WEDNESDAY
October 14, 2009
Vol. 92 • No. 19 ONLINE:
www.therambler.org
The Rambler The voice of Texas Wesleyan University students since 1917
Cowboys overenthusiastic after win Opinion, page 2
The life and times of Willie the Ram Sports, page 6
Revenue up, raises feasible Jonathan Resendez
jlresendez@mail.txwes.edu
Recession or not, some Wesleyan faculty and employees will receive up to a 3 percent raise this year, according to Bill Bleibdrey, senior vice president of finance. The salary raise is due to better-than-expected enroll-
ment and an increase in revenue, Bleibdrey said. Pay raises weren’t originally expected for the 2009-2010 school year, he said, because of uncertainty of how the current economy would affect school enrollment. “We had to be very cautious,” he said, referring to promising raises at the begin-
ning of the fiscal year. The raise, scheduled to take effect by the end of the month, is retroactive to June, the beginning of the fiscal year. Wesleyan President Dr. Harold Jeffcoat said faculty is subject to a performance review before a raise is issued. The performance measures in each department depend
on the nature of the work, he said. Some may receive more than a 3 percent raise while others won’t receive one at all. “We reward those who are the top performers,” he said. “We don’t want to reward those who are just going through the motions.” The raises are usually expected. Bleibdrey said
salary increases are common every year, with 2002 or 2003 being an exception. Wesleyan’s pay increase comes at a time when other schools in the country are facing opposite troubles. The University of WisconsinMadison’s Badger Herald
jlresendez@mail.txwes. edu
While the 2008 presidential election churned out young voters in record numbers, the upcoming November elections may only produce a trickle. Apart from voting for local officials, voters will cast their ballots in favor of, or against, 11 different propositions ranging in topics from universities to public beaches and municipal issues such as city taxes. Jessica Rodriguez, junior chemistry major, wasn’t aware of the upcoming elections. “I hadn’t heard anything about it,” Rodriguez said. “If I knew more about it, I would probably go and vote.” Kenisha King, assistant voter registration supervisor for Tarrant County, said it is not unusual for people to be unaware when local elections occur. “A lot of times, people are not aware of elections going on,” King said. “It’s that or they don’t understand what’s on the ballot.” National elections generally garner more
attention than local elections according, to the voting and democracy research center. Ashly Spencer, senior education major, believes that voting at a local level is just as important as voting at a national level but some people don’t agree. “It’s not as big of a deal for people,” said Spencer, whose interest in voting was sparked as a child by her father who worked in Washington. Rockthevote.com is a Web site that promotes voting at both the national and local level. According to the site, the organization’s mission is “to engage and build the political power of young people in order to achieve progressive change in our country.” According to Rock the Vote, there was a nearly continuous downward turnout trend in younger voters since 1972 until 2004. “Turnout among 18-29 year olds was up significantly in 2004 and 2006 and more than doubled in the 2008 primaries,” according to the organization.
VOTE, page 3
Daniel McGrary
dcmcgrary@mail.txwes.edu
Business students and other
RAISE, page 3 members of the Wesleyan
Will students rock the vote? Jonathan Resendez
Business expert to speak on campus
Renee Greer | Staff Photographer While some students plan to make their way to the polls Nov. 3, others remain ambiguous.
community will hear from the newest member of the Texas Wesleyan Business Hall of Fame Oct. 20. Southwest Bank Chief Executive Officer and President Vernon Wilson Bryant Jr. will speak at 9:30 a.m. in Martin Hall. “It is because of Mr. Bryant’s great leadership in Texas banking, in addition to his many other contributions to the local community, that make him such a great choice for the Executive of the Year Award and induction into the Business Hall of Fame,” said Dr. Hector Quintanilla, dean of Wesleyan’s school of business. The Hall of fame is a partnership between Wesleyan, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Worth Business Press that honors individuals based on achievements. A board composed of former hall of fame recipients makes the selection for new inductees. Members of the Hall include W.R. “Bob” Watt, head of the Fort Worth Stock Show, and U.S. Rep. Kay Granger. Bryant, who has been known as a leader in the Texas banking community for nearly 30 years, headed TexasBank from 1989 until 2000, when he left to become CEO of Southwest Bank. He became a member of the Texas Wesleyan board of trustees in June. He is also a board member of the Van Cliburn Foundation and the First United Methodist Church Foundation, as well as the chairman of the Tarrant County United Way Campaign. Bryant will be formerly inducted into the hall of fame at a black tie dinner at the Fort Worth Club Oct. 27. Proceeds from the event fund scholarships in the school of business.
Long-time community activist supports Texas Wesleyan Renee Greer
rmgreer@mail.txwes.edu
Renee Greer | Rambler Staff G. Alfred Brown has spent more than 20 years serving the community.
G. Alfred Brown Jr. sits in his favorite seat in the Dora Roberts Dining Hall almost every day with a partial smile on his face as he takes in what he calls great scenery. But who is he, some ask. Brown is many things to many people, including a donor and friend of Texas Wesleyan. He recently gave the school of education a financial donation to make possible the teleconferencing of classes between the main campus and the Burleson site. The education school is close to his heart. In 1962, Brown was an education major at Texas Wesleyan University. “I live to help,” Brown said. His desire to give and to serve things near and dear is something he acquired from his parents. Throughout his life, Brown was inspired by their example. Brown’s mother, Opal John-
son Brown, was a volunteer at Harris Hospital for more than 50 years and gave guidance to several other places of service and need, according to the Central Link United Methodist official publication. His father, Dr. G. Alfred Brown, was a Methodist minister who left a long list of accomplishments. He earned five college degrees, was the previous superintendent of Fort Worth Independent School District in an interim appointment and was the representative of the Central Texas Conference for several years. Brown said he was heavily influenced by his parents’ devotion to serve God and was determined to do good as he saw his parents do. In recognition and in memory of the lives of his parents, Brown established the G. Alfred and Opal Brown Ministerial Scholarship that was awarded for the first time this year, according to
“I’ve never been married and never had children, but 280 kids call me dad.”
G. Alfred Brown
Wesleyan friend and donor
the official publication for the Central Texas Conference. Brown spends most of his days offering help to a community that offered him so much when he was a younger man. He has volunteered in the Fort Worth ISD for more than 20 years. He received the Man of the Year award in 2001, and he continues to be active in the surrounding public schools in the Fort Worth area. “I’ve never been married and never had children, but 280 kids call me dad,” Brown said. He said that his payment for volunteering is the hugs and
love he receives when he walks into some of his kindergarten classrooms. He doesn’t forget the older kids either. Polytechnic High School endured some challenges this year, facing possible closure after years of poor standardized test scores. Brown fought on the front lines supporting them all the way. “I want to see the schools like Polytechnic High School stay open,” said Brown. “I was able to watch Polytechnic High pull through till the end, and I was
BROWN, page 3
Opinion Fox News gets no help from Hope
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October 14, 2009
Laurence J.S.
ljsheehan@mail.txwes.edu
Hope doesn’t air on the Fox News channel. The Fox News station is notorious for its talking heads of Bill O’Reilly, Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity. These men make it no secret that they are not fans of the Obama administration, and the Obama administration makes it no secret they don’t care for Fox News. Recently reported by the Associated Press, President Barrack Obama granted interviews to every news station but Fox News. Why? The talking heads of Fox News have poked, prodded and ridiculed the Obama administra-
tion for every decision they have made. The White House said Glenn Beck was just telling “lies” on his program. If anyone has watched Beck’s show, you would know this host is very charismatic and cares deeply about this country. Does he spin what is the truth? Possibly. On his commentary show, he tells people what he sees from his own point of view. He is not a news reporter, and he has scrutinized the former administration just as much as the current. My only problem with the White House and anyone else
taking offense to Fox News’ criticism is this: Didn’t everyone do that to George W. Bush administration? Did we not and are we still not complaining about the damage the Bush administration has done and the drain it left on the economy? God forbid you point out the fact that under Clinton’s administration, Fannie and Freddie were pressured by ACORN and other left wing groups to lower their standard of home loans and begin this conundrum that is the economy. Because we all know Clinton did no wrong, right? I like Obama, but I don’t like
some of his most recent politics. His administration reminds me of that kid on the playground that would get upset because he lost and now he’s taking his ball and going home. The White House claims its sharp tone is to combat some of the “unfounded claims” by Beck. Doesn’t a talk show host have the right to criticize anything an administration is doing? Especially when they don’t agree with it? If they are not allowed to question what they see, aren’t we limiting their first amendment rights? Is putting a muzzle on a talking head you don’t agree with the
right choice? Why not just turn the channel off or cast the talking heads to the side as right-wing crazies? Because these right wing crazies have gained some legitimate ground in their snooping of the Obama administration. Do you know who blew the top on ACORN? Fox News. Do you know who found out about the former CZAR Van Jones? Fox News. Who was the inspiration behind the Tea Parties? Oh yeah, Glen Beck and the 912 project. These guys must be crazy. You shouldn’t criticize a media
that is looking out for the American people. Even if you don’t like Fox News, you should at least listen to what they have to say, if not you’re as closed minded as what you are accusing these men of being. I watch Fox News as an entertainment value, but when a point is brought up I find interesting, I then research it on my own and draw my own conclusions, as everyone should do. Don’t take one piece of information as a viable source. If you don’t like what you hear on Fox News, it may be because once again they are right on the money.
The ending of an era. The death and life of my Facebook account Christopher Hook
Daily Kent Stater, Kent State-Uwire
This summer, I canceled my Facebook. Yep, I clicked “deactivate account,” and I was free! Free from status updates letting me know my exgirlfriend from ninth grade was eating a tuna sandwich. Free from invites to groups called “Girls that wear Ugg boots are responsible for the spread of STDs.” Free from annoying quizzes telling me which Final Fantasy VII character I would be. Facebook had become a distraction. I could literally spend all day looking at friends’ pictures, taking quizzes, sending gifts, playing Scrabbulous, commenting on posted links, commenting on friends’ comments, commenting on comments made about other comments, etc. Instead of taking occasional breaks from writing school papers to check my page, it was the other way around. My self-control was nonexistent. I browsed for an hour, or more. Like a heroin addict, I knew what I was doing was destroying me but was unable to stop. I also slowly began to feel a social isolation from my fellow living, breathing humans. My mother, who has a Facebook, said to me one day, “Wow, you have 600 friends!” Sheepishly, I had to tell her, “Yeah, but Mom, that includes the kid who sat next to me in freshman history and my
12-year-old brother’s friend who has a crush on me.” So I had plenty of acquaintances. But what of friends? And so, Mark Zuckerberg be damned, I quit, like Odysseus
as a college student in today’s world not to have a Facebook. Plus, Facebook hooks me up with people I would have no idea how to find otherwise, including my old best
“My
self-control was nonexistent. I browesd for an hour or more. Like a heroin addict, I knew what was destroying me but was unable to stop.” strapping himself to the ship’s mast to avoid the temptations of the Sirens. I went into detox, removing Facebook from my bookmarks bar, sent texts to my friends with my revelation and even blocked the page on my Internet browser. Immediately after, I felt uplifted, like a man who’d found God. I found peace, began to live less cluttered and, most importantly, began to put more stake in my relationships. My thought was, when the veil is removed, when we no longer have a custom-made page to present to others how we want to come off, the focus returns to genuine experience, genuine relationships. I had definitely lost this in the age of Facebook and Twitter, Blackberry and iPhone. As time went on, I began to have doubts, not about what constitutes a well-lived life, but about how realistic it is
friend who moved to Texas in fourth grade. I can invite, all at once, old friends from a past study abroad experience for a reunion party at my house. I can easily gather volunteers for an October canned food drive. I re-entered my relationship with Facebook, but only after making a serious pact with myself. I would only use the social networking platform for, well, social networking. I would do my best to avoid time wasters like quizzes and reading incessant status updates. And I would take time for my real friends, the ones with blood and hearts and lungs and not profile pictures and Mafia Wars rankings. It is still possible to live in 2009, enjoy the beauty of living and have a Facebook page. We just have to work a little harder on it. Now, back to my Scrabbulous game... doh!
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.
R ambler Contribution
Please send all news briefs to twurambler@ yahoo.com. Submissions due by noon Friday to see brief in the following week’s issue.
Letters to the editor: The Rambler, a weekly publication welcomes all letters. All submissions must have a full printed name, phone number and signature. 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 opinion page. “We are not afraid to follow the truth ... wherever it may lead.” — Thomas Jefferson
Letter to the Editor I noticed in [the Sept. 29] Campus Comments section of The Rambler that every response provided was against the banning of smoking on campus with one indifferent exception. I have at my fingertips the names of well over 100 students on campus who are in favor of banning smoking on campus. It would not have been difficult to give some diversity of opinion. As a student at this university, I expect to look at The Rambler for a fair and balanced approach to controversial issues. I am deeply disappointed that dialogue with the students was clearly not sought on such an important topic.
-Kasey Cantrell sophomore
Please submit all Letters to the Editor to: Laurence J. Sheehan ljsheehan@mail.txwes.edu
What do the Cowboys need to keep winning?
Oscar Lazarky, sophomore business
“Need to protect Romo and play better defense.”
Erica Moore, freshman science
“They suck right now. Get rid of Tony Romo.”
Joy Millard, junior theater
“Let Romo out of the pocket.”
Address all correspondence to: Texas Wesleyan University
The Rambler
1201 Wesleyan St. Fort Worth, TX 76105 twurambler@yahoo.com To contact T he R ambler (817) 531-7552 Advertising Inquiries: (817) 532-7582
Daniel Torres, junior psychology
“Get rid of Romo. He’s the problem. ‘Nuff said.”
Justin Payne, senior poltical science
“On third and goal run the ball not have Romo throw it.”
Campus
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
continued from page 1
excited to see the outcome.” Brown said that while he appreciates the school, he wanted to see some improvements in the curriculum. “I grew up during the days of segregation, and I think the schools should spend more time teaching not just american history but the history of the great African-American heroes that paved the way for so many today.” He shares that same passion for education with Texas Wesleyan. Brown shook hands with Wesleyan President Dr. Harold Jeffcoat Oct. 2 in front of a plaque on the wall that was dedicated to Brown for his contributions to the video conferencing equipment in Dan Waggoner Hall. Brown also established an endowed scholarship for the school of education. He remains active on campus and wants to reach out to the community through some of the campus organizations. “I’m just happy to be a small part of the education offered at Texas Wesleyan,” Brown said. “I love Texas Wesleyan, and I love being around the staff and students because everyone is so nice to me.” Brown said that he is always welcomed with open arms when he walks the campus. “The students even open the door for me,” he said. Brown shared a few words of wisdom with Wesleyan students. “Staying in school can be a challenge during the recession,” he said. “But stay in school because your education is go| Renee Greer Rambler Staff ing to be very valuable in the end.”
G. Alfred Brown
VOTE
continued from page 1
In 2008, 44 million 18-29 year olds were eligible to vote in the national elections. According to civicyouth.org, a nonpartisan research center studying youth civic engagement and civic education, an estimated 23 million voters under the age of 30 participated in the election, which was an increase of 2 to 3 percent from the 2004 national election. Often, eligible voters abstain from voting because they claim ignorance of the issues. Justin Keller, senior exercise science major, falls into that category of voters. “I don’t know enough about it to really vote for anyone,” Keller said. However, he would vote if one of the issues was important to him. “Cutting taxes would probably draw me to the polls,” he said. Regardless of whether it is a national or local election, people choosing to vote or not vote impacts others, King said. Their vote or lack thereof affects neighbors, relatives and complete strangers. “Someone casting a ballot is the same in any election,” she said.
RAISE
Prop 1 Grants municipalities a method to raise revenue to acquire land to provide a buffer zone or open space to prevent encroachment from development, or fund infrastructure to protect the mission of local military installations.
Prop 4 Establishes a National Research University Fund and would disperse those funds to emerging research institutions with the goal of producing top-tier public research universities like the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University.
Prop 9 Establishes the public’s unrestricted access to public beaches as permanent easement and authorizes the legislature to enact laws to protect the public access to the beach and the easement form interference and encroachment. There would be no right of private enforcement.
Prop 11 Spells out that, in order to take a property by eminent domain, the property must be owned, used and enjoyed by the public at large, state or local government or other agency with the power of eminent domain. It prohibits taking private property for economic development or to enhance tax revenues.
Early voting: Oct. 19-30 During early voting, registered voters may vote at any early voting location in Tarrant County. Find them at www.tarrantcounty. com/evote. Source: League of Women Voters
continued from page 1
reported that officials there would actually be taking a 3 percent pay cut because of mandatory furloughs for all university employees because of strenuous economic times. The tough times have spared Wesleyan this fiscal year, at least. Likewise, Jeffcoat said Wesleyan needs to remain re-
Mustafa Saifuddin Daily Texan
A new state law allows police to draw blood from suspected drunk drivers in some situations without a warrant. Police officers are now allowed to take blood samples without consent almost immediately after arresting a person for driving under the influence of alcohol if the driver has a history of offenses or if a serious injury or child passenger is involved. Critics of the new law claim that it violates the Fifth Amendment’s protection against self-incrimination. The new law is intended to address the lack of evidence that often results from drunk driving cases in which Breathalyzer or blood tests are delayed by the process of obtaining warrants. Beginning last Halloween, Texas has run “No Refusal” weekends on holidays and during celebrations such as Super Bowl Sunday, when surges in drunken driving are expected. “No Refusal” weekends before the new law required police officers to always obtain a warrant before drawing blood. Austin Police Department Cpl. Scott Perry recalls as many as 30 arrests on a single night during past “No Refusal” weekends but remains optimistic about their efforts to minimize drunken
In Brief...
State Highlights
spectful to the economics that drive this institution – which is the cost of students to attend. “We haven’t fired a soul for financial reasons,” he said. “But we’re not going to raise tuition and fees just to pay someone more.” Bleibdrey said he’s happy to
dork.
be able to grant the raises and said Wesleyan wants its people to have purchasing power as the price of everything goes up. “We’re happy to be able to do it,” he said. “And it’s our intention to continue that practice.”
Are we speaking your language? Then come to the Philosopher’s Lounge meetings! Every Friday 1 PM - 3 PM @ The Loft in The SUB Contact Information: Alonzo Reed (anatsunin@yahoo.com) or Brandan Hart (brandanhart7690@yahoo.com)
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Pink Out The volleyball team is selling items to support breast cancer awareness and support its upcoming match. The team will “pink out” its conference game against Southwestern Assemblies of God University at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Sid Richardson Gym. Modern Music Both students and faculty are part of Wesleyan Music at the Modern, a free concert at the Modern Art Museum. The
driving incidences. “Our expectation is that no one will drink and drive. But if anybody is caught drunk, they will be arrested,” Perry said. APD expedites the warrant process on “No Refusal” weekends by obtaining a warrant and conducting tests within as little as an hour after an arrest. “Drunk driving is a continuing problem and a growing problem,” Perry said. “The purpose of ‘No Refusal’ weekend is to obtain as much evidence as possible so that when we go to court the jury can make a decision.” This year’s don’t drink and drive campaign, titled “Choose Your Ride,” features a hybrid between a police car and a taxi cab and asks people to choose one or the other if they have been drinking. The actual vehicles will be parked in entertainment districts throughout the state along with internet banners, posters featuring cab phone numbers, billboards and window clings that look like parking tickets. “Our approach was to remind people at every stage,” Tracie Mendez, Program Director at the DOT, said. “We’re not telling people not to drink. We just hope that people choose a safe ride and do not get behind the wheel if they have been drinking.”
show takes place at 2 p.m. Oct. 17 and will feature vocal and instrumental music by individuals as well as the Wesleyan Chamber Choir, Brass Quartet and Jazz Quintet. Got yogurt? Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority is collecting Yoplait yogurt’s pink lids through Nov. 6 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Drop boxes are located in the SUB and the library. For every lid turned in, Yoplait donates 10 cents to breast cancer research.
fort worth & tarrant county
www.ywca.org/fortworth
Nurture your child’s learning at the YWCA Polytechnic Child Development Center
3
Drinking law tightens
Close to campus Quality year-round child care, birth through 5 years Children of TWU faculty, staff and students welcome! Fort Worth ISD pre-K classes on site Open 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m, Monday through Friday Nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks served daily Top rated by Child Care Management Services
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.
BROWN
October 14, 2009
College Life Week of Ram Parent Association global
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October 14, 2009
Giving helicopter parents a place to land learning
Conner Howell
Josephine Okoth Stephanie Mejia
mhowell@mail.txwes.edu
Parents began to take initiative in support of their new Wesleyan students through the kick off of the Rams Parent Association on Sept. 25. The new organization is designed to give parents a forum to communicate with one another to stay in touch with campus news and events. Melody Fowler, director of student support programs and services, said the new program offers parents a chance to get involved with their new student’s experiences at Wesleyan, but still gives students breathing room. “[Parents] liked the idea of knowing what’s going on without having to rely on their students,” Fowler said. Parents had the opportunity to sign up for the association during freshman orientations in the fall. “They jumped all over it,” Fowler said. Close to 100 parents signed up for the association, and its first meeting took place on Sept. 25. In the meeting, parents were asked what they would like to accomplish through the association, but Fowler said their response was somewhat surprising. “Parents asked what they could do to help the students and for the school,” Fowler said. “They just want to be involved.” Fowler said that the group discussed financial aid applications, student life events, finals week and how to begin
jnokoth@mail.txwes.edu smejia@mail.txwes.edu
Michael Greer Hall talks with parents at the first Ram Parent Association meeting on Sept. 25.
funding a Wesleyan Parent Scholarship. The host of the meeting, Michael Greer Hall, assistant director of the academic success center, serves as a liaison between the parent association and the university. Hall researched other schools of similar size and culture that had their own parent associations to see how one could be implemented at Wesleyan.
She said she pulled ideas from other schools, but wanted to address issues she saw everyday at Wesleyan. “So many freshmen have to adjust to doing things on their own, they get scared,” Hall said. “That’s the side I see everyday.” Hall said that she will coordinate the resources the university has to offer with the efforts and ideas of the association.
Psi Chi raises donations for troops Josephine Okoth
jnokoth@mail.txwes.edu
The Wesleyan Psychology department’s student organization, Psi Chi, plans to gather support for soldiers in a campus-wide donation drive. Psi Chi is a lifetime membership psychology program and honor society that recognizes the academic achievement of students who are psychology majors. “We stress community service as well as helping others to succeed in meeting their academic and professional goals,” said Paula Turnage, Psi Chi president and senior psychology major. Turnage said this semester, Psi Chi is carrying out a donation program for the Soldiers’ Angels organization in Iraq by providing soldiers with much needed items to make their tenure more bearable. Turnage encourages students to donate toiletries and female sanitary products by dropping them off at boxes throughout campus. Boxes are located in the administration building, the education building, the success center and the West Library. Students are encouraged to donate products in their original packaging to help preserve authenticity as well as avoid contamination, Turnage said. “Last year, Psi Chi also conducted a donation program and was able to collect up to 13 boxes of toiletries, which were sent to Liberty Camp in Baghdad,” Turnage said. She said the group expects a lot in student donations to provide a helping hand to those in need. Turnage said Psi Chi also wants clubs that want to offer voluntary services to register with the organization. The group will organize volunteer projects where interested and willing students can
“We
stress community service as well as helping others to succeed in meeting their academic and professional goals.
Conner Howell | Rambler Staff
“I wanted [parents] to know we have all these resources circled around your students, and we’re not going to let them fail,” Hall said. The group will host meetings each month. The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 23. The association will also communicate through a chat room that allows local and international parents to stay in touch.
“It’s a place where they can support one another,” Hall said. She also said some local parents want to show their support by inviting international students to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with their families during the breaks. “Students may not admit it,” Hall said, “but the support of their parents is something they want.”
Students of Wesleyan will have the opportunity to embrace global culture through the events of International Week Oct. 19-22. The week begins 11:30 a.m. Oct. 19 in the international programs office in the BrownLupton Campus Center. International student adviser, Tami Brunelle said, “The opening ceremony will serve as a way of welcoming everyone to our new space.” The highlight of the week will be the International Fair at noon Oct. 22. The fair is an opportunity for Wesleyan’s international students to showcase their cultures with foods and displays from their native countries. ‘With a few days ahead of international week, students have already started preparing their presentations,” said Oliviu Vasilca, president of the international club. Vasilca said that the club will continue to host social events to help international and local students connect. The week will feature several events across campus including a viewing of the documentary The Devil Came on Horseback to raise awareness about genocide in Sudan. “My hope is that International Week will help students, faculty and staff become a bit more culturally aware and excited about international education and to get more American students to study abroad,” Brunelle said.
This Week in Pictures
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Paula Turnage
President of Psi Chi dedicate both their time and resources to the local community. “We accomplish this by cleaning the community; cooking for low income families, and offering counseling services in preparation to lead in the working world,” Turnage said. But Turnage said the ultimate goal of Psi Chi is to encourage, stimulate and maintain excellence in the science of psychology. Sonia Brown, a senior psychology major, said she joined Psi Chi because she wanted something more geared to what she was doing. ”My focus was to show that I can be at the top of the class as well as be involved in an organization where I can show that I am seriously involved in psychology,” Brown said. Dena Hughes, a senior psychology major, said Psi Chi also offers grants, scholarships and a chance to network. ”Psi Chi recognizes my academic achievement and gives me a lifetime honor,” Hughes said. “That is the main reason why I joined it, because being a part of it will help me serve
the community well.” On Nov. 20, Psi Chi is cooking a Thanksgiving dinner for families of soldiers at the Ronald McDonald House in Fort Worth. The McDonald House offers families of children suffering from cancer and related health issues a place to live during their children’s treatment at the Fort Worth Hospital District. “A visit to such families, especially for psychology students interested in the counseling program, may prepare them on what it takes to counsel families going through terminal illnesses,” Turnage said. Turnage joined Psi Chi to improve her resume, but realized she wanted to be its leader after exploring its leadership opportunities. ”I started out as a VP of Technology during the spring 2009 semester, then to president in the fall semester,” Turnage said. “My aim is to help others through study groups, American Psychological Association style editing, or just being a familiar face who can offer help to transfer students and freshmen.”
Conner Howell | Rambler Staff Josephine Okoth signs a petition for the citizens arrest of Joseph Kony, the head of the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda, at the Invisible Children’s rally Oct. 7.
Conner Howell | Rambler Staff Dean of Freshman Joe Brown puts finishing touches on the newly painted Wesleyan symbol in the Academic Success Center.
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Arts & Entertainment
Triple threat
October 14, 2009
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Actor, singer, songwriter teems with talent small actors.” His most memorable acting part while at Texas Wesleyan was in Terra Nova earlier At a very early age, Chase Burnett began to this year. He was most recently in Theatre realize his strong passion for the theater and Wesleyan’s production of LaRonde. acting. It’s a passion that eventually led him to Burnett’s decision to attend Texas Wesbeing a theater major at Texas Wesleyan, but it leyan was influenced in part because of its started when he was a small child. theater department, but, in addition, the lo “I can remember in second grade, I de- cation allows him to remain close to his famcided to stop playing baseball because I al- ily. ready knew I wanted to be in theater,” Burnett “Family and God are the most imsaid. portant things I tried to teach Chase while His mother, Christy Tracy, supported her growing up,” his mother said. son’s love of acting and provided him the op “I am so proud of my son. He has portunity at an early age to explore this inter- worked hard all his life to get where he est by enrolling him in acting classes at the is today,” Tracy said. “I’ve heard him deCasa Manana Theater. scribed by family members and friends as “He felt better about himself as an actor ambitious, creative, outspoken and carthan a baseball player. He had already begun ing.” imitating people when he was only 3-yearsHe might also be described as hard-working. old,” Tracy said. Chase has worked in various jobs in the During those six years, Burnett’s talent food industry in customer service, but he and love of acting grew as he landed parts in also works for the Boy Scouts for three weeks four plays. One of those plays was Scrooge and during the summer months and has traveled another was Rumplestiltskin. to build churches in Reynosa, Mexico. In “My most memorable play as a young addition to working his required hours in child was that of a forest creature in Rumples- the theater department working on sets and tiltskin,” said Burnett, but they were all impor- costumes, he currently works as a waiter at tant. “No matter what the role, I agree with Chili’s. the old adage there are no small roles, just In his spare time, however, he likes to turn his attention to music. Burnett is a one-man band writing his own music and playing the guitar. He has performed for private functions and publicly at the Aardvark and Bulldog. Burnett has written eight songs and goes by the stage name of Chase Christian. He has been playing professionally for close to three years and plans to continue. However, his main focus for his future lies in acting. Photo courtesy of Theatre Wesleyan Burnett’s plans are to re- Chase Burnett and Wesleyan alumnus Ben Phillips in Stones in His Pockets. main in Texas for approximately two years until he can hire an agent and pursue a professional acting chance to open people’s minds. Photo courtesy of Theatre Wesleyan better establish himself as an career in New York City. “I want to change the way people look at Chase Burnett in Wesleyan’s production of Terra Nova. actor. He ultimately hopes to He finds his passion for acting in the things and broaden theirs views,” Burnett said. Tiffany Hubbard thubb@mail.txwes.edu
Chuck’s Cheap Thrills: Flix on the Net for less Chuck Fain
cmfian@txwes.edu
As college students, we find ourselves in short supply of many things: time, money and patience. This should help with the first two – you’re on your own with patience. Through their tireless efforts, the Chuck’s Cheap Thrills team has compiled for you a list of online movie rental resources that are cheap and easy to use. Many of the services offer downloadable movies, so you can rent a video while you do your homework… or right after you finish your homework, whatever. Blockbuster Online. www. blockbuster.com: The movie rental giant moved into the online domain, and while it may not be the cheapest, it seems to offer the most perks. First, as is the case with many of these services, you must make a profile with personal information (such as favorite movies and other intrusive questions), then you can browse Blockbuster’s extensive list of movies and buy or rent movies just by downloading them to your computer – or Xbox. The download and rent option allows you to watch the movies right off of your computer, you can even begin watching the movie while it is still downloading. Once you click “play,” you have 24 hours to view the movie, as many times as you want. After the 24 hour period, however, the file becomes unavailable. When you purchase a movie in the downloadable format, which is usually much cheaper than purchasing the DVD, the movie is yours to keep. You can also trade the movie
in at any Blockbuster for a free rental or a discounted game. With their premium plan, you can get up to five free rentals a month. Plans start at $8.99 and go to $19.99 a month. Netflix. www.netflix.com: Netflix has been around for a while now and is synonymous with the business of online movie rentals. I like Netflix better because of their selection (try getting a director’s cut of Pink Flamingos from Blockbuster) and if you’re a movie buff or someone who likes movies of a morally askew caliber, this is where you can find most anything. They have many of the same features as Blockbuster (downloadable movies, mail rental system) and their plans are similar ($8.99 – $14.99 a month), but Netflix has no resource for video games and no option to buy. Still, they offer a “limited plan,” which is the cheapest of all the plans around. It is $4.99 a month, Beware, if you are part of the Blu-Ray crowd, it’s an extra fee with Netflix. CinemaNow. www.cinemanow.com: This site exclusively handles downloadable movies. Nothing to mail back, no discs to keep up with, just pure entertainment plugged into your computer. Downloading is also available through the Xbox. CinemaNow also has no monthly fees, making it the cheapest of all the options – depending on how you use it. Movie rentals are good for 24 hour. You can buy and rent movies starting at .49 cents and going up to $3.99. The product features are formatted like an Amzon.com
page. A picture sits to the left, purchasing information to the right and a synopsis and list of recommendations printed at the bottom. The format is familiar and easy to use. You can buy music videos, but no video games. Café DVD. www.cafedvd. com: Café DVD has a great selection as well. Hard to find titles are easily found here. They also have a specific genera list and cool category lists of movies such as “1001 movies you must see before you die,” “popular independent” and “top Shakespeare adaptations.” Several plans are available, such as $14.95 for six rentals a month (probably the most generous plan, as most others are $8.99 for one DVD a month) to $24.95 for 10 rentals a month. Café DVD has no downloading option it only uses snail mail, but shipping is free. Sorry, gamers, Café DVD carries only DVDs – as the name implies. DVD Avenue. www.dvdavenue.com: This is another snail mail service, but you browse their selection, order movies and make your queue online. They have a very friendly search engine, also, in which you can browse by “Title, Synopsis, Actor or Director.” They have no games available, either, but they have an extensive genera list including “Cult,” “Gay and Lesbian,” “Anime” and “Adult.” Plans range from $9.99 for one DVD a month to $24.95 for four. They have a similar plan to Blockbuster and Netflix where you can keep a movie as long as you like, and cancel at any time.
$$Rams Stimulus $$ 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
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October 14, 2009
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
Willie the Ram: a faithful supporter Jacueline Wittman
jrwittman@mail.txwes.edu
Like his legacy, Willie the Ram remains young at heart. Through the decades, Willie has transformed into an exceptional mascot. He changed his name, became a father and even altered his appearance. Yet, Willie remains the most honored and vivacious Ram at Texas Wesleyan. H i s journey began in 1935, when a new live mascot was chosen to lead the Rams to victory. The u n i v e r s i t y ’s mascot, The Rammer, a ram of noble bearing, was born. The male sheep, the Rammer, was presented to the school by the sophomore class president Chuck Herring on the evening of Oct. 2, 1935. Not satisfied with his figure in 1975, then twolegged Willie dressed in a muscle-enhancing body suit and even changed the size of his head. “Having a live mascot again would be a good symbol for the college and something that would en-
courage support for Wesleyan athletics as well as other activities,” said Class President of 1979, Jon Fleming. Regretting the alteration to his appearance, Willie decided to return to the outdoors after 14 years of being locked in the storage closet at night. Back on four legs, Willie lived like royalty in his own blue and gold trailer donated by the Ram Club. Impressive, big-horned Willie wanted to show off
his Texas Wesleyan pride and rode in the 1979 Stock Show Parade in downtown Fort Worth. The Ramrods, a spirit group begun by University President Jerry Bawcom in 1979, cared for Willie and fed him his daily ration of oats and alfalfa. Willie made appearances at the basketball and baseball games while the Ramrods cleaned up after him. Confident and popular, Willie attracted himself a mate, Wilma. Willie and Wilma lived happily in a pen on the south side of campus. Willie and Wilma’s keepers, Don Wilhelm and Scott Watkins, noticed Wilma was fluctuating between gaining weight and then losing that weight, but assumed it was just the reflection of any changing college student. However, Wilma was pregnant. A new addition to the Ram family came Halloween night in 1984. The proud parents named their first ewe (female sheep), Winnie. Current Texas Wesleyan University Archivist, Louis Sherwood, was a student at Wesleyan at the time and recalls the pen next to Stella Russell Hall where he could go visit Willie, Wilma and Winnie. “It was neat to have a live mascot,” he said. “It put us on par with big schools, like the University of Texas, that all had live mascots. I enjoyed being able to stop by and see them.”
Tragically, Winnie died that summer, but the Ram family managed to stay strong. In June 1985, Wilma gave birth to their second ewe, Wesley-Anne. While Wilma was busy caring for her young, 250-pound Willie went to work with the Ramrods who chauffeured him to sporting events on campus. According to Sherwood, Willie’s physical changes continued. “After he became a widow in the late 80s, he wandered for a few years,” he said. Despite the family tragedy, Willie was to come back stronger and more motivated than ever before. Coming to terms with reality, he wanted to keep up with modernization and requested to return indoors and walk on two legs again. The new Willie was specially designed in 2007 and finally came to life in 2008 with a new attitude. Willie wanted to look more fierce, but not too scary for small children’s sake. “Willie is a link for all past, present and future Wesleyan students,” said current SGA President Heath Scott. “His legacy unites everyone and has been the foundation of school spirit for decades. Willie stands for everything Texas Wesleyan stands for: tradition, pride and spirit.” Always representing Wesleyan, Willie has seen both personal and physical development in different forms. Originally, the old Willie was baggy and smiley. Today’s Willie is made from a special fiber and foam material, adding muscle to his furry appearance. The head has an elec-
tric fan and cooling packets that rest on the chest and back, a key to keeping Willie energetic at athletic events. Transforming from The Rammer to Willie the Ram, Texas Wesleyan’s mascot has prevailed in the last 70plus years with style and
grace. “Willie is a true symbol of Wesleyan character,” said Cheerleading Coach Carolyn Ikens-Owen. Willie appears at all home basketball games, various athletic events and any campus event when requested.
Archive Photo
Willie and Wilma in 1981.
The Life of Willie 1935: The Rammer was born on Oct. 2 in the form of a male sheep. 1959: Willie III was born and lived on campus. 1962: Willie IV strutted around. 1965: Alpha Phi Omega, a men’s service fraternity, secured a new ram, the 2-year-old buck, Willie V. 1975: Now two-legged Willie dresses in a muscle-enhancing body suit and increases the size of his head. 1979: Willie is back on four legs, participates in the Stock Show Parade in downtown Fort Worth and meets Wilma. 1984: Winnie was born. 1985: Wesley-Anne was born. 2007: The modern Willie was designed as a twolegged mascot.
7-7 Flag Football Standings Name Pickles BOHICA TapOut
Wins 6 3 3
1 L's Twisters Pink Dragons
3 1 1
Loses TP Scored TP Against 0 153 18 3 35 21 3 67 97 3 5 5
Wesleyan Week-in-Sports • The Lady Rams Volleyball team (10-13, 4-4 RRAC) suffered a 3-1 (25-23, 18-25, 25-13) loss at Our Lady of the Lake University Oct. 8. and lost 3-0 (25-16, 25-11, 25-18) at 11th-ranked UT Brownsville Oct. 9. before picking up a 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-21) win on the road against HustonTilotson University Oct. 10. • The Lady Rams Soccer team (9-4, 3-1 RRAC) took a thrilling 2-1 win against Our Lady of the Lake University Oct. 8. Senior captain Jaimie Romaguera scored the game-winning goal with only 21 seconds left to play. The Lady Rams then fell 2-1 to UT Brownsville Oct. 10. The Lady Rams will take on their rivals from Northwood University Oct. 15. • The Rams Soccer team (8-5, 1-3 RRAC) suffered a 3-2 overtime loss to Our Lady Lake University Oct. 8 before losing 2-0 to UT Brownsville Oct. 10. The Rams next game is at their local rivals, Northwood University, Oct. 15. • The Rams Golf team finished sixth at the Grand Canyon Invitational Oct 6. Entering the last round in seventh place, the Rams, lead by senior Drew Koonce, moved up to tie for sixth with the hosts, Grand Canyon University. Koonce finished fourth individually at -1 (215) after finishing with a 70 (two under par). Armando Villareal just missed the top-10 and finished tied for 11th place.
The Weekly Sports Quote “The term ‘genius’ is inapplicable to anyone in this game. A genius is Norman Einstein.”
Joe Theismann Former Pro-football Player
68 7 21
Byes 0 0 0
103 47 48
0 0 0
Fantasy Football Pig Skin Pick'Em Leaderboard Name Pts. Jeremy Newton 48 Michael Greer 46 Rachel Loftin 45 Jason Simpson 44 Phillip Blockinger 44 Oscar Lazarki 44 Fabiola Duron 44 June Johnson 43 Cara Lumpkin 43 Ryan Amador 42 Terry Waldrop 42 Sandy Gonzalez 42 Trey Bomar 41 Michael Chaney 41 Keith Wright 40 Barbara Kirby 40
Upcoming Sports
Game
Time/Place
Men’s Soccer vs. Northwood University Women’s Soccer vs. Northwood University Volleyball vs. SW Assemblies of God University* Golf at NAIA Preview Invitational
1 p.m. Cedar Hill 3 p.m. Cedar Hill 7 p.m. Sid W. Rich.
Friday
Golf at NAIA Preview Invitational
Deere Run Silvis, IL
Saturday
Men’s Soccer vs. Southern Adventist U. Women’s Soccer vs. Southern Adventist U.
7 p.m. Martin Field 9 p.m. Martin Field
Thursday
Deere Run Silvis, IL
*Breast Cancer Awareness PINK OUT