Rambler 11.7.07

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The Rambler

The students’ voice since 1917

www.txwes.edu/rambler

November 7, 2007

Vol. 99, No. 10

NEWS BRIEFS

University changes calendar

Congratulations!

Dr. Carlos Martinez, dean of the school of education, and his wife, Lisa, saw the birth of their son, Alex Caleb, Nov. 3. He is 8 pounds, 2 ounces and 20 inches long.

Classes to start later SHAMEKA HYATT STAFF WRITER

News Briefs

It’s all about Mozart The Wesleyan Chorale will present Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Grand Mass in C Minor with a 70voice chorus and orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 in Martin Hall. The performance will feature a soprano solo from associate professor of music Julie McCoy and will be conducted by professor of music Steve Simons. Admission if free.

Pay your dues people!

Several options are available for students regarding payment on their account balance. For the spring 2008 semester, students must pay in full or set up a tuition payment plan no later than Dec. 5. Visit www. txwes.edu/cashier/index.htm 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.

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.

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

HOT JOB opportunities @ Career Services Community Outreach Specialist, Catholic Charities Systems Administrator, Neospire Software Engineer, Neospire Senior Billing Specialist, Neospire After-school Program Specialist, Camp Fire USA First Texas Council Management Internsip, Walgreens Equipment Operator, Tarrant County Government

Last chances

Photos courtesy of theater department

The clock is ticking down, and there are only three more chances left to see Theatre Wesleyan’s production of THE RADIO SHOW: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE at Artisan Center Theatre in Hurst.

The play tells the story of the employees of the TXWS Radio Network, which is presenting It’s a Wonderful Life on the day the play takes place.

Most of the cast play actors playing characters or employees working in the radio’s production.

This production is written by Connie WhittLambert, chair of the theater department. It marks the first time Whitt-Lambert’s play is directed by fellow theater professor Joe Brown.

The entire cast of the play within a play is made up of Wesleyan students, including theater majors Carrie Watson and Christopher Hatcher (above) and art major Kelly Henry (right).

“This production has been an awesome experience. Everyone should come see it,” said Henry.

Seats are limited and tickets are selling fast, so purchase or reserve your tickets as soon as possible.

Tickets are available through the Artisan Center Theatre box office and are $8 for the Wesleyan community or $13 for general admission.

The last showings of THE RADIO SHOW: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 and 9 and 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 10.

-Shawn R. Poling

Texas Wesleyan students can expect to start school a little later next fall.

A revised 2008-2009 calendar was recently approved to reflect these changes. A similar structure is followed for the approved 2009-2010 calendar and will likely be implemented for the foreseeable future, according to the registrar’s office.

Wesleyan’s need to get in line with local institutions – other Texas colleges and universities and the Fort Worth Independent School District – was one reason for the change. Since other schools are beginning to start later in August, TWU needed to follow suit.

“We need to stay in sync and be more consistent with other institutions and Fort Worth ISD,” said Assistant Registrar Roberta Marley.

Students will begin fall 2008 classes Aug. 25. This day is on a Monday rather than the recent tradition of a Wednesday start date. The same pattern holds for fall 2009, which will begin Aug. 24.

“This change is just a move forward,” said Marley.

No other significant changes were made to the traditional school year calendar. The same holidays and breaks are observed, and the semester concludes at the same general time.

Administrators did, however, also adjust the summer calendar. Along with the intention to stay in line with local institutions, TWU officials wanted to look at the summer calendar with public school teachers in mind.

“We have to start summer classes late so that teachers who want to take summer classes at TWU can,” said Marley. Teachers will be able to take classes in the summer if they desire, she said, with summer sessions starting later.

The first summer session for 2008 will begin June 9 and end July 9. The second session will run July 14 to Aug. 13. The 2007 summer classes spanned May 29 to Aug. 8.

To view the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 calendars, visit www.txwes.edu/registrar and click on “Academic Calendar.”

Sewell to retire after 26 years at TWU ANDREW CARVER STAFF WRITER

Dr. Michael Sewell, mass communication professor, will retire from teaching at the end of the semester after 26 years at Texas Wesleyan.

Not too long afterward, his wife will follow, retiring in May from her position of associate provost at Texas Christian University.

The couple plans to move to her hometown of Sylacauga, Ala. The city is known as the home of Jim Nabors, better known Gomer Pyle, and also as “Marble City,” which is about 45 miles from Birmingham.

“I like the idea of moving there because of the reduced cost of living,” said Sewell.

His wife will be on a consulting contract with TCU, so the couple will make the pilgrimage back to Fort Worth periodically. Sewell said he may go back to teaching or practicing law and will finally get to spend some time doing some other things he likes.

“One thing I plan to do is write a book,” he said.

The book will be humorous, a cold conglomeration of people he knew, such as the ones in college, and things that have happened throughout his life.

Sewell was born in Augusta, Ga., and grew up in the small town of Barnwell, S.C. After high school, Sewell received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Carolina. Following his stint at USC, he did some graduate work in a doctorate program in international studies but decided it was not what he wanted to do for a teaching career. In 1975, Sewell received his doctorate in philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin, and in 1996 he earned his law degree from Texas Wesleyan School of Law. Sewell’s academic career started in 1968. He was a graduate assistant in international studies at the University of South Carolina, an instructor in English, international studies and journalism at the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg, an instructor of journalism at the University of

See Sewell, page 2

2 October 24, 2007

Wesleyan is the alma mater of a variety of well-known people, including congresswoman Kay Granger, actor Lyle Kanouse and Tamlyn Wright, recent Emmy winner. She was given the award for outstanding art direction of the 79th annual Academy Awards.

The award was her third Emmy win, after also winning awards for her work on the 47th annual Grammy Awards and the 75th annual Academy Awards. She currently works as a freelance art director and production designer in Hollywood, California.

In her years in the entertainment business, she has also worked on various other programs such as the MTV Movie Awards and the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

News with & Q A

Tamlyn Wright

Alumna and Emmy winner

The Rambler

Q: When you get a project, does the company usually give you the theme they want you to exhibit or do you get to choose the theme yourself?

A: I collaborate with other designers and producers to come up with the ideas. It’s like illustrating a book.

Q: What are your current projects?

A: I’m working on an illusion show with Cirque Du Soleil and a design for a Las Vegas style game show for television.

Q: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: I wanted to be an airline stewardess. I really thought that traveling would be really chic. It seemed so glamorous in the ‘70s. It looked very romantic. To this day I love traveling. Sure enough I travel a lot, about six flights a month.

Q: I see you have worked on many high profile productions for awards ceremonies. Have you ever worked on movie sets?

A: Yes, I worked on a film called Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle with Drew Barrymore and Lisa Ling and Cameron Diaz. My concentration is with live production. I enjoy the fast-paced design process and execution of the live productions.

Q: When did you first acquire an interest in art and theater?

A: I’ve always done art in some form with my family and my grandfather. I learned to draw and sew at a young age.

I had the skills that lend themselves to theater. The basic skills I already had. While talking to Joe Brown, I found there were a lot of things available in theater. I still sew and paint for fun. The more and more you do in one thing, the better you get. I do costuming sometimes.

Q: Being an art director and designer for many highprofile programs must give you the opportunity to meet many famous people. Who are some of the interesting people you have met?

A: Generally I stay away from the celebraties. It usually takes a lot to get me star struck. I have to make people understand I am busy at work. Some of the people I have met are: George Clooney, Ernest Borgnine, Friends Ferdinan (band), Meryl Streep and Sophia Loren.

Q: Did you act in some of the plays at Texas Wesleyan?

A: I actually went to Texas Wesleyan to act. I went to Martin High School in Arlington. The theater teacher, Larry Cure, a TWU alum, knew Joe Brown and suggested that I look into their theater program.

Q: You just received your third Emmy Award for your work on the 79th Annual Academy Awards, the award for outstanding art direction for variety, music or nonfiction programming. How did that feel?

A: Well, we were quite shocked. I was lucky enough to be nominated six times. You go in expecting to lose. This year we did not expect to win. We were up against other shows that had lovely designs. The thing that made this year special was my collaborator, Greg Richman, was also on the stage. Working with him and winning together made it very special.

Q: Which ones?

A: I was a member of Alpha Psi Omega – the theater fraternity. One of the requirements for membership was to act in a play. I acted in Surviving Laughter, a student-written, one-act play about AIDS and codependence. Roger Deilman was there at the time and helped me write it. He, unfortunately, died of AIDS after graduation.

Q: From childhood until now, who has been inspirational to you?

A: My grandfather was my inspiration. He passed on about three years ago now. He was the one who first sat with me and drew and sewed and taught me how to draw and design. He was fantastic in the way that he never let the fact of me being a girl let me get in the way of things considered masculine like painting or construction.

Q: Can you remember a funny incident that happened to you while attending TWU? A: During the May performance of Love Labors Lost, an ice storm hit Fort Worth and everyone had to leave in the matinee, and no one came back. All the cars were getting iced over. We were all leaving campus. I couldn’t get into my car; it was iced shut. We all got in a friend’s car, went

Sewell, from page 1

Photo courtesy of Communications Department

to a friend’s apartment, and we were stuck there all weekend. It was fun to spend the entire weekend with all my theater friends in a little apartment. It was about 10 people.

Q: What doors were opened for you to get into this career?

A: At Texas Wesleyan at the time, there were solid relationships with Casa Manana, Fort Worth Theater and Stage West. They were all strong affiliations that had strong relations with Wesleyan students. It was at Wesleyan that I was getting professional credits at those affiliations.

Q: Are you a free-lance art director and production designer or do you work for a specific company?

A: I have my own company. I usually have just myself or three to four people working with me.

Q: What exactly does an art director and production designer do?

A: We create the three dimensional environment of the production, collaborating with the script and other creators on the show to create the emotion the audience will have.

Alabama at Tuscaloosa, a teaching assistant in journalism at the University of Texas at Austin, an assistant professor of journalism and of Latin American Studies at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, an associate professor of journalism at TCU and finally became a professor of mass communication at Wesleyan in 1981.

“I taught at TCU for three years. During the third year there, the opportunity came to come to Texas Wesleyan,” he said.

Sewell has also been an administrator and an author, as well as a reporter for several years.

Those experiences are what he shares when he teaches. Sewell said he has at one point taught almost every mass communication class at Wesleyan – from reporting, to broadcast to advertising – but two classes are

Q: Who presented you with the award?

A: Neil Patrick Harris. He is on a show called How I Met Your Mother and is best known as “Doogie Houser.”

Q: It looks like you are getting a little collection of trophies now. Where do you set your trophies?

A: I have one at home in the guest room and I have two at my office. I joke now that I have two book ends and a door stop.

Q: What words of inspiration can you give to people who are interested in your line of work?

A: Trust your instincts, find something you really like to do, and stick with it. The pay will follow. If you stay with what you love the rest will follow.

-Liz Clowdus

somewhat of a “Sewell specialty.” He teaches both Mass Media in the Vietnam War and Popular Culture in the Mass Media.

“The pop culture class really gave you a good understanding of how rock and roll changed society,” said Austen Daniel, senior mass communication major. “I took his Vietnam class, and it completely made me understand what happened over there.”

Daniel also said the class helped him to understand the experience his father had since he was in Vietnam.

“I can relate to what he went through,” he said.

Daniel said Sewell was very intriguing as a lecturer.

“He’s definitely made an influence in my life,” he said. “Every time I walked out of his class I felt inspired.”

Julie King, who graduated with a mass communication degree in 2000, said Sewell once assisted her when she co-wrote an article for The Rambler that a fellow student got upset about.

“It did come in very handy having a reporter/professor/attorney on the paper’s side,” said King, who also remembers him for other things.

“When I think of Dr. Sewell, I cannot help but think of The Doors, Griff’s, South Carolina, Vietnam and the phrase ‘no, no, hell no,’” King said.

Sewell’s students said he exhibits a great deal of passion for what he does.

“Dr. Sewell is on of the most insightful and helpful professors on campus regarding advising students for their future,” said Cardinal Pierce, a junior mass communication major.

“He’s so passionate about what he does. Teaching is not just a paycheck, it’s a pleasure.”

Opinions

“I don’t buy CDs. I don’t have a player in my car.”

“Damien Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock.”

November 7, 2007 3

Save the jingle bells.

Stores bedeck themselves in Christmas attire months prematurely

O

ne cool October Thursday – now two weeks in the past – I was taken quite by surprise when a lit-up, decked-out Christmas tree loomed in the Wal-Mart entrance. I’ve heard jokes of Christmas in July, but a Christmas invaTIARA sion in October? After a NUGENT quick check to make sure the greeter hadn’t yet donned his Santa cap, I continued on my startled way, mentally attempting to calculate how far away Christmas was.

In the roughly nine and a half weeks between that fall day and Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving and college finals would transpire.

Gee whiz, with all that to think about and do, who wants to start decking the halls and singing “Frosty the Snowman”? Besides Ebeneezer Scrooge’s ghostly visitors, what does the merry Christmas season with all its glittery tinsel, gingerbread men and gifts of peace have to do with the creepy cobwebs, vampires and menacing tricks that entail spooky Halloween?

I understand that shoppers need to browse and pick up this year’s Christmas décor ahead of schedule so that they can be ready to deck out their own homes on the appropriate day and also that many people like to get a jump start on that mile long gift list early. I have no problem with Christmas gift sets or decoration filling store shelves in October. My point of stasis with these over-eager places of business is in actually adorning their establishments with shiny gold balls, velvety red bows and evergreen wreaths.

And what is up with the Christmas candy?

Please tell me how many people are seriously buying chocolate-covered marshmallow Santas and red, green and gold-foiled Reese’s Peanut

Butter Cups and saving them for two months? come to be a part of the American Christmas traGenerally speaking, Americans aren’t known to dition: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. have that much self-control. Christmas candy After scores of bands, elaborate floats and giant this early is just an excuse to eat more of it. cartoon balloons pass through the New York No one streets, who would argue wraps up the that Christmas show? You got is a special it – Santa Claus time of year, a himself, comtime for festive plete with his parties, carolsleigh and reining, shopping deers Dasher for the ones through Blitzen. you love and To me, it is the sleigh rides in passing of the snow Thanksgiving (when you live that marks the elsewhere than commencement Texas that is). of the Christmas But is season.

Courtesy of Google Images Christmas as Now I supIn American tradition, the arrival of Santa and his reindeer at the special if we pose I should celebrate it for end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade signals the beginning confess that three months? of the Christmas season. Stores and other public venues should when my not deck out for Christmas until after this event.

By the time younger brother Christmas Day actually rolls around, I think and I were kiddos, we gleefully (to our mother’s we’d all be pretty tired of the yuletide and ready despair) began listening, singing and dancing to to resume normal life. Christmas would lose its Alvin and the Chipmunks’ Christmas album flare before its arrival. come Oct. 1. Extreme, I know, but c’mon, we Then there’s the mall Santas, those patient were just senseless, excited kids. Kids always men who sit for hours on end listening to kids’ try to rush Christmas into coming sooner. In endless wish lists while getting their fake white their bright eyes, Christmas means presents, beards tugged on. Young children, having a candy, parties, vacation from school and maybe rather limited understanding of time, will easily a trip to grandma’s house. Why not try to rush become confused if the customary “ho-ho-ho” it? and “Have you been a good little boy/girl this Kids do not run stores. Grown-ups run year?” collide with their minds too far out from stores.

Christmas. How early should these delightful Maybe it’s just true that everyone is a kid (yet phony) Santas debut? when it comes to Christmas.

In rejoinder, I would point to the example Tiara Nugent is a junior writing major and is the managing editor for The Rambler. given by an iconic event, which I believe has

“I haven’t bought a CD in five years.”

Students will miss the ‘jewel’ Wesleyan had in Andy Baker T

“Kanye West’s Graduation.”

SaCarla Comanche Sophomore Undeclared Major

Jeremy Browder Sophomore Exercise Science Major

“What was the last album you bought?”

Tolbert Nyainba Sophomore Biochemistry Major

Andrea Waggoner Sophomore Creative Writing Major

The Rambler

here are a lot of factors that influence students Sadly, Baker left the university earlier this semester after more than a when picking a college or university: location, decade here. size, college atmosphere, scholarship money and perMy first real encounter with Baker was my first semester. I needed to sonal fit. For me, I knew that Wesleyan was going to write “The World of my Birth” term paper for Dr. Betsy Alexander’s hisbe my school the day I came to visit. I felt like I was tory class. It only took a few minutes at the computer for me to realize treated like a person, not a number. But I that I had no idea what I was doing. I timidly have to say, what really impressed me was approached Mr. Baker, who not only knew about the the people. It is the faculty and staff who assignment but excitedly came into the reference secmake this place great. tion to show me exactly where to go. Four years later, COLLEEN I’m a pretty opinionated person, and I Andy knew me by my first name and was willing to BURNIE have had my issues with different departcome and speak to my research methods class as a ments in this school, and I know that many favor. students have felt at times that there were things that this I will miss the man who I knew I could get help school really needed to work on. The one factor that makes us from anytime, the one who made the library a little stay is the people: the professors who will return your call at less intimidating and who was willing to go above midnight about a paper due the next day, the staff who go out and beyond to make the students here a little more at of their way to try and make your years here a little easier and ease. the other students who make learning fun.

Unfortunately, the circumstances surrounding Courtesy of Communications Office Wesleyan definitely has a culture, and there are some peoBaker’s departure made it so that we, the Wesleyan Andy Baker ple, on all levels of the spectrum, who fit. When you do, you students, faculty and other staff, didn’t get to throw know it. him a going away party or even get the chance to say goodbye. I know One of these amazing Wesleyan people who, on more than just a few that I’m not the only student who finds this fact sad and regrettable. occasions, made my education a little easier to obtain, was former referI wish Mr. Baker well and hope that wherever he ends up they appreence librarian Andy Baker. Wesleyan really found a jewel in that man. Not ciate him as much as I and many other students at Wesleyan do. only was he an amazing librarian, full of knowledge and willingness to help, but he was also an incredible man who would go far beyond to help Colleen Burnie is a senior writing major and is the entertainment editor for The you get what you needed in the library.

Rambler.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Religion viewpoint void of reasoning Dear Editor, I wanted to let you know that I read the paper every week online.

I was absolutely blown away that you guys allowed Chuck Fain to write that article on the opinions page (“Danger: beware of Christian impact,” Oct. 24). I know the whole free speech, free press thing, but still. The article was highly tactless and void of logical reasoning. He had no factual support for his thesis that religion at Wesleyan is stomping out opposing views. I would say that a vast majority of the faculty would be opposed to allowing religion to interfere with academic teaching.

Just my opinion.

- Tyler Atkinson Texas Wesleyan Alumnus ‘07

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 all who voted.

Voting is important even when it’s not a presidential election.

Thumbs down to no Dr Pepper machines on campus.

Thumbs down to no Coke in the Stella Russell Coke machine.

Thumbs up to Jimmy Juelg and Dinko Kranjac who presented their research at the Southwest Regional American Chemical Society conference.

College Life

November 7, 2007

The Rambler

Business isn’t the only playing field for graduate director BRYCE WILKS SPORTS EDITOR

Going over a detailed game plan, showing up two hours early and working out year round to stay in shape are signs of true dedication for a high school football player.

A playing career, however, ended long ago for Charlie Little, Wesleyan’s graduate business program director, yet he still gets prepped every Friday night as a high school football referee.

Twenty-eight years in the business has led Little on the field for some of the best action that high school football has to offer.

“I still get that adrenaline rush before games,” Little said.

“Some of the biggest games attract 15,000 or more people.”

After compiling an impressive resume at the high school level, including several selections to call state playoff games, the college ranks came calling and Little worked some games at Division II and Division I-AA schools.

According to Little, there is usually a seamless transition for Texas referees from high school to college because the state high schools use the college rulebook. No other state can make that distinction.

While the rules are the same, the travel is not, and a more rigorous schedule led Little back to high school football for good.

Little has become very familiar with Texas football, and

his crew has worked together for the past 10 years. The familiarity, he said, has allowed the group to call games more efficiently, but the most important elements to a well-called game are a tight score and good action.

“Nothing keeps me as sharp or focused as a close game,” Little said.

“When you get in that groove, you just focus on the game and don’t worry about fans, coaches or players that might be yelling.”

Texas high school football has improved in almost every way since Little began his career.

“The players are so big and fast now, and the coaching is so sophisticated,” he said. “Football here is just head and shoulders above almost anywhere else, although Florida is right up there.”

Perhaps the only thing that has deteriorated about the game in the past several years, in Little’s opinion, is sportsmanship.

“The coaches and players are Charlie Little under so much pressure to win, they forget to show good sportsmanship,” he said. “Teams truly

take on the attitude of their coach, and if the coach is in our face the whole game, the players and fans will do the same.”

The positive attitude that some players and coaches lack is exhibited by Little and many other officials by the charitable acts they do each year.

This year, the Fort Worth chapter of the Football Officials Association, a member of the Texas Association of Sports Officials, is donating $2,500 to the Fort Worth Police and Fire Fighters Memorial.

“There are 400 of us in this chapter, and we think, as members of a not-for-profit organization, it is important to do something for the community,” Little said.

Little admits that out of the 400, he is probably “one of the five or six oldest,” but he isn’t ready to trade in his Friday night job just yet.

Courtesy of Communications Office As long as his body allows him to, Little will keep showing up early, game plan in hand, ready to call and enjoy high school football.

Fire up the grill Kappa Alpha members David Riddle and Josh Raymound cook up dinner for friends outside Dora’s Residential Restaurant. Organizations frequently use the grill for social gatherings.

Ode to Stronger Faith I anticipate the day when all is made clear, The reason for God’s plan and who I am.

Years ago were much more simple, faith made easy, Choices were not so hard, their consequences far less broad.

Shine today, explain this trial, Do not be silent as wisdom is to a child.

I am sure someday this appointment will make sense, I feel as though I have created a great offense.

Strength has failed, hope dashed to pieces For lack of confidence, uncovering every weakness.

I beg, “let Your heart burn and zeal catch flame” All while I doubt, when defeat is near about.

Why should I look back, look up to the years when faith was strong, When the sunrise brings promise, even its shade points to brightness.

- Ross Mullens senior English major

Rambler Gone Global

Check out The Rambler’s Web site at www.txwes.edu/rambler

Juggling Act Students say key to balancing work, school and a family is prioritizing JULIE DAVIS STAFF WRITER

Texas Wesleyan University’s student population is made up of a very diverse group of people, the “non-traditional” student being one of those categories. As a matter of fact, Wesleyan’s office of Institutional Research and Budgets reports that 40 percent of Wesleyan’s student body in the fall 2006 was over the age of 30. These students are typically students who have full-time jobs or careers, support a family, raise children and are not right out of high school.

“Overall, the statistics are steadily increasing for students over 30,” said Teresa Williams, assistant director of the IRB office.

This increase suggests that there is a high probability that many Wesleyan students are parents. In fact, parenthood is one of the things that makes these students “non-traditional.” They are parents who have simply chosen to add the title and responsibilities of student, while fulfilling their role as husband, wife and/or parent.

For some, juggling family and career is enough without adding school into the mix. However, for English major Derek Wright, going back to school after 17 years is exactly where he needs and wants to be.

Wright has plans of going to law school after he completes his undergraduate degree. In addition to having three children between ages 11 weeks and 9 years, Wright and his wife also own and operate their own business.

How does he balance work school and family?

“A huge support system that consists of being fortunate enough to have a professional staff that is self-supervising, a strong spiritual foundation at my church, and a

really, really understanding wife,” he said.

For Wright, coming back to finish his degree at Wesleyan was a “no-brainer.” He admits that, in earlier years, he lacked the maturity to finish his formal education and would not trade his experiences over the past 17 years for anything. Wright said that although he is raising children and often feeds the baby in one hand while typing research papers with the other, he has, at the same time, made some great friendships with classmates who are 20 years his junior.

Wright said he believes that, in addition to what he is learning in class, attending Wesleyan has taught him valuable time management and communication skills. He also appreciates the “infinite amount of assistance your professors will give you if you just ask.”

Like Wright, Penny Garland, a marketing major, finds that school keeps her from feeling “one-dimensional.” After spending 20 years focused on her family and her career, Garland felt intimidated by the changes that had taken place around her. For her, school was a way of expanding her thoughts along with her vocabulary, in order to break out of her “industry specific” thought processes.

Garland is taking three hours this semester and still feels the pinch of juggling family and her education.

However, she still decided to return.

“Encouragement from my family and a few close friends provided the support,” she said. Although she has no regrets, she now wishes she had also added a teaching certification to her degree.

Like Wright, Garland works to manage her time and attention, and she said she’s found the key to a successful balance between school and family: “prioritize, prioritize, prioritize.”

Sports

The Rambler

Quick Quotes “Champions aren't made in the gyms.

Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -a desire, a dream, a vision.”

- Muhammad Ali American Boxer

Upcoming Events Nov. 8 *5:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Wayland Baptist *7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Parker College Nov. 9-10 *TBA Volleyball vs. TBA Red River Conference Tournament Nov. 11 *1 p.m. JV Men’s Basketball vs. Midland College Nov. 12 *5:30 p.m. JV Men’s Basketball vs. Mountain View College *denotes home games

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

Sports Briefs Johnson wins at Texas Motor Speedway Nov. 4 Jimmie Johnson outdueled Matt Kenseth down the stretch to win at Texas Motor Speedway to claim his third consecutive victory and first career victory at Texas.

Harvick races to victory in NASCAR Busch Series Nov. 3 Kevin Harvick won the Busch Series race at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday to precede the main event on Sunday.

Strong season comes to disappointing end Nov. 3 In a rematch of the Red River Athletic Conference Championship game, the men’s soccer team was defeated by UT-Brownsville in first round action of the NAIA Region VI Tournament.

Lady Rams sweep tough road trip Nov. 3 The volleyball team closed out its regular season by sweeping a tough road trip.

The Rams began the day in Muskogee, Okla., where they took a win over Bacone College. They then traveled to Siloam Springs, Ark., for a contest with John Brown University in which they prevailed 3-1.

Lady Rams kick off hoops season with victory Nov. 2 The women’s basketball team knocked off Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College 66-59 in their season opener on Friday. Moneke Smallwood led all scorers and set a career high with 19 points.

November 7, 2007 5

New season, same old Mavericks After a stunning playoff loss, the Mavs didn’t panic. Yikes!

N

o one remembered that the Mavericks were only a few wins shy of history last May as they were run out of the gym by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.

The 67-15 squad was embarrassed by becoming one of the only No. 1 seeds to ever be bounced in the first round.

While the first games of a new season last week brought new hope to fans, there are still lingering questions about the lack of activity in the off season.

I think Mark Cuban is great for the NBA and the Mavs, but he was BRYCE unusually quiet in regards to basketball this off season. Cuban is usually WILKS in the business of trying to acquire big-name players. In his first year of owning the team, he signed Dennis Rodman, and he was in the Shaquille O’Neal talks a few summers ago before Shaq was traded to the Miami Heat.

But sadly, unless something is done during the course of this season, the Mavs playoff run is sure to be shorter than Cuban’s recent tenure on Dancing with the Stars.

A hip-replacement surgery contributed to Cuban’s inability to become a great salsa dancer, but it had no effect on his ability to write checks. The franchise will pay about $45.5 million this season to the quartet of Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Josh Howard and Ericka, oops, I mean Erick Dampier.

Doling out that type of cash hinders the ability to make many changes in the off season.

Still, a team that lacked the athleticism and energy to keep up with the Warriors should have done something other than sign role players Eddie Jones and Juwan Howard.

Aside from recent rumors that linked the Mavs to Lakers star Kobe Bryant, no moves have been discussed, but there are several potential deals that could bring Dallas a championship in June 2008. Cuban and head coach Avery Johnson should pursue one of these three moves this season.

1. Trade for Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko: Anyone who watched the playoffs last year knows that a glaring problem was defense, which just happens to be Kirilenko’s specialty. The athletic forward has been publicly critical of his role in coach Jerry Sloan’s system in Utah. The Jazz lack a pure shooting guard on its roster, making Jason Terry a perfect fit. Swapping Terry and a future draft pick for “AK 47,” as Kirilenko is known, would make the Mavericks a more imposing defensive team.

2. Trade for Philadelphia 76ers forward Andre Iguodala: Iguodala is the 76ers best player and will probably walk away from the team after this season because he will be a free agent. Philadelphia has no chance of contending this season and would probably listen to offers so they don’t lose him for nothing, similar to how they handled the Allen Iverson situation last season when they traded him to Denver. They will also be anxious to get rookie Thaddeus Young, who plays the same position as Iguodala, lots of playing time. Iguodala would play well along-side Josh Howard, and the team could sign him or let him walk at the end of the season.

3. Trade for Charlotte Bobcats center Emeka Okafor: Okafor is another free-agent-to-be on a terrible team. He is a Texas-native and someone who desires to play for a winning team. His rebounding and defensive ability would take the workload off Nowitzki, and he can score in the paint as well. The Bobcats could be willing to listen to offers for Okafor by New Year’s, and the Mavs would be smart to obtain the center by any means necessary. Dallas would have an excellent shot at signing Okafor to a contract at the end of the season ... hopefully after a lengthy championship celebration.

Dirk Nowitzki will remain one of the best players in the league this season, but for Dallas to have any shot against San Antonio and other Western Conference foes, Mark Cuban will have to make a mid-season acquisition.

Photos courtesy of Google images

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

Student. Athlete.

Wesleyan World Series

Teachers and friends say award-winning volleyball player Ashley Mock has left a lasting impression on and off the court at Wesleyan KEVIN S. KEATHLEY STAFF WRITER

Sometimes it seems that it’s the seniors who graduate in May that get all the attention when that time of the year rolls around. This is not the case at Wesleyan, as many admirable people take the first step into a new world when they graduate in December.

Student athlete Ashley Mock is one of the candidates for this December’s commencement. A graduate of Azle High School, she was a three-year letterwinner in volleyball. She was named second-team all-district in her sophomore through senior seasons and helped lead her team to a co-district championship in her junior season.

After a year at Tarrant County College, Mock entered Wesleyan as a sophomore transfer in fall 2004 and joined the volleyball team headed by former volleyball coach Rick Johansen.

“He knew his stuff,” Mock said. “He knew how to work and how to make you play hard.”

During her time on the volleyball team, Mock has specialized in defense.

“Defense is what I like to do,” she said. “It’s fun and challenging. I put the all the hard work into that.”

She is no stranger to awards. During the fall 2006 season, she received the Coaches Award and the

Academic All-American Award. Eight out of nine weeks of this semester, Mock was named the Red River Athletic Conference Libero in volleyball. She has also won the region award three times.

“She has great ball control,” said current head coach Christy Clawson. “She’s one of the best servers we have on the team.”

Mock said she’s learned a lot since she’s been here.

“I’ve learned different defenses and offensive systems,” she said. “I’ve learned how to read hitter’s tendencies and other players on the opposing teams.”

Academically, Mock has also excelled. She is a kinesiology major with a 3.8 grade point average and said she has gained much knowledge and insight from within the exercise science department and outside of it.

Dr. Bruce McDonald, associate professor of religion and philosophy, said Ashley was a great student in his New Testament class.

“She is a bright and outstanding person,” McDonald said.

Mock is now thinking about teaching herself.

“I’ve thought about becoming a coach,” Mock said.

“I’m ready to teach elementary school and coach high school possibly.”

Her mentors and friends say they will not be surprised if she succeeds in changing lives.

Ashley Mock is ready to lead the volleyball team to the conference tournament this weekend. As an award winning libero and senior, she will be a big contributor for Wesleyan if they hope to advance into further postseason matches.

The baseball team brought its fall season to an end with the traditional Navy vs. Gold Wesleyan World Series.

Assistant coach Brad Averitte led the gold squad to a three games to one victory over the navy team, coached by graduate assistant Cooper Vittitow.

Seniors led the way to a 7-1 game one victory for the gold team.

Brandon Frazier delivered the biggest hit of the day, a three-RBI triple in the second inning.

Aaron Wimpee struck out four in his six inning of work off the mound.

Senior hurler Jesse Wright led the navy team to its only victory of the series in game two. Wright allowed just two hits and struck out six on the day.

Team gold took games three and four on the strength of pitching and defense.

Game three was a pitching duel between newcomers Steven DeFratus of the gold team and Kody Thiebaud of team navy.

Doubles by Harrison Law and Zach Smith of the gold team led to a 4-1 victory.

The series-clinching game four Nov. 1 featured clutch pitching performances by Andrew Grace and Matt Chutchian, who both threw well out of the bullpen all week for Averitte.

The navy team threatened in the late innings, but it wasn’t enough as they fell 2-1.

Offseason weight training began on Nov. 5, and the team will take the field for the first time in 2008 on Feb. 3 against Concordia University in Austin.

- Bryce Wilks

Photo by Kevin Keathley

Entertainment

6 November 7, 2007

The Rambler

Wesleyan Chorale presents master work COLLEEN BURNIE ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Wesleyan Chorale is gearing up to present Grand Mass in C Minor by Mozart Nov. 13 in Martin Hall. The 70-voice chorale will be accompanied by a 20-piece orchestra, which will provide an hour of music enjoyed by all.

“This is by far the best choir I’ve had the privilege to direct at Wesleyan,” said Steve Simons, professor of music and director of Wesleyan Chorale.

“The 70 voices combine our wonderful student Wesleyan Singers with alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university that come to campus to rehearse each Monday evening.”

The chorale, now in its fourth year, meets every Monday from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. to rehearse. The group’s size allows for performance of large choral works that would not otherwise be possible with Wesleyan’s size.

“The interaction between Wesleyan students past and present has been a particular satisfaction, and everyone seems to be enjoying the experience,” said Simons.

According to Simons, this fourth season of the chorale is the best, with each year showing improved skills in the singing of masterworks from the past.

For the previous three seasons the chorale performed each major work in the sanctuary of Polytechnic United Methodist Church because of the size of the group that was performing. This year, however, the decision was made to move the choir into Martin Hall.

“It will be exciting to perform this large choir with orchestra for the first time in our Martin Hall auditorium since the acoustics and aesthetics of the hall lend themselves so beautifully to the performance of the Mozart,” said Simons.

According The Grove Dictionary of Music, the Mass in C Minor, widely known as “The Grand Mass,” was written for Mozart’s bride, Constantine Weber, who came from a family of talented singers. However, the piece was never finished, lacking the Agnus Dei and most of the movements of the Creed, as well as some of the orchestration of the extant ‘Credo’ and ‘Sanctus.’

The reason that the piece was never finished still remains a mystery and shame. The more famous Mozart Requiem, which the chorale performed in its first season, was left unfinished because of the untimely death of Mozart, but Mass seems to be a victim of the upheaval in Mozart’s life.

“I selected this work because, in my estimation, it is perhaps the most beautiful Mozart piece I know,” said Simons.

The Mass will feature special solos from Wesleyan music faculty members Julie McCoy, soprano, and Joe Davisson, tenor.

“Please make every effort to attend and to hear this magnificent work by circling your calendar for this hour of music,” said Simons. “You will go away enriched by its beauty.”

The concert is underwritten by University President Hal Jeffcoat and his wife, Marie.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 in Martin Hall. Admission is free and open to the public.

THE YOUNG AND THE FLAVORLESS A look at the newly released albums by the industy’s leading divas: Britney, J Lo and Carrie

O

ctober was a big month for women in the music business. Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood and Britney Spears debuted new albums during the month known for scares. All three stars all had something to prove.

Lopez’s new album was released right after her films El Cantante and Feel The Noise bombed terribly, not to mention negative reviews of her half of she and hubby Marc Anthony’s international concert tour.

Her last album, Rebirth, was the lowest selling of all her offerings.

Spears, as if you don’t know already, hasn’t left the eye of a media SHAWN R. hurricane that started with her marriage to Kevin Federline and continPOLING ues now with a bitter custody battle. She reportedly recorded two albums in between her last album, In The Zone, and her new release, Blackout, but neither was released to the public.

Underwood, arguably the second most popular winner of American Idol, behind Burleson’s own Kelly Clarkson, found her first album climbing to the top of the charts long after its release, overshadowing Clarkson’s recent failure, My December.

The three stars inspire a kind of worship from fans, so a bad album won’t ruin their respective careers (Lopez has shown that), but here and now, record sales are the important thing. Who has a chance to live up to America’s ruthless expectations?

Jennifer Lopez: Brave Lopez is certainly brave, bombarding us with movies and music that consistently underwhelms audiences, and her latest effort is more of the same.

Remember the golden days of J.Lo? Tracks like Waiting for Tonight, Love Don’t Cost a Thing and I’m Real were inescapable if you listened to popular radio.

Her music used to have decent vocals, some awesome beats and an overall spunkiness that infused every word and note.

It may be harsh, but Lopez has definitely lost her touch. If I were to pick the perfect word to describe Brave, it would be flavorless. She is clearly trying to relive her dance-diva days, but none of her songs make you want to shake what you’ve got on the dance floor.

New songs like Do It Well and Hold It Don’t Drop It sound like new (i.e. worse) lyrics laid on top of old and subdued sounds heard on past hits Get Right and Ain’t It Funny. On top of that, none of her new songs make a statement other than ‘I like you because you’re hot’ or ‘we should hook up.’

And Ms. Lopez, what exactly is he doing well in Do It Well?

Most of her lyrics are so vague she could in fact be singing about anything, which shows nothing other than a loss for words, meaning and good taste.

Carrie Underwood: Carnival Ride I never expected Underwood to be very big. Clarkson seemed to be the only idol who had the talent needed to rise to true stardom, topping the charts with her debut and stepping up her game, and record sales, with a second album.

In my opinion, Underwood got lucky with Before He Cheats, the track that actually caused her record sales to rise after tracks like Jesus Take the Wheel failed to take America by storm.

T HE W EEK A HEAD To submit an event for the calender, e-mail twurambler@yahoo.com.

Saturday Off Campus:

10

Wednesday On Campus:

7

On Campus:

8

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

9

* 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 * Gay Straight Alliance Wonderful Life: Artisan Center meeting: B17 basement of Richardson Building, noon, Theratre, 7:30 p.m. free lunch served the library, 12:15 p.m. * Open Registration: online, all week

Sunday Off Campus:

11

* Hannah Montana: Central * The Radio Show: It’s a Wonderful Life: Artisan Center Market Fort Worth, 2 p.m.- 4 Theratre, 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. p.m. * Texas Stampede Pro Rodeo Tour: AAC, all day

Thursday

* Texas Stampede Pro Rodeo Tour: AAC, all day

*40th Annual Greek Festival of *40th Annual Greek Festival of Fort Worth: St. Demetrios Fort Worth: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 11 Greek Orthodox Church, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. a.m.-10 p.m.

Monday Off Campus:

12

* So You Think You Can Dance Tour: NOKIA live in Grand Parire, 8 p.m.

Tuesday On Campus:

13

* Wesleyan Chorale perfroms Mozart Grand Mass in C Minor: Martin Hall, 7:30 p.m. * DVD releases: Amazing Grace , La Vie en Rose, Ocean's Thirteen & Shrek the Third.

Off Campus: * Mavs vs 76ers: AAC, 7:30 p.m.

That being said, I really expected Underwood to step up her own game on Carnival Ride. Unfortunately she didn’t, and her album also has the distinction of being flavor-

less, or at least the same flavor as her first album.

None of the tracks are terrible, but they’re nothing new either. She’s still singing about the same old things: love is powerful, love is beautiful, and it’s great to live in a small town. Really now? Didn’t you already spend a whole album singing about the same exact things in the same exact way?

After hearing the lead single So Small, you’ve pretty much heard all of Carnival Ride. If you’re a big Underwood fan, you might as well just keep playing her first album, otherwise you’re in for a big disappointment.

Britney Spears: Blackout I’m not afraid to say I love some Spears. She’s totally lovable in her stupidity and recklessness, both in her life and career. After all the drama and unreleased albums, although I didn’t expect some Grammy worthy music, I really hoped she would bring something new to the table. Good thing she did.

I’m not referring to her lyrics, which are still centered on her own life and of course, sex. One thing Spears is good at doing is experimenting with different producers, songwriters and sounds. When you’re a dance-diva, you need variety.

Blackout has it in spades, not to mention each track has its own distinct flavor (take that Lopez and Underwood!). Radar (the rumored second single) takes electronic dance music to a whole new level, Break the Ice is a surprisingly new take on a “here I am” club-jam and Get Naked (I’ve Got a Plan) is just the kind of over-sexed stripper-tastic diddie known for extreme radio play.

What surprised me the most is how Spears sounds. There is noticeably less electronic tampering heard in her voice, and it seems like she has ditched the overpowering back-up singers and instead is focusing on stretching her somewhat limited vocal abilities. She’s definitely not Celine Dion, but she really is sounding better in this album.

Another thing. As you listen to Blackout (especially tracks Toy Soldier and Piece of Me), you might notice Spears is taking on the flavor of Madonna. A few years ago in the music video for their duet Me Against the Music, there was some controversial imagery of reigning queen of pop Madonna passing the torch to successor Spears.

For a while it looked like Britney had lost her chance at becoming the new queen of pop, but in fact, Madonna was just as controversial as Spears back in the ‘80s, so it’s not hard to imagine Britney rising above the drama and claiming her title for herself. Blackout is a good start to getting back on that track.

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

Graduate Studies in Counseling Information Session Tuesday, November 13th, 2007 (12:15 until 1:15)

Free Pizza!

Learn about getting into graduate school for a MA in Professional Counseling or MS in School Counseling & The new Counseling (Bachelors+Masters) dual degree RSVP by Monday, November 12th, 2007 at 5 PM Contact: DeTrae Warren @ 817-531-4931 or dwarren@txwes.edu