Rambler 2-4-09 by The Rambler

The Rambler e

The students’ voice since 1917

February 4, 2009

News Briefs Honors Luncheon The Wesleyan Scholars Honors Program will host its third annual luncheon from noon to 12:50 p.m. on Feb. 9 at the Baker Building. Professor of English Dr. Jeffrey DeLotto will speak on “The Virtues of a Profession.” If you have received an invite, RSVPs must be received by noon on Feb. 4.

www.txwes.edu/rambler

Wesleyan’s Global A distant yet familiar interior Scholars program tours South Africa Eunice Nicholson STAFF WRITER

Courtesy of Dr. Kim Tyler

Test Fest The Pre-Professional Program (3PR) is teaming up with the university and the Princeton Review to host a graduate school test fest. The one day event will provide grad-schoolbound students with a free practice test, a catered lunch and a strategy session from an expert instructor. All events will be held at Texas Wesleyan from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 21. The schedule will go as follows: MCAT: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. LSAT: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. GMAT: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. GRE: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free of charge, but students must register at www.princetonreview.com/events or call 800-2Review. Students must also register with 3PR at (817) 5314484 or anlsmith@txwes. edu.

President’s Concert Wesleyan music’s finest will showcase their vocal and instrumental talents at the President’s Honors Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 6. Six singers, chosen by an independent panel of judges, will perform for the host, University President Harold Jeffcoat, and guests. A reception will follow immediately after at the Baker Building on the corner of Wesleyan and Rosedale. The event is free and open to the public. Business attire is preferred.

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.

Vol. 102, No. 3

Wesleyan faculty visit Africa last summer. Terri Cummings, Dr. Carlos Martinez, Dr. Patsy Robles-Goodwin, Dr. Kim Tyler and Dr. Lorrie Webb are pictured (above) with representatives from the Swaziland government and from the University of Swaziland.

The sights and sounds of Africa became reality when five Wesleyan professors trekked across South Africa last summer. Faculty members will share their experiences at the Mitchell-Reed Lecture Series Feb. 17 in a presentation called “Diamonds on the soles of their feet: Trekking in South Africa.” “This was the most magical trip I have ever been on in my life,” said Terri Cummings, associate professor of art. “It was startling. What I saw was the marriage of the exotic and the absolute familiar. The geography looked like Fort Worth and then there were mountains and the ocean, and oh, lions.” Cummings was accompanied by Dr. Carlos Martinez, dean of the school of education, as well as Dr. Patsy Robles-Goodwin, Dr. “Wesleyan Global Scholars Kim Tyler and Dr. Lorrie program’s purpose is to provide Webb, assistant profes- Wesleyan faculty the opportunity sors of education. to travel internationally to study The group made their the political, social and historical excursion May 16 to June landscapes of other countries.” 2 last year as part of the – Dr. Harold Jeffcoat Texas Wesleyan Global University President Scholars program. The program was created to provide Wesleyan faculty opportunities to study the political, economical, cultural and geographical landscapes of other countries. Robles-Goodwin said traveling to South Africa provided her a first-hand opportunity to observe what she teaches in her classroom. “Since I teach classes to future teachers, it is vital that I have as much knowledge and experience as possible to disseminate information to them,” she said. “I have always wanted to travel there, so this trip was a golden opportunity to come into contact with many of the diversity themes

See Global, page 2

A chronic drag

ALA, legislators battle smoking restrictions Chuck Fain STAFF WRITER

Just about everyone can agree that college is stressful. Add to that the stress of work and daily life, and the average college student finds themselves immersed in a world of hair-pulling, teethgnashing stress. Many have chosen to relieve that stress with cigarettes. According to US News.com, the American Lung Association reports that one in five college students smoke (roughly 20 percent), which is down from the 1990s, when it was reported that 30.6 percent of college students used tobacco. Though the number of smokers in college has decreased, the American Lung Association warns that this may be a recurring trend. “Smoking rates were this low in 1989, and then skyrocketed in the following decade,” an American Lung representative wrote on the organiza-

tion’s Web site. They blame the increased number of smokers in the ‘90s on advertising from the tobacco industry. This trend continues, the American Lung warns, as in “2005, the tobacco industry spent more than $1 million a day sponsoring events and giveaways targeting college students.”

As far as Wesleyan is concerned, no great strides have been made to extinguish smoking on campus. Smokers are required to smoke 20 feet from a building’s entrance, per city ordinance, and designated smoking areas have been set up around campus. Wesleyan has not experienced a noticeable increase of smokers on campus (perhaps during finals), nor has the tobacco industry set up advertising campaigns to woo perspective customers. Still, the American Lung Association is making a push to eliminate smoking in all public places and urging institutions such as Texas Wesleyan to set up programs for smokers who want to quit. “I think smoking on campus should definitely be allowed,” said Suzanne Fordering, a freshman theater major. “If there was a program to help smokers quit, I think that might be beneficial …

See Smoking, page 2

Furthering the fundamental principles of democracy:

The Hatton W. Sumners Foundation calls for 2009 applicants Tiara Nugent

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Texas Wesleyan and the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation are seeking dynamic, motivated students who will enhance their campus, community and the Hatton Sumners program to apply for the 2009 scholarships. The Hatton W. Sumners scholarship, an endowed funding program at the university, annually offers three Wesleyan sophomore students $3,500 per semester towards tuition for their junior and senior years (up to

Opinions

$7,000 per academic year). “The Hatton Sumners Scholarship is the university’s most prestigious honor,” said University President Harold Jeffcoat. “It’s very competitive as it involves passing not only university standards, but those of the [Hatton Sumners]Foudation’s as well.” In addition to the monetary support, the Sumners Foundation offers its scholars access to numerous special events and conferences. At high-class business luncheons cosponsored by the National Center for Policy

See Sumners, page 2

The road might be long and winding, but a little perseverance will ensure success in the long run. Page 3

Courtesy of the National Center for Policy Analysis

Current Hatton W. Sumners scholars had the opportunity to visit with veteran journalist and host of Fox News Sunday Chris Wallace (center) in November 2008. The scholars have the privilege to attend many events in the distinguished lecture series that the Sumners Foundation hosts along with the National Center for Policy Analysis.

Entertainment

Spring 2009’s lineup of shows won’t disappoint. Check out some of your favorites like Heroes. Page 6

News

February 4, 2009

The Rambler 2

Smoking, from page 1

Global, from page 1 that I teach: equity, apartheid, discrimination, race, xenophobia [fear of foreigners],” she said. Apartheid, which means separateness, was a system of legal racial segregation enforced by the national party government of South Africa between 1948 and 1994, according to wikipedia.org. This topic was particularly enticing to Martinez. “Going to Africa was a particular interest of mine because I have always been interested in how apartheid has impacted the people of Africa,” Martinez said. The faculty visited several cities in South Africa, including Johannesburg and Cape Town. Their trip also included a visit to Fort Worth’s sister city, Mbabane, Swaziland. Martinez said students stand to gain a lot of knowledge from attending the lecture. “They will see and hear something different from every one of us,” he said, “five very different points of view.” “Diamonds on the soles of Their Feet: Trekking in South Africa” begins at 12:15 p.m. Feb. 17 in the Orientation Room of the West Library. Light refreshments will be served.

Courtesy of Dr. .Kim Tyler

Dr. Kim Tyler, assistant professor of education photographed the beautiful wildlife native to South Africa. The scholars treked around the country visiting numerous South African cities including Johannesburg, Cape Town and then visited Fort Worth’s sister city, Mbabane, Swaziland.

but I don’t think everyone should be expected to want to quit.” The American Lung Association’s disappointment runs deeper than college and university campuses. Recently, in a report released by the organization in which they give federal and local governments grades for their preventive measures concerning smoking, the federal government received an “F.” Their grading system is based on “FDA regulation of tobacco products, coverage of tobacco cessation treatments, amount of federal cigarette tax and ratification of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (the international tobacco control treaty),” according to the Lung Association’s Web site. Local governments did not fare much better. A few states, such as Massachusetts, New York and the District of Columbia earned an “A” for increasing cigarette tax, though their scores in other areas were much lower. The American Lung Association points out that, while no state made all A’s, “Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia received all F’s.” While the American Lung Association is pleased with such progress in legislation – and as a bill currently going through the U.S. Senate would increase the federal cigarette tax by 61 cents – the American Lung Association is still not satisfied. The association is also pushing for stricter smoking restrictions in public places to reduce the risk of secondhand smoke, more tax on cigarettes and more programs in place to help people stop smoking at home, at work and on campus.

According to US News. com, the American Lung Association reports that one in five college students smoke.

Seven helpful tips to quit: 1) Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the different over-thecounter and prescription medications to help you quit smoking. 2) Look into the different kinds of self-help options available to smokers. Visit www.lungusa.org for suggestions. 3) Take time to plan. Pick your quit date a few weeks ahead of time and mark it on the calendar. If you can, pick a day when life’s extra stresses are not at their peak, such as after the holidays. Mark a day on the calendar and stick to it. 4) Get some exercise every day. Walking is a great way to reduce the stress of quitting. Exercise is proven to not only combat weight gain but also to improve mood and energy levels. 5) Eat a balanced diet, drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep. 6) Ask family, friends and coworkers for their help and support. Having someone to take a walk with or just listen can give a needed boost. 7) You don’t have to quit alone. Help is available. Consider joining a stop-smoking program like Freedom From Smoking from the American Lung Association.

-American Lung Association Photo by Gasten Schoonover

Sumners, from page 1

Courtesy of the National Center for Policy Analysis

2007 Sumners scholars Tiara Nugent, Tiffany Hanzik and Martin Garcia pose with the 43rd Governor of the state of Florida, Jeb Bush. Bush opened the Sumners’ public policy weekend in November 2007. He finished his second term as Governor in January 2007 and was succeeded by Charlie Crist.

Analysis (NCPA), Sumners scholars have listened to the words of and personally met leaders such as former-president Gerald Ford, then-Gov. George W. Bush, former Gov. Jeb Bush, Queen Noor of Jordan, Gen. Tommy Franks, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow. “The financial scholarship is really great for students, but the scholars will tell you that the enrichment opportunities mean the most to them,” said Deborah Roark, director of grants and research and university sponsor for the scholarship. These special events climax to the annual leadership conference held at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT Austin. The four-day program involves large sessions with acclaimed speakers, interactive small group sessions led by UT graduate students, a free leadership assessment with a workshop on how to interpret the results and an opportunity to network with students hailing from universities and colleges all over the United States and Mexico. All food, transportation and accommodations are paid in full. “The Austin trip is the highlight. The students are treated like royalty at the leadership conference,” Roark said.

Basic qualifications for the Sumners scholarship include U.S. citizenship and having 60 completed academic hours with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better by the beginning of the 2009 fall term. To apply, a completed application form, an official university transcript and your photograph must be submitted to the financial aid office. A professional resume outlining all honors and awards received, extracurricular activities and leadership/ work experiences must be attached. Finally, an essay of no more than 750 words narrating your personal background, extraordinary life experiences, leadership roles performed, reasons for selecting your particular field of study and your future ambitions is required. Following the Feb. 23rd application deadline, select applicants will be asked to complete a personal interview with representative trustees from the Sumners Foundation on an arranged date. The basis for choosing these finalists resides in the strength of their application. The Sumners trustees make the final decision on awards. To pick up an application or to make additional inquiries, visit financial aid or call (817) 531-4420.

Political interest growing among college freshmen Sophie Rane

UWIRE/ DAILY BRUIN

Political interest among college freshmen has hit a 40-year high in 2008, according to a nationwide survey administered annually by the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California Los Angeles. The survey is administered to incoming students at four-year colleges across the country and covers a wide range of political issues, said Linda DeAngelo, co-author of the report and assistant director for research for the Cooperative Institutional Research Program, the branch responsible for collecting and assembling survey data. A higher number of incoming freshmen were interested in politics in 2008 than in recent election years, DeAngelo said. The survey also found that students are shifting left in their political beliefs. The percentage of students identifying themselves as liberal in 2008 was the highest in 35 years, according to the survey. An increased number of students were also in support of liberal causes such as gay-marriage rights and increased taxes for

the wealthy in 2008, DeAngelo said. Lynn Vavreck, a professor of political science at UCLA, said she found the results of the survey to be highly reflective of the nation’s current political state. Increased political interest and a shift toward more liberal views are probably occurring across age groups in 2008, she said. This could be due to the country’s declining economic situation, Vavreck said. “The economy is a huge part of why people think we need change,” she said. Vavreck also cited an “exciting election” as one of the reasons for these developments, particularly among young people. “Obama is young. He might appeal to people in a way that older candidates don’t,” she said. DeAngelo said that the events of Sept. 11 could be another reason for increased political interest among young people, as this event changed the way many of them think about politics. According to survey results, the number of students interested in keeping up-todate on political affairs has been increasing since the 2001 attacks, after reaching a record low in 2000.

“It was a defining moment in this generation of students,” DeAngelo said. Political interest among freshmen was even higher in 2008 than in 1968, despite the common view of the 1960s as the pinnacle of student involvement in politics, DeAngelo added. Political involvement on college campuses was “more visible” during the 1960s than it is today, but this does not mean that students today are less involved, DeAngelo said. “Just because the campus is quiet doesn’t mean students are not engaged,” she added. DeAngelo said that this is part of the reason the freshmen survey is so important to universities. By analyzing the information provided by the survey, institutions can understand what areas of politics students are interested in and how to provide them with outlets for this interest, she said. “The better you understand your students, the more you can provide them with what they need,” she said.

Opinions

February 4, 2009

The Rambler 3

“Sixteen hours.” “Thirteen hours.”

Tyler Baucony Senior Business Major

“Fifteen hours.”

Bob Norris Senior Finance Major

“Fifteen hours. Eleven here and four at TCC.”

“How many hours are you taking this semester?”

E’Lyn Taylor Sophomore Mass Communication Major

Helena Collins Senior Psychology Major

No matter what the temptation, stay strong W

hen Sean McHugh was cut from the worst team in football history during summer camp, he thought his career had hit rock bottom. According to a January Yahoo feature article, McHugh felt that if the hapless Detroit Lions didn’t want him, no one would. But then something unexpected happened. The Pittsburgh Steelers called him searching for someone to be a backup and play special teams. He accepted their Bryce offer and became a Super Bowl champion this very month. Wilks What he thought was the worst moment of his life ended up being one of the greatest. His personal story may not affect you, but the lesson is applicable to all: perseverance pays off. Perseverance is a tricky concept to practice and master because there is no timetable or booklet of directions on how long to persist or when the effort will pay off. The feature on Jeremy Burnett published in The Rambler Jan. 28 proves how persistence has led him to college after a long struggle with depression and homelessness. Some look to their faith when doubt begins to creep in and their resolve to persist becomes faint. When the apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians, he urged the people “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Others may look to those who have accomplished great feats in business or science in their pursuit of accomplishing goals. The great chemist Marie Curie said, “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” Philosophers, writers and poets seek the ability to persevere as well. It was the English playwright Joseph Addison who said, “If you wish to succeed in life, make perseverance your closest friend.” Too often in my college experience I have witnessed fellow students get side-tracked in their academic path. Sometimes hardships send their smooth life into a period of chaos, but usually it’s a relationship, an addiction or

just a complete absence of focus and willpower. College student frequently lose sight of their goals or become discouraged when the things they set out to do don’t happen in their imagined window of opportunity. Perhaps it’s time to look to the aforementioned words

of wisdom or other source of inspiration. As the spring semester commences, many trials are sure to face the student body at Wesleyan. I can attest that spring of 2008 proved to be one of my toughest not only in college, but of any season in life because of academic and personal strife. Because I, along with other prospective graduates found a way to make things work, I head into this semester ready to face whatever comes my way. I hope all students can do the same. Dropping a class may seem tempting, harboring an unhealthy relationship may tie you down or getting cut from a team or job may slash you’re confidence. But remember what some of the great accomplishers in history have advised and act accordingly: persevere.

Bryce Wilks is a senior mass communication major and is sports editor for The Rambler.

Forgotten?

Fort Worth oblivious to significance and restoration of east side Bud Kennedy

REPRINT COURTESY FORT WORTH STAR TELEGRAM

North side, west side, south side -- all around the town. What’s missing from that list? Two lawmakers from Congress sat side by side in east Fort Worth late last year, celebrating the rescue of a National Register historic property that nearly met its doom. The mayor came, too. So did the mayor pro tem. But only one of eight local TV news stations sent a reporter. If you’re proud of east Fort Worth and the legacy of the Masonic Home and School, and you wanted to know more about its $10 million rebirth as the future All Church Home for Children, then you had to catch it on one fleeting WFAA/Channel 8 newscast, or read it in the StarTelegram. It was the same treatment a couple of weeks before, when only two TV stations mentioned the rebirth of a historic Polytechnic Heights storefront as Texas Wesleyan University’s new bookstore and community center. If I lived on the traditional “east side” -everything east of Sycamore Creek -- I’d wonder what it takes to make news. Too often, the east side makes unwanted news: bodies found, test cheating at charter schools, cocaine busts cleaning up a marketplace known as the Fish Bowl. With the time and space devoted to Tarrant County news dwindling sharply in recent years -- replaced by coverage of every Dallas sneeze

by Michael Hinojosa or Angela Hunt -- we now see almost no news about the hardworking east-side neighborhoods between downtown and Arlington. Did you realize that Polytechnic High School might be on the verge of a complete realignment and maybe a new purpose after 102 years? Did you realize that the All Church Home, a children’s charity older than the more famous Edna Gladney and Lena Pope homes, will grow by 50 percent when it expands to the east side and the old Masonic property on U.S. 287? Did you realize that Texas Wesleyan University had been on Courtesy of Google Images the east side for 21 years when Texas Christian University set up shop on the Developments on the east side of Fort Worth like the changes with the old Masonic Home (above) or the renovated storesouth side? Did you realize that the east side is fronts on Rosedale (below) are often overlooked by the media. home to four of the eight local English The east side is more stable than it has been and Spanish TV news stations, yet not one of the in decades, with the return of small retail stores four ever brags about east Fort Worth? and particularly small restaurants like those on Did you East Lancaster Avenue and the new AJ’s Chicken realize that and Waffles on Brentwood Stair Road, owned by the east side gospel radio host Antonio Johnson. has more “Fort Worth always showed me a lot of love, natural beauty and it just made sense to put my first restaurant on than most the east side,” Johnson said, bragging about his of Tarrant banana-nut waffles and sweet potato pie. “People County put tell me this was a vibrant area. Looks like it’s together, from becoming one again.” the Cross U.S. Reps. Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville, Timbers and Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth, might agree. woods to the At the All Church Home event, almost a Tandy Hills miraculous save for historic preservation, Burgess Photo by Tiara Nugent prairie? reminded guests that he also came to town “It’s very recently for the groundbreaking of the new VA frustrating,” said Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Hicks. Outpatient Clinic on the south side. She represents parts of both the east and south Even in a slow economy, he said, “every sides. few days, I’m down here with congresswoman “Even with the downturn in the economy, we Granger, opening something new that’s great for have a lot of positive things happening. But we Fort Worth.” can’t get that word out.” All sides of it.

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

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 the PolyWesleyan Kiwanis Club for raising thousands of dollars for the community.

Thumbs down to the business building for both drink machines being out of water for weeks.

Thumbs down to summer apparel debuting in stores before winter freezes are over.

Thumbs up to the new look and technology in the business building’s lobby.

College Life

4 The Rambler

R Tiara Nugent

emember the days when a trip to the grocery store with mom meant picking out an all-the-rage, oh-so-cool Lunchable? When the diminutive cardboard boxes of Juicy Juice in your lunchbox made you squeal? Of course, Little Debbies made for quite the treat on occasion. When you crossed the homestead threshold, Mom always had you covered. Now life consists of classes from 8 to noon and meetings till 1 o’clock when you dash out the door for sports practice or a job at which you labor away at till 5 p.m. It’s then time to pack up, change clothes and head to the evening job or the books.

February 4, 2009

from home will diminish faster than candy did as a kid (and maybe still does for you). Imagine how these suggestions can woo your cravings: SANDWICHES

 Who says sandwich bread reigns supreme? Try building from a dinner roll, bagel, English muffin, pita, French bread, whole wheat sub roll or even a tortilla.  Experiment with combinations and varying flavors of roast beef, turkey, chicken and ham.  Add bacon.  Alternate between Monterey Jack, provolone, sharp cheddar, Swiss, American or pepper-jack cheese.  Try chicken salad or egg salad.  Load the veggies.  BLT.  Toast the bread (this will help keep it from getting soggy in the baggie too).  Spread ranch, honey Dijon, mayonnaise, mustard or another flavorful condiment.  Homemade burgers and hot dogs work too.

Perkin’ up the ol’ brown bag

Whew. Such on-the-go demands turns the lunch hour stomach growl a daily dilemma. Eating all the time poses a couple problems: your wallet slims down while your figure likely expands. Few people can – or should -- skip the meal each day. Elimination has left the ol’ brown bag, yet you’re not sold there either. I can hear your excuses chiming already. “Getting to class is hard enough in the morning,” you say. True that. I can sympathize. What’s to stop you, however, from often preparing lunch the night before? And seriously, slapping the mayo and meat between two pieces of bread takes no more than five minutes if your evening gets away from you the night before. Still scratching your head about what to make? Brainstorm with me. PB&J may prove tasty at times, but can definitely jade your taste buds. Variety is the secret of sack lunch satisfaction. If you’re not facing a desirable fare come lunchtime, your motivation to stick to the healthy and economical option of lunch

Variety and creativity are key to yummy lunches from home

SUPPLEMENTS

 A bag of popcorn  Crackers (endless possibilities here)  Bag of chips  Granola bar  Fruit snacks  Fresh fruit or your choice  A carton of yogurt  Nuts  Cheese stick  Veggies and ranch securely sealed in an airtight container  Jello, pudding or fruit cups  Chex mix

SALADS

 Veggie Delite – pile ‘em on! They’re nothing but good for you after all.  Cobb salad – crumbled boiled egg adds great substance and protein.  Chicken, turkey and bacon always make a salad a little heartier.  Cesar – don’t forget extra croutons.  Mexican: zesty flavor by way of black beans, mexicorn, cheese, bell pepper, onion, hamburger meat and salsa.  Pasta salads – easy breezy to make the night before.  Don’t forget a fork.

MICELLANEOUS

 Nachos: it can work! Fill a Tupperware container chock-full of beans, meat, and whatever else you enjoy. Nuke them in the microwave for a bit come noon, and dip the chips.  Quesadillas warm well.  Leftover pizza always hits the spot.

And if all else fails, there’s always those 99 cent TV dinners. Photo by Tiara Nugent

A Tex-Mex salad is a great way to spice up the brown bag options.

Tiara Nugent is a senior English major and is editor-in-chief for The Rambler.

BSA’s Chocolate Poetry Night sure to be a sweet success Seth Nelson STAFF WRITER

The Black Student Association is feeling some love. For the first time ever, BSA will host an event called Chocolate Poetry, an evening of poetry and more, Feb. 13. BSA Vice President Jeaneen Hall, gave The Rambler a sneakpreview of what to expect at the show and how this will benefit Texas Wesleyan University at the same time. R: What is “Chocolate Poetry” and is this more than just a poetry reading? JH: Chocolate Poetry is basically a showcase of talent. It is planned to be somewhat of a semi-formal event because it is the day before Valentine’s Day, and we want

everyone to be able to feel some love. You can come with that special someone or by yourself. Either way, you are sure to hear some awesome poetry and much more. We plan to showcase some singing, dancing, mime dancing, spoken word and instrumentals. There will be something for everyone to enjoy. R: How will this show benefit the university and the community as a whole? Will awareness be raised as a result? JH: The event was originated to showcase all talent whether it is on campus or in the community. We feel that the more events BSA has, the more the campus and

community will be aware of us as an organization. One of our primary goals is to build a more social and active student life at Texas Wesleyan.

R: What special guest will be in attendance? JH: The special guests include Sean Andre (radio personality of 105.7 KR&B). He will be our MC for the evening. Also, Mike Guinn, who is the No. 1 DFW poet promoter, will be bringing two of his performers, Jasmine Skye & A.J. Houston. Last but not least, we have Tje Austin from Austin, Texas, singing for everyone. You never know what to expect and who may drop by. Chocolate Poetry will be held in the newlyrenovated Baker Building at 7 p.m. Feb. 13. Tickets are two for $5 or one for $3 with student ID. Without an ID, tickets are two for $7 or one for $5. For more information contact Jeaneen Hall at (817) 791-2689.

Hello ice, goodbye school Due to freezing weather and icy road conditions, the university shut down Jan. 27 and 28, giving students an unexpected holiday.

“We stayed in and watched the Bourne trilogy, did pialtes and ordered a lot of pizza.” -- Alex Musser & Britni Hollar Senior Business Management Senior Mass Communications

“Slept a lot and walked to the gym in the ice and played basketball.” --Ashley Bringol Freshman Business Marketing Major

“I slept till 4:30, searched for food and played indoor games.” -- Brian McDaniel Undecided Major

February 4, 2009

Quick Quote

“If the NBA were on channel 5 and a bunch of frogs making love was on channel 4, I’d watch the frogs even if they were coming in fuzzy.”

Sports Jumping for joy

The Rambler 5

Harlem basketball troupe gives Fort Worth and Wesleyan a lesson in basketball and giving

- Bob Knight College basketball icon

Tiara Nugent

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Upcoming Events Feb. 4 *1:30 p.m. Baseball vs. Southwestern University Feb. 6 2 p.m. Baseball @ University of Mary HardinBaylor Feb. 7 11 a.m. Softball @ Texas A&M International *Noon Baseball vs. University of Mary HardinBaylor *2 p.m. Baseball vs. University of Mary HardinBaylor *5:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Bacone *7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Bacone Feb. 8 Noon Softball @ Texas A&M International Feb. 9 *5:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Langston *7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Langston Feb. 11 1 p.m. Baseball @ Concordia 3 p.m. Baseball @ Concordia

Sports Briefs Former Rams pitcher signs with pro team Feb. 3 Wesleyan alumnus and alltime saves and appearances leader Hayden Lackey signed a professional baseball contract for 2009. The right-hander will pitch for the Lake Erie Crushers of the Frontier League. Lackey signed as a free agent last summer with the Detroit Tigers. Golf season starts soon Feb. 2 The Rams golf team is currently ranked No. 12 in the NAIA Coaches’ Poll and 10th in the Golf World/Nike Golf Coaches’ Poll. They begin play March 2. Rams tame Tigers Jan. 26 The No. 18 ranked men’s basketball team took a 76-70 victory over Paul Quinn on the road. Chris Berry led all scorers with 24 points. Terrell Henry finished with 15 points, while Kennith Gober added 14 points and five assists. The Rams are now 16-3 on the season. Lady Rams fall to Lady Tigers Jan. 26 The women’s basketball team fell to Paul Quinn on the road, 79-49. The Lady Rams were led by a doubledouble from Andria Mitchell.

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

Photos by Bryce Wilks

While the Harlem Globetrotters put on an exhibition at American Airlines Center last weekend, the Harlem Ambassadors paid a trip to Wesleyan to benefit local charities.

Rams dominate Wiley 84-62 The men’s basketball team took a convincing 84-62 win on the road at Wiley College Jan. 31. The Rams are now 17-3 on the season and 7-2 in Red River Conference play. The Rams got early three pointers from Kennith Gober and Chris Berry to get off to a 15-5 start. Seven unanswered points gave Texas Wesleyan its largest lead of the opening half at 23-9. Wiley cut into the lead at 30-25, but the Rams finished strong and led 38-28 at the break. After the opening minute of the second half, the Rams never relinquished their double-figure advantage. An 11-0 run gave Texas Wesleyan the largest lead of the game at 77-53 and the Rams were able to cruise to the 84-62 win. The Rams held the Wildcats to just 28.8 percent shooting from the floor while hitting 56 percent themselves. Gober led all scorers with 22 points. Berry, who was in early foul trouble and was one of four players to foul out of the contest, finished with 16 points, breaking a string of 11 straight games of 20 or more points. Terrell Henry also scored 16 for the Rams while Ryan Barnes added 13 and Hector Mukweyi pulled down 17 rebounds.

Lady Rams march to victory

While many basketball players casually dribbled around the court to work out summertime kinks, last August, Don Scharringhausen, director of the Fort Worth Kiwanis Club, commenced an immense project whose success depended on one game of hoops. The task? Raising thousands of dollars to change thousands of lives in the Poly community. Five months of phone calls, wishes and recruitments later, the Harlem Ambassadors, a professional trick basketball team, faced the Cowtown Kiwanis in the Sid Richardson Gym on Jan. 31st to the clamor of a cheering, laughing crowd. Tickets for the fund-raising event sold for a mere $5 each, a trifling sum for the style and action to ensue. The day following Kiwanis’ charitable game, the Harlem Globetrotters, another professional team internationally famed for high-flying slam-dunks and hilarious airs, appeared at the American Airlines center. Attendance for that game required forking out as much as $140 per ticket. Scharringhausen said Kiwanis’ low-cost tickets offered a win-win deal to fans – a night of fun and a chance to give – and thereby enlarged the game’s turnout and profits. The Harlem Ambassadors, an internationally-acclaimed professional basketball team, set themselves apart from other “Harlem-style” lineups by working with community nonprofit and other service organizations to raise funds for worthy causes. In addition to delivering a quality basketball game and comedic entertainment, the team promotes the values of staying in school, staying off drugs and fostering racial harmony. Opposing the professional Ambassadors were the enthused spirited Cowtown Kiwanis, a team composed of “local leaders and hometown heroes” including David Harrison of the Fort Worth YMCA and State Rep. Kelly Hancock. Several members of the Cowtown team formerly played college ball, a few of those coming from old Wesleyan and Texas Christian University rosters. With all team members working full-time and living scattered across the city, team practice prior to game day never became a reality. “We’re just gonna come together for the night,” said Jake Ritcher, a financial adviser for Edward Jones who volunteered to coach the game. “Most of the guys that are going to do the real playing are in leagues and will carry us.” Ritcher, his team and the bleacher fans weren’t the only ones to donate resources for the cause. Wal-mart, Target and numerous small companies across Fort Worth sponsored the event with monetary donations. Additionally, the Radisson Hotel offered the travelling Harlem Ambassadors comfortable accommodations. Scharringhausen estimates the Fort Worth and Poly-Wesleyan Kiwanis Clubs’ joint efforts will wind up raising $8,000 to $10,000 to invest back into the Poly community. The Poly-Wesleyan Kiwanis Club began last fall after Scharringhausen administered a survey at the local police station, neighborhoods, churches and Christian agencies active “Lade Magic” (right) and Kevin Green (left) of the in the Poly community. The survey Harlem Ambassadors pause for a comedy skit during inquired as to the underprivileged their game against the Cowtown Kiwanis. lifestyle, crime rate and other problems of the region. Post-survey, Scharringhausen and his team realized that the issues posed by interviewees could not go ignored. “We had to get a club started,” said Scharringhausen. “There was such a need.” University President Hal Jeffcoat immediately agreed to Wesleyan’s participation in the project. Jeffcoat and Provost Allen Henderson pledged their allegiance to the club at the very first membership induction. With 36 pledged members, the Poly club currently outnumbers its mother organization. For their first year of operation, the Poly-Wesleyan Kiwanis are nestled under the wing of the Fort Worth club so that the new members can learn and observe the mission of Kiwanis first-hand. “This basketball game was as much an example to the Forth Worth’s Poly-Wesleyan club of how fund-raising works and what Kiwanis does for its community as it is a fun game,” Scharringhausen said. “It really was a learning tool.”

The women’s basketball team took a 69-60 win at Wiley College to capture their second Red River Conference win of the season. The Lady Rams came out hot, scoring the game’s first seven points and building a 10-point margin, 18-8, on a layup from Sheleatha Simmons eight minutes into the contest. Later, a jumper from Andria Mitchell capped a 10-2 run that gave Wesleyan its largest lead of the half at 3012. The Lady Rams dominated the glass, 27-16, and forced 18 turnovers that led to 13 first half points. That amounted to a 36-17 lead at the intermission. Wiley put together a 7-1 run to bring the score to 59-47 with just under four minutes to play, but Brittany Davenport squashed that rally by scoring a jumper, forcing a turnover, and scoring again. The Wildcats outscored the Lady Rams 13-3 in the final two minutes but it was not enough as Texas Wesleyan came away with the 69-60 win. For the game, the Lady Rams forced 24 turnovers that led to 20 points. Kim Gatlin paced Texas Wesleyan with 12 points and eight rebounds. - Josh Lacy Ramsports.net

Hundreds of spectators packed Sid Richardson Gym Jan. 30 for the exhibition game between Cowtown Kiwanis and the Harlem Ambassadors. Ticket proceeds were collected by Kiwanis to distribute to many community charities and initiatives.

Entertainment

February 4, 2009

The Rambler 6

Coming to America T

UK rockstars are starting to make waves in American music scene

he United States may be the Immediately after Geraldine comes It’s My Own birthplace of rock and roll, but the Cheating Heart that Makes Me Cry. As if the title left you UK is where this little baby grew up. wondering, this gem expresses a man’s way of coping by From Johnny Kidd to Brian Poole, The cheating on his wife. To no one’s surprise, the plan doesn’t Animals to The Beatles. The Who, the exactly work and the outcome unfurls in a downward spiral: together as a trinity of rock goodness and heart-wrenching Stones, Pink Floyd, The Kinks...the list “Infidelity and my good friend ecstasy doesn’t work, it storytelling. could go on. Our allies across the pond makes you worse.” Near the end of the song and what seems The intro track, Flowers and Football Tops, though have bred more rock legends than any to be the end of his ropes, Allan shouts, “So this is the grand seemingly peppy and upbeat, is a song sung by a father other geographical finale / the crescendo of demise / this is Ryan location could ever the happy ending / where the bad guy goes Authier imagine. down and dies.” It must be In an almost convoluted Kublersomething in the water, because they’re Ross style, Allan and Glasvegas walks the still doing it. listeners through the stages of grief with “The popularity of the Brit rock each track ... and this is just the first three sound shows no sign of slowing,” claims songs. rock Web site id-music.co.uk, “and, in Although some of the other tracks comparison to popular music in other seem a little out of place and serve more as countries around the world, dominates the filler than necessity, they’re all good in their British marketplace today and is sure to own right. As the tracks progress and sort of have continued dominance in the future.” drift away from the despairing picture the I can’t argue that British rock is the first few songs paint, Daddy’s Gone brings dominant force in the rock world today, thought full circle and explains that Allan’s and, looking at the relatively new band connection to his son from track one stems Glasvegas, I won’t debate its future from the lack of a father in his childhood. dominance either. After singing about what could Glasvegas, a group of rockers from have been if his father had stayed, Allan Glascow, Scotland, embody all that says: “I won’t be the lonely one sitting on encompasses the British rock scene: heavy Photo courtesy of Google Images my own and sad / a 50-year-old reminiscing accents, heavier guitars, thoughtful lyrics Front man James Allan (far right) and Glasvegas are one of the many UK bands solidifying Britain’s what I had.” A vow to not be like his father and even an unconventional drummer and do all that he can for his son simply position as the leader in the rock and roll world. (Beatles had Ringo, Def Leppard had the makes the first track that much harder to one-armed Rick Allen, Glasvegas has the very rare Caroline about the death of his son: “My baby is 6 feet under / just listen to the second time around. McKay). To put it simply, the CD is good. A rarity in today’s another number / my daughter without her brother.” The band’s front man James Allan, a former professional Following the somber Flowers and Football Tops is the “music” world. Carl Barat, lead singer of Dirty Pretty soccer player turned rock star, belts lyrics (penned by him) Things, describes Glasvegas as “a 50s, happy-go-lucky dooUK chart topper Geraldine, a song NME magazine says is in his heavy Scottish accent, which can actually make a lot wop band whose mum died. Dark but brilliant.” about “a social worker who apparently gave up her job to of the lyrics hard to understand. However, those words that follow the band about, officially to flog their merch but, you For free samples of all of their songs visit their Web site are picked up by the ear are heartfelt and deep and garnished suspect, also to offer professional support to James Allan at www.glasvegas.net or on MySpace at www.myspace.com/ with authenticity that only this band can offer. glasvegas/. and his ever-quaking heart.” Glasvegas’ most recent work, the self-titled album The song presents Geraldine as a figure of salvation; released late last year, is a record whose tracks belong in the one who will “talk you back from the edge” and “be your Ryan Authier is a senior psychology major and is entertainment ediorder they were written in, the first three of which all flow tor for The Rambler. shepherd and your guide.”

Turn on the tube T

ired of being bored with the same television reruns? Well, be bored no more. Some of your favorite shows are returning, plus a couple of new shows you can add to your TiVo list.

For starters, Heroes fans need Fox not worry. Heroes returns Feb. House: Mondays 8 p.m. 11. Claire (Hayden Penettiere) Family Guy: Sundays 8 p.m. the oh-so innocent cheerleader NBC Monique continues to struggle with The Office: Thursdays 8 p.m. Nolly Life: Wednesdays 9 p.m. immortality while Sen. Nathan Petrelli (Adrian Pasadar) comes ABC up with a plan with partner Tracy Strauss (Ali Grey’s Anatomy: Thursdays 8 p.m. Brothers and Sisters: Sundays 9 p.m. Larter) to gather people that have special powers like them. CBS Two and a Half Men: Mondays 8 p.m. Nathan’s brother Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) left CSI: Thursdays 8 p.m. us last season by injecting himself with a formula to restore his abilities that were once taken from him by his father Arthur Petrelli (Robert Forster). Sylar (Zachary Quinto), the villain everyone loves to hate, has returned with a new and interesting ability—the ability to detect when someone is telling lie, which will come in handy this season as he searches for the true identity of his biological parents. Heroes airs at 8 p.m. Monday nights on NBC.

Desperate Housewives

As for the famous Desperate Housewives, Gabrielle (Eva Longoria Parker) hopes to once again fill her closet with Jimmy Chou shoes now that her husband has unwillingly taken a job so that they can have a better lifestyle. Edi (Nicollette Sheridan) chose to forgive her husband Dave Williams (Neil McDonough) for not telling her that he was once married. She now wants to start fresh and

Wednesday

Look Ahead

On Campus:

Thursday

On Campus:

Friday

OnCampus:

• Baptist Student Ministries: •Methodist Student Movement: • President’s Honors Concert: Carter Conference Room, noon. Poly UMC, 12:15 p.m. Free Martin Hall, 7:30 p.m. Free lunch served lunch served. Weekly Movie Releases: Off Campus: Off Campus: He’s Just Not That in to You; • Cats: Bass Performance Hall, •. Tom Russell: McDavid The Pink Panther 2; Push 7:30 p.m. Studio, 8 p.m.

To submit an event for the “wurambler@yahoo.com.

Saturday

On Campus:

• Chocolate Poetry Auditions: Martin Hall, 10 a.m. Off Campus: • James Otto: Billy Bob’s Texas, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday

Off Campus:

try to make a better life with her husband. Unfortunately, Dave still has dark secrets that his wife is yet to uncover, including the real reason he was so persistent on them living on Wisteria Lane. Bree (Marcia Cross) continues to thrive with the selling of her cookbook and with her catering business. But will she be able to get along with her TNT soon to be son-in-law? Only time can tell. The Closer: Mondays 8 p.m. Although once unknown to Susan (Teri Hatcher), Leverage: Tuesdays 9 p.m. Katherine (Dana Delany) and Mike’s (James FX Denton) once secret relationship is now out in the Nip/Tuck: Tuesdays 9 p.m. open, and they are trying help Susan and Mike’s son Damages: Wednesdays 9 p.m. cope with the fact that his parents are not together CW and that it is OK for him to be close to Katherine. Gossip Girl: Mondays 7 p.m. Smallville: Thursdays 7 p.m. Keep an eye out for the new episodes to see how this love triangle turns out. TBS 10 Items or Less: Tuesdays 10 p.m. Lynette (Felicity Huffman) and her husband are House of Pain: Wednesdays: 7 p.m. still dealing with the return of her son after he ran away after being threatened by his older lover’s jealous husband. Lynette is trying everything to keep her son from going to prison for the heinous crime of burning down his lover’s husband’s bar. Will she be able to get porter out of this one? Fans have to stay tuned to find out. Desperate Housewives airs at 9 p.m. Sunday nights on ABC.

Spring shows worth watching

Heroes

Spring ‘09 television lineup is set to impress viewers of all tastes

Monday

On Campus:

Tuesday

On Campus:

• Fort Worth Stock Show and • 3PR: Bragen Fellowship Hall, • Chapel: Poly UMC, 12:15 Rodeo: Will Rogers Memorial noon p.m. Free lunch served. Center, all day Off Campus: Weekly DVD Releases: • Andy McKee: Granada Theater, 8 p.m. • A Room of One’s Own: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, What Just Happened; Nights in Rodanthe; W. 7 p.m.

The Beast

There’s also some promising new shows on the fall lineup. A&E has a new show called The Beast starring Patrick Swayze. This action-packed series centers around the turbulent job of FBI veteran Charles Barker (Swayze). Barker deals with the dark side of undercover work and will surely leave viewers at the edge of their seats. The Beast airs at 9 p.m. Thursdays on A&E.

Trust Me

Trust Me is a new series that revolves around the friendship of characters Mason (Eric McCormack) and Conner (Tom Cavanagh) who work together in a throat cutting, ad agency based in Chicago. Mason gets a promotion and becomes the boss of his friend Conner. This leads to frustration and tension between the two friends when they are basically put up against one another and Courtesy of NBC no longer can trust if one is trying to steal Hayden Panettiere (left) and the rest of the Heroes the other one’s account. cast returns this spring for what promises to be Trust Me airs at 9 p.m. Mondays on another exhilarating season. TNT. Will any of theses shows stand the test of time and keep you interested this new season? Tune in to find out. And if not, there are always the old favorites. Monique Nolly is a senior mass communication major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.