Rambler 10.31.07

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The Rambler

The students’ voice since 1917

Fort Worth, Texas

October 31, 2007

Vol. 99, No. 9

NEWS BRIEFS

New library software aids student research

Happy Halloween!

The Rambler wishes a happy and safe Halloween to all faculty, staff and students.

Save the daylight!

Don’t forget to set your clocks back for the end of daylight-saving time Nov. 4.

Congress moved this event to the first weekend of Novermber in order to save energy.

News Briefs

Wesleyan Fun(d) Day Want a hot dog? The advancement office is calling all faculty and staff to stop by the Louella BakerMartin pavilion to donate $5 to the Wesleyan Fund and enjoy hot dogs with all the fixings. Dress in blue and gold and join in the fun.

COLLEEN BURNIE ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

We’re not

SCARED Halloween celebrations came early for many Wesleyan students who attended a Halloween party at local club Chrome Oct. 25. Many students showed up in their Halloween costume, embodying everything from Viking warriors (above), Christmas decor (below) and fresh fruit (right).

Taste something different The office of international programs is selling international cookbooks for $4 each. Contact Ashley Porterfield at (817) 5314934 for more information.

Calling all book lovers The Eunice L. West library is selling a wide variety of books for only 25 cents each. Pick from juvenile literature, the New York Times, curriculum, Who’s Who, science, government, law, encyclopedias and accounting books and periodicals. The book sale is located behind the periodicals on the second floor of the library, and books can be paid for at the circulation desk.

It’s a Wonderful Life Time is running out if you still want to see Theatre Wesleyan’s THE RADIO SHOW: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, running through Nov. 10 at Artisan Center Theatre. The off-campus production of the play within a play, written by theater department chair Connie Whitt-Lambert and directed by theater professor Joe Brown, features a cast of Wesleyan students decked out in gorgeous 1940s garb designed by Brynn Bristol.

Tickets are $8 for the Wesleyan community and children and $13 general admission. Some showings are already sold out, so call and reserve tickets soon. For information on times, dates and tickets, visit www.artisanct.com.

Movie time!

Wanna see a movie on the cheap? Student Life has movie theater tickets for both AMC and United Artists theaters for $6.50.

Tickets are good for any showing at anytime. Contact Jenny Houze at (817) 5314870.

Photos by Kevin Keathley

It’s 3 in the morning, and you have just finished the paper that is due the next day. All revisions are printed, you lean back and prepare yourself for the feeling of your head hitting the pillow, and you realize you still have to do your works cited. Good luck getting to bed, that section could take hours ... or could it?

This fall the Wesleyan library has added a resource to the tool box available. RefWorks is an interactive software program that allows students to keep track of their sources and then generates citations and bibliographies based on the information in the system.

Information Services Librarian Kaeli Vandertulip was given the responsibility of understanding, teaching and working with the resource.

“It came to the university about a week before I did,” said Vandertulip. “It makes understanding bibliography creations easier and allows you to spend more time on research and less on the bibliography.”

The system, which is available through the West Library home page, keeps track of the sources used and then uses that information to not only create a bibliography but aid with intext citations.

“You still have to proofread,” said Vandertulip, who noted that page numbers, capitalized proper nouns and some other details aren’t caught by the system.

According to Vandertulip, one of the difficulties she sees students having with the system is the initial setup.

“Learning on your own can take a few hours, but I can show students in less than 20 minutes,” said Vandertulip.

Another obstacle that she has run across is resistance from professors who feel that the system is depriving students of proper style education.

“They think that RefWorks is going to do to bibliographies what Wikipedia did to encyclopedias, and it just isn’t the case,” said Vandertulip, who feels that the system is a time saver but still requires accountability.

“It’s still not easy, and you have to know the rules,” she said. “It’s just easier than writing it on your own.”

For more information on the system, visit the West Library Web site or drop by the library Sunday through Thursday and for Vandertulip to demonstrate the system.

Hand in hand, the future lies ahead Wesleyan’s own Sigma Kappa Lambda celebrates 10 years, looks forward to national expansion 1997.

“We didn’t really know each other,” said Hernandez.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Although they were strangers to one another, the girls found out they Celebration. Community. Caring. It may sound cheesey, but had many things in common. Promoting education, serving the communiWesleyan’s Louella Baker-Martin Pavilion was filled with all three during ty and establishing a Latin sisterhood on campus.

“Most importantly, we wanted to share our culture with anyone that Sigma Kappa Lambda’s 10-year anniversary event Oct. 27.

The smiling faces of Wesleyan’s own Latin women’s sorority were would listen. We wanted to be positive role models,” said alumna Araceli genuine. This landmark in their organization’s history is a time for cele- Aerrera, another founding mother of Sigma Kappa Lambda.

The interest meetings continued, and soon the girls finally set into bration, but it also marks a time of impending change.

“I’ve had so many special times with all of you girls. But this is our motion their organization. What they needed first was a sponsor. One was 10th year, and it’s time to expand,” said Cindy Olivera, Sigma Kappa found in Judy Perez, coordinator of the master of business administration program.

Lambda vice president.

The next step was meeting with Student Government Association, the The entire room nodded in agreement, including Melissa Hernandez, organization with the power to Wesleyan alumna and one of establish them as a service sorothe founding mothers of Sigma roity on campus. When listing Kappa Lambda. off her most cherished memoHernandez was one of the ries of Sigma Kappa Lambda, girls that attended Wesleyan’s Hernandez made sure to menannual rush event in the Sid tion that pivotal meeting.

Richardson gymnasium more “I remember when they than a decade ago. Walking past accepted us. We were all worthe many booths full of repreried in a corner,” she said. sentative sorority sisters, she “Afterward, we left with a big wasn’t greeted or welcomed by ol’ smile on our faces.” any groups and felt, for lack of Once they finally had the a better word, shunned. go ahead, regular meetings Whatever the reason for the began every Thursday, most of particularly chilly reception, the the time in Room 202 of the Sid idea came up that it might be Richardson Center. better to form another sorority “That tradition still continwith a different set of interests ues,” said Olivera. in mind. She and 16 other Latin Photo by Shawn R. Poling In the 10 years since the female students took the first Krystal Maldonado (center), Wesleyan alumna and member of Sigma Kappa organization’s inception, the step in forming their own sororLambda, stands with her sorority sisters in the circle of sisterhood, which closed the ity with an interest group in Greek organization’s 10th anniversary event.

SHAWN R. POLING

See Anniversary, page 2

News

2 October 31, 2007

The Rambler

Where do we go from here?

Wesleyan’s Career Services department offers high-quality assistance with minimal effort SHAWN R. POLING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Looking for a job? That’s interesting, because Sherri Mata, director of Career Services, is looking for you.

Mata has been working for years to create and improve a program tailored to help Wesleyan students find good jobs that can become life-long careers. Apparently the word is getting out, and students have more options than ever in a program crafted to be both easy and effective.

“I know you guys are busy. I know this life of a student,” said Mata.

Normally, programs similar to Wesleyan’s career services require a significant amount of work on the students’ end.

But Mata knows from her own experience as a student and teacher that today’s college students don’t have the time to sift through hundreds of job application tips and job postings.

After all, Mata’s bank of job postings currently has more than 500 current postings stretching across the field for all academic areas.

“The way I run vs. Texas Christian University and University of Texas at Arlington is that I try to make things from my end more active,” said Mata.

Organization is key for Mata after she realized she had way too many job postings to keep on a board. Now she keeps up-to-date databases on job postings, employment contacts (now more than 800) and students involved with Career Services.

Once you are in the Career Services system, you get automatic e-mail notifications of job postings that apply to your major, experience and/or interests.

“It’s important that I find a job where the students can

Hot Jobs @ Career Services Graphic Designer, CFJ Manufacturing Administrative Assistant, Arizona Cardinals (NFL) Sales Representative, Denver Broncos (NFL) Marketing Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings (NFL) Teaching Assistant, Kinderplatz Fine Arts Preschool Assistant to the Director, Paradise Center Consortium Specialist, Healthy Start Program Development Associate, Safe Haven of Tarrant County Promotions Coordinator, ESPN 103.3 FM Director of Video Production (job) and Internship, Kidd Kraddick in the Morning 106.1 KISS FM Part-time Donations Helper, Berry Good Buys Seasonal Employees, Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Business Manager, Catholic Charities Check The Rambler’s weekly news briefs for more hot jobs at Career Services. To see more of the 500-plus job postings, visit www.txwes.edu/careerservices.

apply their education,” said Mata.

And don’t think Career Services is only for those who want to set up an after-college job. It’s also a great place to find a job (both off and on campus) to have during your college experience – including internships.

Most students go through their academic department, but some students have been unable to find the kind of internship they really wanted. Given the number of employment contacts Mata has, she often knows of internships that academic departments have not heard of, although they still have final say as to whether or not the internship will count for credit.

Her contacts have led to numerous success stories.

Alumnus Janeth Luengas came to Mata looking for an internship. Her ultimate wish? As a sociology major, she wanted nothing less than to have a hands-on internship with the Red Cross Association. Mata found exactly what Luengas wanted.

“I never thought I would actually get it. I was shocked, scared and excited all at the same time,” said Luengas.

Mata also found Stephanie Swain, a student currently employed in the Academic Resource Center, a summer internship at the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“I want to help students be successful at their end goal,” Mata said. “I love to see dreams come true.”

Her services extend beyond those she offers to current students. Many alumni have sought out Mata for everything from career growth to full-on career change. No matter the Career Services task, Mata has been up to the challenge.

“I can say I place 100 percent of those who come seeking my services,” said Mata.

Mata’s only qualm is that more students don’t take advantage of the program.

Getting involved is simple and completely free. Mata can take walk-in’s when she doesn’t have appointments and makes sure to give one-on-one attention to every person who comes seeking her services.

The most important step in getting the employment ball rolling is forming a solid resume.

Many people find a resume template in Microsoft Word and wing it. That’s exactly what you shouldn’t do, Mata advised. Your resume can make or break your chances at an actual interview. Everything from word choice, grammar, font and design can mean everything to a prospective employer.

Mata has all the tools and advice you need to create the ideal resume – a service that would cost you big bucks in the “real world.” Your resume might need to be altered depending on what job you end up looking for and what kind of image you want to project, Mata said, so it requires attention each time you apply.

Not sure what job you really want? Mata can help you decide. Career Services provides personality assessments and interest assessments that can help determine the work environment and types of job you would be best in and enjoy the most.

Once you have a resume completed, you can start look-

New credit formula affects students KELLY GULBRANDON MINNESOTA DAILY/U-WIRE

A new formula used to calculate credit scores will affect some peoples’ credit scores, including some college students’.

Fair Isaac Corporation, which calculates credit scores, changed its formula in September to no longer consider authorized user accounts in consumers’ credit scores. This move could decrease a person’s score or erase his or her history, depending on the status of the account.

Emily Davidson, communications director for credit counseling Web site credit.com, said through the authorized user account system, students could be listed on their parents’ credit card account, but not be legally responsible for the debt.

That account shows up on students’ credit reports, often increasing their credit scores.

“If you are an authorized user on your dad’s account and he’s had good credit for 10 years, you’ll have had good credit for 10 years,” Davidson said.

Political science senior Becky Jergenson said she was an authorized user on her dad’s account when she was studying abroad, but is no longer on the account.

“It was a good way to build my credit,” she said.

Jergenson said she never received a bill for the credit card she had under her dad’s account and only used it two times while overseas.

Davidson said while authorized user accounts will still exist and show on credit reports, they won’t be considered in credit scores.

However, Davidson said, it might take until the beginning of next year to go into effect, depending on which bank or institution handles the account.

The major reason for dropping these accounts, Davidson said, was “piggy-back-

ing,” where people could apply for a home loan with an authorized user account listed on their report, but weren’t actually able to pay the mortgage.

“They also changed their formula because it never really made sense in the first place to give full credit to someone who was not legally responsible for the debt,” Davidson said.

She also said some “fraudster” companies find people with good scores and long credit histories and pay them to add clients with little or bad credit as authorized users of their accounts.

The credit repair agency gets money for that service, Davidson said.

Catherine Solheim, a professor of family social science, said many students and adults don’t know their credit scores.

She said building credit is easier now because of multiple ways for students to obtain it.

“I usually see a small percent of students who don’t have a credit card,” Solheim said.

Authorized user accounts open an avenue of communication between parents and their children, she said, allowing them to stay connected.

Generally, it would be better for students to have a small balance on one or two of their own cards and pay it off every month, Solheim said.

First-year music education student Luke Price said he doesn’t have a credit card or student loans. He said he is afraid of getting a credit card but knows he will have to in the next few years.

While he doesn’t know his credit history or score, he said he can see the good and bad aspects of an authorized user account.

“It’s a good way to build credit, but giving credit history to someone who hasn’t merited it doesn’t sound right,” Price said.

ing for jobs. You can take things slow and wait to hear about the perfect posting to come along or you can search the postings yourself.

Another plus is that Mata’s employment contacts can view student resumes, similar to job search Web sites like Monster.com. Resume’s cannot be viewed by the general public and prospective employers can contact you through Career Services.

Once you have an interview scheduled, Mata and Career Services can even help you prepare through mock interviewing.

“Many students come in never having been through a real interview. The process can be very intimidating,” said Mata.

Mata is firm in her goal of helping students get from point A to point B any way she can. One thing students can do is get involved as soon as possible. Career Services is especially important for juniors and seniors looking to set up an after-graduation career.

Students who start looking for a job after graduation usually have to wait an average of three to six months to become employed, Mata said, which is unpractical in today’s pricey world.

Career Services is located on the first floor of the Eunice L. West Library next to the Academic Resource Center. Visit www.txwes.edu/careerservices for more information.

Courtesy of Career Services

The Career Services department offers a variety of services that prepare students to enter the workplace.

Anniversary, from page 1

group has gained ground on Wesleyan’s campus, building a growing roster of members and creating a slew of events and projects that Sigma Kappa Lambda continue to promote.

Boo at the Zoo, Cowtown Brush Up and the Derek Lopez Memorial Foundation are a few of Sigma Kappa Lambda’s annual projects. Newer projects have also proven successful, including Prom Queen for a Day. Hermanitas (“little sisters”), a program still in the works, will have the sisters mentoring young girls at a local middle school.

The work has paid off, and the sorority was officially recognized by the school last year for having the most service hours, both group and individual, out of any other service organization on campus. The winning number? The girls amassed to total of more than 800 hours to walk away with the distinction of Most Outstanding Organization.

During the anniversary event, everyone in attendance was clearly proud of the sorority’s accomplishments.

“We have achieved our goals and many more,” said Aerrera.

But despite the oozing pride, the subject of expansion kept coming up. After 10 years as a sorority, the girls have attracted some criticism from other sororities for only having one sole chapter, here at Wesleyan.

It won’t be an easy task, but each girl is up for doing her part. Many universities require Greek organizations to be established nationally before they will allow a chapter to be started.

That process can take a year or two, but the current officers are already looking into starting the process.

For the girls, being a member of the Sigma Kappa Lambda sorority is an important experience that they feel should be available to girls across the nation. Membership doesn’t end with graduation, they said. The friendships formed during college transform into life-long relationships, a network of empowered Latin women that is currently 97 strong.

“It doesn’t end here,” said alumna Christine Cano. “Two of the girls that served with me were my bridesmaids. This goes on for a lifetime.”

The ladies of Sigma Kappa Lambda closed their anniversary event in a circle formation, sharing their memories and hopes for the future.

“Maybe next time we have a circle,” said member Brenda Galvan, “it will be three times as big.”

Courtesy of Cindy Olivera

Sigma Kappa Lambda celebrated their 10-year anniversary with a balloon release Oct. 25.

Opinions

What makes a good Halloween party?

“Good music.”

Crystal Carrizales Senior Athletic Training Major

Jimmy Juelg Senior Biochemistry Major

“Commitment to costume.”

The Rambler

October 31, 2007 3

On-the-go schedule no excuse for on-the-go food I

’ll admit it. I like fast food and the convenience of the drive through. But is this quick cuisine really all it’s cracked up to be?

I’m sure that in the past few years you have noticed fast food chains offering “low fat” or “healthy” foods.

Places like Wendy’s, Arby’s, Subway and, more specifically, McDonalds, feature these items to cater to the somewhat health-conscientious, bustling society in which we live. However, these low-calorie claims are ANDREW not all they are cracked up to be.

CARVER Different people have different caloric needs, but the average range is from 2,000 to 2,500. Have you ever tried to count calories? I know I have and, trust me, it’s not easy. For me, it’s easier just to know the right things to eat from the very beginning instead of going through the headache of the calorie counting.

“Choice is crucial: different tastes, menu flexibility and all the right sizes to fit every active lifestyle. McDonald’s range of high quality foods can fit into a balanced diet,” reads www.mcdonalds.com.

True, places like McDonald’s are offering things on their menus other than Big Macs and milkshakes. In fact, the salads they offer are great, but when you throw on the ranch, the cheese, the meat and the croutons, what do you think happens?

Say you were to order the southwest salad with grilled chicken topped with ranch dressing and a medium Coca-Cola. You would consume 700 calories, 24 grams of fat and 5.5 grams of saturated fat, for one meal! Imagine what the calorie and fat count would be if you were to order a burger, fries and a dessert!

In 2004, Morgan Spurlock wrote and directed a documentary know as Super Size Me. The film focuses on America’s problem with obesity and sets out to prove a point.

“Living with his vegan girlfriend, Morgan Spurlock decides to try and eat McDonald’s for every meal for a month.

At the same time, he reduces the amount of exercise and walking to match that of the ‘average’ American to make for a fair experiment.

After an initial bit of sickness he gets to enjoy the food and eats it three times per day. However after a week or two, his doctors begin to notice significant increases in body fat, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Interspersed with this are interviews with experts on the nutritional value, marketing and impact of McDonald’s and fast food generally,” reads the description on www.imdb.com.

Although certain aspects of the film were revealed to have been faked and/or altered, Spurlock makes some valid points.

“Everything’s bigger in America,” he said in the beginning of the movie.

“We’ve got the biggest cars, biggest houses, biggest companies, the biggest food and, finally, the biggest people.

America has become the fattest nation in the world.”

I personally enjoyed the film and thought that it shed a lot of light on Courtesy of Google Images growing and booming fast food indus- Salad lovers beware: the tender try. After seeing it I wanted to make chicken, creamy ranch and better food choices and try to alter my crunchy croutons adorning your greens tally up the calories. lifestyle a bit to accommodate a healthier diet.

“I consumed over 30 pounds of sugar. That’s an average of a pound of sugar a day,” said Spurlock.

With comments like these throughout the entire film, plus the weight gain and added health problems from his diet, it amazes me that anyone could walk away from seeing this and order a bucket of KFC. McDonald’s patron Rhonda Miller said that with children and a busy schedule, she simply does not have time to cook good meals at home.

“Being a single mom of two with two jobs, life is crazy.

Some days it’s hard to find the time to even sleep, let alone cook,” said Miller. “Places like this and convenience foods are really our only option.”

I will admit, I know where she is coming from, and I’m sure the rest of you do as well. Being a full time or even part time college student with four projects, four tests and four papers due all in the same week, it feels as though we are being pulled in 10 different directions. However, we cannot let this stop us from making good choices when it comes to our diet.

It is important for us to realize that restaurants are in the money making business. They will do whatever it takes to convince consumers to patronize their company. I certainly hope that the Federal Trade Commission is doing its job by keeping deceptive advertising away from our ears and eyes.

However, it is completely up to you to decide.

I am not immune to the hectic lifestyle that accompanies so many adults. I too have school, work and a significant other at home to take care of. Because of this, some afternoons, I skip meals.

When it comes down to it, I believe consuming food in moderation is the key. Instead of drinking that 20-ounce Dr Pepper, I think I’ll get water. Instead of two double-cheeseburgers, I should only eat one. And instead of those two-for-a-dollar apple pies, maybe I’ll just eat an apple.

Or better yet, I might just stay away from fast food altogether.

Andrew Carver is a senior mass communication major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.

“Good costumes and not a bunch of drunk people.”

“Good costumes and good costume prizes.”

Harrison Law Freshman Kinesiology Major

Amber Montgomery Junior Mass Communication Major

New emergency evacuation plan increases student security

D

o you know what to do or where to go if there is a bomb threat on campus?

What about a hostage situation? Or even a hazardous material crisis? No need to worry because where there is problem at Texas Wesleyan University, there is a JEFFERY Wesleyan committee to solve RODRIGUEZ it.

Wesleyan has a critical incident committee who handles the plans and procedures for almost any kind of scenario one can think of. Internal security is currently a front and center issue. Today, the contemporary American has more to fear than just a building fire or car break-in. There are record-breaking natural disasters, school shootings and terrorism.

Everyone is pushed to have a disaster plan. But is the old cliché better to be safe than sorry always true?

It should also be kept in mind that Wesleyan is a historic campus and not all of our buildings are completely modern. Consequently, many of the older buildings, such as the Oneal-Sells Administration Building, could be more vulnerable to things like fire. They are not made from some of the more advanced fire resistant materials used today and do not have sprinkler systems. Historic buildings are grandfathered in to city codes and do not have to have sprinkler systems but do have other methods of fire suppression in the form of extinguishers. But fires, as I

said, aren’t the only things we have to worry thousand-page book looking for what to do durabout. ing a biological chemical spill.

“The committee wanted to fine-tune the For all these reasons, the committee decided safety manual,” said Ken Dunson, director of to create a tabbed flip chart, 2007-2008 facilities.

Emergency Information. It is a 16-page little spiA brief interview with Dunson shed some ral bound book that has everything you need to insight on know, do and not do during the event exactly what of some the more common emergenthe new cies. Currently, these flip-charts are Wesleyan given to every department in campus. emergency Dunson also expressed that he evacuation would like to see one of these charts plan is all in the central area of every building about. so everyone has access to the inforDunson, a mation. member of the Who can call an evacuation of critical incithe campus? Unfortunately, students dent commitcan not. Only persons with manageritee said the al status have the authority to call an safety manual evacuation if need be. However, the is about a entire plan is not fool proof yet, he three inch said. Security and facilities are still in thick book full the stages of training. Once they have of procedures mastered the plan, the next step is Courtesy of Google Images for many difgoing to involve the police and fire ferent hypothetical emergency situations. It did department in conjunction with the campus. So not take long, he said, to realize that the conby fall of 2008, you can expect an emergency cerns of the past are not the concerns of today evacuation drill. and that the manual needed to be up-to-date with Do you feel safe now? You might take some the modern threats to society. comfort in the knowledge that Texas Wesleyan Dunson also expressed the need for a more University, Dunson said, is ahead of the pack on user-friendly document in the instance of an safety issues when taking into account area uniemergency. The last thing anyone wants to do Jeffery Rodriguez is a junior political science major during an emergency is to flip the index of a and is a staff writer for The Rambler.

Rambler Ratings

The Rambler Founded in 1917 as The Handout Harold G. Jeffcoat, Publisher Kelli Lamers, adviser Zainah Usman, photo editor Bryce Wilks, sports editor Skyla Claxton, advertising manager

Shawn R Poling, editor-in-chief Tiara Nugent, managing/college life editor Colleen Burnie, entertainment editor Amanda May, Web editor Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thumbs up to the Welseyan Singers and the Wesleyan Chamber Singers for a great performance Oct. 25.

Thumbs down to the broken bathroom stalls in Stella and the SUB.

Thumbs up to all math and writing tutors in the ARC.

Thumbs up to all who joined in on the various Wesleyan activities to fight breast cancer.

College Life

October 31, 2007

The Rambler

Rising grocery prices put money saving tips in the cart MICHELLE JOHNSON STAFF WRITER

The cost of groceries is on the rise. Price tags for simple staples like milk and bread are on the rise, and that can be hard on the wallet, especially one of a college student.

The rising cost of grains, such as corn and wheat, due to the increase of demands for ethanol by refineries, is being widely blamed for the higher price tags on basic goods.

Food prices increased .3 percent in the month of July and .4 in August alone.

“The main impetus for this increase has been the higher farm price,” said Ephraim Leibtag of USDA Economic Research Service. Not only are the prices in corn and wheat high, but so are the prices on flour (up more than 4.5 percent), bread and pasta (up 6 percent), beef (about 5 percent) and milk (up as much as 15 percent).

What can students do to decrease their grocery bill? Here are some quick tips to help students eat well and save money at the same time.

Make a shopping list. A shopping list will be efficient by helping you avoid impulse buying if you will stick to it.

Try making a menu. Planning your meals ahead of time helps to sort out what essential items are needed for your shopping list.

Shop sales. Try looking for groceries that are on sale (and plan your menu and shopping list along with those items).

Shop together. Go to warehouse stores such as Sam’s Club, and buy groceries in bulk with your roommates. You can pool money together, buy the bulk items and then divide them evenly among one another.

Don’t shop hungry. We’ve probably all heard this one before, but eating before shopping will actually help you avoid buying more grocery items.

Do the math. Always compute the price per unit before buying any big-sized packages.

Some stores help with this by having those unit prices printed on the shelf labels.

Forget brands. Buy only store brand and generic brand items when possible.

Divide and conquer.

Buy meat products in bulk, separate in portions and freeze.

Get out the scissors. Along with these shopping methods, cutting out coupons for store items will help you save money.

You can find coupons in the Wednesday and Sunday Fort Worth StarTelegram or the store advertising mail circulars.

Any or all of these things can make your grocery bill a little cheaper.

Even if prices are on the rise, it’s still cheaper than eating out.

Stretch out your withered hand

Yield your insufficiencies and receive God’s blessings

T

TIARA NUGENT

he gospel of Matthew gives account of a man afflicted with a crippled hand. Jesus, upon encountering this man, commands him to stretch forth that useless hand. Consider this man’s options: 1) Extend his strong, healthy hand to Jesus while explaining why reaching out with his crippled hand would be impossible, difficult, painful, etc.

OR 2) Act in faith and will his seemingly worthless, crippled hand to reach out for Jesus.

Reflecting at this point of the story, I realized how this man’s two choices parallel my own day-to-day life. I could confront challenges in life relying on my own efforts and trusting in my own knowledge, experience, opinion and ability, but God cannot fully bless endeavors done with a spirit of pride. I would also deprive myself of experiencing true joy and success because I alone am not sufficient.

Conversely, I could give my weaknesses, inabilities, shortfalls and uncertainties to God and allow Him to supply the needed grace and develop areas in me while He receives glory for any accomplishments in my life.

Atop the peaks of life where everything seems to be going my way, my confidence in His guidance in my life never wavers; I never doubt my Savior’s love. Not always

so in the lowlands. There, amidst tears and pain, protests often scream and doubts creep into my mind. I believe Christ never leaves me, but just where is He in my problems? How can he allow the wrong and pain in the lives of mankind, His most beloved creation?

I heard an illustration one day that cast some light on those dark questions. Picture in your mind a father and child walking step by step alongside each other on a beach. The father may be holding his child’s hand, but that does not ensure that those small feet will never trip and fall. Neither does it imply that, when such an incident did occur, he wasn’t still holding the child’s hand, ready to pick the young one back up and resume the stroll.

Our heavenly Father walks alongside each of us to do the same. He allows hardships to come our way to build faith and bring us to new heights in our relationship with Him. Like the scratch art I enjoyed as a kid, sometimes beauty can only be acquired through instances which “scrape” our arrogance and put us in a place to grow spiritually. Only with a spirit of humility can God truly work in our lives.

The man in Matthew’s account chose to give Jesus his weakness and, consequently, obtained complete healing.

So surrender yourself. Life is not about what you can do, it’s about what Christ can do through you.

In your weakness, Christ is indeed made strong.

Tiara Nugent is a junior writing major and is the managing editor for The Rambler.

How do I take naps?

How do I take naps? Let me count the sheep.

I nap against the day and noise and light My eyes can close when feeling rather tired At the ends of conciousness and wake.

I nap to the level of every night’s Most restful sleep, by moon and night-light.

I nap daily, as people strive for quiet.

I nap peacefully, as the concious bustle about.

I nap with at least one REM cycle in play In my old dreams, and with my childhood teddy I nap with a restfulness I seemed to miss When I worked the night shift. I nap with the pillows Couches, beds in all my life; and, when God chooses, I shall be napping forever in death.

ZZ

-- Zainah Usman junior art major

ZZZ

Z

Z

Halloween fun facts aren’t tricks **According to superstition, if you stare into a mirror at midnight on Halloween, you will see your future spouse. **Chocolate candy bars top the list as the most popular candy for trick-or-treaters with Snickers at No. 1. **Signs of a werewolf are a unibrow, hairy palms, tattoos and a long middle finger. **Bobbing for apples is thought to have originated from the Roman harvest festival that honors Pamona, the goddess of fruit trees. **If you see a spider on Halloween, it is the spirit of a loved one watching over you. **The world's record for the biggest pumpkin is currently held by a gigantic gourd weighing a whopping 1,385 pounds! **Samhainophobia refers to an abnormal and persistent fear of Halloween. **Halloween candy sales average about $2 billion annually in the United States. **There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with orange, the color of pumpkin. **It is believed that the Irish began the tradition of trick or treating. In preparation for All Hallow's Eve, Irish townsfolk would visit neighbors and ask for contributions of food for a feast in the town.

Photo by Kevin Keathley

HalloweEn Party spooks Who says Halloween is for kids? A group of Wesleyan students spearhead some early Halloween fun in their costumes Oct. 25. The party was held at Chrome, a club on Belknap Street.

Sports

The Rambler

Quick Quotes “Doctors and scientists said that breaking the fourminute mile was impossible, that one would die in the attempt. Thus, when I got up from the track after collapsing at the finish line, I figured I was dead.”

- Roger Bannister

Upcoming Events Nov. 2 *6 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College Nov. 3 *TBA Men’s soccer vs.

TBA NAIA Region VI Tournament 11 a.m. Volleyball vs.

Bacone 5 p.m. Volleyball vs.

John Brown University 4:30 p.m. Volleyball vs.

UT-Tyler Nov. 5 *6 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. John Brown University *denotes home games

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

October 31, 2007 5

Rewarding Riverwalk Runaway

Golf team travels to San Antonio, wins third tournament of fall season week.”

Led by senior finance major Mitch Hendon and freshman business major STAFF WRITER Armando Villarreal, the Ram’s have now won three of their first four tournaThe Texas Wesleyan men’s golf team battled difficult weather conditions ments of the 2007-2008 season.

“It took a lot of patience this week,” Hendon said. “The conditions were and an even more difficult golf course to claim the third team win of the seaso difficult that son at the Bruce if you got Williams ahead of yourMemorial self, the course Collegiate penalized you Invitational for even the hosted by St. smallest misM a r y ’ s takes.”

University in Villarreal San Antonio. revealed the After the keys to his perfirst round of formance and competition, third place finthe Rams sat in ish. second place, “I finally five shots figured out my behind leaders swing and Northeastern started hitting S t a t e Photo courtesy of Kevin Doskocil great shots,” University and Coach Kevin Millikan (far left) led players (from left to right) Armando Villarreal, Drew Koonce, Paco Saracho, Mitch he said. “I only one shot Hendon and Kevin Doskocil to an 11 stroke victory. The win was the 185th in school history. Villarreal (below), a freshman began putting clear of third from Los Mochis, Mexico, shot a 68 on the final day. amazing and place St. felt comfortable playing in front of Edward’s University. Team members a gallery. With all those people Mitch Hendon and Armando watching, I wanted to play my best, Villarreal were up to the challenge plus I knew I needed to play good and fired rounds of 70 and 68, this week to make it into our team’s respectively. last tournament next week.”

At the conclusion of the final Armando fired a final round 68, round, the Rams vaulted into first which was the low round of the place with a tournament team low tournament for all 85 players. Not round of 291, securing an 11 stroke bad, his teammates said, for a freshvictory in the 16 team field. man in only his third collegiate “I am very proud of the way we tournament. played this week, considering the The Rams concluded their fall conditions and the difficulty of the season at the Sleep Inn & Suites golf course. It took a lot of mental Classic hosted by Oklahoma toughness to perform well,” said Christian University in Edmond, head coach Kevin Millikan. “We just Okla., Oct. 29-30. did that better than anyone else this Photo by Kevin Doskocil

KEVIN DOSKOCIL

Cheerleading squad prepares to rumble

lessons learned through 20 years of experience Sports Briefs Coach Ikens-Owen teaches years of experience in the gymnastics and cheer- undertakes. In addition to maintaining an honorRRAC Title decided in shootout Oct. 27 110 minutes of soccer wasn’t enough and the RRAC title game was decided in a shooutout. Wesleyan lost 31 to UT-Brownsville, but secured a place in the regional tournament.

Lady Rams drop a pair in Georgetown Oct. 27 The volleyball team fell to 26-14 on the season with losses to Texas A&M International and Southwestern University.

Rams take thrilling win in shootout Oct. 26 The men’s soccer team defeated Huston-Tillotson in a 4-2 shootout in the second round of the RRAC Tournament.

Lady Rams fall to UTB Oct. 26 The women’s soccer team had their season ended with 2-0 loss at the hands of UT-Brownsville.

Lady Rams split at Southwestern Oct. 26 The volleyball team split a pair of matches at the Southwestern University Tournament. They fell to Austin College before defeating UT-Tyler.

Clark, Rowland named RRAC Players of the week Oct. 25 Women’s soccer players Loren Clark and Holly Rowland were named offensive and defensive players of the week in the conference. Clark is a midfielder and Rowland is a goalkeeper for the Lady Rams.

TIARA NUGENT MANAGING EDITOR

As the basketball season approaches, Wesleyan’s men and women’s basketball teams aren’t the only ones putting in those extra hours toward achieving flawless performance. No basketball home game could be complete without the Wesleyan cheerleading squad rousing true-blue confidence and excitement in spectators and players alike.

One can land a spot on the cheerleading squad through a history of academic ranking and respectable social activity as well as natural talent and ability. Accomplished and well-qualified judges assess cheerleading candidates during May tryouts. If the cheerleader passes, she then travels to Southern Methodist University during the month of July for a week-long cheerleading camp to gear up for the Wesleyan season.

“I am very proud of their achievements at SMU summer camp,” said Wesleyan cheerleading coach Carolyn Ikens-Owen. “For such a small squad they excel right along with very large squads like [Oklahoma State University, Tarleton State and even [University of] North Texas.”

When Ikens-Owen came to Wesleyan three years ago, she brought with her more than 20

leading industry. Style and technique learned able grade point average and high social respect, along her journey through the cheerleading busi- cheerleaders must also participate in 20 hours of ness shape the program Wesleyan boasts today. community service a year. They participate in “I have made some greatly needed changes to community parades, support programs for middle enhance the potential of the program. In the three and high school cheerleading programs and, of years I have coached, it is a program that has course, take part in other various Wesleyan occaflourished,” said Ikens-Owen, who sions needing a little boost in is also the owner of a 33,000 school spirit.

“I have had so many comsquare foot cheerleading facility in Ikens-Owen notes she is pliments about the performFort Worth, which trains children proud of the integrity and perseages 3-18 in tumbling, school and ance of my team.” verance her talented team of 10 – Carolyn Ikens-Owen cheerleaders shows. competitive cheerleading.

Cheerleading Coach Wesleyan’s qualifying for the “I have had so many comnational competition (held in pliments about the performance Florida every April) the past two years marks the of my team, and that is very rewarding,” she said. success of both Ikens-Owen and her team.

“But from their viewpoint, [the most rewarding] is Due to financial constraints, Wesleyan’s probably the physical and mental achievements cheerleading squad is not able to travel alongside acquired through the hard work.” the teams, but not a single chance to pep up the Things are indeed up for the Texas Wesleyan crowd and players at a home game is missed. cheerleaders, but Ikens-Owen is positive the Rallying team and school spirit is not always an squad has not yet reached its peak. easy task; when the men and women’s basketball “I think the program will continue to grow and games fall on the same evening, five hours of live- get better every year to come. The athletic staff ly cheering and support are required in one night. and administrators are so supportive in everything The rigors of practice, camps and arousing we do,” she said. “I have loved every minute I team spirit at basketball games aren’t the only have been at TWU.” responsibilities Wesleyan’s cheerleading squad

Rams soccer well represented in conference honors Gibbs named coach of the year as 13 men’s and women’s players gained recognition Seven Rams soccer players were honored with first or second team Red River Conference selections.

Senior midfielders Eddie Hernandez and Seth Mullins made first-team, along with senior defender Ekene Onuaho.

Freshman forward Theo Nabassi and sophomore goalPhoto courtesy of athletic department keeper Joakim First team all-conference Soderbaum were selection Seth Mullins also elected to the

first team.

Mullins led the conference with seven assists.

Soderbaum led the conference with a 1.64 goals against average and 72 saves.

Freshman forward Leo Cubilo and sophomore defender Jorge Pineda were named to the second team.

The Rams played two thrilling games in the conference tournament and earned a spot in the Region VI Tournament Nov. 3-10.

When the Red River Conference released its women’s soccer allconference selections, six Lady Rams were honored and coach Josh Gibbs was named coach of the year.

First-team selections were Loren Clark and Brittany O’Brien.

Clark ranked second in the conPhoto by Kevin Keathley ference with 10 Defensive player of the goals and fourth year, Allie Heafner with 24 points.

O’Brien ranked second in the conference with a 1.30 goals against average and 82 saves while posting three shutouts.

Allie Heafner was named defensive players of the year and garnered 2nd-team honors.

Aubrey Rice, Kly Randell and Christina Zimmerman joined Heafner on the second team.

The season ended for the Lady Rams with a loss against UTBrownsville Oct. 26.

Entertainment

6 October 31, 2007

The Rambler

Fort Worth to host international film festival a childhood in lower Manhattan and winds its way to a fictional liberal arts college in upstate New York.

The Lone Star International Film Festival will make its debut this November in The festival begins Nov. 7 and runs until the Sundance Square. The downtown Fort Worth event, hosted by the Lone Star Film Society, awards brunch Nov. 11. The venues participating will feature more than 50 independent and international films, a Q&A session with the film include AMC Sundance, AMC Palace, Four Day directors and an awards brunch at the end of the festival.

Weekend Theater and McDavid Studio/Bass Among the attendees are actors Martin Sheen (Apocalypse Now, West Wing), Bill Hall Annex. Admission for individual movies is Paxton (Apollo 13, Twister), singer/songwriter Fred Durst of the band Limp Bizkit, and $7 for students, $8 for general and $6 for memmany more actors and directors. bers of the film society. Also available are speWhile the Lone Star International Film Festival is making its first showing this cial bundles such as the Lone Star All Access November, Fort Worth has been the host to many film festivals Pass. This most expensive bunin the past. The Fort Worth Film Festival began in 1998 and ran “The Lone Star Film Festival hopes dle ($300) provides guests with for five years until it had two consecutive failing festivals in to showcase Fort Worth as an interaccess to any movie, any party, 2001 and 2002, at which time the festival board shut down the national destination, highlighting opening and closing night films, event. receptions and the awards brunch. The Movie 10 Pack, at a humble $75, both cultural and professional The board then reformed the event and established the provides regular guests a modest discount. resources.”

Lone Star Film Society with the purpose to preserve and presIf you aren’t ready to hand out the cash for all the movies of the – Kendall Clay ent the art of film as well as examine its influence on world culfestival, don’t despair. There are volunteer opportunities at the festival as Spokesperson for the Lone Star Film Society ture. Under the new leadership of the Lone Star Film Society, well as other events hosted by the Lone Star Film Society that can earn you the film festival shows much more promise than the festivals of free movie tickets. The film society is always looking for volunteers for events like this. past years.

In additional to film festivals, the Lone Star Film Society also hosts an “Open Screen “The Lone Star International Film Festival hopes to showcase Fort Worth as an inter- Night” in support of local talent in independent film. The bimonthly event includes one feanational destination, highlighting both cultural and professional resources,” said Kendall ture and multiple short films at an admission of $5 per person, which includes all the Clay, a spokesperson for the society. movies of the evening as well as refreshments. Open Screen Night is held at the Rose There are several confirmed movies scheduled for the festival. The Unforeseen is a Marine Theatre. documentary directed by Laura Dunn about a Texas farm boy who developed a large scale For more information on screen night, volunteering, the film society or the festival, housing division in the 1980s and ‘90s and his fight against the government to keep it in visit www.lonestarfilmsociety.com. light of its location near a water source. Steal a Pencil for Me is a documentary directed And if you want to take in a good show while supporting the arts at the same time – or and written by Michele Ohayon about the Holocaust and the power of the human spirit. The just want to catch a glimpse of a few celebs – watch a movie or two at the Lone Star Education of Charlie Banks, directed by Fred Durst, is a coming of age tale that begins with International Film Festival. You won’t be disappointed.

ERIC WONG STAFF WRITER

SAWW IV leaves Halloween lacking S

Photo courtesy of Lionsgate

The fourth installment of the SAW series fails to entertain, scare, thrill or capture the imagination of movie goers.

T HE W EEK A HEAD

Wednesday On Campus:

31

Off Campus:

3

On Campus:

Friday On Campus

*Methodist Student Movement *The Rambler staff meeting: Stella Russell Hall lobby, meeting: Poly UMC, noon, 12:15 p.m. free lunch served

2

* The Radio Show: It’s a Wonderful Life: Artisan Center Theratre, 7:30 p.m.

*Baptist Student Ministry: Sid * The Radio Show: It’s a * Fort Worth Symphony Wonderful Life: Artisan Center Orchestra: Bass Hall, 7:30 Richardson Building, noon, Theratre, 7:30 p.m. free lunch served p.m. * Race Week:Texas Motor Speed Way, through Nov. 4

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

Saturday

1

Thursday

Sunday Off Campus:

4

* Art Prostitute Presents * The Radio Show: It’s a Wonderful Life: Artisan Center Thieves Like Us: An exhibition Theratre, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. of new work by Vanessa Michel and April Pierce, 7 * Flag Football: Martin Hall, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. a.m. * M.I.A.: House of Blues, *Rhythm and Romance Dinner doors open at 7 p.m.

Cruise: Granbury, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. for more information go to www.granburyriverboat.com

Monday On Campus:

5

* Priority online registration: online, all day

* Gay Straight Alliance meeting: B17 basement of the library, 12:15 p.m.

Tuesday On Campus:

6

* Man of La Mancha: Casa Manana, 7:30 p.m.

* DVD releases: Ratatoulle, Seinfeld Season 9, Flight of the Conchords-The Complete First * The Radio Show: It’s a Wonderful Life: Artisan Center Season.

Theratre, 7:30 p.m.

Off Campus:

* Ben Harper: Majestic Theatre, 8 p.m.

equels. These days if the latest film to hit theaters isn’t a remake, it’s most likely a sequel. Over the summer, franchises like Bourne and Die Hard showed us that sequels can be highquality, audience pleasing experiences. But this week the infamous SAW series showed how unnecessary sequels really are with its fourth installment.

The first three SAW installments were all planned before the first movie was even made. The storyline was clearly a trilogy and ended with the deaths of uber-villains Jigsaw and Amanda, his SHAWN R. unpredictable accomplice.

POLING When plans for another sequel were announced late last year, I was more than skeptical. Even though the third chapter left some business unfinished, how could the series continue without Jigsaw or Amanda?

While walking through the doors of my favorite movie theater, I was prepared for the worst. I was also peeved that Trick ‘r Treat, a Halloween-themed horror film due for release this month, was recently announced delayed until next Halloween, but that’s another story. To put it lightly, my low expectations for SAW IV were way too high.

After most of the police officers from the first three films were killed, we are introduced to three new officers trying to crack the case of Jigsaw. We are also introduced to Sgt. Rigg, former partner of the slain Detective Kerry (Dina Meyer), and Detective Eric Matthews (Donnie Wahlberg) who is revealed to still be alive after the events of SAW II and III (you have got to be kidding me!).

Now if there is anything Jigsaw likes to do more than to set up officers to die, I don’t know what it is. The problem with that is that the audience doesn’t get to know any of the officers. In prior installments, the screenwriters were sure to flesh out the main characters with enough humanity and conflict to make me care what happens to them.

The same goes for the new criminals involved with Jigsaw’s traps. Jigsaw’s main goal is to make his victims “cherish their lives,” with his victims usually criminals that show no regard for their own lives or the lives of others. In SAW II we were introduced to a house full of criminals who were misunderstood in some way, and I cared when they met their horribly inventive demises.

Not in SAW IV. Audiences will find that they will learn little more than the characters’ names and will never have the chance to care if they live or die. As a result, the film was left without a hero to root for.

The next main problem with SAW IV is the plot, which lacks the cleverness and seamlessness of the first three films. It is revealed early-on that Jigsaw had another accomplice in addition to Amanda, and the fourth film focuses on who that person is.

Just as in SAW III, the plot jumps back in time to show us events we weren’t privy to before.

The trick worked once, but this time the events just don’t add up. I ended up seeing the film a second time in order to fully understand it. What I found was that the film has a series of plot holes that are too big to ignore. They might be filled in with the upcoming fifth and sixth installments, already in pre-production, but I doubt it.

I might have forgiven the mistakes if the film had actually been scary. I wasn’t scared once. SAW IV is by far the most graphic of the series (featuring a full-fledged, no-holds-barred autopsy) and relies purely on gore to scare the audience. In this day and age, gore is gore. I never saw anything I hadn’t seen already in other SAW or Hostel sequels, so all in all, SAW IV offers nothing of value to a movie lover, especially if you like horror. Don’t even bother.

Shawn R. Poling is a senior English major and is the editor-in-chief for The Rambler.