rambler 11.21.07

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November 21, 2007 Vol. 99, No. 12 www.txwes.edu/rambler The Rambler The 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 News Briefs Happy Holidays The Rambler wishes the Wesleyan community a happy Thanksgiving, Christmas and holiday sea- son. The Rambler will return with new issues next semester. Deck the halls and party! The 38th annual Omega Chi Christmas party for underpriviledged chil- dren is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 7, location to be announced. Donations and gifts for 100 children are needed this year. Sponsors for children may act alone or in teams. Sponsors are asked to purchase one gift and one article of clothing (total value must be in between $30 and $50). Items are to be turned in unwrapped to Omega Chi by 1:30 p.m. Dec. 5 to the religion chair or chaplain’s office on the third floor of PUMC in a bag with the assigned child’s name. All are welcome to attend the party. For more information, contact [email protected] txwes.edu. Bear Hunt The school of arts and sciences is now collecting new stuffed bears and friends (16 inch maximum) for the Fort Worth Police Department East Division. The captured bears will be given to children in crisis situations and can be deliv- ered to the dean’s office (PUMC 256) by Dec. 6. Call Patricia Ersland at (817) 531-4247. Chaos & Bondage Come and see original artwork by art majors Zainah Usman, Thomas Boylan and Amanda Winkleman with a recep- tion from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5 in the Boyd House on Wesleyan St. Pay your dues people! Several options are available for students regarding payment on their account balance. For the spring 2008 semester, stu- dents must pay in full or set up a tuition payment plan no later than Dec. 5. Visit www. txwes.edu/cashier/index.htm for more information. Movie time! Wanna see a movie on the cheap? Student Life has movie theater tickets for both AMC and United Artists theaters for $6.50. Tickets are good for any showing at anytime. Contact Jenny Houze at (817) 531- 4870. HOT JOB opportunities @ Career Services Youth Minister/College Ministries, FUMC Loan Processor, Fort Worth Community Credit Union IT Specialist, Trademark Property Company Salaried Summer Internship, Muscular Distrophy Organization Financial Analyst, LACAR Secondary Counselor, Castleberry High School NEWS BRIEFS Giving a tradition at TWU The traditional West Library Christmas tree is now assembled in the lobby, heralding – in this corner of the city – the beginning of the most wide- ly celebrated holiday in world. American author Washington Irving once said, “Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.” The West Library is trying to kindle that spirit. Since 2004 the tree has served as a way that members of the Wesleyan community can give a little good will to those less fortunate. During the holidays, people can donate a gift to the Meals on Wheels program via the library staff. “We had our biggest success last year when we had over 200 gifts we were able to give,” said Sheri Parker, coordinator of library operations. The tree is decorated with brightly colored bits of construction paper on which a name and a request are written. For instance, Louise would like some knitted booties; Edith needs a magnifying glass; Rick and Jack would simply like some socks. The beauty in this particular kind of endeavor is that these gifts are well within reach of a college student’s financial means, Parker pointed out. Two pairs of socks, for instance, can sell for a few dollars. One year, Parker said, a Wesleyan student was able to give about six small gifts to six different peo- ple. The idea was born when, a few years ago, various departments would deliver goods on a Meals on Wheels route. Parker said she and other volun- teers got to know some of the participants and saw a need. According to its Web site, Meals on Wheels was established by 11 Fort Worth churches in 1973 to “promote the dignity and independence of the dis- abled, the elderly and other homebound persons by delivering nutritious meals and coordinating needed services.” Meals on Wheels currently serves about 2,000 people with a volunteer force of 3,500 who deliver blankets, fans, supplemental groceries, medical equipment, microwave ovens and other items essential to help a client main- tain their independence. Through the West Library Christmas Tree, all Wesleyan students, staff and faculty have the opportunity to assist in this endeavor. Gifts are accepted through Dec. 10. Donors can wrap their own gift or, if unwrapped, Parker said, library staff will be happy to wrap them. RACHEL HORTON STAFF WRITER City aids Wesleyan’s quest for property Texas Wesleyan is submitting a proposal for almost a mil- lion dollars in funds from the city of Fort Worth that would aid in the school’s acquisition and renovation of the buildings across campus on Rosedale. With cooperation from the city, Wesleyan has worked for some time on the purchase, which would give the campus an option for a new facility and help the look of the neighborhood. “They are an eyesore to the community,” said University President Dr. Harold Jeffcoat when he was asked about the buildings at the recent President’s Forum hosted by Student Government Association. The project has been a frustration for Wesleyan. According to Jeffcoat, it was less expensive to buy the Wesleyan Village than to buy out the buildings across the street on Rosedale. What once was presented at a Fort Worth City Council meeting as a project on the fast track became a venture full of delays stemming from negotiations with the current property owner. Jeffcoat said that the partnership for the buildings fell through and the owner took the titles. After getting an apprais- al, Wesleyan offered to pay twice the amount of the building’s worth, he said. The owner then asked four times Wesleyan’s offer – making it a total of eight times the appraisal. Wesleyan then acquired a donor who would be willing to pay the amount asked, Jeffcoat said, but the owner said it was no longer for sale. The city has also been active in its desire to see the proper- ty improved. The area was designated as an Urban Village, which gives the area access to funds and shows a concerted effort to improve the neighborhood. In hopes of moving things along, the city gave the current property owner 90 days to renovate, fix up or sell the property, Jeffcoat said, and, in response, the owner painted the building tan. After some misunderstanding with the city, the owner was granted another 30 days to fix the roof. The property owner also brought forth the idea of making them historical buildings, which would prevent anyone from demolishing them. Most recently, Wesleyan was offered the opportunity for a grant, Jeffcoat said, of nearly $1 million from the city to help with the property. “The city is moving forward in partnership with Texas Wesleyan University to utilize the Economic Development Initiative Grants in the Poly-TWU Urban Village,” said Dolores Garza, economic development specialist for the city’s econom- ic development department. “We hope to have more definitive plans to present to the City Council on Dec. 4 at the Central City Revitalization and Economic Development Committee meeting.” Jeffcoat said at the forum that he would like to tear down or renovate for the admissions office to have a place of its own or maybe even for a café as a new entrance to Wesleyan. A pos- sible site for a campus bookstore has also been mentioned dur- ing the months of speculation and negotiation. COLLEEN BURNIE ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR President’s Forum aims to answer Wesleyan students gathered Nov. 13 to bring their questions and concerns to the ears of University President Dr. Hal Jeffcoat at the President’s Forum. The meeting, hosted by the Student Government Association in the Carter Conference Room, attracted students from all over campus. Jeffcoat opened with a brief bio and jumped right into questions about the departure of research librarian Andy Baker and the current status of the library. One student even mentioned that the library has had problems functioning since Baker left. Although he would not comment on library administration, Jeffcoat did say that he felt Baker was an asset to the library and that student concerns would be conveyed to Provost Allen Henderson. “Almost every time an employee leaves, they are to fill out a statement with the rea- son for their departure,” said Jeffcoat. He said that such a statement from Baker should be in the provost’s office. SGA officer Michael Chaney asked Jeffcoat about the future plans of the student union building and asked what steps were being taken to ensure that students have an inviting and fun venue to relax and participate in activities. Jeffcoat agreed that the building is uninviting, but said it would take $26 million to make a new Student Activities Center, and Wesleyan needs to build its population before doing so. “Some of the major attraction for Wesleyan is not having a large student population or big fancy facilities,” he said. “You can’t have a small school like Texas Wesleyan without the small facilities.” He did, however, remind students of the new fitness center in the works, and facilities are on the agenda for future plans. According to Jeffcoat, the next three to five years include a plan for residences for families and renovation of O.C. Armstrong Hall. The old dorm will become offices for stu- dent activities, nurse anesthesia dorms and a “homey place where you can sit down and have a cup of coffee,” said Jeffcoat. The managing of such projects is a challenge for a small school. “It’s sort of a Catch 22, it seems,” said Jeffcoat. “In order to attract students, we need to have better facilities and student activities, but we can’t do it until we have funds, high University President Hal Jeffcoat addressed students concerns at the President’s Forum Nov. 13. Photo by Kevin Keathley COLLEEN BURNIE & ASHLY SPENCER ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR & CONTRIBUTING WRITER See Forum, page 2 The Meals on Wheels Christmas tree in the Eunice L. West Library is a tradi- tion on the campus of Texas Wesleyan. Last year more than 200 gifts were donated through Wesleyan by students, faculty and staff. Photo by Shawn R. Poling Rosedale Street

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HOT JOB opportunities @ Career Services Youth Minister/College Ministries, FUMC Loan Processor, Fort Worth Community Credit Union IT Specialist, Trademark Property Company Salaried Summer Internship, Muscular Distrophy Organization Financial Analyst, LACAR Secondary Counselor, Castleberry High School Rosedale Street Happy Holidays The Rambler wishes the Wesleyan community a happy Thanksgiving, Christmas and holiday sea- son. The Rambler will return with new issues next semester.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Rambler 11.21.07

November 21, 2007 Vol. 99, No. 12www.txwes.edu/rambler

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

Ne

ws

Bri

efs

Ne

ws

Bri

efs

Happy HolidaysThe Rambler wishes the

Wesleyan community ahappy Thanksgiving,Christmas and holiday sea-son. The Rambler willreturn with new issues nextsemester.

Deck the halls and party!The 38th annual

Omega Chi Christmas partyfor underpriviledged chil-dren is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.Dec. 7, location to beannounced. Donations andgifts for 100 children areneeded this year. Sponsorsfor children may act aloneor in teams. Sponsors areasked to purchase one giftand one article of clothing(total value must be inbetween $30 and $50).Items are to be turned inunwrapped to Omega Chiby 1:30 p.m. Dec. 5 to thereligion chair or chaplain’soffice on the third floor ofPUMC in a bag with theassigned child’s name. Allare welcome to attend theparty. For more information,contact [email protected].

Bear HuntThe school of arts and

sciences is now collectingnew stuffed bears andfriends (16 inch maximum)for the Fort Worth PoliceDepartment East Division.The captured bears will begiven to children in crisissituations and can be deliv-ered to the dean’s office(PUMC 256) by Dec. 6. CallPatricia Ersland at (817)531-4247.

Chaos & BondageCome and see original

artwork by art majorsZainah Usman, ThomasBoylan and AmandaWinkleman with a recep-tion from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.Dec. 5 in the Boyd Houseon Wesleyan St.

Pay your dues people!Several options are

available for studentsregarding payment on theiraccount balance. For thespring 2008 semester, stu-dents must pay in full or setup a tuition payment plan nolater than Dec. 5. Visit www.txwes.edu/cashier/index.htmfor more information.

Movie time!Wanna see a movie on

the cheap? Student Life hasmovie theater tickets forboth AMC and UnitedArtists theaters for $6.50.Tickets are good for anyshowing at anytime. ContactJenny Houze at (817) 531-4870.

HOT JOB opportunities@ Career Services

Youth Minister/College Ministries, FUMCLoan Processor, Fort Worth Community Credit UnionIT Specialist, Trademark Property Company Salaried SummerInternship, Muscular Distrophy OrganizationFinancial Analyst, LACARSecondary Counselor, Castleberry High School

NEWS BRIEFS Giving a tradition at TWU

The traditional West Library Christmas tree is now assembled in thelobby, heralding – in this corner of the city – the beginning of the most wide-ly celebrated holiday in world.

American author Washington Irving once said, “Christmas is the seasonfor kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in theheart.”

The West Library is trying to kindle that spirit. Since 2004 the tree hasserved as a way that members of the Wesleyan community can give a littlegood will to those less fortunate. During the holidays, people can donate a giftto the Meals on Wheels program via the library staff.

“We had our biggest success last year when we had over 200 gifts wewere able to give,” said Sheri Parker, coordinator of library operations.

The tree is decorated with brightly colored bits of construction paper onwhich a name and a request are written. For instance, Louise would like someknitted booties; Edith needs a magnifying glass; Rick and Jack would simplylike some socks.

The beauty in this particular kind of endeavor is that these gifts are wellwithin reach of a college student’s financial means, Parker pointed out. Twopairs of socks, for instance, can sell for a few dollars. One year, Parker said,a Wesleyan student was able to give about six small gifts to six different peo-ple.

The idea was born when, a few years ago, various departments woulddeliver goods on a Meals on Wheels route. Parker said she and other volun-teers got to know some of the participants and saw a need.

According to its Web site, Meals on Wheels was established by 11 FortWorth churches in 1973 to “promote the dignity and independence of the dis-abled, the elderly and other homebound persons by delivering nutritiousmeals and coordinating needed services.”

Meals on Wheels currently serves about 2,000 people with a volunteerforce of 3,500 who deliver blankets, fans, supplemental groceries, medicalequipment, microwave ovens and other items essential to help a client main-tain their independence.

Through the West Library Christmas Tree, all Wesleyan students, staffand faculty have the opportunity to assist in this endeavor. Gifts are acceptedthrough Dec. 10. Donors can wrap their own gift or, if unwrapped, Parkersaid, library staff will be happy to wrap them.

RACHEL HORTONSTAFF WRITER

City aids Wesleyan’squest for property

Texas Wesleyan is submitting a proposal for almost a mil-lion dollars in funds from the city of Fort Worth that would aidin the school’s acquisition and renovation of the buildingsacross campus on Rosedale.

With cooperation from the city, Wesleyan has worked forsome time on the purchase, which would give the campus anoption for a new facility and help the look of the neighborhood.

“They are an eyesore to the community,” said UniversityPresident Dr. Harold Jeffcoat when he was asked about thebuildings at the recent President’s Forum hosted by StudentGovernment Association.

The project has been a frustration for Wesleyan. Accordingto Jeffcoat, it was less expensive to buy the Wesleyan Villagethan to buy out the buildings across the street on Rosedale.What once was presented at a Fort Worth City Council meetingas a project on the fast track became a venture full of delaysstemming from negotiations with the current property owner.

Jeffcoat said that the partnership for the buildings fellthrough and the owner took the titles. After getting an apprais-al, Wesleyan offered to pay twice the amount of the building’sworth, he said. The owner then asked four times Wesleyan’soffer – making it a total of eight times the appraisal.

Wesleyan then acquired a donor who would be willing topay the amount asked, Jeffcoat said, but the owner said it wasno longer for sale.

The city has also been active in its desire to see the proper-ty improved. The area was designated as an Urban Village,which gives the area access to funds and shows a concertedeffort to improve the neighborhood.

In hopes of moving things along, the city gave the currentproperty owner 90 days to renovate, fix up or sell the property,Jeffcoat said, and, in response, the owner painted the buildingtan. After some misunderstanding with the city, the owner wasgranted another 30 days to fix the roof.

The property owner also brought forth the idea of makingthem historical buildings, which would prevent anyone fromdemolishing them.

Most recently, Wesleyan was offered the opportunity for agrant, Jeffcoat said, of nearly $1 million from the city to helpwith the property.

“The city is moving forward in partnership with TexasWesleyan University to utilize the Economic DevelopmentInitiative Grants in the Poly-TWU Urban Village,” said DoloresGarza, economic development specialist for the city’s econom-ic development department. “We hope to have more definitiveplans to present to the City Council on Dec. 4 at the CentralCity Revitalization and Economic Development Committeemeeting.”

Jeffcoat said at the forum that he would like to tear downor renovate for the admissions office to have a place of its ownor maybe even for a café as a new entrance to Wesleyan. A pos-sible site for a campus bookstore has also been mentioned dur-ing the months of speculation and negotiation.

COLLEEN BURNIEENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

President’s Forum aims to answer

Wesleyan students gathered Nov. 13 to bring their questions and concerns to the earsof University President Dr. Hal Jeffcoat at the President’s Forum. The meeting, hosted bythe Student Government Association in the Carter Conference Room, attracted studentsfrom all over campus.

Jeffcoat opened with a brief bio and jumped right into questions about the departureof research librarian Andy Baker and the current status of the library. One student evenmentioned that the library has had problems functioning since Baker left.

Although he would not comment on library administration, Jeffcoat did say that he feltBaker was an asset to the library and that student concerns would be conveyed to ProvostAllen Henderson.

“Almost every time an employee leaves, they are to fill out a statement with the rea-son for their departure,” said Jeffcoat. He said that such a statement from Baker should bein the provost’s office.

SGA officer Michael Chaney asked Jeffcoat about the future plans of the student unionbuilding and asked what steps were being taken to ensure that students have an invitingand fun venue to relax and participate in activities.

Jeffcoat agreed that the building is uninviting, but said it would take $26 million tomake a new Student Activities Center, and Wesleyan needs to build its population beforedoing so.

“Some of the major attraction for Wesleyan is not having a large student population orbig fancy facilities,” he said. “You can’t have a small school like Texas Wesleyan withoutthe small facilities.”

He did, however, remind students of the new fitness center in the works, and facilitiesare on the agenda for future plans.

According to Jeffcoat, the next three to five years include a plan for residences forfamilies and renovation of O.C. Armstrong Hall. The old dorm will become offices for stu-dent activities, nurse anesthesia dorms and a “homey place where you can sit down andhave a cup of coffee,” said Jeffcoat.

The managing of such projects is a challenge for a small school. “It’s sort of a Catch 22, it seems,” said Jeffcoat. “In order to attract students, we need

to have better facilities and student activities, but we can’t do it until we have funds, high

University President Hal Jeffcoat addressed students concerns at the President’s ForumNov. 13.

Photo by Kevin Keathley

COLLEEN BURNIE & ASHLY SPENCERENTERTAINMENT EDITOR & CONTRIBUTING WRITER

See Forum, page 2

The Meals on Wheels Christmas tree in the Eunice L. West Library is a tradi-tion on the campus of Texas Wesleyan. Last year more than 200 gifts weredonated through Wesleyan by students, faculty and staff.

Photo by Shawn R. Poling

Rosedale Street

Page 2: Rambler 11.21.07

News2 November 21, 2007 The Rambler

Now introducing...The fall 2007 semester has seen the arrival of a slew of new staff members.

Here’s your chance to get to know a few of them...

Coming to Texas Wesleyan as a reporting specialist inSeptember 2006, Sherri Caraballo was granted the position ofdirector of institutional research for Wesleyan in October.

Prior to coming to Wesleyan, Caraballo was a reportingspecialist at a state technical college for 10 years. She engagedin such tasks as reporting for the various departments of thetechnical college, providing reports to the college, the state andthe federal government and writing training contracts betweenthe college and businesses.

In her new position at Wesleyan, Caraballo plans to accom-plish much and meet up with certain challenges. Caraballo saidshe plans to make more data about Wesleyan accessible on theschool’s Web site, work with other departments throughout theuniversity in making sure data is accurate and complete andprovide data that will help the university in planning processes.

While striving to accomplish these things and much more,Caraballo said she hopes to fully understand Wesleyan’s data-base system. She wants an understanding of this as well as theprograms and services Wesleyan offers so she can really knowwhat she is looking at and what she needs to report to the uni-versity and the state of Texas. She said it is important to knowwhen, where and why to report data and to know how herreporting of data impacts Wesleyan as a whole.

Along with her new position, Caraballo is looking forwardto working toward her master’s in business management.Caraballo attended the University of Phoenix where shereceived her bachelor’s degree in business management.

Under a Title III grant TWU received this year,new positions recently opened up at Wesleyan in orderto aid in carrying out the grant’s intended purposes.Recently named Title III project learning specialist,Jerry Galloway filled one of those posts.

Prior to Wesleyan, Galloway was an instructionaltechnology professor for 20 years at the University ofHouston, Indiana University and Northwest andGeorgia Southern University. Being the first Title IIIproject learning specialist for Texas Wesleyan,Galloway expects to accomplish much as he encoun-ters some anticipated challenges in his new position.

One of his goals is to accomplish the tedious tasksof developing a learning community in the universityand an improved professional development for facultywith an emphasis in instructional technology. Whileworking to accomplish these tasks successfully,Galloway expects to overcome the challenges of thelogistics of managing learning communities and fullyassisting Wesleyan’s faculty with instructional tech-nology.

Galloway obtained his bachelor’s degree in logis-tics and his doctorate degree in instructional technolo-gy from the University of Houston. Along with this,Galloway received his law degree from South TexasCollege of Law.

Profiles by Shameka Hyatt

Replacing Jason Neal in Wesleyan’s information and com-munication technology (ICT) department, Marcus Kerr is thenew director of the center for excellence in teaching and learn-ing and interim chief IT services officer.

Kerr attended the University of Texas at Austin where heobtained his bachelor’s degree and then obtained his master ofeducation in educational technology from the University ofTexas in Brownsville.

Here at Wesleyan for three years prior to his promotion,Kerr held the position of technology implementation coordina-tor, which required him to work with faculty and staff in iden-tifying strategic uses for technology and plan for the obtainingand implementing of technology on campuses.

Now in a new position, Kerr plans to focus on striving toprovide improvement to technologically where it is needed.

Through this position, Kerr, along with his fellow ITCstaff, will reanalyze their current technological processes to seeif there is any need for improvement in what they are doingnow. Along with this, Kerr and his staff with gather input fromgroups on campus to see if anything else can be effectivelyoffered by ICT.

While striving to improve TWU technologically, Kerr saidhe expects to meet up with some challenges. The greatest chal-lenge Kerr anticipates encountering in his new position is meet-ing the growing ITC needs of the campus without TWU beinginflicted with severe service costs.

Sherri Caraballodirector - institutioanl research

Jerry Gallowaylearning specialist

Marcus Kerrdirector - center for excellence in teaching and learning

demand and a higher student population.”Students asked Jeffocoat about the buildings across

campus on Rosedale. The university has been in talks withthe city and the property owner for some time about pur-chasing the property.

A large “sigh” came form Jeffcoat when this discussionwas brought up. He said the acquisition of the building isstill in limbo because of an uncooperative seller. The city ofFort Worth and the university, however, are still working onsolutions.

Some of the students are looking for solutions for theirmoney woes.

One student asked why tuition was due “so far inadvance” for the following semester.

Jeffcoat answered that the policy was in place to dealwith a cash flow issue in the university, but students shouldnot let money keep them from registering.

“Talk to business affairs, and it will work out,” saidJeffcoat, who agreed to convey student’s concerns with thebusiness affairs office.

Freshman Rachel Horton asked what the “academicfreedom of professors” means.

“It is an essential hallmark,” Jeffcoat said, but the realquestion is “how far does it go?”

Wesleyan, Jeffcoat said, will not filter what professorsteach – only how they say it or enforce it.

“Tenure is not a guarantee of employment,” saidJeffcoat. “It can be terminated.”

They can teach content, he said, but only fairly and notin a judgmental manner.

Forum, from page 1

Time goes by

Long-time supporter andfriend of Texas Wesleyan MarieGlick was recently honored by theschool with a 100th birthday partyand a building dedication. Knownfor years already as “The GlickHouse,” the campus building atAvenue D and Binkley was formallynamed the Glick House CommunityCounseling Center at a ceremonyNov. 16. The center will providecounseling for mental health, addic-tion, marriage and family concernsamong other difficulties. The build-ing was formerly the home of Glickand her husband, Dr. Walter Glick,who was a Wesleyan dean. Shespent her career as a teacher andprincipal at the Masonic home.

Photo by Kevin Keathley Courtesy of communications office Photo by Kevin Keathley

Courtesy of advancement office

Photo by Kevin Keathley

Page 3: Rambler 11.21.07

OpinionsThe Rambler November 21, 2007 3

The RamblerFounded in 1917 as The Handout

Harold G. Jeffcoat, Publisher Kelli Lamers, adviser Shawn R Poling, editor-in-chief Zainah Usman, photo editor Tiara Nugent, managing/college life editor Bryce Wilks, sports editor Colleen Burnie, entertainment editorSkyla Claxton, advertising manager Amanda May, Web editor

Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

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

Letters to the editor: The Rambler, a weekly publication, welcomes all letters. All submissions must have a full printed name, phone number and signature; however, confidentiality will be granted if requested.

While every consideration is made to publish letters, publication is limited by time and space. The editors reserve the right to edit all submissions for space, grammar, clarity and style.

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

"We are not afraid to follow the truth...wherever it may lead." -Thomas Jefferson

Address all correspondence to:Texas Wesleyan University, The Rambler, 1201 Wesleyan St., Fort Worth, TX 76105.

Newsroom: 531-7552 Advertising: 531-7582 Fax: 531-4878 E-mail: [email protected]

Rambler RatingsThumbs up to Lisa Wilks inthe business office for cheerful help all semester.

Thumbs down to the cheesyChristmas movies coming outthis year.

Thumbs down to executiveswho won’t give writers theirmoney. We need our TV!

Thumbs up Cheryl Gray,facilities coordinator, for collecting trash around cam-pus. Her efforts are appreciated.

-- Barbara Reese

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Annoying, tacky, insightful, humorous, crass andcool. All of these adjectives (and more) can and

have been used to describe bumper stickers. Whileopinions vary about bumper stickers themselves, thereason for putting bumper stickers on one’s car remainsthe same: It is a form of personal expression and anattempt to connect with others.

Sure, not everyone whoslaps on a “Keep honking, I’mreloading” sticker on theircar is searching for agreater connection to

humanity. However, that person still dis-plays the same motive as those who placepolitical or band stickers all over theirback window. Both are the driver’s per-sonal opinions or beliefs that they wish toshare with those around them.

Not everyone is interested in seeingwhat the person driving in front of thembelieves, particularly if the driver has anopinionated bumper. I’ve heard the groansand seen the eyes roll when bumper stickersare mentioned.

Many blogs and Web sites chastise thoseof us with stickers on our back glass, andsome even view it as a childish distraction. Perhaps my own dad summedup the anti-bumper sticker sentiment best when he said, “Boy, why do youwant to put all that [crap] on your car?”

“Why?” indeed.For my own purposes, my stickers (consisting of an array of awesome

punk rock bands) identify me with those individuals that like the samebands or types of bands. The majority of the music I like is not prevalentin the main stream. No radio station plays hits by Bad Brains or MinorThreat (see, you don’t even know who those bands are). As a result, the

masses are not exposed to “my” type of music. My bumper stickers, however, go beyond informing others of my dif-

ferent musical tastes. I can separate myself from the average music listenerand identify with others who have similar tastes while informing others ofbands they may not have known existed. I like to think of myself as apunk rock prophet, spreading the good news wherever I go.

Others who utilize political bumper stickers, I feel,are doing it for the same reasons: to separate one’s

self from the flock, to identify with others like themand to inform. Especially in Texas, a state about

as red as it can get, those of a liberal mindsetfeel an urge to separate themselves from the

conservative flock … to express their unpop-ular views that may be smothered in a polit-ical climate such as this.

Exposure to an unpopular or unknownidea is also the motivation for environmen-tal stickers, which urge people to take bet-ter care of the planet.

Funny stickers (or those meant to befunny) also denote characteristics of thedriver. They display the driver’s humor forthe public to read – the driver thought it wasso funny that everyone should enjoy in it.

Even the rude bumper stickers (“You!Get out of the gene pool!” or “Learn from

your parent’s mistakes, use birth control.”) arean extension of that person, which speaks to their humor, their beliefs andtheir opinions of others.

Realistically, bumper stickers rarely, if ever, change peoples’ mindsabout their personal beliefs. These stickers are usually preaching to theconverted. However, bumper stickers do cause people to read and think –two things that we as a nation should participate in more.

CHUCKFAIN

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

Bumper propaganda call readers to critical thinking

Courtesy of Google Images

Honk if you’re illiterate.

I’m used to being the bearer of bad news.As a former [information technology] man-

ager, I’ve delivered many copyright-violationnotices to on-campus residents who were caughtdownloading and sharing copyrighted musicand video.

Most downloads do not result in lawsuits,but if the House of Representatives passes theCollege Opportunity and Affordability Act, col-leges might lose eligibility for federal studentfinancial aid if they fail to address illegal down-loading on their campus networks.

Pressuring colleges and universities intoprotecting the movie and music industries at thepotential expense of students is a morally despi-cable cave-in to special interests.

Committeespokeswoman RachelRacusen told CNETNews.com that “theseprovisions would notput students or col-leges at risk for los-ing financial aid.”

She said schoolswould only have toinform students andemployees of its poli-cies and proceduresrelated to illegaldownloads, and theconsequences of fail-ing to heed the new rules would be determinedby the Department of Education.

If the penalties are as light as the committeeaide claims, colleges and universities have lessto fear: This bill will have no teeth and illegaldownloading will continue on college campus-es. However, the precedent set by the bill aswell as its ambiguity should be a cause for con-cern.

Section 494 of the bill reads, “Each eligibleinstitution participating in any program under

this title shall to the extent practicable ... devel-op a plan for offering alternatives to illegaldownloading ... as well as a plan to exploretechnology-based deterrents to prevent suchillegal activity.”

Does this mean that the “plans” need onlyto be developed and not implemented? Does theword “shall” not imply a requirement but astrong suggestion? What exactly determines the“extent practicable” for an institution?

The vagueness of the bill’s language, espe-cially given the committee’s fact sheet, opensthe door for more stringent regulation in thefuture should the music and movie industriespressure their friends in Washington further.

Furthermore, the House Education andLabor Committee’s “fact sheet” in response topublic criticism over the bill tactlessly attacksthe bill’s opponents. The committee’s responso-rial fact sheet reads, “supporters of intellectual-property theft are circulating myths about the

bill.” Whocould theseevil propo-nents of pira-cy be?

Noneother thanofficials oftheUniversity ofMaryland,Stanford,Yale andPenn State,who voicedtheir opposi-

tion in a letter to Congress: “Lower-income stu-dents, those most in need of federal financialaid, would be harmed most under the entertain-ment industry’s proposal.”

It seems odd that a committee that workshand-in-hand with educational institutionswould indirectly label university officials ascriminals.

Meanwhile, the Motion Picture Associationof America has cited a list of college campuses

that have already begun monitoring and filteringfile transfers on their networks. The MPAAclaims these efforts have decreased copyrightcomplaints from as much as 50 per month tonone.

However, at a large, research-heavy institu-tion such as Penn, the possibility of overlyrestrictive network oversight can inhibit legiti-mate file transfers and hurt productivity. This isPenn’s rationale for not having a centralizedfirewall or filter for university network activity.

While network monitoring can virtuallyeliminate copyright violations, colleges shouldnot be legally bound to do the dirty work of themusic and movie industries. Instead of impos-ing regulatory burden onto colleges and univer-sities, the music and movie industries shouldconsider alternative courses of action.

For example, the MPAA has already beguncharging fines for downloading and sharingcopyrighted content. By acquiring user informa-tion from a school, the MPAA can penalize stu-dents without affecting the school’s networkactivity. The deterrent of a fine also imposesindividual accountability whereas the proposedbill spreads punishment to the entire universitycommunity.

The music and movie industries should alsoconsider decreasing their prices or finding alter-native business models to create incentives topurchase media from them. Radiohead recentlymade their newest album available for down-load with an option for donation. While theeffect of this model on the band’s revenue hasyet to be determined, the prospect of artists sell-ing their work at low prices without record-label contracts should be a red flag for neededchange.

With the Internet community consistentlyseeking ways to circumvent efforts by theMPAA and RIAA, morality may be the onlyforce driving demand for legal music and moviesales.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t feelmorally obliged to purchase anything fromsomeone who holds my financial aid hostage.

ERNEST GOMEZDAILY PENNSYLVANIAN/U-WIRE

Music pirates may ward off financial aid

Courtesy of Google Images

GUEST COLUMN

Page 4: Rambler 11.21.07

College LifeNovember 21, 2007 The Rambler

SHOOT.

POINT.

AIM.

Hit the mark andbecome The Rambler’s

new photo editor inSpring 2008.

WANTED:

Web managerSpring 2008

txwes.edu/rambler

GGiinnggeerrbbrreeaadd CCuuttoouuttssYou’ll need:One 18 ounce package spice cake mix3/4 cup all purpose flourTwo eggs1/3 cup vegetable oil1/3 cup molasses2 teaspoon ground gingerCream cheese frostingRed Hots candy or tube of red icing

Mix all ingredients well. Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes. Rollout dough on floured surface about 1/8 inch thick. Cutout shapes withfloured cookie cutter(s). Place apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at375 degrees for 7-10 minutes. Cool. Decorate with frosting.

Sweet tastes of the seasonThe lack of a kitchen, a situation many a dorm resident lament, is a dilemma that vanishes with the coming of holiday

breaks. Once again enveloped in the coziness of mama’s kitchen, reacquaintance with and exploration of the culinaryart commences afresh.

PPuummppkkiinn BBrreeaaddYou’ll need: Six eggs3 cups sugar1¼ cups oilTwo small cans of pumpkinMix well. Add:2 1/3 cups white flour2 cups whole wheat flour1/2 teaspoon baking powder3/4 teaspoon salt3/4 teaspoon cloves1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Mix well. Pour into three largegreased loaf pans. Bake one hourat 325 degrees.

OOrreeoo BBaallllssYou’ll need:One package of OreosOne 8 ounce brick of cream cheese, softened15 ounce white candy coating12 ounce chocolate candy coatingChristmas sprinkles (optional)Wax paper

Finely crush Oreos. Mix with softened cream cheese. Moldinto balls about 1 inch in diameter. Refrigerate one hour oruntil balls are cold and firm all the way through. Melt candycoating. Using a toothpick, dip balls into coating and place onwax paper. Allow to dry and drizzle with opposite candy coat-ing. Shake sprinkles over. Refrigerate.

CCooqquuiittoo ((SSppaanniisshh EEgggg NNoogg))You’ll need: 1 can condensed milk2 cans evaporated milk6-8 egg yolks (room temperature)1 ½ cans cream of coconut1 tablespoon ground cinnamon1 teaspoon ground gingerRum to taste

Mix all ingredients until smooth andcreamy. Pour mixture into large bottles. Addtwo cinnamon sticks per bottle and let chill atleast one day before drinking. Shake wellbefore serving.

PPuummppkkiinn GGiinnggeerr SSnnaapp CChheeeesseeccaakkeeFirst, the crust. You’ll need:2-3 cups ground ginger snaps1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 stick butter melted

Then, the filling:2 8-ounce blocks cream cheese1 15-ounce can pumpkin 1 1/4 cup sour cream 1 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoon flour 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ginger, cloves 1 teaspoon vanilla

-Tiara Nugent and Shawn R. Poling

For many Wesleyan students, senior year means hard classes, long projects and usual-ly some research. The mere mention of research can send students running the other way,but for senior biochemistry major Jimmy Juelg and senior psychology major DinkoKranjac, the summer and fall semester research meant playing with plasma and resulted inthe chance to showcase their research for scientists from all over the nation.

“We were chosen to participate in the Welch research program this summer,” said Juelg.For Juelg, though the summer of investigations was not mandatory, research time this

fall fulfills the semester of research required for science majors. For Kranjac the experiencewas not required.

“I have an interest in science and, since I had the chance to do it this summer, I took it.It was so interesting I stuck with it through the semester as an independent study,” saidKranjac.

The two seniors teamed up with chemistry professor Dr. Samuel Sanchez to continuework on a project that Sanchez had begun during his time in graduate school.

“Then Dr. Sanchez picked us to be on his team, and we both decided to stay with it forthe semester,” said Juelg. “The purpose of the research was to find the optimal duty cycle,or ratio of on and off, using pulsed plasma and a monomer to create a uniform nanofilm.”

Plasma, the fourth state of matter, is created when particles are extremely excited.“We excited them using radio waves, the same kind that would be flowing through your

car stereo,” said Juelg. They then would pulse the plasma on and off at different ratios to try and create a uni-

form, smooth film on a piece of silicon.“This was my first experience with real world chemistry research,” said Kranjac of the

nearly six month long project.“In the future, the film could be used for a variety of applications based on the materi-

al, or monomer, that we started with,” said Juelg.Late in the summer, Sanchez applied to the American Chemical Society Southwest

Regional Meeting for a chance to present the research at the conference.“I was very excited,” said Kranjac. “It was a great opportunity to see what others were

doing in the fieldof chemistry andrepresent theschool with ourwork.”

The confer-ence, which washeld Lubbock inearly November,lasted four daysand was filledwith undergradu-ate, graduate andfaculty researchfrom the region.

“We got tospeak to profes-sors of graduatestudies, see whatfields of study are available and where the world of chemistry is headed,” said Juelg. “Itwas definitely a highlight of my academic career.”

This summer marked the third summer spent studying with the Welch Foundation forJuelg, who also spent a summer studying trimethylmenuria with Wesleyan chemistry pro-fessor Ricardo Rodriguez and another studying bleach chemistry with chemistry professorRobert Landolt.

For Kranjac, an international student from Croatia, the experience was not only a featfor his scientific career but a personal achievement as well.

“When I first arrived here my English was pretty bad,” said Kranjac. “To be able topresent my research before my peers and be understood was quite an accomplishment.”

“We could not have been able to do any of this with out the chemistry department,Welch Foundation or Dr. Sanchez,” said Juelg. Kranjac agreed and joked, “Maybe next timewe can present in Costa Rica or New Zealand.”

COLLEEN BURNIEENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Students present personal research at national chemistry conference

Mix the ginger snaps and cinnamon. Add the melted butter slowlywhile mixing, until the mixture is just sticky, but not wet. Press the mix-ture into the bottom and sides of spring-form pan (seal the outer bottomand sides with foil) and let rest in freezer.

Bring all wet ingredients to room temperature. Mix cream cheesejust until smooth and mix in the rest of the ingredients one at a timeuntil just blended and smooth. Over-mixing will cause your cheesecaketo crack. Pour into crust and bake in a water bath at 325 degrees for anhour. When the cake has firmed but still jiggles slightly, turn off theoven and let cake rest for 30 minutes. Afterwards cover top of cakewith plastic wrap and chill overnight.

Jimmy Juelg and Dinko Kranjac present their research at a conferencethat included scientists from all over the nation.

Courtesy of Dinko Kranjac

Page 5: Rambler 11.21.07

SportsThe Rambler November 21, 2007 5

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

information andprofiles of your

favorite WesleyanTeams and Athletes

Quick Quotes“Thanksgiving dinnerstake 18 hours to pre-pare. They are con-sumed in 12 minutes.Football half-times take12 minutes. This is notcoincidence.”

- Erma Bombeck Author and columnist

Men’s Basketball:Dec. 10*7:30 p.m. vs. OklahomaWesleyan University

Dec. 14*7:30 p.m. vs. BelhavenCollege

Dec. 15*7:30 p.m. vs. LSU-Shreveport

Dec. 17*7:30 p.m. vs. WesleyCollege

Jan. 2*2 p.m. vs. SouthwesternCollege

Jan. 14*7:30 p.m. vs. Paul Quinn

Jan. 16*7:30 p.m. vs. LangstonUniversity

Women’s Basketball:Nov. 26*6 p.m. vs St. Gregory’sUniversity

Dec. 4*5:30 p.m. vs. LSU-Shreveport

Jan. 14*5:30 p.m. vs. Paul Quinn

Jan. 16*5:30 p.m. vs. LangstonUniversity

*denotes home game

Rams win thriller to reachregion VI final; seasonended by loss to UT-Brownsville in champi-onshipNov. 17The volleyball team took athrilling five-game win overLubbock Christian in theRegion VI Semifinal beforefalling to top-seeded UT-Brownsville in the champi-onship round.

Lady rams improve to 4-1Nov. 17The women’s basketballteam took a 75-68 win atPhilander Smith College inthe “Geese” AusbieThanksgiving Tournament.With the win, the LadyRams improved to 4-1,marking their best startsince 2000.

Rams win two at SterlingWarrior ClassicNov. 17The men’s basketball teamcollected victories againstSterling College and TaborCollege. The Rams are now3-1 on the season.

Student athletic trainers provide great servicefor our athletes. They provide treatment duringpractices and games alike, keeping athletes on thefield so that teams can excel. In February 2007,this vital program was nationally recognized bythe Commission on Accreditation of AthleticTraining Education.

Dr. Pam Rast, academic chair of exercise sci-ence, and her kinesiology department applied forthe accreditation in July 2006, a site visit wasmade that November and the honor was bestowedupon Texas Wesleyan this February. Had exercisescience majors focusing on athletic training grad-uated in December 2006 or May 2007, this accred-itation would have retroactively been applicable tothem, Rast said.

Without the accreditation, the department wassomewhat crippled when it came to recruitment,leaders said. Even though students could get whatthey needed, they did not qualify nationally. KyleMorgan, head athletic trainer, said that undergrad-uates in exercise science could take state exams,but this accreditation enables them to take anational exam.

As a result, this “frees them up legally,” hesaid.

“They can practice anywhere in the U.S. andeven overseas, thanks to this,” Morgan said.

This brings more opportunities to the studentsas well as provides a clear recruiting signal forindividuals interested in Wesleyan’s athletic train-ing program, he said.

Rast and Morgan point to an increase in staffas the prime element of these improvements. Theyneeded such a change, Rast said, from an academ-ic standpoint.

Sid Richardson Center’s athletic trainingroom is the “primary clinical education of our stu-dents,” said Rast, and there is “a huge clinicalinstruction aspect to this program.” The programrequires an instructor-student ratio of one to eight.

Athletic training is a degree program. The

kinesiology department uses the medium as aneducational site. One may equate this to just aboutany other health program, such as doctors intern-ing at a hospital. Sports provide a practice settingfor the athletic trainers. The students completeseveral practice-setting components. One is oncampus with Wesleyan athletic programs, andanother is a clinical rotation at an area high schoolworking under the supervision of a certified ath-letic trainer.

Wesleyan students complete a general rota-tions program with medicines at area health carefacilities and at physicians’ offices. They have anorthopedic rotation, as well. This consists of timespent in both orthopedists’ offices and operatingrooms. They also have rotations at physical thera-py clinics.

The program cannot require students to be inclinics for more than 20 hours a week, but if stu-dents wish to work more, they are free to do so.Hours are tracked by the department, but theschedule varies. If Wesleyan holds a volleyballtournament, students might be there 30 hours one

week. In such a hypothetical scenario, instructorssaid, the department will require them to work foronly 10 hours the following week.

The athletic training program has almosttripled its enrollment over the summer, andMorgan would be delighted to see more staff. Hisgoal is to have 25 or 30 athletic training students.Rast said the department will continue to grow asthey fulfill the needs of the students. Wesleyan, forexample, is always working on facilities.

The exercise science department utilizes theathletic training room as its laboratory, but thingsdo get crowded. Morgan said he needs athletictrainers to prepare athletes for practice and gamesat the same time other students are using the room.

This is a burden, Rast said. Eventually, shewould like to have a space dedicated as an athlet-ic training laboratory. It would have the sameequipment, but it would not be dedicated to athlet-ics. If a facility were available, she would likededicated lab space with rotation. This is wherethe proposed fitness center could prove to beinvaluable.

KEVIN S. KEATHLEYSTAFF WRITER

Senior athletic training major Crystal Carrizales could benefit from the accreditation that Wesleyan’straining program received in February. The program has tripled in size since last year, and trainers andstudents alike would like to gradually see more staff to improve even further.

Photo by Kevin Keathley

The men's basketball team is off to a good start and, with a run and gunstyle, this team is optimistic about dominating the Red River AthleticConference. Seniors Dalane Finley and Fred Eshon are particularly eager.

These best friends are transfers from North Lake College - Finley in hisfirst year at Wesleyan, Eshon in his second. These guys are no strangers tosuccess. In the 2005-06 season they experienced winning the National JuniorCollege Athletic Association Division III Championship together. Now that

they have encountered winning on the national level, the two are looking for-ward to winning another championship, although they both know they havea lot of work to do.

"I think we have a chance of winning once we get more chemistry withone another," Finely said. With only three seniors and five juniors, theybelieve this young team has a bunch of potential.

Finley, an exercise science major, starts for the Rams as a guard/forward.He came out of Fort Worth'sEastern Hills High Schooland transferred from NorthLake to University ofScience and Arts ofOklahoma last year.

"It was a bad experi-ence," he said.

It must have been, see-ing that they won only fivegames the whole season.Finley credits that experi-ence to a lack of passion inboth the players and thecoaches. It was different forhim when he came toWesleyan, however.

Eshon, whom Finley has known for five years, linked him with headcoach Brennen Shingleton ("Coach S," as Eshon would say). After seeingFinley play and speaking with him, Shingleton invited him to come play forthe Rams. It's been gravy ever since.

Finley recently received the Red River Conference Player of the Weekfor Nov. 5-11. It's so far, so good for the senior who leads in scoring andrebounding with 19 points and 7 rebounds per game.

Finley's buddy is also off to a great start. Eshon is the starting shootingguard for the Rams and is averaging 9 points and 2 assists per game, comingoff a game high of 16 points in the Ram's 100-68 defeat of Parker College.The pre-med/biology major came from Houston's Sharpstown High Schooland transferred from North Lake to Wesleyan in 2006. The Rams went 20-10last year, a record that Eshon anticipates improving this season. Although theRams are only returning three players, Eshon has high expectations for histeam.

"If we come together, play hard and buy into what the coaches say, wecan win," Eshon said.

So far, Wesleyan has been a great experience for both Finley and Eshon.The small class sizes, easygoing professors and location are plusses for them,not to mention the bonds they have made with their teammates and coaches.

"Everybody clicks on the team," Finley said. "We're all pretty goodfriends, and the coaches do a good job of motivating."

Wesleyan has also left a deep impression on Eshon. "I learned more about the game at Wesleyan than anywhere," he said.

"Anyone can play ball, but I've learned that to be focused and ready is themost important thing."

We will have to wait and see what the Rams will do as the season unrav-els. With some tough matches coming up, the season will be loaded withthrills. The Rams play their next home game against Oklahoma WesleyanUniversity at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10.

Photo courtesy of athletic office

MICHAYELA MAYSSTAFF WRITER

Senior Dalane Finley’s high-flying play led to distinction as conference play-er of the week with averages of 17 points and seven rebounds per game.

As one of onlythree return-ing membersfrom lastyears team,senior FredEshon iscounted on asa leader. He isaveragingeight pointsand fourrebounds as amember ofthe Ramsbackcourt.

Double the Trouble Fred Eshon and Dalane Finley are friends and teammates who have a history of winningnational tournaments together. It’s just what the doctor ordered for Wesleyan basketball.

Training program gains accreditation, students

Photo courtesy of athletic office

Upcoming Events

Sports Briefs

Page 6: Rambler 11.21.07

Off Campus:

* Lone Star Christmas:Gaylord Texan, all day.

*Fort Worth Symphony Pops:Home for the Holidays, BassHall, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Off Campus:

* Holiday at the Arboretum:Dallas Arboretum, dailythrough Dec. 31.

*Fort Worth Symphony Pops:Home for the Holidays, BassHall, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Off Campus:

* Holiday at the Arboretum:Dallas Arboretum, dailythrough Dec. 31.

On Campus:

* DVD releases: I Know WhoKilled Me, Bratz, TheNamesake and Waitress.

24Saturday

OnCampus:

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

25Sunday

Off Campus:

*ICE! exhibit: Gaylord Texanresort, all day through Jan. 5.

*Methodist Student Movementmeeting: Poly UMC, noon,free lunch served

26Monday

On Campus

*Gay Straight Alliancemeeting: B17 basement ofthe library, 12:15 p.m.

*Lessons and Carols:Polytechnic UnitedMethodist Church, 7 p.m.

*12th Annual ChristmasNativity Display: Stake ofthe Church of Jesus Christof Latter-day Saints, 7 p.m.

27Tuesday

Christmas: the season for giving, for time with friends and family, for lights and deco-rations and hours of wonderful Christmas music. The radio stations play the songs thatremind us of years past and the warm feelings that come with the holiday season. If you’relooking for an event to get into the holiday spirit, Texas Wesleyan’s music department hasthe perfect answer: Wesleyan Singers and Wesleyan Big Band Holiday Concert.

The Big Band Christmas Concert is a collaborative effort between Wesleyan Singers,the premier choral group; Chamber Choir, a smaller chorale group; and the Jazz Band.

“Collaborative projects are a great way for students to get to know other students out-side of their specific discipline, and they also develop a respect for other students’ area ofexpertise,” said Chorale Conductor Dr. Jerome Bierschenk.

The music for the concert ranges from classical to jazz and includes three of the musicdepartments major performing groups.

“It shows the versatility of our programs,” said Bierschenk, who will direct both theWesleyan Singers and the Chamber Singers.

According to Bryan English, director of the jazz band, there are a number of newChristmas arrangements for Big Band that will be included in the concert.

“I wrote a few arrangements last year for Big Band with vocal parts, so the choir willsing with Big Band accompaniment on those,” said English.

“The concert will be really fun,” said Ashly Spencer, a sophomore education major and

member of Wesleyan Singers. “There really is something for everyone. It’s a lot of music.”Both of the directors agree that the best part of a Christmas concert is working with the

music.“Whatever the style, it just makes the season festive, and I like being a part of that,”

said Bierschenk.“I get to listen to Christmas music from August through December,” said English about

the up side of performing a Christmas concert.According to English, the concert will be one third choral music, one third Big Band,

and one third combination.“I wanted to work on a project with Dr. Bierschenk now that we’re on the faculty

together,” said English. The concert will be the second chorale Christmas concert this season. The first is the

traditional Methodist Lessons and Carols, which will be performed at 7 p.m. Nov. 30 inPolytechnic United Methodist Church.

The festive music is enough to get anyone in the Christmas mood, which may havebeen what inspired the college musicians to host a toy drive. Audience members are askedto bring a new, unwrapped toy to the concert. The toys will then be distributed beforeChristmas to children who might not otherwise get a gift. Gifts will be accepted until theconcert in the music office.

The concert is at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in Martin Hall. Admission is free and open to thepublic. For more information on the concert or toy drive, contact Dr. Jerome Bierschenk at(817) 531-4217.

Entertainment6 November 21, 2007 The Rambler

AALOOKLOOK

AATT THETHE

OnCampus:

*Baptist Student Ministry: SidRichardson Building, noon,free lunch served

* University Closes at 2 p.m.for Thanksgiving.

To submit an event forthe calender, e-mail

[email protected].

Off Campus:

*Happy Thanksgiving! Noclasses

*Dallas Cowboys vs. NewYork Jets: Texas Stadium, 3:15p.m.

Off Campus

* Fort Worth Parade ofLights: Sundance Square, 6p.m.

*Kelly Clarkson: NOKIATheatre, 8 p.m.

*Fort Worth SymphonyPops: Home for theHolidays, Bass Hall, 8 p.m.

Off Campus:

*Santa Clause at SundanceSquare

*A. W. Perry HomesteadMuseum's Annual Old-Fashioned Christmas: The A.W. Perry Homestead Museum,9 a.m.

* Neiman Marcus AdolphusChildren's Parade: Downtown,10 a.m.

Off Campus:

* A Candlelight Christmas inRyan Place: Ryan Place FortWorth, all day

* Celebrate Christmas: TrinityPark, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Off Campus:

*The Trains at North Park:North Park Mall, 9 a.m. to 9p.m. through Jan. 1

*A Candlelight Christmas inRyan Place: Ryan Place FortWorth, all day

*Celebrate Christmas: TrinityPark, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

On Campus:

* DVD releases: Pirates of theCarribean- At World’s End, 24Season Six, Superbad, Will &Grace Season 7

WWEEKSEEKS

AAHEADHEAD

4Tuesday1Saturday 2Sunday 3Monday

Concerts help to usher in Christmas cheerCOLLEEN BURNIE

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

HHoolliiddaayy mmoovviieess:: 22000077 ssllaattee hhaass ssoommeetthhiinngg ffoorr eevveerryyoonnee HolidayHappeningsSoon they will be here. The wonderful,

welcoming, friendly and altogetherannoying visiting family members that gohand-in-hand with the holidays. They’ll bein your house, eating your food, pinchingyour cheeks and stinking up your bath-room.

What’s the easiest way to keep thementertained without driving yourselfcrazy? Take them to the movies! Thisyear filmmakers are pulling out all thestops, so there is something for every-

body to enjoy. Family Fare

Nov. 21 is a big day for family movie lovers, when bothAugust Rush and Enchanted debut in theaters.

August Rush, which I can’t wait to see, tells the story of amusical prodigy in search of his parents. Freddy Highmore(Charlie & The Chocolate Factory) portrays August, whosemusically-inclined parents (Felicity’s Keri Russell and TheTudors’ Jonathan Rhys Meyers) abandoned him, he being aresult of a one-night-stand.

Both parents are regretting their choice to give him up,but August gets things started when he goes in search of themwith the help of his caretaker, played by Robin Williams. Thepreviews hint at some great performances and even bettermusic.

Enchanted is Disney’s latest offering, which has a typicalanimated prince and princess couple transported into the realworld by an evil queen (Susan Sarandon). The film looks tobe packed with comedy, chivalry, romance and musical num-bers. It might be the first Disney film in years to offer some-thing for the whole family.

The Perfect Holiday is this year’s major Christmas film,opening Dec. 12. The movie stars Queen Latifiah, GabrielleUnion and Morris Chestnut and tells the story of a young girl,upset by her mother’s lack of love, who tries to set her upwith a department store Santa Clause.

And for the truly brave, Dec. 14 marks the release ofAlvin & the Chipmunks. The new live action/CGI version ofthe beloved characters is either going to be the greatest thingever or just plain terrible. David, the critters’ human counter-part, is played by My Names is Earl’s Jason Lee, who hasshown a wide range of acting chops, but might not be able tosave this film. For Alvin’s sake, let’s hope for the best. Spectacle

The holiday movie season wouldn’t be the same withoutall the big names and bigger special effects. Beowulf alreadyopened with a bang, but we’ve got more to look forward to.

The Golden Compass, the biggest budget film of the sea-son, is based on the first installment of the His DarkMaterials books. Dakota Blue Richards is a young girl whodiscovers the fate of the world is in her hands. Enemies suchas Nicole Kidman lurk around every corner, hoping to halt

her quest, which includes journeys to far away lands, adven-tures with mystical creatures and special effects that look torival that of Narnia.

The Mist, the latest Stephen King adaption, directed byKing-enthusiast Frank Darabont (The Green Mile and TheShawshank Redemption) opens Nov. 21. The holiday season’sonly horror film plays out in another Maine town, which istaken over by a thick mist concealing creatures hungry forhuman flesh.

I Am Legend is Will Smith latest action-packed vehicle.Based on graphic novels, Smith portrays the last man alive onEarth after an apocalypse of sorts, only to find that, althoughthere is no sign of other human life, something else is lurkingin the shadows. The creatures in hiding are currently one ofthe best kept secrets in Hollywood, so there’s no telling whatSmith will be up against until Dec. 14.

As we all know, action moves aren’t known for beingsmart, which explains National Treasure: Book of Secrets(Dec. 21) and Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (Dec. 25), bothsequels to dreadful films. Neither have a chance of beingamazing, but they might be worthwhile for special-effectsbuffs. Buzzworthy

December is the last chance for Hollywood big-wigs toget in their bids for awards season, and some of the biggestcontenders have held out for the holiday season.

Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Phillip Seymour Hoffmangrace the screen in Charlie Wilson’s War, the true story ofTexas congressman Wilson, who engineered the arming of themujahdeen in Afghanistan who were at war with the Sovietsin the ‘80s. Roberts’ performance is rumored to be her best todate.

Kiera Knightly takes on a period piece of epic propor-tions once again with Atonement, based on the classic novelby Ian McEwan. Knightly plays Cecillia, whose younger sis-ter mistakes a tryst between Cecillia and a man as rape,resulting in the young man’s imprisonment. The story playsout over many years and Knightly is getting buzz about a sec-ond Oscar nomination.

The most controversial film of the season is surely TheKite Runner, based on the wildly popular book by KhaledHosseini. Amir and Hassan are the two main characters, whoare boyhood friends from opposite sides of the Afghanistantracks. After the country is overtaken by chaos, Amir is forcedto flee with his family but returns years later to the country(now ruled by the Taliban) to find Hassan.

This holiday season definitely has a wide variety ofchoices for everyone in the family, so cart your brood over tothe nearest theater and send them their separate ways. It justmight give you the moment of freedom required to make yourfamily-filled holiday a success.

SHAWN R.POLING

Fort Worth Parade of Lights

Celebrate Christmas

True to tradition, the Parade ofLights will kick off the holidayseason in Sundance Square at 6p.m. Nov. 23. The theme this yearis Silver Bells for a SilveryAnniversary in honor of the 25thannual parade. The progressionbegins at Belknap and Taylorstreets and will finish with thelighting of the Christmas tree inSundance Square. For reservedseats or more information, visitwww.fortworthparadeoflights.org

Twelve scenes from the life ofChrist will be re-enacted liveas visitors drive throughTrinity Park. Tourists areguided by a narrated audiorecording – available in theform of CD or cassette tape –that is provided free of chargeupon entering the park. Theaudio is available in seven lan-guages: English, Spanish,Portuguese, Korean,Cantonese, Mandarin andArabic. Celebrate Christmas isproduced by Tarrant Net, anetwork of local churches. Theshowing is free from 7 p.m. to9 p.m. Dec. 8-10. For moreinformation visit www.celebratechristmas.us.

The Gaylord Texan’s popular ICE! exhibit returnsthis year with a variety of new ice sculptures includ-ing a train depot, igloo, gingerbread family andwalk-through nativity scene. An impressive addition-al third slide, measuring 5 feet taller and 15 feetlonger than last year’s slides, will curve around theinterior of the exhibit to provide visitors with an evenmore exhilarating sliding experience. For more infor-mation, visit www.gaylordtexan.com.

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

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