At 39 years old, Byron Jackson never imagined he would be working out five days a week and trading in fried foods for soups and salads. Weighing in at 340 pounds, it wasn’t until Jackson and his wife had their first child that he realized it was time for a change. He wanted to be around for his family, and the only way he could do that would be by shedding excess weight. After “almost dying” from his first workout, Jackson said, it took a few classes to not dread going. “The trainers at D1 [Waco] make it easy on…
Author: Caroline Bentley
On Monday, Baylor alumnus and previous entertainment editor of the Baylor Lariat, Del Shores, released his most recent play, movie and TV series “A Very Sordid Wedding.”Shores is an award-winning writer and director of “Blues For Willadean,” “Southern Baptist Sissies,” “Queer as Folk,” and “Sordid Lives.” “A Very Sordid Wedding” is the sequel to Shores’ series “Sordid Lives.” “Not a day [went] by where someone didn’t write me asking me for more ‘Sordid Lives,’ I wanted to contrast affirming churches and organizations like Faith In America with the hypocritical bigotry that is still being spewed,” said the writer, director and…
Magnolia Market will host its “Locals Only” night at the Silos for Waco residents today. The event will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and is free for and only open for Waco residents.Magnolia Market has taken Waco by storm over the past few years and has brought hundreds of thousands of tourists to Waco, according to the Waco Tribune Herald. While the tourists coming for The Gaines’ newest destination are leading the way for citywide growth, local residents are not as thrilled about the boom as others. “Magnolia is a great place for the family to spend quality…
Kappa Kappa Gamma hosted its annual Easter egg hunt for the Baylor faculty and their families on Thursday “We keep the event limited to the professors of Baylor so that it’s more of a special thank you for what they do,” said Emma Ferguson, Kappa Kappa Gamma university events chair. “It is so fun getting to see the professors interact with their kids, and it’s a chance for them to have their family interact with their Baylor family.” Over 500 students and faculty attended this one-hour event held on Founders Mall. While it was required for active members of Kappa…
As a senior in college with a journalism degree that doesn’t guarantee me a job, applying for full-time positions has taken up more time during my last semester than anything else. As I have been applying to jobs and sending out portfolios to potential employers, I have noticed that hiring managers think they are above the rules. We’re taught in school and most internships that you respond the moment you receive something. No matter the message and no matter the time (usually as an intern you have higher expectations of this), you should always show immediate response. But why is…
The Art Center of Waco will host its annual fundraiser, Table Toppers on Thursday at the Baylor Club at McLane Stadium.Table Toppers has been the Art Center of Waco’s fundraiser for more than 20 years and has become a staple in keeping the arts a constant presence in the community. “It is such a fun and practical way to engage community members, local businesses and nonprofits,” Megan Legband, the Art Center of Waco program coordinator, said. “Table Toppers has a wide variety of things for people who are really interested in the arts but may not be super artistic. This…
The Waco Downtown Farmers Market is the talk of the town — but not for its sweet treats, but because of its big move. The Farmers Market moved locations on Saturday to 500 Washington Ave. to accommodate the construction of the new riverfront development.“I think our customers and vendors were a little nervous and sad to leave our old location. It is a beautiful spot, and we will certainly miss it. However, last weekend was a success, and I think everyone sees that our new location is a great alternative,” said Kristi Pereira, Waco Downtown Farmers Market marketing manager. The…
By Caroline Bentley | Reporter Last week, the new iPhone and Android app, Closet Hop, launched for Baylor women. Closet Hop is the newest mobile phone app where women of Baylor University can rent and buy clothing from other women at their university. “[Women] will be able to browse clothing in [their] university’s main feed or by searching within specific categories,” said Richard Welday, Closet Hop developer. “Once you find an item you like, simply select ‘Rent’ or ‘Buy’ and choose the date(s) you need it. You verify a method of payment and chat with the owner to arrange a…
On March 18, Illevated Sounds will host Waco’s first electronic dance, music and art festival at Baylor University’s McLane Stadium. Illectric River Music and Art Festival is a one-day music and art gathering that offers some of EDM’s largest artists and most creative music. The Illectric River Music and Art Festival is meant to show citizens of Waco and surrounding areas a variety of art and music not from the Texas community. “Illectric River aims to go above and beyond to exceed expectations at all times,” said Illectric River Co-Founder and Manager Ben Cobb. “We aimed to create something that…
Texas is known for its incredible Mexican food, and Waco is notorious for having some of the best finds in regard to food trucks and restaurants. A friend and I found Ranchito through Googling, “Top restaraunts in Waco.” The result of this random search is by far my new favorite Mexican restaurant in Waco and a top choice for the central Texas area. Located about 15 minutes from campus, Ranchito gives Baylor students a chance to step outside the Baylor bubble and experience Tex-Mex. The outside may be deceiving, but once you walk in you know it’s going to be…
Waco’s Heart of Texas Poets Society is hosting a Mardi Gras-themed open mic night from 6-8 p.m. Monday. The Heart of Texas Poets Society is an organization that meets once a month to discuss the arts. Photography, storytelling and music are a few of the pastimes that the group talks about; written poetry is not the only hobby. “We hope those who want to connect to their creative side will join us,” said Sandi Horton, Heart of Texas Poets Society co-founder. The Mardi Gras open mic night is a chance for people of all ages to come together and share…
On March 25, over 2,000 runners will compete in what has been named the “Toughest Half in Texas” in Waco and throughout Baylor University’s campus. Early registration for this half-marathon closes on Feb. 24, so time is running out for registrants to get the most cost effective deal. The Bearathon has been one of Student Foundation’s most effective scholarship fundraising events for Baylor University students. “I ran the Bearathon last year, and I am running it again in a few weeks,” said Longview junior Payton Baker. “I like how the Bearathon promotes healthy living but also serves as a great…
What happens when you bring a classic restaurant to one of the hippest streets in Waco? Offering a step outside of Waco’s norm, Jake’s Texas Tea House is a family-friendly restaurant with an old-fashioned twist. The vintage signs and old-school diner feel capture your eyes from the start. With the booths placed between old convertibles and a vibe unlike any other restaurant in Waco, I was always looking around in amazement. The retro menu includes hubcap burgers, fried chicken, chicken fried steak plates and hearty salads. These are followed by a lengthy sandwich menu and delectable dessert tray. The possibilities…
Baylor University’s Concert Jazz Ensemble will present its first concert of the spring semester on Thursday evening at Jones Concert Hall.The Concert Jazz Ensemble performs a variety of songs all stemming from the traditional genre of jazz. As an instrumental ensemble, there are no vocalists singing during each piece, but vocalist Heather Boswell will sing a piece between performances. “[The Concert Jazz Ensemble] provides students with the opportunity to put into practical use the information discussed in their improvisation classes, the arranging classes and the jazz history class,” according to the School of Music’s website. The Concert Jazz Ensemble performs…
Moving from big cities to Waco for college is a big step for some students, and finding new places to explore and eat can be difficult after a few months. On special holidays, such as Valentine’s Day, it is especially difficult to find something exciting and new to do. We’ve put together some different places to spend your Valentine’s Day weekend. DiamondBack’s Waco Widely known as one of the nicest places to have a dinner, DiamondBack’s Waco is also the nicest restaurant on our list. The low lighting and serene feel make DiamondBack’s a more intimate option for dinner over…
By Caroline Bentley | ReporterCareer and Professional Development hosted the first camp fair of the 2016-17 school year on Tuesday. The camp fair allowed students to speak face-to-face with several summer camps from across the United States. “We love having the opportunity to go on college campuses and talk one-on-one with students to share why we love what we do and how special our camp is,” said Camp Olympia intern Alan Songer. “Summer camps are an incredible way to spend your summer or multiple summers. Getting paid to hang out with really great kids, teach them about Christ and grow…
What happens when you elevate the restaurant game in Waco? Moroso Wood Fired Pizzeria, located at 4700 Bosque Blvd., offers a unique experience, taking inspiration from cities such as New York and Chicago. The handmade brick oven is the first thing I noticed when my friend and I arrived at Moroso. Sitting at the bar surrounding the brick oven and preparation station, we were never without entertainment. A serious menu includes traditional Italian appetizers such as caprese salad, handmade meatballs and arancini, followed by a lengthy pizza menu with dough flour imported from Italy and simplistic, artisan-style creations that shift…
VirtuOso Good On Sunday evening, Baylor Jazz Ensemble and VirtuOso will host a concert at the Waco Hippodrome Theater to prepare for the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA).VirtuOso performs a variety of different songs and genres of music. Ranging from popular pop songs to holiday carols and everything in between. As an A Cappella group, there are no instruments allowed – only voices. “VirtuOso is Baylor’s premier A Cappella group consisting of 11 members, but the number of members we have is always changing,” Rowlett Sophomore Andrea Mach, VirtuOso social media chair. VirtuOso performs at Baylor events, community…
Kappa Sigma hosted Koffee for Kappa Sigma Heroes on Monday at Common Grounds to recognize some of the nation’s heroes.Koffee for Kappa Sigma Heroes is an annual event put on by Kappa Sigma in January. All proceeds from the event go to the Heart of Texas Veterans One Stop. The $5 entrance fee provided unlimited Common Grounds coffee and concerts from Honest Men and Nolan Pick Band. T-shirts, candles and coffee mugs were available for purchase at the event. “This is my favorite event put on; I look forward to it each year. My father was in the military, so…