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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

Thanks to all of you! Or, not?

Column November 19, 2012

The fresh and buttery smell of baked turkey, the sweet taste of cranberry and pumpkin pie, and the picture of happy family faces, is what best describes the American tradition of Thanksgiving.  Why is...

Basketball is great, but it’s not something to freak out over

Column November 14, 2012

Now that basketball season is upon us again, it is time for all those die-hard basketball fans to come out of their little hidey holes to cheer on their favorite team, be it a high school, college, professional...

Don’t be too busy to help someone in need

Columnist November 12, 2012

It is always smart at the beginning of the year to get at least one phone number from your fellow classmates. Over the course of my college career, I never really had a use for either sending or receiving...

So, about those other elections? They were just as important

Columnist November 12, 2012

If you happened to be watching television, reading your Facebook newsfeed, or were somehow connected to the outside world, you surely noticed Tuesday’s election. As we once again carried on our most...

There’s value in taking a class you don’t need

Column by Julia Fletcher November 7, 2012

Consider this: taking a class just for the fun of it.  I’m willing to bet there’s at least one class you’ve considered taking, but are concerned it isn’t required for your degree. Many students...

American Babel of voices: A European view of the U.S. elections

By Valerie Brockman November 6, 2012

Trying to understand American politics can be challenging for some Europeans.The three debates should have helped voters to understand what is actually going on in their possible-future-president’s mind,...

A German experience on an American campus

Column by Valerie Brockman November 5, 2012

More than two years ago I stepped on American ground for the first time. I was full of excitement to enter a new continent, and to explore its young culture.  However, I soon realized the country is different...

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 fun Halloween memory from Liz

RIP October 31, 2012

Standing at the door, I knew to expect the weird or wacky. My art teacher was notorious for dressing up in elaborate costumes to hand out candy on Halloween. The year before, he insisted on giving everyone...

Is it truly Halloween when you spend your night studying?

Columnist October 31, 2012

Picture this if you will. You’re a college student who’s been paying attention so much to whether or not you will get straight A’s this semester that you’re not even aware of today’s October...

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