The Rambler, Vol. 100 No. 4 by The Rambler

The Rambler

The students’ voice since 1917

www.txwes.edu/rambler

February 20, 2008

Vol. 100, No. 4

NEWS BRIEFS

New attendance policy affects all

In memorium A memorial service for professor Don Spinks will be held from noon - 1 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Polytechnic United Methodist Church chapel. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend and share their memeories of Spinks, who passed on Jan. 20. For more information about the service, contact Jessica Krizek at (817) 531-4468.

News Briefs

Get your vote on...early! Early voting for Tarrant County in the Republican and Democrat primaries are open through Feb 29 at 32 different locations. Early voting allows you to vote in any precinct in your county. Texans don’t have to register as Republican or Democrat, but can only participate in one party’s primary. Make sure to bring your voter registration card or valid identification documentation, such a a photo ID, driver’s license, U.S. passport or bitrth certificate. For voting locations, visit tarrantcounty.com/evote. Crushing on Obama? Obama supporters are hosting a rally from 11 p.m. - 2 p.m. Feb. 23 at Dallas City Hall Plaza. The group will be discussing canvass events, high visibility strategies and other outreach activities. Gotta Love Ms. Daisy Theater professor Joe Brown takes the director’s chair for the Artisan Center Theater production of Driving Ms. Daisy, which runs through March 1. Visit www.artisanct.com for full schedule and ticket prices. Reservations are recommended. Curtain call! Theatre Wesleyan presents Alan Ayckbourn’s How the Other Half Loves at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20-23, with a 2 p.m. matinee Feb. 24, in the Thad Smotherman Theatre. General admission is $8, $6 for faculty and staff and $4 with a student ID. 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 being accepted until Feb 25. Sophomores with at least 60 academic hours completed at the end of this semester and a 3.0 GPA are elligible to apply. HOT JOB opportunities @ Career Services Web Developer, Radio Shack Bilingual Case Manager, SafeHaven Bilingul Clinical Counselor, SafeHaven Marketing/Promotions Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys

SHAMEKA HYATT STAFF WRITER

Poetry & Love Photos by Tiara Nugent

The Aries “Broken Hearts and Fresh Starts” open-mic event drew a healthy crowd of students and English faculty Feb. 14. English professor Karen Hodges and junior English major Martin Garcia were two of the readers during the Valentine’s Day event.

Texas Wesleyan University recently adjusted the attendance policy to add clarification for all students, especially those who are athletes or active in campus organizations. “It holds everyone to the same standards,” said Pamela Rast, chair of the kinesiology department and director of the athletic training program. Excused absences must now go through the provost’s office, and professors are not allowed to implement a stricter policy that that of the university. With the revised policy in effect, students, particularly athletes and members of campus organizations, have to take extra steps to have an absence declared excused. All student absences must be made excused or authorized by University Provost Allen Henderson and requested with a legitimate reason. Concerning athletes and campus organizational members, organization sponsors have to get their student members’ absences approved for an event by submitting their departure and returning times to the provost beforehand. This is taken a step further for athletes. Coaches and team sponsors have to submit team schedules first to the faculty athletic committee for approval, then to the provost. Along with the clarity in procedures to excuse absences for athletes

See Attendance, page 2

Faculty get a change in e-mail with Outlook SHAMEKA HYATT STAFF WRITER

If Texas Wesleyan University faculty and staff want to check their university e-mail off campus, they traditionally log into WesNet … until this spring. WesNet is being replaced by the new and improved Outlook Web Access. Through this current Web-based e-mail system, Wesleyan faculty and staff can check their e-mail more easily and with more features available through the system. Like WesNet, OWA represents an abbreviated version of Microsoft’s Outlook but is much bigger and more appealing to the eye, users claim. To boost client productivity, the new Outlook Web Access has features such as search capabilities, document access, smart-calendar scheduling and decreased number of clicks needed to complete tasks. “It is robust, and a new way to communicate,” said Jose V. Ortega, director for the information and communication technology department. Along with being stronger and more flexible than WesNet, it also is more secure.

“Although WesNet was secure, OWA will surely keep confidential information from getting away from TWU,” said Gary Brunner, infrastructure support specialist. Along with the desire to offer Wesleyan staff and faculty a better off campus e-mail system, ICT’s other motive was to keep up to date with Microsoft. Prior to the implementation of OWA, everything at TWU was configured with Microsoft’s NT server. Microsoft no longer claims this server. Therefore, Wesleyan recently had to migrate to Microsoft’s new server, Active Directory. With the installment of this server, Outlook Web Access came into existence. “When Microsoft gets smarter, we have to get smarter along with it,” said Brunner. The new server will be on all Wesleyan campuses, including Burleson and the law school, by March. “We are one-third of the way through in implementing Active Directory on all TWU’s campuses,” said Brunner.

Deaton, friend dig up dinosaurs in Marmarth COLLEEN BURNIE ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR When talking hobbies, most people think of golf, scrap-booking and cooking. However, Dr. Bobby Deaton, professor of physics, spends his spare time searching, preparing and studying dinosaur bones. “I first got interested in June of 1997,” said Deaton, who took Wesleyan students with him to the land he had leased. Deaton, who paid for each land lease himself, started looking in North Dakota. “You have to first find a site where there are a large number of bones,” said Deaton who was on the search for a triceratops. According to Deaton, a complete triceratops has never been found at the same site, instead, bones are collected from different sites and placed together to form what’s called a composite. Between the years of 1997 and 2001, Deaton dug four different sites, excavating about 200 bones. “There are still holes,” said Deaton of this triceratops skeleton. “I’ve only prepared between 30 and 50 bones. The preparation process for the bones is time consuming and strenuous, taking between 50 and 100 hours each bone. Deaton’s current task is trying to get the

skull complete. According to Deaton, once the bone is discovered, a plaster jacket is placed over it on the site. Then, an exacto-knife is used to clear off the over burden. After working all the way around the bones, the plaster is covered in foil and burlap to keep it safe and then flipped over. After the bone is in a workshop, a miniblaster is used to get the plaster off. “You have to learn how to use a lot of tools,” said Deaton, who has since learned to use the mini-blaster and a welder that is used to make a frame for the bones to sit on in order to construct a frame. “It’s a huge task,” he said. “It really takes forever.” During his time on the leases, Deaton worked with a young man named Tyler Lysom. “Tyler was 14 when I first met him. He had a big blue truck he used to call ‘Old Blue,’ and he lived in the tiny town of Marmarth, N.D.,” said Deaton. Every year when Deaton would work out on his leases, Tyler would help him. During one of his trips out the site in 2000, Tyler made a ground-breaking discovery: a dino-mummy. The dinosaur that had died in

See Dinosaurs, page 2

Photo courtesy of Bobby Deaton

Tyler Lysom inspects one of the findings next to Bobby Deaton, professor of physics (right). Lysom found a dinomummy and was featured on National Geographic last year.

2 February 20, 2008

News

The Rambler

Cheaper textbook bill passes Congress, heads to Senate BRIAN HONIGMAN U-WIRE/THE PITT NEWS

Congress has set out to aid college students by lowering costs across the board. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the College Opportunity and Affordability Act on Feb. 7. It is part of Congress’ year-long attempt to level the playing field when it comes to higher education. The bill passed 345 to 58 and is now on its way to the Senate. Along with simplifying the student-loan process, increasing the maximum Pell Grant and providing $20 billion more for federal student loans, a portion of the bill is devoted to curbing textbook prices. Both Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., chair of the Education and Labor Committee, and Rep. Tim Ryan, DOhio, worked to get the bill organized and passed through the House. Brad Bauman, a spokesman for Ryan, said that the bill’s goal is to act as a “Bill of Rights” for college students by strengthening the nation’s higher-education programs to ensure that they operate in the best interests of the students and their families.

“Congressman Ryan believes that we need to ensure that every American who wants to continue their education after graduating high school will be able to afford it,” Bauman said. Ryan sponsored an amendment to the bill that authorizes textbook-rental programs at 10 schools across the country. “There are currently a few such programs around the nation, and costs of textbooks can typically be decreased by two-thirds in some cases,” Bauman said. The bill would dramatically simplify the textbook-purchasing process for college students. It would set up a Web site listing textbook prices from a variety of booksellers so that students could compare prices more easily. The act also aims to break up book packages commonly sold to students. By individually packaging products, students will be able to purchase a particular CD, workbook or textbook rather than being forced to purchase the entire set. “Rep. Ryan believes that college students and their families have been saddled with skyrocketing costs in higher education and student loan debt as a result,” Bauman said. Sophomore Naomi Rosen thinks that the act is a great idea but that the textbook reforms are not the answer to all

the problems associated with college costs. “It’s the wrong thing to focus on,” she said. “It’s not going to solve the problem, but it will help alleviate costs for me.”

Attendance, from page 1

Dinosaurs, from page 1

that site had been preserved, flesh and all. According to Science News, the hadrosaur, nicknamed Dakota, was the first-ever find of a dinosaur where the skin “envelope” had not collapsed onto the skeleton. This has allowed scientists to calculate muscle volume and mass for the first time. The fact that the skin is mostly intact allows for the exciting possibility that some of its original chemistry is still present. According to USA Today, hadrosaurs were about 25 to 30 feet long and stood 6 to 8 feet tall at the hip. They lived at the same time as the tyrannosaurus rex, in the last major flowering of dinosaurs. With the aid of a giant CT scanner provided by the Boeing Company, technology usually reserved for testing aircraft and spacecraft parts for NASA, the team also attempted to peer inside Dakota’s preserved body and tail. The scan of the 3,600kilogram body was of the one of the largest CT scans ever undertaken. Some of the conclusions that have come from the new discovery include the theory that the backside of hadrosaur is about 25 percent larger than they thought, which would allow it to move 10 to 28 mph faster than the T. Rex. Tyler graduated from Swarthmore University in Philadelphia, and he is now working in the paleontology department at Yale. There was a National Geographic special on Tyler that aired in December. “He has become a bit of a celebrity,” said Deaton, “but he still looks 14 to me.” As for the triceratops, Deaton estimates that it will take him about another 10 years to finish the 2000 pound, 6-foot-long skeleton. “It’s a massive undertaking,” said Deaton. “It’s a ‘many person dinosaur.’”

Courtesy of Bobby Deaton

Deaton has been digging since 1997, on the search for a complete triceratops skeleton. A complete skeleton has never been found, and Deaton is currently working to build a composite from multiple findings.

The Rambler awaits...

Meetings every Thursday - free period - Stella Russell Hall lobby www.txwes.edu/rambler twurambler@yahoo.com

Courtesy of Google Images

and student organization members, additional days of absence, past the maximum amount mentioned in the attendance policy, can be excused under special circumstances. A special circumstance can be a team or organization advancing to the regional or national level in athletic, fine arts or academic competition. Although a lot of responsibility seems to lie on the organizational sponsors in the revised attendance policy, students are still responsible for notifying their instructors of an absence prior to any missed class, as stated in the attendance policy. Along with this, students are responsible for completing any work they missed in classes when absent. Professors cannot make stricter attendance policies for their classes under the corrected attendance policy. Rast said the policy provides needed unity. “We all are now on the same page, interpreting the policy the same way,” said Rast. She also said that the clarified attendance policy will better the image of the athletic department. An athlete has to be participating in intercollegiate competition in order to obtain an excused absence on specific days. “Athletes who feel they can just miss class and use athletic competition as a false excuse really make the athletic department look bad,” said Rast. In addition, Rast said, the policy will benefit the entire student body. “Students see that they are required to take responsibility for their classroom attendance,” she said. Like the past attendance policy, the new attendance policy states students are allowed five excused absences for a Monday-Wednesday-Friday class, three excused absences for a TuesdayThursday class and two excused absences for a lab class meeting once a week. Unexcused absences that do not involve athletic or organizational competition can only be excused when illness and other emergencies are a factor. Students who accumulate an amount of unexcused absences equivalent to the number of days a class meets per week in a semester can be dropped from the course at the instructor’s discretion.

Not your average kissing booth

Photo by Kevin Keathley

Theater professor Joe Brown and junior Matthew Whitaker run the Gay-Straight Alliance’s Kisses & Condoms table, providing protection and fresh breath to students.

Opinions

The Rambler

February 20, 2008 3

“Paul McCartney.” “Jackie Kennedy Onassis.” “Tom Hanks.” “Bon Jovi.”

Amanda Winkleman Senior Art Major

Thomas Boylan Senior Liberal Studies Major

“If you could be any celebrity, who would you be?”

Tina Redman Senior Psychology Major

Zainah Usman Junior Art Major

Pull’em Up

Local governments attempt to re-fashion a generation’s image

hat’s right, everybody. The campaign that initiated in Dallas last year that calls for your pants to rise above the Mason Dixon line has now launched its efforts in Fort Worth. A resolution was passed to send a message to those who wear baggy pants. You might have seen billboards pop up in defense of the campaign. DFW and its neighboring suburbs have drawn a special MARTIN interest to the issue. You might GARCIA have run into hiphopgovernment.org’s billboard stating, “Grandma says: Pull ‘em up!” Dallas City Councilman Dwaine Caraway, who started the movement last year, agrees that sagging “is a disrespect, number one, to themselves and then it’s a disrespect for all females.” The drive initially began as a public education program against citizens wearing baggy pants. It has since gained popularity with organizations striving to improve the public image of the trendy hiphop community. The Fort Worth City Council recently elected to contribute, and a resolution for supporting the campaign was voted on late in January. According to a portion of the resolution, “the city gladly joins” this movement. Is this really necessary? Is the community and its citizens worrying about too many trivial matters and pouring its labors into futile efforts? Some might agree on that notion, saying that the ‘sag’ is just a trend, like any other.

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

Homecoming lameness lives on through college I

remember the homecoming festivities at my high school. My fellow students at Fort Worth’s own Southwest High School were more excited about homecoming that prom, and the week of events preceding the big game and SHAWN R. dance had even the POLING nonconformists joining in on pajama day and other crazy activities ... every single one of them pointless, juvenile and altogether lame. Oh, the memories of homecoming. Groups like the drama club and the cheerleaders and the spirit team all relished pajama day, crazy hair day, face paint day, spirit day and whatever other “fun” themes planners would come up with. All the groups even stayed hours after school one day to decorate homecoming doors. Did anyone actually think that wearing pajamas to high school would somehow create instant fun? What about crazy hair day? Seriously? As if public education in Texas wasn’t enough of a joke, just add some pajamas. I remember making this argument while I was still in high school, heck, even back in middle school. I figure, if you want everybody excited, hold a pep rally during the last period of the day. You not only get the kids out of class for an hour (high schoolers love that), but you actually give them something fun to do, as opposed to giving them permission to attend class without even changing clothes.

That was all I had to say about the subject, until those pointless events came back to haunt me on the campus of Texas Wesleyan University. I could deal with a homecoming game. We college students have matured somewhat since our high school days, but a good homecoming game

crazy pajamas to get their picture taken. For what, exactly? Is someone compiling a photo album of students in their sleep clothes? This bothers me a little bit. It’s very To Catch A Predator, if you know what I mean. Then came spirit pep rally day (Feb. 14), calling for students to get crazy and creative with their pride for Wesleyan’s teams, followed by sports teams day (Feb. 15), when students were supposed to wear hats or jerseys from their favorite team, which turned out to be the only sports or homecoming related events besides the game. Snaps to whoever Xerox-ed these two events, although I never saw one student who participated in either. Homecoming week culminated on Feb. 16 with a slew of events, including the coronation of the king and queen (Wow. We have these in college?), announcement of the spirit paddle contest winner (Wow. Just a big, sarcastic wow.) and a black light party in Stella Russell Hall. (Were felt posters and mind-altering substances provided?) At least I have an opinion about this issue. Every student I talked to either didn’t know or didn’t care about the events, as they barely registered on stuCourtesy of Google Images dents’ radars. Maybe those students realis nothing to scoff at. But crazy day (Feb. 11), ize their ages. After all, we are all in college, described by Student Life as a day to wear paja- soon to enter something called the real world mas and funny glasses? (sans pajamas, I might add). Some students, usually those who live on And maybe someday, some members of our campus, already come to class in pajamas. I’m homecoming planning committee will realize the not even going to discuss the “funny glasses.” students surrounding them aren’t children. Even worse, students were encouraged to come Shawn R. Poling is a senior writing major and is the by the Student Life office in their absolutely editor-in-chief 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

On the other hand, trends like these lead to misinterpretation and eventually stereotypical beliefs. Many advocates of Pull ‘em Up focus on the fact that sagging could eventually hurt an individual’s chances of employment. In the technological world we live in where people are fascinated with displaying their life on public networks, perception becomes reality. If you want to wear your pants one way, people will judge you accordingly. Jay Scroggins, Damon Wofford and Chris Williams, cofounders of HipHop Government, would agree that issues like these are affecting their culture, and something has to be done. They realize that media attention on hip-hop personalities is often too negative, and there is a much needed change. They have now started a revolution and have been “recognized for [their] positive contributions to the community,” according to Chris Richburg of allhiphop.com. Recently, Scroggins, Wofford and Williams appeared on the nationally televised Dr. Phil show to help take the campaign nationwide. Following Caraway’s ways, Fort Worth City Councilman Frank Moss raised a concern that too many people, focusing on minorities, have created an unfavorable image for themselves in the public eye just for the way they dress. Is it fair? The stereotypes might be unjust, especially for the ones who think they’re merely making a fashion statement, but it’s an unavoidable fact that they have to live with, and it might make them face harsh conCourtesy of Google Images sequences. The DFW area is pushing hard for the campaign—particularly in the educational zone. They, and many others, have teamed up with Hip-Hop Government under the slogan: One Team, One Dream, One Vote. Pull ‘em Up is desperately trying to reach out to the national and international hiphop communities in order for them to take a firm stance addressing their generation’s concerns and image.

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 men and women’s basketball teams for homecoming victories.

Thumbs down to the crazy drivers tearing down the center of parking lot aisles.

Thumbs up to those who vote.

Thumbs up to students keeping up with piles of homework.

College Life

February 20, 2008

The Rambler

Modern cartoons lack lessons and cultural florish L

et’s face it, cartoons are awesome. When I was a kid, I would wake my brother up on Saturday mornings, secure a big bowl of sugar-coated cereal and tune in for my weekly cartoon fix. It was, as they say, awesome. But I didn’t just get a sugar fix and bleeding eyeballs on Saturday mornings, I also got an education. CHUCK Shows like G.I Joe taught me that FAIN “knowing is half the battle,” and even He-Man threw in a moral lesson at the end. Looney Tunes introduced me to classical music from the likes of Grieg and Wagner, as well as the 1812 Overture (complete with cannons!). OK, not all the cartoons of my childhood harbored such noble intent: The Smurfs taught me that walking around without a shirt is the only way to travel (unless you’re the only girl – then you have to wear a dress), and Dino-Riders taught me the vital skill of riding dinosaurs for military gain. Still, I think the cartoons we had then were of better stock than what’s available now. And why is that? Have we not evolved? Did society not progress? Why are many of the cartoons I grew up with (Ninja Turtles, Transformers, etc.) being remade into new and “improved” versions? Are the writers of today not as creative as those back then? Is this just an example of pop culture recycling itself? When I was a kid, we didn’t have cable. (“We can either have cable or we can eat,” my dad said to me. I would’ve opted for the cable.) Cable also wasn’t as prevalent as it is now. Today everyone I can think of has cable. It’s like a cell phone – you just assume people have one. In the year 2008, we live in a progressive society where homosexual unions are legal (in some states, though I

wouldn’t hold your breath for Texas) and a person who is not a white man has a chance at the presidency. In this time of enlightenment and infinite choices of cable channels, why are the cartoons so lame? OK, not every one of the cartoons out now is awful. Sponge Bob is pretty good, but I’m strained to find many more that I care for. The onslaught of animated shows that riddle the airwaves now is depressing to me. If you’re

effect on the children of today? Will the next generation’s view of cartoons be tainted by the cartoon experience of their youth? Will they cease to see cartoons as awesome? Admittedly, there is a bit of “good ol’ day” syndrome kicking in, but I remember the art being more carefully considered, stories more lovingly crafted, time spent watching them more cherished. When I was a kid, cartoons basically only came on during Saturday mornings, there wasn’t a 24-hour Cartoon Network (not one I had access to anyway), nor were there TiVos or the Internet. The people of my generation (which may be a little older than the average reader’s generation…I’m 28 for point of reference) have grown up, and we’ve taken our love of cartoons with us. Today, a plethora of animated shows aimed at an adult audience exists in mainstream culture. Shows like The Simpsons, Family Guy and Aeon Flux are specifically targeted at an adult audience, an audience that grew out of its Saturday morning cartoons but is still hungry for animation. Cartoons from the average college student’s genWhile eration -- including Looney Toons, Ninja Turtles animation and the Smurfs -- offered more edification than is seen as a do the typical cartoons of kids today. lesser form Courtesy of Google Images into Amine, more power to you, and of art (even I understand that the genre has its in writing communities, writers of animated series are not shining stars (Cowboy Be-Bop isn’t covered in the Writer’s Guild), I feel like the tide is turning. so bad), but, for the most part, the The generation of people who grew up watching and loving stories are lame, the dialogue overtly expositional, and the cartoons have never lost that love. character exchange is artificial and exaggerated. Hopefully, with the help of new blood and series like Again, this is not to say that cartoons of the late ‘80s The Simpsons (running 18 years and counting), animation and early ‘90s are flawless and devoid of any of the above will be granted the dignity it deserves and retain that dignimentioned faux paus; it is only my opinion that today’s ty with the emerging generation. mass produced, over-saturated animation market lacks a certain charm. Chuck Fain is a junior writing major and is a staff writer for The Will this half-hearted approach to cartoons have any Rambler.

Knock, knock ... the totally rad ’80s have returned DANIELLE MEADOWS UWIRE/THE LANTERN

From accessories and shoes to denim and Ts, the ‘80s can be seen in almost all facets of fashion today. Straight-legged jeans, slogan tees, leggings, “door-knocker” earrings and big glasses are popular. Eighties babies have taken the trends of their birth era and given them a modern feel. Depending on the look one might want to create, mixing and matching new and old fashion from thrift stores, boutiques and stores around the world will bring any look up to date.

Men 1. Aviators by Fashion Eyes, $3, eBay.com Sunglasses can turn frumpy into flashy, and, like the past, the bigger the better. Aviators have always been around and usually pop in and out of mainstream fashion. 2. Jacket by Heritage, $27, Forever XXI From the popular, ‘80sinspired Members-Only jackets to sequined, colorful and polyester bombers, jackets and hoodies are still in style with bright colors and intricate patterns. 3. Rock & Roll newsprint tee by Heritage, $18.90, Forever XXI Screen and logo tees were extremely popular during the ‘80s and, in fact, have never really disappeared. A great tee can showcase personality and make a pair of jeans pop.

4. Scarf, $2, thrift stores self-sufficiency Bandanas in various colors and designs were extremely popular in the ‘80s. Today, along with bandanas, scarves have become hot accessories. Add a splash of color or spice up an outfit with a simple neck scarf or bandana. 5. Black, straight-leg jeans by Heritage, $31.90, Forever XXI Like ladies’ denim, guys have a variety of styles and washes available. Textured and patterned jeans are also popular. 6. Chuck Taylor All-Stars, $39.99, Footlocker.com With a variety of colors and designs, Chuck Taylor’s can be paired with many things. If these don’t fit one’s style, Nike Dunk’s are a great substitute.

Women 1. Dark Horse T-shirt, $25, Milk Bar boutique T-shirts are meant to be comfortable and are very unforgiving if the fit is not right. Make sure they’re not too tight or too big. 2. Mini “door-knockers,” $4, Express Chunky, gold earrings were so ‘80s and are making a comeback today. These earrings can be worn with anything and add a splash of flavor to any outfit. 3. Red, patent leather clutch, $10, Forever XXI Big bags really make a statement but are not for everyone. A clutch is perfect or a night out on the town or to tone it down a bit. 4. Bangles in various styles, $4.50, Forever XXI Back then it was bright rubber bracelets and lots of them; today bangles are the new twist. From chunky to skinny, they add to an overall look, but are not meant for every occasion. They should only be worn with casual dress or when going out. 5. Sweetheart jeans by Old Navy, $25 Color is back, and the brighter the better. Denim now comes in a variety of colors and washes. Great jeans are a key part of an outfit, and although skinny and straight are in, go with what works for your body. 6. Black, patent leather pumps by Sam & Libby, $40, DSW These semi-flat, pump-style shoes can be shown off with a cuffed or skinny short jean. Return to those Flashdance days by adding a pair of leggings or leg warmers.

Hatton Sumners scholarship offers more than just monetary support to recipients TIARA NUGENT MANAGING EDITOR Applications are now available for students to apply for the Hatton W. Sumners Scholarship, but if you want to apply, there’s no time to lose. Feb. 25 marks the cut-off for this prestigious grant. Scholarship grantees will receive $3,500 per semester in conjunction with previously-bestowed institutional scholarships. Award money cannot, however, exceed tuition costs. In addition to the monetary benefits, Sumners scholars are encouraged to attend formal luncheons in Dallas, hosted by either the Hatton Sumners Foundation or the NCPA, with guest speakers such as Gen. Tommy Franks, author Linda Chavez, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. An annual four-day leadership conference in Austin also lands on scholars’ schedules. Senior business major Megan Krause was awarded the Hatton Sumners scholarship in the spring of ’06.

“The highlight of my involvement with Hatton Sumners has been having the honor to listen to and even meet the speakers at the luncheons and the conferences,” she said. “Not many students are able to have the opportunity to listen to the speaker we have. It is also exciting to listen to the speakers and their various viewpoints. It not only opens our minds to new ideas, but it also allows us to understand some issues more clearly.” Qualifications are few in number, but rigid. Although preference is generally given to students who are majoring in political science, pre-law, history or those planning to teach in the field of social studies, there is no restriction of majors. According to the university press release, “students from other program areas who have high academic achievement (cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater), have completed 60 academic hours by the beginning of the fall 2008 semester, are involved in activities and exhibit leadership and a strong sense of community responsibility will also be considered.”

Additional eligibility criteria are stated in the application form, which is obtainable from the financial aid office. Students transferring into Texas Wesleyan are also qualified to apply. In addition to the application form, students must turn in a photograph, official transcript, professional resume and an essay addressing personal background, life experiences and future ambitions. Selected applicants will be interviewed by the Sumner Foundation trustees April 7. “Receiving the HS Scholarship meant more than what I probably am able to say,” said Krause. “Not only has the involvement been beneficial, but the overall scholarship has allowed me to finish my education here at Wesleyan. From receiving my degree at Wesleyan, I hope to further pursue my education and give back to the community one day. That is something I have planned to do for many years, and the HS has allowed me to pursue my goals.”

The Rambler

Quick Quotes "I think NASCAR would be much more exciting if, like in a skating rink, every 15 minutes someone announced it was time to reverse direction." - Jeffrey T. Anbinder

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

Upcoming Events Feb. 21 *2 p.m. Baseball vs. Cumberland Feb. 22 *10 a.m. Softball vs. University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma *1 p.m. Softball vs. Oklahoma Baptist University *3 p.m. Softball vs. Rogers State Feb. 23 *Noon Baseball vs. William Woods Feb. 24 *12:30 p.m. Baseball vs. William Woods Feb. 25 *2 p.m. Baseball vs. UT-Dallas *5:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. HustonTillotson *7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. HustonTillotson Feb. 26 *2 p.m. Baseball vs. Oklahoma City *denotes home game

Sports Briefs Rams move to 10-2 in conference play; beat Southwestern Assemblies of God on homecoming Feb. 16 The basketball team moved to 10-2 in conference play after a 75-64 win over Southwestern Assemblies of God. Kennith Gober led all scorers with 20 points. Lady Rams run over Lady Lions Feb. 16 The women’s basketball team took a conference a win over Southwestern Assemblies of God University, 81-71. Kim Gatling led the way with 20 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 steals.

Sports Second time around Carlos Chiu’s paddle already made him an Olympic alternate. Now another skill can take him all the way. BRYCE WILKS SPORTS EDITOR

There is only one language in the world of sports, and it consists mostly of the word “win.” But don’t tell that to junior Carlos Chiu. His bilingual abilities have landed him a job for the upcoming summer Olympics in Beijing., just a back-up plan in case he’s not competing in them. Chiu, a top table tennis player, was born and raised in Mexico City, but his parents are both from China. Photos courtesy of Carlos Chiu He speaks four languages fluently, including Chinese Carlos Chiu is in his third season as and Spanish, which is an asset to the Mexican Olympic a member of Wesleyan’s table tenCommittee. nis team. He barely missed out on He was contacted last semester with news that the representing Latin America for the committee would like to send him to China to help cure 2004 summer games in Athens. the language barrier. In December he traveled to China as a translator, helping with preliminary communications concerning security and facility evaluations among top representatives from both China and Mexico. Chiu was offered a job for the summer and plans to go back for the games, which begin Aug. 8. This isn’t the first brush with the Olympics for Chiu, who was an alternate for Latin America’s table tennis team in Athens in summer 2006. “At tryouts I had to be one of the best in Mexico, and then in all of Latin America. Out of 100 final guys, six made it. I was number seven.” Chiu said. He added that many places recruit players who have no ties to that particular country and are just trying to win at any cost. “Many countries in Latin America recruit players from Asia who are professionals and practice several hours a day. That’s impossible for someone like me who works and has classes to keep up with.” This time around, Chiu is worried that training for the Olympics would take away from school work, and the international business major is committed to earning a degree and movCarlos Chiu went to Beijing over the holiday break with the Mexican Olympic Committee. He was put to work as a communicator and translator, but found time to see things like Beijing National Stadium, or the “Bird’s Nest” (pictured behind him). The stadium is a stateof-the-art facility and will host several events this summer.

ing on to graduate school. After obtaining a master’s degree, Chiu would like to stay in America and work for a few years before returning to Mexico to start his own business. “Tryouts are next month, but I don’t know if it’s going to happen this year,” Chiu said. “Maybe if I am playing really well at the right time and it won’t mess with academics.” Wesleyan’s table tennis coaches scouted Chiu when he was in high school at a tournament in Florida. He said that coming to Wesleyan offered him the unique experience of studying in America and getting a scholarship to play his sport. “At first, my dad wanted me to play as a kid, and I didn’t like it. Then I improved and started to enjoy it. Now it has taken me around the world and paid for some of my education.” Regardless of Chiu’s playing status, his Olympic experience is sure to be memorable. He will get to experience things like the “Bird’s Nest” (Beijing National Stadium), which is a state-of-the-art facility that will host many of the events, including the opening and closing ceremonies. According to china.org.cn, the stadium features a retractable roof, can hold up to 100,000 spectators and cost the equivalent of $500 million U.S. dollars to build. That’s a bargain, compared to the new stadium in Arlington, a comparable facility that is currently projected to cost over $1 billion by 2009. Not everyone can go to China with Chiu, but he would welcome company from any Wesleyan student at a much closer location. “Anyone who goes to Mexico City can come by and eat a meal at one of my father’s restaurants,” Chiu said. “I know all the places to go for a good time.” Food, good times and the glory of athletic competition. Just a few things you can understand without knowing four languages.

Get on the floor

Rams sweep Bulldogs Feb. 14 The baseball team swept a doubleheader from Jarvis Christian College, taking game one 4-2 and game two 4-0. Pitchers Jayson Rachuig and Joey Evans picked up wins on the day. Awards and Honors Feb. 12 Kennith Gober was named conference player of the week in men’s basketball, his second recognition of the season. Pitcher Jayson Rachuig nabbed the pitcher of the week award in baseball after his performance against Lubbock Christian.

February 20, 2008 5

Photo by Kevin Keathley

Sophomore theater major Chris Hatcher (left) and sophomore athletic training major Joakim Soderbaum are two of the students who have taken an interest in floorball. The upstart league conducts practices on Wednesdays from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. in the Sid Richardson Gym.

Photo by Kevin Keathley

Freshman pitcher Cami Riley is just one of several young players that will contribute to the softball team this season.

Ready or not... Freshmen contributors need to step up for softball team meaning I can be put anywhere,” McNabb said. “I don’t pitch or catch, but I Texas Wesleyan don’t have a set position in University’s softball team the outfield or infield.” is preparing for a season to That will surely help remember. They’ve been her spot on the team. getting ready for months, “Because everyone on and they’re currently put- the team is so talented, ting their skills to the test finding a starting spot for as the season opens. each individual will be difAshley Tarrant, a ficult,” McNabb said. Gower will be responfreshman exercise science major, described the team sible for sorting the deck members as working and guiding and coordinating the young team. together very well. “We’re really strong,” Deciding who pitches and the pitcher said. “We mesh when to make changes will together well and get along be one of the toughest well because we are here aspects. “The pitching is differfor the same reason.” ent,” McNabb said. “Each Tarrant added that pitcher has different qualihead coach Shannon ties. Depending on what Gower has team we w o r k e d “I’m not worried. I think play, that the team we’ll do great. If we a have deterhard since a bad day, we’ll make up for mines August it. Our team is dedicated w h o a n d pitches.” e n c o u r - enough to pull things The sotogether.” aged playf – Ariel Raley t b a l l ers to take Senior third baseman team is the offlooking season for sucvery seriously. cess but taking their time, Because there are so as it will be a process that many new freshmen on the needs to run the course. team, Tarrant said they are “We have all the talent still learning each other’s to go far if we stay detertalents in order to work mined and work hard at together as well as possi- practice,” McNabb said. ble. These younger players “There’s no telling how far look to seniors like Brooke we can go. I want to go all McNabb, a senior chem- the way to nationals. That istry major, to show them would be my dream to finthe way. ish my senior year with a “There is a mix of big win like that.” returning players and the Raley, third basemen, new talent that Coach is also hopeful about the recruited. Every year, we primarily young team. keep getting better and bet“The team is facing a ter talent-wise,” McNabb lot of difficulties to prepare said. “That’s the biggest us for the games that actuthing that we’ll see.” ally count,” she said. McNabb, Ariel Raley, “Hopefully our commitLindsey Molinar and ment will enable us to have Elizabeth Brady are the a successful season.” seniors leading the group The uncertainty isn’t of new players, and the getting anyone down. upperclassmen aren’t pre“I’m not worried,” pared to be stagnant in Raley said. “I think we’ll their final season. do great. If we a have a bad McNabb saw action day, we’ll make up for it. mostly at first base last Our team is dedicated year, but she has started enough to pull things out in center field this year. together.” “I am a utility player,

KEVIN KEATHLEY STAFF WRITER

Entertainment

6 February 20, 2008

The Rambler

Semi-PPro delivers a Ferrell classic A

fter taking on the team and gives the Tropics a chance to make world of NASCAR, it in the big leagues. ice skating and news Although Ferrell’s character is a men, Will Ferrell makes redressed version of his other movie rolls, the his debut as a semi-pro movie supports his high energy and humor. basketball player in the And, while many scenes feel a lot like a newest movie in his com- romping frat party, the plot is decent and edy line-up, Semi-Pro. actually inspiring. Following the typical The plot follows the sports movie formula, the down-and-out COLLEEN story of the Flint Tropics, Tropics, amid hilarious and outlandish proBURNIE a Michigan team that motions, find their new grooooove when Jackie Moon (Will Monix returns and gets them to actually play Ferrell) owns, coaches and plays for. The a game. team is last in the league and soon finds out One of the highlights of the film is seethat a merger has been negotiated to take the ing Ferrell decked out in ‘70s garb and jambest four teams to the NBA. It then becomes ming to the tunes of the disco era. The movie Moon’s mission to get his team to win and evoked many laughs from the audience filled attract a crowd in order to win a spot with with college students and press writers. the NBA. The movie was decent, much Ferrell’s character better than Blades of Glory For fans of the high-energy, brings the perverted jokes, but certainly not as dirty-mouthed, lovable Will enthusiasm and enduring quotable as Anchorman. I Ferrell, the movie will be just quality that fans have heard someone in the thewhat you hoped for. come to expect. Moon, ater say, “a little Will goes who earned all of his a long way,” and I think I money on his hit song, Love Me Sexy, is a agree. For fans of the high-energy, dirty cross between a ‘70s disco star and basketmouthed, lovable Will Ferrell, the movie will ball player. be just what you hoped for, and the sound The change agent in the movie is Monix track is not bad either. If you’re looking for (Woody Harrelson), a washed-up bench something new, or a stretch in Ferrell’s actwarmer who used to play for the Celtics and ing, don’t waste your money. has returned to Flint to chase the “one who The show opens in theaters nationwide got away,” Lyn (ER’s Maura Tierney). Feb. 29. Encouraged by the Tropics best player, Colleen Burnie is a senior English major and is Clarence Coffee Black (Outkast’s André the entertainment editor for The Rambler. Benjamin), Monix steps up as coach of the

Photo courtesy of google images

Fort Worth’s downtown roof-top restaurant The Reata was given a bad review for stocking unusable canned goods despite the upscale and uptown fare.

Web site shows scores Online inspection reports aid patrons

nce every two months I treat myself to some really expensive seafood. I’m not talking Daddy Jack’s (I might have to drop out of college to afford that bill), but, instead, the moderately pricey Pappadeaux seafood restaurant is my personal seafood

mislabeled chemical containers, not to mention minor problems with heating and cooling, which were fixed on-sight immediately. Before I wandered into Reata’s inspection information, I briefly thought Pappadeaux’s might be one of the “bad ones,” but Pappadeaux’s 20 demerits became miniscule when I saw Reata’s SHAWN R. whopping 44 demerits from their 2007 POLING inspection. Their list of problems is long, includpoison. ing improper food temperatures, crossMy best friends and I pile in, each contamination, insufficient sanitization forking over enough cash for a variety of habits, broken plumbing, unavailable manappetizers, entrees and desserts. It’s a little ager/handlers certificates, inadequate lightpeace of heaven on earth, and, gosh darn, I ing in various areas including refrigerators, think I deserve it. stocking unusable canned goods, and the But while my companions and I enjoy list goes on. our ocean-flavored feast in the glossy and Looks like along with your $30 atmospheric dining room, what exactly is brownie and $25 tamale, you will get a going in behind those mysterious, everfree side of contamination and a compliswinging kitchen doors, emblazoned with mentary glass of pure gross. Cheers! the stern message EMPLOYEES ONLY? According to the city of Fort Worth, a Unable to venture “bad” score would be 30 past those doors and Looks like along with your $30 demerits or more. inspect the operation Although in the past a brownie and $25 tamale, you ourselves, Fort Worth will get a free side of contami- score was subtracted residents’ only option from 100 to come up nation and complementary was to check the city’s with a passing or failing glass of pure gross. Cheers! Web site for an “grade,” it is now extremely short, impossible to fail a extremely temporary, ever-changing list of health inspection. restaurant inspections records. If you ever Instead, if an eatery receives 30 wanted to see your favorite restaurant’s demerits or more, the business is required report card, you’d have to know exactly to begin corrective action immediately when it was last inspected, after which you (with inspector still present), 48 hours is had a short time to find it online. given to begin repairs that can’t be done Now, thanks to a new change on Fort immediately, and is subject to an inspecWorth’s official Web site, you can find the tion within 24 hours. past inspection records for many of Fort From looking at piles of scores, it’s Worth’s many restaurants, forever! The plain to see that it’s impossible to get a new feature is already very extensive, but perfect score, and I was hard pressed to has yet to add some smaller chains and find any restaurants I knew of that had less independent restaurants. than 15 demerits from their last inspection. The new feature seemed great when I The one amazing surprise I had was first learned of it. But did I really want to when looking through the scores of local know all the dirty secrets hiding in the restaurants. Wesleyan’s neighbor, Flash kitchens of my favorite eateries? After a Point Boogie Burger, had by far the best little logical thinking, I felt it was the score I saw (six demerits in 2007). I can’t safest option to check in on them, even if remember another restaurant that had less it meant possibly giving up Pappadeaux’s than 10. giant plate of crawfish. Although I’m sure some restaurant Pappadeaux, as it turns out, fared pret- owners are less than happy with this Web ty well in past inspections. In last year’s site, I believe it can do nothing but provide inspection, the seafood restaurant received beneficial information for the citizens of a total of 20 demerits. I’m not exactly sure Fort Worth. how good or bad of a score that is, but You can find Fort Worth’s online their score paled in comparison to that of health inspection reports at www.fortupscale downtown Fort Worth giant Reata. worthgov.org/applications/Health/. The majority of Pappadeaux’s demerShawn R. Poling is a senior English major its were from improper hand washing and and is the editor-in-chief for The Rambler.

Photo courtesy of google images

Reminiscent of his Old School days, Ferrell’s enthusiasm and foul language in Semi-Pro offers fans another movie with a new sport.

T HE W EEK A HEAD

Wednesday On Campus:

On Campus:

*Baptist Student Ministry: Sid *The Rambler staff meeting: Stella Russell Hall lobby, Richardson Building, noon, 12:15 p.m. free lunch served * How The Other Half Loves: Thad Smotherman Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Friday On Campus

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

* Gay Straight Alliance meeting: B17 basement of the library, 12:15 p.m.

*Methodist Student Movement * How The Other Half meeting: Poly UMC, noon, Loves: Thad Smotherman free lunch served Theatre, 7:30 p.m. * How The Other Half Loves: * Movie releases: Be Kind Thad Smotherman Theatre, Rewind, Vantage Point, 7:30 p.m. Witless Protection, The Signal, Posession

To submit an event for the calender, e-mail twurambler@yahoo.com.

Saturday

Thursday

Sunday On Campus:

* Broadway Boot Camp: Law * How The Other Half Loves: Thad Smotherman Theatre, Sone building, all day. 2:30 p.m. * How The Other Half Loves: Thad Smotherman Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Monday Off Campus:

Tuesday Off Campus:

* Open Mic sponsored by Fort * DVD releases: Beowolf, Goya's Ghosts, Silk, 30 Days Worth Songwriters of Night Association, The Rig Steak House: 7 p.m to 11 p.m. * Writers Workshop: Saginaw * Open Nine Ball Tournament: Public Library, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Rustys Billiards, 8:30 p.m. Tournament fee is $10. * Dinner & A Movie: Ferre Ristorante & Bar, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

meetings every Thursday during free period in Stella Russell Hall

twurambler@yahoo.com