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The Rambler

The students’ voice since 1917

www.txwes.edu/rambler

February 6, 2008

NEWS BRIEFS

Wesleyan’s best prepare for President’s Honors Concert

News Briefs

Homecoming Events!

Feb. 11: Crazy Day. From PJ’s to funny glasses, anything goes. Stop by Student Life to have your picture taken.

Feb 12: Game Show Day. Join Student Life for games and a chance to win cash or prizes.

Feb. 13 (banners must be up by 3 p.m. today!): Hat Day. Wear a hat to support Wesleyan and the Foundation for Children with Cancer. Stop by Student Life to have your picture taken and to make donations to “Hats on Day.” Feb. 14: Spirit Pep Rally Day. Wear school colors and encourage our teams. We’re not just talking clothes here. Go crazy and get creative.

Feb. 15 (banners judged today at noon): Sports Teams Day. Wear the hat or jersey from your favorite sports team.

Feb. 16: Women’s basketball game (5:30 p.m.) and men’s basketball game (7:30 p.m.). Spirit paddle contest winner will be announced during women’s halftime. Coronation of 2008 Homecoming king and queen, spirit contest winner and banner winner will be announced during men’s halftime. Join Student Life for a black light party in Stella Russel Hall from 9 p.m. to midnight.

COLLEEN BURNIE ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Photos by Kevin Keathley

Dancing with Dr. Bell Spanish professor Amy Bell taught students salsa dancing lessons after LULAC’s Winter Festival Jan. 29. The organization sold tamale plates and were entertained by speakers before before Bell taught the crowd to shake their groove thing.

Study Abroad Funding A scholarship and funding workshop will take place at 2 p.m. Feb. 13 in the West Library Orientation Room.

Love and Poetry Aries is holding a Valentine’s Day poetry reading during free period Feb. 14 in the West Library Orientation Room.

Refreshments will be provided.

Present yourself Proposals for University College Day applications will be accepted until Feb. 29. Contact Stan Rummel (srummel@txwes.edu) University College Day is April 1.

Hatton Sumners Hatton Sumners Scholarship applications are now being accepted until Feb 25. Sophomores with at least 60 academic hours completed at the end of Fall 2008 and a 3.0 GPA are elligible to apply.

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

Vol. 100, No. 2

Rosedale renovations move another slow step forward COLLEEN BURNIE & BRYCE WILKS ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR & SPORTS EDITOR

After years of negotiations, Texas Wesleyan has finally been granted the rights and funds to renovate the buildings on Rosedale Street immediately across the street from the camps.

According to the Fort Worth City Council minutes from Dec. 18, the city manager recommended to the council that an “Economic Development Program Agreement with Texas Wesleyan University” be established “for the facade renovation and redevelopment of individual buildings located in 3000, 3100, and 3200 blocks of East Rosedale.”

The project, which has been a frustration to Wesleyan for nearly six years, has finally, with the help of the city of Fort Worth, started to lookup.

“We’re still ironing out legal issues,” said University President Dr. Hal Jeffcoat. “I’m delighted in the way things are going.”

According to Jeffcoat, the project has been anything but straight-forward.

“It’s been very interesting,” said Jeffcoat of the long trek toward these steps. “There were some stipulations.”

The Housing and Urban Development Department granted the city almost $1 million for the renovation of the building façades on Rosedale. That money had to be matched at some level and be given to an enterprise long standing in the community, an organization that would be a conduit to bring in other partners and a not-forprofit organization.

Wesleyan fit the criteria perfectly.

According to Jeffcoat, Southeast Fort Worth Inc., another non-profit organization, was instrumental in getting the grant money.

“I’m glad they worked so hard,” said

Jeffcoat, who serves on the board of Southeast Fort Worth Inc., although the project predates his involvement.

Half of the money will go toward assisting TownSite developers and current property owners who are investing in the buildings.

TownSite is a local real estate development firm that specializes in restoring buildings in urban areas and will share government funding with Wesleyan for the rehabilitation project.

Bill Bleibdrey, senior vice president of finance and administration, said that funds will allow for renovations to take place in the next year.

According to Jeffcoat, Wesleyan owns the block that contains the Dillow House. The next few blocks west of Vaughn Street will benefit from the money.

“We will be able to leverage our resources for the good of the community,” said Jeffcoat.

“This money gives a cushion that just might be the developer’s margin of profit. This will give them leverage with their investors.”

The other half of the money will go toward renovating Wesleyan’s side of Rosedale, particularly the Baker Building that currently serves as Theatre Wesleyan’s scene shop.

“I’m ecstatic that they granted us this money,” said Rob Carroll, a junior theater major.

“We desperately needed it.”

According to Jeffcoat, the $461,000 in grant money has been subsidized by $250,000 that was donated to the university and $150,000 that was supplied from our congressional representatives.

“Although it was an election year for us, Kay Granger and Michael Burgess have really come through for us,” said Jeffcoat of the generous support.

According to Bleibdrey, the former scene

See Rosedale, page 2

Once again, the music department offers the Wesleyan community a chance to see the best and brightest in its program. The President’s Honors Concert, which was established by former president Jake Schrum in 1996, will celebrate its 12th year with a gala event that is sure to impress.

According to Dr. John Fisher, chair of the music department, the event was originally in the Texas Boys Choir building. After moving to Martin Hall in 2003, it has become the highlight of the music department’s calendar.

“The President’s Honors Concert over the years has become a genuine campus social highlight, with optional black tie for the men and formal wear for the ladies, along with the president and his entourage, photographers and candelaria to light the way to a fine reception in the Louella Martin Pavilion afterwards,” said Fisher.

Bill Bleibdrey, vice president for finance and administration, will serve as the master of ceremonies for this year’s concert.

“Mr. Bleibdrey is not only the institution’s masterful CFO, but also a well-known wit and raconteur,” said Fisher. “His presence at the microphone alone will make the evening one to remember.”

This year’s performers range across the spectrum. With five singers (both men and women), and one each on flute, guitar, piano, saxophone and clarinet, the evening promises to offer something for everyone.

In accordance with tradition, all performers are selected by an independent panel of three judges hired for the occasion. This process allows students to be judged only on their performance.

“I’m very excited about the President’s Honors Concert,” said junior piano performance major Karen Garcia.

Garcia joins soprano Stephanie Darbo and coloratura soprano Andrea Talladino as returning performers.

Although most of the performers are upperclassmen, one sophomore and two freshmen also made the cut. Clarinetist Brandon Wheaton will lead off the evening.

“Brandon is a superb talent who, in one semester, has blossomed immensely and well deserves his place on the program,” said Fisher.

The other freshman is alto saxophonist Jameson Williams who plans to complete a music education degree.

“I feel very grateful to have been chosen among performers of such high caliber,” said junior vocal music performance major Jonah Copland. He will be giving his first President’s Honors Concert performance.

“It has been a real pleasure to watch the President’s Honors Concert grow over the years,” said Dr. Steve Simons, professor of music. “The quality of our performers seems to improve each year, and it is so satisfying to hear from the guests attending how impressed they are with their talent. The singers and instrumentalists chosen this year provide a diverse representation of what we are about in music, and I know that this program and the ‘gala atmosphere’ surrounding it will make for an enjoyable evening for all in attendance.”

In addition to celebrating the talent within the program, the music department also is celebrating their renewed accreditation.

On Nov. 17, the music department was “continued as a member in good standing” by the National Association of Schools of Music, with “no areas of non-compliance” in any of its three degree offerings, reported Fisher. NASM, the national accrediting agency in the discipline of music, will therefore not require another review of Texas Wesleyan’s music program until 2017.

“As national standards in the arts continue to rise, it is gratifying to know that Wesleyan Music continues to meet or exceed them, thereby maximizing the benefit to our students for events such as this,” said Fisher.

The President’s Honors Concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 in Martin Hall. Admission is free. Interested parties should contact Lynette at (817) 531-4401in the president’s office to RSVP. “We have new talent and old waiting to knock your socks off,” said Copeland.

Eye see Jessica Alba

Courtesy of Google Images

The Rambler interviews Jessica Alba on page 6.

News

2 February 6, 2008

The Rambler

Online paper gives elections youthful spin “Whether you are conservative or liberal,” he said, “there is a feeling that the U.S. is at a watershed in its history and in its place in the world, and there is an energy level for change REPRINT COURTESY OF FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM that is making people feel they need to do something.”

Their timing was impeccable. When Andrew Mangino, the student editor of the Yale Scoop08 is not Animal House for student-journalists. Mangino and Heffner conducted Daily News, and Alexander Heffner, a high school student at Phillips Academy in Andover, phone interviews with prospective reporters and editors and read samples of their work. They Mass., met while working on Sen. Hillary Clinton’s re-election campaign in New York, they also have enlisted a panel of respected advisers, among them newspaper and magazine edisowed the seeds of an idea that, over time, could change the landscape of election coverage tors and columnists, as well as U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., and former Republican in the United States — an online newspaper staffed by students around the country putting a Sen. Al Simpson of Wyoming. youthful spin on the 2008 presidential race.

There is also a clear distinction made between opinion voiced in columns, ranting in Out of the mouth of babes (relatively speaking), would come comprehensive coverage, blogs and covering breaking news in the traditional impartial manner. Scoop08 also relies on commentary, analysis and opinion about a groundbreaking election involving the most multimedia links to popular Web sites such as YouTube. diverse field of candidates in American history.

“We want to be a source for readers, interesting and provocative, but not amateurish or Scoop08 (www.scoop08.com) was launched Nov. 4 and has more than sensational,” Mangino said.

400 high school and university student contributors — editors and reporters “When a story is written, it goes — making it one of the biggest news gathering organizations of any kind. through the journalistic process — And although Mangino and Heffner worked for the Clinton Senate caman editor, copy editors and managpaign, this is a bipartisan venture in which every political point of view is ing editors — similar to the stanrepresented and minor party candidates get the kind of in-depth attention dards of traditional publications.” not afforded by traditional print and broadcast media.

Heffner said the mainIn other words, this is not your father’s newspaper. stream media has been receptive to “It’s an incredible year to be doing this,” said Heffner, 17, who, besides Scoop08 and that its staffers have being co-founder of Scoop08, is general manager of the Phillips Academy received credentials to debates and radio station and a full-time student. “We’ve had waves of enthusiasm that other official media functions. The have enabled us to connect to young people. We’re talking new and fresh demands on students, however, angles.” can be great in the lengthy process Heffner is speaking from New of choosing the next president.

Hampshire, where he was on the air with They still have to attend classes, his radio show for five hours during the Jan. write papers and take exams, 8 primary. He is just finishing a quick lunch which makes for a delicate balancand pauses to say hello to a passer-by. ing act.

Despite an exhausting primary day and Andrew Mangino and Alexander Heffner, co-creAnna Schumann is a senior night, Heffner said the experience is invigators of Scoop08, met while working on Sen. at Texas Tech University who Hillary Clinton’s re-election campaign in New orating. He senses a growing level of enthulearned about Scoop08 from her York. Now they and more than 400 college and siasm among the young people volunteerjournalism professors. She applied high school student contributors comprise one of ing for Scoop08, who have not yet become online last spring and spoke to the biggest news gathering organiztions of all jaded by the political process.

Mangino. “I’m a journalism and time.

“We can track the contributions coming political science major, and that in, and we’re getting a lot of college and was my motivation,” she said. “I was drawn by the idea of doing something so unusuhigh school students and even some older al.” people who are disillusioned,” Heffner said.

Her assignment was to be the principal correspondent for the Constitution party, So whether it is exploring the compatiwhich Schumann said, “is cool because it never gets covered.” bility of democracy and Islam as one But in a recent e-mail she said that while she still covers the Constitution party and columnist did, or even examining how is a copy editor, she hasn’t been as involved as she hoped to be because, “I’ve just sports and politics can mix, the tone and been really busy with school and trying to find a job and such.” approach of Scoop08 is a lot different from Heffner laughs when reminded about the intrusion of school work at Phillips watching the political pundits on Meet the Images courtesy of Google Images Academy and how even a Yalie like Mangino has to juggle responsibilities as the ediPress. tor of the oldest student newspaper in the country and nurturing Scoop08.

Mangino and Heffner embarked on their start-up Web publication based on two assumpIn this case, however, youth is apparently not being wasted on the young. tions: The Internet is generally the media vehicle of choice among students and is changing “We’re both kind of Energizer-Bunny types with a lot of firepower in us,” Heffner said. campaigns the way television revolutionized campaigns in the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon race. “We maintain our schedule and dedicate ourselves to Scoop. We set high expectations, but I And “there was unprecedented interest on campuses in the race,” Mangino said. think we’re off to a good start.”

PETE ALFANO

Rosedale, from page 1 shop will be a multi-purpose building, with gallery space for holding exhibitions, meeting space for university and community use and a coffee bar, likely with Internet capability.

“It’ll be cool,” said Jeffcoat. “A real Starbucks feel and a place you’d want to kick-back and enjoy yourself.”

And the new scene shop? Funds are now being raised to design a replacement with high ceilings, large doors and close proximity to the theater performing spaces.

“We don’t want the kids in the theater department to be out,” said Jeffcoat who is currently working with Connie Whit-Lambert and Joe Brown on the new 500-square-foot building. “It won’t be a Taj Mahal, but it will serve the purpose.”

Bleibdrey is currently in talks with eFollet bookstore to possibly move the bookstore across Wesleyan Street into one of the vacant spaces.

“This will give them more exposure on the street,” said Jeffcoat.

The move from Sid Richardson will open up more space for possible offices and classrooms.

With exception of the possible book store move, tenants in the space across Rosedale will not be related to the university.

According to Jeffcoat, the school is looking for businesses that will fit the demographics of our area to fill the other empty spaces on Wesleyan Street. The university plans to hold a forum for the community once all of the contacts are signed.

“We want them to see that this is all for the good of the community, and they can be proud of the area,” said Courtesy of Steve Roberts Jeffcoat. “The situation is a win for the community, the developers, the university and our vendors.”

The theater department’s former scene shop will be renovated into a multi-purAs for now the board is in the process of crossing all of the t’s and doting all of the i’s. pose building for exhibitions, meeting space and a coffee bar.

“It’s come slowly, painfully, at glacial speed—but it’s coming together,” said Jeffcoat.

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Red-light cameras hold violators accountable H

owever painful being late to work or class may be, the sound of another vehicle broadsiding your own hurts worse. However painful the sound of your vehicle crunching into an accordion shape may be, the death of a person wrenches grief deeper TIARA and longer.

NUGENT On Jan. 1, the city of Fort Worth joined the ranks of those cities seeking to discourage drivers from running red-lights and committed to penalizing those who do so by means of installing automated red-light cameras. Fines will be charged to both red light violators and those who hit the gas on yellow. Some may declare this to be an extreme or ridiculous method, but, considering that Texan fatalities at red-light intersections rank fourth in the nation, skeptics should give this sentiment and situation deeper thought.

First, however, exactly what constitutes running a red light? Law infringement occurs when a vehicle enters an intersection after the signal light has turned red. Tickets will not be issued, however, to motorists already out in the intersection at the change of the light.

Photos are not snapped of all vehicles passing through the intersection, only those who pass through after the signal turns red. The city of Fort Worth assures that the driver of the vehicle is not visible in the photo; the identity of the driver is, in fact, irrelevant as the ticket goes to the individual listed under the license plate registration and not the driver. Keeping that fact in mind, you may want to warn anyone taking your car for a spin. Just because you’re not behind the wheel doesn’t mean a ticket won’t be

slapped on your wallet. law enforcement. It’s not a trap to pad a pocketThose caught in violation will receive the book, a scheme to look good or another way to ticket and photo(s) in the mail. As the infringewaste taxpayer’s hard-earned and highly-covetment counts as a civil offense, the ticket will not ed money. Sure police could be sent out to keep be reported to the Texas Department of Motor tabs on intersections, but how plausible is it to Vehicles or your insurance company. chase a car running a red light? The potential of Fines for running red lights may be a pile-up mounts even higher. appealed in an administrative hearing in Fort According to a report made by the Fort Worth Municipal Court.

Worth City Council, 2,032 red-light citations A red-light ticket will cost the vehicle owner were issued during the first two weeks of $75, plus an extra $25; half of all proceeds January. It’s still too early to tell whether that (after the deduction of administrative expenses) rate will escalate to a peak and finally diminish from this type of traffic violation will be donated to a regional trauma center. The remaining funds will be reinstated into traffic safety.

In the first five months of Arlington’s experiment, 9,500 red-light violations were -Eastchase Parkway and Meadowbrook Drive captured on seven cameras. Eleven months -East Long Avenue and Deen Road from the day, 60 cameras began capturing -South Hulen Street and South Bellaire Drive red-light breaches at Dallas intersections, the city had racked up $12 million in rev-McCart Avenue and Westcreek Drive enue. Other Metroplex cities imposing red-Bryant Irvin Road and West Vickery Boulevard light monitors include Bedford, Denton, Frisco, Garland, Grand Prairie, Irving, -Eighth Avenue and Elizabeth Boulevard Plano and Richardson.

-North Beach Street and Western Center Boulevard I don’t see how anyone can refer to this ordinance as sneaky. There are signs posted at each photographed intersection. The as the populous’ awareness or maintain a steady cameras’ locations are public knowledge flow of business. I personally feel it will be the (whether or not the driver remembers or pays latter. People are lazy. They may get annoyed at attention to those hot spots), as is the consethe “inconvenience” getting caught presents, but quence of an infraction, so how can anyone they will not care enough to monitor or alter complain? If anyone wants to point fingers at impulse. sneaky, direct the finger to those sly cops radarIn the eyes of impatient, immature, inattening from an overpass and radioing their buddies tive, rushed or hot-shot drivers, any color means sitting on the on ramp about your black truck go. cruising 10 miles over the speed limit. That’s underhanded.

Tiara Nugent is a junior creative writing major and is the managing editor for The Rambler.

Safety lies at the heart of this crackdown of

Red-llight camera locations in Fort Worth

Smoking stipulations damper freedom of choice I

“Facebook.”

s it enough? Too little? Too much? Do you even care?

I don’t know about you, but I have conflicting feelings about Fort Worth’s amendment to the smoking ban, which took effect Jan. 1.

Now Fort Worth smokers are severely limited in available places in which to smoke. Restaurants, business offices and bowling alleys are now off limits. You can smoke in a bar, as long as that bar makes above 70 percent of its income from alcohol.

SHAWN R. Private residences and varying percentages of POLING rooms in hotels, nursing homes, private clubs, bingo halls and tobacco shops are still fair game.

And if you’re outside, you’ll need to be at least 20 feet from any regulated structure’s entrance (the best idea that came out of this whole deal).

Most people have made up their mind on the subject, the deciding factor usually whether or not the person smokes. My situation, on the other hand, isn’t so cut and dry.

My grandmother, fondly remembered for feeding my cousins, my siblings and I from one giant pot of ravioli next to the swimming pool, died from lung cancer when I was 11.

She kept three large toy chests hidden on the back porch, each packed to the maximum with cartons of cigarettes. Every memory I have of her prominently features a cigarette in her right hand, smoke saturating every moment. The only time I saw her without one was when she was bedridden in her last few months.

I remember the day my grandmother died. I was watching an old rerun of American Gladiators while my dad held her hand, she confined to a portable hospital bed in her living room. I left to go to the bathroom, and when I came back she was gone.

I’m pretty sure that’s not exactly how it happened, but that’s how I remember it. That feeling sits in the back of mind, peeking from the darkness anytime the subject of cigarettes comes up.

Powerful, huh? Not powerful enough to keep me from smoking. A year after my grandmother passed I took up smoking Marlboro Reds (that didn’t last long), and by my junior year of high school, I was smoking a pack of Camels a day.

As if I didn’t have reason enough to never start, my dad developed skin cancer in 1998. Not technically from cigarettes of course, but I could feel my chances of following in my grandmother’s footsteps growing with every drag I swept down my throat and held in my lungs.

So I quit, chastising any smoker around me from my high pedestal of liberation from smoke. I lost some close friends and made quite a reputation for myself as Mr. Don’t Smoke Around Him, which is why I kept my smoking a secret when I started back up in college.

“My school e-mail.”

Mikey Valdz Freshman Business Major Tabitha Kayembe Freshman Music Education Major

February 6, 2008 3

STOP.

“What Web site do you visit the most?”

Matt Chutchian Junior Accounting Major

Kly Randell Sophomore Biochemistry Major

The Rambler

Shawn R. Poling is a senior writing major and is the news editor 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

I kept my bad habit on the down-low, hiding in my or my parents’ backyard when lighting up. Despite all the guilt I felt inside, all the anger I had for myself, and all the fear I had for my life, I kept it up for years, until just last week. If you’re reading this article, I’ll have been smoke free for a week!

My reasons for quitting are many. I don’t have the money, I don’t have the breath mints and I don’t want to end up like my grandmother. But at the same time, I’m no longer on that pedestal. If you want to smoke, that’s up to you. As long as you aren’t blowing your smoke in my face, I’m fine.

But is the amendment to the smoking ban fair?

I know very well how dangerous smoking is.

Whether or not you want to admit it, smoking can kill you. It’s on every pack, as required by federal law.

So I believe it’s very important that all non-smokers have the option to go wherever they want and do whatever they want to do without being engulfed in smoke, forced into the same dangers smokers expose themselves to willingly.

On the other hand, smokers smoke because they want to. It’s not illegal and it’s not required; it’s purely recreational, just like alcohol, which also poses health problems. I’m in no way saying smoking should be allowed everywhere, but people have been smoking in restaurants and recreational businesses for hundreds of years. At the rate we’re going, I don’t see it being very long before smokers are only allowed to light up in their own homes.

There’s no easy answer to this dilemma, but I think the city missed this one.

The only “right” answer I can find is to leave it up to the businesses themselves. In my opinion, businesses have as much right to allow smoking on their premises as an individual has the right to light up. If that was the case, there would surely be plenty of pro-smoke or smoke-free options for everyone. It’s the only answer that actually makes sense.

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 the music department for renewed accreditation of the National Association of Schools of Music.

Thumbs down to the bookstore for not recycling textbooks.

Thumbs down to the broken vending machine in Stella.

Thumbs up to beautiful warm weather in February.

College Life

February 6, 2008

Discover the world

The Rambler

Wesleyan study-abroad trips offer opportunity to learn, travel in style.

Photo by Joakim Soderbaum

Photo by Ross Mullens

El Centro in Cuernavaca, Mexico (left), is one of the many foreign thrills TWU study-abroad trips send students to explore. In Scotland, Urquhart Castle (right), complete with the famous Loch Ness lurking in the background, marks another popular vistiation spot. England, Ireland, France, Brazil and Peru comprise the remaining desitnations for 2008 erudition expeditions.

people and of their contribution to the development of the institutions and values of contemporary civilization.

Associate Professor of Spanish Amy Bell won’t be spending all her summer break withWorld-view. All students are told to develop one. Most want one, and many try to shape in U.S. borders. July 6-20 will find Bell and a hoard of Spanish students drawing pleasure one within their minds. Though the Wesleyan campuses, faculty and community in general from a bustling, colorful Mexican adventure. During the fortnight in Cuernavaca, students bestow much knowledge, awaken awareness and stir motivation in students, the scope of will have the opportunity to experience life straight out of the homes of native families. impact is largely limited to the classroom. Largely, but not completely.

Class will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day, with afternoons, evenings and With the arrival of 2008, Wesleyan ushered in numerous opportunities for students to weekends set aside for excursions in and around Mexico City. Destinations? La plaza jump on board faculty-led study abroad trips.

Garibaldi, Xochimilco, El Museo de Antropologa, El Museo Dolores Olmedo and El “Students find that traveling abroad changes their lives and expands their minds and Museo/Castillo Chapultepec all make the list. outlooks on the world,” said Betsy Johnson, director of International Programs. “They “We will also include plenty understand not only other cultures but their own better, and they are open to more possibil- of cultural activities, such as out- “Going on this trip was definitely one of my best ities for themselves and their futures. They also have a great time!” ings to the theater, concerts and decisions here at TWU. We were well prepared Come March 5th, Dr. Jesse Sowell, professor of religion, will embark on the Wesleyan to the Ballet Folklórico. I want Heritage and Humanities Study-Tour in England. This study abroad trip, spanning spring [the students] to sharpen their and to finally get to see all the places - Loch break, is headed for places such as Canterbury, Epworth (birthplace of the Wesleys), spoken and written Spanish, and Ness, battlefields from Braveheart and the Liverpool, Oxford, Gloucester, Bristol, Stonehenge, Salisbury and London (where the I want them to come to appreci- Scottish Crown juwels, just to mention some British Museum, Wesley’s Chapel, the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral await). ate and love Mexican history, art, that we had been talking about in class was a Sowell, who happens to be no stranger to any of these locales, states that the trip’s music, language and literature as amazing experience.”

– Joakim Soderbaum “objective is to introduce our students to another culture and to the historical background of much as I do.”

Sophomore Athletic Training Major their own culture by studying in another part of the world that is rich in tradition and histoBell, who has visited all but ry.” one of the destinations, said she Learning first-hand about the roots of the Wesleyan movement, which produced the is especially looking forward to watching students enjoy and learn.

United Methodist Church and Texas Wesleyan University, equate this excursion’s primary Undergrad faculty and staff are not the only academics seeking world exposure and erugoals. dition. The graduate education program’s calendar shows two expeditions to South America Requirements for this course involve attendance at class meetings one night a week up in July 2008, one to discover Peru and one to encounter the Brazilian culture. Teaching in until spring break and keeping a journal recounting the experiences and observations of the international language(s) will occupy a portion of students’ time; investigating sights such day. as the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru and the tropical rainforests of Brazil promise amazAt the same time Sowell and his entourage are touring breathtaking English country- ing photographs and pleasurable diversions. side, Theater Department Chair Connie Whitt-Lambert, accompanied by a collage of stuFor anyone – graduate or undergrad – the decision to study abroad is one which natudents, will be viewing the rally raises many questions and concerns. Johnson assures that apprehension need attractions London has to not bother interested students. offer, as well as the treas“The major concerns students have about studying abroad are money, time and safeures of Paris and the ty,” said Johnson. “That’s why the faculty-led programs are so popular. They are Fontainebleau castle. short and pretty cheap, and faculty takes students only to countries that are stable March 6-15 is sure to and safe.” open the eyes of all parSeveral scholarships are available, so students need not worry about financing a trip takers. Although this probefore checking out potential support offered through Wesleyan. These resources gram offers no university include the Freemen-Asia Scholarship, an award which aides students desiring a course credit, a unique taste of Asian flare. The NSEP/David L. Boren Scholarship is a scholarship opportunity, a suitcase designed to serve students who want to learn a language in a meaningful context and full of memories and eyes study in countries whose languages are less commonly taught at U.S. institutions in opened wide to a previareas of the world that are critical to the future security of our nation. ously unknown section of To learn more about potential financial assistance, attend the Scholarship and the world is credit Funding Workshop at 2 p.m. Feb.13 in the West Library Orientation Room. enough for many.

Junior psychology major Ryan Authier can attest to the impact and thrills the Sowell will be back study abroad experience presents. on a plane in May, this “Even if you’re just there for a week or so (we were in Scotland for 10 days), you time headed to the luslearn more about the culture than you’d have ever thought imaginable in such a cious Ireland landscape. small amount of time. The professors know their stuff,” said Authier. “The travelCourtesy of Ross Mullens Visitation to sites ing and hotels were out of our responsibility, which was great, and when you come such as Newgrange, A Wesleyan group visits Cuernavaca in summer 2007. back you feel so cultured. Finally something to talk about at a cocktail party. If I Blarney and Dublin (home to the Abbey Theatre and St. Patrick’s Cathedral) have spots on ever go to a cocktail party, that is.” the agenda.

Europe, Mexico, South America – each continent and country is calling forth eager, The course will enable students to learn about the history of the Irish people and nation, open-minded students to an unforgettable journey discovering not only self and knowledge, focusing especially on their religious heritage and the interaction of religion with politics but a whole other world. and economics in the development of Ireland. This course provides a study of the Celtic

TIARA NUGENT MANAGING EDITOR

Book review: My Grandfather’s Son A

touching memoir from the slums of Georgia to the highest court of the land ... that is My Grandfather’s Son. Known for his conservatism and often described as an originalist, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, in his own words, tells the riveting story of how a humble beginning fueled his ascent to the United States Supreme Court. In his memoir, Thomas shows how hope, despite bigotry, and profound love for his country led him to rise above the “careless hands [and] malicious hearts” who intended to keep him from accomplishing what he has.

MARTIN My Grandfather’s Son illuminates the everlasting influence GARCIA Myers Anderson, his grandfather, had on him. This account also answers many of the questions people have regarding Thomas’ conservative nature, which is odd coming from a black man growing up in the Jim Crow south.

Clarence Thomas might just be an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court to many in younger generations; however, others remember him for the time he was in the political spotlight for all the wrong reasons in the 1990s. A former aide of his, Anita Hill, accused Thomas of sexually harassing her, and she was called to testify in front of Congress.

This came circa the time of his appointment, a groundbreaking time for Thomas, his family and many of his followers. Hill’s claims led to several other charges being made against Thomas, but not all were summoned to the courts. After great debate, the committee finally sent Thomas’s nomination to the Senate where he was confirmed by a 52-48 vote, one of the narrowest margins in history.

Along with the inspiration his grandfather cast on him during his childhood, Thomas recounted the “acrimonious and polarizing” hearing to show how he was able to over-

come “depression and despair” after he thought the worst of it was long past him. The man he used to call “Daddy” instilled a firmness nature and religious faith in him— virtues that he carries with him to this day as he sits in the Court.

A man in Thomas’ position could have thrown the towel in a long time ago, but by not doing so, he has established himself as a marquee figure who overcame the odds of adversity.

Last year I had the privilege of catching one of Thomas’ stops on his book tour in Dallas. I felt as if I was listening to a presidential address from the constant applause for his remarks. At the symposium, Thomas emphasized how ideas could be more articulately and effectively communicated through literature. And that’s just what the man from rural-1940s Georgia did in his memoir; he “paid homage to the man who made it all possible.”

Despite controversies, the people still believe in him and in his beliefs. Thomas holds strong to his conservative values, although he admits to having liberal and permissive leanings. He explains in his memoir how his faith and perseverance brought him to such a stance.

Clarence Thomas represents an ideal example of the notion that anyone can make it. With courage and determination, Thomas would agree that anyone may possess the abilities within to rise to the occasion, conquer the obstacles, and perhaps one day be quoting from Psalm 30 before being sworn in to the highest court in the land.

Martin Garcia is a junior English major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.

Sports

The Rambler

Quick Quotes “There's always the motivation of wanting to win. Everybody has that.

But a champion needs, in his attitude, a motivation above and beyond winning.

- Pat Riley Miami Heat Coach

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

Upcoming Events Feb. 7 *2 p.m. Baseball vs.

Tabor College Feb. 8 *3 p.m. Baseball vs.

Lubbock Christian Feb. 9 *2 p.m. Baseball vs.

Lubbock Christian *5:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Texas College *7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Texas College Feb. 10 *1 p.m. Baseball vs.

Lubbock Christian Feb. 12 *1 p.m. Softball vs.

Oklahoma Baptist *denotes home game

Sports Briefs New York Giants become Super Bowl XLII Champions Feb. 3 The New England Patriots lost their chance to become the first 19-0 team in league history with a 17-14 loss to New York in Super Bowl 42.

Basketball teams fight through league play Men tied for conference lead while ladies fight to keep pace for stretch run MICHAYELA MAYS STAFF WRITER

Rams route Warriors Feb. 2 The men’s basketball team rode an outstanding performance from Dane Dmitrovic and their best long range shooting day of the year to a 17-point win over Bacone College. The Rams topped the Warriors 80-63.

Lady Rams stay solid with win over Bacone Feb. 2 The women’s basketball team took an easy 68-46 win over conference opponent Bacone College. With the win, the Lady Rams moved to two and a half games behind conference leader Langston University.

Lady Rams sign Calvert Jan. 31 Head volleyball coach Christy Clawson announced the signing of Whitni Calvert, a 5-foot-8-inch standout from Cleburne, Texas. Calvert will contribute to the Lady Rams in fall 2008.

and Airielle Mitchell are bringing consistency and confidence to the team.

Andria Mitchell is very strong on the boards. Everyone is playing their part.”

The Lady Rams are prepared to take over the second half of the Red River Athletic Conference. Not only do the coaches have high hopes for their team, but the players are eager to see what they will do. Junior forward Britannia Champion has a positive outlook.

“We have everything it takes,” she said. “We’ve got talent, push, drive

Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are confident as they gear up for the second half of conference play. With stiff competition in the Red River Athletic Conference, the Rams and Lady Rams are gaming up.

The men’s team is off to a great start. With a conference record of 7-2 and an overall record of 14-8, the Rams recently earned a spot in NAIA’s top 25 national ranking.

Despite being a young team with 11 players, the Rams are gelling together now more than before.

The Rams started the season with 16 players, but they are not letting the loss of five players affect the team negatively. Assistant coach Brennen Shingleton says the team is actually closer than before as everyone is playing their role.

“We’ve grown up a lot,” he said. “Everyone brings part of their game to the table.”

In spite of being such a young team with mostly freshmen and sophomores in the starting lineup, the Rams are focused and determined to come out of the RRAC on top. Senior guard Fred Eshon knows that it will not come easy.

“Everybody’s hunting for us,” he said, recounting Jarvis Christian’s reaction to their four point defeat of the Rams in January. “ Y o u would have thought they won the championship.”

The two losses have not discouraged the Rams at all—they are more like fuel to the fire. Their momentum is up and their practices have been intense. The Rams have their eyes set on the conference tournament in March and making it to the playoffs, although they know it will not be easy.

“Every game in conference is tough,” Shingleton said. “If we just take care of the little things like turnovers and knocking down free throws we’ll be fine.”

Photo by Kevin Keathley You can catch more Rams action at 7:30 p.m. Wesleyan relies on defenders like Evan Randall (No. 14) and Hector Mukweyi in conference games this Feb. 9 when they take on Texas College at home at season. The Rams are tied for the conference lead and host their next conference game Feb. 9 at home the Sid Richardson Athletic Center. against rival Texas College.

The Lady Rams are having a standout season along with the men’s team. With a conference record of 6-3 and 14-7 over- and hustle. When we play together we can’t be beat.” all, the Lady Rams are having their best season since 2004-05. Head coach Junior guard Kim Gatlin said that staying positive is important.

Stacy Francis attributes the improvement to the team’s chemistry.

“We lost some games that we shouldn’t have,” she said. “Most of the “Everyone is knowing and accepting their roles,” she said. game is mental so we need to stay more positive than negative.”

She has also made practice a little different to add some spark to her The Lady Rams have a decent start in conference, and their future looks team. bright. Francis is highly assured that her team will come out on top.

“I’ve toughened up this year, but I’ve also made practice more interest“It’s going to be a tight race to the end, and I’m excited to see how it ing,” she said. “It’s not only fun, but it’s competitive.” turns out. The second time around (round two of conference), I guarantee a The Lady Rams had a sluggish start at the beginning of the season, but different outcome.” they are hardly slowing down now. With changes in the starting lineup, The Lady Rams face Texas College at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9 in the Sid Francis is making her team work hard for their positions.

Richardson Athletic Center.

“We’ve got some players stepping up,” she said. “Brittany Davenport

In college, losers win Parody leads to a slippery slope for top teams in basketball rankings JONAH BROWN U-WIRE/THE BADGER HERALD

Rams drop opener to Tornadoes Feb. 3 The baseball team suffered an 11-5 season opening loss to Concordia University-Austin at LaGrave Field. Butch Ballez, Mikey Valdez, Blake Walker and Zach Smith collected multiple hits in their Wesleyan career debuts.

February 6, 2008 5

After a recent round of college basketball games, the nation learned that rankings, prestige and reputation are nearly pointless aspects of the sport. What makes games so exciting isn’t that the best teams win, but rather, when they lose.

So many teams were recently upset by lower seeds that it is quite difficult to count them all.

The biggest ones were obviously No. 1 North Carolina losing at home to Maryland, and ninthranked Indiana’s home loss to unranked Connecticut.

Maybe these upsets come as a big surprise, but after a rather unusual college football season, where nearly every team in the top 10 national ranking couldn’t hold its spot, the fact remains that in college sports, no team is a sure pick to win.

Even so, for the average viewer, it shouldn’t be so surprising to see the best teams lose. When Tennessee lost to Florida Jan. 24, it was indeed a spectacular upset. Regardless, in a rivalry and during conference play, one could expect Florida to overachieve.

Like in college football, or in any major upset, several factors play into a team’s ability to win any given game.

The first and most obvious factor is that college players, unlike professional ones, are more prone to choke under pressure, especially when playing in a hostile environment like Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium. Being heckled and yelled at, not being able to hear your coach and non-stop jumping can seriously affect the way college athletes perform.

Second, strong teams often underestimate lowly, unsuccessful ones. This was evident in No. 11 Pittsburgh’s 25-point loss to Dayton. At the time, Dayton was unranked, and Pitt’s soft play allowed Dayton to shoot 52 percent from the field en route to a major upset at the time.

Third, individual defensive matchups can change the outcome of a game. This fact was particularly noticeable in Indiana’s loss to Connecticut, where IU’s Eric Gordon was effectively shut down by Connecticut’s strong pressure defense, forcing him into bad shots and ultimately stopping the main source of the Hoosier offense.

Finally, on any given day, a team’s main source of scoring could lose his shooter’s touch, resulting in a reliance on the team’s bench and

GUEST COLUMN

often forcing many difficult shots. For example, in last year’s NCAA Tournament, Wisconsin’s Alando Tucker went ice cold from the field against UNLV, resulting in a huge and unexpected upset over the Badgers.

What separates the good teams from the bad ones, though, is that when a good team gets upset, it looks at its mistakes and improves upon them. After losing a big game, the better team, even though it lost, will still prove to be a formidable opponent for the rest of the season.

Furthermore, it is necessary to realize that in history, few teams have gone an entire regular sea-

son undefeated. The last team to do so was UNLV in 1991, only to lose to Duke in the Final Four. So, perhaps the only way for college teams to truly understand how to succeed and play well against less talented teams is to be upset by one in a big game.

But when it is all said and done, teams can end up on a slippery slope to a very disappointing season. Look at Texas A&M, for example.

After starting off their season on a very impressive note, the Aggies lost three straight games, culminating with a big five-overtime loss to Baylor.

Now, A&M has dropped from a top 10 team to No. 23 in the country.

Those are the type of drop-offs that will not only ruin a team’s reputation but will allow the teams against which it plays to contend with more confidence.

On a different note, the lowerranked teams that upset the higher ones often take what they can from its big victories and turn their seasons into relative successes. Florida, for example, blew out No. 14 Vanderbilt, and now as a result, the Gators are ranked No. 20 in the nation, far surpassing any preseason predictions.

Beyond all of these wins, losses, upsets and blowouts, the fact remains that the top teams will be the ones competing for a national title at season’s end.

Indiana and North Carolina will likely win their respective conferences, and surely those great teams, like UNC, will bounce back and grab hold of a No. 1 or 2 seed in March’s NCAA Tournament.

Moreover, the teams that are upset can either become better or worse after their loss. When faced with that challenge, however, only the well-coached and strong teams will rebound and transform into a more potent force in their conference and ultimately in the bigger games it plays throughout the season.

Entertainment

6 February 6, 2008

The Rambler

Professor collaborates to create a night of music COLLEEN BURNIE ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Team-work. It’s not always a concept that goes with classical music; however, Julie McCoy, assistant professor of music, is showing everyone that classical music needs collaboration.

“In my life, chorale music is so important,” said McCoy, who has chosen to make her third faculty recital a show that highlights vocal chamber music.

Joining her in her efforts are Dr. Jerry Bierschenk visiting professor of music at Wesleyan, Pamela Elrod, the director of chorale studies at Southern Methodist University, and performer David Logan.

“I wanted to incorporate people who would be willing to sing in the ensemble, not just soloists,” said McCoy. “Pam is a long time friend, and we recorded these pieces while we were students at the University of Texas.”

Joining the vocal quartet on piano are staff pianists Jessica Koebbe and Keith Critcher.

The heart of the recital will be Brahms’s Liebeslieder Walzer, a

group of about 18 waltzes that focuses on the theme of love.

According to the American Symphony Orchestra, the texts of the Liebeslieder are East European folk poems in translations by Georg Friedrich Daumer.

“When Julie invited me to join her on this recital, I was so, thrilled – and honored. The Brahms is one of my favorite worksand Brahms’ music in general is always fun for altos. Brahms writes parts that are so rich in melodic content that they could almost stand on their own,” said Elrod.

Although the waltzes are all similar in form, the composer offers variety for the audience and performers.

“They are all love songs: happy love, heart-break, people who gossip about those in love,” said McCoy “One of my favorite moments are the pieces that feature the sounds of the nightingale.”

“Ms. McCoy is one of the most inspirational teachers,” said junior music major Jonah Copeland. “Her musicality is awesome.”

“I wanted the students to see more than solo performing,” said Photo courtesy of google images McCoy. “There is another outlet, and its fun to collaborate.”

Julie McCoy, associate professor of music, joins The recital will be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 10 in Martin Hall. forces with some of the area’s best musicians.

Admission is free and open to public.

Colleyville IMAX leaves ticket holders empty handed I

magine sitting in front of your PC, looking to purchase movie tickets The theater has actually racked up millions in debt over the past couple of years. for a weekend show. You’ve heard the Metro Cinema/Inidgo Grill in According to many employees, including the chefs and the production team, signs pointed Colleyville is a great choice for dinner and a movie or an IMAX experi- toward this debt: vendors and other companies wouldn’t take checks from the business, and ence because, much like Movie Tavern, it combines great movies and the electricity was even turned off briefly the week it closed. The comptroller’s office even food. The Metro site touts theaters and a restaurant comsent officers to confiscate property as workplex all covering more than 28,000 square feet. So you ers were forced to turn potential viewers buy tickets to a Saturday show, and the day of, you walk away. up to a sign that says: “Temporarily closed until further Employees are now without jobs and paynotice.” checks, and locals have lost the only IMAX MARTIN That’s what happened to the unfortunate ones who theater in the immediate area. Many found it GARCIA indeed bought tickets to a dormant theatre. Metro odd.

Cinema officially closed its doors and went dark Jan. 18.

“We [Metro Cinema] make a lot of Such an abrupt closing was surprising to many since the arena is in a promimoney,” John Thuener, captain server, told nent location, and movie tickets were still being sold over the Net. These illthe Fort Worth Star-Telegram. But, he said, timed purchases most likely won’t be reimbursed, as it has been reported he didn’t know where it went. that many employees haven’t collected their paychecks for months now.

Things might be looking up in February, What happened, one might ask. The strip of businesses includes though. The property was auctioned off at Lifetime Fitness, Market Street and Gloria’s Restaurant. Traffic is frequently the Tarrant County Courthouse Feb. 5. The Photocourtesy of google images heavy throughout the entire plaza. The IMAX was supposed to be anchoring IMAX theaters span the globe but can’t stay in North Texas. complex is valued at more than $8 million, the center. The Metro includes six screens, an IMAX, private rooms and a and the foreclosure will mark an end to the plush bar and grill. The setting was cool and comforting for a night out on the town. One debt issues the holders faced with creditors, for now. would think that that place was doing great considering the movie viewing market as well Kurt Stallings, chief of the pre-trial division at the district attorney’s office is encouragas its prime location amidst a booming suburban neighborhood. ing customers to file reports with the city police. Moviefone.com and other Web-based That turns out not to be the case. movie ticket brokers have since put messages up for Metro Cinema stating that movie “The studios always looked fairly empty,” recalled Marc Coseriu, senior political scitimes for the location are unavailable. ence major. He said he’d frequented both matinee and prime time shows at Metro Cinema The fate of the vacant piece of real estate on Colleyville Boulevard is unknown. with friends.

Martin Garcia is a senior English major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.

Alba takes on new and challenging role T

of learned how to exist as someone who has blindness,” said Alba.

The actress also spent time with a completely self-sufficient vocalist and avid traveler who has been blind since the age of two, along with a man from New Mexico and a woman from Los Angeles who have both had corneal transplants.

“It’s pretty phenomenal when people get these transplants, get a new cornea, and they see immediately after the surgery. It’s blurry and takes a few weeks to heal, but you can see right away,” she said.

Learning the violin was just as much, if not more, difficult for Alba, who felt that as violin soloists are so rare, she has to pull off looking like “the best of the best.”

According to Alba, the one major way the remake is different from the original is in how the story is tailored to an American audience, including how the main character’s visions are received by those around her.

“It’s definitely more part of the [Eastern] culture and goes to more accepted on spirits and mysticism. It’s just - they just have a different mentality about it. And in Western culture people think you’re absolutely nuts if you believe in ghosts,” said Alba.

Alba found filmmakers playing up the “insanity” angle, but co-star Parker Posey (Party Girl, Fay Grim) was around to lighten up the mood.

“When I found out she was in the movie and she’s playing my sister it was the greatest thing. She’s so funny and humble and disarming and she’s a well of knowledge,” Alba said.

At the time of the interview, Alba had not seen the final cut of the film, but promised many scares and hinted at a few surprises for those who had already seen the original film.

But does the new remake live up to its Hong Kong counterpart?

Following last month’s piece of trash One Missed Call (a pathetic remake of yet another excellent Asian horror film), I had very low expectations for The Eye. Even after talking to Alba, I was still apprehensive.

Luckily, The Eye wasn’t all that bad. In fact, the very best part of the movie was Alba.

Her performance was the best I’ve seen out of her so far. After seeing her cast time and time again as the most beautiful girl in the room, it was refreshing to see Alba uglied up and acting like a convincing crazy person. Even better, she managed to pull off being Thursday Wednesday Friday blind and a violinist.

The film’s visual style was also very appealing. Similar to The Ring, the cinematogOn Campus: On Campus: raphy was very dark and moody; each frame looked like an individually snapped photoOn Campus graph. One of the most important characteristics of Asian horror films is their dark, artsy *Methodist Student Movement *The Rambler staff meeting: * Gay Straight Alliance look, which was definitely pulled off nicely here.

Stella Russell Hall lobby, meeting: Poly UMC, noon, meeting: B17 basement of My main problem with The Eye is one I have with many remakes of foreign films: 12:15 p.m. free lunch served the library, 12:15 p.m. the translation. Remaking a film in the same country is hard enough. Remaking a foreign *Baptist Student Ministry: Sid Off Campus: * President’s Honors film is much more demanding because everything requires translation: from the dialogue Richardson Building, noon, Concert: Martin Hall, 7:30 to the locations to the societal references to common human behaviors. * Going to Texas: Five free lunch served p.m.

One reason The Ring worked so well is that it wasn’t just catered to an American Centuries of Texas Maps: Old Red Museum of Dallas County audience, it was recreated for them. Everything from plot devices, important symbolism, To submit an event for History & Culture, 8 a.m roles of the sexes and even major sections of the plot were completely changed to give the calender, e-mail 4:30 p.m, free.

America a similarly horrifying experience. twurambler@yahoo.com.

In The Eye it appears that screenwriter Sebastian Gutierrez used a dictionary more often than his imagination when penning The Eye. Most of the original’s most exciting Tuesday Sunday Monday Saturday sequences are copied frame-for-frame in the remake, and any changes made are simply the most predictable choices possible.

Off Campus: Off Campus: On Campus: Even worse, everything in the movie just sort of happens. Instead of the audience On Campus: going along with Alba on her horrific journey, we are kept at a distance. Explanations * DVD releases: No * Broadway Boot Camp: Law * Seven Wonders & Live Sky * Crazy Day: From PJs to and answers just fall into Alba’s lap. When she goes in search of her organ donor (what Show: Museum of Nature & Funny Glasses, stop by student Reservations, Why Did I Get Sone building, all day. search?), she finds answers without even trying. The original story’s earth-shattering Science Planetarium, 12:15 life to get your picture taken. Married, Romance and Cigarettes, Becoming Jane, We p.m. twist is treated like an after-thought.

Off Campus: Own the Night.

The Eye could really have used some suspense and build up throughout. Although * Dallas Blues Festival: Dallas Stewart Jones & the Big E this may have not been a triumph for filmmakers, I would certainly like to praise the Combo, Jazz brunch buffet: Convention Center, 7 p.m. acting prowess of Alba, which I now see much more clearly.

Maguire's Regional Cuisine, 11

he careers of Hollywood actors and actresses may seem like one of the easiest jobs in the world. And it very well may have been for young star Jessica Alba, used to glamorous roles in commercial fair like the Fantastic Four franchise, Sin City, Into The Blue and Honey. That was until she signed on as the lead of the high profile American remake of The Eye, a film that took the actress to new and challenging places.

The Eye was originally a 2002 Hong Kong film that was so well received it received a brief theatrical release in the United States and Canada in 2003. The horror film follows a blind female violinist who undergoes a corneal transplant. After the operation she gains sight but SHAWN R. also sees dark ghostly figures that lurk around places of imminent POLING death, and she goes in search of her donor’s past and an explanation.

After other successful Asian horror remakes like The Ring and The Grudge, news of The Eye remake soon followed, along with the news that Alba had been cast. The role would be an obvious change for Alba, whom I had a chance to speak with during a conference call for the film.

“She gains the ability to see, she takes on psychic abilities of the girl, of the donor. And starts to see death before it happens and she doesn’t understand,” said Alba.

The story deals with the phenomenon known as cellular memory, a documented medical hypothesis that states that memories, characteristics and interests are stored in every cell of your body, with organ recipients sometimes taking on the memories, characteristics and interests of their donors.

The film, co-produced by Tom Cruise, was intended to be largely faithful to the original and required Alba to become a believable blind person and solo violinist. She soon began research for the role, including visits to blind orientation centers in Los Angeles and New Mexico.

“I learned how to read Braille, walk with a cane, label everything in the house, just sort

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Shawn R. Poling is a senior English major and is the Editor-in-Cheif for The Rambler.