The Rambler, Vol. 101, No. 7

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The Rambler

The students’ voice since 1917

Fort Worth, Texas

November 5, 2008

NEWS BRIEFS Post Graduation Plans Still looking for the answer after graduation?

Be sure to stop by the second floor of the West Library (rooms 202 and 203) to explore employment possibilities in planning your future. Career Services is at the students’ disposal on a walk-in or appointment basis. See Sherri Mata, director, or Michael Ann Greer, college and career counselor.

Photos by Gasten Schoonover

The Dillow House was willed to Texas Wesleyan University in 1979 by Samuel Dillow’s daughter, Audrey Dillow. The house sits across Rosedale Street from campus at the corner of Vaughn and Collard. Dillow’s efforts have further been recognized in other local architecture including Fort Worth’s S.S. Dillow Elementary School.

Spring 2009 payment is due no later than Dec. 5.

Visit the cashier’s link on the Wesleyan home page for university payment option. If you have a refund coming your way checks will be issued on Jan. 14, 2009. 1098 tax statements will be mailed on Jan. 31.

Casino Night

Free Fall Ensemble Texas Wesleyan Jazz and Wind Ensembles present “The Sacred and the Profane,” a night of musical variety. Martin Hall, located at 1309 Wesleyan Street, plays host to the instrumental concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13.

Wesleyan Music opens its doors to all for the free event. For more information, contact the department at (817) 537-4992.

STAFF WRITER

Near the intersection of Vaughn and Collard Street resides the beloved Dillow House. Designated as a city of Fort Worth landmark, this residence possesses a past well known to Wesleyan and its surrounding community.

Although it has not been used by the university in a few years, it has happy memories for the school. It served as an alumni headquarters and hosted a variety of events for students. Hope is now brewing that the house, which sits directly across campus on Rosedale Street, can benefit from some of the nearby redevelopment.

According to Quentin McGown, past president of the alumni association, the Dillow House was at one time a potential recipient of some of the grant money that is aiding in the renovations of the Baker House and the storefronts on Rosedale.

That didn’t prove possible, but it is popular opinion that the current redevelopment will only bring more.

“The hope is that we’ll be able to obtain some further grant funds to do some more work on the Dillow House,” McGown said.

The house would need to meet some disability requirements and require some work, but McGown agreed that the building is sound.

Ever since its construction in 1912, this house, which bystanders may see as a just a vacant residence, has carried an extensive history along with it. It ranges from the Polytechnic community’s beginnings to Texas Wesleyan University’s establishment. Among the early settlers of Fort Worth’s Polytechnic community was the Dillow family, starting with Samuel Selkirk Dillow.

Dillow was Polytechnic’s first grocery store owner, establishing his business in 1892 simultaneously with Wesleyan’s (known as Polytechnic College at that time) birth the same year.

“Upon its founding, the community’s growth was centered around Texas Wesleyan University,” said Louis Sherwood, 1989 Wesleyan graduate and university archivist/cataloging librarian.

After getting his business up and running successfully, Dillow bought the lot that the house now sits on in 1908 to provide a cozy yet See Dillow, page 2

Alumni magazine receives Silver Quill award STAFF WRITER

Theatre Wesleyan and director Connie WhittLambert present this classic Roman comedy of mistaken identity. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1315 and Nov. 20-22. in the Thad Smotherman Theatre. There will also be a 2 p.m. performance on Nov. 23.

SHAMEKA HYATT

Wesleyan shines in recognition EUNICE NICHOLSON

The Menaechmus Twins

A gem of a house gone overlooked Dillow House stands still amidst local renovations

Important Information from the cashier

Join SGA from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Nov. 6 for a night of food, games, prizes and live jazz. Casino games include poker, craps, blackjack, roulette and slots. The $5 ticket proceeds go to the Innocence Project of Texas and can be purchased in Student Life, from any SGA member or at the door that night.

Vol. 101, No. 9

Wesleyan is a winner. More specifically, Wesleyan magazine.

Communications Director Laura Hanna received a Silver Quill award this fall for her work as the editor of the magazine from the International Association of B u s i n e s s Communicators.

Roughly 18,000 copies of each edition of the magazine are printed twice a year and mailed primarily to alumni. The magazine contains alumni news as well as articles on the university, its students, faculty and events.

“It’s very satisfying to be rewarded for all of our hard work,” Hanna said.

IABC’s Silver Quill is awarded each year for excellence in the field of communications at the regional level. Texas Wesleyan is

part of the Southern Region, which includes chapters in Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana and Tennessee.

Hanna also received the

production back into the department.

“We made a real effort to improve it and to produce something people would enjoy reading,” Hanna said.

Alumni agree.

“I love hearing about special programs you normally would not hear about,” said 1997 graduate Betsy Deck.

Deck is a communications and marketing manager for the city of Euless and a member of IABC. “ We s l e y a n magazine is [now] more Photo by Gasten Schoonover focused to what is going on with Bronze Quill for the spring 2006 the school.” issue of Wesleyan magazine. The This is a concerted effort.

Bronze Quill is awarded at the While news about Wesleyan’s local level. alumni continues to be part of the In 2005 when Hanna joined magazine, features about students, the communications department, faculty and campus changes also the Wesleyan magazine was being outsourced. Hanna brought the See Magazine, page 2

Stability, expansion and safety President speaks on campus concerns during SGA forum RACHEL HORTON WEB EDITOR

In keeping with its annual tradition, Wesleyan’s Student Government Association hosted the President’s Forum this fall. University President Dr. Hal Jeffcoat took time to chat with students Oct. 28 about some of the changes that have taken place on campus and the financial status of the university.

Students asked several questions on issues such as security, campus improvements and about the president’s vision for the next five years.

Jeffcoat said the school has evolved over the last 10 years into a truly unique institution. Most liberal arts colleges simply offer the traditional liberal arts degrees and expect students to go elsewhere to receive training for the professional fields. Yet through Wesleyan, he pointed out, there is a law school, a nurse anesthesia program, psychology training and the school of business. Soon, students will be able to obtain a doctorate in

See Forum, page 2

Opinions

Sports

Thirsty Thursdays at Six Flags? Should the park obtain its liquor license and reach out to a new demographic? Page 3

Sundays in Irving scream tradition and tailgate.

Cowboys fans from all around gather in support of their team. Page 5

News

November 5, 2008

Dillow, from page 1 elegant home for his family. Upon the house’s completion in 1912, Dillow lived in the house until he passed away in 1931. His daughter Audrey Dillow, a Wesleyan graduate, then took possession of the house.

While still living, the teacher of 30 years bestowed the house in 1979—she died three years later in 1982.

“The house was given to Wesleyan because Audrey and her sisters, Ina and Louis S. Witte, also alumni, truly loved the school,” said Sherwood.

The house was renovated by the university in 1982.

The alumni association used the home for some events, but when the 90s hit and McGown became alumni president, it underwent another facelift and became quite the alumni headquarters.

“I have a deep affinity for older buildings like the Dillow House,” he said.

It was used for reunions and hospitality functions, and it endeared students as well as alumni. Alphi Phi Omega, a national service fraternity that once had a chapter at Wesleyan, gave the home some more TLC in the late ‘90s as a service project and used the home for events such as their pinning ceremony.

This went on for about a decade until about 2000 when use of the building faded away.

McGown’s tenure ended, and he said he thinks the next leadership just didn’t have the same affinity for the house and didn’t feel as secure opening up or closing up the building in its remote location.

“The alumni board slowly moved away from having events there as other facilities on campus became available,” McGown said.

But there’s no arguing that this particular facility is one of a kind.

The Rambler 2

“Along with its historical importance, it is an example of architecture of its time, being one of the most substantial homes in the area,” said Sherwood.

Two-stories tall, the house is supported by the sturdy ochre brick of its infrastructure and the grandeur roof adds to its strength.

With such unique architecture, the house not only sits as a model for its “architectural merit” in the Polytechnic area but as a remembrance of the Dillow family.

As Polytechnic emerged and grew through Photo by Gasten Schoonover time, the Dillow family The Dillow House is designated as a city of Fort Worth landmark. was very active community participants. Dillow was president for both the First “wartime shortage,” as a result of World War II, and the State Bank of Polytechnic and the Polytechnic School necessity for “surrounding businesses to expand” Board, among other posts. Born in Illinois, Dillow set inflicted store, according to the Tarrant County Historic an example in the Polytechnic community of strongly Resources Survey.

According to her obituary, she too continued to be endorsing civic duty and leadership.

In regards to the S.S. Dillow Grocery Store, an active part of the community.

From all that stands is left what McGown calls “a Dillow’s innate abilities as a true business man shined through as his store was kept successfully running until gem of a house.” He said he believes in its potential and his death in 1931. His wife, Cornelia Cassandra Dillow, knows that there are those ready to rally around the restook control of the operations of the store. Under her urrection of Dillow. management, the store survived until 1944, when Magazine, from page 1 fill the pages of the publication.

“It was a deliberate effort to not have so many briefs but instead to have more featured topics of interest,” Hanna said.

So how does Wesleyan’s communications department acquire newsworthy information from the Wesleyan alumni?

“They get the magazine and want to be part of it,” Hanna said. They then submit newsworthy material. “It’s extended school spirit.”

Hanna serves as editor of Wesleyan magazine. She also oversees the production of all Wesleyan promotional, advertising and specialty publications and acts as spokeswoman for the university. She is also creator and editor of the Wesleyan Flame, Wesleyan’s weekly online newsletter.

The latest edition of Wesleyan magazine is available in the ad building or online at http://www.txwes.edu/communications/wesleyanmagazine.htm.

And the winner is...

Forum, from page 1

Translevesleyan attendees flaunt their costumes and their dancing shoes. William Rather, right, won the costume contest with his spheroid globe suit.

Photo by Gasten Schoonover

There’s only one way to go.

Write for The Rambler. twurambler@yahoo.com

[Insert your advertisement here.] rambleradvertising@yahoo.com

education from Wesleyan, adding yet another dimension to the university.

“Texas Wesleyan University has undergone some evolutionary changes,” Jeffcoat said. “Today, we’re a hybrid. The core of the institution is still liberal arts, but it’s balanced by the professional emphasis our programs have.”

With this unique position, Wesleyan will be able to focus on the programs that lead to those tracks, he said.

Jeffcoat noted wryly that being a “fiscal conservative” at the university was a fairly difficult undertaking.

The exciting part, he said, however, is that due to prudent financial management thus far, the university is now in a position to begin investing in various academic programs and expanding opportunities for some of the “bellwether” majors at the school.

In short, the financial situation of the college is strong, he said, and “even though we cannot do everything we want to, there is nothing to stop the school from continuing to develop” in the coming years.

Campus security, while always a hot topic, was especially prominent at this year’s President’s Forum.

Jeffcoat fielded questions about whether or not anything was being done in response to some of the more recent incidents.

Jeffcoat responded that campus security alone is not the solution to safety. Attending parties off campus, off campus visitors in the dorm areas and leaving vehicles in compromising situations are all potentially unsafe scenarios. He noted that students should exercise discretion in the decisions they make.

“It takes all of us to make the campus safe,” he said.

“We have to all be diligent.”

He also mentioned that the administration had consulted with a professional in the security industry and were awaiting that report in order to determine what other, if any, steps may be taken to make the campus safer.

In terms of opportunity for off-campus activity, students and Jeffcoat spoke of plans to bring public transportation, such as streetcars or rail, near the campus. The president strongly assured students that he was “one hundred percent in favor” of the potential development. A station could be almost right in Wesleyan’s backyard and would, Jeffcoat said, provide greater opportunities for good, safe fun.

Finally, Jeffcoat shared with students a bit of his vision for the coming years. Enrollment, he noted, actually exceeded the original goal of 3,000 this fall, so administration has adjusted to a new enrollment goal to 3,500.

There will also be accreditation meetings in the spring semester to confirm the school’s induction of the doctorate program for education and the school of business.

Opinions Beer and Bugs Bunny?

November 5, 2008 3

“Obama.”

“McCain.”

“Obama.”

Suzanne Forotering Freshman Theater Arts Major

“Who did you think would win the presidential election?

Thomas Bosco Freshman Marketing Major

Ashley Bringel Freshman Business/Marketing Major

The Rambler

Alcohol at Six Flags will not sabatoge ‘safe’ environment A rlington, Texas, is full of irresponsible, ravenous drunks. The same goes for anywhere else in the Fort Worth-Dallas area.

This sad state of affairs is obvious, because why else would so many Metroplex residence be up in arms about the attempt of Six Flags Over Texas to obtain a liquor license? Especially since other theme parks – Busch Gardens, Sea World, Disney’s MGM Studios and Epcot Center and even other Six Flags locations – CHUCK allow alcohol in their parks without FAIN experiencing any major catastrophes.

In that case, the problem must lie not within the people, but within the geographical confines of Six Flags, as “the vast majority of theme parks do allow alcohol,” according to lovetoknow.com. Maybe the park is constructed on top of an ancient Indian burial ground, the angry spirits possessing those ingesting spirits, or maybe there is an anomaly of magnetic field triangulation in the heart of Arlington’s Six Flags causing destructive behavior in those who consume alcohol in the area.

“I don’t want to ride through a park full of puke because somebody got drunk and decided to ride the Superman,” one protester was quoted as saying on cbs11TV.com as her argument against the issue.

“I hear the children crying out for help. These children need someone sober to get them home,” said a retired police officer on tradingmarkets.com in reference to the inevitable drunk driving to ensue.

And one woman, quoted in dallasnews.com, summed up the anti-alcohol stance beautifully, saying “I don’t want them drunks messing with my kids and grand-kids.”

Indeed.

First, to the issue of puke in the park, let me say this. Puking and rollercoasters have gone hand in hand ever since their rise to prominence in our culture. Going around in circles, in loops and upside down at high speeds makes people puke. It’s physics.

With that in mind, one would assume that any establishment operating rollercoasters (excluding those traveling carnivals that set up in parking lots) has the puke situation well under control. A few people drinking won’t escalate the situation into an unmanageable problem, I assure you.

What’s more, who gets hammered and wants to ride Superman?

Alcohol already provides a dizzy, queasy sort of feeling that does not cry out for the accompaniment of a rollercoaster. Not once have I been at a bar and have someone suggest riding a rollercoaster. Iit just doesn’t happen.

The people drinking will most likely be parents waiting for their kids to get off a ride while they relax with an adult beverage.

Next, the retired officer who can “hear the children cry out for help” because their maniac, inebriated parents are drunk driving them home.

Does everyone turn so melodramatic after retirement? I think the kids at Six Flags are too busy crying out to their parents for glow necklaces and Looney Tunes toys to be crying out for your help.

And leaving Six Flags drunk? Are you kidding? A Coke costs six bucks inside the park, can you imagine how much they would charge for a beer?

If a person can afford to go to Six Flags and get drunk, then they are rich enough to have a personal driver.

And finally, to the dear, sweet lady who doesn’t want “them drunks” messing with her kids and grandkids – I almost don’t know what to say… almost. It would seem that the only exposure this lady has had with alcohol is prohibition era propaganda and poorly-produced after-school specials.

Messing with your kids and grandkids? Drunks are loud, obnoxious, sloppy people, but we – I mean they – are not predatory child molesters!

In fact, I would venture to guess that there are more pedophilic preda-

tors in pre-alcohol Six Flags than there are at any local bar.

Another point, if you have grandchildren, then it’s probably time for you to stop worrying about strangers harassing your children. If they are old enough to have had kids themselves, I’m sure they can operate in the world without your protection and supervision.

Parents should have a family-friendly environment in which to take their children; however, unless that environment’s sole purpose is to cater to children, they should not expect said environment to cater only to kids.

At Six Flags, there is a whole area of the park designated for kids, complete with kids’ rides, games and people dressed in cartoon costumes. Six Flags also has rides for big kids and adults, even barring children from certain rides because of height requirements.

Six Flags is a place for people of all ages to enjoy themselves, and if they obtain their liquor licenses, then all they are doing is catering to a demographic that is not often catered to in the park.

Ben Franklin, one of our country’s founding fathers, once said, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be Courtesy of Google Images happy.”

And while the famously sarcastic Franklin perhaps said this in a tongue-and-cheek manner, it proves two things: First, that alcohol has found favor with some of our greatest thinkers, and second, alcohol has been part of our cultural heritage from the very beginning.

Having alcohol at an establishment does not automatically make it unfriendly to families. True, you wouldn’t want to take a child to every place that serves alcohol, but spirits on the premises is not an indication that your child is in danger.

Do you fear for your child’s safety at public restaurants? At major sporting events? How about at a bowling alley? All of these places sell alcohol, which is consumed on their premises, and children are frequently taken along to these places without a second thought.

The fact is that alcohol is not inherently evil. It’s those who cannot control themselves that gives alcohol a bad reputation.

Alcohol is part of what helped this nation to establish itself and to grow. It is found in almost any public gathering, and even at church. Even as I write this article, I’m drinking a beer.

The fact is a couple of drinks, especially over the course of an evening, will not severely impair an individual. Most people who want alcohol at Six Flags only want to have a drink with their $10 hamburger (don’t you feel like you need a drink after paying for food at Six Flags?).

Those serving the drinks will be certified by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, just like every other establishment, and alcohol sales will be limited to only certain areas of the park, according to representatives from Six Flags.

So, bored grandmothers and retired policemen with too much free time, I urge you to champion some other “worthy” cause, and leave liquor alone at Six Flags.

Chuck Fain is a senior writing major and a staff writer for The Rambler.

Caring and knowledgable staff solidfy student’s decision to attend Wesleyan LETTER TO THE EDITOR My name is Michael Ryan. I am 44 years old, and I will be attending Texas Wesleyan University as a psychology student in the spring of 2009. I graduated last May from Tarrant County College with an associate’s degree in mental health.

As I sought employment in the field of mental health, I soon realized that I needed my bachelor’s degree to open more doors to positions I wished to pursue. Having paid out of pocket for all of my expenses at TCC, I knew that would not be an option at Texas Wesleyan.

Concern of the unknown regarding what types of aid (if any) was available to me to continue my much-needed advancement in education had left me with an array of feelings. Many of the feelings were less than positive as I faced an uncertain future.

I knew at my age, time was a critical factor. On Oct. 24, I had a very informative meeting with financial aid counselor Anna Perez. She presented to me all of my options and answered all of my questions. I left her office knowing exactly what was available and what I need to do to obtain it.

More importantly, she left no doubt that when additional concerns or problems arise, she would be there to address them. I also obtained some very helpful student information from employee Tara Cates that I greatly appreciated her sharing with me.

So, from my first meeting with transfer counselor Neal Bridges and the assistance of Director of Admissions Holly Kiser, who quickly acted on a problem that came up during my admission process, I just want to express my gratitude to all of the employees at Texas Wesleyan who have made me feel welcome. Their actions have made me certain that Texas Wesleyan was the right choice for me.

“Obama.”

Christine Tham Senior Political Science Major

Dear Editor,

Michael Ryan Incoming Student

Rambler Ratings

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

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

Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

Opinions expressed in The Rambler are those of the individual author only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas Wesleyan community as a whole.

Letters to the editor: The Rambler, a weekly publication, welcomes all letters.

All submissions must have a full printed name, phone number and signature; however, confidentiality will be granted if requested.

While every consideration is made to publish letters, publication is limited by time and space.

The editors reserve the right to edit all submissions for space, grammar, clarity and style.

Letters to the editor may be subject to response from editors and students on the opinions page.

"We are not afraid to follow the truth...wherever it may lead." -Thomas Jefferson Address all correspondence to: Texas Wesleyan University, The Rambler, 1201 Wesleyan St., Fort Worth, TX 76105.

Newsroom: 531-7552 Advertising: 531-7582 Fax: 531-4878 E-mail: twurambler@yahoo.com

Thumbs up to Student Life for hosting the Translevesyleyan Bash on Oct. 30.

Thumbs up to the end of daylight-savings time giving tired students an extra hour of sleep.

Thumbs down to the lack of variety on Dora’s menu.

Thumbs up to all who expressed their voice in the 2008 elections.

Corrections *The photo accompanying Dare to Discover (Oct. 29) on page 4 was misidentified as William Ward. *The Transelvesleyan Bash Oct. 30 was hosted by Student Life. The host was stated incorrectly in the Oct. 29 issue.

The Rambler regrets the errors.

College Life

4 November 5, 2008

The Rambler

Ghostly ghouls gallavant in the dead of night Photos by Gasten Schoonover

Students and faculty alike joined in the crazy fun at the Transelvesleyan Bash hosted by Student Life on Oct. 30 arrayed in a broad assortment of creative, scary and comical costumes. A live band, dozens of pizzas, drinks, games, door and costume prizes and dancing kept students entertained and spooked. Afterward, many attendees strutted around campus spooked by The Ghost Walk.

Vanished:

College yearbook tradition retires on a national level due to expense, disinterest

pared by the students who lived it,” Cactus adviser Kathy Lawrence said.

She estimated that “maybe” more than half of American universities publish yearbooks, but said numbers have REPRINT COURTESY OF FORT WORTH STAR TELEGRAM dropped from 20 years ago.

“It’s not all gloom and doom. It’s a cyclical thing. When For better than a century, the yearbook has been as much Downward trend Stoebe estimates that 1,100 of the nation’s approximate- there’s a lot of unhappiness in society, yearbook sales tend to a staple of campus culture as beer and bad dorm food. drop off,” Putney said. “When tradition is popular, yearbooks But as of this year, the University of North Texas’ Aerie ly 2,500 four-year colleges produce all-school yearbooks.

But at UT, the latest Cactus sold only really thrive. I think where trais history. dition reigns, you’re going to Purdue and Mississippi State universities are also closing 2,000 copies on a campus of about 50,000, Lawrence said.

UT-Arlington has not had have a wonderful yearbook.” the books on annuals, while at schools that still have yearTradition apparently still books, advisers tend to talk somewhat soberly about the an annual for years. Texas State Wesleyan has published a yearbook University’s book was discontinued in in the past, as recently as 1996. The inchruns strong at the University of future.

Mississippi.

“It’s probably a convergence of a lot of factors,” said 2004 after its 100th edition. Texas thick publication, entitled Ram’s Horn, “We are in a good, stable Tom Rufer, director of the UNT student union, which plans Wesleyan University’s book ceased publi- boasted a handsome hardcover and a mulposition,” said Ashley Dees, to distribute the final-edition 2008 Aerie in August. “To some cation six years ago. titude of photos.

“There are very few yearbooks that editor of The Ole Miss. “Our degree, social networking is replacing that. Students are Sheri Parker, coordinator of library have not experienced declines in the past operations, told The Rambler 10 years school is behind our book.” using Facebook to chronicle the college experience.”

Dees said sales are about Rich Stoebe, communications director for publisher few years,” said Richard Lytle, director of later that Wesleyan ceased printing the 6,000, with 416 color pages.

Jostens Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, downplayed the Student Media at Southern Methodist yearbook basically because of money.

University. “We have not come up with the “The yearbook is a personal influence of social networking sites.

Parker said that they tried to find history book,” Dees said. “It’s “MySpace, YouTube, Twitter are a different category,” exact reason. cheaper ways of publishing the yearbook “At this point we are still in the black, before it was cut completely. our story. It’s our book. You Stoebe said. “High school students are just as involved in cannot hold Facebook. You canMySpace, and it hasn’t had an impact. Virtually every high but if we continue to drop in sales, that “There was discussion of possible becomes questionable,” Lytle said, adding cost cutbacks – like on the cover – but not pass Facebook on to the school produces a yearbook.” next generation. And you’re But if the virtual world isn’t hurting yearbooks, rising that most income for SMU’s $55 yearbook students didn’t want anything like that,” going to lose everything you put costs, the loss of a key adviser and student indifference can derives from sales to students, with ad rev- she said. on Facebook.” lead administrators to shelve yearbook publication, Rufer enue secondary.

When attempts to curtail Ram’s Horn Mary Finley has been Aerie adviser funds failed, the project was dropped. said.

The fact that students at many schools are pulled in the since 2000. She pointed out that UNT preWhile overall consensus bid the annu- Selling it viously discontinued its yearbook, then Unlike most Texas schools, direction of off-campus jobs, semesters abroad and off-camal farewell, some members of the Wesleyat Ole Miss the $45 cost of stupus living also means they don’t share a common focus on revived it. The present incarnation is in its an body still see value in the volume.

26th year. dent annuals is included in traditional college life they might once have.

Dr. Paul Moore, history professor, tuition and fees.

The fact voiced his opinion in Dees and her staff also market that the 2006. the book through the campus University of “My sense is that radio station, TV station and Texas at the students are cheatschool paper.

Arlington doesing themselves by not Instead of nagging students to n’t offer a yeardoing it,” Moore said. come in for portraits, staff book didn’t “They lose out on colmembers go to places like Last bother Jason lective memories, Call, a campus bar, and shoot McDonald. looking back and saystudent photos there.

“It’s not ing, ‘That was my To boost sales at Kansas high school, class, events, sports State’s veterinary college, where everyteams – my pride.’ It Putney’s The Royal Purple staff body’s so cendictates whether they tralized,” said will be part of a school stripped pages from the campus life section and put out a special McDonald, 19, history.” zoned edition. Sales went from who will transStudent Ashley four to 212. They also set up a fer to the Jernigan spun a perFacebook account and post stuff University of sonal angle on the to YouTube to drive traffic to Texas at Austin need for nostalgia. the yearbook. And Putney this fall.

“I want to be able to expanded niche coverage with a As for UT, show my kids the big DVD of about 35 additional stuMcDonald said things that went on dent “stories” inserted in the he might get a when I was young and back of the book. copy of the how I looked 30 years There’s also life in Texas Cactus as a senago.”

Christian University’s Horned ior. Advisers -- Tiara Nugent Frog yearbook, published since say first-year 1898. The 500-page book costs students and $62 and includes a movie-style DVD. seniors are usuPhoto by Tiara Nugent Yearbook adviser Kathy Hamer said that more than 30 ally the biggest A complete collection of Wesleyan’s yearbook, the Ram’s Horn, can be found on the third floor of the library in percent of students buy the book and that sales have trendbuyers. ed up for a decade.

C a m p u s special collections.

“I think it’s the kind of campus we have: We have a newspapers cap“Yearbooks come and go. It all depends on the tempera- strong Greek community; they tend to be in it a lot,” Hamer ture some of a college’s culture. But yearbook fans say a paper can’t put an academic year into a single volume stu- ment at the university,” said Finley, who is retiring. said.

Greeks often lead campus organizations and in many dents can pull off the shelves, leaf through and laugh at for “Developing a yearbook is an expensive thing. The students just weren’t buying it. None of the other departments wanted cases pay to have their fraternities or sororities featured in the rest of their lives. the book.

“It really does give you a sense of what it was like to be to pick it up.”

Kansas State yearbook adviser Linda Putney in 1987 Of course, TCU, Ole Miss and Texas A&M University, on campus in years past,” UNT archivist Michelle Mears wrote her master’s thesis on the college yearbook’s historic which has one of the biggest annuals in the country, not only said. have fraternities and sororities but the kind of culture that At Kansas State University, the annuals are the most role and status.

“It’s harder to sell books than it was 15 or 20 years ago,” seems to demand a book. requested items in the university archives, the KSU yearbook Putney said, adding that sales were about 4,000 six or seven “The nickname for the school comes from the yearadviser said. book,” said Dees, of The Ole Miss. “We are the school.”

“They’re losing the only written history of the year pre- years ago. “We’re still selling about 3,500.”

JOHN AUSTIN

The Ram’s Horn

Sports

The Rambler

Quick Quotes “Success is about having, excellence is about being. Success is about having money and fame, but excellence is being the best you can be.”

- Mike Ditka Former NFL Coach

Upcoming Events Nov. 5 *8 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Parker College Nov. 6 *4 p.m. Men’s and Women’s Soccer host conference tournaments Nov. 7 *TBA Men’s and Women’s Soccer host conference tournaments 6 p.m. Women’s Basketball @ Southern Nazarene Nov. 8 *TBA Men’s and Women’s Soccer host conference tournaments *11 a.m. Volleyball vs.

Bacone 1 p.m. Women’s Basketball @ Oklahoma Christian *3 p.m. Volleyball vs. Our Lady of the Lake 3 p.m. Men’s Basketball @ Oklahoma Christian Nov. 9 7 p.m. Women’s Basketball @ John Brown * denotes home game

Sports Briefs Lady Rams sweep weekly awards Oct. 28 Women’s soccer players Alejandra Barrera and Trista Rivera were selected as the Red River Conference’s offensive and defensive players of the week for Oct. 20-26. Barrera, a junior midfielder, booted in five goals en route to an 8-0 Lady Rams win over University of the Southwest Oct. 25. Rivera, a sophomore defender, anchored the back in the Lady Rams' seventh shutout of the season. She also added an assist.

Romig wins seventh weekly award Oct. 28 Volleyball players Katlynn Romig was named conference libero of the week for Oct. 20-26. A freshman defender, Romig made the most of her only match of the week by contributing 24 digs in Wesleyan’s hard-fought 3-2 loss to Southern Nazarene University. She committed just one receiving error in 35 chances and chipped in two service aces.

Wesleyan table tennis to host tournament Oct. 27 The table tennis program will be hosting the Texas Wesleyan Open Nov. 22 at Sid Richardson Center. For tournament policies and entrance forms, visit http://www.txwes.edu/table tennis/.

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

November 5, 2008 5

Conference comes down to this Fall sports teams fight to prolong their season during tournaments BRYCE WILKS SPORTS EDITOR

For teams that showed up on campus a month before classes started to endure two-a-days in the Texas heat, the next week and a half will yield the fruit of their labor.

All three fall sports teams are scheduled to begin conference tournament action, and different circumstances stand between each of them and their desired conference titles.

Men’s Soccer: Martin Field will stage the men’s conference tournament Nov. 6-8, as the No. 4 seed Rams host rival Northwood in the first round.

Wesleyan concluded their regular season with a 5-2 win over College of the Southwest Oct. 25 and finished with an overall record of 7-5-2. The Knights posted a 7-8 mark and defeated Wesleyan 1-0 in a hard fought game Oct. 16.

Coach Josh Gibbs feels the key to advancing in the tournament is to encourage his team to stay loose.

“We can’t get caught worrying too much about elements out of our control,” Gibbs said. “We just want to relax and play good soccer, because

to win the tournament you have to keep it rolling for three days.”

Women’s Soccer: The regular season champions will also play host to their competition Nov. 6-8 at Martin Field. The Lady Rams ended the regular season at 9-6 and in a three way tie for first place but won the title on the strength of a points tie breaker.

Wesleyan gets a first round bye and will play the lowest seed remaining in the tournament after round one.

Gibbs is excited, but catious about jumping to conclusions about the outcome of the tournament.

“The format of this tournament can get just nasty,” Gibbs said. “It’s a lot of soccer over three days, and sometimes dumb luck can play a role.”

Volleyball: The volleyball team will not have home court advantage for their conference tournament. Instead, they will travel to Austin Nov. 14-15.

According to redriverconference.com, the team currently boasts a 7-2 conference mark, placing them second in the North division. They have won six of their last ten matches overall.

Before they can focus on the tournament, they still have regular season contests against Our Lady of the Lake Nov. 8 and John Brown Nov. 9.

Sweet Sunday satisfaction S

unday: traditionally an American non-working day, the beginning of the calendar week and the day when the Sabbath is observed.

Frank Sinatra nailed the feeling that Sunday brings in his hit from 1970, Feeling Kinda Sunday.

Little did he know, though, that by 2008 his tunes would be the melodies that awaken the arsenal of football fans around the country—and certainly in the Fort Worth-Dallas area.

When people feel kinda Sunday around here, they too seek their sanctuary. But their safe haven is far from what one would typically associate with a house of worship. Hundreds of thousands of people live for the Texas fall so that they can wake up, shape up and make their journey to their Mecca—Texas Stadium.

Tailgating is a culture; it’s a demonstration of love, devotion and adoration for one’s team. And when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, there’s no better place to be on a Sunday morning.

MARTIN Charcoal burns, the music blares, the lawn chairs spread out and everyone’s smiling. In some cases, the blue, red and green parkGARCIA ing lots serve as the people’s cathedral.

“There’s no better feeling than pulling up to Texas Stadium. You roll your windows down, start smelling the steaks cooking, and just know that there will be a Cowboy win to follow,” said Jared Canter, a Tarrant County College student and diehard Cowboy fan.

When attending a football game in Irving, you set yourself up for more than just the actual game.

“Try leaving your house an hour before the game. You won’t see anything until half-time,” notes Eric Chavez, a Dallas tailgater.

“If you want to get the whole experience, you had better get there when the real gates open,” said Chavez, referring to the gates of the parking lots.

Just last year the National Football League implemented rules that regulate team tailgating policies. Some stadiums have gotten so out of hand before the game—most notably alcohol-related incidents—that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had no choice but to start setting rules like only opening the lots for tailgaters who actually have tickets to the game. Other stadiums are even limiting how early their lots open.

But there’s no doubt that it’s the NFL’s stepchildren that are ruining it for the rest of them; for instance Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia facilitates an ‘Eagle’s Court’ and harbors the crazies in an in-house jail. Sports anchor Bryant Gumbel reported that arrests are frequently made in Philly and also at Raider nation in Oakland, where post-game DWI arrests lead the league. At least they lead in one category, right?

I’m not going to sit here and say tailgating in Dallas doesn’t have unfortunate incidents occur, but there’s a different feeling in the air in Big D. This is America’s Team, everyone is everyone’s friend, and there is a mutual adoration for the lone star.

“I don’t remember when I didn’t have a good time,” continued Canter. “Tailgating is therapeutic.” Canter enjoyed a tailgate party this year with his father Barry on Sept. 28, a Cowboy loss to divisional rival Washington Redskins.

“Although we don’t like to see a loss, we wouldn’t trade the experience for anything,” Canter said.

Fans like Canter take advantage of the time before a game and get the full effect. The 3 p.m. games certainly give you more time to frolic, but noon games are still manageable.

Courtesy of Google images If you haven’t made the walk across the 482 bridge into Texas For a few more weeks, Texas Stadium will continue to host Sunday tailgate parties Stadium, you only have four more chances. Texas Stadium shuts its and good times prior to Cowboy games. After that, it’ll be off to Arlington in 2009. doors after this season. When the team moves to Arlington next year, Tarrant County will play host to the tailgating tradition.

It will just be a case of seeing the same faces in different places. However, if you wait until next year, you might even consider leaving the night before—that is, if you can land one of those tickets. The new Cowboy stadium is expandable and has the ability to sit upwards of 100,000.

Feelin’ kinda Saturday? Start firing up the grill.

Martin Garcia is a senior English major and is news editor for The Rambler.

Navy outshines gold in Wesleyan’s World Series The fall baseball season came to a close as graduate assistant coach Cooper Vittitow led team navy to a 3-2 series victory over Rusty Greer’s gold squad. Navy trailed 2-1 after three games but took a pair of wins to clinch bragging rights.

A competitive series led the teams to a decisive game five, and the customary seven innings was not enough to decide the winner.

The navy team scored twice in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the game at three.

In the eighth, junior Taylor Miller reached

on a walk, advanced to second on a single from junior transfer Hommy Rodriguez, tagged to third on a fly out from Nick Schrock, also a junior transfer, and then scored on a wild pitch to decide the game.

Junior Matt Chutchian picked up the win with 3.2 innings of relief work. Chutchian allowed one run on two hits while striking out two.

Head coach Mike Jeffcoat was pleased with the team’s effort all week.

“I was very happy with how well our pitch-

ers threw and how well we played defense,” Jeffcoat said. “We will start conditioning next week to carry us through the holidays and then get going again in January.”

The team finished 2008 ranked No. 25 in the final NAIA national poll last season and will open the 2009 season with a doubleheader against the University of Arkansas at Monticello Feb. 3 at LaGrave Field.

- Courtesy of Ramsports.net

Entertainment

6 November 5, 2008

The Rambler

Hole-iin-t the-w wall hangouts Local diners serve up pleasant alternatives to big chain restaurants and questionable cafeterias

O

ur fair lady Dora is a fickle dame. Tasty fajitas one day, questionSlightly closer to campus, and even closer to my heart is Tres Coronas. The definition able meatloaf the next. “Pasta Tuesday!” followed by “pasta? of a dive, Tres Coronas (or TC) is ideal for college students. Located at the intersection of Wednesday.” If Dora be her first name, consistency isn’t her middle.

Vickery and Nashville, literally walking distance from campus, Tres Coronas serves up The school cafeteria certainly is hit or miss, but on those miss days, some of the best Mexican food I have ever tasted. Take in a burrito, water and the dynayou’re in luck. mite chips and salsa, and you’re only looking at about $5.

Within just a few blocks of Texas Wesleyan lay some of the best If you happen to be recovering from a night of inebriation, go on the weekends and try meals you will ever some menudo – Mexico’s idea of the hangfind for prices that over remedy. Go quickly, however, because even college students the owner is talking about selling. Maybe a RYAN can pocket. The era of visit will change his mind.

AUTHIER the hole-in-the-wall If you’re seeking more of a nicer dining has returned and Poly experience, head west on Lancaster a few Heights is a hot spot for them. blocks and check out Mexican Inn. Thought Closest to campus, about a block not exactly a no-name contender in the battle south on Vaughn, sits the famous Poly for hole-in-the-wall supremacy – there are a Grill. Ask some folks who have been few locations around the Metroplex – this around Wesleyan for a while, and you will location was the original, and Mexican Inn soon realize that this little dive is synonyprovides a very pleasant dining experience mous with soul food. Chicken fried and some fine food to boot. steaks, black beans, cornbread...oh my.

As a fan of chips and salsa, I must say Poly Grill satisfies with home-cooked that Mexican Inn’s are my favorite. Not your meals, hefty servings and reasonable typical triangular corn chip, these are more prices, about $6-$7 for most plates.

Frito-like and melt in your mouth like a Were you aware that there is a civil heavenly cloud. Unfortunately they will later war going on in our own neighborhood? solidify once again in your coronary artery, OK, well maybe not in the neighborhood, but I think it’s worth it. You’re looking to but at least in my mind whenever I’m spend a bit more here, closer to the $8-$10 craving Mexican Food. Campesino’s? range for each plate.

Photo by Gasten Schoonover Tres Coronas? Mexican Inn? Any of these Whenever you feel that dame Dora needs Poly Grill, located less than a block south of campus on Vaughn Street, is delicious hot spot places ring a bell? All sit within a mile a rest, or perhaps it is your digestive system where Wesleyan students can get filled up without spending a whole pay check. from campus, and all provide some muy requesting one, don’t drive off to Chili’s or bueno Mexican food.

McDonald’s every time. Take a look at the Campesino’s, which sits just a few blocks south of Poly Grill on Vaughn, is a small local spots: the family owned gems with mom cooking in the back and dad running the family owned sit-down cafe serving up authentic Mexican food that is simply amazing. For register. In times as these, the small businesses need you, and, hey, with food like theirs, less than $7, you can fill yourself with chips, salsa, a good-sized platter and a drink. you might grow to need them too.

Definitely not bad for that college budget.

Ryan Authier is a senior psychology major and is entertainment editor for The Rambler.

Garden Gaity

y s n e o n o u L T

Local gardens provide peaceful getaway for students

M

Courtesy of Wesleyan music department

A tradition for the Wesleyan music department, Wesleyan’s Jazz Combo kicked off a night of fun and fright Oct. 30 in celebration of Halloween. Dressed in their finest spooky garb, the band entertained a load of friends and family of the university.

Next on the schedule for the music department is the Wesleyan Fall Instrumental Concert “Sanctuary,” featuring pieces from Ticheli, Bernstein, Schneider and Duke Ellington. Promised to provide a more classical atmosphere, the show will feature a larger ensemble and more diverse instruments. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13.

A

Wednesday

L OOK

On Campus:

AHEAD

5

Thursday Off Campus:

6

*Authors at the Adolphus: *Baptist Student Movement: Sid Richardson Building, noon, Hotel Adolphus, 11:30 a.m. free lunch served *Stone House Vineyard Dinner: Bola, 7 p.m.

Off Campus: * k.d. lang: Bass Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Friday

7

Off Campus: *ABBA: The Hits by Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra: Bass Hall, 8 p.m.

Weekly Movie Releases: Quantum of Solace; Madagascar 2: Escape from Africa

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

Saturday Off Campus:

8

Sunday Off Campus:

9

*Maxwell: Majestic Theatre, 8 *”Take Your Time: Olafur p.m.

Eliasson”: Dallas Museum of Art, all day event. *Miranda Lambert & Blake Shelton: American Airlines *Jazz Uptown at the Eisemann: Center, 7 p.m.

Countrywide Hall of

Monday Off Campus:

10

Tuesday On Campus:

11

*Buckethead: Granada Theater, 8 p.m.

*Chapel Service: Poly UMC, 12:15, free lunch served

*Tim and Eric: Palladium Ballroom, 9:30 p.m.

Off Campus: *Stomp: Bass Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Richardson, 7 p.m.

Weekly DVD Releases: Hellboy II: The Golden Army; Sukiyaki Western Django

idterms are over, fall is upon us, and I for one need a welldeserved break. But where can we overworked and underpaid college students find reprieve? The beaches of Mexico would be nice, but what about something close that won’t break the bank?

Well, there’s two majestic places right here in the Metroplex.

Just north of Interstate 30 on University Drive is the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. And in Dallas, on Garland Street, is the Dallas Arboretum. Both are pretty neat little places that few think of for a nice getaway.

GASTEN Thousands of leafy trees, hundreds of strange plants with inforSCHOONOVER mation plaques you do not care to read and more flowers than you can shake a stick at. Welcome my friends to the gardens.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a great place to get away. There are 12 different gardens at the establishment and something to suit everyone’s tastes all year round.

One includes the Japanese Gardens, a seven acre oasis of Koi fish and oriental structures that will make you feel like you’ve left the country. There are also gardens like the rose and perennial, along with, indoors, the Conservatory.

All gardens are free except for the Conservatory, which is $1, and the Japanese Gardens, which is $3-$3.50 depending on the day of the week. Parking is free. (Try not to break the bank.)

During the winter months, the gardens are generally open from 8 a.m. to dusk. The Conservatory is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday. The Japanese Gardens are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Visit www.fwbg.org for more details.

The Dallas Arboretum is just as nice as its counterpart. Located at 8525 Garland Rd. in Dallas, the Arboretum boasts 66 acres of roaming room with its own 14 botanical gardens. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $8 and another $5 for parking. All of the gardens are open for the entire day, and the admission fee grants access to all of them.

Visit www.dallasarboretum.org for more information and for a buyone-get-one Photo courtesy of the city of Fort Worth coupon good on The scenic shrub garden, sitting at the center of the Botanic Gardens Wednesdays.

Both locations serves as a nice spot to stop and smell the roses. are great for talking walks, relaxing or having picnics. In fact, each place offers its own restaurant. But if you’re looking for something a little more lively, both parks hold special events from time to time.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is home to fall and spring festivals and a growing butterfly exhibit in the spring. Coming up Nov. 13 is a lecture on the future of “Going Green” by Hugh Hardy at 6:30 p.m.

The Bird’s Christmas Tree takes place at 11 a.m. Dec. 6. Here, patrons are invited to make biodegradable birdhouses for display in the park’s Garden Grove. According to the Web site, “this free event, complete with music and entertainment, is one of Fort Worth’s oldest holiday traditions.”

The Dallas Arboretum just wrapped up its month-long Great Pumpkin Festival and offers ongoing adult education classes. The Harvest Tea, a special fall high tea offered Wednesday through Sunday, is going on through Nov. 23. Reservations are required, and more details are available online.

Both places a way back to nature, a cheap way to kill a slow day and a welldeserved break.

Gasten Schoonover is a senior business major and is photo editor for The Rambler.