WEDNESDAY
November 18, 2009 Vol. 92 • No. 24
ONLINE:
www.therambler.org
The Rambler The voice of Texas Wesleyan University students since 1917
Students reveal themselves at the STD, Aries and Zeta open mic night. College Life, page 4
Basketball team has strong recruiting class, experienced underclassmen. Sports, page 6
93 percent of TWU students pass bar Jonathan Resendez
jlresendez@mail.txwes.edu
Only two other Texas law schools received a higher passing rate on the bar exam than Texas Wesleyan this past July. The Texas Board of Law Examiners reported that 139 first-time Wesleyan examinees passed the bar exam. The passing rate was 93.29
percent, beating out all other Texas law schools except for Baylor and Texas Tech. “The Texas Wesleyan Law community – faculty, staff, students and alumni and friends – is proud to celebrate the success of our graduates on the Texas bar examination,” said Frederic White, dean of the Texas Wesleyan School of Law, in a university statement.
First time bar examinees from Wesleyan Law’s neighbor to the east, Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law, received a first time passing rate of 90.99 percent. “Bar exam performance varies from exam to exam,” said Stephen Alton, associate dean for evening divisions programs and law professor. “Our students are working hard, and
our faculty are working hard. Taking the bar is something we take seriously.” With a passing rate of 91.14 percent in July 2007, the recent pass rate is a record for the Wesleyan school of law. Everett Chambers, director of academic support and adjunct law professor, credits well-motivated and diligent students with the perfor-
mance increase. “Students are better motivated after seeing past dips in the passing rate,” he said. Chambers teaches a bar exam review course at the law school. The class simulates portions of the bar and gives hands on experience. “It’s not just an exam, it’s a four part test of skills and materials,” he said.
Program provides laptops to students Stephanie Mejia
smejia@mail.txwes.edu
Laura Rosser | Rambler Staff
Standing Proud The Wesleyan community celebrates the unveiling of a 5-foot, 300-pound ram statue Nov. 12. The bronze ram was purchased by Student Government Association as part of its initiative to increase school spirit. It stands outside of the SUB.
John Liontos | Rambler Staff
Laura Rosser | Rambler Staff
Leaders at Wesleyan often speak about the need to train students for a global economy. The effort is growing younger. The Generation Hope laptop program launched last month to prepare sixth grade students to compete in the global economy. The 16-week program is the vision of Roy Brooks, member of Weslyan’s board of trustees and Tarrant County commissioner. “Generation Hope is a symbol of the great things that can happen when the community works together,” Brooks said. Generation Hope supports core classroom curriculum, but its main focus is math and science. The classes offered to the sixth graders are digital video production and editing, Web design, robotics and video game design. Dr. Bobby Deaton, Wesleyan professor of physics, helped develop the curriculum for Generation Hope. “The program is intense,” Deaton said. “My main concern is that these are sixth grade students. This program would be difficult even for Wesleyan students.” Participants of Generation Hope will attend classes twice a week on their own campuses. They will also meet
HOPE, page 3
Burleson campus neighbors collaborate to provide funds Jonathan Resendez
jlresendez@mail.txwes.edu
The historic campus isn’t the only Texas Wesleyan campus immersed in a community. The Texas Wesleyan Burleson site is located in the heart of Burleson, about 16 miles south of the historic campus. The city of Burleson, population 34,000, has expressed an interest in higher education by creating the Burleson Opportunity Fund. The BOF is a scholarship collaboration between the city of Burleson, Burleson Independent School District, Hill College at Burleson and other community sponsors. Texas Wesleyan is listed as a 2009 platinum sponsor after donating $500 to the BOF. The BOF guarantees a oneyear, 100 percent tuition-andfees scholarship to students
“It’s commendable for the city of
Burleson to encourage its citizens to continue their education, not only at Hill College and Wesleyan, but at other schools as well.”
Dr. Harold Jeffcoat
Wesleyan President
who attend Hill College at Burleson and live in the Burleson area. In the spring of 2008, a class profile conducted by the office of institutional research listed Hill College as a top feeder school for Texas Wesleyan. Dr. Harold Jeffcoat, Wesleyan president, also believes an increasing number of students who get their associate’s from Hill College are coming to Wesleyan to finish their un-
dergraduate work. “It’s commendable for the city of Burleson to encourage its citizens to continue their education,” he said, “not only at Hill College and Wesleyan, but at other schools as well.” The BOF hosted a fundraiser for its program this Courtesy of Sally Ellertson month at the Premiere Cin- Burleson Mayor Ken Shetter (front row center) joins Hill College students at the fund-raiser. ema in Burleson that raised more than $9,000 from the ceeds from regular priced were sold for $35 and came prizes and a chance to mingle VIP passes alone. tickets and concessions went with red carpet treatment that with a Marilyn Monroe imA portion of all the pro- to help the fund. VIP passes included paparazzi photos, personator.
Opinion Scare tactics: the healthcare confusion
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The Rambler | www.rambler.org
November 18, 2009
John Liontos
jcliontos@mail.txwes.edu
President Barack Obama calls reinventing healthcare a “defining struggle of his generation.” While healthcare reform isn’t a new idea, it’s been a hot topic for debate in recent months. People from all corners of the United States still find themselves confused on the whole matter. Students in particular are blaming the media for some of the confusion. Obama told about 15,000 college students at a University of Maryland campaign– style rally that they must resist scare tactics and false accusations to remake the nation’s healthcare system. “I feel like I understand what’s going on in a superficial sense,” said Trisch Doenges, junior English major at Texas Wesleyan. “There’s a lot to decipher, and I understand that there’s only so much you can put in those news bites. I’m still confused on what the media is trying to convey.” While Doenges admits to being confused, she’s also battling whether or not she
supports healthcare reform. “I don’t know if I support it or not,” said Doenges. “I do think that there needs to be something to make healthcare affordable. We’re spending more healthcare insurance now than we actually need.” People aren’t just blaming the media for stirring the pot of confusion, they’re also blaming its source; The United States Government. “You can’t just sit there and blame the media,” said Dr. Ibrahim Salih, professor of political science at Texas Wesleyan. “It’s too easy to ignore what’s really going on and blame one source. I blame the government for poorly educating the American public.” Salih talks about the many ways people can become more self aware of the issues. “There are so many resources and tools available for the public. It’s beyond me why so many people choose not to check their facts first before they jump and make a judgment,” Salih said. “The best way to become more informed is to watch every news station you can. Check out resources online.
Talk to you local politicians. Go to the library. Do everything you can because it’s up to you on what you want to know,” Salih said. “The information is out there, you just have to find it.” One of the issues in the
“He’s informing us but he could dig deep further into the plan. We are curious and want to know what’s going on,” Salih said. For Dr. Ronnie McMannus, professor of religion at Texas Wesleyan, healthcare isn’t
“I understand the basic concept of
healthcare. The question that arises in my mind is this: is healthcare a right or privilege?” Dr. Ronnie McMannus Professor of Religion
confusion seems to be the government is going to be giving away health insurance to everyone. “Let me clear this up for you,” Salih said. “First, our government is not going to be giving away health insurance to everyone. What they are trying to do is create an affordable plan for the middle class.” Salih goes on to explain that Obama means well but is missing key points when explaining healthcare reform.
just confusing matter but an ethical one. “I understand the basic concept of healthcare. The question that arises in my mind is this: Is healthcare a right or a privilege?” MacMannus said. “If it’s a right, then we have a certain duties and responsibilities to make sure everyone has accessibility. If it’s a privilege, then it becomes a financial discussion.” McMannus decided that healthcare to him is more of a
moral discussion rather than a financial one. “I choose to make this a moral discussion,” McMannus said. “Because of my choice, this discussion becomes a right. I think we have to make a choice. Are we only concerned for ourselves or our brothers?” He said he believes it comes down to the “Golden Rule” mentality. “I would hope there’s someone concerned for me. I do not want to be a part of a community that does not accept people.” McMannus shares the belief that both the media and the government are to blame for causing the confusion. “It’s embarrassing with all the scare tactics both media and political parties are doing,” McMannus said. “It’s confusing because you hear different agendas from everyone,” he said. “I know this is an issue of money to everyone. You forget people when this becomes an issue of money.” On the financial side, Dr. Sameer Vaidya, associate dean and associate professor of management gives his side of healthcare.
“I know there is a big financial fear that is on everyone’s mind,” said Vaidya. “In my opinion – the government does not have a good track record. Look at how the post office, [Department of Motor Vehicle] and welfare systems are run.” He said it’s the perfect time financially to bring change, but it’s going to be tricky. “We are spending too much money,” Vaidya said. “Something does have to be done. I just don’t like how it’s being presented.” People are confused everywhere. Fingers point to the media while others wag their fingers toward the government. It seems there is plenty of room for the finger to point to both. There are many view points and opinions people have on healthcare, but most agree that presnetation and communication are lacking. One thing is for certain, however, and that is that change is needed. “Change is a vital part of life. Healthcare needs it badly,” Doenges said. “If no one does anything, I’m gonna have to beat some people up.”
Financial Aid Money not in your hands Kimberly Saleh
ksaleh@mail.txwes.edu
Abandon the Afghans Laurence J. Sheehan
ljsheehan@mail.txwes.edu
The United States military is having more than a ridiculous time in Afghanistan. At what point do we leave other countries and begin focusing on our own? Our unemployment rate has topped 10 percent, and there are several states that do not have any money for a 2010 budget. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry has told President Obama there is no use sending more troops due to the corruption of the current Afghanistan govern-
ment, according to CNN. com. So why are we there? To stamp out corruption? To destroy a mass drug trade? Well, if so, then we are already looking at an epic fail. We can’t even keep the drug trade under control within our own borders, much less control the problems with our friends to the south. We have been battling a drug war with for a number of years. The Top U.S. commander in Afghanistan has requested more than 40,000 more troops. Another report requested 34,000 more troops to add on to the 68,000
troops already in Afghanistan. Members of our government to plan to send more than 100,000 troops into a country where there is no victory. In a time of a $10 trillion deficit, economic failure and the highest unemployment rate seen by our generation, I say bring our boys home. Get the Afghan government ready and pull out and return to the U.S. Unfortunately I fear in the darkest parts of my mind, Maj. Hasan will not be the last internal attack on U.S. troops on U.S. soil.
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
Money. It’s something everyone loves to have. But they don’t want to be told how to spend it. Financial aid is like having money in your hands, but you, the student, cannot choose how and when your financial aid is dispersed. At the beginning of the fall semester, there is a list that informs students how much financial aid they are allotted for the entire year. Each year, the financial aid varies. Sometimes there are subtle decreases in financial aid – a couple of hundred of dollars or a more significant change of a thousand dollars. It bothers me that students cannot get a locked amount. If there is a change, it should increases and not decrease. Furthermore, juniors and seniors who have proved themselves through their grades should get priority and receive more financial aid money. When a student becomes a junior or senior, the chances are very high they will continue and gradu-
“When students are granted financial aid, it belogs to them.” ate from Wesleyan. I’m puzzled because in past years enrollment has not been as high and students still did not see an increase in their financial aid. I contacted the financial aid office about the issue, and I was informed that it is not up to the school, it is up to the government. The school knows students are struggling, and they should offer more grants or scholarships to make up the difference. Furthermore, when students are granted financial aid, it belongs to them. Despite this, students do not get to choose how their own financial aid is distributed. I take great issue with this because students’ finances vary from month to month, and from semester to semester. It should be up to the student to choose to hold some financial aid money for another semester and distrib-
ute it how one pleases. Also, in December, many seniors graduate, so what happens to their financial aid? The financial aid office informed me that it goes back into the pool for other students. However, every student I talked to has never received an increase in their financial aid after the month of December. Everyone with financial aid should see some type of increase in financial aid after December, even if it is a subtle change. Also, if December graduates were able to choose how their own financial aid was distributed, many would have very little debt accumulated from their senior year. Financial aid should give students the opportunity to choose how their aid is divided each semester. The helping hand of financial aid should be there when it is needed the most.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?
Brenton Flowers sophomore criminal justice
“beer, dressing and sandwhices”
Denika Swoopes sophomore biology
“pumpkin pie”
Eunice Nicholson senior journalism
“mashed potatoes”
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
Tara Cates senior pyschology
“fresh baked pecan pie”
Jeremy Burnett sophomore spanish/math
“fresh baked green bean cassarole”
Campus
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November 18, 2009
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Career services offers students choices Jonathan Resendez
jlresendez@mail.txwes.edu
Whether it’s post-grads looking for a career or freshman looking for a part-time job, career services offers help. Career services has more than 350 potential student employers, including local namesakes like Alcon Laboratories and Northwestern Mutual, on file sorted by major. Sherri Mata, director of career services, said plenty of the companies or organizations the department is currently working with would sit down and interview a student at once. “They’d be 100 percent willing to come in and talk to or schedule a meeting with the students,” she said. This was not always the case. Mata came to Wesleyan in 2004 when her career services office wasn’t much more than a desk and a computer. After reviewing the national standards for university career services, Mata asked,
“I
credit career services 100 percent. They have helped me throughout my entire career.” Coridon Laws
Senior Biology Student “What is supposed to be happening?” Mata said her first priority was getting employers on board. Dr. Harold Jeffcoat, Wesleyan president, agrees. “When career services starts to have employers visiting our campus wanting to recruit the top of our students to go to work,” Jeffcoat said, “that’s when I know career services is really doing well.” Jeffcoat said career services’ current location, in the SUB, is an improvement over the old offices in the library. “They have more overall space,” he said. “They aren’t encapsulated in the library.” Apart from locating possible positions, career services also helps with resumes, con-
ducts mock interviews and helps unsure students find their calling. This is done through the use of various tests which can rank the top 10 most ideal positions for a student. “Research shows that if you get into a career you get into and actually like, you’re automatically going to be more successful because you’re going to do a good job,” said Mata, referring to students who pick the more lucrative degrees. Coridon Laws, biology student scheduled to graduate in December, utilized career services throughout her time at Wesleyan. “When I first came, I was in desperate need of money,” she
Jonathan Resendez | Rambler Staff Robyn Fisk, college and career counselor, Lorena Gallegos, coordinator of student and employee relations, and Sherri Mata, director of career services, help students with career needs.
said. “I did the career assessment to see what jobs would be good.” Laws eventually asked career services to e-mail her alerts for part-time jobs in the
area that related to her field. Laws was able to land a job with TALEM as a wet chemistry analyst. She learned about Talem, a local environmental testing company, through the
career services e-mail alerts. “I credit career services 100 percent,” she said. “They have helped me throughout my entire career.”
Psych professor explores criminal behavior Andie Massingill
admassingill@mail.txwes.edu
Columbine, Virginia Tech and now Fort Hood. These massacres have people wondering why individuals commit these heinous crimes. Such tragedies often seem to have no rhyme or reason to those left to pick up the pieces. The law can clearly say the perpetrators are wrong, but the field of psychology seeks to give an answer to the question of how these tragedies can be avoided. “As psychologists, we are
HOPE
trying to understand the mind of a criminal,” said Jeremy Newton, professor of psychology. Newton is embarking on teaching a special topics class for the second time at Wesleyan. It’s a course that goes beyond forensic psychology. It covers the gamut of courtroom proceedings to police behavior in regards to the techniques and the steps involved from a psychological standpoint. “People are always interested in profiling of the criminal mind,” Newton said.
That topic, as well as the FBI profiling system, is covered in the course. “There are a lot of empirical findings now concerning psychological studies that are relevant to the law that we will cover,” Newton said. The first time the class was taught, the Virginia Tech massacre occurred. “It was a very untimely tragedy for my students,” Newton said. “We wiped out the schedule and went over the details of the calamity. As unfortunate as that was, it really showed the need for more re-
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at Texas Wesleyan one Saturday a month for instruction. Graduate students from Texas Wesleyan and Texas Christian University will teach the program along with coordinators from the Crowley, Everman and Fort Worth school districts. The sixth grade students will earn ownership of an
M&A Companion Touch PC through a point system for completing community service and extracurricular school activities. Generation Hope will also have a cultural impact. Each student will be partnered with a pen pal from a different country in order to improve their communication skills
and give them a cross-cultural understanding. The Marion J. and Marie N. Brooks Fund created Generation Hope to help develop the whole child. Several corporations, foundations and institutions also support the program. Michael Board, executive of AT&T Texas, will help lead the project.
FALL 2009 FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE All final exams will be held as scheduled, and no exceptions will be made. Day/Date of Exam
Regular Class Period
Hour of Exam
Saturday, November 21 Sunday, November 22 Saturday, December 5 Sunday, December 6
Track A Track A Track B and C Track B and C
class period class period class period class period
Thursday, December 3 (Final exams for Wed & Thurs evening classes)
4:30 pm TH 6:00 pm TH 7:00 pm TH 4:30 pm W ** 6:00 pm W ** 7:00 pm W **
Friday, December 4
9:25 am TTH 10:50 am TTH 1:30 pm TTH, 1:30 pm T lab
8:00 am 10:30 am 1:00 pm
Monday, December 7
9:00 am MWF 10:00 am MWF 1:30 pm F Lab 1:30 pm MW, 1:30 pm M lab 4:30 pm M 6:00 pm M 7:00 pm M
8:00 am 10:30 am 1:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:30 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm
Tuesday, December 8
8:00 am MWF 3:00 pm TTH, 1:30 pm TH lab 3:00 pm MW, 1:30 pm W lab 4:30 pm T 6:00 pm T 7:00 pm T
8:00 am 10:30 am 1:00 pm 4:30 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm
Wednesday, December 9
8:00 am TTH 11:00 am MWF 12:00 pm MW or MWF
8:00 am 10:30 am 1:00 pm
4:30 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 4:30 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm
Please Note:
Students with conflicting exam times should consult with the professor for arrangements.
** Note: the Wednesday evening classes will be moved to an alternate location for the Final Exam. Instructors will notify students of room change. Any online course exams requiring students to meet on campus are scheduled for 4 pm and 6 pm on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 & 5. Students should check with their instructor for date, time & room confirmation.
search in this area.” The more subtly interesting things include discussing police line-ups and why witnesses pick the wrong person. Eye-witness memory is an important aspect of the law and yet is very sketchy. “With the stress of the situation and the way the police ask questions can taint people’s responses,” Newton said. Also covered are polygraphs and why the results from these tests are not admissible in court. Many other topics will be offered in the course such
as false confession and why someone would be motivated to say yes when they were not responsible for the crime. “Many times now we are seeing that people are not being coerced to confess, but are more interested in the notoriety of being an infamous character,” Newton said. The course will touch on this aspect, as well as the overall psyche of criminals. “The big challenge is to understand that the percentage of insane people committing crimes is actually very small,” Newton said.
This class is not just for psychology students, Newton said. It is also useful for pre-law students and political science students who would benefit from the history of psychology and how it has influenced courtroom reasoning. The course requires no prerequisites. “’Legal’ or ‘illegal’ are terms of the law, but with psychology there is more of a spectrum of different types of behaviors that we will study,” Newton said.
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College Life
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
Invisible Children
Wesleyan students unite under common cause for peace Josephine Okoth
jnokoth@mail.txwes.edu
Wesleyan students seek a chance to better the world by joining the Invisible Children organization. Invisible Children is a global organization working to stop the civil war in Uganda and the forced enlistment of child soldiers. “It seeks to end the human suffering of the people affected,” said Rebecca Moore, political science major. Moore said she learned about the Invisible Children group by watching its videos through Facebook and was touched by the reality of the children’s suffering. “Being a compassionate person on human suffering, I started analyzing a possibility of an end to the war,” she said. Moore said she joined IC and networked with thousands of others who had the same goal of ending the war in Uganda. One fellow Wesleyan student who shares Moore’s initiative is sophomore political science major Felicia Nunez. “I hope to see an end to the war and the problem solved amicably. It is not right for anyone, especially children, to be forced into a war,” Nunez said. Last year, Moore and Nunez attended a meeting of the anti-war crusaders in Austin. “There were over a 150 representatives from all over the world,” Moore said. “All with the same goal of ending the 23- year LRA war in Africa.”
Laura Rosser | Rambler Staff
Rebecca Moore and Student Government President Heath Scott discuss SGA issues. Rebecca Moore remains an active participant in the Invisible Children organization and also serves the Wesleyan community as a member of SGA.
Moore said she plans to get more involved with Invisible Children and has applied for a roadie position with the IC and hopes to secure the position. Nunez said she has applied for an internship to work for the Invisible Children organization as well. “This will help me work closely in ways to bringing
change,” she said. Roadies travel to assigned regions around the world in sticker wrapped vans. They share newest IC media to hundreds of students. But Moore and Nunez want to involve the Wesleyan community with the IC as well. Moore said Wesleyan has signed up as a contributor to fund the organization.
ing! It’s like being a kid again,” Gonzalez said. But, regardless of whether Gonzalez goes to these tourist destinations, her favorite part of the holidays will be to spend quality time with her family. “On Christmas my family gets together and we cook turkey,” Gonzalez said. “We also eat buñuelos, tamales, posole and other Mexican foods.” Samantha Greer, a freshman biology major and soccer player for Texas Wesleyan, will also leave the dorms to spend Christmas with her family. “I live about 20 minutes away, and all of my family is close, so we just hang out and cook,” Greer said. “My dad, mom, sister and I always have a really big dinner on Christmas.” Her favorite part of the holidays is that no matter how old she and her sister, Morgan, have grown, they still stick to the same Christmas tradi-
tions. “We make cookies and watch Polar Express,” Greer said. International student, Armando Villarreal, a junior finance major, is looking forward to the holiday break after finals so he can visit his family, friends and girlfriend in Los Mochis, Sinaloa [Mexico]. “We usually have a big dinner at my grandparent’s house on Dec. 24,” Villarreal said. “On New Year’s we usually go to our family beach house in Sonora [Mexico].” Villarreal, a golf player at Texas Wesleyan, will also take advantage of his time in Sinaloa to practice a lot of golf because of the great weather that is expected there. Even though each student’s plans for celebrating the holidays differ, they can all look forward to a chance to taking a break from school and hopefully sleeping in a little longer.
Sharing the season
Stephanie Mejia
smejia@mail.txwes.edu
With the smell of Thanksgiving turkey and mashed potatoes right around the corner, Wesleyan students look ahead to the season of Christmas trees, lights and gift giving. As finals approach, Texas Wesleyan students look forward to the holiday break as an opportunity to relax from the stress of homework, tests and projects. The holiday season will also give students time to spend with family and friends. Sandy Gonzalez, a junior history and pre-law major said she plans to spend the holiday break visiting her sister Gabriella Gonzaga in Orange County, Calif. It has been three years since they last saw each other. During her stay Gonzalez said she also plans to visit Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood. “I’m super excited about go-
“We hopefully are soon launching a book and T-shirt sale at Wesleyan that will help raise funds,” Moore said. Moore said she encourages Wesleyan to participate as a whole by giving donations and promoting the IC organization through social networks. “The [Invisible Children] organization seeks 150,000
signatures by December 2009 to have the end of the war declared by the White house,” Moore said. Moore said donations are mainly used to build schools and rebuild homes that were destroyed as a result of the war. They also support former child soldiers and rehabilitate them and support children with families suffering from
the HIV/AIDS pandemic. She said schools with the greatest contributions will be able to send some of their students to attend an all expense paid trip to Uganda to witness the usage of their funds. Hand-made bracelets from Uganda will also be given to contributors. Students and student groups alike recognize the opportunity that contributing to Invisible Children presents. Risa Lewis, a junior political science major, said Wesleyan can help bring a lot of change by signing up and contributing to the organization. Heath Scott, president of the Student Government Association, said it is important for Wesleyan to support the cause Invisible Children advocates. “Contributing toward the IC is a great cause for Wesleyan,” Scott said. “I support the cause and it’s in my interest to negotiate for an increase in the funding of the IC by SGA.” Moore said that a $1,000 bill has been presented to SGA for approval, as a kick off for Wesleyan contributions. “I am hopeful that Wesleyan will come together and make this thing happen,” Moore said. Scott said the bill is up for debate, and he is anticipating its approval. “I encourage all students to use their social networks and inform all their friends,” Moore said. “Together we can end the war and make a difference.”
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Don’t Miss Your Opportunity!
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Sensual Soliloquies Special guest from The Fort Worth Poetry Slams Mike Guinn, and Vice President of Zeta Phi Beta Courtney Hickerson hosted the Open- Mic Night Nov. 13. The event saw a mixture of skits, poetry readings and songs themed with love, relationships and sensual exploration performed by Wesleyan students and members of the Fort Worth Poetry Slams.
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Arts & Entertainment
Mixing up Mozart
Music prepares opera workshop
Photo courtesy of Amanda Edmondson
The music department prepares to perform Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte on Nov. 24. Amanda Edmondson
aedmon@mail.txwes.edu
The Texas Wesleyan music department’s opera workshop will present Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte on Nov. 24 at Martin Hall. The opera workshop is a class aimed at vocalists, which teaches techniques
for presenting opera. As part of the class, an opera performance is given at the end of the semester. This year the class is presenting an abridged version of Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte. Cosi Fan Tutte is a comedy about two friends who scheme to test their lover’s fidelity by posing as foreigners.
“This is quite a larger project than we’ve [done] up to this time in my five years,” said Julie McCoy, associate professor of music. “This is new territory for us.” Because the opera only has six characters, each role has been multi-cast by the 19 students. Each character will wear a specific color throughout the perfor-
mance to help the audience differentiate between them. “The continuity is established by the costuming,” McCoy said. Senior vocal performance major Ashlie Averyt, who is one of the performers playing Dorabella, enjoys the approach. “It has been kind of crazy but really fun,” Averyt said.
“It’s going to be really fun to watch.” The opera will be presented in English, and admission is free. McCoy believes it will be accessible to the audience. “[Operas are] really stories about what people go through still to this day,” she said. “They really have to do with human nature.”
November 18, 2009
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X marks the spot Amanda Edmondson
aedmon@mail.txwes.edu
Looking for a place to express yourself? The Open Mic Night at the Coffee X Spot is the place for students to let it all out. Located on the corner of Wesleyan and Rosedale, the Coffee X Spot, which opened in March, started the open mic night as a way to bring students and members of the community into the coffee shop. “[We wanted] to let people know we were here,” said Donna Griffin, co-owner of the Coffee X Spot. Participants can come and perform poetry or any other form of personal expression. Performers are not limited in the language or type of performance they choose. The owners advise parents that this event may not be suitable to younger audiences. “It’s free expression,” Griffin said. “We don’t limit them.” The first poetry slam drew a large crowd. According to Judy Birdow, an employee at the Coffee X Spot, it was good company coupled with good poetry. “I had such a good time,” she said. “It didn’t really feel like I was working.” Despite the turnout at the first event, the Coffee X Spot has had trouble sustaining the crowd. Veronica Richard, co-owner of the Coffee X Spot, emphasizes that they are still learning and trying to find the best way to serve the school. They’ve even added a karaoke night. “We’ve got to find a night that works best for everyone,” she said.
Chuck’s Cheap Thrills: Student discount deals card or billing address, only a valid school e-mail address. It’s completely free, and once you’ve These are tough economic signed in there’s an array of distimes and blah, counts available. blah, blah. I Some diswon’t bore you counts are in the with another form of a printsummation able coupon, of our nation’s some have online economic codes that give situation. As access to these students, we’re savings secrets. no strangers to Businesses tough economic such as Tsituations, as Mobile, Nike, our wallets are Sketchers, always stretched Target, Walthin regardless Mart, Gap and of how the overOld Navy are all economy is all there just doing. waiting to save So, once you money. again, through Discounts vary the tireless from the meager efforts of the 10 percent to a Chuck’s Cheap whopping 50 to Thrills team, we 75 percent. Go present another to www.studenmoney-saving trate.com to see scenario – using what’s available. your student ID. There’s also We all whip student rush out our Westickets available leyan IDs at the at local theaters movie theaters such as Bass to get discount hall, Casa Matickets, but Photo courtesy of dreamstime.com nana and Circle did you know Thank you God for student discounts. Now send me a car. Theatre. These what else your are usually half student ID can get you? Office Ultimate for $59.95. price or less and are available For starters, Microsoft is ofApple offers student deals usually an hour or 30 minutes fering a generous discount on as well, but it is usually in the before curtain – with a valid its new version of Windows. way of a 10 percent discount student ID. I know, I know. I’m just as on selected items. Go to Many restaurants, fast food ticked as all of you for the www.win741.com or www. places, bars, bookstores, muserelease of Windows 7 on the apple.com for more computer ums, retailers, travel agents and heels of Vista (an especially discount deals. car rental places offer a variety hard blow to those of us who Another source for cheap of student discounts as well. have purchased a computer in thrills is www.studentrate. Before you put money the last few years), but I think com. This site requires you to down on anything, you they’re trying to make up for create an account, but they should always remember that it, to us students, anyway. don’t require any personal magic phrase, “Do you offer From now until Jan. 3 information such as credit any student discounts?” Chuck Fain
cmfain@mail.txwes.edu
students can purchase Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional for $29.99. You can also get the 07 Microsoft
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Sports
November 18, 2009
Waldrop looks to return to the national ball scene
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
Guide to the Game: Basketball Jacqueline Wittman
jrwittman@mail.txwes.edu
Have you ever wondered what’s going on in the game or why that crazy fan is yelling at the referee? Worry no more. We have the insider’s guide to basketball in order for you to learn the rules and lingo of the game. Now you will sound like a pro when you cheer and yell at the basketball game. Get out there, join in the fun, and cheer on your Rams! For the complete guide, visit www.therambler.org/ sports.
The Game
Basketball Lingo
• The game consists of two 20 minute halves. • The game begins with a jump ball (tip off). • The players change ends before the next game begins. • Each team gets four 75 second timeouts and two 30 second timeouts. • If a player is fouled while shooting, she gets two free throws if the shot doesn’t go in or one free throw is the shot does go in. • If a team commits ten or more fouls in a half, then the player who was fouled is awarded two free throws.
“Alley-Oop” An offensive play when one player throws the ball near the basket to a teammate who jumps and scores a basket in mid-air. “Layup” A close-range shot made on the move by using one hand to bounce the ball off the backboard and into the basket. “Charging” An offensive foul; when a player pushes or runs over a defensive player.
Women’s basketball building, Francis brings in experience Daniel Bravo
dabravo@mail.txwes.edu
Courtesy of the athletic department
Senior Terrell Henry Daniel Bravo
dabravo@mail.txwes.edu
Good teams rebuild, while great teams reload. That is exactly the case with the Texas Wesleyan men’s basketball team. The team is coming off another impressive winning season, posting a 29-5 record and reaching the Sweet 16 in last year’s NAIA national tournament. Head Coach Terry Waldrop knows that hard work is ahead for the Rams if they wish to continue to be a toptier program. “Following a 29-5 season, we certainly have our work cut out for us,” he said. Waldrop wasted no time after last year’s heartbreaking loss in the NAIA National Tournament and looked to reload his squad. The 87-75 loss came at the hands of McKendree University in a close game in last year’s Sweet 16. The team lost four seniors including First-Team AllAmerican Chris Berry. This year’s edition features a strong recruiting class and experienced underclassmen. The
recruiting class includes three transfer students who look to make an immediate impact having played at NCAA Division I programs last year. Jeremy Smith, junior, comes from nearby University of Texas at Arlington is expected to see playing time immediately. Jeremy Havard, a 6-foot8-inch junior from Houston Baptist, and Jeremy Mayfield, a 6-foot-10-inch junior from the University of Alabama at Birmingham look to add size to the team. All wasn’t lost with the departure of Berry. All-Conference forwards Terrell Henry and Hector Mukweyi are back for their senior campaigns and look to add to the success of the school’s basketball program. Henry, a senior communication major, looks to fill the leadership role that Berry had last season. “Trying to replace someone like Chris Berry is almost impossible because of the type of player he was,” he said. “I feel that I need to be more of a leader this year. Hector [Mukweyi] and I have to step up
and provide that senior leadership that we had last year.” Texas Wesleyan has become a powerhouse in recent years under Waldrop. The Rams have 114 wins in the last five years placing them third as one of the most successful basketball programs at any college level, trailing only the University of Texas (129) and Texas A&M University (119). “I am very humbled that we are mentioned with such prestigious coaches and programs as those,” Waldrop said. “I believe it says a tremendous amount about the character and commitment of the student athletes we have recruited and also our coaching staff to be able to sustain the success we have had on the court the last number of years.” The Rams began conference play Dec. 17 versus Wiley College. All home games are played in the Sid Richardson Center, and admission is free with a student ID. For more information on the men’s basketball team, visit the home page at www.txwes.edu/ athletics/m-basketball.
Looking for a place to call Home? Housing is still available on campus
Singles
Doubles
All to yourself!
Lady Rams. Franey, a graduate of Southern Illinois University, has an 85 percent winning percentage at the high school and college level. The Lady Rams opened conference play against Wiley College Dec. 17. Their home games can be seen at the Sid Richardson Center. Admission is free with a student ID. For more information on the women’s basketball team, visit the home page at www. txwes.edu/athletics/w-basketball.
Coach Stacy Francis and the word “success” go handin-hand. Last season Francis surpassed the 105 victory mark, becoming women’s basketball’s most winningest coach at Texas Wesleyan. This year, Francis and her squad look to add to that success and make a serious run at the Red River Athletic Conference title. “Six players left, and seven returned,” she said. “I expect the nine new transfer students to bring experience and energy to the team.” The woman’s basketball team kicked off the regular season with a 64-62 win over St. Gregory University but knows that there is still a lot of work ahead of them. The Lady Rams have seven returning players and 10 new faces this season. The team is considered to be fairly young, having only four seniors on the 17-woman roster. “Once the team chemistry forms, I believe we will be successful,” Francis said. Sophomore marketing major Ashley Bringol said that the major difference between this year’s team and that of years past is the number of new players. “The team chemistry is still building, but we still plan to make it to nationals this season,” she said. Courtesy of the athletic department And she knows Francis will Sophomore Ashley Bringol
The Weekly Sports Quote “When you get that nice celebration coming into the dugout and you’re getting your ass hammered by guys—there’s no better feeling than to have that done.”
Matt Stairs
MLB pinch hitter
Upcoming Sports
Game
Wednesday JV Basketball vs.
Eastfield College
Friday
Get a roommate!
Monday
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be there every step of the way making sure this team has a successful season. “Playing for such an accomplished coach is a great feeling,” Bringol said. “Her knowledge and experience really gives us confidence in the system. She has affected me as a player by making me become more patient.” Also new to the fold is Assistant Coach Bill Franey who brings more than 35 years of high school and college coaching experience to the
Tuesday
Time/Place 7 p.m. Mesquite
Women’s Basketball vs. Lubbock Christian University Men’s Basketball vs. Arlington Baptist C.
5 p.m. Lubbock
JV Basketball vs. Arlington Baptist C.
6 p.m. Dallas
Women’s Basketball vs. Mid-America Christian University Men’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma City Univ.
6 p.m. Sid W. Rich.
7:30 p.m. Sid W. Rich.
8 p.m. Sid W. Rich.
Wesleyan Week-in-Sports • The Lady Rams Volleyball team (16-17) suffered a season-ending 3-2 (22-25, 19-25, 25-16, 25-23, 15-11) loss to Our Lady of the Lake University in the first round of the Red River Athletic Conferenc tournament Nov. 13. During the tournament, the Lady Rams’ Angelica Arroyo and Kristen Venhuizen received honorable allconference honors, Kaitlyn Lowes was named second team all-conference and Brittney Person, Destiny Clemons and Chelsy Covington received first team all-confernece honors. Covington also received the honor of Defensive Specialist of the Year. • The Lady Rams Basketball team (1-2) suffered a 68-50 loss to Evangel University Nov. 13. The Lady Rams then dropped a game 7052 to Rogers State University Nov. 14. • The Rams Basketball team (2-3) lost 75-59 to Oklahoma Baptist University Nov. 10 before following up with wins against Southwestern Adventist University (119-60) Nov. 13 and Sterling College (70-68) Nov. 14.