ARKATECH THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1923
THE
ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY // THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017 • VOL. 93 NO. 20
ews Arkansas journalists come N briefs together to educate readers THURSDAY
CLAUDIA YOUNG
Editor-in-Chief
Professional journalists based in Arkansas hosted a panel called “Breaking into the News: Media Literacy in the Media Age” to inform the public on how to identify opinion writing, fake news and more. The panel took place at Dog Ear Books from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, April 8. Meredith Martin-Moats with the McElroy House moderated the panel. Panelists included: Drew Brent, operations manager of the Local Rundown, Billy Reeder, assistant professor of journalism at Tech, and Travis Simpson, sports editor for The Courier.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Simpson said that conflicts of interest often come up. News organizations cover stories for businesses that advertise with them. He said that this is why advertising is kept separate from the newsroom, so that reporters can report unbiasedly. Sometimes this means the news organization loses advertisers, but Simpson stressed the importance of reporting regardless of where the money comes from. Simpson also talked about how journalists should not report on topics that they are involved in. “These are things you can look out for as the reader,”
NATHAN YOUNG/THE ARKA TECH Simpson said. “If they aren’t following these basic things, what else are they not following?”
CLICK-BAIT, NEWS
FAKE
Brent said that Facebook is filled with “click-bait, exclamation point articles.” “Things like this are intentionally confusing,” Brent said. “They are biased, created to misinform. That is the epitome of what ethical standards should not be.” Simpson made the point that intentionally fake news is hard to distinguish in the digital age.
Safe Zone Ally training begins JOSEPHINE HARRIS Inclusion, said, “Often Contributing Writer times people look at them as immoral, violent, or A program designed as they’re bad people and to create a safe space that’s just not true.” and network of people The program will cover who support students on statistics and educate peoTech’s campus who do ple about the facts of peonot identify with a religion ple who identify as secuor faith will be held Tues- lar and not by what one day from 6-9 p.m. in Doc thinks because of his own Bryan. beliefs, Hammonds said. The program, Secular Hammonds said ally Safe Zone Ally Training, training doesn’t mean that is sponsored by the De- students are trained to partment of Diversity and identify as that identity, Inclusion. but that students are being “The program is real- trained to be supporters ly used to debunk myths for the identity. about those students who “When you are trainidentify as secular,” Dr. ing to be a secular safe MarTeze Hammonds, as- zone ally, you are training sociate dean for the De(ALLY page 4) partment of Diversity and
“We’ve always had fake news stories,” Simpson said. “They’re called tabloids, and they still exist. But people could tell they were fake. And now I think that in the digital media age, it’s a lot more difficult to tell when something’s basically a tabloid.” “You can’t get news from a meme” Simpson said that memes are not a good way to get news because it is not from a legitimate news source. “You can’t get news from a meme,” Simpson said. “You can’t distill a complicated issue into
white text sentences on the top and bottom. When someone’s done that, they’re not a journalist. They’re just trying to make you laugh at a joke. If they’re not doing that, they’re probably trying to mislead you with a lie.” If it asks a question in the headline or uses telling adjectives, move on “‘Could this product solve your whatever?’ The answer is no,” Simpson said. “If they’re making that the headline, they didn’t have the sources to say that it is true.”
(EDUCATE page 4)
Early registration for summer and fall semesters (until May 2) Entrepreneurial Conference – Arkansas Tech Small Business and Technology Development Center is hosting a conference where entrepreneurs will discuss their journey in TED-style presentations from 8:3011:30 a.m. in Doc Bryan Lecture Hall. Diversity Through the Lens of the Artist – Student artists will be showcasing their art from 6-8 p.m. at the Norman Hall Art Gallery. ATU University Choir Concert – Hear the Tech choirs perform at 7:30 p.m. in Witherspoon Auditorium. SAB Outdoor Movie Night – Watch “Rogue One,” eat snacks and have a chance to win prizes from 9-11:45 p.m. on Caraway Lawn.
SATURDAY
Out of the Darkness Campus Walk – Participate in a two mile walk to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention at 9 a.m. starting outside of Doc Bryan.
MONDAY
Egg Hunt – Hunt for eggs and win prizes at 5 p.m. on Caraway Lawn. There will be over 1,000 eggs hidden.
TUESDAY
FACEBOOK/OUTOFTHEDARKNESS
Suicide awareness walk ELEXIS HARPER
Online Editor
The Health and Wellness Center will be hosting the fourth “Out of the Darkness” walk this Saturday..Registration will be free and begins at 8 a.m. outside Doc Bryan, with the walk beginning at 9 a.m. Tech students can swipe in from 8:30 - 9 a.m. The two-mile walk will focus on raising money and awareness for suicide prevention. Kristy Davis, associate dean for student wellness, will co-chair the event with Tonya Gosnell of St. Mary’s Turning Point. “We want to fight suicide and support the
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s bold goal to reduce the suicide rate 20% by 2025,” Davis said. “We hope that individuals and teams will raise money towards the cause, but it’s not required to participate.” The event has drawn a crowd in the past, with Davis reporting around 200 walkers in past years. “We’d really like to see more students get involved,” Davis said. “We’ve had great participation from the River Valley community and we’ve had a small group of students who participate. But we’d really love to see more
(SUICIDE page 4)
Which Office Character Are You? Evaluate Your Communication Style! – Find out which “Office” character you are and what your communication style is at 4 p.m. in Baz Tech 202. Secular Safe Zone Ally Training – Learn how to become a safe place for students from 6-9 p.m. in Doc Bryan 242. Clue – Play real life Clue and win prizes from 6-8 p.m. in Young Ballroom.
WEDNESDAY
Graphic Design Senior Exhibit – See senior graphic design majors’ artwork from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Norman Hall Art Gallery. Tobacco/Vaping Workshop – Join Heather Stout to learn more about Tobacco and Vaping at 2 p.m. in Baz Tech 202.
Because We Can Hygiene Drive for children of Russellville TAYLOR BLEAKLEY A weeklong service competition to raise hygiene products for the children of the Russellville School District, hosted by the out-reach organization Because We Can, is set to kick off Monday. The project began last year when Skye Thompson, human services worker from RSD, reached out to Because
We Can for help with providing necessary hygiene products for students and their families. “The social worker for the Russellville School District contacted us and said that one of the primary reasons kids were being sent home is from hygiene,” Dr. Sean Huss, associate professor of sociology and Because We Can adviser, said. Approximately 1 in 5 families are in need of assistance within the Russellville area, according to Huss.
Last year the organization raised about $77,000 worth of hygiene products with the help of fellow student organizations, local businesses and a large donation from Unilever, a hygiene and personal care company. After seeing the impact that the organization had on the community, Kyle McCabe, a sociology and psychology major from Atkins, dedicated his time to Because We Can.
SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL REVIEW - PAGE 3
TRAVELING TIPS - PAGE 6
BASH AT THE BALLPARK - PAGE 8
Contributing Writer
(HYGIENE DRIVE page 4)
PAGE 2 | Opinion
Government invasion of universities' rights EZEKIEL MASCUILLI/THE ARKA TECH
Arkansas Legislature appears to be getting more and more involved in the day-to-day operation of colleges and universities, from the most recent gun law bill that passed to issues with defunding different departments here at Arkansas Tech University. We believe the legislator is over stepping its bounds and has enough to delegate over that it doesn’t need to interfere with college campuses. Colleges such as ourselves have Boards of Trustees that are elected to help us in decision-making processes. The trustees are appointed by the governor and serve five-year terms. Plus, those people appointed to serve typically have strong ties to the university, which means they already understand the university and the way it should operate. That makes them much more qualified than legislators, who have the whole state to worry about, to provide oversight. Trustees are invested in doing what is right for the campus because it reflects on them and their community. Our Board of Trustees and other upper level administrators have advocated for no guns on campus and previously passed laws on campus to showcase this. On May 23, 2013, the trustees unanimously voted to prohibit concealed handguns all campuses. This was in response to Act 226 of the 89th Arkansas General Assembly that was approved on March 1, 2013. The act allows
trained and licensed Arkansas college and university staff and faculty to carry concealed handguns if the governing boards of the schools do not adopt a policy expressly forbidding it, therefore Tech adopted the policy. This means the trustees and the campus understood Act 226 and responded accordingly to what they felt was best for the campus. In fact, the University of Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas, Harding University, Henderson State University, Hendrix College, University of the Ozarks, Arkansas State University, Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville and East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City all opted out of Act 226. But now that the new law legislature has passed these schools no longer have a choice. The Legislature has forced something on campuses that clearly is not welcome. Then, Tech had an issue with the diversity office and legislation. The legislators claimed that people from Russellville were unhappy about the events the Department of Diversity and Inclusion were holding, while Tech claimed to have support from those on campus and in the area. “The final straw, I guess you could say, was the Diversity and Inclusion Department, and there’s been a few issues that it always seems it goes back there,” Trevor Drown, Arkansas state representative, said. “I mean to
Editorial: ed·i·to·ri·al
[ed-i-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr-] noun: An article that represents the official viewpoint of a newspaper on a topic of public interest. put something like that out at an institution of higher education and then some of the pictures that were sent to us, it wasn’t just things dealing with sex education, it was different items, I’ll leave it at that, that you would not think would be appropriate to have at an institution of higher education. Maybe somewhere else, but not in the River Valley.” We believe that we are as forward thinking, as cultured and as educated as anyone or any school outside of the River Valley and therefore Tech should hold events that show case that such as with “Sex on the Lawn.” This event and many others held by the DDI are to inform and educate students and the community about diversity and inclusion. The only reason to have the legislature step in is because closed-minded people did not take the time to educate themselves and instantly went into shock; shock from what they did not understand and felt no need to understand. We need to understand that when we hide
information the worst usually happens. It’s like the quote from George Santayana, made famous by Winston Churchill, goes, “If we don’t learn from history we are bound to repeat it.” It’s because people don’t discuss uncomfortable topics to move beyond the awkwardness into understanding. So we go on making the same mistakes others have already learned from because we don’t share this information. This then creates a fear, a fear of the unknown. From this fear we get laws that are unnecessary or increases the fear, like handguns on campus. We fear all of this signals a trend on the part of the Legislature, as if legislators believe they need to be exercising more oversight on those day-to-day activities on campuses. But that belief is misguided. With the aid of the Board of Trustees, educated administrators and a whole campus of people who have been adulting for quite some time, college campuses across Arkansas seem more than capable to govern themselves.
Selling music in the digital age RYAN HARMON
Entertainment Writer iTunes, Amazon, Spotify - these have all become household names, though not everyone in the music business brings them up in the most positive ways. Country star Garth Brooks has been fighting the digital music push since the technology first became available. His main complaint? The artists don’t have control. I recently released a new album and decided to go digital with it. Don’t worry, I’m not going to make this an advertisement for my music. If you’d like to check it out, I’m not hard to find. In the past, I had always been a fan of physical product - CD’s, vinyl, etc., and that’s still my preferred medium. But I started to feel like I was behind the times when I realized that I had never made any of my music available digitally. After testing the waters with a couple of songs, I realized that the only way for me to get the music out to as many people as possible, and to make my album legitimate, was to embrace digital sales. I used CD Baby, one of the more popular music distribution companies, which has partnerships with all of the major digital retailers, such as those previously mentioned. And while I was able to set my own price on CD Baby’s online store, I found that this wasn’t the case with other retailers. I was informed that each retailer would set the price for my music, but I wasn’t able to find out just how much each of them would be charging. I only found out
once the album was made available in each store. Granted, I’m an independent musician, and I own the rights to all of my music, so I don’t have as many potential problems as a major artist such as Brooks would have. That being said, I still wasn’t terribly pleased with the fact that I didn’t have any control on how my music would be priced. Although most people are familiar with the 99 cent download, I’ve seen some go for as much as $1.29 per song. Whether this is a reasonable price or not is another argument for another time. My problem is the uncertainty in the process. On CD Baby, I priced each song at $1 and the whole album at $8.50. I felt this was a good price, and I hoped that the other retailers would have similar pricing. Fortunately, each store I saw had the album priced at $8.91, with each song costing 99 cents. But even with my good luck on the pricing, I was still able to see what Brooks has been talking about all along. Even though this is just how the process works, at the end of the day, the artist should be allowed to have input in the pricing at each retailer, if for no other reason than to help make sure there’s consistency. If one retailer sells the album for $15 and another sells it for $12, you’d go for the cheaper one. That’s just common sense. Again, I’m at the bottom of the food chain, and I
THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017
know I’m not going to sell a fraction of the albums that Garth Brooks will. I’m sure there’s a standard price in place for products that go through distributors like CD Baby, and that price is automatically assigned to each product that gets submitted. But shouldn’t I, as the creator of that product, at least get a heads-up as to how much that will be? That’s my two cents, and you didn’t even have to pay two cents to get it...at least not here.
Campus | PAGE 3
MAN ON THE STREET “HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU FOUND OUT THE EASTER BUNNY WASN’T REAL?”
“I held it out until I was 13 but then I saw my mom get me an umbrella and was like ‘what are you doing?" Brianna Robinson Psychology Little Rock
“I was probably 9. It was heartbreaking.” Matthew Smith Agriculture Business Hermitage
“I think I was like 10. My brother told me.”
Tech club takes kids fishing, gives back BAYLEE LINKER
Staff Writer
Something small can make someone so happy, including small fish. This is the first year the Arkansas Tech Fishing Club has gotten the chance to bring happiness to several elementary children in Russellville, Arkansas by taking them fishing. Each year, several second graders from elementary schools, such as: Crawford, Oakland Heights, Sequoyah, London, Center Valle, and Dwight elementary, gather together to enjoy a field day. This year, the field day was located at the Russellville Country Club. There are several ponds at the golf course and members of Tech’s Fishing Club got to take each second grader fishing. The president of the Tech Fishing Club, Jordan Ogle, an emergency management major from Morrilton, loves giving back to the community. “As a club, it’s an opportunity for us to be able to give back to the community that supports us and the things that we strive to do.” The Tech Fishing Club teaching children how to fish is a way to get young boys and girls interested in the sport. Each member of the club was assigned a certain number of hours to fish with the second graders.
“The next generation of children need to know about the benefits of fishing,” Ogle said. “I want children to know that you can fish competitively and also just for fun. It can lead to scholarships, sponsorships as well as developing a lifelong passion for reeling in that monster fish.” The weather delayed the first morning of fishing, but that afternoon there were smiles on all the children’s faces that were able to reel in their own fish. Despite the delay, the kids were still very anxious to begin their fishing activity. They huddled all the second graders up and explained how the fishing activity was going to work. The club members got to bait each hook with a nightcrawler worm. Bennet Pierce, a management and marketing major from Fort Smith, said, “I was baiting a hook while the little boy I was teaching to fish got a tad bit excited and jerked the rod and stuck the small hook in my finger. It was quite an experience that I will never forget. It made me think about when I was little and my dad would take me fishing and how aggravated he would get when I hooked him on certain occasions.” They were fishing for several species and fish, such as: largemouth bass, blue and channel catfish, black
BAYLEE LINKER/THE ARKA TECH Chase Arthur, parks and rec major from Bryant, holds a catfish for a second grader's photo op. crappie and bluegill. Several children caught a fish while others got to experience a slow day of fishing. One of the members on the Tech Fishing Club connected with the children he got to teach. Hampton Hasek, a psychology and criminal justice major from Maumelle, said, “It was probably one of the best experiences with children I have ever had. The children I was assigned listened to every little detail I said and were so eager to learn. They were trying so hard, I was just praying that bobber would go under. Finally, one child yelled ‘Hampton’ and started freaking out. I ran over to her and she had a
huge catfish. Her eyes were bigger than silver dollars. I have never seen someone so excited. Getting to see the kids smile was definitely my favorite part. I have never seen something so small make someone so happy!” The fishing club wants to see the joy on the kid’s faces each year. They get invited to local elementary schools and take every opportunity they can to get the word out about fishing. “We have hosted seminars where we take our boats and the elementary kids get to see what a fishing boat is all about getting to see them smile, sure makes our day 100 percent better,” Ogle said.
Kaylie Scarbrough Pre-Med Benton
“I have never thought it was real.” Juan Argueta Mechanical Engineering Siloam Springs
“I was never taught that the Easter Bunny was real.” Ashlyn Foote Nursing Benton
“8.” Chris Kershner Pre-Med Dardanelle
ANSWERS FOR APRIL 6
THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017
PAGE 4 | News
Spring Plant Sale
AMBER QUAID
Managing Editor
The Arkansas Tech University Agriculture Department presents its 34th annual Spring Plant Sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15 at Red Hill Farm (located across from Tech). The entrance is located on Harrell Drive, look for the signs. According to Dr. Jim Collins, professor of agriculture, horticulturist, the plants for sale include: "Ferns, geraniums, lantanas, hanging baskets, bedding plants, peppers, tomaotes and many other plants." The greenhouses are filled with student grown plants and all the proceeds from this event go back into the college for more plants and supplies. This will be Dr. Collin's last plant sale as he is retiring this year.
AMBER QUAID/THE ARKA TECH
ALLY From Page 1 to be a supporter of the student that identifies as such,” Hammonds said. After going through the program, students will understand what is myth, what is factual and will have a better understanding of how to help others
and support them, Hammonds said. “We have to understand that not everyone that comes to Arkansas Tech is Christian and that’s okay,” he said. Hammonds said DDI sponsors other programs
like this, but this one is the least popular. He said he thinks it is because people are nervous and scared the instructors will condemn or talk about people’s faith. “That is absolutely not true; I don’t ask if they are
secular, Christian, Muslin or what have you, because that is none of our business,” Hammonds said. He said his only goal is to provide information so that students and faculty can walk away better educated.
HYGIENE From Page 1 “This year I look forward to hopefully getting some pretty decent donations still,” McCabe said. “It’d be pretty great to see that humanitarian drive is still alive here on campus.” During the Hygiene Drive, Because We Can will also be hosting the Second Annual Video
SUICIDE From Page 1 students become involved.” Participation is very important to Davis personally as well. “This event is very important to us on the Tech campus and specifically to our staff in the Health and Wellness Center,” she explained. “We see students dealing with depression on a daily basis, and we want to do everything possible to support them and help them find a renewed hope for living.” This year, the walk will be altered to honor the memory of those lost to suicide. “We unfortunately lost a student to suicide in the past year, and we want to honor this student’s life and prevent other deaths by suicide,” Davis said. “I would encourage anyone who’s lost someone to suicide to participate in the walk. It can be a very healing experience and a way to contribute to suicide prevention efforts.”
Donations made to the AFSP will all be designated for suicide prevention efforts. “Suicide is currently the leading cause of violent death in Arkansas,” Davis explained. “Arkansas is currently ranked tenth in the nation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in suicide deaths per capita. This is especially important to us at Arkansas Tech because suicide is the second leading cause of death for college -aged students.” The AFSP holds walks at college campuses all over the country, but in 2016, Tech’s walk was the sixth largest walk in the nation. According to Davis, the walk raised $21,593. She hopes to continue rising in the ranks, as Tech ranked tenth both years prior. For more information or to create a team, register to walk as individual, or donate money, visit www.afsp.org/ atu.
EDUCATE From Page 1
Game Social and Tournament on Thursday, April 20, in Baz Tech 202, 203 and 204 from 4 - 11:30 p.m. Video games include: Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Kirby Air Ride and more. The entry fee to participate in each tournament is three hygiene products,
such as deodorant, toilet paper and toothbrushes. Snacks and drinks will be provided during the tournament. All donations go towards the Russellville School District along with the items collected throughout the week for the Hygiene Drive. The Hygiene Drive is
open to all individuals and organizations on campus, and the winner will receive a trophy honoring their service. All participates will receive service hours for their donations. Registration is available by contacting becausewecan@atu.edu or on Facebook at facebook.com/ becausewecanATU.
Simpson said to watch out for adjectives that try to make you feel a certain way, known as telling words. These words put an opinion into the article. Brent gave the example of the headline “Trump’s shameful act.” The article did not say if it was an opinion or not. “Some news organizations will publish opinion pieces and not clearly denote that it’s an opinion piece and that leads to confusion,” Simpson said.
CONSIDER YOUR SOURCES
EASTER 2017 From the Manger to the CrossWhy did Jesus have to die? The tender baby was born of humble birth in a manger (“For unto us a child is born” - Isaiah 9:6). Though angels heralded his arrival, the masses were generally unaware of his birth. His 33 years on earth were characterized by healing, encouragement, sacrifice, teaching and ministry to the common people. While the religious leaders of the day disliked Him immensely, the working populace was captivated by his profound teaching and his compassionate life-style. In spite of his sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21) the end of his life was marked by an illegal trial, a cruel beating and a brutal death by crucifixion. So why did such a good man have to die? You see Jesus did not come to live but to die. We all are separated from God due to our own sin (“There is none that is righteous – no not one.” - Romans 3:10). The result of this sin is death and spiritual separation from God = hell - which we all deserve. (“The wages of sin is death” - Romans 6:23) But in the plan of God He has provided us with a way to have our relationship with Him restored and our sins paid for. Jesus Christ suffered the death that we all deserve. He paid the debt He did not owe - we had a debt we could not pay. Jesus Christ, the son of God, did not come to live - He came to die. For you. For me. But knowing all of this information is not enough to wash our sins away. It is only when we personally ask Jesus to forgive our sins and surrender our lives to Him that we appropriate God’s love and forgiveness. There is nothing that we can do to earn or deserve His forgiveness. (“By the works of the Law is no one justified in His sight” - Romans 3:20) We come with empty hands to the cross. From the manger to the cross- this is why did Jesus had to die.
Happy Easter
Wayne Helmer Russellville THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017
Simpson said that when you are reading, you should look at the sources to see if they have a partisan slant. Some news sources are more conservative while others are more liberal. “That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it,” Simpson said. “Sometimes that means you should also read the opposite view. You should read stories the same way a journalist goes about writing a story. A good journalistic story has at least three sources. This means the reader should also find at least three sources. If you can’t find three sources in an article, it means the journalist didn’t do his or her job. Find yourself three sources before you see it as gospel truth.” Brent said that you should not get your news from talk show hosts, such as The Late Show with Steven Colbert. He said those shows are great for entertainment but not for news, and there is clearly a bias. “Even if a story you are consuming is a fact, you cannot assume that it’s still news,” Brent said. “Understand what journalism is before you trust a source. If you start looking at satire and consider it as fact, you’ll have a slanted view of facts.” Confront the news source when it is wrong and stop sharing Reeder said to write to the publication and let them know that they made a mistake. Don’t throw them under the bus, but do call them out. “A reputable source has no problem admitting that and running a correction,” Simpson said. “Journalists make mistakes. But have evidence to show that it was wrong.”
Brent advised to stop sharing news that is not accurate or factual. “The public has as much of a role in creating ethical news as it does the spread unethical news,” Brent said. “If you find that it is wrong, stop spreading it.”
TRUTH VS. FACT
Simpson said that even though an article said a public official said something, does not mean it’s fact. Journalists should fact check their sources, but Simpson said this does not always happen. He said to take quotes and sources at face value. Brent said that stories have two reactions: love and hate. But the story is factually correct regardless of how a reader takes it. “People have their own bias that they bring to the story,” Brent said. “You can’t avoid it. It’s human nature to have a bias. You need to be aware of your bias so you can know when it’s going off like an alarm.”
PAY FOR YOUR NEWS
All three panelists agreed that readers should pay for their news. Reeder said that journalism is expensive. He said that at reputable newsrooms, “there’s not fake news, but there’s underreported news.” Newsrooms are becoming smaller and smaller due to lack of funds, but stories still need to be covered. Simpson said that he covers two to four stories every day alone, which makes it harder to research in depth. Additionally, Martin-Moats said that critiques from listeners and readers are taken more seriously when the one critiquing is supporting the news organization. Fake news, bad news and quality news Reeder said that there are three types of news: fake news, bad news and quality news. Fake news is made to spread lies or to make money. Bad news takes one fact and blows it out of proportion. Quality news will have little to no bias and will report the facts. He said it is important to know the difference. A live video of the event can be found at Dog Ear Book’s Facebook page.
THE
ARKATECH
Features | PAGE 5
Traveling tips from an international student CAROLINE FREDENSBORG
Contributing Writer
On Aug. 24, 2013, I stepped onto Arkansas Tech University’s campus ready to begin freshman orientation. The day before, I had been on an emotional rollercoaster trying to get to America. The plan was simple. I was going to depart from Copenhagen at 6 a.m., have a layover in Frankfurt and Charlotte and arrive in Little Rock at 3 p.m. where the International Multicultural Student Services had arranged a shuttle for international students at 5 p.m. Nothing could go wrong. Except it did. However, I learned some tips I have used later on when I travel. The day started out well. My family and I were at the airport at 4 a.m ready to check me in. One of my closest friends had come and surprised me with Danish liquorice and a Danish flag I could turn to if I would begin to miss home. Things went as procedure from Copenhagen to Frankfurt, but my flight to Charlotte ended up being 30 minutes late. On the ticket, I had an hour and a half to get through immigration. Now it was narrowed down to an hour. A knot in my stomach started to form as I was boarding. When I found my seat, I looked at my watch and prayed for no further delays. My parents had tried to prepare me if something should go wrong or if I should be delayed. “Act like your grandmother,” they’ve said, because she always makes a scene when she is confused and gets assisted by flight personnel. Hoping I would get out of the plane first or get a priority notice through security, I told the flight attendant that I was getting nervous of not making my connection. She just padded me on my shoulder assuring me that I had nothing to worry about and that I would make my flight. I later found out that’s the standard response flight personnel gives you. PRO TIP #1: Flight attendants don’t care about the rest of your journey; their job is to make sure to keep you calm and comfortable while the aircraft is in motion. After we’ve landed and the aircraft had been emptied, I had 30 minutes to catch my flight. And that was before I had to face the biggest time hump: Immigration and security. According to the Department of Homeland Security, in 2013 there were 173,100,000 non-immigrants admitted into the United States; 1,577,509 of them was students. August 23, I was one of them. I had heard horror stories and experienced a two-hour waiting process, so I ran from the gate to the immigration, pushing many passengers to the side in the process. It was effective; I was one of the first people to get through immigration. And that’s where my luck ended. I had to wait 15 minutes for my baggage to arrive at the carousel and carry it through customs. PRO TIP #2: Always plan to have more than a twohour layover when you have to get through immigration and customs. That gives you time to handle delays and long lines. When I came up the escalator I was faced with several different lines to security leading to different terminals and gates. Before I got oriented and found my way to the right line it had grown from 10 people to a 10-minute line. Only having a few minutes to spare I was frantically checking my watch wishing for the line to speed up. When there was only ten minutes left until my flight departed, I passed a security employee, and I told him my situation, hoping he would get the urgency of my situation letting me get to the front of the line. He didn’t; he padded me
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on the shoulder and said: “then you better run fast.” I looked at my watch again, and my pulse started rising. PRO TIP #3: Don’t expect special treatment from airport personnel; they don’t care how tight your schedule is. Their priority is to uphold order and make sure things run smoothly. After I got my belongings through security I slid into my shoes and started running. Of course my plane was at the very end of the gate. With my heart in my throat, untied shoes, a pursed over my shoulder and with laptop, passport and jacket I my arms I was running towards a window that was slowly closing. When I arrived at the gate I was out of breath, and I was informed that the gate had closed a minute earlier. My heart sunk as I looked out at my future still docked but soon leaving without me. I was left alone with no clue on how to get to the university once I arrived in Arkansas. All of a sudden the stress I had been feeling the last half an hour was released, and I burst into tears feeling lost and defeated. I called my mom in despair and started to text my coach and the International Office at my school trying to figure out my next move. As I started to relax I was informed that many Asian students had been delayed as well so the international office had made an extra shuttle from the airport. Everything was falling back into place. I went to the desk where two women, who obviously had witnessed my mental breakdown, met me with a pity look in their eyes. I got booked on the next flight to Little Rock which departed 5 hours later. PRO TIP #4: If you miss your flight don’t panic; you’ll get on another one. Unfortunately airlines rarely corporate, so it’s whenever the given airline have a route available.
Now having plenty of time to relax, I set out to explore the airport and to treat myself. Since I had finally arrived in America, I wanted to get some American food. I went to a sports bar to get an American burger and some fries; it was delicious. As I was eating I started to converse with a man sitting at a table next to me. His table was on a different level than mine and we were separated by a low iron gate but it was still nice to talk to somebody even though from the outside we looked like idiots talking across a fence. Looking back at all the stuff that had happened so far, I decided I deserved a treat and bought chocolate cake for dessert. Then I decided to go to my gate and wait so I was sure to get on the plane. At the gate, I met a woman who had missed the same flight as me and we started bonding. It turned out she knew Arkansas Tech University very well because her oldest daughter was a sophomore there. After telling my horror story of a day and her finding out that I was traveling by myself she gave me her business card to have in case of emergency as a support system. Four years later, I still carry that business card in my wallet. America seemed better already. PRO TIP #5: If you are stuck in an airport, make the most of it. Once I arrived in Little Rock, I was exhausted. I hadn’t slept for over 24 hours and I still had a bus ride to go. Luckily, none of my baggage was lost and I found the shuttle group right away. The bus ride to our hotel was so bumpy, I was lifted off my seat several times making it impossible to fall asleep. Since it was dark outside, I couldn’t see a thing and I got flashbacks to African roads. Luckily, I sat next to a Japanese girl and we bonded over the miserable transportation. When we got to the hotel, I brushed my teeth and went to bed happy that the day was finally over.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017
PAGE 6 | Entertainment
The silver-tongued devil and I An evening with Kris Kristofferson
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Beginning of a great writer
RYAN HARMON
Entertainment Writer Being a singer/songwriter and a fan of classic country music, I take every chance I get to see one of my heroes in person. And it doesn’t get much better than Kris Kristofferson. When I found out that he would be performing at the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson, Missouri, I knew it would be my best chance to see him. I’ve always loved going to Branson ever since I was a little kid, and the Welk was a wonderful venue for this show. The house lights came down, and Kristofferson walked onstage with no introduction or fanfare. Although he occasionally plays shows with other musicians, tonight was just the man and his guitar. The show started with “Shipwrecked in the Eighties,” a favorite among fans, and Kristofferson wasted no time moving from song to song. Most artists would save all of their biggest songs for the end of the show. Kristofferson obviously doesn’t buy into that, playing “Me and Bobby McGee” as the third song of the night. Right about here is where most people would talk about Kristofferson’s voice and musicianship in some negative way. He’s no virtuoso when it comes to singing or guitar playing, but that’s no front page news. I find it odd that people choose to pick Kristofferson out of the crowd for this when there are countless people in the industry who are on the same level of musicianship. Pointing out his musical flaws also does a huge disservice to the music itself, which is what everyone was there for. Kris Kristofferson is not Luciano Pavarotti or Eddie Van Halen, and he doesn’t need to be. He’s
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known for his incredible songwriting that most people only dream of being able to do. In this setting, the songs were the stars of the show. When it’s stripped-down like that, every word hits you right between the eyes. There were a couple of moments where I began to get teary-eyed. His songs are made up of stories and messages that you can’t help but be moved by. While the show included a couple of tunes from his more recent albums, the majority of the evening consisted of the hit songs that everyone loves, like “For the Good Times” and “The Pilgrim, Chapter 33.” As the show began to come to a close, it was nothing but hits. One of the biggest highlights came after he finished playing “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” and the audience gave him a well-deserved standing ovation, to which he seemed to be sur-
prised, saying “Oh now, you don’t have to get up!” Kristofferson brought his performance to a close with “Please Don’t Tell Me How The Story Ends.” As soon as he finished, people ran up to the stage, in hopes of meeting the legendary songwriter. I was one of the lucky ones who got that chance. We shook hands as I told him that he’s one of my heroes, and I thanked him for all of the great music he’s done. He smiled, nodded and humbly said, “Well, thank you!” Although it wasn’t a long conversation, I was able to say everything I wanted to say to the man. And although I’m sure he will never remember it, I will always cherish the moment when the rest of the world was shut out, and it was just the silver tongued devil and I. For more information, visit www. kriskristofferson.com.
"Home" falls flat of reaching adult viewers GABBI CALABRESE
Staff Writer
Nowadays, animated movies are not just for kids. Many directors have managed to find a perfect harmony of children’s content and adult’s content by combining goofy antics and social commentary that will resonate with older generations. However, some animated movies miss that mark, like Tim Johnson’s “Home.” Now, that’s not to say the film wasn’t enjoyable as a grown person, but it simply doesn’t have the depth I’ve come to expect from today’s children’s films. “Home” introduces us to the Boov, an alien species that likes to run from their problems and reject any hint of personality. Among the Boov is Oh, an optimistic creature with a penchant
for screwing things up. When the Boov invade Earth to hide from their enemies, they seclude the humans to one small corner of the planet. Only one human (and her cat) manages to avoid their sweep. When Oh accidentally gives the enemy aliens the Boov’s new location, he is condemned and named a fugitive. On the run from his people, he meets Tip, the lone human, and the two team up to help Tip find her mom and to help Oh escape the wrath of his species. It’s really a cute film. I enjoyed the genuine friendship that develops between Oh and Tip, and I like the aspects of individuality and family. The movie is just too easy. The plot and the worldbuilding and even the characterization could have been much more clever. The
unlikely duo is on a mission and they encounter many obstacles. The aliens change colors and don’t speak correctly. Tip wants to find her mom and Oh doesn’t want to be a screw up. It’s all very surface-level. This movie does have its touching moments, though. Oh is the very definition of the underdog, and I always root for the underdog. He is pure and good-intentioned but it is constantly thrown back in his face, so it gave me a sense of triumph to see him discover what friendship really is, and for him to finally quit fleeing from his problems. If you’re looking for a film that is brimming with creativity and depth, I would not steer you to “Home,” but it is a sweet, happy-making film that would be good to watch if
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you need a quick pick-me-up. It didn’t leave much of an impact on me, but it did make me smile, and sometimes that’s all we need from a movie.
#Throwback: Frank Ocean’s nostalgia, ULTRA BRITTANY WALKER trina in his hometown, New Orleans, and his folStaff Writer lowing relocation to Los As I’m washing Angeles. This mixtape is clothes and getting ready a 10-song project full of for the rest of my week, I storytelling love songs, get in the mood to listen abstract thinking and voto some old Frank Ocean cals sent from heaven. music, so I turn on his First song, “Street 2011 released mixtape Fighter,” is actually not “nostalgia, ULTRA.” a song at all but an intro Frank Ocean is a of him naming it after singer/songwriter and the Street Fighter series has written songs for - a game he used to play countless artists, like Jus- on the Nintendo 64 as a tin Bieber, John Legend, child, which also came Alicia Keys and even out the same year Ocean Beyonce. But that is not was born. The next track, what caught my love for “We All Try,” is one of his music. His writing his my favorites because of own music is what gives the way he writes about me life. what he believes in and Ocean said he was in- what he does not ,but spired to make the mix- that he still believes in tape after Hurricane Ka- humanity.
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As you can tell, mixtapes can be a bit more personal than what you can say on an album, and I love that concept. Most of the project consists of women
THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017
talking in interludes and skits, which turns into “Songs For Women,” which is my favorite on song on the tape because of the guitar riffs and his writing. He’s brilliant!
The project ends in “Dust,” which is the second to last song on the project. Probably my least favorite for one reason: it’s too short. But it ends so beautifully with “American Wedding,” and the guitar solo is perfect considering the title. That’s exactly what it sounds like and the lyrics are just the cherry on top. After six years of constantly analyzing and replaying this mixtape, I give “nostalgia, ULTRA” a 9/10 for its originality and simplicity. It’s just him, which is also an A+. I can listen to this more than any of his albums that he has put out in the last couple of years, so what does that tell you?
I think my boyfriend, Bruce, tried to get me to read this book for months before I actually read it. I normally really like fantasy novels but for whatever reason, I was hesitant to read “The Way of Shadows” by Brent Weeks. I did eventually read the novel, and I loved it. “The Way of the Shadows” is the first book in the Night Angel trilogy. It is set in the capital of the Kingdom of Cenaria, Cenaria City. The story follows the orphan Azoth, who lives in the Warrens with his two friends, Jarl and ‘Doll Girl.’ The Warrens are a hard place to live. They are filled with orphan children who must steal and join “guilds” (read: gangs) to survive. Azoth’s goal is to get out of the hell that is the Warrens. And he hopes to do that by becoming Durzo Blint’s apprentice. Durzo Blint is the most accomplished wet boy (which is different than an assassin, but they both still kill people) in the city, but Durzo never takes an apprentice. Azoth must convince Durzo to take him on before he and his friends are killed in the Warrens, or before they die of starvation. If he can convince Durzo, Azoth will learn how to kill people like a wet boy, and he will learn about the darkest underbellies of the Kingdom of Cenaria. I can’t tell you much about “The Way of Shadows,” but I will tell you that it’s got a little bit of everything: love, death, magic and just a touch of tragedy, and that there are two other books within the same world, which are all part of the Night Angel trilogy: “Shadow’s Edge” and “Beyond the Shadows.” I have been really impressed with Brent Weeks. “The Way of the Shadows” was written in 2008 and since then Weeks has finished the Night Angel trilogy and has nearly finished yet another fantasy series. So, in nine years, he has written six books. That’s impressive for a writer. It’s about a book every two years. And let me tell you, every single one is impressive, deep and has amazing read again quality. As far as “The Way of Shadows” goes, I would recommend it to pretty much anyone. As I said before, the novel has a little bit of everything and is just a really good read in general.
Sports | PAGE 7
Golden Suns set for final game of season RICCI LOGAN
Staff Writer
The Arkansas Tech Golden Suns will close out the regular season this Friday, April 14, against the Oklahoma Baptist Bisons at Chartwells at 2 p.m. The Golden Suns won their first Great American Conference road game of the season last week against Henderson State Reddies. The Golden Suns had the early lead as the No.2 doubles, Annabel Rowlands, from Wigan, England, and Kami Ward, from Hot Springs, won. The No.1 doubles, Macarena Sedano Acosta, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Teresa Sanchez, from Tomball, Texas, also won a match, giving the Golden Suns a 2-1 lead going into singles matches. The Reddies fought back to tie the match up at 2-2. Vandella Suico, from The Woodlands, Texas, gave the Golden Suns the lead back with a 6-2 win in the No. 6 singles match.
SINGLES COMPETITION
Annie Shannon (HSU) def. Macarena Sedano Acosta (Tech) 4-6, 6-4, 10-8 Teresa Sanchez (Tech) def. Thea Minor (HSU) 6-4, 6-0 Kami Ward (Tech) def. Alexandra Cuello (HSU) 6-4, 6-3 Lorraine Banimataku (HSU) def. Annabel Rowlands (Tech) 6-4, 7-6 (1)
RICCI LOGAN/THE ARKA TECH Annabel Rowlands from Wigan, England, returns a serve against John Brown University. Mariah Bartlett (HSU) def. Haeleigh Long (Tech) 6-2, 6-2 Vandella Suico (Tech) def. Maddie McRae (HSU) 6-3, 6-2
DOUBLES COMPETITION
Macarena Sedano Acosta/Teresa Sanchez (Tech) def.
Wonder Boys win fourth series in a row
Annie Shannon/Thea Minor (HSU) 9-7 Annabel Rowlands/Kami Ward (Tech) def. Mariah Bartlett/Lorraine Banimataku (HSU) 8-6 Maddie McRae/Lauren Miller (HSU) def. Haeleigh Long/Maria Vlaskina (Tech) 9-7
NOAH DELASHAW
Contributing Writer
The Wonder Boys baseball team won its fourth consecutive conference series this past weekend against the Southeastern Oklahoma Savage Storm. The Wonder Boys will travel to Monticello to play the Arkansas Monticello Boll Weevils Friday, April 14, at 2 p.m. The Wonder Boys, 24-14 and 19-5 in Great American Conference play, will take on the Boll Weevils, 23-12 and 18-6 in GAC play. The Wonder Boys remain in second place in the GAC standings, just three wins behind first. The Boll Weevils are in third place in GAC, coming off the weekend with a series win over the Ouachita Baptist Tigers. The Wonder Boys were looking to keep their winning streak alive after a sweep of the East Central Tigers and a win in Arkadelphia against the Henderson State Reddies. “The key is for us not to get too far away from our game and continue how we have been playing,” said Parker O’Dell, from Branson, Missouri. “Certain times we try to put the ball in certain places and our guys did good with that,” said Dave Dawson, head baseball coach. The Wonder Boys won the first game, 5-4, against the Savage Storm. The Savage Storm were quick to take the lead, but an RBI from Zach Kloc-
RICCI LOGAN/THE ARKA TECH Ashton Sangster from Van Buren runs and slides into third base against Harding.
CUTLINE ------------->
RICCI LOGAN/THE ARKA TECH
kowski, from Tinley Park, Illinois, allowed the Wonder Boys to tie the game. Cody Wescott hit a home run in the fourth inning, his fourth home run in the last three games. After a three-run inning in the eighth, Marcus Wilson, from Bryant, ended the game with his second home run on the season in the ninth. Kyle Wilson, from Flagstaff, Arizona, pitched on the mound for seven innings, allowing one run and striking out nine. “Where our heads are at right now, we have a lot of hits ready to go for tomorrow,” said Kadem Tharp, assistant head baseball coach.
In the remaining two games, the Wonder Boys won 6-3 and lost 8-3. In game one, the Wonder Boys were behind early. After a four-run inning and a home run from Mark Vauhgn, from Salina, Kansas, the Wonder Boys took the lead. Klockowski hit his eighth home run on the season to add to the lead for the Wonder Boys. Dylan McDearmon, from Greenbrier, finished it off with his third home run on the season late in the game. In the final game, the Storm were able to prevent a sweep and take the lead after scoring six runs late in the game.
Player of the week (Combined Stats) • Undefeated in singles competition 6-2, 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 • Undefeated in doubles competition (with Macarena Sedano Acosta) 9-7, 8-1
Teresa
Sanchez
Golden Suns look to move up in standings
NOAH DELASHAW
Contributing Writer
The Golden Suns softball team is coming off the weekend with a conference series win against the Southeastern Oklahoma Savage Storm. The Golden Suns will play the Arkansas Monticello Boll Weevils Friday, April 14, at 3 p.m. at Chartwells. The Golden Suns, 27-15 and 21-9 in Great American Conference play, will take on the Boll Weevils, 28-12 and 21-7 in GAC play. The Golden Suns remain at fourth place in the GAC standings right behind the Boll Weevils who are in third. The Golden Suns went 1-1 in the first day of games, losing the first, 3-4, and winning the second game, 10-1. In game one, Sarah LaChance, from McKinney, Texas, and Cara Tolar, from San Antonio, Texas, each had two hits in the loss. Jalissa Gum, from Red Rock, Oklahoma, allowed four runs in three innings. Bailey Shaffer, from Guthrie, Oklahoma, and Morgan Vaughan, from Bella Vista, pitched for three combined innings of relief with no score. In game two, Tolar allowed only one run on six hits. She fanned four in the win. Janie Knowles, from Celina, Texas, and LaChance each had two hits in the win. In the second day of games, the Golden Suns went 2-0 winning both games, 9-1 and 4-0. In game one, Sarah Coronado, from Frisco, Texas, and Gaby Vasquez, from Lewisville, Texas both had three hits. Ashton Sangster, from Van Buren, Megan Goodnight, from Cabot, Tolar and Gum all had two hits each. Gum allowed only one run on six hits in the win. In game two, Tolar pitched four shutout innings and then allowed four hits while fanning three. Vaughan allowed only one hit in three innings of relief. Knowles, Sangster, Coronado and Gum each had two hits in the final game.
This week in Tech sports FRIDAY 4/14/17
BB @ Arkansas-Monticello. Monticello. 2 p.m. WTEN vs Oklahoma Baptist. Chartwells. 2 p.m. SB vs Arkansas-Monticello. Chartwells. 3 p.m. SB vs Arkansas-Monticello. Chartwells. 5 p.m.
SATURDAY 4/15/17
SB vs Arkansas-Monticello. Chartwells. Noon.
BB @ Arkansas-Monticello. Monticello. Noon. SB vs Arkansas-Monticello. Chartwells. 2 p.m. BB @ Arkansas-Monticello. Monticello. TBD.
MONDAY 4/17/17 .
MGOLF vs Natural State Classic. Heber Springs. TBD
TUESDAY 4/18/17
MGOLF vs Natural State Classic. Heber Springs. TBD. SB @ Harding. Searcy. 2 p.m. BB @ Southern Arkansas. Magnolia. 2 p.m. SB @ Harding. Searcy. 4 p.m.
THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017
PAGE 8 | Community
Bash at the Ballpark Dillon McDearmon, from Greenbrier, went 2-4 in the game, hitting his third home run of the season.
Trent Armstrong, from Waxahachie, Texas, had a rough outing, allowing three runs in 1.1 innings.
A total attendance of 1,275 was announced for Saturday's game, the largest turn out of the season for the Wonder Boys.
Photos By Matthew Emery
Several local businesses attended the event, serving food and giving away prizes.
Connor Brady, from Plano, Texas, and his Wonder Boy comrades were signing autographs before the game.
Bash at the Ballpark brought those of all ages from around the River Valley to Tech Field on Saturday.
Jerry, as always, was in attendance and given special attention as only he can garner.
THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017