The Lasso - News

Page last updated

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Archives: October 25

Race for the Cure was a huge success

Lacey Shields, Managing Editor

Nearly 150 students, faculty, staff, family and friends, including five breast cancer survivors made up the TWU team for the 25th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

The Race took place on Saturday Oct. 20 at NorthPark Center in Dallas at 8:30 a.m. An estimated 25,500 people participated in this 5k event.

“It was so moving having more survivors on the TWU team at the Race; we are there to celebrate them,” team captain Amy O’Keefe said. “I felt connected to people, it was really inspirational. Plus, the weather was just picture perfect; it can be really cold.”

During the Race, the TWU team tried something different.

“We passed out pink mardi gras beads to little kids and spectators,” O’Keefe said. “It was a big hit with the crowd so we will probably do it again next year. Everybody had really good time.”

At 9:30 a.m. participants witnessed an inspirational Survivor Parade.

“During the Survivor Parade breast cancer survivors lined up by the number of years they have been in remission,” O’Keefe said. “The years ranged from 40 years to under one year.”

The TWU team’s red t-shirts made team members stand out.

“Our red shirts made it easy to find people in actual race,” O’Keefe said. “It made us more cohesive since some people ran and some people walked. Target volunteers were really the only other group that wore red.”

Komen on the Go visited the Denton campus Wednesday Oct. 17 to promote breast cancer awareness.

“They picked TWU because no other school has beaten our record for number of students that visit their interactive booth,” O’Keefe said. “There is a lot of interest in breast cancer health on this campus.”

A little over half of those who signed up for the Race participated as Pajama Pioneers. Pajama Pioneers promoted the Race by wearing their official TWU team shirts on the day of the Race. In addition, Otis Spunkmeyer is donating a minimum of $50,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Chocolate cookies made with pink candy-coated pieces are available on the TWU campus, including the Baker’s Dozen.

DARS helps Texas Woman's U. students access degree requirements

Monique Bird, News Editor

TWU’s Degree Audit Report System, or DARS, is now available online through the Pioneer Portal for undergraduate student usage. DARS is a computer-generated analysis that enables students and their respective advisors to assess a student’s academic progress through degree and some minor requirements. The program aids in academic planning and course selection by matching the courses that the student has taken with the requirements of his/her degree program or anticipated program.

DARS provides information on common student questions such as, “What courses are needed to complete the undergraduate degree,” “what requirements are needed for graduation,” and, “what courses would be needed for a change of major.”

To use the system, students must log into their Pioneer Portal and access DARS under their “student tools.” Students must then log into the DARS system using their Portal username and password. Students will then see a virtual report of all classes they have and are taking. From there, students can see how changes in major choice will affect their degree requirements. Students can only see how potential changes will affect their academic career, but cannot change their major on the system. Change of Major forms must still be officially processed through the Registrar’s Office in order for any change to become effective.

Teresa Mauk, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Services, stresses that DARS will not replace the need of an advisor. “DARS is simply a tool to help you and your advisor see the progress you’re making toward your degree and what you still need to complete. DARS allows advisors to spend less time helping you plan your class schedule and more time mentoring, offering career advice, etc.”

DARS is currently unavailable for graduate student use. According to Mauk, the individualization of graduate level degree plans makes these plans difficult to model into a system like DARS.

Students should contact their respective advisors if they have a question understanding their specific DARS report or about course substitutions. Students can contact the Help Desk for technical questions with DARS. In addition, students can e-mail DARS@twu.edu with questions.

Health Concerns: Say "Boo" to the flu

Monique Bird, News Editor

Flu season is upon us. While most people will be well in less than two weeks, the lost time from work and school can often cause major problems. By taking a few precautionary measures, you may be able to say “boo to the flu.”

What is the flu?

The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The flu’s effects can vary from mild to severe illness, or even death. Unrelated to the common cold, symptoms of the flu may include high fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pains, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Who gets the flu?

Anyone can “catch” the flu. Each year, 5% – 20% of the U.S. population contracts the flu. Those most susceptible to the dangers of the flu are children, people over age 65, and people with certain chronic medical conditions. The influenza is an air-borne illness, meaning that the virus is primarily spread through droplets resulting form sneezing and coughing. This droplet spreading means that the flu is easily spread among people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site, “Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick.”

Prevention is the best treatment

The best way to treat the flu is to never get the flu; and the best way to prevent the flu is to get the influenza vaccination each year (the strain of the virus changes annually). The vaccination is essentially an estimate of which strain will develop for that year. Persons who get the flu after getting a flu shot have contracted a form of the virus other than the strain they were vaccinated against. There are two types of flu vaccinations: the “flu shot,” in which an inactive form of the virus is injected into the body, and the nasal-spray flu vaccine, which is made from a weakened form of the virus. Neither form will cause the flu.

Keep in mind that flu vaccinations may be limited during peak seasons and that it takes two weeks to become fully protected from the flu. (It takes the body two weeks to develop antibodies to provide protection from influenza.) October and November are the best times to be vaccinated to provide yourself with maximum protection throughout the flu season.

Student Health Services offers flu clinics and flu immunizations at its clinic. The cost of a flu shot is $20 for students and $25 for faculty and staff. SHS anticipates that it will have enough of the vaccine for this year’s flu season. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that people at high risk for influenza complications (such as pregnant women), and anyone who lives with or cares for persons at high risk for flu complications, get vaccinated each year. It is important to note that while children under six months cannot be vaccinated against the flu, those in contact with them or who live with them can be.

Other prevention tips

While vaccinations are most effective against preventing the flu, the CDC Web site recommends other precautions to lessen your risk of contracting influenza. Avoid close contact with others when you are sick or with others who are sick. Cover you mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze. Wash your hands often: frequent hand washing can remove germs before they have an opportunity to enter the body. Avoid touching your hands, nose, and mouth. (Germs are often spread when people touch contaminated objects and then touch their hand, nose, or mouth). Practice other healthy habits such as eating well, drinking plenty of fluids, getting adequate rest, being physically active, and managing stress.

What to do if you get the flu

Rest

Drink plenty of liquids

Avoid using alcohol and tobacco

Take medication to relieve the symptoms

If you get flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention quickly. (Antiviral treatment for the flu must be started within two days.)

DO NOT give aspirin to children or teenagers with the flu

Important news from close to home and around the globe

Christina Truelove, Staff Writer

Close to Home

If you use a credit or debit card when you go out to eat, you will need to be extra careful. A Dallas waiter at the new House of Blues restaurant was recently arrested for stealing customers’ credit card information. Demetrious Jackson is now facing federal charges for his actions. Jackson was apparently using skimmers--which are devices that download the information from credit cards. He was using this information to purchase flat-screen televisions and gift cards. Jackson also recruited servers in other restaurants to do the same thing, offering them cash incentives.

Because of these allegations, House of Blues promptly fired Jackson. Other restaurants such as Maguire’s are thoroughly checking their credit and debit receipts to find any evidence of fraud.

Throughout the Nation

Approximately 1,400 firefighters were called out to Malibu on Sunday in an attempt to extinguish a wildfire that broke out. By late evening, it had covered 2,200 acres and destroyed 25 structures including five homes, a glass company, and Malibu Presbyterian Church. The fire has since spread to Santa Clarita and two rural communities east of San Diego where residents are being evacuated. Those refusing to leave are causing firefighters problems, taking them away from their task at hand to aid in rescue attempts. The 2003 Cedar fire happened in much the same way, killing approximately a dozen and consuming more than 280,000 acres.

Around the World

A prize has recently been developed to reward excellent leadership in African countries The new award is called the Mo Ibrahim Prize. The first recipient was Joaquim Chissano, former president of Mozambique. He was awarded the prize at a ceremony in London by former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. He was selected because of his efforts to bring peace and democracy to his country. He is celebrating his 68th birthday on Monday while mediating peace talks between Ugandan rebels and their government.

A guide for another night out on the town

Christina Truelove, Staff Writer

For those who would like a delicious alternative to the main-stream Mexican chain restaurants, look no further than El Guapo’s right here in Denton. We have all tried out and love the corporate Mexican restaurants, but it is a nice change of pace to give smaller, lesser-known ones a chance. You never know what you might find.

Tucked behind a warehouse in downtown Denton, El Guapo’s is a tasty diamond in the rough. It is located at 419 South Elm Street. It is little difficult to find, but keep looking and you will be glad you did. The outside looks like a tastefully painted hacienda with warm inviting windows promising a festive atmosphere inside. The dining room is large and there is also a separate bar area in the restaurant. The décor is not exaggerated. It is done in pastel pink, blue, and green with accents of brown. This is atypical of many Mexican restaurants that use bright flashy colors, and although I wasn’t sure exactly what to think of the lighter tones at first, it actually worked quite well.

We were seated promptly and our server was there and waiting to take our drink orders. We decided not to order any appetizer because the chips and salsa they brought out was fresh and delicious. When it came to ordering our food, I had to be difficult. All I really wanted was a bit of grilled shrimp and some vegetables. Our waiter knew his job well and ordered me the grilled shrimp fajitas. My husband had a pick-three combination plate. Before we knew it, our food was on the table, sizzling hot, and ready to eat.

Everything from the décor, to the service and the food, El Guapo’s did an excellent job of satisfying our needs.

Hearing that Ben Affleck has made a cross over from acting to directing, we thought we would try out his debut film Gone Baby Gone. Set in a Boston neighborhood, four-year-old Amanda McCready disappeared from her home. The entire town is looking for her. The little girl’s mother is a drug addict and seems less than emotional about her daughter’s absence, so the aunt takes it into her own hands to hire a private detective to find her niece. The private investigators, Patrick Kenzie (played by Affleck’s brother, Casey) and his girlfriend Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) are met with opposition from the police captain Jack Doyle (Morgan Freeman). The journey that Patrick and Angie embark on will leave scarring memories that will haunt them and change their lives forever.

The acting was exceptional in this movie. Casey Affleck played a very believable private investigator, right down to the very end. He was not chosen simply because of his close family ties with the director. Ben Affleck chose his brother for the lead role out of careful consideration that they grew up in Boston, Casey knows the dialect and mannerisms, and because Ben had faith in his developing acting skills. Combining this new talent with that of the strong skills of Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris, you have an unstoppable cast.

The directing was phenomenal as well. Ben Affleck belongs behind the cameras and displays his excellent decision-making abilities throughout the whole film. The realism was portrayed in every detail, drawing the audience in for a better look at the conditions in which some people live. Affleck chose a supporting cast that fit the part very well. He did not hire the ‘pretty’ faces and instead went with more realistic looking individuals for his film. And because of his acting background, he gave them a bit more creative control with their characters than most directors afford the supporting cast. That is what makes this film unique.

In the end, you will be asking yourself the same moral question that Patrick Kenzie gets faced with throughout the entire film. Will you choose the same path he did? Find out by taking in this great movie. We give this movie a definite A!

TWU goes global: A look at the International Festival

Lacey Shields, Managing Editor

In honor of International Week, TWU’s annual International Festival will be held Friday Oct. 26 in Hubbard Hall from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. This event celebrates diversity, exposing world cuisine to TWU students, faculty and staff.

Senior Fashion Merchandising major, Nasreen Ali, helped manage the Festival’s International Fashion Show.

“The Fashion Show is a presentation of all the countries we have in our school,” Ali said. “More than 11 countries will be represented, including India, Pakistan, Mexico, Russia, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, the U.S., Turkey, and Africa.”

Ali encouraged students to be culturally aware.

“This event gives students the opportunity to meet students from other countries and learn more about other cultures. Students can also enjoy authentic food and listen to music from various countries.”

For Ali, promoting diversity is key.

“The world is globalizing,” Ali said. “Nowadays, it is important to know about other people’s cultures to do business with them.”

International student organizations that contributed to this event include the International Student Association (ISA), the Asian Student Association, and the Taiwanese Student Association, in addition to the TWU Folkdance Company.

“The International Student Association assisted the International Education Office by creating cultural awareness throughout the [Denton] campus. As the president of ISA, I will be making a small speech at the Festival,” senior Diet and Institutional Administration major Shoba Verghese said.

To quote the TWU Web site, “The highlight of the International Festival will be dance performances throughout the evening, awards recognition, and a guest speaker.” Ticket costs for this event are five dollars for students and ten dollars for staff and the general public. For more information and to RSVP, contact the Office of International Education at (940) 898-3338 or email lsletten@twu.edu.

The dangers of drinking and driving

Scarlett Pope, Staff Writer

I overheard someone saying last week, “What’s Oksoberfest? Is that where you are sober?” Obviously yes, that’s the point--since the traditional Octoberfest celebrations include (or perhaps revolve around) alcohol.

The total fatalities from drunk driving in Texas has been steadily decreasing since 1982. However, Texas is still the second highest state in the nation for drunk-driving deaths. It’s time for a wake-up call.

This coming Tuesday on the 30th from 7-9pm in Guinn Commons the student body is being invited to hear the stories of five people who’s lives have been forever altered by drinking and driving. Two young women from TWU will be sharing their stories with the campus as well. I encourage the entire school to attend the event because their stories are moving.

According to one report, 2.1 million college students between 18-24 drove under the influence of alcohol. That’s 2.1 million times too much. The report further stated that “31% of college students met criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse and 6% for a diagnosis of alcohol dependence…”

Alcohol is all around us, and people are still driving after drinking even though they have read about other’s consequences. Actively listen to the individual voices of TWU students and bring this issue into the forefront of your consciousness. The problem is happening right on our own campus and at UNT as well. Let’s not ignore the stories these people have to tell us, so please make an effort to come and hear them speak this coming Tuesday.

Abstinence-only education is not a READ solution

Scarlett Pope, Staff Writer

I am a product of what we call “Abstinence-only” education. This means that in middle and high school I was not given any information about contraceptives or condoms. I was taught inaccurate information like, “Condoms won’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), STDs, or HIV transmission.” I was also taught that condoms were not effective in protecting against pregnancy. If you’re not laughing now, you should be.

These things are of course false, but I didn’t know the truth until I was 18 years old and already in college. Abstinence is of course the only 100% way to safeguard your body against STI’s, STDs, pregnancy, and HIV transmission. However, as you might have guessed, most unmarried teenagers and young adults do not practice abstinence. My generation was sent out into the world without being taught about making responsible sexual decisions, and when they end up pregnant or with a STI they are blamed for being irresponsible. It was ignorance and not irresponsibility that got a friend of mine in high school pregnant. She and her partner were not taught how to put on a condom correctly. A condom is 98% effective when used correctly. They put on three just to be safe. The condoms broke (of course) from the excess friction; she got pregnant and had an abortion--a tragedy of great physical, mental, and financial proportions for a high school girl.

For society, this is also a tragedy. Many would argue about who failed. Was it my friend or her parents? Was it abstinence-only education that failed her? We can’t blame the girl for having premarital sex—I’m assuming everyone reading this is human. I think we could blame parents (her father was not in the home and her mother was working all the time). I think that sex is a social issue, even as private as it is. Sexual choices made by people in your community affect you. We are sexual beings, so it should be common sense that not everyone refrains from sex. Therefore people require comprehensive sexual education—not just a lesson in abstinence.

Comprehensive sex-education would need to be age appropriate and include information about contraception and proper condom usage. Texas is the number one state in this nation for teenage pregnancies. If only Texas put as much effort into comprehensive sex-education as they did football, maybe we’d find ourselves in a different position. On Tuesday Oct. 23, 2007 I took my personal message to the office of my district representative, Kenny Marchant on Capital Hill. I had sent a fax that I was going to meet with him but there was a new aide in his office who misplaced it. Scott Cunningham, the aide, repeatedly said, “This is just my second day.” Apparently all you have to do to meet with a representative or Senator is just walk into their office. Sure, you have to take a cab, pass through security, and then actually find their office among the hundreds there, but eventually it becomes as easy as opening a single door. I walked in said, “Hello, I’m Scarlett Pope and I’m a constituent of Kenny Marchant’s. May I meet with him today to talk about the REAL act?”

This brings me to the REAL act. REAL is an acronym for Real Education About Life. It is supported by the American Medical Association and the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. That’s right, there are even spiritual people who support this type of legislation. The REAL act would ensure that Texans would receive medically accurate information; like that HIV cannot be passed through sweat and tears (one thing other abstinence programs have erroneously taught children). It would ensure that sex education would be age appropriate, so that as the bodies develop so does the instruction. It would make sure to include abstinence as well as contraceptive and condom use in programs. The REAL act would also teach about how using drugs and alcohol effect people’s decision making which leads to unprotected sexual behavior. Texas, it’s time to get REAL. We have over 80,000 unintended pregnancies a year. Women are disproportionately affected, so TWU--a traditionally female school--should be concerned. People (especially women) should be trusted when it comes to making life decisions. We can’t hide knowledge about options outside of abstinence from our future generations.

When I was in Haiti giving short lectures on sexual education, a woman asked me why I was teaching the young women how to use a condom if they were being taught in church to be celibate until marriage. I told here “Paske nou tout pa ka fe konn Jezi Chris” Translation: Because we can’t all be like Jesus Christ. Studies like the Mathmatica report have found that abstinence-only education had no delaying effect on the sexual activity of teens when compared to another group that received comprehensive education. The abstinence only group was higher in pregnancies and infections. Why are we setting our teens up for failure, disease and poverty? Unfortunately, the REAL act had not even reached committee. It’s lifeless unless we get enough support from our congressmen and women. Texas representatives and senators are opposing this act, but even they can’t pretend there is not a major problem. I think it’s petition time ladies and gentlemen. Get your pens ready for things to come.

Keys to developing a closer relationship with God

Sarah Odamah, TWU Student

Getting to know God through a personal relationship with him is the most rewarding thing one can do. God offers his friendship as a free gift, but many people often reject this because they think it means “religion”. God hates religion; His son, Jesus, told us so. Having a relationship with God is simple -just as any friendship would be. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. John 3:16 (WIKIHow)

Key 1 - The first key in developing a relationship with God is to ask him to come into your heart and save your soul. This means that you are giving Jesus Christ permission to come and live within you. Say this prayer of Salvation to give your life to Christ or to renew your walk with Christ:

Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner. I have done many things that don’t please you. I have lived my life for myself. I am sorry and I repent. I ask you to forgive me. I believe that you died on the cross for me, to save me. You did what I could not do for myself. I come to you now and ask you to take control of my life, I give it to you.

Now that you have given your heart to Christ, you enter into a personal relationship with God. This relationship is a result of what Jesus Christ did for you on the cross, when he died for the sins of the human race.

Key 2 - In order to develop a quality relationship with someone, you need two-way communication. This is also true in our relationship with God. God talks to us through the Bible, and we talk to God through prayer. So start praying: prayer is simply talking to God, telling him how you feel, your needs, your wants, your hopes, your desires, or just telling him about your day.

Key 3 – Personal Time with God

If you want to grow in your relationship with God, it is vital that you spend time getting to know Him. Many people refer to the time they spend getting to know God each day as their “Quiet Time” or “Personal Time with God.” It’s important that you make time to do this regularly. When having a “Quiet Time,” two important ingredients to include are talking to God in prayer and letting God speak to you from the Bible (use devotionals). For new Christians, a good place to start reading the Bible is in the Gospel of John. Begin with prayer, asking God to teach you about Himself through your time alone with Him. Then choose a verse or phrase to read and study. You might even journal your prayers and observations.

Key 4 – Find other people who are of the same faith (Christians) to fellowship with or hang out with. Join a Bible Study group on campus. There are several Bible study groups on campus; one that I am closely related to is TAKEN Bible Study & Ministry which takes place every Wednesday at 7:00 pm in the 19th floor Guinn hall Lounge.

Vincent and Hayter are heating it up!

Amanda Smith, Sports Editor

Both sophomore forward Chastity Hayter and junior goalkeeper Aly Vincent were named LSC Players of the Week. Hayter was given the honor after scoring the only goal in the TWU vs. West Texas A&M game and assisting Kyli Morgon for the goal that beat Eastern New Mexico University 1-0. Hayter has scored at least one goal in every one of the last five games. She is currently ranked 2nd on the TWU roster in goals and points.

Vincent was named LSC Co-Defensive Player after shutting out both West Texas A&M University and Eastern New Mexico University. This is her second week in a row to be titled LSC Co-Defensive Player of the Week.

Can they balance it all?

Amanda Smith, Sports Editor

Seniors Courtney Arno-Templet and Nicole Poling were selected by a team-wide vote to be the 2008 TWU gymnastic team captains. Frank Kudlac, the head-coach, supports their decision 100%.

“Courtney and Nicole are leaders both in and out of the gym. They’ve had success here at TWU, and they know what our program is all about,” Kudlac says. “I expect them to set the tone for the way this team performs this season.”

Both girls are no strangers to leadership and team work. This decision will place Arno-Templet as a team captain for her 3rd year in a row. Winning multiple titles such as 2007 USA Gymnastics (USAG) National Championship on the uneven bars and 2006 USAG National Championship on balance beam, Arno-Templet knows what it takes to succeed to get a grasp on her dreams. Poling has competed in vault, beams, bars, and floor. Throughout her gymnastic career her at TWU, she has won USAG, MIC, and National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics/Women academic honors, proving she has what it takes to pump up and lead the team to victory.

The gymnastics team leaps off into their season starting on December 7 at 7:00, right here at the Kitty Magee Arena. Good luck to all the girls in their upcoming season.

Score Update for TDUB

Amanda Smith, Sports Editor

Saturday October 20-Volleyball

The TWU Pioneers went home disappointed with a Lone Star Conference loss against the Abilene Christian University Wildcats. The final game scores were 13-30, 24-30, and 22-30. The pioneers came out with a minimal .067 attack percentage.

“That pretty much says it all,” says a distraught Coach Barberee. “We just couldn’t get anything going offensively. They were converting every opportunity they had, and we never did anything to slow them down.”

A couple of players that stood out were freshman middle blocker LyGene’ Traylor and freshman outside hitter Kendra Coulson. Both of the girls tied for the lead of 7 kills. Also sophomore setter Jessica Crow helped to contribute 25 set assists for the Pioneers. The loss has now plummeted the Pioneers’ record at 13-10 for the season and 5-4 in the LSC.

The girls play again on Tuesday October 23 at 7:00 in a non-conference game against Dallas Baptist University.

Sunday October 21- Soccer

5 wins in a row—that’s the newest accomplishment by the girls on the TWU Pioneer soccer team. Their most recent win was against the Eastern New Mexico University Zias. The only score of the game was shot by freshman midfielder Kyli Morgan during the first half of the game.

“When Chastity left the ball for me I saw that I had an opportunity to really rip it,” said a very excited Kyli Morgan. “I shot it as hard as I could, and hoped that it wouldn’t sail high. Fortunately, the ball stayed right inside the goal post and slipped in under the crossbar. It felt great to see that one get by the keeper.”

They never let up against the hard-hitting Zias. The girls pushed and pushed until the end.

“The quick goal by Kyli really gave us a lift,” says TWU head coach Fleur Benatar. “I really liked the way we responded after that. We kept pushing, and kept looking to score. Because of our aggressive play, Eastern New Mexico was on their heels all game long and never really got anything going.”

The next game for the TWU pioneers will be against San Angelo State University in San Angelo, Tx at 4:00 p.m. on Friday October 26.

These girls are slammin'!

Amanda Smith, Sports Editor

The recent trip to San Angelo, Texas turned out to be both a victorious and eventful one for the TWU volleyball team. The San Angelo State University Rambelles picked up a 7 point lead over the Pioneers in the first game, bring uneasy thoughts to all the TWU fans. However, the Pioneers did what they do best and came back to annihilate the Rambelles with a final score of 30-28, slowly crushing the faith of the Rambelles fans.

“That was the difference in the match,” says head-coach Berberee. “They had us on the ropes. Had we dropped that first game, it would have been really hard to come back. We pulled together though, and started to play with more consistency. They made a bunch of mistakes, and we were able to capitalize.”

These girls are the prime example of what it takes to be a team. Win or lose, these girls know how to connect with each other and lean on each other for support.

Dr. Haunt's Chamber of Fear:

More fun than you can shake a chainsaw at

Luis Rendon, Entertainment Editor

With nothing in particular to do on a spooky night it seemed only fitting that I jumped on the bandwagon and visit my very first haunted house: Dr. Haunt’s Chamber of Fear. With Halloween spirit in full swing the house not only had my friends and I screaming like little girls, it also provided some much needed entertainment for the Halloween season.

It was laborious work, choosing exactly which haunted house to visit. So many are available and open for business this time of year. Dr. Haunt’s is one of the closer haunted houses in the area with only a 30 to 45 minute drive from Denton. It is also unique because it is run completely by the North Central Texas College drama department and student government association. All proceeds of the house go directly to North Central Texas College.

While waiting in line to enter I found my friends and I grasping each other’s hands in anticipation and anxiety as a chainsaw happy cowboy terrorized unsuspecting girls by revving the engine and screaming loudly. At one point he went so far as to chase a little girl around the entire parking lot. She came back five minutes later crying for her mother and screaming, “I don’t wanna’ go in anymore!” It was at this moment I decided this wasn’t like the haunted houses the neighborhood church likes to throw.

Like the blind leading the blind my friends and I held hands and made our way through the eerie chamber. Through intricate mazes detailed with grotesque décor and haunting noises and sounds I laughed, screamed, and shuddered in horror all the way through the satisfyingly chilling house. The actors were on point throughout and weren’t generic or repetitive in their actions and characters. I ran into a psychotic doctor, a girl chained to a bed, someone akin to the girl from the ring, what I could only describe as an acrobatic zombie, and of course, killer clowns.

The entire tour of the house took about 30 minutes--if you didn’t get lost (yes, it does happen), and I waited in line for about 15 minutes. The wait didn’t seem long or boring, however, thanks to the scary chainsaw man and a live band that was performing outside.

All in all I was completely satisfied with my first haunted house experience. For 15 bucks (twelve if you have a coupon) the place really packs a punch and is just the right amount of thrills for a weeknight of Halloween fun. Dr. Haunt’s Chamber of Fear gets three out of four little crying girls peeing their pants.

Dashboard confessional feels good in

The Shade of Poison Trees

Luis Rendon, Entertainment Editor

The Texas Woman’s University and Brookhaven College flute choirs have something special planned for the 14th Annual Monster Flute Choir Concert.

The concert, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, will take place in the Margo Jones Performance Hall, located at Pioneer Circle and Oakland Street on TWU’s Denton campus. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call (940) 898-2500.

The concert will feature the Texas premiere of “Plains and Petticoats: A Prairie Passage” by composer Nancy Wood. This performance follows the group’s world premiere performance at the National Flute Association Convention in Albuquerque, N.M., in August.

Dr. Pam Youngblood, TWU music professor and director of the combined TWU and Brookhaven flute choirs, said the idea for the composition came from the convention’s emphasis on the Southwest.

“Nancy Wood and I started looking at diaries of women who traveled west by covered wagon, with particular emphasis on travel from this area to New Mexico,” Dr. Youngblood said. “The result was a nine-movement work; it was a huge hit.”

Sharon Benge, director of TWU’s drama program, will narrate the performance. Prior to each movement, Ms. Benge will read the diary reference that inspired the music.

TWU Monster Flute Concert to feature

Texas premiere of 'Pains and Petticoats'

Luis Rendon, Entertainment Editor

The Texas Woman’s University and Brookhaven College flute choirs have something special planned for the 14th Annual Monster Flute Choir Concert.

Dr. Pam Youngblood, TWU music professor and director of the combined TWU and Brookhaven flute choirs, said the idea for the composition came from the convention’s emphasis on the Southwest.

Sharon Benge, director of TWU’s drama program, will narrate the performance. Prior to each movement, Ms. Benge will read the diary reference that inspired the music.