November 12, 2008 Vol. 101, No. 10Fort Worth, Texas

The RamblerThe students’ voice since 1917

T E X A S W E S L E Y A N U N I V E R S I T Y

NEWS BRIEFS

West Library Sale

Guardians of the Shears

OpinionsThe election is over. The people are inplace. What now? Page 3

Scholastic Books are half-price during a sale in theOrientation Room on thefirst floor of the library.All books, games, postersand trinkets are half offthe list price, so considershopping for young onesyou know. The sale isopen 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov.17 through Nov. 20 and 8a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 21.

Congratulations to thenewly-elected Guardians.Founded in 1938, GoldenShears is one ofWesleyan’s oldest tradi-tions recognizing studentsfor their academic andextracurricular leadership.New Members:Elizabeth FleagleKent HalliburtonBritni HollarAmber RayhornClaudia Rojero

W E M S

The Wesleyan communityhas enhanced its automat-ed communication tech-nology with the launch ofWesleyan EmergencyManagement System.Access to the system isavailable at the historiccampus, the law campus,and in Burleson. In case ofan emergency, time sensi-tive information can nowreach students, facultyand staff in a safe andsecure manner. WEMSasks that everyone loginto the database to pro-vide their contact infor-mation. Once registered,information can be sentdirectly to your phone.

Flag Football

Didn’t get to enter a seven-on-seven flag footballteam? Contact AssistantDean of Students AaronWhaley to enlist your teamfor the upcoming four-on-four league. Games will bestarting soon. Game timesand scheduling to beannounced. Contactawhaley@txwes.edu or(817) 531-4871.

The newly-crowned champions of the RRAC defeated rival NorthwoodUniversity to earn their spot in the NAIA national tournament, which will beheld Nov. 22. The opponent and location are yet to be determined. Page 5

Theatre Wesleyan anddirector Connie Whitt-Lambert present this clas-sic Roman comedy of mis-taken identity. Showtimesare at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13-15 and Nov. 20-22. in theThad SmothermanTheatre. There will also bea 2 p.m. performance onNov. 23.

The Menaechmus Twins

College LifeGST class produces a documentary to be shown at2009 orientation after conducting an eggs-periment. Page 4

As the arid summer drew to a close and thecollegiate portals swung open, 206 freshmeninterspersed Texas Wesleyan’s campus.Although all were greeted with the personalizedattention and instruction Wesleyan isreputed for, intimidation was not elimi-nated. Following academic advising ses-sions, 92 of those students acceptedplacement in a pilot track of Wesleyan’sLearning Community.

Designed to aid freshmen’s transitionfrom the narrow halls of high school tothe widespread college campus, LearningCommunities join diverse groups of stu-dents by placing three common on theirschedules. Seeing the familiar faces inmultiple classes helps put the novice col-lege students more at ease and buildfriendships.

“Learning Communities are all aboutrelationship building – both with peersand faculty – and student success,” saidDebbie Roark, director of grants and research.

The program’s debut at Wesleyan is a resultof Roark’s collaborative effort with provost

Allen Henderson to obtain a Title III grant fromthe U.S. Department of Education. Wesleyanreceived the funding in October of last year.

Learning Communities are increasing inpopularity at colleges and universities across thenation, said Roark. The societies vary in compo-sition, as some campuses build their learning

communities within specific majors while otherstake the linked courses approach by coordinat-ing course content.

At Wesleyan, each community consists of18 students enrolled in a freshman success class(also known as GST) in addition to two academ-ic classes. This fall, students had the choice ofeither English 1301 and a religion class or thecombination of Intermediate Algebra and a busi-ness course to satisfy the academic requirement.

In order to set students up for success,the three-member faculty team comparedtheir syllabi prior to the start of the semes-ter to avoid exams and major projectsbeing due on the same day.

In addition, faculty also avoidedscheduling the 8 a.m. class slots when pos-sible.

With the help of strategic course tim-ings and particulars, Joe Brown, directorof freshman studies, hopes to create abonded freshman community that will, inturn, enhance students’ grades.

Another goal of instilling LearningCommunities involves strengthening therate of freshman retention, said Roark.The office of institutional research report-ed freshman retention was 63 percent this

fall, as compared to the 70 percent small, privateuniversities typically land.

TIARA NUGENTEDITOR IN CHIEF

See Learning, page 2

Common links, common goals and common senseLearning Communities bond freshmen with each other, faculty and university

Ever felt like the university bookstore could use an upgrade, maybesome more space and more material? Well it seems you’ve got your wish.

Texas Wesleyan’s bookstore is scheduled to open in its new location at3008 East Rosedale in February.

The new location is currently owned by Townside and was once hometo Mods 5 & 10 store. It is part of an old strip center across the street fromcampus that is being redeveloped through a partnership between Wesleyanand the city of Fort Worth.

The new location is designed with high ceilings, windows and 3,500square feet of space, almost double the size of the current location in the SidRichardson Building.

The increased space will allow for more displays loaded with moremerchandise.

“Moving the university’s bookstore will anchor change in the area,”said Steve Roberts, associate vice president for human resources atWesleyan. “It will open the area up for more active retail essentially bene-fiting the area.”

Students like Christina Rueda, a junior mass communication major,look forward to the change.

“I think the bookstore moving is a good idea,” said Rueda. “Most uni-versity bookstores have a wider selection, and we should too.”

The use of the bookstore’s current location is undecided at this time,administrators said.

Moving on up to the south sideWesleyan bookstore set to move location next semester

ALYSSUM POWERSTAFF WRITER

Wesleyan is working hard at one of its main goals: getting freshmen tostay in school. Over the course of the fall 2008 semester, the universityincreased publicity of and expanded its still young Early WarningIntervention Program.

“Studies say that within the first three weeks of school students decidewhether to come back [the next semester],” said Dr. Kathy Prater, directorof freshman advising. “We have to reach them early.”

Around the third week of the semester, every faculty member on cam-pus received an early warning form via e-mail. Prater encouraged the fac-ulty to complete the form for any student displaying “at-risk behaviors.”

Several typical behaviors of a struggling student were identified on theform, including being habitually late to class, excessive absences, sleepingin class and failure to complete homework. Students appearing preoccu-pied, overwhelmed or anxious also arouse alarm.

A letter explaining the program and its goals accompanied the form.Prater reminded that faculty is the first line of defense for students at riskof dropping out of college.

“When I first started in freshmen advising we had a freshman reten-tion rate of around 50 percent,” said Prater.

This fall, the freshman retention rate hovered at 63 percent.

Early warning:TIARA NUGENT

EDITOR IN CHIEF

See Warning, page 2

Photo by Gasten Schoonover

Photo by Gasten Schoonover

Lady Rams atop the RRAC

Courtesy of Jose Valdez

The element of freshman retention

The new bookstore will move into a bigger location, allowing a more comfortablepurchase. Follet will soon have 3,500 square feet of space to hold their inventory.

Programs such as Learning Communites and freshman advisinghelp those new to college adjust.

November 12, 2008 The Rambler 2 NewsLearning Communities are one of several initiatives

the university is offering to freshman to continue, and ulti-mately finish, their collegiate education at Wesleyan.

Although it is too soon to determine whetherLearning Communities will help the university realize itslong-term goal of increased retention, the current measureof success is being researched.

Dr. Carol Gerendas Johnson, visiting assistant profes-sor of English, created a blog for the English classes in theLearning Communities. The site provides an avenue forstudents to give anonymous feedback.

“Being in a learning community has really helped,”an unidentified student wrote. “It [gives] us other studentswho are going through the same problems and questions.It gives us someone to talk to and to study with … Beinga college freshman is tough, but being in a learning com-munity helps with the transition.”

In their commentary, many students offered thought-ful pointers for the program itself and submitted advice tocurrent and potential Learning Community members.

“I have noticed that once we get into class we go tofamiliar people and we don’t branch out [to] roommates,teammates, etc.” agreed Bella, another one of Johnson’sbloggers. “I think to actually gain from this learning com-munity you have to split up the ‘cliques’ and develop rela-tionships with more of the class other than your securityblanket.”

With thepilot semesters u c c e s s f u l l ywinding down,plans arealready spinningfor the future.Faculty teamshope to augmentthe points of success, eliminate kinks and expand thecommunities to include 150 freshmen.

“Next semester will bring new course pairings (soci-ology and English, psychology and English, religion andfine arts), and we have a great team of professors partici-pating,” said Dr. Stacia Neeley, a GST professor within aLearning Community.

In the near future, Neeley said she hopes to see theprogram use more technology, such as blogs or e-portfo-lios, and arrange featured events or field trips outside ofclass to further enhance community learning and to buildstudent confidence.

As it stands now, the program is already well on itsway to producing poised students determined to reachacademic goals.

“It makes me feel more secure that I have a wholeclass that is in the same position as me with my assign-ments in more than one of my classes,” attested anotherblogger. “I am just really glad we have LearningCommunities here at Texas Wesleyan.”

Courtesy of Anne Smith

A new wave of investigative journalism:Focusing on the law and ethical principle

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Dan Malone paid avisit to Wesleyan to educate mass communication studentsin the lecture hall of McFadden Science Building Nov. 5.

Topics of Malone’s lecture ranged from the purpose ofcurrent newspapers, to the hope he holdsfor the next generation of college journal-ists.

“No other media outlet possesses theresources and power of the daily newspa-per,” Malone said. “It is my hope thatpapers will overcome current obstaclesand continue delivering news to the pub-lic.”

Such obstacles have been imposed byInternet sources, whether credible or not,that have made news attainable at theclick of a mouse.

Circulation for daily newspapers hassuffered, resulting in a lack of advertisingincome and therefore, a shortage in truereporting.

This, Malone feels, is to America’sdetriment. Malone said better in-depthreporting could help make the publicmore aware of the issues facing the coun-try.

“After 9/11, the media got too softand stopped digging into governmentmatters,” Malone said.

It’s that digging, he said, that cantruly inform the American public.

“Maybe reporters could have noticed trends that haveled us to our current financial crisis and made the publicmore aware,” he said.

Malone is heavily involved with the “Light of DayProject” and Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas,which both help student journalists use laws to obtain pub-lic records.

Aside from currently teaching at Tarleton StateUniversity, Malone is a writer for the Fort Worth Weekly. Heis one of two Pulitzer winners on staff for the publication,which is circulated for free on campus and around the city.

He enjoys the freedom that an alter-native weekly newspaper creates for himand other staff members.

“The Weekly can report news thatdaily newspapers can’t because they areafraid of lawsuits,” Malone said. “We canalways support our news with sources andare a very credible publication.”

With experience studying andreporting about law issues, Malone brieflyspoke about the Jeanne Clery Act, whichrequires universities to disclose informa-tion about crime on and near their respec-tive campuses.

He encourages students in colle-giate journalism programs to make surelaws like the Clery Act are followed oncampus.

According to the Association ofAlternative Newsweeklies, Malone wonhis Pulitzer in 1992 with partner LorraineAdams while working for the DallasMorning News. The pair published aseries that reported widespread abuses ofpower by Texas law enforcement agen-cies.

Malone lives with his wife on a ranch near Stephenville,and said he continues to practice ethical investigative jour-nalism and hopes to inspire students to do the same.

BRYCE WILKS

SPORTS EDITOR

“Learning Communities areall about relationship building –both with peers and faculty – andstudent success.”

– Debbie RoarkDirector of Grants and Research

In what started as a survey ondeath row put out by the DallasMorning News, Malone translatesthe findings in America’sCondemned, co-authored byHoward Swindle.

Learning, from page 1

Attribution of this significant increase over just five years goes to programs like the specialized freshman academicadvising, GST classes and Early Warning Intervention.

When the freshman advising team receives an early warning form, assistant director of advising Ashley Milligan givesthe student a phone call to ask how the semester is going. The student is also reminded of the support services available inthe ARC.

If several early warning forms come in for the same student, the advising team will contact them more frequently. “It’s about getting a connection,” said Prater. “It’s letting them know there’s someone there who cares and can let them

know where on campus they can get the help they need.”During the last spring semester, forms were submitted for 59 at-risk students, according to Milligan. Around the time of

midterm exams, the advising team had received forms for 128 students.Prater attributes this growth in numbers to increased faculty participation in the program.Early Warning Intervention began five years ago under the direction of Prater. Originally designed to save academical-

ly floundering freshmen, Early Warning broadened to include struggling upperclassmen.Forms for these upperclassmen are forwarded to the student’s academic adviser.

Warning, from page 1

Teams recently competed at the Texas Independent CollegeFund Ethics Match at the Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth.Much to the pleasure of team coaches and sponsors, the teamrepresented Wesleyan well by winning more than 50 percentof their matches. Dr. McManus will also be taking theWesleyan Ethics team to compete in the Intercollegiate EthicsBown hosted by St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.

Blue Team: Coach Jan Fersing, Rosemary Smith, Melinda Smith, Dr. Ron McManus, Olivia Hibscher and Justin Payne

Gold Team: Chase Payne, Gary Minor, Michael Smith and sponsor Dr. John Shampton

Texas Wesleyan Business Ethics

An event of historical pro-portions has come upon

us—one that we probablywon’t be able to grasp themagnitude of for some time.The selection of the 44thpresident of the United Statesof America has truly shownwhere the country has gonein the past half century.

The last time theDemocratic Party had such a

likeable and charismatic fellow in office waswhen John F. Kennedy occupied the Oval Office.At that time, President-elect Barack Obamawould have had to sit on a different side of thebus or drink from another fountain. Now Obamawill occupy the same seat, and that speaks vol-umes of the maturity and development ofAmerican society.

Election Day is a week or two under ourbelts now, and the nation can begin to reflect onthe events that passed. The first 20-40 minutesafter the first polls closed on the East Coast, thedata looked staggeringly in favor of Sen. JohnMcCain.

Too bad for him a touchdown and a touchpoint conversion out of Kentucky’s delegatescouldn’t hold a lead over Vermont’s field goal.That was theonly time thatthere was reallyany sign of acommandinglead throughoutthe night.

Remember four years back when exit pollsheavily favored John Kerry at the beginning ofelection night; networks were ordaining himPresident Kerry for the first hour and a half,according to Fox News. However, Obama’s exit

polls showed to be a little more accurate thanKerry’s.

All of the polls said it. There was no doubtthat this man was going to shatter the voting per-centage in favor of the last Democratic winner ina presidentialelection. All of asudden PresidentCarter’s 50.1 per-cent seemed pret-ty miniscule.

Any hope forsilent voters outof the incumbentparty dimmedafter about anhour of the resultspoured through.The calm beforethe swarm cameby way ofMissouri, Ohio,Virginia and Florida. Who knows what NorthCarolina says or if they even have countingmachines.

If anyone questions the strategy, the answeris clear and couldn’t have been more evident inMcCain’s concession speech: President-electObama “achieved the will of the American vote.”

Juan Williams of FoxNews noted the astoundingincrease in black andyounger voters this year, notto mention the 40 percentincrease of new voters under

30. The powers of the minority vote create possi-

bility, and if you have never considered that con-cept, believe it. It just happened.

President-elect Obama is an engaging humanbeing that nulled any ideas of radical belief

against him. Almost a quarter million peoplewouldn’t have jam-packed Grant Park to merelywitness a speech. Even Bruce Springsteen him-self couldn’t round up that many people if hetried.

It used to bemoney that milkedpolitics until emo-tion was thrown inthe mix. LikeObama noted inhis acceptancespeech, “Thedream of ourfounders is alive.”We are a nationthat stands unitedamidst controver-sy and looks outfor her best inter-ests above all else.

To the winnerson election night, congratulations on a brilliantlyexecuted campaign. To the ones who fell short,chin up; our structure allows you to take anotherstab at it in four years.

The nation is built on an established systemthat works. There has been such a controversialdivision because of the decision that it’s frighten-ing. Belief in the system and its method is neces-sary to ensure success.

“No association means more than being anAmerican,” McCain said on Nov. 4. “We neverhide from history; we make history.”

America, history has been made, and it’stime now more than ever to unite and demon-strate an ability to persevere as one. The worldneeds it, the country needs it, and you need it.

Although the punches on my electoral ballot did notline up with the Obama/Biden ticket, I share hope

with the rest of America for changes a new administra-tion and era brings our great nation.

I do fear, however, that without reform, and not thetype that Obama has promised over the past severalmonths, thatAmericans willcontinue to floun-der in our effortsto prosper.

Political cor-rectness now rules over governmentpolicies, and each generation that isremoved from our founding fathersmoves farther and farther away fromthe principles that America was basedupon.

The founding fathers, in fact,would scoff at the liberal directionsthat amendments have pointed theirConstitution.

America was founded solely as aChristian nation, and the true versionof history shows that 52 of the 55framers of the Constitution professedto be evangelical Christians.

Take an entry from GeorgeWashington’s diary to illustrate theirfeelings. Surely the general of colonialarmed forces and our first president had a firm grasp on the national feel-ings towards spirituality.

“Let my heart, gracious God, be so affected with your glory andmajesty that I may discharge those weighty duties which thou requires ofme. Again I have called on thee for pardon and forgiveness and sins for thesacrifice that Jesus Christ offered on the cross for me. Thou gavest thy sonto die for me and has given me assurance of salvation.”

Well, that’s just one guy, right? What about those who followed him?John Adams, America’s second president spoke of his belief about thefounding of our government.

“The general principles upon which the fathers achieved independencewere the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed,and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal

as the existence and attributes of God.”What about “Give me liberty or give me death” rebel Patrick Henry?And I quote: “Being a Christian is a character which I prize far above

all else this world has or can boast.”The founding fathers even wrote in statutes about who could take

office. In Delaware’s original state constitution (ahem, Joe Biden), article22 said this: “Every per-son who shall be chosen amember of either house orappointed to any office orplace of trust shall makeand subscribe to the fol-lowing proclamation: I doprofess faith in God thefather and in Jesus Christhis holy son and in theholy ghost, one god,blessed forevermore, and Ido acknowledge the holyscriptures of the Old andNew Testament to begiven by divine inspira-tion.”

Could our vice-president elect repeat sucha vow?

The point of allthis is that Barack Obamais now in charge ofupholding the Constitution

originally written upon the fundamentals of Christianity.Those who say faith has nothing to do with government and politics are

not in touch with the history and spirit of our country.I will be supporting our new president in his endeavor to lead us

through an economic crisis, war and social meltdown.My hope is that God will bless his time in office and make this become

a great season for our nation. I have no doubt that he will lead with passionand direction. My only question: Will he lead us where He wants us to go?Hopefully, our president will have the courage and wisdom to take us notfarther away, but closer to where we came from.

OpinionsThe Rambler November 12, 2008 3

The RamblerFounded in 1917 as The Handout

Harold G. Jeffcoat, Publisher Kelli Lamers, adviser Martin Garcia, news editorTiara Nugent,editor-in-chief Bryce Wilks, sports editorRyan Authier, entertainment editor Ashely Oldham, advertising manager Gasten Schoonover, photo editor 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 Fax: 531-4878 E-mail: twurambler@yahoo.com

Rambler RatingsThumbs up to the kind securi-ty officer who gave a studenta ride to his car during a rainstorm.

Thumbs down to the risingcost of living.

Thumbs up to the women’ssoccer team for winning their conference title.

Thumbs up to those who getflu shots.

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Church and state sharesolid, permanent bond

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

We the people...

DECIDED 2008

MARTINGARCIA

Martin Garcia is a senior literature major and is newseditor for The Rambler.

Historical election product of American system

Courtesy of Google Images

Courtesy of Google Images

College Life The Rambler4 November 12, 2008

Coffee. It is truly the lifeblood of anycollege student. Whether waking up

for an 8 a.m. class, getting ready to pullan all-nighter or waking up for an 8 a.m.class after just pulling an all-nighter inwhich you also drank coffee, this magi-cal god-send has truly become a staplein our collegiate careers.

With coffee having become such astaple, I would think there would besome better choices out there. In thisday and age there is a Starbucks on

every corner, and quite frankly, I’m a little tired of it. Nowdon’t get me wrong, their frapa-ma-chinos and super-sizedmocha whach-ya-macall-its in sizeswhose names are confusing (I meanhonestly, small, medium and largewill do just fine) aren’t that bad, butthere is better out there folks. Andbesides, their regular coffee tasteslike it was brewed with a toilet.

My all time favorite coffeehouse and the absolute best coffeearound is Eurotazza, located at 6323Camp Bowie Suite 125. Their coffeeis just the bee’s knees. Local ownerKeira Moody believes that, “there isan art to espresso that we’ve lost inthe translation,” and let me tell you,her dedication to the cup reallyshines through.

My first time there, I was drink-ing a Belgium Caffé Mocha, and as Igot closer and closer to the bottomof the cup I noticed that the foamthat was draped over the coffee and was sticking to thesides of the cup. I’m not talking about a little residue either,it was a sheet of foam on all sides.

Out of curiosity, I went and talked to the owner aboutthis and asked her why it was different from other lattes Ihave had. She told me that in Europe, the way lattes aremade gives them a wet foam as opposed to the dry foamthat 99 percent of American coffee houses have. She want-ed to give Fort Worth a sampling of real coffee straightfrom Europe, and by going the extra mile, Eurotazza reallydoes produce a superior cup of coffee.

In addition to their marvelous coffee, they also haveimported teas, delicious assortments of lunch, dinner and

desert items from a local bistro and gelato. Go take a lookat them at www.eurotazza.com and while on their site,make sure to read the owner’s section about “whyEurotazza?” It really shows the dedication put into thisbusiness and tells a lot about the creation of it.

Another good place to get a cup of joe is Four StarCoffee Bar at 3324 West 7th Street. It’s a little hard to find,so I suggest looking it up on one of the online map pro-grams or your snazzy GPS system. If you can find theplace, you’re in for a treat.

Four Star has many great coffees and lattes to choosefrom and boasts a rather large assortment of teas, a wholewall of them in fact.

For regulars to the establishment, they even have a littleshelf where you can place yourfavorite coffee cup and have it when-ever you’re in for a cup. While sippingat your favorite brew, take a look atthe artwork displayed throughout theshop or borrow a book from their col-lection. They boast late hours (till mid-night on Friday and Saturday) and livemusic on the weekends.

It’s a pretty awesome placefor some late night studying orfor a relaxing reprieve anytime of the day.

The last place to go hasseveral locations riddledthroughout the Metroplex andthe United States. Yes, it is cor-porate, but they haven’t really“sold out” so to speak. How couldthey? It’s The Waffle House.

Now I know what you’re thinking,but hear me out. It may not be the nicest establishment orhave the most “apt” employees, but the food is pretty goodand the coffee isn’t bad. Actually, to tell the truth, if you’renice, and the staff there likes you, you’re liable to get freecoffee.

Now if you are looking for a latte or something exotic,do not go here. Period. And definitely don’t ask forsomething like that, because you will get funnylooks from the staff and the regulars … andyes, there are regulars – very, very interest-ing regulars. You’ll have to go there and seefor yourself to know what I’m talking about,but it is a laugh and an experience, so try it out.

I’ve got to say, it’s nice to be able to go and have a cupof good coffee and a waffle in the same place. They actual-ly have a large assortment of foods there. It’s all prettygood, and, yes, it is clean.

I know that The Waffle House has a bad rap, but it real-ly is undeserved. They have great food at great prices (theAll-Star Special is more than most can eat and costs around$5. Oh, and while you’re there, make sure to play one oftheir signature songs on the jukebox.

I would suggest There are Raisins in my Toast or WaffleHouse Waffles, I Love You.

These are some really great places to go and unwind,cram for a test, hang out with some friends or even take adate. Try them one or try them all. Whatever you choose,I’m sure you’ll feel better for that all-nighter.

GASTENSCHOONOVER

Gasten Schoonover is a senior business major and is photo editorfor The Rambler.

Up two flights of stairs, around the corner anddown the hall of Polytechnic United MethodistChurch, laughter, rambunctious chatter, teasing andsometimes even dire commotion absconded fromroom 211 every Tuesday and Thursday morning of thefall 2008 semester. Inside that humble classroom, 14freshman students and the professor they call out-standing have fashioned a tight troupe of friends.Relationships, however, are not all the comrades built.

Instructor Greg Gullion decided to deviate fromthe norms of a freshman success class and experimentwith projects that would emphasize team-building,friendships and student interaction.

One of the class’ unique endeavors incorporatedan experiment that combined raw eggs, gravity andGuillon’s open, second-story office window. Prior tothe merry exercise, the students split into small teamsto scrounge around the church crannies for randommatter to construct containers. The goal, according toGullion, was to build a device that could safely catchan egg thrown from a second-story window whileenforcing the importance of strong teamwork.

The results proved to be quite “exotic,” and yield-ed sometimes surprising results. Who would haveguessed that a basket made of hangers and duct tapecould catch an egg mess-free?

The class’ most significant venture was onewhose impact will be felt far beyond the boundariesof their cohesive circle and long after Poly 211 is voidof their jolly company.

Over the span of a couple of class periods, the 14collegiate colleagues filmed a documentary that willbe shown at the fall 2009 freshman orientation.

Nick Demetre, a political science major, claimedcredit for the initial idea, but graciously gave kudos tohis female counterparts for developing and runningthe show.

“Our film is about what not to do when you comeinto college,” explained Cathy Nguyen, a major inbiology.

Topics such texting while in class, mouthing off

to professors, negative study habits and overdosing inwild parties were addressed. Time management, asubject that has had much emphasis in their class timediscussions, took the theme. The student actorsadvised the upcoming class of 2013 to regulate thetime spent on the Internet – especially Facebook andMyspace – as well as television and video games.

Recording took place on the second floor ofPUMC. Each set was brainstormed then creativelyand resourcefully crafted to fit the enactment of theharmful habits college students are tempted to fallinto.

Staging a “realistic” party scene called for somuch din, two faculty members and staff poked theirheads in the door to ensure all was under control.Controlled unruliness indeed ruled the domain, withtwo girls on a couch leaning over an allegedly passedout Demetre.

“It was hilarious and so much fun to make,”laughed Demetre.

As their semester together winds down, Gullion’sfreshmen clan paused to reflect on the lessons, funand experiences of GST. Unanimously, the classvoted that the GST course is important and helpful toall students straight out of high school.

“Freshmen should go to GST with a positivemindset – they’ll get more out of it than they think,”Nguyen assured.

All agreed, however, that certain specificationswere crucial to the benefits and enjoyable course.

“With Greg we come in here, relax and talk aboutour problems and how to solve them,” said Demetre.“It’s been great.”

Foster inputted that GST should be a fun time tolearn about yourself and adapt to college withoutadded stress from assignments, a statement to whichmany heads nodded.

“I loved this group of guys, and I’ll miss all ofyou,” Gullion declared. “Working together, we’ve alldefinitely learned a lot.”

“Including to not try catching an egg behind yourback,” Foster added as the friendly jokes, memoriesand laughter carried on.

TIARA NUGENTEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Eggs-cellent teamworkFreshmen discover the power of teamwork

Photos by Ann Smith

coffee: where to go for a tasty brewI

Photo by Tiara Nugent

Dr. Greg Gullion’s GST class tests their egg-catching creations during a classexercise building camraderie and teamwork.

HHaaiill yyoouurr cchhaannccee ffoorr ffaammee..Publish your writtern or photographic works in The Rambler.

twurambler@yahoo.com

SportsThe Rambler November 12, 2008 5

Log on to:www.ramsports.netfor the latest game

information andprofiles of your

favorite WesleyanTeams and Athletes

Quick Quote“Men forget everything;women remember everything. That's whymen need instant replaysin sports. They'vealready forgotten whathappened.”

- Rita RudnerActress/Comedian

Nov. 12*7 p.m. JV Men’sBasketball vs. Trinity ValleyCommunity College

Nov. 14TBA Volleball @ RRACConference Tournament

Nov. 15TBA Volleyball @ RRACConference Tournament

*3 p.m. JV Men’sBasketball vs. Tyler JuniorCollege

*6 p.m. Women’sBasketball vs. PhilanderSmith College

Nov. 17*5:30 p.m. Women’sBasketball vs. HardinSimmons

Nov. 187 p.m. Men’s Basketball @UT-Arlington

* denotes home game

Upcoming Events

Sports BriefsVolleyball ends regularseason on high noteNov. 8Wesleyan’s volleyball teamtook a pair of convincingwins on the final day of theirregular season. They dispatched Bacone Collegein straight sets and theblanked Our Lady of theLake University in non-con-ference action. Next up isthe coference tournamentNov. 14-15 in Austin.

Eagles outrun Rams andLady RamsNov. 9The men’s basketball teamsuffered a 76-63 loss atOklahoma ChristianUniversity. Forward ChrisBerry led all scorers with 24points. The women’s teamalso dropped their contest,71-57. Brittany Turner ledthe Rams with 12 points,while Brittany Davenportadded 11.

Rams fall in semi-finalsNov. 7The men’s soccer team sawits season come to a closewith a 2-0 loss to top-seed-ed UT-Brownsville in conference tournamentsemifinal action. SeniorChristian Villasenor playedhis final game and finishedhis career with twoWesleyan career records.He now tops the list forcareer goals scored (47)and points (101).

Wesleyan table tennis tohost tournamentNov. 5The table tennis programwill host the TexasWesleyan Open Nov. 22 atSid Richardson Center. Fortournament policies andentrance forms, visithttp://www.txwes.edu/tabletennis/.

Wesleyan’s students and athletes are putting a lot more iron in their dietthese days.

Not the kind of iron found in food, rather what theypump in the weight room on campus, which opened a yearago this month after extensive renovations.

Alumni Patsy and Marty Clifford were able to raise$50,000 in summer 2007 to have new flooring, paint andequipment installed in the room, located on the second floorof Sid Richardson Center.

Coaches, athletes and students have been hitting theweight room more since its renovation.

Newer features include nautilus weight machines, freeweights and cardio equipment.

There is even a display board for names of those whohold lifting records to encourage competition among individ-uals and teams.

Men’s assistant basketball coach Brennan Shingletonsaid the changes have helped athletic programs.

“It’s like night and day compared to how it used to be,”Shingleton said. “Also it feels much bigger and more acces-sible.”

Head basketball coach Terry Waldrop said the newweight room especially benefits his team.

“The room has more of a basketball feel to it,” Waldropsaid. “It is something that we have all wanted for a long time,and to see it come to fruition is very satisfying.”

Baseball coach Michael Jeffcoat has his athletes workingin the weight room three days a week for two hours a day.

He said the equipment is much better and gives his players more choic-

es and they take more pride in their workouts. “They are excited to workout with the new equipment, and it has helped

in motivating them to work harder,” Jeffcoat said.Student Life’s activity coordinator, Aaron Whaley, who was instrumen-

tal in the renovation, said he gets the most positive feedback about the newflooring.

“It’s a more cush-ioned foam floor, andthat creates a softer fallfor dropped weights,”Whaley said.

As evidenced bythe sign currentlyplaced in the the mall,Wesleyan plans tobuild a $3 millionrecreation center oncampus in 2009.

The new center isset to further the fit-ness experience forstudents of the school,but also benefit athlet-ic team by providingathletes with morespace and state-of-the-art equipment.

“The new centerwill help general stu-dents by giving themsomething to do andbring about more cam-pus life,” Waldropsaid. “Hopefully it willencourage more stu-dents to stay on cam-pus and get involved.”

Until then, theweight room hours are

noon-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; noon -5 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Saturday; and closed Sunday.

ANDY CANCHOLASTAFF WRITER

In front of one of the largest crowds in Martin Field history, the TexasWesleyan University women’s soccer team took a 2-1 win in the Red RiverAthletic Conference Tournament final over rival Northwood University.

“This was everything a final is supposed to be,” said head coach Josh Gibbs.“Both teams played well enough to win. There was a great crowd, and we cameout on top.”

Northwood gained the early advantage in the 36th minute when Shanna Grantcorralled a rebound off a corner kick andscored. Senior Brianna McKernon took theedge off a tense Texas Wesleyan team when shefound the back of the net from 30 yards out fiveminutes later.

“I told our three seniors at halftime that theyhad to play big, and all three of them were ter-rific,” Gibbs said.

In the 75th minute, Jaimie Romaguera foundfreshman Diana Lopez who headed in the even-tual game-winner.

The Lady Rams survived several good looksfrom Northwood in the final two minutes. TheKnights hit the crossbar, had a shot blocked,and had a shot saved by Wesleyan goalkeeperBrittany O’Brien.

“I am so proud of every single one of thesegirls,” Gibbs said. “They have worked veryhard for a long time to get to this point.”

Northwood outshot the Rams 25-8; howev-er, six of the Rams eight shots were on target.O’Brien made nine saves while her counterpart, Ashley Ford had four.

O’Brien’s nine saves gave her a new school record 273 in her career, a feat shehas accomplished in just three seasons at Wesleyan.

The title is the third tournament title for Texas Wesleyan. The Lady Rams alsowon championships in 2005 and 2006. Their 2008 regular season title was thefirst in school history.

With the win, the Rams advance to the NAIA National Tournament for thefirst time in program history. Their first round game will be played Nov. 22.

The location and opponent in that game are to be determined. First roundgames are played at home sites with the winners advancing to play in DaytonaBeach, Fla.

- Josh Lacy, Ramsports.net

No doubt:Red RiverChamps

Win sends ladies to nationals for first time everCourtesy of Jose Valdez

Members of the men’s soccer team came out painted in support Nov. 8 at Martin Field.

Courtesy of Jose Valdez

Senior Brianna McKernon (left) scored a goal against Northwood on herway to being named the offensive most valuable player of the tournament.

Soccer StandoutsMost Valuable Players:Offense: Brianna McKernonDefense: Brittany O’Brien

All-Conference:

First team-Alejandra BarrerraBrianna McKernonChristina ZimmermanStefanie BlowersKacee HarrisBrittany O’Brien

Second team-Dominique Harrison

Renovations transform look, feel

Photo by Gasten Schoonover

Members of the baseball team are taking advantage of the newerweight equipment in the renovated weight room. Coaches say changeshave motivated athletes to work out more frequently.

After a year, weight room changes prove to be worthwhile investment

“The room has more of a basketball feel to it. It issomething that we have all wanted for a long time,and to see it come to fruition is very satisfying.”

– Terry WaldropHead men’s basketball coach

Last week’s presidential election marked a moment of great sig-nificance in American history. For the first time in its 200 plus

years of existence, America will have an African American presi-dent. Certainly a highlight for the history books, however not ahighlight for late night television.

It seems as though this election also stands as the first wherethe candidate who won is also the one with the least humorousimpersonator.

As a long time fan of shows like Saturday Night Live and MadTV, I have come to appreciate the talent of those who have theability to pin point ever hilarious detail about presidents, vices andelects. But looking at the current lineups, the Obama wannabes are

just sad. It is interesting to consider that the election not only decides the fate of the entire

nation, but also dictates the careers of comedians and impersonators. If their candidatedoesn’t win, then their actis done for at least fouryears. What’s the point inbeing able to deliver adead-on John Edwards orGiuliani if they’re goingto drop out in January?

Understand thatimpersonators certainlydon’t possess the kind ofpower the presidents do,but you have to admitthey’re important. Thinkof all of the comedianswho got a boost fromtheir presidential targets:Chevy Chase’s GeraldFord, Dan Aykroyd’sNixon and Carter, DanaCarvey’s George H.W.Bush and more recentlyWill Ferrell’s George W.

Some might arguenone of these comediclegends would have madeit to the upper echelon ofstardom without their ovaloffice mockery to backthem up.

Looking at this year’selection, it appears thatthe top impersonating acts will have to take a backseat to some sub-par Obamas. TinaFey, for instance, has received much acclaim for her Sarah Palin enactment, glasses,accent and all. Alongside Darrell Hammond as John McCain (As well as Dick Cheney)and Amy Poehler as Hilary Clinton, the SNL cast did an amazing job recreating thisgroup of nominees.

However, the casts’ Obama player falls short of the rest. Fred Armisen, a stretch asfar as appearance and one who stumbles over lines like Jimmy Fallon once did, willhave his career set in stone the next four years as what will surely be America’s mostwatched Obama impersonator. Sad, really, considering he’s quite awful.

Even small scale businesses are already taking a hit from the new president elect.For-rent entertainment companies such as Double Exposure based in Rochester, Mich.,are struggling to find decent Obamas.

“I have a few George Bushes, Bill Clintons, even a Laura Bush, but no Obama,”said Kathy Krajewski, owner of Double Exposure.

Despite the fact that inauguration won’t be for another few months, it is interestingto see how the election has already impacted so many, including the entertainmentworld. Careers were either made or broken Nov. 4 all because of the spot in the WhiteHouse. No matter what happens in this phase in history, let’s at least hope it’s funny.

Entertainment6 November 12, 2008 The Rambler

AALLOOKOOK

AHEADAHEAD

On Campus:

*Baptist Student Movement:Sid Richardson Building, noon,free lunch served

Off Campus:

* Panic at the Disco: NokiaTheatre, 8 p.m.

On Campus:

*TheMenaechmus Twins: ThadSmotherman Theater, 7:30p.m.

Off Campus:

*The Eagles: AmericanAirlines Center, 8 p.m.

Off Campus:

*“Brahms” by DallasSymphony Orchestra, NasherSculpture Center, 10 a.m.

* B.B. King: MeyersonSymphony Center, noon

Off Campus:

*Top Secret: Mission Toy:National Cowgirl Museumand Hall of Fame, 9:30 a.m.

*Vienna Boys Choir: BassPerformance Hall, 7:30 p.m.

On Campus:

*Opera Workshop: MartinHall, 7:30 p.m.

Weekly DVD Releases: 300; Wall-E; The Sisterhood ofthe Traveling Pants 2; GardenParty

12

To submit an event forthe calender, e-mail

twurambler@yahoo.com.

Wednesday

On Campus

*“The Sacred and theProfane:” Martin Hall, 7:30p.m.

*TheMenaechmus Twins: ThadSmotherman Theater, 7:30p.m.

13Thursday

On Campus

*TheMenaechmus Twins: ThadSmotherman Theater, 7:30p.m.

Weekly Movie Releases:Quantum of Solace; AChristmas Tale

14Friday

18Tuesday1615 SundaySaturday 17Monday

RYANAUTHIER

Theatre Wesleyan is preparing for their final performance of the fall2008 season, a lively rendition of The Menaechmus Twins written by

Titus Plautus, a playwright of the ancient Roman Republic. Directed byTheater Chair ConnieWhitt-Lambert, this ver-sion of the Roman playwas edited and translatedby renowned author andcritic, Lionel Casson.Providing an approach-able, humorous transla-tion, Casson’s work pulls

the play out of ancient Rome and transportsit into present-day vernacular, all whileattempting to maintain the integrity of theoriginal piece.

Menaechmus of Syracuse (senior theatermajor Michael Kreitzinger) and his faithfulslave (senior theater major Ben Phillips), setout to find the estranged Menaechmus twin(senior theater Major Alfredo Martinez), sep-arated from the family at a young age. Landing in Epidamnus, a city known for itsloose morals and loose women,Menaechmus of Syracuse doesn’t realize thathe has found the home of his long-lost broth-er, even though he is almost immediatelymistaken for his twin by the wife (senior the-ater major Rene Sarradet), mistress (fresh-man theater major Suzanne Fordering), tablecompanion (sophomore theater major Joy Millard) and father-in-law (senior theater majorRob Carroll) of his sibling.

The two brothers, unaware of each other’s presence, unwittingly make mischief for theother as they work out deals and promises with the inhabitants of Epidamnus, none ofwhom realize they are dealing with two different people. Chaos and humor ensue through

the device of mistaken identity played out in a very Seinfeldesque manner.Plautus’ work has been very influential throughout the years, as he has inspired the

likes of Shakespeare, famous French playwright Moliere and Stephen Sondheim, the musi-cal master responsible for suchscores a Sweeny Todd, West SideStory and Gypsy. Though the textitself is ancient, Plautus’ humor,social commentaries and wittyword play are on par with whatone may find in the movies andtheaters of today.

This makes the showattractive not only because it is aninteresting artifact, but also for itspotential to entertain contempo-rary audiences with ancient mate-rial, revealing that humor hasn’tchanged much in the last twothousand years or so.

The Menaechmus Twinsopens Nov. 13 with shows throughNov. 15 and again Nov. 20-22.Shows are at 7:30 p.m. with anadditional matinee at 2 p.m. Nov.23. Tickets are $8 for generaladmission, $6 for Wesleyan facul-ty and staff and $4 for senior citi-zens and all students with a validschool ID.

The theater box office isopen 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and one hour before curtain on performance days. Call the boxoffice at (817) 531-4211 or, for further information, call the theater department office at(817) 531-5867.

Photo by Max Marquez

Senior theater majors Alfredo Martinez (left) andMichael Kreitzinger star as the Menaechmus twins inTheatre Wesleyan’s fall production.

Brother from another Mother LandThatre Wesleyan presents The Menaechmus Twins, a Roman comedy

CHUCKFAIN

Chuck Fain is a senior writing major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.

Impersonator-elects

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

Courtesy of Texas Wesleyan music department

Wesleyan music professor Julie McCoy will present Opera Workshop: Puccini’s GianniSchicchi 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18.

Texas Wesleyan’s music department has hit the ground running with a busy fall line-up.

At 7:30 p.m. Nov.13, the music department will present “The Sacred and theProfane.” In a collaborative concert featuring both the Texas Wesleyan Wind Ensembleand Jazz Ensemble, Wesleyan’s musicians are promising some special guests and greatmusic.

“The Sacred and the Profane” includes a number of selections from Frank Ticheli,Leonard Bernstein, Maria Schneider and Leonard Bernstein and will take place in MartinHall. Tickets are free.

Shortly after “The Sacred and the Profane,” Wesleyan music will present an operaworkshop, hosted by professor Julie McCoy. Based around the opera Gianni Schicchi byGiacomo Puccini, attendees will be given the opportunity to sing and act out the play onthe stage in Martin Hall. The opera workshop will be at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18.

For more information on these and all of this year’s Wesleyan music events, visitwww.txwes.edu/music or call at (817) 531-4234.

-Staff Report

WWeesslleeyyaann mmuussiicc aammppss uupp ffoorr ffaallll

Photo courtesy of NBC.com

Saturday Night Live’s Fred Armisen will serve the office ofpresident elect Barack Obama’s prime-time impersonatorthe next four years.

Late night comedians’ careers determined by election