WEDNESDAY October 7, 2009 Vol. 92 • No. 18 ONLINE:
www.therambler.org
The Rambler The voice of Texas Wesleyan University students since 1917
Smoking ban petition stirs up controversy Campus Life, page 4
Time to go haunted house hunting in the Metroplex A&E, page 5
Statue poised to breathe new life into school spirit Jonathan Resendez
jlresendez@mail.txwes.edu
Texas Wesleyan will soon have more than 5 feet and 300 pounds of school spirit. The Student Government Association will unveil a new bronze ram statue next month with the anticipation that it will raise campus pride. Heath Scott, president of the SGA, said the statue is the first element of their three-part agenda for the year, which also include campus security and beautification. The statue will be used to spearhead the SGA’s school spirit initiative. “It really frustrates me as student body president when I walk around the campus, and I don’t see the alma mater,” Scott said. “I don’t see any blue. I don’t see any gold. I don’t even see a ram.” With school spirit lacking, Scott said he hopes the ram will be the first step in getting people to be proud of going to school at Wesleyan. The SGA hopes to “flood” the campus with blue and gold, as well as the alma mater and Wesleyan Flame. “More spirit would make us more well known,” said Virginia Morales, freshman biology major. “The school would receive more recognition like Texas Christian University. So when someone says ‘Texas Wesleyan,’ people will know where it is.” Marcus Johnson, a sophomore undecided major, said Wesleyan could improve school spirit by raising an interest in athletics or getting a football team.
The bronze ram statue is scheduled for unveiling this month after plans for its placement are finalized.
“We need more students to go here and try to become something other than doctors or lawyers,” he said. Sports may actually be a key factor in raising school spirit levels, said Scott, who hopes to establish “spirit crews” or “ram crews” for this year’s
basketball season. “I want a group of students [to go to the games] who paint themselves and put on all the Wesleyan gear and act crazy,” he said. “We’ll have coordinated yells and cheers and stuff like that.” The SGA and Pati Alexan-
dean of the school of natural and social sciences. Daniell was hired as dean of the school of arts and letters, a position well suited for him given his past. While growing up in Lubbock, Daniell decided early on to attend nearby Texas Tech,
linois at Urbana-Champaign and traveled to Paris. “I was sort of the English language resource for the high school, as well as an in-class aide and/or teacher,” he said. The school was Lycée Condorcet in La Varenne-SaintHilaire, an eastern suburb of Paris. “I also helped the terminales [seniors] prepare for the English portion of their bachalauréat [exit] exams,” he said. In addition to teaching, Daniell spent the year taking courses in French literature and traveling around northern and eastern France. In 1988 he traveled to Quebec, Canada, for a six-week summer study program just before beginning his dissertation on French-Canadian literature. He met his wife Lauren on Île d’Orléans, just down river from Québec City. They were married in 1991, the same year Daniell earned his PhD in French literature, also from the University of Illinois. In 1991 Daniell began his
Wesleyan says bonjour to new dean of arts and letters Eunice Nicholson
emnicholson@txwes.edu
When walking into the office of Dr. Steven Daniell, dean of the school of arts and letters, visitors will find bright red Canadian maple leafs peeking out from various spots. The French books stacked neatly on his conference table show the native Texan’s passion for French language and literature. Daniell has come home to lead Texas Wesleyan’s newly created school of arts and letters after working and studying in the United States, France and Canada for more than 20 years. “Dr. Daniell has a strong background in liberal studies, good experience at research institutions and a good positive outlook towards managing change,” said University President Dr. Harold Jeffcoat. “I expect him to identify and promote some key academic programs with arts and letters that could emerge as graduate programs.” The old school that encompassed arts and sciences split into two last year. Dr. Trevor Morris was hired as
Office of Communications Dr. Steven Daniell
where he initially studied physics, literature and French. “I found that I liked [the arts] a lot more,” Daniell said. “I liked writing more than math and science, and I was good at languages.” He then pursued his master’s degree in French literature at the University of Il-
DEAN, page 3
der, vice president for enrollment and student services, started working on tracking down a ram statue in the summer. After scouring the Internet for five hours, Scott stumbled upon largeart.com, the largest marble and bronze dealer in the country.
Jonathan Resendez | Rambler Staff
An hour of negotiating eventually led to the purchase of the $3,000 statue. Other prospective sculptors and companies wanted to charge as much as $10,000 or more, Scott said. The statue’s unveiling in front of the Brown-Lupton
center is scheduled for October. An exact date will be set after maintenance completes its process of taking bids. It is also to-be-determined whether the ram will be placed on a concrete slab or mounted on
SPIRIT, page 3
Jonathan Resendez | Rambler Staff More than 90 percent of soldiers in the Lord’s Resistance Army were abducted as children.
Invisible Children revealed at TWU Jonathan Resendez
jlresendez@mail.txwes.edu
A soldier fitfully sleeps with his weapon nearby. He is vigilant. He’s never sure when he will need to defend himself or be called upon to take up arms against the enemy – to once again experience the violent recoil of his gun, to once again haphazardly risk his life, his future, in a war that he did not cause. He is not a U.S. soldier. He is a soldier in the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda, and he’s 8 years old.
In the United Sates, a typical 8-year-old is finishing up the second grade – learning multiplication tables and words for the weekly spelling test. In Texas, he by law must sit in a booster seat while riding in a car. He might go to a Cub Scout meeting or soccer practice after school, not target practice with a gun designed for men more than twice his size. Instead of a teddy bear or a security blanket, he’s forced to snuggle with a fully automatic rifle. According to the Invis-
ible Children documentary, 2 million people have died and 5 million people have fled Uganda in the 20-year war between northern and southern Uganda. Children are frequent victims in this war. Rebecca Moore, sophomore English major, first learned of the plight of the children of Uganda three years ago when she watched Invisible Children, a documentary filmed in 2003 by three southern California men in their 20s who exposed the horrors of
FILM, page 3
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Opinion
October 7, 2009
The Rambler | www.rambler.org
TABC is out of control, dangerous Laurence J.S.
ljsheehan@mail.txwes.edu
To say the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission is out of control would be an understatement. Outside of its normal harassment of college students, bar patrons and anyone that hangs out at the Rainbow Lounge, well now add murder to their wrap sheet. On Sept. 4, a 25-year-old male named Steven Lunt died in the hospital from a gun shot wound from the previous month. Prior to this, on June 28, TABC raided The Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth. Officers restrained Chad Gibson, and while in the officers’ custody, Gibson suffered a head injury. I’m not here to argue what transpired those nights, or
the nights I personally had my “differences” with TABC agents. I’m here to say this unregulated agency has proven time and time again that its irresponsibility is detrimental to our society. Lunt took two bullets to the head while allegedly trying to run over TABC officers. When did these guys start carrying guns? Tazers, I understand, but guns have one purpose -- to kill. “He has two bullets lodged in his head,” Lunt’s sister Stephanie told KXAN.com. It all started when Austin police attempted to stop a speeding vehicle on Sixth Street. According to KXAN. com, they did not pursue but put out a description of the
vehicle. After 2 a.m. TABC officers located the vehicle and attempted to pull the vehicle over. After refusing to stop, one of the patrol cars in pursuit crashed into Lunts. This apparently didn’t stop Lunt as TABC proceeded to then step out of their vehicles and open fire on Lunt’s white pickup. “I heard 11 shots,” said resident Joaquin Rodriquez. Eleven shots? Are you serious? I can justify four, one for each tire. Shoot out a guy’s tires and then just follow him. I’m not a car expert, but I’m pretty sure you cannot drive on rims and flats for very long. There were reports of three
TABC officers and two Austin police officers at the scene. If my math is right, that’s five on one. So 11 bullets, two of which end up in Lunt’s head. This plays more like an assassination than a self defense measure. I think the Crips use fewer bullets on drive-bys. This matter is pending investigation per Austin police, Texas Rangers and TABC’s own internal affairs department. In June, the TABC’s unjustified raid of Rainbow Lounge resulted in Gibson’s head injury. Reports vary as to exactly when Gibson was injured. One states it was inside the lounge, and TABC officers threw Gibson to the ground
where he suffered his head injury. Another report says Gibson was taken outside where he fell over vomiting from too much alcohol at which point he hit his head. Either way he was still in the custody of TABC officers. It was their responsibility to ensure his safety. Gibson ended with a blood clot behind his right eye and was released from the hospital a week later. Investigations began immediately, and the results were that three TABC officers involved were all fired, according to the Dallas Observer. What will be TABC’s next offense? For years bar patrons have complained about abuse by TABC officers and
questioned the legitimacy of the agency. Personally, I’m comfortable with our local police departments enforcing the law. I am not comfortable with an unregulated agency flying off the handle or abusing its authority. TABC seems to have good intentions but uses poor judgment in its execution. What will it take for a complete reform or the obliteration of TABC – a gay man assassinated with 12 bullets fired at him? This reform is necessary before a major incident occurs and the public will no longer be responsible for its actions.
Patients hurt in healthcare crisis Tara Cates
tscates@mail.txwes.edu
First, and I want this to be understood, I love this country. Freedoms are afforded here to the average citizen that you would be hard-pressed to find on the same level in other countries. However, the same government that does such a great job at providing these freedoms also has the ability to commit the biggest screwups our planet has ever been forced to witness. Government involvement in healthcare is a nightmare waiting to explode. For nearly 10 years I worked as a doctor’s assistant and saw the health of countless patients erode due to changes in Medicare – the government sponsored insurance program. Patients became forced to undergo more complicated surgeries because the government didn’t want to pay for multiple simpler surgeries. They also didn’t want to pay for the longer hospital stays needed to afford adequate re-
cuperation. Patients were discharged to return home quicker without proper follow-up care or before they were ready. This resulted in unnecessary trips to the emergency room. Tests were skipped and neededmedication not given because Medicare wasn’t going to cover it and the patient couldn’t afford to pay out of pocket. Yes, it’s important to keep costs down. Unnecessary tests and treatments just to pad a bill should be avoided. I fully support an overhaul of our healthcare system. However, considering our government’s previous track record in healthcare involvement, I believe we need to slow down on this race to hurry and pass the latest healthcare bill and fully consider the ramifications while looking for better alternatives. I would love to believe the Obama Administration is different than past ones, both
Democrat and Republican, and that he could actually find a way to oversee and provide healthcare without chaos exploding outwards into our society. With the information that’s been presented so far, that does not seem likely. If anyone else who has seen firsthand what government involvement in healthcare can convince me otherwise, I would love to hear their opinions. I’m open to points that make sense, are not based on blind faith and are not prejudiced by political bias. We need to put the politics behind us and realize these are real people with very real lives at stake. I won’t agree to something that seems ideal only to end up watching another patient die, become injured or fall seriously ill because their insurance wanted to save money over saving someone’s life.
College students, grow up. Get out of Never Never Land
Editorial Board
Daily Toreador/Uwire
Peter Pan was my childhood hero. He had every quality a kid could want. He could fly, hang out with fairies and fight pirates in Never Never Land. Besides wearing the tights, I could really see myself doing all of those things and tried to emulate him in many ways. We must beware of Peter Pan Syndrome. This is a disease which causes us to believe we can remain in childhood forever, like Peter Pan. It preys
upon college kids who believe their lives parallel the life of this hero of children’s literature. Those afflicted with this syndrome believe Never Never Land exists, and it is called college. Peter Pan Syndrome is the pandemic of our generation. Manifestations of Peter Pan Syndrome include a refusal to grow up. It is fear of the next stage in life. This is an understandable fear, especially
when those who are afflicted with this syndrome are children. However, most of those attending classes at Texas Tech do not fit this category, yet still fill the criteria for Peter Pan Syndrome. Symptoms include a refusal to go on dates, spending hours upon end playing video games and eating pizza every meal of the day. In short, it is a refusal to take responsibility for life. Undiagnosed and untreat-
The Rambler Founded in 1917 as The Handout Publisher: Harold G. Jeffcoat
Jonathan Resendez, news editor Laurence Sheehan, opinion editor Conner Howell, college life editor Joakim Söderbaum, sports editor Chuck Fain, entertainment editor Laura Rosser, photo editor Rachel Horton, multimedia editor LaShawnda Mayhorn, social media director Daniel Bravo, advertising manager Kelli Lamers, faculty adviser Dr. Kay Colley, faculty liaison
Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, Associated Collegiate Press, Student Press Law Center, College Media Advisers and College Newspaper Business and Advertising Managers. Opinions expressed in The Rambler are those of the individual authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas Wesleyan community as a whole.
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Please send all news briefs to twurambler@ yahoo.com. Submissions due by noon Friday to see brief in the following week’s issue.
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ed, Peter Pan Syndrome will result in years wasted in the pursuit of things which do not matter. There is a cure, but it requires more than just a pill or a workout regimen. First, we have to recognize the problem, and then we have to make that next step. However, we must make that next step. Life occurs in phases, and we do not need to fear the next phase in life. Perhaps it is time to devote yourself more to
your schooling, get married to your long-time boyfriend or girlfriend, or get a job. Responsibility is a good thing. It makes us more capable individuals, and we find that happiness comes from successfully providing for those dependent on us. The message is simple. We need to grow up. Things which are most important in life should not suffer from things which are not. So my advice is simple: Re-prioritize.
To those of you who spend the bulk of your time pursuing your own happiness, look to others. You will find deeper fulfillment in relationships with others, in personal development (which is distinct from the pursuit of fun) and in devoting yourself to your studies (which is one of the purposes of your time in college). To those who always “too busy” for these things, I advise you to simplify your life.
What is your favorite cereal to snack on?
Sandra Climer, senior education
“Fruity Pebbles.”
Natesha Wright, freshman psychology
“Fruit Loops.”
Deniks Swoopes, sophomore biology
“We are not afraid to follow the truth ... wherever it may lead.” — Thomas Jefferson
Address all correspondence to: Texas Wesleyan University
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Kody Thiebaud, junior exercise science
“Fruity Pebbles.”
Landry Philot, junior finance
“Fruity Pebbles.”
“Trix.”
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
Campus
October 7, 2009
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Wesleyan’s ROTC wants to grow Daniel McGrary
dcmcgrary@mail.txwes.edu
While looking back on four years of steady growth, Texas Wesleyan’s Reserve Officer Training Corps program hopes to gain a larger presence on campus. The program, which has more than doubled its number of cadets in the past year, still seeks to add to its visibility as a great career opportunity as well as a source of scholarship money for students, according to Lt. Col. Rodney Joye. Joye, ROTC commander and professor of military science, sees a need to get the
program’s message out to larger numbers of students. “We have started sending information to students by e-mail and snail mail about what all we have to offer,” Joye said, “but so much more can be done. Most Wesleyan students still do not know that we are here.” Boasting 18 cadets, the program now has a permanent office in O.C. Hall. Joye said this is a major improvement, but they still have a ways to go. “While ROTC at Wesleyan has grown in the last two years, we still are not a large enough program to be able to
“Most Wesleyan students still do not know that we are here.”
Lt. Col. Rodney Joye
ROTC Commander
conduct all aspects of cadet training on this campus,” he said. For the time being, that means that cadets at Wesleyan still commute to Texas Christian University about once a week for part of their training. With a small program, Texas Wesleyan is still serving as a feeder school to TCU’s much
older, larger ROTC unit. “That arrangement is not at all popular with our cadets,” Joye said. “They highly dislike having to make that 10 minute drive to the TCU campus once a week and complain about the logistical problems that the commute entails, such as the difficulty of finding a parking space at TCU.”
Exactly how much longer Wesleyan cadets will have to continue the arrangement with TCU depends largely on numbers. “We are hoping that if we can grow in size to about 4045 cadets on the Texas Wesleyan campus, the Army will give us enough staff so that we can conduct all cadet training here,” Joye said. “And how much and how fast we can grow, in turn, depends on our being able to reach students with our message.” He said if that message is heard, students will come. “When students actually get to hear how much we have to
offer in terms of scholarships, extra money and great careerbuilding experience, they become very receptive to the idea of joining ROTC.” Dr. Kathy Prater, Wesleyan’s director of student advising, said she believes that is already happening. “We always have someone from ROTC there at new student advisement sessions, so they can talk to new students about the benefits and opportunities that ROTC offers,” she said. “In addition, sometimes students who sign up for a military history class become interested in ROTC simply by taking that class.”
In Brief...
and Dr. George Leone (’49 HON ’90) receiving the Alumni of the Year Award.
Admin offices open Offices on the first floor of the Oneal-Sells Administration Building are now open. After displacement from flooding, human resources, communications, purchasing, institutional research and graduate financial aid are all back in their offices and open to serve.
Jonathan Resendez | Rambler Staff Otis McKinney, maintenance worker, and Heath Scott, SGA president, peel away the ram statue’s box.
SPIRIT
continued from page 1
top of a boulder. The increase in school spirit, along with the ram, would rekindle memories of an earlier Texas Wesleyan Universi-
location of the maintenance building. During home games the ram would be walked onto the court. Willie, as the ram was
known, died in the ‘80s and was not replaced, Scott said. “I wanted to see if we could handle a bronze ram before we get a live ram,” he said.
Blood drive
The Carter Blood Drive Mobile Unit will be on campus from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 26 in the the parking lot between the Sid Richardson Building and the School of Business. For donor guidelines, visit www.carterbloodcare.org.
continued from page 1
the day-to-day life in Uganda. “I got involved because I watched the video a few years ago when I went to Warped Tour,” Moore said. “When I watched it, I was like ‘I want to do something about this.’” Last year, Moore attempted to raise awareness through a concert, but it fell through. “The event basically fell apart, and Invisible Children wanted to do it for free,” she said. The Invisible Children organization will return to Tex-
as Wesleyan on Oct. 7. Taylor Murdoch, Texas representative with Invisible Children, said that the goal of showing the video on college campuses is not only to educate and inform, but to let students know how they can act and what they can do to stop the conflict. “We show the video and discuss afterwards what we can do to bring an end to the LRA and help rebuild LRAaffected areas,” he said. Murdoch said Invisible
Children’s main goal this fall is to collect enough signatures to present a citizen’s arrest warrant of Joseph Kony, leader of the LRA, to President Obama. With more than 100 sponsors in the Senate in favor of removing Kony from power, the goal is reachable, Murdoch said. Invisible Children will screen their new movie at 7 p.m. Oct. 7 in Bragan Fellowship Hall of Poly UMC. The event is free, and dinner will be provided.
SPIRIT
continued from page 1 academic career with Auburn University in Montgomery, Ala. “I began as an assistant professor of French at Auburn and also did a lot of advising,” he said. Daniell served as director of Auburn’s tutorial language program and coached the College Bowl team, a trivia group. He then headed the department of international studies and took over as interim dean of the school of liberal arts in 2007. Daniell said he was attracted to Wesleyan in part for the same reason he liked Alabama--the atmosphere. “I came to Wesleyan because it had a good atmosphere with lots of interaction with students and the faculty,” Renee Greer | Rambler Staff Daniell said. “There are a lot Dr. Steven Daniell was a student and teacher in Paris before of returning and commuting traveling back to the States and starting his academic career. students, a similar profile to where I came from.” Daniell said he is excited about his role at Wesleyan and, in his position of dean, wants to create a sense of unit cohesion. “What I need to do is figure out what [faculty and upper classmen] want the school to be and then help them create it,” he said.
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Polytechnic YWCA Child Development Center 3401 Avenue I Fort Worth, Texas 76105 817-536-1731 polytechniccdc@ywcafortworth.org TWU East Rosedale St.
Avenue I
Bishop St.
FILM
ty. For decades, Wesleyan had a live ram. A certain student organization was responsible for taking care of the ram, whose pen was by the current
Medal Dinner The alumni association will honor its 2009 award recipients at the Medal Dinner Oct. 16. This year’s recipients include the following: Jason Neal (’01, MBA ’04) receiving the Young Alumni Achievement Award; Beverly Volkman Powell (’92, MBA ’99) receiving the Wesleyan Service Award; Frank Turrella named Honorary Alumnus; Cindy Potter (’71) receiving the Wesleyan Flame Award; Dr. James Wiggins (’57) receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award;
International Week International programs will host its annual International Week Oct. 19-23. The event will showcase cultures from all nations represented at Wesleyan and include free native food and information on study abroad programs. Faculty and students are encouraged to wear their native dress, but members of the Wesleyan community are invited to participate. For more information, contact Marie Boisvert at mboisvert@txwes.edu or 817-531-5868.
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College Life
October 7, 2009
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
Smoking Ban Proposed Students, faculty discuss petition on different levels
Conner Howell
mhowell@mail.txwes.edu
With the recent debate popping up at the University of Texas in Arlington, Texas Wesleyan may soon find itself deciding whether or not it will become a smoke-free campus. This fall Kasey Cantrell, a junior finance major at Wesleyan and member of SGA is petitioning to make Wesleyan a smoke-free campus. Cantrell said he came up with the idea this past summer when he attended classes at Tarrant County College Northwest campus after the school banned smoking. “I noticed they had a smoke-free campus and how much I liked walking to class without walking through any smoke,” Cantrell said. Now he wants to see the same happen for Wesleyan. Wesleyan’s official policy on smoking follows the city of Fort Worth’s ordinance stating that a person cannot smoke within 20 feet of a building’s entrance or exit. Cantrell said the petition must have the signatures of 10 percent of the student body, roughly 350 signatures, for it to be reviewed by a SGA committee. He currently has more than 200 signatures for the petition, 50 of which are faculty and staff signatures. Cantrell said he not only sees the petition as a chance to improve the environment of the campus, but as an opportunity to put an end to a privilege that is being abused.
Conner Howell | Rambler Staff Once the petition has the required signatures, it will be debated through legislative processes by the members of Student Government. If the resolution passes it will be signed by the president of SGA and sent on to Wesleyan’s administrative authorities.
“If you’re given a privilege and you don’t live up to your obligations, then you should lose that privilege,” Cantrell said. “That’s how I was raised and what I believe.” He said many people do not follow the city ordinance or smoke within the designated areas on campus. Sophomore exercise science major and goalkeeper for the
women’s soccer team, Kayla Walton, agrees with Cantrell’s stance on the issue and is one student who has signed the petition. But Walton has her own personal reasons for signing. Walton said that having grown up in a smoking environment and around second hand smoke, she had become a strong believer in nonsmok-
ing. But her issue with smoking on campus also stems from her own experiences at Wesleyan. “I was waiting outside the psychology building by the stairs, and people were smoking right by the entrance,” Walton said. Currently recovering from a torn anterior cruciate liga-
ment, Walton has spent the last month on crutches and depends on campus security to help her move across campus. “I felt stuck, unable to walk away, because I was waiting to get picked up and my lack of mobility,” she said. Walton said that since the rule wasn’t being followed, it becomes an issue of showing
respect to other people. But some students don’t agree with a smoking ban. “I don’t understand banning smoking from the whole campus, that’s just taking it too far,” said freshman nonsmoker Eric Villanueba. He said was skeptical about what the petition could accomplish and how it would be enforced, but recognizes Cantrell’s efforts. “Of course [Cantrell] has his own right, and he has a right to petition for a ban,” Villanueba said, “but 10 percent is too small a percentage.” He said the petition should require more signatures. The issue not only affects Wesleyan students, but the faculty and staff as well. “What about the faculty and staff who smoke and are here eight hours a day,” said Dr. Linda Carroll, associate professor of English. “What about their rights in that regard.” Being allergic to tobacco, Carroll said she would personally prefer the campus to be smoke-free, but not at the expense of others’ rights. “I don’t think 10 percent should have the authority to tell 90 percent of the people what they can do,” Carroll said. Carroll said that her concern lies with the 10 percent rule, not the petition itself. “I think it’s an admirable thing [Cantrell] is doing,” Carroll said, “but it needs to be a school-wide vote. I want everyone to have a voice in it.”
M&Ms meet for lunch
is looking for YOU! Now seeking applicants for Spring 2010 Editor in Chief
Jessica Ross and Leseana Harlin show how much they love being mentees and roommates.
Please check out the Rambler online at www.therambler.org for application and job description
Applications are due to Dr. Kay L. Colley at kcolley@txwes.edu by October 30
The Rambler
The Voice of Texas Wesleyan University Students Since 1917
Martina Padezanin checks in with the sign-in desk as a new mentee.
Mentors and mentees mix and mingle over the Tex-Mex buffet.
Blair Ensign shows mentor Kris Gilbert his new mentees for the semester. Photos by Conner Howell | Rambler Staff
5 Arts & Entertainment Haunted houses horrify DFW
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
October 7, 2009
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Chuck Fain
cmfain@mail.txwes.edu
“What was that?” You whisper to your friend stumbling your way through the dark corridor. No answer. You turn to look, to ask the question again, but instead of your friend, you find a chainsaw wielding maniac. You scream and yell, running for dear life, only to find yourself trapped in a dark room with a bloodthirsty monster. “It’s not real,” you tell yourself with your eyes clamped shut. You’re right, it’s not real – but it’s a damn close facsimile. Haunted houses have sprung up throughout the Metroplex. Halloween is here and, for those of us with a fondness for all things morbid and macabre, visiting a spook house or two (or seven) is a must on this haunted holiday. So slap on some face paint, slip in those plastic fangs and zip up that banana suit we’re going haunted house hunting. Reindeer Manor/13th Street Morgue Shrouded by the dark overhang of the surrounding woods, 13th Street Morgue, Dungeon of Doom and Reindeer Manor provide an ultra realistic, terrifying experience perpetuated by its people through painstaking attention to detail and a genuine love of horror. Actors play out scenes as you travel through the Manor, providing a chilling tale along with the frightening visuals. Watch out, as you could become part of the show at any time. The Morgue is another crowd favorite, taking a good 20 to 30 minutes to complete. It is equipped with a meat locker, a graveyard and enough scare to raise your hair. The Dungeon of Doom is a maze-like attraction in which patrons travel through various haunted scenes. Rooms include scenes from Evil Dead, Resident Evil and Psycho. The haunts are open every Friday and Saturday in October from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Call 972-218-RATS or visit www.13thstreetmorgue or www.reindeermanor.com for more information. Hangman’s House of Horrors Hangman’s is a huge attraction worth checking out for the spectacle alone. This year’s haunt features the “Hangman’s House of Horrors Tour,” a real bang for your buck as the tour lasts more than half an hour, leaving your throat hoarse and your pants a little wet. All net profits go to The Cancer Society, A Wish with Wings, Safe Haven and Rocky Top charities. Ticket prices vary, and packages are available for multiple attractions. Hangman’s is open every Friday and Saturday in October from 7 p.m. to midnight. For more information, call 817336-HANG or visit www.hangmans.com. The Cutting Edge This monster of a haunted house is located at 1701 E. Lancaster Ave. Cutting Edge makes its home in an abandoned meat packing plant, affording the attraction lots of space to haunt with spine-tingling terror, and, according to its Web site, the “world’s largest haunted house.” This year, Cutting Edge has all new themes as well as a life-sized animatronic giant alligators
Photo courtesy of The Cutting Edge Cutting Edge strives to satisfy your horror craving.
and “a facility naturally infested with spiders and snakes.” A portion of the proceeds are donated to Fort Worth Marshals and Fort Worth Fire Safety House. The haunt is open every weekend in October from 7 p.m. to midnight Fridays, Saturdays and Halloween; otherwise, doors close at 10 p.m. For more informatino, go to www.cuttingedgehauntedhouse.com or call 817-348-8444. Screams Screams bills itself as a “Halloween Theme Park,” a Disney World for Halloween, the Hauntedest Place on Earth, if you will. Screams is huge and has lots to do and see. Five haunted houses are included in the price of admission: The Castle of Darkness, 3D Pirates of Peril Point, The Arcane Asylum and The Death Trap Maze. Screams is open from 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every weekend in October. Visit www.screamspark.com or call 972-983-3247 for more details. These are only a few of the haunted houses around the Metroplex. Dfwhauntedhouses.com or hauntedhouses.net can direct you to more horror attractions in the area. I’ve presented these haunts in the article because they are the best DFW has
Must-see movies that you may have missed Suhasini Yeeda
syeeda@mail.txwes.edu
A movie, just like any other art form, should always provoke thought. Whether that thought is joyful, depressing, disgusting or shocking doesn’t matter. The most important thing is that it makes you truly think about and connect with the characters. Recently, I’ve been fortunate enough to come across such movies and have compiled a list for your review. Don’t miss out on these cinematic gems that will make the movie-watching experience worth your time and Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures money. Eli Roth and Brad Pitt go Nazi hunting in Tarantino’s new film. In Sam Mendes recent film Away We Go, Burt girl who witnesses the death somehow you can’t help but (John Krasinski) and Verona of her entire family in Nazi fall in love with the characters (Maya Rudolph) play the mod- occupied France. After suffer- themselves. ern-day couple. Their relation- ing this tragedy, she somehow Summer Finn (Zooey Deship takes a sharp turn when escapes and finds herself plot- schanel) plays a girl who has they find out that Verona is ting revenge against the Nazis never believed in relationpregnant. several years later. ships and has never been in They tour the country in A young German war love. Tom Hansen (Joseph hopes of finding the perfect hero, Fredrick Zoller (Daniel Gordon-Levvitt), on the other place to raise a family. Along Brühl) takes interest in her hand, will not be truly happy the way, there are several en- and plans a propaganda mov- until he finally falls in love. counters with old friends and ie screening at the theater she When these two characters family members who are noth- now owns. But to his surprise, collide at their work, Haning short of eccentric. Amidst Dreyfus is not the only one sen is immediately infatueveryone else’s advice they re- out to for revenge. ated with Finn. He thinks that alize for themselves that they A group of Jewish-Ameri- he has found the person he must “be good for this one can guerilla soldiers also plans wants to spend his life with, baby” and that they “don’t have to make this propaganda but Summer does not feel the control over much else.” movie really worth attending. same way. Though Hansen Krasinski and Rudolph’s I thoroughly enjoyed the di- finds her perspective trying at surprisingly great chemistry alogue and think it was one of times, he is completely blindmade for one of the best ro- the best-written screenplays ed by love to the point where mantic comedies I’ve seen in of the summer. he begins to dismiss her faults quite a while. Director Marc Webb’s 500 completely. Now, I’m not one for gore, Days of Summer is one of the Later, we are let into the but Quentin Tarantino really best non-love stories I’ve ever heart of the characters, able outdoes himself in Inglorious seen. In the beginning of the to finally see what the narraBasterds. film, the narrator makes it tor meant by, “This is not a Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie very clear to the viewer that love story. This is a story about Laurent) plays a young Jewish this is not a love story, but love.”
to offer fright fans. Gather up you courage and a change of clean underwear, the haunts hungrily await.
Photo courtesy of 13th St. Morgue Dinner is a real scream at the Morgue.
$$Rams Stimulus $$ Package • Monday: Chick Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy • Tuesday: Two Enchiladas, Refried Beans & Rice • Wednesday: Hamburger, Fries & Small Drink • Thursday: Loaded Baked Potato • Friday: Grilled Chicken Club • Saturday Grilled Ham & Cheese, Small Salad
Only $3.99! Only @ the Sub: Located in the Brown-Lupton Student Center Hours of Operation Monday- Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday: closed
Sports Former Ram sets family first
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The Rambler | www.therambler.org
October 7, 2009
Renee Greer
crgreer@mail.txwes.edu
Jason Reid, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, happened to be at the right place at the right time in 2003. While dropping a friend off at Northwood University for soccer tryouts, he pulled out his tennis shoes and joined. Reid was spotted by the coach, Steve Jones, who immediately offered him a full ride at Northwood. Jones later accepted a coaching position at Texas Wesleyan University, and Reid followed. “Reid definitely brought a competitive spirit to the team,” Assistant Coach Gaspar Martinez said. “He knew what he wanted and went after it.” Reid said he never really thought about going to college. “I am the eighth of 10 children,” he said. “I was making good money with my older brother who was a very successful club promoter.” After he was recruited by Jones, Reid explained to his brother that he was going to college to play soccer and could therefore no longer work with him. “My brother was not happy
about me going to college,” confidence is what gets you ing her sit all day washing our Reid said. “He said college the win.” clothes by hand.” was a waste of time and that Reid credits his strength Reid said his grandmother I was never going to make it.” and dedication to win from would try to stand on her achWith a newfound desire to his childhood role model— ing knees after sitting so long learn and play soccer, Reid his grandmother. in one spot washing clothes. decided he wanted to prove “My grandmother took care “She never complained his brother wrong. of 10 children on her own,” about the pain,” he said. “She “I was excited about playing he said. “I remember watch- was dedicated to us. Friends soccer,” he said. “But what I really wanted to do was to fulfill the desires of my heart. I wanted to start my own clothing line.” Reid knew it would take determination and discipline to succeed. While attending Texas Wesleyan University, he also took Internet classes from Art Instruction School in Minneapolis. “I was playing soccer, doing my homework for both schools, sketching designs and writing a book during my time at Texas Wesleyan,” he said. His plan was to write an instructional book about soccer as a way to earn money to help him with his clothing line. Reid said that while he learned a lot from his soccer coaches, he believes he has even more he can share with his fellow soccer players. “Confidence is the key when playing soccer,” he said. “Having the ability to play is Reene Greer | Rambler Staff just part of the game. Having Jason Reid credits his grandmother as his role model.
7-7 Flag Football Standings Name Pickles
Wins 4
Loses TP Scored TP Against 0 153 18
Byes 0
BOHICA
3
1
35
21
0
TapOut
2
2
67
97
0
1 L's
2
2
68
103
0
Twisters
1
3
7
47
0
Pink Dragons
0
4
21
48
0
and some of my teachers thought I was doing an amazing job juggling my every day. But what I was doing paled in comparison to the work of my grandmother.” Reid not only carried his grandmother in his heart. In a sense she was there for every game he played. “During my games at Texas Wesleyan, I would tape my wrists and write Mavis on the tape,” he said. “Mavis was my grandmother’s name, and I wore that name proudly.” Reid was named the most valuable player at the conference tournament in 2005, when Texas Wesleyan won its first conference title. Josh Gibbs, the current men’s soccer coach, coached Reid during his senior year, 2006. “He is the type of player who can change the game at an instance,” Gibbs said. “He is a very dynamic player.” As his career as a college player neared the end, Reid’s coaches attempted to push him into pursuing professional soccer, and Reid was forced to make a decision that could ultimately affect his life forever. “I knew I could play professional soccer if I really had the desire to,” he said. “But I
decided to take the road that would lead me to fulfilling my dreams.” Reid said that playing professional soccer would be something he would do only for himself; however, he was concerned for his nieces and nephews. “I have many relatives who need my help,” he said. “Playing soccer would be just for me, but when I reach my goal of starting my clothing line, I will be able to take care of my family in Jamaica. I love them very much.” While Jason Reid continues his path to success, he still does not regret the decision he made in 2005. He continues to recall the life of his grandmother as fuel to keep him moving. Current senior defender Ekene Onuoha played with Reid for three years at Wesleyan and said that Reid is the kind of person who would go out of his way for his teammates. “He always showed up to play and always left it all on the field,” Onuoha said. Reid appreciates that he was in the right place at the right time in 2003 and is determined to keep working hard toward his dream: providing a good life for his family.
Rambler’s Guide to the Game: Explaining the basics of soccer Jacqueline Wittman
jrwittman@mail.txwes.edu
Have you ever wondered what’s going on in the game or why that crazy fan is yelling at the referee? Worry no more. We have the insider’s guide to soccer in order for you to learn the rules and lingo of the game. Now you will sound like a pro when you cheer and yell at the soccer game. Get out there, join in the fun, and cheer on your Rams! For the complete guide, visit www.therambler.org/ sports.
The Regulations • Two 45-minute halves separated by a 15 min. break (halftime). • Time doesn’t stop for substitution. • First kickoff and defending side is determined by a coin flip. • 10 field players and one goalkeeper on each team. • One center referee and two assistant referees. • A team must consist of no less than seven players to begin and complete the match. • Two yellow cards in one game are equal to a red card. • A player who is issued a red card may not return to play in the same game; the team must play a man down.
The Weekly Sports Quote “One of the reasons [Arnold Palmer] is playing so well is that, before each tee-shot, his wife takes out his balls and kisses them Oh my God, what have I just said?” USTV Commentator
Fantasy Football Pig Skin Pick'Em Leaderboard Name Pts. June Johnson 36 Michael Greer 36 Rachel Loftin 35 Jeremy Newton 34 Jason Simpson 34 Phillip Blockinger 33 Oscar Lazarki 33 Ryan Amador 32 Cara Lumpkin 32 Keith Wright 32 Fabiola Duron 32 Sandy Gonzalez 31 Barbara Kirby 31 Michael Chaney 31
Soccer Lingo “Offside” When a player is nearer to her opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the secondto-last opponent at the time the ball is played by a team mate. “Advantage” The referee is to refrain from stopping play for a foul if a stoppage would benefit the team that committed the violation. “Nutmeg” When the ball is intentionally kicked between a player’s legs.
Wesleyan Week-in-Sports • The Lady Rams Soccer team (8-3, 2-0 RRAC) opened conference play with two wins on the road. They beat Bacone College 3-0 on Oct. 1 before defeating Texas College 7-1 Oct. 3. • The Rams Soccer team (8-3, 1-1 RRAC)beat Bacone 1-0 in a close conference opener in Muskogee on Oct. 1. The Rams lost their second conference game to Texas College 2-0 in Tyler Oct. 3. • Lady Rams Volleyball team (9-11, 3-2 RRAC) suffered a 3-0 (25-20, 25-18, 25-23) loss at Southwestern Assemblies of God University Oct. 1. Two days later the Lady Rams bounced back to take a conference win against Bacone College 3-1 (23-25, 25-20, 25-13, 25-22) and a non-conference win over University of St. Thomas 3-2 (23-25, 25-18, 25-17, 21-25, 19-17). • The 4th-ranked Rams Golf team finished 11th at last week’s Bruce Williams Rattler Invitational in San Antonio.
Upcoming Sports
Thursday
Game Men’s Soccer vs. Our Lady of the Lake University Volleyball vs. Our Lady of the Lake University Women’s Soccer vs. Our Lady of the Lake University
Time/Place 5:30 p.m. Martin Field 6 p.m. San Antonio 7:30 p.m. Martin Field
Friday
Volleyball vs. UT-Brownsville U.
4 p.m. Brownsville
Saturday
Volleyball vs. Huston-Tillotson Men’s Soccer vs. UT-Brownsville U. Women’s Soccer vs. UT-Brownsville
1 p.m. Austin 5:30 p.m. Martin Field 7:30 p.m. Martin Field