Rambler 4-8-09

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The students’ voice since 1917

April 8, 2009

News Briefs Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Theatre Wesleyan’s 55th annual musical, will run April 23-26 at the Thad Smotherman Theatre. Ben Phillips stars as Sweeney Todd, Ashley Moseley plays Mrs. Lovett, and the musical is directed by Elizabeth King Dubberly with musical direction by Aimee Hurst Bozarth. Performances are at 7:30 p.m.

April 23-25 and at 2 p.m.

April 26. Ticket prices are $12 general admission; $8 Wesleyan faculty and staff; $6 students with ID and seniors 65+. Call the box office at (817) 5314211 or the theatre department at (817) 531-5867 for more information.

Ticket sales start at 1:30 p.m. on April 14.

Poetry Contest Ramage, Texas Wesleyan’s online journal of artistic and literary expression--presented by Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society--is accepting submissions to include poetry, art, prose, comedy sketches and/or photography to be considered for publication. E-mail all original work to wesleyanramage@gmail.com by April 15. Visit http://sites. google.com/site/wesleyanramage to see guidelines.

Rangers Discounts Opening Day has passed, but the offer is still on the table. Ticket discounts are now available for Texas Rangers games for students, faculty, staff, family and friends. Tickets start at $7.50 and go up to $31, depending on seating selection (select games only). First half games are posted on fliers throughout campus, and second half games will be announced soon. For schedule and pricing contact Julie Handley at jhandley@ txwes.edu.

Rambler Contribution Please send all news briefs to twurambler@ yahoo.com. Submissions due by noon Friday to see brief in the following week’s issue.

www.txwes.edu/rambler

Vol. 102, No. 10

Local neighborhood initiative:

Another giant leap toward renovating the Wesleyan community René Edwards STAFF WRITER

Texas Wesleyan and the surrounding Poly neighborhood is a part of the Fort Worth trend of revitalizing growth and prosperity in dilapidated neighborhoods. The rebirths of such areas are possible through designa-

tion as an urban village.

The Polytechnic/Wesleyan Village is the development and renovation of buildings on the 3000 block of Rosedale across from campus where the new bookstore is located.

According to fortworthgov.org, the city of Fort Worth received two

HUD Economic Development Initiative grants totaling $961,212 for the project.

The endeavor has two motives: rejuvenate Polytechnic Heights and cater to a student-friendly environment off-campus.

Subway sandwich chain is one

Now that the Wesleyan bookstore has moved to a central location on the Rosedale strip, other businesses have begun to confirm their plans to join it in the move. Subway will open as early as September 2009. The rest of the renovation plan includes a Rosedale streetscape--a project that will widen the street for added parking and will include trees and other landscaping.

New fitness center on track

at the time. This gift went towards the Scholarship EnMartin Garcia dowment for Christian Ministries and the renovations NEWS EDITOR that were done on Poly UMC. There’s a sign on campus that’s hard to miss. As some current students may not be aware, the Along the stretch of pavement lining the parking lot church on campus didn’t look the way it does as early between Polytechnic United Methodist Church and as 2004, and ownership of the church didn’t change the student union building stands news of the Jack and hands to the university until 2003.

Jo Willa Morton Fitness Center. If not familiar with The Morton’s desire to see the university thrive the plan or the names that will go on the structure, and advance is evidenced by a lot of what students see become familiarized. around them on a daily basis. Students, faculty and In the fall of 2007 Wesleyan unveiled the ‘chal- staff will hopefully soon reap the benefits of the local lenge’ set forth by Wesleyan alumni whose generosity and endless philanthropic efforts. towards their alma mater is undeniable. Jack and Jo The fitness center plans to house more than 2,000 Willa Morton, former alumni of the year recipients, square feet of weights and cardio equipment, more ignited the project pledging to donate $1.3 million to- than 1,300 square feet of aerobic space, offices for the wards the $3 million necessary to see it happen; the athletic department, locker rooms and storage. rest was up to the

Athletics are university. in large part a rea June 1, 2009 son for Wesleyan’s will mark the local recognition, two year annibearing national versary for raischampion basing funds for the ketball and table 10,000-square-foot tennis teams and fitness center. More champion soccer, than $800,000 has baseball and golf charitably been teams. given towards the

Through development since other giving, the then from donors current weight including the Amon room—housed on G. Carter Foundathe second floor of tion, the Perkinsthe Sid RichardProthro Foundason Building along Photo by Tiara Nugent tion and the Ryan with the athletic Foundation, among The Jack and Jo Willa Morton Fitness Center sign is a familiar sight offices—has unfor people walking by the mall. The project hopes to make the fitness several others. dergone renovation The overwhelm- center a reality starting with a groundbreaking ceremony planned the past couple of ing display of open- for summer 2009. years. handedness through The university hopes, however, that the Jack and out the campaign has rested in hopes of meeting the Jo Willa Morton Fitness Center will take the program initial plan of holding a groundbreaking celebration to new heights. this summer.

The parking space that rests between PUMC and The selfless and charitable donations have come Sid Richardson is normally a fast-paced area where in a time of uncertainty, panic and even some hesita- many students like to park their vehicles in the close, tion given the status of the U.S. (and world) economy. convenient lot. But that fast-paced mentality will But that hasn’t hindered donors’ belief in the cause soon change to one that sees speed by way of movand vision for improving what many donors see as the ing weights—not rubber on asphalt. The fitness center Poly area’s greatest asset, Texas Wesleyan University. will rest on that space, fully enclosing the mall with In 2004, the Mortons gave $1 million to the Universi- buildings on every side. ty—the largest gift that they had received from alumni

College Life

Graduation is coming. Are you properly prepared to face the world of HMOs, Medicaid and Medicare? How will you be covered?

Page 4

confirmed business opening as early as September 2009, according to Fort Worth real estate developer and architect Phillip Poole of TownSite Company, who is currently overseeing the development. Poole said much is still in negotiations and other specific prospective retail names can’t yet be named.

“We’re still consulting with businesses, and we’re not sure what exactly will go in the spaces,” said Phillip Poole. “But, it will cater to the students, and we hope to have a variety of retail of which students can afford.”

Poole, who has more than 30 years of experience redeveloping urban areas, said he wants to maintain the historical integrity of the area and chose to renovate and restore the buildings as opposed to tearing down and starting over.

The old Ashburn’s sign, for instance, will stand. Ashburn’s was an ice cream shop that thrived in the 1950s and 60s, and was an anchor for neighborhood prosperity.

According to Poole, the bookstore agreeing to relocate to the center is what jump-started the renovations.

He said there needed to be a university-owned business which would set the precedent for the growth on

See Initiative, page 2

How do you feel about...?

Sophomore and transfer students will make their answers known to Wesleyan administration April 14th in order to gather student opinions concerning Wesleyan academia and student needs.

“We do a lot of surveys by e-mail and paper and pencil, but this is a nice opportunity to have face-to-face interaction and probe deeper,” said Trish Quinones, advising specialist in the Center for Teaching and Learning (CETL).

The research will involve two specific demographics. Administration seeks sophomores’ reflection on their freshman experiences; transfers will be asked to analyze their transition and experiences at Wesleyan as compared to their original expectations.

Although certain general questions will be asked, facilitators will encourage open discussion of all student concerns and interests.

The hour-long focus groups will be held at three times: 12:15 p.m. (sophomores only), 12:15 p.m. and 3 p.m. (transfer students only). Wesleyan will provide lunch for attendees at the first two meetings and an early dinner for those in present at the latest segment.

All opinions voiced during the focus groups will be considered confidential.

The collected feedback will be analyzed

by Provost Allen Henderson and distributed to the appropriate departments.

“We [Wesleyan faculty and staff] all work very hard and it’s good to know when we’re doing something right,” said Quinones. “At the same time, any constructive criticism will show us where we can make improvements. Student ideas are important.”

Both sophomore sessions will be hosted by professors Joe Brown and Stacia Neeley, while Greg Guillon and Carol Johnson-Grenades facilitate the transfer student meetings.

R.S.V.P. by April 10th with Trish Quinones at (817) 531-6564 or pquinones@ txwes.edu.

Entertainment

-Tiara Nugent

Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Kelly Clarkson: are they your American Idols?

Page 6

News

April 8, 2009

Campus gun talk looms as state prepares to vote on bill

The Rambler 2

Carrying the torch

Dave Montgomery

REPRINT COURTESY FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM

Texas lawmakers considered legislation Lunsford of Longview, a board member of March 30 to allow concealed handguns on Independent Colleges and Universities of college campuses as officials from the state’s Texas, told lawmakers that the 40-member private colleges and universities urged law- organization believes that private institumakers to exclude their institutions from the tions should be allowed to make their own measure. decision on whether guns should be allowed The bill by Rep. Joe Driver, R-Garland, on campuses. As currently drafted, the bill would allow Texans with concealed-handgun would apply to both state-supported and pripermits to carry their weapons onto college vate schools. and university cam State Rep. puses.

Lon Burnam, D Driver said his leg- “We all share the same goal, and that’s Fort Worth, a memislation would apply to to make sure our campuses are as safe ber of the commitpeople 21 and older, as possible. We face the possibility of an tee, presented a thus affecting a rela- increased number of suicides if more letter from Texas tively small percentage guns were available.”

Wesleyan Univerof the student popusity President Har– Don Mills old Jeffcoat calling lation. But it would Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs on lawmakers to go a long way toward Texas Christian University bolstering safety at ingive private schools creasingly vulnerable the option of decidcampuses, he said. ing the issue them Working into the night, the House Public selves.

Safety Committee heard conflicting accounts Derek Trimm, a student leader at the about the potential effect of the legislation, University of Texas at San Antonio, said stuwith some administrators expressing concern dents should be allowed to have concealed that allowing handguns on densely populated weapons for their protection. Under present campuses could be combustible. law, he said, there is “an invisible line around Don Mills, vice chancellor for student the campus” and “all those inside are more affairs at Texas Christian University in Fort vulnerable to attack” since they are unable to Worth, warned about the possibility of an carry guns. increased number of suicides “if more guns The hearing was punctuated by frequent were available” on campuses, pointing out reminders of the nation’s most horrific act of that more than 40 percent of college students campus violence — the slayings of 32 stusuffer from depression during their college dents by a mentally unstable student at the years.

Virginia Tech campus in April 2007.

“We all share the same goal,” Mills said, Driver said public perception of the bill “and that’s to make sure our campuses are as has been distorted by erroneous accounts in safe as possible.” the media.

LeTourneau University President Dale

Photo by Tiara Nugent

Mortar Board Texas Wesleyan (The Quadrangle Chapter) inducted new members at its Candlelight Induction/Top-Prof luncheon on March 31 at the Louella Baker Martin Pavilion. Inductees were invited to bring the professor or staff member of their choice. Twenty new members were selected out of a pool of more than 75 applicants. The new Quadrangle class will get started early in their organizational efforts with their Blossom Express flower sales at robing and graduation on May 15.

Mortar Board 2009 Inductees N. Ike Akpom * Joette Andrews * Xenia Arechar * Eli Cumpton * A.J. Fenton * Anna Franks * Desirae Gibbs * Lavena Hernandez * Dena Hughes * Caitlin Hunt * Jennye James * Aidee Lomeli * Justin Lytle * Laura Medaris * Seth Nelson * Ines Perhoc * Jennifer Rose * Joakim Soderbaum * Ashly Spencer * Alice Wade

Initiative, from page 1

Rosedale. ing, and include trees and other landscaping on re Poole is one of a few who are paramount in constructed sidewalks which will enhance Roserevitalizing the near-south side of Fort Worth dale’s appearance. with a partner “I think it’s ship called Fort great that they will get Worth South more options for stuInc. The area dents around here,” said was in a state Shawnda Mayhorn, of decay, but it senior mass communiturned around cation major. “The last in less than five decent place around years, according here was Mama's Pizza, to Poole. He said and that left in the 90s.” he thinks Poly The pizza place, technic/Wesleydirectly across from an Village will Polytechnic United turn around in Methodist Church, was less than three. a favorite for professor “I call it the and student lunches and Photo by Tiara Nugent gorilla plan,” The Wesleyan Bookstore proudly displays its elements on fraternity meetings. The said Poole. “The new grounds. The store changed locations from the Sid Rich- hope, however, is that a gorilla leans ardson Building to the Rosedale strip during spring break. similar atmosphere can against the bars return. and faces the landscape. The hospital and medical A lot of change is happening in Wesleyan’s district in south side was the guerilla, the area an- neighborhood with the help of efforts such as Polychor, and we worked off that. In this case Wesley- technic/Wesleyan Village and the Safe Neighboran is the guerilla and will be the anchor in which hood Initiative. Such endeavors are shaping and the area’s renewal can thrive.” changing the landscape where Wesleyan students Part of the plan will include a Rosedale can enjoy an atmosphere much like other college streetscape from Collard Street to Conner Avenue. campuses.

A streetscape will widen the street for added park-

Stimulate Wesleyan’s economy: Join The Rambler staff Earn up to 10 cents per word for stories.

That’s about $60 for the equivalent of your two-page English paper.

Why wait?

Send inquiries to: twurambler@yahoo.com

Opinions

“A $50 Easter egg.”

“I’ve never had an Easter basket!”

“Bubble wands.”

“Tiny candy eggs.”

Christina Demitt Junior Psychology Major Gina Kautai Freshman Accounting Major

The Rambler 3

Thirsty for Change

Legislature considers reforming state Blue Laws, allowing Sunday liquor sales

E

“What’s the best thing you’ve ever found in your Easter basket?”

Heath Scott Junior Political Science Major Oliviu Vasilca Freshman Business Major

April 8, 2009

ver gone to a liquor store on Sunday afternoon before the game and picked up a bottle of your favorite liquor to enjoy the game with you? If you have, it wasn’t in Texas. Dating back to America’s Puritan settlers, known for other fine works such as the Salem Witch Trials, the Blue Laws were first enacted in Virginia, 1617.

The laws were a way to ensure that everyone in the colony observed the Puritan religion, by legal and Chuck physical force if necessary. According to Dr. David Fain J. Hanson, a professor at the State University of New York at Potsdam, the first Blue Laws “required church attendance and authorized the militia to force colonists to attend church services.”

True, Texas’ current Blue Laws do not force one into a church by gunpoint, but the very existence is a call back to the, oh, let’s say “simpler” times of the Puritans. They are unjust, sporadic and an antithesis to a core belief held by our founding fathers – namely, the separation of church and state. Thanks to our current economic climate, however, these unconstitutional laws may change.

According to News 8, members of the Texas Legislature are considering House Bill 863, which would allow liquor stores to stay open on Sundays.

“We would generate anywhere from $5 million to $8 million in sales tax,” San Antonio representative Ronald Gutierrez speculated.

There are 34 of our country’s 50 states that sell liquor on Sunday, USA Today reported. Several states repealed their Blue Laws in the last two years, including Washington, New York and Alabama. Come on, guys. I can see Washington and New York being more progressive than Texas, but Alabama?

Do we really want those guys looking down their noses at us? We’re talking about a place that had to enact laws against flicking boogers in the wind and bear wrestling. We can do better than that.

When Washington State repealed its Blue Laws due to economic downturn, allowing several stores to stay open during the ’05-’06 fiscal year, it resulted in $15 million in the first year, said Sen.(I kid you not) Margarita Prentice in USA Today.

Texas, as well as the majority of the world concerned with commerce, is in dire financial straits. During times of economic crisis, alcohol sales tend to go up. The repeal of Blue Laws seems like a win-win for Texas lawmakers and their constituents – though there are some, mostly religious types, who disagree.

Those who support the archaic Blue Laws, such as the publication Christianity Today, argue that if they are repealed then church attendance will decline, America’s moral meter will drop to a dangerous level, and “church attendees become more likely to use drugs and drink heavily when states abolish ‘blue laws.’”

According to the recent study cited by Christianity Today, “when a blue law is in place, non-church-goers are about 10 percent more likely to drink heavily than churchgoers. After blue laws are repealed, the gap closes to about 5 percent.”

But church goers don’t stop there.

“For marijuana and cocaine use, the gap nearly disappears.”

That means if Blue Laws are repealed in Texas, then the drunk, stoned and high guy twitching next to you on the bus would be in church instead of talking to you in an unintelligible, slurred language and trying to pick your pocket.

Blue Laws are unfair, unnecessary and unconstitutional. They are a useless relic, left over from dark days when one thought, one voice, one religion was the new idea of America.

This is all the more contradictory in that the Puritans were seeking

religious freedom, and the first thing they do is impose their religion on everyone. Today America is a multicultural gathering of different people with different religious backgrounds, a fact that we (mostly) celebrate in this country.

However, these Blue Laws are clearly bias towards Christianity, as they are the only major religion that views Sunday as the Sabbath. Jews and other religions such as Seventh-day Adventist have their Sabbath on Saturday, and Muslims have their Sabbath on Friday. Where are the laws to keep their Sabbaths holy? And why should religious piety be legislated by the government?

If followers of a faith are so fickle, so uncommitted that just the prospect of something competing with their time of worship is too much to handle, then the followers, and the faith, needs to re-evaluate itself. The separation of church and state is an important ideal in our country, allowing both institutions to exist without one hindering the other. These Blue Laws are a direct violation of this separation.

The Encyclopedia Britannica online defines “Blue Laws” as “a law forbidding certain secular activities on Sunday.” How did that get to be a law? By its very definition, it is a law with a religious motivation, banning secular activity.

Also, its ineffectiveness is no less than embarrassing, as one can still buy beer or wine on Sundays in grocery stores. It is time to re-evaluate dated laws such as these that cling to naïve tradition and serve no purpose and that only undermine our constitution, our ability to govern ourselves and our social standing with the rest of the world.

Courtesy of Dreamstime Chuck Fain is a senior English major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.

Good things come with smaller environmental footprints T he world is growing smaller. All the barriers of distance and geography that once isolated us are now disappearing due to rapid advancements in technology.

It seems, on a regular basis, that some new electronic sensation is introduced to the consumer market, ready to dazzle and amaze us with its comprehensive intricacy. The most impressive aspect Connor of the new complex machines is Howell their size.

Old technology is being replaced for something smaller, sleeker and more versatile. Apple’s iPod demonstrates this concept of the mini design. Throughout the multiple generations that have been created, each new iPod has the same capabilities as the older model, if not more, yet requires a fraction of the space of that of its predecessor.

It’s the same quality sound in a smaller package.

The latest addition to Apple’s entourage

The Rambler

Courtesy of Apple

Connor Howell is a junior English major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.

Rambler Ratings

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

of music players is the third generation iPod shuffle. Though the lack of a display screen severely limits user interaction, the newest shuffle offers VoiceOver. By pressing a button the Shuffle can tell what song is playing, the name of the artist and the playlist you’re listening to, making navigation between music easier. iPods may serve mainly as a means of entertainment for most people, but shrinking technology does have a more profound effect.

In recent decades people have become more and more aware of how finite the world’s resources are. Everyday we consume a vast amount of material and yet do not replenish those substances at an equal rate.

The shrinking technology is a response to that issue. Each new edition of the iPod requires less material and space than before and still addresses the needs of the consumer. Less is being used to produce more.

This direction of miniaturization can prolong and preserve what we have left until new resources are found or developed.

That’s not to say that the smaller everything gets the better off we’ll be, but it is part of a bigger solution.

Martin Garcia, news editor

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

Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thumbs up to the number of applications the law school is receiving.

Thumbs down to the broken and missing umbrellas outside the SUB.

Thumbs down to the religion being increasingly zapped out of Easter.

Thumbs up to days off for the Easter holiday.

College Life

4 The Rambler

Insure the future Martin Garcia NEWS EDITOR

The mounting pressures of joining the (non-existent) workforce for college graduates is creeping on the doorstep of those who plan to walk the stage this May. Many questions are looming as to whether students will be able to find stability in an ever-changing society. But, beyond the worry of getting out on your own—away from mom and dad’s house—is the healthcare issue.

The majority of insurance companies drop dependents from the parent policy once he or she walks the stage into immortality—or is it mortality? Depending on the insurance company’s policy, students may be dropped from plans anywhere from age 22 to 25. Also, once students are no longer enrolled in school, university coverage plans are no longer active.

So in light of the fast-approaching judgment day, college graduates must soon make decisions as to how they’re going to take care of self and obtain the appropriate healthcare coverage.

Since job offers are anything but automatic right now, in addition to perfecting their résumés, students must work towards finding the best low-cost health plan; the last thing a starving graduate needs is health issues without a policy. eHealthInsurance serves more than one million consumers, according to ehealthinsurance.com, and urges people in the market to find higher deductibles. Although this means more money paid before insurance ultimately kicks in, a plan with a higher deductible will ensure a lower monthly payment.

They also remind students that location says a lot about how much they’re going to pay for their premiums.

“Rates vary across much of the country, and cities that have higher costs of living [surprisingly] have cheaper health insurance rates,” its Web site reads.

State rules also vary from state to state, affecting competition. Students are urged to remember to check rates

before they move off and settle in a new location.

Other options include self-reliance, motivation and getting started early. Think tanks such as the National Center for Policy Analysis emphasize and encourage everyone to pursue consumer driven health care initiatives. CDHCs prompt medical consumers to use health savings accounts and other investment-type programs to pay for the high (and rising) cost of medical care.

NCPA claims that CDHCs give the consumer more power over their medical decisions and more leeway regarding the attention they receive.

But again, this approach takes a lot of discipline. Since students would be paying medical expenses directly (if they had an HSA), the funds to pay for care come from the contributions people are willing to make. It’s basically like having normal savings account—just one geared primarily towards health care costs.

In the spirit of competition—and with the reasoning that competing markets benefit the consumer—graduates can also turn to online medical brokers who help them find the best options and rates. Student Health Insurance has a database of multiple companies and rates available for review and comparison at StudentHealthInsurance. com.

Healthcare is something that all must take into serious consideration upon entering the so-called real world.

It’s imperative that graduates find the right program to be medically secure and ultimately promote personal health. By taking care of the issue today, graduates will have one less thing to worry about in their future endeavors. Graduation is almost here; are you insured?

April 8, 2009

Soon-to-be graduates struggle to obtain adequate health coverage

College graduates often find themselves uninsured, losing eligibility for their college plans and their parents’ plans upon graduation.

Malt shops and bobby socks

Nostalgic Wesleyan traditions characterized campus with a’50s flare Rene Edwards STAFF WRITER

We modern students attending Wesleyan all have very unique college experiences. It is inevitable considering we have so many choices and responsibilities as young adults, and students our age 50 years ago didn’t have so many.

How would you feel if everywhere you went on campus you had to sport a green hat with a number on it like you were cattle? What if the only jewelry you could wear was a wedding or engagement ring? Silly or not, that was just a few things students 50 years ago got to experience at Wesleyan.

For most students attending Wesleyan, student life on campus was their only life. In the 1950s, there were college students who were more swamped in campus activities and homework than real world work. If you take a peak in the archives of The Rambler and TXWESCO, the university yearbook that was published for more than 50 years, you will find that student life and school spirit thrived and spread over more students than it probably does today.

The most important annual event on campus, besides graduation, was Fish Week. New students had to go through endless trials and tribulations to earn their coveted position as an honored new member of the Wesleyan student body.

Earning their keep, freshmen couldn’t walk on sidewalks, shave or be late to class. A few things they could do (which were actually mandatory) were wear a string around their necks with a toothbrush attached, refer to upper classmen as Miss and Mr. and wear their clothes inside out.

“Freshman weekend was an experience of all out war!” said alumnus W.L. Hailey in the Texas Wesleyan Centennial.

“Our goals were to raise the Freshman Flag, to protect our Queen from the capture, and to kidnap the sophomore officers. We fought fiercely, but when the weekend was over our sense of belonging was greater than ever.”

Post-war optimism led to more progress and excitement on campus, which in turn resulted in endless clubs to join, including six exclusive boys’ and girls’ societies – similar to sororities and fraternities – called Social Clubs. They had unusual names like Autiss, Sons of Sakkara, Entre Amis and Illotus Doudecim, to name a few.

In 1953, enrollment was approximately 1,600 with tuition at $24 an hour.

Considering inflation, that is approximately $190 for today’s currency. There were four dormitories, two Courtesy of communications office for girls and two for boys, The “Wedding of Friendship” as well as living quarters for faculty and staff’s families on campus. The multi-unit house at 3228 E. Rosedale across from the Poly United Methodist Church was one of those facilities.

The most enthusiastic of all campus traditions was the “Wedding of Friendship.” Every year a ceremony was held resembling a real wedding with a freshman female representing newcomers to Wesleyan and a male who represented the upper class students who exchanged vows of friendship. The purpose was to “further the friendship of students on the campus through closer student activities,” according to a timely edition of the campus newspaper.

The front page of The Rambler covered the story as if it were a real wedding between two students. It stated that the ceremony was performed by the president of Wesleyan and the bride was given away by the dean of students.

In this ceremony, the bride even had the traditional white wedding dress with an illusion veil and a bouquet like any excited young bride. The paper went into full detail describing her dress and tiara as having French lace adorned with pearls and sequins.

There were 11 bridesmaids and candle bearers, 14 ushers, as well as a soloist and organist from the music department to entertain.

The next time you are wishing there were more hours in a day and wondering how you were going to finish all that you have on your plate, crack yourself up and be thankful you didn’t have to wear your toothbrush around your neck, or “friendship marry” that annoying, know-it-all neighbor in class.

Become a collector.

Be a Rambler page editor.

Now hiring.

twurambler@yahoo.com

April 8, 2009

Quick Quote

“I wanted to have a career in sports when I was young, but I had to give it up. I’m only 6 feet tall, so I couldn’t play basketball.

I’m only 190 pounds, so I couldn’t play football. And I have 20-20 vision, so I couldn’t be a referee.”

- Jay Leno Tonight Show host

Upcoming Events April 8

*5 p.m. Softball vs. Houston Baptist University

April 10

2:30 p.m. Baseball @ Northwood University *5 p.m. Softball vs. Bacone April 11 *1 p.m. Softball vs.

Oklahoma Christian *1 p.m. Baseball vs.

Northwood University *3 p.m. Baseball vs.

Northwood University

Sports

The Rambler 5

Dynasty reaches sixth season Wesleyan’s table tennis team traveled to Minnesota and captured a series of national titles to continue its dominance

The pinnacle of collegiate table tennis, the co-ed team Mark Hazinski, a junior from Mishawaka, Ind., won national championship, was first played in 2004. his second national title in men’s singles. Hazinski had to Texas Wesleyan entered this go through former Texas Wesleyan star year’s action having never lost in the Eric Owens in the final match. Owens event, and the 2009 Rams made sure is now playing as a graduate student for the title remained in Fort Worth for Midwestern University. a sixth consecutive year.

Before coming to Wesleyan, This year the Rams won Perhoc, a junior from Zagreb, Croatia, five out of seven titles at the was the under-21 Croatian National College Table Tennis National Singles Champion and reigned as the Championships with victories in the top womens player in her country for women’s doubles (Ines Perhoc and two years.

Jasna Reed), mixed doubles (Mark Judy Hugh of Rutgers went through Hazinski and Ines Perhoc), men’s two Lady Rams to take the women’s singles (Mark Hazinski), women’s singles title. Hugh defeated Perhoc in team, and co-ed team events. the semifinals and then topped Reed in Since the program began in the championship bout.

2002, the Rams have won 38 of a Carlos Chiu, Aldis Presley, possible 52 collegiate titles.

Chance Friend and Oliviu Vasilca all In the co-ed championship, the advanced in the men’s championship Courtesy of athletic department Rams advanced through the bracket Mark Hazinski won his second national title until they were eliminated on the with wins over Rutgers and Columbia in the men’s singles table tennis event. He final day of competition. before topping the University of also captured a mixed doubles title with Ines Pam Fontaine, Tina Chen and Puerto Rico in the finals.

Perhoc and team title with Wesleyan.

Kristen Thorn competed for the The Lady Rams polished off Wesleyan women’s team as well. their third consecutive national championship with wins over UCLA, Rutgers and the University of Toronto April 5.

- Ramsports.net

Record Setters

April 13 3 p.m. Baseball @ LeTourneau University April 14 *3 p.m. Baseball vs.

Oklahoma City University April 15 3 p.m. Baseball @ Abilene Christian University April 16 1 p.m. Softball @ Central Baptist College April 17 4 p.m. Baseball @ SAGU Courtesy of Jose Valdez

Junior outfielder Travis Spencer (left) led a huge offensive attack for the baseball team by hitting for the cycle April 6. A cycle is achieved by hitting a single, double, triple and home run in the same game. Spencer drove in four of the Rams all-time high 26 runs against University of the Southwest.

Sports Briefs Oldham named pitcher of the week April 6 Junior pitcher Ashley Oldham picked up her third conference pitching award of the season after striking out 24 hitters in 16 innings of work. She racked up 10 strikeouts in a win against Langston University and threw a complete-game shutout with 10 strikeouts versus Texas College.

Rams set run scoring record April 6 The baseball team piled up a school record 26 runs while pummeling University of the Southwest 26-11 in the series finale April 6. With the win, the Rams took the series two games to one.

Rams split with Mustangs April 5 The baseball team split a doubleheader at University of the Southwest. After the Mustangs snuck by the Rams, 7-6, with a late rally in game one, Wesleyan took a convincing 16-6 win in game two.

Rams sweep Pilots March 31 The baseball team swept No. 5-ranked LSU-Shreveport in a doubleheader March 31. The Rams took game one 7-4 before taking a thrilling 9-6 win in extra innings in the night-cap.

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

Entertainment

April 8, 2009

The Rambler 6

Thou shalt not worship American Idols I

DOL: 1. Any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, She’s won four Grammys and was just the seventh female to take home The Academy adoration or devotion. 2. A mere image or semblance of something. 3. of Country Music Awards’ coveted Entertainer of the Year among others.

A figment of the mind, a fantasy.

Boasting on the accomplishments of these girls makes American Idol look like a A figment of the mind? Is whopping success, truly uncovering the nation’s that all the American Idol is? I greatest vocal talents and raising them to glorious would submit so, at least in the stardom. minds of most contestants.

Do not be so fooled.

Each year, Idol judges Following Clarkson and Underwood, the list Randy Jackson, new addition drops drastically down on the Idols success chart – Tiara Kara DioGuardi, the so-called aka album sales report. We next see Broadway’s Clay Nugent beautiful Paula Abdul, and the Aiken and rock star Chris Daughtry – contestants infamous Simon Cowell travel who finished second and fourth during their to seven U.S. cities and to San Juan, Puerto Rico, respective seasons. Daughtry, who named his rock hearing thousands upon thousands of individuals band after himself, actually ranks eight above the croon, drone, wallow, chant, bellow and all manner champion of his season, the lackluster Taylor Hicks. else.

Sweet country singer Kelli Pickler finished Eventually the competition is narrowed down sixth that same season, yet she also beats Hicks on to 12 finalists – 13 in the case of this season – who the chart, coming in three slots above him for most compete for a major recording contract and the albums sold.

American Idol title. Note the keyword there is How humiliating for Hicks, and for the show that “title.” placed him in his awkward position.

Two-time Grammy award-wining Kelly Who else has made it big from the televised vocal Clarkson, the original American Idol who happens game show? Some may say Jennifer Hudson, who to hail from my hometown of Burleson, Texas, finished seventh (yes, seventh) in season three, but I appears to be real. With a total of 9,836,000 albums question how much of Hudson’s success stems from sold, according to Idol’s fan site, this season one her Dreamgirls role vs. astounding vocals. It was winner has now landed two No. 1 albums, as well indeed American Idol that brought her the spotlight to as multiple No. 1 singles. arrive on the soulful set of Dreamgirls. Whatever the Breakaway, her best-selling album and the case may be, this star enjoys much more popularity second of her career, boasts four top-10 hits, and than the obscure winners of seasons two, three and Courtesy of www.KellyClarkson.com her most recent album, All I Ever Wanted, debuted five – Idol-wanna-bes Reuben Studdard, Fantasia and at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart March 18. American Idol season one winner Kelly Clarkson, an area native, has maintained Taylor Hicks. idol status, winning two Grammy’s and topping numerous pop charts.

It was her second album to hold that position.

Perhaps there is a legitimate reason the show Though Clarkson has reigned queen of all uses “idol” in its name. Contestants are wooed by Idols for the past seven years, season four’s victor Carrie Underwood is beginning to give tantalizing keys to fame dangling in front of their faces -- a key which, in reality, very rarely Clarkson a run for her money with 9,408,000 albums sold. Her debut album reached No. 2 opens the locked door of prosperity and stardom. Oh the cruel deceptions of this world. while her sophomore effort debuted at No. 1 Tiara Nugent is a senior writing major and is editor-in-chief for The Rambler.

BBQ Battle Royale A

n epic struggle wages on. It has existed years. In one corner: Memphis.

In another: Texas.

Kansas City, St. Louis, Mississippi and the Carolinas all occupy space in the ring. Like a Ryan convoluted civil war in Authier my mouth, they fight for my taste buds’ approval.

Who would have thought barbecue could be so dramatic?

No matter where you are in the south, every one believes its barbecue is the best barbecue. The meat doesn’t change, only what goes on it. Dry rubs or globs of sauce?

Vinegar or tomato based? Spicy or sweet?

Oh the decisions!

Fortunately for us, there are two local barbecue restaurants that have made all the decisions for us: Mama E’s Homecooking & BBQ at Rosedale and Interstate 35 and Smokey’s BBQ on East Lancaster.

Mama E’s is a hole-in-the-wall type dig that’s been around for years and doing things right all along. Looking at the staples of the Texas barbecue world (sliced brisket and pork ribs, for those of you who don’t know), Mama E’s is one of the best in town.

Mama E’s uses a light, vinegary sauce that doesn’t overpower the meats, but adds just the right amount of kick. Aside from the amazing green beans (my mom would be proud of that statement), the sides are only slightly above average, but then again, who goes to a barbecue joint just for the beans?

A

Look Ahead

Wednesday

On Campus:

• Baptist Student Ministries: Carter Conference Room, noon. Free lunch served

Off Campus:

11

• The Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 2 p.m.

• The Beach Boys: Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, 7 p.m.

Ryan Authier is a senior psychology major and is entertainment editor for The Rambler.

Thursday

On Campus:

9

• Methodist Student Movement: Poly UMC, 12:15 p.m.

Free lunch served.

• On the Corner of Broadway and the Champs d’Elysees: Texas Hall at UTA, 8 p.m.

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

Saturday

8

For about $8-$10, you get a two-meat plate with two sides, tea and bread that would last a normal college kid at least two meals. In addition to the barbecue, the menu also features home-cooked items like catfish, spaghetti and meatloaf. Mama E’s is located at 818 E. Rosedale, under the I-35 overpass.

If you happen to be driving in the other direction, try stopping off at Smokey’s at 5300 E. Lancaster. A former mainstay in the Fort Worth barbecue world in the 80s, Smokey’s is slowly regaining new life.

Though slightly more expensive than Mama E’s, about $12 for a full meal, you can really taste the difference, especially in the ribs. On my most recent visit, about five minutes before the restaurant was to close, an eager customer rushed to the locked front door desperately begging for a rib plate: that’s how good these things are.

Smokey’s uses a thicker sauce, much more true to Texas barbecue, but it still isn’t heavy enough to mask the natural smoked aroma of the meats they serve. The sides here are more impressive than what Mama E’s offers, and, if you stop in, make sure not to skip dessert. Cobblers and pies, all from scratch, will certainly top off whatever dish you decide to devour beforehand.

All in all, the winner of this local barbecue battle is always going to be you, the consumer. Both of these digs have a lot to offer, so get your napkin ready and pour yourself a tall glass a sweet tea. Mama and Smokey are waitin’!

Sunday

Off Campus:

12

Monday

On Campus:

13

• Challenging Vision: Amon Carter Museum, noon.

•3PR: Bobby Bragen Fellowship Hall, noon

• Joan Sebastian: American Airlines Center, 5 p.m.

Off Campus: • A Buyer’s Market: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 7 p.m.

Friday

On Campus:

10

New kid on the block Java Joe’s is the place to go A

new coffee shop and possible student hangout has arrived on campus. Java Joe’s serves consistently tasty treats with pleasing prices.

During my two trips to the new café, I indulged in a latte with vanilla syrup the first time and a mocha on the second. The service and quality met many great expectations: fast, inexpensive and yummy.

The drinks themselves, on both occasions, where rich, smooth and delicious. But, most importantly, the caffeine did its job and picked me up and diminished that after-lunch drowsiness.

Rene

Java Joe’s offers all the staples with prices that meet students’ Edwards expectations. Americano, lattes, cappuccinos, mochas and standard coffee are between $2 and $3 for a 12 ounce. Add another 25 to 50 cents for 16 ounce. For $1 extra add your choice of syrup: vanilla, caramel, hazelnut or peppermint.

But it doesn’t stop there. Varieties of cookies, cake and Danishes will suffice the sweet tooth.

Most are $1.50, and a hefty slice of cake is $3.50.

The new shop is an ideal place to relax, study or do homework between classes with the inviting atmosphere. It’s a combination of urban and antique chic. The cozy Photos by Tiara Nugent modern leather chairs have The aim of Java Joe’s is to cater to students as well as members an attached convenient of the Polytechnic community. All are welcome to come and enjoy side table and a flat screen the local coffee shop vibe. hangs in the corner. It’s also one of the spots on campus where WiFi Internet is available, so bring your laptop.

Java Joe’s is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located in the new Baker Building on the corner of Wesleyan and Rosedale streets.

Rene Edwards is a senior mass communication major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.

• Annie!: Upstown Theater of Grand Prairie, 7:30 p.m.

Weekly Movie Releases: Observe and Report; Hannah Montana: The Movie; Dragonball: Evolution

Tuesday

On Campus:

14

• Senior Recital (Janna McKinley, soprano): Martin Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Weekly DVD Releases: The Spirit; Dark Matter; House of Saddam; North Star

Since its opening last month, Java Joe’s has experienced heavy foot traffic from students, staff, faculty and even Fort Worth police.