February 6, 2008 Vol. 100, No. 2www.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

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Homecoming Events!Feb. 11: Crazy Day.

From PJ’s to funny glasses,anything goes. Stop byStudent Life to have yourpicture taken.

Feb 12: Game ShowDay. Join Student Life forgames and a chance to wincash or prizes.

Feb. 13 (banners mustbe up by 3 p.m. today!): HatDay. Wear a hat to supportWesleyan and theFoundation for Childrenwith Cancer. Stop byStudent Life to have yourpicture taken and to makedonations to “Hats on Day.”

Feb. 14: Spirit PepRally Day. Wear school col-ors and encourage ourteams. We’re not just talkingclothes here. Go crazy andget creative.

Feb. 15 (banners judgedtoday at noon): SportsTeams Day. Wear the hat orjersey from your favoritesports team.

Feb. 16: Women’s bas-ketball game (5:30 p.m.)and men’s basketball game(7:30 p.m.). Spirit paddlecontest winner will beannounced during women’shalftime. Coronation of2008 Homecoming king andqueen, spirit contest winnerand banner winner will beannounced during men’shalftime. Join Student Lifefor a black light party inStella Russel Hall from 9p.m. to midnight.

Study Abroad FundingA scholarship and fund-

ing workshop will takeplace at 2 p.m. Feb. 13 inthe West LibraryOrientation Room.

Love and PoetryAries is holding a

Valentine’s Day poetryreading during free periodFeb. 14 in the West LibraryOrientation Room.Refreshments will be pro-vided.

Present yourself Proposals for University

College Day applicationswill be accepted until Feb.29. Contact Stan Rummel(srummel@txwes-.edu) University CollegeDay is April 1.

Hatton SumnersHatton Sumners

Scholarship applications arenow being accepted untilFeb 25. Sophomores with atleast 60 academic hourscompleted at the end of Fall2008 and a 3.0 GPA are elli-gible to apply.

HOT JOB opportunities@ Career Services

Assisstant Therapist,Brent Woodall FoundationForeign Service Diplomatic Security Special Agent, U.S. Dept. of State CareersPaid Internship, Q InvestmentsPersonal Trainer, LAFitnessInstructional Assistants &Math Tutors, TCCPart-time Marketing Assistant, PointwiseSecurity Manager, FC DallasCrime Analyst, Fort

NEWS BRIEFS

Eye see Jessica Alba

The Rambler interviews Jessica Alba on page 6.

Once again, the music department offers the Wesleyan com-munity a chance to see the best and brightest in its program. ThePresident’s Honors Concert, which was established by formerpresident Jake Schrum in 1996, will celebrate its 12th year with agala event that is sure to impress.

According to Dr. John Fisher, chair of the music department,the event was originally in the Texas Boys Choir building. Aftermoving to Martin Hall in 2003, it has become the highlight of themusic department’s calendar.

“The President’s Honors Concert over the years has becomea genuine campus social highlight, with optional black tie for themen and formal wear for the ladies, along with the president andhis entourage, photographers and candelaria to light the way to afine reception in the Louella Martin Pavilion afterwards,” saidFisher.

Bill Bleibdrey, vice president for finance and administration,will serve as the master of ceremonies for this year’s concert.

“Mr. Bleibdrey is not only the institution’s masterful CFO,but also a well-known wit and raconteur,” said Fisher. “His pres-ence at the microphone alone will make the evening one to remem-ber.”

This year’s performers range across the spectrum. With fivesingers (both men and women), and one each on flute, guitar,piano, saxophone and clarinet, the evening promises to offer some-thing for everyone.

In accordance with tradition, all performers are selected by anindependent panel of three judges hired for the occasion. Thisprocess allows students to be judged only on their performance.

“I’m very excited about the President’s Honors Concert,” saidjunior piano performance major Karen Garcia.

Garcia joins soprano Stephanie Darbo and coloratura sopranoAndrea Talladino as returning performers.

Although most of the performers are upperclassmen, onesophomore and two freshmen also made the cut. ClarinetistBrandon Wheaton will lead off the evening.

“Brandon is a superb talent who, in one semester, has blos-somed immensely and well deserves his place on the program,”said Fisher.

The other freshman is alto saxophonist Jameson Williams whoplans to complete a music education degree.

“I feel very grateful to have been chosen among performers ofsuch high caliber,” said junior vocal music performance majorJonah Copland. He will be giving his first President’s HonorsConcert performance.

“It has been a real pleasure to watch the President’s HonorsConcert grow over the years,” said Dr. Steve Simons, professor ofmusic. “The quality of our performers seems to improve each year,and it is so satisfying to hear from the guests attending howimpressed they are with their talent. The singers and instrumental-ists chosen this year provide a diverse representation of what weare about in music, and I know that this program and the ‘galaatmosphere’ surrounding it will make for an enjoyable evening forall in attendance.”

In addition to celebrating the talent within the program, themusic department also is celebrating their renewed accreditation.

On Nov. 17, the music department was “continued as a mem-ber in good standing” by the National Association of Schools ofMusic, with “no areas of non-compliance” in any of its threedegree offerings, reported Fisher. NASM, the national accreditingagency in the discipline of music, will therefore not require anoth-er review of Texas Wesleyan’s music program until 2017.

“As national standards in the arts continue to rise, it is gratify-ing to know that Wesleyan Music continues to meet or exceedthem, thereby maximizing the benefit to our students for eventssuch as this,” said Fisher.

The President’s Honors Concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Feb.8 in Martin Hall. Admission is free. Interested parties should con-tact Lynette at (817) 531-4401in the president’s office to RSVP.

“We have new talent and old waiting to knock your socks off,”said Copeland.

Wesleyan’s best prepare forPresident’s Honors Concert

COLLEEN BURNIEENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Rosedale renovations moveanother slow step forward

After years of negotiations, Texas Wesleyanhas finally been granted the rights and funds torenovate the buildings on Rosedale Street imme-diately across the street from the camps.

According to the Fort Worth City Councilminutes from Dec. 18, the city manager recom-mended to the council that an “EconomicDevelopment Program Agreement with TexasWesleyan University” be established “for thefacade renovation and redevelopment of individ-ual buildings located in 3000, 3100, and 3200blocks of East Rosedale.”

The project, which has been a frustration toWesleyan for nearly six years, has finally, withthe help of the city of Fort Worth, started to look-up.

“We’re still ironing out legal issues,” saidUniversity President Dr. Hal Jeffcoat. “I’mdelighted in the way things are going.”

According to Jeffcoat, the project has beenanything but straight-forward.

“It’s been very interesting,” said Jeffcoat ofthe long trek toward these steps. “There weresome stipulations.”

The Housing and Urban DevelopmentDepartment granted the city almost $1 million forthe renovation of the building façades onRosedale. That money had to be matched at somelevel and be given to an enterprise long standingin the community, an organization that would bea conduit to bring in other partners and a not-for-profit organization.

Wesleyan fit the criteria perfectly.According to Jeffcoat, Southeast Fort Worth

Inc., another non-profit organization, was instru-mental in getting the grant money.

“I’m glad they worked so hard,” said

Jeffcoat, who serves on the board of SoutheastFort Worth Inc., although the project predates hisinvolvement.

Half of the money will go toward assistingTownSite developers and current property own-ers who are investing in the buildings.

TownSite is a local real estate developmentfirm that specializes in restoring buildings inurban areas and will share government fundingwith Wesleyan for the rehabilitation project.

Bill Bleibdrey, senior vice president offinance and administration, said that funds willallow for renovations to take place in the nextyear.

According to Jeffcoat, Wesleyan owns theblock that contains the Dillow House. The nextfew blocks west of Vaughn Street will benefitfrom the money.

“We will be able to leverage our resourcesfor the good of the community,” said Jeffcoat.“This money gives a cushion that just might bethe developer’s margin of profit. This will givethem leverage with their investors.”

The other half of the money will go towardrenovating Wesleyan’s side of Rosedale, particu-larly the Baker Building that currently serves asTheatre Wesleyan’s scene shop.

“I’m ecstatic that they granted us thismoney,” said Rob Carroll, a junior theater major.“We desperately needed it.”

According to Jeffcoat, the $461,000 in grantmoney has been subsidized by $250,000 that wasdonated to the university and $150,000 that wassupplied from our congressional representatives.

“Although it was an election year for us, KayGranger and Michael Burgess have really comethrough for us,” said Jeffcoat of the generoussupport.

According to Bleibdrey, the former scene

COLLEEN BURNIE & BRYCE WILKSENTERTAINMENT EDITOR & SPORTS EDITOR

See Rosedale, page 2

Dancingwith

Dr. Bell

Spanish professor AmyBell taught students salsadancing lessons afterLULAC’s WinterFestival Jan. 29. Theorganization sold tamaleplates and were enter-tained by speakersbefore before Bell taughtthe crowd to shake theirgroove thing.

Courtesy of Google Images

Photos by Kevin Keathley

News2 February 6, 2008 The Rambler

Online paper gives elections youthful spinTheir timing was impeccable. When Andrew Mangino, the student editor of the Yale

Daily News, and Alexander Heffner, a high school student at Phillips Academy in Andover,Mass., met while working on Sen. Hillary Clinton’s re-election campaign in New York, theysowed the seeds of an idea that, over time, could change the landscape of election coveragein the United States — an online newspaper staffed by students around the country putting ayouthful spin on the 2008 presidential race.

Out of the mouth of babes (relatively speaking), would come comprehensive coverage,commentary, analysis and opinion about a groundbreaking election involving the mostdiverse field of candidates in American history.

Scoop08 (www.scoop08.com) was launched Nov. 4 and has more than400 high school and university student contributors — editors and reporters— making it one of the biggest news gathering organizations of any kind.And although Mangino and Heffner worked for the Clinton Senate cam-paign, this is a bipartisan venture in which every political point of view isrepresented and minor party candidates get the kind of in-depth attentionnot afforded by traditional print and broadcast media.

In other words, this is not your father’s newspaper.“It’s an incredible year to be doing this,” said Heffner, 17, who, besides

being co-founder of Scoop08, is general manager of the Phillips Academyradio station and a full-time student. “We’ve had waves of enthusiasm thathave enabled us to connect to young people. We’re talking new and freshangles.”

Heffner is speaking from NewHampshire, where he was on the air withhis radio show for five hours during the Jan.8 primary. He is just finishing a quick lunchand pauses to say hello to a passer-by.

Despite an exhausting primary day andnight, Heffner said the experience is invig-orating. He senses a growing level of enthu-siasm among the young people volunteer-ing for Scoop08, who have not yet becomejaded by the political process.

“We can track the contributions comingin, and we’re getting a lot of college andhigh school students and even some olderpeople who are disillusioned,” Heffner said.

So whether it is exploring the compati-bility of democracy and Islam as onecolumnist did, or even examining howsports and politics can mix, the tone andapproach of Scoop08 is a lot different fromwatching the political pundits on Meet thePress.

Mangino and Heffner embarked on their start-up Web publication based on two assump-tions: The Internet is generally the media vehicle of choice among students and is changingcampaigns the way television revolutionized campaigns in the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon race.And “there was unprecedented interest on campuses in the race,” Mangino said.

“Whether you are conservative or liberal,” he said, “there is a feeling that the U.S. is ata watershed in its history and in its place in the world, and there is an energy level for changethat is making people feel they need to do something.”

Scoop08 is not Animal House for student-journalists. Mangino and Heffner conductedphone interviews with prospective reporters and editors and read samples of their work. Theyalso have enlisted a panel of respected advisers, among them newspaper and magazine edi-tors and columnists, as well as U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., and former RepublicanSen. Al Simpson of Wyoming.

There is also a clear distinction made between opinion voiced in columns, ranting inblogs and covering breaking news in the traditional impartial manner. Scoop08 also relies onmultimedia links to popular Web sites such as YouTube.

“We want to be a source for readers, interesting and provocative, but not amateurish orsensational,” Mangino said.“When a story is written, it goesthrough the journalistic process —an editor, copy editors and manag-ing editors — similar to the stan-dards of traditional publications.”

Heffner said the main-stream media has been receptive toScoop08 and that its staffers havereceived credentials to debates andother official media functions. Thedemands on students, however,can be great in the lengthy processof choosing the next president.They still have to attend classes,write papers and take exams,which makes for a delicate balanc-ing act.

Anna Schumann is a seniorat Texas Tech University wholearned about Scoop08 from herjournalism professors. She appliedonline last spring and spoke toMangino. “I’m a journalism andpolitical science major, and that

was my motivation,” she said. “I was drawn by the idea of doing something so unusu-al.”

Her assignment was to be the principal correspondent for the Constitution party,which Schumann said, “is cool because it never gets covered.”

But in a recent e-mail she said that while she still covers the Constitution party andis a copy editor, she hasn’t been as involved as she hoped to be because, “I’ve justbeen really busy with school and trying to find a job and such.”

Heffner laughs when reminded about the intrusion of school work at PhillipsAcademy and how even a Yalie like Mangino has to juggle responsibilities as the edi-tor of the oldest student newspaper in the country and nurturing Scoop08.

In this case, however, youth is apparently not being wasted on the young.“We’re both kind of Energizer-Bunny types with a lot of firepower in us,” Heffner said.

“We maintain our schedule and dedicate ourselves to Scoop. We set high expectations, but Ithink we’re off to a good start.”

PETE ALFANOREPRINT COURTESY OF FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM

Andrew Mangino and Alexander Heffner, co-cre-ators of Scoop08, met while working on Sen.Hillary Clinton’s re-election campaign in NewYork. Now they and more than 400 college andhigh school student contributors comprise one ofthe biggest news gathering organiztions of alltime.

The RamblerWants You!Need a job? The Rambler needs

responsible writers and photographers now!

Get paid!Gain valuable experience!Work from home/school!

Write stories or take photos!Learn the ins and outs of TWU!

No required assignments!Write stories or snap photos twice a week

or twice a semester, it’s all up to you!

Meetings every Thursday - free period - Stella Russell Hall lobbywww.txwes.edu/ramblertwurambler@yahoo.com

shop will be a multi-purpose building, with gallery space for holding exhibitions, meeting space for universityand community use and a coffee bar, likely with Internet capability.

“It’ll be cool,” said Jeffcoat. “A real Starbucks feel and a place you’d want to kick-back and enjoy your-self.”

And the new scene shop? Funds are now being raised to design a replacement with high ceilings, large doorsand close proximity to the theater performing spaces.

“We don’t want the kids in the theater department to be out,” said Jeffcoat who is currently working withConnie Whit-Lambert and Joe Brown on the new 500-square-foot building. “It won’t be a Taj Mahal, but it willserve the purpose.”

Bleibdrey is currently in talks with eFollet bookstore to possibly move the bookstore across Wesleyan Streetinto one of the vacant spaces.

“This will give them more exposure on the street,” said Jeffcoat.The move from Sid Richardson will open up more space for possible offices and classrooms.With exception of the possible book store move, tenants in the space across Rosedale will not be related to

the university.According to Jeffcoat, the school is looking for businesses that will fit the demographics of our area to fill

the other empty spaces on Wesleyan Street. The university plans to hold a forum for the community once all ofthe contacts are signed.

“We want them to see that this is all for the good of the community, and they can be proud of the area,” saidJeffcoat. “The situation is a win for the community, the developers, the university and our vendors.”

As for now the board is in the process of crossing all of the t’s and doting all of the i’s.“It’s come slowly, painfully, at glacial speed—but it’s coming together,” said Jeffcoat.

Rosedale, from page 1

The theater department’s former scene shop will be renovated into a multi-pur-pose building for exhibitions, meeting space and a coffee bar.

Courtesy of Steve Roberts

Images courtesy of Google Images

OpinionsThe Rambler February 6, 2008 3

The RamblerFounded in 1917 as The Handout

Harold G. Jeffcoat, Publisher Kelli Lamers, adviser Shawn R Poling, editor-in-chief Tiara Nugent, managing/college life editor Bryce Wilks, sports editorColleen Burnie, entertainment editor Skyla Claxton, advertising manager

Member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.Opinions expressed in The Rambler are those of the individual author only

and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas Wesleyan community as a whole. Letters to the editor: The Rambler, a weekly publication, welcomes all letters.

All submissions must have a full printed name, phone number and signature; however, confidentiality will be granted if requested. While every consideration is made to publish letters, publication is limited by time and space.

The editors reserve the right to edit all submissions for space, grammar, clarity and style. Letters to the editor may be subject to response from editors and students on the opinions page.

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

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

Newsroom: 531-7552 Advertising: 531-7582 Fax: 531-4878 E-mail: twurambler@yahoo.com

Rambler RatingsThumbs up to the musicdepartment for renewedaccreditation of the NationalAssociation of Schools ofMusic.

Thumbs down to the brokenvending machine in Stella.

Thumbs down to the bookstore for not recyclingtextbooks.

Thumbs up to beautiful warmweather in February.

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STOP.However painful being

late to work or classmay be, the sound of anothervehicle broadsiding your ownhurts worse. However painfulthe sound of your vehiclecrunching into an accordionshape may be, the death of aperson wrenches grief deeperand longer.

On Jan. 1, the city ofFort Worth joined the ranks

of those cities seeking to discourage driversfrom running red-lights and committed to penal-izing those who do so by means of installingautomated red-light cameras. Fines will becharged to both red light violators and thosewho hit the gas on yellow. Some may declarethis to be an extreme or ridiculous method, but,considering that Texan fatalities at red-lightintersections rank fourth in the nation, skepticsshould give this sentiment and situation deeperthought.

First, however, exactly what constitutes run-ning a red light? Law infringement occurs whena vehicle enters an intersection after the signallight has turned red. Tickets will not be issued,however, to motorists already out in the inter-section at the change of the light.

Photos are not snapped of all vehicles pass-ing through the intersection, only those whopass through after the signal turns red. The cityof Fort Worth assures that the driver of the vehi-cle is not visible in the photo; the identity of thedriver is, in fact, irrelevant as the ticket goes tothe individual listed under the license plate reg-istration and not the driver. Keeping that fact inmind, you may want to warn anyone taking yourcar for a spin. Just because you’re not behindthe wheel doesn’t mean a ticket won’t be

slapped on your wallet.Those caught in violation will receive the

ticket and photo(s) in the mail. As the infringe-ment counts as a civil offense, the ticket will notbe reported to the Texas Department of MotorVehicles or your insurance company.

Fines for running red lights may beappealed in an administrative hearing in FortWorth Municipal Court.

A red-light ticket will cost the vehicle owner$75, plus an extra $25; half of all proceeds(after the deduction of administrative expenses)from this type of traffic violation will bedonated to a regional trauma center. Theremaining funds will be reinstated intotraffic safety.

In the first five months of Arlington’sexperiment, 9,500 red-light violations werecaptured on seven cameras. Eleven monthsfrom the day, 60 cameras began capturingred-light breaches at Dallas intersections,the city had racked up $12 million in rev-enue. Other Metroplex cities imposing red-light monitors include Bedford, Denton,Frisco, Garland, Grand Prairie, Irving,Plano and Richardson.

I don’t see how anyone can refer tothis ordinance as sneaky. There are signsposted at each photographed intersection. Thecameras’ locations are public knowledge(whether or not the driver remembers or paysattention to those hot spots), as is the conse-quence of an infraction, so how can anyonecomplain? If anyone wants to point fingers atsneaky, direct the finger to those sly cops radar-ing from an overpass and radioing their buddiessitting on the on ramp about your black truckcruising 10 miles over the speed limit. That’sunderhanded.

Safety lies at the heart of this crackdown of

law enforcement. It’s not a trap to pad a pocket-book, a scheme to look good or another way towaste taxpayer’s hard-earned and highly-covet-ed money. Sure police could be sent out to keeptabs on intersections, but how plausible is it tochase a car running a red light? The potential ofa pile-up mounts even higher.

According to a report made by the FortWorth City Council, 2,032 red-light citationswere issued during the first two weeks ofJanuary. It’s still too early to tell whether thatrate will escalate to a peak and finally diminish

as the populous’ awareness or maintain a steadyflow of business. I personally feel it will be thelatter. People are lazy. They may get annoyed atthe “inconvenience” getting caught presents, butthey will not care enough to monitor or alterimpulse.

In the eyes of impatient, immature, inatten-tive, rushed or hot-shot drivers, any color meansgo.

RReedd-lliigghhtt ccaammeerraa llooccaattiioonnss iinn FFoorrtt WWoorrtthh

-Eastchase Parkway and Meadowbrook Drive

-East Long Avenue and Deen Road

-South Hulen Street and South Bellaire Drive

-McCart Avenue and Westcreek Drive

-Bryant Irvin Road and West Vickery Boulevard

-Eighth Avenue and Elizabeth Boulevard

-North Beach Street and Western Center Boulevard

TIARANUGENT

Tiara Nugent is a junior creative writing major and isthe managing editor for The Rambler.

Is it enough? Too little? Too much? Do you even care?I don’t know about you, but I have conflicting feel-

ings about Fort Worth’s amendment to the smoking ban,which took effect Jan. 1.

Now Fort Worth smokers are severely limited inavailable places in which to smoke. Restaurants, busi-ness offices and bowling alleys are now off limits. Youcan smoke in a bar, as long as that bar makes above 70percent of its income from alcohol.

Private residences and varying percentages ofrooms in hotels, nursing homes, private clubs, bingohalls and tobacco shops are still fair game.

And if you’re outside, you’ll need to be at least 20 feet from any regu-lated structure’s entrance (the best idea that came out of this whole deal).Most people have made up their mind on the subject, the deciding factorusually whether or not the person smokes. My situation, on the other hand,isn’t so cut and dry.

My grandmother, fondly remembered for feeding my cousins, my sib-lings and I from one giant pot of ravioli next to the swimming pool, diedfrom lung cancer when I was 11.

She kept three large toy chests hidden on the back porch, each packedto the maximum with cartons of cigarettes. Every memory I have of herprominently features a cigarette in her right hand, smoke saturating everymoment. The only time I saw her without one was when she was bedrid-den in her last few months.

I remember the day my grandmother died. I was watching an old rerunof American Gladiators while my dad held her hand, she confined to aportable hospital bed in her living room. I left to go to the bathroom, andwhen I came back she was gone.

I’m pretty sure that’s not exactly how it happened, but that’s how Iremember it. That feeling sits in the back of mind, peeking from the dark-ness anytime the subject of cigarettes comes up.

Powerful, huh? Not powerful enough to keep me from smoking. Ayear after my grandmother passed I took up smoking Marlboro Reds (thatdidn’t last long), and by my junior year of high school, I was smoking apack of Camels a day.

As if I didn’t have reason enough to never start, my dad developedskin cancer in 1998. Not technically from cigarettes of course, but I couldfeel my chances of following in my grandmother’s footsteps growing withevery drag I swept down my throat and held in my lungs.

So I quit, chastising any smoker around me from my high pedestal ofliberation from smoke. I lost some close friends and made quite a reputa-tion for myself as Mr. Don’t Smoke Around Him, which is why I kept mysmoking a secret when I started back up in college.

I kept my bad habit on the down-low, hiding in my or myparents’ backyard when lighting up. Despite all the guilt I feltinside, all the anger I had for myself, and all the fear I had formy life, I kept it up for years, until just last week. If you’rereading this article, I’ll have been smoke free for a week!

My reasons for quitting are many. I don’t have themoney, I don’t have the breath mints and I don’t want toend up like my grandmother. But at the same time, I’m nolonger on that pedestal. If you want to smoke, that’s up toyou. As long as you aren’t blowing your smoke in myface, I’m fine.

But is the amendment to the smoking ban fair?I know very well how dangerous smoking is.

Whether or not you want to admit it, smoking can killyou. It’s on every pack, as required by federal law.So I believe it’s very important that all non-smokershave the option to go wherever they want and dowhatever they want to do without being engulfed insmoke, forced into the same dangers smokers exposethemselves to willingly.

On the other hand, smokers smoke because theywant to. It’s not illegal and it’s not required; it’spurely recreational, just like alcohol, which alsoposes health problems. I’m in no way sayingsmoking should be allowedeverywhere, but peoplehave been smoking inrestaurants and recreation-al businesses for hundreds ofyears. At the rate we’re going, I don’tsee it being very long before smokers areonly allowed to light up in their own homes.

There’s no easy answer to this dilem-ma, but I think the city missed this one.The only “right” answer I can find is toleave it up to the businesses themselves. Inmy opinion, businesses have as much rightto allow smoking on their premises as anindividual has the right to light up. If thatwas the case, there would surely be plentyof pro-smoke or smoke-free options foreveryone. It’s the only answer that actu-ally makes sense.

SHAWN R.POLING

Smoking stipulations damper freedom of choice

Red-light cameras hold violators accountable

Shawn R. Poling is a senior writing major and is the news editor for The Rambler.

College Life The RamblerFebruary 6, 2008

World-view. All students are told to develop one. Most want one, and many try to shapeone within their minds. Though the Wesleyan campuses, faculty and community in generalbestow much knowledge, awaken awareness and stir motivation in students, the scope ofimpact is largely limited to the classroom. Largely, but not completely.

With the arrival of 2008, Wesleyan ushered in numerous opportunities for students tojump on board faculty-led study abroad trips.

“Students find that traveling abroad changes their lives and expands their minds andoutlooks on the world,” said Betsy Johnson, director of International Programs. “Theyunderstand not only other cultures but their own better, and they are open to more possibil-ities for themselves and their futures. They also have a great time!”

Come March 5th, Dr. Jesse Sowell, professor of religion, will embark on the WesleyanHeritage and Humanities Study-Tour in England. This study abroad trip, spanning springbreak, is headed for places such as Canterbury, Epworth (birthplace of the Wesleys),Liverpool, Oxford, Gloucester, Bristol, Stonehenge, Salisbury and London (where theBritish Museum, Wesley’s Chapel, the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral await).

Sowell, who happens to be no stranger to any of these locales, states that the trip’s“objective is to introduce our students to another culture and to the historical background oftheir own culture by studying in another part of the world that is rich in tradition and histo-ry.”

Learning first-hand about the roots of the Wesleyan movement, which produced theUnited Methodist Church and Texas Wesleyan University, equate this excursion’s primarygoals.

Requirements for this course involve attendance at class meetings one night a week upuntil spring break and keeping a journal recounting the experiences and observations of theday.

At the same time Sowell and his entourage are touring breathtaking English country-side, Theater Department Chair Connie Whitt-Lambert, accompanied by a collage of stu-dents, will be viewing theattractions London has tooffer, as well as the treas-ures of Paris and theFontainebleau castle.March 6-15 is sure toopen the eyes of all par-takers. Although this pro-gram offers no universitycourse credit, a uniqueopportunity, a suitcasefull of memories and eyesopened wide to a previ-ously unknown section ofthe world is creditenough for many.

Sowell will be backon a plane in May, thistime headed to the lus-cious Ireland landscape.

Visitation to sitessuch as Newgrange,Blarney and Dublin (home to the Abbey Theatre and St. Patrick’s Cathedral) have spots onthe agenda.

The course will enable students to learn about the history of the Irish people and nation,focusing especially on their religious heritage and the interaction of religion with politicsand economics in the development of Ireland. This course provides a study of the Celtic

people and of their contribution to the development of the institutions and values of contem-porary civilization.

Associate Professor of Spanish Amy Bell won’t be spending all her summer break with-in U.S. borders. July 6-20 will find Bell and a hoard of Spanish students drawing pleasurefrom a bustling, colorful Mexican adventure. During the fortnight in Cuernavaca, studentswill have the opportunity to experience life straight out of the homes of native families.Class will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day, with afternoons, evenings andweekends set aside for excursions in and around Mexico City. Destinations? La plazaGaribaldi, Xochimilco, El Museo de Antropologa, El Museo Dolores Olmedo and ElMuseo/Castillo Chapultepec all make the list.

“We will also include plentyof cultural activities, such as out-ings to the theater, concerts andto the Ballet Folklórico. I want[the students] to sharpen theirspoken and written Spanish, andI want them to come to appreci-ate and love Mexican history, art,music, language and literature asmuch as I do.”

Bell, who has visited all butone of the destinations, said sheis especially looking forward to watching students enjoy and learn.

Undergrad faculty and staff are not the only academics seeking world exposure and eru-dition. The graduate education program’s calendar shows two expeditions to South Americain July 2008, one to discover Peru and one to encounter the Brazilian culture. Teaching ininternational language(s) will occupy a portion of students’ time; investigating sights suchas the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru and the tropical rainforests of Brazil promise amaz-ing photographs and pleasurable diversions.

For anyone – graduate or undergrad – the decision to study abroad is one which natu-rally raises many questions and concerns. Johnson assures that apprehension neednot bother interested students.“The major concerns students have about studying abroad are money, time and safe-ty,” said Johnson. “That’s why the faculty-led programs are so popular. They areshort and pretty cheap, and faculty takes students only to countries that are stableand safe.”Several scholarships are available, so students need not worry about financing a tripbefore checking out potential support offered through Wesleyan. These resourcesinclude the Freemen-Asia Scholarship, an award which aides students desiring ataste of Asian flare. The NSEP/David L. Boren Scholarship is a scholarshipdesigned to serve students who want to learn a language in a meaningful context andstudy in countries whose languages are less commonly taught at U.S. institutions inareas of the world that are critical to the future security of our nation. To learn more about potential financial assistance, attend the Scholarship andFunding Workshop at 2 p.m. Feb.13 in the West Library Orientation Room.

Junior psychology major Ryan Authier can attest to the impact and thrills thestudy abroad experience presents. “Even if you’re just there for a week or so (we were in Scotland for 10 days), youlearn more about the culture than you’d have ever thought imaginable in such asmall amount of time. The professors know their stuff,” said Authier. “The travel-ing and hotels were out of our responsibility, which was great, and when you comeback you feel so cultured. Finally something to talk about at a cocktail party. If I

ever go to a cocktail party, that is.”Europe, Mexico, South America – each continent and country is calling forth eager,

open-minded students to an unforgettable journey discovering not only self and knowledge,but a whole other world.

Photo by Joakim Soderbaum

Courtesy of Ross Mullens

Photo by Ross Mullens

“Going on this trip was definitely one of my bestdecisions here at TWU. We were well preparedand to finally get to see all the places - LochNess, battlefields from Braveheart and theScottish Crown juwels, just to mention some -that we had been talking about in class was aamazing experience.”

– Joakim SoderbaumSophomore Athletic Training Major

A Wesleyan group visits Cuernavaca in summer 2007.

Atouching memoir from the slums of Georgia to the highest courtof the land ... that is My Grandfather’s Son. Known for his con-

servatism and often described as an originalist, Supreme Court JusticeClarence Thomas, in his own words, tells the riveting story ofhow a humble beginning fueled his ascent to the United StatesSupreme Court. In his memoir, Thomas shows how hope, despitebigotry, and profound love for his country led him to rise abovethe “careless hands [and] malicious hearts” who intended to keephim from accomplishing what he has.

My Grandfather’s Son illuminates the everlasting influenceMyers Anderson, his grandfather, had on him. This account alsoanswers many of the questions people have regarding Thomas’

conservative nature, which is odd coming from a black man growing up in the JimCrow south.

Clarence Thomas might just be an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court tomany in younger generations; however, others remember him for the time he was inthe political spotlight for all the wrong reasons in the 1990s. A former aide of his,Anita Hill, accused Thomas of sexually harassing her, and she was called to testify infront of Congress.

This came circa the time of his appointment, a groundbreaking time for Thomas,his family and many of his followers. Hill’s claims led to several other charges beingmade against Thomas, but not all were summoned to the courts. After great debate,the committee finally sent Thomas’s nomination to the Senate where he was confirmed bya 52-48 vote, one of the narrowest margins in history.

Along with the inspiration his grandfather cast on him during his childhood, Thomasrecounted the “acrimonious and polarizing” hearing to show how he was able to over-

come “depression and despair” after he thought the worst of it was long past him. Theman he used to call “Daddy” instilled a firmness nature and religious faith in him—virtues that he carries with him to this day as he sits in the Court.

A man in Thomas’ position could have thrown the towelin a long time ago, but by not doing so, he has estab-lished himself as a marquee figure who overcame theodds of adversity. Last year I had the privilege of catching one of Thomas’stops on his book tour in Dallas. I felt as if I was listen-ing to a presidential address from the constant applausefor his remarks. At the symposium, Thomas emphasizedhow ideas could be more articulately and effectivelycommunicated through literature. And that’s just what theman from rural-1940s Georgia did in his memoir; he“paid homage to the man who made it all possible.” Despite controversies, the people still believe in him andin his beliefs. Thomas holds strong to his conservativevalues, although he admits to having liberal and permis-sive leanings. He explains in his memoir how his faithand perseverance brought him to such a stance. Clarence Thomas represents an ideal example of thenotion that anyone can make it. With courage and deter-

mination, Thomas would agree that anyone may possess the abilities within to rise to theoccasion, conquer the obstacles, and perhaps one day be quoting from Psalm 30 beforebeing sworn in to the highest court in the land.

MARTINGARCIA

Martin Garcia is a junior English major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.

TIARA NUGENTMANAGING EDITOR

Discover the world Wesleyan study-abroad trips offeropportunity to learn, travel in style.

El Centro in Cuernavaca, Mexico (left), is one of the many foreign thrills TWU study-abroad trips send students to explore. In Scotland, Urquhart Castle (right), complete with the famousLoch Ness lurking in the background, marks another popular vistiation spot. England, Ireland, France, Brazil and Peru comprise the remaining desitnations for 2008 erudition expeditions.

Book review: My Grandfather’s Son

SportsThe Rambler February 6, 2008 5

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

information andprofiles of your

favorite WesleyanTeams and Athletes

Quick Quotes“There's always themotivation of wanting towin. Everybody has that.But a champion needs,in his attitude, a motiva-tion above and beyondwinning.

- Pat Riley Miami Heat Coach

Feb. 7*2 p.m. Baseball vs.Tabor College

Feb. 8*3 p.m. Baseball vs.Lubbock Christian

Feb. 9*2 p.m. Baseball vs.Lubbock Christian

*5:30 p.m. Women’sBasketball vs. TexasCollege

*7:30 p.m. Men’sBasketball vs. TexasCollege

Feb. 10*1 p.m. Baseball vs.Lubbock Christian

Feb. 12*1 p.m. Softball vs.Oklahoma Baptist

*denotes home game

Upcoming Events

Sports BriefsNew York Giants becomeSuper Bowl XLIIChampionsFeb. 3The New England Patriotslost their chance to becomethe first 19-0 team in leaguehistory with a 17-14 loss toNew York in Super Bowl 42.

Rams drop opener toTornadoesFeb. 3The baseball team sufferedan 11-5 season openingloss to ConcordiaUniversity-Austin atLaGrave Field. ButchBallez, Mikey Valdez, BlakeWalker and Zach Smith col-lected multiple hits in theirWesleyan career debuts.

Rams route WarriorsFeb. 2The men’s basketball teamrode an outstanding per-formance from DaneDmitrovic and their bestlong range shooting day ofthe year to a 17-point winover Bacone College. TheRams topped the Warriors80-63.

Lady Rams stay solid withwin over BaconeFeb. 2The women’s basketballteam took an easy 68-46win over conference oppo-nent Bacone College. Withthe win, the Lady Ramsmoved to two and a halfgames behind conferenceleader Langston University.

Lady Rams sign CalvertJan. 31Head volleyball coachChristy Clawson announcedthe signing of WhitniCalvert, a 5-foot-8-inchstandout from Cleburne,Texas. Calvert will con-tribute to the Lady Rams infall 2008.

Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are confident as they gearup for the second half of conference play. With stiff competition in the RedRiver Athletic Conference, the Rams and Lady Rams are gaming up.

The men’s team is off to a great start. With a conference record of 7-2and an overall record of 14-8, the Rams recentlyearned a spot in NAIA’s top 25 national ranking.Despite being a young team with 11 players, theRams are gelling together now more than before.The Rams started the season with 16 players, butthey are not letting the loss of five players affectthe team negatively. Assistant coach BrennenShingleton says the team is actually closer thanbefore as everyone is playing their role.

“We’ve grown up a lot,” he said. “Everyonebrings part of their game to the table.”

In spite of being such a young team with most-ly freshmen and sophomores in the starting lineup,the Rams are focused and determined to come outof the RRAC on top. Senior guard Fred Eshonknows that it will not come easy.

“Everybody’s hunting for us,” he said,recounting Jarvis Christian’s reaction to their fourpoint defeat of the Rams in January. “ Y o uwould have thought they won the championship.”

The two losses have not discouraged the Ramsat all—they are more like fuel to the fire. Theirmomentum is up and their practices have beenintense. The Rams have their eyes set on the con-ference tournament in March and making it to theplayoffs, although they know it will not be easy.

“Every game in conference is tough,”Shingleton said. “If we just take care of the littlethings like turnovers and knocking down freethrows we’ll be fine.”

You can catch more Rams action at 7:30 p.m.Feb. 9 when they take on Texas College at home atthe Sid Richardson Athletic Center.

The Lady Rams are having a standout seasonalong with the men’s team. With a conference record of 6-3 and 14-7 over-all, the Lady Rams are having their best season since 2004-05. Head coachStacy Francis attributes the improvement to the team’s chemistry.

“Everyone is knowing and accepting their roles,” she said. She has also made practice a little different to add some spark to her

team. “I’ve toughened up this year, but I’ve also made practice more interest-

ing,” she said. “It’s not only fun, but it’s competitive.”The Lady Rams had a sluggish start at the beginning of the season, but

they are hardly slowing down now. With changes in the starting lineup,Francis is making her team work hard for their positions.

“We’ve got some players stepping up,” she said. “Brittany Davenport

and Airielle Mitchell are bringing consistency and confidence to the team.Andria Mitchell is very strong on the boards. Everyone is playing their part.”

The Lady Rams are prepared to take over the second half of the RedRiver Athletic Conference. Not only do the coaches have high hopes for theirteam, but the players are eager to see what they will do. Junior forwardBritannia Champion has a positive outlook.

“We have everything it takes,” she said. “We’ve got talent, push, drive

and hustle. When we play together we can’t be beat.”Junior guard Kim Gatlin said that staying positive is important. “We lost some games that we shouldn’t have,” she said. “Most of the

game is mental so we need to stay more positive than negative.”The Lady Rams have a decent start in conference, and their future looks

bright. Francis is highly assured that her team will come out on top. “It’s going to be a tight race to the end, and I’m excited to see how it

turns out. The second time around (round two of conference), I guarantee adifferent outcome.”

The Lady Rams face Texas College at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9 in the SidRichardson Athletic Center.

MICHAYELA MAYSSTAFF WRITER

After a recent round of college basketballgames, the nation learned that rankings, prestigeand reputation are nearly pointless aspects of thesport. What makes games so exciting isn’t thatthe best teams win, but rather, when they lose.

So many teams were recently upset by lowerseeds that it is quite difficult to count them all.The biggest ones were obviously No. 1 NorthCarolina losing at home to Maryland, and ninth-ranked Indiana’s home loss to unrankedConnecticut.

Maybe these upsets come as a bigsurprise, but after a rather unusual col-lege football season, where nearlyevery team in the top 10 national rank-ing couldn’t hold its spot, the factremains that in college sports, no teamis a sure pick to win.

Even so, for the average viewer, itshouldn’t be so surprising to see thebest teams lose. When Tennessee lost toFlorida Jan. 24, it was indeed a spec-tacular upset. Regardless, in a rivalryand during conference play, one couldexpect Florida to overachieve.

Like in college football, or in anymajor upset, several factors play into ateam’s ability to win any given game.

The first and most obvious factor isthat college players, unlike professional ones, aremore prone to choke under pressure, especiallywhen playing in a hostile environment likeDuke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium. Being heckledand yelled at, not being able to hear your coachand non-stop jumping can seriously affect theway college athletes perform.

Second, strong teams often underestimatelowly, unsuccessful ones. This was evident inNo. 11 Pittsburgh’s 25-point loss to Dayton. Atthe time, Dayton was unranked, and Pitt’s softplay allowed Dayton to shoot 52 percent fromthe field en route to a major upset at the time.

Third, individual defensive matchups can changethe outcome of a game. This fact was particularlynoticeable in Indiana’s loss to Connecticut,where IU’s Eric Gordon was effectively shutdown by Connecticut’s strong pressure defense,forcing him into bad shots and ultimately stop-ping the main source of the Hoosier offense.

Finally, on any given day, a team’s mainsource of scoring could lose his shooter’s touch,resulting in a reliance on the team’s bench and

often forcing many difficult shots. For example,in last year’s NCAA Tournament, Wisconsin’sAlando Tucker went ice cold from the fieldagainst UNLV, resulting in a huge and unexpect-ed upset over the Badgers.

What separates the good teams from the badones, though, is that when a good team getsupset, it looks at its mistakes and improves uponthem. After losing a big game, the better team,even though it lost, will still prove to be a formi-dable opponent for the rest of the season. Furthermore, it is necessary to realize that in his-tory, few teams have gone an entire regular sea-

son undefeated. The last team to do so wasUNLV in 1991, only to lose to Duke in the FinalFour. So, perhaps the only way for college teamsto truly understand how to succeed and play wellagainst less talented teams is to be upset by onein a big game.

But when it is all said and done, teams canend up on a slippery slope to a very disappoint-ing season. Look at Texas A&M, for example.After starting off their season on a very impres-sive note, the Aggies lost three straight games,culminating with a big five-overtime loss to

Baylor. Now, A&M has droppedfrom a top 10 team to No. 23 in thecountry.

Those are the type of drop-offsthat will not only ruin a team’s reputa-tion but will allow the teams againstwhich it plays to contend with moreconfidence.

On a different note, the lower-ranked teams that upset the higherones often take what they can from itsbig victories and turn their seasonsinto relative successes. Florida, forexample, blew out No. 14 Vanderbilt,and now as a result, the Gators areranked No. 20 in the nation, far sur-passing any preseason predictions.

Beyond all of these wins, losses,upsets and blowouts, the fact remainsthat the top teams will be the ones

competing for a national title at season’s end.Indiana and North Carolina will likely win theirrespective conferences, and surely those greatteams, like UNC, will bounce back and grab holdof a No. 1 or 2 seed in March’s NCAATournament.

Moreover, the teams that are upset can eitherbecome better or worse after their loss. Whenfaced with that challenge, however, only thewell-coached and strong teams will rebound andtransform into a more potent force in their con-ference and ultimately in the bigger games itplays throughout the season.

JONAH BROWNU-WIRE/THE BADGER HERALD

Parody leads to a slippery slope for top teams in basketball rankings In college, losers win

Basketball teams fight through league playMen tied for conference lead while ladies fight to keep pace for stretch run

GUEST COLUMN

Wesleyan relies on defenders like Evan Randall (No. 14) and Hector Mukweyi in conference games thisseason. The Rams are tied for the conference lead and host their next conference game Feb. 9 at homeagainst rival Texas College.

Photo by Kevin Keathley

The careers of Hollywood actors and actresses may seem like one ofthe easiest jobs in the world. And it very well may have been for

young star Jessica Alba, used to glamorous roles in commercial fair likethe Fantastic Four franchise, Sin City, Into The Blue and Honey. Thatwas until she signed on as the lead of the high profile American remakeof The Eye, a film that took the actress to new and challenging places.

The Eye was originally a 2002 Hong Kong film that was so wellreceived it received a brief theatrical release in the United States andCanada in 2003. The horror film follows a blind female violinist whoundergoes a corneal transplant. After the operation she gains sight butalso sees dark ghostly figures that lurk around places of imminentdeath, and she goes in search of her donor’s past and an explanation.

After other successful Asian horror remakes like The Ring and TheGrudge, news of The Eye remake soon followed, along with the news that Alba had beencast. The role would be an obvious change for Alba, whom I had a chance to speak withduring a conference call for the film.

“She gains the ability to see, she takes on psychic abilities of the girl, of the donor. Andstarts to see death before it happens and she doesn’t understand,” said Alba.

The story deals with the phenomenon known as cellular memory, a documented med-ical hypothesis that states that memories, characteristics and interests are stored in everycell of your body, with organ recipients sometimes taking on the memories, characteristicsand interests of their donors.

The film, co-produced by Tom Cruise, was intended to be largely faithful to the origi-nal and required Alba to become a believable blind person and solo violinist. She soonbegan research for the role, including visits to blind orientation centers in Los Angeles andNew Mexico.

“I learned how to read Braille, walk with a cane, label everything in the house, just sort

of learned how to exist as someone who has blindness,” said Alba. The actress also spent time with a completely self-sufficient vocalist and avid traveler

who has been blind since the age of two, along with a man from New Mexico and awoman from Los Angeles who have both had corneal transplants.

“It’s pretty phenomenal when people get these transplants, get a new cornea, and theysee immediately after the surgery. It’s blurry and takes a few weeks to heal, but you can seeright away,” she said.

Learning the violin was just as much, if not more, difficult for Alba, who felt that asviolin soloists are so rare, she has to pull off looking like “the best of the best.”

According to Alba, the one major way the remake is different from the original is inhow the story is tailored to an American audience, including how the main character’svisions are received by those around her.

“It’s definitely more part of the [Eastern] culture and goes to more accepted on spiritsand mysticism. It’s just - they just have a different mentality about it. And in Western cul-ture people think you’re absolutely nuts if you believe in ghosts,” said Alba.

Alba found filmmakers playing up the “insanity” angle, but co-star Parker Posey(Party Girl, Fay Grim) was around to lighten up the mood.

“When I found out she was in the movie and she’s playing my sister it was the greatestthing. She’s so funny and humble and disarming and she’s a well of knowledge,” Alba said.

At the time of the interview, Alba had not seen the final cut of the film, but promisedmany scares and hinted at a few surprises for those who had already seen the original film.

But does the new remake live up to its Hong Kong counterpart?Following last month’s piece of trash One Missed Call (a pathetic remake of yet anoth-

er excellent Asian horror film), I had very low expectations for The Eye. Even after talkingto Alba, I was still apprehensive.

Luckily, The Eye wasn’t all that bad. In fact, the very best part of the movie was Alba.Her performance was the best I’ve seen out of her so far. After seeing her cast time and

time again as the most beautiful girl in the room, it was refreshing to see Alba uglied upand acting like a convincing crazy person. Even better, she managed to pull off beingblind and a violinist.

The film’s visual style was also very appealing. Similar to The Ring, the cinematog-raphy was very dark and moody; each frame looked like an individually snapped photo-graph. One of the most important characteristics of Asian horror films is their dark, artsylook, which was definitely pulled off nicely here.

My main problem with The Eye is one I have with many remakes of foreign films:the translation. Remaking a film in the same country is hard enough. Remaking a foreignfilm is much more demanding because everything requires translation: from the dialogueto the locations to the societal references to common human behaviors.

One reason The Ring worked so well is that it wasn’t just catered to an Americanaudience, it was recreated for them. Everything from plot devices, important symbolism,roles of the sexes and even major sections of the plot were completely changed to giveAmerica a similarly horrifying experience.

In The Eye it appears that screenwriter Sebastian Gutierrez used a dictionary moreoften than his imagination when penning The Eye. Most of the original’s most excitingsequences are copied frame-for-frame in the remake, and any changes made are simplythe most predictable choices possible.

Even worse, everything in the movie just sort of happens. Instead of the audiencegoing along with Alba on her horrific journey, we are kept at a distance. Explanationsand answers just fall into Alba’s lap. When she goes in search of her organ donor (whatsearch?), she finds answers without even trying. The original story’s earth-shatteringtwist is treated like an after-thought.

The Eye could really have used some suspense and build up throughout. Althoughthis may have not been a triumph for filmmakers, I would certainly like to praise theacting prowess of Alba, which I now see much more clearly.

Entertainment6 February 6, 2008 The Rambler

On Campus:

* Broadway Boot Camp: LawSone building, all day.

Off Campus:

* Dallas Blues Festival: DallasConvention Center, 7 p.m.

Off Campus:

* Seven Wonders & Live SkyShow: Museum of Nature &Science Planetarium, 12:15p.m.

Stewart Jones & the Big ECombo, Jazz brunch buffet:Maguire's Regional Cuisine, 11a.m.

On Campus:

* Crazy Day: From PJs toFunny Glasses, stop by studentlife to get your picture taken.

Off Campus:

* DVD releases: NoReservations, Why Did I GetMarried, Romance andCigarettes, Becoming Jane, WeOwn the Night.

TTHEHE

WWEEKEEK

AAHEADHEAD

On Campus:

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

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

6

To submit an event forthe calender, e-mail

twurambler@yahoo.com.

Wednesday

On Campus:

*The Rambler staff meeting:Stella Russell Hall lobby,12:15 p.m.

Off Campus:

* Going to Texas: FiveCenturies of Texas Maps: OldRed Museum of Dallas CountyHistory & Culture, 8 a.m -4:30 p.m, free.

7Thursday

On Campus

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

* President’s HonorsConcert: Martin Hall, 7:30p.m.

8Friday

12Tuesday9Saturday 10Sunday 11Monday

CCoolllleeyyvviillllee IIMMAAXX lleeaavveess ttiicckkeett hhoollddeerrss eemmppttyy hhaannddeedd Imagine sitting in front of your PC, looking to purchase movie tickets

for a weekend show. You’ve heard the Metro Cinema/Inidgo Grill inColleyville is a great choice for dinner and a movie or an IMAX experi-ence because, much like Movie Tavern, it combines great movies andfood. The Metro site touts theaters and a restaurant com-plex all covering more than 28,000 square feet. So youbuy tickets to a Saturday show, and the day of, you walkup to a sign that says: “Temporarily closed until furthernotice.”

That’s what happened to the unfortunate ones whoindeed bought tickets to a dormant theatre. MetroCinema officially closed its doors and went dark Jan. 18.

Such an abrupt closing was surprising to many since the arena is in a promi-nent location, and movie tickets were still being sold over the Net. These ill-timed purchases most likely won’t be reimbursed, as it has been reportedthat many employees haven’t collected their paychecks for months now.

What happened, one might ask. The strip of businesses includesLifetime Fitness, Market Street and Gloria’s Restaurant. Traffic is frequentlyheavy throughout the entire plaza. The IMAX was supposed to be anchoringthe center. The Metro includes six screens, an IMAX, private rooms and aplush bar and grill. The setting was cool and comforting for a night out on the town. Onewould think that that place was doing great considering the movie viewing market as wellas its prime location amidst a booming suburban neighborhood.

That turns out not to be the case. “The studios always looked fairly empty,” recalled Marc Coseriu, senior political sci-

ence major. He said he’d frequented both matinee and prime time shows at Metro Cinemawith friends.

The theater has actually racked up millions in debt over the past couple of years.According to many employees, including the chefs and the production team, signs pointedtoward this debt: vendors and other companies wouldn’t take checks from the business, andthe electricity was even turned off briefly the week it closed. The comptroller’s office even

sent officers to confiscate property as work-ers were forced to turn potential viewersaway.

Employees are now without jobs and pay-checks, and locals have lost the only IMAXtheater in the immediate area. Many found itodd.

“We [Metro Cinema] make a lot ofmoney,” John Thuener, captain server, toldthe Fort Worth Star-Telegram. But, he said,he didn’t know where it went.

Things might be looking up in February,though. The property was auctioned off atthe Tarrant County Courthouse Feb. 5. Thecomplex is valued at more than $8 million,and the foreclosure will mark an end to the

debt issues the holders faced with creditors, for now.Kurt Stallings, chief of the pre-trial division at the district attorney’s office is encourag-

ing customers to file reports with the city police. Moviefone.com and other Web-basedmovie ticket brokers have since put messages up for Metro Cinema stating that movietimes for the location are unavailable.

The fate of the vacant piece of real estate on Colleyville Boulevard is unknown.

MARTINGARCIA

SHAWN R.POLING

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

Martin Garcia is a senior English major and is a staff writer for The Rambler.

Alba takes on new and challenging role

Professor collaborates to create a night of musicTeam-work. It’s not always a concept that goes with classical

music; however, Julie McCoy, assistant professor of music, isshowing everyone that classical music needs collaboration.

“In my life, chorale music is so important,” said McCoy, whohas chosen to make her third faculty recital a show that highlightsvocal chamber music.

Joining her in her efforts are Dr. Jerry Bierschenk visiting pro-fessor of music at Wesleyan, Pamela Elrod, the director of choralestudies at Southern Methodist University, and performer DavidLogan.

“I wanted to incorporate people who would be willing to singin the ensemble, not just soloists,” said McCoy. “Pam is a long timefriend, and we recorded these pieces while we were students at theUniversity of Texas.”

Joining the vocal quartet on piano are staff pianists JessicaKoebbe and Keith Critcher.

The heart of the recital will be Brahms’s Liebeslieder Walzer, a

group of about 18 waltzes that focuses on the theme of love.According to the American Symphony Orchestra, the texts of theLiebeslieder are East European folk poems in translations by GeorgFriedrich Daumer.

“When Julie invited me to join her on this recital, I was so,thrilled – and honored. The Brahms is one of my favorite works-and Brahms’ music in general is always fun for altos. Brahms writesparts that are so rich in melodic content that they could almost standon their own,” said Elrod.

Although the waltzes are all similar in form, the composeroffers variety for the audience and performers.

“They are all love songs: happy love, heart-break, people whogossip about those in love,” said McCoy “One of my favoritemoments are the pieces that feature the sounds of the nightingale.”

“Ms. McCoy is one of the most inspirational teachers,” saidjunior music major Jonah Copeland. “Her musicality is awesome.”

“I wanted the students to see more than solo performing,” saidMcCoy. “There is another outlet, and its fun to collaborate.”

The recital will be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 10 in Martin Hall.Admission is free and open to public.

Julie McCoy, associate professor of music, joinsforces with some of the area’s best musicians.

COLLEEN BURNIEENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Photocourtesy of google images

Photo courtesy of google images

IMAX theaters span the globe but can’t stay in North Texas.