The L asso On the scene since 1914
Student-run newspaper | Never a dull moment
Friday, November 7, 2014 | Vol. 101, No. 25
News | Politics
Denton votes pour in
Residents gathered to vote on the local November election Shelby Baker Editor-in-Chief sbaker3@twu.edu On Tuesday, Nov. 4, voters took to the polls to decide whether or not hydraulic fracturing will be continued in Denton County, which sits atop the Barnett Shale — an area rich in natural gas. Early voting opened two weeks ago, and as a kickoff the pro-ban organizations held a party, which featured a puppet show, improvisational dance and the band Brave Combo. This voting season has had a high voter registration and turnout compared to previous years. Voting has seen an 18 percent increase over the last gubernatorial election. According to the Denton Economic Development Partnership, Denton has a population of about 121,000 residents. By the end of early voting, over 40,450 residents had cast their votes according to The Denton Record-Chronicle. According to The DRC, there was an increase in the number of paper ballots available for Election Day in preparation for a large voter turnout. However, there is a concern regarding whether the weather affected overall turnout. Even so, Denton County Republican chairwoman Dianne Edmondson remarked in an interview with the DRC that the numbers will still be higher than the 2010 election. Denton and its residents have been a source of national news since the ban was proposed. Denton is the first city to aggressively oppose fracking, and some believe could spark a nationwide movement.
Graphic by Toi Ferguson
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Sports | Soccer
Postseason eludes TWU soccer
Soccer team misses on postseason berth, loses in season closer by narrow margin Matt Olson Reporter molson3@twu.edu The TWU soccer team went on the road for its final two games of the season but unfortunately came up short on both accounts. The Pioneers lost against the Eastern New Mexico Zias 2–1 and against the West Texas A&M Buffalos 1–0. On Halloween, the Pioneers played the Zias in Portales, New
Mexico. In the game’s first half, the opposing team scored first, but the Pioneers quickly tied the score. Junior defender Madison Purdy scored her second goal this season after senior defender Erin Bolinger passed the ball to her. The Pioneers took several additional attempts on the goal, but the team was unable to break the tie. The Zias scored their second goal early in the second half, and the Pioneers were unable to catch up. Junior goalie Ariana Morrison spent the
game in the net and blocked seven of the Zias’ nine shots on the goal. TWU head coach Babak Abouzar expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance: “We didn’t play with the same intensity as we have the entire season. It’s disappointing to see our team not show up with a berth in the Lone Star Conference Championship on the line. We need to put this behind us and get ready to play against West Texas A&M on Sunday.”
On Nov. 2, the Pioneers faced off against the Buffalos in Canyon, Texas. The Pioneers’ opponents scored their first and only goal early in the first half. The Pioneers fought hard during the rest of the game but were unable to tie the score. Abouzar said of the game: “This is a tough loss after getting so close to a berth in the conference championship. ...
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Opinions
Film’s whitewashing....................2
News
CCLC arrives...............................3
Cover Feature
Lasso 100 celebration..................4
Community
Art classes in the Union...............5
Sports
Volleyball keeps winning..............6
2
Opinions
Friday, November 7, 2014
twulasso.com
Opinion | Dating
Equality begins, ends at the dinner table Reporter Sarah de Schweinitz makes a case that gender roles, pay gap are challenged when dates go Dutch Sarah de Schweinitz Reporter sdeschweinitz@twu.edu The dating world today is much different from the past. One question that frequently comes up in conversation is if men should still be expected to pay on dates. Realistically, men and women are increasingly in the same boat financially, and I don’t think it is right to pressure guys into paying because of an ageold sentiment that frankly doesn’t apply in modern times. Traditionally, men have paid for women because it is what they were taught, and women were taught to accept it gladly. Now, women have more job opportunities than before and it is not so ingrained in us that men are the sole breadwinners. Society is changing and with it tradition will change as well. In my experience, I have dated guys who insisted on always paying “on principle” and have dated guys who insist on
Image courtesy of Pixabay
never paying because they are broke college students much like me. While I initially felt offended by the latter type of date, I grew to understand guys not wanting to pay all the time. Of course, I appreciate if someone
wants to treat me to dinner. I won’t argue over the check if someone offers, but I don’t expect it all the time anymore. That being said, if someone asks me out to a nice place and then surprises me by having the
check split, I will not be a happy camper. One of the most exciting things about dating is knowing that someone is interested enough in you to want to spend time with you and do nice things for you. Paying for dinner or a
movie is a gesture that lets the other person know you like them. I just think this can apply both ways. As a feminist, I believe in an egalitarian society, and while it might be easier to only date guys who don’t let me pay for
anything, it doesn’t back up my beliefs at all. In a truly equal society, women won’t be dependent on men, and I think that insisting that men are only gentlemen if they spend money on their date is contrary to women’s liberation. It is suggesting that women cannot take care of themselves and need their partner to do it for them. The courting process is supposed to be enjoyable and also practical. In my opinion, going Dutch (both people paying for their own) makes the most sense for most dates, but offering to pay for each other every now and again is not out of the question. Nowadays, that can be expanded to include a woman doing things like taking a guy out to a concert or paying for dinner without emasculating him. I think offering to pay for each other is a lovely gesture and should be a treat that is gender-blind.
Opinion | Holidays
Opinion | Films
Do we bounce from holiday to holiday too quickly?
*With white talent brought in for the ‘art’s’ sake
From fright to Frosty Based on a true story* Matt Olson Reporter molson3@twu.edu Christmas is just under two months away, but if you go to any department stores, malls or faith-based craft stores, you’ll likely be assaulted with holiday imagery. We’ve come to that time of year again, and it seems to come earlier and earlier each year. Sure, retailers make the bulk of their profits when the Christmas season rolls around, which in some ways justifies the decision to break out the decorations. At the same time, Halloween passed less than a week ago, and Thanksgiving is still several weeks off. Why can‘t we just enjoy the fall season, the time between the year’s final holidays, without being reminded that the year is ending and we should thusly spend our money? One of the biggest problems with the Christmas season is the holiday’s ubiquity. NonChristians are subjected to the seasonal songs, marketing tactics and
didactic questions about the “true meaning” of the holiday. Christmastime seemingly allows Christians to foist their beliefs onto others more than any other time of the year while also participating in the same meaningless spending decried as detrimental to the holiday spirit. Another problem with the season is that crazed spending itself. How many Walmart greeters will be stampeded by senseless shoppers during this year’s Black Friday? Nothing says “It’s time for Christmas!” like hoards of people running through store aisles, grabbing up anything and everything in their paths. The economy will likely be positively affected by shoppers’ holiday spending habits, but this fact in no way justifies the ways in which shoppers will act when stores’ doors open on Black Friday. 2014 has been a frustrating mess, ranging from air strikes on Syria and the country’s faulty elections, the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
and its transition to the U.S., the police shooting of Michael Brown and the media’s subsequent failure to cover events in Ferguson, the development of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, the division of Ukraine, businesses’ claims that their religious beliefs should exempt them from providing birth control to employees, Israeli attacks on Palestine, escalating cartel violence, Gamergate and threats against female game developers, domestic violence in the NFL, the Ice Bucket Challenge idiocy, and overwhelming evidence that a majority of the world’s population fundamentally misunderstands feminism. While I have no desire to linger in 2014 longer than I should, I’m in no hurry to see what nastiness the future holds in store. Breaking out the holiday paraphernalia before it is welcome, thus wearing out the holiday’s welcome, suggests a rush towards that future with little disregard for anything beyond the secularly focused season.
The Lasso editorial staff Editor-in-Chief
Shelby Baker • sbaker3@twu.edu
Managing Editor
Alexander Ancira • aancira@twu.edu
Reporters
Designer
Toi Ferguson • lferguson2@twu.edu
Page Editors
Emily Nickles • enickles@twu.edu Amanda Clark • aclark9@twu.edu
Monica Alcaraz • malcaraz@twu.edu Matt Olson • molson3@twu.edu Sarah de Schweinitz • sdeschweinitz@twu.edu
Copy Editors
Photographer
Advisor
Tammi Paul • tpaul1@twu.edu
Tiffany Lam Copy Editor tlam6@twu.edu Creative interpretation can only excuse so much. Movies are fiction, and history is fodder for the imagination. If liberties weren’t taken, the world never would have seen Abraham Lincoln slay vampires. But a line needs to be drawn, and here’s where I’m putting it: whitewashing. We’d like to think we’ve moved past the days of “Cleopatra” (1963) or “The Conquerer” (1956), or people painting their faces darker and taping their eyelids, but we haven’t. Hollywood toys with the racial identities of its source material under the false assumption that doing so makes their movies more palatable to the American audience. It won’t be the first, or last, time Hollywood gets it wrong. Take “47 Ronin,” which drops a half-English, halfJapanese, 100 percent white savior, into the middle of a very real event in Japanese history. The
original tale didn’t have the abhorrent dragon lady stereotype either, but a little fanfare is to be expected — though not excusable — when sprucing up history for a blockbuster. I just wish fanfare meant more wacky supernatural elements and less blatant, yet overlooked, racism. Whether the movie in question is considered “good” doesn’t matter. Based on the 1979 rescue of American diplomats trapped in Iran, dubbed the Canadian Caper, “Argo” (2012) stars Ben Affleck in the role of CIA agent Tony Mendez. Only released two years ago, most of us can vaguely remember “Argo” taking three Academy Awards and being nominated for a slew of others, many of which it won. The dismissal of criticism regarding the race incongruity between Affleck and Mendez tells me that we as a society are willing to reward the erasure of minorities in the media — that oppression is dismissible in the face of a “smart, jittery thriller,” as
All rights reserved. The Lasso is a weekly student publication of Texas Woman’s University, written and produced by students and printed at DFW Printing. Editors develop their own editorial and news policies.The presentation of news and editorials and the personal opinions expressed in The Lasso are those of Lasso staff and writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the faculty, staff, students, administration or the Regents of Texas Woman’s University.
This week’s issue Vol. 101 No. 25
the New York Times called the movie. There are countless other examples of whitewashing in the media — not whitewashed fictional characters, of which a sea of examples exist, but real people who have had their identities wrung from them because Hollywood wants us to believe that stories and history are only interesting if it’s headlined by white people. For a short list, see “A Beautiful Mind,” “Stuck,” “21” and the upcoming movies “Exodus: Gods and Kings” and “Gods of Egypt.” No one is saying that you can’t enjoy these movies, but the vitriolic backlash to the idea that, just maybe, these movies would be a little better if they stayed true to history in this one thing is something to think about. You can’t sweep history under the rug — sweep real people under the rug — and package it as “artistic license.”
Letters from Readers The Lasso Stoddard Hall Rm 311
Email lasso@twu.edu Website twulasso.com
Savannah Peer • speer@twu.edu Tiffany Lam • tlam6@twu.edu Rhonda Ross• rross7@twu.edu
We value reader submissions. As a university newspaper we have certain criteria that limit what we will place inside our newspaper. Please limit letters to 300 words. Columns submitted should be no longer than 600 words. Please include your name, address, phone and email. Your contact information will not be published. Unsigned submissions will not be published. All submissions are also edited for length and clarity. Submissions become property of The Lasso.
News
Friday, November 7, 2014
News | TWU Conference
CCLC: Embracing diversity
Cultural Connection Leadership Conference guides students to leadership
Campus Blotter
to share their personal experiences or express themselves because of certain aspects: “A lot of times, people feel as though they can’t share who they are or their culture because people will judge them. Or maybe they think they have to change themselves to try and fit in to what society expects from them. We don’t want that anymore.” The committee and conference began in 2009 as a combined effort of the diversity organizations on campus, what was once a part of the Latina Student Leadership Conference and the African American Women’s Student Leadership Conference. Since then they have hosted the event together at TWU in order to best represent the students. This year’s events include a number of keynote speakers and workshops that will enhance the experience of accepting and empowering oneself
through diversity. According to the TWU website, keynote speakers include executive producer and host of “This is Life with Lisa Ling,” Lisa Ling; creator of motivational programs for Ignited Leadership, Jason Connell; and inspirational speaker, author and spokesperson dedicated to empowering leaders, Deborah Deras. Committee Co-Chair of Workshops Pablo Vega shared some of the workshops he’s planned for the event: “This year we have some amazing workshops planned, some of which focus on leadership and others on diversity. A few highlights are ‘Speed Hating in Color,’ ‘Dare to Lead: Evolving Men to Leaders,’ ‘Let Your Culture Shine Through and Women as World Changers.’” Although the titles leave thoughts to mull over, Vega promised that the events are going to be unforgettable.
Chancellor to be inauguration Shelby Baker Editor-in-Chief sbaker3@twu.edu
The Inauguration of the second Chancellor and 11th President Dr. Carine M. Feyten will take place Monday, Nov. 11. Classes will be cancelled between 12:30-5 p.m. that day; students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend the event. Classes that start before and normally end after 12:30 p.m. should be released at the designated event time. “Moving Beyond the Inflection Point: Pioneers for a New Era” is the theme for the inauguration, which according to the inauguration webpage, expresses optimism for the university’s future. During the day, four of the campus parking lots will be closed for VIP and guest parking. According
to Director of Commuter Services Amy O’Keefe, students, faculty and staff can park at the Denton Bible Church, located further east on University Drive. From there, people will be shuttled to the university through the evening, with four different drop-off points. The inauguration schedule consists of campus tours, the academic processional down Redbud Lane and the inauguration, all of which are open to all students, faculty, staff and guests. The pre-luncheon reception and luncheon are by invitation only. Locations and times for the schedule can be found online. For more information about the inauguration, parking and schedule visit http:// www.twu.edu/inauguration/default.asp.
Regent applications Monica Alcaraz Reporter malcaraz@twu.edu
purchased full page ads almost weekly in the DRC, one of which had a list of 350 names that signed a petition, as well as purchased a billboard that is driven through Denton. Another angle that the anti-ban campaign has used is purchasing ad space on Youtube and mobile apps regionalized to the Denton area. For the past three weeks, The DRC has received and published at least one letter to the editor in regards to the fracking ban that has now arrived. Some of these have called out those opposing the ban for twisting words and deceiving residents, some sending in their own personal anecdotes where fracking has not affected them, and responses to their “Vote No on Fracking Ban” editorial. Please continue to check The Lasso for updates and a follow-up article with the outcomes of the vote and what happens next. A brief will be posted online with a full article in next week’s issue.
Drama department puts on new play ‘Celebration’ Matt Olson Reporter molson3@twu.edu
Professor Emeritas of the Drama Department Sharon Benge is directing “Celebration,” a musical by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, for her final show in her time at TWU. “Celebration” takes place during a New Year’s Eve party and centers on a young orphan, a rich and greedy man, and the young woman the two characters love. The show features 16 musical numbers of varying styles and tempos, and some songs will feature 18 performers on stage at once. The onstage musicians will include two keyboardists,
two percussionists, a guitarist, and a bassist and other instruments will come into play during the performance. Benge said of her decision to direct “Celebration”: “I was interested in doing because I like [Jones’ and Schmidt’s] music. It’s very tuneful, very melodic music. I wanted, because of the size of our music and theatre departments, to have a musical that had lots of opportunity for students to participate, particularly in the ensemble. That’s the case, there’s 16 production numbers in this show.” She added: “It seemed to me that the show was right for our students. Moreover, we
were celebrating our new chancellor here at the university. We are celebrating my leavetaking permanently from the university. I’ve been invited to direct a show next year, and I will continue.” “Celebration” opens on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. Additional showings will take place on Nov. 13 at 4 p.m., on Nov. 14 at 8 p.m., on Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and on Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. For more information or to reserve tickets visit the Drama webpage at http:// www.twu.edu/drama/boxoffice.asp.
As far as we’re concerned, disability means possibility.
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Today, applications for Student Regent and Representative positions are due. To apply, students must access the application from the TWU website and either type or print their responses. The applications must be submitted to all three TWU campuses by mail, and any submitted electronically will not be accepted. Current student regent Candace Henslee said: “As Student Regent, a student can look forward to being involved in a lot of exciting new changes coming to campus. TWU is growing rapidly and getting to be the voice of the students during this growth will be something to look
forward to. The student will also have the opportunity to meet the next Governor of Texas.” Just the slightest interest in the future of TWU and growing as a student leader is a good indication of whether or not to apply. Becoming the Student Regent or Representative is a great way to serve and give back to the university and to gain knowledge of what it truly means to be a leader. “Being Student Regent has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. The people I have met, the experiences that I have gained (and continue to gain) are things that I am confident will greatly benefit me going forward with my career,” said Student Regent Henslee.
Leading up to the vote, Denton has seen billboards, mail and people in favor of both sides. The groups that are in favor of the fracking ban are Denton Drilling Advisory Group, Frack Free Denton and Pass the Ban, which are grass root campaigns. Those who are against the ban include Denton Taxpayers for a Stronger Economy, which is funded by companies like Devon Energy and EnerVest. While Denton Taxpayers for a Stronger Economy has had more funding, the grassroots campaigns in favor of the ban have had contributions through individuals and donations in the form of services. Ads have been focused in the Denton area. The grassroots campaigns have sent out flyers in the mail and advertised on a billboard by I-35, and residents have placed yard signs advocating for the ban. In addition, the pro-ban campaign has placed full and half page ads with The DRC. In comparison, the anti-ban campaign has also sent out flyers in the mail and set out yard signs throughout Denton. They have
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Credit Card Abuse Misuse of a credit card was reported in the west Library Lot on Oct. 28. No arrest was made, but the case was cleared by exception. Theft On Oct. 30, a report was made of a theft equalling greater than $1,500 in losses and less than $20 thousand. The theft took place in the Administrative Conference Tower. Criminal Attempt On Oct 30, a theft and criminal attempt was made at the Lone Star Appartments. The damages and loss of property total between $1,500 and $20 thousand. No arrest has been made. Theft A report of theft was made from the Bent Tree Apartments on Oct. 30. The damages total less than $500. No arrest has been made to date. Warrant Arrest A warrant arrest was made on Oct. 31 in the Lowry Woods Parking Lot on the grounds of a DWUI. Trespass Education On Nov. 2, TWU DPS found someone who did not go to the university in Guinn Hall. Fire Alarm A fire alarm was set of on Nov. 3 at the location of 420 E. University Dr. There was no report of a fire. Harrassment Report A call was made to DPS on Nov. 3 with a claim of personal harrassment on 302 Administration Dr. There was no further report and no arrest was made. Harrassment On Nov. 3, a report of harrassment was made from the Admissions Office. No arrest was made.
- Susana Mercado, Co-Chair of Registration
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TWU is a center of diversity, which is arguably one of the best things its campuses offer: opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life. In honor and support of students’ diversity, the Cultural Connection Leadership Committee as made diversity the center theme for this year’s conference. CCLC began Nov. 6, and will go through Saturday, Nov. 8. Titled “Unleash Your Colorful World,” the idea behind the theme emphasizes the visual connection that different attributes or characteristics are represented by a color. As people, we are made of many characteristics, and therefore are made up of innumerable colors—we are a mosaic of unique design. Committee Co-Chair of Registration Susana Mercado described what the theme will represent in discussions: “We want them to share with us all of their colors, embrace it and move on, accepting who they are and learning to appreciate those around them who have many other colors too.” Mercado recognizes that some people are afraid
“CCLC has encouraged me and given me the confidence to go after many things that I would have never before.”
Vega also pointed out an important bit about the committee for CCLC: “Many students don’t realize that CCLC is completely planned by students. Every year, CCLC is different, and that’s because every year there’s a new team putting it together, which means new ideas being brought to the table.” Mercado suggested as much when she shared her personal experience attending the conference before being on the committee: “CCLC has encouraged me and given me the confidence to go after many things that I would have never before. It made me believe in myself and take chances. It made me appreciate the world around me and learn to work with all the people that surround me.” For TWU students looking to connect with peers and learn how to accept the differences within themselves, CCLC is attempting to do just that. To register online or in person the event costs $8, and $10 at the door. Registration can be found at http://www. twu.edu/intercultural-services/ registration.asp.
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Emily Nickles Page Editor enickles@twu.edu
Denton local elections
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Students who have questions relating to disability services on campus are encouraged to contact JoAnn, Katy, Jay or Laura at the DSS office. dss@twu.edu
940.898.3835
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Cover Feature
Friday, November 7, 2014
twulasso.com
100 years of The Lasso: TWU’s student newspaper since 1914 Continued from pg. 1
Photo courtesy of University Archives
Sarah de Schweinitz Reporter sdeschweinitz@twu.edu One hundred years ago on Nov. 7, 1914, the first issue of The Lasso was published at TWU. The front page told the story of how the student-run newspaper, originally known as The Lass-O, came about. The Press Club wrote that they realized they were “behind the times” and took initiative to make the weekly paper happen. The first issue covered sports, events on campus and provided information about clubs at TWU. As I looked through the issues from so long ago, I was comforted to see how much the voice of the paper then reflects the voice of it now. Students deal with similar concerns, such as achieving things worthwhile in college. One article in the first issue really struck me. It said: “How many times have you heard the time-worn phrase: ‘Make the best of your opportunities,’ and how many times have you sighed and
slipped down in your seat for a comfortable nap as some of your instructors feelingly informed you that you were sinning against humanity because you did not know your geometry lesson? But does that phrase really mean anything in particular to you? Are you making the best of your opportunities? Here, you are in one of the best places in the world to make a well-rounded woman of yourself.” The title of that piece was “The Retreat of the Five,” which called out five students for leaving the college in favor of “parties and picnics” and urged other students to stay and make the most of their college experience. This type of reaching out is exactly why colleges need a student-run newspaper: to be the medium for all of us here on campus to communicate with each other and form solidarity among us. The paper lets everyone know that what we as students, faculty and staff do while we are here at TWU is important and worth talking about. Director of Media Relations Amanda Simpson has been
“The paper lets everyone know that what we as students, faculty and staff do while we are here at TWU is important and worth talking about.” – Sarah de Schweinitz, Reporter for The Lasso
Above: The Lasso was completely funded by advertisements. The staff designed the ads with skills gained from their classes.
working for TWU for nine years now and told me she reads The Lasso every week, cover to cover. I asked her what sort of valuable information she as a staff member gets from The Lasso. She said: “In my opinion, The Lasso is one of the most critical sources of news for TWU students and the TWU community in general. One of the best parts of my job is to share amazing stories about our students with the public. By reading The Lasso, I often can find out about these students. In addition, I am able to discover issues that I need to be aware of in order to be effective as the media liaison for the university. For staff in general, The Lasso is an indicator of what is on the mind of students, what they care about and how we can serve them better. It is the student voice on campus and can provide a valuable service in ensuring that students are heard. In addition, issues and events covered by the paper show what is on the students’ minds and what is important to them.” So what do students care
Letter from the Editor:
Ink, sweat, tears: The Lasso’s production through our eyes The Editor-in-Chief of The Lasso describes a typical press night
Photo by Alex Ancira
Shelby Baker Editor-in-Chief sbaker3@twu.edu There are a lot of things I could say about The Lasso. I could tell you how The Lasso has left a legacy or that print won’t die and that we will be here for 100 more years. But I’m not going to do that. Instead, this is about what we, The Lasso staff, go through every Tuesday night. Before we start, I want to make it clear that I love my job. The people I work with are my Lasso family, and I have cried in front of them. I get stressed over the paper, but I also become overjoyed when everything works out.
Before anything can be written, our managing editor spends hours searching the internet and picking the staffs’ brains for anything that could be a story. Sometimes it’s an easy news week — something important is happening every day — but more often, he curses whatever website he is on that disappoints him once again. Eventually, the story assignments are made, put together in the story budget and distributed to all the staff members. Each story has a page it will be on, who is writing it, whether it has photographs or graphics, and occasionally how to get in touch with a source. Everyone writes. Everyone does interviews, researches and builds the story, no matter their position on the staff. We operate on a small staff, with no journalism program to support or help us. Sometimes our stories don’t come in on time. Sometimes we don’t have the art or graphics we need. When we write, the staff runs into problems that can’t be fixed, and the story is dropped. Deadlines come and go. But somehow we always make it through to print. Every Tuesday night, the copy editors, page editors, advisor, managing editor and I dedicate our entire day and evening to the paper. We work in Adobe
InDesign and build each page from scratch. Every page is rearranged at least three times before settling on a layout. As content comes in and is placed, each page is printed off multiple times for the copy editors to read over and over. Sometimes they have to rewrite a story — and even with all of that work, mistakes still happen. People hop on and off computers, taking turns making corrections. Everyone is needed everywhere, and my attention is divided between three different problems. In my three years here, there were nights I didn’t leave the newsroom until 2 a.m. The process never ends because before the next issue is out, the staff is already preparing for the next two or three issues. People don’t respond. People don’t care. Some people don’t even know that we exist. But that makes every praise, every comment on an article and every negative email worth all the effort because our work was acknowledged. Every issue we print is filled with all of our stress, our hard work and sometimes our tears. Working at The Lasso can be a thankless job, and often is, but that doesn’t matter. We are proud of our newspaper. –30–
Graphic by Toi Ferguson
about? While looking through the years of Lasso issues, I found that what is important to students is not only on-campus happenings such as parking problems and “squirrels hav[ing] run of campus” in 1977 but also American and international news. In 195253, The Daily Lass-O was overrun with Camel cigarette ads but also had important content with stories titled “83rd Congress Has Record of 12 Women” and “Girls Approve Atomic Tests.” In 198990, The Lass-O covered a number of important events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Exxon Valdez oil spill, published an opinion piece on the Revolutionary Communist Youth Brigade member who sparked major controversy by burning the American flag in 1984, Gregory Johnson, and informed students on the $18 million AIDS bill passed by Congress. The Lasso has received recognition from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association over the years,
including Honorable Mention for Best in Show, Overall Excellence Newspaper Division Two and most recently, Honorable Mention for Four-Year Weekly Newspaper of the Year from the College Media Association. Notable past editors of The Lasso are Caro Crawford Brown, ‘28, who was the first female journalist to ever win a Pulitzer Prize in 1955 for “distinguished local reporting on a deadline” for The Alice Daily Echo in South Texas and Stacie Walker, ‘91, former national news editor for Newsday, who also won a Pulitzer Prize during her tenure there. A quote from the front page of the very first issue still rings true after 100 years of going strong and will continue for years to come: “Permit Us to Say: Long Live the Lass-O.”
Community | Events
Journalist and CNN host Lisa Ling comes to campus As part of ‘Women in Media’ and CCLC, Lisa Ling spoke at the Denton campus Tiffany Lam Copy Editor tlam6@twu.edu Journalist, writer and host of the documentary series “This is Life” Lisa Ling gave a keynote speech at TWU as part of the Cultural Connections Leadership Conference. In time for the celebration of The Lasso’s 100th anniversary, Ling’s speech touched upon the importance of journalism in paving the future. Ling herself has been involved in journalism since she was just 16 years old and host of nationally syndicated teen magazine Scratch. Two years later found her as a reporter and anchor for Channel One News, whose mission, according to their website, is “to encourage students to be informed, digitally-savvy global citizens.” Her illustrious career includes being co-host of “The View,” hosting “National Geographic Explorer,” being the “Oprah Show Investigative Reporter,” starring in the award winning documentary “Planet in Peril,” hosting “Our America With Lisa Ling,” and, most recently, “This is Life with Lisa
Ling.” “This is Life with Lisa Ling” began airing on Sept. 28 this year and will conclude on Nov. 16 after eight episodes. Upon its conclusion, the documentary series will have covered such topics as drug addiction, sugar daddies and sugar babies, and the gay rodeo scene. More than just an extensive resume, Ling has made her mark in history as an international journalist. The years have found her delving into numerous countries and telling their stories, from bride burning in India to the civil wars in Albania to the refugee crisis in Kosovo. Ling has even glimpsed inside North Korea as a National Geographic correspondent. The subsequent documentary “Inside North Korea” was released in 2007. To say that Ling’s career has been illustrious would be an understatement. Her journalistic journey is an inspiration to those aspiring to affect a positive change in the world one truth at a time.
Community
twulasso.com
Friday, November 7, 2014
Denton Campus | Art classes
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Denton Campus | SGA
Art appreciated: Union hosts student art classes SGA stirs up
Student Union offers art classes throughout the fall semester Sarah de Schweinitz Reporter sdeschweinitz@twu.edu Art classes can be taken by anyone — from aspiring professional artists to people seeking a new hobby to those who just want to relax. The Student Union at TWU is offering two art classes this November that are a one-time commitment and open to the community. The first class, Beginning Drawing Class, is on Nov. 12
and will be taught by owner of Wildflower Art Studio in Denton Emile Stewart. The class will go from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and will consist of all the basics needed for drawing. There is a $5 enrollment fee for students and guests, and pre-registration online is required. Since there is a 25 person maximum enrollment, those interested should register as soon as possible in order to secure a spot. Painting at the U will be held on Nov. 13 in SU 110 from
7-9 p.m. Under the guidance of instructor Erica Moghtader, students will pick one out of three images and then paint their own version. Preregistration and a $5 fee for students and guests are also required. This will be the third Painting at the U class of the semester, and it is TWU’s version of the popular “Painting with a Twist,” located in Denton and other areas in the Metroplex. Both classes can be paid for
by cash, credit card or check delivered to SU 209. Payment is also accepted over the phone at 940-898-3641. For more information or to register, visit the Student Union Events page at http://www. twu.edu/student-union/events. asp or contact Student Union Programming Coordinator Lauren Meyer at lmeyer3@twu.edu or 940-898-3623.
Local | Halloween
Town goes trunk-or-treating off the Square
Students and locals come out en masse to Denton’s historic square to enjoy Halloween Alex Ancira Managing Editor aancira@twu.edu A Denton tradition returned for another year as the community waltzed up and down the historic Square to trickor-treat, eat candy and enjoy a costumed carnival of local residents, students and community business members. Participating businesses on the Square, over 50 in total according to The Denton Record-Chronicle, handed candy out to passersby and children accompanied by adults. Photos below are from the
Trunk-or-Treating event held by The Bridge Church and the Denton County Historical Park at 317 W. Mulberry St. People came out to grab candy, play games and engage in a costume contest. Photos are credited to Lasso Photographer Tammi Paul, who may be contacted at tpaul1@ twu.edu.
Check out more photos from the festivities online at www.twulasso.com
Photo by Tammi Paul
Above: Multiple community fixtures participate in the Trunk-or-Treat activity off of Mulberry Street. The Denton Fire Department is one of the many to come and pass out candy from one of their fire engines. Photo by Tammi Paul
Above: Costumes range from simple, homemade concepts to store-bought ensembles to witty or creative pieces. The Headless Horseman pictured is currently playing a ball tossing game.
interest in meetings
SGA President Landon Dickerson speaks about student involvement Savannah Peer Copy Editor speer@twu.edu The Student Government Association holds interest meetings each year that are meant to be informative to the students interested in being a future member. According to the president of SGA Landon Dickerson: “The meetings provide interested students the opportunity to make an informed decision about whether or not they should run for a position within SGA. The meetings seem to be effective being that some students have joined SGA after attending the interest meetings.” Benefits of being involved with SGA include leadership experience, being part of a team, rewarded with a stipend, and an addition on your resume. The Nov. 4 interest meeting included topics such as basic information, GPA requirements, responsibilities for each position and ways to keep up with future events. SGA knows that not everyone was able to make it to the Nov. 4 meeting, so they have accommodated for those who are interested and set three other meeting times which will be held in the Student Union. The next two upcoming will be on Nov. 11 and Nov. 17 in the SU 110. The last meeting will be held on Nov. 19 in the SU 113. The meetings will be held from 5-7 p.m. These meetings will also include information on the above listed topics. Each school year acquires different events; however, Dickerson said: “Despite what takes place during a particular school year, SGA will always uphold the mission of being the voice of the students.” For more information please visit the TWU SGA, Denton Facebook page, or you can contact SGA Public Relations Coordinator Octavia Brown through her email obrown1@twu. edu.
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Sports
Friday, November 7, 2014
Soccer closes season with loss Continued from pg. 1
twulasso.com
Sports | Volleyball
Pioneers extend winning streak to 8 straight Volleyball enters the tail end of the season with a hot streak Monica Alcaraz Reporter malcaraz@twu.edu
Photo courtesy of TWU Athletics
Above: Emily Davila (#11), Allison Rupp (#19), Erin Bollinger (#7) and Candice Davies (#10) are the four seniors on this year’s roster.
We played well but did not execute well in the final third. We gave up a tough goal on a rebound. Morrison made a great save on the first shot. The girls need to be proud of what they did this season. We had a winning season, broke school records and beat two top-25 teams.” The Pioneers’ seniors — Bolinger, forward Candice Davies, forward Emily Davila and midfielder Allison Rupp — ended their time on the team with
this game, having scored seven goals and assisted with 10 over the course of the season. The Pioneers won four more games this season than last season, with a 9–8–1 record overall and a 3–6–1 record in the Lone Star Conference. Because of the two most recent losses, the team was unable to enter the LSC Championship. Abouzar related: “It’s frustrating because we were so close, but as a team, we’re
“The girls need to be proud of what they did this season. We had a winning season, broke school records and beat two top-25 teams.” - Babak Abouzar, soccer head coach
going to regroup and get ready for next year.” He said of the soccer season: “It went okay. We reached some of our goals and expectations for this season, but we didn’t reach all of them. We had a winning streak, and we beat two nationally ranked teams. Every single game we were competitive and had a chance of winning, so that’s been a plus this season.” Over the course of the season, numerous Pioneer players have distinguished themselves on the field. Sophomore forward Natalia Diaz led the team with 10 goals this season, followed by sophomore midfielder Gabrielle Larson with six goals and sophomore forward Nancy Chavez with four goals. Davies and Davila scored three goals each while freshman midfielder Megan Coppedge, junior defender Madison
Purdy, and freshman midfielder Rachel Rupp scored two goals a piece. Playing as the goalkeeper for a majority of the season, Morrison blocked over 80 attempts on the Pioneers’ goal. Occasional substitute sophomore Mary Heidt blocked three during her brief time in the net, which helped the Pioneers gain the upper hand. Additionally, when the Pioneers were outshot by their opponents, the defense team — Bolinger, Purdy and juniors Bobbie Gutierrez and Ryleigh Spivey — helped to prevent a majority of those shots from becoming goals. The Lasso staff would like to take the time both to congratulate the Pioneer soccer team on improving its record this season and to wish the team good luck in preparing for the next season.
Thursday, Oct. 29, Pioneers ventured north of the Texas border into Durant, Oklahoma, to hold on for a five-set win against Southern Oklahoma State. Within this game, first-year middle blocker Elizabeth Pennington procured a game high of 20 kills and led three other TWU players in double-digit kills, with TWU extending their winning streak to eight games. The first two games began with the Pioneers in the lead, but within the fifth set the team was forced to rally a 25-19, 25-18, 23-25, 20-25 and 17-15 win. In the third and fourth sets, the Pioneers fell behind, but not by much. Neither team throughout the third set led by more than two points. It was on a service and attack error by the Pioneers to capture the set that Southern Oklahoma scored. The fourth set consisted of hitting errors by the Pioneers, which set them back. But it was in the final set that the Pioneers closed out the game on a service ace by Pennington and a kill by sophomore outside hitter Kuechle. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Kitty Magee Arena — the final home game
of the 2014 season — five members of the TWU Volleyball team were honored with a Senior Day ceremony: libero Morgan Wilson, outside hitter Kelci Lind, outside hitter Katelyn Barnett, outside hitter Jaqueline Santos and student assistant Kayla Rivero. This ceremony occurred before the Pioneer game against Texas A&M-Kingsville. This was the third consecutive win for the Pioneers, which in turn improved the team’s record to 18-7 this season and 11-3 in the Lone Star Conference. At this home game, the Pioneers defeated Texas A&M-Kingsville, 28-30, 25-17, 21-25, 25-17 and 16-14. The first set consisted of a lot of back and forth with 11 lead changes and 18 ties. But the Javelinas took the set with three straight points after at first trailing by one point. The Javelinas also took the third set with a lead from start to finish and a 2-1 lead. The remaining three sets belonged to the Pioneers with strong players taking the lead and resulting in a successful win on Senior Day. With the final home game at a close, the TWU volleyball team will soon be on the road again to close out the regular season. The next away game is in Canyon, Texas, against West Texas A&M on Friday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.