DENTON
pg 8 SUNNY High 79° Low 61° Weather pg 2
Wednesday │September 19 , 2012 │ Vol. 99, No. 5
Texas Woman’s University | Student run since 1914
No place like home:
Homesickness threatens academic performance Laura Hilton and Megan Pillow Features Editor and Reporter
According to USnews.com, TWU’s freshman retention rate, or the percentage of students who return to school the following year, is 72 percent. However, the website also reported that students drop out for a variety of reasons, “from family problems and loneliness to academic struggles and a lack of money.” Going into the third week of classes away from home, homesickness has broken out among many firsttime TWU students, and has already resulted in drop-outs. “Some students may experience a general feeling of loneliness and isolation,” Counseling Center Outreach Coordinator, Dr. Marshall Bewley, explained, “while others may feel less motivated and less interested in being physically active.” One former TWU freshman who lived in Jones Hall, Bianca Muñoz, said: “I tried to get out of my dorm as much as I could. I felt trapped in there.” Due to the potential isolation of the residence halls and new home environments, some students may feel less motivated and
New art department chair Amanda Clark Reporter In July, Michelle Hays became the new Fine Arts Department Chair at TWU. She was brought here by her love for teaching, passion for art, and love for what TWU stands for. Hays began her journey into art by receiving her undergraduate education at the University of California-Irvine, then transferred to Point Loma Nazarene University, where she finished her undergraduate education and received a Bachelor’s in Studio Art. Her transfer was due to her desire for a more personal education experience, which later became one of the reasons she was attracted to the TWU Fine Arts Program. Following her undergraduate years, she went into teaching middle school and high school art. She owned her own design business and worked for two other design firm. In 1999, Hays was asked to teach for a semester at her college alma mater. She was then working full-time both at a design firm, and teaching at the college level.
less interested in being active, physically, socially or mentally. Raveyn McMillian, a current TWU freshman, described her experience with homesickness: “Friday, everybody was leaving. I was sitting in the lounge next to the window, and I saw all of the students getting into their mom’s cars. And I called my mom, and I was like, ‘Mom, can you come get me?’ and I started crying.” McMillian isn’t the only student having difficulties adjusting to college life. “Adjustment concerns or ‘homesickness’ can impact all students,” Bewley said. “For many freshmen, you may be living away from home for the first time and may find yourself missing family and friends.” His advice to homesick students or those who feel like they cannot adjust is to not lose confidence. “It’s a good idea to put up photos and call/text home,” he suggested in an email. “But try to reduce phone calls and visits over a few weeks and provide yourself with as many enjoyable distractions as possible.”
Continued pg 5
Illustration by Maura Teague
Long lines leave students lacking
Continued pg 10
TWU students show support at PRIDE parade Shannon Quick News Editor
Photography by Jeni Berry
Students crowd together in line in the Student Union, many with limited time to eat and return to class. Shannon Quick Reporter Phillip Anthony Kwong, TWU student, stated in a recent Facebook post: “Have any of y’all seen the union during lunch? I avoid it like the plague.” John McRae, Aramark Food Service director, stated
“We have seen a significant increase in customer traffic this semester and the dining locations in the Student Union are definitely stressed.” McRae also mentioned that Aramark is “bringing in additional parttime staff to help with service during the peak times.” Kwong is not alone in his disappointment about long
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lunch lines in the Student Union during the peak lunch rushes from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Senior biology major Morgan Wilson is also unhappy about the lengthy lines. “The lines are unfair, especially when you only have a 10-minute window between classes,” Wilson remarked. If rushed for time, students
ready to order when you get to the cashier, and have your ID, credit card or cash ready when you check out. McRae stated that the congestion students are experiencing is normal for this time of year, but “things typically begin to level out once students begin to get into a routine.”
>> Check back with The Lasso next week for a more in-depth article over TWU PRIDE.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE News
Golden Triangle...................3
Features
Dr. Calabrese.......................4
Features
Hurricane Ike.......................5
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can pick up some of the grub and get items in the Garden Room, CFO and MCL buildings, McRae suggested. If an item is out of stock, “please always feel free to ask one of our associates for assistance,” McRae said. There are a few things that students can do to help alleviate the congestion: be
On Sunday, Sept. 16, amid a rainy Dallas afternoon, members of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgendered and Queer community, along with their allies, gathered to walk in the 29th annual Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade, better known as the Dallas Pride Parade. Crimson Hite, the president of TWU’s PRIDE organization, said the experience was “awesome.” “It was almost overwhelming how many people were there cheering,” Hite stated. Among the marchers this year were TWU’s PRIDE group and Challenging Oppression with Social Advocacy. Five students from PRIDE marched with a larger group from COSA, consisting of approximately 16 students.
Special Section
CAB....................................6
Sports
Player of the week...................7
Opinion
Political Parties..................8 & 9
Arts & Entertainment
Fall Preview...........................10
Questions or comments about The Lasso? twu_lasso@yahoo.com
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Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Lasso staff
Local Weather
A student-run publication since 1914
Editor-in-Chief Aaron Claycomb • aclaycomb@twu.edu
Denton
Managing Editor Dennis Barbee • debarbee74@gmail.com
Sunny
Copy Editor Brianna Casey • bcasey1@twu.edu New Media Editor Erin Marissa Russell • erussell2@twu.edu
Wednesday
High 81˚
Arts and Entertainment Editor Stanton Brasher • omegakatproductions@gmail.com
Photo Editor Jeni Berry • jnberry@gmail.com
High 82˚ Low 61˚
Dallas Sunny
Thursday
Low 57˚
Thursday
Houston
High 84˚ Low 61˚
High 83˚ Low 60˚
Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
Friday
Friday
Friday High 85˚ Low 61˚
High 87˚ Low 64˚ Sunny
Features Editor Laura Hilton • remember2smile247@ymail.com
Sports Editor Jasmine Brown • jassimonefb@gmail.com
Thursday
High 85˚ Low 64˚
News Editor Shannon Quick • squick1@twu.edu
Opinions Editor Marygail Isobel Lakner • mlakner@twu.edu
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Weekly Roundup
Saturday High 78˚ Low 59˚ Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Sunny Wednesday
High 83˚
Low 57˚
Saturday
Saturday
Wednesday
High 82˚ Low 61˚ Mostly Sunny
High 82˚
High 87˚ Low 65˚
Low 58˚
Sunny
Photo of the week
Senior Reporter Ginger Hughes • gingerreneehuges@gmail.com Stephanie Terrell • sterrell92@hotmail.com Reporters Joselyn Castillo • jcastillo5@twu.edu Megan Pillow • mpillow@twu.edu Amanda Clark • clarkamandarose@gmail.com Kyla Rae • krae@twu.edu Allie Beaurline • abeaurline@twu.edu Shelby Baker •sbaker3@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 Vijaya Gaddam • vgaddam@twu.edu Germaine Balanon • germaine92@yahoo.com Advisor Bo Carter • scarter5@twu.edu
Photography by Jeni Berry
A TWU student and member of the on-campus PRIDE organization prepares by making a sign for the PRIDE parade which took place in Dallas last Sunday.
The Lass-O reported that Stunts, a tradition dating back to the college’s beginnings, developed the talent of students. Originally, one part of Stunts was teachers dressing like children and performing an impromptu program, generally set in a school room, they playing the roll of the students.
1962
1962 Lasso news— 50 years ago Fifty years ago the The Daily Lass-O reported that X-Hour, the last official activity welcoming freshmen into university life, also marked the point
1987 1987 Lasso news— 25 years ago Twenty-five years ago The Daily Lass-O reported that mothers were finding it difficult to
For further historic Lasso articles please continue to pg. 5 to read “From the TWU archives”
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.
@ twu_lasso@yahoo.com or tag The Lasso’s Facebook.
1937 Lasso news— 75 years ago
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at which faculty may begin assigning homework. Another report stated “one would have thought it was a riot” as 3,000 TWU students charged at the signal, )“Cokes and cookies,”) at X-Hour. Dallas City Councilwoman Elizabeth Blessing voiced her opinion that if children walked to school it would ease the traffic problems and hazards, cutting the costs of policing.
find daycare, especially since TWU Childcare was not taking children younger than 18 months. The BlaggHuey Library made a new policy eliminating the open stack policy for local newspapers, citing mutilation and pilfering. The new policy required students to show student IDs in order to read local papers such as The Denton RecordChronicle, The DallasTimes Herald, The Dallas Morning News, and The Fort Worth Star-Telegram. In an editorial, page editor Elizabeth C. Duncan predicted that by the year 2000 we would all be eating with our hands and the terms “thank you” and “you’re welcome” would have become obsolete.
>>
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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.
Mail Letters from Readers The Lasso Stoddard Hall Rm 311 Email twu_lasso@yahoo.com Website twulasso.com
TWU Police Report Pulled Fire Alarm
Lost Property
A report of a pulled fire alarm
A report of lost property
was made at the Graduate
was made at 6700 Fannin
Research Building Sunday,
St. on the Houston campus
Sept. 9.
Wednesday, Sept. 12.
Assault (Family Violence)
Warrant Arrest
A report and arrest for assault
A warrant arrest was made at
(family violence) was made
112 Old Main, Wednesday,
at 1500 Dallas Dr., Monday,
Sept. 12.
Sept. 10. Possible Harassment Fleet Vehicle Damage
A report of possible
A report of fleet vehicle
harassment was made at
damage was made at 1200
301 Administration Dr.,
Frame St., Monday, Sept. 10.
Wednesday, Sept. 12. No
No arrest was made.
arrest was made.
Public Intoxication
Stuck Elevator
A report and arrest for public
A report of stuck elevator was
intoxication was made at 600
made at Stark Hall, Thursday,
Texas St., Sunday, Sept. 9
Sept. 13.
Medical Emergency
Student Dispute
A medical emergency was
A student dispute was
reported at 420 Administration
reported at Guinn Hall, Friday,
Dr., Tuesday, Sept. 11.
Sept. 14. No arrest was made.
D.U.I. Minor
Criminal Mischief
A report and arrest for a minor
A report of criminal mischief
driving under the influence
was at 1600 Reagan Houston
was made at 1020 Dallas Dr.,
Dr., Denton, Monday, Sept.
Sunday, Sept. 16.
17. No arrest was made.
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
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Wednesday, September 19 , 2012
News
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Modern-day shopping experience for Denton “As a disabled vet, I support that they are updating the ramps .” -Stephen Cook, TWU business major
Kyla Rae Reporter
The 765,000-squarefoot building that was first opened in 1980, is in need of an upgrade. Denton’s Golden Triangle Mall, on the corner of I-35 and Loop 288, is currently under reconstruction in order to freshen up its façade. In an article in the Denton Record-Chronicle, Gar Herring, president of The MGHerring Group and co-owner of the mall along with Cencor Realty Services, said the mall “is still the best real estate in Denton.” With the expanding city’s population, the Golden Triangle Mall is going through a multi-million dollar renovation to keep up with Denton’s trend. According to a YouTube video presented by Golden Triangle, the city of Denton expects a large population growth between now and 2016, jumping from approximately 260,000 to just shy of 300,000 residents within a 10-mile radius of the GTM.
According to the YouTube video, the indoor renovations began in March 2012, and the exterior work is expected to begin later this month. The interior changes will include revamps to produce an openair food court, expanding the seating areas, as well as accessibility improvements. “As a disabled vet, I support that they are updating the ramps,” business major Stephen Cook said. GTM originally had narrow ramps, but post-construction, the ramps will be more accessible, “so that’s a plus,” Cook said. The desired result for the inside face-lift is for the stores to be the center of attention to shoppers. “The common interior space (i.e., the center mall and corridors) will be updated with new flooring, improved seating areas and appealing efficient lighting,” Development Review Committee administrator Brian Lockley said in an email. In regards to the exterior, the YouTube presentation demonstrated that the east and west entrances of the mall
Photography by Amanda Amaral
Patrons continue walking the halls as construction begins at the Golden Traingle Mall in Denton. are going to become more modernized with large glass panels and doors, an outdoor activity area including tables and chairs, and improvements to the signs to ensure customers easily find their destinations.
50 years of therapy service
“The applicant is proposing to resurface and reorient the parking [lot] in front of the Barnes and Noble, renovate the mall entrances adjacent to Sears and Barnes and Noble, and update them with landscaping
Continued pg 5
youtube.com/watch?v=ektbnaqT P7k&feature=player_embedded to view the YouTube presentation.
TWU BRIEFS
Bikes hit the racks for TWU Laura Hilton Features Editor
Kyla Rae Reporter On Sept. 20, the Houston school of Occupational Therapy will be celebrating 50 years of educating young men and women to become occupational therapists. In honor of this milestone, a reception will be held at 4:30 p.m. on the eighth floor of its building, located at 6700 Fannin Street, Houston. This event will be sponsored by HCR Manor Care. Faculty, students, and alumni are encouraged to attend. In 1944, the OT program had four requirements for applicants. The applicant must: be at least 21 years of age, be in good health and mental condition, pass a physical exam, and be eligible to graduate before they turn 35 years of age. More than 50 years later, the OT program’s requirement list has expanded, now requiring that students complete “a minimum of four credit hours of biological sciences and three credit hours of behavioral sciences,” three hours of math, four-eight hours of human anatomy and physiology, and more, master’s student Ashley Vera stated in her professional paper. Since 1901, TWU has expanded its campus locations from Denton to include Dallas and Houston as well. Half a century ago, TWU-Houston built its School for Occupation Therapy; before 1962, “students attending the Houston center were required to complete their final semester at the Denton campus,” Vera said. The Houston campus’ nursing building has been in use since 1967 for OT students and has assisted students by eliminating their 250-mile commute to Denton to complete their education. “This facility was located in what would become the heart of the Houston Medical Center, eventually becoming surrounded by many hospitals and rehabilitation facilities,” Vera stated. Due to the location of this building, interaction with the medical facilities
and façade treatments,” Lockley said. GTM construction is planned to be completed prior to the holiday season. For more information about the Golden Triangle Mall renovations, readers can visit https://www.
By student request, the university has begun to install 28 new bicycle racks.
Photography by Laura Hilton
New bike racks provide long-awaited storage space.
Ron Tarbutton, director of Physical Plant said: “New Bicycle racks are being installed throughout campus at 19 locations in addition to the existing bicycle racks located at the Fitness and Recreation Center and at Jones Hall,” Tarbutton noted. The bike racks can hold up to eleven bikes apiece,
Tarbutton explained, but it does depend on the model. “After the project is completed, TWU will have added 152 bicycle parking space for a total of nearly 300 bicycle parking spaces.” Tarbutton added. He said the racks should be completely installed by the end of this week if the weather permits. The university may also look at installing additional bike racks as the student population grows. Check back with The Lasso on Oct. 3rd for a more in depth look at changes to the TWU bicycle community.
BRIEFLY
Macdaddy’s open in Denton Amanda Clark Reporter Last Thursday, Macdaddy’s, a gourmet macaroni bar, opened
in Denton on W. Hickory Street. This location is open from 11-3 a.m. for late-night cheese lovers. The various macaronis come in 25 different flavors to choose from, in three sizes, the snack, the mac and the macdaddy. The social media of local Dentonites has been buzzing about the opening of this restaurant. According to the
restaurant’s Twitter: “This isn’t your mom’s mac n’ cheese. We offer 25 flavors of your favorite comfort food.” On their website Macdaddys relays its history: “Macdaddy’s Macaroni & Cheese Bar was founded in 2009 by Robert T. Dunn. After spending several years in the fine dining industry owning and operating restaurants, he
formed Macdaddy’s with the intention of building a quick service restaurant...[for] all those mac & cheese lovers out there.” The website also shares the reason for their new development in Denton: “In early 2012, Macdaddy’s officially partnered with Worldwide Property Management Group and is currently building four company-owned stores. In
addition, Macdaddy’s sold the rights to a 10-store build-out currently underway in Texas,” which has now brought a new location to Denton. For more information about Macdaddy’s in Denton, visit macdaddyrestaurants.com, follow it on Twitter at MacdaddysDenton, find it on Facebook, or visit macdaddyrestaurants.com.
Family Day Schedule of Events • Welcome & Campus Update • Historical Campus Tour, Family Photo, Games and Fashion Show • Lunch and Entertainment for the entire family • Live Music • Keynote Speaker Jason Dorsey, The Gen Y Guy
®
TWU students are FREE. Adults are $30 each, and children from ages 5-12 are $10 each. Children four and under are free. Sign up at www.twufamilyday.com or contact the Center for Student Development at 940-898-3626 with questions.
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Wednesday, September 19, 2012
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Features
Professor Spotlight: Italian artist creates art with heart Amanda Clark Reporter
Art professor Dr. John Calabrese has been teaching in the Fine Arts Department at TWU since 1981, because as he stated, “Great art can move people like nothing else.” Calabrese describes himself as a bit sarcastic and cynical, but also with a heart for art. Calabrese’s roots stem from back east in a rough Italian neighborhood located in Atlantic City, N.J. “My heart is in New York. Being in Texas is punishment,” Calabrese said. “I need the ocean.” Calabrese comes from a lower-middle class family. His grandfather came over from the old country and barely completed any his education. “You gotta pull yourself up,” Calabrese said. Calabrese received his B.A. from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., with a major in art and film history, and a minor in Italian and philosophy. He then received his M.F.A. in painting from Pratt Art Institute in New York with a minor in art history. Lastly, he earned his
Ph.D. in comparative arts from Ohio University. In 2002, Calabrese married and inherited two children. “It was the best move I ever made,” he explained. Calabrese believes it brought about sharing and personal growth. His wife is a teacher as well, and they share their love for the ocean. Calabrese’s achievements don’t end there. Growing up where he did, he was surrounded by numerous extended family, not to mention an influx of famous people throughout different times of the year. Just down the street from where Calabrese lived, was the famous Hoagie shop, The White House, and a nice restaurant where many musicians, actors and artists would eat. One night, Tony Bennett came into his grandmother’s house, sang songs, had coffee, and even listened to Calabrese’s cousin sing, which Calabrese described as very embarrassing. Later, in 1994, his father was supposed to meet Frank Sinatra, due to being a police officer whose partner served as security for Sinatra. Calabrese drew Sinatra’s picture, sent it to him, and Sinatra wrote back, thanked him and signed the letter. In the years before Calabrese started teaching, he also drew a picture for Mickey Mantle, who, after receiving the drawing, also wrote back thanking him and signed the letter. Other famous interactions Calabrese has had include Joe DiMaggio and Jason Miller. Currently, Calabrese is teaching courses in film and
Photography by Jeni Berry
Students speak with Dr. John Calabrese after his Baroque and Rococo art history class. art history. He often teaches special courses, such as one over Alfred Hitchcock during select semesters. He said he loves “getting into the past and making it alive.” One large project he does is a travel abroad art course, which is a customized trip aligned for his course. So far the trip has been set in 10 different locations. He is also the moderator for Delta
Phi Delta, the honors art society on campus. His hobbies include: astronomy, eating authentic Italian food and watching classic films. Calabrese has over 2,050 films in his personal library, his favorites including film noir, of which he has more than 1,000. He has a particular passion and love for epic films and books, such as Lord of the Rings, which
was the subject of his Ph.D dissertation. With three separate degrees under his belt, and more than 20 years on staff at TWU, Calabrese feels like “kind of a dinosaur down here.” Calabrese said his greatest accomplishment is when he gets through to students. He said he loves when students begin to comprehend all the things he
has been teaching. He still hopes for more official recognition of his art and to teach as long as he can. To learn more about Dr. Calabrese and his courses, visit the Fine Arts Building on Campus. Some of his art is currently displayed in the East and West galleries, and more is viewable on the TWU website.
New Write Site at Free legal advice offered on TWU campus night hours Megan Pillow Reporter
Joselyn Castillo Reporter
As all students know, when a new semester starts, the essays due for classes increase day by day. As the semester progresses, the work gets more complicated. Thankfully, TWU’s Write Site has embarked upon its first semester of extended evening hours. The new evening hours will be held in the Blagg-Huey Library, room 213, on SundayWednesday from 7-9:30 p.m., “which is a total of 10 extra hours of tutorial a week,” Dr. Jennifer Phillips-Denny, Tutor Coordinator of the Write Site, said. There is currently only one tutor available each night, but the Write Site is going to experiment and see how it goes; the possibility of adding more will be up for discussion after the semester ends. In collaboration with the library’s Assistant Dean, Dr. Connie Maxwell, the Write Site added evening hours to create a larger source of assistance for all students. Phillips-Denny said the idea started with the Write Site’s “desire to extend their resources to students,” particularly to commuter students. The commuter community makes up the majority of TWU students, and their class schedules sometimes conflicted with the Write Site’s existing hours; however, they can now have access to the Write Site at night’s additional hours. The extended hours are also beneficial to TWU residents because they are not only convenient for those whose schedules are full in the morning and afternoon, offering extra time they may need, but it also gives them a greater window of opportunity to schedule appointments at different times.
The Write Site offers various resources for all students at no cost. “The site is free, students don’t have to pay,” Wylijanna Cole, senior secretary of the Write Site and First-Year Composition, said. “All they need to bring is their student ID, so that we know you are affiliated with TWU somehow.” According to the Write Site’s website, students can schedule individual 30-minute or 50-minute appointments, and student tutors guide the student through the writing process at any stage. The Site also keeps resource materials on hand which students can use, such as Modern Language Association and American Psychological Association style manuals. Write Site conducts classroom workshops on topics such as plagiarism, thesis development and more. There is also the option of submitting a draft to the Online Writing Lab, wherein students can submit their written work online if they are not able to meet face-to-face, and receive comments on their papers via email. This is a resource for students who cannot make it to campus, and which enables The Write Site to serve not only the Denton campus, but also the Dallas and Houston campuses. Cole also mentioned that students sometimes feel uncomfortable about sharing their writing, or embarrassed about going in for help. However, she encouraged students to go because people who think “that they write poorly, just need more practice,” said Cole. Cole insisted that all students should make use of this resource, even if they don’t have a draft written yet. The Write Site will help students throughout the writing process; just don’t wait until the last minute. The Write Site provides assistance to all writers at all levels and from any major. Just make the appointment, make the commitment and be involved in the process to improve your writing. For more information about the Write Site, visit http://www.twu. edu/write-site/
TWU students are offered free legal services here on campus, through attorney, Jerry D. Parr. According to the TWU Legal Services website, the Student Legal Services Department of Student Life offers free legal advice on landlord/tenant rights, criminal charges, family/divorce issues, immigration, contracts, consumer/employment law, and probation, as well as free legal documents such as wills, durable, medical, special, and general powers of attorney, and directives to physicians. These services cannot be used to solve conflict between two TWU students, nor can these services be used in litigation brought against the university. Parr is not able to represent students in court; however, he can provide a list of local attorneys who can do so at a reduced price. Parr has been TWU’s student legal services advisor since March 27, and unfortunately has not met with many TWU students because not many students have made appointments. Parr explained that he wants students to enjoy their campus lives and
to not have to worry about legal issues. A new, possibly tentative policy has been introduced that, according to Parr, could disappear if President Barack Obama is not re-elected. It is called the “New Deferred Action Immigration Policy,” and it gives opportunities to those who are not United States citizens (with lawful status), and to those who do not possess a valid Visa to avoid deportation. Those in this position are still in the United States illegally; however, the government would promise not to remove them for at least two years if they meet the qualifications. According to the TWU Legal Services website, some of the other benefits include stopping a “ban from returning to the U.S. for anyone who was illegally here for six months after the age of 18,” and the policy “could allow for lawful employment if you can prove economic necessity.” For more information, students can make an appointment with a student legal services advisor by either visiting the Student Life Office located on the top floor of the Student Union, calling 940898-3615 or visiting the Student Life Office’s website to fill out an appointment request form and turning it in before the next business day.
“Student Loans, Credit Cards, and Your Future” Seminar: 2:30-4 p.m. in SU 113 TWU Student Open House: 6-8 p.m.
CAB Member Board Meeting: 4 p.m. SU 113
Curricular Practical Training Workshop for International Students: 12:151:45 p.m. in SU 113
TWU Student Union Birthday Bash: Noon-1 p.m. in SU
Photography by Amanda Amaral
Lawyer Jerry D. Parr began working at TWU last spring offering legal help to students.
Athenian Honor Society Cici’s Pizza Fundraiser: 4-8 p.m. at S Loop 288 Denton
“A Modern Day Call for Justice” Press Conference and Rally”: 11 a.m. at the Denton State Supported Living Center
Volunteer Fair 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in SU 2nd floor
Family Day: checkin at 9 a.m. in Hubbard Hall
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Wednesday, September 19 , 2012
News
Isaac prepares and forewarns TWU Houston Stephanie Terrell Sr. Reporter Hurricane Isaac began as a tropical disturbance off the coast of West Africa on Aug. 16, but it became a much greater concern over the following two weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. TWU’s Houston campus has not forgotten the damage caused by Hurricane Ike in 2008, and although Hurricane Isaac did not hit Texas, TWU continues to encourage awareness about safety procedures during severe weather conditions. “Hurricane Ike was a complete surprise for Houston as people assumed we wouldn’t directly be hit,” TWU master of occupational therapy student Madgalene Krusleski said. “The damage was so extensive throughout the city of Houston, and a lot of people didn’t have plans set in place to deal with the emergency situations such as shortage of food.” In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike in 2008, Houston was left without communications, city and emergency services, access to food and water, or transportation. According to TWU Houston’s Hurricane/ Emergency Preparedness website, the webpage was created to provide students, faculty, and staff of policies, procedures, media and support service contacts, weather trends, and planning. Resource websites on the list include American Red Cross, FEMA’s Basic Disaster Supplies Kit, Hurricane
Evacuation Zones by Zip Codes, The Humane Society’s Disaster Planning for Pets, Hurricane Tracking Chart, and several other websites geared toward informing and preparing people for severe weather. Television and radio contact websites are also posted on the Hurricane/Emergency Preparedness page, as well as various other links for the City of Houston’s emergency awareness websites. “TWU’s Houston campus has done an excellent job of compiling useful websites to help people become prepared,” Krusleski said. “I think all students should take a look at the website as we are in the middle of this year’s hurricane season, and although Hurricane Isaac did not affect Texas, people always need to be ready for anything in the future. For TWU students, I highly recommend they sign up for Pioneer Alert as it would be the best line of communication to know when students should avoid going to campus or begin to take shelter if an emergency occurs during a class.” If Houston’s TWU students, faculty, and staff are unsure of a possible campus closure or delayed opening, they can call TWU Houston Severe Weather Closure Hotline at 713-794-2310. The best way to remain informed on Houston’s campus or any other TWU campus is to sign up for the Pioneer Alert System, which can send text messages, calls, emails, and alerts to campus computers when an emergency situation arises.
For more information about TWU’s Houston campus
“The damage was so extensive throughout the city of Houston, and a lot of people didn’t have plans set in place to deal with the emergency situations such as shortage of food.” -Madgalene Krusleski, occupational therapy student
emergency preparedness, visit http://www.twu.edu/houston/ weather-info.asp.
5
TWU student population grows to 15,000 Dennis Barbee Managing Editor
TWU reported that enrollment has increased by 2.7 percent to a total of more than 15,130 students, according to a press release published by the university. Statistics published in the report show that enrollment at the Denton campus reached 12,416 students, Dallas grew to 1,446 students, and Houston to 1,273 students. TWU receives funding based on credit hours, and according to the press release, credit hours taken by students have risen 2.8 percent to 150,083 hours, which is also a record number for the university. In the press release, Dr. Richard Nicholas, vice president of student life, attributed the rise in
enrollment to the increase in both incoming freshmen and retention of undergraduate students, which is also up 1.4 percent to 10,888 students returning to the university. According to Nicholas, “In these times where affordability has become an increasingly important factor in choosing a college, students and their families are picking TWU because of our quality, price and overall value,” Dr. Nicholas said. “Once students come here, they are staying here because of the university’s focus on student success.”
+15,000 students
“Once students come here, they are staying here because of the university’s focus on student success.” Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
-Dr. Richard Nicholas, vice president for Student Life
Satellite radar of Hurricane Issac
CONT. from pg. 1 Homesickness
yourself with as many enjoyable distractions as possible.” Freshman Excellsie Morgan said she misses being at home with her family, friends,boyfriend and dog. She makes phone calls, uses Facebook and occasionally visits home on the weekends. “I would get about 10 phone calls every day from different family members,” said Muñoz. Bewley’s other suggestions were to plan new activities or join a club on campus. He advised students to invite someone to go out and do something fun, and get some exercise, even if it is walking. “I just miss knowing where
“I just miss knowing where to go,” -Karlie Cash, TWU freshman
to go,” freshman Karlie Cash said. She noted that before moving to TWU, she had lived in the same place her whole life. “Oftentimes, it is hard to form new friendships and learn a new daily routine,” Bewely stated. However, TWU Housing offers a program for incoming freshmen that allows them to sign up for a Living Learning Community. According to the TWU Housing website, students are clustered together in their new living environment and are enrolled in a few of the same courses.
McMillian, who is in an LLC, said that the NET (Neighbors Educated Together) helped her adjust to the move. “My floor is kind of cool, so I just talk to them,” she said. She added that she has made several new friends through the LLC program. “Regardless of the way homesickness is impacting you, it is important to talk with others about your feelings, whether it is your roommate, resident assistants, professors, or your family,” Bewely declared. Students with questions or those who would like help can contact the TWU Counseling Center at 940-898-3801 or visit the office located in West Jones Hall.
CONT. from pg. 3 50 years
and subsequent learning opportunities increased. According to the TWU website, “The MS of Occupational Therapy is an entry level degree for persons who wish to become occupational therapists… Master of Occupational Therapy coursework is similar at all locations, however, entry and sequence is structured
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 1932.
Senior TRG JOB: SCE-12-0018
Reporter
CLIENT:From SMU
Lass-O September 29, 1932, when TWU was Texas AD NAME: State College of Industrial Arts Dispute Resolution College Papers
PUB(S):Is Education Worth the a.)Price? Texas Woman’s– Lasso The initial cost of earning b.) UNT–North an education is not confined to Texas Daily a(floats) matter of money alone, because c.) Texas Wesleyan– aRambler larger(floats) part of the efforts, time
Improve your marketability and develop the skills needed to take control of conflict. Earn a Master’s in Conflict Management or Graduate Certificates in Dispute Resolution, Team Building, Education and Executive Coaching. Our small classes, led by industry experts, teach practical skills in negotiation, mediation and team building to better manage organizational and interpersonal disputes–even at the international level. Convenient evening and weekend classes offered at SMU’s Plano campus. SMU Center for Dispute Resolution & Conflict Management 214.768.9032 • resolution.smu.edu
Follow us on SMU will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
SCE120018 DR 5_6x6.indd 1
8/17/12 4:45 PM
program and its students have had to overcome many obstacles, over the past century, but as Vera stated in her paper, these changes have “triggered the school of occupational therapy to expand and thrive, prompting the Texas Woman’s University School of Occupation Therapy to become one of the best in the nation.” For more information about the Master’s of Occupational Therapy program, readers can visit www. twu.edu/occupational-therapy/ dallas-houston-mot.asp
From TWU archives (The Lasso news) THE Research by Ginger Hughes RICHARDS GROUP
Add “Peacemaker” To Your Job Description.
differently on each campus to meet different readiness levels.” The MOT programs at the Houston and Dallas campuses are for students who have a bachelor’s degree “in any major from an accredited institution” and have “completed specified undergraduate pre-requisite coursework,” the TWU website states. The MOT program in Houston is a 28-month, fulltime program, each campus accepting 45 students each fall semester. The Houston MOT
and energy, INSERTION DATE(S):a student expends be measured in dollars a.)can Sept.never 12, 2012 b.)and Sept.cents. 10, 2012 c.) Sept. 12, 2012 Many
TRIM: 5.67 x 6
COLOR/LS/Dmax: B/W/85/240 QUESTIONS: Jen Duncan 214-891-5808
students
who
are
entering college this fall are leaving home for the first time, and the readjustment of students from high school to college life where all live under the same conditions is a problem that affects the individual only as the individual lets it affect her. Many grow dissatisfied because they are away from home, and never learn to enjoy completely opportunities that a college offers. Graduating students who leave the college in the mid-term and in the spring are confronted with the problem of finding a job and learning to adjust themselves to it. Finding the job may not be
an easy matter, and one may have to wait before a place is open for her. But waiting is one of the things learned in college– that was not part of the cost of the education. The question arises almost daily to people who are seeking the advantages offered by the American colleges today. Is education worth the price? Answering the question either way, concerning the cost of time, energy put forth, the answer is necessarily in the affirmative. Education is a cultural background that no one can ever lose.
6
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
twulasso.com
Campus Activities Board
The Lasso
Everything you need to know about
Stephanie Terrell Senior Reporter Whether it is planning for
New voice for CAB Laura Hilton Features Editor Working behind the scenes of the Campus Activities Board is a team of nine officers who plan, coordinate and organize events held throughout the academic school year. CAB welcomes its new president, Brittney Verdell, a senior majoring in social work. She began working with CAB as a stinger, a name for their volunteers, named for their bee mascot. Verdell has been a part of the Student Government Association her entire academic career at TWU. “Last year, I was executive secretary of SGA,” she said. “I had been a Stinger before, so I decided…why not take on the CAB president role?” she added. Ana Barraza, director for the center of student development, said she became aware of Verdell when she had been granted a leadership scholarship, which "requires her to be involved and maintain leadership roles on campus,. I encouraged her to apply for the position as president of [CAB, having] proven herself in different leadership capacities,” Barraza noted. As CAB president, Verdell said, her main job is to delegate. “Going from being a Stinger, to being an RA [Resident Assistant], to being a senator, to being CAB president has helped me in the single fact that I delegate,” she said. “In my other positions in SGA, I didn’t have to delegate.” She added that she is now like a mentor, someone the student body can look up to, because being CAB president has made her the front face of TWU. Verdell said she focuses on CAB, but her 15-month-old daughter is her main priority. “While I was pregnant, I was still involved, and that’s really a passion of mine,” she declared. “She drives me, because without her, I wouldn’t be able to keep pushing forward.” Verdell’s four younger sisters are also a big part of her life, she divulged. “I’m the oldest of five,” she said. “So I always see myself being the provider for them even while I’m here at school. They really make me want to be even more of a role model.” “I come from a very low socioeconomic status background,” Verdell shared. “Poverty, food stamps, section eight, I come from all of that. I know a lot about it.” However, her background is part of what influenced her decision to pursue a career in social work. “I just really want to make a difference in people’s lives,” she added. Barraza declared that Verdell is always looking to get involved and have an impact on the campus as a whole.
by the students for the students.”
Each committee specifically plans
Pioneer Camp’s drive-in movie,
An executive board made up
for different types of events,
reserving tickets for Six Flags
of nine people is responsible for
and consists mainly of Stingers.
Over Texas or hosting coffee
implementing executive decisions,
According to SGA’s website, in
house concerts, TWU’s Campus
but any interested student can
order to remain an active Stinger
Activities Board actively engages
apply to become a part of CAB
within CAB, members are required
TWU students with a variety of
as a Stinger. According to SGA’s
to attend all CAB meetings,
activities. Essentially, CAB is a
website, a Stinger participates with
participate in a committee and
branch of the Student Government
a specific committee of their choice
volunteer with CAB at events.
Association, which is responsible
to discuss, plan and implement
for planning social programs on
CAB events.
and off campus to engage members of the TWU community. “Inherently, as a part of
Duarte said the benefit of becoming memorable
For the upcoming academic year, Duarte explained, CAB’s
a
Stinger
is
experience.
the
goals
include
member
formalizing
application
the
process,
“For
enhancing the program evaluation
SGA, CAB fosters our students’
some students, it is learning more
process and bringing many artists
leadership skills and provides
about their voice -- their skills.
and vendors to campus. Yet along
an opportunity for students to
For others, it is finding those
with these goals, CAB President
be involved on campus,” CAB
lasting friendships” she stated. “By
Brittney Verdell, and the executive
advisor Allison Duarte explained
becoming a Stinger, you see the
board also have other goals as well.
in an email. “CAB is responsible
behind the scenes of programming
“This year, CAB's goals are to
for large-scale programming on
— all of the puzzle pieces, obstacles,
provide events that the student
campus, such as Septemberfest,
communication between people,
body would enjoy and to provide
Spring Fling, comedy nights, poetry
successes along the way — it’s an
a diverse background on topics,”
nights, and many more. CAB is
exciting experience.”
Verdell wrote in an email. “We
comprised of an executive board
CAB consists of an executive
would like to reach all audiences
and a member board who organize
board and specific committees,
as well as obtain more Stingers or
many programs throughout the
such as those for concerts, films,
volunteers.”
year. The programs are organized
hot topics, roads, and themes.
Photo courtesy of TWU CAB Facebook
TWU students visit Ripley’s Believe it or Not on a CAB Road Trip in 2011.
OCTOBER 8
CAB Movie Night: Think Like a Man - Hubbard Hall 7 p.m.
12
CAB Road Trip: Texas State Fair 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
“Bee” involved with CAB Shannon Quick News Editor
Are you interested in becoming more involved with the Campus Activities Board? If so, there are a few things you should know. Jennifer Oparaodu, vice president of CAB, stated that anyone can join. She said CAB needs students who are looking to get out of their shell and meet new people to be a “Stinger,” or volunteer. Although anyone can join CAB, there are a few requirements necessary to become a Stinger. First, students will need to complete a membership application, which is available at the first three meetings of each fall. Because “we want you to succeed academically," applicants must also maintain a GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, Oparaodu stated. There are many advantages to joining CAB and becoming a Stinger. As a Stinger, participants will plan events for students at TWU, facilitate road trips and bring national and local artists and speakers to campus. Every year, CAB is also able to bring members to both the regional and national conferences. Being a member of CAB not only helps students to be more engaged with their school and peer community, but also demonstrates to prospective employers and graduate schools a student's committment, work ethic, initiative, leadership, and cooperative skills. Readers interested in becoming involved can contact CAB at Cabbies_ twu@yahoo.com, on Facebook at “TWU CAB” or on Twitter @ TWUCAB. For further information stop by the Center for Student Development in Student Union Room 134, or visit CAB’s website at http://www.twu.edu/student-government/ campus-activities-board.asp
18 CAB Comedy Night : Christina Alonzo - Guinn Commons 7-10 p.m. 27
CAB Road Trip: Cutting Edge Haunted House 6-11 p.m.
NOVEMBER 9
CAB Road Trip: Medieval Times 5-6 p.m.
11
CAB Road Trip: Speed Zone 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
14
CAB Movie Night: The Hunger Games - Hubbard Hall 7 p.m.
15
CAB Poetry Night : SU 207 6-9:30 p.m.
30
CAB Road Trip: Speed Zone 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Fall 2012 CAB meetings All meetings begin at 4 p.m. in Student Union room 113. Sept. 10, 2012 Sept. 24, 2012 Oct. 8, 2012 Oct. 15, 2012 Oct. 29, 2012 Halloween Bash Nov. 12, 2012 Dec. 3, 2012 Holiday Party
The Lasso
twulasso.com
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Sports
7
TWU soccer stays focused as matches approach Alexandra Beaurline Reporter
As TWU soccer prepares to go against Eastern New Mexico and West Texas over the next two weekends, head coach Fleur Benatar and defender Erin Bolinger explained, everyone will be working hard. The team is preparing for the upcoming matches and is thinking about home opener strategies which they can use to stay focused. “Seriously, every game counts,” Bolinger said. “You just got to think that, keep that in your mind, that every game counts. Like you’ve got to go 110 percent every game -- go your hardest. Even if that means get a sub when you go on the field, you’ve got to work your hardest.” Beating another team is not an individual effort; the players must work as a team to achieve these goals if they want to conquer their competitors. Bolinger said that each player has a lot of strength, and right now the team is working
to achieve strength as a group. “At first,” she said, “you could tell that individually we were playing well, but then maybe not all together.” Now, she added, strengths are evident throughout the field. Benatar is also ready as the team goes out to battle Incarnate Word Friday at 7:30 p.m. Facing Eastern New Mexico next week, she explained: “I don’t know that we’re afraid of anything. I think the girls from last year are ready to take this team on again.” Last time the Pioneers and Eastern New Mexico went head-to-head, the game was called due to lightning before the women could finish playing . Because the West Texas game requires a road trip, Benatar noted, that is an additional challenge. With so many new players on the field, Benatar said, everything counts – and now the heavy part of the season has begun. Both teams the Pioneers are up against find ways to win, she said, but TWU is working to be successful on the road again. Eastern New Mexico has both strengths and weaknesses. One of the strengths that Benatar mentioned was that “they’re a pretty confident team.
Player of the week: Brittany Martin Alexandra Beaurline Reporter According to the TWU athletics website, two-year forward outside and TWU kinesiology major Brittany Martin is leading the Pioneer soccer team, scoring 10 points this season. Martin’s hometown is Rice, Texas, and she played for two years at Navarro Junior College prior to coming to TWU. In 2011 she was selected National Junior College Athletic Association All-America and First Team All-Region, and
named to the All-Academic team 2010-11. She was named offensive MVP for 2007-08, and graduated from Rice High School in 2008, earning the title of a four-letter winner on the Bulldogs soccer team. Martin won the award after games the weekend of Sept. 7-9. She said she became Player of the Week by amazing her coaches and team. “We went up to Oklahoma this weekend and I had four goals and win assists,” she explained. Martin is very proud of this
They’re not necessarily a great team. They don’t have the talent we have. But last year they had the numbers and they had a new coach and had new intensity and a new zip -- they had new flair. And they’ve traditionally been one of the weaker teams in the conference.” Benatar also sized up West Texas, stating that the team hasn’t been as strong since a coaching change a few years ago as it was in the past. “However they do have one player up front that is the heart
and soul or the pulse of the team,” Benatar said. She scored a lot of goals, so if we can get a grip of her, then I think we have a good chance,” Benatar remarked. “Last year when we played West Texas, we played them two times. The first time was at home. We didn’t play great. The second time we played them we were down two, then came back and tied, then lost in overtime, so it was a good comeback game.” There are several of new women on the TWU team who
Martin’s hat trick leads TWU to 6-0 win at Northwestern
Soccer vs Angelo State 2 p.m.
Kayla Rivero sets during a 2012 match. Jasmine Brown Sports Editor The TWU Pioneer volleyball team is setting up for its upcoming games against Eastern New Mexico and West Texas A&M in its conference home openers.
The Pioneers have a winning season so far with their record at 8-2, and a winning percentage of .800. The Pioneers have had a lot of bright spots so far, with senior right side hitter Viktorija Jablonska named the Lone Star Conference Preseason Player as
want to play, and the Pioneers have a lot of work ahead to get ready for these next games. “They need to stick to the game plan,” Benatar explained.” We need to fight a little harder and a little longer. The game plan worked over the weekend. We should’ve won against East Central, [but] when the clock stops the game’s over.” On Eastern New Mexico’s defense, Benatar commented: “They do not have the pace. They’re not fast. I think they’re probably going to be a hardworking group but
everybody in soccer plays defense…I think defensively they’re hard working. I think they disrupt a lot of things, but I don’t think they’re overall hard to get through. I think it’s just a matter of us finding a way. West Texas will be more organized defensively.” The Pioneers have the potential to beat these two teams, Benatar said. They will work hard this weekend and next, and put their hearts into all the upcoming home matches.
accomplishment, and said: “It feels good. I actually didn’t play soccer in high school or club, so to walk out here and be player of the week, I mean it’s a good goal for me.” “I guess it’s kind of a reward to know that I have done something,” Martin stated. She said added she was really astounded with her own accomplishment and is very proud to walk around knowing that she is Player of the Week. She will continue to work hard and “keep putting goals into the back of the net and setting other people up so they can score.”
Volleyball fights to uphold record
Photo courtesy of TWU Athletics
Photo courtesy of TWU Athletics
Midfielder Katy Black advances the ball in a recent game.
well as LSC Player of the Week for Sept. 10. Teammate Chole Tate earned the same honor last Tuesday. Apart from its star player Jablonska, the Pioneer team has functioned well, with solid individual performances such as junior Courtnee Davis, who posted 14 kills and 13 digs against New Mexico Highlands and Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, and junior right side hitter Josie Santos, who posted a team-high 26 kills against Texas A&M Kingsville and Incarnate Word. Last year, the Pioneers won a close match against Eastern New Mexico 20-25, 25-19, 2520, 16-25, 15-9 and the Pioneers edging over 3-2. Against thenNo.14, West Texas A&M, the Pioneers were not as lucky as they lost a tight one 23-25, 2520, 17-25, 25-21 and 15-11 with the West Texas posting 2-3. The Pioneers have more
Photo courtesy of TWU Athletics
Volleyball vs Eastern New Mexico 5 p.m.
Volleyball vs West Texas A&M 2 p.m.
Soccer vs Incarnate Word 7:30 p.m.
Softball at Lamar noon and 2 p.m.
Volleyball at Abilene Christian 7 p.m.
than just West Texas A&M and Eastern New Mexico to worry about. Last year the Pioneer team lost both its games against Texas A&M Commerce. Although the Pioneers lost to West Texas and TAMUC in 2011, head coach Shelly Barberee said she is focused on keeping the focus of the season where it should be. “We are off to a good start and we are taking it one game at a time,” she remarked. The Pioneers closed out 2011 with an overall record of 13-17, so Barberee and the team’s outlook for 2012 is bright since the team is only five games away from tying its wins total form the 2011 season. After the Pioneers face TAMUC, West Texas A&M and Eastern New Mexico, the squad heads to Abilene Christian this week where they try to pick up yet another win.
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8
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Opinion
The Lasso
twulasso.com
THE GREAT DEBATE Is GOP right for me? Shannon Quick News Editor If you turn on your television, listen to the radio, log in to Facebook or drive just about anywhere, you are pummeled with political propaganda. With the 2012 presidential election just around the corner, candidates and their Political Action Committees are in full—attack mode. The Republican Party, formerly known as the Grand Old Party, now has a new acronym: the Great Opportunity Party. According to the 2012 GOP platform, it pledges that “together we can get our country back on track, expanding its bounty, renewing its faith and fulfilling its promise of a better life.” Government Censorship and Freedom of Speech The GOP opposes government censorship of any kind, upholding free political speech on the Internet, the Fairness Doctrine, “enforcement of speech codes, free speech zones or any other forms of ‘political correctness’ on campus,” according to the Republican Party Platform. In a nutshell, the Fairness Doctrine requires equal airtime to all sides of any political issue. Education Education is an important issue for the party and the platform states that the GOP “believe[s] that new systems of learning are needed to compete with traditional fouryear colleges,” and that “the federal government should not be in the business of originating student loans.” Marraige The party’s platform defines
marriage “as the union between one man and one woman,” thus opposing gay marriage. Abortion The GOP supports right-tolife, opposing abortion, as well as the use of public revenues to pay for them. Instead, it supports a “human life amendment,” and desires that the 14th Amendment, which “grants equal protection under the law to all people within its jurisdiction,” be extended to unborn children as laid out in the party platform. Health care The GOP also is committed to saving Medicaid and Medicare by modernizing both systems, empowering the participants and placing them on secure financial footing. “Congressional Republicans are committed to its [Obamacare’s] repeal, and a Republican President, on the first day in office, will use his legitimate waiver authority under that law to halt its progress and then will sign to repeal it.” Immigration Following the rule of law when dealing with immigration and amnesty, the GOP is opposed to granting amnesty to illegal aliens and for those who intentionally violate the law, and thus cause those who have obeyed the law to become disadvantaged. Market The Great Opportunity Party is for domestic energy independence and a free market society and is “determined to create jobs, spur economic growth, lower energy prices, and strengthen our energy industry, per the party platform. Tax Relief The GOP intends to use
tax relief as a means to support the economy and create jobs. To do this, it plans to extend the Bush tax cuts, reform the tax code, eliminate the death tax and repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax. The platform also states, “We reject the use of taxation to redistribute income, fund unnecessary or ineffective programs, or foster the crony capitalism that corrupts both politicians and corporations.” Balanced Budget A balanced budget is necessary to run any business or corporation, and the U.S. budget is not any different. Raising taxes as a means to balance the budget is unnecessary, and will not allow for increase in gross domestic product, which is necessary for a balanced budget. The party will call for a “Constitutional amendment requiring a supermajority for any tax increase, with exceptions for only war and national emergencies,” according to the platform, as well as denying future congresses from balancing the budget by raising taxes. Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan “share a positive vision for America – a vision of America renewed and strong. They know America’s best days lay ahead. It will take honest results-oriented, conservative leadership to enact good policies for our people. They will provide it,” as stated in the platform. The GOP is the “party of the Constitution, the solemn compact which confirms our God-given individual rights and assures that all Americans stand equal before the law.” – 2012 GOP platform.
them are allowed to debate? The two parties fear Johnson. When he was governor of New Mexico, he vetoed more bills than the rest of his contemporaries combined. He cut the budgets, got rid of frivolous programs, declared many things to not be the job of the government, and left office with a billion-dollar surplus. You’re welcome, New Mexico. Imagine what this successful, political-minded, moderate entrepreneur would do in a debate with two corporate puppets. That is why Johnson is not in the debates. And because he is not in the debates and does not have the support of fiscal powerhouses such as the Koch brothers, he is polling at five percent. Party supporters will say that many of his views are radical. Well, I say, in the land of extremism, the radical is king, or at least he deserves to be. Government Censorship and Freedom of Speech According to Johnson’s website, “political speech should, in no way, be censored.” He also believes that the Internet should not be censored, restricted, regulated, or taxed. One could make the argument about parents needing the help of an organization like the Motion Picture Association of America to regulate what their children
see. However, I think that will fail for two reasons: 1) There are thousands upon thousands of websites that are visited each day;it would be impossible to police them all, and 2) many websites run on user-generated content. If we limit that, we limit free speech. There are, however, plenty of programs that censor your Internet access in your household and at your discretion. People who are concerned about it do not need legislate everyone else’s Internet usage. Education Again, Johnson’s approach seems radical, but he does have a plan. Johnson wants to abolish the U.S. Department of Education. According to his website, here is why: for every 11 cents the federal government puts into schools, it expects a 16-cent mandate to be met. The Department of Education wastes taxpayers’ money and forces schools to spend more than they should. Give the power to the states. End federal mandates, and let the schools choose how to spend the money. Let parents choose which school to send their kids to. This plan creates competition and forces the schools to use their money to create the best programs possible to attract students, similar to the
Libertarian— set me free Stanton Brasher A&E Editor Gary Johnson is the Libertarian candidate who was governor of New Mexico from 1995-2003. He is the only third-party candidate on the ballot in all 50 states. So, why have most people not heard of him? I have a theory about that. The big parties raise millions of campaign dollars every year. Corporations pour money into campaign donations that start at the political party level and are doled out to politicians on the ballots. The two politicians debate. Debates are just fodder for the American people, which I would equate with highly publicized ambulance chasing but they serve a purpose in awareness and public opinion. These two major parties don’t just attend these debates; they also host them. If someone were to come in with real ideas and talking points, an easy solution would be to not allow them to participate. If President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney were not worried about third parties, they would invite them to the show but they do not. That is the case with many third party candidates. If there are five viable options for president, how come only two of
Continued pg 9
DNC: do you agree? Kyla Rae Reporter
Voting for our president is an essential part of our government, and a crucial part of voting is gaining background knowledge about the favored party and candidate. Just because someone turns 18 and is eligible to vote doesn’t necessarily mean that they should. At 19, I haven’t voted yet, but I am planning on it this year after reading up on the 2012 Democratic National Platform and learning what they stand for. According to the DNC: “Democrats offer America the opportunity to move our country forward by creating an economy built to last and built from the middle out,” meaning that the middle class and lower classes will have a chance in society to be a part of a stable class. America should be built from the middle out, allowing members of the middle and lower class the opportunity to grow, and rise into a better class, so that the upper class does not have an unfair advantage. Education Education is a stepping stone to building a sure way into the middle class. This institution is critical to democracy. The DNC states that “we are committed to ensuring that every child in America has access to a world-class public education so we can out-educate the world.” From a Democratic viewpoint, education is highly valuable, thus they would like to see America have the highest number of college graduates by 2020. Democrats are also teaming up with banks, as in the DNC, in order to “reform our student loan program,
saving more than $60 billion by removing the banks acting as middlemen so we can better and more directly invest in students.” As a lower-middle class student, I cannot afford to go to school on my salary, nor my mother’s. I rely wholly on financial aid, so this is a very important process to me. Marriage People make their own decisions, including choosing a partner. The DNC “support[s] marriage equality and support[s] the movement to secure equal treatment under law for samesex couples.” The Democratic Party is also searching for loopholes around government interference based on religious values rather than laws . Gay rights are simply human rights. The government shouldn’t be involved in someone’s relationship preferences. Abortion Regarding the choice of women’s right versus right to life, the DNC “strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and a woman’s right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy, including a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay.” I agree with this up to a certain extent. Yes, women should be able to have a choice whether to carry a baby to term or not, but I don’t feel that a woman should terminate a baby after the first trimester. Also, in regards to sexual assault or incest, a woman should have every right to abort the baby. Health Care/Social Security Affordable health care is of the utmost importance to citizens. The DNC “believe[s] accessible, affordable, high quality health care is part of the American promise, that
Americans should have the security that comes with good health care, and that no one should go broke because they get sick.” Medical bills can be very expensive. I went to the hospital once and received two shots and was billed $1,400. This is why I’m thankful to have had Medicaid. Like Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security are resourceful health care plans for people as they age. They have worked hard for their money; therefore, a secure plan to keep what they worked hard for is definitely significant. Democrats believe that the people should have a protected retirement, stating: “America’s seniors have earned their Medicare and Social Security through a lifetime of hard work and personal responsibility.” Immigration Immigration is a part of American history. The DNC states that “our prosperity depends on an immigration system that reflects our values and meets America’s needs.” Over the years, the immigration system has changed, the platform explains, “separating families, undermining honest employers and workers, burdening law enforcement, and leaving millions of people working and living in the shadows.” Market In 2008, America was in the worst economic shape since the 1930s; during the month that Obama took office, “800,000 Americans lost their jobs…Since early 2010, the private sector has created 4.5 million jobs” in order to bring us back out of this situation.
Continued pg 9
It ain’t easy being green... Erin Marissa Russell New Media Editor Dr. Jill Stein is the Green Party’s 2012 candidate for U.S. President, and there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of her. It wasn’t until I took a quiz at www.isidewith.com that separated candidates from their perspectives that I discovered I agreed with her platform myself. Much like the election itself, the quiz boiled issues down to the Democratic and Republican stances, with a button providing third-party options for those willing to look a little deeper. Candidates outside the two major parties just don’t enjoy the same resources (campaign funding, TV advertisements or even opportunity to appear in debates) as the big dogs. According to her website, Stein will be on the ballot in Texas. While it’s reasonable to suggest that one of the two major party candidates will win the 2012 election, keep in mind that a party must tally five percent of the vote to receive funding through the federal Presidential Election Campaign Fund. Casting a vote that isn’t for a Republican or Democrat isn’t throwing your vote away— it’s making an investment toward a more inclusive and
open discussion of options in the next election. Government Censorship and Freedom of Speech Freedom of speech is a value Stein believes in protecting. She proposes an executive order to keep federal agencies and local police from infringing on the people’s right to assembly and peaceful protest. In fact, Huffington Post reported in August that Stein and her running mate were arrested while protesting Fannie Mae foreclosures during a peaceful sit-in protest at a bank in Philadelphia. According to her website, Stein also opposes legislation such as the Online Piracy Act that would “undermine freedom and equality on the Internet.” Education In an America with Stein as president, education would be provided at no cost to the student from kindergarten through college, and all existing student loan debt would be forgiven. She seeks to protect the public school system from privatization as well as the negative effects of what her website calls “high-stakes testing.” The site continues to say: “Stop punishing teachers and students for failures of the system in which they work. Stop denying students diplomas based on tests. Stop using merit
pay to punish teachers.” Marriage This one is simple. Stein proposes that marriage equality be implemented nationwide to end discrimination against same-sex couples. Abortion The Obama Administration banned an expansion proposed by the FDA to provide access to the Morning After Pill for women younger than 17, and Stein seeks to lift this ban. “The fight for accessing emergency contraceptives is a fight to access health care, something Democrats and Republicans alike restrict by refusing to implement a national, publicly— funded universal health care system,” Stein said in a press release. universal health care system,” Stein said in a press release. Her stance is that offering universal health care would necessarily decrease the rate of abortions, because birth control would be accessible and available to all women. Stein’s website said citizens should have access to all medically necessary contraceptive and reproductive care. Health Care Stein intends to introduce complete, affordable health care through what a press release calls “a single-payer, expanded
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and improved Medicare-for-all program.” This system would use bulk purchase negotiations to buy prescription drugs, making it more difficult for companies to take advantage of sick consumers by making medications overly expensive. With an eye toward the future, Stein plans to combat the general ill state of health in the nation by focusing efforts on factors that damage wellbeing: poor nutrition, pollution, and what her website calls “passive dirty transportation.” Stein would invest effort in local, organic food systems, renewable
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college environment. Marriage Johnson is brief but intensely clear. “Government should not impose its values upon marriage,” his website explained. “It should allow marriage equality, including gay marriage. It should also protect the rights of religious organizations to follow their beliefs.” I have spoken with people who are against gay marriage. They believe it is oppressive to allow people who live against the faith to participate in a faithbased ceremony. I actually understand the argument -religious ceremonial weddings performed in the church should absolutely be decided by the church. However, if a gay couple wants to be married by the state, receive marriage entitlements, share insurance, and things of
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Obama has since created the Recovery Act which is helping to put teachers, firefighters,
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clean energy, and active transportation planning while phasing out toxic chemicals. Economy Stein proposes an Economic Bill of Rights in her “Green New Deal,” a plan inspired by the programs that helped pull America out of the Great Depression. The Green New Deal would create 25 million jobs by replacing unemployment offices with local employment offices, which would store public sector jobs in a bank to supplement private sector employment conditions. Stein believes if a bank is too big to fail, it’s too big to exist. She proposes halting bailouts and sending failed banks through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
resolution process, stopping all foreclosures or evictions, and launching a federal bank to take over distressed mortgages and restructure them to a more affordable rate or rent homes to the current occupants. This federal bank would also offer capital grants to non-profits to encourage development of affordable housing “until all people can obtain decent housing at no more than 25 percent of their income,” according to the website. Similarly, public, democratically-owned not-forprofit utility companies would offer services such as heat, electricity, Internet and public transportation at cost. Tax Reform The Green New Deal grants:
“The right to fair taxation that’s distributed in proportion to ability to pay. In addition, corporate tax subsidies will be made transparent by detailing them in public budgets where they can be scrutinized, not hidden as tax breaks.” The tax code would be rewritten to give tax cuts to working families, the poor and the middle class, while raising taxes for the richest Americans. Corporate subsidies could no longer be hidden in tax code and would require full disclosure. A hidden gem: Stein proposes a 90 percent tax on bonuses for bailed-out bankers. Budgets Stein’s website says she plans to “reduce the budget deficit by restoring full employment,
cutting the bloated military budget and cutting private health insurance waste.” She also suggests reducing military spending by half, and closing an estimated 140 overseas military bases, focusing defensive efforts instead in the National Guard and ending our wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Stein believes the debt overhang would be alleviated by reducing the debt homeowners and students carry as a result of loans. She would also put a stop to what her site calls “needless tax giveaways that increase the deficit.” Campaign Finance Reform The Green New Deal would establish free, equal access to media exposure, the ballot, and debates for all election
candidates. While not stopping at campaign finance, Stein aims to reform the process itself, suggesting abolition of the electoral college and election by direct voting. She would also create non-partisan commissions to oversee elections. Stein’s Voter Bill of Rights would also: guarantee auditable paper ballots marked by the voter in all cases, require votes to be counted in total before announcing election results, make election day a national holiday, and provide same-day voter registration. Marijuana Stein aims to legalize medical marijuana immediately, and as her website states, “move to permit general legal sales under suitable regulatory framework.”
that nature, the state should be more than happy to allow them a courthouse ceremony without the help or opinion of the church. The need exists in societies like ours where we grant property rights and medical decisions to spouses. Abortion Johnson takes a very common sense-based approach to abortion. He states that life is precious and must be protected, but a woman should be allowed to make her own decisions during pregnancy. His one stipulation is that she loses the option of abortion after the baby can survive outside of the womb. Federal Budget, Medicaid/ Medicare, and Social Security Johnson and his running mate, Judge Jim Gray, have a plan that can balance our budget by 2014. Romney’s plan will have it balanced by 2045. Johnson wants to end all frivolous and excessive spending. This means that there would be cuts in the government, but most would
probably agree that we would rather fix the ship now, before it sinks with all of us later. Some have argued that allowing the states to control Medicaid/Medicare is dangerous; however, Johnson’s service as governor proves that it does not have to be. “In New Mexico, when the state took responsibility for Medicaid, costs were reduced by 25 percent and services improved,” Johnson’s website said. “Removing unnecessary federal mandates would have allowed even greater savings.” Obamacare Here is one area in which I am skeptical of Johnson’s stance. He wants to end Obamacare in favor of deregulation. He thinks that the insurance industry will do better and be cheaper if government stays out of it. I think that idea works on paper. If the market is free, it will be forced to offer competitive plans and pricing. I do, however, support universal health care, because I believe it should be
a right. With the corporate environment of our government, I fear that deregulation would only lead to more corruption and abuse of the consumer. I do believe, however, that the power should be in the people’s hands -- Johnson’s plan is at least trying to accomplish that. Market Johnson’s plan is simple. If we are a capitalist society, we need to act like one. Johnson wants to eliminate bailouts and corporate welfare, eliminate support of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and eliminate barriers of free trade. If the playing field is fair, the consumer wins. Tax Reform This is one of my favorite of Johnson’s radical ideas. Abolish the IRS and replace it with a fair tax. The fair tax is a sales tax. Citizens only pay taxes on what they spend, not what they earn. People will only spend what they can afford (which will be more, because they will now have larger paychecks). Rich people
will spend more money per individual. The middle class will probably spend more as a whole due to its size. The IRS will no longer be an expense and the treasury can handle the sales tax (which they already do). Marijuana Johnson believes in personal freedom. He also believes the war on drugs is a failed waste of funds. While the black market exists, organized crime runs rampant. Johnson wants to legalize and tax marijuana. He believes it is not harmful and could generate some much needed revenue, as well as jobs. Campaign Finance Reform Ralph Nader wanted to end campaign donations. This would be awesome but is probably too radical for all of the corporate puppets currently in office. Johnson believes that donations are a form of expression and should not be censored (although according to openSecrets.org, less than 10 percent of Johnson’s funding came from corporations).
Instead, he is in favor of 100 percent transparency. On uncensoredtv.net, Johnson joked: “I think candidates should wear a jacket similar to NASCAR drivers with logos on the jacket, with the amount of money that they have received from the corporations.” During this election, I implore you to vote with your convictions rather than the lesser evil. Johnson is rational, reasonable and wants to work for our country. The major parties want you to think he is radical and insane, but that is because they don’t want their 200-year empire destroyed. If Johnson is not your pick, that is fine, but do your research and find someone who mirrors your beliefs and represents you. I’ll bet you a dollar that at the end of the day, you can find someone better suited for this country than either of the major party Pinocchios. Remember, the lesser evil is still evil.
and nurses back to work. “Last September, President Obama put forward the American Jobs Act to provide an immediate boost to the economy and strengthen the recovery,” the DNC states. Tax Reform
Lastly, because Democrats are more middle-class oriented, this leads to an influence of the budget plan being focused on the middle class. The DNC goes on to say that “to help spur economic growth, President Obama and the Democratic
Party cut taxes for every working family— providing $3,600 in tax relief to the typical family... and we are committed to extending the middle class tax cuts for the 98 percent of American families who make less than $250,000 a year, and we will not raise
taxes on them.” Raising taxes on lower income families and not on anyone else is absurd, especially when those with a higher income have taxes lowered. For more information on the Democratic National Convention
Platform, readers can visit www. democrats.org/democratic-nationalplatform#moving-america.
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New art department chair It was at this point in her life that she realized the real passion she had for teaching college level students. Hays taught at her Alma Mater for a while and a few junior colleges, until she was encouraged to go back to school. She had been out of college for 10 years and said she was scared but ended up receiving her M.F.A. in Graphic Design from Rhode Island School of Design. A year later she was working at Texas State University where she stayed for seven years. In her last two years, she was the program director for communication design. The program at Texas State continued to grow, but she desired to return to a more personal teaching style, and so began looking for a new job. When Hays began her job search, she looked for a smaller school where she could know her students and faculty well. The accomplishments of faculty at TWU were very attractive, but most of all what attracted her to TWU was its mission statement, which focused on the combination of education with leadership and service. Her heart for service stems from her personal upbringing. Hays said she comes from a long line of service-oriented people, and she herself is an avid supporter of social justice. She is a foster parent, and loves working with kids and Habitat for Humanity. She completed a project while at Texas State that documented poverty in
Photography by Amanda Amaral
New Art Department Chair, Michelle Hays, reflects from her office on a job well done. different parts of the world. She hopes to integrate serviceoriented learning into the art program while here at TWU. Along side her degrees, many job titles and new position, Hays has also been
published both nationally and internationally. She loves art, but education in addition to art, is most important to her. She aspires to become a fulltime professor while here at TWU.
Her goals and aspirations for the art program at TWU are to serve the faculty as an educator and advocate, and to make TWU known for its art education. “TWU has a distinct group of people that don’t need
to be under UNT or anyone else’s shadow,” she explained. She said she is already very proud of the art program and hopes to continue to improve it in her new position. She looks back at the phone
call she received from her Alma Mater as a pivotal turning point in her life: it was when she realized what she really loved to do, and she would not be here at TWU today without realizing her true passions.
Film Review: ‘Butter’ better than most half-baked comedies Stanton Brasher A&E Editor “Butter” is an original story about an odd rivalry and opens nationwide on Oct. 5, but can
also be viewed on Video On Demand. Bob Pickler (Ty Burrell) is the best butter carver in Iowa. During the past 15 years, he has won the state competition multiple times
What’s
happening?
Yara Sahidi’s shows off fist-pumping butter art.
with his recreations of “The Last Supper,” “Schindler’s List” and “The Passion of the Christ” with Neil Diamond as Jesus. After a long, successful run, he is asked to step down and let some young
blood have a shot at winning. He is fine with this. However, his wife, Laura (Jennifer Garner), is not. On the other side of this small town, a young, black orphan named Destiny (Yara Shahidi) discovers her own love for butter carving just before she moves in with her latest set of foster parents (Rob Corddry and Alicia Silverstone). When the moment arrives to sign up for the city competition, Laura thinks she will compete unopposed--That is, until Destiny enters the picture. This comedy delivers laughs like a standup comic who moonlights as a pizza boy.
Image courtesy of The Weinstein Company
The crisp dialogue (and the vitriol Laura spits to and about everyone at all times) is not as realistic as it is entertaining. It is funny how cute it can be to hear a 10-year-old orphan talk about her fear of racist ninjas. The performances in this film are a little backward. Burrell is usually a bumbling, quirky buffoon such as his character from “Modern Family,” however, in “Butter,” he is a sensitive pushover who tries hard to please his wife. Corddry, in projects such as “Hot Tub Time Machine” and “Children’s Hospital,” normally plays an arrogant idiot. He is often that character that you love to hate,
but in this film he plays an aspiring father who just wants Destiny to find her place. The over-the-top performances did not come from the comedians. Instead, Garner shines as the angry, mean trophy wife, and Hugh Jackman makes a cameo as an over-the-hill car salesman whom Laura uses to cheat in the competition. Ironically, that role could have easily been played by someone like Corddry. Jackman nails it, and it is impossible to detect his Australian accent through the thick Southern one he uses in the film. As the story unfolds, I found myself really drawn in to the kindness of many of the film’s characters. Many of the relationships are forged out of hatred for Laura. This leads to an interesting dynamic in which a stripper can befriend a child and buy her butter carving knives. In feel-good comedies, the message can often be contrived or watered-down, but in “Butter” the message is a catalyst for the plot. If you do something, put your soul into it. Otherwise, it is not art. It is just butter carving.
Image courtesy of The Weinstein Company
19 Sketchy People Comedy at Dan’s Silverleaf at 7:30 p.m.
“Pygmalion”at Campus Theatre 2:30 p.m. Hares on the Mountain at Dan’s Silverleaf at 7:30 p.m.
“Pygmalion”at Campus Theatre 7:30 p.m.
Band of Heathens at Dan’s Silverleaf at 9 p.m.
Funk and Glo Party at Hailey’s Club at 9 p.m.
“Pygmalion” at The Campus Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
Dark Horse Darling at Andy’s Bar at 9 p.m. Fab Deuce and Muenster MC at Hailey’s Club at 9 p.m.