The L asso On the scene since 1914
Student-run newspaper | Never a dull moment
Wednesday, October 22, 2014 | Vol. 101, No. 23
Local | Halloween Attractions
Dark Path torments Dentonites Ghosts and gouls don’t compare to the haunt that plays on the Denton legend of Goatman’s Bridge Matt Olson Reporter molson3@twu.edu
Photo courtesy of Dark Path Productions
Denton’s newest haunted attraction The Dark Path Haunt seeks to scare the living daylights out of its visitors. Seven owners manage the place while 30 volunteers work its events, and their effort has been noted: the Haunt has received rave reviews from visitors and has found itself on CBS Dallas/ Fort Worth’s “Best Haunted Houses in DFW” list. With the Haunt’s slogan “Choose your path,” attendees are encouraged to take part in its three adventures: a terrifying stroll through the woods in The Dark Path Haunt, a zombie-infested shootout in Final Fight and Old Alton Halloween, a traditional Halloween experience for children that doubles as a charity fundraiser. The Haunt is located in the wooded area near Old Alton Bridge, also referred to as “The Goat Man’s Bridge.” According to local legend, the “Goat Man” was Oscar
Washburn, a black goat farmer who lived near Old Alton Bridge in the early 1900s. Presumably white supremacists took issue with his success, and he was viciously attacked and hung over the side of the bridge. Some people say that when he was hung, he lost his head, and his ghost has since replaced the missing head with a goat’s head. Other people have claimed to see lit lanterns floating through the woods. The Haunt has several elements that can be tied to the Goat Man legends, including the remains of a home which may or may not have belonged to the legendary figure. Site co-owner Richard Hancock related: “We did find some barbed wire that was growing into these oak trees that grow very slow that had to have been there over 100 years ago. ...
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Denton | UNT Football
Denton’s second annual TWU, UNT tailgate Geezerpalooza Festival Students from both campuses come out to Apogee Stadium for UNT football Emily Nickles Page Editor enickles@twu.edu Somewhere on the map of Texas covered with intersecting lines representing the dirt roads, tar and concrete highways of the state, lies a town called Denton. Denton is just like any rural town turned suburbia: old town square, rich history and quickly emerging modern commerce. If it weren’t for the two colleges lying at the center of the city, it wouldn’t be surprising if the town simply faded away. The blessing of being a college town means the population is always flowing in and out. It allows for growth,
but there’s no fear of becoming a massive power house like Dallas, and locals get to keep their roots. Despite the fact that the two universities are less than two miles away doesn’t change the fact that there is a separation. While most TWU students have visited the UNT campus because bookstores like Voertman’s and an IHOP are down the way, it doesn’t seem likely that UNT students have a reason to visit our little scenic cove off of University Drive. All the more reason for the new partnership between UNT and TWU to develop and evolve.
Photography by Tammi Paul
Above: Brian Harris performs at Geezerpalooza with the Allmost Brothers, a feature band covering the Allman Brothers. He also played with the Queen cover band.
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Dallas nursing students moved per official hospital decision
TWU student emphasizes awareness, not fear INSIDE THIS ISSUE Opinions
Political Spending.......................2
News
University Bonds.........................3
Community
Life as a Pioneer Ambassador.....4
Sports
Soccer scores again..................5
Arts & Entertainment
Viet Bites food review..................6
Sarah de Schweinitz Reporter sdeschweinitz@twu.edu It’s all we have been hearing about lately: Ebola. It has been about three weeks since the death of Thomas Eric Duncan, the first man to die from Ebola in the U.S., and the quarantine of about forty people who came into contact with him. The
good news is that as of Monday morning of most of those quarantined have come off the “watch list.” Dallas is now seen as posing “zero-risk,” according to a report by NBC News. Two of the nurses who came into contact with Duncan, Amber Vinson and Nina Pham, contracted the disease, but both are still alive. Vinson is in stable condition at a
hospital in Atlanta, and Pham is in fair condition in Maryland, according to ABC News. Because of the risks posed, the Texas health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas decided to let go of all its “non-essential personnel,” and in that group were TWU nursing students doing their clinicals in Dallas. The hospital informed TWU of the needed reassignments on
Oct. 12. In a statement issued by Chancellor and President Dr. Carine Feyten, she assured that no TWU students came into contact with anyone infected with the virus or any of the health care workers who were exposed. There were about ninety students relocated.
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Opinions
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
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Opinion | Health
Opinion | Social Media
While you were freaking out about Ebola, life went on. The world kept spinning, events kept happening, and people suffered from much bigger problems.
helps and hinders
Meanwhile, everywhere else Social media Alex Ancira Managing Editor aancira@twu.edu Alright Pioneers, I’m here to talk to you about Ebola. This will mark the fourth time I’ve mentioned Ebola this week … at work. At some point, we’ve beaten a sick horse to death, and that time was probably somewhere between Sunday and Wednesday last week. So let’s talk about Ebola in the context of why you should be reading about and talking about so many other things that are equally as important, if not more so. In case you still have a hankering for virus and disease news, have you heard about Enterovirus D68? According to the Centers for Disease Control (or, to use the name you’ve begun to call them, “The Ebola Information Dispatcher”), EV-D68 is one of 100 non-polio viruses. Light symptoms include “fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches.” Contractors of the virus might also notice wheezing, and difficulties breathing. Recent cases in late September and early
October in Colorado have shown polio-like signs of paralysis and muscle weakness. Of the eight paralysis victims (all children), four of them were also diagnosed with EV-D68. This also compounds with a report of an EV-D68 outbreak in California earlier this year with signs of infected peoples displaying paralysis. That’s already more EV-D68 affected Americans than anyone on American soil who could even have Ebola combined. Oh, never mind what I just said, go put that tinfoil hat on with your face mask to protect from the “airborne Ebola.” If you’re more in the mood to hear about foreign affairs, well, the world kept turning, that’s for sure. Hong Kong has faced protests for over a month as a sign of civilian pro-democracy sentiments. That’s right, all you over overly-frightened readers out there, China — or at the least parts of it — may be closer than ever to reaching a democratic state. Weren’t all of you so, so terrified of the evil, oppressive Chinese government for the past 10 years? But you aren’t even listening because Anderson Cooper
“What boggles my mind is that Social media isn’t all it seems to be even other American events Emily Nickles very little effort, which have fallen to the wayside. You Page Editor rewires the brain to expect guys do realize that protests enickles@twu.edu this stimulation. This is like training the brain to are still happening in Ferguson, Tech revolution. Those need constant neurological right?” are the two words that interaction, which is why - Alex Ancira, Lasso Managing Editor
is talking about Ebola on CNN again. And who am I kidding? Most Americans don’t much care about an issue unless it is going down stateside. China’s problems with a communist, totalitarian government, missing hikers in the Himalayas and ISIS’s reign of terror in the Middle East mean nothing when a few people may have Ebola on U.S. soil. What boggles my mind is that even other American events have fallen to the wayside. You guys do realize that protests are still happening in Ferguson, right? Or that police are investigating an alleged long-time serial killer and convicted rapist who moved from Austin back to Indiana? Oh, that’s right, I forgot that you were only paying attention to that virus the past few
weeks. The world never revolves around one issue or problem — it never has historically, and it never will in the future. When the American colonists were fighting for independence, other things were going on in Eastern Asia, Africa, Europe and even in England. So it stands that even as you read these words, there are a dozen other problems cropping up that are just as important as Ebola, both here in the community (hint hint: fracking ban voting) and elsewhere. Paying attention to one problem solely will not make that problem go away any faster; it only makes you look like a moron for pretending the world stopped turning.
Opinion | Politics
Turning back on promises Democrats now playing the political money game to stay in the race Matt Olson Reporter molson3@twu.edu Nobody likes a hypocrite. Hypocrites are unfit to govern their own lives, let alone the lives of others. While both major political parties in the U.S. can be accused of hypocrisy, the Democrats have lately had a hard time keeping in line with their rhetoric. Democratic candidates lament the state of politics, in which votes can be bought and sold using the careful allocation of money, but the party itself has raised and spent more than the Republican Party in its bid for the 2014 midterm elections. They also continue to ask for money from previous donors in increasingly urgent emails that claim the party
risks falling short of its goals. If you ask me, this disconnect would seem to be the very definition of hypocrisy. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling on Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, a move which allowed donors and organizations to contribute to the parties without spending limits, outside influence on politics has run rampant. No longer are lobbyists the biggest influence on politicians; political action committees, PACs or super-PACs, can influence the outcome of elections solely through raising and spending money. The Democratic Party was hit hard by this development, and in the subsequent election seasons, they have been outraised and outspent
by Republicans. The tables have now turned, and the Democrats have raised and spent millions of dollars more than their opponents. However, their stance against monetary influence on politics remains the same and, now, rings false. In emails and through phone calls, the party continues to ask its supporters for additional money. The Democratic Party and liberals in general have run on the platform that they actually care about the world and the people in it, unlike the Republican Party, which only cares about its narrow view of the world and the people who look like they belong in it. However, with this new shade of hypocrisy coloring their actions, the Democrats seem as if they may simply
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
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Tammi Paul • tpaul1@twu.edu
be taking advantage of the very people they claim to care for. The Democratic Party may realize that money must be raised and spent in order to make significant political gains, and they may be raising and spending money in order to play the political money game. If they win enough seats in Congress and the House of Representatives, then they may be able to change the ways in which politics are run. This speculation, however, is not necessarily reflective of the Democrats’ actual motivations, as no candidates have announced their plans to change the ways in which politics and political actions occur.
seem to permeate the description of the 21st century. I don’t deny it. In fact, I couldn’t agree more. Any child that grew up in the ‘90s can see the difference between what we were born into and what the world has grown to be. How does one reconcile the vast difference between the technology that we had growing up versus the constant onslaught of LED screens and moving pictures? The times are different. I can understand how the older population looks upon us in disgust as we are engrossed in social media, when family time becomes a group of people staring at their phones and laughing at Tumblr or Facebook posts. Most children don’t play outside anymore. I drive down my neighborhood streets every day, and all the doors are barred shut, no welcoming faces or children playing on the lawn. I want to say that social media has changed things for the better, but I’m not so sure I can concede to that. I think there are incredible commerce opportunities and more available markets because of it, but it’s another place where businesses are in control. Right now, companies such as Verizon and AT&T are trying to take away free and equal internet access. What if those big shot institutions win? To keep a balance of positive and negative, free access to information online is vital. Otherwise, why bother? Social media sites, such as Twitter, Instagram, Vine, YouTube and even the dreaded Myspace, do more than just connect people, they change the way we think. According to AsapSCIENCE, people who use social media are often unable to regulate how much time they spend online. Scans of the brain in a study revealed that the areas highlighted were similar to those activated by substance addictions such as drugs and alcohol. Social media is also instantly gratifying with
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. 23
the U.S. seems to be facing a nationwide Attention Deficit Disorder epidemic. Unlike what the myths suggest, studies have also proven that “multi-tasking” online actually decreases the ability to filter important information and recall. Not only are there neurological aspects, but psychological. There are a lot of added social pressures that come with media venues in a way that increases the pressures we face day-to-day in real life. In social media, most people will attempt to be portrayed in the best way possible because not only are friends watching what they post, but also acquaintances and even complete strangers. It is easier on social media for people to simply judge others based on appearance or a few inconspicuous posts than it is in real life where personality and characteristics are more apparent. People of all ages feel pressured to choose clothes, lighting, friends, location, food, quotes, etc. that look the best. That’s quite a bit of pressure when no matter what there will be people who won’t approve. I personally don’t see enough positive attributes to social media, other than those related to professional use, to continue to participate without considering the impact social media may have in my life. Two years ago, I experienced the depressive side of social media as a result of struggling to adhere to social pressures online. I deleted my Facebook to give myself some space from the noise. Now I am better able to navigate my time and space online without paying much attention to needless information thrown at me, and I created a new Facebook that I use mostly for school interaction. Part of overcoming the negative side of media may include becoming aware of the way it affects us, as has been my experience. All social media doesn’t have to be bad.
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News
According to Director of Media Relations at TWU Amanda Simpson the students will not be expected to return to the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas for their clinicals this semester because they were successfully relocated. Health care worker and senior at TWU Michael Duplanty reached out to The Lasso with the intent of making sure TWU students get accurate and useful information about the Ebola virus. As a student, he stated that he has been affected by the local cases of Ebola the most. “For me, it has renewed my commitment to infection control and patient care and allowed me to appreciate the resources I have access to as student,” Duplanty said. Sharing his perspective on the situation, Duplanty said: “I feel that through education and collaboration, we can move forward with understanding this disease and preventing the spread of
Campus Blotter
symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, vomiting and unexplained bleeding or bruising. On average, it takes about eight to 10 days for symptoms to show, but they may appear as early as two and as late as 21 days after exposure. This doesn’t mean we all have to be deathly afraid to go outside — just aware. The TWU Counseling Center has picked up on the fact that some may feel fearful about Ebola and have provided some tips for managing anxiety. Some of the key points made are to scrutinize and limit news reports that are hyper-paranoid and seem to be written to induce fear, to go about your daily routine, and to educate yourself on the precautions that can be taken and facts about the disease. For more information, students can call the Counseling Center at 940-898-3801 for more information and support.
Panel discussion of the Berlin Wall Sarah de Schweinitz Reporter sdeschweinitz@twu.edu
Tiffany Lam Copy Editor tlam6@twu.edu Tomorrow from 5:308:30 p.m., the Student Union is hosting Boo at the U. Admission is free and open to the community. The list of attractions include a train ride, three different inflatables (Obstacle Under the Sea, Enchanted Forest and Puff ’s Magic Fun House), 10 carnival games, Trunkor-Treat cars, a haunted house in SU 207 and a haunted carriage ride, zombies included. Boo at the U is one of TWU’s biggest community outreach programs and has been in place for over 15 years, though it didn’t get its current name until 2007. Programming Coordinator for the Student Union Lauren
Meyer said: “This event usually has about 3,000 participants, the majority of which are children and families.” The fall festival is meant to be a safe place for children to have fun. Meyer added: “This is really a university-wide event in support of the community.” Assisting with the festival are approximately 50 student organizations. For students who are looking to get involved, Meyer stated that candy donations would be accepted until noon tomorrow, and attendees are encouraged to bring one canned good to benefit the TWU Food Pantry in lieu of an admission fee. For more information, visit the Student Union events webpage at http:// w w w. t w u . e d u / s t u d e n t union/events.asp.
Due to the number of improvements needed to the Denton campus, TWU has discussed the possibility of opening up $100 million in bonds to fund construction projects. TWU would issue a municipal bond, which is an investment in which a local or state government sells the bond to an investor. After a number of years for bond maturation, the investor would be repaid in full with interest. Municipal bonds are exempt from federal, state and local income taxes if you live in the issuing municipality — in this case, Texas. The university is considering issuing bonds due to the need for $231 million, as estimated in 2012, needed for expansion plans. These plans include the satellite utility plant, part of the science and technology center, as well as the long
awaited Student Union. While nothing is set in stone, these plans will be proposed at the November Board of Regents meeting in the next few weeks. Bond rating is similar in a way to credit score. How high or low a bond rating is impacts the interest paid on the bond. According to Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Brenda Floyd in an interview with the Denton Record Chronicle, TWU has a good bond rating which means interest will be relatively low. Also, the amount of money in bonds that the university is looking at will not have a negative impact on the bond rating or tuition and fees. The reason that bonds are an option is that they can be used in the relatively near future without putting all of the payment on student fees. TWU relies on tuition and fees as funding, but has reached a point in growth that the cabinet must
look to other income sources. Municipal bonds are issued to raise money for public projects like maintenance of state schools. Also on the project table for the BOR meeting will be a parking garage, renovations to the interior of the Old Main Building and another residence hall. These, however, would not be paid for through bonds, and would either be paid for with cash or through alternative funding. For example, talks between private firms and TWU are taking place regarding the building of a new residence hall with a parking garage dependent on its approval. TWU is actively seeking and considering alternative and unconventional funding for projects labeled with high need. Issuing bonds is one method, but nothing has been decided yet. Nothing will happen until the BOR meet in November.
Interested in being the Editor-inChief for TWU’s literary journal, The Daedalian? Contact The Lasso at Lasso@twu.edu for more information and an application! TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY
Cultural Connections Leadership Conference No v e m b e r 6 - 8 , 2 014 i n Hu b b a r d H a l l
Registration Cost TWU Student $10 TWU Faculty/Staff $15 Non-TWU Participant $30
Lisa Ling
To register & for more information, please visit
www.twu.edu/intercultural-services/conference.asp
Follow CCLC: @twucclc twucclc TWU Cultural Connections Leadership Conference
Jason Connell
Deborah Deras
Contact OIS at 940-898-3679 or intercultural@twu.edu
oman’s Uni v W
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Boo at the U
Shelby Baker Editor-in-Chief sbaker3@twu.edu
sity er
On Monday, Oct. 27, there will be a panel discussion held at TWU from 1 to 2:20 p.m. in the southeast dining room in Hubbard Hall about the fall of the Berlin Wall nearly a quarter of a century ago in November 1989. The discussion will be hosted by the TWU Department of History and Government and is free to all students. The purpose of the discussion is to examine the long-term significance of the reunification of Germany. When the wall was built in 1961, it had separated Germans physically as well as ideologically for 28 years and even some time after the travel ban was lifted. It actually took 11 months after the fall before Germany was officially unified. Chair of History and Government Department Dr. Jonathon Olsen was in Germany around the time the wall fell and recalled
that even weeks afterwards people were still out chipping away at the wall. Olsen said he would like to see TWU students present at the panel discussion in order to gain a better understanding of how this changed Europe. “This was one of the defining moments of the twentieth century,” Olsen said. “It would be good for TWU students to have a historical perspective on what exactly happened, what the wall was and what the division of Germany actually was.” The implications of the fall were far-reaching. “If you want to understand Europe today,” Olsen added, “if you want to understand Germany today, if you want to understand Russia and the U.S. and those tensions, you have to know something about this history.” For more information on the panel, visit http://www. twu.edu/global/events-calendar.asp. If you are interested in presenting at the panel, call the history and government department at 940-898-2133.
Board of Regents considers new options for funding
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Credit Card Abuse On Oct. 7, police were called regarding an incident of credit card abuse at a location off Bell Avenue. No arrest was made. Hit and Run A Hit and Run was reported on Oct. 7. off Oakland Street. Damage to property was affirmed, but no personal injury. Suspicious Odor A call was made to campus DPS reporting a suspicious oder coming from Clubhouse Drive on Oct. 8. There was no further report on the issue. Harrassment On Oct. 9, a call was made regarding the harrassment of a resident at Salem Ridge Apartments off of Londenderry Lane. No arrest was made. Trespass An arrest was made on the basis of trespass on Oct. 9 at a residency on Chapel Dr. The arrestee was charged with trespassing that day, no further information was supplied. Overdose A report of an overdose caused by an unknown source was made from Jones Hall on Oct. 13. There was no charge, arrest, or log of personal injury. Warrant Arrest A citizen was arrested on warrant off North Bell Avenue on Oct. 14. The reason or cause of the arrest is unknown. Student Warrant On Oct. 16, a student was arrested on warrant off of North Austin Street at the Austin Place Apartments. The incentive for the arrest is unknown. Assault An assualt under classification CBI-FV was reported at Stark residence hall off Bell Avenue. CBI-FV stands for causing bodily injury-family violence. An arrest was made as a result of this incident. Damaged Property On Oct. 16, a report of damaged property was made at the Multipurpose Classroom Labratory lot.
the virus. I also feel that those who have been diagnosed with the Ebola virus deserve the best care and treatment available, and this involves the continuing education of health care workers and surrounding communities. The arrival of the virus to our country has elevated our awareness of this global outbreak, and personally I feel the need to contribute to the conversation and share my experience as a student and health care worker.” Here are the facts as provided by the Centers for Disease Control: The Ebola virus is spread through direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with bodily fluids (such as sweat, urine, semen, saliva, blood, feces and breast milk) of an infected person, objects that have been contaminated and infected animals. The virus is not spread through air, water or food. The people with the highest risk of contracting the virus are health care workers because of close contact. Key signs and
TWU explores selling bonds
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Students | News
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Nursing students relocated
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
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Am I Deaf or hard of hearing?
Yelling doesn’t help! Speak naturally! October is Disability Awareness Month 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
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Dark Path Haunt at Goatman’s Bridge Continued from pg. 1
The height of the barbed wire — you wouldn’t use it for cattle. It’d be more for goats or a smaller type animal, so we can’t confirm that this was his property, but a lot of people do believe it. As far as legends go, it’s basically all word-of-mouth anyway.” Despite the area’s history, the Haunt’s proprietors are not looking to exploit tragedy. Hancock stated: “We’re not out here to disturb the spirits or anything like that. We just want to give people a good time.” The Haunt involves a walk through the woods in which the Dark Path Haunt crew has set up numerous scenes and points at which to scare patrons, with horrors ranging from murders to cannibalism to zombies and beyond. When asked to describe the Haunt, Hancock related: “The Haunt’s not recommended for anyone under 13.” Jokingly, he added: “Actually, I wouldn’t recommend this for anybody because we’re that scary.” Set builder and designer Christopher Maples shared: “Some of our actors and our make-up artists have done professional movies, so when [visitors] are coming out here, they’re actually seeing something spooky, not something that was just thrown together real quick. We have to go out there for set dressing; we have to go out there for airbrush [and effects] work. Some of
our costumes are outlandishly priced, but it’s worth it because it brings the scares and makes it more realistic.” Referring to the gruesome set, replete with horror decorum and special effects body parts, where volunteer actor Matthew Baird reigns as a murderous redneck cannibal, Hancock said: “There is just a nightmare going on right here.” Baird added: “This is my spot, my home. The whole time I’m here, I just think of ‘The Hills Have Eyes.’ Redneck meets Leatherface, the best way to describe it. And what’s cool is I have multiple scare points over here. It’s not just me by myself. I have somebody back over here doing something, somebody in there doing something, so you don’t know where it’s coming from.” He continued: “I’ve seen grown men fall on top of each other. We’re not here just to scare you. We’re here to scare you. We want you to run out of here. We want you to freak out. That’s what the experience is all about. It’s like going to a movie, a real horror movie, but you’re actually in the movie.” The organizers behind the Haunt did not want to provide the same thrills — or lack thereof — that attendees could find at other haunted attractions, including long lines that deflate scares and urbanized environments where many
attractions are located. Hancock said: “On average, it’s about 20 to 25 minutes for a group to get through. We’re doing pretty good with letting our actors reset, sit down, and get a drink of water before the next group comes through because we don’t want one group to catch up with the next group, so we have to space it. We can fit about 450 people per night. If we’re at capacity, sorry, you didn’t get here early enough.” He continued by adding: “I want people to be able to walk up and say, ‘Hey, are we in the right place here?’ And the only reason they know that they are is because they hear screams coming out of the woods, these deep, dark, crazy-looking woods. I mean, I don’t know how many people chickened out in the ticket lines before they buy the tickets.” Final Fight involves a laser tag event with zombies. Groups of two to four people go into the woods to retrieve supplies from a tent while shooting at volunteers in zombie make-up. The weapons are realistic, the same type used by SWAT in training exercises, and attendees must contend with limited ammunition while attempting to shoot the zombies in the head. Describing Final Fight, Hancock related: “With ‘Final Fight,’ you get to be the aggressor instead of the monsters being the aggressor to you. It reverses
Photo by Tammi Paul
Above: One of the many characters intended to terrify visitors lurks out of the foliage. Dark Path Haunt is not for the faint of heart.
the roles, so that’s fun for people, and they love it ... If I had to sum it up in one word: intense.” Old Alton Halloween includes a pathway for children to walk with candy to pick up. Hancock said: “The kids’ event is basically for little kids who are basically too small to participate in our other activities.” Proceeds from Old Alton Halloween go directly to Businesses Supporting Heroes, a nonprofit
Campus | Health Activism
organization that seeks to offer financial assistance to police officers, firefighters, healthcare workers and army veterans. Hancock said of working the Haunt: “It’s a way of life, a passion. It’s epic. Every night, there’s something different.” Maples added: “It may be a business, but it’s also a family. We’ve all gotten to know one another, and we hang out with each other constantly.”
Hancock continued: “This is a compilation of everybody’s effort. We always ask each other, ‘Hey, what do you think about this? What do you think about that?’ We all just talk about our favorite scary movies, what we like and what we don’t like. This has really morphed into something very different than anything else we’ve ever seen in DFW. We’re happy with the product.”
Campus | Jobs
Athletics “Think Pink” for breast cancer Ambassador life TWU Soccer and Volleyball teams host Dig and Kick for the Cure Being a tour guide has its perks
Amanda Clark Page Editor aclark9@twu.edu This past weekend, the TWU Athletics Department stepped up to support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month through the Pioneer soccer and volleyball teams. On Saturday, the TWU volleyball team played Texas A&MCommerce in a game named “Dig for the Cure” to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. The team wore “Think Pink” shirts during pregame warmups, and these same shirts were on sale for $10 for anyone who wanted to purchase them at both the volleyball and soccer games. Pink ribbons were hung at the ends of the arena for every ace served by the Pioneers at the match. TWU Event Staff members were stationed at the arena exits asking people to donate one dollar for every ribbon hanging. Similar to “Dig for the Cure,” the TWU soccer Team played Midwestern State in a game on Sunday they named “Kick for the Cure.” The field lines were painted pink as well as different stencils done on the field of breast cancer awareness ribbons. In addition, the corner flags were pink. Pink ribbons were hung on the scoreboard for every corner kick the Pioneers took against the Mustangs, and TWU Event Staff was located at the field gates asking those attending to donate a dollar for every ribbon. The TWU coaching staff wore pink, and those attending the games this weekend were encouraged to wear
Amanda Clark Page Editor aclark9@twu.edu
Photo by Tammi Paul
Above: The volleyball team sported “Think Pink” T-shirts in their pre-game warmups this past Friday. “Think Pink” T-shirts were sold for $10 to spectators in order to raise more funds for Student Health Services.
pink as well. At both events the teams threw out mini pink volleyballs or soccer balls at the conclusion of the game. All the money donated and “Think Pink” T-shirt sales went to TWU Student Health Services to pay for mammograms for TWU students. At both games, SHS had a booth with information for information about breast cancer. In a press release, TWU Director of Athletics Chalese Connors said: “Raising breast cancer awareness is a very worthwhile cause. It’s important to our coaches and studentathletes that we do our part to help in the battle against this deadly disease.” For more information on special events hosted by the TWU Athletics Department, visit http:// www.twuathletics.com.
Photo by Tammi Paul
Above: Junior midfielder Kailey Tue gains posession of the ball in a game against Midwestern State University in the Pioneers’ game on Sunday afternoon.
I remember starting my first year of college with zero school pride and wondering often what in the world I was doing at TWU. Currently, as a junior, I have multiple TWU flags in my car at all times, a mini Pioneer Woman cut out, a Pioneer Woman dance move I whip out on the regular, and I adamantly encourage anyone I meet to attend our university. There are multiple factors that contribute to this new attitude, but a huge reason for my newfound love and school spirit is my job as a Pioneer Ambassador. Once a week, I have the privilege of giving a tour to prospective students. In addition to my weekly tour, I get to lead group tours and work weekend events that prospective students attend. I’m in my second year as an Ambassador, and even if I weren’t paid, I can confidently say that I would still want to do all the things I get to do with Ambassadors. President of TWU Ambassadors Chelzee Duty, who is on her final year of her undergraduate degree here at TWU, commented on how being an Ambassador the past two years has impacted her as a student: “TWU is more than just a school to me. This is my home. I know so much about everything here that it feels like I’ve been here much longer than four years. Just because we are a smaller school doesn’t mean we don’t have great academics and great school pride. We have the best of both worlds.” There is something so sweet in getting to talk about TWU week in and week out. It has fostered a deep love and appreciation for our university. Every tour I walk away more in love
with our campus and what it has to offer. It’s almost as if I convince myself to go to TWU every time I give a tour. Being an Ambassador is one of the best jobs I could have for this very reason and in addition, I get paid and my leadership qualities and opportunities are always increasing. Just the other day a TWU police officer gave someone directions and commented: “If I got paid a penny for every time someone gave me directions ...” I couldn’t help but smile and think: “I kind of do.” I get paid to talk about one of my favorite places and convince others to come here. I can’t imagine a better job to have while in school. Not only is it fun meeting new people, but it increases my love for the campus and the experience I am having here. In addition, every week, I practice public speaking, networking and leadership skills when I give a tour. Since becoming an Ambassdor, I have learned so much about the campus I didn’t know before and discovered different resources available to me as a student that have increased my success and enjoyment of my time here at TWU. Beyond personal benefits of being a tour guide on campus, I also get the opportunity to impact those that I give tours to. I love being able to step into the shoes of high school seniors or transferring students and alleviate even just a small portion of fear or stress they may have about college. Getting others excited about TWU makes me excited about TWU, and that’s more than enough for me when it comes to a satisfying job. For more information on Pioneer Ambassadors and how to become a Pioneer Ambassador, stop by the Admissions Office on the first floor of the ACT.
Sports
twulasso.com
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
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Season | Volleyball
TWU Volleyball keeps improving as season ends The Pioneers continue their winning streak as the season winds down nearing the Lone Star Conference Shelby Baker Editor-in-Chief sbaker3@twu.edu
Photo courtesy of TWU Athletics
This past week, the TWU Volleyball team swept up two more victories for the season against Dallas Baptist and Texas A&M-Commerce. On Oct. 15, the TWU volleyball team was victorious against Dallas Baptist 21-25, 25-16, 25-23, 16-25, and 15-12 in five set game. While this was not a conference game, it did put the Pioneers 13-7 for the season. In all five sets, the Pioneers fell behind by at least four points but were able to overcome that gap in the second, third and fifth sets. In the first set, TWU fell behind 7-3 starting the game but bounced back in
Sports | Football
TWU, UNT athletics partnership tailgate Continued from pg. 1 According to the TWU press release of Oct. 9, the university has been working on getting a partnership solidified with the UNT sports department since last year. The goal was to bring in support for the teams that wouldn’t coincide or conflict with existing teams at both universities. UNT, therefore, would support the Pioneers’ gymnastics team, and TWU would support the Eagles’ football, a sport revered by the southern hearts of many Texans and significantly lacking for some on the TWU campus. This is a clever compromise since most people already know there are not enough male football players interested in starting a team with the athletics department at TWU. The result of the partnership included 100 discounted tickets to the UNT football game on Oct. 18 against Southern Mississippi University and a spot for the tailgating event two hours before the game. The date and time were chosen specifically so that the game did not interfere with any TWU sporting events. Student Life purchased the tickets from UNT in a quantity two times the amount that the university normally buys. Tickets sold out at the Student Union one day before the game, exceeding expectations. Interest has been widely accepting considering only one blast email was sent out, and faculty and staff weren’t
the second set after eventually taking 10-0 lead. The Pioneers took turns taking the lead with A&M in the third set, winning the set 25-23. The fourth set saw a loss when DBU quickly overtook them in the beginning of the set but won the game in set five. First-year Elizabeth Pennington led the victory with 20 kills, with junior Hillary Shaffer and sophomore Mallory Kuechle each contributing seven kills to overcome DBU. Shaffer had a game-high nine blocks while senior Morgan Wilson chipped in with 27 digs, a TWU team-best. During the DBU game, TWU’s Campus Activities Board hosted the Fall Festival. On Oct. 18, the Pioneers defeated Texas
A&M-Commerce in a three set game, 25-19, 25-21 and 25-19, sweeping away A&M for another win in this season’s Lone Star Conference. This continued TWU’s win streak to four games, putting them at 14-7 for the season and 8-3 in the conference. In the first two sets, TWU and A&M traded points before the Pioneers took the lead, ending the first set with a 7-0 run and the second with a defense against the other team’s rally, both wins. The third set TWU initially fell behind but were able to overcome and create a seven point lead, ending the set and game by six points. Pennington once again had kills in the double digits, 13, joined by Kuechle adding 11 and senior Jaqueline
Santos contributing ten. Junior setter Joey Redwine assisted on 33 kills, as well as contributed 7 digs in addition to Keuchle’s seven. The Pioneers will return Friday, Oct. 24, to play against Cameron in Lawton, Oklahoma. This past week, Pennington was also named LSC Volleyball Player of the week. Over the season so far, she has made 252 kills, a hitting percentage of .345 and a total of 98 blocks. This is the second week in a row she has been awarded this recognition. The Campus Activities Board hosted the Fall Festival that night, with attendance for the game and festival at 633. Activities for the festival included face painting, balloon twisting and henna tattoos.
Sports | Soccer
Soccer kicks it up a notch with more wins Weekend games promoted breast cancer awareness
asked to purchase tickets. Assistant Director of Athletics Jeff Bowerman lent out the TWU Pioneer white and maroon tent for the tailgating event. The tent was located near the far parking lot at the Apogee Stadium among a hundred or so green and white tents as well as sponsors of the game. The tent, manned by the TWU Association of Texas Professional Educators who wore bright pink shirts in support of breast cancer awareness, garnered interest from many UNT students who were walking around the tailgate area. According to Associate Professor of the Teacher Education Department Dr. Rebecca Fredrickson who planned the event, many of the UNT students seemed interested in the promotional T-shirts designed by the Athletics Department specifically for the partnership. Fredrickson and the ATPE volunteers offered water donated by Student Health Services and pizza bought by the Student Union. Fredrickson stated: “Several groups have sponsored this. ... Everybody has worked together to make this happen. Across the campus, it has been a collaborative effort.” The athletics partnership began last year with the help of Director of Commuter Services Amy O’Keefe, Athletics Director Chalese Connors, Director of the Student Union Kyle Voyles, Fredrickson and Associate
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences Dr. Don Edwards, along with a team from UNT, including Athletic Director Rick Villarreal and Deputy Athletic Director Hank Dickinson. They began by talking about discounted tickets to the game, on behalf of the interest of students. Discounted or free tickets for students were included in the discussions with Dickinson in order for students to participate in the experience. They were able to get the tickets at the price of $5, which is incredibly generous compared to the $15-40 range for individual tickets. The ATPE officers who mingled with all the students that stopped by and joyfully handed out free pizza seemed excited to be there. President of the ATPE officers Tiffany Butlers shared: “We kind of wanted to lead by example … and encourage people to come out here.” Fredrickson shared this would be the only tailgating event for the year: “Next year, we would like to do more. This has gone over well with the other people here; we sold all one hundred tickets very quickly. They could have sold another thirty very easily.” With the students’ interest evident, the partnership should hopefully kick-off in the following years.
Photo by Tammi Paul
Junior Madison Purdy fights for possesion of the ball in Sunday’s game.
Monica Alcaraz Reporter malcaraz@twu.edu Friday and Sunday, TWU Soccer experienced not only great wins but record-breaking attendance with 526 people on Friday and 553 people on Sunday. This amount of support was much appreciated, and the attendees were surely pleased with the games they saw as well. On Friday, our TWU Pioneers faced the Angelo State Rambelles, and though the opponents started the game off with a five shot lead, the Pioneers worked together to come back strong with three straight shots. By the 29th minute, the Pioneers were on top, and sophomore forward Natalia Diaz tied the TWU record for the most goals in a season with 10 goals. In the second half, TWU made it 2-0, and players senior forward Emily Davila and firstyear midfielder Megan Coppedge helped pull the game through with Davila stealing the ball and Coppedge’s goal. Though the Angelo State Rambelles had the upper hand in corner kicks 5-4, our Pioneers were successful in more ways than one with 17-11 outshot, as well as 10-3 shots on goal. Friday’s game was an overall success for our Pioneers with a final score of 3-0. Sunday’s game was equally rewarding for the huge crowd — well, for the Pioneer fans at least — with the Pioneers’ defeat
Photo by Tammi Paul
TWU’s game Sunday was named “Kick for the Cure” to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.
of Midwestern State 1-0, improving TWU to 9-51 overall and 3-3-1 in the Lonestar Conference. The Pioneers scored early and stayed strong for the win, and though there were many opportunities for another goal, neither team was able to take advantage, no more goals made. The team worked well on defense. They kept the opposing team from scoring, and though the pressure was on according to Head Coach Babak Abouzar, the Pioneers’ defensive team pulled through successfully. Junior goal-
keeper Ariana Morrison recorded her second straight shutout, fourth of the season, and made five successful saves. Senior Erin Bolinger had a game high of four shots and senior forward Candice Davies followed closely behind with three. Look forward to another great game, T-Dub, when the Pioneers host the final home game of this regular season. TWU will go up against Texas A&M Commerce at 7pm October, 24 on Senior Night.
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Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Arts & Entertainment
twulasso.com
Music | Local Concert
Geezerpalooza rocks to oldies Viet Bites 2nd annual Geezerpalooza brings together Dentonites of all ages
The Lasso staff reviews Viet Bites, Seoul Chicken and the Sushi Cafe Monica Alcaraz Reporter malcaraz@twu.edu
Photo by Tammi Paul
At the colorful concert host venue, Dentonites relax a moment and enjoy the classic sounds.
Amanda Clark Page Editor aclark9@twu.edu Many of the events the City of Denton sponsors bring community together, often times through the venue of music. The second annual Geezerpalooza was no exception and brought a unique atmosphere to Industrial Street on Sunday afternoon. Geezerpalooza is an event that launched last year when a couple of guys within the Denton community tossed around the idea of having a music festival featuring classic rock hits from the ‘60s’80s. Randy Robinson, who was in this original group and helped organize the event last year and this year, shared how it began and what he loves about it. Robinson said: “We worked with the city quite a bit the first year and this year too. Mainstreet
and Convention Visitors Bureau have been a big help. We got corporate sponsors to help keep it free. It’s a great Denton deal to do.” The event brought together people of all ages and backgrounds in a very relaxed and fun atmosphere. The cover bands brought smiles to many faces in the audience, and you could see people of all ages travel back in time to when these songs were the chart toppers. The different cover bands featured were Denton Rock, Queen for a Day, the Allmost Brothers, Bar Band and Dark Side of Oz. Denton Rock performed a number of sets, performing classic rock melodies between other sets inside Dan’s Silver Leaf, a venue on Industrial Street. Located next to the main stage, these sets included songs like “Pretty Woman” and “I’m All Shook Up.” The band
enjoyed playing music by the Eagles. Lead singer Scott Sackett was wearing a shirt that said “guitarist grandpa” and seemed to embody the very essence of the event. First on stage was Queen for a Day, who performed different Queen numbers. The music was enjoyable and known by almost everyone in the audience. Their set finished with the classic “We Are the Champions.” Next up was the Allmost Brothers who performed covers of the Allman Brothers. Robinson said he was partial to the Allman Brothers because he enjoys their music the most. The Bar Band performed covers of The Band and Dark Side of Oz performed classic Pink Floyd songs. The event lasted to 8 p.m. with people sitting out in the street in lawn chairs and enjoying each set. In addition to the
performances, there were booths by local businesses and organizations. “The Original Denton” even had a station where you could tie-dye your own shirt. Geezerpalooza for the second year in a row benefited Serve Denton. Serve Denton had a booth with more information on their organization and buckets for people to drop donations. When asked about the future of Geezerpalooza, Robinson said: “This is the second year so we don’t know. It seems like it’s getting more popular. I’m sure we’ll be back next year.” When asked what his favorite part of putting on the event was, Robinson replied: “Today. Today is the best part of it. You see a lot of people having fun, enjoying the music, supporting a cause and just being in Denton.”
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, Denton has three new locations for delicious dining on Hickory Street just east of Fry Street: Viet Bites, Seoul Chicken, and Sushi Cafe. First on the menu is a well-known restaurant in Denton: Viet Bites. This is its second location. While crab rangoons are not on the physical menu, you can request them and Viet Bites will serve a delicious combination of crispy breading and creamy cheese center. The spring rolls, banh mi and the salad are “build your own.” The pork spring rolls and peanut sauce on the side were a surprisingly delicious meal. The order came with two spring rolls that were larger than expected with freshly cut pork from the on-location spits. Banh mi is a sandwich that can be filled with any protein and a wide selections of veggies to choose from. The avocado banh mi was tasty — it could have been assembled better, with ingredients spread out through the bun — but it was very fresh and a bit spicy with the sliced jalapeno. A vegan option and another success at Viet Bites was the tofu vegetable salad with a selection of sauces that allows for anyone to pick and choose what flavor they want. In the middle of this array of prime food choices sits Seoul Chicken, a new restaurant that opened on Oct. 12. The location is very laid-back with customer drawings and messages on the walls. At this restaurant, customers will find fried
chicken strips and wings that are smothered in a Korean-style sauce of their choosing: Soul, Seoul and Yang Yeum. Sides include French fries, sweet potato fries, pickled radish and pickled cucumbers. The wings are crispy, and the soul sauce is very close to a soy sauce but very flavorful. The Seoul sauce is delicious with a spicy kick. Along with the succulent chicken wings and strips, the fresh French fries are shaped like scallops instead of strips for a unique take on this tasty side. And at the end of this mini sidewalk food tour is Sushi Café, a quaint sushi restaurant with a lot of flavor to give. After 5 p.m., all sushi plates are half off which makes this place a nice spot for dinner. The food selection from this location includes the fried tofu, salmon sashimi, crab roll without avocado and bayook, a spiced pork loin and bell peppers with kimchi. The fried tofu surprisingly had a lot of flavor, which was a pleasant change. The salmon sashimi provided a different texture and taste to the plate. The crab roll without avocado was well made with a variety of tastes and vibrant color all in one bite. A huge homerun, the bayook was fresh, hot and spicy enough to burn but not so much that it took away from the great taste of this dish. With these new hot spots in Denton, Dentonites and commuters have a great new selection of where to go for a quick and delicious bite to eat.