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Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Pass the turnips: your guide to Halloween’s past

Columnist October 31, 2012

Across the Halloweens of your life, you’ve gone from dressing up as a Power Ranger to watching horror movies to visiting haunted houses to dressing up as a drunken Power Ranger that hits on girls wearing...

Avoid the usual costume trends this Halloween and be original

RIP October 31, 2012

College students this Halloween can expect to relive the cultural hits of the past 10 months at parties this week. The shelves of local party stores are full of Catwomen, Avengers, Banes and Big Birds....

Don’t take your Halloween safety for granted this year

RIP October 31, 2012

Halloween is a popular holiday for the college-aged crowd. It’s nothing really new if you’re into cosplay, but it’s a more acceptable opportunity to break out your killer costume-making skills and it’s a unique way to have some fun with your friends. 

I love Halloween parties due to the absurdity of it all. You’d never think you’d see Zorro, Sailor Moon, The Mad Hatter and Ernest P. Worrell all in one room. 

While Halloween parties for the college crowds are a fun way to spend the night, rather than just sitting at the dorm or in your apartment watching the entire “Halloween” film series marathon, there are some very important safety tips I hope you follow.

We’ll start off with the ones you should be familiar with already: Drinking alcoholic beverages is not an uncommon sight, but don’t think that just because you’re dressed like Captain America that drinking a large quantity of alcohol will not have its affects on you. So, know your limits so your life doesn’t turn into a real-life horror story.

Just like when you were trick-or-treating as a kid, it’s best to go to Halloween parties in groups and not by yourself to places you’re unfamiliar with. This especially goes to those who like to wear more provocative costumes. You may be everyone’s friend at that moment, but some people’s friendly demeanor can be deceptive, so make sure you know when something is going too far and that you have a method of being in touch with a friend.

My last important reminder is to observe the rules requested by the hosts of the party. Due to the recent tragedy in Colorado, some venues are requesting not to have costumes that include full-face masks or paintings. Another is having a no tolerance policy toward costume accessories that appear to be realistic looking weapons, notably guns.

I know it seems like we’re back within the confides of our grade school’s Halloween celebrations, but it’s best to follow that rule, so it doesn’t allow some crazed lunatic a chance to take someone’s life.

Now that you know what not to do, it’s time apply it to make your Halloween night as safe as possible. Soak up the fun and absurdity of it all, because just like Christmas, it only comes once a year.

Trick-or-treat: For college students?

RIP October 31, 2012

As we approach the Halloween season, it’s important, as college students, to know what we are socially allowed to do. Obviously costume parties and dressing up to get free burritos from Chipotle are...

Female costumes take sexy way too far

RIP October 31, 2012

Halloween is a time when people dress up as a variety of things. Monsters, myths and random professions are all different costume choices. The great thing about Halloween is that anyone can do any thing,...

A family death is only a good excuse until it becomes reality

Staff Reporter October 29, 2012

A Facebook friend of mine made a funny status post not too long ago that read: “I can’t remember how many times my grandma died when I was in college.” Of course, he was referring to the excuses...

Watch out for all of the rude people on campus

Columnist October 24, 2012

Because the school was built without considering the possibility that people might drive to it, I was cruising around the parking lot looking for a place to park. I suddenly spied a car backing out. I...

Presidential candidates’ ideas basically the same

Columnist October 24, 2012

Monday marked the final presidential debate and the countdown has begun for the race to the White House. For those that missed the debate Monday night, it was about foreign policy, a subject Obama was...

Country artists put on ‘memorable’ concert to celebrate SGA’s birthday

Review October 22, 2012

It was tough finding an empty seat for the concert at Wichita State’s Charles Koch Arena Saturday night. I found all the great seats taken. Surrounded by a sea of denims, checkered shirts and cowboy...

WSU’s opera features a spirited cast in ‘The Pirates of Penzance’

Columnist October 22, 2012

Before there was a “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride at Disneyland or Captain Hook in “Peter Pan” or even Long John Silver in “Treasure Island,” there was “The Pirates of Penzance.” Written...

Fight off the cold with these simple remedies

Columnist October 17, 2012

One of the many unpleasantries associated with the fall season is the common cold. It’s not the constant need to cough that makes it unbearable, but the large accumulation of mucus that seems to get...

Don’t forget about the others running for office

Columnist October 17, 2012

Anyone else forget that there were other elections? Presidential elections are fun to watch; there is no other way to put it. You have a clear choice between two people and in November the whole thing...

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