Rambler 2-18-09

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The students’ voice since 1917

February 18, 2009

www.txwes.edu/rambler

Vol. 102, No. 5

News Briefs Three years in the books and Burleson site moves right along Eunice Nicholson

Guitar Hero Do you think you have what it takes to strum and fret the sounds of Aerosmith and Metallica? Join students as they take part in the cultural phenomenon that is Guitar Hero World Tour. The jam session starts at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 in the lobby of Stella Russell Hall.

Chili and Tombstone The Taste of Texas offers a remedy for the cold weather and a typical Wednesday; join them as they serve chili and show the movie Tombstone.

Events start at 7 p.m. on Feb. 25 in Elizabeth Hall.

Hatton Sumners The Hatton W. Sumners Foundation Scholarship will accept applications until Feb. 23. Scholars chosen will receive up to $3,500 a semester and will participate in special forums on public policy and leadership. Preference is given to those studying political science, pre-law, history or social studies.

Students from other program areas who have high academic achievement and exhibit a strong sense of community responsibility will also be considered.

Expanding Horizons For the 21st year, Texas Wesleyan will host Expanding Your Horizons in Science and Mathematics conference. Middle school girls are invited to participate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 4 at the Sid W. Richardson center.

Participants will take part in hands-on activities in workshops presented by professional women in the science or mathematics fields. Conference cost is $5 per person, and the registration deadline is March 12. Contact Dr. Jane Moore at (817) 5314882.

Rambler Contribution Please send all news briefs to twurambler@ yahoo.com. Submissions due by noon Friday to see brief in the following week’s issue.

munity service. She is also involved in her church and knows many of the people of Burleson.

For her, the situation is a win-win.

“I’m helping Wesleyan provide more options for its students, and I am helping my community by providing higher education to its residents,” Arnold said.

When local universities began establishing satellite campuses in the Metroplex several years ago, Wesleyan wanted to do the same, Martinez said. Originally, a location in Collin County, north of Dallas, was considered. But Martinez said that when the connection was made with the city of Burleson and the First United Methodist Church in Burleson was suggested as a location, it was a good opportunity.

In addition, part of the space at the church was already occupied by Hill College, a two-year community

STAFF WRITER

As Texas Wesleyan’s Burleson site begins its fourth year of service, the staff finds themselves reflecting on three years of growth.

“We started with five students in 2006,” said Judy Arnold, Burleson site coordinator. “This semester we have over 60 students enrolled in classes,” Arnold said.

The Burleson site, located in Johnson County just south of Fort Worth, opened its doors to students in January 2006. A satellite campus of Texas Wesleyan, it offers junior and senior level coursPhoto by Tiara Nugent es to students who have completed general course require- Judy Arnold, Burleson site coordinator, has anchored the program that has seen a ments or hold an associate’s jump from five students to more than 60. degree.

The significant growth is largely attributed to Arnold, said Dr. Carlos school.

“I think it is a tribute to Wesleyan to be forward-thinking and to be able Martinez, dean of the school of education.

“The key to our success in Burleson lies in the connection Judy has with to take a risk and branch out to give students options they deserve,” Arnold said. “Most of our students come from Hill College and the Southeast camthe community,” he said.

Arnold has been a member of the Wesleyan staff more than 18 years. pus of Tarrant County College. We help make the transfer to Wesleyan easy She has lived in Burleson since she was 11-years-old. Arnold is a member of by nurturing them.” the local Rotary Club of Burleson and serves as the club’s director of com-

See Burleson, page 2

Predicting the future for gas prices: Why we shouldn’t expect last year’s hike but still shouldn’t get too comfortable Shameka Hyatt STAFF WRITER

As college students’ tight budgets enjoy relatively acceptable gas prices today, the daunting past of record-high gasoline that hit around last summer stays embedded in our memories. Remembering such hard times and going through the other current challenges of a recession, many may worry if the sequel of gas record highs will occur again in the near future. But according to many experts, there may be good news on this front.

A gas spike last summer brought gas prices to unforgettable record highs of more than $4 per gallon.

They then fell, bringing gas prices in many states to no more than $1.50 a gallon late last year, according to Kennth Musante of CNNMoney. com.

These prices are driven by crude oil, the main ingredient in gasoline.

The price was more than $100 a barrel in summer 2008.

It has since dropped to $47 a barrel, after a brief drop to $32.40, according to Musante, making many

Americans happy.

While many consumers fear a rise in gas prices, subtle increases have already occurred. In January, the national average was up to $1.672 per gallon for unleaded, according to the American Automobile Association.

“Oil companies don’t like to shock us,” said Jason Toews, cofounder of Gasbuddy.com, in Musante’s article. “They like to ease us into higher prices.”

Although slowly climbing higher and higher, Toews does not see an occurrence of $4 a gallon occurring again anytime soon. He said he sees a more likely rise to $2.75 a gallon by summer, due to such factors as higher demand and the falling economy.

Other industry experts are in accordance when it comes to predictions associated for the future of gas prices. According to the Energy Information Administration, cited in an article by Outside the Beltway writer Steve Verdon, $51 per barrel for crude oil in 2009 would offer consumers more reasonable, lower prices.

The current prices are not in OPEC’s, (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) favor profitwise, Verdon wrote, and lower prices may drive OPEC to hope for higher demand. In addition, he said, they would be hoping for President Obama’s stimulus package to revive the economy so higher prices can Courtesy of Google Images be charged.

While the thought of gas at more than $4 a gallon is still “A lot depends fresh on the minds of drivers, sources say that this sumon the nature and mer’s hike shouldn’t be as worrisome. depth of the ecoof a century. nomic recession,” said UK Royal With many critics and specialists Institute of International Affairs pro- not seeing the dreaded sequel of $4 fessor Paul Stevens in Verdon’s ar- per gallon gas occurring anytime in ticle. the near future, it brings a little hope Adam Siemenski, chief energy to the strapped college student, as economist of Deutsche Bank, was well as the average American conalso quoted in Verdon’s article and sumer. Although gas will probably said the week economy will bring a never be $1.19 per gallon like it was very low demand for gas unlike what in the ‘90s, maybe our wallets can we’ve experienced in the last quarter breathe easier for a little while.

3PR, Princeton Review prepare pre-professional students Martin Garcia NEWS EDITOR

As the spring semester ever so quickly nears the halfway mark, students with post-secondary education goals are realizing that graduate school is right around the corner.

With that in mind, Wesleyan’s Pre-Professional Program (3PR) is teaming up with The Princeton Review to bring the Graduate School Test Fest to campus Feb. 21st.

“Princeton came, and we liked the price tag,” said Ann Smith, recruitment and activities specialist for the M.D. Anderson Pre-Professional Program.

Smith, who is currently in the tail end of her first year in 3PR, is trying to implement a system which provides graduate school prospects with the tools necessary to prepare for the application process.

Opinions

Test Fest will do just that as it will provide students with one free practice test of the MCAT, LSAT, GMAT or GRE.

be working on.”

3PR has seen a resurgence this year as participation has multiplied. The organization now caters to a long list of pre-professional individuals including law, medical, ministry, psychology, “As the 3PR audience grows in size, the program requires a restructure that imple- sociology and pre-college teaching.

Test Fest will demonstrate the Pre-Profesments events like Test Fest.” sional Programs’ desire for its increasing number – Anne Smith of students to succeed.

Recruitment and Activities Specialist “Students are now taking their career paths M.D. Anderson Pre-Professional Program more serious, and they want to develop those individual strengths,” Smith said.

The session will also include a catered lunch Test Fest is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. followed by a test strategy session given by one Feb. 21 on Wesleyan’s campus. Students can regof the program’s expert instructors. ister for the event at www.princetonreview.com/ “The ultimate goal is to do this every semes- events or by calling 800-2Review before Friday. ter,” Smith said. “We need to have a benchmark For questions, call Ann Smith at (817) 531to realize what the students still need to learn, and 4484. we must remain informed as to what they need to

Have you had someone pretend to be you? Is your identity safe online? Gain insight on the epidemic.

Page 3

Sports

Wesleyan baseball player shares testimony and thoughts for the promising upcoming season.

Page 5

News

February 18, 2009

The Rambler 2

Business school goes HD, links students via technology Seth Nelson STAFF WRITER

The Armstrong Mabee Business Building is new and improved. Three LCD high definition televisions now hang in the lobby of the business building, set off by a cherry finished wall and new carpeting. The television sets will be used to broadcast mainly news-related channels.

Dr. Hector Quintanilla, dean of the school of business, worked with Mac McLain, finance professor, and Wells Fargo Bank in securing a grant for this project. This area will be known as the “Wells Fargo Information Center.”

A seating area in the center will also be provided, complete with business-related periodicals like Fortune, Business Week and The Wall Street Journal. According to the Photo by Gasten Schoonover proposal, the major goal of this center is to “create a dynamic The Wells Fargo Information Center will host a row of new flat learning space where students and guests can experience a screens that will connect students to the world of business. The connection to the world of finance and business.” televisions should be powered up by the end of the semester.

Its objectives, as stated in the proposal, are to “promote

business education, increase financial literacy and provide a study area that encourages learning and student interaction.”

Quintanilla said the new center will connect students’ learning and understanding about business through the news.

The televisions will broadcast HD channels CNBC, CNN and the new Fox Business Channel.

Associate Dean Dr. Sameer Vaidya said he believes that the televisions and periodicals will help business students keep in touch and up to speed in the business and financial world.

The televisions should be fully operational by the end of the semester. The television sets, mounted on the lobby wall, are Samsung 46-inch LN46A550 models. Each HDTV will have an HDMI cable routed through the wall, and in a locked closet, there will be three DirecTV high-definition receivers. DirecTV offers more than 130 channels broadcasting in high definition.

Burleson, from page 1 Arnold said she and her colleague, Ashley Shetter, transfer admission counselor and regional recruiter, work with Hill College students planning to transfer to Wesleyan to complete a bachelor’s degree in education. Arnold said that establishing relationships with students before they enroll at Wesleyan has taken some of the guess work for the students out of the process.

Colette Rose is a resident of Burleson and a senior at the site.

Rose also serves as president of the Burleson Leaders Uniting Educators (BLUE), a Burleson site student organization serving the local community. Rose also volunteers her time assisting Arnold with various duties at the site.

In addition to the site’s convenient location and feeling that she’s part of the Wesleyan family, there is another reason Rose said she chose Wesleyan.

“English as a second language is part of the Wesleyan education degree plan,” Rose said. “Most school districts now require Photo by Tiara Nugent this certification.”

In addition to Arnold and Shetter, the Burleson site employs The Wesleyan satellite campus opened its doors in 2006. The Burtwo full- time education professors, Dr. Kim Tyler and Dr. Lorrie leson building houses the Wesleyan site as well as Hill College, a community college.

Webb.

The Burleson site currently offers a bachelor’s degree program in early childhood through grade six and select courses in busi- “Student service is what we are all about,” Arnold said. “We ness and liberal studies. The site also offers courses toward a mas- hope to expand and add other programs in the future.” ter of education in administration/principalship certification in In the mean time, she’s enjoying the current success of her students.

“My greatest joy is to see Wesleyan students graduate…to feel the summer.

The site also has its benefits for students at the historic campus. I had a small part in helping them achieve their goals,” she said.

Additional computers were added to the Burleson site computer The Burleson site is located at 130 E. Renfro in Burleson, three lab to provide all Wesleyan students who live near Burleson the blocks west of Interstate 35. For more information contact Judy Arnold at (871) 295-7373. convenience of working closer to home.

Opinions

February 18, 2009

The Rambler 3

“In the honors lounge.”

“In the SGA office.”

Sandi Jo Nears Freshman Business Major

“The third floor in the library.”

Grace Fisher Freshman Biology Major

“At the Barnes and Noble downtown.”

“Where’s your favorite place to study?”

Jonathan Attaway Freshman Vocal Performance Major Heath Scott Junior Political Science Major

Embrace your identity ... before someone else does W

ho are you? Did you buy that diamond ring or go on that expensive shopping spree last weekend?

Your credit card was used, but was it you?

There is more and more talk about losing your identity to theft. Today people are coming up with increasingly easy and clever ways to steal someone’s identity. Simply throwing away your mail or losing a receipt can lead to identity theft.

The reported findings for Javelin/Better Business Monique Bureau Survey state, “within the last 12 months, 9.3 Nolly million Americans were victims of identity theft.” Most thieves obtain personal information through traditional means such as lost or stolen wallets, untrustworthy family and friends and theft of paper mail rather than electronic channels.

This means that 68.2 percent of the stolen information was obtained offline versus the 11.6 percent obtained online.

According to the Better Business Survey, “85 percent of victims find out about their identity theft in a negative manner, whereas 15 percent of victims find out due to proactive action taken by a business.”

Some ways to reduce your risk of identity theft include canceling your paper bills and statements and instead check your statements and paying bills online since statistics show us this is a safer method.

Monitor your account balances and activities electronically at least once a week.

For some, online accounts still feel uncomfortable.

If this is you, other ways to reduce your chances of identity theft include reviewing paper bank and credit card

statements monthly and monitor your billing cycle for missing bills, unexplained withdrawals or transfers as well as unexplained payments. Also consider using a paper shredder and being careful what you throw away and where.

Unfortunately, whenever you show your driver’s license, give your social security number or simply fill out an application for a job or to move into a new apartment you are risking your identity being stolen.

According to the Sun Journal, a 34-year-old New York woman was sentenced to two years and eight months in federal prison after pleading guilty to identity theft. The Feb. 5 newspaper article reported that “while working in an assisted-living facility, she obtained personal information, including social security numbers, and documents from two residents. She then used the stolen information to try to get credit cards from two banks and make purchases on the Internet.”

You never know where it can happen, so protect your information.

If you do choose to make purchases and complete account transactions online, precautions must be taken. Do you really know how safe it is to put your personal information on the computer? Probably not.

When shopping online, it is never safe to give the merchant your credit card or bank account information through e-mail or instant messaging.

According to Practical Answers for Digital Life, purchasing with credit cards online is a safe way to pay bills. It is very easy to dispute charges if you encounter problems such as your credit card being charged for items you never purchased or like your credit card number being stolen. U.S. credit card brands are prepared to protect you, with policies like MasterCard Zero Liability.

When shopping online, make sure to read the privacy policy that should be posted on the Web site. If for any reason you do not feel comfortable with the policy or if there is not one posted, do not make a purchase from them.

Another safe way to shop online is with a service called PayPal. PayPal is an eBay company and acts as the payment middleman. This allows people to send money to each other over the Internet in a way that is secure for the buyer and the seller. PayPal takes care of the transactions without the seller ever seeing your payment information. For information on setting up an account, visit www.paypal.com.

There are millions of victims of identity theft in the United States each year. Make sure that you take the necessary precautions listed above to ensure your safety, including reviewing your credit report, which can be obtained free for annual review.

Don’t give anyone the opportunity to steal your identity. Taking charge will help put an end the potential of losing your identity.

Monique Nolly is a senior mass communication major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.

Butt out.

Private smoking not the public, government’s business S

moking, it’s a filthy habit. It makes your clothes smell, gives you bad breath and is an increasingly expensive habit to maintain.

It also relieves stress, calms anxiety and goes great with alcohol.

As for myself, I am Chuck counted amongst the dirty smoker population, and while Fain I can see that there are definitely negative effects to smoking, I don’t think smoking should be a banned activity.

In the past couple of years, lawmakers throughout the area have past city ordinances banning smoking in most public places.

While the ordinances vary slightly from city to city, most prohibit it in restaurants where alcohol does not make up the vast majority of sales. In other words, it’s generally prohibited unless you’re in a bar. Cities also cracked down on smoking outside the entrances of a building.

They took the smoking sections out of the restaurants, and the smoking community responded with a gravely grumble. They took it out of bowling alleys, to which we hacked and coughed in disdain.

They banned us from buildings’ entrances, and we puffed in corners. We were down, but not out.

Pushed to the side, but not eliminated. Coerced but not killed.

That may all change.

According to nbcdfw.com, Texas legislature is currently working on a bill that would push the smoking ban even farther, banning smoking everywhere, except for private residence (which, who knows, may come next).

Pegasusnew.com reports that the city of

Rowlett has already passed stricter smoking restrictions for the residents, and visitors, of their fair city. Offenders of the new smoking ordinance will find themselves strapped with a $500 fine.

Other Texas towns are expected to follow suit, leading up to a statewide ban. Still one of the last states in the nation to allow smoking in public places, Texas’ smokers find ourselves on the dawning of a new, tobacco hostile era.

Smoking is increasingly unpopular in this day and age. Many mass media ad campaigns have

been set up to discourage people from smoking, and much legislation has passed concerning the subject.

While I don’t encourage anyone to take up smoking, I think those who choose to do so should not be forced into quitting, especially by the government. I understand that secondhand smoke affects others, if in no other way but

The Rambler

Chuck Fain is a senior English major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.

Rambler Ratings

Founded in 1917 as The Handout Harold G. Jeffcoat, Publisher Kelli Lamers, adviser Tiara Nugent,editor-in-chief Ryan Authier, entertainment editor Gasten Schoonover, photo editor

severe annoyance, and those of the non-smoking community surely have the right to breathe all the fresh air they want. But measures have already been taken to ensure this.

Smoking is prohibited in restaurants and most other public places, it is barred 15 to 20 feet from a building’s entrance, and people who see you smoking are legally obligated to make exaggerated coughing sounds when they walk by you and call you “cancer face,” (OK, that last part is made up, but you just wait…).

Pushing the ban even farther just seems like kicking a guy when he’s down … and while he’s trying to light up a smoke. Smoking is still allowed in bars, which, if the ban takes effect, would change all of that.

This is perhaps where the bill will meet its most resistance.

Those who frequent bars, more often than not, also smoke. If an establishment is set up to serve nothing but poison, why can’t a patron partake in other poisons as well? Don’t like the smoke in bars? Perhaps you would feel more comfortable in one of the thousands of other restaurants in the Metroplex that serve alcohol and/or have their own smoke-free bar, catering to all you fresh air junkies.

Smoking is an unhealthy practice, but if we’re going to start banning things based on how healthy they are for us, then fast food, sodas and those cars spilling out all that carbon monoxide should be the next to go.

Again, I don’t advocate that others smoke, but on the behalf of everyone who does, please keep your enthusiasm for fresh air in your malls and restaurants and leave the dive bars and bowling alleys to us smokers.

Martin Garcia, news editor

Bryce Wilks, sports editor Ashely Oldham, advertising manager Rachel Horton, Web editor

Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

Opinions expressed in The Rambler are those of the individual author only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas Wesleyan community as a whole.

Letters to the editor: The Rambler, a weekly publication, welcomes all letters.

All submissions must have a full printed name, phone number and signature; however, confidentiality will be granted if requested.

While every consideration is made to publish letters, publication is limited by time and space.

The editors reserve the right to edit all submissions for space, grammar, clarity and style.

Letters to the editor may be subject to response from editors and students on the opinions page.

“We are not afraid to follow the truth...wherever it may lead.” -Thomas Jefferson Address all correspondence to: Texas Wesleyan University, The Rambler, 1201 Wesleyan St., Fort Worth, TX 76105.

Newsroom: 531-7552 Advertising: 531-7582 E-mail: twurambler@yahoo.com

Thumbs up to Gamma Sigma Sigma for holding a Valentine’s bake sale.

Thumbs down to the broken printer in NBC 102.

Thumbs down to the shallow, hard-to-grip Coke bottle lids.

Thumbs up to maintenance for keeping our campus trashfree.

Who do you eat lunch with?

Clarence Thomas

Buzz Aldrin

U.S. Supreme Court Justice

U.S. Astronaut

Dominique Dawes U.S. Olympic gold medalist and national Humanitarian

Steve Forbes Entrepreneur

Jeb Bush

Florida’s 43rd governor

Tommy Franks U.S. General

Queen Noor of Jordan

John Stossel

ABC’s 20/20 host

Robert Jordan

U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, 2001

It could be them.

Tony Snow

Former White House Press Secretary

As a student at Texas Wesleyan, you have the opportunity to apply for the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship, up to $3,500 per semester toward tuition for your junior and senior years, is open to all students. Preference is given to those studying political science, pre-law, history, or social studies. Students from other program areas who have high academic achievement, are involved in activities, and exhibit leadership and a strong sense of community responsibility will also be considered. Sumners Scholars also participate in special forums, lectures and programs on public policy, leadership, and civic participation.

For more information or to pick up an application, contact:

Office of Financial Aid (817) 531-4420 Application Deadline: February 23, 2009

February 18, 2009

Quick Quote

“Losing streaks are funny.

If you lose at the beginning, you get off to a bad start. If you lose in the middle of the season, you’re in a slump.

If you lose at the end, you’re choking.”

- Gene Mauch Former MLB manager

Sports Historic run

Feb. 19 *5:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Wiley

NEWS EDITOR

*3 p.m. Softball vs. University of Science & Arts Feb. 21 *5:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Southwestern Assemblies of God *7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Southwestern Assemblies of God Feb. 23 *1 p.m. Baseball vs. LSUShreveport *3 p.m. Baseball vs. LSUShreveport

Sports Briefs Rams run past HTU Feb. 14 The basketball team defeated Huston-Tillotson 79-63 and in the process, amassed their highest regular season win total since the 1982-83 team went 22-6. They also pushed their current winning streak to 11 games. That is tied for the sixth longest streak in school history and the longest since a 12 game streak in 1983.

Lady Rams pick up forfeit win against HTU Jan. 24 The Huston-Tillotson women’s basketball team forfeited their game against the Lady Rams to give Wesleyan their fourth conference win.

No. 17 Rams knock off Lubbock Christian Feb. 14 The baseball team handed Lubbock Christian their first loss of the year, 4-0. Pitcher Cody Poche went 8.1 scoreless innings and allowed no runs on two hits while striking out five.

Photo by Jose Valdez

With an 11 game winning streak, the basketball team has captured 21 wins so far, just one short of the all-time regular season record. The 1982-83 squad went 22-6, and the current team has five regular season contests remaining. The winning streaks ranks as the longest since 1983 as well, when that team strung together 12. Senior guard Kennith Gober (above) averaged 18 points per game over the Rams past five wins.

God is life. Baseball is just a detail. That’s what Ryan Ragsdale used to wear as he strutted around the halls of Smithfield Elementary School. No one can question Ragsdale’s passion for the game, but his love for Christ is what has been evident in his demeanor and in his life. This guidance and conviction has ultimately translated into production on the diamond for the junior catcher.

Baseball has been a part of Ragsdale’s life as long as he can remember—15 years to be exact. What now seems like so many days ago, he ventured out (like many athletes do) and took a stab at basketball, football and cross country, but once he got to high school, Ragsdale knew that his main focus was on baseball.

“I love everything about the game, and I wouldn’t trade one minute of my time on the field for anything,” he said. “The drama, the intensity, the heartbreak and victory – there’s just nothing like it.”

It’s this kind of passion and love for the game that drives head coach Mike Jeffcoat’s team to success. The Rams are currently riding back-to-back 40-win seasons—something that hasn’t been done since the ’79 and ’80 seasons.

In the current streak the Rams have captured one Red River Conference tournament championship, and the team has also advanced to the Region VI final.

It’s evident that Jeffcoat’s major league presence has influenced his teams, but by adding Texas Rangers Hall-of-Famer and Rams assistant coach Rusty Greer to the coaching staff, he has created an environment that is unmatched by many of the Rams’ opponents.

Om is where the heart is Weekly yoga class offered on campus by vice president, certified yoga instructor Alexander Rene` Edwards STAFF WRITER

Now there are no more excuses for not getting your exercise. Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend a free yoga class held at noon each Wednesday. The class is taught by Pati Alexander, vice president of enrollment and student services and certified yoga instructor.

“I have more energy and flexibility,” said Alexander, who began practicing yoga approximately 10 years ago for relaxation. “It forces me to quiet my mind and listen to my body as I practice the postures.”

She said she started the class as a means to give back to Wesleyan where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and has worked since 1984.

“I love the family atmosphere here,” she said.

Upon becoming certified last May, Alexander also teaches at yoga class for Burleson Independent School District and for a continuing education class at Tarrant County College’s south campus.

Alexander claims that anyone, even those who have physical handicaps, can practice yoga.

“One of the things I love about yoga is you have to quiet the mind first in order to get the maximum benefit from the postures,” said Alexander. “Quieting the mind is very relaxing to me.”

Stressed out students should take advantage of this free and valuable opportunity that has unlimited benefits. You can relax and channel stress all while gaining physical endurance. If everyone did yoga everyday, Alexander claims the world would be “more peaceful and less focused on physical ailments.”

The free yoga class meets every Wednesday from noon to 12:50 p.m. in the renovated Baker Building on the corner of Wesleyan Street and Rosedale.

Softball sweeps home opener Feb. 13 The softball team took their first two victories of the season over the LSU-Alexandria Generals. Ashley Oldham took the win in both games, running her pitching record to 2-2.

Log on to www.ramsports.net for the latest game information and profiles of your favorite Wesleyan teams and athletes

Men’s Basketball: Chris Berry picked up his seventh nod for conference player of the week after turning in two 25 point games against Langston and Huston-Tillotson.

Martin Garcia

*1 p.m. Softball vs. Kansas Wesleyan

*3 p.m. Baseball vs. Texas College

for their performances against LSU-Alexandria Feb. 13.

Henderson went six of seven with four runs scored and Oldham picked up two wins.

Catcher ‘Rags’ uses baseball platform to display faith

Feb. 20 *10 a.m. Softball vs. Northwestern Oklahoma State

Feb. 24 *1 p.m. Baseball vs. Texas College

Baseball: Pitcher Cody Poche was named conference pitcher of the week after tossing a two-hitter against ranked opponent Lubbock Christian Feb. 14.

Grateful for the game

*7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Wiley

*7:30 Men’s Basketball vs.

Paul Quinn

Conference award winners

Softball: Shawna Henderson was named conference offensive player of the week and Ashley Oldham was named pitcher of the week

Upcoming Events

*5:30 Women’s Basketball vs. Paul Quinn

The Rambler 5

Photo by Gasten Schoonover

Senior golfer Kevin Doskocil perfects his warrior pose in preparation for Wesleyan’s yoga class. Doskocil took the class last semester and said it has helped his focus and flexibility.

Courtesy of Ryan Ragsdale

Ryan Ragsdale boasts a .370 lifetime batting average, but the junior catcher is more involved with his faith than his statistics.

“It’s pretty awesome to have two former big league players as coaches, especially two that achieved what they did on the field,” Ragsdale said.

He and the rest of the 2009 squad show no signs of mercy and anticipate their next bid to the championship this season.

“I think we honestly have the best talent I’ve ever played with,” Ragsdale said. “As cliché’ as it may sound, I think we can go further than any baseball team we have ever had here at Wesleyan.”

He also noted that the team is well-rounded, deep at every position and has really good chemistry, a vital part of any successful ride.

Ragsdale is geared up mentally and physically to bring home the glory in Wesleyan’s favor. Along with the spiritual certainty associated with his life, he is motivated day in and day out by knowing that every time he suits up and steps on the field he can get better.

Better yet, he has strong desires to perfect his game.

“I know life could be a lot worse, and I know that I’m very blessed to still be playing,” Ragsdale said. “Everyday is a new challenge, a new chance to do something great.”

Although Ragsdale comes from a high school team that saw multiple district championships and area tournament bids, he said he couldn’t put a price tag on how valuable his Rams experience has been.

To him, playing for the Rams brings to a whole new level the meaning of being a team. Jeffcoat and company preach and reaffirm the value of hard work, and it shows.

The .370 career hitter plans to play as long as he can, while he still has fun doing it.

Considering baseball’s current state of affairs in the “steroid era,” Ragsdale admits that he frequently gets the ‘are you on steroids’ joke from his friends, but the impressive Wesleyan lifetime batting average speaks for itself. Ragsdale has never made performance enhancers part of his game, and he hasn’t let them affect him personally.

After the time comes to hang up his cleats, Ragsdale said he plans to attend dentistry school and train to be an orthodontist. Success will surely follow him wherever he goes, as his determination to triumph hasn’t surrendered too much.

For being only a detail, the game of baseball has positively impacted the Rams’ redshirt junior to an end that is unimaginable.

He’s truly a role model to his teammates, his friends and to everyone else around him.

Entertainment VIRTUAL SUB-REALITY

February 18, 2009

The Rambler 6

Modern video games provide college students entertainment and interactivity

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Courtesy Theatre Wesleyan

Thespians (from left) Whitney Park, Dillon Maroney and Chase Burnett star in the spring production of Terra Nova.

Theatre Wesleyan marches into spring with Terra Nova

Theatre Wesleyan will present Terra Nova by Ted Tally beginning Feb. 17. Adapted from the journals of arctic explorer Capt. Robert Falcon Scott, Terra Nova blends scenes of the captain and his men during the arctic expedition with flashbacks of Scott and his wife along with a view of Roald Amundsen, Scott’s Norwegian rival whom he is on a race to beat to the South Pole.

Terra Nova is directed by Jeanne Everton, associate professor of theater and assisted by Kayla Bland, senior theater major. The show features Wesleyan students Dillon Maroney, Chase Burnett, Whitney Park, Max Marquez, Christopher Hatcher, Ben Phillips and Austin Rose.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19-21 and Feb. 26-28. There is also a 2 p.m. performance March 1. The show will be presented in the Thad Smotherman Theatre in the Law Sone Fine Arts Building at the corner of Binkley Street and Avenue E. Tickets are $8 for general admission, $6 for all Wesleyan faculty and staff and $4 for all students with ID. Tickets go on sale Feb. 17. The theater box office is open 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and one hour before curtain on show days. For reservations call (817) 531-4211.

A night with the symphony

Courtesy of Jeffrey Washington

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will perform at Texas Wesleyan University at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 21, in Martin Hall. The family-friendly concert is free and open to the public.

The performance includes Vivaldi’s beloved “Spring” movement from The Four Seasons as well as Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik and Symphony No. 25 in G Minor.

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Look Ahead To submit an event for the calendar, e-mail twurambler@yahoo.com.

Saturday

On Campus:

21

Wednesday

On Campus:

18

Thursday

On Campus:

19

Friday

OnCampus:

20

• Baptist Student Ministries: • Methodist Student Movement: •Terra Nova: Thad Smotherman Carter Conference Room, noon. Poly UMC, 12:15 p.m. Free Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Free lunch served lunch served.

•The Amadeus Guitar Duo: Off Campus: •Terra Nova: Thad Smotherman Martin Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

• Lykke Li: Granada Theater, Weekly Movie Releases: 8 p.m.

Fired Up; Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail

Sunday

Off Campus:

22

Monday

Off Campus:

23

•Terra Nova: Thad Smotherman •Swan Lake: Bass Hall, 2 p.m. • The Chieftains: Bass Hall, 8 Theatre, 7:30 p.m. p.m.

•.Slipknot/Coheed and • Community Outreach Concert Cambria: Nokia Theatre, 7 p.m. • 3PR: Bobby Bragen with the Fort Worth Symphony Fellowship Hall, noon Orchestra: Martin Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday

On Campus:

24

• Chapel: Poly UMC, 12:15 p.m. Free lunch served.

Weekly DVD Releases: The Haunting of Molly Hartley; Badland; The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice

ideo games are an earmark of our generation. When talking to someone about video games, the question usually isn’t “Do you have a console?” rather, “Which one do you have?”

Video game consoles have grown up with this generation. They have matured and developed just as we have. From flat, platform-only characters to lavish, interactive 3-D worlds, video games’ impressive development have lead many to speculate with fantastic wonder about what their future holds.

But since we’re in the present and there’s so much cool stuff to Chuck enjoy here, let’s focus on the now.

Fain Today, video games are increasingly interactive, evolving from their isolated, sedentary nature. Games such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero are extremely popular, especially with the addition of such accessories as the bass guitar and drums. These allow more people to play together, creating a more social, interactive gaming environment. I know several people who have formed “bands” and get together on a designated night to “jam” (“Mike’s Joint” has 70,000 fans already!).

Other interactive consoles such as Nintendo’s Wii provide interactive game play on sports games such as boxing and golf, as well as an array of accessories like the Wii Zapper (gun), the Wii Fit board and a Photo by Gasten Schoonover steering wheel Freshmen Melissa Pierce, Kerri Maestas and Shacora Bunting spend free (I have been time rocking out with Guitar Hero. heavily involved in some Wii Tiger Woods myself).

Xbox also has interactive features, like Xbox Live, which lets you challenge, or cooperate, with your friends via the Internet while you scream insults and obscenities at each other through a head set. Games like Halo, Call of Duty and Gears of War are popular now, especially with the Xbox Live feature. Senior theatre major Robert Carroll, for instance, said he frequently gets online with a group of friends to play Gears of War and “blow away some mutants.”

Another popular game today is WOW, or World of Warcraft, which has done much to bring rouge elves and level 37 mages into the main stream and out of the dark geek closet.

Though not played on a game console, it consistently ranks in the top five sellers at Game Stop (gamestop.com).

WOW is played online by people all over the world, making it the most allinclusive, interactive game of its kind.

According to a study published in USAToday. com, with college students, “PC games were the most popular games overall, played by 71percent of students.”

Also, some studies suggest that college students playing video games may actually be beneficial socially.

Steve Jones, who conducted the study, said that the research was important because this generation has grown up with video games, and “we haven’t actually done anything to look at how gaming fits into their lives.” Apparently, it fits in just fine.

Even excluding the obvious interactive games, single player games also have the ability to bring Not a fan of real life? Try being a rogue dwarf or a mage ninja in students together. the incredibly popular online interactive game World of Warcraft.

“What we saw was that gaming is a very social activity,” said Jones. “There might be one person at the controls, but there are five or six people looking at the screen, talking and giving advice to ‘go there’ or ‘push this button.”

Video games have been around for a relatively short time, (though to most of us, it seems like forever) and they don’t seem to be going anywhere. They appeal to the young and old(er), they are constantly being updated and reinvented, and they are now helping to bring people together.

I still remember the Christmas when I got my first 8-bit Nintendo (which I still have, and it still works by the way), the overwhelming flood of joy I felt when I opened the present and the excruciating torture of waiting for my dad to hook it up.

Since then, I, and seemingly the rest of my generation, have had a fascination with video games. In light of recent evidence, they’re not only fun, but good for you (socially, but let’s not split hairs). So, do something good for yourself, take that Wesleyan refund check, or that income tax check, and go get a video game.

Chuck Fain is a senior writing major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.