There are more benefitsthan just obtaining a diplomaonce you’ve walked thatstage and graduated college.As alumni of TexasWesleyan, further luxuriesexist, such as the opportunityto travel around the worldwith your fellow peers andUniversity President Dr. HalJeffcoat.

While the rest of us getto catch rays in Texas—orwherever summer 2009might find you—theWesleyan alumni travelgroup will be enjoying theCaribbean sun on RoyalCaribbean’s Adventure ofthe Seas cruise ship.

Alumni are invitedannually on escapades likethis one.

“Dr. Jeffcoat usuallymakes the decision on wherethe group goes,” said Scott

Cannon, manager of eventsand sponsorships. Thirty to40 participants are expectedto embark aboard the

Adventure of the Seas nextsummer.

Past groups have cruisedthe Mediterranean and

explored the Roman Empire,journeyed through the streetsof Spain and taken a musicaltour of Vienna and Prague.

Gina Phillips, director ofdevelopment and alumnirelations, remembers the tripto Spain and the lastingimpression it left on her.

“The beautiful buildings,the gypsy coves and thewhole cultural experiencemade it a trip to remember,”Phillips said.

The next voyage sets sailin June with an itinerary thatbegins in San Juan, PuertoRico. Visitors will see placessuch as Barbados and theislands of St. John, St.Maarten and St. Croix.

There are currently nospecific plans for theovernight stay in PuertoRico, but Cannon notes that“there will definitely be aplanned event that willinclude everyone.”

As far as plans for thebeautiful beaches, warmwater and fabulous weatherthat the Virgin Islands have

October 8, 2008 Vol. 101, No. 6Fort Worth, Texas

The RamblerThe students’ voice since 1917

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

NEWS BRIEFS

Texas Wesleyan Alumni Travel set tosail the Southern Caribbean in 2009

2008 Alumni MedalWinners

TranslevesleyanHalloween Party

MARTIN GARCIANEWS EDITOR

OpinionsThe economy has everyone in a pinch. Think tanksoffer private solutions to many economic uncertain-ties and unanswered questions. Page 3

EntertainmentWhich haunted house(s) have got thecrowds spooked out this Halloweenseason? Find out on Page 6.

Couresty of Google Images

Web tools make technological advances

Honorary Alumnus - Roy C. BrooksWesleyan ServiceAward- Rev. E. Frank Leach,BA ’53Wesleyan Flame Award- Pati Alexander, BBA’90, MSEd ’97Young AlumniAchievement Award - Nika Maples, BS ’02Distinguished AlumniAward - Tamlyn Wright, BA ’92Alumni of the YearAward - Dan ’68 and BarbaraBS ’68 BoulwareAlumni of the YearAward - Larry BS ’63 andCarolyn Kitchens, BS ’63

Recipients will be recog-nized at the AlumniMedal Dinner, which willbe held at the Fort WorthClub Oct. 24.

Bon Voyage!

Party Halloween style inthe Wesleyan SUB at 7p.m. Oct. 30. Food,drinks, music and prizeswill all be provided byStudent Life.

Religious life extends aWesleyan invite

There are many opportu-nities to get involved inreligious life on campus;multiple organizations arehere to serve:

Baptist StudentMinistry- Meets Wednesdays @noon in the CarterConference Room- John Aaron and EmilyMatthew, directors(817) 451-4110 Ext. 66

Methodist StudentMovement- MeetsThursdays @noon in PolytechnicUMC, 3rd floor multi-purpose room- Dr. Gladys Childs(817) 531-4461

Omega Chi- Dr. Jesse Sowell(817) 531-4914

Fall Break

Don’t forget that the uni-versity will be closedFriday, Oct. 10. TheRambler will not publishthe week following butwill return Oct. 22.

Technology. It’s become the knowledge andtool that we cannot go about our everyday liveswithout. It helps us produce a quality researchpaper, lets us get in touch with friends and evenprovides us with games, movies and music.Technology at Wesleyan has recently expandedto include things such as BlackBoard, andenhance already existing tools like RamLink andPeople Finder.

“The IT department continues to makeprogress in becoming more efficient,” saidChadwick Ballenger, director of Wesleyan’s ITsupport services.

This past year, IT revised RamLink andPeople Finder with the goal of improving con-venience and security.

RamLink (https://ramlink.txwes.edu) is theprimary communication system used by

Wesleyan students and faculty for e-mail, classregistration, class scheduling, electronic pay-ments, degree auditing and check-ing grades.

While much of the Web sitemay still look familiar to students,there is an additional featureintended to benefit those finishingup high school, community collegeor just wanting to transfer colleges.It is a section for undergraduateapplicants under an orange tab.

According to Marcus Kerr, chief informa-tion officer of Texas Wesleyan University, thisnew feature allows potential Wesleyan appli-cants to check the status of their admissionpaperwork by utilizing the same RamLink tech-nology that the current Wesleyan community isfamiliar with. When admitted, one can select themajor of his/her choosing, check financial aidstatus and search and register for classes.

People Finder, found under the “About Us”section of the Wesleyan home page, was also

changed for thissemester. ITincreased its securi-ty by restricting theusage to those withprimary usernamesand passwords.

Once the nameand password areentered, the search

begins. For instance, if someone needs to find aprofessor’s e-mail address, the user types in theteacher’s first or last name, ad selects from a listof similar matches.

This tool can also benefit students wantingto connect with classmates.

The technology department was restructured

See IT, page 2

See Cruise, page 2

Spring break may seem a lifetime away right now, but the opportunityfor a life-changing experience may be closer than you think. The chaplain’soffice is hosting Wesleyan’s Spring Break Mission Trip 2009 to AnarapaMexico and is accepting applicationsthis month.

Students will spend March 14-21below the border serving alongsidefellow students, encountering theAnarapa culture and making a lastingimpact on many a person’s life, saidUniversity Chaplain Dr. GladysChilds.

“When you go to countries thatare not as well off, it opens your eyesto how much you really have,” saidAndrea Waggoner, junior Englishmajor. “You may not think you are amaterialistic person, but when you seehow much you have in comparison tothe place you’re in, you realize youreally are materialistic. I sure did! It makes you grateful for what you have.”

Anapra lies on the outskirts of Juarez, Mexico, just across the borderfrom El Paso, Texas. According to www.missionontheborder.org, the livingconditions of these people are extremely primitive. They have little runningwater or electricity, and many of the homes are makeshift cardboard shacks.Most of the work that is available is for very low wages, which limits thepopulace chances of advancing financially.

Students, led by a skilled construction leader, will build a home for anAnarapa family. No experience is required. Members of the local church andthe community will work side by side the Wesleyan team to achieve the goal.

Special outreach will be extended to the local children as well. TheVacation Bible School is calling for students gifted in singing, music, pup-pets and/or artistic crafts. Not your forte? No problem, Childs said. Many

children simply crave attention and affection, and theromping in game time will require supervision.

Trip cost is estimated between $1,700- $1,900.This fee includes airfare, ground transportation, hous-ing, meals, logistics, spiritual and cultural trainingmaterials trained team leader, supplemental healthinsurance and a 24/7 on-call doctor.

Childs asks that no student let cost stand in his orher way of participating, as, in her experience, everystudent who has desired to go has been able. Multiplefund raisers will assist you in covering trip expenses,she said.

The mission center will board the Wesleyan teamfor the duration of the trip, and meals will consist ofauthentic Mexican food prepared by the mission cen-ter or local ladies.

“Students will have ample opportunity to interactwith the people from the area,” said Childs.

Faculty members are also invited. The Wesleyan Spring Break MissionTrip is an annual expedition. Past trips include Costa Rica, New Mexico andAustin.

The application deadline is Oct. 27. For more information, contactGladys Childs at (817) 531-4461 or gchilds@txwes.edu.

Spring break synonymous with serviceTIARA NUGENTEDITOR IN CHIEF

Couresty of Gladys Childs

Students work on water pipes on the roof of the McCurdyschool during Wesleyan’s 2007 mission trip to New Mexico.

SETH NELSONCONTRIBUTING WRITER

October 8, 2008 The Rambler 2 News

C h e c k u s o u t . www.txwes.edu/rambler

to offer, Cannon said, group managers like tokeep participating alumni’s choices open.

“Instead of keeping to a firmly struc-tured itinerary, the people are encouraged toenjoy their free time,” Cannon said, addingthat there are plenty of shore excursions forfriends and family to enjoy on the islands.

Group participants will also enjoy one-of-a-kind features aboard their cruise ship.The Adventure of the Seas is a 138 ton bargethat holds more than 3,000 passengers andoffers the likes of an in-house ice-skatingrink and rock-climbing wall. Having takenits maiden voyage in November 2001, therelatively new ship of Royal Caribbean’sVoyager-class fleet has much to offer alumniin their travels.

Top of the line staterooms onboard thecruise ship start with a category E2, deluxe

ocean view cabin (with balcony) at a littleover $1,400. A more basic category 1 oceanview room starts at $1,200. For alumni whowould rather sleep in the interior and enjoythe oceanic view from the ship’s lido deck,category Q rooms start at $1,050.

The last boat trip that set sail in May ofthis year left the group “slightly tanned andthoroughly thrilled,” as Jeffcoat had prom-ised in his initial invite.

“To be able to share and delight in newexperiences is a precious commodity atTexas Wesleyan,” Phillips said. “It’s fun totravel with friends, alumni and other facultyand staff.”

For more information, contact ScottCannon at (817) 531-7540 orscannon@txwes.edu. The deadline for regis-tration is March 15.

Photo by Martin Garcia

Cruise, from page 1

Prayer is powerful. That’s the view ofstudents and faculty who take part in SeeYou at the Pole, and its participants say theyfeel the effects weeks after the event.

“This event not only helps people growspiritually, but it lets you meet people withthe same beliefs, allowing you to build asupport group,” said junior Ashly Spencer,president of Baptist Student Ministry.

Wesleyan Chaplain Dr. Gladys Childsrecognizes See You at The Pole’s signifi-cance not only as a day to pray for allhumankind but as a unifying force for thelocal Wesleyan community.

“So many different faiths exist on cam-pus,” said Child, who sponsors the gather-ing at Wesleyan. “This event allows all ofdifferent faiths to be united through prayerby coming together and doing away withtheir differences.”

A break from the routine of daily lifewas taken by those who gathered on themall Sept. 24th. Members of BSM,Methodist Student Movement and other fac-ulty, staff and students were asked to prayfor Wesleyan as well as those in needaround the world.

The event included a brief fellowshipover lunch and a session of prayer amongeach table as participants gathered in close-knit circles, hand to hand.

All were able to look at the biggerissues at hand going on around campus,nationwide and worldwide. One burningtopic that students prayed about was that ofHurricane Ike and its resulting calamities.

Some students who took part in theevent said they not only felt lifted from thepower of praying for all, but they also capi-talized on the opportunity to network withothers—both of similar and differing faith

origins. Spencer said that while making new

acquaintances, “all come together to pray toGod, strengthening the state and nation.”

See You at the Pole is recognized inter-nationally. Students in more than 20 coun-tries including Korea, Guam and Japanpractice this tradition. An estimated 3 mil-lion students engage in this event annuallyin the United States.

Although appearing to be initiated at thecollegiate level, See You at the Pole ignitedthrough the aspirations of a small group ofteens in Burleson, Texas, in early 1990.According to www.syatp.com, the teens,concerned for the welfare of fellow friends,visited three high schools on a Saturdaynight and prayed for friends, teachers, fam-ilies, dignitaries and others around theschools’ flagpoles.

After its unintended creation, the gath-ering grew at exponential rates acrossnational and international borders. In June1990, 20,000 students met at Reunion Arenain Dallas for the event. Just a few monthslater in September, more than 45,000 ado-lescents met at their schools’ flagpoles at 7a.m. throughout America. The flame furthergrew in size and intensity as See You at thePole hit its “1 million participants” mark at7 a.m. on Sept. 11, 1991 with students fromBoston to Los Angeles praying for all.

Some give credit to See You at the Polefor the wider availability of weekly prayermeetings and Bible clubs on campuses. AtWesleyan’s See You at the Pole event, stu-dents were informed of ministry-relatedevents held on campus throughout the year.

Chapel is held each Wednesday atWesleyan in Polytechnic United MethodistChurch. BSM meets at noon everyWednesday, and MSM meets during freeperiod on Thursdays.

The power of prayer compels:See You At the Pole tradition alive on campus

SHAMEKA HYATTSTAFF WRITER

FoodMusic

FriendsFun

All the AbovePhotos by Deanna Kelley-Hill

Student Government Association hosted its annual serving of studentson the mall Oct. 2. Wesleyan enjoyed the likes of a little barbecue, icedtea and rock flavor, courtesy of All the Above. SGA meets every Tuesday during free period in the Carter ConferenceRoom.

over the summer when Kerrwas named chief informa-tion officer. The departmentis divided into four divi-sions: Network Operations,Administrative Systems, ITSupport Services and theCenter for Excellence inTeaching and Learning.

The department contin-ues to grow and change.According to Kerr, there is anetwork engineer position aswell as a second program-mer/database administratorslot that will be open nextyear. In addition, Kerr said,the Center for Excellence inTeaching and Learning willalso search for a coursedeveloper in 2010.

IT, from page 1

SMU will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Local librarieschange hours

Looking to study formidterms at a library otherthan Wesleyan’s WestLibrary? The city of FortWorth recently made adjust-ments to its schedule, cut-ting operating hours becauseof budget restraints.

For hours and locationsof all other Fort Worthlibraries or for more infor-mation, visit www.fort-worthgov.org/library.

-Staff Report

OpinionsThe Rambler October 8, 2008 3

The RamblerFounded in 1917 as The Handout

Harold G. Jeffcoat, Publisher Kelli Lamers, adviser Martin Garcia, news editorTiara Nugent,editor-in-chief Bryce Wilks, sports editorRyan Authier, entertainment editor Ashely Oldham, advertising manager Gasten Schoonover, photo editor Rachel Horton, Web editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rambler RatingsThumbs up to the improve-ments at Beach and Vickerystreets.

Thumbs down to the rustyattempts at modern art west ofthe library.

Thumbs down to students notcleaning up their trash in theSUB.

Thumbs up to SGA for feeding the students Oct. 2.

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American DilemmaEconomic, health care and security crises have nation in mêlée

The nation (and world’s) economy has been a concernsince the last quarter of 2007, but now it’s at center

stage for Americans. Banks are failing, the mortgagecatastrophe doesn’t seem to be alleviating, and the feder-al government’s bailout plan did not go off without ahitch.

So much for security, right?Many students stand right in the center of the cur-

rent financial predicament: Will you have money tofund your education? Is the post-graduate job marketgoing to be friendly to upcoming grads? Can you

receive proper and affordable health care in your current situation?All of these questions appear to be rhetorical at times, but answers are

available according to national—and international—think tanks. Policyinstitutes that engage in all facets of social policy are commonly calledthink tanks, and many are currently hard at work responding to the currentsituation and offering ideas of how to be socially and economically respon-sible.

The Atlas Economic Research Foundation and the National Century forPolicy Analysis recently teamed up to attack theseissues in “Risk in a Free Society” conference.

According to Atlas and the NCPA, theprominent issues posing threats to free soci-eties and their economies throughout theworld include health care and security.

John Goodman, NCPA President, is a fre-quent contributor to health care policy, as he hasenacted his own plan. He notes that “by consum-ing all income during working years, we opposeall externalities on others.”

Retirement, disability and welfare benefits areall heavily reliant on the proceeds of the currentmarket. If there’s a problem now, what will theprospects hold for future generations? The nationneeds to begin funding for the future today, andeach generation has to pay its own way.

Instead of relying so much on external(and governmental) sources, the nation oughtto rely on private solutions in order to obtaineconomic freedom. After all, fiscal autonomyshould have the right to do what it wants withwhat each individual entity owns.

Alex Chaufen, president and chief executiveofficer of Atlas, said that “all risks can be insured ata premium, but by passing that bill on to the govern-ment, the costs of risk go up, thus inhibiting growth.”

Instead of learning from our own experiences, we’rerelying on sources and solutions that affect life and property.Natural and manmade uncertainties are both at fault for this, but we canobviously only control the latter.

These think tanks are put in place to help eliminate manmade uncer-tainties in an effort to alleviate the economy by getting government to pur-

sue policies. Mike Walker of the Fraser Institute (a Canadian think tank)claims that the “level of economic freedom is [always] lower than said tobe.”

However, even though Americanfreedom seems to be threatened inthis aspect, other countriesface similar problems withmore fears and reserva-tions.

Another play-er in the nation’sscuffle is nationalsecurity—which hasbeen increasingly gain-ing attention since the events of September 11,2001. How is an open and free society like ourssupposed to respond to the current problems withoutthreatening liberties? The question that we all have to askourselves is how much are we willing to pay—monetarily asmuch as physically—to help? Is our ultimate freedom a com-modity that can be traded for security?

Of course, someintrusions and risks

are inevitable, butthere is a way todeal with themwithout jeopard-izing freedom.If we rely onwhat got ushere andwhat westand for,togetherthe cohe-sive forcebehind thepeople canovercome

the defi-ciencies.

Principleswill always

endure overpolitics, and it’s

our own duty tojuggle the chal-

lenges at hand, ensureour well-being and secure

our freedom.

MARTINGARCIA

Martin Garcia is a senior English major and isthe news editor for The Rambler.

With young people registering to vote inrecord numbers this year, one would think

that would be reason for celebration.Yet news out of Montgomery County, Va.,

home to Virginia Tech, indicates that local andstate officials have tried to discourage the studentvote by suggesting some severe consequences formany who registeredthere.

After a massiveregistration drive bythe Barack Obamacampaign, The NewYork Times reported,local election officials incorrectly warned stu-dents that by registering to vote in the countythey may lose scholarships, no longer be eligibleto be claimed as dependents on their parents’income tax, and could possibly lose car andhealth insurance under their parents’ coverage.

The battle for the students’ voting residencyhas been around since ratification of the 26thAmendment in 1971, when the voting age waslowered from 21 to 18.

In small communities, particularly those inwhich the student body of a university may out-

number the town’s population, some localauthorities have feared that young college stu-dents would have an undue influence on elec-tions and could actually change the face of localpolitics and, thus, their way of life.

Waller County, home to Texas’ historicallyblack Prairie View A&M University, for yearsfought against students being able to vote withinits electoral boundaries. The district attorneyactually threatened to prosecute students who

registered.It was a case from Waller

that led to a U.S. SupremeCourt ruling in 1979 declaringit legal for students to vote inthe place where they attendedcollege.

Still, some states came up with drastic andsometimes vague election rules that allowedlocal and state officials to interpret the laws in apunitive way toward those attending college. Forexample, some suggested that if students regis-tered to vote in their state or county, the studentsalso should have to register their cars there andhave driver’s licenses issued from that state.

In Virginia, after questions from students,parents and representatives of civil rights organi-zations, the state Board of Elections thisSeptember announced that it was “modifying and

clarifying” the registration guidelines, the Timessaid.

For college students in Texas, there is noquestion that they have the right to register tovote in the county where they attend school

The Secretary of State’s Web site proclaims:“You are presumed under Texas law to be in thebest position to make a factual determinationconcerning where your residence is for registra-tion purposes. However, you cannot register inmore than one location; if you register at a voterregistration drive in one county, but put anotherTexas county as your home on the application,your application will be forwarded to the Texascounty of your residence description.”

The site also instructs election officials whoprovide advice for students and other potentialvoters to inform them:

“If they would like to register to vote at theircollege address, they may do so. . . . The gen-eral rule of thumb for election officials and thoseengaged in voter registration drives is that wher-ever the student claims residency, that is wherethey should be registered to vote.”

That kind of clarity should be available tocollege students in every state.

For more information on Texas student infor-mation, visit www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/studentvoters.shtml.

We the people...

DECIDE 2008

Texas college students enjoy voting with easeEditorial reprinted courtesy of the Fort WorthStar-Telegram

College Life The Rambler4 October 8, 2008

Skydiving ... into AmericaPhotos courtesy of Sairoz Charania

Many children dream at night of growing up and travel-ling the world. Sairoz Charania was no exception. Unlikemost wistful, however, Sairoz’s wish came true.

On Dec. 31, 2007, Sairoz bid her family a teary good-bye in Mumbai, a town in Southwestern India. On the firstday of a new year, the aspiring student stepped foot in theUnited States.

Indian colleges reserve seats for schedule castes, sched-ule tribes and backward classes of people. Next priority isthen given to the children of government officials, and thenthere are a handful of seats available on merit. Only 10 per-cent of the seats are available on merit. The college hasnearly 30 percent of their seats reserved as “pay seats,” forwhich the college demands a huge amount of money.

Although Sairoz had been an honor student throughoutschool, her state exam scores were not high enough toclaim a collegiate seat.

“This system made me very sad,” Sairoz said. “Itforced me to think that if a student like me wants to be adoctor and does not score high on the exam, she has tocompletely do something else and go against her dreams ofbecoming a doctor.”

Rejection was not enough to deter Sairoz’s medicalambition. With her parents’ support and encouragement, shebegan researching colleges on the international array.

After passing the SAT and TOEFL with flying colors,the hopeful student received two scholarship offers – onefrom Texas Wesleyan and the other from the University ofEvansville in Indiana. Each school offered to cover about50 percent of tuition and fees. Since Texas Wesleyanoffered the special 3+4 program, Sairoz felt that the south-ern university would best fit her needs.

No matter how strong the desire and excitement, thematerialization of a great dream cannot often come withouthesitations and call for courage.

“In Finding Nemo, Nemo’s father leaves him and hehas to go to school.,” recalled Sairoz. I saw this movie onthe fight [to America], andI could relate because itwas like my dad was leav-ing me in the wide ocean ofthe world.”

A younger sister andtwo parents abiding in Indiaare sorely missed. Evenwith bountiful phone callsand video chat via theInternet, Sairoz admits thatshe still has a really hardtime to stay without thembecause her family mem-bers are her best friends.Her hopes are to return toIndia to spend Christmas2009 with her family.

While her biologicalfamily resides across theseas and continents, the international students of Wesleyanhave become Sairoz’s family away from home. It is not somuch that she spends great quantities of time with them,but the knowledge that each of them understand the fusionof emotions and sacrifices that come with earning a degreein a foreign land apart from the culture and family you havebeen raised in.

Language had its twists for the young Indian student tountangle, although she has long had a fair grip on BritishEnglish. That dialect is taught from the nursery up in India,and both the higher classes at the mall and Sairoz’s familyuse it often.

In fact, Sairoz speaks English, Hindi, Gujrati andMarathi.

“I studied all four through the 12th grade,” said Sairoz. The school system in India differs from the U.S. rou-

tine. Grade levels, called standards, go only through 10.The 11th and 12th standards – which Sairoz completed –are considered college. The United States, however, doesnot credit these collegiate years, so Sairoz had to start from

square one at Wesleyan, although she feels like thedifficulty level is equal.

Sairoz is currently working toward earning abachelor of science in biology in preparation to ful-fill her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. Thegraduate student life awaits, after which Sairoz saysshe will go back home unless her parents have madethe decision to join her in America.

Schooling customs weren’t the only surprisewaiting for the American novice.

“My first culture shock came when I heard a guyon the phone say ‘Thank God my girlfriend is notpregnant.’ I started hearing about teen pregnanciesand was shocked,” recalled Sairoz, shaking her head.“In India, that’s not at all possible unless a girl israped.”

The entire openness of boyfriend and girl-friend relationships gave her quite a shock, as didthe amount of smokers. Though it’s a rare sight inIndia, guys and girls light up everywhere and all thetime in the United States, she said.

Of course America’s diverse cuisine choices arequite unlike traditional Indian dishes a la mom. Sairoz licked her lips describing the much-lovedgulab jamun, a small, round, sweet treat made out offlour and dipped in a sugary syrup. Biriayai and adish Americans would label barbecue chicken –called tandoori chicken in India

A few American food staples have arouseddelighted sensations for Sairoz’s taste buds. Pizza,nachos and salsa are a few new food favorites.Restaurant-wise, Sairoz has developed a fondnessfor Taco Bell and Chili’s, as well as an Irving eatery– Haveli’s – which cooks Indian fare that tastes com-parable to the authentic.

Occasionally, when an intense craving for home-made victuals from home arises, Sairoz visits a localIndian market for food and attempts to create a couple easyappetizers in the dorm.

The street markets of India – especially Bombay – are

not to be duplicated.“Shopping in India is awesome! You’ll go crazy,”

assured Sairoz. “If you have a month to just shop in India,you’ll think it short!”

Dancing and watching every comedy that came out inmovie theaters with her sister were two hobbies Sairozfound great pleasure in back home. The few trips to FortWorth movie theaters provided a surprise or two, withsquished seating and hooting, laughing and commentatingfellow spectators contrasting the silent, more spacious the-aters of India.

In regard to the weather, Sairoz had quite the whimsicalsummation.

“Here there are three seasons in one day, and in India itwas three seasons in one year,” Sairoz added with a chuck-le.

Despite the many opposites, little reminders of home dopop up here and there. During an International Club outing,Sairoz was delighted to see the flower clock entrance of theFort Worth Botanic Gardens. The landscaping was in identi-

cal fashion to that of the Bangalore Botanical Gardens.After travelling around in India – including visiting the

Taj Mahal, New Delhi and Bombay –, Sairoz is ready to seemore of the world. Beyond Texas’ rugged country,New York City, London and Sydney are calling.

“Before my life ends I want to try sky divingand skiing,” declared Sairoz. “I love adventures andtrying new things.”One of the most exhilarating American adventures

so far was getting behind the wheel and earning aU.S. driver’s license. Even though the door swingsopen to the left and the driver manipulates the vehi-cle from that same side (as opposed to those thingsbeing oriented to the right in India), Sairoz passeddriver’s education on the first attempt.

The Indian student has already discovered andmeshed into the American fast-paced life.

“The way of living different here,” explainedSairoz. “I always found time for myself and beingwith friends, but here I don’t really find time formyself.”

Daily life in India was no lazy cop-out. Sairozwould get on the train at 6:35 a.m. to go to tutoring

classes, which lasted until 11:30 a.m.. College coursesbegan at 12:30 p.m., and, when Sairoz arrived back homefrom those at 7:30 in the evening, it was time for church.Fellowship with friends after church was followed by anevening meal, homework and bed.

At Wesleyan, classes commence at 9 a.m. and the workday at 6 p.m. The evenings consist of eating, praying,homework and not much fun, admitted the young lady.

Sairoz remembers time spent with friends at the icecream parlors, cake shops and mall with a smile from sweetmemories and wrinkled forehead revealing the bittersweetlonging to engage in those activities once again. In an opti-mistic fashion, Sairoz acknowledges that the absence ofthose pleasures are due to her unfamiliarity and declaresthat not only will her culture fluency flourish with time, butthat eventually she will return to enjoy those amusements inher homeland with full appreciation.

“When I was leaving my home, I touched the groundand bowed in front of it in respect to my motherland,” shesaid. “I’m waiting for the day I can return.”

TIARA NUGENTEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

International Week 2008 Oct. 13-117

Monday, Oct. 13th12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. Opening Ceremony

West Library steps (if rain: Carter Conference Room)

2 p.m. – 3 p.m. England & Ireland Study Abroad Programs

West Library Orientation Room

Tuesday, Oct. 1411a.m. – 2 p.m. Brazilian Barbecue Pool Party

Brown Lupton Atrium/Pool 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. School of Business Reception &

DiscussionSchool of Business Lobby

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Cross Cultural Psychological Discussion Nenetta Burton Carter 115

2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Fulbright Program: Teacher Education inIndiaWest Library Orientation Room

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Day of Dead/Halloween Open Mic inSpanish Bragan Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, Oct. 15th10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Diamonds on the Soles of Their Shoes:

Trekking in South AfricaLibrary Orientation Room

11:30 a.m - 12:15 p.m. Study Abroad FairBrown Lupton Student Center Lobby

12:15 p.m. - 1:15p.m. International Athletes Invade WesleyanSportsBrown Lupton Student Center Lobby

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. I Saw a Fish; You Saw an AquariumNenetta Burton Carter 115

7 p.m. International Film: FFeeaarrlleessss (Jet Li)Science Lecture Theater

Thursday, Oct. 16Noon - 1 p.m. International Fair signature event

Louella Baker Martin PavilionSights, sounds and tastes ofinternational students’ cultures.

9:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. Scottish Putting Challenge

Brown Lupton Student Center Lobby

Weeklong ParticipationWest Library: Displays/features of international stories and authorsDora’s Cafeteria: International food each dayFree Range Faculty: Faculty who have traveled/lived abroad will brieflyshare their travel treasures. Look for the “Free Range” button or nametagand just ask!

International student embraces adventure and opportuity

The Tomb of Salim Chisti in Fatehpur Sikri is just one of the beautiful sights Sairoz has visited in India.

Sairoz Charania (left) with her sister at their home in India.

SportsThe Rambler October 8, 2008 5

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

information andprofiles of your

favorite WesleyanTeams and Athletes

Quick Quotes"If there's magic inboxing, it's the magic offighting battles beyondendurance, beyondcracked ribs, rupturedkidneys and detachedretinas. It's the magic ofrisking everything for adream that nobody seesbut you."

- Million Dollar Baby

Oct. 107 p.m. Women’s Volleyball@ Bacone

Oct. 111 p.m. Women’s Volleyball@ John Brown University

*5:30 p.m. Men’s Soccervs. Southwest Assembliesof God University

*7:30 p.m. Women’sSoccer vs. SouthwestAssemblies of GodUniversity

Oct. 16*5:30 p.m. Men’s Soccervs. Northwood

*7:30 p.m. Women’sSoccer vs. Northwood

Oct. 17*2 p.m. Women’s Volleyballvs. UT-Brownsville

*6 p.m. Women’s Volleyballvs. Huston-Tillotson

Oct. 18*2 p.m. Women’s Volleyballvs. Wiley College

*5:30 p.m. Men’s Soccervs. Huston-Tillotson

*7 p.m. Women’s Volleyballvs. Texas College

*7:30 p.m. Women’sSoccer vs. Huston-Tillotson

* denotes home game

Upcoming Events

Sports BriefsVolleyball gets host ofweekly awardsOct. 6Hitter Rachel Daniel, setterEmily Millican and liberoKatlynn Romig were recognized with conferenceawards. The trio will leadthe team home Oct. 17.

Rams soccer teams havetough time with SaintsOct. 1The women’s soccer teamtook a 2-1 loss at Our Ladyof the Lake, getting theirlone goal from DominiqueHarrison. The men fared abit better, coming home witha scoreless draw after twoovertime periods. JoakimSoderbaum and TobyRachau combined on 110minutes of shutout soccer ingoal.

Baseball Rams to hostgolf benefitOct. 1The baseball team will holda golf tournament at theLinks at Waterchase onOctober 18. All proceedsfrom the $150 cost will benefit the baseball pro-gram. Mike Jeffcoat andRusty Greer will be playingwith participants, and holesponsorships are also available.

Men’s Golf

Every muscle inyour body feels spent. The

finish line emerges into full view and determination and adrenaline surgethrough your body as you give all to reach the goal.

That powerful rush is part of what drives senior mass communicationmajor Tanner Scott to actively pursue his triathlon competition hobby.

His interest in this incredible medley of sports began in late January,2008 when he was encouraged by friends who talked about racing intriathlons. His brother Dustin, a junior business major, then gifted him witha bicycle, and the motivation set in immediately.

Scott has been interested in endurance sports ever since and continues toprogress as he goes.

According to wikipedia.org, a triathlon is an endurance sporting eventconsisting of swimming, cycling and running over varying distances.

As a result, proficiency in swimming, cycling or running alone is not suf-ficient to guarantee a triathlon athlete a competitive time. Endurance is key,and triathlon athletes must learn to race each stage in a way that preservestheir energy for subsequent stages.

In most triathlons, events are placed in immediate sequence and a com-petitor’s official time includes the time required to “transition” between theindividual legs of the race. This even includes any time necessary for chang-ing clothes and shoes.

Triathlons have various sets of course regulations, according to the twolevels of difficulty which range from the challenge of shorter distance races,called “Super Sprint” triathlons to the longer, more intense race known as“Iron Man” competitions.

Scott dreams of one day competing in an Iron Man race, but currentlytrains for Sprint triathlons.

The Sprint race consists ofa 500 meter swim, 20 kilometercycle and 5 kilometer run.

“The transitions are thehardest part,” Scott said. “Becauseyou go from using your entirebody with the swim, to just yourlegs on a bike and then the entirebody again when you run.”

Training has become partof Scott’s active lifestyle and issomething that he enjoys doingdaily. Conditioning takes a toll onhis weekly schedule, especially ashe prepares to graduate this winter.

“I work out five days aweek, ride a stationary bike two tothree days a week and try to run atleast two miles every day,” Scottsaid. “When I know there is a com-petition coming up, I swim a mileevery day.”

He enjoys preparing to compete in endurance sports because the trainingrequires an athlete to maintain fitness both physically and mentally.

“It’s good for your health,” Scott said. “And it is a good way to staymotivated and push yourself.”

Scott is currently preparing for a duathlon at Texas Motor SpeedwayNov. 9. The duathlon is a variation of triathlon which consists of 2 mile run,15 mile bike and another 2 mile run.

Among Scott’s favorite places to cycle is the Trinity Trails of Fort Worth.The trails are open to the public and offer a great place to walk, run or bikealong the Trinity River area.

According to protectthetrinitytrails.com, “they extend along the Clearand West forks of the Trinity River from Benbrook to Gateway Park, andbeyond [including] from Northwest Fort Worth to the Stockyards.”

Such a place allows triathletes like Scott to push themselves to newheights of fitness accomplishment.

JOSH MORGANSTAFF WRITER

Not your average campus jogger

Courtesy of Lindsay Marshall

A bike and a conversation between senior Tanner Scott and his friendssparked an interest and changed Scott’s life.

Kappa Alpha raised more than $200 at itsthird annual mud volleyball tournament held oncampus. Eight different teams competed inorder to benefit the Muscular DystrophyAssociation.

MDA researches muscle diseases in its ulti-mate search for cures. They also provide a sup-port system for people with these diseases.

The KA fraternity tries to raise moneythroughout the year at various outings andevents such as the mud volleyball tournamentSept. 27th.

Announcers Michael Kinsley, TaylorPokluda and Jameson Williams provided play-by-play of the games while taunting and havinga good time with themuddy players.

“Mud volleyballwas a blast,” saidfreshman KaylaRoberts. “The weatherwas perfect, and therewas a great turnout.”

KA raised its fundsby charging $5 per per-son to enter the tourna-ment.

“It was a greatway to raise money fora really good cause,and have fun doing it,”said sophomore psy-chology major AmyCraddock.

Major volleyball

skills were not required to compete. Some con-testants entered the tournament just to help outthe cause and play in the mud, while otherswere focused on the prize.

“The winners of the mud volleyball tourna-ment got a trophy, their picture displayed in theKA display case, and the honor of winning,”said KA member Josh Raymond.

The event attracted students from TexasChristian University, University of Texas atArlington and other schools.

This is the fifth year that KA has con-tributed to Texas Wesleyan’s Greek family. KAconsists of 12 active members and sevenpledges.

For information, contact senior officer AlexMusser at asmusser@mail.txwes.edu.

Tanner Scott trains hard to be Wesleyan’s resident “Iron Man”

Scott takes advantage of the TrinityTrails system while training.

Courtesy of Lindsay Marshall

JILLIAN JONESSTAFF WRITER

Courtesy of Alex Musser

The men of Kappa Alpha pause to pose in front of their muddy creation.The mud volleyball event served to build community and raised $200 formuscular dystrophy research.

Kappa Alpha members getdown and dirty to fight illness Have a great

voice? Likesports? TheWesleyan athleticdepartment iscurrently seekingthe “Voice of theRams and LadyRams.” Theteams are in needof an announcerfor the upcomingbasketball sea-son.If you are interested in trying out for theposition, contactJosh Lacy atjlacy@ txwes.eduno later than Oct.15.

Step up to the microphone

Rattler Invitational Results:

Kevin Doskocil - 74, 68, 75: 217Armando Villarreal - 75, 75, 73: 223

Drew Koonce - 74, 73, 76: 223

Johnathan Dickerson - 79, 71, 80: 230Paco Saracho - 75, 79, 78: 232

Texas Wesleyan - 298, 287, 302: 887 (4th)

Entertainment6 October 8, 2008 The Rambler

AALLOOKOOK

AHEADAHEAD

On Campus:

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

Off Campus:

* Great White: GranadaTheater, 8 p.m.

Off Campus:

*Ghostland Observatory:House of Blues Dallas, 8 p.m.

* Michael Buble: Fort WorthConvention Center, 8 p.m.

Off Campus:

* Annie Get Your Gun: TheatreArlington, 2 p.m.

* Say Hi: Hailey’s Nightclub,8 p.m.

Off Campus:

* Texas Piano Tour: CalvaryLutheran Church, 7 p.m.

*Joan Rivers: MeyersonSymphony Center, 8 p.m.

On Campus:

* Chapel Service: PolytechnicUMC, 12:15 p.m.

*Brass Quintet Concert: MartinHall, 7:30 p.m.

Off Campus:

Weekly DVD Releases:Indiana Jones and theKingdom of the Crystal Skull,Mongol

8

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.

*MSM: Poly UMC, noon, freelunch served.

*Bingo Night: Stella HallLobby, 6:30 p.m.

9Thursday

OffCampus:

*So You Think You CanDance Tour: Nokia Theatre,7:30 p.m.

Weekly Movie Releases:Body of Lies; The Express;City of Ember

10Friday

14Tuesday1211 SundaySaturday 13Monday

SCARED?

why so

North Texas haunted houses guarantee even theboldest visitors will leave terrified this Halloween.

By Chuck Fain

W hat was that noise? You whisper to your friend as you stumble your way throughthe dark corridor. No answer. You turn to look and ask the question again, butinstead of your friend, you find a chainsaw wielding maniac! You scream and yell,running for dear life, breaking out in a cold sweat, only to be trapped in an over-

sized spider web, becoming prey for some other ghoul. It’s not real, you tell yourself with youreyes clamped shut, it’s not real.

You’re right, it’s not real – but it’s a close facsimile. Haunted houses have sprung up allover the Metroplex, and The Rambler is here to weed out the rest and give you the best scarefor your fare.

Hangman’s House of Horrors:This Fort Worth institution has been terrifying Texas

for 20 years this season. Hangman’s is a huge attractionworth checking out for the spectacle alone. This year’shaunt features the tried and true “Hangman’s House ofHorrors Tour,” a real bang for your buck as the tour lastsmore than half an hour, leaving your throat hoarse andyour pants a little wet.

This year’s side attractions feature a Hillbilly Café –which is exactly what it sounds like – as well as a mali-cious maze called The Beast and a 3-D Funhouse incor-porating more “light” or “playful” scares for the faint ofheart.

Tired of terror? Hangman’s has you covered withkaraoke, midway rides and games and live bands.There’s always something to do at this haunted haven.All net profits go to The Cancer Society, A Wish withWings, Safe Haven and Rocky Top charities.

If that’s not enough, one of Wesleyan’s own soon-to-be graduates of the master’s of business administrationprogram, Darla Robinson, has been volunteering at thehaunt for its entire 20 year life span.

Hangman’s is open from 7 p.m. to midnight Fridaysand Saturdays and until 10 p.m. Oct. 26-30. Tickets forthe haunted house are $16 with other attractions pricedseparately. A combo ticket is available for $20. For moreinformation call (817) 336-HANG or visit www.hang-mans.com.

Reindeer Manor/13th Street Morgue:Shrouded by the dark overhang of the surrounding

woods, Reindeer Manor and 13th Street Morgue – andthis year’s Dungeon of Doom – provide an ultra realis-tic, terrifying experience perpetuated by its people through painstaking attention to detail and agenuine love of horror.

Nestled in the dark woods of Red Oak (it’s a bit of a drive, but so worth it), these threeattractions have gained notoriety and praise from hardcore horror fans and passive partakers

alike. Reindeer Manor, which is said to be legitimately haunted (you can read the histo-ry and see the paranormal proof on their Web site), is a theatrical horror feast. Actorsplay out scenes as you travel through the Manor, providing a chilling tale along with

the frightening visuals. Watch out, as you could become partof the show at any time.

The Morgue is another crowd favorite, taking a good 20to 30 minutes to complete and going through various rooms,scenes and horrors. The actors have their timing and theirprops down to a science, so prepared to be scared.

The Dungeon of Doom, originally set up in Arlington,has moved its harbor of horror to The Manor this year. Withonly a few modifications, the Dungeon is set up as it was inArlington, keeping true to its original frightening form forveterans and providing new scares to those virgins.

The Manor is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Tickets are $11-$17 for individual attractions or$35 for a combo ticket. Call (972) 218-RATS or visitwww.reindeermanor.com for more information.

The Cutting Edge:This monster of a haunted house is located at 1701 E.

Lancaster Ave. Cutting Edge makes its home in an aban-doned meat packing plant, affording the attraction lots ofspace to haunt with spine-tingling terror. According to itsWeb site, it is the “world’s largest haunted house.”

This year, Cutting Edge has all new themes as well aslife-sized animatronic giant alligators and “a facility natural-ly infested with spiders and snakes.” A portion of the pro-ceeds are donated to Fort Worth Marshals and Fort WorthFire Safety House. The haunt is open Fridays and Saturdaysfrom 7 p.m. to midnight and until 10 p.m. selected otherdays. Tickets are $26.50. For more info, go to www.cut-tingedgehauntedhouse.com or call (817) 348-8444.

The Boneyard:“Rated number one for the sixth year in a row,” boasts

Boneyard, and they have a lot to boast about. With twoacres of haunted land, all indoor attractions, covered park-

ing, food, music and games, this scary site truly provides abloody bang for your buck. High tech effects coupled with good ol’ fashioned bloodand gore makes this a haunt not to be missed.

The Web site states that last year the haunt made it into the Guinness Book ofWorld Records for the “largest walkthrough haunted house in the World,” proudlybringing the title back to Texas. Proceeds go to Special Olympics and Rocky Top thera-py center. Boneyard is open from 7 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays and until10 p.m. on Sundays and Oct. 27-30. Admission is $22. For more info, visit www.the-boneyard.org or call (817) 451-BONE.

Screams:Screams bills itself as a “Halloween Theme Park,” a Disney World for Halloween,

the Hauntedest Place on Earth, if you will. Screams is huge and has lots to do and see.Five haunted houses are included in the price of admission: The Castle of Darkness – ahorrific journey through a medieval castle; 3D Pirates of Peril Point – a 3D horroradventure with ghastly pirates (glasses included); The Arcane Asylum – an insane asy-lum gone insane; The Death Trap Maze – a walkthrough maze with twists and turnswhere you must find you own way out (watch out for the clown); and The GhoulishGraveyard, which takes you on a horrific journey through your destiny.

Other activities such as climbing towers, psychic readings and face painting areavailable, but at additional costs. Screams also offers food, drink (the only one I’veseen that sells alcohol) rides, games, a children’s area and Scream Karaoke, which, I’massured, is not for the faint of heart.

Screams is open 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and until 11 p.m.Oct. 30. Tickets are $21.99. Visit www.screamspark.com or call (972) 983-3247 formore details.

Now we offer a tip: Check Web sites before you go because many offer onlinecoupons, group discounts, advance online ticket purchases or details on passes thatallow you to skip the long lines. Sites such as dfwhauntedhouses.com or hauntedhous-es.net can direct you to more horror attractions in the area. However, ghouls and boils,we’ve presented these haunts because we feel they’re the best the area has to offer youfright fans. So gather up you courage and a change of clean underwear because thisHalloween is going to be a real scream.

Photos courtesy of www.screamspark.com