Rambler 1-21-09

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The students’ voice since 1917

January 21, 2009

News Briefs Welcome Back The Rambler welcomes everyone back and wishes students, faculty and staff a prosperous 2009!

Homecoming Texas Wesleyan Homecoming festivities will soon commence. Student Life and SGA would like to remind everyone of the following dates: Feb. 2-10 Nominations will be accepted at the SGA office in the Student Union.

Feb. nees

www.txwes.edu/rambler

Vol. 102, No. 1

Auld Lang Syne: New Year met with changes Rachel Horton WEB EDITOR

Change is on the horizon on a handful of fronts for Texas Wesleyan students in 2009, including technology and the movement of dirt.

One of the latest campus developments can be found in the basement of the library in the new office for the information technology help desk office. The newly refurbished office located in B36 is home to the branch of IT that usually handles technological troubles for campus offices. This service is now expanding to aid students with basic technical

support on common hardware and software issues along with its usual aid for any networking needs.

“We all have techie issues…this will be a valuable service for everyone,” said Provost Allen Henderson.

Chief Information Officer Marcus Kerr explained that the service would certainly include common pesky problems that always tend to surface right around finals, like navigating the blue screen of death, solving issues in Microsoft Office programs and providing assistance in the event of hard drive failure.

In the longer term, there is also

a plan to have then entire campus wireless at the end of three years, Kerr said. Thanks to a Title III grant, the campus is going to be switched over to the faster n speed Wi-Fi signal to allow streaming at up to 10 times faster than the current network.

Education buildings will be the first to see the wireless network, but residence halls should follow.

The process is a tedious one and will require cable replacements in many buildings, administrators said.

The plan is to have the entire campus operating on the new wireless network by 2012.

This year is scheduled to see the ground breaking of the new fitness center. According to Henderson, funds totaling approximately $3 million have been raised for the initial down payment on the building, which was announced last year.

2009 will also include changes to the Academic Resource Center. The provost is scheduled to give a formal announcement on the direction and future of the ARC Jan. 20, but he said the ARC will be fully equipped to provide its traditional student tutoring services in both writing and mathematics.

Closing one chapter in life, opening up avenues for the future

11 Final nomiwill be posted.

Feb. 18-19 Voting will begin. Times and locations TBA Feb. 21- Final announcement will be made during half time at the men’s basketball game. ____________________

Student Government Association President Amber Barger, Chief Justice Heath Scott, Dr. Jeffrey DeLotto. and Dr. Marilyn Pugh lead the fall 2008 graduation candidates into Poly UMC for robing. After the ceremony, the graduates walked the stage, some for the final time, at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in the heart of Fort Worth’ s cultural district. State Rep. Marc Veasey, Texas Wesleyan alumnus, delivered the commencement address at graduation on Dec. 12.

Student Life will also be hosting a banner contest during homecoming week. All Wesleyan organizations are encouraged to participate. Banners MUST advertise both the Thursday and the Saturday basketball games.

Banners are due to Student Life on Feb. 16. A $50 prize will be awarded to the winner Feb. 21.

Extended Hours IT has extended its Help Desk hours to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, effective immediately. They can be reached at (817) 531-4428 or helpdesk@ txwes.edu.

Video Contest The Tarrrant Regional Transportation Coalition has launched a video contest asking people to convey their frustration with traffic. First prize is $1000. For info, go to www.trtcmobility.org

Rambler Contribution Need help getting the word out for a meeting or event? Submit news briefs on behalf of your organization! Please send all requests to twurambler@ yahoo.com. Submissions due by noon Friday to see brief on the following week’s issue.

Photos by Tiara Nugent

Off with a bang: State challenges campus gun ban Martin Garcia

if such legislation passes.

“Professors are going to need glass casings in front of them at the podium,” Salih said.

When the Texas Legislature convened this month, one of the more prom- Some students shared deeper sentiments. inent bills on the docket was the proposition to end the ban of concealed “It’s sad to even think that students could have [guns] on campus. I don’t think we need them here; this is a pretty safe campus,” freshman history maweapons on college campuses.

The motion stems from a U.S. Supreme Court move last June that struck jor Amanda Moten said.

Schools like Columbine and Virginia Tech are no strangers to the vodown a Washington D.C. ban on handguns. cabularies of people in education. After enduring such Sen. Jeff Wentworth of San Antonio plans horrific events that left numerous killed, these educato author a bill this session that would guarantee tional establishments—as well as the vast majority in the decision in Texas. the country—began analyzing their security measures Wentworth authored what is known as the for effectiveness.

Castle Doctrine bill last year in his attempt to Many institutions have since implemented timely give Texans more right to defend themselves with electronic notification methods such as Texas Wesleydeadly force whether in their homes, their cars or an’s WEMS—Wesleyan Emergency Management Systheir place of work. Gov. Rick Perry signed this tem. Although they were put in place to promote safety, doctrine, and Wentworth, among others, hopes to some groups, such as the Students for Concealed Carry see the same support of for gun rights with this on Campus, are arguing that such efforts are not enough. effort.

The SCCC is an organization supporting self Opponents of the idea are concerned about defense on campus that currently harbors more than Gov. Perry and Sen. Wentworth’s decisions that education and, of course, safety if guns were alput the Castle Doctrine into motion might show 35,000 members made up of students, professors, parlowed on college campuses. Dr. Ibrahim Salih, the same favor to lifting the campus gun ban on ents, collegiate employees and other citizens. professor of political science joked that he would NEWS EDITOR

feel inclined to wear a bullet-proof vest to class

Sports

Texas colleges.

Coach Josh Gibbs is named 2008 NAIA Women’s Soccer NSCAA/adidas Southwest Region Coach of the Year.

Page 5

See Ban, page 2

Entertainment

See what movies are worth catching before they leave the big screen.

Page 6

January 21, 2009

Ban, from page 1

News

Despite safety efforts such as increased communication, the SCCC and others claim that safety is still in jeopardy and that people ought to have the right to carry weapons on college campuses, public and private.

Those who are against the bill argue that by allowing licensed individuals to carry their concealed weapons onto a college campus, schools will be putting too many matters ahead of education. Others argue that violent crime and suicide rates would subsequently increase if such a bill passed the legislature, according to the SCCC’s Web site.

The SCCC disagrees with facts, as does Wentworth. He once called students (without proper protection) “sitting ducks.” The SCCC answers to the opposition by saying that “researchers and state agree that concealed handgun license holders are five times less Photo by Gasten Schoonover likely than non-license holdNorth Texas campuses such as Wesleyan and Tarrant County ers to commit violent crimes.”

College, shown above, may see new laws implemented as early Texas, a typically pro-gun as Sept. 1, 2009. state, is actually one of the states that do not allow people to carry their weapon in plain sight. Supporters of the proposed bill to lift the ban of concealed weapons do not plan to make a mockery out of previous legislation. The bill understands Texas laws, which also stipulate that no one under the age of 21 may qualify for a concealed handgun license, or CHL. There is no legislation contesting the age limit that the state mandates in order to have a CHL. The “in plain sight” bill completely differs from lifting the gun ban; if gun bans are indeed lifted on college campuses, gun holders must comply with existing Texas laws.

This debate isn’t new to Texas – Perry also spoke of the idea during last year’s session.

But this time, with the help of other legislatures such as Wentworth and Sen. John Corona—who calls the legislation opportunistic—Texans might be stepping onto newly chartered grounds when stepping onto a college campus. The session that began on the 13th will wrap up at the beginning of June. If the bill passes, the next academic year could hold a different feel.

Come fall 2009, CHL holders might be able to have the right to hold their concealed weapon. If the motion does indeed pass, Moten argued that since it is a private campus, Wesleyan should go it alone.

“Texas Wesleyan should try to pass its own legislation to prohibit it,” she said.

The Rambler 2

GPNA scores exceed state average Eunice Nicholson

Each year, there are three to four students competing for every one seat in the graduate

program, said Milhoan.

The graduates of Wesleyan’s school of While Wesleyan’s GPNA has offered two nurse anesthesia are at the top of their game. graduate programs, master of health science Or the “cream of the crop” as University and master of nurse anesthesia, since 1982, President Hal Jeffcoat would put it. the school added the doctorate of nurse anesThe GPNA graduates reported a 95 per- thesia practice in the fall. cent pass rate on the latest Nurse Anesthesia “It was mandated,” Milhoan said.

Certification Examination. This well exceeds She said the need for continuing education in the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anes- the medical field has become essential. The thesia Educational Programs’ preferred pass doctorate program is one of the first among rate of 84 percent. graduate nurse anesthesia programs, accordGPNA graduates must pass the exam to ing to Milhoan. She is currently a student of become certified nurse anesthetists. Wesley- the program herself. an’s graduate’s scores Wesleyan’s GPNA have averaged a passis licensed in all 50 ing rate of more than states in the country.

95 percent since 1984, While the school according to the school. has an attrition rate “I’ve come to exof about 12 percent, pect it, frankly, but I the national averdon’t take it for grantage is somewhere ed,” said Jeffcoat. “The between 40 and 50 faculty and students are percent, said Milcommitted and dedihoan. cated.”

Wesleyan’s GPNA Lisa Milhoan, a receives more apgraduate of Wesleyan’s plications than any GPNA and a certified other nurse anesregistered nurse anesthetist school in the thetist, is one of that nation, according to faculty. She serves as Milhoan. a Wesleyan GPNA in The nurse anstructor and oversees esthesia program more than 25 primary originated at Harris clinical sites nationMethodist Hospiwide where GPNA stutal in Fort Worth in dents serve a required 1931 and was estab16 months residency. lished as a master’s “I thought it was just program at WesleyCourtesy of Google Images the coolest thing ever,” an in 1982, accordMilhoan said when For more than two decades, Wesleyan GPNA ing to the school. graduates have averaged scores that surshe discovered several CRNAs practice in pass state preferred rates. CRNA salaries years ago that training around the nation have been known to exceed every setting where was available for regis- $200,000 a year. anesthesia is availtered nurses to become able and are the sole certified nurse anesthetists. anesthesia providers in more than two-thirds “Putting people to sleep is a huge respon- of all rural hospitals. sibility,” Milhoan said. “But what is more They administer every type of anesthetic important is being able to wake them up.” and provide care for every type of surgery or So what contributes to the top marks Wes- procedure, from open heart to cataract to pain leyan students are earning? management, according to the American As“We are truly student-focused and have sociation for Nurse Anesthetists’ Web site. a rigorous science program, and we are very Some CRNAs earn more than $200,000 a selective with our students,” Milhoan said. year for their services, according to Milhoan.

Jeffcoat agrees.

Contact the Wesleyan Graduate Program of “The faculty is the top of their field,” Jef- Nurse Anesthesia at (817) 531-4406 for more fcoat said. “They are not only professors but information. practitioners, and the students are the cream of the crop.”

STAFF WRITER

Synchronized signals improve Rosedale, Lancaster drive time

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plans, which allow motorists to travel down a roadway with

The commute to and from campus supposedly just fewer stops, would not work properly,” she said. got easier. As of the beginning of 2009, the signal lights on According to Conlin, East Lancaster signals were upgraded East Rosedale and East Lancaster are synchronized. from the intersections of Pine to Handley, and Rosedale up“The signals were synchronized, or coordinated, to re- grades spanned the intersections of Riverside to Handley. duce motorist delay and vehicle stops,” said Marisa Conlin, Officials are hoping this speeds bus routes in addition to traffic signal capital program manager with the city of Fort helping motorists.

Worth.

“The East Lancaster and East Rosedale projects were According to news reports, the Rosedale and Lancast- also designed to help the T buses meet their schedules and er upgrades were part of a city-wide effort, a $2 million reduce headways,” Conlin said. project to install new equipment that connects 300 traffic -Staff Report lights to a city transporta tion center. Other affected streets include Beach, Hulen and Western Center, according to the Fort Worth StarTelegram.

Upgrades to Lancaster and Rosedale lights include new controller boxes, vehicle sensors and GPS clocks at several locations, Conlin said. Updated controller boxes (the “brains” that control the light) provide new technology, and the vehicle sensors provide further efficiency by telling the controller when there is a vehicle at the signal. The GPS clocks make sure that the controller clocks have the same time in them. Even a few seconds can make the difference, Conlin said.

Courtesy of Google Images “This is important beWesleyan commuters might have an easier time on their commute to school once the city cause if the clocks drifted, wraps up the street light synchronization project. then the synchronized timing

Opinions

“I played soccer and hung out with my girl.”

Ala’a Taha Freshman International Business Major

January 21, 2009

Round doesn’t count.

New Year’s resolutions not the answer to get a fit shape J

“I took an awesome art minimester class with Dr. Colley.”

Philip Blocklinger Junior Exercise Science Major

“I did nothing because I broke my foot.”

“I went to Slovakia with family for New Year’s.”

What did you do over break?

Saba Whipple Junior Mass Communication Major

Martin Garcia

Ines Perhoc Senior Marketing Major

The Rambler 3

anuary means a fresh start—that’s what we all tell ourselves. The turn of the calendar is a time where all are entitled to a new beginning and a new resolution. Like many people attempt during Lent, some resolve to give up their favorite hobbies, habits and vices come the first of January.

The one thing I have noticed that North Texans feel obliged to do the most is shrink that waistline. I’m sure it’s a national thing, since many research entities would agree that America is far too

obese.

According to obesityinamerica.org, obesity ranks as the No. 1 health threat facing this country today. The numbers are appalling, and the people long for the right answers. So why not go out and empty the wallet on yet another gym membership to start the New Year off on the right foot? North Texans are obviously doing it.

I love the first quarter of the year when we’re able to see the parking lots at LA Fitness swell up, evidenced by the obvious enlarged number of new members eager to fulfill their resolutions.

“It’s great actually hearing the weights move, feeling the heat of the gym and watching the people sweat,” said Josh Kiss, longtime LA Fitness member.

Kiss and friends frequently work out at the local gyms year-round, and they agree that the first couple of months are always hit with heavier traffic.

Personal trainers gain more clients, the local pilates classes fill up quicker, and the membership advisers reach their quotas in no time. It’s wonderful to see the effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle, New Year’s resolution or not, but the fact of the matter is that aspirations begin to dwindle within a couple of months and are over before they even start.

Some might wonder why that might be.

It’s pretty simple to come up with a goal, but it’s just as easy to drop it entirely. People begin to let the rest

of their lives get in the way and lose sight of what they had prioritized.

Time cannot be the factor to blame because that’s essentially all we have.

Enthusiasts merely lose the passion and the drive that the drop of the ball brought.

What many do not understand is that it takes more than will to take the wrinkles out of their birthday suits. Plain and simple, it’s a lifestyle change. Lifetime Fitness promotes itself as not just a gym but a “healthy way of life” company, a process that they define as learning how to apply diet, exercise and nutrition education to start working for you instead of against you.

However, not everyone shares the same will and determination to make this a reality.

Creating this new healthy lifestyle takes the willingness to change and the commitment to make it happen. You must begin with a plan that you know you will be able to see through, yet sometimes people aren’t honest with themselves, they get discouraged and they quit completely.

It is my hope that for some reason 2009 shapes up to be a better year, but as the past suggests, I’m afraid that we might be let down.

With exception of tone-up times such as spring break or the beginning of summer, the local clubs will begin to become less crowded. Pretty soon your favorite elliptical in the corner will be there waiting for you, and that lat pull you so desire won’t have people in line waiting to use it.

If only the New Year came by more frequently, we might all live healthier lifestyles, right?

But then that would take the fun away from the obligatory annual weight loss resolution.

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

Mayor praises attention of students, The Rambler to city issues Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor, It was heartening to read the Nov. 19 issue of The Rambler, and I was pleased to see students actively engaged in some of Fort Worth ’s top issues including homelessness and mobility.

Seth Nelson’s column about the importance of modern streetcars was spot on, and it highlighted the need for this vital service in our central city.

Mobility is arguably one of the largest and most contentious issues of our time. When I took office in 2003, Fort Worth was the 21st largest city in the nation. Today, it’s the 17th largest city with more than 720,000 residents and counting.

Simply put, we cannot accommodate this extraordinary growth with more highways and more roads. We must find a better, more efficient and more environmentally-friendly way to move people from point A to point B. We believe rail is the future people mover of our city and our region. We’re working very hard to find meaningful and lasting solutions, including street cars and expanded light rail options. I’m glad that Mr. Nelson supports our efforts, and I’m hopeful his fellow students get involved as well.

Bryce Wilks’ article about the issue of homelessness was also greatly appreciated. He captured the essence of our plan to end this costly and chronic problem. It’s quite obvious that Mr. Wilks has a special sensitivity and broad understanding of how this condition affects not just those living on the streets, but all of us.

Fortunately, Fort Worth and Tarrant County have now come together to make homelessness rare, short-term and non-reoccurring in ten years. The plan, as the article pointed out, is called Directions Home, and you can find out more about this initiative online at www. fortworthgov.org/homelessness.

Texas Wesleyan University has a proud and celebrated legacy. What better way to further promote this legacy than using The Rambler— as the voice of the university and the student body—to lead a dialogue about issues that so greatly affect southeast Fort Worth.

It has been said that the most memorable things in life are not things. They are the lives we’ve touched and the people who have touched our lives.

The students of TWU have great potential to lead change and touch the lives of many.

I challenge the students—individually and collectively—to think about the issues important

to them. Find your passion. Stand up. Speak out and be heard. Giving back to your community is one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.

As you’re well aware, the community surrounding Texas Wesleyan is getting some well-deserved attention today. The renovations to the storefronts just south of the campus, our efforts to end homelessness and the fight to bring street cars back to Fort Worth are just a few examples. This is only the beginning.

No matter the issue or the challenge, I urge The Rambler, the students and the university to remain engaged and stand firm in support of our efforts to improve and revitalize this historic part of our city. Together, we can and we will make a difference.

My thanks and appreciation to The Rambler staff for engaging on the important issues of our day—issues that not only affect the students at Texas Wesleyan, but everyone blessed to call Fort Worth home.

Sincerely, Mayor Mike Moncrief City of Fort Worth

Rambler Letter to the Editor policies The Rambler encourages readers to submit letters to the editor. Subject matter should be relevant to readers, provocative, constructive and timely. Passion and humor are welcome; profanity and disrespect to any people group are unacceptable. Letters should include the writer’s full name, classification/major or title and e-mail address. All letters become property of The Rambler and are subject to editing for length, content, grammar, etc. The editor reserves the right to accept or reject any letter.

Send all letters to twurambler@yahoo.com with “Letter to the Editor” as the subject line.

The Rambler

Rambler Ratings

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

Martin Garcia, news editor

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

Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thumbs up to all who represented Wesleyan in the Stock Show & Rodeo “All Western” Parade.

Thumbs down to those who still haven’t bought their textbooks.

Thumbs down to the unkempt hedges in front of Stella, Sid Richardson and the library.

Thumbs up to Melody Fowler for aiding student success in the ARC.

College Life

4 The Rambler

Living your dream P

January 21, 2009

Wealth achievable when lifestyle reflects proper financial principles

eople often criticize the American control of their finances and hold each other accountable to couple properly investing/saving only 500 dollars a month Dream. “You can’t get everything persevere. from age 30-70. And you would be surprised at how fast you want just by working hard,” realists The final component of a budget – one of utmost imeven $50 a month could help if you start now. Space won’t say, and much truth abides in that portance – incorporates devoting a set percentage of your allow me to go into detail here, but an IRA or an employer’s observation. Sometimes, however, all income to savings.

401k option definitely constitutes something to look into. that’s really needed to materialize one Why save?

The earlier you start, the more money you have at retirement of Americans’ most traditional dreams – We all expect unexpected events. You OR the earlier you can afford to Americans’ Financial Facts retire. Besides, I know all too big bucks – is hard work, wisdom and a know that at some point your car radiator smidgen of patience. will give out. Healthy as you may have well how procrastination works – • Only 32 percent of Americans would Tiara

Discipline is the primary ingredialways been, you will get sick or experiestablishing retirement ASAP is be able to cover a $5,000 emergency ent in both living debt-free and wealth ence a physical accident one day. Don’t let essential!

Nugent without going into debt for it, according building. As Zig Ziglar said, “If you do those occurrences surprise you. Set aside

Building a savings, workthe things you need to do when you need to do them, then a portion of your savings as an emergency to a Gallup survey. ing to become debt-free and someday you can do the things you want to do when you fund and take the “expected unexpected” providing for the future offers • Savings rate for 2006 was -1 percent, want to do them.” in stride. security and boosts self-esteem. reported the Bureau of Economic Analy When someone mentions The second mega reason You become empowered. Money sis. This was the lowest rate since the Bottom line, saving must be your priority. budgeting, you might flaunt to save relates back to your is not in control of you; you are in Great Depression. your plumage and think, “Oh, Living within your means and working spending. Large purchases – control of the money.

I have one.” What does living must be your lifestyle. That is not to say such as a piece of furniture,

I’m sure by this point you • U.S. Bankruptcies Courts say 2005 on a budget entail? Allocated work should consume your life, but rather TV, vehicle or laptop – paid are wondering where I’ve gotbankruptcies totaled 2,078,415. Chapter play a significant role in it. spending. for in cash come with no ten all this jargon and on what 7 bankruptcies equaled 79 percent of Before the month starts, repercussions – i.e., no credit those. grounds I attempt to advise. These make a list of all needed expenditures and “name” every card statements. Additionally, paying in pointers are not my own, howdollar entering your pocket. First, allot money to pay your cash will likely ensure your purchases are • Total U.S. consumer debt hit $2.7 trilever. monthly bills, including debt, phone, rent, etc. Next assign wise choices. Parting with a few hundred

Last November I enrolled lion in April 2006, the highest level in history according to the Federal Rean amount to gas, food, clothing, entertainment and yes, dollars in cash ignites much more pain in Dave Ramsey’s Financial serve Statistical Release. even “blow” money. A budget must be a plan you can stick than swiping a card. You will think twice Peace University, a series of 13 to, so be careful not to lace yourself too tight. before swapping good ol’ Uncle Ben’s hour-long classes explaining and • According to the Retirement Confi Laying out a written budget puts a new pair of lenses on portrait for merchandise. advising financial debt matters. dence Survey, 53 percent of Americans Ramsey, a nationally syndicated your eyes. Be prepared: Lastly, have less than $25,000 in retirement tracking your previous save to radio host and best-selling author, savings: 43 percent of those are over spending habits may build thoroughly covers everything age 55, and 30 percent believe they surprise you. Small and/ wealth! from all types of insurance and only need 250,000 or less in total retireor impulsive purchases Mutual health financial planning, to ment savings. add up fast. funds ofbudgeting, “debt snowballing,” For example, confer valumutual funds, retirement funds, sider Joe, who eats a able returns. Just make sure and every type of investment under the sun (as well as how meal out during his daily to always research what and to legally do it tax-free). lunch break. Even the where you invest. Do not I have hardly been able to communicate a fraction of deluxe fast food meal merely take someone’s word Ramsey’s insights to financial victory, or delve into any of deals charge many pretty on a “prime” investment these topics to the depth he communicates. I would strongly pennies. Average $8 opportunity – prove the urge anyone looking to gain knowledge on and success in or so a day, that means benefits and establish the personal finances to attend Ramsey’s live seminar in Dallas $160 a month, and totals credibility of the investment on March 28 and/or invest a small sum in one of his books. out at $76,800 after 40 yourself.

For more information on Ramsey’s Financial Peace Univeryears. Yes, that waste Saving to build wealth sity’s resources and for online assets to managing money, seems ridiculous, but is the first step to assurvisit www.daveramsey.com. many Americans spend ing yourself a prosperous Bottom line, saving must be your priority. Living within it. retirement. Retirement?! your means and working must be your lifestyle. That is not Times of fatigue and I can hear your astounded to say work should consume your life, but rather play a sigstress or “I owe it to myreaction. That milestone nificant role in it. Others may think you’re crazy – America self” syndrome lead to stands a long way away in is certainly not a frugal or debt-conscious country – but the squandering “feel good” the future, you say (along settlements you will reap later will far outdo anything those splurges. Rigorously with that aforementioned 53 skeptics will obtain. sticking to a written spending plan will curb frivolous overpercent who are unprepared). Yes it does, and that’s exactly As Ramsey delights to quote, today “Live like no one spending, eradicate overdrafts and, consequently, eliminate my point. else so that later you can live like no one else.” much stress and guilt. A great way to keep yourself in check Retiring as a multi-millionaire sounds appealing but Tiara Nugent is a senior English major and is editor-in-chief for The is a “budget buddy.” Challenge a friend of relative to take unrealistic, right? Not if you do the math on a 30 year old Rambler.

Face it.

Snap into it.

Rambler photographers needed. twurambler@yahoo.com

Wesleyan joins student communication a la mode Ryan Authier

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Cartoonists wanted.

Contact The Rambler twurambler@yahoo.com

Taking its next step into the information age, Texas Wesleyan is entering the realm of social networking. Facebook, second only to MySpace in social networking with more than 140 million members, according to Alexa Internet Inc., is now host to our university’s own page.

Wesleyan is taking a modern technological stride with its Facebook membership. Although there are no bumper sticker applications, super pokes or clear preferences for pirates or ninjas, there are some very useful bits and gadgets for students, faculty and alumni.

“On Texas Wesleyan’s page, all the different types of users -- alumni, faculty and staff, current students and potential students -- can interact with each other, ask questions, share their opinions and generally stay informed about what’s going on at the university,” said Communications Specialist Amy Batheja.

The first thing to take note of is, well, the notes. Replacing typical Facebook missives concerning breakups and weekend clubbing, the university is taking advantage of this feature to post news and information about upcoming events. There is also a link to the Ram Calendar.

Scroll a bit further down and you will see that Wesleyan has also utilized the discussion board, inviting talk about everything from advice for incoming freshmen to local hot-spots.

Taking advantage of Facebook’s media potentials, the school has uploaded, and will presumably continue to upload, loads of photos from campus events and some videos promoting various aspects of the school and even a message from University President Hal Jeffcoat.

Are you are a music major and want to find the pictures from the last concert? Maybe you’re a soccer player and want a fullsized action shot. Now you know where to look.

“It’s nice to be able to find pictures from all of the events

around campus,” said junior English and exercise science major Joakim Soederbaum. “The athletic department takes really great photos, but only a few are available on the main site. Having them on Facebook will be very nice.”

In addition to the standard features such as the mini-feed and the wall (which students can comment on freely), there are also sections dedicated specifically to future students, current students, alumni and the city of Fort Worth.

Though the bulk of these sections are merely links back to the Wesleyan Web site, it simplifies the navigation of the original site.

A noticeable detail of Wesleyan’s page is the graphics. Designed primarily by members of Wesleyan’s information and technology department, they stand out against the drab blue and white of Facebook’s layout. Wesleyan hopes that any curious high school seniors or potential transfers who stumble upon the page will be impressed by the variety and diversity expressed through the entire page.

There is potential for the university’s Facebook involvement to go beyond just this site. Coming in March, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, headed by Dr. Amy Collier, will host a Web 2.0 seminar for teachers focused on increasing student-teacher interaction via Facebook.

Dr. Stacia Neeley, associate professor of English, is one who has already taken advantage of Facebook’s teaching benefits.

“I do look forward to exploring the pedagogical use of Facebook as it expands its functions and keeps college students informed of events on their campuses,” she said.

The school has even decided to draw a bit more attention to the page by offering a chance to win a prize pack full of Wesleyan gear to whoever becomes a “Facebook fan” of the page before Feb. 1.

So next time you are updating your status or adding some pictures, stop by Wesleyan’s new page. You never know whose face you might see.

Sports

January 21, 2009

You are what you eat

Quick Quote

“An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets. He must run with hope in his heart and dreams in his head.”

-Emil Zatopek Olympic runner

A steady diet of tough games is making the Rams just that: tough

B

lowout scores like 92-42 and 98-67 can bring about all types of feelings, depending which side of the scoreboard you’re on.

For a team ranked in the top 20 in the most recent national men’s basketball poll, the scores above should be convincing wins against overmatched opponents.

Conversely, they reflect the final marks for two exhibition losses for the Rams this season against Division 1 opponents Stephen F. Austin State University Bryce and the University of Texas-San Antonio.

While getting run off the court is always a tough Wilks pill to swallow, I respect head coach Terry Waldrop for running with the big boys instead of feasting on weak opponents early in the season.

The experience gained by the team is sure to benefit them in tough situations during conference competition.

Wesleyan, like any program that has won at the national level, has a bull’s eye on their chest every time they step on the court.

With a 2006 championship banner hanging in the gym, and fresh off a national tournament appearance in 2008, every team wants to knock off one of the region’s most powerful teams.

Two teams managed to accomplish that feat over the winter break as the Rams dropped two conference games on the road.

Jarvis Christian topped the Rams 59-54 Jan. 8 and Langston triumphed 86-80 Jan. 10. Neither blemish shakes my confidence in the talented Rams as national title contenders.

Road losses in January are hardly worth doubting the team over, and again, the tough schedule and heated games are serving as learning experiences for a group comprised largely of players who were not in Rams uniforms last season.

The coaches and players will not gain success this season by dominating for the first two months, peaking too early and playing flat basketball in February and March.

Instead, their willingness to schedule games against nationally ranked NAIA teams and Division 1 opponents will pay dividends later on.

Several Rams have helped shoulder the scoring load, led by Chris Berry who is averaging 21 points per game. Berry’s efforts have been rewarded with four selections as Red River Conference player of the week.

Terrell Henry and Kennith Gober have each contributed 13 points per game to give the Rams a balanced attack.

Against Hillsdale Free Will Baptist Dec. 18, the Rams had a record setting outburst beating the Saints 142-97.

But it won’t be the blowout win that pushes the team in the conference or national tournament. Instead, they will draw from the character built during the losses against superior opponents.

The tough road from the start of the season will help ensure that the scoreboard reads in the Rams favor when it counts.

The Rams next home game is Feb. 2 against Jarvis Christian. Just the opponent the Rams need, in order to show how much they have improved.

Upcoming Events Jan. 22

5:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball @ College of the Southwest 7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball @ College of the Southwest Jan. 24 5:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball @ Southwest Assemblies of God 7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball @ Southwest Assemblies of God Jan. 26 6 p.m. Women’s Basketball @ Paul Quinn 8 p.m. Men’s Basketball @ Paul Quinn Jan. 31 *7 a.m. Table Tennis NEWGY Tournament

Sports Briefs

Wesleyan to host table tennis event Jan. 20 Sid Richardson Gym in set to host the NEWGY Texas Wesleyan Tournament for table tennis Jan. 31. Entry forms are posted at www.txwes.edu/tabletennis/.

The deadline to enter is Jan. 28 and the entry fee is $8.

Wesleyan wins battle of Rams Jan. 17 The men’s basketball team took an 89-79 victory over the Huston-Tillotson University Rams. Chris Berry led the way with 37 points and 11 rebounds to run the team’s conference record to 2-2.

Lady Rams fall short against HTU Jan. 17 The women’s basketball team fell to Huston-Tillotson University 65-60, despite 15 point efforts from both Brittany Turner and Brittany Davenport.

Bacone can’t keep up with Rams Jan. 12 Chris Berry scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead Wesleyan to an 86-80 win over Bacone.

Kennith Gober pitched in 24 points and Terrell Henry scored 20.

Warriors outlast Lady Rams Jan. 12 The women’s basketball team took a 51-41 loss at Bacone College. Brittany Turner led the effort with 11 points and seven rebounds.

Rams drop second conference game Jan. 10 The men’s basketball team suffered an 86-80 loss at Langston University. Chris Berry led the Rams with 27 points, while Kennith Gober poured in 21 of his own and Terrell Henry finished with 18.

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

The Rambler 5

Photo by Josh Morgan

Protect this house

Senior Sheleatha Simmons (front) and sophomore Tara Hurd (behind) defend the lane against Huston-Tillotson Jan. 17. Though the defense stayed tough, the Lady Rams lost 65-60.

Brittany Turner contributed 15 points, close to her season average of 13 points per game.The senior from Dallas has taken up a role of leadership for the young squad.

Turner and freshman Cordelia Henderson have both been named conference player of the week this season. The awards have highlighted the season for a team that currently sits at 2-14.

The Lady Rams travel to College of the Southwest Jan. 22 for their next conference bout.

- Staff Report

Bryce Wilks is a senior mass communication major and is sports editor for The Rambler.

Doskocil tunes up game with top five finish Bryce Wilks SPORTS EDITOR

If there is a perfect way to start a senior golf season, Kevin Doskocil may have found it.

Doskocil placed third in the NTPGA Players Tour at Bridlewood Golf Club in Flower Mound over winter break.

The senior from Hillsboro shot a round of 68 after weather cancelled the first round.

According to Doskocil, the North Texas Professional Golfers’ Association hosts the tournament for professional golfers that are home on their winter break from touring.

By finishing third, Doskocil ranked as the best amateur player in the field, and was only two shots off the pace of the tournament’s winner.

Doskocil hit 16 of 18 greens in regulation and was five under par through his first seven holes.

Because Doskocil is an amateur, he was not able to accept cash prizes for his strong performance. If he were professional, the payout would have been more than $1,000.

“Several guys that played in the tournament either currently have their PGA tour card or have had it at some point,” Doskocil said.

An example is Hunter Haas who finished No. 27 on the Nationwide Tour in 2008. He won more than $200,000 in cash for the season and was just two spots away from automatically qualifying for the PGA tour in 2009.

Gib me that:

Doskocil beat many players with similar credentials, something that he can build off of this spring.

“This provides a big confidence boost for me personally,” Doskocil said. “I already have have faith in my teammates potential and now I believe in myself as a strong performer this year.”

Doskocil was an Academic AllAmerican selection last season after posting four top-10 finishes.

Texas Wesleyan is currently ranked No. 12 in the NAIA Coaches’ Poll and 10th in the Golf World/Nike Golf Coaches’ Poll.

Their tournaments begin March 2 at the Northwood Spring Invitational. They will also compete locally at the UST Texas Courtesy of Kevin Doskocil Intercollegiate Tournament at Hawk’s Senior Kevin Doskocil placed Creek in Fort Worth and at the Dallas Baptist third at the NTPGA event in Golf Classic in Dallas.

Flower Mound over winter “There is no limit to what we can accombreak, ranking as the top plish this season,” Doskocil said. “Our work amateur. He is a returning has made us a strong team.”

Academic All-American.

Tournament berth gets soccer’s Gibbs regional award for coaching excellence

Texas Wesleyan University’s Josh Gibbs has been named 2008 NAIA Women’s Soccer NSCAA/adidas Southwest Region Coach of the Year.

The award, given by the NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America), was awarded based on a vote of coaches within the region.

Gibbs was one of eight regional award winners.

Regional Coaches of the Year are finalists for the NSCAA/adidas National Coach of the Year award at their respective levels.

The national awards were announced at the annual NSCAA Awards Banquet, which was held Jan. 16 in the Grand Ballroom of the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, Mo., as part of the 2009 NSCAA Convention.

Courtesy of Jose Valdez In his third season with the Lady Rams, Gibbs earned a Josh Gibbs led the women’s soccer second consecutive Red River Athletic Conference Coach of team to both the regular season and the Year award in 2008. tournament title in 2008.

He led the Lady Rams to their first ever “Double” (winning both the RRAC regular season and tournament titles).

The tournament title brought with it the program’s first appearance in the NAIA National Tournament.

The Lady Rams lost 2-0 against California-Baptist University, but the loss did not change the dramatic leap that the program has made under Gibbs’ guidance.

Texas Wesleyan finished the season at 11-7 overall, marking the second highest winning percentage in program history, and 6-1 in conference play.

Gibbs’ Lady Rams featured seven All-Conference selections and one All-American in goalkeeper Brittany O’Brien. Gibbs is currently recruiting players for both the men’s and women’s teams looking ahead to 2009.

- Josh Lacy ramsports.net

Entertainment

January 21, 2009

The Rambler 6

The Spring 09 Preview: Wesleyan’s Fine Arts Repertoire Chuck Fain

Wesleyan home page for more details.

STAFF WRITER

Artistic expression provides pleasure to both the giver and the receiver. And Texas Wesleyan has plenty of it in store for you this spring. The theater department and the music department have lined up what they hope to be gripping plays and musical masterpieces.

Wesleyan theater

Wesleyan music

The music department is also gearing up for the new season with several masterpieces scheduled at Martin Hall. The 2009 President’s Honors Concert is one such event. Here some of Wesleyan’s finest musical performers are selected by a panel of independent judges for this special concert, featuring six singers, three pianists, a flute arrangement and a guitar arrangement.

The concert is hosted by University President Hal Jeffcoat and his wife, Marie. Now in its 13th year, this prestigious concert is sure to be a treat for the ears as Wesleyan displays its musical talents at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 6. The concert is free and open to the public. A reception in the Baker Building will follow. Business attire is preferred.

Call (817) 531-4404 to RSVP. Many more concerts are set to come through Martin Hall, such as the Forth Worth Symphony Orchestra’s performance at 11 a.m. Feb. 21 and the Stephen Barr Memorial Concert at 7:30 p.m.

March 10.

Martin Hall swings, playing host to such jazz performances as The Combined Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble Concert at 7:30 p.m. March 12 and the 13th Annual Wesleyan/Highlander Jazz Festival at 7:30 p.m. May 9. Also, don’t miss Wesleyan’s premier choir performing at the Wesleyan Singers Concert at 7:30 p.m. April 16.

There are many more concerts and events coming to Martin Hall, thanks to Wesleyan’s music department. Visit www.txwes.edu/ music/events for more information.

The Wesleyan theater department will start the spring semester off with a production of the Obie award winning play Terra Nova by Ted Tally. Tally is a renowned playwright and screenwriter responsible for such works as The Silence of the Lambs screenplay.

The play is a tragic and compelling story of determination as Captain Scott leads a team of men on an exposition to the North Pole. Scott refuses to use sled dogs, seeing them as unsporting, resulting eventual disaster. Ultimately, Scott and his crew are bested by his rival and must pay the ultimate price for their heroism. The play runs Feb.1922 and Feb. 26-March 1.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will also be presented in Wesleyan’s own Thad Smotherman Theatre this semester.

This morbid musical takes the audience on a journey with a mister Sweeny Todd, recently back from a 15-year prison sentence.

The bloodthirsty barber has returned home with an appetite for revenge and meat pies. The annual musicals at Wesleyan are popular events, and, considering this musical’s recent popularity, this year will be no different. The show runs Courtesy of Texas Wesleyan music department April 23-26.

Artistic expression is one of the Secure your tickets for events by Texas Wesleyan’s music department kicks off the spring season with the 2009 President’s Honors Concert 7:30 rare true joys in life. Enjoy. calling the theater box office number p.m. on Feb. 6. Senior pianist Karen Garcia, seen here performing at last year’s concert, will be part of the piano at (817) 531-4211. Visit the Theatre trio that ends the night.

Winter films worth watching I Martin Garcia

n January we’re always left with leftovers. Holiday movie leftovers that is … and sometimes that’s a good thing. There’s often shows still hanging around at the theater that are worth catching if you missed them, and this year is no exception.

This past wave of holiday movies did begin on the wrong foot, however, with the post-Thanksgiving release of the obligatory Christmas-themed movie Four Christmases, starring Vince Vaughn and Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon. What held some promise was a disappointment on the big screen, but as December moved along, the movies got better. Christmas Day proved to be the best release date, providing the likes of Brad Pitt, Owen Wilson and Tom Cruise, three of Hollywood’s most recognizable icons. All are still on at the theater.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button There’s nothing quite like a feel-good flick about a man who physically ages backwards through real time and undergoes insurmountable circumstances. It might not be the most appealing synopsis, but if you add a love plot to the peculiar story, you have yourself an Oscar-worthy hit.

Adapted from a 1920s story by F. Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby, The Last Tycoon), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button presents a compelling idea of the beauty of life, the consistency of time and the wonder of what remains after we’re gone.

The story is delivered by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, their first on-screen duo since Babel in 2006. The duo measures up to the movie’s tagline that says life isn’t measured in minutes but in moments. We see Benjamin Button progress through life with the consequences of having to seemingly do everything backwards.

Director David Fincher puts together breathtaking moments as we strive to feel what the characters are enduring and long for that favorable, yet unattainable outcome.

Although quite a marathon at almost three hours long, Benjamin Button is worth the time and the $10 movie ticket. Aside from great acting, the plot is packed with surprises and a gripping turn of events that leave you wanting more.

The movie was nominated for five Golden Globe Awards this month in Los Angeles, and the cast and crew will surely gain the same recognition soon at the Oscar’s.

A

Look Ahead

Wednesday

Off Campus:

Off Campus:

24

•Michael McDonald: Hilton Anatole Hotel, 6 p.m.

•Kenny Rogers: Bass Hall, 8 p.m.

Off Campus:

22

•Mike McClure: Granada The- •The Buster Brown Band: ater, 8 p.m.

Brooklyn Jazz Cafe, 7 p.m.

•Amy Ray: House of Blues Dallas, 9 p.m.

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

Saturday

21

Thursday

Sunday

Off Campus:

25

Friday

Off Campus:

23

•AC/DC: American Airlines Center, 8 p.m.

•John Legend: Nokia Theatre, Weekly Movie Releases: 8 p.m.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans; Inkheart; Killshot

Monday

Off Campus:

26

Tuesday

On Campus:

27

•Chris Botti: Bass Hall, 8 p.m. •Pilobolus: Bass Hall, 8 p.m.

•Willson Lecture Series: Martin

•Los Lonely Boys: Granada Theater, 8 p.m.

Hall, 7 p.m.

Weekly DVD Releases: Pride and Glory; The Rocker; Lakeview Terrace

Valkyrie In what was arguably one of the more anticipated releases on Christmas Day, Valkyrie gave us the story of a plot that planned to assassinate Adolf Hitler during the height of World War II. Tom Cruise plays Col. Claus von Stauffenberg, one of the leading German officers in a foiled plot to remove Hitler and the Nazi regime from power.

Without seeing the movie or reading spoilers, we know the ending.

We know that Hitler somehow escapes the assassination attempt that took place in 1944 because Hitler committed suicide the following year. But Stauffenberg’s predicament opens up a new perspective that most of us do not know or understand about Nazi Germany. Valkyrie shows that not everyone followed Hitler and that some Germans were civil and cared about human rights.

Valkyrie takes us on a rollercoaster ride with its sharp turns and dramatic turn of events.

Although Hitler escapes this time, Stauffenberg’s story acknowledges a true account of fallen heroes that seems to get lost amidst the rest of the Courtesy of Google Images horrific destruction that Joining Marley & Me and Benjamin Button at the top of the charts went on during the time. this holiday season, Valkyrie, starring Tom Cruise, tells the untold The acting is superb, story of a group of Nazis and their attempt to assassinate Adolf the authentic scenery Hitler. is magnificent (many scenes were actually filmed on exact location), and some of Germany’s sacred legacy lives on through the story. Kenneth Branagh, Tom Wilkinson and Eddie Izzard join Cruise in presenting the pursuit to stop evil.

Marley & Me Not enough can be said about Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston’s on-screen compatibility; throw in a loveable “Labradoodle” (Labrador), and we have another movie worth popping the popcorn for.

The best part of Marley & Me is that the film sheds light on a scenario that many people can relate to and sympathize with. John and Jennifer Grogan (Wilson and Aniston) are a young, successful couple that are able to cope with life’s changes and learn its lessons by simply observing what a fun-loving yet neurotic lab can do to a relationship. The characters are believable, authentic and offer real-life experiences.

Marley & Me is obviously full of laughs—bearing the talents of Owen Wilson, and you can’t help but fall in love with “the worst dog in the world,” Marley. Even though I do question the PG rating — you truly have to be experienced to understand some of the humor — the movie is genuinely a bona fide story with a lot of heart.

If you happened to miss these gems this holiday season, don’t fret: at the rate they’re all banking at the box office, they won’t be leaving any time soon.

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