A
Bulldog Russia
BULLDOGS HEAD TO PLAY IN BOWL GAME
In
Read about one student’s experience working at the U.S. embassy in Moscow.
Tech Bulldogs take on Arkansas State Saturday in the New Orleans Bowl PAGE 12
PAGE 11
The
Tech Talk
PRSRT STD NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE
PAID
RUSTON, LA PERMIT NO 104 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
THE STUDENT VOICE OF LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY
DECEMBER 17, 2015
WWW.THETECHTALK.ORG
VOLUME 90 • ISSUE 9
Tech debate team leaves successful after Deep South tournament FREDERIC NELSON Staff Reporter| fpn001@latech.edu
Photos by Devin Dronett
ULM students Alyssa Garner, a sophomore pre-nursing major (left), and her friend Kaitlin Smith, a freshman prepharmacy major (right) ice skated Saturday night.
Ice skating in Ruston Ice skating rink opens in downtown Ruston for the holiday season KERRY WAGUESPACK Staff Reporter| kfw005@latech.edu Downtown Ruston welcomed a new attraction for the Christmas season and brought an ice skating rink to the city for the first time. Kristi Lumpkin, Ruston’s economic development administrator, is the person who was in charge of putting together the plans for the skating rink. She directed a team of volunteers who made sur things ran smoothly. “Mayor Ronny Walker wanted to have something for
the people of the city to do in the winter time,” Lumpkin said. The attraction was open from Dec. 3-13 in the parking lot across the street from Ponchatoula’s. The rink was open from Monday through Friday 3-9 p.m., Saturday from 1-9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. People used the skating rink must be 18 years old or have a guardian present.
> see ICE SKATING page 10
There’s Room for Everyone on the
Nice List!
Downtown Ruston’s ice skating rink provided skates for attendees.
$ $
The Louisiana Tech debate team has high hopes for the year after a successful event at Mississippi College earlier this week. The debate team recently competed along with 15 other universities on Dec. 4-5 in the 2015 Deep South Classic at Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. “Essentially it was more or less a regional competition with other Southern schools,” said Shane Puckett, instructor of Communications. “We competed against schools like Georgia, Texas A&M and Arkansas-Monticello, and we had a team of 16 debaters.” Puckett is going into his ninth year as the director of the University’s debate team. At the tournament there were two types of awards. The Speaker Award and then there was the award for the winner of the debates, Puckett said. He also said the Speaker award was for the debater who is scored based on how well presented him or she could communicate in a round. The award for the overall winner of the debates is usually given to the designation of quarter finalists, semi finalists and then the winner. Two debaters received quarter final awards–Alexis Bellows, a freshman communications major and Franz Hill. Hill, a senior biology major, also placed as fourth best speaker and Seth McReynolds won fifth best speaker. “We’ve been going to tournaments since early September in places like Canada, D.C. and Colorado,” said McReynolds, a freshman communication studies major. McReynolds said he is a native of Zachary, although he was home-schooled, found his opportunity to become a debater by competing with his local neighborhood high school. “I’ve always had a love for public speaking and at the recent tournament we debated in IPDA (International Public Debate Association which is an impromptu style,” McRenolds said. “It was a great tournament and I was named fifth best speaker.”
> see DEBATE TEAM page 10
Buy $25 in gift cards get a $5 Bonus Free *While Supplies last At participating restaurants
659 N Service Rd E
Open ‘til 3:30am Thurs-Sat ELF and all related characters and elements © & TM New Line Productions, Inc.
(s15)
NEWS
2 • The Tech Talk • December 17, 2015
www.thetechtalk.org
Annual Ruston Christmas parade rolls RAHEEM PROCTOR Staff Reporter | rjp020@latech.edu
Whyte said. Many families were out with their children. Some came out to see their friends On the tenth day of Christmas, the city on floats, but not everyone was there iniof Ruston gave to the community a Christ- tially to witness the parade. “Me and a friend were on our way to mas parade. The parade started from Joe Aillet Sta- Lambright and had no idea that there dium parking lot down through West Ala- was a Christmas parade going on until we made it halfway down the bama Avenue. Whether a student was “The atmosphere street,” said Cameron Jolivette, a sophomore electrical engisitting on a car showcasneering major. ing as “Ms. Christmas Pa- was perfect and “The roads were blocked off rade” or riding for the Rusfor the parade, so my friend and ton High School volleyball the parade was I were not the only ones waiting team district champions, awesome.” to pass through,” Jolivette said. floats were memorable. “We took advantage though and Stanley Whyte Jr. com- LAUREN even caught some candy before pared multiple floats be- MANYWEATHER running across the street to get fore choosing which one he Junior kinesiology major to Lambright.” liked the best. The city-wide parade had “There were a lot of nice looking floats, one float made it seem as if its fair share of Louisiana Tech students it were actually snowing, others were your involved in the event. Not only was the traditional holiday floats,” Whyte, a fresh- Band of Pride marching down the street, man electrical engineering major, said. but other students had the chance to ride “Floats are always the main attraction in on floats. Lauren Manyweather, had the opportuany parade.” “If I had to pick a favorite, I would say nity to participate in the parade by riding the brightly lit float that had Santa Claus on her aunt’s float. The float was run by, and a huge Frosty the Snowman on it,” Cissy’s Touch, a local hair salon.
Photo by Avery Bryant
Riders of the Rolling Hills float toss stuffed toys to onlookers during the parade route. “It was a really great experience to give the children candy,” said Manyweather, a junior Kinesiology major. “The atmosphere was perfect and the parade was
awesome.” Whether riding on a float or beinga bystander waiting to receive candy, it was definitely Christmas time in the city.
Photo by Frededreaia Willis
“Exploring the Joy of Chrsitmas” (top), and “Born to be a Bulldog” (bottom) are available for purchase at the book store.
SPEAK
Tech book store hosts signing
RACHEL MAXWELL Managing Editor | ram049@latech.edu
Two celebrity couples and a local author gathered at the Louisiana Tech Barnes and Noble book store for a holiday book signing and meet and greet event for students and fans. The book store hosted author Amanda Cauley, “Duck Dynasty’s”Phil and Kay Roberston, and Santa and Mrs. Claus amidst Christmas decorations and refreshments. Cauley, author of “Born to be a Bulldog,” said she wanted to be able to pass down Tech’s legacy to her children. “After I had my third daughter, I realized there was nothing for me to read to my kids about Tech,” she said. “So, I came up with it that night and wrote it.” Cauley was not the only one promoting a book that evening, “Ducky Dynasty’s” Phil and Kay Robertson signed copies of their latest publication, “Exploring the Joy of Christmas.” The couple posed for pictures and talked about their books, with Phil in his signature
camouflage and sunglasses, which he kept on throughout the signing, despite the event being indoors and at night. Phil said the book, which includes Christmas memories, recipes and carols, follows holidays at the Robertson house, and that Christmas is a special time for the “We, in the Western world, say that there have been 2015 years since the birth of Jesus Christ,” he said. “There is one single person that our whole calendar is based around, so we remember his birthday, it’s always been important in our house.” Kay said they were especially glad to promote the book at Tech, as it brought back fond memories. “This is where we used to be, where we used to live,” she said. “This is where our lives together began.” Emily Lyons, a freshman supply chain management major, said she was excited to hear about the Robertson’s appearance on campus. “My family and I have watched their show from the beginning,” she said. “It was awesome. I was totally fan-girling and was so pumped to take a picture with them.”
MAGAZINE
FALL / WINTER EDITION
PICK UP A COPY ON CAMPUS OR VIEW ONLINE AT
ISSUU.COM/SPEAKMAGAZINEMEDIA SPEAK Magazine is published quarterly by students in the journalism concentration in the department of communication and media studies.
@speakmagazinemedia
facebook.com/speakmagazinemedia
@LATechSpeak
UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Last day of classes
New Orleans Bowl vs. Arkansas State
Holiday break
Holiday break
Holiday break
Holiday break
Christmas Eve
www.thetechtalk.org
NEWS
December 17, 2015 • The Tech Talk • 3
Poetry society publishes book ‘The Quatrain’ is an online journal of art, literature and culture by Tech students CALEB DANIEL Staff Reporter | csd020@latech.edu
range of subjects, from love and childhood to prescription medication and even suicide. Dr. Ernest Rufleth, faculty The Louisiana Tech Poetry Society launched the first edi- adviser for the Poetry Society, tion of its book of student po- said the society provides two etry, “The Quatrain,” at a public main benefits to students: exreading held on campus Dec. 8. posure and criticism. “The Poetry Society exists This inaugural version of “The Quatrain” is a collection to give our students a venue of works submitted by Tech in which to share and receive students over the 2014-2015 feedback on their writing,” Rufleth, an asschool year. Many of sistant profresthese student writsor of English, ers read their poems “We’re taking said. “It gives aloud at the event. student writers a Copies of “The Qua- our first steps as place to express train” were available artists in getting themselves while for purchase. learning to imAustin Harrison, our name and prove their abiliPoetry Society presi- our word out ties and sharpen dent, said “The Quatheir skills as train” offers good ex- to the general critics.” posure for students public.” Most of the and their work. poems read at “By putting our the event were poems in a publica- AUSTIN HARRISON from “The Quation like this, we’re Graduate student train” itself, but taking our first steps a few were indeas artists in getting our name and our word out to pendent selections. One such selection was the general public,” said Harrison, a graduate student in the- “Whiskey Heart,” a poem by Sarah Dulaney, a first-year ater. The poems covered a wide member of the society. “Whis-
Photos by Avery Bryan
Austin Harrison, president of the poetry society, reads one of his poems during a public reading of “The Quatrain,” the poetry society’s book. key Heart” compares the narra- “It was a natural way for me to tor’s lover to the fiery drink. express myself.” Dulaney, a junior math maPhilip Matherne did not take jor, described the seemingly part in the reading but said he accdiental inspiration of her came just to listen. poem. “There were some “‘Whiskey Heart’ really talented artists started as a joke,” Duup there,” said Mathlaney said. “My friend erne, a freshman kineand I began pairing siology major. “Some up our friends with had good material but drinks. We had our had trouble presentclassy martini friend ing audibly.” and our fun-andHarrison, who also games beer friend. served as editor-inThen he said he was a chief of “The Quawine, and I said, ‘No, train,” said publishing you’re definitely whisthe book gave memDULANEY key.’” bers of the society Dulaney said a a tangible sense of loss in the family inspired her achievement. to start writing poetry in sixth “‘The Quatrain’ is our end grade. result, something we can hold “That sparked my whole in our hands and say is ours at movement of writing,” she said. the end of the year,” he said.
English professor Dr. Ernest Rufleth introduces “The Quatrain.”
12 Days of Ruston holiday shopping rings in the season PAYTON POTTER Staff Reporter | jpp017@latech.edu
should participate in future 12 Days of Christmas Shopping events because they can find new stores, finish all their Christmas For the second consecutive year, 12 shopping and enter to win $1,000 or $100 Days of Christmas Shopping in Lincoln Par- cash prizes courtesy of Origin Bank, ish has drawn many holiday shoppers into formerly known as Community Trust Bank. “It’s lots of fun, and students can win local stores and restaurants and offered the money,” Copeland said. possibility of cash prizes to top shoppers. In addition to competing for prizes, parThe shopping spree, which ran from Dec.7-18, utilized shopping “passports” to ticipants helped bring more business to encourage residents to shop locally for their Ruston retailers. “One of reasons that we choose to Christmas gifts. participate is because 12 Days brings local Passports served as a listing of all participating stores, a game card for traffic onto campus and into the store,” said Colleen Durrett, manager at collecting stamps and an entry Barnes and Noble at Tech. into a prize drawing. According to Durrett, 12 Days For each participating store a of Christmas Shopping brings in shopper visited, he or she received customers who wouldn’t normally a stamp in the passport. shop in the bookstore. Throughout the next two In addition to finishing their weeks, shoppers seen with holiday shopping early and passports were selected at competing for prizes, 12 Days random to win a number of $25 participants also helped increase gift cards, appropriately titled the recognition of small business Surprise Santa gifts. by checking in online. No purchase was required to Everyone with a passport receive a stamp. FLOWERS was encouraged to get further Ivana Flowers, Chamber of involved by following Instagram Commerce communications and special events coordinator, said that both accounts, checking in online, using hashtags students and local businesses benefit when and staying on the lookout for flash sales, special announcements and door prize the students get involved in 12 Days. “Students are going to be here a mini- giveaways. Flowers said 12 days of Christmas mum of four years, and they need to know Shopping benefitted the residents of Ruston what stores we have in town,” said Flowers. “It’s a good way for them to get out and find by increasing the number of customers shopping at small, often family-owned, new retailers.” Judy Copeland, Chamber of Commerce businesses and allowing more money to president, said Louisiana Tech students stay within the local economy.
SHOP OUR SELECTION OF
GROCERY • HEALTH & BEAUTY VITAMINS & HERBS • HOME WARE
FOR A LIMITED TIME:
YOU CAN REGISTER TO WIN PRIZES INCLUDING GIFT BAGS AND CERTIFICATES!
OPEN: MONDAY - SATURDAY 9AM - 6PM 301 N MONROE STREET, RUSTON
www.thetechtalk.org
4 • The Tech Talk • December 17, 2015
The
TechTalk
FROM THE EDITOR
MANAGEMENT
A win for women
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Ellie Moslander
MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Maxwell
NEWS EDITOR
Frededreia Willis
FEATURES EDITOR John Sadler
SPORTS EDITOR
Matthew Valcho
PHOTO EDITOR
Brian Blakely
PHOTOGRAPHERS Colin Fontenot Devin Dronett Ashley Kober Avery Bryan
ADVERTISING MANAGER Taylor Loftin
ADVISERS
T. Scott Boatright Dr. Judith Roberts Dr. Reginald Owens
ADVERTISING ADVISER Michael LeBlanc
PRODUCTION MANAGER Michael LeBlanc
ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Michael LeBlanc
ELLIE MOSLANDER Editor-In-Chief | emo012@latech.edu
T
he world is changing. As this year comes to a close amidst all of the tragedy, violence and war, there are reminders of hope and progress. On Saturday Saudi Arabia took a major step towards equality, by allowing women to vote and run for office. Saudi Arabia was the last country in the world to lift restrictions on women from voting and running for office. Eighteen women were elected to various offices around the country. I am proud of Saudi Arabia for taking this step for the women there and around the world. This is a major change for their country and the world. Although there are certain other restrictions still enforced on women, such as not being allowed to drive,
SUBSCRIPTIONS
PUBLICATION
POSTAL
Second-class postage paid at Ruston, La. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Tech Talk, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272.
CONTACT US
NEWSROOM 318.257.4946 EMAIL techtalk@latech.edu ADVERTISING 318.257.4949 EMAIL techtalkads@latech.edu DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES JOURNALISM CONCENTRATION
JOHN SADLER Feature Editor | jts040@latech.edu
Y
ou’d be forgiven, in this day and age, for being a little cynical about the world. Refugee crises, economic meltdowns and religious hatred seem to be par for the course these days. Being hit with these things all at once and almost constantly can bog you down. It’s the time of year to let all that go for a few days, though. Next week, people will celebrate the holidays with their families. Some will go home, some will gather with friends and some will celebrate their first Christmas with their children. Family traditions abound. Some fry turkeys, others open one present early on Christmas. Some families without chimneys leave
gold keys on the door for Santa, others are given a ornament every year. As for me, I’ll be taking part in my family’s time-honored tradition of eating way too much homemade Christmas candy and binge-watching “Harry Potter” on ABC Family (seriously, why do they play “Harry Potter” so much?). I’ll also probably watch “Love Actually” half-a-dozen times or so. If you don’t like “Love Actually,” we can take this outside. While you’re celebrating, however, don’t forget the people who might not be as fortunate. The holidays should be a time where we come together. Consider donating toys to programs like Toys for Tots (the Ruston branch is managed by the Junior Auxiliary), volunteering at a soup kitchen or donating money
to organizations like the Salvation Army or the Catholic Charities. If you’ve missed the deadlines for some of these projects, don’t worry. There’s always next year. The concept of Christmas and the holidays as a magical time has been around since it began, and anything I could say has probably been said better by others. So I’ll just say this, whatever holiday you celebrate, I hope it’s wonderful and magical and just as memorable as the old Christmas movies. In times with so much negativity, the holidays are the time to let everything good in. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone.
John Sadler is a senior journalism major from Extention who serves as features editor for The Tech Talk.
RACHEL’S RAMBLINGS
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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/policies-andprocedures/1445.shtml.
Ellie Moslander is a senior journalism major from Albuquerque who serves as editor in chief or The Tech Talk.
Chill out, it’s Christmas
318.257.4427
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/.
you are going to do, and hopefully you like doing it. How is someone supposed to feel their opinion matters when they have no say in what happens to them or their country? It makes someone not feel human. This is what it comes down to, we are all human; women are just as human as men are. Women in positions of power offer just the same contributions as men, while bringing different perspectives as well. By allowing women to vote, Saudi Arabia has opened up numerous opportunities for change and now another outlet for women to have. With women holding office, the possibilites for progress in Saudi Arabia have expanded.
JOHN THE MONEY
Tech Talk subscriptions are $25 a year. Mail to: Tech Talk Subscrip tions, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272. The Tech Talk (USPS 535-540) is published Thursdays of the regu lar school year, except in vacation and examination periods, by the Journalism Department of Loui siana Tech University. Publication office is in Keeny Hall, Room 138.
allowing them to vote gives them a voice. By doing this, Saudi Arabia has moved forward in recognizing women as equal citizens. In America, sometimes we can take our freedom to vote for granted and often do not realize there our others in the world who have a voice and desire for it to be heard and make a change. No one should be restricted from this opportunity. The role of women is being acknowledged around the world, but no longer simply as women or less than men, but as equals. Women are no longer being seen as having a designated role of cooking, cleaning and taking care of the children. Within the past century, this viewpoint has dramatically changed, because we are so much more than this. Having this mindset, the world put us into a box saying this is what
An era of solidarity RACHEL MAXWELL Managing Editor | ram049@latech.edu
A
s the year ends, it is natural to reflect on the past 12 months. As 2015 comes to a close, I cannot help but feel it was a particularly dark year. From the Charlie Hebdo attack in Jan, to the Charleston shooting of the summer, to the Paris attacks in November, it has been difficult to disregard the evil that has reared its head so often as of late. Amidst these tragedies, and the misguided hatred many have answered them with, I know that I have been tempted to resort to cynicism toward humanity and the direction we are headed. All of this has made me wonder how these years of my life will be talked about by generations to come. Will future scholars discuss the 2010s as a time of hatred and terror, likened to the Red Scare or Jim Crow South? Will the History Channel do a retrospective series depicting this era as tumultuous and revolutionary, as much the 1960s has been portrayed? What characterization will be given to the members of my generation?
Again, it is tempting, as we are in the thick of many of these conflicts, to see today’s society as polarized and resentful. It is easy to believe that history will remember only the fear mongering of Donald Trump, or the extremist attacks on Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs, Colorado and in San Bernardino, California. With half of the decade still to come, this may very well be what happens. However, based on this past year, I have hope that it will not be. While there have been many headlines that have made me afraid of the future, and many debates that have left me bitter and pessimistic, when I look back at the past year, I see solidarity. As we move through the age of the Internet, our interconnectedness has undoubtedly brought forth new ways to criticize and berate each other, but what it has also given each of us is a global network of support. While it may be misguided and fumbling at times, it is easy to see the love being poured out across social media during times of crisis. When the Charlie Hebdo
was attacked, the world met the tragedy with an overwhelming message of unity, and the tagline #JeSuisCharlie, translated, “I am Charlie,” quickly swept across social media. When the US Supreme Court granted marriage equality in all 50 states, #LoveWins was trending on Twitter, and rainbow profile pictures flooded Facebook timelines. From #CharlestonStrong to the latest #PrayforParis, this year we have protested, grieved and celebrated together. I can only hope that when the world remembers 2015, they remember the unity that met the tragedies and the love that countered the hatred. I also hope that as we move forward through the rest of the 2010s, we continue to stand together as a global community, and push that camaraderie further than social media, and into every sphere of society, so that we do go down in history as an era of solidarity. Rachel Maxwell is a sophomore journalism major from Benton who serves as managing editor for The Tech Talk.
Is Trump’s Muslim ban proposal even legal? W
ith the 2016 presidential election inching closer, the race to the White House continues to claim casualties as more candidates continue to drop out. Surprisingly, the one candidate nobody expected to be a serious contender, Donald Trump, continues to lead in polls across the country. The enigmatic owner of Trump Real Estate seemingly makes headlines daily with his crazy statements. His most recent quote though is his most controversial yet. In the wake of the many terror attacks across the world, including Paris and San Bernardino, Trump has suggested a total ban on Muslims entering the country. Responsibility for many of these attacks has been claimed by ISIS and assorted Islamic extremists so the timing of his statements makes sense, but that is about the only thing about his words that do. Democrats and Republicans alike have criticized the presidential candidate’s plan with many, including GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan, who called it un-American. Trump is defending his plan by saying his Muslim friends are glad that he is addressing the issue of radical Islam, but also admits that those same friends do not support what he wants to do. No kidding. Is Trump’s plan constitutional? That is the question everyone seems to be asking. While the plan may not go directly against the First Amendment of the Constitution, it certainly violates the spirit of the amendment. Our country is supposed to be a safe haven for religious freedom and expression. This plan goes against these great American values that have helped make this country what it is today. While there is no clear-cut answer to the question , there is some precedent. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt made a proclamation that allowed for the detaining of Japanese, German and Italian immigrants in the United States. It also forced JapaneseAmericans who had been settled in the country for years to be placed in internment camps. Also, during the Iranian Hostage Crisis in 1979, President Jimmy Carter imposed a ban on Iranians immigrating to the United States. In hindsight, these plans certainly raised some concerns aboout constitiutional violations, and the government has since apologized to the families affected, but it was a move made during a tense time in our history. Nobody can blame him for wanting to keep our country safe. The moves were described as matters of national security at the time, but that does not make them right. When Trump compared his plan to these earlier ones, that should have been a major red flag. The fact that this is even an issue is ridiculous. Our country has way more pressing matters than what a potential candidate who has no power wants to impose. Radical Islam has become a problem that our country has to face, but an immigration ban on a religion is un-American, and there are definitely better ways to handle this pressing issue.
www.thetechtalk.org
Happily
Ever
After
An opera workshop Photos by Devin Dronett Words by Rebekah Barnes Lisa Maxedon, head of vocal studies and director of opera and musical theatre, hosted an opera workshop for the ninth year. It is a fall course and ensemble, where students learn to put on a production. They spend at least six hours a week practicing. This year’s theme was fairy tales and children’s stories and included songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” and Seymour Barab’s “Little Red Riding Hood” opera.
ABOVE: Thomas Hebert, a sophomore communications major(left) and Bethany Cardenas (right)sit in a boat while perfoming a scene from “The Wind in the Willows.” RIGHT: Cinderella sings while her stepsisters and evil stepmother sit in the background.
NEWS
December 17, 2015 • The Tech Talk • 5
TOP: Bethany Cardenas, a senior music major, poses with other fairies from the play “Iolanthe.” LEFT: Christian Amos, a senior music major, plays the wolf, and Bethany Cardenas, Red Riding Hood, act out a scene from “Little Red Riding Hood” where she frightens the wolf.
6 • The Tech Talk • December 17, 2015
www.thetechtalk.org
School of Art hosts ‘Tech Mex’ and ‘The Theories’ PAYTON POTTER Staff Reporter | jpp017@latech.edu
Counterclockwise from top: Sculptures titled Motion Lotion, Guerro and Gebs were part of the two new exhibits at the School of Design.
Photos by Jonathan Shaul
toulas restaurant. “Ramos’s work sort of responds nicely to the new direcTuesday night in the F.J. tion that the ceramics program is Taylor Visual Arts Center was going in,” said Andrew Wasseran opportunity for art lovers, man, an assistant professor of art students and casual observers and architecture history at Tech. “A university art gallery should alike to meet and discuss art. The School of Design host- reflect the kinds of practices aled a plethora of events, includ- ready taking place at the university, but also push those ing a presentation practices as well.” by artist Armando Meanwhile, students Ramos, a showing meandered through of his installation the “Tech Mex” exhibi“The Theories” and tion. The gallery was the opening of “Tech curated by Wasserman, Mex,” Louisiana who said the gallery exTech’s first permaemplifies the collecting nent art installation habits of the university in almost 15 years, throughout history. Ramos, a ceramiWasserman said cist, sculptor and both the “Tech Mex” assistant professor RAMOS and “The Theories” exof art at Valley City hibitions serve as teachState University, talked about his exhibition in ing galleries which supplement art a presentation at the FJ Taylor students’ curriculum. He also added the two portfoVisual Arts Center. Some pieces in his exhi- lios that comprise the “Tech Mex” bition included “Portrait of collection model the collecting Pruissance,” “Hallow Day” and habits of the school of art in the “Preponderance,” each of which 1930s. Wasserman said this historical the artist said share the common display, coupled with the work of theme of exploration. “I really enjoyed his sense of Ramos and other visiting artists, tension and how he displayed that allows students the opportunity in his work,” said Caitlin Berry, a to learn from another artist’s work sophomore graphic design ma- while still challenging themselves jor. “Listening to an artist speak and delving deeper into the hisabout their work makes you un- tory of art and of Tech. In addition to sharing his exderstand and appreciate it on a hibition and presentation, Radifferent level.” Berry said although she was mos has spent some of his time required to attend the artist’s pre- in Ruston working with graduate sentation for one of her classes, students in the school of design to provide reviews and one-on-one she still found it very interesting. A number of other students feedback. Ramos’s work will remain on also came to listen to Ramos, stroll through the galleries and display in the F.J. Taylor Visual enjoy a free meal from Poncha- Arts Center galleries until Jan 19.
Sleeping Beauty Tech’s School of Performing Arts holds auditions for the upcoming play Keiera Bell Staff Reporter | klb072@latech.edu Each year at Louisiana Tech, the School of Performing Arts puts on three main stage shows, but before practice comes the auditions, which were held Dec 7-8 at 6 p.m. in Howard Auditorium for “Sleeping Beauty. “These auditions were not just for Tech students, but also children in the Ruston community, said Paul Crook, director of recruiting for the department of theatre. “Ruston does not have a children’s theater,” Crook said. “So being able to give people in Ruston a chance to audition for ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and participate in any of our productions is part of our outreach to the community.” Crook, an associate professor of theater, said the season’s play, like every other, is usually chosen the year before and planning doesn’t start until the late fall.
Left: Children listen to Professor Paul Crook before auditioning for “Sleeping Beauty.”
Tech’s “Sleeping Beauty” is Right: Tyra Washington, a fifth grade based off the old fairy tale, not the modern Disney movie. student, auditions for the play. This play is a pantomime, or panto, a style of traditional fairy tale which has a lot of children and showing support for her dancing and slapstick comedy. daughter, Tyra, as she got ready to “Our ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is quite dif- give her performance. ferent from the Disney version, but the “I’m a bit nervous for her because style is similar to the old fairytale,” Crook this is her first time auditioning for said. “It includes Princess Aurora being one of these plays,” Washington said. put under a spell by the wicked witch and Washington said Tyra has perthe good fairies making it possible for her formed in church plays, she can play to be awakened by a kiss from her true the piano and sings. Although she is love.” used to performing in front of people, Crook said one neat thing about this it is her first time auditioning on stage. production of “Sleeping Beauty” is it will Crook said his kids also auditioned be something adults can enjoy, too. to be in the play. He said he feels it is He said the kids will be able to find the good to encourage kids to explore all silly humor like a character falling down, extracurricular activities. and the adults will be able to catch the “I feel that auditioning and particiintelligent jokes and remarks. pating in plays is a great outlet for kids Lanell Washington, a Ruston resident, to learn and grow and experience was sitting in the crowd applauding the new activities,” Crook said.
Photos by Avery Bryant
A&E
www.thetechtalk.org
December 17, 2015 • The Tech Talk • 7
ON OUR
KRAMPUS COMES TO TOWN
CHECK OUT THESE MOVIES OVER CHRISTMAS BREAK
Photo courtesy of Legendary Pictures
KEIERA BELL Staff Reporter | klb072@ latech.edu There are many jolly Christmas movies that show the happiness and togetherness of families throughout the holiday, but there has not been a movie to show any real consequences to nonbelievers of Santa. If you ever wondered “what if ’” then “Krampus” is a definite must see movie that will make you wonder. The movie trailer does not show much of anything, except a family fighting during dinner, a child screaming he hates Christmas and then everything going downhill from there. Although “Krampus” could be thought to be a boring, low-budget film, it turned out to be a game changer. The movie is based on the idea of nonbelievers of the Christmas spirit being punished by an ancient evil spirit that comes to take away instead of give presents. Literal hell breaks loose when cherished Christmas icons become a nightmare and lay ruin to the already dysfunctional family, which forced them to fight for each other in order to survive. “Krampus” is a creepy holiday movie filled with comedy, fantasy and hor-
RADAR MOVIES
ror. It is a bit on the sadistic side since it is focusing on a family being attacked by the shadow of St. Nicholas, when it turns out he is after the entire town. Max, played by Emjay Anthony, a young boy who becomes disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas, ends up accidentally summoning this ancient evil to his family home. Little do they know, the lack of festive spirit unleashed the wrath of Krampus: a demonic force of ancient evil intent on taking from those who stop believing in Santa and the true meaning of Christmas. Once Krampus is summoned, there is no way to escape him and his bag of toys and tricks during a blizzard and power outage. However, only one person knows what is to come once everyone stops believing in Christmas. Omi, played by Krista Stadler, is the elderly grandmother who encourages Max not to give up on Christmas because of his family. She knows what will happen to them because it is the same thing that happened to her village as a kid, and Krampus left her alive as a witness to his existence. As they settle into a dark and cold house, it is only a matter of time before
they all be taken away one-by-one by Krampus’s little helpers. Gingerbread men, toys and elves all take a life of their own as they attack, and even eat the family. The movie has its funny moments, such as when cute gingerbread cookies start to attack with candy canes, but even with the horror violence and terror, language and few drug references, it has a PG-13 rating. Also, the soundtrack is still festive, but with a slight twist that some may not notice at first. This movie will really make everyone rethink their intentions and reestablish the true meaning of Christmas. Of course the idea of an evil Santa Claus coming to take you away, and not to the North Pole, is not something you would want to find out. Overall, “Krampus” is definitely a good movie anyone could see; however, if parents take their kids, then it would be best to get ready for them to probably have nightmares. However, it is mostly humorous during the horror scenes because of the ironic ideas being attacked by presents and cookies.
“SISTERS”
IN THEATRES 12.17.15 TINA FEY AND AMY POEHLER STAR IN THE NEW COMEDY ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUNGER AND OLDER SISTERS.
“STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS” IN THEATRES 12.18.15
THE SAGA CONTINUES IN THE SEVENTH MOVIE. OLD CHARACTERS WILL RESURFACE ALONG WITH NEW VILLAINS AND JEDIS.
J. COLE AND KENDRICK LAMAR
“BLACK FRIDAY”
RAHEEM PROCTOR Staff Reporter | rjp020@latech.edu Diehard hip-hop fans these days will claim that hip-hop is slowly dying. It is very common for fans to express how there is no depth in rap anymore, how everyone sounds the same and not enough meaning is behind songs anymore. With so much influence from southern culture, trap music is what dominates the industry today. Needless to say how very popular and catchy dance songs are these days, they seem to have a helping hand in turning away hip-hop extremist. Insert Kendrick Lamar, a West Coast juggernaut who fans believe is the second coming of Tupac. Then bring in J. Cole, a lyrical heavyweight from North Carolina who is never shy about expressing how he truly feels. With both rappers becoming iconic to the hip-hop community, fans wanting the two to work together on a sole project always seemed a little farfetched. That was, until the release of remixes titled “Black Friday” Nov. 27. The two used each other’s most popular songs from their last album for their rendition. Lamar used the song “A Tale of 2 Citiez” from Cole. Cole used the song “Alright” from Lamar. The release of the collaboration was announced via Twitter, with each rapper crediting their portion of the song as a gift from the other. Lamar did not shy away from his usual tactics, as he approached the song with his hard-nosed, heavily metaphorical lyrics. His wordplay throughout the song is a case of pause and rewind, to make sure you keep up with everything he has to offer. Cole followed suit, with his inquisitive lyrical style and often humorous but powerful delivery. He begins his verse by reassuring his fans that he is still “10 toes down,” a saying Cole states meaning he is all in. For what surely has
“JOY”
IN THEATRES 12.24.15 JENNIFER LAWRENCE STARS IN NEW DRAMA AS JOY, A YOUNG WOMAN WHO CREATES HER OWN BUSINESS DYNASTY.
Photo courtesy of watchloud.com
Kendrick Lamar (right) and J. Cole (left) remixed each others songs on Black Friday. ‘fans playing on repeat, “Black Friday” stemmed two very important questions for fans of both men. One question being: Who had the better verse? While the answers will surely vary among those super fans of either rapper, both men brought their A-game to the other’s track. But the most important thing fans want to know is: When will they drop an album together? This discussion has been brewing for years and constantly leaving fans wondering if something so great could even happen. Both men elude to something in the works at the end of their verses, but abruptly get cut off when they mention it. That type of psychological tactic will keep fans glued in on what they may be up to next, but for now, “Black Friday” is a gem to cherish.
“THE HATEFUL EIGHT” IN THEATRES 12.25.15
DIRECTOR QUENTIN TARANTINO’S NEWEST FILM IS A WESTERN ABOUT A GROUP OF BOUNTY HUNTERS ESCORTING A PRISONER.
www.thetechtalk.org
W&NBRIEFS WORLDNEWS Clinton says she wants to go beyond ‘Buffett rule’ on taxes OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — With billioniare Warren Buffet, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said Wednesday she wants to raise taxes on the wealthy and expand upon the so-called “Buffett rule” pushed by the Obama administration to raise tax rates on the richest Americans.
Market breaks out of slump NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are climbing Tuesday and breaking out of a slump that dragged the market lower last week. The price of oil is also rising for a second day in a row in a modest recovery from long-time lows. Natural gas prices slumped again.
Defendant bolts from courtroom OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — An armed robbery suspect who fled a courtroom during trial and escaped the grasp of deputies is back in custody after lawyers tackled him in the courthouse hallway. Surveillance cameras at the Oklahoma County courthouse captured candid video of Israel Pointer’s attempt to flee.
STATENEWS GSU program to be rebuilt GRAMBLING (AP) — Grambling State University says the school’s defunct undergraduate nursing program will have to be rebuilt from scratch. If the University of Louisiana System board of supervisors resolves the program’s situation before July, the new nursing program could be planned during the 2016-17 academic year.
December 17, 2015 • The Tech Talk • 8
SAMSUNG ASKS HIGH COURT TO THROW OUT $399M ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON — In its patent dispute with Apple, Samsung is asking the Supreme Court to take a digital-age look at an issue it last confronted in the horse-and-buggy era. South Korea-based Samsung on Monday appealed a $399 million judgment for illegally copying patented aspects of the look of Apple's iPhone, the latest round in a long-running fight between the two tech-industry giants. The last time the Supreme Court heard cases on patents covering the appearance of a product instead of the way it works was in the late 1800s, when the court battles concerned designs of spoon handles, carpets and saddles. The smartphone is fast becoming as common a possession as those items were in the Victorian age. Nearly two-thirds of Americans own a smartphone, the Pew Research Center said in April, up from about a third just four years earlier. Apple and Samsung are the top two manufacturers of smartphones. None of the earlier-generation Galaxy and other Samsung phones involved in the lawsuit remains on the market, Samsung said. The company's appeal raises two issues at the Supreme Court, arguing that the lower-court ruling up-
holding the judgment
"overprotects and compensates" Apple's patents. One question is how juries should value the common features for which Apple holds patents: flat screen, rectangular shape with rounded corners, a rim and a screen of icons. Samsung said the jury in this case had too much freedom to look at the overall appearance of the phones, rather than focus on those three elements. The other issue at the Supreme Court is whether a court can order Samsung to pay Apple every penny it made from the phones at issue when the disputed features are a tiny part of the product. The federal appeals court in Washington that hears patent cases ruled for Apple on both counts. "Samsung is escalating this case because it believes that the way the laws were interpreted is not in line with modern times," Samsung said in a statement that accompanied its Supreme Court appeal. Apple spokeswoman Rachel Tulley said the case is about more than patents and money. "We make these products to delight our customers, not for our competitors to flagrantly copy," Tulley said. The Supreme Court could decide early next year whether to hear the case, but arguments would
AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File
South Korea-based Samsung on Monday appealed a $399 million judgment for illegally copying patented aspects of the look of Apple’s iPhone. not be heard until fall 2016. The legal battles between Apple and Samsung have cooled recently, but this case could attract the justices' interest, said Michael Carrier, a professor at Rutgers Law School in Camden, New Jersey, who has followed the lawsuits closely. "In a world in which there can be thousands of patents in a particular product, it does not seem appropriate to award all of the profits to patents making up only a fraction of the contributions to the product,”
Carrier said. Samsung is not challenging the design patents themselves at the Supreme Court, although the Patent and Trademark Office has issued a preliminary ruling against Apple's design patent for the flat surface of its iPhone. Samsung already has handed the $399 million over to Apple and could seek a refund if the patent decision stands or the Supreme Court rules in the company’s favor. Even as Apple won court judgments backing its
Palestinian violence ‘justified popular uprising’ ASSOCIATED PRESS RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas referred to the last three months of violence Monday as a "justified popular uprising". Abbas's comments came as a new poll shows widespread Palestinian support for ongoing attacks on Israelis. Later Monday, a Palestinian from
east Jerusalem rammed his car into a crowded bus stop, wounding nine before bystanders shot him dead. Israeli leaders have accused Abbas and other Palestinian leaders of inciting the violence with incendiary rhetoric. Abbas has previously refrained from either endorsing or condemning the attacks, often referring to the wave of violence as understandable but not
in the best interests of the Palestinian people. "We cannot ask the youth why they are going out," Abbas said in Ramallah. "They just despaired of the two-state solution." A poll released Monday found that two-thirds of Palestinians support the current wave of stabbings. Most Palestinians believe if the current individual attacks develop into an armed intifada, the vio-
lence might serve Palestinian national interests more than negotiations would. Khalil Shikaki of the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research conducted the survey, with a sample size of 1270 and a 3-percent margin of error. Monday's ramming is the latest in a three-month period of near-daily bloodshed. Since mid-September,
Charter school policies strong LAFAYETTE (AP) — A new study finds Louisiana ranks 10th in the country when it comes to state policies that promote a strong charter school sector. Layfayette Advertiser reports the National Association of Charter School Authorizers gave Louisiana 24 points out of a possible 33 points. It also noted 73 percent of the state’s charter schools are authorized by Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
claims that its patents were infringed, it was not able to persuade courts to order Samsung to stop selling the products. That's one possible explanation for why the legal dispute between Apple and Samsung appears to be winding down, said Michael Risch, an expert on intellectual property at Villanova University law school. "Or perhaps the money it won was the price it wanted to exact, or it could be that Samsung changed the look of its products enough," Risch said.
AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean
Israeli policemen push a trash container, as water sprays from broken fire hydrant, at a scene of an attack.
Palestinians have killed 19 Israelis in stabbing, shooting and vehicular attacks. At least 113 Palestinians have died by Israeli fire in the same period, of whom 76 are said by Israel to be assailants. Others were killed in clashes with Israeli security forces. In Monday's attack, Abed Almohsin Hassoneh, 21, from the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Hanina, barreled his white Mazda into a bus stop on a crowded thoroughfare at the western entrance to the city, according to police spokeswoman Luba Samri. She said police found an axe in Hassoneh's vehicle, suggesting he intended to attack Israelis. Israel condemned Abbas's comment that attacks are "justified." "There can never be justification for wanton attacks on civilians like we saw today," said Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev. Palestinians agree with the message issued by Abbas, support for the aging leader is dwindling. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat vowed to place protective barriers near bus stations and on the city's main traffic arteries. Barkat praised the "immediate alertness" of bystanders who averted "a grave tragedy."
W&N
www.thetechtalk.org
December 17, 2015 • The Tech Talk • 9
Anonymous email threat closes all Los Angeles schools ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES — The nation's second-largest school district shut down Tuesday after a school board member received an emailed threat that raised fears of another attack like the deadly shooting in nearby San Bernardino. Authorities in New York City said they received the same threat but quickly concluded that it was a hoax. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters that he was "absolutely convinced" there was no danger to schoolchildren in his city. "There was nothing credible about the threat. It was so outlandish," de Blasio said. Police Commissioner William Bratton quipped that it looked like the sender of the threat watched a lot of the Showtime terrorism drama "Homeland." Los Angeles officials defended the move during a late morning news conference. "It is very easy in hindsight to criticize a decision based on results the decider could never have known," Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said. The shutdown abruptly closed more than 900 public schools and 187 charter schools attended by 640,000 students across Los Angeles. Superintendent Ramon Cortines said every campus would be searched. He also asked for a report on the searches certifying that all buildings are safe. The threat, de Blasio and Bratton said, came
AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu
Parents pick up their children from school early, on Tuesday, Dec. 15, in Los Angeles, due to bomb threats recieved through anonymous email. in the form of a "generic" email to many cities around the country. In New York, it was received by a superintendent early Tuesday. "We cannot allow ourselves to raise levels of fear," said Bratton, who once ran the Los Angeles Police Department. The person who wrote the note, Bratton said, claimed to be a jihadist but made errors that indicated the writer was really a prankster, including spelling the word "Allah" with a lowercase "a."
Lupita Vela, who has a daughter in the third grade and a son who is a high school senior, called the threat "absolutely terrifying" in light of the San Bernardino attack, which killed 14 people earlier this month. She got an automated phone call informing her of the closure. "I know the kids are anxious," she said. District spokeswoman Shannon Haber said the threat was sent by email to a school board member
and was believed to have come from an IP address in Frankfurt, Germany. Authorities would not elaborate on the threat, saying it was still being evaluated. They described the shutdown was a precaution. Los Angeles schools commonly get threats, but Cortines called this one rare. "It was not to one school, two schools or three schools," he said at a news conference. "It was many schools, not specifically identified. But there
were many schools. That's the reason I took the action that I did. It was to students at schools." The San Bernardino attack influenced the decision to close the entire district, Cortines said. The superintendent said the district police chief informed him about the threat shortly after 5 a.m. "He shared with me that some of the details talked about backpacks, talked about other packages," Cortines said. Vela said she worries
about talking to her kids about the threat and terrorism in general. She's concerned about her daughter feeling safe in class. "I don't want this to be in the back of her head," she said. "Who knows what it does psychologically to kids? Is this going to cause her some kind of trauma so that she's not going to feel safe at school?" The closure came the same day classes were canceled at San Bernardino Valley College because of a bomb threat.
Governor names replacement for disgraced secretary of state ASSOCIATED PRESS
AP Photo/Morgan Lee
Brad Winter speaks to a crowd after taking the oath of office as New Mexico secretary of state in Santa Fe, N.M. on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015. Winter replaces disgraced former Secretary of State Dianna Duran, who has pleaded guilty to fraud charges.
SANTA FE, N.M — New Mexico's governor on Tuesday named a longserving Republican city councilor from Albuquerque as secretary of state to oversee an elections oversight agency upended by a campaign finance scandal. Brad Winter, a councilor since 1999 and a longtime public school administrator, is expected to guide the agency through the November general election, when a new secretary of state will be chosen and take office in January 2017. Winter worked with Albuquerque Public Schools for more than 20 years and served a stint as interim superintendent in 2014. He replaces Dianna Duran as secretary of state. Gov. Susana Martinez praised Winter's skills and temperament. "His experience as a long-time administrator who has managed large budgets, capital and information technology projects, and sizeable staffs will be key to overseeing a successful and well-run election next year," she
said in a statement. Duran has until Wednesday to accept a monthlong jail sentence ordered as part of a plea agreement involving felony embezzlement and money-laundering charges filed after she was accused of siphoning money from her election account to fuel a gambling addiction. Her elaborate sentence also calls for making in-person apologies to campaign donors and appearances before school children to explain how her career was cut short by the scandal. Duran could choose to withdraw her guilty pleas under an agreement with prosecutors. The scandal has led to calls for an overhaul of New Mexico's campaign finance and ethics laws. If Duran rejects the sentence, a district court would reinstate a 65-count criminal complaint alleging she mingled campaign and personal funds as she made cash withdrawals in 2012 and 2013 of more than $400,000 at various New Mexico casinos. Under the proposed sentence, Duran must pay
a $14,000 fine, make restitution of nearly $14,000 to campaign donors, serve five years of probation and perform 2,000 hours of community service at charities. She would wear a GPS tracking device for at least two years after leaving jail to ensure she stays away from casinos. Duran's public pension of nearly $60,000 a year will remain intact, despite a 2012 law that allows judges to increase sentences against the value of salary and fringe benefits. The wording of the law lacks teeth, according to New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas. District Judge T. Glenn Ellington told a packed courtroom in Santa Fe on Monday that Duran's five year probation was designed to go beyond simple punishment or mercy to provide personal rehabilitation and restore public faith in officials holding public office. Defense attorney Erlinda Johnson said her client's gambling problem dates to 2010, the year she became the first Republican elected secretary of state since 1928.
10 • The Tech Talk • December 17, 2015
www.thetechtalk.org
WEEKLYHOROSCOPE
particularly when the people are also close friends. If you’ve been considering entering into a new business partnership, this is the day to start seriously discussing it.
Aries March 21 – April 19 Financial difficulties could be overcome today through the help of someone considerably older than you. Helpful advice could make a future course of action clearer and more practical than it seemed in the past. Your practical ability is heightened, and you’re less likely to let strong emotions interfere with making use of it. Intuitive abilities could also be of assistance.
Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 Your efficient, practical abilities are operating at a very high level today. A long-term goal you’ve been working toward could finally be reached, bringing good fortune and acknowledgment. Your efforts will probably be appreciated. Major advancement could be in the works.
www.horoscopes.com.net
Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Today a piece of information for which you’ve been searching could become known. Your money management skills might be called upon to help out a friend or perhaps a family member. You’re likely to have some good pointers to pass on, and gratitude should be forthcoming. Put your nose to the grindstone and get going! Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 With the shifting planetary alignment, all of your efforts over the past few weeks could finally bear fruit. Success and good fortune are strongly indicated, especially where money is concerned. Worries about finances are likely to disappear, and you could even receive public recognition. This should be a satisfying period. Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 A long-awaited vacation or a move you’ve been hoping to make could finally be possible. Before you go, there may be some paperwork to take care of. Thoughts of business advancement may be playing in your mind, and you might consider taking a course or two to increase your marketability and help you a take a step toward achieving your goals. Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 Heightened imagination and ingenuity could bring new thoughts for advancing yourself in the financial arena. Practical information from outside sources merges with insights to bring useful ideas your way. Consider everything carefully before taking any action. Be open to the advice and counsel of others. Whatever you choose to do, today shows promise of being very fortunate. Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 Social events could bring some exciting new contacts your way. Relationships with partners of all kinds should be fruitful and mutually beneficial,
Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 Your strong business sense and practical skills couple with imagination and innovation to bring advancement. Information from far away could prove especially valuable. Relationships with friends should be warm and cooperative. Love relationships could also prove rewarding. Consider blowing off a little steam by going out and having a good time. Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Friends and family could visit you today. They’re likely to bring new friends whose expertise benefits a project you’re working on. You might fantasize about how you’re going to spend all the money you’re going to make off this project. This is fine as long as you postpone shopping until you have the funds. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 A social event in your neighborhood, perhaps in your home, could bring useful information your way that you can use to advance your career. You could make some valuable contacts. Information received from neighbors could prove enlightening. You should feel optimistic, enthusiastic, and motivated. Whatever you start today should bring success. Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 With the current astral environment, your professional and financial interests could take a turn for the better. Any difficulties you may have had seem to disappear as if by magic. Whatever work you’re doing in either your career or personally, should run more smoothly. You should be feeling strong, energetic, and optimistic.
CROSSWORDPUZZLE Across 1. Speaker of baseball 5. Quick- witted 10. Hullabaloo 14. The life of Riley 15. Severity 16. Seine feeder 17. Movie-rating org. 18. Legree’s creator 19. Bone: Prefix 20. White-and-black bearlike mammal 22. Freezing 24. “The Plague” setting 27. Workers’ rights org. 28. Dangerous catch 32. Oohed and ___ 36. Compass dir. 37. Capital city of Yemen 39. Grassy plain 40. French 101 verb 42. Iraqi port 44. Waterfall 45. Actor Burton 47. 18th letter of the Greek alphabet 49. Reason for overtime 50. Lock 51. Consist of 53. Spot on the tube 56. Ripped 57. The north half of a northbound horse, e.g. 61. Curl the lip 65. ___ about (roughly) 66. 1986 Indy 500 winner Bobby 69. Bond classic 70. Prosperity 71. Verdi work 72. Sponsorship
www.bestcrosswords.com 73. Disney dog 74. ___-foot oil 75. Got on Down 1. Office fill.in 2. ___ Nui (Easter Island) 3. This ___ outrage! 4. Privateer 5. AARP members 6. Strike 7. Awestruck 8. Aftermath 9. Shampoo brand 10. Soccer 11. Actress Virna 12. Apropos of 13. Hammer end 21. Pinball paths 23. Shrinking sea of Asia 25. Speedy steed 26. Grandmas 28. Proposed, perhaps 29. Part of ICBM 30. Impertinence 31. No-frills 33. Port-au- Prince is its capital 34. Bandleader Skinnay ___ 35. Gift recipient 38. Slang 41. Like some winds 43. Shot, briefly 46. Invitation request 48. Auto loan figs. 52. Pay as due 54. Homerun king Hank 55. Hang loosely 57. Chicken, e.g. 58. Fit for service 59. Way to go
DAILY U
LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION
Have any ideas for future comics or feedback? Email dwyer@latech.edu
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 All indications are that you’re feeling mentally and physically great. Your professional and financial interests could take a sudden turn for the better. Love matters should also be going well, and children bring great pleasure today. This is a good time to make plans for the future and pursue your most cherished ambitions.
WEEKLYWEATHER
www.accuweather.com
TODAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
HIGH 57 LOW 34
HIGH 65 LOW 39
HIGH 60 LOW 39
HIGH 65 LOW 58
HIGH 72 LOW 58
HIGH 63 LOW 50
HIGH 67 LOW 50
Mostly sunny
Plenty of sunshine
Plenty of sunshine
An afternoon shower
Cloudy, showers; warm
Showers and a heavier t-storm
Rather cloudy, a little rainy
ICE SKATING from pg. 1
>
It cost $10 a person for a 45-minute session, but Lumpkin said the crowds have been spaced out enough to where they have not had to enforce a time limit. “This is the first time that the city has had anything like this for its people to use, and the mayor’s office hopes for this to become an annual event,” Lumpkin said. Instead of ice, it is plastic board that gets a special water, solution lubricant that causes less friction for you to be able to glide around like on real ice. “We have had a hockey player come and said that yes, there are some differences between artificial surface and actual ice, but
60. Take ___ Train 62. So 63. Author Bagnold 64. Wine choice 67. Illustrative craft 68. “Deck the Halls” syllables
it still works all the same,” Lumpkin said. Dawn Mari, Ruston permit technician, is one of the volunteers who helped out with getting people their skates and selling tickets. From the feedback she has gotten from the people who used the rink, she said it seems the people are really enjoying themselves. Jessica Slaughter of Ruston said the advertisement of the event was pushed really well by the city. She was informed of the event at a Main Street meeting she attended. “It’s good for the city to have things like this for the community to come together and a good way to get people to utilize downtown,” Slaughter said.
SUDOKUPUZZLE Difficulty MEDIUM Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9.
DEBATE TEAM from pg. 1
>
Bellows and McReynolds have both competed in the novice division this year for Tech, and with the few tournaments they have been apart of, they each have succeeded in all of them. Puckett describes McReynolds as a “very respectable and accomplished debater” when he was in high school. Bellows is a team walk-on and Puckett has described her as being a great asset to the team this year. “It was our first tournament in the British Parliament and during the prep time I was given the opportunity to receive knowledge from my senior debaters to help me during the competition,” Bellows said. Clemson University is the next tournament com-
ing up where the debate team will compete, which debater Hill looks forward to “This year is very important for me knowing that this is my ninth year debating in my career, and also my last year debating with Tech,” Hill said. Tech is going into their next competition focusing on well-known schools in the Ivy League, South and East Coast. “This competition approaching is very important because we are facing powerhouse schools such as Yale, Cornell, and Morehouse,” Hill said. “We treat every tournament as a learning experience and I am very confident in this year’s team.”
www.sudoku-puzzles.net LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION
www.thetechtalk.org
December 17, 2015 • The Tech Talk • 11
More Talk
Entering Embassy the
One Tech student spends three months working in the US Embassy in Moscow REBEKAH BARNES Staff Reporter| reb033@latech.edu
Sanford visited many sites in Moscow during her 3 month internship. Counter-clockwise from top: St. Basil’s Cathedral, the U.S. Embassy, and the Red Square.
everything you learn in class and put it into practice in real life,” she said. “I feel like that life experience has changed how When Tiffany Easter was met with a I’ll look at classes from now on.” prestigious internship opportunity, the She said the relationships she has now College of Liberal Arts staff worked with with her fellow interns are even better her to make sure she could pursue it. than the chances she had to network, and Easter, a junior political science major, she likes knowing that she has friends in spent 12 weeks from August to November Moscow. working in the Executive Office of the US “Don’t be afraid to take an opportuniEmbassy in Moscow, Russia. ty,” she said. “I missed a lot of things that “I would not have been given this op- happened here at Tech during fall quarportunity without Dr. Amanda Sanford, Dr. ter. You miss football season, you miss Jason Pigg and Dr. Rick Simmons,” Easter Homecoming, but don’t pass up a good said. “If I hadn’t been able to get school opportunity because you’re afraid. Going credit for it, I still would have gone, but the to Moscow for three months by myself amount of support that the political sci- is not the most comforting decision I’ve ence department and ever made, but we’re the honors department not given opportunities gave me really made to be afraid of them. this possible.” We’re given opportuniEaster said she got ties to take advantage to experience Mosof them.” “Any time somecow’s City Day CelEaster first heard thing happened in ebration, where they of the inernship when celebrated 868 years as Amanda Sanford sent Syria, especially in a city with a free Aeroout an email to her sturegard to Russia, smith concert outside dents about the internthe Kremlin and Red we looked into that ship opportunity, and Square. While she said Easter completed an and Putin’s mindenjoyed experiencing independent study with set behind what a new culture, she said Sanford in order to get her favorite aspect of course credit. Sanford, kind of action he the internship was the an assistant professor was going to take work. of political science, “As an intern I was teaches international next.” blown away with the relations and comparasubstantive tasks they tive politics. -TIFFANY EASTER gave us,” she said. “I “Tiffany is a very would be given a task at dedicated student,” noon and they would say, ‘This has to be Sanford said. “She’s very strong, very in D.C. by 5, get it done.’ We had to be able bright, very confident.” to make decisions, and our bosses didn’t In order to ensure Easter could take have time to hold our hands. Being able the internship and receive enough credit, to make a decision and stick by it, know- Sanford said Donald Kaczvinsky, Dean of ing it was based on good judgment, was the College of Liberal something I learned that sticks out to me.” Arts, and the political Working with Ambassador John Tefft’s science and honors assistant, Easter put together a book of departments wanted world events each morning on which the to do everything they ambassador would be briefed. could to make sure “When ISIS took down the Russian Easter was not disadplane over Egypt, I was in Moscow,” Eas- vantaged. ter said. “Any time something happened “When something in Syria, especially in regard to Russia, we like this comes along looked into that and Putin’s mindset be- we want to do evhind what kind of action he was going to erything we can for take next.” them,” Sanford said. She said she saw firsthand how po- “I’ve had a lot of stulitical decisions are never simple, and she dents in seven years got to see the international politics she who have gotten inhas studied in class in action. ternships, but noth“It’s an incredible experience to do an ing has ever been internship because you finally get to take this prestigious.”
“
www.thetechtalk.org
12 • The Tech Talk • December 17, 2015
THIS WEEK IN
‘Bowldogs’ are NOLA bound
BULLDOG
FROM THE SPORTS DESK with Matt Valcho
FOOTBALL
Most Wonderful Time of the Year
The Louisiana Tech football team will travel to New Orleans to take on the Arkansas State Red Wolves in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at 8 p.m. Saturday night.
T
he most wonderful time of the football year is here: bowl sea-
The game will be broadcast on ESPN and can be listened to on ESPN Radio and Z107.5FM. Tech leads the series between the two teams. (25-12)
File Photo Courtesy of LA Tech Athletics Communications
Quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) evades a tackle in the Oct. 24 game against Middle Tennessee in Ruston. Driskel was named C-USA Newcomer of the Year this week. CALEB DANIEL Staff Reporter | csd020@latech.edu
Overall Record: 8-4, (6-2) Points per game: 36.8 Points allowed per game: 26.8 Players to watch: Kenneth Dixon – RB 176 carries, 968 yards, 17 touchdowns Vernon Butler – DT 48 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 fumble recovery Tech is ranked No. 27 in the country in total offense
Overall Record: 9-3, (8-0) Points per game: 41.0 Points allowed per game: 28.8 Players to watch: Michael Gordon – RB 164 carries, 1040 yards, 9 touchdowns Rocky Hayes – DB 44 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 6 interceptions Arkansas St. is ranked No. 1 in the country in turnovers gained.
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will have a chance to win back-toback bowl games for the first time in school history as they take on Sun Belt champion Arkansas State in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Tech and the Arkansas State Red Wolves will go head to head in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome at 8 p.m. Saturday in New Orleans. In a press conference following Tech’s acceptance of the bowl bid, head coach Skip Holtz said he is excited by the opportunities the game presents. "The 2015 team is not done yet and we have an opportunity to play again against a conference champion in a great venue in the Dome in New Orleans,” Holtz said. “That is one of the best case scenarios that we can ask for coming out of this season.” Holtz’s squad finished the regular season with an 8-4 record and was one game away from claiming back-
to-back C-USA West titles. But in the final game of the regular season, the Bulldogs suffered a 58-24 loss to Southern Miss, turning the ball over four times in the process. During the news conference, Tech defensive coordinator Blake Baker said despite that big loss, the team was enthusiastic about the bowl selection. In fact, the way the season ended would serve as motivation for the team. “They were excited,” Baker said. “It did not matter if we went to Timbuktu. After last week, they just want to get that bad taste out of their mouth. It did not matter who we played or where we played, we just want to put the ball down and play.” The Red Wolves ended their regular season on a higher note, winning eight games in a row and cruising to a Sun Belt title. This bowl game features a matchup of strength on strength, with Tech’s prolific passing attack squaring off against Arkansas State’s stin-
gy secondary. Led by senior quarterback Jeff Driskel, Tech’s passing offense has averaged 311.9 yards per game, good for 15th place in the FBS. The Bulldogs are also in the Top 20 in scoring offense. Arkansas State boasts a defense that leads the FBS in interceptions, total takeaways and defensive scoring. The outcome of the game may come down to whether Driskel and the Bulldog passing attack can find success against a tough defensive backfield. The Bulldog senior class has the chance to be the first class in Tech history to be a part of two bowl victories. One of those seniors is chasing not only school history, but also national history. Running back Kenneth Dixon is currently in contention with Navy’s Keenan Reynolds to hold the NCAA record for career touchdowns scored. The game will air nationally on ESPN and ESPN Radio.
Dunkin’ Dogs picking up where they left off ALEX HEARD Staff Reporter | amh072@latech.edu A third of the way into the basketball season and the Dunkin’ Dogs seemed to not have missed a beat. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are 9-2, with wins over UT-Arlington, University of Louisiana-Lafayette, and their most impressive one: on the road against Ohio State, a team accustomed to contending in March. Tech’s two losses have both come on the road in less than stellar fashion. On Dec. 1 at Memphis and on Tuesday at Ole Miss. The Bulldogs lost the two by a combined 45 points. One big factor in Tech’s success has been the play of senior Alex Hamilton. This season he made the shift to point guard after previously playing shooting guard. The change of position has not hurt Hamilton as he has thrived, averaging 17.0 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game and 5.7 assists per game. Erik McCree, a junior forward, said Hamilton has played outstanding despite the position change and that does not surprise him one bit. “Alex is doing great,” McCree said. “I have known since last year when he was a point guard. He can really run the show and I think he is doing a great job doing so. I believe he is one of four players in the country averaging the amount of points and assists he is.” Head coach Erik Konkol said
Hamilton’s shift to floor general so far this season has been impressive, as he has been able to do it all. “I think Alex has played very well,” Konkol said. “The transition has been very smooth. He has scored, rebounded, assisted and stolen the basketball. He has had his complete game this far into the season and we hope to just get better and better.” Konkol said McCree’s play has been just as impressive, as he too has been able to do it all on both the offensive and defensive side of the court. “Erik has been very versatile and productive,” Konkol said. “We have asked him to play the four and the five, to score inside and outside, and to guard bigger and smaller guys. He has done it all and that is really his game.” McCree said he credits the coaching staff and his hard work in the offseason for the plays he has been making. “This was the hardest I have ever worked in the offseason,” McCree said. “Even though we have a new coaching staff, they made it extremely easy to transition. I have got to give credit to Coach because he has really put me in places where I can be successful.” Konkol said since Hamilton and McCree are the oldest on the team and have been around for many wins they must show the younger
guys what it is like to be victorious at Tech. “Erik and Alex have assumed their (leadership) role very well,” Konkol said. “They have been there before, we have guys who have never played Division I basketball and they have really shown them the way.”
Photo by Darrell James
Senior guard Alex Hamilton was named C-USA Player of the Week on Dec. 14.
son. Starting this Saturday, there will be a football game almost every day for nearly a month. I love football. I love watching football. But that is way too many games. Games like the Holy War rivalry between Brigham Young University and University of Utah, a heavyweight classic featuring Notre Dame vs. Ohio State and a matchup between highflying offenses Texas Christian University and Oregon stand out as the most intriguing of the bowl season. Of course we can’t forget the second edition of the College Football Playoff with Clemson taking on Oklahoma and Alabama battling Michigan State. The number of great bowl games is a football fan’s dream come true. I can’t wait. Unfortunately, to get to the good games, we have to wade through the sea of average and mediocre games that crowd the packed bowl schedule. Why is it necessary to have 40 bowl games? The answer is that it’s not necessary at all. Who profits from these games? Some schools lose money to send their players, coaches, band, student organization, alumni and personnel associated with the team on an all-expenses paid trip to some city that could be hundreds of miles away. Bigger schools break even with revenue sharing, but for smaller schools the loss has the potential to be great. Obviously the players don’t profit, but that’s a topic for another day. Fans will watch football mindlessly no matter who is playing so that brings us to the main benefactors. Television networks benefit most from all the bowls, namely ESPN. ESPN televises all but three of this year’s bowl games. In fact, a subsidiary of ESPN owns and operates some bowl games being shown on the ESPN family of networks. The worldwide leader dominates the sports landscape so it is unsurprising that ESPN owns bowl season. That being said, the only way the number of bowl games dropping is if people stop watching football. I can’t say I see that happening anytime soon. Matt Valcho is a junior journalism major from Benton who serves as sports editor for the Tech Talk. Email comments to mvv002@latech.edu.