellor’s Alumni Award this year. “The first thing I thought about was that the accomplishments I obtained to get this award are due to so many people,” she explained. “I
am grateful for the people in my West Dallas community where I grew up, my family, Navy family, friends and colleagues.” Richard graduated from TWU in 1985 with a bachelor’s in Nursing, and later obtained her Master of Science in Community Health from Old Dominion University. Continuing her academic career, Richard earned her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in nursing. Words of advice for current TWU Nursing students from Richard: “Time passes regardless of what we choose to do: being focused and moving forward or not. So, whatever you do, stick to it and give it time and sacrifice. You will reap the benefits and rewards, others will be inspired by you, and you will feel really good about your life.” According to a TWU press release, Richard served for 26 years in the U.S. Navy and worked in the Chinhae Korea Medical Clinic, Naval Hospital Guam, Navy Medicine Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Richard also was asked to represent all military and Public Health Service Nurses at the
10th anniversary of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial ceremony. When describing her career with the U.S. Navy, Richard said, “The Navy has been so wonderful to me. I joined in 1985 a novice Nurse and left 26 years later a leader and experienced nurse with so much more to give. The Navy provided me the opportunity to care for a diversified population that included service members, their families and others. I was able to be in leadership positions all over the world that most people could not dream of or imagine.” According to a TWU press release, Richard remains involved with academia through research and teaching opportunities, and currently is an associate professor at Howard University and Morgan State University. “One last lesson I have learned is to remain true to being yourself, and be a grounded and caring human being who loves to serve others,” Richard stated. “Then all other things in life you want will chase you. That view takes some of the pressure off of succeeding and obtaining, and it changes how you see the ebbs and flow of life, so that you can live in the moment and enjoy life.”
Phi Kappa Phi honored
Kyla Rae Reporter
High school offers clubs and activities for students to become involved. College, on the other hand, also has opportunities to join sororities and fraternities, along with honor societies. This year, 19 chapters from Phi Kappa Phi, including TWU’s, have earned the 20112012 Chapter of Excellence Award. Along with the award, the chapters were also featured on the Phi Kappa Phi website. According to its website, this is “the highest commendation a chapter can receive from the organization.” Upon receiving this award, the chapter will also obtain a $500 award, which applies to scholarship
funding for students. “We are very excited about winning this award,” president of TWU’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter, Dr. Lynn Akin said. “We have an opportunity to honor, support and celebrate students across all disciplines.” Phi Kappa Phi is a “national academic honor society and it recognizes students from all academic disciplines,” Akin, said. For TWU, “invitations to join are extended to about 100 per year,” she continued. Phi Kappa Phi is an honor society chapter that is open to juniors, seniors and graduate students. According to Phi Kappa Phi’s website, “undergraduate students in any department of a college or university having a Phi Kappa Phi chapter who have completed at least [72] credit hours or the equivalent at that institution,” may also meet the requirements to join. Phi Kappa Phi was founded
in 1897 and is “the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines,” as stated on www.phikappaphi.org. Over one million students nationally have been a part of Phi Kappa Phi since this chapter was nationally created. Coming up Nov. 5, Phi Kappa Phi of TWU will be holding a fall event at noon in the Student Union for qualifying honors students. The students will receive a certificate for academic achievement. Later in the semester, the names of qualified students are sent to the Deans or Directors of each academic unit for consideration of an invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi. Students receiving the recommendation of Deans or Directors will then be invited to be inducted into TWU’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter in spring 2013.
Christa Teller Reporter
Unless you are a nursing student at TWU T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences, you probably haven’t had the chance to meet Nola Schrum, an assistant clinical professor at the Dallas campus.
Schrum obtained her master’s degree from TWU by completing the Family Nurse Practitioner Program and works at Baylor University Medical Center Irving in the Cardiothoracic Unit. Many in Dallas that may know her may not realize that Schrum’s teachings go above and beyond classrooms and clinical sites. In 2007, Schrum began putting the Huruma Grace Maternity Clinic into motion, which officially opened and began seeing obstetric patients during the summer. Huruma Grace is located in Misi village in the Bariadi district of Shinyanga region in Tanzania, Africa. This area, found in East Africa, is southeast of Lake Victoria and southwest of the Serengeti National Park. It is, an area that lies hours from advanced medical interventions and lacks the financial means for many of the villagers to seek necessary care. Huruma Grace took more than four years to grow from a thought in the mind of a nurse who recognized the need for basic medical care, into a clinic that saw 176 dental patients, performed 160 tooth extractions, wrote over 2,600 prescriptions, and delivered over 200 pairs of readers, prescription and sunglasses in its first week. Schrum was propelled into action by devastating maternal/ infant mortality rates that plagued the area, as well as motivated by her faith. She felt that with her experience and education, Huruma Grace was her “way to give back, because I’ve been so blessed in my life.” Traveling back from Africa in 2008, she began work on
creating a medical missionary organization. Only Schrum didn’t just raise the financial support needed to construct Huruma Grace, she was also able to secure the finances necessary to build an elementary school in Mwamakaranga village, as well as in the Shinyanga region. During the summer 2012, nine TWU nursing students, three faculty members, two Baylor emergency room nurses, and a construction team traveled with Bless the Children African Mission to assist in the completion and unofficial opening of Huruma Grace Maternity Clinic in Misi villiage. This clinic now offers a delivery room with lighting, antenatal/ prenatal and postpartum rooms, a waiting room, pharmacy room and a general clinic. TWU nursing students and students from Kolondta College of Nursing assisted area doctors and other members of Bless the Children African Mission in treating approximately 900 patients their while in Misi village this summer. The government now oversees the clinic and it continues to be staffed and maintained by many who are local to the area. The TWU students and faculty also assisted in delivering supplies to an elementary school which they helped paint, and then delivered textbooks, videos and a simulation IV Arm to Kolondta College of Nursing in Tanzania. Lauren Vasek, a TWU Dallas senior due to graduate in December, is one of the nine students who traveled to Misi to assist the villagers this summer. She and eight other students and medical professionals medical care and participated in teaching classes to children, men and women. Vasek saw Schrum in action and said in an email that Schrum “wants them to learn about how to better take care of themselves instead of just handing out medications,” as the group offered health and patient education in addition to medical care. Alyssa Ziehr, also a senior at TWU Dallas, traveled with Vasek and Schrum this summer. She witnessed the passion Schrum has for the villagers in Misi, and said in an email that she “learned so much about caring for others through watching her with the people –
she was definitely in her element there.” Vasek remembered how eager local villagers were to be seen, to learn and to receive medical care, though many of the volunteers could only offer basic care. “What I have learned,” Vasek said, “is that people are people just like you and I. I feel so blessed to have met Ms. Schrum and to have gone to Misi Village to help in providing a better life for them. She is a wonderful person for all the great things she has done over there, as well in the other countries she has gone to. She really is a saint making a difference in the world.” Just because the doors are officially open at a small clinic in Misi doesn’t mean that Schrum believes her work is done, and she is currently planning the 2013 mission. Students such as Vasek watch a slide show about the mission or read this article and visit the website www.btcam. com and find that they too, “fall in love”as Vasek did, with what Schrum has developed. Ziehr believes there to be “much left to be done in Africa,” and states that she “will definitely go back.” Most importantly, volunteers wanting to go don’t have to be a nursing student or even a nurse to participate in the Bless the Children African Mission. Though Schrum has a wish list including dental hygienists, dentists, obstetrics/ gynecological doctors and midwives, a fetoscope, dental chair, delivery table and obstetric supplies, when it comes to volunteers, she saidSchrum says, “We’re always looking for anyone that has a heart to help people.” Initially, those involved in building this medical clinic approached Schrum in regard to its name. Grace was her contribution, though originally those in Africa sought to name the clinic after her, but Schrum says that the clinic was “built by the grace of God,” and therefore it was pertinent that grace be part of the name in some way. Those involved in the naming locally chose to add Huruma — meaning “compassion” in Swahili. So it would seem that they may have found a way to reference Schrum after all.
Clay Underground hosts throwdown for Global Awareness
Allie Beaurline Reporter
TWU’s Clay Underground, which is a student organization that deals with ceramics, is going to make tea bowls to celebrate Global Awareness month. John Hutson, president of the Clay Underground, stated: Yunomi are a Japanese tea bowl that Japanese people use use for everyday use, instead of cerominal usage. The TWU Clay Underground is putting this on for anyone who wants to be apart of tea bowl making and wants to get their hands dirty. What is a tea bowl? A tea
bowl, or basic teacup, is called a Hagi “yunomi,” according to Robert Yellin’s article “Fired with Flavor” in Japan Times. Potters make yunomi “ranging from large production kilns to living national treasures,” Yellin reported. The prices for tea bowls can be wide-ranging. However a good yunomi can be found for under 10,000 yen, which is about $125.54, according to Google. Yunomi is a Japanese art. Hagi yunomi are famous for going though at least seven stages of change, according to the article. When tea is poured into the cup, it goes through changes over the years. Some yunomi are of higher
rank, according to their body coloration or ability to insulate, according to the article. For example, a white Shino yunomi has thick glaze and is almost never hot to the touch. On the other hand, a Bizen yunomi is hot to the touch and unglazed. There are a variety of ways to make and decorate yunomi. According to the article, yunomi are usually found in a tsutsugata, which is a simple cylindrical shape. There are several types of yunomi that can be made, such as porcelain, which is hot to the touch, and also Bizen, Hagi, Shino, and Karatsu. This making of tea bowls is significant to TWU because of
Photography by Jeni Berry
President of Clay Underground John Hutson throws a tea bowl for the Clay Undergorund Global Awareness event.
Global Awareness month. “We wanted to bring in to ceramic students, or anybody who is interested, some history of certain aspects of ceramics. This happened to be Japanese culture, and so we want to bring awareness to some of the basic ideas and uses of ceramic pottery from somewhere else,” Hutson explained. The goal of the tea bowls is to “bring awareness to a form of Japanese tea bowls. That’s our goal,” Hutson said. Making the tea bowls is a long process — Hutson estimated about a month. They hope to use these tea bowls like they would usually be used. Different groups of people are welcome to participate. “The neatest thing about the project is that it allows other people, even from outside of ceramics, to come down and participate and actually get their hands dirty with clay and see how they can make a piece that would be very similar to what is used in Japan — so that connection,” Hutson explained. TWU is making another solid effort to show support of Global Awareness month with the Clay Underground’s Japanese tea bowls. The activity is open to anyone who wants to participate. Supplies will be provided. For more information on The Clay Underground visit its Facebook page at http://www.facebook. com/pages/clay-ununderground.
Photography by Jeni Berry
TWU graduate student Liz Head-Fischer throws another tea bowl for the Clay Underground Global Awareness event.
4
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
The Lasso
Features
Student explores mythology with self published novel Laura Hilton Features Editor
Publishing a book may not be something everyone can cross off his or her list, but it is for Conor Mullin, a sophomore TWU student who transferred from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Mullin self-published his book on amazon.com through a program called CreateSpace, which allows authors to publish their books for free online, making their content available worldwide. The novel centers around Furon, who Mullin described as a humanoid dragon. “He’s a dragon by blood, but physically he looks almost human … and that plays also an important role
in his life,” he said. Furon has to make his inevitable journey to the males’ hold, which is a dragon lair located far in the desert. While on his journey, he gets caught up in a war between humanoids and a race of creatures that are very similar to him. Taking place in a land Mullin named Alorn, the story has been culminating inside his mind for several years. He said it started with two key characters, but as he grew older, the world of Alorn matured. “I just decided there has to be a story behind this world, there has to a history,” Mullin shared, “so I started with ‘The Red King’.” Mullin said he began writing when he was around 10 or 11 years old. “My teacher at the time,” he said, “he would have us sit somewhere around the classroom, wherever we wanted, and write.” Mullin would write fan-made fiction about himself and his friends that took place
in the world of “Lord of the Rings,” where they fought orcs and trolls. “Gradually, the plots started to come together … and then I started to get sick of fan-made fiction,” Mullin declared. “I wanted to make something of my own.” He created the heroes of his stories first and then moved on to the different magical creatures that resided in Alorn, “like the basilisk, which most people would think of Harry Potter,” Mullin stated. In Alorn, the basilisk is a flying snake that sends seizure-inducing pictures into one’s mind, making it look like that person had turned to stone. Having lived in places from Oklahoma to Turkey to Japan has influenced Mullin’s writing greatly. He said the main thing he has learned is there are two sides to a coin. He gave the example of the way some people in the U.S. see Arabian countries as disorganized, unhappy families.
While living in Turkey, Mullin said he and his family were treated like royalty. “I can honestly tell you they’re not mindless brutes, and so I also want to reflect that in my writing,” he said. “Just because something seems evil, just because something, some people seem horrific, doesn’t mean they all are.” Now Mullin is working to publish the second book of “The Chronicles of Alorn,” titled “Heir,” which he said will be about Furon’s son and his struggle is a post war between his people and the humans. Mullin gave thanks to his friends, family and girlfriend TWU’s Chelsea Reeves for helping him as he published his first book and hopes it is the best until the next. To learn more about “The Red King,” readers can visit amazon. com and search for “Conor Mullin” or “The Red King.”
Photo courtesy of Conor Mullin
The book cover for “The Red King” by Conor Mullin displays a red, firey dragon.
Donations needed for staff member’s son with Leukemia Megan Pillow Reporter
A TWU custodial staff member, Maria De La Rosa’s son, Jesus “Jesse” M. De La Rosa, is in need of blood donations after he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Maria De La Rosa has been working for TWU for 22 years and is a custodian in the Human Development Building. Jesse De La Rosa is 36 years old and is married with children. He was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on July 10, and he was then admitted to the UT Southwestern University Hospital--St. Paul the next day. He went through four weeks of extensive testing and treatment, including chemotherapy, and later a bone marrow transplant. Carter BloodCare Consultant, Linda Scardis, said anyone can go to a Carter BloodCare Donation Center,
CONT. from pg. 1 Higher education
At TWU strides are being made to graduate more students on time. An example of this is the accreditation process TWU is currently in and the “Learn by Doing” initiative it is implementing. According to collegeportraits.org: “Texas Woman’s University occupies a notable position in higher education as the nation’s largest
such as the one in Denton, to donate to Jesse De La Rosa by giving his account number, 051707. Gail Orlando, senior secretary of the Department of Women’s Studies, explained in an email that “his account will get credit for each donation, which helps towards the uninsured portions of the replacements that he gets.” This means that if a donor does not match his blood type, the blood will be kept, but the credit of the donation would go to Jesse De La Rosa’s account and he will be able to get the blood he needs. “She says [that] she was making food to sell so they can pick up money,” Adella Garza, another custodian, translated for Maria De La Rosa, “But right now, she said because of her son going to the hospital, she doesn’t have time to do that any more right now.” Maria De La Rosa and her mother-in-law are working to raise money so they could help
university primarily for women. Nine consecutive years of growth have produced a record enrollment of 14,718. TWU serves the citizens of Texas in many important ways, including: graduating more new nurses and health care professionals than any other university in Texas; easing the teacher shortage by placing highly qualified professionals in the classroom; offering a liberal arts-based curriculum that prepares students for success
the family, but they are facing challanges because Jesse is very sick. Garza explained that the family is planning to do a garage sale and is asking for donations of items to sell during the garage sale for money toward the expensive medication. To give blood to Jesse De La Rosa, students can visit the Carter BloodCare Donation Center, located on 2215 S. Loop 288 #335 Denton, TX 76208, or call 940-383-5923. To contact Carter Blood Care Consultant Linda Scardis regarding donations or with questions, readers can call 817-412-5364 or email lscardis@ carterbloodcare.org. To make a monetary donation, an account has been set up at Denton-Area Teachers Credit Union (DATCU) through paypal.com. For more information on that, readers can call Michelle Reeves at 940-594-3948 or email mxreeves@verizon.net.
in a global society; conducting research that impacts the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity, osteoporosis, stroke and diabetes.” Students can learn more about TWU and outcomes-based higher education on the TWU website. Students can also plan ahead by visiting: www.texascollegeandcareer. org. For more information about the governor’s education priorities, readers can visit www.governor. state.tx.us/initiative/education
French connection concert brings sounds of France to TWU
Photography courtesy of Maria De La Rosa
Jesus De La Rosa, son of Maria De La Rosa, poses with his two children.
From TWU archives (The Lasso news) As The Lasso reaches its centennial year of publication next fall, we are looking into the past to reveal the foundation that has made this newspaper one of the oldest continuous publications in the country. We invite you to join us here weekly as we uncover 99 years of TWU and Lasso history. It will be an interesting look into how much we have grown, not only as a publication, but also as a university of productive citizens. We will not be editing the following article by today’s standards. Instead, we will maintain history as it was originally recorded. The following selection is from an Lasso article originally published in 1944.
Researched by Ginger Hughes Senior Reporter Students Hear Religious Speakers Religious Emphasis Week activities continued today as students were scheduled to hear two speakers. The Rev. John Anderson, First Presbyterian Church Dallas, gave the opening address “Religion and Liberal Education” in assembly today. Replacing Rabbi Bertram Klausner, scheduled speaker for this evening, will be an informal session in Stoddard Recreation Room. Wednesday night the Rev. Granville Walker, University Christian Church, Ft. Worth, will address students in the Science Auditorium at 7:30. Dr. Guy Moore, pastor of Fort Worth Broadway Baptist, will speak at assembly Thursday afternoon at 1:30. Conferences have been planned
Marygail Isobel Lakner Opinions Editor
for students to meet with the minister of their church. From 2:30 to 4:30 this afternoon, Rabbi Klausner and Rev Anderson held conferences. Wednesday conferences are scheduled with Dr. Walker, Administrative Building 115 from 1:30 to 4:30 and Father Walter Bojniewiez. Pastor of Denton’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Administrative Building 121 from 2: to 4:00. A second formal reception will be held for Dr. Walker following his address Wednesday night in the Stoddard Recreation Room. Re Tev. Anderson has served as pastor of the church since July. Previous to that he was associate pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Tyler. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Austin College and his Bachelor of Divinity from United Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Brinker International Professional Careers Panel 2:30-4 p.m. Hubbard Hall Banquet Room
Photography by Amanda Amaral
The TWU Flute Choir was one of many groups that performed at the French Connection Music Showcase held Thursday, Oct. 10 in Margo Jones Performance Hall. The French Connection TWU Music Showcase was a collection of music sung in French and written by French composers, an event designed to bring a sampling of French music to TWU students. Utilizing nearly every aspect of performance the
Music department has to offer, the showcase included pieces performed by the String Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, the organ, and the Flute Choir. “I like how we focused on a different thing with French
composers,” Lenore Diemicke, TWU music education senior and a flutist in the Wind Symphony, said. “It’s a big style difference.” “The department as a whole is more excited for the showcase this year than in previous years that I’ve been here,” Carisse
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at Richmond, VA. The minister is chairman of the Division of Evangelism of the Executive Church Extension, Prebyterian Synod of Texas and is a member of the Board of Trustees of Asutin College. Rabbi Klausner has been instructor of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Alabama and has served director of B’nai B’rith Hillel Foundations at West Virginia University and University of Alabama. He was ordaned by the Hebrew Union College of Cincinnati, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University. Thursday’s speaker, Dr. Guy Moore, is now serving as pastor of his fourth church since receiving his masters degree, Fort Worth Broadway Baptist.
BOO at the U 5:30-8:30 p.m. SU & Hubbard
Artist Talk: Suguru Hiraide noon-1 p.m. Fine Arts Building West Gallery
Health Professional Career Day 11-1:30 p.m. Houston Center
Career Paths in Nursing 4-5 p.m. SU 207 Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts 6-8
p.m. SU 113
Halloween Lunch Special 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Mobile Mammography Unit 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Pioneer
CAB Road Trip: Cutting Edge Haunted House 6-11 p.m.
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Global Studies
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
5
Study abroad programs yield enormous worldly benefits Ginger Hughes Sr. Reporter
TWU students have been studying globally for decades.
Departments that have taken students abroad include the Honors Scholar Program, Fashion and Textiles, History and Government, Drama, Nursing, Sociology, Visual Arts, and the School of Management. Past destinations include Italy, France, Hungary, Austria, London, Ireland, Greece, Russia, Scotland, Turkey, Belize, and the Netherlands, to name some. The honors World Literature class, Icons, Inspirations, and Identities: The Literature of and about Paris, will take students to France in January 2013. Many students in the class are repeat travelers who have decided to continue their global experiences. Dallas campus Nursing major Jessica Krzeminski has traveled extensively with the honors program and her family. This class marks her third international trip with the program. Previous classes took her to Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Germany. “I definitely wouldn’t know as much as I do about Irish literature, history and culture if I had not traveled abroad
and taken the honors class that goes with it,” Krzeminski said. Rather than imagine pictures of places that she gained from the class readings, Krzeminski saw for herself the Ireland that was described in Frank Delany’s Tipperary and Thomas Cahill’s “How the Irish Saved Civilization”. Early Childhood Education major Ann Truong took her first trip abroad last January when she traveled to Central Europe. “I truly believe that traveling can enhance one’s admiration and appreciation for art, literature and history. Sure, you can crack open a book and learn about all sorts of things, but being able to see it allows further exploration.” Looking forward to Paris, Truong said, “Some of my ancestors were actually French. I want to learn more about the history behind the people and better appreciate the culture.” “It is one thing to read the literature in class back home,” Larisa Kliman said. “But to actually travel abroad and experience the culture first hand is a completely different experience. It’s much more enriching and I feel that I can gain more than just reading the literature.” “Rather than just using my own imagination and knowledge of the country based off of pictures and textbooks, I physically was able to witness and experience each country as I traveled,” said dance major,
Stephanie Terrell. She said after reading Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, which depicts a soldier’s experience in the bombing and destruction of Dresden, she was able to see how much of the city’s history was lost after WWII. A 2010 study by the Institute for the International Education of Students examined the field of study for U.S. students that study internationally. The data indicated that top fields are Social Sciences, Business Management and Humanities. However, anyone stands to gain personally and professionally regardless of his or her chosen field. The long-term effects of international study are not always nicely packaged in an assessment summarizing the impact and outcomes gained to students. Most researchers rely on personal reflections from students, sometimes even years after the experience occurs. However, the IES has collected data from more than 3,400 previous students that showed studying abroad usually has a defining moment in a person’s life and continues to affect him or her years after the experience. TWU alumni also indicate that their own study abroad experiences effect them years after their experience. Alumna Rochelle Gregory graduated in 2009 with a PhD in Rhetoric. She is currently the Honors Coordinator and
International students go adventuring overseas Shelby Baker Sports Editor
Fairy tales often depict the brave hero or heroine who leaves home in search of a new world or to find destiny. They overcome whatever obstacles stand in their way and stay positive throughout the journey. Imagine entering a new world where almost everything is different. Only the bravest face an unknown future, and international students make up some of those adventurers. For many, culture is how a group of people live, but culture is so much more. According to a webpage on human culture, What is Culture? Culture is the combination of food, language, art, and literature as well as knowledge, beliefs, morals and customs present in a group. “When you go to a different country, you learn different culture, meet new people and
speak new language,” Huyen Vu, a general studies major from Vietnam, conveyed. “I learn new things every day. My friends in Vietnam don’t have the opportunities I have every day; I feel very lucky about that.” Studying abroad for any length of time can be a new, challenging and educational experience. Different cultures exist all around the world and can make moving to a different place a bit taxing. “My first week in class was like hell, because I found it really difficult,” Miriam Obiorah, a nursing freshman from Nigeria, explained. “I would walk into the classroom with my book and the teacher talked so fast that I would leave the class with nothing written down. Things I’m used to eating are different. We didn’t have spinach or broccoli back in my home country. I have to point and ask what a food’s name is and if it is okay to eat. Everything is so new.” Yet despite the strangeness of living in a different country,
there are aspects which can allow a person to grow as a person and find the best in the circumstances. Though there are difficulties adjusting sometimes, there are also experiences unique to the situation. Each student who studies internationally made the choice and is often happy reaping those benefits. “More freedom and independence is the best part of what I’ve gained studying abroad,” Nadeesha Chandrarathne, a fashion merchandising major from Sri Lanka, remarked. “You get the courage to get stuff done yourself instead of asking your parents. My friends back home have so many restrictions.” Even so, the ability to study in a country, a culture, different from the usual is an adventure. Instead of taking for granted the opportunities Americans blink at everyday, international students appreciate them more. “It can be challenging because I get lonely,” Vu said, “But I try to think positive, that I am so lucky because so
an English instructor at North Central Texas College. She has previously traveled to Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria. “I have traveled both as a graduate student and coleader bringing a small cohort of NCTC Honors students,” Gregory said. “I’m looking forward to continuing our collaboration with TWU this May when we travel to Paris and Amsterdam.” “My opportunities to travel with the TWU program have profoundly shaped my experiences in the classroom both as a student and as a teacher,” Gregory continued. “I have seen students’ lives change right before my eyes on these trips. They stand at the exact place where the Velvet Revolution happened; they understand how important Muslim influences were to culture in Spain. Our students come home better students and scholars.” Marc Azard is a Graduate Teaching Assistant at TWU and has been to Spain, France and Italy. “Traveling to another country, and not speaking the language, makes you think critically the difficultly that many students experience when learning a new language,” Azard said. “Many English instructors forget that feeling of frustration of trying to learn something new. Language acquisition is very difficult – be it writing or many people don’t have the opportunity. I get to grow in my knowledge. Whenever I start to think negatively, I turn around and think positively.” But one question remains: Why did these students choose TWU? According to several student comments on the International Education webpage, many chose TWU because it was small and welcoming, “a home away from home.” TWU helped many students with the application process, including Obiorah. “I applied every year since 2009,” Obiorah remembered. “I couldn’t get my visa but applied to five different schools. TWU was the only one that responded and gave me hope, that all was not lost. They never gave up on me when others did.” There are various programs in TWU for studying abroad and for international students, including the Harlaxton College program and facultyled programs. Every student has the chance and ability to study abroad through scholarships and faculty ready to work to help. For more information, readers can visit the International Education office’s webpage at http://www.twu.edu/ international-education.
talking. Study abroad trips make me very sympathetic to struggling students, particularly English as Second Language students.” In sharing his international experiences with his freshman composition class, Azard said, “We talk about how technology and language helps us connect to a larger global community. From there, I always tell my students that traveling abroad provides a bit of perspective on their lives. With the nature of technology today, there aren’t really any boundaries separating people across the world.” He wants students to be aware that many jobs will require they communicate with people from other cultures. “Because of that, doing a study abroad program can give students a better understanding of the global market,” he said. “My advice to people considering traveling or studying abroad is to do it,” Terrell said. “Do it now while you are in college and have the opportunity to incorporate components of your education along with incredible experiences such as seeing new countries for the first time. Travel abroad and study abroad trips associated with higher education also can provide you so many opportunities to experience different cultural, historical and social aspects of different
Global connections Megan Pillow Reporter Global Connections aligns with the world, and it’s important that students recognize their beliefs and realize what they believe is important in regard to global awareness, graduate research assistant Brittany Lopez, for the Global Connections Initiative, explained. During the month of October, students will have the opportunity to explore the ideas of global perspectives as a whole and the importance of the subject through dance and music performances, lectures by guest speakers and professors, art exhibits, activities, games, and more. According to the TWU Undergraduate Catalog 2011-2013, Global Studies is a minor that can be fulfilled with 18 hours of courses, a minimum of 6 credits being upper level, and additionally, three different disciplines. TWU senior administrative assistant for the College of Arts and Sciences Anne Downing explained that each student is influenced by the arts, sciences and business. All of these things are linked together within a global perspective. Global Awareness Month is contributed by many
Personal, professional growth through study abroad Amanda Clark Reporter
Studying abroad immerses a person in cultural diversity. The study abroad program at TWU has been growing, senior Jessica Muniz, student employee at the Office of International Education, said. Through the growth of the program, cultural and global awareness has been taking place. Muniz explained: “Spending an extended period of time in any foreign county tends to open student’s eyes to
different ideals and beliefs. Consequently, this creates a newfound respect for other cultural values and increases tolerance among different groups of people. In various instances, a student will be required to work with people of divergent ethic backgrounds to accomplish a common goal. Students will learn to interact and respect the opinions of different people in order to accomplish a shared goal.” Muniz continued: “I would want the whole population to study abroad if I could, because it’s very imperative, especially in the globalized world. To me, in my perfect world, every one should be required to do it. My goal would be 50 people at TWU.” According to Muniz, the program has been trying to have a presence at more events
to inform students about the study abroad opportunities TWU has to offer. More students have been coming to the office, especially those classified as freshmen. The program has a lot to offer all classifications and majors, and many opportunities to either travel or study abroad are specific to a person’s major. Studying abroad offers cultural, personal and professional benefits. Muniz, who has traveled abroad at Harlaxton explained ways that this happens: While students study abroad, they will be surrounded by other students from all around the world. This can open students to global networking and possible employment connections. Studying abroad will also present various challenges; these challenges will increase
self-reliance as well as teamwork in multicultural situations. These experiences can also make students more reflective of their own culture and instilled values. For any student wanting to enter the global marketplace, international study is imperative. With the current job climate, a graduating student must offer something distinctive, and study abroad helps attain that. Some of the skills that studying abroad provides are teamwork, adaptability and independence, among others. TWU has four affiliates that send students almost anywhere in the world, but most choose to go to Europe. Muniz said that one of the most popular programs is Harlaxton College, located in Grantham, England, about an hour north
cultures, which may not be available to the average traveler.” “My message to others is to travel with a group. If I went by myself, I would have been lost a lot, and probably feeling overwhelmed by how much there is to see on these trips,” Nutrition major Anna Fortenberry said, echoing Terrell’s sentiments. Kliman also recommends international travel: “This is the time to do it. To experience another culture, is so rewarding because it breaks you from your comfort zone and allows you to experience a different world.” Good news in today’s high unemployment rate, is that further 2011 studies done by IES indicate that nearly 90 percent of IES study abroad alumni found their first job within six months of graduation, as compared to only 49 percent of respondents of the general college graduate population who had found work within a year of finishing school. For more information on how to incorporate the global experience within a chosen field of study, TWU’s Office of International Education has information on internships, studying, volunteering, or working abroad. They also can help with providing information about scholarships, current and upcoming faculty-led programs.
of London. Harlaxton offers various courses each semester, which cater to several majors. Harlaxton requires a British studies course to enhance the student’s study abroad experience. The American Institute for Foreign Study offers students the opportunity to study in Argentina, Australia, Austria, China, Czech Republic, England, France, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Peru, Russia, South Africa, and Spain. The Academic Program International offers students the chance to study in Costa Rica, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Spain, and England. Finally, the International Studies Abroad affiliate provides the opportunity to study in Argentina, Belgium,
departments on campus to illustrate the importance of awareness of what is going on around us. According to the TWU website, Suguru Hiraide, an artist from Japan, will present “his development as an artist and cultural identity through his artwork and connection to place, i.e. Japan.” Later this month, Oct. 30, a Global Jeopardy Game will be played in SU room 113 from 4:305:30 p.m., hosted by the Global Connections Student Committee. Prizes will be given and no signup is necessary. Also on Oct. 30 Art History Studies Abroad in Italy will be presented in the Fine Arts Building West Gallery from 1-2 p.m. Dr. John Calabrese, professor of Art in the Department of Visual Arts, will explain the 2-part 6 credit abroad art history courses from the trip to Italy last summer, and will provide information for the upcoming trip to England and Scotland in 2013. Also, a performance from the 19th Annual Monster Flute Choir will be given Oct. 30 in the Margo Jones Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. This year, the choir will feature
Continued pg. 7
Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, England, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Morocco, Northern Ireland, Panama, Peru, South Korea, and Spain. Muniz said that many programs offer foreign language courses. Students might opt for taking Spanish in Granada, Spain, or French in Paris, France, and some universities might offer courses that meet the requirements for the student’s major. For more information about studying abroad, readers can visit the TWU website, the International Education Office, like its page on Facebook, call 940898-3338 or email intloffice@ twu.edu. On Feb. 5, 2013, there will be a Study Abroad Fair, and representatives from each of the three providers TWU works with will be there.
6
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Pioneer Panel answers student’s burning questions Dennis Barbee Managing Editor The Pioneer Panel offered students a chance to ask questions directly of the administrators of the university and is hosted bi-annually by SGA. Students were invited to attend the meeting at the Denton campus or to attend via a webcast. Questions were submitted to officers of SGA, who then asked those questions, or the panel and could be addressed directly. In this Pioneer Panel, students were concerned with the new student union, eating choice, and clothing. The comments below are highlights of the discussion. Q: When will TWU get a new residence hall? A: (Dr. Joe Berthiaume, director Housing Services) The demand for housing [at TWU] does not appear to be going away, and the plan is to ask permission to build a new residence hall. If everything goes according to plan, we could start building a new hall within three years. We do have a plan, and that plan will be submitted to the Board of Regents at some point in the future. Q: What makes it OK for a new roommate to move in without the others knowing in advance? A: (Berthiaume) Anytime
you have a vacancy in your room, that means you are receptive to getting a roommate. We do our best to contact you, and we do our best to accommodate people with roommate issues. Q: What are the requirements for students to access professional clothing assistance through career services? A: (Deidre Leslie, director Career Services) There is a clothing closet, and we receive the clothes through two sources; a resale shop in Dallas donates clothes that do not sell and we accept personal donations. Students are required to show need, an interview, a professional meeting, something that shows need. Unfortunately, there are not many options for men. We have a very limited supply of men’s clothing. We try and encourage donations of all sizes. Q: Where will the new union be? A: (Emily Martin, assistant director of Student Union) We have not set in stone where it will be located. An architecture firm has given recommendations, and one of the keys is to ensure that it remains central to the university and there is easy access for students. Also, a large factor is the master plan of the university that is coming up on Nov. 1. The master plan represents the future of the university.
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Q: Will there be an increase in [eating] choice[s] with a new union: A: (John McRae, director Dining Services) Right now we are trying to ascertain what will be in the new union. We are also looking at what will go in other locations as well. Q: Will there be a dollar menu or something similar [in the new union]? A: (McRae) This comes up frequently, and the thing is, these things are driven on bulk. We do not have the volume to have something like this. A true dollar men, I don’t see coming o line in the near future. Q: What about new eating options for the residence halls? A: (JMcRae ) We are looking at a possible C-Store refresh. Q: What happened to the Sushi? A: (McRae) The vendor we we’re using went out of business, and we are actively looking for another drop-in vendor.
Photography courtesy of Jeni Berry
Student Senate President Brandon Vance welcomes pioneers and speakers to the TWU Pioneer Panel.
Q: Is TWU working with off-campus stores to help with student discounts? A: (Amy O’Keefe, director of Commuter Services) The best way to get student discounts is for students to ask the businesses if they offer any. It bothers me when I go into a local store and see Uuniversity of North Texas items present but not TWU. If students would ask them why, it would be far more powerful.
Photography courtesy of Jeni Berry
Director of the Student Union Kyle Voyles responds to questions regarding the new union.
TWU BRIEFS Photography courtesy of Jeni Berry
TWU Student Sara Blanco asks a question about lighting on the street behing the MCL Building.
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Fisher case at Supreme Court Amanda Clark Reporter
On Oct. 10, the U.S. Supreme Court heard vocal arguments for the case of Fisher v. University of Texas. Business Insider said: “While the fate of millions of young people is at stake, the case began with a slight, strawberry blonde woman: 22-year-old Abigail Fisher.” In 2008, Abigail Fisher sued the University of Texas at Austin, claiming that her rejection from the school was due to the university’s policy to use ethnicity as a determining admittance factor.
According to the CBS News Website, “affirmative action is rarely discussed on the campaign trail, but it nevertheless is a matter of heated debate in Washington this year.” The site continued by saying, “The response to Fisher’s case proves that while affirmative action has been a matter of debate for decades, it remains a potent one.” According to the CBS News website, several individuals and organizations have provided opinions and stand points to the Supreme Court through amicus briefs — 17 briefs filed to support Fisher and 73 in support of the university.
According to the Trail Blazers Blog, leaders of several minority organizations are coming in defense of the UTA race-conscious admission process, saying that it is important to offer minority students opportunities for higher education. According to the University of California at Santa Barbara‘s student newspaper The Daily Nexus, if the case is overturned, affirmative action will be made unconstitutional in public university admissions policies, The Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision in mid-December.
Armed robbery brings awareness Shannon Quick News Editor
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Last Friday a woman filed a report of armed robbery on the TWU campus near Pioneer Hall. Students learned of the robbery via social media and an email released by the university. In a phone interview with Department of Pubic Saftey Director, Chief Elizabeth Pauley stated that the Pioneer
CONT. from pg. 1 Student Union
contains larger meeting rooms and better dining areas and food. “Personally, I’m pleased that it passed but ultimately it was yes or no that it was what the students wanted,” Emily Martin, assistant director for
Alert system was not activated, because a report was not filed with the police department till Friday afternnon and after thoughtful consideration it was decided that the student body was not in imminent danger. Pauley stated in the interview that there are several things TWU students can do to keep themselves safe on campus. Walking in groups after dark is always a good rule of thumb.
Keep your cell phone handy with the TWU DPS number programed in or look for the red phones or blue pole phones scattered around campus. DPS will also escort students to their cars or dorm in the evenings if they do not feel safe. Keep an eye on your surroundings and lock up your vehicles. DPS can be contacted at 940898-2911.
the Student Union office, expressed. “I think it was within the range. The more students you can get to vote the better, because it better represents the student population.” Before the fee is increased, however, the TWU Board of Regents and then the State Legislature must approve the change; only then will students
pay the difference. Also, a site must be decided upon for the future student union. According to a TWU news release, if the fee increase is approved on all sides, the potential construction date is in 2013, the fee will increase in 2014, and a new union could be in place as soon as 2015.
The Lasso
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Features
Zumba the night away for foster teens Bethany Wineinger Asst. Business Manager
Last Saturday, a crowd of neoncovered people crammed into a dark dance studio at Fuego Fitness in Denton and participated in a glow-in-the-dark Zumbathon. They were wearing neon T-shirts, glow sticks and sweatbands in support for North Texas Foster Youth.
“We had to come up with a community project for the class ... I thought that a Zumbathon would be an affordable and fun way to help.” - Ruben Rangel, TWU and Fuego Fitness zumba instructor
As part of a class assignment from a TWU Social Work class, the goal was to raise money for a North Texas Youth Connection group of the Department of Family and Protective Services, Change For Today and Tomorrow (C4T2). For more than two hours participants danced to nonstop zumba. Complete with glowing Halloween decorations and plenty of upbeat music, the Zumbathon showcased over 10 dance instructors, including TWU and Fuego Fitness zumba instructor Ruben Rangel, who assisted in launching the fundraiser off the ground.
CONT. from pg. 5
French Connection Elizondo, music education senior and a clarinet player in the Chamber Orchestra and the Wind Symphony, said. Translations were given out with the programs for the collection of songs the various choirs sang for the audience.
Rangel, along with group mates Stacy Kline, Tara Ryan, Rebecca Nuncio, Elizabeth Cruz, and Nilufer Kheraj first fostered the idea in their social work class. “We had to come up with a community project for the class,” Rangel said, “I thought that a zumbathon would be an affordable and fun way to help.” Together, these group members were participating in non-stop zumba, and at the same time doing something for their community, they all expressed. “[We worked] together to help foster teens who are aging out of the system because they don’t
“I haven’t attended one of these before, Jacob Drum, TWU junior in drama said, “so I don’t know what to expect.” The music had a wide range of styles and tempos, giving the audience a real sampling of what French music is like. The first song, “Chanson des Aigulles” (“Song of the Seamstresses”) was a good introduction piece that gave a variety of tempos as they sang about who their sewing helped, from soldiers to the elderly. Another song,
Photography by Bethany Wineinger
Dancing away at the glow-in-the-dark Zumbathon held last Saturday, Oct. 20. have the resources to be on their own,” group member Rebecca Nuncio said. We’ve never had an event like this before, so we were pleased to get a better turnout than expected, Nuncio said.
“La Maumariee” (“The Betrothed”) was a fast-paced and lively song about a girl who just doesn’t want to get married. Instrumental music ranged from the organ, which had music reverberating from the pipes set into the walls of the performance hall, to the String Ensemble. The ensemble eased into a soft, sweet piece, a stark juxtaposition to the powerful organ, to the Flute Choir, which had music that a gentle beginning and made
Tiffany Tran FYC Student Submission It was Tuesday evening, and nightfall was slowly creeping nearer as the sun was diminishing to nothing but a horizontal line in the far
distance. Everything else in the city seemed to be closing down for the night, yet the work for Baylor Hospital nurses had just begun. There was no need for the sun’s light, for the abundance of ambulances’ blinding lights
lit the entire sky. As I stepped out of my car and crossed the street toward the hospital entrance, sirens from the wailing ambulances filled the air as they passed me and hastily drove towards the emergency ward entrance as if they were
TWU NIGHT Mon, October 29th
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its way into a fun, sneaky sounding piece after, to the Wind Symphony, which played pieces written for a documentary about The Louvre. It was almost as though the paintings could be seen in the sections called “Children’s Gallery” and “The Kings of France” as the symphony played. After the show, Drum said: “I thought it was entertaining. It was a good selection of music with different emotions associated with each piece.” The concert, which cost $5, took place
Student submission:
Through the eyes of a nurse
Story Idea? The Lasso wants to hear from you
racing, almost running over me. Stopping in my tracks from that frightening incident, I gazed around at my surroundings. On the outside of the building, everything felt ordinary and calm, with huge parking lots surrounding the hospital, a little garden for the patients to relax outside in, as well as friendly porters who were ready to assist. Inside, however, was nowhere near as tranquil as the outside had depicted. As I entered the hospital and slowly strolled through the revolving doors, I was greeted by a smiling front desk assistant as well as the smell and sound of popcorn cooking. To the left of me stood a gift shop, filled with stuffed animals and balloons for the patients. As I continued to explore the first floor, I noticed just a couple feet before me stood the elevators to the second floor, where I was to meet Nurse Bell. However, to get there, I was to pass in front of the Emergency Ward doors; the thought of not knowing what I was about to see excited, yet frightened me at the same time. As predicted, I immediately tensed up, and what started as a slow stroll turned into a brisk walk past the doors, making me unintentionally catch a glimpse of the shocking action that this hospital goes through on a daily basis. Nurses ran hurriedly across the hall screaming codes that I could not decipher, but I could sense the urgency in their cries. I could hear the muffled cries of what sounded like a man being pushed down the hallway on a gurney, but fortunately I didn’t get a glimpse of that event. Deciding that getting out of their way was the best idea, I made my way to the elevator and awaited arrival at the second floor. Immediately after exiting the elevator, I saw rows of patients’ rooms filling each side of the hallway. As far as I could see, only a handful of nurses were on duty, for 7 p.m. was the shift change time. A nurse’s workday has two different shifts, one from7 a.m.-7 p.m. and the other 7 p.m.-7 a.m. As I passed by some of the nurses on duty, who had worked a total of 12 busy hours of nonstop action and patients’ complaints, I could feel and see a sense of fatigue showing on their faces as they filled medications, fulfilled patient requests and checked up on their patients. Unable
7
CONT. from pg. 5 Global Awareness
Karpaty: Carpathian Folk Song Fantasy. Dr. Ann Q. Staton, TWU’s dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, explained that students are in college to learn, and that we are not isolated from the world. We are integrally connected with the world around us. Everything around us in politics, arts, sciences, humanities and business affects students, and we need to be informed global citizens. Students need to ask themselves, “How is this going to impact my life?” when listening to live debates between presidential candidates and making political decisions such as voting, Staton explained. For more information on Global Awareness Month, readers can email Brittany Lopez at globalconnections@twu.edu or visit the Facebook page “TWU Global Connections” to get updates on news and events.
on Thursday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in Margo Jones Performance Hall. Upcoming music performances include Charles Fry’s Graduate Piano Recital on Oct. 22 and Kaci Whitby’s Senior Voice Recital on Oct. 23, both at 7:30 p.m. in the Margo Jones Performance Hall and free. Both count as Culture Card Events. For more information about additional upcoming events from the music department, readers can call 940-898-2500, visit www.twu. edu/music or send an email to music@ twu.edu.
to locate Bell, I questioned the information desk; “Do you know where I could find Nurse Bell?” The lady behind the desk immediately chuckled as if this was an impossible task. “All I can tell you is she’s somewhere on this floor. Good luck on finding her,” she replied. “She’s always up and running around taking care of patients, and even if you do find her, she’ll probably be busy.” What the lady said to me was not an understatement. After half an hour of searching for Bell, quickly peering into every room that I walked by, trying to find her without intruding on the patients, I finally found her walking in between rooms. I followed her around to each of her patients’ rooms and noticed all of them seemed to greet Bell with a smile on their face and a sense of joy when she came into their rooms and took care of them. One by one, she examined them, made sure their personal needs were met, and gave them their medication. She seemed to have a very empathetic and friendly relationship with her patients, which made me question how she balanced staying professional while having an attachment to her patients. To this, she responded, “Honey, nurses don’t and can’t continue in this career path if they get too connected to their patients. It’s just something you learn over time and in school, after four years, to cope ... I’ve been working as a nurse for 20 years now, and as much as it saddens me that I can’t connect on a personal level with each of my patients, that’s just how the job works. Doing so will cause distractions and obscure my decisions with the patient’s care that is given here.” As we rounded the corner to the next patient’s room, Mr. Johnson, I could already hear the anger in his voice from 10 feet away. “Patience and empathy are two key personal traits necessary in nurses, especially for patients of the older generation, like Mr. Johnson here,” Bell said. “Old people take you on very long journeys that have ups and downs. Kids? Not so much. Let’s go check up on old Mr. Johnson.” Then came the most horrible rage fit. Curse words, complaints, and screams of gibberish filled the room, and even though I was forewarned, it still surprised me as to how
irritable this man was. “Get me out of this horrific place,” cried Johnson. “You people aren’t doing your jobs and making me healthy, because I’m still in pain. You’re just keeping me from enjoying my life with my family, something that you never had. What is wrong with you? Get me some pain meds. Are you trying to kill me? Do your job.” Just listening to him made me feel bad for Bell, yet when I looked over, she kept calm and tried to attend to him as best as possible before motioning for us to leave the room. Not a word came from her in response to what he was saying to her. “It’s part of the job,” Bell kept repeating. “However, there are rewards to this job, like seeing your patients leave healthy and in a much better state than when they came to you. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and joy.” After saying goodbye to Bell, I walked back toward the elevators and down into the first floor. Again, I passed by the Emergency Ward doors, yet this time I felt completely different about the experience. Instead of walking by in a rush, I kind of stopped to look at what was going on behind the doors, and a sense of relief came to me that these nurses knew what they were doing and were saving lives, just like Bell. As my inspirational visit with Bell began to wind down, I began to further realize that society’s view on nursing is extremely distorted. It is not merely how some people see it: a hospital’s janitor and a doctor’s assistant. It’s a much more complicated position, which deserves more respect than given. Nursing requires much more intricate traits, such as patience and empathy, something not everyone can learn, as seen with Johnson. Nurses are the first and most personal form of care, given 12 hours a day in the hospital, seeing and meeting their patients before the doctor even gets knowledge of the patient’s presence in one of his hospital beds. It is not full of the glory and prestige doctors receive from their positions in society, but nursing is truly a rewarding career. Without nurses, hospital experiences would not be the way they are today.
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Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Sports
Leslye Richmond talks volleyball heart, soul Allie Beaurline Reporter
College Academic Team All-Academic Defensive specialist Team, according to senior Leslye the website TWU. Richmond transferred Volleyball has had a big to TWU as a redshirt impact on her life, Richmond said. She began playing the for volleyball in 2010. A sport in the seventh grade, with redshirt is a competitive one year in select club with her coach in high school. delay for one year after sister“I aslove volleyball and my a transfer per NCAA sister had a huge impact on She kept showing me the rules. Before coming me. plus sides of playing volleyball,” to TWU, Richmond Richmond explained. On the TWU athletics played volleyball for two website, head coach Shelly years at North Central Barbaree stated: “We call her because she is certainly Texas College, earning “Bitty” not going to play MB [middle the Second Team All- blocker]. She is the heart and Conference honors soul of our team. The work she has put in to improve her game both seasons. She has been inspiring.” According to the website, also was named the Richmond recorded 63 digs 2009 National Junior and four service aces. She had
a career-high of 19 digs against Southwest Baptist. Richmond was named Lone Star Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll and received the Athletics Directors Association Academic Achievement Award. In high school, Richmond played volleyball at Pilot Point High School, where she was named Denton County Female Athlete of the Year by the Greater Denton Sports Commission. She earned the second team All-Conference honors in 2007, and was selected Academic AllDistrict in 2005, ‘06 and ‘07. She was also a member of the National Honor Society. “I absolutely love it,” Richmond said. “My sister plays here, and that’s a big reason why I chose to come to TWU. And now that I’ve been playing, the girls that I play with are like my sisters and I love them,” Richmond explained. Richmond joined the team
by doing a lot of talking with coach Barberee. Richmond’s sister used to play for TWU, so Barberee knew a little bit about Richmond already. She did not expect to get to play, but one day Richmond got a call from Barberee who asked for her to come and be part of the team. Richmond felt blessed when that happened. Richmond said TWU games are enthusiastic for her. “I love when we just get real excited over a play just everyone gets so into the game,” Richmond said. She said she enjoys the excitement and energy that comes from the team. “I like the competition,” she added. “The friends that I’ve made, I feel like they’re going to be with me for the rest of my life,” Richmond said. Richmond believes family has played a large role in where she is. “If it wasn’t for my parents,” Richmond said, “I wouldn’t be here today; they’ve helped me a lot. My sister is a big impact, but so are my parents. They’re the ones who made it to all my games and travel all the time and put all that money and effort into getting me where I need to be,” Richmond said.
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Photography courtesy of TWU Athletics
Leslye Richmond steps up her play as she defends her team, landing her a spot as the Lasso Spotlight Athlete.
Softball smarts claim NFCA academic award Shelby Baker Sports Editor
Usually brains and brawn rarely go together, but step back, world, because TWU has both bases covered. TWU softball ranked fourth this year in the Top 10 Academic teams with a 3.510 GPA, the best the softball team has ever recorded. Tying with the University of Southern Indiana, the softball team placed in the top ten out of 64 other schools in Division II. However, this isn’t the first time for TWU receive honors from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Sophomore Bailey Vrazel became the first Pioneer to earn All-America honors as well as named the 2012 Capitol One
VB vs Texas A&M Commerce 7 p.m. (Fright Night Game) Photography courtesy of TWU Athletics
The softball team stands together proudly being the fourth All-Academic team in Division II. Academic All-America second team with senior Tiffany Weise. According to the NFCA website, the Academic Awards program honors both collegiate and high school teams for submitted GPAs. The NFCA is the professional growth organization for fastpitch
TWU sports go Pink in October Shannon Quick Managing Editor
The TWU athletics department has gone pink—at least for two games in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Think Pink Games played by the soccer and volleyball teams will raise money to donate to the TWU Student Health Services department to help pay for mammograms for TWU students.
Sunday, Oct. 14, was the first of these two charitable games, with the TWU soccer team facing off against Easter New Mexico. The “Kick for a Cure” game, as it was titled, saw the Pioneers playing on a pink-lined field in special pink uniforms and socks. The coaches were also adorned in the special pink colors for the match. The next Think Pink game is Saturday where the volleyball team will take on Cameron. The “Dig for the Cure” match will take place in the Kitty Magee Arena in Pioneer Hall at 2 p.m. In similar fashion to the
Pioneer
Volleyball Date 31-Aug 31-Aug 1-Sep 1-Sep Soccer 7-Sep Date Opponent Score 7-Sep 1-Sep #15 Dallas Baptist L 1-4 8-Sep 3-Sep Ouchita Baptist L 0-1 8-Sep 7-Sep East Cental T 2-2 (2ot) 14-Sep 9-Sep Northwestern Oklahoma W 6-0 15-Sep 14-Sep Eastern New Mexico W 2-1 18-Sep 16-Sep West Texas A&M L 1-2 21-Sep 21-Sep Incarnate Word W 3-2 22-Sep 24-Jan Angelo W 2-1 25-Sep 28-Sep Abilene Christian W 2-1 28-Sep 30-Sep Midwestern State T 0-0 (2ot) 29-Sep 3-Oct Texas A&M-Commerce L 2-3 (ot) 5-Oct 5-Oct Angelo State L 0-1 6-Oct 7-Oct incarnate Word L 0-3 12-Oct 12-Oct West Texas A&M L 0-1 13-Oct 14-Oct Eastern New Mexico W 2-0 19-Oct 19-Oct Midwestern State L 1-2 20-Oct 21-Oct Abilene Christian L 0-4
box scores
softball coaches from all competitive levels of play. The purpose of the association is to encourage, support, and provide guidance as well as cooperative efforts in the development of softball programs. Today, there are more than 4,300 members in the association. “Kick for a Cure” match, the volleyball team is hanging a pink ribbon in the south corner of the arena for every ace served by the Pioneers against Cameron. The volleyball team will also throw mini souvenir volleyballs into the crowd at the start of the match. Think Pink T-shirts will be on sale for $10. Pink cotton candy, pink ice cream and pink bubble gum will be handed out at the game for donations. There will also be a raffle at each event for an autographed regulation-size soccer ball and volleyball — signed by each team. The proceeds from T-shirt sales, donations and raffle will be given to the TWU SHS. The soccer team raised $595 at the “Kick of a Cure” match. For more information go to: www.twuathletics.com.
Opponent East Central Arkansas Monticello New Mexico Highlands Puero Rico at Rio Pledras Fort Hays State Western State Colo. #24 Grand Canyon Colorado Mesa Texas A&M-Kingsville Incarnate Word Texas A&M-Commerce Eastern New Mexico #6 West Texas A&M Abilene Christian Cameron Midwestern State #12 Angelo State Tarleton State Incarnate Word Texas A&M-Kingsville #11 West Texas A&M Eastern New Mexico
Score W 3-0 W 3-0 W 3-0 W 3-0 W 3-2 W 3-0 L 0-3 L 1-3 W 3-0 W 3-1 W 3-0 W 3-0 L 1-3 W 3-0 W 3-0 W 3-0 L 1-3 L 1-3 W 3-1 W 3-0 L 1-3 W 3-0
VB vs St. Edward’s 7 p.m. Soccer LSC Quarterfinals TBD
VB vs Midwestern State 7 p.m.
VB vs Cameron 2 p.m. Soccer vs Texas A&M Commerce 7:30 p.m.
Soccer LSC Semifinals TBD
VB vs Abilene Christian 2 p.m.
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Opinions
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Denton haunt an old story: Goat Man’s Bridge Marygail Isobel Lakner Opinions Editor
Photography by Amanda Amaral
Goat Man’s Bridge is now open only to foot traffic, forcing visitors to leave their cars behind before arriving.
Photography by Amanda Amaral
As a historical landmark, Goat Man’s Bridge is a scenic place that citizens are allowed to explore and enjoy.
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Goat Man’s Bridge is one of the best-known ghost stories in Denton. It’s otherwise known as Old Alton Bridge, is very near to Guyer High School and according to Goatmansbridge. com, was built in 1884. As the story goes, a black goat farmer, Oscar Washburn, lived across the bridge with his family. He was well liked within the community and did good business. One day, he put up a sign on the bridge: “This way to the Goat Man’s.” At the time, the Ku Klux Klan was still a driving force in this area. When the KKK members found out about the way he was advertising his business, they were very upset. They didn’t want the bridge to be known as the Goat Man’s Bridge, so they came up with a plan. This plan included driving over the bridge in the dead of night with their headlights off, so there would be no warning of their arrival. It included killing his wife and children. It also included dragging him up to the bridge and lynching him over the side. This is exactly what they did. There was one difference, though. When they looked over the side of the bridge, expecting to see his body swinging back and forth, they saw the body was nowhere to be seen— but the rope was still pulled taut.
All of this can be found at Goatman’sbridge.com/legend. html. So, legend has it that if you drove to Goat Man’s Bridge and turned off your headlights, you could see the eyes of the man, angry at the KKK’s crimes and searching for his murdered family. The bridge is no longer accessible from the roadway. It’s blocked off and is now designated a historical landmark. Anyone wishing to visit the site can park their car at the barrier and take a walk in the surrounding woods, after walking over the bridge, of course. There are reasons the road was blocked off. According to DentonWiki.Org, “After numerous abandoned automobiles and missing persons, a new bridge was constructed directly upstream … It is under surveillance by the Paranormal Investigators of North Texas and the Denton County Paranormal Investigators.” There are a lot of different versions of the above story. Somer versions of the legend include that when the headlights are turned off a figure with a man’s body and a goat’s head appears. Often, it is considered that such an apparition is the reason for the disappearances that took place in the late ‘60s. It’s hard to say what the real story is, but perhaps a short visit will help you decide.
Loving from a distance: Long—distance relationships Megan Pillow Reporter
There are many different types of long distance relationships, such as online couples, those who go to different colleges, military relationships, or individuals who accepted a job far from home. Whatever shape or form it may be, not having that special person in your life for a long period of time is challenging. I’ve been in a long distance relationship for over a year now, and I can’t say that I’m an expert, but I can say with confidence that I know how to make it work. Different couples may have different ways of coping, but they all lead to the following five tips to insure a strong (and survivable) long distance relationship. 1. Proper communication First things first: lay down the expectations. How often do you want to communicate? What is the best form of communication? (Phone, Skype, etc.) What is considered OK and not OK while your significant other is far away (i.e., what makes you uncomfortable)? All these things need to be addressed in order to avoid unnecessary fights. Also, on the opposite spectrum, make sure to realize that stuff happens. Just because your partner doesn’t call when they promised, or doesn’t text back right away, don’t think the worst. Sometimes phones die, get lost, or maybe they were away from the phone or couldn’t answer it at the time. 2. Trust
Trust is the basic foundation of any relationship, and your long distance relationship will crumble quickly if this is not present. Since you are not there physically to have reassurance of what your partner does on a day-to-day basis, you have to have trust that they have good intentions. If you think your significant other is being unfaithful, take an non-accusing approach of confronting them. A constant feeling of fear that they are doing something what they say they’re not doing is damaging, and you don’t deserve it. 3. Time and Dedication Too much talking, texting or Skyping could lead to dull, repetitive conversations of “How are you?” and “How was your day?” Too little talking could leave emptiness and sadness. So have a balance. If making a Skype schedule works for you, do it. If limiting Skype sessions to a few a week works, you can do that. Just make it like every single Skype session is something to truly look forward to, and a time that you can talk about numerous subjects. 4. Keep it interesting Talking on the phone, sending texts/emails and Skyping are so ordinary. Try writing a love letter. Pick a book together, read a chapter a week and talk about it. Watch movies simultaneously. Have a Skype dinner date. Listen to music together. Play online games together. Send random gifts, pictures and goodies. Visit each other. Pick a new hobby together. Play the question game. Share a journal and send
it back and forth. Skype and cook together (or try, at least!). Have a Skype sleepover. The possibilities are endless. 5 . Don’t lose hope Trust me, I know. Seeing couples around town holding hands can get you down, but
remember that every day that goes by is another day closer to seeing that special person again. If it’s meant to be, it will happen. Having a long distance relationship is a great opportunity to start focusing on
a very special person: yourself. Take the extra time you have to do something you love or something you’ve always wanted to do. You know that yoga class you have been dying to try, but you can’t get your man to go with you? Bring your friends and
get into that super complicated pretzel position! Your woman wrinkles her nose at the sound of “Resident Evil 6?” Get a group of guy friends and slay enemies as well as that huge smorgasbord of food. Sometimes working on yourself is a good thing.
Long distance relationships cn be hard, but they are also capable of working out many times.
Photo illustration by Jeni Berry
Judging people based on their friends— it’s real, dawg Laura Hilton Featurers Editor I have a confession to make. I judge people. Shocker? I do not condemn them or have a burn book like Regina in “Mean Girls.” I simply form my own opinion about particular people based on many things. One in particular that I consider to be a big indicator as to who they are as a person: what kind of values or morals they uphold, and what their interests are. So here’s the deal. I needed
to get my sandwich container and Disney princess stickers from my friend (Let us call her Conflicted Girl) who is in her friend’s dorm with all of her friends. I had never met her friends, and to be honest, I never really planned on it. I walked down a few flights of stairs and arrived on the correct floor. I found the dorm, braced myself and knocked. One of her friends (let us call him Dolphin Boy) answered and asked me what I wanted. I told him I needed to get my
possessions, and he just looked at me like I was some kind of object from outer space. Dolphin Boy then proceeded to tell me that I could not come in unless I make a dolphin noise. I, of course, refused and stood there for three or four minutes while Dolphin Boy decided to keep up his little act, laughing the whole time, along with everyone else in the room. He was also screaming at people who passed by, who I assume he did not even know. I could tell he thought he was the bomb.
com. I grew annoyed and left. Conflicted Girl could see I was bothered by this encounter, yet she did nothing but justify Dolphin Boy’s actions and said, “He was only joking.” So here is where my verdict comes in; Conflicted Girl is friends with Dolphin Boy, who was rude and annoying I can only presume the same thing about Conflicted Girl. Needless to say, this whole situation made me realize that maybe she should not be so high on my list. Does this make me a bad
person for presuming these things? I do not think so. If someone you know is friends with a jerk, and he treats you like trash, you are only going to think that they are also a jerk. I believe everyone judges people. There is no way around it. No, it is not always acceptable, but it is going to happen. There are so many articles on the Internet and in magazines about how we, as humans, judge each other based on the smallest things, like shoes, (I’m not even kidding) and the many tactics
we can use to stop judging. But instead of looking at how we can stop judging people, maybe we can take a step back and look inside ourselves and at our surroundings and think about how we can better ourselves. Maybe that means you need to change how you treat others or maybe you need to find better friends. Just remember what your momma always told you: be careful who your friends are because I am out there watching you. And so is everyone else.
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Thursday, October 24, 2012
Arts & Entertainment
Hiraide returns for ‘Artist Talk’ Shannon Quick News Editor
Artist Suguru Hiraide will return to TWU today for a short presentation and artist talk. The Artist Talk will happen from noon-1 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building – West Gallery.
Earlier this semester, Hiraide’s work was displayed at “The Fall Combinations: TWU Visual Arts Faculty with Guests” show. As a follow up, Hiraide will participate in an artist discussion in connection to Global Awareness Month. Hiraide’s work is a “blend of high craft and social commentary infused with Japanese Pop culture overtones,” Tanya Synar, associate professor and sculpture program coordinator, said. Much of Hiraide’s work
“Having lived in the United States and Japan, I have encountered and realized unique aspects of both countries. Some experiences have been thoroughly intriguing, while others, truly frustrating...” -Siguru Hiraide, guest artist
is interactive and is crafted using engineered, motorized systems and materials that have been cast, fabricated or found. The title of his lecture is “14 hour difference: A Japanese artist in the USA.” In an email message provided by Synar, Hiraide stated : “Having lived in the United States and Japan, I have encountered and realized unique aspects of both countries. Some experiences have been thoroughly intriguing, while others, truly frustrating. However, in this global era, first-hand knowledge of diverse cultures is of great value to me and has informed my artwork. My recent work intends to extract one’s recognition of his or her
awareness against other countries and cultures as well as their own.” Hiraide’s work crosses cultural lines and Synar stated that “non-art majors will definitely benefit from attending this talk.” Hiraide was born in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. He holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in sculpture and graphic design from West Virginia University and a Masters of Fine Arts from California State University, Fullerton. This is a culture card event. For more information on artist Suguru Hiraide, readers can visit his website at www.suguruhiraide. com.
CONT. from pg. 1 Boo at the U
she and a friend are both “making our costumes from the fashion department, I thought it would be cool idea.” According to a flyer, the event will happen no matter what the weather decides to do. Boo at the U is a chance for families and friends to celebrate Halloween in a safe and family-friendly environment. Attendees are encouraged to bring at least one canned good to donate to the TWU Food Pantry but are not required. For more information on the event, readers can call Kyle Voyles, director of Student Union; or Emily Martin, assistant director, at 940-898-3641.
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Hell hath no fury like haunted Parker House in Denton
Stanton Brasher A&E Editor
“No lights,” the cannibal zombie girl screamed as I fumbled to put my phone back into my pocket and plunged into the dark abyss of Denton’s only haunted house. “Sorry,” I said with as much politeness as I could muster to the fragile yet frightening figure who glared at me from the shadows. “I can’t see anything.” This 30-minute panic attack was brought to us by the folks at The Parker House on Highway 380, just west of Denton. Hundreds of visitors come through to have the bejeebus scared out of them every October, with proceeds benefiting “Heroes of Denton County,” which is a nonprofit organization that helps families of fallen fire fighters and police. Other portions of the money go to the Lewisville and Denton Independent School Districts, according to the Parker House website. I was offered a press pass to come view this year’s attraction and extended an invitation to editor-in-chief Aaron Claycomb, because let’s be honest, no one wants to walk through a haunted house alone. Walking up to the entrance of the house, our anxious chatter turned into nervous laughter at the sight of the zombie redneck mortician who greeted us. He brought us into a room that was ready for an old -fashioned funeral, dead body and all. He made us sit there and soak up the dimly lit atmosphere with clouds of fake smoke. Both church organs and death metal guitar solos played from different, dark recesses of the room.
Image courtesy of The Parker House
As our journey started, Claycomb and I had a small debate as to who would enter the hallway first. I valiantly pushed him in front of myself. “It doesn’t matter who goes first,” yelled the creepy greeter from behind us. “You’re both dead.” In the first hallway, there was just enough light for us to see the splayed undead corpses screaming at us for help. After a few more twists and turns, we found ourselves in the most claustrophobic hallway ever, made complete by a slowly pulsating strobe light. When we finally made it to a small room at the end, we were overwhelmed with confusion. After running into walls at both ends of the room, we saw a small system of tunnels. At this point, Claycomb pushed me through. Luckily for me, he was attacked by a ghoul who had been hiding in the shadows the whole time. “There’s someone behind me,” yelped Claycomb with a hint of distraught laughter. “Move faster.”
After making it through a series of cages and hanging bodies, we faced psychotic butchers, enthusiastically evil, blood-covered nurses and the most heavenly glowing red letters I have ever seen, “E-XI-T.” Once we finally left the house, the groundskeeper was more than happy to show us the route out of the scare-grounds, and we were not reluctant to take his advice. If you are looking for a live thrill beyond the digital screens of the movie theater, The Parker House is the place to go in Denton. With years of experience and future plans of a haunted hotel feature, this place is to die for. The Parker House is open Oct. 25-31 from 7:30-10 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. It is open until 11 p.m. on Halloween. Tickets are $17 for general admission and $25 for VIP passes. For more information, readers can visit www.dfwfrightnights.com.
Blagg-Huey Library gets morbid
Photography by Amanda Amaral
The “Day of the Dead” exhibit featured Mexican artwork, poetry, photography, and sculptures. The theme of all the work centered around death, dying, loved ones, and the afterlife.
Photography by Amanda Amaral
According to the press release, visitors were encouraged to bring photographs, non perishable food, small toys, and silk flowers.