David Bowie
CAMPUS EXPANSION INTRODUCING A SERIES ON TECH’S NEW PLAN TO RENOVATE AND CHANGE THE CAMPUS PAGE 8
A LOOK AT THE ARTISTS LAST ALBUM BLACKSTAR
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Students celebrate MLK day RAHEEM PROCTOR Staff Reporter | rjp020@ latech.edu In remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr. accomplishments, Louisiana Tech students were able to participate in a balloon release Friday, Jan. 15, on his birthday. “Our purpose for this event is for black students, as a whole, to grow together through someone who has paved the way for us,” said Jared Spiller, junior accounting major and vice president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. This was the second consecutive year Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, King’s fraternity, held the event. Starting outside of the Student Center, students received a balloon in which they were asked to write down something they would like to overcome in 2016. “We want students to embrace our history, yet know that there is always room for progress and improvement,” Spiller said. After students had written
Photo by Raheem Proctor
Students gather with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., by the bust of Martin Luther King Jr. and released balloons to honor and remember his legacy. their goals on the balloons, they formed lines on the steps and marched to the MLK bust held between Davison Hall and the Biomedical Engineering building while they sung “Lift Every Voice
and Sing,” a song designated as the black national anthem. After a brief speech, the fraternity proceeded in leading everyone in prayer. “The prayer was very power-
ful,” said Celeste Keys, a junior family and child studies major. “It meant that God has us through our situations.” The prayer was followed by the gospel song “I Won’t Complain.”
Walmart Neighborhood Market opens in Ruston KERRY WAGUESPACK Staff Reporter | Kfw005@ latech.edu The city of Ruston welcomed a new grocery store to town as Walmart Neighborhood Market opened on Jan. 13. Ruston residents seemed to be ecstatic for the opening of the store which is located on West California Avenue right next to Taco Bel, said Theresa Snipe. Snipe sad said she is excited about the new location of the grocery store since it is closer to her house than previous stores. “Anytime we can get something like this to open up south of the interstate, it makes it much easier for those of us who do not want to drive across town to do our shopping,” Snipe said. Snipe said she has high hopes for the store, with its proximity to campus making it easier access for students who do not have a vehicle. Mark Nugent, store manager, also thinks one of the biggest keys to success for the store will be how close it
The last thing members of the fraternity asked before releasing the balloons was for students to have a moment of silence to think about what was written on their balloon and to fully commit to conquering the situation. “Honoring King shows his relevance, what he fought for and what we are fighting for now,” Keys said. The premature release of one balloon started a domino effect as other students joined in right after. After the event, Alpha Phi Alpha’s president Marcus Sumbler, a senior chemistry major, discussed future goals he hopes to accomplish for the balloon release program. Sumbler said he wants to see student participation for the balloon release grow in years to come. “I wish to see it turn into a service event,” Sumbler said. “Not just with this fraternity, but hopefully collaboration with multiple organizations.”
Hoverboard use banned on campus PRINCESS WARREN Staff Reporter |pcw0050@ latech.edu
Photo by Ashley Kober
Mark Nugent, manager of the new Walmart Neighborhood Market cuts the ribbon opening the store. is to campus., as the college students who like to shop at Walmart now have one more conveniently located for them. “Nearly half if not more of our employees are attending Tech, so not
only does it bring jobs to the area, but we are able to help out these students who were looking for part time work while in school,” Nugent said.
> see WALMART page 6
No longer can students hover from one class to another as Louisiana Tech officials have recently placed a campus wide ban on the use of hoverboards. “We hope this advisory will alert students as to the hoverboard’s battery defects and will help them avoid a potentially dangerous situation that could cause serious injury or property damage,” said Dave Guerin, director of marketing and public relations said. Guerin said the ban is to help the campus community understand and protect against potential dangers of hoverboards. “The university deemed the risk of fire and/or injury from these hoverboards to be significant given the numerous cases reported around the country which was the reason for issuing the ban,” Guerin said. Guerin said the university hopes students will understand the need to ban hoverboards and hopes that users of hoverboards will be able to arrange for other means of transportation around campus.
> see HOVERBOARDS page 6
NEWS
2 • The Tech Talk • January 22,2016
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Unique karate stye offered at Tech CALEB DANIEL Staff Reporter| csd020@latech.edu
“Harada basically combined a form called Aikido with traditional Shotokan karate to create his new The Louisiana Tech Karate-Do style,” said Hawley, a senior comShotokai Club offers students a puter science major. “Aikido is a martial arts experience on cam- very soft and fluid style, while karapus, but it may be a little different te is more rigid and structured, and shotokai is both at the same time.” than one would expect. The club at Tech is one of only Developed by Japanese karate nine clubs of its legend Mitsusuke kind in the United Harada, karate-do States, according shotokai, or KDS, “Any time a group to the American is a martial artform of people learn KDS website. that focuses on realIn addition to world self-defense self-defense princibeing president of rather than training ples, it benefits the KDS in America, for competition. Crook also serves “We don’t par- whole community” as instructor for the ticipate in any tourTech club. He said naments, so no JEREMY CROOK shotokai positively points or referees,” American KDS President affects the human said Jeremy Crook, body because its president of Ameripractitioners learn can KDS. “We don’t wear protective gear of any kind; which muscles to use when and in what order. we just learn to fight.” “I ride a motorcycle, and the John Hawley, president of the Tech Shotokai Club, said he ap- longer I studied KDS, the more preciates the unique fighting style my shoulders and chest became relaxed, and I could ride better,” KDS offers.
he said. “Shotokai affects the way your whole body works, not just during karate, but any time the body is employed.” Crook said college students benefit from the personal confidence shotokai offers. “Any time a group of people learn self-defense principles, it benefits the whole community,” he said. “Everyone has more confidence, and they’re more willing to help one another in a situation that calls for that.” For Hawley, shotokai means finding his own path, not just in karate, but also in life. “You’re taught that you eventually have to learn your own style of karate, that everyone is different,” he said. “So I apply that idea back to college. You can just follow other people to success, you have to find what gets you there personally.” Tech alumnus Chris Hirsch has been practicing shotokai for two years. He said shotokai often produces valuable relationships. “If you can punch a guy, and he
Photo by Avey Bryan
The club demonstrates its technique during practice in Lambright’s red gym. stands up with a smile on his face, you know you’re really friends,” he said. There is one specific blow that Hawley said he is still looking to land.
“My favorite part is trying to punch our instructor, a man who’s been doing karate for more than 20 years in the face,” he said. “I’m still trying to get him. I’ll get him one of these days.”
Governor Edwards to protect higher education PAYTON POTTER Staff Reporter| jpp017@latech.edu
The knight and pawn pieces come head to head in a match.
Photo by Jonathan Shaul
Chess club sees impressive turnout RAHEEM PROCTOR Staff Reporter | rjp020@latech.edu Instead of hoping to run into other students who can play chess, a group of students here on campus have created a club for those who play. The Louisiana Tech Chess Club is a new club on campus. They meet at 6 p.m. every Wednesday in Carson-Taylor Hall, room 328. Matthew Flanders, a sophomore computer science major, is the president of the Louisiana Tech Chess Club. Flanders initially wanted to play for fun but did not have many people to join him. “I thought why not just create a club dedicated for chess, so that others like myself will be able to play too,” Flanders said. Flanders was impressed with the turnout of the first meeting. “The very first meeting
was held before the winter break with a whopping 2730 students coming out,” Flanders said. “We are still underway as a club, but to see such a big number in our first meeting was huge for us,” said Flanders. “The more the merrier.” Bill Deese, a professor of chemistry and chess enthusiast, is the faculty adviser for the club and has been playing chess since he was 12. “An older friend who lived across the street introduced me to the game of chess, and we both learned how to play together,” Deese said.“I believe that chess is a really good problem solving, logical and critical thinking activity,” Deese said. As multiple chess games were going on, the atmosphere in room 328 shifted several times. The majority of the time it was silent. Other times slight chatter,
humming, and even laughter up roared the room While waiting for a game to end so she could play, Alandria Ford was spotted reading a book. “I have not played since I was 10 years old,” Ford said. “But this seems like a good stress relief from engineering.” The sophomore chemical engineering major attended a meeting for the first time this quarter. “People might think you are lame or nerdy if you play chess, but chess teaches you a lot about life,” said Ford. “Like chess, in life you are put in compromising situations at times and are forced to make decisions, some good and some bad, but you have to live with those decisions you make,” Ford said. If any students are interested and want to be updated about the club, check out its Facebook page at LA Tech Chess Club.
ty. Reneau (past university higher education. “Louisiana Tech is our president) and Guice (current university president) biggest economic driver in Louisiana’s newly elect- should be commended for Ruston,” Walker said. ed governor, John Bel Ed- that, but there is only so Walker is not conwards, spoke in his inaugu- much you can take.” cerned, however, about ral address about a number Despite Edwards’s com- the budgetary crisis afof budgetary figments, Thompson fecting Ruston. Ruston 21, ures that could said she fears public the city’s proposed plan to impact both stuuniversities in Loui- further infrastructure, condents and faculty siana may, again, tinue to develop the downof higher educatown area and to merge lose funding. tion institutions. “It is likely that Tech with the Ruston “In the past higher education community and is almost seven years, will face yet another entirely independent from we’ve cut fundsignificant budget state and federal grants ing for higher cut,” Thompson and capital outlay. education by Instead, it will be funded said. EDWARDS 700 million dolJason Pigg, di- almost exclusively by inlars - the largest rector of the School creasing the city’s sales tax disinvestment in the coun- of History and Social Sci- from 8.75 to 9.5 percent as try - putting campuses on ences, weighed in. defined in a tax proposal the brink of bankruptcy, “I think it’s at the front titled “Moving Ruston Forand sending many of our of the agenda for the gov- ward.” best and brightest students ernor and the state legisla“The Moving Ruston out of state,” Edwards said. ture to figure out a way to Forward initiative is the Edwards said during his really support perfect extime as governor, he aims higher educaample of the “Louisiana Tech city saying, to make college more af- tion.” fordable by ending double‘we need $120 E d w a r d s is our biggest digit tuition hikes, support- also hinted million to do ing public higher education at continuing economic driver work,’ Walker institutions and increasing to fully fund said. “We’re need-based aid for stu- TOPS despite in Ruston.” not going to dents. get it from the expectations RONNIE V. Elaine Thompson, an that the pro- WALKER state; we’re not assistant professor of his- gram will cost Mayor of Ruston going to get it tory, said Louisiana Tech the state over from the feds. has fared well in the face $300 million We need to of past budget cuts. by 2020. Thompson said step up and take care of “Louisiana Tech has higher education budget our own house.’” done a better job than cuts have increased the Walker said Governor probably any other school cost of tuition, making Edwards is expected to visin the UL System of pro- TOPS increasingly difficult it Ruston in February for an tecting what we call the to fund. invitation-only gathering ‘academic core,’” ThompRuston mayor Ronny of officials from Lincoln, son said. “We maintain ma- Walker said his main con- Jackson, Bienville, Union jors; we maintain our facul- cern is protections for and Ouachita parishes.
UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY
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• Mike Super: Magician at 6 p.m in the Student Center. •Sleeping Beauty at 7:30 p.m. in Howard Auditorium
•Sleeping Beauty at 7:30 p.m. in Howard Auditorium
• Men’s basketball v. UTSA at 6:30 p.m. •Sleeping Beauty at 7:30 p.m. in Howard Auditorium
January 22, 2016 • The Tech Talk • 3
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ON OUR
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HERE ARE SOME ANTICIPATED MUSIC FESTIVALS FOR 2016
Leonardo DiCaprio stars as frontiersman Hugh Glass in the Revenant.
THE REVENANT JOHN SADLER Features Editor| jts040@ latech.edu
Occasionally I’ll encounter a movie, like “Shame or “The Master,” that mentally exhausts me. Mentally, I was disturbed when I left “The Revenant.” But physically, I felt like I had been mauled by a bear and then forced to hike through countless miles of subarctic wilderness. The film follows frontiersman Hugh Glass’s quest for revenge after he is left for dead after a vicious bear attack. Buried in a shallow grave, he drags his broken body more than 200 miles of wilderness to find the man responsible. It opens with an extended fight sequence, which plays out in the style of a vicious frontier brawl, with scalping and plenty of arrows to faces. While the scene was choreographed, of course, it doesn’t show, instead playing
up the sometimes clumsy but always brutal ways the characters would actually fight to the death. It’s a profoundly disturbing scene and one that should be, and will be, talked about in film classes as an example of how to shoot a fight. The film is also single-handedly the most well-shot film I have ever seen. Cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki’s decision to shoot the film in only natural light creates an environment of subdued blues, dull greys and brilliant flashes of orange that makes half of the film look more like a painting than a film. The actors all do a phenomenal job, as well, especially Tom Hardy as Fitzgerald. Hardy’s imposing, halfscalped frontiersman is an iconic role, and in the end a far more interesting one that Dicaprio’s High Glass. Since we’ve finally reached the elephant in the room, let’s go all in: Does Leo deserve the Oscar? I’m not sure. While his role was extremely physically demanding (he ate raw bison liver) and it is evident he immersed him-
Photo courtesy of New Agency Productions
self in the project, in the end Glass is a rather one-dimensional character, and his limited dialogue and single set goal didn’t give Leo a lot with which to work. This one-dimensionality is one of my major complaints with the movie. It ultimately boils down to a revenge flick, a subzero “Death Wish” with the addition of an angry mama bear. Of course, the film is better than “Death Wish,” but the characters’ (besides Hardy’s Fitzgerald) lack of complexity stops the film from being flawless. This lack of complexity extends to the Native American characters, who are played as shamanistic and vaguely mystical. It’s a boring characterization, one that has been seen almost as much as the standard “savage Indian” trope. Barring this, however, the film is one of the most intense and exciting experiences I have had at the movies in a while. Understand what you’re getting into here, however: two and a half hours of frozen hell. You might want to bring a blanket, or, perhaps, a big bear hide. Glass would approve.
F E B 13
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GEMTUSCON, AND AZJAM HELD WITH THE WORLD RENOWNED TUCSON GEM SHOWCASE, THIS WEEKEND PAIRS MUSIC AND ART.
NOISE POP SANTA FE, CA FEATURES EMERGING ARTISTS IN THE BAY AREA AND MANY OF WHOM HAVE GONE ON TO WIDESPREAD ACCLAIM.
BLACKSTAR JOHN SADLER Features Editor| jts040@ latech.edu On Jan. 10, the world lost David Bowie. Known by his many alternate personas and his always shifting stance on popular music, many fans online immediately began to feel a Bowie-sized hole in the music scene. Before he left, however, he released “Blackstar,” an ominous goodbye letter to his fans with tinges of melancholia and semi-occult references. The album, which consists of seven tracks of varying length, is very absorbed in the death Bowie knew was coming. The album’s second single, “Lazarus,” begins with the lines “look up here, I’m in heaven / I’ve got scars that can’t be seen.” It’s a self-written epitaph. Bowie, in keeping with his and wife Iman’s public policy of privacy, had let no news about his cancer slip until after his death. It doesn’t seem like too far of a stretch to assume The Thin White Duke wished the album’s topic to be kept secret. Bowie was never one to spell things out for his fans. Stronger and more intense that 2013’s “The Next Day,” “Blackstar” is an album with little to no reprieve from the darkness. Title track “Blackstar” is two songs in one. The beginning of the track is decidedly anti-pop, with Bowie moaning maybe-occult references (In the villa of Ormen / there stands a solitary candle) over a minimal drum beat. The middle of the song veers into more standard (if such a word
A P R 22
JAZZ & HERITAGE NEW ORLEANS MUSIC, FOOD AND FUN DIRECTLY SUPPORTING THE DON “MOOSE” JAMISON HERITAGE SCHOOL OF MUSIC.
Photo courtesy of Columbia Records
can be applied to Bowie) territory, with Bowie finishing his verses with the distorted cry “I am a blackstar.” Some of the best lyrics of the album are in this segment, such as “You’re a flash in the pan / I’m the great I am.” Other stand out songs include “Girl Loves Me,” which is sung halfway in Nadsat, the fictional language from Anthony Burgess’s “A Clockwork Orange.” It also contains words from Polari, an invented language popular with gay crowds in 1970s London. In “Dollar Days,” Bowie addresses the fans directly, claiming that while he doesn’t care about the “oligarchs” of the music industry, he is “dying to” give his fans what they want. He
repeats “dying to” multiple times throughout the song, like a mantra. Listened to after his death, the album seems like he is begging us to realize what’s happening without addressing it directly. The album has also recently been confirmed as Bowie’s first album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, and it’s a distinction that it deserves. “Blackstar” is a tremendous farewell from one of the most important musicians to come out of the 20th century. While we might have lost Ziggy Stardust, we’ll always have “Blackstar” and his phenomenal discography to get us through darker times.
M A R
16
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SOUTH PADRE’, TX BASED ON SCHLITTERBAHN BEACH WATERPARK, SPRING BREAKERS’ PARTY WITH TOP-TIER HEADLINERS.
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4 • The Tech Talk • January 22, 2016
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FROM THE EDITOR
The thing about Trump
MANAGEMENT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Ellie Moslander
MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Maxwell
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Frededreia Willis
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Matthew Valcho
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ELLIE MOSLANDER Editor-In-Chief | emo012@latech.edu
D
onald Trump opened his most recent campaign rally in Pensacola, Florida, with a patriotic song performed by children dressed to resemble the American flag. This young trio of girls known as the “USA Freedom Kids” are a group of children who perform patriotic songs to inspire audiences. Honestly, when I first heard rumors about Trump running for president I thought it was pretty humorous, then the more it became a serious thing, the more ridiculous And now it’s just getting plain scary. Some may see this as Trump merely using America’s kids to represent patriotism, but looking back at dictators through history, many of them used children also as a display for “patriotic pride” and propaganda tools. I may come across as pessimis-
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The Tech Talk welcomes letters to the editor. However, we reserve the right not to print anonymous letters. We also ask that each letter be accompanied by a telephone number, address and classification or title. We will not print the telephone number. Viewpoints should be mailed or brought to The Tech Talk office, 138 Keeny Hall, by 4 p.m. the Friday prior to a Thursday publi cation. Letters should be mailed to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272. Emails should be sent to techtalk@latech.edu. You can also submit letters online at www.thetechtalk.org/home/ lettertotheeditor/. Louisiana Tech University is com mitted to the principle of provid ing the opportunity for learning and development of all qualified citizens without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status for admission to, participation in, or employment in the programs and activities which the University sponsors or operates. For Title IX information, see University Policy #1445 at http://www.latech. edu/administration/policiesand procedures/1445.shtml.
vote for, it’s hard to believe many are taking Trump seriously . This man has made many radical statements, ones which will only stunt our nation’s progress and growth. Especially in the realm of international relations, Trump will only increase a bad reputation for America. Do we really want to portray our nation as a steel giant who wants to crush anyone who gets in our way? America is supposed to be the home of the brave and free, yet with Trump, we will shut our doors and claim to defeat those who do not agree with our bursts of patriotism. My hope for our nation is that we will open our eyes and not ignore history, hold onto the progress we have made and continue in this path. Ellie Moslander is a senior journalism major from Albuquerque who serves as editor-in-chief for The Tech Talk.
RACHEL’S RAMBLINGS
The Greek system is not evil
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tic, but overlooking these things, even the small things, is exactly how we allow these kinds of people to be in power. Dictators like Stalin, Kim Ilsung and Hitler have all been pictured with children supporting them at various rallies, speeches and gatherings. Children dressed in American flag-oriented attire, singing about “crushing our enemies” is a little more than borderline creepy to me. Is this really how we want our country to be portrayed? I would hope our generation is working in the steps of progress, and having a man in office who resembles these attributes would only seem to be rewriting a bad history lesson. Watching this performance was kind of frightening, and yet, because Trump is still in the presidential race, our country is still entertaining the thought of this being our future. While everyone is entitled to his or her opinion and whom he or she chooses to
RACHEL MAXWELL Managing Editor | ram049@latech.edu
F
or the past few years, Greek life has been synonymous with controversy. From hazing, to racist chants to shallow videos, if you aren’t Greek yourself, you probably have a bad taste in your mouth about the entire institution. If I were not in a sorority, I would probably hold some of the same opinions. I will be the first one to say that there are some serious issues with the Greek system. I have questioned my own initiation into Sigma Kappa a few times, wondering if I really wanted to be part of system that in so many cases has been a breeding ground for racist, sexist and abusive behavior. For a long time, I reasoned that while I disagreed with the history and objective of the organization on a national scale, my experience at Tech had been nothing but positive.
However, since taking on a leadership role, I have seen that the intent of these organizations is noble, after all. In fact, the mission of fraternities and sororities has always been to make their members better people. I cannot speak for every member of every Greek chapter across the country, but I can say that my experience in Sigma Kappa has been that every rule and expectation we have was established in order to inspire us to grow as women. We get the chance to gain practical leadership experience by having the opportunity to hold a position in the chapter. We are held accountable for keeping our grades up and given study resources when we are having trouble with our classes. We are exposed to a variety of service opportunities, and we do gain invaluable friendships through the sisterhood. For me and every other sorority girl I know, there has been no haz-
ing, no racist traditions, no nastiness from older members or any of the other negativity you hear about on the news. If anything, it is perhaps a concentration of southern culture, and carries the same flaws that are found in that. This tells me that the scandals that make headlines are anomalies, and that for the most part, Greeks are reaping benefits that outweigh the occasional poor behavior of a few chapters. It is easy to look at every chapter as the same kind of corrupt organization that is highlighted in the media for its disgraceful behavior. However, for many, or at the very least for me, Greek life has been a blessing in college. I’ll always be glad for the way Sigma Kappa helped me grow and learn.
Rachel Maxwell is a sophomore journalism major from Benton who serves as managing editor for The Tech Talk.
JOHN POINT
Sean Penn’s inadequate interview JOHN SADLER Features Editor | jls019latech.edu
W
hat would you do if you had a chance to interview the most powerful drug lord on the planet? A man who had been secreted away to a location so remote a joint force of American and Mexican federal investigators had to form a coalition to find him? Maybe you would discuss how the Sinaloa Cartel is responsible for thousands of deaths, including many journalists researching its criminal practices. If you would, congratulations, you think like a journalist. If you would write a 10,000-word rambling diatribe about sneaking through the Mexican jungle (which includes a paragraph dedicated to pissing in the bushes) that leads up to the most softball questions ever asked in the history of journalism, congratulations, you think like Sean Penn. Penn’s questions included inqui-
ries such as, “If you could change the world, would you?,” questions which seems to have no bearing on anything anyone has ever wondered about Joaquin Guzman, ever. Whenever the lines of inquiry do begin to go in a direction that resembles journalism, Penn pulls back. I completely and entirely understand being afraid of pushing too hard with the leader of the largest drug cartel in the world, but it’s a job you signed up for. He also commits a cardinal sin: granting Guzman the ability to proof the article before publication. What we are left with at the end is a 10,000-word article that taught readers nothing about El Chapo, but taught an assembled task force enough to successfully recapture him shortly after publication. But what’s more important here is that Sean Penn got his ego boost. He’s stated journalists criticizing him are probably just envious of
him. That’s absolutely true. Plenty of journalists that could do the job much better would have clamored for it but were passed over because of Sean Penn’s pop culture clout. Of course people are envious. It’s a wasted opportunity at what could have been one of the most important interviews ever conducted. We could have gotten so much more from this, and it was likely the one shot at getting close to one of the most elusive interviews in the world. Insights into criminal life can be informative and life changing. Seeing how the other side lives can open up avenues of thought previously unconsidered. Or you can take the Sean Penn approach and write about pissing in the bushes. John Sadler is a senior journalism major from Extension who serves as feautres editor for The Tech Talk.
Is what you say on Facebook grounds for being fired?
A
s social media trends continue to rise and individuals continue to snap, tweet, update and post, more and more social media users are becoming braver with their opinions, sharing their thoughts on controversial topics around the world. These topics and debates can become quickly heated and often range from discussions about racism to sexism to religion to politics. With this increase in freedom of online speech come diversity and a technological wave of great (and sometimes not so great) ideas. However, it also sometimes comes with repercussions, often in the form of punishments (whether in the form of hateful rebuttals online or more formal reprimands) for students or even dismissal from jobs. Tech, for instance, has a social media policy in place for students, faculty and staff. The policy, 1308, does “not prohibit university personnel or student representatives from using social networking resource” but does request that individuals who find themselves on social media “who are communicating on behalf of the university do so.” The policy specifies that it does not pertain to personal social media sites and accounts or to anyone who is not communicating in an official capacity for the university – but it is an important idea for all students to consider. What you put online is permanent – snapchat or not, deleted Facebook message or not. Who hasn’t seen a screenshot of a snap after it disappeared? This subject is so important that Tech has made it a part of the learning outcomes for the new first-time orientation class, FYE 100, which is part of the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan. This subject is so important that our entire university is working to make sure students understand the importance of what we all post online. But isn’t freedom of speech part of this? Of course. And, while Tech’s social media policy does not apply to every individual who steps forth on campus, employers in the job market may take a different approach. And a quick Google search will reveal numerous examples of individuals who were fired for what they posted on social media. A waitress in North Carolina was fired for complaining about customers’ tips. A cheerleader with the New England Patriots was fired when she appeared next to a passed-out partier who had been covered in phallic symbols and swastikas. What you post online matters. While it does give the freedom to express your opinion more and receive more feedback, it can also backfire. Be wise, be thoughtful and be thorough. And think before you post.
January 22, 2016 • The Tech Talk • 5
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Tennis ready to start season ALEX HEARD Staff Reporter | amh072@latech.edu
with Matt Valcho
“This is going to be the best season we have ever had.” Those may seem like bold words from Manoela Chiacchio, a senior on the Louisiana Tech women’s tennis team. However, the team’s depth and togetherness may prove her absolutely correct. Last season Tech had a record of 7-11 as many things went wrong. The team had trouble finishing as there were multiple close losses. In addition, multiple matches were cancelled due to inclement weather and some key players were hurt, like Chiacchio. Chad Camper, head coach of the Tech tennis team, said Chiacchio is coming back this season stronger and better than ever. “Anytime you are injured it changes the way you think and feel on the court,” Camper said. “But Manoela did a great job this summer and is coming back ready. She is a senior with a lot of experience so she brings a lot to the team. I really expect big things from her.” Chiacchio said the work and physical therapy she did during the summer has her ready to go this season. “I feel pretty confident,” Chiacchio said. “I did a lot of rehab. I had to work really hard to get healthier. I lifted weights and my physical trainer has been guiding me.” Camper said the team’s depth triumphs past teams and should bring fear to opponents. “This is the best team we have had,” Camper said. “I think there is a lot of potential. I think a lot of players here are far away from their best tennis. We have plenty of weapons. I am really excited about this year because we have much more depth.” Another player to watch besides Chiacchio is reigning first team All-Conference USA player Alexandra Starkova, a senior. Starkova was recently ranked 20th in the southern region in singles by preseason Oracle/ITA Division I women’s tennis rankings. Chiacchio said Starkova undoubtedly deserves the ranking because of how hard she works. “I am so excited for her,” Chiacchio said.
Splash the cash to win
F
Photo by Donny J. Crowe/LA Tech Communications
The Lady Techster tennis team poses for a team photo in front of the Davison Athletic Complex. Tech’s season opens this weekend in Thibodaux. “She works so hard and is such a great player, who is very strong. This is her last year so I really hope she can make it the best and most special one.” Camper said Starkova is primed for another stellar year. “One thing about Alexandra is she can beat anyone on any given day,” Camper said. “No one can hit it harder than her. She is taking her senior year very seriously and she is focused. At the number one position she will be playing the best players in the nation. We hope for some good win.” Players’ abilities aside, Chiacchio said the team’s inseparability will be a key to success this upcoming season. “We are together so much,” Chiacchio said.
“We are all so far away from home, almost all of us are international students, so we are close and have become each other’s family. We count on each other.” Camper said the girls are not a team but more of a family. “I tell the players I am recruiting that all of the girls live together,” Camper said. “They all eat and hang out together. I am surprised they do not fight more because they really are sisters and they love each other. They are a great group of kids and I would not choose to work with anyone else.” Tech’s season begins at noon Saturday in Thibodaux against Nicholls State. The team opens at home in Ruston facing Northwestern State on Feb. 5.
Lady Techster basketball striving for greatness ALEX HEARD Staff Reporter | amh072@latech.edu The Lady Techsters are on the cusp of greatness. However, for head coach Tyler Summitt and the Louisiana Tech women’s basketball team, that greatness will not come until he completely settles in and has a team stockpiled full of ladies that he recruited himself. This is so because Summitt and the previous head coach Teresa Weatherspoon have different coaching ideologies. The ladies Weatherspoon recruited to Tech, nearly half of the current roster, came in to play the role she felt they were best for. Summitt, on the other hand, has his own idea of what would make Lady Techsters basketball great again. To achieve that, Summitt must recruit players who come in knowing his mantra, which is no girls who have known something else for years and must be uncomfortably taught something they are not used to. Though Weatherspoon was fired for her inability to produce wins, that does not mean the girls she recruited cannot play or will not succeed under Summitt. Many of the upperclassmen from the “T-Spoon” era play critical roles on this year’s team. One of those is senior guard/forward Brandi Wingate, who has grown as a player under Summitt’s tutelage as he has made her a more consistent player. Wingate said she will prove her
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
Photo by Donny J. Crowe/LA Tech Communications
Jasmine LeBlanc pulls up for a jump shot in the Lady Techster’s 74-71 loss to McNeese State on Dec. 22. consistency this year. “This is my year to step up,” Wingate said. “That’s all I keep thinking about. I like being that go-to person. It’s definitely a challenge. You have to be ‘on’ every day, every night, bringing it every practice, every possession. Consistency is really, really hard because you can’t have off days.
Some days you aren’t going to feel like it because you might be going through something.” Wingate has been one of the more productive Lady Techsters, who are currently 8-8 and are looking like a team that can hold their own and make some noise in the Conference USA Tournament. In fact, Wingate is one of the
top players in C-USA. She leads the Lady Techsters in scoring (16.6 ppg) and rebounding (6.9 ppg) while shooting 57 percent from the field. Some of her biggest games have come against Tech’s biggest opponents such as: No. 6 Mississippi State (25 points), No. 23 UCLA (17 points, 12 rebounds) and Arizona (26 points). Her production is remarkable being that she tore her ACL in Junior College before coming to Tech. Summitt said Wingate epitomizes the type of women he likes to coach. “Players like Brandi Wingate remind you why you are in coaching,” Summitt said. “You realize the unique position that a coach is in to influence a young lady for four years of her life at a crucial time. I really do feel like God had a plan to have our staff here and Brandi here at the same time.” Summitt said he has brought Wingate off the bench during games this year to raise her ceiling even higher and as somewhat of a motivating factor. “It was a staff decision to bring Brandi off the bench,” Summitt said. “And I think it played dividends and sent a message to her and she responded. She was scoring as a starter but off the bench she did more; she rebounded, defended, and blocked some shots. I was very proud of the way Brandi (has) responded.” The Lady Techsters play Southern Mississippi at noon Sunday in the Thomas Assembly Center.
ootball. The beautiful game. The one common language almost the entire world seems to know how to speak. Known as soccer in the States, the sport is continuing to gain support by the year thanks to an assortment of reasons. With that growth in popularity comes a bigger focus on the professional game. Believe it or not, the English Premier League, arguably the world’s most popular pro sports league, is more accessible in the United States than it is in England and the games continue to receive higher ratings than the year before. That said, the ratings for the U.S.’s own league, Major League Soccer, have not been able to compare to its English counterpart. The average viewership of the Premier League in the U.S. was nearly half a million while MLS only managed an average of 250,000 on ESPN and 196,000 on FOX Sports. Why the gap? Well, the obvious answer is the talent gap. The Premier League has some of the best players in the world hitting the pitch every week. The MLS has some quality talent, but most of the big names that are attracted to the league are way past their prime and are looking for one more payday. What keeps big names from coming to the MLS in their prime is the lack of competition. How do you create competition? By leveling the playing field, right? Wrong. The MLS is one of the only leagues in the world that has a salary cap. Big European clubs splash the cash to bring in the best talent in the world. Assuming the salary is the same, would a big name player rather compete on the field with some of the best or would they rather be a man amongst boys and dominate the competition? Most players in the world would rather compete. Sure its unfair that some clubs have way more money than others, but that is what is necessary to compete on the world stage. Once MLS spends the money, its product will grow. Matthew Valcho is a junior journalism major from Benton who serves as sports editor for The Tech Talk.
www.thetechtalk.org
6 • The Tech Talk • January 22, 2016
WEEKLYHOROSCOPE www.horoscopes.com.net
Aries March 21 – April 19 A lot of physical and mental energy could be channeled today into artistic projects of some kind, Aries. Your intuition is running rather high, so you might know instinctively what friends, lovers, and children are feeling before they tell you. You could also pick up a lot of their anxieties as well. You’ll need to relax a little. Go for a workout and then attend a concert or sporting event. You deserve a little fun! Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Some boring paperwork regarding money, which you may have been putting off, might need to be executed today. Bills may need to be paid, deposits put in the bank, and new accounts opened. You could spend some time formulating new plans for the future. This probably will take up a lot of your time, Taurus, but there will still be enough for you to go shopping and make a few necessary purchases. Friends might accompany you. Enjoy! Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 Your level of physical and mental energy should be very high today, Gemini, and so you could feel restless throughout the morning. As a result, you might spend your afternoon and evening out and about, shopping, paying visits, or attending classes or lectures. Some stimulating discussions could take place. At some point, you might find yourself admiring a park or garden. Don’t try to do too much, and enjoy your day. Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 Your level of imagination and inspiration should be operating at a very high level today, Cancer, so if you’ve been planning to start a new artistic project, this is the day to do it. You’re also likely to be feeling quite intuitive, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself tuning acutely in to the thoughts, feelings, needs, and desires of others, even strangers. Your higher mind is very close to your conscious mind. Make the most of it! Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 A group with which you’re affiliated could ask you to take care of a few tasks. This might involve making phone calls, running errands, or both. Your energy and enthusiasm are high, Leo, so this is a good day to prove how valuable your work is and how efficient you are. Make sure that you don’t take on too much, however. You won’t be helping anyone if you tire yourself out. Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 Important projects, either job related or personal, might need to be completed today in order to meet a deadline or fulfill a promise. This could require a lot of mental and physical effort on your part, Virgo, which could prove somewhat stressful. Others might lend a hand, however. It’s very important for you to remember to pace yourself. If you work when you’re exhausted, you might not like the results.
Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 A long-awaited vacation may be coming up soon for you, Libra. The study of travel books might be on your agenda for today. You could spend much of your day making the necessary arrangements, making phone calls, completing paperwork, and running errands. You might need to set up the care of pets or plants for your absence. Excitement runs high and so does enthusiasm. You have a lot to look forward to, so go out and celebrate! Have fun! Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 This could prove to be a very busy day, Scorpio. Someone close to you might come to you for advice on how to manage their resources, perhaps because of successes you’ve had in the past. This might take up more time than you’d planned for, but you’ll enjoy helping your friend. Information received from TV or newspapers could bring a new interest into your life and spur you on to do some research on the subject. Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Social events, probably family related, could take up a lot of your time today, Sagittarius. They might involve outings, perhaps to parks or other recreational areas. You’ll enjoy it, but your mind may be on other matters, possibly projects you’re involved with. Some stimulating conversations with someone close to you could take place. By day’s end, your mind could be going a thousand miles an hour. Be sure to get a little exercise so you can sleep. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 Your home today could be like Grand Central Station, with lots of people coming and going and a lot of activity taking place within the house itself. The phone could be also ringing off the hook, Capricorn. You might wonder if your sanity will remain intact, but you’ll make it through without going nuts. The problem is that there could be so much stimulation that you’ll be too geared up to sleep. Take a walk before going to bed. Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 This is probably going to shape up to be a busy and rather chaotic day. You might find yourself spending a lot of time out and about, Aquarius. You may need to run a lot of errands and see a number of people. A friend might accompany you. Phone calls might need to be made in order to make arrangements for future events, and someone might take up too much of your time calling to chat. Pace yourself!
CROSSWORDPUZZLE Across 1. Mitchell heroine 6. Desperately urgent 10. Unaccompanied 14. Influential person 15. ___ about 16. Gimlet garnish 17. Away from port 18. Dresden’s river 19. Prolific “author” 20. Italian police 23. Three-legged support 27. Commencement 28. Hindu hero 29. Fanatic 34. Render weaponless 36. “Lovergirl” singer ___ Marie 37. Sheep talk 40. Direct 43. French pronoun 44. Concerning 45. Gossipmonger 46. Squirts 48. Short cut? 49. Give guns again 53. Beginning 55. The act of impeaching 60. Swedish soprano Jenny 61. Crazy as a ___ 62. Blown away 67. Zeno’s home 68. Suffix with buck 69. Company emblems 70. Faculty head 71. Staffs 72. Heron, usually white Down 1. ___ whim 2. Magician’s prop
3. Bodybuilder’s pride 4. Wade opponent 5. Bahamanian island 6. Person of action 7. To Live and Die ___ 8. Former Virginia senator Charles 9. ...___ saw Elba 10. Killed 11. Sticking points 12. Love, Italian-style 13. “The Maids” playwright 21. Wood shaper 22. ___ public 23. Confidence 24. Totaled, as a bill 25. Japanese porcelain 26. Chute opener? 30. Old number? 31. Big name in insurance 32. Southpaw 33. John Lennon’s middle name 35. Poisonous effluvia 37. Marriage announcement 38. Bandleader Shaw 39. Go with the flow 41. Econ. indicator 42. Sunset direction 47. Henry VIII’s desire 49. Angered 50. Author Zola 51. Sleep disorder 52. V-shaped fortification 54. Of service 56. Smacker 57. Circle dance 58. Earth’s satellite 59. Slaughter of baseball 63. Holiday quaff 64. Cabinet dept.
DAILY U
LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION
Have any ideas for future comics or feedback? Email dwyer@latech.edu
www.accuweather.com
TODAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
HIGH 44 LOW 28
HIGH 47 LOW 26
HIGH 54 LOW 42
HIGH 63 LOW 41
HIGH 53 LOW 32
HIGH 51 LOW 34
HIGH 60 LOW 36
Colder; some morning snow
Plenty of sunshine
Plenty of sunshine
Clouds and sun with a shower
Cooler with variable clouds
Times of clouds and sun
Clouds giving way to sun
SUDOKUPUZZLE Difficulty EXPERT
www.sudoku-puzzles.net LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9.
WALMART from pg. 1
Deonta Thompson, assistant store manager, was tasked with helping to get everything ready for the store opening after her experience of opening up a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Monroe. “Talking to friends and family from the area, I know a great deal of people who are excited to finally have a good store to shop at so close to their home,” Thompson said. She said the customer turnout on the first day surprised her. “The amount of people that came to the store on the first day was unbelievable. All day the store was full,” Thompson said.
65. Heartache 66. Part of i.e.
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Today you should be feeling very energetic, Pisces, both physically and mentally, and you’re likely to feel rather anxious for some physical activity. Go for a workout if you have time or for a short walk if you don’t. A lot of your time is likely to be spent working on challenging tasks that keep your mind active. You should be pretty keyed up by the evening. Unwind by having a glass of wine and watching a favorite video.
WEEKLYWEATHER
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www.bestcrosswords.com
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Photo by Ashley Kober
Balloons line the aisles to celebrate the grand opening of Ruston’s Walmart Neighborhood Market.
HOVERBOARDS from pg. 1
“I feel the new policy on the ban of hoverboards is a great move,” said River Williams, a junior finance major. Williams said although they look cool, hoverboards are a risk to the rider and an unnecessary fire hazard. “First time riders can seriously hurt themselves attempting to ride it,” Williams said. Williams said spontaneous combustion is also a major risk, and as a student living on campus, he feels safer with the implementation of the policy. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea because I’ve seen national news reports of hoverboards catching on fire,” said Kenya Jones, a junior
accounting major. Jones said the policy did not really faze her because she does not use hoverboards as a means of transportation on campus. “I see some people on them around campus and I didn’t think it was that big of a deal, but what if you’re in class and that thing catches on fire,” Jones said. Jones said that the policy seems necessary for now, but maybe companies will invent safer hoverboards and they can return to campus. A mass email was sent out recently by Tech officials notifying that the use and/or the possession of hoverboards is prohibited on campus.
January 22, 2016 • The Tech Talk • 7
www.thetechtalk.org
More Talk R
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Whether he’s teaching graphic design at Tech or running the Makers Union, Jake Dugard has a hand in many aspects of Ruston’s art scene. KERRY WAGUESPACK Staff Reporter | kfw005@latech.edu Local graphic designer and visiting professor Jake Dugard has been developing an idea that he had with a friend while in college at Louisiana Tech. Dugard, who got his undergraduate degree in 2009 and his masters in 2014, is co-owner of the Makers Union in Ruston along with Cassidy Keim. Makers Union is a design studio that the two use to do their freelance work out of, as well as having a small retail store in the front. In 2009, Dugard and Keim wanted to see if they could be successful in Ruston so they started the hunt to find a a location for their business. The store sells goods from mostly local artists who handmake their products, while also having some nationally-known artists that small batch their work, Dugard said. Dugard said from time to time they have interns who work there and part time helpers, as well. Dugard said he is developing a client base in the area that is giving him the freedom to have more say so over the products than he would in a bigger city. “I got my masters just in case one day I wanted to become a teacher, Dugard said. “The plan never was to teach right away, but this job just kind of fell into my lap.”
He taught some while he was in graduate school but did not really have the time that he would have liked to devote to the class . “Now that I only have the class to worry about I can focus more on lesson planning and coming up with projects for the students,” Dugard said. “I can also be more available in my office to help my students out.” Dugard will teach freshman and sophomore-level classes at the university until after spring quarter. “After being in Ruston for a decade, it’s nice to see the changes taking place going on throughout the city,” Dugard said. The city is starting to become a more young family-oriented town; more people are starting to stay after school instead of just getting their degree and living after they graduate, Dugard said. “The city has a growing arts culture, which will attract younger people to the area who appreciate the arts,” Dugard said. Dugard said Ruston is growing rapidly because all the businesses that are starting to move to the area helps attract people and make them want to stay. “With all the changes that are happening right now, I could see this as a place that I would want to stay and raise a family,” Dugard said.
Tech Talk file photos
The Maker’s Union sells art and prints from Dugard and other local Ruston artists. It also occasionally hosts workshops for residents with topics ranging from calligraphy to bookmaking.
LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY
MASTER PLAN 2 04 03
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05 06
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CAMPUS TECH GREEN
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02 01
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DOWNTOWN ENTERPRISE CA
02 01 01
03 03 01 01
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RENOVATIONS
ATHLETICS
PARKING
ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC
INTEGRATED ENGINEERING
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RESIDENTIAL
RECREA 01 FLEX FIELDS
01 STADIUM ADDITION
01 TOLLIVER GARAGE
01 SPEECH + PATHOLOGY
02 ATHLETICS SUPPORT FACILITY
02 MISSISSIPPI GARAGE
02 INFILL SITE
02 SUPPORT FACIL
03 FIELDHOUSE
03 NETHKEN GARAGE (FUTURE)
03 COB FUTURE ADDITION
03 BASKETBALL CO
04 BAND PRACTICE / FLEX FIELD
04 TECH POINTE FUTURE ADDITION
05 RELOCATED MINZE TRACK
05 INTEGRATED ENGINEERING + SCIENCE BUILDING
06 FOOTBALL PRACTICE FIELD 07 FLEX FIELD / PARKING / TENNIS
01 SEMI-SUITE HOUSING
2020
Introducing a five part series on the new changes coming to Tech’s campus in the next decade. Stories will focus on renovations of existing facilities and new construction in athletics, academics, residential and campus life. STORY | PAYTON POTTER • DESIGN | DEVIN DRONETT PLAN OVERVIEW
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s Louisiana Tech grows, students should expect to see several changes on and around the campus, including building demolitions, ground breakings for new academic and residential buildings and improved parking. University President Les Guice has announced the spring ground breaking for 14 new on-campus apartment buildings and an approximately 130,000–square foot integrated engineering and sciences education building. In addition to the upcoming construction, he listed a number of campus improvements including planting trees, renovating or demolishing aging buildings and improving parking, all to increase enrollment. The master plan, a document that guides the future for Tech, also details intentions to renovate the student center and to develop a “Tech Green.” Jim King, vice president for student advancement, said the green will be three or four times the size of the current quadrangle. When the green is completed, it will create a place for students to gather and maneuver throughout the main campus, the upcoming “Enterprise Campus” and into downtown Ruston. The green, which Guice described as the core of campus, will extend from the steps of Keeny Hall to Mayfield Ave. In addition, a number of roadways extending east from Keeny Hall will be altered to give students ease when walking or biking from campus to downtown. As the green is developed, the building currently housing the bookstore is slated to be demolished and relocated. King also described plans to give on-campus parking a $3 million facelift. The restructured parking will reduce the number of cars passing
through campus, promote more efficient foot traffic and redirect vehicles towards the perimeter of campus. The city of Ruston will also make extensive changes to better accommodate the growth of Tech and to refocus commerce into the downtown area. Ruston mayor Ronny Walker said he hopes that upcoming changes such as free public Wi–Fi in the downtown area, bicycle lanes throughout the city and the addition of a student-centric “Bulldog Village” will help bring new life to downtown while encouraging Ruston residents to get more involved in Tech activities. “One of the planks of my platform was the fact that we needed to quit
“THIS IS GOING TO BE MAGNIFICENT.” – LES GUICE
being a city with a college in it, but become a true college town,” Walker said. He thinks the upcoming changes will make his vision a reality. According to the website of Tipton Associates, one of the architecture companies working with Tech and the city of Ruston, commerce in the city of Ruston has moved away from the center of town. The city hopes to renew commerce in southern Ruston areas such as campus and the historic downtown. These changes aim not only to create updated spaces for students to live and study, but also to unite the campus with the city of Ruston, create new academic opportunities in cross-discipline fields, and increase student enrollment to 15,000 by the year 2020. “This is going to be magnificent,” Guice said. Next week part two of the series will discuss dorm renovation plans.