The Prospector 10 18 2022

Photo by Annabella Mireles/The Prospector

Opinion

Emily Autumn Velasquez, editor-in-chief

BY MARIA L. GUERRERO DURAN

The Prospector

A problem that haunts Why are people so ashamed of trick-or-treating?

I learned about diet culture in my late teens when the transition of a teenage body to a young adult one became awkward. The fitness and nutrition website Verywell Fit defines “diet culture” as the belief that appearance and body shape are more important than physical, psychological, and general well-being.

Normalizing the labeling of foods as good or bad, creating a poor self-image and encouraging the individual to do whatever possible to achieve the desired weight.

Unfortunately for me, I acquired this piece of knowledge during quarantine when I had nowhere to go and was trapped with my own thoughts at home.

I became very critical of how I looked and was able to create this somewhat sustainable routine. I got to the point where I would work out six days a week and prep my own meals. I was happy because I lost a considerable amount of weight in a short period of time. However, once I had to come back to school, I did not have the time or energy to work out as much as I was used to, and that is when the problem started.

I became so invested in losing weight that all the content I was viewing had targeted headlines such as “do this for two weeks to lose

weight,” “lose muffin top and love handles,” “side booty round hips.” I did not realize this until my routine changed and my priority became commuting to school five days a week and doing homework.

I was so mentally drained that I did not have the energy to work out after school, and it later transformed into punishing myself with food, either eating too little or trying to “compensate” the calories I was consuming during the day with idiotic logic.

This made me realize that once you reach your “ideal weight,” the feeling of comfort does not arrive. Instead, the anxiousness of keeping up with that weight and the healthy lifestyle hits like a train when you start noticing that it demands a lot of discipline that people lack.

Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok became my nutritionist and my gym coach, and I followed all these trends that

caused me nothing but stress because I did not look like my favorite influencer. Because it turns out, no matter how strictly you follow their routine, your body will never look like theirs, and you realize that what might work for them, might not work for you.

Once I started going to therapy, I realized this came from all the content I was looking at, which implanted the concept of thinking of food as a reward. What I told myself was since I was not working out, I didn’t deserve to be rewarded.

The same article by Verywell Fit encourages people to combat diet culture by avoiding forms of media that increase feelings of poor selfimage. So, unfollow that model that urges you to be skinny.

The article also talks about practicing body neutrality. This has been the hardest exercise I have ever done. It means practicing mindfulness with your body, focusing on what your body does for you and being thankful for it.

Learning to accept the way you look is a crazy journey, because the more you pay attention to it, the more you notice how much it can change in short periods of time. However, once you learn how to appreciate yourself, life becomes so much lighter.

BY ITZEL GIRON The Prospector

It seems self-explanatory that at some point most people would stop believing in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and even the Tooth Fairy. You might look back and realize you never were counting down the days until you find out the truth about those childhood ideas, but they do tend to fizzle out of our lives, and we move on.

However, with Halloween rounding the corner, it is common to see bags of Halloween-themed candy and costumes flood our stores and it is normal to see kids flocking the costume aisle counting down the days to eat candy with no limitation. But this sparks the question: what about the adults who are kids on the inside?

For as long as I can remember I always looked forward to Halloween, not just for the costumes, the bobbing of apples or pumpkin patches, but for the pounds of candy that I would forcefully fit in my pumpkin bucket and secretly eat in my bed.

Looking back at those fun times, I do not remember the last time I was excited to go trick-or-treating, what I do remember though is being shamed for continuing to dress up and go door to door asking for candy just like my 6-year-old brother at the time.

I was only 14, maybe it was too old for some but in my eyes, I was just having fun and enjoying the holiday, since then I have only ever walked with my brother to get his share of candy since being shamed. However, with my brother turning 14 later this month, I wonder if he will feel the same embarrassment and shame I felt seven years ago.

Now that I am a full-time college student, I have played with the idea of what people would think of me going out and asking for candy. Would people criticize? Would I be vocally shamed? Who would give dirty looks? Am I the only one who

SPEAK YOUR MIND!

…and submit a

well as

misses the joys of being a kid?

No one takes a second look at someone who obsesses over Marvel or the McDonald’s Cactus Plant Flea Market Box, but if I wear a costume and ask for candy, I am the one who cannot grow up.

Since the pandemic took so much, I would hope that many would have a change in heart and let people like me enjoy the little things, like begging for a fun-size Snickers.

Fun has no age limit, so why does trick-or-treating have this hypothetical expiration date? No one should feel ashamed for wanting to have a break from the harsh reality of time. No one knows the trauma and troubles we have all been through, maybe the 23-year-old who rings your doorbell might have never been able to do so as a child due to an illness or maybe that 17-year-old just lost a loved one and wants to forget their troubles.

Age is just a number and if you see me, a 21-year-old asking for candy, be nice and possibly give me a king size Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

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Maria L. Guerrero Duran is the web and copy editor and may be reached at mlguerrerod@miners.utep.edu; @ bymariaguerrero on Instagram and Twitter.

Itzel Giron is the multimedia editor and can be reached at iagiron@miners.utep.edu; @by.itzel.giron on Instagram; @itzel_anahi_16 on Twitter.

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U T E P P R O S P E C T O R

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F O L L O W U S

Fentanyl: Youth’s prominent killer

BY VICTORIA RIVAS Guest Contributor

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid to treat severe pain, has taken over the lives of tens of thousands of Americans, becoming the lead ing cause of death in America for people between the ages of 18 to 45, according to the CDC.

“Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered,” said Anne Mil gram, administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in a statement. “Fentanyl is everywhere. From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison.”

In El Paso, U.S. Customs and Bor der Protection (CBP) officers have seized vast amounts of fentanyl at the border entries throughout the year. In the span of two days, CBP reported Oct. 5 they had seized more than 17 pounds of fentanyl.

According to CDC data, more than 150 people die daily from overdoses related to opioids, in cluding fentanyl. Overdose deaths involving fentanyl have increased by 56 percent from 2019 to 2020. In 2021, more than 71,000 people died of synthetic opioid overdoses.

“Fentanyl has been a huge concern in our community because it is now being produced and manufactured illegally. Targeting those individu als who are consuming opioids, not just as illegal drugs, but also as pre scription medications,” said Hector Ocaranza, Director of the El Paso Public Health Department.

According to the CDC, Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than

morphine and is often combined with other drugs and made into pills or powders. Two milligrams of fentanyl can lead to an overdose.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott an nounced his plans for the fentanyl epidemic in August. Abbott plans to pass a law where dealers who sell opioids are charged for murder.

“Sadly, this is a phenomenon that can be prevented if we all work together and if our federal govern ment gets serious about protecting its citizens by securing our border,” Abbott said. “Substance abuse is a lifelong battle for many. We should muster every tool and every effort

El Paso ghost tours hunt for ghouls

BY EDUARDO A. FLORES

The Prospector

El Paso has become home to some of the most haunted, spooky, and paranormal places in the country.

Places like Concordia Cemetery, the Plaza Theatre, El Paso High School, and other historic buildings are filled with haunted tales.

Residents will be able to explore some of the most haunted sides of El Paso through tours and events hosted by local organizations.

El Paso Community College is bringing back its ghost tour tradi tion at the Rio Grande Campus called “Ghost Tours: The Return” from 5:30 to 11 p.m., Oct. 28.

Refreshments will be sold by EPCC clubs and organizations. The starting point will be located at 906 El Paso St. Space is limited to 15 people per tour. Reservations are available by calling 915-831-4127 or visiting the EPCC Valle Verde campus life room B101 at 919 Hunter Drive.

Similarly, El Paso Zoo will host its annual “Boo at the Zoo” event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 22-23. There will be 12 candy stations for guests under 12 years old to go trick-ortreating.

The Paso Del Norte Paranormal Society will also be hosting a “Nerd

Night: Paranormal Investigation” from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 27 to explore the science behind paranor mal investigation. The event will start with a history of the WigWam and the El Paso area, as well as a tour highlighting gun fighters and ghosts and ending the night with some paranormal investigation.

The Concordia Heritage Asso ciation started to host a series of events that will end Oct. 30. “Cem etery Ghost Tour (Lost El Paso Paranormal)” is scheduled to take place Oct. 22, followed by “Octo ber Haunting of Concordia Tour” Oct. 29, and the “Devil’s Night Drive-Thru w/ Ghosts 915” Oct. 30. Proceeds help fund preservation efforts at Concordia Cemetery, 3700 Yandell Drive. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Montana Ave., has also pre pared a Pumpkin Patch event for families to enjoy time together and celebrate Halloween. The Pumpkin Patch is open through Oct. 31. In the same way, Fountains at Far ah will host a Halloween-themed Art and Farmers Market event from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 28. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their kids in costumes.

to help our fellow Texans negotiate the perils of addiction and emerge drug-free and healthy.”

The Biden administration an nounced in September they are awarding $1.5 billion to states to address addiction and the opioid crisis and will invest more than $104 million to expand substance use treatment and prevention in rural communities.

El Paso’s Public Health officials are warning the community of the dangers fentanyl poses as Hallow een approaches.

“Unfortunately, the illegal manufacturers made it a point to

make fentanyl more colorful and more visually appealing,” Ocaranza said. “They are making fentanyl appealing to teenagers and children who unfortunately don’t know the danger of this substance. So many are unknowingly consuming drugs that are tinted with fentanyl.”

If someone is experiencing an overdose contact 911.

For information on opioid overdose treatment and recovery programs, visit the Texas Health and Human Services website at txopioidresponse.org.

Haunted

Beto makes his final stop at UTEP during his college tour

BY ITZEL GIRON The Prospector

Beto O’Rourke, who is trying to gain traction for the Texas guber natorial election, made the final stop of his college tour Oct. 11 at the El Paso Natural Gas Confer ence Center at UTEP. Filled with students and community members, O’Rourke shared his ideals for what he hopes to do if given the opportu nity to become Governor.

It has been 27 years since the state of Texas voted for a Democratic governor.

During his time speaking, he touched base on issues facing Texas and students at UTEP.

“I want to make sure it is more af fordable, more accessible to attend the University of Texas at El Paso, or El Paso Community College or any institution of higher learning,” O’Rourke said. “Let’s make sure we have resources here at UTEP, or where I just was at Texas Tech, or any place else that we connect people with higher learning and better career opportunities.”

However, O’Rourke has spoken about further improving the K-12 education system but not much on secondary education, such as mak ing it more financially available.

Early voting begins Oct. 24 and runs through Nov. 4 with election night being Nov. 8.

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Fentanyl is the leading cause of death in the United States of America for people between the ages of 18-45 according to the CDC. Photo courtesy of Jeff Anderson/Openverse

Itzel Giron is the multimedia editor and can be reached at iagiron@miners.utep.edu; @by.itzel.giron on Instagram; @itzel_anahi_16 on Twitter.

Chase shadows of the night on a trolley

BY ALYSON RODRIGUEZ The Prospector

When haunted cities in America are mentioned, people tend to think about New Orleans, Louisiana; Salem, Massachusetts; Washington D.C. and other big cities with rich paranormal history. Not many people know that the Sun City also has many ghosts and ghouls roaming around the streets.

Ghosts915 is teaming up with the Downtown El Paso trolley system team to present free ghost tours during the month of October to celebrate the Halloween season.

The historically haunted trol ley ghost tour takes attendees on a ghostly adventure through the downtown district where viewers get to experience El Paso like they never have before.

The haunted trolly tour begins at the El Paso Convention and Performing Art Center trolley stop located at 1 Civic, C St.

After attendees are picked up from there, the trolley then makes its way around the downtown dis trict, stopping at places that include San Jacinto Plaza, City Hall, El Paso County Courthouse and other haunted hotspots.

“I’m not originally from El Paso so I love learning about El Paso his tory and especially learning about the local ghost stories,” said senior kinesiology major Tristan Rodri guez. “I had no idea that the city had this awesome haunted trolley tour during the month of October.

I’m definitely going to invite my friends with me so we can go before the month ends.”

Just in time for the Halloween

season, the tour consists of history, legends and lore of the downtown district. People who attend will get to learn stories about what El Paso was like back when it was the Old West.

Instead of tall buildings like West Star and Wells Fargo taking over the skyline, there were saloons and brothels at every corner.

Cowboys would shoot each other down in the streets during their du els, and the ghosts of their victims are said to still haunt the streets to this day looking for revenge against their enemies.

Besides learning about the outlaws and gunslingers who once ruled

the town, participants will also learn about the unique paranormal experiences that occur Downtown

as well. Shadows of dark-winged figures and tall, dark figures with no face lurk around each corner. If

visitors are not careful, they could come face to face with one of these supernatural creatures.

“I’ve always loved the downtown district because of all of the old buildings,” said Sofia Gutierrez, junior in criminal justice. “I want to go with my boyfriend on this tour so we can learn about all of the downtown history, both historical and supernatural.”

Some other scary hotspots that the tour covers include the Plaza Theatre, the Plaza Hotel and the Hotel Paso Del Norte.

Each building with its own unique and rich history. Many tragic events have occurred in this area and the spirits of the tortured souls are said to have never left.

The intersection of El Paso Street and San Antonio Avenue was once known as the deadliest intersection in the west due to the large number of gunfights that occurred there. One of these gunfights included the four dead in a five second gun fight.

Ghosts915 hosts many other tours and events during the month of October. Such events include the Sunset Heights Ghost Walk and the Downtown Trick-or-Treat.

The last tour takes place Oct. 21. To sign up to attend one of the Haunted Trolley tours, visit eventbrite.com and search Frightful Fridays with Ghosts915 and the El Paso Streetcar.

The tour is free for all attendees, and it occurs every Friday night during the month of October from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Alyson Rodriguez is a staff reporter and may be reached at aerodriguez20@miners.utep.edu; @alyson_rod1127 on Twitter.

Month of October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

BY JOSIE AVILA The Prospector

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is held every month of October and aims to spread awareness about abuse cycles, its’ warning signs and re sources available to those who may need them.

According to the National Do mestic Violence Hotline, domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that is used to hold power and control over someone. This type of abuse includes, but is not limited to verbal, emotional, men tal, physical, sexual and financial.

Domestic violence is not a onesize-fits-all issue. Every case is different, and some are overlooked because they can be disguised as love and affection for a person.

“One big warning sign of abuse is when a person drastically changes their social patterns,” said Luis Salas, Associate Director of Community Relations at the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence.

This is known as isolation, and it is a common control tactic used to isolate a victim from their friends and family. The intentions behind this may be minimized with justifi cations such as “It is because I love

and care about you” or “You spend too much time with them instead of with me.”

These phrases can cloud a victim’s judgment to realize they may actu ally be rooted in control and/or extreme jealousy.

When victims find themselves in an abusive household or relation ship, they may encounter feelings of shame, embarrassment and guilt. However, these feelings are normal and resourceful centers urge them to seek help when they feel ready.

Salas shared the CASFV saw a 60 percent increase in domestic violence hotline calls from last year. There has also been a 26 percent increase in families seeking shelter.

This is a sign that the center’s resources are being utilized by community members. It should also serve as a call for everyone to practice awareness because contrary to common misconceptions, it can happen to anyone, even a friend, neighbor or family member.

This year’s theme at CASFV is “Be Kind, Rewind to a Healthy Start” which aims to create positive change and break abuse cycles. You can reach CAFVS’s 24-hour hotline at (915) 593-7300.

Josie Avila is the audience and engagement editor and can be reached at jaavila16@miners.utep.edu; Joseline Avila

ABOVE: Two men dressed in cowboy attire pose for a picture Oct. 14 before the haunted trolly tour. BELOW: The final haunted trolley tour will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 Photos by Alberto Silva Fernandez/The Prospector

Annual UTEP homecoming: Masquerade

BY ELISHA NUÑEZ The Prospector

Homecoming week is coming up on UTEP’s calendar, which means there will be plenty of Miner spirit throughout the campus for the week. Spanning from Oct. 23-29, this annual campus tradition is going to be filled with events in UTEP’s different colleges with op portunities for students to connect. To kickstart the week, the yearly SGA Homecoming Pageant will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21.

This year’s homecoming theme is masquerade and will welcome many interpretations of a masquerade, from classic pageant costumes to costumes inspired by Carnivale in Rio de Janeiro.

“So, we work closely with the homecoming association,” said Javier Martinez, a Senator-at-Large for UTEP’s Student Government Association. “They’re the ones who give us the theme, and who organize the whole event to select Mr. UTEP, Ms. UTEP, the College of Mines and so forth.”

The week after the pageant is filled with events of all kinds.

The 12th Annual Miner Dash will begin homecoming week’s festivi ties from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Oct. 12. Including a 5K run and a 3K walk, this dash welcomes people as the first event of the week.

A range of events will be hosted throughout the day, Oct. 24. The

first event is the “Best Miner Masquerade Theme Picture,” where current students will join virtually to show their best Masquerade Miner Dress. Another event on the same day is “Moving the Campus,” a widespread campus event with dance sites across UTEP to share dance and perspective with the people. Following these events is another event, “Where Are They Now?” which shows the commu nity where past graduates are today.

A cookie giveaway and brunch hosted by the English Department are a few more events scheduled for the same day. Joining these events is an event at the College of Education with popcorn and flyers, informing students of what is to come this semester.

The following day hosts a Co-ed Movie Day with a variety of films at the College of Education.

Shaved ice will be offered by the College of Education at their build

ing Oct. 26, and on the same day, the 2022 Gold Nugget and Alumni Celebration will be honoring and celebrating the College of Liberal Arts Alumni at 6 p.m. at the Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall.

The next day, Oct. 27, will consist of a Co-ed Mixer by the College of Education for alumni at 6 p.m.

The Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner, held in honor of Gold Nugget recipients and other distinguished alumni, will take

place Oct. 28.

Beginning Oct. 21, the College of Education will hound out blank masks for students to start working on, with finished products due Oct. 27. The same goes for the wall mu ral, which teams or individuals can start Oct. 21 at their assigned wall, until judges go around at noon to judge them Oct. 28.

“The College of Education is hosting homecoming events and contests in an effort to be more engaged and connected to our student body,” said Ileana Rojas, Assistant to the Dean. “With Co vid, many of the outgoing or new student engagements when put in pause and the college has noticed that students might be feeling a bit disengaged. In order to show our student body that we do not just support their educational goals. but also their individual creativity, so cial engagement and overall college experience.”

The last day of homecoming festivities, which is Oct. 29, will fea ture various events. From brunches, a summit, tailgating and the annual homecoming football game to end it all, the last day will surely finish off things with style.

More information about the UTEP homecoming events can be found at UTEP’s Events Calendar.

Elisha Nunez is a staff reporter and may be reached at egnunez2@miners.utep.edu.

UTEP’s annual Homecoming will take place from Oct. 23-29 and will be focused on the theme masquerade. Photo courtesy of UTEP Alumni Association

Pick up your pumpkins at Arturo Produce

BY MEAGAN GARCIA The Prospector

Located at 110 Canutillo-La Union Ave. in Canutillo, Texas is Arturo Produce, a business that spe cializes in different locally sourced foods like fruits and vegetables. However, for the spooky season, the owners pull out all the stops with their mini pumpkin patch.

The whole spot is decorated with Halloween ornaments and pre pared so that visitors can peruse the pumpkins while also being able to take pictures with the set-ups.

The stand has been around since 2012 and sells many types of produce year-round. From big jars of its specialty local honey, to jerky, to Hatch green chile, Arturo Produce has something in store for everyone.

“The kids enjoy it. They can take pictures,” said owner Arturo Taran go, “(They) get a little more (of an) experience than just going to the store and picking out a pumpkin.”

Arturo Produce is open to sell things throughout the year. It is open on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but during the fall season, the hours are extended to 9 p.m. due to La Union Maze being open for Halloween.

Meagan Garcia is the arts & culture editor and may be reached at megarcia19@miners.utep.edu.

Arts & Culture

Unique nds at Tooth and Veil Oddities and Macabre Shop

BY ALYSON RODRIGUEZ The Prospector

El Paso has many hidden gems around every corner. One of these secret shops is the Tooth and Veil Oddities and Macabre Shop, which is unlike any store in the Sun City.

“We get every type of reaction when people first walk into the shop,” said shop owner Michelle Bocanegra, who also goes by “Deady Page.”

“People will either walk out the moment they come in or they will look around and explore because they find it fascinating and different. We also have customers who you wouldn’t think would come in here. I like watching the reaction of each person who comes in here.”

Bocanegra has been selling oddities and antiques for almost 25

years. She first started out by doing Día de Los Muertos art pop ups.

Her specialty was making hats and she would sell them at pop ups all around the country. Before she was a shop owner, Bocanegra wanted to work in funeral homes at first but realized that it was not for her.

However, she was still fascinated with the aesthetic and history of it.

This store is something Bocanegra wanted to give to El Paso because she always wanted a store like this when she was growing up. She was inspired by her neighbor who had a vintage clothing store and a big warehouse she used to go to when she was younger that sold costumes, apothecaries and goth items. The biggest inspiration for Bocanegra though, was her grandmother who was a bruja (witch) and a curan-

dera (healer). She gained all her knowledge on curanderismo from her grandmother.

She was inspired to start her own store and she began to collect items she would buy in big cities such as New Orleans and New York City and then she would upcycle them and make them her own unique creation to sell.

“I would see things that were broken and that nobody was buying,” Bocanegra said. “I’m a sucker for the underdog, I’ve always thought that the underdog should shine somehow. So, I started doing upcycling. I would add something else to the piece that would make it stand out, and after everybody wanted it.”

Tooth and Veil Oddities and Macabre Shop is more than just

Garcia,

a store full of interesting finds, it is a lifestyle. Visitors are taken aback by the unique store that sells everything from T-shirts to vinyls, jewelry and vanities, vampire roses, handbags, hats, accessories, apothecary, curanderia herbs, books, mystical items, altar items, knickknacks, tumblers, mugs, taxidermy, wet specimens, home furnishings, upcycled pieces, toys, antiques, photos and pretty much everything under the sun.

The store also hosts many different events throughout the year, especially around the Halloween season. Some of these events include monthly Mourning Tea Parties, monthly Mystical Markets at Keystone Heritage Park and the Annual Full Moon Vampire Ball.

“We source a lot of the things we

sell here from El Paso,” Bocanegra said. “We are buying upcycled things that are old and are not being manufactured in mass quantities or sold on the internet or mall. You are supporting local artists, a local mother, and a local family when you buy from us.”

The store is open from noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. They are also open noon to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday and are located at 820 N. Mesa St., Suite 200.

To learn more about the store or to see what events they are hosting, visit their website at toothandveilshop.com/ or follow them on Instagram @tooth_and_veil_oddities.

aerodriguez20@miners.utep.edu;

KEEP OUR WATER CLEAN! Only rain should go down the storm drain.

Properly dispose of hazardous wastes, pesticides, and fertilizers. Call UTEP

to schedule waste pickups.

Tooth and Veil Oddities and Macabre Shop is owned by Michelle Bocanegra and has been selling oddities and antiques for 25 years. Photo by Annabella Mireles/The Prospector

Alyson Rodriguez

staff reporter

UTEP lecturer helps students land their own tricks

ALBERTO SILVA FERNANDEZ The Prospector

Editor’s note: This is the second ofathree-partseriesonprofessors who skateboard at UTEP.

Impacting students’ lives has always been a priority for UNIV 1301 lecturer, Steven Brown.

Brown originally began working at UTEP as an academic advisor, but after receiving his master of arts (MA) in leadership studies, he was able to begin his career as a lecturer.

Brown’s desire to impact students as a professor has continued to motivate him through the ups and downs of his career.

“Ever since I was young, I wanted to impact lives and help students avoid the obstacles that I went

through,” Brown said. “It took me a lot of research and a lot of networking. (It was the) same thing with skating. I kept getting rejected and the more I kept persevering I eventually landed the trick and was able to get an opportunity.”

When Brown was 11, a friend introduced him to skateboard ing. It was not a traditional sport like football or basketball, but he fell in love right away. Since then, skateboarding has become not only a form of stress relief, but a way to remind himself that he will succeed in the end regardless of how many times he has to pick himself up.

“It’s therapeutic in the sense of not only do I get to practice trial and error when it comes to falling

and getting back up, I take that same philosophy to my classroom,” Brown said. “With skateboarding, you don’t just become good off of one trick. You have to keep practic ing and practicing and that ties into life.”

Brown understands that as he grows older and grows as a professional, the act of skating can be perceived as unbefitting of someone in his position. However, he believes he does not have to give up the hobby he loves as it is something that helps him with his mental health. It also became the way he teaches new college students to overcome their own obstacles.

“I know that once I grow older I do have to dress more professional,

I do have to act more professional,” Brown said. “But this is a part of me, who I am, part of my mental health.”

Regardless of his busy schedule, Brown says he always finds time to go longboarding, mostly during his lunch break around campus.

To Brown, skateboarding became the way he was able to learn about falling and getting back up. It also became the way he teaches new college students to overcome their

own obstacles.

“To look back and see that I fell a lot of times, I broke a lot of bones, I got rejected a lot. But now to see that I made it to the end goal,” Brown said. “I have to keep on pushing and never lose track of my main goal and that is to help students overcome their obstacles, impact their lives and make sure they can land their tricks.”

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Alberto Silva Fernandez is a staff photographer and may be reached at asilva36@miners.utep.edu; @albert. sf08 on Instagram; @albertosilva_f on twitter.

University 1301 Lecturer Steven Brown learned to skate when he was 11 and says trial and error on the skateboard is therapeutic to him.

Photo by Annabella Mireles/The Prospector

Brown says he’s always able to find time to longboard around campus. Photo by Annabella Mireles/The Prospector

‘Dracula’ a blood pumping show

BY KRISTEN SCHEAFFER The Prospector

“Dracula” started its first show ing Friday, Oct. 14, at the El Paso Playhouse. Saturday’s performance opened to a packed house, eager to see the Halloween classic with some audience members even dressed for the part.

Rebecca McVay Condra, the play’s director, welcomed its guests before the performance. She informed them that the play would be slow in the beginning, and it was. Al though the actors were phenomenal in their roles, the story took some time to pick up.

However, Condra delivered, mak ing up for it about an hour in. I was fully engulfed before we reached the second act.

“Dracula” tells the story of Jonathan Harker, who has traveled to Transylvania for a business deal with Count Dracula and Mina, his fiancée, who is trying to solve the peculiar behavior of her closest friend, Lucy. The Count travels to London in search of new blood to feast upon when he discovers Mina and Lucy. A series of events leads to the arrival of Professor Van Helsing to solve the case before it is too late for Mina.

The play “Dracula” was adapted in 1996 by Steven Dietz and is based off the famous Bram Stoker gothic horror novel of the same name. The story was originally published in 1897, according to bramstoker.org.

The actors that really stood out during the performance were Rob bie Garcia as Renfield, Dracula’s loyal servant who is locked away, Kevin Kellog as Harker, and Hector Azurmendi as Dracula. A notable scene for Alyssa Voight as Mina, is when Mina encounters Dracula after their initial meeting. Natalia Sosa Quiroz, Paula Vasquez and Ava Trousdale, as the vixens, were hypnotic and their performance filled the room.

The director keeps the audience engaged with hints of terror creep ing into the room as the actors utilize the entire space of the house, sneaking up on the audience at times.

Overall, I would say the play was a little slow, but is amazing once it gets passed the exposition. The acting was great with most actors having their moment to shine in specific scenes. I give this an eight out of 10 and highly recommend checking it out before the end of the Halloween season.

Dracula is playing from Oct. 1430 at the El Paso Playhouse. Tickets may be purchased at theelpasoplay house.com. People can also contact the theatre at 915-532-1317. Dona tions can be made on the webpage as well.

Dinner Theater’s Rocky Horror has audiences ‘shivering with anticipation’

BY KRISTEN SCHEAFFER The Prospector

As the UTEP Dinner Theatre celebrates its 40th anniversary, the Rocky Horror Show opened, selling out seats to El Paso. What is a fan-favorite for this time of year, the show is based on the 1975 cult-classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show” by Richard O’Brien, starring Tim Curry.

“Rocky Horror Show” tells the story of the newly engaged Brad and Janet, who become stranded after a flat tire. Their night takes a turn when they discover the home of Dr. Frank N’Furter and his servants. Brad and Janet learn to navigate their own urges, as the night introduces more characters from the “far-away” Transexual, Transylvania.

Whether El Pasoans attend the dinner performances or the participatory nights, they will not be bored. Even before the opening notes of song “Science Fiction,” the audience is engaged by the ensemble “phantoms,” setting the tone for the wild ride that is “Rocky Horror Show.”

Numbers that really stood out to

me were the iconic “Time Warp,” “Eddie’s Teddy” and the “Floor Show.” I could not get enough of Jada Ward’s voice during “Science Fiction,” and I hope to see her in future productions.

The show has a strong, talented cast that can transform its audience into regular Frankie fans. Ward and Daniel Adrian Maciel as Riff-Raff stand out with their vocals and their chemistry together as the brother-sister duo.

Allen Thompson’s Frank N’Furter was smooth and charismatic, drawing the audience in with every word. Elise Mckenna Herndon, who plays Janet, and John Levick, who plays Brad, had a stage pres ence that went beyond shining brightly.

Isabella Candelaria’s Columbia was simply electric, while Peter Fogel embodied Rocky.

The only critique I have is during the performances of “The Sword of Damocles” and “Hot Patootie” where the vocals of Fogel and Zaid Ricarte, who plays Eddie, did not project loud enough in some parts. However, this did not stop the en ergy from overflowing at the show.

I highly recommend checking out the UTEP Dinner Theatre’s “Rocky Horror Show” for a night of un adulterated fun for the Halloween season. I give this performance a nine out of 10, and I plan to see it again before the show disappears for the year.

“Rocky Horror Show” extended its performances due to the

popularity of the production. Nonparticipatory dinner shows can be caught on Oct. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and Nov. 2, 3, 4. Special “Audience Participatory” shows can be viewed Oct. 28, 30, 31, and Nov. 5 and 6 located at Union Building West, Room 207.

Kristen Scheaffer is a contributor and can be reached at kmscheaffer@miners.utep.edu.

Based on the film version of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the UTEP Dinner theatre will be performing “The Rocky Horror Show-Live On Stage!” which centers on a couple whose car breaks down, and finds themselves at the castle of Dr. Frank-Furter, a transvestite from the planet trans sexual who is trying to create the perfect man. Photo courtesy of the UTEP Dinner Theater

As Halloween is in season, many black cats suffer from mistreatment due to the superstition of them being bad luck. Learn how El Paso is combating this problem at theprospectordaily.com

Photo by Jasmin Campoya/The Prospector

HOMECOMING

2022

Building the Borderlands:

The Legacy of UTEP's Civil Engineering

September 24, 2022 to June 10, 2023

Centennial Museum Department of Civil Engineering

SGA Homecoming Pageant

October 21, 2022 | 6 p.m.

Magoffin Auditorium Student Government Association

Miner Dash

October 23| 5K Run/3K Walk Centennial Plaza Student Health and Wellness Center

Moving the Campus | Dance performances

October 24 - 27

Multiple locations on campus Theatre & Dance, Dance Program

College of Education Popcorn and Snacks

October 24 | 11 a.m. Education Building, 2nd Floor Theatre & Dance, Dance Program

Cookie Day Giveaway

October 24 | 11 a.m.

Leech Grove

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

College of Education Movie Day October 25 | 11 a.m. College of Education, Room 210 College of Education

Cookie Day Giveaway

October 25 - 28 | 11 a.m.

Miner Alley Shuttle Stop Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

College of Education Raspaditos

October 26 | Noon

Front of College of Education Bldg. College of Education

Homecoming Pep Rally

October 27 | 11:30 a.m.

Union Bldg. East

Student Engagement and Leadership Center

Heritage House Open House

October 28 | 11 a.m. Heritage House Heritage Commission

Round Table Summit by African American Studies Program and UTEP Black Alumni Network

October 29 | 10 a.m. Union Bldg. East | Templeton Suite, Room 313 African American Studies Program

Political Science and Public Administration Homecoming!

October 29 | 11 a.m. Benedict Hall Political Science and Public Administration

Pregame Party

October 29 | 4 p.m. Kidd Field Institutional Advancement

UTEP vs Middle Tennessee

October 29 | 7 p.m. Sun Bowl Stadium Athletics

FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS: utep.edu/homecoming

Sports

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, editor

Which alternate NFL uniforms are runway ready? COMMENTARY

BY EMMANUEL RIVAS VALENZUELA The Prospector

After the long-anticipated rule change in 2021 by the National Football League (NFL), teams around the league are ready to showcase its new alternate uniforms. Here are my top 5 NFL alternate uniforms.

5. New England Patriots

The New England Patriots decided to take a step back in time and bring back its retro red uniforms. This alternate look consists of white pants and a red jersey featuring white numbers outlined by royal blue and white helmets with the team’s mascot, Patriot Pat. This package is a good look into the past with the Patriots’ social media team even posting a video where players take a ride back in time thanks to

the iconic Delorian from the it film franchise “Back to Future.”

4. New York Giants

The New York Giants brought back its 1989-1990 uniforms in a graceful manner. The solid royal blue jerseys feature white letters with a red outline. On the back, you have the players’ names in classy white text. The pants are white with a red and blue stripe on the sides. The helmets are blue with a white face mask, a red and white stripe through the middle and the Giants throwback logo. This kit is a masterclass on what to do with the opportunity the NFL presented.

3. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons came flying hard with this throwback kit. Its helmets are a bright red with a black, gold and white stripe and a grey facemask. The team’s old Falcon logo is on the side of the

Spook-tacular NFL Halloween game

BY KATRINA VILLARREAL

The Prospector Football is no stranger to Halloween matchups with the earliest game dating back to the beginning of the National Football League (NFL).

For this year’s Halloween matchup, the Cincinnati Bengals battle the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football.

In a 1988 game, the Denver Broncos traveled to Indianapolis to battle the Indianapolis Colts.

Former Colts running back Eric Dickerson gave the Broncos “pumpkin” to talk about by recording his first four-touchdown game in his career. That day, Dickerson scored the most points on Halloween in NFL history.

The Bengals are no strangers to Halloween games. The last time the Bengals played on Halloween was in 2013 against the Miami Dolphins in an overtime nail-biter.

The Dolphins were able to take the lead in the fourth quarter after an interception, but two touchdowns by the Bengals allowed them to bring the deficit down.

Each team completed field goals

to tie the game and send it to overtime. During overtime, former Dolphins safety, Cameron Wake, sealed the game for the Dolphins with a safety when he sacked former Bengals quarterback, Andy Dalton, in his own endzone.

The Browns last Halloween game was against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021 where the final was 10-15.

Many Browns players showed up in costume, including defensive end, Myles Garrett, who dressed up as the Grim Reaper with the names of every quarterback that he had sacked displayed on the cape.

Fans also displayed Halloween spirit by showing up to the stadium in costume. It was a back-and-forth fight between the two, but in the end the Steelers prevailed.

Now the Bengals and the Browns will be going head-to-head Oct. 31 for week eight of the season to see who the ‘‘Pumpkin King’’ will be.

The Browns will continue to be led by Jacoby Brissett, who currently has a quarterback rating (QBR) of 65.9 (sixth) with a completion percentage of 64.

The Bengals will be led by Joe Burrow, who has a QBR of

46.4 (19th) with a completion percentage of 64.9.

The Bengals offensive line will need to be on high alert to keep Burrow from getting sacked as they are facing the number one defense in the NFL led by Garrett.

With the likes of wide receivers Tyler Boyd, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, tight end Hayden Hurst, and running back Joe Mixon, the Browns defense will need to be on their A-game.

According to ESPN, the percentage the Bengals have of beating the Browns is 49.7, while the Browns have a percentage of 49.6. That is only 0.1 percent difference, so it is anybody’s game.

It will be exciting to see both the fans and the players in Halloween costumes and outfits, especially football fashion icon Burrow.

Trick or treat yourself to some football for the Halloween edition of Monday Night Football at 6:15 p.m. Oct. 31, on ESPN.

All stats for the Bengals and Browns courtesy of ESPN, the NFL and espn.com.

Katrina Villarreal is a staff reporter and may be reached at kvillarreal1@miners.utep.edu.

helmet, which will be paired with the team’s 1966 throwback jersey, pants and socks. The historic look will be a sight for sore eyes after the Falcons have struggled to perform this season.

2. Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are also bringing back its iconic throwback uniforms that have not been seen since 2011. The dark blue uniform has white sleeves with a simple blue star on the shoulders. The front and back numbers are white with the player’s name in blue. The helmet is white with a blue and white stripe on top and the iconic star plastered on the side. Beautiful and historic, the Cowboys knocked this alternate kit out of the park.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

By far the best uniform from

the 2022 season, the Cincinnati Bengals brought out an all-white uniform with black accents throughout the kit. The Nike logos on the pants and on both sleeves are orange and the outline on the players’ name is also orange. This look is simply the cleanest-lookingpackage this season. It is a simple and straightforward uniform that also solves a fan problem. The jersey is the Bengals old color rush uniform that was paired with the old orange and black helmet. The current white and black helmet makes the look streamlined and concise. Great choices were made within the Bengals organization for this season.

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela is the sports editor and may be reached at erivas7@miners.utep.edu: @ rivasemmanuel2 on Instagram.

Miners looking to beat FAU

BY EMMANUEL RIVAS VALENZUELA The Prospector

The Miners (3-4, C-USA 1-2) prepare to face the FAU Owls (2-4, C-USA 1-1) at 4 p.m., Oct. 22.

The Owls recently faced the UNT Mean Green where it lost in a very lopsided affair. FAU only rushed for a total of 137 yards and 295 passing yards. This resulted in the Owls losing 45-28.

The Miners are coming off a loss against the LA Tech Bulldogs. At LA Tech, the Miners failed to develop the run game, something that allowed them to win against Boise State and Charlotte.

In both of those games, the Miners rushed for over 450 yards. Instead, the offensive game plan relied on the arm of junior quarterback, Gavin Hardison. Versus the Bulldogs, Hardison struggled to complete passes, throwing 23 of 51. On top of that, Hardison threw three interceptions, allowing the Bulldogs the ability to score off those turnovers.

UTEP’s defense struggled against the LA Tech offense after allowing 114 rushing yards and 266 passing yards. The defense forced two

fumbles and managed to keep their offense on the field for only 25:28.

In most cases, these statistics lean toward a win. The biggest factor was the number of times the offense forked the football over. The offense had three interceptions thrown and a lost fumble. UTEP also had two turnovers on downs.

Looking forward, the Miners’ number one priority must be to protect the ball. If the coaching staff wish to continue relying on Hardison, then they must take the bye week as an opportunity to work on not turning over the ball.

The better strategy would be to go back to the run game given this team’s ability to run block. The sheer talent in the back field is astounding. The running back core have run for 838 yards this season.

The last time these schools met was back in October 2021 when the Miners fell to the Owls 28-25.

The two schools have only met three times prior to this game with the Owls leading the series 2-1. Stats provided by UTEP Athletics and FAU Athletics.

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela is the sports editor and can be reached at erivas7@miners.utep.edu: @ rivasemmanuel2