The Rambler Vol. 101, No. 2

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The Rambler

The students’ voice since 1917

Fort Worth, Texas

September 10, 2008

NEWS BRIEFS Wesleyan Sunday Join the Wesleyan community for fun and fellow-

Politically motivated Wesleyan student stands out among thousands to presidential campaign leaders KEVIN DOSKOCIL

ship Sept. 28 at Poly UMC.

STAFF WRITER

Dr. Robert Flowers will give the message, and a reception will follow immediately in the parlor.

Are YOU ready for some football?!

Football season is officially here; don’t miss out on

PigSkin

Pick’em--

Wesleyan’s 14 week contest picking game winners. See Aaron Whaley in Student Life for weekly schedules.

The winner at year’s end will receive a $100 gift certificate!

Need academic assitance?

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) offers students the help they seek with many tutors who specialize in different fields. Visit the ARC anytime during the week and even on weekends.

Student Government SGA

meets

most

Tuesdays during free period in the Carter Conference Room. They are currently seeking out candidates for class representative. Don’t forget the Food Forum Sept.

23 and SGA serving students Sept. 30 in the Mall.

GSA will be having its first meeting Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. in the Academic Resource Center. For more information contact Joe Brown.

AMC offers movie passes Sept.

11,

Wesleyan students will be able to enjoy complimentary movie

passes

every

Thursday at the AMC in downtown Fort Worth by showing student ID.

Courtesy of Debbie Scott

Heath Scott travels the country making political connections.

It all started out one boring afternoon sitting around doing what most college students do in their free time: Facebook. For Heath Scott, however, this mundane afternoon was to turn into the opportunity of a lifetime.

Scott, a junior political science major, was browsing Facebook when he saw an advertisement saying, “Get Involved.” He clicked on the banner and filled out the brief questionnaire, thinking it was probably a gimmick but that he’d give it a try anyway.

Two days later, he received a phone call from a national field director with the College Republican National Committee wanting to know more about this Wesleyan student. He was being interviewed for a position as field rep with College Republican’s history-making Field Team.

An hour-long conversation ensued. Scott was able to tell of his experience the past two years working for Sen. Jane Nelson, a representative of

portions of Denton and Tarrant counties in the Texas Senate. Scott was also able to tell about his experience of being one of the youngest delegates in this year’s state convention.

Heath was then instructed to submit a five page letter and give several references. Over the next week every reference was called and thoroughly questioned about Scott’s character and past. A thorough background check was performed, and Scott passed with flying colors. Out of 2,000 applicants, the candidates were narrowed down to the top 60. This is where the fun began.

Scott was still finding it hard to believe that a quick questionnaire on Facebook turned into such an amazing opportunity.

“I really didn’t know what I was getting into until I was offered an all expense paid trip to Washington, D.C.” The 60 college students selected were wined and dined at the finest restaurants and were put up in extravagant hotels. The purpose of the trip was to go through training at Google national

See Scott, page 4

Trinity River Vision and TCC set for redevelopment project in Fort Worth TIARA NUGENT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Plans for Tarrant County College’s downtown campus have been in the works for years now, but the college announced a major change in strategy over the summer. Rather than erect a set of buildings on the north and south sides of the Trinity River and a pedestrian bridge spanning the river to connect the two, the college will house its new facility in Radio Shack Corporation’s former complex on the north side of downtown.

TCC construction on the south bluff of the Trinity River downtown will continue as originally planned. However, activity at the site north of the river will cease and the pedestrian bridge will no longer be needed.

Opening the new campus quicker is just one of the advantages of this purchase, TCC Chancellor Dr. Leonardo de la Gaza told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram over the summer.

“The combined costs of buying and renovating the RadioShack Corporation complex and completing the facilities on the south side of the river are the same cost as if we completed our facilities on the north and south sides of the river,” said de la Gaza. “With this decision, we achieve cost certainty and gain over 300,000 additional square feet and 1,700 additional parking spaces.”

Purchase price for the buildings and property equal $238 million.

The transaction was completed in cash, and will not affect homeowners’ property taxes, the TCC reserve funds or extensive improvement plans for the four other TCC campuses.

Additionally, an $80 million renovation within the Radio Shack complex will begin immediately. An estimated $170 million will be devoted to the completion of the new structures, expected to reach completion in two years.

According to Chuck Nixon, the architectural consultant for Radio Shack facility study commissioned by the College, the Radio Shack facilities are uniquely suited for a college campus due to the state of the art technology and infrastructure already instated within the buildings.

Nixon noted in TCC press release that many of these technological features existed in TCC’s initial plans but were eliminated due to cost. The Radio Shack headquarters opened in 2005, so technology is fairly recent.

Ironically, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Art and Design Critic Gaile Robinson foreshadowed the buildings’ destiny at the headquaters’ debut: “On the outside, the new RadioShack headquarters in downtown Fort Worth looks like the big sister to a suburban college — an unremarkable, sprawling campus of glass, brick and limestone. The wow factor lies within, where it

See TCC, page 2

Photo by Katie Slaten

Did I get the job, Mr. Aitchar?

Virtual Job Interview is here and ready to answer that question

Gay Straight Alliance

Beginning

Vol. 101, No. 2

SHAMKEA HYATT STAFF WRITER

Whether preparing for or actually taking part in a job interview, anyone would appreciate getting tips to land the job they want. Texas Wesleyan University recognized this demand and added a mock interview program via the Web. Through the West Library’s home page, the program trains the student to be successful in job interviews.

In addition to the actual interview, Virtual Job Interview’s features provide tips and guidelines to practice as an interviewee. After entering a Wesleyan username and password, students reach the main page of the program, which consists of the following four sections: Preparation, The Day of the Interview, Illegal Questions and Meet Mr. Aitchar.

In Preparation, highlighted is the view that one can make a first impression only once. The program makes suggestions for knowing oneself, recognizing appropriate dress guidelines and being familiar with the employing organization.

The Day of the Interview section adds on to

Preparation by providing tips such as being on time, being confident and paying attention to body language. The viewer’s individual rights are emphasized in the Illegal Questions section. The user is warned of questions that the interviewer is

prohibited by law to ask, such as “Are you married?”

Lastly, Meet Mr. Aitchar (actually pronounced like “HR”) takes the participant to the real mock interview with the interviewer, Mr. Aitchar. He

asks a variety of common interview questions to the interviewee at the computer screen, and the program provides a variety of answer choices to choose from.

Cindy Potter, library director, said feedback on the program from the Wesleyan community is not available yet, but once the Virtual Job Interview has had some time on campus, Systems Librarian Sherri Parker may put out a short survey evaluating its success. Potter sees potential.

“All the electronic resources we implement, we feel are good and can serve of use to the students,” she said.

Potter first discovered Virtual Job Interview through listserv, an organization of college librarians and directors who share information and insight.

Potter saw that the program had good reviews and presented it for discussion with other library personnel. Following an oral peer review and a viewing of testimonials from other universities that use the program, West Library brought the program on board and added it to the library’s Web site.

See Aitchar, page 2

September 10, 2008

News

The Rambler 2

Aitchar, from page 1 “In case the student did not go to the Career Services homepage, the library’s Web site could have the Virtual Job Interview program to give guidance,” said Potter.

Potter assured the program stays current.

“Out-of-date career information is not helpful to anybody,” said Potter.

Subscribing along with Wesleyan to the Virtual Job Interview program is California State University, Texas A&M University, Truman College and more than 100 other universities across the nation. According to the testimonials provided by its consumers, the program adheres strongly to its goals of helping an individual “get the job they deserve” and “ensuring career success.”

Virtual Job Interview is part of West Library’s recent efforts to add to its electronic resources. New databases, such as the Latin American Experience, are available.

“We are striving to offer more resources for the new academic areas opening up at Wesleyan, such as the doctoral education program,” said Potter.

Will you get hired, put on file or rejected on the spot? Check it out for yourself.

Organizations needed to join Fort Worth Adopt-A-Street

Photo by Gasten Schoonover

TCC, from page 1 aspires to be the office worker’s idea of nirvana.”

Classes are expected to commence downtown in September 2009. TCC will use one of the former Radio Shack buildings, but the remaining two at the headquarters will be occupied by Radio Shack for the next two years at no charge, per contract agreement.

One will enter into TCC use in Career and Employment programs 2011 and the last in 2013.

Using the old plans, TCC’s at Trinity River Campus: downtown campus would not have been functional until 2023.

Health Information Technology “Our board works diligently Long-Term Care to serve the Tarrant County Physical Therapist Assistant College students, faculty and staff Radiological Technology while also serving taxpayers and Respiratory Care the needs of our community,” said Sign Language Interpreting Louise Appleman, president of the TCC board an interview with Surgical Technology the Star-Telegram.

“The decision to purchase RadioShack Corporation complex will allow us to educate more students in better facilities sooner. The action is in keeping with our mission … and will expand our presence in the Trinity River area.”

Critics disagree. They say the previous plans for the TCC campus was an integral part of the Trinity River Vision, a redevelopment project that couples stimulating neardowntown development with ensuring flood control for the neighboring Trinity River.

TRV officials claim civic plans for riverfront are being left in disarray by the college’s change of blueprints.

Allegedly, the Trinity Uptown project rests on the premise of attracting thousands of new residents and relies on those new residents having a walkway traveling around the courthouse, Sundance Square and to other landmarks in order to succeed.

The pedestrian bridge, which was to connect the TCC campus when it was anticipated to span the river, was also going to serve as the link between the near north side and the central business district.

Architect Bing Thom proposed a design that delighted both TCC and TRV authorities. The sketch boasted a long walkway with a slope gradual enough to be handled by a mother pushing a baby stroller. Decorative fountains accented the bridge’s aesthetic TRV directors say no alternative is up on their drawing board. No other two points within the desired locale can support a bridge and streets in the area are too steep to advocate a sidewalk route.

It started nearly 10 years ago, when members of Boy Scout Troop 14 decided they wanted to help keep Dutch Branch Road litter-free. There was no formal program, but within a few years, 20 sections of roadway within the city limits had been “adopted” and were being cleaned up several times a year by volunteers. Fraternities, sororities and other organizations at Texas Wesleyan were among those volunteers.

Over the years, though, participation has diminished. The city of Fort Worth is looking to rejuvenate the effort, which is now a joint program of the Code Compliance, Environmental Management, Transportation and Public Works, and Community Relations departments. It is funded by North Central Texas Council of Governments’ Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Neighborhood associations, civic groups, schools, youth organizations, faith-based organizations, businesses and individuals interested in keeping their streets litter-free are invited to join the Adopt-A-Street Program.

In addition to making Fort Worth a cleaner, more attractive city, there are many other advantages, such as: *encouraging neighborhood pride *helping maintain and increase property values *encouraging people to stop littering *reducing roadway and waterway pollution *increasing environmental issue awareness *reducing litter removal costs *earning community service hours Adopting is easy. Just submit an adoption application to the Code Compliance Department for a half-mile to two-mile stretch of roadway. Once the chosen stretch of roadway is approved, the adopter agrees to clean it least four times a year. The city provides free trash bags, disposal vouchers and safety vests. All program participants must sign a waiver of liability.

Signs recognizing the organization’s cleanup efforts will be placed on the boundaries of the adopted roadway once the first clean-up has been completed. Adopters also will receive an official certificate of adoption, and at the end of the program year they will be recognized.

For more information or to submit an application, call (817) 392-6572.

-Staff Report

How much did you pay for books?

Photo by Gasten Schoonover

Sophomore kinesiology major Harrison Law cringed as he recounts having racked up a $550 bill this semester for his books. Law and other students feel the pinch of the necessary purchase this fall.

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Opinions

“Moot Court with Professor Payne.”

“My strategic management course with Dr. Vaidya.”

Alex Musser Senior Business Management Major

Christine Tham Senior Political Science Major

“What is your favorite class this semester?”

“Jazz Combo with Bryan English.”

Jeremy Smith Senior Vocal Performance Major

“History with Dr. Grammer.”

Chance Friend Freshman International Busienss Major

The Rambler

Life in the eye: “H

urricane Gustav Makes Landfall, Weakens to Category 1 Storm.”

So read the headline of a FOXNews report Sept. 7.

While the estimated 2 million evacuees and all of America sighed in relief that TIARA a repeat of Katrina and even NUGENT Rita was not going to make the history books this time around, mixed feelings surrounding the mandatory evacuation of southern regions of Texas and Louisiana swelled. Some felt that panicky government officials over-reacted and jumped the gun; others didn’t bother trying to analyze pros and cons, theorizing “What happened, happened. Better to be safe than sorry.”

No one can contest that the decision of whether to tell residents whether to take the risks of staying home or to flee is an arduous one. Responsibility for human lives is a heavy weight and weather reports evolve and change every second. Conducting a mass exodus is no less an immense task.

I don’t think the majority of people living outside the hurricane danger zone grasp the magnitude of an evacuation. Having personal connections to evacuees adds some detail to the picture, but I know that that cannot impart the full severity of the situation either. You have to live the nightmare to understand.

I come from a close-knit family, both immediate and extended. Although my immediate family resides in the Metroplex, the entire relatives’ clan populates the Beaumont/Port Arthur area down near the Gulf. Besides my twin uncles (who happen to both belong to the police force), all of my relations fled Rita and Gustav.

My house has been a haven for many of them as the torrential fury lashed out – or, in the case of Gustav, poked at – their homes. I have seen much through my family’s eyes.

Imagine the anxieties of hurricane season (ranging from June 1 – Nov. 30), and watching the formation of every storm with the uneasy feeling that it could sweep your life away. The dreaded day comes when a ferocious tempest whirls over the waves in a beeline for your hometown. Preparation for evacuation must now commence. Your life has been uprooted.

What are your most prized possessions? Do you answer that question differently when asked in a situation that allows you to retain only those items most precious to you while the others perish? That is the position of evacuees.

Those items crammed into the getaway car are the only possessions guaranteed to exist after the storm. All else you must separate yourself from and prepare to lose if the winds and deluge should so choose. Your domicile likely receives a high-rating on your list of most-valued assets, but it, of course, must remain to weather the storm.

All food in your refrigerator and freezers (down in the Gulf area most everyone has an extra freezer out in the garage) must be thrown out. Should the power go down for an extended period during or after the storm, the stench of rotted food will escalate to an insufferable level.

Not to mention, who wants to be greeted home with the task of cleaning out grotesque decay?

And in a reeking house no less.

The escape route is likely by way of a motorized vehicle, meaning it’s a wise move to

Gulf residents face uncharted tempests.

acquire a full tank of gas before hitting the road.

You and everyone’s brother need that fuel. Lines for the pump get long, and as the underground gas tanks empty and time ticks by, people become more and more desperate. Folks in survival mode frequently fail to act kind and civil.

Fist fights break out at numerous stations. Sure there are some Good Samaritans still out there, but by and large, it’s every man for himself.

So far, the economic picture is none too optimal. Emptying the contents of your deep freezer plus your refrigerator is an outright costly venture period, especially when factoring in the inflated price of groceries. Road trips don’t typify as cheap either. Neither does losing your

Speaking of health concerns, contemplate the plight of hospitals and nursing homes. What do you do with patients in ICU or those just coming out of serious surgery? What about those who need serious surgery but can’t have it at the moment they need it? Any patient unable to sit up for an extended period of time must be transported out by way of ambulance. Hospital personnel painstakingly labor to ensure the best care to patients (mostly at the expense of tending to their own affairs, including possessions and family), but the rigors of transportation filches a cruel toll from many.

Once evacuees break clear of the danger zone, the issue of where to go must be faced.

Some, like my family, are fortunate enough to have family ties or friend connections to put them up for a few days. Others face forking out hundreds to a hotel or lodging in a public shelter ranging in style from church gymnasiums, to an old WalMart building, to civic centers.

Though indeed free, these places of refuge are often overcrowded; one Louisiana shelter housed over 1,400 refugees in a single building. Privacy is not anywhere to be found. Despite volunteers’ hardest efforts, the larger shelters often lack adequate showers and encounter trouble in delivering meals.

Once the hurricane has home and possessions. wreaked its destruction, any power Who knows what the issues are resolved and the strenuforces of nature will ous return home is complete, you choose to do to your place arrive back in town anxious to know of employment? Chances whether you’re returning to a trash are fair that you can’t take heap or an intact home merely needCourtesy of Google Images every vehicle in your houseing repair. I accompanied my grandhold. You must figure in how much gas would parents home after Rita ensued; the disaster was cost, and then consider the cost of living away much more severe when viewed in first-person from home for an undefined amount of time to vs. TV. The three houses across the street from see if your budget can withstand the brunt. my grandparents’ were reduced to three debris Of course, that is also assuming enough gas piles and a lone erect chimney. Their home is available for more than one vehicle and needed a new roof, but other damage was minor you’re willing to risk getting split up from your in comparison to what I saw around the block. family and friends in the chaotic mass flight.

As people re-populate hurricane-visited terYou take one final look at your home, and ritory, grocery store shelves’ supplies deplete in pull out of the driveway. Every exit route is a snap. All cold items had been lost in the backed up as far ahead and behind you as your storm, making for an automatic reduction of eye can see. available food to re-stock depleted family My cousins live a mere five and a half pantries. Some stores rationed the amount of hours away from my abode. They left the day food you could purchase at once, while others before the mandatory evacuation and it took left it at a first come, first serve basis. Walking them almost 10 hours to cover the distance through a grocery store bustling with careworn, between our homes. That traffic time didn’t grim faces and bare shelves isn’t what you seem too frustrating at all when days later the expect to see in America. journey home days required over 12 hours.

Given all these hurdles that roundabout 2 That’s a lot of extra fuel consumed. million confronted for Gustav (who lost his My aunt commented that while authorities ferocity before land collision), was evacuation improved evacuation procedures with schemes worth it? It’s a tough question. I think many such as mandating both sides of the highway for were ready to flee this time around because the northbound traffic, they’ve yet to perfect scars of Rita and Katrina are still fresh on peo“reverse-evacuation” plans. Even those who ple’s minds. I hope that this false alarm does not attempted traveling in the middle of the night cause anyone to let down their guard, although I couldn’t avoid the crawling “movement” on the am all for sheer diplomacy in choosing whether highways. to go or to stay.

Despite those long hours on the road – unitI was grateful my loved ones were safe, ed with the other inconveniences and sacrifices come what may. My grandmother voiced what – gratefulness reared its tender head as Gustav many of the coastline’s populace are feeling – evacuees recalled the horrors of their last exoexhaustion. People have grown tired of the dus. The Rita evacuation was a living, terrifying strain cause by the hurricane hype and trauma of nightmare. Katrina’s ruthless devastation inject- the past couple years. They are tired of dying to ed Gulf region inhabitants with acute fear. the innate desire of holding a secure existence.

Hometown streets became eerily deserted as resStill, human life tops every value chart. idents overwhelmed the freeways. Traffic stood The destination and potency of Ike is in at a stand-still in the August heat for hours on question yet, and many more storms could folend, creeping a few feet forward here and there. low between now and Nov. 30th. Perhaps Cars overheated. Water was scarce at best. Gas Gustav could be looked upon as a sort of “fire ran out. There were no bathrooms. Babies and drill” in its own order. Living on the coast, you children cried in discomfort. Those with health never know when a monsoonal disaster may issues greatly suffered, as well as many a pregstrike. nant woman and the elderly. Hours and hours. A Tiara Nugent is a senior writing major and is editorin-chief for The Rambler. standstill.

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

September 10, 2008 3

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 all students who have gotten involved in a campus organization.

Thumbs down to the wet sand covering portions of the sidewalk on the west side of the library.

Thumbs up to the beginning of footbal season.

Thumbs up to Student Life for preparing a diverse list of activies for the fall semester.

College Life

September 10, 2008

The Rambler 4

Wranglers on Duty

Alumni saddle up for Wesleyan recruitment MARTIN GARCIA NEWS EDITOR

Photo by Gasten Schoonover

Week three of the semester finds students engaging in study groups over lunch in the SUB.

Facts & fries

Scott, from page 1 headquarters, meet with the director of Google Elections and to strategize for the upcoming election season.

Out of the 60 selected students, most were assigned to a region with partners. Scott was one of three applicants chosen to run his own state.

He was assigned to Washington state and a few days later found himself on the road to Seattle along with a new video camera and laptop to document his journey.

The trip took an interesting twist when a stop was made in Denver, which hosted the Democratic National Convention.

“There was a group of about 35 of us that wore McCain T-shirts and walked downtown through the crowds of Democrats,” Heath said laughingly. “You should have seen the expressions on all the people’s faces.”

Things got really interesting, he said, when the McCain campaign hosted a “Hillary Happy Hour” in a local restaurant.

Republicans and Democrats came together to share their views on Barack Obama.

After arriving in Seattle, Scott settled in his office and began his duties helping coordinate three races for the U.S. House of Representative and one gubernatorial campaign, as well as the national presidential campaign for John McCain.

“The first week was spent meeting with each campaign and laying out strategy. I am responsible for reaching the college vote and raising awareness on campuses across the state,” said Scott.

“First I had to decide which colleges to reach, when to visit and what events to plan on each campus that would help attract voters. The bottom line is we need college kids to get to the polls.”

Over the next 10 weeks, Scott will visit more than 30 campuses, some of which are Gonzaga, Washington State, Eastern Washington University, University of Washington, Western Washington and many community colleges.

Scott has his own budget to throw events for the Republican chapters at each university with the goal of gaining student interest. He regularly speaks at rallies and coordinates functions that not only get young people involved in the political process, but also strengthen each campus’ Republican Chapter. In his most recent stint at Washington State University, Heath recruited more than 100 new college Republicans in a twoday period.

Scott is missing a semester of full-time school but believes it’s worth it.

“I am 20 years old, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am so glad I was blessed with this opportunity and with being able to work with college students and getting them involved in politics early on in their lives,” he said.

“The fact that I am missing school doesn’t bother m e because I feel that I am doing something bigger than myself.”

This fall, Scott will be receiving six political science credit hours at Wesleyan via two independent studies courses.

Scott’s adventure will last through midNovember and is being chronicled at www.youtube.com/crncwa. Scott is uploading weekly videos to the site and will soon launch a blog at www.lifeinthefield.com.

Wrangler: a revolutionary line of western wear or one of the most popular offroad vehicles made in America. That’s what Wrangler might mean to you, but it has a whole new meaning at the 1200 block of Wesleyan Street.

The office of alumni relations has continued its inventiveness and recently launched a new program known as the Ram Wranglers. In this venture, the university recruits former students to assist in its efforts to promote what Texas Wesleyan has to offer. Wesleyan’s local billboards and advertisements promote that excellence is within reach; former Texas Wesleyan Rams are stepping up to the plate and making this possible for prospective students.

Ram Wranglers, according to those in charge, creates the missing link between the past and the future, the established and the potential.

“There is no limit to the number of members for the Ram Wranglers recruiting program,” said Gina Phillips, director of development and alumni relations.

Texas Wesleyan University is a close-knit community that sees students, both local and national, walk its grounds and graduate with honor as a Ram. As it enters into an age of innovation and renovation, it’s important for Wesleyan to keep interest at its peak for up and coming students, administrators say, and Ram Wranglers is here to do just that.

The distinctive program wants all interested alumni “to have the opportunity to promote Texas Wesleyan.” Phillips also said that alumni stretching from New York, to Atlanta, to the Metroplex have all expressed interest.

Together with the office of alumni relations, the Wranglers are here to serve and to protect tradition by motivating and inspiring individuals to make their collegiate dreams come true as a Ram. Involvement is easy. If you graduated from Texas Wesleyan and enjoy recounting all the wonderful memories that made your dream possible, this is the opportunity for you. Ram Wranglers welcomes all alumni to register for involvement.

Former Rams have the best first-hand experience to tell of the luxuries and benefits of being a member in the Wesleyan community, Phillips said.

“It’s a great way to have alumni reconnect to the university,” she said.

Wesleyan’s population is a growing one, and the Wranglers are here to continue lassoing students in. The group’s visibility is growing as they have now reached university fliers, e-mails, Wesleyan magazine and even The President’s Review.

Gina Phillips and Holly Kiser, director of admissions, represent the backbone of the groundbreaking organization. Following the footsteps of other schools nationwide, they have initiated the program and made it a reality at Wesleyan.

So far, the Wranglers are still in the promotional process as the group gets its feet wet. Phillips and Kiser are handling the “training, scheduling, volunteering and funding” for the program. According to Phillips, one of the most effective recruitment tools has been “working with alumni at volunteer events and utilizing the interested ones for recruiting purposes.”

The Wrangler program is built on the idea that Texas Wesleyan University has built its reputation on name, tradition and belief—a belief that the student creates his or her own destiny with help and guidance from one who has been there.

National political blog launched for the students, by the students UWIRE, the leading aggregator of student-generated content, today announced the launch of YOUTH VOTE ‘08, a blog dedicated to covering the upcoming presidential election from the perspective of young voters across the United States. Joining UWIRE in this media initiative are washingtonpost.com and CBS News, two of the most respected names in the arena of political coverage.

Through this partnership, users can access YOUTH VOTE ‘08 on both washingtonpost.com and cbsnews.com.

“There are a tremendous number

YOUTH VOTE, a national blog, will provide students from across the U.S. to share information, debate and discuss election-related topics such as candidate platforms, campaign strategies, candidates’ speeches and overall strengths and weaknesses.

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blog.”

YOUTH VOTE ‘08 will provide best-of political coverage from UWIRE, including original reporting and commentary from more than 50 talented young correspondents ranging from video, columnists, editorial cartoonists, photographers and news reporters. By using young journalists to cover young voters, YOUTH VOTE ‘08 will provide a fresh and unique perspective on a group of voters that is widely expected to make a big impact on Election Day. “The reporting and commentary from UWIRE’s diverse selection of

of first-time voters who will be crucial in this election, and YOUTH VOTE ‘08 will provide direct insight into the issues they are facing along with their mindset,” said Ben French, VP and General Manager of UWIRE. “UWIRE is obviously thrilled to be teaming up with washingtonpost.com and CBS News, two of the biggest names in political coverage. Both of their respective Web sites provide ideal platforms for this

young journalists offers a unique complement to washingtonpost.com’s election coverage,” said Elizabeth Spayd, editor of washingtonpost.com. “The blog gives readers a go-to channel to understand how young voters are thinking about this monumental election season.”

YOUTH VOTE ‘08 is located at http://youthvote.washingtonpost.com or http://www.youthvoteblog.com -- Staff Report

Sports

The Rambler

Quick Quotes "Football is a mistake. It combines the two worst elements of American life. Violence and committee meetings.”

- George Will Washington Post Columnist

September 10, 2008 5

Out of Left Field Rusty Greer makes collegiate coaching debut with Wesleyan cased Greer's capabilities as a player and coincided with three playoff appearances for SPORTS EDITOR the team.

His average stat line for that period, Texas Wesleyan's newest assistant baseball coach had player's full attention as he according to baseballreference.com, was as addressed them at the first fall meeting. follows: 150 games played, .314 batting Most of them grew up watching him on tel- average, 106 runs scored, 20 home runs and evision or at the Ballpark in Arlington and 99 runs batted in (100 or more three times).

Greer's accomplishments culminated didn't want to miss what he had to say.

"The first thing he said was that he's with his induction into the Texas Rangers intense, but that he would make us better as Hall of Fame on Aug. 11, 2007.

Greer had opportunities to prolong his players," junior outfielder Ryan Jacobi said.

Baseball fans won't be surprised that the playing career after the Rangers contract expired, but for his family's coach is former Texas sake (not to mention the Rangers outfielder Rusty "back of his baseball card") Greer. His intensity was evihe retired with the Rangers. dent during his playing days "I went from draft day to and is sure to make him a retirement with one organivaluable coaching commodization. Not too many guys ty for the baseball program. can say that in today's age of "I expect perfection from free agency," he said. the guys during practice.

2005 marked the end of Errors happen during games, Greer's playing days, and it and that's understandable, didn't take long for him to but practice should be perfect jump into the coaching because we should focus ranks. He managed the everyday like it's a real Photo by Josh Lacy Colleyville Lonestars of the game," Greer said.

Texas Wesleyan hitting coach Texas Collegiate Summer After finding out that for 2008-09, Rusty Greer.

League in 2007 and recently Greer was available this summer, head coach and fellow former directed at the 17 and under division of the Ranger Mike Jeffcoat gave him a call to Dallas Baseball Academy of Texas. He has gauge his interest, many years after the also made appearances at several baseball camps and given lessons to individual playcoaching tandems' first encounter.

"Mike plunked me with a pitch during ers.

"All of these opportunities have been my first spring training at-bat," Greer said. "I give him a hard time about it, but when he learning experiences for me as I try to evenasked if I wanted to come out and coach, of tually become a head coach,” Greer said. course I was excited about the opportunity." “The goal here [at Wesleyan] is to get some Jeffcoat's errant pitch didn't injure Greer, more experience and help Coach Jeffcoat but it was a precursor of the beating that the with a little bit of everything so he can conleft fielder would take during his nine-year centrate on sharing his expertise with the major league career, eventually forcing him pitchers."

Greer grew up in Alabama and attended to retire.

"I had nine surgeries in a relatively short the University of Montevallo but claims period of time. The procedures ranged from Dallas-Fort Worth as his home now. Even if a scope to Tommy John surgery and every- other coaching opportunities arise, he would like to remain in the area. thing in between."

"I have three kids at home that I have to When Greer was healthy for the Rangers, he produced offensive numbers think about and not be moving them all over the place," he said. "I would love to stay that few in the organization's history have.

The four year span from 1996-99 show- around here and teach baseball for as long as

BRYCE WILKS

Upcoming Events Sep. 12 2 p.m. Volleyball @ Doane College 8 p.m. Volleyball @ Hastings College Sep. 13 Noon Volleyball @ Dordt College 4 p.m. Volleyball @ Bellevue University *5:30 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. Concordia University *7:30 p.m. Men’s Soccer vs. Concordia University Sep. 16 5 p.m. Women’s Socer @ Oklahoma City University *5:30 p.m. Men’s Soccer vs. Northwood University *denotes home game

Sports Briefs Rams beat No. 21 Benedictine Sep. 6 Leo Cubrilo led the way with two goals as the men’s soccer team beat Benedictine 4-3 in double overtime. Wesleyan played two-men down due to injury on two occasions, and Joakim Soderbaum came up with five of his eight saves in the second half.

Softball team set for fall season Sep. 5 The softball team has been praticing for fall tournaments that will prepare them for the 2009 spring season. The teamwill travel to Durant, Okla., Sep. 13 for a tournament at Southeastern Oklahoma State. Their fall season will wrap up Sep. 27 in Bossier City, La. when they compete in the Bossier Parish CC Tournament. The Lady Rams finished the 2008 season with a 17-7 conference record.

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

Rusty Greer posessed a batting stroke that made him a lifetime .305 hitter in the major leagues. Now, he’ll be passing his knowledge along to Wesleyan hitters as an integral part of head coach Mike Jeffcoat’s staff.

10 years later...

The conclusion of this baseball season will mark 10 seasons since Rusty Greer helped last lead the Rangers to the playoffs in 1999. Here’s an update on some notable players from that beloved Rangers team, nearly 10 years after the fact.

Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez: Played for Tigers and now Yankees in 2008. Currently batting .281 with 7 home runs.

Rafael Palmeiro: Amassed over 500 home runs and 3,000 hits, but hasn’t played since 2005 after allegations of steroid use and a failed test.

Juan Gonzalez: Injuries derailed this slugger’s career recently, but he is still in baseball. Currently on inactive list for the St. Louis Cardinals.

- Bryce Wilks

Satisfy Sporting Starvation Flag football and poker highlight slate of student activities planned for fall semester ANDY CANCHOLA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Rams sweep weekly soccer awards Sep. 2 Adis Druzanovic and Joakim Soderbaum captured offensive and defensive conference player of the week awards. Brittany O’Brien earned the defensive award for women’s soccer after recording her seventh career shutout versus McMurray.

Romig named RRAC libero of the week Sep. 2 Freshman volleyball player Katlynn Romig was named conference libero of the week after compiling 80 digs against Southern Nazarene and St. Gregory’s.

Courtesy of Brad Newton/Texas Rangers

Photo by Gasten Schoonover

Pounding the Paddles

The NEWGY Texas Wesleyan Open Tournament took place in Sid Richardson Gym Sept. 6. Freshman business administration major Oliviu Vasilca (above), ranked third on the champion table tennis team, served his way into the late rounds before bowing out of the tournament.

Are you bored on campus and your looking for something to be involved in or something to just kill some time? Maybe you need to exercise … your body or your brain.

Aaron Whaley, assistant dean of students for campus involvement, may have the solution for you. Texas W e s l e y a n University has a ton of student events, leagues and intramurals available for its students.

One of the notable events that will be starting on campus this month is the 3on-3 basketball league. This will take place in the Sport Court, the outdoor basketball court next to Stella Russell Hall, every Tuesday night from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. It is free of charge.

Another activity that will be new to the campus this month is the Texas Wesleyan Bowling League and Club.

The price is $6 per week and is every Wednesday evening at Brunswick Lanes located

off of Interstate 35 on Alta Mesa.

Flag football chalks up the most rigorous activity offered by Student Life and teams from around campus are sure to participate in the saturday morning league.

Photo by Gasten Schoonover

If you're looking to do something that will make some cash instead of costing you, look into the PigSkin Pick'em event. Each week participants will pick who will win NFL football games.

At the end of the year, whoever has the most correct picks will win $100.

Also making a return to campus this semester is the Texas Wesleyan Poker

League and Club. This takes place every Monday at 6 p.m. in Stella with a $200 grand prize given at the end of the Tournament of Champions.

If you're looking for a free vacation, check out the Wesleyan Fit Club. Student Life is offering a trip for two to the Barton Creek Resort/ Spa in Austin for the winner. The program conducts classes and is based on a point system that includes points for lap walking, boot camp, plyometrics, cardio and abdominal work. You must register and pay $25 in the nurse's office to participate.

Also new to Wesleyan is the AMC Movie Night.

Starting Sept. 11, Texas Wesleyan students will be able to enjoy a new movie shown each Thursday in downtown Fort Worth free of charge with your student ID. Several more intramural leagues and events are available to students. For more information, contact Student Life at their office next to the book store in the SUB.

Entertainment

6 September 10, 2008

The Rambler

Theatre Wesleyan set to raise curtain CHUCK FAIN

gion, sin and loyalty while the plot unfolds and the mystery is revealed.

Naomi Siegel of the New York Times called the play “Part classic

STAFF WRITER

comedic play dealing with tragic events. This interestingly cast play features two actors playing the parts of 15 different characters in an energetic, whirlwind perform-

Though you can’t tell from the sweltering heat, fall is right around the corner.

It will soon be time, o n c e again, to break out the hoodies, to heat up the cocoa and to e n j o y s o m e Te x a s Wesleyan theater.

This semester, the thea t e r department has a diverse fall linePhoto courtesy of Texas Wesleyan Theater up featuring the Top: The Honorable Benjamin Franklin, performed in spring 2007 Agnes of God, written by John Pielmeier and ‘who-done-it,’ part enigmatic foray ance.

It’s the story of a small Irish directed by senior theater major into the mysteries of Catholic doctown overtaken by an unsympaAlfredo Martinez. This dark mur- trine.”

Agnes of God runs September thetic Hollywood movie crew. der mystery employs more than “just the facts” to solve the case, as 25 and 27, as well as Oct. 3 and 5. Small town sensibilities are chalStones in His Pockets by Marie lenged by the egocentric, one-sidthe chain-smoking atheist psychologist and the Mother Superior Nun Jones, directed by senior theatre edness of the movie producers with a shady past debate about reli- major Dillon Maroney, is a revealing interesting perspectives

on subjects such as the plastic shal- “Plautine plots furnished the basis lowness of Hollywood, life and for over five hundred comedies in European language.” death and perseverance over failure every to achieve one’s dreams. Show Performances are Nov. 13-15 and dates are Sept. 26 and 28 and Oct. 20-23.

Show times for all Thursday, 2 and 4.

The final performance for the Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m. All fall season is Sunday shows directed by are at 2 p.m.

Connie WhittTicket prices Lambert, chair for all shows of the theater are $8 for department. The g e n e r a l Menaechmus admission, $6 Twins, written for Wesleyan by ancient faculty and Roman playstaff and $4 wright Titus for all stuM a c c i u s dents with Plautus, is a valid school comedy about I.D. – includthe mistaken ing students identity of two from other twin brothers. universities.

Quick wit, T h e sarcastic diaPhoto courtesy of Texas Wesleyan Theater T h e a t r e logue and the Wesleyan box inevitable may- Clockwise from top: Senior theater office is open hem that goes majors Dillon Maroney, Michael along with mis- Kreitzinger, Ben Phillips and alumna T u e s d a y t h r o u g h taken identity all Erica Maroney. come together in a very Friday from 1:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Seinfeldesque manner, revealing on the week of the performance, that humor hasn’t changed much in and one hour before curtain. the last two thousand years or so. Tickets are also available online Plautus’ work has influenced many through the Theatre Wesleyan Web stories, plays and playwrights over site. The box office is located in the the centuries, including William lobby of the Law Sone Fine Arts Building at the Thad Smotherman Shakespeare.

As Professor William Harris of Theatre on the corner of Binkley Middlebury College stated, and Ave. E.

Four’s Company A

American Idol adds fourth judge to trio of regulars

Wednesday

L OOK

On Campus:

10

Thursday On Campus:

11

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

AHEAD

Off Campus:

Friday Off Campus:

12

Weekly Movie Releases: Women, Righteous Kill, Burn After Reading, The Damily that Preys

September Song: TCU Ed Landerth Auditorium, 7 p.m.

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

Saturday Off Campus:

13

* The Eagles: American Airlines Center, 8 p.m.

Sunday Off Campus:

14

* Mama Mia: Casa Manana Theater, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Monday Off Campus:

15

* Stillness In Time: Teresa Hubbard and Alexander Birchler: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

Tuesday On Campus:

16

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

Off Campus: Weekly DVD Releases: The Love Guru, Made of Honor, Speed Racer, Snow Angels

Weekly staff meetings Thursdays at 12:15 in Stella Russell Lobby

A

change, so seeing a new face on their favorite show could have them searching for a new cast to familiarize themselves with.

“It will add a little difference, but I like three judges because it’s two against one,” said sophomore Auston Clanton.

Kasey Cantrell, a sophomore, sees it differently.

Photo provided by google.com “I think it will equal it out, Grammy-nominated DioGuardi will join the American Idol it’s not an odd number of judges for season 8, beginning in January 2009. judges,” he said.

The only hope for American Idol cannot keep adding judges American Idol is that America will like this just to keep viewers interested. In time the change. It is possible that more Americans show will have to cancel. It was interesting will tune in just to see how this new judge the first season, and then the next few the fits in. auditions were funny, but now it is getting I wonder why American Idol is changing old. their show after so many years of the same We’ve reached the point where the only thing. Is American Idol beginning to lose auditions shown are those of the horrendous viewers to some of the new reality shows, singers. It’s nice to actually see the good such as Dancing with the Stars? singers auditioning, but that is a rare treat.

Although the show has maintained strong Soon the world will tire of laughing at the ratings over its seven seasons, producers ridiculous and rude comments of Simon and could simply be trying to revamp the show. move on to a new show with a new set of “It will be interesting,” said sophomore judges.

Jillian Jones. “I think it will make the show a The new face of Kara DioGuardi might little better.” keep viewers in now, but soon it is possible We can hope. After all, America seems to that American Idol will need to throw in the be very curious about the lives of other peotowel. ple, and a new judge might lure the nosey Zayle Griffin is a senior junior mass communicanation in. DioGuardi might bring America in tion major and is a contributing writer for The for this season, but by season nine the show Rambler. will be getting a little redundant.

COME WRITE FOR THE RAMBLER!

s the eighth season of American Idol creeps up on Americans, viewers are anxiously awaiting for what will be another year of terrible auditions, surly critiques and eventually a newly crowned idol. But ZAYLE we also have something GRIFFIN new to ponder this year.

For the last seven seasons, America has grown to know, and at times even love, Idol’s three judges, Paula, Simon and Randy. However, this year, a fresh-face has been added to the American Idol panel. Grammy- nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi, known for working with superstars Britney Spears, Christina Aguilara and Avril Lavigne, will join the cast of familiar faces.

She will join the trio of regulars late in the season when the show hits San Francisco July 17.

Paula has expressed concerns in the complications a new judge might create; however, all judges are said to have welcomed her into their family, including Simon. The concern, however, isn’t whether or not the show is ready for a change, but whether the world is ready.

The cast of American Idol has been welcomed into the households of many across America since the show first began. Adding a fourth judge is a drastic change and could potentially be a deal-breaker for the show.

Americans are not inclined to love

September’s Song Series On the seventh anniversary of the September 11th tragedy, thousands of musicians will fill the skies across the country and the world with music as part of the Annual September Song, a music festival launched in 2002 to bring communities together, to reaffirm our hope for peace and to celebrate life and our universal humanity.

Choirs from Texas Christian University, Texas Wesleyan University, a duet from our sister city Budapest, Hungary, Fort Worth Japanese Society Sakura singers and others representing the culture of our seven sister cities will perform at TCU Ed Landerth Auditorium from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. in contribution to the September Concert's mission of uniting people around the globe through music.

"September Song is an opportunity for Fort Worth citizens to be united to promote peace and celebrate our universal humanity," Kenneth Barr, chairman of the board, said. "What could be more appropriate on September 11 than a message of peace, unity, and understanding? This message is one Fort Worth Sister Cities embraces on a daily basis."

September Song is a free musical event held every year to commemorate what happened on this historic date and focus on bringing all communities together, reaffirming our hope for world peace and celebrating life through the power of music.

-Staff Report