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VOLUME 90 • ISSUE 8
Business Insider ranks Tech No. 6 most underrated college in America PAUL DAUTERIVE Staff Reporter | pdd010@ latech.edu Members of the Association of Indian Students close out the event and thank contributors.
India Nite Community gathers to celebrate the Association of Indian Students’ 15th anniversary FREDEDREIA WILLIS Staff Reporter | flw005@ latech.edu Brightly colored dresses, new sounds and tastes of food swept through the city of Ruston as the Association of Indian Students presented the 15th Annual India Night Saturday at the Bridge Community Church. Journals Mathews John, a geographic information analyst, said every year India Night has brought a part of his culture to Ruston, but this year it has taught him about traditions from all across India. “India Night is great and necessary; I have been coming out for the past two years,” he said. “Since all of the Indians in Ruston are from different states in India, this night helps us to come together and learn about each other’s differences and cultures, while showing our own diversity.” John said it is important for all cultures to come together to help better the community with relating to each other and hosting India Night gives everyone a new experience. “And for students who come so far to study, coming together helps create a very much needed family atmosphere,” he said. “Another one of my favorite things about this night is the food with bold new tastes and flavors.”
> see INDIA NITE page 6
Lauren Clayborn, a 2015 summer graduate, performs a dance during India Nite.
Food was provided by the Taste of India restaurant. All photos by Devin Dronett
Among the various other national rankings Louisiana Tech has received this year, Business Insider released a list last month ranking Tech No. 6 among the 50 most underrated colleges in America. According to Business Insider, this ranking was determined by comparing schools’ rankings on U.S. News & World Report rankings to mid-career salaries of graduates as determined by PayScale College Salary report. Les Guice, president of Tech, said it is not very common for a public university of this size to show up on the U.S. News & World Report rankings. “There is a lot of criteria that goes into that,” Guice said. He said Tech is not going to show up on the list for doing the most research or producing the most graduates because of the size of the school. “If you look at the productivity relative to our size,” he said, “that is when we show up.” Guice said in order for Tech to continue to be ranked, it has to increase the number of students. “That is why we have these goals to get to 15,000 students,” Guice said. He said the school is planning for new housing and a new engineering building in an effort to compete with the rest of the uniGUICE versities on that ranking list. “We’ve got a lot more things planned to get us to that point,” he said. Guice said Tech has had other rankings in major publications ranking Tech high among categories like return on investment, value, least amount of college debt and affordability. Alli Tran, a sophomore biology major, said she loves being a student at Tech. “I’m happy Tech is receiving more recognition because in high school people questioned my decision to go to Tech,” she said. Tran said she believes Tech deserves all of the national recognition for all of the hard work that has been put into making a great school.
> see NATIONAL RANKING page 6
NEWS
2 • The Tech Talk • November 12, 2015
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Campus poster war continues to rage on PAUL DAUTERIVE Staff Reporter | pdd010@latech.edu Last spring, fliers created by the Lincoln Health Foundation were posted around campus urging students to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases if they thought they might be infected. The poster read “If you are not too embarrassed to be NAKED you’re not too embarrassed to tell him.” Below the title was a picture of a naked woman covering herself with a sign that read, “I have a STD.” Last month, Tech’s chapter of the American Association of University Women countered this poster campaign with another poster that read “Boys will be held accountable for their own actions, just like everyone else.” “It’s directed directly towards women and straight women as if no one else could get an STD or an STI,” said Caroline Hymel, president of AAUW at Tech. Hymel said the half-naked woman in the poster looks like she is being shamed for having an STD. “It is slut-shaming to insinuate that it is not OK for a woman to take her clothes off,” she said. Hymel said slut-shaming is what happens when a woman is shamed for having sex or wearing provocative clothing. “They make it very specific to tell him,” she said. “It’s very heteronormative.” Samantha Lang, a junior “IT IS SLUTbiology major at Tech, said in passing the original poster SHAMING TO does not seem obviously sexINSINUATE THAT ist. “But if I took the time to IT IS NOT OK look at it then I would wonder FOR A WOMAN why it doesn’t include anything about men,” Lang said. TO TAKE HER She said a gender-neutral wording would have been a CLOTHES OFF.” better choice. CAROLINE HYMEL Jim King, vice president president of AAUW for student advancement, said the Lincoln Health Foundation was the origin of the posters, not the Louisiana Tech Health Center as some may have thought. “Regrettably they were misinformed because they were targeting the university health center that had no knowledge of this campaign,” he said.
(Left) Original poster put out by the Lincoln Parish Health Foundation (Right) Counter poster made by the Association of University Women. King said the administration would make plans to convene a group that includes all those involved in order to discuss the controversy. At the time of this publication, a meeting date has not been set. “I hope people would not argue with the fact that we have to do educational programming for sexually transmitted diseases,” he said. King said sexually transmitted diseases are not exclusive to male, female, heterosexual or same-sex couples. He said the Lincoln Health Foundation uses money for the sole purpose of advancing health initiatives for the
people of Lincoln Parish. “The proper way to correct it would be to talk to the right people instead of some clandestine operation,” King said. Ibrahim Bouchaffra, a junior biology major at Tech, said he would not have gone through the trouble of protesting the flyer. “You are taking something that is a valid point and turning it into something totally different,” Bouchaffra said. “That being said I see how someone could interpret this as being sexist but I don’t think that was the goal,” he said.
Residential life hosts foam wars REBEKAH BARNES Staff Reporter | reb033@latech.edu With finals quickly approaching, roughly 85 students braved the dark and mosquitos to let off steam and duel each other with foam weapons at a residential life sponsored event on Nov. 5. The fights have been a quarterly event for two years, led by Mohammed Mohammed, or “MoMo.” Thursday’s event was the largest so far. “It gets people making friends and brings some action on campus,” Mohammed said. He has been in charge of the foam weapons fights since his sophomore year as a part of his resident assistant program. Mohammed and other RAs construct the foam weapons and shields out of PVC pipes, foam padding, athletic tape and panty hose. Issac Schnieders said this was his third fight of the five so far, and he has not seen a single person bruised from the padded swords, spears or bows and arrows he helps make.
Photo by Ashley Kober
Dennis Stockes, a freshman mechanical engineer (left and Rebecca Frith, a Tech alumna (right) battle each other during foam wars. “We have to test them to make sure they’re safe to use,” Schnieders, the sophomore computer science major, said. “You cover your kidneys, and someone hits you pretty much as hard as they can. If you can say ‘OK’ throughout, it’s safe to use.”
Students met in the grass in front of Aswell Residence Hall for one-on-one duels and team battles. “I can’t help but feel energized throughout the event,” Schnieders said. “It just fuels my competitive nature.”
The duelers were not the only ones enjoying themselves. Nearly 30 spectators sat around the field to watch. Anna Yates, a senior biology major, said she has never seen anything like it before. “I didn’t want to participate, but I thought watching would be stress relief enough,” Yates said. Lindsay Cavin is the coordinator of student development for Mohammed’s residence hall, Mitchell. She said resident assistant programs are meant to benefit the assistants’ halls, but Mohammed’s foam weapon fights have become so popular, everyone is included. “I think it’s really incredible that he’s found something that’s geared toward so many students’ interests,” Cavin said. She said these programs not only help residents, but they give the resident assistants a sense of victory if they have the opportunity to advocate for the students. “So far I’ve been really impressed with the RAs we have and how they serve the community,” she said.
CORRECTION In the Nov. 5th edition of the Tech Talk, Dr. Dollian Hurtig was incorrectly identified. She is a full-time professor.
UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
• LA Tech Men’s Basketball vs. Millsaps 6:30 p.m.
• Pat Green Concert at The Revelry 9 p.m.
• No calendar events
• No calendar events
• LA Tech Men’s Basketball vs. UT-Arlington 6:30 p.m.
•LA Tech Women’s Basketball vs. Loyola 6:30 P.M.
• News editor Blake Bolin’s Birthday
• LA Tech Volleyball vs. FIU 6 p.m.
NEWS
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November 12, 2015 • The Tech Talk • 3
Homecoming HITS TECH Homecoming week saw Tech students and faculty celebrating across campus with events including an organizational cook-off, Unity Step Show, and Talent Show. All the festivities led up to the Homecoming game where the court took the field and 2016 royalty was announced.
Photos by Colin Fontenot
The men of Omega Psi Phi (above) and the sisters of Phi Mu (left) hit the stage in Robinson Memorial gym for the annual Unity Step Show.
Photo by Jonathan Shaul
The Regal Blues (above) and Band of Pride (far right) perform through the rain at halftime, then Hannah Francis and Bailey Laborde (center) are crowned as this year’s reigning Queen and King. Photo by Jonathan Shaul Photo by Colin Fontenot
Leslie Townsend (left) performs her rendition of Signore Ascota from Turandot before a panel of judges (below) at Union Board’s “Through the Techades” talent show. Photos by Jonathan Shaul
The brothers of Pi Kappa Phi (below) and the women of Kappa Delta (right) gathered in Centennial Plaza to show off their cooking skills and serve lunch to passersby.
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4 • The Tech Talk • November 12, 2015
The
TechTalk
FROM THE EDITOR
MANAGEMENT
What are you fighting for?
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Ellie Moslander
MANAGING EDITOR
ELLIE MOSLANDER Editor-In-Chief | emo012@latech.edu
Rachel Maxwell
NEWS EDITOR Blake Bolin
FEATURE EDITOR Devin Dronett
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. Reginald Owens Dr. Judith Roberts
ADVERTISING ADVISER Michael LeBlanc
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ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Michael LeBlanc
M
izzou University has been all over the news this past week. Because of racism, termination and protesting have also dogged the name of the university all over social media and in news outlets everywhere. These issues, although highly serious and in no way respectable, are causing other issues to rise. Protests have been occurring on Mizzou’s campus, even in public safe spaces. Some of the protestors, including both faculty and students, decided to set up a public safe-space for students who felt they had been harmed by what was happening. There’s nothing wrong with trying to help, and I do agree what has been going on is wrong, but the reaction of the general population is only making it worse. These protestors refused to allow a student journalist working for
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BLAKE BOLIN News Editor | btb017@latech.edu
I
f you search “Lance Berkman” on twitter, you will see endless tweets lashing out at the ex-Houston Astros first baseman based on his stance opposing Houston’s HERO Ordinance. Houston’s HERO Ordinance failed in overwhelming fashion last week, much to the dismay of Houston Mayor Annise Parker. The ordinance is based around preventing gender identity discrimination, but there were sections of the bill that had many Houstonians concerned, including Berkman. Berkman took to the airways saying, “I have four daughters and Proposition 1 (HERO Ordinance) would allow troubled men, who claim to be women, to enter women’s bathrooms, showers and locker rooms.” Parker did not take kindly to the ad, but why?
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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.
Ellie Moslander is a senior journalism major from Albuquerque who serves as editor-in- chief for The Tech Talk.
Lance Berkman: a true role model
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doing to infringe on someone else? By doing this, they are simply doing what they are complaining about. And I stand for their cause, I really do. But reacting in this way does not solve anything, and I feel like most protests turn into this. Whether what the journalist did is considered infringing on them or not, their actions made an explicit statement and caused even more attention. Honestly, on both parties, it took away from the real issue and turned it into a freedom of speech vs. freedom of the press ordeal that is unnecessary. Now they are making national headlines, but not for the right reasons. The causes protesters fight for are often noble, but these good intentions are lost when activists fight fire with fire, and entire movements can be discredited by just a few bad actors.
VIEWS FROM THE NEWS
Tech Talk subscriptions are $25 a year. Mail to: Tech Talk Subscrip tions, P.O. Box 10258, Ruston, LA 71272. The Tech Talk (USPS 535540) 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.
ESPN to document what was occurring. I know people are wary of the media and its intentions, I am part of it and feel the same way at times. But the way this was handled made a statement about the protestors themselves, and they cannot deny it. By their actions, they are contradicting themselves. They stated they did not want to draw attention to themselves, but they did that very thing on a more extreme level. Even though their protest was a safe space, it was in a public area and the journalist was only doing his job. He has the right to document a student event on his college campus, within boundaries and being sensitive to the situation. A Mizzou communication professor, Melissa Click, is in the spotlight of this whole situation as she is seen on camera making statements such as, “I need a little muscle over here,” to try and remove the student journalist. This is what is crazy to me. Now force is involved. What good is this
Parker went out of her way to force her legislation on Houston. Originally, the ordinance was snuck through the city council, but the Texas Supreme Court ruled, unanimously, that the ordinance must go on the ballot or be repealed. Her last attempt was to claim that the ordinance did not contain any kind of bathroom clause. Parker was correct, she changed the word restrooms to facilities. She knew the people of Houston did not support the ordinance and manipulated in every way possible to try and to squeeze it through. She failed, miserably. More than 60 percent of Houston said no. Parker whined like a 6 year old who lost her first tee-ball game. “This is about a small group of people who want to preserve their ability to discriminate and they’re willing to hurt all of those
groups that would have been protected by this ordinance to do that,” Parker said. Really? The same city who has elected Parker, an open lesbian, to public office in nine consecutive elections is all of a sudden a city of bigots? Once again, it is time for liberals to learn the real meaning of that word. You have now been given the full story. Berkman is not a bigot. He stood up for what is right and what he believes in. We have always been taught to stand up for what you believe in. Is that not what the rest of the world is telling the students at Missouri? See, that’s how the left works. You should stand for what you believe in, as long as it is in line with their agenda. If not, well you can sit right alongside Berkman as Houston’s biggest “bigot.” Blake Bolin is a senior journalism major from Baton Rouge who serves as news editor for The Tech Talk.
READ BETWEEN THE SIDELINES
Viva la Catalonia MATT VALCHO Sports Editor | mvv002@latech.edu
T
he parliament of the Cata-
lonia, Spain’s second most populated and richest region, has declared its intentions to seek independence and could leave the country by 2017. Catalan independence has been a long debated issue in Spain including yearly protests with millions involved. If Catalan independence does happen, many questions will have to be answered. One of the most interesting questions to me will be what happens to the Catalan giants of soccer, Futbol Club Barcelona. Barça is one of the largest and most prestigious football clubs in the world with millions of fans across the world. They currently play in the Spanish Primera División, also known as La Liga, the top tier of Spanish football. I say currently because with Catalonian independence comes the problem of where Barcelona belongs.
If Barcelona is no longer a part of Spain, they aren’t required to stay in La Liga. The possibility of moving leagues could create ripples across the football world. With Barça being as successful as they are, their presence in another league could cause instant growth for the league financially and in popularity. Other nearby leagues like France’s Ligue 1 and Portugal’s Primeira Liga have reportedly begun preparing for the chance that more teams could be joining if Catalonia becomes independent. La Liga may be worried by this development, because their own bylaws say that only teams from Andorra, the small country between Spain and France, are the only non-Spanish teams allowed in the league. They could (and should) obviously rewrite the laws to keep one of the biggest moneymakers in the world. Not only could Barcelona and other clubs in the area leave La Liga, but some of the star players of
Spain could also leave the national team. Catalonia could have its own national team if cession happens, so players born in the Catalan region would have the option to stop playing for “La Furia Roja.” Of course, Catalan independence may not be something people should laugh off. The issue has been brought up many times before and continues to gain support every year. If Catalonia does gain its independence, it would instantly have the population and size of many smaller European countries. Obviously, all this is hypothetical. I tend to try and stay away from these types of stories, but the possibility of one of the biggest clubs in the world going rogue and causing problems for the rest of the soccer world is too good of a situation to pass up speculating on.
Matt Valcho is a junior journalism major from Benton who serves as sports editor for The Tech Talk.
Starbucks: war on Christmas? R
eindeer under attack. Santa Claus held captive and forced to spread secular “holiday” cheer. Nativity scenes being ripped apart at the hands of Howard Schultz. When the words ‘Starbucks war on Christmas” started popping up across timelines and newsfeeds, a few different narratives may have come to mind. What most people did not imagine was that all this controversy could be stirred up by a change in graphic design choices. Instead of the snowflake or ornament-adorned paper cups that usually roll out this time of year, Starbucks opted for a plain red cup. For most people, this was not cause for alarm. However, the Internet quickly alerted us that Christmas was under attack, and this absence of snowflakes was just the latest instance of the persecution of Christians in America. Conservative news and opinion outlet Breitbart published columns denouncing the cups, and self-proclaimed social media personality Joshua Feuerstein came out in opposition on Nov. 5, claiming that Starbucks removed the symbols because the company “hates Jesus.” Celebrities have also chimed in to object to the latest example of what many conservatives view as over political-correctness, with Rob Lowe tweeting that he is “done” with the coffee chain and Donald Trump announcing that he would be ending the store’s lease in his building. However, after asking around the newsroom and scrounging the Twittersphere, we at the Tech Talk had a difficult time finding everyday people who objected to the plain red cups. In fact, most of the opinions we found were those of people being fed up with hearing about the controversy. Many people have expressed skepticism over the character of those up in arms, observing that if a coffee cup affected one’s religion, that person may need to reevaluate their faith. Candace Cameron Bure, an actress noted for her Christian faith, posted on Instagram about the cups, saying she would “joyfully sip” her Starbucks, and instead of complaining, “lovingly share the good news of Jesus Christ with friends and co-workers or anyone who’s willing to engage in conversation.” Others commended Starbucks for the move, and said they appreciated the openness of other cultures, not viewing the acceptance of other religious holidays as an oppression of the Christian faith, but a miniscule scale-back in the monopoly Christmas has over the holiday season. As for political correctness, it is worth noting the irony in the fact that people have gotten offended by Starbucks’s trying to avoid offending people. If being politically correct is pandering to the overly-sensitive, one could argue that being offended by political correctness is another level of sensitivity entirely. So, in conclusion, most of the world, along with the Tech Talk editorial staff, has given this matter far too much attention already. Ironically enough, most of us have been talking about how it isn’t worth talking about, so let’s just all quietly sip our lattes and move on.
November 12, 2015 • The Tech Talk • 5
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Tech host Nashville musicians
ON OUR
RADAR ARTISTS
VISUAL ARTISTS TO CHECK OUT BEFORE 2015 ENDS
Ben Rector, guiatar, performs a song with his entire band.
GEMMA O’BRIEN
Ben Rector performs, along with Rachal and the Redbones, perform at Howard Audortorium
TYPOGRAPHY
THE YOUNG GRAPHIC DESIGNER FROM SYDNEY, GEMMA O’ BRIEN, NOT ONLY EXPRESSES HER ART THROUGH TYPOGRAPHY, BUT ALSO ILLUSTRATION AND FILMMAKING.
REBEKAH BARNES Staff Reporter | reb033@ latech.edu Louisiana Tech and Union Board welcomed Ben Rector to Ruston with a concert in Howard Auditorium last week. Rector is a pop-rock musician based in Nashville, who plays upbeat, positive music. When Union Board found out Rector was coming through Louisiana on his tour, the organization called his manager and set up the concert, said Matt LeBrun is a senior biomedical engineering major and production manager for Union Board. “At the end of the day, we just want to put on good show and get everyone together and excited about the same thing,” LeBrun said. Rector’s opening band, Rachal and The Redbones, played four songs with a bluesy, country-rock feel, and Rachal Davis’s voice sounds like a cross between Grace Potter and Tanya Tucker. At the end of her set, Davis thanked all the students who helped WHEELEHAN the band and said their hard-work and helpfulness did not go unnoticed. “We need more Louisianans in Tennessee,” Davis said. Madeline Wheelahan, a sophomore communications major, is a fan of Rector’s. “I like how he hasn’t changed his sound or his music since he’s become more famous,” Wheelahan said. Rector released his latest album, “Brand New,” in August. He performed tracks from the album including “Favorite Song” and “Brand New.” Wheelahan said his music is positive and relatable, and she appreciated Union Board’s willingness to bring musicians to campus.
Ben Rector performs in Howard Audortium.
All photos by Avery Bryan
“I think his music is better live,” she said. “He makes it fun and interactive. It’s not just him performing.” When Ben Rector walked on stage, the audience was on their feet as he sat at a piano to play his opening song, “Make Something Beautiful.” He thanked everyone with whom he interacted for their kindness and pointed out signs some students made wishing him a happy birthday. “I rarely play Louisiana, so didn’t know what to expect,” said Rector, “but you are crushing my expectations.” When Rector gave the student body opportunities to sing, it sounded as if everyone in the auditorium knew the words. Rector said he was having a lot of fun, and he and Rachal and The Redbones seemed to appreciate Tech’s excitement and energy at the Thursday night concert.
“THE MARTIAN” PRINCESS WARREN Staff Reporter | pcw005@ latech.edu Movies are usually quickly in and out of theaters, but every now and again a good one may stay awhile. The Martian is definitely one of the ones that’s stayed a while, with it being at the top of box office sales for three weeks. Ridley Scott, director, turns Andy Weir’s novel “The Martian” into a magical motion picture, as the film is set on Mars. Many doubted the work of Scott because of past productions, but he seems to have redeemed himself after this one. This film has taken on many genres and can be described as adventure, comedy, drama and sci-fi. Matt Damon takes on the role of Mark Watney, an astronaut on a mission to Mars. Watney encounters many obstacles while being a part of
a team that embarks on a mission to Mars. Watney gets separated from his team during a storm and finds himself trying to stay alive, alone on Mars. His team makes it back to Earth and presumes Watney is dead. Watney refuses to give up and uses his limited resources to survive,while he also attempts to contact his crew back on Earth. Damon definitely embraces the smart, witty character of Watney as the character basically outsmarts the audience in some cases by using his scientific background to find ways to get back to Earth. While embracing the intelligent aspect, the film doesn’t forget the emotional aspect by slightly using suspense to draw the viewer in. Even though the film doesn’t take on the exact role as the novel, critics and viewers still find it captivating and entertaining.
DANIEL HEIDKAMP STUDIO ART
THE BROOKLYN-BASED PAINTER, DANIEL HEIDKAMP’S ART IS BASED OFF OF MANY LANDSCAPE AND SIMPLISTIC MEDIUMS.
ARDEN ELLIS SURDAM PHOTOGRAPHY
THE NEW YORK-BASED PHOTOGRAPHER EXPERIMENTS WITH BLACK AND WHITE MEDIUMS.
20th Century Fox
The film can viewed as empowering through the character of Watney because of his determination to get back to Earth by any means. “The Martian” has grossed $185 million so far.
MIKE PERRY GRAPHIC DESIGN
MIKE PERRY WORKS ON VARIOUS MEDIA PLATFORMS BUT SPECIALIZES IN GRAPHIC DESIGN.
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6 • The Tech Talk • November 12, 2015
WEEKLYHOROSCOPE www.horoscopes.com.net
Aries March 21 – April 19 Your mind may be on spiritual or philosophical subjects and considering fascinating new ideas. Some of these may come from faraway lands, which might have you considering travel. Friends or groups may bring these ideas your way or you could present the concepts to them. Take a walk before going to bed or you’ll never get to sleep with all these ideas buzzing through your mind! Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 Romance might take a front seat in your thoughts today. You could have some unusual dreams tonight. They might be romantic or they could prove artistically inspiring, or both. Write them down, for they may reveal new facts about you that could make a difference. Your thoughts about money could sway between confidence and panic. Don’t lose sight of the facts! Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 Today your mind may be on romance. If you’re married, you’ll grow closer to your partner. If you’re single but involved, the relationship could move to the next level of commitment. If you aren’t involved, expect to meet someone new and exciting. Warm feelings of unity and intimacy could fill your heart. See and accept your partner as he or she is. Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 You feel wonderful and you’re looking great. Expect to draw some admiring glances! The only downside to this is that you feel stronger than you are. If you try to get too much done today, you might tire yourself out and feel exhausted tomorrow. Eat right, get enough rest, and pace yourself. You’ll still accomplish everything you need to do. Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 A romantic haze surrounds love relationships. You could be thinking that your romantic partner has stepped out of a fairy tale. Yet even storybook heroes and heroines have flaws - but flaws can be endearing! Your creative energy should be very high. Artistic projects may have an otherworldly quality about them that boosts their quality and impact. Go for it! Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 You might host a group meeting or other social event. Your guests may be artistically or spiritually inclined. The evening should be a social success and an inspiring experience. Before they come, make sure everything’s in place and working, from light
bulbs to kitchen equipment. You don’t want minor malfunctions to put a damper on the evening. Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 If you’ve been thinking about writing, this is the day to get started. Your mind is particularly sharp and your imagination rich. Unusual developments, mostly positive, could take place in your neighborhood. You might not know the facts about exactly what’s going on, and a lot of unfounded rumors could be circulating. Reserve any opinion until you know the truth. Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 Money matters continue to go well, though you don’t feel as secure about them as you should. A previously unsung talent, perhaps for the arts, healing, working with technology, or all three could come to light. You could look into ways to train it. You might want to explore different options. Your decision might surprise you. Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Today you should feel especially idealistic, imaginative, intuitive, and spiritually inclined. You project an otherworldly aura that attracts more attention, such as admiring glances, than you’re used to. Love matters should be going well now, as a fairytale atmosphere permeates your life. Enjoy it while you can. You’ll be back to reality in a few days! Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 You might walk around in a romantic, imaginative, spiritual fog with your head in the clouds. Everything may seem perfect and wonderful - perhaps too wonderful to be true. Working with equipment of some kind, perhaps computers or other electronics could help you hang on to reality. You might take this opportunity to train in computer graphics or sound engineering. Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Romantic notions about friends seem to be the energy driving you today. You might see a longtime friend in a new light as a possible romantic partner. A group could seem to be the answer to all your problems. You could suddenly be convinced that you have the most wonderful friends in the world. An outlook like this can be good as long as you don’t start thinking everyone’s perfect!
CROSSWORDPUZZLE Across 1. Navajo dwelling 6. Brooks of country 11. B&O stop 14. Beneficial 15. Wool source 16. Dijon denial 17. Get into hot water? 18. Processes for choosing a government 20. Canadian prov. 21. June 6, 1944 23. Shouldered 24. Actress Barkin 26. Throw loosely about 28. Sway 30. Appliance brand 31. Greek epic poem 32. Cultivate 33. ___ relief 36. ___ Fein 37. Geneva’s lake 38. Shed feathers 39. Children’s game 40. Eccentric 41. Stop 42. Article of food 43. Show servile deference 44. Body of retainers 47. Murders 48. Like some vbs. 49. Annul 50. Pallid 53. Breeding stallion 56. Full of substance 58. Some M.I.T. grads 59. Isolated 60. Pickle juice 61. Atl. crosser 62. Utopian
www.bestcrosswords.com 63. Ready ___... Down 1. Rail rider 2. In the blink ___ eye 3. Melted wax of a candle 4. Volcanic fallout 5. Teased 6. Derive 7. Associate 8. Arctic explorer John 9. HBO alternative 10. Ribbon about the crown of a hat 11. Nasal grunt 12. 1,000 kilograms 13. Goose genus 19. Teeny bit 22. TV room 25. Incline 26. Sully 27. Normandy city 28. Prehistoric sepulchral tomb 29. Et ___ 30. Packing heat 32. Designer Geoffrey 33. Warrant officer on a warship 34. Likewise 35. Do a slow burn 37. Island feast 38. Cry like a baby 40. Province in NW China 41. Commercial capital of Sri Lanka 42. Competed 43. Youngster 44. Ascends 45. Some Art Deco works 46. Confidence 47. Prepare to propose
DAILY U
49. Annapolis sch. 51. ___ time (never) 52. Russian no 54. Getting on 55. Future flounder 57. Stray
LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION
Have any ideas for future comics or feedback? Email dwyer@latech.edu
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Because your working life is going well, you might indulge in daydreams in which you’re at the top of the heap, perhaps even famous! This is a good place to start on your path to advancement, but don’t stay there. Use your practicality to map out a workable course of action. Dreams don’t come true by themselves. They manifest through planning and hard work.
WEEKLYWEATHER
www.accuweather.com
TODAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
HIGH 67 LOW 39
HIGH 65 LOW 39
HIGH 63 LOW 41
HIGH 60 LOW 50
HIGH 68 LOW 63
HIGH 75 LOW 54
HIGH 69 LOW 46
Partly sunny
Times of clouds & sun
Sunshine & some clouds
Cloudy, a shower in the p.m.
Rain and a thunderstorm
Chance for an afternoon rain
Times of clouds & sun
SUDOKUPUZZLE Difficulty EASY
LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9.
INDIA NITE from pg. 1
>
During the event traditional Indian cuisine was served, such as naan, a type of flat bread; shahi paneer, cottage cheese in creamy sauce with cashew nuts; chicken chattinad, chicken in spiced sauce; vegetable pulav, spiced vegetable rice and a desert consisting of gulab jamun, milk cake ball drenched in sugary syrup. Chance Allen, a sophomore Spanish major, said he enjoyed attending the event because it gave him the opportunity to learn more about India’s culture. “It is so neat to see different cultures around Ruston which I did not know so many existed,” he said. “When I expose myself to new cultures, I don’t see color anymore, there is no racism or boundaries ALLEN separating us to learn from each other’s diversity.” Allen, a teacher for English as a Second Language, said through coming to India Night he has learned the world goes to Louisiana Tech.
www.sudoku-puzzles.net
> “India Night shows me I do not have to leave Ruston to experience new cultures; it’s right at my doorstep, he said. “These types of events helps Tech students learn a new point of view of life.” Christiane Olinga, a junior medical technology major, said India Night gives all of the students and the city of Ruston a chance to understand the amount of diversity they have around the community. “We have a had a large body of Indian students at Tech for so many years now,” she said. “And yet, there are still people around who do not know a thing about India and its culture.” Olinga said India Night is a glimpse of a major part of the world for Tech. She said though her curiosity brings her to India Night every year, she never gets tired of it. “I love to see other cultures and change my atmosphere,” she said. “I enjoy everything that makes me learn something new, and India Night is one of those things.” Olinga had the chance to perform a mix of Indian dances in front of people in Indian attire. She said it was exciting and intimidating as well, but she said she had a great time.
NATIONAL RANKING from pg. 1
“Just because we are a state school doesn’t mean we are any less like Harvard,” Tran said. Pamela Ford, dean of enrollment, said Tech has continued to grow every year since the last time admission standards were raised. “Every time you raise admission requirements, enrollment dips a little,” she said. Ford said the last time admission requirements were raised was in the fall of 2012. lthough enrollment dipped, the quality of incoming students improved. She said Tech is currently expanding recruiting beyond Louisiana in order to attract more students. “We are getting more and more visitors on campus each year,” she said. Eva Edinger, a junior biology major and former Miss Tech, said being a smaller school, Tech sometimes does not get the recognition it deserves. She said more still needs to be seen and heard about Tech. “Living in Ruston my whole life I’ve seen Tech grow over the years and I think we have moved up on the charts,” Edinger said.
MORE TALK
www.thetechtalk.org
November 12, 2015 • The Tech Talk • 7
FINALS WEEK
FROM THE PROFESSOR'S DESK
STORY | FREDEDREIA WILLIS • DESIGN & PHOTO | DEVIN DRONETT
G
rab the coffee and prepare for late nights and early mornings, finals week is making its way to Louisiana Tech, it is often said to be the most difficult time for students, but some professors speak up about what finals week looks like for them. “I’m teaching an overload this quarter,” Genaro Smith said. “I know finals week is going to be hectic for me, so what I will try to do to help myself is have the last papers graded before I give the final.” As an English professor, Smith said teaching 86 students and having to review essays from each one weighs in heavy on what finals week will look like for him. “Most times I will have to get up at 4:30 in the morning to grade papers,” he said. “I like to have all papers graded before the last exam, because I want my students to know where they stand in the class before they take the final.” Smith said it would be unfair to students if he did not sacrifice his time because his students need to know what they need to make on the final in order to pass. He said with stacks of compositions, research essays, reading assignments and journals, the process is neverending. “There is no shortcut to finals week madness,” he said, “The best way to remain calm is to stay on top of all the assignments and try not get behind on grading.” Hunter Patton, a graduate math major,
said it never dawned on him the struggle professors have during finals week. “I never really gave it much thought from a teacher’s view,” he said. “I know it is difficult for them as well, since they have to grade papers, review assignments and continue to answer to their students.” Patton said the teachers have to be prepared for finals week just as much as students. But mathematics and statistics professor Jinko Kanno said finals week is not as stressful or hectic for her as it is for some of her coworkers. “Finals week is really everything being summarized for the quarter,” she said. “If I am prepared well, then it should not be too much of a problem for me.” Kanno said not only does having 18 students help her during finals week, but doing most work during the beginning of the quarter and grading papers as she gets them helps, too. She also said she has an advantage because she is not an English teacher. “English professors are not just giving out exams,” she said. “They are giving feedback, not just grading, to countless students on grammar or structure.” Kanno said finals week is a different level of stress for every professor, depending on his or her department and field. “I don’t have any last week chaos this quarter,” she said. “Finals week should be smooth for both me and my students.”
"Most times I will have to get up at 4:30 in the morning to grade papers." - Genaro Smith, English professor
"Teachers have to be prepared for finals week, just as much as students." - Hunter Patton, graduate math major
"If I am prepared well then it should not be too much of a problem for me." - Jinko Kanno, associate professor of mathematics and statisticsr
www.thetechtalk.org
8 • The Tech Talk • November 12, 2015
2015-2016 TECH BASKETBALL PREVIEW The Dunkin’ Dogs are here to stay ALEX HEARD Staff Reporter | amh072@latech.edu
Photo by Colin Fontenot
Dayon Griffin (10) goes up for a layup during the Bulldog’s exhibition win over Southwest Baptist University. Tech went on to win their final warmup 87-53, before the season opener.
Fall is upon us here in Ruston. It not only brings cooler weather and the changing colors of the leaves, but also the beginning of the Dunkin’ Dogs season. For head coach Eric Konkol and the Louisiana Tech basketball team, this season is a new era. Former coach Michael White left for Florida in the offseason. With his departure, there are questions to be answered this upcoming season. Tech basketball tips off their season against Millsaps College at 6:30 p.m. Friday in the Thomas Assembly Center. Tech lost its three captains from previous years in Kenneth Smith, Raheem Appleby and Michale Kyser. With that trio gone, who is to replace their production and leadership? Konkol said the team will have to rely on two guys who played with and experienced lots of success with the three. “Having lost three seniors who had an unbelievable and long-lasting impact on this program, there is great competition to elevate roles,” Konkol said, “whether its an Alex Hamilton or an Erik McCree or the players in the program who played second-or thirdstring roles last year. We are looking forward to this season and to continue that growth process every day in practice and to just continue to build on that standard of excellence that has been here at Louisiana Tech.” Alex Hamilton, a senior shooting guard, said he embraces his veteran role this season. “When I first came here, we had older guys like Kenyon (McNeail) and J.L. (Lewis). In practice we used to always pick at them,” Hamilton said. “Now I am one of the guys that they pick at. When I walk around the locker room they always talk about me being banged up.” Kenneth Smith was Conference-USA Player of the Year last season, winning the award mostly because of his distribution abilities rather than scoring, and according
to Jay Bilas of ESPN was one of the nation’s top perimeter defenders. With his departure, there is the question of who is going to replace his production at the point guard position. Konkol said Hamilton is capable of playing the point. “I think he is very capable with both (point guard and shooting guard),” Konkol said. “I think that he is a guy that defenses are going to key on and we are going to want to move him around on the floor. He is going to handle the ball a lot for us this year. He is one of the very best downhill drivers I have been around that can finish with his right hand and his left hand, finish with contact. He went to the foul line 209 times last year which is really remarkable. We want the ball in his hands a lot. Sometimes it could be with starting it and him bringing the ball up the floor. It could be rolling off screens and catching it in different spots because we want to move him around so a teams’ defense does not get into a good rhythm guarding him.” Tech was able to land a four-star recruit/ human-highlight reel in freshman guard Derric Jean. Hamilton said Jean has great potential running the point in years to come. “He has made big strides,” Hamilton said. “Coming in, he was trying to do more than he could do. Now he is settling in and gradually coming along. I see all of the little things he is doing to help our team. I am constantly in his ear every time he gets frustrated. I tell him that it is going to be all right and keep his head up. Keep playing hard and practicing hard and everything will come together.” Bulldogs fans may worry that with White gone, so are the SportsCenter Top-10 plays and acrobatic finishes above the rim. McCree, a junior small forward, said that is not the case. “Fans should definitely expect the same style of play,” McCree said. “We have some very athletic guys. We are still the Dunkin’ Dogs.”
Lady Techsters ready to win CATHERINE BURKE Staff Reporter | cjb066@latech.edu
“Right now, she is one of our go-to players,” she said. “We just expect her to keep growing and keep leading this team.” Wingate, a senior forward, said she is Heading in to his second year as head coach of the Lady Techsters, Tyler Sum- ready to get back on the court. “I’ve missed three years,” she said. “It mitt’s plans for the team have not changed. Overcoming a two-season losing is my senior year and my last chance to streak was just one of the many goals he play for Louisiana Tech, so I am hungrier than I have ever been.” has in mind. Wingate said being a captain has put Mickie DeMoss, associate head coach, said Summitt is a natural, instinctive her in a position to mentor and lead the younger Lady Techsters. coach. “I just tell them to be coach“He was born to be a able and to know that they coach,” she said. “He is always do not know everything,” she willing to learn and expand his “Although said. “You have to be open and knowledge as far as defensive we are ready to learn, as well as have a schemes, offensive schemes or good work ethic. You will pretty whatever fits the program and young, we personnel.” are so hungry much succeed if you do that.” Ruby Richie, a senior guard, DeMoss said Summitt, as well as the rest of the team, has for all around said the team really worked on being a family in the offseason. pressed in the offseason to put success...” “We have so many new the pieces together. people a part of the team this “It is quite interesting to get RUBY RICHIE year,” she said. “Because of all the pieces put together be- junior, guard that we knew it was critical that cause you have such different we grow and rely on each other pieces,” she said. “We just have to continue to be persistent every day in in a family sense.” Ruby Richie said one word to describe practice, to make sure we are getting our philosophy across on what we want to this Lady Techster team is hungry. “Although we are young, we are so do.” DeMoss said this young Lady Tech- hungry for all around success,” she said. sters team is excited for the start of the “This team is full of competitors that do not like to lose.” upcoming season. Richie said the team is using guarded “We do have some maturity and some experience to add to a lot of youth,” she optimism when entering this season. “We know we are young but our stansaid. “We will know right out of the gates dards are high and will remain high no how far we have progressed.” DeMoss said Brandi Wingate worked matter what,” she said. “I cannot wait to hard this summer on improving her game. see the success of this team unfold.”
Photo by Colin Fontenot
Brooke Pumroy (12) attempts a layup during the Lady Techsters’ exhibition against Mississippi College. Tech went on to win the game, 112-52.