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The Rambler

The students’ voice since 1917

www.txwes.edu/rambler

January 30, 2008

NEWS BRIEFS Happy ‘Birthday!’

The Rambler celebrates the start of its 100th volume! We look forward to 100 more.

Vol. 100, No. 1

Graduates stepping toward the future

President’s Honor Concert Wesleyan’s biannual evening of performances by Wesleyan’s top musical performers starts at 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 in Nicholas Martin Hall.

News Briefs

Welcome, ROTC! Lt. Col. Rodney W. Joye has joined the Texas Wesleyan faculty as Army ROTC professor of military science. The program is open to all students and provides scholarships, stipends and a path to obtain a commission in the active component, reserves or Army National Guard. His office is located in Room 108 of the basement of the administration building, and he can also be contacted by email at rjoye@txwes.edu.

Nearly-graduated students graced the Texas Wesleyan Univeristy campus with full smiles during the procession from the McFadden Science Building to Polytechnic United Methodist Church for the traditional robing ceremony Dec. 14.

2% Solution Earthday TV, Focus the Nation and the Wildlife Federation present 2% Solution, a free interactive webcast, at 7 p.m. in the science lecture theater (room 111) of the McFadden science building.

Party with Zeta Phi Beta Jan. 31: Come hang out and watch CSI: Miami with the lovely ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority at 7:20 p.m. in the Stella Russel Hall Lobby.

Feb. 1: Attend the ladies’ flavorful soul food cookout from noon to 3 p.m. in the Student Union Building. Admission is $3.

Feb. 3: Join the ladies for their Super Bowl party in the Stella Russell Hall lobby. Drinks and refreshments will be provided.

Help out SafeHaven Student Life is holding a donation drive for the SafeHaven of Tarrant County. Faculty can donate $5, which grants you the privilege to wear jeans Feb. 1. Tight, low-rise and holey jeans are not allowed.

HOT JOB opportunities @ Career Services Assisstant Therapist, Brent Woodall Foundation Foreign Service Diplomatic Security Special Agent, U.S. Dept. of State Careers Paid Internship, Q Investments Personal Trainer, LA Fitness Instructional Assistants & Math Tutors, TCC Part-time Marketing Assistant, Pointwise Security Manager, FC Dallas Crime Analyst, Fort Worth PD

Photos by Kevin Keathley

Wesleyan changes campus alcohol policy MARTIN GARCIA STAFF WRITER

Texas Wesleyan recently updated its campus alcohol policy, adding two locations to the list of acceptable places to serve and consume alcohol, but tightening requirements to do so.

The Louella Baker Martin Pavilion and the Baker Martin House were newly named as areas appropriate to serve alcohol. Other locations are the president’s suite, the trustee board room and the law school’s conference center, as well as other areas deemed appropriate by the president.

“The pavilion was built for a variety of different group and functions, including third party events and functions, so it makes sense to allow alcohol in the building,” said Steve Roberts, associate vice president of administrative services.

The east room of the campus library was previously included in the handbook as an appropriate venue but was removed from the list after it transformed into the Academic Resource Center.

The new policy also calls for more restriction. It mandates that an offduty Fort Worth police officer to be present for all student and third party events where alcohol is served. The cost is assumed by sponsoring parties.

“Any time you serve alcohol you can have problems related to that, so we felt it was in the best interest of everybody involved, particularly for third party events,” said Roberts.

University policy also states that a third party and licensed vendor or bartender must distribute the beverages, state and local laws must be

adhered to, alcohol must not be the focus of the activity, and advertisements of the event may not use alcohol to draw the attendees.

Off-campus events, including organization-sponsored gatherings, must abide by even more procedures. A variety of non-alcoholic beverages must be conveniently and readily available, sufficient food or hors’ douvres must be provided, carding must be enforced and alternate transportation arrangements should be readily available upon request.

Alcohol is still not permitted in or on residence hall property; this includes any container that had previously contained the substance.

Failure to follow any of the alcohol restrictions could lead to consequences that inhibit any club or association at Texas Wesleyan from having the right to have alcoholic beverages on or off campus, according to the handbook. Organizations could lose their rights, sponsors and president; other leading members are also subject to hefty fines. The rules in their entirety may be found in the Texas Wesleyan University Student Handbook.

If a society wishes to seek approval to hold a function that serves alcohol, they can request an alcohol permit form from Joslyn Neblett in the office of the dean of students.

The request serves for both on and off-campus purposes and asks for explicit details of the event. Event administers must be ready to furnish details as to who the vendor will be, what will be served and how they will ensure that minors will not be supplied with beverages beyond their limitations.

Approval is lastly based on a sign off from Roberts, as well as the dean of students.

AT&T grants $25K for technology efforts Harold Jeffcoat, university president, and Hector Quintanilla, dean of the school of business (from far left), accept a check on behalf of Texas Wesleyan University. The school was awarded the $25,000 AT&T Excelerator grant to help fund the installation of SMART technologies in two business classrooms.

David Parker, AT&T regional vice president for external affairs (second from right), presented the check with the help of Kim Brimer, state senator (far right). The SMART technologies will provide professors everything they need to give integrated presentations to students.

Photo courtesy of Communications Office

News

2 January 30, 2008

The Rambler

Smoking ordinance takes effect on campus ing place in a non-smoking facility, they must remove all ashtrays and other “smoking accessories” from places where smoking is prohibited, and they must post “no smoking” signs with the international “no smoking” symbol at the owner’s cost.

“We’re waiting on the signs,” Roberts said, regarding the steps Wesleyan is taking to comply with the ordinance.

Roberts said that “no smoking” signs have been ordered and will be prominently displayed around entrances. Ashtrays will also be moved 20 feet away from buildings.

Also, Roberts said that there will continue to be designated smoking areas - they’ll just be a little farther away.

Roberts estimated that the changes will be implemented by the end of February.

While the new amendment cracks down on smoking in public, banning smoking in all restaurants and their respective bars, bowling alleys and business/office buildings, the city of Fort Worth still allows smoking in bars, designated hotel/motel rooms and Bingo parlors.

This leaves many more places prohibiting smoking than allowing it, and the violation of that probation could come with a hefty fine. Violators, both residents and proprietors, can be fined up to $500; owners/operators of the designated facilities can be fined up to $2,000 for knowingly violating the new ordinance. In effect, be mindful of where you light up, fellow smokers, because if you think $4.75 a pack is outrageous, wait until you have to pay $500 for Photo courtesy of Google Images one cigarette.

CHUCK FAIN STAFF WRITER

Can’t wait to light up after you leave class? Considering a visit to Marlboro country to curb your nerves about that looming test? Well, fellow smokers, as of this year, the Wesleyan community will have to wait to indulge our nicotine habit… at least until we’re 20 feet from any door on campus.

This means no more smoking in front of the psychology building, on the steps of the library or in front of the church (where I can usually be found smoking).

The Fort Worth City Council voted 7 -2 last summer to amend a city wide smoking ban that prohibits smoking in public places.

According to the city Web site (www.fortworthgov.org), this new amendment prohibits smoking within “20 feet of a primary entrance/exit of a regulated facility.” It took effect Jan. 1.

Fort Worth’s Web site states that the city is “in the process of educating all establishments impacted by the new ordinance.”

Steve Roberts, the associate vice president of administrative services/human resources, said that Wesleyan did not specifically receive any “education” pertaining to the new ordinances; however, Roberts is aware of the recent changes in the smoking ban and Wesleyan’s duty to comply.

As of yet, the university has not adhered to the amendment. According to the newly passed ordinance, owners of the affected A new amendment to the Fort Worth smoking ban changes the way students smoke on campus, facilities must ensure that no smoking is takincluding a required distance of 20 feet from entrances.

Federal bill aims to lower cost of textbooks ANGELICA DONGALLO U-WIRE/DAILY CALIFORNIAN

The U.S. House of Representatives may consider a piece of legislation in the next few weeks that, if passed, could make textbook-buying and other college costs easier on students’ checkbooks.

The College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007, which, among other things, calls for textbook publishers to provide colleges with more information about the costs of buying textbooks, could be reviewed by the full House in early February.

“It is long past time to address rising textbook prices, and this bill will take important steps to make these costs more manageable,” said Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), who introduced the bill, in an e-mail.

The bill, introduced in November 2007, would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 by adding several sections that would make the cost of higher education more transparent to students and their families.

The bill was passed unanimously in December 2007 out of the House Education and Labor Committee, of which Miller is chair, and is now ready for consideration by the whole House.

One provision of the nearly 800-page-long bill would require textbook publishers to fully disclose to colleges the prices of textbooks, as well as information about how revised editions differ from previous ones.

Publishers would also have to allow bundled textbooks and materials to be purchased separately.

UC Berkeley student organizations such as CalPIRG have demonstrated support for the bill’s textbook provision by building a photo petition that urges Congress to pass the bill.

“The textbook market is just messed up,” said Jenn

Engstrom, CalPIRG’s chapter chair on the Berkley campus. “Now we are calling on Congress to take action.”

Yet some, including UC officials and UC Berkeley textbook distributor Follett Higher Education Group said that, although they agree with legislation that would lower student costs, the bill also includes provisions that do not seem practical, like requiring campuses to print course schedules even when they are subject to change.

“Some of those things need to be looked at to make them practical and beneficial,” said Follett spokesperson Cliff Ewert.

The bill also seeks to extend the length of the Pell Grant, provide predominantly ethnic minority institutions with aid and grant more aid to institutions as a reward for keeping tuition rates low.

While citing provisions of the bill that would be useful to students, UC Legislative Director for Education Carolyn Henrich said some of the information the bill seeks from the university, loan lenders and textbook publishers may not achieve lower costs.

“If it’s going to be good for students, then we’ll do what we have to do,” she said. “We’re happy to report more information. We just don’t want to provide more information for the sake of it.”

The bill would also create indices that would rank colleges according to their tuition rates, a process Henrich said should be more standardized since each institution calculates rates using different factors.

“Quality (in the index) is not considered in the least, it’s just the cost,” she said. “One of the things we’re looking for is a standardized definition so when you are making the comparison you’re looking at apples vs. apples.”

Cat got your camera? get it back and work for the Rambler!

meetings every Thursday during free period in Stella Russell Hall

twurambler@yahoo.com

Photo courtesy of Google Images

A new bill, if passed, would regulate textbook companies further, requiring them to provide more information to colleges and students, as well as bring down the cost of textbooks.

Opinions

“Grey’s Anatomy and Desperate Housewives.”

“I don’t watch the TV shows that are cancelled, only the food network.”

January 30, 2008 3

Can I just have some paper?

Campus bookstore neglects to provide students with the essential supplies needed for education

I

t is the start of a new must have run out … of paper. Now, I may be that I would have to go to Wal-Mart to get the semester. For most of us the only person who thinks that it is ridiculous most basic of school supplies, the sales associate that means a new start, maybe that the campus book store would not have told me that she had found some paper, and the first ever in college, showed me to the short stack. maybe the last, but a new The plastic cover read start. No matter what last (insert name here), and each semester looked like, no pack had 100 sheets. I soon matter what grades you found out that this environmenmade, this semester offers a tally friendly paper costs $3.95 COLLEEN new beginnings a pack. I could hardly believe BURNIE During my five years it. Now don’t get me wrong, in college, I have gained I’m all about going green, but various perspectives on Wesleyan. I love the in my experience recycled small atmosphere, I love most of the professors paper costs less than the new that I have studied under, and I love that I have stuff. the chance to meet all kinds of people from difThis is on top of the fact ferent backgrounds. I look forward to starting that many classes are doing back each time, but no matter how well I think without books for the first few I’ve prepared for my semester to start, the first weeks of the already 14-week days are always chaotic as I inevitably end up semester, because bookstore running around campus. operations insist on ordering If it’s not some financial issue that hasn’t books based on the previous been resolved or two classes that conflict (yet year’s enrollment. somehow I was permitted to register for) it is Shouldn’t a bookstore be promoting education? Or at the bookstore. least meeting the general needs Now, it’s not news that books are priced of the students – its customers? high or often out of stock even though they’re Professors are required to plan required by the class. Everyone who has attendour lessons and have a syllabus ed any institution of higher learning has been ready for school. Most of us, as dealt the blow that books cost ridiculous students, are committed to do amounts of money and return less that 20 perthe work that we are paying a cent of the price that was paid. small fortune to have access to.

I was still surprised, however, when I went So shouldn’t the university to get my books two days before school started bookstore be expected to join this semester, and found that the bookstore was in that effort and have adequate unable to provide the supplies that I was lookbooks and basic supplies? ing for. This might not be so grievous an error I may be overreacting, if I were looking for some specific pen refill or File Photo but when the only way that specialized stationary. After all, the bookstore is While the campus bookstore may be lacking in offerings in classroom many students pay for their not an OfficeMax and should really only be materials and textbooks, school spirit paraphenelia -- including apparbooks is with a university expected to carry the basic needs for class. rell, blankets, bumper stickers and more -- are available in abundance. issued voucher, shouldn’t they However, after searching the store for about be able to expect supplies at a five minutes and not finding any loose-leaf paper.

That’s how it seemed that day when reasonable cost?

Next time I’ll just “go to Walnotebook paper, I finally asked an employee if Mart.” the store carried paper. The associate told me she everyone who heard me mention it, told me to “go to Wal-Mart.” was sure there was paper and proceeded to help Colleen Burnie is a senior writing major and is the Just when I was resigning myself to the fact me look for some. We decided that the store entertainment editor for The Rambler.

“Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, and Brothers and Sisters.”

Voting is an opportunity not to be passed up

“Desperate Housewives.”

Christine Tham Senior Political Science Major

Sandra Ayala Senior Spanish Major

“What TV show(s) are you missing the most?”

Aubrey Rice Senior History Major Ashley Moseley Sophomore Theater Major

The Rambler

A

ccording to a recent Gallup poll, almost two-thirds of Americans already report giving “quite a lot” of thought to the presidential election this year, the highest such number recorded in January of an election year.

This is due largely to the earlier primaries of other states and the extremely early start date for most of the presidential candidates. One can’t help wondering, though, exactly how pivotal this year’s election will actually be.

RACHEL Of course, voting at any time is a vital civic HORTON responsibility that every citizen should fulfill. As President Garfield once noted, “the people are responsible for the character of their Congress,” and the same could be said of our presidential election.

Several factors, however, make this year’s elections especially important.

The economic state of the nation is always a factor, but this year, it has special significance. Consumer confidence in the American economy is at an all-time low after the sub-prime lending crises, the General Motor company problems and the current rush on the part of Congress to give the economy a “shot in the arm” to stimulate some forward movement and minimize the affects of recession.

Healthcare takes its usual place on the list of American voting issues, but with heightened importance due to recent issues with Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security funds.

The final major issue that makes this election year extremely important is that of the war in Iraq. With just as much support for as against it, the war “Voting at elections is one of the most important rights in Iraq is an on-going topic of debate.

The next administration will decide the of the subject....”

– Alexander Hamilton manner in which the closing chapter of First Secretary of the Treasury this war will be handled.

Of course there are other issues such as illegal immigration, the national debt and government spending, but, overall, the 2008 election will be pivotal in determining the future

Rachel Horton is a freshman political science major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.

Rambler Ratings

The Rambler Founded in 1917 as The Handout Harold G. Jeffcoat, Publisher Kelli Lamers, adviser Tiara Nugent, managing/college life editor Colleen Burnie, entertainment editor

course of our country over the next four years.

Many of us will graduate into this environment, and the importance of being involved now cannot be underestimated.

Alexander Hamilton, founding father and first Secretary of the Treasury, made the statement that “voting at elections is one of the most important rights of the subject, and in a republic ought to stand foremost in the estimation of the law.”

The duty of voting is a vital opportunity, and one that should not be taken lightly. Both the Democrat and Republican Party primaries occur in Texas on March 4, a scarce month away. The primaries may seem unimportant, but remember that each candidate has identified the issues that will make them unique. In essence, Courtesy of Google Images you have The uncertainty of which candidates will win the primaries has the prompted citizens to pay more attention to candidate debates. opportunity to choose and lobby for the one person you feel best represents you and your values now.

Regardless of who earns the nomination for either party, it is important to know that your vote influences the direction of this great country.

In the words of President Garfield, “If the next centennial does not find us a great nation ... it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.”

Shawn R Poling, editor-in-chief Bryce Wilks, sports editor Skyla Claxton, advertising manager

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 Fax: 531-4878 E-mail: twurambler@yahoo.com

Thumbs up to Wesleyan participants in the 2008 AllWestern Stock Show Parade.

The parade took place January 12.

Thumbs down to the writers’ strike. We miss most of our favorite shows.

Thumbs down to holiday fat that won’t go away.

Thumbs up to LULAC for hosting a winter festival as a fund-raiser Jan. 29.

College Life Shop till you drop

The Rambler

January 30, 2008

As course shopping becomes more difficult at public schools, Wesleyan remains lenient. The state law could benefit TWU recruitment.

COLLEEN BURNIE ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Have you ever gotten to the mid-point in a semester and decided there was too much on your plate and dropped a class? Students all over the state are having to rethink think dropping a course due to a law passed last summer.

According to Senate Bill 1231, students who started at a higher education institution in fall 2007 or later are prohibited, except under certain rules, from dropping more than six courses in their college career. This prohibition includes classes dropped at other schools and community colleges. Exceptions are made for circumstances such as death or serious illness in the family, military service and inflexible work schedules.

The law does state that labs associated with lecture classes do not count as separate courses, and students are still permitted to “course shop” checking out a course they might be interested in and then dropping until the 12th day of classes. After the 12th day or census date when the school sends its enrollment information to the state for funding, any dropped class counts against the six permitted.

The statute also gives the governing board of an institution the authorization to adopt a policy that allows students to drop less than the six now allowed through the state. According to an article published in the Dallas Morning News late last year, the University of Texas, Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University have all opted to adopt stricter policies than the ones established by the bill.

The law was written by Rep. Fred Brown of College Station who felt that the new policy would save the state money by reducing the funding sent to students who don’t finish courses. It would also, the movement reasoned, free up chairs in classes for students who want to finish and encourage students to finish their degrees on time.

According to the Texas Higher Education Board, only 56 percent of Texas college students graduate within six years of beginning.

It is now up to the registrars at each state school to track the number of dropped courses and enforce the state-mandated statute. According to a report released by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, many registrars are concerned about the logistics of trying to keep track of all students’ dropped courses from all institutions and attempting to make decisions on what constitutes as a reasonable excused drop. South Plains College registrar’s office, among others, has had to hire a new employee dedicated wholly to the tracking of drop rates.

Mike Allen, the associate registrar at UT, criticized the law as a “one size fits all” provision. There are other college officials who agree the law misses the point, saying they certainly agree with timely graduation, but they don’t want to see students penalized when they wind up in a class that’s too hard or not what they expected. Many students are encouraged to try a class, critics say, and if they decide that it’s too tough, the option of dropping should

Students present C H E E R

be available with little or no penalty.

Some officials have even voiced fears that students could get discouraged and drop out completely.

Another concern with regard to the law is that students who transfer to a four-year university from community colleges could end up without any flexibility in their schedule when they arrive. Dr. Cary Israel, chancellor of the Collin County Community College District, voiced such concerns for his students in an interview with the Dallas Morning News.

“If the purpose is to get them to have a two-year degree within two years, it’s never going to happen because 80 percent of our students work,” he said.

So what does this mean for small private colleges, like Wesleyan, that receive federal funding? According to Pati Alexander, vice president of enrollment and student services, not a whole lot.

“The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s rules regarding a ‘six class drop limit’ do not apply to Wesleyan as a private institution. Although Wesleyan does receive state funding from the Coordinating Board and is subject to many rules and regulations, the requirements are sometimes different for private institutions,” said Alexander.

“The freedom to set our own policy comes with being a private institution. This new Courtesy of Google Images policy may actually Students at state campuses including the University of North help recruit students to Texas and the University of Texas at Arlington will be affected Wesleyan.” by the policies limiting the ability to drop classes. Some univerMany people, sities are cracking down harder than the state laws. including Wesleyan’s registrar, Kay Van Toorn, feel that the law will encourage students to get serious about their education and stop relying on the security blanket of knowing they can drop.

“More restrictions on drops would not be a bad thing,” said Van Toorn, “but it would be difficult to track.”

According to Van Toorn, the factors that impact the number of classes dropped sometimes go beyond the student.

“If advising is good, students typically don’t need to drop as many classes,” said Van Toorn. “Good advising is so critical.”

Jessica Boone, technical records coordinator at Wesleyan, wasn’t able to pull the statistics on Wesleyan’s average drop percentage because of the vast number of records that would have to be searched – a good example of the work it would take to track the new policy.

“It really runs the spectrum. I’ve seen some transcripts without any drops and some that have numerous entire semesters dropped,” said Boone. “Our student population, with high numbers of non-traditional students, lends us to have more drops and be more lenient with students who have families, jobs, health issues and finances to deal with on top of school.”

Students and staff can rest easy for now, Wesleyan students are exempt from the six class drop limit, and administration is free from the burden of tracking each student’s record.

Where did I put... ?

Omega Chi members celebrate their purchase and donation of gifts and clothing to underprivileged children. Junior religion major Kevin Doskocil enjoyed messing around with one special lil tot and after a festive shin-dig, society members had a party of their own. Junior religion major Katie Slaten hung out with junior psychology major Ryan Authier and sophomore athletic trianing major Joakim Soderbaum.

So you walk into each class on Day 1 and are handed a syllabus.

Within a week, you open your car door and handouts flutter in the breeze. Papers, papers - they all mix up!

Avoid the confusion and panic of lost documents by practicing the art of tidiness. ** Buy a slim threering notebook and keep it with you each day so those papers have no chance to disappear. ** Carry a three-ring hole punch so you can punch your papers right away.

Wal-Mart sells light, slim and cheap ones that work great.

Photos by Kevin Keathley

WANTED: Web Manager txwes.edu/rambler

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO WRITE. Use it.

The Rambler is currently seeking talented and committed writers.

Contact twurambler@yahoo.com

** If you have a class/classes that will be providing an extreme amount of papers, obtain a folder or binder just for that class. ** Preserve written works and valuable handouts in portfolios labeled by class, subject or semester. ** Stay on top of it! If you procrastinate organizing your papers, the mound will seem too daunting to bother with.

- Tiara Nugent

Sports

The Rambler

January 30, 2008 5 Floorball, a competitive sport played overseas, is coming to Texas Wesleyan Feb. 4. Pro players from Dallas will play an exhibition match in Sid Richardson Gym at 6:30 p.m.

The game is a hybrid, involving elements of soccer, hockey and lacrosse. A game between students and faculty will follow for anyone interested.

Quick Quotes “They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds.”

- Wilt Chamberlain Basketball legend

Log on to: www.ramsports.net for the latest game information and profiles of your favorite Wesleyan Teams and Athletes

Upcoming Events Feb. 2 *5:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Jarvis Christian *7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Jarvis Christian Feb. 3 *1 p.m. Baseball vs.

Concordia *3 p.m. Baseball vs.

Concordia Feb. 4 5:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball @ Langston 7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball @ Langston

Photo courtesy of google images

Floorball league to kick-off with pro demo BRYCE WILKS SPORTS EDITOR

American sports fans like to devote their attentions to football, basketball and baseball. It seems that hockey and soccer can't quite contend in popularity for various reasons. Some say that soccer is boring, while others say they don't understand the rules of hockey.

The solution? Combine the two sports into one. It's hard to explain a sport like that, so my advice is to consult your nearest Internet access, hit up Youtube.com and type “floorball” into the search engine.

That's right, floorball. It hails from countries such as Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, and a floorball club from Dallas is scheduled to play an exhibition game at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 in the Sid Richardson Gym. Wesleyan students Joakim Soderbaum and Ryan Authier arranged for the exhibition and hope to generate interest in the sport so that a game made up of students can take place.

Soderbaum, a native of Varberg, Sweden, and

goalie on the Wesleyan soccer team said that he was involved with floorball for about eight years while growing up.

“Floorball is the second biggest sport in Sweden, other than soccer,” he said. “I played and also coached teams when I got older.”

Authier added that he would like to see any and all students that can attend the exhibition game and take part in the student game to follow.

“We have already built goals and will be getting sticks soon,” he said. “I will be the goalie for one team, and I plan on wearing my high school football helmet for protection.”

Interested students might want to know what they are in for, so here is a brief description of the sport with a little help from the International Floorball Federation at www.floorball.org.

Each floorball team is made up of five court players and a goalie. The object of the game is to score goals into what looks like a hockey goal.

Only the goalie, who is not permitted a stick, may use hands or arms to stop the ball. Other players may use their feet to stop a rolling ball and gain control, but not to pass or shoot.

The ball itself looks a lot like a plastic whiffle ball. It contains holes like a whiffle ball, as well as tiny golfball-like dimples that reduce air resistance and friction on the floor.

A floorball stick closely resembles a hockey stick, but the blade is vented to create stick speed.

Much like lacrosse and ice hockey, there is room behind the goalie net for offensive team members to maneuver around and create tricky passing and shooting angles.

Floorball was not designed to be a contact sport, but players do make some contact when competing for a loose ball. When hockey-style boards are set up, there is also some physical “checking” into corners and boards. Penalties are assessed for fouls deemed unnecessary by the referees.

An international championship is held every two years for men and women, and Sweden has dominated the world, winning six consecutive gold medals in men's and three out of six in women's.

For further information, visit www.twfloorball.com.

*denotes home game

Looking Ahead Men’s Golf The men’s golf team was selected to receive a $5,000 grant from the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial and Colonial Country Club Charities over the holiday break. The Rams are currently ranked fifth in the NAIA National Poll. Senior Mitch Hendon looks to lead the team when their season opens March 3 at the Point Loma/Smee Builders Invitational in San Diego.

Softball The softball team is preparing to start its 2008 campaign. 2007 All-Region selections and Ariel Raley and Brooke McNabb will lead the team as seniors into their first match up Feb. 12 against Oklahoma Baptist University. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in Sycamore Park.

Sports Briefs Mens’ Golf Jan. 26 The men’s basketball team and Wiley College took eachother’s best shot in a contest between conference front runners. Wiley nipped the No. 23 ranked Rams 70-68.

Basketball Jan. 26 The Texas Wesleyan University women’s basketball team (12-7, 4-3 RRAC) suffered an 80-53 loss to Wiley College (17-4, 5-1 RRAC).

Basketball Jan. 23 The Texas Wesleyan University men’s basketball team (13-6, 6-0 RRAC) moved into the NAIA’s top25 national ranking. The Rams, who had received votes in each of the last two polls, moved up to 23rd in the week’s ranking.

Would you like everything on those nachos?

Baseball players fund season with help from America’s Team BRYCE WILKS SPORTS EDITOR

Chili. Cheese. Jalapenos. Pico de gallo. Those don't exactly sound like the ingredients for a winning baseball team, but, in an odd way, they are.

Like most NAIA programs, Wesleyan's baseball budget is somewhat limited, so team members and coaches work a concession stand at Dallas Cowboys home games to create funds.

Throughout the fall and winter, two groups take turns working, and, in return, the program gets to keep a percentage of the sales so that financial obligations can be met during the season.

Players and coaches show up four hours prior to kickoff for games, including the preseason and playoffs.

Concession workers get star-treatment as soon as they arrive in Irving with free parking. The lot is approximately two miles away from the stadi-

Need a drink? No problem, that'll be 13 bucks altogether, please.

Fans don't mind the steep prices too much, as long as the Cowboys are winning. Some are even generous enough to drop a few dollars or some change in the tip box.

“We get our share of older women who have had too much to drink. I have definitely been hit on by two 40-year-old women at the same time.”

– Brad Henderson Senior first baseman

um, but a shuttle bus transports workers to the gates.

After a quick frisking by security, it's off to the section 27 concession stand, where a jolly concession manager named Sig is waiting to dole out assignments.

Immediately, there are items to be counted so that Jerry won't think that the team is giving away freebies or pocketing extra money at the end of the game.

After cups, containers, bottles and bags are counted, food items need to begin warming. The cooking equipment rivals Texas Stadium in age, so it takes a while for the cheese, chili and barbecue beef to thaw out and eventually become a tasty temperature.

When the gates open a few hours prior to game time, rabid fans begin to pour in, ready to cheer on their team.

The marquee item, "Super Bowl Nachos," can be had for only $7.50.

Photo by Bryce Wilks

Super Bowl Nachos are a huge item with fans at Dallas Cowboy games.

They cost a pretty penny but help generate revenue for the baseball team’s expenses throughout the season.

Photo by Bryce Wilks

Juniors Blake Walker (front) and Nolan Whisenhunt help with the baseball team’s concession booth at the final Cowboys game against the New York Giants Jan. 13.

Senior first baseman Brad Henderson has worked his share of games over the years and has a few fond memories.

"We get our share of older women who have had too much to drink," Henderson said. "I definitely got hit on by two 40-year-olds one time."

The job doesn't seem very glamorous so far, but it does have a few perks.

Players are too busy to see much game action, but watching for a few celebrities on the field and in the stands is always a good way to forget about the ever-present stench of hot dogs and T.O.'s famous popcorn.

"Getting to see Peyton Manning and Tony Romo play in person has been a pretty big thrill," said junior catcher Ryan Ragsdale.

During a game against the New England Patriots in October, players had a chance to snap some quick pictures of celebrity couple Eva Longoria and Tony Parker as they went down to the sideline.

When the game ends, there are dishes to be washed and shrink-wrapped, floors that need mopping and money to be counted and organized.

Finally, after an eight hour day, only a brisk walk through traffic and across Loop 12 separates the team from freedom.

The team hopes their hard work will begin to pay off when LaGrave Field hosts the season opener on Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. against Concordia University.

Entertainment

6 January 30, 2008

The Rambler

The loss of Ledger hits home I

n most girls’ lives there comes a point when a leading man in Hollywood captures our heart. I always felt like I was late coming to that table. At least among my friends, it took me a while to say that I even thought that an actor was “hot.”

However, when The Patriot was released my freshman year in high school, I joined the club. An avid American history lover and mild movie buff, I found the perfect mix of class, heroism and plain ol’ good looks in Heath Ledger. My crush was pretty intense. I read every article I could get my hands on, watched copies of his Australian movies and shows online and kept tabs on all of his upcoming gigs. I was even convinced that I would marry a man with an accent like his.

As the years went by my crush faded, but Ledger’s talent and fame only grew. As he broke away COLLEEN from teen films and with projects like Monster’s Ball and of course Brokeback Mountain (for which he BURNIE was Oscar nominated) , Ledger established himself as one of the industry’s leaders. That’s why when I heard the news that he had passed away, it was heartbreaking.

According to USA Today, the 28-year-old actor was found Jan. 23 lying face-down at the foot of his bed without any clothes. He apparently had a massage appointment, and when his housekeeper went into his room to tell him that the masseuse had arrived, they found him with sleeping pills nearby.

The police don’t believe that it was a suicide, and the medical examiner’s report hasn’t been released as of yet. Ledger left behind a 2-year-old daughter with ex-wife Michelle Williams.

The question that everyone seems to be asking now is what will happen with the new Batman movie The Dark Knight.

Ledger took on the daunting task of recreating Jack Nicholson ionic character, the Joker. According to a report released on Yahoo!, quires for Heath Ledger as Joker on search engines have risen 3,600 percent. The new Batman movies are darker than the originals and, according to a report from Yahoo!, Ledger has made the character more menacing.

Warner Brow. executives are concerned about the public perception of the late actor playing such a dark character and have stated that they will greatly change the film’s advertising campaign, which relied solely on teasing Ledger’s Joker, but keep the months-away release date.

During an interview for the premiere of I’m Not There, the biographical film chronicling Bob Dillon, Ledger told the New York Times that he “stressed out a little too much during the Dylan film” and had trouble sleeping while working on the sinister Joker, which could explain the sleeping pills.

Whatever the explanation, or lack there of, he will be missed. The Dark Knight Web site has posted a memorial page that reads “We mourn the loss of a remarkable talent gone too soon and the passing of an extraordinary man who will be greatly missed.”

Personally, I feel the loss of my first Hollywood crush and the hole that he has left in the film industry.

The 28-year-old actor was found dead in his apartment Jan. 23 by his house keeper and massage artist.

He will be remembered for his talent and charm.

Colleen Burnie is a senior writing major and is the entertainment editor for The Rambler.

This ain’t my first rodeo

Fort Worth Stock Show continues tradition with plenty of fun for all

tion, who calls downtown Fort Worth home, has one savvy set up. The booth, constructed by Massey’s Fence, features a prize wheel and a chance to register for both a GMC pick up truck STAFF WRITER and a big screen television. Also, Ranch fans can purchase The Ranch Texas Music Series What do rodeos, corn dogs, tilt-a-whirls and great shopping have in common? They are all CDs. The 2006 CD is priced at $10, while the 2007 is $14 and the combo is $20.

Being at the stock show has given employees of The Ranch, such as myself, the opportune part of the 112th Annual Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show and Rodeo at Will time to meet and interact with listeners, as well as gain new ones.

Roger’s Memorial Center in Fort Worth.

“This is my first time working out here,” said Stu Stewart, an on-air personality for The If you have not made it out yet, I would highly encourage you to do so for the incredible Ranch. “I excitement that the show provides. It runs through Feb. 3. What betgot the ter way to experience and gain appreciation of farm and ranch life chance to than spending a day at the show? meet a lot According to a press release issued by the Southwestern Exposition of listeners and Livestock Show, many interactive exhibits about farm animals and a lot of and production agriculture await visitors. residents “We want visitors to not only have fun at the midway, at the rodeo of the area. or enjoying a corn dog, but we want them to experience what makes It has been farm and ranch life so special,” said Bradford Barnes, executive vice such a president/general manager of the Stock Show. “Providing events that rewarding are not only fun, but allow our guests to share in farming and ranchexperiing experiences, is what the Stock Show’s all about.” ence.”

In addition to seeing livestock, rodeo performances, riding the tiltSister a-whirl in the midway and visiting all the vendors, patrons get the station to opportunity to touch the livestock at the petting zoo. They can also see 95.9 The chicks being hatched, ducklings sliding down a waterslide and baby Ranch, farm animals with their mothers. They’re all under one roof called the Country FFA Children’s Barnyard.

Legends The “World’s Original Indoor Rodeo” is everything the West is 92.1 is the meant to be. It features 30 performances with edge-of-your-seat s o u n d excitement. The tickets for the rodeo are not included with general heard all admission but can be purchased for $16 to $22 each. over the If the events aren’t enough to draw you out, try the food, food and S t o c k more food. For the seventh year in a row, Reata restaurant, which is Show. Ron located in downtown Fort Worth, has set up shop in the Amon G. M o o r e Carter Jr. Exhibit Hall. It features a full-service restaurant and bar from the with the same elegant environment provided at its downtown locamorning Photo courtesy of Google images tion. In addition to Reata, folks can experience the delight of barbecue, cold beer and catfish, all located in the same building as the Reata The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is a Fort Worth tradition that incorporates the culture and histo- show is in charge of at the Round Up Inn. ry of Fort Worth. The rodeo runs until Feb. 3. doing the There are plenty of booths to visit while at the stock show. There are rodeo reports.

Not only is he getting the chance to mingle with many of the patrons, but also almost 200 vendors, as well as media partners, special event partners and major corporate with celebrities as well. partners.

“We do rodeo reports three times a day,” said Moore. “Also, I’m going around and talking One such media partner is “The Sound of Texas” 95.9 The Ranch radio station. The stato vendors, livestock vendors, exhibitors and celebrities.”

Thursday Wednesday If shopping is your idea of fun, then you better plan an all day outing if you plan on doing Friday it at the Stock Show. Featuring everything from western wear to western furniture, the grounds of the Stock Show have it all.

On Campus: On Campus: On Campus One that stands above the rest is Boulet Boot Company from Canada. Kate Wilson, *Methodist Student Movement *The Rambler staff meeting: * Gay Straight Alliance owner of Diamond W Western World in Coleman, Texas, has brought these oh-so comfortStella Russell Hall lobby, meeting: Poly UMC, noon, meeting: B17 basement of able hand-made boots to the Lone Star State.

12:15 p.m. free lunch served the library, 12:15 p.m.

Wilson said the boots are made with steel shanks and a leather heel cup. Most boot man*Baptist Student Ministry: Sid * Cody Gill: White Elephant * Learning Comminuties ufactures, however, use materials that can wear and break, such as plastic. The result is a Saloon, 8 p.m.

Richardson Building, noon, Seminar: Lou’s Pavillion, 9 quality and unique custom boot fit, which can be adjusted according to a person’s heel free lunch served a.m. width. * Monterey Jazz Festival: “Once someone gets in a Boulet boot, that’s all they want,” said Wilson. “We call them To submit an event for 50th Anniversary Tour: the calender, e-mail ‘Boulet believers.’”

Southern Methodist twurambler@yahoo.com.

University, all day.

Another fascinating place is The Bull Pen. Anyone from 8 months to 88 years can have their photo taken on what once was a real life bucking bull.

Tuesday Sunday Monday Saturday “This is our fifth year here at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo,” said Nicole Petet, who owns The Bull Pen with her husband Kenny. “We have been in business for six years On Campus: and also have a booth set up at the Mesquite Rodeo from April to September.”

Off Campus: Off Campus: On Campus: All the excitement, all the people, and all the things to see and do at the 112th annual * DVD releases: Across the * Vincent Black Shadow: * Broadway Boot Camp: Law * Fort Worth Symphony Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show and Rodeo make it one of my top picks for Universe, Elizabeth The Orchestra presents “Mozart & Ridglea Theatre, 7 p.m.

Sone building, all day.

Golden Age, The Arisocats, Schuman”: Bass Performance entertainment during this long-awaited cold winter season. General admission is about the * “A Ride with Bob”- The Bob The Jane Austin Book Club, * Rick Springfield: Billy Bob’s Hall, 7 p.m. price of a movie ticket, $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 6 to 16 and free for younger chiland Anthony Bourdain Wills Musical Featuring Texas, 8 p.m. dren.

Collection 2 Asleep at the Wheel: Bass Performance Hall, 8 p.m.

For tickets to the rodeo, call the Stock Show Ticket Office at (817) 877-2420 or * Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday: Ticketmaster at (972) 647-5700. The grounds are located at Will Rogers Memorial Center Razzoo's Sundance Square, all day. at 3400 Burnett-Tandy Drive. Parking is available around Will Rogers and at most neighboring museums. For more information, visit www.fwssr.com.

ANDREW CARVER

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