The Rambler, Vol. 101, No. 5 by The Rambler

The Rambler

The students’ voice since 1917

October 8, 2008

Fort Worth, Texas

Vol. 101, No. 6

NEWS BRIEFS

Spring break synonymous with service

2008 Alumni Medal Winners

Students, led by a skilled construction leader, will build a home for an Anarapa family. No experience is required. Members of the local church and EDITOR IN CHIEF the community will work side by side the Wesleyan team to achieve the goal. Special outreach will be extended to the local children as well. The Spring break may seem a lifetime away right now, but the opportunity for a life-changing experience may be closer than you think. The chaplain’s Vacation Bible School is calling for students gifted in singing, music, pupoffice is hosting Wesleyan’s Spring Break Mission Trip 2009 to Anarapa pets and/or artistic crafts. Not your forte? No problem, Childs said. Many children simply crave attention and affection, and the Mexico and is accepting applications romping in game time will require supervision. this month. Trip cost is estimated between $1,700- $1,900. Students will spend March 14-21 This fee includes airfare, ground transportation, housbelow the border serving alongside ing, meals, logistics, spiritual and cultural training fellow students, encountering the materials trained team leader, supplemental health Anarapa culture and making a lasting insurance and a 24/7 on-call doctor. impact on many a person’s life, said Childs asks that no student let cost stand in his or University Chaplain Dr. Gladys her way of participating, as, in her experience, every Childs. student who has desired to go has been able. Multiple “When you go to countries that fund raisers will assist you in covering trip expenses, are not as well off, it opens your eyes she said. to how much you really have,” said The mission center will board the Wesleyan team Andrea Waggoner, junior English for the duration of the trip, and meals will consist of major. “You may not think you are a Couresty of Gladys Childs authentic Mexican food prepared by the mission cenmaterialistic person, but when you see Students work on water pipes on the roof of the McCurdy ter or local ladies. how much you have in comparison to school during Wesleyan’s 2007 mission trip to New Mexico. “Students will have ample opportunity to interact the place you’re in, you realize you with the people from the area,” said Childs. really are materialistic. I sure did! It makes you grateful for what you have.” Faculty members are also invited. The Wesleyan Spring Break Mission Anapra lies on the outskirts of Juarez, Mexico, just across the border Trip is an annual expedition. Past trips include Costa Rica, New Mexico and from El Paso, Texas. According to www.missionontheborder.org, the living Austin. conditions of these people are extremely primitive. They have little running The application deadline is Oct. 27. For more information, contact water or electricity, and many of the homes are makeshift cardboard shacks. Gladys Childs at (817) 531-4461 or gchilds@txwes.edu. Most of the work that is available is for very low wages, which limits the

Honorary Alumnus - Roy C. Brooks Wesleyan Service Award - Rev. E. Frank Leach, BA ’53 Wesleyan Flame Award - Pati Alexander, BBA ’90, MSEd ’97 Young Alumni Achievement Award - Nika Maples, BS ’02 Distinguished Alumni Award - Tamlyn Wright, BA ’92 Alumni of the Year Award - Dan ’68 and Barbara BS ’68 Boulware Alumni of the Year Award - Larry BS ’63 and Carolyn Kitchens, BS ’63 Recipients will be recognized at the Alumni Medal Dinner, which will be held at the Fort Worth Club Oct. 24. Translevesleyan Halloween Party Party Halloween style in the Wesleyan SUB at 7 p.m. Oct. 30. Food, drinks, music and prizes will all be provided by Student Life.

Religious life extends a Wesleyan invite There are many opportunities to get involved in religious life on campus; multiple organizations are here to serve: Baptist Student Ministry - Meets Wednesdays @ noon in the Carter Conference Room - John Aaron and Emily Matthew, directors (817) 451-4110 Ext. 66 Methodist Student Movement - MeetsThursdays @ noon in Polytechnic UMC, 3rd floor multipurpose room - Dr. Gladys Childs (817) 531-4461 Omega Chi - Dr. Jesse Sowell (817) 531-4914 Fall Break Don’t forget that the university will be closed Friday, Oct. 10. The Rambler will not publish the week following but will return Oct. 22.

TIARA NUGENT

populace chances of advancing financially.

Web tools make technological advances SETH NELSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Technology. It’s become the knowledge and tool that we cannot go about our everyday lives without. It helps us produce a quality research paper, lets us get in touch with friends and even provides us with games, movies and music. Technology at Wesleyan has recently expanded to include things such as BlackBoard, and enhance already existing tools like RamLink and People Finder. “The IT department continues to make progress in becoming more efficient,” said Chadwick Ballenger, director of Wesleyan’s IT support services. This past year, IT revised RamLink and People Finder with the goal of improving convenience and security. RamLink (https://ramlink.txwes.edu) is the primary communication system used by

Wesleyan students and faculty for e-mail, class registration, class scheduling, electronic payments, degree auditing and checking grades. While much of the Web site may still look familiar to students, there is an additional feature intended to benefit those finishing up high school, community college or just wanting to transfer colleges. It is a section for undergraduate applicants under an orange tab. According to Marcus Kerr, chief information officer of Texas Wesleyan University, this new feature allows potential Wesleyan applicants to check the status of their admission paperwork by utilizing the same RamLink technology that the current Wesleyan community is familiar with. When admitted, one can select the major of his/her choosing, check financial aid status and search and register for classes.

Bon Voyage!

People Finder, found under the “About Us” section of the Wesleyan home page, was also changed for this semester. IT increased its security by restricting the usage to those with primary usernames and passwords. Once the name and password are entered, the search begins. For instance, if someone needs to find a professor’s e-mail address, the user types in the teacher’s first or last name, ad selects from a list of similar matches. This tool can also benefit students wanting to connect with classmates. The technology department was restructured

See IT, page 2

Texas Wesleyan Alumni Travel set to sail the Southern Caribbean in 2009

MARTIN GARCIA NEWS EDITOR

There are more benefits than just obtaining a diploma once you’ve walked that stage and graduated college. As alumni of Texas Wesleyan, further luxuries exist, such as the opportunity to travel around the world with your fellow peers and University President Dr. Hal Jeffcoat. While the rest of us get to catch rays in Texas—or wherever summer 2009 might find you—the Wesleyan alumni travel group will be enjoying the Caribbean sun on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas cruise ship. Alumni are invited annually on escapades like this one. “Dr. Jeffcoat usually makes the decision on where the group goes,” said Scott

Couresty of Google Images

Cannon, manager of events and sponsorships. Thirty to 40 participants are expected to embark aboard the

Adventure of the Seas next summer. Past groups have cruised the Mediterranean and

explored the Roman Empire, journeyed through the streets of Spain and taken a musical tour of Vienna and Prague.

Gina Phillips, director of development and alumni relations, remembers the trip to Spain and the lasting impression it left on her. “The beautiful buildings, the gypsy coves and the whole cultural experience made it a trip to remember,” Phillips said. The next voyage sets sail in June with an itinerary that begins in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Visitors will see places such as Barbados and the islands of St. John, St. Maarten and St. Croix. There are currently no specific plans for the overnight stay in Puerto Rico, but Cannon notes that “there will definitely be a planned event that will include everyone.” As far as plans for the beautiful beaches, warm water and fabulous weather that the Virgin Islands have

See Cruise, page 2

Opinions

Entertainment

The economy has everyone in a pinch. Think tanks offer private solutions to many economic uncertainties and unanswered questions. Page 3

Which haunted house(s) have got the crowds spooked out this Halloween season? Find out on Page 6.

News

October 8, 2008

The Rambler 2

The power of prayer compels: See You At the Pole tradition alive on campus SHAMEKA HYATT STAFF WRITER

Photo by Martin Garcia

Cruise, from page 1 to offer, Cannon said, group managers like to keep participating alumni’s choices open. “Instead of keeping to a firmly structured itinerary, the people are encouraged to enjoy their free time,” Cannon said, adding that there are plenty of shore excursions for friends and family to enjoy on the islands. Group participants will also enjoy oneof-a-kind features aboard their cruise ship. The Adventure of the Seas is a 138 ton barge that holds more than 3,000 passengers and offers the likes of an in-house ice-skating rink and rock-climbing wall. Having taken its maiden voyage in November 2001, the relatively new ship of Royal Caribbean’s Voyager-class fleet has much to offer alumni in their travels. Top of the line staterooms onboard the cruise ship start with a category E2, deluxe

ocean view cabin (with balcony) at a little over $1,400. A more basic category 1 ocean view room starts at $1,200. For alumni who would rather sleep in the interior and enjoy the oceanic view from the ship’s lido deck, category Q rooms start at $1,050. The last boat trip that set sail in May of this year left the group “slightly tanned and thoroughly thrilled,” as Jeffcoat had promised in his initial invite. “To be able to share and delight in new experiences is a precious commodity at Texas Wesleyan,” Phillips said. “It’s fun to travel with friends, alumni and other faculty and staff.” For more information, contact Scott Cannon at (817) 531-7540 or scannon@txwes.edu. The deadline for registration is March 15.

Prayer is powerful. That’s the view of students and faculty who take part in See You at the Pole, and its participants say they feel the effects weeks after the event. “This event not only helps people grow spiritually, but it lets you meet people with the same beliefs, allowing you to build a support group,” said junior Ashly Spencer, president of Baptist Student Ministry. Wesleyan Chaplain Dr. Gladys Childs recognizes See You at The Pole’s significance not only as a day to pray for all humankind but as a unifying force for the local Wesleyan community. “So many different faiths exist on campus,” said Child, who sponsors the gathering at Wesleyan. “This event allows all of different faiths to be united through prayer by coming together and doing away with their differences.” A break from the routine of daily life was taken by those who gathered on the mall Sept. 24th. Members of BSM, Methodist Student Movement and other faculty, staff and students were asked to pray for Wesleyan as well as those in need around the world. The event included a brief fellowship over lunch and a session of prayer among each table as participants gathered in closeknit circles, hand to hand. All were able to look at the bigger issues at hand going on around campus, nationwide and worldwide. One burning topic that students prayed about was that of Hurricane Ike and its resulting calamities. Some students who took part in the event said they not only felt lifted from the power of praying for all, but they also capitalized on the opportunity to network with others—both of similar and differing faith

Food Music Friends Fun All the Above Photos by Deanna Kelley-Hill

origins. Spencer said that while making new acquaintances, “all come together to pray to God, strengthening the state and nation.” See You at the Pole is recognized internationally. Students in more than 20 countries including Korea, Guam and Japan practice this tradition. An estimated 3 million students engage in this event annually in the United States. Although appearing to be initiated at the collegiate level, See You at the Pole ignited through the aspirations of a small group of teens in Burleson, Texas, in early 1990. According to www.syatp.com, the teens, concerned for the welfare of fellow friends, visited three high schools on a Saturday night and prayed for friends, teachers, families, dignitaries and others around the schools’ flagpoles. After its unintended creation, the gathering grew at exponential rates across national and international borders. In June 1990, 20,000 students met at Reunion Arena in Dallas for the event. Just a few months later in September, more than 45,000 adolescents met at their schools’ flagpoles at 7 a.m. throughout America. The flame further grew in size and intensity as See You at the Pole hit its “1 million participants” mark at 7 a.m. on Sept. 11, 1991 with students from Boston to Los Angeles praying for all. Some give credit to See You at the Pole for the wider availability of weekly prayer meetings and Bible clubs on campuses. At Wesleyan’s See You at the Pole event, students were informed of ministry-related events held on campus throughout the year. Chapel is held each Wednesday at Wesleyan in Polytechnic United Methodist Church. BSM meets at noon every Wednesday, and MSM meets during free period on Thursdays.

Student Government Association hosted its annual serving of students on the mall Oct. 2. Wesleyan enjoyed the likes of a little barbecue, iced tea and rock flavor, courtesy of All the Above. SGA meets every Tuesday during free period in the Carter Conference Room.

IT, from page 1 over the summer when Kerr was named chief information officer. The department is divided into four divisions: Network Operations, Administrative Systems, IT Support Services and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. The department continues to grow and change. According to Kerr, there is a network engineer position as well as a second programmer/database administrator slot that will be open next year. In addition, Kerr said, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning will also search for a course developer in 2010.

Local libraries change hours SMU will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Check us out. www.txwes.edu/rambler

Looking to study for midterms at a library other than Wesleyan’s West Library? The city of Fort Worth recently made adjustments to its schedule, cutting operating hours because of budget restraints. For hours and locations of all other Fort Worth libraries or for more information, visit www.fortworthgov.org/library. -Staff Report

Opinions

“I like the pictures that display the comely atmosphere of the campus.”

American Dilemma Economic, health care and security crises have nation in mêlée

he nation (and world’s) economy has been a concern since the last quarter of 2007, but now it’s at center stage for Americans. Banks are failing, the mortgage catastrophe doesn’t seem to be alleviating, and the federal government’s bailout plan did not go off without a hitch. So much for security, right? Many students stand right in the center of the current financial predicament: Will you have money to MARTIN fund your education? Is the post-graduate job market GARCIA going to be friendly to upcoming grads? Can you receive proper and affordable health care in your current situation? All of these questions appear to be rhetorical at times, but answers are available according to national—and international—think tanks. Policy institutes that engage in all facets of social policy are commonly called think tanks, and many are currently hard at work responding to the current situation and offering ideas of how to be socially and economically responsible. The Atlas Economic Research Foundation and the National Century for Policy Analysis recently teamed up to attack these issues in “Risk in a Free Society” conference. According to Atlas and the NCPA, the prominent issues posing threats to free societies and their economies throughout the world include health care and security. John Goodman, NCPA President, is a frequent contributor to health care policy, as he has enacted his own plan. He notes that “by consuming all income during working years, we oppose all externalities on others.” Retirement, disability and welfare benefits are all heavily reliant on the proceeds of the current market. If there’s a problem now, what will the prospects hold for future generations? The nation needs to begin funding for the future today, and each generation has to pay its own way. Instead of relying so much on external (and governmental) sources, the nation ought to rely on private solutions in order to obtain economic freedom. After all, fiscal autonomy should have the right to do what it wants with what each individual entity owns. Alex Chaufen, president and chief executive officer of Atlas, said that “all risks can be insured at a premium, but by passing that bill on to the government, the costs of risk go up, thus inhibiting growth.” Instead of learning from our own experiences, we’re relying on sources and solutions that affect life and property. Natural and manmade uncertainties are both at fault for this, but we can obviously only control the latter. These think tanks are put in place to help eliminate manmade uncertainties in an effort to alleviate the economy by getting government to pur-

sue policies. Mike Walker of the Fraser Institute (a Canadian think tank) claims that the “level of economic freedom is [always] lower than said to be.” However, even though American freedom seems to be threatened in this aspect, other countries face similar problems with more fears and reservations. Another player in the nation’s scuffle is national security—which has been increasingly gaining attention since the events of September 11, 2001. How is an open and free society like ours supposed to respond to the current problems without threatening liberties? The question that we all have to ask ourselves is how much are we willing to pay—monetarily as much as physically—to help? Is our ultimate freedom a commodity that can be traded for security? Of course, some intrusions and risks are inevitable, but there is a way to deal with them without jeopardizing freedom. If we rely on what got us here and what we stand for, together the cohesive force behind the people can overcome the deficiencies. Principles will always endure over politics, and it’s our own duty to juggle the challenges at hand, ensure our well-being and secure our freedom. Martin Garcia is a senior English major and is the news editor for The Rambler.

Editorial reprinted courtesy of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram ith young people registering to vote in record numbers this year, one would think that would be reason for celebration. Yet news out of Montgomery County, Va., home to Virginia Tech, indicates that local and state officials have tried to discourage the student vote by suggesting some severe consequences for many who registered there. After a massive registration drive by We the people... the Barack Obama campaign, The New York Times reported, local election officials incorrectly warned students that by registering to vote in the county they may lose scholarships, no longer be eligible to be claimed as dependents on their parents’ income tax, and could possibly lose car and health insurance under their parents’ coverage. The battle for the students’ voting residency has been around since ratification of the 26th Amendment in 1971, when the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18. In small communities, particularly those in which the student body of a university may out-

number the town’s population, some local authorities have feared that young college students would have an undue influence on elections and could actually change the face of local politics and, thus, their way of life. Waller County, home to Texas’ historically black Prairie View A&M University, for years fought against students being able to vote within its electoral boundaries. The district attorney actually threatened to prosecute students who registered. It was a case from Waller that led to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1979 declaring it legal for students to vote in the place where they attended college. Still, some states came up with drastic and sometimes vague election rules that allowed local and state officials to interpret the laws in a punitive way toward those attending college. For example, some suggested that if students registered to vote in their state or county, the students also should have to register their cars there and have driver’s licenses issued from that state. In Virginia, after questions from students, parents and representatives of civil rights organizations, the state Board of Elections this September announced that it was “modifying and

“Sports.”

DECIDE 2008

Taylor Spoons Freshman Undecided Major

October 8, 2008 3

Texas college students enjoy voting with ease

“Opinions is great.”

Sandi Nears Freshman Undecided Major

“What’s your favoirte section of The Rambler?”

Trista Rivera Sophomore Sociology Major

Brandon Copeland Sophomore Undecided Major

“The sports section.”

The Rambler

Rambler Ratings

The Rambler Founded in 1917 as The Handout Harold G. Jeffcoat, Publisher Kelli Lamers, adviser Tiara Nugent,editor-in-chief Ryan Authier, entertainment editor Gasten Schoonover, photo editor

clarifying” the registration guidelines, the Times said. For college students in Texas, there is no question that they have the right to register to vote in the county where they attend school The Secretary of State’s Web site proclaims: “You are presumed under Texas law to be in the best position to make a factual determination concerning where your residence is for registration purposes. However, you cannot register in more than one location; if you register at a voter registration drive in one county, but put another Texas county as your home on the application, your application will be forwarded to the Texas county of your residence description.” The site also instructs election officials who provide advice for students and other potential voters to inform them: “If they would like to register to vote at their college address, they may do so. . . . The general rule of thumb for election officials and those engaged in voter registration drives is that wherever the student claims residency, that is where they should be registered to vote.” That kind of clarity should be available to college students in every state. For more information on Texas student information, visit www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/ studentvoters.shtml.

Martin Garcia, news editor Bryce Wilks, sports editor Ashely Oldham, advertising manager Rachel Horton, Web editor

Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. Opinions expressed in The Rambler are those of the individual author only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas Wesleyan community as a whole. Letters to the editor: The Rambler, a weekly publication, welcomes all letters. All submissions must have a full printed name, phone number and signature; however, confidentiality will be granted if requested. While every consideration is made to publish letters, publication is limited by time and space. The editors reserve the right to edit all submissions for space, grammar, clarity and style. Letters to the editor may be subject to response from editors and students on the opinions page. "We are not afraid to follow the truth...wherever it may lead." -Thomas Jefferson Address all correspondence to: Texas Wesleyan University, The Rambler, 1201 Wesleyan St., Fort Worth, TX 76105. Newsroom: 531-7552 Advertising: 531-7582 Fax: 531-4878 E-mail: twurambler@yahoo.com

Thumbs up to the improvements at Beach and Vickery streets.

Thumbs down to students not cleaning up their trash in the SUB.

Thumbs down to the rusty attempts at modern art west of the library.

Thumbs up to SGA for feeding the students Oct. 2.

College Life

4 October 8, 2008

The Rambler

International Week 2008 Oct. 13-1 17 Monday, Oct. 13th

12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 14

11a.m. – 2 p.m.

Opening Ceremony West Library steps (if rain: Carter Conference Room) England & Ireland Study Abroad Programs West Library Orientation Room

Brazilian Barbecue Pool Party Brown Lupton Atrium/Pool

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Photos courtesy of Sairoz Charania

Sairoz Charania (left) with her sister at their home in India.

Skydiving ... into America

International student embraces adventure and opportuity

School of Business Reception & Discussion School of Business Lobby

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Cross Cultural Psychological Discussion Nenetta Burton Carter 115

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Fulbright Program: Teacher Education in India West Library Orientation Room Day of Dead/Halloween Open Mic in Spanish Bragan Fellowship Hall

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

square one at Wesleyan, although she feels like the difficulty level is equal. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sairoz is currently working toward earning a Many children dream at night of growing up and travel- bachelor of science in biology in preparation to fulWednesday, Oct. 15th fill her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. The ling the world. Sairoz Charania was no exception. Unlike 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Diamonds on the Soles of Their Shoes: graduate student life awaits, after which Sairoz says most wistful, however, Sairoz’s wish came true. Trekking in South Africa she will go back home unless her parents have made On Dec. 31, 2007, Sairoz bid her family a teary goodLibrary Orientation Room the decision to join her in America. bye in Mumbai, a town in Southwestern India. On the first 11:30 a.m - 12:15 p.m. Study Abroad Fair Schooling customs weren’t the only surprise day of a new year, the aspiring student stepped foot in the Brown Lupton Student Center Lobby waiting for the American novice. United States. 12:15 p.m. - 1:15p.m. International Athletes Invade Wesleyan “My first culture shock came when I heard a guy Indian colleges reserve seats for schedule castes, schedSports on the phone say ‘Thank God my girlfriend is not ule tribes and backward classes of people. Next priority is Brown Lupton Student Center Lobby then given to the children of government officials, and then pregnant.’ I started hearing about teen pregnancies 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. I Saw a Fish; You Saw an Aquarium Nenetta Burton Carter 115 there are a handful of seats available on merit. Only 10 per- and was shocked,” recalled Sairoz, shaking her head. 7 p.m. International Film: Fearless (Jet Li) “In India, that’s not at all possible unless a girl is cent of the seats are available on merit. The college has Science Lecture Theater raped.” nearly 30 percent of their seats reserved as “pay seats,” for The entire openness of boyfriend and girlwhich the college demands a huge amount of money. friend relationships gave her quite a shock, as did Although Sairoz had been an honor student throughout Thursday, Oct. 16 the amount of smokers. Though it’s a rare sight in school, her state exam scores were not high enough to Noon - 1 p.m. International Fair signature event India, guys and girls light up everywhere and all the claim a collegiate seat. Louella Baker Martin Pavilion time in the United States, she said. “This system made me very sad,” Sairoz said. “It Sights, sounds and tastes of Of course America’s diverse cuisine choices are forced me to think that if a student like me wants to be a international students’ cultures. 9:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. Scottish Putting Challenge quite unlike traditional Indian dishes a la mom. doctor and does not score high on the exam, she has to completely do something else and go against her dreams of Sairoz licked her lips describing the much-loved Brown Lupton Student Center Lobby gulab jamun, a small, round, sweet treat made out of becoming a doctor.” Weeklong Participation flour and dipped in a sugary syrup. Biriayai and a Rejection was not enough to deter Sairoz’s medical West Library: Displays/features of international stories and authors ambition. With her parents’ support and encouragement, she dish Americans would label barbecue chicken – Dora’s Cafeteria: International food each day called tandoori chicken in India began researching colleges on the international array. Free Range Faculty: Faculty who have traveled/lived abroad will briefly A few American food staples have aroused After passing the SAT and TOEFL with flying colors, share their travel treasures. Look for the “Free Range” button or nametag delighted sensations for Sairoz’s taste buds. Pizza, the hopeful student received two scholarship offers – one and just ask! nachos and salsa are a few new food favorites. from Texas Wesleyan and the other from the University of Restaurant-wise, Sairoz has developed a fondness Evansville in Indiana. Each school offered to cover about for Taco Bell and Chili’s, as well as an Irving eatery 50 percent of tuition and fees. Since Texas Wesleyan – Haveli’s – which cooks Indian fare that tastes comoffered the special 3+4 program, Sairoz felt that the southparable to the authentic. ern university would best fit her needs. Occasionally, when an intense craving for homeNo matter how strong the desire and excitement, the materialization of a great dream cannot often come without made victuals from home arises, Sairoz visits a local Indian market for food and attempts to create a couple easy cal fashion to that of the Bangalore Botanical Gardens. hesitations and call for courage. After travelling around in India – including visiting the appetizers in the dorm. “In Finding Nemo, Nemo’s father leaves him and he Taj Mahal, New Delhi and Bombay –, Sairoz is ready to see The street markets of India – especially Bombay – are has to go to school.,” recalled Sairoz. I saw this movie on more of the world. Beyond Texas’ rugged country, the fight [to America], and New York City, London and Sydney are calling. I could relate because it “Before my life ends I want to try sky diving was like my dad was leavand skiing,” declared Sairoz. “I love adventures and ing me in the wide ocean of trying new things.” the world.” One of the most exhilarating American adventures A younger sister and so far was getting behind the wheel and earning a two parents abiding in India U.S. driver’s license. Even though the door swings are sorely missed. Even open to the left and the driver manipulates the vehiwith bountiful phone calls cle from that same side (as opposed to those things and video chat via the being oriented to the right in India), Sairoz passed Internet, Sairoz admits that driver’s education on the first attempt. she still has a really hard The Indian student has already discovered and time to stay without them meshed into the American fast-paced life. because her family mem“The way of living different here,” explained bers are her best friends. Sairoz. “I always found time for myself and being Her hopes are to return to with friends, but here I don’t really find time for India to spend Christmas myself.” 2009 with her family. The Tomb of Salim Chisti in Fatehpur Sikri is just one of the beautiful sights Sairoz has visited in India. Daily life in India was no lazy cop-out. Sairoz While her biological would get on the train at 6:35 a.m. to go to tutoring family resides across the classes, which lasted until 11:30 a.m.. College courses not to be duplicated. seas and continents, the international students of Wesleyan began at 12:30 p.m., and, when Sairoz arrived back home “Shopping in India is awesome! You’ll go crazy,” have become Sairoz’s family away from home. It is not so from those at 7:30 in the evening, it was time for church. assured Sairoz. “If you have a month to just shop in India, much that she spends great quantities of time with them, Fellowship with friends after church was followed by an you’ll think it short!” but the knowledge that each of them understand the fusion evening meal, homework and bed. Dancing and watching every comedy that came out in of emotions and sacrifices that come with earning a degree At Wesleyan, classes commence at 9 a.m. and the work in a foreign land apart from the culture and family you have movie theaters with her sister were two hobbies Sairoz day at 6 p.m. The evenings consist of eating, praying, found great pleasure in back home. The few trips to Fort been raised in. homework and not much fun, admitted the young lady. Worth movie theaters provided a surprise or two, with Language had its twists for the young Indian student to Sairoz remembers time spent with friends at the ice squished seating and hooting, laughing and commentating untangle, although she has long had a fair grip on British cream parlors, cake shops and mall with a smile from sweet English. That dialect is taught from the nursery up in India, fellow spectators contrasting the silent, more spacious thememories and wrinkled forehead revealing the bittersweet aters of India. and both the higher classes at the mall and Sairoz’s family In regard to the weather, Sairoz had quite the whimsical longing to engage in those activities once again. In an optiuse it often. mistic fashion, Sairoz acknowledges that the absence of summation. In fact, Sairoz speaks English, Hindi, Gujrati and “Here there are three seasons in one day, and in India it those pleasures are due to her unfamiliarity and declares Marathi. that not only will her culture fluency flourish with time, but was three seasons in one year,” Sairoz added with a chuck“I studied all four through the 12th grade,” said Sairoz. that eventually she will return to enjoy those amusements in le. The school system in India differs from the U.S. rouDespite the many opposites, little reminders of home do her homeland with full appreciation. tine. Grade levels, called standards, go only through 10. “When I was leaving my home, I touched the ground pop up here and there. During an International Club outing, The 11th and 12th standards – which Sairoz completed – Sairoz was delighted to see the flower clock entrance of the and bowed in front of it in respect to my motherland,” she are considered college. The United States, however, does not credit these collegiate years, so Sairoz had to start from Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. The landscaping was in identi- said. “I’m waiting for the day I can return.”

TIARA NUGENT

Sports

The Rambler

Quick Quotes "If there's magic in boxing, it's the magic of fighting battles beyond endurance, beyond cracked ribs, ruptured kidneys and detached retinas. It's the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you." - Million Dollar Baby

Upcoming Events Oct. 10 7 p.m. Women’s Volleyball @ Bacone Oct. 11 1 p.m. Women’s Volleyball @ John Brown University *5:30 p.m. Men’s Soccer vs. Southwest Assemblies of God University *7:30 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. Southwest Assemblies of God University Oct. 16 *5:30 p.m. Men’s Soccer vs. Northwood *7:30 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. Northwood Oct. 17 *2 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. UT-Brownsville *6 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. Huston-Tillotson Oct. 18 *2 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. Wiley College *5:30 p.m. Men’s Soccer vs. Huston-Tillotson *7 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. Texas College *7:30 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. Huston-Tillotson * denotes home game

Sports Briefs Volleyball gets host of weekly awards Oct. 6 Hitter Rachel Daniel, setter Emily Millican and libero Katlynn Romig were recognized with conference awards. The trio will lead the team home Oct. 17. Rams soccer teams have tough time with Saints Oct. 1 The women’s soccer team took a 2-1 loss at Our Lady of the Lake, getting their lone goal from Dominique Harrison. The men fared a bit better, coming home with a scoreless draw after two overtime periods. Joakim Soderbaum and Toby Rachau combined on 110 minutes of shutout soccer in goal. Baseball Rams to host golf benefit Oct. 1 The baseball team will hold a golf tournament at the Links at Waterchase on October 18. All proceeds from the $150 cost will benefit the baseball program. Mike Jeffcoat and Rusty Greer will be playing with participants, and hole sponsorships are also available.

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

October 8, 2008 5

Not your average campus jogger Tanner Scott trains hard to be Wesleyan’s resident “Iron Man” JOSH MORGAN

Every muscle in your body feels spent. The finish line emerges into full view and determination and adrenaline surge through your body as you give all to reach the goal. That powerful rush is part of what drives senior mass communication major Tanner Scott to actively pursue his triathlon competition hobby. His interest in this incredible medley of sports began in late January, 2008 when he was encouraged by friends who talked about racing in triathlons. His brother Dustin, a junior business major, then gifted him with a bicycle, and the motivation set in immediately. Scott has been interested in endurance sports ever since and continues to progress as he goes. According to wikipedia.org, a triathlon is an endurance sporting event consisting of swimming, cycling and running over varying distances. As a result, proficiency in swimming, cycling or running alone is not sufficient to guarantee a triathlon athlete a competitive time. Endurance is key, and triathlon athletes must learn to race each stage in a way that preserves their energy for subsequent stages. In most triathlons, events are placed in immediate sequence and a competitor’s official time includes the time required to “transition” between the individual legs of the race. This even includes any time necessary for changing clothes and shoes. Triathlons have various sets of course regulations, according to the two levels of difficulty which range from the challenge of shorter distance races, called “Super Sprint” triathlons to the longer, more intense race known as “Iron Man” competitions. Scott dreams of one day competing in an Iron Man race, but currently trains for Sprint triathlons. The Sprint race consists of a 500 meter swim, 20 kilometer cycle and 5 kilometer run. “The transitions are the hardest part,” Scott said. “Because you go from using your entire body with the swim, to just your legs on a bike and then the entire body again when you run.” Training has become part of Scott’s active lifestyle and is something that he enjoys doing daily. Conditioning takes a toll on his weekly schedule, especially as he prepares to graduate this winter. “I work out five days a week, ride a stationary bike two to three days a week and try to run at least two miles every day,” Scott said. “When I know there is a comCourtesy of Lindsay Marshall petition coming up, I swim a mile Scott takes advantage of the Trinity every day.” Trails system while training. STAFF WRITER

Courtesy of Lindsay Marshall

A bike and a conversation between senior Tanner Scott and his friends sparked an interest and changed Scott’s life.

He enjoys preparing to compete in endurance sports because the training requires an athlete to maintain fitness both physically and mentally. “It’s good for your health,” Scott said. “And it is a good way to stay motivated and push yourself.” Scott is currently preparing for a duathlon at Texas Motor Speedway Nov. 9. The duathlon is a variation of triathlon which consists of 2 mile run, 15 mile bike and another 2 mile run. Among Scott’s favorite places to cycle is the Trinity Trails of Fort Worth. The trails are open to the public and offer a great place to walk, run or bike along the Trinity River area. According to protectthetrinitytrails.com, “they extend along the Clear and West forks of the Trinity River from Benbrook to Gateway Park, and beyond [including] from Northwest Fort Worth to the Stockyards.” Such a place allows triathletes like Scott to push themselves to new heights of fitness accomplishment.

Kappa Alpha members get down and dirty to fight illness JILLIAN JONES STAFF WRITER

skills were not required to compete. Some contestants entered the tournament just to help out the cause and play in the mud, while others were focused on the prize. “The winners of the mud volleyball tournament got a trophy, their picture displayed in the KA display case, and the honor of winning,” said KA member Josh Raymond. The event attracted students from Texas Christian University, University of Texas at Arlington and other schools. This is the fifth year that KA has contributed to Texas Wesleyan’s Greek family. KA consists of 12 active members and seven pledges. For information, contact senior officer Alex Musser at asmusser@mail.txwes.edu.

Kappa Alpha raised more than $200 at its third annual mud volleyball tournament held on campus. Eight different teams competed in order to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. MDA researches muscle diseases in its ultimate search for cures. They also provide a support system for people with these diseases. The KA fraternity tries to raise money throughout the year at various outings and events such as the mud volleyball tournament Sept. 27th. Announcers Michael Kinsley, Taylor Pokluda and Jameson Williams provided playby-play of the games while taunting and having a good time with the muddy players. “Mud volleyball was a blast,” said freshman Kayla Roberts. “The weather was perfect, and there was a great turnout.” KA raised its funds by charging $5 per person to enter the tournament. “It was a great way to raise money for a really good cause, and have fun doing it,” said sophomore psyCourtesy of Alex Musser chology major Amy The men of Kappa Alpha pause to pose in front of their muddy creation. Craddock. Major volleyball The mud volleyball event served to build community and raised $200 for

Have a great voice? Like sports? The Wesleyan athletic department is currently seeking the “Voice of the Rams and Lady Rams.” The teams are in need of an announcer for the upcoming basketball season. If you are interested in trying out for the position, contact Josh Lacy at jlacy@ txwes.edu no later than Oct. 15.

Step up to the microphone

muscular dystrophy research.

Men’s Golf Rattler Invitational Results:

Kevin Doskocil - 74, 68, 75: 217 Armando Villarreal - 75, 75, 73: 223 Drew Koonce - 74, 73, 76: 223

Johnathan Dickerson - 79, 71, 80: 230 Paco Saracho - 75, 79, 78: 232

Texas Wesleyan - 298, 287, 302: 887 (4th)

Entertainment

6 October 8, 2008

The Rambler

why so

North Texas haunted houses guarantee even the boldest visitors will leave terrified this Halloween. By Chuck Fain

hat was that noise? You whisper to your friend as you stumble your way through the dark corridor. No answer. You turn to look and ask the question again, but instead of your friend, you find a chainsaw wielding maniac! You scream and yell, running for dear life, breaking out in a cold sweat, only to be trapped in an oversized spider web, becoming prey for some other ghoul. It’s not real, you tell yourself with your eyes clamped shut, it’s not real. You’re right, it’s not real – but it’s a close facsimile. Haunted houses have sprung up all over the Metroplex, and The Rambler is here to weed out the rest and give you the best scare for your fare.

Hangman’s House of Horrors:

This Fort Worth institution has been terrifying Texas for 20 years this season. Hangman’s is a huge attraction worth checking out for the spectacle alone. This year’s haunt features the tried and true “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. This year’s side attractions feature a Hillbilly Café – which is exactly what it sounds like – as well as a malicious maze called The Beast and a 3-D Funhouse incorporating more “light” or “playful” scares for the faint of heart. Tired of terror? Hangman’s has you covered with karaoke, midway rides and games and live bands. There’s always something to do at this haunted haven. All net profits go to The Cancer Society, A Wish with Wings, Safe Haven and Rocky Top charities. If that’s not enough, one of Wesleyan’s own soon-tobe graduates of the master’s of business administration program, Darla Robinson, has been volunteering at the haunt for its entire 20 year life span. Hangman’s is open from 7 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays and until 10 p.m. Oct. 26-30. Tickets for the haunted house are $16 with other attractions priced separately. A combo ticket is available for $20. For more information call (817) 336-HANG or visit www.hangmans.com.

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. According to its Web site, it is the “world’s largest haunted house.” This year, Cutting Edge has all new themes as well as life-sized animatronic giant alligators 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 Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to midnight and until 10 p.m. selected other days. Tickets are $26.50. For more info, go to www.cuttingedgehauntedhouse.com or call (817) 348-8444.

The Boneyard:

Shrouded by the dark overhang of the surrounding woods, Reindeer Manor and 13th Street Morgue – and this year’s Dungeon of Doom – provide an ultra realistic, terrifying experience perpetuated by its people through painstaking attention to detail and a genuine love of horror. Nestled in the dark woods of Red Oak (it’s a bit of a drive, but so worth it), these three attractions have gained notoriety and praise from hardcore horror fans and passive partakers

Wednesday

L OOK

On Campus:

Off Campus: * Great White: Granada Theater, 8 p.m.

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

Saturday Off Campus:

Thursday On Campus:

Friday

*Baptist Student Ministry: Sid *The Rambler staff meeting: Stella Russell Hall lobby, Richardson Building, noon, 12:15 p.m. free lunch served

AHEAD

Sunday Off Campus:

alike. Reindeer Manor, which is said to be legitimately haunted (you can read the history and see the paranormal proof on their Web site), is a theatrical horror feast. 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 and going through various rooms, scenes and horrors. The actors have their timing and their props down to a science, so prepared to be scared. The Dungeon of Doom, originally set up in Arlington, has moved its harbor of horror to The Manor this year. With only a few modifications, the Dungeon is set up as it was in Arlington, keeping true to its original frightening form for veterans and providing new scares to those virgins. The Manor is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m.12:30 a.m. Tickets are $11-$17 for individual attractions or $35 for a combo ticket. Call (972) 218-RATS or visit www.reindeermanor.com for more information.

The Cutting Edge:

Reindeer Manor/13th Street Morgue:

SCARED?

Off Campus:

*So You Think You Can Dance Tour: Nokia Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

*MSM: Poly UMC, noon, free lunch served. Weekly Movie Releases: Body of Lies; The Express; *Bingo Night: Stella Hall City of Ember Lobby, 6:30 p.m.

Monday Off Campus:

Tuesday On Campus:

*Ghostland Observatory: House of Blues Dallas, 8 p.m.

* Annie Get Your Gun: Theatre * Texas Piano Tour: Calvary Arlington, 2 p.m. Lutheran Church, 7 p.m.

* Chapel Service: Polytechnic UMC, 12:15 p.m.

* Michael Buble: Fort Worth Convention Center, 8 p.m.

* Say Hi: Hailey’s Nightclub, 8 p.m.

*Brass Quintet Concert: Martin Hall, 7:30 p.m.

*Joan Rivers: Meyerson Symphony Center, 8 p.m.

Off Campus: Weekly DVD Releases: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Mongol

“Rated number one for the sixth year in a row,” boasts Boneyard, and they have a lot to boast about. With two acres of haunted land, all indoor attractions, covered parkPhotos courtesy of www.screamspark.com ing, food, music and games, this scary site truly provides a bloody bang for your buck. High tech effects coupled with good ol’ fashioned blood and gore makes this a haunt not to be missed. The Web site states that last year the haunt made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for the “largest walkthrough haunted house in the World,” proudly bringing the title back to Texas. Proceeds go to Special Olympics and Rocky Top therapy center. Boneyard is open from 7 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays and until 10 p.m. on Sundays and Oct. 27-30. Admission is $22. For more info, visit www.theboneyard.org or call (817) 451-BONE.

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 – a horrific journey through a medieval castle; 3D Pirates of Peril Point – a 3D horror adventure with ghastly pirates (glasses included); The Arcane Asylum – an insane asylum gone insane; The Death Trap Maze – a walkthrough maze with twists and turns where you must find you own way out (watch out for the clown); and The Ghoulish Graveyard, which takes you on a horrific journey through your destiny. Other activities such as climbing towers, psychic readings and face painting are available, but at additional costs. Screams also offers food, drink (the only one I’ve seen that sells alcohol) rides, games, a children’s area and Scream Karaoke, which, I’m assured, is not for the faint of heart. Screams is open 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and until 11 p.m. Oct. 30. Tickets are $21.99. Visit www.screamspark.com or call (972) 983-3247 for more details. Now we offer a tip: Check Web sites before you go because many offer online coupons, group discounts, advance online ticket purchases or details on passes that allow you to skip the long lines. Sites such as dfwhauntedhouses.com or hauntedhouses.net can direct you to more horror attractions in the area. However, ghouls and boils, we’ve presented these haunts because we feel they’re the best the area has to offer you fright fans. So gather up you courage and a change of clean underwear because this Halloween is going to be a real scream.