WEDNESDAY
September 23, 2009 Vol. 92 • No. 16
ONLINE:
www.therambler.org
The Rambler The voice of Texas Wesleyan University students since 1917
Kanye West conspires to improve ratings Opinion, page 2
LULAC reaches out to community College Life, page 6
Autograph, please?
Contributors sign books, share at UCD reception Jonathan Resendez
jlresendez@mail.txwes.edu
More than 50 students, faculty and administrators wined and dined last week during the ceremony honoring the authors of University Scholars: Proceedings of University College Day, 2008. The book, published by Texas Wesleyan University Press, is the final product of student and faculty projects on various topics. Last year, 14 students and four faculty members’ pieces were published on subjects ranging from neuroscience and education to diversity in South Africa. “A lot of the themes I teach in my diversity class could be seen throughout my travels in Africa,” said Patsy Robles-Goodwin, whose experiences were published. Dr. Stacia Neeley, assistant professor of language and literature, served as editor for the 2008 edition. She said the highlight of the evening was listening to how everyone went from the project for University College Day to the actual piece. “It was a big love fest,” she said, referring to the students’ and teachers’ praise of one another. The authors set to appear in the 2009 edition were also announced at the reception.
Laura Rosser | Rambler Staff Alumni Martin Garcia and Tiara Nugent and senior Renee Rosser sign copies of the UCD publication as President Harold Jeffcoat looks on. Contributors were honored at a reception Sept. 17.
Wesleyan prepares for H1N1 Jonathan Resendez
jlresendez@mail.txwes.edu
With scattered outbreaks of swine flu popping up nationally and locally, Texas Wesleyan’s office of Human Resources is preparing for the worst. Department heads and supervisors have received memos advising them to purchase and encourage the use of sanitary wipes as well as report any flu-related employee absence in an effort to spot early warning signs. According to the Wesleyan flu response procedure guidelines, students, faculty and staff who show flu-like symptoms and have a fever should remain at home and out of contact with others. They should do so until the fever subsides without the use of fever-reducing medication. If the threat of an outbreak is imminent, the office of student life will distribute packets via e-mail, U.S. mail or hand delivery providing information from local health authorities on preventative and safety measures to follow. According to the memo, faculty, staff and students are to report absences due to the flu to either the office of the provost or office of human resources. Students affected by the flu will be given a reasonable amount of time to complete their coursework, according to the memo. The CDC advised that targeted groups for the H1N1 virus are people age 24 and under, pregnant women and others who, due to other health issues, are susceptible to the flu. “I’m not worried at all. The symptoms are exactly the same as the regular flu so I’m really not that worried,” said Blake Circle, law student.
Parisian scores with writing Andie Massingill
admassingill@mail.txwes.edu
Loic Morvannou is living his American dream, even though he grew up in Paris, France. Morvannou has been fascinated with foreign culture, especially America, all of his life. “Americans aren’t afraid to try,” he said. “They are more open-minded than the French.” Morvannou is hoping to give his goal a try. Combining his great passions of writing and basketball, he hopes to find a job writing about basketball and possibly coaching too. His first step in achieving these goals has been to start blogging on www.basketsession.com for Reverse magazine, based in France. On this blog, Marvannou reports his experiences in America, including everything from student life to the drills he runs in his daily basketball practice. He also blogs about his encounters with America and its culture. He’s becoming more and
“I am very proud of her. She has really found her way. I will find mine too.” Loic Morvannou Sophomore
more familiar with that culture. This is Morvannou’s third time here. He traveled through San Diego, Las Vegas and Los Angeles last year and Miami the year before. Attending Texas Wesleyan now as a freshman, Morvannou is on a one-year scholarship playing shooting guard for the Rams junior varsity basketball team. “I am here to learn the language and play basketball,” he said. Playing basketball is an accomplishment in itself since Morvannou was born with an ailment that resulted in six surgeries on his feet before the age of 3. He wore special shoes and braces until he was 12. “I worked very hard at rehabilitation and therapy as a child and take really good care of myself now,” he said. Having played basketball in France since he was 7, Mor-
vannou likes how Americans play basketball with brute strength and physical force instead of the strategy used in the French game. “I try and combine my strategy with my strength when I play basketball here,” he said. “Soccer is the biggest sport in France, but basketball is second. We did not have school teams, but we played on city leagues.” Morvannou likes the mentality that is required to keep up with the American games and practices. “It is a huge advantage to be able to work out every day and really work on your skills,” he said. “We didn’t have that opportunity in France. I like the coaches here too. They make you take the sport to a higher level.” While he had already completed a business degree when he graduated from high
Andie Massingill | Rambler Staff Loic Morvannou (left) said he prefers the open-mindedness of America to France.
school, Morvannou knew that he wanted to do something besides have a career in business. Morvannou said his real passion is writing. He is fascinated with many forms of writing and wanted to combine that interest with basketball for his career. Studying journalism is a part of the 16 hours he is taking while at Wesleyan. Although English classes
were required in France as a part of the school curriculum, “I mostly taught myself the language by listening to American music and watching American movies,” Morvannou said. Despite his preparation, English is still a challenge for Morvannou. “I hope to begin thinking in English instead of French,” Morvannou said, “because listening to the teacher and
having to quickly translate in my head gets a bit confusing. “It is easier to understand the teachers because they talk a bit slower than the students and use less slang words.” With three options for schools in America, Morvannou chose Texas Wesleyan over Kentucky and West Virginia because he preferred attending a school that was
LOIC, page 4
Opinion
2 | September 23, 2009
Kanye West conspires to improve ratings. Surprised?
The Rambler |www.rambler.org
This is your home
Texas Wesleyan last stop for non-traditional student
Tara Cates
Laurence J.S.
tscates@mail.txwes.edu
ljsheehan@mail.txwes.edu
Kanye West’s MTV Video Music Awards interruption: Was it impromptu or prearranged? Sure, we all know Kanye is prone to shooting his mouth off when he has to share his opinion, feelings or just to remind us that he is still around. West jumped on stage right after Taylor Swift received the award for best female music video. Swift was able to momentarily talk into the microphone before West ripped it out of her hands. “I’m really happy for you, I’m going to let you finish but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time,” West said. Taylor froze and a couple seconds later she recovered, but was cut off by MTV before she could finish. Beyonce was shocked, and the camera caught her surprised face during West’s interruption. Being the classy woman she is, Beyonce brought Swift back on stage later in the evening to finish her speech. Or, this could have been another PR move. It depends on how jaded you are. To me, it was all one giant conspiracy to improve ratings, boost album sales
and reignite the presence of certain hip-hop “royalty.” Think about it this way: Kanye has been quiet since his mother’s death in 2007. Well, more or less. He did go off about her death but who wouldn’t? So maybe he is getting older, learning and mellowing out in his career. Could be. I doubt it, though. I think it has more to do with his own ego, large sums of money and a great publicity stunt. Jay Leno retires, NBC tanks and is looking to revive itself. So logically they bring Jay Leno back at an earlier slot and, for over a month to his first show, NBC promotes his first guest will be Kanye West. MTV has been losing ratings on its VMAs for years and needed something to revitalize interest. Enter Kanye West. According to Yahoo.com West gave MTV its highest ratings on the VMAs since 2002, and even Comedy Central cashed in running its South Park Kanye West parody four times over the course of 24 hours. Leno’s ratings were through the roof also as Kanye apologized publicly for the third time. Leno’s show debuted 70 percent higher then Conan O’Brien did at his opening
of the Tonight Show, and 38 percent higher then Leno’s farewell finale of The Tonight Show, according to yahoo. com. Although Taylor Swift herself admitted on The View the following day that Kanye had not reached out to her to apologize. Maybe the guy doesn’t really care about apologizing, and it was all a publicity stunt for MTV and NBC. What better way to get ratings and still tell these networks and media companies you are still worth their air time? I’m sure the publicity hasn’t hurt Swift too much either as her record sales have gone up, and her single is being played nonstop on the radio. If you think West just wrote a check he can’t cash, think again. I’m sure he cashed in as did Taylor, Leno, NBC, Jay-Z, MTV, Comedy Central, and a number of other media sources. This just proves once again that if a celebrity shoots their mouth off, the important information goes on the back burner. Remember, the rule in the entertainment industry: Bad news is always good news. And Kanye news will get you paid.
The Rambler Founded in 1917 as The Handout Publisher: Harold G. Jeffcoat
Jonathan Resendez, news editor Laurence Sheehan, opinion editor Conner Howell, college life editor Joakim Söderbaum, sports editor Chuck Fain, entertainment editor Laura Rosser, photo editor Rachel Horton, multimedia editor LaShawnda Mayhorn, social media director Daniel Bravo, advertising manager Kelli Lamers, faculty adviser Dr. Kay Colley, faculty liaison
Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, Associated Collegiate Press, Student Press Law Center, College Media Advisers and College Newspaper Business and Advertising Managers. Opinions expressed in The Rambler are those of the individual authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas Wesleyan community as a whole.
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Please send all news briefs to twurambler@yahoo.com. Submissions due by noon Friday to see brief in the following week’s issue. Letters to the editor: The Rambler, a weekly
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After earning my associate’s degree, I evaluated four universities trying to find the best fit. I’ve been a Horned Frog football fan for eons with a long dream of attending Texas Christian University. I quickly learned this dream was not coming true any time soon. An academic adviser told me as a “non-traditional” student, I would not fit in well at TCU and should seek other alternatives. Heartbroken, I considered the University of North Texas. I attended UNT years ago but left after getting sucked into the party life. I had a strict upbringing only to find myself in a world where no one cared if I went to class or partied everyday. Things hadn’t changed much, so the temptations would still
be there. I didn’t want to set myself up to fail. Next came the University of Texas at Arlington. It was big with intolerable traffic and horrible parking. I could easily get lost in this sea of people. This wasn’t the school for me. I came across Texas Wesleyan while playing around on the Internet. I loved the campus, class size, the people were nice, and I was impressed with how President Hal Jeffcoat stopped to meet everyone. After my previous experiences, I was amazed at how he actually took time for us. The treatment I received through the whole process pushed me into coming. I changed my major to psychology and found professors who cared if you went to class
and, most importantly, cared if you failed or succeeded. They have a way of making you want to do better. I have faced many challenges in my time here. I went through a horrible divorce, went through an even worse custody battle, lost my home and job, suffered with heart problems and experienced a slew of other things too tiring to mention. The only reason I am still here and able to graduate soon is because of the professors and people at this university. The greatest lesson I learned is how not to fail myself. I may get knocked down, but this place, these people, taught me how to stand up again. If you are a “non-traditional” student, this is where you need to be, this is your home.
It’s OK to be awkward, I am. John Liontos
jcliontos@mail.txwes.edu
Awkward moments. You’re bound to come across one sooner than you think. It doesn’t matter how much you hate you’re ex because in the blink of an eye you’re going to bump into them at Wal-Mart while your eating a delicious poppy seed bagel. Why are you eating a poppy seed bagel at Wal-Mart any way? Go pay for it before someone thinks you’ve stolen it. The last thing you need is to use that “one phone call” on your parents at 5 a.m. explaining to them that you’re in the slammer for false bagel theft. Awkwardness happens. I’m pretty awkward at times, and I hate it. I’m always trying to impress people who really could care less about me. I think we can all relate to that. People can find the good in just about anything but themselves. We as humans have been designed to self-edit ourselves … a tendency that come from seeing the greater picture. We are all capable of greatness. There are moments where I find myself in an awkward situation and, while I can contain myself, it’s better to not take it further. I talk too much, tend to speak up at the wrong moments and make bad jokes that (while in my mind seem funny) aren’t so funny when blurted out. For instance, last week in one of my journalism classes we were going over articles on active vs. passive. My
professor shares with the class a series of articles that are passive and active by explaining how both can be used to invoke certain emotions in readers. One article she shared was a feature story on Tina Fey. Now, before I explain my awkward moment, let me clear something up ... I do not actually want to have babies with Tina Fey, and while I think she’s witty and pretty, I look up to her. While the professor was explaining the dynamics of the article, I began to speak without thinking (again). I told the class that I wanted to have Tina Fey’s baby because I had a crush on her. I thought they’d get some kind of kick out of it because we were, after all, talking about her last film Baby Mama. The remark turned on me. All I could see around me was blank stares of “What the heck?” and “Ummm, OK.” One girl in my class even rewarded me with saying “socially awkward” in a valley girl battle cry (like omg socially awkward). Yes I am awkward, but it is not my intention to be so. Sadly, after that I began to sink in my chair and wanted to jump into a deep dark bottomless pit. I try too hard to fit in. And when you’re not being yourself, people can see that. I have no idea what the other’s think of me now. Perhaps I
shouldn’t say anything else for the remainder of the semester. I’m sure they’ve forgotten it by now, but now every time I’m in class I’m going to feel like “that guy”. I hate being “that guy.” The situation is silly now that I think about it. Even funnier was the look the professor herself gave me. You know when you’re in class and someone around you has an annoying habit, maybe they laugh too loud and say really off the wall things and you look over to your friend with “that look.” It’s the look of eyes bulging out and then the look of “anywho, carrying on...”. Yeah that’s pretty much the look she gave me. Looking back on my awkward moments, I’ve come to the conclusion that being awkward sometimes isn’t such a bad thing. I’ve made friends that way. That’s how I met my girlfriend. It’s how I make my baby niece laugh. It’s how I make my girlfriend laugh and she still finds me “cute”. It’s why Ben Stiller still has a career. We all have them from time to time. The best thing to do next time you have one, try to laugh about it even if you are the only one laughing. Life is too serious as it is, and a good laugh can go a long way. By the way, have you paid for that bagel yet?
What is your favorite thing about campus?
Lisa Bing
sophomore English ed. “The GWOT class.”
Hasan Jian freshman accounting
“It’s a very calm campus.”
“We are not afraid to follow the truth ... wherever it may lead.” — Thomas Jefferson
Jasmun Askew junior biology
“I like that the science department has its own buiding.”
Address all correspondence to: Texas Wesleyan University
The Rambler
1201 Wesleyan St. Fort Worth, TX 76105 twurambler@yahoo.com To contact T he R ambler (817) 531-7552 Advertising Inquiries: (817) 532-7582
Yesena Gomez senior finance
“The environment and it’s easy to get along with the professors.”
Eduardo Aguilar freshman theater
“The library is great.”
The Rambler | www.therambler.org
IN BRIEF...
Principal’s Center kicks off Area school leaders and administrators will gather for a panel discussion at the first event of Wesleyan’s new Principals’ Center Sept. 24-25. The center – a joint effort between Wesleyan and the Fort Worth Independent School District – will offer professional development for school leaders. The inaugural event will also feature a keynote address and workshop by author Mike Schmoker. For more information contact Twyla Miranda at tmiranda@txwes.edu. Morones moves to grants office Lynette Morones was hired as project coordinator in the grants and research office. Morones was most recently an executive assistant in the president’s office. She started at Texas Wesleyan in 1999 as a secretary in the international programs office. In the grants office, Morones will be involved in identifying funding sources for the school’s grant requests, preparing proposals, implementing projects and the evaluation reports that follow.
Study abroad in India A study abroad trip to Northern India is scheduled for July 1-14. Carlos Martinez, dean of the school of education; Twyla Miranda, professor of education, and Mark Hanshaw, assistant professor of comparative religious studies are leading the trip, which will count for six credit hours. For information on cost, itinerary and other details, contact Mark Hanshaw at mhanshaw@ txwes.edu.
Campus
September 23, 2009
Poster sale draws crowd
LOIC
Loan laws reformed The Maneater/UWire
A bill aimed at cutting costs by making college loans available to students directly from the government passed in the U.S. House of Representatives Sept. 17, the biggest change to the federal student loan program since its creation in 1965. The bill, known as the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009, would do away with the Federal Family Education Loan Program and make the federal government the originator of such student loans instead of private lending companies. The government subsidizes private lenders, such as Sallie Mae, to provide the loans and guarantees them in case of default. Because the private lenders do not lose money on defaults, they stand to profit from the loans. The bill’s supporters say switching to direct lending will save taxpayers $87 billion during the next 10 years. Melissa Salmanowitz, spokeswoman for Democrats on the House Committee on Education and Labor, said in e-mail the legislation would take steps to make college more affordable for a greater number of students. “It will help us transform our student aid programs, so that they finally operate in the best interests of students — not banks — and help relieve the burdens of overwhelming debt,” she said. Bob Murray, spokesman for USA Funds, a loan guarantor, said the bill would also put a strain on schools because, if signed by the president, it be-
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Campesino’s offers Wesleyan deal Campesino’s is offering a special to Wesleyan students, faculty and staff through Sept. 30. The daily special is half price when another is purchased. The restaurant is located at 2400 Vaughn. Offer is for dine-in only.
Bryan English will conduct FWSO Assistant Professor of Music Bryan English will conduct the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in Janu- Onlookers discuss an art print during the poster sale Sept. 16. ary. English will conduct A Tribute to Elvis featuring Kraig Parker as The King. Jonathan Resendez through the selection of hunThe show will be at 8 p.m. jlresendez@mail.txwes.edu dreds of movie, music and art Jan. 23 at Bass Performance posters. The traveling specialHall. With an iPod blasting in ty shop also sold obscure and the background, students and well-known art prints, postfaculty chatted while shop- cards and magnets. ping last week at the annual “The art in particular is my continued from page 1 poster sale. favorite,” said Mike Jeffcoat, more like his home town of “The people are really nice The sale was the result of counseling graduate student Paris. Dallas-Fort Worth is here,” he said. “Living in Stel- collaboration between Stu- who ended up taking home a a big metropolitan area like la, I have made a lot of friends. dent Life and Beyond the Tienneman square print. “The Paris. Even the [basketball] courts Wall, a fund-raising company Dali is fine but there are some “People smile a whole lot here outside are nice. We that specializes in posters and more abstract things that are more here than they do in didn’t have anything like that art prints. really great.” France,” he said. “Everything in France to play on.” “Some of the proceeds The roving shop started is so big here, and Texas is so Morvannou plans to go to come back to us and we use its month-and-half long trip hot. In Paris it is rainy, and downtown Dallas and get a them on the students,” said in Philadelphia and traveled we don’t have any pick-ups new tattoo on his leg. AAron Whaley, assistant dean south, making various stops like you do here. Our streets “My sister has a tattoo shop of students for campus in- in Texas before arriving at would be too small for your in Paris,” he said. “She has volvement. Wesleyan. big pick-up trucks.” done all of my work. I am In the past, the proceeds, “The couple hours we’ve Campus life has been a very proud of her. She has re- of which Wesleyan receives been here have been good,” pleasant experience for Mor- ally found her way. I will find 10 percent, were used to help said Alison Zerbe, Beyond vannou so far as well. mine too.” purchase one of the televi- the Wall sales representasion’s in the SUB, he said. tive. “The loading in was reStudents and faculty sifted ally easy and it’s nice being
Wes Duplantier
|
comes effective July 1, 2010. Murray said this timeline is too short for schools to transition from the private loan program that has been in place for decades. “What’s concerning is the elimination of a system that has worked well for 40 years and the time on which schools have to complete it,” he said. Student Financial Aid Director James Brooks said the University of Missouri would not be affected by the directlending changes because the school has been giving students direct government loans for several years. The only recent private lending program the school has done was a program for first-year engineering students that ended after this summer. Brooks said most large schools are in the same situation. “I think the schools that will have a tough time with the switch will be the smaller schools with homegrown programs,” he said. Republican spokeswoman Alexa Marrero said the bill would decrease the number of choices students have when finding education loans and would at the same time create unnecessary and expensive programs. “As a whole, this bill is go-
ing to take away services from students and at the same time send the government on a massive spending spree,” Marrero said. The lending industry has strenuously fought the bill’s passage. Board members of the National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs are holding a legislative conference about the bill this week to determine how to persuade legislators to block the bill. The bill would also increase the Pell Grant from $4,731 to $5,510 in 2010 and $6,900 in 2019. According to the House committee, 6 million students received Pell Grants for the 2007-2008 school year. Edie Irons, spokeswoman for the California-based Project on Student Debt, said the Pell Grant increase was long overdue, as college tuition rates have been rising faster than the rate of inflation. She said students who receive Pell Grants are often poorer students, who therefore borrow more than students not attached to the program. “The biggest way it’s going to help students is by increasing the Pell Grant,” she said. “Every dollar that a student can get with grant aid is one they don’t have to pay back with interest.”
T C B Catering “Taking Care of Business” Chef Todd Brown (817) 821-1621 office tcbcatering@yahoo.com
Jonathan Resendez | Rambler Staff
inside. We were in Houston and San Antonio outside and it was 100 degrees. Every day we were outside for 12 hours loading in and out. It was really bad.” Students gave the shop steady business throughout
the day. “I’ll probably spend $40 all on posters,” said Christina Daniels, freshman undecided major. “I really like the selection of all the older movies and older music.”
Jonathan Resendez | Rambler Staff Students browse the selection of more than 1,000 posters and prints.
$$Rams Stimulus $$ Package • Monday: Chick Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy • Tuesday: Two Enchiladas, Refried Beans & Rice • Wednesday: Hamburger, Fries & Small Drink • Thursday: Loaded Baked Potato • Friday: Grilled Chicken Club • Saturday Grilled Ham & Cheese, Small Salad
Only $3.99! Only @ the Sub: Located in the Brown-Lupton Student Center Hours of Operation Monday- Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday: closed
College Life Self defense course Step Up returns to Wesleyan Leadership program calls
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The Rambler | www.therambler.org
September 23, 2009
those ready to rise above
Jonathan Resendez
jlresendez@mail.txwes.edu
Master Chance Burleson demonstrates karate techniques in a Legends Children’s Class. Conner Howell
mhowell@mail.txwes.edu
Kelly Neace, resident assistant at Wesleyan Village, will host a hands-on self defense program Sept. 30. The program will be presented by Chance Burleson,
a sixth degree black belt and co-founder of Legends Martial Arts Karate School. The focus of the program is the concept of awareness and the demonstration of practical ways to stay safe in dangerous situations. “The presentation is ex-
tremely entertaining as well as educational,” Neace said. Burleson will even be breaking some bricks in his demonstration. The program will be at 8 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Wesleyan Village Clubhouse and is open to all.
Presented by Dr. and Mrs. Harold Jeffcoat and Trustee Jan Fersing
Fall President’s Council and Music Scholarship Benefit Concert
Courtesy of Pat Burleson
Neace suggests bringing comfortable clothing to move around in. “This will be the second time he brings this program to Wesleyan,” Neace said, “and I would like as many students as possible to take advantage of this opportunity.”
The new Wesleyan Leadership Certificate program focuses on purpose, courage and humility and is open to all Wesleyan students, faculty and staff. To receive a certificate, members must attend a set amount of workshops and meetings, perform five hours of community service and write a reflection paper about the experience. “It’s something to maybe list on a resume, but the important part is the information,” said Michael Chaney, coordinator of student activities and volunteerism, who is directing the leadership program. The purpose of the workshops is to provide relevant knowledge and skills pertaining to different areas of leadership, according to the program’s handbook. In addition to a mandatory workshop, participants may pick and choose from other workshops with topics ranging from public speaking and goal setting to handling failure. “It’s designed to give students the chance to practice leadership,” Chaney said. “Practice makes perfect. If they apply it to everything it becomes natural.” The program’s design keeps students participating in a variety of activities on
top of going to class. “Employers are looking for students who did more than just go to class,” he said. This is the biggest obstacle for some students. “Having time to do everything will definitely be my biggest obstacle,” said Mindy Pospichal, sophomore finance and marketing major. Also featured are café discussions, which are a supplement to the workshops and give students a chance to interact more, Chaney said. Assisting a food bank and organizing a campus cleanup are two of the possible community service ideas. The community service acts as an opportunity for the students to help others while contemplating the relationship between leadership and service, Chaney said. “They are bettering themselves and those around them.” Chaney said the program is currently an extracurricular activity, but will hopefully develop into a class. Registration for the program is at the beginning of each semester, and seats are still available for the workshops. For more information on the program and a list of workshop dates, contact Michael Chaney at 817-5314870 or mchaney@txwes. edu.
LULAC reaches out to campus, community Conner Howell
mhowell@mail.txwes.edu
featuring
Of Many COlOrs A vocal ensemble bringing together diverse ethnicities in a singular expression of spirit
• Treat Your Family and Friends to a Night to Remember — A Great Way to Introduce Them to Your Campus • Enjoy Refreshments at the After-Show Party at 8:45 • Valet Parking, The Concert, and the After Party are All Presented frEE Of CHarGE!!!
T E XAS
Wesleyan UNIVERSITY
Friday, October 2 7:30 p.m. Nicholas Martin Hall
Since its founding almost two years ago, the League of United Latin American Citizens continues to promote student success and cultural awareness through new outreach programs. “I started LULAC in 2007 in order to unite the Hispanic population at Wesleyan because, although there are organizations [at Wesleyan], there was no organization that could bring us all together,” said Nathaniel Gagnon, LULAC president. On a cultural level, the group wants to bring clarity to what the term Hispanic represents. “A lot of people think that Hispanics are Mexican,” he said, “but Mexico is only one of several Latin American countries. I myself am Ecuadorian.” Through events such as Hispanic Heritage Week, LULAC distinguishes the specific cultures that make up the Hispanic community of Wesleyan and the United States, he said. “We’re trying to raise awareness, raise facts and let people know that we have are own unique cultures,” Gagnon said. Gagnon said the focus of the council’s events is to facilitate social networking and to develop the professional community at Wesleyan. “We want students to have a sense of belonging, a sense of family, which was seriously lacking before we started,” he said. But the group’s top priority is academic achievement. “The main reason we’re at college is to graduate,” Ga-
Courtesy of Nathaniel Gagnon LULAC officers and members gather at the Unity Cook Out. The group focuses on bringing members a sense of family.
gnon said, “and so far every member we’ve had has graduated, a couple of them with honors.” The group wants to further the idea of scholarship and cultural heritage with not only college students but high school students as well. “We’re working with Poly High School to start a high school version of LULAC there,” Gagnon said. Along with their local community focus, Gagnon said that LULAC is fundamentally a political organization with an emphasis on immigration rights, voter registration drives and political awareness among different interest groups. “People complain all the time that we don’t get the leadership we want, but when you don’t vote you’re not gonna get the leadership you want,” he said. And leadership is a quality LULAC wants to endorse. According to Gagnon, LULAC is raising money to offer a scholarship fund. The scholarship will cover
the first semester’s books for any incoming freshman who demonstrates a financial need, leadership qualities and becomes a member of any student organization at Wesleyan. Through a cooperative effort, LULAC members will team up with the faculty and staff of local high schools to promote the LULAC scholarship fund. Efforts will center around encouraging young students to continue their education at Wesleyan. Freshman students will have to submit an essay on why they want to be a leader and the grades they achieved in high school. “We want them to get involved on campus and show that leaders can come from anywhere,” he said. For more information on LULAC you can attend one of the meetings every first and third Tuesday of each month in Suite 218 in O.C. Hall or contact Nathaniel Gagnon at gagnon_nathaniel@yahoo. com.
The Rambler | www.rambler.org
Arts & Entertainment
Set sail for Big River Chuck Fain
cmfain@mail.txwes.edu
Wesleyan actors prepare for an epic adventure in theatre Arlington’s upcoming presentation of Big River. The production is a musical adaptation of the adventures of Huck Finn and his companion Jim, the runaway slave, as they as they raft down the mighty Mississippi River in search of adventure and freedom. In the spotlight are two of Wesleyan’s own. Sophomore theater major Parker Fitzgerald plays the lead as Huck Finn, and former Wesleyan theater student Major Attaway plays his companion, Jim. Fitzgerald breathes new life into the character of Huck Finn. His portrayal of the preteen troublemaker is as electric as it is enduring. Attaway is also a fine actor whose talents were displayed in last semester’s Wesleyan production of Sweeney Todd. He has a large, deep voice that ricochets and reverberates, filling the theatre with his booming baritone. “I love the piece,” Fitzgerald said. “I would be hard pressed to think of a show that I have more compassion and respect for. I believe the end product will be wonderful.” Theatre Arlington does a great job of converting the witticism and biting social commentary of Mark Twain to a theatrical production, making the mighty Mississippi roar onto the stage. The music and lyrics of Big River are composed by Country Music Hall of Fame star Roger Miller. Miller has won both Grammy and Tony awards for his work, which includes such hits as “King of the Road” and “England Swings.” Big River is runs through Oct. 18. Thursday performances are at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., and Sundays are at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased Photos courtesy of Theatre Arlington online at www.theatrearlington.org or at Theatre Major Attaway and Parker Fitzgerald go rafting Arlington, 305 W. Main St. for adventure in Big River at Theatre Arlington. The in Arlington. The box office show runs through Oct. 18. Showtimes are 7:30 phone number is (817) 275- p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7661. 2 p.m. Sundays.
“I would be hard pressed to think of a show that I have more compassion and respect for.” Parker Fitzgerald
Huck Finn in Big River
September 23, 2009
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5
’09 State Fair serves up deep fried fun Chuck Fain
cmfain@mail.txwes.edu
Get ready for livestock, deep fried butter and a giant mechanical cowboy. They’re all heading your way at this year’s Texas State Fair. The Texas State Fair returns September 25 and runs through October 18 bringing with it a buffet of food that God never intended to be fried (such as fried Twinkies, latte and new this year fried butter), livestock shows and the robotic wrangler with the creepy smile – Big Tex. Along with these staples, this year’s fair will also feature several big name guests at the Chevrolet Main Stage including Jason Castro of American Idol fame on Friday, Sept. 25, .38 Special on Sunday, Sept. 27 and En Vogue rocks the stage on Saturday, Oct. 3. The Chevrolet Main Stage is an outdoor venue with concerts running during the fair’s entire run. Admission is free with purchase of ticket. Representatives from Chevrolet will be on hand to let fair patrons test drive their new line of vehicles like the Chevy Equinox, Traverse, Malibu and Camaro. Cruise on down to the East Park Plaza and give Chevy’s new line a spin. Other auto attractions include the State Fair auto show, which is the “biggest new car and truck show in the southwest,” according to bigtex. org. The event will feature new models, concept cars and weekend collectors rallies. Need more truck for your buck? The Truck Zone will also be on hand, giving patrons a sneak peak at new truck from Chevy, Ford, Nissan, Toyota and GMC. If you’re still craving more cars, the State Fair will also feature the Classic Corral showcasing vintage automobiles, motorcycles and more. Don’t miss the big games at the Cotton Bowl featuring Grambling State vs. Prairie View A&M Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. and Red River Rivalry pitting Texas against Oklahoma at 11 a.m. Oct. 17. Get educated (and inebriated) on wines from all over the world at the State Fair wine gardens. Wine experts will be on hand to give lessons on tasting and purchasing wine. Also, a live Jazz band will be on hand during weekends. Wine tasting costs two to six coupons. Other events include a BMX bike show, Lou Mack’s Jump!: The Ultimate Dog Stunt Show, Texas Vietnam veterans memorial, the U.S. Marines drum and bugle corps, the Midway with 70plus attractions, a 1914 Dentzel style carousel, creative arts exhibits and of course the 212 foot ferris wheel. For more information on fair prices, events and rules, visit www.bigtex. org, www.fairpark.org, or call (214) 565 – 9931.
Play on, players: slim PS3 available Chuck Fain
cmfain@mail.txwes.edu
Students of Wesleyan, now is your chance to defend your home world against ruthless aliens, play in the NFL and paint the wall with a zombie brains. The PlayStation 3 has just gone on sale. Recently, Sony released a slimmed down version of their PlayStation 3 for half the cost of the original, MSRP $299 instead of $599. What’s the difference? What does this system lack that its pricey predecessor doesn’t? Not much, really. With a 120GB hard drive, compared to a 20 to 80GB hard drive in the previous system, the new PS3 is not only slimmer and lighter, it’s smarter. It also uses 34 percent less energy than that older model, making it the greenest console to date. The PS3 Slim can also play DVDs and Blu-Ray, has built-in Wi-Fi and comes with free access to the PlayStation Network, Sony’s version of Xbox Live. It provides online gaming capabilities as well as the ability to down-
load games and movies right to the PS3. The PS3 has no shortage of games, either. Batman: Arkham Asylum is a hot release in which you play as the caped crusader battling the Joker and other super villains as you try to restore order to Gotham’s insane asylum. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 explodes onto the screen along with the best-selling football series ever Madden NFL 10. Zombies and other mutated monsters are back in Resident Evil 5. You can get your rock star on with Guitar Hero 5 and worlds of treasure and adventure await in Uncharted 2: Amongst Thieves. Photo courtesy of Sony Entertainment These and many other titles “I caught a fish this big!” The Joker recants his weekend. are already available for the PS3, with many more to come. PlayStation is that it won’t play PS2 it just for the Blu-Ray player. making it the same price as the new Lighter, smarter, multimedia ca- games. So, if you have a library of old “The actual games aren’t quite the PS3. pabilities, a slew of new games and PlayStation games you’re planning same quality as those produced on So, whether you’re an Xbox enthufree access to their online network on revisiting, you might not want to the Xbox,” he said. siast or a PlayStation purist, now is – what’s not to like? How about no trade in your old PS2 just yet. Microsoft seems concerned, how- the time to get that gaming console backwards compatibility? Chris Hatcher, a senior theater ever, as they have knocked $100 off you’ve always wanted so you can fiOne major issue with the new major, said the price is almost worth MSRP for its Xbox 360 systems, nally fill that black void in your life.
Sports Intramurals offer a variety of activities
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The Rambler | www.therambler.org
September 23, 2009
Jacqueline Wittman
jrwittman@mail.txwes.edu
The Texas Wesleyan intramurals program continually searches for new and enthusiastic participants to join the growing sports teams and activities. Flag football, PigSkin Pick’em, poker league and frisbee golf make up the list of intramurals – a program that aims to ensure there isn’t a dull moment for Wesleyan students this fall. “Students who don’t necessarily play collegiate sports still get the chance to participate in the sports they love to play,” said Aaron Whaley, assistant dean of students for campus involvement. Whaley encourages students to get involved with intramural activities to make college life more adventurous and fulfilling as well as avoiding the risk of sitting inside all day. “We’d love to have more people sign up and play. With numerous things to do on this
campus, you have to pay attention to the announcements posted so you won’t miss out. Check your Ram mail, read the flyers, and come join the fun,” he said. All current Texas Wesleyan students, faculty and staff are eligible to participate in intramural activities. A participant in flag football himself, Whaley and others – such as head basketball Coach Terry Waldrop and Coach Brennan Shingleton, staff in the business office and Internet technology employees – enjoy participating in intramurals. “It’s great to have the opportunity to play intramurals here at Texas Wesleyan,” said Kasey Cantrell, a junior business finance major and participant in flag football. “It is a vital program because it gives students who are not on varsity teams a chance to play and participate in the sports they have always enjoyed playing.” Flag football began Sept. 12 and meets Saturday mornings on Martin Field at 8 a.m. and
noon. Teams this year consist of students from the law school and historical campus. The sixth annual PigSkin Pick’Em started Sept. 1 with 35-plus students participating. “By just picking who will win NFL football games, PigSkin Pick’em is the easiest way to earn $100 on campus,” Whaley said. PigSkin Pick’em participant Oscar Lazarski agrees with Whaley. “If you’re interested in sports, it’s an exciting way to get involved and stay motivated,” he said. “The incentives are excellent, and I enjoy the competition between staff and students.” The fourth annual Texas Wesleyan Poker League and Club kicked off Sept. 1 and meets in Stella Russell Hall at 7 p.m. Sunday nights to hold its weekly poker tournaments. As the defending champion, Whaley looks forward to playing against the students every Monday night. “Not only do winners qual-
ify for the World Series of Poker and a $200 cash prize, but we have a great time, and everyone looks forward to spending Monday nights together,” he said. With a new course layout currently underway, tournament-style frisbee golf will be Saturdays and Sundays. Frisbee golf league will start in the spring, and the times will be announced in the following weeks. The new intramural ice hockey team is also looking to add members to join in the excitement. For further information about the hockey team, contact sophomore Jonathan Ayala at ayalasave@ yahoo.com. Whaley is always interested in hearing ideas for new leagues, tournaments or contests. To sign up and be a part of intramural activities, contact Aaron Whaley in the student life office at (817) 531-4871 or at awhaley@txwes.edu.
7-7 Flag Football Schedule/Standings Results Week 1
Standings
Pickles vs.1 L's Pickles vs. TapOut
48-6 Name 45-12 Pickles
TapOut vs. 1 L's
35-12 BOHICA
Wins 2
Loses TP Scored TP Against 0 93 18
Byes 0
2
0
14
0
0
BOHICA vs. Pink Dragons 7--0
TapOut
1
1
47
57
0
BOHICA vs. Twisters
7--0
Twisters
1
1
7
7
0
Twisters vs. Pink Dragons
7--0
1 L's
0
2
18
83
0
Pink Dragons
0
2
0
14
0
The Weekly Sports Quote “We will turn this team around 360 degrees.”
Guide to the Game: Volleyball explained Jacqueline Wittman
jrwittman@mail.txwes.edu
Have you ever wondered what’s going on in the game or what that crazy fan next to you is yelling yet? Don’t Worry. We have the insider’s guide to volleyball so you can learn the rules and lingo of the game and sound like a pro. Now you will be able to cheer and yell at the volleyball game and know what you’re talking about. Get out there, join the excitement, and cheer on your Rams! The Serve Before contact, server must serve from behind the restraining line (end line). Serve may be underhand or overhand. Ball must be clearly visible to opponents before serve. Served ball may graze the net and drop to the other side for point. First game serve is determined by a coin flip, each subsequent shall be served by the previous game loser. No setting, attacking or blocking a serve. The Score Rally scoring is used. Point scored on every dead ball. Team scores on an opponent miss or hit out of bounds, or serve into the net. Defense scores on an offensive miss, out of bounds hit or serve into the net. Every game is played to 25 points. A match is won best 3 out of 5 games. A game must be won by at least 2 points. The Rotation Team rotates each time they win the serve. Players rotate clockwise. 6 players on each side. Positions: Setters, Liberos (defensive specialist), middle blocker, outside hitter, opposite hitter.
Jason Kidd
The Play Max of 3 hits per side before
Dallas Mavericks
the ball has to be played back to the opponents’ side. Player may not contact ball twice in succession. A block is not considered a hit. Ball may be played off the net during a volley and on serve. Ball touching a boundary line is good. Legal hit: contact with the ball by player’s body above the waist without the ball coming to a rest. Switching positions only allowed between front line players after the serve. Volleyball Lingo Explained “Ace” When the ball is served to the other team and no one touches it. “Dig” When a player prevents the ball from touching the court after a spike or attack. “Kill” When a team spikes the ball and it either ends in a point or a sideout. “Roof” When a player jumps above the height of the net and blocks the ball. “Sideout” When the team that served the ball makes a mistake, causing the ball to go to the other team. “Stuff” When a player jumps about the height of the net, blocks the ball, and the ball goes back at the person who attacked (spiked) the ball. “Facial” When a defending player gets hit in the face with the ball. “Fishing” When a player makes illegal contact with the net. “Spike” When an offensive player attacks the ball with a onearm motion done over the head, attempting to get a kill. “Shank” When a player has a bad bump or pass that is unplayable.
Fantasy Football Pig Skin Pick'Em Leaderboard Name Pts. Jeremy Newton 15 June Johnson 15 Ryan Amador 14 Oscar Lazarki 14 Terry Waldrop 14 Jason Simpson 14 Michael Chaney 14 Rachel Loftin 13 Phillip Blockinger 13 Michael Greer 13 Fabiola Duron 13 Sandy Gonzalez 13
Wesleyan Week-in-Sports • The Rams Soccer team (7-1) split a pair of games in Oklahoma this weekend. They suffered a 2-0 loss at University of Science and Arts but bounced right back, beating St. Gregory’s University 3-1. • Lady Rams Soccer (6-2) lost 5-0 at University of Science and Arts before collecting a 2-0 win at St. Gregory’s University. • The Lady Rams Volleyball team hosted the WesleyanHughes Classic Sept. 18-19. The Lady Rams (5-9) defeated Belhaven 3-0 but suffered losses to Oklahoma Baptist (3-1), John Brown (2-3) and College of the Ozarks (1-3).
Courtesy of the athletic department Senior Lauren Hinojos executes a dig.
Upcoming Sports Friday
Saturday
Monday & Tuesday
Game
Time/Place
Volleyball vs. Wiley College
7 p.m. Sid W. Rich.
Volleyball vs. Jarvis Christian C. Women’s Soccer vs. John Brown U. Volleyball vs. Texas College Men’s Soccer vs. John Brown U.
11 a.m. Sid W. Rich. 1 p.m. Siloam Springs 2 p.m. Sid W. Rich. 3 p.m. Siloam Springs
Golf at. Rattler Invitational
Pecan Valley GC San Antonio