The Rambler Vol. 100 No. 6

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The Rambler

The students’ voice since 1917

www.txwes.edu/rambler

March 5, 2008

Vol. 100, No. 6

NEWS BRIEFS

History

Break it up!

The Rambler wishes a happy Spring Break (March 10-14) to all students, faculty and staff. We will resume publication March 26.

News Briefs

FAFSA time!

The office of finanacial aid reminds all students that it’s FAFSA time once again, for the 2008-2009 school year. Remember that it’s mandatory for all students seeking financial aid. First, either complete your 2007 taxes or make sure sure parents complete theirs. Next, get a pin number at www.pin.ed.gov. Next, fill out your FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov and enter in the Texas Wesleyan University federal school code (003645). For extra information visit the office of financial aid on the third floor of the administration building or call (817) 5314420.

Those beautiful beans...

Coffee enthusiasts across campus are invited to a coffee house night for poetry, scripture, readings, live music and a movie from 7 p.m. -10 p.m. March 6 in the Stella Russell Hall lobby. Free food and drinks are provided, and the movie starts at 8 p.m.

All the colors of the wind The Wesleyan Honors Wind Symphony’s will be at 6 p.m. March 1 in Martin Hall, featuring the Texas Wesleyan wind ensembleand local Fort Worth high school students.

It’s called a Goostree Texas Wesleyan’s annual Faye C. Goostree Symposium starts at 12:15 p.m. March 18 in the Martin Hall with an address by keynote speaker Kay Granger, Fort Worth congresswoman. Granger is both the highest ranking Republican woman in the U.S. House and a Wesleyan alumna. The keynote speech is free and open to the public. A luncheon follows the keynote address at 1:15 p.m. in the Louella Baker Martin Pavilion. Luncheon tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for Wesleyan faculty and staff and $8 for students.

The Goostree Symposium was founded by Texas Wesleyan in 1981. the 2008 theme is “Rocking the Cradle and Rocking the System: Women in Politics.”

HOT JOB opportunities @ Career Services Part-time Tutor, Refugee School Impact Program Various Positions, Fidelity Investments Program Coordinators, Envision Part-time Tutor, Refugee School Impact Program Various Positions, Fidelity Investments

rests

next door Across Bishop Street rests the Polytechnic Cemetary. The site will be recognized as the 1000th historic Texas cemetary by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) during a ceremony at 1 p.m. March 5 on-site. Join the THC, the Tarrant County Historical Commission, Texas Wesleyan University representatives, Fort Worth officials and descendants of those buried for the historical designation and the dedication of the historical marker, paid for by supporters. A reception follows at the Louella Baker Martin Pavilion. No one knows how many people are buried in the cemetary. The cemetary’s first known funeral took place in 1867 and the last in 1992. See page 2 for full story.

Political Junkie’s primary preparation Student spends week getting to know the candidates as they descend on Texas ZACH DAVIDSON STAFF WRITER

ination, but he can win enough delegates to the convention to have some clout there.

Given what is at stake, I spent the week prior to the primary attending every rally and convention I could. What follows is an account of a week in the life of me, Wesleyan’s own Political Junkie.

Before beginning though, it helps to know a little about the process. This description applies to the Democratic Primary system.

First of all, the race for Democrats is still competitive. More importantly, the Democratic process is far more convoluted than the Republican process. According to www.realclearpolitics.com, the source for all statistics quoted unless otherwise stated, Barack Obama had a total of 1,389 delegates compared to Hillary Clinton’s 1,279 before March 4 primaries.

Texas has 193 delegates to the national convention. Democrats do not have a winner-take-all system, however. The primary awards delegates based on the proportion of the vote a candidate receives.

But the primary only awards two-thirds of the delegates. The other onethrid are divided in a caucus that takes place after the polls close, 7 p.m. in Texas.

In order to get the largest share of delegates possible, the Obama campaign is encouraging voters to vote in the primary and then show up at the precinct caucus. The campaign refers to this doubleprocess as the “Texas two step.” Now that the reader is thoroughly confused, Political Junkie can describe the activities that a political junkie involves himself in during the week leading up to the primary Photo by Kevin Keathley March 4.

For self-professed political junkies, no time of the year quite equals the exhilaration of the week leading up to an election. That period becomes especially exciting when the candidates view the election as key to their campaign.

Such was the case of the March 4 Texas Primary.

Democratic candidates for president Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both viewed Texas as a must-win state to keep their hopes as the prospective Democratic nominee for president alive.

This article goes to press before results are in, but a big win for Obama (read: winning by 10 percentage points or more) could bring him that much closer to garnering the 2,025 delegates he needs to capture the nomination.

A win or a closer-thanexpected loss by Hillary Clinton will reinforce her campaign’s message that the race is still far from over.

However, Hillary really needs a win. Her last big win since New Hampshire was way back in January (unless one counts the victory in Florida, who the Democratic National Convention stripped of delegates for failing to abide by the prescribed calendar).

For Republicans, the race is clearer cut.

A win by John McCain puts him just 40 delegates short of the required 1,191, and that doesn’t even factor in the other three races also held March 4.

Mike Huckabee needed a big win to prove he still mattered. Before March 4, it was already a statistical impossibility for him to win the nom- Barack Obama stumps in Fort Worth, as did all the major presidential candidates before the March 4 primary.

See Junkie, page 2

After 50 years, trustee weds former flame, Wesleyan student KEVIN KEATHLEY STAFF WRITER

Being 80 years old is not enough to keep the young-spirited Lamar Smith from marrying again.

On March 1, Smith, a member of the Texas Wesleyan Board of Trustees, married Beverly Sone Elbert. He met his new bride at Texas Wesleyan in the fall of 1946. Elbert is the daughter of former Texas Wesleyan University president Law Sone, the longest serving president in the university’s history.

Sone served from the late 1930s and until 1968. During that period, the university president and his family lived in an apartment on the first floor of Boze Benbrook Hall, a former men’s dormitory on campus. That was how Smith met Elbert, as she was on campus but still attended as a high school student.

“She was a student at Polytechnic High School, and we dated. She was a cheerleader, and I went to the football games with her. This was before I met my late wife, Doris Hudgens. Beverly

had met Doris; she had a cousin who had lived next door to Doris in Quanah, Texas,” said Smith.

Smith married Doris after they graduated from Texas Wesleyan. After Elbert graduated from Polytechnic, she went to Southern Methodist University, but she took several summer courses at Texas Wesleyan during those years. She graduated from SMU in 1951.

“Beverly got married to her SMU sweetheart,” Smith recalls, “and I got married to my Texas Wesleyan sweetheart. Each of us had three children. Her husband passed away about 15 years ago. Doris passed away in early February 2007.”

The former couple crossed paths at a friend’s funeral about nine months after Doris’ death.

“We went out for a sandwich and got reacquainted,” he said. “I’m not sure our falling in love with each other is describable. We found that we still like the same things, and we have many mutual friends. I adore her. I’m very fond of her personality, and she is a woman of strong character. I admire that about her.”

The two tied the knot at an 11 a.m. ceremony

March 1 at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Smith is an associate minister at First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth. He was the first president of the alumni association in 1953.

Through the board, he currently serves on the Executive Committee and Student Life Committee.

Photo by Kevin Keathley

Dr. Lamar Smith and Beverly Sone Elbert.

News

2 March 5, 2008

Junkie, from page 1

February 26: Early Voting Unable to contain the excitement and vote on the day of the primary, Political Junkie drives to one of the many early voting sites to cast his ballot. In order to not hog all the fun to himself, he may bring along his political junkie friends to vote with him. In this case, he had the pleasure of bringing a friend who had never voted before but was excited about this election.

February 28: Obama Rally Political Junkie’s next major pre-primary event was the Barack Obama rally at the Fort Worth Convention Center Feb. 28. Arriving three hours before the 8 p.m. rally, the line already curved around the arena. By 6 p.m. Political Junkie found a seat with his fellow political junkie friends and waited idly by for Obama, who began a few moments late to thunderous applause.

Obama spoke of “what Dr. King calls the fierce urgency of now,” of the need to give every American access to healthcare, the need to end the war in Iraq and the need to restore hope in America.

Several times during his speech he repeated his campaign’s slogan, “Yes We Can.” While Political Junkie had heard much of the same all over again, hearing it live in the midst of 11,000 attendees (according to the Fort Worth StarTelegram) was a dizzying experience.

He exuded charisma that pervaded the room, and we person- Alan Keyes speaks on campus Feb. 29. ally heard his ability to captivate an audience in the news. Unless you experience it first hand, however, one can not truly understand what people are talking about.

February 29: Alan Keyes at Wesleyan The Texas Wesleyan College Republicans hosted Dr. Alan Keyes Feb. 29, an event Political Junkie just couldn’t pass up. Keyes is running for the Republican nomination as

The Rambler

he did in 1996 and again in 2000, but has no real chance of of liberty to ourselves and our posterity,” therefore making winning. the argument of trading liberty for security “stupid.”

Alan Keyes is generally regarded as a rather extremist February 29: Huckabee Rally conservative. He spoke at Wesleyan for nearly three hours, Next up was Republican candidate Mike Huckabee, who most of it taken up with extended appeared at responses to audience questions. his rally in Keyes talked of the need to replace the Fort the income tax with a national sales W o r t h tax. His Web site states that “The Stockyards. income tax in effect makes us vassals Huckabee of the government — the politicians tried his decide how much income we can hand at ropkeep” and says a sales tax “would ing a steer, rejuvenate independence and responwhich took sibility in our citizens. True economalmost 10 ic liberty and moral revival go hand attempts in hand.” (his wife got He discussed immigration in it on the first terms of American sovereignty. try!). Next Keyes refers he shook to what suphands and Google Images porters call toured the comprehen- Hillary Clinton rallies the campaign trail.

Stockyards sive immigrafrom inside tion reform, which allows some his bus. Overall, the event lasted a total of 15 minutes. undocumented immigrants to remain Political Junkie and Scott were disappointed that in the country as “de facto coloniza- Huckabee did not speak, Scott even more disappointed that tion of our country.” He equates he was unable to get a picture with the Arkansas governor. abortion with slavery as an offense “I’m glad I got some good pictures of him and got to against God, believing that “if shake his hand,” said Scott. human beings can decide who is March 1: Clinton Rally human and who is not, the doctrine The next event, which Political Junkie unfortunately of God-given rights is utterly cor- missed, was Hillary Clinton’s rally at the Stockyards March rupted.”

1. Clinton’s rally was postponed after her original rally on The central premise of Keyes’ the steps of the Tarrant County Courthouse Feb. 22 was policy positions rests in his unflinch- delayed. A member of her motorcade lost control of his ing belief that God is central to motorcycle, killing the Dallas police officer. Clinton said to Photo by Kevin Keathley American governance. He ties all proceed with the rally would not be appropriate, but she kept problems America has to a moral her promise of returning to Fort Worth. decay.

The Big Day Sophomore political science major Heath Scott, a The culminating event was the March 4 primary and the Republican, said he was “intrigued but bemused” by some of evening’s following caucuses. By the time you read this, you what Keyes said. may well know one or both of the presidential candidates for Keyes asserted flatly that Americans should never buy 2008. Political Junkie hopes you availed yourself of the into the argument that they should sacrifice some constitu- opportunity to participate in this grand ritual in American tional liberty for increased security. He pointed out that the Democracy. Texas may not again be this important to fate of purpose of constitutional freedom is to “secure the blessings the presidency.

Polytechnic Cemetary designated 1000th historic Texas cemetary JOHN AUSTIN REPRINT COURTESY OF FORT WORTH STAR TELEGRAM

Unfortunately, that’s typical of Texas’ old cemeteries, said Gerron Hite, cemetery preservation coordinator for the Texas State Historical Commission. As urban neighborhoods change, and old settlements, schools and churches fall by the wayside, little cemeteries that were once the site of free burials and annual cleaning days are all that are left to mark the past.

“Many of them don’t have a burial list,” Hite said. “They didn’t think about the future.”

Over the years, vandals have stolen headstones and other “grave goods,” Matthews said.

“Between 1986 and 1997 about half of the stones disappeared,” he said. “People put them in their gardens. The ones that have angels and lambs are really collectible.”

Cemeteries are grave places.

But there’s a bit of decorous revelry planned March 5 for one of Fort Worth’s more historic burying grounds.

That’s when state historical representatives, Texas Wesleyan University officials and descendents of those buried are slated to gather at the Polytechnic Cemetery, on the east side. Supporters have also raised enough money to pay for a Texas historical marker.

“This is a big deal,” said Brenda Matthews, a Texas Wesleyan history professor who has helped investigate the cemetery. “I’m really excited.”

Matthews’ husband helped survey the cemetery, and her classes have helped clear the site.

But some corners of the old graveyard’s history may remain obscure despite the attention experts have recently paid it.

The families who donated the land are known. But nobody knows exactly how many souls were laid to rest there between the first known funeral, in 1867, and the most recent, Frank Lanham’s, in 1992.

Mae McRae Bruce, 77, grew up across the street from what is now Polytechnic High School. She left the neighborhood in 1950, but her great-grandparents and uncle are still there, buried in the cemetery. She’s been instrumental in raising support for the cemetery.

Bruce’s great-grandfather Duncan McRae was an early school superintendent; McRae Elementary was named for him.

“This is just a little community cemePhotos by Shawn R. Poling tery,” Bruce said, adding that markers are Over the years, many of the gravestones in Polytechnic Cemetary have broken or fallen disappearing. “It’s not organized.” apart. Others have been stolen because of their designs.

Q&A Who donated the land?

Members of the Hall and Tandy families donated the land to the city of Polytechnic. Fort Worth annexed Polytechnic in 1924, Matthews said.

The site is estimated at 3 acres.

Who owns the land?

Possibly Fort Worth, but Matthews hasn’t confirmed that. Hite said, “Under state law, you can’t own a cemetery,” at least a community site cemetery. “You hold it in trust to the people buried there.”

Might giving old cemeteries historic recognition attract vandals?

“If it’s in an isolated site, maybe you don’t want to publicize it,” Hite said. “It’s kind of a balance.”

Any noteworthy burials at the cemetery?

Marlin and Ida Hollis, the parents of inventor Paul Hollis. Hollis created Poly Pop, a powdered drink mix that was popular in the 1920s and ’30s. The company was run out of Hollis’ garage apartment at 2700 Avenue D, according to www.polyelementarywilliamjames.com/poly_pop.htm.

Who maintains the cemetery?

No one; there is no association. Texas Wesleyan, however, administers a maintenance trust created by Paul Hollis. The trust generates about $500 a year, Matthews said.

How many graves does the cemetery have?

About 100. A survey of the cemetery notes that “a special warranty deed,” dated Dec. 16, 1922, refers to the “Masonic Home Cemetery.”

Matthews speculates that it was created for widows and orphans from the now-shuttered Fort Worth Masonic facility.

Celebration What: Ceremony celebrating Polytechnic Cemetery as the 1,000th cemetery to receive state historical designation.

When: 1 p.m. March 5 Where: 1000 Bishop St., between Avenues B and C.

Opinions

“Opinions. It is really interesting.”

“Anything dealing with Greek life. It’s the biggest thing on campus, and there’s not enough coverage of it.”

A Memoir T

he war in Iraq is an important issue for candidates vying for the White House, and for good reason. I have been personally affected by the deaths of soldiers defending our country, and many of you can probably say the same.

A family in Colorado is currently mourning the loss of a U.S. soldier, Maj. Andrew Olmsted, who was killed in Iraq Jan. 3.

Olmsted was a devoted blogger and asked a close BRYCE friend to post a message in the event of his death. I WILKS would strongly encourage everyone to read it in its entirety.

The Rocky Mountain News reported that Olmsted was caught by a sniper while trying to talk three suspected insurgents into surrendering, a fate that Olmsted predicted in his last blog.

“It would be nice to believe that I died leading men in battle, preferably saving their lives at the cost of my own. More likely I was caught by a marksman or an IED. But if there is an afterlife, I’m telling anyone who asks that I went down surrounded by hundreds of insurgents defending a village composed solely of innocent women and children.”

Olmsted’s last blog conjures up all types of emotions, and, understandably, it upsets people to the point of attempting to make political, religious and social points. Out of respect for the people that I have known, and for Olmsted’s last wishes, I’ll not do that.

“I do ask that no one try to use my death to further their political purposes. I went to Iraq and did what I did for my reasons, not yours. If you think the U.S. should stay in Iraq, don’t drag me into it by claiming that somehow my death demands us staying. If you think the U.S. ought to get out tomorrow, don’t cite my name as an example of someone’s life who was wasted by our mission.”

This column is instead, a calling to young people that, unlike Olmsted, still have time left to live and a purpose to fulfill.

Election years are a time for debate and decisions, and candidates for office need to make their policies known so that voters are informed. All too often, more time is spent slighting and slurring the competition, and it becomes a game of who can come up with the most effective and creative complaints.

F

“Skateball pictures.”

ormer University of Chicago President Robert M. Hutchins once joked, “It has been said that we have not had the three R’s in America, we had the six R’s: remedial readin’, remedial ‘ritin’ and remedial ‘rithmetic.” This statement seems to ring truer COLLEEN today than when Hutchins BURNIE spoke the phrase.

If you’ve kept up with the news in education, you’ve no doubt heard that the nation’s education system is faltering, and the government has begun to form commissions to figure out why American students aren’t ready for college-level classes. Ridiculous as it may seem, high schools are not preparing American students for college.

Wesleyan currently offers four sections of developmental English, four sections of developmental reading and nine sections of developmental math.

Of the 212 students of last fall’s incoming class, 77 students placed into at least one remedial classes, 54 students placed into two remedial classes (that’s 25 percent of our incoming class), and 21 students placed into three remedial classes.

In my estimation, there are probably a few factors that play into this. One – that I’ll offer as an excuse for our system – is that as the job market has evolved, and more and more people are expected to have a bachelor’s degree.

A college education used to be enough to move people into the upper-ranks of their jobs; now you have to have one to be hired. In that regard, high schools may not have adjusted to the necessity to prepare all students for college rather than the best and brightest. However, instead of forcing unprepared students to attend junior colleges or other institutions to give them the basics that they are missing, universities are allowing them to enter without proper qualifications.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand that sometimes we all need a refresher. If you haven’t been a student for some time, it may take a remedial class to kick-start your brain back into gear. But

What I know is that any of the candidates can end up in the Oval Office, and problems are not just going to disappear. While it is important to vote, one new Democrat or Republican is not a cure-all for the problems we currently have, especially in the Middle East.

I think rather than depending on elected leaders to take care everything, people can embrace more of a leadership role in everyday life.

Be leaders in your relationships with family and the global community by practicing honesty and using wisdom to decipher how to respond to others’ actions.

Lead in the professional world of business and academics by displaying work ethic and sticking to a code of morals and ethics that you hold dear.

Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy life before it passes you by. That sentiment is so important that Olmsted, a man facing his own death, felt it important enough to say.

“I’m dead, but if you’re reading this, you’re not, so take a moment to enjoy that happy fact.”

To read this post in full and more of Olmsted’s writings, visit www.obsidianwings.blogs.com/ obsidian_wings/2008/01/ andy-olmsted.html.

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

students coming from high school that cannot read or write at a basic college level should not be admitted to a university.

I know that not everyone agrees with me, but I firmly believe that the value of my education is diminished when I know that someone who cannot master the most foundational educational concepts is attending classes with me and earning college credit. How is that fair? When did it become the responsibility of “higher education” to teach basic reading, writing and math? What does this mean for our nation on a global level?

I don’t mean to sound elitist. I believe strongly that everyone should have the same opportunity to an education, but that doesn’t mean that everyone belongs at a university, particularly right out of high school. We have come to see college as a right rather than a privilege that we earn through hard work and study and have thus lowered our standards to the point that no matter who you are, or what you know, you can pay your tuition and take class at a university ... you may even be able to squeak by and get a degree.

I see the dilemma that this situation presents universities, especially those like Wesleyan that focus on giving students every opportunity to succeed and every chance to start over, but what value does my degree, that I bled, sweat and cried for, have when I’m taking classes with students who haven’t mastered high school subjects?

It’s a sad state of affairs when all over the nation students—even from the best high schools—cannot test into freshman level classes, and yet they are admitted to universities and colleges. The fact is that it is not just Wesleyan, or Texas, and the next presidential administration is going to have a hard time finding a solution to this problem that makes a mockery of our education and our system a joke on the world market. I don’t have a solution for the problem, but I’m concerned about our school and our nation, and I pray that these commissions find some way to begin fixing the problem.

Because, despite the American belief that more is better, no matter what the numbers say, six R’s are not more than three.

Colleen Burnie is a senior writing major and is the entertainment editor for The Rambler.

Homecoming essential to Wesleyan Dear Editor, In response to The Rambler’s article regarding Homecoming lameness at Texas Wesleyan (Feb. 20)… Our staff members put a great deal of time into planning fun and educational events for the campus. We would like to present our side of the story regarding Homecoming 2008.

In the article that was published, it was suggested that we might have had a pep rally to get students excited about the game. We had a pep rally that was welcomed by our students, and the teams were very appreciative of the support shown to our two basketball teams.

As to the suggestion that colleges don’t even have homecoming, after some brief research, it was confirmed that several other well known colleges have a homecoming king and queen crowned annually at football, basketball and even soccer games! We would also like to add that more students LETTER TO THE EDITOR participated in the activities and voting this year then ever before.

There was also a comment made regarding the Spirit Paddles that were decorated by our Greek organizations. Although Mr. Poling seems to scoff at the idea, there was an 80 percent participation in the spirit paddle contest, and this event received a great response from the Greek organizations.

In summary, homecoming does mean something to a great deal of people: the 150 students who attended the pep rally, spirit paddle participants and the homecoming court. As previously mentioned, homecoming is a long standing tradition that was and is an essential part of Wesleyan.

Homecoming represents one of the few annual traditions we have at Wesleyan.

– The staff of the office of Student Life Editor's Note: The "Homecoming lameness…" article referred to pep rallies in high schools, where all students share a standard schedule and have a "last period of the day."

The article expresses an opinion about college homecomings across the board, not just at Texas Wesleyan.

The article was one person's opinion, as is appropriate for the opinions pages, which are intended as forums for…opinions. That is why we are happy now to include yours and welcome all letters to the editor.

Rambler Ratings

The Rambler Founded in 1917 as The Handout Harold G. Jeffcoat, Publisher Kelli Lamers, adviser Tiara Nugent, managing/college life editor Colleen Burnie, entertainment editor

March 5, 2008 3

Fallen soldier leaves his legacy and lessons online

Unpreparedness threatens quality education

“Entertainment.”

Chalyse Dishmon Freshman Computer Science Major

Nathan Gagnon Sophomore Bilingual Education Major

“What is your favorite part of The Rambler?”

Krystal Martinez Senior Education Major

Aidee Lomeli Sophomore International Business Major

The Rambler

Shawn R Poling, editor-in-chief Bryce Wilks, sports editor Skyla Claxton, advertising manager

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 donated blood during the blood drive on Feb. 29 and to Zeta Phi Beta for sponsoring it.

Thumbs down to the broken intercom system at the Village gate.

Thumbs down to the Wesleyan Web site’s campus calendar for not being updated as an universal source of information.

Thumbs up to friendly service in the SUB. Students appreciate staff’s happy greetings.

College Life

4 March 5, 2008

The Rambler

Activity for spring break can be found right at home TIARA NUGENT MANAGING EDITOR

Most students dream of embarking on an exhilarating, relaxing adventure to a wild, tropical destination or a cool mountainous region during the five days each mid-March free from class demands. Nevertheless, as spring break approaches, many idealizing students find themselves strapped down to “home” by the demands of work or by monetary constraints. Shadowed by these impediments, you are now stuck staying in the area over spring break. Don’t despair quite yet, your break doesn’t have to be all bad. Consider the following obscure venues to pull your break out of the gloom and brighten up evenings, random off day(s) or weekends sandwiching spring break week:

**Butterflies in the Garden. For the month of March, the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens will be filled with the sounds of thousands of tropical butterflies from around the world flittering and fluttering around the conservatory. Beginning at 10 a.m. every morning, tickets are sold for timed entrance every 30 minutes, with the last ticket sold at 4 p.m.

Tickets run $10 a person. To purchase tickets online, visit www.centralticketoffice.com. **Out of the Loop Festival. The WaterTower Theatre presents a 10-day celebration of theatre, dance, music and art March 8-16, featuring not only the talents of the WaterTower Theater, but also other art organizations from the local area and region.

Performances will be held at the Addison Theatre Centre, which contains three performance venues: the Festival Main Stage, the Studio Theatre and the Stone Cottage. **Volunteer. Make yourself feel good by lending a helping hand to others. Numerous service organizations – including the Tarrant County Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and the Ronald McDonald House – are always looking to enlist cheerful assistance.

**Texas Brahmas Game. In their first season playing as the Texas Brahmas, this local minor league team is scheduled for matches on the evenings of March 8, 11 and 16 at the NYTEX Sports Center in North Richland Hills. For additional details, go to www.brahmas.com. **Brazos Drive-In Theater. Located just past the heart of the Granbury old town square, the Brazos Drive-In offers movie lovers an old-fashioned mode of amusement every Saturday and Sunday night, weather permitting. Pile up your vehicle, because you pay by the carload, not by the person (limit six per vehicle). Hand over 18 bucks at the gate, and you’re in for both of the night’s films. Showing schedules are posted early in the week on www.thebrazos.com. **Best of Texas Comedy Night. An evening of free laughs is hosted by Hyenas in downtown Fort Worth at 8 o’clock March 13. The comedy club is located on Main Courtesy of Google Images Street between Fifth and Sixth streets.

So there are a couple of ideas to, if nothing else, get your brain cranking out ideas to salvage a “stay-at-home” spring break from disappointment and drudgery. An overnight road trip could prove to be a relatively cost-effective yet enjoyable option, or perhaps there are those couple of tasks or hobbies that the madness of your school schedule normally prevents you from tackling. Wherever your inclination carries you, do not waste the bliss of a week to slow down and appreciate the little opportunities in life.

Have you caught the spark?

Online health tool inspires people without cost COLLEEN BURNIE ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

New Year’s resolutions. Most people laugh at the mention of them. If you are brave enough to say that you want to change something in the New Year, especially if it has to do with health or body image, there is some doom lurking around the start of March that says “It’s already March and you haven’t done anything.”

Everyone is different, and therefore diet strategies have to be as well. If the ones you’ve tried haven’t worked out, you may want to try one of the new tools available: SparkPeople.com The founder of Spark people Chris “SparkGuy” Downie wanted to do something to help people, to spark them to action for their own health. The creator of an online auction site that was bought out by eBay, Downie decided to put his millions into building a site that combines everything from health updates, to meal plans to fitness demos and recipes. His online conglomerate of tools is open to anyone and the best part is that it’s free.

When users register for the site, they create a page much like a MySpace page with your pictures, goals and personal style. Users can then find teams that fit their interests or age groups like “20 somethings who have less than 10 pounds to lose” or “Women who love the NFL.” These teams are established to help support one another and are designed to bring members together with people who will help them reach their goals, but are not necessary.

The site’s tool page gives you options to view the week’s meal plans. Don’t want to eat what they suggest?

Enter your own foods and keep track of your calories and nutrition on the site.

The Fitness Tracker allows users to enter anytime spent at the gym or doing some serious house cleaning. There are also suggested work-outs that you can do from home and video demos to show you how.

Need an incentive to stay with it? SparkPeople gives

points for doing things on the site: five for drinking eight glasses of water a day, 10 for tracking your food, 9 for reading articles on motivation, wellness, fitness or nutrition that were written by personal trainers, fitness experts and nutritionists. These points can be used to buy “goodies” on your page or for a friend who is working on a goal as well.

“There are sites that do weight loss like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig, then there might be sites that do goal setting and motivation,” said Downie. “But there is nothing that has really smashed those two together.

That’s one of our big differentiators.”

Along with weight loss, the site also encourages healthy living with the proper servings of fruits and veggies, drinking enough water and getting enough exercise.

Member of SparkPeople have posted positive feedback to Downie.

“All I can say is WOW. What a wonderful thing you are doing for all of us out here who have tried everything and spent thousands of dollars on stuff that doesn’t work. I am so pumped to do my workouts and stick to the meal plan. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The free site is open to anyone at www.sparkpeople.com.

Give me your blood

Photo by Kevin Keathley

Photo by Kevin Keathley

Alycia Nabors, a sophomore biology major, partakes in the blood drive on Feb. 29. The drive was sponsored by Zeta Phi Beta.

Chill-laxin

Senior English major Teaira Little and Amber Wade, a junior liberal arts major, seized the opportunity to kick back and enjoy a Student Life sponsored paraffin wax hand bath along with a back and foot massage Feb. 28.

Sports

The Rambler

Leveling the field

Quick Quotes "I learned that the only way you are going to get anywhere in life is to work hard at it. Whether you're a musician, a writer, an athlete or a businessman, there is no getting around it. If you do, you'll win--if you don't, you won't.”

When talent alone isn’t enough, athletes that are willing to get physical change the game

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

Upcoming Events

6 p.m. Baseball @ LSUShreveport

Photo courtesy of athletic office

When its time to clean up rebounds in the paint, the men’s basketball team depends on 6 foot 10 inch post player Dane Dmitrovic. Dmitrovic has averaged 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and an unknown amount of thrown elbows.

March 6 TBA Women’s Basketball @ RRAC Tournament TBA Men’s Basketball @ RRAC Tournament March 7 TBA Softball @ Oklahoma State University Tournament *1 p.m. Baseball vs.

Wiley College *3 p.m. Baseball vs.

Wiley College March 8 *1 p.m. Baseball @ Southwestern University *3 p.m. Baseball @ Southwestern University *denotes home game

Photo courtesy of google images

Dallas Stars left winger Brad Winchester may not impress with his speed and grace on the ice, but that’s not his job. If anyone cheap shots a prominent scorer, you can be sure they will have to answer to Winchester, or another member of the “goon squad.”

Sports Briefs Lady Rams earn split with Northwood March 2 The softball team improved to 4-2 in conference play after splitting a doubleheader with rival Northwood University. Lindsey Molinar went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and Ariel Raley added two hits and two RBI. Wildcats upset Rams March 1 The No. 17 ranked men’s basketball team suffered a 73-65 loss at the hands of Wiley College. Fred Eshon led all scorers with 24 points. Hector Mukweyi finished with 18, and Kennith Gober added 11.

Wildcats march past Lady Rams March 1 The women’s basketball team suffered a 78-48 defeat at the hands of conference leader Wiley College. Kim Gatlin led the Lady Rams with 11 points.

Lady Rams leap past Steers Feb. 29 The softball team improved to 3-1 in Red River Athletic Conference play by sweeping a doubleheader from Texas College. The Rams took game one 8-5 before running away with a 14-0 decision in game-two.

Pitchers Ashley Oldham and Ashley Tarrant each claimed wins on the day.

defined. Sometimes an infraction occurs, and the playing field needs to be leveled.

SPORTS EDITOR Under the NAIA’s “Champions of Sometimes it takes more than talent to Character” policy, no one can behave like a make a difference in athletic competition. hockey goon or head-hunting pitcher, but Many sports reserve roster spots for players there are several athletes at Wesleyan who who can impact contests with intimidation are recognized by their teammates as hardand a physical style of play that sends mes- nosed and aggressive; the type that any coach or player is happy to have on their sages to the other team.

In hockey, there is a set of unwritten side.

Sophomore forward Dane Dmitrovic rules that are upheld by players called enforcers. Such players regulate the ice with fills an important role on the men’s basketa physical style of play, and hockey fanatics ball team.

At 6 feet 10 inches, Dmitrovic towers lovingly refer to them as “goons.” Fans can usually spot them reporting to the penalty above most opponents and has averaged a double-double in conference play this seabox for penalties or following a brawl. son, racking up 11.5 Hockey is a game of and 10.6 speed and agility, and “We like to have that presence points on the ice.

We like the toughness, rebounds per game. goons usually don’t pos“Dane is a smart sess the skills to be consid- we like the edge, we like the ered elite. Instead, they energy it gives the whole team.” and aggressive player for us. He makes sure to earn their keep with a persona of intimidation. In – Dave Tippett keep the other team’s Dallas Stars Head Coach post players in check,” layman’s terms, they keep senior guard Fred the peace. Well, that is if Eshon said. there is such a thing as Brittany Turner, like Dmitrovic, patrols peace in hockey.

According to a 2007 article in the Dallas the post for the women’s squad. Turner’s Morning News, some experts refer to Dallas play has netted her some award recognition Stars left wing Brad Winchester as a key this season.

After dropping a Tim Duncan-like line member of the fourth line … or goon squad.

Winchester checks in at 6 feet 5 inches, of 22 points and 16 rebounds against SAGU, 230 pounds, and takes on the responsibility Turner was named player of the week.

On a few occasions during soccer seaof looking out for more glamorous scorers son, athletes on both the men’s and women’s like Stu Barnes and Mike Modano.

Stars head coach Dave Tippett praised side also took on the burden of watching out the goon squad, saying, “We like to have that for the safety of fellow players.

“If someone on the other side is playing presence on the ice. We like the toughness, we like the edge, we like the energy it gives dirty, we let Coach [Josh] Gibbs know, but there is only so much he can do,” junior Jeff the whole team.”

There are definitely guidelines to follow Mullin said. “Usually, if things get out of in hockey, but nothing compares to the set of hand one of our bigger guys like Ekene (Onuoha) will make his presence known.” imaginary laws in baseball.

Senior Andrea “Slim” Almond used her The poor soul that commits an unforgivable act, such as bunting to break up a no hit- quickness to make a difference on the field ter late in the game, can expect some sweet for the team last season as well.

“Slim is fast enough and tough enough chin music (a 90 mile-per-hour fastball aimed roughly at the inner ear drum) to come to cover girls who are out of control on the other team. Coach Gibbs will put her in to whistling their way soon.

Sometimes, all it takes is a hitter crowd- wear them out,” senior Stefanie Blowers ing the plate to warrant a buzzing pitch up- said.

The next time you watch any sport, and-in, and a batter that admires a home run is subject to a brushback pitch from someone chances are there will be a star player attracting most of the attention. Just don’t forget to like New York Mets ace Pedro Martinez.

In any sport with history, the rules of the pay attention to the gritty players paving the game, written and unwritten, are clearly way and keeping things interesting.

BRYCE WILKS

- Bruce Jenner Olympic Gold Medalist

March 5 4 p.m. Baseball @ LSUShreveport

March 5, 2008 5

A household divided Ben Caldwell is a Wesleyan pitcher and Texas Longhorn superfan who is constantly defending his team to family and friends tenure.

By living with a fan of the opposition, Ben Caldwell enjoys the friendly yet intense competiFor many of us, sports represent the outlet that tion with his mother when cheering on their takes us out of our everyday lives. In sports, respective teams. But he never doubts who's best. whether watching or participating, we are able to "Texas gets things done in regulation," he passionately follow our favorite colors - through said, and they are the far superior team. The difthick and thin - in hopes of ultiferences in loyalties were evident when sitting mately seeing our team win a chamdown with the mother-son duo, even as they sat on pionship. There are fans, and then different sides of the room. there are the true fans that zealousWhen it comes to sports, there's no playing ly follow one particular team to the around under the Caldwell roof. You ardently root end. for your team with pride. Both Ben and Ann agree Texas Wesleyan junior Ben that the best part about their in-house rivalry is Caldwell avidly follows the "the phone call afterwards."

Longhorns of the University of Even though their Longhorn/Volunteer rivalry Texas at Austin. He symbolizes the is heated, they can agree on one thing: "no to true meaning of a super fan when it USC." Both Ben and Ann agree comes to his Longhorns. As a folthat no matter how devoted they lower of all of UT's sports, are to their own teams, they can Caldwell is loyal to the burnt cheer for the other person's when Photo courtesy of google images orange and says he will be for life. facing the University of Southern Ben Caldwell and his mom are Caldwell recollects that he California. always debating who is the “real” began cheering on UT when he was UT, Texas or Tennessee. To win such Ben Caldwell is a symbol of 7 years old. He said he "hopped on a debate, Caldwell just shows off his sports fanaticism when it comes to the winning side" and never looked UT sports. And being the tremen13-0 Longhorn T-shirt he bought back. Although he admitted that his after the team’s 2005 Rose Bowl vicdous fan that he is, when asked loyalty began by jumping onto the who he would cheer on even if tory. The Volunteers are currently ranked No. 1 in basketball, but Longhorn bandwagon, Caldwell Texas Wesleyan had a football has since become dedicated and haven’t enjoyed the feeling of a footteam, he admitted that he would ball championship since their victodevoted to his team. unquestionably follow the ry in the 1999 Fiesta Bowl.

Photo by Martin Garcia The most influential figure to Longhorns. When it comes to Caldwell in Longhorn sports was and continues to in the Southeastern sports at the University of Texas, be Major Applewhite, former UT quarterback Conference. Originally from Kentucky, Ann Caldwell is as loyal a fan as they come, even if from1998-2001. To him, Applewhite was "the Caldwell grew up rooting for the Wildcats, anoth- "Mac Brown benched Applewhite for Sims," a best player and the best leader on the field" during er SEC team, but she quickly became a follower move that still hurts him to this day. his time. Caldwell said he learned a lot from UT's of the Tennessee Volunteers during her college Such is the life of a super fan.

MARTIN GARCIA STAFF WRITER

former gunslinger, and he respected and admired his work ethic and demeanor on the field.

Even though Caldwell has no familiar ties to the program, his passion for the program is relentless. This couldn't be more evident at the Caldwell household.

His mother, Ann, a graduate of the University of Tenne s s e e ("the real U T , " according to her), is a super fan herself for her team

Entertainment

6 March 5, 2008

The Rambler

The French do it right Double the talent A

s a full-time student and employee, I only get one day off a week: Sunday. It is my day of rest and relaxation, my chance to catch up on life and enjoy the company of friends and family that I have been too busy during the week to speak to. It might sound cliché, but I really just want to enjoy my brunch with the Sunday paper or issue of TIME and chat with my friends over a meal. I’ve been searching for a restaurant that will serve that need, and I found it in La Madeleine.

When you arrive in the foyer of La Madeleine downtown, the smell of fresh bread and pastries greet you as you stand in a cafeteria-style line and COLLEEN wait for someone to take down your order. This bustling entrance might BURNIE seem a little rushed, a little informal, but, believe me, if you wait it out, your trouble will be well worth it.

Unlike other local brunch restaurants like Old South Pancake House or Yogi’s Bagels, La Madeleine invites you into a calm country kitchen where you feel free to eat, drink and chat. I especially like the sheltered patio at the Sundance Square location that allows you to enjoy the day with your meal. The coffee is served in both the American and French styles and refills are free along with varieties of bread and jam.

The last time I went, I ordered the French County Breakfast. Four pieces of bacon are served with scrambled eggs, two slices of tomato, a potato galette and one of the best freshbaked croissants you’ve ever tasted. (Subtract the potato galette and you have the American breakfast.) The French meal runs about $7 and features just the right portions.

One of my friends ordered the cinnamon French toast – a croissant dough with raisins encased in caramelized cinnamon sugar, topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream and your choice of syrup. If you think it sounds like heaven, you’re right, and all for only $7.57 with tax.

If you’re looking for more traditional French cuisine, the Crêpe Romanoff combines the traditional French pancake with the burgundy crème sauce for a light and fresh breakfast choice.

Breakfast is served all day, but I understand that eating breakfast at 1 p.m. is not everyone’s first choice, so I sampled some of the lunch fair to make sure that the other menu items stand up to the wonderful breakfast choices.

The Chicken Salade Croissant, a chicken salad served on one of the amazing croissants with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes. It was one of the best chicken salad sandwiches that I have had, the price wasn’t too bad at $7.57, and I substituted the chips for some fresh fruit for a small upcharge. My friend ordered the traditional French Dip, roast beef on Parisien baguette with provolone and horseradish sauce, served au Jus. The sandwich was certainly up to par.

There’s also a case full of pastries and desserts and a menu of other soups, salads, quiches, gourmet pizzas and entrees that lean more toward dinner fare.

The atmosphere, wonderfully prepared food and fresh ingredients make La Madeleine one of my favorite places to eat out. The prices aren’t as low as fast-food, but the options for freshness, and the quality of food that is presented makes forking over the few extra dollars worth it. Go and enjoy the French cuisine on a beautiful afternoon with a good friend, and you may just get as hooked as I am.

La Madeleine is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Sundance Square restaurant is located at 305 Main St. Other locations can be found on Camp Bowie and in Arlington and Grapevine. For specific locations, hours and menu, visit www.lamadeleine.com.

Collen Burnie is a senior writing major and is the entertainment editor for The Rambler.

Lori Dunn and Jessica Koebbe perform March 25 at the Barr Invitational Dual Piano Recital in Martin Hall. This is the third annual Bar Invitation concert that will be played on the two donated Baldwin pianos. Both performers are staff pianists for the Wesleyan music department. The show starts at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Starbucks enters the wireless age Coffee houses to offer free WiFi access AMANDA SAKUMA UWIRE/WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS For those who can’t get through the day without their double tall nonfat vanilla latte, there is now another reason to stop at Starbucks on the way to class.

Starting this spring, roughly 7,000 Starbucks locations will offer free WiFi for customers.

“This is what our customers have been waiting for: free, Starbucks-quality WiFi,” said Starbucks chief technology officer Chris Bruzzo in a press release early this month, when the coffee company announced its new deal with wireless provider AT&T. Former Starbucks employee and freshman Emily Nash said she’s excited that the coffee megahouse will offer free public Internet access.

“I feel like it’s about time,” she said.

WiFi has never been free for customers. In the past, Starbucks offered Internet access through T-Mobile “hot spots,” charging people either per hour or through a day pass.

“Once I realized I had to pay $10 for a day’s worth of Internet access, I made sure that I spent as much time as possible in Starbucks to use it all up,” Nash said.

Seven thousand Starbucks locations will have the free WiFi program, but the list of specific stores has yet to be announced.

There are conditions for the free Internet service. Even at one of the 7,000 stores, only registered and active Starbucks card-holders can take part in the program, and the free Wi-Fi only lasts for a two-hour block of time. T-Mobile subscribers will still be able to access the hot spots free of any additional charge.

Check with your local Starbucks for WiFi dates.

* About 175 Starbucks locations in North Texas will have the new service. * AT&T customers will receive unlimited free WiFi access. * Paid access will remain availible to customers outside of AT&T services at $4 for two hours or $20 a month. * Subscribers to T-Mobile will still have access to AT&T’s network.

Photo courtesy of google images

* Changes are scheduled to take place this spring.

La Madeleine offers traditional French cuisine for reasonable prices in a warm and welcoming bistro enviornment.

A

Wednesday

L OOK

On Campus:

5

Off Campus: * Johnny Case: Sardine's Ristorante Italiano, 7 p.m.

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

Off Campus:

12

* Dallas Mavs vs. Charlotte Bobcats: AAC, 7:30 p.m. * BCA Nine Ball Tournament: Coconuts, 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. * Karaoke: Pour House, 9 p.m.

On Campus:

6

Friday On Campus

*Baptist Student Ministry: Sid *The Rambler staff meeting: Stella Russell Hall lobby, Richardson Building, noon, 12:15 p.m. free lunch served

AHEAD Wesmesday

Thursday

Thursday Off Campus:

13

* Best of Texas Comedy Night: Hyenas Downtown, 8 p.m. * Blues/RockAcoustic Night: Stockyard Saloon, 8 p.m.

7

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

*Methodist Student Movement Off Campus: meeting: Poly UMC, noon, free lunch served * Sara Hickman: Fifth Street Coffeehouse at FUMC, 7 p.m.

Friday Off Campus:

14

Saturday On Campus:

15

* Dallas Mavs vs. Indiana Pacers: AAC, 7:30 p.m.

* Broadway Boot Camp: Law Sone building, all day.

* Movie Releases: Doomsday, Horton Hears a Who, Never Back Down

Off Campus: * Spanish Conversation Club: Fort Worth Central Library, 11 a.m. Free. * Rahr & Sons Brewery - Free Tour and Tasting: Rahr & Sons Brewery, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday On Campus:

8

Sunday Off Campus:

9

Monday On Campus:

10

* Broadway Boot Camp: Law * Butterflies in the Garden: Fort Worth Botanic Garden Sone building, all day.

Conservatory, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily thru March Off Campus:

* Spring Break Starts.

* Dive In: Central Market, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Learn to shuck oysters, clean shrimp or debeard mussels.

* Dinner & A Movie: Ferre Ristorante & Bar, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Sunday Off Campus:

16

Monday Off Campus:

17

* 2008 Greater Tarrant County Auto Show: Fort Worth Convention Center, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

* Dinner & A Movie: Ferre Ristorante & Bar, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

* Panther City Poetry: Panther City Coffee Co., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

* Open Mic Sponsored by the Fort Worth Songwriters Association: The Rig Steak House, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

On Campus:

18

* Easter Egg Hunt: University Mall, 6 p.m. * Goostree Symposium: Martin Hall, 12:15 p.m.

Luncheon to follow.

Off Campus: * DVD Relases: Enchanted, & I Am Legend,

On Campus

11

* Spring Break.

Off Campus:

Tuesday

Tuesday

* DVD releases: Atonement,No Country for Old Men, Hit Man, & Dan in Real Life

Wednesday On Campus:

19

* Tomorrow Begins Easter Break.